Rolls-Royce sales rise to record high in 2021 Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis directed gun at Armenia residents car in which his wife, 3-year-old child were ANCA urges President Biden and Congress to hold Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable for war crimes Serbia's Orthodox Patriarch tests positive for COVID-19 Brothers, sisters of 2020 Artsakh war military casualties to get compensation in lieu of their deceased parents Turkish authorities sanction arrest of 33 suspected FETO ties Copper rises in price Erdogan's spokesman, Biden's adviser discuss Armenian-Turkish relations Armenia deputy defense minister: No one can rule out border tension at any moment New commander elected of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia official: Those 100 soldiers absence will not assume any change in terms of border tension Millionaire Robert Durst dies aged 78 Reuters: Over 1.13 million cases of COVID-19 detected in US per day Great Armenian poet Razmik Davoyan dies 2 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Deputy PM Matevosyan: About 1,190 subvention programs implemented in Armenia from 2018 to 2021 243 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia MP: It would be right to put pressure on Azerbaijanis to remove their firing positions Oil is getting more expensive Nearly 10,000 people detained in Kazakhstan in connection with riots Tokayev: CSTO peacekeepers will pull out from Kazakhstan within 10 days Newspaper: Armenia businessmen pay customs duties to Azerbaijanis to go to Iran European Parliament speaker David Sassoli dies Alikhan Smailov appointed Kazakhstan Prime Minister Newspaper: Health minister makes decision full of contradictions in terms of Covid-related restrictions in Armenia Newspaper: Armenia authorities once again showed their being unprincipled, worthless, opposition MP says Germany teacher who had cannibalism fantasies is sentenced to life in prison Israel's military and other security services undergo largest rearmament in years Spain PM calls for a debate to consider COVID-19 endemic disease Flyone Armenia and Pegasus receive permission for Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan flights Pope condemns "baseless" ideological misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines Arab foreign ministers to visit Beijing Azerbaijanis stoned an Armenian car on the Stepanakert-Goris road Armenian FM has a phone call with his Polish counterpart Macron travels to French Riviera to discuss internal security issues Artsakh Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan's aggressive behavior aims to disrupt Russian peacekeepers' activities US COVID-19 cases reach 60 million European Parliament President hospitalized due to immune system dysfunction Washington and Ankara discuss normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey WHO excludes emergence of deltacron strain In Karabakh Azerbaijanis shelled tractor Indian Defense Minister tests positive for COVID-19 US-Russia talks on security guarantees lasting for seven hours already NEWS.am daily digest: 10.01.22 Pashinyan appoints Hayk Mkrtchyan as Deputy Governor of Kotayk province Blast in eastern Afghanistan kills nine children Pashinyan: One of key priorities of Armenia presidency at CSTO is strengthening of crisis response mechanisms Internet cut off in Kazakhstan Armenia, Kazakhstan ombudspersons confer on Armenian communitys rights Armenia, Russia defense ministers discuss Kazakhstan Turkey defense minister meets with their envoy in process of normalization of Armenia relations Iranian Foreign Ministry reports progress in Vienna negotiations Dollar continues going up in Armenia New attempt by migrants in Belarus to storm Poland border Skat Airlines resumes Yerevan-Aktau and Aktau-Yerevan flights New Covid-related restrictions to be introduced in Armenia Karabakh police: Firefighters also targeted by Azerbaijan shooting (PHOTOS) Artsakh Defense Army has not fired on Azerbaijan positions Azerbaijani military are protesting amid military awards deprivation Azerbaijanis open fire in Nagorno-Karabakh Karabakh MFA: Events in Kazakhstan are result of actions planned by Turkey Armenia army General Staff has new deputy chief Australia to buy US $ 2.5 billion of armored vehicles Artsakh emergency service: Search for soldiers remains continued during holidays Kazakh Colonel Nazanov dies after heart attack Australia begins to vaccinate children aged 5-11 with COVID-19 vaccine Putin: Peacekeeping contingent to stay in Kazakhstan for a limited period Armenia 2nd-President Kocharyan v. premier Pashinyan lawsuit court session is closed Azerbaijan commandos conduct military exercises Part of the Great Wall of China collapsed due to earthquake Armenia MP: Turkey, Azerbaijans regional calculations have mixed up Copper prices decline Armenia ex-President Kocharyan v. 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 Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso recorded his best result of the Dakar Rally on Monday, finishing second behind Frenchman Mathieu Serradori on stage eight. The stage was shrouded in mourning after the death on Sunday of Portuguese rider Paulo Goncalves. The motorbike and quadbike categories were cancelled for the stage, a 477km loop incorporating straight sections with several chains of dunes to test handling skills. "I'd like to dedicate this victory to Paulo because I'm a former biker," said Serradori, an amateur who drives an SRT. "It's not easy to get motivated after a day like that and my co-pilot Fabien was there as well. But there are two fighters in the car and I'm very happy with this result." Serradori finished 4min 4sec ahead of Toyota's Alonso, with Argentinean Mini driver Orlando Terranova in third, at 6:19. Alonso, who had finished four times in the top 10 without having made the podium in a stage, was quick to heap praise on his co-driver/navigator Marc Coma, a five-time Dakar champion on a motorbike. - Limited ambitions - "Today we had an amazing day," said Alonso. "We had one puncture unfortunately and we lost a little bit of momentum there, but otherwise the stage was nearly perfect and Marc was unbelievable, you know ? the dunes, the navigation. In his first Dakar Alonso had limited ambitions ruled out winning a stage but now he believes it is within his grasp. "Initially I thought it was impossible," he said. "But after today, obviously when you are second maybe there is a chance, so we will try." He said not having motorbikes setting the route had upset the rhythm of the stage. "Having no bikes changed a lot, especially for the first two or three cars," he said. "I benefitted from starting from the back... I'm happy to complete the day without any issues. It was a beautiful stage, quite fast with a lot of dunes, so it was good. I think the dunes are harder than tracks, but for whatever reason I feel more comfortable. "I'm not coming from the dunes at all but it seems that I can get a good rhythm and a good flow in the dunes and I'm enjoying so far this second week of the Dakar." His second place sees him consolidate his 13th place in the overall standings, more than 3hr 10min off the pace set by Carlos Sainz. The battle continues atop the general classification between the leading trio of two-time winner Sainz, defending champion Nasser Al-Attiyah and Stephane Peterhansel, a 13-time winner (seven in cars, six on bikes). Sainz had to open the way on the stage and was swiftly caught by Al-Attiyah and Peterhansel. But the veteran Spaniard then drove his Mini to keep pace with his rivals, meaning he retains the rally lead, 6:40 ahead of the Qatari and 13:09 in front of the Frenchman. Tuesday's 9th stage sees the cavalcade travel to the eastern town of Haradh on a 410km special. Toyota's driver Fernando Alonso and co-driver Marc Coma on their way to second place in stage eight of the Dakar rally More than 30,000 people living in the Philippines have fled their homes after a volcano near the capital of Manila erupted, according to reports. Clouds of ash, steam, and pebbles from the Taal volcano could be seen reaching more than six miles high on Monday, shortly after the region was hit by a series of earthquakes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Officials warned residents on Sunday that the Taal volcano was likely to experience a hazardous eruption after its alert level raised from a level 1 to a level 4 within hours. That same day, the volcanos clouds of ash reached 10 to 15 kilometers (6.21 to 9.3 miles) in the sky, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported. On Monday, the clouds dropped to a height of about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) but the volcano began to spew lava. Taal volcano eruption | FRANCIS R MALASIG/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A time-lapse video of Taal Volcano, located in Batangas province, taken on 12 January when volcanic activity intensified and generated a tall steam-laden column of up to 15 km with volcanic lightning and wet ashfall that reached Metro Manila. (Video credit: I. Brinas-Pamintuan) pic.twitter.com/W5zTt6YOwG OCHA Philippines (@OCHAPhilippines) January 13, 2020 RELATED: Australian Mother and Her 20-Year-Old Daughter Confirmed Dead After New Zealand Volcano Eruption Residents were immediately evacuated from their nearby villages by the Philippines United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as the effects of the natural disaster swept across the country and polluted the air. Flights were also delayed at Manila International Airport and schools were canceled, with motorists advised by PHIVOLCS officials to drive with extreme caution due to the poor visibility, while people were encouraged to wear face masks to avoid breathing problems. Story continues The Philippines disaster-response agency and other officials reported on Monday that more than 30,000 villagers had fled their homes, and the number is reportedly expected to increase in the coming days. Provinces Batangas and Cavite were especially hit hard by the volcano, according to the Associated Press. There were some, however, who were unable to flee due to a lack of transportation and poor visibility, according to the outlet. Others simply refused to leave their homes and farms, which Baletes Mayor Wilson Maralit strongly advised against. We have a problem our people are panicking due to the volcano because they want to save their livelihood, their pigs and herds of cows, Maralit told DZMM radio, according to the Associated Press. Were trying to stop them from returning and warning that the volcano can explode again any time and hit them. Taal Volcano eruption | Bullit Marquez/AP/Shutterstock Trees covered with falling ash from the volcano | Aaron Favila/AP/Shutterstock The mayor, whose town is located along the shoreline of Taal Lake near the erupting volcano, also urged more troops and police to prevent people from attempting to go back to their villages. There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage from the volcano, which is the countrys second-most restive of its nearly two dozen active volcanoes, the Associated Press reported. Despite the villages established there, the area surrounding Taal has been deemed a permanent danger zone after the volcano erupted in 1911 and killed approximately 1,500 people, according to NPR. It last erupted in 1977, the outlet reported. In addition to volcanoes, the Philippines experience about 20 typhoons and other major storms per year, which the AP reports makes it one of the worlds most disaster-prone countries. RELATED VIDEO: White Island Volcano Erupts in New Zealand Given the high number of earthquakes that have struck the region so far, PHIVOLCS officials warned residents to stay alert as the area is likely to experience further eruptive activity in the coming days. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates that total evacuation of the Volcano Island and high-risk areas within the 14-kilometer [8.7-mile] radius from the Taal Main Crater must be enforced, officials wrote on Monday. Population in areas in the southwest are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall. DOST-PHIVOLCS is continually monitoring the eruption and will update all stakeholders of further developments, they added. 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 9 Judge SC Bench clarifies it is not hearing Sabarimala review case India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: A nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court said that it is not hearing the Sabarimala review case. The Bench would, however, take up the points of reference relating to the rights to pray and religion as cited by the 3:2 majority view in November last year. The court made it clear that it would only hear the questions referred in the review order that was passed on November 14 in the Sabarimala temple case. The court would also decide on questions of law on women's entry into Mosques, Temples, genital mutilation by Dawood, Bohras, entry of Parsi women who marry outside their community into the fire temple. The court would not decide the individual facts of each case. The CJI said that the Secretary-General of the Supreme Court would convene a meeting of all lawyers involved in the case to decide on the issues to be framed. The Solicitor General sought to know if issues relating to polygamy would be part of the hearing. The court said that only issues and cases referred to by the five-judge Sabarimala Bench would be considered. The nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde is hearing a batch of 60 petitions. The other judges on the bench are Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan, L Nageswara Rao, M M Shantanagoudar, S A Nazeer, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet The nine-judge bench has been set up after a five-judge bench headed by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, by a 3:2 majority verdict, referred the matter to a larger bench while examining the review petition filed against the historic September 28, 2018 judgement which had allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple. Besides Justice Gogoi, Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra (the lone woman judge on the bench) were in majority while Justices R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud had penned down a minority verdict on November 14, 2019. Of the nine-judge bench, which will hear the matter from Monday, there is no judge from the previous bench. The top court had on January 6 issued a notice informing about the listing of the batch of petitions seeking review of the 2018 judgement. While referring the matter to a larger bench, the five-judge bench had however said that the debate about the constitutional validity of religious practices like the bar on entry of women and girls into a place of worship was not limited to the Sabarimala case. The top court said such restrictions are there with regard to the entry of Muslim women into mosques and 'dargahs' and Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, being barred from the holy fireplace of an Agyari. It said it was time for the apex court to evolve a judicial policy to do "substantial and complete justice". Iranian President called for using diplomatic means to reduce the tension TEHRAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday met Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani and called for using diplomatic means to reduce the tension in the region and resolve issues amicably. The foreign minister is on a two-nation visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan following recent developments which seriously endangered peace and security in an already volatile region and underscored the need for immediate and collective efforts for a peaceful resolution. Mr Rouhani lauded the peace-building efforts by Pakistan and clarified that Iran did not want to increase the tension. During the meeting which encompassed the US-Iran tension, regional peace and the multifaceted Pak-Iran ties, the foreign minister said both the countries enjoyed deep historic, religious and cultural ties. He thanked Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani on behalf of PM Khan for raising their voice against Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and supporting Pakistans stand. While presenting Pakistans perspective on the regional situation, he emphasised the resolution of the issues amicably by utilising diplomatic channels. He also apprised the Iranian president about his recent conversation with the foreign ministers of different countries. He said recent statements from the Iranian side were encouraging as Pakistan believes that the region could not afford any more tension or confrontation. SAN JOSE, Calif.Marleen Sullivan, a ballet teacher and executive director of a performing arts nonprofit, has seen, in her words, all the dance companies in the world. Yet she had never seen anything like Shen Yun. The New York-based classical Chinese dance and music company Shen Yun Performing Arts has several touring companies that travel the world each year. Sullivan was gifted tickets to see Shen Yun at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 12, 2020. Im very excited to be here today and watch the beautiful classical technique I saw in these dancers very, very unique, she said. I thought the dancers were just phenomenal. They took my breath away. As a ballet teacher, Sullivan knows good technique when she sees it. I expected it to be like classical ballet, and it was so much more than that, and I was pleasantly surprised, she said. Their extensions are behind their heads, and they fly through the air, even the men, and they just hang in the air, and its breathtaking. Its just beautiful; its fantastic. As a teacher, I can see the technique. I can see that all the feet are beautifully pointed. I love the way the costuming is, the pants that they have on, because then you can see the legs, but yet its very modest. I just loved it. I just loved the whole thing. It was great. Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which has nearly been lost in modern times. The companys website explains that classical Chinese dance dates back thousands of years and was enriched throughout the different dynasties, but today only Shen Yun preserves it in its purest form. I have never seen anything like this, Sullivan said. You feel pure. It is so pure. It is pure in the heart. It is pure in the style. It is modest. It is joyful. It is funny. You laugh, you cry. The professional level was way above whatever Ive seen before. She admired the skill behind the choreography. The director, hes a genius, she said. I was trying to watch the choreographic patterns that he came up with, and that is something that I would love to be able to emulate. It was very complex choreography, and I noticed a lot of the times, the lead dancer was in the same costume [as the other dancers]; I liked that. Having the lead dancer be one of everybody, it communicated that people are all the same inside and that we all have that opportunity to express ourselves, and you never know at what moment youre going to get a chance to step out, and to be ready any time. Ancient Technique, Modern Technology Shen Yun dancers perform classical Chinese dance pieces, ethnic and folk dances, and stories told through dance. Accompanying them is a live orchestra and a unique digital backdrop with changing scenery. Between the dancing itself and the costuming and the screen with the scenery changing, it was really very inspiring, Sullivan said. The level that [Shen Yun has] gotten this performance to is just absolutely superb, because [they] utilize ancient technique and ancient dance, but [they] have modern scenery. She said the Shen Yun backdrop gave her inspiration for one of her own upcoming productions. She feels that Shen Yun brings together and amalgamates our new technology with the old ancient and precious beauty and simplicity of the dance. It just makes it absolutely magnificent, she said. A Divine Presence Sullivan has been a dance teacher since 1980 and runs the nonprofit Centerstage Performing Arts Foundation in Sonora, California. She was married to a minister, and they used performing arts in their ministry around the country. I feel a divine presence on [Shen Yun]. I really do, she said. I feel Gods presence. I felt that they were aware of the Creator and the Creation and to understand that theres a Creator, and those are all things that I believe very deeply. Faith in the divine was an important part of ancient Chinese culture. Under todays Chinese communist regime, which is officially atheist, traditional beliefs have been violently suppressed for the past several decades. Shen Yun artists, on the other hand, still strive to follow traditional moral values and aesthetics as well as the ancient Chinese tradition of spiritual self-improvement. The performers believe that cultivating the heart is the way to create art that is beautifully sublime, Shen Yuns website states. I just think that the culture is so important, Sullivan said. To see it this way, its presented with faith, with beauty, with simplicity, and yet absolutely perfect technique. I mean, just magnificent. It was great. Sullivan admired the courage and kindness she saw in the performance. Its just very pure and very beautiful, she said. To her, the performance had a message about the Creator and about faith and integrity. You dont always get to see a performance at this level that has that message, she said. This level is professional and above. I think that if you can keep bringing in audiences, in our world that has become very estranged and in so many ways ugly and filled with hatred and filled with sadness and poverty, this message is one that is positive and uplifting and one that brings us back to our roots and our beliefs, and what could be better than that? In addition to the dance pieces, Shen Yun includes vocal solos sung in the traditional bel canto technique. Sullivan felt inspired by these songs, which are written especially for Shen Yuns performances. It was a message of faith, and it made me very happy, Sullivan said. She was very glad to have had the opportunity to see Shen Yun. It was just very profound, and Im going to have to think about this for a while because Im moved in my spirit, she said. With reporting by NTD Television and Sally Appert. 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. Mumbai/New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Shiv Sena on Monday claimed it was "not aware" of the opposition parties meeting convened by Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the national capital later in the day. "We are not aware of such a meeting. We have not been invited for it. So, we have not taken any decision on it so far," Shiv Sena's Group Leader in Lok Sabha Vinayak Raut told IANS. In Mumbai, top Sena leaders chose to remain mum on the sensitive issue and said only the Shiv Sena Lok Sabha Party chief would decide and speak on the matter. The Shiv Sena is ruling Maharashtra in alliance with Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress since November 28. This is another instance in recent weeks that the Sena has adopted a divergent stance on certain issues which created ripples in the tri-party alliance. However, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has repeatedly made it clear that the state government will not allow injustice to any section of society if the CAA/NRC/NPR is implemented. The state Congress has held several agitations on the CAA/NRC/NPR and for the first time NCP President Sharad Pawar will lead a rally to oppose these laws on January 24 in Mumbai. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced his office also filed an Arizona Consumer Fraud lawsuit against Eonsmoke, LLC, regarding the companys advertisement and sale of vaping products to Arizonans, including Arizonas youth. The lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court Tuesday morning, is accompanied by a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately prevent Eonsmoke from selling its illegal products in Arizona. This lawsuit was filed simultaneously with a separate consumer fraud lawsuit initiated against Juul Labs, Inc. by the Arizona Attorney Generals Office. "I am committed to doing everything I can to help combat the dangerous trend of youth vaping," said Attorney General Brnovich. "Speak to any parent or student who has stepped foot on a high school or middle school campus recently and they will tell you teen vaping is an epidemic. Millions of children are hooked on nicotine, enticed by youth-friendly flavors and targeted advertising. You can't flout the law by selling illegal products and not be held accountable." The Arizona Attorney Generals Offices lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Eonsmoke has been illegally selling vaping products to consumers and retailers across the State. In 2019, the FDA determined Eonsmoke products did not have the required marketing authorization and therefore could not be sold on the market. However, undercover investigators with the Attorney Generals Office found the products are being sold in nine out of fifteen Arizona counties (representing approximately 96 percent of Arizonas population) and online. To make matters worse, the products have been illegally marketed to youth to include kid-friendly flavors such as Lush Ice, Green Apple, Grape, Mango, and Kiwi Strawberry. The products have nicotine strengths among the highest currently on the market. Other Eonsmoke flavors prohibited by the FDA include Gummy Bear, Sour Gummy, Candy Apple, Cotton Candy, Donut Cream, and Cereal Killer. The lawsuit is accompanied by a request for a preliminary injunction against Eonsmoke to shut down sales of illegal vaping products immediately. The lawsuit also seeks a permanent injunction against Eonsmoke, disgorgement of profits, and penalties of up to $10,000 for each willful violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. This case is being overseen by Civil Litigation Division Chief Counsel Joe Sciarrotta and is being handled by Senior Litigation Counsel Neil Singh, Shane Foster, and Stephanie Elliott, as well as Assistant Attorneys General Erika Mansur and Jane Fallon. VANCOUVER, British Columbia and AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ToursByLocals, the world's leading online marketplace for private tours, today announced it has secured a $33 million investment from Austin, Texas-based investment firm Tritium Partners. Tritium is an investor in RVshare, and its founders previously led investments in vacation rental giant HomeAway and other leading online marketplaces, including RetailMeNot and CreditCards.com. ToursByLocals will use the investment to accelerate its already rapid growth, focusing on enhancements in user experience, technology, marketing and hiring more top-tier talent. ToursByLocals provides travelers with highly curated and customizable private tour experiences globally; it competes in the tours and activities market, which is the fastest growing segment of the global tourism and travel industry. With more than 4,100 tour guides in over 160 countries, ToursByLocals offers premium tour experiences in popular destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and London or places as off the beaten track as Windhoek, Namibia or Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia. "A private tour with a local guide is the best way to experience a destination. Since our founding, we've focused on creating truly memorable private tour experiences for travelers, while helping local tour guides offer customizable tours in over 1,000 destinations globally," said Paul Melhus, CEO and co-Founder of ToursByLocals. "We are excited to partner with Tritium. In addition to growth capital, we value the strategic advice offered by both the Tritium team and its network of experienced marketplace executives, as we continue to scale up our operations as a leading online travel marketplace." Brett Shobe, a Partner at Tritium focused on marketplace investments, said, "ToursByLocals stood out as the premier private tour marketplace with the highest quality tours and local guides in the industry. We're thrilled to partner with the ToursByLocals team and look forward to leveraging our capital and resources to support and accelerate their exciting growth trajectory." "ToursByLocals represents the seventh online marketplace investment and fourth travel marketplace in which I've been involved. We understand what it takes to be a market disruptor, and we believe ToursByLocals has the potential to transform the private tour industry in the same way HomeAway changed the market for vacation rentals," said Phil Siegel, Tritium co-founder and Managing Partner. For more information, please visit the ToursByLocals website at www.toursbylocals.com. About ToursByLocals Founded by Canadians Paul Melhus and Dave Vincent in November 2008, and later joined by Argentinian Luciano Bullorsky, ToursByLocals connects discerning travelers in search of customized, private tours with handpicked tour guides, providing exceptional travel experiences in over 160 countries, worldwide. Our private tours are consistently awarded 5-star ratings by the over 1.4 million travelers who have toured with us since 2008. With over 4,100 experienced guides in large and small cities, ports of call and remote destinations, travelers can always find a local expert to meet their needs, whether they're traveling to Anchorage, Buenos Aires, Tokyo or anywhere in between. About Tritium Partners Founded in 2013, Tritium is a private equity firm focused on companies with exceptional growth potential. For over 17 years, both at Tritium and prior vehicles, Tritium's founders have deployed over $850 million of equity capital while partnering with talented founders and executives to build market-leading companies. Tritium's approach emphasizes creating long-term value through strategic growth initiatives and acquisitions, with a focus on internet and information services, supply chain and logistics, and financial and business services. Contacts: For ToursbyLocals Sara Cooke, Director of Communications 778-839-4750, [email protected] For Tritium Lambert & Co. Caroline Luz, 203-656-2829, [email protected] or Lisa Baker, 914-725-5949, [email protected] SOURCE Tritium Partners The head of Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and his rival, strongman Khalifa Haftar, are expected to sign a ceasefire agreement in Moscow on Monday, a senior Libyan official said. The oil-rich North African country has been wracked by bloody turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with multiple foreign powers now involved. The signing of the agreement will pave the way for the revival of the political process, said Libya's head of High Council of State Khaled al-Mechri on the country's al-Ahrar TV channel. Mechri said he would accompany Sarraj to Moscow, while parliament speaker Aguila Salah will travel with Haftar. Sarraj on Monday called on Libyans to "turn the page on the past", as he prepared to sign the agreement. "I call on all Libyans to turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace," he said in a short televised speech. Both sides in Libya's conflict had already agreed to a ceasefire from Sunday to end nine months of fighting, following weeks of international diplomacy and calls for a truce by power-brokers Russia and Turkey. The GNA in Tripoli had been under attack since last April from forces loyal to Haftar, which on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. Late on Saturday, Haftar's forces announced a ceasefire starting at midnight in line with a joint call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Sarraj, who met Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday, confirmed the ceasefire had taken effect. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation in Libya, the Iran nuclear deal, Syria and Ukraine in Sundays telephone conversation, the Elysee Palace said in a statement. It was noted that the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear program and called on Iran to return to full compliance" with the nuclear deal. Macron expressed concern about the situation in Idlib and highlighted the need to maintain conditions for the UN to effectively respond to civilian needs throughout Syria, TASS reported. Besides, the leaders exchanged views on the implementation of decisions made at the Normandy Four summit in Paris on December 9. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Iranian authorities taking blame for crash of Ukrainian plane is important, Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports with reference to the president's Twitter channel. The Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed in Tehran province on Jan. 8, killing all 176 people on board. Iran's Armed Forces General Staff issued a statement on Jan. 11 saying that the aircraft was shot down by the Iranian Air Defense System. Iranian authorities taking blame for the plane crash which claimed lives of many citizens from a number countries is an important decision. In this situation, all parties must exercise restraint in order to reduce the tension that civilians also are victims of, Tokayev wrote. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh Only murderers are allowed to be amateurs By Michael R Shannon Even coverage of an attempted mass shooting successfully stopped by the NRAs Good guy with a gun is not immune from the Opposition Medias antigun agenda. One of the bedrock beliefs of the gungrabber crowd is the average citizen has no need to own a gun, unless the weapon is strictly for hunting and safely stored somewhere in the Fortress of Solitude. All other uses of firearms should be restricted to governmentapproved experts, criminals and random crazy people. Lawabiding citizens need not apply. Thats why early reports on the shooting at the West Freeway Church of Christ located in White Settlement, TX made a big deal about the hero, Jack Wilson, being a former FBI agent. It fit perfectly with the expertsonly mindset of the OpMedia. Both the Daily Mail and the CBS outlet in Dallas, to name but two, highlighted that description in early coverage of the event. Verifying that someone actually was a former FBI agent shouldnt be that hard and certainly should be part of the story. One could begin by asking Jack, himself. And a call to the FBI would also be in order to completely verify. Lord knows the FBI should be eager to cooperate if it was true. An exagent stopping a shooting would provide some muchneeded positive PR for the tarnished, Comeyfied institution. Since Wilson was a candidate for county commissioner, those reporters couldve checked for a bio on his website. But formerFBI like Russia collusion was just too good to check. The good folks at AR15.com did and discovered Wilson was a former reserve deputy with the Hood County Sheriffs Dept. Not a former FBI agent. That revelation presented a real quandary. If there is one class of law enforcement the OpMedia despises more than police, its reserve police. Reserve officers, which include deputies, are usually unpaid volunteers who are frequently only required to attend abbreviated law enforcement training. Snobby reporters view reserves as little more than vigilantes with a badge and certainly not someone decent folks would feel comfortable around if they knew reserves were armed. The expertsonly narrative was saved when it was learned that Wilson was also a firearms instructor and formerly owned a gun range. Thats why the WoePost ran the headline: Firearms instructor took out gunman at Texas church service. A followup editorial in the WoePost asserted, The hero in Sundays shooting was not, as gun advocates would want us to believe, an ordinary churchgoer but rather a firearms instructor and gun range owner who has been a reserve deputy with a local sheriffs department. Its not hard to imagine an even greater tragedy if there had been someone less skilled than Mr. Wilson A hysterical editorial page writer at USA Todays AZCentral.com echoed that sentiment, In other words, hes exactly the kind of man you want around with a firearm. But we know nothing about the at least six other parishioners who also appeared to draw their handguns at West Freeway Church And that's terrifying. Mike Big Nanny Bloomberg Democrat presidential candidate and moneybags behind Everytown for Gun Confiscation even weighed in. When asked about the shooting he opined that, Its the job of law enforcement to have guns and decide when to shoot. We just do not want the average citizen carrying a gun in a crowded place. In other words, Bloombergs message for the 247 members in the congregation when the random crazy person opened up with a shotgun was leave it to the experts. Keep Calm & Hope You Dont Die. Judging by the video of the shooting, Wilson has kept his firearms instructor license current. But in spite of what the credentialcrazy media would have you believe he hasnt been in law enforcement for over 33 years and his range closed in 2016. Wilsons definitely better than the average bear, but hes not John Wick. And if Wilson had not been attending church that day, Im guessing the congregation would have been happy if any of the other six armed parishioners had engaged the shooter. Particularly when the only other choice was to wait nine or more minutes for the experts to arrive. Its really not that complicated. People with concealed carry permits carry a gun because theyre too weak to tote a cop. Its been said time is money, but time is also life during an emergency. This idea that Americans can outsource their personal defense to the authorities is false. You are personally responsible for your familys immediate safety. The gunfight inside West Freeway Church of Christ lasted only six seconds because the congregation had immediate responders who didnt wait for first responders. And that made all the difference. Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home 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. The youth of any society constitute the promise of the future and many of our youth are in trouble. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion The youth of any society constitute the promise of the future and many of our youth are in trouble. Theyre growing up in a divided society. Ethnic, gender and political tensions are at seemingly combustible levels not just south of the border but in Canada, too. Their employment is frequently temporary and unstable. And buying a home appears impossible for many, as inequity increases across society. Youth most affected by such tensions and disparities may shrug their shoulders and wonder, "Why bother?" But theres one thing we can do to help at-risk Canadian youth forge a better future: provide positive mentorship. Research shows that mentorship programs for youth improve school success and academic performance. For example, 45 per cent of at-risk youth with an adult mentor are enrolled in higher education, compared to only 29 per cent of their unmentored peers. Mentorships also reduce drug and alcohol abuse, engagement in violence and with the law, and improve peer relationships, social skills and employment. Unfortunately, too many young people in Canada dont have an adult mentor. Thirty per cent of youth report never having an adult mentor of any kind. Rates are higher for youth most at risk including those from impoverished backgrounds and those with an incarcerated parent. Mentorship programs for youth make good economic sense, too. According to a 2014 report by the National Mentoring Partnership, every dollar invested in youth mentoring results in a $3 return on investment to society by, for example, reducing justice and health services costs, and improving employment (and thus government tax revenue). Mentorship programs work for low-to-high-risk youth, although duration matters mentorship is more successful when it extends beyond a year, so emotional bonds and trust develop. And training programs for mentors, such as those led by Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Clubs, ensure mentors learn the skills they need to succeed. We must make certain that youth who need mentorship have adult men and women who are trained and ready to help. Youth often struggle to make sense of many complex social issues, such as gender identity, immigration or refugee resettlement, racism and sexism. Mentorship can foster shared understanding and respect, and help bridge gaps between contemporary values and traditional customs and habits. Mentors are the role models and teachers we need to help shape an inclusive and civic society. So its a sad reality that almost 80 per cent of youth considered most at risk because of repeated school absence, school expulsion, course failure or grade repetition do not have the benefits of structured mentorship. Youth mentorship should not be left to chance. What can be done? Normalize, popularize and celebrate mentorship. Communities, schools, not-for-profit organizations and the private sector can embed mentorship programs in strategic planning, evaluation and investment planning. The private sector can recognize employee contributions to mentorship the same way participation in other corporate philanthropy is celebrated. 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. At-risk youth can be identified by teachers, in the juvenile justice system and in child welfare/foster-care systems. Matching them to the best mentors could dramatically improve the life chances for these youth. A mentorship match should be standard of care for them. As early as elementary school age, children at risk of academic failure should be identified and provided with quality mentorship. These include those with poor attendance and/or who struggle with math and reading. This latter point was perfectly articulated in one of our studies by an impoverished young pregnant woman who suffered from a serious addiction. "You would have had to get me in Grade 3 to prevent me from ending up where I am now," she said. Her words have haunted us for more than a decade. She spent her childhood and youth doing the best she could to survive in her environment and society failed her. At a time when fear of "the other" is broadcast on a daily basis, the potential for an inclusive and compassionate society is threatened. Mentorship and engagement with those around us can help build a diverse and peaceful society we can all be proud of. Suzanne Tough is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine and Nicole Letourneau is a professor in the faculties of nursing and medicine at the University of Calgary. Troy Media Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Monday embarked on a visit to Washington to sign phase one of the US-China trade deal. US President Donald Trump and Chinese officials are expected to sign the long-awaited deal on Wednesday. The announcement regarding the signing of the deal on January 15 was made by US President Donald Trump on December 31 last year. Liu, who is the head of the country's negotiation team in US-China trade talks, is leading a Chinese delegation to Washington, Commerce Ministry spokesperson Gao Feng said, as cited by South China Morning Post.The signing would mark a point of truce in the bitter trade war between the world's two biggest economies, one that is expected to boost global markets and brighten an increasingly gloomy outlook for economic growth. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. Superintendent James Brosnan presents Vanessa Harrington with the Superintendent's Award. Harrington poses with family members. PreviousNext Harrington Receives McCann Superintendent's Award The McCann School Committee, with new member Peter Breen, meets last week. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. McCann Technical School senior Vanessa Harrington has been presented with the Superintendent's Award for 2019. "You will lead the rest of the world," Superintendent James Brosnon said Thursday in front of Harrington's family and the School Committee. "You have that innate piece." Each year, superintendents across the state award one student with a Certificate of Academic Excellence, sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. Typically the award is given out in December, however, the multi-talented Harrington was unable to attend because she was performing in a dance competition in Disney World in the state of Florida. Principal Justin Kratz said Harrington, from Cheshire, is a senior in the information technology program and has a 4.24 grade-point average -- the highest in the class of 2020. She is taking three Advanced Placement courses and hopes to attend Villanova University. Kratz read some statements from Harrington's teachers and said they all were thankful for the opportunity to sing her praises. "Our teachers are always eager to let us know the great things students do but I don't think I have ever received so many thank-yous," he said. "So your teachers had a lot of good things to say about you." The principal read quotes including: "I use the term unfazed and I mean that in the good way. She has always been calm and cool." "She is one of the most engaged students that I have ever had in school. She is an active listener and always participates in class ... she is kind and compassionate at all times and her presence makes McCann a better place." "She is every teacher's dream student. She is conscientious, bright, diligent, kind and caring." Brosnon said Harrington actually works for the school and has spent summers, vacations, and evenings improving the school's computers and network. He said she was part of the massive undertaking of creating a master spreadsheet that lists all of the school's more than 500 computers. She also helped build a maintenance schedule for these computers. "Creating that kind of thing is indicative of what you are all about because you saw that issue, you knew how it could be best done, you grappled it, came up with a solution and implemented it," he said. "That is part of leadership and confidence so as you work through life, you have already accomplished more than most of us would in a lifetime." School Committee Chairman Gary Rivers also congratulated Harrington and her family. "As a former teacher myself, the one phrase that stood out for me was a pleasure to have in class," the former McCann principal said. "When a teacher says that they are thinking about the personality she brings to class, the leadership, and everything above and beyond her academic ability which she certainly has." Before closing, Brosnon congratulated Kratz who was appointed to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Committee as a Massachusetts representative. "He was selected and appointed by his colleagues and peers ... and it is something I certainly support," he said. "It is really quite an honor to be selected." The Aviation Ministry on Monday announced a scheme providing a window up to January 31 for voluntary registration of all drones and their operators, days after top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US drone attack. Those who fail to register will face action under the Indian Penal Code and the Aircraft Act. In a notice, the ministry said, "The presence of such drones as well as drone operators has come to the notice of the government which do not comply with the CAR (civil aviation requirements)." "In order to facilitate the identification of civil drones and drone operators, a one-time opportunity for voluntary disclosure of such drones and drone operators is being provided... All persons in possession of drones are required to complete the process (of online registration) by January 31, 2020," it added. The number of illegal drones in India is likely to be between 50,000 and 60,000, co-chair of a FICCI committee on drones, Ankit Mehta, had said on October 22 last year. Major General Soleimani, 62, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force and architect of its regional security apparatus, was killed when a US military drone fired missiles at his convoy while it was leaving the Baghdad International Airport on January 3. A senior Indian government official said the attack "precipitated the government to take action to regulate hundreds of non-compliant drones" that are operating in the country. "What happened at Gatwick airport in December 2018 was already there on our mind," the official added. Gatwick airport, Britain's second-busiest after Heathrow airport, remained closed from December 19-21, 2018, when multiple rogue drones were seen flying over the perimeter fence. During the three-day period, around 1,000 flights had to be cancelled or diverted to prevent any untoward incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on August 27, 2018, had issued the CAR to regulate the use of civilian drones in the Indian airspace. Under these regulations, a process has been prescribed for drone operators to obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN), Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and other permissions. Called the "No Permission-No Take Off" regulation, a drone operator has to use the DGCA's software programme DigiSky to obtain valid permissions before operating drones in India. In the notice issued on Monday, the ministry said, "On successful submission of voluntary disclosure of possessing drone, a Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) and an Ownership Acknowledgement Number (OAN) will be issued online which will help in validation of operation of drones in India." However, the DAN and the OAN do not confer any right to operate drones in India if it does not fulfil the DGCA's drone regulations, the ministry clarified. "Further, ownership of drones in India without a valid DAN or OAN shall invite penal action as per applicable laws. This database will be issued to process each case as per the regulations by seeking further information, if required," the ministry stated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (NYSE: TPX, "Company") announced today it expects to open its first Tempur-Pedic retail location in Manhattan in June of this year. This one-of-a-kind store in the Bloomberg building will provide customers with a luxury retail experience, and ensure customers have an opportunity to try out and select the right sleep solution for their personalized needs. The Company also announced that on Friday, January 17 it expects to officially open its 56th store at the Walt Whitman Mall on Long Island. The Company expects to operate 75 to 80 Tempur-Pedic retail locations by the end of 2020. Tempur Sealy also noted that it is test marketing its latest compressed mattress offering, the TEMPUR-Cloud, online only in select high-density population markets, including Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. The TEMPUR-Cloud mattress is the Company's premium "bed-in-a-box" offering, providing the high quality and premium feel of Tempur-Pedic, at an entry level price point and in a convenient shipped-to-your-door format. Tempur Sealy also offers compressed mattresses for consumers at all price points, including its Sealy and Cocoon by Sealy mattresses available at Sealy.com and CocoonbySealy.com and retailers across the US. Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "Our direct to consumer business is growing rapidly and is a significant contributor to the Company's profits. This business has been very profitable from its inception and has allowed us to diversify our business while getting closer to our customer. This is consistent with our approach of being wherever customers want to shop and it certainly strengthens our powerful omni-channel distribution model." "With thousands of retail partners across the world, third party retail distribution has been, and is expected to continue to be, the backbone of our business. Our broad base omni-channel distribution helps us to deliver on our mission to improve the sleep of more people, every night, all around the world," Thompson added. Visit https://www.tempurcloud.com, https://www.sealy.com, and https://www.cocoonbysealy.com for more information about the products in this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which includes information concerning one or more of the Company's plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "proposed," "intends," and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's operational plans, results of operation or financial position. Any forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the Company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. About the Company Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (NYSE: TPX) develops, manufactures, and markets mattresses, foundations, pillows and other products. The Company's products are sold worldwide through third party retailers, its own stores, and online. The Company's brand portfolio includes many highly recognized brands in the industry, including Tempur, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy featuring Posturepedic Technology, and Stearns & Foster. World headquarters for Tempur Sealy International is in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit http://www.tempursealy.com or call 800-805-3635. Investor Relations Contact Aubrey Moore Investor Relations Tempur Sealy International, Inc. 800-805-3635 [email protected] SOURCE Tempur Sealy International, Inc. Related Links http://www.tempursealy.com Controversial lockout laws will be lifted across the Sydney CBD from Tuesday, five years after they were first introduced to curb alcohol-fuelled violence. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday announced the city would be reopened - but Kings Cross will still operate under restricted hours. Authorities chose the mid-week date to help businesses ease into the new hours of operation. There will be a 'visible police presence' on the streets of Sydney in the coming weeks as businesses and patrons adjust to the reversal of the lock out laws. The Premier hopes the decision will inject money into the struggling city - where an annual loss of about $16billion has been reported since the laws were introduced in 2014, leading to mass venue closures. The red highlighted area will have lockout laws relaxed, while they will remain in place for Kings Cross Sydney's nightlife suffered a huge blow after the lockout laws were introduced, costing the economy an estimated $16billion annually 'While the extended trading hours will provide a boost for the night-time economy, community safety will always be a focus,' Ms Berejiklian said. She said the aim was 'to ensure Sydney has a thriving, safe and diverse night-life that can be enjoyed by all'. The new laws mean venues will be able to serve drinks until 3.30am, and other clubs with good standing will be able to extend final drinks by half an hour. Alcohol shops will also benefit from the relaxed laws, and will be able to operate until midnight every day other than Sunday, where they'll need to close by 11pm. Ms Berejiklian previously said that the lockout laws made Sydney safer but it was now time to encourage the city's 24-hour economy. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday announced the city would be reopened - but Kings Cross will still operate under restricted hours Kings Cross will not have its lockout laws eased because of the history of the town 'Sydney has transformed dramatically over recent years, and we need to ensure we have a strong and vibrant night-time economy that reflects our position as Australia's only truly global city', she said. Sydney was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until strict lockout laws were enforced in the CBD in 2014. The crackdown brought the lively night-time economy to an abrupt halt and forced almost 200 licensed venues to close their doors. The lockout laws were introduced by the NSW Government five years ago with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the fatal one punch attack on teenager Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross in 2012. His killer Kieran Loveridge was sentenced to a minimum 10 years in prison. Daniel Christie was also killed in an another one punch attack in Kings Cross while celebrating New Years Eve shortly before the laws were enforced in February 2014. Under current laws, nightclubs and bars in the city, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas are required to deny entry to punters after 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am. AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Monday hit out at Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, alleging that he is the "part of the DDA scam" involving flats for economically weaker sections, a charge refuted by the BJP leader. On Sunday, Singh had claimed that flats should have been made available for Rs 6.90 lakh and Rs 11 lakh in easy installments. "(But) after years of struggling, those beneficiaries have been told to arrange Rs 19 lakh and Rs 24 lakh, which means three times more than they claimed and promised," the AAP leader had said. Hitting back on Monday, Puri accused the AAP of resorting to "lies". "Fact remains. They neither have the will nor capability to do any good for the people of Delhi. No matter how many times they repeat it, or how shrill their tone gets, lies will remain lies," he said in a tweet. "The DLF constructed 772 houses which have all been allotted. Which means the people have found the pricing to be reasonable, which was done by the DDA in a transparent manner," he said in another tweet. Singh said the way Puri and the Delhi Development Authority officials reacted after the AAP's "exposure", it showed that "they were involved in the scam." The DDA had on Sunday said the EWS flats being referred to have been built by private developers and the cost indicated in the brochure was "tentative". "Private developers have to build EWS flats mandatorily whenever they develop a housing colony. Fifty per cent of EWS flats developed by private developers are transferred to DDA at price linked with CPWD index," the DDA said in a statement. Thereafter, these flats are offered by DDA to eligible beneficiaries. The price charged by the DDA is based on actual cost and the formula is approved by the authority. The price indicated in the brochure in 2014 was tentative, the DDA added. The AAP leader said the statement is "a big lie" and adds to the "severity of the corruption" that has been going on and there is a dire need for a proper investigation. "The Hon'ble Minister said he has no information about the 772 EWS-category flats, dismissing the allegations as baseless. But a legal notice has been addressed to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, PMO, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and this has also been sent to Puri," he claimed. "Why is he telling lies? It just solidifies the doubts around the scam regarding the DDA flats under the EWS category," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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 Autistic mothers are more likely to report post-natal depression compared to non-autistic mothers, according to a new study of mothers of autistic children carried out by researchers at the University of Cambridge. A better understanding of the experiences of autistic mothers during pregnancy and the post-natal period is critical to improving wellbeing. The results are published in Molecular Autism. The team recruited an advisory panel of autistic mothers with whom they co-developed an anonymous, online survey. After matching, this was completed by 355 autistic and 132 non-autistic mothers, each of whom had at least one autistic child. Sixty percent of autistic mothers in the study reported they had experienced post-natal depression. By comparison, only 12% of women in the general population experience post-natal depression. In addition, autistic mothers had more difficulties in multi-tasking, coping with domestic responsibilities, and creating social opportunities for their child. The study also found that when autistic mothers disclosed their autism diagnosis to a professional, they were not believed the majority of the time. Autistic women felt misunderstood by professionals more frequently during pre- and post-natal appointments and found motherhood an isolating experience. Despite these challenges, autistic mothers reported they were able to act in the best interest of their child, putting their child's needs first and seeking opportunities to boost their child's self-confidence. Dr Alexa Pohl, who led the study, said: "Autistic mothers face unique challenges during the perinatal period and parenthood. Despite these challenges, an overwhelming majority of autistic mothers reported that parenting overall was a rewarding experience. This research highlights the need for increased awareness of the experiences of motherhood for autistic women and the need for more tailored support." Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge, and part of the team, said: "This worryingly high number of autistic mothers who experience post-natal depression means we are failing them and their infants at a critical point in their lives. We now need more research into why the rates are so much higher, whether they are seeking help and not getting it, or if they are not seeking help and for what reasons. A new research priority is to develop autism-relevant screening tools and interventions for post-natal depression in these mothers." Monique Blakemore, an autistic advocate and member of the team, said: "This vital study was initiated by the autistic community, who collaborated as equal partners with researchers in the design, dissemination and interpretation of the survey. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved through such partnership." ### The study was supported by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC), East of England, at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, the Autism Research Trust, the MRC, the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and Autistica. Reference A comparative study of autistic and nonautistic women's experience of motherhood by Alexa Pohl, Sarah Crockford, Monique Blakemore, Carrie Allison and Simon Baron-Cohen. Molecular Autism. DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0304-2 Laeticia Brouwer, 17, was mauled to death by a great white shark while surfing near Wylie Bay Beach Surfers and fisherman in a tourist town are calling for action after two locals were mauled to death by the great white sharks. Esperance - a small town 700 kilometres south-east of Perth - is surrounded by idyllic blue water and pristine white sand. But lurking beneath its beautiful waves are some of the world's deadliest creatures. Scuba diver Gary Johnson, 57, died after being attacked by a shark on Sunday, January 5. His death comes just two years after Laeticia Brouwer, 17, was mauled to death by a great white while surfing near Wylie Bay Beach. 'Most people, especially fishermen, won't even tip their toes in the water. They know what's out there,' Esperance Ocean Safety and Support founder Mitchell Capelli said. The 27-year-old school teacher said the group want an end to the protection of the species. Scuba diver Gary Johnson, 57, (pictured with his wife Karen Milligan) died after being attacked by a shark on Sunday, January 5 'At the moment you've got a protected species out there doing as they please. There are certain problem animals hanging around ... if we were able to remove those sharks it's not going to affect any population,' he told The West. The great white shark is listed as Vulnerable and migratory under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Esperance Ocean Safety and Support do not want a culling, but believe there should be more done to control 'problem sharks'. Data from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) shows there are about 1,460 adult great white sharks off South Australia and Western Australia. Esperance - a small town 700 kilometres south-east of Perth (pictured) - is surrounded by idyllic blue water and pristine white sand. But lurking beneath its beauty are some of the most deadliest creatures in the world Laeticia Brouwer was attacked and killed by a shark at Wylie Bay when she was holidaying with her family over the Easter long weekend However, marine videographer David Riggs said it was 'bulls**t' to call Esperance a global hotspot for sharks. 'The great white sharks swim around all of our coastlines bar the Northern Territory and northern Queensland. Even there they see them occasionally,' he said. He said warning signs in and around key areas, which is what the local government have been doing, was all that was needed. Solar-powered Spectur alarms will be rolled out in the area as a response to Johnson's death. The Government's smart drum-line, which is being trailed in Gracetown, may be extended. Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - This evening, at about 6:53 p.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a report of a motorcycle accident in the 7000 Block of E. 32nd Street. The initial investigation revealed a black motorcycle crashed while traveling westbound on 32nd Street. The motorcycle rider, a 40-year-old male, was pronounced deceased on scene. The motorcycle rider has been identified as 40-year-old Michael Guinn. As a result of the collision, 32nd Street between Avenue 7 E and Avenue 8 E will be closed in both directions for several hours. Please avoid the area and adjust your travel plans accordingly. The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Do you consider yourself a good citizen? Moderate in your thinking, fair-minded, interested in getting the facts and making rational decisions? Nothing wrong with that. It's commendable. You try to be fair. You think about right and wrong, knowing that without something to differentiate you from what you find repugnant, your moral compass is unreliable. An examined life is important, and it's also critical to act. In the early days of the Culture War, we frequently refused to recognize it as such. We were told there wasn't one and that we were being paranoid, and in our efforts to be accommodating and congenial, we ignored one salvo after another. Are there any remaining doubters today, and if so, how much more evidence will they need? In his novel Victoria, Bill Lindt describes a United States that crumbles under the onslaught of Cultural Marxism another construct liberals say is fiction and with all of the talk about Civil War 2.0, it is easy to think so. Looking back over the past two decades, it is clear how liberalism has yielded to Leftism. To these people, ordinary is pedestrian and obsolete, but ordinary people simply want to get on with their lives and preserve meaningful traditions. The radicals who want to dismantle the infrastructure seem not to realize that the past can be preserved while improvements are made: progress does not require anarchy. Sadly, we seem beyond words anymore. The politicians we counted on have failed us, and wherever we look there are shaming, ridicule, threats, and even violence directed toward persons expressing contradictory opinions over the outlandish notions liberals conceive. In a recent American Thinker article, David Lanza mentioned how the author of Fin worked his political opinion into the book. What is happening is affecting everything, because everything anymore is political fodder. Politics infuses our every institution and permeates our lives. It affects our jobs, the food we eat, the movies we watch, the pastimes we enjoy. Our lives are increasingly regulated, and our freedom is being strangled by the tightening chains of political correctness. Joseph Ellis's biography of George Washington, His Excellency, George Washington, published by Vintage, Ellis describes how Washington referred to what came to be known as the American Revolution as "the Cause." Given the challenges to free thinking so manifest nowadays, it seems appropriate to use the same term here. The glorious Cause before conservatives now is that of preserving the freedom we have enjoyed in this nation since we won our independence from England. Back then, a citizen who committed to defending liberty joined a militia or the Continental Army. What is the average American citizen to do now to address the political ills of current society? The reality is that the persons arrayed against us have greater resources than us, and ample time to devote to research and activism. They are funded by billionaires like George Soros and Mike Bloomberg, and they generally use any means necessary to further their aims. Our nation was founded on the principle of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and because those persons who fought for these rights were patriots, the term continues to be worthy to describe any American proud of his history, who is aware of his nation's shortcomings without dismissing its right to exist and improve. It is unfashionable now to think in terms of patriotism. It is regarded as quaint, even dangerous, to hold nationalistic tendencies; after all, liberals argue that it leads to fervency, single-mindedness, a kind of madness that results in violence and war. That illogic aside, our forefathers were patriots, and so are any Americans who honor their sacrifice with a willingness to do the same. We can't be deluded by the thought that liberals are simply people with different ideas with whom we wish to coexist. They want to be in power and control us, and in many ways, they already do. Average Americans work, usually 40 hours a week, maybe more. They buy homes and cars and raise their children. Busy with life, they tend not to give too much thought to politics, regarding it as unpleasant business. But liberals are actively seeking and acquiring power, often through unscrupulous means, and they are overt, ruthless, and merciless. They coerce, threaten, bully, and use violence where necessary. They control a great deal of territory: the majority of public schools, universities, libraries, media production companies, and so on. Most movies, television shows, books, and magazines are produced or published by them. Our businesses, which were formerly bastions of capitalism, are bullied by them. The majority of social media are biased in their favor. Do a search on any content using Google, or any search engine using its results, and you get page after page of liberal sources before you begin to see conservative sources. The lives and standard of living of Americans are threatened by liberal policies, yet the majority of people are too distracted to see the danger. Like the gazelle that does not see the lion stalking it, the outcome of the hunt is inevitable unless distraction gives way to attention. What about persons interested in digging deeper? How are they to do it? What is a man to do when, realizing that he is ignorant, resolves to educate himself? How does he go about it? And how, when he has a job to do, shall he find the time to consider it, let alone do it? These are questions we must all answer if we are to save our democracy. The Timess editorial page editor, James Bennet, whose brother, Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, is running for the Democratic nomination, has recused himself from any involvement in the 2020 elections. How does the editorial board come to endorsement decisions? After weve interviewed every candidate, we get together and deliberate. We discuss the merits of each candidate, what we heard from them in the interviews, what challenges they face to earn the nomination and to win a general election. Our choice will reflect a consensus of the board. Not everyone will agree with our endorsement or the thinking behind it. But our goal is to present an informed view through reasoned analysis, open debate and what Adolph S. Ochs, who bought The Times in 1896, once called the free exercise of a sound conscience. Do the editorial boards endorsements ever influence The Timess coverage of the candidates? No. The Timess Opinion section is completely separate from its newsroom. What is new this year about the editorial boards process for endorsing a presidential primary candidate? The board comes to its decision by doing something very few people in America get a chance to do: sitting down privately with each of the candidates, away from press secretaries and chiefs of staff, for over an hour and asking them any questions we want. Historically, these intense interviews have been off the record, meaning nothing thats said leaves the room or ends up in our writing, other than the final judgment made by the board. This year, the goal is to make our primary endorsement process the most transparent to date. In a first for The Times, all interviews have been on the record and filmed. We will publish full, annotated transcripts online over the next several weeks. Portions of the interviews and the boards deliberations will be broadcast on The Weekly on FX and Hulu on Sunday night. Well also take you behind the scenes in a pop-up podcast. Storm Brendan is set to batter the island of Ireland on Monday, with several weather warnings having been issued. Picture Colm O'Reilly 09-01-2020 Strong gales of up to 80mph are set to sweep parts of the east coast of Northern Ireland on Monday. The Met Office has warned coastal routes and communities could be particularly affected by Storm Brendan as large waves batter seafronts. Yellow weather warnings are in place for Northern Ireland, much of the western half of the UK and the north east of Scotland from 10am until midnight. Frank Saunders of the Met Office said the UK and Ireland will turn increasingly windy throughout the day as the storm, named by Irish forecaster Met Eireann, sweeps in. He said: Its going to be windy across the western half of the UK, with gusts reaching 60-70mph along Irish Sea coastlines, the west of Scotland and perhaps some English Channel coasts maybe even 80mph in a few exposed places. The Met Office also warned heavy rain could add poor visibility to what will already be difficult travelling conditions. It will be a dry start in the morning but a band of heavy rain will push eastwards through the day, they added. Cloud will thicken from the west throughout the morning, heralding the approaching southerly gale, which may turn severe. The maximum temperature will be 9C. Mr Saunders added the severe conditions could cause travel disruption, and those in affected areas are advised to take extra care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads. Looking further ahead to the rest of next week, he said: It looks like its going to stay very unsettled with the potential for further disruptive weather in places. On Saturday, strong winds and heavy rain battered parts of Scotland, causing road closures and rail disruption. The main A1 road from the English border up to the Edinburgh area was closed to high-sided vehicles for several hours. In the Republic of Ireland, Met Eireann has issued an orange wind warning for 11 counties. It comes into effect at 7am as the storm is expected to sweep across the island. The warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will be in place to midnight, while the warning for Wexford, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford lifts at 3pm. The forecaster said there was a significant risk of coastal flooding. Elsewhere in the Irish Republic, a yellow wind warning has been issued for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary. Residents wait at a rest area after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at a mobile station in Hong Kong on Sunday. (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Few of the citys older residents have been fully inoculated, leaving them highly vulnerable as the city battles an outbreak of the new variant. Burnt trees are seen at a beach where people had previously taken shelter during a fire on New Year's Eve in Mallacoota, Australia January 10, 2020. (Photo : REUTERS/Tracey Nearmy) An Australian city has spent the night time cut off through bushfires as volatile weather whips up the giant threat for nearly a week. Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned Friday could be "a hard day in the eastern states" amid forecasts of heat, strong winds, and dry lightning. One town on Kangaroo Island in Southern Australia confronted an abrupt risk. Erratic winds on Thursday amplified a blaze which isolated the island's largest town, Kingscote, from roads. Some residents spent the night sleeping near the water's edge, but ferry services were predicted to renew on Friday. In parts of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), the government urged human beings to depart their homes "to keep away from tragedy." At least 27 humans have died in bushfires since September, which has destroyed more than 10.3 million hectares nationally. Mr. Morrison said Australia still has a "long way" to end the disaster. What was the treatment More than 100 bushfires are still burning in worst-hit NSW alone, but the chance is anticipated to be as outstanding in Victoria. The nation's Country Fire Authority issued numerous emergency warnings early on Friday, warning people to evacuate earlier than it has become too dangerous. Temperatures within the country could reach 40C in some regions inclusive of East Gippsland, which has already seen massive bushfires. In NSW, the country's Rural Fire Service has warned of "very excessive, excessive and intense fireplace dangers." Fires within the state have destroyed approximately 1,000 houses since the New Year. Mr. Morrison stated that ships remained off the coast of NSW geared up to evacuate towns if needed. The national authorities have allocated AU$1 billion (US$687.4 million) to assist rebuild towns destroyed by bushfires. The investment is similar to the AU$2 billion (US$1.37 billion) budget, including the aid of the federal government. Firefighters from the US, Canada, and New Zealand are among those who've flown in to assist fatigued crews. On Thursday, a waterbombing helicopter crashed right into a reservoir inside the Bega Valley Shire location because it was refilling there. The pilot, contracted by using the Rural Fire Service, survived. The disaster has also taken an exceptionally-sized toll on wildlife. An anticipated 25,000 koalas had been killed whilst flames devastated Kangaroo IIsland'sultimate week. The Bureau of Meteorology said on Thursday that Australia reached its hottest and driest year on a report in 2019 due to two specific weather phenomena and climate change. Authorities have warned that the massive fires, spurred by means of high temperatures, wind, and a three-year-drought will persist until there is significant rainfall. ALSO READ: Fire Threat to Soar Again in Australia Despite Arrival of Needed Rain Too late to leave While leaving before a bush fireplace threatens is always the most secure option, it is not constantly achievable. "Late evacuation, historically speaking, has been a major reason for bush fireplace fatalities," Joshua Whittaker, a research fellow at the University of Wollongong's Center for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires, told The Washington Post in an email. "As such, Australian fire services discourage people from leaving at the last minute when they're much more likely to stumble upon hazards which include flames, fallen trees, thick smoke, and road accidents," Whittaker added. The dangers of fleeing during a wildfire are well-established and can account for a massive proportion of fire catastrophe fatalities. "We see this everywhere globally," said Crystal Kolden, a professor and fire scientist at the University of Idaho. The June 2017 Portugal firestorms and the July 2018 fires in Greece were the examples. Many also died in final-minute attempts to outrun the 2003 Cedar Fire, the 2017 Tubbs Fire, and the 2018 Camp Fire in California. Australia's warning tell humans to search for shelter in a stable condition immediately and to wear sturdy footwear and protective garb made of herbal fibers that won't melt, along with cotton or wool. The NCP and the Sambhaji Brigade held protests in Pune on Monday against a book which compares Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The book titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi" has been written by BJP's Jay Bhagwan Goyal. The NCP protest was held outside Lalmahal area here. While NCP leader Prashant Jagtap condemned the comparison and said it was a move to "erase the glorious history" of the Maratha emperor, Sambhaji Brigade functionary Santosh Shinde said the book should be withdrawn in 48 hours, failing which more agitations would follow. "Today, the comparison is with Shivaji Maharaj. Tomorrow, in Rajasthan, it might be with Maharana Pratap. It is part of the BJP-RSS agenda to erase the history of great icons," Jagtap alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Queen Elizabeth will host crisis talks with senior royals and Prince Harry today in a bid to find a solution to the future role he and Meghan Markle will play. The queen will be joined at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk by Prince Charles and Prince William for the crunch meeting at which the "next steps" will be decided, a source claimed. It will be the first time the four will have met since the issue engulfed the royal family. Before them will be a range of options, and it is likely the royals will try to reach some agreement before the meeting ends to stop the immediate crisis causing lasting damage to the monarchy. The queen attended church at Sandringham yesterday. Members of the public gathering near St Mary Magdalene's said they felt sorry for the queen, with some saying Harry and Meghan should not receive any more taxpayers' money. Jean Acton (70), from Fakenham, described the crisis as a "slap in the face" for the 93-year-old queen. Horrible "I feel desperately sorry for her. It must be horrible - for any parent, let alone if you're a royal or not," she said. Asked about Harry and Meghan, she said: "I think they should give any monies back. You can't have your cake and eat it. I just think they've done the dirty on the queen." Members of the public applauded as the queen left the church after the service. She waved from her car as it pulled away. Harry and Meghan, known in Britain as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are said to have left the queen and other family members feeling "hurt" by their bombshell announcement that they plan to step back as senior royals, become financially independent and split their time between the UK and North America. On Thursday, the queen, Charles and William gave orders for their households to work with Harry and Meghan's team to quickly find a "workable solution" to their desire to change the direction of their royal lives while still supporting the queen. "The family will gather at Sandringham to talk things through, attended by the queen, Charles, William and Harry," a source said. "Following a series of meetings and consultations across the last few days, there are a range of possibilities for the family to review which take into account the thinking the Sussexes outlined earlier in the week. Complex "As we have said previously, making a change to the working life and role in the monarchy for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex requires complex and thoughtful discussions. "Next steps will be agreed at the meeting. "The request for this to be resolved at pace is still her majesty's wish - the aim remains days, not weeks. "There is genuine agreement and understanding that any decision will take time to be implemented." Meghan flew a few days ago to Canada, where she had spent an extended festive break with Harry and baby son Archie on Vancouver Island. She is with her child, but the source said it is likely Meghan will be able to participate in the meeting by phone. Reports said William had told a friend he and Harry are now "separate entities". The newspaper reported William as saying: "I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more. We're separate entities. "I'm sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we're all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP-led government of suppressing the voice of youth and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should tell the youth why the economy has become a "disaster". Talking to the media after a meeting of opposition parties here, Gandhi asked the Prime Minister to visit any university without police and tell people what he was doing for the country. He said the opposition leaders discussed issues like economic crisis and unemployment. "Instead of addressing the problems of youth, Narendra Modi is trying to distract the nation and divide people. Voice of the youth is legitimate, it should not be suppressed, and the government should listen to it," he said. He alleged that the Prime Minister does "not have guts" to stand in front of students. "Narendra Modi should have the courage to tell youngsters why Indian economy has become a disaster...He doesn't have guts to stand in front of students. I challenge him to go to any university stand there without police and tell people what he's going to do for this country," Gandhi said. The meeting of opposition parties was attended by leaders of Congress and 19 other opposition parties. Leaders of Trinamool Congress, BSP, SP, and DMK were among those not present. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When The Oregonian/OregonLive set out to create the states first online database of grocery store food safety inspections, the newsroom looked for a metric that would allow Oregonians to easily compare stores. Its a routine feature in some states, where letter grades or numeric scores for grocery stores allow consumers to see how their local market did on its most recent inspection. In Oregon, the state Department of Agriculture doesnt grade grocery stores. Agency officials dont like the idea. The purpose of inspections, they say, is to protect public health by telling businesses what theyve done wrong so they can fix problems. A points system is not required and is not part of our enforcement focus, said Isaak Stapleton, the states food safety director. A more effective approach to prevention of food borne illness is through education of the importance of the regulations and ensuring corrective actions rather than prioritizing a business trying to meet a scoring threshold. Department officials werent aware their own rules included point values for each violation type until a reporter told them. They didnt know their own internal inspections database contained another version of point deductions for serious and moderately serious infractions. And when they learned it did, they said they would delete the points from their system. Ag department spokeswoman Andrea Cantu-Schomus said she asked the agencys technical staff to remove them. Theyre looking into what it would take to maybe zero that out, Cantu-Schomus said. As with most state agencies IT projects, theres a long list and where thats prioritized hasnt been established yet. SEARCH THE DATABASE The Oregonian/OregonLives scoring system doesnt rely on the numbers Cantu-Schomus said would be deleted. The newsrooms scores are a tally of points that Oregons Retail Food Code assigns to each violation type, another piece of information kept in the database. Stapleton, the food safety director, said the departments recommendation that the newsroom avoid publishing numeric scores was simply that. Officials worked closely with reporters to ensure other aspects of the data would be accurate, and the department has promised to provide monthly updates to the database. The food safety program is committed to being open and transparent, Stapleton said. But consumer advocates said they were concerned by the states desire to purge scores from its database. To actively conceal it from the public, its them abandoning their duty to protect us, said Sarah Sorscher, deputy regulatory affairs director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Its very troubling. Grocery stores dont want to remind customers that foodborne illness is an issue, Sorscher said. Oregon is the only West Coast state that does not post results of its grocery store inspections online. Stapleton said consumers can obtain reports by filing a public records request. The state once assigned scores to stores, just like restaurants get. But the Department of Agriculture stopped doing it in the early 2000s after it updated its food safety laws. The states powerful grocery industry, which gives more to the average lawmaker in Oregon than anywhere in the nation, didnt want scores. The agriculture department listened, according to Susan Kendrick, a food safety specialist with the agency. When we adopt a code, we always sit at the table with our constituents, Kendrick said. So were at the table with our industry, going through section by section of the code, and deciding if any adjustments need to be made. Our industry was supportive of not using scoring. It doesnt always represent the inspection very well. But a remnant of the old scoring system remained in the agencys food safety inspections database. That is the item officials sought to remove after learning about it from The Oregonian/OregonLive. Joe Gilliam, a spokesman for the Northwest Grocery Association, said Oregon consumers are in good hands when shopping at their local supermarket. With over 60,000 food items in the average grocery store, both fresh and processed, the execution, regulation, enforcement, compliance, and innovation of food safety is job one for the grocery retailer and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Gilliam said in an email. The association has never given a political contribution to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Gilliam said. A government agency would not be eligible to receive campaign contributions. However, the lobbying group donated $561,000 to winning Oregon legislators in elections between 2008 and 2018, according to data collected by the National Institute on Money in Politics. Lawmakers set the agriculture departments budget. Marsha Cohen, a law professor at University of Californias Hastings College of the Law who is an expert in food safety law, said the departments effort to eliminate point scores showed a captured regulatory agency, one that prioritizes the industry its supposed to oversee over the public interest. Who would not want this public? she asked. If youre the A student, you want to put your grades on your resume. If youre a C student, you dont want anyone to put their grades on their resume. Its no different in industry. Other states are actively working to increase transparency of food safety inspections in stores. At least one study has shown that publicizing inspection results provides an incentive for business owners to improve their food handling. A 2018 study by two University of Minnesota public health researchers found that between 2011 and 2015, salmonella infection rates dropped 5% a year in New York City after it required letter grades to be posted in restaurants. New York state started using a letter grading system for grocery stores and posting inspections online for greater transparency into our food sanitary inspection process and to allow consumers to make more informed choices about where they purchase food, said Kirstan Conley, a spokeswoman for New Yorks agriculture department. Alabama and Tennessee assign numeric scores. Pennsylvania gives pass/fail grades. The results are available online. In Washington state, King County started requiring placards to be displayed in grocery stores in 2017, showing how their delis, bakeries or coffee shops performed in inspections. The county intends to eventually require a placard showing each grocery store performs overall. It doesnt yet have a timeline for the deployment. Rob Davis rdavis@oregonian.com 503.294.7657; @robwdavis Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. Leo Varadkar has come out swinging - even before he formally names that election date. His blunt message to the voters - implicitly and explicitly - will be: The other crowd wrecked the economy; we got things back on track. Do you really believe Fianna Fail will not - yet again - squander the boom just as it spectacularly did last time? The Fine Gael leader follows on with some "damage-limitation arguments" on those big bugbears of health and housing. It looks like a straight hands-up on both fronts, speaking of frustration at slow progress - but quickly pivots towards a "things are not as bad as they are painted" and "we can speed up the improvements". Yes, February, more usually our unkindest weather month, is rapidly becoming Ireland's general election month. We face our third consecutive February poll due more to conspiring circumstances than any choice by our leading politicians. Smart money is on February 7 being named as polling day. The Taoiseach's landmark interview with David McCullagh on RTE Radio 1 confirmed the trend of his battle-plan that many keen followers of politics will have observed in recent weeks. And he does come across as a man with an election plan, which is far from saying it will work. True, he and his colleagues have made big errors of both substance and style. The biggest allegations they will face from adversaries is that they appear out of touch with the people and complacent if not downright arrogant. Fianna Fail believes it can for many reasons inflict a nice bit of damage on its main adversaries and gain the keys to Government Buildings. Some in Fianna Fail mutter quietly about hopes of taking quite a few seats and securing pole position for coalition-making. Leo Varadkar knows he will be playing uphill and into a gale because his party will have led government for nine solid years come March 9 next. Getting to lead government for three consecutive terms is a tall order for any party and needs a deal of luck apart from anything else. But he is not to be underestimated and expect he and his colleagues to repeat the messages cited above until the polls close. Whether he will be successful is the question on which this intriguing campaign will turn. Fianna Fail's dark past will be juxtaposed with a lack of "cabinet material" on its current first team. Question is, will these scares carry any weight with voters? Fine Gael believes it is still all about the economy - and that ultimately the core issues of jobs and growth might trump undoubted public anger at shortcomings about health and more especially housing. The political defeatism that surrounds fixing health is an ally for the outgoing Government here, as is the complexity of the system, and the realpolitik that many potential voters are cushioned by health insurance and queue-jumping access to private care. Housing problems are by now hitting every corner of society: young people priced out of renting, frustrated first-time buyers, and parents fretful about their 30-something offspring ever getting a home of their own. And people believe that we used to be able to build houses. So, does the Taoiseach have a half-way credible rabbit on housing to pull from his election campaign bag? But the core economic arguments listed thus far are only the corner stones for this election campaign house. Fine Gael will deploy all sorts in quest of every vote. Yesterday's 'Sunday Independent' reported on Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty's pledge of a 5 weekly pension increase for each year of a new government term. The fiver increase would not automatically extend to other welfare categories as she gave a tip of the cap to "people who get up early" with a comment on the unemployment figures. Ms Doherty said half the 140,000 people currently getting unemployment payments were between jobs. But a section of the other 70,000 are actually working and signing. Surely a message to the core Fine Gael base. Watch for some pretty blatant reminders of the Government's Brexit record over the last three years as the EU-UK divorce becomes reality on January 31, a week before polling. We expect EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on a flying visit to Dublin this Wednesday. Don't be too surprised if other Brexit people like Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk get involved on the Taoiseach's side with a visit or visits here. There will be doubts about how "politically bankable" the Brexit achievements remain. But it is certain any mishandling would have cost Fine Gael, and the election timing around January 31 will help give it relevance. The eventual return of the North's power-sharing parliament and government in Belfast is no big political bonanza. But it does reduce political noise and reflects well on the diligence and growing skills of Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney. Opponents will do their best to harness the travesty of the RIC-DMP commemorations against the Government. Their message is Mr Varadkar and Co are out of touch with the people. Thus, we turn full circle with the risk voters may not listen. US Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Peter Henry Barlerin Twitter The United States of America says its commitment to supporting Cameroon to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 remains unwavering. The assurance is contained in a press release from the Embassy of the United States of America in Yaounde dated Monday, January 13, 2020 in which Donald Trumps country pledges to Triple HIV/AIDS Support to Cameroon. The U.S. Embassy congratulates the government of Cameroon on its decision to eliminate user fees for all HIV services at public health facilities and accredited community sites, the press release reads. The press release reads further: Eliminating user fees will help Cameroon reach epidemic control of HIV; it also reflects the cooperation of the Cameroonian and U.S. governments and other HIV stakeholders. As a result of this historic commitment by the government of Cameroons, the United States is tripling its assistance to Cameroons HIV program to over $97 million for 2020 (approximately 5.7 billion CFA). Cameroon has nearly 530,000 people living with HIV. As of July 2019, only 58% of them a little over 304,000 people were on antiretroviral treatment. With the elimination of HIV user fees, the financial barrier to treatment has been removed and significantly more people should be able to get tested, follow treatment and stay virally suppressed. The U.S. Government, through PEPFAR, has been proud to partner with the Government and the people of Cameroon in accelerating progress. Speaking during a special CRTV program for World AIDS Day in early December, Ambassador Barlerin noted that the battle is not yet won, but it is winnable. In 2020, PEPFARs support to Cameroon includes provision of antiretroviral treatment, testing for HIV, and providing care and support for orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers. The U.S. government continues its commitment to supporting Cameroon to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Cameroon-info.net understands that at the close of 2019, the Trump administration announced it will cut trade benefits for Cameroon by January 1, 2020, citing persistent human rights violations in the country. The African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA allows sub-Saharan African countries to export to the US without a customs duty, provided the countrys government has established or is making progress toward establishing, rule of law, political pluralism, fair trial and due process standards, and equal protection under the law. In his message to Congress, President Trump said Cameroon has failed to address concerns regarding government forces persistent human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detention, and torture. This was the second time in 2019 the US was taking action on Cameroon. In February, Washington scaled back its military assistance to Cameroon, also citing allegations of human rights abuses. Trumps announcement came after Cameroon adopted a special status for the two Anglophone regions and released hundreds of political prisoners, including prominent opposition party leader Maurice Kamto. The US termination of the designation of Cameroon as a beneficiary country under AGOA should be a wake-up call to the Cameroon government and should stir action from other international partners to Cameroon to publicly address serious human rights concerns in the country, said Human Rights Watch. The tripling of United States HIV/AIDS Support to Cameroon therefore ties with the promise made by Ambassador Barlerin that the AGOA issues will not strain diplomatic ties with Yaounde in any way. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Ensuring implementation of the amended Citizenship Act-2019, the Uttar Pradesh government has made the first move by sending the first list of refugees who had come from Pakistan, Bangladesh decades ago, and have been living in the state anticipating the citizenship of the country. The refugees in Uttar Pradesh, around 50,000 in number, are basically from Pakistan and Bangladesh with maximum 38,000 living in colonies in the tarai district of Pilibhit, 260 km from state capital Lucknow, bordering Nepal. The first list, which, has believably been sent to Centre by the state government, comprises refugees living across 19 districts including Pilibhit, Meerut, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Agra, Rae Bareli, Saharanpur, Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, Mathura, Kanpur, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Amethi, Jhansi and Lucknow. The initial list is accompanied by a report -- Uttar Pradesh Mein Aaye Pakistan, Afghanistan Aevam Bangladesh ke Sharnarthiyon ki Aapbeeti Kahani comprising the tales of agony and despair of the refugees who fled their native place in Pakistan and Bangladesh owing to hostile regimes and state sponsored atrocities. Last week, the state home department had directed district magistrates of all the 75 districts to identify the migrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, who had been residing in their respective districts without obtaining Indian citizenship. Additional chief secretary Awanish Awasthi confirmed to media persons that the state government, on the direction of the central government, had started the process of identification of the migrants who were eligible for Indian citizenship. Sources in the government said that the report containing their details and testimonies from a few immigrants from each city had been submitted to the home ministry. Those who came to India in 1947 from Pakistan and during the turmoil of 1970 from Bangladesh (then eastern Pakistan) have stories galore to narrate their agony and the long wait to become the citizen of this country. As per the version of those residing in colonies in Pilibhit, they are Indians but with no citizenship so far. In Pakistan, we used to face exploitation and slurs of all kinds after the partition. Conversion, exploitation of our women, denial of rights to our children, we had to go through a hell till we migrated to India leaving behind our properties and a full-fledged life, says Chitranjan, in his late 80s. Now based in Ramnagar market area of Pilibhit, he took refuge in India as 22-year-old along with his parents. Similarly, Shobhan Das came to India in 1968 from eastern Pakistan to make India his abode again with his parents who are no more. The refugees living in those districts confirmed that the government officials had approached them during the last few days. They asked for our documents, interviewed us, sought birth certificates and details of our parents. They also filled up some forms on the basis of information provide by us, claimed the residents of refugee colonies. The interviews conducted reveal the circumstances under which the families had to move to India, largely from Pakistan and Bangladesh. As per the official sources, while making the list, those, who came to India before December 31, 2009 from Pakistan and Bangladesh and Afghanistan, were supposed to furnish their valid residential permits along with the details of their parents and birth certificates. However, production of passport is optional for them. Though the official sources claimed that the data of the entire state would be ready by January end and the figures would be updated continuously, all the SPs have also activated local intelligence units (LIUs) to identify illegal migrants residing in the districts as well. Notably, UP police chief had issued a detailed circular on September 30, 2019 to all district police chiefs, directing them to launch a comprehensive drive for identification of illegal migrants. According to the circular, the district police were expected to cross-check nationalities of people staying in camps and slums on city outskirts, roadsides, around railway stations and bus stands as well as slums that had recently come up on deserted stretches in their cities. The fossil was retrieved in Nevada desert and could possibly contain information on how primitive crustaceans and worms are connected. (Photo : University of Missouri) An artistic interpretation of how the 550-million-year-old fossil looks like. (Photo : University of Missouri) University researchers revealed that they have uncovered a 550 million fossilized digestive tract which could explain the early history of ancient organisms. According to the news release of the University of Missouri on Friday, the fossil was found in the Nevada desert. It can answer the relation of primitive crustaceans and worms, which both appeared around 540 million years, the release also added. The Missing Link Scientists believed that life on Earth before was primarily simple ocean animals that look nothing like what we see now. Then, the major ecological shift, known as the "Cambrian Explosion", has forced many animals to drastically change its body and live on the land. The event happened around half a billion years ago and is also the same time when the ancestors of modern animals appeared. However, the scientists never really understand how these species, specifically the primitive crustaceans and worms, are connected. The discovery of this fossilized internal organ could make the timeline of evolution clearer, said Jim Schiffbauer, an associate professor of geological sciences in the MU College of Arts and Science. To identify from what species the fossil is, the scientists used micro-CT imaging, which is a "unique analytical approach". Co-author Tara Selly, a research assistant professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and assistant director of the X-ray Microanalysis Core facility, explained that such technology can make analyzing the features of the fossil quickly without damaging it. In conclusion, the organ possibly belongs to a "very recognizable group" called cloudinids, which appeared a few million years before the Cambrian Explosion. Schiffbauer also said that it is much closer to a worm species than to a coral. The study, entitled Discovery of bilaterian-type through-guts in cloudinomorphs from the terminal Ediacaran Period, was published in the journal Nature on Friday. What is the Cambrian Explosion? According to experts, the first sign of life appeared around four billion years ago. These are mostly bacteria, plankton, and single-celled algae. However, the fossils aged 600 million years ago showed sudden and rapid physiological changes. For the next 30 to 70 million years, the lineages of most modern animals began appearing. This "explosive" changes happened during the Cambrian era, hence the name of the event. One of the most important sites for the Cambrian explosion is the Burgess Shale in British Columbia. This paleontological site contains various ancient animal preserves like Opabinia, an arthropod with five eyes and nose similar to an elephant, and an armored slug called Wiwaxia. The site contains various other mollusks, echinoderms, and trilobites. However, experts cannot completely establish the order of the event and its details because they only based on what they know on the available fossils. More remains of ancient plants and animals must be unearthed, so the scientists can come up with a concrete conclusion. ALSO READ: #Throwback2019: These Are the Biggest Anthropological Breakthrough This Year! Status orange warnings were issued for parts of central and western Ireland as a severe storm, dubbed Storm Brendan, made landfall in the country on January 13. Met Eireann also issued a red marine warning, with violent storm-force winds expected at times. Irelands state broadcaster RTE reported that 48,000 homes were left without power as a result of the storm. This video shows stormy conditions on Achill Island, off the coast of County Mayo. Credit: Cathy Lynchehaun via Storyful It will be seen as a "massive failure" for Boris Johnson's leadership if he cannot secure a trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020, Tanaiste Simon Coveney has said. The Prime Minister's Brexit Bill comfortably cleared the Commons last week, and will head to the House of Lords this week for consideration. The focus will shift in the coming weeks to what Irish negotiators believe will be an even more difficult phase of Brexit. The two sides must come to arrangements on their future relationship in string of complex areas including fisheries, data and aviation. "I think it's going to be really difficult to get it all done in 11 months but that's what we move into from the first of February," Mr Coveney said. Read More The Tanaiste revealed he wants to continue as Foreign Affairs Minister after the next election if Fine Gael is still in power. He notes that "in many ways" the past two years have seen him become "the Brexit Minister, as opposed to the Foreign Minister". "And so there's a lot I'd like to do in the Foreign Affairs brief and in Northern Ireland if given the opportunity." Read More Mr Coveney recalled a "long discussion" he had with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar after losing the Fine Gael leadership contest in 2017. "First of all we agreed to avoid a split in the party which often happens after the leadership contest. And, you know, he effectively asked me what did I want to focus on. He recognised that after a leadership contest like that a change in portfolio made sense," he said. Read More "I could see that Brexit was going to become a huge issue. I didn't realise it was going to become quite as big a negotiation as it turned out to be. But certainly it excited me. I saw huge risks to the country." He said he wants to continue working on Brexit and even with the Stormont Assembly back at work there will be "unfinished business". The new EU Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen is to be welcomed to Dublin on Wednesday with a state reception. In recent days she cautioned that striking a comprehensive EU-UK trade deal before the end of the year is "impossible" without serious compromises. Already EU leaders are wary that the Republic will find itself at a cliff-edge situation in the run-up to next Christmas, although Mr Coveney does not believe that the UK will crash out. The alternative to a comprehensive deal is that the EU and UK interact based on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules which would be a major blow to the Irish economy. "I think it's very unlikely by the way to happen because I think the UK needs a trade deal," Mr Coveney said. "The EU would certainly like to have a trade deal but I think the consequences to the UK of not getting a trade deal with the EU would be very severely felt in the UK, and in Ireland for that matter, but particularly in the UK. "And I think a new Prime Minister with a big majority is going to want to get a deal done here, rather than be responsible for no structured trading arrangements, and having to fall back to WTO rules I think that would be seen as a massive failure for Boris Johnson," he said. The Flybe boss today told staff he was 'focused' on turning the embattled airline around as it allegedly stood on the brink of collapse amid fears for 2,000 job losses. Mark Anderson sent an email to staff as passengers voiced their concerns over flights booked with Flybe with the carrier said to be at risk of collapse. The Exeter-based firm is locked in crisis talks with officials from the business and transport departments after losses soared, according to Sky News. Flybe operates a number of domestic routes in Britain which are also served by direct trains Mr Anderson wrote: 'All my energy, and that of our Leadership Team, is very focused on continuing to turn Flybe, soon to be Virgin Connect, around and deliver the heartfelt service that our customers expect. Flybe boss Mark Anderson today told staff he was 'focused' on turning the airline around 'I do appreciate that the headlines some of you have already read are disturbing but I want you to know that we are determined to do everything we can to make this work.' He also told staff he was 'extremely grateful' for their hard work and commitment, according to BBC News. Flybe, which was sold for 1p a share less than a year ago, flies 8.5million passengers a year to 170 destinations across Europe. Passengers tweeted Flybe of their concerns, with David McKnight from Northern Ireland saying: 'I'm due to fly on Thursday this week - will this flight be on schedule?' Another said they had 'around 1,000 of flights booked' with the airline, while a third tweeted that they had got their 'flights booked up with you until April'. Flybe operates a number of domestic routes which are also served by direct trains, such as Manchester-Glasgow, Birmingham-Edinburgh and Exeter-Manchester. The airline - which had been valued at 100million in 2018 - was bought by a consortium last February following poor financial results. Connect Airways, which consists of Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and Cyrus Capital, paid 2.2 million for Flybe's assets and operations in a deal worth 1p per share. The Government is said to have been warned of the possibility that thousands of people could be left unemployed by the collapse of the airline. One source told Sky News that the business and transport departments have been looking into whether the government could provide emergency funds. A spokesman for the airline said: 'Flybe continues to focus on providing great service and connectivity for our customers, to ensure that they can continue to travel as planned. We don't comment on rumour or speculation.' Spokesmen for the departments for business and transport said in a statement: 'We do not comment on speculation or the financial affairs of private companies.' Flybe, which launched in 1979, handles more than half of Britain's domestic flights outside of London and operates the most domestic UK flights of any carrier. Reports the airline is in turmoil follow September's collapse of Thomas Cook, which folded with 1.7billion of debt. The debacle left roughly 600,000 tourists stranded abroad, including 150,000 Britons who were repatriated at an estimated cost of 100million to the taxpayer. Qabbous came to the throne in 1970 in a peaceful coup detat, engineered with the help of the British that sent his father into exile. by Talmiz Ahmad In the early hours of Saturday, January 11, Oman announced that Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said would be the new Sultan of Oman. This took place within a few hours of the passing of Sultan Qabbous bin Said and set at rest intense speculation in the last few years about the succession. Qabbous came to the throne in 1970 in a peaceful coup detat, engineered with the help of the British that sent his father into exile. This set off a reign that fundamentally transformed the backward country into a modern, well-developed nation, in a process that was at once dramatic, comprehensive and yet peaceful. The date of Qabbous accession July 23 is commemorated in the country as Renaissance Day. Qabbous principal effort was to unite his diverse people into a single nationhood Oman has people of Arab, Iranian, Indian and African origin; they are Sunni, Shia and Hindu, while the state espouses the earliest form of Islam, Ibadism, that pre-dates the Sunni-Shia divide. The sultan respected all faiths, but insisted that religious practice be restricted to the home and not enter the public domain. Qabbous modernisation drive was minimally disruptive, since the ruler was anxious to preserve, as much as possible, the best aspects of the countrys ancient history and culture its forts, hills, trees, waterways and traditional villages and townships. This has made Omans development quite different from that of its Gulf neighbours where traditional beauty has been replaced by glass and concrete towers. Not endowed with huge oil and gas resources, Qabbous effort was to utilise these depleting assets for maximum returns, with major investments in human development, backed by supporting infrastructure, so that the country boasts of economic opportunity alongside centres of higher education and attractive tourist sites of historical and cultural interest. The late sultan is being rightly extolled for his role as the regions peacemaker: as West Asia has plunged into one crisis after another, Qabbous maintained close ties with all parties and, when needed, attempted to promote engagement between the contending groups. In 2013, Oman hosted secret discussions between Iran and the United States that culminated in the nuclear agreement of 2015. In recent weeks, Muscat has been hosting a quiet dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Qabbous had a unique strategic understanding of what the region needed for long-term peace and security. Thus, when a visiting Indian dignitary attempted to explain to the ruler the compulsions behind Indias establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992, his comment was India was late by 20 years: if India had taken this initiative two decades earlier, it would have been an effective peacemaker in West Asia. The ruler also understood that regional peace required that Israel see itself as an integral part of West Asia; hence, he took the pioneering step of inviting Israeli Prime Minister Yitzkhak Rabin to Oman in 1994 and then hosted Benjamin Netanyahu in Muscat in 2018. Qabbous strategic vision had a special place for India. In 1993, after the Cold War and the Gulf War, he understood that Omans security needed a strategic partnership with India. India was the nearest major power with which Oman had had an uninterrupted relationship over several millennia, forged through maritime links that had brought the two peoples together and had imparted to them a high level of mutual cultural comfort. Oman offered India access to its ports on the Indian Ocean and the entry point into the Gulf at Hormuz. The sultan proposed that the proposed partnership be founded on substantial economic ties: two high-value projects to be executed by public sector companies, one in each country, and ties between the private sector be organised through a joint holding company that would pursue projects in the two countries and in third countries. Sadly, India just could not rise to the challenge: the fertiliser project in Sur, Oman, was completed more than a decade later after much acrimony in India, while the joint refinery project in Bina, Madhya Pradesh, got indefinitely delayed so that the Omani side had no choice but to withdraw from it. The Indian private sector companies on their part saw no possibility of working jointly with each other. This sorry experience affirms that India is just not able to shape and pursue a broad strategic vision, and remains condemned to prioritising domestic interests and compulsions and short-term, reactive responses to strategic challenges and opportunities. The new Sultan, Sayyid Haitham, has stated in his first remarks that he will follow in his predecessors path and build on it. He faces formidable challenges. Falling oil prices have imposed an extraordinary burden on the exchequer, so that Oman will have to borrow $5 billion to meet the budget deficit. The economic challenge will be compounded by the need to meet the rising aspirations of the countrys youth. In the wake of the Arab Spring in 2011, several thousand of them had demonstrated on the streets demanding jobs and an end to corruption. A shocked sultan had immediately reshuffled his Cabinet, provided some degree of popular representation, and increased unemployment doles. But the monarch had clearly been unnerved by the popular anger and this, coupled with his ill-health from 2014, gave a sense of inertness and absence of direction to the nation. Sayyid Haitham is thus taking charge at a time when the country is desperate for leadership that will tread not the old path but shape new directions, with greater transparency and accountability in the political order. Again, Haitham, lacking the stature, charisma and experience of the late sultan, will have to steer his country through the treacherous shoals of regional contentions, at the time when Iran is facing battlelines drawn by the United States, backed by Israel and Saudi Arabia. Haitham has been a close friend of India over several years. His accession provides the opportunity to re-affirm bilateral ties and work together for regional peace. This would be the best tribute to the memory of the departed monarch. The writer is a former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia TAGAYTAY, Philippines Red-hot lava gushed out of a Philippine volcano Monday after a sudden eruption of ash and steam the day before that forced villagers to flee and shut down Manilas international airport, offices and schools. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage from Taal volcanos eruption south of the capital that began Sunday. But clouds of ash blew more than 62 miles north, reaching the bustling capital, Manila, and forcing the shutdown of the countrys main airport. The governments disaster-response agency reported about 8,000 villagers have moved to at least 38 evacuation centers in the hard-hit province of Batangas and nearby Cavite province, but officials expect the number to swell with hundreds of thousands more being brought out of harms way. Some residents could not move out of ash-blanketed villages due to a lack of transport and poor visibility. Others refused to leave their homes and farms, officials said. We have a problem, our people are panicking due to the volcano because they want to save their livelihood, their pigs and herds of cows, Mayor Wilson Maralit of Balete town told DZMM radio. Were trying to stop them from returning and warning that the volcano can explode again anytime and hit them. After months of restiveness that began last year, Taal suddenly rumbled back to life Sunday, blasting steam, ash and pebbles up to 9 miles into the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Ma. Antonio Bornas, the chief volcanologist for the agency, said lava spurted in fountains out of the volcano early Monday while its ash and steam ejections eased. Its hard to tell when the eruption would stop, she said, citing Taals similar restiveness in the 1970s that lasted for four months. 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. Authorities continued to detect swarms of earthquakes and a slight enlargement of portions of the 1,020-foot volcano. Officials advised residents to stay indoors and wear masks and goggles outdoors. Government offices and classes in schools in a wide swath of towns and cities were suspended Monday, including in Manila, to avoid health risks posed by the ashfall. Taal is among two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Joeal Calupitan and Jim Gomez are Associated Press writers. Find all our Student Opinion questions here. Take a moment to answer the following questions: When was the last time you listened to someone? Really listened, without thinking about what you wanted to say next, glancing down at your phone or jumping in to offer your opinion? And when was the last time someone really listened to you? Was so attentive to what you were saying and whose response was so thoughtful that you felt truly understood? The Opinion essay Talk Less. Listen More. Heres How. by Kate Murphy begins with those very questions. Then Ms. Murphy writes about what makes a bad listener: In writing a book about listening, I asked people from Brooklyn to Beijing what it meant to be a good listener. The typical response was a blank stare. People had no trouble, however, telling me what it meant to be a bad listener, rattling off actions such as interrupting, looking at a phone, and responding in a narcissistic or confused way. The sad truth is that people have more experience being cut off, ignored and misunderstood than heard to their satisfaction. Of course, technology plays a role. Social media provides a virtual megaphone, along with the means to filter out opposing views. People find phone calls intrusive and ignore voice mail, preferring text or wordless emoji. If people are listening to anything, its likely through headphones or earbuds, where they feel safe inside their own curated sound bubbles. This is all fueling what public health officials describe as an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. But tech is not the only culprit. High schools and colleges have debate teams and courses in rhetoric and persuasion, but rarely, if ever, offer classes or extracurricular activities that teach careful listening. You can get a doctorate in speech communication and join clubs such as Toastmasters to perfect your public speaking, but who strives for excellence in listening? The image of success and power today is someone miked up and prowling around a stage or orating from behind a lectern. Giving a TED talk or delivering a commencement speech is living the dream. The cacophony of modern life also stops us from listening. The acoustics in restaurants can make it difficult, if not impossible, for diners to clearly hear one another. Offices with an open design ensure every keyboard click, telephone call and after-lunch belch make for constant racket. Traffic noise on city streets, music playing in shops and the bean grinder at your favorite coffeehouse exceed the volume of normal conversation by as much as 30 decibels, and can even cause hearing loss. Ms. Murphy states that her research led to the conclusion that listening goes beyond simply hearing what people say. It also involves paying attention to how they say it and what they do while they are saying it, in what context, and how what they say resonates within you. She continues: Its not about merely holding your peace while someone else holds forth. Quite the opposite. A lot of listening has to do with how you respond the degree to which you facilitate the clear expression of another persons thoughts and, in the process, crystallize your own. Good listeners ask good questions. One of the most valuable lessons Ive learned as a journalist is that anyone can be interesting if you ask the right questions. That is, if you ask truly curious questions that dont have the hidden agenda of fixing, saving, advising, convincing or correcting. Curious questions dont begin with Wouldnt you agree? or Dont you think? and they definitely dont end with right? The idea is to explore the other persons point of view, not sway it. You also want to avoid asking people personal and appraising questions like What do you do for a living? or What part of town do you live in? or What school did you go to? or Are you married? This line of questioning is not an honest attempt to get to know who youre talking to so much as rank them in the social hierarchy. Its more like an interrogation and, as a former C.I.A. agent told me, interrogation will get you information, but it wont be credible or reliable. In social situations, peppering people with judgmental questions is likely to shift the conversation into a superficial, self-promoting elevator pitch. In other words, the kinds of conversations that make you want to leave the party early and rush home to your dog. Instead, ask about peoples interests. Try to find out what excites or aggravates them their daily pleasures or what keeps them up at night. Ask about the last movie they saw or for the story behind a piece of jewelry theyre wearing. Also good are expansive questions, such as, If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ms. Murphy also offers an argument for why listening skills are so important to cultivate: Listening is a skill. And as with any skill, it degrades if you dont do it enough. Some people may have stronger natural ability while others may have to work harder, but each of us can become a better listener with practice. The more people you listen to, the more aspects of humanity you will recognize, and the better your instincts will be. Listening well can help you understand other peoples attitudes and motivations, which is essential in building cooperative and productive relationships, as well as discerning which relationships youd be better off avoiding. We are, each of us, the sum of what we attend to in life. The soothing voice of a mother, the whisper of a lover, the guidance of a mentor, the admonishment of a supervisor, the rallying call of a leader and the taunts of a rival ultimately form and shape us. And to listen poorly, selectively or not at all limits your understanding of the world and prevents you from becoming the best you can be. Students, read the entire essay, then tell us: What do you think is the most valuable tip in the essay for becoming a better listener? Why? How do you respond to the idea that part of being a good listener is asking the right sort of questions? Can you think of an example from a conversation you had with someone new in which that person did a good job with, say, asking about your interests instead of interrogating you? How did you feel during and after that conversation? Now think about a recent conversation you had with someone you know well. Did you both talk roughly the same amount of time? What kinds of questions were asked? Did you feel supported and that you had the other persons attention? Do you think the other person felt the same way? What, if anything, could one or both of you have done differently to improve the experience? The essay mentions a number of likely culprits for why so many people report being unsatisfied with others listening skills, such as the ways we use technology, the noise in places we try to talk to one another, and the value we place on people who deliver important speeches or give TED talks. What are your thoughts on these culprits in the erosion of listening skills? Was anything overlooked? If so, what? 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. Wholesale electricity prices last year fell nationwide except in one place Texas. Here, they soared when an August heat wave gripped the state and repeatedly sent wholesale power prices up to the states maximum price of $9,000 per megawatt hour. In most of the U.S., average annual wholesale prices fell 15 to 30 percent in 2019 compared with the previous year, a reflection of lower natural gas prices, according to the Department of Energy. But in Texas, day-ahead wholesale electricity prices averaged $38 per megawatt hour in 2019, an increase of 13 percent over the 2018 average, according to the Energy Department. The higher average price was caused by the states tight power supply cushion, record demand and surcharges. Monthly wholesale prices in Texas were the highest in August, a month when punishing triple-digit temperatures and record-setting demand forced the states grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, to issue emergency alerts, including voluntary conservation measures, to prevent rolling blackouts. The surge in demand set off price signals that prompted power generators to produce more power and for consumers to use less, according to the Energy Department. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston power prices surge to $9,000 per megawatt State regulators agreed last year to increase the amount that generators could charge during times of peak demand. The surcharges, known as price adders, were triggered in August during the heat wave. Average prices in Texas that month were $162 per megawatt-hour, compared with $38 per megawatt-hour in August 2018. The surge in prices was especially difficult on Texas consumers that buy wholesale power on the spot market from retail electric providers such as Griddy, the California-based company. Griddy, which provides tools to customers to make on-the-spot changes in electricity use when wholesale prices change, said it lost some customers as a result of the record-setting prices. Most Texas consumers, however, didnt immediately feel the increase in wholesale prices because most households are on fixed-rate power plans. The higher prices in August, however, increased the price per kilowatt hour of future contracts. On HoustonChronicle.com: Just because its wholesale doesnt make it a good deal The prices spiked in August and they have remained high, said Fred Anders, founder of Texas Power Guide, a shopping site that helps consumers find the cheapest plan based on their past use. Some of the biggest power companies in Texas have credited the heat and high prices in August for their profitable third quarters. NRG Energy, one of the state's biggest generators, reported that higher power prices in Texas contributed $213 million or about 40 percent of the $524 million the company earned from its generation business before taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization for the quarter ending in September. The higher prices helped convert a $72 million third-quarter loss in 2018 into a $372 million profit for the same period in 2019. Vistra Energy of Irving, the state's biggest power seller, reported third-quarter income from generation increased $226 million in Texas before taxes and other factors, off-setting lower generation prices in other markets. ERCOT predicts that the supply of electricity wont be as tight this summer as new wind, solar and natural gas-fueled generation comes online. The grid manager estimates that Texas will have a reserve margin cushion of 10.6 percent heading into next summer, 2 percentage points higher than the 8.6 percent reserve margin Texas had as it entered the hot summer months of 2019. But another price adder is scheduled to go into effect this year. lynn.sixel@chron.com twitter.com/lmsixel Supreme Court Rejects Appeal in Suicide Texting Case The Supreme Court on Jan. 13 rejected an appeal (pdf) from a Massachusetts woman who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after she sent her boyfriend text messages urging him to kill himself. Michelle Carter is serving a 15-month prison sentence after being convicted three years ago in the 2014 death of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, who committed suicide. She had received a 30-month prison term, half of it suspended, and five years of probation. Her lawyers had asked the Supreme Court to take up her case and argued that her conviction three years ago violated her First Amendment rights. In February 2019, after an appeal, the highest court in Massachusetts upheld her conviction. In July, when her petition was filed to the Supreme Court, her lawyers wanted the justices to determine whether Carters conviction for involuntary manslaughter, based on words alone, violated the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. Carter neither provided Roy with the means of his death nor physically participated in his suicide, her lawyers wrote (pdf). It was Roy who secured the pump, placed it in his truck, drove alone to the parking lot, and filled the truck with carbon monoxide, not Carter, they argued. Michelle Carter awaits her sentencing in a courtroom in Taunton, Mass., on Aug. 3, 2017. (Matt West/The Boston Herald via AP) Conduct that would be plainly reckless for adults may seem completely reasonable to teenagers, particularly when that conduct consists of online communications or social media posts, her lawyers said in the court papers. Following his death, investigators discovered Roy had sent text messages to Carter as he was contemplating and attempting to commit suicide. The investigators found that she had encouraged him to kill himself when he expressed doubts. A trial judge noted that her failure to call 911 or ask for help were key motivators to support her conviction. Prosecutors also claimed that Carter first tried to discourage Roy from suicide, but she then attempted to coerce him on a number of occasions. She also taunted him that he would fail to kill himself, saying, just to do it and that the time [was] right. Carters case garnered national attention and prompted legislative proposals in Massachusetts to criminalize suicide coercion. It was the subject of the 2019 HBO documentary, I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter. Suicide Hotlines If you are in an emergency in the United States or Canada, please call 911. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255. Youth can call the Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868. In the United Kingdom, call Samaritans at 116 123, Papyrus at 0800 068 41 41, or Childline at 0800 1111. In Australia, the suicide prevention hotline at Lifeline is 13 11 14. You can also visit the Lifeline website at lifeline.org.au. Youth can contact the Kids Helpline by phoning 1-800-551-800 or visiting headspace.org.au/yarn-safe If you are in an emergency in India, call Befrienders IndiaNational Association at +91 33 2474 4704. Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - A pro-government movement in Guinea, the Democratic Coalition for a New Constitution (CODENOC), says it is "deeply concerned" by the call of a pro-opposition umbrella group for demonstrations in the capital, Conakry, and several cities and asked the authorities to dissolve and ban its activities in the country A Toronto business owner and philanthropist has launched a national campaign to raise $1.5 million for grief-stricken relatives of Canada-bound victims of the Tehran air crash. Its the Canadian thing to all come together, Mohamad Fakih, the Lebanese-Canadian head of Paramount Fine Food and Fakih Foundation told reporters Monday at Fakihs eatery on Yonge St. People dealing with the sudden and shocking loss of relatives in the jetliner accidentally shot down by the Iranian government shouldnt have to worry about burial costs that could tally $10,000 or other unexpected expenses, said Fakih, launching the Canada Strong Campaign with Toronto Mayor John Tory. Fifty-seven Canadians died last week when Iran accidentally shot down a jetliner amid heightened political tensions with the United States. A total of 138 passengers were en route to Canada, including students and professors returning after the winter break. Fakih said he kick-started the fund with $65,000 donated by him and other businesspeople. A Toronto restaurateur is spearheading a national fundraising campaign to help people who lost loved ones in the Iran plane crash. Mohamad Fakih, founder of the Paramount Fine Foods restaurant chain, says he'd like to raise $1.5 million dollars to help cover funeral costs for the victims. Dubbed "Canada Strong," the campaign will be overseen by a charitable fund that also raised money for the families of victims of the Toronto van attack. (The Canadian Press) He pledged to cover all expenses related to the campaign. Every dollar from the fund will go to victims, Fakih added, noting hes getting donated help from Dentons law firm and the Toronto Foundation, which raised and distributed donations to victims of Torontos van attack and Danforth shooting rampage. A fund for the website, torontofoundation.ca/canadastrongcampaign, launched Monday. Tory said Fakih called him over the weekend to say he wanted to lead an effort to help victims. The mayor said he advised the philanthropist to get the Toronto Foundation involved and to encourage notable Canadians to urge others to step up and help people in a desperate time of need. Tory called on regular Canadians and corporations to open their hearts, and wallets, to fellow residents hit with terrible tragedy. This is the Canadian thing to do for the victims, Tory said. New Delhi: The festival of Lohri is celebrated every year on January 13 with much spirit and gusto. People get together in huge numbers and get soaked in the festive fervour of the day in the evening. The festival holds a greater significance in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Therefore, the Punjabi diaspora, settled abroad celebrates Lohri there with equal zest and zeal. Lohri marks the winter solstice, welcoming the beautiful summer sunshine with open arms. Lohri is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi. Let's find out what your favourite TV stars are up to this Lohri: Jasmin Bhasin: The most fun part for me about Lohri is the lip-smacking traditional sweets. I am a big-time foodie, and especially on Lohri, I binge on Phulle. Anita Raj: Being a Punjabi myself I always look forward to celebrating the festival. This year I am shooting but will celebrate with my family and close friends after the shoot. Fortunately, even on our show, we are shooting for a Lohri sequence so we will have a perfect pre-Lohri celebration on the sets itself with my Choti Sarrdaarni family. I love sitting around the bonfire eating Gajak mithai and most importantly enjoy doing the Bhangra all night. Avinesh Rekhi: The best thing about Lohri is that it falls in winters which is my favourite season of the year. I always make sure that I celebrate this festival in Chandigarh with my family and close friends but this year due to my work commitments I will be in Mumbai. I love gorging on food, sweets and most importantly the Lohri special groundnuts. I will celebrate the festival with my wife and kids once I am back home. It feels good to be sitting around the bonfire with all your near and dear ones close to you. Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia: We, my the festival of Lohri like it is our new year. Every year I visit Gurudwara first thing in the morning and will visit even this year, depending on my shoot schedule. Ill be celebrating the festival with the cast and crew of my show Choti Sarrdaarni. We also have a major Lohri sequence on the show which made me feel like it was the real celebration. Shaleen Bhanot: Lohri has been one of my most beloved festivals since childhood and I have many memories attached to it. We Punjabis celebrate it with great pomp and show. Amongst all the rituals, sitting around the bonfire and the Punjabi Dhol is my favourite part. This year is going to be special because my parents are in town and I will be celebrating Lohri with them after a very long time. Various kinds of food items are offered to the Lohri fire to seek blessings, prosperity and happiness from the almighty. The Lohri Prasad consists of five food items which include the Til (Sesame), the Gajak (a sweet preparation), Gud (Jaggery), Moongphali (Peanuts) and Phuliya (Popcorn). These are offered to the fire Goddess (Agni) to seek her blessings for the wellbeing for the family. Here's wishing our readers a very happy Lohri! The task of packing 1 million meals to feed the hungry worldwide is a massive undertaking. Regina Alexander believes it can be done in three days. Alexander is the Katy-area coordinator for Feed the Hunger Packathon, a three-day volunteering event where participants pack nutritious meals for children and families in need, both locally and globally. The Packathons take place in cities across the United States. The Katy Packathon runs from Feb. 27- 29 at the Katy ISD Pavilion, 6301 S. Stadium Ln. The food packs will be given to organizations here in Katy, but as the packs contain non-perishable food items, they will also be sent to communities across the world. Last years Packathon generated 604,000 meals for families in need. Katy Christian Ministries and Hope Impacts are two of the beneficiaries of the food packs. Of the one million meals, over 17,000 will be going to Katy Christian Ministries, Alexander said. Another 5,000 meals will go to Hope Impacts, a program that helps the chronically homeless in Katy. The rest of the meals will be distributed to communities in need around the world. One of the pack destinations will be the Appalachian Mountains. Theres a huge opioid epidemic there, and there's a lot of families without meals, Alexander explained. Feed the Hunger will also be delivering packs to India to an orphanage for children who were rescued from child slavery and to places in Haiti and Bangladesh where there are severely impoverished communities. In order to achieve its goal of providing one million meals, Feed the Hunger needs volunteers. A volunteer commitment is $56 and a two-hour packing session. We're asking the community-at-large to participate, whether it's churches, organizations, nonprofits or corporations, and were asking that they take a two hour spot, Alexander said. She noted that groups who want to help but cannot volunteer can sponsor an entire packing station for $1,400 and Feed the Hunger will supply the volunteers. She added, What we like to say is that this is a mission trip in your own backyard. You might not ever be able to go to the Appalachian Mountains or to Haiti or Sri Lanka, but we provide an opportunity for you to aid these communities. The $56 volunteer donation pays for the food and the delivery of the packs. The supply cost for one million meals is $280,000. According to Alexander, in the two-hour volunteer time-frame, each individual will pack around 200 meals. Those 200 meals will feed one kid for an entire school year, she emphasized. We want people to understand when theyre registering the impact that they have on children locally and globally. Volunteers as young as age 5 are welcome to work at the Packathon. Alexander noted that the Packathon is a great opportunity for small children to contribute because most food pantries have higher age limits. Said Alexander: The message that we try to convey during these Packathons is that it's more than a meal. Not only are we trying to feed the physical well-being and the nutritional needs of individuals or families, but we also are meeting the spiritual needs as well. To register for the Feed the Hunger Packathon visit www.feedthehunger.org/katy claire.goodman@chron.com Abby Huntsman has announced today she's leaving her co-hosting job on The View to serve as a senior advisor on her father's campaign for governor of Utah. The 33-year-old broke the shock news on Monday morning, which drew gasps from the live TV audience. Her last day will be this Friday after joining the talk show in September 2018. Huntsman explained she was asked by her father Jon Huntsman Jr. to help run his campaign 'months ago' and initially thought it wasn't the right time for her. But over the holidays, she reconsidered his offer and accepted. Jon Huntsman Jr. has already served as Utah's governor from 2005 to 2009. He left the job to become President Obama's ambassador to China, then was President Trump's ambassador to Russia before quitting in August 2019. Abby said: 'I couldn't be more excited to go help someone that I love. It's not often in life that you get these moments to go fight for something that you are so passionate about. ' She added: 'I told my dad, if The View taught me anything, it taught me how to fight.' Abby Huntsman announced on Monday she's leaving her co-hosting job on The View to serve as a senior advisor on her father's campaign for governor of Utah. The 33-year-old's news drew gasps from the live audience. Her last day will be this Friday after joining the talk show in September 2018 Huntsman explained she was asked by her father Jon Huntsman Jr. (pictured together) to help run his campaign 'months ago' and initially thought it wasn't the right time for her. But over the holidays, she reconsidered his offer and accepted On Saturday, Abby posted a picture with her father on the campaign trail in Utah and captioned it: 'Back to my Utah roots campaigning with this guy. Democracy in action.' Jon Huntsman Jr. also shared the news on Monday morning, tweeting: 'Im thrilled Abby has decided to join our campaign team full time as a senior advisor! 'Her years of experience on the national stage will be an enormous asset to our campaign. Excited to have her energy on the trail. Family is everything!' Abby's departure from the talk show will leave Meghan McCain as the show's only real conservative voice. Speaking on Monday, Abby said: 'This is always such a hard thing to do and especially at this table because this is a really special table, the most iconic show, I think on television and the smartest women that I've ever worked with. 'But today I'm saying goodbye. It's something that I thought a lot about. 'This panel is special and I think will go down as a crucial time for the show and I'm so thankful for this opportunity. But as you guys know, my number one priority has always been my family and you taught me the first day I got here, you said your family and your happiness are always number one. 'And I was asked months ago by my dad, who's running for governor in Utah to come and help run the campaign. I thought, no, it's not the right time.' Jon Huntsman Jr. has already served as Utah's governor from 2005 to 2009. He left the job to become President Obama's ambassador to China , then was President Trump 's ambassador to Russia before quitting in August 2019 Abby hinted at possibly returning after the race is over, adding: 'Once my dad wins, which he will, I hope, I'll be back here and I'll be back at this seat, you never know' She continued: 'Over the holidays when you take a step back and you think about life, think about your kids, think about what you want to do every day that just gets you going, and there's no one I believe in more than my own dad right now to run for politics. 'I get emotional because I do love him so much. He believes in me to go help run that and it's going to be a fast race. 'So I just want to thank all of you... because I love all of you here. I just want to give a big thank you to you guys first and foremost because you guys are friends.' Then Abby hinted at possibly returning to her co-host gig after the race is over, adding: 'Once my dad wins, which he will, I hope, I'll be back here and I'll be back at this seat, you never know. 'Life is funny that way. ABC is my family from the beginning and will probably always be in my family. So that's where we are. It's a new chapter.' Abby began her career at ABC News while in college, interning at Good Morning America and World News Tonight, according to ABC. She then worked for ABC News in Washington D.C. as a news desk assistant and then as an assistant booker for Good Morning America. During her leaving speech, Abby gave a special shout out to Meghan McCain, her fellow conservative voice on the show. She said: 'Meghan, we've been friends forever. We will be friends. This show is what we do together but we'll be friends forever.' During her leaving speech, Abby gave a special shout out to Meghan McCain, her fellow conservative voice on the show. She said: 'Meghan, we've been friends forever. We will be friends. This show is what we do together but we'll be friends forever' Recently, the two women have been at odds, according to Page Six, and were no longer on speaking terms. 'They aren't speaking to each other. It's been about a month,' the source said. The rumors of a McCain-Huntsman rift came after the pair went head-to-head last week while discussing National Security Advisor John Bolton's announcement that he is willing to testify at President Donald Trump's impeachment hearing Recently, the two women have been at odds, according to Page Six, and were no longer on speaking terms. 'They aren't speaking to each other. It's been about a month,' the source said. 'None of the ladies talk to Meghan now. Abby was the last woman standing. It's bad. Meghan's so rude.' Another source told the outlet: 'Abby tolerates Meghan, but she doesn't genuinely like her. Their friendship has soured.' The rumors of a McCain-Huntsman rift came after the pair went head-to-head last week while discussing National Security Advisor John Bolton's announcement that he is willing to testify at President Donald Trump's impeachment hearing. 'I think he ultimately has a conscience...He's someone that I think would be speaking [about] what he thinks is right, not what politically he believes or doesn't believe,' Huntsman - the daughter of former Republican Utah Gov Jon Huntsman Jr - said of Bolton. McCain firmly disagreed, saying: 'The idea that he went home and grew a conscience...Maybe I've been in politics too long.' Huntsman hit back: 'Well, I've also been in politics. [It's] my upbringing too, and a lot of people have been around politics or know politics, whether you have family or not...This show is about opinions.' Ethiopia will hold a parliamentary election in May or June, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Sunday. Abiy Ahmed, who took office in April, has pledged to open up the state-dominated economy and has taken steps to end decades of hostility with neighboring Eritrea. This year election will be the first under Abiy. On the schedule, I am not sure whether it is May or June, because the schedule will be declared by the election board but I think we will conduct an election this year because it is a constitutional mandate, Abiy said during a visit to South Africa. Abiy has promised to give more room to opponents in a nation of 100 million where no opposition lawmakers sit in parliament. The ruling coalition, in power since ousting dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991, has long been accused by the opposition of crushing dissent, a charge it had denied, though Abiy has spoken frankly since taking office about past abuses. Abiy also said Ethiopia hoped Cyril Ramaphosa, who next month assumes a one-year chairmanship of the African Union continental body, would help broker a deal with Egypt over deadlocked talks to develop the $4 billion Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile River. The dam dispute has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia. Larry Ellison, co-founder and chairman of Oracle Corp., speaks during the Oracle OpenWorld 2017 conference in San Francisco on October 3, 2017. Oracle has hired Ariel Kelman to be its new chief marketing officer, two people familiar with the matter said. Kelman is joining from Amazon Web Services, where he had been vice president of worldwide marketing for six years. The move represents a victory for Oracle, which has trailed AWS in the market for cloud infrastructure companies rent to operate websites and applications. The two companies have become increasingly bitter rivals in recent years: Oracle executives have criticized AWS , and AWS CEO Andy Jassy has spoken negatively about Oracle. AWS said in October that Amazon's consumer business had switched off its last Oracle database. Kelman replaces Rupal Shah Hollenbeck, a former Intel executive who left earlier this month. At AWS he was a top executive. He joined AWS from Salesforce, where he had held marketing roles, as head of worldwide marketing in 2011, and in 2014 he became AWS' vice president for worldwide marketing in 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before joining Salesforce Kelman spent two years at MicroStrategy and co-founded a start-up, Ventaso. AWS announced several new appointments in an internal email on Friday, a spokesperson told CNBC. Rachel Thornton, a vice president who had worked on field and partner marketing, replaces Kelman. Prior to joining AWS she spent time at Salesforce, as well as Cisco and Microsoft. Matt Garman, who had been vice president of compute services, is taking on new responsibilities spanning sales and marketing in a chief operating officer-like role. Garman, who has worked on AWS since 2006, recently joined Amazon's top circle of executives known as the S-team. Thornton will report to Garman, who in turn will report to AWS CEO Andy Jassy. Dave Brown, a vice president leading the team behind the core EC2 service who joined in 2007 as an engineer on EC2 in South Africa, where it had been developed, will take over Garman's previous work. AWS led the cloud infrastructure market with about 48% in 2018, while Oracle was not one of the top five providers, according to Gartner. Meanwhile, Oracle has remained a leader in database software. In 2018 Oracle stopped disclosing its cloud infrastructure and platform revenue, a development that some analysts took as a negative sign about the company's prospects in those areas. Oracle declined to comment for this story. Garman and Kelman didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. WATCH: Oracle loses court battle for Pentagon cloud contract New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung and the New Hampshire county where he was arrested for cocaine possession in June have reached a resolution in his case. On Monday, Belknap County Attorney Andrew Livernois released a statement on Chungs case; the 32-year-old veteran defensive back was arrested on June 25 and arraigned on August 8 on one count of cocaine possession, which is a Class B felony in New Hampshire. Chung owns a home in Meredith, N.H., on sprawling Lake Winnipesaukee. Parties have agreed to resolve New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung had his drug charge in New Hampshire dismissed with conditions. (AP/Steven Senne) The statement from Livernois reads: The parties have agreed the pending criminal charges against Mr. Chung, under the following terms. The State has agreed that it will file what is known as a conditional nolle prosequi of the charges. This means that the State has agreed to conditionally dismiss the charges against Mr. Chung, with the explicit understanding that Mr. Chung will abide by the following conditions: Chung has four conditions to meet: He must stay out of trouble for two years, in this case meaning he cannot be charged with any crimes, felony or misdemeanor, or any major motor vehicle offenses; He must undergo drug testing once a month for the next 12 months, and once every 90 days for the year after that; He must perform 40 hours of community service within the next 18 months, and it must be connected to drug abuse prevention and education; And Chung waives his right to a speedy trial, and understands that failure to comply with the above requirements can lead to New Hampshire reinstating the charges and prosecute him. Chungs lack of a prior criminal record, cooperation with Meredith Police on the night of the incident, the small amount of cocaine in his possession and his choice to undergo a substance abuse evaluation were all part of the states decision to handle the case in this manner, the statement said. Of course now Chung will await the NFLs decision on whether or not he will face any punishment from the league. More from Yahoo Sports: Sena targets NCB: Officers trying to extort money by framing youngsters must be arrested Opposition front not possible without Congress: Shiv Sena leader Raut after meeting with Rahul Gandhi Sanjay Raut on chopper tragedy: We claim to have modernised armed forces, how could this happen? Campaign curbs should apply to all, PM Modi must lead by example: Sena's Raut Shiv Sena backs govt over 'tukde tukde' gang, asks Army to end it India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Jan 13: The Shiv Sena on Monday advised the central government to take necessary action against the 'tukde tukde' gang for the violence during the citizenship protests in Delhi and said they should be 'punished'. An editorial in the Saamana, a mouthpiece of the Sena, stated,'They deserve a tight slap....centre must not step back down. Give Army orders if you want to end it'. 'Can't deny her freedom to stand with tukde tukde gang': Smriti Irani taunts Deepika Padukone Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet 'Tukde-tukde' implies breaking or cutting something into small fragments. The editorial also welcomed the newly appointed Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane remarks on PoK where he had mentioned that it will take steps to wrest Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) from Islamabad's control if Parliament wanted and if the Indian government gave such an order. In line with the Government's renewed emphasis on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), the Saamana editorial said that the PoK is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. 'We welcome Army Chief's statement on PoK. The PoK is a part of India & is a place from where maximum terror activities are initiated against India. Initiate military action in PoK,' the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. It was a reunion that seemed impossible: the story of a lost phone and a good Samaritan who became a detective. Shane McJunkins got the incredible story started in Greenville, South Carolina, where his Department of Transportation road crew spotted the phone on the side of a road. McJunkins wanted to find its owner, but recent rain kept the phone from being turned on. Ever determined, McJunkins was able to remove the phone's SIM card and load it onto his computer at home. He found more than 1,000 images and two recurring characters among them. "They looked like they had been touring the U.S. from the pictures," McJunkins said. "All these pictures look like maybe they're retired right now. (I) didn't really know, but we knew they meant something to these people." So he posted some pictures to Facebook, hoping to identify the happy couple. "It appears that this couple may be from Wisconsin," McJunkins wrote after seeing Wisconsin license plates in some photos. Within hours, the post had been shared more than 200 times. Then came the message: Someone actually knew the couple. "His name is Ron," Brian Knueppel wrote in the post's comment thread. "I have his number. Can you send me your number and I'll text it to you?" he wrote in a later message. McJunkins called the number, but there was no answer. Thirty minutes later, his phone rang. On the other end was Ron Ebert. It had been less than 24 hours since McJunkins' Facebook post. "He was so thankful because those pictures he had, he didn't have them saved to his cloud, and it's, like, all the stuff they've been doing since retirement," McJunkins recalled. In a phone interview, Ebert said he and his wife had been on the East Coast vacationing and riding his prized Harley-Davidson. He said he thinks the phone may have fallen out of his pocket or he accidentally left it on the bike when he rode off from Caesar's Head State Park. That was the week of Halloween. "I never really thought anything like this would happen because it's almost been two and a half months," Ebert said from Arizona, where he and his wife are spending some of the winter away from Milwaukee. He never thought he would see those pictures again, much less that they would earn him a new friend. "He is such a good person," Ebert said of McJunkins, who is now his new Facebook friend. "Instead of just discarding it, he's the hero in all of this." Ebert said he and his wife won't return to Milwaukee until February, but in the meantime, McJunkins plans to mail the memory card to Ebert's brother-in-law in Wisconsin. "Obviously, I've had enough time to think about not having them and wishing I had them, so when I see them, I guess I'll be very grateful that I have them again, and I'll be downloading everything when I'm done taking pictures," Ebert said. Edwin Marian Johnston hold up a photo of her son US Marine CPL Edward Johnston who died in the bombing of his Lebanon barracks in 1983 outside Federal Court September 7, 2007 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court on Monday tossed out a decision by a federal appeals court in New York that would have allowed families of those killed in the 1983 attack on U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, to move forward in collecting claims against Iran's central bank worth $1.68 billion. The top court sent the case back to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, directing the lower court to consider a defense spending bill President Donald Trump signed late last year that could make it easier for American courts to collect foreign assets. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Iran last week carried out strikes against American forces in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of the country's top general, Qasem Soleimani, on Jan. 3. The case was brought by victims of Iran-sponsored terror attacks, including the 1983 Beirut bombing, who have already won judgments against the country entitling them to billions of dollars in compensation. The Iran-linked truck bombing on international forces that year left 241 Americans dead. Bir Lehlou, 10 January 2020 (SPS) - The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) denounced the opening by Gambia of a consular representation in Dakhla, describing the decision as "irresponsible" and "outrageous assault." "The Republic of Gambia opened on January 8th, 2020, a consular representation in Dakhla, an occupied city of Western Sahara, in direct connection with the illegal Moroccan occupation of the Sahrawi Republic," the Sahrawi Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday. "The SADR, which strong condemns this flagrant assault, considers this act as a blatant aggression on its territory, a support to the Moroccan occupation and a clear violation of the constitutional law of the African Union (AU) and its resolutions of international legitimacy which do not recognize any sovereignty of Morocco over Western Sahara," the Saharawi Ministry added. The Sahrawi diplomacy stressed that the Sahrawi government "will adopt the appropriate position and the necessary decisions to defend its sovereignty in accordance with the Constitutive Law of the African Union (AU) and international law." (SPS) 062/SPS/APS FLORENCE, Ky. - It is not easy these days to lose as a Republican running in ruby-red Kentucky. But that is what happened here in November in the governor's race, when the caustic incumbent managed to alienate enough of his base to fall just short. This year, another polarizing and unpopular Republican will be up for reelection in the Bluegrass State. But Mitch McConnell has at least one key advantage that former governor Matt Bevin did not: As perhaps the most powerful man on Capitol Hill, he is positioned to drive a stake through efforts to oust a Republican who remains indisputably admired among Kentucky voters: President Donald Trump. The Senate majority leader's insistence that he will coordinate Trump's impeachment trial with the White House - and that he has no intention of being impartial - has provoked howls of protest from Democrats. On Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., accused McConnell of orchestrating a "coverup" of Trump's actions. It has also prompted speculation that he could jeopardize his slender majority by exposing Republicans in swing or Democratic-leaning states to accusations that they went along with a rigged process running counter to the Constitution. But here in Kentucky, it just looks like savvy politics. The 77-year-old is expected to face a vigorous challenge in November from a decorated Marine fighter pilot with a record of big-dollar fundraising. Yet McConnell has shown an unerring instinct for self-preservation across six Senate terms and a record stint as Republican leader. Analysts say his impeachment strategy is just more evidence that he is playing to win. "It's the safest move he could make," said Ryan Salzman, a politics professor at Northern Kentucky University. "Anything that even appears he's going against President Trump on impeachment, in any way, would be the worst thing he could do for his reelection." So far, there is no suggestion that he will. Over weeks of negotiation, McConnell has refused to bow to pressure from Senate and House Democrats - or even from more moderate members of his own caucus - over how he will manage the process. The majority leader has instead vowed "total coordination" with the White House. With the trial expected to begin as soon as this week, there is no assurance that the Senate will subpoena witnesses or documents related to the Trump administration's campaign to force Ukraine to open an inquiry into presidential rival Joe Biden. As the process unfolds, the pressure on McConnell is expected to intensify. Several Republican senators - including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, the latter of whom is expected to face a tough reelection fight - have either expressed misgivings about their leader's intentions or said directly that they want key witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton, to testify. "We have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defense," Murkowski told an Alaska radio station late last month, adding that she was "disturbed" by McConnell's coziness with the administration on impeachment. But for now, McConnell - who can afford to lose up to three votes while retaining a working majority - has the support he needs to call the shots. The political calculus on McConnell's home front offers him little room to compromise, even if he wanted to. To Trump's backers here in northern Kentucky - the small cities, affluent suburbs and rolling hill country that fans out just across the muddy Ohio River from Cincinnati - that is just how they like it. Many have long been wary of McConnell, deeming him overly willing to cut a deal and insufficiently committed to the president's agenda. His management of the president's trial, they say, will be a test. "How he handles this impeachment is going to be the big determinant of whether people get behind him," said Kevin Gordon, a talk radio host and activist. Impeachment, Gordon said, was tantamount to "an active coup" and should be given as little credence as possible. "They should dismiss the charges outright. It's a sham," Gordon said. "If McConnell runs the trial the way the Democrats want, people here are not going to be happy." So far, conservatives said they like what they have seen. State Sen. John Schickel credited McConnell for his "steady hand" and for staying, by and large, in the good graces of Trump voters who are "very, very, very passionate" in their defense of the president. But he also said McConnell is "walking a tightrope." "He definitely has to watch his right flank. He's always had to," said Schickel, who recently penned an opinion piece describing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers, which was agreed to by McConnell's Senate, as "another step toward socialism." "The party leadership in northern Kentucky is very conservative and doesn't always like what he does," Schickel said. Last year's gubernatorial race offers a cautionary tale of what happens when a Kentucky politician, even a Republican one, takes the state's conservative voters for granted. Bevin was infamous for his insults and bullying - especially of opponents, but even of Republican allies. That caught up to him as the governor sought a second term. Bevin won the primary, but in the general election, matched against a relatively moderate Democrat with a deep pedigree in Kentucky politics, many steadfast Republicans sat the contest out. "Bevin treated his conservative supporters terribly," said Phyllis Sparks, a 58-year-old Republican activist who declined to vote for either of the top contenders in the governor's race. "He didn't represent me or my values." Because of voters like Sparks, Bevin's support collapsed statewide, but most notably in northern Kentucky. In Boone County, the suburban area outside Cincinnati where Sparks lives, Bevin's margin was cut by 20 percentage points compared with his first run. In the adjacent counties of Kenton and Campbell - places Bevin had won handily in 2015 and Trump had carried by 25 points a year later - the Democrat, Andy Beshear, flipped them en route to a 5,000-vote squeaker of a statewide victory. The result galvanized Democrats, especially the campaign of Amy McGrath, the Marine veteran who is the favorite to win the party's primary and to challenge McConnell in the fall. "It gave us momentum," McGrath said in an interview. "Matt Bevin was incredibly unpopular, and Kentuckians got rid of him. Mitch McConnell is also very unpopular." According to one poll last year, the majority leader has less support in his home state than any other senator, with just 37 percent of Kentuckians backing him. Yet most prognosticators say McConnell's chances of winning reelection are strong, and even Democrats acknowledge that the comparison to Bevin has serious limitations. For one thing, "McConnell doesn't insult everyone on a daily basis, which Bevin did," said Linda Nesbitt, chair of the Campbell County Democrats. For another, McConnell will be running on a ticket with Trump, a president who enjoys a plus-14 net favorability in Kentucky, at the top. Though the two got off to a rocky start - Trump's early months in office featured a presidential tweetstorm against the senator for his failure to repeal and replace Obamacare - they have since found an accommodation. "They're a team," said Josh Holmes, a former McConnell chief of staff whose political consulting firm handles the senator's digital advertising. "The president's agenda requires somebody like Mitch McConnell to get it done." Tax reform and judicial appointments are central pillars of Trump's record that were enabled by McConnell. Now impeachment will offer the senator a fresh, high-profile chance to showcase his value to the president - and to Trump's supporters. "He's handling impeachment like a surgeon would - with precision," said Sparks, who said she will eagerly volunteer for both Trump's and McConnell's campaigns this fall. "McConnell's been a good ally of the president, and Trump's coattails are very long." An October poll found that just 29 percent of Kentuckians favor impeaching and removing Trump. That has made the issue a tricky one for McGrath, who came up short in a 2018 House election. After the House voted to impeach the president in December, McConnell's campaign knocked the Democrat for releasing a lengthy statement that did not say specifically whether she supported the House's move. (She later clarified that she did.) McGrath said in the interview that impeachment is rarely what voters most want to discuss with her, and that her message to them is focused far more on "kitchen table" issues such as health care and education. To the extent that voters do bring up impeachment, she said, "you get this feeling of, 'Let's move on.' " Still, she said she would continue speaking out against McConnell's handling of the trial, which she described as "going against your oath under the Constitution." "Most Kentuckians want a fair trial," she said. Many Kentuckians, of course, do not even think it is worthy of a trial. Around the bar at PeeWee's - a dimly lit but highly spirited watering hole popular among local Republicans - even mention of the "i-word" elicits sputtering condemnations of Democrats for daring to try to take down "the best president we've ever had." In quieter corners, some offer more nuanced views. Paul Fiser, a 60-year-old lawyer, faulted Pelosi for going ahead with impeachment despite saying she would not proceed without bipartisan support. But he also criticized McConnell for saying he could not be an impartial juror. Fiser said he had backed Trump "reluctantly" in 2016 and would probably do so again in 2020. But he drew a distinction between the president - still an outsider, even after three years in Washington - and the Kentuckian who has walked the halls of Congress for more than three decades. "McConnell has become the ultimate insider. But people are tired of business as usual. They're looking for unconventional candidates," said Fiser, who described himself as undecided in the Senate race. "He's not a lock like he's been in the past." Ministers have launched attacks on Fianna Fail and its time in government, firing the starting gun in what could be a bitter general election campaign between the major parties. Cabinet members homed in on opposition leader, Micheal Martin, and his track record despite the fact that the election has yet to be called. Health Minister Simon Harris criticised Mr Martin, after the latter's morning interview on RTE radio. He tweeted: Who is this new politician/agent of change...oh he's not new....he was in Cabinet that left the country bust. He was the minister for foreign affairs who lost the EU referendum. He was the minister for health who set up the HSE. A TD since the [Charles] Haughey era. Mr Harris went on to say that the EU-IMF Troika which bailed out Ireland during the crash had to be brought in Micheal last time you were allowed near power. He added: "The barrage of criticism from the health minister comes ahead of an expected meeting, potentially today or tomorrow, between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Mr Martin. This may mark the end of the confidence and supply deal between the two parties and therefore the end of the 32 Dail. Both leaders met last week and tried to find agreement on extending the deal. But the testy exchanges between the two parties, before the start to the election, point to the end of that pact. Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty also weighed into the criticism of Fianna Fail. She warned the country can not return to the boom and bust years under Fianna Fail in which, she argued, 2,000 hospital beds have been closed: Then Fianna Fail ruined the economy and we had no money to spend. She argued that Fine Gael has been unable to fulfill a previous pledge to end hospital trolley waits as Fianna Fail has ruined the economy". She noted that the Government has a rainy day fund of billions of euro that would prevent the country falling into a crisis like it did in 2010. Ms Doherty argued that Mr Martin has not taken responsibility for the economic crash when the party was in power up until 2011, adding: If Fianna Fail haven't even learnt the lessons from their own past, how in God's name can they be trusted not to make them again? Despite the strong words, Fianna Fail's finance spokesman, Michael McGrath, fired back on Twitter that Ms Doherty and other Fine Gael TDs would "literally say anything to win this election. Looks like their campaign will be based on spin, bluster and fear. Today, we'll introduce the concept of the P/E ratio for those who are learning about investing. We'll show how you can use UnitedHealth Group Incorporated's (NYSE:UNH) P/E ratio to inform your assessment of the investment opportunity. Based on the last twelve months, UnitedHealth Group's P/E ratio is 21.13. That means that at current prices, buyers pay $21.13 for every $1 in trailing yearly profits. Check out our latest analysis for UnitedHealth Group How Do You Calculate UnitedHealth Group's P/E Ratio? The formula for price to earnings is: Price to Earnings Ratio = Share Price Earnings per Share (EPS) Or for UnitedHealth Group: P/E of 21.13 = $295.13 $13.97 (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2019.) Is A High P/E Ratio Good? A higher P/E ratio implies that investors pay a higher price for the earning power of the business. That is not a good or a bad thing per se, but a high P/E does imply buyers are optimistic about the future. How Does UnitedHealth Group's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? The P/E ratio essentially measures market expectations of a company. You can see in the image below that the average P/E (22.5) for companies in the healthcare industry is roughly the same as UnitedHealth Group's P/E. NYSE:UNH Price Estimation Relative to Market, January 13th 2020 That indicates that the market expects UnitedHealth Group will perform roughly in line with other companies in its industry. So if UnitedHealth Group actually outperforms its peers going forward, that should be a positive for the share price. I would further inform my view by checking insider buying and selling., among other things. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios Probably the most important factor in determining what P/E a company trades on is the earnings growth. When earnings grow, the 'E' increases, over time. And in that case, the P/E ratio itself will drop rather quickly. So while a stock may look expensive based on past earnings, it could be cheap based on future earnings. Story continues UnitedHealth Group increased earnings per share by 7.3% last year. And its annual EPS growth rate over 5 years is 20%. Remember: P/E Ratios Don't Consider The Balance Sheet The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. That means it doesn't take debt or cash into account. In theory, a company can lower its future P/E ratio by using cash or debt to invest in growth. While growth expenditure doesn't always pay off, the point is that it is a good option to have; but one that the P/E ratio ignores. How Does UnitedHealth Group's Debt Impact Its P/E Ratio? Net debt totals 10% of UnitedHealth Group's market cap. This could bring some additional risk, and reduce the number of investment options for management; worth remembering if you compare its P/E to businesses without debt. The Bottom Line On UnitedHealth Group's P/E Ratio UnitedHealth Group trades on a P/E ratio of 21.1, which is above its market average of 18.7. Given the debt is only modest, and earnings are already moving in the right direction, it's not surprising that the market expects continued improvement. Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. People often underestimate remarkable growth -- so investors can make money when fast growth is not fully appreciated. So this free report on the analyst consensus forecasts could help you make a master move on this stock. You might be able to find a better buy than UnitedHealth Group. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings). 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. LUSAKA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Zambia on Saturday held celebrations for the 2020 Spring Festival with a panoramic display of Chinese culture. The event was spiced up by exhibitions of Chinese food, exhibition by Chinese enterprises as well as well as a China-Zambia Cultural and Art Exhibition. Li Jie, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, said the embassy has been holding the celebration of the Spring Festival in Zambia since 2013. He said the celebration had helped Zambians understand and appreciate Chinese culture and contributed to building cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Chinese envoy noted that the two countries had worked hard to promote their relationship which resulted in increased investment from China. Stephen Kampyongo, Zambia's Minister of Home Affairs, commended China for the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the economic success the country had recorded. He said China and Zambia had a successful 2019 which resulted in celebration of 55 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations as well as the implementation of the Zambia-China Cultural Year. According to him, Zambia and China share excellent historical relations based on friendship, equality and mutual respect as evidenced by the high level of cooperation and interaction over many years. Boris Johnson hailed a 'very good day for Northern Ireland' today after holding talks with Stormont's newly-appointed leaders - amid claims the government will pump 2billion into the return of devolution. The PM praised politicians for 'stepping up to the plate' after he met DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and her Sinn Fein deputy Michelle O'Neill. Mr Johnson said they had discussed 'funding' and Westminster would be 'supportive', but it was 'not just about money'. 'This is a very good day for Northern Ireland and the people of Northern Ireland,' he told a press call in Belfast. 'This is a chance for the government and executive of Northern Ireland to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.' Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has also been at Stormont as he and Mr Johnson marked the resurrection of the institutions after a bitter three-year standoff. However, the PM is facing a backlash from Tory MPs who are angry that the deal to restore powersharing includes launching a probe to address 'legacy' issues involving former soldiers during the Troubles. Boris Johnson praised politicians for 'stepping up to the plate' as he visited Stormont today Boris Johnson (left) and Northern ireland Secretary Julian Smith (right) were greeted by DUP First Minister Arlene Foster (second right) and her Sinn Fein deputy Michelle O'Neill (second left) outside Stormont Castle in Belfast today Mr Johnson sat down with the main players in the newly restored powersharing executive Mr Johnson and Leo Varadkar seemed in high spirits as they chatted at Stormont today The UK government made a series of financial promises as part of efforts to get the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement over the line. But it is not yet clear what the value of the total package will be that finally persuaded the DUP and Sinn Fein to settle their differences. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the institutions can only function if the unionists and republicans each agree to put up a First Minister and deputy respectively. A jubilant Mr Johnson declared: 'Never mind the hand of history on my shoulder... I see the hand of the future beckoning us all forward. 'And I hope that with goodwill and compromise and hard work on all sides it will be a very bright future indeed.' Mr Johnson insisted the deal with the DUP and Sinn Fein did not undermine the Conservatives' general election manifesto pledge to protect armed forces veterans of the 30-year conflict from unfair prosecutions without new evidence coming forward. He said the Stormont parties had done a good job balancing that with giving confidence to victims of violence who were seeking answers. However, Tory former defence minister Mark Francois warned: The Government promised in its manifesto to legislate to defend Veterans from malicious prosecutions and it would be completely unacceptable if the desire of NIO officials to re-establish the executive led to selling our veterans down the river in some Faustian pact.' He told the Sun: We must defend those who defended us." Mr Johnson said it was vital that public spending was properly monitored to ensure no repeat of the botched and overspending green energy scheme which caused the Stormont collapse three years ago. He acknowledged there could be some checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea that were destined for the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit - although he insisted that a deal with Brussels could mean they were not necessary. 'I cannot see any circumstances whatever in which there would be any need for checks on goods going from Northern Ireland to GB. 'The only circumstances in which you could imagine the need for checks coming from GB to NI - as I have explained before - is if those goods were going on in to Ireland, and we had not secured, which I hope and am confident we will, a zero-tariff, zero-quota agreement with our friends and partners in the EU.' Mr Smith, who helped broker the deal, pledged major investment to alleviate problems in the region's struggling public services, but also declined to confirm the sums involved until devolution was restored. PM says there could be checks on goods bound for Ireland Boris Johnson today acknowledged there could be some checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea that were destined for the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit - but insisted that a deal with Brussels could mean they are not necessary. Speaking on a visit to Stormont, the PM said: 'I cannot see any circumstances whatever in which there would be any need for checks on goods going from Northern Ireland to GB. 'The only circumstances in which you could imagine the need for checks coming from GB to NI - as I have explained before - is if those goods were going on in to Ireland, and we had not secured, which I hope and am confident we will, a zero-tariff, zero-quota agreement with our friends and partners in the EU.' Advertisement DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots said he expected the figure to be around 2billion, but warned the money could come with 'strings attached'. That could mean a commitment from the executive to raise extra revenue through the introduction of water charges or a hike in rates bills. 'I was with Julian Smith (during the talks) and he didn't want to be tied down to a particular figure but we were working off identified needs and they were seeking to ascertain what it was actually going to take to meet those identified needs,' Mr Poots told BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show. 'He said he didn't want to make any promise on a figure and I said all you have to say is 'billions' and, of course, that would be at least two billion. 'I would hope those are the ball parks we are in, that we are actually looking at billions of pounds over the course of the next number of years. 'They may well come with some strings attached to it. 'So, for example, and I don't know this, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they do press us to raise rates at a higher level and we do something in terms of water rates and all of that - those may be pressures that are applied by the Treasury and we will have to wait and see if that is the case.' A Number 10 source described the 2bn figure as 'just speculation'. The Irish government has also made financial pledges within the agreement to honour commitments to part-fund some north/south projects, such as the A5 dual carriageway and a redevelopment of the Ulster canal system. Stormont's new finance minister Conor Murphy said it was time for the administrations in London and Dublin to deliver their 'ambitious commitments'. 'The local parties have done their part by restoring the powersharing executive,' he said. Mr Johnson met Leo Varadkar at Stormont as they celebrated the revival of devolution Mr Johnson addressed waiting reporters as the Stormont institutions creaked back into operation after three years Ahead of Mr Johnson's arrival (pictured), a Stormont minister said he expected the Government to deliver at least 2billion to support the powersharing deal 'The two governments must now honour their pledge and provide the funding needed to deliver on the New Decade, New Approach document.' Ministers will need to hit the ground running to tackle a host of acute problems facing a public sector that has been floundering amid the 36-month governance vacuum. Top of the executive's in-tray is an industrial dispute in the health service that has seen nurses take strike action on three occasions in the last month. Under the terms of the deal, the new Executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms; increase the number of police officers on the beat; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers. The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 over a row about a botched green energy scheme. That row subsequently widened to take in more traditional wrangles on matters such as the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles. Priti Patel has been condemned for defending anti-terror police following a backlash against a decision to include the environmental group Extinction Rebellion (XR) on a list of extremist ideologies. The home secretary accepted in an interview with LBC that XR was a protest group, not a terror threat, but stopped short of outright criticising the decision and said the government was constantly looking at individuals and groups. They [XR] are obviously a protest organisation. But everything has to be based in terms of risk to the public, security risks, security threats, Ms Patel said. That is based on information from the police, and various intelligence that we will receive. Thats the proper thing to do. She also appeared to reject criticism from Sir Peter Fahy, the former head of the Prevent counter-extremism strategy, after he said the decision risked damaging public trust in the programme. Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Show all 59 1 /59 Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads London, UK Trafalgar Square Angela Christofilou/The Independent Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou/The Independent Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Trafalgar Square Angela Christofilou/The Independent Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou/The Independent Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Trafalgar Square Angela Christofilou/The Independent Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Trafalgar Square Angela Christofilou/The Independent Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Extinction Rebellion 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protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down London roads Angela Christofilou Sir Peter Fahy has made one comment. Quite frankly, I look at a range of security risks, Ms Patel told LBC. Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, the head of counter-terrorism police in southeast England, has described the document listing XR as an extremist organisation as an error of judgement and said police are working to recall it. In response to Ms Patels comments, an XR spokesperson said the real security risk to the UK was government inaction on climate change. The home secretary is right Extinction Rebellion is not extremist. But if were going to talk about risks, lets talk about Mark Carney [the governor of the Bank of England] saying that climate change is a threat to global financial security or that the US military has predicted its own collapse within 20 years as a result, the spokesperson said. The real risk is government inaction on the most pressing issue of our time and the fossil fuel companies who are destroying the planet. Rebecca Long-Bailey, one of the top contenders for Labours leadership, joined in the criticism of Ms Patels comments. The home secretarys defence of listing XR alongside neo-Nazi terrorists is a disgrace, Ms Long-Bailey said. The real threat to the public is the climate emergency, not children fighting for their future. Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, described the decision as indefensible. XR was included in a guide titled Safeguarding young people and adults from ideological extremism, alongside national security threats such as neo-Nazis and Islamist terrorist groups. The environmental group has held a number of protests in London, during which they have blocked streets and used non-violent civil disobedience to draw attention to climate change. The governments Prevent programme urges local communities to report anyone who is at risk of joining an extremist group and carrying out terrorist activities. In response to media reports on her comments, the Home Office said Ms Patel had made clear that XR was a protest group and that its inclusion in the extremism list by police was an error. WILKES-BARRE, Pa. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's public comment that he will not be an "impartial juror" in President Trump's Senate trial has alienated some swing voters here even though they support Trump and are fed up with impeachment. Why it matters: These voters told us they think all 100 senators on both sides of the aisle have a responsibility to be impartial under the Constitution. (Their oath requires them to promise "impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.") They also said McConnell's comments perpetuate the impeachment conversation when they ultimately just wish it would go away. That was a main takeaway from our Engagious/FPG focus group last week, which included 11 people who flipped from Barack Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016. While a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, these responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about the 2020 election in crucial counties. Where it stands: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she expects to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate at some point this week, which will put McConnells handling of this in the spotlight. The big picture: Their reactions to McConnell's remarks in response to a question from the focus group moderator revealed that the process is important to these voters, even if they don't think Trump should be impeached and removed from office. A December poll from ABC News and the Washington Post found that 61% of Americans expect the president will get a fair trial in the Senate and 71% think Trump should allow senior administration officials to testify. 61% of Americans expect the president will get a fair trial in the Senate and 71% think Trump should allow senior administration officials to testify. While these voters want every senator to act as an impartial judge, they are skeptical that will be the reality. What they're saying: "That was a terrible statement to make publicly," said Don E. of McConnell's comments. "He's proven that he's biased. He's working with the White House, per se. He has to be impartial; that's what the constitution says in this situation, that he has to be impartial." "Had he kept it to himself and gone and done whatever he was going to do, it would have been much better than blatantly stirring the pot in public and saying, 'I'm going to play games with the White House.'" Not a single participant disagreed with his view on McConnell. Another participant, Mary M., said it seemed like McConnell was intentionally provoking Democrats by saying that. "It's looking for trouble," she said. A different participant followed up and said it gives Democrats "talking points" and "keeps the conversation going." The economy is a top concern for these voters, and the cost of the impeachment inquiry was on their minds during our two-hour discussion. "I think there's better ways that our money can be spent then, because he only has a little bit left in office, so why spend all this money when he could just be beaten by a different candidate when we [vote]?" Michele R. asked. Between the lines: Similar to our previous focus groups in Ohio and Michigan, this group of Obama/Trump voters thinks impeaching Trump will harm the U.S. economy. They think Democrats didnt get what they wanted from Robert Mueller's investigation, so theyve found another excuse to try to go after Trump again. They overwhelmingly agreed that Democrats should drop the impeachment efforts and instead focus on issues that would improve the quality of their lives. House Democrats argument that they've passed hundreds of bills in the House that have stalled in the Senate isnt compelling to these swing voters, because they said all they hear about from the Democrats is impeachment. One participant even pointed out that the USMCA vote was delayed because of impeachment, and others said they feel the media hasnt been sufficiently covering the fact that bills are getting passed in the House and going nowhere in the Senate. One more thing: We asked these folks if a hypothetical President Hillary Clinton should be impeached and removed from office if she did exactly what President Trump has been accused of doing with respect to Ukraine. They said no. Go deeper: Suburban swing voters remain skeptical about impeachment The family of a 16-year-old girl fighting an excruciating disease is seeking the public's help to cover the cost of a supposed miracle treatment she so desperately needs. Moana Ruhfass was diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in 2013 when she was just 11 years old, following a "seemingly innocent ankle injury," her father, Manfred, wrote on GoFundMe. CRPS is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg and typically develops after an injury, a surgery or a stroke or a heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. The pain is characterized by being out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury. Although there is no cure, improvement and even remission are possible with treatment. The condition, which is said to be more painful than childbirth and has even been dubbed "suicide disease" due to the high rate of sufferers who contemplate ending their own lives, has wreaked havoc on Moana throughout her early teenage years. "Moana's condition deteriorated to the point where she was constantly crying and screaming with pain, the slightest breeze could trigger a severe pain reaction in her leg, and Moana was unable to walk, and was confined to a wheelchair," her father explained. GoFundMe Moana's parents eventually moved from their home in Greece to Australia so she could attend a specialized physiotherapy program at the Sydney Children Hospital to try and combat the disease. "The therapy treatment lasted ten long weeks, with Moana bravely enduring 10 hours of physio-therapy each and every day, in agonizing pain as the therapists tried to desensitise, and reset the pain perception in her neuro-pathways," her father wrote on GoFundMe. "The therapy was partially successful, and enabled her to walk again, however, the unbearable pain she experiences remained constant." The teen's pain has become so severe that she now experiences blackouts and non-epileptic seizures "with full-body convulsions which can throw her off the ground" once or twice a week, "lasting anywhere from 1 minute to up to 2.5 hours." Story continues "The seizures and recovery time affect every aspect of her life, from her physical well-being and mental state, to the negative impact on her education, and social interactions with other children," her father said. Just when the family's options were looking slim, they came across an ABC Australia article about the Spero Clinic, a holistic medical treatment center in Arkansas, which has successfully treated 5 out of 5 CRPS patients in the past year, including 13-year-old Romeo Paora. Paora's struggle with CRPS began at the age of 9 when he injured his knee playing rugby. The condition went undiagnosed for 3 years and the pain became so great for the youngster that he asked his mother to buy him a gun so he could end his life. After undergoing a 12-week treatment program at the Spero Clinic, Romeo says he "can do anything now with no pain," adding that, "I am not sore and life is amazing." Moana's family is looking to raise $65,000 to cover both the cost of the program and the cost of flying her and her mother to the U.S. so she can hopefully have such a positive outcome. "This clinic is the only centre in the world, with lasting success in treating this disease," her father wrote on GoFundMe. "All children deserve a life free of pain which is something many of us take for granted. This is our last chance for Moana!" RELATED: Robo-pill replaces injection and could help millions suffering from chronic diseases: Confetti falls as Tsai Ing-Wen holds hands with Vice President-elect William Lai and Vice-President, Chen Chien-jen, as she celebrates after addressing supporters following her re-election as President of Taiwan in Taipei, Taiwan on January 11, 2020. (Carl Court/Getty Images) In Covering Taiwan Election, Chinese State Media Distort Facts and Discredit Voter Results Chinese state-run media sought to dismiss Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens re-election victory by accusing her of shady tactics, without providing evidence. Meanwhile, officials stuck to the Chinese regimes narrative that the self-ruled island is part of its territory. On Jan. 11, Tsai won the election by a landslide with 8.17 million votes, or 57.1 percent of the total votes. The figure was also the highest number of votes a presidential candidate has won since the island held direct presidential elections in 1996. Her chief opponent, Han Kuo-yu from the Kuomintang (KMT), earned 5.52 million votes (38.6 percent), while third-party candidate James Soong won 608,590 (4.3 percent). Voter turnout rate also reached a new high, with 14.46 million Taiwanese, or 74.9 percent of the electorate, casting their ballots. Tsai, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has defended Taiwans sovereignty and repeatedly called out Beijings intimidation and influence campaigns on the island, angering the Chinese regime. Since she assumed office in May 2016, Beijing has consistently attacked her. Han, on the other hand, ran on a platform of pursuing closer ties with mainland China. Experts say Tsais victory signified that Taiwanese citizens strongly reject Beijings efforts to unite the island with the mainland. External Forces to Blame For mainland Chinese audiences, state media spread fake news in an effort to discredit Tsais victory. The election within the Taiwan region is largely controlled by external dark forces, state-run media Xinhua said in its Jan. 11 report, spreading its usual narrative of foreign countries being the culprit behind incidents that challenge the Chinese regime. Meanwhile, Peoples Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), analyzed on Jan. 12 that the reason why Han and KMT lost the election is because there have been conflicts within the KMT since the beginning of the campaign, and the KMT doesnt have a strong supporter from the outside. The article also claimed that U.S. and other Western forces publicly interfered in Taiwan election The United States pushed a series of policies supporting Taiwanand indulged the DPP in fighting the mainland, the report said. This is a dirty election without any impartiality, Peoples Daily said in an editorial published on Jan. 12. The hawkish newspaper Global Times used harsh language to warn Tsai on Jan. 11: If Tsai and the DPP government keep on leading Taiwan in the opposite direction, they will surely become historical sinners, who will be criticized by people on both sides of the strait and will receive retribution. Spinning the News Xinhua, which serves as the Chinese regimes official news agency, published an article on the election results late on Jan. 11, first criticizing the performance of Tsais government in the past three years. Peoples livelihood are getting worse and worse, while democracy [in Taiwan] keeps going backwards this prompted the deliberate use of all resources within the party, government, and military to campaign [for Tsai]. Beijings disinformation campaign, initiated in the lead-up to Taiwans 2018 local elections, spread the idea that economic ties with mainland China would improve Taiwanese peoples livelihood. The Xinhua article accused Tsai of spreading disinformation instead. First, she crazily spent hundreds of billion of Taiwan dollars [1 TWD = 0.033 USD] to launch policies in an effort to buy voters support. Second, she hired an internet army to defame her competitors. Third, she enlarged the threat from the mainland scaring people. In fact, in the lead-up to the January election, the Chinese regime twice sent its newest aircraft carrier to the Taiwan strait, a move denounced by Taipei as military intimidation. The regime has never ruled out using military force to take Taiwan. And previously in 2018, media such as Foreign Policy magazine traced popular Facebook fan pages for Hanwho was eventually elected to mayor of the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiungto a Chinese cybergroup. Since September 2019, Chinese state-run media and the KMT have claimed that Tsais government policies, such as offering pensions to farmers, were attempts to buy peoples support. In fact, that policy was proposed long before the presidential racein September 2018. Comments from Beijing Chinese officials also issued their opinion, emphasizing Beijings policy of unifying Taiwan with the mainland. Despite Taiwanese voters favoring Tsais repudiation of Beijings one country, two systems proposal for annexing the island, officials stuck to their talking points. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of Chinas State Council, told media on Jan. 11: We would like to promote cross-strait relations under the common political basis of 92 Consensus and being against Taiwan independence. Under the 1992 Consensus, Taipei and Beijing agreed that there is one China, but both sides can interpret what the one China is. In the mainland, the Chinese regime claims itself as the one China and Taiwan as one of its provinces. Meanwhile, Taiwan recognizes itself, officially the Republic of China, as the sole legitimate representative of China. Tsai and the DPP do not accept the 92 Consensus, saying that Taiwan is a sovereign nation and that the consensus is simply another codename for Beijings desire to unify Taiwan. One could perhaps have excused them their earlier indiscretions of November 2016. He was, after all, an unknown quantity, an outsider of questionable conservative pedigree. Indeed, Donald Trump had been a fairly typical New York liberal Democrat for much of his life. And he had led a less than stellar moral life. And so the pile-on at the time by National Review and others could perhaps have been forgiven, although not really, when one considered the alternative. As I had written at the time: Do we not grow weary of the sanctimonious ones? The Never Trumpers that endlessly hector and scold, and hold themselves up as paragons of moral virtue? They display their good taste by showing contempt for Trump and his supporters. Some of them claim they will vote down ballot, skipping the Presidential slot, or vote for Evan whats his name (McMullin). Some will write in a candidate or go Libertarian, neither of who will have any chance of winning. Other pious Republicans will even cast their vote for Hillary. But how much more compelling is the argument today, three years later, in light of the horrendous behavior of the Left, their naked will-to-power and demonic rule or ruin ethos? And what of Trump, his incredible and unexpected victory in 2016, and then his very favorable performance as president and conservative standard-bearer? What accounts for the odd and self-immolating behavior of the Never Trump crowd, most if not all of them former card-carrying members of the right? Never Trumpers go under many labels including Globalists, neo-Cons, moderate Republicans, RINOs, Democrat-lites, and the GOP establishment. Some of its better-known members include William Kristol, Mona Charen, the Koch brothers, John Podhoretz, Jeff Flake, Steve Schmidt, the Bushes, George Will, Bret Stephens, Mitt Romney, John Kasich, Gabriel Schoenfeld, Rick Wilson, David French, Max Boot, and others. Many Never Trumpers, furthermore, are of Jewish persuasion, as I am, and supporters of Israel, as I also am. One would have thought that actions taken by the president, our modern day Cyrus and defender of the Jews, would have persuaded them. Perhaps, it is that many of them, along with liberal associates, are part of what Angelo Codevilla describes as the ruling class. These are individuals in higher-level positions in government, academia, the media, think tanks, non-government organizations (NGOs), unions, non-profits, corporations, and the courts. They compose an extra-constitutional elite system, operating outside of the usual democratic mechanisms, that, in effect, run the country. The ruling class believe themselves of superior cultural, moral and intellectual temperament; they view with disdain the unwashed living in the vast swaths between the coasts over whom they feel entitled to rule. Although superficially embracing democracy, they prefer government by experts, or, as it may occur, judges, but reject the elected branches unless, of course, they deliver the proper outcome. They are, in other words, progressives. They place great faith in the New World Order, globalism, and world government. International bodies such as the European Union, the United Nations, and NATO are highly favored and critical to their vision of the world. They abhor primitive tribal notions of nationhood such as love of country, its culture and heritage, and national sovereignty. Appalled by Brexit and efforts by Trump to build a wall, they embrace open immigration and amnesty while spurning borders. Some advocate policies that can loosely be described as invade the world, invite the world. Some support criminal justice reform, single-payer healthcare, and the Paris Climate Accord and maintain that Europe is better than America. Many are not particularly fond of religion or biblical values, in particular, Christianity. Many are socially liberal or libertarian even when fiscally conservative. The Second Amendment repulses them. It is a single class that includes Democrats and Republicans but not exactly. The Democrats are the ranking members and Republicans are subordinate. Democrats enjoy prestige and power; their media organs are dominant; they have cultural gravitas. Republicans do not. They seek acceptance and recognition, but know that they serve at the pleasure of liberal superiors. Republican ruling class members seek to preserve their lucrative media presence, affirmative pats on the head from leftist betters, and, of course, dinner invitations from liberal friends. They do this by promoting certain foundational policies beloved by the left (particularly on immigration). In this particular era, however, they have found a far better meal ticket to ensure continued membership in this exclusive club: denouncing Trump and everything he stands for including those who voted for him. Republican country clubbers recognize that Trump is, in effect, a giant middle finger from the deplorables to them and their liberal cocktail lounge comrades. Indeed, it is the failure of Republicans to enact policies that they fund raise and campaign on every election cycle (defending our borders, ending Obamacare, law and order) only to abandon them once ensconced in power that drove voters to the outsider, anti-establishment Trump in the first place. It is from the ranks of the second tier of the ruling class, of the cowering, pseudo-right aristocracy, that many if not most Never Trumpers arise. The so-called conservative, Holier than thou Never Trump crowd cannot abide supporting Trump, or even keep from insulting him and his many followers in the most vicious ways. They must then recognize that they are complicit in a possible Hillary presidency that will bring the nation to its knees. Although an imperfect candidate, Trump is the only one that can prevent a likely 16-year Obama-Clinton continuum that will alter the nation irreversibly. The moral and principled choice is to stop Clinton by embracing Trump. By failing to do so, Republican Never Trumpers betray the nation and the conservative cause they claim to be a part of, and place themselves alongside the vile Left who actively seek to destroy the country. We have long been burdened by what Lenin described as useful idiots, referring to leftist intellectuals in the West sympathetic to Marxist socialism despite its abysmal failures and atrocities. Now we have our useful idiots on the pseudo-right in the form of the Never Trumpers. These pearl-clutchers and malcontents, closet socialists and soft-progressives, are every bit as despicable as the leftist followers they once decried. They cover themselves in shame. Dr. Richard Moss is a board certified head and neck cancer surgeon and was a candidate for Congress in 2016 and 2018. He has been in practice in Jasper and Washington, IN for over 20 years. He has written A Surgeons Odyssey and Matildas Triumph available on amazon.com. Find more of his essays at richardmossmd.com. Visit Richard Moss, M.D. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Image credit: U.S. Naval War College, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 Sir Roger Scruton, whom Acton Institute co-founder Rev. Robert Sirico once described as perhaps the worlds leading conservative philosopher, passed away from cancer Sunday at the age of 75. His profound intelligence probed every subject from aesthetics and sexuality to religion and the minutiae of governing. Below are 10 quotations that encapsulate his view of conservatism, culture, and the meaning of life. What is culture? A civilization is a social entity that manifests religious, political, legal, and customary uniformity over an extended period, and which confers on its members the benefits of socially accumulated knowledge. The culture of a civilization is the art and literature through which it rises to consciousness of itself and defines its vision of the world. [C]ultures are the means through which civilizations become conscious of themselves, and are permeated by the strengths and weaknesses of their inherited form of life. (Culture Counts. Encounter Books, 2007. Reprinted 2018.) A concise definition of conservatism: Conservatism is more an instinct than an idea. But its the instinct that I think we all ultimately share, at least if we are happy in this world. Its the instinct to hold on to what we love, to protect it from degradation and violence and to build our lives around it. [F]or us, now in this country, it is at least the heritage of political order and our way of doing things the natural way of being in this country where we belong, and defending it as our home. And I think that is the ultimate root of the conservative position. (Spectator magazine event on The Future of Conservatism, with Douglas Murray in London. May 2019.) How capitalism and the free market build human relationships: The most important lesson to take, both from Adam Smiths original defence of the free economy, as the beneficent working of the invisible hand, and from Hayeks defence of spontaneous order as the vehicle of economic information, is that a free economy is an economy run by free beings. And free beings are responsible beings. Economic transactions in a regime of private property depend not only on distinguishing mine from yours, but also on relating me to you. [O]nly trust, not ownership, holds things in place. (How to be a Conservative. Bloomsbury Continuum, 2014.) Relativism cloaks evil intentions: In argument about moral problems, relativism is the first refuge of the scoundrel. (Modern Philosophy: An Introduction and Survey. Bloomsbury Reader, 1996.) Why intellectuals believe Marxism, part 1: For Marx, the interests that are advanced by an ideology are those of a ruling class. We might similarly suggest that the interests advanced by totalitarian ideology are those of an aspiring elite. And we might confront totalitarian ideology in Marxian spirit, by explaining it in terms of its social function, and thereby exploding its epistemological claims. It is not the truth of Marixsm that explains the willingness of intellectuals to believe it, but the power it confers on intellectuals, in their attempts to control the world. And since, as Swift says, it is futile to reason someone out of a thing that he was not reasoned into, we can conclude that Marxism owes its remarkable power to survive every criticism to the fact that it is not a truth-directed but a power-directed system of thought. (A Political Philosophy. Continuum, 2006.) Why intellectuals believe Marxism, part 2: Intellectuals are naturally attracted by the idea of a planned society, in the belief that they will be in charge of it. (Fools, Frauds, and Firebrands: Thinkers of the New Left. Bloomsbury Continuum, 2015.) Original Sin and the value of every human person: The doctrine of original sin, which is contained in the story of Genesis one of the most beautiful concentrated metaphors in existence is about the way we human beings fall from treating each other as subjects to treating each other as objects. Love, respect and forgiveness come from that. When we treat each other as objects, then we get the concentration camps. (The Soul of the World. Princeton, 2014.) On national sovereignty: This law-governed society is made possible because we know who we are and define our identity not by our religion, our tribe, or our race but by our country, the place where our man-made law prevails, the sovereign territory in which we have built the free form of life that we share. This sovereign territory is our home, and it is in terms of it that our public duties are defined. We may have religious and family duties too, but they are private duties, not incumbent on the citizenry as a whole. Our public duties are defined by the secular law, and by the customs and institutions that have grown alongside it. It seems to me that the national identity that I, as an Englishman, have inherited the identity of a nation joined in a union of like-minded nations in a single sovereign territory is far more robust than its detractors assume, and that it has, like the American identity, a remarkable capacity to absorb incomers and to integrate them by a process of mutual adaptation. But we can adapt to the effects of inward migration only if migration is controlled, and only if we are allowed to affirm our identity in the face of it, so as to renew our obedience to the institutions and customs that define us. In other words, the global processes that challenge us now are reasons to affirm national sovereignty and not to repudiate it. For national sovereignty defines what we are. (Acton Institutes Crisis of Liberty in the West conference in London. December 1, 2016.) One his controversial intellectual life: Its been a great adventure for me to be so hated by people I hold in contempt. (Receiving the Jeane Kirkpatrick Award for Academic Freedom on October 11, 2018, at Encounter Books twentieth anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.) On the meaning of life: During this year much was taken from me my reputation, my standing as a public intellectual, my position in the Conservative movement, my peace of mind, my health. But much more was given back: by Douglas Murrays generous defence, by the friends who rallied behind him, by the rheumatologist who saved my life and by the doctor to whose care I am now entrusted. Falling to the bottom in my own country, I have been raised to the top elsewhere, and looking back over the sequence of events I can only be glad that I have lived long enough to see this happen. Coming close to death you begin to know what life means, and what it means is gratitude. (Roger Scruton: My 2019. The Spectator. December 21, 2019.) Related: The great adventure of Sir Roger Scruton, RIP How identity politics destroys freedom (Address at the Acton Institutes first transatlantic conference on the Crisis of Liberty in the West.) December 1, 2016. Scruton on populism: Politics needs a first-person plural Sir Roger Scruton: How to preserve freedom in the West Book Review: Roger Scrutons On Human Nature Scruton and McGilchrist on Bach, the tyranny of pop, and the gullibility of our age Brexit: national borders, democracy, jurisdiction Oikophilia Will Save the World Roger Scruton: No escaping morality in economics (Photo credit: Sir Roger Scruton speaking on July 1, 2019. Fronteiras do Pensamento. This photo has been cropped. CC BY-SA 2.0.) ...As all around, the normal hustle and bustle of the Norfolk house was stilled while staff busied themselves far from where this extraordinary Royal Family drama was set to play out: the Queen's private apartments on the first floor, the dining room and, nearby, the Long Library. Prince Harry had swept through the gates in the back seat of a Range Rover with darkened rear windows. He arrived in good time for lunch. More importantly, his arrival allowed him time to seek out his grandmother ahead of the summit with his father and brother. Prince Harry had swept through the gates in the back seat of a Range Rover with darkened rear windows. He is pictured leaving after the summit Prince Charles was already there. He had flown in from Oman by private jet on Sunday night after paying his respects on the death of the Arab state's leader, Sultan Qaboos. A car had driven him the 15 miles from RAF Marham. William was last to arrive, picked up from his home at nearby Anmer in a black Land Rover Defender and entering the estate through a cul-de-sac next to the primary school at West Newton. It was 1.45pm. The meeting had been set for 2pm. Earlier, another part of this gripping tableau had taken place: Prince Philip the patriarchal figure who for so long had dominated all family discussions had quietly left the house, driven away in his Land Rover Freelander by Countess Mountbatten, the former Lady Penny Romsey who helps care for him. Just how strategic this departure was, was not immediately clear. But the fact he left more than an hour and a half before the Duke of Sussex arrived was seen as significant. At 98, he no longer lays down the law as he once did and some courtiers wonder if this was his way of saying 'this is not my fight'. William was last to arrive, picked up from his home at nearby Anmer in a black Land Rover Defender and entering the estate through a cul-de-sac next to the primary school at West Newton. It was 1.45pm. The meeting had been set for 2pm. The Duke of Cambridge is picture leaving It may also be that by making himself absent he could not be drawn into a situation where the mantra which governed his attitude to royal life 'you are either in the family or out' was being tested by Harry and Meghan's wish to be part-time royals. Twenty-seven years ago, it was the measured and cool Philip who handled the catastrophe over Charles and Diana's marriage by acting as an honest broker between the warring couple. How the Queen must have wished for the composure of her unflinching husband as this most difficult of situations unspooled. According to informed sources, the mood at the meeting was calm and there are no reports of shouting or blistering exchanges. Prince Charles (pictured leaving Sandringham) was already there. He had flown in from Oman by private jet on Sunday night after paying his respects on the death of the Arab state's leader, Sultan Qaboos. A car had driven him the 15 miles from RAF Marham The discussions were led by the Prince of Wales, who perhaps has more invested in the outcome than anyone. It will be his money that funds a future independent life for Harry and Meghan and it is their co-operation that he requires if he is to see through his dream of a slimmed-down monarchy fit for the 21st century. Finding an accommodation was the watchword. William, who has so often been in disagreement with his father in recent times, is believed to have supported this approach. But it was the Queen to whom it has fallen to resolve this most heart-breaking family crisis. And the statement that came in her name was laced with despair. Not since 1997 in the aftermath of the death of Diana has the Queen issued such a personal bulletin. Earlier, another part of this gripping tableau had taken place: Prince Philip the patriarchal figure who for so long had dominated all family discussions had quietly left the house, driven away in his Land Rover Freelander by Countess Mountbatten, the former Lady Penny Romsey who helps care for him (pictured together) Then, she addressed a nation in shock and by including the magical phrase that she was speaking 'as a grandmother' defused the resentment that had built up over the Royal Family's failure to speedily acknowledge the loss of the princess. Now here she was 22 years later grappling with the conflict over Diana's son and his demand to stand down as a senior royal and move overseas with his wife and young son Archie. Can there ever have been a more poignant communique? Her message was clear that she will not stand in the couple's way but it is with a heavy heart that she has agreed. In one sentence alone, her sadness about this incendiary situation shone through. 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.' It was the Queen to whom it has fallen to resolve this most heart-breaking family crisis. And the statement that came in her name was laced with despair Unsaid was the anguish felt around the conference table at Sandringham yesterday afternoon that little more than 18 months after a wedding that delighted the watching world, no one knows what will happen to Harry and Meghan in their semi-detached status from the House of Windsor. What does seem certain is that the tricky issue of their titles, while not referred to, has been papered over. The language the Queen uses is of conciliation and it is carefully chosen. In the first instance, she refers to 'my grandson'. The next reference is to 'Harry and Meghan'. Only once does she mention the pair by their official name when she talks about the 'Sussexes' spending time in Canada and the UK. This last must be an oblique nod to their titles as duke and duchess and the HRH style they also enjoy. From this it seems there will be none of the punishment meted out to both Diana and the Duchess of York, who both lost their royal highness titles on divorce. Repeating the mistakes of the past was not on the agenda. Above all, the palace view was that nothing should be put in writing which would inflame an already tense position. It was for that reason that it is thought there was no open telephone line to Meghan in Canada. According to palace officials, such an idea was rejected because no one knew for sure who else might have been listening in. 'This was a highly confidential family discussion, not a conference call,' says one insider. After 90 brisk minutes, the Long Library (pictured) meeting broke up and the four royals went in different directions Harry is thought to have reached Sandringham early specifically to allow him some time alone with his grandmother. Unlike William, who had been at the Royal Family Christmas, Harry had been 5,000 miles away on Vancouver Island off the west coast of Canada. According to friends, he wanted to put his side of the story to the Queen. He was also able to see his father, who has been perplexed by his decisions that could yet have a profound effect on the future direction of the family. For Charles, the matter is far from concluded. He knows Harry will rely on his Duchy of Cornwall to meet family bills. He has already lavished a small fortune on his younger son, from his wedding to the fitting out of Frogmore cottage the Windsor house he is now largely going to vacate. Says a friend: 'He doesn't have unlimited resources. Harry needs to know that.' This is why more talks are planned, though these are likely to involve officials rather than the family group. It is hoped that the couple's future funding will act as a brake on their money-making plans. 'There will be strict instructions on branding, for example,' says one figure. 'No one wants to see the Sussex name on a tub of margarine.' This was a deliberate nod to what happened in the aftermath of Diana's death when her memorial fund began endorsing cash-raising schemes that appalled the public. And just as it was then, it is public attitudes which are likely to shape Harry and Meghan's financial future. Courtiers intend to make it clear that the country will not wear the couple exploiting their royal status for money. After 90 brisk minutes, the Long Library meeting broke up and the four royals went in different directions. The Queen returned to her upstairs suite. At 3.45pm, Prince Charles left behind the wheel of a silver Audi heading for Marham where a helicopter was waiting to fly him back to Birkhall, his home on the Balmoral estate. Harry left moments later. The skies were darkening as William, the last to leave, set off for Anmer Hall just after 4pm. The question now is what happens next. While conducting research for Atlas Shrugged during a cross-country train trip in 1947, Ayn Rand wrote in her journal what she saw when she came upon Pittsburgh while traveling east: From the parkways, to the old, vertical houses on steep hillsides, to the slums, with narrow, cobblestone streetsthen the sudden view of the river and the blurred silhouettes of skyscrapersthe rise to the triumphant goal and spirit of the place, of the great effort that made it. Rands admiration for Pittsburgh was, in at least one important instance, reciprocatedPittsburgh Press critic Bett Andersons glowing review of Rands 1943 novel The Fountainhead. I dont expect you to remember that review, Anderson wrote to Rand in care of her publisher in 1948 while requesting an inscribed copy of The Fountainhead, which was about to be adapted as a movie starring Gary Cooper. But I was wildly enthusiastic about the book and still am. I have read it literally dozens of times and have told many people about it. I hope that the picture is as good as the book. I dont see how it could be. Anderson had reported that the epic about an architect who does manual labor in a quarry and is forced to reclaim rather than compromise his creation gives the reader a new set of values by which to judge not only the building but also the builder She has set up a temple of words dedicated to all that is good and noble in man. She has written a book that is magnificent and bitter and challenging. Rand would later write that Andersons article was one of the only two reviews which I shall always remember. At a time when so much senseless drivel was being written about The Fountainhead by the majority of the reviewers, these two [Anderson and Lorine Pruette for the New York Times] gave me hope that some real intelligence still existed in the world. I shall always be profoundly grateful to Mrs. Anderson for that. Rand also wrote to Anderson: Thank you for giving me hope at a time when I needed it badly. By then, Rand had written a hit Broadway play, an Oscar-nominated movie and three best-selling novels. She would lecture at Columbia, West Point and Yale, dine at the White House and twice be a guest on Johnny Carsons Tonight Show. A Jewish atheist who escaped from Russia to the U.S. in 1926, Rand became, by the time of her death in 1982, Americas foremost woman thinker. She referenced Pittsburgh in her final novel and masterpiece, Atlas Shrugged (1957). In the plot, the best mindsincluding industrialists such as a Western Pennsylvania metals inventorgo on a secret strike. Essentially these extremely productive Americans are the equivalent of Atlas, and, when faced with government control by dolts, cronies and bureaucrats, they shrug. Rand, who sought to depict man as a heroic being, portrayed Pittsburgh when the heroine visits a steel industrialist with whom she forges a bondand extramarital affairto investigate the mysterious strike. The epic novel introduces Rands philosophy, Objectivism. The University of Pittsburgh now publishes an advanced series of volumes on Objectivism, edited by Greg Salmieri, a Rutgers University philosophy professor who earned his Ph.D. in philosophy at Pitt and James Lennox, Pitt emeritus professor in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. Lennox is a founding member of the Ayn Rand Society, which is affiliated with the American Philosophical Associations eastern division. The University of Pittsburgh Press introduced the first edition of the Ayn Rand Societys philosophical studies, Metaethics, Egoism, and Virtue, in 2011. The university press followed with Concepts and Their Role in Knowledge in 2013. A third volume, Foundations of a Free Society, focusing on Rands political thought, was published in the spring. Pitt plans to publish two more volumes. The next edition, still in progress, will probably cover Rands relationship to her hero, Aristotle. Were at the point in history of Rands passing from being a controversial contemporary figure in the history of thought, said Salmieri. Its time for reference works. I think that readers who associate her with conservatives or libertarians might not know that she viewed government as good and necessary. Her thoughts on freedom of speech and intellectual freedom relate to the views of John Locke and the founding views of America. She held that there are principles governing how societies operatethat theres a real need for a government and that government [should] stick to certain proper functions and fully perform those functions. I think the structure of her view is not well understood by people who just think of her as a kind of propagandist against Big Government. Salmieri said the notion of Rand as an exclusively right-wing thinker stems from the left/right dichotomy that dominates American politics. This was particularly [prevalent] during the forties through the early seventieswhen Rand was writingand the issue that most obviously separated them was the growth of the welfare state. Because Rand was critical of communism and socialism, Salmieri said, she was strongly opposed by the left. As a result, Rand was popular among people who felt dispossessed by the left, such as Isabel Paterson and Rose Wilder Lane, so shes thought of as more on the conservative side, although I dont think anybody was as nasty and as anti-Rand as the National Review in the fifties and sixties. So, it was never that the hatred of her came exclusively from the leftit came from all overpockets of interest in her [philosophy] arose among people who didnt see themselves as parts of the left. So, shes often aligned on the right. Salmieri cited Rands desire to preserve freedom of speech, secularism, abortion rights, end of life decision rights and equal protection of minorities. I think some leftists could find a lot to like in Rand, but shes seen as being on the right as opposed to the left so people dont look for it there, whereas, people on the right will often look for what they agree with as opposed to just what they disagree with. Asked what Rand would think of President Trump, Salmieri said she probably wouldve applauded the move of the [U.S.] embassy [in Israel] to Jerusalem. He also noted that certain Trump appointees to regulatory agencies have engaged in deregulation. I think she wouldve thought that was a small change for the good. But it wouldve been a really small changeit was certainly a lot less deregulation than took place under [President] Carter, and she was no fan of Carter. But Trump is anti-intellectual, which Rand railed against. By Delana Isles ELECTED representative for Grand Turk North, Hon. George Lightbourne threatened to quit the Progressive National Party (PNP) as of January 7 if certain proposals were not accepted. Those proposals called for Hon. Misicks resignation as party leader, Misicks appointment of E Jay Saunders as deputy leader and all other 2020 candidates to fall away, a date for new party elections and for the process outlined in the party constitution to be followed. Several attempts to reach the representative to ascertain whether he has followed through on his promise to cut party ties proved futile before press time. Contained in a public letter shared by Lightbourne on January 3 was a reiteration of his proposals to the party in respect of his claims of breaches to the PNP constitution to elect or select C Washington Misick as party leader. Previously, the member had told the press that he will be taking the matter back to the Supreme Court for satisfaction if by early January his proposals are not addressed. All indications are that the party has not acquiesced to Lightbournes requests, and the matter could be heading back to court before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale. In September, when Lightbourne indicated his intentions to file suit, he claimed that a deal was made to keep Misick as leader and to cancel the elections. When this failed, a new and unlawful motion was made on the floor of the convention to allow Misick to enter the race. When this was done, no section of the constitution was cited to support such a motion and none could have been cited because none exists, the parliamentarian alleged. The case was taken to court for determination on whether the matter would be heard. When the case was first heard in court, on November 26, Ramsay-Hale advised the applicant that his grievances should first be taken to the partys general council for satisfaction. She determined that the application was premature at that time, and advised the Grand Turk representative to seek redress there first, and if none if achieved, to bring his case back to the court for resolution. The chief justice stated the following to this publication: "It was dismissed, but not on the merits. "The PNP constitution requires persons who wish to raise an issue with respect to the partys constitution to first make an application to the PNP general council. "In the courts view, the application was premature. He should have raised the issue with the general council first and then appealed against the councils decision. In the ensuing weeks, following the courts decision to dismiss the case at that time, Lightbourne and the PNP have both been silent on the possibility of a resolution or what was being done to take care of the matter, that is, until the public post by the member. In it he states: "The entire leadership of the PNP is null and void. "If my proposals are not accepted by the 7th January 2020 - I will no longer associate myself with the Progressive National Party PNP. PNP chairman Calvin Green promised a response on the issue at his earliest opportunity. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 04:46:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Mechanical arms move along with music during the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 9, 2020. The world's premier tech show was wrapped up here on Friday. The four-day show drew more than 4,500 exhibitors from over 160 countries. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) Some U.S. tech companies value China's huge market, manufacturing and labor costs, while some others value China's innovation technologies, and its geological location which can be considered as a logistics hub towards southeast Asian countries. by Tan Jingjing LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- At the just-concluded 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, many U.S. tech companies have expressed their hopes for closer exchanges and cooperation with China despite bilateral trade tensions. Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon told Xinhua he is "super excited" about Qualcomm's business in China, and applauded the win-win cooperation between Qualcomm and its Chinese partners, such as Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus and vivo. Amon called the cooperation an example of successful relationship between the two countries, adding that it allows Chinese partners to not only grow in domestic consumption, but also expand outside China. "We are not backing down on our China cooperation. We're increasing our cooperation in resources towards or partnerships in China in the 5G transition," he said. Ford Motor also plans to step up its business in China. The company's new all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, will be on show in the Chinese market in April this year, and be available in the Chinese market next year, according to the company. Amy Huo, vice president of communications at Ford Motor Greater China, told Xinhua China has attached great importance to technology innovation and new energy development, which are highly compatible with Ford's strategy emphasis in the technologies such as electric vehicles and internet of cars. "Ford plans to further enhance cooperation with China in the five years to come, explore local strategic partners for joint innovation," she said. Some tech companies value China's huge market, manufacturing and labor costs, while some others value China's innovation technologies, and its geological location which can be considered as a logistics hub towards southeast Asian countries. Photo taken on Jan. 8, 2020 shows the world's first 5G personal computer (PC) launched by Lenovo during the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States. China's tech giant Lenovo has launched the world's first 5G PC at the ongoing 2020 CES in Las Vegas, for the first time bringing 5G connectivity to a premium computing experience beyond smartphone technology. The new PC, named "Yoga 5G," is an ultra-portable 2-in-1 laptop and the first-ever PC powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx 5G Compute Platform, according to Lenovo. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) Josh Cross, founder and CEO of American power and tracking technology company Elios, told Xinhua the company's cooperation with China dates back to 2015. Elios' software design is done in the United States and the hardware part is done in China. Currently it is cooperating with three Chinese companies in GPS products, power and GPS products, and sourcing, Cross said. China has very good infrastructure, years of experience and high efficiency, he said, adding Elios expects to cooperate with more Chinese partners in the near future. A staff member sits in a car during the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 7, 2020. The world's premier tech show was wrapped up here on Friday. The four-day show drew more than 4,500 exhibitors from over 160 countries. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) The 2020 CES, the world's premier tech show, was held in Las Vegas from Tuesday to Friday. The four-day show drew more than 4,500 exhibitors from over 160 countries. Nearly 20,000 new transformative tech products were on show, encompassing 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart cities and resilience, sports, robotics and more. Amid escalating tensions between US and the middle east, Iraqi officials fear economic 'collapse' if Washington imposes additional sanctions. These penalties also include the blockage of US-based account where Baghdad keeps oil revenues that reportedly feed 90 per cent of Iraq's national budget. US President Donald Trump was angered by the Iraqi parliament who voted to remove foreign troops from the region along with nearly 5,200 American troops who have helped local soldiers in their fight against Islamist extremists since 2014. Read - US Troops Clear Rubble From Iraq Base Days After Iran Strike The Central Bank of Iraq's account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York was established in 2003 after US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein. Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483, the crippling global sanctions and oil embargo imposed on Iraq after Saddam's invasion of Kuwait were revoked and it also stated that all revenues from Iraqi oil sales would go to that account. An Iraqi official told an international agency that Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi received a 'threatening' call from the US that it will 'block the account' in New York. Iraq is Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC's) second-biggest crude producer and more than 90 per cent of the country's budget derives from revenues generated only through oil. Iraq's revenue reached $112 million in 2019, therefore, reportedly $1 to $2 billion in cash is flown in Iraq at least after every 30 days, from the Fed account. These amounts are required by the government for an official and commercial transaction. One Iraqi official told an international agency that the US decides to cut off these transactions, it 'means totally turning off the tap' and the other country's official said 'it would mean collapse for Iraq'. Read - Iraqi Journalist, Cameraman Shot Dead By Unidentified Gunmen In Basra US rejects Iran's request US has rejected Iran's request on January 10 of preparing American troops for pulling out from the region. Seeking 'maximum pressure' on Iran, US also announced additional sanctions on Tehran responding to its attack on Iraqi bases housing US troops on January 8. The attacks on military bases in Iraq were Iran's response to the killing of its top commander Qassem Soleimani by Washington. The sanctions imposed on Iran target, eight senior Iranian officials. Pompeo during the press briefing reiterated that these officials were responsible for both the governments violence abroad and the crackdown on protesters at home. He said that the US is striking the heart of Irans inner security apparatus. These sanctions also target one of the Supreme National Council and the commander of the Basij forces. Read - Iraq's Balad Air Base Housing US Troops Hit By 8 Katyusha Rockets, 4 Injured Read - Iraq PM Meets UK And French Ambassadors (With agency inputs) Outgoing Indian Ambassador to the US called on President at the Oval Office of the White House before leaving the country and thanked him for strengthening the Indian-American relationship. It is probably for the first time that a US President has met an outgoing Indian Ambassador, which experts say is reflection of the significance Trump attaches to the India-US partnership. "Amb Harsh Shringla, who is proceeding to New Delhi to take up his assignment as Foreign Secretary, called on Trump at Oval Office of the White House and thanked him for his steadfast support for strengthening the India-US strategic partnership," the Indian Embassy in Washington DC said in a tweet on Sunday. Shringla, 57, is scheduled to take up the next assignment as India's Foreign Secretary on January 29. Shringla, who arrived in the US on January 9, 2019, and presented his credentials to Trump at the White House two days later on January 11, played a key role in bringing the India-US relationship back on track, especially in the second half of the year. "I give Harsh Shringla great credit for his tireless pursuit in taking the India-US relations to a new dimension by prudently navigating the highly partisan and complicated US political arena called the US Congress. That's what I would call a real Champion Diplomat," New York-based Al Mason, who is an expert on global real estate investment and education, said after attending the farewell that Shringla hosted at his India House on Friday. "He has been one of the most charismatic, persuasive and result-oriented diplomat representing India in the US. He has spent each hour of his tenure in pursuit of building the most solid bridge between India and the US," Mason said. Before taking Dubai-bound Emirates flight from the Dallas airport Sunday morning, Shringla tweeted, "A final goodbye", along with his pictures, one in the lawns of India House the official residence and another at the entrance of the Indian Embassy in downtown Washington DC. "All the best to my colleague," tweeted Emily Haber, the German Ambassador to the US. In a lighter tone, she said her counterpart in New Delhi, Walter J Lindner, "is looking forward to meeting you and to giving you a ride in his bright red Hindustan Ambassador!". Haber posted a picture of the Red Ambassador too. "Dare say this red Ambassador looks better than the iconic Volkswagen Beatle," commented India's Deputy Ambassador to the US Amit Kumar. "Bon Voyage & best wishes to Amb Shringla as he moves to Delhi for his next imp (ortant) assignment. It has been a privilege to work closely with him these past few months to advance & consolidate the India-US Strategic Partnership," Kumar tweeted. "Bitter sweet moments in Washington this evening wishing. Ambassador Shringla adieu from the US but knowing that he will be shepherding us from Delhi," tweeted Sandeep Chakravorty, the Indian Consul General in New York. Envoys of several diplomatic missions, including those from neighbouring nations and African countries, had attended Shringla's farewell, reflecting his popularity in the Washington's diplomatic community. Before leaving the country, Shringla met top US Congressional leaders, including House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and thanked him "for his understanding and support" of India-US relations. He also called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "Saying farewell isn't easy, especially when it's to a valued partner & friend," tweeted Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells. "It's been a pleasure working with you to make US India relationship the strongest it's ever been. Congrats on FS appointment & looking forward to continuing our partnership," she said on the eve of Shringla's departure. Shringla, 57, is scheduled to take up the new assignment on January 29. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) Purdue is paving the way for a possible new facility to house two of its top programs. The university is in the early stages of designing the Active Clinical Learning Building, as it is currently being called. The building would bring nursing and pharmacy under one roof. Purdue President Mitch Daniels said the overlap of these programs becomes tighter all the time. "It's not just the most efficient thing to do, but it will also bring together, or throw together, tomorrow's top nurses, top pharmacists and other top life-science students," said Daniels. Purdue's College of Pharmacy is ranked in the nation's top 10. Daniels said in order for it to stay that way, Purdue needs a top-rated facility for students to learn in. The current building was built in the 70s. Daniels also said this new building would be able to double the size of the nursing school. "We've been turning down, from a great nursing school, some really qualified students," said Daniels. "For some years, I've been eager to grow our capacity there." Daniels said the university will request state assistance in 2021 for some part of these new facilities. Planning is still in the early phases. There is no set completion date. LONDON - Britain's Princes Harry and William on Monday blasted a newspaper article that claimed William's "bullying" of Harry and his wife, Meghan, was partly responsible for royal rift. The rare and remarkable joint statement came as the two brothers and their father, Prince Charles, were gathering at Queen Elizabeth II's request at her estate in Sandringham to hash out new roles for Harry and Meghan - who announced their intention to "step back" from the work of senior royals, become "financially independent" and live a bi-continental life between Britain and North America. Harry, formally the Duke of Sussex, and William, the Duke of Cambridge, said: "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a United Kingdom newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful." Although the brothers didn't specify which story they were referring to, the Times of London had published a front-page article Monday headlined "Princes 'fell out because William wasn't friendly towards Meghan.'" The article quoted an unnamed source, said to be close to royals, claiming that Harry and Meghan saw themselves as having been pushed away by William's "bullying" and two years of "constantly being told their place." The Times reported, "The rift is said to date to before Harry and Meghan's wedding. According to repeated reports, Harry felt that William was insufficiently welcoming towards Meghan when they first started dating. Their relationship has apparently not recovered." Harry and William have both spoken out on mental health issues, including their own inner lives in the aftermath of their mother Princess Diana's death. The two royals launched a "Heads Together" mental health campaign, led by William's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, on the 20th anniversary of Diana's death. The brothers have also spoken out against Internet bullying, and Harry is collaborating with Oprah Winfrey on an upcoming Apple TV+ documentary series on mental health. Prince Harry described the series as being about the "human spirit fighting back from the darkest places," according to the Daily Mail. Two years ago, Harry told the Telegraph newspaper that he would often feel angry at royal engagements, "on the verge of punching someone," as a "fight or flight" sensation overwhelmed him. Harry has said he blames aggressive paparazzi photographers for his mother Princess Diana's death in a car crash in a Paris tunnel in 1997. He has said he does not want to subject his wife and child to such intrusions. "I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years," Harry said in 2017. "It has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well." Tom Bradby, an ITV broadcaster who is close to Harry and Meghan, warned in a separate article in the Sunday Times of a possible "protracted war" between the royal houses, which could undercut the monarchy. In an October ITV documentary, when Bradby asked about a rift, Harry said he and his brother were "on different paths" and saw each other less frequently than they used to because they were both so busy. In the documentary, Harry said he loved his brother "dearly," but added, "as brothers, you have good days, you have bad days." 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. Initially, Harry and Meghan and William and his wife, Catherine, were dubbed the "Fab Four" by the British press. In February 2018, they came together in support of the Royal Foundation, a charity set up by Harry and William. Bradby wrote in the Sunday Times that things began to go south around the time of Harry and Meghan's May 2018 wedding, when "really damaging things were said and done." He suggested that William tried to patch things up, to no avail. "My understanding is that William did try, but the impression I have, for the moment at least, is that things have gone too far to be retrieved," he wrote. Last spring, Harry and Meghan moved from an apartment in London's Kensington Palace, where William and Catherine live with their three children, to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, about 40 miles west of London. Harry and Meghan also set up their own Instagram account, moving away from @KensingtonRoyal account they shared with William and Catherine. A few months later, palace officials announced that Harry and Meghan would be leaving the Royal Foundation partnership to focus on their own charitable work. Taken together, many wondered if there was a growing chasm between the households. Attorney General Barr announces expulsion of 21 Saudi trainees following probe of Pensacola shooter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Twenty-one Saudi students will be expelled from the U.S. following an investigation into the Saudi military officer who killed three sailors and wounded eight others at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola last month, Attorney General William Barr announced Monday. In a news conference at the Justice Department, Barr said an investigation of the shooter Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani has determined he was "motivated by jihadist ideology," and called the attack an "act of terrorism." While the 21 trainees identified by investigators were not found to have aided Alshamrani in the attack, a review launched by the FBI found that several of the students had possessed "derogatory material" on their computers or personal devices. "17 had social media containing some jihadi or anti-American content," Barr said. "However, there was no evidence of any affiliation or involvement with any terrorist activity or group. 15 individuals (including some of the 17 just mentioned) had had some kind of contact with child pornography." Twelve of the 21 students identified were trainees at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, officials said, while the other nine were receiving their training in military facilities across the U.S. While U.S. attorneys determined that the flagged material did not warrant prosecution inside the U.S., Barr said, the Saudi armed forces had determined the cases "demonstrated conduct unbecoming an officer," and the students were subsequently dis-enrolled from service. Officials said they expected the 21 would face "harsh punishment" upon their return to the Kingdom, and that the U.S. has received a commitment from the Saudis that if any are implicated in the still-ongoing counterterrorism probe of the shooting, they would be extradited back to the U.S. to face prosecution. Story continues MORE: Suspect in Pensacola naval base shooting wrote 'the countdown has started' 4 months before attack: Report Barr and FBI Deputy Director Bowdich also raised criticism of Apple for what they described as a lack of cooperation with investigators' requests to help access two iPhones that Alshamrani sought to destroy during the shooting. While FBI technicians have been able to repair the phones, according to Barr, they have not been able to bypass the security functions on the phones to get full access to them. "So far Apple has not given us any substantive assistance," Barr said. "This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that investigators be able to get access to digital evidence once they have obtained a court order based on probable cause." In a statement released Monday night, the company said it rejects "the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the Pensacola investigation. Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing." "Within hours of the FBIs first request on December 6th, we produced a wide variety of information associated with the investigation. From December 7th through the 14th, we received six additional legal requests and in response provided information including iCloud backups, account information and transactional data for multiple accounts," the company said. Apple says the FBI notified the company on Jan. 6, that the agency needed additional assistance in the investigation and it was only on Jan. 8, that the company received a subpoena. On Tuesday, a Department of Justice spokesperson blasted Apple. A federal judge has authorized the Department of Justice to access the contents of the dead terrorists phones. Apple designed these phones and implemented their encryption. Its a simple, front-door request: will Apple help us get into the shooters phones or not," DOJ spokesperson Kerri Kupec said in a statement to ABC News. A senior DOJ official said Apple hasn't answered whether it would even have the capability to unlock the phones, reviving a privacy debate that last rose to national attention when the FBI battled with Apple over gaining access to phones owned by the perpetrators of the San Bernardino terror attack in 2015. "We have always maintained there is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys. Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers," Apple continued to say in a statement. Adding they will continue to work with the FBI in the investigation and expressed "great respect" for law enforcement. In the news conference, Barr provided further information into what investigators uncovered about Alshamrani's background that tied him directly to jihadist causes. The FBI found that Alshamrani had posted a message on social media on Sep. 11 this year, saying, "the countdown has begun." Investigators also learned that he visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City over Thanksgiving weekend, and posted anti-American messages as recently as two hours before carrying out the attack at the base. Bowdich said the FBI interviewed "more than 500 people," and they "continue to run down many new leads." The shooting itself lasted 15 minutes, Bowdich said, he was engaged by law enforcement about 8 minutes in. He was killed by responding law enforcement and found to have possessed 180 rounds of ammunition. The FBI also determined the suspect had studied Al Qaedas U.S.-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, whose propaganda campaign may have inspired more radicals than anyone outside of Osama Bin Laden before he was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2011. Barr told ABC News' Pierre Thomas said the investigation showed that the vetting of candidates who are brought from foreign countries "should be improved," but declined to speculate whether such improvements would have thwarted Alshamrani's attack. Following the Pensacola shooting, the Pentagon announced a ban on operational training for 852 Saudi students on U.S. bases, though classroom instruction for the students continued after a DOD "screening" of all Saudi military students training at U.S. bases found "no information indicating an imminent threat." MORE: Would-be terrorists could exploit gun law loophole used by Saudi pilot in Pensacola shooting rampage: FBI However, a senior defense official at the time cautioned that it was a screening tool, not an investigative tool, and so it was not possible to draw wider conclusions about what Saudi students may have known about the Dec. 6 attack. There are a total of 272 international military students at Pensacola from a number of countries. PHOTO: The FBI has dedicated resources from their Joint Terrorism Task Force and criminal investigative programs to the NAS Pensacola shooting investigation. (FBI) "I have signed out directives that address enhanced screening of all of our foreign students, that address credentialing going forward, weapons policies, et cetera," Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in an interview with CBS' "Face The Nation" on Sunday when asked about the planned expulsions. "I think we're being very careful," National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said Sunday in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday." "Obviously Pensacola showed that there had been errors in the way that we vetted, and I think out of an abundance of caution Secretary Esper's taking these actions to protect our service men and women." Former acting undersecretary for intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security John Cohen said the circumstances surrounding the shooting reflect the broader challenges faced by the Pentagon in vetting foreign military personnel who attend training inside the U.S. Foreign military personnel need to be vetted not only as they are traveling to the U.S. but also on a recurrent basis throughout their stay," Cohen, an ABC News contributor, said Monday. "Vetting procedures also need to be updated regularly so that they take into account an evolving threat environment. PHOTO: Mohammed Alshamrani is pictured in an undated photo released by the FBI. (FBI) MORE: FBI probing whether Pensacola naval base suspect watched mass-shooting videos before attack, sources say A joint intelligence bulletin released shortly after the shooting showed that the shooter wrote the phrase the countdown has started, on Sept. 11, 2019, and that Alshamrani referred to non-Muslims as infidels and defended jihad. "I'm against evil, and America as a whole has turned into a nation of evil," one post read, according to the report. "What I see from America is the supporting of Israel which is invasion of Muslim countries, I see invasion of many countries by its troops, I see Guantanamo Bay. I see cruise missiles, cluster bombs and UAV." The bulletin also offered more details about the shooting, saying that the shooter purchased the gun through a hunting exemption for foreign nationals and detailed that the shooter fired shots directly at photos of President Trump and another unnamed president. Iran rejects claims it mistakenly shot down crashed Ukranian plane Iran has denied US media claims that it has mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian plane that crashed on Wednesday near Tehran with 176 people on board. Ali Abedzadeh, head of Iran's civil aviation department, has rejected claims that Tehran unintentionally hit the airliner with a surface-to-air missile, saying that such an eventuality was very unlikely given the close coordination between Iran's air defence and civil aviation department. "As I said, based on the law, there is full coordination between our air defence and our civil system. Our civil aviation personnel and air defence personnel sit side by side, so it is absolutely impossible for such a thing to happen," Abedzadeh told a news conference. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said his intelligence services have evidence an Iranian surface-to-air missile was responsible. The plane came down after Iran launched missiles at military bases in Iraq where US forces were stationed. Video posted by the New York Times newspaper also appears to show the moment a missile hit the plane near Tehran's airport. A CBS report citing US officials said the Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 was hit by a missile. CBS News quoted US intelligence sources as saying a satellite detected infrared "blips" of two missile launches, followed by another blip of an explosion. Iranian officials have refused to hand over the plane's black box recorder over to Boeing and says it will conduct an internal investigation. Iranian state television showed footage purportedly of the two black boxes recovered from the crashed Ukrainian airliner. Both black boxes are damaged but their memory can be downloaded and examined, the commentary said. Tehran says the allegations against them are "psychological warfare" as US-Iran ties remain fraught. It has also invited Ukraine to join the investigation. Ukraine earlier said it was examining whether a missile strike brought down the aircraft - but Iran ruled this out. The crash came just hours after Iran carried out missile strikes on two airbases housing US forces in Iraq. German airline Lufthansa, meanwhile, said its flight from Frankfurt to Tehran was cancelled "as a precautionary measure" because of the security situation for airspace around the Iranian airport. "As soon as we have detailed information, we will decide if and when our Iranian flights can be operated again," Lufthansa said in a statement. Russian lawmakers say statements about a missile hitting the jetliner are "groundless" and they accuse the West of prematurely assigning blame to Tehran. Vladimir Dzhabarov, a lawmaker with Russia's upper house of parliament, said Friday that "we need to be cautious with conclusions. Iranians have invited Ukraine to take part in the investigation. Why would they do it if they knew they had shot [the plane] down?" Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-11 22:48:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Cameroon's start-ups have developed mobile apps to help local farmers. A mobile application can detect plant diseases at primary stage by analyzing photos of the sick crops, and offers both chemical and physical treatment as well as preventive measures. YAOUNDE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Bienvenue Nzonje Ngoul has been growing tomatoes in southwestern Cameroon for four years. His yields have dwindled recently due to unknown diseases. "My crops are regularly attacked by illnesses and these can cripple you in one day," Ngoul said. To avoid a repeat of the shock, the young farmer set out to look for a solution. That is when he met 27-year-old Landry Doko who co-founded Agrix Tech, an artificial intelligence (AI) based mobile application that detects plant diseases at primary stage by analyzing photos of the sick crops, and offers both chemical and physical treatment as well as preventive measures. Fish farmer Boris Kamgo (L) hands the packed live fish to the worker of AgriApp in Douala, Cameroon, Dec. 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Jean Pierre Kepseu) Last December, Doko went to Ngoul's farm to test his work. The farm is in a remote area in Dibombari where the network signal is weak like in most of Africa's rural zones, but Doko's app has everything built inside and can be used without internet. It turned out that Ngoul's tomatoes suffered from early blight, a common disease that can occur nearly every season. The diagnosis is delivered through text and voice for the easy understanding of farmers who could be less literate. Users can chose standard or pidgin English and French, as well as African languages like Hausa. "I will go to the market to buy the recommended treatments. This could increase my output," Ngoul said. With backgrounds in machine learning, software development, and crop pathology, Doko's team has now made available a working prototype covering tomato, grape, potato, and corns. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there are around 33 million small farms of less than two hectares in sub-Saharan Africa, representing about 80 percent of all farms in the region. The ambition of Doko's team is to help these smallholder famers "sufficiently live from the fruits of their production and at a lower cost." Farmer Bienvenue Ngoul works in a tomato field in Dibombari, Cameroon, Dec. 6, 2019. (Xinhua/Jean Pierre Kepseu) "According to our provisional plan, we would be able to help our users avoid up to 40 percent harvest losses in 5 to 10 years," he said. If Doko helps farmers clear headache of crop diseases, how to profitably sell the agricultural products remains a key challenge. For 31-year-old entrepreneur Herve Epome Nzengue, Cameroon farmers hardly get fair pricing of their hard work. Some middlemen buy from them at almost give-away prices then sell at high prices to the consumers. In March 2019, Nzengue and his team created AgriApp, an online shopping application that connects local farmers directly to final consumers. By the end of last year, some 700 farmers, primarily from the outskirts of Cameroon' economic center Douala, have put their products online. Boris Youdom Kamgo runs fish farm in Douala. Three months ago, he was introduced to the app. Co-founder of AgriApp Herve Nzengue standing beside the electric cars for shipping fresh food in Douala, Cameroon, Dec. 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Jean Pierre Kepseu) "Before, we produced a lot but had difficulties to sell them," Kamgo said. "Now people can just order for fish from homes and we finally have a solution to commercialize our products." Express delivery is one of the key concepts of Nzengue's business. In Douala where the start-up is headquartered, he built up a team of deliverymen riding made-in-China electric bikes through the city to make sure Kamgo's fish could still pop out when consumers open the bucket. "Agriculture is an economic engine for Africa. Agricultural innovations like what we have in Cameroon should provide sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty on the continent," Nzengue said. Google built its name on search and continues to grow its business in mobile and the cloud. Now the company is quietly acquiring medical records on millions of Americans. And the exact reason for that is still unclear, according to a new report. Through partnerships with hospital systems, health care providers, and other organizations, Google has quietly acquired medical records of tens of millions of Americans, The Wall Street Journal is reporting. In some cases, the company has full-view access to the records, according to the report, allowing Google to see names, medical histories, and even the medications people take. But it's not done. The Journal, which cited unidentified sources in its reporting, also found that Google tried to acquire 250 million health records from health information company Cerner recently. While the efforts didn't pan out, it was indicative of a broader quest by Google to collect as many health records as possible. So, why might Google want those records? According to the Journal, Google is working on a new search engine that would be used by doctors and nurses, allowing them to easily find information about a patient. More important, the search engine would act as a repository for information sharing, so when you go to one doctor, another doctor will have easy access to your data to see diagnoses, medications, and more. Ultimately, Google believes the effort will improve health outcomes. For now, though, there are far more questions than answers. While technology can certainly be used to improve health outcomes, there are questions over whether Google, or any other big tech company, for that matter, should have such ready access to some of Americans' most intimate data. And implications over privacy and how Google would monetize the content is another major concern. For its part, Google has made clear that it wants to be a responsible steward of that data. Dr. David Feinberg, the head of Google Health, told the Journal that Google doesn't plan to use advertising to monetize the data. He added that his goal is to make people healthier by using Google's technology. A spokesman for the company added that Google is only accessing health care data on Americans and doesn't actually own it. Still, if anything is clear, it's that technology will continue to play an important role in health care records and how they're stored and shared in the coming years. And while Google may not have started as a health company, it's abundantly clear from the Journal's report that it sees itself moving in that direction. An infamous campaign targeting 'Welfare Cheats' - spearheaded by Leo Varadkar - has yielded just 300,000 in repayments so far. The much-criticised publicity campaign, which cost almost 164,000, was launched when the Taoiseach was social protection minister. The latest figures have been provided to the Dail's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by the Department of Social Protection. They show more than 7,700 allegations of suspected fraud were made to the department while the media campaign ran between April and the end of July 2017. Of these, 2,071 reports didn't contain relevant or enough information. A total of 4,840 cases were examined and 738 claim reviews or investigations resulted. According to department figures, overpayment assessments were valued at just over 915,000 and of that, more than 300,000 was repaid by the end of November 2019. The department estimates "overpayments and control savings" totalling more than 7m. Control savings are the value of prevented expenditure that would have occurred if investigations had not been carried out. A Department of Social Protection spokesperson said it will continue to recover overpayment sums "as quickly as possible" depending on individual circumstances. A statement added: "The monies recovered to date represent double the amount originally spent on the campaign and this will increase as further recoveries are made in the future." There have been claims by the Opposition that the 'Welfare Cheats' campaign sensationalised the level of fraud in the system. Mr Varadkar defended the campaign at the time, insisting "the vast majority of people understand why it makes sense". He said it was important "the budget I have goes to people who are entitled to it". The department's most senior official later conceded the use of the term 'welfare cheats' was a mistake. Secretary general John McKeon said the campaign - which pre-dated his time at the department - was challenged on the issue at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He blamed the media for hyping fraud levels but also said the department had learned from feedback criticising the messaging that "put the word cheat beside the word welfare". "In retrospect I believe it was a mistake," he said. The latest correspondence to the PAC says the campaign was designed to "promote discussion on the topic of social welfare fraud and challenge the perceptions of those who see it as a victimless crime". Current minister Regina Doherty said at the weekend the number of people who contacted her department with tip-offs about individuals allegedly claiming welfare payments fraudulently had increased in recent years. She told the 'Sunday Independent': "You know what Irish people are like, we don't like snitching on each other, for want of a better word, and that's not what I'm asking people to do." However, she did urge people to "reach out" on the issue, saying she had heard about one Dublin man who had been unemployed for 23 years and when an inspection team contacted him he "miraculously" got a job. An Imam from Kyampisi Village in Kayunga District in Central Uganda is reeling from shock after discovering that the woman he married two weeks ago is a man. The Daily Monitor reports that the husband, Mohammed Mutumba, exchanged marriage vows with Swabullah Nabukeera according to Islamic customs. It has now emerged that 27-year-old Nabukeera, the wife, is a man whose real name is Richard Tumushabe. Mutumba and Nabukeera had not had any sexual intercourse before their wedding. In the two weeks of their marriage, Nabukeera said she could not have sexual intimacy with Mutumba because she was on her menstrual periods. Mutumba said he was not in a hurry to sexually know his wife, hence his patience for conjugal rights. While waiting for his wife to be ready for him sexually, Mutumba was recently shocked when his next-door neighbour told him that he had seen Nabukeera jump over a fence separating their houses, and stole the neighbours TV set and clothes. Mutumba rents a two-roomed house where they had been staying with Nabukeera. However, the wall that separates the two rental rooms did not reach the iron sheets. The neighbour reported the case at Kayunga Police Station before detectives were dispatched to arrest Nabukeera. Kayunga District criminal investigations officer, Isaac Mugera told The Monitor when Nabukeera reached the police station, she was wearing a hijab and sandals. As the polices normal practice, a female police officer, searched the suspect thoroughly before taking her to the cells. However, to the shock of the officer, the suspect had stacked clothes in the bra to hoodwink that they were breasts, said Mugera. On further search, we discovered that the suspect had male genitals. We quickly informed her husband who had escorted her to the police station, he said. Mutumba, who was in disbelief, insisted on seeing his wifes genitals. On discovering that Nabukeera was a fellow man, Mutumba made an alarm accusing Nabukeera of being a thief. Mugera said upon interrogating Nabukeera, he revealed his real name is Richard Tumushabe, and that he is 27 years old. Mugera said Tumushabe told police he had duped Mutumba that he was a woman in a bid to get his money. We have already charged him with impersonation, theft and obtaining goods by false pretense, the CID boss said. Mutumba, an Imam at Kyampisi Mosque, revealed that he met Tumushabe at the prayer house, where he had gone for worship. I was looking for a woman to marry and when I landed on a beautiful girl wearing a hijab, I asked her for love and she accepted. We fell in love, however, she told me we could not have sex until I take dowry to her parents and also exchange marriage vows, said Mutumba. He explained that within, a week he finalised all wedding plans, and visited Nabukeeras aunt, Nuuru Nabukeera, a resident of Kituula Village in Seeta-Namuganga Sub-county. Tumushabes alleged aunt, who has also been arrested by police, said Mutumba paid dowry which included two goats, two bags of sugar, three busuutis, a carton of salt and a Koran. Nuuru told police that she did not know that her niece was male as she got to know him when he was already an adult. The first day he came to me he was wearing a hijab. I even slept with him in my bedroom. When she told me she had got a man for marriage, I gave her a go-ahead and asked her to bring him to my home, she said. The police say they are looking for pictures of their wedding ceremony which would further pin the suspect. The case file has been sent to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and we are waiting for legal advice before we take him to court, said Mugera. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Treacherous driving conditions on Mount Hood continued Sunday and officials asked travelers to use caution or avoid driving on the mountain altogether if possible until conditions improve. The Oregon Department of Transportation said in a news release Sunday that heavy snowfall and high winds on the mountain were bringing down trees, causing spinouts and reducing visibility for drivers. ODOT spokesperson Don Hamilton said Sunday that a sign bridge spanning U.S. Highway 26 had been knocked down by a tree early Sunday, blocking all lanes of the highway. The structure has since been removed by ODOT crews. Hamilton estimated there were at least a dozen crashes on Mount Hood Saturday. It indicates how treacherous driving conditions continue to be, Hamilton said. ODOT urged people traveling between Bend and Portland to consider avoiding U.S. 26 entirely on Sunday and instead take Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorge. For anyone who has to travel Sunday, use extreme caution, Hamilton said, and allow extra time for their trip or if possible delay. -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052 lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Tehran [Iran], Jan 13 (ANI): Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei and other senior leaders on Sunday and agreed that de-escalation and dialogue were the only solutions to rising tensions in the Middle East between the United States and Tehran. Qatar and Iran agreed that de-escalation was the "only solution" to regional tensions, Al Jazeera quoted Sheikh Tamim as saying after the meeting with Rouhani. "This visit comes at a critical time in the region, and we agreed with the brothers and with His Excellency the President that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue," he told a news conference. "Dialogue is the only solution" to resolve the crisis, the Sheikh added. The meeting came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following the US assassination of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad and Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on US targets in Iraq. Sheikh Tamim was the first national leader to come to Iran since Soleimani's killing on January 3 in an American drone strike. Qatar is one of a few countries in the region that maintains a close relationship with Washington and Tehran, with which it shares the world's largest gas field. According to media reports, the two officials also discussed the latest developments in the region, "especially the events in Iraq as well as ways of calm to maintain collective security of the region." Last Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar was closely following developments in Iraq and seeking to coordinate with friendly countries to reduce tensions. "We seek through a series of communications to consult and coordinate with friendly and brotherly countries to calm and reduce escalation," he wrote on Twitter. (ANI) A Brazilian mother who lost both her daughter and her son-in-law in a horror car crash in WA's South West on Sunday has described the couple as hardworking and loving. Police said seven people were involved in the crash near Binningup on Sunday afternoon. The crash site at Binningup on Monday morning. Credit:9 News Perth Major Crash officers said the silver Nissan Pathfinder was driving north on Forrest Highway about 3.50pm when it flipped and rolled about 100 metres. A man and woman both died at the scene, while three children were taken to Perth Childrens Hospital by the RAC helicopter. Authorities say a volcano in the Philippines could suffer a hazardous explosive eruption within hours or days, after a sudden gush of molten lava forced a major evacuation. Clouds of ash spewing from Taal volcano the countrys second-most active forced a shutdown of all flights at Manilas international airport and the closure of offices and schools. The volcano is located on Lake Taal less than 50 miles south of the capital, and the governments monitoring agency Phivolcs has raised its alert level to 4 out of a possible 5. The top level would mean a major eruption was under way. Phivolcs said there was a threat to popular tourist destinations around the edge of the lake, as the agencys head Renato Solidum described Taal as a very small, but dangerous volcano. About 8,000 villagers have been evacuated so far to some 38 centres in the worst-affected provinces of Batangas and Cavite, but officials said they expected that number to soar to the hundreds of thousands as operations to urge people away from the volcano continued. Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Show all 44 1 /44 Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes as a column of ash surrounds the crater of Taal Volcano as it erupts in Tagaytay, Philippines Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Pacific Press via Sipa/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Local authorities have begun evacuating residents near Taal Volcano as it began spewing ash up to a kilometer high Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Pacific Press via Sipa/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos People take photos of a phreatic explosion from the Taal volcano as seen from the town of Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of Manila AFP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Billows of smoke with lightning is seen from the eruption Pacific Press via Zuma Wire/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents stand lakeside as the volcano erupts behind them Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A family rides their motorcycle through clouds of ash as they evacuate to safer grounds AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning streak over Batangas Pacific Press via Sipa/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos The tiny volcano near the Philippine capital draws many tourists for its picturesque setting, however as it belched steam, ash and rocks in a huge plume thousands were forced to flee and officials to temporarily suspend flights AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Ashfall after the eruption of the Taal volcano Jerome Austria Abuan via Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Villagers evacuate EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning flashes as Taal Volcano erupts The Philippine Institute of of Volcanology and Seismology has raised the alert level to four out of five, warning that a hazardous eruption could take place anytime AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A dog left in a garage covered with ashes barks nearby the erupting Taal Volcano Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A volcanic lightning caused by eruption @DERRICKQUIBAEL via REUTERS Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Ash from the Taal volcano in the air, with a church in the foreground Renz Lejarso Guevara/AFP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A column of ash surrounds the crater of Taal Volcano Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents stand lakeside as the volcano erupts behind them Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents walk along a road covered in ash mixed with rainwater Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Villagers take shelter inside a church during the eruption EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A volcanic lightning caused by eruption @DERRICKQUIBAEL via Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts AFP via Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A policeman walks past a police vehicle covered in ash Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A fishing boat sails along a lake as Taal Volcano erupts Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A vehicle covered in ash Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos An ash column from erupting Taal Volcano looms over Tagaytay city EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A resident splashes water on a vehicle covered in ash Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano spews ash and smoke AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A person on a canoe while the volcano spews ash AFP via Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents walk along a road covered in ash mixed with rainwater Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts JPL YEN via Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A worker hoses down plants covered with mud and ash AFP via Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents evacuate Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal Volcano erupts with a massive plume of ash and steam Xinhua/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents fleeing wait for a ride on the side of a highway Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos People travel along a road covered in ash EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A massive plume of ash and steam erupts AP Some were refuses to leave, while others were unable to get out of villages covered in ash due to poor visibility and a breakdown in transport links. We have a problem, our people are panicking due to the volcano because they want to save their livelihood, their pigs and herds of cows, Mayor Wilson Maralit of Balete town told DZMM radio. Were trying to stop them from returning and warning that the volcano can explode again anytime and hit them. Maralit, whose town lies along the coastline of Taal Lake surrounding the erupting volcano, appealed for troops and additional police to be deployed to stop distraught residents from sneaking back to their high-risk coastal villages. After months of restiveness that began last year, Taal suddenly rumbled back to life Sunday, blasting steam, ash and pebbles up to 6 to 9 miles into the sky, according to Phivolcs, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Ma. Antonio Bornas, the agencys chief volcanologist, said lava spurted out in fountains out of the volcano early Monday while its ash and steam ejections eased. Its hard to tell when the eruption would stop, she said, citing Taals similar restiveness in the 1970s that lasted for about four months. Authorities said there is also a risk of a possible volcanic tsunami, caused by debris from an eruption falling into the lake and shifting a large volume of water. The volcanology institute reminded the public that the small island where the volcano lies is a permanent danger zone, although fishing villages have existed there for years. It called for the total evacuation of people on the volcano island and coastal areas at high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within a 9-mile radius from Taal. Some flights were resumed later on Monday at Manilas main airport, but the agency recommended planes avoid flying at a certain distance from the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft. One of the worlds smallest volcanoes, Taal is among two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines, which lies along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. About 20 typhoons and other major storms each year also lash the Philippines, which lies between the Pacific and the South China Sea, making it one of the worlds most disaster-prone countries. Additional reporting by agencies The outpouring of accolades and warm recollections for Miriam (Mimi) Cusick upon her passing last week comes as no surprise to those who had the privilege of knowing her. The matriarch of one of the most influential and widely respected families in Staten Island history, she was a passionate advocate for the community in which she lived, the church and faith she embraced, and the people and causes in which she believed. Mimi Cusick joined the local Democratic Party in her early twenties, eventually becoming a party icon. But the real key to the love and esteem in which she was held and her legacy is that she treated every other human being with unfailing kindness and respect, including those with strongly different viewpoints and agendas. In a very real sense, therefore, her amazing life is an example for us all, a pathway to redemption for an America bitterly divided by stubborn, unyielding partisanship. As word of her death spread, prominent Staten Islanders from opposite ends of the political spectrum hastened to sing her praises. Retired Surrogate Robert Gigante, a former Chair of the local Democratic County Committee, called her a real pillar behind the scenes for the party, noting whenever we needed help at the county headquarters or on any campaign, Mimi was always there. And former Borough President and Conservative Party Chair James Molinaro, labelling her death a tremendous loss, recalled fondly that every single person felt welcomed at the Cusick house for annual parties celebrating the Staten Island St. Patricks Day Parades. Likeable family She hosted similar inclusive gatherings on New Years Day and the Fourth of July. I attended many of them and as soon as Mimi and I saw each other, wed laugh. We had shared several funny experiences on the Democratic County Committee years ago, and a mere meeting of the eyes meant it was time to relive them once again. Mimi also got a kick out of my tongue-in-cheek theory, insistently propounded, that former Democratic County Chair and City Council Member Bob Lindsay and his son, Bob Jr., who served as law clerk to the late Supreme Court Justice Theodore G. Barlow, were actually one and the same person! Mimi Cusicks status as a Staten Island titan was well explained by Jim Molinaros additional observation that shes from a family everyone on Staten Island liked. John D. Kearney, who served as Staten Islands Public Administrator for more than 20 years, was her brother and, like Mimi, worked tirelessly for the local Democratic party as well as countless community causes. Sharing his sisters amiable personality, John seemingly always had a smile on his face. In fact, he was so well liked and respected that exiting a restaurant with him after lunch took as much time as the meal itself. John never had a bad word to say about anybody ever. Instead, hed simply refer to an obnoxious adversary as a fine American. Beloved judge During his lengthy tenure as Public Administrator, John drew upon all of his skills to ensure that no person, however poor, was ever buried in Potters Field. An avid collector of political memorabilia, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of Staten Island political history. Mimis husband, the late Supreme Court Justice Peter Cusick, was not only a brilliant jurist but a caring, compassionate man who treated lawyers and everybody else who came before him with respect. When he passed away in 2000, I recalled here that when he walked down the halls to his chambers each morning, it was never with a swagger, because he never believed for one minute that wearing robes made him better than anyone else. His loss to Staten Island and the legal profession was heartbreaking and devastating. The exemplary lives of Mimi and Peter Cusick, and John Kearney, are embodied today in the three Cusick children, all of whom adhere to the lofty standards by which they were raised. Michael, a Member of the Assembly since 2003, is widely respected as the prototypical good politician, a scrupulously honest, hardworking public official who really and truly cares about the people he serves. Peter, following in the footsteps of his father, is an attorney and Deputy General Counsel of the New York State Insurance Fund. And John, whom I wouldnt recognize if he werent smiling, is the Director of Institutional Development at Monsignor Farrell High School. Mimi Cusicks Mass of Christian Burial last Thursday was concelebrated by two bishops and three monsignors at jam-packed Blessed Sacrament Church in West Brighton. This for a woman who never sought nor held public office; who strived instead only to love God, her family, and her neighbors as herself. Staten Island is enormously poorer for Mimi Cusicks passing, but enormously richer for her life. Daniel Leddys column On the Law appears weekly. Follow him on Twitter. His email address is column@danielleddylaw.com. POPULAR Belfast tailor Chris Suitor has said it plays on his mind that he was one of the last people to see his good friend Stephen Clements before the radio star's tragic death. Stephen was with him in his Suitor Brothers shop on Monday afternoon, buying a suit and having banter with Chris, who later put a CCTV pic of Stephen on Instagram with the joke caption "I thought he was barred?" which his pal then shared on his own page. Chris told Sunday Life: "It does give me some comfort, 100 per cent. That is the last picture of him living and it's the last picture he put out on his social channels, apart from the one of him and all his family that he put up on Twitter. Read More "We had such brilliant conversations and such very profound, very intellectual conversations about the world, about life, about what's going on and when he left my shop on Monday, which was late in the afternoon, we hugged, we kissed, we slapped each other's bum - that's just the way me and him got on. "He was in great form. My shop is full of craic, full of banter, Stephen was fully involved in it on that day. Our conversations always left each other telling each other how much we loved each other in brotherly fraternal love." Expand Close Stephen Clements and Chris Suitor / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Clements and Chris Suitor But Chris could not help but become emotional as he candidly shared what was Stephen's last text message to him later that day, his voice faltering slightly as he read it once more. He said: "He left here about two o'clock I think and then sent me a text. He sent me a message at five o'clock, he says: 'You're a truly unreal human being, light shines from within you. Much love brother.' Expand Close Stephen Clements Kevin Scott / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Clements "And that was the last message. But him and I, that was our chat, we bigged each other up all the time. I told him what a good guy he was, he told me what a good guy I was. "At the end of the day we had no ulterior motive other than to inspire people and help people. There was none of this just doing it for the likes, because me and him talked about this." As well as being a successful businessman, dad-of-two Chris (37) also branched out into Stephen's world of DJing and was encouraged by support from his friend. Expand Close Connor Phillips and Stephen Clements during their Cool FM days / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Connor Phillips and Stephen Clements during their Cool FM days And Chris, who regularly features on BBC Radio Ulster as a commentator, is particularly passionate about positive thinking and has enjoyed growing popularity on Instagram as a motivator. But he admitted that learning the news of his friend's death the morning after he was in his shop was devastating. He said: "Me and him were good and close. He was in getting a new suit and was in great form. And then you wake up the next day and he's gone and it's just woeful, it's just absolutely woeful. "Because I'm one of these super-positive people and Stephen was my soundboard - me and him bounced off each other. Expand Close Stephen Clements presenting Children in Need / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Clements presenting Children in Need "We would have spoken very, very frequently and it was always with good news and good positive thoughts and just trying to keep everything going in the right direction. "He was my biggest fan and I was his biggest fan. Some of the lovely messages over the last load of years that I got from him, I'll treasure them, because he kind of kept me going and I kept him going, you know, we bounced off each other and it was great. "He was my soundboard and he got me - and I got him. "That was where our relationship and our friendship truly blossomed. He knew what I was about and I knew what he was about. And in this world sometimes it's hard to find people like that. "It's hard being positive, with my whole outlook on things, this is going to be one of my biggest struggles. "Me and him did have this bond - and we bonded over what I'm now struggling with, which is how the hell do you find any positivity in this? Expand Close Stephen Clements with wife Natasha and their children Poppy and Robbie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Clements with wife Natasha and their children Poppy and Robbie "If anything, the biggest thing that will draw me through this and draw everybody through it, is the memory of him and his big smile. Stephen was just an epic human." Stephen's funeral will take place on Tuesday in what will now be a private occasion for close family and friends only, having originally been set to be open to the public. On Friday night before the Larne and Carrick Rangers Irish Premiership game at Inver Park in Larne, players and supporters joined in a minute's applause in memory of Stephen. Stephen lived in Carrick but also helped host many events for Larne, and his brother Gavin is a former commercial director of the club. The United States has warned Iran that it's monitoring its actions after authorities in Tehran denied using live ammunition on anti-government demonstrators angered by how officials have handled the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane last week. Rallies took place for a third consecutive day at Tehrans Sharif University of Technology and Amir Kabir University on January 13, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as "Clerics get lost," according to social media posts. Videos posted online also purported to show a student protest at the Isfahan University of Technology. Authorities denied that police had opened fire after images of earlier rallies appeared to show police and security forces firing live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Iran's military has admitted that its air-defense forces shot down the Boeing 737-800 airliner on January 8, killing all 176 people on board, although it said the downing of the plane was unintentional. The tragedy occurred a few hours after an Iranian ballistic-missile attack against military bases hosting U.S. forces in Iraq. Tehran had initially rejected suggestions it was to blame for the crash of the airliner, most of whose passengers were either Iranian citizens or members of Canada's Iranian diaspora. After Irans January 11 admission, protests broke out in Tehran and other cities, with demonstrators chanting slogans against the Iranian leadership and reports of clashes with police. Videos posted online purported to show police and security forces firing live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators near Tehrans Azadi (Freedom) Square on the night of January 12, AP reported. Reuters said videos showed blood on the ground and images of people who appeared to be security personnel in the vicinity of protests carrying rifles. Other posts showed police in riot gear hitting protesters with batons on the street, the agency said. In a statement carried by Irans state broadcaster's website on January 13, Tehran's police chief Hossein Rahimi denied that shots had been fired at protesters. "At protests, police absolutely did not shoot because the capital's police officers have been given orders to show restraint," Rahimi said. In Berlin, the German Foreign Ministry said Iranians must be allowed to take to the streets to express their "grief, and also their anger." "We are convinced this has to happen in a peaceful, free, and unhindered way," ministry spokeswoman Maria Adebahr said. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus warned Iranian authorities that Washington was not going to "tolerate" violence against the protesters. "We want the regime to know that the United States is watching, that the world is watching, and that we are going to shine a very, very big light on any abuse by the regime to their own people. We are not going to tolerate killing innocent protesters. [U.S. President Donald] Trump was very clear about that over the weekend," Ortagus told RFE/RL on January 13. "The Iranian people have been lied to by their own government for at least three or four days before they finally admitted, before they were caught red-handed and had to admit that they were actually responsible for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner." The previous day, Trump warned that Iranian authorities should not target anti-government protesters. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching, he wrote in a tweet. On January 13, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei accused Trump of shedding "crocodile tears" when voicing concern for Iranians. Rabiei also denied a "cover-up" after it took days for Irans armed forces to admit it had shot down the airliner. "In these sorrowful days, many criticisms were directed at relevant officials and authorities.... Some officials were even accused of lying and a cover-up but, in all honesty, that was not the case," he said in remarks aired on state television. Britain, meanwhile, has summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest the brief detention of London's envoy to Tehran. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters on January 13 that the government would convey its "strong objections" about the detention, calling it an "unacceptable breach" of the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations. "We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian government that this will never happen again, the spokesman said. Ambassador Rob Macaire said he was detained on January 11 after attending a vigil for the victims. Macaire tweeted that he left the vigil after five minutes, when some people started chanting. Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was carrying 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, 10 Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. Iran has invited Canada and Ukraine to take part in an investigation into the plane disaster and said those responsible would be held accountable. Speaking to Reuters on January 13, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko said he would meet his counterparts from five "grieving nations" on January 16 to discuss the investigation as well as possible legal action and compensation Besides Ukraine, the countries include Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, and a fifth nation which Prystayko did not name. Canada has said that these four countries and Britain had established a coordination group to support victims' families. Prystayko also said that Tehran had agreed to hand over the plane's black boxes to Kyiv for investigation. During a vigil for the Canadian victims of the disaster on January 12, Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to seek "justice" for those killed. "We will not rest until there are answers," Trudeau said in Edmonton, Alberta. In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine hopes to repatriate the bodies of the 11 Ukrainians by the end of this week. Zelenskiy said he would like for the bodies to return home by January 19 so that their relatives can say goodbye to them, according to a statement on the presidential website. Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danylov told the BBC that the 11 bodies most likely would return at a later date. Thirty percent of the bodies are identified, Danylov said. Around January 20-21, theyll come back to Ukraine. Nine of the Ukrainians on board were crew members and two were passengers. Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the aerospace division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said on January 11 that his unit accepts full responsibility for the tragedy. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his deep sympathy to the families of the 176 victims and called on the armed forces to "pursue probable shortcomings and guilt in the painful incident. With reporting by the BBC, AP, AFP, and Reuters OTTAWA - Canadian air-crash investigators are being given access to the wreckage and have been tapped to help unlock the contents of the data recorders from a Ukraine International Airlines plane downed by an Iranian missile last week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. B'nai Brith CEO Michael Mostyn, right to left, and B'nai Brith Senior Legal Counsel David Matas are joined by Iranian-Canadian community leaders Avideh Motmaen-Far and Reza Banai as they hold a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - Canadian air-crash investigators are being given access to the wreckage and have been tapped to help unlock the contents of the data recorders from a Ukraine International Airlines plane downed by an Iranian missile last week. The two investigators are to get their first chance to visit the crash site outside of Tehran on Tuesday, as part of an international team looking into the sequence of events that ended with Flight PS752 shot out of the sky, killing all 176 people on board. The victims include 57 Canadians, as well as dozens more who were en route to Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says they would all be safely back in Canada if tensions between Iran and the United States had not escalated recently. "I think if there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families," Trudeau said in an interview Monday with Global News, noting that in any conflict "it is always the innocent who get sideswiped." The aircraft was shot down just hours after Iran launched air strikes against two military bases in Iraq where U.S. forces and also some Canadians are stationed. The air strikes were in retaliation for a Jan. 3 targeted drone strike by the U.S. that killed Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani. Trudeau said he's spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump about the need to de-escalate tensions. He also confirmed that the U.S. gave Canada no heads up that it was planning a strike against Soleimani, something Trudeau said he "obviously" would have preferred. Kathy Fox, the head of the Transportation Safety Board, said Monday afternoon she expects Canadian investigators will have access to the remains of the plane that are being reconstructed elsewhere, with Iran leading the investigation under international rules. Transportation Safety Chair Kathy Fox holds up a document as she speaks about the Iran plane crash during a news conference in Ottawa, Monday, January 13, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld She added that TSB investigators have been asked about their technical expertise in downloading data from the flight recorders, known as "black boxes," which were damaged in the incident. The access to the wreckage and possibly the data recorders is more than the minimum Canadians are allowed under international rules that guide such investigations, with Fox calling Iran's level of co-operation encouraging. Still, Fox said she would be pushing those boundaries to ensure answers for families of the 57 Canadians on board. She also warned that the TSB will speak out if it believes the probe isn't complete and transparent. "We all want answers and sharing information is a cornerstone of trust," Fox said. "The world deserves to know how and why events unfolded as they did." After initially denying it shot down the Ukraine airliner, Iran admitted over the weekend that one of its own surface-to-air missiles took down the Boeing 737-800, but called it a horrible mistake. The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 86 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne tweeted Monday afternoon that Iran has approved all the needed visas for Canadian consular officials who are helping grieving families in Iran. Later Monday, his office announced he is travelling to London for a meeting of the international co-ordination and response group for the families of those who died in the crash. The meeting, to be held Thursday, involves Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom and is expected to include a discussion of how families and loved ones should be compensated. Iran has taken the lead on the investigation under international civil aviation rules, with Canadians, Americans and Ukrainians playing supporting roles to varying degrees. How much information gets released will be up to Iranian officials. "Please understand and we're asking the families to understand that we can only release information under certain constraints and we need to respect that in order to maintain the confidence of our partners in this international effort," Fox said. The downing of the aircraft minutes after takeoff from Tehran's international airport echoed a similar incident more than five years ago. Russian-backed rebels using a surface-to-air missile have been linked to the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight over Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people on board. That incident led to recommendations about flying in conflict zones, but Fox said the latest incident shows more needs to be done. 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. Among the questions Fox said investigators will seek answers to in this case are what sequence of events led to the missile being fired, whether it was truly an accident and why procedures that should prevent such incidents weren't followed. "Clearly some of these questions are going to be very uncomfortable for the country to answer," Fox said. There are also questions about why the airspace wasn't closed given Iran had fired missiles at American bases in Iraq on the same day, and why other commercial airlines were operating in the same region. "They should have closed the Iranian airspace but they didn't," Avideh Motmaen-Far, president of the Council of Iranian Canadians, said at a press conference earlier Monday, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. With files from Mike Blanchfield The National Weather Service has issued flood and tornado warnings for several states. (Photo: AFP/Handout) The storms hit parts of the south on Friday (Jan 10) and were expected to move east and north on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, which issued flood and tornado warnings for several states. Among the dead were a policeman and firefighter who were hit by a vehicle in Texas after being called out to respond to traffic accidents in icy conditions, local authorities said. In Louisiana the bodies of a couple were found on Saturday near their destroyed mobile home after it was hit by storms the night before, said Bill Davis of the county sheriff's office. "It's totally rolled over. It looked like a couple hundred feet into the back yard. Debris is all over. It's just a sad situation," said Davis, according to local television channel KTBS 3. The National Weather Service said three people were confirmed dead on Saturday in Alabama, where local channel WHNT News 19 showed buildings reduced to rubble. Other structures had parts of their roofs ripped off and downed power lines were strewn across roads. The storms left more than 200,000 people without electricity early Sunday, the poweroutage.us website said, with North Carolina and Alabama among the worst affected areas. Economic growth data for November was released by the Office for National Statistics on Monday. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images The UK economy unexpectedly shrank in the month before the general election, contracting by 0.3%. Analysts had predicted that the economy would continue to flat-line in November, following the 0.1% growth seen in the previous two months. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Monday that the month-on-month decline in GDP the sharpest in seven months was driven by falls in both the services and production sectors. Compared to the same month in 2018, the UK economy grew by 0.6% in November, the slowest growth since the spring of 2012, the ONS noted. Ahead of Brexit, the UK economy has managed to avoid falling into recession. But growth has slowed significantly ahead of the 31 January departure from the European Union, largely because firms had feared a no-deal Brexit until Decembers general election. A 1.7% decline in manufacturing was primarily responsible for a 1.2% month-on-month contraction in the production sector, which had grown by 0.4% in the previous month. The ONS pointed to declines in the manufacturing of transport equipment, food, and chemicals. READ MORE: UK construction industry rebounds at fastest pace in a year The construction sector was one of the only major sectors to see a rebound. Output leapt by 1.9% in November compared to the previous month. Overall, economic growth in the three months to the end of November climbed by 0.1%, better than analysts had predicted. Overall, the economy grew slightly in the latest three months, with growth in construction pulled back by weakening services and another lacklustre performance from manufacturing, said Rob Kent-Smith of the ONS. Despite the weak data, prime minister Boris Johnsons emphatic win in the election has injected badly needed certainty to the UK economy, but it may not be enough to avert a recession in the final quarter of the year. The effect of the result on economic growth will not be apparent until the ONS releases monthly data for December in four weeks time. Story continues But the November data will likely put the Bank of England under pressure to introduce stimulus measures. Two members of the banks monetary policy committee have already voted to cut interest rates, and a third, Gertjan Vlieghe, said he was strongly considering doing so. READ MORE: Flybe in crisis talks to stave off collapse, risking 2,000 jobs The committee does not meet until later in January. Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, said on Monday that the data added to the sense that there was a neat window of opportunity for the central bank to cut its benchmark interest rate. Parliament last week approved Johnsons Brexit deal, meaning that the UK will leave the bloc at the end of the month and then enter an 11-month transition period. However, Johnson has ruled out extending this transition period, prompting fears that the UK could essentially be dealing with a scenario similar to a no-deal Brexit at the end of the year if both sides are unable to strike a trade deal over the next few months. Even then, other signs suggest that business optimism has picked up since the election. The financial services sector is more optimistic about the future for the first time since 2017, according to a separate survey, with optimism rising at its fastest rate since mid-2015. The familiar haze from bushfire smoke has blown back into Melbourne, with experts warning the skies are set to get worse. Air quality in Melbourne was considered "good" according to the Environmental Protection Authority's AirWatch website at 9am on Monday, but it was expected to drop to "poor" by the end of the day. Visibility is down to 5 kilometres in some parts of inner Melbourne, and 500 metres in East Gippsland. Smoke haze over Melbourne on Monday morning and on Monday afternoon. Credit:Jason South Coolaroo, in Melbourne's north, recorded the worst place for air quality in Melbourne. Between 8am and 1pm on Monday its air quality was consistently rated as hazardous, a result that no other monitoring station recorded. A burglar broke into a family home on rue Jos Sunnen on Sunday. The incident took place in the late afternoon or early evening. The burglar entered the home through a basement window and stole a number of valuable items. Another burglary occurred on rue de Luxembourg in Pontpierre on Sunday afternoon. A third burglar broke into a shed of a nature and environment association in the "Am Brill" conservation area. Police have launched investigations and lodged a complaint against unknown. China's top radar institute awarded for classified, advanced project Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/12 19:08:41 China's top radar development institute was recently awarded a national prize for a classified, advanced project, as experts hailed China's radar industry on Sunday as a top player in the world. For participating in a major project, the 14th Research Institute of the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) was given the first prize in the National Science and Technology Progress Award in a ceremony held in Beijing on Friday, the People's Daily reported on Saturday. The detail of the project is "too advanced to be openly displayed," the report said. Military observers believe the project to be closely related to China's advanced radar development. The Nanjing-based institute is the birthplace of China's radar industry, the only large, high-technology, comprehensive institute in China that can deliver early warning and detection systems for all fields of sea, land, air and space, the People's Daily report said. Radar products made by the CETC 14th Research Institute can be found on a variety of Chinese weapons and equipment including warships, warplanes, air defense systems, strategic early warning systems, anti-drone systems and satellites. The AESA radar dubbed "Star of the Sea" installed on China's recently commissioned aircraft carrier Shandong is a homemade product of the institute. The radar effectively boosts Chinese naval formations' regional air defense capability, making China the third country behind the US and Russia to be able to domestically develop such a system, according to the report. Thanks to the institute, China now operates radars of different bands and all types, allowing them to cooperate with and complement each other, optimizing their detection capability, detection accuracy and mobility, the report said, noting that coordination between different radar bands can also resist hostile jamming and thrive in complicated electromagnetic environments. A military expert who asked not to be named told the Global Times on Sunday that Chinese radars can be considered among the most advanced level in the world. "One of the sharpest spears in modern warfare is stealth aircraft, which can sneak deep into hostile territory and launch deadly attacks. But China possesses the shield to counter it by developing the anti-stealth radar," the expert said. Wu Jianqi, a senior scientist at CETC, said in an interview with Naval & Merchant Ships magazine in 2019 that China's meter wave anti-stealth radar not only detects advanced stealth aircraft, but also guides missiles to destroy them. Iran on Saturday admitted it shot down a Ukrainian civilian plane, mistaking it for a cruise missile, media reported, raising discussions among Chinese netizens. This will very unlikely happen in China, as China's multiple types of advanced radars as well as complete protocols backed by reliable technologies will give air defense operators enough time and data to make judgments, the expert said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian administration denies spreading misinformation after the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran last week, PressTV reported. The plane of Ukraine International Airlines crashed a few minutes after taking off from Tehran to Kyiv on the morning of January 8, leaving all 176 people on board killed. Ianian officials explained the accident with technical reasons and refuted the likelihood that the plane was shot down by missiles. However, after the investigation, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces issued a statement on January 10 and admitted that the Ukrainian plane was shot down by missiles fired unintentionally due to human error. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, the administrations spokesman Ali Rabiei said, as a matter of fact, we did not lie. Lying means conscious and deliberate falsification of the truth. Such a thing never took place. Earlier, Rabiei himself ruled out any possibility that the plane was shot down by a rocket, today he said that these comments were made "based on information available to the administration at the time, which rejected the role of any missile" as the cause of the crash. None of the administrations officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, knew about the cause of the crash until Friday evening, when the administration was informed of the results of an investigation conducted by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, he explained. Head of the Aerospace Division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh explained that the responsible operator discovered that the air defense system detected an incoming cruise missile. He then took the wrong decision in a ten-seconds after a failure in the communications network prevented him from getting permission to start. Rabiei noted that as soon as President Rouhani found out the cause of the accident, he ordered the public to be informed accordingly. According to him, Iran should take all technical precautions to reduce the likelihood of human errors to zero. He drew attention to the root cause of the tragedy, namely the US regimes cowardly assassination of General Soleimani that raised the specter of war over our country and [thus] imposed heavy psychological pressure on our society. He also noted that the incidence of a single error should not call into question all the sacrifices and efforts made by the country's armed forces. New York, Jan 13 : Researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to rapidly analyze hundreds of thousands of comments on social media and identify the fraction that defend or sympathize with disenfranchised minorities such as the Rohingya community. The Rohingyas, who began fleeing Myanamar in 2017 to avoid ethnic cleansing, are ill-equipped to defend themselves from online attacks. Many of them have limited proficiency in global languages such as English, and they have little access to the Internet. Most are too busy trying to stay alive to spend much time posting their own content. The technique from Carnegie Mellon University's Language Technologies Institute (LTI) could help counter the hate speech directed at them and other voiceless groups. Human social media moderators, who couldn't possibly manually sift through so many comments, would then have the option to highlight this "help speech" in comment sections, said the study. "Even if there's lots of hateful content, we can still find positive comments," said Ashiqur R. KhudaBukhsh, a post-doctoral researcher who conducted the research with alumnus Shriphani Palakodety. To find relevant help speech, the researchers used their technique to search more than a quarter of a million comments from YouTube in what they believe is the first AI-focused analysis of the Rohingya refugee crisis. Similarly, in a study yet to be published, they used the technology to search for anti-war "hope speech" among almost a million YouTube comments surrounding the February 2019 Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir, which enflamed the longstanding India-Pakistan dispute over the region. The researchers developed a further innovation that made it possible to apply these models to short social media texts in South Asia. "Short bits of text, often with spelling and grammar mistakes, are difficult for machines to interpret. It's even harder in South Asian countries, where people may speak several languages and tend to "code switch," combining bits of different languages and even different writing systems in the same statement," said the study. Samplings of the YouTube comments showed about 10 per cent of the comments were positive. "When the researchers used their method to search for help speech in the larger dataset, the results were 88 per cent positive, indicating that the method could substantially reduce the manual effort necessary to find them," KhudaBukhsh said. "No country is too small to take on refugees," said one text, while another argued "all the countries should take a stand for these people." But detecting pro-Rohingya texts can be a double-edged sword: some texts can contain language that could be considered hate speech against their alleged persecutors, the authors wrote. However, finding and highlighting these positive comments might do as much to make the internet a safer, healthier place as would detecting and eliminating hostile content or banning the trolls responsible. The team would present their findings at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence annual conference in New York City next month. Bengaluru, Jan 13 : At a public meeting here of thousands of worried bank customers, Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank Chairman K. Ramakrishna on Monday said that depositors' money with the bank is "one hundred per cent safe". "Your money is 100 per cent safe with Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank. It is my responsibility," Ramakrishna said at Sri Guru Narasimha Kalyanamandira auditorium where thousands of depositors had assembled to seek clarifications on the fate of their deposits. Dramatic scenes and pandemonium ruled the gathering earlier before his arrival when thousands of the bank customers threatened to go en masse to the police station and file a case against Ramakrishna. The depositors made this threat after hearing that Ramakrishna could not appear before them as he had undergone a heart operation. As Ramakrishna spoke to the gathering in Kannada, hundreds of depositors shouted back at him seeking clarifications. "The bank is saying that I cannot withdraw more than Rs 35,000. In case our fixed deposit matures, we have to renew it as we cannot encash it, " said Nagaraj M, 49, a six-year-old account holder with the bank. At the auditorium, thousands of depositors earlier demanded the presence of bank chairman to come and clarify on the situation. Pandemonium prevailed earlier at the location with no senior bank employee available to reassure customers. The bank invited the depositors to assemble at the auditorium at 6 p.m. on Monday to update them on the status, following a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directive restricting the bank from doing business with immediate effect. "We want the directors of the bank here," shouted a depositor from the stage, addressing fellow depositors. A handful of policemen were trying to control the crowd and bring order to the assembly. Many elderly and retired persons arrived at the meeting to know the fate of their savings. "Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank was a good bank with only 0.5 per cent non-performing assets. Nowadays days we cannot trust any bank. See what happened with the PMC Bank," lamented another customer. The depositors, owning money worth Rs 1,565.62 crore, of the city-based urban co-operative bank (UCB) Sri Gururaghavendra Sahakara Bank Niyamith were left in the lurch as the Reserve Bank of India placed curbs on deposit withdrawals from the UCB. The central bank has barred anyone from withdrawing more the Rs 35,000 from any account. "A sum not exceeding Rs 35,000 of the total balance in every savings bank or current account or any other deposit account may be allowed to be withdrawn subject to conditions stated in the above RBI Directions,' the RBI said. The apex bank also barred the UCB from granting any loans amid concerns over high bad loans in the bank. "The aforesaid bank shall not, without prior approval of RBI in writing grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment, incur any liability including borrowing of funds and acceptance of fresh deposits, disburse or agree to disburse any payment whether in discharge of its liabilities and obligations or otherwise, enter into any compromise or arrangement and sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets except as notified," it further said. The bank had 8,614 members at the end of March 31, 2018, pitching up a share capital worth Rs 52 crore. The banks advances stood at Rs 1,150.94 crore, while the reported gross NPA ratio stood at a mere 0.45%, as reported. The company, however, hasnt filed any financial for this year. Founded in 1999, the bank has eight branches in the city. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BAIC Group's NEV unit BJEV announced its 2019 annual sales of 150,601 units, crowned the best seller of battery-only electric vehicles in China for seven consecutive years. Meanwhile, its optimized product portfolio, including the EU5, the EX5, the EX3 and the EU7, contributed up to 90% of the total sales. The NEV maker has appeared on the list of "China's 500 most valuable brands" again in 2019 with a brand value of roughly RMB37.3 billion ($5.4 billion), which was a year-on-year increase of 23%. Besides, BAIC BJEV has developed three platforms, BE11, BE22 and BE22, to cover more than 30 products in next five years. By the end of June 2019, the NEV arm had invested over RMB5.3 billion yuan ($765 million) in R&D, accounting for more than 10% of its revenue. In July last year, the first phase of its NEV test center with an investment of RMB2 billion ($289 million) was completed. Up to now, there have been more than 1600 members in its R&D team, and 4,557 patent applications have been filed, of which invention patents comprise 43%. It has also published over 1,700 enterprise standards and participated in the formulation of more than 80 national standards. In addition, BAIC BJEV has forged partnership with Daimler, Huawei, Magna, CATL, Baidu, Suning, Didi, Valeo, Siemens and Infineon and will intensify cooperation with partners (photo source: BAIC BJEV's WeChat account). SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuel Cycle, Inc. the leading market research cloud for Fortune 500 companies, was honored with Built In LA's Best Places to Work award. The award recognizes companies that are providing employees with attractive benefits packages and competitive market compensation. Rankings are derived algorithmically based on compensation data and employer benefits feedback. Rank is determined by combining the score in each of these categories and from sentiment ratings provided by employees' anonymous ratings. There are no fees or costs associated with participating, nor is a nomination required. To attract and retain exceptional people from various professional and personal backgrounds, Fuel Cycle has developed a company culture that fosters mental and physical wellness, career growth, and work-life balance. Fuel Cycle employees enjoy a wide range of programs available to excel in their role and enjoy professional perks that also benefit their personal lives. "We are thrilled to be recognized on Built In LA's 2020 Best Places to Work list! This is a huge accomplishment for our team and could not have been reached without the support and dedication of our people in making Fuel Cycle such an exciting place to work. At Fuel Cycle, we are 100% committed to offering our people an environment where they can challenge themselves every day, and work with other passionate, talented colleagues! We work hard and have an enormous amount of fun while we're doing it!" said Yami Rodriguez, Sr. Manager of HR and Recruitment at Fuel Cycle. "There is nothing better than employees across the organization feeling equally passionate about our commitment to invest in each person. Being a great place to work is the difference between being a good company and a great company. In a competitive world, what sets us apart is to be employee and customer satisfaction obsessed. Our company culture is the product of our values and environment, all driven by understanding that satisfied employees mean satisfied customers. How we treat our customers reflects how we treat our employees," said Eran Gilad, CEO of Fuel Cycle. Mari Christopoulos Katris, CEO of Built In said, "These companies exemplify what it means to be an employer of choice for today's purpose-driven tech workforce. Writing about them inspires us daily and, in terms of our offering, gives us total confidence that the professionals who visit our website will find work that gives them a strong sense of professional and personal meaning." For more about Fuel Cycle company culture and open positions, visit their careers page at www.fuelcycle.com/careers. About Fuel Cycle Fuel Cycle is the leading market research cloud that combines both qualitative and quantitative data to power real-time business decisions. Through online communities, product exchanges, panels, and more, Fuel Cycle offers the only all-in-one market research platform for brands to connect to their customers. With Fuel Cycle, organizations can quickly act upon reliable data to help predict the future of their industry and stay one step ahead of the competition. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Fuel Cycle powers the world's most customer-centric brands including Google, Hulu, Church & Dwight, Viacom, AIG and more. Its partners include Salesforce, Marketo, SurveyGizmo, Voxpopme and many others across the MR ecosystem. For more information, visit fuelcycle.com About Built In La Working in tech is a way of life. Built In helps people live it with purpose. Across the most vibrant tech hubs in the US, Built In helps tech professionals stay on top of tech news and trends, expand their networks and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Built In attracts a niche audience of 1 million tech professionals every month and in 2019, the company hit a milestone, serving 1,000 companies annually. Visit BuilInLA.com for more information. SOURCE Fuel Cycle Related Links www.fuelcycle.com Three suspected drug dealers were arrested this week after authorities raided two homes where they discovered drugs, cash and weapons, according to Laredo police. READ MORE: Previously convicted illegal alien arrested by Border Patrol On Wednesday, the LPD narcotics and vice unit, assisted by the patrol division, executed a search warrant in the 1800 block of East Price Street. Authorities said they had received anonymous information about narcotics being sold at the residence. After an investigation, police said that narcotics activity was evident. Police raided the home and detained a man and a woman after entering the home. A search of the male yielded six wrappings of a white powdery substance along with money. A search of the master bedroom yielded $7,099 inside the closet, according to police. Authorities also discovered three weapons inside that same closet: A 9mm Taurus handgun, a black shotgun and an AK Micro Pistol. Officers also found a black backpack containing 175 Alprozolam Pills (Xanax-134 grams) and four Viagra 100 mg pills (2.2 grams). Officers also located 52 clear wrappings containing white powdery substance, according to police. Officers also found 16.1 ounces of marijuana. The total weight of the white powdery substance was 21.1 grams. Authorities identified the suspects as Jaime Jesus Esquivel, 33, and Maria Rodriguez, 39. Each was charged with two counts of manufacture, delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. Second raid On Thursday, authorities raided another home in the 600 block of East Ash Street. LPD executed the search warrant after they observed individuals participating in behaviors and activities commonly utilized by those involved in narcotics activities. Officers detained a man upon raiding the home. He was identified as Rodolfo Diaz Jr., 60. Officers then discovered three Ziplock bags with 0.70 ounces of marijuana. Further inspection rendered two additional clear wraps with 0.07 ounces of marijuana. READ MORE: Three Laredo men arrested after allegedly holding up auto sales business with handgun A search of the kitchen revealed a small container with 0.12 ounces of marijuana. Diaz allegedly admitted to owning the marijuana. He was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. The World Bank released its annual ease of doing business report a few weeks ago. The report entitled Doing Business 2020: Comparing Business Regulation in 190 Economies suggested that India had jumped 14 places (from 77th rank in 2018) to take the 63rd rank in 2019 in the World Banks ease of doing business ranking among 190 countries. The government functionaries right from the prime minister down to the finance minister and others were quick to latch on to this straw and proclaim to the world and Indians as to how well the Indian economy is doing and that we are on course to realise the dream of a $5 trillion economy by 2024. God knows what has happened to the other goal of doubling farmers incomes by 2024 about which a lot was said by the prime minister and BJP president Amit Shah during the general elections held in 2019. According to a news release, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, citing the report, stated that India had improved in seven out of 10 indicators and has moved closer to international best practices. However, the report shows an improvement in only four out of 10 indicators. She further stated that India was on course to achieving the 50th rank and ranked among the 10 top performers for the third year in a row. Despite the World Bank reports rosy picture, reality speaks otherwise and points to an all-pervasive gloom about the prospects of the Indian economy and for businesses. Indias GDP, exports, production and investments in critical sectors, credit availability, employment opportunities and consumer demand is shrinking. Rating agencies such as Fitch have cut down the growth forecast for India to 4.6% in the financial year 2019-2020 as against 4.9% by Moodys and 5.1 % by the Asian Development Bank. If one considers the fact that the methodology to compute GDP was changed by the Modi government, Indias actual annual GDP growth rates may even be below 4 %. Even the International Monetary Fund which had been betting high on the prospects of the Indian economy, has downgraded its expectations although it still forecasts Indias GDP at 6.1% in 2019. A National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) Report on unemployment which was withheld prior to the last general elections, revealed that the unemployment rate in India at 6.1% was the highest in the last 45 years. The NSSO consumer expenditure data for 2017-18 which is being withheld as per media leaks, indicate a decline in average monthly consumer expenditure which would imply that poverty has increased after the present government came to power. If true, this would mean that poverty which has been consistently declining in India post-1991 has got reversed. The latest available poverty data based on NSS consumer expenditure data is available only up to 2012. Statistical reports and data on different sectors which used to be regularly released to the public in the last 70 years is now being withheld or managed to hide the reality about the state of the economy. Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Modi Government, based on his recent study, states that the Indian economy is now in the ICU. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has stated that the Indian economy is in recession. Even the World Bank now concedes that Indias cyclical slowdown is severe. If one reads the World Banks Ease of Doing Business report, especially its methodology for ranking countries based on the 10 indicators, one will be aware of its severe limitations especially in drawing inferences about the state of the business environment in different countries. The ranking of different economies with respect to the indicators is based on a case study of a standardised business unit and covers only one or two cities in each country. For India, the report only covered Delhi and Mumbai. How can these two cities be representative of the business environment for a large and diverse country such as India where the business environment varies from state to state. Moreover, how realistic is this standardised business unit and does it represent only large businesses? MSME ignored The report does not seem to cover micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) which contributes 45% of total industrial employment, 50% of total exports and covers 95% of all industrial units in the country. It also ignores the informal sector. The report is mainly based on a reading of the laws and regulations in respective countries and information canvassed from a survey of private sector practitioners, mostly legal experts, and government officials. Surprisingly the survey does not cover owners of businesses who are best placed to report on the ease of doing business. There is also no information as to how these respondents were selected. Government officials will only parrot out what the regime of the day wants to hear. Indians are well aware of the wide gap between regulations and its actual implementation. Although India has shown an improvement in four indicators - starting a business, dealing with construction permits, trading across borders and solving insolvency, for six other indicators - getting electricity, credit, registering property, protecting minority investors, paying taxes and enforcing contracts, there is no improvement. The overall ease of doing business index computed in the report is just a simple average of the scores for the ten indicators which is questionable since it gives equal weight to all the indicators. Perhaps, the most poignant depiction of the real state of the ease of doing business in India is the sad story of a NRI businessman in Kerala who committed suicide recently frustrated with the years of delay in getting clearances from the local panchayat for his enterprise. (The writer is an economist) Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has been making headlines since he managed to escape a 24-hour-surveillance in Japan. Carlos Ghosn was in house arrest in Japan to living lavishly in Lebanon. This incident, termed as the Nissan CEO scandal by media reports, is presently making the rounds on the internet as it is reported that a film will soon be made and released based on the same incident. Also Read | Japan Continues To Seek Carlos Ghosn In Lebanon Also Read | Japanese Justice Minister Denounces Carlos Ghosn's Criticism Of Legal System As 'erroneous,' Denies Any 'conspiracy' Carlos Ghosn on Hollywood approaching him In an interview with a television broadcast network, Carlos revealed that he planned the whole escape by himself, which was rumoured to involve 15 people, costing millions. For the first half of his escape, he boarded a bullet train undetected to the Osaka airport. In an interview with the same broadcast network, Ghosn opened up about his escape and stated that he knew that he was taking a risk and also knew that if he got the people around him in the loop, not only were they at risk, but there was a chance of slippage, rumours, and leaks. He further stated that because of this, he had to work by himself only with people who were going to operate and nobody else. Also Read | Carlos Ghosn Says He Was 'ripped From Family, Friends' By Japanese Prosecutors Carlos Ghosn, who described himself specifically as a fugitive from injustice, also opened up about wanting to make a film about his life before. He claimed to have met the Birdman producer John Lesher for the OTT platform Netflix, but Netflix denied all the reports. After his escape from Japan, Carlos Ghosn claims that Hollywood seems to be more interested in making a film about him. The former Nissan CEO also said that Hollywood has reached out to him about a biopic on his life story. Also Read | Carlos Ghosn Says Nissans Investigation Against Him Is Flawed And Biased Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. The Department of Revenue has identified 931 cases of fraudulent refund claims through data analytics and has now tasked the data analytics wing to scrutinise all past and pending refund claims filed all over the country for inverted duty structure, sources said. Refunds of over Rs 28,000 crore are said to have been filed by over 27,000 taxpayers so far on account of inverted duty structure in the current financial year. The sources said such identified taxpayers who have purchased goods from tax-evading non-filers would face verification and scrutiny as necessary. This is being weekly reviewed and monitored by Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey. The sources said that to curb input tax credit (ITC) frauds, data analytics is to be done on all refunds since 2017, keeping an eye on the modus operandi of unscrupulous refund claimants or fly-by-night or shell business entities for availment of fake ITC. formations have booked 6,641 cases involving 7,164 entities till November last year and have so far recovered around Rs 1,057 crore. The highest number of such fraud cases have been booked in Kolkata zone, followed by Delhi, Jaipur and Panchkula (Haryana), the sources said adding that a recently detected fraud by central tax authorities in Delhi, involving GST refund for inverted duty structure, was deliberated at the 2nd National Conference on GST last week. The sources also said investigators in Delhi have busted through data analytics a significant fraud case, where fraudsters created a network of over 500 entities comprising fake billers, intermediary dealers, distributors and bogus manufacturers of hawai chappals for availing and encashing fake ITC credits. The bogus 'manufacturers' created in Uttarakhand were making supplies to other fictitious entities and retailers in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The raw materials for the chappals, known as EVA compound, are chargeable with 18 per cent duty whereas chappals are chargeable to GST of 5 per cent, sources said adding that resultantly, law allows the manufacturers to claim refunds of the inverted duty structure in cash. GST investigators found an ongoing parallel investigation in Uttarakhand to be connected and took swift action in preventing refund claims of Rs 27.5 crore. Through meticulous cyber-planning, fraudsters had created over Rs 600 crore of 'fake credit', which they would have continued to encash had it not been busted. The main accused in this case was arrested in December and continues to be on judicial remand. It was also through data analytics that recently, GST formations have identified a few exports with 'star' status that were fraudulently availing IGST refund and were untraceable at their registered addresses. In these cases, an exporter with over Rs 50 crore of exports of readymade garments has taken refund of Rs 3.90 crore, while the entity's total GST payment in cash was merely Rs 1,650. In another case, tax payments in cash have been found at Rs 51,201 while the exporter has obtained refund of Rs 9.59 crore. The GST data analytics wing has been able to identify all such cases involving fake invoicing and fraudulent tax credits, which have been encashed through the facility of IGST refunds, the sources said. . , - . , . ... Just weeks after stepping down as chief executive officer of luggage maker Away following a report about her leadership tactics, Steph Korey is back as co-CEO. Korey, who co-founded the company, is sharing the top spot with Stuart Haselden, a spokesperson told CNBC. Away announced in December that Haselden would be leaving Lululemon, where he had been COO since May 2017, to head the digital start-up. Away said Korey was stepping down as CEO and moving to an executive chairman role after technology website The Verge published an article in December that included messages from Korey using the app Slack "as a tool to stalk and bully junior and minority employees." Away's workplace culture was described as toxic, based on interviews The Verge had with employees. The article quickly set off a firestorm on Twitter, with many Away customers criticizing the company, which had long been hailed as a darling in the e-commerce era. At the time, Korey apologized, saying, "I am sincerely sorry for what I said and how I said it. It was wrong, plain and simple. ... I can imagine how people felt reading those messages from the past, because I was appalled to read them myself." But she told Away employees in a companywide Slack message Monday, which was reviewed by CNBC: "The inaccurate reporting that was published in December about our company unleashed a social media mob not just on me, but also on many of you." She added that her move to executive chairman had caused "more confusion than clarity. ... So, let me clear that up: I am not leaving the company." Korey went on to say the company will contemplate its "legal options" after The Verge responds to its "demands for retractions and corrections." A representative from The Verge wasn't immediately available to respond to CNBC's request for comment. Away said it has hired Libby Locke, the lawyer who won a defamation case against Rolling Stone magazine for a retracted story about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia. Locke said in an email Monday that the Verge "published hit pieces filled with lies and distortions designed to damage Away's reputation." The New York Times first reported on Korey's move to co-CEO. Bangladesh: 4mln metres of illegal fishing net seized in Chandpur January 13,2020 | Source: UNB A team of the River Police seized four million metres of illegal fishing net from Padma River on Sunday. A team, led by Deputy Inspector General Md Atikul Islam, conducted drives and seized two million metres of Current Jal and another two million metres of illegal fishing net from different spots in the river, said River Police sources. Later, the nets were burnt in the afternoon in presence of District Fisheries Officer Asadul Baki. Viewers branded the moment judge Keith Brymer Jones broke down in tears as 'heartwarming' after he burst into tears at the beauty of a cup and toast rack in The Great Pottery Throw Down. In last night's episode of the Channel 4 show, the judges set the potters two challenges - to create a breakfast set comprised of a cafetiere, two espresso cups and matching saucers and a toast rack, and egg cups. And the task seemed to be a bit overwhelming - not for the 12 contestants, but for judge Keith - who was overcome with emotion when he was presented with Rosalind's hen-inspired pieces. 'Just when I thought the world was void of kindness, seeing Keith crying over the quality of Rosalinds hens might have helped restore a glimmer,' wrote one, while a second enthused: 'Ive never seen such emotion judging a toast rack. This is epic viewing and my new series to get hooked on.' In last night's episode of The Great Pottery Thrown down, judge Keith Brymer Jones was reduced to tears after being presented with Rosalind's breakfast set. Pictured, with new judge Sue Pryke and presenter Mel Sykes One viewers took to Twitter and wrote: 'Can't quite describe the joy I get from the judge crying at pottery. It's just so heartwarming (pictured) A third added: 'Keith Brymer Jones bursting into floods of tears at the drop of a hat is the joy I didn't know was missing from my life.' Meanwhile, a fourth made a comparison to judge Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bake Off and wrote: 'A "Keith cry" is the new "Hollywood Handshake." As the episode kicked off, Keith explained: 'Functionality is a large part of what I do but over the 35 years Ive been doing it, its not just about function its about the emotional connection youre trying to convey with what you make. For me, pottery is incredibly emotional.' And that quickly became apparent when he burst into tears at Rosalind's breakfast set. The 12 contestants were presented with two challenges - to create a breakfast set comprised of a cafetiere, two espresso cups and matching saucers and a toast rack, and egg cups. Pictured, Rosalind's efforts Speaking of Rosalind's breakfast set, Keith commented: 'It's fantastic, mate! It's not my cup of tea...or coffee, but the execution of your illustration of your hen is fantastic. It's really good.' Pictured, with new judge Sue Rosalind (pictured) is one of the 12 contestants starring on the show - and was delighted with the feedback she received One viewer wrote: 'It's just a teapot and some cups Keith! What's he going to be like in the final?' (pictured) 'Happy with Henrietta?' asked new judge and award-winning ceramicist Sue Pryke, to which Rosalind replied: 'Yes, it seems to have all worked out.' 'Well, I entirely agree with you,' added an emotional Keith, who struggled to get his words out. 'It's fantastic, mate! It's not my cup of tea...or coffee, but the execution of your illustration of your hen is fantastic. It's really good. It's charming!' Sue continued: 'What you've achieved is a functional set and your style is very country-kitchen isn't it. There's certainly a market for this.' And those who tuned in were quick to take to social media full of praise for the emotional judge. 'New drinking game idea. Shot every time Keith cries on #GreatPotteryThrowDown - whose in?' wrote one, while a second commented: 'It makes me so happy that this is back! I love how emotional Keith is! My favourite moment from the older series when Keith cried over a beautiful clay cone!' A third added: 'I always cry when Keith cries, while a fourth penned: 'Keith the judge seems to be in tears most of the time , good tears. Totes emosh over a coffee pot.' [January 13, 2020] KONKA Announces Plans for New US Headquarter at CES 2020, Entering the US Market with an Integrated Global Innovation Strategy SHENZHEN, China, Jan, 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KONKA (000016.SZ), a leading Chinese technology company, is set to enter the US market with new strategies in innovation, branding and global development. The move to open a US-based company in Southern California was announced at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. The US branch will play an instrumental role in building KONKA's global brand and expanding its television business, with future expansion into white goods, small appliance and smart home. Under the new brand strategy, KONKA aims to build its presence in the US and has set a goal of selling one million TVs by 2023. Alongside the announcement, KONKA also debuted four series of TVs for the North American market, including LED, QLED and OLED TVs in 32-inch 75-inch screen sizes. The company also showcased the APHAEA 'Smart Wall', a self-developed 236-inch 8K Micro LED display powered by Konka's proprietary 8K processing. Following substantial investment in innovation and intelligent manufacturing, KONKA has launched an array of successful and award-winning products including an AI panorama television, the APHAEA future screen and 8K experience. The featured technologies and products at CES 2020 highlight the brands highest technological achievements and showcase the strength f Chinese brands. KONKA's growing presence in the global market is the fruit of its long-term global expansion strategy and comes off the back of it entering the African market in 2019 with the establishment of its joint venture in Egypt and international incubator projects. The opening of KONKA's US Headquarters is the brand's next step in actively promoting integrated global development. KONKA's joint venture in Egypt with local appliances manufacturer HOHO, is enabling KONKA to complete its supply chain and expand into the African market to reach annual sales of 600,000 televisions across Africa and the Middle East in three years. KONKA has also set up 15 KK STAR innovation bases in 7 China's major cities and 5 other countries. Following the opening of the US branch, KONKA looks forward to establishing an innovation center in London this year and additional offices and centers in Israel, Italy and Japan. The development of 5G and AI have signaled a pending round of new consumption upgrades. Look forward, the company will work with top global markets to support the sustainable and integrated development of this new wave of innovation. About KONKA Group Founded in 1980, KONKA Group (stylized as KONKA) is the first sino-foreign equity electronic joint venture company. As a technology platform-based company driven by technological innovation, KONKA's scope of business covers consumer electronics (TVs, white goods and mobile phones), semiconductor technology, eco-friendly technology, industrial parks, platform service and investment and finance. KONKA's operating revenue in 2018 reached CNY 46 billion, and with the phased achievements of KONKA's industrial layout and a detailed strategic blueprint for all its businesses, the brand is expected to achieve the revenue target of CNY 100 billion within three years. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/konka-announces-plans-for-new-us-headquarter-at-ces-2020-entering-the-us-market-with-an-integrated-global-innovation-strategy-300985475.html SOURCE KONKA Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Creeps are everywhere and they are called that for a reason. Because even if they are not part of any conversation or your life, they try to creep their way in. However, recently Pune Police taught one such creep a lesson. Different police departments are using the power of social media to keep in touch with citizens and answer their queries as quickly as possible. Recently, a woman tagged Pune Police in a tweet asking them for the number of Dhanori police station. Representative Image/Sakal Times Pune police was prompt in their response and gave the woman the number she was looking for. A man replied to Pune Polices tweet asking them to share the number of the woman. The tweet made from the account @abirchiklu read, Can I get her number please? @PuneCityPolice can i get her number please ? Chiklu (@abirchiklu) January 12, 2020 Cheap move, obviously. The man probably thought he could get away with this but the police made sure that did not happen. Sir, we are more interested in your number currently, to understand your interest in the ladys number. You may DM. We respect privacy. https://t.co/LgaD1ZI2IT PUNE POLICE (@PuneCityPolice) January 12, 2020 This was the response made by the Pune police: Sir, we are more interested in your number currently, to understand your interest in the lady's number. The police made sure to ask the man to DM them because you know, they respect cyber privacy. Pune Police-1, creepy man- 0. Glen Ellyn, Ill., Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The College of DuPage Continuing Education department and Welding program recently teamed up to assist local Boy Scout of America Troop members earn hard-to-get merit badges and to educate the scouts on the various technical programs offered at the College. Scouts had opportunities to complete badges towards their ranks, including welding and metalworking. Twelve scouts spent the day learning about welding and metalwork hazards, safety precautions, processes and terms, various cutting methods and career opportunities in the industry. Participants were able to demonstrate their new skills while creating their own metal airplane, a campsite grill and a rectangle name tag holder. View photos and watch a video of the scouts in action. Inspiration for the event developed last year after the Colleges Manufacturing program and Continuing Education department partnered to host GADGET Girls, a camp for girls adventuring in design, engineering and technology. Area middle school girls were exposed to opportunities in the manufacturing sector. After positive feedback from the event, the idea to involve other departments and local youth organizations took off. Jenna Greenfield, COD Continuing Education Youth Academy Coordinator, said exposing youth to higher education opportunities at an early age is important because it fosters curiosity and helps them develop life skills such as problem solving, collaboration and resilience. With cost often times a barrier to education, Greenfield secured a Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship to help reduce the cost for attendees. Many times scouts completion of badges depends on attending various week-long summer camps, she said. These are not available to all scouts because of financial obstacles. The merit badge camp offered at COD hopes to eliminate these challenges. In addition, we offer hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment that they wouldnt have access to otherwise. Boy Scout member Anna Gosztola of Naperville enjoyed the hands-on activities. She earned her 16th merit badge making her one step closer to the rank of Eagle, the pinnacle of all scouts achievements. Most badges Ive earned have not been interactive like this, she said. I really didnt know COD had these labs and I definitely want to take more classes here, maybe even a class in the arts. My dad is a chemist at Argonne National Laboratory and this is just as cool. I didnt know what I was expecting when I came today, but I didnt expect to see all of these machines. As one of the only girls in her troop, she hopes to inspire other young girls to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Being a boy scout is fun and not just for boys, she said. Society tells us that girls cant be adventurous and shouldnt get their hands dirty. We are supposed to be perfect and wear dresses. But thats not true. You can be whoever you want to be. Ive learned a lot from scouts and I want other girls to learn life skills as well because when more people are educated that makes the world a better place. Due to the high interest in the event, COD Welding instructor David Ellis hopes to turn the event into an opportunity campus-wide so scouts can earn a diverse range of merit badges. This partnership is giving middle schoolers and high schoolers an opportunity to see what community college is all about, he said. Beyond CTE, there are opportunities all over campus. Most of the subjects offered here at College of DuPage translate into some sort of merit badge. While College might be far off for the scouts, Ellis said being introduced to higher education opportunities early on is critical to their future success. They are being exposed to unique subject matters early in their educational journey and they can see what opportunities are out there for them, what their aptitude is for, what they like, what they dont like, he said. They can try all sorts of career and technical education skills right here at COD. A freshman at Glenbard South High School, Michael Miller of Glen Ellyn enjoyed utilizing CODs resources and was happy to see the campus up close. I was excited to see the labs and be able to actually use the machinery and tools here, he said. At first I thought we were just going to be getting a tour and then sitting in a classroom all day, but we got to make things and try everything out. Ive only ever seen COD from the outside driving by, and now I can tell other people about my experience here. At COD, the Welding program is designed for people interested in learning welding or upgrading their skills in the various processes. The program offers a variety of skill levels in oxyacetylene, arc, MIG, TIG, and plasma welding/cutting processes, using both manual and semi-automatic applications. Learn more. Our country is 250,000 welders short, Ellis said. Welding is a huge opportunity. COD has one of the best labs in the United States for mechanical maintenance, which includes electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics and welding, and we compile it all into one spot. To be contacted when additional merit badge camps are created, email Greenfield at youthacademy@cod.edu and include the student's name, age and phone number at which you can be reached. Learn more about CODs Youth Academy and program offerings. Attachment According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) on January 1, documents detailing Australias relationship with its former colonial possession, Papua New Guinea (PNG), which date back two decades, are to remain secret. The Sandline affair, which brought down the PNG government of Julius Chan after the Pacific nation hired mercenaries to combat armed rebels during the 1990s civil war in Bougainville was, the SMH said, a defining moment in PNGs history and its relationship with Canberra. Negotiations undertaken in the wake of the 19978 events saw the signing of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement. This ended the long-running war and resulted in last months referendum in which 97.7 percent of Bougainvilles voters chose to break away from PNG. The National Archives of Australia (NAA) usually releases previously secret cabinet documents 20 years after they were created. The NAAs director, David Fricker, said the practice was the essential function we perform for transparency and integrity of Australian government in this democracy of ours. However, while the NAA last month released, among other documents, two cabinet papers about PNG-related events from 1998-99, several others, including Australian Defence Force Contingency Planning for PNG, a Review of Australias Policy Towards Papua New Guinea, and PNG Economy-Australian response, remain under wraps. Legislation allows the NAA to keep information secret if it is considered politically necessary. An NAA spokesman said: If this information [about PNG] was disclosed, it could lessen the confidence of a foreign government in the Australian government, which could damage the international relations between the countries. Intelligence and security agencies, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Department of Defence were all consulted on the decision, according to the spokesman. The government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison was doubtless involved. Fricker is a former deputy head of the countrys domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Marking the unsealing of the cabinet papers, Fricker hypocritically boasted, in this present conversation were having around Australia about secrecy, and about openness of information, about transparency and integrity of government, [releasing the documents] is the function of the National Archives. In fact, successive governments have established what amounts to the framework for a police state by eviscerating basic democratic rights, including the right of the public to know about military-intelligence operations. Measures include the criminalisation of journalists and secret trials for persons who release national security information. Central to this authoritarian operation is the Australian governments collaboration with Washingtons persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, for exposing US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, CIA surveillance and other corrupt and illegal acts. The Sandline affair erupted in 1997 during the decade-long struggle for Bougainville independence, which claimed some 15,000 lives. The rebellion, led by the self-styled Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), centred on the huge Panguna gold and copper mine, operated by one of the worlds largest mining companies, the Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto. Following PNGs formal independence from Australia in 1975, the mine provided 45 percent of the countrys export income. Panguna provoked protests and resentments on Bougainville, generating widespread opposition to the mine and the Australian-led colonial administration. In 1988, landowners began sabotaging its operations, demanding higher royalty payments. The PNG military, armed and assisted by Australia, attempted to crush the BRA. The BRAs suppression was regarded as critical, not just for the future of Rio Tintos project but also the security of mining interests throughout PNG. Australian companies were at the forefront of plundering the countrys natural resources through huge and highly profitable mines. Some 2,000 Australian military personnel and 260 civilian officials served in the Bougainville intervention, the largest since the Vietnam War. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Julius Chan holds a press conference shortly after stepping down as P.M. in 1997. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) After it became obvious that the PNG military could not defeat the BRA, Canberra changed tack to impose a negotiated settlement. In 1997, the PNG government headed by Julius Chan hired the British mercenary outfit, Sandline International, in a desperate bid to put down the separatist movement. The Melbourne Age reported in March 1997, There was to be no singling out rebel leaders for assassination. Men, women and children were to be killed because they were in rebel-controlled areas and because in Port Moresby the Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, wanted to be able to boast when elections fall due in June that he had won the nasty war that Bougainville has been for a decade. The Sandline operation was not opposed by Canberra on humanitarian grounds, but because it threatened to allow other business interests to re-open the Panguna mine at the expense of Australian-owned companies. The John Howard-led government leaked the secret plans, provoking large protests in Port Moresby and a virtual rebellion in the PNG armed forces, compelling Chan to stand down. PNGs defence commander Jerry Singirok, who was sacked by Chan and played the pivotal role for Canberra in his ouster, indicated plans were underway for an Australian military intervention. He told the PNG Post Courier: Such scenarios, although hypothetical and remote, are being seriously considered and entertained in the circles in Canberra. According to the recent SMH report, troops were being readied to bring Australians living in PNG home if violence escalated. A Northern Territory air force base later became the holding location for helicopter gunships and weapons Sandline had planned to take into PNG. The two PNG documents released by the NAA revealed that Canberra agreed to accept the weapons and helicopters, but then demanded Sandline pay half the cost of destroying the ordnance before it poses a serious safety threat. Sandline, the briefing note said, was seeking a buyer for the helicopters, reportedly valued at $A14 million. Cabinets National Security Committee agreed to consider the implications of British inquiries into Sandlines activities and the likelihood of Sandline succeeding in legal action against Australia for interfering in its contract with PNG. Sandline, however, subsequently went out of business. The suppressed documents doubtless contain even more damning evidence of Canberras dirty tricks and destabilisation activities in its former colony. The secrecy underscores the filthy role played by Australian imperialism across the region. In the wake of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, Australias intervention in PNG paved the way for political-military interventions in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. This is not simply of historical interest. The Australian ruling elite considers PNG to be on the front line of its deepening confrontation with Beijing. As the US prepares for war against China, its local imperialist allies Australia and New Zealand are seeking to extend their own domination across the Pacific. All methodsdiplomatic, economic and militarywill be used in this endeavour. Bashir Ahmad, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on new media has dismissed claims that his principal alongside Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai sought votes from Shiites. A media platform on Sunday had tweeted a photo of the president and El-Rufai with the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria(IMN), Ibrahim El Zakzaky on Twitter. It claimed that Buhari had gone to seek the votes of the IMN leader and his followers but later turned their guns on them. It tweeted: FLASHBACK: When They Needed Votes, Nigerias President @MBuhari And Governor Nasir @elrufai Visited And Bowed To Ibrahim El Zakzaky And Then Turned Their Guns On Him And His Followers. However, reacting to the tweet, Ahmad said in all his 5-time campaigns for the Presidency (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019), Buhari never visited Ibrahim Zakzaky to seek his and followers votes. Read Also: El-Zakzaky Will Remain In Custody Because Of All The Pains He Has Caused: El-Rufai He tweeted thus: To set the record straight; Pres. @MBuhari has never, in all his 5 time campaigns for the Presidency (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019), visited Ibrahim Zakzaky to seek his and followers votes, the picture was at a public event in 2009. Gov. @elrufais was a condolence visit in 2014. See post below PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 16:54:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 381 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / $1.6 trillion in U.S. student loan debt has made it clear to this entrepreneur that it's time for a change.One out of every six adults have a student loan balance of over thirty-four thousand dollars, and with college tuition continuing to rise, there's no doubt about whether or not the average college graduate's student loan balance will increase alongside it.While many people have become aware of the current state that the United States is in regarding it's outrageously high student loan balance, most people don't have any idea on how to fix the issue.Entrepreneur Ken Conklin has been quite vocal about his stance on this topic, and believes entrepreneurship can begin solving this problem."Most people simply go to college because they are told that's what will allow them to build a successful career, but that's far from the truth," Ken told us. "If someone has complete certainty that they will be in a career involving engineering, law, or medicine, then college is the correct path, but I believe that succeeding in almost every other industry does not require a degree. People need to focus on creating value and bringing it to the marketplace." Ken is a marketing consultant who helps businesses with their customer acquisition using online methods, and he uses his online platform on social media to speak on the topic of college quite often. Ken is convinced that entrepreneurship is a viable path for a much larger amount of people.Ken recently announced his "End College Revolution" campaign which has already gained a lot of buzz online from various news outlets. He says his objective is to bring awareness to how broken the current educational system is, and create true change by shifting the societal norm of just going to college because it is what has been the tradition for so long.Ken states that he in onto something, and that this year will be a massive awakening for many once they hear what he has to say.Contact Information:Paula Henderson202-539-7664phendersonnews@ gmail.com About VIP Media GroupVIP Media Group is a hybrid PR agency. Their diverse client base includes top class entrepreneurs, public figures, influencers, and celebrities.SOURCE: VIP-Media Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ardila Syakriah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13 2020 Long waiting times at hospitals have become somewhat commonplace for many participants of the national health insurance (JKN) scheme, including 22-year-old Detara Nabila Prastyphylia. Deta had to spend almost a whole day every month waiting hours to visit her doctor and obtain her prescriptions at a hospital in Surabaya, East Java, from 2016 to 2018. Deta would have to come as early as 6 a.m. to register herself at the hospital and even that did not guarantee that she would be first in the line. Many people had come earlier than her, even when the hospital had not opened its door yet. She would often be in the 800s in the queue, and at one time, she even had 1,200 people before her In the registration line. 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 Recently, I walked by the shuttered Hahnemann University Hospital and noticed graffiti painted above the doors that had welcomed the poorest and sickest patients in the city for more than 170 years. I could not shake the overwhelming feeling of abandonment that emanated from the spray paint. In January 2018, Hahnemann was purchased by American Academic Health System (a newly formed for-profit subsidiary of Paladin Healthcare, based in El Segundo, California). In June 2019, with little warning, the company announced that the hospital would close in less than three months. This left patients scrambling to find doctors, practices, and hospitals where they could get urgent and necessary care, including chemotherapy. It also left staff, nurses, physicians, and others looking for employment. Patients and employees felt truly abandoned. Appropriately, the abandonment of the underserved patient community for whom Hahnemann previously cared has been a focus of the city's response. Many local hospitals have stepped up to give Philadelphians places to receive care. But another vulnerable population has also been abandoned and left powerless while the bankruptcy process unfolds: the young doctors who had chosen to complete their medical training at this once-proud safety net institution. The future of medicine lies in the hands of the young doctors who are just starting their careers. The path to practicing medicine is long, challenging, and expensive. After at least eight years of schooling (four years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of medical school), young doctors are required to complete an internship and residency (at least three years but often more than five) for postgraduate training. This has been the subject of many popular TV series. Through this process, these trainees sacrifice their personal lives and immerse themselves into their studies and preparation. Along the way, they accumulate a student debt that averages $200,000. The residents who came to Hahnemann committed to training at a hospital that was not glamorous and had limited resources. They came to learn how to heal the poor, navigate the challenges of a medically underserved community, and deliver high-quality and cost-effective care. Most importantly, they put their future in the hands of the hospital. The skills they hoped to learn from senior physicians would impact their entire careers. These young doctors never thought that, in addition to entrusting their training to Hahnemann, they would be placing their careers in the hands of a for-profit enterprise that valued profits over all else. Since their purchase of Hahnemann, American Academic Health Systems subscribed to a management style resembling what was seen on The Apprentice, firing and hiring five CEOs in rapid succession. By January 2019, the company recognized the value of the real estate and systematically and quietly dismantled the hospital over the course of the subsequent six months. When the owners announced that the hospital was to close, more than 570 medical trainees were left scrambling to find hospitals that would take them the largest displacement of trainees in our countrys history. The term that is used to describe these trainees is orphan. Their futures for which they had worked so hard and sacrificed so much were now in jeopardy. Thankfully almost all of the trainees found safe landing spots across the country to complete their training. The owners of the hospital added insult to injury to their abandonment by violating their contractual obligation to pay for trainee tail malpractice insurance. Without having their time at Hahnemann insured since the change of ownership, more than 980 trainees are open to significant liability, will have trouble obtaining credentials to practice at most hospitals, and may be ineligible for state medical licensure in at least 18 states. The cost of purchasing malpractice insurance on their own is prohibitive and could be more than $70,000 per individual. The decisions about how funds from the bankruptcy will be distributed are being fleshed out in court. There, a cadre of attorneys representing corporations, multiple creditors, and employed physicians deliberate the merits of their debt. Our trainees were left without an organization that can represent their best interests, though the American Medical Association is arranging legal representation for them in the court proceedings. In the meantime, their fates are in limbo and there is no clear path to remedy the situation. They were abandoned. This cannot and must not happen. Not only does this disaster jeopardize their immediate futures, but it will undoubtedly influence their choice of where and how they practice. With added debt and disenfranchisement, this group of young doctorswho had a strong chance and desire to stay in Philadelphia, is much more likely to practice in more affluent communities where there are no shortages of qualified and well-trained physicians. The spray paint above the doors of Hahnemann has recently dried. Just as the house of medicine has united to embrace the abandoned patients in Philadelphia, we are hopeful that organizations and individuals who value the future of medicine will rally to support these young doctors who have been abandoned by American Academic Health System. David J. Aizenberg, M.D., is the former program director for internal medicine residency at Drexel University, for which Hahnemann was the primary teaching hospital. A version of this piece originally appeared in MedPage Today. LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Einstein Bros. Bagels is declaring its own independence from the shared holiday with National Pizza Day by moving their National Bagel Day celebration to January 15, 2020. The bagel brand believes its bakers deserve their own day to highlight their craft and dedication to baking fresh bagels every day, all day. To celebrate, Einstein Bros. Bagels and their bakers want to "Bake Your Day" by giving away a free bagel and shmear with purchase to all guests on the new National Bagel Day. "We like to say that our bakers wake up the roosters," said Chad Thompson, Chief Baker and VP of Menu Innovation at Einstein Bros. "They're up before dawn starting the baking ritual, every day, so our guests can enjoy a fresh-baked bagel. We strive to 'bake your day' every day, but on National Bagel Day, we especially want to make sure of it." Not only does Einstein Bros. Bagels want to "Bake Your Day", but they want to give you the opportunity to do the same for someone else. Because nothing starts the day off better than a fresh-baked bagel, guests who visit their local Einstein Bros. Bagels store on National Bagel Day will receive a coupon for a free bagel and shmear with purchase so they can pay-(a bagel)-forward to someone else. The National Bagel Day offers from Einstein Bros. Bagels are available at participating locations, excluding license stores inside of colleges, airports, hotels and hospitals. Learn more at www.einsteinbros.com. About Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of the Coffee & Bagel Brands family, a leading quick-casual company also known for Caribou Coffee, Bruegger's Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel brands. Einstein Bros. Bagels is a neighborhood bagelry that's always baking up a new way to bagel. Known for its fresh-baked bagels available in a variety of flavors and premium double-whipped shmears, Einstein Bros. Bagels also serves gourmet bagel sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and snacks. Einstein Bros. Bagels is proud to be the largest bagel retail company in America with more than 700 locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more, visit www.EinsteinBros.com. SOURCE Einstein Bros. Bagels Related Links https://www.einsteinbros.com Chief Executive Carrie Lam We are less than two weeks into the new year and already, geo-political concerns, large and alarming, dominate the news. Still, I believe the year ahead will mark a milestone for Asia. Asian economies, in terms of purchasing power parity, will become larger than the rest of the world combined for the first time since the 19th century. That represents a quantum leap from about one-third just two decades ago. Asia this year will also be home to half of the middle class of the world. That heralds enormous business opportunities for the world at large. Indeed, Asia, powered by Mainland China, has for some time been a global growth engine. Hong Kong, with its strategic regional location, and its extensive, ever-deepening cultural and financial links with the Mainland, is China's international financial centre, contributing to the sustainable progress of the country, the region and the world. In pursuing sustainable development, quality as well as quantity counts. Today's economies are exploring growth through innovation and technology, while seeking inclusiveness. They are, to be sure, hard-won goals given the unprecedented challenges we've faced over the past two years: the global economic slowdown, trade disputes among major economies, geopolitical uncertainties and local issues. But if we cannot direct the wind, we can surely adjust our sails, which has been what we are doing here in Hong Kong. Thanks to lessons learned and measures implemented, particularly since the Asian financial crisis, Hong Kong's financial system remains stable and remarkably successful. Globally competitive Our core competitiveness, and our status as one of the world's premier financial centres, continues to be internationally recognised. Last September, we again ranked third in the world in the Global Financial Centres Index, just behind New York and London. That's a compelling statement of confidence in our freely convertible currency, our world-class banking system and stock market and the professionals who power our financial sector. It's a telling reflection of our strategic geographic location and sophisticated connections to global financial markets. It's recognition, too, of the free flow of capital within, into and out of Hong Kong, as enshrined in Article 112 of the Basic Law. More than capital flows, information and people also move effortlessly in and out of Hong Kong. People around the world are confident in our regimes. They take reassurance in our trusted and bilingual common law system, our sound financial regulatory framework, low taxes and deep connections with the Mainland and the rest of the world. It helps, too, that Hong Kong again topped the world in 2019 in funds raised through initial public offerings, taking in about US$40 billion in 2019. That marked the seventh time in the past 11 years in which Hong Kong has led the world in IPOs. Hong Kong is also the first international financial centre to have laid down a clearly-defined and comprehensive regulatory regime for listed companies with weighted voting rights structures and additional corporate governance and disclosure requirements. It's clearly working. Hong Kong is now the second-largest fundraising venue in the world for biotech companies. And, of course, the Alibaba Group Holding's secondary listing on our stock market in late November was one of the world's biggest stock offerings of 2019. The decision by the e-commerce giant - one of the Mainland's largest e-commerce companies and Asia's most valuable listed companies - may well encourage other Mainland enterprises listed elsewhere, to expand their investor links into the Asian region, with Hong Kong as their base. Then there's the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. With a population of 71 million and a combined GDP of US$1.6 trillion, the Greater Bay Area and its huge market potential present boundless promise for Hong Kong, particularly our financial services sector. Innovation will drive development in the bay area. Measures will be rolled out to expand the flow of capital and people, opening up new markets and business opportunities thanks to enhanced connectivity. Among others, with the support of the Central Government, especially a Leading Group on the Greater Bay Area development chaired by the Vice Premier Han Zheng, a two-way wealth management connect scheme is being drawn up to meet the cross-boundary, wealth-management needs of residents in Hong Kong and the rest of the bay area. Coupled with the Belt & Road Initiative, the bay area development will ensure long-term prospects for Hong Kong's economy. Through these two national policies, Hong Kong will enhance its role as the business bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world. I'm talking here of our status as a leading fundraising centre, the world's largest offshore renminbi business hub and a premier asset and wealth management hub. We are no less committed to Hong Kong's development as a green finance centre. In May 2019, we issued our inaugural green bond under the Government Green Bond Programme. And, with the introduction of a Green Bond Grant Scheme, which subsidises green bond issuers in obtaining certification under the Green Finance Certification Scheme, green bonds issued and arranged in Hong Kong in 2018 reached US$11 billion. A good start, I'd say, in creating financial programmes that also pay off in environmental benefits for our sustainable development. We are hard at work as well on enabling development of our capital markets. Our open-ended fund company regime has been in operation since end-July 2018. And since last April, onshore and offshore privately offered funds can enjoy profits tax exemption under our tax law. We're also building on our mutual recognition of funds arrangement. It now covers six economies: the Mainland, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Such connections will strengthen our role as the world's premier offshore renminbi hub and wealth management centre. Our connectivity with the Mainland is also enhanced through such financial schemes as Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Stock Connect and Bond Connect. Since its inception, in late 2014, stock connect has realised cumulative net transactions of about US$150 billion in the Mainland and over US$130 billion in Hong Kong. We continue to diversify our fund structures. Among other things, we are working on a new regime of limited partnership for the registration of private equity funds. We are also enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international insurance and risk-management hub. And, to broaden the range of risk-management offerings in Hong Kong, we plan to enable the issuance of insurance-linked securities, including catastrophe bonds. Moreover, we will expand the scope of insurable risks by captive insurers in Hong Kong to meet the risk-management needs of multinationals. To exemplify our commitment to technology, last year, we issued eight virtual banking licences, as well as two virtual insurer licences. These can spur financial innovation, while boosting customer experience and building financial inclusion. And our Faster Payment System, launched in 2018 to enable instant payment, now handles about 168,000 transactions, totalling more than US$307 million, a day. Bridging East and West We've been busy making the most of Hong Kong's manifold advantages. In creating connections between businesses, investors and financial markets, East and West, we help you excel. That is also the great strength of the Asian Financial Forum (AFF), bringing East and West together for two intensive days of the latest information and intelligence, deliberation and debate, networking opportunities and business promise. This year's AFF is, as always, packed with panel discussions and workshops on financial policy, asset and wealth management, insurance, sustainable finance and deal-making sessions. As fintech continues to shake up the financial world, the AFF continues to expand its focus on fintech. This year, we launch the FintechHK Startup Salon, showcasing promising business ideas from fintech startups. It builds on the success of last year's Fintech Showcase, which returns with more than 60 fintech startups. And there's even more on offer this year in areas, ranging from global trade finance to environmental, social and governance, profit with purpose and succession planning for family corporations. It gives me great pleasure, as well, to tell you that your keynote luncheon speakers today and tomorrow, respectively, are Dr Janet Yellen, formerly the Chair of the US Federal Reserve System's Board of Governors, and Prof Abhijit Banerjee, the 2019 Economics Nobel laureate. I am honoured that they come to Hong Kong and offer us their insight and their inspiration. The forum is part of International Financial Week in Hong Kong, which brings together some 16 events covering everything from private equity and fund-raising to alternative investment and advertising strategies for financial concerns. A trip to Shenzhen is also featured this year, with visits to leading financial services and technology companies. Shenzhen, of course, is our close partner in the bay area and a global pacesetter in technology. The Asian Financial Forum symbolises Hong Kong's wide-ranging strengths and resilience as an economy and a community. These strengths and resilience, just like our financial systems, have not been undermined despite that we have experienced considerable social unrest and challenges in recent months. Through the concerted efforts of the Government, and the people of Hong Kong, I am confident that we will bridge our divide, that we will realise the common goal of a reunited community and a flourishing economy. Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks at the 13th Asian Financial Forum on January 13. In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 13. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 photo, rescue workers search the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran. Iran on Friday denied Western allegations that one of its own missiles downed a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed outside Tehran, and called on the U.S. and Canada to share any information they have on the crash, which killed all 176 people on board. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 13. What we are watching in Canada ... The Transportation Safety Board will hold a news conference this afternoon concerning its role in the investigation into the crash of Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752. The plane was shot down by an Iranian missile moments after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday. All 176 on board were killed, including 57 Canadian citizens and dozens more with Canadian ties. Iran has admitted the plane was mistaken for a hostile target amid soaring tensions with the United States. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it's been "gut-wrenching" to listen to stories from relatives of 57 Canadians who perished in the downing of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran last week. Speaking at a memorial in Edmonton yesterday, Trudeau said he has learned many of the victims came to Canada in search of new opportunities for their families, but those families are now consumed by grief and outrage. Other memorials were held Sunday across the country. At the Vancouver Art Gallery, National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan called the crash a national tragedy and said the government will work tirelessly to get answers for grieving families. At the University of Toronto, many cried throughout the ceremony as speakers listed victims, including a one-year-old. And there was loud applause when various speakers and politicians said Iran would be held accountable. --- Also this ... The Trudeau government is launching public consultations today on how best to respond to a court ruling that concluded it's unconstitutional to allow only Canadians who are already near death to seek medical assistance to end their suffering. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the government accepts the Sept. 11 ruling of the Superior Court of Quebec and will amend the federal law accordingly. But while the government has agreed to eliminate the near-death requirement, its consultation questionnaire suggests other hurdles could be imposed to ensure what it considers to be a balance between a person's right to choose to end their life and protecting vulnerable individuals who could be pressured into an early death. Under the court ruling, it has until March 11 to amend the law. Canadians will have until Jan. 27 to offer their views on how the law should be amended through the online questionnaire being launched today. --- ICYMI (in case you missed it) ... The unintended release of an Ontario-wide alert about an "incident" at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station on Sunday has sparked a provincial investigation into how such an error could happen and how such future mistakes can be avoided. The province's solicitor general said the error occurred during a routine training exercise being conducted by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC). The PEOC which is responsible for co-ordinating the provincial government's response to major emergencies conducts exercises testing the system twice daily, but there was no intention to notify the public, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said in an interview. She said the investigation will examine the sequence of events that led to the alert being sent out and what contingency measures should be in place. The alert was pushed to cellphones, radios and TVs across the province at about 7:30 a.m., and Ontario Power Generation, which oversees the Pickering plant, sent out a tweet about 40 minutes after the emergency alert saying it was a mistake. --- What we are watching in the U.S. ... Icy roads, deadly tornadoes, punishing waves severe weekend weather has been blamed for 11 deaths and major damage in parts of the American Midwest, South and Northeast. Tens of thousands remained without electrical power Sunday as a result of the storms a day earlier. Officials in far-flung locations were assessing the damages while utility crews worked to restore power. The storms toppled trees, ripped off roofs and, in some areas, reduced buildings to rubble. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado with winds of around 210 kph hit a high school in Kershaw County, South Carolina on Saturday, causing extensive damage. The National Weather Service said it was a tornado packing winds of at least 215 kph that hit Alabama's Pickens County on Saturday, killing three people, while in northwestern Louisiana, three more fatalities were blamed on high winds. In Lubbock, Texas, two first responders were killed when they were hit by a vehicle at the scene of a traffic accident on icy roads; in Iowa, where a semitrailer on Interstate 80 overturned, a passenger was killed in similar road conditions. Near Kiowa, Oklahoma, a man drowned after he was swept away by floodwaters, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said. --- What we are watching in the rest of the world ... Red-hot lava gushed out of a Philippine volcano Monday after a sudden eruption of ash and steam that forced villagers to flee en masse and shut down Manilas international airport, offices and schools. Clouds of ash blew more than 100 kilometres north of the Taal volcano, reaching the bustling capital, Manila, and forcing the shutdown of the country's main airport with more than 500 flights cancelled so far. There have been no reports of casualties or major damage from the eruption that began Sunday. Police reported that more than 13,000 villagers have moved to evacuation centres in the hard-hit province of Batangas and nearby Cavite province, but officials expect the number to swell with hundreds of thousands more being brought out of harms way. The current evacuation numbers are likely higher since local authorities are busy helping displaced people before notifying the national agency that is collating the figures. Some residents could not move out of ash-blanketed villages due to a lack of transport and poor visibility immediately, while others are refusing to leave their homes and farms. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 13, 2020. Lava, ash, thunder and lightning spewed from the Taal Volcano in Philippines on Monday as thousands of residents fled the region along roads choked by cars and ominous darkness. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned that a "hazardous explosive eruption" was possible within hours to days. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered families in nearby communities to evacuate to safer ground, a process made difficult by the poor visibility and, for many, a lack of transportation. Hundreds of thousands of people may ultimately flee the region, officials said. "Taal Volcano entered a period of intense unrest," the volcano institute said in a statement. "This magmatic eruption is characterized by weak lava fountaining accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning." Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana warned that the "worst-case scenario" for Taal could be similar to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, 90 miles to the north, that killed 800 people and rendered 200,000 homeless in 1991. "Remember Pinatubo the entire mountain collapsed during the eruption," Lorenzano said. "That's what we are fearing, that the eruption would cause the entire island to rise and scatter debris on the nearby areas." Taal started acting up Sunday, spewing enough ash, steam and even smaller rocks nearly 10 miles into the air. The debris forced the airport in Manila, 65 miles away, to shut down for several hours. More than 500 flights were canceled, and authorities warned that the airport could again be closed if conditions worsen. "We can never predict the actions of this volcano," Lorenzana said. 'We need help": Passengers stranded on Guam due to volcano 'Our people are panicking': Taal Volcano in Philippines gushes lava Tracy Gregg, an associate professor of geology at University at Buffalo, agreed with the Philippine government's assessment. She said that nearby Lake Taal is actually a volcanic crater formed from at least four "cataclysmic" eruptions more than 500,000 years ago. Story continues Taal Island, essentially the volcano, was formed from subsequent, smaller eruptions. "The truth is that we have no good precedent for how such a large volcano gears up into a cataclysmic eruption," Gregg told USA TODAY. "We know that such eruptions occur ... but we don't know what specific advance signs such a gigantic eruption would give us because we've never witnessed one." She said that could be what Taal is revving up for. But she said it also could simply be venting some extra pressure "like a pot will boil over on the stove." Taal is among two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. At least 30,000 people had fled homes in Batangas and Cavite province by Monday, the nation's disaster response team said. More than 15,000 people had fled to emergency shelters Monday, the Philippine News Service reported. Irene de Claro, a mother of four, worried about her father, who stayed in their village in Agoncillo town in Batangas while the rest of the family fled in panic. My father is missing. We dont know too what happened to our house because the ash was up to our knees," she said. "It was very dark and the ground was constantly shaking when we left. Most likely theres nothing for us to return to. Were back to zero. In the town of Balete, Mayor Wilson Maralit said some panicked residents were more interested in saving the livestock that provides their livelihood as they were in saving themselves. Were trying to stop them from returning," he told DZMM radio. "Ad warning that the volcano can explode again any time and hit them. Contributing: The Associated Press White Island volcano: Death toll rises to 19 in New Zealand This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taal volcano: 30,000 flee lava, ash in Philippines Jan. 3 At 12:14 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the West University Place Police Department in regards to an identity theft that already occurred. Upon arrival and through investigation, it was discovered an unknown suspect opened lines of credit without consent using the victims personal information. At 8:40 p.m., officers with the West University Place Police Department were dispatched to the 6700 block of Vanderbilt in regards to a Robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim who advised his property was taken by force as he exited his parked vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene. A report for Robbery was generated. Jan. 4 At 2:40 a.m., an officer was dispatched to 3800 University in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle that occurred in the 2600 block of Bissonnet. An unknown suspect made forcible entry into the victims vehicle and removed items without the effective consent of the owner. An offense for burglary of a vehicle was generated. At 8:14 a.m., an officer logged property belonging to a subject who was arrested for warrants and transported to Fort Bend County Precinct 4. At 7:14 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 6400 block of Sewanee in regards of a possible missing person, an 18 year old male. An information report was generated and the subject was located at a nearby residence. At 10:06 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 2800 block of Robinhood in regards to a report of a burglary of a habitation. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a window in the rear of the residence had been shattered, entry made into the residence and an item had been taken. A report for burglary of a habitation was generated. At 11:58 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling southbound in the 6200 block of Buffalo Speedway with expired registration. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation individual was subsequently released. At 10:35 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 6300 block of Brompton to assist West University Fire with a natural death call. Jan. 5 At 2:52 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 2800 block of Robinhood in regards to a burglary of a residence that already occurred. Upon arrival and through investigation, it was discovered an unknown suspect(s) forced entry through the rear door and took items without consent. The incident occurred between the dates of 1/3/2020 and 1/5/2020. At 6 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the West University Place Police Department in regards to a set of keys found on 1/3/2020 on the sidewalk in the 5400 block of Westchester. At 7:48 p.m., an officer was dispatched a minor accident that occurred in the 3100 block of University. Upon further investigation, the at-fault driver (Michael Dat Le Vo) was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Jan. 7 At 2:46 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 2600 block of Carolina Way in regards to a failure to stop and give information (FSGI) minor accident. The victims unoccupied vehicle was struck and the driver of the striking vehicle failed to stop and provide the required information. An FSGI report was generated. At 11:40 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling north bound in the 6500 block of Buffalo Speedway at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted in the 3100 block of Rice. After further investigation the driver of the vehicle was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was cited for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and released from the scene without incident. Jan. 8 At 12:58 a.m., an observed a white Chevy Tahoe traveling east bound in the 2600 block of Wroxton with an expired registration. A Traffic stop was initiated and upon further investigation, it was discovered the driver was in possession of marijuana and drug equipment. The driver was entered into the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program and was cited for drug paraphernalia. Driver was released without further incident. At 10:41 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the police department for a police information. The reporting person said that unknown persons threw trash on and around her yard. At 6:39 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 3400 block of Robinhood in regards to a minor accident that had already occurred. The victim advised that a tree branch located on the north side of the street in the 3400 block of Robinhood fell on his vehicle causing damage. At 6:22 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 5800 block of Kirby in reference to an assault/theft call that had already occurred. Upon arrival, both parties were located on scene and after further investigation, both parties were issued citations of Assault by Contact. At 6:41 p.m., an officer was dispatched to 2600 block of Bissonnet in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle that had already occurred. An unknown suspect(s) made forcible entry into the victims vehicle and removed several items without the effective consent of the owner. An offense for burglary of a motor vehicle was generated. Jan. 9 At 6:27 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 3100 block of Lafayette in regards to a suspicious individual. Multiple calls were received regarding the suspects unusual behavior. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with the suspect (Marty Stringer) and discovered an odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from or about the suspect. The suspect was detained. Upon investigation it was discovered the suspect had multiple outstanding warrants with Harris County. The warrants were confirmed and the suspect was transported to Harris County for booking. At 1:03 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Shell Gas Station on the corner of HWY 59 and Kirby to meet a Harris County Precinct 1 Constable with an individual in custody for West University Place SETCIC warrants. The individual (Michael Douglas Litton) was placed in custody and transported to the West University Place Police Department Jail for booking. Jan. 10 At 3:39 a.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the 2600 block of Bissonnet. Contact was made with the occupant of the vehicle and after further investigation, the individual (David Leon Lyle) was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 16:46:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 606 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PropLogix has effectively increased its presence within their industry with the help of NewswireNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / PropLogix is a municipal lien search company based in Sarasota, Florida, that was recently able to establish itself as an authority in the industry with the help of Newswire. The PropLogix team created press release campaigns to share news relevant to their brand, as well as major stories within the industry. The team managed to target the right audience, and their campaign resulted in increased brand awareness, as they were able to earn local pickup.Newswire Helps PropLogix Increase Media Presence in Real Estate Industry for Greater CustomerReach"We were happy to help PropLogix establish themselves as an authority media source in the real estate industry," said Anthony Santiago, VP of Marketing for Newswire. "By using the right strategy along with Newswire's press release distribution platform, their team was able to deliver the right message, to the right audience, at the right time, through the right medium." The PropLogix team had been producing content like a media outlet for quite some time and their success with Newswire helped better position the company across the market."We think like a media company," said Lindsey Gordon, the Marketing Content Strategist & Video Producer for PropLogix. "We look at the things that are important to our core customers and try to break them down into easily digestible pieces of information. This way, we can quickly provide them with important industry news so that they can get on with their day." Newswire provides customers with the opportunity to deliver the right message at the right time to target major media outlets in their industry.Newswire is committed to helping customers transform their press releases into the Earned Media Advantage so that they may be well-positioned in their respective industries. From owned, earned and paid media, Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour offers the expertise to help customers do this on a consistent basis.Customers can now transform 'owned' media (press releases) into 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.To ensure the success of the services, an expert Earned Media Advantage Strategist leads customers through the journey every step of the way. The journey is designed to empower the Earned Media Advantage by developing a plan that is based on a media communications survey that defines press release content value and distribution. Customers are also provided a media communications calendar, services to set up, operate and manage media databases, media monitoring alerts, statistical analysis, reporting and media room news collection and sharing to ensure Customer Success.Following its debut, Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour has been featured in articles by PRWeek and MarTechSolutions, both covering the success of the EMA GT.Discover How the Earned Media Advantage is Transforming Business today and learn how to compete in the industry.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 the 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 Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called for "maximum restraint" and emphasised on talks to resolve the latest flare-up in the Iran-US relations during his meetings with the top Iranian leadership, the Foreign Office said here on Monday. Qureshi on Sunday embarked on a two-day visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on Prime Minister Imran Khan's direction as part of Pakistan's efforts to defuse the tensions in the Gulf region following the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. Khan has said that Pakistan, which shares its border with Iran, will not be party to any regional conflict and rather play the role of a peacemaker. Pakistan's powerful military has also said it will not allow its soil to be used against anyone. Qureshi met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif separately during which the leaders discussed the recent developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Pakistan-Iran relations were also discussed, the Foreign Office said in a statement. He "emphasised the importance of maximum restraint and immediate steps for de-escalation by all sides", saying that "war was in nobody's interest and it was imperative to resolve the issues through dialogue and diplomacy", it said. President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif expressed appreciation for Qureshi's visit and stressed the importance Iran attached to its brotherly relations with Pakistan, the statement said. The leaders stressed that Iran also preferred de-escalation of tensions and preservation of peace and stability in the region, it said. All sides have responsibilities towards this, the Iranian leaders were quoted as saying by the Foreign Office. The unexpected US strike, ordered by President Donald Trump, that killed Iran's most powerful military commander Soleimani on January 3 brought the entire Gulf region closer to a full-blown conflict. Regional tensions remain high after Iran on Wednesday last fired missiles at two bases in Iraq used by US forces in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. The ongoing crisis turned a tragic toll when Iran, just after attacking the Iraqi bases, accidentally shot down an Ukraine International Airlines plane, killing all 176 people aboard. After days of denial, Tehran on Saturday admitted to "human error" in bringing down the Boeing 737. The Guards' aerospace commander General Amirali Hajizadeh also accepted full responsibility for the tragedy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Photo: Getty Images) ATHENS (Reuters) - Pirates have released three crew taken hostage from a Greek oil tanker off the coast of the West African country of Togo in November, the vessel's manager said on Friday. A fourth hostage, a Filipino, died from illness during captivity, European Products Carriers Ltd added. It did not give details of the release. The tanker, Elka Aristotle, was attacked on Nov. 4 about 18 km (11 miles) from the port of Lome. The pirates fled after kidnapping two Filipinos, one Greek and one Georgian. The released men were safe and were "being debriefed by the local authorities prior to returning home to the Philippines, Greece and Georgia respectively", the company said. A full investigation had been launched into the death of the Filipino. "It is understood that his demise was not as a result of any actions by those holding the crew hostage but due to illness," European Products Carriers said in a statement. While piracy has decreased worldwide, West Africa's Gulf of Guinea is a high-risk area for abductions and armed robbery. Armed guards were present on the Greek boat and tried to fight off the attackers and one was wounded, the Togo navy had said. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Nick Macfie) (Alliance News) - Sound Energy PLC on Monday said it received environmental impact assessment approval from Moroccan lawmakers to build a 120-kilometre gas pipeline and added that it is edging closer to securing permission to construct a gas treatment plant in the country. The pipeline would link the gas company's proposed gas treatment plant & compression station to the Gazoduc Maghreb Europe pipeline, an existing natural gas duct which runs through Morocco. It connects the Hassi R'Mel gas field in Algeria, to Cordoba in southern Spain and is operated by state-owned Algerian firm Sonatrach Spa and Spanish firm Enagas SA. The environmental impact assessment process for Sound Energy's proposed gas treatment plant & compression station is "progressing well", the company added. The company had an initial meeting with the Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines & Environment in October, with a second meeting to consider and potentially approve the impact assessment, scheduled for January 28. Turning to Sound Energy's Tendara natural gas concession in eastern Morocco, the deadline for gas sales agreement negotiations with Morocco's state-owned power company has been extended until the end of March. Back in October, the Sound Energy entered into a memorandum of understanding with Morocco's Office National de l'Electricite et de l'Eau Potable to negotiate a gas sales agreement, eyeing securing a deal by the end of 2019. The proposed gas sales agreement would cover future production from the Tendrara concession in the east of the north African country. "The company believes that the developments are important milestones in the process of developing and commercialising the Tendara Concession and as the company progresses towards the final investment decision for the concession," Sound Energy said on Monday. Shares in the company, based in Sevenoaks, Kent, were 0.7% higher at 1.90 pence each in London on Monday morning. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. R egional airline Flybe was on Monday locked in emergency talks with the government in a last ditch bid to save the business from collapse. Flybes crisis comes less than a year after a previous rescue deal backed by Sir Richard Bransons Virgin empire. Fears that the carrier could become the most high-profile collapse since Thomas Cooks devastating failure in September emerged after a report claimed Flybe was trying to secure extra funding amid widening losses. Flybe, Europes largest independent airline which carries around eight million passengers a year and has over 2,400 employees, has briefed the Government on the crisis, and departments are working to see if emergency funding can be provided. Accountancy giant EY has been put on standby to handle an administration, Sky News reported. Flybe today said it continues to provide great service and connectivity for our customers while ensuring they can continue to travel as planned. Flights for the airline, which flies into London City, Heathrow and Southend and was due to rebrand as Virgin Connect later this year, were operating as planned this morning. However, pilots union Balpa and politicians were among those today calling for clarification on the companys future. Balpas general secretary Brian Strutton said: This is an appalling state of affairs and we demand that the owners of Flybe and the Government departments involved stop hiding and talk to us about Flybe. We have a right to be consulted and the staff have a right to know what is going on. Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter where Flybe is headquartered, said the airline provided valuable connectivity throughout the UK and called on the Government to intervene. The business has been battered by currency headwinds and softer customer demand. A 2.2 million rescue package was first proposed in January 2019 for Flybe. It went on to be taken over by a consortium comprising Stobart Group, Virgin Atlantic and Cyrus Capital Partners. They pledged at the time to invest 100 million in Flybe. Stobart today declined to comment, Cyrus and EY could not be reached and Virgin said it does not comment on speculation. The DfT and BEIS also said they do not comment on speculation or the financial affairs of private companies. Blow for Branson Sir Richard Branson and hedge fund tycoon Stephen Freidheim had hoped their takeover of Flybe would recreate their US domestic airline Virgin America. There, they set the business up and sat on the board before it was lucratively merged with Alaska Airlines. However, Flybe was struggling under serious structural problems in the travel industry, sickly demand for regional flights and a weak pound, making its overheads far more costly. In pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai tomorrow Entire world has plenty of expectations from the youth of India: Modi India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kolkata, Jan 13: Strongly defending the new citizenship law, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday the dispute that has arisen over it has made the world aware of the persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. He, however, deplored that a section of the youth is being "misguided" over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which is aimed at giving and not taking away anybody's citizenship rights. "CAA is not about taking away citizenship, it is about giving citizenship. Today, on National Youth Day, I would like to tell this to the youngsters of India, West Bengal, North East that this is not an overnight law for giving citizenship. Bengal not implementing central schemes as there is no cut-money: Modi "We must all know that any person of any religion from any country of the world who believes in India and its Constitution can apply for Indian citizenship through due process. There's no problem in that," he told a gathering at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission. Modi said even Mahatma Gandhi had favoured Indian citizenship to those fleeing religious persecution and that his government has only delivered on the wishes of freedom fighters. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet Referring to anti-CAA protests in the North-East, Modi vowed to protect the distinct identity and culture of the people of the region and asserted the new law will not hurt their interests. "We've only done what Mahatma Gandhi had said decades ago. Should we send these refugees back to die? Are they our responsibility or not? Should we make them our citizens or not?" he said, evoking thunderous applause from the gathering. Modi said some people with political interests are deliberately spreading rumours about the new citizenship law, despite "complete clarity" over the CAA. "Our initiative to amend the citizenship act has created a dispute. It is the result of our initiative that Pakistan will now have to answer why they have been persecuting minorities for the last 70 years. Human rights have been demolished in Pakistan," he said. Seeking to assuage the concerns of the people of the North-East, Modi called the region "our pride". "Their culture, traditions and demography remain untouched by this amended law," he said. He said the citizenship law was only "changed a little" for those who were ill-treated in Pakistan after Partition. The link between PM Modi and Ramakrishna Mission, explained "They were having a bitter time living there. Women were in danger of losing their pride," he said. "Young people have understood the whole thing but those who want to indulge in politics over it will not," he said. Modi said five years ago, there was disappointment among the youth of the country, but the situation has changed now. "Not just India, the entire world has a lot of expectations from the youth of the country. The youth are not afraid of challenges....they challenge the challenges," he said at the Belur Math. Modi, an ardent devotee of Vivekananda, spent the night at the Math. He has a long association with the Ramakrishna Mission order founded by Vivekananda in 1897. Inspired by the teachings of Vivekananda, Modi had arrived at the Mission Ashram in Gujarat's Rajkot and expressed the desire to join the order. Swami Atmasthananda, who later went on to become the 15th president of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, then headed the Rajkot branch and had advised him that sanyas was not for him and that he should work among people. During those days, Modi used to regularly meet Atmasthananda and sought his spiritual guidance. Although Modi went back after spending some time there his the relationship with Swami Atmasthananda and the Ramkrishna Mission continued. Whenever Modi used to visit Kolkata, even during his days as Gujarat chief minister, he would travel to the Math. In 2013, during his Kolkata visit, he had gone to Belur and sought the blessings from Atmasthananda. At Kolkata Port Trust event, Modi takes dig at Mamata for not implementing schemes He had in 2015 called on ailing Swami Atmasthananda at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan, a hospital run by the Mission in south Kolkata and enquired about his health. After Atmasthananda's death in 2017, Prime Minister Modi had termed it as a "personal loss". On Sunday, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as National Youth Day, and spent some time in the spiritual leader's room inquietude. 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 FLORENCE, Italy, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, the data protection authorities in EEA imposed 190 fines with a total cost of over 410,000,000, according to a new report by Federprivacy that has analyzed official sources of information in the 30 countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). The most active Authority for Data Protection was Italy (GPDP) with 30 actions in 2019, followed by Spain (AEPD) with 28, and Romania (ANSPDCP) with 20. The strictest has been the UK (ICO) with 312,000,000 of sanctions (76% of the total). No sanctions have been imposed in a few countries, including Ireland and Luxembourg. In these countries, there is a European head office of the majority of foreign corporations that are processing personal data on a massive scale. According to Federprivacy Chairman Nicola Bernardi, "Even though GDPR has laid the groundwork for more consistent legislation in the EU about personal data protection, the report points out a double standard in imposing sanctions among the authorities. The one in the UK, for example, has already fined British Airways and Marriot heavily, while in Ireland no sanction has been imposed yet, even though there are huge technological corporations in this country. We hope that this 'one stop shop' system will not unfairly favour corporations like Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and Google. We await the outcome of 19 different investigations in Ireland." The most frequently fined violations are: illicit use of personal data (44%), poor security (18%), absent or not adequate information (9%), lack of respect for the right of people involved (13%), and computer accidents or other data breach (9%). Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1064890/Federprivacy_Logo.jpg Federprivacy Email: [email protected] SOURCE Federprivacy Related Links https://www.federprivacy.org/ The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to skip the meeting of opposition parties called by the Congress to discuss the situation arising out of violence on various university campuses and protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, sources said. The AAP is not attending the meeting in view of the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) contributed photo WESTPORT A 28-year-old man from New Rochelle, N.Y., was arrested for allegedly trying to purchase items at a local store with a fake credit card. On Saturday at 5:39 p.m., officers responded to the Patagonia store on Post Road East for a reported attempted larceny. Employees claimed a customer had attempted to purchase a jacket worth $799 with what appeared to be a fake credit card, police said. Washington has more than 60,000 troops in the Middle East and is planning to deploy more forces amid tensions with Iran. Days after the United States assassinated top Iranian military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad, Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Following the retaliatory attack on January 8, Irans President Hassan Rouhani said Tehrans final answer to Soleimanis killing will be to kick all US forces out of the region, while Irans elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp said the missile assaults were just the start of a series of attacks across the region. The US has between 60,000 and 70,000 troops in the Middle East, according to the US Central Command, and has announced plans to deploy thousands of additional troops to the region amid the heightened tensions. This map shows where US soldiers are deployed in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as well as some of the major bases they are stationed at in the region. China announced it will "not make significant cuts" this year to subsidies on new energy vehicles including electric vehicles, via Reuters, "signaling that its policy will remain relatively stable, state media quoted the countrys industry ministry as saying on Saturday." Why it matters: EV sales in China, which has the world's largest auto market, dropped sharply after the Chinese government significantly cut industry subsidies in July. AP, citing a Chinese trade group, reported that purchases of EVs and hybrids fell nearly 44% in November compared to the prior year. Driving the news: The Reuters story cites a Ministry of Industry and Information Technology statement plus comments from MIIT's Miao Wei, who told an industry forum there wouldn't be another subsidy cut in July. Where it stands: "Shares of Chinese electric-vehicle makers including Warren Buffett-backed BYD Co. jumped after the government signaled it wont continue reducing subsidies for the industry at the same pace this year," Bloomberg reports this morning. What they're saying: BloombergNEF analyst Colin Mckerracher, on his personal Twitter feed, called the report "big news." "I still think EV growth in China this year will be modest, but then pick up again in 2021," he said, citing the government's goal of having EVs and fuel cell vehicles comprise 25% of Chinese sales by 2025. Go deeper: China's electric vehicle market dwarfs all others How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Stoya and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, Just more than three months ago, I discovered that my husband of 25 years was having an affair. For two years. The facts rolled out slowly. First, I found out she was 23 when he met her (and he was 58). That was hard to digest. Then I found text messages between them that revealed modeling pictures of her. She is beautiful and a model! That was blow No. 2! How could a 55-year-old gray-haired mom whose body had three kids compete with that!? Advertisement Three months into trying to recover from all this with the help of a therapist and figure out how or if to rebuild our marriagehe emphatically wants to, but I am still hurt to the coreI still felt that I wasnt getting the full story. The facts didnt add up. Finally this week, starting our fourth month on this, he told me his young model is trans. He had a two-year-long secret love affair with her, seeing her twice a week. He admitted to getting turned on by trans porn for the past five years, and one day when I was out of town, he went to a trans party at a gay bar to make it real. He landed his model on the first try, or so he says. Now, miraculously, he says hes over the trans attraction and says it cant fulfill him. He says I make him complete. (Weve been having daily sex for about a month now.) I dont believe him. I believe he is scared to explore his sexuality in fear that it will upend his lifestyle. Is trans attraction baked in? Can you ever be over it? He was with her for two years! I cant find any help online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Other Woman Dear TOW, I dont believe him, either, about being over the trans attraction, but heres where we differ: I dont think it makes much of a difference. His interest in others doesnt necessarily have anything to do with you. This is true of many partnered people. Taste and desires dont evaporate when people commit to a monogamous partner; they just learn how to manage them. Many fail, as you are all too aware. Its not fair. He had no right to cheat on you. I cant say for sure how devoted your husband is to saving your marriage, but he is giving you tangible evidence that hes committed to rebuilding a gratifying sex life in the form of daily banging. Thats not nothing. I dont think hes telling the whole truth about his outside desires, but maybe he feels that to do so would be to further jeopardize the repair of your union, especially in its current, brittle state. This stuff is massively difficult to navigate, especially between two people whose views on these matters dont necessarily align. Advertisement There are plenty of people who identify as bisexual or omnisexual but have a single monogamous partner. That doesnt mean that theyre necessarily left unfulfilled because of all the sex with people of other genders they could be having. Really, the same goes for even the straightest of straights: People like more than one thing, but they opt into a monogamous lifestyle for a host of valid reasons including stability, perceived safety, and to please their partner. Some people are monogamous because its what feels right for them. They say theyre wired that way, and I believe them. Many committed people masturbate to porn featuring idealized body types that their partners do not possess. For some, that is precisely the point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I sense your objective here is to ferret out whether, in revealing his capacity to be attracted to a woman who is trans, your husband has revealed an immutable and defining feature of his sexuality. You may now be wondering if he is only attracted to trans women and thus is unable to be attracted to a woman who is cisgender, such as yourself. This is not necessarily so. Many men have completely internalized that trans women are women, and thus make no such distinctions. But even if he enjoys certain features trans women may have that cis women dont, he may also have a broad palate. Liking one thing doesnt cancel out other things, and the idea that it would is quite retrograde. It reminds me of the way bisexuality was erased for decades by people who thought a man sleeping with a man made him definitively gay. The more we know about sexuality, the clearer it is that black-and-white interpretations of it are overly simplistic; its one big spectrum of grays. Advertisement I think you should stop dwelling on this particular aspect of your husbands infidelity and start thinking about whether you can trust him again as a partner. I hope when you mention a therapist, that means youre both going. Good luck. Advertisement Advertisement How to Do It in Your Inbox The weeks columns, plus bonus content, every Saturday. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Dear How to Do It, The first time I had sex with the woman Im currently seeing, I gave her the best oral of her life (her words, not mine). Now shes come to expect it every time were intimate. The problem is: She doesnt want to be exclusive, and I dont want to get oral cancer. Im fine taking things at her pace on the relationship front, and I dont want to know how many other men shes sleeping with. We always use a condom during vaginal sex, and I imagine she makes her other partners do the same. But thats no guarantee shes 100 percent clean, and HPV isnt generally tested for (and she never even mentions getting tested). How do I break it to her I dont want to keep going down on her, given our current situation, without her thinking Im trying to pressure her into exclusivity? Advertisement Advertisement When you have sex, you implicitly accept the risk of contracting a virus that is virtually omnipresent. Deep Throat Dear Deep Throat, I dont like to police language, because Id rather let people say what they are inclined to and tell on themselves. But Ill tell you that a huge red flag when someone discusses sexual health is the use of the word clean, thus implying those with STDs are dirty. Clean tends to signal that someone doesnt really know what hes talking about. Experts and other knowledgeable people on such matters dont use the word clean. Advertisement Sorry to say this tracks in the overall context of your letter. This woman may have already been carrying HPV when you started seeing her. Same goes for you. Its a highly contagious virus, and its estimated that 80 percent of people will have some strain of it at some point in their lives. Maybe you gave it to her! Then what? More contemporaneous partners may increase the risk, statistically speaking, but if shes already had an active sex life thus far, a few more partners arent going to move the needle that much. Moreover, youre still having sex with her, and while condoms may reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they hardly eliminate it. When you have sex, you implicitly accept the risk of contracting a virus that is virtually omnipresent. And by the way, the specific risk you cite is a small one: The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that only 1 percent of people who develop a high risk type oral HPV infection ever cascade into cancer. The results of a Johns Hopkins study released in 2017 also suggested that this cancer is rare. Thats why widespread testing still isnt recommended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your proposed course of action is so poorly thought out that, in fact, I just cant bring myself to believe your concern here is confined to the realm of sexual health. I think this is also (or even chiefly) about trying to control the behavior of a nonmonogamous sex partner. If youre actually concerned about HPV, get vaccinated, and talk to this womanyou imply you two havent even discussed your recent STD tests in general. Now thats risky behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Dear How to Do It, My husband doesnt seem to know if and when he has an erection. Is that unusual? For example, if were making out in bed and Im wearing sexy lingerie that I know he likes and I ask him if hes hard, hell say he doesnt know; he has to touch himself to get the answer. Same response if hes putting the moves on mehe cant tell me if hes hard yet. I dont ask him every time, but I do enjoy this light dirty talk, knowing Im turning him on physically. Arent men supposed to be intuitively linked to their penises? (Penii?) Shouldnt his penis be sending him signals IM READY, IM READY, NOW NOW NOW or HUH, shes kinda hot, Im awake? I know he finds me attractive; I know he enjoys all the phases of making out, heavy petting, and sex with me. Im not worried about that. If hes not hard yet, he knows Im fine with that answer and will just keep kissing and doing other activities, including moving on to my playing with his penis. My question is instead about how penises and mens brains work. Advertisement Advertisement Liftoff Dear Liftoff, Its safe to assume most people know when they have a boner. At peak hardness, it throbs to the point of discomfort (if left unattended) and it makes your pants dance. It could knock over a glass on the nightstand with a sharp turn of the torso. Kind of obvious. In the days since first reading your question, Ive polled some penis-having friends and all have confirmed that they are intimately aware of the status of their erections, as they arise. I tend to be as well, but I have surprised myself from time to time regarding the extent of the tumescence. Occasionally, I find myself harder or not as hard as I thought I might be (youre probably aware that theres a range of hardness a penis can experience in phases). Perhaps, then, beyond a bodily disconnect, this is a communicative one. Your husband may be aware of some action down there but is unsure as to whether his dick is hard enough to penetrate, and he thinks thats what youre asking. Maybe he doesnt want to write a check that his half-hard dick cant cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im willing to take you at your word that this is merely a matter of dirty-talk interference, but its possible that another factor underlies this scenario: anxiety. Are you at all worried about his sexual functioning? And even if you arent relaying your own anxiety, the question could be provoking it within him. Are you hard? could make him feel pressured. It might be fostering performance anxiety: By asking about his hardness, you might be inhibiting it. People are extremely sensitive about their dicks. I dont want to deprive you of a go-to turn-on, but I recommend that you stop asking this question and answer it for yourself by copping a feel. If the results are underwhelming, keep copping. Advertisement Dear How to Do It, Im a gay male in my early 30s who has been sexually assaulted on three separate occasions, each occasion by a different guy (all of them also gay), and all in roughly the same manner. Each time, I was out socially with a group of friends, and rather than make the long trek home, I would opt to crash at a friends place, either on the couch or in a guest room, with other guys also crashing there, and at some point in the night I would wake up to a guy giving me a hand job or a blow job, or both, while I was sleeping. In each instance, it took me a minute to realize what was happening, and then once I did, I was paralyzed in shock for a few moments before turning away and pretending like I was going to go back to sleep. Then the guy would stop, and after not being able to sleep for most of the rest of the night, I would slink out in the morning before anyone else was awake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, these were all separate occasions and three separate guys. The first and second guy both messaged me after the fact, saying that they knew that they crossed a line, apologized, and I have since accepted their apologies and chosen not to associate with them anymore. My main problem has been with the third guy, who has never acknowledged what happened. And much more so than the first two, the third guy is part of a friend group that I socialize with on a regular basis. Even though its been a few years since this happened, Ive found it increasingly difficult to be in the same space as him. I just feel really uncomfortable, not so much triggered, but suffering from what I imagine is a lack of closure. I know theres a tendency in gay culture to sometimes treat things like this as no big deal, like these just happen, which I totally reject, but its infuriating to think that he might be buying into this and has been interacting with me as if this never happened. Advertisement I dont want to put words in his mouth, but from my experiences he isnt the most self-aware or considerate person. Hes also recently engaged, and I expect to be invited to their wedding. While I dont want to continue a personal, friendly relationship with him moving forward, I would like to come to a point where Im no longer so uncomfortable being around him in social settings with mutual friends and to be able to celebrate at his wedding, but Im struggling with how to come to that point without the same kind of closure that I got from the other guys. Ive been thinking about sending him a message, telling him how I feel and how what he did has made me feel since it happened, but Im worried that he might downplay his responsibility or that it will make things incredibly awkward in the future when were socializing together in our friend group. Id really like your input here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closure Dear Closure, First, Im sorry that these guys did this to you. Like you, I reject the tendency to treat this (or any) assault as no big deal; you are living proof of the lingering trauma it causes. Sexual assault is a very big deal. Your history is unfortunate, but it has instilled in you an awareness of what will help you heal. You have every right to confront this guy. If you can withstand the potential awkwardness, I see no problem with inciting it. He should feel awkward moving forwardworse, even. (He should also feel lucky that you arent going to the police.) Your consideration for others is evident in your letter, but you owe this guy nothing. Hes taken enough as it is. And yes, any such confrontation comes with the risk of denial, defensiveness, or the downplaying of responsibility. That might happen, but I dont think youd be worse off than you are in your current state of limbo on this matter, and getting it off your chest may prove therapeutic even if you dont get the contrition youre looking for. By pointing out that what he did was wrong and has affected you for years now, he may think twice before assaulting someone else. I think you should go for it. Advertisement Advertisement And if I were you, I wouldnt attend his wedding. Rich More How to Do It My wife never had sex before we got together, not even masturbation, because of her conservative upbringing. I started masturbation in seventh grade, and I first had sex while I was 16. We enjoyed ourselves the first few years. After that, she seemed to lose interest. I think she had a few real orgasms, but mainly faked them. Now, I always suspected this was because I am not very bigIm about 3.5 inches erect, and I tend to ejaculate quickly. Because of this, I told her she could try another man, since I had many sex partners before we were married and she had none. I wavered on this a few times, but in one of my permissive times, she met a man and liked him. I tried to call it off, but she wants to go forward. Should I let this happen? Im afraid he will be much bigger and shell enjoy him better, and I dont want to lose her. The crime scene was contained to the middle of the gangway north of Thomas Street, where a black sedan was sandwiched between Chicago police squad cars. A pair of neighbors watched from behind the black gates of a backyard as officers worked the scene, shining flashlights on the slush-covered ground and rolling out red police tape across the mouth of the alley. Lindsay Lohan faced difficulties over the past years. This time, it was her mother who was caught in trouble. On Saturday night, authorities arrested Lindsay's mother Dina Lohan after allegedly driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the incident on Long Island, New York. Dina reportedly brought her 2016 Mercedes to Outback Steakhouse where she struck another car and fled away, but the victim chased her to her hometown. According to the official report, the assigned authority tracked the 57-year-old mother at home where he found the Mercedes still running. Moreover, the cop claimed that they traced alcoholic beverages through her breath and noticed that she had bloodshot eyes, too -- which proved that Dina was truly under the influence of alcohol. When the officer asked the TV personality to get out of the car, she appeared to be unsteady, causing her to fall straight to the ground and land on her face. Lindsay's mother even allegedly accused the police that he pushed her before claiming that she only had a glass of wine. To prove her statement, they asked her to submit to a sobriety test but refused. Dina ended up facing felony charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and other imputations namely, "leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage and other driving infractions pertaining to an expired registration, apdriving on a suspended license and others." However, Dina pleaded not guilty for DWI on Sunday morning and will appear again in court on Wednesday next week. "She was released and is now at home. She did not have to pay a bail," Dina's longtime attorney, Mark Heller, confirmed to NBC New York. "There was no formal test to establish my client was intoxicated, and we'll be back in court next Wednesday to fight the case." The attorney also referred to arrest as an unfortunate event and hoped that they will soon resolve it as soon as possible. Dina also previously faced a driving while intoxicated case in April 2014 and pleaded guilty. She later on got her license suspended in July for failing to pay taxes. Like Mother, Like Daughter? Over the past years, Lindsay's misconduct became the talk of the town. She was put behind bars due to driving with a suspended license and driving while under the influence. In fact, she was even caught possessing cocaine! In 2007, she pleaded guilty for the above-mentioned drug use and ended up in prison for a day along with 10 days of community service. The list of her delinquencies goes on, but she started to live a somehow improved life after nine years. In the past few years, Lindsay spent most of her time in Dubai and even met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2017. She became part of the movement that highlights the dilemma of Syrian refugees and visited the refugee camp personally. Despite these changes, she recently received criticisms for trying to flirt with Liam Hemsworth through Instagram, asking the Hemsworth brothers to hang out with her. However, Liam's fans cannot approve her because of her past misbehaviors. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 17:49 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321fd2a1 1 Business Asabri,insurance,state-owned-enterprise,SOEs,Kartika-Wirjoatmodjo,OJK,Wimboh-Santoso,stock-market,investment Free State-owned insurance company Asuransi Sosial Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia (Asabri) claims that the losses of Rp 10 trillion (US$ 728.9 million) it suffered from plunging stock investments are only temporary and will not affect its ability to pay customers' claims. The insurer, which manages the social insurance and pension funds of personnel of the National Police, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and employees of the Defense Ministry, said the losses were caused by the declining value of Asabris investment portfolio as a result of unfavorable capital market conditions. The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI), the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) main gauge, recorded modest growth of 1.7 percent last year, not enough to make up for the 2.54 percent contraction recorded in 2018. Our management already has a mitigation plan to recover the decline in investment, the insurer said in a statement obtained by The Jakarta Post on Monday. Asabri also claimed that the losses did not affect its operations as it was still able to pay its policyholders claims on time and that it will work to provide the best service for all policyholders and stakeholders. The insurer has been implicated in the recently revealed alleged corruption at state-owned insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya after its stock portfolio plunged by more than 95 percent. Most of the stocks held are similar to those of Jiwasraya, which were deemed as "low quality stocks" by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). Jiwasraya is facing a corruption investigation by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the BPK. Jiwasraya failed to meet Rp 12.4 trillion in payments for matured policies due in December 2019, leading to allegations of investment mismanagement. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Deputy Minister Kartika Tiko Wirjoatmodjo told the press on Monday that his ministry would overhaul Asabris board of directors following the losses. He said the ministry would also prepare a different strategy for handling Asabris problems compared with measures it took to rescue the ailing Jiwasraya. [Asabri] is a social insurer, so its business-to-business aspects are different from Jiwasraya, which is a commercial insurer, he said in Jakarta, adding that his ministry was waiting on the BPK audit result on Asabri before taking any further measures. Meanwhile, Financial Services Authority (OJK) chairman Wimboh Santoso said Asabri was not under his institution's supervision, despite its status as an insurer, but fell under the authority of the Defense Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the BPK. However, he said the OJK would create a new investment guide applicable for all non-bank financial institutions, including insurance companies, to prevent similar investment mistakes faced by Asabri and Jiwasraya from happening again. We will soon issue a new risk-management guideline specifically aimed at nonbank financial institutions, he said, adding that it would base its supervision on risk, which include a company's investment instruments, and not just its balance sheet. Libyas rival governments were sticking to an internationally brokered cease-fire that began Sunday, even as immediate reports of violations by both sides raised concerns it might not hold. The truce, proposed by Russia and Turkey, could be the first break in fighting in months, and the first brokered by international players. It came as Libyas civil war was on the brink of a major escalation. Different foreign countries back Libyas two rival governments, and these outside players have recently been stepping up their involvement in the oil-rich nations conflict. Both Russia and Turkey have been accused of exacerbating the conflict in Libya by sending military aid the warring parties. Meanwhile, Moscow and Ankara have brokered a new truce in Syria, where they also support opposing sides in that countrys conflict.- Fayez al Sarraj, the head of Libyas internationally-recognized government, was in Istanbul for talks Sunday with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In Libya, theres been a broad diplomatic push to hold a peace summit in Berlin early this year. Calls for direct talks between the Libyan leaders have come from the United Nations, European powers and the rival sides allies. The goal would be to end the 7-year civil war and possibly move toward nationwide elections. But its proven difficult to stop the fighting. Violations were reported just minutes after the cease-fire was supposed to start early Sunday, according to Libyas Tripoli-based government, which is supported by the U.N. The written statement didnt specify the type of violations. Meanwhile, the east-based forces led by ex-general Khalifa Hifter said random projectiles were also fired at their front lines, according to a top commander. He said the attacks werent large enough to warrant a response. The Associated Press could not verify either sides claims. The cease-fire appeared to be holding, if uneasily. Libya is governed by dueling authorities, one based in the east and the other in the west in Tripoli. Each relies on different militias for support. Both sides have different stipulations in order to halt the wider conflict. The Tripoli government wants Hifters forces to end their siege of the capital. Hifter has been dug in along the citys southern reaches since April, but his forces have made significant advances in recent weeks. Hifter and his allies want to dissolve the militias fighting to hold Tripoli. Neither sides conditions are likely to be met. Withdrawal is not on the table, said Brig. Gen. Khaled al-Mahjoub, the top Hifter commander who spoke with the AP by phone. Moscow is allegedly deploying Russian mercenaries to fight alongside Hifters forces, according to Libyas U.N.-supported government. Last week, Erdogan said his country was deploying military units to Libya to reinforce the Tripoli government. Aguila Saleh, head of the east-based parliament, addressed Egyptian lawmakers in Cairo on Sunday to say that if Turkey sends troops, his government will call on the Egyptian armed forces to intervene in Libya. The eastern government is supported by France Russia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and other key Arab countries. Turkey, Italy and Qatar support the Tripoli government. In an interview with the Italian daily La Stampa, Italys Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called for an EU peacekeeping force to deploy in Libya in order to enforce any cease-fire agreement. ___ SOURCE: Associated Press | Photo: Agartala, Jan 13 (IANS) The Tripura government has ordered a twin probe, including a magisterial inquiry, into the death of a 38-year-old youth in police custody, a senior police officer said on Monday, even as the opposition parties have demaned a judicial probe and intervention of the Human Rights Commission in the matter. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb ordered a magisterial inquiry on Sunday to probe the death of Sushanta Ghosh, 38, while the police on Monday appointed a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to investigate the matter. The youth was arrested on Friday from his house in Lankamura on the outskirts of the state capital in connection with cash theft from city ATMs using cloning devices. "We are yet to get the post-mortem report of the death from the three-member medical board. We have sufficient proof and evidence that Sushanta Ghosh committed suicide at the West Agartala police station on intervening night between Saturday-Sunday," a police officer said on condition of anonymity. The officer said that the slain youth was involved in stealing huge sums of cash from ATMs using cloning devices alongwith two Turkish and two Bangladeshi nationals, who were arrested at Belgharia (under North 24 Parganas district) in West Bengal in November and are now being interrogated by the intelligence and cyber crime branch officials in Agartala. After visiting Ghosh's family here former Tripura Chief Minister and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Manik Sarkar said on MOnday that an impartial probe must be conducted, while the officers of the West Agartala Police Station should be removed immediately. Reacting to the incident, local traders are observing a strike and have shut their shops and markets in the area as the Sushanta Ghosh's father Parimal Ghosh is a sweet trader. Meanwhile, the Tripura government on Monday transferred 32 senior police officers, including the Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) Sharmistha Chakraborty, who was probing the ATM robberies. senior lawyer, and Tripura Human Rights Organisation Secretary Purusattam Roybarman has demanded a judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge. While the CPI-M has urged the Tripura Human Rights Commission to inquire into the incident, the Congress has demanded a judicial probe. Sushanta's father Parimal Ghosh in an FIR claimed his son died following police torture. "My son was arrested as the Turkish and Bangladeshi ATM hackers had earlier bought sweets from my shop. My son had helped them exchange dollars into rupees without knowing their (Bangladeshis) criminality," Ghosh said, and claimed that some injury marks have been found on his son's body. As per the preliminary probe, the Turkish nationals along with their Bangladeshi collaborators had stolen Rs 50 lakh during October-November last year from around 80 customers of different banks, mostly from State Bank of India accounts in Guwahati using ATM cloning devices. It is being speculated here that the same group could be involved in the theft at Agartala. sc/bc With more than 1 million San Diegans estimated to be over the age of 55 by 2030, these issues will become increasingly important," said Downey. "We plan to be at the forefront of those conversations to ensure an even brighter future for low income and vulnerable seniors over the next 50 years. Serving Seniors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income and homeless seniors throughout San Diego, is celebrating its 50th anniversary year in 2020. The milestone will be marked with events and celebrations throughout the year to honor senior clients, volunteers, staff and donors who help make programs and services possible for more than 5,000 seniors in need each year. Founded in 1970, Serving Seniors has been at the forefront of senior issues in San Diego for half a century. From advocacy and mental health programming to housing and nutritional meal services, the organization has created a nationally recognized, innovative model of comprehensive services. In 2019, there were 644,099 meals served, 445 seniors housed and a total of 5,549 seniors overall who benefited from services and programs (an increase of 12 percent from 2018). In light of the increasing demographics of seniors over the next decade, Serving Seniors is committed to supporting the crucial services that so many senior clients are dependent upon, and will be launching a $5 million fundraising campaign over the next five years. To kick-start the campaign, San Diego philanthropist Una Davis has generously donated the lead gift of $1 million. Im delighted to help support an organization like Serving Seniors because it is vital to our community, said Davis. Every person, regardless of age or occupation, should have access to basic needs. This donation will go towards supporting those life-sustaining services that ultimately allow seniors get the help they need and live full, happy lives. Coinciding with the anniversary year, Serving Seniors President and CEO Paul Downey is celebrating 25 years with the organization. Since being appointed the role in 1995, Downey has guided the nonprofits innovative efforts, making Serving Seniors a national model for compassionate and life changing care for seniors in need. As we reflect on the past 50 years, were incredibly proud of the progress weve made to advance senior issues here in our community, and are grateful to the hundreds of staff, volunteers and donors who make our mission possible, said Downey. With more than 1 million San Diegans estimated to be over the age of 55 by 2030, these issues will become increasingly important, and we plan to be at the forefront of those conversations to ensure an even brighter future for low income and vulnerable seniors over the next 50 years. To kick off the 50th anniversary campaign, several fundraising and celebratory events are planned for 2020, including: -Paul Downey Visionary Fund: Established as a tribute to Paul Downeys 25 years of leadership, this fund will help support advocacy campaigns, housing and homelessness initiatives, and expansion of meal services. -Volunteers Are Our Heroes Event: A special event to recognize the hardworking volunteers who devote countless hours to the organization and its senior clients. -10th Anniversary of the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center April 10, 2020: Open 365 days a year, the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego is the organizations flagship facility for wraparound programs and services. -The Sunshine Gala April 18, 2020: The 50th Anniversary Gala celebrates 50 years of a vibrant history and brightening senior lives. The event will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and live and silent auctions with a goal of raising $400,0000 for much-needed programs and services. The 50th anniversary celebrations are led by longtime Serving Seniors supporters and notable San Diego philanthropists Gary and Mary West, who are serving as Honorary Committee Chairs. Serving Seniors past board chair, community leader, and Sempra Energy Director Molly Cartmill serves as the 50th Anniversary Steering Committee Chair and is instrumental in providing leadership guidance and strategic oversight for activities and events. For more information about Serving Seniors, or to see a full list of programs and services provided, please visit http://www.ServingSeniors.org or follow along on Facebook @ServingSeniorsSD, Instagram @servingseniorssd and Twitter @ServingSeniors. About Serving Seniors Founded in 1970, Serving Seniors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California, dedicated to serving low-income adults aged 60 and over. A leader in senior advocacy and programming, Serving Seniors has created an innovative model of comprehensive services including nutrition meals, housing, health and social services and lifelong learning opportunities to hundreds of seniors in need. It is the largest provider of meals to seniors in the county, and one of the only organizations in the nation providing such a robust range of services to vulnerable, at-risk older adults. Serving Seniors President and CEO Paul Downey has been instrumental in the organizations growth over the past 25 years. Since being appointed the role in 1995, Downey has guided the nonprofits innovative efforts to provide supportive services focused on keeping low-income seniors healthy and independent. Under Downeys leadership, Serving Seniors has grown to provide more than 640,000 nutritious meals and coordinated services to 5,000 older adults each year. Follow Serving Seniors on Facebook @ServingSeniorsSD, Instagram @servingseniorssd and Twitter @ServingSeniors. ### The global online travel booking platform market is expected to post a CAGR of more than 11% during the period 2018-2022, 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/20200113005527/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global online travel booking platform market 2018-2022 (Graphic: Business Wire) The growth in the sales of smartphones has significantly increased the number of internet users across the world. In addition, business expansion plans by telecom service providers and smartphone companies are expected to further increase the number of smartphone users during the forecast period. The growth potential in the mobile phone and internet sectors is encouraging online travel companies to come up with mobile applications to offer convenience and attract more customers. Some players in the market are partnering with mobile phone manufacturers to have their apps pre-loaded in smartphones and improve the reach of their services. Therefore, increasing internet and smartphone penetration is crucial in the growth of the global online travel booking platform. 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=IRTNTR23196 As per Technavio, the increasing adoption of online payment platforms will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other important trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2018-2022. Global Online Travel Booking Platform Market: Increasing Adoption of Online Payment Platforms Online payment platforms have proliferated over the past few years due to increased government initiatives that promote online transactions. The imposition of stringent regulations pertaining to identity and data theft have led to the growth in the number of secure socket layer (SSL) certificates among financial institutions and the banking sector. Many companies are also providing various updates to increase awareness about the security offered by various websites and web pages. For instance, Google warns its users whenever they try to log on to web pages that are not certified. Certified web pages provide increased security to the customers, which, in turn, increase the adoption of online payment platforms. This trend will have a positive impact on the growth of the online travel booking platforms. "The expansion of low-cost carriers and dynamic pricing strategies adopted by vendors 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 Online Travel Booking Platform Market: Segmentation Analysis This market report segments the global online travel booking platform marketbybooking platform (desktop/laptop and mobile/tablet), type (packages and direct), and geography (Americas, APAC, and EMEA). The Americas region led the market in 2017, followed by EMEA and APAC respectively. During the forecast period, the Americas is expected to maintain its dominance over the market. The increase in online services by different online travel booking websites is expected to boost market growth over the forecast period. 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/20200113005527/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/ Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) will be holding the next edition of Gulf Construction Expo 2020 in strategic partnership with the Labour Fund Tamkeen. The expo takes place from April 14 to 16 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain. The Chief Executive of Tamkeen, Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, stressed the growing importance of the local construction industry and its role in supporting sustainability of economic growth. He further pointed out the opportunity provided by the organisation of this expo, offering a platform to promote the construction sector in Bahrain. Private sector enterprises working in this field or any related businesses can take advantage of the various business development and promotional opportunities made available through this show, he said. HCE Managing Director Jubran Abdulrahman commented on the collaboration: Tamkeens endorsement of our event is a testament of their faith in the capabilities of this industry and the value proposition of the Gulf Construction Expo as part of Bahrains Economic Vision 2030. The Gulf Construction Expo is one of flagship events held in Bahrain to promote construction and building materials sector. The annual event features companies from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, while promoting construction and building products and services from over 15 countries. - TradeArabia News Service CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- QCSS, Inc. and Aria Communications Corporation are pleased to announce that QCSS has acquired Aria's business operations effective January 7, 2020, and that the larger combined entity now will be able to offer an expanded complement of direct contact services via telephone, online and direct mail to businesses, membership organizations and nonprofits. The combined business will operate under the QCSS name. Cathy Karabetsos, President and founder of QCSS QCSS has acquired Arias business operations effective January 7, 2020 QCSS, founded in 1991, has a long history of providing businesses of all sizes with enhanced brand equity, customer loyalty and financial results. Its methodologies include inbound, outbound, help desk, inside sales, event management and lead generation. QCSS has proven to be the "gold standard" for businesses looking to outsource all or portions of its telemarketing needs. Aria was founded in 1985 and has an even longer history of serving nonprofits and membership organizations nationwide, as well as providing custom outsourced business to business marketing and sales solutions. Aria also pioneered genuine handwritten direct mail with its industry standard AriaCards. Today, it offers a host of direct mail options built on the AriaCards platform for organizations of all stripes to choose from. The combined organization now brings together this wide range of tools to better meet the needs of its clients and their customers, donors and members. Cathy Karabetsos, President and founder of QCSS, stated, "We are thrilled to offer the expanded, highest quality services of Aria to our already best in class customer-focused offerings. We know that QCSS' and Aria's customers will benefit from the combined enterprise since both organizations have longstanding customer-centric philosophies of operation. Together, we look forward to bringing our synergies to market and expanding our reach nationwide." Chuck Lucas, CEO of Aria, added, "I am pleased that in QCSS we found an organization wishing to carry on Aria's tradition of working hard to always exceed customers' expectations. And I want to express my deepest appreciation to the many wonderful organizations Aria has had the pleasure of working with over the past three plus decades, and to all Aria employees past and present who have served and will continue to serve those organizations so well." Learn more about QCSS and Aria by visiting their websites: qcssinc.com and ariacallsandcards.com. CONTACT: Cathy Karabetsos, President /CEO [email protected] QCSS, Inc. 1-888-229-7046 21925 Field Parkway Suite 210 Deer Park, Illinois 60010 SOURCE QCSS, Inc. Related Links https://qcssinc.com An alleged terrorist accused of planning new attacks after slashing police officers with a sword outside Buckingham Palace described the Christchurch shootings as a win-win, a court has heard. Mohiussunnath Chowdhury is accused of showing undercover police officers a video recorded by white supremacist Brenton Tarrant as he massacred Muslims in New Zealand. Woolwich Crown Court heard he played the full-length video at a mosque in Luton last March, while he was allegedly planning his own attack on potential targets including Madame Tussauds, a gay pride parade and a London tourist bus. An audio recording played to the jury on Monday showed Mr Chowdhury allegedly telling the officers: It is a win-win for us regardless of what happens, this is a win. He allegedly added: It only makes us more angry we should be angry. Prosecutors said the undercover officers were posing as fellow jihadis, and monitored the 28-year-old after he was acquitted of terror offences over his 2017 attack outside Buckingham Palace. New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Show all 11 1 /11 New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Zakaria Bhuiyan People gather hoping to find out information about Zakaria Bhuiyan who is still missing after the mosques shootings in Christchurch. David Moir/AFP New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Mucad Ibrahim Three-year-old Mucad Ibrahim, the youngest known victim of the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019. Abdi Ibrahim via AP New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Nadeem Rasheed Nadeem Rasheed, brother of Pakistani Naeem Rashid who died alongside his son Talha Naeem, 21, who were killed in shooting at a Mosque in Christchurch, at their home town in Abbottabad, EPA New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Omar Nabi Omar Nabi speaks to the media about losing his father Haji Daoud Nabi, 71, in the mosque attack REUTERS New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Ash Mohammed Ash Mohammed, right, talks to a police officer about his father and two brothers who are missing near the Masjid Al Noor mosque AP New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Akhtar Khokhur Akhtar Khokhur, 58, shows a picture of her missing husband Mehaboobbhai Khokhar, 65. AP New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Wasseim Alsati A note is seen on a window of a door at the family home of Wasseim Alsati in Christchurch on 17 March 2019. AFP/Getty Images New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Haroon Mahmood Relatives offer condolences to nephew (centre) of Haroon Mahmood, a Pakistani citizen who was killed in Christchurch mosque shootings. AP New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Farid Ahmed Farid Ahmed (pictured) survived the Al Noor mosque shootings but his wife Husne was killed. AFP/Getty Images New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Syed Areeb Ahmed A relative shows a picture of Syed Areeb Ahmed, a Pakistani citizen who was killed the Christchurch mosque shooting. AP New Zealand shootings: Victims of Christchurch mosque terror attacks Naeem Rashid A relative looks at a picture on a mobile phone of Pakistani nationals Naeem Rashid and his son Talha Naeem (right) who died in the Christchurch shootings. AFP/Getty Images Duncan Atkinson QC previously told the jury Mr Chowdhury said that he thought that the shooting was not necessarily a bad thing because it essentially raised awareness of the evil of the kuffar the unbelievers and would make a lot of people angry, which meant that they hopefully would do take some action. He also said that the people who had been killed had become martyrs because they were killed in the mosque. The New Zealand shootings took place days before the meeting at the mosque where Mr Chowdhury took the officers through selected verses in the Quran and discussed jihad as a route to paradise, the court heard. The defendant is also alleged to have played the officers speeches by al-Qaeda-linked hate preacher Anwar al-Awlaki. Mr Chowdhury was released from prison in December 2018 after being cleared of terror charges over attacking officers outside Buckingham Palace with a sword while shouting Allahu Akbar. The former Uber driver had claimed he had not been attempting an attack but was trying to commit suicide by cop because he was depressed. But the jury was told he had deceived the jury that acquitted him after being given tips by fellow extremists in HMP Belmarsh ahead of the retrial. Speaking to the undercover officers, Mr Chowdhury allegedly recalled smashing this guy up and eventually this guy started smashing me back as the sword was wrestled away and he was pepper sprayed. He said he was then punched into like unconsciousness by police and woke up in the back of a van, calling the experience beautiful and saying it felt like he was there for a reason. Mr Chowdhury was held on remand in HMP Belmarsh between his arrest and acquittal, and allegedly boasted of meeting the Parsons Green bomber and a prisoner who knew Isis executioner Mohammed Emwazi. An Instagram video posted by Mohiussunnath Chowdhury showing a replica pistol (Metropolitan Police) One of the undercover officers, identified only as Hamza, told the court: He stated that on his second trial he was advised to lose weight so that he could deceive the jury. Mr Chowdhury allegedly said the makeover made him look like a kid. The accused also told his 10-year-old cousin he wanted to be killed during the Buckingham Palace incident, the jury heard. In the conversation, which was secretly taped, he said: They kill Muslims all over the world and so I thought, you know... if they want to kill Muslims, then Im gonna go and beat the crap out of them with my sword. The court heard that Mr Chowdhury engaged in physical training, acquiring wooden training swords, enrolling on a shooting training course and obtaining a replica pistol while seeking a live firearm and ammunition. Mr Atkinson said the defendant undertook knife practice in his bedroom and sword practice with his sister, Sneha Chowdhury, who is charged with failing to inform police about his plans. Mr Chowdhury is also accused of obtaining and sharing terrorist propaganda including Isis training manuals on how to carry out attacks. The court heard he had searched the internet for Isis beheading videos and used one of the groups symbols as his WhatsApp profile photo while sending propaganda to contacts. Mr Chowdhury, of Kirkwood Road in Luton, denies preparing acts of terrorism, disseminating a terrorist publication and possessing terrorist information. His 25-year-old sister, of the same address, denies two counts of failing to disclose information about terrorist activity. The trial continues. Additional reporting by PA A cocaine possession charge against New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung will be dropped with the understanding that he will undergo periodic drug testing and perform 40 hours of community service, a prosecutor said Monday. A grand jury in New Hampshire indicted Chung in August. Belknap County Attorney Andrew Livernois had said members of the Meredith, New Hampshire, police department were called to Chung's home in June and obtained evidence leading to the felony drug charge. Chung pleaded not guilty. A hearing on Chung's case was scheduled for Tuesday, but was canceled with the release of the agreement. A cocaine possession charge against New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung will be dropped with the understanding that he will undergo periodic drug testing and perform 40 hours of community service, a prosecutor said Monday Livernois said there are several factors that led the state to agree to drop the charge, including that Chung has no criminal record; that he cooperated with police at his home; that the amount of drugs in question was small; and that Chung underwent a substance abuse evaluation that indicated he did not need treatment. The agreement says Chung will remain on good behavior for two years, submit to monthly drug testing at a lab for a year, then every 90 days for another year. Chung will agree to provide the state with copies of the results and will sign a waiver allowing the state to communicate directly with the lab to verify the results. Chung's community service will be connected to drug abuse prevention and education and will be completed within 18 months, according to the agreement. Chung also will agree to waive his rights to a speedy trial and or indictment and agree that if he fails to comply with the requirements, the state has the right to reinstate the charges. 'We are happy with the agreement and ready to move forward,' said Chung's lawyer, Corey MacDonald. Court paperwork last month said both sides were 'actively engaged in negotiations regarding a possible resolution of this case.' A trial had been scheduled for March. Chung has played on three of the Patriots' six Super Bowl-winning teams. He signed a three-year, $11.7 milion deal with the Patriots before the 2019 season Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 08:50:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOHHOT, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A kidnapper armed with a handgun was shot dead on the spot in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Sunday, the regional police authorities said. According to the police, the suspect, surnamed Zhou, took three people hostage in Xincheng District of Hohhot, the regional capital, at around 11 a.m. Sunday. Zhou was armed with a self-made gun and explosive devices, and threatened to shoot the hostages. The police killed the suspect at around 7:15 p.m. and defused the explosives. The hostages were rescued. Further investigation is ongoing. WASHINGTON - As Democrats' top presidential candidates prepare to meet for the last debate before voters start weighing in, the primary contest remains one of the most unpredictable in decades - a contest not likely to end anytime soon. In the absence of a commanding front-runner, and with a plethora of well-funded candidates in the top tier, party activists say they have less certainty about the outcome than at any time since 1992, when Bill Clinton ultimately won in a crowded field. "I can't remember a time when I had this many questions before the first votes," said Rebecca Katz, a Democratic strategist who worked on John Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign. "Things could play out 100 different ways." The sources of uncertainty are legion: Polls in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states to vote, show four candidates bunched closely at the top - former Vice President Joe Biden, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Ind., and Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Even at this late date, more than half of Iowa Democrats are not certain whom they will back. Two billionaire candidates are wild cards: Environmentalist Tom Steyer last week unexpectedly seized a place on the Iowa debate stage by doing well in polls in South Carolina and Nevada, which vote in mid- and late-February and where most other candidates were not running television ads. ADVERTISEMENT Former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is spending sums unmatchable by other candidates to advertise in states, including California, that vote in the March 3 multi-state primary known as Super Tuesday. And President Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate is a logistical headache for senators still in the race. The trial may keep them in Washington during the last two weeks before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses, a crucial time for candidates to make their closing arguments in a state that prizes retail politics. The stakes are high because the candidate who comes out on top in Iowa - even by a tiny margin - goes into subsequent primaries, starting with New Hampshire's on Feb. 11, with a gust of wind at his or her back. "In the Olympics and presidential caucuses, the track looks crowded when they are running; but in the end, there will be a gold, a silver and a bronze," said Michael Meehan, who advised Sen. John Kerry during his 2004 presidential campaign. "Those are the people who will get a huge, bright spotlight." Against this backdrop, six candidates will appear together on stage Tuesday for the last debate before the Iowa caucuses. Biden, Buttigieg, Sanders, Steyer and Warren, will be joined by Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who sees the voting in Iowa, her neighboring state, as her best and probably last chance to vault into the upper tier. Since the candidates' last debate, in Los Angeles in December, the House has impeached Trump, and the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general followed by Iranian missile attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq has shifted attention sharply from domestic to foreign affairs. That could propel foreign policy to the forefront of Tuesday's debate, a shift of focus welcomed by Biden, who considers foreign policy his strong suit and is spotlighting it in Iowa. "We live in the most dangerous moment in a generation," says the voice-over in a Biden ad in Iowa, which the campaign has updated to include references to the latest Iran news. ADVERTISEMENT "This is a moment that requires strong, steady, stable leadership." Sanders comes into the Iowa debate on a roll. He lost Iowa by a whisker to Hillary Clinton in 2016 and believes he can win it this time. He may bring to the stage an intensifying effort to challenge Biden's arguments that he is the safest choice to beat Trump and has the strongest foreign policy record. Sanders has repeatedly attacked Biden's vote 17 years ago to give President George W. Bush authority for the Iraq war. Democrats need a nominee with bold ideas who can inspire the energy and excitement it will take to win the general election, he says, in a critique aimed at Biden. Nina Turner, Sanders national campaign co-chairwoman, Sunday also published an op-ed in a South Carolina newspaper arguing that Sanders has a stronger record promoting racial justice than Biden, going after the support from African American voters that has been a core strength for the former vice president. Warren, who is looking for a campaign comeback after a fall slump, has been trying to make a new case for her candidacy: In a field polarized between Biden and Sanders, she could be a consensus candidate, her campaign says, noting that she is to the left of Biden, but has a stronger connection to the party establishment than Sanders. "More than any other candidate that's going to be on that debate stage in a few days, Elizabeth Warren is the candidate who can unite the entire Democratic Party," former rival Julian Castro said when he endorsed Warren last week. "She can bring people together. She can appeal to all sides." On Sunday, Warren made her unity pitch even as tensions rose over a report by Politico that the Sanders campaign had drafted a script for volunteers criticizing Warren for appealing mainly to upscale voters, not broadening the party's appeal - an unusual break in the cordial relations between the two progressive candidates. ADVERTISEMENT "We all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016, and we can't have a repeat of that," she told reporters in Iowa, referring to the bitter primary fight between Sanders and Hillary Clinton. "Democrats need to unite our party and that means pulling in all parts of the Democratic coalition." Debate stakes are high for Buttigieg because he has invested so much in making his mark in Iowa and New Hampshire. He told supporters it was a "make-or-break moment" in the wake of recent polls. "It's a dead heat in both Iowa and New Hampshire - two states where we have to do well in order to continue this campaign," he said in a recent fundraising email. The stakes are even higher for Klobuchar. She will have to overperform her single-digit showing in polls to come away from Iowa with any delegates. That could give her an incentive to again go on the attack against her rivals in the debate - against Buttigieg for being too young and inexperienced; Biden for being a man of another era; Warren and Sanders for being too far left. That strategy is a double-edged sword. After the December debate, it brought an infusion of donations and attention, but it has yet to deliver the committed support she needs to be viable in Iowa or beyond. A key audience for the nationally televised debate will be local: the many Iowa Democrats who have not firmly made up their minds. The Iowa Poll by the Des Moines Register and CNN released Friday found that some 60% of likely caucusgoers were undecided or only lightly committed to their preferred candidate. Sanders came in first as the choice of 20% of likely caucusgoers, followed by Warren, Buttigieg and Biden, but the gap between first and fourth was smaller than the survey's margin of error, meaning the poll can't say who is truly on top. Compared with the last Iowa Poll in mid-November, support for Sanders had risen, Buttigieg dropped, while Biden and Warren remained stable. The Iowa Poll lead has been a trophy that has been passed around among the top four: The No. 1 candidate in the previous three polls were Biden, Warren and Buttigieg. The poll suggested that Sanders' supporters were the most committed. But Sean Bagniewski, chairman of the Polk County Democrats, said the question for Sanders is whether his 20% showing is his floor or ceiling. Whether "Iowans who are still making up their minds will consider him or not" will make the difference, he said. The crowded top tier of candidates are all coming off a robust fundraising quarter that has equipped them with the resources to stay in the race well beyond Iowa. Sanders consistently leads his rivals in raising money even as he refuses to hold private fundraisers and forsakes contributions from wealthy donors. The Vermont senator posted an impressive $34.5-million fundraising haul in the reporting period that ended Dec. 31. But his rivals have plenty of cash. Biden rebounded from anemic fundraising earlier in the campaign to bring in $22.7 million in the last quarter. Buttigieg topped him with $24.7 million, and Warren, who like Sanders eschews private fundraising events, drew $21.2 million. Bloomberg and Steyer are testing what bottomless personal wealth can buy in politics. The eye-popping $153 million Bloomberg has spent on television advertising dwarfs the $30 million Sanders, Buttigieg, Warren and Biden have spent combined, according to figures compiled by CNN. Bloomberg is betting that if there is no clear front-runner out of the first four states, his investment in Super Tuesday states such as California, Texas and Virginia will pay off. But he has also said that he will continue to invest his own money - running anti-Trump ads and paying staff salaries - into the fall even if he does not win the Democratic nomination. "I am running to defeat Donald Trump," he said at a Friday rally in Atlanta. --- (Staff writer Evan Halper in Washington contributed to this report.) --- (c)2020 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Government releasing 10,000 inmates, but campaigners say more has to be done because prisons are so overcrowded. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Students of Jamia Millia Islamia, on Monday, surrounded the vice chancellor's office to press for their charter of demands. Organised under the banner of the Jamia Coordination Committee, students gathered at noon near the vice chancellor's office to set up a blockade. The students are demanding that an FIR be registered against the Delhi Police over the incidents of assault on students. Seeking an end to harassment, the protesters have also sought assurances of security for students. Surrounded by protesting students on campus, the vice chancellor Najma Akhtar responded by saying that filing an FIR will not ensure security. "We are doing everything possible from our end. We have made security arrangements at all places," she said. The vice chancellor appealed to the students to end their protests. The Jamia Millia Islamia campus was the scene of tension following anti-CAA protests erupting in violence in the neighbouring areas of Shaheen Bagh and Jamia Nagar. On December 15, police had stormed into the campus and have been accused of assaulting students. 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. In November 2019, twenty-five C-suite executives of a large company from different parts of the world had planned to come to Delhi for a Board meeting. But they cancelled it a week before. The reason wasn't economy or war but air pollution that is impacting business travel. While it is a significant economic loss, companies are looking at alternatives of avoiding Delhi-NCR because it poses a health risk to their key personnel. Neeraj Balani, India's Managing Director International SOS, a travel assistance company that provides security and medical solutions to firms, says that several executives have deferred their travel plans to Delhi by a few months till the pollution level in the capital city subsides. He adds that there is also a rise in requests from companies on additional measures when their top executives visit the country, such as having a doctor and an ambulance on a stand-by throughout their stay in case of an emergency. "Getting exposed to high levels of pollution can have immediate short-term effects. We have seen cases where people coming from outside take time to adapt and just 25-30 minutes of being outdoors can lead to breathlessness, nausea, headache or vomiting." He says that recently a company asked them to arrange 400 masks for its employees who travel in public transport. They also did a workshop for their employees on the importance and the proper usage of masks. Expats based in India are also concerned about the long-term impact on their health. Balani adds that there is an increase in queries especially from expatriates who have moved to India with their families and have young children. "They are asking us about the procedure to send them back to their home country." Every month, International SOS helps 10-20 travellers in a month in India with emergency situations related to health, or personal emergency issues. Japanese low-cost retailer Miniso says the 20-30 employees from China have stopped going out for outdoor activities. "Due to heavy haze we wear mask even if we are outside for 5-10 minutes. Some colleagues wear it in the office too," says Charmaine Chan, Miniso's Franchise consultant based in Delhi. Miniso installed 30 air purifiers in its office and also got it for personal use of its expatriate employees in Delhi when they complained of cough and dizziness. But, it is business-as-usual for the firm. "We didn't cancel any plans or meetings. However, we are taking precautions," adds Chan. Miniso is also considering to offer a health allowance to its employees from China who are based in its Gurugram headquarters. Also Read: Sensex, Nifty close at record highs; IT, consumer durable stocks lead gains Also Read: Retail inflation touches 7.35% in December, highest since July 2014 Also Read: Sebi extends deadline to separate roles of chairman, MDs by two years If I will die, let it ... (@FahadShabbir) Provincial Minister for Energy Dr Akhtar Malik said that alternative energy resources should be adopt to address the shortage of energy in our country MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2020 ) :Provincial Minister for Energy Dr Akhtar Malik said that alternative energy resources should be adopt to address the shortage of energy in our country. Dr Akhtar said in a statement issued here on Monday that the incumbent government was focusing on alternative energy resources as the economic future of the country was linked to it. He stated that 2020 would be the year of unity, prosperity and economic progress of Pakistan. The minister strongly condemned the irresponsible statement of Indian Army chief.He stated that the whole Pakistani nation was united to foil nefarious designs of the enemy. In India,millions of people were demonstrating protests against citizen amendment act. Similarly, the Indian army was also violating human rights in the occupied valley of Jammu and Kashmir. Bernie Sanders has the home-field advantage and the precedent of 2016, and Elizabeth Warren boasts the top organization. But dont count out Pete Buttigieg or Joe Biden or even Amy Klobuchar, who has the most potential to break out. And keep an eye on Michael Bennet to outperform expectations. So say five of the top political minds in New Hampshire Democratic politics, whom POLITICO sought out last week for their ground-level perspective on the state of play one month out from the Feb. 11 primary. Though all of them described the race as fluid and difficult to forecast, they weighed in on the hidden strengths and weaknesses of the field, as well as what the media is missing in New Hampshire and what would truly count as a surprise on Election Day. Their answers are edited for clarity and conciseness. What's an outcome on Election Day that would actually surprise you? Andrew Hosmer Andrew Hosmer, the new mayor of Laconia, which voted for Barack Obama twice before backing Donald Trump in 2016. Pete Buttigieg winning that would surprise me just based on how far he has come in a year. Theres a realistic possibility, and it would be shocking given that it would mean he nudged out two sitting senators and a vice president. It isnt impossible. Melanie Levesque Melanie Levesque, a political operative who recently became the first black person elected to the state Senate. It would surprise me if an underdog won. At this point, it would be near-impossible for someone to beat Biden, Warren, Buttigieg and Sanders, given their campaign and field operation. The other surprising thing could be the number of voters who are unaffiliated with a party who take Democratic ballots in the open primary. That will go up significantly, and if not, that would be very surprising. Lucas Meyer Lucas Meyer, the 29-year-old chairman of the New Hampshire Young Democrats. It would surprise the hell out of me if someone won the primary by 10 points. Kathy Sullivan Story continues Kathy Sullivan, a top Democratic Party official in the state for more than two decades who served as Hillary Clintons state co-chairwoman in 2008. It will surprise me if Iowa and New Hampshire have the same winner. New Hampshire loves a comeback story, so you could have someone who finishes second or third in Iowa who comes in first here. And if someone drops out after Iowa, that could have a huge impact. Jay Surdukowski Jay Surdukowski, a liberal Democrat who led a local effort to draft Beto ORourke for president and is now running for a seat on the powerful Executive Council of New Hampshire. Slow and steady Joe Biden beats local favorites Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. There seems to be a conventional wisdom that it will be Warren or Sanders in the blue ribbon spot. But New Hampshire's independent-minded voters might hand it to the tried and tested statesman especially if war clouds are on the horizon. Who is a dark-horse candidate who could place in the top three, and how do they do it? Hosmer: Lets say Amy Klobuchar has a strong showing in Iowa, coming in third or fourth, then she gets the momentum coming here and it's kind of a snowball effect. Theres also something about her that she is moderate and plain-spoken that authenticity will resonate with voters here. Levesque: Booker and Klobuchar are the ones to watch. They have been steadily increasing in the polls. They are differentiating themselves by showing their competency to lead and bring the country together, which will be key. Meyer: Anyone who tells you they know who the top three candidates are going to be on Election Day is speculating wildly. Things can change so dramatically. But Klobuchar has had a lot of momentum heading into the final stretch. Sullivan: If you assume Amy Klobuchar is not a dark horse, then Id say Cory Booker. Although he has not popped in the polls, he has a lot of support from legislators and activists. He needs to turn that into a wider net of voters. I would also keep an eye on Deval Patrick and Michael Bennet. Surdukowski: Amy Klobuchar. She will need a springboard with a strong finish in Iowa. But that said, she could make her own magic having assembled a compelling coalition of diverse backers and a practical message. Andrew Yang or Tulsi Gabbard could also pull it off if they can cobble together enough independent-minded and even libertarian-leaning voters. Who is running the best campaign in New Hampshire and why? Hosmer: Pete Buttigieg. Some of the indicators for me are the number of offices and staff on the ground. Theyre quality staff not just bodies. Ive also been impressed by Klobuchars willingness to come out and help us local elected officials they helped quite a bit in my campaign for mayor. I was really impressed by their organization and their desire to get involved in communities like Laconia. Levesque: Warren, who has hired some of our best people very early and started a strong door-to-door campaign. She commands large crowds, articulates her vision well and takes selfies with anyone who wants one. Meyer: Warrens organization was smart enough to realize early on that helping to get people elected to local offices would make a difference for her when she needed their support. They stepped it up to help us, mobilizing her volunteers to do work on down-ballot races, and that is really important among local Democrats. Sullivan: Elizabeth Warren. She has a large organization of staff and volunteers who have blanketed the state. They are not letting the ups-and-downs of polling distract them from their plan and have constantly sought to broaden their support, unlike Bernie Sanders, for example, who has not. She also has done a great job at retail, with her town halls and the selfie lines. She is the most approachable of the current top four, which means something here. Surdukowski: Bennet has been scoring very impressive endorsements and has a team working extremely hard. In terms of crowd size and buzz, Buttigieg would win if the primary were tomorrow. But a lot can happen in a month, just ask Howard Dean. What is the media missing in New Hampshire? Hosmer: If you go to coffee shops now, literally everyone is talking about the primary. Its very much a jump ball. I was at the barbershop and struck up a conversation with a complete stranger. He talked about three or four candidates that interested him, and it was impressive to see how well-read this guy was about the candidates. But he was still undecided. Levesque: The media is completely missing minority populations here, especially with all the talk of lack of diversity in New Hampshire and Iowa. The media could do a better job of seeking out opinions from more diverse populations in both states. Meyer: Recent changes to the states residency laws for voting, which are a big deal and could significantly impact turnout among college students. Our state has done a huge disservice to young voters, especially by not clearly and concisely answering the questions that have come up for students who live on campus. Sullivan: At this point in 2016, Sanders was at 50 percent in the polls. He ended up winning with about 61 percent. Now hes in the mid-20s. Thats a pretty significant loss of support, yet the media seems to think he is doing well. The media is also missing the potential that there may be no clear winner here. Any candidate who finishes with more than 15 percent of the vote picks up delegates under the party rules. Lets say there are four people who win delegates, then were on to Nevada and South Carolina! Surdukowski: I think a hard, methodical and data-driven look at what "unicorn voters" who voted for President Obama twice and then voted for President Trump. There is a reflexive conventional wisdom that a race to the left is universally important in Democratic primaries, but in New Hampshire, where roughly 42 percent of the voters are independents who can draw a Democratic ballot in the primary, there is a real potential for a win by Buttigieg or Klobuchar who have worked far more aggressively at courting folks in purple and red towns. The independents are the majority party here, something D.C. consultants helicoptering in may neglect at their peril. How does a centrist who isn't from a neighboring state break the Sanders/Warren stranglehold here? Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., gestures toward Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., during the first of two Democratic presidential primary debates hosted by CNN Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in the Fox Theatre in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Hosmer: I think a centrist wins by convincing voters in New Hampshire that if you want to beat Trump, you've got to win the general. You've got to win the important states that we didn't win in 2016 Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida. And you've got to convince people that the far-left in the Democratic Party cannot win rural America. Of everyone in the field, I think Klobuchar and Buttigieg have the best chance of making that case. Meyer: The supposition that Sanders and Warren have a stranglehold on the state is wrong. They certainly have an advantage by virtue of familiarity. But that also creates a much greater expectation for them to perform very well. The strength of the other campaigns also cancels out whatever home-field advantage they may have, creating a pretty equal fight here. Levesque: Its really about meeting people and getting vetted by voters. Sanders and Warren have a neighboring-state advantage, but there is room for those who are looking for more moderate candidates. With the current crisis in Iran, people may be looking for someone with experience on the international stage who can get us back on track working with allies in short order. Sullivan: Show up and talk to voters. But I disagree that there is a stranglehold. Biden is doing well and could win. Buttigieg is doing respectably. Klobuchar is moving. At some point, all those undecideds are going somewhere, so this is not over. Surdukowski: Personal charisma and practicality in policy outlook. A boost in Iowa doesnt hurt for the many who won't make up their mind until the final days. I still believe most people will vote for who inspires them. France, Germany, UK Committed to JCPOA, Call on Iran to Return to Compliance Sputnik News 01:10 13.01.2020 PARIS (Sputnik) - French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a joint statement on Sunday that they remained committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and urged Tehran to cancel all measures that go against the Iran nuclear deal. "We stay committed to JCPOA and its preservation; we call on Iran to cancel all measures incompatible with the agreement," the statement, released by the Elysee Palace's press office, read. Paris, Berlin and London also urged Tehran to refrain from further proliferation and reaffirmed their readiness to continue dialogue with Iran in order to maintain stability in the region. "Together, we unequivocally expressed our regret and concern after the United States' decision to withdraw from the JCPOA and reintroduce sanctions against Iran," the statement said. The three European leaders added that Iran should return to full compliance with its obligations under the agreement. "We must also determine a long-term framework for Iran's nuclear program," the statement read. Macron, Merkel and Johnson noted that recent events in the Middle East have revealed Iran's destabilizing role in the region. "We are always committed to the security of our allies and partners in the region. We must respond - diplomatically and substantively - to general concerns about Iran's destabilizing regional activities, including those related to its missile programs," the joint statement said. The JCPOA was signed in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the European Union. It required Iran to scale back its nuclear program and severely downgrade its uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief. In 2018, the United States abandoned its conciliatory policy on Iran, withdrawing from the JCPOA and hitting Iranian petroleum industries with sanctions. On May 8, the first anniversary of the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, Iran announced a gradual reduction of its JCPOA obligations. On Sunday, in the aftermath of the US drone attack that killed Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran announced that it was discontinuing its remaining JCPOA obligations. Iranian Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi said on Tuesday that despite the JCPOA rollback, Tehran is not interested in possessing nuclear weapons. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Japanese billionaire has announced plans to donate a billion yen (about $9 million) to 1,000 of his Twitter followers in an intriguing social experiment designed to show how money affects peoples lives. On January 1st, Yusaku Maezawa, founder of Japans largest fashion retail website, tweeted that he would be giving away 1 billion Japanese yen ($9.1 million) to 1,000 random people, as part of an effort to find out if money really can buy happiness. All people had to do for the chance to win $9,118 was follow and retweet him before January 7. At the time of this writing, Maezawas Twitter post announcing the giveaway had been retweeted over 4.5 million times. Photo: Alexander Mils/Unsplash In a YouTube video, the 44-year-old businessman described the stunt as a serious social trial, inspired by the concept of universal basic income. Maezawa said that because he has the money and free time to conduct the experiment, he felt the need to somehow spark a larger debate about the theory of periodic no-strings-attached payment to all Japanese citizens. Interestingly, this isnt the first time Yusaku Maezawa has given away money to people via Twitter. Around this time last year he shared 100 million yen among 100 of his Twitter followers, who each ended up with about $9,000. This time around, he decided to increase the number of recipients 10 times, for more accurate results. Last years tweet broke the record for the most retweeted message of all time, and this years announcement may just to the same. Maezawa, who is worth an estimated $2.2 billion, encouraged the recipients of his cash prizes to spend the money as they like, and asked them to help track the impact on their lives by answering regular surveys. The entrepreneur also appealed to academics and economists, asking them to help analyze the results. The 1,000 winners will be selected at random through a lottery, and will be contacted by Maezawa himself via direct message later this month. He also cautioned participants against fraudulent messages, adding that the official direct messages sent to the winners would also be tweeted out in advance. Yusaku Maezawa appeared in the public eye in 2018, when Elon Musk announced that he would be the first private customer on SpaceXs first commercial rocket to the moon. President Donald Trump authorized taking out top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani seven months ago although without giving a final sign-off in a revelation that further complicates the administration's claim about an imminent threat. The president provided the authorization to take out a key figure the military believes is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans back in June, during a tense period after Iran shot down a U.S. drone, NBC News reported. Trump insisted on retaining final authority to sign off on a strike, according to the report. A senior administration officials there here have been 'a number of options presented to the president over the course of time,' adding it occurred 'some months ago.' Donald Trump authorized taking out top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani seven months ago, according to a new report, while retaining final sign-off authority Trump didn't accept advice to authorize the strike as immediate retaliation, insisting the step would only be 'on the table if they hit Americans,' a person briefed on the debate told the network. Officials said ousted National Security Advisor John Bolton pushed for the authorization to take out Soleimani. Bolton approved of the strike on Twitter after U.S. forces carried out the drone attack on Soleimani during his trip to Baghdad. The officials also said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was for it. Pompeo told Fox News last week there were 'a series of imminent attacks being plotted' by Soleimani. The administration has provided a series of varying explanations for the strike, stressing both Soleimani's long-term role plotting attacks and backing Iranian proxies, the December death of a U.S. contractor in Iraq, and information on a looming attack. Trump has said Soleimani was planning to 'blow up' the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. U.S. forces killed Soleimani in a drone strike after he landed in Baghdad Jan. 3 Former National Security Advisor John Bolton pushed for Trump to authorize the strike Defense Secretary Mark Esper would not say Sunday when pressed that he saw intelligence of an Iranian plan to strike four U.S. embassies Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Quds Force, was killed in Baghdad after U.S. drone strike He also told Fox News host Laura Ingraham: 'I can reveal I believe it probably wouldve been four embassies.' But Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that he 'didn't see' intelligence that Soleimani was planning attacks on four U.S. embassies in the Middle East. 'The president didn't cite a specific piece of evidence. What he said was he believed,' Esper told CBS 'Face the Nation.' 'I didn't see one, with regard to four embassies. What I'm saying is that I shared the president's view that probably my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. The embassy is the most prominent display of American presence in a country.' He also told CNN's Jake Tapper that there was intelligence that there was intent to target the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, but wouldn't comment on intelligence regarding the other supposed plans. 'There was intelligence that there was an intent to target the U.S. embassy in Baghdad,' the secretary of the Department of Defense said on State of the Union. 'What the president said with regard to the four embassies, is what I believe, as well,' said Esper. Mekong communities struggle as China tests dam equipment by Leonie Kijewski January 13,2020 | Source: Al Jazeera Water levels on the Mekong River, which flows through China and five other countries before emptying into the South China Sea, have dropped once again after Beijing revealed it was testing equipment at one of its 11 dams in the upper reaches of the vital waterway. The Mekong River Commission (MRC), an inter-governmental body made up of representatives from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, said on December 31 that China would be testing its equipment, warning of a potential 50 percent drop in water outflows. According to the MRC's forecast, water levels could fall by as much as 70 centimetres in Thailand between January 6 and January 10, and up to 25 centimetres in Cambodia between January 12 and 14. In Thailand, the lack of water has had severe consequences, said Pianporn Deetes, Thailand campaign coordinator for international rivers. "In Chiang Khong, northern Thailand bordering Laos during the first week of this year, locals witnessed sudden water fluctuation; water in the Mekong increased then sharply dropped within a couple of days," she told Al Jazeera in an email. "I was there [on Tuesday] and found that some local farmers lost their crops due to non-seasonal water fluctuation." Not only crops were affected, she said. "Riverbank erosion is also severe. The water fluctuation also affected migratory fish that depend on the seasonal flood-drought circle of the river. Less fish, less or no income for fisherfolks. They told me this kind of damage has been 'more of the same'." The Mekong is the world's 12th-longest river, stretching 4,350 kilometres (2,703 miles) from China in the north to Vietnam in the south. Despite the worrying fluctuations and its impact on the river, experts said they were encouraged that China - for the first time - made its plan known beforehand, extending the hope of better coordination over the Mekong with countries downstream. 2020 Al Jazeera Media Network Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. Separatists will leave a stink for 10,000 years, the Chinese governments top diplomat said on Monday, in Beijings most strongly worded reaction yet to Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wens re-election on the back of a message of standing up to Beijing. Ms Tsai was returned to office on Saturday by a landslide, in an election dominated by Chinas growing efforts to get the island it claims as its own to accept Beijings rule. Ms Tsai said upon claiming victory that Taiwan would not give in to threats and intimidation from China and that only Taiwans people had the right to decide their own future. Speaking in Africa, Chinese state councillor Wang Yi said the one China principle that recognises Taiwan as being part of China had long since become the common consensus of the international community. This consensus wont alter a bit because of a local election on Taiwan, and will not be shaken because of the wrong words and actions of certain western politicians, Wang added, in an apparent reference to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. 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 congratulating president Tsai, Mr Pompeo had praised her for seeking stability with China in the face of unrelenting pressure. Wang, in comments carried by Chinas Foreign Ministry, said reunification across the Taiwan Strait is a historical inevitability. Those who split the country will be doomed to leave a stink for 10,000 years, said Wang, whose previous roles included being head of Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, using an expression that means to go down in history as a byword for infamy. A rally against pro-China media in Taipei in June last year (Getty) China passed an anti-secession law in 2005 which authorises the use of force against Taiwan if China judges it to have seceded. Taiwan says it is already an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. China has been particularly angry by increased US support for Taiwan. Washington has no formal ties with Taipei, but is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Meeting Tsai in Taipei on Sunday, the de facto US ambassador in Taiwan, Brent Christensen, commended voters for taking part in this sacred democratic process. This election serves as a reminder that the United States and Taiwan are not just partners; we are members of the same community of democracies, bonded by our shared values, he said, in comments released by the American Institute in Taiwan. Reuters Tribals from 'Dhangar' (shepherd) community residing in wildlife sanctuaries of Goa have been increasingly migrating to the mainland due to "stringent" forest laws, a leader from the community has claimed. Notably, five members of the community were recently arrested in connection with the suspected "revenge killing" of four tigers for preying on cattle of tribals residing in the forest areas of Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary, police said. Majority of the community members inhabit remote forest areas of the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sattari taluka of North Goa district and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in Sanguem taluka of South Goa district, with dairy farming being their key source of livelihood. "The Dhangar community members, whose livelihood and culture is in sync with the forest life, are increasingly finding themselves at the receiving end due to which they have started migrating to villages on the mainland," Goa Dhangar Seva Sangh president B D Mote told PTI. Some 25 families from the community residing in Vageri forest area of Sattari taluka since Portuguese-era shifted to Thane and Bhuipal villages over the years following several restrictions imposed by the state forest department under the Wildlife Protection Act, Mote claimed. These include prohibition from cutting even a branch of tree and restrictions on movement in the area, he said. There are several such instances of migration of Dhangar families. However, despite the adversities, many families from the community still continue to live in the wild, he said. "There are five families living in Satre village of Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is inaccessible by road, while Bondirwado village in Sattari's Sanvordem panchayat has 15 families from the community," Mote said. They want to continue residing in the forest areas that have been their home since ages, but on condition that they would not be harassed by forest officials, he said. Mote also said that the community members are ready to shift, if they are provided proper rehabilitation. Talking about recent case of death of four tigers due to suspected poisoning by locals, Mote said it was shocking that members of the community, "which worships the striped animal", were arrested for allegedly killing the felines. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said people living in the tiger territory in Goa will be shifted elsewhere to avoid man-animal conflict. The sate government would provide them proper rehabilitation, Sawant said, adding that he has asked the forest department to identify villages that lie within the territory of big cats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ISTANBUL - Kurdish politician and activist Hevrin Khalaf, who was killed on October 12 in northeastern Syria during the Turkish offensive against YPG Kurdish militias, was allegedly killed by Ahrar al-Sharqiya, a faction of the Syrian National Army fighting alongside Ankara, according to a report published by the Arabic edition of the BBC. The report quoted ''convincing evidence'' gathered by putting together reports on the ground and satellite images to verify videos posted over the last few months pointing to the responsibility of the pro-Turkish militia, which has continued to deny its responsibility. According to the BBC, Ahrar al-Sharqiya militias organized a checkpoint along the strategic M4 highway firing against the car of the activist who was driving from al-Hasakah to Raqqa, killing the driver, Farhad Ramadan. The activist was instead killed after being brutally attacked. Khalaf became an international symbol of opposition to the Turkish offensive against Kurds in Syria. An Iraqi journalist and his cameraman were shot dead by unknown gunmen last week while covering anti-government demonstrations in Iraq's southern city of Basra, officials said. On Saturday, the US Embassy in Baghdad confirmed the "assassinations" of Ahmen Abdel Samad, 39, a correspondent with Iraqi cable news outlet Dijla TV, and cameraman Safaa Ghali, 37, in a statement cited by Fox News. A group of armed men in a 4x4 vehicle approached their car and opened fire, witnesses told Al Jazeera. Ghali was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later died. The embassy condemned the killings as "deplorable" and "cowardly." "The ongoing assassinations, kidnappings, harassment, and intimidation of members of the press, social media activists, and pro-reform activists in Iraq by armed groups cannot continue to go unpunished," the embassy said. The embassy said it is the Iraqi government's responsibility to uphold the right to freedom of expression, protect journalists and ensure that activists can demonstrate peacefully without fear of repercussions. "This can only happen if the perpetrators are found and brought to justice," the embassy said. It remains unclear who or which group carried out the killings. Samad had recently criticised Iraqi security forces and Iran in social media posts. Hours before his death, he posted a video critical of how Iraqi security forces arrested protesters in Basra but did not arrest or beat those protesting in front of the US Embassy in Baghdad, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Days earlier, he tweeted that Iran was using the daughter of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike earlier this month, to incite vengeance. "Iran they are taking advantage of everything for the proxy war," he wrote. The alleged assassinations come nearly two years after the high-profile killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul by a team of Saudi agents. Khashoggi had voiced criticisms of the Saudi government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A mix of better infrastructure planning, stricter enforcement of rules and an improved behavioural change among the public could be the solution to Noida's perennial trouble of traffic, experts believe. Violation of traffic rules, congestion on roads due to vehicles and accidents have remained for years a major issue for the people of Noida, an up and rising city in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar bordering the national capital. The district recorded 964 road accidents till October 31 last year in which 407 people lost their lives and another 736 suffered injuries, several of them life altering, according to an official data. The figures for November and December were yet to be prepared, officials said, adding that a large number of these deaths took place on expressways. During the same year, road violation challans by the Noida Traffic Police saw a substantial rise, from 5,70,908 in 2018 to 6,99,708 in 2019 (January to December). The Uttar Pradesh government had in June notified increased penalties for violations, including driving vehicles without a seat belt or riding a two-wheeler without a helmet. A Noida Traffic Police data showed the number of challans issued for these two offences coming down in the second half of 2019. There were 1,39,812 challans for not wearing helmets or seat belt between January and June, and 1,18,481 from July to December, it showed. Hospitals said around 60 per cent of the road accident cases have patients from two-wheelers, even as they suggested that helmet-less riding was rampant. "We get 50 to 60 cases on an average every month. The mortality rate is 100 per cent incase riders do not wear helmets, about 50 per cent incase they wear low quality helmets," said Dr. Ashutosh Niranjan, medical superintendent and surgeon at Sharda Hospital, one of the key private hospitals 24x7 trauma services in the region. Incase of four wheelers, he suggested not putting on seat belt could be fatal. "There is a need for riders and drivers to wear helmets, seat belts, drive on designated lanes, control speed and obey traffic rules to be safe," Niranjan suggested. Transport Department officials shared the opinion and suggested "enforcement from within" as a possible measure to tackle challenges of road safety. "We carry out awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, we can inculcate habits of road safety in children and youngsters. There is a problem with the casual approach of grownups towards road safety," Transport Officer (Enforcement) Himesh Tiwari said. "If we expect services and facilities to be at par with Singapore or any other developed country, we also need to have a sense of obeying traffic rules at par with them," he said. The district, which has a population of over 25 lakh and more than seven lakh registered vehicles, including four lakh private two wheelers, enforcement has also to be done technically and using latest technology. City residents blamed improper road designs, less adherence to traffic rules and lack of public transport for the woes. "There are no measures for pedestrians. Like no free footpath and not even sufficient foot-over bridges to help people cross fast moving lanes. There are people with less sense of road traffic and that should be improved. The Traffic Police is also less strict as compared to Delhi, where rule compliance is much higher," said Amit Gupta, a software engineer by profession. Vishnu Saini, a civil engineer involved in construction of some key highways in India, said road junctions are poorly designed with improper approach lanes, while pedestrians and cyclists are not given priority. "There is no safe movement allowed (separate lanes or markings) for pedestrians and cyclists. Inadequate traffic personnel and no strict lane driving measures in place," he said. He also stressed the need for road calming measures like rumble strips and traffic blinkers at entry and exit points of expressways, which are accident prone areas, and highlighted lane markings and directions signs missing on roads. Town planners said a lot of Noida's trouble began in the 2000s when the city started growing vertically and haphazardly after authorities permitted increased floor area ratio (FAR), paving the way for high-rise apartments which ultimately put more pressure on roads that were not designed for the future. "The planning has been lacking here. When we look at other countries like Singapore, they too have dense population but there they first plan roads, sewer lines and public transport and only then allow settlement," Dikshu C. Kukreja, a Harvard-trained town planner, said. "With 30,000 people now living in an area instead of 10,000, the effects would show on roads, more congestion and accidents," he said. On a possible solution, Kukreja said improving public transport can only help ease this situation. "You cannot expand a road three times or come up with roads one above the other. The only solution is providing public transport while ensuring last mile connectivity," he opined. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman has woken up to find a can of baked beans had exploded in her pantry, leaving a 'vomit' smell throughout her kitchen. Elisabeth Billington, from Queensland, purchased the home brand can of beans from Coles before it exploded overnight. The mother posted photos of the bean explosion inside her cupboard to the supermarket giant's Facebook on Sunday. 'Whilst preparing dinner tonight we heard a bang inside our pantry,' she said. A woman awoke to find the baked beans she purchased from Coles had exploded in her pantry 'Upon inspection, we found a can of baked beans had exploded. We purchased these two tins of Coles baked beans just yesterday. 'The smell coming from the beans was putrid, it smelled nothing like baked beans, instead it smelled like vomit,' she said. Despite the beans not expiring until 2021, Ms Billington claimed the contents of the tin was 'clearly rancid'. She said it was lucky no one was hurt by the exploding tin can. 'Wow. Under other circumstances, that could've been a cool thing to see. At least nobody got hurt,' a horrified shopper wrote. A Coles spokesperson commented on Ms Billington's post and offered an apology. 'This is concerning to see and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention,' they responded. 'So that we may follow this up, can you please send us a private message with some more details including the store you purchased this from and images of the packaging details including best before dates and any batch details printed on the can?' WASHINGTON FBI Director Christopher Wray outlined a series of proposed reforms Friday aimed at bolstering public confidence in sensitive surveillance operations in wake of a damning report that revealed flaws in how the bureau handled wiretap applications for a former Trump campaign aide. In a filing ordered by the chief judge of the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, Wray pledged that the bureau would overhaul its training program for agents and lawyers to ensure that information used to support future surveillance applications is complete and properly vetted. The plan comes more than a month after the Justice Department's inspector general identified 17 inaccuracies in requests to wiretap former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser Carter Page in 2016 and 2017. The surveillance of Page, whom the FBI believed was conspiring with the Russian government, was conducted as the FBI investigated Russia's efforts to meddle in the 2016 presidential election. "The FBI has the utmost respect for this court, and deeply regrets the errors and omissions identified by the (inspector general)," Wray wrote, adding that the Justice watchdog's report described "conduct that is unacceptable and unrepresentative of the FBI as an institution." Trump's response: Trump claims DOJ inspector general report shows 'attempted overthrow' of the government Wray described the surveillance authority provided by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is approved by the court, as "an indispensable tool in national security investigations." "In recognition of our duty of candor to the court and our responsibilities to the American people, the FBI is committed to working with the court and (Justice Department) to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the FISA process," Wray wrote. The centerpiece of the training regimen, as outlined in the FBI filing, is the proposed creation of a "case study" based on the inspector general's findings in the Page surveillance applications. Wray ordered that the training program be created by April 30 and is requiring that all agents and lawyers who staff FISA complete the training by June 30. Story continues "I am determined that operational personnel understand, holistically, what occurred during the activities reflected in the (inspector general's) report, and that, in addition, personnel working on FISA applications understand the importance of rigor during each and every phase of the application process," the director wrote. After the inspector general's report was released, Judge Rosemary Collyer, chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that considers the sensitive wiretap applications, rebuked the FBI and asserted it had misled the court when seeking permission to wiretap Page. "The frequency with which representations made by FBI personnel turned out to be unsupported or contradicted by information in their possession, and with which they withheld information detrimental to their case, calls into question whether information contained in other FBI applications is reliable," Judge Rosemary Collyer wrote. Searing IG report: FBI wiretap of Trump campaign aide was riddled with errors, but Russia probe was legally justified, IG report finds Wiretap trouble: A new blow to the FBI: Watchdog report details dysfunction, missteps in wiretap of Trump aide In its filing, the FBI was required to show the court how it would adhere to the rules governing requests for surveillance allowed under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The law, enacted in 1978, outlines procedures investigators must follow when they ask judges for permission to conduct electronic surveillance of people suspected of acting as foreign agents. Although the inspector general debunked claims by President Donald Trump that the Russia investigation was motivated by political bias, it revealed a dysfunctional system in which a team of investigators, handpicked to conduct one of the FBI's most sensitive investigations, committed "basic and fundamental errors." The FBI sought four court-ordered wiretaps of Page. Each application contained multiple errors, according to Inspector General Michael Howoritz's report. Among the most common were omissions of important information, including some that contradicted investigators' suspicions that Page was acting as a foreign agent. During Senate testimony last month, Horowitz said the surveillance of Page continued even as investigators gathered new evidence "that weakened the assessment" of Page's activities.. Carter Page at a news conference in Moscow on Dec. 12, 2016. Horowitz's report concluded that investigators overstated the reliability of a former British intelligence officer whose information they used to justify the surveillance warrants. Agents described Christopher Steele as someone whose information had been "corroborated and used in criminal proceedings." Horowitz's report said that wasn't true. Investigators also didn't provide documentation to back up some of their assertions to justify the wiretap warrants. In some cases, the documents showed their claims were wrong. One supervisor said he didn't necessarily review full documents to make sure they supported what the agents claimed, according to the report. Horowitz referred a former FBI attorney to prosecutors for possible criminal investigation for altering an email from a liaison at another government agency. The email confirmed Page had been a source of information for the other agency, but the FBI attorney changed it to say the opposite. That covered up a piece of information that would have undercut the FBI's justification to wiretap Page. This, Collyer wrote in her order, "gave rise to serious concerns about the accuracy and completeness" of any surveillance warrant applications involving that attorney. DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz's report examines the FBI's Russia probe and its surveillance of former Donald Trump campaign aide Carter Page. Contributing: Kristine Phillips This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FBI Director Christopher Wray outlines surveillance reforms New Delhi, Jan 13 : Twitterati on Monday by and large gave a thumbs-up to the dress code for devotees visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. #KashiVishwanath trended with 1,628 tweets after it was reported that male devotees would have to wear the traditional 'dhoti-kurta', and women devotees sarees, to worship the deity. Devotees wearing jeans, pants, shirts will be allowed to worship only from a distance, as per the new strict dress code rules. One user said: "This is a good move. I demand a total ban on jeans, T-shirts, pants and any other western dress inside the temple premises. #KashiVishwanath #Mahadev." A post read: "People cribbing about the dress code in the temple are the same people who wear shorts and bikinis to beaches, dresses to cocktail parties, formals to office and beautiful ethnic wear to Indian weddings. But why do they have a problem when it comes to applying this to temples." "And I thought I was quite decently dressed for my #KashiVishwanath temple visit! Oh the rules. The Indian culture is returning as 'dhoti-kurta' is our traditional attire. Even women wore a 'dhoti' & not saree. it's great that we are going back to our roots...." said one woman user who posted a picture of herself dressed in ethnic wear at a temple. Another user tweeted: "In mosques and gurdwaras, devotees are supposed to cover their heads. In Jain temples, only those who are fully covered are allowed." A post read: "Every institution has its own rules and regulations. Why create a ruckus on the new rule at #KashiVishwanath. The Ujjain temple already has this rule." "It's welcome that Kashi Vishwanath temple has implemented the dress code. No reason to fuss about at all. Can't one wear what's presupposed to be traditional for a short time when within the temple?" a tweet said. One user who did not like the new dress code tweeted: "Who are you people to decide what dresses others wear... any decent dress is OK... no one can dictate to others... A#KashiVishwanath." Accounts from inside the Trump administration have suggested that the absence of fatalities was a crucial factor in the president's decision not to escalate further. "All is well!" he posted in a tweet hours after the attack. But across Ain al-Asad, the testimony of witnesses and damage in several areas seemed to indicate that the lack of serious casualties was at least partly due to luck. Though no arrest report has been made public, heres what public records and police say about Masoud Yarieilzoleh, the Iranian national arrested Friday night in Palm Beach about four miles from President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort. Palm Beach police say Yarieilzoleh was carrying two white envelopes, each with $10,000 in $100 bills. They confiscated a total of $22,028.23, according to photos from Palm Beach police. Evidence bags of the cash police say was confiscated from Masouh Yarieilzoleh Yarieilzoleh was arrested near Flagler Memorial Bridge after police responded to do a welfare check on someone sleeping in a Bradley Park gazebo. The probable cause affidavit says that was Yarieilzoleh, who produced a Washington drivers license and a U.S. permanent resident card. When he sat up, police found a machete under a mat. He also had an axe and two knives, each with a 4.5-inch blade, one of which was serrated. Police spokesman Michael Ogrodnick said police arrested Yarieilzoleh on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon. Ogrodnick said after the arrest there was no indication Yarieilzolehs Palm Beach foray had anything to do with the presidents Mar-a-Lago club, located about four miles from where the arrest was made. Yarieilzoleh, whose name was misspelled in initial reports before police corrected the spelling Monday, was not booked into Palm Beach County jail. The accompanying picture is not an official mug shot, but a photo taken at the Palm Beach police station. He was issued a Notice to Appear Jan. 29 in Palm Beach County court and released. Yarieilzoleh has no previous criminal record in Florida. He was cited for operating a motor vehicle (a 2007 Saturn according to the citation) with an expired registration on Jan. 5 in Boca Raton, according to a citation issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He paid the $116 fine the next day. A Masoud Services Inc was registered in the State of Washington to Yarieilzoleh at his Seattle address. The business was administratively dissolved on Jan. 3. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky approved amendments to the legislation regarding the procedure for financing political parties. The president signed the relevant law No. 410-IX on January 13. According to the changes, oth individuals and organizations can donate to support a party ; if this is an individual, then the way to transfer funds foresees identification of a person. In particular, the document should contain the name of the person, place of residence, identification number, number and series of the Ukrainian passport, date of birth and payment purpose. The bill determines what funds are not considered contributions to a political party. It is forbidden to pay contributions to support the party to legal entities in which at least 10% of the capital or voting rights belong directly or indirectly to non-residents. Other parties cannot finance political forces. If a person transferred money to a party in violation of restrictions, he will be responsible. Parties and their authorized representatives have been relieved of responsibility for such violations. The bill updates the financial statements of political parties. The obligation of banks to inform the Accounts Chamber about the opening and closing of party accounts is canceled (but National Agency for Prevention of Corruption will need to be reported, as before). The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) was tasked with defining the terms "sponsorship", "third parties" in the context of financing political parties. Some norms of the law will take effect the day after its official publication, others - from January 1, 2021. As we reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 431-IX on the right of people with disabilities due to participation in Anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in Donbas, Joint Forces Operation or military conflicts in other countries, as well as volunteers to receive assistance in medical facilities of the Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine, foreign intelligence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc A key witness in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation will be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of child sex trafficking and possessing child pornography. Lebanese-American businessman George Nader, 60, entered a plea deal Monday in federal court in Alexandria. Nader admitted transporting a 14-year-old boy from the Czech Republic to Washington, D.C., in 2000 to engage in sexual activity with him. He also admitted possessing child pornography depicting infants or toddlers. George Nader will be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of child sex trafficking and possessing child pornography George Nader appeared in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's (pictured) report more than 100 times, as he tried to serve as liaison between a Russian banker with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of President Trump's transition team George Nader played both sides of the aisle, funneling money to a top donor of President Trump (pictured), while he's also under indictment on charges of conspiring to conceal the source of more than $3.5 million in political donations to Hillary Clinton The pornography charge carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. Prosecutors agreed as part of the plea bargain to recommend a 10-year sentence when Nader is sentenced in April, though the judge will be free to impose a significantly longer sentence if she chooses. Nader's name appears more than 100 times in Mueller's report. It details Nader's efforts to serve as liaison between a Russian banker with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of President Donald Trump's transition team. Nader is also under indictment in Washington along with seven others on charges of conspiring to conceal the source of more than $3.5 million in political donations to Hillary Clinton. Nader previously served as an adviser to the United Arab Emirates, a close Saudi ally, and in 2017 wired $2.5 million to a top Trump fundraiser, Elliott Broidy, through a company in Canada, The Associated Press reported in 2018. The goal was to persuade the U.S. to take a hard line against Qatar, a longtime American ally but now an adversary of the UAE. Nader was previously convicted in the Czech Republic of 10 cases of sexually abusing minors and sentenced to a one-year prison term in 2003. The 14-year-old boy who was the victim in Monday's guilty plea is a different victim than the ones identified in the Czech case. Nader also pleaded guilty to a charge of transporting child-pornography images in Virginia in 1991. The current investigation of Nader began in 2018 when images depicting child pornography and bestiality were found on his phone after it was confiscated under a search warrant connected to the Mueller probe. The images found in Nader's phones at Dulles International Airport ended up not being the basis for Monday's child-pornography conviction. Instead, prosecutors relied on images and videos he received via email in 2012 that in some cases involved sadistic depictions of infants or toddlers, according to disclosures at Monday's hearing. In court papers filed Monday, Nader admitted that he discussed child pornography online over the years with an unidentified associated, using the word 'wine' as a substitute for child pornography to conceal the nature of the conversations. The two had also worked out a code to add 10 years to the age of persons they referred to in their conversations. While Nader admitted to transporting the Czech boy to the U.S. for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, he argues that it happened too long ago to be prosecuted under the statute of limitations, and his plea deal preserves his right to appeal his conviction on that count on those grounds. Even if such an appeal were granted, he would still be subject to a mandatory 10 years on the pornography charge. Srinagar, Jan 13 : The nexus between a decorated Jammu and Kashmir Police officer and the terrorists is likely to ruffle many a feather as the past of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Devinder Singh is going to haunt the intelligence agencies for long. He had joined the counter-insurgency Special Operations Group (SoG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police as a sub-inspector and he rose quickly to the rank of a DSP in addition to earning the prestigious police medal for gallantry ostensibly for his anti- militancy duties. Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru had levelled a serious allegation against Devinder Singh during his defence in the trial court. Both the state police and the intelligence agencies had dismissed those allegations as a figment of a terrorist's mind. Guru had alleged in his defence that Singh tortured him and threatened to kill his family unless he carried out his directions. Guru alleged in a written affidavit and through statements carried in the local media that Singh had forced him to carry the Parliament attack terrorists to Delhi, hire a flat there and also buy a second hand white ambassador car for the use of the terrorists. It was this white ambassador car that the terrorists used during the Parliament attack in 2001. After his disgraceful arrest on Saturday, while he was carrying a dreaded terrorist Naveed Baba of Kashmir's Shopian district to Jammu in his private car, Singh has told interrogators that he had harboured the terrorist in his Srinagar residence before the travel. Naveed Baba was wanted by the police for the murder of 11 civilians, who included non local labourers, truck drivers and fruit merchants, after the abrogation of Article 370. Police told IANS that Devinder Singh had been harbouring terrorists in his home in Jammu and also in his ancestral home in Tral town of Kashmir's Pulwama district. The operation is being seen as a huge success for J&K Police, DGP Dilbagh Singh, IGP Vijay Kumar and DIG Atul Kumar Goel. "For the heinous crime of carrying the terrorist to Jammu, he had taken Rs 12 lakh from the terrorist. He has been booked as a terrorist and he will be dealt as such," Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone told reporters on Sunday. Davinder Singh was taking the two militants -- Naveed Babu alias Babar Azam, a resident of Nazneenpora in South Kashmir's Shopian district and his associate Asif Ahmad -- to Chandigarh for providing them accommodation there for a couple of months. Sources said that a civilian Irfan Ahmad Mir was driving the vehicle when they were caught by the police at Al-Stop on National Highway in Kulgam district yesterday. "Mir has travelled to Pakistan five times on passport and police is now investigating whether Singh and Mir were helping the two militants in ex-filtration or planning an attack somewhere in mainland," sources said. They said that besides recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and two grenades from Singh's residence, lakhs of rupees were also recovered. They said that militants had struck a deal of Rs 12 lakh with Singh for transportation, providing them accommodation and other related issues. Sources further said that Singh was providing hideout to militants in Jammu during winters for last several years for which he was getting handsome amount of money. They said that police was tracking DSP Davinder Singh when he reached Shopian few days back to pick up Naveed and Asif. "The trio including Mir stayed at Singh's house in Srinagar for the night and police had laid nakas at Airport and NH-44," sources said. Given the high security sensitive nature of Devinder Singh's activities in mind, the National Investigative Agency (NIA) has decided that after being interrogated by the state police and the intelligence agencies, it will take custody of both Singh and Naveed to find out their links with the terror funding cases being investigated by it. For how long has Devinder Singh been hunting with the hound and running with the deer? This is going to be the most embarrassing question for his seniors in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will arrive here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India in midst of spiralling tension between Iran and the US. On Wednesday, Zarif will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides delivering a lecture at the Raisina Dialogue, the External Affairs Ministry's flagship annual conference. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with Zarif on Thursday morning over breakfast, according to the ministry. In the meeting both ministers are expected to deliberate on fast escalating tensions between Iran and the US over killing of a top Iranian military commander by the US in a drone attack. On Thursday afternoon, Zarif will travel to Mumbai where he will interact with a group of businesses leaders. He will conclude his India visit on Friday, according to the MEA. The visit by the Iranian foreign minister assumes significance as it is taking place when the global focus has been on Iran and the US over the confrontation following killing of Maj Gen Soleimani. India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar as it has important interests in the region. Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy in Iraq on January 3. Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Soleimani's killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US. India has strategic interests in the Gulf region which is a key source of the country's energy security. (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 PropLogix has effectively increased its presence within their industry with the help of Newswire NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / PropLogix is a municipal lien search company based in Sarasota, Florida, that was recently able to establish itself as an authority in the industry with the help of Newswire. The PropLogix team created press release campaigns to share news relevant to their brand, as well as major stories within the industry. The team managed to target the right audience, and their campaign resulted in increased brand awareness, as they were able to earn local pickup. Newswire Helps PropLogix Increase Media Presence in Real Estate Industry for Greater Customer Reach "We were happy to help PropLogix establish themselves as an authority media source in the real estate industry," said Anthony Santiago, VP of Marketing for Newswire. "By using the right strategy along with Newswire's press release distribution platform, their team was able to deliver the right message, to the right audience, at the right time, through the right medium." The PropLogix team had been producing content like a media outlet for quite some time and their success with Newswire helped better position the company across the market. "We think like a media company," said Lindsey Gordon, the Marketing Content Strategist & Video Producer for PropLogix. "We look at the things that are important to our core customers and try to break them down into easily digestible pieces of information. This way, we can quickly provide them with important industry news so that they can get on with their day." Newswire provides customers with the opportunity to deliver the right message at the right time to target major media outlets in their industry. Newswire is committed to helping customers transform their press releases into the Earned Media Advantage so that they may be well-positioned in their respective industries. From owned, earned and paid media, Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour offers the expertise to help customers do this on a consistent basis. Customers can now transform 'owned' media (press releases) into 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. To ensure the success of the services, an expert Earned Media Advantage Strategist leads customers through the journey every step of the way. The journey is designed to empower the Earned Media Advantage by developing a plan that is based on a media communications survey that defines press release content value and distribution. Customers are also provided a media communications calendar, services to set up, operate and manage media databases, media monitoring alerts, statistical analysis, reporting and media room news collection and sharing to ensure Customer Success. Following its debut, Newswire's Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour has been featured in articles by PRWeek and MarTechSolutions, both covering the success of the EMA GT. Discover How the Earned Media Advantage is Transforming Business today and learn how to compete in the industry. 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 the 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/572868/Newswire-Helps-PropLogix-Increase-Media-Presence-in-Real-Estate-Industry-for-Greater-Customer-Reach Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said that the government will provide free respirator face masks following the reports of overpricing on the said products amid the spread of ashfall from Taal Volcano. "Those who cannot afford masks, we will give it free [...] in times of crisis talaga all I can do to manage the situation is [to ask] the military and police," said Duterte in a chance interview with reporters. Further, Duterte said that he would like to set a limit on the prices of face masks following the complaints. "Mura naman 'yan bakit.... do not hoard it. Pag tinago niyo then I will be forced to order na pasukin ka," he said. [Translation: It's so cheap...do not hoard it. If you kept them, then I will be forced to order to raid your store.] He added that he will talk with Department of Health Secretary Francis Duque to discuss the said issue. With ash reaching nearby areas, health officials have advised using an N95 respirator face mask, which protects against 95 percent of airborne particles such as those spewed by the Taal Volcano in Batangas. But there are several reports that some businesses are hiking prices. Manila City Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said her office has received complaints that N95 masks were being sold for 200, from the previous 30. "Those found to have unreasonably increased their prices for gas masks, face masks and other similar items, which act is tantamount to profiteering, shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law," the Department of Trade and Industry said on Monday. DTI said it has sent out teams to monitor prices. "DTI will not hesitate to file administrative and criminal charges against unscrupulous business entities and individuals who capitalize on the consumers urgent need for their own profit," it said in a statement. Manila City Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said her office has received complaints that N95 masks were being sold for 200, from the previous P30. With this, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said that he will issue a show cause order against medical suppliers accused of jacking up prices of N95 face masks. Domagoso said that those permits of the businesses involved will be revoked if they fail to explain. Air quality Air quality remained poor in some areas in Metro Manila as of Monday morning, according to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. As of 11 a.m., the EMB's air quality index which measures the presence of particulate matter in the atmosphere showed better air in some locations. The atmosphere in the cities of Paranaque, Pasig and Makati were classified as moderate or fair, while that in Las Pinas and Mandaluyong remain unhealthy for sensitive groups, the EMB said. A lower score in the index means cleaner air, as it meant lesser pollutants. According to the EMB, air quality is considered "good" when particulate matter measuring 10 micrometers or less detected in the atmosphere range from 0-54, "fair" between 55-154, "unhealthy for sensitive groups" between 155-254, "very unhealthy" at 255-354, "acutely unhealthy at 355-424, and at "emergency" level from 425-504. Meanwhile, air quality is good as measured in monitoring stations in San Juan, Malabon City, and in Binan, Laguna. The air in Antipolo, Rizal slipped from "good" to "fair" in the aftermath of the Taal Volcano's unrest. Experts from the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences said in a press briefing that while air quality in Metro Manila deteriorated on Sunday night due to the ashfall, it was still relatively better than during New Year when toxins in the air are deemed hazardous. Air quality is worse in the areas adjacent to Taal Volcano. Stocks low Drugstore chain Mercury Drug announced Monday that it has run out of stock of the N95 masks, denying rumors that supplies are being hoarded. Should the masks be replenished, the drugstore said stores located near the Taal Volcano will be prioritized. With stocks running low, the Department of Health said people near the erupting volcano can use the rectangular face mask, but it should be covered with a damp handkerchief to keep away the small debris. Undersecretary Eric Domingo said that for those living in Metro Manila, a regular face mask will do. Exposure to volcanic ash which contains sulfur and silicon can lead to throat infection, coughing, bronchitis-like illness, discomfort while breathing, eye irritation, and minor skin problems. Those living in the affected areas are advised to wear goggles and long-sleeved clothing. Senator Nancy Binay urges the Department of Health to include face masks in relief packages to be distributed by the government. The Philippine Coast Guard said it has transported residents of several barangays in San Nicolas, Talisay, Nasugbu, and Lemery in Bataangas to evacuation centers, with N95 masks provided to evacuees, especially for children, senior citizens, and pregnant women. The Police Regional Office in Bicol said it will be sending at least 1,000 pieces of N95 masks for the use of rescuing cops in Calabarzon. Some 193 police personnel from Bicol's Search and Rescue, Security Force and Disaster Incident Management Task Group are also on standby to help relief efforts if needed. Journalist Rosas Olarte contributed to this report. A woman has been left distraught after her dog died while being transported on a flight from Sydney to Brisbane. Kay Newman said that her boxer, named Duke, was left on the tarmac with no shade for more than an hour after her flight was delayed. Duke the Boxer died while on a flight from Sydney to Brisbane. Credit:Facebook - Kay Newman On December 19, when it was close to 40 degrees in Sydney, Ms Newman voiced her concerns to the airline but was assured Duke would be outside for only a few minutes. Airline procedure is to load animals last and unload them first. At last, some positive news out of Iran. The countrys repressive and incompetent government is facing a reckoning with its own people. For a brief moment in the wake of the American assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, it seemed that Iranians were, quite understandably, rallying around their leadership. Theres nothing like a foreign threat to promote unity at home. But in the past three days many brave Iranians have returned to the streets, picking up on the mass protests that rocked Irans government for much of last year. This time theyre voicing outrage at the criminal incompetence made all too clear by the governments admission that it was indeed responsible for accidentally shooting down UIA Flight 752 last week with the loss of 176 lives, 57 of them Canadians trying to make their way home. The demonstrators in Tehran and other cities are taking aim not just at those directly responsible for bringing down the plane, but at the regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei itself. The government cracked down on protests last year supporting economic and political reform. Hundreds were killed, according to many reports. And now a monumental error, which even the government admits is unforgivable, has led to the deaths of many more. There needs to be a proper accounting for all this, for the sake of both the victims and their families and for the people of Iran who have put up with the Islamic regime for decades. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week ambitiously promised to fight for closure, transparency, accountability and justice for the families. That means, for a start, working with other countries that lost citizens on UIA Flight 752 to make sure the investigation into the crash is truly thorough. There appears to be some hope on that front. Leaders of Canadas Transportation Safety Board said on Monday that they expect Canadian experts to have access to the crash site and the remains of the doomed plane. On the face of it, Iran seems to be complying so far with its obligations under international aviation accords to carry out a proper safety inquiry. Thats encouraging. But the real questions at this point dont involve what happened; thats shockingly clear. The key issue is why it happened, and who will take the fall. Will a few low-level Iranian officials be thrown to the wolves? Or will the embarrassment of this tragic bungle lead to something approaching true accountability among Irans senior leadership? Thats what should happen, but its far from guaranteed. Pressure from ordinary Iranians, voiced through street protests and other channels, will be crucial to increasing the odds in favour. The rest of the world should support their calls for justice. That includes Canada, which must walk a careful line in the coming weeks and months. So far Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has done a good job in expressing Canadians sorrow and anger for the loss of our fellow citizens. His governments most important task now is to press for openness, accountability and eventually some form of compensation for the families. And then, if Iran responds positively, it should work to reopen diplomatic relations with Tehran that were broken off in 2012 by the Harper government. This tragic episode has made clear that the absence of official relations makes it a lot harder to respond to disasters and come to the aid of Canadians in difficulty when disaster strikes. Having a working embassy in Tehran would have allowed Canadian officials to be on the scene much quicker, working for the openness and accountability that families of the victims deserve. The Trudeau Liberals promised to restore official relations with Iran when they were elected in 2015. They should move in that direction if Iran shows good faith and cooperation in dealing with the aftermath of UIA Flight 752. Read more about: Days after authorities arrested three alleged terrorists from Delhi and 1 terrorist from Gujarat for an alleged link with ISIS, the Patiala House Court of Delhi on Monday extended the remand of all four alleged terrorists by eight days. Delhi: Patiala House Court extends the remand of all four terror suspects of the ISIS module, by 8 days. One of them was arrested from Gujarat's Vadodara and 3 from Delhi's Wazirabad on January 9. ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 READ | ISIS module busted in Delhi; three suspects arrested Delhi Police special cell bust ISIS terror module Earlier on January 9, the special cell of Delhi Police had busted an ISIS terror module at the National Capital. The security forces arrested three suspected terrorists. As per inputs, two teams of the Delhi Police Special Cell were working together, and on the directives of the inputs provided by the intel bureau they carried out the arrests. The three suspects arrested were reportedly influenced by the so-called Islamic State--ISIS. As per the sources, the suspected terrorists were recruiting and plotting an attack. Elaborating on the busted module, DCP Special Cell Pramod Kushwah said that the suspects were being managed by foreign-based handlers through social media. He further stated that the investigation is on a preliminary stage. He said, "They are highly radicalised. A foreign-based handler was handling them through social media handles. Three of them had gone to Nepal, they were waiting for instructions here (in India) to strike in Delhi NCR or Uttar Pradesh. The place of terror strike is still under investigation." READ | One arrested in Gujarat in addition to three from Delhi after ISIS module busted Gujarat ATS arrests a terrorist In a joint operation of Gujarat ATS and Vadodara police, one terrorist Zafar Ali was arrested from remote areas of Vadodara. He was also a part of the group of terrorists who were arrested from Delhi who had been planning on carrying out terrorist activities in several parts of the country. Gujarat ATS shared information that the arrest was made after getting a tip-off from other agencies and after that, they coordinated with Vadodara police and arrested Zafar Ali. READ | Delhi: Patiala Court hears Nirbhaya rape convicts' plea - Republic TV Ground report READ | JNU Case: Delhi govt gets one month ultimatum by Patiala House Court LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- California-based Embodied Labs, the leading immersive platform using virtual reality (VR) to revolutionize training for the aging care workforce, announced its seed funding of $3.2 million led by top age-tech investor, Ziegler LinkAge Fund , co-led by the leading immersive tech investor, The Venture Reality Fund , as well as SustainVC , a social impact fund in healthcare and education, WXR Fund , investing in women and the next wave of computing, and [email protected], a social impact fund that invests in technologies that close skill gaps and improve economic mobility. Carrie Shaw, CEO of Embodied Labs, demos VR training platform for aging care providers "In addition to being oversubscribed in our initial investment round, we are thrilled with our unique mix of investors who have proven expertise across the convergence of aging, emerging technology, social impact, female empowerment and the need to transform our workforce training methods in health and aging care," said Carrie Shaw, founder and CEO of Embodied Labs. Founded in 2016, Embodied Labs uses the immersive experience of VR to put health care professionals and family caregivers into the body and mind of those who are challenged with lifespan aging issues: cognitive decline such as Alzheimer's, age-related vision and hearing loss, neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia, and end-of-life decisions. Its training mission is twofold: enhance person-centered care through intellectual and instinctual behavior change and help long-term care providers recruit and retain a quality caregiver workforce. The entire age-tech market is projected to be $40 billion and according to a Goldman Sachs report, VR in U.S. health care will capture 12.5 percent of the market by 2025. From a workforce training perspective, ABI Research found enterprise training based on VR had a 75 percent learning retention rate versus lecture (10 percent) or reading (15 percent) training. "One of the target attributes we look for in our investment portfolio companies is a differentiated solution with broad market potential," said John Hopper, chief investment officer, Ziegler Linkage Fund. "We are leading this investment round for Embodied Labs because it delivers a unique solution across our limited partners spectrum of senior living, home care, hospice and hospitals to train a workforce that spans four generations. Using this innovative VR tool to attract and retain valuable talent puts providers ahead of the curve operationally and with their customers." "Embodied Labs is at the intersection of immersive tech and age-tech innovation to establish its leadership in this huge market opportunity," said Marco DeMiroz, co-founder and general partner of The Venture Reality Fund. "What attracted us to invest in Embodied Labs is its unique focus in VR to deliver transformative training in a turnkey tech-sophisticated package based on its comprehensive and innovative platform that is already receiving significant adoption by a traditionally tech-phobic long-term care." "VR technology offers a quantum leap in delivering empathy and understanding of our ever-growing aging population," said Dr. Ken Dychtwald, aging visionary, author, co-founder of AgeWave and an angel investor in Embodied Labs. "I became an early seed funder in Carrie Shaw's Embodied Labs because they're committed to using cutting edge technology to provide better care for our aging population." "Female-driven innovation and influence, especially in age-tech, is exciting to see and I immediately embraced Carrie's vision to use VR to create emotional intelligence in aging for better person-centered care," said Maddy Dychtwald, author, co-founder of AgeWave and a founder of WomenAgainstAlzheimer's, who is also an angel investor in Embodied Labs. Embodied Labs Showcased During J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week Embodied Labs has been selected as one of only 12 finalists to present at the prestigious Health 2.0 VentureConnect event held during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco the week of January 13. The event gathers highly vetted startups and venture capitalists in an exclusively curated showcase of the convergence of health care and technology. About Embodied Labs Embodied Labs, headquartered in Los Angeles, is the leading VR immersive learning platform on aging population health issues training home care, senior living, hospice, medical and nursing schools, hospitals and employers interested in educating HR departments to better support its caregiving employees. Working collaboratively with health care, gerontology, medical and clinical scientist experts as well as seasoned Hollywood filmmakers for powerful storytelling, the Embodied Labs solution has won the National AARP Caregiving Innovation Challenge, The United Healthcare & AARP OpenIDEO Caregiving for Dementia Challenge, The US Department of Education EdSim Challenge and The GlobalXR in Education Prize Challenge funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more: embodiedlabs.com SOURCE Embodied Labs Related Links http://embodiedlabs.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) London Mon, January 13, 2020 10:24 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321e610a 2 Lifestyle Queen-Elizabeth,Prince-Harry,Meghan-Markle Free Queen Elizabeth II will host a showdown meeting with Prince Harry on Monday in an attempt to solve the crisis triggered by his bombshell announcement that he and wife Meghan were stepping back from the royal frontline. Other senior royals including Harry's father Prince Charles and brother Prince William, with whom he has strained relations, will join the monarch at her private Sandringham estate in eastern England, according to British media. Meghan will join the meeting via conference call from Canada as they attempt to work out the "next steps" towards a compromise and nip the growing crisis in the bud. Issues up for debate include how much money the couple will still receive from Charles's estate, their royal titles and what commercial deals they can strike, according to the Sunday Times. The newspaper reported that William believes he and Harry are now "separate entities", breaking the bonds forged following their mother's tragic death. "I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more; we're separate entities," the Times reported he told a friend. Harry, Meghan and son Archie spent Christmas in Canada, with the American former actress returning there this week. The Queen on Thursday demanded that staff work with the couple to find urgently a "workable solution" that would take into account their demands for more freedom. Several Canadian media reported Meghan had returned to Vancouver island off the country's Pacific coast, where the family spent the year-end holidays and where baby Archie had remained with his nanny. Senior royals were caught off guard by Wednesday's announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to seek a "progressive new role" and divide their time between Britain and North America. Read also: Canadians would back Prince Harry as governor general: Poll 'Toxic mix' The Queen's office issued a terse statement the same evening, saying there were "complicated issues that will take time to work through". Harry and Meghan said they intended to continue to "fully support" the queen and "collaborate" with senior royals. They also want to keep their home on the queen's Windsor Castle estate as their British base, while aiming to become financially independent. But their desire to live as both members of the monarchy and private individuals making a living was described as a "toxic mix" by David McClure, an investigator into royal finances. "The history of senior royals making money -- the two is a toxic mix. It hasn't worked well in the past," he told the Press Association. "How can you be half-in, half-out -- half the week perform public duties and the other half earn your own income with TV, lectures, books? It is fraught with dangers." The younger prince, who has struggled with his role, last year revealed he has been growing apart from his brother, who as second in line to the throne is increasingly pursuing a different path. Harry has been open about his mental health issues and he and Meghan last year admitted to struggling with the spotlight following their wedding at Windsor Castle in May 2018 and Archie's birth a year later. The couple have also lashed out at negative news coverage -- some of which Harry says was racist -- in light of Meghan's biracial heritage. The British public currently appears to be siding with the family, with a Daily Mail poll showing that a majority believe Harry should give up his right to the throne and be stripped of cash support from the royals or taxpayer. Conditions boiled over as Iranians gathered for a second night of protests after the government admitted it had mistakenly downed a Ukrainian passenger jet, triggering global outrage as well as internal dissent. Security forces stepped up their patrols as protesters, many of them students, came out in force in Tehrans landmark Azadi Square and at Shahid Beheshtri University, as well as in several regional cities. Videos posted on social media, which could not immediately be verified by Bloomberg News, showed clashes between protesters and riot police, trails of blood on a main street, chants in opposition to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and calls to rid the country of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Protesters in the videos said arrests had been made and tear gas fired at crowds. Anger spread across the globe after Irans leaders admitted on Saturday that its military accidentally shot down the Ukrainian jet on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board, after mistaking it for a cruise missile. The announcement was a dramatic reversal after the regime spent days accusing Western governments of psychological warfare. Irans government said Sunday it was forming a working group to probe the crash and compensate victims. President Donald Trump, who a week ago threatened to bomb Iranian cultural sites, sent a series of tweets in Farsi over the weekend expressing support for protesters and warning Irans leaders not to intervene. DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS, Trump said. Earlier, videos showed motorcycle-mounted security forces in green camouflage and anti-riot body armor stationed on Tehrans central Valiasr Square. There was also a heavy police presence outside Tehran University. In the face of the growing tensions, some of the organizers of a candlelight vigil Saturday -- which turned into an angry protest against the regime -- urged people on social media to avoid a rally initially planned for 6 p.m. local time, at Azadi Square. Large crowds of students demonstrated outside Amir Kabir University in downtown Tehran late Saturday for the candlelight vigil, according to witnesses, before starting chants of death to the dictator and resignation is not enough, a trial is needed! Security forces intervened to disperse the demonstrators. The British Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire was briefly detained after he attended the vigil, triggering an international incident. Others used social media to vent their anger, contrasting the plane deaths with reports that the Iranian attack on the Iraqi bases on Wednesday when the plane was downed was specifically designed not to injure Americans. The governments admission that Irans security forces hold ultimate responsibility for the downing of the plane -- albeit at a time of conflict with their chief foe -- is a further blow for the countrys ruling clerics at a time when the economy has been devastated by U.S. sanctions. The admission appears to have undercut the sense of national unity that built after the Jan. 3 killing by the U.S. of General Qassem Soleimani, a hero to many Iranians for his work in Iraq and Syria helping to defeat Islamic State. On Sunday, General Hossein Salami, commander of Irans Revolutionary Guards, apologized for the jet downing during a speech n parliament, CBS reported, citing Iranian state television. I swear to almighty God that I wished I were in that plane and had crashed with them and had burned, and had not witnessed this tragic incident, Salami said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Saturday said he was outraged and furious by the admission that Iran had shot down Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. At least 57 Canadians were among the dead. What Iran has admitted to is very serious. Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific. Iran must take full responsibility, Trudeau said Saturday at a press briefing in Ottawa. He earlier declared the incident a national tragedy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a televised address that he wants a full admission of guilt by Iran for what authorities there called a disastrous mistake. Ukraine and Iran will work jointly to decode the black boxes of the doomed Ukrainian Boeing jet, Zelenskiy said. The Ukrainian government will make payments to the families of each of those who died in the crash, he said. I urge all international partners of Ukraine, the entire world community, to be united and to keep pressing until the full and final investigation into all the circumstances of this catastrophe is delivered, said Zelenskiy. The three-year-old Boeing Co. 737-800 was shot down about two minutes after takeoff from Tehran. The tragedy occurred hours after Iran started launching rockets against Iraqi bases where U.S. forces are stationed, in retaliation for Soleimanis targeted killing. Nearly half the victims were Iranians, while many of the other passengers, including citizens of Canada, Sweden and the U.K., were of Iranian descent. U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Iran was attempting to make itself the victim by blaming the jet incident, in part, on the escalation in tensions with Washington. Clearly, it was just a horrible mistake, Esper said of downing of the Ukrainian commercial airliner in an interview with CBS News. To somehow allow Iran to play the victim card with the international community is just ridiculous. The commander of the IRGCs aerospace force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, blamed the tragedy on a communications failure. The operative who first mistakenly identified the plane as an incoming missile failed to get a second opinion due to a disturbance and had only 10 seconds to make a decision, he said. The army had previously said that culprits would be turned over to judicial authorities. Irans supreme leader offered his condolences to the victims of the Ukrainian flight, while President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic Republic deeply regrets the disastrous mistake and vowed compensation for the families of victims. Meanwhile, the fate of the 2015 Vienna Nuclear Agreement between world powers and Iran hung in the balance. German, France and the U.K. on Sunday affirmed their commitment to the deal, which Trump pulled the U.S. out of in 2018. Tehran this month announced it would stop abiding by limits on uranium enrichment, which had been agreed to in return for sanctions relief. The U.S. has instead pressed ahead with a series of measures against the Islamic Republic. Additional U.S. sanctions announced last week, and a new executive order signed by Trump, gave us additional capabilities to target both primary and secondary sanctions in different sectors, including the metals industry, construction, and travel, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday on Fox News. MIAMI and WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Vaco, a talent and solutions firm that provides consulting, contract and direct hire solutions to more than 40 markets around the globe, is expanding its South Florida footprint with new offices, technology services, and leadership with the addition of industry veteran's Matt Walter and Albert Llodra. To accommodate Vaco's growing team and to better serve clients and candidates within the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, the Miami office recently relocated to a new 3,500-square-foot office space located at 800 Waterford Way at Blue Lagoon and opened a West Palm Beach office located at 777 South Flagler Drive, in downtown's Phillips Point. South Florida is a key growth market for Vaco, which has experienced rapid expansion, serving more than 7,000 clients and some 2,500 placements since Jan. 1, 2016. "Adding Matt and Albert and expanding our footprint to West Palm Beach are key components of our strategic growth plans for Florida," said Denise Bennett-Walls, senior partner. "Under this expanded leadership team, we are projecting more than $4 million in sales in 2020 in South Florida alone. And with five locations across the state, we can partner with businesses to ensure that they have top talent on a full-time, contract, and interim basis." Walter joins Vaco as co-managing partner for the company's technology practice, overseeing its temporary, consulting, and permanent placement teams. With more than 12 years of experience in technology consulting, staffing and business operations especially within the South Florida market he will focus on helping area businesses solve their workforce challenges and expanding Vaco's growing consultant community. Walter is located at the company's West Palm Beach office. "We are thrilled to add Matt to our growing team," said Cynthia Rodriguez, co-managing partner for South Florida. "His industry experience and successful track record is first class. We share similar values, vision, and passion for building what we know will continue to be a premier consulting and recruiting firm, supporting both businesses and professionals in the tri-county area." Walter previously served as managing director at Hernandez & Co., a full-service CPA firm specializing in national and international tax, accounting and corporate services. He also held various leadership roles at Robert Half Technology and served as an advisory analyst for KPMG. Llodra joins Vaco as managing director with more than 30 years of multidisciplinary experience in public accounting and the private sector. In addition to accounting and finance, his expertise includes forensic accounting and litigation support. Prior to joining Vaco, Llodra held several leadership positions including executive management roles and CFO. He started his career at Deloitte specializing in assurance, tax compliance, and tax planning. "Our purpose is to provide our clients with knowledge and resources to help them achieve great outcomes. We have a long-term consultative approach centered on client needs. We understand and value relationships," said Llodra. Vaco's additional Florida locations include Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, all providing top talent in accounting/finance, technology, human resources, administration, and operations. Industry specializations include healthcare IT practice Pivot Point Consulting, logistics and supply chain practice Plantensive, Binary Semantics offshore services, Focus Search Partners, and Vaco's methodology-driven global consulting platform MorganFranklin Consulting. About Vaco Vaco provides boutique-level service with global reach in the areas of consulting, consultative project resources, executive search, permanent placement, and strategic staffing. Areas of expertise include c-suite search, accounting, finance, technology, healthcare IT, operations, administration, and international managed services. Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to serve more than 40 markets across the globe, with 1,200 employees, 5,500 consultants, and $750M in revenue. Vaco has been named to Inc. magazine's list of the fastest-growing private companies for the past 13 years and was named to Forbes' 2018 and 2019 lists of America's Best Recruiting Firms. SOURCE Vaco Related Links http://www.vaco.com France, Germany, UK urge Iran to remain committed to nuclear deal The countries expressed deep concern about measures Tehran has taken since July 2019. The leaders of France, Germany and the U.K. on Sunday jointly called on Iran to return to full compliance with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and to refrain from further violence. "WE CALL ON IRAN TO REFRAIN FROM FURTHER VIOLENT ACTION" In a statement issued by the office of French President Emmanuel Macron, they also said they remain committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the agreement and to return to full compliance, they said. The statement came after reports that Iran is restarting uranium enrichment activities. We call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation, and we remain ready to engage with Iran on this agenda in order to preserve the stability of the region, they added. The three countries also said recent events have highlighted "Irans destabilizing role" in the region. They noted that their commitment to the security of their allies and partners in the region was "unwavering." "We reiterate our readiness to continue our engagement for de-escalation and stability in the region," they added. File image Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, and a BJP MP on Sunday criticised a book written by a BJP leader that comapares Prime Minister Narendra Modi with warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The book titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi" has been written by BJP's Jay Bhagwan Goyal. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said Goyal had earlier attacked the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi and abused Maharashtra and the Marathi-speaking people. "Shabas (well done) BJP!," he taunted. Taking to Twitter, Raut said, "At least the Maharashtra BJP should clarify its stand on the issue. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cannot be compared with anybody in this world. There is only one sun, one moon and only one Shivaji Maharaj...Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj." Without naming former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Raut asked whether the descendants of the warrior king, who recently joined the BJP agree with this view. Bhosale, who is the 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, had resigned as NCP MP within months of the April 2019 general elections. He had later joined the BJP and fought the Lok Sabha bypoll from Satara as the saffron party's candidate in October last year. However, he lost the by- election. Talking to reporters, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, who is also a descendant of the warrior king, demanded a ban on the book. "We respect Narendra Modi, who was elected as the prime minister of the country for the second time. But neither Modi nor anybody else in the world can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said at Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. He demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah should immediately ban the book, which was published in BJP's Delhi office. "People are expressing anger on social media over the book and demanding a ban on it," Sambhaji Raje said. Maharashtra Social Justice minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde said the BJP had hurt sentiments of Marathi people. "Nobody can be compared to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra will never forgive those trying to do so," he said. State PWD Minister Ashok Chavan said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's personality and work are incomparable. "No individual can even match the legendary warrior king's toe nail," he said. Maharashtra Water Resources Minister and state NCP chief Jayant Patil also criticised the book saying nobody can be compared to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja and if anyone tries to do that they should be keep in mind that. But a new generation of start-ups are using technology and cloud computing to streamline an entire industrys supply chain. Wine Depot, owned by ASX-listed Digital Wine Ventures, is using a state-of-the-art cloud-based platform to integrate the supply chain of Australias $6 billion a year wine industry. Billion-dollar targets NetFresh has targeted Australias fresh food industry, which according to Fresh Markets Australia (the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries) supports turnover of more than $28 billion and employs 175,000 people. The supply chain begins with farmers who on-sell to market traders, who then supply retailers. NetFresh provides a virtual trading platform and portal that automates each of these stages into a true online marketplace. Most software only focuses on one stage of the supply chain, says Sassine, an industry veteran of 30 years. Our software looks at the whole supply chain ecosystem from grower to end user. Trade capabilities It has transformed an age-old industry. They used to deal with customers in the traditional way: using pen, paper, fax and a phone, says Sassine. Now they can deal one-on-one via an online real time trading platform. They can also create a digital marketplace to offer their product. We are providing a transactional platform for businesses in the supply chain to know deals have been done instantly in real time, Sassine says. They can streamline processes and market to a wider audience. The Net Revolution Sassine says there are obvious parallels between NetFresh and Netflix, noting that Netflix liberated people from the television set, with subscribers now able to be entertained where ever they go. Were doing the same. Were streamlining all your business data on any device wherever you are. You dont have to be in a set location. What were doing is providing ease of access, he adds. You can see whats happening internally in your business remotely now, as opposed to being at your computer on the premises. Expanding services NetFresh is working with industry body Freshmark to implement its technology across the industry and has plans to take its technology and PayPal servicing to the agricultural sector next, including grain, wool, cotton and livestock. We believe NetFresh has the capacity to revolutionise trading within the supply chain of fresh produce and other agricultural products, he says. The company is also looking to move into food service and retail. That would allow the end consumer to go online, order products and pay for them online. It would provide a marketplace for small enterprises, as opposed to just local players and major supermarket chains. About PayPal PayPal has remained at the forefront of the digital payment revolution for more than 20 years. By leveraging technology to make financial services and commerce more convenient, affordable, and secure, the PayPal platform is empowering more than 286 million consumers and merchants in more than 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit paypal.com Jason Combs went on the hunt after discovering that first interest-piquing postcard. He scoured the postcard bins in flea markets and antique shops. He searched eBay and enlisted the help of postcard collectors in Lincoln and Colorado, who put him on the trail of fellow collectors. His stack of exaggeration postcards grew to 200 or more and so did his knowledge of their history. I was kind of stunned by the variety and the number, he said. And he was surprised by this: Nebraska is kind of ground zero for these cards. The father and son research didnt provide a definitive answer for why the whopper cards were so popular during the early years of the 20th century, but Jason Combs has a theory. The mid-1890s were a disaster for Nebraska farmers and small towns, he said. Plunging commodity prices and drought had arrived on the heels of a population boom in the 1880s. The Great Plains had a negative connotation, he said, and so Nebraskas citizens began selling the Good Life. Contributed photo SHARON Steeples of Litchfield County, a new exhibition of sketches by Steven M. Goldberg, FAIA, at the Sharon Historical Society and Museum will open Saturday, Jan. 25 and remain on view through Saturday, April 25. This unique exhibition explores the beauty and variations of historical ecclesiastical architecture in northwestern Connecticut. Curated in partnership with master draftsman and architect, Steven M. Goldberg, FAIA, the exhibition will explore the many different architectural components and steeple archetypes of Litchfield Countys churches. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965, Goldberg travelled extensively across Europe and the Middle East sketching masterpieces of religious architecture before settling in Litchfield County in 1982. Over the past five years he has produced architectural illustrations of over twenty churches across the Northwest Corner and this exhibition serves as a celebration of the masterworks located only a few miles from our homes. The final member of the 'Oval Four' - four black men who were wrongly convicted nearly 50 years ago on the evidence of a corrupt police officer - is set to have his name cleared. Winston Trew, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths and Constantine 'Omar' Boucher were arrested at Oval Underground station in 1972 by a police unit known as 'the mugging squad', who accused them of stealing handbags. The unit was run by Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell, who had previously served in the South Rhodesian - now Zimbabwean - police force, and was involved in a number of high-profile and controversial cases in the early 1970s - which led to calls for the Home Secretary to open an inquiry. A poster calling for justice for Mr Christie, Mr Trew, Mr Boucher and Mr Griffiths (pictured in that order) after the sentencing in 1972 The Oval Four were convicted in November 1972 of attempted theft and assaulting police, and Mr Christie was also found guilty of theft of a handbag, following a five-week trial at the Old Bailey. All four were sentenced to two years, later reduced to eight months on appeal. Mr Trew, Mr Christie - both now 69 - and Mr Griffiths, now 67, had their convictions overturned by the Court of Appeal in December, after a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) earlier in 2019. Winston Trew (pictured in 1972) and Sterling Christie were part of a group of friends who became known as the Oval Four after being jailed in controversial circumstances for muggings on the Tube Mr Boucher's conviction was not referred to the Court of Appeal, as the CCRC had been unable to trace him. But, in a statement released on Monday, the CCRC said Mr Boucher, who now lives in the US, had contacted them after his co-defendants' convictions were overturned. The watchdog added it had referred Mr Boucher's conviction on the basis that there is 'a real possibility that the Court of Appeal will quash his conviction'. Quashing Mr Trew, Mr Christie and Mr Griffiths' convictions in December, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett said there was 'an accumulating body of evidence that points to the fundamental unreliability of evidence given by DS Ridgewell... and others of this specialist group'. The judge said it was 'clear that these convictions are unsafe', adding: 'We would wish only to note our regret that it has taken so long for this injustice to be remedied.' Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice after that hearing, Mr Trew urged anyone else who might have been wrongfully convicted as a result of Ridgewell's misconduct to challenge their convictions, saying: 'They should come forward and contact the CCRC.' Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell, a policeman who fled to Britain from Rhodesia in 1965, joined the Met but was later jailed for mailbag theft The case against the Oval Four was based entirely on Ridgewell's evidence (pictured, a news report in the Daily Mail from the time) He added: 'If you are innocent, don't give up.' Mr Trew and Mr Griffiths' solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman & Rose, welcomed that decision, but said it was 'deeply concerning that it has taken so long to happen'. She added: 'Both the British Transport Police and the Home Office were warned about this police officer's corrupt methods in 1973. 'They did nothing except move him to a different unit, where he continued to offend, so that by 1980 he was serving a seven-year prison sentence for theft. 'But even then the police did not think to review his past cases. Had they done so, these innocent men's lives would likely have been very different.' Ridgewell was involved in several controversial cases, culminating in the 1973 acquittals of the 'Tottenham Court Road Two' - two young Jesuits studying at Oxford University. He was then moved into a department investigating mailbag theft, where he joined up with two criminals with whom he split the profits of stolen mailbags before he was caught and jailed, eventually dying of a heart attack in prison in 1982 at the age of 37. In January 2018, Stephen Simmons' 1976 conviction for stealing mailbags was also quashed after he discovered Ridgewell was later jailed for a similar offence, just two years after his own conviction. January 13, 2020 - Toronto, Ontario - Montreal, Quebec - Halifax, Nova Scotia - Department of Finance Canada A strong economy starts with a strong middle class and a responsible fiscal plan. For the last four years, investments in people and communities, combined with the hard work of Canadians, have helped create more than a million new jobsdriving continued economic growth and creating more opportunities for people to succeed. Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau was at Ryerson University in Toronto, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance Mona Fortier was at HEC Montreal in Montreal, and the Parliamentary Secretary to Ministers Morneau and Fortier, Sean Fraser, was at Saint Marys University in Halifax to participate in town halls and launch the Government of Canadas consultations for Budget 2020. The consultations will focus on the priorities laid out in the 2019 Speech from the Thronestrengthening the middle class and growing the economy, fighting and preparing for climate change and protecting the environment, keeping Canadians safe and healthy, and continuing the work towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Ministers Morneau and Fortier invite all Canadians to contribute their ideas on how the Government can continue to build an economy that works for everyone. People can share their ideas through in-person events and also by making submissions through the Your Budget website launched today. Burma AA Soldiers Beat Civilians After Attempted Rape in Myanmars Chin State AA fighters. Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint / The Irrawaddy YANGONArakan Army (AA) fighters reportedly beat several civilians and attempted to rape an ethnic Khumi woman in Chin States Paletwa Township last Wednesday. An AA fighter attempted to rape a woman. AA fighters beat community elders of the village as well as her parents who tried to stop the rape, U Saw Mya, coordinator of the Khumi Affairs Coordination Council, told The Irrawaddy. The council reported the attack in Paletwas Kye Lei Village in a statement released on Friday. The AA also kept many of the young people from the village away from the incident, leaving them out in the sun by the Kaladan River as a form of punishment, according to the statement. Previously, villagers had only been forced to carry rice and they were robbed of their clothes. This time, the [AA soldiers] have done too much, said U Saw Mya. The AA also reportedly threatened villagers and told them to keep silent about the incident, warning that they would be punished if they revealed what happened. On Sunday, the AA denied that its soldiers attempted to sexually assault the young Chin woman involved, but confessed to beating some residents and promised to take action against the soldiers involved. The AAs statement said that the fighters went to the village to threaten informants for the Myanmar military. The ethnic armed group also accused the Khumi Affairs Coordination Council of supporting the Myanmar military. The Khumi Affairs Coordination Councils statement also said that an ethnic Chin teacher and an ethnic Rakhine resident of Se Pha Laung Village were abducted by the AA on Jan. 7 and killed. It is a baseless accusation. We didnt do it, AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha told The Irrawaddy. The village they mention is located behind Light Infantry Battalion 289 [of the Myanmar military] in Paletwa. It would be impossible for us to arrest them in a place with such tight security. The Khumi councils statement said that the AA had recently detained another ethnic Chin teacher from Paletwa as well. Chin State government spokesperson U Soe Htet, also a Paletwa resident, has said that 212 of the townships 384 basic education schools have been closed for months for security reasons. The councils statement condemned the violence against women and right abuses against local ethnic Chin people that have come with clashes between the Myanmar military and the AA, calling on both sides to hold perpetrators accountable. You may also like these stories: Arakan Army to Tax Large Projects in Myanmars Rakhine, Chin States AA Frees 18 Myanmar Firefighters After One Dies AA Abducts Mytels Rakhine Boss, Driver, Myanmar Military Says The U.S. Space Force has designated its own King James Bible for swearing-in ceremonies. On Sunday, religious leaders at the Washington National Cathedral blessed the Bible for the Space Force, which was established as the sixth branch of the U.S. military in December. "Today @WNCathedral blessed the official Bible for the new @SpaceForceDoD, which will be used to swear in all commanders of America's newest military branch," according to a Twitter post from the church. The Right Rev. Carl Wright, the Episcopal Church's bishop suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, offered the blessing as Maj. Gen. Steven Schaick, Air Force chief of chaplains, held the Bible, according to The Washington Post. Related: New US Space Force Hub Renamed 'SPOC' It was not immediately clear whether the Bible will be used to swear in every commander who falls under the Space Force, or just its top leaders, such as Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, the first chief of Space Operations. Raymond, who also leads U.S. Space Command, will report to the secretary of the Air Force and sit as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Some users and veterans took to Twitter to voice their displeasure with the move, saying that religious texts aren't typically used when officers take an oath of office, though leaders can opt to do so. Others maintained that, by using the Bible, the Space Force will ostracize commanders and officials who practice a different faith. Mikey Weinstein, president and founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said Sunday's ceremony displayed overtones of "Christian privilege" within the Defense Department. "The MRFF condemns, in as full-throated a manner as is humanly possible, the shocking and repulsive display of only the most vile, exclusivist, fundamentalist Christian supremacy, dominance, triumphalism and exceptionalism which occurred at yesterday's 'blessing' at the Washington National Cathedral," he told Military.com on Monday. Weinstein cited section 2.12 of Air Force Instruction 1-1, which outlines the service's standards. The section dictates that all leaders "must balance constitutional protections for their own free exercise of religion, including individual expressions of religious beliefs, and the constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion." "They must ensure their words and actions cannot reasonably be construed to be officially endorsing or disapproving of, or extending preferential treatment for any faith, belief, or absence of belief," it states. "Such blatantly scurrilous activity violates a slew of critical DoD directives, instructions and regulations," Weinstein said. He added that the Bible's use violates the "No Religious Test Clause" within Article VI, Clause 3, of the U.S. Constitution. The nondiscrimination clause ensures that federal officeholders and employees are not required to adhere to or accept any particular religion or doctrine in order to serve in their distinct positions. MRFF will lodge a formal complaint with Defense Secretary Mark Esper on behalf of active-duty and civilian personnel who've contacted the organization since the ceremony, Weinstein said. "MRFF will be assiduously assisting its clients to also expeditiously make formal Inspector General (IG) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints to the DoD chain of command hierarchy to stop this train-wreck disaster in its stinking tracks from ever even leaving the station," he said. He continued, "If MRFF's fervent attempts to exhaust all DoD administrative remedies to eliminate this fundamentalist Christian tyranny and oppression fail, MRFF will plan to stop this matter in Federal court in Northern Virginia. The utilization of a Christian Bible to 'swear in' commanders of the new Space Force or any other DoD branch at ANY level is completely violative of the bedrock separation of church and state mandate of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Read more: US Wants to Reduce Presence in Africa, Says Milley Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (AP Photo) Iranian Police Deny Reports of Officers Firing on Protesters Police officials in Iran are denying reports that officers fired on people protesting the countrys leaders after they admitted to shooting down an airplane that took off from Tehran, killing 176 people on board, including dozens of Iranians. Videos circulating online appeared to show security forces in Iran firing live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the protests. Videos sent to the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran and later verified by The Associated Press show a crowd of demonstrators near Azadi, or Freedom, Square fleeing as a tear gas canister lands among them. People cough and splutter while trying to escape the fumes, with one woman calling out in Farsi: They fired tear gas at people! Azadi Square! Death to the dictator! Another video shows a woman being carried away in the aftermath as a trail of blood can be seen on the ground. Those around her cry out that she has been shot in the leg. Oh my God, shes bleeding nonstop! one person shouts. Another shouts, Bandage it! Photos and video after the incident show pools of blood on the sidewalk. Other videos showed police beating people. Protesters hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises at a demonstration in front of Amir Kabir University in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (AP Photo) Tehrans police chief, Gen. Hossein Rahimi, later denied his officers opened fire. Police treated people who had gathered with patience and tolerance, Iranian media quoted Rahimi as saying. Police did not shoot in the gatherings since broad-mindedness and restraint have been the agenda of the police forces of the capital. However, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that police had shot tear gas in some areas. Fars, which is close to the Revolutionary Guard, carried videos showing demonstrators chanting: We are children of war. Fight with us, we will fight back. Another Fars video showed demonstrators in Tehran on Sunday night tearing down a poster of Qassem Soleimani, who had led the Guards elite Quds Force. Hadi Ghaemi, head of the Center for Human Rights in Iran, said in a statement that he was deeply disturbed by the videos. The Iranian people have a right to peacefully express their views and demand accountability from their government without fear of death, and that government has a duty to listen, Ghaemi said in a statement. The group said that an article in Irans Constitution guarantees people freedom to gather if theyre not armed. Iran slaughtered more than 300 people protesting in November and December 2019, according to Amnesty International. Two journalists were also shot dead covering the recent protests. To the leaders of Iran DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend warned Irans leaders about taking action against protesters. To the leaders of Iran DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching, he wrote on Twitter. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! The latest protesters erupted after Iran admitted it shot down a Ukrainian plane shortly after it took off from Tehran on Jan. 8. The Boeing 737 flew close to a sensitive military site belonging to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was shot down due to human error, the Iranian military said on Jan. 11. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, at least 63 Canadians, and 11 Ukrainians, according to officials. Our profound regrets, apologies, and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter. Mimi Nguyen Ly and The Associated Press contributed to this report. YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Thirty years ago on this day, Azerbaijanis began a state-sponsored massacre of the Armenian population in Baku, which became known as the Bako Pogroms. Tens of thousands of Armenians fell victim to the cruel atrocities or forced displacement. The Baku Pogrom began in 1990 January 13th and lasted until January 19th. It was a state-sanctioned pogrom organized by the Azerbaijani Popular Front. After the six days of atrocities, Baku the city once having an Armenian population of 250,000 had no Armenian left. The anti-Armenian hysteria in Azerbaijan had risen back in late 1988 and early 1989. On January 13, 1990 a mass rally took place with the attendance of thousands. Afterwards, the crowd separated into smaller groups and started attacking and murdering Armenians in their homes with extreme cruelty. The perpetrators had the addresses of their would-be victims. The mob would defenestrate their victims from their apartments, kill them with metal pipes and knives, women were raped, and many were burnt alive. Only six days later, when the Soviet authority was jeopardized in Baku, Mikhail Gorbachev ordered a state of emergency in the Azerbaijani capital to restore public order. More than a dozen militants were killed during an armed resistance with the troops, and many were arrested. Since evidence and facts were concealed and covered up, the exact number of Armenians who were killed during the pogroms was impossible to be revealed, but according to various estimated at least 500-600 were murdered from 1988 to 1990. The anti-Armenian pogroms went on even after 1990 January, leading to a complete and forced exodus of Armenians. Despite the Azerbaijani denialist policy, the Baku Pogroms, and the preceding Sumgait Pogrom of 1988, as well as in Kirovabad (Gyanja), have been condemned by a number of international organizations. The pogroms against the Armenians were condemned by the European Parliament in resolutions adopted in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Eyewitness accounts, as well as the above-mentioned resolutions, indicate that the anti-Armenian actions in Baku and Sumgait were of organized nature or at least were carried out at the permission of the then-Azerbaijani authorities. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan GENEVA, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly three-quarters of manufacturing managers worldwide consider data sharing to improve their operations. In a recent study, the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), examined the opportunities associated with data sharing in manufacturing and the enablers for building successful data-sharing ecosystems. The organizations discuss their findings in a report, Share to Gain: Unlocking Data Value in Manufacturing, released today. Although manufacturers are making strides in applying data-driven technologies, most focus on applications within their companies and have difficulty maximizing the return on investment. By sharing data across companies, manufacturers can create even more value and foster faster innovation. The potential value of data sharing by focusing on manufacturing process optimization alone has been estimated to be more than $100 billion. "True champions apply shared data to improve existing solutions like predictive maintenance that benefit from larger data sets," says Daniel Kupper, BCG managing director and partner and a report coauthor. "They also successfully implement new solutions where suppliers share a digital product twin with the OEM, enabling autonomous handling of parts." To demonstrate the value of data sharing in manufacturing, the study examined five main areas where data sharing can help improve operations. For example, in one application area, manufacturers can improve algorithms to optimize asset performance by combining data from similar production machines. In other areas, manufacturers can apply shared data to track products, trace process conditions, and verify provenance along the value chain, thereby eliminating duplicative processes. The authors propose a five-step approach to help manufacturers start the process of building successful data-sharing ecosystems. Understanding the business challenges to address by data sharing, identifying suitable applications, selecting viable ones, finding the right partners, and selecting the right model for collaboration are essential for getting off to a good start. In examining successful data-sharing collaborations, the authors identified four important enablers: selecting the right technologies, using common standards, building trust, and having legal and regulatory clarity. Various organizations are pursuing activities to develop these enablers, which the authors find encouraging. "To accelerate innovation, all stakeholders in manufacturing ecosystems must work together to address the key questions related to data sharing and unlock its full potential," says Francisco Betti, head of Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Production at the World Economic Forum. "Insights from the report will help kick-start the development of new tools and establish new partnerships to take data-based excellence in manufacturing to the next level." The authors see the report as a starting point for building a worldwide taskforce around this topic to help all manufacturers in their journey to manufacturing excellence, making the best use of data and data sharing. A copy of the report can be downloaded here. To arrange an interview with one of the authors, please contact Eric Gregoire at +1 617 850 3783 or [email protected]. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients with total transformationinspiring complex change, enabling organizations to grow, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact. To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting along with technology and design, corporate and digital venturesand business purpose. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, generating results that allow our clients to thrive. About The World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org). SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Related Links https://www.bcg.com With challenges on the fiscal side and given the pace of privatisation, Manulife Investment Managements Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Conkey sees India neutral in terms of investments when compared among emerging markets. In a candid chat with Moneycontrol, Conkey said, We see India as neutral, relative to other emerging market equity alternatives. Conkey felt that there are some challenges in the execution of government policies that is impacting the economy along with challenges on the fiscal side and the rate of privatisation. We are very enthusiastic and positive about the policies the government's putting in place. And we can see that how it has been captured by retail investors throughout the country, in terms of investing and funding, in its own growth. So it depends upon the quality of execution and the pace at which it happens, said Conkey. In the Manulife Investment Managements global emerging markets portfolio, exposure to India stands at 10 percent, while they are overweight on China in the portfolio. He, however, said that they are bullish on India for the long term given the growth in the savings rate of private banks in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which will help India to revert back to its premium status when compared to the rest of the emerging markets. Manulife Investment Management has approximately $394 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2019. In terms of region, Manulifes portfolio is tilted towards the US with a 52 percent exposure, followed by 25 percent exposure to Asia, 21 percent to Canada and the balance 2 percent to Europe. In June 2019, Toronto-based Manulife picked up a 49 percent stake in Mahindra Asset Management Company (Mahindra AMC) for $35 million (Rs 243 crore). Mahindra AMC entered the mutual fund industry in 2016. It is among the smaller asset management companies in the country and has assets under management of a little over Rs 5,000 crore as of its December quarter. Conkey said their partnership with Mahindra AMC is for long term and added We believe the bulk of the assets are in Tier 1 cities, the largest growth rate is happening in tier two and tier three which will aid penetration of both the brands across the country. Fed Move Conkey expects the Fed to go on one more rate cut this year and after that, it may be on hold for an extended period of time. We believe this degree of uncertainty in the market will support the Fed and keep down any impact or any influence by the Fed to raise rates. So it should be positive for emerging markets, said Conkey. He however felt that any impact that could come from the events around Iran may have an impact on India and any other primarily oil-importing countries. In terms of investment, Manulife Investment Management is overweight on equities, particularly developed market equities, while on the debt side, the fund house is overweight on emerging market debt relative to a developed market. Active versus passive fund management When asked on the debate of existence of active vs passive, Conkey said, There is going to be a balance in the industry between passive and active. Passive creates opportunities for strong active managers. But the reality is the technology is moving so quickly in terms of education and the development of alternatives that the bar gets even higher for active managers, making them stronger, Conkey said. Advise Conkey recommended that Indian investors look for global diversification, particularly in countries where there is not only growth, but also divergent growth patterns. "One can look at investments in the US as it is in a very good position. With somewhat easing trade tensions, Europe is expected to benefit quite well this," said Conkey. He also added countries like Europe and Germany that are large export-oriented economies are going to be beneficiaries as the trade tensions decrease. Washington: The US Defence Secretary says he did not see specific evidence from intelligence officials that Iran was planning to attack four US embassies. US President Donald Trump referred to the plot in justifying the killing of Iran's top general Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike in Baghdad. While Defence Secretary Mark Esper said he agreed with Trump that additional attacks against US embassies were likely, he told CBS that Trump's remarks about imminent attacks on four embassies, made to Fox News, were not based on specific evidence. "What the president said was that there probably could be additional attacks against embassies. I shared that view," Esper said. "The president didn't cite a specific piece of evidence." 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. Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) ("PSH") today announced that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's Public Shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"): Trading Venue: London Stock Exchange Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 13 January 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 38,513 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 1,542 pence 20.02 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 1,524 pence 19.79 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 1,532 pence 19.89 USD Ticker: PSHD Date of Purchase: 13 January 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 48,426 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 20.00 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 19.80 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 19.86 USD Trading Venue: Euronext Amsterdam Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 13 January 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 37,269 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 20.00 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 19.80 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 19.90 USD PSH will hold these Public Shares in Treasury. The net asset value per Public Share related to this buyback is 27.07 USD 20.64 GBP which was calculated as of 7 January 2020 (the "Relevant NAV"). After giving effect to the above buyback, PSH has 205,640,160 Public Shares outstanding, or 211,302,229 Public Shares calculated on a fully diluted basis (assuming that all Management Shares had been converted into Public Shares at the Relevant NAV). Excluded from the shares outstanding are 5,316,590 Public Shares held in Treasury. The prices per Public Share were calculated by Jefferies. The number of PSH Management Shares and the one special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) have not been affected. 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/20200113005857/en/ Contacts: Media Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk Qantas has decided to divert around Iran and Iraq after a Ukranian passenger jet was shot down last week, killing all 176 passengers. The missile appears to have been fired as part of military escalation in the region, and although the Iranian government denies it the jet seems to have been caught in the crossfire. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, The United States and its allies on Friday said they had intelligence that Iranian milliary forces shot down a Ukrainian International Airlines jet bound for Kiev shortly after it taking off from Tehran on Wednesday. In response, Qantas released the following statement, announcing a change to its Perth to London route: Qantas advises that it is adjusting its flight paths over the Middle East to avoid the airspace over Iraq and Iran until further notice. Flight QF9 (Perth-London) and QF10 (London-Perth) are the only Qantas flights affected by this change. The altered flight path increases flying time by about 40-50 minutes on QF9. As a result, we will need to reduce the numbers passengers on board in order to carry more fuel. Despite the altered route, QF10 will operate with a full passenger load and the same flight time due to prevailing winds, Qantas added. Qantass other flights to and from London (QF1/2) are unaffected as they operate through an alternative flight path. Singapore Airlines has similarly re-routed all flights to avoid Iranian airspace (their decision was made on January the 6th), and it has not flown over Iraq since 2012. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways flights connecting from Australia to Europe via their Gulf hubs, however, were continuing to pass over Iraq, according to Flightradar24. This is interesting as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are all in the same ballpark as Qantas when it comes to the price of flying to Europe for Australians. And yet the stereotype is as long as you eschew budget airlines like Malaysia Airlines (whose Flight 17 was flying at 33,000 feet above Ukraine when it was shot down by Russian-backed separatists in 2014) youve done all you can in terms of booking a safe flight. Australian carrier Qantas, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines among those altering their flight routes to avoid Iranian airspace. https://t.co/KNsYj37dl2 Sumisha Naidu (@sumishanaidu) January 8, 2020 And yet, this time around, Malaysia Airlines was one of the first carriers to play it safe, with Al Jazeera reporting, Following Wednesdays early morning missile strike, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Germanys Lufthansa and Air France-KLM were among airlines charting new routes to go around Iraq and Iran. This has implications for Qantas as it helps them differentiate themselves from the pack when it comes to safety. Although, that said, it must be acknowledged that it is much easier for Qantas to make this change than the Middle Eastern carriers who naturally have their hubs in the Middle East. Read Next The Union Budget is barely three weeks away. There are talks about tax sops and financial incentives. But none of them will go very far if the basics are ignored. After all, the economy is hurting real bad. And to understand the reasons behind the pain, it is essential to understand why farms matter. First, over 50 percent of Indias population depends on the rural economy. And that means agriculture. Irrespective of the contribution of the agricultural sector to Indias GDP, the sheer scale of population requires any government to pay heed to the well being of this sector and to make it sustainable not through doles, but through policies that make this sector healthy. Second it is important to note that unlike the Asian tigers including China, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore among others India is not an export driven market. It is a consumption driven market. When you have half of Indias population living in rural areas, this becomes a critical consumption market especially for things like motorcycles, tractors, harvesters, seeds, fertilisers, nutrients and a host of consumer goods. Third, hitherto, except for a brief period when Lal Bahadur Shastri tried to promote agriculture (and coined the slogan Jai-Jawan-Jai Kisan), successive governments have short-changed agriculture. As a result the farmer earns pathetically little from agriculture, as NABARD studies (see table) have shown Therefore, if the economy has to be revived, agriculture needs some key inputs. Here are some suggestions. One reason why the farm sectors contribution to India GDP is just around 14 percent is because the farmer is allowed to earn very little for his produce. Leave alone milk where, thanks to Verghese Kurien, the farmer can earn as much as 80-85 percent of the market price for the milk he produces. Similarly, keep aside the politically pampered rice and wheat crops, where the Food Corporation of India (FCI) guarantees procurement from most large farmers and thus gives them a remunerative price. Ditto for politically protected crops like sugarcane and plantations. But take the rest of the agricultural sector and you discover that when it comes to vegetables and fruits, the farmer earns barely 10 percent of the market price for his produce. With other non-procurement products, the farmer is lucky if he gets 30 percent of the market price for his produce. As a result, the farmers purchasing power has remained poor. If the government wants the farmer to earn more, it must make provisions for him to earn a better price. That can be done in two ways. For crops other than vegetables and fruit, the government can actually get the FCI intervene in the commodity markets and offer to pick up any crop at the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP). Typically, even if 5 percent of the produce is picked up by the FCI, traders will increase their price offering and provide the farmers a better deal. Alternatively, the government has to immediately allow the farm sector to create an autonomous body like the NDDB, which comes in as a market maker. Unless the farmer can receive 50 percent of the market price for his produce, the farmer will remain exploited. Doles are counter-productive, as they teach farmers to depend more heavily on the government. That will make them more vulnerable. In fact, both the NCDEX and the MCX and their affiliates had made similar suggestions to the government some years ago. But the government hasnt done anything. The second thing that the government can do is to announce -- as part of the Budget proposals to make stopping a meat wagon a punishable offence. Meat kept by the roadside, in Indian conditions, becomes unfit for human consumption in a few hours. The madness unleashed by the gau-rakshaks has hurt farmers, cobblers and the meat industry very badly. The farmer has been the worst affected. Lets leave aside cows for the moment. If the cow is to be protected, so be it. But why touch buffalo meat? Most farmers are already moving to adopting buffaloes instead of cows for two simple reasons. First, buffaloes are not considered holy, so they can be sold to the trader for onward sale to slaughter houses without any qualms. Second, buffalo milk has more fat content. That fetches farmers more money per litre of milk produced. But when a buffalo stops lactating, it must be sold. The cost of maintaining a barren or old buffalo is crippling. The farmer normally gets Rs 20,000 per old buffalo. To this he adds another Rs 20,000 and purchases a young milch buffalo. If the trader refuses to purchase the old buffalo from the farmer -- because his consignments can get seized by crazed gau-rakshaks -- then the farmer loses his ability to procure fresh cattle heads. That reduces his income, and increases his expenditure. And, in turn, the scare to take away old buffaloes affects the leather industry and the beef industry both major employment and forex generators. The minimum estimated loss on account of this could be over Rs 23,000 crore a year The third thing the finance minister can do is to take away the power to import agri produce from the hands of the bureaucrats and to put it in the hands of farmer groups. Imports cause domestic prices to fall. That hurts farmers. When domestic prices go up as with onions let the farmer body import, but sell it at normal market prices, not at less than market prices. That is what NDDB was taught to do under Kurien. You cannot protect consumers forever. The farmer is a producer, and must also be protected. It is insensitivity to such a requirement that actually emboldened some bright boys in the government who thought that they could allow New Zealand to divert 5 percent of its non-liquid milk dairy produce exports to India. Thanks to a spirited resistance put up by farmers, this move was dropped. The same thing happened a few years ago, when import of pulses was resorted to. Such madness should be avoided. Unless such situations are remedied, the farmer loses income, hence purchasing power. And, as a consequence, the wheels of the economy have grist thrown in them. Can the finance minister usher in these measures for the sake of economic revival? It would go a long way towards fulfilling the prime ministers promise of doubling farmers income. It must be said that even this assurance is too little because a doubling of 10 percent is still 20 percent, far below the 50 percent desired level. TORONTOPeople throughout the Canadian province of Ontario awoke Sunday to a cellphone alert warning them of an incident at a nuclear plant just east of Torontoonly to later be told the message was a mistake. The message, which was transmitted throughout the nations most populous province, was accompanied by a shrill emergency broadcast noise. It said an unspecified event had occurred at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. There was no abnormal release of radioactivity, it added, and people did not need to take protective action. More than an hour later, utility officials sent another message saying the alert was sent in error and that there was no danger to the public or environment. No further action is required, said the message, which was also sent to television screens. The alert went out during a routine training exercise being conducted by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, said in a statement that apologized for the mistake. She said the government had started a full investigation and would take the appropriate steps to ensure this doesnt happen again. Jim Vlahos, a 44-year-old Toronto man, awoke to the alert and quickly made a hotel reservation more than 60 miles away in Niagara Falls. He said he figured he would go as far west as possible and then cross the border. Having watched Chernobyl didnt help, he said, referring to the HBO show about the 1986 nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union. The lack of communication following the alert didnt help either, he said. I have no problem leaving my phone on for these types of alerts, Vlahos said. But I would expect some more info from the government so I wouldnt have to overreact the way I did. Many people slept through the first alert and saw it was a false alarm by the time they woke up. Jonathan Davies, also 44, was taken aback when he spotted the alert while driving. But he waited until after he picked up his Tim Hortons coffee to check the news. I cant cope with much until I have my coffee, at least a few sips, he said. I got scared and went online but found no information. He later saw the follow-up alert that indicated it was a false alarm. Scott Pelton, a 48-year-old Toronto resident, wondered if it was a cyber attack. Could be sign of a hack or could just be an innocent mistake? But is a mistake like that possible? Pelton said. Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan said he was very troubled by the message. He said on Twitter that he spoke to provincial officials and demanded an investigation. Toronto Mayor John Tory joined him, tweeting that there were far too many unanswered questions about the warning that was sent across the province of 14 million people. Terry Flynn, who teaches crisis communications at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, said the error runs the risk of eroding public trust. When we have continuous problems in these systems, then we have a lack of trust, and people begin to ignore them. So thats the biggest fallout from this scenario, he said. The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys inspector general recommended changes to the emergency alert system in the United States after Hawaii officials in 2018 mistakenly warned the public about a nonexistent incoming ballistic missile. An employee at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency sent the missile alert to cellphones and broadcasters, triggering panic until the agency sent another message 38 minutes later, notifying people it was a false alarm. Pickering, which opened in 1971, was scheduled to be decommissioned this year, but the provincial government committed to keeping it open until 2024. Decommissioning is now set to start in 2028. The plant generates 14 percent of Ontarios electricity and is responsible for 4,500 jobs across the region, according to Ontario Power Generation. The station has experienced several earlier incidents. In 2011, a pump seal failure caused the spill of more than 19,200 gallons of demineralized water into Lake Ontario, though with no significant risks to public health, according to local authorities. In 1994, the plant automatically shut down after a faulty valve caused 132 tons of heavy water to spill. It was the first time a Canadian nuclear reactor had to use its emergency core cooling system to prevent fuel overheating. Ontario Power has a sophisticated and robust notification process in place that we would immediately follow in the unlikely event of an incident at the station, Chief Nuclear Officer Sean Granville said. I want to assure the public that there was no incident at the station, and the plant is operating as designed. By Rob Gillies When left-wing Democrats push for universal benefits and expansive new policies, they do so with a theory of politics in mind. It goes like this: The reason to fight for debt-free college or Medicare for all isnt just to improve life for Americans, but to build new ground for progressive political activity. New programs create new constituencies, and new programs with broad benefits can give more Americans a stake in the expansion and preservation of the welfare state. Conservatives know this. Thats why theyve fought so hard to block or undermine even modest new programs. Take the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, which stands as the latest proof of the truth of that progressive theory. In its original form, the expansion relied on a significant bit of legislative coercion. If states adopted it and expanded Medicaid eligibility to up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line for virtually every adult the federal government would bear 100 percent of the cost for the first three years, phasing down to 90 percent of the cost over time. But if states refused, they wouldnt just lose this new funding they would lose all existing federal Medicaid funds. A group of youth activists led by Greta Thunberg asked global leaders to abandon the "madness" of the fossil fuel industry. The group specifically addressed their demand to the political and business leaders who will be attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. Thunberg claimed that the forum is once again "turning into a crime against humanity." The climate advocates also expressed their frustrations about how these leaders "let down" the younger generation. They also called out the detractors who accused them of "asking for a lot.'' Fossil fuel combustion, which is the most common method to generate power, is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. Many scientists already warned about the catastrophe that human-induced climate change will bring to the world by the end of the century. This also leads to multiple international protocols, with the 2015 Paris Agreement as the latest one. Despite that, global emissions are still rising, and fossil fuel exploration played a role in it. Even after the G20 pledge in 2009, the subsidies for fossil fuels remained high, with at least $5.2 trillion per year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Thunberg called this move a "disgrace". Meanwhile, since the Paris Agreement, the world's largest investment banks lend out at least $700 billion to companies aligned in his industry. The investment of private sectors, which is possibly up to trillions of dollars, is still unaccounted. In defense, these companies claimed that this is needed to shift to zero emissions, yet the investment for renewable energy is still too little compared to the coal industry. Climate strikers all over the world are saying the same thing: the corporate world is not willing to be accountable for the climate crisis, and this inaction is what is driving their activism because it "falls on children to do that". Too demanding? Despite the stability of market shares, it is reported that at least $12 trillion investment in coal, oil, and gas industry were already diverted to other industries, mostly on faith-based organizations and philanthropic foundations. However, the climate activists said that it is not enough and that all financial institutions and even the government should completely divest from fossil fuels immediately. They also demand that the investment should go on existing sustainable technologies, research, and nature preservation because short-term profit should not be prioritized over the long-term stability of life. Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, previously warned that companies and industries that are not investing in zero-carbon emissions would experience that wrath of investors and go bankrupt. He also said in December that if the financial sector will not move away from oil and gas companies immediately, their assets could end up "worthless". The 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum will begin on January 20 in Switzerland. It will be discussing four "urgent and important" issues, with addressing climate challenge that affects both the economy and the environment as the first one. ALSO READ: What Would Happen to the World If We Don't Do Something About the Climate Change? Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has called for good relations between Beijing and Taipei while congratulating Tsai Ing-wen on winning her second term as Taiwan president. As complicated and difficult as Taiwan's relationship with the People's Republic of China is, I feel it is important that the two enjoy good relations, including through expanding people to people exchange, the Dalai Lama said in a statement released Sunday by his office here. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China and has criticised officials from the US and other countries for congratulating Tsai on her victory. Lobsang Sangay, who heads the Dharamshala-based Central Tibetan Administration, has also congratulated Tsai Ing-wen. The Dalai Lama expressed confidence that Tsai will make further strides in bringing peace and prosperity to the people of Taiwan. I fondly recollect my three visits to Taiwan which provided me an opportunity to visit and interact with the people. I have warm memories of the enthusiastic welcome I received and am continuously inspired by the strong devotion Taiwanese Buddhists have shown towards their faith, the Dalai Lama wrote in his message. As a Buddhist monk, I try my best to fulfil as much as I can their desire for teachings and to provide them the necessary spiritual guidance, he said. As someone devoted to fundamental democratic values, I would like to commend the Taiwanese people for not only achieving a flourishing robust democracy but for the achievements made in the economic and educational fields and in the preservation of their rich traditional culture. President Tsai his seen as a strong opponent of Beijing's One China policy that seeks reunification with Taiwan. In her victory speech, Tsai urged China to resume talks with Taiwan without preconditions while warning against threatening use of force. "Today I want to once again remind the Beijing authorities that peace, parity, democracy and dialogue are the keys to stability," Tsai had said. "I want the Beijing authorities to know that democratic Taiwan and our democratically elected government will never concede to threats," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Welcome Guest! You Are Here: An Alaska man whose remote cabin burned down in mid-December was rescued Friday by Alaska State Troopers. Tyson Steele, 30, was picked up in good health at his remote homestead 20 miles (32 kilometres) outside of Skwentna, troopers said. Skwentna, with a population of 35, is 70 miles (113 kilometres) northwest of Anchorage. The temperature at 2:30 p.m. Friday was 2 degrees (-16.7 Celsius). Steele's family members had not heard from Steele for several weeks and requested that troopers check on his welfare. The trooper helicopter crew at about 11 a.m. reached the homestead and saw Steele waving his arms near a makeshift shelter. He had stamped an SOS signal in snow. The trooper helicopter transported Steele to Anchorage. The mid-December fire had left him with no way to communicate, Steele told troopers. (Representational Image) Terming the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "insulting", senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. Talking to reporters here, Raut said the BJP should declare that it has no link with the book comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji. The book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", has been written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book. "A BJP leader has written the book titled 'Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', which we find insulting. The party should clarify whether it considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as great as Shivaji Maharaj," Raut said. Without taking any names, Raut targeted the warrior king's descendants - BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Bhosale, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the NCP. "Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," the Sena leader said. Raut said the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal was once with the Shiv Sena, but was removed from the party after he allegedly attacked the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. "BJP leaders are quite active when it comes to some issues such as (pertaining to Hindutva ideologue) V D Savarkar. I hope they will demonstrate similar efficiency in this case also. The BJP should declare that it has no link with the book," the Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member said. The descendants of Shivaji Maharaj from Satara and Kolhapur are affiliated with the BJP. They should speak out their views on the issue, he said. Sambhaji Raje on Sunday demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book, which was published in the saffron party's Delhi office. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Sunday lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book. In his complaint, the Congress leader sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book and its distributor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday said the protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the NRC reflect "widespread frustration and pent up anger of people" and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of misleading people and making "provocative statements." In a hard-hitting attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre during her speech at the meeting of "like-minded" opposition parties here, Gandhi alleged that the government has "let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred" and was "trying to divide our people along sectarian lines." Gandhi said that there was unprecedented turmoil and the students were being targeted. She also accused the government of diverting attention from the real issues. "There is unprecedented turmoil today. The Constitution is being undermined and the instruments of governance are being misused. Students and the young have in particular been targeted. In several parts of the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, large sections of the population are being harassed and attacked," she said. She termed the protests against CAA spontaneous and accused the police in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi of being "partisan and brutal." "There have been nation-wide spontaneous protests by the youth supported by citizens from all walks of life. The immediate cause is CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan and brutal," she said. Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have been insensitive to "state suppression and violence". "The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have misled the people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," Gandhi said. The Congress chief accused the government of "inability to govern". "The nation has watched in horror at the BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU coming so soon after what happened in Jamia, BHU, Allahabad University and AMU and other institutions of higher learning in other parts of the country. The Modi-Shah Government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and to provide security to the people," she said. Gandhi said the NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam. "The Modi-Shah government is now focussing on the NPR exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. Contrary to the assertions of the Home Minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC," she said. The Congress leader said that the real issue facing people was the slowing of economic growth. "The real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive and polarizing issue after another. It is for us to work together and thwart the designs of this government," she said. The meeting is being attended by leaders of 20 opposition parties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thom, who has a terrific stage voice and manner, leaves no question as to the theaters loss in limiting her range of roles. Her performance of Mouth is as terrifying as any and yet, in its vulnerability to neurological static, more human than most. You understand how the very lonely woman Beckett wrote could have wound up that way. I would hate to have missed this performance, and yet it might easily never have happened. Feeling for too many years that theater was not a space I could occupy, Thom said in a post-show discussion, she almost gave up on it. (As a performer, she would have been deemed uncastable; as an audience member, disruptive.) Only in finding Not I, produced by Battersea Arts Center along with Thoms organization Touretteshero, did she find a way to occupy the only seat in the house I couldnt be asked to leave. Thats admirable, sure. But the key is that once seated there, Thom uses her position to explore something beyond just Tourettes. Shining a light into Beckett from a different angle, she illuminates a different part of the rest of us as well. A similar idea animates The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes, running at the Publics Manhattan mother ship through Jan. 19. At first, the play seems to be merely a witty piece of documentary theater, recreating a real-life meeting at which the performers (Michael Chan, Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring and Scott Price) bicker over their parliamentary roles and chafe about definitions. Some, we learn, are comfortable calling themselves disabled but others are not; Price thinks of himself as someone who, in addition to a thick Australian accent, has an autistic dialect. The equating of accent and autism, one of which we usually consider trivial and the other hugely portentous, was eye-opening for me. If Prices autism is a dialect, surely my own neurological makeup is one, too. What are all our habits of thinking, our charming neuroses, our nature and character, if seen uncharitably, but undiagnosed defects? What is so typical about neurotypical minds? The ArachnidWorks Team From the initial moment our team members and clients walk into our Frederick office, they become a valued member of the AW family. We are so honored to have received this acknowledgement within our community. The Frederick County Office of Economic Development has named ArachnidWorks, a multi-disciplinary marketing agency in Frederick, MD, one of Fredericks Top 50 Workplaces. Choosing from 132 nominations, the 50 winners were selected based on employee testimonials and each workplaces unique strategies to attract and retain top talent. Final selection criteria were based on individual responses regarding benefits, median salary, community involvement, work environment, growth opportunities, and work-life balance. From the initial moment our team members and clients walk into our Frederick office, they become a valued member of the AW family. We are so honored to have received this acknowledgement within our community. remarked Monica Kolbay, President and CEO of the Agency. From putting members through Leadership programs (like LFC in Frederick), to career-specific training programs (PMP, CAPM, Photography, Inbound Marketing Programs, etc.), ArachnidWorks is well-known for always putting their people first in their professional development. The agency is also actively involved with a host of community programs, civic organizations, and non-profit board membership, including Rotary Club, The Frederick Rescue Mission, The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Maryland, the American Advertising Federation, TechFrederick, and more. About ArachnidWorks: ArachnidWorks is a multi-disciplinary marketing agency in Frederick, MD, dedicated to bringing its clients affordable and professional marketing and advertising services. The firm specializes in web design and development, as well as digital marketing and social media strategies. ArachnidWorks provides a partner agency experience, while offering organizations a clear and strategic plan for growth. Additional services include branding/identity package development, logo and graphic design, marketing planning and research, copywriting, specialty advertising products and trade show displays, vehicle decals, and photography/videography. About The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED): The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) is the catalyst for economic growth in Frederick County. OEDs mission is to increase the overall economic health of Frederick County through attracting new businesses in targeted industries and helping existing businesses be more successful. OED is a department within the Executive Branch of Frederick County Government. Located at ROOT, a one-stop business and technology cultivation center in the heart of Downtown Frederick, OED has the resources to connect local businesses. OED provides businesses with tools such as site selection assistance, redevelopment services, incentives, and demographics. Researchers have identified a protein that may be responsible for many of the benefits of a good workout, an advance that could eventually help combat muscle wasting due to ageing and other causes. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, analysed a class of naturally occurring protein called Sestrin, and found that it can mimic many of exercise's effects in flies and mice. "Researchers have previously observed that Sestrin accumulates in muscle following exercise," said Myungjin Kim, a research assistant professor at the University of Michigan in the US. The team wanted to know more about the protein's apparent link to exercise. Their first step was to encourage a bunch of flies to work out. Taking advantage of Drosophila flies' normal instinct to climb up and out of a test tube, their collaborators from Wayne State University in the US developed a type of fly treadmill. The team trained the flies for three weeks and compared the running and flying ability of normal flies with that of flies bred to lack the ability to make Sestrin. "Flies can usually run around four to six hours at this point and the normal flies' abilities improved over that period. The flies without Sestrin did not improve with exercise," said Professor Jun Hee Lee, from Michigan. When the researchers overexpressed Sestrin in the muscles of normal flies, essentially maxing out their Sestrin levels, they found those flies had abilities above and beyond the trained flies, even without exercise. Flies with overexpressed Sestrin didn't develop more endurance when exercised. The beneficial effects of Sestrin include more than just improved endurance. Mice without Sestrin lacked the improved aerobic capacity, improved respiration and fat burning typically associated with exercise. "We propose that Sestrin can coordinate these biological activities by turning on or off different metabolic pathways. This kind of combined effect is important for producing exercise's effects," said Lee. The researchers, including those from Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, demonstrated that muscle-specific Sestrin can also help prevent atrophy in a muscle that's immobilised, such as the type that occurs when a limb is in a cast for a long period of time. "This independent study again highlights that Sestrin alone is sufficient to produce many benefits of physical movement and exercise," said Lee. Lee said the finding does not mean that Sestrin supplements are on the horizon. "Sestrins are not small molecules, but we are working to find small molecule modulators of Sestrin," said Lee. Scientists still don't know how exercise produces Sestrin in the body, Kim said. "This is very critical for future study and could lead to a treatment for people who cannot exercise," said Kim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lucknow: In a bid to tackle challenges on crime and law and order front in a better way, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced the introduction of the Police Commissioner system in India's most populated state. The Police Commissioner system has been initially introduced in the state capital Lucknow and states upscale metro town NOIDA. The decision has been taken despite stiff opposition from the influential IAS lobby. The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our Government today. Our cabinet has approved a proposal to set up police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida, the Chief Minister Yogi said while briefing media persons about the state cabinets decisions at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow on Monday. The Police Commissioner system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to IPS officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) rank posted as commissioners. It gives free hand to the police chief to act swiftly and freely, particularly in a law and order situation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our Govt today. Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved proposal to setup police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida. pic.twitter.com/7Nig1417O8 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 13, 2020 The CM also announced some steps to curb crime against women int eh state. "Two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) & Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each, are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates," he announced. At present, the district police chief or Superintendent of Police (SP), seeks permission from the District Magistrate in most of the decisions related to maintaining law and order. The decision has been taken after a report of the Uttar Pradesh government highlighted the absence of the Police Commissioner as one of the major reasons behind deteriorating law and order conditions. Earlier, then UP Governor Ram Naik has suggested the implementation of the Police Commissioner system to maintain law and order. Sources said that Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra and other big towns could also have a Police Commissioner system in the near future. Earlier on Thursday, Lucknow Senior Superintendent of Police was transferred and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) SSP suspended. No new officers were posted there immediately. Following this, Director General of Police OP Singh had said that the government is discussing the commissioner system for Lucknow and Noida. Cotonou, Benin(PANA) - The Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) at the end of its second ordinary plenary session of the pastoral year 2019-2020 here Monday expressed deep concern about excessive alcohol consumption by young people, a statement reaching PANA here said The U.S. Supreme Court stayed out of the debate over what types of medical diagnostic tests can be patented, leaving in legal limbo companies that discover ways to diagnose and treat diseases based on patients unique characteristics. The justices rejected an appeal by Quest Diagnostics Inc.s Athena unit that sought to restore its patent for a test to detect the presence of an autoimmune disease. A lower court had ruled in favor of the nonprofit Mayo Clinic that the test wasnt eligible for a patent because it merely covered a natural law the correlation between the presence of an antibody and the disease. Justices on Monday also rejected appeals to clarify the rules regarding software patents. The Supreme Courts action leaves it to Congress to resolve an issue thats created a legal gray area for such discoveries. The Athena case is one of five the court was asked to consider regarding eligibility for patents. The justices also rejected an appeal over a patent owned by Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. for a method of using its Fanapt schizophrenia drug, as well as three patent cases related to software. Congress held a series of hearings in 2019 but is unlikely to pass any legislation in this election year. Lawyers and experts had seen the case as the best shot at getting the high court to take up the issue after what Athena lawyer Seth P. Waxman called an unprecedented cry for help from the appeals court that handles all patent disputes. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in July split 7-5 on whether any medical diagnostic could be patented. The judges issued eight opinions over 80 pages lamenting the confusion over patenting diagnostic tests and its impact on patient care. The request for the justices to take up the issue united those who say more patents should be granted, and those who say too many are being issued and could lead to higher medical costs. The Trump administration, in court filings, said the high court had fostered uncertainty about what is eligible for a patent, and suggested the Athena dispute would be a good vehicle to revisit the subject. In 2012, as part of a series of rulings on patent eligibility, the Supreme Court threw out a patent for a test of the link between metabolites in the body and the amount of drug needed for a stomach medicine. The test, owned by Nestle SAs Prometheus unit, covered a law of nature that cant be patented, the court said. Among the patents tossed by Federal Circuit since 2012 are ones on a blood test that replaced the sometimes dangerous amniocentesis used to detect fetal abnormalities, for early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, and for a way to detect tuberculosis. In addition to laws of nature, patents cant be issued for natural phenomena or abstract ideas. A year after the Prometheus decision, the high court ruled that isolated DNA fell under the natural phenomenon exception to patent law. The following year it waded into the never-defined area of abstract ideas in a case that led to the invalidation of thousands of software patents and made it harder to get legal protection for inventions related to artificial intelligence and the use of data to detect new medical correlations. Medical diagnostic patents give their developers the right to demand royalties or limit who can conduct the tests. Supporters of the patents say that helps cover the cost of research and conducting clinical trials to determine whether the tests work. Scalpel, Not Sledgehammer Its important, not just to us nerdy patent practitioners, but to patients and to the medical industry, Lisa Pensabene, a patent lawyer with OMelveny & Myers LLP in New York who specializes in life sciences patents, said before the court acted. Diagnostics are critical in identifying and characterizing the type of disease. Were treating patients now in a much more nuanced way than in years past. Think of a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer. Athenas patent comes from a discovery, made by Oxford University and Germanys Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science, of a link between antibodies to a specific protein and an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis that causes muscle weakness. Until the discovery of the diagnostic method, 20% of patients suffering from the disorder couldnt be diagnosed. Among those with the disease are Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, though its unknown if he was diagnosed using the Athena test. Athena, which has the license to the patent, sued the Mayo Clinic for royalties and lost. It was a repeat of the 2012 case, in which Mayo had persuaded the Supreme Court to invalidate the Prometheus patent. The Athena patent, Mayo contends, covers observing a natural law using known techniques. Any policy concerns are up to Congress, not the courts, Mayo told the court. The cases are Athena Diagnostics Inc. v. Mayo Collaborative Services, 19-430; Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA v. Vanda Pharmaceuticals, 18-817; HP Inc. v. Berkheimer, 18-415; Power Analytics Corp. v. Operation Technology Inc. 19-43; Garmin USA v. Cellspin Soft, 19-400. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. - The UK government asked its citizens to avoid counties such as Garissa, Mandera, Lamu and Tana River - It further advised its people to keep away from the named counties and also the Kenya-Somali border due to probable terror attacks - UK nationals were asked to avoid places which tourists frequent such as hotels, nightclubs, churches, shopping malls among others since they were the major targets of an attack The British government has warned its citizens planning to travel to Kenya due to a possible terror attack and asked them to be vigilant in their visit. In particular, the UK told its people to be cautious while visiting places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, buses, resorts, bars, nightclubs, trains, malls, churches and mosques among others since they are the most probable targets by terrorists. READ ALSO: Authorities arrest woman carrying banned cosmetics disguised as baby Tourists spectating wild animals. UK government asked its nationals to be vigilant whilst in Kenya. Photo: eturbonews.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Harry Maguire: Englishman tipped to replace Ashley Young as Man United captain According to the Daily Nation, the advisory also warned its citizens against visiting counties such as Mandera, Garissa, Tana River and Lamu. It, however, excluded Mandu and Lamu Islands. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office told Britons to only visit those counties when it is extremely necessary. (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, and within 15km of the Coast from the Tana River down to the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) river, the FCO said in a statement," read the statement in part. READ ALSO: Wakenya wamfokea Rais Uhuru, wateta hali ya kiuchumi The travel warning comes a week after al-Shabaab launched a botched attack at Mandu Airstrip. According to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the attack happened at around 5:30am on Sunday, January 5, but was neutralised leaving four terrorists dead. United States of America confirmed one service member and two Department of Defence contractors were killed at Manda Airstrip in Lamu county in the dawn attack. 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. How we lost our babies promo | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 13 (ANI): Asking for your partner's hand in marriage is one of the biggest moments of your life and a Hollywood filmmaker from Boston did just that by hatching the ultimate proposal plan for his girlfriend by animating himself and girlfriend into Disney movie 'Sleeping Beauty'. Lee Loechler, 29 proposed to his high school sweetheart, Sthuthi David on December 30 in a Boston movie theatre, which Lee had secretly rented out and filled with family and friends of the couple, Fox News reported. The filmmaker stealthy stuck in an edited version of the ending scene of 'Sleeping Beauty' by creating the characters of Prince Philip and Aurora to resemble himself and Sthuthi. In the film the Prince wakes up Aurora from a sleeping curse with a kiss and follows it up by going down on one knee with a ring. In a video, he shared on YouTube on January 9 and that has already been viewed over two million times, Lee captures the proposal using a hidden camera he set up in the theatre. The two are sitting next to each other in the front seats of the theatre watching Sleeping Beauty, Sthuthi's favourite movie. Though the animation is spot-on, the characters are all wrong: Aurora is no longer a fair-skinned blonde, but a darker-skinned brunette like Sthuthi. Lee waited anxiously for six months throughout the entire film in making before popping the big question to his girlfriend. The Prince then gives a dazzling smile on-screen before opening a box to present a sparkling diamond ring -- a departure from the fairytale's storyline--- and tossing it towards the audience. Lee stands up and pretends to catch the box. Then he turns to Sthuthi and says: "It's not every day you get to propose to your high school sweetheart -- so I'm gonna take my time." "I love you with my whole heart, including all of its ventricles, atriums, valves," he says, adding, "She's a cardiologist," to those in the theatre who didn't get the pun. "Will you live happily ever after with me?" Lee finally asks and a beaming Sthuthi finally says yes. "I thought there was something wrong with the movie," she laughs. "For the past six months I've been working with @kaylacoombs to animate @stutzd4 and myself into her favourite movie, 'Sleeping Beauty. The only thing better than seeing the smartest person I know completely dumbfounded was knowing we'd get to live happily ever after together," Lee wrote on Twitter. (ANI) 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:48:30|Editor: yhy Video Player Close SOFIA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A woman was killed and seven other people were injured in an explosion and subsequent fire in an apartment building in Bulgaria's city of Varna on the Black Sea coast, authorities said Monday. The incident occurred at around 4:20 a.m. local time (0220 GMT) in an apartment on the fourth floor of a six-story building, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement. Firefighters evacuated the residents of neighboring apartments, and after extinguishing the fire, the woman's body was discovered, the ministry said. The seven injured were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, the ministry added. Meanwhile, police are searching for the owner of the building. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Number of individual entrepreneurs in Ukraine down in 2019 experts 21:00, 13.01.20 1812 Registration of new entrepreneurs is one of the indicators of economic development. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told about his meeting with schoolboy Mikayel from Gyumri, who raises rabbits. The PM added on Facebook that business should not interfere with education. "Business itself should be an educational process, whereas school or university education a means for conducting a more successful and knowledge-based business. The oligarchic business model in Armenia shall be replaced by an intellectual business model," Pashinyan told Mikayel. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRI NAGAR: Davinder Singh, the Deputy SP who was arrested with two Hizbul terrorists on Saturday, would be treated like a terrorist, the J&K Police said on Sunday. Security agencies have launched a probe to unearth a suspected police-militants nexus after Singh was intercepted with two terrorists whom he was ferrying in a car in the Kashmir Valley. Police, RAW and IB are quizzing Singh for possible leads. In Srinagar, IG, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar informed the media that the police has registered an FIR with relevant sections of the Arms Act, the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Singh to probe his alleged links with terrorists. Singh had done a lot work in anti-militancy operations, the IG said. However, the circumstances in which he was caught is a heinous crime and that is why he is being treated the way a terrorist is treated, Kumar said. The Shopian SP had received an intelligence input about movement of terrorists, who had left in a car from Shopian towards the highway. The terrorists had planned to reach Jammu, he said. A police team led by DIG, South Kashmir, Atul Goel intercepted the car at Wanpoh in which Singh was found behind the steering wheel. After a search, two Hizb terrorists, including a top commander, Davinder Singh, and an advocate, who is listed as Over Ground Worker (OGW) of militants, were arrested, Kumar said. While the two arrested terrorists were Hizbul deputy chief Naveed Babu and his associate Rafi Rather, the advocate was identified as Irfan Shafi. Some arms and ammunition were recovered from the vehicle while a cache of weapons was recovered from Singhs residence, the senior officer said. The IG said Naveed, who was deputy chief of Hizbul, was involved in many terrorist activities, including attacks on non-local truckers and setting ablaze apple orchards in south Kashmir in August-September last year. London, UK: A neuroimaging study recently published in the journal Cephalalgia, the official journal of the International Headache Society, shared more evidence of structural changes in the brain of migraine patients. The study, entitled "Structural connectivity alterations in chronic and episodic migraine: A diffusion magnetic resonance imaging connectomics study", was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of neurologists and bioengineers, coordinated by Dr. Angel Luis Guerrero, from the Headache Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Valladolid, Spain. Migraine is one of the most disabling diseases in the world. To date, it is only diagnosed based on self-reported clinical symptoms, with no overt biomarker identified yet. As a neurological disorder, migraine is known to result from an aberrant central nervous system functioning. On the other hand, it may itself impact brain functioning with increased frequency of headache attacks (e.g., in chronic migraine patients). Different research groups all around the world are attempting to uncover a brain signature of migraine patients, and nowadays brain connectivity is in the spotlight. Brain connectivity is obtained by neuroimaging techniques capable of mapping a full set of patterns of anatomical links in the brain and the strengths of these links (connectomes). The interpretation of these interactions follows the functional characteristics of each brain structure linked. Dr. Guerrero's team assessed brain images from 160 volunteers; fifty healthy participants, 54 episodic migraine patients, and 56 chronic migraine patients. Migraine patients were assessed in the interictal period (headache-free days). Using a whole-brain tractography approach from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques, a total of 620 connections between 84 cortical and subcortical gray matter regions were analyzed. The researchers found structural brain connectivity changes between migraine patients and healthy volunteers, as well as between episodic and chronic migraine patients. Based on the number of streamlines from the anatomically-constrained tractography analysis and DTI descriptors, they found the following main patterns of structural changes: Migraine Patients vs Controls Simultaneous higher and lower number of streamlines in migraine patients, suggesting respectively coexistent strengthening and weakening structural connectivity changes in migraine. Strengthening connectivity was observed in many areas deeply implicated in migraine's pathophysiology, such as the caudate nucleus, thalamus and hippocampus, and other regions such as the insula, the superior frontal gyrus, and the precentral gyrus. The authors contextualized the role of the thalamus in the symptomatology of migraine such as photophobia, allodynia, and central sensitization processes, and the role of insula as the "hub of activity" in migraine. Strengthening connectivity in the hippocampus is akin to its role in pain processing and pain-related attention and anxiety. For weakening connectivity patterns, the authors underscore the changes in the temporal lobe of migraine patients, which may represent a feature of interictal malfunctioning with other pain processing areas in these patients. Episodic vs Chronic Migraine Compared to episodic migraine patients, chronic migraine showed more streamlines, but decreased DTI descriptors (in axial and radial diffusivity), suggesting two different mechanisms connectivity alteration; more streamlines meaning potential adaptation to painful stimuli, and reduced diffusivity meaning possible axonal disturbance. Moreover, in chronic migraine patients, DTI descriptors were positively correlated with the time from migraine onset, suggesting white matter plastic adaptation to highly recurrent painful stimuli. When adding the history of chronic migraine (the duration of chronic migraine) as a covariate in the statistical analyses, they found reduced streamlines of connections with the insula and thalamus, which was interpreted as indicative of temporal changes in pain processing areas throughout the course of migraine, resulting in plastic maladaptive changes. According to Alvaro Planchuelo-Gomez, a bioengineer and the first author of the study, "This kind of study is very important to further investigate other aspects of the disease, such as identifying patterns of changes in patients who revert from the chronic to the episodic form of the disease, and treatment effects". Finally, another relevant aspect of this research is underscored by Dr. David Garcia-Azorin, a neurologist and co-author of the study, "Migraine has no biomarker yet, therefore, more studies engaging the effort of a multidisciplinary team are needed to better understand the complexity of this disease, and, hopefully, establish a brain signature of migraine patients". ### Contact Information: Dr. Angel Luis Guerrero, Headache Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Avenida Ramon y Cajal, 3, Valladolid 47005, Spain. Email: gueneurol@gmail.com About Cephalalgia and International Headache Society: Cephalalgia is the official journal published on behalf of the International Headache Society (IHS), which is the world's leading membership organization for those with a professional commitment to helping people affected by headache. The purpose of IHS is to advance headache science, education, and management, and promote headache awareness worldwide. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for countries in the region to bolster ties to overcome turbulence caused by the presence of the US and its allies. On Sunday he tweeted: 'The current situation... demands - more than ever before - strengthening of relations between countries in the region as well as avoiding influence of foreigners.' His olive branch to Iran's neighbours in the Middle East was a retaliation to Donald Trump warning the regime against killing protesters who have risen up over the country's Revolutionary Guards' downing of a civilian airliner, which killed 176. The US President tweeted: 'To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. 'More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!' Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured on Sunday meeting has called for countries in the region to bolster ties to overcome turbulence caused by the presence of the US and its allies Donald Trump today urged Iran against killing protesters who have risen up over the country's Revolutionary Guards' downing of a civilian airliner, which killed 176 Iranians gather to take part in an anti-government protest around Azadi square in Tehran Sunday night In an interview with CBS's 'Face the Nation' just before the tweet, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump was still willing to hold talks with Iran's leaders. 'We're willing to sit down and discuss without precondition a new way forward, a series of steps by which Iran becomes a more normal country,' Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on CBS's 'Face the Nation'. And if something happened to the protesters? Esper replied: 'The president has drawn no preconditions other than to say we're willing to meet with the Iranian government.' Long-standing US-Iran tensions have soared since January 3 when missiles fired from a US drone killed a top Iranian commander, Qassem Soleimani, near Baghdad's airport. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at two US bases in Iraq, inflicting no casualties in what was seen as an attempt to prevent a spiral of escalation. But hours later, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard unit shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet shortly after takeoff from Tehran. The death of all 176 people aboard and Iran's belated admission its forces mistook the plane for a cruise missile has set off angry protests against the regime. The British ambassador to Iran was briefly arrested Saturday after attending a memorial service for the victims at Tehran's Amir Kabir University. Iranian security forces in front of the British embassy in the capital Tehran during demonstrations following the British ambassador's arrest for allegedly attending an illegal demonstration 'I just think you see a very corrupt regime that the Iranian people are finally standing up and trying to hold them accountable,' Esper said. On another Sunday talk show, national security advisor Robert O'Brien said the Iranian regime was 'reeling from maximum pressure.' 'They are reeling from their incompetence in this situation. And the people of Iran are just fed up with it,' he said on ABC's 'This Week'. 'Iran is being choked off, and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table.' Trump late Sunday slapped O'Brien down, saying, 'Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them.' Meanwhile, said Esper, the US believes it has disrupted the plots that it says precipitated Soleimani's killing, and expects no further Iranian retaliation. Esper and O'Brien defended the intelligence that led the administration to claim Soleimani was plotting imminent attacks on US troops and diplomats in the region. But other than in the case of the US embassy in Baghdad, Esper would not confirm Trump's claim that four US embassies in the region were among Soleimani's targets. Asked if there was specific evidence in the intelligence to support the claim, Esper said, 'I didn't see one with regard to four embassies.' US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the Iranian people are 'finally standing up' to the regime The administration has come under fire from Democrats -- and at least two Republican senators -- for refusing to share the intelligence with members of Congress. Senior congressional leaders -- the so-called Gang of Eight -- were briefed January 8 as skepticism mounted about the administration's rationale for a killing that raised the risk of war with Iran. 'We had exquisite intelligence and the intelligence showed that they were looking at US facilities throughout the region,' O'Brien said on NBC's 'Meet the Press'. 'The threat was imminent.' Adam Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, said there was no discussion in the briefing given to the Gang of Eight about plots against four embassies. 'In the view of the briefers, there was plotting, there was an effort to escalate, a big plan, but they didn't have specificity,' he said. 'So when you hear the president out there on Fox, he is fudging intelligence,' he said on 'Face the Nation'. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the congressional leadership should have been informed of the strike against Soleimani in advance. 'I don't think the administration has been straight with the Congress of the United States,' she said on 'Meet the Press'. West Bengal BJP on Monday termed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city and her decision to "back out" of the opposition meeting in New Delhi as "desperate attempts" to divide anti-TMC votes in the state. According to senior state BJP leaders, Banerjee giving the opposition meeting convened by interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi a miss was a "well-calculated move to give oxygen to the Congress and CPI(M) in Bengal, which are on their political death beds". "She (Banerjee) deliberately wants to send out a message that something is cooking between the BJP and the TMC. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, we emerged as the main opposition in West Bengal. "Now, this is being done in a desperate attempt to split anti-TMC votes between us, the CPI(M) and Congress," a state BJP leader said. He said this "trick" has, however, been exposed and will not yield any result as "people of the state have already decided to oust the TMC government in 2021 and bring the BJP to power in the state". The BJP had secured 18 of the 42 seats in West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, just four less than the ruling TMC. The BJP had bagged 41 per cent of the polled votes while the TMC clinched 43 per cent, relegating the Congress and the Left to the third and fourth positions respectively. "As the Congress and the Left had failed to hold on to their respective electors base, many of whom voted for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee is trying to project these two parties as the main opposition instead of the saffron party," another senior BJP leader said. The state BJP's views come after the chief minister met the prime minister and they shared the dais at a state government event. Protesting incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Congress and the Left workers in the state during a trade union strike on January 8, Banerjee had boycotted an opposition meeting called by Sonia Gandhi on January 13 over CAA, NRC, violence on JNU campus and "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Trinamool Congress leaders, however, dismissed the BJP's allegations, asserting that the saffron party should "stop reading too much between the lines". "It is the TMC that has been at the forefront of anti-CAA protest in the country. We were the first to oppose the amended Citizenship Act. "So they (BJP) should think twice before making any baseless comment. It is the BJP that has a tacit understanding with Congress and CPI(M) in the state," senior TMC leader Tapas Roy said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said the "political match-fixing" between the TMC and the BJP is now out in the open. "The double standards of the TMC and BJP are now exposed. The political match-fixing between the two parties has come out in open. The TMC and the BJP can never fight each other as they are two sides of a coin. Only the Left and the Congress can contest them," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the response of Google, WhatsApp and Apple on a plea by three teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) who had moved court on Friday seeking directions to the city police, and the three internet companies to preserve all the relevant material, data, information and evidence related to the violence that took place at the university campus on January 5. Justice Brijesh Sethi issued notice to the intermediaries including Apple after the counsels for the other side were not present. Appearing for the Delhi Police, lawyer Rahul Mehra informed the court that letters have already been written to the university authorities to preserve the CCTV footage. Also Watch l Leave the past behind: JNU VCs message amid violence, fee hike protests He also told the court that information with regards to two WhatsApp group has also been sought from the Facebook-owned company. The plea has been filed by Ameet Parameswaran, professor at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Atul Sood, professor at Centre for Study of Regional Development, School of Social Sciences, and Shukla Vinayak Sawant, a Professor at School of Arts and Aesthetics. All of them were injured in the violence. The petition filed through advocate Abhik Chimni said the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) had assembled for a peaceful assembly at the T-Point of Sabarmati hostel in the JNU campus at 4 pm on January 5 where even the three professors were present. When the meeting concluded, the teachers were informed that a mob of outsiders, some with masks, carrying rods, lathis and other weapons, were seen on the campus around Periyar Hostel. The plea said the attacks were premeditated and coordinated, planning for which had been done on various WhatsApp groups. The petition has said that after the violence, highly disturbing videos and screenshots emerged across media and social media, in particular on WhatsApp, that further point to the premeditated nature and conspiratorial nature of the attack. It is submitted that several persons appear to have used the WhatsApp platform to create different WhatsApp groups with the purpose of inciting hate and violence against the teachers, staff, and students of JNU..., the petition read, adding the relevant data shared on WhatsApp will act as an important evidence . The plea said they had sent representations to Delhi Police and Delhi government for preserving the footage and other relevant evidence under the Information Technology Act but no response was obtained. It sought that directions be issued to the Delhi government and city police to retrieve all CCTV footage on JNU campus of January 5. Beijing says Taiwan still part of 'one China' Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 6:21 AM China says its policy regarding Taiwan will not change, following the reelection of anti-China Tsai Ing-wen as the self-ruled island's president for a second time. In a statement on Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the internationally-practiced policy of "one China," under which Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan, remained in place. "No matter what changes there are to the internal situation in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change," China's Foreign Ministry said. "The universal consensus of the international community adhering to the 'one China' principle will not change either." The statement added that China hoped that the world would support the "just cause" of Chinese people to oppose secessionist activities and "realize national reunification." Tsai, who is opposed to China's "one country, two systems" model, won another four-year term in office and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a majority in parliament in simultaneous elections on Saturday. Tsai announced her victory on the same day. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said China should respect the election results. "Our government will firmly defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China and Taiwan's democracy and freedom," it said, using a title that Taiwan has chosen as its official name. Meanwhile, China's official Xinhua news agency described Tsai's landslide victory as a "fluke." Taiwan broke away from the mainland during a civil war in 1949. China has been pursuing reunification ever since. While the US, too, recognizes Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, Washington has been courting Taipei, including in the form of extensive military cooperation, in an affront to Beijing. China has repeatedly warned against such US interactions with Taiwan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion at this hour. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Jamia Vice Chancellor reaches out to protesting students, makes a promise on FIR against cops The Jamia Millia Islamia campus was the scene of tension after protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA turned violent in neighbouring areas on December 15, 2019. Read more Big Oppn meet over CAA and economy suffers huge blow with 6 key absentees The DMKs absence from the party meet, however, was the biggest surprise and setback too, particularly since MK Stalins party has been piling pressure on the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu to distance itself from the NDA governments move at the Centre. Read more On Karti Chidambarams Rs 20 cr security deposit plea, SC sends notice to ED Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over a plea by Congress leader Karti Chidambaram seeking the return of Rs 20 crore, which he had deposited with the top courts registry as security for travelling abroad. Read more In clear rejection of NRC, Nitish Kumar points to PM Modis clarification Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday equivocally dissed the National Register of Citizens project, telling the Bihar assembly that there was no question of rolling out the citizens register. Read more India vs Australia: Jasprit Bumrah vs Pat Cummins - The mouth-watering battle set to explode in Mumbai India will be pinning their hopes on Bumrah, who is currently the number one ranked ODI bowler in the world while Australia will believe Cummins, number one ranked Test bowler, take them through against the illustrious Indian batting line-up. Read more Chhapaaks IMDb score falls to 4.4 with 4000 one-star ratings, Twitter suspects foul play Chhapaaks IMDb score has fallen drastically due to a flood of one-star ratings. Twitter users are wondering if there is more to it than simply some unhappy filmgoers. Read more Kareena returns from London with Saif, Taimur and Rs 13 lakh Hermes bag. Check out the other 5 she owns Saif looked dapper, Taimur looked adorable, but it was Kareena, who looked like a million bucks, literally. She wore a matching black pyjama-style co-ord set with olive green boots, her sunnies and a gorgeous Hermes Birkin bag. Read more Lawmaker Luis Parra speaks during a swearing-in ceremony at Venezuela's National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 5, 2020. (Reuters/Manaure Quintero/File Photo) US Targets Maduro-Picked Top Legislator, Six Others in Fresh Venezuelan Sanctions WASHINGTONThe United States on Monday imposed sanctions on seven Venezuelan government officials it said led a bid by Venezuelan socialist President Nicolas Maduro to wrest control of the countrys congress from U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. Earlier this month, troops blocked Guaido from entering congress long enough for the Socialist Party to declare allied legislator Luis Parra as head of parliament. Opposition legislators in a separate session on Jan. 5 re-elected Guaido and later returned to the legislative palace to hold a session. Washington blacklisted Parra and six other current or former officials who, at the bidding of Maduro, attempted to block the democratic process in Venezuela, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, left, who many nations have recognized as the countrys rightful interim ruler, arrives at the National Assembly in Caracas, where he is due to be voted in for a second term as parliament speaker, on Jan. 5, 2020. (Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images) Sanctions prohibit access to U.S. financial markets, freeze any assets in U.S. control and prohibit those in the United States from any transactions with those targeted. The other Maduro-aligned National Assembly delegates blacklisted on Monday are Jose Noriega, Franklyn Duarte, Jose Brito, Conrado Perez, Adolfo Superlano and Negal Morales. Brexit has felt a little like Meghan and Harry's decision to stay linked to the royal family but be "financially independent" of it. It has been hard to imagine what the new order will look like, but it's obvious that getting there will be messy. As he seeks regulatory independence from the European Union, Boris Johnson (like the royal couple) will have to make some real trade-offs. So far it's been smooth sailing. The Brexit legislation that was a Sisyphean burden for his predecessor Theresa May for much of last year proved an easy lift on Thursday with Johnson's new parliamentary majority. The House of Lords may wag a few fingers (for example, protesting the clause that gives ministers the power to tell courts where they can depart from EU case law), but it won't stand in the way of Britain's January 31 departure. The hard part is deciding priorities for the UK-EU trade talks that will immediately follow, because compromises carry costs. Johnson often gets his way against the odds, but the difference between what he hopes for from an EU deal and what he can realistically expect is the difference between imagining yourself as Mikaela Shiffrin tearing down a slalom slope rather than an average vacation skier. Britain's objective is a trade agreement that covers goods and services, along with cooperation in a range of other areas. Johnson also wants flexibility to diverge from EU rules and to sign new trade deals, including with the US, which has a very different regulatory framework to Brussels. Expand Close Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons, in London. UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/Handout via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons, in London. UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/Handout via REUTERS He has pledged Britain won't request an extension to its transition period for exiting, meaning the deal needs to be concluded this year. On Wednesday's visit to London, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen smiled kindly at these demands. Beneath the soothing tones and talk of a partnership "unprecedented in scope", her message was to get real. Not only do both sides have to agree negotiating objectives, priorities and sequencing, they then have to agree the terms of a deal, the legal language and allow time for it to be implemented, including devilishly complicated new customs arrangements for Northern Ireland. Even if both sides want very much to conclude a deal, their starting positions are far apart. Von der Leyen and her chief negotiator Michel Barnier made clear this week there's a trade-off between market access and divergence from EU rules and standards. That, indeed, is the EU's overarching objective. The more freedom Britain has to diverge, the more Brussels will worry about a competitor on its doorstep that will use laxer regulatory standards and lower taxes to attract talent and investment. Even if the feared Singapore-on-Thames is overblown, Britain is now seen as a fierce competitor. That makes the question of sequencing in the talks paramount. The EU won the first phase of the negotiations (for the withdrawal agreement) by insisting the divorce terms - especially the Border question - were resolved before trade talks started. Britain gave away its best cards too early. Johnson doesn't want to repeat that mistake, but with so little time both sides will have to agree where to focus negotiations. A deal that concentrates on eliminating tariffs and quotas for goods trade only would benefit the EU (with its large goods trade surplus with Britain) more than the UK, though it also would allow Johnson to stick to his timetable, claim a political victory and avoid having to pay more into the EU budget. Beyond that bare minimum, though, he'll probably have to concede ground on the so-called "level playing field" provisions - ensuring the UK's regulations and product standards are equally tough - that are an EU obsession. While there's much talk about a fisheries agreement - a key goal for EU members, who want access to British waters, but also for the UK, which sells most of its fishing haul into the EU tariff-free - agriculture might be a bigger sticking point. The EU will be reluctant to remove its farming protections without knowing what kind of deals the UK will strike with other countries, notes Eric White, a trade law consultant at the law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. "For goods trade the tariffs are really quite small and it doesn't really stop people from importing; the regulatory barriers are much more important. But for agriculture, you have some very high duties on beef, lamb and other products [without a trade deal]. Countries are very careful about giving trade concessions for agriculture because it can devastate markets," he says. Even if these goods issues can be resolved, that still leaves services - critical to the finance-dominated UK economy - and many other areas. The EU wants to avoid the Swiss scenario of multiple agreements, as it makes it hard for the EU to link them if it needs leverage over its trading partner. But given time constraints and the depth of the EU-UK relationship, it's hard to see how the two sides have any choice but to separate out some issues, perhaps creating joint committees for adopting decisions down the road, not dissimilar to Johnson's deal and the question of customs and the Border. It seems likely the first trade negotiation will be one of many. The drama may be gone from the UK parliament after Johnson's thumping election victory, but trade negotiations inevitably will engage EU member states much more than the divorce talks. Wallonia, a region of Belgium, nearly scuppered the bloc's trade agreement with Canada, a risk neither Britain nor the EU wants to run this time. Cooperation has always seemed a lot to ask when it comes to Brexit. Everything depends now on whether Johnson and Barnier can live up to their reputations for getting things done. Bloomberg The parents of Nora Quoirin have asked the Irish, French and British Governments to join publicly their demand for an inquest into their daughter's death in a Malaysian jungle. Last August her body was found near the resort where she had been with her family. Her family was told last Friday that the Malaysian police have decided Nora's case requires no further action, and an inquest has been ruled out. Her mother Maebh, from Belfast, said the family will continue campaigning for answers. It is to pile further anguish on the Quoirins to deny them a further opportunity to uncover the truth. Certainly, the authorities must rethink urgently their incomprehensible decision. Leaked photos have confirmed that Samsung's next flagship phone will indeed be called the Galaxy S20 as had previously been speculated. The images of the South Korean firm's Galaxy S20+ also show that the handset will feature a four-camera setup on the back along with a flat screen and thin bezels. Although computer-drawn models of the Galaxy S20 range have previously made the rounds, yesterday leaks represent the first look at the new phones 'in the flesh'. Scroll down for video Leaked photos have confirmed that Samsung's next flagship phone will indeed be called the Galaxy S20 as had previously been speculated. Pictured, a leaked image of the Galaxy S20+ The apparent leaked images of the Galaxy S20+ were published by writer Max Weinbach on XDA Developers, who said that he received the shots from an anonymous source. The photographs have reportedly been edited 'to protect the source'. 'In the image of the rear, the first thing that stands out to us is the camera setup. We can see a total of 4 cameras, a flash, and what looks like a microphone hole', Mr Weinbach wrote. 'On the right side of the phone, we can see a volume rocker and a power button. There is no Bixby button, unlike in the earlier S10 series,' he added. The 'Bixby button' was a control which activated Samsung's Bixby voice assistant. Other features of the new design appear to include a smaller, centred 'hole-punch' forward-facing camera in the otherwise uninterrupted 'Infinity-O' display, which comes with a pre-installed screen protector and is surrounded by thin bezels. 'The Infinity-O display is much less curved than before. Our source said it felt flat almost similar to the Pixel 2 XL, in fact,' Mr Weinbach wrote. 'Samsung appears to have opted for 2.5D glass instead of their usual curved glass,' he added. The apparent leaked images of the Galaxy S20+ were published by writer Max Weinbach on XDA Developers , who said that he received the shots from an anonymous source Features of the Galaxy S20+'s design appear to include a smaller, centred 'hole-punch' forward-facing camera in the otherwise uninterrupted 'Infinity-O' display which comes with a pre-installed screen protector and is surrounded by thin bezels 'In the image of the rear, the first thing that stands out to us is the camera setup. We can see a total of 4 cameras, a flash, and what looks like a microphone hole', Mr Weinbach wrote The leaked images appear to confirm previous rumours that Samsung's new flagship offering the successor to the Galaxy S10 will be the S20 rather than the S11. The S20 line will feature the S20, the slightly larger S20+ and the high-end S20 Ultra which is rumoured will come with more advanced camera technology including ultra-wide, telephoto and macro lenses. It is believed that at S20 line will also include a number of variant models including both 4G and 5G variants of both the S20 and S20+ handsets. According to Mr Weinbach, only the 5G variants will be sold in the US. The Galaxy S20 range is expected to be formally unveiled at Samsung's Unpacked event, which has been scheduled for February 11, 2020. The event will also see the launch of the Galaxy Bloom, the firm's new clamshell-folding smartphone. Renderings created by 91mobiles using leaks from @OnLeaks depict the Samsung Galaxy S11 with a hole-punch style camera at the device's center A rear-facing array may have five separate lenses which are distributed over two rows However, on Monday, and after several developments in the case, Murdoch announced it was withdrawing the financial component of its counterclaim against Dr Schroder-Turk. The University is keen to bring a conclusion to the legal proceedings commenced by Associate Professor Schroder-Turk and is withdrawing the financial component of the counter claim in the spirit of moving towards a resolution for all parties, it read. Murdoch University Associate Professor Gerd Schroder-Turk. Credit:Change.org The university wishes to make clear that there are important principles at stake and will continue its defence of Associate Professor Schroder-Turks legal action. We understand the financial component of the counterclaim as part of the university's defence has become a focus of commentary regarding this case, though it is not the central matter at hand. According to Murdoch, the central issue was whether Dr Schroder-Turks actions had breached his duties as a member of the senate, but the matter did not relate to his employment at the institution. The university maintains that all members of senate must uphold their duties, the statement read. In doing so, there is a requirement as both a matter of law and a matter of principle that members of the senate must at all times act in the best interests of the university and not use their position to cause detriment to the university. The announcement came after Murdoch reportedly on Friday confirmed it had terminated its contract with Overseas Education and Career Consultants, a major recruiter of Indian students. The termination followed international media reports that OECC had been accused of fraud by Indian authorities on the guise of sending students abroad. A Murdoch spokesman told WAtoday the decision to terminate its contract with OECC was made late 2019 as part of its continuous review process. The termination required a review of contracts and other procedures which culminated in Murdoch University writing to OECC on January 10, 2020 to confirm the decision, he said. Murdoch University engaged OECC in 2017. All our agents, policies and procedures are reviewed regularly, as part of our continuous improvement process. Murdoch has seen backlash from the tertiary community over the impact the legal action could have on academic freedom of speech. Some of the nations most prestigious academics from the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship condemned the court proceedings last year, with about 60 signing an open letter to the universitys vice chancellor expressing their deep concern about pursuing legal action. It is a long-established principle of academic freedom that academics must be able to criticise university governance, the letter read. Loading This right is especially important where aspects of university governance might compromise the integrity of teaching and research. However, Murdoch denied the legal proceedings were not about academic freedom but simply senate governance. Murdoch University is committed to freedom of expression and will always provide an environment for students and staff to speak freely, the statement read. This is a longstanding and fundamental commitment which is an integral part of our university. A Chinese delegation from China International Import Expo (CIIE) invited on Sunday more Egyptian companies to join the upcoming CIIE session and seize the chance to increase their exports to the Chinese market. During "Cairo Promotion Conference of 3rd CIIE" held in the Egyptian capital, Liu Fuxue, deputy director general of CIIE bureau, said that the Chinese huge import fair greatly contributes to enhancing and strengthening "economic globalization." "In the next 15 years, China intends to import commodities worth more than 30 trillion U.S. dollars and services worth about 10 trillion U.S. dollars," said Liu, head of the CIIE delegation. He noted that the Chinese importation plan would give a strong push for global economy and provide chances for foreign firms to expand businesses and partnerships in the Chinese market. "China and Egypt have vast markets, which supports the opportunities for further economic cooperation and more investment and trade exchange between the two countries," said the head of the Chinese delegation. The 2019 CIIE was joined by nearly 3,900 companies from at least 155 countries and regions. Han Bing, minister counselor for economic and commercial affairs of the Chinese embassy in Cairo, described the CIIE as "a pioneering move in the history of international trade development." "Hosting the CIIE is a major initiative by China to open its market to the world, and it is an international platform to promote open cooperation to achieve common development," the Chinese diplomat told the attendees. Han invited more Egyptian companies to join the third CIIE that will be held in Shanghai in November 2020, noting that several Egyptian companies actively participated in the first two CIIE editions in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, trade exchange between Egypt and China exceeded 13.8 billion dollars, with 12-billion-dollar Chinese exports to Egypt and 1.83-billion-dollar Egyptian exports to China. "Last year, Egypt was the largest exporter of oranges to China and Egyptian exports of agricultural fruits to China mounted to 140 million dollars," Han continued, noting that China is currently the largest trade partner of Egypt. Egypt exports oranges, grapes, dates and sugarbeet pulp to China and is preparing for exporting pomegranates to the Chinese market, amid growing cooperation between the two countries. Growing ties between Egypt and China have been elevated in 2014 to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership with the support of the political leaderships of both countries. More than 1,600 Chinese companies are currently operating in Egypt with total investments of more than 7 billion dollars, providing over 30,000 job opportunities in the most populous Arab country. Mohamed Helal, board member of the Egyptian-Chinese Business Council, described the Chinese market as "the hugest in the world," saying it is absorbant of foreign products in general. Helal, also vice chairman of Gizatec company for manufacturing fertilizers, added that his firm's participation in the CIIE gave a strong push for its exports to China. "We have seven distributors of our products in China, including two state-run companies. We export innovated fertilizers that serve different regions in China and assist farmers to transform from chemical-based agriculture to environment-friendly agriculture," the Egyptian businessman told Xinhua. He noted that Gizatec cooperated for several years with different Chinese universities in the development of fertilizers. For her part, Hala Dakroury, an official at Egypt's Exports Development Authority (EDA), said that the CIIE has become "a milestone in international cooperation" and "a target of different international corporations looking for massive investment opportunities in the huge Chinese market." "The CIIE is a golden chance to market Egyptian products in China, seize the exportation opportunities provided by the exhibition and find Chinese trade partners," said Dakroury, head of EDA's Central Department of Information, Promotion and Cooperation. "The CIIE reflects China's clear and constant steps towards openness to the world not only by importing products but importing services as well," the Egyptian official told the CIIE promotion conference. Freedom, citizens right and economic growth is a trinity that has often been overlooked by strong governments around the world. The opinion pages focus on aspects related to all three. Kanika Datta sums up the views here Economic growth is the big question today but the bigger problem we should worry about is the decline in trend growth. Why did it go down after 2011? Ajay Shah examines the issue here The Supreme Courts constraints on the governments internet shutdowns are welcome but it should have gone further in reducing executive authority in this arena, ... Three, Including Top Terrorist, Killed in Encounter with Security Forces in Kashmir - Reports Sputnik News 14:59 12.01.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): India's restive Kashmir region has witnessed considerably fewer incidents of violence since the federal government revoked Article 370 on 5 August 2019. However, there have been several shoot-outs between militants and security forces in Kashmir. Three including a top terrorist have been killed in an ongoing struggle between terrorists and security forces in the Gulshanpora area in the Tral sub-district of Pulwama district in South Kashmir on Sunday. The terrorists, belonging to militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, have been identified as Hizb commander Omar Fayaz (alias Hamad Khan), Adil Bashir (alias Abu Dujana) and Faizan Hameed. Hizbul Mujahideen, founded in 1989, is a Kashmiri militant group, which seeks the independence of Kashmir from India. It is comprised of local Kashmiri youth and has seen many commanders from the town of Tral. Tral is considered by Indian authorities to be a hotbed of militancy due to the presence of Hizbul, which was almost wiped out after the face of the militants in Kashmir, Burhan Wani, was killed in an encounter in 2016. The 22-year-old militant Omar Fayaz, alias Hamad Khan, emerged as the new face of Hizbul after escaping an encounter in January 2019. After losing all the senior leaders of the group in 2016, Khan had reportedly kept the group intact while maintaining a low profile. In another encounter on 7 January, one suspected terrorist, Shahid, a resident of Bijbehara town in Kashmir, was killed in a gunfight in the Awantipora area of Pulwama district. As per the police records, he was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and arms and ammunition were recovered from him. On the New Year 's Eve, two Indian soldiers were killed during cordon and search operation in Nowshera sector. The infiltrators were reportedly intercepted in a forest area as they were attempting to enter India from the Pakistan-controlled section of Kashmir. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scene of Lucky Plaza accident on 29 Dec 2019. (Screenshot: Agosto Y Bente Nuwebe/Facebook) SINGAPORE The remaining two victims of the fatal Lucky Plaza car crash are now in stable condition, said the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) on Sunday (12 January). In a Facebook post, CDE chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said that Egnal Layugan Limbauan, 43, and Arceli Nucos, 56, are still undergoing treatment, but are now stable and have been moved to the normal wards. Both have been through extensive medical treatments and we ask for your continued prayers, and give them privacy and time while they embark on their rehabilitation and recovery journey. The two women were among six victims - all Filipina domestic helpers working in Singapore - when a car slammed into a number of pedestrians along Nutmeg Road behind Lucky Plaza on 29 December. Abigail Danao Leste, 41, and Arcelis sister Arlyn, 50, died from their injuries after being conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Demet Limbauan Limbauan, 37, and Laila Flores Laudencia, 44, were also seriously injured but have since been discharged. A 64-year-old male driver, who was later identified as a driver with ride-hailing firm Grab, was arrested for dangerous driving causing death. Investigations are ongoing. Emotional and financial support In partnership with the The Salvation Army, emotional counselling has also been extended to six individuals in the wake of the incident, said Yeo. They are all Filipino workers who were friends or relations of the victims, as well as CDE staff. Yeo also revealed that an initial payment will be made to the families of Leste and Nucos, drawing on the $362,521 that was raised by CDE from public donations, to cover their most urgent and immediate needs. Monthly support payments will also be made to the four surviving women and the dependants of the two deceased women, until they have regained financial independence or the donated funds are exhausted. It is our hope that we can stretch this supplementary monthly support and additional assistance for the victims and/or dependents for as long as possible, said Yeo. Story continues The CDE chair noted that the organisation had also taken into consideration the personal accident insurance claims that the respective employers have filed for all six helpers, which upon payment will most likely be disbursed in a lump sum to the victims and/or their dependents. Related stories: Lucky Plaza car crash: Remains of second fatality to be sent home to Philippines Memorial held for Filipinas killed in freak Lucky Plaza incident Lucky Plaza car crash: More than $100k raised for six victims Lucky Plaza car crash: Why casualties not sent to nearby hospital Lucky Plaza car crash: 2 victims in critical condition, 2 stable 2 dead, 4 seriously injured after car crashes at Lucky Plaza side road, driver arrested Imperial Valley News Center Governor Newsom Proposes 2020-21 State Budget Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom submitted his 2020-21 State Budget proposal to the Legislature Friday which makes responsible investments in the states economic future while tackling head-on persistent challenges facing the state. Californias economic growth has fueled the nations economy. As 2020 begins, Californias economy is the strongest in the nation and the fifth largest in the world. Were eliminating debts, paying down pension liabilities, growing our reserve funds the largest ever at $21 billion and one out of every seven new U.S. jobs is in California, said Governor Newsom. Despite the progress weve made, there are deep, structural challenges that threaten our states future and demand our urgent attention. These problems our widespread affordability crisis, expanding homelessness crisis and catastrophic wildfires have been decades in the making and wont be fixed overnight. California is doing more than ever to tackle these challenges and this budget builds on that work with new investments and ideas to take on these longstanding issues. Building Reserves and Reducing Liabilities California is continuing to build a strong economic foundation to anticipate potential risks. The Budget continues to grow the reserves in the Rainy Day Fund and assumes an additional transfer of nearly $2 billion in 2020-21 and an additional $1.4 billion over the remainder of the three-year forecast period. The Rainy Day Fund balance is projected to be $18 billion in 2020-21 and $19.4 billion by 2023-24. The Budget also: Maintains $900 million in the Safety Net Reserve Sets aside $110 million more in the Public School System Stabilization Account, bringing its total balance to $487 million. Reserves $1.6 billion in the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties to address emergencies and other unforeseen events. Overall, the Budget has $21 billion set aside in reserves. Addressing the Affordability Crisis The states affordability crisis continues to threaten working families who are burdened by the rising costs of health care and prescription drugs, and the sky-high cost of housing and rent. Last year, the state passed historic measures to expand access to health care subsidies for the middle class, approved the strongest renter protection law in the nation, and provided $1 billion in tax relief for working families through the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), while investing in affordable housing production efforts. The Administration has announced a new CalRx generic drug program making California the first state to create its own generic drug label and making the states generic prescription drugs available for sale to all Californians. The Budget transforms Medi-Cal to a more consistent and seamless system by reducing complexity and increasing flexibility and establishes a single market for drug pricing within the state. The Budget also moves the state toward universal coverage and furthers cost containment goals by expanding full-scope Medi-Cal coverage to low-income undocumented Californians aged 65 and above. Building on the states new renter protection law and unprecedented $1.75 billion investment in last years budget to increase housing supply and hold cities accountable for regional housing goals, this years Budget authorizes $500 million annually for the state's housing tax credit program and continues to support housing development on excess state lands. In addition, the Administration is streamlining state processes to accelerate housing production. Finally, the Administration continues to work to establish a trust with $331 million that will provide borrower relief and support housing counselors or other legal aid agencies in representing homeowners and renters in housing-related matters. Confronting the Homelessness Crisis Homelessness is an issue that impacts both urban and rural communities throughout the state, and puts stress on public resources from emergency rooms to jails and public works departments. It is a complex social services problem and must be combatted at its root causes, which is why the Budget introduces several new strategies to build on the $1.15 billion provided to local governments in the last two budgets. The Budget proposes more than $1 billion to radically shift the state's involvement to house the many unsheltered individuals living in California, by launching the California Access to Housing and Services Fund with a $750 million initial investment. This Fund will create a structure for developing affordable housing units, supplementing and augmenting rental subsidies, and stabilizing board and care homes. The additional funding will come from the Medi-Cal Healthier California for All initiative and will also contribute to addressing the homelessness crisis by transforming the Medi-Cal system to better serve individuals experiencing mental illness and homelessness. The Administration will form a task force to improve the state's behavioral health system as well as strategies to strengthen enforcement of behavioral health parity laws. Emergency Response and Effective Government The 2019 Budget Act included nearly $1 billion to enhance the state's emergency response capabilities. The Budget builds on this foundation with investments that further strengthen Californias ability to prevent and respond to fires and that provide the states first responders with additional capabilities and support. The Budget enhances the Department of Forestry and Fire Protections operational capabilities by adding funding for new firefighters during peak fire season, increasing the number of year-round engines, and providing further relief coverage to support state firefighter health and wellness. The Budget also increases the use of technology by obtaining Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to better inform resources management and hazard assessment decisions, and establishes a new Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center to analyze data on wildfire risk. Promoting Opportunity for All The Administration continues working toward a universal preschool system and a comprehensive, quality, and affordable child care system for California while helping parents thrive. The Budget builds on the historic investments made last year to expand access to child care, preschool and full-day kindergarten with funding for 10,000 additional full-day or full-year preschool slots, moving the state closer to its goal of universal preschool for all income-eligible four-year-olds. The Budget also expands the EITC, and increases the amount of child support payments retained by families on CalWORKs, effective January 1, 2022. The 2019 Budget Act expanded Paid Family Leave from six to eight weeks, moving two-thirds towards the goal of six months of paid family leave for two parents to bond with a new child. The Budget builds on this expansion by proposing to extend job protections to more employees, thereby expanding the number of families that can take advantage of this benefit. The Budget also proposes developing a new adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, cross-sector training program with the goal of reducing adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress by half in a generation and establishing a new Department of Early Childhood Development under the Health and Human Services Agency, effective July 1, 2021. Largest K-12 Education Per-Pupil Expenditure in History Preparing students to succeed is important to Californias future. Thats why the Budget proposes a historic level of funding for K-12 schools. Per-pupil funding has grown by more than $7,200 since its low point in 2011-12 and achievement gaps are closing for many students. The state has a well-documented, long-term, statewide teacher shortage in the areas of special education, science and math. The Budget proposes an investment of approximately $900 million in teacher training, including professional development, educator service awards, and teacher residency programs. These investments will increase and improve the teacher workforce, which is foundational to improving student outcomes. The Budget also includes $300 million one-time for grants and technical assistance to prepare and implement improvement plans at the states lowest-performing schools, and includes $300 million one-time for grants to develop community school models with innovative partnerships that support mental health and the whole child. The Budget includes a 40-percent increase in state funding for school nutrition programs to boost the quality of meals provided and to expand access. The Budget also includes $10 million for grants to foster innovative farm-to-school linkages that support sustainable agriculture and make more healthy foods available to schoolchildren. Local educational agencies will also continue to benefit from the massive $3.15 billion non-Proposition 98 General Fund payment made on their behalf to the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Schools Pool. An estimated $850 million is buying down the employer contribution rates in 2019-20 and 2020-21 and the remaining $2.3 billion is being paid toward long-term unfunded liabilities. Overall, these payments are expected to save schools $6.9 billion over the next three decades. Expanding Access to Higher Education The 2019 Budget Act included major investments in higher education that provided two years of tuition-free community college and increased enrollment and investments to improve student success across all segments. The Budget establishes expectations that the University of California and California State University increase undergraduate enrollment, increase student supports and encourage degree completion through innovative delivery methods, including University Extension centers. The Budget proposes major investments in Inland California communities that face higher unemployment and create fewer jobs in high-wage sectors. The Budget allocates additional ongoing funding to expand enrollment and increase operational support for the UC Riverside School of Medicine and to expand the UC San Francisco School of Medicine Fresno Branch Campus in partnership with UC Merced. The Budget also includes funding for a major new food innovation corridor in the Central Valley. Climate Budget The Budget proposes a comprehensive approach to Californias investments to protect the states environment, address the effects of climate change, and promote resiliency. This climate budget includes $12 billion over the next five years. Three key areas of the climate budget are a proposed climate resilience bond, cap-and-trade expenditures to continue the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, and a new Climate Catalyst Fund to promote the deployment of new technologies, especially by small businesses and emerging industries. The Climate Catalyst Fund, which will be administered by the Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, will finance investments in low-carbon transportation, sustainable agriculture and waste diversion through low-interest loans. The Budget proposes to capitalize the Fund with $1 billion General Fund over the next four years. The Fund will have a revolving loan structure that will leverage private capital and will support projects well into the future. It will be designed to support good jobs and a just transition to achieving California's climate goals. Reimagining Criminal Justice The Budget builds on important steps taken last year, including shifting juvenile justice to focus on rehabilitation and reentry, investing in restorative justice, community-based violence prevention, substance-use disorder treatment, prison literacy and pretrial diversion. The Budget proposes to continue expansion of opportunities for rehabilitation and treatment starting with the youngest offenders in state prison. The Budget proposes to cluster the 5,800 young offenders (under age 26) into campus-style environments within existing facilities, with specialized programming and educational opportunities. The Budget also includes a major investment in technology for inmates participating in academic programs and expanded access to higher education programming through partnerships with the California State University system. The Budget includes a major proposal to enhance staff development through a new training facility and training program for correctional officers and counselors. Jobs, the Economy and Protecting the Environment As California enters a new decade, it must prepare for the jobs and economy of tomorrow. Rapid advancements in technology, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the economy and the nature of work, and the state needs to better align data, policy and program analysis for the state's workforce training programs. The Budget includes funding to establish a new Department of Better Jobs and Higher Wages to consolidate the workforce functions currently dispersed across the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. It also funds the next $1 dollar increase in the states minimum wage, bringing it to $13 per hour for most employees as of January 1, 2020. The Budget also proposes to reduce the minimum franchise tax for new small businesses, removing a barrier to entrepreneurship and job creation. Finally, the Budget allocates $53 billion to the state's infrastructure over the next five years, focusing on investments that underpin economic activity and create a sustainable and resilient California. More information on Governor Newsoms budget proposal, including the full budget summary, is available at www.ebudget.ca.gov. 18:03 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jan. 13. According to Peruvian National Police (PNP) Colonel Wilbert Leyva, head of the Cusco regional unit, the visitors were taken to the Machu Picchu police station to be investigated by the Public Ministry for the crime of destroying cultural heritage. Wardens and police officers conducted the intervention at the Temple of the Sun viewpoint Sunday at 5:50 AM. The group included tourists from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and France. According to the Decentralized Culture Directorate of Cusco (DDCC), there is evidence of damage to a lithic artifact, which came off a wall, falling from a height of around six meters, thus causing a crack on the ground. Besides, fecal material was found in the place. The head of the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu Jose Bastante demanded that the corresponding investigations be carried out as soon as possible to determine the responsibility of the individuals and, where appropriate, punish those responsible, based on the legislation in force. The arrested tourists are Favian Eduardo Vera Vergara (Chile, age: 30); Marion Lucie Martinez (France, age: 26); Cristiano da Silva Ribiero (Brazil, age: 30); Magdalena Abril Retamal (Argentina, age: 20); Leandro Sactiva (Argentina, age: 32); and Nahuel Gomez (Argentina, age: 28). (END) PHS/MAO/RMB/MVB Six tourists four males and two females from different countries were arrested Sunday accused of entering the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu illegally, provoking the fall of a stone, and defecating within the site.Published: 1/13/2020 For the most part, I have always regarded reading as a passive and harmless activity, something to stimulate the mind and possibly spark the imagination. But, after reading an article on a Washington Post news feed recently, Im reminded that reading can occasionally raise your heart rate and spike your blood pressure. This reminder came in the form of an article about a young Texas man named Ethan Couch, who, at the age of 22, found himself back in jail for allegedly breaking the terms of his probation again. When Couch was 16, and high on booze and Valium, he drove his fathers pickup truck straight into a group of people trying to help a stranded motorist. He killed four people, in addition to injuring several passengers in the truck he was driving. The body count alone would be enough to spike anyones blood pressure. But heres the thing: This youths defense in 2013 was that his parents spoiled him growing up, and that this wealthy upbringing kept him from fully understanding the consequences of his actions. A defense psychologist testified stated that Couch had affluenza, and should get no jail time. In other words, suffering from the affluenza disorder meant that the poor lad shouldnt be punished for swallowing pills, getting drunk, driving, then and killing and maiming people because he was too wealthy and spoiled, and unable to think of anyone but himself. Apparently, the judge sympathized with this, because Couch got 10 years of probation during which he was to remain drug and alcohol free. As you might suspect, Couch didnt stay within the terms of his probation. We know this from a 2015 social media video that showed him apparently drinking at a party. The prospect of punishment for a probation violation prompted Couch and his mother to flee to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, instead of showing up at his bail hearing. Within a month, authorities figured out where they were staying because the two fugitives ordered pizza delivery to their condo. For all of this, another judge sentenced Couch to a mere 720 days in jail (180 days for each person killed), along with probation under new terms. After getting out in 2018, Couch was ordered to observe a curfew and wear a GPS monitor, in addition to remaining drug and alcohol free. Apparently, he was unwilling to do that, which is why he is now back in the news and was briefly jailed again. A recent drug test showed traces of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. He was released, pending additional tests. I should say at the outset that if the goal was to rehabilitate the lad and instill in him some sense of the magnitude of what he did, I can think of no better place than a medium-security prison where he would have ample time to detoxify, wrestle with the devastation he caused, and get over his sense of entitlement. But that opportunity was missed, and its being missed still. This captures exactly why so many people are angry over inequality and privilege. If it had been a poor kid, especially a minority kid, I seriously doubt that a judge would have handed down a sentence of probation, especially with a body count of four dead and several injured. Hell, weve got poor kids doing years in state prison for holding a little weed, but a wealthy kid mows down some innocent people on a roadside and affluenza becomes a thing. For all I know, affluenza might be a valid defense. It might even explain why so many horrendous things take place at frat parties, and none of it diminishes a wealthy lads future prospect of sitting on the U.S. Supreme Court. But, if weve got to accept affluenza as a defense or a justification, then the same should apply to the opposite of affluenza namely, crushing poverty and hopeless despair. Thats not too much to ask from a society that values equality under the law or, says it does. After all, if someone cant appreciate the consequences of their actions because theyve been spoiled and never told no, the same holds true for someone whose life is characterized by indifference, deprivation and never being told yes. Both prospects are frightening, and for those of us between the extremes, maybe this fear is the only thing that is equal. Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. T he Queen has issued a statement in support of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following the crisis summit saying the royal family respect and understand their desire for a new life. The head of state announced there would be a period of transition with Harry and Meghan who have said they want to be financially independent and step back as senior royals living in Canada and the UK. She stressed the discussions were complex matters for her family to resolve but she wanted final decisions in the coming days. The Queen was joined at Sandringham by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge for the face-to-face talks with Harry and described them as very constructive. Here's what we learned from the Queen's statement: The Queen being greeted by her grandson the Duke of Sussex / PA Harry and Meghan do not want to be reliant on public funds - what does this mean? The couple's public duties and some private ones are mostly funded by the Prince of Wales from his private 21 million-a-year Duchy of Cornwall income, so this is not public funds. Taxpayers pay for the couples official travel, and some of their office costs, but also an undisclosed amount for their security. This could mean they intend to pay for their own security, and entirely fund their own official travel, but no further details have been released by Buckingham Palace. It could mean Charles will continue to fund them, or even the Queen instead through her Duchy of Lancaster income, or that Harry and Meghan will become entirely financially independent. What else did the Queen say? She said Harry and Meghan wished to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family, indicating, at this stage, the couple will not be cutting ties completely with the Windsors. The monarch said she and the family were entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family but she added: We would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex / Getty Images What about their HRH style and their titles? It is not yet known. The couple were referred to initially by the Queen, in an unusual degree of informality for the monarch, as Harry and Meghan, rather than by their official titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This could be seen as a clue to what might be in store. But later in the statement, the Queen calls them the Sussexes. The royal family at Christmas / AFP via Getty Images Where will the couple live? There will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK, the Queen said. How could they fund themselves? Harry and Meghan are predicted to make millions as a global brand. But the pair are already millionaires. Their joint wealth is estimated to be around 18 million, according to writer David McClure, who has investigated royal finances. Harry inherited nearly 7 million from his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, but this will have grown with investment, and he is also thought to have had an inheritance from the Queen Mother, so is believed to have around 10-15 million. The duchess, said to be worth 2-3 million, pocketed a reported 333,000 per season for six runs of the legal drama Suits, as well as earning an income from feature films and fashion collections. Meghan and Harry / POOL/AFP via Getty Images When will the saga be resolved? The Queen, taking charge of the crisis, is clearly keen to conclude the matter and move on. More work is to be done after very constructive discussions with the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Harry, she said. But she is keeping to a tight timetable and has asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. What are the problems that need resolving? As well as confirmation on funding, security and titles, other issues include: What official engagements will Harry and Meghan carry out and how many? What proportion of their time will be spent on royal duties, and what will happen to their Commonwealth roles, their charities and their patronages? How will they ensure there is not a conflict of interest between their royal duties and their private work? Will they pay rent on Frogmore Cottage? Will this be at a commercial rate or a peppercorn rent? Where will they live in Canada and who will pay for their home? Where will they pay tax? Where will Archie go to school? What is happening with Meghans British citizenship application? Has this been completed? Unnao : Jan 13 (IANS) The doctor who treated the father of the Unnao rape victim has died in mysterious circumstances here on Monday. Prashant Upadhyaya had treated the Unnao rape victim's father in April 2018 after he had been brutally thrashed in police custody. The doctor was posted in the emergency ward of the district hospital. He had discharged the rape victim's father after first aid and the latter died in custody a few hours later. Upadhaya was later suspended during the CBI inquiry into the matter. He had later been reinstated and was presently posted in Fatehpur. The case related to the murder of the rape victim's father is scheduled to come up in court on Tuesday. According to his family members, Upadhaya complained of difficulty in breathing on Monday morning but refused to go to the hospital. Later when he was taken to the hospital, the doctors declared him brought dead. The family members said that he was a diabetic patient. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar, who has been convicted for the rape of the Unnao victim, is serving a life sentence in Tihar jail while his brother Atul Sengar is also in jail for the murder of the girl's father. Home Search ICH The Long Planned U.S. Assassinations In Iraq Will Increase Its Political Chaos By Moon Of Alabama January 13, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The Trump administration has given various justification for its assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani and commander Abu Mahdi al Muhandis. It claimed that there was an 'imminent threat' of an incident, even while not knowing what, where or when it would happen, that made the assassination necessary. Trump later said the thread was a planned bombing of four U.S. embassies. His defense secretary denied that. That has raised the suspicion that the decision to kill Soleimani had little to do with current events but was a long planned operation. NBC News now reports that this is exactly the case: President Donald Trump authorized the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani seven months ago if Iran's increased aggression resulted in the death of an American, according to five current and former senior administration officials. The presidential directive in June came with the condition that Trump would have final signoff on any specific operation to kill Soleimani, officials said. The idea to kill Soleimani, a regular General in an army with which the U.S. is not war, came like many other bad ideas from John Bolton. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter After Iran shot down a U.S. drone in June, John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser at the time, urged Trump to retaliate by signing off on an operation to kill Soleimani, officials said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also wanted Trump to authorize the assassination, officials said. But Trump rejected the idea, saying he'd take that step only if Iran crossed his red line: killing an American. The president's message was "that's only on the table if they hit Americans," according to a person briefed on the discussion. Then unknown forces fired 30 short range missiles into a U.S. base near Kirkuk. The salvo was not intended to kill or wound anyone: The rockets landed in a place and at a time when American and Iraqi personnel normally were not there and it was only by unlucky chance that Mr. Hamid was killed, American officials said. Without presenting any evidence the U.S. accused Katib Hizbullah, an Iraqi Popular Militia Unit, of having launched the missiles. It launched airstrikes against a number of Katib Hizbullah positions near the Syrian border, hundreds of miles away from Kirkuk, and killed over 30 Iraqi security forces. This led to demonstrations in Baghdad during which a crowd breached the outer wall of the U.S. embassy but soon retreated. Trump, who had attacked Hillary Clinton over the raid on the consulate/CIA station in Benghazi, did not want to get embarrassed with a full embassy breach. The media claim that it was the embassy breach that the led to the activation of an operation that had already been planned for a year before Trump signed off on it seven month ago. As the New York Times describes it: For the past 18 months, officials said, there had been discussions about whether to target General Suleimani. Figuring that it would be too difficult to hit him in Iran, officials contemplated going after him during one of his frequent visits to Syria or Iraq and focused on developing agents in seven different entities to report on his movements the Syrian Army, the Quds Force in Damascus, Hezbollah in Damascus, the Damascus and Baghdad airports and the Kataib Hezbollah and Popular Mobilization forces in Iraq. It was the embassy breach and a war-industry lobbyist who convinced Trump to finally pull the symbolical trigger: Defense Secretary Mark Esper presented a series of response options to the president two weeks ago, including killing Soleimani. Esper presented the pros and cons of such an operation but made it clear that he was in favor of taking out Soleimani, officials said. Trump signed off and it further developed from there. There was no intelligence of any 'imminent threat' or anything like that. This was an operation that had been worked on for 18 month. Trump signed off on it more than half a year ago. Those who had planned it just waited for a chance to execute it. We can not even be sure that the embassy bombing had caused Trump to give the final go. It might have been that the CIA and Pentagon were just waiting for a chance to kill Soleimani and Muhandis, the leader of Katib Hizbullah, at the same time. Their meeting at Baghdad airport was not secret and provided the convenient opportunity they had been waiting for. Together Soleimani and Muhandis were the glue that kept the many Shia factions in Iraq together. The armed ones as well as the political ones. Soleimani's replacement as Quds brigade leader, Brigadier General Ismail Qaani, is certainly a capable man. But his previous field of work was mainly east of Iran in Afghanistan and Pakistan and it will be difficult for him to fill Soleimani's role in Iraq: After Soleimanis death, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Soleimanis deputy Ismail Qaani to succeed him. Qaani does not speak Arabic, does not have an in-depth knowledge of Iraq, nor the insight of Soleimani and his ability to balance the different positions of Iraqs factions with the opinions of Ayatollah Khamenei and the religious authorities in Najaf. The question is how the successor of Soleimani will manage his new responsibility including the thorny issues in Iraq. The escalation of the Iranian-American conflict is, according to many, an escalation towards war and the destabilization of the region in which the rules of engagement have changed. The question remains how, and not whether all of this will impact the situation in Iraq. Today the Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who has his on militia, and Iraqi PMU leaders met in Qom, Iran, to discuss how the foreign troops can be expelled from Iraq. Gen. Qaani will likely be there to give them advice. Yesterday Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hizbullah, gave another speech. In it he called on the Kurds in Iraq to pay back their debt to Soleimani and Hizbullah, which is owned for their fight against ISIS, and to help to evict the foreign soldiers from Iraq: 85-Nasrallah: Now, the rest of the path. 1) Iraq: Iraq is the first country concerned w/responding to this crime, because it happened in Iraq, and because it targeted Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a great Iraqi commander, and because Soleimani defended Iraq. 86-Nasrallah: I ask Masoud Barazani to thank Soleimani for his efforts in defending Erbil and Kurdistan Region, because Soleimani was the only one to respond to your call. Soleimani and with him men from Hezbollah went to Erbil. 87-Nasrallah: Barazani was shaking from fear, but Soleimani and the brothers from Hezbollah helped you repulse this unprecedented threat; and now you must repay this good by being part of the effort to expel the Americans from Iraq and the region. The Barzani family, which governs the Kurdish part of Iraq, has since long sold out to the Zionists and the United States. It will certainly not support the resistance effort. But Nasrallah's request is highly embarrassing to the clan and to Masoud Barzani personally. So far I only found this rather confusing response from him: Nihad N. Arafat @NihadArafat - 7:44 UTC Jan 13, 2020 The Kurdistan Regional Governments response to the immoral speech uttered by Hassan Nasrallah through the anti-terror apparatus is a clear message from the regional government to those terrorists that the response to the terrorists must be through the anti-terror apparatus. As military leader both Soleimani and Muhandis are certainly replaceable. The militia groups they created and led will continue to function. But both men also played important political roles in Iraq and it will take some time to find adequate people to replace them in that. That makes it likely that the already simmering political situation in Iraq will soon boil over as the Shia factions will start to fight each other over the selection of a new Prime Minister and government. The U.S. will welcome that as it will try do install a candidate that will reject the Iraqi parliament decision to remove the foreign forces from Iraqi grounds. This article was originally published by " Moon Of Alabama " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. 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. Alex Cox (pictured) allegedly threatened to kill his sister Lori Vallow's third husband years before he fatally shot her fourth husband The brother of Lori Vallow, an alleged cult member believed to be involved in the disappearance of her two children, threatened to kill his sister's third husband years before he fatally shot her fourth husband. Alex Cox became embroiled in the mystery of his sister's missing children, seven-year-old Joshua 'JJ' Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan, after it emerged that he had shot dead her estranged husband and JJ's adoptive father, Charles Vallow, last July. Court documents obtained by FOX10 revealed that the July incident was not the first time Alex had gotten in a violent altercation with one of Lori's husbands. A warrant for Alex's arrest in 2007 in Travis County, Texas, alleges that he had threatened to kill Lori's ex-husband, Joseph Ryan. The warrant states that Lori and Joseph were exchanging custody of their daughter Tylee when Alex followed the father into the parking lot to talk. Alex then allegedly shocked Joseph with a taser and threatened to kill him before the father escaped. The following year, Alex pleaded guilty to a second-degree aggravated assault charge and served three months in jail. Twelve years after the incident with Joseph - who died of an apparent heart attack aged 59 in 2018 - Alex killed Lori's next husband, Charles, in a similar custody exchange. Charles had gone to Lori's home in Chandler, Arizona, to pick up there adoptive son JJ - who has autism - when the couple got in an argument. Alex intervened and ultimately shot Charles in the chest. Police initially determined that he acted in self defense - but the case was reopened amid a multi-state search for JJ and Tylee, who have been missing since September. Cox himself died aged 51 on December 12 in Gilbert, Arizona. His death is now under investigation as police wait for an autopsy to determine the cause, which could take up to three months. Court documents revealed that Alex had threatened to kill Lori's previous husband, Joseph Ryan (pictured) in 2007 Alex fatally shot his sister Lori's estranged husband Charles Vallow (above together) last July Tylee Ryan, 17, (left) and Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, seven, (right) have not been seen or heard from since September. Police in Rexburg, Idaho, only realized they were missing two days before Thanksgiving when they were asked to conduct a welfare check by relatives Tylee is seen in an undated photo with her father Joseph Ryan, who died of an apparent heart attack in 2018 JJ and Tylee were last seen in Rexburg, Idaho, on September 23 but were never reported missing by their mother. Authorities began searching for the children in late November after performing a welfare check ordered by concerned relatives who said they hadn't spoken to JJ in months. Investigators say Lori and the man she married in earlier that month, Chad Daybell, fled their Idaho home the day after the welfare check. They claim Lori and Chad have repeatedly lied about where JJ and Tylee are and have not cooperated with the investigation. The couple are considered persons of interest in the children's disappearance after investigators said they believe Lori knows where her children are or what happened to them. The search for JJ and Tylee uncovered a web of mysterious deaths surrounding Lori and Chad that has baffled investigators and captivated the country for weeks. The first death is that of Charles Vallow, Lori's estranged husband. The second was Tammy Daybell - Chad's previous wife. Tammy was found dead at the couple's home in Salem, Idaho, on October 19. An obituary stated that Tammy passed away in her sleep. Chad reportedly declined an autopsy and her death was ruled to be from natural causes. Investigators reopened the case after learning that JJ and Tylee were missing, as their mother had married Chad just two weeks after Tammy died. They believe the two cases could be linked. Tammy's body was exhumed on December 11. Fremont County Sheriff Len Humphries told DailyMail.com on Monday investigators believe she may have been poisoned. On December 12, Lori's brother Alex turned up dead. 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 the disappearance of her children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua 'JJ' Vallow. The pair are believed to be members of a dangerous religious cult obsessed with the end of times Rexburg police say Chad and Lori have repeatedly lied about where their children are and aren't cooperating with the investigation. Joshua is pictured left and Tylee is pictured right Chad's then-wife Tammy Daybell (pictured together) was found dead under mysterious circumstances in October, just two weeks before he married Lori Chad Daybell's previous wife, Tammy Daybell, died at their home in Rexburg, Idaho, in October and was buried in Springville, Utah. Chad's new wife, Lori, was also widowed in 2019 when her husband, Charles Vallow, was shot dead by her brother, Alex Cox, in July in Chandler, Arizona The string of mysterious deaths have left other relatives in fear for their lives as they suspect Lori and Chad's alleged links to a doomsday cult may be responsible. Family members have said that Lori turned into a 'monster' after she met Chad, the author of 25 books about the end of the world, and joined a cult called Preparing a People with him around 19 months ago. 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 October 25: A friend of Tylee receives a text from her phone Early November: 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 Lori was married to Charles at the time that she allegedly joined the cult. The couple separated months later and Charles filed a petition for divorce and for custody of JJ in February 2019. In court documents, Charles claimed that Lori - referred to as 'mother' - had recently become 'infatuated, at times obsessive, about near death experiences and spiritual visions'. 'Mother has told Father [Charles] that she is sealed [eternally married] to the ancient Book of Mormon prophet Moroni and that she has lived numerous lives on numerous planets prior to this current life,' the documents state. 'Mother also informed Father that she is a translated being who cannot taste death sent by God to lead the 144,000 into the Millennium. 'Mother believes that she is receiving spiritual revelations and visions to help her gather and prepare those chosen to live in the New Jerusalem after the Great War as prophesied in the book of Revelations.' Charles also claimed in the petition that Lori had threatened to kill him. During a January 29 phone conversation, Lori allegedly told Charles that she was a 'God assigned to carry out the work of the 144,000 at Christ's second coming in July 2020 and that if Father [Charles] got in her way of her mission she would murder him', the documents state. Attorneys who represented Charles during the divorce proceedings recently revealed that their client had predicted either Lori or her brother Alex would kill him. Speaking to FOX10 on Wednesday, lawyer Steven Ellsworth claimed that Charles told him: 'I'm afraid I'm gonna be killed, and I know who's gonna do it. 'I'm telling you, Steve, so that if something happens to me, I wanna make sure you let everyone know that something happens, I'm killed, that it's my wife Lori and her brother, Alex Cox.' Five months later, Charles' prediction came true when Alex killed him. THE PLAYERS: A WHO'S WHO IN THE CASE OF MISSING IDAHO KIDS TYLEE AND JJ Last week DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Lori and Alex had engaged in a knock-down, drag-out fight in the middle of the street about a year ago in the Phoenix suburb of Sun Tan Valley. Neighbor Donny Self said the fight was so bad he and other neighbors were close to calling the police on the warring siblings. 'I heard this huge commotion,' Self told DailyMail.com. 'People were coming out in the street to watch what was going on. 'I thought they must be husband and wife because it was the sort of fight you don't normally have with your sister. She was screaming at him accusing him of bringing disgrace on their family.' After it was over, Lori left the house she had been sharing with her brother and never came back, Self said. 'I joked with my wife that I thought he might have killed her after their argument,' he recalled. Self said Cox, who had a history of violent assaults, was very unfriendly and tried to avoid contact with his neighbors on the quiet residential street. 'One day I was doing some yard work in the front and he drove his Ford pickup into the front. I waved and tried to say hello, but he ignored me and just went inside.' Self said that at one point Cox was away from the four-bedroom single story home for some six weeks and left the garage door open for the entire time. 'It's a good job we are a quiet law-abiding community because he had a lot of stuff in there and none of it got stolen.' When he returned to the home which is now empty and up for rent he moved everything out of the garage so he could fit the truck in. 'I think he just wanted to get straight into the house without having to see any of his neighbors,' said Self. Alex was found dead in his new home in Gilbert on December 12 - 10 days after he ran off to Las Vegas to marry Zulema Pastenes, 55, on December 2. His widow did not return calls from DailyMail.com and did not come to the door at her home in Gilbert. However, her son confirmed she and Cox had married shortly before his death. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Northern Ireland on Monday to meet Stormont's newly-appointed leaders and mark the return of devolution after there years of deadlock. Johnson, along with Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, was greeted by DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill outside Stormont Castle in Belfast. Speaking after talks at Stormont, Johnson said politicians from all sides had "stepped up to the plate and shown leadership" in breaking the political impasse. Northern Ireland - part of the UK along with England, Wales and Scotland - has been without a functioning administration since the power-sharing government set up after a 1998 peace accord fell apart in January 2017 over a botched green-energy project. The rift soon widened to broader cultural and political issues separating Northern Ireland's British unionists and its Irish nationalists, the two communities whose conflicting identities and aspirations fueled years of violence in which more than 3,000 people died. Since 2017, Northern Ireland has been run by civil servants with limited powers to make big decisions. Major projects have been put on hold -- all in the shadow of the UKs impending departure from the European Union on Jan. 31, which has serious implications for the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, an EU member. After three years of acrimony that left Northern Ireland with a stack of unresolved issues and a growing public-sector crisis, the parties agreed on Friday to a deal brokered by the UK and Irish governments to revive the Belfast government. The deal promises UK government funds for big infrastructure projects and Northern Ireland's cash-strapped public services. Northern Ireland's health service has been has been particularly hard hit by the political vacuum, and nurses have staged a series of strikes to protest staffing shortages and eroding salaries. "I see the hand of the future beckoning us all forward. And I hope that with goodwill and compromise and hard work on all sides it will be a very bright future indeed," Johnson said. President says the Senate should simply dismiss the impeachment case against him, an extraordinary suggestion as the House prepares to transmit the charges to the chamber for the historic trial. The president is giving mixed messages ahead of the House's landmark vote that will launch the Senate proceedings in a matter of days, only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. Trump faces charges that he abused power by pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and then obstructed Congress. First Trump was suggesting his own ideas for trial witnesses, then he said almost the exact opposite Sunday by tweeting that the trial shouldn't happen at all. "Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial over charges he calls a hoax, Trump tweeted, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree! The idea of dismissing the charges against Trump is as unusual as it is unlikely. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signed on to an outlier proposal circulating last week among conservative senators, but he does not have enough support in the Republican-held chamber to actually do it. It would require a rare rules change similar to the approach McConnell used for Supreme Court confirmations. Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned Sunday that senators will pay a price if they block new witness testimony with a trial that Americans perceive as a cover-up for Trump's actions. "It's about a fair trial," Pelosi told ABC's "This Week". "The senators who are thinking now about voting for witnesses or not, they will have to be accountable. She said, Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay a price. Voters are divided over impeachment largely along the nation's deeply partisan lines and the trial is becoming a high-stakes undertaking at the start of a presidential election year. A House vote to transmit the articles to the Senate will bring to a close a standoff between Pelosi and McConnell over the rules for the trial. The House voted to impeach Trump last month. Yet ending one showdown merely starts another across the Capitol as the parties try to set the terms of debate over high crimes and misdemeanors. Democrats want new testimony, particularly from former White House national security adviser John Bolton, who has indicated he will defy Trump's orders and appear if subpoenaed. Trump doesn't want his brash former aide to testify. Republican allies led by McConnell, R-Ky., are ready to deliver swift acquittal without new testimony. Trump first said Sunday it's Pelosi and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff who should both testify, which would be unlikely. The president said he shouldn't have to carry the stigma" of impeachment because he's done nothing wrong. Pelosi said the House vote last month means Trump will be "impeached forever" and "for life". McConnell is reluctant to enter a divisive Senate debate over witnesses that could split his party and prolong a trial that is already expected to consume weeks of floor time. He is seeking a speedy acquittal and has proposed a process similar to the presidential impeachment trial of Bill Clinton in 1999, which would start the proceedings and then vote later on hearing new testimony. One leading Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, has already predicted that the trial would end in a matter of days.? Graham and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. are leading the effort to dismiss the charges against Trump. Trump delayed nearly $400 million in aide as Ukraine battled Russia on its border while he pushed the country's new president to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Trump pays close attention to a conspiracy theory pushed by his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani about Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine while his father was vice president. No evidence of wrongdoing by the Bidens has emerged. Some GOP senators want to turn the impeachment trial away from the Democrats' case and toward the theories being pursued by Giuliani. GOP Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said Sunday he wants to hear from the Bidens "and find out get to the bottom of that." At least one Republican up for reelection, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, said last week she was in talks with GOP colleagues on a process that would allow them to hear more testimony as Democrats want. The Democratic-run House has not yet set the timing for this week's vote to transmit the impeachment articles to the Senate. Pelosi will meet behind closed doors with House Democrats to decide next steps on Tuesday morning ahead of the party's presidential primary debate that evening, the last before the Iowa caucuses February 3. Once the Republican-led Senate receives the charges, the trial is expected to begin swiftly. While some Democrats have grumbled about the delay, Pelosi and other party leaders defended the strategy, saying it produced new potential evidence and turned public attention on the upcoming trial. "One of the things that holding on to the articles has succeeded doing is fleshing out McConnell and the president's desire to make this a cover up," Schiff, D-Calif., said on CBS' Face the Nation. Politico reports that Bernie Sanderss campaign has begun stealthily attacking Warren as a candidate of the upper crust who could not expand the Democratic base in a general election. Politicos report is based on a script it says it obtained that sets forth what Sanders volunteers should tell voters. The document begins: I like Elizabeth Warren. [optional] In fact, shes my second choice. [Optional], I love that bit. I wonder how many of Sanderss shock troops would pick the option of not saying they like Warren. Sanderss backers are then supposed to say that people who support [Warren] are highly-educated, more affluent people who are going to show up and vote Democratic no matter what and that shes bringing no new bases into the Democratic Party. This is brilliant. Sanders attacks Warren in populist terms as the candidate of highly-educated, more affluent people but in the guise of a raising a pragmatic concern about her ability to expand the Democratic base. The takeaway of most who hear this script would be that Warren is an elitist, who is not one of us. It wouldnt be that Warren cant expand the partys appeal. The standard line on Sanders and Warren is that they are competing for the same votes in the progressive lane of the Democratic party. Thats true up to a point, and its why, presumably, the anti-Warren script was formulated. However, its also true that Warren appeals to a different kind of progressive than Sanders does. The Sanders script obtained by Politico highlights this difference to the Vermont socialists advantage. Sanders is correct, I think, in saying that Warren wont bring new bases into the Democratic Party. Sanders might. The problem is that, to a greater degree than Warren, Sanders, as an out-and-out socialist, might subtract bases from the party. Warren responded to Politicos report by expressing her disappointment in other words by whining. We all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016 and we cant have a repeat of that, she moaned. But its normal, and indeed healthy, for candidates to criticize their opponents. Warren didnt hesitate to go after Pete Buttigieg in the most recent Democratic debate because it had become clear that he represented a threat to her prospects in Iowa. Sanders, though, tried to distance himself from the anti-Warren talking points. He said: We have hundreds of employees. Elizabeth Warren has hundreds of employees. People sometimes say things that they shouldnt have. You have heard me give many speeches. Have I ever said one negative word about Elizabeth Warren? No, of course I didnt. But the fact that Sanders has never attacked Warren in a speech doesnt mean he wouldnt have others attack her under the radar. Naturally, I dont know whether Sanders authorized the attack on Warren. Nor do I know whether Sanders is unhappy that the anti-Warren script was developed and used or just that it came to light. Im pretty sure, however, that the talking points express the prevailing view of Sanderss core supporters. And Id be surprised if they are inconsistent with the candidates thinking. The Delhi Police on Sunday identified a woman, who was seen with two masked men involved in January 5 violence on JNU campus, as a student of a Delhi University college. Officials of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), who are probing three cases of violence and vandalism on campus between January 3 and 5, said they will serve a notice to the student Monday, asking her to join the probe and identify the two masked men, seen with her. She is a student of Daulat Ram college. Once she joins probe, we will question her about her role in the violence, said deputy commissioner of police Joy Tirkey, who is heading the SIT. Also Watch l Leave the past behind: JNU VCs message amid violence, fee hike protests JNU students and teachers have been alleging that the masked woman was from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The SIT officials refused to comment on the accused womans political affiliation. We have already confirmed having a volunteer of the same name as that of the woman shown in the videos of violence and identified by many on the social media. Since Delhi Police have not contacted us regarding the identification, we cannot say if she is the same person who is associated with us (ABVP). We have been cooperating with the police, said Sidharth Yadav, ABVPs Delhi secretary. SIT officials said they have also identified another JNU student who was seen in a video, holding a stick and standing with Vikas Patel, who was among the nine identified on Friday by the police. While handing out images of the nine student, the police had used the wrong photo of Patel, but later shared the correct one. He will soon be asked to appear before us, said an SIT official. At least 55 more people have been identified by the SIT after scanning the videos, images posted on the social media and recording the statement of nearly 40 eyewitnesses. Forty-six of those identified, include JNU students union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh, have already been served notice by the SIT to join the investigation, said police. Ghosh denied the allegations and said the Delhi police must produce evidence against her. Apart from the nine students (Ghosh and 8 others who were identified later), the other 37 JNU student are those who were found to be the members of a WhatsApp group, Unity against Left that was created around 5.30pm on January 5 almost an hour before the mob attack at JNUs Sabarmati hostel. There were 60 members in the group. We are identifying the other 23 members. Their residential addresses are being tracked, he added. Another SIT official said that two JNU students Akshat Awasthi and Rohit who are seen testifying to their involvement in January 5 violence in a sting operation done by India Today news channel did not turn up to the probe Sunday, despite agreeing for it over phone on Saturday. We tried contacting them but they have switched off their phones. We will serve them written notice Monday, an officer said, adding that of the other six freshly identified suspects, two are associated with right-wing groups while other two are from the Left parties. Server damaged On Sunday, the SIT rejected claims by JNUSU that server at JNU administrative block was functioning till January 4, and an email was also sent to students from the group mailing communication and information services on January 5. Forensic experts told us that it was badly damaged and no emails could have been sent, Tirkey added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 00:30:08|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States has imposed fresh sanctions targeting Venezuela, involving seven Venezuelans, the U.S. Treasury Department announced on Monday. The Treasury said in a statement that it has blacklisted seven National Assembly delegates, who it claimed "took steps to undermine the elections process in the National Assembly." Following the designation, all property and interests in property of the punished individuals subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Venezuela's National Assembly convened on Tuesday with opposition deputy Luis Parra serving as president of the legislative body. Hardline opposition leader Juan Guaido lost his bid for reelection as president of the assembly to Parra over a week ago, an outcome Guaido and his group refused to accept. The United States has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Venezuelan government in support of Guaido. Girl dies after family swept into ocean A 7-year-old girl is dead and her 4-year-old brother is missing after they and their father were swept into the ocean on the Oregon coast amid a high-surf warning. The father was holding the two children when a wave swept all three into the water about 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Falcon Cove area, near the small coastal community of Cannon Beach, authorities said. Jeremy Stiles, 47, of Portland and his daughter were taken by ambulance to a hospital in the nearby city of Seaside, while the Coast Guard deployed helicopters to help search for the boy. A police officer initially found the man struggling to get out of the water, while the girl was farther offshore. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. The father's condition was not immediately available. The hours-long search for the boy was suspended once it became dark. 180 sheep rescued from a ship that was abandoned after capsizing have arrived safely at their new home in Romania, two months after the accident took place. Animal rescuers saved 254 sheep from the ship after it capsized off Romania with 14,600 sheep on board, however dozens later died of illness and exhaustion, leaving just 180 left. Workers from animal charity Four Paws boarded the sinking ship in October to find the animals were kept in grim conditions. The sheep were being transported on the Queen Hind ship from Romania to Saudi Arabia for slaughter when the vessel overturned shortly after leaving the Black Sea port of Midia. The 180 rescued sheep pictured in their new home on former horse farm north of Bucharest in Romania The surviving sheep pictured in their new home. Animal charity workers from Four Paws hope to gain full ownership of the animals New home: Some of the surviving sheep pictured in their new home in a former horse farm north of Bucharest in Romania Four Paws and its Romanian partner organisation Arca gained custody of the 180 sheep after refusing to send them to the slaughter house. The surviving animals are now living in a former horse farm north of Bucharest. The charity is battling to gain full ownership of the sheep, after which they plan to redistribute them to vegan sanctuaries for rescued farm animals in Romania. Some of the surviving sheep pictured in their new home. Animal rescuers saved 254 sheep from the ship after it capsized off Romania with 14,600 sheep on board, however dozens later died of illness and exhaustion, leaving just 180 left Four Paws and its Romanian partner organisation Arca gained custody of the 180 sheep after refusing to send them to the slaughter house. The surviving animals are now living in a former horse farm north of Bucharest Four Paws said it would 'fight to ensure that the rescued sheep find a suitable solution and protection, without further exploitation from humans.' Thousands of the sheep died in the incident last year and footage showed the surviving sheep clambering over mounds of lifeless bodies. Other sheep were seen presumably drowned in pools of water which had overrun parts of the ship after it had capsized. Thousands of the sheep died in the incident late last year and footage showed the surviving sheep clambering over mounds of lifeless bodies Survivors: Three injured and exhausted sheep rest after they were rescued from the 'ship of death' which capsized in October last year with 14,600 of the animals on board Horrific conditions: Rescuers from the charity Four Paws boarded the ship, revealing footage of the grim conditions on board The Queen Hind capsized on Sunday shortly after leaving the Black Sea port of Midia with 14,600 sheep on board Kuki Barbuceanu of the Animal Rescue and Care charity said most of the dead animals had probably fallen into water when the ship listed. The crew of 20 Syrians and one Lebanese were rescued along with 32 of the sheep after the ship capsized a short way into its journey to Saudi Arabia. The case has drawn fresh attention to the controversial sea transport of livestock. The country's main livestock breeders and exporters' association Acebop called for an urgent investigation in the wake of the incident, saying it was 'shocked by the disaster'. 'If we cannot protect livestock during long-distance journeys, we should outright ban them,' Acebop president Mary Pana said in a statement. Overturned: The 260ft long cargo ship Queen Hind in the water off the Romanian coast after in capsized Footage published by the charity Four Paws showed the surviving sheep clambering over the lifeless bodies of other animals who are feared to have drowned on board the ship Rescue operation: People prepare to board the overturned vessel Acebop has previously called for legal changes that would oblige transporters to improve conditions aboard livestock carriers. Four Paws said it was demanding an 'outright ban of long-distance transports of live animals and a maximum of eight hours transportation duration'. The charity 'calls on all member states of the European Union to suspend transport of live animals to third countries immediately,' director da Cal said. The crew - 20 Syrians and one Lebanese national - were rescued along with 32 sheep (pictured) Charity and emergency workers entered the sinking ship to rescue the animals Romania joined the EU in 2007 and is the bloc's third-largest sheep breeder and a top exporter, primarily to Middle Eastern markets. The veterinary authority said in a statement that the vessel had fully complied with EU regulations and that sufficient space, food and water had been provided. Activists have labelled the livestock transport vessels - about 100 of which leave Midia every year - 'death ships', saying sheep risk being cooked alive on board during the hot summer months. Washington Defense Secretary Mark Esper explicitly said Sunday that he had seen no hard evidence that four American embassies had been under possible threat when President Donald Trump authorized the targeting of Iran's top commander, raising questions about the scale of the threat described by Trump last week. As the administration struggled with its justification for the drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Esper and other officials tried to refocus attention on voices of dissent in Iran. Esper said street protests in Tehran show the Iranian people are hungry for a more accountable government after leaders denied, then admitted, shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane. The plane was downed shortly after Iran launched strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq in retaliation for Soleimani's killing. "You can see the Iranian people are standing up and asserting their rights, their aspirations for a better government a different regime," Esper said. He appeared on two Sunday news shows while the national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, was interviewed on three others pressing the White House's campaign to bring "maximum pressure" on Tehran to change its behavior. O'Brien suggested the United States sees this moment as an opportunity to further intensify pressure on Iran's leaders, with whom the U.S. has been at odds for four decades. Iran's leaders already are under enormous strain from economic sanctions that have virtually strangled Iran's main source of income oil exports. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Trump himself is under great pressure as he faces an expected impeachment trial in the Senate. Many in Congress also are upset over his handling of Iran, complaining that the administration did not consult them in advance of the Jan. 3 strike that killed Iran's most powerful general, and did not adequately brief members afterward. Trump complicated the debate by asserting on Fox News that he had to strike quickly because intelligence showed Iran could have attacked four American embassies. Both Esper and O'Brien said they agreed that Iran might have hit more than just the U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital. But Esper, when asked whether there was a specific piece of evidence, replied: "I didn't see one with regard to four embassies." And in response to a question about whether Trump was "embellishing" the threat, Esper said, "I don't believe so." "'I think the regime is having a very bad week," O'Brien said. "This was a regime that's reeling from maximum pressure; they're reeling from their incompetence in this situation, and the people of Iran are just fed up with it," he said, adding that regime change is not U.S. policy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:53:32|Editor: yhy Video Player Close GARISSA, Kenya, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Three teachers were killed and one child injured after Somali extremist group al-Shabab attacked a school and a police camp in Garissa county in northeast Kenya early Monday, according to a senior Kenyan police officer. "This morning at around 02:00 hrs, suspected armed al-Shabab militia attacked Kamuthe primary school, Kamuthe police post, a telecommunications mast and murdered three teachers," Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai said in a statement. Police in Garissa said a child was injured after being hit by a stray bullet, while female teachers and nurses at the institution were spared after being identified by the suspected militants. Mutyambai noted that the gunmen later burned down a police patrol base, before destroying a Safaricom mast located at a local market. "A combined security multi-agency team is combing the area in pursuit of the attackers," the officer added. "It's true al-Shabab militants butchered our three teachers. They were targeting male teachers; they spared the female teachers," Garissa county Director of Education Khalif Isack told Xinhua. A number of civilians and security personnel have already died as a result of the group's attacks, which often include ambushes or the planting of explosives on roads in the northeast of the country, particularly in the counties of Mandera and Garissa. Seattle, Washington--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2020) - CFN Media (OTCQB: CNFN), the Leading Agency and Financial Media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry announces publication of an article discussing the latest technology in cannabis breathalyzers. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5503/51363_c7a1fe16e4fae813_001full.jpg With alcohol, it's a no brainer. Test for the amount circulating through the driver's bloodstream with a proven breathalyzer, compare the results to the legal limits, and the case is made. Human bodies generally process alcohol at a defined pace, so when the test comes up positive there is no doubt the driver is under the influence at that time. It took a long time to get to this point. A primitive breathalyzer was first invented in 1927, vastly improved upon and patented in 1954, and taken even further in 1967 with the founding of Lion Laboratories. These developments eventually led to a recognizably modern version in 1980, 13 years after the United Kingdom adopted the first drunk driving laws. With cannabis, it's complicated. THC, the intoxicating ingredient in cannabis, is metabolized by the body into a variety of forms. These metabolites can be found in the body long after the intoxicating effects wear off, meaning that simple tests could easily lead to false positives. Further complicating the picture is that there is no scientifically-proven level of THC which would definitely indicate impairment. Lack of scientific knowledge is really the crux of the issue, as the plant's illegal status has effectively eliminated research for the past 80 years or so. Research, Research, Research Fortunately, companies and regulators are recognizing cannabis-impaired driving as a major public safety issue and are actively pursuing solutions. The state of California recently passed legislation to fund research efforts by the California Highway Patrol. The plan is to test drivers in a controlled environment, on CHP property, with the hopes of attaining a clearer picture of what constitutes cannabis impairment. This is a major part of the current problem - can regulators determine what levels of THC in the bloodstream indicate impairment? Figure 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5503/51363_c7a1fe16e4fae813_002full.jpg Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC Pink: BLOZF) is approaching the problem from the other end, and its research could help inform public policy along the way. The company is developing the Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer with the hopes of introducing an accurate and convenient tool for measuring THC in the breath. Designed for both law enforcement and workplace applications, the breathalyzer utilizes FAIMS (high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry) to detect and identify THC and its metabolites. In conjunction with researchers from the University of Florida, the Cannabix team has guided the project through a few Beta versions. Along the way, scientists are learning about the intricacies of THC metabolism and detection. This past summer, Cannabix announced a breakthrough in collecting breath samples, enabling the detection of tiny amounts of metabolized THC. The company is filing patent applications, and updating prior applications, along the way to protect its intellectual property as it works toward a viable solution. More recently, Cannabix' marijuana breathalyzer featured in a CNN article discussing the obstacles to and potential solutions for the development of a reliable cannabis testing system. The company also recently announced significant improvements in the performance of its breathalyzer, showing a 6-fold increase in the sensitivity of the THC detection device. Cannabix is developing a more robust device designed for roadside use by law enforcement while simultaneously developing a smaller, more affordable version for home or workplace markets. Serious Public Safety Issue A recent survey by AAA indicates that Americans have a fairly casual attitude toward driving while high on cannabis. About 70% of respondents think it's unlikely that stoned drivers will be caught, which makes sense considering the lack of tools currently available to law enforcement. More concerning is the estimated 14.8 million drivers who reported driving within one hour of cannabis use in the last 30 days. On top of that, 7% of respondents thought it was acceptable to drive after using the drug (compared to 1.6% who approved of drinking and driving). Figure 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5503/51363_c7a1fe16e4fae813_003full.jpg With the recent rise and spread of cannabis legalization, law enforcement agencies have been tasked with the massive project of educating the public about the dangers of driving high, while simultaneously developing procedures to get impaired drivers off of the streets. At this point, judging by the AAA survey, the education is going slowly and the public has no confidence in the ability of officials to enforce the laws on the books. The recent California legislation is definitely a step in the right direction, committing money and personnel to study the thorny question of what constitutes cannabis impaired driving. That type of research could lead to a more clear and measurable definition of cannabis impairment. Concurrently, the research being conducted by Cannabix Technologies could lead to an accurate and convenient roadside test that can be used to measure THC levels against whatever guidelines the impairment research yields. This is a sort of positive feedback loop, created by long-suppressed scientific research made possible by the wave of cannabis legalization sweeping across the continent. Just as scientists are studying the potential medicinal effects of the plant after many years of prohibition, researchers are catching up on the potential downsides of cannabis use in everyday life. No, it's not Reefer Madness with hallucinations, insanity, and killing. But driving under the influence is a serious public safety concern that is finally being addressed through the proper channels of scientific understanding. It's about time. 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Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/ Cannabix Technologies Company Contact: Rav Mlait CEO Cannabix Technologies Inc. info@cannabixtechnologies.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51363 Pharmaceutical giant Novartis has reached a deal with the U.K. government to provide its late-stage cholesterol drug, inclisiran, to patients at high risk of a heart attack, the company announced Monday. The drug, which is pending approval in the U.S., will be provided on a "population basis" to patients with atherosclerosis in the U.K. once it is tested in a large clinical trial and approved for use there. Atherosclerosis is a devastating heart disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries and can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke or death. Inclisiran targets a protein called PCSK9 that is involved in producing LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. The drug is intended to be used in addition to statins for patients who struggle to lower cholesterol with traditional therapy. "Novartis has a unique opportunity with inclisiran to open up a new chapter in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, the world's leading cause of mortality and disability," Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan said in a statement. The company didn't immediately release any financial details on the deal. "We're confident that innovative approaches like this will enable us to accelerate access timelines, deliver on our broader commitment to generating leading scientific evidence, and ensure continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency and optimization," he said. Cardiovascular disease causes 46 times the number of deaths and 11 times the disease burden caused by AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined in Europe, according to the World Health Organization. Novartis picked up the heart drug as part of its completed $9.7 billion acquisition of The Medicines Company, challenging Amgen's Repatha and Sanofi's and Regeneron's Praluent, which target the same protein as inclisiran. The company expects to file the drug with European regulators in the first quarter of this year. U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Monday that the deal is "a strong vote of confidence in our world-leading life sciences sector" that enables high-risk heart patients "to benefit from this potentially game-changing treatment." "I am committed to helping the NHS reach its full potential, and innovative collaborations such as this puts patients at the forefront of the most promising medical breakthroughs," he added, referring to the U.K.'s National Health Service. The deal, which will clear the way for fast review by regulators, was announced on the first day of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, the industry's biggest investing event of the year, in San Francisco. More than 450 public and private companies in the biotech, pharmaceutical, insurance, hospital and medical device industries are expected to present at the four-day conference. CNBC's Meg Tirrell and Jodi Gralnick contributed to this article. ALTON The Alton Museum of History and Art is more than just interesting it is stunning. We say that people walk out of here with that look on their face of bewilderment; they are just stunned, said Museum Board President Brian Combs. Per capita this town has more influential history than any other town its size, he said. The diversity of that history as presented in this museum is probably the thing that shocks people the most. For nearly 50 years the Alton Museum of History and Art has been teaching the 347-year Riverbend history, from the Native American Piasa legend to contemporary subjects. The museum is located at 2809 College Ave., Alton, in Loomis Hall the second oldest remaining college building in Illinois. Once used by Shurtleff College, the building was part of Altons extensive Underground Railroad network, a topic covered in the museums exhibits. We were the first institution to put Altons African American history together in one place, Combs said. That history was put together by the Black Pioneers Committee. It spans some of the major characters, including of course Miles Davis, Katherine Dunham, and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. An African American is also featured in the museum as one of the three Guinness World Records from Alton. Joseph Raglin of Alton laid 3,472 bricks in 60 minutes during a 1929 Works Projects Administration contest in East St. Louis to claim a record that still stands today. Another brick-related record is Altons Seventh Street, the steepest brick street in America. Many know of Alton resident Robert Wadlow, the Gentle Giant who at 8 feet 11.1 inches in 1940 remains the tallest human being on record. Wadlow had enrolled in Shurtleff College to study law; a life-sized statue of the man can be visited across the street from the museum in the former Shurtleff building. Another tall historical figure with his seven Alton visits documented in the Museums Civil War era section was Abraham Lincoln. His last visit was in 1858 for his U.S. Senate campaign debate with Stephen A. Douglas. The museum features a door from a former Alton building where Lincoln attended a pre-debate reception. Several paintings, photographs and reproduction items relating to the 16th President are also on display. Visitors also can learn about the 1842 incident in Alton where James Shields and Lincoln met to duel, and how the duel was averted at the last minute. If you ask, the museum docents will also tell you about the time Lincoln came to the rescue of a Shurtleff College student and kept the young man from being suspended due to an alleged punch bowl incident. Combs said the least-understood aspect of Alton area history is probably the Piasa legend. The least-appreciated part of the citys past, he said, is the first martyr for the First Amendment, Elijah P. Lovejoy, who was murdered for printing abolitionist sentiments in his newspaper, the forerunner of The Telegraph. Both topics are covered in museum exhibits. Many visitors are also impressed with Altons industrial history as interpreted in the museum. The industrial aspects of the town were quite pervasive as far as global influence, Combs said. We had some of the largest industries in the world in Alton at one time. Other museum exhibits feature the Lewis and Clark, Expedition, the War of 1812 Wood River Massacre and the Civil War Confederate Prison at Alton. The Classroom Gallery displays the art accomplishments of area citizens. The Alton Museum of History and Art, founded in 1971, depends on membership dues, gifts, bequests and grants. Portions of the first floor are handicapped accessible, and the museum includes a gift shop. It also maintains the nearby Koenig House, built in 1887 by a German-American engineer employed by the Illinois Glass Company. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. Senior citizens get in for half price on Wednesdays, there is a 50 percent military discount every day, and groups of 15 or more pay $2 per person. For more details, visit www.altonmuseum.com. DOCUMENTS: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) answers questions during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C. During the press conference Pelosi declined to say when she would send the House's articles of impeachment to the U.S. Senate. Win McNamee/Getty Images/Tribune News Service Dionysus Imports owner Douglas Skopp is coming off his best year yet in the nearly two decades he has been bringing French and Italian wines to Texas. His one-man Houston operation the one man being him when he launched the business now has 15 full-time employees. But if the proposed 100 percent tariffs on European wines proposed by the Trump administration, a tit-for-tat response to Frances recently imposed 3 percent tax on big American digital companies including Google, Facebook and Amazon, actually goes into effect, his 2020 revenues will drop precipitously, meaning multiple layoffs are guaranteed. In fact, were they to remain in place for long, companies such as Dionysus and French Country Wines, the retail shop near Rice Village whose entire business is built on importing wines from boutique producers, might cease to exist. They are already struggling with the 25 percent tariff on select wines that was imposed on short notice back in the fall, significantly denting their 2019 profit margins and dwarfing the benefits of the Trump tax cuts. (The cuts) saved about a 10th of what the tariff has cost me, Skopp said, adding: Its not about politics. These are the facts. Lets just talk about the facts. And its a fact that the next round (of tariffs) could completely wipe out the (import) industry. Lets just say if people were to not care and agree to pay the new price, everything I sell would double in cost. But everybody will care, and almost nobody will pay (the difference). French Country Wines owner Jean Philippe Guy labeled the tariffs a tax, a tax on Americans. Lets call it what it is. And I have trouble understanding how little people like me have to get caught in the middle of a battle between giant corporations. How is that fair? The 25 percent tariffs were in retaliation to what the U.S. government contended were ongoing illegal subsidies from European governments to their aircraft industries such as Airbus, costing American companies such as Boeing millions of dollars in potential revenue. This is what a trade war looks like, Jeremy Parzen, a Houston-based wine-marketing consultant, educator and blogger, noted. Speaking before he left Houston last week to visit a client in Europe, he predicted the tariffs issue would dominate many of his conversations. The Italians are as freaked out as we are, he said. A lot of their small producers send most of their production to the U.S. Larger producers in both France and Italy, on the other hand, will simply shift more inventory to other markets, particularly already growing ones in Asia. In the end, they might not be hurt at all, whereas wines long popular with American consumers might no longer be available on our shelves. As Chris Adams, president of the New York retailer Sherry-Lehman, told the Wine Spectator, Its not a matter of a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label that was $50 (selling for) $100. No. It just wont be here. Parzen offered a bleak prediction, adding, Nobodys going to be coming around to help our small boutique importers (and retailers) make it through this. He was referencing the massive subsidies paid to Midwestern soybean farmers when U.S. exports to China dried up during a different trade war also instigated by the current administration. Many fear the damage to the wine industry at large, including U.S. wineries, is incalculable. Given fewer options certainly at affordable prices a significant percentage of consumers will choose to drink other alcoholic beverages. Its going to stunt our growth, no question about that, Guy said. In the long run, it will hurt the California wine business, too. A lot of the younger generation are getting their feet wet (by drinking inexpensive) wines from France and Italy, wines that they can afford. Eventually, they move on to more expensive California reds. But if they dont get their feet wet with the affordable wines they can put their hands on now, theyll go on to buying other things like artisanal beers or liquors. Parzen pointed out how the wine culture in America has blossomed over the past 20 years. A $4.7 billion industry in this country has been built upon new progressive attitudes toward wine. (Two decades ago) there werent many Doug Skopps out there. Or winery-direct importer/retailers such as Guys French Country Wines. That concept simply didnt exist. Guy is currently traveling in France on what was originally a routine buying trip. And hes still buying despite the uncertainties hanging over his livelihood. I had a shipment that came in five days after the first tariffs hit, Guy said. I had to write a check for $15,000 I wasnt expecting. For me, what was going to be a very good year turned into barely more than a break-even year. A 100 percent tariff would kill me. How am I supposed to adjust to that? One supplier this week asked if I was sure that I wanted to place an order now, with everything thats going on and before we know what happens next. I told her I dont have a backup plan. I dont have much inventory so Im between two stones. Either I put in the order and then find out I cant afford it when it arrives, or Ill have nothing to sell. Skopp, on the other hand, has held off buying, not wanting to get over-extended. As a result, for the moment, with spring not too far away, he has no roses in the pipeline. Normally, Im making my rose orders right now, he said, but Im not touching them. Martines (a large importer he represents in Texas) isnt touching them either. sportywineguy@outlook.com twitter.com/sportywineguy Real grief, wrote Sir Roger Scruton in Culture Counts, focuses on the object, the person lost and mourned for, while sentimental grief focuses on the subject, the person who grieves. Bona fide grief attends the death of Roger Scruton, 75, from cancer on Sunday. The noted philosopher, expert on aesthetics, and intellectual architect of modern conservatism who wrote more than 50 books leaves behind his wife, Sophie, and two children, Sam and Lucy. Scruton, who had been fighting cancer for the last six months, died peacefully on Sunday 12th January, his website announced yesterday. His family are hugely proud of him and of all his achievements. Conservatives in his native UK mourned his passing. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote, We have lost the greatest modern conservative thinker who not only had the guts to say what he thought but said it beautifully. Former MEP Daniel Hannan, who called Scruton the greatest conservative of our age, said, The country has lost a towering intellect. I have lost a wonderful friend. Roger Vernon Scruton was born on February 27, 1944, in Buslingthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, to Jack Scruton, a left-leaning schoolteacher, and Beryl Claris Johnny Scruton, a Conservative-minded housewife. Roger so excelled as a student at High Wycombe Grammar School that its headmaster waited until Scruton won a scholarship to Cambridge University in the natural sciences before expelling him. Scruton explained that actors in a play he staged had set the stage ablaze, and a half-naked girl doused the flames. Roger Scruton revealed that he became a conservative while watching the 1968 Paris riots: I suddenly realised that I was on the other side, he says. What I saw was an unruly mob of self-indulgent middle-class hooligans. When I asked my friends what they wanted, what were they trying to achieve, all I got back was this ludicrous Marxist gobbledegook. I was disgusted by it, and thought there must be a way back to the defence of western civilisation against these things. Thats when I became a conservative. I knew I wanted to conserve things rather than pull them down. Scruton changed his focus to philosophy at Jesus College and credited Edmund Burke with further grounding him in a broader, deeper conservative tradition. At university, the middle-class prodigy absorbed a Western cultural patrimony for which he remained deeply grateful all his life, committing his career to teaching it to subsequent generations. Scruton took a post as professor of aesthetics at Londons Birkbeck College in 1971 and married his first wife, Danielle Laffitte, two years later. (They divorced in 1979 without having children.) In 1974, he founded the Conservative Philosophy Group, attempting to connect the Conservative Party with deeper taproots in the Western tradition. During his tenure at Birkbeck, he saw academia slowly changing its mission. The culture which has been entrusted to the universities to pass on is no longer passed on, because those charged with doing so no longer believe in it, he said. He reminisced that, as a student, he never knew his professors political views; however, the new curriculum is a curriculum of foregone conclusions. His colleagues ostracized him as he rebuffed their efforts to transform education into the replication of the facultys pet political views. He also began to study for a career in the law, because I thought I ought to have an exit route. Since he taught classes in the evening, he began his prolific writing career during the daytime. He quietly embarked on a political career, but the Tories rejected him as a candidate in 1978. The following year he wrote The Meaning of Conservatism and became a pariah within the academic world. Although Scruton became closely associated in the public mind with Margaret Thatcher, who sometimes attended Conservative Philosophy Group events, he never enjoyed political insider status. He instead established his reputation through his prodigious output and even more imposing intellect. Scruton held the Burkean notion that conservatism springs from community. The conservatism I shall be defending tells us that we have collectively inherited good things and that we must strive to keep them, he would write in How to be a Conservative. Conservatism meant embracing a national identity, religion, and other traditional markers of society. These, in turn, created a healthy civil society that should do more to guide and provide for citizens than its government. Scrutons conservatism meant cherishing and preserving all the traditions that enable people to live with each other. Part of the inheritance is a Judeo-Christian view of human nature that respects the integrity of each human person. That necessarily limits the government, especially overarching supranational entities such as the European Union, which he indefatigably opposed. It also respects the market as establishing a free relationship between responsible human beings. Scruton warned of the demoralisation of the economic life that occurs when [d]ebts are no longer regarded as obligations to be met, but as assets to be traded. And the cost of them is being passed to future generations, in other words to our children, to whom we owe protection and who will rightly despise us for stealing what is theirs. To popularize these views, Scruton became founding editor of The Salisbury Review in 1982, leading to his most public controversy. He published an article by Ray Honeyford, headmaster at a Bradford middle school, arguing that multiculturalism had failed his students the vast majority of whom were Pakistanis or Asians by denying them integration into UK society, especially by limiting their proficiency in the English language. The article triggered a national furor as a putative example of racism. The newly fired Honeyford had to seek police protection for his own safety. (A court reinstated Honeyford, whom soon retreated into early retirement rather than live with the nonstop campaigning.) Scruton later recalled that editing the journal cost me many thousand hours of unpaid labour, a hideous character assassination in Private Eye, three lawsuits, two interrogations, one expulsion, the loss of a university career in Britain, unendingly contemptuous reviews, Tory suspicion, and the hatred of decent liberals everywhere. And it was worth it. The same year that Scruton publicly defined conservatism, 1979, he began surreptitiously visiting the Communist bloc. A colleague named Kathy Wilkes invited him to speak to dissident intellectuals and students cloistered in a private apartment in Prague. There, he said, he found a group of people hungry to receive the cultural patrimony of the West and he rediscovered the joy of teaching. Soon, he began lecturing across Communist-dominated Eastern Europe to students dispossessed by socialist universities. It was, however, not a safe undertaking. A policeman once threw him down a flight of steps. The police later expelled him from Czechoslovakia. However, Marxist inefficiency undermined their efforts at suppression. Scruton later said one of the people in his circle actually was the first person to invent a software programme in the Czech language. He gave it to us before any officials could get hold of it, so that we were able to send in messages on floppy discs before the secret police had any way of communicating with each other in Czech by the same method. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Scruton continued his intellectual life, encouraging others to study aesthetics and value beauty for its own sake, to read great literature, appreciate classical music, and uphold Judeo-Christian civilization. He taught at Boston University and purchased (but later sold) an estate in the U.S. He wrote on topics as diverse as sex, beauty, and animal rights. He also continued to define the conservative temperament in matters large and small, from taxation and EU policy to fox hunting. One such hunt introduced him to his future wife, Sophie Jeffreys, whom he wed in 1996. They had two children together. Scrutons accomplishments led to his being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2016 for his commitment to public education. The same year, Sir Roger Scruton graciously honored the Acton Institute by speaking at the first conference of our new transatlantic initiative, Religion & Liberty Transatlantic. At the Crisis of Liberty in the West conference, he discussed freedom of the nation-state. You may read his remarks here or watch the video here. Scrutons final year on earth was marred by the same cancel culture that had dogged his academic life. The Conservative government of Theresa May appointed Scruton an uncompensated adviser to its Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission an appointment entirely appropriate given his lifetime of scholarship on aesthetics. Last April, the New Statesman accused Scruton of making outrageous racist comments about Hungarian Jews being part of George Soros empire, and claiming each Chinese person is a kind of replica of the next one. The Tories fired Scruton within hours and Scrutons interviewer, deputy editor George Eaton posted a picture of his champagne-soaked celebration of the sacking. However, the full, 54-minute recording of the interview soon emerged. Scruton had explicitly denied Soros empire was composed of Jews and called anti-Semitic conspiracy theories such nonsense. His comments about Chinese people denounced Beijings soulless mass politics and the regimentation of the ordinary [human] being. The New Statesman eventually admitted Eaton had acted unprofessionally and his summary had been misleading. In July, the government of Boris Johnson reinstated Scruton to his advisory post. By then, he was already suffering from the cancer that would take his life. Scrutons prompt defenestration to satisfy the Twitter mob proved that a prophet is not without honor, except in his own country. Scruton greeted every setback with good cheer, summarizing his life in 2018 by saying, Its been a great adventure for me to be so hated by people I hold in contempt. Yet once again, Eastern Europe feted the man rejected by his own nation, and now his own party. Last June 4, Scruton received Polands Order of Merit. In November 11 years after Vaclav Havel honored him with its Medal of Merit the Czech Senate awarded Scruton its Silver Medal. One month later, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban bestowed his nations Order of Merit on Scruton, now bald and wheelchair-bound but beaming with pride. These leaders understood the profound debt of gratitude they owe to Scrutons activism, his scholarship, his humanism, and his philosophical precision. Above all, they appreciated his genuine warmth, wit, and friendship. Their gratitude is shared by those throughout the English-speaking world who seek to comprehend the vocabulary, and content, of conservatism, and all those who need encouragement to uphold the good, the true, and the beautiful to which he dedicated his life. Sir Roger Scruton, requiescat in pace. May his memory be eternal. Related: How identity politics destroys freedom (Address at the Acton Institutes first transatlantic conference on the Crisis of Liberty in the West.) December 1, 2016. Scruton on populism: Politics needs a first-person plural Sir Roger Scruton: How to preserve freedom in the West Book Review: Roger Scrutons On Human Nature Scruton and McGilchrist on Bach, the tyranny of pop, and the gullibility of our age Brexit: national borders, democracy, jurisdiction Oikophilia Will Save the World Roger Scruton: No escaping morality in economics 6 Quotes: Roger Scruton on Conservatism (Photo credit: Fr. Robert Sirico, far right, looks at as Sir Roger Scruton addresses an Acton Institute event in London on December 1, 2016. Karim Merie / The Acton Institute.) Crisis In Abkhazia Enters Fourth Day As Demonstrators Occupy Presidential Building January 12, 2020 Hundreds of protesters have remained holed up in the presidential administration building in Abkhazia's capital for a fourth day as leader Raul Khajimba defied calls to step down. The crisis in the breakaway Georgian region erupted on January 9 when demonstrators stormed the Sukhumi building housing Khajimba's administration, asserting the September election that he won was fraudulent. The region's legislature later called on Khajimba to step down. And the Abkhaz Supreme Court on January 10 reversed an earlier decision declaring the September results void, following a petition by opposition leader Alkhas Kvitsinia. Khajimba and his supporters have fought the ruling, and plan to appeal, the Russian news agency TASS reported. A top-level delegation of Russian officials, including the deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, traveled to Sukhumi to try and broker a resolution. The Black Sea region has had de facto independence from Georgia after Georgia and Russia fought a five-day war in August 2008. Moscow has recognized Abkhazia and another Georgian region, South Ossetia, as independent states, and Russian troops are now stationed in the two regions. Georgia and most of the international community consider both regions to be occupied territories. Based on reporting by TASS Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/crisis-in-abkhazia- enters-fourth-day-as-demonstrators-occupy- presidential-building/30372767.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 (CNN) Dave Calhoun might have the toughest job in corporate America: Fixing Boeing. As he steps into the CEO job on Monday, Calhoun is tasked with winning approval for the 737 Max to fly again, a first step in ending a 10-month crisis that has cost the company billions of dollars. He must also work to regain Boeing's reputation for safety and quality that was badly damaged by the plane's grounding in March following two crashes that killed 346 people. To succeed, Calhoun, a veteran of General Electric, private equity firm Blackstone and media measurement firm Nielsen, will have to win back the trust of a number of groups. "What's Boeing need right now? It needs an inspirational leader," said Ron Epstein, aerospace analyst with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. "You have a work force demoralized by what's happened. You have to make airline customers comfortable, make regulators comfortable. You need to be a good operator because your largest production line is shutting down. Can Dave do all that? I'm not sure." How long does he have? And he may not have much time to do what needs to be done. Calhoun turns 63 years old later this year. Boeing has not had a CEO older than 65 at any time in the last 50 years. It's not clear if this is a policy or just established practice at the company. Company officials would not comment on that question. But some outside observers don't think Calhoun will be one to buck that trend and continue in the role to age 66 and beyond. "I think the way the situation arose, it seems like he's more in position as a caretaker," said Epstein. Winning back trust got even tougher with the recent release of a trove of internal company communications in which Boeing employees mocked the 737 Max and questioned its safety. One employee described the jet as "designed by clowns, who in turn are supervised by monkeys." Two other employees agreed that they would not allow their family members to fly on the plane. Boeing's release of the documents included an apology to the FAA, Congress, airlines and their passengers. While the documents were made public on Thursday, they were turned over to the FAA at some point in December. The company went into that month hoping that it could still win approval for the plane to fly again before the end of 2019. But FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson announced on Dec. 11 that such approval would not happen until sometime this year. By the end of the month, the board had decided to replace CEO Dennis Muilenburg because "a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence in the company moving forward as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers, and all other stakeholders." "Probably the most important bridges to build right now are to regulators and the airlines. Those are the relationships which have been most wounded," said Epstein. Turning things around The good news is that the company is large enough and financially healthy enough to survive the crisis. It had $10.9 billion in cash on the balance sheet as of Sept. 30, and a good enough credit rating to be able to raise additional funds in capital markets, if necessary. And perhaps the greatest advantage for Boeing is that there really is no alternative to its survival. Boeing and rival Airbus are a duopoly, providing virtually all the commercial jets needed by the global airline industry. Once an airline picks one model of plane for a certain segment of the market, such as the single aisle jets that include the 737 Max, there are significant costs to shifting to the other company's models. Pilots qualified to fly the 737 would need to be retrained to fly the Airbus A320. And keeping a supply of spare parts for both planes at the various airports is costly. And both companies have such a large backlog of orders for its jets that if an airline were to drop an order for the 737 Max and replace it with an order for an Airbus A320, it would have to wait years to get the planes it needs. But that doesn't mean Boeing's finances aren't being hurt by the crisis. It has been in the process of reaching deals with the airlines as compensation for the Max's grounding. It has already taken a $5 billion charge for those costs. When it reports financial results on Jan. 29, it is likely to report that total costs stemming from the 737 crisis will have more than doubled, according to analysts. The company had continued to build the Max for the last year even without being able to deliver it. It is preparing to temporarily halt production of the model in the middle of this month. 'An important task' Still, despite the many challenges that await Calhoun, the position of Boeing CEO is apparently one he's been interested in for some time. Calhoun has been on the Boeing board since 2009. According to Richard Aboulafia, aerospace analyst with the Teal Group, Calhoun was an outside candidate to be CEO of Boeing in 2015 when the board instead tapped Muilenburg, then a 30-year veteran of the company. Company spokespeople did not comment on whether he had been a candidate. Calhoun stayed on the Boeing board, as well as a number of other corporate boards in the decade since, though since he was tapped as CEO he has been in the process of leaving his other positions. In October the board stripped Muilenburg of the position of chairman, giving the position to Calhoun. In November Calhoun, in one of his first interviews as chairman, voiced confidence in Muilenburg as the right man to get Boeing out of its 737 Max crisis. "It's a tough, important task. And we believe he's up to it. He is an asset," he said in an interview on CNBC But he also made clear that the leash would be short. "The board deliberates every single meeting on the subject of our leaders and how well they're doing and do they have our confidence," said Calhoun at that time. That's a reality he'll have to keep in mind as he becomes CEO. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Can anyone get Boeing through this mess? He's going to try." 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 PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 14:45:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 530 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Experion Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "Experion") (TSXV:EXP)(OTCQB:EXPFF)(FRANKFURT:MB31) is pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website for our acclaimed brand, Citizen Stash, www.citizenstash.com . Featuring a new look and more information for consumers and business partners on our brand and the products we offer in the retail space. We hope you'll find it easier to navigate and discover what you're looking for quickly and efficiently.Our goal with this new website is to provide our visitors with a simple way to discover what Citizen Stash stands for in our community and learn about our hand-crafted processing methods, premium cannabis strains launched, quality products offered and industry recognized cultivation team.If you'd like to stay connected on social media, follow us on Instagram ( instagram.com/citizenstash) , Twitter ( twitter.com/citizenstash) , and Facebook ( facebook.com/citizenstash) About Experion Holdings Ltd.Experion Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Experion Biotechnologies Inc., a Health Canada licensed cultivator and processor of cannabis, based in Mission, BC.Experion Holdings Ltd. is invested in a portfolio of products to address a wide spectrum of consumer needs' including Adult-use, Wellness and Therapeutic, and Medical products.Experion trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol "EXP"; on the OTCQB Venture under the symbol "EXPFF" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "MB31".For further information, please visit the Company's website www.experionwellness.com or join our Global Investor Forum on 8020 connects.company/ExperionEXP where you can read all press releases or contact Investor Relations, Email: IR@ experionwellness.com DisclosureThis press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities; recent market volatility; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; the risks identified in the Filing Statement, and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Filing Statement dated September 25, 2017 and/or the most recent annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies ofthe TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Experion Holdings Ltd. TORONTO - The CEO of Maple Leaf Foods spoke out Sunday against the U.S. government, days after an Iranian missile accidentally shot down a jetliner, killing all 176 people on board including the family of a company employee. Michael McCain said in a series of tweets that the time since Wednesdays crash has not quelled his anger over what he describes as a needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran. U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction, he wrote, saying he feels that a narcissist in Washington destabilized the region. The tweets were sent from the packaged meat companys official account, though McCain characterized them as personal reflections. The plane was mistakenly shot down minutes after taking off from an airport on the outskirts of Tehran. Iran mistakenly downed the Ukrainian flight as Tehran braced for retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces. The ballistic missile attack, which caused no casualties, was a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans top general, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. They were retaliating for the U.S. killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a drastic step that triggered an instant backlash across the Middle East and put the U.S. and Iran on a war footing. Iran has admitted the plane was mistaken for a hostile target amid those soaring tensions with the United States, after first pinning the crash on a mechanical failure. U.S. President Donald Trump at one point said four American embassies were under possible threat when he approved Soleimanis killing, but Defence Secretary Mark Esper explicitly said Sunday that he had seen no hard evidence of that. The walk-back raises questions about the scale of the threat Trump described last week. I think it is too soon to be drawing conclusions or assigning blame or responsibility in whatever proportions, he told reporters last week. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Iran must take full responsibility for shooting down the plane, which was carrying 138 passengers bound for Canada, including 57 Canadian citizens. He said that must include a full and credible investigation. But hes refrained from blaming the crash on the Americans. McCain, meanwhile, said hes still grappling with the death of his colleagues wife and 11-year-old son. We are mourning and I am livid, he wrote. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2020. A senior Pakistani Army General, along with his family, has been kept under house arrest for weeks for vocally opposing the three-year tenure extension of incumbent Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. General Sarfraz Sattar was next in line to be Bajwa's successor as the Army Chief, albeit Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and later the President approved a three-year-long extension for Bajwa, effectively scuppering Sarfaraz's prospect. According to a report by Resonant News, Sarfaraz, along with six other disgruntled senior officers, joined hands with Supreme court Chief justice Asif Saeed Khosa to block Bajwa's tenure extension. It may be noted here that around 24 Lt Gens will have retired from the post in the next three years and Bajwa's extension would have spoilt their chances for the coveted post. The Supreme Court's verdict whittled down Bajwa's three-year-long extension to mere 6 months, owing to which Sarfraz had to bear the brunt of being a dissident, and he and his family members have been under house arrest since then, despite the fact that Sarfraz has already resigned from the service on November 26. Sarfraz has been superseded by Lt Gen Nadeem Raza, who was very recently awarded Nishan-e-imtiaz by the President, and, in the past, had been the Chief of General staff and headed the intelligence and operations. Ostensibly, Raza could take over as the next Chief of Army Staff from Gen Bajwa, the report further states. Earlier this month, Pakistan's upper house of parliament approved a law that allows the government to extend the term of the country's Army Chief. Bajwa, whose tenure ended in November last year, is set to benefit from the new law. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Trend Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has arrived in Iran's capital, Tehran, to hold talks with senior officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, Trend reports via IRIB. We talked about the relations between the two countries, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said. Relations between the two countries are very special. We are targeting certain numbers for trade and tourism, and we want to reach those numbers, he said. Relationship with Iran is a historical relationship, although we have had many stages and developments during which we discussed different issues, he said. We are here to thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for its stand in the post-Qatar blockade, he said. Iran provides good aid to the Qatari nation and has provided us with what we needed. These are things that cannot be forgotten, and we thank the President and the Islamic Republic of Iran, he added. The official pointed out that his trip to Iran is made at a critical time in the region. We agreed with President Rouhani that the solution to all the crises and issues is in dialogue, he said. On this trip, I invited Iran's president to travel to Qatar, he said adding that Rouhani promised to travel to Qatar as soon as possible. New Delhi: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in a village in West Bengal's Asansol was set ablaze by some unidentified people, newsagency ANI reported. The incident took place on Sunday (January 12) night. The BJP accused Trinamool Congress to be behind the incident. On the other hand, the ruling party in Bengal dismissed the allegation. Asansol: A BJP office in Salanpur village was set ablaze last night. BJP has alleged that TMC is behind the incident. Police has begun investigation. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/wlYdr2qAle ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 Police are investigating the matter. NEW YORK - A former U.S. Treasury Department senior adviser pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy for leaking confidential banking reports related to special counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe. Natalie Edwards, 41, of Quinton, Virginia, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court, where U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods set sentencing for June 9. Although the conspiracy charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, Edwards signed a plea deal with prosecutors that recommends a potential prison sentence of zero to six months. I am sorry for what I have done and I apologize to you, your honour, and the court, Edwards said. Edwards was a senior adviser at Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN, when she was arrested in October 2018. She was charged with giving a BuzzFeed journalist reports about wire transfers made by Paul Manafort and other suspects in Muellers investigation. Prosecutors said the crime began in October 2017 and continued for a year, with Edwards sending a reporter numerous suspicious activity reports. The reports are filed with the Treasury Department by banks when they spot transactions that raise questions about possible financial misconduct such as money laundering. Edwards also sent or described to the reporter internal government emails or correspondence related to the reports and investigative memos and intelligence assessments published by her agencys intelligence division, prosecutors said. When the judge asked her if she knew she was committing a crime, Edwards said she did not know of the regulation at the time but she knew about the federal Whistleblower Protection Act. After consulting with her lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, she said she admitted that she agreed to disclose the financial reports. She added: I was not allowed under the law to disclose it. Outside court, Agnifilo said the case illustrated how ones subjective motivations really do not serve as a defence. He said prosecutors were probably of the view that she was more politically motivated than she was for some conception like the good of our republic. Agnifilo said his client believed certain critical facts werent being handled in the right way by the government agencies tasked with handling them. She said: You know, if I cant trust government officials to handle this, I think I can trust the media to handle this and to bring this to the attention of the American people, the lawyer said. Agnifilo said Edwards was in contact with Congressional subcommittees and others in government but didnt believe they were dealing adequately with the information she offered. In a release, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said Edwards violated the integrity of the system of suspicious activity reports that relies on banks and other financial institutions alerting law enforcement to potentially illegal transactions. Scientists have found what they say is the oldest-known digestive tract, at around half a billion years old. The ancient guts, found in four fossils of a primitive worm-like creature in the Nevada desert, are thought to be the oldest 'yet described in the fossil record. They are from an extinct worm-like animal from the cloudinid family from the late Ediacaran Period, which ended about 541 million years ago. 3D imaging and tomographic analysis of the fossils by the University of Missouri reveals one of the earliest known examples of internal anatomical structures. The US team report evidence of recognisable soft tissues within the fossils containing guts less than half an inch in width, identified as digestive tracts. The digestive tracts in the cloudinomorphs, which are around 550 million years old, show an early stage in the evolution of the modern digestive systems. A fossilized cloudinomorph from the Montgomery Mountains near Pahrump, Nevada, USA Not only are these structures the oldest guts yet discovered, but they also help to resolve the long-debated evolutionary positioning of this important fossil group, said Dr Jim Schiffbauer, an associate professor of geological sciences in the University of Missouri College of Arts and Science. The tubular guts ran from the front to the back end right through the animal, which looked like a worm with little cones nestled within each other along its exterior. Not every animal has had a digestive tract that starts at a different place from where it ends for example today's corals have a gut with a single opening that acts both as a mouth and an anus. Conversely, annelids, a phylum of modern-day invertebrate worms, have two separate openings. This cloudinomorph is early evidence of primitive lifeforms with a digestive process that began and end in different places. A three-dimensional image of a 550-million-year-old fossilized tube (left, in red) with internal digestive tract (gold, left and right) An artist's impression of the exterior and cross section of the cloudinomorph, with guts in red Previous investigation of the Wood Canyon cloudinomorph fossils has already led to two newly-described species, Saarina hagadorni and Costatubus bibendi. These new species are representative of a period when animal structures changed dramatically and started to represent a segmented digestive system like in humans today. These fossils fit within a very recognisable group of organisms the cloudinids that scientists use to identify the last 10 to 15 million years of the Ediacaran Period, or the period of time just before the Cambrian Explosion,' said Dr Schiffbauer. 'We can now say that their anatomical structure appears much more worm-like than coral-like.' The Cambrian Explosion is the name given to a period when the ancestors of many animal groups we know today emerged. It saw a burst of new animal phyla, possibly due to a steep rise in oxygen, including arthropods with legs. Jim Schiffbauer, center, and Tara Selly, right, work with Brock Andreasen in the X-ray Microanalysis Core facility, one of University of Missouri's core facilities Prior to the explosion, during the period known as the Ediacaran, life on Earth was comprised of simple ocean organisms unlike anything in todays oceans. Cloudinomorphs were one of the few groups to survive from the Ediacaran period into the Cambrian Period, but resolving their evolutionary history into a particular phylum has been difficult. 'These tube-dwellers are presumed to be primitive metazoans, but resolving their phylogenetic identity has remained a point of contention,' the researchers say in their study, which has been published in Nature Communications. 'Previous attempts have used the only available information to date from the fossil record their external tubes.' The fossils, which are about 550 million years old, were recovered from the Montgomery Mountains outside of Pahrump, Nye County, in southern Nevada, between 2016 and 2017. Dr Schiffbauer's team have analysed approximately 35 fossils using X-ray microscopy and found guts in four of them. 'We have hundreds of specimens, though, so we are optimistic that further analyses will yield more guts,' he told MailOnline. The digestive tracts inside the fossils out-date the previous record by around 30 million years, he confirmed. The team used micro-CT imaging to create a digital 3D image of the fossil to allow them to view inside. As the "Visit Nepal 2020" campaign kicked off at the beginning of the new year amidst much public fanfare and enthusiasm, there is high anticipation for an influx of Chinese tourists to Nepal. Nepal has set a target of attracting 2 million foreign tourists in 2020, an ambitious increase from 1.17 million visits in 2018. With its slogan of "Lifetime Experience," the "Visit Nepal 2020" campaign will significantly help in making tourism a key component of the national economy which has suffered decades of instability, violent conflict and devastation from the 2015 earthquake. Thanks to cooperation between Nepal and China in such sectors as trade, investment and culture, more and more Chinese tourists have visited the Himalayan country in recent years to experience its snow-capped mountains, history and cultural heritage, as well as for shopping and trekking. According to the tourism authorities in Nepal, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal in 2018 surpassed 150,000, a rise of 46.8% compared to 2017, making China its second largest source of overseas tourists. In recent years, tourism has been an important source of foreign currency for Nepal, and is poised to increase the country's GDP contribution from the current 3% to 10%. Such a rapid increase should be attributed to China's financial support to Nepal, which has assisted the latter in building infrastructure to facilitate tourism development. Chinese companies are working around the clock to construct international airports in Pokhara and Lumbini. In addition, renovation of the runway and taxiway at Tribhuvan International Airport has been completed with Chinese assistance. Himalayan Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture, has also opened direct routes from Kathmandu to Beijing, Changsha and Guiyang, which are expected to transport over 40,000 Chinese passengers a year to Nepal. In 2016, Forbes reported that Nepal has the potential to flourish as a destination for several Chinese outbound market segments. It also placed Nepal in its top-10 list of travel destinations for the coming decade as visitors can enjoy the most once-in-a-lifetime experiences due to its various wonders. A record number of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Nepal in 2020, as both countries are set to further promote economic ties and personnel exchanges under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. With the accelerated construction of the Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network, more infrastructure projects including highways, railways, ports, aviation and communications will be gradually completed, laying a cornerstone for the development of tourism in Nepal and increased tourism cooperation between Nepal and China. These developments are allowing more and more tourists from China and around the world to appreciate the beauty of this Himalayan country. Ritu Raj Subedi is the Deputy Executive Editor of The Rising Nepal. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Two agents from a toll booth in Diema, some 350 km west of Bamako, on the Bamako-Dakar axis, were killed, two of their motorcycles taken away and one burned by unidentified armed men on Saturday in Diema, the Malian Press Agency (AMAP) reported on Monday, citing reliable sources The Government on Monday put out the much awaited draft National Policy For Rare Diseases 2020 in public domain that proposes to provide up to 15 lakh for rare disease treatment to patients needing one-time treatment. HT last month had reported that government was soon releasing the policy. The list of beneficiaries includes all who are covered under the governments flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme. The proposal makes about 40% of the countrys population eligible for getting money under the special fund. The government has also proposed to facilitate voluntary donations to fund the treatment by creating a dedicated digital platform. It will also notify select government hospitals that provide treatment for rare diseases that include Delhis AIIMS and Maulana Azad Medical College and SGPGI in Lucknow. The government focus will also be on prevention and high risk pregnant women will be screened for possible diseases. The Union health ministry had begun formulating the policy for treatment of rare diseases in 2017. However, it later decided to review the policy due to implementation challenges and in view of new information and updates available for its further improvement and effective implementation. There is no universally accepted definition of rare disease. However, the World Health Organisation defines rare disease as an often debilitating lifelong disease or disorder with a prevalence of 1 or less per 1,000 population. Different countries have their own definitions to suit their specific requirements, and according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it is one in 2,500 people or less. Since India doesnt know the exact burden of rare disease, it is estimated by the government applying international standards that about 6-8% of countrys population is affected by a rare disease. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 14:17:55|Editor: zyl Video Player Close ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nine militants of Islamic State (IS) outfit have surrendered to Afghan national army in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar, the military said on Monday. "Nine Daesh or Islamic State (IS) militants surrendered to Afghan National Army's personnel in Manogay district, Kunar province on Sunday," army's 201 Selab Corps said in a statement. They also brought with them nine rounds of the light weapons and two telecommunication radios, the statement added. The statement noted that the militants active in eastern Afghan region must follow the step to lay down their arms, adding, "The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces will have no pause in their military pressure, during the winter, and the militants will have to surrender or leave the region." More than 1,300 IS militants have laid down arms and surrendered to local authorities in Kunar and neighboring Nangarhar province in recent months, as government forces have geared up crackdowns on militants in the region. China has blamed Hong Kong's months-long anti-government protests on a U.S.-based charity, Human Rights Watch, after the head of the group was banned from entering the semi-autonomous city. Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today defended the barring of the charity's Executive Director Kenneth Roth, claiming the non-governmental organisation bears 'significant responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong' and should 'pay the proper price'. The Ministry said there was 'plenty of' evidence to suggest that the group incited anti-China individuals to carry out extremist, violent and criminal actions and fanned the flames of separatist activities. China has defended barring the head of a New York-based charity group from entering Hong Kong. The overhead view above shows thousands of people gathered in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay area ahead of a planned pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on January 1 Beijing accused NGO Human Rights Watch of inciting radical protesters of carrying out extremely violent and criminal actions and fanning the flames of separatist activities. Above, a protester holds an umbrella as police fire tear gas during a protest in Hong Kong on January 1 Kenneth Roth, the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, yesterday said he was blocked at Hong Kong airport from entering for the first time, having entered freely in the past In a post on Twitter, Mr Roth said he was expected to release his group's annual global survey in Hong Kong. He said that the study 'describes how the Chinese government is undermining the international human rights system'. The press conference has been relocated to New York Mr Roth, a U.S. citizen, was supposed to give a press conference in Hong Kong this week to unveil the New York-based group's latest global survey, but he said on Sunday he was turned back by authorities at the city's airport. The 64-year-old said he was blocked at Hong Kong airport from entering for the first time, having entered freely in the past. 'This year (the new world report) describes how the Chinese government is undermining the international human rights system. But the authorities just blocked my entrance to Hong Kong, illustrating the worsening problem,' Mr Roth said in a post on his Twitter account. He added that Hong Kong immigration officials had cited only 'immigration reasons'. During seven months of sometimes violent anti-government protests, the Chinese-ruled city has barred several activists, foreign journalists and an academic. Mr Roth claimed Hong Kong immigration officials had cited only 'immigration reasons'. When he asked the immigration officer whether the decision was being made in Beijing or Hong Kong, she insisted it was being made in Hong Kong, Mr Roth said. In the picture above, pro-democracy protesters gather ahead of a planned march in Hong Kong on January 1 During seven months of sometimes violent anti-government protests, the Chinese-ruled city has barred several activists, foreign journalists and an academic. Protesters are seen reacting after riot police shot tear gas during a rally in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, on December 24 Mr Roth said he was held up at immigration for around four hours and subjected to 'an extremely thorough security check'. Above, riot police intervene protesters with batons and tear gas during a demonstration against parallel trading in Hong Kong on January 05 Mr Roth told The Associated Press by email that he was held up at immigration for around four hours and subjected to 'an extremely thorough security check'. When he asked the immigration officer whether the decision was being made in Beijing or Hong Kong, she insisted it was being made in Hong Kong, Mr Roth said. Geng Shuang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press briefing today: 'Allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right.' He added: 'Plenty of facts and evidence show that the relevant NGO has through various means supported anti-China radicals, encouraged them to engage in extremist, violent and criminal activity, and incited Hong Kong independence separatist activities. 'They bear significant responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong. These organisations should be punished, and should pay the proper price.' Geng Shuang (pictured), a spokesperson at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press briefing today: 'Allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right' Mr Geng said NGOs that supported Hong Kong protesters 'should be punished, and should pay the proper price.' In the picture above, a anti-government protester reacts after police fire tear gas to disperse bystanders in a protest in Jordan district of Hong Kong on December 25 China has repeatedly accused the United States of instigating the demonstrations in Hong Kong. Above, riot police secure an area outside of a branch of HSBC during a rally on January 1 China last month announced sanctions on American NGOs, including Human Rights Watch (HRW), in retaliation for the passage of a U.S. bill backing Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Hong Kong has been battered by seven months of occasionally violent protests, its biggest political crisis in decades. Millions have turned out on the streets of the semi-autonomous financial hub to demand greater democratic freedoms. A protester holds a placard showing the American flag during a rally in Hong Kong last month China last month announced sanctions on American NGOs, including Human Rights Watch in retaliation for the passage of a U.S. bill backing Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement Mr Roth said he had hoped to 'spotlight Beijing's deepening assault on international efforts to uphold human rights' during his visit to Hong Kong. 'The refusal to let me enter Hong Kong vividly illustrates the problem,' he said. Following Mr Roth's denied entry to Hong Kong, HRW is due to hold a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the launch of its World Report 2020 at 3p.m. EST on January 14. Mr Roth will discuss the increasingly dire threat to the global system for protecting human rights posed by the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping, as well as other grave threats to rights around the world, according to the group. A Chinese Coast Guard ship is seen from an Indonesian Naval ship patrolling Indonesias Exclusive Economic Zone north of the Natuna Islands, Jan. 11, 2020. About two in five Indonesians see China as the most influential country in Asia, according to a private poll which relegated the United States to second place for the first time in almost a decade. The perception among Indonesians of China being the regions most influential power jumped to 39 percent in 2019 from 19 percent in 2011, when a similar survey was done, according to the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), which released poll results Sunday. Usually in a study like this, the United States would come out on top and Japan at number two. But from 2016 to 2019 there has been a shift in peoples perception, LSI Executive director Djayadi Hanan told a news conference. China has overtaken the U.S. and Japan. The LSI survey asked the respondents from across the country: According to you, which country is the most influential in Asia? The Indonesian perception of U.S. and Japanese influence in Asia fell, respectively, from 29 percent in 2011 to 18 percent, and from 23 percent to 14 percent over the same period, poll results showed. Djayadi said a different study was needed to explain why the survey participants responded the way they did. The survey, involving a random sampling of 1,540 respondents, was conducted in July, months before bilateral diplomatic tensions between Indonesia and China over maritime rights erupted two weeks ago. For the first time since the previous survey was conducted nine years ago, about 66 percent of those polled also responded that Beijing wielded significant or strong influence over Indonesia, compared with 49 percent for the United States. However, the rising perception of Chinese influence was also accompanied by increasing negative sentiment, which more than doubled compared with the 2011 poll. If we look at the trend from 2011, the percentage of those who believe China is favorable to Asia and Indonesia has declined, Djayadi told BenarNews. Meanwhile, perceptions of China as harmful increased. Negative perceptions for the United States and Japan have not changed significantly, Djayadi said. LSI conducted the survey with the Asian Barometer, an applied-research program at National Taiwan University. Djayadi said those who view the Indonesian governments economic performance negatively tended to see China as more influential. Anti-China sentiment during last years elections, including accusations that President Joko Jokowi Widodo was too cozy with China, helped create negative perceptions about Beijings influence, Djayadi said. These include the hoax that Jokowi was a Chinese lackey, he said. Yohanes Sulaiman, a lecturer at Universitas Achmad Yani, said the survey findings needed to be accompanied by an analysis of media reports and public discussion. Is China considered to be more influential because it is more influential, or because the media or public discourse dwelled more on China issues, Yohanes said on Twitter. Survey released amid tensions The surveys findings were released amid tensions between Indonesia and China over maritime rights off the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. The tensions were raised after Chinese fishing boats and Chinese coast guard ships entered waters in Jakartas Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Beijing claims nearly all of the contested South China Sea, a waterway through which about U.S. $5 trillion of shipping trade passes each year. Indonesia is not among the nations with overlapping claims in the sea, but Beijing says the waters off Indonesias Natuna islands are part of traditional fishing grounds for Chinese fishermen. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have their own overlapping claims to portions of the sea. On Monday, Vice Admiral Yudo Morgono, chief of the Joint Regional Defense Command I, told reporters that Indonesian naval forces had repelled dozens of Chinese fishing vessels escorted by Chinas coast guard ships over the weekend. The Indonesian military had earlier said that the Chinese ships had left Indonesias EEZ waters after President Joko Widodo visited the Natunas last week. Yudo warned that stronger action would be taken if the Chinese ships made similar incursions again. In line with President Joko Widodos order, the boats will be captured and [their crews] will face legal proceedings, Yudo said. Tia Asmara in Jakarta and Hadi Azmi in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. In a major crackdown on illegal sand dredging, authorities seized 14.94 lakh kg of sand and seized machines, collectively worth 6.48 crore, on Monday. No arrests were made as the officials claimed the sand dredgers fled before the raid. The drive was carried out in Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Shahpur and Ambernath talukas along the creek and riverfront. Vaidehi Ranade, additional collector of Thane district, said, We raided spots along the creek in Mumbra Parsik Retibunder, Kalwa, Kalher, Kasheli, Pimplas, Thakurli, Motagaon and Kharbao. We also cracked down on illegal mining along Ulhas river bed in Ambernath and Shahpur. We seized 32 suction pumps and 25 barges or boats worth 6.48 crore. Around 320 brass (14.94 lakh kgs) of sand was seized. We will auction the sand. Around 50 trenches, which had been dug up to store sand, were also destroyed. Ranade said the action will be a periodical drive and will be repeated in the next few days. We have not arrested anyone as people fled the spot by the time we reached. We will begin the process of registering cases against unknown persons, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON OTTAWA - The clock's now officially ticking down on the race to replace Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, with the release of rules and deadlines for the contest likely to winnow down the field of contenders. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - The clock's now officially ticking down on the race to replace Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, with the release of rules and deadlines for the contest likely to winnow down the field of contenders. Nominations formally opened Monday and the dozen or so people who've thrown their names into the mix for the contest including a former Quebec premier, a former cabinet minister and at least three current MPs have begun the task of trying to mount campaigns in earnest. Leader of the Opposition Andrew Scheer announces he will step down as leader of the Conservatives, Thursday December 12, 2019 in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Conservative leadership hopefuls are spinning up their organizations Monday with the official start of the federal party's leadership race. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Veteran Conservative organizer Georganne Burke, who is managing current MP Marilyn Gladu's effort to enter the race, said she's confident Gladu will make the cut, though it won't be simple. "We know it is going to be an uphill climb for everybody," she said. "They have made it purposely more difficult." Candidates will have three hurdles to jump over to get their names on the ballot. To be approved as an applicant, they have until Feb. 27 to pay the first instalment of the $200,000 entry fee, plus gather 1,000 signatures from party members from 30 ridings spread over seven provinces or territories. After that deadline, candidates need another 1,000 signatures and must pay a $100,000 compliance deposit and one more instalment of the entry fee to get access to the party's membership list and spots in any debates. On top of those requirements, they still need a further 1,000 signatures, and to pay the rest of the entry fee, and get that done by March 25. The three steps up the ante over what had been in place for the last leadership contest, won by Scheer. In 2017, the cost was $100,000, divided between a refundable compliance deposit and a non-refundable segment. Only 300 members' signatures were needed, though they had to come from 30 ridings in seven different provinces or territories then as well. The race spooled out for over a year. The rules were published in March 2016, the deadline to enter was Feb. 24, 2017 and party members elected the new leader on May 27. This one will have launched and ended in a fraction of the time the new leader is to be announced June 27. The 2017 campaign had 14 names on the ballot, creating some grumbling about the impossibility of having substantive policy debates. Pressure was placed on the leadership race organizers this time to see if the rules could be structured to narrow the field. In most leadership races, there are two tiers of candidates, said Jamie Ellerton, a conservative strategist with the firm Conaptus. One group is considered to have at winning; the second tier is seen as people seeking to increase their profiles for some other political purpose. But the rules this time, including the number of signatures and various deadlines, mean whomever enters already has to have a plan in place, he said. 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. "What I think these rules do is exclude the ability of a totally unserious candidate like Kevin O'Leary coming in, creating headlines for several weeks, and then getting out, because the barriers are so high," he said. O'Leary the business mogul and reality-TV star briefly joined the race in 2017 but dropped out after a few months after failing to get enough support in Quebec. Aron Seal, a former Conservative staffer who intends to run, said the rules could be interpreted as shutting out candidates. But he thinks they are necessary, as politics requires people who can prove they can lead. "I've been talking a big game for months," he wrote in a message circulated on social media. "The establishment has responded with an elegant, 'Prove it, kid.' Challenge accepted." This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 13, 2020. OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Graycor Inc., a leading provider of construction, maintenance and facilities services, announced today that Monique Ruiz has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Monique Ruiz, Graycor, CFO With over 20 years of experience, Ruiz will be responsible for leading Graycor's corporate-level finance and accounting functions. Prior to joining Graycor, Ruiz served in corporate and operational finance leadership roles for global firms in manufacturing, banking, and public accounting, both in the U.S. and overseas. Ruiz earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and her MBA from Indiana University; she is also a certified public accountant (CPA). About Graycor: Founded in 1921, Graycor is a leading provider of construction, maintenance and facilities services throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Graycor offers clients in a variety of industrial and commercial markets the strength and experience needed to tackle the most sophisticated jobs and the flexibility to meet their toughest challenges. The Graycor group of companies employs more than 1,600 construction specialists at its headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, regional offices and project sites throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.graycor.com. Contact: Brian Gallagher, Vice President, Corporate Development, Graycor, Inc. [email protected], 864-551-0362 SOURCE Graycor Inc. FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud and Russia's Energy Minister Novak are seen at the beginning of a meeting in Vienna By Rania El Gamal and Marwa Rashad DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, OPEC's de facto leader, will work for oil market stability at a time of heightened U.S.-Iranian tension and wants to see sustainable prices and demand growth, the kingdom's energy minister said on Monday. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said it was too early to talk about whether the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, would continue with production curbs set to expire in March. "As tension remains high in our region, Saudi Arabia will continue to do all it can do to ensure stable oil markets," the minister told an energy conference. "We would like to have a stable oil market, sustainable growth in terms of demand, sustainable growth in terms of supply," he said, adding that both high and low prices were undesirable. "The worst thing is to have low oil prices that permanently damage the industry." Oil prices held steady on Monday as the United States and Iran appeared to retreat from the brink of full blown confrontation after a U.S. drone strike killed an Iranian commander in Baghdad on Jan. 3 and Iran retaliated with missiles launched against U.S. bases in Iraq. [O/R] Prince Abdulaziz said the United States was a strategic partner with a big role in international security. "We're leaving it to our friends in the U.S. to conduct themselves in the manner they see fit," he said. The world's top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia suffered missile and drone attacks on its oil facilities on Sept. 14 that temporarily halved output. Washington and Riyadh blamed Iran for the attacks, a charge Tehran denied. "We have taken every precaution that can be taken," the minister told reporters when asked whether Saudi Arabia had raised security after the recent U.S. and Iran strikes in Iraq. He said the kingdom's oil production stands at 9.744 million barrels per day (bpd) in January and would stay at the same level in February. Story continues Iraq's compliance with OPEC cuts improved in December and is looking for full compliance in January, he added. The OPEC+ group of oil-producing countries last month agreed to rein in output by an extra 500,000 bpd in the first quarter of 2020, on top of a previously agreed reduction of 1.2 million bpd. In addition, Saudi Arabia agreed to voluntarily hold its output 400,000 bpd beneath its quota, bringing the total effective cuts to 2.1 million bpd, or about 2% of global supply. OPEC+ nations produce more than 40% of global oil. (Reporting by Rania El Gamal and Marwa Rashad in Dhahran and Maher Chmaytelli in Dubai; writing by Ghaida Ghantous; editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Jason Neely) Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah will visit his home state Gujarat on January 14 to celebrate Makar Sankranti with the party workers and citizens. He will lay the foundation stone for the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Gandhinagar district on January 15. On January 14, Shah would join BJP workers and common people in flying kites on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at a society in Satellite area of Ahmedabad city, which falls under his Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, a BJP release said on Monday. Shah is also expected to visit SGVP Gurukul campus in Ahmedabad to take part in a cow worshipping ritual, a Swaminarayan Gurukul release stated. On January 15, Shah would lay the foundation stone of the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) at Nasmed village in Kalol taluka of Gandhinagar district. The ceremony will be held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, according to a state government release. The IIS is being set up by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The new varsity aims at developing skilled technical manpower to meet the demands of various industries, such as defence, aerospace, oil and gas and other emerging businesses, the release said. Shah had visited Gujarat on January 11 to participate in a series of events including the convocation ceremony of the Gujarat Technological University. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An auto-driver set himself ablaze in the middle of the road in DP Nagar of the city here on Sunday over alleged harassment by a police officer demanding protection money from him. "An auto driver named Ashwani Lodhi set himself on fire near Maliyana flyover in DP Nagar area at around 3:30 pm. He is receiving treatment at KMC hospital here. After consultation with the doctors, he might be referred to Safdarjung hospital for better treatment," Superintendent of Police (SP) Akhilesh Narayan Singh told reporters. He said that considering the severity of the allegations, the accused officer has been suspended. "During the initial probe, it has come to our knowledge that sub-inspector Rajdev Punia had slapped the auto driver after which he set himself on fire. There might have been some other reasons involved as well. A magistrate has been called for recording the statement in the matter," Singh said. According to the family members, the officer had been demanding protection money from Ashwani and had been harassing him for some time now. "He had recently slapped Ashwani. He had demanded protection money from him earlier as well," Lodhi's brother said. Police said that an investigation is being conducted and action will be taken accordingly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It sounds like the plot of a science fiction movie but Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is serious about his search for a special someone to join him on a space voyage to the moon. Having recently split up with his girlfriend, fashion mogul Maezawa has launched an online appeal for a female "life partner" to accompany him on SpaceX's maiden tourist voyage a slingshot trip around the moon tentatively scheduled for 2023. "As feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me, there's one thing that I think about: continuing to love one woman," 44-year-old Maezawa wrote Thursday in an online appeal. "I want to find a 'life partner.' With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world peace from outer space." Maezawa, who founded Japan's popular online shopping site Zozotown, is worth an estimated $2 billion, according to Forbes. A rare, eccentric figure among Japan's usually conservative entrepreneurs, he made global headlines in 2018, when Elon Musk's SpaceX revealed that he had chartered a flight aboard the company's Big Falcon Rocket. The Big Falcon Rocket, which was subsequently renamed Starship, has a launch target of this year, according to the SpaceX website. Widely known as a high-rolling art collector, Maezawa announced in 2018 that he planned to take six to eight artists with him on the moon voyage and inspire them to create new art a project he called "Dear Moon." "What I want to do is show the people of Earth just how beautiful our planet is by taking artists up there, so that they can convey that beauty to the world," he previously told CNN. 'A special someone' Writing on his website, Maezawa said he thought the lunar trip was a good chance to "seriously face up the idea of 'continuing to love one woman' which I'd only really had a hazy image about." According to the conditions listed on the website, applicants must be single women aged 20 or over, with a "bright personality" and always positive, have an interest in going to space and "wish for world peace." The deadline for applications is January 17, with the final decision scheduled to be made by Maezawa at the end of March. Applicants are asked to provide their height, job, hobbies, "special skill" and "selling points," their impression of Maezawa, and a photo of themselves. The matchmaking search will be filmed for a new documentary, "Full Moon Lovers," which will be shown on streaming service AbemaTV. Eccentric billionaire Maezawa is no stranger to attention-grabbing stunts. On New Year's Eve, he announced on YouTube that he will give away more than $9 million to 1,000 of his Twitter followers to see if it makes them happier. All they had to do to stand a chance of winning the money was retweet his original post before midnight on January 7. A lottery will determine the winners. The billionaire orchestrated a similar contest in January 2019, giving away 100 million yen ($910,000) to 100 Twitter followers. They ended up with a bit more than $9,000 each. His January 2019 tweet was the most retweeted Twitter post ever at the time, with 4.7 million retweets. The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:45:54|Editor: yan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya and Chinese scientists are set to partner to conduct a biological study on the Lake Turkana Basin in northeast Kenya later this year, a government official said on Monday. Esther Kioko, head of the zoology department of the National Museum of Kenya (NMK) told Xinhua in Nairobi that the Lake Turkana Basin Biological survey project will be a collaborative effort between NMK, Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC) and the Kenya Wildlife Service. "It will be the first time that we are conducting a coordinated and comprehensive study on the plant and animal species in the Lake Turkana basin area," Kioko said. She revealed that the overall output of the study is to classify and document the natural heritage that is yet to be explored as well as collect specimens for the national repository. Kioko noted that the survey will look at the small mammals, birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles in the target area. "The survey is important because Kenya cannot conserve what it does not know that it owns," she added. According to the scientist, field analysis will be undertaken by taking samples of the flora and fauna in target areas due to the vast size of the area under research. Kioko observed that the biological study will also offer a platform for capacity building for Kenyan researchers. "By working side by side with Chinese scientists, Kenyan scientists will also benefit from knowledge transfer," she noted. Appeal after car damaged Police are appealing for information after a car was damaged in the West of the Island. The incident happened between Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December. A vehicle parked in the Boilley Spittal area has had damage caused to its front nearside wheel arch. Officers from the Western Neighbourhood Policing Team say no note or details were left by the offender(s). Anyone with information is urged to contact Peel Police station on 842208. With the return of the Stormont on Saturday, eight new Ministers have been appointed to the Executive. We profile them and the key issues they face below: DIANE DODDS (DUP) ECONOMY MINISTER Having served more than 10 years in the European Parliament, the DUP's Diane Dodds was co-opted to replace Carla Lockhart as MLA for Upper Bann. There had been speculation that her husband Nigel Dodds or Emma Little-Pengelly would take the role after losing their North and South Belfast Westminster seats respectively. Having grown up in a farm in Rathfriland, Mrs Dodds worked as a teacher before entering politics. Since being appointed, Mrs Dodds has spoken out against Sinn Fein's junior minister Declan Kearney's claim the new Assembly will be an "engine" for moving towards a united Ireland. Among the pending decisions for the Department of the Economy will be a draft energy strategy, an industrial strategy and a Superfast Broadband strategy. PETER WEIR (DUP) EDUCATION MINISTER Expand Close Peter Weir PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Peter Weir Picking up where he left off before Stormont collapsed, Strangford MLA Peter Weir is returning to his post as education minister. Having previously worked as a barrister, he initially joined the UUP but was expelled for refusing to support David Trimble's re-election as First Minister. A supporter of academic selection, he has previously stated that removing it would lead to more inequality by encouraging wealthy parents to send children to private schools. The Stormont deal has called for an urgent resolution to the current teachers' industrial dispute and ensuring every school has a sustainable core budget. Another agreed measure will be to work towards supporting educating children from different backgrounds in the same classroom. EDWIN POOTS (DUP) AGRICULTURE MINISTER Expand Close Edwin Poots PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Edwin Poots Edwin Poots is taking on his fourth ministerial role, having previously served in the culture, environment and health portfolios. The Lagan Valley MLA was first elected to the Assembly in 1998 and comes from a farming background, having studied at Greenmount College. In recent weeks it was suggested that Mr Poots would appeal to more hardline DUP voters as a potential replacement for Arlene Foster after a disappointing general election. Provisions for tackling climate change in the new Stormont deal will have a significant impact on farming. This may require financial assistance for farmers to meet the new targets. The dairy sector will also need assurance over concerns about post Brexit trade costs. DEIRDRE HARGEY (SF) COMMUNITIES MINISTER Expand Close Deirdre Hargey PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Deirdre Hargey Deirdre Hargey took over as South Belfast MLA after Mairtin O Muilleoir announced he was leaving politics. She was the first woman from Sinn Fein to be elected Lord Mayor for Belfast. Her appointment initially attracted controversy as she was present in Magennis' bar in Belfast in 2005 when Robert McCartney (33) was stabbed to death outside. Despite criticism from the McCartney family, Ms Hargey has always maintained she fully co-operated with the investigation. With responsibility for sport, she will be tasked with progressing regional and sub regional stadia programmes, including Casement Park. Other areas of responsibility will include housing and benefits. CONOR MURPHY (SF) FINANCE MINISTER Expand Close Conor Murphy PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Conor Murphy One of Sinn Fein's most established representatives, Mr Murphy previously served as MP for Newry and Armagh and the minister for regional development. It's believed Mr Murphy joined the IRA during the 1981 hunger strikes. A year later, he was sentenced to five years in prison for membership and having explosives. Posting a picture from the top of Slieve Gullion yesterday, the MLA from Camlough said his head was clear to take on his new role. He also called on the British and Irish governments to deliver on "a substantial injection of funding, over and above the block grant". His priorities include securing funding to tackle waiting lists and pay disputes with health workers and teachers. ROBIN SWANN (UUP) HEALTH MINISTER Expand Close Robin Swann PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Robin Swann The former Ulster Unionist leader from Kells will be the first Ulster Unionist to hold the portfolio since his party colleague Michael McGimpsey. The North Antrim Assembly member announced he was stepping down last year after two years as leader to spend more time with his young family. But his new role as health minister will have no shortage of demands, with tackling a crisis in waiting lists as an urgent priority. Mr Swann has also requested meetings with trade unions in a bid to settle the ongoing industrial action by health workers "right away". He said his optimism in finding agreement comes from a new financial package and the support from other ministerial colleagues. NAOMI LONG (ALL) JUSTICE MINISTER Expand Close Naomi Long PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Naomi Long Bolstered by a strong showing for the Alliance Party at last month's general election, Ms Long stepped down as MEP in order to be co-opted back as an East Belfast MLA. She is now the second Alliance Justice Minister after David Ford first took the role in 2010 after powers were first devolved. Married to Belfast councillor Michael Long, she previously defeated the former DUP leader Peter Robinson to become MP for east Belfast. The Stormont deal has promised to boost PSNI officer numbers by 800, which will cost an estimated 40m extra a year. Other commitments are to speed up the criminal justice system as well as making changes to how sexual offence cases are handled in court. NICHOLA MALLON (SDLP) INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER Expand Close Nichola Mallon PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nichola Mallon The SDLP deputy leader and North Belfast MLA is taking on her first ministerial post, having previously served as Belfast Lord Mayor. In recent weeks she has called for greater support for mental health services in Northern Ireland. Married with three young children, she had cross-party support last year after receiving online abuse for taking her young son to a meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary. As infrastructure minister, progress is expected on major road upgrades like the York Street interchange, the A5/A6 as well as the Magee Campus and Narrow Water Bridge. It has also been agreed the Executive will "invest urgently" to boost wastewater infrastructure. Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley says koalas could soon be listed as endangered in parts of Australia as a result of the bushfire crisis as Taronga Zoo bolsters efforts of wildlife groups to save the vulnerable species. With an estimated 30 per cent of koala habitats being lost in northern NSW alone, including areas recognised by environmental authorities as being key to supporting koala populations, Ms Ley said "everything that can be done ... will be done" to rescue the marsupials. On Monday, she announced a $50 million package to support wildlife. A koala and its joey that were rescued from the fire-ravaged Blue Mountains and brought to Taronga Zoo. Credit:Cole Bennetts Speaking from the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where dozens of injured koalas are being treated, Ms Ley said the species had taken an "extraordinary hit" in the unfolding crisis, and that she had spoken to Professor Helen Marsh, the chair of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, about the population's status. "It may be necessary to bring forward the assessment that they would be doing in any case to see whether in parts of the country, koalas move from where they are, which is often vulnerable, up to endangered," she said. B illionaire Lawrence Stroll is closing in on taking a stake in under-fire luxury car maker Aston Martin. Stroll - who is owner of the Racing Point Formula One team and father of Formula One driver Lance Stroll - will look to inject 200 million as the company tries to get to grips with its mounting debt pile, Bloomberg reported. The Canadian tycoon was first linked with Aston back in December and believes the firms current low stock value makes it a good investment opportunity. It is understood he wants a seat on Aston Martins board of directors if he goes ahead with his investment. Stroll built his 2 billion fortune by investing in fashion labels including Pierre Cardin, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. But he is not the only billionaire linked to Aston and last week reports said it had also held talks with Chinese steel magnate Li Shufu. He owns Geely Group. Geely, which controls Swedens Volvo, Britains Lotus Cars and holds a minority stake in Daimler, is primarily interested in a technology-sharing deal that could benefit businesses such as Lotus. At present private equity firms Investindustrial and Kuwaits Adeem control more than 60% of Aston Martin. An Aston spokesman confirmed it was looking at funding options. The company faces an uncertain future after it posted another profit warning last week. Shares have fallen 75% since its 2018 float and the business is in desperate need of a cash injection to fund the marketing and production ramp-up of the DBX, its 4x4 which came out in November. Chief Justice Bobde made it clear that the bench would not be examining the legality of issues like polygamy and nikah-halala amongst Muslims. Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, heading the nine-judge Constitution Bench, said they would decide on larger issues referred by the five-judge Constitution Bench and not individual cases pending before the court. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said the nine-judge Constitution Bench was not going to decide on the plea for reconsideration of its verdict permitting the entry of women of all ages in Lord Ayyappas Sabarimala temple and other individual cases, but the larger issue of legality and essentially of religious beliefs and practices discriminatory to women. The larger question would address the legality and essentially of religious beliefs and practices barring the entry of women in mosques and temples, genital mutilation in Dawoodi Bohras and the ban on the entry of Parsi woman in the fire temple after she had married outside the Parsi community. Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, heading the nine-judge Constitution Bench, said they would decide on larger issues referred by the five-judge Constitution Bench and not individual cases pending before the court. However, Chief Justice Bobde made it clear that the bench would not be examining the legality of issues like polygamy and nikah-halala amongst Muslims. We will decide the questions of law on womens entry to mosques/temples, genital mutilation by Dawoodi Bohras, entry of Parsi women in fire temples who marry outside the community. We will not decide individual cases before the court, CJI Bobde added. Putting to rest all the questions, CJI Bobde said the nine-judge Constitution Bench would only look into the proposition of law emerging from cases pending before the court and referred to by the five-judge Constitution Bench by its November 14, 2019 order. Besides CJI Bobde, the other judges on the bench are Justices R. Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan, L. Nageswara Rao, Mohan N. Shantanagoudar, Abdul Nazeer, R. Subhash Reddy, B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant. As some lawyers, including Indira Jaising, Rajeev Dhavan and others questioned the seven questions framed by the five-judge Constitution Bench in its November 14 order, CJI Bobde said all the lawyers appearing before the court would meet in a conference on January 17 to reframe or add to the questions. Besides reframing/adding to the question, the lawyers would apportion among themselves the question they will address before the court and the time needed. The CJI directed the Supreme Court secretary-general to convene and coordinate holding of the conference and to be present in it. The court gave three weeks for the entire exercise to be completed, including written submissions by the senior lawyers. The CJI said that cases before the constitution bench were being taken up chronological order and the matter before the nine-judge bench was older. He said this as Indira Jaising told the court that the hearing on a batch of petitions (over 60) were listed for January 22, thereby suggesting that there may be some overlapping. At the start of Mondays hearing, senior counsel Indira Jaising, appearing for one of the petitioners, told the court the questions to be addressed by it (court) would be just academic if divorced from the facts of the cases pending before it. She said that every Constitution Bench hearing must be for some reason and purpose. Telling the bench it cannot tell how religion is to be practised, senior counsel Rajeev Dhavan said the court could not decide on the essentiality of religious practices as it was outside its jurisdiction. Of the seven questions framed by the five-judge bench by its November 14 order include the question on the interplay between freedom of religion under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, and the other fundamental rights, particularly Article 14. The other question framed by the five-judge bench include the extent to which the court can examine whether a particular practice is an integral part of a religion or its religious practices, or should that be left to be determined by the head of that religious group. If youre an entrepreneur who has launched a tech startup and are located and seeking venture capital in Thailand, youve already given yourself a head start. Venture Capital (VC) is the holy grail of tech startups. Every tech startup entrepreneur is searching for the right investor or VC firm in which to form a partnership. But unlike Singapore, Amsterdam, London or the granddaddy of them all, Silicon Valley, California, the tech industry in Thailand is still developing. The government of Thailand is firmly behind this development and have created such entities as the Board of Investment (BOI) and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). These government organisations have been established to specifically further the tech industry success in Thailand. For the country, this means working toward the governments stated goal of creating a tech industry in Thailand on the same level as known tech hubs around the world. Requirements for Venture Capital in Thailand But just because the government is rooting for your success, doesnt mean that youll succeed automatically. Youll still need to have a brilliant, innovative, and viable idea along with a solid business plan to get your foot in the door of VC firms. Remember, both the government and VC firms want your business model to compare favourably to other tech successes around the world. This means that the bar is still set high. But Thailand is offering more ways to reach that high level of success than other countries by the relatively small size of the tech community itself. In Thailand, the scope of this developing tech community can work in an entrepreneurs favour. It can give them much more access to incubators, accelerators, mentors, and VC firms who are actively looking to invest both their time and money in a good idea and an intelligent, well-thought-out business plan. Venture Capital in Thailand is not so much the rare, sought-after lifesaver as it is a logical reward from a business standpoint. Its the proper next step of a startup that has pursued and developed a good idea into what could be a viable product or service, with the right support. Involvement in the Thailand Tech Community For entrepreneurs seeking venture capital in Thailand, the best thing you can do for your startup is to immerse yourself in the local tech community. Learn as much as you can. Share your ideas and business model with others. Youll soon get the interest of others in the community who can help your fledgling business spread its wings and grow into a successful venture. By demonstrating that you have the ability, drive, and the good idea in which to invest these attributes, youll naturally get the attention of VC firms. Theyll take an interest in your endeavour because of your idea. But theyll also take notice of your commitment to the local community of like-minded companies and entrepreneurs like yourself. Take full advantage of the head start that the Thailand tech community and government can offer startups and entrepreneurs. Photos and Web Content by Primal Co., Ltd. Seventy percent of children under 5 dont attend kindergartens in Armenia, meaning they dont receive pre-school education. This is what Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan declared during a discussion on the bill on making amendments to the law on pre-school education held as part of the session of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport of the National Assembly today. According to him, the government has set the objective to fix the situation that has been created. This bill determines the principles of the state policy on pre-school education in Armenia, regulates the legal relations of natural and legal persons participating in the process of pre-school education and is aimed at ensuring access to pre-school education, he explained, adding that in accordance with the submitted bill, pre-school education will be inclusive, and teachers working at pre-schools and kindergartens will undergo training. He also stated that his bill has been considered during public deliberations and has been discussed with experts, as well as NGO representatives and that the parliamentary committee has given a positive conclusion. Supreme Court The last fortnight of 2019 will certainly go down in Indian history as the weeks when the youth of India finally shrugged their silence and took to the streets to tell the government that they disagreed with the direction the country was headed. It was also the fortnight which saw some of the worst excesses of the police force In Delhi, the police entered a university, and by many credible accounts (there are counter narratives, no doubt) wreaked havoc on students and infrastructure. In Uttar Pradesh, not only was there police violence inside a university, but several accounts have emerged on police going on a rampage in cities targeting minority communities. Section 144 (of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973), which prohibits public gathering with threat of arrest for violation, was imposed almost indiscriminately in several states across India, and Internet connections were suspended by executive fiat. Now, a Supreme Court judgment has told us that perhaps it was all illegal. Ruling on the continuing lockdown in Kashmir, the court found that the government does not have the power to willy-nilly declare Section 144 or to order the suspension of Internet services. Framing the entire case as a balancing act between the concerns of liberty granted by the Constitution to the individual and the security concerns of the State, the apex court held that only the least restrictive measure can be imposed by the State, after assessing the existence of alternate mechanisms to achieve the same goals. The court also finds that each such order passed must be based on individual application of mind by the authority concerned, must each be supported by sufficient material, and that each such order is amenable to judicial review. Even on communication/Internet shutdowns, the court lay down that the measures taken by the government should be such that it burdens freedom of speech in a minimalist manner. The court further points out that the power under Section 144 cannot be used as a tool to prevent the legitimate expression of opinion or grievance or exercise of any democratic rights something that we routinely saw over the last few weeks and that the order should state the material facts that led to the application of mind by the magistrate, and should be applied in the least intrusive manner possible. Finally on the question of journalistic freedom, the court found that governments are required to respect the freedom of the press at all times, and that journalists are to be accommodated in reporting, and there is no justification for allowing a sword of Damocles to hang over the press indefinitely. Coming on the same day that the Bombay High Court pointed to the peaceful protests by youth and the Delhi High Court refusing to order the evacuation of protestors at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, the judgment has much to cheer for all Indians. However, for the people of Kashmir, on behalf of whom the cases were fought, it offers scarce respite. The court did not strike down the Section 144 orders or order the resumption of Internet services, merely directing that the orders be reviewed by certain authorities periodically. This means that it is now left to an approval committee set up by the government to decide whether the curbs are absolutely necessary. This is but just another of several recent cases in which the Supreme Court followed laudable reasoning and analysis with a conclusion that appears to show the court as walking on egg-shells. In the Babri masjid case, the court followed creditable scrutiny of facts and exposition of the law with a final award that seems hopelessly one-sided. Similarly, in the Aadhaar case, it was merely happy to accept the governments arguments that they mean no harm (in the form of mass surveillance) while upholding the law, even as the actions of the government pointed otherwise. Or take several cases in 2019 where the court accepted evidence in sealed envelopes to the detriment of private citizens who were before the court for relief, unwilling to give anything more than a rap on the knuckle to the government. In this case, the court reprimanded the government for refusing to submit the orders passed in Kashmir to the court, but went no further. It is tempting to think that it is the people on the streets that will once again remind constitutional authorities of the void they leave. Hopefully this judgment will, at the least, arm them further. Javascript Error Javascript is deactivated in your browser. To use all functions on this portal, for example the login, Javascript must be activated. Please activate Javascript in your browser settings. Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to recognise the sacrifices of the men a... Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to recognise the sacrifices of the men and women of the nations armed forces. Osinbajo gave the assurance during an interdenominational Church service organised by the Ministry of Defence to commemorate the 2020 Armed Force Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) on Sunday in Abuja, NAN reports. He said that the government would continue to prioritise their welfare and the wellbeing of the families of the fallen heroes. According to the Vice President, we do not and will not take our men and women of the armed forces for granted. We will do better for our veterans and the families of our fallen heroes and to improve the conditions of those in service and we shall do so incrementally. And so, today, we came together to thank the men and women of our armed forces for their sterling and selfless service to our nation. You have shown uncommon resilience, you have shown courage and commitment to the defence of our country. On behalf of government and people of Nigeria, I thank you veterans and serving officers for your faith and your services to our nation and we thank the families of the fallen heroes for your fortitude, he said. Osinbajo stated that the sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces both dead and living was responsible for the existence of Nigeria as a nation today. He added that the country noted that many veterans of various conflicts over time, made the supreme sacrifice including their families who also paid and continued to pay a heavy price. According to him, wives or husbands in some cases deprived of their spouses, children growing up without the mentor and counsel of their parents and of course the economic deprivations when only one parent bears the responsibility of bringing up and caring for the family. It may not always be evident but it is true that men and women of the armed forces are not just fighting to preserve the Nigeria of today. Their efforts are in part dedicated to preserving the future for safer, more secured, more confident, more united nation for our children and grandchildren. Every victory won through your immense courage and your toil in the face of mortal dangers are the inevitable labour pains of the new Nigeria. Your labours will not be in vain, he said. Accidents at the exit from Mondelange, Foetz, Munsbach and Pontpierre caused significant tailbacks on Monday morning. "Typical Monday" The usually heavy traffic in the morning rush hour was compounded by several accidents on the motorways in the direction of Luxembourg City this morning. On the French side, it was at the Mondelange exit, on the A31 where an accident occurred shortly after 6am this morning. Despite roadside assistance being swift, substantial jams formed. In Luxembourg, the Automobile Club (ACL) reported as accident on the A4, at the Pontpierre exit, in the direction of the capital, involving two vehicles. The cars collided in outside lane, causing a traffic jam heading back as far as Esch, at the Raemerich roundabout. CITA In the south (A13), it was at the ramp with the A4 at Foetz that an accident occurred around 6:45 am. Two cars were moved to the hard shoulder, but traffic flow was very slow. Finally, three cars were involved in an accident on the A1, heading towards the city from direction Trier. On the incline heading passed Munsbach, where there was already a broken down truck, and the roadway goes from three to two lanes, a collision could not be avoided. The right lane was blocked until the cars and lorry were removed and the traffic jams backed up for several kilometers. The coworking space ic@3401 at the University City Science Center. Entrepreneurs and companies who win a spot in the GSA 2020 competition are entitled to free office space as part of the Philadelphia-based accelerator program. Read more Got a business, but need work space, new markets, and mentors? You may be in luck. Theres a free accelerator business program in Philadelphia just for you, accepting applications through Wednesday, Jan. 15. The 2020 Global Startup Accelerator is sponsored by the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians and the University City Science Center. Paid for by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the accelerator is in its second year. There are 25 spots in the six-month program, and this years cohort will focus on smart city technologies and companies with an interest in expanding to India. Applicants businesses from the Greater Philadelphia area should be focused on improving a civil service or the health of a population using technology. Their specialized area of work could include: Connected devices/internet of things Digital health and social determinants of health Fintech with a community component Education technology Energy efficiency Cybersecurity There is no cost to attend, said Anthony Stipa, whos promoting the program for the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians and University City Science Center. This is a completely free program," Stipa said. "Its a hands-on curriculum, where entrepreneurs can learn on-site at the Science Center from other members of the cohort, advisers, and business leaders. They are also entitled to free office space during the term of the program. Advisers include institutional investors, academics with expertise in tech transfer, government officials, corporate executives, and start-up founders. Selected founders and their teams will learn on four tracks market overview, legal and regulatory framework, cultural acclimation, and pitch and fund-raising prep. The program starts Jan. 23 and ends July 16. Included with admission is a six-month membership to ic@3401, the Innovation Center tech coworking hub of funded, early-stage companies in Philadelphia. The ic@3401 is a partnership between Drexel University and the University City Science Center with 17,500 square feet of coworking, incubation, and acceleration space at 3401 Market St. Visit the Welcoming Centers website (https://welcomingcenter.org/entrepreneurship/gsa/) for more information. In 2019, 12 companies graduated from the first Global Startup Accelerator cohort. The accelerator program was one of 27 chosen nationwide by the U.S. Economic Development Administrations Regional Innovation Strategies. Last years cohort focused on markets in Europe. Renee Stewart, cofounder and chief scientific officer of Levolta Pharmaceuticals, was introduced to partners in Europe through the program. Her company was given a toolkit for avoiding classic regulatory mistakes with a personalized curriculum. The 2020 cohort will focus on expanding markets in India. Applications can be submitted online at https://www.f6s.com/philadelphiagsa2020/apply. Through GSA, start-ups are also able to tap into vast networks of successful local immigrant entrepreneurs, Stipa said. Anurag Jain, an entrepreneur and adviser to the Global Startup Accelerator, cited a study from the New American Economy showing that 20.6% of all entrepreneurs in the U.S. are foreign-born. In Philadelphia, the citys foreign-born population grew 69% between 2000 and 2016, a sharp increase that has contributed to a culture of entrepreneurship and resourcefulness in the local business community. This is just the latest of many new start-up accelerators and incubators in Philly. The Science Center launched a new accelerator, Launch Lane, last year after also creating the Digital Health Accelerator. Health Hackers, a collaboration between FirstHand and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphias iSTEM team, debuted in the fall of 2019, and over 350 middle and high school students in Philadelphia participated in over 5,700 hours of STEM engagement through FirstHand. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 17:55:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Henry Vinson MS, JD, is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for the State of Ohio. With diverse experience ranging from author to commercial pilot, Henry Vinson is excited to provide students with an opportunity to further advance their skills in hopes of achieving long-term professional success. As Henry Vinson believes that education is fundamental to building a sustainable career, he is excited to announce his scholarship program.CINCINNATI, OH / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Henry Vinson is proud to announce an academic scholarship program to support individuals currently pursuing a post secondary education. The Henry Vinson Scholarship consists of three awards valued at $1,000 CAD/ USD and one valued at $2,000 CAD/ USD.The scholarship is available to individuals enrolled in an accredited Canadian or American post secondary institution.The application process requires candidates to complete an online registration form and compose an essay detailing the importance of their chosen field of study. A competitive application will demonstrate a passion for his or her area of discipline and explore how they plan to make a positive impact following graduation.Candidates are required to submit a letter of acceptance to their current program, and scholarship winners will be announced shortly after the deadlines via email or phone.In the high cost world of post-secondary education, Henry Vinson is excited about providing students with an opportunity to further develop their skill sets.To learn more about the Henry Vinson Scholarship Program and to apply visit:About Henry VinsonHenry Vinson began his career earning his bachelor's degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Sciences. He is a graduate of William Howard Taft University where he attended law school. He earned his Master of Science Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University and resourcefully continued his education when he attended The Bolivar School of Aviation.Henry also obtained his licenses and certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration, after mastering several skills and is a commercially rated pilot for single and multiple engine airplanes.Contact:Henry Vinsonapply@ henryvinsonscholarships.com SOURCE: Henry Vinson The fishing boat sank after the collision. Authorities were able to rescue three out of the six people on board the fishing vessel, but three are unaccounted for. The cause of the incident remains unclear, with rescue efforts underway for the remaining victims. Google is promising to support Chrome on Windows 7 for at least the next 18 months. "We will continue to fully support Chrome on Windows 7 for a minimum of 18 months from Microsoft's End of Life date, until at least July 15, 2021," Max Christoff, Chrome's engineering director, wrote last week in a post to a company blog. Christoff touted the post-retirement support as a win for enterprises, which over the last several years have designated Chrome as their workers' primary browser. He highlighted the management tools Google offered as well as Chrome's sync skills. "If you haven't started your move to Windows 10 yet, or even if your organization is mid-way through migration, you can still benefit from the enterprise capabilities of Chrome," Christoff contended. That emphasis was no surprise. This week will mark not only the end of support for Windows 7 (Tuesday, Jan. 14) but also the public debut of Microsoft's refurbished Edge (Wednesday, Jan. 15). Microsoft, which built the new Edge with Google's Chromium technologies - the same that drive Chrome - has pitched the browser as a better fit for enterprises, based on Microsoft's long history of management prowess. It remained unclear on Monday how Microsoft will support its new Chromium-based Edge on Windows 7. Historically, Microsoft has stopped serving browser updates when the underlying operating system exited support. However, Edge on Windows 7 will, like Edge on Windows 10, be updated using mechanisms separate from the OS. Microsoft may continue to support its new Edge after this week on all Windows 7 PCs, not just those in organizations that have paid for Extended Support Updates (ESU). Google's pledge to support Chrome on Windows 7 for "a minimum of 18 months" was reminiscent of its support for the browser on Windows XP. Months before that operating system's April 2014 retirement, Google told users it would support Chrome at least until the following April. Google ended up supporting Chrome on XP for two years after the latter's expiration, or until April 2016. Fueled by expectations of a recovery in semiconductor prices, Samsung Electronics shares rose to record levels last week, propelling it into the global top 20 companies in terms of market capitalization. According to Bloomberg on Sunday, Samsung ranks 18th in the world in terms of market cap based on its closing price on Jan. 9, up 10 notches from 2018. Samsung shares rose to the highest price since it was listed in June of 1975, surging 51 percent over the past year. Its total market cap rose to US$301.7 billion, up almost W120 trillion over the same period (US$1=W1,162). Samsung is now richer than Intel (26th), AT&T (22nd) and Verizon (27th). But Samsung remains the only Korean company in the global top 100. SK Hynix, ranked second domestically, did not even come close. Worldwide, Saudi Arabia's state-run oil firm Aramco shot to the top as soon as it went public in December, followed by Apple, Microsoft, Google parent company Alphabet, Amazon and Facebook. Plans to introduce free after 2pm parking scheme in town welcomed by local businesses This article is old - Published: Monday, Jan 13th, 2020 News that a free parking pilot scheme is set to be introduced in Wrexham town centre has been welcomed by local businesses. Executive board members will tomorrow be asked to give the go ahead to free after 2pm in all its carparks excluding Ty Pawb in a bid to attract visitors and support local businesses. If approved the scheme will begin in April and will run for 12 months as a trial with footfall, carpark use and sales data being used to measure the success and the impact on the town. Speaking last week Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, said 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. He added: 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 announcement has been welcomed by members of the Town Centre Forum, which last year ran a petition calling for the local authority to freeze the proposed parking tariff increase and trial a free after 3pm scheme. Town Centre Vice-Chairman, Andy Gallanders of Cafe Bank Street Social said: We are pleased by the willingness of the council to listen and urge that the Executive Committee adopt this report. This is good for local businesses, good for the local economy and good for local jobs. Town Centre Forum Chairman, Wayne Price of AMP Accounting added: This is an excellent step in the right direction and Wrexhams local businesses welcome this proposal. We thank them for looking at this and we relish promoting this incentive with the help of the council. Parking was outlined in a report commissioned by WCBC in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University with the aim of improving the economy of the town centre and we have asked for some clarification regarding this. This 1998 frame from video provided by C-SPAN shows George Nader, president and editor of Middle East Insight. As an adviser to Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Nader worked throughout 2017 with Elliott Broidy, a fundraiser for President Donald Trump, in a secretive lobbying effort to alter U.S. policy in the Middle East. George Nader, a key witness in former special counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, pleaded guilty Monday to charges of shipping an underage boy to the U.S. for sex and possessing child pornography. Nader, 60, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a possible maximum of 50 years behind bars, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District said in a press release Monday. Judges usually issue sentences below the maximum. Federal prosecutors agreed to recommend the mandatory minimum sentence 10 years in prison for Nader as part of his plea agreement in U.S. District Court in Eastern Virginia, a spokesman for federal prosecutors told CNBC. An attorney for Nader did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Nader, who is currently being held without bail, is scheduled to be sentenced April 10. Last week, prosecutors filed a charging document known as an information, accusing Nader of two criminal counts. An information is typically filed in advance of a defendant entering a guilty plea. Nader was accused in the first count of possession of visual depictions of minors "engaging in sexually explicit conduct" in late 2012. He was accused in the second count of transporting a 14-year-old boy from Europe to the U.S. in February 2000 "with the intent that the boy engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempted to do so." The press release Monday said that Nader "met the boy in Prague, Czech Republic, and later brought him to his residence in Washington, D.C." "Nader also admitted that, in September 2012, he possessed or accessed with intent to view video images of child sexual abuse while he was in New York." Federal prosecutors agreed dismiss a much more recent indictment against Nader on similar charges that was returned in July 2019. Nader, a citizen of Lebanon and a wealthy Middle East power broker, had acted as a middle-man between U.S. and Russia-connected figures after President Donald Trump's election. Nader helped arrange a January 2017 meeting in the Seychelles between Erik Prince and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, who reported directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Mueller's report on his investigation. Prince, founder of the private security company originally known as Blackwater, is the brother of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Nader had already been convicted for transporting child porn in the same court back in 1991, according to the U.S. Attorney's press release. Nader faces additional charges in federal court in Washington, D.C., for allegedly funneling millions in illegal campaign contributions to support Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Those charges are unrelated to Nader's child sex charges in Virginia. -- CNBC's Dan Mangan contributed to this report. Its a happy new year indeed for New Yorkbased architecture firm ODA, which has kicked off 2020 by winning an international competition to revitalize a 23-acre site in Moscow. A city of more than 12 million peoplea number expected to grow in the coming years, even as Russias overall population declinesMoscow is maximizing its urban sprawl by developing former industrial sites on its outskirts for residential, commercial, and public use. As part of these new urbanization efforts, ODA has designed a striking master plan for Magistralnaya Ulitsa, or the MAZD Territory (as its also known), located within the west sector of the citys Third Ring Road. Moscows center is predominantly dedicated to office, commerce, hospitality, cultural, and governmental buildings. Most people live around the second and third rings in large-scale formulated housing complexes, while industries are concentrated mostly along the third ring, Eran Chen, founding principal of ODA, tells AD. City life is a constant movement from the outer rings to the city center and back through systems of highways and public transport. MAZD is one of the citys first attempts to creating a real mixed-used neighborhood in the outer rings. Its aim is to address the growing desire of millennials to live in a self-sustained, walkable neighborhood where the lines between live, work, and play are blurred. For the site, ODA has envisioned a unified plan defined by sprawling structure and a prominent roofline that mimics the topography of a hill, plus a series of towers whose forms extend the undulating silhouette of the complex. As a mixed-use project, MAZD will be home to a series of villa-like residences as well as condominiums, retail and dining experiences, urban green spaces, and offices, all interconnected with pedestrian walkways in a manner that blends landscape with architecture. The master plan promotes the idea of connectivity and flexibility while formally creating a city-scale composition that forms a strong visual identity, says Chen. Story continues Designing such an immense project is not without its challenges. There is very little relevant context in the immediate surrounding areas, and it was clear that our plan will impact the future development of a much greater territory. We had to expand our research far beyond the site to get a better understanding of the behavioral patterns, local cultural forces, and rising ambitions of the citys urban plan, says Chen. It required us to ask more fundamental questions about what constitutes a neighborhood or a community and adapt to new terms, psychologies, and typologies that will guide the next half century of design. But ODA is up to the taskthe MAZD project is not the firms first foray into master planning: The firm has also contributed to urban design projects in New York, Mexico City, and Rotterdam (the Netherlands). Its goal is to redefine what a neighborhood means within the context of developing global cities with increasing densities, focusing on creating civic entities that engage its residents and visitors through activity. See the video. The authority of city planning to paint areas of our city maps in single colors has broken down, and a new system must be created. Mobility has become a major issue and infrastructure is rapidly collapsing. Within vertically growing neighborhoods, intimacy and a sense of community are diminishing, says Chen. Architecture must play a role in giving people a much-needed agency to determine their own experience, their own story, the ability to connect, to produce, to contribute to society, and to sustain themselves in a new way. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest A new world in my view: the art of Sister Gertrude Morgan Sister Gertrude Morgan expressed Gods message through art and song, and won admirers ranging from Andy Warhol to actor Robert Duvall. Three of her works are offered on 17 January Following a series of divine revelations in 1957, Sister Gertrude Morgan (19001980) began to paint. Jesus just took my hand, she maintained. For the next 16 years, the self-styled Bride of Christ and housekeeper for Dada God, who dressed only in a white nurses uniform, imparted her ecstatic visions of a New Jerusalem on old scraps of cardboard and paper. On 17 January, three paintings by this remarkable self-taught artist are offered in the Outsider Art sale at Christies in New York. Sister Gertrude Morgan (1900-1980), New Jerusalem. Acrylic and ink on pieced card. 6 x 7 in (9.5 x 19.6 cm). Estimate $3,000-5,000. Offered in Outsider Art on 17 January 2020 at Christies in New York Sister Gertrudes communications with God had in fact begun some 20 years earlier in the 1930s, when the Lord had impelled her to leave her husband of 10 years, and her home in Columbus, Georgia, to travel the southern states of America spreading the gospel through prayer and song. Such a subversive, radical act by a black married woman was unheard of at the time. Just be sure and give Jesus credit for what I do, she said in an interview in 1973. Hes the one that deserves all the praise. Hes the one that made me do it. In 1939, she settled in New Orleans the headquarters of sin where she became a fixture in the French Quarter, jangling her tambourine and exhorting the public to wake up and hear about Jesus. Dealer Larry Borenstein discovered Sister Gertrudes paintings, and it was not long before the New York art scene came calling Later, she established the tiny Everlasting Gospel Mission in a shotgun-style house in the Lower Ninth Ward. It was here, in the 1950s, that she began to paint, adorning the outside of her home with pictures of the New Jerusalem a place populated by angels and skyscrapers filled with people of all races. Inside the house, she created an all-white prayer room where she would evangelise through a paper megaphone. Sister Gertrude Morgan on the porch of her Everlasting Gospel Mission in New Orleans, photographed in 1973. Guy Mendes The ministry survived on small donations until the early 1960s, when art dealer Larry Borenstein (1919-1981) discovered Sister Gertrudes paintings. Borenstein was well connected and it was not long before the New York art scene came calling, bringing money, notoriety and entry to the counterculture. Her paintings were featured in national exhibitions, including a show at the Louisiana Arts and Science Centre in Baton Rouge and the American Folk Art Museum in New York. Andy Warhol (1928-87) sent Rosemary Kent down to speak to the painter for the first issue of Interview magazine in 1973, with Kent explaining to the New York Times that, Andy was totally enthralled by her work. It takes a sophisticated eye to see that, hey, this is not just scribbling, this is something important. Rosemary Kents profile of Sister Gertrude Morgan for Interview magazine lines the back of her painting, And I Saw Another Angel (below) Famous actors began buying Sister Gertrudes work, including Vincent Price and Robert Duvall. Cara Zimmerman, specialist in Outsider Art at Christies, thinks that it was her openness and honesty that appealed to collectors. Her soul is evident in each drawing and painting, says the specialist. In 1971 Larry Borenstein, founder of the art gallery that became Preservation Hall, a revered New Orleans institution, recorded Sister Gertrude singing. The album they released was called Lets Make a Record. The record is a mini masterpiece: the intimacy of the space amplifies the driving rhythm and raw authority of Sister Gertrudes voice, one honed on the street as a preacher. Her songs reflected her utopian vision of a world in which people of all races can live in harmony. Years later, the director Ava DuVernay used Sister Gertrudes song I Got a New World in My View in the Martin Luther King Jr biopic Selma, explaining that the music echoed the hopes of the African-Americans marching for their right to vote. Ben Jaffe, who succeeded his father Allan as the director of Preservation Hall, recounts his familys relationship with Sister Gertrude and his own memories of the indomitable Nurse of Dr Jesus, who died when he was nine. People have described her as the Janis Joplin of gospel, he says, for the fervour and intensity and the sheer belief in what she was saying. Music producer King Britt, who remixed Sister Gertrudes album in 2005 to critical acclaim, recalls the first time I heard her voice it just pierced my whole spirit. Sister Gertrude Morgan (1900-1980), Lets Make a Record. Acrylic and ink on printed record sleeve. 12 x 12 in (31.1 x 31.4 cm). Estimate $2,000-4,000. Offered in Outsider Art on 17 January 2020 at Christies in New York But as Sister Gertrudes renown grew louder, she became wary. Im a missionary of Christ before Im an artist, she said. Give all that fame to some other artist. Painting and singing were simply ways of communicating Gods message, and as her art work became collectable, that message was obscured. In 1974, Sister Gertrude stopped painting altogether, explaining she was too worried about the world to concentrate on art. She needed to be preparing for a new heaven and a new Earth. Sign up today Christie's Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe Detectives from Bariga police station in Lagos have arrested a 23-year-old Olowolayemo Sodiq, a notorious traffic robbery suspect and alleged cult leader, who had been on wanted list. This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Lagos police command, DSP Bala Elkana, and made available to newsmen on Sunday. Elkana said that Sodiq, who lived at 10, Onenaya Street, Bariga, conspired with one Bamidele Moses a.k.a Badoo and robbed one Jude Saka of his Bajaj motorcycle in December 2019. His accomplice was initially arrested by detectives from Bariga and transferred to the State Anti-Robbery Squad in October 2019. The suspect has been on the police wanted list for series of traffic robberies and cult violent attacks in Bariga. The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered that the suspect be transferred to SARS for further investigation and diligent prosecution, Elkana said. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates By Rajendra Jadhav MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian palm oil importers have effectively stopped all purchases from top supplier Malaysia after the government privately urged them to boycott its product following a diplomatic spat, industry and government sources said. The warning, issued last week, comes almost in parallel with New Delhi's move to restrict imports of refined palm oil and palmolein after Malaysia's Prime Minister criticised India's actions in Kashmir and its new citizenship law. Consequently, Indian importers were not buying any crude or refined palm oil from Malaysia, at least five industry sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. "Officially there is no ban on crude palm oil imports from Malaysia, but nobody's buying due to government's instructions," said a leading refiner, adding that buyers now import from Indonesia despite paying a premium to prices in Malaysia. India is the world's largest importer of palm oil, buying more than 9 million tonnes annually mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia. The move to effectively block imports from Malaysia could push up the country's palm oil inventories and put pressure on its prices, which set the global benchmark for the oil. It could also benefit Indonesia - the world's largest exporter of crude palm oil (CPO). "We could import CPO from Malaysia, but the government has warned: 'Don't come to us if your shipments get stuck," said a Mumbai-based trader, adding "no one wants to see their shipments get stuck at ports." India was Malaysia's biggest buyer of palm oil in 2019 with 4.4 million tonnes of purchases, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) data showed. In 2020, Indian purchases could fall below 1 million tonnes even if some buyers make small shipments to fulfil old orders, the trader said. Malaysian palm oil futures extended losses on Monday after the Reuters story and closed down 1.4%. India's government has not made any public remarks about Malaysian palm oil. The commerce ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Story continues Malaysia's Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok, who is responsible for the palm oil industry, declined to comment. Indian government and industry sources have 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. 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. Indian refiners and traders have shifted almost all palm oil purchases to Indonesia, despite having to pay a $10 per tonne premium over Malaysian prices, four traders told Reuters. Malaysian crude palm oil for February shipment was available at $800 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, compared to $810 from Indonesia, traders said. "Like everyone else, we are paying a premium for Indonesian supplies. For a small profit we can't gamble," said a refiner based at Kolkata. Palm oil prices have jumped 60% in the last six months, due to a drop in production and higher demand for biofuel. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Additional reporting by Mei Mei Chu in KUALA LUMPUR; Editing by Euan Rocha and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Radius8 allows us to create targeted offers that convert traffic to our e-com platform into foot traffic to our stores, and were seeing the results... said Jenna Flateman Posner, VP of Digital at SNIPES USA. Retail technology start-up Radius8 announced today that Europe-based SNIPES, who launched its US expansion through an acquisition of KicksUSA in 2019, has deployed the Radius8 Welcomer to create hyper-local experiences on its US mobile website. The Welcomer allows SNIPES to surface location-specific offers, events, messaging, and promotions based on the consumers proximity to a SNIPES store to drive store traffic. The Radius8 Welcomer ease-of-use provides the capabilities for SNIPES to geo-fence specific event venues, concerts, and professional sporting events to deliver custom hyper-local messaging relevant to the event. As SNIPES continues to expand in the US, most recently via an acquisition of Detroit-based Mr. Alans, Radius8s technology is being leveraged to raise brand awareness and drive a targeted experience for customers in the new markets. Radius8 allows us to create targeted offers that convert traffic to our e-com platform into foot traffic to our stores, and were seeing the results. Customers who convert from http://www.snipesusa.com to one of our physical store locations through Radius8 have an average order value almost twice the norm. said Jenna Flateman Posner, VP of Digital at SNIPES USA. Additionally, weve been able to rapidly mobilize targeted e-com experiences and content to support our marketing team. E-coms reach and precision help us promote marketing events based on where our customers are and what activations are most relevant to them. Ultimately this drives awareness, brand equity, and cross-channel sales. About Radius8: Radius8 is a local engagement platform that delivers hyper-local digital experiences to create new commerce opportunities for any enterprise with physical locations and digital channels. These experiences are now table stakes to meet todays industry standards and consumer expectations and allow you to improve profitability by increasing consumer engagement. Radius8 can generally be implemented in less than 30 days regardless of an enterprises technology stack, without investing in new infrastructure. Customers who have adopted Radius8s technology include adidas, John Varvatos, Lucky Brand Jeans, Orvis, and many more. About SNIPES: SNIPES specializes in offering the latest styles of sneakers and streetwear for women and men of all ages. Available in children, juniors and adult collections, Snipes carries internationally-known name brands, such as Nike, Jordan , Adidas, Vans, North Face, Karl Kani, PUMA, and more. SNIPES has continuously expanded since 1998 with a presence in more than 250 stores in Europe and almost 100 stores in the US. Visit online at snipesusa.com. Facebook: @snipesusa Instagram: @snipes_usa Twitter: @snipesusa Married At First Sight star Tamara Joy has slammed an online troll who shamed her in a nasty message. On Monday, the 30-year-old took to Instagram to share the shocking exchange she had with the mum-of-two. 'You're such filth. Actual wh**e,' the troll wrote after Tamara had posted a busty selfie of herself lounging around in a plunging tank top. Trolled: Married At First Sight's Tamara Joy was called a nasty slur and 'filth' after she posted a busty selfie on Instagram this week (pictured) 'Thank you so much hunnee (sic),' Tamara responded sarcastically. 'I appreciate your kind words. Such a great model for your two beautiful children,' she added. Since rising to fame on the 2019 season of Married At First Sight, the brunette beauty has amassed a massive 169,000 followers on Instagram by regularly flaunting her physique and documenting her glamorous trips to Bali. 'You're such filth. Actual wh**e,' the troll wrote to Tamara in a direct message on Instagram 'Such a great model for your two beautiful children': Tamara hit back at the internet troll who called her a 'w***e' by questioning the example she was setting for her kids This is not the first time the voluptuous beauty has had to deal with online criticism. While still on the show, Tamara shared another exchange with a bully who called her a 'trashy b***ch' and told her to 'f*** off and kill herself'. At the time, Tamara pleaded with her Instagram followers to consider the mental health of others before they sent 'hate' messages online. 'Mental healthy is not a joke': Tamara has previously spoken out about online bullying after being trolled repeatedly during her time on Married At First Sight last year 'Okay...This is not okay!' she wrote at the time. 'Yes I may have put myself and my life on television for you all to see. I totally get that everyone has an opinion and yes you are entitled to that! You may or may not like me, and that is completely fine.' She continued: 'Please people think about what you say, because you may be that one hater that breaks a person completely. Mental healthy is not a joke!' Since shooting to fame on MAFS, Tamra now works as a professional Instagram influencer New Delhi: Narcotics Control Bureau had to feed at least 120 bananas to 7 Afghan nationals, when 177 capsules in their stomachs came out. The price of these 177 capsules is estimated to be at least Rs 10 crore in the international market. According to reports, 7 citizens of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport Afghanistan were arrested. These citizens reached Delhi from Kabul. 13-year-old teenager burnt to death in a dispute, investigation underway Apart from this, 2 more Afghan nationals who arrived at Delhi airport were taken into custody. There was intelligence in relation to these citizens that they are coming to India with drugs. When they were searched, nothing was found in their belongings. But on their x-rays, it was found that these 7 Afghan citizens have at least 177 capsules in their stomach, which contains a drug called heroin. Minor girl killed 2-year-old brother for this reason Thereafter 120 bananas were fed to these citizens for the next two days. After which these capsules came out in defecation. These people arrested with drugs reported that they had ingested these capsules with honey and special oil. After this, he did not eat or drink anything on the flight between Kabul to Delhi. His plan was that he would reach out to the hotel in Delhi and take out these capsules. At present, all the accused are under police custody. Mathura: Mother refuses her child to play PubG, did such a shocking thing... Flash Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which marks the 20th anniversary of establishment this year, has maintained a leading position in international cooperation with Africa. Wang said the FOCAC has become an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism for practical cooperation between China and Africa over the past 20 years. Wang made the remarks when answering questions from journalists on the achievements made since the establishment of the FOCAC and its role in promoting the development of China-Africa relations, at a joint press conference with the Zimbabwe Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Sibusiso Moyo in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe. "The 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit was a great success, as Chinese and African leaders unanimously decided to build a closer China-Africa community with shared future, which defined the general direction of joint efforts," Wang said. According to him, the results of the Forum can be seen across Africa. In terms of infrastructure, China has built more than 6,000 kilometers of railways and roads, respectively, as well as nearly 20 ports and more than 80 large power plants. These have boosted the process of industrialization in Africa and enhanced Africa's ability for independent development. In the field of people's livelihood, China has so far assisted in the construction of more than 130 medical facilities, 45 gymnasiums and more than 170 schools. In the past five years, China has also trained more than 200,000 personnel in various professions in Africa, which made important contributions to promoting the vital interests and welfare of the African people, Wang said. In terms of trade and investment, the volume of trade between China and Africa exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, and China has become Africa's largest trading partner for 11 years in a row. China's stock of direct investment in Africa has reached 110 billion U.S. dollars, and more than 3,700 Chinese enterprises have invested and started businesses in various parts of Africa, providing a strong driving force for the sustained economic growth in Africa, Wang added. "Driven by China-Africa cooperation, other foreign countries have also paid more attention to Africa, bringing more opportunities for Africa's development," Wang said. The Chinese official noted that over the past 20 years, China has maintained consistency in cooperation with Africa, and is committed to mutually beneficial cooperation and common development. "We have always insisted on non-interference in Africa's internal affairs," Wang said, adding that China has always respected Africa's will, and never imposed its will on African countries or attached political strings. Wang also emphasized China's medical assistance to Africa, saying that China has sent a total of 21,000 Chinese doctors and nurses over the years, who have so far treated 220 million patients in African countries. "These are what those countries that intend to discredit China-Africa cooperation cannot do at all and what they are unwilling to do. This is also why China-Africa cooperation is welcomed by African countries and appreciated by the African people," he said. Wang said a new session of the Forum will be held in Africa next year. Together with Senegal, the co-chair of the Forum, China will conscientiously listen to the views and suggestions of all the FOCAC's African members, so as to further improve the Forum and benefit Africa and the world. Pretrial motions began Monday in a downtown Toronto courtroom in the high-profile case of the man charged with the first-degree murder of 22-year-old Tess Richey. Richey was reported missing to police by her family on Nov. 25, 2017. She was last seen in Torontos Gay Village that night. Richeys mother, who had driven to Toronto from North Bay to search for her daughter, found her body four days later in an alleyway outside an under-construction building near where she was last seen alive. Kalen Schlatter, now 23, was arrested on Feb. 4, 2018. The tall, brown-haired man appeared in court Monday wearing a navy suit and tie. Details presented during the pretrial motions are covered by a publication ban. Superior Court Justice Michael Dambrot will preside over the trial, which is expected to last between four and six weeks. Witnesses who showed up in court Monday were asked to return to court at the end of the month. The Crown is scheduled to begin calling evidence on Jan. 30, after jury selection. Richeys case, along with other missing-persons investigations linked to the citys Gay Village and the victims of serial killer Bruce McArthur, prompted Toronto police to order an independent review into how the force handles missing-person reports. The review is ongoing and is expected to end next year. Toronto police launched a new missing-persons unit in July 2018. Last Friday morning, headlines had Meghan Markle "flee" the UK. By the afternoon, there was speculation that Harry would flee after her. It seemed that promptly following the online announcement that Harry and Meghan were stepping down as "senior" royals, she fled back to Canada, where the couple have just spent almost two months. The less emotionally charged version of this is that Meghan returned to Canada because the couple had left their eight-month-old son Archie there with a nanny and her best friend. But that's a bit boring and hardly fits the scenario of scheming and secrecy that built up around Harry and particularly Meghan last week. Fleeing made it sound like she was either distressed and desperate to escape the fallout of their announcement, or she was flouncing off in a huff. Either way, that choice of verb made Meghan sound like a right madam. And words matter in a situation such as this. The Sussexes get this. Their own statement was carefully crafted, with some choice language of its own. "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," their statement went. "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." They even signed off as "Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchesses of Sussex", a bold move given they'd just said they wanted out. Words matter. Significant words peppered their statement. Progressive. Financially independent. Balance. Space and focus. Sharing. All very modern, all very emotionally clued-in. And then there was collaborate. Expand Close A third official engagement photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A third official engagement photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor. Video of the Day Collaborate bothered a lot of people. You don't collaborate with Queen Elizabeth, critics cried out last week. Collaborate suggests you set yourself on a par with the regent and that is not the done thing. But isn't it apparent by now that Harry and Meghan have ditched the done thing? After all, they've been signalling this intention for some time, in particular through the ITV documentary of their official tour of Africa last year. In that programme, they laid bare deep unhappiness, distress and loneliness living at the heart of the royal family, which suggested that they were not only disenchanted with the life but determined to do their own thing. Meghan said in that documentary, explicitly, that she'd tried the expected stiff upper lip and it wasn't for her. She said she considered it damaging. She said she'd told Harry that he should expect more than to just exist, that he was entitled to be happy. In short, they've been telling us for a while that what happened last Wednesday is what they want. When they headed off to North America for Thanksgiving and a prolonged family "much-needed" family holiday with Archie, plenty of people assumed they were deciding whether to knuckle down to being royals or whether a more self-determining, celebrity-style international game-changer role was the one for them. That they chose the latter wasn't really a shock. What came as a surprise, however, was how it seemed a shock to the royals. Not the unhitching, but the manner of it. Harry and Meghan gave Charles a matter of minutes' notice that their announcement was imminent, apparently. The Queen, it was reported, was aware of the intention to "step back" but had asked the couple to slow down and hammer out the logistics with her once they were back in the UK. She didn't know they were announcing when they did, and her official statement made that clear. William, it was reported, read the announcement on the telly, like the rest of us, and on the eve of his wife's 38th birthday, too. Ouch. The shock of Harry and Meghan's severing was the manner in which it caused maximum wounding to no one more than Harry's family. It was not respectful of that very odd but very real elevated status of his grandmother. And it seemed downright spoilt-brat behaviour when one read the breakdowns of Harry's income and realised that a royal stepping back wouldn't deny him the reported 2m he gets per year from his father. It all spoke of not only rejecting the institution into which he was born, the so-called Firm, but of personally pitting himself against his nearest and dearest. Except, in truth, these people are not his nearest and dearest any more. His wife and child are, and this is the way it goes for most people when they grow up. Most of us don't have to follow the archaic rules and restrictions of duty that have governed Harry's life. And few of us suffered a public loss like he did with his mother, Diana. Of course he deserves to be happy, which probably accounts for the YouGov poll last Thursday, which reported that 45pc of those polled said that Harry and Meghan were right to break free. Of course, that doesn't stop people questioning just how much public money and support they should continue to enjoy. He intends to keep the home done up at the expense of the British taxpayer, for example, and their security detail costs up to 600,000 per annum, apparently, and will likely cost more if they are in the US or Canada. Nor does it prevent the blame being placed on Meghan, where, perhaps, it justifiably rests. She's the one who told Harry that an alternative life is possible. She is the one who said life doesn't have to be lived in the Firm, and she has, let's be brutal, shown him they could still live a life of cushy, self-indulgent privilege outside his family. She makes him happy. That's nice. But one has to wonder if either of them really registers how this drastic severing costs Meghan - while leaving her with a massively boosted status internationally - but it costs Harry an awful lot. It costs him the only life he has ever known and it will cost him, perhaps most greatly, in his relationships with his family. His 93-year-old grandmother is said to be disappointed, his father angry and his brother incandescent. It's hard to know how those relationships will be mended, and a later, more considered announcement might have been a better exit. However, this is entirely in keeping with how Meghan and Harry have done everything at breakneck speed. They sprinted from courtship to wedding to parenthood, now to this disengagement from royal life. Apparently, the princes' drifting apart began when William reminded Harry of Diana's advice that they should marry girls they knew and counselled his brother to take his time. The rift began there, and Harry didn't slow down. It seems to many that he and Meghan rushed in to their announcement, perhaps on the grounds that life is short and they should seize the day. Life is also long and the repercussions of Wednesday have not yet truly been felt by the Sussexes, and may prove impossible to flee. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Nematov held a meeting with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan Yazguly Mamedov, Trend reports referring to the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan on Jan. 13. The parties discussed ways to implement previously reached agreements and noted the positive nature of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in all areas. The total trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan increased up to $274 million in 2018. This indicator was $159 million in 2017. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which have impressive reserves of hydrocarbon resources, are in favor of diversifying energy flows. One of the examples is the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline project launched in 2009. Turkmenistan began exporting electricity to Uzbekistan in December 2019. At this stage, a project is being discussed to create the Uzbekistan -Turkmenistan - Iran - Oman transport corridor. This will significantly increase international transit traffic. A 38-year-old father has died on an Air Canada flight while travelling to Australia with his five children and wife. The Brisbane-bound flight was diverted to Honolulu on Saturday where Christopher Woodgate was pronounced dead upon landing. Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick would not disclose the circumstances of Mr Woodgate's death. A 38-year-old father has died on an Air Canada flight while travelling to Australia with his five children and wife (stock image) 'Out of respect for the privacy of our customers, Air Canada cannot confirm the details about the medical emergency,' he said. Jessica Lani Rich, from the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, told Honolulu Star-Advertiser Mr Woodgate was sick before the flight left Vancouver. Ms Rich said he was flying with his five children, wife and an additional family member. There were 257 passengers and 13 crew members on board the flight who were required to disembark and stay overnight in Hawaii. 'Air Canada did an excellent job taking care of their passengers,' Ms Rich said. Her organisation acquired a nurse to care for an 11-year-old who was flying on their own. The passengers, who were given accommodation and food vouchers, were put on a different flight on Sunday. An autopsy will be conducted. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Air Canada for comment. 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. The Australia Awards Africa has announced the opening of opportunities to Africans who are aged 25 to 55 years to access postgraduate education and professional development training from some of the Australian universities, a statement discloses. The programme is one of the platforms through which the Australian Government extends its developmental assistance to Africa. According to information on the Australia Award Website, the objective of the awards is stemmed from the need for Africa especially sub-Saharan Africa to address various sectoral challenges which continue to limit socioeconomic growth and development. Some of the major contributors to sustainable growth and development of the region as identified by the awards include skills shortages, poor enabling environments for business and governance, slow development of key infrastructure, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity, humanitarian crises, as well as gender and other inequalities. With the support of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Australia Awards provides two types of scholarships to eligible Nigerians who are employed in both the private and public sectors in selected Universities in both Africa and Australia on short courses which last up to 3 months while others are admitted to exclusively study for Masters degree in high ranking Universities in Australia, reads the statement. In addition, the programme will provide its alumni with Small Grants Scheme to execute various activities to engender socio-economic development. The statement adds, Under the scheme, group of alumni could apply for grant of maximum sum of AUS$10,000.00 to jointly execute a developmental project under the Alumni Development Groups development projects. Similarly, Australia Awards Alumni Association could access the grant for Alumni Associations Continued Professional Development (CPD) activities. In 2018, some members of AAAN successfully applied and received a grant from Australia Awards-Africa Small Grant Scheme to implement a Project titled: Cooperatives Development and formalisation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in Bauchi State. The project is expected to run from April 2019 to February 2020 on the challenges being faced by artisanal miners in formalizing their activities and the risks their activities posed to themselves and their host communities. The project team is partnering with major industry stakeholders including the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Bauchi State Government, Miners Association of Nigeria and others to co-host a three-day programme which comprises of a two-day intensive training to be facilitated by the project team to address the identified knowledge and skills gaps amongst the mining artisans. It will also host a one-day ASM Stakeholder Forum which is aimed at creating an interface to link artisanal miners to regulatory agencies, financial institutions and other stakeholders in order to spur discussions on some of the critical ASM issues with a view to addressing them. The Iranian government has deployed scores of riot police across Tehran amid a fierce backlash following the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane on Wednesday 8 January. The countrys Revolutionary Guard admitted to mistakenly shooting down the jet, killing all 176 people on board, mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians. Three British citizens were killed in the tragedy. Sam Zokaei, from Surrey, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi, from west London, and Mohammad Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh, from near Brighton, were passengers on the downed plane. Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi, an engineer with Imperial College London, was among those killed in flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv on Wednesday. Tensions have boiled over in the capital since the admission, with riot police in black uniforms and helmets gathering in large numbers. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes and plainclothes security men were also out in force. Demonstrators hold placards bearing the images of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani. (Getty) After initially blaming a technical failure, Iranian authorities finally admitted to accidentally shooting the plane down in the face of mounting evidence and accusations by western leaders. The tragedy occurred as Iran braced for retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing American forces. The ballistic missile attack, which caused no casualties, was a response to the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, Irans top general, in a US airstrike in Baghdad. READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS UK: Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the plane and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the wake of the tragedy. Hundreds of students gathered at Tehrans Shahid Beheshti University on Sunday to mourn the victims and protest against authorities for concealing the cause of the crash, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported. They later dispersed peacefully. A candlelight ceremony late on Saturday in Tehran turned into a protest, with hundreds of people chanting against the countrys leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Police ended up dispersing the crowds with tear gas. Story continues Police briefly detained the British ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, who says he went with the intention of attending the vigil and did not know it would turn into a protest. Can confirm I wasnt taking part in any demonstrations! he tweeted. Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting. Irans deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later tweeted that Mr Macaire was arrested as an unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering. Mr Araghchi said when police informed him that a man was arrested who claimed to be the British ambassador he did not believe them. But he said that once he spoke to Mr Macaire by phone he realised it was him, and that the ambassador was freed 15 minutes later. Irans Foreign Ministry later summoned the British ambassador over his illegal and inappropriate presence at the protest, it said on its Telegram channel. Ready your pussy hatsthe fourth annual Women's March is returning to San Francisco. Plus, San Jose and Carmel-by-the-Sea are hosting their inaugural restaurant weeks; Trick Dog is taking enrollments with its new college-inspired drinks menu; Napa is lighting up with nighttime art installations; the Flower Market Fair is getting blooming in Chinatown; and more Bay Area events to keep you busy all week. Have a good one! Monday, January 13th See on Instagram Matcha Cafe Maiko's New Location 11am to 7pm, Sunday through Thursday; 11am to 9pm Friday and Saturday Matcha Cafe Maiko, 756 Grant St. (Chinatown), matchacafe-maiko.com Get your matcha fix at the third location of this popular cafe also in Stonestown Galleria and Japantown). Go for the classics: matcha soft serve, matcha lattes, and matcha tea. Napa Lighted Art Festival Through Jan. 19 6-9pm today through Thursday, 6-10pm weekends Downtown Napa Take a 13-stop nighttime stroll through Downtown Napa to see innovative light installations by local and international artists. Highlights include projections across historic sites, and glowing interactive wings by OGE Group. Plus, hear more about the installations during a meet-and-greet with artists, or enjoy a six-course 3D dining experience at CIA at Copia. // Festival details can be found at donapa.com. Discussion with Teddy Goff 7pm Manny's, 3062 16th St. (Mission), welcometomannys.com Teddy Goff, the digital director for President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential run, is at Manny's tonight for discusstion about how he implemented digital strategy in a changing media climate, as well as his thoughts on the 2020 race. // Tickets ($10 and up) can be purchased on Eventbrite. Bistronomy Monday Seatings between 5:30 and 9pm Verjus, 528 Washington St. (Jackson Square), verjuscave.com Verjus' new pop-up dinner series, Bistronomy Mondays, is kicking off with a dinner by French chef Laure Rewega. Enjoy four courses including pork belly and petrale sole, plus optional wine pairings. // Reservations ($60/person, $38/wine pairings) can be made on resy.com. Tuesday, January 14th See on Instagram Man Ray: The Mysteries of Chateau du De 6-8pm opening reception; exhibit through Feb. 29 Gagosian, 657 Howard St. (SoMa), gagosian.com Head over to Gagosian gallery where 2020 is off to a bit of a surreal start. This new exhibit will focus on three of Man Ray's key films from the 1920s : Emak-Bakia (1926), L'Etoile de mer (1928), and Les Mysteres du Chateau du De (1929). In addition to the films, see some of the artist's objects, drawings, and photography. // Free to visit; find details at gagosian.com. Talking Simpsons 8pm to 9:30pm PianoFight, 144 Taylor St. (Tenderloin), pianofight.com Diehard fans of The Simpsons won't want to miss this hilarious live podcast with experts Bob Mackey and Henry Gilbert. // Tickets ($20) are available at Eventbrite. Trick Dog University Menu offered daily Trick Dog, 3010 20th St. (Mission), trickdogbar.com Trick Dog's newest cocktail menucomplete with an almost too realistic admissions brochure menu and drinks named after classes including Political Science (mezcal, carrot, lime)will take you back to ye old college days. Take home your own illustrated menu for $25; proceeds benefit the Bon Vivants Scholarship, which helps support first-generation college students who are the children of hospitality workers. // Details on instagram.com. Tarot Card Workshop 7pm to 9pm Dandelion Post, 421 40th St. (Oakland), dandelionpost.com See what's in the cards for you this year (literally) at this tarot workshop with Alejandra, creator of The Lioness Oracle Tarot. You'll learn all about the collective Major Arcana card for 2020, the number 4's relationship with 2020, set intentions, and even conduct a card reading for yourself over snacks and wine. // Register ($45) at gathersf.com. Wednesday, January 15th See on Instagram Gap Year at Nico 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday Nico, 3228 Sacramento St. (Jackson Square), nicosf.com Nico's owners are taking a year off to live in France (jealous), but while these cats are away, some other talented mice will play. In their absence, chef de cuisine Jordan Guevara (Coi, Lazy Bear) will team up with owner of The Morris to run the restaurant and deliver a playful, creative tasting menu. // The tasting menu ($145) can be reserved through OpenTable. Soul Flow 6:15pm to 9pm Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St. (Presidio) Get your flow on at this special vinyasa class taught by Julianne Aiello of Outdoor Yoga SF...inside the Palace of Fine Arts. Colorful visuals and DJ beats will excite your senses. Stay for the kombucha happy hour after class. // Register ($29) at Eventbrite. Long Meadow Ranch Wine Dinner Reservations between 5:30pm to 11pm Locanda, 557 Valencia St. (Mission), locandasf.com Buckle in for a vintner's dinner at Locanda. Long Meadow's winemaker and ranch owner will walk you through pairing for dishes including pork coppa, Dungeness crab risotto, short rib alla vaccinara, and a Meyer lemon cheesecake. // $69/person, $66/wine pairings. Make reservations at Opentable. Thursday, January 16th See on Instagram Fog Design + Art Fair 11am to 7pm, Thurs. through Sat.; 11am to 6pm Sunday Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina) The annual contemporary arts fair brings together 48 international galleries for a grand showcase, as well as ongoing conversations and panel events. Look out for a special exhibit from SF's own Stanlee Gatti. // Tickets ($25) are available at Eventbrite; for more details, go to fogfair.com. San Jose Restaurant Week Through the Jan. 26 San Jose is getting into the restaurant week game. Explore the city's various neighborhoods via its prix-fixe offerings (as well as some discounted a la carte items) at lunch and dinner. We recommend Adega Restaurant, Luna Mexican Kitchen, and the brand-new Meso on Santana Row. // $10-$50; find participating restaurants and menus on sanjose.org/restaurantweek. Fantastic Persian Food 5-10pm Tues. through Thurs.; 5-9pm Fri.; 3-9pm Sat. and Sun. Lavash, 511 Irving St. (Inner Sunset), lavashsf.com Beloved Persian restaurant Lavash had to close its doors after a kitchen fire back in 2018. The restaurant has at last reopened to once again serve tasty family recipes. Take a group to share kabobs, stews, jeweled rice, and more. Soft opening hours are in effect, with additional hours and menu items coming soon. Bootyology 101 6:30pm Outdoor Voices, 555 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), outdoorvoices.com Get your booty kicked by Assembly group fitness instructor Shawn B. Expect 45 minutes of HIIT and core work, plus glute exercises. You'll be sure to leave equally sweaty and sore. // Register for the free workout on outdoorvoices.com. Friday, January 17th See on Instagram Ambiance Blowout Sale 10am, till everything is gone Ambiance, 1458 Haight St. (Upper Haight), ambiancesf.com Mainstay local boutique Ambiance is closing its first-ever location (tthe Inner Sunset, Noe Valley, and Cow Hollow stores aren't going anywhere). Shop today for big discounts on clothes and accessoriesthink Levi's and Joe's Jeans and Rebecca Minkoff bagsand even the store's decor. // Event details at ambiancesf.com. Untitled, Art Fair Noon to 8pm Friday, noon to 6pm Saturday and Sunday Pier 35, 1454 The Embarcadero This weekend art fair is packed with panel discussions, art-making workshops, movable sculptures, 3D printed works, and so much more. // Schedule and tickets ($40) are available at untitledartfairs.com. Sound of Music Sing-Along 7pm Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St. (Berkeley), thefreight.org Warm up your vocal chords for one glorious, adults-only screening of The Sound of Music. Mix it up with fun prop and don your habits or blue satin sashes for a costume competition inspired by the movie's themes. // Tickets ($20) are available at Eventbrite. Cheesy Friday 5pm to 7pm Cheese Plus, 2001 Polk St. (Nob Hill), cheeseplus.com Stop by Cheese Plus tonight for an exclusive tasting of European cheeses, including a special wheel of White Cow Reggiano sourced from Caseificio Rosola, an Italian dairy that produces just two wheels a day. // Details on facebook.com. Eclectic Art Show 9pm to 1am Asiento, 2730 21st (Mission), asientosf.com SF-based Kuwaiti-American artist Deena Machina will be showing her mixed-format works that "blur the lines between what is unsightly and unsettling, in conjunction with what is transcendent and beautiful." Expect live beats from DJs Soleil and Christina T. Saturday, January 18th See on Instagram Flower Market Fair Saturday and Sunday Grant Avenue from Clay to Broadway; Pacific, Jackson and Washington between Stockton and Kearny (Chinatown) Browse flowers, fruits, candies, and more at this massive Chinatown street fair. Gather up some goodies in preparation of Chinese New Year celebrations next weekend. // Free to attend, event details on chineseparade.com. Fake TED Talks 7:30pm and 10:30pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave. (North Beach), cobbscomedy.com Join six comedians as they put their twist on TED-esque talks, throwing facts out the window as they present their version of an expert opinion. // Tickets ($35) are available on litquakeyearround2020.sched.com. Pancakes & Booze Art Show 8pm to 2am Oakland Metro Operahouse, 522 2nd St. (Oakland), oaklandmetro.org Attend an underground art show of more than 100 artists showing more than 500 original piecesplus get free pancakes. DJs and body painting will complete the evening. // Tickets ($15) are available at Eventbrite. Women's March 2020 11am rally, 1pm march Rally at Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister St. (Civic Center) Ready your most clever sign and gather your girl gang for endless empowerment at the fourth annual Women's March. The rally kicks off at 11am at Civic Center Plaza, followed by a 1.7 mile march down Market Street to the Embarcadero. // RSVP and find details on Facebook. Mahatma Gandhi's return to India in 1915 after a two-decade stay in South Africa has been commemorated with awards to three veterans from the Gujarati community here with links to the iconic leader. Consul General for India in Johannesburg Anju Ranjan presented the awards as part of the commemoration of the day, marked worldwide on January 9 as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Day. Magan Morar Patel received an award for his long service to the South African Indian community in various areas, including education, culture and social welfare. Patel, now 91, still continues to serve on a number of organisations in official capacities, including as the longest-serving member of the Board of the Johannesburg Institute for Social Services (JISS), which will mark its 85th anniversary this year. Originally started by the South African Indian community to assist only the destitute in this community because of forced racial separation due to apartheid-era laws, today JISS serves all communities. The second award went to Mahendra Modi, Public Relations Officer of the Gandhi Walk Committee, which annually organises one of the largest walks in the country. The Gandhi Walk, which is supported by thousands of people young and old from all communities, will be hosted for the 35th consecutive year in April this year. The final award was made in absentia to veteran Gandhian activist and sportsman Mohan Hira, 81, who was in the ICU of a local hospital after a serious operation. Hira has been largely responsible for reviving Tolstoy Farm, the once thriving commune established by Gandhi during his tenure in Johannesburg, but which had been lying derelict for several decades until his intervention. In November last year, Hira's Gandhi Remembrance Organisation installed larger than life busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela on Tolstoy Farm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lyudmyla Denisova Open source Crimean Tatar Arsen Dzhepparov, the man who is judged as a member of the Hizb ut-Tahrir religious movement has not been getting any adequate medical assistance. Lyudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's parliamentarian envoy for human rights posted that on Facebook. "Our compatriot suffers from worsening health conditions; boils appeared behind his ears, causing him a lot of pain. Besides, he still faces health issues that he complained about earlier and haven't been solved yet. In particular, these are the permanent headache, increased blood pressure and growths on his face", Denisova wrote. She also turned to the Russian ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova, asking her to take action to restore the rights of Arsen Dzhepparov, that is, to see to it that he is duly examined and treated accordingly. Russia annexed Crimea in February 2014; since then, Russian occupant authorities have been persecuting Crimean Tatars who live there. One of the most high-profile cases related to political persecution of Crimean Tatars is the Hizb ut-Tahrir case. This Islamist movement is banned in Russia and frequently used as a cover to persecute innocent civilians. Arsen Dzhepparov and Refat Alimov were both arrested within this case in April 2016. Later, both were transferred to a detention center in Rostov, Russia; this is where they currently remain. Lucknow, Jan 13 : Lucknow has found a new selfie point - the statue of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that is installed inside the Lok Bhawan which houses the chief minister's office. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has now thrown open the gates of Lok Bhawan for the common man on every Sunday and hundreds flocked to take a selfie with the 25 feet tall statue of Vajpayee. The bronze statue was unveiled on Vajpayee's birth anniversary on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has been sculpted by Raj Kumar of Jaipur and costs around Rs 95 lakh. Rishi Mehrotra, a business man, who visited Lok Bhawan with his family and took selfies with the statue, said, "My grandfather was a friend of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and it is a special moment or us to be here today." Meanwhile, the state government has beefed up the security of Lok Bhawan and more than 100 police personnel have been deployed on the front gate where the statue is installed. Visitors who come to see the statue will not be allowed to go into the Lok Bhawan and all visitors will be thoroughly frisked before entering the gates of the palatial building. Details of each visitor will be noted in a register and CCTV cameras will keep a watch on the movement of visitors. Chicagos Morning Answer with Amy Jacobson and Dan Proft on AM 560 invited my friend Leila Adan to discuss her prospective candidacy for Minnesota s Fifth District DFL congressional nomination (video below). Taking off from her Power Line post Ilhan Omar doesnt speak for us, this terrific interview provides another side of the Fifth District (although I am afraid Leila overestimates the number of Jewish voters in the district). Leila is a proud American and a brave lady. We will follow her campaign once she formally announces her candidacy. She has a message whose importance transcends this particular race. The Delhi Congress on Monday accused the ruling AAP of "enrolling rejects" from other parties sensing defeat in the assembly polls next month. The reaction came after Ram Singh Netaji, a former Congress MLA, joined AAP. "The Aam Aadmi Party, sensing defeat, is enrolling rejects from other parties as a face-saving act. Arvind Kejriwal is shaken up by the public anger against his party MLAs," claimed Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Mukesh Sharma. Addressing a press conference at the party office, Sharma asserted that the time has come for the exit of Kejriwal government, but Congress will not act in haste and take its steps after careful consideration. "Kejriwal is looking for candidates from other parties as his party's volunteers have deserted him, so he is stooping to enrol rejects from other parties to the AAP fold." Sharma also blamed the BJP and AAP for the rise in prices of essential commodities in Delhi. He said the Congress is capable of winning the elections on its own. The party has received 683 applications from party workers for tickets to contest elections on 70 Assembly seats and it will field only those who are acceptable to people and can win elections, he said. Sharma said the first list of Congress candidates will be released in a day or two. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagicAdele and Harry Styles made some fans very happy while on vacation in Anguilla together. Lexi Larson, a 19-year-old from Massachusetts, tells People she had an amazing encounter with the two stars while dining at Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack on January 3. She and some family friends noticed Adele and Harry eating at a nearby table and before she knew it, they were coming over to say hi. A few minutes later, Adele came over and sat down next to me and my friend and was like, So what can I do for you girls?' Larson tells People. We were so excited. We were talking to her for a little while, and then she got Harry Styles to come over and sit with us also. We took a picture with Harry, and we talked to them for 15 minutes probably. She says Adele also referenced her recent weight loss. She said she lost something like 100 pounds, and that its such a crazy positive experience, Larson recalls. She seemed so happy, and she looked amazing. She seemed really confident. Adele declined to snap a photo with Larson, however, because her son Angelo was there. As previously reported, Harry left a hefty tip for an employee at one of the other local restaurants over the weekend. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The latest tribute for a larger-than-life Staten Island political figure came Monday on the floor of the House of Representatives. Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) paid tribute to Miriam (Mimi Cusick) for her commitment to public service and her legacy on Staten Island. I rise today in solemn memory of Ms. Mimi Cusick, a public servant, devoted mother and larger-than-life figure in Staten Island politics for the past five decades, he said. Staten Island and all of New York City will miss Ms. Cusicks generosity of spirit, devotion to public service and passion for civic engagement. Cusick died at her home in Westerleigh on Jan. 5 surrounded by her loved ones. She was 88 years old. Cusick played a prominent role in Staten Islands Democratic party politics, but was known for helping bring people together from all different political walks of life -- a fact Rose applauded in his speech. Cusicks son, Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island), expressed his familys gratitude to the freshman congressman. "I want to thank Congressman Rose for his kind words about my mother,'' he said. It is a great privilege to have my mother honored in the United States Congress. Her family loved seeing her photo on the floor of the House of Representatives today. Some 1,440 jobs are at risk at South Africa's Massmart Holdings, the retailer said on Monday (January 13), as it struggles to grow sales in a tough economy. Massmart, majority-owned by U.S. giant Walmart, said it's been battling amid low growth, high unemployment and rising living costs for consumers. In a statement, it said it had started talks with unions and other stakeholders around the closure of up to 34 outlets, following a review identifying a number of stores that were underperforming. Thirty-four of its electronics subsidiary Dion-Wired and wholesale Masscash stores could potentially be affected. Last August, the company reported its first half-year trading loss in 20 years. Massmart is also battling currency weakness in other African markets, particularly Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Cherokee Nation Across Cherokee Nation are places rich in Cherokee history. Whether it is a refreshing spring that supplied Cherokee families with life-sustaining water, a century-old building where our ancestors gathered, or the solemn grounds of a cemetery where a Cherokee leader is laid to rest, these places must not be forgotten. That is why we have launched a concerted effort to preserve these important historical sites and help Cherokees learn about their significance. The Cherokee Nation Historic Registry Act establishes a comprehensive framework for identifying, protecting and preserving Cherokee Nations cultural heritage sites. Cherokee Nation Councilman Keith Austin and I proposed this act, and the Council passed it unanimously, so that our tribal government can keep sacred grounds safe while passing them along to future generations of Cherokees. The tribe has identified a preliminary list of properties with historical significance to the tribe across the Cherokee Nations 14-county jurisdiction. We proudly announced this initiative at the Saline Courthouse in Delaware County last fall. That property, which will open as a museum later this year, is one of about 80 locations for potential inclusion on the tribes registry. The historic Saline Courthouse in Rose, Oklahoma, is among the many historic sites within the Cherokee Nation. It will open as a museum in the spring of 2020. Photo: Anadisgoi / Cherokee Nation The tribes Natural Resources office will maintain the database of historical places for protection and preservation. Many of these sites are not listed on a national registry. Although federal and state governments play a role in protecting Cherokee historical sites, it is essential that the Cherokee Nation expand its cultural resource preservation for future generations. The act also makes it a crime to deface tribal historic sites listed on the registry and establishes a permit system for excavation and handling of cultural resources on historic sites. Over the past five years, Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses have invested about $14 million for the preservation of cemeteries and other historical sites. Capital investments include preservation efforts at the Cherokee National History Museum, Cherokee Prison Museum, Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum, Sequoyahs Cabin and Ross School. For Cherokee Nation and CNB, this preservation effort is also a powerful economic driver. Historic preservation is a proven tool for creating jobs, increasing the tax base and attracting tourism dollars. This is an important investment in the past, present and future. The Cherokee Nation has been in northeast Oklahoma since long before Oklahoma was even a state. Our historic locations tell the story of the Cherokee peoples ability to overcome the harshest trials to build and rebuild thriving communities. Our ancestors laid the groundwork of resilience for us to be successful today. I believe that the Cherokee Nation Historic Registry Act will ensure that we always remember them. Chuck Hoskin Jr. is the 18th elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest Indian tribe in the United States. He is only the second elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation from Vinita, the first being Thomas Buffington, who served from 1899-1903. Prior to being elected Principal Chief, Hoskin served as the tribes Secretary of State. He also formerly served as a member of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, representing District 11 for six years. Join the Conversation A house in Dwarakapuri on fire. Police says it was an accident, a neighbour claims that it was deliberate. Hyderabad: A man accidentally set his house on fire while trying to spite his neighbours, a resident of Dwarakapuri, Punja-gutta, has alleged. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mr Shoaib, a who stays at Peace Avenue Colony, which is opposite the house that caught fire, alleged that the resident, Anand, was a drug addict and alcoholic. We had lodged a complaint with the Punjagutta police that he was creating nuisance in the colony but there was no action taken against him, Mr Shoaib alleged. He claimed that Anand held a grudge because of this. To get his own back, he used to collect scrap from the surrounding areas and set it fire. The smoke from the fire would engulf the colony. Mr Shoaib alleged that on Sunday Anand in an inebriated condition again set scrap on fire in his house. The fire spread to the mattress and other household articles. The smoke covered the neighbouring apartment and the surrounding areas. Mr Shoaib alleged that this mishap occurred only due to the police not taking action on their complaint. There are around 100 residents living in the areas whose lives were at stake due to the fire accident. Fortunately no one was injured, he said. Asked about the allegations, Punjagutta sub-inspector B. Vijaya Bhasker Reddy, who was on night duty and attended the case, said, These are false allegations. A discarded cigarette butt caused the fire which spread to the mattress. We have taken up the complaint. Fermented fruit lovers can breathe a sigh of relief now police have confirmed that blood-alcohol levels fall rapidly after consumption, meaning it's fine for them to drive home without being over the limit. Checking alcohol level on Tran Khat Chan street, Hanoi (Photo: VNA) The alcohol level created by eating a small amount of fermented fruit or cough syrup generally dissipated within two to five minutes after consumption, Lieutenant General Vu Do Anh Dung, head of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, told Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper. Since Decree 100/2019 and the Law on Alcohol Harm Prevention which bans drivers from drinking any alcohol took effect on January 1, drivers have raised concerns about eating fermented fruit or cough medicine. At an online conference held by Giao Thong newspaper this week, Major Dao Viet Long, deputy head of Hanois Traffic Police, said among the 84 cases in the city in the first seven days of this year, none involved drivers that had eaten fruit. Drivers were allowed to request a second breathalyser test if they wanted to prove they hadn't been drinking. They could also wait until the alcohol on their breath reached zero to take the test one more time, he said. Since the new law took effect, drivers face stiff penalties if they are found to have consumed alcohol. The maximum punishment for car drivers is a fine of 40 million VND (1,740 USD), and a two-year ban. Drunk motorbike drivers may face an 8 million VND (348 USD) penalty and have their driving licences revoked for two years. Those who ride bicycles are subject to fines ranging from 400,000 VND (174 USD) to 600,000 VND (261 USD) if they drink. Bui Sy Loi, Vice Chairman of the National Assemblys Committee of Social Affairs, said on the first six days of the new year, the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents decreased by four compared to previous years. I believe that the new regulation has brought a sense of relief to people. They are reminding each other not to drink and drive at parties, which is a positive sign, he told the conference. According to Tran Thi Xuan Hang from the Ministry of Health's Legal Affairs Department, the Law on Alcohol Harm Prevention also regulates locations that were allowed to sell alcohol, and includes stricter regulations on alcohol advertising. Since January 1, off licences have been within a 100m radius from educational and healthcare facilities. The new law also stiffens penalties on driving without helmets, jumping traffic lights and taking the wrong lane. Hang said the strict regulations were necessary because Vietnam had one of the highest consumption rates of alcohol in the world. In the past five years, the level of pure alcohol consumed by each person increased from 6.6 litres to 8.3 litres. The ban on alcohol while driving was strongly supported by National Assembly deputies, and lawmakers looked to international examples for guidance. Khuat Viet Hung, Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Traffic Safety, said putting Decree 100 into practice had demonstrated the determination of authorities to stop drink driving. Ten years ago, the regulation on wearing helmets was enforced amid controversy. Now an estimated 15,000 lives had been saved and 500,000 head injuries had been prevented. This helped the country save a staggering 5.3 billion USD. It shows that as long as the Government and ministries were determined, they would be successful, he said. VNA Stricter penalties for drunk driving help reduce road accidents Normally, Thanh Nhan Hospital in Hanoi admits about 100-130 patients per day, but the number of emergency cases fell to 60-70 last week. Restaurants lack customers after drink driving law tightened Restaurants are reporting a sharp fall in the number of customers after a few days the new fines on drink driving took effect. A dentist has been struck off the register of dentists by the High Court arising from his conviction for offences related to the export of unregulated cancer drugs to Middle Eastern countries. High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly said it was a sad situation for Jim Madden, whom the court heard had an "unblemished record" for 40 years as a practising dentist in Carlow, that he faced erasure as a result of his convictions in June 2018 at the District Court. The judge said it had to be made clear those convictions are very serious with the offences relating to oncology products where the highest standards have to be adhered to. He was satisfied the Dental Council, in deciding on erasure, had addressed all relevant factors, including the need to protect the public and the reputation of the dental profession. The Council had also given "careful and detailed" consideration to evidence and submissions advanced in favour of Mr Madden, including that no member of the public was adversely affected by the matters giving rise to his conviction, he said. The court saw no reason not to grant the application by solicitor J.P. McDowell, for the Council, for the erasure order, he concluded. In June 2018, Mr Madden, of Tullow Street, Carlow, and his daughter, Orna, were fined 1,000 by the District Court after pleading guilty to breaking medicinal regulation laws. District Judge Michael Coughlan said, had the two been found guilty following a trial, he would have considered imposing jail sentences. The District Court case followed a year and a half long investigation by the Health Products Regulatory Authority, initiated following a complaint from the Israeli health ministry. Mr Madden, the District Court was told, had wanted to bring down the cost of cancer medication here and had entered into a partnership with Taj Accura Pharmaceutical in India. He and his daughter Orna were executives with Taj Accura Pharmaecutical (Ireland) Ltd, incorporated in 2011 but no longer trading. The District Court heard controversial Indian-made generic cancer medicine was brought into Ireland from India via Istanbul, Turkey, and was re-branded by the Irish company so as to appear that Ireland and the UK, which, along with the US, have higher testing standards, were the countries of origin. It was then re-sold to counties in the Middle East. The charges related to cancer medications, Fluourouracil, Afhlan and Melphalan. In seeking erasure, Mr McDowell said it was "significant" the transactions at issue were supported by falsified documents. He said the matter first came before the Dental Council in February 2019 but was adjourned a number of times to facilitate Mr Madden in making submissions and for health reasons. The Council had considered all the submissions advanced by Mr Madden against erasure, including that would mean great hardship for him, Mr McDowell said. The importance of maintaining the reputation of the dental profession was to the forefront of the Council's decision that it had "no option" except erasure. In separate proceedings in 2012, Mr Madden and his wife Mary consented before the Commercial Court to orders requiring them repay more than 37 million to Irish Bank Resolution Corporation arising mainly from their personal guarantees of loans advanced by Anglo Irish Bank from 2005 for development of the Whitfield Clinic, a private hospital in Waterford. Mr Madden is no longer involved with that clinic. A Victorian couple is flying a flag featuring a swastika over their home in a small town in the state's north-west, reigniting calls to ban people publicly displaying the symbol. The red and black flag, which has a swastika surrounded by several other Nazi-related symbols, has been flying for at least several weeks over a private property in the Mallee town of Beulah, about four hours from Melbourne. Its presence has outraged several neighbours, who have complained to police, and has been condemned by both the state government and the opposition. Several neighbours have complained to police about the flag. Beulah police have received multiple complaints from neighbours about the flag over the past fortnight. Storm Brendan: gales of up to 80mph forecast for UK by Ben Quinn January 13,2020 | Source: The Guardian Gales of up to 80mph are forecast to sweep across parts of the UK with the arrival of Storm Brendan. The Met Office has issued warnings of disruption to travel services and potential power cuts on Monday and Tuesday. On Sunday, HM Coastguard urged people living in coastal communities to take care after a search-and-rescue operation in the sea off Blackpool was launched on Saturday night after a report of a man being swept away by large waves on the seafront. In what has been described as a weather bomb, hurricane-force gales, 50ft-waves and snow will combine with the 1,500-mile Storm Brendan, named by the Irish forecaster, Met Eireann. After a dry start on Monday, the gales are forecast to push across Britain as the day progresses. The Met Office put yellow weather warnings of strong winds in place for parts of the UK from midday on Monday to midnight. Frank Saunders, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: Its going to be windy across the western half of the UK, with gusts reaching 60 to 70mph along Irish Sea coastlines, the west of Scotland and perhaps some English Channel coasts maybe even 80mph in a few exposed places. Theme(s): Others. When Jade Golden, a bartender at 169 Bar in Manhattans Chinatown, was in Alcoholics Anonymous, her sponsor strongly recommended that she stay out of the bar business. The mentality was that if you stay in the barbershop long enough, youll end up getting a haircut, Ms. Golden said. I dont believe that. I believe I could grow my hair to my feet standing in a barbershop. I sit down in the chair and tell somebody to cut my hair thats how I get a haircut. Ms. Golden has been sober for eight years, balancing her personal life with the demands of the field in which she works. Like other sober bartenders, who have long been a presence in the industry, she isnt just hanging around the shop; shes the barber. Interest in going dry, or drinking less, has been on the rise broadly in recent years. Semi-sobriety is no longer confined to Dry January (or Drynuary), the monthlong challenge that rose to popularity five years ago, and the sober curious movement is giving people who dont necessarily identify as having a drinking problem a framework for abstaining. By Delana Isles QUEENS Counsel Andrew Mitchell has applied for full admission to the local bar following several years of service in the territory and his distinguished legal career in the United Kingdom. The move is one which echoes that of former head of the Civil Recovery Programme, David Phillips, in 2015, when following the end of the civil court hearings he applied for full admission to the TCI bar. That move sparked protests from local lawyers, who at the time stated that there were serious concerns about conflicts about Phillips practising privately in the Islands, given that he was appointed by the British government to handle the civil side of the corruption trials. Despite objections from some quarters, Phillips was given approval and has since been practising in private firms in the territory. He was a former attorney with Karam and Missick law firm (which sponsored his appointment) and now works with Wessex Fairchild Attorneys. The Weekly News reached out to head of the TCI Bar Council, Oreika Selver-Gardiner, to fine out whether the body had similar concerns about Mitchells application. Selver-Gardiner stated that the council has not made a decision yet on whether it will oppose the appointment, as the consultation with local attorneys is still ongoing. She said once that is done, the council will submit its findings and the matter will be taken to the chief justice for a hearing. Mitchells application for admission was listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on January 10, but that date has since been pushed back. He has worked as the lead attorney in the SIPT trial since he was instructed in Autumn 2010, a letter from the Director of Public Prosecution, Eugene Otuonye reads. According to the DPP, the UK lawyer has been under the tutelage of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) since the enforced break in the SIPT trial in the early summer of 2019. He has been under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Angela Brooks and Otuonye. The letter states that Mitchell has also closely engaged with ODPPs attorneys, none of whom is less than two years post call. Mitchell holds a permanent residency certificate with the right to work and reside and intends to make the TCI his home. During his attendance at the ODPP, the letter reads, Mitchell assisted with various cases over a wide range of criminal issues as well as civil recovery matters and the extradition issue relating to two individuals. He has also drafted advices on appeal to the Privy Council and settled the applications. Mitchell has been practicing as a Barrister in England since 1976 and was appointed to the rank of Queens Counsel in 1998. He is a published expert on asset forfeiture and the proceeds of crime, including money laundering. He has sat as a part time judge since 1995 in both civil and criminal courts. "We, at the ODPP, are delighted to have had the opportunity to benefit from the experience he has brought to us and we are confident that the entire TCI Bar will also benefit greatly from his expertise, the DPPs letter to the Bar Council stated. "He is scheduled to begin advocacy clinics for the lawyers in the ODPP and would, we are sure, be happy to offer the same service to new practitioners at the bar generally. "He also has extensive experience in the field of bribery and corruption and the training of lawyers and public servants which will serve us well when the new bribery ordinance is brought into force. "We would be most grateful if the Bar Council would communicate its support for this application to Her Ladyship, the chief justice. Sponsoring Mitchells full admission to the TCI Bar is deputy director Angela Brooks. "I have pleasure in providing this affidavit as evidence of the applicants completion of his supervised training in the practise of law in these Islands as required by the Legal Profession Ordinance and in support of his application to be admitted as an attorney of the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Brooks wrote in support. 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. The Farmington City Council met in regular session Thursday evening in the basement of Long Memorial Hall to deal with several issues. A final plat was approved for the proposed Pine Trails Subdivision. The property is the former Presbyterian Childrens Farm that extends from the end of Pine Street to Schwartz Road and comprises about 166 acres. Part of Pine Trails Subdivision will be developed as the Dogwood Villas. The villas will be a Planned Unit Subdivision with multi-unit residences and the zoning was changed from R-1: Single Family Residential to R-4: General Residential zoning. A resident of John David Drive whose property borders the new development expressed concerns about the change in zoning. [My] concern was if you made it R4, you can put a big apartment building there, he said. The Planning and Zoning Committee said the Koppeises expressed a desire to not go more than three stories high and to have no more than four units per place. I still have a concern about apartment buildings. Three stories is pretty high to me, my big concern is we dont want to have a big apartment building put in behind my house. Development Services Director Tim Porter address the residents concerns about the property. Councilor Joyce, who is a member of our Planning and Zoning Commission asked for language included in the planning and development that did restrict the overall height of the buildings to three stories, he said. Other language in the planning and development that staff asked for limited the amount of buildings. These are going to be condominium-style buildings. They also asked for the size to be from single villa-style homes to no more than four dwelling units per building. Joe Koppeis, the owner and developer of Pine Trails Subdivision and Dogwood Villas, also assured the council that would not happen. The [Planned Unit Development] section will not have any three-story buildings in it at all, he said. Its all intended to be single-story, possibly there will be a two-story. The three-story will be in the apartment area that is on the other end. They will not back up against any existing residential. After the meeting, Koppeis noted that he looked forward to finally beginning the development on the property. We have the final plat recorded, [we are] going to get bids out for roads and improvements, and hopefully pushing dirt by the end of March, he said. The first phase will be the condominiums, and then 50 single-family lots. Those two will hopefully have lots ready to sell a year from now. During the public participation section of the meeting, a resident addressed the city about the cancellation of the walking club at the civic center. City Administrator Greg Beavers explained the reasons behind the cancellation. We eliminated the Walking Club entirely primarily because we didnt have a lot of participants in it and a number of the club didnt respect the limits on their membership, he said. They were using the weight rooms and things like that. It wasnt my personal observation, it was the director at the time. A lot of people were abusing it, so we did away with it. Beavers promised that the city will look into reconsidering the program. We run all of those policy changes through the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, we will put that on the agenda, and I will have [them] call you back, he said. During the Public Services Report, Beavers gave an update on the skating rink located next to the Farmington Public Library. There have been about 6,000 skate rentals thus far, he said. It seems to be pretty popular. Theres not a lot of signs of tapering off. In February I think it will taper off some, but thats a lot of visitors downtown during the holiday season. Beavers said that the plan is to have the rink open until the end of February. Mayor Larry Forsythe added, Sounds good, I knew it would be a hit. During the mayors comments section, Forsythe noted some issues that will be coming up in the near future. Ward III councilman Greg Hampton, due to illness, will not be seeking reelection, he said. Ive asked [Councilman] Wayne [Linnenbringer] to check around with some of his people in Ward III and see who will be interested. If they want to be a councilor, its a nice job, its a fulfilling job, Ive been doing this for quite a while. I do not have one regret at all after 25 years, and I appreciate people keep voting me in. Forsythe also is looking at having part of Karsch Blvd. dedicated to the memory of a local musician that was famous worldwide. Dan Peek was a very unusual person, he said. He did a lot of very unusual things. He won a Grammy. He called Farmington his home. He lived on the outside of Farmington. After he became a born-again Christian, he moved back here and played at the local coffeehouse. He is buried outside of Farmington at the Zolman Cemetery. Theres not too many people that come from Farmington that have been on the Bob Hope Show or met the president. I would like to dedicate a section of Karsch Blvd. in his memory. His wife, who lives in California now, has given me support and she will be writing a letter and we will be starting a petition to give 100 names [to the Missouri Department of Transportation]. Mark Marberry is a reporter for the Farmington Press and Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3629, or at mmarberry@farmingtonpressonline.com Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 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. Today (Dec 23, 2019), the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) approved an agreement between NV Energy, the Regulatory Operations Staff of the PUCN, the Bureau of Consumer Protection and other interested parties that results in a $5 million decrease in revenue requirement for Sierra Pacific Power Company, dba NV Energy. This means that effective January 1, 2020, northern Nevada customer electric rates are going down again. "This rate reduction for our northern Nevada electric customers marks the third time in six years that the company has decreased rates for our customers, and we appreciate the work of all parties in helping us achieve this positive outcome," said Doug Cannon, NV Energy president and chief executive officer. "At NV Energy we are proud of the fact that we have been able to reduce our customer's rates while providing innovative customer service options, more renewable energy and safe, reliable power to our customers." In keeping with its commitment to keep rates flat or declining, NV Energy filed its required general rate review in June with the PUCN requesting a $5 million revenue reduction, and later reached the agreement that was approved today by the Commission. The 2013 and 2016 general rate cases resulted in a combined $42 million revenue reduction, which led to the lowest prices northern Nevada customers have seen in nearly a decade. An additional reduction of $24.9 million for electric and gas customers was implemented in 2017 as a result of federal tax reform. About NV Energy NV Energy provides a wide range of energy services to more than 1.4 million customers throughout Nevada and more than 50 million tourists annually. NV Energy, Inc. is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, do business as NV Energy. NV Energy is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Information about NV Energy is available on the company's website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via nvenergy.com. For further information: Kristen Saibini, NV Energy 775-834-3891, ksaibini@nvenergy.com Delhi High Court is likely to hear the petitions of three professors of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to preserve CCTV footage and other WhatsApp evidence related to January 5 violence inside the varsity campus. The petitioners have urged the HC to instruct WhatsApp Inc, Google Inc and Apple Inc to secure or collect back all the data related to WhatsApp groups- 'Unity Against Left' and 'Friends of RSS'- in the JNU violence. The data includes messages, photos, videos and phone numbers etc. Live TV The petition filed by JNU professors Amit Parameshwaran, Atul Sood and Shukla Vinayak Sawant has also urged the court to give necessary directions to the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Delhi government. The petition, filed by advocates Abheek Chimney, Manav Kumar and Roshni Namboodri, submitted before the court to order the Delhi Police to collect all CCTV footage related to violence in the JNU campus. The three professors approached the High Court in the wake of several complaints filed with the Delhi Police in the JNU campus violence. Notably, as many as 14 complaints have been filed. Earlier, the police appealed to people to come and dispose of the video of the JNU violence. In response to it, around 12 people contacted the police and recorded their statements. On Sunday, JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar said that a committee has been formed to hold discussions over raising the hostel fees in 2016, and it would to wrong to say that this decision was taken in a hurry. On January 5 violence, VC Kumar said that it is a matter of the past now and we should not discuss this now, adding "Whatever happened has happened in the past, let us leave that. We should focus on how to make the university function properly and look for a positive future." Notably, more than 30 JNU students, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, were injured and taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob on January 5 entered the varsity campus and attacked them as well as professors with sticks and rods. Nissan executives have examined the possibility of breaking away from Renault amid concerns that relations with the longtime French partner have turned dysfunctional after the ouster of former chief Carlos Ghosn. Since last year, according to sources, Nissan has been exploring the pros and cons of sustaining the alliance, particularly when it comes to engineering and technology sharing. Those studies pre-date Mr Ghosns escape from Japan and were preliminary, so no decision has been made, it is understood. Its unclear how feasible any separation would be, given that Renault is Nissans biggest shareholder. Still, the comments illustrate the fragile state of the relationship between the Japanese and French car giants after Mr Ghosn, who balanced the worlds largest automotive alliance for years as head of both companies, was arrested in late 2018 in Japan on allegations of financial misconduct. Mr Ghosns legal odyssey took a dramatic turn recently when he fled Japan for Lebanon and became the worlds most famous fugitive. Since Mr Ghosns downfall, the two carmakers have struggled financially their shares were the two worst performers among major carmakers last year and drifted apart at a time when the costs of electrification and autonomous driving are pressuring incumbent carmakers to team up or consolidate. Relations between the two companies are broken and likely beyond the point of repair, Evercore analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said. Nissan didnt immediately respond to a request for comment, as it was a holiday in Japan. Renault declined to comment. The Financial Times reported earlier that Mr Ghosns escape from Japan had spurred Nissan executives to accelerate secret contingency plans to potentially split from Renault. The board of the Renault-Nissan alliance is scheduled to meet on January 30 and the meeting could lead to announcements about joint projects, according to another source. Renault pledged, back in February of last year, to make its 20-year-old alliance with Nissan irreversible, after the shocking arrest of Mr Ghosn exposed deep rifts on both sides. That goal now looks further away than ever, with Mr Ghosns dramatic escape to Lebanon and his repeated denials of the charges reopening old wounds, and neither firm succeeding in bridging the political and governance divide between France and Japan. Britains Queen Elizabeth II said Monday that the royal family has agreed on a period of transition, which will allow Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, duchess of Sussex, to split their time between Canada and the United Kingdom. The statement came after the queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry met at the her Sandringham Estate, 100 miles north of London. The couple announced on Instagram Wednesday that they want to be financially independent of the royal family. The announcement caught senior royals off-guard, who immediately cited "complicated issues that will take time to work through. Mondays full statement from the queen read: "Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family." "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family." "Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives." "It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK." These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds a press briefing at the State Department in Washington on Jan. 7, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Pompeo Wont Attend Congressional Hearing on Killing of Irans Soleimani: Engel Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wont attend a congressional hearing on the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, according to House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.). Soleimani, a terrorist who headed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, was taken out by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad on Jan. 3. The House Foreign Affairs Committee is holding the congressional hearing on Jan. 14. Engel invited Pompeo to testify along with a panel of experts on Iran policy. Engel said in a statement Jan. 13 that Pompeo wouldnt be appearing. Im disappointed and frustrated that Secretary Pompeo will not appear before the committee tomorrow. Each passing day raises new questions about the strike that killed General Soleimani. Was there really an imminent threat? Was it part of a larger operation? What was the legal justification? What is the path forward? Engel said. With the wildly muddled explanations coming from the administration, the Secretary should welcome the opportunity to make the case and answer questions before the American people. The committee expects to hear from him soon. The State Department didnt immediately return a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Neither the department nor Pompeo have confirmed that he wont attend. U.S. officials said they learned that Soleimani, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American soldiers, was planning imminent attacks on U.S. interests, including U.S. embassies. President Donald Trump, who ordered the airstrike, said Soleimani was planning to blow up the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which was recently attacked by Iran-backed proxy groups. 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 fired more than a dozen missiles at multiple bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani, but no Americans or Iraqis were killed or wounded in the attacks. Trump said the Iranians were standing down and urged them to come to a peace agreement. Officials have defended the decision to target Soleimani after some lawmakers walked away from classified briefings about the strike unimpressed with the rationale behind the killing. In some ways, I would love to release the intelligence and show the American people. And I can tell you, they can trust the administration on this, national security adviser Robert OBrien said on Fox News Sunday. Unfortunately, we dont want to lose that valuable stream of intelligence that will allow us to protect Americans going forward. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said during an appearance on CBS Face the Nation that the sensitive intelligence was shown to the Gang of Eight, a group of select lawmakers, but wouldnt be released because it would jeopardize the sources and methods. Esper said the intelligence pointed to attacks on U.S. embassies and other U.S. interests. We had information that there was going to be an attack within a matter of days that would be broad in scale, in other words, more than one country, and that it would be bigger than previous attacks, likely going to take us into open hostilities with Iran, he said. The Foreign Affairs hearing on Jan. 14 will still go on with Council on Foreign Relations President Richard Haass, Brookings Institution nonresident senior fellow Avril Haines, and former national security adviser Stephen Hadley. Iran has warned Britain to avoid making "any new mistake" following the detention of the British ambassador to Tehran. Ambassador Rob Macaire said he was briefly detained on January 11 after attending a vigil for the victims of last week's downing by Tehran of a Ukrainian passenger jet in Iran -- some of whom were Britons. Iran's Foreign Ministry said on January 11 that it had "summoned" Macaire to complain about "his unconventional behavior of attending an illegal rally." Britain on January 13 summoned the Iranian ambassador to the country, Hamid Baeidinejad, to protest Macaire's detention. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters on January 13 that the government would convey its "strong objections" about the detention, calling it an "unacceptable breach" of the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations. "We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian government that this will never happen again, the spokesman said. After the meeting with Baeidinejad, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a warning. "Any new mistake of Britain will be severely confronted by Iran and London will be responsible for that," the ministry said, according to Iranian state TV. The statement added that Macaire's presence at the vigil was "against diplomatic norms." Macaire tweeted that he left the vigil after 5 minutes, when some people started chanting. On the same day, Iranian protesters set a British flag on fire in front of the Tehran embassy. Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP A delegation of senior Congress leaders from Kerala including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University's Sabarmati hostel where masked goons, allegedly belonging to right-wing outfits, thrashed students and teachers on January 5.The delegation comprising of Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran and AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy held discussions with students, teachers and some of the officials of JNU administration. Speaking to ANI, the Congress leaders said that they had come to the varsity to express their solidarity with the students. "The attack on students at Sabarmati hostel was pre-planned. The entire administration was involved in it. The Vice-Chancellor has taken a partisan stand. He has not even shown the courtesy to meet the students, who were brutally attacked by goons," said Chennithala. "We met the students and the teachers to express solidarity with them. We also met officials of the JNU administration," he added. Chandy said the Congress delegation met the students because they are fighting for justice. "The JNU VC did a very wrong thing. He is supposed to be the protector of the students but he supported the perpetrators of the crime. No case has so far been registered against the culprits. Police have not taken any action. We want strong action against culprits. The VC is a part of all this episode. His role was doubtful. We want an enquiry in the whole matter," he said. JNU students as well as opposition parties have been protesting against the violence at the campus on January 5 and also sought the resignation of the VC.More than 30 students of the university, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, were injured and taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre after a masked mob entered the university and attacked students and professors with sticks and rods. The JNU administration and politicians, cutting across party lines, condemned the attack on students and urged the police to take strict action against the perpetrators. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Social equity is a concept that applies concerns of justice and fairness to social policy. Since the 1960s, the concept of social equity has been used in a variety of institutional contexts, including education, public health and public administration. The Public Education Department, Albuquerque Public Schools, Rio Rancho Public Schools, and the vast majority of schools in our state all have failed to establish reasonable parameters as provided for in the medical cannabis schools law. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham did not address this issue at the education town hall in December but since has pushed for her agenda for recreational cannabis legalization. The state has three medical cannabis laws, all have multiple violations being allowed to occur and all are being ignored by the state of New Mexico. Medical Cannabis in School Law, SB 204, was improperly enacted by the Public Education Department and is not being followed. Adequate Supply and Purpose of the act in the original Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act are not being followed. Lastly, the states Medical Cannabis Advisory Board did not fulfill its duties and responsibilities for the medical cannabis law. The medical cannabis in schools law is written very clearly, and the PED and schools do not have the ability to change how the law was written or change the intent of how the law was written. Medical cannabis is not a prescription and not prescribed. People in the states medical cannabis program have a recommendation for the medical cannabis program from doctors and nurses. School personnel who would administer medical cannabis would be fulfilling that recommendation for that persons certification into the program. These medical cannabis products allowed for use in schools are not a prescription, they are exempt from the states Controlled Substances Act, and these products are safer than using aspirin. The PED, APS, Rio Rancho, and schools across the state are all disciplining students and their families, as they are denying eligibility to attend school by not allowing for a reasonable accommodation necessary for the student to attend school. School personnel would be conducting activities authorized in the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act and the Medical Cannabis in Schools law, the school nurse would be doing so as designated school personnel, and it would not constitute the use of an illicit substance or otherwise disqualify a qualified patient who is a student from medical care at school. Even further, the New Mexico School Health Manual states: If there is not a school nurse to delegate medication administration the best practice is to have a parent/guardian administer the medication to reduce potential risk to the student and school district. This alternative is found to be impractical and may not be an option if the parent/guardian is not able, capable, or is unwilling. The intent of the Medical Cannabis in Schools law is to allow for that reasonable accommodation to be created. That reasonable accommodation allows these families to have a life by being able to go to work and to create a better future for their families. This allows for their student to go to school. The Medical Cannabis in Schools law is clearly written in a way for that reasonable accommodation to be met by the PED and schools with rules and regulations that match the state law by allowing for school personnel to administer medical cannabis and by allowing for the storage of the students medicine at school. And the Governors Office should have been performing its duty to see that this law of the state was faithfully executed. New Mexico needs to fix the medical cannabis program before passing a recreational cannabis law, period. DALMATIA - A Dauphin County teenager was killed Sunday when, according to state police, he drove his four-wheeler down a steep embankment in southern Northumberland County and it struck a large fallen log. Coleton T. Gessner, 18, of Elizabethville, was thrown from the all-terrain vehicle by the impact, police said. He was not wearing a helmet. He was pronounced dead at 2 p.m. by county Coroner James F. Kelley, who listed the cause as blunt force trauma. The crash occurred along Cemetery Road in Lower Mahanoy Twp. The News-Item in Shamokin reported Gessner had been making repairs to the ATV and decided to take it on a test run in a wooded area. New Delhi: BJP working president J P Nadda appears set to take charge as the party president next week, succeeding Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reports said. Nadda may take the helm on January 20 as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources believe that he is likely to be elected unopposed, in line with the convention in the saffron organisation. BJP senior leader Radha Mohan Singh led panel may come out with the schedule for its national presidents election soon. The elevation of 59-year-old Nadda is being seen as a near certainty after he was made the BJP working president in July last year, following Shahs induction into the Union cabinet. Nadda is a former Union minister and has decades of organisational experience. The BJP national council, the biggest organisational body of the party, is expected to meet after the February 8 Delhi Assembly polls to ratify the election of the new party president. Also Read: Delhi Assembly Polls: BJP Shortlists Over 1400 Probable Candidates In the run-up to the 2019 general election, Nadda was in charge of the BJPs campaign in Uttar Pradesh, politically the most important state where the saffron party convincingly defeated the formidable alliance of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) by winning 62 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Nadda was a cabinet minister in the first Modi government between 2014 and 2019. He has also been a member of the BJPs parliamentary board, the top decision-making body of the party. Also Read: 'Now, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Can Be In India And Attack Pakistan': JP Nadda Shah had taken over as the party president in 2014 after Narendra Modi led it to power. Delhi Needs Development Not Advertisements: JP Nadda Weeks ahead of the assembly elections in the national capital, BJPs working president JP Nadda held organisational meetings with party workers on Friday and said Delhi needs development not advertisement. Nadda told party workers to conduct door-to-door campaigns to expose the lies of the APP government led by Arvind Kejriwal. We will go door-to-door in Delhi to expose the injustice done by the Kejriwal government to the people of Delhi, the lies spoken to them and the scams committed by the government, Nadda tweeted. Delhi needs development not advertisement, he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:20:59|Editor: Wang Yamei Video Player Close Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (R) meets with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Harare, Zimbabwe, Jan. 13, 2020. (Photo by Chen Yaqin/Xinhua) HARARE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday in Harare. Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and China enjoy profound friendship and that Zimbabwe regards China as a sincere and reliable friend. The Zimbabwean leader said that he has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping many times and the two heads of state decided to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, an elevation that Zimbabwe is pleased with and proud of. In the process of striving for national independence, safeguarding national sovereignty and opposing Western interference and sanctions, China has always extended firm support to Zimbabwe, which the southern-African country will never forget, Mnangagwa said. He said that Harare appreciates China's selfless assistance to Zimbabwe's economic and social development, and hopes that China will continue to help Zimbabwe speed up its economic reform and realize economic recovery. Zimbabwe firmly supports the one-China principle and will continue to support China on all questions concerning Beijing's core interests, Mnangagwa said. Zimbabwe hopes to take the opportunity of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries to deepen political mutual trust and enhance the level of pragmatic cooperation between Zimbabwe and China. Harare expects more Chinese investors to invest in Zimbabwe, and believes that Zimbabwe will have broader development prospects, Mnangagwa said. Wang, for his part, said Beijing is Zimbabwe's time-honored and reliable partner and that President Mnangagwa cherishes the friendship with China, adding that China highly appreciates Mnangagwa's personal attention to supporting Zimbabwe-China cooperation that has kept advancing the bilateral relationship to new highs. China supports Zimbabwe's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and dignity, supports Harare's choice of a development path that is in line with its national conditions, and supports Harare's just proposition that unfair sanctions against Zimbabwe should be lifted as soon as possible, Wang said. Wang said China is willing to see Zimbabwe develop friendly and cooperative relations and expand diplomatic exchanges with more countries; Beijing appreciates Zimbabwe's valuable support on issues related to China's core interests, and will provide assistance to Zimbabwe within its capabilities and share the country's experience in governance. This year, Wang said, both countries are at a crucial point in their state development and national rejuvenation: while China will meet its target of building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way and accomplish its first Centenary Goal, Zimbabwe will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its independence and vigorously advance its Vision 2030 blueprint. China is willing to translate the high degree of political mutual trust between the two sides into an inexhaustible force driving bilateral pragmatic cooperation, and make good use of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to promote more cooperation between the two sides to better serve the interests of the two peoples, Wang said. He also called for closer coordination between the two sides on international and regional issues to deal with challenges more effectively. During his visit, Wang also met with Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and held talks with Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Sibusiuso Moyo. The 73rd annual Humble ISD Livestock Show will kick of the Humble Livestock Show and Rodeo events starting Jan. 20-24 with the Auction Show on Jan. 23. The Humble ISD Livestock Show is the opportunity students have been waiting on while raising and caring for their show market animals throughout the year. Students in the Humble ISD Livestock Show are taught more than just what it takes to maintain an animals health for a show, they also learn to be self-advocates and leaders according to Larkin Le Sueur, director of Career and Techincal Education. Participants in the Livestock Show auction are awarded 90% of their earnings from their animal, the other 10% goes back into the program to maintain facilities and prepare for the next year. Last year, the total money raised before cuts was $329,000. The Humble Rodeo, which the Humble ISD Livestock Show is a part of, started in 1947. This years show is dedicated to Phoenix Oil, owned by Scott Bosard. Their company has bid every year and donated the meat to the fire department. The Livestock Show is in its 73rd year, and has been a huge part of the Humble community since its inception, Le Sueur said. It basically gives the opportunity for students in both FFA and in 4H to raise and exhibit an animal. They learn all of the responsibilities that come with obviously growing the animal and taking care of it, leading up toward the livestock show as well as how to then actually show that animal. From the show, the top 15 are selected and the top 10 students are allowed to go to the live auction. Students can earn a significant amount of money through the auction, which can be used for their following competition or for their future plans after college. Last year, the first place steer, which is the largest and most expensive animal shown, was auctioned off for $32,000 bought by Facility Sources, according to Charlotte Bennett, coordinator of Career and Technical Education Center. And then when it comes to auction time, if they make auction they have an opportunity to rub elbows with some of the leaders of our community, Le Sueur said. And if they dont make auction, well they still have an animal that then theyre maybe looking for somebody to sponsor, so they once again have to advocate for themselves, they have to problem-solve, they have to gain a certain amount of confidence to get out in the arena and walk this 1300 pound steer around in front of a huge audience of people and maintain poise and control. Related: FEMA awards Humble ISD $25 million to build flood gates at Kingwood High Students in their third year have the opportunity to earn their Lone Star Degree, the highest degree they can earn in the state that can lead to the American FFA Degree, according to CTE agriculture science teacher Malaina Watson. They keep records of all of their projects that can include any activity that can be tied back to agriculture, making money, time management, and other lessons learned through the ag industry. They go through a selection process at the state level and if they get selected at state then they can walk across the stage at state convention in front of - I believe we had an attendance of 60,000 people last year, Watson said. ... And it also leads to the American FFA Degree, which only 0.3% of members get, so Im actually one of the few people in Humble ISD that got it because I graduated from Atascocita. There are approximately 235 exhibitors, or students, participating in the livestock show this year. Although there is a competition in the midst, students are taught to support one another through the process of raising an animal and learn to do right by their project. They understand about family, because if theyre not able to take care of their animal when theyre on vacation then they have to rely on other people, and so thats a huge part of out there, Bennett said. Its a family out of the barn, its not one school is competing against another school. In addition to the Livestock Show and Auction, Humble ISD FFA hosts Special Kids Day, a tradition that began more than 25 years ago. Special Education students from around the district are able to come to the Humble Civic Center to meet and pet the animals according to CTE Coordinator Kristy Starkey. Service is the main part of FFA, so when they get to help those kids at special kids day and see those faces, thats amazing, Starkey said. Special Kids Day is an event that all of our special needs kids that are here in the district have the opportunity to be bused to the civic center and they get to see what a show is, they get to touch the animals, they get information about the animals, they get to interact with the animals. So its a great opportunity, and the smiles on those kids faces - they wouldnt normally have that opportunity, its really really special for them. For more information on the Humble ISDLivestock Show and the Humble Rodeo and Cookoff, visit sites.google.com/humbleisd.net /humblelivestockshow and www.humblerodeo.com/. savannah.mehrtens @chron.com Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks at a campaign rally at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire, September 25, 2019. Elizabeth Warren has fallen into third place in New Hampshire with just one month to go until the New Hampshire primary, according to a new NBC10 Boston/Franklin Pierce University/Boston Herald poll. The poll, released Monday, has Joe Biden in first place at 26%, followed by Bernie Sanders at 22% and Warren at 18%. That's a significant change from a previous poll conducted in October that showed Warren (25%) and Biden (24%) in a statistical dead heat. The poll also found that among Republican voters, President Donald Trump's approval rating appears to be dropping slightly. His approval rating of 76% is down from October (81%) and September (83%). The percentage of Republican voters who would cast a ballot for Trump remains high, at 79%. Former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh and former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld each attract just 4% of the vote. The telephone survey was conducted between Jan. 8-12 by RKM Research and Communications in collaboration with NBC10 Boston, Franklin Pierce University and the Boston Herald. New Delhi: An Indian Army jawan belonging to 11 Garhwal Rifles regiment has been missing for the last five days after he slipped in heavy snow during a routine routine patrolling and Line of Control dominating exercise in Gulmarg sector of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Indian Army officers rescue operation has been launched to trace and rescue the missing soldier. Army officers identified the missing jawan as Havildar Rajendra Singh Negi. He had slipped in the snow while he was patrolling on a slightly elevated walkway 200 metres from an Army post in Gulmarg sector on January 8, 2020, at around 7:15 pm. Negi is from Indian Army's 11 Garhwal Rifles Regiment, which he had joined in 2002. He is a resident of the Ambiwala Sainik Colony in Uttarakhand's Dehradun. While Army teams have been trying to locate Havildar Negi, heavy snowfall and extreme cold conditions in the region has been hampering their rescue efforts. "The post where it happened is 200 metres from the LoC in Gulmarg sector. All-out efforts are on to trace him," a senior Indian Army officer was quoated as saying by news agency IANS. At the elevated walkway near the LoC, the Army erects markers for winters as snow fills both sides of the passage, making it nearly impossible to walk. The markers also guide a patrolling team, the officer said. The Army also refuted reports that the missing jawan is in Pakistan. "It is just conjecture," said the officer after some reports claimed that Havildar Negi landed in Pakistan after falling in heavy snow. Negi's wife had on January 8 received a telephone call from 11 Garhwal Rifles stating that her husband was missing. Negi's family members have appealed to the government to trace him. The government's top energy security adviser Kerry Schott has warned "national leadership" is needed on emissions policy as the relentless uptake of renewables transforms the electricity market, pushing Australia to a greener future but jeopardising the reliability of the grid. Entrepreneur and investor Paul Bassat also called for this summer's bushfire crisis to be a "Port Arthur moment", sparking more aggressive measures to reduce emissions, similar to gun law reform after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that required state and federal co-operation. Dr Kerry Schott, chair of the Energy Security Board. Credit:Louie Douvis Dr Schott, the chair of the Energy Security Board, said the country's catastrophic bushfires revealed the need for a resilient energy system and warned a lack of national policy was making management of the grid increasingly difficult. "The big picture is we have got an enormous amount of renewables coming into the system, both large and small scale. Solar is generating more than gas, wind generating more than brown coal. With all of that said, we are still burning a lot of coal," Dr Schott told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Israels Q Cyber Technologies has signed Mercury Public Affairs to a $1.2M contract for crisis communications, media outreach and government relations work regarding a federal suit filed in California that charges its technology was used to spy on hundreds of WhatsApp users. Filed by Facebook and its WhatsApp unit, the suit alleges that Q Cyber and its NSO Group property used WhatsApp servers, located in the United States and elsewhere, to send malware to approximately 1,400 mobile phones and devices. The suit filed Oct. 29 in US federal court for the Northern District of California charges the malware was designed to infect the target devices for the purpose of conducting surveillance of specific WhatsApp users." Q Cyber and NSO Group deny the allegations. Mercury managing directors Nicole Flotteron, head of the global digital practice, and Ian McCaleb, a Fox News/CNN alum who was senior spokesperson for the Dept of Justices criminal division, handle the one-year Q Cyber Technologies pact. NSO Group also has been linked to the Saudi Arabia campaign against dissident and former Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi. Omnicom owns Mercury. Nearly a thousand people packed into the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium Saturday afternoon to mourn and remember some of the many individuals who lost their lives in last weeks airplane disaster in Iran. Photos, flowers and candles adorned the stage for the memorial service, which centred on victims of the tragedy who had direct connections to Nova Scotia including Dalhousie Engineering student Masoumeh "Masi" Ghavi and Dal alum and dentist Sharieh Faghihi. Iran has admitted to accidentally shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 with a missile shortly after it took off from Tehran for Kyiv last Wednesday. All 176 passengers on board were killed, including 57 Canadians. Weve come together as a community and weve heard that word over and over again to support our neighbours, support our friends, our brothers, our sisters, to support strangers, said Ivan Joseph, Dals vice-provost of student affairs, in remarks at the vigil. Dr. Joseph, who began his talk by asking everyone to link hands in a show of support for the friends and family members of the victims in attendance, said the tragedy had united us all. We struggle with the same emotions: Why? How come? This doesnt make sense. How do I sort this? Its not fair? Why them? It could have been me. These are the messages weve heard time and time again. Ivan Joseph Masoumehs younger sister, Mandieh, was also killed in the incident, as were Saint Marys University students Fatemeh Mahmoodi and Maryam Malek and former Halifax resident Shekoufeh Choupannejad and her daughters, Sara and Saba Saadat. An overwhelming loss Alireza Nafarieh, president of the Iranian Cultural Society of Nova Scotia and a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Engineering Mathematics and Internetworking at Dal, spoke at the vigil about the magnitude of loss. "Today is the day of grief for losing our loved ones, for missing them, for not seeing them anymore, for not hearing their voice, not seeing their smiles," he said. He noted that the flight was packed with top students, PhD candidates, faculty members, doctors, dentists and specialists. What a valuable asset, what a huge loss not only for Iran and the Iranian community, but also for Canada and Canadians, he said. Alireza Nafarieh William Robertson, director of the Internetworking program that Masoumeh joined at Dal in 2018, remembered her as a student with great promise. Masi tackled everything with unabated enthusiasm and deep interest, he said, noting her eloquence and clarity of purpose. Dr. Robertson said she had a reputation for being curious, questioning everything and for having an interest in every technical detail. She was an ideal candidate for the Master of Engineering in Internetworking degree and a truly exemplary inspiration for other young women in the technical field. More than 20 individuals spoke at the weekend vigil organized by the Dalhousie Iranian Student Society in collaboration with university administrators, the Dalhousie Student Union and the Iranian Cultural Society of Nova Scotia. Teri Balser, Dalhousies provost and vice-president academic, thanked the organizers of the memorial service and shared condolences for the friends and family of the victims on behalf of the university and Dal President Deep Saini, whose first day on campus is this Wednesday. This is a hard day. We gather here for difficult reasons to remember the 176 people who lost their lives this week," said. Dr. Balser. Teri Balser "To think of the lost future impact of these individuals makes this all the more difficult," said Dr. Balser. "This is truly a huge loss for Halifax, for Canada, the broader academic community across the country and beyond, and most of all for the families, friends and collegues of those who lost their lives." Tears of remembrance Attendees also heard from public officials, such as the Honourable Lena Diab, Nova Scotias Minister of Immigration and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, as well as friends and family members of the victims. Marjan Adibi, Dr. Fghihis sister-in-law, teared up as she remembered a family member whose kindness and dedication to family shone through even in tough times. Marjan Adibi Although established as a leader in the dental field in Iran, Dr. Faghihi and her husband decided to leave the country for Canada in 2011 to help create a better future for their children (her son is now a PhD student at Dal and her daughter a Dal Pharmacy student). There was hardship as they immigrated and she had to study at Dalhousie to retain the proper credentials to practice in Canada. Sharieh worked hard against the odds and she started to become successful again. However, she still was in the dawn of her success before she got taken away from us. She deserved to live much longer to see the happier times and to see happiness and success for the life of her children and to die in her own way in her own bed, said Adibi, choking up. To Dr. Fghihis children, she said: It is undeniable the greatness of your loss, and all the mourning for her. But after all, you are the best representatives your mother could have. Follow her path and fulfill her dreams that she had about yourselves by becoming a great citizen, successful, confident, happy and helpful to yourselves and others. Just like the way your mother always was. Drew Angerer/Getty Images En espanol | It may seem like the 2020 election has been going on forever. But no one has actually yet cast a ballot for any potential candidate for president or any other elected office. All that changes on Monday, Feb. 3, when Iowans will continue a nearly 40-year tradition of being the first citizens in the nation to declare their preferences in the presidential nominating process when they caucus. The four early primary and caucus states Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina will all vote in February. And then on March 3 it's Super Tuesday, when Americans in 14 states will cast ballots for their presidential preferences. On the Democratic side, polls show a competitive race among a number of hopefuls. The Democratic Party has scheduled four more debates in January and February, leading up to the first caucuses and primaries. The first debate of the year will be Tuesday night in Iowa, ahead of the state's caucuses. The three subsequent debates will be in New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina, ahead of each state's primary or caucuses. Among Republicans, President Trump is assumed to be the party's nominee, and even though he has several challengers, the GOP in a number of states, including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Nevada, South Carolina and Virginia, have canceled the party's primaries and/or caucuses. A windsurfer jumps in the air after hitting a wave in the sea off of West Wittering beach in West Sussex. Gusts of up to 80mph could hit parts of the UK as Storm Brendan sweeps in, prompting the Met Office to issue a weather warning. The Republic of Ireland will be most affected by the storm, with Met Eireann putting out an orange wind warning for the entire country. Their British counterparts have also issued a weather warning covering the next two days, warning of wind for much of the western half of the UK. Storm Brendan is expected to plague Ireland until 9pm, bringing with it a significant risk of coastal flooding, while the warning of a very windy period is in force across the west of England, Scotland and Wales is in force from 10am on Monday. The east coast will not escape the impact of the storm either, with winds of 40-50mph possible. After a mostly fine start on Monday, it will turn wet and windy as #StormBrendan approaches Here's the 4-cast pic.twitter.com/mL0yObkRup Met Office (@metoffice) January 12, 2020 The windy weather will persist for England and Wales on Tuesday as the storm continues to move east. Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: As it pushes though, pretty much every part of the UK will feel the influence. Everywhere in the UK will see rain on Monday at some point, he said, adding that the storm will move through pretty quickly. The Met Office warning added that disruption to travel is likely. Forecasters are warning that coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities may be affected by spray or large waves. There may also be some short term loss of power and other services. But the network said that according to the unnamed current and former officials, "The presidential directive in June came with the condition that Trump would have final sign-off on any specific operation to kill Soleimani." Trump's approval to kill him was given seven months ago, "if Iran's increased aggression resulted in the death of an American," NBC TV network reported on Monday quoting five anonymous sources. If true, it would bring into question Trump's claim that he ordered the killing only because Soleimani had threatened US diplomatic missions, adding ammunition to his critics who oppose the US President's action. Soleimani, an Iranian Major General, was killed in the attack near the Baghdad airport on January 3. The killing of an American contractor in Iraq by militias allied with the Iranian Quds Force that Soleimani commanded was the immediate cause that precipitated his killing, Trump initially said. But muddling the picture, Trump told Fox News on Friday that "probably" four embassies in the Middle East were in Soleimani's crosshairs when he ordered his killing. Further adding to the controversy, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday in CBS talk show that he did not see intelligence specifically about four embassies, but shared Trump's view that Iranians or militias affiliated with them were going after US missions. The Trump-ordered killing of Soleimani put the world on edge when Iran retaliated directly with rocket attacks on military bases with US troops in Iraq. But both Trump and Iran backed off escalating the confrontation that could have spiralled into war. The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives passed a resolution on Thursday aiming to prevent Trump from going to war. The resolution is not legally binding as it does not have the authority of a law. Trump's action has presented a dilemma for the Democrats, who oppose the killing of Soleimani but do not want to be seen as sympathetic to him because, as they admit, he was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of US troops in Iraq through the local militias he controlled. Trump and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy have accused Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of defending Soleimani. She had called the killing of Soleimani "provocative and disproportionate" and "is not promoting peace, but an escalation" that puts Americans at risk, but she has also called him a "terrible person (who) did bad things." The killing of Soleimani has isolated the US. Its NATO and other allies have not endorsed action and have criticised it. Iraqi parliament approved a resolution demanding that the US withdraw its troops from the country. Trump has threatened sanctions if Baghdad went ahead with it. The order to kill Soleimani was a turn around for Trump, who is under the shadow of impeachment, as he had opposed any direct action against Iran that some of his hawkish advisers like former National Security Adviser John Bolton had advocated. According to some media reports, even Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had advised strong action against Iran, which is an obsession for many US politicians. Trump had called off at the last moment a missile attack on Iranian targets after Teheran shot down a US drone in June. One of the collateral damages in the current standoff is a Ukrainian passenger plane that was shot down by Iranian forces that mistook it for a US aircraft last week killing 176 people on board. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in) (Newser) Michael Wade Nance wants to die like convicts used to. The condemned killer, who's sitting on death row in Georgia, is asking for a firing squad. "Execution by firing squad is both swift and virtually painless," says his federal lawsuit, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Evidence and recent experience strongly suggest that the firing squad is significantly more reliable than lethal injection." What's more, Nance says, his medical conditions could make injection unusually painful. He claims that his scarred and thin-walled veins are hard to locate and could leak during the procedure, per CNN, causing a "prolonged execution that will produce excruciating pain." story continues below He also says his back-pain drug has changed his brain chemistry and could weaken the effect pentobarbital, a sedative in the lethal-injection "cocktail." Gwinnett District Attorney Danny Porter doesn't seem to object: "If he needs a firing squad, then let him have it," he says. "It's certainly a unique request." But Georgia officially stopped using firing squads in 1924, when it switched to the electric chair; a 2001 state Supreme Court ruling then forced the use of lethal injection. And no one's been executed by firing squad in America since 2010 in Utah, per CBS 42. Nance was condemned to death in 2002 for fatally shooting a man after committing a bank robbery. (Read more firing squad stories.) ISIS is regrouping and is once more on the rise in the Middle East, King Abdullah of Jordan has warned. King Abdullah expressed concerns that the terror group had been re-establishing itself over the past year in south-eastern Syria and western Iraq. 'We have to deal with the reemergence of ISIS,' the king said, adding that it was a 'major concern'. He added that many foreign fighters in Syria have made their way to Libya. King Abdullah of Jordan (pictured at the UN General assembly in September 2019) has warned that ISIS is regrouping and is once more on the rise in the Middle East King Abdullah expressed concerns that the terror group had been re-establishing itself over the past year in south-eastern Syria and western Iraq (File image) His comments come months after ISIS was ousted from its final stronghold in Syria. He made the claims in a sit-down interview with France 24 in Amman, during which he also discussed US tensions with Iran, the stalled peace process between Israel and Palestine, and the conflict in Syria. 'From a European perspective, with Libya being much closer to Europe, this is going to be an important discussion in the next couple of days,' Abdullah said. 'Several thousand fighters have left Idlib (Syria) through the northern border and have ended up in Libya, that is something that we in the region but also our European friends will have to address in 2020.' Regarding last week's spiking of tensions between Iran and the United States, Abdullah said he hoped that 'in the next several months we set the right tone for the region, which is really to bring the temperature down'. 'So far it looks like de-escalation, we hope that that continues to be the trend. We can't afford instability in our part of the world. Regarding last week's spiking of tensions between Iran and the United States, Abdullah said he hoped that 'in the next several months we set the right tone for the region, which is really to bring the temperature down' 'Whatever happens in Tehran will affect Baghdad, Amman, Beirut, the Israeli Palestinian process.' Abdullah added that the recent deployment of Turkish troops in a training capacity to Libya 'will only create more confusion' in the country. King Abdullah is scheduled to attend talks this week in Brussels, Strasbourg and Paris. Both sides in Libya's conflict agreed to a ceasefire from Sunday to end nine months of fighting, following weeks of international diplomacy and calls for a truce by power-brokers Russia and Turkey. Fighters loyal to the internationally recognised Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) keep a look out on the roof of a building in an area south of the Libyan capital Tripoli on January 12. Both sides in Libya's conflict agreed to a ceasefire from Sunday to end nine months of fighting, following weeks of international diplomacy and calls for a truce by power-brokers Russia and Turkey A UN report in November said several countries were violating the arms embargo on Libya in place since the overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have regularly supplied the forces of Libyan military strongman General Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Turkey's regional rivals - Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. Jordan, whose stability is seen as vital for the volatile Middle East, hosts some 1.3 million refugees from neighbouring war-torn Syria. A Swedish man has sent the Reddit food community into meltdown after posting an image of a pizza he had made for him, topped with kiwi fruit. Stellan Johansson, an enthusiast of the furry fruit, shared a picture to Facebook of the unique take on a classic that he had made in Skottorps Pizzeria, around 95 miles north of Malmo. Stellan, who regularly cooks with kiwi and recently stuffed it into some chicken breasts with cheese, said he brought his own fruit to the pizzeria run by Turkish staff, and they obliged in making it for him because they are used to cooking up the classic dish with various twists. Pineapple on pizza is something that divides people everywhere and when his picture made its way to Reddit, users were quick to dismiss Stellan's inventive kiwi dish. Stellan Johansson, an enthusiast of the furry fruit, shared a picture of the unique take on a classic that he had made in Skottorps Pizzeria (pictured), around 95 miles north of Malmo 'This makes me unreasonably angry,' wrote one user in a post with more than 10,000 up votes and 450 comments, while a second person responded: 'There's nothing unreasonable about your anger.' Another person theorised: 'This is the slippery slope that permitting pineapple has resulted in.' 'Find it hard to believe there's freaks out there who would even do this,' said another. But Stellan insisted that it was tasty. He wrote: 'This pizza was made at Skottorps Pizzeria in South Sweden. I had to bring my own kiwis to the place. Stellan, who regularly cooks with kiwi, said he brought his own fruit to the pizzeria in southern Sweden that is run by Turkish people, and they obliged in making it for him 'The pizza was good. My children loved it.' As of the 2010 census, Skottorps had just 475 inhabitants and is closer to Denmark than it is to Sweden's capital, Stockholm. Sweden's Scandinavian neighbour has over 750,000 immigrants, with each group's cuisines offering up unique takes on traditional dishes. Stellan insisted that it was tasty. He wrote: 'This pizza was made at Skottorps Pizzeria in South Sweden. I had to bring my own kiwis to the place. The pizza was good. My children loved it' It is common across the region that people from minority groups own pizzerias and takeaways. This has given rise to a new Swedish favourite, the Afrikana Pizza - a regular base topped with banana, peanuts, mushrooms and curry powder on it, attributed to the country's largely Somali, Ethopian and Sundanse populations. During the furore over Stellan's pizza, the Afrikana was mentioned dozens of times, with a surprising amount of admirers. Pineapple on pizza is something that divides people everywhere and Reddit users were quick to dismiss Stellan's inventive kiwi dish, with one saying it makes them 'unreasonably angry' 'And I thought the Swedish banana pizza was bad,' wrote one person before another person leaped to its defence, saying: 'Banana, bacon, pineapple and garlic. Best. Ever.' In May last year, New Zealand offered up its own weird take on pizza. The chain took to Facebook to offer a limited edition Hawaiian spaghetti pizza, writing: 'This is no joke! Weve officially added Hawaiian SPAGHETTI pizza to our menu for a limited time only, with help from our friends at Wattie's NZ! (no April Fools this time).' 'And I thought the Swedish banana pizza was bad,' wrote one person before another person leaped to its defence, saying: 'Banana, bacon, pineapple and garlic. Best. Ever' He famously played Robin in the 1960s television series of Batman which ran on ABC from 1966-1968. But Burt Ward, who received his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame last Thursday, has said he was prescribed medication to shrink his manhood as he was considered to be too well-endowed for television. The 74-year-old told Page Six that his snug outfits didn't go down very well with the Catholic League of Decency. Pass the cape: Batman's Burt Ward, 74, (left) claimed he was prescribed medication to SHRINK his manhood because he was considered to be 'too well-endowed' (pictured in 1966) Throwback: Burt famously played Robin in the 1960s television series of Batman which ran on ABC from 1966-1968 He said: 'They thought that Robin had a very large bulge for television. The studio had Ward see a doctor who prescribed medication 'to shrink me up.' He said: 'I took them for three days and then I decided that they can probably keep me from having children. I stopped doing that and I just used my cape to cover it.' He said: 'I took them for three days and then I decided that they can probably keep me from having children. I stopped doing that and I just used my cape to cover it.' Ka-boom! Burt received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday outside of the Guinness World Records museum He gloated that Adam West, who played Batman himself, didn't have the same problem and they put 'Turkish towels in his undershorts.' Burt, who started work on the show when he was just aged 20, said he lived a quiet life while filming. He said: 'You must understand I never smoked, drank or did drugs so I never went to a bar in my entire life. 'Its not to say I didnt go out and have a good time but I never went out and did what you think Hollywood (celebrities) do. While receiving his star, Burt said of West, who died in 2017, 'We just were really good friends, and it stayed that way for more than 50 years.' In recent years, he's been involved with business and philanthropy, as he and his wife preside over the dog food and recuse organization Gentle Giants Products, which caters to large canines. Retired Pope Benedict XVI has written a book defending priestly celibacy as his more liberal successor, Pope Francis, considers calls to allow married priests. The 92-year-old former pontiff wrote From the Depths of Our Hearts, with Cardinal Robert Sarah, 74, who heads the Vaticans Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Excerpts were published Sunday by the French newspaper Le Figaro. The book is due to be published on Wednesday in France. The National Catholic Register described the publication as a shocking move that comes as Pope Francis is considering the possibility of allowing older, married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region." Massimo Faggioli, a theologian at Villanova University, told the National Catholic Register that Benedicts decision to write on the issue represented a serious breach. It interferes with a synodal process that is still unfolding after the Amazon synod and threatens to limit the freedom of the one pope, Faggioli said. After Pope Benedict stepped down in 2013, he vowed silence on key issues. However, he issued a letter on clergy sexual abuse in April 2019 and has now published a book on priestly celibacy. At a meeting in Rome last year, bishops urged the pope to allow the ordination of married men in a remote Amazon region, which conservatives see as a weakening of the churchs celibacy requirement. Piers Morgan became embroiled in a fiery Good Morning Britain row today over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's resignation from their senior royal duties. The GMB host and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika clashed over whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's treatment in the media has been fair - with Piers calling the pair 'spoiled brats' who have treated the Queen 'awfully'. Former Labour advisor Ms Hazarika said Meghan had been the victim of racism in the media, adding: 'As a very successful white man you will not have experienced what other people will have experienced in their life. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes.' Piers hit back demanding examples of actual racism, insisting that Meghan had in fact been protected from the worst of the press unlike Princess Diana or Camilla. The GMB host and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika (right) clashed over whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's treatment in the media has been fair - with Piers calling the pair 'spoiled brats' who have treated the Queen 'awfully'. Ms Hazarika suggested Piers held a grudge against Meghan after the Duchess appeared to cut off any contact with him a day after meeting Prince Harry - something that 'clouded his judgement' Ms Hazarika suggested Piers held a grudge against Meghan after the Duchess appeared to cut off any contact with him a day after meeting Prince Harry - something that 'clouded his judgement'. Ms Hazarika said: 'I get rejection is hard but what has Meghan done to you.' Piers replied: 'I believe when people show you who they are believe them. 'She disowned her entire family apart from her mother. Harry's never met his father-in-law, she's ditched her old friends who got cut dead. 'She's split up those boys, Harry from his brother. Where is the racism? You can't just say it's racism.' At the beginning of the show, Piers launched into an excoriating rant accusing the pair of 'holding the Queen to ransom'' and 'literally breaking up the Royal family' ahead of a crisis summit at Sandringham today. The Good Morning Britain host launched into the ten-minute tirade calling the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 'spoiled brats' and who 'want to be global superstars' instead of fulfilling their 'taxpayer funded royal duties'. Discussing the royal showdown called by Her Majesty following the Sussexes shock announcement last Wednesday, Piers urged the pair to 'to eat humble pie and listen to the wisest woman in the world.' At the beginning of the show, Piers launched into an excoriating rant accusing the pair of 'holding the Queen to ransom'' and 'literally breaking up the Royal family' ahead of a crisis summit at Sandringham today Piers said: 'You can't say I didn't warn you. Prince Harry and Meghan are now holding the Queen to random about how they want the monarchy to run, and drag us kicking and screaming into a "woke-ocrasy". 'Meghan's been "surviving" in their massive palatial mansion given to them by the Queen while pushing their eco-message and taking private jets with Elton John. 'And what about their six-week break before the New Year living in a billionaire home - for nothing.' Susanna Reid tried to defend Prince Harry, pointing to his past mental health struggles, insisting that it doesn't dictate internal emotions. But Piers was undeterred, adding: 'They seem to be really going out of their way to help their struggles by living a life of unparalleled luxury. Piers also blasted the pair following the emergence of footage showing Prince Harry at the London Lion King premiere last year appearing to tout Meghan for voice over work with the head of Disney Bob Iger Susanna Reid tried to defend Prince Harry, pointing to his past mental health struggles, insisting that it doesn't dictate internal emotions. But Piers was undeterred, adding: 'They seem to be really going out of their way to help their struggles by living a life of unparalleled luxury 'They still want millions of taxpayers pounds - they don't want to be financially independent - the Duchy isn't financial independence. 'You do the duty and you get the taxpayer money, you're not half-in half-out. Thats not how it works. Piers also blasted the pair following the emergence of footage showing Prince Harry at the London Lion King premiere last year appearing to tout Meghan for voice over work with the head of Disney Bob Iger. They'd never exploit their royal status,' he mocked before running footage of the moment filmed by a fan. 'This is not a spoof, Harry is now Meghan's agent,' he said. 'It's like my late great agent. He used to go up to powerful people at parties and get me work. The Sussexes are hustling the boss of Disney!' 'They've signed up to a Disney voice over deal which will benefit an elephant charity but it's not about the charity it's about her career.' Piers then urged viewers to sympathise with the Queen instead of Meghan and Harry. On the red carpet of the Lion King premiere last July, the Duke of Sussex collared the powerful Disney chief and advertised ex-actress partner's 'interest' in doing voiceover work. Right: Meghan embraces Beyonce He said: 'The Queen's just had to fire her middle son, her 98 year old husband is very sick and right at their very moment these two little spoiled brats are holding her to ransom at the worst moment. 'If they want to leave after 18 months then that's fine,' he said before ranting directly at Meghan: 'I always thought you'd do this anyway. You quit your friends, you quit your dad, and you quit your jobs. 'But you're not allowed the benefits. If you can't be bothered to put the yards in a wet Wednesday is Cleethorpes. 'And on that very day that Harry was hustling on her behalf the Royal Marines - of which he is their Captain General - held a ceremony about the anniversary of the death of 11 personnel. 'Harry didn't go to that memorial which was very moving because he had to go and hustle his wife some voice over action from the boss of Disney. 'They are literally breaking up the royal family - dividing the royal family.' Harry and Meghan are said to have felt pushed out of the royal family by his older brother William, who will see his younger sibling face-to-face at Sandringham later (pictured together on July 10, 2018) The Queen (pictured attending church at Sandringham on Sunday), who was left deeply hurt by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge, has summoned Princes Charles, William and Harry for a crisis meeting to resolve the Sussexes future He then moved on to attack the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes glossy website on which they released the terms of their future relationships with the media. He said: 'On their website they lay down their laws. And how they plan on treating the media and only invite papers that are positive to them. 'They only want their friends from the papers they like. Nobody who might expose them to scrutiny for hustling themselves to Disney. This is what Vladimir Putin or Kim Jong Un would do. 'They're workshy millionaires,' he continued. Then directing his rant at viewers, asked: 'How much of a struggle do you have to fix a roof viewers? Life's a struggle for - not for them. 'They'd like to be global superstars putting the world to right and saving the planet one private jet at a time. And I hope the Queen should take precedent here.' Finally he responded to suggestions from foreign press that Meghan has been the victim of racism in the British media. He said: 'When they got married I never saw a bigger outpouring of love for them - it has nothing to do with racism. I've seen papers calling us a racist country. It's utter offensive nonsense.' He added: 'William took eight years to marry Kate Middleton and they split up in that time and they figured out if they wanted it. 'Meghan came in a few months after they were engaged. '"Remember what mum told us. Take your time", William told him. I just don't see how you can be half-royal half-global celebrity. 'This is seriously bad behaviour. You can't have Prince Harry at a public meeting hustling his wife some TV work. It's cringe worthy and embarrassing. 'They need to eat humble pie and listen to the wisest woman in the world.' MUSCATINE John Delaney believes he is the person who can bring a divided nation together. The American people ask a question, and the person who answers it the best is the person I believe should be president," the Democratic presidential candidate said Sunday during a campaign stop at Muscatine Family Restaurant. "I think the question theyre asking right now is who is the person who can take this terribly divided nation and start bring us back together. Delaney, an entrepreneur, represented Maryland's sixth congressional district from 2013-19. He was the first candidate to visit each of Iowa's 99 counties. Delaney was in Muscatine Sunday to meet with potential caucus voters as part of his Send a Message tour. I want to go to as many small towns as possible and deliver this message of working together, because small town communities need this message more than anyone, said Delaney. We always thought about our lives as a third learning, a third earning and a third serving, Delaney said, explaining his perspective growing up in a blue collar family. His experience as an entrepreneur and congressman give him the skills necessary to be president, he said. By PTI PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday launched a frontal attack on JD(U), accusing it of having struck a "deal" with the BJP as part of which it supported the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Parliament to ensure that its president Nitish Kumar remain in power in the state. Talking to reporters outside the state assembly, Yadav also expressed dissatisfaction with the chief minister's assurance that concerns expressed by the opposition over CAA, NPR and proposed country-wide NRC would be discussed in the next session. "The chief minister could have extended the special day-long session for the purpose. It seems he was simply buying time, hoping things to cool down for his comfort," Yadav - who is the leader of the opposition in the assembly -- alleged. At a special session, the House unanimously approved the 166th constitutional amendment, providing for extension of quotas for SCs and STs by another 10 years. "Even on our apprehensions about the NPR containing problematic columns like places of birth of parents he was equivocal. He said 'dekhenge' (will look into) and not say anything categorically," the RJD leader who was flanked by party colleagues, including elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, said. Yadav, who is the son of the party's founding president Lalu Prasad and its chief ministerial candidate for the assembly polls due this year, sought to make light of the stout opposition to NRC by JD(U) national vice president Prashant Kishor. "What standing does he have? Even his party does not consider him as its leader. Professionals dabbling into politics. I do not resent it, they are well within their rights to do so," he remarked about the election strategist, who is known to share good relations with his jailed father and had handled his party's campaign for the 2015 assembly polls, which Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad had fought in an alliance. "But one thing I must say, there should not be deal-making in politics. The JD(U)'s charade of supporting the CAA and opposing the NRC is part of a design. Does the party not know that CAA was brought to clear the hurdles that came in the way of implementing NRC?" Yadav asked. Notably, the JD(U) had opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill when it was first introduced in Parliament in January last year. Nine months later, with the party's strength in the Lok Sabha having risen manifold, the JD(U) changed tack and supported the Bill in both Houses - a move that took many of its top office-bearers by surprise. "The fact is Nitish Kumar depends on BJP for his survival in power and is ready to make any compromise to stay in the chief minister's chair. All his words and deeds can be viewed in this light," said Yadav, who had served as Kumar's deputy until the latter ended alliance with RJD and returned to the NDA in 2017. China's assets of public offering of funds set new record in 2019 BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Assets under management of public offering of funds reached a new record in 2019, said the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC). The figure was 14.8 trillion yuan (about 2.13 trillion U.S. dollars) by the end of 2019, up 1.7 trillion yuan from last year, according to the AMAC, an industry body supervised by China's securities regulator. Of the total, the asset value of closed-end funds increased by 703.9 billion yuan year on year while the money market funds of the open-end funds decreased by 500.8 billion yuan year on year. The public offering of funds is a type of investment vehicle that collects funds from investors through public offerings and takes securities as its main investment target. It has to follow strict requirements for information disclosure and profit distribution. The delegation of Japan to the event is the biggest ever of its kind with more than 1,000 members who are parliamentarians, senior officials, representatives of localities, and businesses. Addressing the exchange, PM Phuc described the event as a vivid demonstration of the strong and comprehensive development of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership. He spoke highly of the significant contributions of the two countries parliamentary friendship groups and particularly LDP Secretary General Nikai, to promoting the bilateral friendship and cooperation. Vietnam and Japan share a lot of common interests and the two economies are supplementary rather than competitive, he said, noting that Japan is now the biggest provider of official development assistance (ODA), the second largest investor, the third biggest tourism partner, and the fourth biggest trade partner of Vietnam. The Vietnamese community in Japan has become the third largest foreign community in Japan with nearly 400,000 people. In 2019, more than 900,000 Japanese tourists came to Vietnam with Hoi An ancient city in central Quang Nam province being one of the most popular places. Also in the year, over 400,000 Vietnamese visited Japan. The PM said Vietnam wants to strengthen economic connectivity with Japan through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will help businesses of the two sides to cooperate in investment and transfer of technology as well as develop the market and join the global value chain. The Southeast Asian country also wants to strengthen connections with the Japanese government, parliament, ministries, localities, and people via specific cooperation projects such as the Vietnam-Japan University, he added. Stronger cooperation and connectivity will help Vietnam and Japan have more power to bring the bilateral extensive strategic partnership to a new height for the interests of the two peoples as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond, the PM said. For his part, Nikai Toshihiro, who is also Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, said Vietnam and Japan boast long-standing relations, to which PM Phuc had made an important contribution. He expressed his pleasure at the two countries growing ties in all fields. In 2019, more than 1,400,000 people attended exchange activities between the two countries. More than 370,000 Vietnamese people are living and studying in Japan, serving as an important bridge to promote the two relations relations, he said. At the cultural exchange night, the two sides announced the establishment of the Japanese Embassys office in Da Nang. US President Donald Trump said that he doesnt care whether Tehran will negotiate with Washington. He wrote the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday, Trend reports citing TASS. According to him what is really important is that Iran has no nuclear weapons and there is no violence against the protesters in the country. "National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions and protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldnt care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "dont kill your protesters," he tweeted. Earlier, US national security advisor Robert OBrien said chances that Tehran would negotiate with Washington are higher after the death of Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In turn, Pentagon Chief, Mark Esper, said on Sunday that the US is ready for negotiations with the Iranian authorities without preconditions, despite the support of the protesters in that country from Washington. Trump previously called on the Iranian leadership not to use violence against protesters, as well as allowing human rights organizations to monitor protests in the country. He expressed support for their participants. Taiwans changing voter demographics and turnout at the weekends elections suggest there is little appetite for dramatic changes to the islands status, with observers saying that Beijing should not worry about a push for independence over the next four years. The high turnout of 75 per cent almost 9 points higher than the previous presidential election in 2016 also indicated that young voters were becoming engaged in the political process to the point that no politician could afford to ignore them in future. Saturdays poll saw President Tsai Ing-wen, from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, beating Han Kuo-yu, from the mainland-friendly Kuomintang by more than 2.5 million votes, making her the first candidate to capture more than 8 million votes. James Soong Chu-yu, chairman of the mainland-friendly People First Party, performed badly with only 4.2 per cent of the vote share, compared with 57.1 per cent for Tsai and 38.6 per cent for Han. More than 14 million out of 19 million eligible voters turned out to vote in an election that also saw the DDP retain its majority in the legislature, winning 61 seats to ensure Tsai has an absolute mandate. But all the hardline pro-independence or unification parties failed to win seats. Instead the new Taiwan Peoples Party, founded by Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, which is relatively neutral on the topic, secured five seats in the legislature. The New Power Party, which started off in 2016 as a hardcore pro-independence party but has since moderated its stand to focus on social justice issues, saw its total number of seats fall from five to three. It gained an extra seat through the party list system, but lost all the constituencies it contested. In the legislative elections, voters pick a candidate for each constituency, including six seats reserved for indigenous Taiwanese, and also vote for an at-large party list system in which seats are allocated proportionally. Story continues The DPP and the KMT remained dominant in the legislature, capturing a total of 61 and 38 seats respectively. According to the election commission, the DPP won 13 of the party list seats, with 33.9 per cent of the votes cast, and 48 constituency seats. The KMT also won 13 at-large seats, with 33.3 per cent of the vote, and 25 constituency seats. Turnout on Saturday was 75 per cent. Photo: EPA-EFE None of the hardcore parties made it to the legislature. Not even the Taiwan Action Alliance Party aided by former president Chen Shui-bian was able to make it to the 5 per cent threshold required for a party to win an at-large seat, said Wang Kung-yi, a professor of political science at Chinese Culture University. The party, which reflected Chens vision of Taiwan and China as being two different countries, captured only 1 per cent of the vote. The disgraced Chen who was jailed for corruption shortly after he stepped down as president in 2008 and is now on medical parole, announced on Sunday that he felt frustrated and would quit politics because his efforts in devoting himself to Taiwan were not properly appreciated. Wang said the Formosa Alliance Party, which was founded by DPP hardliners who were upset at Tsais reluctance to push for independence did even worse, gaining no more than 30,000 votes, or 0.2 per cent of the total. The party had initially tried to stand former vice-president Annette Lu Hsiu-lien a founder member of the DPP as a candidate for the presidency, but had failed to clear the qualifying threshold Supporters of President Tsai Ing-wen celebrate. Photo: AFP However, the hardcore pro-unification parties, including the New Party and Unionist Party, fared equally badly receiving just 1 per cent and 0.2 per cent of the vote respectively. Soongs People First Party also suffered a setback gaining just 3.6 per cent, not enough for an at-large seat because of a split within the mainland-friendly vote. Given such an outcome, Beijing should feel at ease instead of being jittery, Wang said, arguing that voters had opted to maintain the status quo. Tsai is well aware of it and this explains why she chose to call for reconciliation with the mainland immediately after the election, Wang noted. After her victory on Saturday, Tsai called for the resumption of talks with Beijing on an equal footing. She also repeated her promise not to provoke Beijing and avoid stoking tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing, which considers Taiwan a wayward province that must return to the mainland fold by force if necessary had suspended talks and exchanges with Taiwan since Tsai was first elected as president in 2016 and refused to accept the one-China principle. KMT supporters at a pre-election rally. Photo: Bloomberg Analysts also said the high turnout on Saturday indicated that many young people came out to vote. Young people or those between 20 to 39 were the key to the weekends elections as they made up at least 6.6 million of the eligible voters in Taiwan, said Juang Wen-jong, professor of public policy and management at Shih Hsin University. They helped bolster the turnout rate, which in terms help increase both the vote for Tsai and her party. Juang also said the KMT needed to pay more attention to young voices and recruit more young talents rather than relying on party elders to broaden the partys appeal. He warned that if the KMT did not take note of this inevitable generational change it would eventually fade out of the islands political scene. 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 Taiwan election results suggest no appetite for rapid push for independence after Tsai Ing-wens victory first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. A New Jersey mother was left horrified after she received a package of soiled diapers from an Amazon warehouse that left her fearing for her daughter's health. Nassly Sales said she was shocked to see Luvs diapers covered in what appeared to be fecal matter when she opened her Amazon package on Thursday. Sales said she purchases diapers for her two daughters each month from the online retail giant's Amazon Warehouse section, which sells returned items at a discounted rate. Nassly Sales (pictured), of New Jersey, claims Amazon sent her used diapers that left her fearing for her premature daughter's health Sales said she was shocked to see diapers (pictured) covered in what appeared to be fecal matter when she opened her Amazon package on Friday Sales said she purchases diapers for her two daughters each month from the online retail giant's Amazon Warehouse section, which sells returned items at a discounted rate. The soiled diapers are seen after Sales opened the package last week Amazon inspects and certifies all open-box products before reselling them, according to Amazon's website. In a Facebook post, Sales described what happened when she received the package. 'After a 12+ hour workday, I come home exhausted with my eyes burning from overuse. In the dark, I open my newly arrived box of diapers from Amazon to change my child before I go to sleep. 'I take the plastic bag out and immediately notice that it is heavier than normal. I place them on my bed next to my exposed child. I turn on the lights to my greatest shock.. these diapers are SOILED!' Sales wrote. She said the Luvs diapers smelled of 'poop and urine', but they are unsure if the substance is fecal matter and they have not had it officially tested. Sales continued: 'The packaging was tampered with and Amazon actually sold me neatly placed soiled diapers!' Sales immediately started disinfecting her nursery and wiped down her daughter (both daughters above) with rubbing alcohol. Sales said she feared for her 19-month-old daughter's health since she was born 26 weeks premature and has a compromised immune system An Amazon (file image) spokesperson said the company worked with the family to resolve the issue She said she immediately started disinfecting her nursery and wiped down her daughter with rubbing alcohol. The Jersey City woman said she feared for her 19-month-old daughter's health since she was born 26 weeks premature and has a compromised immune system. Sales said she then called Amazon and spoke with a representative who seemed 'unmoved at this situation'. 'Some of the many idiotic statements included: my being "welcome to keep the (soiled diapers) item" and "sorry for the inconvenience".' Sales said the representative offered her a refund on the Amazon gift card she used, but she said she preferred a regular refund because she's 'afraid to shop at Amazon again'. An Amazon spokesperson said the company worked with the family to resolve the issue. 'We work hard to provide customers with a great experience and deeply regret that this situation did not live up to our high standards,' the spokesperson said. by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, January 13, 2020 Trump allies are trying to acquire right-leaning news channel One America News Network, according to Wall Street Journal sources. The effort is being led by Hicks Equity Partners, an investment firm owned by Republican National Committee co-chair Thomas Hicks Jr., who is pitching other GOP donors on the acquisition. Hicks, a close friend of Donald Trump Jr., is pitching other GOP donors on investing in a bid of about $250 million for the networks parent company. One America News, which started the news channel in 2013, is owned by Herring Networks Inc., a San Diego-based TV-programming company launched in 2004 by Robert Herring Sr., founder of a circuit-board firm. advertisement advertisement President Donald Trump has in recent months praised One America as he has begun to criticize Fox News. Fox has been nicknamed Trump TV by other journalists because of the pro-Trump stances of Foxs opinion-show hosts, but the news division occasionally veers from that stance by reporting on one of its own polls showing results unfavorable to Trump, for example. In 2019, One America News said it was available in 35 million homes. Prospective investors have been told a new owner could increase the channels reach by striking carriage deals with additional pay-TV companies, reports WSJ. The Hicks firm would bring in new management, upgrade production values and offer coverage that caters to viewers whose political outlook is in the center and right-of-center, segments it views as underserved, the people familiar with the matter said. "Any interest in OANN is from a purely business standpoint, Rick Newman, a partner at Hicks, told WSJ. Heres an equation that even a fifth grader can tell doesnt balance. On the one hand, the federal government reports that 5.4 million middle and high school students were vaping in 2019. And on the other? No one, not the government and not medical researchers, seems to know yet just how dangerous using e-cigarettes is. We know this much: More than 2,300 people in America have been hospitalized by a lung disease tied to vaping. At least 54 people and three in Texas have died. The latest victim in our state was a Galveston woman in her 30s who died on Dec. 29. Whats worse? Young people are most at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 78 percent of vaping illnesses were in people younger than 35. The median age was 24, with some patients as young as 13. The number of high school students regularly using e-cigarettes has more than doubled in the last year, according to the 2019 Monitoring the Future survey on drug abuse. About 14 percent of high school seniors said they had vaped in the previous month, and 8 percent said they were hooked on vaping. Against that trend toward more and more vaping, especially among young people, is the stark fact that no one quite knows yet whether and how much damage e-cigarettes are really doing. Health officials have tied the vitamin E acetate and the marijuana chemical THC to the vast majority of cases. A Harvard study also found bacterial and fungal toxins in some top-selling e-cigarette brands. That just doesnt add up. Thats why we praised President Trump last fall when he called for an outright ban on flavored e-cigarettes, which researchers say young people favor. Flanked by first lady Melania Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Trump called to ban all flavored e-cigarette products from from being sold gas stations, convenience stores and vaping shops, saying, "We cant allow people to get sick and we cant have our youth be so affected. Its also why we were quick to chide Trump when he reversed himself in November, a flip-flop apparently brought on by pressure from the vaping industry. It is unconscionable that economic and political concerns have taken precedence over protecting our kids health, we wrote on Nov. 21. Last week, Trump announced another shift. The administration announced a limited ban on candy- and fruit-flavored cartidge-based e-cigarettes. Thats helpful, but not nearly enough. The ban exempts menthol-flavored e-cigarettes and allows vape shops to keep selling tank-based vaping devices in any flavor. We generally support compromise in Washington, but this one falls far short. Many public health experts worry that teens using sweet or fruit-flavored products will simply switch to menthol, and manufacturers will repackage other flavors to get around the ban. We are relieved that Congress recently raised the federal age to buy tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21, following 19 states, including Texas, that had already raised the age to 21. Those laws will also help keep vaping products out of the hands of young people. But that isnt enough. And President Trumps attempt to have it both ways on the vaping ban is a missed opportunity especially since we do not yet know just how dangerous vaping is. Fortunately, we need not wait for government agencies to do the right thing. Parents must step up and speak clearly to our children about the possible consequences of vaping. Start with the facts: Much is still unknown about the risks of e-cigarettes, but the research already out there provides ample evidence for caution. In addition, many vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, especially to a developing adolescent brain. Studies also show that teens and young adults who vape are nearly four times as likely as non-vaping peers to start smoking cigarettes. Lean into dialogue: We need to ask our kids what they already know about vaping, why they might be curious and answer their questions as honestly and age-appropriately as possible. Start the conversation early. By elementary school, most children already know what vaping is, and some may have already tried the products. Our childrens health is too precious to leave to chance or government oversight. The best safety measures start at home. RTE director general Dee Forbes pointed a finger of blame at Communications Minister Richard Bruton for the deepening crisis at the broadcaster in a letter to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The Herald can reveal that Ms Forbes wrote a series of letters to government ministers on the day she called a town hall briefing for staff at Montrose to inform them of RTE's reform plan. Appealing Each letter outlined elements of the strategy, but also contained a bespoke note appealing to the ministers' respective portfolio or area of interest and calling for reform of the licence fee. The letters, sent last November and obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, called for a meeting with the minister, or the Taoiseach, to discuss the issues. Ms Forbes took aim at Mr Bruton for slowing down reforms of the licence fee. Expand Close Richard Bruton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Richard Bruton The minister had said "a device independent broadcasting charge" would be introduced by 2024. "The decision announced by Minister Bruton in August 2019 to delay any meaningful reform of the TV licence system for a further five to six years will, if unchanged, have a catastrophic impact on RTE's future and the future of Irish independent production," Ms Forbes said. She has said repeatedly that RTE has highlighted the licence fee system is "fundamentally and irrevocably broken". RTE said it had nothing to add on the content of the letters and that the issues were also aired at an Oireachtas committee meeting. A spokesperson for Mr Brut- on did not respond directly to the criticism, but said the Government had agreed to provide an extra 10m funding to broadcasting, with around 9m going to RTE to implement its new plan. "RTE must make changes to reposition itself. However, it is also important that a careful assessment take place of what are the models and funding mechanisms that can best support the continuing important public service goals," they said. On the eve of one of the most dramatic votes in recent Statehouse history, state Senate leaders struggled again to find enough support to pass a bill that would end religion as a reason for children to avoid vaccinations to attend day care and public school in New Jersey. Democrats who control the 40-member Sendate do not have 21 votes needed to pass the bill, according to legislative sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to discuss the status of negotiations. Its still a little uncertain, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, one of the bills sponsors, said late Sunday. Weinberg declined further comment. The vote is planned to take place Monday afternoon in Trenton. Hundreds, if not thousands, of sign-waving, drum-beating angry parents are expected to rally outside the Statehouse to call for the bills defeat, just as they have three times since mid-December. Theyve called the push to eliminate the religious exemption a violation of their First Amendment rights, and theyve jammed lawmakers phone lines and email accounts demanding the law remain as is. It was only Thursday that Senate Democrats had secured the pivotal 21st vote by agreeing to a compromise with Republican state Sen. Declan OScanlon of Monmouth County. The Senate and state Assembly voted that day to amend the bill to allow private schools and day care centers to accept unvaccinated children at OScanlon request. He wanted to give parents adamantly opposed to vaccines an option beyond homeschooling their kids. Thursdays actions set the scene for a final vote Monday, a day before the two-year legislative session ends Tuesday at noon. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said Thursday he expected the bill would pass. But the last-minute amendment triggered doubt among other Democrats who only half-heartedly supported the bill (A3818) in the face of fierce opposition, the legislative sources said. Soon after news spread about the private school exemption, first reported by NJ Advance Media, the sponsors were accused of creating a system that favored wealthy families because they could afford to pay private school tuition. On Saturday, Assemblyman Jamel Holley, D-Union, explained his opposition in a series of tweets that called the amendment segregation and an abomination of what every righteous leader should be standing up against. To suggest that we begin to segregate our students is an abomination of what every righteous leader should be standing up against. Jamel Holley (@jamelholley) January 11, 2020 Sweeney said as recently as Thursday that if the vote fails, the Senate will try again in the two-year legislative session that begins Tuesday afternoon. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia allow parents and guardians to use religion as a legitimate reason to avoid the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and others which have all but eradicated many childhood diseases. New Jerseys law is seen as one of the easiest to game because it doesnt require parents to cite any scripture or tenets, or verification from religious leaders. Public health experts say people use the religion exemption to mask their distrust of pharmaceutical companies and government in general to spare their children the shots that the vast majority of students receive. But in recent years, outbreaks of measles and whooping cough have erupted around the country, stoking fears that herd immunity the protection given by vaccinating most to protect the few who are too young or sick is weakening. In New Jersey, the number of children in pre-kindergarten through high school who cited religion as an excuse to avoid vaccines grew from 1,641 in the 2005-06 academic year to just under 14,000 in the 2018-19 year. Of these, 8,348 children were enrolled in pre-kindergarten, according to state Department of Education data. NJ Advance Media staff writer Matt Arco contributed to this report. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:26:27|Editor: ZX Video Player Close People walk on a snow-covered road during heavy snowfall in Murree, some 60 kilometers north of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Jan. 13, 2020. Heavy rain and snowfall continued to wreak havoc by disrupting daily life in different areas of Pakistan as at least 26 people were killed in weather-related incidents during the last 24 hours, local media and officials said Monday. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rain and snowfall continued to wreak havoc by disrupting daily life in different areas of Pakistan as at least 26 people were killed in weather-related incidents during the last 24 hours, local media and officials said Monday. Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province is the worst hit by the torrential rain and heavy snowfall, where at least 21 people lost their lives in separate incidents, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Balochistan. At least five people, including two children, were killed and 10 others injured in three different regions of the country's eastern Punjab province. Earlier on Sunday, the PDMA imposed a state of emergency in seven districts of Balochistan after heavy rain and snowfall disrupted daily life. Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan told the media on Sunday that the situation was not normal and a high alert had been sent to local officials and rescue teams in the respective regions where up to four feet of snowfall had been reported so far. "The government is on high alert and official teams are working round the clock for the rescue work. We are managing to clear roads from snow and reaching stranded and needy people to provide them with help," said the chief minister. Heavy snowfall and torrential rain have disrupted daily life by stopping electricity supply and internet service and blocking almost all roads in the affected areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department said on Monday morning that up to 56 mm of rain was recorded in different areas of Balochistan, adding that heavy snowfall and rain are also expected in the upcoming days in different regions, including the provincial capital of Quetta. Everyones favourite food secrets are back for a fifth season! Go behind the scenes of the factories churning out delicious sweets, old-time classics and the new generation of artisanal treats. Wednesdays from 9:30pm AEDT. Last weekend's Academy Awards marked the end of the 2020 awards season. Here's a look back at some of the most memorable red carpet looks. South Africa: President Ramaphosa sends condolences on passing of Oman's Sultan President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the Sultanate of Oman following the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said passed away on 10 January 2020. President Ramaphosa said Sultan Qaboos will be remembered for the creation of a united, modern, progressive and prosperous Oman 49 years ago, which South Africa regards as a key international and regional partner. South Africa and Oman established diplomatic relations in October 1995. During the last 25 years, several high-level visits between the two countries have taken place, including two State visits by the late President Nelson Mandela in 1999 and 2004. The South Africa-Oman Partnership Forum has become the main vehicle to drive relations between the two countries in various areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture and higher education. Several bilateral agreements have also been concluded, including a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation and a trade cooperation agreement. As such, trade has increased dramatically since the conclusion of this agreement in 2006, reaching a record high in 2018 of R18.3 billion. In this regard, President Ramaphosa hailed His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for the support given to South Africa in terms of its own political and economic development priorities, the Presidency said. President Ramaphosa also paid tribute to the important and positive role that Oman has played in the Middle East under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos as a regional mediator. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, reminded the committee that the Lake Michigan shore extends for 45 miles in Indiana and half of that is in my district. While the majority of those who supported the bill were from Long Beach, Tallian said the committee needs to remember the bill will impact everyone along the shore. In April 2016, on the occasion of the New York state mixed presidential primary, I found myself in the basement of an electronics store in Chelsea, doing research on how both Republicans and Democrats were leveraging digital media tools in their drive for the nomination. Id gone there to attend a Meetup event called Data Driven Marketing: Lessons Learned From 2016 Elections. The company hosting the gathering billed itself as Ted Cruzs digital marketing team. It was called Cambridge Analytica. Advertisement There werent more than a dozen people in attendance. Representatives of Cambridge Analytica told the room that they had individual data sets on 230 million people in the United States. With a combination of consumer and lifestyle data, they said, they had created individual profiles from scratch and could use this information to persuade key audience members to measurably change their behavior. Demographic politics, they claimed, were dead. Big data combined with psychological manipulation was the path forward. That night in the basement in 2016, I was flabbergasted by their sheer gall and hubris in publicly discussing their technophilic goal of manipulating public opinion on a grand scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, the rest of the world saw what Id seen. The scandal that began in March 2018 tarnished Facebooks reputation and led to the shuttering of Cambridge Analytica and its parent company, SCL. Cambridge Analytica crossed numerous ethical lines in gathering that data, facilitated (knowingly or unknowingly) by Facebook, and the story changed many peoples minds about the impact of social media. Advertisement Advertisement One thing lost in all the ensuing drama was this: The things Cambridge Analytica did with all that information really werent that revolutionary. In the end, it was just a marketing company, pitching its wares to a few people in a basement. My academic work over the past 10 years or so has been on the impact of what I call computational propagandathe use of automation to influence political behavior. My research colleagues and I were particularly interested in social media botswhich, we concluded, could be used to mimic real people, and thus amplify certain conversations and candidates while suppressing others. But the reality, weve learned, is that propagandists are pragmatists. They tend to use the cheapest and most widely available tools. Most of the political bot campaigns we studied in those years were powered by dumb bots: simple, repetitive, automated profiles, which liked or shared certain political content from particular people again and again. They smeared opposition groups with identical troll messages or false information on voting; they took over the hashtags their rivals were using to communicate and organize, and filled them with noise and spam. Advertisement The majority of technology used to spread political information online in 2020 will continue to be simple. The digital political strategists I spoke to laughed when I talked about the efficacy of Cambridge Analyticas methods. They dismissed the companys psycho-graphic politics as a marketing gimmick, a vast exaggeration of what its technology was really capable of. Scholars have also noted a conspicuous lack of empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the companys purported methods. Cambridge Analytica didnt control the minds of 230 million Americans individually. Mostly, it was actually doing demographic political advertising, just online. The 2016 U.S. election wasnt a case of smart systems or machine learning being leveraged to conquer democracy. It was a case of simple, mundane, tools like dumb social bot armies spamming out content to confuse and anger people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its not going to stay that way. During the 2018 U.S. midterms, things shifted, albeit slightly in most experts opinions. My colleagues and I found more instances of minority groups and issue voters being targeted with politically motivated trolling and disinformation online. We concluded that this targeting was of ambiguous value to campaignsits not clear how many votes it mightve flippedbut that people were experiencing very real emotional and psychological harm. Advertisement Advertisement Deepfakes, or A.I.-doctored videos, were also on most peoples radar in 2018but not a lot came of them. In December of that year, Tim Hwang, the noted A.I. scholar, wrote in Undark that [deepfake] technology is still far from being able to generate compelling, believable narratives and credible contextual information on its own. Advertisement A lot seems different in 2020. While technology firms and civil society groups have ramped up responses to the threats of computational propaganda, we are far from having conquered or even corralled the problems at hand. There are already indications that A.I. is more effectively beginning to enter into political communication. In my new book, The Reality Game, I explore a variety of these innovations: cases of deepfakes being used for attempted political manipulation, individualized online ad targeting a la Cambridge Analytica, the deployment of VR for the purposes of multisensory indoctrination, and A.I. voice systems constructed to sound just like real people. For the most part, though, these tools are far from market-ready. The majority of technology used to spread political information online in 2020 will continue to be simple. Armies of dumb bots still exist and are still being used to barrage people and algorithms alike. Facebook recently announced that it will ban deepfakes, but it doesnt plan to do anything about altered videos made using more available technology (sometimes known as cheapfakes). As it becomes cheaper, smarter technology is being used to supplement these more basic tools, but there is certainly still time for society to get in front of, and to regulate, A.I. as a mechanism for underhanded political communication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are steps we can take now. Tech firms must begin to design their tools with human rights in mind. In may be too late for Facebook to fully recover its reputationbut the next iterations of social media from chat apps to extended reality tools, some already owned by Facebook, can be built in order to promote both privacy and free speech. And Congress can pass laws to enforce transparency in political advertising, as well as protect peoples data online. There has been little progress toward these common-sense changes, but it doesnt have to stay that way. Silicon Valley companies have consistently fought regulations, but those arguments ring hollow when their own ethical policies are so lax. If users start logging off, the companies will have to start to change. We all have a role to play in creating the information environment we want. We were blindsided in 2016. But now we know better. If we dont take action to control these technologies, then they will control us. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Tri-State COVID cases surge, but number falls in Washington County While the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Tri-State area skyrocketed in the past week, the number cooled slightly for Washington County. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:33:02|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua)-- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said some 8.4 million people are projected to have humanitarian needs in Ethiopia in 2020. The majority of the vulnerable people are in Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region, the UNOCHA said in its latest Humanitarian Needs Overview of Ethiopia for 2020. About 2.4 million people, or 39 percent of the total population, in Ethiopia's Somali region are also projected to require humanitarian needs over the course of 2020, followed by the Amhara region, with 1.0 million people. Of the 8.4 million people in need, about 74 percent have acute needs that need to be immediately addressed, the UNOCHA said. Crop and pasture loss due to desert locust infestations in parts of Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions was taken into consideration when calculating the people in need of food assistance in the regions, it was noted. The UNOCHA noted that although Ethiopia's conflict-inflicted internally displacement crisis has been given most of the attention and resources of the Ethiopian government and humanitarian partners due to its acuteness and severity, "the majority of people in need of relief assistance in 2020 remain the ones impacted by climate shocks." The latest UNOCHA humanitarian needs projection also includes 403,000 climate change-affected destitute pastoralists and 2.8 million people with severe food needs because of climate shocks and lack of recovery. January 13 : Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi who is known for comic sidekick in movies was seen attending the road safety program conducted by Mumbai traffic police. The actor appealed the people to follow traffic rules and be responsible while driving. Highlighting on safety, Arshad appealed to the people saying, "The safety program kept by Mumbai traffic police is very important for today's generation. Nowadays, due to the negligence of people too many accidents takes place. To terminate such accidents it's necessary for people to wear helmets and tie seat belts while driving. As compared to the other cities, Mumbai is evaluated as the most busy and congested city in India. I think it's high time that people should think about their safety first. And as a responsible citizen one must follow traffic rules guided by the government. I hope due to the initiative taken by Traffic police, people will be more responsible and vigilant.", he added. Arshad along with Ashmit Patel will be seen in the action comedy film, 'Rokda', directed by Ramesh Kotar. It is scheduled to release in 2020. Date is still not finalized. Kim Pham looks forward to volunteering at the Ironman Outdoor Curling Bonspiel next month, but a few years ago, she didnt even know about curling. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Kim Pham looks forward to volunteering at the Ironman Outdoor Curling Bonspiel next month, but a few years ago, she didnt even know about curling. The 22-year-old, who is an international student in the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, was born and raised in Vung Tau, a city in south Vietnam. "Vietnam has rainforest weather," Pham explains. "There is no snow, there is no ice. We have never heard about curling." Pham first saw curling on TV in 2016 or 2017. She got involved with the Ironman, which raises money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, last year to gain experience working with a charitable organization. Organizers started the Ironman in 2002. It is billed as Canadas largest outdoor curling bonspiel. Since then, the tournament has raised more than $117,000 for the foundation. Pham, who greeted competitors and helped them get set up for the bonspiel at the registration table last year, said it was a positive experience. The event is about more than just fundraising, she said. "Its about creating an opportunity for people to have fun outdoors in the winter," she says. "Its a really meaningful event." Ramona and Gary Fryza, who have volunteered with the bonspiel for eight and 10 years, respectively, agree. Witnessing the camaraderie at the event is one of the biggest highlights of being involved, said Ramona. "Its cold out there, but the curlers come in with a smile," the 56-year-old says. "Its fun to see that." "I like the fact that theres a bit of competition, but its a very friendly competition," says Gary, 57. "Theyre all just having a ball." Previous bonspiels have included competitors from across Canada as well as places such as Fargo, N.D., and St. Louis. This years event is scheduled to include a team with members from California, as well as a team that has three men from New Zealand. Last year, Ramona said, a family that was on vacation showed up and wanted to participate. They had never been in such cold weather, nor had they curled. "They came back and said they had an amazing time," Ramona says. "Watching their joy as a family participating in something theyd never done before was one of my highlights." The bonspiel usually happens on the Red River at The Forks, but in celebration of Manitobas 150th anniversary, organizers have moved this years event to Memorial Park in front of the legislative building. 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. They are still looking for volunteers to help at the bonspiel, which takes place Feb. 7-9. Taking part in the event is worth it, said the Fryzas, who enjoy volunteering because they like helping people. "Its another way of expressing kindness to total strangers," Gary says. "We need more of that." Visit ironmancurling.com/volunteer for details, and email 2020@ironmancurling.com or phone 204-831-8816 to get involved. If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com. Union Minister of State Sanjeev Balyan on Monday welcomed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for approaching the court to withdraw "fake" cases in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case. "I thank Yogi. The police had registered fake cases at that time," Balyan told ANI when asked about the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to appeal in court for withdrawing four more cases related to Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013. The BJP MP from Muzaffarnagar said that Congress should respect the federal structure of the country. "This is central law. There is a federal structure. Both state and Centre should respect each other's rights," he said while responding to a question about Congress-ruled states refusing to implement the Citizenship Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi Polices crime branch probing the JNU violence said on Sunday that it has sent notices to 49 people, including Akshat Awasthi and Rohit Shah who featured in a sting operation conducted by a TV news channel, to join the investigation. Awasthi and Shah are first-year students of Jawaharlal Nehru University. They have been sent notices to join the probe, officials said. ALSO READ: Shashi Tharoor visits Jamia, JNU, Shaheen Bagh; says CAA against Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of unity When police contacted Awasthi and Shah, they said they will join the probe. Though their phones were later found to be switched off, their locations have been traced and the two will be questioned in connection with their alleged involved in the violence on campus on January 5, the police said. While Awasthi belongs to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Shah is a resident of Munirka area in Delhi, they added. ALSO READ | Delhi police ignored our messages about mob presence in university on January 5: JNUSU Besides them, police have identified as Komal Sharma the masked woman, wearing a check shirt, light blue scarf and carrying a stick, who was seen in the purported videos of the violence shared on social media. Sharma, who is a student of Daulat Ram College, has also been sent a notice to join the probe, the police said, adding her phone was found to be switched off since Saturday night. The FSL team will visit the campus on Monday to retrieve data from the server room since they are operational now, a senior police official said. (With agency inputs) A 22-year-old woman has been charged with causing a multi-million-dollar fire at the Broome Primary School after escaping from detention in the town. Police allege the woman also set fire to a cell at the Broome Regional Prison on Sunday before fleeing. Damage there was contained to property items and furniture. Police allege the woman also set fire to a cell at the Broome Regional Prison (pictured) on Sunday before fleeing About two hours later a fire broke out at the primary school causing between $3million and $5million damage. The nearby Broome Hospital was also evacuated due to risks associated with smoke from the blaze. At about 8.20pm, the woman was found at a caravan park and taken into custody. She has been charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire and with escaping lawful custody. The woman was refused bail and is due to appear in Broome Magistrates Court on Monday. The US Supreme court has said it will not take up an appeal brought by Michelle Carter, who was charged with involuntary manslaughter after encouraging her boyfriend to kill himself through texts and phone calls. The case against the 17-year-old gained national media attention after text messages showed the young woman repeatedly urging 18-year-old Conrad Roy III to kill himself. Mr Roy eventually died by suicide after multiple failed attempts in July 2014, when he filled his truck with carbon monoxide in a parking lot. In their appeal to the Supreme Court, Carter's attorneys argued that her right to free speech was violated when she was sentenced based on the words she spoke to Mr Roy. Her conviction and jail sentence has effectively been left intact with the Supreme Courts refusal to take on the case. 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 Carter was previously sentenced to serve 15 months in jail after a lower court said she espoused speech integral to criminal conduct an exception to the First Amendment with long established precedent in the courts, NBC News reported. Carter neither provided Roy with the means of his death nor physically participated in his suicide, the lawyers argued. Recommended The Michelle Carter case is about much more than texts Carter told a friend that she encouraged Mr Roy to get back into the car at one point when he stepped out in fear and called her on his cellphone. Phone records showed the pair spoke twice on the day of Mr Roys death, as Carter texted him encouraging him just do to it and saying the time [was] right for him to kill himself. The Massachusetts Supreme Court had previously upheld the conviction against Carter, writing in its decision: The evidence against the defendant proved that, by her wanton or reckless conduct, she caused the victims death by suicide. Her conviction of involuntary manslaughter as a youthful offender is not legally or constitutionally infirm", the lower court ruled. "The judgement is therefore affirmed." Carter's original sentencing of two-and-a-half years was reduced when her attorneys filed an initial appeal, causing all but 15 months of her sentencing to be suspended. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave a befitting reply to a troll on Twitter who addressed her as "sweetie" in a tweet in which he accused her of misquoting Swami Vivekanand. It all started after Sitharaman posted a quote on Twitter to mark Swami Vivekananda's 157th birth anniversary on Sunday. She wrote: "Awake, arise, and dream no more! This is the land of dreams, where Karma Weaves unthreaded garlands with our thoughts...Be bold, and face The Truth! Be one with it! Let visions cease...The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda IV, pp 388-89." Responding to the tweet, a user said that she had misquoted and wrote, "@nsitharaman quotes from the Katha Upanishad & Swamiji's adoption of the saying 'arise awake'. Sweetie it's 'cease not until your goal is reached' not 'dream no more'; unless it's Budget 2020 that you are warning us about!" Sitharaman generally doesn't reply to Twitter users but this time she countered back at the commenter and wrote, "Glad you're taking an interest. While he is oft-quoted w/the verse from Katha Upanishad, what I've excerpted is from 'The Awakened India', written in Aug 1898 -- BTW, I had cited the reference below the verse itself. Pub by Advaita Ashrama if you're further interested." Netizens lauded the Finance Minister for gracefully handling the situation. A user tweeted, "If Sanjoy Ghose was a Corporate employee he would have been booked under POSH. Haven't heard of pronouns such as 'Sweetie' being accepted normally. Hope people tweet more responsibly." "Who addresses FM of the country as sweetie," asked one user. Another remarked, "Just try to call 'Sweetie' to Priyanka Vadra and Sonia Gandhi the way you called India's Finance Minister. You are cheapo." One post read, "It wasn't the right way to address you anyway. Such mocking, irrespective of the ideology of a person, is taking the civility out of public interaction." [January 13, 2020] ACM SIGGRAPH Announces 2022 Conference Leadership, Returns to Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH has selected Munkhtsetseg "Muunuu" Nandigjav, of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), as chair of its 49th conference. Nandigjav, a native of Mongolia, is the associate chair of the digital communications department and oversees its day-to-day operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005953/en/ Photo of Munkhtsetseg Nandigjav by Bryan Clendenen "Since joining my team as Student Volunteer Team Leader in 2012, Muunuu has showed strength and prowess as a leader and creative thinker. She is more than suited for this role and I cannot wait to see where she takes the conference in 2022 a decade after we first started working together," shared SIGGRAPH Conference Advisory Group Chair Mikki Rose. With much of her time at SCAD dedicated to preparing future creative professionals, Nandigjav emphasizes teaching diverse methods and digital tools, and empowers students to communicate their stories professionally in a digital world. She also develops and oversees curriculum design and instructional effectiveness, among other responsibilities. Nandigjav has a background in designing experiences through interactive and digital media, and will be the SIGGRAPH conference's first-ever chair from Mongolia. Beginning her time with ACM SIGGRAPH as a student volunteer for the SIGGRAPH 2008 cnference, Nandigjav has since held multiple roles on conference committees, including Student Volunteer Chair, Computer Animation Festival Electronic Theater Director and two years as Creative Development Director. She holds a B.S. in computer graphics technology from Purdue University (News - Alert) and an M.F.A. in animation from SCAD. "The conference has been fueling my creative energy and passion for years, allowing me to meet and collaborate with creative professionals from the computer graphics community around the world," noted Nandigjav. "During my time volunteering, I have found a community to which I belong, and I'm humbled and excited to serve as leader of SIGGRAPH's 49th conference. The SIGGRAPH community has grown to be a lot like a family over the years." SIGGRAPH 2022 will return to the Vancouver Convention Centre, 7-11 August 2022. Munkhtsetseg Nandigjav follows SIGGRAPH 2021 Conference Chair Pol Jeremias-Vila, lead graphics engineer at Pixar Animation Studios, who will host the conference in Los Angeles next year. For more information on ACM SIGGRAPH visit SIGGRAPH.org. About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Conferences ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH conferences, held in North America and Asia, are the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experiences showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005953/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A number of flights from Belfast City Airport are currently at risk with airline Flybe at risk of collapse. Flybe operates more UK domestic flights than any other airline, and is reportedly in talks over potential emergency financing after suffering rising losses, Sky News reported. It currently flies to 14 UK destinations from Belfast City Airport, more than any other airline. Among the routes operated by Flybe are London, Manachester and Glasgow. According to the airport's website if Flybe were to collapse Belfast City Airport would be left with just four destinations across four airlines. The airline was operating as normal on Monday. SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said the crisis at Flybe was "worrying news". "Flybe is the largest operator of UK domestic flights and employs more than 2,000 staff. I feel for all of the staff who are no doubt in anxiety at this news, the West Tyrone MLA said. Flybe flies to 14 destinations from Belfast City Airport and if these flights are removed, this would be a huge blow to the airport and the city in general. "I hope this is a priority for the new Executive at Stormont to support crisis talks with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport in London. Flybe are currently locked in crisis talks with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport (DfT). Some 2,000 jobs are said to be at risk. A Flybe spokeswoman said: Flybe continues to focus on providing great service and connectivity for our customers, to ensure that they can continue to travel as planned. We dont comment on rumour or speculation. Spokesmen for the two Government departments issued the same statement, saying: We do not comment on speculation or the financial affairs of private companies. Flybe flies 8.5 million passengers each year to 170 European destinations. The Exeter-based firm currently operates a number of domestic routes in Britain between cities which are connected by direct trains, such as Manchester-Glasgow, Birmingham-Edinburgh, Exeter-Manchester and Exeter-London City. Last February, the airline was bought by a consortium led by Virgin Atlantic following poor financial results. Belfast City Airport has been contacted in relation to this story. Air pollution will cause 160,000 fatal strokes and heart attacks in the next decade unless the Government acts to clean up Britains dirty air, experts have warned. The British Heart Foundation says that roughly 40 people a day will die from heart and circulation problems caused by toxic air over the next ten years. Currently, the annual total is 11,000 and that figure is projected to rise during the decade. The charity warns today that air pollution presents a major public health emergency that must be urgently addressed. British Heart Foundation says that roughly 40 people a day will die from heart and circulation problems caused by toxic air over the next ten years. Air pollution over London (pictured) It is calling for World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on particulate matter the sooty particles puffed out by cars and factories to be adopted in to UK law and met by 2030. Air pollution is well known to cause breathing problems, but evidence has shown that it also has a harmful effect on the heart and blood vessels, making existing heart conditions worse and increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Researchers have found that fine particulate matter builds up in the fatty plaques of diseased arteries, causing clots that can block blood flow or break off and travel into the brain. Jacob West, of the British Heart Foundation, said: Every day, millions of us are inhaling toxic particles which enter our blood and get stuck in our organs, raising our risk of heart attacks and stroke. The charity warns today that air pollution presents a major public health emergency (file image) Make no mistake our toxic air is a public health emergency, and we havent done enough to tackle this threat to our society. Clean air legislation in the 1950s and 60s, and more recently the smoking ban in public places, show that government action can improve the air we breathe. Decision-makers owe it to future generations to help stop this alarming figure from becoming a reality. Thats why we are urging people to contact their MP and demand a change in the law. Currently, the UK subscribes to EU limits for fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which is the pollutant with the most established links to health problems. However, the limits set by WHO are more stringent than the EUs. Last July, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published a study showing that meeting WHO guidelines on air pollution is technically feasible in most areas of the UK by 2030. Air pollution is well known to cause breathing problems, but evidence has shown that it also has a harmful effect on the heart and blood vessels (file image) Doctors estimate emissions kill about 64,000 people a year in Britain from any cause knocking 18 months off average life expectancy. Across the country, 37 cities persistently display illegal levels of air pollution. Moving Palestinian children from one Israeli jail to another without adult supervision puts them at risk, activists say. The Israeli Prison Service (IPS) transferred at least 33 Palestinian child detainees on Monday from Ofer prison to Damoun without the presence of adult representatives, a move slammed by Palestinian activists and civil organisations. In a statement, the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) warned it undermines the responsibility to provide caretaker rights for minors. This move puts the minors at risk of abusive measures by the IPS in the absence of their adult overseers, PPS said. Amina al-Tawil, a researcher at the Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies, said the transfer is in violation of the law that states prisoners under the age of 18 cannot be moved from one prison to another without adult representatives. In addition to the risk of being physically abused by Israeli forces, this transfer puts the lives of these Palestinian children in danger, she told Al Jazeera, speaking from Ramallah. During this cold weather, the minors will not have access to heaters or even adequate clothing to keep warm, she said. Some of them have also sustained injuries during their arrests, which can get worse throughout the move. The transfer of Palestinian prisoners is a notorious process that involves the bosta a vehicle with blacked-out windows and tightly divided cells with metal chairs, to which prisoners are chained. Usually, such rides can take up to 12 hours or more, with no rest stops, food, or toilet breaks. Ofer prison is located on the outskirts of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, whereas the Damoun facility is in the coastal city of Haifa. Damoun is one of the worst prisons, al-Tawil said. Its cells, according to released prisoners who had previously spent time there, are full of mould and not fit for human conditions, and does not provide daily necessities. Damoun also houses Israeli prisoners held on criminal charges, such as murder, robbery, and drug smuggling. While Israel does not house Palestinian security prisoners those arrested by the Israeli army in the same cells as Israeli criminals, the threat to Palestinians comes via transfer processes in shared bostas. This close contact puts the lives of Palestinian prisoners men, women and children at risk, as Israeli prisoners make gestures of slitting their throats, threats, and constant stream of verbal abuse, al-Tawil said. A child will no doubt get affected by this, adding more pressure to his or her mental state. The IPS has, at the time of publication, given no reason for the transfer of Palestinian minors, and did not respond to Al Jazeera for comment. Palestinian groups described the move as arbitrary, and despite being the norm for Palestinian adult prisoners, this case involving dozens of children is unusual. Violations against Palestinian children According to prisoners rights group Addameer, more than 12,000 Palestinian children have been detained by the Israeli army since the year 2000, and serve time in the same detention facilities as adult Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian groups such as UNICEF have long documented Israeli violations against Palestinian children, who are prosecuted in Israeli military courts. It is common practice for Israeli forces to interrogate the children without the presence of their parents or guardians, and many have reported being coerced into signing confessions written in Hebrew a language they do not know. Currently, there are 200 minors in Israeli jails, scattered in Ofer, Damoun and Megiddo. Palestinian adult prisoners in Ofer usually take care of them by helping them adjust to their new circumstances, drawing up lesson plans, offering psychological support, and representing them in any dispute with the IPS. Loay Mansi, a former Palestinian prisoner and overseer of child prisoners in Ofer, told local Palestinian news agencies that alongside lessons about Palestinian culture and history, his role was to provide an education to the minors that would help them for life after prison, such as Arabic and English classes. Mansi, who spent 15 years in Israeli prisons before being released late last year, also called on children and human rights organisations to visit Damoun prison to see first-hand the suffering of the Palestinian minors and the extent of Israeli violations committed against them. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal A decade after he was tased and mauled by a police dog during a SWAT situation that erupted after an argument with a friend over beer, Tony Nelsons protracted legal battle with Albuquerque is over. The city recently agreed to pay $675,000 to settle Nelsons civil rights lawsuit alleging that officers used excessive force in response to the March 2009 incident. It was one of 21 agreements worth nearly $2.1 million that the city forged during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, city records show. It also represents the end of a case that wound a long and unusual path through the legal system. Nelson had sued the city in 2010, claiming he suffered significant injury because of Albuquerque Police Department officers unnecessary, objectively unreasonable and excessive force in response to his friends 911 call following the pairs argument. According to his lawsuit, the two argued because Nelson refused to go out to purchase more beer from a nearby convenience store. The friend called 911 twice, claiming in the second call that Nelson threatened him with a rifle and knife, according to the factual background included in a 2017 judicial order. That drew 47 police personnel, including 17 SWAT members and eight K-9 officers, to his friends home. In response to police orders to exit the house, Nelson came to the doorway with a knife in his hand. Following a further order to walk out and turn around, Nelson went back in the house and dropped the knife, according to court documents. He reemerged and walked slowly toward officers with empty hands but did not heed directions to raise his hands. He ultimately stopped at the end of the driveway, about 20 feet from officers, and began to turn to his left. Officers fired five bean bag rounds and a wooden-baton round at Nelson, launched a flash bang to disorient him, released a police dog that bit him, then shot him with a Taser, with one officer shocking him six times in 37 seconds. A jury determined in a 2011 trial that officers had not used excessive force, but the presiding judge took the rare step of overruling the verdict. Then-Chief U.S. District Judge Bruce D. Black wrote that allowing the jurys verdict to stand would have been a miscarriage of justice. In his own 2012 opinion, he wrote that no reasonable person could believe that an inhibited, slow-moving 60-year-old individual who made no physical or verbal threats and wielded no weapons could constitute a threat to the safety of the 47 armed and shielded police officers who stood 20 feet away. The city asked Black to reconsider. He denied that motion. But following Blacks retirement, U.S. District Judge Robert Browning ruled in the citys favor on another motion. Nelson then successfully appealed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, leading to the $675,000 settlement. It reflects $385,000 in damages the city and Nelson agreed to following Judge Blacks 2012 decision, plus the recently negotiated sum for Nelsons attorney and court costs. Ultimately the City believed it made more sense to settle the nine-year-old matter for the amount of damages that the parties had agreed to plus attorneys fees, rather than to continue to fight in court, a city spokeswoman said via email. The lawsuit cost the city more than just the settlement; it also spent $225,843 on nine years of litigation, including attorneys, expert witnesses and other expenses. Ryan Villa, one of Nelsons attorneys on the appeal, said the cases procedural course is unlike anything he has ever seen, but that the precipitating police incident remains remarkable in its own right. For police to go that crazy for basically two old guys who got drunk and got into a fight with each other (and) do what they did is as outrageous, in my opinion, as anything else that happened in this case, he said. Other first-quarter legal settlements include: $100,000 to Seth Chavez, a former Albuquerque Police Department cadet who claimed in a 2018 lawsuit that the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not providing accommodations for his dyslexia such as allowing him additional time or the use of dictation software to write reports; $45,000 to James Griego, who alleged that police in 2018 raided, damaged and boarded up a home he was remodeling while he was not on the premises but never had a search warrant or filed a report; and $40,000 to a woman who claimed her son was injured in 2016 when a swing he was using in Alamosa Park broke. For all the parents struggling to drag their kids away from the internet, take a leaf out of Aussie parents Cassie and Chris Langan's book - and take the internet away from the kids. The couple enjoyed a "fantastic day" in Warrnambool, a beautiful coastal city along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, treating a very special family member to a "well deserved" break. "We asked our kids if they would like to go on a day trip to Warrnambool today and were met with the response, 'That's so boring, I don't want to go," Cassie Langan shared in a Facebook post on Sunday. "Chris and I decided that instead of taking [three] unappreciative kids out, we let the ones who didn't want to go stay at home and took our most overworked family member for a well deserved day out... our modem. "Modem had a fantastic day not being used by the kids and it was lovely not to listen to constant bickering. The only complaining was Evan being mortified that we took our modem out in public." Perth, Australia, Jan 10, 2020 - (ABN Newswire) - Deep Yellow Limited (ASX:DYL.AX - News) (HAM:JMI.HM - News) (OTCMKTS:DYLLF - News) advises that exploration drilling program on its Nova Joint Venture project (Nova JV) on EPL3670 in Namibia was completed in December. JOGMEC is earning a 39.5% interest on expenditure of A$4.5M within 4 years, commencing November 2016. The overall drilling campaign was designed to test four previously unexplored palaeochannels in addition to one extensive basement target defined by the 2018 airborne spectrometric and magnetic survey. The exploration drilling on EPL3670 totalled 3,009m for 153 RC holes. Figure 1* shows the Nova JV tenements - EPLs 3669 and 3670. Figure 2* shows the exploration targets and drill hole locations on EPL3670. Results of palaeochannel drilling at Day Gecko, Bibron and STD 24 and Komodo 2 basement target zone with the exception of ore hole recorded below cut-off uranium mineralisation. At the STD 24 target, notable uranium mineralisation was encountered in calcrete located in a palaeochannel as referred to in Figure 3*. Appendix 1* lists all drill hole information. Palaeochannel Targets The Namaqua palaeochannel, discovered in 2017 on EPL2669, showed substantial calcrete-associated uranium mineralisation and highlighted the prospectivity of other channels identified from reinterpretation of an earlier flown VTEM survey. In addition, research by JOGMEC using remote sensing techniques, i.e. surface temperature difference (STD), identified additional palaeochannel targets on EPL3670 designated STD 9, 23 and 24. Target STD 24 Nine holes for 180m were completed along a north-south drill line at STD 24, a palaeochannel defined by remote sensing methods. A moderate intersection of 130ppm eU3O8 over 1m from 5m depth was encountered at the southern end of the drill line. The intersection lines up with uranium mineralisation encountered at Skink prospect, 1.5km to the north-west and as such some follow-up work may be required. Story continues Bibron, Day Gecko and Targets STD 9 and 23 48 vertical RC holes for 807m were drilled at the Bibron, Day Gecko; and STD 9 and 23 palaeochannel targets. No significant mineralisation was encountered. Basement Targets Komodo 2 Target At Komodo 2 a basement target approx. 9km by 3km was interpreted to occur beneath Tertiary and Quaternary cover sediments. 96 shallow RC exploration holes for 1,980m were drilled along six west-northwest/east-southeast trending lines. Although numerous holes showed downhole radiometric anomalism, none returned values over 100ppm eU3O8 over 1m. Anomalous intersections were sampled and submitted for assay to verify results and to determine whether follow-up drilling is required. Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the northern part of the area. Mineralised RC hole intersections above the 100ppm eU3O8 over 1m cut-off are tabulated in Table 1*, Appendix 1*. All RC drill hole locations are listed in Table 2*, Appendix 1*. Conclusion The 2019 exploration drilling on the Nova JV EPL3670 is now completed and a detailed evaluation of the drill results is underway. To date, the review suggests that limited follow-up drilling of the palaeochannel targets Skink/STD 24 is required. The quality of downhole radiometric anomalism at Komodo 2 is currently being tested by geochemistry. On EPL3669, Namaqua remains open to the north-east and is earmarked for follow-up drill testing as previously reported. In addition, prospective leucogranite at Barking Gecko will require follow-up work. The next stage of exploration on both EPLs 3669 and 3670 will involve some ground surveys in Q1 of 2020 to determine possible follow-up drill hole locations. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/WKVMH550 About Deep Yellow Limited: Deep Yellow Limited (ASX:DYL.AX - News) (OTCMKTS:DYLLF - News) (Namibian Stock Exchange:DYL) is a specialist differentiated uranium company implementing a new contrarian strategy to grow shareholder wealth. This strategy is founded upon growing the existing uranium resources across the Company's uranium projects in Namibia and the pursuit of accretive, counter-cyclical acquisitions to build a global, geographically diverse asset portfolio. The Company's cornerstone suite of projects in Namibia is situated within a top-ranked African mining destination in a jurisdiction that has a long, well regarded history of safely and effectively developing and regulating its considerable uranium mining industry. Contact: John Borshoff Managing Director/CEO T: +61-8-9286-6999 Email: john.borshoff@deepyellow.com.au www.deepyellow.com.au Source: Deep Yellow Limited Copyright (C) 2020 ABN Newswire. All rights reserved. The Outsider Roanoke Season 1 Episode 2 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Photo: Bob Mahoney/HBO Why did HBO choose to open The Outsider with a two-night premiere? At first, it feels like the network wanted to keep people watching after the breakneck pace of the premiere, but it seems likely that they also wanted the lingering action of that hour to carry through a much slower second chapter. The pace lessens greatly in Roanoke, an episode nowhere near as plot-heavy and told through longer scenes of two characters in front of a fireplace, in therapy, smoking an aged cigarette, etc. If it had been left for a week, it might have been seen as a letdown on its own. As a companion to Fish in a Barrel on the same night, it works better, especially in how it keeps us engaged in the details of the increasingly complex case of Terry Maitland. It also allows the tragedy of Terry Maitland to play out in one night as The Outsider turns sharply, setting the table for the bulk of the story thats yet to be told. It turns out this wont be just the tale of a murdered child and a collection of evidence that contradicts itself, but also the public execution of the man that Detective Ralph Anderson arrested for the crime. The last episode ended with Terrys life being threatened by a fellow prisoner, who said he would kill him when he got back from his arraignment. He doesnt get the chance. Frankie Petersons brother Ollie takes justice into his own hands, murdering Terry on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse before being shot dead by Ralph. Before that, the episode starts with a pace-setter. The breakneck tone of the premiere slows down for the longest scene the show will provide, unless theres a flashback, between Mendelsohn and Bateman. Theyre both phenomenal here, feeling out each others intentions, trying to figure out what the hell is going on, and building on the shared past of a different dead child. Ralph asks about the family vacation to Dayton, which will be a narrative thrust of the episode, and he asks him straight out the questions that have no logical answers about if he killed Frankie Peterson. Terry tells him a story about his son Derek and how he struck out so much that he was nicknamed Whiffer. Terry taught Derek, who wasnt going to quit, how to bunt. Most kids dont bunt. They worry about getting hit. Bateman expertly directs this scene, capturing the shaky resolve in both of them without feeling manipulative. In that moment, what Ralph has suspected that Terry is innocent looks confirmed in Mendelsohns eyes. Opening Roanoke with such a long, dialogue-heavy scene about the loss of two children Frankie and Derek sets a different tone than the premiere. This will be a more somber episode. Cut to the arraignment, and, again, those familiar with the source material are probably surprised were getting to this moment so quickly, one that comes almost 200 pages into the book. We learn via newscast that the footage from the conference was leaked (probably by Salomon), but the D.A. is moving forward with the case. People boo and shout as Terry is walked into the courthouse and a man sneaks under the barricade, opening fire. He makes contact with four bullets three cops and Terry Maitland before Ralph shoots him through the eyes. Terrys wife Glory holds her husband as he dies. The shooter is revealed to be Ollie, the brother of Frankie Peterson, and Ralph hears the dying words of a man he once considered a friend: I didnt do it. I wasnt there. It wasnt me. It wasnt me. If he was hoping for a dying confession, he gets the opposite. Theres panic everywhere except for a hooded figure in the distance, a hooded figure that doesnt look quite human. Batemans visual sense changes after his characters death. The camera drops low, often on the ground, shooting up into other rooms, as in the subsequent scene of Ralph at the doctors office. It adds to the disconnect and the sense that something human has been lost. And scenes start to play out more slowly, including the introduction of the irascible Jack Hoskins (Marc Menchaca), first seen forgetting to turn off his ringer while hes boar hunting and then picking a fight at a strip club. The officer has been called in early to take Ralphs place while his colleague is on leave. Hes not too happy about it. In terms of plot, there are two major threads in Roanoke. First, whatever force is at play in Cherokee City doesnt seem to be done. The same hooded figure in the periphery of Terrys shooting is there when Frankies dad tries to hang himself. Is that the same figure that Jessa Maitland (Scarlett Juniper Blum) is seeing at night, which the haunted girl calls the Man? Whatever it is leaves something on the floor of the Maitland home, the same something seen on Terrys clothes in the final scene. What does this figure want from Jessa? And why is it destroying the entire Peterson family? Second, for Ralph, who needs to close out this case that seems impossible to close both for his sanity and to assure that no more kids ends up dead, the main thrust of Roanoke is about the van that Terry was seen driving that day, a vehicle that was stolen in New York, before traveling to Ohio, where it was ditched for another car. Ralph remembers that the Maitlands were in Ohio for a family vacation. It cant be a coincidence. And a scrap of paper still under the windshield wiper of the van leads Ralph to an establishment called Big Daddys Hangry Que in Dayton. Sounds yummy. GBI Officer Yunis Sablo (Yul Vazquez) and Ralph talk to the kid who stole cars on a cross-country spree, pinning down the day he dumped the van in Dayton as Ash Wednesday, which would have been March 6 in 2019. Two weeks later, Frankie Peterson would be killed by someone driving that van who looked an awful lot like Terry Maitland. Ralph goes to talk to Glory, giving the wonderful Julianne Nicholson her best scene so far. Shes furious, but Ralph plays on two undeniable truths: Whoever killed Frankie could strike again, and the only way to clear Terrys name is to continue the investigation. Ralph lays the van history on the table, learning that they went to Dayton to visit Terrys father. It seemed like an ordinary visit but Glorys oldest daughter reveals something: Daddy got a cut. A nurse bumped up into him on a wet floor and they fell. He got a cut on his wrist. Sounds simple. He put something on it and that was it. So what do we know? The Maitland family flew into Dayton in early March to visit Terrys father in a nursing home. Terry had an incident there that led to a cut on his wrist. They flew home. The van that would be used by whoever or whatever killed Frankie Peterson was dumped in Dayton at the same time. Two weeks later, a man who doesnt just look exactly like Terry Maitland but shares his saliva and fingerprints killed Frankie Peterson driving that van. How does the cut in Ohio lead to the death of Frankie Peterson in Georgia? Something is still missing. As D.A. Samuels says to Ralph, quoting Hamlet, There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Theres a mystery and there will always be unanswered questions. Can Ralph Anderson live with unanswered questions? As he says, Thats hard for me. Inside Information Samuels drops a well-rehearsed good-bye speech on Ralph when he announces that the death of Terry has forced him out of reelection for D.A., and he mentions Roanoke, which gives the episode its name. The case of Roanoke is one of the most fascinating mysteries in history. Read more about it here. Its something that has inspired King before, most notably in Storm of the Century, in which characters have the word Croatoan, which was found at Roanoke, carved into their foreheads. A little clarity might be needed on that final shot, in which a young man comes into a remote barn and finds something unusual. Those are the clothes Terry Maitland was wearing the day he killed Frankie you can see the belt buckle that the strip-club bouncer described last episode and they have the same something on them that was on the Maitland floor after Jessa saw the Man. The opening credit burst of color as if one liquid is invading the space of another is a wonderful tone-setter. Something is spreading, almost infecting the space around it, just like something is spreading in Cherokee City. Speaking of that, if youre curious if Cherokee City, Georgia is a real place or a creation of the show, its the latter. Theres a Cherokee County outside of Atlanta but appears to not actually be a Cherokee City. There is a Cherokee City, Arkansas. No word on whether its haunted by a doppelganger too. New Delhi, Jan 13 : The court of Special POCSO Judge Saurabh Kulshreshta is set to pronounce judgment in the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case, here on Tuesday. The court concluded the final arguments on September 30, and had reserved the order. The court had on March 20, 2018, framed charges against 20 accused, including main accused Brajesh Thakur, for offences of criminal conspiracy to commit rape and penetrative sexual assault against minors. The accused -- eight women and 12 men -- included employees of the shelter home and officials of Social Welfare Department of Bihar. All the accused were produced before the link judge who directed them to furnish a surety of Rs 50,000 each. Thakur, former Bihar People's Party MLA, was charged under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, including Section 6 (aggravated sexual assault). The matter had come to light following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The court had held trial for the offences of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugging of minors, criminal intimidation among other charges. The case was transferred on February 7 from a local Muzaffarpur court to a POCSO court at Saket district court complex in Delhi on the Supreme Court's directions. Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) stands between Boris Johnson (l), Prime Minister of Great Britain, and Emmanuel Macron, President of France, at the beginning of the summit. The leaders of Germany, France and the U.K. have said they will stand by the Iran nuclear deal, defying a call from President Donald Trump to abandon the 2015 pact. But they warned Iran that it must comply with the commitments within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), chiefly, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. "Despite increasingly difficult circumstances, we have worked hard to preserve the agreement. All remaining parties to the JCPOA, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran, with the EU as coordinator, have stated their continuing commitment to preserve the JCPOA," the leaders of Germany, France and the U.K. said in a statement issued Sunday evening. "We urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the agreement and return to full compliance; we call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation; and we remain ready to engage with Iran on this agenda in order to preserve the stability of the region. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in the statement that "it is essential that Iran return to full compliance with its commitments under the agreement" and expressed "deep concern at the actions taken by Iran in violation of its commitments since July 2019." Iran announced last summer that it had breached the deal by exceeding its stockpile limit of low-enriched uranium. "These actions must be reversed. We reserve recourse to all the provisions of the JCPOA to preserve it and to resolve the issues related to Iran's implementation of its JCPOA commitments within its framework," the European leaders said Sunday. The statement comes after EU foreign ministers held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss heightened tensions in the Middle East and how (and whether) to keep the nuclear deal dealt a severe blow when the U.S. withdrew from it in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran alive. The summit came after Iranian airstrikes on Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops, in retaliation for the U.S.' assassination of its top military commander Qasem Soleimani. The meeting happened before Iran's military admitted accidentally shooting down an Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all 176 passengers. Last week, Trump had said the time had come for Europe to abandon the JCPOA. Speaking Wednesday, Trump said "Nations have tolerated Iran's destructive and destabilizing behavior. Those days are over." "The time has come for the U.K., Germany, France, Russia and China to break away from the remnants of the Iran deal or JCPOA." The leaders said that recent events had highlighted Iran's destabilizing role in the region and said that "its commitment to the security of our allies and partners in the region is unwavering." "We must address through diplomacy and in a meaningful way shared concerns about Iran's destabilizing regional activities, including those linked to its missile programme. We reiterate our readiness to continue our engagement for de-escalation and stability in the region." They acknowledged Iran's announcement regarding the shooting down of the Ukrainian International Airlines plane and committed "to working with Iran on next steps." It's just one of several beautiful and practical designs from Sumsaara. Sumsaara is a family-owned company in California that makes beautiful clutches, wallets, belts, and key chains out of cork. I knew I liked its business philosophy even before I'd delved into the products because founder Jannat Saxena stated that a purse "shouldn't simply be beautiful or functional or environmentally responsible it should be all three." I couldn't agree more. A purse, wallet, belt, and keychain are practical necessities in modern life and there's no reason why we shouldn't be making them with the greenest, longest-lasting materials possible. Cork meets that requirement. Sumsaara sources it from Portugal, where cork oaks have their bark stripped every 8-10 years, a process that actually increases the tree's ability to absorb carbon dioxide. According to the website, cork oak forests retain up to 14 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The resulting cork fabric pretty much ticks every box: "It is stain-resistant, water-resistant, scratch-proof, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, lightweight, incredibly soft, and is also resistant to abrasion, fire, and water." Another curious aspect of Sumsaara's designs is to make the clutches so art-like that you'll want to display them, rather than stuff them in a closet between uses. In fact, the company sparked into being when Saxena, recently graduated from the design program at San Jose State University, designed a clutch for her purse-loving mother as a gift that could be displayed and enjoyed "as a work of art all day." Sumsaara Card wallet varieties The clutch has a wood veneer base and a cork interior that unfolds like origami to hold a large phone, compact wallet, keys, pen, and more. The belts are double-sided with grommets to reinforce holes and come in four sizes. The small wallets have two pockets and one divider in the front, with room for 5-6 cards and several bills. See all products here. Quick quiz: When do you suppose the Missoulian first mentioned a computer of the electronic kind? How about e-mail? The internet? Take a paragraph or two to jot down your guesses. * * You peeked, didnt you? The answers: 1944, 1977 and 1982. For most of history, a computer was a person who computes. That began to change during World War II. A Sunday comic strip, Home Front Heroes, appeared in the Missoulian on Christmas Eve 1944. It saluted Capt. Samuel Saint, who had invented a device for air traffic controllers to speed up landings at busy airports. This computer will show at a glance the position of all planes waiting their turn to land, Saint explains in the strip. Simple adjustments allow you to bring in one after another. The final panel related: Soon, Captain Saints computer will be put into operation at airports throughout the country, thereby clearing up air-traffic congestion and increasing landing efficiency. Word came from the Army after the war about the development of the first all-electronic general purpose computer. Frank Carey, a science writer in Philadelphia, said in a Page 1 Associated Press story the computer was 1,000 times faster than the most advanced calculating machine previously built. It made it possible to solve in hours problems which would take years on any other mathematical machine. Eniac short for Electronic numerical integrator and computer weighed 30 tons, filled a room 30 by 50 feet and contained 18,000 vacuum tubes. It looked "like a giant switchboard in a telephone company office, even to tiny lights that flash on and off when a complex brainteaser is getting the works, Carey wrote. But a smaller, faster and less expensive computer was already in the works. Another AP writer out of Philadelphia, Herb Altschull, revealed it in a story that appeared in the Missoulian on Aug. 2, 1949. It was Binac, developed by Philadelphia scientists Presper Eckert Jr. and John Mauchly, who, it turns out, had built Eniac during the war in a top secret project. Binac weighs less than one ton and the inventors say it is faster, more accurate and more versatile than Eniac. Eckert and Mauchly now are at work on what they consider their masterpiece, the Univac, Altschull wrote. Not until 1956, at the dawn of the federal interstate highway system, did mention of a computer in western Montana pop up. In a talk to the Polson Rotary Club on Aug. 15, Charles King of the state highway department explained that planning for Montanas 1,243 miles of new highway would take a dozen years to build, at the rate of 100 miles a year. Planning, he said, will be speeded up by the use of aerial photography and electric computers. Much has been said about humanitys obligation to use its machines wisely, lest they destroy mankind, a Missoulian editorial began on Nov. 3, 1957, as the Cold War heated up. We are aware that such things as nuclear fission and electronic computers are blessings alloyed with peril. We know that if we depend too much on computers and scientific gadgets our society is in danger of becoming mechanistic and inhuman. E-MAIL "Electronic Mail Is Suggested As Assist to Postal Service," read the headline on page 14 on Jan. 28, 1977. The AP story, datelined Washington, introduced a mind-stretching concept. According to a government-sponsored study by the National Academy of Sciences, "Transmitting letters electronically from city to city rather than carrying them physically could help the deficit-plagued U.S. Postal Service cut costs and improve service." The technology already existed, and private firms were sure to start developing it, "possibly foreclosing any opportunities for the Postal Service to move into the field in any meaningful way," the report said. More than 10 years later came the first sign that "electronic mail" was becoming "e-mail." Deep in the Sunday Missoulian on June 28, 1987, a Radio Shack ad hawked a Tandy 1000 SX computer for $799 (monitor extra). The versatile DeskMate II software featured "word processing, spreadsheet, analysis, electronic filing, calendar/alarm, telecommunications and electronic mail." (You can almost hear that modem dialing up). "DeskMate Telecom and E-Mail require modem, extra MS-DOS/TM Microsoft." And so the world of e-mail began in Missoula. INTERNET In her Your Moneys Worth column on June 16, 1982, economist Sylvia Porter wrote a piece titled The Automated Office. The electronic office the automated office multiprocess work stations interconnected computer networks, she wrote. The office of the future goes by many names, but whatever the name, it is here. It was the first reference we could find to what would be internet in the Missoulian. The word itself didnt pop up until Nov. 7, 1988. An Associated Press story told about a Cornell University student who infected the Internet network that links 60,000 university and defense research computers across the country with what became known as the Morris worm. Business writer Jim Ludwick ushered in the internet tide of local usage in 1993. A column that appeared on Halloween told of the school children of Hobson in central Montana, who routinely dabble with electronic communications including the Internet system, a global computer network. His point? It is the great mid-career challenge of the Baby Boom generation. People who grew up without computers must find the will to teach themselves what the children of Hobson are learning in school. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 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. DENPASAR, Indonesia - An Indonesian court sentenced an American man to 9 1/3 years in prison on Monday after finding him guilty of selling cocaine and marijuana on the resort island of Bali. Police said Ian Andrew Hernandez of California was arrested last May with 10 small plastic packs containing 6.6 grams of cocaine and a pack with 23.7 grams of marijuana at his rented house on the island. The raid on the house followed a tip from a member of the community. Police also seized electric scales, cigarette papers and a cellphone allegedly used to receive orders for drugs from tourists through text messages. The indictment said Hernandez confessed that the devices and drugs were his. Hernandez, 31, sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the punishment. They also ordered him to pay a fine of 1 billion rupiah ($72,885) or serve two more months behind bars. The defendant did commit a crime that has tarnished Bali as a tourist destination, said Presiding Judge Koni Hartanto. What he has done is contrary to government efforts to fight drug trafficking. Hernandez declined to speak to reporters on his way back to prison. Prosecutors had sought a 14-year sentence, but the judges said they reduced the penalty because Hernandez regretted his acts and promised to reform. Hernandezs lawyer, Made Suardika Adnyana, told the court that his client accepted the verdict. Indonesia has strict drug laws and convicted traffickers are sometimes executed by firing squad. More than 150 people are on death row, mostly for drug crimes. About a third are foreigners. Eighteen people convicted of drug-related offences have been executed under the current administration of President Joko Jokowi Widodo. Last year, a Frenchman was sentenced to death on Lombok, an island next to Bali, for smuggling 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of ecstasy, before a higher court commuted his sentence to 19 years in prison. Marco's Franchising, LLC. announced Tim Brown as its Vice President, Chief of Operations. The announcement comes at an essential time as Marco's Pizza approaches 1,000 locations and ramps up international growth. Marco's Franchising, LLC. announced Tim Brown as its Vice President, Chief of Operations. The announcement comes at an essential time as Marco's Pizza approaches 1,000 locations and ramps up international growth. Brown, a Marco's Pizza Area Representative and Franchisee for more than a decade, will lead both franchise operations as well as company-managed operations. Brown began his career in the pizza industry 40 years ago as a delivery driver for Domino's, while attending The Ohio State University. He worked his way up the ranks at Domino's and ultimately became the Senior Vice President of Operations for its largest franchisee, overseeing stores in eight states and two foreign countries. He joined the Marco's Pizza brand in 2008 and now owns nine stores and serves as an Area Representative for Marco's Pizza in Alabama and Middle Tennessee. "Tim will be a great addition to the Marco's Operations and Executive Leadership Teams," said Tony Libardi, President and COO of Marco's Pizza. "We're excited to add a person with his expertise, proven performance, and commitment to excellence. He knows how to deliver a five-star experience in his stores, and we look for him to help apply those best practices to the rest of the system." As Chief of Operations, Brown will bring his need for speed to the rest of the brand while looking to make immediate improvements to penny profits and helping stores realize true cost savings. These efforts begin with building a team designed to work with franchisees and Area Representatives to provide training and enhancements to overall operations systemwide. "I joined this brand years ago because I believed in the product and our culture of performance," said Brown. "As we approach 1,000 locations, it's essential we create a great experience for our guests and our employees, which starts with executing operational excellence always. The future is bright for Marco's Pizza and I'm thrilled to be joining the leadership team at such a pivotal time of growth." Opening a new store every three and a half days on average, Marco's Pizza is committed to continued growth and increasing its presence internationally by late 2020. As America's Most-Loved and Most-Trusted pizza brand, Marco's has carved out a niche in the industry for authentic Italian quality pizza, known for its fresh dough made daily onsite, a proprietary cheese blend that is fresh, never-frozen, and a secret original pizza sauce recipe from its founder Pat Giammarco. "Tim's deep understanding of our company history and culture, and his experience with Marco's Pizza gives him a unique and welcomed perspective. I worked with Tim back in his days with Domino's and again, here at Marco's. We are honored to have his experience and passionate personality added to our hard-working leadership team to help collectively drive our brand's stellar reputation forward," Steve Seyferth, Marco's Pizza SVP, Chief Experience Officer. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Restaurant industry news and trends. Subscribe 2022 Restaurant News Resource Iran signalled Sunday it favours a de-escalation after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States during which both sides fired missiles and Tehran accidentally shot down a passenger aircraft. Security was stepped up in Iran's capital after a vigil the previous night for those killed in the air disaster turned into an angry protest and police temporarily arrested the British ambassador for being there. US President Donald Trump warned Iran against harming demonstrators and against a repeat of a deadly crackdown against rallies in November sparked by a fuel price hike. "To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS," Trump tweeted in his occasional all-capitals style. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, however, said Trump was still willing to "sit down and discuss without precondition a new way forward" with Iran, although Tehran has steadfastly refused to hold talks with Washington unless it lifts sanctions first. Tehran said it favoured an easing of tensions after its arch-enemy Washington on January 3 killed a revered Iranian general, Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, in a Baghdad drone strike. In a meeting between Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and the visiting emir of Qatar, both sides agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the regional crisis, the emirate's ruler said. Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the region but also enjoys strong ties with Iran, with which it shares the world's largest gas field. "This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on what was believed to be his first official visit to the Islamic republic. "We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue." For his part, Rouhani said: "Given the importance of security of the region... we've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region." Also on Sunday, Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said the missiles it fired last Wednesday on Iraqi bases hosting US troops were not aimed at killing American personnel. "Our aim was not really to kill enemy soldiers. That was not important," he told parliament. The US said no American personnel were harmed in the attacks. Across the border in Iraq, the military said rockets slammed on Sunday into Al-Balad, an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen. The base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors, but a majority of these personnel had already been evacuated due to the tensions between the US and Iran, military sources told AFP. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's rocket attacks. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. The current crisis claimed a tragic toll when Iran -- on hair-triggered alert just after attacking the Iraqi bases -- last Wednesday accidentally shot down the Ukraine International Airlines plane, killing all 176 people aboard. After days of denial from Iran, Rouhani on Saturday admitted to "human error" in bringing down the Boeing 737, and the Guards' aerospace commander General Amirali Hajizadeh accepted full responsibility. On Saturday evening, a memorial at Tehran's Amir Kabir University in honour of those killed turned into a demonstration that AFP correspondents said was attended by hundreds of students. They shouted "death to liars" and demanded the resignation and prosecution of those responsible, Fars news agency reported, saying that police "dispersed" them. Around the same time, police temporarily arrested the British ambassador, Rob Macaire, who had attended the vigil, sparking a fresh diplomatic crisis. Macaire tweeted Sunday: "I wasn't taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. "Normal to want to pay respects -- some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting." Fars said Macaire was summoned on Sunday to Iran's foreign ministry for his "presence in illegal gatherings". "The Islamic Republic of Iran's official protest was conveyed to him and to the British government," it said, citing the ministry. Later on Sunday up to 200 protesters rallied outside the British diplomatic mission, chanting "Death to Britain" and burning a Union Jack.. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday called for countries in the region to bolster ties to overcome turbulence caused by the presence of the US and its allies. "The current situation... demands -- more than ever before -- strengthening of relations between countries in the region as well as avoiding influence of foreigners'" meddling, Khamenei was quoted as saying on his official Twitter account as he hosted Qatar's emir. Elsewhere in Tehran, tensions appeared to be mounting again, with a heavy police presence notably around the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre. Riot police armed with water cannon and batons were seen at Amir Kabir, Sharif and Tehran universities as well as Enqelab Square. Around 50 Basij militiamen brandishing paintball guns, potentially to mark protesters to authorities, were also seen near Amir Kabir. A 33-year-old airport worker, who tripped over a centuries-old jostle stone after exiting a pub in Dublins Temple Bar, has lost a 60,000 personal injuries claim against the pub and the city council and will have to pay the legal costs of both defendants. Janice Brazil, who described herself as a passenger service agent, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane in the Circuit Civil Court that she had a few drinks with friends in February 2015 and tripped over an invisible stone outside the Temple Bar Inn. The court heard the stone was a protected structure under the planning acts and had been placed hundreds of years ago at the corner of the pub to prevent the steel-rimmed wheels of carts gouging lumps of brick and plaster out of the walls. Frank Martin, counsel for Temple Inns, told the court that in years gone by horse-drawn carts were used in the narrow streets of Temple Bar to deliver barrels of beer to pubs in the area and such stones were used to jostle the wheels away from the walls of houses as the carts rounded sharp corners. Ms Brazil, of Sean Tracey House, Buckingham Street, Dublin 1, said her accident occurred about 1.30am after she had four drinks in the Norseman Pub and had left with friends to visit The Temple Bar Inn across the street. It was closing and when her group turned to walk away she had tripped over the stone which was invisible to her. She said she had injured her right arm and had suffered with severe pain and bruising for six weeks following the fall. While she had no pain now she sometimes suffered discomfort in her arm. Ms Brazil told Mr Martin, who appeared with OHanrahan Solicitors, that she was big into personal fitness and fashion and had posted pictures of her bruised arm on line. Andrea Walsh said she had been with Ms Brazil at the time and she saw her screaming with pain on the footpath after her fall. John Doherty, counsel for Dublin City Council, said the stone was part of the premises of the Temple Bar Inn and his client had based its defence on the fact it had no liability for any alleged accident. The jostle stone outside the door of the Temple Bar Inn in Dublin. Pic: Collins Judge Linnane said it had been accepted by all parties that the jostle stone or wheel guard was, like the Temple Bar Inn itself, a protected structure in the area and had been there for many years. Ms Brazil had stated the stone was invisible. The judge said the manager of the pub for the last 28 years had given evidence that there had never been a complaint about the stone in the time he had been working there. Judge Linnane said: The injuries Ms Brazil says she sustained are minor in the extreme and according to medical reports she had a full range of movement in her arm after six weeks. Now nearly five years after the accident she is complaining of some discomfort. The judge said the stone was visible to anyone who was watching where they were going and there was an obligation on people to look where they were walking. Ms Brazil is the author of her own misfortune and I dismiss the case with costs against her to both defendants, she said. Judge Linnane said there seemed to be an attitude abroad that if somebody suffered an injury such as in this case someone was to blame and there would be compensation. Someone suffering an injury does not necessarily mean they will get compensation. They have to prove liability against a defendant, the judge said. The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). 13 January 2020 WALCOM GROUP LIMITED ("Walcom" or "the Company") Further Director Loan Walcom announces that Walcom Bio-Chemicals Industrial Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into a new loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Francis Chi, Chief Executive of the Company. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, Mr Chi has made available a further loan of HK$270,000 to Walcom Bio-Chemicals Industrial Limited ("Walcom Bio") for working capital purposes. Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, interest is payable on the principal loan amount at a rate of 8 per cent. per annum and the loan principal (and accrued interest) is repayable on 12 January 2021. In addition, the loan is unsecured and the lender, Mr Chi, reserves the right to call for an early redemption of the outstanding loan amount by giving three months' notice. The terms of the Loan Agreement mirror the terms of the previous loan provided by Mr Chi, as announced on 26 September 2019. Following entering into this Loan Agreement, Mr Chi has provided, in aggregate, loans of HK$620,000 to Walcom Bio. In its announcement dated 31 December 2019, the Company indicated that Mr Chi intends to provide a loan of HK$1,500,000 by the end of January. The Company remains in discussions with Mr Chi regarding the provision of the balance of this proposed funding. Should the further loans of HK$1,230,000 be received as currently envisaged, the Company will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due until early February 2020, including the repayment of two bank loans totalling RMB 450,000 (c.HK$508,000) due before the end of January 2020. Whilst the Board is hopeful that the discussions with Mr Chi will have a successful outcome, there can be no guarantee that the Company's working capital position will be stabilised. Further announcements will be made in due course. Mr Chi is a director of and substantial shareholder in the Company. Therefore, the entering into of the Loan Agreement constitutes a related party transaction under the AIM Rules for Companies. The directors of the Company, with the exception of Mr Chi, consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the terms of the Loan Agreement are fair and reasonable insofar as the Company's shareholders are concerned. Further enquiries: A four-year-old girl in Iowa who was not vaccinated for the flu has been left blind after suffering a severe bout of the virus that left her in the intensive care unit for two weeks. Jade DeLucia, of Iowa City, did not receive a flu shot this season but caught the virus a few days before Christmas and within a matter of days the infection triggered a seizure and left her unresponsive in the hospital. She contracted influenza B, a strain of the flu that affects children more than adults and has been spreading this season. This year's child flu death toll in the US has risen to 32, according to the CDC. Among those deaths, 21 were from the influenza B virus. On Sunday January 5, 13-year-old Idaho girl Liliana Clark died due to complications of the flu. On Friday January 10 Michigan health officials announced that two children died from the flu in the 2019-20 season after the new year. Iowa four-year-old Jade DeLucia was not vaccinated for the flu this season and contracted the influenza B virus, which left her blind and in the ICU for nearly two weeks Jade started to show symptoms on December 19 and she was taken to a hospital after suffering a seizure on December 24. She was left unresponsive on a ventilator for days She miraculously woke up on January 1 but could no longer see as the flu affected the part of her brain that perceives sight Jade started to show symptoms on December 19. On the morning of December 24 when Jade's parents tried to wake her up for Christmas Eve festivities they found her unresponsive in her bed, her body burning hot. 'I yelled at him - I was like, "We have to go. We have to to the emergency room. This isn't right. Something's not right with her,"' Jade's mother Amanda Phillips recalled saying to her husband to CNN. By the time they arrived to the Covenant Medical Center, Jade started suffered a seizure where her body shook uncontrollably and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Her health was so dire, Jade had to be airlifted to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, located 80 miles away. 'I didn't think I was going to see her again at that point,' Phillips said upon seeing her daughter airlifted to the hospital. 'I really didn't. Just from looking at her, I really honestly didn't think I was going to see her.' The Influenza B virus had activated Jade's immune system to attack her own organs, including the brain, resulting in devastating brain swelling. The little girl was left unresponsive in a hospital bed with a ventilator breathing for her. Jade was given a specific diagnosis: acute necrotizing encephalopathy or ANE, a complication of the flu caused by viral infection. ANE is very rare and there are few studies on how it affects children 'I didn't think I was going to see her again at that point,' mom Amanda Phillips said upon seeing her daughter airlifted to the hospital. 'I really didn't. Just from looking at her, I really honestly didn't think I was going to see her' After Jade woke up, doctors realized something was wrong when the little girl wouldn't look at her toys placed in front of her face or look at the things happening around her and realized she was left blind by the flu. Jade pictured above with her father Stephen DeLucia 'They said she had significant brain damage. They said our child might not ever wake up, and if she did, she might not ever be the same,' Phillips recalled. For days Jade was completely unresponsive. On December 31, Jade was given a specific diagnosis: acute necrotizing encephalopathy or ANE, a complication of the flu caused by viral infection. ANE is very rare and there are few studies on how it affects children. According to one student on four kids with ANE, three of the children died. 'It's been 7 days. 7 days of it feeling like Jade was slipping away and that there was no hope. No hope of her ever coming back to us. All because of the flu,' Jade's mother wrote in an emotional Facebook post that same day. Little Jade was prescribed steroids to calm the brain welling and finally after days in the pediatric ICU, Jade miraculously woke up on January 1. However, doctors realized something was wrong when the little girl wouldn't look at her toys placed in front of her face or look at the things happening around her. It turned out her eyes were just fine but the flu had inflamed her brain and affected her sight. 'It affected the part of her brain that perceives sight, and we don't know if she's going to get her vision back,' Dr. Theresa Czech, one of Jade's doctors said said. 'In about there to six months from now we'll know. Whatever recovery she has ht six months, that's likely all she's going to get.' A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with Jade's medical costs Furthermore, Jade may also have cognitive or developmental problems and learning disabilities in the future. 'She's lucky to be alive. She's a little fighter. And I think she's super lucky,' Czech said. Finally on January 9, Jade was allowed to go home. Once she returned, one of the first things she did was to touch her sister's face, pull her close, and cry. Now Jade's parents are warning other families to vaccinate their children. 'If I can stop one child from getting sick, that's what I want to do,' Amanda Phillips said. 'It's terrible to see your child suffer like this.' Phillips said Jade and her sister both received the flu shot during their annual pediatrician visit in March 2019. She thought the shot was good for an entire year and didn't realize she needed to get the girls vaccinated again for the 2019 to 2020 season. Doctors urge flu vaccines every year around the end of October to protect against the flu in the upcoming winter, especially as the virus changes every year. A 2014 study showed that the flu vaccine reduced a child's risk of being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit by 74%. As for little Jade, she's now at home recovering with her family at her side. On January 9 Phillips posted: 'We are home. Words I didnt think Id get to post for weeks to come. But, here she is. My sweet baby girl...My brave girl who cannot see but is so loved by so many.' A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with Jade's medical costs. While's Jade's story has shaken parents in Iowa, families in Idaho are also on alert following the death of 13-year-old Liliana 'Lily' Clark, who passed away after fighting the flu for about two weeks. On January 5 Idaho girl 13-year-old Liliana 'Lily' Clark died due to flu complications, just days before her 14th birthday. She's one of six flu-related deaths reported in Idaho this season Lily's mother shared this Facebook post on Saturday showing the funeral service for Lily Liliana pictured above with her mother Jennifer Clark Liliana was diagnosed with the flu on December 27 after she went to an urgent care clinic to complain about a sore throat and fever. She was prescribed an antiviral medication called Tamiflu. But two days later she was rushed back to the hospital struggling to breathe and her face green. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that causes infections, and found with swelling in her brain that caused bleeding, family friend Deseray Burtenshaw wrote on Liliana's GoFundMe page. She died on January 5 from flu-related illnesses, just days before her 14th birthday. On Saturday Liliana's mother shared an emotional Facebook post for the teens funeral writing: 'Exactly two weeks after Lily woke up with a sore throat I laid my baby down to sleep.' 'Lily had the power to make anyone smile and laugh at her silly dances. She was a very girly girl and loved to spend hours styling her hair,' her obituary said. She's one of six flu-related deaths reported in Idaho this season. He already has a conviction in the same court for transporting child pornography in 1991, for which he served six months in prison. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped new charges of transporting child pornography and obscene materials, and he will not be charged for similar conduct in the Eastern District of New York or in Washington. Two black Labour MPs have hit out at racism in Parliament today after being mistaken for each other and even being asked to carry bags by fellow MPs who assumed they were lowly staff. Florence Eshelomi and Abena Oppong-Asare both took their London seats for the first time at December's general election. But they have been left less than impressed by their experiences in their first few weeks in Parliament. They spoke out after a weekend in which Labour Party MPs faced racism claims as minority leadership and deputy leadership candidates struggled to make the cut to replace Jeremy Corbyn and Tom Watson. Erith and Thamesmead MP Ms Oppong-Asare hit out on Twitter, saying: 'The other day I was outside the chamber talking to (Rosena Allin Khan) and one of the Tory MPs walked straight to me to put his bag in my hands asking me to look after it. 'In my first week someone came up to me confusing me with another black MP. 'I said no Im the other black sista from (Erith). He raised he eyebrows and said wow there's more of you. Florence Eshelomi (right) and Abena Oppong-Asare (left) both took their London seats for the first time at December's general election. 'Last week another MP from another party came over to chat to me about a convo we had before Xmas. 'I realised a few mins in she got me confused with another #BlackSista. 'I'm thinking I might need to write my name on my forehead as I think some people are really struggling to tell the difference.' Her revelations prompted new Vauxhall MP Florence Eshalomi, 39, to share her own experience. The new parliamentarian, who took the seat after the retirement of veteran Labour MP Kate Hoey, said: 'Girl I also got confused for another black sista MP as we were coming out of the voting lobby...... but I have to admit it was by a fellow Labour MP. 'Guess we all need to wear massive name tags right.' Labour MPs have faced calls to get black and minority ethnic (Bame) MPs through to the second round of the leadership election, with Bame candidates struggling to win nominations. Labour MPs have faced calls to get black and minority ethnic (Bame) MPs through to the second round of the leadership election, with Bame candidates struggling to win nominations Lisa Nandy, whose father is Indian, has already received enough votes to go through but Clive Lewis, whose father is from the West Indies, is currently last in the leadership race, and seems like to be knocked out when nominations close this afternoon. In the deputy leadership race, Dr Rosena Allin Khan and Dawn Butler are propping up the pack and face a challenge to make the 22-nomination cut today. Last week Mr Lewis launched an astonishing attack on fellow party MPs, accusing them of failing to back his bid to replace Jeremy Corbyn party because he is black. The Norwich South MP said that racism 'might be a factor' in his failure to attract more than a handful of backers from the parliamentary party, as he launched his campaign in south London. Mr Lewis, 48, (pictured this morning) a former journalist and soldier, is currently last among the six-strong fields to become the next leader Speaking in Brixton the shadow Treasury minister said that 'structural' racism and sexism were 'a reality of our society'. 'The PLP - the Parliamentary Labour Party - isn't immune from the same forces that affect everyone within our society,' he added. 'It's possible to be in the PLP and be sexist and be racist in some ways as part of those structural issues. 'Do I think that's the only reason that I'm on the nominations that I am? No. 'I think it's more complex than just saying it is because I'm black. 'That might be a factor, but I wouldn't sit here and say it was the only one. 'I think the other factor is that I am saying some things that no other candidates are talking about.' Having not declared a chief ministerial face for the Delhi Assembly elections against the formidable Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unit led by Arvind Kejriwal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to utilise the collective strength of its leaders in its attempt to secure a favourable verdict. It is correct that we have not declared a chief ministerial face. But we have several leaders who are quite popular across the state. The effort it to utilise the combined strength of each and everyone, said a party leader. Party insiders say that different individuals beginning for state chief Manoj Tiwari, who is also a Lok Sabha MP from North-East, Union minister and former chief minister Harsh Vardhan, another MP Pravesh Verma, who is a sizeable following especially in outer Delhi, and other leaders like Meenakshi Lekhi, Vijay Goel and Vijender Gupta, it has an umbrella leadership that needs to work together to deliver and upset. In addition, another Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, is from Delhi and also in-charge of the ministry involved in providing ownership rights to lakhs in unauthorised colonies. The effort is to utilise their combined strengths, said the leader quoted above. He pointed out that even in Haryana or Maharashtra elections in 2014, the party had not declared a chief ministerial face. In the last Delhi elections, however, the BJP had declared retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi as its leader to disastrous results. The party won 3 of the 70 seats while the remaining 67 were mopped up by the Kejriwal-led outfit. However, BJP leaders believe that many who had romanticised AAP in the last elections would assess the party more critically this time. There is also a view that if the Congress does not perform as poorly as last time when it failed to bag a single seat, the BJP could be the gainer. They have not fulfilled many promises. There are rebels in their ranks. And when a Union Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan, asked questions about the quality of water being provided to the people, they fumbled for response. On the other hand we can project the work done by the Central government led by Narendra Modi, who got an emphatic endorsement in the 2019 polls, the BJP leader said. Asked about AAP claims on having improved education and cheaper electricity, he said they got an opportunity, naturally, in some areas they have worked. But the picture is not as rosy. Some schools may have seen an improvement, but overall, why is there a huge number of dropouts. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, there has been cross-migration from private schools to government schools. Is that the case in Delhi? the leader asked. As protests against the amended Citizenship Act continue across the country, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday termed the emerging situation as 'sad'. A day after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella termed situation surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act as "sad", his company on Tuesday issued a far subtler statement on the contentious Act, that conveyed his optimism for an immigrant in India who could benefit the society and economy. Commenting on the pressing need to protect national security, Nadella said that every country is bound to define borders and set an immigration policy accordingly. He further said that being shaped by an Indian heritage and in view of his immigrant experience in the United States, he hopes to see an India where immigrants can strive for ambitious endeavours benefiting "Indian society and the economy at large". "Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. Im shaped by my Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experience in the US. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up or lead a multinational corporation benefiting Indian society and the economy at large, said the statement issued by Nadella. Statement from Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft pic.twitter.com/lzsqAUHu3I Microsoft India (@MicrosoftIndia) January 13, 2020 As protests against the amended CAA continue across the country, Nadella on Monday termed the situation as "sad." "I think what is happening is sad... It's just bad.... I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the next CEO of Infosys," Nadella, speaking to editors at a Microsoft event said, reported Buzzfeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith. Asked Microsoft CEO @satyanadella about India's new Citizenship Act. "I think what is happening is sad... It's just bad.... I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the next CEO of Infosys" cc @PranavDixit Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) January 13, 2020 Historian Ramchandra Guha, who has opposed the new citizenship law, welcomed Nadella's remarks. I am glad Satya Nadella has said what he has. I wish that one of our own IT czars had the courage and wisdom to say this first. Or to say it even now. https://t.co/KsKbDUtMQk Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) January 13, 2020 Author Sadanand Dhume also shared his thoughts: Im somewhat surprised that Satya Nadella touched this issue, but not at all surprised that he disapproves of Indias citizenship law. A successful firm like Microsoft is built on the principle of treating all people equally regardless of their faith. https://t.co/wcqspaZp4C Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) January 13, 2020 The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by Parliament on 11 December. According to the legislation, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till 31 December, 2014, due to religious persecution will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. Protests have broken out against the CAA across the country, with those opposing the law contending that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. They also allege that the CAA along withe the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is intended to target the Muslim community in India. With inputs from PTI UTICA, N.Y. --- The Unitarian Universalist Church in Utica held an information session on how to prepare for extreme weather events. The session was put on by the CREW group or Communities Responding to Extreme Weather. The seminar highlighted some of the dangerous weather events that could happen in our area including flooding. Those that attended the session were encouraged to take what they learned and pass it on to their neighbors. "I hope they go home with concrete information on how they can be safer, their neighbors can be safer and then they tell other people in their community because not everybody in the community is at this meeting," said Workshop Organizer Barbara Freeman. If you want to learn more about what CREW does and how to get involved you can go to their website. PROVIDENCE, R.I. The Springfield Thunderbirds (21-18-2-0) battled back to within one goal twice, but could not get back from early hole, falling by a final score of 5-3 against the Providence Bruins (22-15-1-2) on Sunday inside the Dunkin Donuts Center. For a second straight evening, the Bruins would jump to the lead quickly. Providence began its afternoon with a sturdy kill of a Springfield power play in the opening minutes, and just 23 seconds later, at the 2:52 mark, Brendan Woods cashed in on a one-time feed from Karson Kuhlman in the right circle to make it a 1-0 Bruins lead. Providence dominated the first period form a shot perspective, outnumbering the T-Birds 16-4 on the shot board in the opening 20 minutes. Despite 14 saves from Philippe Desrosiers, the Bruins would find another tally on a power play late in the period. Moments after a 4-on-3 power play concluded, but with 5-on-4 action continuing, Brendan Gaunce fired a high shot that ricocheted off Desrosiers and down to the feet of Peter Cehlarik, who chipped the loose puck into the top shelf at 16:58 to extend the lead to 2-0. It appeared that the T-Birds would be able to cut the lead in half in the opening minute of the second period with Henrik Borgstrom alone in front of the net, but Max Lagace somehow lifted his right leg despite being down on the ice to turn away the Springfield centerman. 15 minutes came and went with the 2-0 score going unchanged, but Owen Tippett would finally get the T-Birds back within a single tally as he curled the puck and ripped a wrister to the top of the net past Lagace at the 15:08 mark to make it a 2-1 game. The one-goal deficit would not last long, though, as Paul Carey pulled a puck off the right-wing corner boards and fired a shot from the right circle that tipped off Kuhlman and past Desrosiers to make it a 3-1 game into the second intermission. Springfield would have another early power play chance in the third, but before they could strike, Anton Blidh drew a penalty shot and then beat Desrosiers at the 2:09 mark to make it 4-1. Ethan Prow would respond at 3:02 with a wrister from the right side to give the T-Birds their second power play goal to cut the lead back to 4-2. Ryan Haggerty made things even a little more interesting at 13:30, taking advantage of a fanned shot by Thomas Schemitsch at the right side of the net to shuffle it past Lagace to get Springfield back to within one goal again at 4-3. Only 29 seconds would pass, however, before the Bruins would again respond in a hurry. Woods completed the scoring on a 2-on-1 rush, cashing in on his own rebound past Desrosiers to give Providence the 5-3 victory. Desrosiers stopped 38 of 43 in defeat, while Lagace stopped 21 of 24 to improve to 2-0-1 against the Thunderbirds this season. The Thunderbirds continue a road swing on Friday night as they visit the Syracuse Crunch for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop. Press Release January 13, 2020 Senator Win Gatchalian's Headstart Interview with Karen Davila on Taal Volcano ashfall and total deployment ban on Kuwait household workers [start recording] Q: I know you wanted to comment on the eruption of Taal, you posted last night from Quezon City that the ashfall already reached your home. SEN WIN: Correct. From a governance standpoint, the local governments including the provincial government should do a rapid assessment so they can already declare a state of calamity and they can use their calamity funds to repair, to buy food and for the evacuees. Right now, it is still uncertain. I heard the comment of Dr. Caloy Arcilla who's a well-known geologist and it's really uncertain because it is a new animal he said, and for the next few days, the local government should have the capability and the finances to support the evacuees. At the same time by declaring a state of calamity, national government can come in including us, the Senate, and other entities can talk and give support to the local government and to the constituents of those local governments. Q: Would have been a disaster resilience department make a difference in this whole situation? SEN WIN: In my view, it is important to capacitate the local government. I would rather give more capacity, more capability to the local governments because they are the first responders and all of these research agencies like PHIVOLCS and PAGASA can be strengthened also. My fear if it is too top-heavy, if it is too centralized, the local governments cannot move but if it's the local government that's really at the forefront of all of this disaster. It is important to capacitate them with a mechanism so they can be capacitated quickly, so they can move quickly and respond quickly. Q: I think three priority departments are formed; the Department of Water, OFW, and disaster preparedness so in terms of disaster preparedness, will you support that? SEN WIN: We will study it carefully because we don't want a system where it is too centralized, it's too top-heavy, and it's too centric in Metro Manila, because if calamity strikes outside of Metro Manila, it is very hard to move. I think what's the most important mechanism here is really to empower the local governments to respond quickly because they are at the forefront. That's where disaster response comes in and it's very important for them to play this role. Deployment ban Q: In terms of the Department of OFW, the NBI's report is very different from the two-sentence report sent by the Kuwaiti government on the autopsy report on Jeanelyn Villavende. SEN WIN: This is an insult to our government, an insult to our country and insult to Filipino people especially to the OFWs who've been toiling almost blood sweat and tears in the Middle East. This is a very serious matter because Jeanelyn was killed in that area and we demand justice, we demand the truth and this is not how countries and friend treat each other by giving fake reports. The next move will be to summon the Kuwaiti Ambassador here in the Philippines, let him explain, let him give us the truth. This report is definitely garbage, we cannot use it anymore, we have to let the Kuwaiti Ambassador explain to our government and give us the truth because we want justice for Jeanelyn, we want justice for OFWs, we want protection for our OFWs. Q: Partial deployment ban was imposed by DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello and he said, if the Kuwaiti government charges, because the couple are Kuwaiti nationals, then they may lift partial deployment ban. But following these two set intense supposedly fake autopsy report, do you still believe Senator that a partial deployment ban, a certain ban, an MOU, is the solution or is it time to call in a total deployment ban for Kuwait? SEN WIN: I think the fact will state that there was bad faith, in behalf of the Kuwaiti government and in behalf of the investigators, and with this bad faith we have to make sure that the lives of our OFWs in Kuwait are all protected and make sure that mechanisms are in place for their well-being. Having said that, we have to make sure now that the Kuwaiti government can give justice to Jeanelyn and avoid this type of issues from happening again. So, a total ban on our household workers should be in effect as soon as possible because they are the most vulnerable, kinukuha nila ang passport, they are scattered all over the place, they are not protected by employers or corporations for that matter so it is important now to stop this type of occurrences from happening by implementing total ban for household service workers. Q: How will that affect the country? Right now, there are 260,000 workers in Kuwait of which is quite interesting, a 160,000 of the 260 are household service workers. Only a 100,000 are skilled workers. SEN WIN: The skilled workers are normally protected by their corporations and they go through formal conduits and formal channels. But the household service workers, a lot of them go in through illegal means and they go in under the radar. A lot of them also are quite vulnerable for this type of service. Q: They complain of delayed salaries, they are underpaid- SEN WIN: Until we get justice for Jeanelyn, until we get the truth, until we get clarity on the implementation of all the agreements because if you remember in 2018 when one of our OFWs also suffered the same fate, she was killed. Q: Yes, it was Joanna Demafelis found inside a freezer. SEN WIN: Correct and the Kuwaiti government promised to implement a lot of reforms when it comes to protection and labor laws but reports are saying that these are not being implemented so until we see implementation of this laws, we should ban household service workers from being deployed there because they are the most vulnerable and there is no guarantee that this would not happen again in the near future. Q: Now, some portions of the MOA in 2018 say that the domestic helpers should have one-day off a week, they should have their cellphones and they should also have their contracts with them and yet, there is no way to check if someone like Jeanelyn actually had them. SEN WIN: We have to be proactive and the Kuwaiti government should be proactive in this manner. They have to recognize that our kababayans are the most vulnerable in that area. They have to do whatever they can to be proactive. [end recording] Thousands have sought safer ground as the Taal volcano erupts for the first time since 1977, blowing clouds of ash as far away as Manila, 60 miles to the north. Officials have warned that the volcano, which sits on an island in a lake and is among the Philippines most active, could reach a hazardous Level 5 incident involving an ongoing magma eruption within hours or days. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Iran's Wagon Pars Company, located in the Arak county of the country's Markazi province, produced and handed over 411 passenger and cargo rail cars in the current Iranian year (began March 21, 2019), so far, the company's Managing Director Mohammad Reza Mokhtari said, Trend reports via IRNA. The director noted that the price of one cargo rail car varies between six billion and nine billion rials (roughly from $142,000 to $214,000), while the price of one passenger rail car is around 70 billion rials (over $1.6 million) This year's production volume hit a record of the last decade, Mohammad Reza Mokhtari said, adding that in the last decade the annual amount of produced rail cars was below 300. In the current year, the company is aiming to bring the number of manufactured rail cars to 500, the director said, noting that the amount may also exceed 500 taking into account that spare parts needed for manufacture have been already supplied to the company. According to the director, Wagon Pars has recently signed agreements with several companies for the supply of rail cars and agreements are being prepared to be signed with several others, including: Tukarail Company (70 cargo rail cars), Raja Railways Company (20 passenger rail cars), Azarkia Company (100 cargo rail cars for grain transportation), Bakhtar Petrochemical Company (250 cargo rail cars). Upon the implementation of these contracts, the output of Wagon Pars will reach 600 in the upcoming Iranian year (from March 21, 2019 to March 21, 2020), Reza Mokhtari said. Though annual manufacture of 600 rail cars seems like a big figure, Wagon Pars is not satisfied with it, since this figure corresponds to less than 50 percent of the company's capacity. Iran's Wagon Pars Company started operating in 1975. The company became a subsidiary of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran. So far, the company has manufactured over 12,000 cargo rail cars, 400 passenger rail cars and 300 subway cars. Joan Aoko is a fashion designer who specialises in crochet wear under the brand, Joheartyarns. One of her best designs was her own wedding gown which she crocheted for two months. She speaks about her love story leading to her big day and why weddings should not be about money. How did you meet? We met at Maseno University Varsity Plaza in 2014. I used to school there while he worked in the same building for an Internet provider company. One day, I needed to connect my laptop to the university Wi-Fi for my project. The schools IT centre was located on the ninth floor, so, while I was trying to locate it, I ended up at their office. Well, he was kind enough to let me in and assisted me with their Internet. A week later, although I was Catholic, I accepted a friends invitation to Citam Kisumu Church. After the service, we were taken to the churchs lounge to be officially welcomed, and guess who I met? Him! It was a weird coincidence. Anyway, to cut the story short, thats how we became friends and I even joined his church. I wasnt saved then, and he encouraged me to join the youth and Bible study group, and I started growing my personal relationship with God. I ended up giving my life to Christ. We began dating in December 2015. How did he propose? Being an introvert I barely plan for my birthday. I always end up receiving surprise birthday parties by loved ones. During my birthday on New Years Eve of 2016, one of my friends called Esther suggested we hang out with some friends at a hotel in Kisumu during the evening. An hour in, a random group of people approached us singing happy birthday. My family, his family and our mutual friends were present. I had an awesome birthday and he ended up proposing. How was the wedding planning? I dont know why challenges multiply when planning for a wedding (laughs). We both had family responsibilities of taking care of our siblings through education and even some extended family members. You see, one minute you have money, the next you dont, because you have to give it out since responsibilities are overwhelming. We figured that if we lived this way, it would be hard to do something for ourselves. He saved enough for dowry payment and he came to our village on July 27, 2019 for the traditional ceremony. Our wedding committee was our Bible study group. I really thank God for them for the unconditional support, love and encouragement they showed us. They helped us in planning. Although I sourced for the suppliers, they helped in vetting and everything worked out for good. You designed and made your knitted wedding gown. Tell us about that My gown is one of the best things in my life now. While planning the wedding, I knew I would rock my brand, Joheartyarns; something unique, heartfelt and has a story attached to it. I have been crocheting for five years, so it was something I was confident I would hack. I wanted quality and something long lasting, and it took me two weeks sampling yarns before I finally got a company in Turkey that supplied me with high quality cotton yarn. It took me two months to carefully craft the dress as per my fitting. My husband didnt see it till the D-day, and it was emotional when he saw me walk down the aisle in it. I remember his words; I knew you are good at this, but I didnt know you would pull off such a masterpiece! Also, the top part of my bridesmaids dresses was crochet. Even my bouquet was crochet. It was a crochet affair! What were your other highlights? It was a small wedding of about 150 guests. To be honest, my gown stole the show. I felt like a celebrity haha. While making the bridal entrance, I could hear whispers, Wow look at her dress I heard she made it Then, during the photo shoot, the hotel team took a gazillion photos of it. Other than that, our MC Naitwa Sheldon did an amazing job, as everyone was talking about his energy and how he brought everything together. I also recall a day before the wedding, during the rehearsals in church, I really cried. I cant even explain why. I got my husband confused because he didnt know what to do with me. Again, it was a joy seeing my family on the wedding day, and I really wished I had a mum to walk me down the aisle and pour all those bits of advice and love I see other mums offering their daughters on their wedding days. Advice to those planning their wedding? Its not about money, make it simple and elegant. Its just a one-day ceremony, and if you go the extra mile taking loans for it, it wont be too long before you start regretting. Invest in your wedding priorities; I suggest something you will hold on to forever maybe. In our case, I carefully selected the photographer and videographer because these give you the memories to refer to. Our decor only cost Sh27,000, and it was simple and elegant. I sourced for most of the decor stuff since we were on a budget. We spent less than Sh200,000 for everything. People are still shocked. In short, assess your financial capability and spend accordingly without sinking into much debt. Life after the wedding is whats important. Business associations call on lawmakers to amend administration of retail excise tax on cigarettes 12:56, 13.01.20 34562 The measure would facilitate competition in distribution channels. President Donald Trump says the Senate should simply dismiss the impeachment case against him, an extraordinary suggestion as the House prepares to transmit the charges to the chamber for the historic trial. The president is giving mixed messages ahead of the House's landmark vote that will launch the Senate proceedings in a matter of days, only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. Trump faces charges that he abused power by pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and then obstructed Congress. First Trump was suggesting his own ideas for trial witnesses, then he said almost the exact opposite Sunday by tweeting that the trial shouldn't happen at all. "Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial over charges he calls a hoax, Trump tweeted, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree! The idea of dismissing the charges against Trump is as unusual as it is unlikely. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signed on to an outlier proposal circulating last week among conservative senators, but he does not have enough support in the Republican-held chamber to actually do it. It would require a rare rules change similar to the approach McConnell used for Supreme Court confirmations. Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned Sunday that senators will pay a price if they block new witness testimony with a trial that Americans perceive as a cover-up for Trump's actions. "It's about a fair trial," Pelosi told ABC's "This Week". "The senators who are thinking now about voting for witnesses or not, they will have to be accountable. She said, Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay a price. Voters are divided over impeachment largely along the nation's deeply partisan lines and the trial is becoming a high-stakes undertaking at the start of a presidential election year. A House vote to transmit the articles to the Senate will bring to a close a standoff between Pelosi and McConnell over the rules for the trial. The House voted to impeach Trump last month. Yet ending one showdown merely starts another across the Capitol as the parties try to set the terms of debate over high crimes and misdemeanors. Democrats want new testimony, particularly from former White House national security adviser John Bolton, who has indicated he will defy Trump's orders and appear if subpoenaed. Trump doesn't want his brash former aide to testify. Republican allies led by McConnell, R-Ky., are ready to deliver swift acquittal without new testimony. Trump first said Sunday it's Pelosi and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff who should both testify, which would be unlikely. The president said he shouldn't have to carry the stigma" of impeachment because he's done nothing wrong. Pelosi said the House vote last month means Trump will be "impeached forever" and "for life". McConnell is reluctant to enter a divisive Senate debate over witnesses that could split his party and prolong a trial that is already expected to consume weeks of floor time. He is seeking a speedy acquittal and has proposed a process similar to the presidential impeachment trial of Bill Clinton in 1999, which would start the proceedings and then vote later on hearing new testimony. One leading Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, has already predicted that the trial would end in a matter of days.? Graham and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. are leading the effort to dismiss the charges against Trump. Trump delayed nearly $400 million in aide as Ukraine battled Russia on its border while he pushed the country's new president to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Trump pays close attention to a conspiracy theory pushed by his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani about Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine while his father was vice president. No evidence of wrongdoing by the Bidens has emerged. Some GOP senators want to turn the impeachment trial away from the Democrats' case and toward the theories being pursued by Giuliani. GOP Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said Sunday he wants to hear from the Bidens "and find out get to the bottom of that." At least one Republican up for reelection, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, said last week she was in talks with GOP colleagues on a process that would allow them to hear more testimony as Democrats want. The Democratic-run House has not yet set the timing for this week's vote to transmit the impeachment articles to the Senate. Pelosi will meet behind closed doors with House Democrats to decide next steps on Tuesday morning ahead of the party's presidential primary debate that evening, the last before the Iowa caucuses February 3. Once the Republican-led Senate receives the charges, the trial is expected to begin swiftly. While some Democrats have grumbled about the delay, Pelosi and other party leaders defended the strategy, saying it produced new potential evidence and turned public attention on the upcoming trial. "One of the things that holding on to the articles has succeeded doing is fleshing out McConnell and the president's desire to make this a cover up," Schiff, D-Calif., said on CBS' Face the Nation. The Supreme Court on Monday gave three weeks to all the lawyers for finalisation of issues relating to Sabarimala and other matters. The order was given by the nine-judge bench which was led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde, and included Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan, L Nageswara Rao, Mohan M Shantanagoudar, Abdul Mazeer, Sudhash Reddy, BR Gavai and Surya Kant. The lawyers will meet on January 17 after the courts order today. Also read: Supreme Court to begin hearing pleas on Sabarimala from today As soon as the bench assembled for the hearing on Monday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) made it clear, We are not hearing review petitions, we are only hearing the seven questions referred to larger bench by the five-judge bench. There are more than 50 review petitions, which had challenged the judgement of the Supreme Court allowing the entry of women of all ages in the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The CJI said that the bench is thinking of listing all petitions including entry of Muslim women to mosques, female genital mutilation among Dawoodi Borah and entry of Parsi women to fire place. All these matters will be heard by this bench after fine tuning of issues, CJI Bobde said. He also asked the lawyers to discuss amongst themselves on the issues they will argue on, citing the Ayodhya case where the counsels had done so. Senior Advocates Rajeev Dhavan and Vaidyanathan had done a great job of this in the Ayodhya matter and we must follow suit, the CJI said. The court had, in November last year, asked a larger bench to re-examine various religious issues, including the entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple, and the practice of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community. The five-judge bench by a 3:2 split decision had said that certain larger constitutional questions had to be settled before ruling on the review plea. It had framed seven such questions and referred the matter to larger bench. In its 2018 Sabarimala judgement, the court upheld the right to equality of worship which triggered protests in Kerala, where traditionalists contend that the entry of female worshippers of child-bearing age into the sanctum sanctorum in Sabarimala is sacrilege because Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity, is celibate. donald trump Associated Press/Evan Vucci Fifty-six percent of American voters say they disapprove of how Trump has handled the situation with Iran, according to a poll conducted by Ipsos. Fifty-two percent of Americans say the airstrike ordered by President Trump to assassinate Iranian General Qassem Soliemani has made them less safe. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Americans by and large do not approve of how President Trump is handling the situation with Iran, according to a new poll. Fifty-six percent of American voters say they disapprove of how Trump has handled the situation with Iran, according to a poll conducted by Ipsos for ABC News. On top of that, 52% of Americans say the airstrike ordered by President Trump to assassinate Iranian General Qassem Soliemani has made them less safe. And, a net total of 94% of Democrats and 52% of Republicans said they are either somewhat concerned or very concerned about entering into another war in the Middle East. Only 43% of Americans approved how Trump is handling the situation with Iran. The poll was conducted between January 10 and 11 and surveyed 525 US voters over the age of 18. Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani on January 3. On Thursday, Trump said at a press conference he ordered the strike because he had recieved intelligence that Soleimani was plotting to bomb the US embassy in Iraq. "We did it because they were looking to blow up our embassy," Trump told reporters. "We also did it for other reasons that were very obvious. Somebody died, one of our military people died, people were badly wounded just a week before." That assertion has been called into question by congressional Democrats and other officials in recent days. On Sunday, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper backed up Trump's claim of an imminent threat on multiple embassies during an appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation," but said that he hadn't directly seen evidence of potential threats on embassies, as Trump had said. Read the original article on Business Insider Abby Huntsman had devastating news on The View today when she announced she was quitting the show. The political analyst addressed the show on Monday morning to say she was leaving the ABC talk show. Her announcement came amidst reports there was animosity with Meghan McCain. However, the reason for Huntsman stepping down has nothing to do with all the rumored drama. Abby Huntsman | Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty Images After holding the chair for two seasons, Huntsman said she was leaving to help her fathers political efforts. Family has always been my number one priority, and is where I need to be focused at this time, Huntsman said in a statement to People. We are incredibly close and are there to support and help each other when it matters. Its not often there is a political campaign that involves someone you love and believe in, but this is one of them. "Today, I'm saying goodbye."@HuntsmanAbby announces she is leaving @TheView to help run her father's campaign for governor of Utah: "It's not often in life that you get these moments to go fight for something that you are so passionate about." https://t.co/VTJUxjEuW6 pic.twitter.com/XsGahw3VPc The View (@TheView) January 13, 2020 Huntsman said her last day would be Friday and didnt close the door on returning to the show once the gubernatorial campaign was over. Im so thankful for this opportunity and for ABC believing in me, the host added. It was always a dream to sit at The View table. I have the deepest gratitude for all of my co-hosts and the team at The View who dont get enough credit for what they do every day Ive learned so much from each of them and this will always be a special place to me. Rumors of Meghan McCain drama Last week when McCain went missing from the show a report was published claiming there was tension amongst the co-hosts. The article particularly called out McCain and Huntsman relationship. They arent speaking to each other. Its been about a month. None of the ladies talk to Meghan now, an inside source told Page Six. Abby was the last woman standing. Its bad. Meghans so rude. Huntsmans announcement of leaving The View also discredited a source that claimed no one was leaving. No one is going to be replaced or fired or quit right now, a source told Hollywood Life. It hasnt gotten that far but there will be days that need to be taken off because at times it gets a little much. Meghan feels the stress and it feels like everything is put on her shoulders in a negative way and she feels she is the easy one to blame. They often need breathers from each other before another fight occurs, but as of right now, no one should be worrying about their jobs. Abby Huntsman sweet note Huntsman also wrote a sweet note to staff on the show announcing her exit. To the Best Team in TV, ABC has been my family for a long time and I am so thankful to have had a seat at the table on an iconic show like The View. After much deliberation over the holidays, I have decided to leave the show to dedicate myself full-time in support of my dad and his campaign for Governor of Utah, the note read according to People. The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT/CT on ABC. A two-hander directed by Jim Culleton for the Dublin-based Fishamble: The New Play Company, Maz and Bricks was first staged in 2017, as the civic debate was underway. Performed all over Ireland, it surely had a different power then, making a case for the value of womens lives. Even now, at 59E59 Theaters, it is interesting for what it captures roiling beneath the surface of a nation about to surprise itself. But there are peculiar gaps in the story, places where its hard to see why something would happen if the playwright, who plays Maz, werent pulling the strings. Bricks (Ciaran OBrien), so called because he chucked one through a window at age 12, is opposed to abortion. After all, he says, he has a 4-year-old he adores. In fact, he has her Frozen backpack with him as he taunts Maz nastily. But when Mazs marker runs out before she has finished her sign, he plucks another from his daughters backpack and lends it to her. Go on, shed want you to have it, he says. You remind me of her, how headstrong you are. Its far too easy to be credible. So are the orchestrated events that follow, as Bricks the kind of guy who uses the word feminazi joins Maz on the march before they veer from the route for some madcap adventuring. There is meant to be a romantic spark and sexual magnetism between them, but we dont see those in these performances. Maz and Bricks are both damaged souls, she estranged from the mother who failed to protect her from sexual abuse, then blamed her for it; he unable to accept the death of his beloved brother a year before. They speak of their separate traumas in monologues peppered with rhyme, which sounds natural in OBriens mouth, self-conscious in OConnors. So what in the world just happened here? Thats the question of the moment as we struggle to get our heads around the latest head-snapping episode in the bizarre presidency of Donald Trump. In the last few days, weve seen: 1) a U.S. drone strike in Iraq, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of Irans elite Quds Force; 2) Trumps justification of the killing on grounds that Soleimani, architect of hundreds of American military casualties, was planning imminent violence; 3) bellicose threats from Trump to bomb Iranian cultural sites (which would be a war crime); 4) vows of revenge from Tehran, and, 5) Iranian missile attacks upon the Iraqi Green Zone, where the American embassy is located and upon Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops. The attacks caused no casualties and thus may may have allowed Iran a face-saving way to avoid escalating hostilities. And there is also word breaking as this is written that U.S. officials now believe a Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed near Tehran killing 176 people after the retaliatory attack was shot down accidentally by Iran. Somewhere in the midst of that chaos, Marco Rubio, Florida senator and Trump sock puppet, tweeted a call for unity. #Iran is now openly calling for Americans (sic) to turn on each other. 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. In other words, support the troops and dont ask any questions. Its an appeal to the same sense of patriotic duty that welded Americans together after Sept. 11 and December 7. And you might even allow yourself to be persuaded, if this president were not such an infernal liar. Yes, presidential lying is hardly unique to Trump. But no president has ever lied as profusely, prolifically or prodigiously as this guy 15,413 falsehoods since Inauguration Day, according to a December tally in The Washington Post. Truth finds itself not simply assaulted, but also deposed by Trump followers convinced that reality is whatever their great and powerful Oz says it is from one moment to the next. They blithely parrot lies as if they were truths and its hard to decide if they dont know the difference or just dont care. But heres the thing: a president can make no more consequential a decision than to use military force. When that happens we need and should demand a full understanding of what makes it necessary. If we are to risk the blood, flesh and treasure of our people, we should at least know why. And we dont. Oh, we know what Trump has said. Unfortunately, 15,000 lies later, no president has ever had less credibility as he deployed U.S. military assets. That includes Bill Clinton who, in the midst of a scandal over his relationship with a White House intern, authorized strikes against terrorist targets. No one comes close to Trump. This lying liar lyingly lies nonstop. So youd like to believe there was good reason for what we just did. And that an attack was, indeed, imminent. And that killing Soleimani was the best option not just a diversion from Trumps impeachment. And that we have a plan for the aftermath. Youd like to, but you cant. Thats the sad state of our Union. Thats the graveyard we whistle past. And Rubio says we must support the troops and ask no questions? No. Let us support them by asking questions, questions as bold and shameless as the lies we are told. Begin with these: What in the world just happened here? And what in the world will happen next? Leonard Pitts is a columnist for The Miami Herald, 3511 NW 91st Ave., Miami, Fla., 33172. Readers may contact him via e-mail at lpitts@miamiherald.com. A Naxal "commander" was arrested during a joint search operation by security forces in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, police said Monday. Deva Muchaki was apprehended on Sunday from Aalnaar village under Kirandul police station area when a team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and local police was on a search operation, an official said. "Muchaki is a janmilitia commander and has been with the Communist Party of India (Maoist) for a decade. He was wanted for an attack in 2012 on a Central Industrial Security Force team in Kirandul in which six security personnel and a civilian were killed," he said. He was part of a Naxal squad which set ablaze nine vehicles and machinery engaged in construction activity at the NMDC's Bailadila iron ore mine on November 24 last year, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Traditional asset management firm WisdomTree Investments, with over $60 billion in client assets, plans to launch its own regulated stablecoin in the U.S. The stablecoin will be pegged to a basket of assets, such as gold, fiat currencies or government debt, according to a report from Financial News London on Monday. WisdomTree wants the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve and regulate its upcoming stablecoin. It is not clear if the firm has initiated talks with the regulator; it declined to comment on the news source. The asset manager seems to bet big on blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Just last month, it launched a bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP). The ETP is listed on Switzerlands primary stock exchange SIX and allows investors to gain access to bitcoin without the need to hold it directly. Last week, WisdomTree also led $17.65 million Series A round for security token startup Securrency. WisdomTree aims to get ahead of rivals BlackRock and Fidelity Investments in the digital currency space, per Mondays report. State-owned telecoms group Mobifone's head office in Ha Noi. The company is among 92 SOEs that must be equitised in 2020.-Photo thoibaonganhang.vn In 2019, only 12 SOEs gained approval for their equitisation plans, including three that were on a list of 128 approved by the Prime Minister. Since 2017, 171 SOEs have been approved for equitisation. There are 92 SOEs left waiting for equitisation plans to be approved, including the Viet Nam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank), telecoms group Mobifone, the Viet Nam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), the Viet Nam National Coffee Corporation (Vinacafe) and the Viet Nam National Chemical Group (Vinachem). According to the Ministry of Finance, companies had not completed equitisation plans because ministries and Government agencies had not agreed with their land valuations. In addition, some local authorities and SOEs were not ready to leave their businesses to private investors. Nguyen Doan Toan, vice chairman of the Ha Noi Peoples Committee, said the city had to proceed with the equitisation of local State-owned enterprises slowly because there were problems that needed resolving. The city had asked for the assistance of the Ministry of Finance and its Department of Enterprise Finance to speed up the equitisation of local SOEs, he said. Some securities firms saw no improvements in equitisation or SOE divestment in 2020. It will be difficult to achieve the target as problems in the equitisation process have not been fully solved, especially issues related to land pricing, VNDirect Securities Corporation (VNDS) said in its 2020 economic outlook. There was also uncertainty about the chance the Government would continue selling its stakes in equitised SOEs such as the Viet Nam Dairy Products JSC (Vinamilk), the Viet Nam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex), the Viet Nam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation (VEAM) and Bao Minh Insurance Corporation in 2020, VNDS said. Chairman of the State capital management firm SCIC Nguyen Duc Chi told reporters on Friday that it was difficult to find potential investors for some SOEs when the market conditions were so harsh. In some large-cap SOEs, big shareholders held more than 51 per cent of charter capital, so outside investors were not interested in buying their shares, he said. Normally, a private investor would be more interested in purchasing shares in a SOE if the major shareholder held less than 51 per cent of the firm and the shares were sold in one package. Positive looks Though there is only one year remaining for SOEs and government agencies to fulfill the 2017-20 equitisation plan, some brokerage firms are quite optimistic. BIDV Securities Corporation (BSC) said there was increasing demand for capital for public investment and the restructuring of the stock market, so the Government, ministries and agencies would hasten their equitisation plans in 2020. Viet Dragon Securities Corporation (VDSC) said the boost of SOE restructuring would help Viet Nam improve its chances of being upgraded to ab emerging markets status in the near future. The Ministry of Finance is finding ways to amend its regulations to allow more opportunities for private investors to take part in restructuring SOEs. If its proposals are approved and become effective in early 2020, State capital could be sold in many firms in the second half of 2020, including national carrier Viet Nam Airlines, PetroViet Nam Oil Corporation and PetroViet Nam Power Corporation. Many of former Uttar Pradesh police chiefs of Monday hailed the state government's decision to implement commissionerate system of policing in Lucknow and Noida, terming it as a "revolutionary and bold" step, reflecting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "strong willpower". They also said the decision has broken a myth that it cannot be implemented in UP. "A myth has been broken that the commissionerate system of policing can never be implemented in Uttar Pradesh. This system is already in force in 71 metro cities of the country," former DGP Brijlal said, while congratulating the CM on behalf of the people of the state, bureaucracy and police officers for the decision. "This decision reflects the strong willpower of the CM. In this new system, the police have got direct powers for ensuring law and order and controlling crimes. It will be able to provide relief to people by facilitating police to take quick decisions," said Brijlal. "The law and order of the state is already very good, it will improve further and the people of the state will benefit from it," he added. Former UP DGP A K Jain also praised the Yogi government for implementing the commissionerate system of policing. "We are moving towards smart policing and this is a good move for a change in policing beyond the scope of the Police Act, 1861," Jain said. "CM Adityanath has taken a strong political step. Over decades, many governments took initial steps in this direction but pulled back because of lobbying. This system will not only improve law and order but will also prevent crime against women," he added. Another former DGP Vikram Singh said the implementation of commissionerate system in Lucknow and Noida is no less than "a revolutionary step". He said entire state and police department would be "very grateful to Yogi ji" for taking this initiative. He said, "After independence, lots of efforts were made towards implementing the system, the Dharmveer Commission strongly recommended this in 1977 but it could not be done." "This system is already running successfully in 71 districts in 15 states across the country but it had not been implemented in Uttar Pradesh for some reasons," he added. Former DGP K L Gupta called the decision a "bold step" of the state government. He thanked the chief minister and said this issue was pending since 1977, which has been implemented by Uttar Pradesh government today For the last 50 years, there had been persistent demand for the implementation of Police Commissionerate System for "smart policing" in Uttar Pradesh. The Yogi Cabinet on Monday approved the implementation of the commissionerate system of policing in Noida and Lucknow, empowering a police officers with a slew of slew of powers of district administration. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An armed mans threatening texts to his wife led to a brief standoff Saturday afternoon in the Slate Belt. Pennsylvania State Police said they were called a little after noon to East Bangor for a 57-year-old man sending threatening text messages to his wife. When state police arrived at the borough, the man left his home and was later found in his vehicle with a pistol on Marshfield Drive, near Potomac Street, in Upper Mount Bethel Township. After a few hours, the man eventually got out of the vehicle and was taken into custody, troopers said. There were no injuries; state police did not say if the man will face any criminal charges in the incident. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 15:25:02 MONTREAL, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elixxer Ltd. (TSX-V: ELXR and OTC-QB: ELXIF) (ELXR) Little Green Pharma Ltd ( LGP ) has applied to list on the ASX, with a target listing date of February 7 th , 2020 under the symbol LGP. ) has applied to list on the ASX, with a target listing date of February 7 , 2020 under the symbol LGP. Elixxer is currently the largest shareholder and supports LGPs expansion plan throughout Australia and international markets into Europe. LGP is currently expanding operations in Australia to increase their current production from 15,000 bottles of medical cannabis oil per year to over 110,000 bottles. Canaccord Genuity is acting as the lead manager to LGPs initial public offering. LGP has lodged a prospectus and supplementary prospectus with ASIC and has applied to list on the ASX. The listing of LGP on the ASX will be a significant milestone event for both LGP and Elixxer, and will recognize their work to date within the Australian and European medical cannabis markets. Elixxer first invested into LGP in 2017 and has supported its management team throughout its corporate evolution. In August 2018, LGP launched its first medicinal cannabis product in Australia. LGPs current three-product range is also anticipated to grow with future products in a proposed research and development pipeline. LGP has also received a 2,400-bottle order from German distributor CC Pharma, with fulfilment expected to take place following the completion of LGPs cultivation facility expansion. In addition, LGP has received conditional purchase orders for products from Canadas CannMart and New Zealands Kariki Pharma. Intellectual property and clinical development: LGP holds a patent over a small particle formulation with the potential to significantly reduce the cannabinoid dosage required to achieve an equivalent therapeutic effect compared to its existing products. LGP is currently scoping a product development validation project for the formulation. LGP holds an exclusive licence to exploit the ARISE technology in connection with medicinal cannabis and has recently entered into a research and development agreement with Curtin University to explore new formulations of medicinal cannabis that utilise the ARISE technology. ARISE is a supercritical anti-solvent extraction technology which increases the surface area of particles of active pharmaceutical ingredients with the potential to increase absorption of drugs by the body. LGP is also investigating a proposed partnership with OBJ Limited (ASX:OBJ) to use their transdermal patch technology to deliver cannabinoid therapy with product development services to be provided by researchers at the Curtin University in Western Australia. In addition, LGP is involved with five clinical investigations studying cannabinoid medicines, including the companys own medicinal cannabis oil products. Elixxer sees its share position in the LGP as a long-term investment, as this is the beginning of the companys expansion and development into a global operator. Elixxer will continue to support LGPs future expansion plans and will assist, where needed, with its international expansion plans. Management and the Board of Elixxer have also donated to the Australian Red Cross to support the aid and recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating bushfires in Australia. Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited is acting as lead manager to LGPs initial public offering. About Elixxer Ltd. (www.Elixxer.com) Elixxer Ltd. is a leading cannabis investment firm with a focus on the legal global cannabis market. Through its growing portfolio of investment companies, ELXR is building a transversal integrated organization of interconnected legal cannabis companies with cultivation, processing and distribution in Australia, Jamaica, Switzerland, Italy, and Canada serving domestic and export markets. Elixxer Ltd. is a Canadian incorporated public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V: ELXR) and the US OTC-QB exchange (OTCQB: ELXIF). For further information please contact: President, John McMullen, +1-416-803-0698, john@elixxer.com Caution Regarding Press Releases 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 release. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to Elixxer and its operations, strategy, investments, financial performance and condition. These statements can generally be identified by use of forward-looking words such as may, will, expect, estimate, anticipate, intends, believe or continue or the negative thereof or similar variations. The actual results and performance of Elixxer could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, among other things, general economic and market factors, competition, government regulation and the factors described under Risk Factors and Risk Management in Elixxers most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to Elixxer and persons acting on its behalf. Unless otherwise stated, all forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Elixxer has no obligation to update such statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. The RDS Exhibition Hall was bursting at the seams as the annual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition got under way last week. It was easy to spot hordes of young lads charging through the entrance at the Ballsbridge venue, earning glares from one or two of the security staff in the process. The official attendance was given as 45,000. I suspect this was an underestimate. This event is now an essential part of the calendar. For years, Aer Lingus sponsored the event, which moved over the Croke Park for a while. Happily, Tony Scott, one of the events co-founders, back in 1964, is still with us. He was a recent graduate when he came up with the idea, along with his teacher at Terenure College, the Reverend Tom Burke. Mr Scott went on to become head of the UCD Physics Department before his role as dean of the UCD Faculty of Science. His research team helped develop the smoke alarm, a runaway commercial success. The first winner, in 1965, was John Monahan of Newbridge College. Cork schools have produced more than their fair share of top young scientists. In 2015, Ian O Sullivan and Eimear Murphy triumphed with a research paper entitled Alcohol consumption: Does the apple fall far from the tree?. Over 1,650 projects were submitted for this years event by around 3,800 students, and more than 550 projects were selected. The subject of the environment loomed large this was no surprise, given recent events. Ruth Poynt and classmate Breffni Carroll are second year students who have been studying the impact of buses on the air quality and have selected a proposed bus corridor running from Rathmines to Rathgar in south Dublin for this purpose. They have gotten hold of two microcomputers connected to sensors to collect particulate matter. Elsewhere, I spotted projects on the impact of micro-plastics and the environmental impact of solar energy. Environmental studies are not new to this event. The winner in 1977 studied scientific conservation in an estuary in north Dublin, while the top young scientist of 1978 studied the effects of pollution on the ecological balance in the Shannon near Limerick. Kinsale Community School been on the winning podium a number of times. This year, one of its students, Ellen Crowley, studied plastic litter and the best means of controlling it, having observed the problem on Cork streets. Fourteen-year-old Ellen spotted her mother emerging from a shop with a coffee in a disposable cup. Every day, thousands of disposable cups are sent into landfill or are burned. She sought to examine the effectiveness of subsidies in encouraging the re-use of cups by interviewing around 800 people for her project over a three-month period. One finding that surprised her was that 30% of interviewees would not be influenced by education and promotion to recycle. She concludes that existing discounts are not sufficient. The rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for society is also a major issue of the age. Sara Ryan Purcell, a fifth year student at Scoil Mhuire in Cork, produced a study of child-robot interaction. She sought to understand how children perceive robots. She interviewed around 350 children from Cork City in two age groups. The younger group, perhaps unsurprisingly, are more inclined to attribute human qualities to robots. Small boys are somewhat more likely to view the robots as living things. One goal was to ensure that the education of the toddlers is not hindered. Sara believes that the use of technology, including robotics, in the classroom will increase. Her own ambition is to become a primary school teacher. Her interest in science was stimulated both by her family and her involvement in the Blackrock Castle Observatory as an assistant. Her brother has embarked on a doctorate in theoretical physics at TCD and helped her with advice. Her father, a trained dairy scientist, works in the pharmaceuticals sector. At Blackrock Castle, Sara offered to help out in teaching visiting school-children, which led to an eight-week scientific scholars mentorship programme in New York and a three-month research programme at the University of California in Santa Cruz. History has slipped down the rankings as a choice of subject in the Leaving Cert, so it was heartening to come across an unusual project entitled: Would Cork have been Napoleons Waterloo? A study of the Martello towers in Cork Harbour as a successful defence mechanism. The study has been prepared by Eilis O Donoghue and Bebhinn Blanche Howard of Colaiste Mhuire in Crosshaven. After the French revolution, the British establishment feared a naval assault, and Ireland was seen as a weak link. Fifty two Martello towers were erected across Ireland as part of a system of defensive fortification. In putting together their conclusions, the pair had to develop considerable mathematical expertise and discovered the importance of relying on primary, as opposed to secondary, sources. Another Crosshaven pupil, Taylor Moore, gave an account of her research into the silent killer Nosema disease and its impact on Corks bee population. I can report that there are plenty of people out there working on new ideas and projects. We must ensure we are doing enough to not only harness this energy, but also to create the right openings for these impressive talents. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday's talks on a ceasefire deal between the warring sides in Libya had made some progress, but strongman Khalifa Haftar asked for more time to study the document. Haftar's forces based in eastern Libya have been battling since April to take Tripoli from the UN-recognised government in the capital. The Moscow talks followed a joint call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire in the North African state. "There has been certain progress" after talks in Moscow with Russia and Turkey lasting some seven hours, Lavrov told journalists in a short statement. He said the head of Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and head of High Council of State in Tripoli, Khaled al-Mechri "have just signed" the ceasefire agreement. But Haftar and Aguila Saleh, a Haftar ally, "have asked for a bit more time until morning to make a decision on its signing," Lavrov said, though claiming they also "view the document positively". The oil-rich country has been wracked by turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with multiple foreign powers now involved in the diplomacy. Ankara and Moscow have established themselves as key players in Libya. The ceasefire document spells out the terms of a truce which took effect over the weekend. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said once the document is signed by Haftar, both sides "would take the responsibility" for a ceasefire launching a political process in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 1. US stocks challenge fresh records: Wall Street stocks shrugged off a mixed lead from their Asian and European counterparts overnight to once again challenge fresh all-time highs. It was a high activity day in US markets, especially for a Monday, with investors clearly keen to go for growth. Tech shares were strong performers. The Nasdaq traded just shy of 0.9 per cent higher, aided by a rally in Tesla shares, which touched the $US500 mark for the first time in the carmaker's history. The gains come as a US-China trade agreement, expected to be signed in Washington on Wednesday, has encouraged riskier bets. President Donald Trump's administration is set to stop calling China a currency manipulator, removing a major obstacle to the two nations' trade deal, reports said. The SPI200 futures contract was up 22 points, or 0.32 per cent, at 6863 points at 7am on Tuesday after Apple, Facebook, Netflix, Microsoft and Amazon, which have powered the longest bull run in US equities, led the US market to new records again. The Australian sharemarket is set for an upbeat morning after Wall Street hit new highs overnight, buoyed by gains in US technology stocks and optimism that a US-China trade deal is on track to be signed this week. 2. US earnings season kicks off: Market attention swings to US corporate fundamentals now. Earnings season gets kicked off in earnest, with some of the USs financial giants like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Citigroup topping the billing. Its forecast to be another lacklustre results season overall on Wall Street. Earnings growth is expected to contract by around 2 per cent. As always, traders will be focusing on companies' outlooks for signs of a turnaround in profit growth in the year ahead. 3. ASX set for positive open: Wall Streets lead is setting up the ASX200 for a positive start this morning. SPI Futures are suggesting the benchmark index ought to open roughly 22 points higher this morning. It comes on the heels of a negative day for local stocks yesterday, which might well be chalked up to some profit taking after Fridays rally. Crucially, the market closed last night above the psychological level of 6900, pointing to still very bullish sentiment amongst traders. 4. British economy disappoints: The data docket overnight was highlighted by UK economic numbers. GDP data showed on a month-on-month basis that the UK economy contracted by 0.3 per cent. The data applied to November, and could reflect a hit to economic activity leading into last months general election. Irrespective of the cause, the pound fell into the 1.29 US dollar handle last night, as traders price in a nearly 50 per cent chance of a Bank of England rate cut this month. 5. US removes 'currency manipulator' tag from China: The other headline-worthy story last night was the expected US move to no longer label China as a "currency manipulator". Its being seen as an act of goodwill ahead of this weeks signing of a "phase one" trade deal between the US and China. The news will likely give more tailwind to the Chinese yuan, which has climbed lately on the back of lower trade tensions. 6. Oil prices continue to track lower: Oil prices remain a major macro mover. WTI Crude dropped another 1.5 per cent yesterday, while brent crude gave up 1.1 per cent. As traders' nerves were easing regarding US Iran tensions, geopolitics in another oil producing region in the world lowered prices. A tentative ceasefire was announced between belligerent forces in oil-rich Libyas civil war overnight, removing another marginal risk to global oil production and supply chains. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Tue, January 14 2020 Telling stories through comic strips has become more relevant as attention spans become shorter. For kids who aspire to become a creative worker, or merely looking to spend their time in a fun and prolific way, creating comic strips might be an option. Apart from the artist gaining satisfaction from creating, the works are likely to spark positive engagement as well. An avid comic strip reader since the tender age of 5, Kamahele RB Bickerton, now 14, published his debut English-language comic strip compilation, titled Kama & Hallie in late 2019. The launch of the comic strip compilation was accompanied by an exhibition at Aksara Kemang in South Jakarta. Kama, as he is called by his friends and family, is an eighth-grade student at Pangudi Luhur school in South Jakarta. Thus, the characters in the compilation are middle schoolers with their own particular interests and quirks. 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 Millions of PCs will stop receiving security updates from tomorrow as Microsoft ends support for its Windows 7 operating system. PCs running Windows 7 will still function but Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, software updates or security fixes. The technology giant will use full-screen pop-up notifications on devices running the decade old system to try to convince users to switch to the newer Windows 10. With a market share of more than 25 per cent, Windows 7 is still the second most used operating system after Windows 10 which has 55 per cent of the market. Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 7 and thinks users should consider a new PC if they don't want to lose out on security and software updates The notification will even go as far as advising customers to buy a new PC in order to be able to use Windows 10 preoperly. The company has been providing smaller pop-up reminders of the upcoming change since April 2019 but they will now be full-screen and impossible to ignore. The notification will remain on screen until users interact with it, giving them the option to 'learn more' or instead respond with 'remind me later' or 'don't remind me again'. GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has told the public not to access banking, emails or other services containing sensitive information from devices on Windows 7 due to the high risk. 'We would urge those using the software after the deadline to replace unsupported devices as soon as possible, to move sensitive data to a supported device, and not to use them for tasks like accessing bank and other sensitive accounts. A spokesman for the security centre said users of older versions of Windows should also considering emailing from a different device. End of support is a long-running measure by Microsoft, as it shifts from dated technologies and increases focus on newer ones. 'Without Microsoft support for your PC is like driving without car insurance'. said Jake Moore, Cyber Security Specialist from ESET. 'You can still use the machine, but you'll be in a sticky situation should anything happen'. Microsoft introduced a smart assistant, similar to Siri, called Cortana to Windows 10 The warning against continuing to use Windows 7 will appear on Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate editions. It will not appear on domain-joined PCs or PCs in kiosk mode. 'While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware,' Microsoft explains in a blog post. 'Sticking with Windows 7 after support ends opens a door to issues like computer viruses and you'll no longer receive technical support from Microsoft.' 'Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is on Windows 10.' Windows 7 will be pretty much obsolete from January 15 2020 Windows 7 split opinion on Twitter Big and small businesses alike will have to spend effort and money to transfer to Windows 10 if they haven't already In preparation for the update, it recommends users back up their files, get tips on Windows 10 and 'check out the latest PCs'. The legendary OS introduced features to Windows users including pin folders to the taskbar, close thumbnail preview, battery notification messages, desktop slideshow and the 'devices and printers' interface. Windows 7 was still being used by 26.64 per cent of Windows fans as recently as this November, according to NetMarketShare, with 54.62 per cent on Windows 10. Microsoft is also withdrawing support for WhatsApp on its only Mobile OS on Tuesday. It has already been advising Windows Phone users to 'get an Android or iPhone' instead due to the lack of app support of Windows 10 Mobile. 'Windows 10 is still not enough on its own to fully protect your data and finances from the risks', said Mr Moore. 'A good antivirus is still required and complex unique passwords are also a must with any online accounts to help mitigate the risk of a cyberattack. 'Cast your minds back to the WannaCry disaster which affected the NHS and you'll remember the destruction that can occur from not having a patched, up-to-date operating system.' Companies which may not be ready for the move can choose to pay Microsoft for extended security updates through to January 2023. It is sold on a per-device basis and the price will increase each year, to encourage businesses to upgrade. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A flurry of diplomatic visits and meetings crisscrossing the Persian Gulf have driven urgent efforts in recent days to defuse the possibility of all-out war after the U.S. killed Irans top military commander. Global leaders and top diplomats are repeating the mantra of de-escalation and dialogue, yet none have publicly laid out a path to achieving either. The United States and Iran have said they do not want war, but fears have grown that the crisis could spin out of Tehrans or Washingtons control. Tensions have careened from one crisis to another since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from Irans nuclear deal with world powers. The U.S. drone strike that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani and a senior Iraqi militia leader in Baghdad on Jan. 3 was seen as a major provocation. The killing alarmed even Washingtons allies in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia dispatching Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Washington right after with a message to de-escalate. Iran retaliated days later, firing a barrage of missiles at two military bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed. No casualties were reported in that attack and Iranian commanders say their intention was not to kill. Amid the confusion and fears of U.S. retaliation, Iran acknowledged it had unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet after takeoff from the Iranian capital, Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. In Iran on Sunday, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said that it was a very sensitive time for the region. The only solution to these crises is first de-escalation from all, and dialogue is the only solution to these crises, he said during a joint press appearance with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Rouhani said the escalation of tensions in the region are not beneficial to the region and the world. The emirs visit to Iran was one of many diplomatic forays aimed at calming regional tensions and keeping back channels open. Iran sent its foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to Oman on Sunday to be among the first to offer condolences in person to the new ruler of Oman. The sultanate, like Qatar, is a close U.S. ally, but also maintains good relations with Iran. Oman helped facilitate talks between the U.S. and Iran under President Barack Obama. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in Saudi Arabia on Sunday as part of a tour of oil-producing Gulf Arab states. Stability in the Persian Gulf is a national security priority for Japan, which imports nearly 90% of its oil from the Middle East. Much of that is shipped from Arab Gulf states through the narrow Straight of Hormuz, which Iran partly controls. Abe next visited the United Arab Emirates on Monday for a meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, before travelling to Oman Tuesday to meet Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. Japanese energy supplies were a target of rising tensions in June when two cargo ships were hit off the Gulf of Oman. The attacks took place when Abe was in Iran seeking to backstep American tensions. Japanese media reported that Abe was told by Saudi leaders there on Sunday that they fully support Tokyos plans to deploy naval forces, a destroyer and two patrol airplanes off the coasts of Yemen and Oman to help protect Japanese energy supplies. A military conflict in the Middle East would have a huge impact on global peace and stability, Abe was quoted in Japans The Mainichi daily as saying to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Id like to ask all countries concerned to respond (to the situation) in a restrained manner. Meanwhile, Iran hosted Syrian Prime Minster Imad Khamis on Monday. A day earlier Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Qureshi was in Iran where he emphasized the importance of maximum restraint and immediate steps for de-escalation by all sides, according to a statement by his office. War is in nobodys interest and issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, the statement added. He is headed next to Saudi Arabia for meetings Monday. Pakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan has before attempted the difficult task of mediating between Iran and the U.S., as well as between archrivals Iran and Saudi Arabia. In Washington, U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper told CBS Face the Nation that the U.S. is willing to meet with Irans leadership without preconditions. Iranian officials, however, say no meetings can take place without U.S. economic sanctions being lifted first. There are rumblings that renewed domestic pressured on Iran could force it to negotiate with Washington. Thousands of Iranians are taking part in angry streets protests over the downing of the jetliner whose majority of passengers were Iranian nationals. Iranian officials admitted responsibility for shooting down the jet after initial denials by leaders. The demonstrations are demanding accountability and change in Iran. Deadly protests in November already shook the country, triggered by price hikes and economic woes from U.S. sanctions. In a tweet about the protests and whether they might pressure Irans leadership to change its tone, Trump wrote: Actually, I couldnt care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and dont kill your protesters. In Tehran, government spokesman Ali Rabiei gave a glimpse into how Irans leadership views any possible dialogue with Trump. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said if Iran opens dialogue with the United States, it would signal that pressure on Iran works and could lead to more pressure. They give us messages, such as they have nothing to do with others and want to talk to us directly. We have no trust in them, he said, describing Trump as untrustworthy. He thinks that by putting ordinary people under pressure, he can achieve what he wants and can force us to retreat, Rabiei said. __ Associated Press writers Mohammad Nasiri and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, and Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo contributed to this report. Donald Trump said Monday that Democrats are a 'disgrace' to the U.S., insisting those within the party are defending slain Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. 'When the Democrats try and defend him it's a disgrace to our country, they can't do that. And let me tell you, it's not working politically very well for them,' Trump told reporters before departing the White House for New Orleans where he will attend the college football national championship game. Democrats have lamented the president didnt inform Congress before launching the attack and have raised questions over the intelligence that led the president to order the drone strike. 'The Democrats and the Fake News are trying to make terrorist Soleimani into a wonderful guy, only because I did what should have been done for 20 years,' Trump posted to Twitter Monday. 'Anything I do, whether it's the economy, military, or anything else, will be scorned by the Rafical Left, Do Nothing Democrats!' he said, misspelling 'radical.' Earlier in the day Monday, Trump also launched an extraordinary attack directed at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by retweeting an image depicting the two in Muslim head garb. Donald Trump told reporters at the White House Monday that Democrats are a 'disgrace' to the United States because they try to 'defend' Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a drone strike earlier this month He also claimed the intelligence that led him to order the attack was 'totally consistent,' despite Democrats claiming his story differs from those within the administration As Trump spoke briefly with reporters, first lady Melania Trump worked the rope line where supporters were gathered The first couple is heading to the college football national championship game in New Orleans between Clemson and Louisiana State University The doctored image had Pelosi in a hijab and Schumer in a turban. 'The corrupted Dems trying their best to come to the Ayatollah's rescue,' the reposted tweet read, which used the hashtag '#NancyPelosiFakeNews.' The president was condemned for the tweet by Muslims on Twitter. 'Why the actual hell is the president of the United States using the way I and millions of other Americans dress and the religious beliefs that We hold as a slur,' asked Twitter user @LibyaLiberty, whose photo shows her dressed in a hijab. 'This absolutely must be condemned by congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle,' she added. Ibrahim Hooper, the communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations tweeted, 'It is unconscionable that an American president would mock Islam and Muslims in such a derogatory manner.' Earlier in the day Trump retweeted this post showing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (left) in a turban and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) in a hijab President Trump sent out a flurry of Iran-related tweets Monday morning, including the questionable tweet showing the two top Congressional Democrats wearing a hijab and a turban House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (left) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (right) have been critical of President Trump's decision to target Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Neither lawmaker was informed of the strike before it occurred During an appearance on Fox News Channel, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham was asked why the president put out the tweet. 'I think the president is making clear that the Democrats have been parroting Iranian talking points and almost taking the side of terrorists and those out to kill Americans,' Grisham said. 'I think the president was making the point that the Democrats hate him so much that they're willing to be on the side of countries and leadership of countries who want to kill Americans,' she added. Grisham had been asked specifically about @LibyaLiberty's critique. Trump went on a tweet-spree Monday morning, lashing out at Democrats who have been critical of his decision to kill Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, which put Iran and the U.S. on the brink of war. He retweeted a number of tweets - including one that seemed to include a photograph of a dead body - that users had tweeted using the '#NancyPelosiFakeNews' hashtag. The president continued to push that the killing was justified. 'The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners are working hard to determine whether or not the future attack by terrorist Soleimani was'imminent' or not, & was my team in agreement. The answer to both is a strong YES., but it doesn't really matter because of his horrible past!' Trump wrote. President Trump went on a tweet spree Monday morning, retweeting tweets that had the #NancyPelosiFakeNews hashtag, while complaining about Democrats' reaction to his Iran strike as his impeachment heads toward the Senate That comment came on the heels of new reporting that says Trump had signed off on killing Soleimani seven months ago. Last week, the House of Representatives slapped Trump's hand for the drone strike that killed Soleimani, passing a non-binding War Powers Resolution with the aim to limit the president's ability to go to war with Iran. Trump hadn't informed Pelosi nor Schumer in advance of the strike, which took place outside Baghdad's airport. Upon his departure from the White House Monday, Trump insisted the intelligence that led him to direct the drone strike on Soleimani was 'totally consistent,' despite Democrat claims that the president and his administration have given conflicting accounts. 'First of all, I think it's been totally consistent,' Trump said when asked by a reporter what intelligence was known. 'But here's what's been consistent: We killed Soleimani, then No. 1 terorrist in the world by every account. Bad person, killed a lot of Americans, killed a lot of people. We killed him.' 'So we killed the No. 1 terrorist in the world Soleimani, and it should have been done 20 years ago. We'll see you at the game,' Trump said. While Trump heads to the game between Clemson and top-ranked Louisiana State University, Pelosi is expected to finally hand over the two articles of impeachment - passed out of the House before Christmas - over to the Senate for a trial to begin. Trump complained about that too. 'Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, 'no pressure' Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have,' the president wrote. 'I agree!' Sullivan, who did not seek reelection in 2016 and joined the Pritzker administration last year, said in a statement Monday that he did not read the full email from McClain when it was forwarded to him in 2012. At the time, he was in the midst of a reelection campaign and preparing to undergo cancer surgery at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Last Wednesdayamid mounting skepticism of the Trump administrations claim that it decided to kill Qassem Suleimani, Irans top general, to avert an imminent attack on US interestsUS officials finally briefed members of Congress on the intelligence that led to the strike. At least, they were supposed to. According to one lawmaker who was present, the intel the administration shared was no more secret than what could be found on Wikipedia; Mike Lee, a Republican senator for Utah (and close ally of Trump), called the briefing insulting and demeaning and probably the worst hes seen on a military matter. Rand Paul, also a Republican senator, said he didnt learn anything that I hadnt seen in a newspaper already. On Friday, Trump updated his rationale for the strike. He did so via the media, not to Congress. In a sit-down interview hosted (of course) by Fox News, Laura Ingraham asked the president if the American people didnt have a right to know what infrastructure Suleimani had been planning to target; Trump said they didnt, but continued that probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad. Pressed again by Ingraham, he then dropped what sounded like a bombshell: I can reveal that I believe it probably wouldve been four embassies. Related: A guide to navigating the Trump-Iran story Trumps answer demanded so many follow-up questions. (Chief among them: Is this actually true? and If so, why can you tell Fox but not Congress?) Ingraham didnt ask them, but as the weekend progressed, other journalists did. Yesterday, Mark Esper, the defense secretary, and Robert OBrien, the national security adviser, shared the job of defending Trumps four embassies claim on the Sunday shows. As was the case with Secretary of State Mike Pompeos five-show tour last weekend, Esper and OBriens answers were repetitive, and repeatedly unsatisfactory. On Jake Tappers CNN show, Esper was slipperyTrump said he believed that they probably, that they could have been targeting the embassies in the region; I believe that as well, Esper said. On Margaret Brennans CBS show, he appeared to slip up. The president didnt cite a specific piece of evidence, Esper said. Are you saying there wasnt one? Brennan asked; I didnt see one with regard to four embassies, Esper replied. He continued that he shared the presidents expectation about a threat to embassies; still, his remark drove a critical news cycle yesterday, at one point topping the homepages of both the Times and the Post. (In print this morning, the Times says: NARRATIVE SHIFTS AGAIN.) Trumps interview with Ingraham was a shot in the arm for the Iran news cycle; it otherwise may have started to stall over the weekend amid an apparent de-escalation of tensions between DC and Tehran. The threat of conflagration remains very high, and there are still pressing strands of this story to unspoolnot least Irans belated admission, on Saturday, that its military accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, and the reaction to that news inside the country. Still, barring some sudden madness, we can probably expect Iran to slip down the news cycle this week. The Iowa caucuses are looming, as is Trumps impeachment trial in the Senate. (As I wrote last week, the Iran and impeachment stories are intimately linked, but in the Trump era, thoughtful synthesis doesnt always seem to be a top priority for the press.) Before all that happens, its worth reflecting on the arc the Iran story has traced since the US killed Suleimani 10 days ago. Across that period, deep-rooted problems with our coverage of Iran, in particular, and war, in general, have come to the fore again. As Margaret Sullivan wrote for the Post last week, TV news still prioritizes bellicose voices over anti-war ones; as Andrew Lee Butters wrote for CJR, Iran coverage, on the whole, is still loaded with tropes that ignore the countrys complicated history, and elide the full extent of American meddling in it. (Interestingly, Tapper asked Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer yesterday whether Steyer traces the current conflict with Iran to the CIA-backed coup that deposed Irans then prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, in 1953. Sadly, the exchange didnt really lead anywhere.) A big part of the problem is the relative lack of Iranian voices in our coverage. As H.A. Hellyer wrote for Foreign Policy, US media should look beyond just serving audiences at home. The consequences of narrow Western thinking, he wrote, are stark. Like it or not, the West in general, and the United States in particular, has far more power in the Arab world than vice versa. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Nonetheless, within the boundaries of such ossified assumptions about the US and Iran, coverage of recent tensions does seem to have exhibited a healthier skepticism than weve sometimes seen in the past. The specter of the media cheerleading that marked the march to war with Iraq has loomed large, often explicitly. Hard questions have been asked of US policymakers and their shifting rationale for killing Suleimani, not least this past weekend. And our sense of alarm, on the whole, has felt necessary. Yes, there was much uninformed Twitter panic, especially in the immediate, uncertain aftermath of the Suleimani strike. But this looked, for several days, like the sort of dangerous escalation we long feared wed see under Trump. Taking it seriouslyand challenging his administrations dire informational record in the processwas a bare minimum. A big challenge, going forward, will be to apply at least this level of attention and skepticism to future administrations when lives are in the balance. The Trump administrations routine dishonesty has put many in the media on high alert. But governments of all stripes routinely lie about war, as the Posts Afghanistan Papers project very recently reminded us. The Trump era has taught us a number of useful lessons about our coverage. Those lessons need to endure. Below, more on Trump and Iran: Other notable stories: ICYMI: Megxit, pursued by the press 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. MOSCOW - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday announced that the premier of the Libyan national-unity government, Fayez al Sarraj, ''has signed the agreement'' while eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar ''has asked for time until tomorrow morning''. After addressing reporters to illustrate the conclusion of the ''intense'' day of talks in Moscow, Lavrov said he hoped Haftar ''will decide to sign the document''. Lavrov stressed that the president of the Libyan Parliament based in Tobruk, Aguila Salah, has also asked for more time, until tomorrow, to examine the draft of the accord. The president of the Tripoli-based Council of State, Khaled al-Mechri, signed with Sarraj. The draft accord negotiated Monday in Moscow provides for the creation of ''working groups on the solution of the situation'' in Libya and the first meeting could already take place ''in January'', RIA Novosti, which was able to view the document, reported on Monday. The working groups would be tasked with elaborating the ''conditions for a political solution to the Libyan conflict and for the solution of humanitarian problems and the country's economic reconstruction''. Halt to Turkish troops, Moscow supervises truce. Details of Sarraj-Haftar agreement released by Al Arabiya Details of an agreement which the prime minister of Libya's national-unity government, Fayez al Sarraj, and eastern Libyan strongman, General Khalifa Haftar are about to sign in Moscow include a halt to the deployment of Turkish troops in Libya, a ceasefire supervised by the United Nations and Russia, the withdrawal of militias and a political solution, according to a report broadcast by Al Arabiya, which quoted its sources. According to al Arabiya's sources, some armed militias will lay down their arms; duties and political powers will be distributed between Sarraj's national-unity government (Tripoli) on one side and the Libyan Paliament (Tobruk) and the command of Haftar's forces on the other. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), according to the broadcaster's sources, will pursue the fight against terrorism as its most important task, subsequently in coordination with Sarraj. Also, the LNA will be tasked with overseeing the security of oil and gas installations while ports will be under international supervision. A boy cradles the body of dead endangered Brush-tailed rock-wallaby, found near a muddy puddle of water after a bushfire in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia, on 6 January 2020. The boy asked his father, Tim Faulkner, Theyre all dying arent they Dad? Faulkner told him it was his job to save the world. Photo: Tim Faulkner / Facebook 8 January 2020 (University of Sydney) Professor Chris Dickman has revised his estimate of the number of animals killed in bushfires in NSW to more than 800 million animals, with a national impact of more than one billion animals. Several weeks ago Professor Dickman, from the University of Sydneys Faculty of Science, estimated that 480 million animals would be killed by the fires. With the fires having now continued and extended their range he has updated that figure including putting the impact nationally at more than one billion animals. Speaking to National Public Radio in America Professor Dickman said, I think theres nothing quite to compare with the devastation thats going on over such a large area so quickly. Its a monstrous event in terms of geography and the number of individual animals affected. We know that Australian biodiversity has been going down over the last several decades, and its probably fairly well known that Australias got the worlds highest rate of extinction for mammals. Its events like this that may well hasten the extinction process for a range of other species. So, its a very sad time. A dead koala is seen after bushfires swept through on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Australia, 7 January 2020. Photo: David Mariuz / AAP Image / REUTERS What were seeing are the effects of climate change. Sometimes, its said that Australia is the canary in the coal mine with the effects of climate change being seen here most severely and earliest. Were probably looking at what climate change may look like for other parts of the world in the first stages in Australia at the moment, said Professor Dickman from the Faculty of Science. I think there is a feeling among environmental scientists and ecologists in Australia that weve been frozen out of the debate, certainly out of policymaking. I think its now time to bring the scientists back into the tent to look at what is likely to be happening over the next few decades and to think about how we can maintain both the human community in good health and as much biodiversity as can be retained under this evolving situation. Professor Dickman explains that animals that survive the fires in the first instance by fleeing or going underground will return or re-emerge into areas that dont have the resources to support them. Others will fall victim to introduced predators such as feral cats and red foxes. Even for those birds or animals able to flee to unaffected areas they will rarely be able to successfully compete with animals already living there and succumb within a short time. How the figures were calculated The figures quoted by Professor Dickman are based on a 2007 report for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on the impacts of land clearing on Australian wildlife in New South Wales. To calculate the impacts of land clearing on the States wildlife, the authors of that report obtained estimates of mammal, bird and reptile population density in NSW and then multiplied the density estimates by the areas of vegetation approved to be cleared. Estimates of density were obtained from published studies of these animal groups in NSW and from studies carried out in other parts of Australia in similar habitats to those present in NSW. The authors deliberately employed highly conservative estimates in making their calculations. The true mortality is therefore likely to be substantially higher than those estimated. Deeply, deeply troubling, far worse than anything Ive ever experienced in my life. Its really quite frightening in an ecological sense. Dr. Kate Umbers, biologist at Western Sydney University The figure includes mammals (excluding bats), birds and reptiles and does not include frogs, insects or other invertebrates. NSWs wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change. Australia supports a rich and impressive diversity of mammals, with over 300 native species. Some 34 species and subspecies of native mammals have become extinct in Australia over the last 200 years, the highest rate of loss for any region in the world. Professor Dickmans experience Professor Chris Dickman works in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and has over 30 years of experience working on the ecology, conservation and management of Australian mammals. Professor Dickman is a past President of the Australian Mammal Society and of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW, past Chair of the NSW Scientific Committee, and Chair of the Australian Marsupial and Monotreme Specialist Group for the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He has written or edited 16 books and monographs and authored a further 480 journals articles and book chapters. More than one billion animals killed in Australian bushfires A kangaroo that survived the bushfires at the Raymond Island Koala and Wildlife Shelter in Waterholes, Australia stands in front of smoky skies. Photo: Christina Simons / The New York Times How Many Animals Have Died in Australias Wildfires? By Mihir Zaveri and Emily S. Rueb 11 January 2020 (The New York Times) Some 25,000 koalas feared dead on an island being consumed by flames. Ten thousand feral camels expected to be shot and killed. And claims that a whopping one billion animals estimated to have perished across Australia. These are a few of the numbers that have emerged in recent days to capture the toll of the extreme heat and raging fires on Australian animal life. They add to the already staggering scope of the fires, which have killed at least 24 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and scorched more than 15 million acres. The figures tallying the mass death of Australian critters have ricocheted around the internet, causing apprehension and grief. Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk carries a koala from at a burning forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Australia, 7 January 2020. Photo: David Mariuz / AAP Image / REUTERS Experts in biodiversity have expressed alarm at the span of scorched earth in a megadiverse country that harbors between 600,000 to 700,000 species, many which are not found anywhere else in the world. Kate Umbers, a biologist at Western Sydney University who studies the Australian alpine grasshopper, is especially worried about the fate of the nations 250,000 insect species, of which only about one-third have been named. The current fire season is deeply, deeply troubling far worse than anything Ive ever experienced in my life, she told The New York Times this week. Its really quite frightening in an ecological sense. [] Have more than a billion animals perished? Its a widely shared estimate, but one that has not gone unchallenged. Recently, Professor Christopher Dickman of the University of Sydney said he calculated that 480 million animals nearly half a billion might have been killed in New South Wales, which encompasses Sydney. Headlines soon followed. As the fires raged on, Professor Dickman revised that estimate this week to more than 800 million killed in New South Wales, adding that he figured more than one billion had died across the country. Its events like this that may well hasten the extinction process for a range of other species, Professor Dickman said in an interview with NPR. So, its a very sad time. A kangaroo is seen at the Flinders Chase National Park in a bushfire-destroyed area on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Australia, 7 January 2020. Photo: David Mariuz / AAP Image / REUTERS To reach that number, Professor Dickman relied on measures from a 2007 report for the World Wide Fund for Nature about the effect of land clearing on Australian wildlife, the university said. But other experts have pushed back on the estimates. Colin Beale, an ecologist from University of York, told the BBC that animals survival instincts kick in. In the areas of Africa where I work, I am quite sure that very few birds die as a direct result of fire, he said. They certainly have the ability to fly away from fires, and this is surely the case in Australia, too. A dead Australian native bird is seen washed up amongst ash and fire debris on Boydtown Beach near the Nullica River in Eden, Australia, 7 January 2020. Photo: Tracey Nearmy / REUTERS Professor Bradshaw at Flinders University in Adelaide said it was dangerous to share blanket numbers that were not based on evidence. Were not saying the number is wrong its inestimable, he said. The media and the public in general are hungry for numbers, and they get into a fuss, but the reality is no one actually knows. Animals can and do rebound from such devastation, he added. We are constantly surprised how recovery happens quickly after a fire and how many animals survive, he said. [more] How Many Animals Have Died in Australias Wildfires? PORTLAND, Maine Hemp growers in Maine are concerned that new rules governing the crop could hold back the growth of an industry that is already the largest in New England. States around the country are grappling with the changing legal landscape surrounding hemp since the 2018 Farm Bill directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create national regulations for the product of the plant. The popularity of products made from hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD, has fueled the growth. In Maine and elsewhere, state regulators are looking to bring their state industries into compliance with looming federal rules. But many Pine Tree State growers believe the state is adding onerous fees and strict testing requirements that could squelch the budding industry before it reaches its full potential. One concern is Maines proposed fee structure, which is twice as expensive as the old one and amounts to $100 per acre twice the current figure, said Erica Haywood, co-founder of Maine Hemp Farmers Association and a Farmington grower. Another concern: The state is considering cutting the small amount of psychoactive THC that is allowable in hemp to so low a figure that many current farmers wouldnt be able to sell their crop, said Haywood and others. There should be opportunities for people not to have to destroy their crop if the THC is over the limit, Haywood said. We are keen to work with regulators, especially for the benefit of small farmers. Maine is home to more than 170 hemp growers and about 2,000 acres of farmed hemp. The states industry is dwarfed by the major players in the hemp business, such as Colorado and Montana, where tens of thousands of acres are grown. States all over the country are making changes to come into compliance with the federal laws, said Joy Beckerman, principal of Hemp Ace International, a New York-based consulting group. Its very important so that the farmers can access the benefits and protection, not the least of which is access to federal crop insurance, she said. Thats why its so important to get these rules. And interest in hemp and cannabis products are on the rise in Maine and elsewhere in New England because of the growth of the CBD industry and the spreading legalization of marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are the same plant, and there is considerable overlap among users of both, but marijuana contains much more psychoactive THC. Hemp is also now legal at the federal level, while marijuana is not. Beyond CBD products, hemp is used to make protein boosters for smoothies, rope, clothing and many other products. Maines industry is almost entirely dedicated to CBD and oil products. The new state rules are designed to ease Maines hemp growers into the new federal regulations, which will require the low THC levels, said Gary Fish, the states horticulturist. The higher license fees are to ensure the Maine hemp program has enough revenue to stay afloat, he said. This has to be a self-funded program. There are no general fund moneys or grants to fund the program, Fish said. And we have to be compliant with the federal level. Maine is collecting feedback on its proposed rules until Jan. 20. The federal government is also taking comments on its own rules proposal until Jan. 29. Democratic Rep. Craig Hickman, a farmer who does not grow hemp, said the state needs hemp rules that protect growers of all sizes for the states nascent industry to grow. Its an industry that could really help rural Maine if the rules allow for the small and the medium farmers as well as the large hemp farmers, Hickman said. Its got a lot of potential. Its a big deal. And the people who have a lot money invested know its a big deal. A judge has accused the Ontario government of deliberate state misconduct for failing to improve the inhumane conditions at a notorious Toronto jail. In a ruling released last week, Superior Court Justice Andras Schreck joined a chorus of judges who for years have been calling out the treatment of inmates at the Toronto South Detention Centre. As Schreck found in his judgment, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which is responsible for operating the jail, has chosen to ignore that judicial condemnation. Put simply, the ministry has clearly chosen to save money rather than heed judicial concerns about the lack of humane treatment of inmates, Schreck wrote in a Friday ruling. In my view, we have reached the point where the inhumane conditions at the TSDC go beyond being an unfortunate circumstance and can more properly be described as essentially a form of deliberate state misconduct. Schreck was deciding the sentence of Jeffrey Persad, a man who had pleaded guilty to gun and drug trafficking offences. Prior to his sentencing, Persad had spent 1,010 days at the Toronto South, and nearly half were on lockdown, according to the ruling. During the frequent lockdowns most of which were due to staff shortages Persad would be confined to his cell, sometimes going days without being able to use a telephone, shower or go outdoors, according to the ruling. In an affidavit filed with the court, Persad, 42, said he developed rashes after being provided with clothing and towels stained with blood, urine and feces. There were often bedbug infestations, the judge wrote, summarizing the affidavit. The nail clippers that were provided were shared and not cleaned, causing Mr. Persad to develop an untreatable fungal infection on his toenails. The experiences in presentence custody have caused Mr. Persads mental health to deteriorate. He now suffers from depression, anxiety and feelings of low self-esteem. A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General said the governments priority is to ensure safety and security in jails. For the protection of inmates and staff, institutions may have to implement lockdowns, said Kristy Denette. She said that since 2018, the government has trained 900 new correctional officers for employment in jails across the province, including 200 who have been hired at the Toronto South. Staff at the jail current consists of about 800 to 1,000 people, according to Schrecks ruling. A sergeant responsible for overseeing security at the jail, Leon Watson, testified that there is a significant amount of turnover. If it were up to him, Leon testified he would hire 500 more people. The Crown and defence lawyer Richard Mwangi jointly submitted that Persad should receive a nine-year sentence, along with the usual credit given to offenders who have spent time in custody prior to being sentenced which works out to 1.5 days of credit for every day spent in custody. Both sides also agreed that Persad should be given further credit for the harsh conditions at the Toronto South, but disagreed on the extent of the credit, Schreck wrote. The Crown said Persad should get between half to one full day of credit for each day, while the defence argued for 2.5 days of credit for each day. The judge ruled Persad should get an additional 1.5 days of credit for each of the 475 days he spent on lockdown. With the various credits taken into account, Persad still has 33 months left to serve on his nine-year sentence. Im in support of His Honours decision in this case and believe that he got it right, Mwangi told the Star. This one case highlights a large systemic issue at the TSDC caused by understaffing. The Toronto South has been plagued with problems since it opened in January 2014. It has a maximum capacity of about 1,600 all-male inmates, but since opening has generally operated at about half-capacity. Provincial jails like it are used to house people who are awaiting trial but have not received bail, and any person who has been convicted and sentenced to a jail term of less than two years. Given the length of his sentence, Persad will serve his remaining time in federal prison. This is very strong language but until cases are stayed because of this treatment, or individuals are held personally responsible, it appears nothing will change, John Struthers, president of the Criminal Lawyers Association, said of Schrecks ruling. Inflicting trauma on troubled humans is not a recipe for societal well-being. The judge began his ruling by quoting from Nelson Mandelas autobiography: No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. He listed 14 rulings from his judicial colleagues going back to 2015 that have been critical of the conditions at the Toronto South. I heard no evidence that any significant steps are being taken to remedy the longstanding problems at the TSDC. While apparently aware of the repeated judicial concerns about the inhumane treatment of offenders, the ministry has seen fit to ignore them, Schreck wrote. I adopt the various descriptions my colleagues have used to describe the situation at the TSDC. It is, to use their words, unacceptable, shocking, deplorable, harsh, oppressive, degrading, disheartening, appalling, Dickensian, regressive, and inexcusable. Just last month, another Toronto Superior Court judge, John McMahon, lambasted the government for absolutely unacceptable lockdowns at the jail. As a result, he reduced the sentence of a man convicted of drug and firearm offences. And a third Toronto judge, Anne Molloy, said last June she was taking the extreme measure of reducing a mans drug trafficking and gun possession sentence because of his treatment at the jail. Correction - Jan. 14, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the amount of credit the Crown argued Jeffrey Persad should receive for harsh conditions at Toronto South Detention Centre. A n unsuspecting reporter was duped into wearing goggles and protective body gear to hold a koala in a hysterical prank in Australia. Debi Howard, ITV's Asia correspondent, was encouraged to don upper-body padding at a wildlife park before workers handed her what they called a "drop bear". They claimed the animal, which was in fact just a regular koala, was a distant relative of the iconic Australian marsupial. Upping the ante in their bid to shake Ms Howard, they told her the animal was "really vicious" and had longer claws, as well as venomous fangs. She was told the animal is a subspecies of the koala, named a drop bear, because it plummets from trees to attack people passing by. Koala scare: The reporter was duped into believing the animal was 'vicious' / Sean Mulcahy Despite this, Ms Howard continued with holding the bear, before begging for it to be taken away from her. It is then, after seeing two people carry it away with no protective gear whatsoever, she catches on to the joke. Speaking to 9 News' Today show, she said: "There were several points, looking back, obviously, where I thought 'that's maybe not quite right.' "But these guys were like 'you should really try this, this is one thing we only do for our special visitors.'" Sean Mulcahy, who shot the video, shared the clip on Facebook and encouraged people to donate to a GoFundMe in aid of the Kangaroo Islands koalas. NUR-SULTAN -- Dozens of women have rallied in the Kazakh capital to call for the government to raise social benefits paid to families with children, the second such rally this month. At least 50 protesters gathered in front of the Labor and Social Protection Ministry on January 13 demanding an increase in financial support to single mothers, mothers taking care of handicapped children, and those with low incomes. Other women from families with multiple children were among the protesters, saying a boost in social allowances of about 10,100 tenges ($27) per child that kicked in at the start of the year is insufficient. A representative of the Nur-Sultan mayor's office, Elnur Beisenbaev, came to the site and invited the protesters to come inside the building to discuss their demands, but the women refused after journalists were not allowed to accompany them. The protesters then tried to march to the presidential administration but were intercepted by police, who blocked their way. Protests about poor living conditions and financial shortcomings have been held across Kazakhstan for almost a year after five children from one family died when their home in the capital burned down in early February 2019. The tragedy occurred while both parents were working overnight shifts to make ends meet. The protests intensified before and after an early presidential election held on June 9, which was called after 79-year-old President Nursultan Nazarbaev resigned in the wake of protests in March after almost 30 years in power. In addition to heading the ruling Nur-Otan party, Nazarbaev is still chairman of the countrys powerful Security Council and holds the title of elbasy, or leader of the nation. Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, who became interim president after Nazarbaev's resignation, was declared the winner of the June 9 election. No vote held in Kazakhstan since 1991 has been deemed free and democratic by international observers. Opponents, critics, and rights groups say Nazarbaev, who tolerated little dissent, denied many citizens basic rights and prolonged his hold on power in the energy-rich country of 18.7 million by manipulating the democratic process. Open source Ukrainian rescuers, who were investigating the Boeing 737 crash in Tehran, departed from Iran. This was stated by National Security Councils Secretary Oleksiy Danilov, Radio Svoboda reports. "Some of the specialists, who are no longer needed, it is about our rescuers, who have completed all their necessary work, are returning to Ukraine. They crossed the border, we did everything necessary to make the return safe," Danilov stated. Several specialists continue working on the investigation. As it was reported earlier, Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines, flight PS 752 with 176 passengers aboard crashed in Tehran, not far from Imam Khomeini airport. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed his regret that missiles launched by his army by mistake led to the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran. "Armed Forces internal investigation has concluded that, regrettably, missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people," Rouhani said. BJP MP Parvesh Verma on Monday said his party will levy a token charge of Re 1 for water and power supply to poor people in the city, if it wins the upcoming assembly polls. Slamming Kejriwal government's free water and power supply scheme, the West Delhi MP said the token charge will be to honour the "self respect" of the residents of Delhi. Verma said he has conveyed his suggestion to the party's manifesto committee and it could be one of the poll promises of BJP for the assembly elections slated to take place on February 8. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China Aviation Daily | Jan. 10, 2020 Sheremetyevo International Airport showed impressive results in 2019, with the number of passengers served increasing by 8.9 percent over 2018, to 49.9 million*. Takeoff and-landing operations (TLO) increased 8.2 percent in the same period, to 386,370. In 2019, the passenger flow on international airlines was more than 26.6 million, an increase of 7.8 percent; growth on domestic airlines was 10.3 percent, or more than 23.3 million. The most popular international destinations by the end of the year were Antalya, Yerevan, Paris, Beijing and Tel Aviv. The most popular domestic destinations were St. Petersburg, Simferopol, Sochi, Yekaterinburg and Krasnodar. Sheremetyevo is Russia's busiest airport and one of the world's best in terms of punctuality. The British research company OAG recognized Sheremetyevo as the most punctual airport in the world in the Mega Airports category (more than 30 million departing seats per year), with 87 percent of departures on time. Sheremetyevo Airport was also recognized as the world leader in punctuality in 2019 by the Cirium analytical agency. Between December 27, 2019 and January 8, 2020, the heavily-traveled New Year holiday season, Sheremetyevo Airport served 1.64 million passengers, with a total of 12,523 takeoff and -landing operations. The most popular international destinations during the holiday season were Phuket, Prague, Yerevan, Bangkok and Paris, with St. Petersburg, Sochi, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar and Simferopol the most popular domestic destinations. Despite the extremely heavy passenger load on the busiest days, the vast majority of flights from Sheremetyevo during the New Year holiday season departed on schedule. The airport's operations services, Sheremetyevo Handling and other subsidiaries, worked intensively to ensure high-quality passenger transportation and uninterrupted takeoff and -landing operations. In 2019, the following new airlines began operating flights to Sheremetyevo: Belavia, Brussels Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Turkish Cargo. These flights have made Sheremetyevo a gateway to 19 new destinations. Contributed by Sheremetyevo International Airport Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. New Delhi: The dramatic arrest of senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer Devinder Singh, who was caught accompanying two wanted terrorists to Jammu, has raised questions about his alleged role in the 2001 Parliament attack and his links with Afzal Guru. The arrested officer, the then deputy superintendent of police of Special Operations Group at Humhama, was named by Afzal in a letter in 2013 as a key go-between in the 2001 incident. According to Afzal, Singh had asked him to "take Mohammad, a Pakistani national and co-accused in Parliament attack case, to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him". However, Afzal's allegations against Singh were never probed. Devinder Singh was posted with the anti-hijacking unit at Srinagar Airport and was one of the officials that received the 16-member delegation of foreign ambassadors which visited Kashmir on Thursday. He was awarded the President's police medal last year. However, on Saturday he ran out of luck when his conversation with one of the three arrested terrorists Naveed Baba was intercepted by intelligence agencies. Giving details about the arrest of Devinder Singh and two Hizbul commanders, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar told IANS, "SP Shopian had a specific input about the movement of two militants in a car which led the police to launch an operation. The police put barricades and intercepted the vehicle. It was found that a DSP, a lawyer and two militants were travelling in the car for Jammu." Among those arrested include two top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen - Naveed Baba and Rafi Ahmad, of Budgam. The police also recovered five grenades from the car. According to reports, Singh had struck a deal of Rs 1 lakh with terrorists for their safe exit to their destination. According to police, Baba is an ex-cop who disappeared in 2017 and joined militancy. He was the second top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen in south Kashmir area after Riyaz Naikoo. He is also believed to be involved in the killing of many policemen and burning of orchards in Shopian. There are 17 cases against Baba. Following Singh's arrest, the police conducted several raids at his properties and recovered arms and ammunition, including a AK-47 rifle and a pistol. Part of counter-insurgency teams in the past, Singh is currently being grilled at the joint interrogation centre for his connections with terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. WASHINGTON Cory Booker has ended his presidential campaign. Its with a full heart that I share this news -- Ive made the decision to suspend my campaign for president, Booker said Monday in an email to supporters. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and Ive always said I wouldnt continue if there was no longer a path to victory. Stuck in single digits in polls and trailing most of his Democratic rivals in fundraising, the New Jersey senator said he couldnt compete. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington, Booker said in an email to supporters. He had bet all his chips on doing well in the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses, including launching a $500,000 advertising campaign, but failed to move in the polls and did not qualify for Tuesdays debate in Des Moines. The impeachment trial against President Donald Trump would find him in Washington rather than appealing to Iowa voters. Booker, though, had planned to return to Iowa on Tuesday, though not for the debate, and again next weekend. He also had four fundraisers scheduled during the week. He was the latest minority candidate to leave what had been the most diverse field of presidential hopefuls in history. All six candidates in Tuesdays debate, for example, will be white. New Jersey Democrats, who had quickly lined up behind Booker when he entered the presidential race, lamented his departure. Cory ran a campaign based on a bold vision and an even bolder optimism, Gov. Phil Murphy said on Twitter. He changed the presidential race by promising to bring our nation together instead of sowing division. I know he will continue fighting every day for justice and fairness for all. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said, Corys unwavering message of fairness, faith and coming together in common purpose is exactly the path our nation needs to heal and move forward. Corys ideas and ideals have undoubtedly left a mark on this race, becoming our national voice on criminal justice reform and putting forth the most sweeping and aggressive plan to attack the epidemic of gun violence destroying lives and communities." And state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said: His message of inclusion and compassion was a much needed, positive force in the most important presidential race of my lifetime. His voice helped shape the conversation around race and unity throughout the campaign and across the country. Several past and current 2020 presidential candidates also praised Booker. Cory, you campaigned with joy and heart, and instead of just talking about bringing people together, you did it every day. You made our politics better just by running. Grateful to you and looking forward to your continued leadership. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 13, 2020 .@CoryBookerevery moment on the campaign trail with you, my dear friend, was a joy. I'm incredibly proud of the issues you elevated and the work your team put in day in and day out to fight for justice. Were all better because you were in this race. Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 13, 2020 Thank you, @CoryBooker. You've always been a powerful voice for justice and equality, and you've made this primary stronger. I know you will continue to be a leader in the fight to defeat Donald Trump and build a stronger future for America. pic.twitter.com/5rAwSS2wPR Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 13, 2020 Trump took one last shot at Booker, who he had attacked several times at rallies during the 2018 midterm elections. Really Big Breaking News (Kidding): Booker, who was in zero polling territory, just dropped out of the Democrat Presidential Primary Race. Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2020 Booker was considered a top tier candidate when he entered the race in February 2019. But he hovered in the low single digits in opinion polls, even as he built strong organizations to get out the vote in the early primary and caucus states. His soaring rhetoric inspired audiences and won him kudos at every debate he participated in, but failed to translate into support. He failed to meet the thresholds for both the December and January debates. His paths to victory were blocked by other candidates. African American voters shunned both Booker and Kamala Harris (before she dropped out) in favor of former Vice President Joe Biden, who served under the first black president, Barack Obama. While Booker had run New Jerseys largest city, Newark, another mayor, Pete Buttigieg, of South Bend, Indiana, captured far more attention. His calls for unity and to heal Americas political divisions fell on the deaf ears of Democratic voters infuriated by the policies and the rhetoric of Trump and wanting someone as angry as they are. Even at the end, Booker made no apologizes for the type of campaign he ran. Im proud of the ideas we brought to this Democratic primary and, more importantly, the values we championed throughout that the only way we make progress is by bringing people together even when we were told that our approach couldnt win. Because our values must always be our values, even when thats not convenient, Booker said. Despite long-standing ties to Wall Street and Silicon Valley, he raised far less campaign cash than many of his opponents. He also had to face self-funding billionaires Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg. And while candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren relied on well-developed networks of small-dollar donors, Booker hadnt raised money for a race since 2014 and therefore trailed in assembling such a list of people willing to give over and over again. At one point, Booker even talked about prematurely ending his campaign unless he raised $1.7 million during the last 10 days of September. He surpassed that goal. He instead will run for re-election to the U.S. Senate. 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. Despite resigning on the first day of this month, my office must still pay him for the entire month. Thats ridiculous, Mendoza said in a statement Monday. I can think of no other enterprise that pays an ex-employee for work they never performed. Each of these lawmakers left under a cloud but stayed just long enough the first of the month to collect an exit bonus from state taxpayers for a months pay for no work. SAUL LOEB, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is heading back to Austin less than two months after his last trip here marking the presidents first visit in 2020 to Texas. This time around, Trump is scheduled to address the American Farm Bureau Federations 101st Annual Convention on Sunday, the group representing farm and ranch families announced. Photo Illustration by Kristen Hazzard/The Daily Beast/Getty Michael Bloomberg has all the money. But he may not have the math. Just eight weeks out from Super Tuesday, the richest trove of delegates on the primary calendar, the billionaire Democrat is not on track to pick up a single onedespite dropping gobs of cash and saturating the airwavesinternal polling data shared exclusively with The Daily Beast from a rival presidential campaign reveals. The Democratic National Committees primary rules stipulate that a candidate must win 15 percent of the vote statewide or 15 percent by any congressional district in order to collect any delegates. Internal models do not show Bloomberg above 10 percent in any of the first four early voting statesIowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina, where he is intentionally ceding by bypassing campaigning thereor any district in the 15 delegate-rich states set to vote on March 3. Based on polling Ive seen, both public and private, Bloomberg isnt on track to pick up a single delegate on the Super Tuesday states, even places hes got endorsements, one unattached top strategist familiar with the delegate process told The Daily Beast. Not nearly enough to get to 15 percent right now. The internal models are particularly problematic given that Bloombergs unconventional primary strategy rests on a strong Super Tuesday showing. Having decided to opt out of competing in the first four statesa tactic none of his rivals have usedhis campaign is strategizing around the March 3 events potential to kick off a wave of successes that will ultimately translate into a win for the Democratic nomination. Flooding the airwaves with ads and investing heavily in staffers, including top operatives in key states, have factored largely into the campaign's calculus for winning large amounts of the delegates up for grabs on that day. On the first Tuesday in March, California and Texas, the most populous states in the country, will hold their primaries, in which over a third of the population is expected to vote. California, where three candidatesformer Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)are neck and neck, will award the days top haul of nearly 500 delegates. Story continues Internal polling shared with The Daily Beast shows those three candidates hitting the threshold in many of the Golden States 53 districts. Biden qualifies for all of them, while Sanders qualifies for 52 and Warren for 34. Bloomberg, who has spent hundreds of millions of dollars since launching his campaign in November, currently does not qualify for a single district, according to internal modeling. Its hard for me to take that seriously, a source in Bloomberg-world told The Daily Beast when briefed on the data. Dave Jacobson, a Democratic media consultant based in Los Angeles, said Bloomberg is building an unprecedented state apparatus, hiring top political hands like Chris Myers, the former executive director of the states Democratic Party. Hes got a lot of high-profile people who hes brought into the fold, he said. Its unclear what kind of impact that will have. Still, Jacobson and multiple other unaffiliated strategists pointed to the momentum boost of the earlier states having a potentially disproportionate impact on how California Democrats will vote, with perceived electability playing a part of that. Youre going to have the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, and I think the dynamics and results of those early states will do more to inform who is going to be successful in California than anything else, he said. In Minnesota, another Super Tuesday state, two candidates currently qualify for all of the states eight districts: Biden and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who enjoys a home state advantage there. In addition, using the same metrics, Sanders and Warren each currently qualify for half of the total districts, at four. Sanders handily won the caucus in 2016, sweeping the state with 62 percent over Hillary Clintons 38 percent of the vote. Bloombergs current standing there also remains tenuous: zero qualified districts to date, the data shows. It doesnt seem like hes going to rack up the delegates he needs, Ken Martin, Minnesotas Democratic state party chairman and a member of the DNCs Rules and Bylaws Committee, which is responsible for delegate regulations, told The Daily Beast when presented with a summary of the findings. Martin, a longtime veteran of Minnesota politics, and other Democratsincluding polling experts and top campaign operatives interviewedargue theres significant risk to the strategy of skipping the four early states precisely because of the potential impact it could have on Super Tuesday. In addition to getting a momentum and media boost after Iowa and New Hampshire, the earlier contests serve as a way to try out, and potentially tweak, an effective strategy before the electorally massive March date. Its interesting that Bloomberg has forgone all four early states, Martin said. Its not about the delegate count out of [those states]. Its not just the momentum and media attention, its test-driving your organization before you get to Super Tuesday. Im surprised he didnt want to test where the holes are. Bloombergs campaign, in a flex of organizational muscle, released figures indicating that they have more than 500 staff on the ground in over 30 states. Asked for comment on this story, a campaign spokeswoman said: Every recent public poll shows major growth over the last six weeks since Mike got in the race. The spokeswoman went on to downplay the polling as a mere smear against an opponent. We are well on our way, and when a rival campaign is peddling a story about us not getting delegates in states we declined to get on the ballot in, it says a lot more about them than it does about us." The Bloomberg campaign did not comment on specific Super Tuesday states or provide supplementary data. Other Democratic insiders are less convinced the efforts will amount to a massive delegate haul. Hes trying to do what no other candidate has ever succeeded in doing. Skip four early states, take a pass on the debates, do almost no retail politics, and win solely through advertising, Matt Bennett, co-founder of the centrist think tank Third Way, told The Daily Beast. Also, his theory is based on other moderate candidates struggling, but thats not happening. There are limits to what money can do. Just over 20 days before voting commences in Iowa, the Democratic race remains fluid. Look no further than the latest Des Moines Register poll released on Friday night: Sanders narrowly tops the pack at 20 percent, inching up 5 points since the last survey by the paper was released in early November. Still, due to the recent polling scarcity among the quartet of early contests, including Iowa, the broader state of play is hazy, with several candidates standing within striking distance of each other for the #1 spot. One rival campaign source noted that the modeling does not take momentum into account, which could give some candidates a hypothetical boost. If former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who has kept pace with Sanders and Biden in the first two nominating contests, but declined in the Des Moines Register poll to 16 percent from 25 percent, outperforms expectations, he may start to qualify in more districts. Still, the same potential boost is unlikely to apply to Bloomberg, after deliberately skipping the retail politics courting process and failing to qualify for early state ballots. A bright spot for the 77-year-old former Republican mayor, however, could come much later in the calendar, when internal predictive models show him hypothetically amassing 54 delegates, 50 of which are projected to come from his home state, set to vote on April 28. The remaining four would potentially be allocated during New Jerseys primary in early June. Still, the later the date, the tougher road ahead, multiple strategists, party officials, and data experts said. The end of the contest is really about the math, the source familiar with delegate calculations said. Bloombergs going to face an uphill battle in getting delegates, Josh Putman, a political scientist specializing in delegate selection rules, told The Daily Beast. Without even considering those numbers, I would say Bloomberg is going to face uphill obstacles. Putnam pointed to what he views as a relatively low return on investment so far for the amount of money the former mayor has spent. Since launching his bid in late November, Bloomberg has already spent over $200 million on campaign ads. On Friday, NBC News reported that his campaign's apparatus will extend through the general election if he loses the nomination, reshifting their efforts at that point to defeating President Donald Trump. What hes spent so far hasnt netted him that much, he said. Its one thing to spend millions of dollars and get 5 percent of the vote. Thats not going to get you to 15 percent, or any delegates. 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. Imperial County Supervisors Applaud Inclusion of Funding for New River and Salton Sea in Governors 2020-2021 Proposed Budget El Centro, California - Friday morning, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled Californias $222 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. This marks the official beginning of the State budget process, which will culminate with the Legislatures approval of a State budget in mid-June. Included in the plan is the proposal for investments in the New River and Salton Sea. I am encouraged to learn about the Governors budget proposal that includes funding to address these public and environmental health threats that we are faced with on a daily basis with the New River and Salton Sea, stated Chairman of the Board and District 2 Supervisor Luis Plancarte. I fully support that Governor Newsom continue tackling these issues to improve the quality of life for our residents. We look forward to working with our legislators, Assemblyman Garcia and Senator Hueso, to ensure that the funding remains in the final budget. In addition to investments in many issues of priority, the Governors January budget proposal contains significant resources for climate resiliency in response to and preparation for climate impacts. The cornerstone of the Governors proposal, aligning with his Water Resilience Portfolio, is a new $4.75 billion climate resilience bond that the Governor proposes to be placed on the November 2020 ballot. If approved, the bond would provide funding to reduce specific climate risks, while moving toward achieving its carbon footprint goals. Within the proposed bond, is a $220 million allocation to support Salton Sea habitat and air quality mitigation projects within the States Salton Sea Management Plan. Furthermore, apart from the bond, the Governors proposal includes $103 million one-time General Fund for efforts to support the draft Water Resilience Portfolio, including a $28 million capital investment for the New River Improvement Project. The New River Improvement Project features a pipe that encases the contaminated water entering at the International Boundary bypassing Calexico, reroutes the wastewater discharged from the City of Calexicos treatment facility to restore some flow in the original river channel through the city, and installs a trash screen just north of the border. The estimated cost of the project is $28 million. The State Legislature will now consider Governor Newsoms budget until the Governor releases a revised version of his budget in May. Then the Legislature will need to approve a FY 2020-21 budget by June 15, 2020. Four Peebles locations in New Jersey will be converted to off-price brand department store Gordmans, a company spokesperson confirmed. The Peebles stores in Bridgeton, Rio Grande, Seaville and Browns Mills will convert over to Gordmans on Feb. 18. About a week before, those locations will close temporarily in preparation for the switch. Gordmans, which sells discounted brand-name apparel and home decor, has more than 150 locations, mostly in the Midwest. Each New Jersey store is hiring managers, assistant managers, sales associates and stockroom associates. Select job openings can be found here. There is a fifth Peebles in New Jersey, in Pennsville, but a company spokesperson would not say whether that store would be converted or closed for good. Stage Stores, which owns and operates the businesses, announced in a press release it would shutter 40 locations in 2020 while converting its Peebles, Bealls, Goodys, Stage and Palais Royal inventory to Gordmans. Stage says there will be about 700 Gordmans in the United States after all stores are converted. We are excited about our future as we fully transition to an off-price business model, chief executive officer Michael Glazer said in the statement. Compared to their performance as a department store, off-price conversions have consistently delivered higher sales with less inventory, similar retail margins, and lower SG&A. In 2017, Gordmans filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with plans to liquidate its operations, according to a report by Retail Dive. Stage Stores bought Gordmans out of bankruptcy. Stage Stores is based in Houston, Texas. Nicolette Accardi can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips MORE RETAIL AND SHOPPING COVERAGE: A mac and cheese franchise is opening its first 2 N.J. restaurants Retail store closings 2019: The list of chains that closed stores Popular salad chain Sweetgreen to open 1st N.J. location LANSDOWNE, Va., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced today that the application for its 2020 Young Scholars Program is now open. This competitive scholarship provides high-achieving students with comprehensive educational advising from 8th through 12th grade, as well as financial support for both academic and extracurricular opportunities, including summer programming, internships, and music and arts classes. "There are so many students across the country who have the talent and ambition to be incredibly successful, but are unnecessarily inhibited from an early age due to financial need," said Executive Director Seppy Basili. "The Cooke Young Scholars Program helps ensure that our most talented students are given access to the advising, academic, and college preparation opportunities that will enable them to thrive at selective colleges and universities." Every year, about 50 Cooke Young Scholars who demonstrate curiosity, passion, and drive are chosen from a pool of over 2,000 applicants. Scholars and their families work with one of the Foundation's educational advisers to create an individualized learning plan (ILP) and engage in community-building program experiences with their cohort. Among these experiences is a three-week residential program for 9th graders on a university campus, where students take advanced courses in an area of their choosing and collaborate with their peers to develop a plan for a nonprofit around their common interests. After high school, 98 percent of Cooke Young Scholars enroll in a four-year college or university, with 78 percent attending a most or highly competitive college or university. To be eligible for the Young Scholars Program, an applicant will: Be entering 8th grade in the fall of 2020 (currently in the 7 th grade). grade). Have earned grades of mostly A's since the sixth grade, with no C's or below in core academic subjects (English/language arts, math, science, social studies/history, foreign language). Share the most recent score report from their state's standardized testing. Demonstrate unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000 . Last year's cohort of new Cooke Young Scholars had a median family income of approximately $43,000 . . Last year's cohort of new Cooke Young Scholars had a median family income of approximately . Reside in the United States or a U.S. territory and plan to attend high school in the United States . The application deadline is March 23, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST. Learn more about the scholarship program or apply now: www.jkcf.org/ysp . The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $200 million in scholarships to over 2,700 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $110 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org SOURCE Jack Kent Cooke Foundation North Korea will not resume nuclear talks unless the United States unconditionally accepts its demands, a senior North Korean official said Saturday. "We have wasted our time with U.S. for more than a year and a half," said Kim Kye-gwan, a North Korean vice foreign minister, according to the official [North] Korean Central News Agency. Kim, a senior diplomat, said Kim Jong-un's relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump remains positive, noting that Kim recently received birthday greetings from Trump. "But it is a personal thing and our chairman, who represents the state and works for the benefit of the state, will not make decisions based on his personal relationship," Kim added. "For dialogue to happen, the U.S. must unconditionally accept our demands. However, we know that the U.S. is not ready to do so, or cannot do so," he added. The North Korean diplomat did not say what North Korea is demanding. North Korea regularly complains about U.S. and international sanctions, as well as joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises and weapons sales. The U.S.-North Korea talks have been stalled since February, when a Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi ended abruptly over a disagreement on how to pair sanctions relief with steps to dismantle North Korea's nuclear program. Kim, the North Korean diplomat, said "there will be no negotiations like in Vietnam, in which we proposed exchanging a core nuclear facility of the country for the lifting of some UN sanctions." Over the last two years, Trump and Kim have exchanged personal letters. Trump has hinted the two also talk on the phone. Last week, Trump insisted the relationship remains "very good," despite U.S.-North Korea talks being stalled. Zoe Kravitz stopped by Ellen on Monday, where she revealed she's training hard for her role as Catwoman in The Batman. The 31-year-old actress revealed she was actually flying to London to start production on the superhero adventure right after her appearance. Filming got under way on The Batman in London earlier this week, with Colin Farrell spotted on the set as Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. The Penguin. Zoe's training: Zoe Kravitz stopped by Ellen on Monday, where she revealed she's training hard for her role as Catwoman in The Batman Kravitz, who was wearing a black top with a white stripe and a short grey mini-skirt with black pumps, revealed she's been training hard for her Catwoman role. She added she was sitting at the Golden Globes with Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley and Michelle Pfieffer, who played Catwoman in 1992's Batman Returns, stating she was 'bowing to the queen, nervous to be in her presence.' Ellen mentioned she's flying to London that night to start production, and when asked if she's had a costume fitting yet, Kravitz said, 'We've had many.' New Catwoman: Kravitz, who was wearing a black top with a white stripe and a short grey mini-skirt with black pumps, revealed she's been training hard for her Catwoman role 'It's going really well. It's very exciting. I've been training a ton too, which has been great and hard,' Kravitz said. 'It's very physical. I come home just limping every day,' Kravitz said with a laugh. Kravitz will star alongisde Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Farrell as Cobblepot/Penguin Paul Dano as Eduard Nashton/The Riddler in The Batman. Exciting: 'It's going really well. It's very exciting. I've been training a ton too, which has been great and hard,' Kravitz said Kravitz is coming off the second season of her hit HBO series Big Little Lies, and the network has still not said if there will be a third season or not. The actress already has another show coming up, High Fidelity, which debuts February 14 on Hulu, but Kravitz insisted she would be able to do both shows if another season of Big Little Lies is ordered. 'Yeah, I think so,' Kravitz said, adding that, 'people keep on asking me and I hope so,' regarding a third season of Big Little Lies. Zoe's dad: She also spoke about her dad, rock star Lenny Kravitz, who she said was a 'really good dad' She also spoke about her dad, rock star Lenny Kravitz, who she said was a 'really good dad.' She also joined her father on stage for the first time, despite her stage fright, during one of his recent shows in New York, to 'fill in' for her mother Lisa Bonet. 'My mother used to play tambourine when he used to play the song Let Love Rule, so he said, "Would you do that like your mother used to?" It made me pretty emotional.' The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge have released a joint statement dismissing a false story published today in a UK newspaper with regards to their relationship. The statement reads: Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful. The newspaper in question is not specified. The release of the royal brothers statement comes following the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs announcement last week, in which they said they wish to step down as senior members of the royal family. World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Show all 24 1 /24 World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down US World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Canada World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Italy World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down US World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Canada World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Argentina World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down US World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Belgiam World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down US World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Brazil World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Chile World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Belgiam World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down Canada World reacts to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down UK In the statement, shared on the couples Instagram account, Meghan and Prince Harry said they wish to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. Buckingham Palace responded to their announcement by saying discussions with the couple 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, a spokesperson for the Palace said. Today, the Queen is due to be joined at Sandringham by the Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry to discuss the next steps for the Sussexes. The Duchess of Sussex will not be present at the meeting, having returned to Canada to be with her eight-month-old son, Archie, although it is reported she will call into the discussion. In case you missed it, New Jersey just made national news for our astronomically wasteful health spending on teachers. Inspiring stuff. Consider this mind-blowing loophole, explored in detail by Marshall Allen of ProPublica: The teachers health plan doesnt cap out-of-network benefits. Predictably, a line of fancy-pants acupuncturists, chiropractors and physical therapists are showing up at schools and aggressively marketing to new patients. Theyre well aware of this flaw and charge a fortune, knowing the plan will virtually always pay. Nearly $700 for a single hour with an alternative medicine guru, flown in from Japan? Just what any algebra teacher needs. Some practitioners are getting reimbursed for such a staggering number of patients under the plan that the Attorney Generals office is looking into it. Its cost our state hundreds of millions of dollars in just the past four years, ProPublica reports. And its not just taxpayers who are the victims. Its also teachers. Because these costs come back to bite them, too, in the form of rising premiums. That expense is shared between teachers and their employers about a third of the states school districts that are covered under this plan. And, of course, the property tax payers that fund these districts. Its not surprising that ProPublica singled us out. New Jersey has among the most expensive health care in the country for teachers. And even within our state, their union stands out for its refusal to cut costs. Former Gov. Chris Christie tried to push no-brainer reforms like capping out-of-network benefits, and public unions representing cops, firefighters, and government workers agreed to it. Our state is, after all, facing a serious fiscal crisis. Their members, who saved money on premiums, arent complaining about it. Yet the teachers union refused to budge. As a result, a physical therapist treating a teacher is paid an average of $351 a visit; but the same therapist treating a cop gets paid an average of $119. After premiums spiked in the teachers benefit plan by 8 and 13 percent in recent years, in part due to this absurdity, the New Jersey School Boards Association urged a sensible fix in 2017. Yet still, nothing was done. Now that Phil Murphy is governor, the New Jersey Education Association, one of his key allies, may figure that it doesnt need to negotiate with anyone. The union makes up half of the committee that oversees the teachers health plan. If just one NJEA member voted to cap these costs, this would be fixed. But no. Its telling that the union wont even come to the phone to justify this. Everybody agrees this is a reasonable and decent reform that will save their own members money, as Sen. Declan OScanlon says. So why refuse? I think they believe that it politically benefits the NJEA leadership to foment strife and resentment in their ranks and to promote the narrative that theyre being screwed, he muses. I cant think of another explanation. Its crazy. The NJEA frames this to its members not in terms of what its going to cost them, but rather: Dont let your benefits be limited in any way. Yet its teachers who will pay through the nose, every time a colleague visits the acupuncturist. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Hastily arranged peace talks brokered by Russia and Turkey have brought leaders of Libyas two warring factions to Moscow for a surprise meeting that could bring peace to the north African nation while cutting out European powers. Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, hammered out a truce leading to peace talks late last week. On Monday, just days after insisting he would not negotiate with terrorists in Tripoli, Libyas renegade commander Khalifa Haftar and his adversary Fayez al-Sarraj, prime minister of the UN-brokered Government of National Accord, arrived in the Russian capital for peace talks. By days end it remained unclear if any lasting deal would be be struck, with reports that Mr Haftars delegation had left meetings without signing a final statement expressing support for a truce. Mr Sarrajs delegation also insisted in statements to media that it had refused to sit down with Mr Haftar. It was nonetheless a stunning and unexpected turn in the Libya conflict, and another instance of Mr Putin using the levers of diplomacy to put his imprint on the geopolitics of the Middle East and north Africa. France, Italy, Germany and other European and Arab powers scrambled to catch up. Until a few weeks ago the Europeans were happy taking their sweet time, said Jalel Harchaoui, a north Africa specialist at the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think tank. Now what were seeing is not about concrete peace as about a change of venue and the emergence of Moscow as the superpower that all the actors are happy to speak with. Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Show all 12 1 /12 Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya A woman brandishing a rifle takes part in a demonstration held by Libyans and Syrians in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi to protest against Turkey's prospective military intervention AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Reuters Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Turkish members of parliament vote to send Turkish troops to Libya. They passed a bill approving a military deployment to Libya aimed at shoring up the UN-backed government in Tripoli, at a time of intensifying international tensions over the conflict. The beleaguered Tripoli government has been under sustained attack since April by military strongman General Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Turkey's regional rivals - Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Reuters Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Reuters Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya AFP via Getty Protests against Turkey sending forces to Libya Reuters Mr Haftars Libyan National Army and forces loyal to Mr Sarrajs government have been at war over the capital, Tripoli, since April, in a conflict that has cost hundreds of lives and drawn in the interference of regional powers. Mr Haftar, a former armed forces officer, launched the war promising a quick victory to his backers in Cairo and the Gulf. Western Libyan forces rallied and prevented him from entering the capital. Turkey, a strong backer of Mr Sarrajs government, in recent weeks began to deploy troops, allied Syrian fighters, and sophisticated military hardware to Libya to counter Mr Haftars forces, which are backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Turkeys overt intervention and its escalating influence in Libya has prompted alarm in France and among other backers of Mr Haftar, including eastern Mediterranean countries worried about Ankaras attempts to lay claim to offshore gas reserves. Renegade commander Khalifa Haftar (AP) News of the Russian and Turkish brokered talks set off a flurry of high-level diplomacy. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypts president and Mr Haftars primary backer and mentor, conferred with Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, over Libya. Germany now says it plans to hold long-planned Libya peace talks in Berlin on 19 January. Italy, Libyas former colonial overlord, also appeared eager to re-engage in the Libya matter. Despite praise for the deal in the Turkish press, experts say the prospects for a lasting peace are dim. Though Mr Sarraj and Mr Haftar are in Moscow there is no plan for the two men to meet. Mr Sarraj commands a measure of loyalty from the powerful armed factions that are pillars of the Government of National Accord but has little control over them. Mr Haftar could be using the peace talks to consolidate gains and buy time to rearm after his recent taking of the central Libyan city of Sirte. In the days since the ceasefire went into effect both sides have accused the other of violating its terms. Mr Haftar may have ultimately acceded to the talks under pressure from his Egyptian and Emirati backers, who were lobbied by Mr Putin. Hes cornered, said Mr Harchaoui. Hes already been given far more time and resources than he initially asked for. He cannot keep asking for more time. The Emiratis know they have time to fine tune the picture later on. Mr Putin also has a history of making flashy diplomatic announcements in order to increase Russias diplomatic leverage and standing, only to walk away and let others deal with the fallout when agreements flounder and the shooting resumes. Its premature to talk about peace, said Anas el-Gomati, a founder of the Sadeq Institute, a think tank focused on Libya. The ceasefire will be temporary. Its not designed to be operational. Its designed for consumption. Russia is not interested in Libya. Its interested in using Libya to pressure Europe and Turkey. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Arvind Gupta, 65, is the man who first broke the scam involving ICICI Banks former CEO Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and Videocon Groups Venugopal Dhoot with his letter to the Prime Minister's Office in 2016. Gupta, who has a PhD in economics and is a consultant by profession, has been fighting several such cases for the last 40 years. On January 13, after a long legal battle and a series of probes, the Enforcement Directorate attached Rs 78.15 crore worth of properties belonging to Kochhars in connection with the case. In a free-wheeling interview with Moneycontrol, Gupta said he felt redeemed with the case reaching to its logical conclusion. Edited excerpts: Q) Year 2016 was when you first flagged the case. After four years, the investigations are now reaching their logical conclusion. How does it feel? A) When you come across an important issue, you must raise it. At this stage (of the ICICI case), I feel redeemed, satisfied and can say that yes, all is not lost. My mission is to fight the injustice done to small investors by corporations. Q) Was there any point you or family were approached to step back in the ICICI Bank case? A) No, I dont think anybody has guts to pressurise me to do that in this case or any other, nor do I have a family to worry about. Im a bachelor. Q) Chanda Kochhars termination case is coming up for hearing in Bombay High Court. A) As an accused, everybody has got their right to defend. But what I understand is that the bank has got RBIs approval. Only then they proceeded in Kochhars case. Q) How was the response from regulators when you first raised the issue? A) They dont even respond. There is a huge backlog of complaints in every office. Take the case of our markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, which is supposed to take care of investors interests. It acts in a very mechanical way, and the process takes a lot of time. Our system of addressing investor concerns is still very poor. Q) Did you act as a shareholder in ICICI Bank case or an independent activist? A) Im a shareholder first. There are thousands of listed companies in the country and all of them have something or other to be spoken about. As an activist, how many cases you could take up? You dont have time to do research and follow up on all these cases. Unless you are really aggrieved and affected, it wont take the fight beyond a point. Q) How much have you invested in ICICI shares? A) I had 500 shares in ICICI bank. I still have 100 odd shares. There around 50 companies in which I have investments. In dozens of companies, my investments have gone to zero. Q) You are invested in many companies, but chose to take up ICICI case prominently. Why? A) ICICI Bank is no ordinary listed company. They are the icon of corporate governance and the countrys corporate history. If a top corporate like ICICI Bank gets involved in this kind of misgovernance, it is not hard to see what could be happening at thousands of other listed companies. It was important to raise this case. Q) It is often small investors who end up being the victims. Why? A) They always invest at a premium after trusting the company's narrative, and end up losing money. Shareholders, who form the backbone of corporate democracy and capital market, are cheated, robbed and looted. I have been asking for a safety net for shareholders. Dont give up. Get up, raise your voice and fight until you accomplish your mission. Some day, somewhere somebody will pick up the call. The biggest problem in this country is that the medias consciousnesses is compromised. The day right people come forward is when the countrys corporate culture will change. Analysis banner Business Insider Trump Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images President Donald Trump and top administration officials are offering different sometimes contradictory reasons for the US decision to assassinate the top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani earlier this month. Trump in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham on Friday said he thought Soleimani was plotting imminent strikes on four US embassies. Asked in an interview on CNN on Sunday about that claim, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he had been presented with no evidence showing that four embassies were being targeted. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware in a Sunday interview with "Fox News Sunday" said that in a classified briefing with the Trump administration on Iran, senators "got less detailed information than President Trump shared with Laura Ingraham." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In seeking to explain why the US killed the top Iranian military commander in a drone strike earlier in January, President Donald Trump and key administration officials are having a hard time settling on a clear story. With the assassination of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani perhaps among the most consequential decisions of his presidency, Trump has sought to justify it by arguing Soleimani posed an "imminent" threat and, in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham on Friday, suggesting the general was plotting attacks on not just one but four US embassies in the Middle East. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier also asserted that Soleimani posed an imminent threat but then, bafflingly, said there was no time frame in which the attacks were expected to occur. Then, in an interview on CNN on Sunday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper wound himself in a tangle of contradictions, saying he had been presented with no evidence showing that four embassies were being targeted but nonetheless shared the president's "belief" that four embassies were under threat of attack. Story continues 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, in the city of Kerman, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Erfan Kouchari/Tasnim News Agency via AP Lawmakers say the information presented to Congress in classified briefings has not made the case Soleimani presented an imminent threat any more compelling. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a Democrat, in an interview with "Fox News Sunday" accused the president of sharing more information on the strike with Ingraham on Friday than he had with lawmakers. "Frankly in the classified briefing that lasted 75 minutes and had virtually the entire Senate there, we got less detailed information than President Trump shared with Laura Ingraham," Coons told the host Chris Wallace. "So we were told repeatedly that there was reliable intelligence of an imminent threat, that's it." Wallace later interviewed the White House national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, about why lawmakers were not briefed with information on a specific threat to four US embassies the president felt free to share with millions on TV. "He is telling Laura Ingraham, our esteemed colleague, but in a 75-minute classified briefing your top national security people never mention this to members of Congress," Wallace said. "Why not?" O'Brien's response echoed Esper's refusing to confirm that specific intelligence indicated a threat to four embassies, while describing the president's assertion as nonetheless "consistent" with the intelligence available. "It is always difficult to know exactly what the targets are, but it certainly is consistent with the intelligence to assume they would have hit embassies in at least four countries," O'Brien said. Robert C' O Brien Michael Campanella/Getty Images Further undermining the president's case, NBC News reported Monday that Trump had authorized the killing of Soleimani seven months ago as one of numerous acceptable retaliatory actions should Iran escalate its aggression against the US. NBC News, citing numerous officials, said Trump was prepared to kill Iran's top general only if an American life was lost amid escalating tensions. That occurred December 27, when an Iran-backed militia in Iraq killed a US contractor in a rocket attack on a base in Iraq. Thus according to this account the killing was seen as a severe punishment for the loss of an American life, signaling Iran had crossed a red line and warning against future escalations. It was not reportedly at that time seen as a last resort to be used only if imminent threats presented themselves from Iran. The assassination of Soleimani has set off a chain of events that throw the region in to chaos. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Tehran after the Iranian government, poised for US retaliation for airstrikes Iran had launched on targets in Iraq, accidentally shot down a civilian airliner. As the consequences of the strike continue to play out in Iran and across the world, the Trump administration is sure to face questions about why it can't get its story straight. Read the original article on Business Insider (Newser) At a modest 1,020 feet, the Taal volcano in the Philippines is one of the world's smallest, notes the AP. But because so many people live nearby, it's also considered one of the world's most dangerous, a volcanologist tells CNN. Nearly half a million people near Manila can now attest to that, as they've been urged to evacuate. The volcano on the island of Luzon, about 40 miles south of the capital city, began erupting Sunday, reports New Scientist. Huge plumes of ash have sent about 30,000 people closest to the volcano in Batangas and Cavite provinces fleeing to safer ground. But lava began spewing from Taal on Monday, and authorities are worried that a larger eruption is imminent. They've requested a "total evacuation" of everyone within a radius of 10.5 miles. story continues below Meanwhile, transportation is difficult because of fallen ash, and some people are refusing to leave. "We have a problemour people are panicking due to the volcano because they want to save their livelihood, their pigs and herds of cows," says Mayor Wilson Maralit of the town of Balete. "We're trying to stop them from returning and warning that the volcano can explode again anytime and hit them." No deaths or major damage have yet been reported in the new eruption. The nation's main airport, in Manila, shut down Sunday but has partially reopened since then. The volcano's last major eruption occurred in 1965, when more than 200 people were injured. (Read more volcanoes stories.) Imagine you are flipped upside down and standing on your head. After a few seconds, you would feel pressure in your head due to an increased blood flow. Humans and other vertebrates are known to have physiological reactions to gravity with reactions increasing with body size. A new study by Jake Socha, professor in biomedical engineering and mechanics in Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, published in in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences journal, "Physiological Responses to Gravity in an Insect" shows that insects experience similar physiological effects of gravity. With Jon Harrison, professor of environmental physiology at Arizona State University, and undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, Socha assessed the effect of gravity on insects and discovered an active response called functional compartmentalization. To determine the effect on Schistocerca americana, commonly known as the American grasshopper, the team analyzed X-ray images at Argonne National Laboratory to observe their internal systems. In some images, the grasshoppers were head-up, and in others the grasshoppers' heads faced the ground. When analyzing the X-ray images of grasshoppers, the researchers discovered that air sacs located in the head had greatly expanded when the insect was head-up (upright) while air sacs in the abdomen were smaller. When the animal was head-down, the opposite was true: the air sacs in the lower part of the body of the head were decreased in size while the air sacs in the thorax were greatly expanded. "No one expected that a small insect would have any type of response due to their gravitational orientation," Socha said, who is also the director of Virginia Tech's BIOTRANS, an interdisciplinary graduate team of biologists and engineers who work together to study transport in environmental and physiological systems. "This project started by seeing some weird things in X-ray images and asking questions." Their discoveries indicate that the pressure of gravity may affect the insect's body and its bodily systems, just as in humans. This is counterintuitive to scientific thought and could have larger implications in future research. Socha compared this effect to diving into a deep swimming pool. As a person dives lower down into the water, there is more pressure. This same concept applies to the grasshopper's body. The part of the body that is lower, or beneath the rest of the body, has higher blood pressure and thus, the air sacs are compressed. However, when the insect is awake, the response is different. The air sacs change less in response to orientation. To further analyze this active response, called functional compartmentalization, the researchers further examined the grasshopper. "Our findings suggest that animals had control of the inside of their bodies," Socha said. "Earlier this year, we published a paper with a similar finding. We analyzed beetles and found they had active body responses to compensate for forces on their bodies. So, we were interested in the other physiological responses of other animals." Grasshoppers and other insects have open circulatory systems, which means that their blood is not contained in closed arteries or veins. Classic understanding of open circulatory systems is that blood flows freely within the body, like liquid in a bottle, and that pressures inside the body would all be similar. The research team discovered that these insects, in fact, could separate, or alter, internal body pressures with a flexible valving system. "This was remarkable," Socha said. "We had been seeing odd occurrences in X-rays, so we had ideas that something was going on. Finding this gave us the evidence to conclude that grasshoppers do have a mechanism to counteract gravity, which is counterintuitive to most scientists." The researchers also found that grasshoppers' heart rates change with orientation just as observed in humans. Humans sometimes feel dizzy when standing up too quickly because gravity impedes blood flow to the brain; fast-acting reflexes cause the heart to pump harder to overcome this gravity effect. Even though insects do not have a closed circulatory system with veins and arteries, most insects typically have a tube-like heart. These researchers found that the grasshopper's heart rate would slow when head-down and beat faster when head-up, thus providing more evidence to point to insects' systems not only being affected by gravity but having active, physiological responses to compensate for gravity's effects, contrary to scientific prediction. "We have multiple indicators pointing to the grasshoppers responding to its body orientation," Socha said, also an affiliate faculty member in Virginia Tech's biological sciences and mechanical engineering departments. "They respond physiologically to its orientation relative to gravity and have mechanisms inside its body to be able to deal with it. Grasshoppers are able to change their heart rate, respiratory rate, and functionally compartmentalize their bodies to control pressure." ### Other Virginia Tech researchers collaborating on the project include Hodjat Pendar, research assistant professor in biomedical engineering and mechanics, and Khaled Adjerid, previously a doctoral student in the department. Written by Laura Weatherford A police report listed drugs as a possible factor in the shooting. The report indicates that before he died, the victim told police he was involved in a transaction with two other people through the front drivers side window, and one of the people pulled out a pistol and shot him in the head. Lahore HC says ruling against leader unconstitutional. Islamabad: A Pakistan court Monday annulled the death sentence handed to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, ruling that the special court which had found him guilty of high treason last year was unconstitutional. A three-member bench at Lahore high court headed by Justice Mazhar Ali Akbar and comprising Justice Mohammad Ame-er Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahan-gir on Monday announced the unanimous verdict on Gen. Musharrafs plea against the setting up of the special court. The filing of the complaint, the constitution of the court, the selection of the prosecution team are illegal, declared to be illegal... And at the end of the day the full judgment has been set aside, the government prosecutor, Ishtiaq A. Khan, said. The decision means Gen. Musharraf is a free man, he added. Yes, he is a free man. Right now there is no judgment against him any longer, Mr Khan said. Gen. Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court in December on treason charges stemming from his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007. Gen. Musharraf in self-imposed exile in Dubai had denounced the ruling it as a vendetta and the military expressed its disappointment. The original ruling marked the first time a former leader of the armed forces had faced such a sentence for treason in Pakistan. Gen. Musharraf was facing treason trial under Article 6 of the Constit-ution as well as Section 2 of the High Treason Act for imposing emergency in the country on Nove-mber 3, 2007, that also resulted in the suspension of 61 judges of the superior judiciary, including then Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. On November 29, 2007, he took oath as a civilian President and lifted the emergency. The environment minister stated that post-Brexit trade deals will not allow chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-treated beef. Britons have received some reassuring news from their environment secretary. After years of debate over whether or not chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef from the United States will be allowed into the United Kingdom following Brexit, Theresa Villiers has stated that it will not. In an interview with Countryfile, secretary Villiers said, "There are legal barriers to the imports and those are going to stay in place. We will defend our national interests and our values, including our high standards of animal welfare." She also stated that the government will "hold the line" on this even if insisted upon by the U.S. president in trade talks. No doubt this will frustrate U.S. trade negotiators and poultry farmers, who have invested considerable effort into trying to convince the UK that its meat is safe for consumption. Just last year, the U.S. government paid for a $100,000 press junket that took British journalists on poultry farm tours. It's good to see Villiers sticking up for British agricultural standards, which are far from perfect themselves, but at least do not take the 'sledgehammer' approach that the Americans do relying on chlorine to fix all the problems that arise from keeping animals confined in horrible conditions. To quote Dan Nosowitz of Modern Farmer: "Tiny spaces, wildly overbred birds that have difficulty standing up, and mass production that results in heavily soiled, contaminated birds. Chlorine, by the EUs way of thinking, encourages such bad behavior. After all, why bother to treat your birds well, when its expensive and can all be cleaned off by a 50-parts-per-million chlorine solution?" The BBC says the argument over farming standards has been ongoing between the U.S. and European countries since 1997, and the U.S. was hoping to crack into the British market following Brexit. "Leaked trade documents showed the U.S. tried to establish how far the UK would, after Brexit, detach from the EU's hard line against U.S. farm trade methods. U.S. officials had made a presentation and repeatedly raised the 'unscientific approach the EU maintains towards Pathogen Reduction Treatments [chlorinated chicken]'." Now that is looking less favorable for the Americans. Maybe the U.S. should reconsider its methods, rather than get angry at the rest of the world for not accepting them. General Motors began laying off 240 temporary workers Friday at its Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in northeast Indiana. GM had been in talks with the United Auto Workers over the status of these workers, many of whom were reportedly eligible for regular positions. When UAW negotiators failed to agree to the companys terms, mindful of the explosion such a maneuver would provoke among the rank and file, the company instead chose to fire them. The company is offering to continue employing them as temporary part-time (TPT) workers, who receive smaller wages and fewer benefits. The move exposes the bogus pathway to full-time status for temps under the new GM contract, a sellout forced through by the UAW after its betrayal of the 40-day nationwide strike at GM last September and October. The union sabotaged the strike by isolating it to GM, starving workers on $250 per week strike pay and subjecting pickets to information blackouts. Meanwhile, bribed company agents such as Vance Pearson and union president Gary Jones, since forced to resign after being publicly implicated in the federal corruption probe of the UAW, worked behind closed doors with the company to enforce massive concessions. Under the new contract, temporary workers must work for three years consecutively in order to be hired in at full-time positions. If they are laid off for more than 30 consecutive days, the clock resets and they must start over from the bottom. There is also no language limiting the proportion of the workforce GM can fill with temps. This amounts to a blank check to allow the company to begin the transition to an all-casual, highly exploited workforce. The move also exposes the fanfare in the Detroit media at the beginning of last week over the hiring-in of the first group of temporary workers with at least three years employment. The fulfillment of the companys contractual obligations was played up as a magnanimous and unexpected act by General Motors and Ford, and a reason for sunny optimism for temporary workers. But at Fort Wayne, far more temporary workers were fired on Friday240than hired in on Monday148. This sets the pattern for the future: a small trickle of temps hired in, with the rest strung out on a nearly unattainable pathway before being disposed of. At Fiat Chrysler, whose high proportion of temporary workers gives it a considerable cost advantage over the other Detroit automakers, no significant numbers of temps were hired in on Monday. This is because the contract the UAW negotiated with them did not even include a nominal pathway, allowing FCA to keep autoworkers as temps indefinitely. There can be no doubt that the vindictive measures at Fort Wayne are motivated, at least in part, by the fact that the plant was one of the centers of rank-and-file opposition to the contract last year. Hourly workers narrowly voted against the national agreement but given the full-court press by the UAW to ram the contract through, this official vote tally by the union was likely a significant understatement of the real levels of opposition. Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter reporters outside of informational meetings before the vote, workers expressed a desire to expand their struggle across the entire industry. Many were already aware of the Silao Sevena group of Mexican GM workers fired for supporting their striking brothers and sisters in the US. Many workers at the Ft. Wayne plant posted information about the Mexican workers on local Facebook pages and issued statements of support for the victimized workers who make the same GM pickup model as the workers in Indiana. In a statement to members, Rich LeTourneau, chairman of UAW Local 2209, implored the company to hire in the temporary workers as a cost-saving maneuver. If we can't come to a temp agreement, they will be forced to hire transfers on layoff from [Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly], which is scheduled to go down for at least a year beginning March 1, in order to fill vacancies due to retirements. Hiring the higher-seniority workers from D-HAM would be a more expensive proposition than hiring in temporaries as in-progression workers, LeTourneau argued. LeTourneaus concern for General Motors bottom line sums up the pro-company standpoint of the UAW. Moreover, by framing the issue as a choice between hiring temps and hiring full-time workers on layoff, he is working consciously to divide autoworkers against each other along generational lines. The UAW is essentially arguing that the company should save money by hiring in temporary workers while leaving high-seniority workers without jobs. This demonstrates that one of the essential purposes of the contract was to drive older workers out of the plant and replace them with temps and in-progression workers. Indeed, LeTourneaus reference in his statement to 178 workers due to retire March 1 apparently refers to those workers at the plant who took buyouts under the Special Attrition Program in the current contract. More than 2,000 legacy workers are expected to leave the plants under the program. The company has some big decisions to make in the next 48 hours, he added. If they do nothing at all, they will run the risk of topping the charts on unscheduled overtime, LeTourneau complained, adding that the overtime costs for higher-paid senior workers would cost the company an extra $35 to $45 million in 2020. With the complicity of the UAW, GM is running its plants at full capacity and using forced overtime both to make up for lost production and as retribution for the strike. Workers at GMs Customer Care and Aftersales (CCA) warehouse in Pontiac have told the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter that their facility has been working forced overtime since the end of the strike in October. Management told one worker that every GM parts distribution center is currently working under a similar schedule. Another autoworker, who was recently accepted for a temporary position at the soon-to-be-idled Detroit Hamtramck plant (D-Ham). said that management had told them during their orientation that he would be working ten-hour days, seven days per week until the plant shuts down at the end of February. The worker also pointed out that once temporary workers reported back to the plant when the plant restarts, supposedly in 2021, temporary workers will not be able to accrue enough time to be hired in as regular employees until after the 2023 contractwhen the goalposts can easily be moved again. We went to the union hall for two days. A lot of [new hires] there had no knowledge of the UAW, and the union was telling them crap. They made it seem like the UAW was the best thing since sliced bread and not to listen to the news or read the paper. The UAW has [tens of millions] of GM shares, he added. Another thing they were saying was that the local union has control over the manpower. Then what does the management even do? We should break from the UAW, he concluded. Theyve lost their luster. The union is going to go after the workers and say, Shut up and take it. Now management doesnt want to deal with you because the union will deal with you for them. I think we should be global, thats the only way to fight these global companies. They have plants everywhere. Why shouldnt the workers rally? These mass layoffs underscore the need for workers to build rank-and-file factory committees, independent of the corrupt UAW, to begin a fight against job cutting and the consequences of the 2019 sellout agreements. Yahoo Life Other famous women have spoken out about their own battles with hair loss over the years, and every time, say experts, the impact is invaluable. The Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department will begin using robotic scavengers for cleaning sewers. Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Razia Sultana on Monday said the project will be started from Muktsar on the festival of Maghi, which falls on Tuesday. The minister said in the first phase, a hi-tech machine, 'Bandicoot', designed by Kerala's Genrobotics will start human-free sewerage cleaning in Sri Muktsar Sahib. "It will save employees from dangers of grave problems caused by manual cleaning of sewerage and exposure to toxic gases," she said in a release. "This advance practice will also guard those involved in the manual cleaning of sewerage against fatal infections," she said, adding that Punjab had become the seventh state in the country to introduce the technique. These carbon-bodied robots are water-proof and equipped with sensors to ascertain toxic gases inside sewer pipes, she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Queen will meet senior royals at Sandringham on Monday to discuss the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs future role. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry surprised the nation when they announced their plans to step down as senior royals in a statement shared last Wednesday. Today the Royal Family will meet at the Queens Norfolk estate to discuss exactly how the Sussexes new role will work. But what questions will be discussed? The royals are holding talks today to discuss Harry and Meghan's future role. [Photo: Getty] Security As senior royals, the Duke and Duchess received police protection officers paid for by British taxpayers. READ MORE: Prince Harry steels himself for historic summit with Royal Family It is unknown what level of security they will receive going forward, and who will pay for this. It was revealed by the Sunday Times the couples security may be downgraded, with a protection squad armed with tasers rather than guns. Official duties The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in their statement that they will continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. However, it is yet to be seen how much they will participate in official royal duties going forward. Cashing in on royal status It is to be seen how much money the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be able to continue to claim from being royals, at the cost of the taxpayer. Harry and Meghans new official website Sussexroyal.com explains that the couples plans mean they will no longer receive funding through the Sovereign Grant from the taxpayer. However, it remains unclear how much of their future income they will be able to claim from their royal status. Homes The couple announced their intention to continue to use Frogmore Cottage as their base in the UK. This is a royal residence that last year was renovated at a cost of 2.4m by the taxpayer. As the head of the Royal Family, presumably the Queen will need to give the couple permission to maintain this home. Work The couple expressed that they value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing, according to the Funding page on the Sussex Royal website. Story continues Exactly what form this could take is unknown Meghan has previously worked as a professional actress, while Harry served in the British Army for 10 years. This has previously proved difficult for other members of the Royal Family. For instance, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, quit her PR job in 2001 to become a full-time royal following an entrapment controversy. Citizenship Meghan Markle grew up in Los Angeles, US, as an American citizen. Upon her engagement to Prince Harry, Kensington Palace announced she would be applying for British citizenship. However, its unknown whether she would go on to hold dual American citizenship. With the couples announcement they will go on to split their time between the UK and North America going forward (and all signs pointing to a more long-term stay in Canada), it is unknown whether Harry will have the right to work or live in this region. READ MORE: Harry and Meghan seek global trademark for 'Sussex Royal' brand Baby Archie was born in the UK, but it is unknown what could happen to his citizenship going forward. Carbon footprint The Sussexes faced criticism last summer over their private jet usage they reportedly travelled by private jet more than four times during this period, including a holiday in Ibiza and a visit to Sir Elton Johns 15m villa in Nice in the south of France. Shortly afterwards, the couple launched a new ecotravel initiative called Travalyst. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to speak in San Francisco on Monday afternoon during a visit to the Bay Area. Following a morning discussion at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, Pompeo will participate in a sold-out conversation organized by the Commonwealth Club. During the chat, Pompeo is expected to "discuss current foreign policy challenges and issues with economic security." CEO of Silicon Valley Leadership Group Carl Gaurdino will host the conversation. The event, happening at 4 p.m. at the Commonwealth Club's Taube Family Auditorium at 110 The Embarcadero, will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS-8QEjg82U. Following the conversation, Pompeo will reportedly head to a dinner in the city with leaders from the tech industry. Pompeo's visit to the Bay Area comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran are running high, with Pompeo having just announced new sanctions against the country on Friday. 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. It looks like there will be no black, and indeed no non-white, candidates on the debate stage this month when the leading Democratic contenders square off in Iowa. Thats because no non-white candidate has met the objective criteria, including popularity in polls, for participating. According to the Washington Post, critics say that the all-white debate stage threatens to undercut the partys rhetoric of inclusivity. But are rank-and-file black Democrats distressed by the absence of debaters who share their skin color? I doubt it. Black Democrats have not supported black presidential candidates in this cycle. They prefer the very white Joe Biden. The latest poll of black Dems nationally finds Biden with 48 percent of the support. Bernie Sanders, at 20 percent, is the only other candidate in double figures. Cory Booker comes in fifth with a meager 4 percent. I dont assume that blacks will regret the absence on stage of a candidate they have resoundingly rejected. The fact is that if black Democrats supported Booker in large numbers, he would be on the stage. If they had supported Kamala Harris in large numbers, she wouldnt have seen the need to quit the race, and she would be on the stage. But black Democrats seem to be largely color blind when it comes to evaluating this cycles crop of candidates. Bless them for that. Equally praiseworthy is the fact that they seem to be unmoved by any form of identity politics. Two old white men Biden and Sanders are their top picks. Elizabeth Warren garnered only 9 percent of black support in the poll cited above. Thats only slightly more than half of her number among all Democrats. White feminists may be heavy into Warren. Black women clearly are not. Looking at these poll results, Dan Balz, the Posts most widely respected political analyst, suggests that this years quest for the Democratic nomination boils down to a struggle between the partys progressive wing and its African-American wing. Theres something to that. I will say this: If theres a comparatively sane lane in which to gain traction in this years primary race, its thanks to African-American Democrats. Nearly all of the smartest people I know have been saying that Joe Biden wont be the nominee. They may be right. However, recent history suggests that black Democrats get the nominee they prefer. This year, they prefer Joe Biden, and by a wide margin. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced withdrawal of the book written by one of its functionaries which compared PM Narendra Modi to Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The move came after an uproar by the states ruling parties, Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Union minister for information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said Jai Bhagwan Goyal has apologised and withdrawn his book. Shivaji Maharaj is the worlds greatest warrior and a legendary king who has worked tirelessly for the people. He inspires people even today. We have always regarded him as incomparable. Goyal has written the book, but it has nothing to do with the BJP. It wasnt a party project and after we also expressed our displeasure, he has apologised and has withdrawn the book. I think the controversy should rest, Javadekar said. Earlier, the Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had stepped up pressure on the BJP. Congress said it would stage protests across Maharashtra on Tuesday, while the NCP has demanded immediate withdrawal of the book written by Goyal, a former Sena activist in Delhi. The book titled Aaj Ke Shivaji - Narendra Modi was released on Sunday. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is known to establish Swarajya by taking with him people from all castes and communities. He cannot be compared to Narendra Modi whose divisive policies like CAA, NRC are causing communal tensions. Maharaj is our revered deity and a source of inspiration for Maharashtra. We cannot tolerate the insult to Maharaj. The BJP should immediately withdraw the book and take action against the author, said Balasaheb Thorat, Maharashtra Congress chief. Senior NCP leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal said the BJP sought votes in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra and is now comparing him to Modi. Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said the BJP should ban the distribution of the book and should officially announce that it has no links to the books publication. The book was released at the BJP office in Delhi and faced strong criticism from many quarters. Protests have been held at many places by several organisations in the state on Monday. Modi supporters have been comparing him with Lord Ram and Lord Shiva, but now they have compared him with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj brought peoples rule, whereas what the Modi government says is being considered the rule, Bhujbal said. Shivaji Maharaj has always fought against injustice being meted out by those sitting in Delhi. He took everyone along. In his army, around 13 to 14 commanders were Muslims. After declaring Raigad as the capital, Jijamata (Shivajis mother) and Maharaj had a conversation that they have Mandirs, but dont have a Masjid for Muslims in the vicinity, and then constructed one. In contrast, it is evident from the way Modi and his people are working, the legislations they are bringing in, that they are working against a particular community, he added, demanding a ban on the book. Raut said. The book is an insult to the Maratha King and the people of Maharashtra. Shivaji Maharaj cannot be compared with anyone. It should be banned. The Sena leader asked Udayanraje Bhosale and Shivendraraje Bhosale, the descendants of Shivaji, who are in the BJP, to resign over the issue. The descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who are occupying the seat of Satara and Kolhapur, are in the BJP. Some are MPs, some are MLAs and some are former MLAs. We asked them to take a stand on the comparison of Maharaj with political leaders. Whats wrong in that? Raut asked. We common people are fighting for the respect of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and we will do so. But you are descendants of Shivaji Maharaj and the biggest responsibility falls on you. You should have immediately resigned, he said. Meanwhile, Goyal said he too has the right of freedom of speech and expression and accordingly, he wrote what he felt. Shivaji Maharaj brought the rule of the people and I believe the same is being implemented by the Prime Minister. He is working for everyone, irrespective of their religion. This is what I have written in the book. It has nothing to do with the BJP, but if my party wants, I am ready to make changes in it. I have gifted the book to Shyam Jaju, national vice-president, requesting him to read the book, Goyal said. Goyal also said the Sena has left core Hindutva values for power. I was in Sena for 20 years and was chief of the partys north India unit. I was the first person in the country who was arrested for the demolition of Babri Masjid, but Shiv Sena has now become Sonia Sena, he alleged. Reacting to the controversy, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said that no one can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and PM Modi too will not do this, but that opposition parties are making a controversy out of nothing. Some people use a simile Jaanta Raja (the wise king) for NCP chief Sharad Pawar, which is also being used for Shivaji Maharaj, but no one has objected. Similarly, after war with Bangladesh, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was compared with Goddess Durga. It doesnt mean that Indira Gandhi was her incarnation, Mungantiwar said. Congresss state-wide protest will see partys key leaders participating in the protest. The party leaders will hold the protest at Tilak Bhavan in Dadar at 11am. All the district units of the party have been directed to stage the protest at the district level. Besides office bearers at the district level, ministers and legislators too have been directed to participate in the protest, another Congress leader said. The city unit of the party staged a protest at Azad Maidan on Monday. The party workers also burnt the effigy of the author. Mumbai Congress chief Eknath Gaikwad said that they will not allow copies of the book to be sold in the market. Meanwhile, the Sakal Maratha Samaj in Thane has written a letter to Uddhav Thackeray, demanding a stop on the circulation of the book. A few members of the organisation also staged a protest at Talaopali on Monday. But what about the Clinton Foundation? And how about the sale of Uranium One? And Hillary Clintons private email server? There are still some folks -- card-carrying members of the "Lock her up!" crowd -- who see endless nefariousness behind anything and everything that either Bill or Hillary Clinton got near. Or was assumed to have been involved in. For many -- those who believe most everything they hear on talk radio, and get all their so-called news from dubious sources inside the right-wing echo chamber -- the ongoing duplicity of all things Clinton remains a staple food. Which would mean, of course, that they missed the recent report that the Department of Justice had ended its never-credible probe into the Clinton Foundation, the sale of Uranium One while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state, and the foolishness about her private email server. Because there was nothing there to be found. The headline could have read: "Clinton exonerated; Justice Department does its job." But because we now live in two worlds -- one fact-based, the other centered on conspiracies -- folks who reside in the latter are doubtless still fretting over the imagined misdeeds of the Clintons. One would think they'd tire of such foolishness, but for some members of the anti-Clinton set, the latest conspiracies are like a drug. They need another fix to quell their desire. The Justice Department began to look into the Clinton Foundation in November 2017 when then-Attorney General Jefferson Sessions, bowing to pressure from President Donald Trump and conservatives who were following his conspiratorial lead, named John Huber, U.S. attorney in Utah, to probe supposed improprieties. At Trump's urging, the probe was expanded to include Uranium One and the Clinton emails -- and who knows what all else. But, according to a report in The Washington Post last week, Huber wound down his investigation, effectively ending it, because he found nothing. Thats right, nothing. But it wasn't officially put in the books. There was no announcement. Why? It's reasonable to assume that Trump, surely the least-gracious winner of a presidential election in our nation's history, wouldn't want to hear such news. So keeping it quiet, just letting the probe dry up and blow away, may have seemed the best bet. But the facts are clear: The Justice Department did its job, and Clinton was exonerated. Seventeen employees at the University of Texas at Austin, including three faculty members and one research fellow, were found to have violated the flagships sexual misconduct policies between November 2017 and December 2019, according to a university document released on Jan. 9. One faculty member, a professor in the department of integrative biology, Johann Hofmann, allegedly tried to start a consensual relationship with a graduate student and made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to the student, who contacted administrators in December 2017, the document shows. A professor in the college of pharmacy, Kevin Dalby, allegedly made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to a student. A third faculty member, Coleman Hutchison, did not disclose a consensual, romantic relationship with a graduate student and made inappropriate comments, including about the attractiveness of women faculty members and other women scholars in front of graduate students, according to the report. Hofmann and Dalby denied some of the allegations and tried to provide context regarding others, according to the universitys records, which were released in response to a public information request. All three men were punished by the university, which said through a spokesperson that sexual misconduct violates the values and policies of UT Austin. Every individual who serves our university must feel valued, respected and free to learn and work in a safe environment, said UT-Austin spokesperson J.B. Bird. Transparency around past violations, which is mandated by the Texas Public Information Act, is an important step toward accountability. Hofmann was temporarily barred from holding an administrative or leadership position within the university and from supervising graduate students on his own, was suspended for one semester without pay, and was removed as a lab facilities director. Dalby was temporarily prohibited from sole-supervising graduate students. Hutchison was, for a time, barred from supervising graduate students on his own, being appointed to an administrative or leadership position at the university, or being promoted to full professor. All three faculty members received written reprimands, had to discuss their behavior with college officials and had to develop plans to manage their professional working relationships with students. Of the 14 other employees on the list, 10 resigned or were terminated, including a supervisor with UT Libraries and director and lecturer in the Department of Radio-Television-Film who allegedly made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature and engaged in unwelcome physical contact with multiple students. (Both denied the allegations, according to the university records.) Five of the employees are barred from future employment with the university, and one of the 10 a research fellow in the Department of Geography and the Environment who allegedly attempted, on multiple occasions, to engage in unwelcome physical contact with a faculty member resigned for unrelated reasons. UT has about 3,000 teaching faculty members and 24,000 staff members, including student and seasonal employees, Bird said. A human resources department coordinates the disciplinary process for staff. The provosts office oversees the process for tenured and tenure-track faculty. Although UT has provided a similar summary before, the recent release follows months of protests by UT-Austin students angered that two professors punished for sexual misconduct violations had returned to the classroom to teach undergraduates. Both mens cases had been reported in the news media and one of the men, Hutchison, was included in the records released Thursday. The other, professor Sahotra Sarkar, was suspended for a semester after students complained he asked them to pose for nude photos and swim with him at a nude beach. He was placed on half-time leave without pay and restricted from teaching or advising students during the suspension. Sarkar who disputed the allegations in a statement to the university resumed teaching undergraduates in 2017. Hutchison returned this fall. But UT-Austin students have recounted their shock at learning about their professors behavior through friends or on Twitter, and protesters have demanded that information about all faculty members found to have violated school misconduct policies be publicized. A university spokesperson, Shilpa Bakre, has said UT does not proactively publish the names of policy violators but would review the students request. The university has also formed a working group with students to address protesters concerns and hired a law firm to review its sexual misconduct-related policies. Students and officials including UT-Austin President Greg Fenves are expected to have a forum on the topic Jan. 27. An earlier list from UT-Austin shows 11 employees, including Sarkar, were found to have violated its sexual misconduct policy between 2013 and November 2017. Complainants reported sexual misconduct, including allegations that Sarkar invited complainants to go swimming with him at nude beach, propositioned complainants to pose nude for photographs, held many school-related meetings at bars, and led discussions that were sexual in nature and uncomfortable for the complainants, part of the entry about Sarkar says. Other employees made inappropriate comments that were sexual in nature or were involved in a series of inappropriate and uncomfortable interactions with a female coworker. One employee at the time was alleged to have cornered a coworker in a storage room and grabbed the coworker by the hips and tried to kiss her. The accused employee issued an apology letter and was quickly fired. Another allegedly waved a picture at 2 coworkers that made them uncomfortable and had a history of making inappropriate comments to women, including talking about womens clothing, womens bodies, and making masturbating hand gestures. He denied the behaviors, but a UT office determined there was sufficient evidence that he violated a school policy barring sexual misconduct and related behaviors. The employee received a warning letter, according to the summary sheet. Of the 11 employees listed, four were terminated, three were not rehired and one a former academic adviser and coordinator accused of racial harassment, using homophobic slang and making sexual comments directed at females resigned. In an unrelated situation, UT-Austin is also reviewing concerns about Department of Classics professor Thomas Hubbard, specifically his academic writings about the age at which boys can consent to sexual relations, including an article titled Sexual Consent and the Adolescent Male, or What Can We Learn from the Greeks? An excerpt from that article says, Contemporary American legislation premised on childrens incapacity to consent to sexual relations stems from outmoded gender constructions and ideological preoccupations of the late Victorian and Progressive Era; that it has been extended to protection of boys is a matter of historical accident, rather than sound social policy. Rigorous social science and historical comparanda suggest that we should consider a different age of consent for boys and girls. In December, a small group protested outside Hubbards home. A 50-minute livestream of the incident showed people banging on the door of the house and Hubbard being escorted out by police. Fenves has said he understands the concern over Hubbards writings about sexual relations between teenagers and adults and personally finds them outrageous. Fenves said the university has assigned Hubbard to teach Classics courses that do not relate to the controversial topics in his writings for the last few years but was reviewing complaints about classes last semester and would take appropriate action, within the bounds of academic freedom and the constitutionally protected right to free speech. Hubbard, who did not respond to a request for comment, has told other news outlets that he condemns rape and writes about pederasty the romantic courtship of adolescent males rather than pedophilia. Student protesters also interrupted a class taught by Sarkar last semester. Sarkar and the three faculty members found to have violated sexual misconduct policies since November 2017 did not respond immediately to requests for comment. This story originally was published in The Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2020/01/09/ut-austin-acknowledges-17-cases-sexual-misconduct-employees/. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Topics Texas Education Universities Princes William and Harry gave a rare display of public unity yesterday to condemn claims that the Duke of Sussex had been bullied out of the Royal Family by his own brother. Their joint statement described reports in The Times as offensive and potentially harmful in light of their work on mental health. It read: Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful. William and Harry, along with the Duchess of Cambridge, collaborated on the Heads Together campaign to stamp out the stigma on mental health issues. All three royals have campaigned extensively against bullying. Princes William and Harry gave a rare display of public unity yesterday to condemn claims that the Duke of Sussex had been bullied out of the Royal Family by his own brother. Pictured: The brothers in 2018 It would be unusual even under normal circumstances for the brothers to issue a joint statement on any single story in the media. One of the last times they did so was when an Italian magazine published distressing images of their dying mother in 2006. Since the rift that led to the division of their joint household last year, many presumed it would never happen again. But the brothers were stung into action by yesterdays Times article, which reported that an insider suggested Harry and Meghan regarded themselves as having been pushed away by what they saw as a bullying attitude from the Duke of Cambridge. It added the Sussexes wanted to step away from their royal role after two years of constantly being told their place. The newspaper said the source, who knows the couple well, dates the rift back to before their wedding in 2018 as Harry felt his brother was insufficiently welcoming towards Meghan when they first started dating. The source was also quoted as saying of William and his wife Kate: From the start their response was not very clever, not very friendly. William and Harry, along with the Duchess of Cambridge, collaborated on the Heads Together campaign to stamp out the stigma on mental health issues. Pictured: Harry, Meghan, William and The Duchess of Cambridge in March last year Quite early on they decided, right, we are going to tell these people their place and we are going to push them away. Royal aides made clear yesterday that the brothers were deeply unhappy with the claims. However, they did not comment on or reject other allegations, including that Meghan was determined to walk away from the Royal Family but heartbroken that Harry felt torn by his decision to leave the UK. A source in the Sussex camp described the suggestion that William had bullied his brother as deeply disappointing. Suggestions of a rift between the pair are not new. Royal aides made clear yesterday that the brothers were deeply unhappy with the claims. Pictured: The brothers in 2010 Last year, Prince Harry told broadcaster Tom Bradby that while he loved his brother dearly, we are on different paths. In an article headlined Harry and Meghans escape from the poisonous palace, Mr Bradby wrote at the weekend that senior royals had been jealous and unfriendly and he had no doubt Harry and Meghan felt driven out. The ITV presenter, who is close to Harry, also raised the possibility of the couple doing a no-holds-barred interview if they failed to get their way in negotiations, writing in The Sunday Times that I dont think it would be pretty. A Sussex aide said yesterday there were no plans for an interview. Sources noted that Meghan was using the aggressive US PR firm Sunshine Sachs, leaving many Palace figures out of the loop. 13.01.2020 LISTEN The Central Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Madam Sarah Afful has stated that President Akufo-Addo and the entire New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has shown commitment towards the well-being of the people in, especially fishing communities. She said government has rolled out social and economic policies that have alleviated the harsh conditions of Ghanaians than they were before under the previous NDC administration. She has therefore encouraged those living in the coastal communities to rally support behind NPP Government to empower them economically. "President Akufo Addo led NPP Government will continue to roll out social and interventive policies aimed at improving the lives of the people living along the coastal belt." Madam Sarah Afful said this during the 15th anniversary celebration of the Justice Masquerades Fun Club at Bentsir, a suburb of Cape Coast in the Central Region over the weekend. She added that fishing communities play a vital role in national development and so deserve their share of the national cake. "The Government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has the welfare of people in the fishing communities at heart and is doing everything possible to enhance fish production in the country," she noted. Madam Sarah Afful stated that the past three years has seen solid foundation towards the nation's development, hence the need for all to vote for Nana-Addo in the upcoming general elections. The Regional YEA boss hinted that the Coastal Development Authority has put in place measures to promote the infrastructure development along the coastal belt aimed at improving the lives of the people, citing modern toilet facilities, potable drinking water, extension of electricity supply, distribution of Premix fuel at regular basis as well as reshaping of road network among others to facilitate their economic activities in that area. Madam Afful who is also the Assistant Regional Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Central Region urged the people not to listen to NDC who only spew falsehood propaganda to tarnish the image of the NPP Government. "My father was a fisherman, I was born and bred here, I was lucky my father was rich so he managed to educate his children, how many fishermen were able to educate their children in those days? but now most fishermen are being able to educate their children because of the introduction of Free SHS" thus lauding Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led NPP Government for the initiative. " Your children are enjoying Free SHS and scholarship at Secondary and Tertiary Education levels respectively, Government through its Rural Enterprise development is also ensuring that Fishing Communities also gets their fair share of the National Cake. "The recent announcement that Government was going to provide more Outboard Motors affordable to Fishermen is laudable. Action they say, speaks more than words and that is exactly what Nana Addo led NPP government is doing for the Fishing Communities," she stressed. Madam Afful called on the people to spread the good news about the brilliant performance of the NPP Government and vote massively for Nana Addo and NPP in the upcoming December 7 Parliamentary and Presidential Elections. Sri Lanka's customs on Monday arrested and fined a Chinese man accused of trying to take 200 venomous scorpions out of the country in his checked-in luggage. The man was suspected of trying to get the scorpions back to China to extract the venom, officials said. The live arachnids were discovered by security officials at Colombo international airport in plastic containers packed in the man's luggage that was to be checked in. "We detained the passenger and launched an investigation," customs spokesman Sunil Jayaratne said. "We have not placed a value on the 200 scorpions, but trafficking in live wildlife has become a lucrative trade." The suspect was fined 100,000 rupees ($550) and the scorpions confiscated before the man was allowed to return home, Jayaratne said. Sri Lanka has about 18 species of venomous scorpions, but only one is fatal to humans. It was not known if the confiscated arachnids were deadly. The island nation has strict laws on wildlife and fauna, but smuggling attempts are increasingly frequent. Three years ago, authorities destroyed 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of China-bound rare bird nests -- the main ingredient in soup that is considered a delicacy in China and other Asian countries -- that was seized from traffickers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran on September 18, 2016. Press Office of Iranian Supreme Leader | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images WASHINGTON President Donald Trump authorized the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani seven months ago if Iran's increased aggression resulted in the death of an American, according to five current and former senior administration officials. The presidential directive in June came with the condition that Trump would have final sign-off on any specific operation to kill Soleimani, officials said. That decision explains why assassinating Soleimani was on the menu of options that the military presented to Trump two weeks ago for responding to an attack by Iranian proxies in Iraq, in which a U.S. contractor was killed and four U.S. service members were wounded, the officials said. The timing, however, could undermine the Trump administration's stated justification for ordering the U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani in Baghdad on Jan. 3. Officials have said Soleimani, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force, was planning imminent attacks on Americans and had to be stopped. "There have been a number of options presented to the president over the course of time," a senior administration official said, adding that it was "some time ago" that the president's aides put assassinating Soleimani on the list of potential responses to Iranian aggression. More from NBC News: Esper: 'Didn't see' intelligence Iran was preparing to attack 4 embassies Iran faces fresh protests after admitting it shot down plane, killing 176 Airport informants, overhead drones: How the US killed Soleimani After Iran shot down a U.S. drone in June, John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser at the time, urged Trump to retaliate by signing off on an operation to kill Soleimani, officials said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also wanted Trump to authorize the assassination, officials said. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton listens as President Donald J. Trump meets with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, July 18th, 2019 in Washington, DC. Jabin Botsford | The Washington Post | Getty Images But Trump rejected the idea, saying he'd take that step only if Iran crossed his red line: killing an American. The president's message was "that's only on the table if they hit Americans," according to a person briefed on the discussion. Neither the White House nor the National Security Council responded to requests for comment. Bolton and the State Department also did not respond to requests for comment. U.S. intelligence officials have closely tracked Soleimani's movements for years. When Trump came into office, Pompeo, who was Trump's first CIA director, urged the president to consider taking a more aggressive approach to Soleimani after showing him new intelligence on what a second senior administration official described as "very serious threats that didn't come to fruition." US President Donald Trump(L) speaks next to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on October 21, 2019 in Washington,DC. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images The idea of killing Soleimani came up in discussions in 2017 that Trump's national security adviser at the time, retired Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, was having with other administration officials about the president's broader national security strategy, officials said. But it was just one of a host of possible elements of Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran and "was not something that was thought of as a first move," said a former senior administration official involved in the discussions. The idea did become more serious after McMaster was replaced in April 2018 by Bolton, a longtime Iran hawk and advocate for regime change in Tehran. Bolton left the White House in September he said he resigned, while Trump said he fired him following policy disagreements on Iran and other issues. The administration of President George W. Bush designated the Quds Force a foreign terrorist organization in 2007. Four years later, the Obama administration announced new sanctions on Soleimani and three other senior Quds Force officials in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States. But in April, Bolton helped prod Trump to designate the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a foreign terrorist organization. White House officials at the time refused to say whether that meant the United States would target Revolutionary Guard leaders as it does the leadership of other terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State militant group and al Qaeda. Iran retaliated by designating the U.S. military a terrorist organization. The actions underscored the rising tension between the United States and Iran in the three years since Trump took office. Since Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and his administration tightened its squeeze on Iran's economy with punishing economic sanctions Iran has attacked U.S. military assets in Iraq with increasing aggressiveness and frequency. Iran has launched more than a dozen separate rocket attacks on bases housing Americans since October. The U.S. military blamed Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia that is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces but is backed by Iran. U.S. military and intelligence officials say the group takes direction from Iran, specifically the Quds Force. A U.S. military official in Iraq said the rockets Iran has launched at U.S. forces have become more sophisticated over time. Most attacks in October and November used 107mm rockets, which have a shorter range and less explosive power. But an attack on Ain al Asad air base in Anbar Province on Dec. 3 included 122mm rockets, with more firepower and the ability to be fired from a greater distance. They are generally launched from more sophisticated improvised rail systems, leading the U.S. military to believe the attackers were receiving new equipment and training from Iran. The largest attack was on Dec. 27, when Kataib Hezbollah launched more than 30 rockets at an Iraqi base in Kirkuk, killing a U.S. contractor and wounding four U.S. service members. The base, known as K-1 Air Base, belongs to the Iraqi military but frequently hosts forces that are part of the U.S.-led coalition assigned to Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight against ISIS. On Dec. 27, the coalition was preparing for a counter-ISIS operation, so more Americans were on the base than usual. After the attack, the United States launched airstrikes against five Kataib Hezbollah locations, three in Iraq and two in Syria, targeting ammunition and weapon supplies, as well as command and control sites. Trump signed off on the operation to kill Soleimani after Iranian-backed militia members responded to the U.S. strikes by storming the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad. Defense Secretary Mark Esper presented a series of response options to the president two weeks ago, including killing Soleimani. Esper presented the pros and cons of such an operation but made it clear that he was in favor of taking out Soleimani, officials said. Mark Esper, U.S. Secretary of Defense, speaks during his swearing-in ceremony as U.S. President Donald Trump listens in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. Chris Kleponis | Bloomberg | Getty Images Election fever has gripped political parties ahead of an expected announcement by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that the country is to go to the polls. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are ramping up campaigns as the coalition Government enters its final days. Mr Varadkar could dissolve the Dail within days, and while he said he had changed his mind about the election timing, he refused to name a date. He also warned of other parties campaigning in the next couple of weeks. Government whip Sean Kyne said that there was a strong possibility of an election early next month, with February 7 or 14 being mooted. In a statement last night, Fianna Fail said the party was ready to fight and win the general election, as it announced that deputy leader Dara Calleary would be its director of elections. Mr Varadkar said Fine Gael would defend its record on health reform and efforts to reduce homelessness. He said that Fine Gael, if returned in second place, could be willing to support Fianna Fail in a reverse of the current confidence and supply deal. I think we would have to consider it but, as I say, my focus is on winning the election whenever it comes, so whatever its called, he said. That means emerging as the largest party and I believe we can do that. He said he had unfinished business, including British and European affairs. Mr Varadkar will today meet British prime minister Boris Johnson in Belfast following the resumption of power-sharing in the North, while he will also welcome to Dublin European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. With Independents and smaller parties no longer willing to support the Fine Gael-led coalition and the confidence and supply deal with Fianna Fail on the brink of collapse, Government figures told the Irish Examiner the election date would almost certainly be revealed this week. Fine Gael ministers also went into campaign mode, with Regina Doherty, the social protection minister, revealing that, if returned, the party would increase pensions by 5 a week for five years, while Local Government Minister John Paul Phelan, reportedly told a weekend conference in his native Kilkenny that some Green Party members were nutters. Mr Phelan did not respond to calls requesting comment. Nonetheless, Mr Varadkar still refused to clarify the election date. I have made a decision, he said. But there is some unfinished business to do which I want to get done. And also there is some respect and protocol around this and I would like to speak to the Cabinet, to the leaders of the opposition. So, as things stand, the Cabinet will meet on Tuesday and the Dail will reconvene on Wednesday. Director Steve McQueen has spoken out on the lack of diversity at this year's British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominations, saying the awards risk being irrelevant unless there is a change. Bafta nominations have come under heavy criticism for recognising mostly white talent, including in all its four acting categories. The director, who has won two Baftas one for his debut feature film Hunger in 2009 and another for best film in 2014 for "12 Years a Slave" told the Guardian that the British film awards could become useless if it fails to recognise diverse talent. "After a while you get a bit fed up with it. Because if the Baftas are not supporting British talent, if you're not supporting the people who are making headway in the industry, then I don't understand what you are there for. Unless the Baftas wants to be like the Grammys, which is of no interest to anyone, and has no credibility at all, then they should continue on this path. If not then they have to change. Fact," the director said. McQueen dismissed chair of Bafta's film committee Marc Samuelson's claim that the nominations reflected the general lack of diversity in the industry. The director said the awards could have recognised British talent such as Marianne Jean-Baptiste for "In Fabric", Joanna Hogg for "The Souvenir", Cynthia Erivo for "Harriet", and Daniel Kaluuya for his performance in "Queen & Slim". "But not even just British talent, it's talent in general. It's crazy, McQueen said citing the absence of Lupita Nyong'o for her performance in "Us". The director said rather it was nonsensical to blame their lack of diversity on the inudstry because "When these films are being made to critical acclaim, they're not even being recognised that's nonsense. Following criticism, Bafta announced it would undergo a review of its voting system, which, as per a 2018 report, has 94 per cent white voters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Annual tradition takes place in Vatican and across Italy. Italy celebrates the feast day of St Anthony Abbot, the patron saint and protector of animals, on Friday 17 January 2020. Each year an open air stable is assembled by the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers (AIA) at Piazza Pio XII in front of St Peters Square in Vatican City. This traditional exhibition of animals, which includes horses, cows, sheep, goats and hens, as well as dogs, takes place from 09.00 until about 14.00 and is open to all. At 10.30 a Mass will be celebrated for the farmers and their families by the Archpriest of St Peters, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, who later imparts a blessing on the animals present. Photo Adnkronos At midday a procession of horses belonging to the Italian police goes from Largo Giovanni XXIII to Piazza Pio XII, along Via della Conciliazione. In addition to animals and farmers, St Anthony Abbot is the patron saint of basket weavers and grave diggers, and is believed to protect against skin diseases, especially shingles. The saint, who died in Egypt in 356, has always enjoyed a widespread following among Italys agricultural communities. According to an ancient legend from the Veneto in northern Italy, on the night of 17 January animals acquired the ability to speak. On this night each year, it is said that people were kept away from stables because to hear the animals talk was considered a bad omen. For full details of the event see AIA website. Whatever happens at Sandringham today in the crisis meeting aimed at resolving the future role of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, there is no doubt the past 12 months have been some of the most traumatic in recent memory for the royals. A year ago this week, Buckingham Palace announced 97-year-old Prince Philip had smashed his car into another vehicle carrying a nine-month-old baby, breaking a womans wrist. The following months havent been much better. Whether its the controversial ties between Prince Andrew and convicted paedophile Jeffery Epstein followed by the fallout from Andrews disastrous BBC interview; or the apparent brotherly rift between the Sussexes and Cambridges that culminated in the royal houses splitting up their joint charity, the royal family finished 2019 embattled and under enormous scrutiny. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to step back their duties and responsibilities. A new start...? The release of a new portrait earlier this month of the Queen with the next three heirs to the throne was meant to mark a small but significant moment. Standing on the steps of the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace and smiling proudly for the camera, the 93-year-old monarch and Princes Charles, William and George appear confident and happy. One body language expert has even suggested that the Queens wide smile and upright posture indicates that she will be going nowhere in terms of retirement. The photo of the Queen, Charles William and George. Taken by Ranald Mackechnie, the portrait was published by the Palace to mark the start of a new decade. But the photograph was a clear attempt to signify something else - that the royal family is standing together and putting a very difficult year behind them. The Queen herself acknowledged in her Christmas speech that 2019 had been less than a smooth ride for the royal family and in fact, had been rather bumpy. The biggest bump was undoubtedly created by her second son, Prince Andrew whose arrogance and carefree lifestyle finally caught up with him when details of his friendship with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein were exposed. After the disastrous Newsnight interview, in which Andrew denied having sex with a 17-year-old girl who claims she was trafficked by Epstein, the monarch was forced to step in and withdraw the Prince from Royal duties before he did the Monarchy permanent damage. Story continues But there were other bumps too. Prince Philip faced a police investigation over a car crash which injured two women, Prince Harry admitted to tensions with his older brother William and through no fault of her own, the Queens role came in for uncomfortable political scrutiny with her sanctioning of the prorogation of parliament at the request of PM Boris Johnson, only for it to be later over-turned. Prince Philip faced a police investigation over a car crash which injured two women. (PA) As bad as 1992? It is inevitable that some observers are likening the turmoil to 1997, and the aftermath of Diana, Princess of Wales tragic death, when many felt the Queens response was distant, unsympathetic and out of tune with that of the grieving nation. Comparisons have also been drawn with the disastrous events that befell the Royal Family in 1992, which was arguably the most damaging to the Monarchy in recent times. That year saw the marital breakdowns of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York, plus Princess Annes divorce and the devastating fire at Windsor Castle. Joe Little, editor of Majesty magazine, says that at the time it was like the whole Royal world seemed to be disintegrating. The Queen herself reflected the wider sense of uncertainty and trepidation about the future in her Christmas message of that year, famously describing 1992 as her annus horribilis. But royal commentators are quick to dismiss such comparisons. They say the royals have survived much darker days and the strength and continuity of the monarchy will endure. The Prince and Princess of Wales divorced in 1992. (Getty) I really dont think you can compare 2019 to a year like 1992, says royal expert Dicky Arbiter. In that year you had the breakdown of two marriages, the divorce of a third, the fire at Windsor castle, the explosive Andrew Morton book about Diana as well as Fergie having her toes sucked. But when it comes to 2019, Im not terribly sure what people even mean when they say this is a crisis for the Royal Family. One individual (Prince Andrew) has not chosen his friends wisely and is wanting to be questioned by the FBI in the Epstein saga, but one individual does not put the monarchy in crisis. Prince Philip had a car crash, but people have car crashes all the time and Harry and Meghan have been criticised for preaching about climate change while flying on a private jet. But the royal family has weathered storms since the beginning of time. It weathered the abdication crisis in 1936. It weathered the fact it had a German name (Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) during the First World War and George V had to change it to Windsor. There have been ups and downs every year and I think were simply more in tune to the problems of this year because its current. The royal family has a remarkable capacity for survival and the odd incident does not mean the family or the monarchy is in crisis. A royal split Whether Harry and Meghans dramatic decision to change their roles within the family will have a significant impact on the stability of the royals is difficult to judge at the moment. In one respect, the couples attempts to withdraw from royal seniority suggests they may seek a quieter life. But this will in large part be determined by how they plan to become, as stated in their remarkable announcement, financially independent. If this means they take on roles with a significant public profile, then it could backfire. Quite how they plan to become independent has yet to be fully fleshed out as well. But the couples choice of seemingly excluding key royals including the Queen - who was reportedly disappointed by the way Harry and Meghan made the announcement - and Charles from how they made their decision public betrays faultlines and cracks that suggest 2020 is going to be no easier than 2019. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Lifestyle Oil was steady after the biggest weekly drop since July as an easing of geopolitical tension in the Middle East turned attention back to a flood of new supply set to hit the market this year. The threat of an outright war has receded since Tehran fired missiles at U.S.-Iraqi bases last week in retaliation for Washingtons assassination of its top general. The situation in Iran remains volatile, however, amid protests against the governments accidental downing of a commercial airliner. In Libya, warring factions have called a cease-fire in their nine-month conflict. West Texas Intermediate crude for February delivery added 3 cents to $59.07 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange as of 10:03 a.m. in London, approaching its 50-day moving average. The contract fell 6.4% last week, the most since mid-July. LAST WEEK: Oil set for biggest weekly loss since July as Mideast risk eases Oil prices are now back where they were in mid-December, with the market seemingly shrugging off the chance of more disruptions in the Persian Gulf. The lack of a geopolitical risk premium is partly due to plentiful supplies of U.S. shale and a torrent of new crude from non-OPEC countries including Brazil, Guyana and Norway. On the demand side, the U.S. and China are set to sign their limited trade deal this week, which may improve sentiment. See also: How the Market Learned to Live With a Middle East in Flames We are now rolling into a period with a softer fundamental oil-market balance, said Helge Andre Martinsen, senior oil market analyst at DNB Bank ASA. We need actual supply disruptions to push prices close to $70. But watch out for increasing Iranian proxy activity and an acceleration of Irans nuclear program in the months ahead. Brent futures for March settlement was 7 cents higher at $65.05 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange after losing 5.3% last week. The global crude benchmark traded at a $6. premium to WTI for the same month. While the chances of imminent war have lessened, relations between the U.S. and Iran remain combustible. Tehran has said it will stop abiding by limits on uranium enrichment, while the U.S. imposed new sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Oil markets are underestimating the risks in the Middle East and may be wrong in assuming Irans retaliation is over, said Jason Bordoff, head of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University in New York. The U.S. reported record weekly net oil exports earlier this month. Meanwhile, Brazil and Guyana are set to add more than 400,000 barrels of combined daily supplies to the market this year, a volume that would offset most of the auxiliary cuts agreed to by OPEC and its allies in late 2019, according to Stratas Advisors. By Trend In connection with the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has received appeals from about 2,000 local and foreign observers, most of which got positive response, Chairman of CEC Mazahir Panahov told reporters, Trend reports. According to the CEC chairman, 1,630 of the applicants are local observers. "There are about 70 foreign observers. Observation missions of the OSCE ODIHR and CIS Parliamentary Assembly have already begun their work," Panahov said. "Observers from the Italian and Czech parliaments, as well as from the Lithuanian Seimas have passed the accreditation process. Representatives of Moldova's CEC will also observe the elections. The registration of foreign observers continues." The early parliamentary elections will be held on Feb. 9 in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Rose Parade rejuvenates Stary's love of music, teaching Ronald Stary of Watertown Middle School has returned from the Rose Parade. This year, the parade honored 300 music directors. For most consumers in Spain it would be inconceivable not to have a bank account. Given that it is essential to receive salary payments, a pension or benefit, not having one would feel like social exclusion. China is different. There, few citizens had a bank account until recently, and even now many still have no relationship with any type of traditional financial institution: they have gone directly for digital banking, bypassing the usual type completely. The Chinese do everything via mobile phone: pay in shops, take a taxi, book a hotel, buy cinema tickets, pay for public services, make an appointment with their doctor.... so what is the problem? Well, when they leave China, they find themselves with no way of paying for things. This is where the Momo Group has found an opportunity. Some may remember that in 2012, in Malaga, they launched an electronic wallet which was a pioneer in Europe and enabled people to pay in shops with their mobile phones. However, there can be downsides to being a pioneer: sometimes the market is not ready for what you are offering. That is what happened with Momo Pocket, as it was called, admits its CEO, Mariano de Mora. As a result, the firm pivoted its business model and became an electronic money company recognised by the Bank of Spain. This means it can offer almost the same services as a bank, but can aggregate different methods of payment including via mobile phones. "We make it possible for shops to accept cards or mobile payments with Alipay or other apps. We aggregate different methods of payment so a business only has to deal with us. That makes it easier for them," says De Mora. Today Momo Group is the principal ally in Spain of Alipay, the biggest mobile payment platform in the world, a subsidiary of the Chinese eletronics giant Alibaba, which is used by around one billion users. It acts as a link between the firm and the Spanish businesses so that tourists from China can pay for purchases through their mobile phones. A few weeks ago an initiative was presented whereby Ronda, one of the most popular tourist destinations for visitors from Asia, became a friendly enclave for Chinese consumers who are used to paying by mobile phone. The company is providing shops, restaurants and hotels in the Ronda area with the technological and financial ability to accept payments via Alipay. They can also advertise via the app. Other electronic wallets As in Ronda, Momo Group facilitates payment by mobile phones for establishments all over the country, not only via Alipay but also other electronic 'wallets': Bluecode, ePassi, Pagaqui, Pivo and Vipps. These platforms have agreed to use a unified QR code format to facilitate the inter-operability of digital payments in different countries, to make things easier for tourists. Mariano de Mora says the company is now associated with 10,000 business in Spain. The Momo Group began in Malaga in 2012 as a university spin off. Rafael Morales, a professor in IT Language and Computer Studies at Malaga University, is one of the founding partners. The president is Ramon Martin, the former CEO of Caja Granada. The company's head office is currently in Granada, where it employs around 40 people. The Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece Saamana on Monday raised the 'Tukde Tukde Gang' issue and has asked the Central Government to give them a 'tight slap'. Sena, in the Saamana editorial, has challenged the Centre that instead of making counter slogans against the gang who is shouting slogans in favour of the destruction of the country, it should take back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) 'Teach Tukde-Tukde Gang a lesson' "The government is angry with JNUs 'Tukde Tukde Gang' but instead of making a counter declaration against them, the government should hold a tight slap against those who are talking and making slogans for the destruction of our country by taking back PoK which rightly belongs to us. The Central Government should not step back now, as this is the best way to teach this 'Tukde-Tukde Gang' a lesson", said Sena urging the Centre to issue orders to the Indian Army to take PoK back. The 'Tukde Tukde Gang' refers to the 2016 sedition case against JNU students in which they hurled anti-India slogans in February 2016 at a pro-Afzal Guru protest in the campus. Republic TV had accessed videos that showed the slogans that were hurled. Delhi Police identifies 50 students In a major development in the JNU violence incident, the Delhi police on Saturday identified 50 students who were seen at the site of violence on January 5 on the university campus. Apart from these 50 students, the police have also identified 12 outsiders who were present on-site when a mob of masked men had thrashed students and professors of the university. However, the Delhi Police so far has only identified students affiliated to the Left front and has failed to establish any connection of ABVP with the incident who were allegedly the prime suspects in the January 5 violence. READ | EXPLOSIVE: These are the 'tukde tukde' slogans raised in the explosive JNU chargesheet tapes accessed by Republic READ | EXCLUSIVE: Cong attempts to internationalise JNU violence, urge NRI students to protest Delhi Police: 'JNUSU members mainly behind attack' Earlier on Friday, Delhi Police Crime Branch SIT head DCP Joy Thirke revealed that that the JNUSU comprising of SFI, AISA, AISF, and DSF was responsible for the attacks on January 3, 4 and 5. DCP Thirke had ruled out the role of outsiders as "highly unlikely" and said that the masked mob mainly comprised of Left-wing students. READ | Cong' fact-finding panel on JNU violence calls VC 'cancer', says he should be in 'jail' Army Chief's PoK Declaration Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane had on Friday made a big statement while addressing the Army's annual briefing, telling the nation that the Army stood ready to take back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir if the Parliament so desires. Following this, the Congress has replied telling the Army Chief to 'talk less, work more', while a spooked Pakistan has issued a tweet as well. @ New Army Chief, Parliament already had adopted unanimous resolution on #POK in 1994, Govt is at liberty to take action and may give direction. If you are so inclined to take action on POK, I would suggest you to confabulate with CDS, and @PMOIndia. Talk Less, Work More Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) January 12, 2020 READ | JNU attack 'state-sponsored', VC must be dismissed: Cong fact-finding committee Management at a metal fabricating plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has begun hiring replacement workers for 90 members of the United Auto Workers who have been on strike since September. On Monday, Langeloth Metallurgical officials quadrupled the number of security guards at the plant as they began bringing in about 100 strikebreakers. Workers at Langeloth Metallurgical, in Washington County about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh, walked out September 9 after the unions executive committee rejected the company's last, best and final offer a month earlier. The previous contract expired in March 2019. Workers went on strike to protect seniority rights and over safety issues. The company was seeking to cut its reported $400,000 training budget by restricting what jobs workers could do. Since the walkout began, the UAW has sought to isolate the strikers, making no effort to connect their struggle with the fight of workers at the Detroit-based auto companies, whose contracts expired in September. Meanwhile, workers have been forced to subsist on the UAWs miserly strike pay of $250 a week. The company, which is owned by Thompson Creek Metals, produces steel products with Molybdenum, an element used as an alloy in steel production to increase its strength. Molybdenum has a melting point of 4,753 degrees Fahrenheit, and workers at the plant have to work around furnaces making the molten steel, with safety a major concern. Workers had been forced to work 12-hour days. Jim Hall, President of United Auto Workers Local 1311, which represents the workers, told the WTOV9 of Steubenville, Ohio, that the unions international representative received a memo from the company last Friday afternoon. He had gotten an email from the companys attorney stating that they were going to hire permanent replacement workers so that they could continue to meet their orders, Hall told the Steubenville television station. UAW Local 1311 has no full-time staff. It is part of UAW Region 9 out of Philadelphia. Despite the provocative attack on the Langeloth workers neither the Region 9 website nor the UAW international website has posted any mention of the strike or that the workers are being replaced. The spectacle of the UAW, which is sitting on top of $1 billion in assets, standing idling by while management carries out blatant strikebreaking once again demonstrates the bankrupt and reactionary character of this organization. Recently filed court documents reveal that newly installed UAW International President Rory Gamble is under investigation in relation to a scheme to pocket kickbacks from a vendor of UAW-branded merchandise. Two former UAW presidents have been named as accomplices in the theft of more than $1 million in workers dues money. The refusal of the UAW to mobilize opposition to the strikebreaking by Langeloth Metallurgical is in line with its long history of collaboration with company management. In a statement issued at the beginning of the strike union officials said, UAW Local 1311 have worked for decades with LMC to ensure the companys profitability & our members job security. Today we are standing united for our workplace dignity & seniority rights. In the name of ensuring the companys profitability and job security the United Auto Workers has in mind the imposition of attacks on workers living standards, such as the creation of a two-tier system throughout the auto industry and the elimination of pensions and other critical benefits. In an effort to divert the anger of workers UAW Local 1311 has recently embraced the intervention of Republican State Representative Jason Ortitay, who has postured as a supporter of striking workers. Ortitay recently contacted management about brokering a return to work. Now we have Jason here; this is tremendous, said Local 1311 President Hall. I think that this was great that he came out here. He showed everybody that his hearts in it as well as ours. Workers cannot rely on representatives of the two corporate-controlled political parties to defend their interests. At the federal, state and local levels the Democrats and Republicans have presided over the destruction of living standards and the massive growth of social inequality. The defense of jobs, living standards, benefits and safe working conditions can only be achieved through the mobilization of the independent strength of the working class. This requires the building of new organizations of the working class, independent of the UAW, based not on the profit interests of the rich, but the interests of workers. Joy Personal Care has developed a special range of products for acid attack survivors and to promote this they have associated with the movie Chhapaak to reach a wider audience. They have also initiated a nationwide employment drive to support the livelihoods of acid attack survivors. Acid attacks are undoubtedly the scariest moment of life as recalled by its survivors. Even though the scars heal in a while, the society makes these survivors feel miserable at every step. It begins with a delayed justice, distressed financial situation, negligible government support, and no family life (in some cases). These survivors cannot get jobs because employers do not want to hire people who look scary and ugly. They are discriminated on the bases of looks, even in this day and age. Many are even struggling to survive, pay rents, or send their kids to schools. They might have the full moral support of the society on social media, with countless articles, tweets, likes and shares about their courage, but they lack one single basic job that provides them with the money to live with dignity. Tweet: I condemn Acid Attacks!! Share: I Laud the Courage of Survivors!! Truth: But, I Cannot employ Acid Attack Survivors, They Look Ugly!! Pragya Prasun Singh, an acid attack survivor from Bengaluru, shares the first-hand experience of being rejected in several job interviews on the pretext of her disfigurement despite being a post graduate in fashion management. Pragya Prasun Singh says, It was during this time when I decided that I will be a voice for acid attack survivors and will help them. I wanted to help them so that they can live their lives with dignity. When most people would lose confidence in life, Pragya chose a different path and decided to dedicate her life to help acid survivors get jobs and raise funds for the surgery. Today, she runs her NGO Atijeevan Foundation that helps rehabilitate the acid attack survivors. She was attacked in 2006, just 12 days after she got married, from a rejected lover. These survivors have every right to start their life again. They can be a lawyer, fashion designer, chef, artist, salon owner, engineer, model or anything they wish to be. No one can deny this right to them. Joy has started a campaign called #skinofcourage which will highlight the empowerment aspect of an acid attack survivors life. In this campaign, one of the key initiatives is #justhireone wherein Joy will hire 3 acid attack survivors and will also urge CEO and HR heads to consider these survivors while hiring talent. The brand believes that these survivors are as good a talent as any of us. Survivors can send their resumes or CVs at helpatijeevan@gmail.com. The employment drive was conceptualized by Grapes Digital, Indias leading independent digital agency, which also handles the digital duties for Joy Personal Care. Speaking about this range Sunil Agarwal, Chairman, RSH Global said, Globally, India tops for acid attacks and the existing products for the hyper sensitive skin of acid attack survivors are either rare, expensive or from derma category. Therefore, affordability played a major role in the product development Joy Sensitive. The companys endeavour has always been to deliver quality products at an affordable price and this has been the genesis behind this new range meant for hyper-sensitive skin. Personally, this is the most satisfying project in the last 30 years of my entrepreneurial journey & we all look forward to hearing it back from the users. Poulomi Roy, Chief Marketing Officer, RSH Global, said, Make good quality product accessible to all at an affordable price, has been the companys purpose of existence. This project is a manifestation of the same and skin of courage campaign is a testimony of marketing with a purpose. Women from modest backgrounds often fall prey to acid attacks. Therefore, being a mass brand and having in-house infrastructure, R&D, resources and logistics, the thought raised was, can we develop a special product for them at an affordable price point? This is how Joy Sensitive was born with robust research and innovation. Chhapaak releasing during the launch of Joy sensitive, triggered an association which was much beyond the usual promotions and the celebrity quotient. Apart from the co-branded TVC, we are organising a special screening of the movie for over 200 acid attack survivors. We are also in the process of starting off a nationwide employment drive for acid attack survivors by associating with an NGO as a part of the campaign. The cause will be extensively promoted digitally as well. Its been an extremely gratifying experience for me to work on this project and we've a long way to go. Shradha Agarwal, Co-Founder & COO, Grapes Digital, says, It was a completely different experience working with Pragya. She is extremely spirited and determined to bring a change in the society. It is just not right to discriminate these survivors on the basis of looks. They deserve a good life as much as anyone else. I thank Joy Personal Care for going forward with this initiative and bringing out her story to the forefront. This will motivate a lot of people. The association of Chhapaak and Joy Personal Care has gone beyond the usual promotions. Apart from a co-branded TVC, the brand is also organizing a special screening of the movie for over 200 acid attack survivors. It has also launched a new range of product suitable for the sensitive skin of acid attack survivors, Joy Sensitive, under its brand name of Joy. The range includes a face-wash, moisturizer, cream and sunscreen, designed keeping in mind the daily skincare need of a hyper-sensitive skin. The Blue Whale fund has delivered sparkling performance since its launch just over two years ago, but its manager is also looking to protect his investors if a downturn arrives. Manager Stephen Yiu looks for the 30 best companies in the world and says that were we to go into recession tomorrow, he would be comfortable that they could still deliver returns. With the fund becoming an investor's darling thanks to its strong returns, how it would fare in a downturn or if the US stock market it is heavily invested in tumbles, should be a key question for investors. So what has been the secret to Blue Whales start-up success and where is the fund investing now? On this episode of the Investing Show, its manager Stephen Yiu joins Simon Lambert and Richard Hunter to discuss its performance. He talks about the companies that he is backing, why he believes the US still holds great opportunities and how he seeks to protect his investors from shares that face risks and overvaluation. In fact, the manager argues that element of caution is one of the reasons why Blue Whale didn't do even better last year and fell slightly behind rival funds with a riskier stance. Stephen also talks about why he thinks that across the board how he decides when to sell a company. The Blue Whale fund has delivered strong performance since its launch, but manager Stephen Yiu says it is also position to protect investors Investors in the Blue Whale, managed by Stephen Yiu and backed by Peter Hargreaves, were rewarded with a 26.1 per cent return in 2019. In a year of strong stock market returns that was only enough to put the fund in 46th position in the 314-strong global fund field, but Blue Whale is keen to stress that looked at since launch it is the top performer. Those like Hargreaves, one of the founders of investing platform giant Hargreaves Lansdown, who invested at the start have been rewarded with a healthy 42.6 per cent return in two years, compared to the 20.3 per cent return delivered by the average global fund. The 225million Blue Whale fund has ongoing charges of 0.89 per cent. What will 2020 hold for investors? Britains investors have started 2020 with the tailwind of a decisive election victory seen as a boost for the UK stock market. But they also face headwinds from everything ranging from the US and Iran stand-off, question marks over an America and China trade deal, and a potential bumpy landing on Brexit, as finally leaving the EU on 31 January gives way to months of wrangling with Europe over our future relationship. Simon Lambert and Richard Hunter look at the outlook for investors, the company shares that have bounced since the election, and the prospects for gains continuing. The Centre is ready with its river-linking plans but states are not co-operating on the project due to "vote bank politics", Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Rattan Singh Kataria said on Monday. At this moment, the central government cannot make it compulsory for states to implement the project, he told reporters here. "The central government has worked on the river interlinking project. There are many rivers which can be interlinked. Detailed project reports (DPR) of four are also ready. But state governments are not co-operating on it," Kataria said. "Many states are not ready to share water inspite of having it in excess. They fear that they may lose votes if they agree to this project," he said. The minister was in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district to address a workshop on 'Increasing water use efficiency in agriculture', organised by the National Water Mission. Addressing the workshop, he said there is a need for diversification, and less water consuming crops should be taken by farmers in drought-prone areas like Marathwada in Maharashtra. "Cultivation of crops should be decided according to the land topography and the state governments should encourage farmers for it," he said. A scheme to encourage farmers on this has been undertaken in Haryana where incentives are paid to cultivators who sow crops other than sugarcane and rice, he pointed out. Kataria also said that Maharashtra needs to re-think its crop policies. "Maharashtra has 55 per cent population dependent on farming directly and indirectly. But the land irrigated in the state is just 18 per cent," he said. Cotton and sugarcane consume huge amount of water and these crops are taken up extensively here, he noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijan has reduced the age for receiving social security benefits. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population told local media that "women aged 61.5 years, as well as men aged 64.5 years will be able to apply for social security from the state," as of January 1, 2020. Earlier, the age for receiving old-age benefits was 62 and 67 for women and men respectively. On December 16, 2019, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev approved a number of laws, in particular, the bills "On the state budget of Azerbaijan for 2019", "On the budget of the relevant executive authority implementing social security and protection for 2019", "On the state budget of the Unemployment Insurance Fund for 2019", "On living wage in Azerbaijan for 2019", "On the need criteria in Azerbaijan for 2019" that will be introduced for discussion. Since 2019, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Labor has automated the electronic issuance of social benefits by age. Software has been developed that independently determines the list of persons with the right to receive benefits. The system itself sends SMS to the citizens mobile number with the data of the service bank and the amount of the monthly allowance provided. The citizen only should come within the specified time with an identification card to the specified bank for their card. In addition, since 2020, women with five or more children were entitled allowances at the age of 56. The situation is the same with single fathers with five or more children under their care. Starting from April 1, 2019, Azerbaijans monthly age-related allowances increased by 80 percent, reaching 130 manats ($76.5). The increase is envisaged by the order of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev On additional measures in the field of enhancing social protection of the population signed on February 25, 2019. In total, this allowance is provided to 46,000 people. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Netflixs poor showing at the recent Golden Globes prompted madcap delight in Hollywoods more conventional quarters. Too bad, so sad: Perhaps try releasing your films in more than a handful of theaters next year, Big Tech. But the hard-campaigning streaming giant resumed its awards-season onslaught on Monday. Netflix was rewarded with more than 20 nominations, with some categories (like supporting actor) stacked three deep with contenders. The Irishman, Martin Scorseses latest gangster opus, and Marriage Story, Noah Baumbachs navel-gazing portrait of ... The investigation is being conducted by the National Police of Ukraine. The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine has opened a case against former Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Roman Truba. "I've got a response to my inquiry lodged with the PGO regarding Roman Truba's unlawful actions. The document states that on December 13 a pretrial investigation into this matter was launched under Article 343 of the Criminal Code (interference with law enforcement officials' activities) and Article 387 of the Criminal Code (disclosure of pretrial investigation data). The case was assigned to the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine," MP from the European Solidarity parliamentary faction Oleksiy Honcharenko said on Facebook on January 13. Read alsoPossible abuse of power by ex-SBI chief Roman Truba under probe According to him, tape recordings made in Truba's office, which have recently been made public, prove that the SBI's ex-head had repeatedly violated the law. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada on December 3 passed a draft law to amend certain laws of Ukraine to streamline the SBI's work. Under the law, the SBI's incumbent director and deputies must be fired. New senior officials of the SBI will be selected by a commission, which will include three members from parliament, three from the president, three from the government. The government's quota will be delegated by international organizations. In addition, the law provides that, in order to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of pretrial investigations in Maidan cases, investigators of the prosecutor's office and prosecutors could be transferred before January 11, 2020, to the SBI by their consent, without participating in a competition. On December 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed SBI Director Truba and appointed Iryna Venedyktova as acting director at the Bureau. A young British model who fell to her death while taking photos on a clifftop has been mercilessly trolled online. Madalyn Davis, 21, was watching the sunrise at Diamond Bay in Sydney's east with seven friends about 6.30am when she fell from the 30m (100ft) cliff. The cliffs are a notorious selfie spot where another tourist died in similar circumstances in August after climbing over a safety fence. Ms Davis and her friends ignoring the barrier prompted hundreds of cruel comments on her social media after her death was announced. Madalyn Davis, 21, (pictured) was posing for a photograph on the edge of the cliff in Australia when she fell to her death Ms Davis and her friends ignoring the barrier prompted hundreds of cruel comments on her social media after her death was announced 'Is anyone going to post the selfie that she died to take? I hope it was at least worth it,' one wrote. Another wrote: 'I'm just wondering, did they ever recover the selfie picture?' A third wrote: 'Fences and signs are posted for a reason. Your perfect Instagram photo cost you your life. Hopefully others will learn from this.' 'Wanted a photo for Instagram got a Darwin award instead.' Ms Davis' mother Rebecca Smith begged the trolls to stop, writing that though her daughter made a mistake she didn't deserve to die. 'My daughter was not self obsessed she was a wonderful beautiful person that made a mistake. How can you write such things? She has a little sister and brother who be reading this,' she wrote. Ms Smith also posted several stories to her own Instagram in tribute to her daughter, and mocking the trolls for helping 'make her famous'. In the last picture - taken two days before she died - the model (front left) can be seen smiling and surrounded by friends in a bar on Bondi Beach 'Fences and signs are posted for a reason. Your perfect Instagram photo cost you your life. Hopefully others will learn from this,' one wrote Trolls returned fire with more insults leveled at Md Davis' friends who tried to defend her Friends also angrily shut down the trolls who attacked the young woman, saying they should respect her grieving family. 'What happened to Maddy was a mistake and no one should be blamed especially not her,' her friend Meg Feather wrote. 'Imagine how you would feel if you lost your daughter or your best friend or your sister and everyone was saying it was her own fault, please. Just think twice.' Ms Feather also lashed out in a video on her Instagram at the trolls who she said had kept her crying for hours. 'Do you know what that will do to her family and her mum and her friends, i literally can't believe it,' she said. 'People who don't even know her are commenting saying that she deserved it. They know all her family and friends have to read it. 'Everyone would want to take a picture of that sunrise, it was just an accident.' The young tourist arrived in Australia late last year from Lincoln, England, and was planning on starting a new life there. In her last picture - taken two days before she died - the model can be seen smiling and surrounded by friends in a bar on Bondi Beach. Her mother Rebecca Smith also posted several stories to her own Instagram in tribute to her daughter Other posts mocked the trolls for helping 'make her famous' Close family friend Lydia Woodward said: 'Maddy had been at a party and then they all went to this cliff to take pictures. 'It appears that Maddy was sitting on the cliff edge to have her picture taken when she fell. It's such a tragedy.' Ms Davis was having 'the time of her life' in Australia in the lead up to the fatal accident. Mrs Woodward told MailOnline: 'Maddy was having the time of her life. She wanted to see everything and do everything and was having a good time. 'She was the life and soul of the party. And she was doing her best to have a good time.' Maddy's family are distraught by news of her death, Mrs Woodward, a close friend of the 21-year-old's mother Rebecca 'Becky' Smith revealed. She said: 'They (Maddy's parents) are beside themselves. One moment they are laughing when they remember funny things about Maddy, the next moment they are in floods of tears. They are all over the place. 'They are still talking about who will go to Australia to identify the body. It's very early stages. It has only been 24 hours since she died.' The young tourist was at a party in Vaucluse on Saturday night and went to the nearby 30-metre (100ft) Diamond Bay cliffs with seven friends about 6.30am. Madalyn Davis was at a party in Vaucluse on Saturday night and went to the nearby 100ft Diamond Bay cliffs with seven friends about 6.30am Madalyn Davis, 21, (pictured in Bondi days before her death) fell to her death from a cliff at a popular selfie spot in Sydney They are believed to have climbed over a fence to sit on the edge of the cliff to watch the sunrise and take photographs before she fell. Ms Davis was mourned in dozens of tributes by shattered friends online, remembered as a 'free spirit' who was 'beautiful inside and out'. Her mother Rebecca Smith desperately tried to get hold of her on Sunday afternoon and begged friends to help track her down. 'Anyone seen Maddie? Not been able to get hold of her please get in touch if you were out with her last night,' she posted online. However, by Monday morning her family confirmed Ms Davis had died and thanked her friends for their kind words. 'Thank you for all your beautiful condolences for Madalyn Davis and her family - it is an absolute tragedy to which nothing has been confirmed,' another family member wrote. Ms Davis was mourned in dozens of tributes by shattered friends online, remembered as a 'free spirit' who was 'beautiful inside and out CCTV from early on Sunday morning showed a person looking over the edge of the cliffs Heartbroken friends in Britain and Australia posted tributes to Ms Davis on social media on Monday morning as new of her death spread. 'I really don't know how to process this Maddie, last time we saw each other was three years ago and now you are gone,' one wrote. 'I will never ever forget the times we shared together the giggle fits we had in town. I will forever miss you, angel.' Another friend wrote: 'You were an incredibly beautiful model and talented artist giving so much colour to the world. 'You were so fun to be with that so many people have so many great stories and memories they tell about you, you will be so very sorely missed. 'I hope all the koalas and kangaroos are looking after you.' A third added: 'It was a pleasure knowing you Maddie, you were beautiful inside as well as outside.' Ms Davis on December 14 told her friends she was having the 'best time' travelling and had no plans to return to Britain, in a post next to this photo of her at Thailand's Full Moon party Heartbroken friends in Britain and Australia posted tributes to Ms Davis on social media on Monday morning as new of her death spread A friend in Newcastle, NSW, said he was planning a trip to Sydney to visit Ms Davis and her friends, but now it was too late. 'I'm utterly destroyed... I would never have thought it would happen. She has such a gorgeous soul,' he wrote. Ms Davis on December 14 told her friends she was having the 'best time' travelling and had no plans to return to Britain. 'Can't believe I've been travelling for a whole month now!' she wrote next to a photo of her at the Full Moon Party in Thailand in November. 'Not looked back at my old life once (miss my job though) and I am super excited for my future abroad,' she wrote. Ms Davis was supporting her stay in Australia by styling eyelashes for $50 a set, and occasional modelling work. NSW Police said emergency services were called to Diamond Bay Reserve after reports a woman had fallen off a cliff. 'Emergency services were alerted after a group of people taking photos inside the fence early this morning regathered and could not find the woman,' it said. They commenced an air and water search and retrieved her body about 10.30am on Saturday. Police commenced an air and water search and retrieved her body about 10.30am on Saturday In August last year, a 27-year-old woman fell to her death while posing for photos on the cliff face. A witness told The Daily Telegraph at the time vigilant bystanders tried to resuscitate the woman while others helped her distressed friend, who had taken the photo. 'The friend needed a couple of men to help her all the way up (the path),' they said. Diamond Bay is a popular location for selfies, with numerous photos tagged #diamondbay on Instagram snapped from the cliff edge. The Waverley Council said last year it would crack down on visitors risking their lives at Diamond Bay for the perfect picture. Mayor Paula Masselos told The Daily Telegraph council was devastated to learn about the latest death. Further talks will begin on Monday on how to keep people away from the spot. Diamond Bay is a popular location for selfies, with numerous photos tagged #diamondbay on Instagram snapped from the cliff edge 'I've already asked the general manager and we're having a meeting tomorrow to discuss it. It depends in part on what the police investigation reveals,' Ms Masselos said. Security was increased around the lookout in August following the 27-year-old's death. 'Extra patrols, more signs, the fencing we increased as well when the rangers tell people not to go over boundary fences they don't listen, they go further down and go over boundary fences further down,' Ms Masselos said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Waverley Council for additional comment. She has reportedly found love with Alex McKay on Bachelor in Paradise season three, which will air later this year. But Keira Maguire looked single and ready to mingle at Melbourne's Portsea Polo on Saturday as she flirted with several different men. The blonde reality star, who wore a black figure-hugging jumpsuit, was seen dancing playfully with her hairdresser pal, Hermiz Daniel. Having fun! Keira Maguire looked single and ready to mingle at Melbourne's Portsea Polo on Saturday as she flirted with several different men Keira appeared to be in lively spirits as she playfully grabbed Hermiz's bottom. She was then spotted hugging an unidentified male from behind as she kissed him on the cheek. Later on, the 33-year-old had a potentially awkward run-in with her ex-boyfriend Jarrod Woodgate, who was also at the event. Letting loose! Keira appeared to be in lively spirits as she playfully grabbed hairdresser Hermiz Daniel's bottom Stunning! Keira rocked a black figure-hugging jumpsuit as she partied with her friends Come 'ere, you! She was then spotted hugging an unidentified male from behind as she kissed him on the cheek The former couple, who met on the first season of Bachelor in Paradise, looked rather sheepish as they greeted each other and smiled. They had split in August last year, after a rocky on-again-off-again relationship. Keira is now rumoured to be dating former Bachelorette star Alex McKay, whom she met on Paradise. How awkward! Later on, Keira had a potentially awkward run-in with her ex-boyfriend Jarrod Woodgate (left), who was also at the event Keira and Alex will reportedly be the first contestants to leave the upcoming season, which wrapped filming in Fiji last month, after coupling up. Meanwhile, Jarrod is believed to have struck up a romance with Sam Royce, who appeared on Matt Angew's season of The Bachelor. The pair are said to have met for the first time in July and recently spent time together in Darwin. MANZINI - As TUCOSWAs call for a national minimum wage of E3 500 gets louder, textile and apparel sector workers demand just that and ATUSWA is responding positively. The workers in the sector said since their salaries were due to be reviewed this year, their expectation was that they would at least be paid a minimum of E3 500/month. In response to the textile workers the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) seems to be determined to push the agenda of the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) as it has already begun talks with a number of textile factories over the improved working conditions. This includes the issue of a salary that could match the proposed national minimum wage (E3 500). An investigation which was carried out by this publication last week, revealed that ATUSWA initiated the process during the month of December 2019 as it sent a correspondence to a number of textile factories and invited to talks. The factories include Fashion International (PTY) Ltd, Zheng Yong (SWD) (PTY) Ltd, Juries Manufacturing (PTY) Ltd and Kasumi Apparels Swaziland (Pty) Ltd. Others are FTM Garments Swaziland (Pty) Ltd and Hos Enterprise (Pty) Ltd. This publication gathered that ATUISWA uses a collective agreement which was entered to by the factories and the unions on September 25, 2019, where they agreed to go to a round table to discuss the welfare of the workers in the industry. Following the invitation to meet, it was gathered that the parties agreed to meet on Wednesday. However, ATUSWA had already engaged some of the aforementioned textile factories and tabled its demands. In its demands, ATUSWA demanded a minimum wage for all workers shall be E15 per hour. In a month, this amount could be slightly above the national minimum wage, which is proposed by TUCOSWA. Again, the trade union also demands that all textile workers who leave employment on or after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer should be entitled to terminal benefits. All workers who have been in continuous employment with the same employer are entitled to a contributory family funeral cover, wherein the employer would contribute 75 per cent and the employee contributes 25 per cent, reads part of the trade union demands to textile and apparel industry. Once more, the trade union demands that textile and apparel employers should ensure provision of safe and affordable housing to their employees. Alternatively, the employers in the sector should pay the workers a housing allowance of at least E400 per month, reads part of the demands. Furthermore, the amalgamation also demanded that supervisors should not earn more than 25 per cent of the rate of the highest paid employee under her/his supervision. It is also want all employees who have been in continuous employment for 12 months to be entitled to an annual bonus, equivalent to 22 days wages and that they should have a minimum of 45 minutes lunch break per day. ATUSWA Secretary General Wonder Mkhonza confirmed the developments. In fact, he said talks with other companies like Giant Clothing were at an advanced stage. He added that in their demands, they also want lines of communication between ATUSWA and textile and apparel industry employers to be always open. By PTI KOLKATA: BJP state president Dilip Ghosh courted controversy on Sunday by threatening to shoot and kill those involved in damaging public property "like the same way in Uttar Pradesh". Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal's Nadia district, Ghosh came down heavily on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering lathi charge" on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in the state in December last year. "Is it the father's property of those who are setting a public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on taxpayers' money!" Ghosh said. He said, "The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements (during anti-CAA protests)." The BJP leader said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot "like the same way in Uttar Pradesh". "They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy the country's property. Is it their zamindari!" he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those "sabotaging the interests" of Hindu Bengalis. He claimed that there are two crore "Muslim infiltrators" in the country. "One crore alone is in West Bengal and Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them," he alleged. ANTRIM COUNTY, MI A Michigan man who shot a fellow hunter on the opening day of firearm deer hunting season has been sentenced. David Barber, 46, of Gaylord, was sentenced to at least 5 years in prison on Monday, according to the Associated Press. A jury found Barber guilty of of involuntary manslaughter, felony firearm and trespassing in December 2019. The charges stem from the Nov. 15, 2018, death of Sanford resident Justin E. Beutel. Department of Natural Resources officers responded to a call of a hunting accident at about 1 p.m. near the intersection of West Elder Road and Northeast Torch Lake Drive, near the village of Alden, roughly 20 miles northeast of Traverse City. EMS workers administered first aid to Beutel, but he did not recover. Beutels family spoke at the sentencing, according to UpNorthLive.com, mostly about the impact his death has had on them. Barber will be eligible for parole after five years in prison. The White House is voicing strong support for Iranian protesters who took to the streets to decry the shoot down of a Ukrainian commercial jetliner outside Tehran last week. Trump faces continued bipartisan pressure from Congress to provide more details on the killing of an Iranian general. SYDNEY, Jan. 13 (Peoples Daily Online/ Yuting Ma) The catastrophic Australian bushfires have been burning since last September, while record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought have intensified this massive crisis. At least 28 lives have so far been lost and an estimated 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km or 15.6 million acres) of bush, forest and parks have been burned, with over 2,000 homes destroyed. Recent official figures showed that the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has received almost 9,000 claims since September from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. The damage bill from bushfires across the country is estimated to be $700 million. While firefighters are working around the clock to stop the blaze, police have also been busy hunting down active firebugs. Since last November, the NSW Police Force has taken legal action against 183 people for 205 bushfire-related offenses, including 24 people charged over alleged deliberately-lit bushfires. 43 people were charged with deliberately lighting fires in Victoria while 101 were picked up for setting bushfires. Police are appealing to the community to provide footage and/or images from phones, dashcams, or other devices, that show any of the fires in their infancy, even if only from a distance. They also encourage people to provide images to local police stations or upload the evidence through Crime Stoppers online. The penalty for arson causing death in Victoria and NSW is up to 25 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire is 15 years imprisonment in Victoria and 21 years in NSW. WESTPORT Several Westport businesses have closed its doors in recent days, but a few are slated to open in the near future. Westport Pizzeria , The Meatball Shop and Banana Republic were among the businesses in town that closed within the past week. Calling Westport its home since 1968, Westport Pizzeria celebrated its final day after 51 years of business on Jan. 11. On its Facebook page, owner Carmelo Mioli paid tribute to the town and its customers. We appreciate the friendship of our loyal customers and the many beautiful memories shared together, Mioli said. Although we are closing, I will be staying here in the town that I love. I look forward to seeing you all around town! Thank you Westport for giving me the opportunity to take care of you for 51 years. Customers flocked to the restaurant on its final day to enjoy one last piece of its popular pizza. At 143 Post Road E., the pizzeria, was a highly popular restaurant that will be missed, said Matthew Mandell, executive director of Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce. Westport Pizzeria was a wonderful mom-and-pop shop, that represented the community for over 50 years, Mandell said. Their closing was different than other closings that had been related to economic issues. That wasnt the case with them. This was about people who offered a lot to the community, calling it a day, after more than 50 years. Meanwhile, The Meatball Shop had a short stay in Westport. The eatery, which opened on 2 Post Road W. in June had its final day on Sunday. The Meatball Shop has six other locations, all of which are in New York. The Meatball Shop restaurant is a sad story, Mandell explained. They said they are changing their business model, so their store here in Westport was part of that change. Chefs Table, at 161 Cross Highway, didnt call Westport home for long either. The restaurant, which offered hot soups, salads, sandwiches and coffee, will be closing Jan. 15 after just opening last April at the former Christies Country Store site. Its Fairfield location remains open. Mandell couldnt offer much explanation for Chefs Tables departure, but said they seemed to be doing fine from his perspective. Hopefully some one will pick up where they left off, he said. Clothing and accessories retailer Banana Republic, which was at 44 Main St. since 1999, also recently closed. There is a large change that is a occurring to the retail world and not just effecting Westport, Mandell said. The price of downtown Main Street is expensive and the market will reflect that. Mandell noted there may be a change in the type of stores coming to town. We may be seeing a new renaissance of retail, more related to mom-and-pop type stores, rather than the large chains, Mandell said. Its a positive, that could create a uniqueness in our community. Despite the business exodus from town this month, Shea Bakery is one of the new shops poised to open in Westport. The bakery/coffehouse will be on the Post Road, across the street from William Pitt Sothebys Real Estate. Mendel noted a new restaurant is also coming to Main Street in the coming months. There are always some openings. We do a lot of ribbon-cutting, Mandell said. Interstate Lumber, a small Connecticut chain, opened up shop here too, which we always like to see. There is always an ebb and flow with businesses in the area. Some make it, some dont. The smaller, mom-and-pop shops I think that is the future. dfierro@greenwichtime.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This weekend brought a record-breaking high of 70 on Saturday which dropped 20 degrees in about an hour, only to heat up again by midnight. The next day, Clevelanders saw freezing temperatures. The wild temperature swings are the result of an amplified jet pattern. Though active weather systems arent unusual this time of year, the magnitude of the changes is, National Weather Service meteorologist Sarah Jamison said. Northeast Ohio didnt see some of the extreme weather that the southern part of the state did, with two tornadoes touching down in Troy and Fletcher in Southwest Ohio on Saturday night. Take a look at what happened this weekend: Saturday What happened? Temperatures started in the high 50s and then rose steadily to 70 degrees by 3 p.m., breaking a record high of 67 in 1890. It then sharply cooled down, dropping from 69 to 44 in less than an hour, according to historical data from Weather Underground. After reaching 42 around 5 p.m., temperatures climbed again and reached about 60 degrees at midnight. The National Weather Service surface weather map as of 7 a.m. on Jan. 11. Why? A deepening storm system resulted in significant storms and extreme weather in southern Ohio, including the Saturday night tornadoes. As the storm deepened, the flow from the Gulf of Mexico up into the Ohio Valley pushed a warm front into Ohio and then up to the lake shore. Thats why it was warmer than average on Saturday. The drastic drop in temperature was because a cold front dipped down from the north. It then lifted back north over the lake in the evening, causing it to heat up again around midnight. Sunday What happened? Temperatures began in the 60s near midnight and then gradually dropped to 32 degrees by around 6 a.m. They stayed in the low 30s for most of the day, though heated up to the high 30s at some points in the afternoon. Why? The backside of the storm system that brought in the warm air brought in a cold front, which swept back into Northeast Ohio on Sunday, cooling down temperatures. Whats next Temperatures are back up in the 40s for Monday, with a high near 46 and then dropping down to 36 this evening, according to the National Weather Service forecast. The high is forecasted to be 50 degrees on Tuesday. Jamison said there looks to be a cool-down on the horizon for later this week, but its looking like temperatures will stay above meteorological normals. Another, less intense storm system will develop later this week, which will bring some rain. But temperatures wont stay above average for the rest of the month. Jamison said the National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center, which issues long-term forecasts, predicts that the amplified pattern will shift and Clevelanders will experience temperatures that are colder than average. Normally what happens with an amplified pattern is you have to make up for that (warmer weather), Jamison said. If youre on the warm side, youre eventually going to get on the cold side. That could happen as early as next week. Texans know the problems connected with illegal immigration as well as residents of any state and would undoubtedly support any reasonable plans by the Trump administration to attack this longstanding problem. But the presidents obsession with building a big, beautiful wall along our border with Mexico is devoting too much money to a proposed solution that simply does not work and in doing so, diverts money for realistic options that could actually help more. Last week administration officials announced that they have completed 100 miles of new barriers along our southern border and hope to finish 450 miles by the end of 2020. And along some parts of the border, those new or improved walls can be effective. But our border with Mexico from Texas to California spans the substantial length of 1,954 miles, including more than 1,200 miles along Texas, and only about 800 miles of the entire border has some type of wall or fence. Even then, about half of existing barriers stop only vehicles, not people who could (and often do) simply walk across the border. Again, for more than 1,000 miles, no serious impediment exists or could be built without spending billions of dollars and disrupting the lives of U.S. residents and businesses along the border. Despite this reality, the administration plows ahead with its chief promise from the 2016 presidential campaign, one that even many of Trumps advisers thought was more symbolic than literal. Worst of all is how this new spate of wall-building is being financed. Last week a federal appeals court in New Orleans lifted a lower court injunction that had frozen $3.6 billion the White House diverted for the project from military construction funds. Thats money diverted from a real need to a dubious one. Even with the best wall, illegal crossers can go over or under it, particularly in many parts of the border that are isolated. At least a third of illegal immigrants entered this country legally and simply overstayed visas. No wall stops them. Many Republicans in Congress realize these facts and have never shown the enthusiasm for the wall that the president exhibits. They need to speak up in this election year and at least get any wall funded through legitimate appropriations, not money taken from military construction budgets. This debate is not about whether illegal immigration should be stopped. It clearly should. The discussion should be how to do that effectively, not with a wall that sounds good on TV commercials but usually does not work. The prosecution rested its case Monday in the murder trial of Kasheem Aiken. The 37-year-old Easton man is accused of killing 19-year-old Teayahe Glover of Bethlehem. Aikens attorney accused the prosecutions key witness of lying about Aikens involvement in the case. Northampton County First Deputy District Attorney William Blake took about a week to present his witnesses before wrapping up late Monday afternoon. Defense attorney Christopher Shipman said he had at least two witnesses for his side of the case. Their testimony should wrap up in time for closing arguments to take place Tuesday, he said. Blake agreed closing arguments are likely Tuesday. After that, the case will head to the jury. Police say Glover was killed after going to police with information about a shooting a week prior to her death. Its a case about street life. This is a case about revenge," said Blake when the trial opened Monday, Jan. 6. Police said Aiken committed the murder with the help of Xavier Snyder, 20, of Washington. Snyder pleaded guilty to third-degree murder as part of a plea deal that included a promise to testify against Aiken. Snyder says Aiken pulled the trigger, according to Blake. Snyder was portrayed as an unreliable witness by Shipman. Shipman pointed out on Jan. 6 that Snyder will be sentenced to 16 to 32 years in prison, a sentence that will allow him to leave prison a relatively young man." Kasheem Aiken of Easton is charged with the murder of Teayahe Glover in Bethlehem.Courtesy photo Snyder has lied about virtually every important point in this case, Shipman said Jan. 6. Police said Glover was present when her boyfriend, Alan Young, got into an argument that ended with Tariq Page shooting Young. Page would plead guilty to attempted homicide and is serving a seven- to 14-year prison sentence. Aiken and Snyder were allied with Young and resentful of Glover and believed she played a role in Youngs shooting, according to police. They sought revenge when Glover told police what happened, police said. Glover was found dead Feb. 8, 2017, at the corner of Sioux and Sassafras streets in Bethlehem. Jury deliberations are expected after closing arguments Tuesday. Aiken is charged with criminal homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Third President of Armenia, President of the Chess Federation of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan today visited the Chess Academy of Armenia where he observed the 10th International Chess Tournament dedicated to the memory of Andranik Margaryan and taking place on January 8-17, as reported the Facebook page of the Office of the 3rd President of Armenia. The third President of Armenia was accompanied by former mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan. The commemorative tournament is being held through the Swiss and regional procedures. Boys and girls from all provinces of the Republic of Armenia, as well as from the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) and abroad are participating in the tournament through the Swiss procedure. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], Jan 14 (ANI): BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed a police complaint in Bhopal here after she received an envelope containing "several threatening letters" and "harmful powder-like chemicals". "A suspicious envelope was delivered at my residence. When my assistant opened the envelope and came in contact with the powder-like substance inside, it started itching. There was also some threatening letters inside. I immediately informed the police," Thakur told ANI here. A team of police is at the spot and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team is examining the letter. "The letter is in Urdu and some other letters were also attached to it. I have received such letters in the past as well. I had also informed the police about them but no action has been taken about that either. This is a big conspiracy by enemies of the nation," Thakur said. "In the letter, pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Kashmir Governor along with mine were crossed by a pen. These enemies and terrorists are trying to target people working for the welfare of the country," she added. Thakur, Member of Parliament from Bhopal, claimed that her life was in danger. "The letter says how we will be killed and with which weapons. The terrorists and enemies of the country are threatening to kill us. They don't want us to work for the welfare of the country. Before reaching the top leadership, they are coming to me," she said. The BJP MP said that she is a "wall" adding that these people "will not be able to get through" her and "will realise their place". According to police, a case has been registered against unknown persons under Sections 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). (ANI) 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 Just when we thought we've seen everything and there's nothing left that will force us to clean our eyes with dettol, a Danish pizzeria came around and proved us wrong. We all love experimenting with food, but honestly, people should really know where to stop. Adding an extra pack of oregano seasoning or chilli flakes is fine. Having a bowl of fruit along with a pizza is also fine. But, putting kiwi fruit on pizza is NOT fine. It's disgusting and disrespectful towards both pizza and kiwi. Reddit People are not even finished fighting over pineapple pizza and this Danish restaurant gave people a new battle to fight. I guess now the 'pineapple pizza' haters will join hands with those who love it to fight this monstrosity of a dish. Recently, a photo of the pizza was shared on Reddit and was called "an unholy abomination" and since then people have lost their shit. You're more responsible for kiwi on pizza than Trump is for Iran shooting down an airliner. I@ just using modern media logic. A Box of Rocks (@ABoxOfRocks23) January 13, 2020 NFW. Pineapple on pizza is a crime and so is this. I make a killer fruit salad with a layer of kiwis on top but not pizza!! Waginator (@the_waginator) January 13, 2020 we've been so worried about pineapple we didn't even think to ask if kiwi belongs on pizza ...which it does AlanSEVENMILES (@sevenmilestv) January 13, 2020 That's an abomination for sure too. It's ok. There's a pineapple pizza section in hell. Add kiwi and anything else that doesn't belong on pizza in that same section in hell. King Scorp (@PeteyRock07) January 13, 2020 Lol...I stand by it. Besides, which is worse, ketchup or kiwi on pizza? David Vainqueur (@True_Canuck1) January 13, 2020 Like kiwi on a regular #PIZZA? Seems like it would be runny but. I'd have to try it! Posty [Loa of Pizza] (@Postsemreh) January 13, 2020 Kiwi belongs on pizza just like pineapple belongs on pizza. In other words, it doesn't. Don't ruin pizza. Mia Wiens (@warasaur) January 13, 2020 ''911 this is an Emergancy, this ''human being'' is putting kiwi on pizza'' Ronan vd meer (@ColdBloodRonan) January 12, 2020 The pineapple on pizza debate is quite stupid. I'm all for anyone should eat whatever they want ... but I'm convinced that, if you eat this shit you must be a serial killer. Like WTF IS KIWI PIZZA ?! pic.twitter.com/1N8fgIp4Aq Salina de la Renta (@salinadelarenta) January 12, 2020 However, there are many who are willing to try this kiwi pizza and we think it's really brave of them. But, this is not the first time people tried to brutally destroy a pizza. Earlier, people have put bananas and gulab jamun on pizza too. Defending Dakar Rally bike champion Toby Price spoke movingly on Monday about Paulo Goncalves, the Portuguese rider killed in a crash, and how riders risked their lives "every time we climb onto a motorcycle". The Australian was the first to come across Goncalves, 40, after his fatal high speed accident on Sunday's seventh stage in the Saudi Arabian desert. Price, 32, revisited those harrowing moments after Monday's eighth stage was cancelled for bikes and quads to give riders time "to mourn their friend". "Unfortunately we know the dangers of this sport, just a hard day when that day arrives, unfortunately we were there for it," said KTM's Price who won last year despite a broken wrist. "It was a big fast plateau, pretty much wide open full gas, right at the last minute the alarm on the GPS system went off, as I look up I saw a black shape out in the distance, that's never good. "Then to arrive and see Paulo on the ground... instantly I knew it was serious and he was in a bad way." With Stefan Svitko and 2006 car champion Luc Alphand also arriving at the scene Price said they tried to get a response out of Goncalves, Dakar runner-up in 2015. Price said no one was to blame for the tragedy which brought the number of fatalities on the Dakar to 25, 20 of them on bikes since the first edition in 1979. "Unfortunately when its your time it's your time, unfortunately it was Paulo's day yesterday." "We tried to do everything we could, we checked all the vitals, unfortunately no response." He described the wait for the medical helicopter to arrive "as the longest eight minutes of my life for sure". Price, who also won the 2016 Dakar, said despite the emotional trauma of the experience he was happy he had stayed with Goncalves. "That's what kind of gives me comfort, I remember him stopping for me in 2017 when I broke my leg in the Dakar... it was the right thing to do. "At least I knew I was there for him, tried to comfort him as much as possible. "My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends and everyone in Portugal, they lost a good warrior that's for sure." Despite the tragedy Price said not one rider on the Dakar would give up his day job. "If you walk around here in the bivouac and ask anybody to stop in the race for sure they say no, it's our love, it's our passion, and for Paulo for sure the same thing. "He did many years in the Dakar, he loved the event, he loved the sport. he went out doing something he loved - but day seven of the 2020 Dakar will be a sad one to remember." Paulo Goncalves, pictured celebrating second in the 2015 Dakar, died on Sunday in a high speed crash Toby Price at the podium ceremony on January 4 Cynthia Erivo is on the brink of a historic EGOT win after scoring two nominations at the 2020 Oscars. The British star is up for Best Actress and Best Original Song for her performance in Harriet, the 2019 biopic in which she portrays abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Erivo has already secured an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony, meaning shes one Oscar away from becoming the 16th EGOT winner ever. At 33, she would also become the youngest recipient ever, beating current record holder Robert Lopez, who received all four awards by the age of 39. If she wins at least one of the two Academy Awards shes nominated for during the ceremony on 9 February. the actor will join the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Audrey Hepburn, who have all won all four trophies needed to become an EGOT recipient. Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her performance in the stage production of The Color Purple. 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 She received a Grammy in the Best Musical Theater Album category in 2017 for the same musical, as well as a Daytime Emmy for a performance on the Today show. The actor reacted to her two Academy Awards nominations on Monday, saying in a statement: To receive two Oscar nominations for a film paying tribute to Harriet Tubman, a person whose heart and spirit are the embodiment of courage, makes this mornings news beyond anything I could have ever imagined. This is more than a dream come true. When I got the opportunity to play this incredible woman, I felt truly honoured that Kasi and our producers saw fit to have me play the part; being asked to co-write and perform the song in the film was the icing on an already wonderful cake. I continue to feel overwhelmed with gratitude today to the Academy for recognising my performance and our song Stand Up. Fifteen people in total have received an EGOT, including Tim Rice, Rita Moreno, and Helen Hayes. Others, such as Barbara Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Quincy Jones, have received all four awards needed to complete an EGOT, but at least one of them was non-competitive, meaning it was an honourary award rather than a traditionally awarded title. Vicky Tsai was officially a Harvard Business School graduate for less than a week when she found herself making coffee, washing dishes and taking out the trash at a Starbucks cafe in China. "I graduated business school on a Thursday or Friday, then right after went to Shanghai," Tsai tells CNBC Make It. By 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, she was setting up tables and opening shop. The experience in 2006 was part of her first corporate job out of graduate school, working for Starbucks to expand its China market. "Corporate people at Starbucks at the time were allowed on the line," Tsai recalls of the role. The company's store immersion program takes place in U.S. and international cafes and is designed to help new corporate hires better understand the in-store Starbucks experience. "It's really, really stressful to make coffee for people when you don't know how they get angry! So they let you spend some time on the line, but mostly you take out garbage and wash dishes. "I spent most of my day either disappointing customers or washing dishes," Tsai adds. Tsai's first-hand customer service experience paid off six months later when she pitched and executed the coffee giant's strategy to launch consumer products in China, which included introducing the bottled Frappuccino in time for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. China now has 4,100 Starbucks locations in 168 cities. "It all clicked why it was so important," Tsai says, "and I could understand the experience of our baristas in what would excite them, what wouldn't work for them, and just the reality of what we'd be asking them to do and that was so important." Tsai drew from the lessons she learned at Starbucks when she founded her own skin care company, Tatcha, in 2009. The luxury skin care brand with fans in Kim Kardashian and Meghan Markle would go on to make an estimated $70 million in sales in 2018, according to investment bank Bryan, Garnier & Co., and reported by Bloomberg. It was acquired by Unilever during summer of 2019, for a deal approaching $500 million, WWD reported citing industry sources. (The company declined to comment on the terms of the sale or its annual sales figures.) "To this day, I ask that everybody who works at our company starts in our warehouse," Tsai says. She recently hired a new CEO, chief operating officer and creative director, who spent their first few days with Tatcha's customer service team and at the warehouse where orders are packed and shipped. "The closer you are to the client, the more you understand what's working and not working," Tsai says of the method. "The second you get too far away from the client, you start making weird mistakes." Tsai's laser focus on the customer experience extends to her digital tasks, too. "I largely don't use email anymore, but I get all the ones that go to info@tatcha.com filtered into a folder that I will read every single question, complaint suggestion, compliment," she says. "I read it 24/7." Tsai isn't the only entrepreneur who constantly monitors her inbox. "Shark Tank" investor Mark Cuban is known for answering texts and emails immediately. In 2012, he made an investment in The Zebra, an insurance comparison start-up, after receiving a cold pitch email from founder Adam Lyons, who correctly guessed Cuban's email address. "Not every entrepreneur, not every business-person wants to put themselves out there. But I will," Cuban said on the radio show "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" in 2019. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos also has a customer-facing email address, jeff@amazon.com, where he gathers customer feedback to identify areas of improvement at the $957 billion tech behemoth. "I still have an email address that customers can write to," Bezos said in 2018, speaking to the George W. Bush Presidential Center's Forum on Leadership in April. "I see most of those emails, and I don't answer very many of them anymore, but I see them and I forward them, some of them the ones that catch my curiosity." One such email to Bezos' public address in 2018 resulted in an unusual customer experience: Businessman Richard Guttfield discovered his black miniature schnauzer, Wilma, was missing after a driver delivered a package of dog food from Amazon. He sent an email to Bezos, which spurred an investigation, and the dog was found. "My puppy went missing after an Amazon delivery and after an email to Jeff (Bezos) we had someone who was amazing who tracked the driver and found our dog and brought her home," Guttfield told CNBC. Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube! Don't miss: Company founder didn't take a salary for 9 years: 'Every time I get a paycheck, it feels like I've won the lottery' The companys statement did not say whether Apple engineers would help the government get into the phones themselves. It said that Americans do not have to choose between weakening encryption and solving investigations because there are now so many ways for the government to obtain data from Apples devices many of which Apple routinely helps the government execute. It will not back down from its unequivocal support of encryption that is impossible to crack, people close to the company said. Justice Department officials said that they needed access to Mr. Alshamranis phones to see data and messages from encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp to determine whether he had discussed his plans with others at the base and whether he was acting alone or with help. We dont want to get into a world where we have to spend months and even years exhausting efforts when lives are in the balance, Mr. Barr said. We should be able to get in when we have a warrant that establishes that criminal activity is underway. The confrontation echoed the legal standoff over an iPhone used by a gunman who killed 14 people in a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, Calif., in late 2015. Apple defied a court order to assist the F.B.I. in its efforts to search his device, setting off a fight over whether privacy enabled by impossible-to-crack encryption harmed public safety. The San Bernardino dispute was resolved when the F.B.I. found a private company to bypass the iPhones encryption. Tensions between the two sides, however, remained, and Apple worked to ensure that neither the government nor private contractors could open its phones. Storm Brendan brought heavy rain, strong winds, and surging seas to communities along the coasts of Ireland and Great Britain on January 13, including Tramore, Ireland. Irelands meteorological service Met Eireann reported storm-force wind gusts at a weather station on the south coast, and more than 16 mm of rainfall at a weather station on the southwest coast. The Met Office issued a yellow wind warning across Northern Ireland, warning that travel disruption was likely. Authorities reported widespread power outages, saying that they were working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible. Storm Brendan was projected to cross over Ireland and make landfall on the west coast of Great Britain by Monday evening. Videos filmed by Aine Ni Fhaolain show rough sea and surf crashing into the promenade at Tramore Beach and the surrounding area in Waterford on Monday. Credit: Aine Ni Fhaolain via Storyful There will be no significant reduction in Chinas new energy vehicles (NEV) subsidies in 2020, Miao Wei, minister of Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealed in a conference on Saturday January 11. The general principle for the policy this year is to stabilize market expectations,... Ottawa sociology professor Hassan Diab is suing the federal government over his extradition to France on allegations of terrorism. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Hassan Diab attends a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, July 26, 2019. Diab is suing the federal government over his extradition to France on allegations of terrorism. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Ottawa sociology professor Hassan Diab is suing the federal government over his extradition to France on allegations of terrorism. Diab, his wife and two young children have filed a notice of action in Ontario Superior Court seeking tens of millions of dollars for alleged abuse of process, infliction of emotional distress and other claims. Diab, 66, accuses the government of negligent investigation and malicious prosecution and says federal officials violated his constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement, liberty and security of the person. The assertions have not been proven in court and the government has yet to file a response. The RCMP arrested Diab in November 2008 in response to a request by France. French authorities suspected he was involved in the 1980 bombing of a Paris synagogue that killed four people and injured dozens of others, an accusation he has always denied. Following drawn-out court proceedings, Diab was extradited to France where he spent three years behind bars, including time in solitary confinement. In January 2018, French judges dismissed the allegations against him and ordered his immediate release. He is now back in Canada with his family. Diab said upon his return he did not want financial compensation from the Canadian government, just changes to the "lousy" extradition law to ensure no one else goes through what he endured. An external review of Diab's extradition case for the Canadian government concluded that federal lawyers who worked on the file "acted in a manner that was ethical and consistent" with law and policy. Diab rejected the report, released last July, as a "whitewash exercise." Amnesty International Canada and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association wrote to federal political leaders during the fall election campaign looking for commitments to establish a full, judge-led public inquiry that addresses the Diab case and the flaws in Canada's extradition system. "Crucially, justice dictates that the inquiry be specifically tasked with determining appropriate redress for Dr. Diab and his family, including an official apology and fair compensation for Canada's part in the human rights violations he suffered," the letter said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. I am incredibly proud of all that our Capsicum Re team has achieved in just five full years of trading, said Swallow. 2020 will be another key year of development for us, as we look to expand our US presence while ensuring our clients remain front and centre. The US is the largest reinsurance market globally, and being part of Gallagher provides us with access to one of the industrys largest global brokers and its extensive US network. Gallagher has been beside us through every step of the journey, since our inception, so this deal is the natural evolution of our relationship. Now, with the takeover complete, there will be no management changes. CEO Swallow will continue to lead the business, reporting to Gallaghers UK broking and underwriting division CEO Simon Matson. Meanwhile, Simon Behagg will remain as COO, while Grahame Chilton re-joins Gallagher as chairman of its global property and casualty business, reporting to Tom Gallagher, CEO of that division. Weve considered Grahame and Rupert to be trusted partners ever since we embarked on our Capsicum Re co-venture six years ago, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO. Given their excellent market reputation and strong track record we didnt hesitate to back their business model and their vision for creating a market-leading reinsurance broker. We are delighted to now move forward to the next chapter of Capsicum Res story as an integral part of our global brokerage operations and we welcome Grahame back into an active leadership role. There is a lot going on at the 2020 San Francisco Writers Conference over President's Day Weekend. Walter Mosley will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and Jonathan Maberry will host one of his popular Writers' Coffeehouses (free and open to all writers). Other SFWC presenters, including She Writes Press founder Brooke Warner and international bestselling author Anne Perry, will each teach one of a dozen different Master Classes offered this year. The annual conference, which will be held February 13-16 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, draws 350+ writers from around the Bay Area and across the country, along with bestselling authors and publishing industry professionals, including literary agents looking for new talent to sign. Event details and online registration are available at: www.SFWriters.org. Keynotes at the 2020 San Francisco Writers Conference will be given by NY Times bestselling author Walter Mosley (best known for his Easy Rawlins book series and This Year You Write Your Novel), NY Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry (V-Wars is a Netflix series), and Brooke Warner, the Oakland-based founder of She Writes Press. More than 20 literary agents will be at the SFWC hoping to find talented new writers. Writers who attend SFWC can choose from 70+ information-packed sessions on writing, editing, book publishing, marketing and even legal issues. For those who can't attend the entire conference there will be a slection of Master Classes. and two, one-day summits for Poetry and Screenwriting. (the summits are included in the full conference registration.) There are also FREE events . On Friday at 10:15 am, YA author, Armand Baltazar, a veteran of Pixar and Disney Studios, will give a workshop for aspiring writers and illustrators in 5th grade and up. RSVP required: https://www.sfwriters.org/armand-baltazar-childrens-event/ A free Evening of Poetry and Jazz is on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m. Bring a poem to read while the jazz band accompanies you or just listen and enjoy! Additional free events will be on our website in late January: www.SFWriters.org. The San Francisco Writers Conference is consistantly ranked as one of the best writers' conferences and it has a reputation for also being the friendliest! San Francisco Writers Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. SFWC registration fee is $850 thru January. At-the-door registration is $895 if space remains. END Aluworks Company Limited has petitioned the government Ghana through the Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC) over what it termed as unfair trade practices by its Chinese competitors. The company cited dumping, price undercutting, trade in cheap products, among others, in its petition. The commission is probing the petition by Aluworks on allegations of imports of subsidized aluminium coils and circles onto the Ghanaian markets, importation of aluminium coils and circles at prices that result in dumping and abuse of the 5% concessionary duty rate, among others. The Managing Director of Aluworks, Kwesi Okoh, at the hearing of the petition on Thursday, January 9, 2020 in Accra, appealed to government to impose the World Trade Organization (WTO) laws to enable the company to compete favourably on the market. Mr. Okoh said the non-implementation of the laws has made it possible for Chinese companies operating in Ghana to charge lower prices for goods they trade in. He mentioned unfair trade practices by foreign companies, especially the Chinese, which enjoy subsidies and export rebates in their home countries and flood the Ghanaian market with cheap products. He said it was time Ghana applied WTO rules and imposed equivalent additional duties to match the level of any export rebate granted these foreign companies. According to him, his company has been making losses since 2009 mainly due to the unbridled import of sub-standard and cheap aluminium sheets and others. We have to apply the World Trade Organisation rules, and we have to impose equivalent additional duties to match the level of any export rebate granted. We have waited for this for 10 years; we want itby the end of 2019 and no later. Aluworks is on the verge of extinction, he lamented. He explained that the work of the erstwhile Tariff Advisory Board practically proved the allegation of dumping, but it has to be re-confirmed. However, getting statistics from China has been difficult. Mr. Okoh said the GITC should use diplomatic contacts to derive required figures, re-prices in China, and official levels of all export rebates on aluminium. There is also duty benchmarking, with the company arguing that the recently revised import duty benchmarking has deepened the export rebate effect. The commission is expected to conduct impartial and fair investigations into the merits of the petitions and make recommendations in addressing the issues raised within a period of at least nine months. ---Daily Guide A 2016 case involving a local police officer allegedly attempting to give a homeless man a sandwich containing dog feces has recirculated, sparking new conversations online about the state of policing in San Antonio. The outrage surrounding bike patrol officer Matthew Luckhurst is that he "got his job back," as U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro tweeted on Sunday, after being fired in October 2016. Castro was reacting to KSAT-12's "Broken Blue" series, a Defenders investigative special which delves into SAPD's disciplinary procedures. "Police unions too often stand by bad officers regardless of how bad theyve acted. It severely undermines public trust," Castro said in a subsequent tweet. A day before Castro's tweet, Blavity, a Los Angeles-based media company, re-shared its March 2019 update on the three-year-old story. The tweet by Blavity has been shared widely across Twitter. In response, some users mobilized people to call SAPD to tell the department to fire Luckhurst "again." Locals said they were "disappointed" or "embarrassed" by the news. Others encouraged service industry workers to reciprocate the officer's alleged actions against the homeless person should they notice him in public. The heightened conversation also garnered reaction from the San Antonio Police Association (SAPOA). The association released a statement on Jan. 10, calling the KSAT-12 series "misleading, sensationalistic, and old reporting." This series attacks SAPOA and our members by saying were too powerful and that we make it difficult to remove problem officers, Michel Helle, president of SAPOA, said in a written statement. While I agree were a strong organization, when it comes to the discipline and appeals process, our role is simple and transparent: ensure that the rights of officers are observed and protected. Though Luckhurst's indefinite suspension, or termination, was reduced to a "lengthy suspension" for the sandwich case through arbitration, he has not returned to work because a second arbitration hearing for another rule violation has not yet occurred, according to SAPD. RELATED: Police arrest suspect accused of shooting homeless man while attempting to steal his bike The timeline of events surrounding the feces sandwich case is muddied. Officers reported the dog feces incident occurred on May 6, 2016, while Luckhurst was working bike patrol. Luckhurst testified that he was clearing an encampment on Interstate 35 and Houston Street that was littered with trash. Luckhurst said he picked up a piece of feces with a piece of bread, because he didn't have gloves, and placed it on a tray and told a homeless man to discard it. There were no witnesses to the interaction between the officer and the transient, and no body camera footage was found to back up Luckhurst's account of the story. Officers reported the incident after Luckhurst allegedly bragged about what happened, supposedly as a joke, according to a previous report. He later challenged the May date, citing medical documents which prevented him from bike patrol duties from April 6 to June 14. The date debacle allowed the arbitrator to void Luckhurst's dismissal due to lack of evidence and uncertainty on the timing. Chief William McManus discussed the arbitration in May 2019, saying the decision to overturn the dismissal was because Luckhurst wasn't punished within the required 180 days of the alleged incident. The arbitration was based on Luckhurst's timing, despite testimony from officers who were on the scene and had a "clear" timeline of events. He is still facing a separate indefinite suspension and we will vigorously defend the decision to terminate him, McManus said. The separate incident happened in June 2016, when police say Luckhurst defecated in a woman's restroom stall at the department's Bike Patrol Office and spread a brown, tapioca-like substance on the seat. Luckhurst is still indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of his upcoming arbitration for the other violation. Read more of the conversation in the gallery above. Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @MaddySkye BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU) goes beyond the Southern Gas Corridor, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Kestutis Jankauskas told Trend. There are other, smaller, but very important ongoing projects, he noted. Returning to the Southern Gas Corridor project, Jankauskas said it will physically connect Azerbaijan and the European Union. "It is a landmark project bringing mutual benefits for Azerbaijan and the EU: for Azerbaijan it will mean predictable and stable income from European customers; for the European Union, it means a new supply route from a new source, which leads to diversification and more choices, thus more competition and affordable prices for the consumers," he said. Jankauskas recalled that in 2019, the crucial connection of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) was inaugurated at the Turkish-Greek border. "In 2020, we expect to see TAP fully completed. The year 2020 will mark the beginning of the SGC, not the end. There are prospects for further strengthening our energy cooperation with IGB (Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria) and a possible extension of the pipeline to the West Balkans. More demand would mean more supply for SGC which could come from the Caspian fields in Azerbaijan and possibly Turkmenistan," he said. The Southern Gas Corridor project aims to increase and diversify European energy supply by bringing gas resources from the Caspian Sea to markets in Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor comprises the following four projects: (i) operation of Shah Deniz natural gas-condensate field ("SD1" project) and its full-field development ("SD2'" project), (ii) the operation of the South Caucasus Pipeline ("SCP" project) and its expansion ("SCPX" project), (iii) the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline ("TANAP" project) and (iv) the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline ("TAP" project) (SD2, SCPX, TANAP and TAP collectively, the "Projects"). The Projects have an estimated investment cost of approximately $40 billion. Upon completion, the SD2 project will add a further 16 bcm of natural gas per annum to 10.9 bcma (maximum production capacity) already produced under SD1 project. Total length of the newly constructed SCPX, TANAP and TAP pipelines will be more than 3,200 kilometres. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned that military confrontation with Iran will impact global peace and stability, as he visits the Middle East hoping to ease tensions spiked by the US killing of a top Iranian general. His comments came at the start of a five-day Gulf tour that had been thrown into doubt after Tehran responded to the attack on Qasem Soleimani by launching a barrage of missiles at bases hosting American troops in Iraq, prompting fears of all-out war. But as those concerns receded, the Japanese premier decided to go ahead with the visit and on Sunday discussed regional tensions during an hour-long meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in northwestern Al-Ula province, according to foreign ministry spokesman Masato Ohtaka. "Any military confrontation in the region that includes a country like Iran will have an impact not only on peace and stability in the region but the peace and stability of the whole world," Abe said, according to Ohtaka. Abe called "on all relevant countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions", Ohtaka added. The spokesman said the two leaders agreed on working closely on maritime security in the region and discussed Tokyo's decision to send a destroyer for intelligence activities along with two P-3C patrol aircraft to the Middle East. Japan, however, will not join a US-led coalition in the region. Tokyo has walked a fine line in balancing its key alliance with Washington and its longstanding relations and interests with Tehran. Ohtaka said that Abe stressed the importance of a continuous and stable Saudi oil supply to Japan. The prime minister's tour will also include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is on a trip to the Middle East, hoping to ease tensions in the region DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation is expanding its international outreach this month with performances and workshops at the world-renowned Panama Jazz Festival. The Latin American trip is part of the Detroit foundation's ongoing Latino outreach initiative designed to foster collaborative partnerships with top global talent while engaging diverse American audiences through rich multicultural programming. "This trip represents a global footprint for the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation," said Chris Collins, the foundation's president and artistic director. "The members of our All-Star Generations Band will serve as ambassadors of Detroit culture and music, sharing a sense of who we are as a city. This trip is an opportunity for Detroit musicians to learn more about Panamanian traditions and create music that is truly born from both sides: a cultural fusion." The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation All-Star Generations Band will perform in Panama's City of Knowledge on Jan. 13 before leading a series of workshops on Detroit's unique sounds and jazz traditions. Breakout sessions focused on individual instruments will be led by four Detroit artists: Chris Collins (saxophone), Marion Hayden Gardner (bass), Nate Winn (drums) and Wesley Reynoso (piano). Collins will then travel to Cuba on Jan. 15 as a guest of the Havana Jazz Festival to continue planning for an upcoming collaboration and yearlong engagement. This past November, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation All-Star Generations Band performed in Japan at the Tottori Jazz Festival and in jazz clubs. "These initiatives have the power to break down barriers," Collins said. "In this day and age, it's easy to become jaded or even prejudiced toward people based on assumptions. Art and music can be the bridges that connect people, even in the face of political differences. There's an overarching message here that goes beyond music: We are all one, and we share many more commonalities than differences." The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has been engaged in an ongoing cultural exchange with Panama since 2013, when the organization first teamed with Danilo Perez, a Panamanian-born pianist and humanitarian. Since then, artists and students from both countries have collaborated on workshops, exchange programs and international performances. Jazz fans can expect to see the fruits of that labor this Labor Day weekend at the 41st annual Detroit Jazz Festival, a free four-day event that is expected to attract 300,000 people. About the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation: The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that presents jazz and educational workshops throughout the year. The Foundation produces the Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Quicken Loans, which is the largest free jazz festival in the world and a major tourist attraction for the city of Detroit. Twenty-six percent of the audience comes from out of state. For more information, visit detroitjazzfest.org. SOURCE Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Related Links http://detroitjazzfest.org The ongoing protests against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 reverberated in the Assam Assembly on Monday as members of the opposition Congress and the AIUDF raised slogans against the law, creating a noisy scene in the House as Governor Jagadish Mukhi began his speech. The House assembled for a special one-day session to ratify the Constitution Amendment Bill which proposes to extend reservations to SC/STs in the Lok Sabha and the state legislatures by another 10 years. The Bill was passed by the Parliament on December 11 last year. Two minutes into Governor Mukhi's speech, MLA Rupan Kurmi got up to say that there was no mention in his speech about CAA or death of five students allegedly due to police firing during protests against the law in December last year. Opposition legislators joined Kurmi with placards against CAA and raised slogans demanding an inquiry into the killings, coming down to the well of the House. Nothing could be heard in the din even as the governor continued to read his speech and the BJP MLAs in the treasury bench thumped on their tables. The National Anthem was played signalling that the governor was leaving and Speaker Hiten Goswami announced that Mukhi's speech was to be taken as read. Goswami then adjourned the House for 45 minutes for a special tea session arranged for the MLAs, which the Congress legislators told waiting reporters that they had boycotted in protest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Image: Reuters The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on January 13 said it has nothing to do with a book on Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that compares the warrior king to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to news agency PTI, the party's media co-in charge, Sanjay Mayukh, told reporters that the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal, who is a BJP member, has also expressed his willingness to withdraw those parts of the book which a section of society has found objectionable. "I only wanted to tell readers how Modi like Shivaji has worked to take everyone along and also been successful in doing what many considered impossible. If it has hurt sentiments of some people, I am willing to revise those parts of the book," Goyal, the author of the book titled 'Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', said. Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? A revered figure particularly in Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a warrior king who was known as much for his progressive approach towards society as for his skills in the battlefield and administration. During the Assembly polls in Maharashtra, PM Modi had said his government adhered to Shivaji's principles of nationalism and national security. "In the last five years, the Centre and the state government have adhered to the values of Shivaji Maharaj. Nationalism and national security is our top priority. Those having evil designs against the country will be given a befitting reply," PM Modi had said. In 2003, a book on the warrior king had created a controversy after workers of Sambhaji Brigade had violently protested against "Shivaji: The Hindu King in Muslim India" written by James Laine. The state government had then banned the book in 2004, but the Supreme Court had, in 2010, lifted the ban. People fill Dunham Mall in front of City Hall as they prepare to march to the Colonial Theater for a rally on the 4 Freedoms. The start of the march. There were a few counterprotestors who did not join in. PreviousNext Four Freedoms March Again Draws Large Crowd to Pittsfield U.S. Sen. Edward Markey was the keynote speaker at Sunday's Four Freedoms Coalition rally. He attended a fundraiser for state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier's campaign prior to the march. PITTSFIELD, Mass. Hundreds of people marched Sunday afternoon under a brilliant sky from City Hall to the Colonial Theatre, chanting "No hate, no fear, everyone is welcome here!" The Four Freedoms March was held to acknowledge the four freedoms that were outlined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a State of the Union address nearly 80 years ago. He described them as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The Four Freedoms have special significance in the Berkshires because of painter Norman Rockwell's imagery; his original paintings are on display the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. Local legislators turned out in force to support the cause and hear a diverse group of speakers and performers at the Colonial. State Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, John Barrett III, and Paul Mark sat with state Sen. Adam Hinds and Mayors Linda Tyer of Pittsfield and Thomas Bernard of North Adams. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, a candidate for Congress, was in attendance. And the event brought U.S. Sen. Edward Markey to Pittsfield to deliver the keynote address in front of a standing-room-only crowd. The event was hosted by Kate Maguire, artistic director and CEO of Berkshire Theater Group, which operates the Colonial. It was organized by the Four Freedoms Coalition, which has held a number of different rallies and workshops since the first march in 2017. Tyer took the stage first to welcome everyone and offered her take on the four freedoms. "We electeds, from federal to state to local, must always be guided in our decisions by these four freedoms as our foundation. I promise to all of you ... that I will be thinking about these four freedoms and how my work can be meaningful to the people who need us the most," she said. "I know I have some things to learn today and I come with an open heart and an open mind." The first speaker was Imam Bilal Ansari on freedom of religion. Ansari is the assistant vice president of campus engagement at Williams College and has worked to combat injustice in federal and state prisons. His message was one of tolerance. "Whether you are a Jew or a gentile, Protestant or Catholic, Hindu or Buddhist, you are welcome and you should be welcome. For Muslims who are Sunni or Shi'ite who may feel rejected I stand here as an African American to tell you to be patient. This nation is built on struggle and civil strife. It has its ups and its downs like the hills but the people shall rise again," he concluded to raucous applause. Hawk Newsome is the president of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York. He has zealously sought justice for those slain by law enforcement through undue force. He spoke to the freedom from fear. "Many people will say you need unity to conquer fear. I contend that that's a lie. I believe we need friendship to conquer fear. We need friendship to combat hate," he said. "Unity can make you stand up and say 'I'm against attacks on Jewish people.' Friendship looks like bringing Jewish people into black and brown communities to have dinner and gain a better understanding of each other." He finished his address with a challenge to the crowd. "Be at the forefront, don't be sheep. Lead the way and do not be afraid. Rise up for your friends, rise up with love, and rise up with your energy," he finished. Third speaker Logan Malik spoke of the freedom from want and wrapped it in a call for environmental change and a green future through the Green New Deal. Malik works with the Berkshire Environmental Action Plan and No Fracked Gas in Mass. "With so much fear and uncertainty it is difficult to remain hopeful and optimistic about the future of our country. No issue embodies this unease more than the existential threat of climate change. Ice sheets are melting, sea levels are rising, Australia is burning and scientists are telling us we have less than ten years to avoid the worst effects," he began. "The Green New Deal is also directly connected to the optimism set out in Roosevelt's 1941 speech. It exudes hope that in addressing the most challenging issue of our time we will not only preserve those things that we hold most dear but we will make our world more just and equitable." Jenn Smith is the community engagement editor for The Berkshire Eagle and she spoke about the ever-increasing threat to the freedom of the press. "There was a time in our nation's not too distant history that there would have been a good chance that people like me, someone who shares my complexion, who shares my gender, would not be invited to a public stage. In some people's minds it still may be hard for them to respect someone like me. Just because I'm brown and just because I'm a woman, and that's got to change," she said. "I'm here today as a proud member of the press. An institution founded on our collective pursuits of freedom and democracy, for transparency, for justice, accountability and progress." She called for a greater understanding and cooperation between the press and the public. "Let me be clear ... we are not your enemy. But we are also here for you to hold us accountable," Smith said. "I'm here today to remind you that the free press uncensored by fear and government discontent is meant to uphold fair representation of 'We The People.' And that the members of the press are your allies in holding our certain inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom of speech is our sword and our shield to wield in protecting our collective humanity." Markey had attended and spoke at the first march in 2017. The last speaker to take the stage, he delivered a energetic and sweeping 15 minutes that touched on several hot-button issues. "My question here in 2020 is are you willing to fight? What I propose today is that we apply FDR's Four Freedoms with a 2020 vision. Freedom No. 1: freedom from war. We can not escalate tensions in Iran and the Middle East without congressional authorization. Freedom No. 2: freedom from our climate crisis. The climate crisis is the economic, national security, health, and moral issue of our time. That is why I partnered with Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez [of New York] for the Green New Deal," the senator told the crowd. Kate McGuire, CEO of Berkshire Theatre Group, was host for the afternoon. "What we're talking about in the Green New Deal is called jobs. The Green New Deal will be the greatest force for blue-collar union job creation in a generation," the senator claimed. "We must unleash a wind and solar and storage technology, and all electric vehicles and all electric building and energy efficiency so that we will bury the power of the fossil fuel industry. "Freedom No. 3: freedom from gun violence. Ban assault weapons, pass universal background checks, close the gun show loophole and make the NRA stand for 'Not Relevant Anymore.' "Freedom No. 4: freedom from social injustice and inequality. Today freedom is being dismantled. Our shared values as a nation of liberty, equality, and justice for all are under direct assault. An assault led by interests and forces fueled by lies, and racism, and sexism, and xenophobia and fear. These forces have their own four freedoms. Freedom from the truth, freedom from accountability, freedom from decency, freedom from the rule of law. You do not make America great again by making America hate again." With the crowd in full roar, Markey doubled down and spoke of the Berkshiress' role in the country's history. "We are Massachusetts, we don't get to sit on the sidelines. We are not just the Bay State we are the brave state. The Berkshires have always been revolutionary," he said, repeating an enumeration of firsts he'd made before. "This is where the American Revolution began. This is where the abolitionist movement began. This is where the Suffragist movement began. This where the Freedom riders went South in the 1960s. This is where the same-sex marriage revolution began. This is where the health-care-for-all revolution began. You are revolutionaries and we must stand up to protect the Four Freedoms of every single person who lives in the United States of America." The afternoon's program was interspersed with performances from local noted musicians and performers. The Kids 4 Harmony Elayne P. Bernstein octet performed Beethoven; the Berkshire Hills Chorus sang three tunes; the step dance group Sankofa from Williams College was wildly received; noted musicians Paul Green, Benny Kohn, Jason Ennis, and Natalie Bernal performed; and the program ended with music from Wes Buckley, Marisa Massery, and Chantell McFarland. Delhi court is likely to pronounce on Tuesday its judgment in the case of alleged sexual and physical assault of several girls at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur. New Delhi: A Delhi court is likely to pronounce on Tuesday its judgment in the case of alleged sexual and physical assault of several girls at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur, which was run by former Bihar People's Party (BPP) MLA Brajesh Thakur. The court had earlier deferred the order by a month till 14 January as judge Saurabh Kulshrestha, who had conducted the trial, was on leave. Prior to that, in November, it had deferred the verdict by a month as 20 accused, who are currently lodged in Tihar central jail, could not be brought to court premises due to the lawyers' strike in all six district courts in the National Capital. The court on 20 March, 2018, had framed charges against the accused, including Thakur, for offences of criminal conspiracy to commit rape and penetrative sexual assault against minors. The accused included eight females and 12 males. The court had held trial for the offences of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugging of minors and criminal intimidation among other charges. Key accused Thakur and employees of his shelter home as well as officials in the Bihar department of social welfare were charged with criminal conspiracy, neglect of duty and failure to report assault on the girls. The charges also included offence of cruelty to child under their authority, punishable under the Juvenile Justice Act. All the accused, who appeared before the court, pleaded innocence and claimed trial. The offences entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. The court had reserved order on 30 September after final arguments by the CBI counsel and 20 accused in the case in which former Bihar Social Welfare Minister and then JD(U) leader Manju Verma also faced flak as allegations surfaced that Thakur had links with her husband. She had resigned from her post on 8 August, 2018. The CBI had told a special court that there was enough evidence against all the accused in the case. However, those accused have claimed that the CBI had not conduct a "fair investigation" into the case, which has been registered under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and entails life imprisonment as the maximum punishment. Additional Sessions Judge Kulshreshtha, during the in-camera trial, concluded the arguments in the case which had begun on 25 February. The case was transferred on 7 February from a local court in Muzaffarpur in Bihar to a POCSO court at Saket district court complex in Delhi on the Supreme Court's directions. During the trial, counsel for the CBI told the court that the statements of minor girls, who were allegedly sexually assaulted, point to the fact that there was enough evidence against all the accused and they should be convicted. The matter had come to light after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) submitted a report to the Bihar government on 26 May, 2018, highlighting the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls in the shelter home for the first time. On 29 May, 2018, the state government shifted the girls from the shelter home to other protection homes. An FIR was lodged against the 11 accused in the case on 31 May, 2018. The top court on 2 August had taken cognisance of the alleged sexual assaults of about 30 minor girls in Muzaffarpur's shelter home and transferred the probe to the CBI on 28 November. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has frozen the bank accounts of ex-lawmaker, Shehu Sani, according to his spokesman. This is just as the former Kaduna-Central lawmakers detention has entered the 14th day. In a statement on Sunday, Suleiman Ahmed, Senior Special Adviser to Sani, said the EFCC was not being sincere over the investigation of his principal. The EFCC had on December 30, 2019, arrested Sani for allegedly collecting $24, 000 (N8.6m) from Sani Dauda, owner of ASD Motors who was under investigation by the EFCC. The money, according to the EFCC, was handed to the former lawmaker after promising Dauda that he would use the money to bribe the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, Although the former lawmaker denied the allegation, the anti-graft agency insisted he had questions to answer. The commission also alleged that Sani collected money from someone with the promise to use it to bribe the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, an allegation both Sani and the CJN have denied. In the statement, Sanis aide accused the EFCC of bias in his principals case. He said Sani, who is a fierce critic of the President, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was being persecuted and subsequently berated the acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, for trying to deceive Nigerians on the issue. Ahmed said, Mr Orilade, what is the connection between allegations of extortion of $25,000 and then searching his residence, blocking his accounts and forcing him to declare his assets? What can you say on the allegation that the accuser of Shehu Sani can neither read nor write; that it was the EFCC that guided him on what to say? We have it on record that Shehu Sanis accuser has no pending case with the Supreme Court, how did he give Shehu Sani bribe to give the CJN? We have it on record that Shehu Sanis accuser has no pending or ongoing case with the EFCC, how did he give Shehu Sani bribe to give the EFCC or its chairman? It is not enough posting statement about Shehu Sani. If you have any evidence or fact, why not post it now? Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner on Monday filed what she called an unprecedented federal civil rights lawsuit, accusing the city, the local police union and others of a co-ordinated and racist conspiracy aimed at forcing her out of office. Gardner, the citys elected prosecutor, also accused entrenched interests of intentionally impeding her efforts to reform racist practices that have led to a loss of trust in the criminal justice system. The lawsuit alleges civil rights violations as well as violations of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. Gardner is black. The named defendants are white. The lawsuit names the city of St. Louis, the St. Louis Police Officers Association, its business manager, Jeff Roorda, and Gerard Carmody, a special prosecutor who indicted an investigator hired by Gardner. It also names Carmodys son and daughter, who helped in his investigation, and a former police officer who sued over Gardners use of private attorneys related to Carmodys investigation. This is about the will of the people being silenced by a concerted effort to stop reform in the city of St. Louis, and this has to be addressed, Gardner said in an interview with The Associated Press. This is saying, No more are we going to let the powerful few who want to hold onto the status quo prevent an elected prosecutor from doing her job,she said. Gardner said she believes the lawsuit is the first of its kind and that she has the support of other progressive prosecutors. Roorda said the union considered the lawsuit frivolous and without merit. A spokesman for Mayor Lyda Krewson declined comment. Messages left with Gerard Carmody were not immediately returned. In her lawsuit, Gardner cites St. Louis long history of racial inequality and prejudice in its criminal justice system generally, and within its police force particularly. She said she was elected to change that, but that the police union and others have mobilized to thwart these efforts, including the unprecedented appointment of a white, ethically conflicted Special Prosecutor in an effort to oust Gardner. The Ku Klux Klan Act was adopted to address precisely this scenario: a racially motivated conspiracy to deny the civil rights of racial minorities by obstructing a government officials efforts to ensure equal justice under law for all, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit cites a watchdog groups report last year that identified several St. Louis officers accused of posting racist, violent or prejudiced messages on Facebook. Some of the posts highlighted by The Plain View Project included one in 2014 showing a black officer standing with two black demonstrators, calling the officer Captain Hug a Thug and a disgrace to the uniform. Another post in 2018 read: If the Confederate flag is racist, then so is Black History Month. Two veteran officers were fired after the Facebook postings became public. The lawsuit says the police union has gone out of its way to support white officers accused of perpetrating acts of violence and excessive force against African American citizens. It cites Roordas support of Darren Wilson, the white officer who fatally shot 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in nearby Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. That killing touched off months of protests. Wilson was not charged with a crime and he later resigned. The lawsuit also cites how a black undercover officer was allegedly attacked by four white colleagues who mistook him for a protester during a 2017 demonstration in downtown St. Louis after a white officer was acquitted of killing a black suspect. The police union provided lawyers after the officers were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice. Gardners lawsuit said Gerard Carmodys appointment as special prosecutor was especially concerning because of his lifelong friendship with Edward L. Dowd Jr., one of Greitens attorneys. The two went to school together and served in the same law practice. Gardner said her efforts to raise conflict-of-interest concerns were ignored. Gardner, a Democrat, became the citys first African American circuit attorney when she was elected in 2016. Her relationship with police was testy from the start. Soon after taking office, she announced she would cease prosecutions of low-level marijuana crimes. In 2018, she developed an exclusion list of more than two dozen police officers who were barred from serving as primary witnesses in criminal cases over what Gardner called credibility concerns. The move angered Police Chief John Hayden, who also is black, and drew a strong rebuke from many others, including Roorda, a former police officer and state legislator, who is white. But she drew her strongest criticism in 2018, when she hired a private investigator, former FBI agent William Tisaby, rather than working with police to investigate claims that then-Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens took a compromising photo of a woman during an extra-marital affair. The investigation led to a felony invasion of privacy charge. Though the charge was eventually dropped, Greitens, a Republican, resigned in June 2018. Meanwhile, Greitens attorneys accused Tisaby of perjury by lying during a deposition. Last June, Carmody indicted Tisaby for perjury. Tisaby denied wrongdoing and his case is still pending. The indictment also raised concerns about whether Gardner was complicit in Tisabys alleged crimes, saying she failed to correct his inaccuracies or report them, and that she made incorrect statements to defence lawyers and a judge. She said she did nothing illegal or unethical. She was not indicted but the investigation is ongoing. The police unions Roorda called Gardners lawsuit a frantic ploy to distract the public from Gardners court ordered deposition on Wednesday related to the probe into Tisabys conduct. Roy Austin, a Washington-based lawyer for Gardner, said her legal fees are being covered by Mothers Against Police Brutality, a Dallas-based non-profit founded by a woman whose son was shot and killed by Dallas police in 2013. A special purpose vehicle formed to modernise and renovate two non-functional docks of the Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers (HDPE) is expected to complete its job months ahead of the schedule, a top official said on Monday. The shipbuilding and repairing is expected to resume by October 2020 from operative dry docks of the HDPEL instead of the scheduled target date of January 2021, HDPEL Chairman Balaji Arun Kumar told PTI. This is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interest to rejuvenate the eastern part of the country, he said. A special purpose vehicle - Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Ltd, a 24:76 per cent joint venture between the Cochin Shipyards Ltd and the HDPE - had been set up for modernisation and renovation of the two dry docks. "We are ahead of time. The SPV is expected to complete the renovation and modernisation in September-October 2020, ahead of the original schedule of January 2021," the HDPE chairman said. Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) had signed the concession agreement with the HDPE for taking over the old units at Nazirgunge and Salkia on the bank of river Hooghly in Howrah city on a 60-year lease and to operationalise the dry docks. The CSL paid Rs 22 crore initially and lined up Rs 160 crore in phases to turn these docks capable to manufacture and repair with the latest equipment and technology in these dry docks which were remaining non-functional for long. CSL officials could not be reached for their comments. In the first phase, the SPV is focusing on Nazirgunj dock in which production of wide-bodied low-draft energy efficient vessels and barges will be taken up. The ambitious National Waterway-1 between Haldia and Allahabad augurs well for the fortune of the HDPE docks and boost investment in West Bengal's shipping sector. The central government's 'Jal Marg Vikas Project' is developing the National Waterway-1 at an estimated cost of Rs 4, 200 crore. The Centre recently unveiled Rs 102 lakh crore of infrastructure projects that will be implemented in the next five years and half of it will be invested in eastern states, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here on Saturday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Like a long-distance food delivery app with no apparent highway, fungi that associate with shallow-rooted shrubs in the tundra are accessing deep stores of nitrogen being released by thawing permafrost. The findings by Northern Arizona University researchers, announced this week in New Phytologist, could change scientists' understanding of who accesses nutrients from permafrost, and how. "This just doesn't fit the paradigm of how we think these plants and their mycorrhizal partners work together," said lead author Rebecca Hewitt from the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss) at NAU. "Previously, we thought only plants with extended root systems could access nutrients near the permafrost thaw front. But we saw that all these plants were using deep nitrogen, whether they had deep root systems or not, suggesting that mycorrhizal partners may provide access to the deep, cold permafrost table." As researchers race to better understand the carbon cycle and how a warming Arctic will affect the amount of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere, this discovery offers clues about where nitrogen and carbon released from thawing permafrost will go. If the burgeoning plant community in the tundra can access nitrogen as it's released from thawing permafrost, then this fungal connection to the thaw front may be helping to offset carbon losses, since more nitrogen means more plant biomass to pull down carbon from the atmosphere. In order to see which organisms were gobbling the nitrogen from the permafrost, Hewitt and her team, including senior author and Ecoss professor Michelle Mack, added an isotopic tracer, Nitrogen-15, to soil at the "thaw front," or where permafrost meets unfrozen "active layer" soil, with long needles. This nitrogen isotope is heavier than the more common Nitrogen-14, and, like food coloring dropped in a flower vase, allows researchers to watch exactly where it goes. The team waited 24 hours and then harvested the plants and sampled fungi from shrub root tips and deep active layer soils. When they sequenced fungal DNA and RNA, they could see which fungi had helped plants take up the heavy nitrogen from the permafrost table. Both shallow-rooted ericoid mycorrhizal shrubs ectomycorrhizal-aided shrubs had received nitrogen infusions from their fungal partners. Zooming out, this study could have implications for researchers and computer models that predict where nitrogen and carbon go at both regional and global levels. Hewitt said that, to date, models that account for nitrogen release from permafrost don't treat it as much of a factor at an ecosystem scale. But if all plants can tap this source, that could change. "The fact that deep nitrogen can be sucked up and retained in plant biomass, or possibly in fungal biomass, means there's less nitrogen to be swept away into rivers or as nitrous oxide," Hewitt said. For Hewitt, the next step is learning more about whether these root-associated fungi are keeping some nitrogen to themselves, and why. "How much of this nitrogen is being locked up in fungi? We need to learn this to understand how much of that nitrogen pool is available to fertilize plants in the future." This spring, Hewitt and Mack also are coordinating the launch of the Arctic Underground Network, an international research network for the synthesis of root and rhizosphere processes in cold soil ecosystems. The first meeting will take place in March during Arctic Science Summit Week in Akureyri, Iceland, with support from the International Arctic Science Committee. ### The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University studies how ecosystems respond to and shape environmental and climate change and works to communicate those discoveries in new ways to local and global communities. Collaborating with national laboratories and state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Colorado Plateau Stable Isotope Laboratory (CPSIL), Ecoss trains scientists to apply broad trans-disciplinary thinking and leading-edge methods to the pressing challenges facing Earth. Learn more at http://ecoss.nau.edu. Burma Rakhine Baby Shot Dead by Myanmar Soldiers: Father The 10-month-old boy who was allegedly shot dead by Myanmars military. / Lin Lin / Facebook SITTWE, Rakhine State A 10-month-old boy was shot dead in Myebon Township, Rakhine State, on Saturday. His family claimed Myanmars military (or Tatmadaw) was responsible for the death. The boy and his parents were returning to Nyaung Kan Village from where they fled in December due to clashes between Myanmars military and the Arakan Army (AA) when they said he was shot by Myanmar soldiers on the shore. The bullet went through the boys back, his father U Maung Aye Sein told The Irrawaddy. My sister said on Friday that many villagers had come back and we could make a living there again. So we returned and we were shot at, he said. I saw them shooting at us from the shore. I want to urge both sides not to abuse their power to trouble civilians, said U Maung Aye Sein. It was cowardly to deliberately attack civilians, said Lower House parliamentarian U Pe Than of Myebon Township. I heard people say that one side is deliberately shooting to instill fear in the people. It is what cowards do. It is not what soldiers should do. Soldiers should only fight on the battleground. Both sides should take responsibility to avoid harming civilians, said the Arakan National Party member. The funeral was held on Sunday. Colonel Win Zaw Oo, a spokesman for the militarys Western Command, said his forces did not target civilians. We are an organization that protects the lives and property of the people, so we do not harm them. We only want to fulfill the requirements of the population. So I would say their claim is inaccurate, he told The Irrawaddy. Fighting has been intensifying for more than a year and civilian casualties and arrests are increasing. According to Rakhine State parliamentarian U Tun Tha Sein, 82 civilians were killed and 126 were injured between January and September last year. More recent figures are not available, but almost daily clashes are reported in Rakhine. According to The Irrawaddys research, 14 civilians were killed and 24 injured in December in northern Rakhine State. In late September, the Rakhine State parliament approved a proposal by U Tun Tha Sein calling for an investigation into civilian deaths. The state government had not responded to the proposal, he said. You may also like these stories: AA Soldiers Beat Civilians After Attempted Rape in Myanmars Chin State Detained NLD Lawmaker From Myanmars Chin State Wont Be Released Soon: Arakan Army Mine Blast Kills 4 Rohingya Children in Myanmars Rakhine State Bering Church blessed the union of more than 40 same-gender couples Sunday a tulle-swathed act of sacred protest that stopped just shy of breaking the United Methodists new, harder-edged rules against performing same-gender marriage ceremonies. Now, with the denomination on the verge of a split, Bering is one of a handful of Houston-area churches clearly taking sides. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Katys Grace Fellowship voted in December to leave the United Methodist denomination and affiliate with the evangelical Free Methodist Church a process that will take eight months and still requires a vote by the UMC regional body that governs east Texas. But for many congregations, with members of differing opinions, the struggle will be to keep the issue from splitting the church apart. In a Jan. 4 letter to the congregation of Chapelwood UMC in west Houston, the Rev. John Stephens reassured his diverse congregation that, as senior pastor, he hoped Chapelwood would remain in the UMC. Chapelwood will continue to be a church made up of people with differing beliefs on the issue of homosexuality, he wrote. Life in community can be messy. Im OK with that. Tom Pace, the senior pastor of St. Lukes UMC in River Oaks, struck a similar tone in his own letter to his congregation, emphasizing that, until the denominations general meeting in May, its impossible to know exactly what plan is on the table. Until then, he wrote, We will recognize that we have people across the theological spectrum, who have differences about this and many other issues, and we will respect each other, knowing we can work side by side for the kingdom even when we disagree on some things. No comment The Windsor Village Church Family, with roughly 18,000 members, is the largest African-American church in the UMC. Last year, unwilling to stay in a denomination that accepts LGBT clergy and weddings, Windsor Village held 30 days of prayer, fasting and discussion of the issue. But called for comment this week, senior pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell declined to comment. When United Methodist Church delegates from all over the world met in February, a slim majority voted to preserve the denominations official statement that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching a tenet believed to be at odds with most American congregations. Earlier this month, a diverse group of Methodists presented a plan, to be considered by the UMC in May, that would allow traditional congregations to join a new denomination presumably allowing those that remain to change the rulebook and accept same-gender marriages and LGBT clergy. All Gods children Bering Church located in Montrose, historically Houstons most LGBT neighborhood, and with a decades-long history of LGBTQ support has long chafed against Methodist rules. Last years tightening of the rules kicked its activism into a higher gear. We are going to continue to stand for full inclusion of all Gods children, in all of their identity, in every facet of their being, the Rev. Diane McGehee said on Sunday morning, her traditional vestments set off with shiny rainbow pumps. For many of the couples, the ceremony was a bittersweet reminder that Methodist rules have long blocked them from celebrating their marriages at Bering. David L. Johnson Jr. and Jim Carter, whove been together 26 years, wore the matching sky-blue shirts and coordinated ties that they bought for their wedding in New Yorks Central Park. Mike Dohoney and Roy Hollis, who met at Bering, were married eight years ago in an outdoor ceremony in Vermont. Theyd wanted at least to hold a wedding reception at Bering, but even that wasnt allowed. Its my church home, said Dohoney. So for me not to have my wedding here was painful. Instead of the usual Methodist prayer of confession, McGehee offered a prayer in which she, as an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, apologized to God. In Your name, we have harmed those whom You made in Your image, by Your creative choice, as LGBTQAI+, she prayed. Forgive us, O God. Bishop Scott Jones, who reviewed the text of the service beforehand, confirmed that Berings blessing of the same-gender marriages is allowed under our practice of being in ministry with lesbian and gay persons. Though invited, he said, he didnt attend because he was out of town for meetings. lisa.gray@chron.com A ruthless and competent Iran, with its vast arsenal of missiles, unforgiving ideology and network of murderous proxies across the Middle East, is a danger to its neighbours and the wider world. But as the West and the thousands of people who have taken to the streets in recent days to protest against the regime may be about to discover, a ruthless but malfunctioning Iran could be more dangerous still. The Islamic Republic was clearly taken aback by the US killing of the previously untouchable General Qassim Soleimani. Its light-touch retaliation defied the blood-curdling rhetoric of revenge. But then came the catastrophic shooting down of a civilian airliner and the three days of lies and denial that followed. At protest outside the British embassy in Tehran, demonstrators burnt British and Israeli flags. Credit:AP Everything the Iranian authorities did that night was criminally irresponsible. Why were passenger planes allowed to fly in and out of Tehran in the hours of maximum tension with the Americans? Why were anti-aircraft units not alerted to those flights? Even after Iranian responsibility was admitted, different camps have been warring over who should take the blame. Those of us who have watched Iran over the past few decades know that coherent command-and-control structures and effective government have never been the regime's forte. This time, however, the infighting, dysfunction and paranoia have reached a deadly new crescendo. And all at a moment of intense pressure. Mark Wilson/Getty Donald Trump has claimed he is a not a warmonger but a dealmaker - days after ordering the killing of Irans top general Qassem Soleimani and escalating tensions between the Middle Eastern country and his own. Sharing quotes from a sympathetic article by New York Post columnist and Fox News pundit Michael Goodwin, who described Mr Trump as someone who takes the military action only as a last resort, the American leader wrote: Could not have said it better myself. In an op-ed titled Trumps peace through strength philosophy is what America needs, Mr Goodwin wrote of the Iran deal fostered by Barack Obama and then-secretary of state John Kerry: The Agreement didnt create opportunities for America and other signatories to confront Irans malign activities. It overlooked and then helped to fund them. And zero progress was made on curbing those activities, until Trump droned Soleimani Plainly, Trump is not a warmonger. Hes a deal maker & his record is that of someone who uses our military might as a deterrent, unleashes it with discretion, and only as a last resort. Mr Trump added: Thank you to the great Michael Goodwin. Could not have said it better myself! Since ordering Soleimani's assassination, the US president has threatened to bomb Iranian cultural sites and forcibly steal oil from the country both of which would amount to war crimes. There have also been questions raised about his claim that the US killed the Iranian general because he had been plotting to attack for US embassies. Mark Esper, the US defence secretary, admitted on CNN on Sunday he had not seen evidence to support Mr Trumps claim that Soleimani had been actively plotting imminent attacks at the time of his death. In an interview on Fox Newss Laura Ingraham on Friday, the president said he stood by his decision to strike the general because of an imminent threat to the US embassy in Baghdad. He added: I can reveal that I believe it probably wouldve been four embassies. Story continues However, no details details of the purported plots have been made available to members of congress during intelligence briefings, while a senior administration official told The Washington Post they were only aware of a vague plan against one embassy in Baghdad. Speaking on CNN's Face the Nation, Mr Esper suggested presidents statement sounded more like an assessment than a specific tangible threat with a decisive piece of intelligence Asked if he had seen any proof of the plots the president had put forward to justify the attack, the defence secretary added: I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. What Im saying is I shared the presidents view that probably, my expectation is, they were going to go after our embassies. It comes as a new poll suggests a majority of Americans feel their country is less safe following the presidents decision to kill Soleimani. Attitudes sharply differed along party lines in the ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted over the weekend. While 52 per cent of respondents said the attack on Irans top general had made the US less safe, a majority of Republicans - 54 per cent - said they felt safer after the drone strike. Read more Majority of Americans feel less safe under Trump after Iran, poll says The Trump administration is dropping its designation of China as a currency manipulator ahead of the expected signing of a trade agreement between the worlds two largest economies later this week. The move was announced Monday, five months after the designation was applied. The Phase 1 trade deal that President Trump is expected to sign Wednesday with China includes commitments China will make regarding preserving the integrity of its currency. China has made enforceable commitments to refrain from competitive devaluation, while promoting transparency and accountability, said Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin in a statement. China will, however, remain on a list of countries whose currency practices the U.S. closely monitors, a list that also includes Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, and Vietnam. Trump has frequently criticized China for devaluing its currency to gain an edge in international trade, accusing Beijing of committing one of the greatest thefts in the history of the world. The administration hopes the preliminary trade agreement will be the beginning of the end to the trade battles that have roiled the relationship of the two countries and the global economy in recent years. China agreed in August to restart trade talks with the Trump administration, prompting the U.S. to agree to delay additional tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese products. The U.S. currently has heavy tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, while China has tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. products. More from National Review A coloured collector coin has been released for the 50th anniversary of the Indian Pacific rail journey that crosses the Australian continent from coast to coast. The journey of more than 4300km from Sydney to Perth across the outback desert is widely considered one of the world's most amazing rail journeys. The trip includes the world's longest straight line of railway track, a 478 km stretch across the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. The breathtaking expanse of the Nullarbor Plain brings home the immense size of Australia The new coloured collectors coin will commemorate the Indian Pacific's 50th anniversary The Indian Pacific (pictured right) takes the outback adventurer through mining towns like Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie (station signs left) in air-conditioned comfort Poll Would you pay $15 for a 50c collector coin? Yes No Depends how many were issued Would you pay $15 for a 50c collector coin? Yes 15 votes No 10 votes Depends how many were issued 3 votes Now share your opinion The full journey from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide, Kalgoorlie and Broken Hill takes four days and three nights, and costs more than $1800 per person. The transcontinental train became possible after the railway line gauges were standardised between South Australia and Western Australia in the 1960s, enabling a train to travel all the way from Sydney to Perth. The first Indian Pacific rolled out of Sydney on February 23, 1970, becoming the first direct train to cross the continent. The new coin commemorates the 50-year anniversary of the historic railway journey. Australia's longest rail journey stretches more than 4300km from coast to coast The Indian Pacific's Gold Class dining carriage. The train is considered the luxury travel option for those who want to enjoy the four-day journey from Sydney to Perth The Royal Australian Mint said the Indian Pacific commemoration followed on the heels of last year's coin celebrating 90 years of the Ghan train that cuts the continent from north to south, linking Darwin to Adelaide. Royal Australian Mint chief executive Ross MacDiarmid said the story of the Indian Pacific resonates with train lovers and coin collectors alike. There will be 30,000 of the coloured collector coins minted. The uncirculated coins are legal tender however each will be presented on a card and will sell for $15 - far more than its face value. The mint together with interstate train operator Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions will jointly conduct a competition to win a trip for two on the train, with details to be announced on their social media. France has close strategic ties with India, is a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and is also a member of the European Union (EU). New Delhi: France has said it continues to follow the situation in Kashmir closely, adding that French President Emmanuel Macron had discussed the situation in Kashmir in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last Friday. In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which France continues to follow closely, France said. The statement was released by the French Embassy in New Delhi on Monday although it was issued from Paris last Friday. France also said the two leaders had discussed the need for de-escalation in the middle-east, a reference to the US-Iran military tensions. Interestingly, the statement on the phone call that was issued by New Delhi last Friday had made no direct reference to the two leaders discussing Kashmir. New Delhi had only said that the two leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and global situations. France has close strategic ties with India, is a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and is also a member of the European Union (EU). It may be recalled that the absence of the Ambassadors belonging to member-nations of the European Union (EU) from the foreign envoys delegation that visited J&K last Thursday and Friday had raised eyebrows. In response to certain media reports that claimed that the EU envoys did not want to be part of a guided tour, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) had said last Thursday this was factually incorrect. The MEA had said the EU envoys wanted to visit J&K as a single group and that it wanted the group visiting on Thursday to include envoys from several regions in the world. It had indicated that the EU envoys could be taken separately as a single group to J&K at a later date. In a statement issued from Paris, France said, The President of the French Republic held a telephone conversation on Friday, 10th January with the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi. The President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of India expressed their shared view on the necessity of de-escalation in the Middle East. They agreed to work together towards easing tensions by urging the parties to show restraint and responsibility. They reiterated their attachment to the full implementation of the goals defined during Prime Minister Modis visit to Chantilly on 22nd August 2019 and Indias participation in the Biarritz G7 Summit. They agreed on the interest in intensifying ministerial visits in both countries. New Delhi had meanwhile said the two leaders agreed on keeping in touch and further enhancing all-round strategic cooperation between the two countries, including in the areas of defence, civil nuclear energy and maritime security. What might be a thought-provoking message to people attending the Iowa Democratic caucuses this year? What could benefit caucus participants in their decision? If a person was asked to stand up and address the caucus before everybody got in their selected candidates groups, what might that person say? Hi, Im a Democrat from this precinct and I have been asked to talk to you at this caucus. As Democrats were going to have to lay our cards on the table tonight to select a candidate who can win this election. This is our No. 1 job! If youre here only pressing specific progressive agendas, we have more important work ahead of us. Our democratic way of life is at stake! Donald Trump must be defeated or our way of life will never be the same. Trumps carnage to our Constitution is horrific. A 2019 Gallup poll found 31% of Americans are Democrat, 29% are Republicans and unbelievably 38% are independents. Trumps approval ratings are consistently 43%. He needs only 8% more of the American public to win the election. Both parties are fishing in the same pond of independents, and Democrats need to catch a lot more fish. To hook them, I feel the Democratic nominee will have to be seen as pragmatic and have attainable, centrist views. So I will just lay it on the line. Gambling is a game of chance. We cannot afford to gamble in this election! So in picking our Democratic nominee tonight we need to ask these questions. Can we take a chance on voters not supporting a woman or a gay nominee? Can we take a chance that voters will consider our nominee to be too old, too young, too unhealthy, too liberal, or too unlikable. Will voters be willing to vote for a socialist, a billionaire or a person with only limited local governmental experience? Think about the candidates plans you are now supporting and how sure you are those plans can be funded. This decision is extremely important but also tough because most caucusgoers are political junkies. We find it hard to relate to voters who are less involved in the political process. But our decision tonight will be historically life-altering! Currently with an extremely solid base of 43% of American voters, Trump holds a really good hand and he hasnt even drawn any cards yet. Are you willing to gamble on a nominee whose policies are financially unrealistic or gamble that the nominee is seen as too old, too young, too inexperienced, or too progressive? Will you take the chance more conservative Democrats, independents, or even left-leaning Republicans will vote for your nominee? This party will have to find a balance of what policies that they want to see and realistically what enough American voters will accept and vote for. Democrats have to consider these factors, or they will not win the election. So players its time to hold em or fold em! How much are you willing to gamble? Steve Wikert is a Cedar Falls resident, Vietnam veteran and retired teacher. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 By Trend On December 12-13, the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia paid an official visit to Ukraine, Trend reports via Georgian Government. During the visit, Giorgi Gakharia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the one-on-one meeting, the two countries' leaders discussed common European prospects. The parties emphasized the friendly relations between the Georgian and Ukrainian nations which promise to bring about concrete result for both countries. After the one-on-one discussions, an enhanced-format meeting was held at the Administration of the President of Ukraine, attended by Georgia's Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and the Georgian Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Irakli Chikovani. After the completion of the meeting, Gakharia and Zelensky signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the High-Level Georgia-Ukraine Strategic Council. The work of the Strategic Council incorporates four directions: political, trade and economic, defense and security, and cultural and humanitarian. Each direction will have a working group led by corresponding ministers, which will ensure a high level of comprehensive bilateral dialogue. The leaders of two countries emphasized that the signing of the agreement at such a high level demonstrates the two countries' commitment to moving relations to a higher level. Under the official visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia also met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksiy Honcharuk. According to the Georgian Prime Minister, the strategic partnership between the two countries must draw on effective economic cooperation, and the Georgian Government is ready to achieve more in the areas of trade, transport, and development and attract further investments in various directions. Giorgi Gakharia also emphasized the importance of the Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia and Ukraine, underlining the need to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation in this direction. According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Georgia is Ukraine's strategic partner, and Prime Minister Gakharia's visit will lay the foundation for further deepening and developing bilateral relations. As part of his official visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia met with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov. During the meeting, the Head of Government spoke about the aspirations and challenges of the two countries. Giorgi Gakharia also underscored the successful cooperation at the parliamentary level and commended the trilateral format of cooperation between the Parliaments of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada thanked the Prime Minister of Georgia for his official visit, and emphasized that it is an honor to host Giorgi Gakharia in the 9th convocation of the Ukrainian Parliament. During the visit, the Prime Minister participated in the Plenary Session of the Heads of the GUAM Member States. After the session, the parties signed documents designed to create a unified economic zone between the organization's member states, and to foster the achievement of FTAs. Giorgi Gakharia, together with the Heads of the GUAM Member States, signed the Comprehensive Declaration defining economic processes within GUAM, also the development of transport and energy corridors, prospects of developing free trade, people-to-people contacts, and bolstering tourism, along with the political dimension. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz New Delhi: In view of the upcoming Delhi Assembly election, Bharatiya Janata Party' Core Group's meeting was held at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's house for almost seven hours. The meeting, which started on Sunday at 8 pm ended today at 3 am, was participated by BJP's working president JP Nadda, Delhi BJP election in-charge Prakash Javadekar, Shyam Jaju, Manoj Tiwari, Delhi's Organisation Minister Siddharthan, Vijay Goel, Bijender Gupta, and Anil Jain. According to sources, the party held a detailed discussion over the names of candidates for as many as 45 seats in the assembly election. The list of candidates prepared by Delhi BJP is based on the feedback received from the central survey as well as a public survey. Live TV The sources told Zee Media that priority will be given to new faces, and some surprise candidates may also emerge on the list. For the remaining seats, the party will hold another meeting today (Monday) to discuss the names of probable. However, the Central Election Committee of the party will finally decide the names for the respective assembly seats. Notably, the Model Code of Conduct came into force in the national capital on January 6 after the Election Commission announced that the assembly election will be held on February 8, while the counting of votes will take place on February 11. Show more Show less Building a tech startup is not easy, especially in countries with less-established tech industries. Nevertheless, many global entrepreneurs are determined to succeed, and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is their chance to prove themselves to the rest of the industry. VOA's Tina Trinh met with startup founders from Senegal, Ukraine and Thailand. Colorado airmen and soldiers kept America out of a wider war with Iran on Tuesday night by raising the warning that spared lives on the ground during a missile attack. Two retired generals tell The Gazette that rapid work by troops monitoring satellites and radar here allowed their comrades at a pair of Iraq bases to seek shelter while missiles were in flight. Because the Iranian volley resulted in no casualties, a threatened major U.S. counterattack was rendered unnecessary. We have become much better at shortening that timeline between detection, tracking, warning and defense, said retired Brig. Gen. Marty France, whose last military job included overseeing space and satellite programs at the Air Force Academy. Time is precious in an attack like the one launched by Iran with missiles that travel more than a mile per second. From launch to impact, troops here had 15 minutes or less to analyze data, warn leaders and get troops in Iraq into bunkers. It helps reduce casualties and helps reduce escalation, said retired Gen. Lance Lord, who retired as the Air Forces top space officer. The military has said troops on the ground were warned of the missiles but has offered few further details of the incident that saw 15 Iranian missiles target two Iraqi bases that housed U.S. troops, referring questions to the Pentagon. I prefer to not give out specific details on our early warning systems and how we know that, so well just leave that to be ambiguous, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said last week. U.S. Space Command issued a statement confirming it operates a multitude of systems that contribute to worldwide missile warning and detection capabilities to protect the nation, our deployed personnel, and our U.S. allied forces around the world. The command said it wont release details on the Iranian attack. But early warning has been a key mission in Colorado Springs since the early days of the Cold War, when local troops kept watch for bombers and missiles from the Soviet Union. Now, detecting missiles and raising the alert is a team effort in Colorado with units at five bases joining in. Missile warning units here include the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, the 460th Space Wing at Buckley Air Force Base, the Armys 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson and U.S. Space Command, which has many of its operations at Schriever Air Force Base and runs the missile warning center in the bowels of Cheyenne Mountain. Its a mission that starts more than 22,000 miles above Earth, with satellites in geosynchronous orbit that stare at the planet with an unblinking infrared eye. The Defense Support Program and Space-based Infrared System satellites scan the planet looking for heat. Missiles are comparatively small, but the heat of their rockets is easy to see, France said. Airmen on the ground get constant updates from the satellites to spot rocket blasts. Theyre going to see hot spots and they are going to see moving hotspots, France said. They can geolocate those hot spots and figure out where they are going. Most rocket launches are benign, taking the form of space launches and military rocket tests, Lord said. Airmen must interpret launches to determine which ones are actual threats. Lord said a key focus of space units in Colorado Springs has been training troops for the wartime uses of satellites. We have come a long way to develop the operational art, Lord said. Now, airmen have become so advanced that they can often identify the type of missile in flight by its heat signature alone. While satellites can spot a launch, as soon as the rocket engine burns out, they are blind again.Thats where radar comes in. Petersons 21st Space Wing has some of the worlds biggest radar arrays place at key locations around the planet. Its a system thats designed to defend North America, with much of the system or radars pointing north along the route most likely in a Russian attack. To fill in the gaps, the Armys 1st Space Brigade heads overseas. The brigade has portable radar systems that are used for missile tracking in combat zones. The Fort Carson unit rotates soldiers through the Persian Gulf to man a radar array thats the size of the trailer on an 18-wheeler. The Navy can also join the fray with powerful radar sets aboard destroyers and cruisers at sea. All the information, though, is useless without humans to interpret what the electronic eyes have seen. You are using a combination of all of your assets whether its signals or imagery or infrared, France said. You get a multidomain picture of what is happening. And that picture is developed in Colorados most famous man-made cave. The bunker that sits 2,000 feet below the granite summit of Cheyenne Mountain holds U.S. Space Commands missile warning center. Troops there pull together data from sensors, integrate intelligence reports and try to figure out what every launch means. On Tuesday, they saw a barrage. News reports say Iran launched as many as 16 Shahab-2 missiles, a short-range ballistic missile modeled after the Russian Scud. And the troops in Colorado Springs have plenty of experience tracking Scuds. The 1991 Persian Gulf War brought the first use of Americas missile warning sensors to spot launches in the Persian Gulf. Systems built for spotting Russian nuclear missiles were repurposed to hunt for the Scuds that Saddam Hussein used against targets in Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Gulf War made American Patriot missile crews heroes for shooting down more than half of the more than 80 missiles fired from Iraq during the war. But one Scud struck an American barracks in Saudi Arabia, killing 28 soldiers and putting 110 in the hospital. In Colorado Springs, military brass called for upgrading missile warning capabilities to give speedier and more accurate reports. Moving quickly to warn troops is key when it comes to short-range missiles like the Shahab-2, which accelerates to Mach 5 on its short flight. Its literally just a few minutes, France said. But getting better warning satellites meant inventing more sensitive cameras and host of related technologies. And that gets expensive. At one point, that cost to build the Space-based Infrared Satellite System was pegged at $10.4 billion, and congressional committees freaked out. I have SBIRS scars all over my body, joked Lord, referring to the satellite systems acronym and the battles he fought to control its costs and calm down lawmakers who wanted it canceled. The satellite program faced long years of delay but is now bearing fruit. The most recent spacecraft in that constellation launched in 2018 and two more are under construction. The manufacturer, Lockheed-Martin, boasts that the new satellites detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolster situational awareness on the battlefield. Lord said the new satellites have lived up to their mammoth price tag. The sensor capability now is much more refined, he said. But better tools required a new generation of better-trained troops. It takes a highly skilled workforce when the operation is going on, France said. A lot of that skill is derived from war games and exercises. Just as troops fight mock battles on Fort Carson before they head to war overseas, the Pikes Peak regions space troops drill, too. Crews undergo daily drills, and last fall they fought through the Schriever War Game, which included 350 experts. All that training France said, creates airmen who know what to do when real missiles fly. On Tuesday, France said, those quick reactions saved Americans and Iranians, who would have faced retaliatory watch if U.S. troops were killed. Troops in Colorado got a warning to U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. troops in the Middle East. The warning was quickly transmitted to Iraq, and troops took cover. France said that warning will keep giving benefits for years to come. We can save lives and avert a larger conflict, France said. And, hopefully, we can better understand our enemys capability and intent. Lord remembers hiding under an elementary school desk in the 1950s before America developed its ability to spot launches from space. When I young, it was duck and cover, he said. Warning has come a long way. Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederx NORWALK A city man was sentenced Monday to 35 months in prison after trafficking cocaine and marijuana as part of a drug ring, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Connecticut. Juan Carlos Figueroa, 40, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute in May, officials said in a news release. He was sentenced Monday to 35 months in prison, then three years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and June 2018, Figueroa and others trafficked kilogram quantities of narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine, from a source of supply in New Rochelle, New York, into Norwalk and the surrounding area, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office said. On May 31, 2018, Figueroa and a co-conspirator, Rafael Lopez-Macias, traveled to New Rochelle to obtain two kilograms of cocaine from a source. Figueroa was arrested in October 2018 and has remained incarcerated since that time, officials said. Lopez-Macias was sentenced to ten years in prison in July after previously pleading guilty to to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of reentry of removed alien, officials said. The matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, and the New Rochelle, Norwalk and Stamford Police Departments, officials said. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Lauren C. Clark are prosecuting the case. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com Independent TD Dr Michael Harty will not seek to return to the Dail in any upcoming election, and will return to his GP practice. Dr Harty released a statement on Monday detailing his decision, noting personal and professional reasons. Dr Harty, an independent TD for Clare, single-handedly ran a rural GP practice in the country for 32 years. His decision to enter politics in 2016 was sparked by his involvement in grassroots campaign: No Doctor No Village. The campaign was founded in response to the crisis in rural general practice resulting from government neglect of the rural healthcare system, as general practice continues to struggle with recruitment, especially in rural areas of Ireland. It is now not possible to fulfil both commitments. I have had to make a choice between seeking re-election or keeping my promise to my local community. I have chosen the latter Now, Dr Harty says it has not been possible to source a locum doctor to take his place for another four years, and he will return to his clinic. At the outset, as a leader of the No Doctor No Village campaign, I committed to maintain general practice services in Kilmihil by putting in place a locum GP, while taking my seat as an Independent TD to fulfil all the responsibilities and duties associated with that position both nationally and locally, a statement said. Finding a full-time locum GP has proved increasingly difficult over the years. It is now not possible to fulfil both commitments. I have had to make a choice between seeking re-election or keeping my promise to my local community. I have chosen the latter. I hope the imminent election campaign will be fair and robust, allowing all candidates to put forwards their ideas and policies clearly so that the people can make an informed choice. Dr Harty is currently chairman of the Joint Oireacthas Health Committee and last year voted against Health Minister Simon Harris in a motion of no-confidence over the spiralling costs of the National Childrens Hospital. Dr Hartys resignation opens up a seat in the Clare constituency, which currently has one Fianna Fail, and two Fine Gael TDs. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren's feud has erupted into open warfare as it was reported he told her a woman can't win the presidential election. The two senators met at Warren's Washington D.C. apartment in December 2018 to discuss their presidential runs and agreed to remain civil to one another on the campaign trail. Warren then told him she thought should could win based on her economic policy and her appeal to female voters, to which Sanders responded a woman couldn't win the presidential election, CNN reported. The network cited four sources familiar with the meeting in its report. Sanders, however, denied he made such a remark. 'It is ludicrous to believe that at the same meeting where Elizabeth Warren told me she was going to run for president, I would tell her that a woman couldn't win,' Sanders told CNN in a statement. 'It's sad that, three weeks before the Iowa caucus and a year after that private conversation, staff who weren't in the room are lying about what happened. What I did say that night was that Donald Trump is a sexist, a racist and a liar who would weaponize whatever he could. Do I believe a woman can win in 2020? Of course! After all, Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in 2016.' Warren's campaign didn't comment and the two candidates could be asked about it in Tuesday night's presidential debate. The two progressive candidates - who describe themselves as friends - have turned to attack one another as the battle for the Iowa caucus fight heats up ahead of Tuesday's crucial debate. The bickering has opened a new window into their political rivalry, which they have carefully managed to keep in the shadows through public displays of unity, such as having their arms around each other at Democratic debates. But there are also fears among Democratic strategist that a woman cannot beat President Donald Trump, pointing to Hillary Clinton's failure to do so in 2016. Bernie Sanders has gone into attack mode after an influential poll showed him in lead in Iowa But Sanders denied a CNN report he told Elizabeth Warren a woman can't win the presidential election The bickering between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren has opened a new window into their political rivalry, which they have carefully managed to keep in the shadows through public displays of unity such as their hug at the July presidential debate Sanders' campaign has gotten more aggressive in recent day and has let loose on Warren, Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg - his leading competition for the state - after an important poll showed him leading the battle for the Iowa caucuses. It's a new aggressive stance for the Vermont senator and the fierce criticism could preview a fiery debate for voters on Tuesday as the first contest for the Democratic presidential nomination approaches on February 3. But it's Sanders' dust up with Warren, with whom he is friends and shares a progressive agenda, that is garnering the most attention. His campaign has a script for volunteers that describes the Massachusetts senator as a candidate of the elite who can bring no new voters to the Democratic Party. 'People who support her are highly-educated, more affluent people who are going to show up and vote Democratic no matter what,' the script, obtained by Politico, says and adds: 'She's bringing no new bases into the Democratic Party.' Warren said she was disappointed in Sanders' actions. The two have been long time supporters of one another and share a similar agenda, including Medicaid For All and free college tuition. 'Bernie knows me, and he's known me for a long time,' Warren told reporters this weekend while she campaigned in Iowa 'I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me,' she said. 'I hope Bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction.' She warned Democrats don't want a repeat of 2016 when Sanders' supporters and senator himself didn't embrace nominee Hillary Clinton after a bitter party primary. 'We all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016, and we can't have a repeat of that,' Warren said. 'Democrats need to unite our party and that means pulling in all parts of the Democratic coalition.' Democratic presidential contenders have flooded Iowa this month ahead of Tuesday night's debate and the February 3 caucuses. Only six contenders will be on the debate stage - Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer. As the caucuses approach, the in-fighting could get worse. Sanders, who garnered the top spot in the influential Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll on Friday for the first time, shrugged off the report of friction with Warren, calling it a 'media blow up' and saying he and Warren are 'friends. Sanders also attacked Joe Biden, saying Biden 'doesn't really have any volunteers' and that 'no one is really excited about him.' Sanders has also attacked Pete Buttigieg, saying he doesn't have support among African Americans 'I got to tell you, I think this is a little bit of a media blowup, that kind of wants conflict,' the Vermont senator told reporters in Iowa. 'Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine,' he noted. 'We have worked together in the Senate for years. Elizabeth Warren and I will continue to work together, we will debate the issues.' 'No one is going to trash Elizabeth Warren,' Sanders added. 'We have hundreds of employees. Elizabeth Warren has hundreds of employees. And people sometimes say things that they shouldn't. You have heard me give many speeches. Have I ever said one negative word about Elizabeth Warren?' The script - to be used by volunteers in Iowa calling voters or knocking on doors - also attacks Sanders' fellow front runners Biden and Buttigieg. It notes Buttigieg lacks support among African Americans and young people while it says Biden 'doesn't really have any volunteers' and that 'no one is really excited about him.' Sanders also attacked Biden during a Democratic forum in Iowa Sunday, reminding voters he opposed the 2002 authorization for military force in Iraq, which Biden voted for. 'In 2002, I helped lead the effort against the war in Iraq, which turned out to be the worst foreign policy blunder in the modern history of America,' Sanders said. 'The war in Iraq was based on a series of lies.' The Sanders campaign also attacked Biden on his vote for the Iraq War, issuing a statement calling it the 'worst foreign policy blunder in modern American history.' Amy Klobuchar will be among the six contenders on the debate stage in Des Moines Tuesday night Attendees listen as Pete Buttigieg speaks during a campaign event on Sunday 'It is appalling that after 18 years Joe Biden still refuses to admit he was dead wrong on the Iraq War, the worst foreign policy blunder in modern American history,' Sanders senior advisor Jeff Weaver said in a statement Sunday. 'Bernie Sanders saw the same information and had the judgment to vote against the Iraq War. That's the kind of commander in chief we need someone with the toughness and judgment to get those calls right, not someone who undermined Democratic opposition, enthusiastically supported a disastrous war, refuses to admit mistakes, and then tries to rewrite history.' It's a notably aggressive stance from Sanders, who usually focuses on policy positions and not attack lines in his debate performances and campaign stops. The senator said he is simply running a presidential campaign. 'We are going to be talking about the record,' he said. 'People are talking about my record. I was just asked a question about my record. That's kind of what a campaign is about. We will contrast records nothing wrong with that.' Even President Donald Trump has noticed Sanders' rise in the polls. 'Wow! Crazy Bernie Sanders is surging in the polls, looking very good against his opponents in the Do Nothing Party. So what does this all mean? Stay tuned!,' he tweeted on Sunday. The winner of the Iowa caucuses has gone on to be the Democratic nominee in nine of the 11 cycles since 1976. The Democratic field in Iowa is in flux as Friday's poll showed. Buttigieg, who had been leading, dropped to third place behind Sanders' lead and Warren's second spot. Biden came in fourth. But Sanders' three point lead in the poll is narrow and within the margin of error - an indication the race for the state is wide open. Additionally the senator has lead fundraising among the contenders, giving him the funds to stay in the contest for the long hall, leading to concerns among Democratic strategists that a bruised and exhausted nominee will emerge to take on President Trump in November. Modibo Keita of Mali, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Sekou Toure of Guinea 12.01.2020 LISTEN Why is Ghana such a famous country known by almost every European, American or Asian? Nkrumah, Nkrumah, they will tell you. This great man, often called the Father Of Pan-Africanism, and other Ghanaian leaders had fought for the countrys independence, which was declared on March 6, 1957. Nkrumahs efforts with his colleagues, later to be known as The Big Six, inspired other African leaders, such as Patrice Lumumba of Congo and Sekou Toure of the Republic of Guinea, to attain independence simultaneously. Even though it is often on the lips of foreigners that Ghanaians are friendly, affectionate, easy-going and chatty people that quickly engage people into a conversation, they hardly love themselves. Its hard to explain why most Ghanaians hate themselves so much yet love foreigners. Are corruption, nepotism, and tribalism killing Ghanaians in that rich country that often makes them turn to foreigners? Because it's pure hypocrisy to love a foreigner when you hate your own brother or sister. As said by Jesus: a prophet has no honour in his own country, Nkrumah was about to know that Ghanaians indeed love foreigners but not the president. His leadership with Nasser of Egypt and Sekou Toure of Guinea, within the progressive camp in Africa, exposed him to hostility from the Western powers who spared no effort to destabilize his regime in Ghana. Accra residents woke up to the sound of machine guns on February 24, 1966. The shots came from Flagstaff House, the official residence of the Head of State. At around 5.30 a.m., an unusual voice, that of Major Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa informed the listeners of the national radio that The 6-hour newspaper has been cancelled. Half an hour later, Colonel Emmanuel Kwashie Kotoka announces the overthrow of President Kwame Nkrumah by the army and the police. A National Liberation Council, chaired by General-Major Joseph Arthur Ankrah, is now in charge of the country. The fall of the Osagyefo-the redeemer, while visiting China, is celebrated by a cheering crowd throughout the principal streets of Accra and other regions in Ghana. Nkrumah and his family were humiliated and disgraced by the media, especially, the print media, with degrading cartoons, caricatures and in the center of the capital, the bronze statue of Nkrumah was demolished. After the coup, Kwame Nkrumah then cancelled his visit to North Vietnam, and left directly for Moscow, while the bitter and troubled Sekou Toure, had offered him political asylum in Guinea. Sekou Toure welcomes Nkrumah with genuine love into Guinea Alex Quaison-Sackey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who accompanied Nkrumah to China, returns to Ghana on March 2, 1966, to make himself available to the new regime. Twelve of the members of Nkrumahs entourage did the same and as soon as they arrive in Accra, they were placed under house arrest. On March 2, 1966, Kwame Nkrumah arrived in Conakry and Sekou Toure gave him an emotional welcome. Not even in Ghana have I witnessed such a profound love in the political arena or among politicians. Political greed in Ghana has allowed politicians, to say whatever they like against the former Ghanaian leader, with the latest insult from the Education Minister Opoku Prempeh, saying: Not even Nkrumah can match what NPP has done in the educational sector of Ghana." Yet the same hypocrites will often caution others that: dont bite the finger which once fed you. Believe me, The current political and economic situation in Ghana, is just the tip of the iceberg, Ghana will become like a broken pot or a tattered cloth nobody can mend it Joel Savage The Supreme Court will hear a plea of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on January 17 seeking the return of Rs 20 Crore which he had deposited with the court's registry as a condition for being allowed to travel abroad. Supreme Court had in January and May last year granted Karti Chidambaram permission to travel abroad after depositing Rs 20 crore (Rs 10 crore for January and 10 Crore for May) with the Secretary-General of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, to travel to the United States, Spain and Germany in May and June 2019. Providing the relief, the bench headed by the then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi directed Karti to deposit a security of Rs 10 crore. Karti has been questioned on several occasions in the INX media case in which both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are probing how Karti managed to obtain clearance to the tune of Rs 305 crore from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2007 when his father was the finance minister. The ED had registered a PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) case based on FIR by the CBI and alleged that irregularities took place in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union Finance Minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cement exports from Bangladesh continue to fall in 1HFY19-20 13 January 2020 Bangladesh's cement industry has earned an export revenue of US$5.03m during first six months of the current financial year, FY19-20, compared to US$5.75m earned in 1HFY18-19, a fall of 12.5 per cent YoY. The export figure also includes a minor amount of salt, stone and related products, says data of Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The export value for cement fell 1.6 per cent below the target of US$5.11m, set by the government for first five months of FY19-20. The EPB had set a lower export target for the cement industry at US$10.5m for FY19-20 compared to US$14m for the previous fiscal year, following a decrease of cement export earnings to U$10.41m in FY18-19. The country's total export earnings continued to decline as merchandise shipments witnessed a -5.8 per cent fall during the last six months of current fiscal year of 2019-20. The aggregate export earnings during January to December of FY19-20 stood at US$19.302bn, against US$20.47bn earnings of the corresponding period of last fiscal, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data. Cement is reportedly being exported by Bangladeshi cement producers to India, Myanmar, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Published under Donald Trump has shared a doctored image that shows Democrat leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi in Muslim dress in front of the Iranian flag, an illustration that has appeared on a 4chan message board and was circulated on Twitter by extremist right-wing accounts. The president shared the image by retweeting a post from user @D0wn_Under, who wrote: "The corrupted Dems trying their best to come to the Ayatollah's rescue. #NancyPelosiFakeNews" The image which reads "Democrats 2020" under the altered portraits of the house speaker and senate minority leader, who have led the charge to impeach the president from their respective legislative branches was posted to the president's timeline amid two dozen posts and retweets attacking Democratic criticism of the administration's attacks on Iran. Last week, the House passed a resolution that aimed to curb the president's war-making powers as the White House threatened additional sanctions against Iran, following its attacks on US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The president and White House officials announced sanctions to cut off "billions" to the country, including eight of its senior officials, in an attempt to "deny the regime the resources to conduct its destructive foreign policy", according to Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state. Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Show all 23 1 /23 Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians demonstrate following a tribute for the victims of the Ukraine Boeing 737 crash in front of the Amirkabir University in the capital Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police dispersed students chanting "radical" slogans during a gathering in Tehran to honour the 176 people killed when an airliner was mistakenly shot down AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University - People hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises Online videos purported to show that Iranian security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University AFP correspondents said hundreds of students had gathered early in the evening to pay respects to those killed in the air disaster ISNA/AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back at police AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University A protester confronts an Iranian police officer AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gathe AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians light candles for victims EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran People burn British and Israeli flags during a protest in front of the British embassy, in Tehran. Hundreds of Iranian hardliners gathered for a protest against Britain, a day after the UK ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire was detained after attending a a vigil for the victims of Ukraine passenger jet EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protestBritish embassy protest in Tehran Chanting "Death to Britain", up to 200 protesters rallied outside the mission a day after the brief arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran AFP via Getty Images Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protesters chant slogans while holding up posters of Gen. Qassem Soleimani during a demonstration in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. AP His announcement followed unclear messaging from the administration over the allegedly "imminent" threat that General Soleimani posed to the US; Mr Pompeo said the US had "specific information" that included attacks on US embassies, though Democrat and Republican members of Congress were outraged with what they saw as a lack of clear intelligence and explanation they received in briefings a week after General Soleimani's death. Millions of Iranians filled the streets of Tehran following his death. After Iran's admission that it shot down a Ukrainian passenger plan, killing all 176 people on board, protesters in Iran also have raged against the country's government. On Sunday, Ms Pelosi appeared on ABC's This Week, where she explained to host George Stephanopoulos there are "different reasons" why protesters are demonstrating In Iran. Republicans appeared to intentionally misrepresent the house speaker's statement and launched another round of attacks against her by claiming had "dismissed" the "protests in Iran against Iran's regime". The account that shared the doctored image also shared dozens of anti-Iranian messages alongside pro-Trump posts. Mr Trump who accelerated the "birther" conspiracy against former president Barack Obama, and was accused of stoking anti-Muslim sentiment posted messages on Twitter in Farsi to warn Iran's government against killing protesters, and to call on human rights groups to monitor the protests. On Monday, he claimed on Twitter that "fake news" and its "Democrat partners" are attempting to undermine whether the threat posed by General Soleimani was "imminent". White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham defended the president's retweet of the doctored image and said Democrats are "taking the side of terrorists and those who were out to kill Americans", appearing to conflate the Iranian flag and Islam with terrorism while willfully misinterpreting Ms Pelosi's statements. She told Fox News: "I think the president was making the point that the Democrats seem to hate him so much that they're willing to be on the side of countries and the leadership of countries who want to kill Americans". VENTURA, Calif., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pet Wellness Direct reports that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cancer is now the #1 killer of dogs and cats. "Cancer rates in pets are alarmingly high, even in young pets," says Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Shawn Messonnier, founder of Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Texas. "Almost 50% of dogs and more than 30% of cats over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer." One simple way to protect your pets is to seek immediate treatment if they appear unwell. Here are 10 warning signs to watch for: 1. Unusual lumps: An unexpected bump or swelling beneath the skin could be a tumor. If it appears unusual, doesn't go away, or if it grows in size, take your pet to the vet to get it checked out. 2. Changes in eating behavior or foul breath: Most animals love their mealtimes, so if your pet loses its appetite, or is acting hungry but having difficulty eating, that's a cause for concern. The same goes if you notice a persistent foul odor coming from their mouths. 3. Weight loss: Is your cat or dog losing weight, but still eating the same amount of food? Something is preventing its digestive system from working properly -- and it could be cancer. 4. Lethargy: If your pet doesn't want to exercise and seems to be functioning at a much lower energy level than normal, that's another indication something isn't right. 5. Difficulty breathing: If your dog or cat's breathing seems labored or painful in any way, take it to the vet ASAP. 6. Difficulty urinating or defecating: If you notice your pet repeatedly trying to urinate or defecate but being unable to, that could be a sign of something serious. 7. Chronic vomiting: If your pet is repeatedly vomiting, consult a vet right away. 8. Chronic diarrhea: If your dog starts showing signs of chronic diarrhea, take them to the vet immediately as that could be a sign of cancer or even impending organ failure. 9. Unusual bleeding: If you see blood in your pet's urine or stool, or if they seem to be bleeding from the mouth or have a wound that isn't healing, take them to the vet immediately. 10. Persistent lameness: If you notice your cat or dog limping or favoring one of its limbs continuously, and the lameness doesn't appear to be going away, take them to the vet. Early detection is key to helping your pet successfully overcome cancer, so if you notice any of the above symptoms, or any other signs suggesting that something isn't right, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for a professional evaluation. As a preventative measure, you may also want to provide pets of any age with a daily immune-boosting supplement such as VetSmart Formulas Critical Immune Defense: http://getvsf.com/cid-press "I always recommend proactive measures to my patients and giving your pets a high-quality antioxidant supplement is highly recommended to further reduce the risk of cancers," says Dr. Messonnier. Critical Immune Defense is not available in retail stores and can be found only at PetWellnessDirect.com: http://getvsf.com/cid-press About Vetsmart Formulas: VetSmart Formulas is a line of high-quality pet supplements sold directly to consumers by Pet Wellness Direct, an online pet wellness company founded in 2015. The company's all-natural products are made in the USA in FDA audited labs, have no artificial ingredients or flavors, are wheat-free, and are based on scientifically superior formulas that pet professionals demand. Related Links: Russ Kamalski CEO Pet Wellness Direct 888-212-8400, ext. 802 [email protected] This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com. SOURCE Pet Wellness Direct Related Links https://petwellnessdirect.com/pages/cid-lp1 Ghanaian social media users have gone for the head of their Minister of National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah over an alleged video call between him and his alleged side chick. From what can be gathered in the 2:48 seconds video the conversation between the two was when the Minister was on a trip to Europe. In the video, the Minister was seen telling the lady how he would miss her, after she asked if he would. She was also heard ordering him around, saying she wants to see what he was wearing. She said, i want to see the front, the back too. After the Minister walked around and modeled for her, she ended it with wow, wow and then asked what brand he was wearing. At some point the Minister was also heard saying; How much I wish I could have hugged you. Awwww I did that day and it was sooo nice. It will put me to sleep immediately. The last time you did to me, didnt it put me to sleep? Biko watch the video below Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Two of the rarest of the big cats on earth will celebrate their first birthday at Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 25. The Bridgeport zoos two Amur leopard cubs, Orion and Kallisto (Panthera pardus orientalis), were born Jan. 25, 2019, adding to the important species survival work being done at the AZA-accredited facility, according to a zoo news release. The male Amur leopard cub, Orion, and the melanistic (an extremely rare black color variant) female, Kallisto, were hand-reared by zoo staff. The zoo will celebrate with a number of special activities throughout the day: At 9 a.m., first 100 guests through the gate receive free zoo calendar magnet; at 10 a.m., education talks begin at the leopard habitat; at noon, birthday enrichment offered to the cubs, designed to encourage exploration and play. Free cake and hot cocoa served to zoo guests; at 1 p.m., encore presentation of Fostering Felines Part II Lecture in the Research Station, supported with photos and video by Leopard Cub Care Specialists Bethany Thatcher and Chris Barker. The will be a 20 percent discount at Zoo Gift Shop offered all day. Amur leopards are critically endangered, which means they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, with approximately 80 animals remaining there. There are approximately 200 in human care worldwide, with slightly more than 100 in Russia and Europe, and slightly fewer than 100 in the U.S. With such a small population, each Amur leopard born is extremely important to the survival of the species, the zoo said. Amur leopards are on the brink of extinction, so theres every reason to celebrate Orion and Kallisto reaching their first birthdays as healthy young cubs, Zoo Director Gregg Dancho said in the release. The birth of these cubs brought two more precious Amur leopards to the population, which helps ensure the survival of these majestic animals for future generations. The cubs mother, Freya, resides in an adjacent habitat to the cubs. About Amur leopards A rare subspecies of leopard that has adapted to life in the temperate forests from Northeast China to the Korean peninsula and the Russian Far East, Amur leopards are often illegally hunted for their beautiful spotted fur. The Amur leopard is agile and fast, running at speeds up to 37 miles per hour. Males reach weights of 110 pounds and females up to 90 pounds. They prey on sika, roe deer, and hare, but the Amur leopard has to compete with humans for these animals. They live for 10-15 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in human care. In the wild, Amur leopards make their home in the Amur-Heilong, a region that contains one of the most biologically diverse temperate forests in the world, vast steppe grasslands and the unbroken taiga biome. A passenger has been charged with aggravated assault after he hit a member of cabin crew and ran at the cockpit at a full sprint and tried to break in during a United Express flight. Matthew Dingley, 28, started behaving erratically while on flight 4965, operated by Commutair, flying from Washington Dulles to Newark on 9 January. As the flight was preparing to land, Dingley ran up to the cockpit in a full sprint and started hitting the door, an eyewitness told WNBC. Fellow passenger Mike Egbert reported seeing Dingley hit a female flight attendant when she tried to intervene. Another passenger with law enforcement experience managed to get the situation under control. 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 If he did actually get into that cockpit lord knows what would have happened, said Mr Egbert. However, the violence escalated further once police arrived to apprehend him. According to Mr Egbert, Dingley picked one officer up and threw him on his back. Recommended Woman hits and kicks cabin crew in drunken rage on flight A spokesperson for the Port Authority Police told The Independent that six officers were injured in the altercation, including one who broke four ribs. Once the plane came to a stop on the tarmac and the plane door opened, the suspect charged the PAPD officers who responded to the call, causing them to fall down the planes stairs being used to discharge passengers and hit the pavement, said the spokesperson. More officers responded to assist and were successful in restraining the suspect. He has since been taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and interfering with transportation. The flight attendant Dingley attacked was admitted to hospital, as were the injured officers. CommutAir flight 4965, operating as United Express from Washington Dulles to Newark, landed without incident and was met by local law enforcement due to a disruptive passenger, a Commutair spokesperson told The Independent. Our primary concern is always to ensure the safety of all customers and crew and we are cooperating with authorities. We express our gratitude for the quick reaction of our passengers and crew who responded during this incident. Its not the first time a disruptive passenger has caused problems. Last week, a very drunk man was arrested at an airport in the US after he made several women uncomfortable and put a knife on the table, before locking himself in an airport toilet to continue smoking and drinking. The unnamed passenger, 50, was at Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport in Illinois when his behaviour first attracted attention. The move reversed the departments decision in August to add China to the list. It also came two days before President Trump is scheduled to sign a partial trade deal with China in a White House ceremony that is expected to disclose the details of Chinese promises on its currency and other trade matters. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Ritesh Agarwal-led Indian hospitality unicorn Oyo, currently the second top unicorn after Paytm and valued at nearly $10 billion in the country, has acted tough by laying off thousands of employees in India and China, after Japanese giant SoftBank tightened its noose around it. According to Asia Times, the company has let go about 1,200 employees in India "and plans to shed a similar number in the next four months". According to Oyo, it is lying off poor performers and has set up a "meritocracy-based" performance evaluation programme. Attempts for a detailed statement from the company on the current controversy went unanswered. According to reports, SoftBank has given Oyo a deadline of March 31, 2020 to phase out contracts or businesses, which are not EBITDA-profitable. The company has a deadline to post positive Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for its self-operated hotels and July as the deadline for positive EBITDA of its ancillary businesses. "The decision to layoff such a huge number of employees can also be attributed to the plans of Oyo to list publicly in the US within the next three years," the report added. Founded in 2013, Oyo's self-operated business includes Oyo Townhouse, Silverkey, Collection O, Oyo Flagship and Oyo Homes and ancillary businesses include Weddingz.in. SoftBank's Vision Fund has so far invested about $1.5 billion in Oyo, pushing the hospitality company's valuation to $10 billion but learning from WeWork fiasco, the Japanese conglomerate is now looking at the companies it financially back from a different lens. Also backed by Airbnb Inc., Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners, Oyo currently works with 10,000 hotel owners in the country. A New York Times report recently quoted current and former Oyo employees as saying that the company was "indulging in questionable business practices". The article claimed the "SoftBank Jewel in India" is facing toxic culture and troubling incidents. "While Ritesh Agarwal's Oyo aims to be the world's biggest hotel chain, its growth was fuelled by questionable practices, employees said," as per the report. The hospitality chain denied the allegations, saying it is committed to "growing the right way" by meeting the needs of property owners and guests. "With regard to complaints of a small section of property owners in India whose payments are disputed, multiple escalation mechanisms exist and we continue to provide resolution," said the company. The company reported a loss of Rs 2384.69 crore in the financial year 2019 -- a 5.5 times jump from Rs 360.42 crore loss in the previous financial year. "We are committed to growing OYO the right way -- by meeting the needs of property owners and of the guests we serve together. We work hard every day to ensure that our values are upheld by thousands of committed employees around the world, and we are subject to regular external audits to ensure proper compliance and adherence to our Code of Conduct," an Oyo spokesperson said in a statement earlier this month. Crop production in Britain will fall dramatically if climate change causes the collapse of a vital pattern of ocean currents, new research suggests. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) brings heat from the tropics, making Britain warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be. University of Exeter scientists show that, while warming Britain is expected to boost food production, if the AMOC collapses it would not just wipe out these gains but cause the "widespread cessation of arable (crop-growing) farming" across Britain. Such a collapse - a climate change "tipping point" - would leave Britain cooler, drier and unsuitable for many crops, the study says. The main problem would be reduced rainfall and, though irrigation could be used, the amount of water and the costs "appear to be prohibitive". "If the AMOC collapsed, we would expect to see much more dramatic change than is currently expected due to climate change," said Dr Paul Ritchie, of the University of Exeter. "Such a collapse would reverse the effects of warming in Britain, creating an average temperature drop of 3.4C and leading to a substantial reduction in rainfall (?123mm during the growing season). "These changes, especially the drying, could make most land unsuitable for arable farming." The study examines a "fast and early" collapse of the AMOC, which is considered "low-probability" at present - though the AMOC has weakened by an estimated 15% over the last 50 years. Professor Tim Lenton, Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, said worst-case scenarios must be considered when calculating risks. "Any risk assessment needs to get a handle on the large impacts if such a tipping point is reached, even if it is a low-probability event" he said. "The point of this detailed study was to discover how stark the impacts of AMOC collapse could be." The study follows a recent paper by Lenton and colleagues warning of a possible "cascade" of inter-related tipping points. The new study reinforces the message that "we would be wise to act now to minimise the risk of passing climate tipping points" said Lenton. Growing crops is generally more profitable than using land as pasture for livestock rearing, but much of northern and western Britain is unsuitable for arable farming. "With the land area suitable for arable farming expected to drop from 32% to 7% under AMOC collapse, we could see a major reduction in the value of agricultural output," said Professor Ian Bateman, of Exeter's Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute. "In this scenario, we estimate a decrease of 346 million per year - a reduction of over 10% in the net value of British farming." Speaking about the expectation that moderate warming would boost agricultural production in Britain, he added: "It's important to note that the wider effects for the UK and beyond will be very negative as import costs rise steeply and the costs of most goods climb." The study focusses on agriculture, but AMOC collapse and the resulting temperature drop could lead to a host of other economic costs for the UK. The AMOC is one reason that average temperatures in Britain are warmer than those of many places at similar latitudes. For example, Moscow and the southern extremes of Alaska are further south than Edinburgh. The paper, published in the inaugural issue of the journal Nature Food, is entitled: "Shifts in national land use and food production in Great Britain after a climate tipping point." ### Turkish, US diplomats discuss M.East issues over phone The phone conversation came after a ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia came into effect in Syria's Idlib province. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the latest developments in the Middle East with his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo by phone Sunday. "WE HAD A GOOD DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPMENTS" Pompeo reiterated the need for NATO to play a greater role in the region and stressed the U.S. commitment to the UN-facilitated peace process in Syria, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Writing on Twitter, Pompeo said: Had a good discussion on developments in the Middle East with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu today. Turkey pushed hard for the ceasefire after Idlib endured months of battering by forces of the Bashar al-Assad regime and its allies, sending about a million civilian refugees flocking to the Turkish border. michael barbaro How are you? sydney harper Good, how are you? Good morning. michael barbaro Its not too cold out. sydney harper I know its michael barbaro So its a little before 9 a.m. Were just outside the U.S. Capitol. sydney harper Were here. michael barbaro To meet with staff of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and to talk to him about this moment in impeachment. And what its like to be the leader of the party out of power in the middle of the Senate trial of Donald Trump. chuck schumer Hi. michael barbaro Senator. chuck schumer How are you? michael barbaro Im good. Good morning. chuck schumer Pleasure. Thanks for coming down. How do you want to do this? michael barbaro Do you mind if we just like chuck schumer Whatever you want to do. michael barbaro Do you want to do this? Well do across from each other? chuck schumer Thats fine. Whatever you want. And if you dont mind, I put my feet up. For my old basketball knees. michael barbaro So Senator, it is Tuesday morning. chuck schumer Yes. michael barbaro Over the weekend, as Im sure you know, my colleagues reported that John Bolton, former national security adviser, is about to publish a book in which he directly corroborates the central accusation in the impeachment inquiry. That President Trump conditioned the military aid to Ukraine on the countrys willingness to furnish information on his political rivals chuck schumer Right. michael barbaro including Joe Biden. Meantime, youre heading into day three of listening to the presidents defense lawyers make their case to the Senate in this trial. So in an impeachment trial, where it is more or less seen 100% clear that Republican colleagues of yours in the Senate would acquit the president, this seems like a pretty unexpected and damning development. Maybe even the most unexpected and damning development today. So does this change anything? chuck schumer I think it does some. Look, we have been saying all along, what we want is the truth. And that means, as Americans realize in any trial, you have facts. And the facts are determined by witnesses and documents. michael barbaro Mm-hm. chuck schumer So our goal, we thought originally we would be able to negotiate with Mitch McConnell to have witnesses and documents. It seemed so logical. And what happened was, he went on Sean Hannity about a month ago and said hes taking his total cues from Donald Trump. michael barbaro Mm-hm. chuck schumer Donald Trump is not interested in the truth. Hes not interested in facts. And so we figured, how do we get at the truth? We looked at the four witnesses, who had the eyewitness view of the actual charge. Why was the aid withheld and who did it? michael barbaro Mm-hm. chuck schumer We asked for them and the contemporaneous four sets of documents surrounding them. michael barbaro One of them was John Bolton. chuck schumer One of them was John Bolton. And for a month, we have been sort of relentless, focusing on getting witnesses and getting documents. michael barbaro Mm-hm. chuck schumer Because we believe the American people they may be very polarized when it comes to whether to acquit or convict but how could people resist witnesses and documents? Now, the American people, after we pushed and pushed and pushed this message just about every day michael barbaro Witnesses, witnesses, witnesses. chuck schumer witnesses, witnesses, witnesses, documents, documents, documents are on our side. Thats rare. michael barbaro But only two senators have publicly said chuck schumer Thats rare. michael barbaro that they are on your side. chuck schumer Right, but the Republican senators know that their constituencies want witnesses and documents. Now on the other side, of course, is Trump. He will strong arm them. He will be nasty. He will be vindictive. And thats, I think, one of the things thats held them back. Thats what makes it so hard. But Bolton is far and away the most major revelation. michael barbaro Well lets circle back to Bolton. chuck schumer O.K. michael barbaro What does that development with Bolton mean for you? Because Im guessing that youre getting at the fact that the power of the voters, that that might start to change the balance. chuck schumer And we saw yesterday, because the Bolton revelation was so devastating. And let me tell you the contrast. When Sekulow got up yesterday morning michael barbaro One of the presidents lawyers. chuck schumer after the revelation about Bolton was published in The New York Times, he said there are four mainstays to our case. And the third is there are no eyewitnesses to the account that the House managers had put forward. And there obviously is at least a newspaper report that there is one. It cries out, so why dont you bring him forward and testify? And a number of Republicans, who had been silent until then, said maybe we need witnesses and documents. michael barbaro Mm-hm. chuck schumer So do I think this is a done deal? Far from it. But do I think we have a chance now to get witnesses and documents? Yes. michael barbaro Senator, how are you talking to these Republican senators, these colleagues of yours? chuck schumer Yes. michael barbaro Im starting to imagine the conversations. Maybe youre poking your head into the gym. Maybe its chuck schumer How did you know that? That is where we do a lot of discussing. michael barbaro I know you have a morning routine. chuck schumer Yes. michael barbaro So help me understand. Youre standing next to the elliptical. Mitt Romneys on it. chuck schumer Well Im not going to any individual. I have conversations with Republicans, but I dont talk about them publicly. But I would say this. For maybe a good chunk of the Republicans, appealing to their higher instincts their better angels as Abraham Lincoln used to call it is meaningless. Because there arent too many better angels around, there. But for a good number of Republicans, certainly more than four considerably more than four the idea that this is historic, the idea that this is so important to the nation, and the idea that we are a nation founded on truth. That the founding fathers believed that the truth would prevail and right would prevail, and history is upon them, and theyll be remembered for this vote long after theyve left the Senate, has some effect. michael barbaro So wait, are you making a moral case? chuck schumer Yeah, Im making a case michael barbaro Or not? chuck schumer that truth should matter. This does not apply to every Republican, this better angels argument. But it applies to some. And those are the ones I try to talk to. michael barbaro And to the others do you make a more pragmatic, practical case? chuck schumer To the others? Look, we only need four. And we know there are about 25 well never get. So youve got to focus on the people you can possibly get. michael barbaro And that leaves you a pool of roughly? chuck schumer Well look, there are about 12 Republicans who have never said we shouldnt have witnesses and documents. They make other arguments. Theyre mad about this, Jerry Nadler said that. But they have not made an argument that there shouldnt be witnesses and documents. But look, is it an uphill fight? Yes. Are we making progress? Yes. michael barbaro So without naming names I understand why you dont want to do that can you give me a little bit of a sense of how this conversation tends to go with the people who seem open to this? And what do they say to you? chuck schumer Well, they listen. And I think they know you know, when Adam Schiff said on the floor in that closing argument michael barbaro Mm-hm. chuck schumer Republicans eyes were riveted on Schiff. You know, when you hear the argument that you dont like to hear, youll put your head down, youll look this way, youll chat with your neighbor. But in Schiffs both closing moments, their eyes were riveted on him. michael barbaro Sounds like you were watching their eyes, their heads and their eyes. chuck schumer Oh yes, I do. I do. I watch that. And he said, You know were right. I think many of them know were right, but are afraid of the consequences. And our best recourse are two things. Truth and the publics on our side for witnesses and documents. If we had started out at the beginning and simply tried to get Republicans to vote to convict, we wouldnt have gotten anywhere. But the strategy that we used which I think is the right strategy ethically, morally, but also substantively is witnesses and documents are much harder to resist. And then well let the chips fall where they may, as Ive said. And I said that to my Republican colleagues. Thats one thing I tell them all the time. I dont know what these witnesses will say. I dont know what these documents will reveal. michael barbaro It could go against you. chuck schumer Yes, it could be exculpatory of Trump. But we have an obligation to the Constitution, to the country, to what America has always stood for, to get the facts, get the truth. michael barbaro Do you accept the possibility that for many of the Republicans who are off the table, who cannot be convinced, that the reason they cant be convinced is because they think they are going with their better angels, because they just dont think this is an impeachable offense? chuck schumer Look, theyve made that argument. And Dershowitz tried to make it last night. michael barbaro Youre referring to one of the presidents lawyers. chuck schumer Yes. To me, its hard to say this should not be something where removal is justified, that Trump wanted to cut off the aid to get investigations of Biden and of the 2016 elections. But some of them may think that, yes. michael barbaro So lets say for a moment that you get this scenario that youre pursuing. You get four Republicans to vote to hear witnesses, including John Bolton. chuck schumer Yes. michael barbaro Which would mean that his testimony would be given in the Senate. It would be admissible in the trial. chuck schumer Under oath. michael barbaro And this would be testimony not heard in the House. It would be brand new evidence. As you said, Dershowitz is making this argument that the presidents behavior, the central charge in this trial, is not behavior that rises to the level of impeachment. chuck schumer Mm-hm. Mm-hm. michael barbaro If the presidents lawyers dont really dispute the basic facts of the case, and then Bolton comes and bolsters those facts, whats to be gained from his testimony? chuck schumer We shall see. There may be some Republicans who feel that this is serious enough to merit removal from office. But if everyone agrees with these facts, right, an acquittal isnt gonna mean much. Because most Americans would feel, I think, that cutting off aid, threatening a foreign country where our national security is at stake if our elections are subject to foreign interference, thats a When I was in high school, you read the Constitution and all that. And one of the things the founding fathers were most afraid of was foreign interference in our elections. Its in the Federalist Papers and elsewhere. And when I read it then, back in the 60s, I said, What! Thats not gonna happen. Well as usual, the founding fathers were a lot smarter than all of us. Its serious stuff. michael barbaro So even if you get these four senators to come along with you chuck schumer Yes. michael barbaro it sounds like what youre saying is this is still about American sentiment, voter sentiment. Its not that you think that if you hear from Bolton, suddenly that might lead 20 senators to vote chuck schumer Look. michael barbaro to convict the president. Its that if Bolton testifies, you think it will only strengthen Americans belief that something bad and wrong has occurred here. chuck schumer Yes. Yes, I agree with that. But Id make another point. Things keep coming out. New revelations keep coming out. And you never know whats gonna happen. Is it an uphill fight when you have the power of Trump and the fear of Trump among the Republican senators and the fear of the Trump hard-core constituency? Absolutely. But do we have a moral obligation to make the fight as strong as we can? Yes. Thats what motivates me. Getting at the truth. And somehow, in ways that go beyond my knowledge, it usually ends up creating the right result. But who knows when and who knows how? michael barbaro I still struggle to see the political incentive for these Republicans to allow for a witness. Because chuck schumer Theyre gonna have to. michael barbaro theyre in the political bind that you have described very well here. chuck schumer Yes. michael barbaro And allowing witnesses only seems to make the public case against the president worse. chuck schumer except michael barbaro But they wont vote him out of office, so shouldnt they just not allow Bolton to testify? chuck schumer Well they may. Thats why this is a difficult argument. But when they dont allow witnesses, their constituencies know they stood with Trump to go against fairness and with a cover-up. michael barbaro But its a little bit of a snarl, because he has told chuck schumer New Delhi: A SpiceJet flight made an emergency landing at Chennai airport on Monday after a technical snag. The plane was flying from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. All passengers are safe. On December 4, a Jodhpur-bound SpiceJet plane, carrying 60 passengers, made an emergency landing at the airport in New Delhi, reportedly after smoke was detected in the baggage compartment, a source said. The airline was operating a Q-400 aircraft. According to the source, Air Traffic Controller announced full emergency for the flight SG-2695 at around 1500 hours. The source said that reportedly smoke was detected in the baggage compartment and that there were around 60 passengers on board. There was no immediate comment from SpiceJet on the incident. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The BJP slammed the Opposition over its stand against the CAA on Monday, saying its resolution must have gladdened the heart of Pakistan as it chose to target the Modi government, even though the amended citizenship law was a "true national occasion" to expose Islamabad's barbaric treatment of its minorities. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also took a swipe at Monday's Opposition meet over the absence of major parties such as the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying the lack of unity in its ranks stood exposed. "The resolution must have gladdened the heart of Pakistan. The CAA was a true national occasion to expose Pakistan's duplicity and barbaric treatment of its minorities. It is a known fact that minorities, be it Hindus, Christians or Sikhs, were subjected to the most atrocious and barbaric treatment by Pakistan and also, in many cases, by Bangladesh," Prasad told reporters. Instead of exposing Pakistan, the Opposition had unnecessarily targeted the Modi government, he said. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, adopted a resolution on Monday, demanding that the amended citizenship law be withdrawn and the process of NPR immediately stopped. The 20-party meet also asserted that it was all part of an "unconstitutional package" that targeted poor people, SC/STs and minorities. Taking on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his dare to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit universities without security and talk about the state of economy, Prasad wondered if he was issuing "threats" and inciting people to commit violence. For long, Gandhi challenged Modi to a debate on the Rafale fighter jets issue but ended up losing in court as well as in elections, he said. The law minister accused the Congress of siding with "urban Maoists, Naxalites and rank separatists" as he claimed that the grand old party could go to any extent to oppose Modi. The resolution adopted by the opposition parties was neither in national interest nor in the interest of security or peace and amity in the society, he said, adding that it was also not in the interest of those minorities who fled neighbouring countries after facing persecution. Most of these minorities were poor Dalits who fled persecution and also to save the honour of their women, Prasad said, asking Congress president Sonia Gandhi to make her party's stand clear on their condition. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi must say whether most of these people were poor or not, he said. Accusing the Congress of adopting double standards and hypocrisy, the minister said its senior leaders like Manmohan Singh and Ashok Gehlot had in the past called for giving citizenship to the persecuted minorities of neighbouring countries. The Congress-led UPA government had started the National Population Register (NPR) in 2010 and called it a subset of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), he said. Alleging a Congress hand in the violence during the anti-CAA protests in the country, Prasad wondered why no such incident was reported from the states ruled by the opposition party. Responding to the Opposition's attack on the government over the economic slowdown, he said there was some stress due to global factors, but asserted that India continued to enjoy the trust of investors and its fundamentals remained strong. The Modi government was initiating a host of measures to strengthen the economy, Prasad said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) What the papers say January 13 (PA) The fallout from the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs decision continues to escalate on the front pages of the nations papers. The Times, Daily Mail and Daily Express all lead with the Queens planned meeting with Harry, his brother the Duke of Cambridge and their father. The Times 13/1/2020 The Queen attends Sunday Service at St Mary Magdalene Church ahead of a reported meeting with Prince Harry, Prince Charles and Prince William in Sandringham, Norfolk, today. Photo : James Whatling#tomorrowspaperstoday #thetimes @TimesPictures pic.twitter.com/i0xk0Sm01I The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) January 12, 2020 The Metro focuses on the Queen looking deep in thought as she left a Sunday church service prior to the royal summit at Sandringham. Meanwhile The Daily Telegraph, The Sun and the Daily Mirror report that there are fears among some in the Palace that Harry and Meghan could use the threat of a tell-all interview as leverage in the royal familys crisis meetings. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Fears Harry will tell all if his plans are thwarted'#TomorrowsPaperToday pic.twitter.com/Z72FEQcNRa The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 12, 2020 Tomorrow's front page: Harry and Meghan may threaten a tell-all US TV interview to get their way at tomorrow's royal summit https://t.co/Ph8ySo2VgJ pic.twitter.com/pJDfl5pnXl The Sun (@TheSun) January 12, 2020 Moving away from the royals, The Guardian leads with a second day of protests in Tehran over the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger jet by the Iranian military. Guardian front page, Monday 13 January 2020: Public fury grows in Iran over shooting down of jet pic.twitter.com/xPVH8SaojP The Guardian (@guardian) January 12, 2020 More than half of the British public want the UK to reach net-zero carbon emissions in the next 10 years, according to The Independent. INDEPENDENT DIGITAL: Public backs action to cut out carbon in a decade #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/CoNarK1mma Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 12, 2020 The Financial Times reports on MI5s chief downplaying fears that adopting Huawei technology would hurt intelligence sharing, as well as a new chapter in the downfall of former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn. Just published: front page of the Financial Times UK edition Monday January 13 https://t.co/yiuMtu0dp6 pic.twitter.com/kkaye7yAle Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) January 12, 2020 And the Daily Star leads with a story on snowflakes accusing the British Museum of racism over exhibits glorifying colonialism. The Government of Akwa Ibom, on Monday, said that with the industrialisation drive of the state, the internally-generated revenue (IGR) of the state would hit N100 billion in 2020. The state Commissioner for Finance, Linus Nkan, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Uyo, the state capital. Mr Nkan said in the last four years, four firms were initiated and became operational in the state to enhance IGR. He listed the firms as Jubilee Syringes Manufacturing Company, Metering Solutions Manufacturing Company, Kings Flower Mill and Plywood Company and Ibom Airlines. He said given the industrialisation drive and its success story so far, the state IGR has witnessed a boost in the last two years, assuring that not less than N100 billion will be generated in 2020. Although the commissioner did not say how much the state generated in 2019, he, however, said the IGR for the year was twice what was generated in 2018. Our efforts to boost the economy have equally boosted our IGR. That of 2019 was almost double what we got in 2018. We shouldnt have anything less than N100 billion in 2020. As we are doing all these industries, they will now pay tax and those employed are also paying taxes to government, he said. The commissioner said the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration was passionate about transforming the state based on its five-point economic agenda. He added that the state government had given incentives to over 10,000 farmers to cultivate cassava in the state, while those growing rice had also been supported. Mr Nkan said the idea was to ensure food sufficiency, besides stepping down prices of those commodities in the market, being the stable food being consumed in the state. He also disclosed that the over 20,000 bags of rice bought and distributed to indigenes of the state by the state government during the yuletide were grown and produced in the state. (NAN) Most OPEC members seem to be quite happy with where oil prices are now, according to the energy minister of one of the smaller members of the cartel. "We all probably would like higher [oil prices] because we have more revenue, but we are conscious this is not good for the economy," Equatorial Guineas Gabriel Obiang Lima told media, as quoted by S&P Global Platts. "It depends on who you ask, but I think the consensus is that that $60-70/b is OK for producers and for consumers," he said. The comments by the Equatorial Guinea official seem to reflect the general sentiment on oil markets. As Lima noted, anything below $60 begins to put a strain on most OPEC budgets. Anything above $70 prompts complaints from large consumers such as India and, notoriously, the U.S., with President Trump taking to Twitter several times during his term to insist that OPEC take care to push prices lower. However, it appears that while happy with current prices, many OPEC members have production expansion plans. This includes Equatorial Guinea, which at the moment pumps around 120,000 bpd. The current output is expected to be boosted by another 20,000 bpd by the end of the year despite OPEC-wide production cuts. Iraq also has plans for a production boost and so do Nigeria and Libya, to mention but a few. At the same time, non-OPEC supply is set to continue growing even though many analysts expect U.S. production growth to slow down. Norway, Brazil, Canada, and the newcomer Guyana are among the oil producers that are expected to boost their production substantially this year. Add to this Russia, which has indicated clearly enough it would rather boost production than keep cutting it, and OPEC may be facing important decisions to be made later this year. The cartel and its partners are meeting in march to discuss the progress of their production cut agreement and its future. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: SAGINAW, MI A federal appeals court has sent a Saginaw restaurateurs lawsuit against the city back to a lower court for review. The businesswoman alleges the city of Saginaw violated her constitutional rights when it revoked her business license after her restaurant was struck by gunfire nearly three years ago. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth District on Jan. 7 overturned a lower courts dismissal of Rita R. Johnsons lawsuit against the city of Saginaw, City Manager Timothy Morales, and City Human Resources Director Dennis Jordan. Johnson, owner of Ritas Southern Soul Cafe at 110 N. Washington in downtown Saginaw, filed her suit in federal court in Bay City in July 2017. U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington granted defendants motion to dismiss it in December 2017, prompting Johnson and attorney Philip L. Ellison to file an appeal. A well-respected downtown business was plagued by illegal gunfire, Ellison told MLive. Instead of arresting the gunmen and providing justice to the Cafe, the city of Saginaw bullied, blamed, and then punished the victim. The night of May 5, 2017, Johnson rented out her restaurant for a private birthday party. About 1 a.m. on May 6, individuals unaffiliated with her or the party emerged from a vehicle and began shooting at the restaurant, according to the appellate courts decision. Police responded to the scene and recovered nearly 60 spent casings. None of the shooters were apprehended. No one was injured, though Johnsons and another business were struck by bullets. Saginaw Police Chief Robert M. Ruth said at the time it was believed the incident was gang-related and began after an argument inside Ritas. Johnson maintained the shooting was not instigated by anyone attending the party in her restaurant. Documents related to a separate lawsuit filed by Johnson states the person who rented her eatery for the party had hired a security company to provide 18 guards for the event. Some of the guards wore bulletproof vests and at least one carried an AK-47-style assault rifle, those documents state. Two days after the shooting, City Manager Morales ordered Johnson to immediately cease business in the interest of the public health, morals, safety, or welfare based on several factors, including serious and violent criminal activity generated by the operation of this establishment. A hearing occurred a few days later, during which Johnson was to show cause as to why her license should not be revoked or suspended. Morales decided and directed that Defendant Dennis Jordan would serve as the hearing officer to make findings of facts and various legal conclusions in reviewing" Morales actions, Johnsons suit states. In July 2017, Jordan upheld Morales decision. Johnsons business has remained closed ever since, though she has been paying the spaces utility bills. Ellison contends the appellate courts ruling indicates the hearing should have happened before Johnsons license was suspended, not after. When Rita was at the hearing, the burden should have first been on the city to prove she was responsible, Ellison said. She was not it was the gang shooters. But skipping over that, the city required Rita to offer proofs why their decision was not correct. It is like being automatically deemed guilty and then having to prove your innocence. Johnson filed her lawsuit believing she did not receive a fair administrative process and that the defendants violated her constitutional rights. She later amended her suit to feature more allegations, and filed a motion seeking to prevent Morales from sitting on the appeal panel expected to review Jordans decision. The district court denied that motion. Later, Defendants moved to dismiss Johnsons complaint for failure to state a claim, the appellate court wrote in its Jan. 7 decision. After the district court denied Johnsons motion for equitable relief, she filed her administrative appeal. The appeal panel, which did not turn out to include Morales, held a hearing where it affirmed Jordans decision upholding the suspension of her license. The next day, Johnson filed a motion for leave to again amend her complaint. Judge Ludingtons dismissal of the suit followed in December 2017, at which time he also denied Johnsons motion to amend her complaint. Johnson and Ellison then filed their appeal with the higher court. Johnsons suit is now to proceed again before Judge Ludington. Johnsons separate federal lawsuit names the city, Stemple, and Water Department employee Jason Cabello as defendants. In it, Johnson asserts the defendants violated her constitutional rights by shutting off her businesss water on May 8, 2017. The city did not restore Johnsons water services until she filed this suit in September 2017, nearly five months after they were initially suspended, the lawsuit claims. Judge Ludington in February 2019 issued a summary judgment against Stemple and Cabello in Johnsons favor, but denied issuing such a judgment against Saginaw itself. That decision is currently in the appeals process. Delhi witnessed the most number of protests in 2019 in last eight years, Hindustan Times reported citing government data. The national capital saw as many as 12,652 demonstrations, and protest marches until December 15, 2019. However, the 2019 data does not include the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, that got triggered in the city in the last two weeks of December. A senior unnamed Delhi Police official said that if the report had included anti-CAA protests then another 500 protests would be added to the number, the daily added. Earlier, the highest number of dissent recorded was 11,158 in 2015. There were 5,350 protests in 2011 when anti-corruption protests were at their peak. In 2012, the city saw 8,405 protests, in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya rape and murder case. Also read: Anti CAA protests: Railway suffered losses of Rs 84 crore in West Bengal Also read: Watch: Anti-CAA protesters sing national anthem at Jama Masjid in Delhi A man accused of stabbing an off-duty police officer 11 times after becoming fixated with him has admitted attempted murder. John McCartney, 40, launched the frenzied attack when the victim answered his door in Rayleigh, Essex, on April 24 last year while his wife and children were at home. McCartney, who is currently being held in a secure psychiatric facility, admitted attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon at Basildon Crown Court via video-link on Monday. McCartney spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and give his nationality as British, and to enter his guilty pleas. Judge Samantha Leigh adjourned sentencing until March 6 when she will hear evidence from McCartneys psychiatrists about his mental state. Essex Police said McCartney and the officer had been at school together and the defendant had become obsessed with the victim despite the pair only ever saying Hello in passing. In the weeks before the attack, McCartney conducted a campaign of harassment against the victim on social media. 'Sustained and frenzied knife attack' On the night of the incident, the officer heard a knock at the door at around 9pm. McCartney launched a sustained and frenzied knife attack on the victim on his doorstep, the force said. Essex Police said in a statement: Despite suffering 11 stab and slash wounds, a number of which were extremely serious, our officer, using tactics learnt during his police training, battled valiantly to keep McCartney away from his family, and to restrain him to prevent him causing harm to his family and neighbours. The officer suffered six stab wounds to the centre of his chest, lacerations to his chest, arm and abdomen exposing his bowel a half-inch wound to his upper arm, and wounds to his feet. Despite the severity of his injuries, the victim managed to tackle McCartney to the ground, jump on his back and lie on him until help arrived. The officers wife and neighbours helped him to restrain McCartney. Essex Police said the sergeant is now recovering at home and has yet to return to duties. The victim said in a statement: The events of Wednesday April 24 have had a huge impact on not just my life but those of my family, close friends, neighbours and policing colleagues. They, like me, continue to live with the emotional scars of that day but I am thankful to all of them my wife, family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and paramedics who undoubtedly not only saved my life that day but continue to support me since. Words are not enough to express how much everything they have done and all of their love and support has meant to me. Chief Constable BJ Harrington paid tribute to the bravery of the wounded officer, saying: Im in no doubt that his heroism in tackling an armed man whilst critically injured protected the community, protected his family, and Essex is safer as a result. He also praised the officers family, adding: I say thank you to the emergency services, to his neighbours, to the community and the doctors, medics and paramedics who undoubtedly saved his life. The officer is still recovering, but the chief constable said he hoped a man of his bravery would be able to continue to serve with Essex Police. The officer received an award for outstanding act from the force in October last year. Kevin Nguyen Crash Override Say what you will about New York Citys oft-delayed transit system, but the subway helped Kevin Nguyen write his first novel, New Waves (One World, Mar.). Riding the train, Nguyen jotted down sci-fi stories, dialogue, and apercus about technology on his phone. I wrote all of this in one note, and then one day the note got so long that the app crashed, he says. Pasting the nearly 20,000-word note into a document, Nguyen, 33, thought, Just as an exercise, maybe I should try to connect these dots through fiction. Nguyens agent, Sarah Bowlin, says, When he mentioned shyly over drinks a couple years ago that he had been writing a novelon the subway! on his phone!I was certain that whatever he was working on would be urgent and alive. The resulting novel is about mourning and the moral abdication of technology companies. It tells the story of Lucas, an Asian-American content moderator at a messaging app startup, who is grieving his deceased coworker, Margo, an African-American server engineer. It has a lot of ideas in it, but its not an ideas book, Nguyen says. Originally envisioned as a secure communication tool for dissidents and reporters, the fictional app explodes among teenagers using it to lob vicious messages. Its really easy when youre on the inside of a tech company to not grapple with or take responsibility for the implications of what youre doing, says Nguyen, who, after graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 2009, worked various start-up-adjacent jobs before landing at Amazons books division in New York City. He then pivoted to journalism, first at GQ and now at the Verge. At the novels core is the relationship between Lucas and Margo, who leaves behind a trove of speculative fiction she has written. Theres this wealth of her that he never saw and is still able to explore, Nguyen says. But with grief, the sad part isnt that the person is gone. Its that theyll never do anything new or surprise you again. Mary South All Too Human For Mary South, who worked as an ad writer for Google, composing SEO copy was instructive for how not to write fiction: SEO writing is the opposite way of how I work with textjust optimizing for an algorithm, not even necessarily for a reader. I naturally didnt like it very much. Souths debut collection, You Will Never Be Forgotten (FSG Originals, Mar.), offers piercing explorations of technologys impact on humanity. Even though we have access to more information than ever before in history, were still dealing with the same trauma, she says. Souths agent, Cynthia Cannell, says she was in thrall to her uncanny humor and lively voice, and her editor, Julia Ringo, praises the delightfully alien curiosity about and insight into human behavior. The collection ventures into the internets collective id, most notably in a story about a camp for recovering internet trolls. A lot of these characters are repressing their feelings, so its interesting to me fictionally how those feelings eventually come out, South says. Raised in Minnesota, South attended Northwestern and later Columbias MFA program. She then became an assistant at Noon, a literary journal run by Diane Williams. Seeing her edit was incredible for me, because every sentence has to be perfect, South says. Once you observe someone doing that, it rubs off on you. Or so Id like to hope. The stories offer frank portrayals of human desires. In one, stunted man-children clamor for breast-feeding privileges, and in another, elderly patients call phone-sex hotlines from their assisted living facility. That story is about very overt, sometimes raw, comic sexuality, as well as the need for connection and solace and companionship, South says. Its very valid that they have those needs, and they deserve them. Marcial Gala A Monumental Novel The Black Cathedral (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Jan.), the first of Marcial Galas novels to be translated into English, is a choral tale of architectural folly and serial violence in Cienfuegos, Cuba. I was drawn to the possibility of a different kind of storytelling, of giving a voice to those who generally dont have one, and of being able to narrate the plurality of the Cuban national being, says Gala, 56. That delirious style intrigued Galas translator, Anna Kushner. The process of translating this novel was a bit like trying to take apart and reassemble something in order to determine what it is that makes it work so well, she notes. Gala was born in Havana, in the same old palace on the Prado where the great Cuban poet Julian del Casal died in the 19th century, he says. Sometimes, I think that that coincidence marked my fate forever. At the age of 10, Gala moved to Cienfuegos, where he still lives part-time. He began studying architecture in Santa Clara when he discovered Borges. His stories seemed so good to me that they may have even driven me a bit mad, to the point that I was putting aside my work as an architecture student in order to go write, Gala remembers. The cathedral of the title is a messianic project conceived and undertaken by a town newcomer, the zealous father of a strange family. Gala describes the ambitious endeavor as an architectural object imprisoned in the most disparate and exaggerated interpretation, one that is emblematic of the tendency toward exaggeration and the Pantagruelian that characterizes the Cuban people. Meng Jin Cosmic Characters Im a fiction writer so Im not as comfortable talking about my own life, says Meng Jin, whose debut novel, Little Gods (Custom House, Jan.), revolves around a similarly reticent character: Su Lan, a physicist who emigrates to the United States with her toddler daughter who was born on the night of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. With Su Lan, Jin wanted to portray someone from the huge waves of scientists and engineers coming from China to the Statesa character Jin says she hadnt really seen represented in Chinese American literature. After Su Lans death, her teenage daughter travels to Shanghai and Beijing to learn about her inscrutable mothers past and the two men once infatuated with her. The story would be told by people orbiting Su Lan, and she would be like a black hole at the center of it, Jin says she realized early on. It is deceptively distanced and cool, when in fact, it feels increasingly emotional as the reader moves further along in the novel, says Jins agent, Jin Auh. Born in Shanghai and currently living in San Francisco, Jin, 30, moved to the U.S. when she was five. She adjuncted in New York City after receiving an MFA from Hunter College, then secured a writing fellowship at the University of East Anglia, in Great Britain. Jin examines historical events on an individual scale. I spent a lot of time in my childhood listening to my Chinese grandparents stories, she says. In the American classroom and in the media, I would encounter the history of China with a capital H. It took me a long time to understand that actually those two stories were overlapping. The novel draws on scientific metaphors to illuminate human mysteries. Jin recalls the impact of reading the Italian theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli. Hes standing at science and looking at art, she says. I want to be standing at art and looking at science. Hilary Leichter Going Steady I let the language of the gig economy take me to the most fantastical places I could imagine, says Hilary Leichter of the absurdist exploration of the working world in her debut novel, Temporary (Coffee House, Mar.). Perhaps no place is as fantastical as the adventure capital pirate ship to which the heroine, a temporary worker desperately seeking the steadiness of permanent work, is assigned. [Leichter] takes on expected tropes and themes and makes them unexpected, and to me, there is nothing harder to do as a writer, says her agent, Monika Woods. Ruth Curry, Leichters editor, recalls her delight at receiving the witty, honed manuscript, which emerged from Hilarys gigantic brain fully formed, painted, wallpapered, and in move-in condition. Interspersed among the heroines picaresque adventures is a tale of how the gods, when exhausted, farmed out their labors to temporary workers. We use mythology to understand love, to understand politics, to understand war, Leichter, 34, says. Why not work? After graduating from Haverford College, Leichter says she worked for seven years on and off as a personal assistant to a very funny, wise, elderly New Yorker. The job planted the seed for Temporary. I started thinking about work as this thing that has emotions connected to it that were not necessarily allowed to express. Along with the humor and wordplay, the novel examines the moral and emotional costs of work. I always find myself caught between these two ideas of having to survive in terms of actual survival and also of preserving yourself, Leichter says. The novel builds toward a future in which the distinction between temporary and permanent workers blurs. Because the temp is such an expert at replacing people, Leichter says, the question of what will replace us after we are all gone is interesting to me. Megha Majumdar Heated Rhetoric Megha Majumdar conceived of A Burning (Knopf, June), about a persecuted young Muslim woman in India, as a response to the very dangerous turn to right-wing politics throughout the world, she says. I wanted to write a book about how individuals with loves and ambitions survive that turn. Majumdar, 32, grew up in Kolkata. She studied social anthropology at Harvard and then Johns Hopkins at the gradual level, doing fieldwork in Senegal. She is now an acquiring editor at Catapult, though she still draws on her anthropological training. Those experiences of listening to other peoples stories and trying to understand their perspectives has informed my work, she says. According to Majumdars editor, Jordan Pavlin, A Burning has the force of an epic tragedy and the economy and restraint of a poem. Majumdars agent, Eric Simonoff, praises her mixture of the propulsive and the poetic: She is that rare writer who shines on a virtuosic line-by-line level and also as a compulsively readable storyteller. The novel follows a Muslim woman accused of aiding a terrorist attack and two characters called to testify at her trial. I wanted to create the sense that this is not just a story of three people but the story of a whole nation, she says. Apart from Jivan, theres a gym teacher ascending the ranks of a populist political party and a hijra, or intersex person, who dreams of becoming an actor. The hijra are marginalized in so many ways, and I wanted to see how someone who is oppressed at the intersection of all these kinds of marginalization never surrenders her humor and her intelligence and her big, big dreams, Majumdar says. C Pam Zhang All That Glitters C Pam Zhang heartily defends writing fan fiction. I stand by that as the best teacher for learning how to write, because you have this world you dont have to build up, she says. In her debut novel, How Much of These Hills Is Gold (Riverhead, Apr.), Zhang conjures the rough terrain of gold rushera California, in which two Asian-American orphans struggle to survive. Her editor, Sarah McGrath, says, I saw not only a ferocious new voice and a vivid, propulsive plot, but also a storytelling approach that offered me a fuller understanding of America, past and present. The novel sifts through a tragic family history marked by ambition and dissimulation. Its almost what defines a family are the secrets that divide and bind them, says Zhang, 30. I think this comes from being born into an immigrant family myself. Zhang was born in Beijing and immigrated to the United States when she was a child. Her father died when she was 22a loss that still affects her writing. I felt like the fiction I was writing after my fathers death was richer, more honest, raw, she says. After being laid off from a copywriting job in San Francisco, Zhang moved to Bangkok, the first place in Asia shed lived. There was something wonderful about being able to be anonymous and blend into the crowd, she recalls. A rough draft soon poured out of her. I write a first draft with the goal that it will be a raging tire fire, Zhang jokes. She eventually refined the work into a vivid portrait of a family and the unforgiving landscape they inhabit. I have a great fear and respect of the outdoors, Zhang says. I navigate that fear by imagining it in excruciating detail. I dont know if thats healthy. Fernanda Melchor Bewitching Prose Fernanda Melchor, a 37-year-old Mexican author and journalist, has a predilection for American writers including Dennis Cooper, Bret Easton Ellis, and Cormac McCarthy. Ive always been drawn to dark stories where violence plays a strong part, she says. Hurricane Season (New Directions, Mar.) is Melchors first novel to be translated into English, and it chronicles the brutal murder of a recluse named the Witch in a small Mexican town. You can find crazy violence everywhere, she says. Its just that Mexicos violence has this carnivalesque, burlesque, or grotesque side. Stylistically, Hurricane Season, represents a break from Melchors previous work, which includes a novel and a forthcoming English translation of essays. The events in this novel are so crude and difficult that I needed this strong style to hold it together, like the centrifugal force of the hurricane, she says. Melchor tells horror and violence with grace and purpose, never arbitrarily and always cleverly interwoven within complex psychologies, says Sophie Hughes, her translator. The chapters are told in a torrential narration that flits in and out of various characters minds. The first two chapters came out like this, Melchor says, and then it was a technical challenge to see if I could keep on doing that. As a result, the reader feels immersed and implicated in the depraved and superstitious community of a destitute Mexican coastal village, she adds. I was in a very pessimistic place when I wrote it a few years ago, recalls Melchor, who despaired over solutions to the regions violence, femicide, homophobia, and misogyny. More broadly, though, the novel is about being young and having no futureand feeling this incredible urge to escape through any means possible. Ho Sok Fong Narrative Buffet Our multiculturalism is like a sampler platter, from which you can pick and choose, but its not a melting pot, says Ho Sok Fong of Malaysias religious and linguistic divisions. The flavors have not assimilated. The Chinese-Malaysian author of the story collection Lake Like a Mirror (Two Lines, Mar.), Ho, 49, was born in Kedah, Malaysia, and trained as an engineer. She left her electrical engineering job at age 30, first for a career in journalism and then to pursue graduate degrees in Chinese literature. Ho had long immersed herself in Mahua (sinophone Malaysian) literary journals, which generally avoid addressing the repressive policies of the ruling regime toward its Chinese population. The impression I took away from those journals was that politics could not be literary, Ho says. So it was hard to conceive of fiction as a means to express the limitations imposed by the regime. In Hos collection, by contrast, there are several stories whose protagonists butt up against the states repressive apparatuses. As a writer, Im reaching inside myself for something that will resonate, she says. Even if this means touching on politics. The stories feature spectral characters disassociated from the waking world. I think a lot about the incompatibilities between humans and the world around us, Ho notes. There are things we cannot explain or point to that we are forced to experience in invisible, illegible ways, perhaps as traumas or psychological wounds. Like translating underwater: thats how Natascha Bruce describes the experience of rendering Hos distinctive style in English. Theres a visceral quality to the ambiguity running through the stories, which means they often hit me first as intense, wordless feeling. Ambiguity is a structuring principle of these dreamlike tales. The things that entice us to read, and to write, are not the things we already know but the things we cannot yet identifythe strange questions it takes time to explore, Ho says. Sue Rainsford Healing Touch Ill start writing a very naturalist piece, and then something strange will come through to inflect it, says Sue Rainsford, whose debut novel Follow Me to Ground (Scribner, Jan.) thrums with the uncanny. While in a visual arts practice masters program in Dublin, Rainsford became interested in the language of female experience as expressed by writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Julia Kristeva. The novels fantastical elements came out of trying to put all of this strange imagery that gets ascribed to the female body through psychoanalysis or horror film and make those things live in the world, she says. The novels heroine is Ada, a glacially aging supernatural healer who springs from a mysterious patch of earth called the Ground. I love how Sue has created a world that operates completely according to its own rules, but that she has the confidence and stylistic verve not to overexplain, says her agent, Amelia Atlas. Ada lives apart from the human population, or Cures, and enters into a secret affair with one. Sue has a very distinct voice, says Rainsfords editor, Sally Howe, and she writes about desire, transgression, and the body with insight and nuance. Rainsford, 31, grew up in Dublin. When I was in my teens, it felt by turns comfortingly and asphyxiatingly small, she recalls. She completed an MFA at Bennington College and is currently a writer-in-residence at Maynooth University in Ireland. Walking through the woods and coming out at Shirley Jacksons house in North Bennington was something that got under my skin, she says. Though its central theme is healing, Follow Me to Ground also portrays harmful familial bonds. Im really interested in how a relationship becomes toxic, Rainsford says. Families are fascinating because people try so hard to make these relationships work, often to their detriment, over a lifetime. Matt Seidel lives in Durham, N.C., and is a staff writer for The Millions. [upbeat music] - How are you guys doing? - Who are your friends? - This is The Weekly. - Ill follow you. PHOTOGRAPHER: Can I get a big smile? - Thats as big as it gets. - What an opportunity. [laughter] KATHLEEN: Uh, all right. Well head in. WOMAN: Were going in? - Okay. KATHLEEN: Welcome. ELIZABETH WARREN: Is that one down at the end mine? - Yes. - Yes, it is yours. - Morning. - Hi. - Okay. - Well, thanks for having me over. - Lets just dive in. [spacey music] [indistinct chatter] - Can we get a mic check on John, please? KATHLEEN: The editorial board is a group of writers and editors who are given the task, basically, to think about the biggest issues of the day and write informed opinions. We have a lawyer by training. One lapsed scientist. We have people whove written about politics for decades. The editorial board is in the Opinion department. We are completely separate from the Times newsroom, and the newsroom has a really different job than we do. Their job is to go out and gather facts and to describe the world as it is, whereas us in Opinion, we really try to take those facts and describe the world as it should be. MAN: Five minutes out. KATHLEEN: Every election year, we invite all the candidates to New York, and we interview them. We sit down and ask them tough questions, questions that theyre not being asked on the debate stage or on the campaign trail. And then finally, we make a decision. [spacey music] - Hello. How are you? - Good. Im Brittany. BERNIE SANDERS: Hey, Brittany. Where would you like me? USHER: So youre gonna take a seat at the end of the table. BERNIE: Hello. LAUREN: Hey, Senator. Good to see you. How are you? WOMAN: Hello. Great to meet you. MAN: Nice to see you. Welcome. BERNIE: Im already impressed by the size of this table. [laughter] KATHLEEN: So, Senator Sanders, thank you so much for coming. We all know your bio. Weve watched the debates. The revolution like the one youre proposing overhauls everything, but can you walk us - Not quite everything. - [laughs] What of that legislation do you think could pass a Mitch McConnell Senate? - I wanna just convey to you that I look at the world maybe a little bit differently than you do, and I say that in in due respect. What my administration is about is not sitting with Mitch, negotiating something. It is rallying the American people around an agenda that they already support. This is, I think, what makes me a little bit different than other candidates. Not only will I be commander in chief, I will be organizer in chief. - How do you respond to studies that show that you have one of the worst records in terms of bipartisan deal-making? - Really? - Yeah. - Well, you may want to know - Imake the case for us that youre a deal-maker. - Well, first of all, Im not quite sure where youre Ive not seen that study. But second of all, the point that I am making is that the way you bring about real change in this country, what the history of America is about, is when millions of people stand up for justice. Youre saying, How do I negotiate with Mitch McConnell? And Ill tell you how I negotiate. Because when the people of Kentucky are demanding to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, thats the basis of the negotiation. You make an offer to Mitch McConnell that he cannot refuse, and that is that the American people want to move in a different direction. - After the, um, artery blockage that occurred earlier this fall, theres obviously some concern among voters about your health. Um, what are you doing to take care of yourself now? - Thank you. Uh, my wife watches me very carefully. Dont tell her we had spareribs last night, please. [laughter] Dont let her know. That was a good place. Uh KATHLEEN: This is on the record. [laughter] BERNIE: And Ill tell you something. You know, you asked me a personal question. The heart attack was shock to me, not physically as much as it was intellectually, cause I have been blessed [knocks on table] This is not wood, I know. Whatever it is. Uh, with good health my whole life, and the idea that my body malfunctioned on that day was shock I couldnt believe it when the doctor told me. I really couldnt believe it. So to answer your question, I am gonna do my best. I-I see it as a public responsibility. BRENT: What about the fact that Trump has touched a chord in 40% to 44% of the people? What about that issue, is that Trump is a symptom of a widespread problem? BERNIE: Yes. - So I mean, how do you address that? - The Amermi- not everybody, but tens and tens of millions of Americans feel that the political establishment, Republican and Democrat, have failed them. - That explains the appeal of racism? BERNIE: Yeah. People are, in many cases in this country, working longer hours for low wages. Life expectancy is actually going down in America because of diseases of despair. People have lost hope, and they are drinking. Theyre doing drugs. Theyre committing suicide. And when that condition arises, people are susceptible to the blame game, to say that it is the undocumented people in this country who are the cause of all of our problems, and if we just throw 10 million people out of the country, youre gonna have a good job, and youre gonna have good healthcare, and you have good education, youthats all we gotta do. And you take the despair and the anger and the frustration that people are feeling and you say, Thats the cause of your problem. KATHLEEN: I wanna get to climate. BERNIE: Good. JOHN: Yeah, lets talk about climate for a minute. What policy would you establish right away? - The first thing that we have to recognize is, this is a major, major, major crisis. - Right. BERNIE: All right. - So what do we do? - You do everything humanly possible. Thats what you do. Climate change is the equivalent of a major attack. President would say were in a state of war. Well, we are in a state of war against climate change. The most fundamental thing that we do is say to the fossil fuel industry, Sorry, your short-term profits are not more important than the future of this planet. MICHELLE: So now, politics is about priorities. Sounds like this would be... - This is a major priority. How could it not be a priority? - If not your signature issue, at least one of the ones. BERNIE: I reject the signature issue. I believe that members of Congress and the American people can chew bubblegum and walk at the same time. Saving the planet, yeah, I guess thats a signature issue. - One last thing for me. What are you likely to fail at, or to do poorly, as president? - Look, I dont tolerate bullshit terribly well, and I come from a different background than a lot of other people who run the country. Im not good at back-slapping. Im not good at pleasantries. If you have your birthday, Im not gonna call you up to congratulate you so you love me and you write nice things about me. Thats not what I do. Never have. And I-Iyou know, I know I take that as a little bit of a criticism, self-criticism. I have been amazed at how many people respond to, Happy birthday! Oh, Bernie, thanks so much for calling. You know, it works. Its just not my style. Um, you know, I try to stay focused on the important issues facing working families in this country, and I fight for them. KATHLEEN: Thank you very much for coming. - Thank you very much. KATHLEEN: Appreciate it. BINYAMIN: I mean, there were several issues here where it felt like the details were not there. LAUREN: Theres sort of a rote, vague answer that he gives. Everything humanly possible. Were gonna do everything humanly possible. - Its kind of remarkable how similar it is to kind of the Trump way of doing business, right? Pretending that, you know, the three branches of government dont exist, hoping that by executive fiat, youre gonna be able to make the changes that you want. NICK: I mean, on the other hand, you know, I mean, there is some role in rallying popular support, and its something that Obama has been heavily criticized for not doing. MARA: He really deeply understands a lot about life in working America that frankly, other establishment Democrats are not talking about, and I think young people hear that. Hes far more in tune with them because hes talking about the whole system being broken. - Yeah. MARA: I think we would be wise to kind of understand why that has such wide appeal on both extremes. KATHLEEN: Giddyup. - Come on in. Welcome. [gentle music] ANDREW YANG: Hello, everyone. Good morning. LAUREN: Hi. - This is, like, the coolest job interview of all time. Get together and be like, Should this person be president? KATHLEEN: In your assessment, what are the policy breakdowns that lead to Americans still being hungry today? - Wow. I love this question. The fact that were not able to put food into peoples houses and on their tables uh, is a structural problem. My campaigns based upon the premise that were going through this profound economic transformation, uh, the fourth Industrial Revolution, and one of the major problems is that we still pretend that if someone wakes up in the morning and says, Hey, I need to put food on the table. I can go out to my Main Street, I can sell my time for money at some hourly rate, and then Ill be able to make a good enough living so I can feed my family, and that has become progressively less true over the last 40 years, unfortunately. My main priority will be as president get the Freedom Dividend across the finish line and get buying power into Americans hands, which will then lead us to be able to solve many other problems much more quickly. MICHELLE: I think its clear that people are responding to you in part cause you have this big vision, but Washington has a problem achieving even kind of modest visions. ANDREW: Yeah, we noticed. [laughs] - Soand we are currently enjoying a businessman president who has no experience in government or the military. What is your argument to people that you will do a better job dealing with the peculiarities of Washington? - First, any person who says theyre gonna run government like a business does not know what theyre talking about, because theyre two completely different things. In a business, you can say, Hey, were gonna go this way, and people generally have to do what youre saying. In government, its much more analogous to my role as the founder of a national nonprofit, where you have hundreds or even thousands of stakeholders and you have to try and generate energy around a vision, let people see that its in their self-interest to get on board with your vision. That is the way I would lead as president. MARA: If you become president, what government secret are you most excited to learn about? - Definitely aliens, of course. [laughter] Thatd be my first question. I got in there, Id be like, All right, let me see em. [laughter] CHARLIE: Who else besides you that youre running against understands the Internet? - Um... Im going to say I do not have, uh, confidence that any of my opponents get the Internet. - I was looking at the the pin on your lapel, Math. Whats your math to winning the nomination? - To victory. - [laughs] ANDREW: We think we can do well particularly in New Hampshire, because my campaign has a very strong appeal to Independents, Libertarians, and many, many disaffected Trump voters. I spoke to half a dozen Trump voters at my events in New Hampshire yesterday, and they said that they are crossing party lines toto support me. - All right, thank you very much for your time. - Thank you all. Thank you all. Were gonna make history together in 2020. [laughter] NICK: I think hes certainly in the running for the candidate you might want to spend more time with. KATHLEEN: Yeah, he had amazing energy. I dont know if you guys saw. He was literally bouncing out the door and down the hall. - And heand he gives you the sense that hes actually in touch with sort of the anxiety of people under 40. - But its just hard to get around the sense that this guy should be running for, like, New York City Council. I just kept on wanting to ask him, like, Are you the guy who should be in charge of our national security? BRENT: Trump kicked the door open, and there are a lot of people who look at this and say, Man, you know, I can do a better job than that, and I have to tell you, I havent voiced it to you, my colleagues, but Ive thought that several times myself. Im serious. - [laughs] - I thought, Shit, you know? I mean... - Strike that from the transcript. [laughter] [low music] AMY KLOBUCHAR: Thank you. WOMAN: Looking backwards. - Okay. - We made it. - All right. [gentle music] - This is more people than the Des Moines Register board. [laughter] KATHLEEN: National polls show that the former vice president, Joe Biden, is still leading in a lot of states. Your platform, in many ways, is very similar to his. Make the case for us of you versus Joe Biden. - The number one case, uh, is that I am someone that, uh, has a record of bringing people with me and winning in districts that eluded the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2016. In Minnesota, Secretary Clinton had her lowest percentage in a state that she won in the country, and then I went on, as Ive done now three times, to win every rural congressional district, including the one bordering Iowa, and including Michele Bachmanns district. You dont do that just by a fluke when you do it three times. The other thing about me is that I am from the heartland, and I think that that matters in this election as well, and the fact that I have passed over 100 bills since Ive been in the U.S. Senate every one of them bipartisan I think it shows, compared to every other candidate thats left there, maybe with the exception of the vice president, that I have that ability to get things done, and being a progressive, the last time I checked, meant that you should make progress, and I have done that and will do that as president. LAUREN: Senator, you alluded earlier to the fact that youre running to become the first female president of the United States. On the one hand, you see voters say that they would be really excited to vote for a woman for president. On the other hand, you look at the likeability numbers for individual women candidates, and theyre in the single digits. - I think it is on me, uh, to make my case to the American people. In my own state, the one very clear poll of me versus Trump where they know who I am, I am 18 points up on Trump, 8 points more than the vice president. I do better with men than any of the other candidates, and I have tended to always have a lot of support with men. I think it is a barrier, and I think that it is on the two of us that are left on the stage uh, as the candidates to dispel that. JESSE: Can I just take you briefly to the issue of, uh, executive orders andand guns? AMY: Sure. - Youve laid out an aggressive series of actions you would take. How would you go about doing that without alienating the millions of gun-owning Americans? - Thats a great, great question, cause people dont ask it enough. Uh, so I am the one on that debate stage uh, who has, again, won in areas that have a lot of hunters. My state is a big hunting state. So when I look at these proposals, I say, Uh, do they hurt my Uncle Dick in his deer stand? Uh, they do not. Right now, we have seen a shift in politics on this, and if we screw this up, itll be on us. KATHLEEN: As you well know, um, there has been a lot of reporting, including in The New York Times, about the work environment that you have in the Senate. Um, one of the more troubling parts of that reporting, to my mind, was the fact that you have the highest turnover in the Senate. Why dont talented people want to continue to work for you? - [laughs] But they do. I hope you meet the people outside in the hall. I may not be the leading candidate right now, but I have beaten, like, 19 people, including every governor. Um, and so you cant run a presidential campaign uh, if you have a dysfunctional work environment. My campaign manager is the same one Ive had for 14 years. My state director has been with me for seven years. The acting chief of staff has been with me for four years, and is on her third baby. - Do you have an Alexa or a smart speaker thats in your home? - Yeah, okay. Yeah, I bought one of those, and CHARLIE: You do? - Yeah, and then I got worried when I read everything, so I unplugged it and hid it in a drawer. - Okay. AMY: And took out, like, all the things, because I would play, like, holiday music, and then every time a senator called, I was unplugging it and putting it somewhere else, and I thought, This is ridiculous, and so Ive stopped using it. - Great, thank you. - Okay. Thank you. KATHLEEN: Thank you so much, Senator, for coming. AMY: Thank you. MICHELLE: She obviously has more experience than a lot of these guys. What she is short on is charisma and inspiration. - Even though shes anemic in the polls, there is a sort of central tendency in this person, you know, the basic sort of, like, utilitarian cut-the-difference, get-it-done, that I think, if it can break through, will find an audience. MARA: The central case for the Senator seems to be, the political crisis can be met with an adult in the room and some moderation and a Midwestern view. Its worth taking seriously. I dont know whether anybody knows if thats actually enough. - Hi, Im gonna take you up. Im Lauren. Nice to meet you. - Nice to see you. [bass music] - Thank you. PHOTOGRAPHER: That was great. Thank you. - Mr. Mayor, one of the issues that I think a lot of, especially, young people have is that you dont seem nearly as progressive or as, uh, revolutionary, in some ways, as some of the other candidates. - So first of all, what Im proposing would make me the most progressive president in the lifetimes not only of young people, but I mean, certainly in the last half-century. Ill also say that it matters that we hold together an American majority, not only to do the right thing on areas where Democrats have generally been trusted wages, labor, health but also areas where weve been on defense, like immigration, guns. Holding that majority together is a big part of the task of the next president. Im not just talking about how to win an election. Im talking about how to govern this country. We need to have enough clarity of vision that we can see that the boldness of an idea is not measured only by how many people it can alienate, but by what it can get done. - How do you counter the Mayo Pete memes? Are you familiar with those? - Im not. Do I want to know? AISHA: Okay. Well, mayonnaise, as I think, and a lot of people think, is really, really gross, and there have been teens - Wait a minute. - Mayonnaise is delicious. - A more generous interpretation is, its bland. PETE BUTTIGIEG: Okay. - Yes. NICK: And white. - I get the white part. [laughter] First of all, again, um, try to get folks to look at how big these ideas are. I mean, Im talking about the biggest reform of the American healthcare system weve have since Medicare was invented. Im talking about a game-changing transformation on the availability of funds to go to college. Talking about getting our climate carbon-neutral by 2050. That will test the limits of human capacity. BINYAMIN: If I can put this question in a slightly different way, you have been on the front lines of corporate downsizing. Youve been on the front lines of corporate price fixing. Youve been on the front lines... PETE: Whoa, whoa, whoa. ThatsthatsIm sorry. BINYAMIN: Of our misadventures - Thats BINYAMIN: Of our misadventures in foreign policy. Youve had direct experience of many of the things that make a lot of young people very angry about the way that this country, uh, is operating right now. You dont seem to embody that anger. - So the proposition that Ive been on the front lines of corporate price fixing is bullshit, just to get that out of the way. Um... - You worked for a company that was fixing bread prices. - Uh, no, I worked for a consulting company that had a client that may have been involved in fixing or was apparently in a scandal. Um BINYAMIN: But do you feel the anger that many young people feel about the state of the - Yeah, of course, because it destroyed my city. I-I grew up surrounded by crumbling factories and empty houses. My city lost 30,000 of its 130,000 people. Im under no illusions about the problems that are present in American capitalism generally and were unleashed beginning with the Reagan era specifically, and while I may not be as emotive sometimes about my sense of anger or frustration or injustice, uh, and I would argue that some people are given more room to be emotive than others, I would not be doing any of this if I were not propelled by a level of passion. BRENT: When youwhen you say just a little aside there some people are given latitude to be more emotive than others, what are you talking about? - You are sometimes asked to, um - You being Pete? - Yeah, sure. I am sometimes asked. - Mm-hmm. PETE: To, um, be moreI dont know, have more of a flourish inin displaying my emotions... BRENT: Mm-hmm. - And it is precisely because I feel very strongly about lots of things that Ive learned to master how I might feel about anything, and Im also mindful, as the new guy... BRENT: Mm-hmm. - Um, that maybe waving my arms is not the best way... BRENT: Mm-hmm. - To convey what I care about. CAROL: What do you see as real advantages or challenges as being the first openly gay candidate for a major party? - I mean, Ill tell you, a couple of things that it means right now which are very powerful, which is young people letting me know that Im helping them in some way just by doing this. Then you have older folks. Its not unusualI would say every rope line, almost eh, maybe not every rope line, but often somebody comes up to me, starts to try to say something, and cant. Theyre usually in their 50s or older, and I know exactly what theyre saying, and thats all it takes, and that is extraordinary. Its not why I got into this race, but its part of what this campaign means, and Im very mindful of that. KATHLEEN: All right, thank you very much. PETE: Thank you very much. KATHLEEN: Maybe it is because Im from the Midwest, but I find, like, the Midwest affect and the way he talks about things to be very appealing. JOHN: It reminded me of Obama, who, as a pioneer, as Pete is a pioneer as a gay politician... Obamas catchphrase was no sudden moves. I think thats the soothingness that Petes trying to achieve. BINYAMIN: Success as a politician requires you to convince voters that you feel their problems, and I do not get the sense maybe its because Im not from the Midwest, but he did not give me the sense that he feels these problems. AISHA: Yeah. I mean, even his tone. Thats not what people want right now. Like, I-I dont feel excited by him. I donttheres this block. [gentle music] - Im Elizabeth Warren. Its nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you. Where do you need me? Let me guess. PHOTOGRAPHER: Uh, yeah, sit on the stool. - Uh-huh. ELIZABETH: Hi! KATHLEEN: We dont have very much time together. We all know your resume and your bio, and then many of us have met you in the past. ELIZABETH: Uh-huh. - So I hope you dont mind if we just jump right into questions. - Of course not. KATHLEEN: Um, should it be against the law for the children of sitting presidents and vice presidents to serve on the boards of foreign companies or otherwise profit from their parents service? - You know, its like so many things. I hadnt actually seen the implications of it. I think its actually a very bad idea. KATHLEEN: Do you think that Vice President Biden has been forceful enough in his, um - Look, Im Im not gonna do this. ImIm just not. Im not here to take on Joe Biden and what Joe Biden has done. Im glad to talk to you about why Im running for president... KATHLEEN: Okay. - But not to attack. - Um, Senator, Ihow do you first campaign in, and then govern, a country as polarized as the one that were living in right now? Cause this doesnt feel like a like a disagreement on a few policies. This is a situation where the cost of letting the other side win seems almost too much to bear. - I think youre overlooking the places where were not divided. I have three brothers. One is a Democrat. And do the math. The other two are not. Um, and yet all three of my brothers and tens of millions of people around this country get furious over the fact that Amazon reports $11 billion in profits last year and paid $0 in taxes. All three of my brothers understand that we have an America that works great for giant drug companies, just not for people trying to fill a prescription, works great for oil companies that want to drill everywhere, just not for people who are worried about climate change. I think the old left-right division yeah, theres a lot of that, but I think theres a very different division in America, and that is an America thats working for a thinner and thinner slice at the top and not working for much of anyone else. - Is that enough to toto bridge, you know, thethe systems, the ecosystems of misinformation and hyper-partisanship, things that are, you know KATHLEEN: Yeah, and even more practically, is it enough to get anything past a Mitch McConnell Senate? - I think attacking the corruption in Washington brings a lot more people together than most folks recognize, and that it really does reach across party lines. - Well, it has to come to the Senate floor. I mean, Mitch McConnell has already has an anti-corruption... - And whosIm sorry. And whos fighting Mitch McConnell right now, and from what platform? - Uh, House Democrats are fighting Mitch McConnell. [laughs] - So heres a question about - Wait, wait, wait. But let me finish my point. If you fight on ground where I think youve got lots of bipartisan support and you lead a damn fight and thenjust bear with me if you can deliver, at that moment, the world starts to shift. - Certainly, this will appeal to a lot of Democratic voters, but you cant win the nomination just with the progressive base. - So the way I see this is, all I can do is get out and tell you what Ill fight for, and Ill point out the difference between the two, and I try not to get over my skis, I really no, I do. And because I think this is the fundamental question. Do you think that this democracy, do you think that this economy, do you think this government is gonna make it if all were offering are little nibbles around the edges? - You have to be careful to balance the big promises with the over-promising, because then you risk the disillusionment, which I think we saw during the Obama administration. I mean, comprehensive immigration. For one, you cant do that through budget reconciliation. - Oh, Im sorry, but you can do it if you roll back the filibuster. I stood on the floor of the Senate when we had those votes. - And theres a good question. How do you do that if Mitch McConnell still holds that Senate? ELIZABETH: All right, so what do you want to do? You want to just give up? Say, Oh, damn. Mitch McConnell has the Senate. Lets go with a begging bowl and say, Give me a crumb or two. You start by disrupting. You start with some wins. You start with some places people want to be, and actually, immigration reform is one of them. You know, if youre not willing to get out there and fight, nothing is gonna change. - Thank you so much for coming. - Thank you for having me. JESSE: I like the fighting spirit, and I like the sense that, Im gonnaIm gonna shoot for the moon. I know I wont hit it, but theres but you gotta start there. BRENT: And I have to tell you, I havent seen her up close and personal for many years, but rhetorically, her chops have improved, and they... [laughter] And shes not and shes not gonna ask the questions I wanted answered, but she got the chops. I cantyou know... MICHELLE: Yeah. - What can I say? SERGE: Did those chops verge on being patronizing at times? MICHELLE: Do you know who doesnt like to be lectured by powerful women? Male voters. MARA: The flip side of that is, youre going to motivate people to come out against you, youre going to motivate people to come out for. I mean, it doesnt cut one way or the other very cleanly, I dont think. - And a woman came within a whisker of being elected president. - Were going to go right in this way. - Oh, right. Hey, everybody. KATHLEEN: We were told that you had had the flu. - I hope that Im out of the infectious period, but if people... - Okay. - Do not want to shake my hand, I understand that. - Okay. - I am a highly-caffeinated, medicated, uh, uhI should be sedated, but I amI am, uh... Im still a little bit woozy, but this might be my best, uh, interview ever. [laughter] NICK: Why do you think youre trailing among African-American voters? - Same reason, uh, Senator Obama was trailing among African-American voters. Number one, he wasnt that well-known. Mymy humility has been handed to me time and time again. This is why I think this process that I used to thinkdecry is actually really good, because, uh, its very humbling when you start out and you realize that barely 50% of African-Americans in the nation even know your name. And then number two is, like my family members, who are traumatized by President Donald Trump, uh, the safe brand is the brand thatthat African-American voters are gonna go with, uh, until you show you can win, and I think thats when the shift happens, and it happened again for previous candidates, most particularly, uh, Barack Obama. - I wanted to ask you about the lead water contamination crisis that Newark is facing now. Your campaign has said that theres no link between the corruption that unfolded at the watershed agency during your tenure and the current crisis that the city is now facing, but your critics say that it was precisely a lack of leadership during that time that laid the groundwork for what were seeing now. - Look, my one big political defeat was trying to end the watershed. I-I did a frontal assault, so Im not sure what anybody can criticize. We saw it as a problematic agency. JENEEN: You were an ex officio chairman of the agency, but never attended meetings, nor sent anybody in your stead toto oversee those meetings, andand from my understanding, at those meetings, it was laid out that there were problems, particularly in the watersheds where were having the lead problems now. - We didnt send anybody there. We demanded them to regularly come to the city offices and put them through grillings on a regular basis that they had never experienced before. So Im Im actually very proud that we stried to do everything, including ending their very existence, to make sure that we had the resources to actually deal with the problem. - So we wanted to end on who has broken your heart? - Look, I have this firm belief that if America hasnt broken your heart, you dont love her enough. Living in Newark for the last 20 years, uh, I mean, Ive been broken, shattered. The one that I think a lot about every time Im in election is Hassan Washington. Hassan lived a few floors underneath me. I lived for ten years in the projects. I watched these kids grow up from six, seven years old. These kids dont have margins for error. I started saying I was gonna set up mentoring programs. I asked each of them what they wanted to do, and they had such humble dreams for their lives that I knew I could help, but I got busy running for office, and I lost track of them, and a month into my office, I arrive on the scene of a murder. This was my first weeks as mayor, and I was showing up to every shooting, and at this one, I barely even acknowledged the humanity on the pavement, and I ministered to the living and talked about what we were gonna do to stop this crisis, but I get home that night to steal a couple hours of sleep and read through my Blackberry, and I will never forget that moment of being broken, cause the name on the Blackberry of the kid that was murdered was Hassan Washington. And I will never, for the rest of my life, forget that feeling of suffocation in his funeral, because everybody was there. It was packed at Perrys Funeral Home in the basement and it to me, it felt like the bowel of a slave ship, cause we were piled on top of each other, chained together in grief, moaning and crying and wailing at what is an everyday reality in America is another boy in a box. And I ran away from his funeral. I didnt even stay. And I ran back to a new mayors office and I sat on that couch, and I wept, because we were all there for his death, but we werent there for his life. [melancholy music] [synth music] JOE BIDEN: Hi. GUARD: How you doing? JOE: How are you? - Im great. I love you. - Okay. Thank you. - I do. - Youre like my favorite of myoh. JOE: Thank you so much. Whats your name? - Jacqueline. - You got a camera? JACQUELINE: I do. - If you get it out, well take one, okay? JACQUELINE: You are awesome. Oh, my gosh. [gentle music] WOMAN: Which way are we gonna put this? WOMAN: This way. KATHLEEN: Jimmy Carter has said that he wouldnt be up for the job of the presidency at age 80. How do you respond to comments like that? Uh, are you too old to be running for president? - Watch me. Watch me. All this stuff about lack of energy. Come get in the bus with me, 16 hours a day, ten days in a row. Come. JESSE: Do you think its legitimate for voters to be concerned about... JOE: Sure. JESSE: People in their later 70s running for the highest office in the land? JOE: Sure. Yeah, just like its its legitimate for people to ask whether youre mature enough when youre 35. The nominee has to be able to win in states that, in fact, are up for grabs and we can win. Im beating Trump in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and all those Midwestern states which I will win in a walk. - In 2003 in December, Wesley Clark was winning the polls. - Oh, dont get married to that. Look, come on. Bebe fair, okay? Ive been consistently leading in the polls after taking all the hits. I go down, and everybody whos hit me is out. You all declare me dead, and guess what. I aint dead, and Im not gonna die. JESSE: Speaking of those other candidates, several of them have proposed major structural reforms to our government and to our democracy. These include abolishing the Electoral College, uh, expanding the size of the Supreme Court, setting term limits for justices, abolishing the legislative filibuster. Which, if any of these, do you support? - None, because that structural change requires constitutional amendments. It raises problems that are more damaging than the problems that exist. - And you think with the legislative filibuster in place, even if you control the Senate, that youre gonna move any of your agenda? - Yes. JESSE: How? - Because theres a lot of things people agree on, things like cancer and healthcare and a whole range of things. KATHLEEN: I want to get to foreign policy, um, but before that, um, whos someone who has broken your heart? - I can think of what has broken my heart, but its not someone whos broken it. Broke my heart when my son died. It... [clears throat] Broke my heart when I was unable to... Do anything about... I left the house and I got a call saying my wife and daughter were dead. Anyway, theresthere there isnt anybody that is, any woman or man since Ive been a high school kid that has really hurt me. ALEX: Can Ican I ask about our national security? - Sure. - Reporting out from The Washington Post about years of generals in Afghanistan essentially lying about the conduct of the war. You know this issue very intimately. Have the American people been lied to? - Yeah. ALEX: What do we do about it, and why should they trust you again? JOE: They should trust me because you wrote about I was the only guy who took em on. The first thing I did when we got elected: the president asked me to go to Afghanistan, and I came back, and I wrote a report saying we have no policy. The idea that the Afghans can absorb training of 120,000 forces ALEX: Do you have a responsibility to say that in public, though? - My responsibility was to make that fight, and I did fight it. I fought it all along the way. - And yet your administration sent thousands more troops into Afghanistan. JOE: No, we pulled those they were asked to send they sent 1/3 of the number of troops that were asked. - If you truly were concerned, why would we have sent a single - Because I wasnt the President of the United States of America. I had profound disagreements with the military on this. I won half the fight because we did not put in 150,000 troops, which they wanted to do. KATHLEEN: A lot of the reason that Trump was elected, at least one of the things that we heard a lot following the 2016 election, was people being angry coming out of the Obama administration, and that that anger fueled hishis rise to power. - Somewhat what I heard is that the Democratic Party forgot our base. Think about the people you know. Go back to your old neighborhoods. Even if they have a job, theyre frightened. They are frightened. But who in a political establishment is talking to them thats even remotely realistic? And unless we figure that out, folks, were in real trouble, man. Im probably in real trouble after this interview, but thank you very much for having me. KATHLEEN: Thank you. - Thank you. ALEX: I was really concerned about this interview because I was looking for the candidate thats been sort of portrayed in the media, but I didnthe didnt strike me like that at all. NICK: I agree. I totally agree. - Very p I was really comforted by the Joe Biden that showed up there. - Yeah, I thought he was pretty much on his game. CHARLIE: This is such an uninspiring argument, just in general, that, like, theres this theres this moment that feels very urgent and necessary, and its just like, Lets just, like, you know, put a warm body that a lot of people can agree on there. Well, Iits just I dont know. Its just I just we had a lot of people come in that chair with really interesting ideas. - Hes not theres no question. Hes not running a campaign of ideas. He is not your ideas guy. He is your retail politician pragmatist whos really good at, you know, reaching a certain part of the population, andand his argument is, I can beat this guy, and if we dont beat him, the countrys gonna be really, really in trouble. CHARLIE: But I dont buy that that that is what heals the soul of the country. Like, you have to say then that Trump is is the disease and not the symptom. LAUREN: There is a real question to be had about whether this safe person is the one that will turn people out to the polls or if somebody who really excites you and gives you something to vote for is who will turn people out to the polls. NICK: Well, its the fundamental question. KATHLEEN: I wanna use this time to assess the pros and cons of each of the candidates. [pensive music] Why dont we start with Vice President Biden? - The case for Biden boils down to a couple things. The first, obviously, is electability. Hes making the case, and I think with some credibility, that he is the best-positioned candidate to beat Donald Trump. My issue with Joe Biden... - Right. BINYAMIN: Is that simply restoring the status quo doesnt get us where we need to be as a society. - I cant be persuaded, even with all of the things were talking about with respect to electability, that the person who has been around the longest is the right one to fix all of the problems that we now have. - If you look even just back at the last, roughly, half-century, people who we think of as traditionally electable... - Right. JESSE: Keep losing, and the people we think of as complete long shots keep winning. KATHLEEN: Andrew Yang. - To me, the thing that stands out the most about him is just like, uh, caring about human dignity. It feels very right for the moment. - Im really wary of people with zero government experience. I mean, were watching it play out right now. That, to me, is, like, a major hurdle for me. KATHLEEN: That actually, though, feels like a good segue to Bloomberg, who, obviously, decided not to participate in the endorsement process, his argument being that he didnt have enough to say yet. - The reason that he entered the race is because he saw an opening for a manager. He is an entrepreneur. Hes an actual billionaire who built a real business, and that might have some appeal. - I dont want to spend too much time on the mayor, mostly because I think some of the behaviors that weve seen since he entered this race have been disqualifying. We can probably set him aside. Turning to another mayor, Mayor Buttigieg... - Pete talking about how he doesnt emote as much as some... MARA: Yeah. - Is a real problem. I mean, voters love that I feel your pain stuff. LAUREN: He also, almost surely, would be painted in some unfair way if the gay man on the trail was overly emotional. Right? I mean, its a bind. - I trust that he would try to make the right decision and he would surround himself by good people, but I actually could say that fabout several of the candidates. - Right. MARA: One thing that Pete Buttigieg has is a lot of the advantages that we talked about with Biden um, with one major exception, which is support among black voters. - Senator Amy Klobuchar? JENEEN: She has plans that have some detail. Shes not as detailed as Elizabeth Warren, but that has hurt Warren, actually. BRENT: Miss Klobuchar is basically talking about doing a kind of retail politics that you do not not just at the at the proverbial diner, but at the corner, just talking to people who have a plain, flat view of things. I mean, it was very familiar to me, which is why I kind of gravitated toward it. SERGE: I sort of imagined her in a crisis. She had a very kind of organized way of thinking, talking. She was tough as hell. She had guts. - Charisma is a I know its a hazy concept, but its a real thing, and Ilike, it matters. Like, Warren has charisma. - Well, right now, Elizabeth Warrens charisma has her behind Trump in some swing states. - But it has her ten points ahead of Klobuchar. - Uh, I get that. Bookerhes hes kind of this weird cipher on the trail. I have no idea. Ive never been able to understand why hes not getting traction. - There was an emotional resonance to what he was saying, and most of his answers, actually, that I found, uh, compelling. - In a lot of ways, I feel like theres something attractive about Bernie Sanders message. Clearly, government is failing... - Yeah. KATHLEEN: At least some portion of the American public right now. - Yeah. But I got just such a sense of vagueness from Bernie Sanders. Um, it felt like a lot of platitudes. - For me, Warren and Bernie are really the ones who understand the moment. - I mean, look, Warren is a fighter. She absolutely oozes competence. [laughs] I do worry about how people perceive her. I think a lot of that is unfair. Probably some of its sexist. - The way shes trying to save the middle class and the policies shes pitching a lot of people in the middle class dont support, and she hasnt seemed to, like, wrap her head around that. - It just comes off condescending, I mean - Yeah. - And there just is this risk inin a lot of the ways that she talks, like if you dont agree with her, youre dumb. BINYAMIN: I think Warren and Sanders have played a valuable role in the race which shouldnt be forgotten, which is that they have demonstrated that there is political support for ideas that were significantly more liberal than where we were just a few years ago. - Right. - True political reality is, nobodys gonna get the vast majority of what theyre talking about done here, so all of our talk about policy and the details of policy doesnt really matter. What matters is beating Trump. Biden and Warren and Sanders are the three big fighters in this. Theyre the fighters. Theyre the ones who I could best see standing on that stage with Trump and hitting right back. KATHLEEN: I want to narrow this field of candidates, so letseveryone write down the top two candidates, and well go from there. [board talking indistinctly] Warren, Klobuchar, Biden, Klobuchar, Booker, Warren, Bloomberg, Buttigieg, Warren, Biden, Biden, Booker, Klobuchar, Booker, Warren, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, obviously Warren, Sanders, Warren, Booker, Warren, Booker, Klobuchar, Booker, Klobuchar, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Warren. What were the top four there? - Warren, Klobuchar, Booker, and Pete. - I feel very torn. I dont know. I dont know what the answer is, but I actually like, theres part of me that, um, leaves this room, like, being a little bit terrified by the idea of choosing just one of them. I have a few questions that I want to call the candidates specifically about, and then, uh, Ill use that to make my final decision. Thank you. [synth music] KATHLEEN: Coming out of that final meeting, there were really four candidates that had risen to the top: Booker, Buttigieg, Warren, and Klobuchar. And since then, Ive really hemmed and hawed. I sat in front of my computer, trying to go through 30,000-word transcripts of the endorsement interviews. I really want people to have a sense that weve taken this process very seriously and that we made this choice because we really believe in it. In this election, Democratic voters face a choice between divergent visions for the partys future. In one camp are those who view President Trump as an aberration, and believe that a return to a more sensible America is possible. On the other side are those who believe that the political and economic systems of this country are in need of a radical overhaul. But in this perilous moment, both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration. For this reason, we are breaking with convention and putting our support behind not one, but two candidates, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, each of whom articulates a different path forward. Senator Warren is a gifted storyteller and a brilliant architect of regulation. While we would push back on some specific policy proposals, we are struck by how effectively her message has matched the moment. Senator Klobuchar has a lengthy resume in the Senate and bipartisan credentials that make her an invaluable deal-maker. She has shown she can unite the party and perhaps the nation. There will be those that are dissatisfied that the board is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate, putting its thumb on the scale for either the radical or the realist. But this is a fight the party itself has been itching to have, and its a debate, ultimately, that Democratic voters must decide before their nominee squares off against President Trump. Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren are the most effective advocates for the Democrats contrasting visions, and voters should consider them the partys strongest candidates. May the best woman win. [spacey music] France is closely following the situation in Kashmir, the French government said on Monday and noted that the issue was discussed during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron three days ago. A statement issued by Elyse Palace said the two leaders discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir in the "spirit of trust and frankness" that characterises bilateral ties. "In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which France continues to follow closely," the statement released here by French embassy said. A statement issued by the Indian government on Friday after talks between Modi and Macron did not mention Kashmir. "The two leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and global situations," the statement by PMO said. Last week, the government took a group of 15 foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir to "see the efforts to bring back normalcy in the region" after abrogation of Article 370, the Ministry of External Affairs had said. Envoys from European countries were not part of the group. The French statement said Macron and Modi expressed their shared view on the necessity of de-escalation of tension in the Middle East, adding that they agreed to work together towards easing tensions by urging the parties to show restraint and responsibility. The Middle East is witnessing increasing tension after Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force, was killed in a US drone strike. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Iraq with missile attacks. It said the two leaders expressed their interest in pursuing the strengthening of their partnership in the military and civil nuclear fields as well as enhancing their operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. "They reiterated their attachment to the full implementation of the goals defined during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Chantilly on August 22, 2019 and India's participation in the Biarritz G7 Summit," it said. "They agreed on the interest in intensifying ministerial visits in both countries in the course of this year," the statement said. Modi visited Chantilly in northern France in August for bilateral talks with Macron, just before the G7 Summit in Biarritz. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Vice President Joe Biden remains the most talked about candidate for President among Democrats nationwide, but other candidates are catching up, notably Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, according to a new study completed by Engagement Labs before the January debate in Des Moines, IA. Just over 1 in 3 Democrats (34.4%) reported having talked about Joe Biden in the prior 7 days, about the same as in a mid-December wave of the study. Meantime, Senator Sanders has risen 4 points, and trails Biden in Democratic conversations by only 3. All other top candidates also rose 3-5 points. Word-of-Mouth for Most Candidates Rising, But Not for Biden Weekly Conversation Topics Among Registered Democrats Candidate Dec 2019 Jan 2020 Joe Biden 34.2% 34.4% Bernie Sanders 27.0% 31.4% Elizabeth Warren 21.5% 25.4% Michael Bloomberg 15.5% 19.4% Pete Buttigieg 12.7% 17.0% Andrew Yang 6.5% 10.4% Tom Steyer n/a 10.1% Amy Klobuchar 4.7% 7.9% Cory Booker 6.8% 7.0% Tulsi Gabbard 4.0% 5.0% Source: Engagement Labs | www.engagementlabs.com The December study stood out because it showed newly announced candidate Bloomberg at fourth place, ahead of Buttigieg who generally was ahead of Bloomberg in national polls at the time. Bloomberg's polling has risen since pulling him even with Buttigieg in several recent polls. "Bloomberg's rise in the polls in January is consistent with what we've seen time and againword of mouth predicts future preferences and behavior," said Engagement Labs CEO Ed Keller. Conversation Sentiment Favors Sanders, Buttigieg, Warren The study also gauges sentiment, where the leaders are Sanders, Buttigieg, and Warren for whom more than 60% of their conversations are "mostly positive" according to the Democrats. Since December, conversations are less positive for Klobuchar (-7 points) and Gabbard (-14), while sentiment about Bloomberg has risen 8 points to 49% positive, the largest gain among any candidate. % of Democratic Conversations That Are Positive About Candidates Candidate Dec 2019 Jan 2020 Bernie Sanders 68% 69% Pete Buttigieg 65% 64% Elizabeth Warren 60% 63% Andrew Yang 56% 61% Amy Klobuchar 66% 59% Joe Biden 55% 55% Tom Steyer n/a 54% Cory Booker 53% 52% Michael Bloomberg 41% 49% Tulsi Gabbard 42% 28% Source: Engagement Labs | www.engagementlabs.com African American Conversations Like Sanders, Dislike Buttigieg and Klobuchar While Biden leads in the conversations of African Americans, his lead over Sanders is weaker than many observers might expect. Biden's edge over Sanders in the frequency of conversations is just 31.7% to 29.0%, and Sanders has the most enthusiasm of any candidate, with 69% positive versus 58% for Biden. African American Democrats Conversations About Candidates Candidate % Talking about % Positive Joe Biden 31.7% 58% Bernie Sanders 29.0% 69% Elizabeth Warren 17.9% 59% Michael Bloomberg 17.5% 50% Tom Steyer 11.3% 49% Cory Booker 9.7% 49% Amy Klobuchar 8.5% 37% Andrew Yang 8.3% 69% Pete Buttigieg 8.3% 42% Tulsi Gabbard 4.2% 44% Source: Engagement Labs | www.engagementlabs.com Compared to all Democrats, Buttigieg's rank in conversation frequency among African Americans drops from fifth to ninth, and his positive drops from second to ninth. Whereas Klobuchar's sentiment ranks fifth among all Democrats, she is last among African Americans. Both Klobuchar's and Buttigieg's sentiment is 22 points lower among African Americans than among all Democrats. Candidates who have more positive sentiment among African Americans than all Democrats include Yang who jumps from fourth to first, Biden who jumps from sixth to fourth, and Bloomberg who jumps from ninth to fifth. "African Americans are a key voting constituency in Democratic politics and their conversations are extremely important to monitor," said Engagement Labs' Ed Keller. "Sanders makes a very strong showing, belying the conventional wisdom that this group which will be front and center in South Carolina is Biden's fire wall." This Democratic Word-of-Mouth study was conducted via online interviews among 1,925 registered Democrats between January 8 and 9, 2020. Respondents reported on candidate conversations they participated in during the past seven days. About Engagement Labs Engagement Labs (TSXV: EL) is an industry-leading data and analytics firm that provides social intelligence for Fortune 500 brands and companies. The Company's TotalSocial platform focuses on the entire social ecosystem by combining powerful online (social media) and offline (word of mouth) data with predictive analytics. To learn more visit www.engagementlabs.com / www.totalsocial.com. For media inquiries please contact: Vanessa Lontoc, VP of Marketing Engagement Labs 732-846-6800 [email protected] SOURCE Engagement Labs Related Links engagementlabs.com Days after indicating thathe may not travel to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum later this month, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday said he will be attending the global meet, and that the expansion of his ministry will take place before his foreign tour. Reiterating that he will keep the promise of making disqualified legislators who have won bypolls on BJP ticket as ministers, he said ministry expansion will happen soon after his meeting with party national president Amit Shah on the matter. "There is no truth in speculations that are going on regarding the cabinet expansion, in fact Amit Shah had given me time for meeting today in Delhi, but I had to attend important programmes here. Tomorrow if possible I will cancel all my programmes and will go to Delhi, and get cabinet cleared, there is no problem in that," Yediyurappa said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the legislators who have won in the bypolls need not worry about the speculations. "I will fulfil the promise that I have made. If Amit Shah is available I will try to go to Delhi tomorrow. If not he is coming here (Karnataka) on January 17 and 18, will get things cleared and expand the ministry," he said. Yediyurappa had earlier said he will be going to New Delhi probably on January 11 or 12 to discuss cabinet expansion with the BJP high command. However, on Saturday, he said he has decided to discuss about the exercise with Shah during the latter's visit to the state next week. Shah will be here to address a huge rally at Hubballi on January 18 as part of the BJP's nationwide outreach programme to create awareness among the people about the Citizenship Amendment Act. To a question about his visit to Davos, Yediyurappa said "everyone is persuading me to go, so I have decided to go. As I'm being sent by the central government, so I will have to go, and I will go and come." Yediyurappa along with Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Mansukh Mandaviya as well as chief ministers - Amarinder Singh (Punjab), Kamal Nath (Madhya Pradesh) are among those expected join over 100 Indian CEOs in the Swiss ski resort town of Davos later this month for the WEF's 50th annual meeting. The Chief Minister however, had last week, indicated that he may not travel to Davos. Rubbishing reports about the Ministry expansion after Delhi assembly polls, he said there is no connection between the two. "I will talk to Amit Shah in couple of days and immediately take up ministry expansion after that, there is no need for anyone to worry, and there is no truth in certain media reports," he said, adding that expansion exercise will be completed before his Davos visit. The Chief Minister is likely to travel to Davos on January 20, according to sources. According to reports, disqualified legislators who got re-elected during the December 5 bypolls on BJP ticket and are all set to become Ministers too had put pressure on Yediyurappa to expand the cabinet before the Davos visit. As the Chief Minister has already made it clear that 11 of the disqualified JDS-Congress MLAs who got re-elected in the bypolls on BJP tickets will be made ministers, lobbying has been on within the party for the remaining ministerial berths. Currently there are 18 Ministers, including the Chief Minister in the cabinet that has a sanctioned strength of 34. However, with reports that the high command may not be keen on making all the 11 re-elected legislators, whom Yediyurappa has given assurance, as Ministers, it remains to be seen how things turn out. Cabinet expansion will not be an easy task for the Chief Minister as he will have to strike a balance by accommodating the victorious disqualified legislators as promised and also make place for old guards, upset at being "neglected" in the first round of the induction exercise. He also has to give adequate representation to various castes and regions in his cabinet and also deal with allocation of key portfolios. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kiran Prakash By Theres a fine line between courage and foolishness. Pinarayi Vijayan would know. The communist chief minister of Kerala, who didnt think twice before taking the Modi government head-on and using the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to turn himself into a prime figure in the resistance against the Centre, recently put out an ad, proudly proclaiming how the state is leading the efforts to protect constitutional values. To release an ad using taxpayers money to rubbish a law passed by Parliament requires courage. And, it was just a year back that he doggedly tried to enforce the Supreme Courts Sabarimala verdict amid protests. That also required courage only that the outcome wasnt what he expected. The Left paid an electoral price for his belligerence. But, thats Comrade Pinarayi for you bold, decisive, adamant and blunt to the point of being rude. He has often been called arrogant, but thats just his manner of doing what he thinks is the best and saying what he thinks is appropriate. The 75-year-old, who started his political career while still being a student, worked his way up through sheer dedication to party cause and determination to make a mark. In the process, he created a powerful group loyal to him within the party and shrewdly dealt with challenges to his authority. His clashes, ideological and otherwise, with V S Achuthanandan, 21 years his senior, are part of the Left folklore. Pinarayi headed CPMs Kerala unit for nearly 17 years from 1998. But, it was his becoming CM in 2016 that marked the completion of his takeover of the party. Since then, it has been a Pinarayi show. And, with Kerala being the only state where communists have a say, he could now make his voice carry over that of the partys national leadership, emerging as the most important of communist leaders of the time. It is this hard-earned stature that gives Pinarayi the confidence to position himself as a national figure standing up to the likes of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, and emerging as first among equals in the nations disorderly political opposition. He was the first CM to say he wont implement CAA though Mamata Banerjee would like to dispute that. He was certainly the first to halt the newly-controversial National Population Register process. He was instrumental in the Assembly passing a resolution against CAA, making Kerala the only state to do so. He wrote to 11 non-BJP CMs, asking them to pass similar resolutions and inviting them to join hands against the Centre. While he pits himself openly against the Centre, he let his party deal with Governor Arif Mohammed Khans criticism of his governments actions, not engaging in a direct spat with the executive head of the state. On Saturday, he met JNU Students Union president Aishe Ghosh, who was injured in a campus attack, and praised the student body for putting up an uncompromising fight. Now, the question is why would Pinarayi, who has the difficult task of ensuring his partys survival in Kerala, want to assume a national role as a sort of rallying figure for anti-BJP forces and that too when communists have little to do in national politics? The reasons could be many. One could be his conviction that the Centres actions are truly divisive and go against the principles of equality and fairness, and the fiery communist in him wants to do everything he can to oppose those. Another could be his ambition to grow beyond the state, rise above his peers and illustrious predecessors and create a legacy for himself as a torch-bearer of progressive liberalism. And, who knows, his gamble and new-found eminence could actually help the Left arrest erosion of support base in Kerala. The truth is, the one-time CM has little chance of becoming CM again unless the Left returns to power in the 2021 Assembly election, which looks unlikely at the moment. So, he practically has about a year left to do whatever he wants for the state, party and himself. Again, this show of courage could end up being another foolish attempt, but at least no one can say he didnt try. Kiran Prakash Resident Editor, Kerala kiranprakash@newindianexpress.com The regular classes in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) will begin today. The university has seen protests since November when the administration announced its decision to hike the hostel fees. The violence on January 5 made the situation more tense with many students leaving for their hometown. JNU vice chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar had said on Friday that that administration is making every effort to make sure that students and teachers have conducive environment to pursue their academic activities. In meeting with deans and chairpersons, it was decided that classes would start from January 13, he had further said. Kumar had met Human Resource Development Secretary Amit Khare on Friday. The JNU administration is implementing the record of discussions with MHRD issued on December 11, he said in a statement. The Vice Chancellor said he also informed the ministry that the JNU has written to UGC that it should meet utility and service charges concerning the fee hike. He also said that the decision to hike the hostel fees was not taken in haste. The decision of hostel fee hike was not taken in a hurry. The committee for this purpose was formed in 2016 and I am sure several discussions took place at the warden level, Kumar said on Sunday. Whatever happened has happened in the past, let us leave that. We should focus on how to make the university function properly and look for a positive future, he added. The administration, meanwhile, announced it was extending the deadline for semester registration process to January 15 wherein students can register without late fee. Registrar Pramod Kumar said on Sunday, There were over 4,000 registrations till Sunday evening. To facilitate more registrations, we decided to extend it. The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) is, however, boycotting the registration process due to academic suspension of several students. The JNU vice-chancellor (VC) first blocked the fee payment portal and then blocked the payment of tuition fee. It is clear he was lying when he said students want to register but are not being allowed by protesters. He has also blocked the registration of 300 students based on fake proctor inquiries, said JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. The Registrar denied the allegations. These are lies. We are giving provisional registration for all students, he said. On Sunday night, Congress leaders Subhash Chopra and Shashi Tharoor visited the varsity to speak to students after they were attacked by a masked mob on January 5 leaving 35 injured. Delhi Police Crime Branch, which is investigating the case, had on Friday identified nine suspects including JNU Students Union (JNUSU) President Aishe Ghosh. On Sunday, a woman, who was seen with two masked men involved in January 5 violence, was also identified as a student of a Delhi University college. Officials of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), who are probing three cases of violence and vandalism on campus between January 3 and 5, said they will serve a notice to the student on Monday, asking her to join the probe and identify the two masked men, seen with her. nalbagli wrote: Hi I am from Chile and I am looking into applying to the top MBA programs in the US (HBS, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Chicago, Kellogg, Berkley, etc.) and probably LBS as well. I did my first GMAT about a month and a half ago and scored a 700 (Q48, V37, IR5, AWA 6.0). This for me was a pretty acceptable score for a first attempt, especially considering the fact that I have known several people from my country who have been accepted to these schools in the las 2-5 years with scores ranging from 690-720 and similar with background than mine. The think is I dont know if that is influenced by the fact that scores have been systematically increasing and 700 isnt know as good as it was a couple of years ago. The thing is that I spoke with an admission consultant and she told me that of course it would be ideal for me to improve my score (which of course I know and I will be reattempting the GMAT soon hoping to get a 720); but she felt that what would help me the most would be improving my Quant percentile, although Q48 I feel is pretty decent the 67th percentile does seem a bit low, she said that with Q49 and 74th percentile that could be enough. The thing is that I feel capable of improving my score, but I am not sure if I will be able to do that in the quant section as there is less room to improve. I have read contrarian opinions regarding this, some who say that what matters is the score others who think percentile is important too. What do you think of this? Just to give you a bit of context of my background in case this helps for the answer, I studied at one of the top 3 b-schools of my country and graduated at the top 5% of my class and worked as TA in two courses, Econometrics and Entrepreneurship workshop. After this, I have worked in: corporate finance at EY, Equity Research at JP Morgan and currently I work at the family office of the richest family in my country, where all my bosses are MBA graduates from top schools (LBS, HBS, Chicago, Stanford, etc.), all of them entered with similar scores to mine, some even lower. I want to know what do you think, its imperative for me to improve on Quant? Is it better to focus on just improving my general score? Do you think I have a shot with my current score? If not, what do you think is the least I need. mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant Chicago Booth Alum, 60 5-star reviews on GMAT Club Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/ Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Kate RichardsonmbaMission Senior Admissions ConsultantChicago Booth Alum, 60 5-star reviews on GMAT ClubSign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More Chilly commuters hopped on the London Underground with their legs bared for this year's No Trousers Tube Ride a once-small scale prank that has swelled into a global tradition. Hundreds declared they had attended the London edition of the event on Facebook, and the resulting photographs made for a jarring set of images - with Tube carriages, escalators and platforms dominated by bare legs. Established in the US as the No Pants Subway Ride, the annual event began in New York City in 2002 and has since grown into "an international celebration of silliness" according to Improv Everywhere, the improvised comedy and performing arts group behind the tradition. A statement on the groups website said: The idea behind No Pants is simple: Random passengers board a subway car at separate stops in the middle of winter without pants. The participants behave as if they do not know each other, and they all wear winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. The only unusual thing is their lack of pants. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The very first event saw a mere seven people take part for eight stops of New York's subway system. By 2013, however, it was estimated tens of thousands across 60 cities took part including 4,000 in the US city alone. Other pranks put on by the group have included a fake U2 concert in 2005, and a flashmob-style performance in which 207 people froze in place at New Yorks Grand Central station. Additional reporting by PA Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav on Monday said Swami Vivekananda had talked of religious and social inclusiveness, which the Citizenship (Amendment) Act brought by the Narendra Modi government is diagonally opposite to. Yadav said he would not question the propriety of the prime minister making a speech from Belur Math, the headquarter of Ramakrishna Mission set up by Vivekananda. "Swami Vivekananda would have been ashamed of this India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to represent after the CAA," he said during an interaction with students of the Jadavpur University in its main campus here. He told the students that the monk had in his famous speech in Chicago said he was proud to be an Indian because the nation had given shelter to anyone who had sought shelter or refuge from any religion or nationality on the earth. "The CAA says it will offer refuge, but before that we (the government) will check your nationality, your religion; these are precisely the two things that Swami Vivekananda spoke against," Yadav said. Stating that the country has seen one month of unprecedented protests since President Ram Nath Kovind signed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on December 12, the Swaraj India claimed that it has now become a nationwide movement. "What began to oppose the CAA, has now become a movement for the soul of India, a movement to demand and reaffirm the idea of India," he said. Yadav said he is happy that the PM has "admitted" that rumours and falsehoods are being spread and that people are being misled, adding that people of the country believe in the truth. The Prime Minister on Sunday said in his speech at Belur Math that the CAA is not about taking away citizenship, it is about giving one. Invoking the National Youth Day which marks Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, he said, "I would like to tell this to the youth of India, West Bengal, North East that this is not an overnight law for giving citizenship. "We must all know that any person of any religion from any country of the world, theist or atheist, who believes in India and its Constitution, can apply for Indian citizenship through due process. There's no problem in that," the PM said on Sunday. Speaking to the gathering, former JNU student leader Umar Khalid claimed that through NRC, the Modi government wants to divide West Bengal again, which suffered the pangs of division in 1947. "The most disastrous effect of NRC will be in Bengal" where millions of people have taken refuge over decades from erstwhile East Pakistan and present-day Bangladesh, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ST. JOHNS, N.L.The premiers of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador say they are studying how their hydroelectric resources can help the Atlantic region move away from coal power. On his first visit to the neighbouring province as premier, Quebecs Francois Legault joined the premiers of the four Atlantic provinces at a meeting Monday in St. Johns, where the group discussed power demand in the region. Legault discussed opportunities to provide Quebec hydro power to the region, while the group of Atlantic leaders stressed the importance of a developing transmission network to bring a variety of developing clean energy sources to more markets. Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball couldnt point to any specific hydro solution, but Legault raised the possibility of supplying all of Atlantic Canadas electricity with some combination of hydro power from the two provinces that have historically sparred over the resource. Its clear that we have, right now, some capacity, and we can add to this capacity, Legault said. So why dont we work together a plan, a complete plan, to serve 100 per cent of clean energy to all our provinces. Legault said the group is studying all its options, noting resources from Quebec, the new generating capacity from the Muskrat Falls dam in development in Labrador and what he called the very interesting proposed Gull Island dam, also in Labrador. Ball said transmission capacity across the region must be addressed before naming any specific solution, adding there are other sources of clean energy such as wind power from Nova Scotia. Without the ability to transmit the power it cant go anywhere, Ball said. Theres no question there are possibilities around to supply that ... but we need that transmission capacity available before that solution, whatever the potential solution can be identified. As a group, the four Atlantic premiers stressed that a solid transmission network would benefit everyone. Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said a transmission system with better access and healthy competition within power markets across the region and in New England would benefit consumers and attract businesses. I dont think were competing against one another, were not each others enemy here, McNeil said. He said he would look forward to buying more hydroelectric power from Newfoundland and Labrador. Dennis King, premier of Prince Edward Island, said the group considers benefits to all Canadians when discussing the transmission network. We come at this as a position of proud Canadians first, King said. The premiers spoke of the benefits the network would bring for other developing power sources, like tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy and nuclear power in New Brunswick. Historically, hydro resources have been a source of bad blood between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador following the 1969 Churchill Falls deal, which has provided much more financial benefit to Quebec than to Newfoundland and Labrador. The premiers said current talks will not involve re-negotiating the Churchill Falls agreement, which expires in 2041. But Legault said the provinces would work differently, and any new agreements will be designed as a win-win for both provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador faces the looming challenge of paying for excess power from the over-budget Muskrat Falls dam in Labrador, which has essentially doubled in cost since it was sanctioned and now represents about one-third of the provinces considerable debt. The dam will send power to the island of Newfoundland and to Nova Scotia through sub-sea cables. As the hydro dam, currently priced at $12.7 billion, inches towards completion, ratepayers in the province of about 520,000 people are on the hook for the cost of the project Ball has called the greatest economic mistake in the provinces history. NB Power and Hydro-Quebec inked a deal last week that will see more clean hydro power sold from Quebec to New Brunswick over the next two decades. Legault said Monday that the deal is relatively minor in terms of Quebecs hydro power surplus, and he deflected questions that it undercut an opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to sell its excess power. Its a step in the right direction but theres a lot of work to do to make sure New Brunswick is having more clean energy, he said. Legault left St. Johns after Monday mornings gathering, before the Atlantic premiers scheduled meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in the afternoon. The group said they planned to raise fiscal stabilization and the regions unique health-care needs, including its aging population and rates of chronic disease, with Freeland. McNeil said he wants to attract more immigrants to his province and said he planned to raise the issue with Freeland. Higgs was not present in St. Johns but appeared via video. Last week, he said he wanted to speak with Freeland about Canadas softwood lumber deal with the United States. In a statement, Higgs expressed his disappointment that flight cancellations kept him grounded and said he was looking forward to discussing softwood lumber tariffs, energy and health care through a video call. Higgs is pushing to have New Brunswick exempted from tariffs imposed on softwood lumber exported to the U.S. Freeland is also scheduled to meet with Ball on Tuesday morning at his Confederation Building office in St. Johns. Read more about: LONDON - Queen Elizabeth II will convene a portentous family meeting on Monday to thrash out the options ahead for Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex - and possibly shape the face of the royal house for years. The meeting is to take place at the queen's country estate at Sandringham in the east of England. An official at Buckingham Palace, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as is protocol, confirmed reports in the British media that the meeting - which some are calling the "Sandringham Showdown" - will go ahead. The official said the royals will review "a range of possibilities," and "what the Sussexes said earlier in the week" - they said they wanted to live part-time in North America - will be "taken into account." The palace official said the 93-year-old queen wished to resolve the situation "at pace" - meaning "days, not weeks" - but added that it's understood any solution will take "time to be implemented." The Monday meeting is thought to be the first time that the four top royals have gathered since the bombshell news Wednesday that Harry and Meghan want to step back from royal duties and seek financial independence. Meghan flew back to Canada on Thursday and rejoined the couple's 8-month-old son Archie. The British media have speculated she could dial into the talks at Sandringham. What kind of family holds such a meeting? The House of Windsor does, a dynasty whose monarch serves as the - albeit mostly ceremonial - head of state in Britain and of the Commonwealth nations, and whose vast inherited wealth and extensive land holdings make them one of the richest families in Britain. The queen is also the supreme governor of the Church of England and so serves as a moral authority. The meeting could be tense. The palace was caught off guard - "shocked" or "hurt" or "dismayed," according to the newspapers - by the couple's announcement on Wednesday, though some have suggested it wasn't so much the news but the timing. Talks now are likely focus on how the royals plan to live part-time on two continents, what kind of duties they will perform on behalf of the queen, and what sort of outside work they will pursue to become "financially independent." It's one thing to take salaries as heads of popular charities and do good works, and another entirely to serve as possible "international influencers" promoting products as a kind of top-shelf version of the Kardashians. "They must also ensure, in making money, that they do not make the monarchy seem grubby by relying on their link in touting for business," the historian and commentator Simon Heffer wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. "The coming months will provide a forceful reality check, and there may well be tears before bedtime." Royal correspondents for the Mail of Sunday reported that palace and government officials "have drawn up a range of scenarios setting out the 'stark implications' faced by Harry and Meghan if they abandon or dramatically scale back their royal duties - including a major tax trap." The question of security arrangements could also come up. Will their protection be paid for and provided by Britain? Or Canada, if that's where they settle? Or the Sussexes themselves? On their new independent website, SussexRoyal.com, the couple say "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." Hello! magazine, which has been watching closely, noted that a line that initially appeared on the Sussexes' website when it launched on Wednesday - "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security" - has been deleted. Polls show that the majority of Brits favor Megxit, as some have called the couple's move. But a majority also opposes spending taxpayer pounds. The events of the last few days have amplified speculation that there are deep divisions between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other members of the royal family. The Times of London quoted a friend who said Prince William spoke of his "sadness" over the break with his brother, and sorrow the royal family is no longer a "team." Rumors of a split have been simmering for some time. Harry, asked by the ITV presenter Tom Bradby last year about a rift with his brother, seemed to acknowledge that there was tension. He said he and William were "on different paths at the moment," but added that he loved his brother "dearly." Bradby, who is thought to be close to both brothers, wrote in the Sunday Times that things started to sour around the time of Harry and Meghan's wedding, when "really damaging things were said and done." He wrote that "it is pretty clear to me from conversations with both sides that this exit could suit everyone, at least in terms of narrow self-interest. But there is no doubt Harry and Meghan feel they have been driven out." He also said that when he gently pressed Meghan in that same ITV program if she "was OK," she answered, "Thanks for asking, as not many people have." Bradby took that response to refer to the royal family rather than the public or media. He suggested there was much that has yet to come to light. "I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred, sit-down interview and I don't think it would be pretty," he wrote. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced that his office filed a Consumer Fraud lawsuit against Juul Labs, Inc. (JUUL), regarding the advertisement and sale of JUULs vaping devices and vaping pods to Arizonans, including JUUL's exploitative marketing towards Arizonas youth. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday morning in Maricopa County Superior Court. The United States Surgeon General has described youth e-cigarette use as an epidemic, and the former United States Food and Drug Administration Commissioner has pointed to JUUL as a significant cause of the problem. Youth vaping now dramatically outpaces youth cigarette use nationally and in Arizona. "JUUL updated Big Tobacco's playbook and helped create the perfect storm for a new youth epidemic. JUUL enticed interested minors through advertising, lured kids in with flavored vaping products, and then hooked a new generation of youth to addictive nicotine. Vaping companies that engage in irresponsible and misleading marketing efforts must be held accountable for exposing Arizona youth to nicotine and the addiction that follows, said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Great strides have been made to dramatically reduce youth smoking and access to nicotine products in the past twenty years. Up until recently, our office has seen the fail rate of illegal tobacco and nicotine-based product sales to youth statewide drop below ten percent for the first time in part thanks to our retail enforcement efforts. However, the recent vaping explosion among youth is a clear sign that this positive trend is now swinging dramatically in the wrong direction." The Arizona Attorney Generals Offices lawsuit alleges that JUUL engaged in deceptive and unfair acts and practices, including: Appealing to, targeting, misleading, and exploiting young people with tactics such as fruit flavors, social media campaigns, and free giveaways; Failing to take steps to prevent underage purchase and distribution; and Misleading consumers about the nicotine content in JUULs products. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief against JUUL, disgorgement of profits, and penalties of up to $10,000 for each willful violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. This case is being overseen by Civil Litigation Division Chief Counsel Joe Sciarrotta and handled by Senior Litigation Counsel Shane Foster, Neil Singh, and Stephanie Elliott, as well as Assistant Attorneys General Erika Mansur and Jane Fallon. The recently released 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey shows a dangerous and alarming vaping trend among American youth. The number of U.S. children and teenagers using tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in the last 30 days has risen to 6.2 million. About 1 in 3 high school students (4.7 million) and about 1 in 8 middle school students (1.5 million) identify as current tobacco users - which includes e-cigarette products. Those numbers are up from 2018, including almost doubling among middle school students. It is the second year in a row an increase in young people using tobacco has been recorded. This, after years of steady progress driving down the numbers of young people using. For the sixth year in a row, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among high school and middle school students (27.5%). 27.5 percent of high schoolers vape, up from 20.8 percent in 2018. 10.5 percent of middle schoolers vape, up from 4.9 percent in 2018. Nearly 7 in 10 middle and high school students (4.3 million) who currently use tobacco said they used flavored tobacco products in 2019. The Attorney General's Office Tobacco Enforcement Unit (TEU) has also witnessed this disturbing trend. TEU conducts undercover inspections utilizing youth volunteers to check if retailers, including smoke shops, are selling tobacco products to minors as part of its Operation Counter Strike program. In 2019, TEU conducted 3,002 inspections statewide and issued 775 citations to businesses and individuals. After declining fail rates for two consecutive years and reaching historically low levels in FY2018 (9.8%), the fail rate for inspections in calendar year 2019 jumped to 14% statewide. TEU attributes the increase to youth access and demand for e-cigarettes. FREDERICTONCancelled commercial flights kept New Brunswicks premier from attending Mondays meeting of Atlantic premiers but Blaine Higgs says hes not regretting a decision to sell the provincial government airplane. Higgs says he tried to get on four different commercial flights to St. Johns, N.L., on Sunday but all were cancelled because of the weather. He says that even if the New Brunswick government still owned its own aircraft, the freezing rain and strong winds made it unsafe to fly. The government put its King Air B-200 plane up for sale in 2013. Higgs, who was finance minister at the time, used his budget speech that year to say selling the twin-engine plane was a way to cut costs. Video conferencing allowed Higgs to take part in the meetings with his counterparts on Monday, and he says it worked very well. Read more about: This map shows ground changes, or displacement, on the eastern two-thirds of Puerto Rico following the 6.4-magnitude earthquake of Jan. 7, 2020. Areas of displacement are shown in red, with greater displacement by darker shades. The ground shifted up to 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) in a downward and slightly west direction. The orange circles show the cluster of quakes of aftershocks that have hit the island recently. The swarm of earthquakes that have rocked Puerto Rico recently left marks that are visible from space. About 2,000 quakes have shaken Puerto Rico since late December, with the most powerful a 6.4-magnitude temblor that took place last Tuesday (Jan. 7), centered just off the island's southwest coast. That one, the biggest quake to hit Puerto Rico in a century, killed at least one person, damaged nearly 600 buildings and caused at least $110 million in damage, Reuters reported . The series of quakes have also altered the lay of Puerto Rico's land, researchers studying imagery captured by the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-1A satellite determined. Related: Photos: Amazing Images of Earth from Space "The scientists found that the greatest displacement from the [satellite's] flyover area occurred west of the city of Ponce (identified by the green star), not far from the quake's offshore epicenter," NASA officials wrote in a statement on Friday (Jan. 10). "They recorded up to 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) of ground change there," they added. "The ground appeared to shift downward and slightly to the west." As it commonly does after natural disasters, NASA is making its data and scientific expertise available to aid response and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. "Products in the process of being produced include Suomi-NPP-based 'Black Marble' power outage maps, damage maps, and landslide maps," NASA officials wrote in the same statement, referring to the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite , a joint project of NASA, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Defense. "A webpage has also been created on the NASA Disasters Mapping Portal to supply relevant GIS data products," the officials added. "The map contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data processed by ESA and analyzed by scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and earthquake location data from the USGS [United States Geological Survey]." The USGS is providing regular updates about the Puerto Rico earthquakes, including aftershock forecasts. You can find that information here . 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 . Tommy Hilfiger, which is owned by PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], announces the six finalists in the 2019 Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge. Now in its second year, the global program aims to support entrepreneurial start-up and scale-up businesses developing solutions that promote inclusive and positive change in fashion. The selection of finalists is a next step in the journey to identify and champion innovative opportunities that support the advancement of the industry. On February 13, 2020, the six finalists will visit Tommy Hilfigers Campus of the Future in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to pitch their business concepts to a jury of internal and external business and sustainability leaders at the global Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge Final Event. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200112005011/en/ TOMMY HILFIGER Fashion Frontier Challenge Finalists 2018 (Photo: Business Wire) It is inspiring to see the second edition of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge draw so many applicants working towards a more inclusive and sustainable fashion landscape, said Tommy Hilfiger. We are committed to championing bright, innovative solutions to some of our industrys big challenges, and Im looking forward to returning as a jury member to recognize this years entrepreneurs. Their shared optimism and commitment to a positive future should inspire us all in the impact we can make together. Over a multi-step four-month process, over 420 applicants were narrowed down to six finalists who were invited to develop and refine their business plans with the support of a dedicated team of social entrepreneur experts at the Campus of the Future. The finalists include: Bangladesh-based scale-up, Apon Wellbeing, opens fair-priced shops carrying daily necessities inside factories, with products offered at a 10% discount to external prices and a points scheme that workers collect for free health-insurance and health services. opens fair-priced shops carrying daily necessities inside factories, with products offered at a 10% discount to external prices and a points scheme that workers collect for free health-insurance and health services. American scale-up , Stony Creek Colors , offers natural indigo sustainable crops to small and mid-size tobacco farmers who are at risk of losing their income due to falling tobacco sales. The cash crop provided by Stony Creek Colors enables the farmers to retain their livelihood. , offers natural indigo sustainable crops to small and mid-size tobacco farmers who are at risk of losing their income due to falling tobacco sales. The cash crop provided by Stony Creek Colors enables the farmers to retain their livelihood. Dutch start-up, A Beautiful Mess , runs a creative space to assist refugees in realizing social and economic independence by creating sustainable apparel products. , runs a creative space to assist refugees in realizing social and economic independence by creating sustainable apparel products. U.S.-based start-up company Lab 141 creates small batches of made-to-fit clothing using 3D printing. Through these methods, Lab 141 is promoting and bringing to life the concept of sizeless fashion. creates small batches of made-to-fit clothing using 3D printing. Through these methods, Lab 141 is promoting and bringing to life the concept of sizeless fashion. Indian scale-up pajama company Sudara develops professional and sewing skills in women who have escaped from or are at high risk of being sex trafficked. develops professional and sewing skills in women who have escaped from or are at high risk of being sex trafficked. Hailing from France, scale-up company Constant & Zoe creates functional and fashionable clothing for men, women and children with disabilities. The prestigious jurors overseeing the final event include: Mr. Tommy Hilfiger Ankiti Bose, Co-Founder & CEO, Zilingo Noor Tagouri, Journalist, Activist and Speaker Daniel Grieder, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe Martijn Hagman, CFO, Tommy Hilfiger Global & COO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe Willemijn Verloop, Founding Partner, Social Impact Venture Steven Serneels, CEO and Board Member, EVPA Katrin Ley, Managing Director, Fashion for Good The jury will award 150,000 between two winners to fund the advancement of their business proposals. The winners will also receive a year-long mentorship with Tommy Hilfigers and INSEADs global experts, as well as a place in the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program (ISEP). An additional 10,000 will be awarded to the finalist team who wins the Audience Favorite Vote. Tommy Hilfigers vision is to create fashion that opens minds and closes loops. Find out more about the brands long-term sustainability efforts, particularly in the areas of inclusivity and circularity, at: https://global.tommy.com/en_int/about-us-corporate-sustainability. Friends and followers of the brand are invited to join the conversation on social media using #TommyHilfiger, #FashionFrontierChallenge, #MakeNewPossible and @TommyHilfiger. # # # About Tommy Hilfiger With a brand portfolio that includes TOMMY HILFIGER and TOMMY JEANS, Tommy Hilfiger is one of the worlds most recognized premium designer lifestyle groups. Its focus is designing and marketing high-quality mens tailored clothing and sportswear, womens collection apparel and sportswear, kidswear, denim collections, underwear (including robes, sleepwear and loungewear), footwear and accessories. Through select licensees, Tommy Hilfiger offers complementary lifestyle products such as eyewear, watches, fragrance, swimwear, socks, small leather goods, home goods and luggage. The TOMMY JEANS product line consists of jeanswear and footwear for men and women, accessories, and fragrance. Merchandise under the TOMMY HILFIGER and TOMMY JEANS brands is available to consumers worldwide through an extensive network of TOMMY HILFIGER and TOMMY JEANS retail stores, leading specialty and department stores, select online retailers, and at tommy.com. About PVH Corp. PVH sets the standard of style as one of the most admired fashion and lifestyle companies in the world. We power brands that drive fashion forward for good. Our iconic portfolio includes TOMMY HILFIGER, CALVIN KLEIN, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo*, Warners, Olga and Geoffrey Beene brands, as well as the digital-centric True & Co. intimates brand. We market a variety of goods under these and other nationally and internationally known owned and licensed brands. PVH has over 38,000 associates operating in over 40 countries and nearly $9.7 billion in annual revenues. Thats the power of PVH. *The Speedo brand is licensed for North America and the Caribbean in perpetuity from Speedo International Limited. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200112005011/en/ Social Security numbers. Bank account information. Customer passwords. Every business needs to protect its most valuable data, and most offices have a common last-resort option: If you close and lock the doors, nobody's going to access your system from the inside by, say, sticking a malicious USB drive into a computer. With remote workers, keeping your company's data secure is a lot trickier. "When everyone's in an office, it's easy to turn someone's computer off," says Jerry Bennett, founder and CEO of Melbourne, Florida-based consulting firm Privateer IT. "But in a remote workforce, you're dealing with things like HIPAA laws and cybersecurity laws. And you're dealing with people's real lives." Bennett's six-year-old startup, which ranked No. 295 on this year's Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America, has 20 employees. All but one of them work remotely. That presents a challenge for a company that gets paid to advise on cybersecurity issues--and with clients like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Intelligence Agency, maintaining data security is especially crucial. Those concerns aren't restricted to startups working with federal agencies. Mark Loveless, a senior security researcher at San Francisco-based GitLab, says data security is always a work in progress--especially for GitLab, a company that creates tools for software developers and has one of the world's largest all-remote workforces. The nine-year-old company attained a $2.75 billion valuation in September, and currently employs more than 1,100 employees across 65 countries, meaning 65 different sets of cybersecurity laws and compliance regulations. Despite the ever-changing nature of remote data security, Bennett and Loveless agree that these two best practices can make a huge difference for any startup. 1. Software redundancies Bennett and Loveless agree: No one tool will ever be a perfect solution. Bennett says Privateer typically has three to five security tools running on each employee's laptop, which feature capabilities like remote access, remote wiping or bricking, and secure channels for communication. His favorite, he notes, is fairly common: Microsoft 365 Enterprise, which has multifactor authentication and the ability to restrict specific users' access to individual files. Instead of worrying about security on 1,100 employee devices, GitLab devotes its attention to properly restricting access to every individual piece of company data--each of which is stored in the cloud. Loveless's preferred program to enable this: Okta, an identity and access-management tool. He refers to the strategy as "fail-close," enabling multiple layers of protection without burdening users. Access to each piece of data requires specific access credentials, which Okta automates so employees don't have to constantly reenter passwords. The company also monitors other data access metrics--so, for example, an administrator can be immediately notified if a sensitive piece of data is accessed from an unfamiliar location. Loveless also says that when GitLab last upgraded its security protocols, it kept the old protocols--a more tightly restricted system, with access based on both user credentials and IP address locations--as a "break-the-glass" option to keep the business up and running during emergencies. 2. Employee training The human element can undermine even the world's strongest security systems. Bennett says he's constantly training his employees, which includes a monthly all-hands conference call dedicated specifically to maintaining data security. His company policy: If anything ever smells fishy, for any reason, contact him and wait for a response before proceeding. Not all CEOs are security experts, so Bennett recommends hiring one. "You don't need to hire someone full-time to do it," he says. "Find someone you have vetted, that you trust, that you can pick up the phone and call. And they're the smart person that goes and solves the problem." GitLab loads most of its data security training into its onboarding process, which is heavily documented in the company's sprawling (and publicly available) employee handbook. The goal is for new workers to internalize best practices at their own pace, and each potential change to those protocols is measured by a simple litmus test: Will the increased security be worth the additional hassle to employees? The national capital was rocked by the highest number of protests in at least eight years in 2019, government data shows, as people ranging from students and job seekers to airline professionals and even policemen, hit the streets of Delhi to air their grievances. Figures from Delhi Police show 12,652 demonstrations, dharnas and protest meetings were organised in 2019, a spike of 46% from the 2018 numbers. This was the highest since 2011, the earliest year for which data was available. The previous highest number of protests (11,158) was witnessed in 2015. The 2019 figure is only until December 15 and, therefore, doesnt include the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, that roiled the city in the last two weeks of December. Data from the last two weeks of December which included numerous protests in colleges and campuses against CAA and the start of what is now a month-long sit-in demonstration by women and local residents in north-east Delhis Shaheen Bagh will be included when the figures are updated in early 2020. A senior Delhi Police official, who asked not to be named, said when data from the anti-CAA protests is included, the number will rise by at least another 500. To be sure, 2020 has begun on a stormy note with a number of protests and rallies organised against CAA, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) violence, indicating that this year may also witness a large number of protests. The data was compiled by Delhi Polices special branch the intelligence wing of the city police which shares reports with local police. The trend, experts said, indicates growing dissent and disappointment across sections, but could also be read as a sign of a healthy democracy. A former senior police officer, who led the state police of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, too said the increase in protests indicated rising dissent against the establishment. If it (the spike) was recorded after the CAA protests, it would not have been a surprise. But because the increase is before CAA demonstrations began, it means there is simmering anger among different groups that have a grouse against the establishment. It also shows that people have been emboldened to come out and protest. I see this as a healthy sign in a democracy, said Prakash Singh, who is considered one of the strongest proponents of police reforms. Other experts linked the demonstrations to dissatisfaction with government policies. The protests have been related to economic, social and political issues, said Sudha Rai, rector (pro-vice chancellor) and professor at the Centre for Political Studies in JNU. Some prominent demonstrations in Delhi last year include those by employees of the now-grounded Jet Airways, who marched in their uniforms in April after the airline suspended operations, and a protest by constables of Delhi Police against their seniors after violent clashes with lawyers outside the Tis Hazari court last November. In the last week of November, at least 200 disabled protesters held a round-the-clock sit-in protest at central Delhis Mandi House over not being given an opportunity to apply for government jobs. Data was available from 2011, a year marked by anti-corruption protests that saw tens of thousands of students, young people and professionals join a campaign led by activist Anna Hazare. That year, police recorded 5,354 protests. The next year, Delhis streets were swamped by masses of people protesting against the rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student on December 16. Police numbers show 8,405 protests that year. The city has been on the boil since December 2019 when Parliament passed CAA, which fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. A mob attack inside JNU last Sunday that left 35 people injured has ratcheted up political temperatures and sparked large demonstrations in campuses and on the streets, indicating 2020 may be another torrid year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A former death row inmate who served time for the 2004 murder of a Mountain Brook Middle School lunchroom cashier has been sentenced to federal prison on an unrelated gun charge. Montez Vantarus Spradley, 37, was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, according to a joint announced Monday by Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Jay Town and ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. Spradley spent the last 17 years traveling through the revolving doors of overwhelmed state courthouses and over-crowded prisons, Town said. His next 19 years will be spent locked away in a federal prison. According to court documents, Tuscaloosa police on March 26, 2019 responded to a domestic violence call at the apartment where Spradley lived with his girlfriend. They found her bleeding from a head wound that she received when Spradley struck her with a pistol during an argument. Officers recovered the pistol and a loaded magazine from a bedroom closet at the residence. When officers arrested Spradley for domestic violence, they found in his pocket a second magazine containing identical ammunition. Spradley was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty to the single charge in August 2019. He was sentenced Jan. 9, 2020 by U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon. Town said Spradleys sentence was driven by his extensive criminal history, which included prior convictions for second-degree assault, felony murder, intimidating a witness, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled substance. Spradley had been sentenced to death by lethal injection in 2008 by former Jefferson County Circuit Judge Gloria Bahakel in the murder of 58-year-old Center Point resident Marlene Jason, was shot to death Jan. 9, 2004 when she returned home from clothes shopping for her grandchildren. But the conviction and death sentence were unanimously overturned on appeal when the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals found Bahakel improperly allowed video and surveillance photos and hearsay testimony. Spradley eventually pleaded guilty in 2013 to murder and intimidation of a witness in connection with the slaying of Jason and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released in 2015 despite the 10-year sentence because of jail and prison time credit. ATFs priority of removing the criminal element that uses firearms in domestic violence situations is clearly evident with this sentencing, Marcus said. FLINT, MI -- Four years ago this week, state prosecutors said they were looking for crimes related to the Flint water crisis and promising to enforce any violation of the law without fear or favor -- even if it led to Gov. Rick Snyder. Today, every charge that came as a result of that criminal investigation has been dismissed without a single guilty plea, including the final pending misdemeanor charge against a state employee -- disturbance of a lawful meeting. Last week, a Genesee District Court judge dismissed the disturbance charge against Liane Shekter-Smith, former chief of the states Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance. Meanwhile, a rebooted investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General has still yet to yield any charges after more than 200 days. Former Gov. Rick Snyder, blamed by many Flint residents for allowing the water crisis to happen, was never charged with any crime. The civil servants who did face charges have been invited back to work after receiving taxpayer-funded attorneys to defend them in court. And now Shekter-Smith, the only employee who lost her job because of the water crisis, is trying to get her job back, according to her attorney. She did everything her job required her to do, said Brian Morley, Shekter-Smiths attorney. Miss Shekter-Smith will be able to move on with her life ... I understand the frustration (in Flint). I understand what happened here, but you have to make sure its the right people that are punished for it. Like Shekter-Smith, six other state or city of Flint employees also took plea deals with former special prosecutor Todd Flood and former Attorney General Bill Schuette after they were charged with crimes including misconduct in office and willful neglect of duty. It was Schuette who announced the start of his Flint investigation four years ago -- on Jan. 15, 2016. In addition to seven no-contest plea deals, eight other individuals were on trial for crimes against Flint when state Solicitor General Fada Hammoud, appointed by Attorney General Dana Nessel, dismissed their charges in June 2019. Hammoud has claimed the investigations that led to the charges were flawed and that Flood didnt review all the relevant materials that had been subpoenaed from state government offices before pressing the cases. Flood has defended the performance of his prosecution team and said he made the plea agreements to get to those most responsible for the Flint crisis. Its been 5 years. Flint still doesnt trust the water A spokeswoman for Hammoud has declined to comment on the status of the solicitor generals current investigation, but Hammoud herself said last week during the Shekter-Smith plea review that what happened in Flint was a crime. This court heard the testimony regarding lead and the impacts of lead poisoning, which can devastate health throughout a lifetime and may even alter DNA to affect future generations, she said. Thats what this crime is about. Flints water source was changed in April 2014 from Lake Huron to the Flint River, a shift made while the city was being run by emergency managers appointed by Snyder. While the level of lead in city drinking water continued to rise after the shift, state drinking water officials downplayed the elevated lead and did not require the city to treat its water to make it less corrosive to lead pipes and home plumbing. Health officials continue to debate whether a surge in cases of Legionnaires disease, including 12 deaths in less than two years, is directly attributable to the change in water source. State health officials, including former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon, former Chief Medical Executive Eden Wells, Nancy Peeler and Robert Scott were charged with crimes up to involuntary manslaughter for their roles in the Legionnaires outbreaks but Wells, Peeler and Scott all returned to work at DHHS after having been placed on paid leave while facing criminal charges. Wells was hired to fill a new position created within the health department at an annual salary of $179,672, a classified position that affords her job protections she didnt have as chief medical executive, an unclassified -- or at-will -- position Like all other members of Snyders cabinet, Lyon was replaced after the election of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach a spokesman for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy regarding the status of employees charged with Flint water crimes, including Michael Prysby, Stephen Busch and Patrick Cook. Each had some connection to overseeing or approving plans for Flints treatment water plant. EGLE spokesman Scott Dean said last week that the department "wont speculate on (Shekter-Smiths) future plans. At this time, there has been no change in Ms. Shekter-Smiths employment status with the department, Dean wrote in an email to The Journal. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said in a statement to The Journal that he remains hopeful that those responsible will be held accountable for the water crisis. The residents of the city of Flint deserve justice for any crimes committed during the Flint water crisis, Neeleys statement says. One thing I know is that Attorney General Dana Nessel is tenacious. She just recently opened a Flint office to facilitate the investigation into the Flint water crisis and named victim advocates to ensure our voices are heard. TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 - Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK and OTC: ANKOF) (Angkor or the Company) CEO Stephen Burega is pleased to report that it has signed an Earn-In Agreement on its Oyadao License with Canadian development company Hommy Oyadao Inc. (Hommy) to earn up to a 70% interest in Angkors Oyadao North License in exchange for payments totalling USD $4.6 million. AGREEMENT HIGHLIGHTS Hommy 5 Resources Inc. will return any earned interest in Angkors Banlung License in return for Hommy Oyadao Inc. receiving an initial 10% earn-in interest in Oyadao (see press release dated Sept. 19, 2018). With the end of the previous agreement with Hommy 5 Resources Inc., the Banlung License returns to being 100% owned by Angkor. Hommy may acquire an additional 20% interest in Oyadao by making an upfront payment to Angkor of USD $100,000 for past and future work associated with the property, and by paying to Angkor as operator on or before May 30, 2020, an additional USD $500,000 to be spent on exploration of Oyadao North. Following that, Hommy will spend a minimum of USD$ 100,000 a quarter on Oyadao. Once Hommy has either spent an additional USD $4 million on Oyadao in exploration, development and related statutory fees relating to the License, or has produced more than 300 ounces of gold per month for six consecutive months or an aggregate of 2,000 ounces of gold from the property, whichever is the sooner, then Hommy will be granted a further 40% Participating Interest, bringing its total interest in Oyadao North to 70%. Should Hommy fail to meet any of the above milestones, the property will revert to Angkor with no interest earned by Hommy. We are very pleased to be working again with Hommy, said Mike Weeks, Executive Chairman of Angkor. They were excellent development partners on Banlung. The proximity of Oyadao to the development at Mescos Phum Syarung mine site (see press release dated June 25, 2018) is of great interest to us both and we are excited to pursue this initiative together. Dr. Adrian G. Mann, director of, and technical advisor to, Hommy Oyadao Inc., is optimistic about their immediate exploration plans for Oyadao: Mesco's Vertical Shaft is about 400 metres from our first drill target which is based on a strong EM conductor that coincides with the line of strike of their main vein. It's a modest but aggressive program on which we can build. The Oyadao License is a 222 km2 area near the Vietnam border, running north and east of Mescos Phum Syarung mine site, the mineral rights of which were sold separately by Angkor to Mesco in 2013 and licensed in 2016 for $1.8 million US in cash, with Angkor retaining a sliding scale Net Smelter Return interest ranging from 2.0% to 7.5% on any gold production, as well as 7.5% of the value all other metals produced. ABOUT THE HOMMY GROUP Hommy Oyadao Inc. and Hommy 5 Resources Inc. are private companies based in Alberta, Canada. It is a family fund of Canadian investors experienced in the resource sector. ABOUT ANGKOR RESOURCES CORP. Angkor Resources Corp. is a public company, listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange, and is a leading mineral explorer in Cambodia with a large land package. In 2019 it added Block VIII, a 7,300 square kilometre oil and gas exploration license in Cambodia, to its exploration portfolio. CONTACT: Stephen Burega, CEO Telephone: +1 (647) 515-3734 Email: sb@angkorgold.ca Website: http://www.angkorgold.ca or follow us on Twitter @AngkorGold. 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. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute forward-looking information. In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It could start with a miscarriage or a breakup. The distraught woman sees a baby as the solution and begins elaborate planning. A pregnancy announcement. A baby shower. Cultivation of a relationship with a pregnant woman. In rare cases, the fantasy leads to criminal acts: stealing a child, or kidnapping and killing a mother and taking her child. FBI behavioral analysts say they believe a Houston woman was driven to kidnap her friends infant daughter and after the woman was strangled hide the mothers corpse in a car in her backyard by an overwhelming compulsion to have a baby that they term maternal desire. Magen Fieramusca, who was charged last month with kidnapping Austin mother Heidi Broussard and her 3-week-old baby, Margo, and tampering with Broussards body, would not be the first woman motivated to commit those crimes due to this compulsive condition. The desire to have a child can become pathological, said Asim Shah, professor and executive vice chair of Community Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. When the woman so desperately wants a child, she may try to take one from somebody close to her. The motive of maternal desire may develop after one or more failed pregnancies, or a woman who has not been pregnant may completely fabricate a pregnancy. The women triggered by the compulsive desire to have a baby meticulously plan schemes to obtain infants. The lengths to which women have gone range from impersonating medical workers to quietly steal children to befriending and manipulating pregnant women to gain access to their babies. Sometimes the abductions are violent, ending in murders of the mothers. In rare cases, women have cut open pregnant mothers to steal fetuses from their wombs. Its erratic, abnormal behavior, Shah said. It happens usually in people who are either depressed, anxious, have a psychosis or personality disorder, or are in a delusional state. Broussard, 33, and her baby were reported missing by the Austin Police Department on Dec. 13. Her body was found on Dec. 19 stuffed into a duffel bag in the trunk of a car parked in the backyard of the house where Fieramusca, also 33, lived near Jersey Village, according to an affidavit of arrest. Baby Margo was found safe inside the home. Fiermusca presented the baby as her own during that time, police said. She also apparently convinced Chris Green, her ex-boyfriend with whom she lived, that the child was his. Investigators said Fieramusca either lost a pregnancy or entirely fabricated one in the months leading up to Margos kidnapping. Broussards death was ruled a homicide by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. She was killed by ligature strangulation. Fieramusca has not been charged with killing Broussard. There have been 327 infant abductions across the country since 1964, according to an analysis by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Of those, only about 5 percent were reportedly motivated by maternal desire. Though violent infant abductions fueled by a womans pathological obsession with becoming a mother are relatively rare, recent cases have devastated communities across the nation. A 2017 case in Houston was apparently sparked by a miscarriage. Investigators said Erika Jisela Miranda-Alvarez stabbed 33-year-old mother Carolina Flores to death on Dec. 19, 2017, and kidnapped her infant. Miranda-Alvarez, 28 at the time, was due to give birth to a baby of her own around that time but had a miscarriage, police said. She didnt tell anyone in her family about losing the baby and later went to a hospital to pretend to give birth, according to authorities. She is facing a capital murder charge in the case. Associated Press Some cases dont end in bloodshed. In Pittsburgh in 2012, Breona Moore, then 19, told her boyfriend that he couldnt break up with her because she was pregnant. But she wasnt. Instead, Moore impersonated a nurse and stole a newborn baby from Magee-Womens Hospital. She posted baby photos on social media and convinced her friends and family that the baby was hers. She was sentenced to five years in prison. In rare violent instances, maternal desire can lead to fetal abduction. Korena Roberts cut open the abdomen of her pregnant friend, 21-year-old Heather Snively, to take the womans baby boy and pretend it was her own in June 2009. Roberts, 27 at the time, hid Snivelys body in the crawl space of her home in Hillsboro, Ore. The baby did not survive. Roberts is serving life in prison. Jamie Francis, MBO / AP Elaborate planning In the first phase of an infant abduction motivated by maternal desire, psychiatric professionals say, studies of the cases indicate the women went to great lengths to use deception to act out a pregnancy fantasy. In Fiearmuscas case, her warrant says all the people around her believed she was pregnant, including Broussard. Green said that he touched Fieramuscas stomach and that it felt hard like she was pregnant, but he never saw her bare stomach. An online baby registry under the names Maygen Humphrey, an alias police say Fieramusca used on all her social media accounts, and Chris Green shows family and friends purchased most of the desired gifts the couple listed. In cases in which the woman was never pregnant in the first place, she may pretend to be pregnant because she perceives mothers to be held in a higher regard in society and desperately wants to be one. In other cases, the woman may want to restore a failing relationship. They may be insecure in a relationship and their hope is that if they have a child, their relationship will be secure, said Sanjay Adhia, a forensic psychiatrist at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. The woman imagines that the fake pregnancy will bring with it more attention from her partner, as well as others in her social circle. Green told FBI agents he ended his relationship with Fieramusca in March. Around the same time, Fieramusca told him she was pregnant. Ricardo Brazziell, Photojournalist / Ricardo B. Brazziell Often, the woman wants to prove to herself and others that she is capable of being a mother. Infant abductions Profile of an infant abductor, based on an analysis of cases that occurred between 1983 and 2007 by the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children: Usually female of "childbearing" age (between 12 and 50.) Often overweight. Compulsive and frequently relies on manipulation, lying and deception. Usually states she has lost a baby or is incapable of having a child. Often married or cohabiting with a male partner. Frequently, the abductor lives or is familiar with the community where the abduction takes place. Usually visits the nursery or maternity ward at more than one health care facility prior to the abduction and has asked detailed questions about procedures and the maternity floor layout. May also try to abduct from the home setting. Other infant abductions motivated by maternal desire: Clarisa Figueroa, 46, met pregnant Marlen Ochoa-Lopez on a Facebook group for mothers in April. The 19-year-old expectant mother went missing shortly after that. Figueroa allegedly strangled the woman to death with cable and removed the unborn baby from her womb. Ochoa-Lopez' body was found in a garbage can in Figueroa's backyard, police said, and the baby was found alive but in critical condition. Carolyn Simpson, 21, was sliced open with razors by an acquaintance, killing her and her unborn baby in December 2003. Effie Goodson admitted she did it because she wanted the woman's baby when she pleaded guilty to the killings. She is currently serving life in prison. Theresa Andrews went missing in 2000 in Ohio when Michelle Bica abducted her. She cut the dead mother's womb open and took the near-full term baby out. The baby boy survived and Bica presented it as her own. She died by suicide before police could arrest her. Stephanie Foster, 34, faked a pregnancy planned to attack a couple and kidnap their newborn in 2010 in Indiana. She drove to the house and knocked on the family's door to ask to use a telephone. When she was told no, Foster got a gun from her car and forced her way into the home. She began to try to kill the baby's mother with a kife, but the father was awoken and called 911 and intervened. Both parents were stabbed, but survived. The baby was unharmed. Foster was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 28 years in prison. See More Collapse In maternal desire abductions, psychiatrists say the act of taking the baby is not impulsive its been planned extensively. The women rehearse their stories and become obsessed with their plan. They may impersonate a health care professional or nanny to gain access to a baby, or they may befriend an expecting mother. Fieramusca had known Broussard for more than a decade, talked to her on the phone regularly and was there for the birth of Margo on Nov. 26, police said. They will try to copy the person that is actually pregnant, Shah said. Fieramusca told Broussard that they had conceived at the same time, police said. The online baby registry lists Dec. 12 the day Broussard went missing as Fieramuscas delivery due date. When violence is involved in the abduction, its because the woman is so irrationally fixated on having a baby that she will do anything to get one and keep it, experts said. In these cases, the women usually have a social personality disorder, Adhia said. They disregard all rules and have no empathy. In the final phase, after the baby has been taken, the woman will attempt to enter the child into her social circle as her own. They are so focused on the child that they end up believing that they are actually the mother, Shah said. Warning signs The intensity of the would-be mothers emotions can sometimes provide warning signs. Broussards family found it odd when Fieramusca interrupted Margos first meeting with her grandfather in the hospital so she could hold the baby. Such possessive behavior toward a baby can be a sign of an unhealthy desire, Adhia said. Going alone to medical appointments or other steps to conceal the fact that a pregnancy is not real are other signals of a potential problem. The fact that Fieramuscas ex-boyfriend never saw her bare stomach during the time she claimed to be pregnant is another red flag, he added. A defense attorney representing Fieramusca was not immediately available for comment. Texas Department of Public Safety officials said the investigation is ongoing. Fieramusca is scheduled to appear in Travis County Court in February. hannah.dellinger@chron.com If one of your resolutions this year is to up your napping game, youre in luck. Theres finally a place in Toronto where you can pop into and catch a few zzzs, even when youre on the go and separated from your own cozy bed. For now, the napportunities are only available to people close to the Yonge Eglinton Centre, home to Nap it Up, which offers mid-towners a little mid-day recharge crash pad. Owners Omar and Mehzabeen Rahman hope this wont be a one-off but, instead, the first of many, though, since nap bars and nap cafes are thriving in cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, London and New Yorkbasically any city where the hours are long and the commute is longer. The concept is simple. For a modest price ($10 for 25 minutes, $20 for 55 minutes, $25 for 85 minutes), customers can rent a bed in a little curtained-off space for a 25-minute power nap or a 55-minute snooze. Those in need of a full reboot can opt for the deluxe option, a rejuvenating 85-minute sleep. Worried you wont be able to fall asleep while the clock is ticking? The Rahmans have a plan for that: For a few dollars more, you can opt for eye masks, essential oils, white noise machines or even a pre-nap massage. Worried you might oversleep? No worries on that front, eitherthe service comes with a wake-up call. Still, even with all these incentives, the feedback has been ambivalent. Although theyve had a lot of enthusiastic queries from people asking when theyll open a second location in the downtown core, some people are still hesitant to take a nap anywhere other than home. Especially if theyre supposed to be working during nap time. I think theres a bit of a stigma associated with napping during the work day, says Omar Rahman, But were trying to work on that stigma, since we really want people to know the health benefits of napping that can make our lives better. Sleep research has been a pretty hot topic lately, thanks to researchers whove been slowly mapping out just how important a role shut-eye plays in our overall health and well-being. Turns out, sleep isnt so much a period in which everything in our body shuts down but, instead, an opportunity for the body (especially the brain) to get busy cleaning up and organizing everything that happened earlier that day. Not getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours is consensus) short-cuts this essential process and raises your risk for anxiety, depression, memory problems, obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart diseasenot to mention accidents. Follow the Toronto Star on social media: What about naps, though? Can they help? Well, theyre probably not a fix for all the potential health problems brought on by a bad nights sleep, but nap research suggests they have value in their own right. Napping has been shown to improve mental and physical performance, says Greg Wells, PhD and author of The Ripple Effect: Sleep Better, Eat Better, Move Better, Think Better. The research is absolutely clear that naps are a great tactic to incorporate into your life, which is one of the reasons why some progressive companies, like Deloitte Consulting in Toronto, have installed nap areas for their employees to use during the work day. Although Wells lives here in Toronto, when we caught up with him he was on vacation in Nicaragua, apparently following his own advice that a break in the action is an important part of staying productive, creative and healthybe it time off, a good nights sleep or an afternoon nap. In our jobs, we need to work really hard, and thats fine, but we also need to take breaks to recharge and recover, says Wells. He cautions, though, that some naps are better than others. If youre looking for a quick recharge, a 20-minute nap has been shown to increase concentration, alertness and performance. Thats the magic number, though, so be sure to set an alarm. A little longer (say, 30-60 minutes) and you risk waking up with a groggy feeling that could last for hours. That grogginess has a clinical name, sleep inertia, a state of physiological impairment that leaves people disoriented and fatigued for minutes or even a few hours. Turns out, timing is everything when it comes to sleep, since we do it in shifts90-minute sleep cycles. The crucial Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage generally happens towards the end of a sleep cycle. If you wake up in the middle of REM sleep, thats when sleep inertia is most likely to hit. Alternatively, Wells says, if you have the time to do it (say, on a weekend), take the time to catch an entire cycle by taking a 90-minute nap. He says you should feel completely refreshed and recharged after thatno danger of drowsiness. Napping, done correctly, turns out to be one of those rare, great things in life that both feels good and is good for you. Like eating avocados. Or getting a massage. So why arent we doing more of it? And why arent there more napping studios to accommodate this good, healthy habit? Wells feels it has to do with that stigma around naps that Omar Rahman identified, stemming from our contemporary obsession with working long hours. We live in a culture where burning the candle at both ends has been idealized, says Wells. We think were being great and loyal employees if we give up sleep and never take breaks. Thats just not true, though, because resting and regenerating is a really important part of staying productive and creative. So, if anyone looks at you side-eyed when you say youre taking a break from work for a wee nap, just tell them its good for your productivity in the long run. According to science. Officials from New Delhi and Washington are in touch to work out mutually convenient dates for US President Donald Trumps visit to India on a standing invitation, a year after he expressed his inability to attend the Republic Day parade in the Indian capital, people aware of the developments said. According to a person familiar with the planning of the tour, the visit could take place as early as the second half of February. However, the timing will depend on the duration of the US Senate trial, expected to start this week, to determine if Trump should be removed from office in impeachment proceedings, the person added. The White House declined to comment on the matter. The US President was unable to participate as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations due to scheduling constraints, the White House said in October 2018, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for a bilateral visit during their talks in Washington. An Indian official who spoke on condition of anonymity said: Both sides are in touch to work out mutually convenient dates for the visit. He did not elaborate on the timeline of the state visit. There has been a standing invitation to Trump after he expressed his inability to visit India last year, essentially in view of his State of the Union speech, the annual presidential address to a joint sitting of the US congress. He wants me to go there, Trump told reporters in November last year to a question about the invitation from the Indian Prime Minister. I will be going at some point to India, he added. The Indian invitation to Trump was reiterated last month by defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar, when they called on the US President at the White House after their meeting with their American counterparts Mark Esper and Mike Pompeo. The US President gave a positive response, the first person said, adding that planning picked up for the visit along with progress in trade talks that have been touted to be close to being formalised between the two countries. India and the US have indicated that a short-term deal is in sight and could be signed soon, with a more ambitious longer-term agreement set for a later date. The two sides have been in talks to resolve trade differences and the dialogue could lay the ground for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. A trade deal with India, though not of the same size as the one the US and China are scheduled to announce in Washington this week, will be an important achievement of the Trump administration, especially in an election year, with the US President seeking a second term in November. (With HTC inputs in New Delhi) China on Monday defended barring the head of Human Rights Watch from entering Hong Kong, saying non-governmental organisations were responsible for political unrest in the semi-autonomous city and should "pay the proper price". Kenneth Roth was supposed to give a press conference in Hong Kong this week to unveil the New York-based group's latest global survey, but he said on Sunday he was turned back by authorities at the city's airport. China last month announced sanctions on American NGOs, including HRW, in retaliation for the passage of a US bill backing Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. "Allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. "Plenty of facts and evidence show that the relevant NGO has through various means supported anti-China radicals, encouraged them to engage in extremist, violent and criminal activity, and incited Hong Kong independence separatist activities," Geng said. "They bear major responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong. These organisations should be punished, and should pay the proper price." Hong Kong has been battered by nearly seven months of occasionally violent protests, its biggest political crisis in decades. Millions have turned out on the streets of the semi-autonomous financial hub to demand greater democratic freedoms. Roth said he had hoped to "spotlight Beijing's deepening assault on international efforts to uphold human rights" during his visit to Hong Kong. "The refusal to let me enter Hong Kong vividly illustrates the problem," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Michigan officials on Tuesday will announce lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS, the chemicals blamed for contaminatied drinking water of at least 1.9 million state residents. Details will be unveiled in late afternoon during a joint press conference in Lansing, said Kelly Rossman-McKinney, spokeswoman for Attorney General Dana Nessel. The strategy should help the state recover costs associated with identifying PFAS in drinking water and cleaning them up, Nessel said last spring when she started the process to choose an outside law firm to lead the effort. The firm chosen in October is known as The Fields Team, representing three out-of-state firms collaborating on the three-year contingency fee contract. Given the magnitude of the problem ... we believe Michigan should be the proverbial tip of the spear and be a leader for other States in PFAS litigation, the Fields Team wrote in its proposal to the state, according to documents received through a Freedom of Information Act Request. With the announcement, Michigan will join states like New Hampshire, Ohio and Vermont in pursuing litigation against the chemical companies that made and used PFOA and PFOS, two types among an estimated 5,000 forms of PFAS. More states continue to explore additional litigation. The per- and poly-fluorinated compounds are connected to six adverse health effects and suspected in more, according to researchers to continue to peel back how the chemicals affect people who unknowingly ingested the chemicals never intended for human consumption. Among the conditions associated with them are kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid diorders, low birth weight and developmental delays. Michigan accelerated its search for the chemicals in part due to discovery of a 25-square-mile plume of contamination in Northern Kent County two years after the Flint water crisis. Its also been an issue for at least a decade in Oscoda, home of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, and over the last two years the list of sites and sources of contamination in the state has grown to more than 100. The Fields Team is comprised of Fields PLLC of Washington, D.C.; Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL of Cincinnati, Ohio; and DiCello Levitt Gutzler LLC of Chicago. The team has PFAS experience, it told the state: It has been or is currently being retained by states, municipalities, and water companies to represent their interests related to litigation concerning contamination by PFAS. Experience includes litigation against General Motors Corp. in Michigan by Fields; and multiple large environmental claims in Ohio by KMK. Together, theyve been involved in multi-state opioid litigation. The DiCello firm, meanwhile, had roles in well-known data breach class actions, like Equifax and Marriott. We have a litigation strategy and trial plan already in place for our PFAS clients, it told the state in its proposal. That plan includes filing claims only in state court and asserting state laws to avoid federal removal and possible consolidation. That is happening now with multiple lawsuits in involving fire-fighting foam that contained PFAS, with all of them consolidated into a federal courtroom in South Carolina. Another part of the firms strategy: "aggressively pursue claims in state courts with specific trial calendars to maximize their settlement bargaining power and potential settlement recovery." That strategy, the firm said, was successful for Minnesota in PFAS litigation against 3M. That case, filed in 2010, resulted in an $850 million settlement in 2018. Its also in play on a number of opioid cases, the proposal said. The Fields Team will be paid from the recovery" from a case, which could be civil penalties, compensatory or punitive damages or attorney fees. The state will not give any compensation or front costs, which will be covered by the firms. Legal experts said the willingness of 15 law firms to take on the Michigan-centered cases signals a belief that litigation against the chemical companies could be fruitful. Meanwhile, Michigan continues to hold public hearings on its effort to set maximum contaminant levels for seven types of PFAS found in drinking water. The next one is Tuesday, January 14, in Ann Arbor. Microsoft's Indian-origin CEO on Monday voiced concern over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying what is happening is "sad" and he would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant create the next unicorn in India. His comments came while speaking to editors at a Microsoft event in Manhattan where he was asked about the contentious issue of CAA which grants citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. "I think what is happening is sad... It's just bad.... I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the next CEO of Infosys," Nadella was quoted as saying by Ben Smith, the Editor-in-Chief of New York-based BuzzFeed News. In a statement issued by Microsoft India, Nadella said: "Every country will and should define its borders, protect security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. "I'm shaped by my Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experience in the United States. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up or lead a multinational corporation benefitting Indian society and the economy at large". The Centre last week issued a gazette notification announcing that the CAA has come into effect from January 10, 2020. The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11. According to the legislation, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. There have been widespread protests against the Act in different parts of the country. In UP, at least 19 persons were killed in anti-CAA protests. New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Bhim Army chief Chandrasekhar Azad on Monday filed a bail petition in a Delhi court claiming that the charge against him of being a part of an unlawful assembly is "erroneous". In Azad's bail plea, his counsel has mentioned that the Bhim Army chief has been falsely implicated in the case, however, he is ready to cooperate fully in the investigation. "Charging the accused with being a part of an unlawful assembly is erroneous, as at no point of time during the alleged incident did the police authorities declare, announce, or proclaim the peaceful protestors to be an unlawful assembly, and nor were any warnings issued or announced in this regard," the plea read. "The police have invoked boilerplate charges against the accused without the same being founded on any allegation of fact, in order to avoid compliance with the mandatory provisions of Sections 41 and 41A of the CrPC and have arrested the accused mechanically without following the due process of law which renders the initial and continued detention of the accused completely illegal," it added. The court will hear Azad's bail plea on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Azad was brought to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for medical treatment. According to doctors, Azad has been suffering from a chronic disease called Polucythaemia which requires prolonged medication. Health experts say that Polycythaemia is a rare genetic medical condition that occurs due to an abnormally increased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, either through reduction of plasma volume or increase in red cell numbers. It may be a primary disease of unknown cause or a secondary condition linked to respiratory or circulatory disorder or cancer. "Azad is a follow-up patient under the department of Hematology and has been brought for follow up consultation and treatment," said a senior doctor at AIIMS, requesting anonymity. "There are some investigations going on and he is stable. Soon he will be sent back," he said. Azad was arrested on December 21 after he led a march from Jama Masjid against the Citizenship Amendment Act. he is in judicial custody till January 18 at Tihar jail. He was charged with rioting, unlawful assembly and inciting the mob to indulge in violence after vandalism in Delhi's Daryaganj area. On January 9, a Delhi court ordered Tihar Jail authorities to immediately take Azad to AIIMS for medical treatment. (ANI) Faiz Shakir, Mr. Sanderss campaign manager, had called on Ms. Warren Monday afternoon to refute the accusation. We need to hear from her directly, Mr. Shakir said, but I know what she would say that it is not true, that it is a lie. The existence of the meeting has been public since shortly after it happened in December 2018. The New York Times reported shortly after the meeting took place that Ms. Warren had sought it as a courtesy, and that neither party had tried to gain the others support or discourage the other from running. But the two senators were the only people in the room, and all reports of what was said had been secondhand. Asked last March whether Mr. Sanders had urged her not to run, Ms. Warren said, Bernie and I had a private dinner, and my view is that dinner stays private. The full political impact of the controversy could hinge on what happens during Tuesdays debate in Des Moines. Up to this point, Ms. Warren and Mr. Sanders have focused their attacks on more moderate rivals, a consequence of their friendship and a desire to not damage the partys left wing. However, tensions between the two campaigns and among their most fervent supporters have increased in recent days. One well-respected poll from The Des Moines Register and CNN placed Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren as the top two candidates in Iowa, with Mr. Sanders leading the pack. Beyond how the candidates grapple with the issue is the matter of how exactly its perceived as a sexist gibe by a candidate whose 2016 campaign faced complaints from female staff members, an 11th-hour smear by a candidate who has lost ground or some combination of both. 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. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is all set to visit India early next month to meet with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. According to media reports, the dates, delegation, and meetings are yet to be finalised for the visit. Rajapaksa's visit to New Delhi will also mark his first official foreign visit after taking over as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister. Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit will come two months after his younger brother and President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited New Delhi on November 28, 2019. Read: Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa To Make Inaugural Parliament Speech On Jan 3 Mahinda's first official foreign visit Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka by his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa following his decisive win in Sri Lanka's presidential election in November last year. Last week, Sri Lanka's Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena visited New Delhi to meet with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had travelled to Colombo in November as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his greetings to Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Read: Turbulent 2019: Rajapaksa Dynasty Returns To Power Post-Easter Attacks In Lanka During Gotabaya Rajapaksa's visit in November last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $450 million line of credit to Sri Lanka, including $50 million to fight terrorism. PM Modi in his address said, "I have assured the President of India's commitment to a development partnership with Sri Lanka. As always, this cooperation will be in accordance with the priorities of the people of Sri Lanka. A new $400 million line of credit will give a boost to infrastructure and development in Sri Lanka. I am confident that the Sri Lankan economy will benefit as well as this Line of Credit will also accelerate the Project Cooperation of mutual benefit between the two countries." Read: Lanka Govt Committed To Dispelling 'darkness Of Religious Terrorism': Mahinda Rajapaksa Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has previously served as President of Sri Lanka for two terms since 2005. Mahinda Rajapaksa had previously assured New Delhi that he would implement the 13th amendment, which is intended in the greater transfer of power to Provinces, including those inhabited by Indian-origin Tamils living in the island nation. Read: Sri Lanka Fully Committed To SAARC And Its Objectives: Rajapaksa Representative image Protests erupted across Iran for a second day on Sunday, increasing pressure on the Islamic Republic's leadership after it admitted its military shot down a Ukrainian airliner by accident, despite days of denials that Iranian forces were to blame. "They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here," one group of protesters chanted outside a university in Tehran, according to video posted on Twitter. Other posts showed demonstrators outside a second university and a group of protesters marching to Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) Square, as well as protests in other cities. Some state-affiliated media carried reports of the university protests, which followed demonstrations on Saturday sparked by Iran's admission that its military mistakenly shot down the plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 aboard, at a time when Tehran feared U.S. air strikes. The Ukraine International Airlines plane was downed minutes after taking off from Tehran bound for Kiev on Wednesday. Many on board were Iranians with dual citizenship, while 57 were holders of Canadian passports. Residents of the capital told Reuters that police were out in force on Sunday. Some protesters in Azadi Square first called on officers there to join them, then turned their anger on the authorities, chanting anti-government slogans including "Down with the dictator" - a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to social media posts and Iranian media reports. The semi-official ILNA news agency said police moved to disperse the protesters, who it said numbered as many as 3,000. Videos posted online showed demonstrators running from police who used batons and teargas. Reuters could not authenticate the videos. Public anger boiled up following days of denials by the military that it was to blame for the crash, issued even as Canada and the United States said it appeared that Iranian air defences had shot down the airliner, probably in error. "Apologise and resign," Iran's moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the "people's demand" was that those responsible for mishandling the crisis quit. The latest unrest adds to mounting pressure on the Iranian authorities, who are struggling to keep the crippled economy afloat under stringent U.S. sanctions. Demonstrations against a hike in fuel prices turned political last year, sparking the bloodiest crackdown in the 40-year history of the Islamic Republic. About 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on Nov. 15, three Iranian Interior Ministry officials told Reuters, although international rights groups put the figure much lower and Iran called the report "fake news." After saying on Saturday that he was "inspired" by the courage of the demonstrators, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday: "To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free!" Later on Sunday, Trump said on Twitter he did not care if Iran agrees to negotiate with the United States, after a senior adviser suggested the Islamic Republic would have no choice but to agree to talks. 'IRAN'S ENEMIES WANT REVENGE' About 2,000 people packed a vigil for the air-crash victims in Toronto on Sunday, and a similar number attended a memorial in Edmonton, Alberta, where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke. His voice breaking, Trudeau told the vigil he would "pursue justice and accountability" for the victims. "We will not rest until there are answers," he said. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) said it had obtained visas for two of its investigators to travel to Iran. A second team of investigators who specialize in aircraft recorder download and analysis will be deployed once TSB confirms where and when that activity would take place, the agency said. The downing of the plane came as Iranian forces were on high alert for U.S. reprisals following tit-for-tat strikes. A U.S. drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 3 killed prominent Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, responsible for building up Iran's network of proxy armies in Iraq and beyond. Tehran responded with missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq. No U.S. soldiers were killed in the retaliatory attacks. But in the tense hours that followed, the Boeing 737-800 was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and brought down by a missile fired by mistake. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani apologised for what he said was a "disastrous mistake". But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public anger when he said he had told the authorities on the same day as the crash that an Iranian missile had brought down the plane. The Guards' top commander, Hossein Salami, said that "we are more upset than anyone over the incident," state media reported. Another commander said Iran did not intend to conceal the cause. But others said Iran's enemies, a term usually used to refer to Washington and its allies, were exploiting the incident. "Iran's enemies want to take revenge on the Guards for a military mistake," said Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative to the Quds Force, the elite overseas Guards unit that Soleimani headed, state media reported. Iranian officials sought to portray the plane disaster as a second blow to a nation mourning after Soleimani's death. His funeral prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described as a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general. The killing of Soleimani dramatically escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington, following months of hostilities since Trump withdrew from a nuclear pact between Iran and world powers in 2018 and then toughened up sanctions. Britain protested after its ambassador in Iran was briefly detained on Saturday. Iranian media said he was inciting protests. The envoy said he attended a vigil for plane victims. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned the arrest and said Iran "can continue its march towards pariah status ... or take steps to de-escalate tensions" with diplomacy. The number of people reporting that they were harassed or hurt because of their identity has sharply increased in New Jersey. There were 944 bias incidents last year, according to state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. Thats almost a 66% increase from the year before, when there were 569 incidents. Grewal said that was the largest increase since the state began tracking the data almost three decades ago, and was one of the highest totals overall, although the numbers are preliminary. There is nothing too small to report, Grewal said. There is no incident that we wont take seriously and follow up on. Grewal announced the increase at a press conference about the Jersey City kosher market shooting, which was one of the incidents. He said anti-Semitic events in particular were also rising. Hate crime and bias data is flawed, and its unclear how much of the increase stems from people reporting prejudice they would have previously kept to themselves. Officials said they would release more detailed data in the spring, including information about what happened, where the incident occurred and how old the offender was. Grewal also announced that law enforcement agencies were working on a statewide bias crimes initiative" that would make it easier to share resources and information. A spokesman declined to go into more detail. A state task force recently held hearings about bias incidents in schools, and is expected to release a report in February, according to a news release. 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. Jill Biden brushed aside the rest of the Democratic presidential field on Monday as she pleaded with Iowa voters to support her husband, saying 'let them be secretary of whatever.' The former second lady stopped by a local library to ask a couple dozen voters to make Joe Biden their choice in the February 3 caucuses. She argued her husband is the only Democratic candidate who can beat Donald Trump in November. 'I have to tell hes the only one who can beat Donald Trump in the November election. I know we have great Democrats, great Democrats running. Great. Let them be Secretary of whatever. I'm happy to have them,' she said. Jill Biden brushed aside the rest of the Democratic presidential field as she campaigned for her husband in Iowa on Monday Jill Biden argued only Joe Biden can beat Donald Trump in November Her remarks came as tensions are ratcheting up in the Democratic field ahead of Tuesday night's debate with Cory Booker dropping out of the race and a contentious feud breaking out between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren with a report he told her a woman couldn't be president. Jill Biden didn't mention any other Democratic contender by name but her central argument to voters was Joe Biden was the only electable candidate running for the nomination. 'You can't take your eye off the ball. You have to remember my husband Joe Biden can win in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida. That's important. Who can beat Donald Trump in those swing states?' she told the crowd. 'Who can appeal to independent voters?' She asked them to consider the former vice president when they vote next month. 'I want for all of you on the fence, I want to ask you to give Joe a chance. I want you to think about it,' she said. Jill Biden even stopped to talk to a library patron on her way out the door, asking: 'Are you going to caucus for Joe?' Her appeal comes as the influential Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll on Friday showed Joe Biden running in fourth place - behind Sanders, Warren and Pete Buttigieg. In her 20 minutes of remarks, she kept her focus on Joe Biden, describing how she decided to marry him and listing off his accomplishments as senator and vice president. Tensions are ratcheting up in the Democratic field ahead of Tuesday's debate: Andrew Yang, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer are seen at last month's debate; all but Yang will be on stage again Tuesday night She barely mentioned President Trump except to contrast him with the former vice president. 'Have you ever ever seen a president like Donald Trump? No,' she said. 'Have you have seen a man, do you know any other man like Donald Trump? No.' The winner of the Iowa caucuses has gone on to be the Democratic nominee in nine of the 11 cycles since 1976. Biden has struggled in Iowa in the past. He ended his 2008 Democratic presidential campaign after he failed to garner even 1 per cent in that year's caucuses. 'Thank you for how seriously you take this process. Thank you for giving a good look at my husband Joe,' Jill Biden said as she wrapped up her remarks.Stopped to talk to someone on her way out the door 'are you going to caucus for Joe' she asked American rapper, Cardi B has announced that she wants to be a politician even though she doesnt agree with the Goverment. The 27-year-old mother of one made the announcement on Twitter. In a series of post on Twitter, the rapper expressed her seriousness in becoming a politician. Also Read: Convince Offset To Move To Nigeria With Me , Cardi B Says As She Shares His Agbada Photo The rapper also touted the idea of going back to college to get a degree in other to become a congresswoman as she expressed that she has many ideas that can help people. See her tweets below: I think I want to be a politician.I really love government even tho I dont agree with Goverment iamcardib (@iamcardib) January 12, 2020 Like I was watching War https://t.co/r4gwhTQkHy matter how many weapons a country have you need people ! How are you trying to go against a country and possibly start a war when this country lacks patriotism? I barely see people claiming they LOVE being American. iamcardib (@iamcardib) January 12, 2020 Volcano Warning: Officials in Philippines Warn of Explosive Eruption Officials in the Philippines warned of an explosive eruption at the Taal Volcano just miles from the capital Manila and urged a total evacuation of the area in its immediate vicinity. The volcano spewed ash miles into the air on Sunday, triggering alerts, including the possibility of a volcanic tsunami. The volcano is located about 40 miles from Manila, which is the largest city in the country. In a bulletin late on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert status at Taal Volcano to a four out of five. A five on the scale means that an eruption is currently taking place. This means that hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days, the agency warned, adding that it strongly reiterates total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and additional evacuation of areas at high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within a 14-kilometer (9-mile) radius from Taal Main Crater. The Associated Press reported that lava began gushing from the volcano on Monday, while tens of thousands of people have already fled. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries. Residents look at the errupting Taal Volcano in Tagaytay City, Philippines, on Jan. 13, 2020. (Eloisa Lopez/Reuters) The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology added, Areas in the general north of Taal Volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise aircraft to avoid the airspace around Taal Volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft. On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged families in nearby communities to evacuate to safer ground. Officials said that hundreds of thousands may eventually evacuate. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana evoked memories of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which killed 800 people, saying, Remember Pinatubothe entire mountain collapsed during the eruption. Thats what we are fearing, that the eruption would cause the entire island to rise and scatter debris on the nearby areas, according to USA Today. Over the weekend, the agency also warned of a possible volcanic tsunami, which may take place in caldera lakes such as Taal Lake when water is displaced due to rising magma. We can never predict the actions of this volcano, Lorenzana said. Eruptive activity at Taal Volcano Main Crater intensified as continuous eruption generated a tall 10-15 kilometer (6-10 mile) steam-laden tephra column with frequent volcanic lightning that rained wet ashfall on the general north as far as Quezon City, the agency said in an alert earlier on Sunday. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro is designed for workers in industries such as oil/field, retail/warehouse, construction and public services (police/utility), enabling easy access to key applications when tackling real-world challengesboth on-site and off. It puts durability front and centre, and its ability to withstand excessive pressure, temperatures, vibrations and drops has been tested against military-specification MIL-STD-810G. 1 The Galaxy Tab Active Pro also features IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.2 "As the demand for more innovative, yet ruggedized, digital mobile solutions continues to grow, Canadian businesses are looking to brands they can trust to securely accelerate their digital transformation," said Jennifer Safruk, Vice President, Mobile Division, Samsung Canada. "At Samsung, we recognize one of the top challenges businesses face when searching for the right mobile solutions is the lack of customization and security offered by consumer-focused devices. That's why we've designed a thoroughly ruggedized device that not only delivers a reliable, customizable mobile solution, but also delivers defence-grade security through Samsung Knox the Galaxy Tab Active Pro." Power through the workday out of doors, even in inclement weather, with the Galaxy Tab Active Pro. To help keep workers going, the Tab Active Pro has wet touch mode and also includes an IP68-certified water and dust resistant S Pen3. Additionally, the tablet's glove mode provides greater flexibility by allowing the touchscreen to be used, even while wearing work gloves.4 Other productivity features for the business user: a 10.1" displaythe largest yet for the ruggedized business tablet line from Samsungand a replaceable, fast-charging battery that can power the device for up to 15 hours.5 The Tab Active Pro features a removable back panel, so a fully-charged backup battery can easily be inserted while working in the field or around the clock. Bringing Seamless Workflow to Industrial Environments Samsung DeX (desktop experience) is now available for the first time on Samsung's flagship ruggedized tablet model. DeX creates a more immersive PC-like experience on the tablet, enabling businesses to be more productive outside the office and in tougher environments. It can be used in two ways: Dual Mode for large monitor connectivity, or Standalone Mode, which uses a keyboard to turn the tablet into a workstation.6 This helps ensure seamless workflow whether in the field or on the factory floor. Other workflow capabilities include POGO pins, letting users conveniently connect and charge the tablet, or attach compatible third-party accessories geared towards their industry. Plus, a new programmable button gives users faster access to the key business applications they need on the job. Additional Tab Active Pro features include: LTE Connectivity : Work can continue even without WiFithis LTE tablet brings added connectivity. : Work can continue even without WiFithis LTE tablet brings added connectivity. High-Resolution Camera : The 13MP AF back camera and 8MP front camera make it easier to record detailed field reports, or scan documents and share them with colleagues. : The 13MP AF back camera and 8MP front camera make it easier to record detailed field reports, or scan documents and share them with colleagues. Samsung Knox : Security at every level to help protect you. Samsung Knox is built into the tablet from the hardware chip up to isolate, encrypt and secure your data, so you can better protect everything you care about. : Security at every level to help protect you. Samsung Knox is built into the tablet from the hardware chip up to isolate, encrypt and secure your data, so you can better protect everything you care about. Google AR Core: This enables the tablet to leverage augmented reality (AR) to combine real world and virtual environments.7 Services such as AR Assist can bring workers information in the field, while AR Training can improve training of new hires. Ecosystem of Applications & Accessories The Galaxy Tab Active Pro offers businesses an open, yet secure system that enables them to tap into an ecosystem of partner applications and accessories, without compromising on the functionality of the overall tablet (i.e. use of S Pen). This function helps users manage tasks geared toward their industry, such as applications for asset management, factory automation, and public safety. Businesses can also access a secure SDK (software development kit) that leverages the Tab Active Pro to provide a customized mobile solution. This allows companies to create their own applications while taking full advantage of the functionality of the tablet. In addition, there is a range of accessories available, including professional-grade vehicle mounting for commercial fleets, hand straps for one-hand operation in factories, and multi-charging cradles for various industries.8 Secured by Knox and Ready for Business The Galaxy Tab Active Pro offers Samsung's innovative technology, including Knox Platform and DeX, for flexible and remote working capabilities. Samsung Knox, a defense-grade security platform built from the chip up, helps ensure protection across all deployed devices. Additionally, the tablet supports Knox Enterprise Solutions that provide a business IT administrator with tools to deploy, configure and manage the Tab Active Pro across a business. Knox Platform for Enterprise has been designed for high security use cases, including the needs of public organizations and regulated industries. It features advanced configuration and management options, robust VPN connectivity, and comprehensive data usage analytics.9 Knox Manage is a cost-effective, cloud-based EMM solution with an affordable license fee that provides a simple deployment process to help businesses address their security concerns. This security feature allows companies to restrict employees' access to certain apps or websites, and to remotely support devices or wipe them if they are lost.10 The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro is now available in Canada through Samsung Stores, Samsung.com, and Samsung's IT reseller partner channel. For more information and full product specifications on the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, visit https://www.samsung.com/ca/business/tablets/galaxy-tab-active-pro-t547/. About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, virtual reality and wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2019, Samsung was ranked as one of Canada's "Most Admired Brands" in Leger's Corporate Reputation Study." "Best Global Brands" list. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning corporate giving initiatives support public education and health-related issues in communities across the country. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com. Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada , or Instagram @samsungcanada or Twitter @SamsungCanada _______________________________ 1This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 21 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810G testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions. Please see the inbox Quick Sales Guide. 2IP68 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water or dust damage not covered by warranty. 3S Pen remote function reaches about 10 meters in an open space. Performance subject to circumstances. Air actions support may vary by app. Text export function supported only in the Samsung Notes app. Availability may vary by language. 4Valid for normal thin glove conditions, not for all gloves. 5Based on average battery life under typical usage conditions. Average expected performance based on typical use. Actual battery life depends on factors such as network, features selected, frequency of calls, and voice, data, and other application-usage patterns. Results may vary. 6DeX can be activated via Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro with third party accessories, sold separately. Accessories and monitor sold separately. Samsung DeX using an HDMI adapter, multi-port adapter or cable is available on Galaxy Tab Active Pro. Using a genuine Samsung HDMI adapter or cable qualified for Samsung DeX is recommended. Cable is sold separately and some functions may differ from DeX Pad. Certain apps may not run or may require license (for purchase) on Samsung DeX. 7 Galaxy Tab Active Pro is Google ARCore certified, a certification given to devices possessing the three capabilities of motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation used to integrate virtual content with the real world. 8 Accessories sold separately. 9 Sold separately. 10 Sold separately. SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada For further information: Jessika Horak, North Strategic (for Samsung Canada), [email protected] , 647-975-2960 Related Links http://www.samsung.com The Delhi High Court is scheduled to pronounce on Tuesday its verdict on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea to set aside bail granted to businessman Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, in a money laundering case connected with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. Justice Suresh Kait on December 13, 2019 reserved judgement on the plea of ED which had contended its objections against grant of bail to Puri were not considered by the trial court. It had also contended that grant of relief to him was an arbitrary exercise of power by the trial court and added that Puri was capable of influencing witnesses and destroying evidence in the case and these aspects were not appreciated by the lower court. The ED had also told the court that anticipatory bail plea of Puri was rejected for the reason that he could influence witnesses and destroy evidence and for the same reasons, he ought not to have been granted regular bail. Opposing ED's contentions, Puri's lawyers had told the court that there was "no overwhelming evidence" to warrant cancellation or setting aside of the bail granted to him on December 2, 2019 by a trial court. Granting him the relief, the trial court had directed Puri, who was in the ED custody since September 4, not to "tamper with evidence" or "try to contact or influence the witnesses". In the present VVIP chopper scam case, Puri was named as an accused in the sixth chargesheet filed by the ED. The trial court had noted that the "co-accused having similar or greater role than the role of present accused have already been enlarged on bail." According to the ED, the role of Puri was that his foreign entities received proceeds of crime directly from Interstellar Technologies Ltd, a co-accused in the case, and that he had received funds from both the chains of money laundering involved in the present matter. The ED had filed the supplementary prosecution complaint (ED's equivalent to a charge sheet) against Puri and Jaspreet Ahuja in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case. In January 2014, India had scrapped a contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary, AgustaWestland, for supplying 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks worth Rs 423 crore being paid to secure the deal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Ukrainian defence jet will bring the remains of the 11 nationals killed in a plane crash in Iran, said the country's Secretary of National Security and Defence Council Oleksiy Danilov. "The Ukrainian Defence Ministry's plane will return from Tehran only after completing all the procedures and when we are able to pick up the bodies of all 11 Ukrainian citizens who died in a plane crash," Sputnik quoted Danilov as saying. The Boeing 737 jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines took off on early Wednesday from Tehran for Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Minutes after taking off, it disappeared from radar. Eighty-two Iranians, 63 Canadians, and 11 Ukrainians died in the crash, which took place between the cities of Parand and Shahriar. There were also 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three British nationals among the victims. Days later, Iran had admitted that the jetliner was "accidentally" shot down by missiles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An untrustworthy president doesnt suddenly become believable when the threat of war looms on the horizon. According to an old saying, Truth is the first casualty of war. But even before the United States and Iran reached the point where they were firing missiles at one another, the truth had been preemptively killed. Donald Trumps mendacity is legendary and unprecedented. During his public speeches, he often amends his statements with Believe me. But it doesnt make sense to blithely believe a president who tells lies the biggest lies -- as often as Trump does. In remarks made at the White House Thursday, Trump said that the United States was justified in assassinating Qasem Soleimani on an airstrip in Baghdad because the Iranian general was planning to blow up the U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital. "We did it because they were looking to blow up our embassy. We also did it for other reasons that were very obvious. Somebody died, one of our military people died. People were badly wounded just a week before." At a campaign rally in Toledo later Thursday, Trump repeated the claim about the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad being in Soleimanis crosshairs. Members of Congress who received a briefing about the attack that killed Soleimani say they werent told anything about a threat to any U.S. embassies. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who gave an interview to Fox News Thursday, said of Soleimanis alleged plans to attack: We dont know precisely when -- and we dont know precisely where Soleimani was going to strike. But by Friday morning, Pompeo had taken a step toward the presidents claim, asserting in a White House briefing that Soleimani was planning a broad, large-scale attack on U.S. facilities, its embassies included. At Fridays briefing, NBC News Peter Alexander asked Pompeo about the alleged threat to the U.S. Embassy, specifically, Why can you say that here, and the president can say it at a rally in Toledo, but no one said it to lawmakers behind closed doors in a classified setting, as multiple senators have since said? Pompeo said, We did. Alexander, So the senators are lying when they say that --- Pompeo: We told them about the imminent threat Alexander: To be clear, you told them that embassies were ... to be targeted? That was the imminent threat? Pompeo: Im not going to talk about the details of what we shared in the classified setting. It seems important to remember that the United States invaded Iraq in 2003 after falsely claiming that its dictator, Saddam Hussein, was in possession of weapons of mass destruction. We wouldnt have soldiers in Iraq now if not for that bogus claim. Now were justifying our attack on the second-most powerful person in Iran with a claim that sounds just as bogus and, to boot, comes from an administration that shamelessly lies even in relatively peaceful times. Are we really expected to take Trump and Pompeo at their word? In 2011, 2012 and again in 2013, Trump predicted via tweet that President Barack Obama whose approval rating never dipped as low as Trumps lowest approval rating would attack Iran in an attempt to increase his popularity and bolster his chances at re-election. Obviously Obama didnt do that, but Trumps cynical prediction that his predecessor would attack Iran for reasons unrelated to Irans ability to hurt us seems to reveal Trumps belief that attacking Iran would be an effective diversionary tactic. The Wall Street Journal, quoting Trump associates, said the president told those associates after Soleimani was killed that GOP senators he needs to prevent his removal from office in the forthcoming impeachment trial had been pressuring him to take care of Soleimani. The presidents defenders want to emphasize Soleimanis history of aggression toward the United States military and its interests. Soleimanis history of targeting Americans isnt irrelevant, but its also not the only thing that matters. What happens next? Will Iran really stand down after a show of firing missiles at U.S. bases in Baghdad? Even if Tehran has done all its going to do, there may be other implications to assassinating Soleimani. Iraqs parliament responded by demanding that the United States leave that country, and even if we dont leave, it appears that anti-American sentiment in Iraq has just spiked. Soleimani had previously cooperated with the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. Will increased hostilities give ISIS time to regroup and strengthen? We seem to always overestimate our ability to control what happens in the Middle East. Before our 2003 invasion of Iraq, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said he couldnt say if fighting would last five days, or five weeks or five months. But it certainly isnt going to last any longer than that. We already have a recent history of overexaggerating the enemys capabilities to justify attacks, and now we have a leader who exaggerates or misstates everything: from the number of people who attended his inauguration to the country responsible for interfering in the 2016 election to which states will be hit by a hurricane. Believe me, he says. Who among us will? Jarvis DeBerry is a columnist at cleveland.com and a member of the editorial board. Reach him at jdeberry@cleveland.com or on Twitter at @jarvisdeberry. The Facility for Energy Inclusion's Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (FEI OGEF) has reached a final equity close with $59 million in committed equity capital and $36 million debt facilities, to support innovative, off-grid energy access companies. The final close, reached on 18 November 2019, was made possible through a $15 million equity contribution from the European Union (EU), and a further $17 million from KfW, acting on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Additionally, the EU is providing $2 million to fund a technical assistance facility, to enhance local currency financing. Other OGEF equity investors include the Nordic Development Fund and All On Calvert Impact Capital and the Prudential Insurance Company of America. OGEF expects to raise further debt towards its $130 million target over the next 12-18 months. The African Development Bank (AfDB.org) is the fund's anchor sponsor with a $30 million contribution, and $8.5 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Welcoming the EU and KfW contributions, Wale Shonibare, the Bank's acting Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, emphasized the strategic importance of FEI in delivering the Bank's renewable energy strategy for Africa, and the global SDG7 goal of energy access. "We are pleased to welcome the participation of like-minded partners in our shared ambition to promote access to modern, reliable and sustainable energy in Africa, and to enhance private sector participation in order deliver electricity to underserved communities in Africa," he said. Modern, high-quality off-grid connections can transform lives, Babette Stein von Kamienski, KfW's Director of Power and Energy in Southern Africa, noted. "KfW and BMZ have invested in OGEF to support this collaborative effort to advance climate friendly off-grid energy in Africa, demonstrating that off-grid solutions can complement sustained grid electrification to accelerate electricity access to millions of Africans," she said Originally supported by a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), FEI OGEF is currently managed by Lion's Head Global Partners. "We are proud to have reached this milestone and excited to play a meaningful role in growing the sector and serve customers who are not currently served by traditional electricity grids. The off-grid market potential is massive and on track to transform electricity access in Africa as we know it," said Harry Guinness, Fund Manager of OGEF. FEI OGEF had its first close in November 2018 with committed capital of $58 million and has since closed a number of deals in the energy access space. These include an $8 million local currency loan to BBOXX in Rwanda for the expansion of its solar home systems business and a $2.5 million inventory financing loan to SunCulture in Kenya, for the scaling up of its pay-as-you-go solar irrigation kits business to smallholder farmers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org Technical Contact: Joao Duarte Cunha Manager, Renewable Energy Email: J.CUNHA@AFDB.ORG About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (AfDB.org) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 37 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Monday demanded that the state government and the Mumbai civic body provide funds to the two cash-strapped Wadia Hospitals in the city. The Parel-based Bai Jerabai Wadia Hospital for children and Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, having over 800 beds for catering to children and women, have been discharging patients due to inability to run the facilities. According to reports in a section of media, the hospitals, which receive aid from the civic body and government, are facing cash crunch due to unpaid funds from the BMC and the state government. Staging a protest outside the hospital, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS demanded that the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) provide funds for proper running of the facilities. The protest was led by MNS chief's wife Sharmila Thackeray. Former MLA Bala Nandgaokar and other party workers also participated in the protest. MNS general secretary Rita Gupta said the hospital administration had not paid salaries to the employees, hence patients were unable to get proper treatment and medicines. Gupta said they contacted BMC Commissioner and other officials of the civic administration, but the issue was not resolved, forcing them to stage the protest. Staff members and nurses of the hospital also staged a protest on Saturday, demanding early clearance of their salaries and pensions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) She balances a fitness empire with motherhood. And Tammy Hembrow doted on her adorable son Wolf, four, in a clip shared to Instagram Stories on Monday. Enjoying a night of 'snuggles and Disney', the 25-year-old told her followers that Wolf announced he's going to college when he's old enough. 'I'll stay with you until I'm big': Tammy Hembrow, 25, (pictured) shared an adorable video of son Wolf, four, to Instagram Stories on Monday, where he announced he's going to college Lounging around in sweats and sporting a clay face mask, Tammy said in the video: 'So Wolf just told me that soon he's going to college.' 'Excuse me little boy, do you know you're too little to go to college?' she asked Wolf. The youngster looked cute as a button in a striped T-shirt and pants, and grinned at his famous mother. 'Why?' he asked, to which she responded: 'Because you're only four-years-old. Why do you want to leave me?' Addressing her followers: Lounging around in sweats and sporting a clay face mask, Tammy said in the video: 'So Wolf just told me that soon he's going to college' Precious: 'Will you stay with me forever?' Tammy asked the youngster (pictured). 'Or just until you're big?' Wolf sweetly told his mother: 'I'll stay with you until I'm big' 'Will you stay with me forever?' Tammy asked. 'Or just until you're big?' 'I'll stay with you until I'm big,' Wolf sweetly told his mother. Tammy shares Wolf and daughter Saskia, three, with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, 24. The blonde bombshell spoke candidly about juggling a multi-billion dollar fitness empire with motherhood, in an interview with Women's Best in October last year. Co-parenting: Tammy shares Wolf and daughter Saskia, three, with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins Balancing act: The blonde bombshell spoke candidly about juggling a multi-billion dollar fitness empire with motherhood, in an interview with Women's Best in October last year 'Being a mum and running a business is still a juggling act for me,' she admitted. 'I honestly just try my best to manage my time and plan, but as a mum, you know that sometimes planning goes out the window.' 'I've definitely learned not to beat myself up about failure,' Tammy continued. The Gold Coast native added that being a mother has also made her 'more resilient'. (Alliance News) - Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said his US counterpart told him that Washington "is poised at the doorstep, pen in hand, ready to sign a deal" on trade. Opening Queen's Speech debate on Britain's place in the world, Raab also said leaving the EU will give the country the chance to boost its global presence. He told MPs: "We will strengthen our historic trade ties as we leave the EU whilst boosting Britain's competitiveness by tapping wide and global markets. "And we want strong trade with our existing partners a they are important and valuable as a market to us, I don't think anyone doubts that. "At the same time we're making good progress in paving the way for our first round of future free trade agreements with the rest of the world, and when I was out in the US, secretary of state Mike Pompeo told me in Washington that the US is poised at the doorstep, pen in hand, ready to sign a deal. "And a free trade deal with the US would boost businesses, it would create jobs, it would reduce the cost of living and expand consumer choice on both sides of the Atlantic. So there is a huge opportunity for a win-win deal." Raab added: "This year we have the opportunity a and I think the honour and the privilege a to host the UN climate change summit, COP 26, in Glasgow, and that is the UK's chance to demonstrate global leadership on climate change. "Under the Conservatives, we're the first country to legislate to end our contribution to global warming." His opposite number, Labour leadership contender Emily Thornberry, attacked Boris Johnson's record when he was foreign secretary, comparing him to Dorothy's three bumbling companions in The Wizard Of Oz. She said: "We now have a Prime Minister in placea for the next five years with no heart when it comes to human rights and civilian deaths, no brain when it comes to Donald Trump and the fate of jailed Britons, and no courage when it comes to taking on tyrants overseas. "When it comes to foreign policy, he's the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion rolled into one." She was nearly censured by deputy Commons speaker Dame Eleanor Laing following a point of order by Tory backbencher James Gray, who questioned if her remarks were "in the highest standards of this House". Dame Eleanor said: "I'm sure the right honourable lady will note that I was listening very carefully and my interpretation was that had the right honourable lady said that any member of this House was a Cowardly Lion, or words to that effect, I would have stopped her. "But I have given her the benefit of the doubt in that she was drawing an allegory from a well-known piece of fiction." source: PA Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. The first Canada-Ukraine CoProduction Meetings will be held at the European Film Market in Berlin on February 21. The event was announced by the Ukrainian Motion Picture Association and the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine. The Canada-Ukraine CoProduction Meetings will be held with the support of the Ukrainian State Film Agency, the agency's press service reports. The two-hour event will take place as part of the European Film Market at the 2020 Berlinale International Film Festival (Berlin, Germany) on February 21. The exact time and venue will be announced to the registered participants later, the statement reads. As noted, the aim of the event is to promote the development of Canada-Ukraine co-production, to familiarize Ukrainian producers with the possibilities of cooperation with Canada, to introduce Canadian producers to the advantages and features of partnership with Ukraine, to make acquaintances among producers from Canada and Ukraine. The audiovisual co-production agreement between the governments of Ukraine and Canada was signed on July 2, 2019. The agreement is expected to be ratified in the coming months and will open up new opportunities for partnership. ol Thousands of people were left without power in Kerry, the first county to be hit by the storm called after its native saint, Brendan on Monday morning. Dozens of trees were brought down. At one point 10,000 customers had no electricity, but most were expected to be restored by Monday night with council and ESB crews battling hail and heavy rain to clear roads and fix power lines. South Kerry was one of the worst affected early on Monday with practically every house in Cahersiveen and Waterville left without power. However most of the countys 700 kms of coastline was affected with power and communications lines brought down. At one point up to fifteen trees lay across roads, with Kenmare and Lauragh and the Beara Peninsula badly affected. Mid morning, the Killarney National Park including Muckross House and Killarney House announced it had closed its gates to the public, advising walkers to stay away from the park with its thousands of trees. The storm in Kerry peaked at 11am with lashing rain and hail storms on higher ground. The early morning Kerry to Dublin flight was cancelled and a number of scheduled events in Tralee were postponed. Kolkata, Jan 13 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out searches at over 11 locations here, including the residence of former Border Security Force (BSF) commandant Zibi D. Mathew, in connection with its probe into an alleged hawala racket. A senior ED official said that multiple teams of the financial probe agency carried out the raids at over 11 places in the city over suspicion of hawala operatives and their shell companies. A senior UK politician has dismissed suggestions Meghan Markle has been subjected to racist press coverage. Home Secretary Priti Patel was asked about the media reaction to Meghan and Prince Harrys decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set for crunch talks about their future roles with the Queen and the Duke of Cambridge at Sandringham on Monday. At the weekend, it was reported that Prince William said he can no longer put his arm around his brother. Ms Patel said she had not seen any debates or commentary about Ms Markle that she thought were racist despite claims that racism has driven negative media reports. In November 2016, Harry lashed out at the wave of abuse and harassment the US actress had faced from the media citing the racial undertones of comment pieces among his concerns. Ms Patel, speaking to the BBC, rejected suggestions the Duchess of Sussex had been subjected to racist press coverage. She said: Im not in that category at all where I believe theres racism at all. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have talks with other royals about their roles on Monday. (Reuters) I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life. Asked if the media had been in any way racist, she replied: I dont think so, no. I certainly havent seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature. Mondays meeting is expected to be attended by the Queen, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles, while Ms Markle is expected to join the talks by phone from Canada. ROYAL CRISIS READ MORE FROM YAHOO UK What 'stepping back' from Royal family really means Queen 'perplexed' about Meghan and Harry's new role Megxit: How the world reacted to dramatic move The Duchess of Sussex plans to work with a number of brands, including Disney and Givenchy, following the decision to step back from royal duties. It has been reported that Charles could cut back his funding for the Sussexes following their controversial move. Story continues Ms Patel refused to comment on future security arrangements for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex if they step back from royal life. Home secretary Priti Patel has spoken out about the Duchess of Sussex. (PA) Im not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the Royal Family or for any protected individuals thats thoroughly inappropriate for me to do so. At this moment in time, right now, the Royal Family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that theyre dealing with. -Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK- New Delhi: Looks like the call to strategise over CAA by interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has not evoked much-needed response from the other key partners in the Opposition as major parties have decided to skip the crucial meet that is convened by Gandhi later in the day. After West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee, other major Opposition parties have also announced that they will not attend the meet over CAA. As speculated by many, Delhi Chief Minister and AAPs national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will also skip the meet. There was a buzz that Kejriwal wants to devote his time only on the preparations of the Delhi Assembly Polls, which are scheduled for next month. The third big jolt to the Congress came on Monday when the Bahujan Samaj party also announced that it will skip the meet. BSP chief Mayawati took to Twitter to formally make the announcement. News Nation has now learnt that Shiv Sena, an ally of the Congress in Maharashtra government, is also likely to remain absent at the meet. Sources have told News Nation that the party had not received any invite from the Congress. The Congress Mantra The Congress Working Committee has already passed a resolution asking the government to withdraw the CAA and stop work on the National Population Register (NPR). Assemblies in Congress-ruled States are also likely to follow the Kerala Assembly in bringing resolutions to not implement the CAA. Also Read: Youth Being Misguided On Citizenship Amendment Act: PM Modi Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, Sonia Gandhi had said thousands of young men and women, especially students have realized the "grave harm" that implementation of the new Citizenship law will cause. They have taken to the streets braving the cold as well as police brutalities, Gandhi said. "We demand that a comprehensive high-powered commission be constituted to enquire into the incidents connected with the anti-CAA protests and give justice to the affected persons," she said. Upset Mamata Also Read: Prashant Kishor 'Thanks' Congress For Resolution Against CAA, BJP Fumes On January 9, Mamata Banerjee had said that she will not attend the Opposition meet. News Nation had reported that the West Bengal Chief Minister had taken the decision as she was upset with both the Left and the Congress because she thought both the parties vandalised public property in the name of bandh. Sources in Trinamool said that Banerjee had said that she does not support such violence and she will not participate in something, which is related to the Left and the Congress. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Not all observers faulted only Iran after the nation admitted to firing a missile that downed a Ukrainian commercial airliner in Tehran and killed 176 people last week. On Sunday, the chief executive of a Canadian food giant took to the company's corporate Twitter account to seemingly blame President Trump for the deaths of Canadian citizens aboard the plane, including the wife and child of a Maple Leaf Foods employee, after Trump inflamed Iran to retaliate to the U.S. drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani earlier this month. "A colleague of mine lost his wife and family this week to a needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran," Maple Leaf Foods CEO Michael McCain tweeted. "U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes." McCain did not name Trump but blamed the downing of the airplane on "a narcissist in Washington" who had escalated tensions between the United States and Iran to a "feverish pitch" in the days after the president ordered the drone strike in Baghdad. McCain said he was "very angry" after one of his employees lost his wife and 11-year-old son in the crash. "The collateral damage of this irresponsible, dangerous, ill-conceived behavior?" McCain tweeted. "63 Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son)! We are mourning and I am livid." (The number of Canadian citizens killed in the crash was revised from 63 to 57 last week.) The collision killed all 176 people on board, most of them heading to Toronto. After denying responsibility for the crash for days, Iranian officials admitted Saturday that a missile operator had 10 seconds to decide whether to shoot the plane, confusing it for a U.S. military craft in what Iranian officials called a "human error." McCain declined an interview request late Sunday and Maple Leaf Foods did not provide additional information about the employee who lost his wife and child. A spokeswoman for the company told The Washington Post in an email that the CEO wanted to let the tweets "speak for themselves" and added that McCain "felt the tragedy warranted his response." The White House did not respond to a request for comment late Sunday. The Trump administration has struggled to fully explain the intelligence reports behind the drone strike that killed Soleimani, as Democrats and some Republicans argue that military leaders did not have evidence of an "imminent attack" that would have justified the strike. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that he "didn't see" intelligence suggesting that four U.S. embassies had been targeted by militants supported by Soleimani, as Trump claimed last week. Despite that statement, Esper insisted that he shared the "president's view" regarding the threat of an attack on Americans in the region. McCain is not the only person to blame aggressive tactics by American leaders for the downing of the plane. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed at escalated tensions with the United States. "Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster," he tweeted Friday. "Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations." But many Iranian citizens have blamed the nation's leaders for the civilian deaths. Anti-government protests erupted in Iran on Saturday. Frustrated with the country's top officials for not immediately taking responsibility for the crash, Iranian demonstrators called for the resignation of key political figures, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters shouted, "Our shame . . . our stupid Supreme Leader!" in videos of demonstrations shared on social media on Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani agreed to investigate the error and compensate the families of those killed in the crash, which he called an "unforgivable mistake." He said Iran must "address the weaknesses of the nation's defense systems to make sure such a disaster is never repeated." The Maple Leaf Foods tweets spread widely in just a few hours, racking up more than 13,000 retweets and nearly 45,000 likes by early Monday. McCain's decision to use his position to criticize the top U.S. officials surprised many. One common sentiment repeated by those sharing the CEO's thread noted how rare it is for senior executives to weigh in on thorny political issues. As noted by business magazine Fast Company, even under pressure from activists American companies weigh in on domestic politics very rarely - usually when it affects their business. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Iran's admission an "important step" on Saturday. "This tragedy should have never occurred, and I want to assure you that you have my full support during this extraordinarily difficult time," Trudeau said at a vigil for victims on Sunday. "You give us purpose to pursue justice and accountability for you. We will not rest until there are answers." live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Note: The above list contains stocks that are part of the BSE500 index in 2020. It makes sense for investors to hold onto stocks for more than 10 years for long-term wealth creation, but can the same stocks be considered for the next 10 years? Expert View The first and foremost thing which investors have to understand that things change in a decade, and what worked 10 years back might not be even relevant now; hence, portfolio churning is important. Investors should re-balance their portfolio after 10 years and book profits in stocks which have already rallied or the business model is not sustainable. In the last 10 years, lot of changes have happened in the economy with the service sector now accounting for more than 60% of the GDP. The composition of Indices has undergone a major change in the last 10 years. There has been a shift from old economy to new economy stocks and sectors, Rusmik Oza, Sr. VP (Head of Fundamental Research-PCG), Kotak Securities told Moneycontrol. Many non-cyclical sectors and stocks who have the businesses in the B-2-C model can continue to be wealth generators in the next 10 years. Many of the new age growing businesses will have more listed stocks in the next few years and could be the future wealth generators: he said. Businesses like insurance, asset management, retail, healthcare, small finance banks, specialty chemicals, fintech, CRAMs, eCommerce could be wealth-generating sectors in the coming years. 813 Shares Share The recent pardon of a convicted child rapist by the ex-Kentucky Governor has sparked a lot of controversies. The basis of the pardon was- the victims hymen was noted to be physically intact. Evolving studies have continuously shown that the hymen is not a reliable or accurate means to conclude sexual assault. But if physical damage is the only criterion used to assess the effect of sexual assault, then our children may be far from healing. What about socially or mentally? Are these victims intact, and are these ever considered? Watching and reading the details of the news, I couldnt help but feel multiple emotions. As a mother, this saddened me. As a pediatrician, I know there are different forms of child sexual abuse (CSA) that do not leave a physical imprint, but socially and mentally, they are engraved in the patient forever. Reading the news pulled several patients from my memory box patients who have been through similar trauma managed in my ER for multiple abnormal behavior manifestations, suicide ideations or attempts. But the memory that drew closer to home, as a mother with a toddler, was that of Sallie. Sallie was an early preschool girl without any medical history or developmental delay. I was evaluating her in our emergency room for several days of fever. As a pediatrician, many causes would come to mind, but in a female with fevers with no other symptoms, a urinary tract infection is a likely cause of illness you wouldnt want to miss. You wouldnt expect Sallie to be in a diaper at her age, but she was. Distraught as to why a mother wouldnt potty-train her child at the right age, I discussed with Sallies mother how obtaining urine from her with a urinary catheter might be an option if she is unable to urinate in a cup. Before my eyes, things began to unfold. Sallies mother began to cry uncontrollably as she confessed her child changed after a family trip when she was sexually abused by an uncle. Details are yet to be fully revealed by this innocent toddler who only kept stating, He put a monster in my mouth and touched it on my wee-wee. It is uncertain if this innocent girl is too naive or too traumatized to detail her ordeal. This patient who was previously fully potty-trained and chatty, has reclined to diapers and a few words. She had commenced therapy five months ago, but family is yet to see a change to the child they knew before, both in speech and other normal childhood development. Is Sallie still physically intact? Probably yes, if there was no vaginal penetration, but socially, developmentally and mentally, she and her mother would never be intact. The prevalence of CSA is underestimated because it is underreported. A 2009 meta-analysis noted an estimated 7.9 percent of males and 19.7 percent of females universally faced sexual abuse before the age of 18 years. The short and long term effects of CSA continue to be studied, but research shows multiple negative effects on development, mental, and social health both in children and in their adult lives. A significant number of the behavior patients who I evaluate in the emergency room are presenting as a manifestation of one previous childhood trauma or the other, including child sexual abuse. Some of them are brought in suicidal intent or attempts or as disruptive and aggressive patients who require medication to be calmed and mentally assessed. Deep within me, I wish I could erase the trauma they ever faced. I also wish I could make perpetrators understand that their forced sexual act and pleasure of a few seconds or minutes negatively changes the lives of children and families forever. So for the perpetrators pardon, Im all for giving people second chances. So lets forgive because we want to give them second chances and not because the victim was physically intact. Because when I see these patients in my emergency room, I know that they may appear physically intact, but in other aspects of well-being social, emotional, and beyond a sexually assaulted child may never be intact. Nkeiruka U. Orajiaka is an emergency physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Several of the 10 bills taken up Monday morning were combined because they were similar. The only proposal that did not advance was one filed by Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax), which he moved to strike at the start of the meeting. The measure, which called for a ban on the sale and possession of assault weapons, had caused an uproar since it would have required people who legally purchased the guns in the past to give them up. Iran summons UK envoy over his attendance at 'illegal' rally DUBAI (Reuters) : Iran summoned the UK envoy on Sunday to complain about his attendance at an "illegal" rally in Tehran to commemorate those killed in a Ukrainian airliner mistakingly downed by the country's military forces, Iranian Foreign Ministry's website reported. "Today, Rob Macaire was summoned because of his unconventional behavior of attending an illegal rally on Saturday," the report said. Britain said earlier that its ambassador in Iran had been briefly detained on Saturday, which Iranian media said was because he was inciting anti-government protests. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could give a tell-all interview to their friend Oprah Winfrey if they do not get their way in showdown talks with the royal family at Sandringham, palace aides fear. Meghan's US PR team is already close to Oprah, as well as several American TV networks who could host a potential no-holds barred interview, where she and Harry could 'sound off' about the royal family's 'racism and sexism'. Harry will come face to face with the Queen today, along with Prince Charles and Prince William as the family try and carve out the new 'progressive' roles that the Sussexes crave. Meghan will join in from Canada, where she is staying with baby Archie, by telephone. Alienating Harry and Meghan further could push them into giving a potentially disastrous interview, which could lead to more controversy with the couple planning to reveal all of the challenges they have faced within the family. One insider has even claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex feel they have been pushed out by Prince William's 'bullying attitude'. Palace aides hears that upsetting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by not giving them what they want could lead to a disastrous tell-all interview As well as Oprah Winfrey, Meghan's team is believed to have contacted television networks ABC, NBC and CBS for a potential interview Tom Bradby, the ITV journalist who spoke to the Sussexes in their bombshell documentary last year, has already warned that a 'no-holds barred' interview could be in the offing. As well as Oprah, Meghan's team is believed to have contacted the television networks ABC, NBC and CBS. Meghan's mother Doria has also been seen leaving Oprah's home. Now, a royal source has said: 'Harry and Meghan's people have been reaching out to all the big US networks to explore the possibilities of a sit-down warts-and-all interview. 'Meghan feels she's been silenced and is no longer prepared to be muted. She and Harry feel the royals have been racist and sexist.' Another source told the Telegraph that the palace feared a potential interview. They said: 'Just look at what happened with the Duke of York on Newsnight.' Mr Bradby has previously suggested it is in the interests of the royal household to keep the couple on-side. Writing in the Sunday Times, he said: 'I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holes-barred sit down interview and I don't think it would be pretty.' The relationship between Harry and his brother William is expected to come under particular scrutiny if an interview airs. One insider claims that Harry and Meghan feel 'bullied' by William, while it was reported yesterday that the Duke of Cambridge had spoken of his sadness at the broken bond with Harry. The Queen (pictured attending church at Sandringham on Sunday), who was left deeply hurt by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge, has summoned Princes Charles, William and Harry for a crisis meeting to resolve the Sussexes future Scene of the showdown: Members of the family will gather at the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk for a historic royal summit, where their task is to come up with a 'direction of travel' for the prince and Meghan Royal aides have prepared Sandringham's grand Long Library, which used to be a bowling alley, for the crunch talks between senior members of the Family on Monday Prince Charles has jetted back from Oman where he offered his condolences to the country's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said (right) over the death of previous Sultan Qaboos bin Said who died age 79 on Friday 'I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more; we're separate entities,' he told a friend according to the Sunday Times. 'I'm sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope the time comes when we're all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the same team.' Prince William will be present at the talks today, as will Prince Charles who has jetted back from Oman after paying his respects following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Friday. Harry is expected to be warned later today that there are formidable obstacles to overcome before he can stand down as a senior royal. As members of the family gather at Sandringham for a historic royal summit, their task is to come up with a 'direction of travel' for the prince and Meghan. Aides have been working around the clock to come up with a range of options for the couple since they issued their bombshell statement saying they planned to step back from frontline duties and divide their time between the UK and North America, while retaining their royal privileges. The Queen who was left deeply hurt by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge made clear to courtiers she wanted the problem sorted 'within days' to prevent further damage to the monarchy. But while staff have managed to achieve the unthinkable in preparing a series of proposals to put on the table, Harry will also be warned that the crisis is not over yet. There have already been consultations between the UK and Canadian governments, but working out the detail is likely to take weeks or months rather than days. Behind the scenes, consultations have highlighted a range of stumbling blocks, such as issues of residency, visas, tax and security that may take some time to iron out, depending on what path the couple want to go down. Journalist and close confidante of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tom Bradby has warned that if the Royal couple are left feeling hard done by, they may give a 'no-holds barred' interview which would could further damage the monarchy Journalist Tom Bradby (pictured) is thought to be a good friend to both Prince Harry and Meghan. The Royal couple opened up to him in ITV documentary 'Harry & Meghan: An African Journey' The Queen has called for a solution that is workable not just for Harry and Meghan but could also apply to following generations. However, courtiers fear that Meghan would brand the royal household racist and sexist if left unsatisfied by a decision. Mr Bradby believes Harry is determined to 'make the best' of the situation they have found themselves in, and believe they are taking a positive step which could also pave the way for future generations including Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Harry decided to pull the plug on his royal role without a thought for William and his family, according to insiders. They say he is so caught up in his own misery he hasnt considered the fall-out for the brother he was once inseparable from and his little niece and nephews. When it was put to Harry last week that he needed to discuss his plans with William at least before pressing the nuclear button, he made clear he hadnt any intention of doing so. Neither had it occurred to him that there would also be ramifications for the young Cambridge children, George, six, Charlotte, four, and Louis, just one. The siblings have only seen their cousin Archie, eight months, once or twice since he was born. He is so caught up with his own problems and just hadnt thought through how it would affect everyone else, said a source with intimate knowledge of the weeks events. Friends say the rift between the two is so deep now that it is unlikely to be repaired for the foreseeable future. Courtiers fear that Meghan would brand the royal household racist and sexist in an interview The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made it clear they plan to carve out a more 'progressive' path for themselves within the royal family Tom Bradby and Prince Harry on ITV documentary 'Harry & Meghan: An African Journey' Writing in the Times, he added that Harry and Meghan find members of the Royal Family, excluding the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, 'jealous and, at times, unfriendly' Bradby claimed that the foundations for the rift were laid at the time of their wedding in 2018 He added that William 'did try' to make amends with the Duke and Duchess but 'for the moment, at least, things have gone too far to be retrieved.' Mr Bradby is considered a good friend to both Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as brother Prince William. Meghan Markle sneaked back to Vancouver island mansion on 134 budget flight Idyllic: The royal couple have been living in a luxury 10.7million property on Vancouver Island Meghan Markle sneaked back to the Vancouver island mansion where she spent Christmas on a 134 budget flight after jetting back to Canada in the wake of shock Royal resignation announcement, it is understood. With the runaway Royals' finances and spending under fierce scrutiny, film of her arrival courtesy of Canada's WestJet airline might have provided welcome publicity, but she eluded waiting TV crews who, assuming she was coming in on a private jet, focused their attention elsewhere. With no return flight booked and no official UK engagements, she could remain in Canada for the foreseeable future and, when he arrives, so too could Harry. Advertisement Writing in the Times, he added that the couple find members of the Royal Family, excluding the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, 'jealous and, at times, unfriendly.' He claimed that the foundations for the rift were laid at the time of their wedding in 2018. 'Really damaging things were said and done. The atmosphere soured hard and early, but few meaningful attempts were made by anyone to heal the wounds,' Mr Bradby wrote. He said that William 'did try' to make amends with the Duke and Duchess but 'for the moment, at least, things have gone too far to be retrieved.' Tom Bradby's ITV documentary 'Harry & Meghan: An African Journey' aired in October, during which Meghan revealed she was 'existing not living' while Harry spoke out about his struggles with mental health. Bradby said that the watershed documentary was his idea and that it took 'a great deal of persuasion' for the couple to agree to make the documentary about their personal life, as they had wanted the focus to be on their work in Africa. In the documentary, Harry told Bradby how he still struggles to deal with the 'incredibly raw' death of his mother, Princess Diana. He also admitted that his anxieties require 'constant management' and said felt he and his brother were on 'different paths'. He also attacked the press over the public scrutiny that he and wife Meghan Markle have faced. Mr Bradby spoke to the couple during an ITV documentary (pictured) where they told of their struggles of living in the spotlight Meghan told Tom Bradby in October that they are just 'surviving' intense media attention and the scrutiny they face is unfair Meghan meanwhile told of the the pressure of life in the spotlight, saying she had 'no idea' of the struggles she would deal with as a member of the Royal Family. What will be discussed at the summit? 1. Whether Harry and Meghan will keep their HRH titles. 2. The volume of royal duties the couple will still be expected to perform both in the UK and abroad. 3. The Duke and Duchess's funding and whether they will receive money from the Queen and Prince Charles after they are cut off from the sovereign grant cash supply. 4. Rules regarding the commercial deals the couple will be allowed to broker in their move to becoming 'financially independent'. Advertisement She revealed her friends warned her not to marry Harry because the media focus would 'destroy your life', and admitted that since the wedding and during her pregnancy she felt 'vulnerable.' Earlier this week, Mr Bradby insisted that it was 'certainly not true' to suggest the royal household was 'blindsided' by their decision to step down from senior roles within the monarchy, but Her Majesty was angered by the timing of the announcement. Bradby said: 'It's certainly not true to say the palace were blindsided by this. The couple's view was they came back and wanted to talk to the family about their plans. 'It had been made clear to them in their absence there was going to be a slimmed down monarchy and they weren't really a part of it.' The ITV News presenter said that it was 'certainly not true' to suggest the royal household was 'blindsided' by their decision to step down from the senior roles in the monarchy 'I've put my arm around my brother all our lives. I can't do it any more': Prince William reveals 'sadness' at broken bond with Prince Harry and how they are no longer a 'team' - as Queen fears for her fragile grandson ahead of showdown Prince William is desperately sad that the close relationship he once enjoyed with Prince Harry has soured, it was claimed by a friend. The Duke of Cambridge has said he is unable to even 'put an arm round' his younger brother nowadays, after a rift saw them drift apart over the past year. Harry and Meghan's intention to quit as senior Royals has widened the gulf between the two siblings, with William understood to be 'incandescent' over his brother's blindsiding of the Family. But as the brothers gear up to come face-to-face at the Queen's high-stakes crisis summit at Sandringham on Monday, the second-in-line to the throne confided in a friend his raw agony over the cracked sibling bond. He said: 'I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more - we're separate entities,' according to the Sunday Times. William also spoke of his frustration that Harry is no longer part of the 'team' by deciding to become 'financially independent' in a pared-back Royal role. Yet he hopes that there will 'come a time' when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be 'singing from the same page' once again. The Queen, who was pictured ashen-faced behind the wheel of her Land Rover today, is also said to be concerned for the mental fragility of her grandson Harry. It also emerged the Duke of Sussex pulled the trigger on his abdication decision because he feared his wife, who had not settled well in the UK, was 'on the brink' and could suffer a meltdown if she remained in the country permanently. Anxious to avoid exacerbating an already tense situation, the Royal Family is keen to tread carefully. A source said: 'There is no suggestion that they will be punished or stripped of their Royal titles or HRH status. Everyone wants to find a solution to this as quickly as possible.' After laying down a 72-hour ultimatum to aides on Friday to hammer out a solution to the Sussexes' future roles, Her Majesty summoned Princes Charles, William and Harry to her Norfolk Estate to put an end to the turmoil ravaging the monarchy - while Meghan is expected to join the discussions via a conference call from Canada. Prince William is desperately sad that the once close relationship he enjoyed with Prince Harry has been wrecked, it was claimed by a friend on Saturday night Scene of the showdown: The Queen has summoned Princes Charles, William and Harry to her Sandringham Estate (pictured) on Monday for unprecedented crisis talks to resolve the Sussex situation Courtiers have quickly crashed together a document outlining several blueprints for Harry and Meghan's new position within the Royal ranks. Palace staff will also spell out the punitive taxes which could be inflicted on the couple, should they press ahead with their plans to resign from frontline duties. However, the Sandringham Summit will extend to the 'next steps' for the entire monarchy, which is staring down the barrel of its worst crisis since 1992's Annus Horriblis, when both Charles and Diana, and Andrew and Sarah Ferguson both divorced. Commentators have drawn parallels between the New Way Ahead Group - when the senior Royals bunkered down 28 years ago to chart a path out of the chaos - and the Queen's urgency to stamp out the Sussex situation immediately. Growing up, William and Harry's brotherly love seemed unbreakable, with the pair supporting each other in the wake of their mother Diana's death. As they both developed into their roles as senior members of the Royal Family, they became a somewhat double act who would do engagements together. Even when William married Kate, they would often attend events as a trio. But during the past year rumours of a brewing row between the brothers began to bubble up, eventually boiling over when Harry and Meghan quit the charitable entity they spearheaded with the Cambridges and branched ff to form their own. What do each of the Royals want from the Sandringham Summit? The Queen: Her Majesty will want to ensure relative continuity in the monarchy and not allow it to become a vehicle for Royals to make money, as Harry and Meghan have been accused of plotting to do. But she will also want to safeguard Harry's wellbeing, amid concerns for her grandson's mental fragility. Prince Charles: The first-in-line to the throne is also seeking stability to ensure his impending ascendancy is not jeopardised. But like the Queen, he has also expressed concern for Harry. Prince William: He is planning for a streamlined and modern Royal Family and has said he wants his brother 'singing from the same song sheet'. William will also want to resolve the crisis so Harry is not stealing his thunder. Prince Harry: The Royal who sparked the current crisis by announcing his and Meghan's decision to step back will drive a hard bargain to secure the best financial settlement possible while guaranteeing his family's independence. Advertisement In an ITV documentary earlier this year, Harry refused to deny speculation of the rift and said he and William were on 'different paths'. And it is not just the brothers who have drifted apart, as it was claimed last night that Meghan and Kate Middleton have not spoken in over six months after ceasing communication on their WhatsApp group, according to the Mirror. The break-up of the so-called Fab Four, which was cemented when the Sussexes left Kensington Palace, weighed on Harry immensely at the time, a source told the Sunday Times. They said: 'Harry was very opposed to it at first. He saw it as the opening of a chasm between him and his brother. William was also concerned.' As heir to the throne, William's staff at Kensington Palace have spent the past few days bunkered down in talks aimed at resolving the crisis raging through the Windsor ranks. The Duke of Cambridge will weigh in on the 'Sussex situation' at the summit where Harry and Meghan will be confronted with the dire financial impact of abandoning the Royal Family at an extraordinary Sandringham summit tomorrow. Each of the four Royals are expected to be accompanied by their respective private secretaries - Sir Edward Young (Queen), Clive Alderton (Charles), Simon Case (William) and Fiona Mcilwham (Harry). Ms Mcilwham, who recently joined the Sussex household from the Foreign Office, is said to have joked with colleagues: 'I was offered the Iran desk [at the FCO]. That might have been easier'. Latest News CoreLogic data shows new listings on the rise in early 2022 First data of the year suggests supply is already entering back into the market, cooling hot property market Business NSW calls for support as pandemic bites Staff shortages and customer falls causing severe problems in recovery The managing director and CEO of a financial services group with a flourishing loan book has announced his resignation upon the completion of his contract. Melos Sulicich will be leaving Tasmania-based MyState Limited in July 2020. According to chairman Miles Hampton, Sulicich has had a significant impact on the business since joining the company in 2014 from his former role as GM of mortgage distribution at Westpac. Melos has overseen a period of substantial growth, with the banking loan book doubling to in excess of $5 billion, said Hampton. Over the 2019 financial year alone, MyState Bank recorded lending growth of close to $500m up 10.7% from the year before. At the same time, Melos has led the digital transformation of the business with MyState now rapidly growing its customer base and loan book across mainland Australia, the chairman added. But, perhaps most significantly, Sulicich has successfully led us through a very challenging period for the banking industry in Australia. Customer satisfaction measures clearly indicate that we have a culture where the interests of our customers are paramount. Sulicichs resignation was due to his decision to permanently relocate home to Sydney, after almost six years living away from his family. He described his time leading the group as a privilege and expressed his appreciation to the entire staff at MyState. We have a high calibre team and board that is well positioned to build on the momentum of the strategic program of work and the achievements made to date, he said. We are a significantly different business now, and have created a banking and wealth management business that is well set for the future. I believe the time is now right to let someone else take the business into its next phase of growth and development. The company plans to commence the process to appoint a new MD and CEO shortly. HEBER-OVERGAARD, Ariz. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest officials say eight horses have been found fatally shot in the Heber-Overgaard area. They say the horses were found Friday with gunshot wounds by Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Law Enforcement investigators on the Black Mesa Ranger District along State Route 260 between Payson and Show Low. Forest law enforcement and the Navajo County Sheriffs Office are investigating the shootings. Last February, four dead horses were found inside the Heber Wild Horse Territory. That brought the total to 16 dead horses found since October 2018. Forest officials say 10 of the dead horses were shot, five were too decomposed to determine a cause of death and one was likely hit by a car. They say 12 of the 16 dead horses were found outside of the Hebert Horse Territory. A 52-year-old father has found online fame after he kept calm and carried on when a fight broke out around him in a kebab shop. Chris Hill became a meme star after continuing to tuck into his chips when a brawl kicked off close to him at Ken's Kebabs in Albert Road, Portsmouth, on Friday. Mr Hill said he had popped in the takeaway after a night at the pub when the incident unfolded. He described how he saw a man and shop worker "throwing things at each other" before a "tall guy kicked the food counter". Moments later, the fight escalated into a huge brawl involving several members of staff and customers. Chris Hill continued to eat his food while listening to the radio / @xbethdeakin Mr Hill refused to let the incident ruin his evening and continued to eat his food while listening to the radio. "I thought about moving at one point but I was enjoying my kebab and chips... although the chips weren't very nice," he told MailOnline. In footage posted on Twitter, a young man wearing a grey top hurls abuse at a worker, who retaliates by throwing a pair of tongs at him. Employees then rush forward to help. One kicks a man wearing a blue-jacket, before putting him in a headlock and trying to push him outside. At the doorway, the other three surround the man in the grey top, who continues to swear and shout, as he punches two of them in the face. Meanwhile, Mr Hill continues to eat his food while watching the fight. The father has inspired a series of memes in response to his chilled out reaction. One Twitter user wrote: "This man continuing to eat his food is my energy." Another joked how important social media was in their life said the brawl was like their responsibilities and family and friends while Mr Hill looking at his phone was Twitter. Meanwhile, journalist Caitlin Moran wrote: "This now-viral fight in a kebab-shop makes me feel ... oddly patriotic? "Someone throwing a parsley garnish. The Firth-on-Grant-level fighting. And, of course, the man who just keeps eating his chips." Chennai, Jan 13 : A search engine company that searches and unites missing persons with their long-lost families? Well, that is one of the facets of the Chinese search engine company Baidu which is using Artificial intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition technology. "Our Baidu 'AI Xunren' has reunited about 10,000 missing persons with their families," in China, a company official told IANS on the condition of anonymity recently here. According to the official, Baidu's AI programme can identify missing people from old pictures of a person regardless of his/her age. In other words, even if the photo of a person is taken during his childhood, it can be matched with the same person's photo taken several years later, through Baidu's AI programme. The company official said a person can upload his/her picture or the picture of the missing person in the family, regardless of the year the picture was taken. The photo can be uploaded on China's Ministry of Civil Affairs' website for missing persons or on other channels like the Baidu 'AI Xunren website, the Baidu AI Xuren Smart Mini Programme on the Baidu App or through various non-governmental organisations (NGO) working in the field, the official said. Baidu's 'AI Xunren' then takes over and compares the pictures that are uploaded and identifies a suitable match. The accuracy rate for Baidu's facial recognition technology has reached 99.7 per cent. Remarkably, Baidu's cross-age facial recognition technology can identify missing people from old photos, so it can find people who went missing a long time ago, even if their appearances have changed significantly, the official said. The official said there was a case where a boy was lost at the age of four and when he was 25 years of age, he was identified as a missing person. Baidu also uses AI to help visually-impaired people in massage parlours. The Baidu 'Xiaodu' smart speakers are there in several massage parlours and the massage therapists who are visually impaired can use voice to control air conditioning, control the curtains and a lot of Internet of Things (IoT) devices which makes their life easier. Adam Sandler is synonymous with comedy, and love 'em or hate 'em comedy at that. However, his turn to dramatic acting is proving only loved. His turn in Noah Baumbach's The Meyerowitz Stories was wonderful and here in the Safdie brothers' frenetic, exhausting drama he once again turns in a fantastic performance. Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a New York jeweller. From the beginning there is a sense of a man who has pushed everything - his marriage, his career, his finances, absolutely everyone's patience and goodwill - to the limit and he has one chance to claw it all back. This chance is a rock containing raw black opals which he will sell for an enormous profit. A lot goes on around a man who lives by the seat of his designer pants and never gives up despite his endless self-sabotage. He has an angry wife (Idina Menzel) in the suburbs, a girlfriend he mistrusts in the city (Julia Fox), a brother in law to whom he owes money (Eric Bogosian) and a basketball player, Kevin Garnett playing himself, who wants the opals. Ratner is nowhere near as odious as he should be and this is in large part due to Sandler wringing out nuances. It's a loud, sweary, stressful watch and it is really very good. Aine O'Connor Seberg Cert: 15A; Now showing We are all suspicious now of officialdom, but 50 years ago most people believed that governments and agencies like the FBI were a force for good. To have been suspicious of them must have seemed unhinged, which doubled their power over anyone they targeted. Actress Jean Seberg was one such FBI target when she openly supported the Black Panthers in 1969, and Benedict Andrews's film (screenplay by Anna Waterhouse and Joe Shrapnel) tells that story. Seberg (Kristen Stewart) is at the height of her fame when she has an affair with Civil Rights activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie). This draws the attention of the FBI (under Colm Meaney) and two agents (Vince Vaughn and Jack O'Connell). Seberg's life and career are never the same. Stewart gives another great performance but the otherwise good film feels a little thin due to the lack of sub-plot. However, it is an effective addition to the body of recent cinema on US-based racism. Aine O'Connor 1917 Cert: 15A. Now showing. Video of the Day Expand Close George MacKay, centre, in a scene from '1917' / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp George MacKay, centre, in a scene from '1917' Lance corporals Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are called in to a private meeting with General Erinmore (Colin Firth). They are tasked with a mission to leave their trench in northern France and venture far into enemy territory in order to hand-deliver a vital order halting a planned assault on German forces. If they manage to make it in time and get the order through to superiors, they will have prevented some 1600 soldiers from walking into a deadly trap. The concept of two impossibly young men being saddled with such a terrifying and impossible responsibility is compelling to consider, as is the scale of the horror their generation were made wade through. The enemy remains a largely faceless threat, with director Sam Mendes's screenplay (drawn from his own grandfather's account and co-written with Krysty Wilson-Cairns) concentrating on the personal ordeal of the two heroes, one of whom has added incentive by way of a brother posted among the endangered 1600. The imperative nature of the mission is underscored by extensively long single-takes courtesy of cinematography genius Roger Deakins as the two men set off into their own real-life Mordor. Time is surely of the essence, you'd assume, in this lavish, wide-screen cousin of Saving Private Ryan and (less so) Dunkirk. It is and it isn't, it turns out. While astounding as a feat of production, there are issues with 1917's pacing. Sometimes the desire to make things as immediate and realistic as possible can have the opposite effect, and 1917 is such a case. The gimmick of its ultra-long takes makes the fortunes of its two protagonists seem fanciful and strangely episodic, as if they are computer avatars completing a series of levels. They go from one remarkable incident to the next, mostly, it appears, in real-time in a manner that robs the tale of credibility and loosens our grip on the characters. A Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (Drama) is thus surprising for a film that works best when it takes its focus away from Schofield and Blake and loses itself in extravagant set piece. Hilary A White According to the Economist Magazine, The new scramble for Africa, is now being led by a new generation of Africans determined to make a difference through technological innovations and the development of enterprise and markets. Many pan-Africanists ascribe that the Africa we want can only be built by Africans in partnerships with countries and investors who also believe in this paradigm for change. It is in vein of this that Nana Amo Kantinkrau has decided to contribute his quota to the development of Ghana by helping to tell the African story particularly that of Ghana in the positive light. According to Nana Kantinkrau, his dream is to help revamp the society where people can be able to fend for themselves and be self-independent. This is the more reason why he continues to call on investors and other well-meaning individuals who can afford, to come out in their numbers to change the narrative of most Ghanaians by assisting in making sure the less endowed are not left out in the socio-economic activities in the society. Nana Amo Kantinkrau known in real life as Mr. James Carl Kennedy has been in Ghana since 1999 and has been making a lot of business progress for his KnB Company - Ghana. The company is into products such as floor cleaners, liquid soap, bleach, hand sanitizers, hardware, transport, restaurants and many more. On the philanthropic front, Nana Kantinkrau's company, KnB spearheaded in Ghana by the indefatigable and innovative young man, Williams Aboagye, has furnished the Hwidiem Methodist School computer laboratory with ten set of modern computers. Through Mr.Aboagye's instrumentality, the school can now boast of 30litre poly tank for storage of water. The company also painted the various blocks of the school as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, thanks to the abled leadership of Mr Williams Aboagye. Nana Kantinkrau and his KnB Company has also been supporting less endowed parents financially to purchase uniforms, textbooks among other learning materials for their wards. Nana Kantinkrau believes developing nations cannot thrive in the global economy without a global-collective mindset and is, therefore, appealing to investors to turn to Africa particularly Ghana to transact business in order to create a sustainable upward trajectory in Africa's economic growth as most African leaders are now throwing their nets wider and increasingly courting entrepreneurs and the private sector in general for partnerships in development. KnB Company envisages opening up its tentacles in Ghana to recruit more people particularly the youth in order for them to also enjoy a decent living in life. For more information contact: [email protected] UPDATE: The district escaped major damage, as a teacher leading the robotics team practice on Sunday caught the issue. MICHIGAN CENTER, MI -- Classes are canceled in Michigan Center Schools on Monday, Jan. 13. A water main break at the junior/senior high school is the cause of the cancellation, Superintendent Brady Cook said. The districts child care center is open. As Australias bushfire disaster has unfolded, the politics of climate change has come sharply back into focus. To many, climate politics appears very complex. But for elected politicians, it should be very simple. If you respect the scientific evidence explaining global warming and climate change, you have a responsibility to act on that evidence by supporting policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The well-being of future generations is at stake. When I had the privilege of serving as Australias minister for climate change, I had access to the leading scientists in Australia and internationally, the evidence and the analysis. That is what motivated me to legislate a comprehensive set of greenhouse gas emissions-reduction policies, including a carbon price. My objective was to respond to the climate science with policies that were environmentally effective, economically efficient and socially fair. I rejected the argument that whatever Australia does is meaningless because we emit less than 2 per cent of global emissions. This argument is typically advanced by science-deniers, conspiracy theorists, or those who think its appropriate that we bludge off the emissions reduction efforts of other countries. The fact is that we are very high emitters of greenhouse gas on a per capita basis, we are a wealthy society, and we have a responsibility to meet our obligations to the international community. For decades, Australia has been proud to lead, to punch above its weight, not to free-ride off other countries. The firm said that recipients of suspicious emails pretending to be from Corrs should report the messages to [email protected] and their own IT department. However, it said that the suspicious email should not be forwarded and should be immediately deleted. Corrs said that it has reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre for investigation. This report of an ongoing email scam comes after insight from Mimecast, which said in November that targeted cyber attacks on the Australian legal service in the third quarter of 2019 are likely the work of organised criminal groups. In its analysis, the cybersecurity services provider said that the countrys legal industry was attacked twice in July and once in September. It also revealed that the attack vectors favoured by hackers were exploits that target vulnerabilities of Microsoft Office software. The legal industry is a favoured target because it is perceived to have access to significant funds and valuable information, Mimecast said. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A much smaller field of Democrats running for president will debate on Tuesday. The debate will be co-hosted by The Des Moines Register and CNN, which will broadcast live. It also will be streamed live on CNNs homepage with no cable login required, on CNNs various apps, and via sources such as Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. The Des Moines Register will stream it at DesMoinesRegister.com. The debate runs from 9 p.m. eastern time to 11 p.m. It will include former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobucher, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, businessman Tom Steyer and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Several candidates didnt make the field because of missing polling or fund-raising requirements, including entrepreneur Andrew Yang and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker also failed to make the cut and dropped out of the race Monday. Kate Langbroek has shared a rare glimpse inside her stunning Italian home. After moving to the historic city of Bologna last year, the 54-year-old radio host gave her Instagram followers a tour of her family's apartment on Monday. Kate had relocated to Italy with her husband, Peter Allen Lewis, and their four children in January 2019 for what was supposed to be a 'gap year', but they have since extended their stay for another 12 months. Wow! Kate Langbroek (pictured) has shared a rare glimpse inside her stunning Italian home Kate began her video tour in the apartment's grand entrance. A circular table is the focal point of the foyer, with antique vases, photo frames and furniture scattered around the sizable room. Kate then stepped into her oak-floored dining room and lounge space, which has a huge corner sofa for relaxing. Beyond that, a large dining table is set up next to an antique bookshelf. Home, sweet home! Kate had moved to Italy with her husband, Peter Allen Lewis, and their four children in January 2019 for what was supposed to be a 'gap year', but they have since extended their stay for another 12 months. Pictured: Kate's bedroom in Bologna Welcome! Kate began her video tour in the apartment's grand entrance, which has a circular table, antique vases and furniture scattered around the space During the tour, Kate also joked about her 'haunted' mirror. In July last year, one of her Instagram selfies went viral when fans noticed what appeared to be a ghostly apparition behind her. With a huge chandelier above her bed, vintage wallpaper, luxurious drapes and floral sheets, it's not hard to see why Kate has fallen in love with the Italian lifestyle. Reading time! Kate then stepped into her oak-floored dining room and lounge space, where a large dining table is set up by an antique bookshelf Spacious: The apartment - which overlooks the Piazza Maggiore, a central square in Bologna - has plenty of space for the family to relax and store their possessions As if the home itself wasn't spectacular enough, the family also wake up each day to views of the world-famous Piazza Maggiore central square. 'It seemed impossible our apartment would ever be ready, and yet here we are. I have 20 loads of washing to do and ten suitcases to unpack,' Kate said after moving in last year. 'I think I'll have a glass of wine and a siesta!' Welcome! In April, Kate shared this photo to Instagram of two friends enjoying her apartment's view of Bologna Hostess with the mostess! The radio personality often entertains friends at her Bologna home Watch out! In July last year, one of Kate's Instagram selfies went viral when fans noticed what appeared to be a ghostly apparition behind her Kate and her family had spent the Christmas holidays in Melbourne, but returned to Italy earlier this week. She said on Monday: 'When you arrive "home" to your apartment in Italy, and though it is as cold [as f**k] because you've had the heating off for two weeks, you also see with fresh eyes how beautiful it is.' Kate previously hosted the Hit Network's drive time show with Dave Hughes, but was officially replaced in December by Ed Kavalee. Family! Kate and her family have fallen in love with the Italian lifestyle. Pictured: Kate's husband, Peter Allen Lewis, with two of their children DETROIT - A judge on Monday dismissed the 1991 conviction of a man who spent nearly 30 years in prison for an attack on a Detroit woman in a car. Gerry Thomas, 62, who was helped by law schools in Michigan and New York, has long maintained his innocence. The conviction integrity unit in the Wayne County prosecutors office agreed that his conviction should be set aside. If the police had conducted a true investigation 30 years ago, Mr. Thomas never would have been arrested in the first place, said Jane Pucher of the Innocence Project at Yeshiva Universitys Cardozo law school. The victim said she was attacked while in a car outside a convenience store in 1987. She identified Thomas two years later. Police had no physical evidence against him or any other witnesses, according to the Innocence Project. Thomas was convicted of assault and attempted murder in 1991 and sentenced to a minimum of 50 years in prison. I am thankful and so happy to finally be going home to my family, said Thomas, who started his day in prison but was granted freedom at the court hearing. Pucher said the Innocence Project agreed to pursue the case in 2010. The team learned, among other things, that the victim was in a small car, a 1987 Ford Escort. Thomas was 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed 240 to 260 pounds at the time. We took pictures of someone of similar size and stature in that car, said Pucher, adding that it was ridiculous to think Thomas could have been the attacker. Prosecutor Kym Worthy said it was very clear that Thomas deserved a new trial after the discovery of new evidence. In this case, the victim is now deceased. As a result the Wayne County prosecutors office is unable to re-try the case, Worthy said. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwhiteap Pune, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Small Satellite Market size expected to reach USD 18.30 Billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.28% during the forecast period. The rising integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in various industries will boost the Small Satellite Market growth in the forthcoming years. As IoT provides secure and high-availability data services for professional users along with high level of service reliability for active IoT deployments has led to the higher implementation of IoT. Additionally, the connectivity offered by (IoT) in industrial application for machine control & production of satellites will create new opportunities for the market in the foreseeable future. According to the report, published by Fortune Business Insights, in a report, titled Global Small Satellite Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, Type (Mini Satellite, Micro Satellite, and Nano Satellite), By Component (Structure, Payload, Electric Power System, Solar Panel and Antenna Systems, Propulsion Systems, and others), By Application (Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Technology Development, and Others), By End User (Commercial, Military, Civil, and Government) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 the market size was valued at USD 4.18 Billion in 2018. To gain more insights into the market with detailed table of content and figures, Click Here: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/small-satellite-market-101917 List of the Major Companies in the Global Small Satellite Market Include: Sierra Nevada Corporation Singapore Technologies Engineering Limited Surrey Satellite Technology LTD. Planet Labs Inc. Airbus S.A.S Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space X) Boeing Thales Alenia Space Millennium Space Systems Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation Geooptics Inc. Oneweb LTD. Harris Corporation Get Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/small-satellite-market-101917 The Small Satellite Market report performs a SWOT analysis and PESTEL study to uncover the stability, limitations, openings, and risks in the small satellite industry. Combining the Small Satellite Market analysis capabilities and knowledge integration with the relevant findings, the report has foretold the robust future growth of the market all told its geographical and merchandise segments. Moreover, it also displays different procedures and strategies, benefactors and dealers working in the market, explores components convincing market development, generation patterns, and following systems. Nonetheless, the figures and topics covered in this report are both all-inclusive and reliable. Increasing Deployment of 5G Network to Contribute Healthy Growth The enhancement and improvement in communication networks have presented the pioneering 5G technology, which offers new applications and services through high gigabit speed. After 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks, the upgraded 5G network will provide an enhanced range of high-speed broadband services. 5G will have its application in high altitude platform systems (HAPS) and satellite technology. HAPS and satellite systems will be able to deliver high data rates to terrestrial wireless backhaul networks outside major urban as well as suburban areas. These factors together are expected to spur demand for 5G networks, which will, in turn, aid the expansion of the market in the forthcoming years. Furthermore, the development of smart cities and IoT through the deployment of low-power sensor networks such as 5G will subsequently enable the growth of the market. In addition, high security and robustness of 5G will be used for public safety and during mission-critical services, such as healthcare, smart grids, energy, and power utilities. Contract Between Lockheed Martin Corporation and the U.S. Air Force to Spur Growth Opportunities The increasing collaborations between key players and government organizations will bolster the Small Satellite Market growth in the foreseeable future. For instance, Raytheon Company (US) and the U.S. Air Force signed a contract with a valuation of USD 37 million to support anti-jamming efforts for satellite communications. Furthermore, the growing concerns regarding national safety and security will boost the Small Satellite Market trends during the forecast period. For instance, In November 2019, Lockheed Martin Corporation. and the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center signed a contract with a valuation of USD 3,300 million for support services on classified military communications satellites. Moreover, the launch of an orbit surveillance satellite by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will boost the Small Satellite Market share in the forthcoming years. For instance, In 2019, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) technology used by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). PSLV C-45 satellite is a low-earth orbit surveillance satellite, mainly launched for military purposes, and helps to monitor the locations of enemy radar sites deep in their territory. Surge in Satellite Communications to Facilitate Growth in North America North America was valued at USD 2.57 Billion in 2018 and is predicted to lead the market during the forecast period. The rising adoption of the triband antenna will have a positive impact on the market in North America. Furthermore, the introduction of SKYWAN technology by NASA, a unique hybrid modem which competes with MF-TDMA and DVB-S2X, allowing for real-time transmission with high throughput, the best transport per application will augment healthy growth of the market in the forthcoming years. Request for Customization https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/small-satellite-market-101917 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 Key Industry Developments Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis Global Small Satellite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2015-2026 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Type Mini Satellite Micro Satellite Nano Satellite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Component Structures Payload Electric Power System Solar Panel and Antenna Systems Propulsion Systems Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Application Communication Earth Observation Navigation Technology Development Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End User Commercial Military Civil Government Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the world TOC Continued! Order a Single User License Copy: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101917 Have a Look at Related Reports for Small Satellite Market: Satellite Payload Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Payload Type (Navigation, Communication, Imaging), By Vehicle Type (Small, Medium, Heavy), By Orbit Type (GEO, LEO, MEO), By End-Use (Commercial, Military) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Space Launch Services Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Payload (Satellite, Stratollite, Cargo, Human Spacecraft, and Testing Probes) By Orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO, and Beyond GEO), By Launch Platform (Land, Air, and Sea), By Vehicle Type (Small Lift Launch Vehicle, Medium-to-Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles), By End User (Commercial, and Military & Government) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Avionics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By System (Hardware Systems (Flight Management System (FMS), Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS), Electrical System, Emergency System, Health Monitoring System, Collision Avoidance System, Weather System) and Software Systems), Platform (Commercial, Military, Business Jets, General Aviation), End-Use (OEM and Aftermarket), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Military Antenna Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Frequency (High Frequency, Ultra-High Frequency, Super High Frequency, and Extremely High Frequency), By Type (Dipole Antennas, Aperture Antennas, Travelling Wave Antennas, Loop Antennas, and Array Antennas), By Platform (Airborne, Marine, and Ground), By Application (Communication, Surveillance, SATCOM, Electronic Warfare, and Telemetry), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Military Radar Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Platform (Land Radar, Naval Radar, and Airborne Radar), By Range (Long, Medium, Short, and Very Short), By Application (Airspace Monitoring & Traffic Management, Weapon Guidance, Ground Surveillance & Intruder Detection), By Frequency Band (UHF/VHF, L-Band, S-Band), By Components (Antenna, Transmitter, Receiver), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Aircraft Engine Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Engine Type (Turboprop, Turboshaft, Turbofan, Piston Engine), By Technology (Conventional Engine and Electric/Hybrid Engine), By End-user (Commercial, Military, and General Aviation), By Component (Compressor, Turbine, Gear Box, Exhaust Nozzle, Fuel System, and Others), and Regional Forecast 2018-2026 Helicopter Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Civil & Commercial and Military), By Application (Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Corporate Services, Search and Rescue Operation, Oil and Gas, Defense, Homeland Security), By System (Airframe, Engine, Avionics, Landing Gear System, and Cabin Interiors), By Weight (Light Weight, Medium Weight, and Heavy Weight), By Point of Sale (OEMs and Aftermarket), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Aerospace 3D Printing Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Vertical (Printers and Materials), By Industry Type (UAV, Aircraft, and Spacecraft), By Application Type (Engine Components, Space Components, and Structural Components), By Printer Technology Type (DMLS, FDM, CLIP, SLA, SLS and Others), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Aerostructures Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Component (Wings, Nose, Fuselage, Nacelle, Empennage & Pylon and Others), By Material (Metals, Composites and Alloys), By Platform (Fixed-wing aircraft (Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and UAVs) and Rotary-wing Aircraft (Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and UAVs)), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Application (Military, Commercial & Civil, and Recreational), By System (Airframe, Payload, Avionics, Propulsion), By Technology (Remotely Operated, Semi-Autonomous, Fully-Autonomous), By Class (Small UAVs, Tactical UAVs, Strategic UAVs, Special Purpose UAVs), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 5G in Aviation Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Platform (5G Airport and 5G Aircraft), Technology (FWA, URLLC/MMTC, and eMBB), Communication Infrastructure (Small Cell, Radio Access Network (RAN) and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)), 5G Services (Airport Operations, and Aircraft Operations), 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. 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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 Fortune Business Insights Linkedin | Twitter | Blogs Read Press Release Market: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/press-release/small-satellite-market-9484 Cork County Council hopes to save 18 million over the next 20 years by replacing all existing street lighting with energy-efficient bulbs. Details of a retrofitting programme for the 33,000 public lights in the county were provided to county councillors at a meeting in County Hall after Cllr Seamus McGrath requested information on the energy-saving initiative. In a report given to councillors, the council's director of roads and transportation, Padraig Barrett, said it is anticipated that the retrofitting programme will start later this year and take between 26 and 34 months to complete. He said tender documents seeking a suitable contractor for the project are currently being prepared and it is envisaged that they will go out for expressions of interest before spring, with a contractor likely to be appointed by the autumn. The county council is the lead authority for the retrofitting of all public lights in not just Cork but Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Clare. He said multiple locations will be retrofitted at any one time by multiple crews". Cllr McGrath had sought details of exactly where and when the new energy-saving LED lights (Light Emitting Diode) would be fitted. Mr Barrett said the exact programme won't become available until the contractor is appointed. Cllr McGrath said it is a good news project, while Cllr Pat Hayes said it will reduce energy consumption and the savings will go on for years. Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan, said it was a positive step in terms of climate action. County council chief executive, Tim Lucey, said they have been working on the project since 2018: The old lights will be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. It will save us about 1.4m a year over a 20-year period." Cllr Frank O'Flynn proposed that the council also look at putting special sensors into public car parks. He said it is often the case that there are no vehicles in these car parks in the early hours of the morning and having all the lights on throughout the night is a waste of money. Meanwhile, county councillors voted unanimously to invite climate change activist, Greta Thunberg, to come and speak to them in County Hall on the importance of climate action. The motion came from members of the council's Northern Division after it was proposed by Cllr Noel McCarthy. He pointed out that last year the council was the first in Ireland to publish a climate change strategy, adding that there is no-one better to address the council on the issue than the 17-year-old Swedish activist. Cllr McCarthy said: "I hope she would accept the invitation in person, but, if not, she could do it via a video link which we could share with other local authorities." Cllr Gearoid Murphy pointed out that Ms Thunberg avoids flying except in emergencies so it would be more likely that she would do it by video link. Cllr Paul Hayes said it is quite ironic that they are talking about addressing climate action given the massive reams of paper reports presented to all 55 councillors attending the meeting. He asked: Why can't we get them online? Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan, said Ms Thunberg inspires people of all generations and he hopes she will accept the invitation. The BJPs West Bengal unit chief Dilip Ghosh has been ticked off by Union minister Babul Supriyo for his comments that those damaging public property were shot like dogs in states ruled by the party. Dilip Ghosh had made the comments on Sunday during a public meeting in the states Nadia district. BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlip Ghosh may have said. It is a figment of his imagination & BJP Govts in UP, Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoeverVery irresponsible of DilipDa to hv said what he said (sic), Babul Supriyo tweeted on Monday. Ghosh had also criticised chief minister Mamata Banerjee for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in the state in December last year. Didis (Mamata Banerjee) police didnt take action against the people who destroyed public properties as they are her voters. Our governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka have shot these people like dogs, the senior BJP leader was heard saying. The Congress party criticised Dilip Ghosh and accused the BJP leader of using the language of a bully to suppress people with might of the government machinery. Mr @DilipGhoshBJP, if that is the case why didnt Delhi Police not shoot like dogs the ABVP/BJP goons who were running amuck in #JNU. The language you use is the language of a bully, out to subjugate people with the might of the government machinery (sic), Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao tweeted. Violent protests had erupted in West Bengal and other parts of the country over the amended citizenship act in December last year. The BJP-led Centre has been at the oppositions crossfire over the legislation and been accused of discriminating against Muslims. The Yogi Adityanath- led Uttar Pradesh government is working swiftly to implement the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state even as intense protests continue across the country. In the latest development, the UP government has sent a list of largely Hindu refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh living across the 19 districts of the state to the Home Ministry. With this, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to begin the process for implementation of the CAA. The report prepared by the state government - Uttar Pradesh Mein Aaye Pakistan, Afghanistan Aevam Bangladesh ke Sharanathiyon ki Aapbeeti Kahani details the personal stories of the refugees. Last week, the state home department had asked all district magistrates to identify refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who has been living in their respective areas and submit a list to the government. The data compiled so far by the various departments says that there are around 40,000 non-Muslim illegal immigrants live in UP, mostly in the 19 districts of Agra, Rae Bareli, Saharanpur, Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, Mathura, Kanpur, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Amethi, Jhansi, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow, Meerut and Pilibhit. Pilibhit accounts for the major chunk of refugees. The number in the district stands close to 30,000 to 35,000 immigrants. According to a TOI report, the data of refugees details and testimonies from each district had been submitted to the home ministry and to the chief ministers office. The testimonies of the families reveal the circumstances in which they moved to India. While Uttar Pradesh is acting swiftly on CAA, many other Indian states have rejected CAA. At a time when India is gripped under nationwide protests against the CAA that has been termed as unconstitutional and unsecular, some state governments have resolved to not implement it in their state. Reuters Leading the way, on December 31, Kerala Assembly passed a resolution demanding the scrapping of the controversial CAA. The resolution was moved by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the state assembly. While presenting the resolution, CM Vijayan said the CAA was against the secular outlook and the fabric of the country and would lead to religion-based discrimination in granting citizenship. "The Act contradicts the basic values and principles of the Constitution. In view of the anxiety among the people of the country, Centre should take steps to drop the CAA and uphold the secular outlook of the Constitution, he said. An inmate died last week at Osborn Correctional Institution and two correctional nurses are on administrative leave following the incident. Jose Peralta, 36, of Waterbury, died after hitting his head Jan. 9 in the Somers prison, according to the Connecticut Department of Correction. The department is conducting an internal investigation into the incident that lead to Peraltas death. Department of Correction staff members found Peralta lying on his back on the floor of a dormitory area around 1 a.m., and took him to the onsite infirmary for treatment, according to a statement from the department. He was still conscious at that time, but when his condition deteriorated, staff initiated lifesaving measures and transferred him to a local emergency room where he was pronounced dead at 2:50 a.m., the department said. After a preliminary review of the incident, the department placed two correctional nurses on administrative leave effective Friday, but did not provide further details of their involvement in the incident. Peralta last entered the Department of Correction on Feb. 19, 2019, convicted on charges of assault and burglary. Peralta is the second inmate to have died at Osborn Correctional Institution since July. The states prison health care system has been under scrutiny since the Department of Corrections took over the health care system that serves inmates at Connecticuts 14 prisons in July 2018, ending the decades-long, $100 million-a-year contract with UConn Health at that time. But the Connecticut Mirror reported in July that little has improved in the troubled system since then and that the department still lacks proper medical staffing. As of March, the DOC had 309 nurses on staff to serve 13,320 inmates a ratio of one nurse for every 43 inmates and one medical provider, such as a doctor or physician assistant for every 579 inmates, according to information provided to the legislatures nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis by the corrections department. At that time, DOC outlined the referral process for inmates to receive specialty services, and indicated the state is no longer denying medically necessary services. The report also stated that the list of scheduled specialty services continues to grow, but that the department has started to encounter a back log due to provider availability. Several medical lawsuits have been filed over the past two years related to the quality of care in Connecticut prisons, including the most recent, which involved a woman who alleges she was denied and delayed medical services, forcing her to give birth in her cell at York Correctional Institution in Niantic. Osborn is a medium security facility located in Somers that houses about 10 percent of the states roughly 13,000 inmates. As prison populations in the state have declined, a portion of Osborn was closed in 2016. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt Oil tanks are seen at an oil warehouse at Yangshan port in Shanghai, China, March 14, 2018. The threat of conflict between the United States and Iran will pressure China to deal with its rising reliance on foreign oil and gas after years of unchecked growth, analysts say. China's petroleum demand has been racing ahead of domestic production for over a decade, leaving it vulnerable to price spikes and disruptions in the Middle East. China's dependence on foreign oil is particularly dire, rising to over 70 percent of consumption last year since topping 50 percent for the first time in 2008. While China has sought to diversify its sources, the world's largest crude buyer still relied on OPEC suppliers for 54 percent of its imports in 2018, Enerdata's Global Energy Research said. Despite several flare-ups of U.S.-Iran tensions in the past year, China's dependence has deepened with record oil imports averaging 11.13 million barrels per day (bpd) in November as refiners rushed to use up annual import quotas, according to Reuters. Imports from Iran through November fell 47 percent from a year earlier to about 315,000 bpd, the online news publication International Business Times reported. The steep drop followed U.S. sanctions on Iran and Chinese shipping, offset by increases primarily from Russia and Saudi Arabia. While China's economic growth slowed, oil imports climbed 10.5 percent from the year-earlier period, exceeding the 10.1-percent increase in 2018. Aside from China's diplomatic efforts and calls for calm following the deadly U.S. attack on Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, there seemed to be no strategy for dealing with the country's increased energy security risk. "The case of oil is acute, and they have few short-term options," said Mikkal Herberg, energy security research director for the Seattle-based National Bureau of Asian Research. Running at full capacity China's options are likely to narrow over time, since the country has already pursued available alternatives during the attacks on tankers and Saudi oil facilities last year. Further increases in imports from Saudi Arabia, which have already reached 1.6 million bpd, are unlikely to be a solution for China, if further conflict affects all tanker traffic from the Persian Gulf. More secure supplies overland from Russia are possible, but these have already been increased on available routes. "They are taking about as much of Russian supplies as they possibly can via the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline, the Kazakhstan pipeline, rail supplies, and buying some seaborne supplies from Kozmino," said Herberg, referring to Russia's Pacific Ocean port for the ESPO route. "Not much infrastructure is likely to be developed to change that very much in the near future," he said. Last month, Russian pipeline monopoly Transneft announced plans to boost oil transport on ESPO by 6.6 percent this year to 1.52 million bpd, approaching the route's rated capacity of 1.6 million bpd, Interfax said. Philip Andrews-Speed, senior principal fellow at the University of Singapore's Energy Studies Institute, said that ensuring that all oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia and Russia are running at full capacity is one possible response to the Middle East risk. The option could include accelerating the capacity build-up of Russia's new Power of Siberia gas pipeline, Andrews-Speed said. The 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) line, which opened in December, is expected to supply China with only five billion cubic meters (176.5 billion cubic feet) of gas this year, reaching full capacity of 38 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2024, according to the official Xinhua news agency. If China does turn to Russia in an energy security crisis, it could strengthen Moscow's negotiating position in a relationship where Beijing has been seen as having the upper hand. China's alternative network of Central Asian gas pipelines from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan carried 47.9 bcm to China last year with capacity of 60 bcm, Xinhua reported. The pipeline connections are likely to rise in importance if transport risks spread to the passage of tankers for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Chinese workers of China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) install pipes at a natural gas gathering station in Puyang, central China's Henan province, July 31, 2016. ImagineChina Dependency on foreign gas China's dependence on foreign gas has followed the same trajectory as oil with rising reliance reaching 44.5 percent of consumption in 2018. The country has invested heavily in 22 import terminals for LNG to reduce pollution from coal, but the entire fuel-switching policy could be at risk if ocean-borne transport is disrupted. The growth of gas consumption has already slowed last year from double-digit rates in 2017 and 2018 as the government eased the pace of conversions from coal under economic pressure. Despite the environmental consequences, China preserves the option of burning more domestic coal. Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that "Beijing has taken a softer stance on coal use after (the) missile attack in September on Saudi Arabia." Consumption figures for 2019 are likely to show an increase in coal use for the third year in a row. Last February, the China National Coal Association (CNCA) predicted a rise in consumption to 3.89 billion metric tons. Even without major transit problems, rising risk may drive higher import prices for both oil and gas over a period of months, posing a greater threat to China's economic growth. In that case, increased coal use could gain favor as both a haven from higher costs of imported petroleum and a form of economic stimulus for domestic industry. Andrews-Speed said that other possible options for China may include pressing the national oil companies (NOCs) to increase their investments in domestic oil and gas production, both conventional and unconventional, even at a high cost. Responses could also include increased support for coal-to-liquids production projects, accelerating the electrification of transport and continuing to expand oil and gas storage facilities, Andrews-Speed said. Strategic petroleum reserve The U.S.-Iran crisis may only accentuate some Chinese responses that have already been underway. "Beijing was already shifting attention toward greater supply security for all energy imports (oil, gas, and coal) in the wake of trade conflicts with the United States and growing concerns that the U.S. might actually threaten seaborne supplies if the broader strategic competition worsened," Herberg said. "So, they are pushing their companies to raise domestic production despite high costs and market distortions," he said. "In the case of oil, that's not going to make much of a difference. They have better prospects to raise domestic gas production via shale and higher-cost conventional gas projects," he said. China also has some protection from its largely secretive strategic petroleum reserve, which Herberg estimates is likely to contain over 300 million barrels of oil. In the case of a serious disruption of oil supplies and a spike in world prices, China could get a "free ride" from coordinated releases of strategic stockpiles held by member countries of the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA). "But otherwise, in my view, Beijing will remain deeply exposed to potential oil supply disruptions, price spikes and resulting economic damage," Herberg said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aleisha McLaren (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 14:09 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321f0276 4 Parents sex,sex-abuse,rape,marital-rape,sex-education,Education,children,Women,women-empowerment Free Indonesians often learn about the importance of consent for sexual advances too late, if at all. During a recent visit to a grade 4 classroom, University of Indonesia (UI) School of Psychology researcher Shahnaz Safitri encountered students who had alarmed teachers by touching their classmates private parts. When we descriptively say that Its not OK to touch people without consent, they know its actually prohibited, Shahnaz said. What happened in the classroom shows how elementary school students should have received sex education because through it they can internalize the value of respect and make responsible decisions as they grow up, the researcher added. Most Indonesians, however, seem to disagree. A UI study last year discovered that communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) between Indonesian mothers and daughters was infrequent and that mothers felt it was culturally inappropriate to talk about sexuality matters, such as how the body changes during puberty or from the consequences of sex. Aspects of comprehensive sex education developed by the World Health Organisation. (World Health Organisation/-) Avoiding dinner-table chat about taboo topics can confuse children about how to navigate relationships, according to Shahnaz. For example, Shahnaz said, by junior high, most Indonesian girls believe they need to hug and kiss their boyfriends to keep them. Teaching at UI, the researcher has observed multiple cases of high-achieving male students using their reputations to coerce female classmates into casual sex. Girls dont know how to reject them because theyre not taught to be assertive, she said. The most basic, essential value of sex education is that girls always have a choice. A report from the 2018 National Commission on Violence Against Women showed the highest rate of reported sexual violence against women occurs within households. Survivors of marital rape sometimes are not aware they have been raped because Islam teaches women to obey their husbands orders, according to Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) spokesperson, Jessica Rachel. People think you cannot say no to sexual advances, Jessica said. Out of all the rape survivors who participated in a 2016 survey conducted by survivor advocacy group Lentera Sintas, 93 percent said they did not report their abusers to the police. Only 28 percent of the survivors told anybody about what happened. Respondents said fear of being blamed for the attack was a major contributor to their silence. Victim-blaming of women who experience sexual harassment or violence is rampant, said PKBI campaign manager Deltani Nuzuli. What was she wearing? and Why wasnt she veiled? are both common responses to a reported abuse, Deltani explained. Even if I was wearing the hijab, they would be saying Youre still wearing very tight clothes, so males are going to be attracted to you; its your fault anyway, she said. A recent survey conducted by a coalition of Indonesian feminist groups showed 17 percent of respondents were veiled when they experienced public harassment and 79 percent were dressed modestly. Even so, the idea that victims of abuse arent good girls modest, pure and virginal is still prevalent. An example is last year's case involving Baiq Nuril Maknun, who was sentenced to jail time by the Supreme Court for sharing a recording of her boss harassing her in the workplace, before she was granted presidential amnesty. When Bibi (not her real name), a 21-year-old student in Jakarta, was raped by her uncle in 2018, her family was outraged and reported the matter to the police, but then did not want it escalated to a trial. My family didnt want him to just sit in jail, she said, indicating they would be embarrassed by the outcome. That was my worst experience. Bibi said she wishes her mother had been more open with her about sex when she was growing up, but says her mother discusses sexual issues more frequently following the attack and has even taught her sister about her private body. Sharyn Graham Davies, a researcher and co-author of Sex and Sexualities in Contemporary Indonesia, has noted the increasing focus of conservative Islam on political attitudes and policy-making since the so-called Reformasi period began in 1998. She calls the movement populist morality. People who arent [particularly] religious [...] but have ambitions for political power in some sense can see now that its important for them to say the same things as the hard-line Islamic groups, which can lead to policy blindspots, Sharyn says. For example, conservative politicians believe sex education would encourage young people to engage in intercourse outside marriage. Actually, the opposite is true: UNESCOs research shows students who receive comprehensive sexual education actually delay their first sexual experience, when accurate information about the physical and emotional consequences of sex are given in addition to a focus on delaying sexual activity. Sharyn proposes that one solution is to connect sex education to the religious obligation for Muslim women to raise their children as good citizens. Attitudes need to change so talking about sex is no longer associated with an assumption that youre a bad person, that youre immoral, that youre encouraging sex outside of marriage, she says. UIs Center on Child Protection and Wellbeing's associate for curriculum development, Ni Luh Putu Maitra Agastya, said it was possible for parents to talk to their kids about sex in a way that is consistent with their values. We have to be able to say to them: This is not the wrong thing. If you provide the information, this is actually better than letting them find their own information, not knowing what is right, Agast said. Aleisha McLaren traveled to Indonesia with the support of the Australian governments New Colombo Plan Mobility Scheme. The first-ever Korean-American woman to become a U.S. ambassador was sworn in as envoy to Albania last Thursday. Yuri Kim (49) left for Tirana after a swearing-in ceremony at the State Department to start her new job in the coming weeks. She was nominated in June last year and confirmed by the Senate in December. Kim is also the third Korean-American ambassador representing the U.S. after Sung Kim, the ambassador to the Philippines and Joseph Yun, a one-time ambassador to Malaysia. Kim moved to the U.S. territory of Guam at the age of three and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania before gaining a master's degree from Cambridge University and joining the U.S. State Department in 1996. She served as secretary to then Secretary of State Colin Powell in 2002 and took part in North Korean denuclearization talks in 2008 as head of the U.S. team. She has also worked in the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and is fluent in five language, including Chinese, Japanese and Turkish. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Since May 2019, the price of Brent oil for the first time exceeded $70 per barrel. The created situation plays into the hands and promises Azerbaijan an increase in currency flows to the country. In the event of further development of the confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, the price of "black gold" may exceed $100 per barrel. Recall that State Budget of Azerbaijan and the budget of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) takes the expected cost per barrel in 2020 as $55. This evaluation is $5 less than in 2019. At the same time, over 90 percent of Azerbaijani exports are hydrocarbon resources, of which over 76 percent are directly exported to crude oil. Currently, high-quality Azerbaijani oil is sold on world markets at a price exceeded $70 per barrel, which is 27 percent higher than the forecasted price in the state budget and revenues of SOFAZ. It is worth noting that if the country's revenues from oil sales increase, a significant part of them will be used to replenish the assets of the State Oil Fund, in order to avoid excessive strengthening of the national currency (manat). At the same time, a sharp jump in oil prices may slow down the global economy. However, such a development will not adversely affect the Azerbaijani economy, which is estimated to grow by three percent in 2020. First, due to the fact that the demand for Azerbaijani energy from European countries continues to increase. Secondly, the production of non-oil sector products is primarily aimed at covering the needs of the local market. Thirdly, Russia is the main market for Azerbaijani products in the non-oil sector, the needs of which are not related to the situation around Washington-Tehran conflict. In accordance with the approved budget of SOFAZ, the funds revenues are projected at 12.384 billion manats ($7.28 billion), expenses - 11.589 billion manats ($6.8 billion) for 2020. As of 30 September 2019, SOFAZ assets amount to $42.524 billion. Azerbaijan is one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Its history is linked to the fortunes of petroleum. It is poised to become an important oil and gas producer once again. On 20 September 1994, an agreement on joint development and production sharing in the Azeri, Chirag and Guneshli fields of Azerbaijans sector of the Caspian Sea was signed with world-known oil companies. This agreement, known later as the Contract of the century, paved the way for signing new agreements in Azerbaijan. Owing to the realization of the oil strategy, Azerbaijan ensured its energy security and became a reliable country and partner in the international arena. Oil funds, sovereign wealth funds, and other similar institutions serve to efficiently manage revenues generated from the sale of natural resources and its equal distribution among generations. Currently, SOFAZ has achieved high institutional development and became nationally and internationally recognized organization, capable of sharing its experience in asset management and ensuring transparency. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz FAIRFIELD At 6 a.m., voters will begin casting their ballots to fill the state representative seat left vacant by First Selectman Brenda Kupchick in the 132nd District. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Democrat Jennifer Leeper and Republican Brian Farnen are vying for the seat. According to Holly Lanese, the secretary in the registrar of voters office, there are 16,534 voters on the active rolls for Tuesdays election. She said if someone shows up to vote and finds they are designated inactive, they can fill out paperwork to reactivate their voting status and will still be allowed to vote. Lanese said within the active voter lists, there are 5,133 Democrats, 4,666 Republicans, 6,478 unaffiliated voters and 258 classified as other. Farnen is a Representative Town Meeting member and general counsel and chief legal officer at the Connecticut Green Bank. Leeper is a member of the Board of Education and works as a policy and data analyst for the Connecticut Department of Education. Both Farnen and Leeper said they will be voting in the morning at Roger Sherman Elementary School, then visiting different polling places to greet voters. Leeper said she has a career in public policy. One lesson she has learned during that time, she said, is people agree on more issues than they realize, regardless of party. We often get bogged down by finger-pointing, said Leeper, when in truth our situation was created over decades by both parties. More Information Where to vote: RTM District 3: Fairfield Woods Middle School, 1115 Fairfield Woods Road. You cannot vote at this polling place if you live in state House of Representatives 134th District. RTM District 8: Roger Ludlow High School, 785 Unquowa Road. RTM District 9: Roger Sherman Elementary School, 250 Fern St. RTM District 10: Mill Hill Elementary School,635 Mill Hill Terrace. See More Collapse Leeper said voters want the economy to start progressing instead of regressing. She said one key component in doing that is to start investing in transportation infrastructure, which, if improved, would lead to more businesses and families moving to Connecticut. According to Leeper, her background and analytical skills will allow her to look at policy and see if it is achieving the goals set out for it. Farnen said he has a track record of being able to work across the party aisle in order to find compromise and get things done. Farnen said as a national leader in clean energy, he has a history of bringing jobs to Connecticut. He said the state has a lot of positive attributes including one of the smartest work forces in the country. He said six years of small businesses and people moving out of the state has been a detriment to the well-being of Connecticut. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 17:07:10|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DHAKA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Dense fog enveloped the Bangladesh capital Dhaka Monday, disrupting flight services to and from the country's principal Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Senior Air Traffic Officer SM Ohidur Rahman told journalists that the country's main airport was shut for about six hours. Meanwhile, he said several flights were delayed or diverted. According to the official, flight operations at the airport resumed at about 9:00 a.m. (local time) after the authorities suspended air traffic there at around 3:00 a.m. (local time). "Geneva Gives was born out of a desire to make an impact on a very personal level in the communities we serve," said Telle VanTrojen, COO/Partner of Geneva Financial and the heart behind Geneva Gives. "We always want to give to those in need, but we also wanted to seek out the unsung heroes who impact their communities, be it through charitable work, leadership, stories of survival or pure inspiration." Sgt. Arrubla was an NYPD Police Officer when the events of 9/11 unfolded. He spent 190 days at ground zero a time that impacted him greatly. Born into a family with Colombian drug cartel ties, Guillermo's youth in New York City was filled with negative influences that may have led him down another path. Instead, he was drawn to the police officers he encountered during family difficulties and tragedies. Seemingly destined to be placed in situations where selfless acts would be his natural instinct, Arrubla was on vacation in Hawaii after relocating to Phoenix and rescued a cliff diver from drowning and was later featured on local news. Later, on a separate vacation in Las Vegas, he stopped a robbery in process at a mall with his wife and children nearby. "The moral of the story is you don't want to travel with me," Arrubla jokes. In 2014, Guillermo created a non-profit named Beat Street AZ and operates this organization on his days off from being a police sergeant. This program targets at-risk youth by utilizing the elements of Hip-Hop culture to teach introductory technological skills in the areas of music production, dance, graphic design through graffiti among others. The students also learn valuable life skills and have found a family at Beat Street that helps guide them to a brighter future. "We are truly honored to have Guillermo as our inaugural Hero," says James Polinori, Chief Marketing Officer for Geneva Financial. "When we developed this program and thought about what our Geneva Gives Hero should be, I don't think we realized the first Hero would set the bar so high. We hope to work with Guillermo for many years to come by supporting his multiple youth organizations and we openly welcome his as an Ambassador on the Geneva Gives team, helping us improve and grow," Polinori continued. Throughout most of 2019, Geneva Financial accepted nominations for local heroes nationally across multiple categories. Finalists were selected and featured on GenevaGives.com. Arrubla was asked to speak, as a finalist, at the company's Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was not aware he had already been chosen for the honor. Employees of Geneva Financial mobilized through the year in an effort to build the Grant Fund for Heroes to support the inaugural hero's cause. Guillermo was presented with a check for $10,000 funds he plans to use to supply the kids at Beat Street Arizona with iPads to help further their education. Nominations for the 2020 Hero of the Year open May 1st at www.GenevaGives.com For more information, contact [email protected] To donate or volunteer with Beat Street AZ, visit www.BeatStreetAZ.org About Geneva Financial Founded in 2007 by Aaron VanTrojen, Geneva Financial is a direct mortgage lender headquartered in Chandler, Arizona with more than 100 branch locations nationwide. Our mission at Geneva Financial is to approach every aspect of our business from the "inside-out". With a culture-forward mindset, we focus on our loan originators and support staff first in order to ensure an unbeatable experience for our customers. Our Core Values were created as a daily reminder to operate with the inside-out approach in mind. Core Value #1 is the backbone of all our Core Values, our mission and our brand vision: Home Loans Powered by Humans. SOURCE Geneva Financial, LLC Related Links http://www.genevafi.com A judge of the Madras High Court on Monday recused herself from hearing a plea of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, son of party leader P Chidambaram, and his wife in connection with a case of alleged income tax evasion and another declined to entertain it. When the plea against framing of charges in the tax case against Karti and his wife Srinidhi came up before Justice Anita Sumanth, counsels for the tax department said documents seized from Advantage Strategic Private Limited was the basis for the cases. They submitted that since she had represented the company when she was an advocate, it would not be appropriate for her to hear the petition. Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, representing the petitioners pleaded that the court should at least adjourn the matter till January 20 with an interim injunction against the special court from framing charges. However, concurring with the submission of counsels for the tax department, the judge recused herself from hearing the matter. When the senior counsel made an urgent mention before Justice P Rajamanickam, the judge wondered how he could hear the plea since he was not the portfolio judge. To this, senior counsel Nalini Chidambaram, mother of Karti, submitted they made a representation before the Chief Justice who had in turn directed the registry to list the matter before him. However, Justice Rajamanickam sought to know where is the order by the CJ, saying he cannot entertain the plea without the order. "I was not aware of the facts of the case," the judge added. Counsels for the tax department raised several objections to the court hearing the matter. They contended that the crime numbers mentioned by the petitioners were incorrect and must be rectified. Also, the cases were not pending before the chief metropolitan magistrate court in Egmore as submitted by the petitioners. They are pending before the special court for cases against MPs and MLAs, the counsels said. Justice Rajamanickam then said the counsels for the department were raising several objections which need to be addressed. The counsels for the petitioners once again made a mention before the Chief Justice later seeking an urgent hearing on Monday, a day before the special court is scheduled to hear the matter. Noting that he cannot take a decision without going into any note or order passed by Justice Rajamanickam, the Chief Justice asked the counsels to make a representation to the registrar (judicial) who would in turn forward the same to the office of the Chief Justice for appropriate orders. The caste before the special court related to a complaint filed by the deputy director of income tax Investigation, Chennai, before an economic offences court here on September 12, 2018 for offences under the I-T act. The case was later transferred to the special court. During the hearing, the I-T department submitted that Karti received Rs 6.38 crore in cash while his wife received Rs 1.35 crore in cash for the sale of land near Muttukadu. It has been alleged that the Karti's mother Nalini Chidambaram received the payment in the form of cheque while their son and his wife received cash. On January 7, the special court had dismissed a discharge petition filed by Karti and his wife and ordered the prosecution to go ahead with the framing of charges and ordered both the accused to be present in the court on January 21. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australia is known to have a 'fire season,' but this time it's particularly alarming and experts have attributed it to climate change. Right now, in Australia, it's a living nightmare for locals. The land is filled with charred bodies of koalas and dead cockatoos falling out of trees. Fire has spread to the eastern and southern coasts of Australia. This is where most people and animals live. So far, 15 million acres of land have burned down. There is a growing fear that entire species of plants and animals have been wiped out by the bushfires. So far, nearly a billion animals have died, and if that does not alarm us, nothing will. Photos of some wild and farm animals--kangaroos, koalas and others--that burned alive are doing rounds on the Internet. Here's what Australia is dealing with: 1. A kangaroo looks for a safe place during the bushfires. twitter 2. A rescued kangaroo is being taken care of by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster. afp 3. Vegetables were dropped from the air for animals in Australia so they don't starve to death. reuters 4. A dog gets evacuated in the back of a car as high winds push smoke and ash from the Currowan Fire towards Nowra, New South Wales, Australia. reuters 5. Bernadette Foster, a Dignams Creek resident who has run out of petrol poses for photos with her pet dogs at the evacuation centre in Cobargo. reuters 6. Many animals were left cornered by the bushfires in Cobargo. reuters 7. Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Services (WIRES) volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area. reuters 8. Here, Tracy Burgess is seen holding a severely burnt brushtail possum rescued from fires near Australias Blue Mountains. reuters 9. A weary kangaroo finds a moment's respite on a patch of green grass surrounded by burnt bushland along the Princes Highway near Milton. reuters 10. Cattle killed by the bushfires buried in Cobargo. reuters 11. An injured horse gets a painkiller in a shared paddock at the evacuation centre in Cobargo. reuters 12. Sheep make their way in the fire-ravaged grounds near Bega. reuters 13. The carcass of a kangaroo lies on the ground after it was euthanised, on a farm in Cobargo. reuters 14. A dead Australian native bird washed up amongst ash and fire debris on Boydtown Beach near the Nullica River in Eden. reuters 15. A brushtail possum with burnt paws gets nursed by WIRES volunteer Baron Green in Merimbula. reuters 16. An injured kangaroo with a joey in its pouch, limps through burnt bushland. reuters 17. The burnt paw of a brushtail possum is pictured here as it is nursed by WIRES volunteers in Merimbula. reuters The tombstone of French cartoonist, Wolinski, who was killed in the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack five years ago, appears to have been defaced, with the word "Charlie" removed. The Paris municipality has said it doubts it was a criminal act. Maryse Wolinski, the cartoonist's widow, said she will file a complaint. She believes it to be an intentional act, she told Liberation. Georges Wolinski is buried at the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris. At the weekend, a passer-by noticed the word "Charlie" had been removed, apparently hammered out of the headstone. According to both the Paris municipality and the funeral home in charge of the maintenance of the headstone, the problem lies in the very porous nature of the stone used. It has been "eroded", they say, by regular deep cleaning with a powerful pressure washer. Wolinski's headstone is often covered in graffiti and his widow requested it to be cleaned on a regular basis. When she asked why only the word "Charlie" was eroded, the funeral home responded that it was a coincidence. The manager whom Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tapped to become the citys new transportation chief, Gia Biagi, said last week that the cameras do indeed serve as a deterrent to unsafe driving. She also said the city will take a close look at the placement of red-light cameras, the larger question of how many and where, reductions and additions and all of that particularly over the next couple of weeks as we think about our capital priorities. WASHINGTON The deadly shooting by a Saudi aviation student at a Florida navy base last month was motivated by jihadist ideology and is being classified as an act of terrorism, Attorney General William Barr said Monday. The 21-year-old Saudi Air Force officer, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, opened fire at the base in Pensacola, killing three U.S. sailors and injuring eight other people. Prior to the shooting, Alshamrani visited a memorial to the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City, made statements online critical of American military action overseas and professed a belief that violence was necessary to defend Muslim countries, law enforcement officials said in revealing new details about the motive of a shooting that focused attention on the presence of foreign trainees on American bases and the quality of vetting. Officials had said earlier Alshamrani hosted a party before the shooting, where he and others watched videos of mass shootings. The gunman had also apparently taken to Twitter before the shooting to criticize U.S. support of Israel and accuse America of being anti-Muslim, another U.S. official told the AP last month. Alshamrani, who was killed by a sheriffs deputy during the rampage at a classroom building, was undergoing flight training at Pensacola, where foreign military members routinely receive instruction. The United States is also removing nearly two dozen Saudi military students from a training program and sending them back to Saudi Arabia, Barr said. Many of the 21 cadets had contact with child pornography and possessed jihadist or anti-American material, Barr said. None is accused of having advanced knowledge of the shooting, which Barr said was motivated by jihadist ideology and which he classified as an act of terrorism. The Justice Department reviewed whether any of the trainees should face charges, but concluded that it did not meet the standards for federal prosecution. The December shooting raised questions about how well international military students are screened before they attend training at American bases. Some lawmakers, including a top Republican ally of President Donald Trump, have called for Saudi Arabia to be suspended from an American military training program. Trump called for the program to be reviewed. But Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said the program needed to be reevaluated after the attack. A Saudi commanding officer had ordered all students from the country to remain at one location at the base after the attack. National security adviser Robert OBrien said in an interview on Fox News that the shooting showed that there had been errors in the way that we vetted" the students. The actions being taken by the Justice Department and Defense Department to remove the Saudi students are to protect our service men and women," he said. Federal officials are still investigating the shooting and examining evidence. Last week, the FBI asked Apple to help extract data from two iPhones that belonged to the gunman. Investigators have been trying to access the two devices an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 5 but have been unable to access them because the phones are locked and encrypted, according to a letter from the FBIs general counsel, Dana Boente. The FBI has received a court authorization to search the phones and the devices have been sent to the bureaus lab in Quantico, Virginia, he said. The investigation is considered a high-priority national security matter, Boente said in the letter. FBI officials have sought help from other federal agencies and other experts, and investigators have been trying to guess the passwords, but those efforts have been unsuccessful, according to the letter. Apple said in a statement that it has already provided investigators with all the relevant data held by the company and would continue to support the investigators. At least one of the phones was shot by a sheriffs deputy during the attack, but investigators believe they may still be able to extract data from the device, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. [January 13, 2020] Duff & Phelps Ranks First for U.S. and Global Fairness Opinions for Fifth Consecutive Year Duff & Phelps, the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients, today announced it ranked No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year in Thomson Reuters' (News - Alert) Global Mergers & Acquisition Review - 2019 for the number of fairness opinions rendered in both the U.S. and globally. In 2019, Duff & Phelps rendered 55 fairness opinions globally, 47 of which were associated with U.S. deals. Since 2005, the firm has rendered more than 900 fairness opinions in transactions with an aggregate deal value of more than $365 billion. Chris Janssen, Managing Director and Global Head of Transaction Opinions at Duff & Phelps, commented, "In the thirty-plus years that Duff & Phelps has been rendering fairness opinions, we have seen a steady rise in requests for independent advice on the value exchanged in transactions. While fairness opinions have always been a vital element of effective corporate deal making, financial sponsors are increasingly seeking our advice on secondary recapitalizations and transactions within the same fund family. Our continued recognition by Thomson Reuters is a testament to Duff & Phelps' ability to provide valuable, independent financial advie and fairness opinions sought by companies and their boards, as well as the financial sponsor community." With a reputation built over decades and solidified over the last five years of ranking No. 1, Duff & Phelps' market-leading Fairness and Solvency Opinions Practice delivers high-quality, independent financial advice and opinions that withstand the most rigorous scrutiny. The practice covers the spectrum of corporate deals, including traditional mergers and acquisitions, fund-to-fund transfers and investments, transactions with affiliates, secondary recapitalizations, financings and restructurings. About Duff & Phelps Duff & Phelps is the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients in the areas of valuation, corporate finance, investigations, disputes, cyber security, compliance and regulatory matters, and other governance-related issues. We work with clients across diverse sectors, mitigating risk to assets, operations and people. With Kroll, a division of Duff & Phelps since 2018, our firm has nearly 3,500 professionals in 28 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.duffandphelps.com. M&A advisory, capital raising and secondary market advisory services in the United States are provided by Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Pagemill Partners is a Division of Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC. M&A advisory, capital raising and secondary market advisory services in the United Kingdom are provided by Duff & Phelps Securities Ltd. (DPSL), which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. M&A advisory and capital raising services in Germany are provided by Duff & Phelps GmbH, which is a Tied Agent of DPSL. Valuation Advisory Services in India are provided by Duff & Phelps India Private Limited under a category 1 merchant banker license issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005087/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Love Island viewers turned on Mike Boateng after he admitted he would not mind being snatched away from Leanne Amaning by one of twins Eve and Jess Gale. The police officer paired up with Leanne during Sundays launch episode of the new series. But his head was soon turned by blonde twins Eve and Jess, who were last to arrive at the villa and were given the power to pick any of the five men to couple up with. Leanne was worried the twins might take Mike off her but he assured her: I have come in here to find love, to find that someone. My initial thoughts of you is that you could be that someone. And youre a beautiful girl. Mike and Leanne are the love story we need and deserve in 2020 #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/6p33uftb4t Love Island (@LoveIsland) January 13, 2020 However, shortly afterwards he told the twins he would be fine if one of them picked him. Later that night, Eve and Jess bickered over which men they were going to choose. When it was time to make their decision, Eve opted for Callum Jones and Jess went for Mike, leaving Leanne looking crestfallen. Viewers were unimpressed, with many posting about Mike on social media. Mike has upset my system. words cant even describe how I feel about his brand of behaviour. #staystrongLeanne, said one person. Story continues Mike really just sold lies, said another, while one person posted: He didnt even look at her?! Just got up and left. Im vexed mike is cancelled. This Mike is just as shady as Michael last year, said another fan. One viewer fumed: Mike is a snake dog, if that hybrid ever existed thats what he would be. FIRST LOOK Things get up close and personal in the first challenge of the series and tension begins to bubble as Eve and Jess realise they fancy the same boy #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/ODfqwzRKsI Love Island (@LoveIsland) January 13, 2020 Love Island returned on Sunday with a new host in Laura Whitmore, who took over from regular presenter Caroline Flack after she stepped down following an assault charge. The new series is being filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, and will see the winning couple in with a chance of pocketing 50,000. Love Island continues on ITV2. Top US Democrat has said that she believes the hearings against produced "enough testimony to remove him from office" when the case moves to the Senate. Speaker Pelosi will meet with the House Democratic caucus early Tuesday to prepare for the formal vote required to send the two articles of passed by the House on to the Senate, as early as this week. The Senate trial is expected to be held quickly, with Republicans holding enough votes to easily dismiss the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeached Trump on December 18 over allegations that he improperly pressured Ukraine to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden, and obstructed the subsequent congressional probe. US plans to lift China's designation as currency manipulator: Reports He has not budged, however. Still, she said Sunday that the delay had accomplished important things. "We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses," she told ABC. "Now the ball is in their court, to either do that or pay a price for not doing it." During the interim, she added, new emails supporting the charges against Trump had emerged, and former national security adviser John Bolton had announced his willingness to testify if subpoenaed. If the Senate fails to subpoena Bolton - and Trump said Friday in an interview on Fox that he might invoke executive privilege to block Bolton's testimony - Pelosi said it was "not excluded" that the House might then move to subpoena him. But McConnell made clear recently he had sufficient Republican votes to ignore the Democrats' demands on witnesses and evidence. Trump, for his part, has said he expects rapid exoneration and wants to move past the trial as quickly as possible. "Why should I have the stigma of attached to my name when I did nothing wrong," the president tweeted on Sunday. "Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!" He also renewed a call for Democrat Adam Schiff, who led the House impeachment probe, to be called as a witness -- this time also demanding that Pelosi herself be made to testify. He later said the case should be dismissed without trial, as any hearings would give undue credibility to the "witch hunt" against him. The timing of the trial is critical, with political temperatures rapidly rising in this presidential election year. The first vote of the Democratic nomination process, in Iowa, is just weeks away, on February 3. Five of the candidates -- Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker and Michael Bennet -- are US senators, and are required to sit as jurors during the impeachment trial, curtailing their campaigning efforts. (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.) Kenyans appear to have had enough of the disruptive rabble rousing and whining by politicians in the Tanga Tanga faction of Jubilee Party. And as justifiably suggested across many quarters, it is time these restless leaders jumped ship and made themselves comfortable where they belong in the Opposition. READ ALSO: Opinion: Sonko will not be jailed, the system is on his side Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria spent a night t Kilimani Police Station where he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a media commentator. Photo: The Star. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Moses Kuria links arrest to his support of William Ruto It is a role they are already actively playing by relentlessly opposing the Government agenda - only that they are doing it from the wrong side. It is not logical that one keeps fighting the same government he/she purports to be part of; this is simply counterproductive. It is only fair that they quit the ruling party, let the Government run smoothly for the benefit of all Kenyans and formally challenge its decisions from the other end of the political divide. Not long ago, Tanga Tanga politicians such as Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, his Kiharu counterpart Ndindi Nyoro and others enthusiastically urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to embrace tyrannical rule and mercilessly deal with Opposition leader Raila Odinga and his NASA coalition colleagues. The head of state turned down the pleas, instead making it clear that Kenya is a democracy with myriad freedoms guaranteed to all citizens. It appears these politicians, who are already busy campaigning for William Rutos 2022 presidential bid, have resolved to push Kenyatta against the wall in a bid to trigger a response. After failing to get a reaction from the president, despite provocatively hurling insults at him and Raila, they are now going a step further to storm police stations and provoke security forces to act. When Kuria was arrested last weekend for assaulting a woman at Royal Media Services, the Tanga Tanga politicians were quick to storm and camp at Kilimani Police Station demanding his release. This unusual provocation was aimed at eliciting a violent reaction from the police, which would help Tanga Tanga justify their recent narrative that the President is hell-bent on taking the country back to the dark old days of dictatorship. Credit must go to the police and the president for having so far managed to keep their cool, which is insanely difficult. It is ironical that while the Tanga Tanga politicians are doing all this by exploiting the excessive democratic space and freedom of expression they are at the same time accusing Uhuru of denying them. The level of hypocrisy that has been displayed by the Tanga Tanga team is worryingly baffling. So determined is the team in its opposition role that they are now talking of a revolution, even embracing troublemaker lawyer Miguna Miguna, the same man they helped to kick out in 2018. The same individuals who were preaching to us how the rights of one individual must not override the rights of millions others as they advised the police to use excessive force to eject the controversial lawyer out of the country two years ago have now realised Migunas rights have been violated all through. The same people who cheered as police teargassed Opposition demonstrators during the last General Election now feel they should be treated differently by the same law enforcement officers when clearly in the wrong. Well, it is time these flip-flopping politicians stopped insulting the intelligence of Kenyans and shipped out. The writer is Milan Kiplagat, a regular commentator on social, economic and political affairs. The views expressed in this opinion piece are his and do not necessarily represent the position of TUKO Media Ltd in any way. We welcome writers, bloggers, photographers and all sorts of noise makers to become a part of our Blog network Send your opinion, story or both to news@tuko.co.ke. 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. Raila Odinga is behind Miguna miguna's problems - Moses Kuria | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke BRIDGEPORT A city man was sentenced Monday after selling oxycodone to investigators, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Connecticut. Jordan Rodofsky, 57, was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, officials said in a release. Edel Gonzalez made an emotional appeal to Havana alongside campaigners in Madrid as they published documents that suggest around 11,000 people are in jail for A former top judge from Cuba has taken the unprecedented step of joining a campaign to highlight the government's imprisonment of thousands of citizens on dubious charges. Edel Gonzalez made an emotional appeal to Havana alongside campaigners in Madrid as they published documents that suggest around 11,000 people are in jail for "antisocial conduct." I dont want to see blood on the streets of Cuba. I want peace but I am very afraid about the future, Mr Gonzalez said in front of an audience including politicians from the Spanish and European parliaments. It is thought to be the first time a high-ranking member of Cubas judiciary has spoken out in such a public way. Alongside Mr Gonzalez, Javier Larrondo, a campaigner against the Cuban government who leads an organisation called Prisoners Defenders, revealed internal judiciary documents that show the country has the highest proportion of its population in the world behind bars, with a total of more than 90,000 inmates. According to the documents seen by The Telegraph around 11,000 Cubans are currently in jail because they have been deemed to have shown antisocial conduct. This procedure does not require any specific offence to have been committed, and the conviction rate in highly summary trials is 99.5 per cent, according to the papers. We believe hundreds or thousands of these antisocial convicts are political prisoners, said Mr Larrondo, adding to the 126 Cuban political prisoners his NGO recognises officially. Mr Gonzalez said most of those convicted in such procedures are individuals who have connections with criminal circles, but he believes they should have the right to a proper defence. The 41-year-old Mr Gonzalez was a rising star of Cubas judiciary until he was stripped of his post in 2018, accused of a series of what he calls trumped-up minor misdemeanours. He told the Telegraph he was fired because he found contradictions in cases brought against people considered undesirable by the regime on an uncomfortable number of occasions. I am expecting to return to Cuba, and I see no reason why I shouldnt as I am simply voicing the opinions I have heard from thousands of people, said Mr Gonzalez, choking back tears as he said that his wife had urged him not to speak out. The office of the EUs high representative for foreign affairs, Spanish politician Josep Borrell, told The Telegraph it took note of Mr Gonzalezs initiative. Cubas international press centre was approached for comment. Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Markets Still Not Wowed Market Tea Leaves - 1 hour ago Yesterday the markets still didn't trade Higher. Can this change today? Bulgaria's leaders self-isolate after speaker COVID-positive AP - 1 hour ago SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) Bulgarias top leaders are self-isolating after being in contact with the parliamentary speaker who tested positive for the coronavirus, the countrys chief health inspector... $SPX : 4,670.29 (-0.14%) $DOWI : 36,068.87 (-0.45%) $IUXX : 15,614.43 (+0.14%) Factory farming dispute vexes Spain's coalition government AP - Tue Jan 11, 4:26AM CST MADRID (AP) A spat over factory farming is causing tension in Spains left-of-center coalition government, with the farm minister on Tuesday describing the consumer ministers criticism of the... $SPX : 4,670.29 (-0.14%) $DOWI : 36,068.87 (-0.45%) $IUXX : 15,614.43 (+0.14%) Nasdaq100 (NQ) Trying to Bounce Off Weekly Chart Upchannel Support Tradable Patterns - Tue Jan 11, 2:18AM CST The Nasdaq100 (NQH22) is consolidating yesterdays reversal off downchannel support (on the 4hr and daily chart), but remains vulnerable in todays European morning. Significantly, although NQ is... NQH22 : 15,665.00 (+0.37%) QQQ : 380.11 (+0.07%) Federal Reserve's Powell: High inflation 'exacts a toll' AP - Mon Jan 10, 11:01PM CST WASHINGTON (AP) High inflation is taking a toll on American families, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged in remarks to be delivered at a Tuesday congressional hearing, where he is sure... $SPX : 4,670.29 (-0.14%) $DOWI : 36,068.87 (-0.45%) $IUXX : 15,614.43 (+0.14%) Federal Reserve's Powell: High inflation 'exacts a toll' AP - Mon Jan 10, 6:32PM CST WASHINGTON (AP) High inflation is taking a toll on American families, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged in remarks to be delivered at a Tuesday congressional hearing, where he is sure... $SPX : 4,670.29 (-0.14%) $DOWI : 36,068.87 (-0.45%) $IUXX : 15,614.43 (+0.14%) AB5, the states new gig work law, took effect Jan. 1, and has already changed some livelihoods, with Uber drivers, freelance writers and performing artists among those feeling its impact. Less well-known gig companies that connect workers to blue-collar jobs are also affected sometimes to their benefit, sometimes not. BlueCrew and Wonolo both run on-demand marketplaces for blue-collar gigs. The startups use smartphone apps to connect people to temporary jobs such as warehouse packers, janitors, delivery drivers, forklift operators, line cooks and event staffers. But the two rivals diverge significantly when it comes to employment. Their contrasting approaches crystallize ways AB5 is changing the work landscape. BlueCrew has always hired its workers as employees. Now, as California makes it harder for companies to claim that workers are independent contractors, its seeing a surge of interest from clients trying to comply with the new law and with Dynamex, the 2018 California Supreme Court decision that AB5 codifies. Wonolo has primarily hired its workers as independent contractors. AB5 has prompted it to drastically shrink its California operations, essentially ending gig jobs here after the first quarter, although it will keep its headquarters in San Francisco. Given the limitations of AB5, we anticipate that we may not be able to allow businesses to post jobs in California as of March 31, Wonolo CEO Yong Kim said in a letter to its workers. This means you will see significantly fewer jobs on Wonolo in California. We have not made this decision lightly but have done so in order to protect businesses from any unnecessary risks associated with the new legislation. In an interview, Kim said that the move, which he characterized as de-emphasizing rather than exiting California for good, was a matter of principle in creating a workers-first company. Wonolo wants the freedom to devise its own modern ways to meet workers needs and feels it would be hamstrung here, he said. We want to continue to focus on introducing creative solutions for Wonoloers and other gig workers without being pulled into the (employee versus independent contractor) classification discussion, Kim said. He ticked off a list of reasons that employment wouldnt make sense for his workers. Many work at multiple companies in a month; many lack even a resume and work at Wonolo helps them to gain experience; many already work at places like Walmart and Sears and use Wonolo to supplement their incomes. Echoing arguments made by Uber, Lyft and other gig companies, Kim said that what blue-collar gig workers want is flexibility and autonomy of their schedule, working when and where and for whom they want. At the same time, he said, theyd like access to traditional benefits such as health care, he said, and hed like to explore new ways to provide those. For instance, since non-employees are not covered by workers compensation benefits, Wonolo offers its gig workers occupational accident insurance for similar coverage, he said. Wonolo will host job fairs for its California workers and try to place some as employees at its clients. More than 20 clients have asked to convert some of Wonolos gig workers into employees, the company said. Walking away from California, its largest market by far, will be a financial burden to us, Kim said, but the business is growing elsewhere in the country. Its a drastic move, but we stand for what we think is the right thing for providing new kinds of benefits for Wonoloers and other gig workers. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle By contrast, BlueCrew, based in Chicago with offices in San Francisco, has received dozens of client inquiries and new customers since the Dynamex decision in April 2018, and that intensified leading up to AB5s Jan. 1 implementation, said CEO Adam Roston. Over the past few months there was a steep change of interest in California in what we offer, he said. We are designed to access workers quickly on demand but are also a compliant solution because 100% of our workers are (employees). Customers are coming to us who were using gig labor because theyre no longer comfortable with that. Big companies generally were already compliant, but that still leaves a lot of people who were testing the waters with (independent contractors) and realize thats not going to work any more, he said. In Californias tight labor market, most of BlueCrews jobs pay about 50% above minimum wage or else it couldnt attract workers, he said. The company covers mandated benefits such as workers compensation and disability insurance. Workers who put in 30 hours or more a week are entitled to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. While the average BlueCrew worker does about 25 hours a week, he said a substantial percentage qualify for insurance coverage. BlueCrew does not try to cut off workers hours before they reach the threshold to qualify, he said. However, employee protections such as overtime and sick pay are more valued by many blue-collar workers who live paycheck to paycheck, he said. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Workplace attorneys had varying reactions to Wonolos decision. The requirement to treat the people that work with you as minimum-wage employees doesnt seem like it should be an insurmountable barrier to doing business in a state, said Rachel Williams Dempsey, an attorney at San Franciscos Outten Golden, which represents workers in labor cases. Veena Dubal, a law professor at UC Hastings who advocates for gig workers, said shes not upset to see Wonolo exit California, calling it a precarious and exploitative app that digitizes day labor. Access to workers comp is huge in the warehousing world, which is incredibly dangerous, she said, and said she sees Wonolos injury insurance as subpar by contrast. But Tiffanny Brosnan, a partner at Orange Countys Snell & Wilmer and an employment lawyer representing management, said she worries about companies leaving the state. Wonolo isnt the first, and sadly it wont be the last, she said. AB5 is only one of the laws passed in 2019 making it more difficult for employers in California, she said. Her examples: AB51, which bans arbitration agreements and AB9, which extends employees allowed time to file charges with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. John Baum, a partner at San Franciscos Hirschfeld Kraemer, also an employment lawyer representing management, saw it differently. California is a pretty big economy, he said. I cant imagine there will be a significant percentage of businesses that choose not to do business in California. Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid Washington: At least 11 people have lost their lives in a strong storm with strong winds, storms, and floods in the southern part of America. According to the news agency Xinhua, a police officer and a fire worker died and a man seriously injured in a car accident during a road accident in Lubbock, Texas on Saturday. Heavy snowfall and rain caused havoc in Balochistan, 14 died The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said on Saturday that a man was swept away by the flood waters while trying to get his truck stuck in the flood. According to local media, an elderly couple was found dead near their trailer in Louisiana on Saturday and another person died after a truck overturned in Iowa. Thousands of people from Texas to Ohio were affected due to disrupted power supplies. Alert issues for volcano eruption in Philippines, transporting 8000 people to safe place Some highways were closed due to flooding in Oklahoma and Arkansas. According to the online flight tracking website of the Chicago Department of Aviation, more than 1,200 flights were canceled at 2 international airports in Chicago. The Meteorological Department has forecast that many rivers have reached or near the flood level and heavy rains may cause flooding in the area again. North Korea demands this to resume the Nuclear discussion with the US NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Currently, it is the most commonly reported neurodegenerative disorder across the world, and the sixth leading cause of death in the US. , It was estimated that, in 2018, nearly 5.7 million Americans (considering all age groups) were living with Alzheimer's disease. During the same year, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias were projected to be responsible for a healthcare burden amounting to USD 277 billion, in the US. Considering that only a limited range of diagnosis, treatment and disease management solutions are presently available, this segment of the healthcare industry is presently faced with a pressing need for accurate diagnostic (predictive) tests, and efficient treatment options that have the capability to slow the progression of the condition. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05783095/?utm_source=PRN Despite extensive research aimed at comprehending the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, only six drugs have been approved since 1996 for treatment. The rate of failure of drugs being developed for treating Alzheimer's disease is alarming (~99.6%) and is even higher than that reported for cancer (~81%). , Most of the existing therapeutic options have proven inadequate in arresting the progression of the disease and long term management of associated symptoms. Currently, several stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry are engaged in efforts to develop various types of disease modifying interventions and drug / therapy candidates that offer symptomatic relief. In fact, multiple initiatives by start-ups are being backed by venture capital and other strategic investors. In the coming years, the market is anticipated to grow at a significant pace as more novel solutions clear clinical evaluation and get commercialized. SCOPE OF THE REPORT The "Alzheimer's Disease Market: Pipeline Review, Developer Landscape and Competitive Insights" report provides an extensive study on the marketed, clinical and preclinical molecules available / being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Amongst other elements, the report includes: A detailed assessment of the current market landscape, providing information on drug developer(s), phase of development (marketed, clinical and preclinical / discovery stage), type of molecule (small molecule or biologic), type of treatment (disease modifying agents or drugs offering symptomatic relief), target stage of the disease (early, mid and late stages), type of therapy (monotherapy or combination therapy), path to clinic (dedicated, and repositioned / repurposed), mechanism of action, and route of administration of the drugs / therapies being developed for the treatment of the condition. An in-depth analysis of the product pipeline and developer companies, featuring three schematic representations; these include [A] a representation, highlighting the distribution of the marketed and development stage molecules based on the mechanism of action, [B] a 2X2 grid analysis, representing the distribution of drug candidates across type of therapy, path to clinic and stages of development, and [C] a diagrammatic representation of the regional landscape of industry players involved in the development of drugs in this domain, distributed based on the location of their headquarters. An analysis highlighting the key unmet needs across Alzheimer's disease, featuring insights generated through data captured from 5000+ social media posts, 250+ recent scientific publications, 100+ patient blogs and the views of key opinion leaders expressed by both patients and industry experts. A detailed assessment of discontinued drugs / trials, featuring information on the number of discontinuations, year of discontinuation, phase of discontinuation, mechanism of action of the terminated drug, target stage of disease and the reason(s) for discontinuation. A detailed publication analysis of close to 300 articles, highlighting the therapeutic areas of focus within the industry. The analysis also highlights the key trends observed across the publications, including information on popular biological targets being investigated, study type (review article, research article and meta-analysis), year of publication, and the most popular journals (in terms of number of articles published within our dataset) within this domain. An analysis of the partnerships that have been established till 2019 (February), covering R&D collaborations, licensing agreements, mergers and acquisitions, product development and commercialization agreements, manufacturing agreements, and other relevant deals. An analysis of the investments made at various stages of development in companies that are focused in this area, including seed financing, venture capital financing, debt financing, grants, capital raised from IPOs and subsequent offerings. The research, analysis and insights presented in this report is backed by a deep understanding of insights gathered from secondary sources. The opinions and insights presented in this study were influenced by discussions conducted with multiple stakeholders in this domain. The report features detailed transcripts of interviews held with the following individuals (in alphabetical order of company name): Kenneth Moch (President and Chief Executive Officer, Cognition Therapeutics) Ram Bhatt (Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Founder, ICB International) All actual figures have been sourced and analyzed from publicly available information forums and primary research discussions. Financial figures mentioned in this report are in USD, unless otherwise specified. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The data presented in this report has been gathered via secondary and primary research. For all our projects, we conduct interviews with experts in the area (academia, industry, medical practice and other associations) to solicit their opinions on emerging trends in the market. This is primarily useful for us to draw out our own opinion on how the market will evolve across different regions and technology segments. Where possible, the available data has been checked for accuracy from multiple sources of information. The secondary sources of information include Annual reports Investor presentations SEC filings Industry databases News releases from company websites Government policy documents Industry analysts' views While the focus has been on forecasting the market till 2030, the report also provides our independent view on various non-commercial trends emerging in the industry. This opinion is solely based on our knowledge, research and understanding of the relevant market gathered from various secondary and primary sources of information. CHAPTER OUTLINES Chapter 2 provides an executive summary of the insights captured in our research. It offers a high-level view on the likely evolution of the Alzheimer's disease market in the long term. Chapter 3 provides a brief introduction to Alzheimer's disease, and its associated symptoms. It also features a detailed discussion on the causes of the condition (based on various existing hypotheses), stages of disease progression, factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease, and the different pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that are presently indicated for the treatment of this condition. The chapter includes a discussion on the epidemiology of the disease and highlights the diverse initiatives / programs led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support scientific discovery and help in disease management. Chapter 4 includes information on over 200 molecules that are currently approved / under development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It features a comprehensive analysis of pipeline molecules, highlighting the phase of development (marketed, clinical and preclinical / discovery stage), type of molecule (small molecule or biologic), treatment type (disease modifying agent or drugs offering symptomatic relief), target stage of disease (early, mid or late stage), type of therapy (monotherapy or combination therapy), path to clinics (dedicated, repositioned or repurposed), and mechanism of action and route of administration of the drugs being developed for the treatment of the disease. In addition, the chapter provides information on drug developer(s), highlighting year of their establishment, location of headquarters and employee strength. In addition, it presents certain key insights derived from the study, which includes a representation highlighting the distribution of the marketed and pipeline molecules based on various mechanisms of action. The chapter includes a comprehensive 2X2 grid analysis, representing the distribution of the clinical drug candidates across type of therapy, path to clinic and stage of development. Additionally, the chapter features a regional landscape of developers engaged in this domain, distributed on the basis of the location of their headquarters. Chapter 5 highlights the key unmet needs associated with the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The chapter provides detailed analysis of the various challenges and areas of concern, which were identified from views expressed by patients / experts across different platforms, such as social media posts, recent scientific publications and patient blogs, and the inputs of key opinion leaders at conferences / symposiums. The chapter presents an insightful word cloud analysis, summarizing the opinions expressed across public online portals. Chapter 6 features a detailed assessment of over 70 discontinued drugs, providing information on the reason(s) for discontinuation, year of discontinuation, mechanism of action of the terminated drugs, phase of discontinuation and the target stage of disease. In addition, the chapter presents over 180 terminated clinical trials highlighting the year of termination and the key geographies where these trials were being conducted. Chapter 7 provides a detailed analysis of close to 300 research articles related to Alzheimer's disease, published till 2018. The analysis takes into consideration several parameters, such as biological targets being studied, study type (review article, research article, meta-analysis and clinical trials), year of publication, and the most popular journals within this domain. Chapter 8 features an analysis of the various collaborations and partnerships that have been inked amongst players in this market. We have also discussed different partnership models (including product development and commercialization, R&D agreements, technology / product licensing agreements, other licensing agreements, mergers / acquisitions and clinical trial agreements) that have been established till 2019 (February). Chapter 9 presents details on various investments received by the start-ups / smaller companies that are engaged in this domain. It also includes an analysis of the funding instances that have taken place in the market, till January 2019, highlighting the growing interest of the venture capital community and other strategic investors within this market. Chapter 10 provides information on the various non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive / emotion-oriented therapies, sensory simulation therapies and other psychological interventions, which aim to delay the loss of mental capability and help the patients retain their identity and functional autonomy. The chapter also presents a list of companies that offer such solutions, describing the devices / products and their mechanisms of action / working principles. In addition, the chapter include a list of novel diagnostic techniques, which claim to be capable of assisting in timely diagnosis. Chapter 11 summarizes the entire report. It presents a list of key takeaways and our independent opinion on the current market scenario. Further, it captures the evolutionary trends that are likely to determine the future of therapeutic interventions in disease area. Chapter 12 is a collection of interview transcripts of discussions held with key stakeholders in this market. In this chapter, we have presented the details of interviews held with (in alphabetical order of company name) Kenneth Moch (President and Chief Executive Officer, Cognition Therapeutics)) and Ram Bhatt (Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Founder, ICB International). Chapter 13 is an appendix, which provides tabulated data and numbers for all the figures included in the report. Chapter 14 is an appendix, which contains the list of companies and organizations mentioned in the report. EXAMPLE HIGHLIGHTS 1. A review of content on both informal (100 patient blogs and over 5,000 social media posts) and formal (260 scientific articles) literary sources reveal the existence of several unmet needs within the treatment landscape of Alzheimer's disease. Industry experts concur on this opinion as well, stating that one of the most pressing concerns is the need for alternative treatment options and novel therapeutic strategies that are more effective in slowing the disease progression and providing symptomatic relief. 2. Till date, six therapies have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; these are (in order of approval year) Aricept (1996), Exelon (2000), Razadyne (2001), Namenda (2003), Namzaric (2014) and AstroStem (2018, in Japan). Presently, more than 200 drug / therapy candidates are being evaluated across different stages of development for treating this condition and its affiliated symptoms. 3. Given the pressing need for therapeutic candidates capable of arresting disease progression and addressing the root cause of the condition, the major share of pipeline drugs (close to 60%) are disease modifying agents. On the other hand, nearly 30% of candidate therapies are designed to provide symptomatic relief only, while the rest claim to be capable of offering both the aforementioned therapeutic effects. Further, most pipeline products are being developed as monotherapies (~89%) and the rest are being evaluated in combination with other treatment options. 4. It is worth highlighting that 62% of pipeline candidates are small molecules, while the rest are biologics. Further, close to 50% of candidate drugs are currently being investigated solely for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 31% of the molecules under development have been repositioned after their efficacy was realized for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, 19% of the drug candidates have been repurposed. 5. The market landscape is characterized by the presence of large (19), mid-sized (28) and small-sized companies (94). Examples of prominent large companies engaged in this domain include (in alphabetical order, no selection criteria) AbbVie, Allergan, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eisai, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis and Roche. Moreover, the growing unmet need within this domain has spurred the establishment of many start-ups / small-sized companies in the recent years; examples include (in alphabetical order, no selection criteria) Actinogen Medical, AgeneBio, Anavex Life Sciences, Archer Pharmaceuticals, AZTherapies, BELLUS Health, Cognition Therapeutics, Neurim Pharmaceuticals, Neurocentria and Pain Therapeutics. Mid-sized companies that are actively contributing towards the development of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics include (in alphabetical order, no selection criteria) AB SCIENCE, AC Immune, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Axon Neuroscience, Axovant Sciences, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Stemedica Cell Technologies and TauRx Therapeutics. 6. An analysis of around 260 peer-reviewed articles related to Alzheimer's disease, published between 2017 and 2018, highlights the increased focus on research in this field. Majority (90%) of the recent publications are research and review articles. The main objectives of more than 39% of the studies were focused on identifying and characterizing various therapeutic targets or elucidating the pathology of the disease, while 29% of the articles were based on diverse non-pharmacological interventions. Among the therapeutic targets mentioned in the aforementioned articles, amyloid beta protein, tau protein and BACE / GSK-3? appear to be the most extensively studied. 7. Stakeholders in the industry have forged several strategic partnerships in the recent past. The most popular deals inked between 2013 and 2019 were related to product development and commercialization (close to 40%), followed by research agreements and licensing agreements. Examples of recently inked deals include collaborations between Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Winterlight Labs (January 2019), Biogen and Skyhawk Therapeutics (January 2019), and Eli Lilly and AC Immune (December 2018). 8. Development efforts have been backed by various private and public investors, resulting in significant capital investments. In fact, since 2013, more than USD 2.5 billion (across 180 funding instances) has been invested in companies involved in the development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease. In 2018 alone, over 30 funding instances were reported, amounting to a total capital investment worth over USD 700 million. More than 70 investors and funding agencies have supported drug / therapy programs initiated by various small / mid-sized companies; active investors include (in terms of participation in funding rounds) the National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, National Institute on Aging, OrbiMed Advisors, Dolby Family Ventures and Shire. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05783095/?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 Army personnel take positions near a house where militants were hiding, during a cordon-and-search operation, at Gulshanpora in Tral area of South Kashmir, Sunday. Three militants were killed during the encounter. (Photo: PTI) SRINAGAR: Three Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants were killed in a fire fight with the security forces in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmirs southern Pulwama district on Sunday. The police identified the slain men as Umer Fayaz Lone alias Hamad Khan, Faizan Hamid and Adil Bashir Mir alias Abu Dujana, all local Kashmiris. The police said that the fighting broke out earlier during the day when the security forces laid siege to a hamlet of Gujjars called Gujjar Basti in Gulsha-npora area of Tral on a credible input about the presence of militants there. During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated, leading to an encounter in which three terrorists were killed whose bodies were retrie-ved, a statement issued by the police said. New Delhi, Jan 13 : The scenes of students' protests unfolding at JNU since last year, are a reminder of the university's feisty pedigree. Over the years, the varsity has continued to figure in the media and public discourse for the controversies that break out on campus regularly. According to some, the tough approach of JNU authorities and police towards the protesters at present stands out in contrast to an incident that took place around 15 years ago. It was 2005, when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister leading the UPA government -- those were delicate days for Indian diplomacy that was walking the tightrope between the US and Iran at the IAEA. India went on to support the US in a vote against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); a move that did not go down well the Leftist allies of the Congress-led UPA government. In November of the same year, Prime Minister Singh went to JNU to unveil a statue of Jawahalal Nehru, the country's first prime minister. The demonstration by some pro-Left student protestors turned out to be the newspoint of the day as they raised slogans against the prime minister. Although the prime minister finished his speech and left the campus, tensions continued to flare up with clashes between AISA and NSUI members. The police intervened and four students were taken into custody. The university administration also moved against the protestors. But subsequently, the students were let off after the prime minister reportedly intervened in the matter and asked that they not be harshly dealt with. Shakil Khan, a Congress leader from Bihar and former JNUSU president (1992-93) told IANS: "Until now, JNU has been an institute which speaks up for democratic rights. However, the previous governments and varsity administrations always saw these protests as the right to expression. But this government considers protesters and JNU as its enemy." He went on to add: "They (BJP) believe in kill the enemy strategy. That's why the instance in 2005 and earlier were dealt peacefully, but this time it has burgeoned." The 2005 episode in JNU's past was raked up recently by Umar Khalid, who along with Kanhaiya was at the epicentre of the JNU controversy in 2016. On January 9, Khalid tweeted: "In 2005, Manmohan Singh faced black flags in JNU as a protest against his economic policies. It became big news. The administration immediately sent notices to students. The very next day, the PMO intervened and asked the admininstration not to take any action as protests were students' democratic right." "PM Manmohan Singh facing sloganeering and black flags from student protestors began his speech by quoting Voltaire: 'I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it'," Khalid added. The other side of the coin is spelt out by those who point out that the magnitude and intensity of conflict in the two cases are very different. In January 2020, the campus saw student activists, on opposite sides of the political divide, brutally assaulting each other. A JNU professor, on condition of anonymity, said: "Protests in 2005 and before were all peaceful and limited to peaceful, verbal spats. But this time around, students have been running around campus like goons and hitting anyone and everyone in sight. This situation cannot be compared to 2005." Observers feel that the scale of violence is unprecedented today, making it difficult for the university authorities and police to turn a blind eye to the happenings on campus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:21:51|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Monday welcomed the latest ceasefire agreement among warring factions in Libya. Chairperson of the 55-member pan African bloc, in a statement issued on Monday, has welcomed the latest ceasefire agreement among warring factions in Libya, expressing his hope regarding the possibility of a permanent cessation of hostilities in the war-torn North African nation. "Chairperson of the AU Commission welcomes the acceptance by the parties in Libya of a ceasefire on January 12, and expresses hope that the meeting between the parties in Moscow, Russia will lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities," an AU statement issued on Monday read. The AU Commission Chairperson further called on the parties "to ensure safe corridors for the provision of humanitarian assistance particularly in the areas of Tarik al-Sidra, Tarik al-Shok and Salahaddin in the capital Tripoli." Mahamat further called on "all stakeholders to concentrate their efforts towards the continuation of the peace process." He also reiterated that the AU, which is convening the AU High Committee on Libya on latter this month in Brazzaville, capital of Congo, "looks forward to working closely with the local, regional and international stakeholders towards a final and permanent settlement to the Libyan conflict." The AU, which recently stressed the necessity of a Libyan-owned and led process towards creating a new political dispensation in the war-torn nation, had also last week expressed its "deep concern on the deterioration of the situation in Libya, and the continuing suffering with the Libyan people." Libya has been locked in a civil war since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Several armed militias of different backgrounds emerged, and have been fighting each other to take power, although a peace deal was signed by the warring parties on Dec. 17, 2015 in the Moroccan city of Skhirat. Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong on Sunday said the relations between the neighbouring countries have entered a sound stage, and he hoped that the elephant and the dragon can dance together. Speaking at the Chinese New Year celebrations here, Weidong said the two countries will work together to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. The envoy said that peaceful co-existence is needed for economic development and cooperation. Noting that Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore had a profound impact on China, he said that it is possible for both the countries to go beyond the bilateral scope with a positive and open attitude. The elephant and the dragon can dance together, Weidong said. He said that China is committed to peaceful development and opposes unilateralism and hegemonies. The diplomat said China and India can join hands to contribute to the process of multi-polarity and safeguard the interests of developing countries. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sometimes the stars of ABC's "Shark Tank" disagree on what makes a great entrepreneur. On Sunday's episode, Shark Barbara Corcoran turned down a founder because she was still being financially supported by her father, while Mark Cuban and Daymond John told Corcoran her thinking was wrong. Standing before the judges was Melissa Bartow, who pitched her vegan date spread company Wanna Date?. Bartow said she worked on the business full time, and that it had brought in about $31,000 in sales in 2019 up to that point. But when she revealed how she stayed afloat, Corcoran was not impressed. "Originally I'm from northwest Georgia, a town called Kennesaw. I just graduated from NYU," Bartow told the Sharks. "My dad supports me still." To that, Corcoran responded, "Here's where, for me, it falls apart." "When I was starting my business, if I didn't make a deal within two weeks, I was dead," she said. "I needed to live somewhere and eat. "What is in your way, I believe, is that your father is helping you, because succeeding is an option, versus a necessity. I found that the people that really succeed have a real necessity they have to do it, or the sky is going to fall in. With the absence of that, I can't believe enough to put my money in, so I'm out." "Take away the security blanket of having your rent paid, and the comparison would be night and day in what you can accomplish. I've seen it over and over again with so many people," Corcoran said. Corcoran herself has said she worked 22 different jobs before taking a $1,000 loan from her boyfriend to start her own real estate firm in Manhattan in 1973. She sold The Corcoran Group for $66 million in 2001. But Bartow objected, telling Corcoran she was "never handed anything." "I won't be homeless if this fails, but I do everything on my own. My dad believes in me. I am not a rich kid. I don't sleep. I carry cases all over New York. I work events, I do them all myself. Nobody helps me," Bartow said. "Failure is when you quit. I don't quit, so this won't fail, because I will go until it succeeds." John also disagreed with Corcoran's reasoning. "Listen, I started out, and my mother mortgaged the house. And without her mortgaging the home, I couldn't have financed my first couple of shirts. So, that's Barbara's opinion," John said. John launched apparel line Fubu with only $40 in 1992 and applied for bank loans to finance his company. He was rejected 27 times, and his mother took out an equity line on their house in Queens, New York, giving him $100,000 to purchase equipment. According to John, Fubu grew into a billion-dollar brand. Cuban wasn't buying Corcoran's theory either. "You know what Melissa, I don't agree," Cuban said. "I understand from an investment perspective, there is value when someone's back is against the wall. We've all faced it. But that's like saying, if Barbara's right, that means none of our kids could ever do anything on their own, and I refuse to believe that." Cuban has said he slept on the floor of a $600-a-month, three-bedroom apartment with five roommates in his 20s before selling his first business, software seller MicroSolutions, to CompuServe for $6 million in 1990. He later co-founded Broadcast.com, which sold to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in stock in 1999. In fact, Cuban was interested in investing in Bartow's company: "I just went vegetarian, so I'm always looking for things that are healthy, healthy for my family. The idea of a date-spread is great." With a few contingencies, including changing packaging and adjusting the line of flavors, Cuban offered Bartow $100,000 for 33% of the company, and Bartow accepted. After the deal, Corcoran told the Sharks she insulted Bartow to determine whether she would have a strong response. "Did you notice after I insulted her, she was a different person?" Corcoran said, referring to Bartow's passionate response. "I wanted to see if she had what it took." To that, John said, "after you insult anyone, they're a different person, Barbara." "I think Mark brought up a point," he continued. Does that mean "none of our kids will be successful?" he asked. "There are a lot of wealthy kids who become extremely successful," Corcoran said, "and I expect that from my children. But until I insulted her, I wasn't feeling her vibe. She came back like a fire, that's what I wanted to see!" Previously, Cuban has praised Corcoran's knack for reading entrepreneurs in the Tank. "Barbara's got the best people skills," he said told Corcoran on her "888-Barbara" podcast in November. "Her ability to recognize the good and bad in somebody and what they'll be like as an entrepreneur, what they'll be like as a person. Barbara picks up on that stuff in a minute." Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube! See also: Taiwan re-elected President Tsai Ing-wen to a second, four-year term on Saturday following a campaign in which she focused her attack on Beijing. Tsais Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost seats but retained a majority in the legislature, known as the Legislative Yuan. With her victory, Taipei will continue to move closer to the United States as the Trump administration intensifies its war drive against China. Tsai defeated her main opponent Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT), receiving 8.17 million votes, a record number for a presidential candidate, or 57.13 percent of the total. Han received 5.52 million votes, or 38.61 percent. James Soong of the People First Party got 4.26 percent of the vote. Voter turnout was 74.9 percent. In being re-elected, Tsai rebounded from her partys heavy losses in the November 2018 local elections. At the time, she was hugely unpopular, garnering only a 24.3 percent approval rating. These factors led to Tsais token resignation as head of the DPP. Han emerged as a serious challenger to Tsai after winning the mayoral race in Kaohsiung, a DPP stronghold for 20 years. None of the economic conditionshigh youth unemployment, stagnant wages, and a fall in real living standardsthat led to Tsais unpopularity a year ago has been addressed, nor will they be in her second term. Tsai exploited events in Hong Kong in order to whip up an anti-China atmosphere and blame Beijing for conditions in Taiwan. In doing so, Tsai indicated her willingness to collaborate in Washingtons war drive in the region while hiding this fact from voters. Dissatisfaction towards the two main establishment parties still exists. The Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP), formed last August, picked up five seats in the Legislative Yuan while the DPP lost seven, bringing its total to 61. The KMT gained three seats, rising to 38 in the 113-seat lawmaking body. Independents and smaller parties took the remaining nine seats. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je leads the TPP and is considered a potential presidential contender. He was elected mayor in 2014 as an independent with the backing of the DPP. He won re-election in 2018, but the DPP has distanced itself from Ko as he has tried to strike a more conciliatory approach to Beijing, saying in July 2019 that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. During a trip to Washington last March, Ko remarked during a speech at the conservative Heritage Foundation that Taiwan should be clinging to the United States and Japan, while being friendly toward China. Bonnie Glaser, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, tweeted March 22, As Taipei mayor, [Ko] has not been compelled to present more details. Should he run for president, he will have to fully explain his approach to Beijing and how he plans to strengthens Taiwans defense. In other words, to win Washingtons support, politicians must demonstrate their unfailing commitment to the US war drive against China. Tsai, on the other hand, has done just that. She continued to denounce China following her victory. The results of this election carry an added significance because they have shown that when our sovereignty and democracy are threatened, the Taiwanese people will shout our determination even more loudly back, she stated. Washington joined in the chorus of denunciations. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Tsai on her re-election and applauded her commitment to the US, saying, The United States thanks President Tsai for her leadership in developing a strong partnership with the United States and applauds her commitment to maintaining cross-strait stability in the face of unrelenting pressure [from Beijing]. It is, however, Washington that has deliberately heightened tensions with China and inflamed flashpoints throughout the region, including Taiwan. In 2011, the Barack Obama administration initiated its pivot to Asia, to surround China both economically and militarily, enflaming regional territorial disputes and risking the outbreak of war. Trump has taken this further, launching a trade war against Beijing and challenging the One China policy that governs cross-strait relations. In 2016, shortly before taking office, Trump accepted a phone call from Tsai, congratulating him on his election, the first direct contact between US leaders since 1979. He went on to state a few days later, I dont know why we have to be bound by a One China policy. In 1979, Washington recognized Beijing as the legitimate ruler of all China, including Taiwan and ended diplomatic relations with Taipei. In collaboration with Tsais government, Trump has signed the Taiwan Travel Act to facilitate high-level exchanges between US and Taiwanese officials, and overseen the sale of billions of dollars worth of fighter jets, tanks, and stinger missiles to Taipei. Last June, in its Indo-Pacific Strategy Report, the US Defense Department labelled Taiwan a country, implicitly challenging the One China policy. Beijing has stated that it will use force to retake Taiwan if Taipei or Washington violates the One China policy. China will not allow the US military to gain a strategic foothold on Taiwan, particularly in the face of Washingtons threats. Tsai has placed Taiwan on the frontline of this growing conflict, entirely behind the backs of the Taiwanese people. Furthermore, with support from Washington, Tsai will feel emboldened to further push against the One China policy and could even declare Taiwanese independence. A war between China and the United States would be a complete disaster for Taiwanese workers and youth, who will be forced to fight a disastrous conflict manufactured in Washington to subordinate China to its interests. Such a war would easily escalate into a nuclear conflagration. Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. 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 && A local militant was killed in a brief encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chadoora area following information about the presence of militants there, they said. A gunfight broke out after the lone militant opened fire on the security forces who retaliated, resulting in the killing of the ultra. The slain militant has been identified as Adil Ahmed, a resident of Budgam. His group affiliation was not immediately known. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Motorola revealed the Razr flip phone with foldable screen back in November and back then it claimed first units will be shipping right in time for the holiday period. We are already mid-January and the phone is nowhere to be seen after a delay in production, but thanks to some photos of the retail box, we now know the market launch is close. Motorola Razr retail box The General Manager of the mobile division of Lenovo China posted the photos on his personal Weibo page. The images read the production date January 9, 2020, of the phone with a model number XT-2000-2, meaning the retail package is ready to hit the shelves. Those who purchase the phone will receive it in a fancy triangular prism that will be completely black from two of the sides with the Motorola logo on the top. We dont know whether it will slide upwards or will open like a book sideways, but the Motorola Razr is likely to be unfolded inside. The device will ship with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage and has a Snapdragon 710 processor. There is also one 16 MP camera, but as company officials confirmed multiple times, this device is expected to sell for its form factor and not specs sheet. The price in the United States is $1,499, while Europe is looking at a 1,600 price tag. Motorola is unlikely to start selling the new Razr at the free market since it has no physical SIM slot - only eSIM - meaning it is limited to carriers that support this feature. Source | Via (both in Chinese) Boris Johnson has vowed to end the 'unfair prosecution' of military veterans amid warnings of a fresh witch-hunt against those who served in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister travelled to Belfast yesterday to welcome the new power-sharing deal that will see devolved government return to the Province for the first time in almost three years. Under the deal, the Government has agreed to implement the new arrangements for dealing with so-called 'legacy issues' within 100 days prompting fears that new investigations could get under way before Mr Johnson's manifesto pledge to prevent them is enacted. The Prime Minister (pictured) travelled to Belfast yesterday to welcome the new power-sharing deal that will see devolved government return to the Province for the first time in almost three years Mr Johnson said the deal struck by the DUP and Sinn Fein was a 'moment of hope' for Northern Ireland. But he faced immediate warnings that the deal would revive the threat of 'vexatious' legal claims against former British soldiers who served during the Troubles. The deal revives a cross-party agreement struck in 2014 that calls for the establishment of a 'Historical Investigations Unit' to look again at controversial cases from the Province's troubled history. Mr Johnson insisted this could be 'balanced' with his election pledge to end vexatious claims against military veterans. He said those involved in reviving the power-sharing institutions had done 'a very good job of finding a balance between giving people who are in search of the truth the confidence they need but also who served our country in the armed services the confidence and certainty they need'. The Prime Minister added: 'We will certainly be going forward with our manifesto commitment to ensure there are no further unfair prosecutions of people who served their country when there is no new evidence to be brought forward.' Under the deal, the Government has agreed to implement the new arrangements for dealing with so-called 'legacy issues' within 100 days prompting fears that new investigations could get under way before Mr Johnson's manifesto pledge to prevent them is enacted But Whitehall sources acknowledged it would be difficult to square the commitments in the deal with the PM's pledge. One said: 'No one is pretending this is easy it isn't. We are fully aware we have two different commitments and we need to work our way through them.' Former Tory cabinet minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith last night led calls to legislate immediately to protect veterans. He said: 'What we can't have until now is prosecutors going on a vexatious fishing expedition and arresting veterans and putting them through the mill. 'If they're going to legislate they need to in double quick time. It needs to make sure that either you have enough evidence to merit a court case or you leave it alone.' The USA is expected to transfer its exclusive sex sorting technology, developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to India by September this year to help the country tackle the menace of stray cattle, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said on Monday. The use of 'sexed semen' under the Union government's breed improvement program, would become a turning point in overcoming the problem of stray cattle, the Union minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries. The transfer of technology by the US to the country would also make the artificial insemination of animals much cheaper, bringing the cost to Rs 100 per dose from earlier cost of Rs 1,200 per dose, he said. Semen having X or Y bearing sperm to produce progenies of a desired sex either female or male, with about 80 to 90 percent accuracy, is known as sexed semen, explained officials. Sex sorting technology was developed by the USDA researchers in Livermore, California, and Beltsville, Maryland, they said, adding, the technology was patented as Beltsville Sperm sexing technology. The commercialization of sexed semen started in United States in 2001 with a license granted to Sexing Technologies, Texas, they said, adding at present, ST commercially produces sex sorted semen in many countries of Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan and some other countries. The Union government at present has to pay a heavy amount to America owing to its monopoly on the sex sorted semen technology, said Singh. He said the cost per dose would be reduced to as less as Rs 100 by September when the government expects to import the technology and use indigenous sex sorted semen. The minister said 600 districts of the country have been selected for sex sorted semen breeding program. It is obligatory for every selected district to spread the umbrella of sex sorted semen to at least 300 villages of the district, he said. Under the scheme, covered through state government, roughly over 25,000 artificial insemination are performed daily. The minister said owing to indifferent attitude of previous governments, except a few states, the use of artificial insemination technology was hardly 24 percent, despite the program having been around 1970. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Decade, New Approach has been greeted by the so-called 'dissident' republican base without much enthusiasm either way. After a three-year suspension, the content of the deal fails to provoke much of a response among a base who are fundamentally opposed to Stormont. So-called dissident or radical republicans fundamentally reject the Northern Ireland state, which was created out of partition, and adhere to the traditional republican position which rejects any form of an internal solution. The dissident base comprises a wide spectrum, from the armed groups such as the Continuity and New IRAs, to independent republicans who are highly critical of the continuation of an armed campaign. However, opposition to partitionist Stormont unites the base, who have described the internal power-sharing as a "sectarian carve-up" between the DUP and Sinn Fein. Read More The bitter and entrenched divide between the Sinn Fein, or Provisional, world and the dissident republican constituency can be viewed through the lens of reform versus revolutionary change. Radical republicans reject any reform within a six-county basis, instead advocating revolutionary change leading to a new Ireland in the form of a 32-county sovereign republic. Independent republican Tommy McKearney of Monaghan has commented on Stormont: "As it stands, they are bound by the prevailing winds from London... their economic strategy is merely the administration of, at best the tinkering with, the decisions of London." Formed in 1986, Republican Sinn Fein is the oldest of the so-called dissident republican groups and is believed to be the political wing of the Continuity IRA. In reaction to the recent deal, Republican Sinn Fein released a statement in which it cited the absence of an Irish Language Act and a lack of reference to RHI, which it described as "the ostensible reason for the original suspension in 2017". The statement ends by saying: "This latest development merely underscores the need for a clear alternative. One based on real, all-Ireland democracy, leading to a new Ireland. Eire Nua provides such an alternative." Collectively, radical republicans have failed to advance a cohesive alternative strategy; however, Republican Sinn Fein's key policy, Eire Nua, which advocates for a federalist Ireland, appears to garner support throughout the wider base. The most recently formed of the dissident organisations Saoradh - believed to be the political wing of the New IRA, though they strongly deny this - called on the electorate in 2016 to vote with their feet by staying at home. Having adopted the slogan 'Unfinished Revolution', the organisation has argued that even partaking in elections to the partitionist institution of Stormont provides it with a legitimacy which it does not have, thus leaving us in no doubt about their merely dismissive (at best) attitude to Stormont. During the formation of Saoradh in 2016 it mopped up numerous individuals who were previously members of the Thirty-Two County Sovereignty Movement (32CSM), believed to be the political wing of the Real IRA, thus leading to speculation over whether the 32CSM has continued on. The answer is yes - the organisation maintains its structures and continues its campaign. Commenting on the recent deal, a spokesperson for the 32CSM in the north stated: "This is Home Rule versus republicanism. In 1998, Provisional Sinn Fein signed up to Home Rule. The Home Rulers have went (sic) back into Stormont." Formed in 1997, the 32CSM was born out of a rejection of the principle of consent. Collectively, the radical republican base rejects the Good Friday Agreement and the power-sharing institutions emanating from it. They also fundamentally reject the central premise in strand one: namely, the consent principle, which makes provision for a border poll. Radical republicans reject a border poll on the grounds that it is a "unionist veto", thus reiterating the traditional republican position. Further, they oppose the fact that it would take place solely within the six counties of Northern Ireland and that it must be granted at the behest of the (British) Secretary of State. In their rejection of consent and a border poll, radical republicans have argued that the goalposts will inevitably change as demographics change and they have pointed to recent suggestions that 50%-plus-one is not enough as vindication of their position. There is another facet to the republican view of the return of Stormont and that concerns the normalisation process in the north of Ireland, which has been in place since 1998. Radical republican groups have openly stated that a key aim of their campaign is to highlight the abnormal nature of the state of Northern Ireland and to disrupt that normalisation process. Republicans used the suspension of Stormont as evidence that it is a dysfunctional parliament of a failed state. But the resumption of Stormont will not impact the nature of the radical republican campaign, nor its message, which remains wedded to traditional republican ideology seeking a 32-county independent Ireland. Of more interest to radical republicans is what's happening in Scotland. They are quietly watching political developments there in the context of a strengthened SNP and renewed calls for a second referendum on Scottish independence, particularly in the context of Brexit. While there will be no visible, tangible change on January 31, due to the fact that the terms of the withdrawal trade deal will still have to be worked out, radical republicans are keenly watching the fallout from Brexit and the implications this will have for the border in Ireland; and whether or not an economic border will be erected in the Irish Sea. Questions around whether the fallout from Brexit will precipitate the break-up of the Union provoke much more interest than the return of Stormont. Brexit is viewed as a significant opportunity to be exploited, as 'England's difficulty is Ireland's opportunity'. The return of Stormont is simply viewed as same old, different day. After a three-year suspension, radical republicans have argued that nothing has changed and have asked: what was such a long suspension about? Overall, radical republicans view the new deal as slightly better for unionism, particularly in the absence of a standalone Irish Language Act, but the fact that the deal is viewed as more favourable to unionism is seen as unsurprising and, in a sense, a side issue by the traditional republican base, who adhere to the old mantra of 'Smash Stormont'. Dr Marisa McGlinchey is Assistant Professor in Coventry University's Centre for Trust, Peace & Social Relations. She is the author of Unfinished Business: The Politics Of 'Dissident' Irish Republicanism (Manchester University Press, 2019). The public and road users were advised to proceed with caution as Storm Brendan battered the island of Ireland on Monday. The Republic of Ireland was predicted to be worst hit as the storm sweeps across the country as well as Northern Ireland, with winds gusting up to 80mph (129kph). By early afternoon, numerous reports of trees falling on roadways had emerged across the island of Ireland, as well as an errant trampoline reported to have blown on the M7 motorway in Limerick, disrupting traffic. On Monday evening, ESB Networks said 32,000 people in the Republic of Ireland are without power and some homes will be waiting until Tuesday to have their power restored. NIE Networks said power has been restored to 6,400 customers in Northern Ireland throughout the day while 2,000 remain without power. The worst affected areas are mainly in Co.Down and Co Antrim, however there have been faults across Northern Ireland, it said. Power has been restored to 6,400 customers throughout the day. Approx 2,000 remain off. The worst affected areas are in the #East mainly in Co.Down & Co.Antrim, however there have been faults across NI. Report a fault online: https://t.co/kYUicHkUnZ or call us on 03457 643 643 NIE Networks (@NIElectricity) January 13, 2020 The Status Orange wind warning will remain in place until 9pm on Monday and has been extended to midnight for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo. From 3pm until 8pm on Monday evening, a Status Yellow wind warning is in place for counties Wexford, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford. In Northern Ireland, another trampoline on the trainline at Finaghy caused delays to train running times while it was being removed. ESB Networks said around 48,000 homes and businesses were without power on Monday afternoon, with the South West the worst-affected area. Power cuts were also suffered across Northern Ireland, mostly in the North East. Coastal areas have seen high winds and waves, with the Irish Coast Guard strongly advising the public to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs and piers during storm conditions. We apologise if you have lost power supply during #StormBrendan. Please see https://t.co/cwxXH3X4kM for updates, if your area is NOT listed you can log your fault or get updates using your MPRN number here https://t.co/YdAR3mYBDE pic.twitter.com/O50FQrRsUh ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 13, 2020 Coastal flooding was reported across the country including in Tramore in Co Waterford, Skerries and Clontarf in Dublin and parts of Galway. A spokesman for AA Roadwatch said: Particular caution is advised on the coasts: a Status Red Marine Warning for gales is in place for all coastal waters, with a significant risk of coastal flooding. Watch out for wind-blown debris on the roads, and give extra space to vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Strong cross-winds may affect control of your vehicle so slow down. Only drive through standing water if youre sure its not too deep for your car. Met Eireann has issued an orange wind warning for the entire country. #StormBrendan is clearly visible on this EUMETSAT Airmass image. More information on this type of image at https://t.co/WYsDe0gVIz pic.twitter.com/0PAriX0ywv Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 13, 2020 Head of forecasting Evelyn Cusack said there will be several hours of very dangerous weather. Thankfully the storm centre is keeping out to the north-west of Ireland but we are going to get several hours of dangerous weather as that transfers across the country, she said. Status Orange wind warnings have been issued for all counties, while gusts of up to 66mph (106kph) have been recorded in the West. Ms Cusack told RTE Radio that pressure is falling rapidly in the West where winds are picking up and there is a risk of localised flooding, structural damage and uprooted trees. A band of very severe and damaging winds, associated with #StormBrendan is expected to move from west to east across the country between 11am and 3pm today, gusts to 130km/h expected with potentially higher gusts in exposed areas. pic.twitter.com/W9W0AtYDRg Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 13, 2020 Britains Met Office has also issued a weather warning covering the next two days, warning of wind for much of the western half of the UK. Storm Brendan is expected to plague Ireland until 9pm on Monday, bringing with it a significant risk of coastal flooding, while the warning of a very windy period is in force across the West of England, Scotland and Wales from 10am. The east coast of Ireland will not escape the impact of the storm either, with winds of 40mph-50mph (64kph-80kph) possible. Shops in Northern Ireland have suffered their third year of decline in footfall with a drop of nearly 6% in December Shops in Northern Ireland have suffered their third year of decline in footfall with a drop of nearly 6% in December. According to information body Springboard, high streets and retail parks faced the steepest decline, amid an overall fall of 5.9%. Springboard reported that Black Friday and Cyber Monday brought Christmas trading forward which resulted in a decline over the two weeks leading up to Christmas. It also blamed cautious spending among consumers and a lowered consumer confidence for the drop in retail visits. Both the high street and retail parks weathered a 6.4% drop compared with a decline of 4.1% in December 2018. Shopping centre footfall here also dropped by 4.4%, down from December 2018's decline of 3.7%. Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director at Springboard, described the overall decrease as a "surprise". "The challenge for destinations and stores was that the result in December 2018 of +2.2% was a strong comparable that was always going to be difficult to follow," she said. "All of this was despite the occurrence of Black Friday during the December trading month which, in conjunction with Cyber Monday, meant Northern Ireland's footfall only declined by -0.4% in the first two weeks. "Essentially this discounting bonanza pulled Christmas trading forward, evident from the subsequent drop in footfall of -11.3% over the third and fourth weeks of December which was more than double the -4.6% drop in the same weeks in 2018." Ms Wehrle said that restricted spend was felt in all areas with grocery taking a hit of -0.7%. Shopping for non-food items was also competing with a shift towards people favouring trips for experience or leisure. The Delhi High Court Monday sought response of the police and Delhi government as also WhatsApp, Google and Apple on a plea of three JNU professors for preserving data, CCTV footage and other evidence relating to the January 5 violence on the varsity campus. Delhi Police informed the court that it has asked the JNU administration to preserve and hand over CCTV footage of the violence. Justice Brijesh Sethi listed the matter for further hearing on Tuesday. The court was informed by Delhi government Standing Counsel (criminal) Rahul Mehra that the police has not yet received any response from the university administration. The counsel said police has also written to WhatsApp to preserve data of two groups "Unity Against Left" and "Friends of RSS" including messages, pictures and videos and phone numbers of members, related to JNU violence incident. The petition was filed by JNU professors Ameet Parameswaran, Atul Sood and Shukla Vinayak Sawant seeking directions to the Delhi Police Commissioner and Delhi government. It sought direction to the Delhi Police to retrieve all CCTV footage of JNU campus. On January 5, a mob of masked men stormed the campus and targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods by hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. Three FIRs have been registered at Vasant Kunj (north) police station in the incident. The plea claimed it was evident that a significant amount of data, information, evidence and material pertaining to the said incident of violence, including persons with their registered phone numbers responsible for the same, was communicated through WhatsApp's platform, and its data back-up is an important evidence in respect of the incidents of violence. "In order to ensure that the relevant evidence may be preserved, JNU teachers association (JNUTA) has sent requests/ representations to respondent nos. 1 (Police Commissioner), 3 (WhatsApp) and 4 (Google), asking that all these materials be safely retrieved for investigation purposes. "In these representations, JNUTA has cited relevant provisions of the respondent no.3's Terms of Use, Information Technology Act, 2000, Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011 and other applicable laws. The petitioner no.2 has also sent similar request/representation to the respondent no.3," the plea said. However, the police has neither responded to such requests placed by one of the petitioners and JNUTA nor has it reached out to them, or other informants, despite clear and cogent material provided to the investigating agency along with the written representations, it claimed. The plea said the petitioners apprehend that in the absence of a direction from the court or the police commissioner, the relevant evidence may not be properly preserved. It claimed that as per the knowledge of the petitioners as well as reports, the police has not yet retrieved CCTV footage, which is crucial evidence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Without taking the word 'capital' that has become a bone of contention, the Andhra Pradesh government is set to bring in a new legislation entitled "The AP Decentralisation and Equal Development of All Regions Act, 2020" in the extended winter session of the Legislature, scheduled to begin here on January 20. The new legislation is intended to "provide for decentralization of governance and equal development of all the regions of the state by establishing various state organs, departments, instrumentalities at different centres in the different zones for ensuring equal and closer participation of people of all regions," a draft note said. For this purpose, the state will be divided into three regions, which will thereafter be referred to as zones, it said. Each zone will be governed by a Board consisting of nine members, including the Chief Minister. Each Board will oversee the achievement of the objectives of the new Act and make recommendations to the state (government) for ensuring better development in the particular zone. Besides the Chief Minister, the Board will have a vice- chairman, at least one MP, two MLAs and four other members to be nominated by the state government. An officer of the rank of a Principal Secretary and above will act as the full-time Secretary of the Board. The state government will notify the location of each Board and also any state organ, department and any other state instrumentalities that could be located in each zone. The six-member committee of experts, headed by retired bureaucrat G N Rao, recommended the zonal system of administration, modeled on neighbouring Karnataka. International consultancy firm Boston Consulting Group too made a similar recommendation, in line Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddys idea of having "three capitals" in spreading across the three regions of the state. With the Chief Minister's idea triggering widespread protests in the state and demand for having "one capital only" growing, the government avoided any reference to the term 'capital' and instead adopted the decentralisation mantra. The High-Powered Committee of ministers and bureaucrats has also taken the same line and focused on 'decentralised governance', during its three meetings so far. The HPC is scheduled to hold a full-fledged meeting with the Chief Minister here on January 17 to take the concept further, before the Cabinet clears the draft legislation on the 20th. It will immediately be placed in the Legislature for adoption during the extended winter session from January 20, a senior minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syracuse, NY -- New Yorks controversial bail reform has led to lots of worries over what ifs and loopholes, countered by advocates who say simply that someones riches should have no place in the criminal justice system. Lets separate the hype and confusion from the real issues. A quick outline: In general, only violent felony charges can result in bail under the new law. That includes murder, forcible rape and illegal weapon possession, among others. Lower-level felony charges, like perjury (lying under oath) are exempt from bail under any circumstances. Theres no bail allowed for charges related to drunken-driving fatalities or unintentional homicides. Bail can be set for any sex offense, misdemeanor or felony. A defendants prior criminal history -- no matter how bad -- cannot be used to hold someone on bail unless the current charge permits it. (Thats why a Rochester man, who shot a police officer , had to be released recently. He only faced a new drug charge.) Some burglary and robbery charges can result in bail, others not. The big factor is whether there was a weapon or injuries involved. Some unusual charges, like escape from custody, cannot result in bail on their own. Escaping is not considered a violent offense. However, assaulting a jail deputy during an escape would be a charge allowing for bail. Someones repeated absence from court cannot automatically result in bail, absent a court hearing in which its proven that the absences were willful and persistent. (Its too early to know how judges will decide those factors.) The purpose of the law is to give poor people the same pre-trial freedom that the people with money have, advocates say. While critics warn of bad criminals going free, its important to remember they went free last year if they had the money. To understand these nuances, lets look at some real-world cases you may already be familiar with. Here are five categories of major crimes and specific examples from recent Central New York history, with analysis about how bail reform would have affected -- or is affecting -- each case. Drunken driving fatalities Anthony Saccone (right) walks into court with a friend. Big change here. None of the drunken-driving fatality charges -- including vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal crash or the worst, aggravated vehicular homicide -- are eligible for bail under the new law. That means that someone charged in a drunken-driving fatality must be released at arraignment. Only violent felonies can typically result in bail under the new law. Vehicular fatality charges are not considered violent felonies. Anthony Saccone, who was high and drunk when he ran a red light in 2018 and killed three young people near Onondaga Community College, would most likely have been released without bail at the time of arrest under bail reform. While true that Saccone was later charged under the extremely rare charge of depraved indifference murder, such a charge only came after grand jury action and would have been nearly impossible to charge without a careful prosecutor review. Absent that higher charge, a judge would not have been able to hold Saccone for any of his other crimes under the new law. But reform advocates would note that Saccone wasnt held in jail anyway because he put up enough money to make bail on a $500,000 bond. A judges efforts to increase the bail were ultimately struck down by a higher court. And Saccone went on to engage in questionable behavior while out on cash bail. Peter Rauch, the district attorneys office investigator who struck and killed a pedestrian before fleeing in 2017, would also have been freed without bail under the new law. Here again, under the old law, Rauch was freed because he had enough money, paying a $50,000 bail. On the other hand, Amy Dell, who drove the wrong way on Interstate 81 and killed a minister before giving the middle finger to sheriffs deputies and hurling vulgarities at investigators, remained jailed after arrest in May 2015 because she couldnt pay for bail. Dell faced the same top charge as Saccone did: aggravated vehicular homicide, punishable by up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. But she couldnt make the $500,000 cash or $1 million bond bail. Under the new bail law, Dell would have remained free during the court case, just like Saccone and Rauch. All three were convicted and are serving time in state prison. Murders Former DeWitt doctor Robert Neulander arrives at the criminal courthouse in downtown Syracuse Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. In October, Neulander was granted a new trial in the death of his wife in 2012.Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com No change to bail here. Judges can still set high bail for people accused of murder (intentional killing), as well as intentional manslaughter (intent to seriously injure, not kill). Robert Neulander, the former DeWitt doctor who is getting a retrial in the death of his wife, was jailed on bail at the time of his initial arrest in 2014 and again in 2018 as he awaits his retrial. Under the new law, he could still be held in jail on bail. But, here again, reform advocates would note, Neulander is the prototypical defendant whose riches helped him: hes free after paying $1 million cash bail. Meanwhile, Sangsouriyanh Maniphonh, an Army veteran accused of murdering a romantic rival in Armory Square in 2016, did not have money to afford the $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond bail. He remained jailed for seven months until trial. A jury then found he acted in self-defense. He was acquitted of murder and released. The vast majority of murder defendants are not rich -- typical bail in a murder case can reach in the hundreds of thousands of dollars -- so only well-off murder defendants can usually afford to be released prior to trial. Unintentional (reckless) homicide Darien Shellman in an undated photo. This has been a topic of great controversy. People charged with these slayings -- either because of accidents or other reckless behavior -- cannot be held in jail on bail before trial under the new law. Thats led to the recent release of an Albany County man accused of choking his wife to death, among others. Its also a frequent charge in fatal crash arrests, which are also exempt from bail under the rules outlined above. In a recent case, Darien Shellman was released last week in Syracuse despite acknowledging that he shot and killed his girlfriend. Shellman has described the shooting with a legally possessed handgun as an accident, and prosecutors are pursuing a reckless manslaughter charge. A judge, who had previously set bail of $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond, said he had no choice but to release Shellman without bail under the new law. Another man, Bahati Victor, was charged with reckless manslaughter after accidentally shooting a longtime friend and romantic partner to death during a party on Westcott Street in April 2019. But Victor would likely have remained jailed, even under bail reform, because he possessed an illegal gun at the time. Criminal possession of a weapon is a violent felony that can result in bail, regardless of whether the slaying was intended or not. Burglaries and robberies The four members of a roving band of burglars arrested in Syracuse in August 2014, clockwise from top left: Valentin Lakatosz, 41; Chanel Lakatosz, 26; Jan Kopacz, 35; David Djurdevic, 34. Another big change here. Unarmed people accused of breaking into homes cannot be held on bail. Nor can bank robbers who do not use weapons or make explicit threats. Thats because burglary cases are exempt from bail, whether the home is occupied at the time or not. Someone accused of a series of burglaries cannot be held, either, unless theres evidence of direct threats against the homes occupants. Only burglaries that involve weapons or injuries can lead to bail against the suspect. Exempt, too, are robberies involving no weapon or injuries, such as purse-snatchings. However, burglaries or robberies involving weapons or injuries can result in bail. (Robberies are considered crimes against people, while burglaries are considered crimes against property.) A group of nationally infamous, roving burglars was finally caught in Syracuse in 2014, accused of stealing $500,000 from Central New York homes. All of them were held on high bail -- reaching into the multiple millions of dollars -- because of their history of going from place to place. Under the new law, the four roving burglary suspects would have had to have been released without bail until trial. (One of the suspects died from drug withdrawal in jail, while the other three were sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty.) In recent days, a serial bank robber from DeWitt was arrested again, accused of a robbing a bank in Albany, but had to be released without bail under the new law. Christopher Seamans did not have a weapon, but held one hand in his jacket as he demanded money from a teller. He was charged with the lowest form of robbery, which is not considered a violent felony and cannot result in bail under the new law. White-collar crimes Former CNY SPCA director Paul Morgan is sentenced in March 2017 for the theft of nearly $600,000 from the non-profit. He stands with Edward Menkin his attorney. Dennis Nett, dnett@syracuse.com SYRSYR None of the states white-collar crimes, including grand larceny, tax fraud or forgery, are considered violent crimes and therefore cannot result in bail after arrest. In the biggest such case in recent Syracuse history, former SPCA executive director Paul Morgan spearheaded a $900,000 theft from the non-profit over many years. Morgan remained free without bail based on a judges ruling as his case was adjudicated. Under the new rules, he would automatically be freed awaiting trial. Morgan later pleaded guilty and spent about two years in state prison. More on bail reform Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that all sex crimes, whether misdemeanor or felony, can result in bail. 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. Racehorse owners spending up big at the Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival have set a record, splashing out almost $180 million in the first major horse sale of the year. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk were among the thousands who attended the week-long racing, polo and sales spectacle run by retailers Gerry Harvey and Katie Page. Zara and Mike Tindall share a laugh with Gerry Harvey at the Magic Millions raceday on Saturday. Some sellers were initially concerned catastrophic bushfires along the east coast, as well as a number of high-profile no-shows including accused cocaine importer Damion Flower would combine to dampen prices across the week. But owners and trainers set a national record, shelling out $177 million during the first of three tranches up for sale over the week, with 10 horses selling for more than $1 million apiece. In the U.S., the agents told us our cases would be transferred, but they didnt say where. Then they lined us up to get on the plane, said a woman named Marta, 43, from Honduras. She sat in a migrant shelter here with her 17-year-old son, who nursed a gunshot wound in his left cheek the work, both say, of a Honduran faction of the MS-13 gang. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) Thousands of residents in Batangas have fled their homes as Taal Volcano continued to show signs of marked unrest on Monday. Taal, the country's second-most active volcano, had a magmatic eruption spewing out lava for over an hour. The volcano on Sunday began a phreatic or stream-driven eruption, but the unrest has since intensified, with volcanologists saying a hazardous eruption is imminent. What do these eruptions mean, and how will they affect residents? CNN Philippines spoke to experts to learn more about these volcanic activities, as well as the safety measures needed in times of hazard. Q: What is a phreatic eruption? A: Dr. Mahar Lagmay, University of the Philippines Resilience Institute Executive Director: In very, very simple terms, phreatic eruptions mean the eruption is steam-driven. When you cook rice, there's vapor that comes up. When you boil water, there's something that goes up. In a volcano, how do we generate that steam that drives the explosion? Magma, which is molten rock underneath the volcano, it's very hot-- it ranges from 600 to about 1,200 degree centigrade. When it goes up and comes near the surface of Taal in this case, there's ground water underneath the rising magma will heat up that cold water. The water converts into steam. That is the mechanism that propels the explosion. Q: Is this kind of eruption dangerous? A: Lagmay: What you saw there, that was kind of dangerous. If you were there on the volcano, that phreatic eruption contains a lot of ash. The explosion brought material several kilometers up in the air. If it's a phreatic eruption, what it scatters into the atmosphere are the materials on the volcano. It just spreads it out, brings it out to the atmosphere. That is called as the plume-- the clouds we saw yesterday. Q: Alert Level 4 was earlier raised over the Taal volcano. What does this mean? A: According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), an Alert Level 4 indicates that a hazardous eruption is "imminent" or may happen soon. Volcanic activities will be categorized under this warning if there are "intensifying unrest" categorized by earthquakes or tremors as well as frequent ash explosions. Q: What is a magmatic eruption, and what can be expected from this? A: Lagmay: When magma comes into direct contact with water, there's a sudden process and it's violent-- it's going to cause the volcano to erupt. It's called a phreatomagmatic explosion. It transitions from being not in contact with water to being in contact with water. When it comes into contact with lake water, there's a fuel coolant process-- it's very violent and it would drive a more violent explosion. Its going to be more wild. Q: What drives a powerful eruption? A: Lagmay: First is the composition of the magma. There's magma that is viscous, malapot. There's magma that is malabnaw (watery). And second is the presence of gas. Magma (has) dissolved gases trying to come out before it comes out of the surface. As the dissolved gases try to come out, and if the magma is viscous or malapot it prevents the gases from escaping into the atmosphere. And therefore, the gases build up pressure. There will be a time the volcano can't take anymore the pressure. Q: Nearby cities and municipalities in Batangas have reported tremors in their areas following Sundays eruption. What are volcanic earthquakes? A: Lagmay: As magma goes up, it breaks apart rocks and causes what we call as volcanic earthquakes. Sometimes they are small and we cannot feel them, but instruments can. The fact that they're saying that there's more to come, that means there must be an increasing level of volcanic earthquakes they're detecting. Q: Some Filipinos have compared the Taal eruption and ash fall to that of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo incident, which also affected nearby provinces and Metro Manila. What is the difference between the two eruptions? A: Lagmay: It depends on the wind direction. During the time of Pinatubo when it erupted... the wind direction brought the ash to Metro Manila, it was a few millimeters and it was gray. The one that happened in Taal, it was more brown than Pinatubo ash. (There's a) slight difference in composition. Q: What are the precautionary measures Filipinos need to take following the eruption? A: Lagmay: We have to monitor, we have to follow the advisory of governments when they tell the communities of these hazard zones (to evacuate)... we have to monitor the advisories, the warnings of Phivolcs. Airplanes should not fly near volcanic ash because it will melt. If it melts in the engine, it might cause trouble. We don't want to inhale the ash, because it might get lodged to our lungs. We want to protect our lungs, we don't want to breathe it in. Those near the coastal, lake-side communities need to be evacuated. If government says you have to be out of there, follow immediately. Dont try to come back because the eruption might happen any time. Q: How do you keep your children and yourself safe from the ashes? A: Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo: Close the doors, close the windows. If you have to venture out and you're in an area with high density of this volcanic ash, you have to wear an N95 mask. It's a mask that filters almost every particle, even the smallest one. Protect your eyes too by wearing eye glasses. Q: Drug stores ran out of N95 mask stocks. Can we use a regular mask instead? A: Domingo: We can use a regular mask. Put it on a wet handkerchief or wet face towel because water can help filter the small particles and chemicals. Q: Are flights to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport suspended? When will operations resume? After suspending over 200 flights since Sunday, Manilas main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport resumed partial operations on Monday afternoon. Airport officials, however, have yet to provide a specific timeline for the resumption of full operations. Mumbai: Disha Patani has been the talk of the town ever since the trailer of her upcoming movie Malang released. Not just raising the hotness factor with her impressionable entry, the actress has been seen experimenting with a 'boho' avatar in the movie. Talking about the actress, the director of her next, Mohit Suri had a lot to share! Recently in an interview, the director Mohit Suri of her upcoming film 'Malang' shared his view on the actress saying, "The whole world feels that Disha is just a pretty face and a hot body. She has something more in her. Shes got head and heart too. He continues by saying, "There is a perfect blend of glam quotient and bohemian vibe surrounding the character, both qualities which I could imagine Disha to compliment effortlessly. The response to Dishas role has been great so far, Im sure the audience will be able to connect with her even more after watching Malang." Owing to her humongous fan base, the actress is famous for her choices of films and being the hottest actress of Bollywood. The actress is not only loved and adored by her fans but the film-makers also. She is the face of several international brands which makes her highly bankable. Disha Patani has been receiving appreciation from all quarters for the trailer of Malang and fans are super elated to see her back on the big screen. The actress surely knows how to woo the audience with her acting skills and killer looks. Disha Patani has been receiving appreciation from all quarters for the trailer of Malang and fans are super elated to see her back on the big screen. The actress surely knows how to woo the audience with her acting skills and killer looks. A man was killed early Monday in a shooting inside a Birmingham motorcycle club. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victim as David Franklin Lee Jr. He was 37. The shooting happened at 2:06 a.m. at Showstoppers Motorcycle Club on Coosa Street. Authorities said some kind of argument happened which led to a fight and then gunfire. Sgt. Johnny Williams said Lee was found unresponsive inside the club. Lee was pronounced dead on the scene at 2:19 a.m. Williams said Lee was involved in the altercation with the unknown suspect. The club was founded in 2002. Several years ago, they launched a group ride between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa dedicated to motorcycle safety. The clubhouse was the scene of another shooting in 2014 that left two people dead and two others wounded. Stevens Hicks and Wilbert Hawkins were killed Aug. 31, 2104 in a gunfight outside the club. Authorities determined that shooting was linked to the death of a Georgia rapper killed two weeks earlier at a motorcycle club in Columbus. Lee is the citys fourth homicide in 2020, and the fourth countywide. No arrests have been announced. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will arrive here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India amid spiralling tension between the Middle East country and the United States. Besides addressing the Raisina Dialogue - an annual conference where dignitaries from more than 100 countries across the world will share their views on geopolitics and geoeconomics, climate change, counter-terrorism and other agendas of the next decade - the foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 15. The visiting dignitary will further deliberate on regional issues with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar over breakfast on Thursday following which he will emplane for Mumbai to interact with a group of businesses leaders. During his trip to the country's financial capital, Zarif is also scheduled to call on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He will conclude his India visit on Friday, according to an official statement. The visit by the Iranian foreign minister comes at a time when the global attention is focused on the simmering tensions in the Middle East post the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by a Pentagon-ordered drone attack in Baghdad earlier this month. India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar as it has important interests in the region. Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Soleimani's killing has led to a dramatic escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington which was already strained after from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the "Iran nuclear deal," in 2018. India has strategic interests in the Gulf region which is a key source of its energy security. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terming the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "insulting", senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded that it be banned and asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. Talking to reporters here, Raut said comparison of Shivaji Maharaj with anyone was "not acceptable", and the book seemed to be the handiwork of some "bootlickers" to appease the prime minister. He said the BJP should declare that it has no link with the book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book. "A BJP leader has written the book titled 'Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', which we find insulting. The party should clarify whether it considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as great as Shivaji Maharaj," Raut said. "We respect Prime Minister Modi. But comparing Shivaji Maharaj with anyone is not acceptable," he said. Without taking any names, Raut targeted the warrior king's descendants - BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Bhosale, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the NCP. "Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," the Sena leader said. He said it looks like some "bootlickers" have published the book to appease the prime minister. "They are the ones who are creating trouble for him (Modi). The BJP should get rid of them," he said. Demanding that the book be banned, Raut said he has spoken to Shiv Sena president and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over the issue. "He (Thackeray) told me that Sena has taken the right stand and we are going to stick to it. This book should be banned and the BJP should officially distance itself from such a book and the narrative it is pushing forward," he added. Raut said the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal was once with the Shiv Sena, but was removed from the party after he allegedly attacked the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. "BJP leaders are quite active when it comes to some issues such as (pertaining to Hindutva ideologue) V D Savarkar. I hope they will demonstrate similar efficiency in this case also. The BJP should declare that it has no link with the book," the Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member said. The descendants of Shivaji Maharaj from Satara and Kolhapur are affiliated with the BJP. They should speak out their views on the issue, he said. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Shivendraraje Bhosale, who is also a descendant of the Maratha warrior king and is the cousin of Udayanraje Bhosale, said it was unfortunate that some "bootlickers" were creating a problem for the party's image. "I request my party leaders to put a check on such bootlickers who, for their personal gain, are ready to stoop to any level. I am totally against such comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the MLA from Satara said. NCP's state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Jitendra Awhad, and senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde also expressed their disappointment earlier over such a book being published by a BJP leader. Sambhaji Raje on Sunday demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book, which was published in the saffron party's Delhi office. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Sunday lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book. In his complaint, the Congress leader sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book and its distributor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Almost half of those charged with knife killings in London over the past three years had previous weapons convictions, figures show. Scotland Yard charged a total of 379 suspects with fatal stabbings in the three years to November 2019. A staggering 46 per cent of those 173 murder and manslaughter suspects had previously committed a knife offence. The data follows a record year of violence, with the number of homicides at an 11-year high in 2019. It comes as the national proportion of first-time knife offenders being charged has fallen to the lowest level on record as almost a third of those caught with a blade have previous weapons convictions, separate figures obtained by the Daily Mail show. Jaden Moodie, 14, (pictured) was stabbed to death by Ayoub Majdouline, 19, who had three prior convictions for carrying a knife Britain has been rocked by a series of murders by serial knife offenders, including the random stabbing of solicitor Peter Duncan, 52, (left) who was attacked with a screwdriver after he brushed past Ewan Ireland (right) in Newcastle upon Tyne city centre. The latest statistics show that the proportion of people charged with carrying a knife who have previously been convicted of the offence has increased year-on-year from 25 per cent in 2013 to 29 per cent in 2019. Yet more than a third 35 per cent of serial offenders sentenced for carrying a blade escaped an immediate jail sentence in the year to June 2019, Ministry of Justice data shows. The disturbing figures come at a time of rampaging knife crime which has jumped 7 per cent year-on-year, while there was a 15 per cent rise in violent crimes recorded by police to a total of 1.7million offences, or three every minute. Britain has been rocked by a series of murders by serial knife offenders, including the random stabbing of solicitor Peter Duncan, 52, who was attacked with a screwdriver after he brushed past Ewan Ireland in Newcastle upon Tyne city centre. The 17-year-old had a long criminal history of over 30 offences and in the months before the murder last August, he had been convicted of battery and released under investigation for a robbery at knifepoint. The teenager was also on bail at the time of the murder after pleading guilty to affray for threatening to slash a boy's Achilles' heel with a knife. Murderer had three convictions Ayoub Majdouline Ayoub Majdouline had been convicted of carrying a knife three times before he stabbed a 14-year-old boy to death. The 19-year-old gang member knifed Jaden Moodie in the back nine times last January in Leyton, east London. He had been convicted of possessing a kitchen knife while loitering in a churchyard in 2016. The next year, he was convicted twice of the same offence and was also caught with heroin and cocaine. Majdouline admitted he habitually carried a knife, claiming he had been groomed by county lines kingpins who urged him to arm himself from the age of 16. Advertisement Adults caught with a blade for the second time are supposed to face a prison sentence. But a Daily Mail inquiry last year revealed repeat knife carriers are regularly dodging jail. Yesterday knife crime campaigners called for action. Alison Cope, who has dedicated her life to combating knife crime after her son Joshua Ribera was stabbed to death outside a nightclub in September 2013, said: 'The Home Office says if you get caught with a knife twice you could be sent to jail for up to four years. 'But young people know the chances are that won't happen. 'Right now there is no deterrent for someone carrying a weapon often until they get a life sentence for murder. 'These statistics are horrendous, knife crime figures are becoming more shocking every year. 'As a society we are failing young people and these statistics prove that.' Tory London Assembly member Tony Devenish said: 'Our prison system needs to both rehabilitate and punish knife crime offenders, which is why the new government is entirely right to reform education in prisons and introduce tougher sentences. 'After all, some of these murders wouldn't have been committed had the perpetrator already been behind bars.' Last year was tough for Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist party. Between their glaring inability to mollify protesters and restore order in Hong Kong, an economic slowdown, and the online publication of highly sensitive, utterly horrifying official documents detailing their brutal crackdown on religious minorities, 2019 knocked much of the sheen off the vaunted Chinese model. And the past couple of weeks indicate that 2020 will be no different. Incumbent Tsai Ing-wens lopsided drubbing of challenger Han Kuo-yu in Saturdays Taiwanese presidential election had been widely expected in recent weeks, but it was not always such a sure thing. At this time last year, Ms. Tsai had resigned as the chairperson of her party after catastrophic electoral losses, and her political future looked bleak. Riding to the rescue was Chairman Xi, who gave a speech demanding that Taiwan accept the one country, two systems framework that governs Chinas relations with Hong Kong and warning that we make no promise to abandon the use of force, and retain the option of taking all necessary measures to absorb Taiwan into China. For Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive party is skeptical of reunification with China, rejecting Xis demands was a layup. Chinas subsequent attempt to undermine civil liberties in Hong Kong, and the ensuing protests and violence, made Tsai look prescient and mightily contributed to her reelection, which was in doubt as late as August. Bringing Taiwan under Chinese control, a longstanding goal of the CCP, now looks highly unlikely absent an invasion. Though Tsais victory is a major setback that hurts the CCPs prestige, its consequences are unlikely to reverberate too far across the region. Hong Kongs protests and the improved fortunes of China skeptics in Taiwan make China look less effective, but many of Chinas neighbors are themselves de facto or de jure one-party states, and their rulers are not the sort to cheer on mass protest movements that demand freedom. Story continues Chinas assertive attitude toward territorial disputes is, however, provoking a regional backlash. Its claims in the South China Sea were ruled invalid by a court at The Hague in 2016, but that hasnt stopped Xi from creating and militarizing artificial islands to solidify control of the disputed territory, which is vitally important to international trade, and from unleashing swarms of quasi-civilian vessels to harass other countries ships. Amazingly, the Chinese have become so aggressive that they have provoked Indonesia, which does not even claim islands in the South China Sea. President Joko Widodo found their violations so significant that he stepped away from responding to massive floods in Jakarta to visit Indonesian holdings near the disputed waters last week. Infuriating the country with the largest economy, and the largest military, in Southeast Asia is a mistake for China, and could hardly come at a worse time. This year, the ASEAN regional group is chaired by Vietnam, which has a prickly relationship with China whose history stretches back to before the 1979 SinoVietnam War. It is also the year that ASEAN and China are expected to finish most of their negotiations on a new code of conduct regarding the South China Sea. Vietnams chairmanship already made the outlook for ASEANChina relations this year bleak, and alienating Indonesia will further impede Chinas diplomatic efforts on an issue of vital importance. Chinas prospects in the tech war with the United States are looking grim as well. Although its tech companies are making substantial inroads in the developing world, they have struggled mightily in Europe and the U.S. In February, Chinese tech executives were cocky, mocking Americas attempts, at the MWC Barcelona trade show, to warn European regulators about the threat posed by Chinese companies such as Huawei. Despite the setback, U.S. diplomats patiently worked to persuade their European counterparts, and their efforts have paid off: In December, the EU obliquely encouraged its member states to think twice before ordering Chinese equipment for critical infrastructure, and European companies such as Deutsche Telekom AG are taking notice. In his new-year message to employees, Huwaeis chairman, Eric Xu, said that, for 2020, survival is our first priority. This represents a significant retreat from the companys ambitious goals for 2019. Western observers sometimes look at Chinas accomplishments and envy aspects of their political system, which is supposedly resolute at following long-term plans yet amazingly nimble at adjusting to unanticipated events, while democracies abandon long-term plans after each election and yet are also ponderous and slow to change course. Besides being logically incoherent, this complaint is demonstrably inaccurate. Though the CCPs aggressive approach to regional politics, the South China Sea, and the global tech race has provoked backlash and led to setbacks for years, it is likely to continue for years to come. Like the Bourbons, Chinas leaders forget nothing and learn nothing, too. More from National Review Many notable Nigerians, on Monday, gathered to discuss issues that led to the Civil War and ways to foster reintegration and unity in Nigeria, 50 years after the Nigerian-Biafran war. The discussion held at the Never Again Conference organised by the Nzuko Umunna and Ndigbo Lagos, in Lagos. The conference focused on a constructive discussion of factors that led to the first military coup in Nigeria in 1966, which then led to the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970. In an opening remark, Abel Umahi, a retired major-general, said the conference symbolises a national reflection in the civil war which will herald a new chapter in Nigerias history. This Never Again Conference is geared towards promoting nation-building, forgiveness, healing of wounds, reintegration, stability and national cohesion, Mr Umahi said While giving his remark, Anya Anya, the chairman of the occasion, said that Nigeria is in trouble partly because the nation went through a temptation period that led to the war. Nigerians have never reflected on the past history since the beginning of the good period. This is the first opportunity for us to do so. Mr Anya said the Nigerian situation is not unique, as there are other countries that have gone through it. He said Nigeria should learn from others and from her past mistakes. Wole Soyinka, the keynote speaker at the conference, said that no nation ever survived two civil wars and there is a need to embrace unity in Nigeria. One of the ways to say Never Again is to enthrone the principles of democracy, the Nobel Laureate said. Mr Soyinka said humanity tends to forget lessons too soon and pursue the same course of action again and again, leading to the same consequences. He recalled that over two million lives were lost within two years of the civil war and numerous casualties resulted from the war. Good democracy is a key way to declare never again to civil war in Nigeria, he said. He added that the vital goal of humanity is not merely to survive but to live in dignity. Banji Akintoye, a former senator and the leader of the Yoruba association, asserted that the people of Nigeria will never again manage the affairs of the country in a way that will lead to war. We have good reasons to fear today that the character of the affairs of our country these days, and the prevailing mood among us Nigerians, are chillingly similar to the character of the affairs of our country in the months leading to our civil war. The government of our country is being managed in ways that make it look like an exclusive preserve of a particular minority. The voices of the majority register protests continually and are continually disrespected and ignored, Mr Akintoye said. Mr Akintoye added that Nigeria is in crisis and if the citizens can no longer hold together as one entity, there is a need to find a rational solution so that the nation would not plunge into any form of war. Pat Utomi, the chairman, planning committee of the conference, in his remark said the inability to manage public conversation is a major challenge to nation-building in Nigeria. If you go to the social media today, you will know that Nigeria is at war. The young people who were not anywhere near the war hate so much, and you wonder why? This is a failure of leadership in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Mr Utomi said if the Nigerian civil war was held today, there would be no Nigeria because the mood in the international community now accepts self-determination. He said there is a need to educate the young ones and drive sustainable public conversation on Nigerian problems. Advertisements He added that a great part of the problem is leadership failure and Nigerias essence has become that of democratisation of mediocrity. The conference also featured a handshake between the royal fathers in attendance and a declaration of Never Again to civil war in Nigeria. John Cena sees Valentine's Day as a reminder 'to love what you love.' The 42-year-old actor and former WWE superstar who revealed he is 'very happy' with his relationship is currently dating Shay Shariatzadeh, and the couple will be celebrating the romantic holiday together for the first time on Feb. 14. The new couple packed on the PDA with at the Dolittle premiere at the Regency Village Theatre on Saturday, just days after his ex, Nikki Bella, announced her engagement to Dancing With The Stars partner Artem Chigvintsev. Blessed: John Cena sees Valentine's Day as a reminder 'to love what you love' (seen on Jimmy Kimmel Live last week) Speaking to Extra, he said: 'It's just a reminder to care about who you care about. The takeaway from Valentine's Day is to remind you to love what you love.' The Dolittle star was previously engaged to Nikki Bella whose partner Artem Chigvintsev proposed on November until their split last year. He recently admitted that he doesn't want his new romance to be compared to his previous one. Sweethearts: The 42-year-old actor and former WWE superstar who revealed he is 'very happy' with his relationship is currently dating Shay Shariatzadeh, and the couple will be celebrating the romantic holiday together for the first time on Feb. 14 Just one kiss: The new couple packed on the PDA with at the Dolittle premiere at the Regency Village Theatre on Saturday, just days after his ex, Nikki Bella, announced her engagement to Dancing With The Stars partner Artem Chigvintsev He explained: 'Well you know every experience in life is a chance for us to know who we are and who we're not and just because I went down one avenue in life doesn't mean I'm going to repeat going down that avenue. 'I think if there is a learning experience for me and a takeaway for me, it's OK to be who you are and it's OK to establish boundaries. 'If you've done something before and it doesn't really mesh with who you are, it's OK to change. It's OK to develop and grow and that's the journey of life.' 'It's just a reminder to care about who you care about,' he said. 'The takeaway from Valentine's Day is to remind you to love what you love' Meanwhile, John who had his romance with Nikki played out on reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas recently said the key to a successful relationship is 'appreciating' one another. He explained: 'If I have a connection with someone, I believe we're defined by our actions, and how you treat them is a reflection on how you will treat them in the future. 'I think when anyone was a connection with someone, and someone says like, 'Hey, there's something here, and by the way, I appreciate who you are, I appreciate who you want to be, I appreciate how you live your life.' I don't think that's gender-specific. I think that's something we all want to hear.' Fraternization between Turkish generals and politicians and an excessive public popularity of military leaders traditionally have been frowned upon and seen as eroding the institutional identity of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). But this trend seems to have changed following the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016. Civilians seem to have acquired the upper hand in civilian-military relations; still, it is too early to claim this has become institutionalized because the new system is still too fragile, depending as it does on interpersonal relations. The latest example of this fragility was seen in Ankaras recent efforts to determine policy toward the Libya crisis. At the end of December, sources in Ankara confirmed, a policy formulation meeting was held at the Presidential Palace. In this meeting, the views of the admiral who was representing the Turkish military were critical, as important subjects were of a maritime nature. At the outset, the current chief of staff of the Turkish navy, Rear Adm. Cihat Yayci who has written a book and several academic articles on Libya was expected to represent the military. In a statement at the end of December, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed appreciation to Yayci for his work on Libya and for initiating the Turkish-Libyan maritime deal that was signed Nov. 27. Yayci, who also gained much popularity among government officials and the public because of his efforts to clean Gulenists from the TSK, was seeing his popularity quickly grow. According to Turkish media reports, Yayci was invited to the meeting at the Presidential Palace, but Defense Minister Hulusi Akar did not allow him to attend the critical strategy gathering and dispatched another admiral instead. Official sources told Al-Monitor that Akar also turned down requests from politicians for Yayci to explain to the public the background of the moves involving Libya and the reasons for the maritime zone deal. We know that following the August Higher Military Council, which decided on the promotions of generals and admirals, the influence of Akar over the TSK has grown. Akar either retired the generals who had contradicted him or reassigned them to passive duties. Now many are wondering whether Yayci will share the same fate of those generals. What is to be expected in Turkeys civilian-military relations in 2020? On the political-strategic level, the key determinant is the mutual trust between Erdogan and Akar; this trust mirrors the current condition of civilian-military relations in Turkey. These two actors have maintained gentlemanly and mutually confident relations since the failed coup attempt. This is likely to continue in 2020. Both have not hesitated to upset their close civilian and military associates to preserve their personal ties. This may be a good sign for crisis management, yet the harmony between Erdogan and Akar is the highest impediment facing the formalization of civilian-military relations in Turkey; indeed, the sensitive balance of the ties between Erdogan and Akar is the most important factor that could affect the fragile structure of civilian-military relations. In 2019, photographs showed ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) officials who did not have any active role in the government visiting military operation centers where critical issues are discussed and showed visits of uniformed military officials to AKP officials in their offices. If this trend continues, both the domestic and international public may think that the TSK is increasingly becoming a branch of a political party. Another point is the strategic military ties that are primarily determined by the relations between Akar and TSK Chief of General Staff Yasar Guler and other commanders. Since 2018, harmony and close ties between Akar and Guler have been apparent; the close relationship between the two and the respect they have for each other are crucial. The question to be asked is whether the system will function in the same way when the top brass are replaced. Akar, who formerly served as chief of general staff, is capable of deciding on military issues, but what about administrative and political ones? For example, can Akar bypass the chief of the general staff and other force commanders and issue an operational order? If and when he does, will this be a political instruction or a military order? Finally there might be some problems with regard to monitoring and oversight. Erdogan and Akar have mutually confident relations, yet for the sake of transparency and accountability would it not be better to have more openness with the parliament and civil society? Eyes will be on Yayci in the 2020 session of the Higher Military Council to see whether he is promoted to vice admiral. Or will Erdogan allow Akar to retire Yayci early? In short, the future professional career of Yayci may give us strong clues about the evolution of civilian-military relations in Turkey and the relationship between Akar and Erdogan. The provinces 45,000 English Catholic teachers will hold a one-day strike next week amid mounting trouble for the Ford government on the education front. The union representing teachers in the provinces 12 French language boards is also set to begin a work-to-rule on Thursday, with details to be revealed Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is set to hold another one-day Wednesday walkout this week, as a work-to-rule campaign continues. And the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has hit the third phase of its job action shutting down field trips and all after-hours extracurriculars with the threat of one-day rotating strikes that could begin next week if no deal has been reached. Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association has decided to escalate to a one-day, province-wide strike that negatively impacts their students following just five hours of a work-to-rule campaign that began Monday morning. I am disappointed in the teacher unions continued focus on escalation that hurts students, he said in a statement. Our government will remain focused on improving public education and keeping students in class. However, Catholic teachers union President Liz Stuart said the negotiations it held one day last week with the government were fruitless, and the daylong walkout is necessary to show the province teachers will not accept larger class sizes or mandatory e-learning. It has become clear that this government will only do the right thing when they are under pressure from Ontarians, Stuart said. Lecce has said the government has already made changes to its proposals at the bargaining table, and that the unions need to now do the same. Teachers, he said, are prepared to fight on the streets, in the context of protesting the government, prepared to fight in the courts on compensation an issue that I know is very central to their heart but they have made no movement at all on any of their top matters. They have only made ultimatums on the government. That is not really constructive. Share your thoughts: The unions oppose the governments plans to boost class sizes, in particular in high school where the average is set to go from 22 to 25, and they say it must abandon plans for mandatory online learning for high school students. Both moves would phase out thousands of teaching positions as well as lead to fewer course options for teens. A confidential report obtained by the Star showed that the Ford government had looked at keeping e-learning optional until 2024, and also planned to cut school board funding and sell online courses to other jurisdictions to raise money. Only a handful of U.S. states mandate an online course for high school students, but nowhere in North America requires more than one. The move is highly unpopular among Ontario students, as well as school boards. The organization representing Ontarios two million students said it is disappointed by the one-day strikes. A full withdrawal of services has a significant impact on student life, can jeopardize child-care arrangements, and can greatly reduce focus on preparation as students move into secondary exam season, said Ontario Student Trustees Association President Sally Meseret. Ontario students need all parties to continue to work to reach a deal which prioritizes and supports students needs, while also ensuring student learning is unaffected during this sensitive time. The student association opposes larger class sizes and mandatory e-learning. While Lecce has said that salary increases are a key issue with the government offering one per cent a year, and teachers seeking cost-of-living, or about two per cent the union say thats not the case. Further escalation is not going to help get a deal, Lecce said. It is going to frustrate the process and I dont think that would be particularly constructive. But Stuart said the reality is that teachers are the last line of defence when it comes to stopping this governments reckless education agenda. Protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act has thrust the Indian Constitution in the forefront of national discourse as people across the country are coming out on the streets to secure and reclaim what they say are guarantees given to every citizen of the country by the supreme law of the land. Giving momentum to the ongoing struggle, eight eminent personalities, including former Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar and ex-Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, have appealed to people to "introspect and audit" the working of the Constitution ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Republic. "Is the Constitution a mere administrative manual which enables the elected governments to claim legitimacy for abuse of power, and allows the citizens to convert liberty into license disregarding rights of others? Is it simply another text penned by ink, or a sacred text written in the blood of innumerable martyrs who transcended the barriers of caste, religion, region, ethnicity and language?" they asked in an open letter. Resolve to fulfil the Constitutional goals envisaged by Dr. Ambedkar and our forefathers as summed up in the Preamble; Justice Chelameswar, Dr S Y Quraishi, T.M. Krishna, Harcharanjit Singh Panag Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Sharmila Tagore, Syeda Hameed and Sukhdeo Thorat. pic.twitter.com/nuQXIupUW9 T M Krishna (@tmkrishna) January 13, 2020 Their appeal has come at a time when there have been protests, some of them violent, against the new citizenship law, which critics say discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. Stressing that peaceful reconciliation of conflicting interests, healthy public discourse, and respect for dissenting views are at the heart of democracy, they urged people to "introspect whether truth and non-violence - the two values held very dear to the heart of the Father of the Nation - continue to inform our actions in the public sphere." Under the title ''70 years of Indian Constitution-A Defining Moment'', the signatories of the letter said 70 years of the working of the Constitution provided an "opportunity to celebrate our successes, and also to introspect and resolve to overcome our shortcomings". "We appeal to all citizens to utilise this solemn occasion to celebrate our success, reflect on our current concerns, particularly about our plural, secular society, and resolve to fulfil the Constitutional goals envisaged by Dr Ambedkar and our forefathers as summed up in the Preamble," they said. Apart from Quraishi and Chelameswar, the letter has been signed by film personality Sharmila Tagore, former Army Commander Lt Gen Harcharanjit Singh Panag, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Carnatic musician and creative personality TM Krishna, former chairman of UGC and ICSSR Sukhdeo Thorat and former member of the Planning Commission Syeda Hameed. The open letter was released exactly a year after four senior judges of the Supreme Court, including Mr Chelameswar, had mounted a virtual revolt against the then chief justice, listing a litany of problems that they said were afflicting the country's highest court and warned could destroy Indian democracy. bccl The unprecedented move at a joint news conference had left the judiciary and observers stunned, leaving uncertain how this open dissension in the hallowed institution would be resolved. On Monday, the eminent personalities said each generation has a "solemn duty to constantly introspect and audit the working of the Constitution". "The 70th anniversary of the Republic is an appropriate moment to celebrate and introspect by peacefully observing the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (January 23), foundation day of the Election Commission celebrated as the National Voters Day (January 25), the Republic Day (January 26) and the martyrdom of the Father of the Nation (January 30)," they said. Last week, a group of academicians, filmmakers, actors, artists and other professionals from West Bengal wrote to PM Narendra Modi extending their support to CAA. We the people of West Bengal express our sincerest gratitude and unreserved admiration from the deepest core of our heart to you for enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and through for finally settling this excruciating episode, which has been tormenting and afflicting the Bengali psyche and soul for the last seventy years, since time of partition, reads the letter, the copy of which was accessed by news agency ANI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also unveiled 5.5 lakh letters written to PM by Ahmedabad citizens supporting CAA. The citizenship law, notified on January 10, grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who came to India till December 31, 2014, if they have faced religious persecution in their countries. The government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have defended the law, saying the minority groups from the three countries have no other option but to come to India when they face religious persecution there. [January 13, 2020] Roc Capital Forms Holding Company and Rebrands to Roc360 Roc Capital, the New York-based leading capital provider for private lenders serving small and middle-market real estate developers, today announced the formation of Roc360, a holding company for the suite of products and services it will provide to its clients. The new name communicates the firm's offerings as a full life cycle platform for real estate investors and accompanies the broadening of Roc360's suite of products and services. These include lending (this business will continue to operate under the Roc Capital brand), property insurance, title insurance, and benefits offered by Roc360's unique corporate partnerships. Roc360 will bring convenience, efficiency and personalization to its private lenders, borrowers, investors and existing client base. "Forming Roc360 is an integral step in the evolution of our brand," said Arvind Raghunathan, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Roc360. "While we still offer our bread-and-butter short-term, transitional and perm lending solutions, Roc360 more clearly encompasses the full scope of Roc's services and mission?-providing real estate investors and developers everything they need for the full life cycle of a real estate transaction." In 2014, Roc Capital entered the market as one of the initial firms to inject capital into dislocated residential markets by way of funding private lenders. Through its Roc Capital subsidiary, Roc has successfully lent more than $2 billion to real estate investors and developers, serving short-term bridge and long-term perm loans ranging from $75,000 to in excess of $20 million in non-owner-occupied residential and commercial real estate. Bringing liquidity was just the first step, however; through its insurance subsidiary, ElmSure, close to $750 million of insurance has been bound in builder's risk and other coverages insuring real estate interests. More than 80 percent of Roc Capital borrowers, a growing number of lenders and independent developers are using ElmSure given the convenience, efficiency, and risk coverage for their assets offered through the highly trusted Berkshire Hathaway Group of Insurance carriers. In 2009, Raghunathan, along with his partners Maksim Stavinsky, Chief Operating Officer, and Eric Abramovich, Chief Credit Officer, spun out from Deutsche Bank in the largest hedge fund launch of that year post financial crisis, primarily focused on quantitative equities trading and statistical arbitrage. In 2014, Roc360 raised its inaugural Secured Lending Income Fund, which today has grown to an impressive 150-lender platform. The 100-percent employee-owned Roc360 has a stacked team of about 100 employees and personnel. Roc360's management team is comprised of highly successful executives with proven track records and decades of experience on Wall Street. About Roc360: Roc360 is an industry leading lender and platform catering to small and middle-market real estate. Founded in 2014, the now rebranded Roc360 has become one of the country's most vertically integrated financial services platforms, with services including Roc Capital lending, ElmSure property insurance, Wimba title insurance and its affinity partnerships. Roc360's management team is comprised of highly successful executives with proven track records and decades of experience on Wall Street. As former quant traders deeply versed in data, the firm's present-day capabilities only scratch the surface of what the executive suite is equipped to execute on in the future. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005130/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 18:11:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government was aiming to lift 3,200 families above the poverty line in 2020, and if achieved, it meant that only 4.9 percent or 60,000 families in the country would still be classified as undeveloped. Local daily Vientiane Times quoted an article in Lao daily Kao Today as reporting on Monday that a government report delivered at the most recent National Assembly session discussed the target. The plan indicates that 220 villages will remain below the poverty line, while the government will declare 100 villages as models of development. The government will create 18 more townships, establish permanent settlements and secure jobs in 163 villages, and stop unregulated migration. Under the plan, Nong district in Savannakhet province (some 410 km east of the Lao capital Vientiane) and Xone district in Huaphan province (some 310 km northeast of the Lao capital Vientiane) will graduate from poverty in 2020, while 21 districts will likely continue to be classified as poor. According to the report, the government invested 112 billion Lao kip (over 12 million U.S. dollars) to fulfill last year's poverty reduction plan for the implementation of 659 projects. These involved road construction and repairs, small irrigation system development; construction of schools, dispensaries and latrines, and training in agriculture and animal husbandry. In addition, 137 billion Lao kip (over 15 million U.S. dollars) was allocated as loans to provide communities with financing. Highlighting achievements made over nine months of last year, the government said 112 villages, or 56 percent of the target, and 2,209 families, or 47.5 percent of the target, succeeded in their development efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which the two leaders underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and Russia for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability. The two leaders expressed happiness at the significant landmarks the Special Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia had covered in the recent past, particularly in the year 2019, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. "The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues and underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and Russia for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability," it said. The two countries agreed to continue consulting closely and "working assiduously" to further strengthen India-Russia ties in all spheres the year 2020, the release added. Recalling that the Russian Federation had celebrated Christmas recently as per the tradition in Russia, the Prime Minister conveyed season's greetings to President Putin and the Russian people. Putin warmly reciprocated the greetings and wished PM Modi and the people of India prosperity, progress, peace and happiness. The Prime Minister stressed that the year 2020 would be of special significance for Russia and recalled with gratitude the invitation extended by President Putin to him to participate in the 75th Victory Day Celebration in Moscow in May this year. PM Modi said that he looked forward to participating in the Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries in Russia this year and welcoming President Putin in India for the 21st bilateral Annual Summit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By PTI KOLKATA: Days after demanding that the amended citizenship act be scrapped, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Monday stressed the importance of opposition unity to carry out any protest for a cause. However, he said even in the absence of opposition unity, protests can continue. The economist was answering journalists here over the countrywide CAA-NPR-NRC protests. "For any kind of protest, opposition unity is important. Then protests become easier. Unity is important if the protest is for a proper cause," Sen told journalists here on Monday night. "But even if unity is not there, then that doesn't mean we will stop protesting. As I said, unity makes protest easier but if unity is not there still we have to move on and do whatever is necessary," Sen said. Earlier, speaking at Nabanita Deb Sen Memorial Lecture, the economist said viewing oppositional reasoning as quarrelsome would be a big mistake. "It is necessary to emphasise the subtleties of the innovative forces of the opposition. We need to know more about what I am protesting about. The head must also join with the heart in protest," Sen said in his speech. "When there seems to be a big mistake in the Constitution or human rights, there will surely be reasons to protest," Sen said. Deb Sen, who passed away at her Kolkata residence last November, was the economist's first wife. A few days ago, Sen, who has been critical of the Narendra Modi-led Union government, said the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act should be scrapped. "I think the CAA must be scrapped because it cannot be an Act. That's the job of the Supreme Court to see whether what was passed in Parliament can be legally attached to the Constitution," the Nobel laureate had said. Coca-Cola Vietnam has been actively carrying out community programmes in Vietnam Since its inception in the 1990s, Coca-Cola Vietnam has focused on investment, local job creation, economic stimulus, and shared value with local partners and customers. The company has always conducted its business in Vietnam with integrity and respect for all local laws. Between March 2017 and March 2019, the General Department of Taxation launched an audit of the companys tax documents from the nine years between 2007 and 2015. Coca-Cola Vietnam has co-operated fully with the General Department of Taxation by providing the required information and documentation needed for the department to conduct its audit. During the course of the audit, the firm recognised that certain minor errors had been made and pointed out that it had fully settled the required obligations. Coca-Cola Vietnam stressed that it is committed to fully complying with all local tax requirements. However, with respect to the vast majority of the departments assertions, the firm strongly maintains its position that it has operated in a compliant manner. The firm claimed its position has been clearly expressed to the department in all documentation and explanations prepared and submitted as part of the departments ongoing compliance efforts as well as during the tax audit. It pledged to continue working with the Vietnamese authorities to resolve this matter, consistent with its commitment to conduct its business in Vietnam with the highest level of integrity and utmost respect for all local laws. Peeyush Sharma stated that, We always conduct our business in the spirit of integrity and absolute compliance with Vietnamese laws. The reputation of Coca-Cola Vietnam is very important. Thus, we will never perform fraudulent actions or tax evasion to damage our reputation. The company has actively co-operated with the tax authorities, providing information and documents as required to serve the inspection. Coca-Cola Vietnam has been recognised as the second most sustainable enterprise in the manufacturing sector for the two consecutive years of 2018 and 2019 In the statement, Coca-Cola Vietnam said it made a long-term commitment to sustainable development in Vietnam since its inception in the 1990s. The company has created an average of 2,300 direct jobs and 16,000 indirect jobs from 2016 to 2018 and provides high-quality beverage products to Vietnamese consumers. The firm claimed to have operated at a significant loss for more than 20 years while building its business, but it has continued to invest and maintain strong confidence in the countrys development. Simultaneously, Coca-Cola Vietnam has been actively participating and carrying out corporate social responsibility programmes to promote connection and support the community in Vietnam. The company has spent a large amount of its budget on sustainable development programmes. Some of these initiatives include providing access to clean water, women's empowerment and training, supporting small- and medium-sized companies, raising the capacity of local communities, as well as promoting plastic waste management to bring about positive changes for Vietnamese people. The efforts and practical actions of Coca-Cola Vietnam have been getting much recognition, especially its significant contribution to the state budget through tax payments in recent years. Coca-Cola Vietnam has been officially recognised as the second most sustainable enterprise in the manufacturing sector by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). At the same time, Coca-Cola Vietnam ranked second on the list of the best places to work in Vietnam. The company has been voted as one of the enterprises with the best working environment in the country in recent years. A general election is expected to be called this week as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar meets the leaders of Northern Irelands restored powersharing executive on a visit to Belfast today. Almost four years of speculation about an election date is likely to be put to bed this week with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar saying he has made his mind up about when to go to the polls. He said he wants to tie up some loose ends first - including a cabinet meeting tomorrow, and a visit from the new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. Varadkar is also due to meet the Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin again in the coming days. All that puts Wednesday evening or Thursday in line to be the day Mr Varadkar seeks the dissolution of the 32nd Dail. This morning he is Read More: Fine Gael will be trying to push the government's record on Brexit during the election and Mr Varadkar may feel a few days sharing the podium with other world leaders will be a good look to kick start his bid to win a mandate to govern for the next five years. Labour leader Brendan Howlin says that whatever happens over the coming days it is clear that this Dail has run its course. "I think if it continues it will be a fractious Dail that won't address the real issues because there is no majority for the Government currently," said Mr Howlin. "So they won't be bringing forward solutions to the problems in housing and health that people want addressed. "So my advice to him is to simply end the agony of this Dail." By ANI NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that the duo is "obsessed" about Pakistan. "Who is speaking the language of (Pakistan Prime Minister) Imran Khan? It is the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The divisive agendas of Pakistan are being perpetrated in this country. So, they are the ones who are speaking in Pakistan's language," Sibal said while replying to a query on BJP levelling allegations against Congress speaking in the language of Pakistan. He said that Modi and Shah sleep at night dreaming about Pakistan and keep on talking about the neighbouring country the entire day. ALSO READ: Thousands in Mumbai join protests against CAA, JNU violence "Both of them sleep at night dreaming of Pakistan, thinking of Pakistan when they get up in the morning and talking about Pakistan. They should be rather dreaming about India, thinking of India when they get up in the morning and talking about India the entire day. They are obsessed with Pakistan," Sibal asserted. Recalling Modi's statement on demonetisation, Sibal continued, "During demonetisation, the Prime Minister said that give me 50 days and everything will be fine. There will be no terrorism, no black money and no fake currency. Did it happen?" ALSO READ: Opposition divided over CAA? Trinamool, BSP, AAP and Shiv Sena to skip Monday's meeting The Congressman asserted that the "people did not believe in the Prime Minister anymore because of the statements made by him in the past". He also said that the people will launch a struggle against the "divisive agenda" of the central government. Talking about the citizenship law, Sibal said, "Kerala Assembly passed a resolution. What was the intent of the resolution? It is to tell the Centre that don't take the CAA forward and withdraw it...There is growing support among the people of the country and within opposition states including those who were their allies, who have said that they will not implement the CAA." The results don't prove cause and effect. It's possible that women who consume marijuana during pregnancy have other traits that cause their children to perform poorly on developmental screenings. Women in the study who used marijuana during pregnancy tended to be younger and more likely to receive health insurance through Medicaid, which is reserved for people who are poor or disabled. Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher's jungle romance appears to be fast running out of steam. During Monday's episode of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, Ryan told Charlotte that he 'probably' doesn't want to have sex with her. Meanwhile, the former Geordie Shore star, 29, also admitted that she is still healing after her split from ex-boyfriend Joshua Ritchie in November. Over? Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher's jungle romance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia appears to be fast running out of steam As the pair sat down to chat, Charlotte said she wasn't ready for a new relationship, telling Ryan that she didn't want to lead him on. 'You know the way like everyone jokes about us being lovers? It's a bit scary for [me] because I've just come out of a serious relationship,' she explained. Ryan, 31, then poured cold water on the idea of them dating outside of the jungle, despite Charlotte saying she was planning on visiting him in Australia. Thanks, but no thanks: During Monday's episode, Ryan told Charlotte that he 'probably' doesn't want to have sex with her Taking it slow: Meanwhile, Charlotte said she wasn't ready for a new relationship after her split from Joshua Ritchie in November, telling Ryan that she didn't want to lead him on 'Out [of the jungle] we're very different. I mean, we're the same, but you live a very different life to me. I'm very to myself and don't see people much,' said Ryan, who lives on a farm in Goulburn, NSW, with his parents. 'I'll see you out, but you're going to go back to England. We'll still be friends.' A shocked Charlotte responded: 'You don't want to have sex?' 'Nah, probably not. I wouldn't do it if there was nothing coming out of it. Not with you, because we're friends and that would ruin it,' he replied. When Charlotte suggested that sleeping together wouldn't necessarily ruin their friendship, Ryan disagreed. 'We're friends and that would ruin it': Charlotte was surprised that Ryan didn't want to have sex with her, but he insisted that doing so would compromise their friendship 'I still have this worry in my head': Earlier on Monday's episode, Charlotte had burst into tears in the jungle diary room while discussing the future of their relationship Earlier on Monday's episode, Charlotte had burst into tears in the jungle diary room while discussing the future of their relationship. She wept: 'I just get scared. Like, being close to another boy reminds me how I've just come out of a break-up. Why did I come to the jungle in the first place? 'I thought it'd be great, and I've have loads of head space and truly find myself. I've not found no one but another boy. I still have this worry in my head that the last thing I want to be in is another relationship right now.' Ryan and Charlotte kissed and cuddled for the first time last week, after previously admitting they were attracted to each other. I'm a Celebrity continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 Emotional: Charlotte confessed she was still healing after her split from Joshua Ritchie (left) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the January 2020 issue of its monthly Bulletin. The central bank examined recent developments in India's external debt profile and external vulnerability indicators. It noted that India's external debt has increased since 2017-18 primarily on account of external commercial borrowings (ECB), non-resident deposits, and short-term trade credit. As at end-September 2019, India's external debt was placed at US$ 557.5 billion - recording an increase of US$ 14.3 billion (i.e. 2.6%) over its level at end-March 2019. Notwithstanding an increase in absolute value terms, India's external debt has remained at about 20% of GDP since 2017-18. India's foreign exchange reserves have provided adequate cover for external financing requirement [i.e., financing requirement for short-term debt on residual maturity basis and current account deficit] and imports. India's external vulnerability, hence in terms of reserve adequacy indicators, has remained low in recent years. RBI research noted that empirical analysis suggests the movements in the US dollar against Indian rupee and major currencies influence the size of India's external debt while the impact of current account deficit is not found to be statistically significant. 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 Prime Minister and Taoiseach will meet the leaders of Northern Irelands restored powersharing executive on a visit to Belfast on Monday. Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar will hold talks with DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill at Stormont. Their visit comes in the wake of the landmark deal, tabled by the UK and Irish governments, to restore the devolved institutions following three years of political deadlock in the region. Mr Johnson can expect to face questions on the financial promises the Government made as part of efforts to get the New Decade, New Approach agreement over the line. After three years, Stormont is open for business againBoris Johnson Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith pledged major investment to alleviate problems in the regions struggling public services, but declined to confirm the sums involved until a deal was done. The Irish government has also made financial pledges within the agreement to honour commitments to part-fund some north/south projects, such as the A5 dual carriageway and a redevelopment of the Ulster canal system. Mr Johnson said discussions at Stormont would focus on how the executive intended to take forward critical reforms to public services. This is an historic time for the people of Northern Ireland, he said ahead of the visit. After three years, Stormont is open for business again with an executive who can now move forward with improving peoples lives and delivering for all communities in Northern Ireland. I look forward to meeting with the new executive and hearing about their plans for the future including driving forward much needed reforms to public services and resolving the current health strike. The next decade will be an incredible time of opportunity for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we come together to unleash the potential of our four nations. Expand Close First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill lead the new coalition executive in Belfast (Press Eye/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill lead the new coalition executive in Belfast (Press Eye/PA) Ministers will need to hit the ground running to tackle a host of acute problems facing a public sector that has been floundering amid the 36-month governance vacuum. Top of the executives in-tray is an industrial dispute in the health service that has seen nurses take strike action on three occasions in the last month. Under the terms of the deal, the new executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms; increase the number of police officers on the beat; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers. The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 over a row about a botched green energy scheme. That row subsequently widened to take in more traditional wrangles on matters such as the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles. Looking at the structural problems of Canadian conservatism at the dawn of 2020 (Part Two) By Mark Wegierski The Toronto-based Mackenzie Institute (despite a far higher profile in the late-1980s) appeared to mostly have been (from the 1990s until early 2014) the personal enterprise of one indigent person. The full name of the Institute was rendered in earlier years as The Mackenzie Institute for the Study of Terrorism, Revolution, and Propaganda. In early 2014, The Mackenzie Institute revamped its website and appears to have become more dynamic. The Ottawa-based Centre for Immigration Policy Reform, which was founded around 2011, appears to have become more active in 2014. Its main leading figures were the late Martin Collacott, and James Bissett, both of them formerly being prominent Canadian diplomats and civil servants. The Centre argues for lowered numbers and more responsible selection and screening in immigration, temporary worker, and refugee policies. The author is also aware of an association called Societe Macdonald-Cartier Society. For non-partisan celebration of the Canadian Monarchy, there is the Monarchist League of Canada. The profile of social and cultural conservatism in Canada is rather thin. The main social conservative publications are The Interim: Canadas Life and Family Newspaper (and an associated website, lifesite.net). The longtime magazine Catholic Insight (Toronto) ceased printing in 2015. Lifesite has tried to found a similar magazine, called Faithful Insight. Lifesite has had to defend itself from an irksome libel suit that could have potentially financially crippled the website. (However, the litigant passed away in 2014.) The main pro-life, pro-family association is called the Campaign Life Coalition. There is a French-language, Quebec-based, social conservative intellectual journal, called Egards. The most prominent think-tank of what could be called broadly religious conservatives is Cardus. Cardus has linked with the Centre for Cultural Renewal (formerly the Centre for Renewal in Public Policy). Cardus publishes a magazine called Convivium, as well as Comment. However, Convivium has become an online-only publication its last print issue appeared in January 2017. Cardus is a think-tank which does not yet offer scholarships or grants (beyond one, as far as the author of this article can recall). In earlier articles, it had been suggested that Cardus could try to move in the direction of becoming an institution like the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) in the United States. The ISI, which has, for most of its history, been mostly traditionalist conservative, offers very extensive scholarships to students, as well as publishing scholarly journals and books, and holding various seminars and conferences for promising students and academics. There is also the Ottawa-based Institute for Marriage and Family Canada. In Calgary, there is the Canada Family Action group. And, for many decades, REAL Women of Canada has been a well-known association. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home At the end of Achebes novel, Things Fall Apart, the British imperial official plans to write a book based on his doings titled, The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger. by Prof. Charles Sarvan What follows is not a review of this collection of thirty-two, very perceptive, essays but a sharing of a few thoughts arising from the book, particularly from its title "Victor's Peace"- by Pararajasingham. The phrase a victors peace prompts one to wonder: What of the vanquished? Are they also at peace or is their plight one of Vae victis (Woe to the vanquished)? If so, what is meant by peace? I have suggested elsewhere that peace can be of two kinds: positive and negative. Negative peace is absence; more precisely, the absence of overt conflict while positive peace is presence, the presence of security, harmony and a degree of sanguinity all of which are the product of Justice - political, social and economic justice: see pages 166-171 of A Victors Peace. The Romans prided themselves on their Pax Romana, but their peace was often one that was brutally enforced on conquered peoples: as Britain did during the long years of its imperial hegemony. The emperor Caligula is said to have declared, in relation to his unpopularity, let them hate me so long as they also fear me. So too, it seems, with peoples and nations. At the end of Achebes novel, Things Fall Apart, the British imperial official plans to write a book based on his doings titled, The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger. One of the definitions of the word pacify is to calm someone who is angry or upset. But the word calm needs thought. Is it calm as calmness is understood in religion and in philosophy or a helpless, overt calm? Is it a calm while biding changed circumstances and opportunity? I and the public know What all schoolchildren learn, Those to whom evil is done Do evil in return. (Auden) The opening lines of Psalm 137 have been popularised through song: By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept / when we remembered Zion. However, the concluding lines of the psalm are suppressed or ignored: Oh daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us. Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks. The initial re in reconciliation stands for again. Reconciliation means to create again a former state of amity. It is easy to be nostalgic about the past but whether there was ever in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) a broad, grass-roots inter-ethnic harmony is a matter of opinion. Inter-ethnic friendship between individuals, some very close, must not lead to the forming of a wider (and false) impression. I will return to this aspect later. Yeats in his poem of four lines, The coming of wisdom with time writes of the lying days of youth. Those who are old like me may recall that in years past they still believed in equality and inclusion; of harmony and happiness, of working together for a bright future. The first step to reconciliation is recognition; the recognition that the other side has valid cause for hurt and resentment. But in as much as we are urged not to assume that which has first to be proved, so we must ask whether there is a desire on the part of the Sinhalese masses for reconciliation. There is much written about moving on, of healing wounds and building a safer and happier future but this is based on the assumption that to the majority of Sinhalese it is indeed a desideratum. I have touched on these in the essay, Reign of Anomy, included in my Public Writings on Sri Lanka, Volume 2: see, for example captions such as A History of Disappointment and Tamils and trust. Etymologically, the word nation is from the Latin word natio and is linked with "birth". Today in many countries, particularly in the West, its taken to mean individuals and groups, native and of differing birth, coming to form an entity: unity in diversity. But in Sri Lanka, Professor K M De Silva observes the word in the Sinhala language for race and nation are the same. (I have quoted this elsewhere but am unable to locate it.) Doesnt Para Dhemmala mean Foreign Tamil? Weaned on the milk of The Mahavamsa, to many Sinhalese Nation means domination by one race (Sinhalese) and religion (Buddhism). They are now well on the way to achieving this goal, so why should they seek reconciliation? Racists scorn mutual respect. And we return to Caligulas arrogant and defiant Oderint, dum metuant. There are Sinhalese, Buddhist and Christian, who have stood up against discrimination and violence. I am reluctant to list names for fear of omitting some but I am forced to mention Adrian Wijemanne who was branded a traitor, a Tamil lover (on the lines of Nigger lover) and ostracised by friends and relations. But Wijemanne was not championing the Tamils but human rights and Justice. As I wrote elsewhere, had the Sinhalese been oppressed, Wijemanne would have fought with equal courage and clarity: see pages 17 - 21 of There are no Pro-Tamil Sinhalese in my Sri Lanka: Paradise Lost? Any Tamil who protests the absence of justice, however mildly and reasonably, is promptly and conveniently branded a racist. I quote from the same book, page 31: A Sinhalese, a friend for over sixty years, recently suggested that I was a racist. I found that particularly ironic because in 1958 I went to his village with my notes to help him re-sit the first-year university examination, and was caught up in the anti-Tamil riot of that year. The denial of equality is not abstract theorising to me. Having been a Para Dhemmala in Sri Lanka; a non-white in England in the early 1960s when colourism was unashamed, overt and crude; having been an Asian in Africa, and a non-believer in a Muslim country, I am for human equality; for equality not in form but in substance, equality not in false protestation but in actual practice; for equality irrespective of ethnicity, skin-colour, sex, religion, language caste or class. Then theres another category of Sinhalese. I quote, op. cit.:There are Sinhalese who, though they dont take a public stand, do their part by quietly working to help Tamil unfortunates, particularly women and children. They are active in the crucial fields of housing, health and education. They are good and caring people who work without material reward: the salt of the earth. But one feels there are also others who do similar work while, consciously or unconsciously, subscribing to belief in Sinhalese hegemony. These have it both ways: Sinhalese dominance which they see as rightful, and yet the sense of being noble and generous because of the charitable work they do It is good to give alms to the poor but it is best while doing that to also work towards poverty-eradication so that charity is no longer needed. It is good to be kind within an unkind situation but better still to change that unjust situation You cant assault me, take away my rights, and much of what is mine and then, while not restoring what is mine as a human being and as a citizen say, Okay, okay, let us now reconcile (page 27). In relation to this last category, the fantasy novel, Black No More by Afro-American George Schuyler (1895-1977) comes to mind. A drug is produced which turns blacks into whites. Being priced economically, just about all black Americans become white. One would have thought that if the so-called race problem (more precisely the colour problem) were removed then there would be ushered in a wonderful new USA. At present, Moslems are blamed for violence but as Graham E. Fuller argues in his A World Without Islam (reviewed by me), what appears to be religion-based violence has its roots elsewhere. Even if there were no Muslims, there would be violence. In Black No More, perhaps surprisingly but significantly among those who oppose the transformation are whites doing good work among blacks. Their reaction demands analysis and understanding. What, one wonders, if all Tamils and Muslims were to become Sinhalese, and Sinhalese Buddhist at that? Would Sri Lanka then be a Paradise Isle - in far more important terms than natural beauty which, after all, is not a human achievement. There are Sinhalese Tamil friendships, social and personal, both within the Island and abroad. Theres fellowship and invitation; close personal help and support all of which undoubtedly go to enrich life. However, I doubt that Tamils in such cases speak of what has been done, and is being done, to the Tamils as a people. Theres a reluctance to cause embarrassment; the fear of being thought over-sensitive, even a racist thus damaging, if not terminating, what is otherwise a pleasant (and perhaps profitable) association. But if Tamils do not ex-press, how will their experience, situation and feelings be known? Years ago, I was admonished not to talk about religion and politics because these subjects were sensitive, emotionally charged and would lead to the breakup of association and friendship. But what, I wonder, is the value of a friendship if what is important, vital, cannot frankly be spoken about and freely discussed? Martin Luther King said that what caused more pain was not the words of their enemies but the silence of their friends. And Archbishop Desmond Tutu admonished that if we remain neutral in a situation of injustice then we have, in effect, chosen the side of the oppressor. The Peace of the defeated can mean massive military presence, the expropriation of land and the denial of opportunity to make a living. It can mean helplessness and humiliation. Ana Pararajasingham writes about the dividend that genuine peace will bring to the Island. One cannot but agree but I would add a cautious (if pessimistic) note. As Nelson Mandela said, and as History has repeatedly shown, emotions aroused by race, colour or religion are so powerful and pernicious that people are willing, knowingly willing, to sacrifice their economic welfare for them. George Schuyler writes (op. cit.) that race consciousness is stronger than class consciousness; that Negro matters more than wages and hours of work. Some would offer Brexit and Britain as a recent example. In certain circumstances, passivity is not an option and struggle becomes a moral imperative. This is what Pararajasingham does, and I urge the reader to get a copy of his anthology. Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh) [India], Jan 13 (ANI): BJP MLA Ram Dangore has demanded action against the person who has set the question paper of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam in which Bhil tribe was described as "criminal-minded" and "immoral". "In a question paper of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission exam, Bhil tribe is described as criminal-minded and immoral. What is the Congress government trying to do? Action should be taken against the person who has set this paper," Dangore told ANI. The BJP legislator from Pandhana said that Bhil tribe is a dominant tribe in Madhya Pradesh and holds great significance. He claimed that the Bhil tribe helped Lord Rama and Maharana Pratap in their battles with Ravana and Mughals respectively and also played an important role in India's freedom struggle. (ANI) More than six months after he went into hiding, the leader of a Texas anti-immigrant militia who was wanted by federal authorities was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, law enforcement officials said. Police found the body of Kevin Lyndel "KC" Massey, 53, last month in a wooded part of Van Zandt County, Texas, the Dallas Morning News reported Friday, citing a statement from Sheriff Dale Corbett. Someone called 911 around 6:40 p.m. on Dec. 23 to report an unresponsive person, and Massey was identified from his fingerprints, the Morning News reported. An autopsy will determine the official cause of death. Border militias have faced intense scrutiny recently as immigrant advocates, civil rights groups and some law-enforcement officials say immigration enforcement should be left to the agents in the field and not to armed vigilantes like Massey. Scores of gun-carrying civilians have organized patrols along the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year, inspired by President Donald Trump's warnings about Central American migrants seeking to cross into the United States. Videos have surfaced showing militia members rounding up migrants at gunpoint. Border officials say they discourage private groups from taking matters into their own hands, and federal prosecutors have charged some militia members. Last week, the leader of a New Mexico-based militia pleaded guilty to a federal weapons charge that prosecutors filed after footage of the group detaining women and children at the border went viral. Massey, an electrician by trade, was the self-described commander of Rusty's Rangers, an anti-immigrant militia active in 2014 that regularly posted footage of patrols on Facebook and claimed to have detained migrants at gunpoint and bound their wrists with zip ties. His border activities and violent anti-government rhetoric helped him achieve a small cult following among fellow militia members and a few right-wing bloggers. Massey and other members of the militia were patrolling the border in Southeast Texas in August 2014 when they encountered U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the brush. One of the men pointed a pistol at an agent, who fired several shots in their direction but missed, according to court documents. Then Massey, who had a previous burglary on his record, arrived with a pistol and a rifle. Investigators also found materials in his truck and motel room that could have been combined to make an explosive device. Among the ingredients was suspected ammonium nitrate, which Timothy McVeigh used in 1995 to blow up a federal building in Oklahoma City and kill 168 people. Massey was convicted in federal court in 2015 of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 41 months in prison. In May 2019, less than a year after his release, he went underground, according to court documents. The FBI and U.S. Marshals said he "absconded" from his supervised release and plastered his mug shot on social media, warning that he had threatened to "battle" law enforcement. A post from June on a Facebook fan page for Massey said that the "unconstitutional courts" had already cost him more than three years in prison. It was unclear who wrote the post. "The feds continued to subject KC to their tyranny after release from prison, while serving a double jeopardy sentence of 3 years probation," the post said. "KC is NOT going to allow himself to be kidnapped again. Death before dishonor!" While Massey was on the run, other ominous posts regularly appeared from his Facebook account - some written by him and others written by supporters. They said that governments should "fear the people" and that Massey would maintain a low profile until it was time for him to become "the bait that bites back." "We proven folks are formulating a counter to let them feel the fear and pain of oppression," read one post, according to court documents. "The tyrants will soon feel what we the people feel." Authorities searched for Massey for months. At one point, he narrowly escaped arrest at the home of a friend who allegedly harbored him, took him to dinner at a steakhouse and gave him money for cigarettes. Reports of Massey's death first surfaced just before Christmas, but authorities did not confirm that he had died until late last week. An obituary called him a "force of nature" and a "very generous person" who was "routinely giving back to his community." Massey's son, Kory Massey, declined to comment on his father's death. EU foreign policy chief minister Josep Borrell Fontelles will arrive in the capital on Thursday to give a valedictory speech at Raisina Dialogue 2020, the annual mega-event that will witness the participation of dignitaries from over 100 countries across the globe. According to an official statement, Fontelles will arrive here on January 16 and will meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh before attending the Dialogue which is all set to begin today and will focus on geopolitics and geoeconomics. The visiting dignitary will meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Friday and will emplane for Madrid the next day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Weekend Unlimited Inc. ("Weekend" or the "Company") (CSE:POT)(FSE:0OS1)(OTCQB:WKULF) is pleased to announce leadership updates with the addition of Mr. Charlie Lamb as Chief Operating Officer and his appointment to the Board of Directors. Mr. Kevin Ernst has resigned from the Board. "We are excited to welcome Charlie to the senior management team as COO and as a Director. Charlie is highly tuned in to the business and his focus and leadership on the management team, and on the Board, will help us greatly to achieve our objectives," said Mr. Chris Backus, President and CEO. "On behalf of the Board and Management, thanks to Kevin Ernst who has been a stalwart Director, we wish Kevin all the best in his future endeavours." Charlie Lamb has over 10 years of experience working as a corporate and securities lawyer at a large international law firm in New York. Charlie's practice has primarily focused on complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, including advising clients on public and private offerings of securities for investment funds, private equity funds and other alternative investment vehicles. Charlie's experience includes advising broker dealers, advisers and investment fund managers on compliance and corporate governance issues. For further information, please contact: Mr. Chris Backus, President & CEO, Director Telephone: 1(236) 317-2812 E-mail: IR@weekendunlimited.com About Weekend Unlimited Inc. Weekend Unlimited is a lifestyle-based recreational cannabis and CBD wellness company. We are developing and launching premium cannabis and CBD brands to deliver life's highs - anytime, anywhere. Our CBD products are available online and at a retailer near you. Weekend Unlimited is well-positioned to launch and scale the brands that will define cannabis and CBD. Learn more at www.weekendunlimited.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE: Weekend Unlimited Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572935/Weekend-Unlimited-Announces-Addition-to-Management-and-Change-in-Board-Of-Directors Moscow court again seizes $16 mln assets as part of case of ex-minister Abyzov RIA Novosti, Maxim Blinov 17:38 13/01/2020 MOSCOW, January 13 (RAPSI) The Basmanny District Court of Moscow has granted injunctive attachment of assets worth over 1 billion rubles ($16 million) belonging to ex-Minister for Open Government affairs Mikhail Abyzov as part of the 4 billion-ruble ($64 million) embezzlement case against him, RAPSI has learnt from the courts press service. Thus, monetary funds, securities and property will remain under attachment. The matter has been reconsidered. Previously, the Moscow City Court overturned a ruling of the lower court of September 10 vacating the seizure. The former government minister was charged with organizing a criminal group and embezzling 4 billion rubles ($62 million) with co-conspirators from two energy companies supplying electricity to Siberia. Investigators claim that the alleged crimes were committed between April 2011 and November 2014 while the alleged embezzled sum were taken out of the country. A Moscow court ruled in March that Abyzov should be held in a pre-trial detention facility. After days of denial and obfuscation, Iran's authorities admitted that an Iranian surface-to-airmissile brought down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 last week. The mistaken strike - carried out in the shadow of a retaliatory Iranian missile barrage on U.S. positions in Iraq - led to the death of all 176 passengers aboard, including a large number of Iranian nationals studying overseas. Anger at the regime's misinformation lighted a spark. "Many Iranians are furious, both with the apparent attempt to hide the truth and the earlier decision by Iranian authorities not to stop civilian flights when the heightened risk of war with the U.S. had put the country's air defense system on high alert," wrote Najmeh Bozorgmehr of the Financial Times. Vigils and protests held on a number of Iranian university campuses saw chants against the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as the influential Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. By Sunday night, there were reports of security forces once more clashing with protesters in Tehran. The national outpouring of grief that followed the United States' targeted killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani earlier this month has hardly put a lid on the boiling tensions and frustrations within Iran, where mass protests over a faltering economy flared in November only to be quashed by a brutal crackdown that claimed hundreds of lives. The admission of culpability over the passenger jet has intensified the pressures facing Iran's theocratic regime. Sixty-three Canadian nationals were aboard the doomed flight. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "outraged and furious" and led calls for accountability and possible compensation. Faced with asphyxiating U.S. sanctions, the Iranian regime has looked to other Western governments for support, painting itself as a victim of Trumpian bullying. But international sympathy is running out. "The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. "It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to deescalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif limply described the accident as the consequence of "human error" at a "time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism." Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps' aerospace division, was a bit less evasive when he said his unit accepted responsibility for the crash. "I wish I was dead," Hajizadeh said on state television. The Washington Post reported Jan. 12 that Ukrainian officials privately were convinced the jet was felled by a missile but walked a delicate diplomatic tightrope to avoid political friction with Iran. Trudeau, too, was cautious in the aftermath of the crash. "He resisted the temptation to lash out," Roland Paris, a professor of international affairs at the University of Ottawa and a former adviser in Trudeau's government, told Reuters. "That might have provided space for the Iranian government to face the reality that it had shot down an airliner." There's a lot more that Iranian leadership may be struggling to face. "The regime suffers from a deep crisis of legitimacy," Nader Hashemi, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, told Canada's CBC. "So this is going to add to the regime's illegitimacy because the institutional arrangements, the structure of power, prevent any open and honest accountable system that can get to the bottom of this crisis and this killing." U.S. officials understand this tension. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump tweeted emphatic support for Iranian protesters and warnings to the regime not to shoot those on the streets. He even posted a message in Farsi, declaring that the "world is watching." But such rhetoric is curious given Trump's record on other fronts. It is his administration that chose to reimpose crippling economic sanctions on Iran, in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian citizens have suffered greatly as a result. Trump and U.S. officials argue that the burden of guilt rests with the regime, but the sanctions have provided an easy excuse for Iran's leadership to point to "imperialist" perfidy. On Friday, the Trump administration slapped additional sanctions on Iran, a broad-based measure that targeted its metals, mining, construction, textiles and other industrial sectors. Administration officials seem to revel in the effects of this pressure campaign, even though it has yet to curtail any of Iran's supposed malign activities abroad. And while Trump celebrated the "great Iranian people" on social media, he maintains a controversial ban on Iranian travel to the United States, scapegoating an entire nation (along with six others) and causing untold heartbreak for families and communities linked across borders. According to reports last week, Trump is considering "dramatically expanding" the list of countries subjected to these travel bans in coming weeks as part of an election-year gambit. Though such edicts impose a stigma and inflict misery upon Iranians and other nationals barred from visiting the United States, they seem to appeal to a nationalist base that delights in Trump's apparent toughness. "Ironically, Donald Trump's policy, I would argue, is actually bolstering the Islamic Republic and allowing its leaders to externalize its problems," said Hashemi. He added that Iranians "feel caught between a rock and a hard place - between an authoritarian regime on the one hand that's deeply repressive, and then a Donald Trump on the outside that's sanctioning Iran to death." _ _ _ Tharoor writes about foreign affairs for The Washington Post. He previously was a senior editor and correspondent at Time magazine, based first in Hong Kong and later in New York. Dan will be instrumental in growing the footprint of Union Home Mortgage in the Midwest, said Jim Ferriter, senior vice president of retail sales at UHM. His years of leading teams, his expertise, and his focus on recruiting and growth will take UHM to new heights. Both the operational excellence and efficiency of execution at Union Home Mortgage were incredibly appealing to me when deciding on the next step in my career, Spaulding said. The company has an incredible appetite for growth, and the reputation of President and CEO Bill Cosgrove makes me look forward to joining the family. I can't wait to learn more about the team and continue to grow our presence here." The interim pastor at a Co Down church rocked by an affair involving his predecessor and a married female member has insisted it will weather "the storm" sparked by the scandal. Pastor Philip Allen was speaking at what was the second time church members had gathered at Thriving Life Church (TLC) in Newtownards since the affair emerged earlier this month. Pastor Gareth Mills (41) stood down from the church he had helped found after it was revealed he had conducted an extramarital relationship with a 22-year-old woman who had started attending TLC around four years ago. She and her husband had been married by Mr Mills, who has been described by the church as being "unrepentant" after his actions. Read More Mr Mills' wife Melissa has also stood down from her role at the church. Meanwhile, the father of the man whose wife had been conducting the affair with Mr Mills had told the Belfast Telegraph the church's focus was on paying the "mortgage on its new building", rather than on his devastated son. At the weekend it was reported by the Sunday Life that TLC - a registered charity - has assets worth 3m, and has received 500,000 from its members. On stage yesterday Pastor Allen welcomed the congregation, and acknowledged it had been a difficult week for all concerned, comparing the scandal to that of a biblical storm. "When I left here last Sunday I felt strengthened, not because anything in the storm had changed, but because where I was looking was different, my perspective, my focus was different," he said. "But I have to be honest with you, by pretty soon late Sunday night into Monday morning I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the storm again." He revealed this led him to seek counsel from the Bible, where he read from Gospel Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. The passages tell the story of Jesus calming a storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat with his disciples during a fierce storm. Comparing the affair and its fallout to the storm, and the boat to the church, he said God had told him "to stop focusing on the storm" and get his eyes "back on the boat". "The storm to me represented lots of things. It represents the families that I love that have been ripped apart, it represents the pain that I can't fix, humanly. "It represents to me many levels of fear, many levels of feeling inadequate of the task that I have ahead, and that we as a team and church have ahead of us." Pastor Allen explained he had felt "the weight of everybody involved", adding: "I have an overwhelming amount to do, is what the storm looks like to me." "The Bible talks about the body of Christ... Jesus' Church is known as the body of Christ. And I feel so much stronger when I'm connected to and surrounded by the body of Christ." He revealed he had also drawn strength from his wife Kara, as well as his church team, staff and its members. "The hundreds and hundreds of your messages that have come our direction, to just say, 'We're standing with you, we're encouraging you'," he said. He added that those at the centre of the affair - "whose hearts have been broken" - have also been "strengthened and encouraged by God's Church". Pastor Allen said the wider church community had also reached out to them with messages of support, with local church leaders and pastors meeting with them directly last week, a remark which was met with loud clapping. "On Thursday we spent lunchtime with all the other ministers and pastors from around Newtownards who met with us, who provided lunch for us and prayed with us and stood with us," he revealed. "And for the sake of clarity anyone who is listening on, and who wants to turn my words or hear something in it, not one of them was standing in support of the sin or the brokenness in this, but in the fact that this is God's Church and they stand with us, to encourage us and to reflect Jesus to the world around." The pastor told members: "You're not in this storm in a one-man dinghy and neither am I. We're in a large boat, with a large group of people. "So don't allow the enemy - and there is in this an enemy, people. There is an enemy and it is not flesh and blood, that wants us to believe that we're done, that nobody's for us." Revealing it had been "God's power and strength" that had got him through the last week, he insisted TLC would emerge from the scandal stronger. "We can't control the storm; let's not look at it, let's not focus on it," he said. "Let's keep our eyes on what's in the boat, because what's in the boat is way more powerful than the storm around us." Mumbai, Jan 13 : ICICI Bank has approached the Bombay High Court seeking recovery of bonuses earned by its ousted CEO Chanda Kochhar. In an affidavit filed by the bank at the high court on Monday, the bank said, "Respondent (ICICI Bank) has filed Suit (L) No. 32 of 2020 at the Court inter alia seeking recovery of amounts towards the clawback of bonuses given to the petitioner from April 2006 to March 2018, pursuant to the termination of the petitioner's (Kochhar) services." Clawback is an act of retrieving money already paid out. The former CEO is accused of violation of bank's code of conduct and conflict of interest in the controversial Rs 3,250 crore loan given to Videocon Group, a part of which went to a company run by her husband Deepak Kochhar. The affidavit also observed that Chanda Kochhar is currently being interrogated by several agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and said that her petition challenging her sacking claiming violation of RBI rules is an malafide attempt to secure stock options of the bank. In January last year, the Justice Srikrishna Committee indicted her for violation of bank's code of conduct and conflict of interest. It cleared the decks for investigating agencies and overarching regulatory bodies to take appropriate action against all the accused. The former ICICI Bank chief had moved the Bombay HC challenging the bank's decision to terminate her in November 30, 2019, after the bank approved her request for early retirement. ICICI Bank's board had also decided to take back all the bonuses and stock options paid to her between April 2009 and March 2018. In another development, the ED on Friday said that it has provisionally attached Rs 78.15 crore worth movable and immovable assets in possession of Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and the companies owned and controlled by him. According to the ED, the asset attachment is under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA) in the ICICI Bank loan case. WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is dropping its designation of China as a currency manipulator in advance of the signing Wednesday of a Phase 1 U.S.-China trade agreement. The preliminary pact that the two sides are set to sign this week includes a section thats intended to prevent China from manipulating its currency to gain trade advantages. The action announced Monday comes five months after the Trump administration had branded China a currency manipulator the first time that any country had been so named since 1994 during the Clinton administration. Even while removing China from its currency black list, the Treasury Department does name China as one of 10 countries it says require placement on a watch list that will mean their currency practices will be closely monitored. In addition to China, the countries on that list are Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland and Vietnam. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the administration had dropped Chinas designation as a currency manipulator because of commitments in the Phase 1 trade agreement that President Donald Trump is to sign with China on Wednesday at the White House. China has made enforceable commitments to refrain from competitive devaluation, while promoting transparency and accountability, Mnuchin said in a statement accompanying the currency report. Some critics of Chinas trade practices criticized the administrations decision Monday. China is a currency manipulator that is a fact, said Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader in the Senate. When it comes to the presidents stance on China, Americans are getting a lot of show and very little results. The Treasury Department is required to report to Congress twice a year in April and October on whether any countries are manipulating their currencies to gain unfair trade advantages against U.S. businesses and workers. When a country manipulates its currency to keep it artificially low, its goods become comparatively less expensive overseas and other countries goods become relatively more expensive. The new report is technically three months late, apparently because the Trump administration had delayed its release until it had achieved the currency Phase 1 commitments from China. The initial decision to brand China as a manipulator had come in a surprise announcement in August, reversing a Treasury finding in May that no country was manipulating its currency. The United States had not put any country on the manipulation blacklist since the Clinton administration branded China a manipulator 26 years ago. Trump had long accused China of manipulating its currency, even though most independent experts concluded that Beijing had stopped doing so years ago. The designation was largely symbolic. It obliged the United States to enter into negotiations to resolve the currency problem that could ultimately lead to the imposition of economic sanctions such as higher tariffs on Chinese goods something the Trump administration was already doing in its tit-for-tat trade war with China. Trump is scheduled to sign the Phase 1 agreement on Wednesday after which administration officials said the text of the deal will be made public. In a fact sheet on the deal released Dec. 13, the administration said the agreement would address unfair currency practices by requiring high-standard commitments to refrain from competitive devaluations and targeting of exchange rates. The signing of the Phase 1 agreement caps a rocky two-years of trade conflict between the two nations in which punitive tariffs were imposed on billions of dollars of products from each nation. The battle escalated uncertainty and caused businesses to pull back on their investments, slowing global growth. It also roiled financial markets with fears that the trade war could become serious enough to push the U.S. economy into a recession. ___ AP Economics Writer Paul Wiseman contributed to this report. - This is the hilarious moment a British TV reporter was fooled into thinking a koala was a lethal 'drop bear' that could kill her. ITV News Asia correspondent Debi Edward was duped by her Australian camera crew while filming on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, on Saturday. They convinced her there is a subspecies of koala called a 'drop bear' that has venomous fangs and attacks humans. In times of tragedy and incessant misery, sometimes humour is the best medicine This is the UKs ITV News, Asia correspondent Debi Edward. I have had the pleasure of working with her now on a number of occasions and she is an exceptional journalist and a lovely lady. However, I am Australian and by proclamation a dirty rotten scoundrel. If you enjoyed this video, please dont let Debis humiliation be in vain Please donate directly to help the park who are treating these koalas. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-kangaroo-islands-koalas-and-wildlife?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet Remember, nearly 40,000 have died here on Kangaroo Island. Dont forget to share this post too Garnett Hall Sam Mitchell #KIWildlifePark #KangarooIsland #ki #SouthAustralia #SA #AusArmy #YourADF #Australianbushfires #koalas #news #fires Posted by Sean Mulcahy on Saturday, January 11, 2020 This is the hilarious moment a Scottish TV reporter was fooled into thinking a koala was a lethal 'drop bear' that could kill her The 'drop bear' myth that fools foreigners The drop bear is a longstanding urban legend in Australia which has often been used as a prank on tourists. The legend tells of a wild animal related to the koala which pounces on its prey from above - hence the name 'drop bear'. Worried foreigners are told that the bears are known to lurk in woodland and wait as long as four hours to make a surprise kill. The story has it that the drop bear will grip on to its prey with its powerful forearms and bite its victims on the neck, the Australian Museum says. Folk remedies for fending off a drop bear attack include spreading toothpaste or Vegemite behind your ears or putting forks in your hair. Like the drop bear itself, there is no evidence to back up any of these. Advertisement The fictional drop bear is well-established as a myth in Australia but the ITV News reporter had apparently not come across it before. Edward was filmed putting on a protective top and goggles before the crew brought out the so-called drop bear, which was actually just a large koala. Sean Mulcahy from Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park spoke to the camera, playing along with the prank. He said: 'The third most common injury we see from tourists in Australia is actually from a drop bear attack.' The koala was then handed to Edward, who looked terrified as she clutched the friendly marsupial. 'I've been told that this is quite a dangerous bear, it's been known to attack people,' she said. She told her viewers: 'It's called a drop bear because they drop out of the trees to attack people. 'I'm trying not to be worried because I've been told that he can sense if I'm worried,' she said. 'You were kidding me! F****** Aussies,' Edward screamed as she realised the drop bear does not exist After a few moments, Mr Mulcahy took the harmless koala back from Edward and the crew burst out laughing. 'You were kidding me! F****** Aussies,' Edward screamed as she realised the drop bear does not exist. Although they have sharp claws, koalas are solitary animals and it is extremely rare for them to attack humans. Real-life koalas have been badly hit by Australia's bushfire crisis and many of the creatures have been rescued from the fires. There are concerns about how surviving koalas will cope given the loss of vegetation in the huge summer fires. Australia's environment minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered. Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk holds a koala he rescued at a burning forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island, South Australia Makar Sankranti 2020: Why do people fly kite and wear black dress as part of the celebration India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 13: Makara Sankranti 2020 or Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to the deity Surya (sun). It is observed each year in January. The festival is majorly celebrated in the Indian Subcontinent and also by Indians and Hindus around the world. How it is celebrated in different parts of India This festival is also known as Uttarayan as from the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun begins it's northward journey. The harvest festival is celebrated throughout India, although under different names and traditions. In Tamil Nadu it is called as Thai pongal, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and Bhogali Bihu in Assam. In Punjab, its celebrated as Lohri. This day, the people celebrate it by lighting bonfire, worshipping it, wearing new clothes, distributing sweets. This festival marks the harvest of winter crops. They perform Bhangra and Giddha around the bonfire. Kite flying is also observed traditionally on makar sankranti. Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, in the simplest of terms, is a sport conducted as part of Mattu Pongal, the third day of the four-day-long harvest festival Pongal. History of Makar Sankranti As per the legend, Sankranti killed a devil named Sankarasur. The day next to Makar Sankrant is called Karidin or Kinkrant. On this day, Devi slayed the devil Kinkarasur.The information of Makar Sankranti is available in Panchang. The Panchang is the Hindu Almanac that provides information on the age, form, clothing, direction and movement of Sankranti. Puja Muharath: According to drikpanchang.com, Makara Sankranti Punya Kala is from 7:15 am to 5:46 pm. What to do on this Day: Thousands of piligrims take a holy dip in one of the sacred rivers-- Ganga or Yamuna which is believed to wash away sins. Apart from preparing the most populart sweet 'Til gud ladoo' during Makar Sankranti, Many people across India will be seen flying colourful kites on their rooftops. Importance of this Day: Makar Sankranti is dedicated to Sun God. It marks the day when Sun takes a new journey from Dakshinayana to Uttarayan. In Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited for the sun to be in Uttarayan for him to die peacefully. Why do people fly kites during Makar Sankranti festivities? From the morning of Makar Sankranti, colourful kites can be seen in the sky. It is believed that winter brought in a lot of germs and caused illness and flu. Thus, a huge number of people would turn up during Makar Sankranti to bask in the early morning sun, hoping to get rid of bacteria. While many also consider flying kites high up into the sky as a form of thanksgiving to the gods. Why do people wear black clothes on this day? Although black is considered inauspicious during festival in Hindu religion. This day, people could be seen wearing black dress. Since the sun enters the north direction, it is believed that this the black color absorbs the heat inside it, thereby increasing the body heat. People can also protect themselves from the cold and celebrate the festival properly. People evacuated as Taal Volcano erupts in Philippines The incident has forced authorities to close Manila airport and suspend financial activities in the capital. Incident forces authorities to close Manila airport and suspend financial activities in capital, says local media. Authorities in the Philippines have evacuated more than 6,000 residents from affected areas after a volcano in Batangas province south of the capital Manila blasted steam and ash, local media reported Monday. AT LEAST 100 FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED Some 6,346 villagers were evacuated Sunday as the Taal Volcano sent a one-kilometer plume of ash into the air with ashfall reaching as far as Metro Manila, local daily The Manila Times reported. Rare volcano lightning seen as Taal Volcano erupts WATCH The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned residents Sunday that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days. Authorities have also suspended classes and shut government offices in the affected areas, according to state-run media. The public has been asked to stay safe by monitoring official advisories and notices from the relevant government agencies, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered authorities to undertake measures necessary to move people within the perimeter of the volcano out of the danger zone. Manila International Airport Authority chief Ed Monreal said runways and ramps at the airport have accumulated ash, PNA reported. More than 100 flights have been canceled or diverted so far due to the suspension of airport operations. Health authorities have also asked residents in affected areas to evacuate as harsh conditions may be experienced after exposure to volcanic ash and gases, PNA added. A devastated pet owner has blamed Qantas for the death of her dog after he was left on the tarmac in searing heat, just days before Frank the bulldog died mid-flight. Kay Newman took her beloved boxer Duke on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Brisbane on December 19. As she boarded the aircraft, she noticed Duke's crate was left sitting on the tarmac for up to 20 minutes as the mercury rose to 39C. In a furious post to Facebook, Ms Newman slammed the airline and blamed them for the treatment of her dog. Scroll down for video Kay Newman took her beloved boxer Duke on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Brisbane on December 19 As she was boarded onto the aircraft she noticed Duke's crate was left sitting on the tarmac for up to 20 minutes as the heat rose to 39C 'I was worried about the heat but was told by Qantas freight staff that Duke would only be kept on the tarmac for a few minutes, and that he would be kept under cover until they were ready to put him on the plane,' she wrote. Despite being assured Duke would be kept cool, Ms Newman became distressed as she watched her dog of nearly seven years sit in the sun. 'I alerted Qantas staff of my concerns over Duke being out in the heat, but I was assured that he was fine and would be loaded shortly,' she said. 'I became extremely distressed and started to cry as I once again told Qantas staff of my concerns about Duke being out in the heat all this time and explained that Boxers don't tolerate heat very well.' Staff on the flight assured Ms Newman Duke was OK when they departed Sydney, but when she went to collect him in Brisbane, she was told he didn't make it. 'I was beside myself, all I could do was scream 'no, no, no'. I demanded to see Duke because I didn't want to believe what was happening,' she wrote. 'My poor boy suffered a terrible death because he was left out on the tarmac by Qantas baggage handlers, in the searing heat whilst they loaded all the passenger's luggage and post parcels. His death was 100% preventable. In a furious post to Facebook, Ms Newman slammed the airline and blamed them for the treatment of her dog Despite being assured Duke would be kept cool, Ms Newman became distressed as she watched her dog of nearly seven years sit in the sun 'This is not an isolated incident, there are others who have lost their beloved pets at the hands of Qantas and it needs to stop!' In the three weeks since Duke's death Ms Newman has complained to Qantas multiple times. A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia an unexpected delay meant Duke was on the tarmac for longer than usual but baggage handlers said Duke was fine when he was loaded onto the aircraft. 'We have expressed our sympathies to Kay about the passing of her dog, Duke,' the spokesperson said. 'Snub-nosed dogs, such as boxers, bulldogs and pugs, can suffer from respiratory issues which means they are at a higher risk when travelling by air.' In the three weeks since Duke's death Ms Newman has complained to Qantas multiple times but is yet to find out the results of the investigation into his death The death came just days before a bulldog named Frank died on QF405 from Sydney to Melbourne. Frank's owner Anthony Balletta, 42, was told upon arrival in Melbourne that his dog had not survived the journey. Mr Balletta told Daily Mail Australia he tried to make sure it was safe for him to fly with his pet. 'Frank is a snub-nosed breed so I wanted to make sure it was safe for him because they can't breathe as well as other dogs,' he said. 'I asked flight staff if they'd had any dog deaths in transit and they said none in the last five years.' The devastated pet owner questioned why the airline did not warn of the dangers of flying with pets Mr Balletta told Daily Mail Australia he tried to make sure it was safe for him to fly with his pet The airline refunded Mr Balletta the cost for transport but he said he did not care about the money. He also questioned why the dangers were not raised earlier. Qantas reviewed the flight and found the dog was not mishandled. Thousands of pets fly in plane holds each year with no problems. Qantas does not allow pets in the plane cabin. A spokesman told Daily mail Australia the investigation found all procedures were followed. 'We can understand for Mr Balletta and his family that what's occurred is very distressing,' he said. Last year OnePlus launched its first smartphone with a 90 Hz display. This year the company is going a step further and introducing a 120 Hz display that the company says is smoother, brighter, and offers a number of new features. This will likely be the display used in the OnePlus 8, or whatever the companys next phone is called. Meanwhile, Chinese phone makers Nubia and Xiaomi are looking beyond 120 Hz both companies have teased upcoming phones with 144 Hz displays. The Hz wars have been going on for a few years at this point gaming hardware company Razer kicked things off when it launched the Razer Phone (with a 120 Hz display) in late 2017. At the time, it was the only smartphone to feature a display with a refresh rate higher than 60 Hz. At a time when its hard to make a phone stand out based on the processor, memory, storage, or screen resolution, many companies have followed suit and introduced displays that can refresh 90 times per second or more, resulting in more smoother animations, transitions, and other graphics. These screens do tend to consume more battery power than 60 Hz displays, which is why companies like Google (with its Pixel 4 series phones) have typically implemented software that adjusts the screen refresh rate automatically depending on a variety of factors in order to balance performance and power consumption. Itll be interesting to see what impact, if any, the new displays have on battery life of OnePlus phones the company says that not only does its new display support 120 Hz rates, it also supports up to 1000 nits of brightness, 10-bit color (for 1,024 shades of every primary color and over 1.07 billion total colors), and MEMC motion smoothing technology to allows videos that would normally play at 24 or 30 frames per second to run at 60 fps or 120 fps by inserting additional frames. Thats a technique thats come under heavy criticism in the TV space, but it remains to be seen how it will look on phones. OnePlus says its new displays are a customized AMOLED screen developed in cooperation with Samsung Display and in addition to increasing the brightness and refresh rate, the touch sampling rate has been bumped up to 240 Hz. We have fewer details about the upcoming Nubia and Xiaomi displays, but Nubia president Ni Fei recently shared an image on Chinese social media site Weibo indicating that the upcoming Red Magic 5 gaming smartphone will supports 60 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz refresh rates. Meanwhile, Xiaomi has shared a demo video showing a Redmi K30 5G smartphone with video running at 36 fps, 72 fps, and 144 fps. via Weibo, GizmoChina, xda-developers, and The Verge 'The easy availability of funds has enabled us to not only hire the best faculty, but has also made it possible for us to retain them with the best possible infrastructure -- labs, grants etc,' Ashoka University VC Malabika Sarkar tells Geetanjali Krishna. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com As 2019 came to a close, observers defined it as the Year of the Indian Student. At a time when university campuses across the country are coming out to protest the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, students have come to be seen as the bravest and most vocal defenders of democracy, speaking truth to power. Which is why I'm particularly looking forward to meeting my guest, Professor Malabika Sarkar, vice- chancellor of Ashoka, the university credited with making the liberal arts both fashionable and saleable in India. Prior to joining Ashoka, Professor Sarkar has served as vice-chancellor of Presidency and Jadavpur universities (both in Kolkata). Associated with Ashoka University since 2015, she has helped develop its curriculum, expand its faculty and create several multi-disciplinary centres of learning and research. She was appointed its vice-chancellor in August 2019. I am looking forward to a free-wheeling conversation on what it takes to develop a private university and on helming a liberal arts campus in these illiberal times. Just then, Professor Sarkar bustles in, immaculately turned out in a silk sari. We are at Threesixty restaurant at The Oberoi, New Delhi. She has spent the weekend in the city to catch some rare moments with her husband, a corporate lawyer who shuttles between Mumbai and Delhi. Ashoka's Sonepat campus where she lives, isn't exactly on the way. "We do try and meet every weekend in Kolkata," she says. Life on campus is thrill-a-minute. "Being a new university that's expanding so fast, there's so much to do," she says. Since she joined, the student community has grown from 560 in 2015 to 2,000 today, while the faculty has increased from 17 to 111 (plus 28 visiting lecturers) today. Having a lot of money must help, I comment, as we pore over the menu. Having experienced the relative penury of government institutions earlier, Professor Sarkar agrees wholeheartedly. "The easy availability of funds has enabled us to not only hire the best faculty," she says, "but has also made it possible for us to retain them with the best possible infrastructure -- labs, grants etc." This is in sharp contrast to her stint at Presidency during its centenary year, when there weren't enough funds to, say, repair the crumbling ceiling in the laboratory. "We had no option but to install nets below the ceiling to protect students from the falling plaster," she reminisces. We pore over the menu, discover a shared fondness for fish and I realise that Sarkar has tried every fishy dish on the menu already. We decide to share some Thai-style Kolkata betki steamed with chilly, garlic and lemon and grilled sea bass wrapped in a banana leaf. The food arrives on the table, the steamed fish fragrant in a light broth. Sarkar pauses to taste it and talks about the critical differences between the pedagogies followed by older universities and Ashoka. "In Jadavpur and Presidency the teaching was unidirectional," she says. "The professor would lecture and the students would listen. Students often discussed issues with professors, but rarely in the classroom..." In contrast, 50 per cent of the classroom time in Ashoka is devoted to discussion and students are incentivised to participate by being awarded marks for class participation. This is why freedom of speech -- a pejorative term for some and such an acutely precious commodity to the liberals -- is an integral aspect of Ashoka's ethos. Could it be, I ask, that Ashoka is raising a generation of liberal and free thinkers at a time when these are not exactly the most desirable qualities? Sarkar disagrees. "I see my students not merely as critics, but as change-makers equipped with the right skills to positively impact their environment," she says. "Free thought and criticism have to go hand in hand with a sense of responsibility." She comes across as a true administrator. Unsurprising because private universities are as, if not more, hamstrung as government universities these days. She tells me about the Good Governance Associates programme that Ashoka runs in partnership with the Haryana government. In this, selected students from Ashoka are trained intensively to work with the district administrations in Haryana as representatives of the chief minister of the state. "Through the programme, our students learn to not only critique administrative functioning but also find solutions to make it more efficient," she says. Attesting to this is the fact that the number of companies conducting campus recruitments at Ashoka has crossed 150 this year, and includes McKinsey, AT Kearney, Deloitte, Microsoft, and Business Standard among others. Meanwhile, the banana leaf parcels emit enticing aromas when we unwrap them. We pause to taste them before moving on to another of her pet subjects. In spite of the availability of funds at Ashoka, Sarkar says, no university in India can ever match the resources of a Harvard or Yale. "What we do have in ample measure are intellectual resources," she says. The need of the hour, she says, is greater collaboration between institutions in India. For instance, Ashoka students often intern at Bangalore's National Centre for Biological Sciences. "I'd like to collaborate with more such institutions for student and well as faculty exchange programmes," she says. Another way of developing world-class intellectual resources is the active creation of multi-disciplinary centres of learning and teaching. For example, Ashoka's Trivedi Centre for Political Data in partnership with the University of Michigan analyses authoritative political data and disburses knowledge on India's political life through an open access platform. The Centre for Studies in Gender and Sexuality at Ashoka is the first in India to conduct research into both gender and sexuality. "I believe that such multi-disciplinary centres will take our intellectual resources to the next level," she says. "I'd like to develop many more such centres in the years ahead." Sarkar chooses to end lunch with coffee while I opt for a raspberry and rose sorbet. I ask her about her fabled work ethic and what keeps her going at such a punishing pace. "My days are so full that I've no time to think about it," she laughs. She starts at 10 am, often working past midnight. "I make up by flying to Kolkata every weekend," she smiles. But it turns out that there too, she has her work cut out. As president of the Women's Coordinating Council, West Bengal, the apex women's organisation in the state with representatives from more than 74 social welfare organisations, she spends much of her weekends fundraising. Although she rues not having enough time for her academic work (she's a professor of English literature and last published Cosmos and Character in Paradise Lost on John Milton's poetry in 2012), the feisty 71 year old won't have it any other way. After all, one can never be too old to be at the vanguard of an academic revolution and Professor Malabika Sarkar is living proof of that. A mother whose 10-year-old son died almost three years ago while waiting for a heart transplant, is angered an 'opt-out' donor system has still not been introduced and children continue to have to travel to the UK for heart transplants. Maria Coyne, from Clarehall, Dublin, will mark the third anniversary of her beloved son Gavin's death next month. She said she believed matters have not improved for other children since Gavin's death, and fears it may be a decade before heart transplants are available in Ireland. "We're approaching what will be the third anniversary, and it's exactly as it was when Gavin died," said Ms Coyne. "There's been no changes in the transplant service and we still haven't got our opt out system. "[Health Minister] Simon Harris promised to do that in 2019 and he hasn't done it. I don't know what's happened with it." In May last year, Mr Harris said an opt-out system could transform organ donation. The system would mean people would automatically have organs donated after death unless they opted out. Mr Harris previously said a vital part of a new Human Tissue Bill was the regulation of the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissues for the purpose of transplantation. Ms Coyne said she is frustrated that families still have to travel to the UK to have heart transplants carried out. "I don't know why this is still the case," she said. "But I believe it's down to a lack of consultants, money and a lack of staff in general. "It's frustrating to know nothing has changed since we lost Gavin." She said: "Three years down the line, all we're told is talks are ongoing, but one consultant told me it won't happen for at least 10 years." Her son was diagnosed with heart failure after a family holiday to Florida. He was transferred to the UK to be placed on a heart transplant list as Ireland has no such service for children. He died in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle in February 2017. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said "work is progressing on the drafting of the bill" and it is intended to be published by the end of the first quarter of this year. IRGC Commander Salami Apologizes for Downed Ukrainian Plane in Iran - Reports Sputnik News 01:41 13.01.2020(updated 06:08 13.01.2020) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The commander of the Iranian Armed Forces' Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, has apologized for shooting down Ukraine's Boeing 737, Iran's ISNA news agency reported. "Never in my life was I so ashamed. Perhaps we made a mistake that caused many of our compatriots to die. However, we did it unintentionally, we apologize," the media outlet quoted Salami as saying during his speech in the Iranian parliament. Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport minutes after takeoff on Wednesday. All 176 people on board were killed, including citizens of Iran, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Canada, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The crash occurred shortly after Iran launched airstrikes against US bases in neighbouring Iraq. On Saturday, the Iranian military acknowledged full responsibility for erroneously downing the jetliner over Tehran. The Iranian air defence system confused the Ukrainian passenger plane with a hostile cruise missile and due to disrupted communication, the operator made the unilateral decision to shoot it down, the IRGC explained. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he expects Iran to admit guilt, officially apologize, punish all those who are guilty and pay compensation. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to skip the meeting of opposition parties called by the Congress to discuss the situation arising out of violence on various university campuses and protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, sources said. The AAP is not attending the meeting in view of the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, they said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi has called the meeting on Monday to discuss a strategy on protests over the CAA and the NRC. BSP President Mayawati also said her party will not attend the meeting, saying it will "demoralise" her party workers In a series of tweets, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said her party is against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) but attending the meeting will demoralise BSP workers in Rajasthan, where the Congress has caused defections in her party. "As is well known that despite the BSP support to the Congress-led Rajasthan government from outside, it has been for the second time that BSP MLAs have been made to join their party which is completely wrong" Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. "Under such circumstances, the BSP attending the opposition meeting today under the leadership of the Congress will be demoralising for party workers in Rajasthan. Therefore, the BSP will not attend this meeting," she said. However, she made it clear that the BSP is against the CAA and NRC "As it is, the BSP is against CAA/ NRC etc. It is an appeal to the central government again that it should withdraw this divisive and unconstitutional law. Also, It is very unfortunate to politicize students in JNU and other educational institutions" she added. By Olivia Rose IT IS now a punishable offence to import polystyrene products, single use plastic bags and plastic straws into the Turks and Caicos Islands. The ban, which aims to reduce the territorys non-biodegradable waste and its impact on land and marine pollution, carries a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment for offenders. This was revealed in a Government issued statement on Monday (January 6). Cabinets decision to restrict importation of single use plastics and polystyrene products was made back in May 2019, and was fully enforced on December 1. A full clamp-down on countrywide distribution will begin on April 1, 2020. This buffer will allow vendors and retailers to use up remaining merchandise and seek sustainable alternatives. According to the statement, the Government has approved a deduction in custom duty rates from 30 percent to 15 percent for alternatives to assist businesses in the transition. Some of the alternatives to polystyrene products include uncoated paper, coated paper, cardboard boxes, aluminium foil, compostable products, biodegradable products and recyclable products. The regulations have made exemptions on foam trays for uncooked meats, food prepared or packaged outside of the Islands, and packing materials which have been collected for reuse. Plastic bag ban Last year, the Government instituted a ban on plastic bags used by supermarkets, retailers and restaurants across the Islands. That ban came into effect on May 1, 2019. A number of bags were promoted as an acceptable alternative to plastic, these included reusable or recyclable paper bags, and produce bags (used in store for loose produce items). Bags used by consumers to hold products to deliver such items to the point of sale or check-out area, laundry or dry-cleaner bags and newspaper bags are other options. To further assist businesses with the transition, the Government reduced customs import duties to 10 percent on select tariff codes for these alternative products. However, many shop owners and customers are finding it difficult to adjust to the change. Five Cays grocer Paula Roberts told the Weekly News that although she informs her customers that plastic bags are banned, many still insist that she finds a better alternative to the "flimsy paper bags she now supplies. Roberts said: "I try to tell them to walk with their own grocery bags every time they come to the shop, but many people forget because theyre so accustomed to getting the plastics bags. "Its not an easy adjustment at all for folks. Many of them have to leave with their groceries in hand when they dont walk with their own bags. "And they complain all the time that the brown paper bags are too feeble. They burst quick so its kind of a rough situation as a shop owner. People argue with me all the time like Im the one who passed the law. Roberts said the Government needs to conduct more community awareness programmes to get people on board with new laws especially those that impact their daily lives. "I think the Government really needs to go into these communities and sensitise the residents on things like this because most of the residents are ignorant and clueless of these new laws. They need to do more radio and television programmes as well. Polystyrene including Styrofoam products and single-use plastics like plastic bags, cups and straws are one of the most visible signs of the pollution problem across the territory. Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, in announcing the ban on plastic bags back in May 2019, stressed that plastic significantly impacts waters and marine life. "Plastic does not dissolve; it breaks into tiny pieces and stays there for up to 1,000 years, contaminating soil, waterways and oceans and entering the food web when eaten by animals. "The volume of trash in the Islands is more than just an eyesore; it brings a myriad of environmental and public health issues. "The pristine marine environment that surrounds TCI is threatened. The litter from the streets has both indirect and direct effects on the ecosystem. "Marine organisms ingest toxins from the trash and these toxins make their way into the food chain, affecting multiple organisms, the premier stressed. She added that trash not only threatens the local ecosystem, it also poses a serious health threat to the human population. "Trash in the streets promotes disease and pestilence... plastics have a huge environmental cost, and this ban is one simple step towards fixing it. AL leaders Enu, Rupon held for 'casino business' Staff Reporter: Ruling Awami League leaders of the capital's Gandaria thana unit Enamul Haque Enu and his brother Rupon Bhuiyan have been arrested by Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID on Monday claimed that they held the two brothers for their alleged link with amassing over Tk 218 million through the casino business. Faruque Hossain, Additional Superintendent of the CID said journalists thaty They held the two suspected brothers during separate drives in Dhaka on the morning. Enu and Rupon are shareholders of Dhaka Wanderers Clubs which was involved in casino business. The duo are accused in seven cases of the money laundering prevention, special power and firearms acts. Rapid Action Battalion filed the cases with Wari, Gandaria and Sutrapur police stations after recovering huge money, gold and firearms from their houses in Gandaria in a raid. According to the cases, the duo own 15 houses. Besides, they used their firearms to terrorise surrounding people. London: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has made a brief court appearance in his bid to prevent extradition to the US to face serious espionage charges. He and his lawyers complained they weren't being given enough time to meet to plan their battle against US prosecutors seeking to put him on trial for WikiLeaks' publication of hundreds of thousands of confidential documents. Julian Assange leaves in a prison van after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Credit:AP The 48-year-old was brought to court from Belmarsh Prison on the outskirts of London. He saluted the public gallery, which was packed with ardent supporters including the musician MIA, when he entered the courtroom. He later raised his right fist in defiance when he was taken to holding cells to meet with lawyer Gareth Peirce. Peirce said officials at Belmarsh Prison were making it extremely difficult for her to meet with Assange. Just last week iconic Queen guitarist Brian May teased a possibility of a 'Live Aid' style concert to help raise funds toward the Australian Bushfire disaster, and now a slew of local and international artists are set to take the stage to raise funds for devastated communities across Australia. Taking place at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on Sunday, 16th February, Fire Fight will take place and it features some big names. Queen & Adam Lambert will be taking the stage as the headliners alongside Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton-John, John Farnham, Icehouse, Delta Goodrem, Daryl Braithwaite and more. See below for the line up. An Alaska Airlines flight out of Mineta San Jose International Airport had to return shortly after takeoff Sunday when an emergency sensor lit up, an airline spokeswoman said. Flight 3467, operated by SkyWest regional service and headed to San Diego International Airport, took off at 4:53 p.m., and the pilot quickly noticed a caution light illuminate in the cockpit, Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Laura Sisemore said in an email. San Jose airport spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes said an airport door may have been ajar, causing the plane to turn around over Gilroy and return. Cockpit air traffic audio reviewed by The Chronicle indicated the pilot telling an air traffic controller that he was returning because we have a rear passenger door open. As he neared the landing, the air traffic controller asked the pilot whether he needed to declare an emergency landing. We have a warning message for a passenger door thats open. ... Pressurization is fine, so were not going to declare an emergency at this time, the pilot said. Wes Horrocks, a spokesman for SkyWest, confirmed that an indication light warned pilots that a door was open. Based on additional information like the cabin pressure, they did not believe a door ever opened and suspected it was an incorrect indication, he said in an email. However, they still returned to the airport to have the aircraft inspected. Following a review by mechanics, the aircraft was cleared and the flight continued to San Diego. Sisemore also said the report of an ajar door was inaccurate. 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 line with our safety protocol, the captain made the determination to return to San Jose to have maintenance inspect the aircraft, she said. The plane landed safely at 5:35 p.m. and was serviced by a maintenance crew and cleared for departure, Sisemore said. Matthias Gafni is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mgafni Are you an Amazon worker with a story to tell about working conditions at your facility? Contact the World Socialist Web Site to get your story out there. Submissions can be published anonymously. My facility has become extremely unsafe, says Meghan King. She has been injured twice while working at Amazons GSP1 warehouse in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Meghan King, working at a gas station In 2018, a fellow worker at her facility committed suicide. She got pushed and bullied by management until she literally could not take it anymore, Meghan says. The worker took paid time off, saying she needed time to cope with the stress. At home, she slit her wrists. Her body was discovered after she stopped answering her phone. Meghan is one of a number of workers from GSP1 who contacted the World Socialist Web Site to expose the brutal work environment at the warehouse. They described dangerous conditions, psychological stress and the failure to provide compensation and treatment for injuries. While shocking, their stories are common among Amazon warehouse workers throughout the country. In 2018, the World Socialist Web Site first published the story of Shannon Allen, a former Texas Amazon worker who became homeless after Amazon refused to pay for a workplace injury. After Shannon became widely known as an Amazon whistleblower, many other workers contacted the World Socialist Web Site to share their own stories about working at Amazon. Meghan, 35, has worked on and off for the trillion-dollar multinational technology company since 2012. In 2017 and 2018, she worked as a security officer at the nearby BMW Spartanburg plant, which employs 8,800 workers. Thats a country in and of itself, she says. She is also licensed as a pharmacy technician. At Amazon, she served on the associate safety committee, where her role included trying to help other workers do their jobs safely. Her first injury was in September of last year. Driving a pallet jack and racing to make rate, she turned her head suddenly to make sure an approaching vehicle would stop and felt a sharp pain in her neck. That happened at 7:20 a.m. and they made me wait until 2:30 p.m. to see a workers compensation doctor. They told me that if I left work I would not get paid. They forced me to stay at my job in pain. When I got there at 2:45, or whenever they let me see the doctor, I sat in the doctors office until almost 5:00. The workers compensation doctor said she had strained a muscle in her neck and that there was nothing they could do for her. She ended up going to a private walk-in clinic later that evening, where she received treatment and medication. After just one day of rest, she went back to work on her next scheduled shift. Meghan submitted a workers compensation claim, which would have covered her medications and treatment, but it was denied on the false grounds that she had not submitted the proper paperwork. On December 18, she was injured a second time, slipping and falling on a wet floor in a bathroom. The floor had just been mopped but no wet floor sign had been put up. Two days later, she was diagnosed with a displaced coccyx and fractured sacrum. Amazon again disputed the injury, first alleging that she was she was not working that day. When Meghan submitted proof that she was working on the day of the injury, Amazon announced that she must have been engaged in horseplay in the bathroom, ignoring witnesses who saw Meghan fall. Today Meghan is on short-term disability. Every two weeks, she receives roughly $300, less than one-half of minimum wage. How does she get by? I dont. That does not even cover my car insurance. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) forms filed by Amazon for the Spartanburg warehouse indicate that there were 41 injuries at GSP1 in 2018, including 23 injuries serious enough to result in job transfers or restrictions. In 2019, there were 57 injuries, with 35 resulting in job transfers or restrictions. Over a two year period, according to these forms, a total of 2,334 working days were lost on account of injuries, in addition to 3,516 days workers spent on job transfers or restrictions as a result of injuries. While these figures are alarming in themselves, Meghan believes that these forms, which Amazon is required by law to submit to the federal authorities, understate the true number of injuries. She recalls the case of one worker who had been run over: They fired the person driving the machine and the person who got run over. However, she says, the name of the worker who had been run over does not appear on the OSHA forms filed by Amazon. Anger and frustration about working conditions have mounting over a long period in the warehouse. Meghan says that many workers are at the point of fed up. In one recent incident, tensions flared over management insisting on blasting music over the loudspeakers in one area of the warehouse, making it difficult for workers to hear warning alarms or vehicles approaching. It is not easy for workers to speak publicly about what happens inside Amazon warehouses. One worker who is currently working at GSP1 declined to be interviewed by the World Socialist Web Site, citing management threats that speaking to the press constitutes grounds for termination. Another worker, identified in this article as Alice, agreed to be interviewed but did not want to use her real name out of fear of management retaliation. If Alice loses her job, she will not be able to pay her utility bill and her power will be shut off at home. Alice was injured at Amazon over the summer of last year. She is concerned that publishing a description of exactly how she was injured would help management identify her. But she says she continued to work after the injury. In this photo shared on social media, heavy objects perched precariously on high shelves at GSP1 pose a danger to workers. Her injury continues to cause her pain. Im having a hard time, Alice says. She never received any medical care for the injury and never received any compensation. I go in there and I do my job to the best of my ability, she says. Some people get away with murder. You are taking a risk. It is so dangerous. Alice also describes Amcare, Amazons in-house medical care, as inadequate, a system in place for no reason other than to help Amazon deny injured workers claims. You would think they would have to have licensed people in there to treat people, Alice says. Its a very dangerous place to work. Management needs to stop pushing us so hard, Alice says. They are pushing too hard, which is causing the injuries. John, who also requested to be identified by a pseudonym, is eager to discuss the shithole that I have been trying to stay alive in for five years. John started out at Amazon working as a temp. Out of his temp group, which originally numbered from 20 to 40 workers, only 10 lasted through the first year. Now there are only two others left. Warehouse work is different, John said. Younger workers do not realize that it is much more demanding work than bagging groceries or working at a gas station, he explains. Meanwhile, older workers are eventually exhausted. Its the burnout. Its constantly fighting the bureaucracy above the warehouse, management inside warehouse. Constantly having this, that and the other taken away from you. He says that workers stay because they are between a rock and a hard place. Workers think to themselves: How much of this can I put up with? Pay and benefits are slightly better than other jobs. At what point does this go too far? Many workers, he says, stay for the education assistance program, which workers view as a ticket out of here. Like many Amazon workers the World Socialist Web Site has interviewed, John talks about psychological stress. It affected me, too, he says. Amazon has perfected a broad range of techniques designed to crank up the pressure on workers to work faster and harder without additional pay, which John describes as treating workers like hamsters. John describes work-related stress as affecting his health and relationships. There was a point in my life where it got into a spiraling pattern of destructive tendencies. I should probably have been dead about three times after working there. I was not handling the stress of working there very well. John explains that GSP1 workers make less than other warehouse workers who work in the area, such as at warehouses for Dollar General and Walmart. Amazon workers make $15.50 per hour. Meanwhile, he says, cashiers at the Chick-fil-A fast food chain start out at $17.00 per hour. John confirms what many workers have told the WSWS about the so-called raise to $15 per hour at Amazon. This raise was accompanied by the elimination of variable compensation pay (VCP) and a stock vesting program. I made $40,000 gross this past year. If you look at what I lost in VCP and lost in stock options, I got screwed. When asked about safety issues at the warehouse, John immediately interjectsRoof leaks. There was a point where it was difficult to drive PIT [powered industrial trucks], he says. They legit had big commercial trash cans that they were letting water drip into. There were dozens of plastic trash cans, each fifty gallons or so. It was hell to drive around those bins. They were all over the damn place. Asked about the loud music, John said: That location is already loud, with the conveyors, he says. Its metal on metal. You cant hear the alarm anyway. You cant tell if the alarm is going off unless the light is blinking. Unless you are looking at a 45-degree angle up to see the alarm light, it does not mean anything to you. John described workers as being incensed upon learning that they had been required to work through a bomb threat last summer. Workers should have been told, he says. Instead, Amazon kept them working, unaware of the danger. As it turns out, Alice was working during that shift. That ticked me off, she says. They should have evacuated us. John also describes working through tornadoes. One tornado touched down two miles down the interstate. Workers could see 50 and 60 year old oaks swaying behind the warehouse. A safety representative told them, Oh dont worry, its just wind shear. After that, a bit of gallows humor: the ongoing joke about safety issues in the warehouse became: Oh dont worry, its just wind shear. Asked about injuries, John recalls one day walking into the warehouse and seeing around a dozen other workers walking by, each with plastic boots on one foot, indicating ankle injuries. John has a term for this all-too-common plastic-boot limp: the Thriller shuffle, after the Michael Jackson music video. On the Voice of the Associate Board, workers can voice our concerns to management, Meghan says, and we usually get a cookie cutter response and the issues still dont usually get resolved at all. John tells a story of an older Amazon worker who had chronic emphysema and asthma. Many workers respected and looked up to him. When management would not listen, workers would go to him for advice. One day, ten minutes before the end of the shift, the older worker told John that he could not breathe. When the worker arrived at the hospital, he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. He had been trying to make it until the end of the shift. He kept on trucking, John said. He put himself far over what he could be expected to. After being treated, the older worker wanted to return to work at the warehouse. But he now needed to work with an oxygen tank, and management said they would not accommodate him. After paper-pushers gave him the run-around, management terminated his benefits. The guy was out of work for almost a year. He spiraled into depression and alcoholism. That guy went through hell, John says. John was affected when he saw that the older worker, in desperate straits, had put up one of his prized possessions, an Apple watch, for sale online. On social media, John has been encouraged by finding other Amazon workers who can relate to the experiences he has had. He calls this phenomenon, linking up with other Amazon workers on social media, the Underground Railroad. Meghan spoke about the need for collective resistance by workers. Its like A Bugs Life , Meghan says, referring to a 1998 computer-animated film that depicts a revolt of ants against larger, tyrannical insects. Individually, she says, workers are replaceable, but collectively: We outnumber them. The author also recommends: Amazons meat grinder in the Dallas, Texas suburbs [2 July 2019] Amazons 25th anniversary: A conglomerate based on parasitism and exploitation [8 July 2019] The workers compensation nightmare at Delta Airlines: Part one [12 February 2019] Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tue, January 14 2020 Jon Lambe - United Kingdom ambassador to ASEAN The United Kingdom will open a new mission to ASEAN in Jakarta on Wednesday as part of its expanded commitment to the Southeast Asian region. The Jakarta Posts Dian Septiari sat down with the UKs first ambassador to ASEAN, Jon Lambe, last Thursday to discuss what he wanted to achieve in his tenure. The following are excerpts of the interview: Question: The UK wants to be one of ASEANs dialogue partners after it exits the European Union. But ASEAN has for years implemented a moratorium on new dialogue partners. Whats the reasoning behind this goal and what is your plan to achieve it? 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 Illinoisans awoke to a brand new industry on New Years Day, with legal recreational marijuana sales coming online. Lines were long. Enthusiasts celebrated. Dispensaries cleared more than $10 million in sales in the first week. At the same time, images of customers receipts were spreading across social media. Wait, taxes are how much? Even in Illinois, which financial forecasting service Kiplinger dubbed the least tax-friendly state in the nation, weed buyers had sticker shock. Of the 10 states with legal recreational marijuana regimes, Illinois is home to the second-highest tax burden on retail sales, according to a review of state and local statutes. In Chicago, customers will pay up to 41.25% in taxes on some marijuana products, after factoring in a soon-to-be-passed Cook County excise tax. That total doesnt even include a 7% state wholesale tax further up the supply chain, which will be passed down to consumers through higher prices. Compare that with neighboring Michigan, where the total tax on recreational marijuana is 16% across the board. We knew it was imperative that our licensed businesses would be able to compete with the unregulated markets prices, said Robin Schneider. Shes the executive director for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association and served on the drafting committee for the states legalization ballot initiative. [Were] glad that Michigans voters agreed with our decision to keep taxes lower and pricing competitive. Springfield lawmakers have yet to learn the lesson that money walks. And its not just to other states. Sometimes, it walks past the legal dispensary with a 40% tax rate and into a dealers house. Thats exactly why too-high taxes should be a concern for marijuana lovers and haters alike. Not only are there health risks associated with consuming black market products, but industries without law enforcement mete out justice themselves, resulting in public safety problems. California legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. Still, 80% of cannabis sold in California comes from the black market, according to New Frontier Data, a Denver firm that studies cannabis sales. Why? One big driver is price. Experts point to high taxes and high barriers to entry for legal sellers. The New York Times reported in April that in some areas of California, the illicit market is larger today than it was before legalization. Illinois consumer-facing taxes on marijuana are even higher than Californias. The only state with higher taxes on cannabis sales than Illinois is Washington. But Washington is also home to some of the lowest legal cannabis prices in the nation because the state licenses so many growers. Evidence suggests its black market is less powerful than Californias, making up roughly half of sales according to a study by the Rand Corp. Besides going to Michigan or an illegal dealer, there is another tax-avoidance option for most Illinois consumers: going medical. There are other elements of Illinois marijuana rollout that dont quite add up, regardless of whether you supported legalization. The states tiered taxation on products is one example. Illinois slaps a 10% tax on products containing less than 35% THC (the psychoactive substance in cannabis), a 20% tax on cannabis-infused edible products and a 25% tax on products with more than 35% THC. No other state has adopted this system. Some argue this tax structure can discourage higher-potency consumption. But at the same time, it may incentivize black market consumption for the riskiest products. Another pitfall as officials tout hundreds of millions of dollars of potential new government revenue is that Illinois tied its marijuana taxation entirely to the price of marijuana, which has been shown to fall in other states after legalization. Weed or no weed, Illinois state government has an insatiable spending appetite driven by a 500% increase in pension costs since 2000. Leaders have not balanced a state budget since 2001. They have avoided key spending reforms and instead are grasping for new revenue at every turn. In doing so as part of marijuana legalization, they may have invited additional problems. Austin Berg is a Chicago-based writer with the Illinois Policy Institute who wrote this column for The Center Square. He can be reached at aberg@illinoispolicy.org. Chennai: A women's court in Tamil Nadu`s Thanjavur district on Monday sentenced four youths to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. The court also sent an autorickshaw driver Gurumurthy to rigorous imprisonment for seven years in the same case. The persons convicted for life imprisonment are S. Dinesh, M. Vasanth, S. Purushothaman, and S. Anbarasan. The woman from Delhi had reached Kumbakonam, a town in Thanjavur district, at night to join a private bank by a train. She boarded an autorickshaw and gave the driver her destination address. However, the driver drove her around in order to get more money from her. When she started questioning him and started shouting for help, he asked her to get down midway and went away. The woman then got a lift from a two-wheeler rider, who took her to a secluded place. His other friends too came there and sexually assaulted her. One of her assaulters took her in another auto rickshaw and dropped her in Kumbakonam. Enroute, he spoke to his friends using the auto driver's mobile phone. The woman had noted down the autorickshaw's registration number and the next day after narrating her ordeal to her colleagues made a police complaint. With these clues, the police soon cracked the case and arrested the convicts. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) Taal Volcano has spewed ash and lava since Monday, but this still has not convinced some to heed the governments order for them to flee their homes near the volcano in Batangas province. Among them is the family of Andy Pesigan who lives near the perimeter of the volcano. Gusto ko lang rin makapanood ng putok ng bulkan, Pesigan told CNN Philippines. Wala naman akong gamit para bantayan. [Translation: I just want to watch the volcano erupt I dont even have any stuff that I should look after.] Pesigans father went through the 1965 Taal Volcano eruption unscathed, so he is confident of surviving this one. Sabi ng tatay hindi naman daw gaano kalakas yung putok ng bulkan, alikabok lang putik, he said. [Translation: My father said the volcanos eruption wouldnt be too powerful, its just all dust and mud.] Others who have yet to evacuate are still waiting for disaster response officials to come to their aid, like a few families near Taal Volcanos lakeshore. While waiting for rescue, they continued fishing on the Taal Lake despite warnings. Mailikas lang namin ang mga bata, babalik din kami bukas kasi kailangan ma-monitor ang area kasi may mga isda din kaming alaga. Mas mahirap ho kung pababayaan namin ito, said Arnold Patino, a caretaker of a fish pond in Sampaloc, Talisay City. [Translation: Well still return tomorrow after we evacuate the children because we need to monitor the area since were looking after fish. It would be more difficult if we just leave them alone.] Going against the flow Around 20,000 people are now in evacuation centers in Batangas province in anticipation of a destructive eruption of Taal Volcano, which last occurred in 1977. State volcanologists have repeatedly called for an evacuation of all residents in a 14-kilometer radius from Taals crater. But despite this, some are actually flocking to areas near the volcano to witness the spectacle of the volcanos eruption. Kasi first time ko makakita ng ganyan eh kaya titignan ko po ng para focus po makita ko ng malapitan, said Emma Magid, who travelled all the way to Laurel, Batangas with her whole family from Quezon City. [Translation: Its my first time to see something like this, so Id like to see it up close.] Some residents who have evacuated are also daring to go back to their homes, even if it is very near the crater of the volcano. A resident of Barangay Calawit in Balete town managed to return to the area at dawn Monday and found that three of his cows and a number of pigs have died because of the volcanos unrest. He also said in a video sent to a local radio station in Santo Tomas town in Batangas that their ash-covered houses almost vanished after Taals numerous explosions since Sunday. Kier Garcia also made his way back to Barangay Gitna in Agoncillo town to fetch his parents there. Na-trap po yung mga saskayan nila kaya hindi makaalis Wala na rin pong kuryente doon eh kaya 'di namin ma-contact, Garcia said. [Translation: Their cars were trapped there so they cant leave They also dont have electricity there so we cant contact them.] Meanwhile, Frederick Enriquez returned to San Nicolas town to save his pet and get food. Kawawa naman. Ang mga pagkain kaysa mabulok ay dadalhin ko na lang sa evacuation maipakain sa mga tao, Enriquez said. [Translation: Theyre pitiful. Ill just bring food to the evacuation center for people to eat instead of it just rotting.] Risky business PHIVOLCS said residents near the volcano should be evacuated as soon as possible. Mabilis po ang intensification ng activity na nangyari sa Taal Volcano so mabuti na lang po nai-evacuate po agad ang ating mga kababayan, said Winchelle Ian Sevilla, PHIVOLCS supervising research specialist. [Translation: Taal Volcanos activity can rapidly intensify, so it would be better if we can evacuate our countrymen soon.] According to PHIVOLCS, 27 barangays in Tanauan City, and the towns of Agoncillo, Balete, Cuenca, Laurel, San Nicolas and Talisay are at risk of getting hit by objects which would be hurled out of the volcano in the event of a violent eruption. It also said that 213 barangays in 10 towns and two cities in Batangas are also susceptible to a base surge a fast-moving cloud of gas and debris that can occur during Taals eruption. The base surge can also reach 131 more barangays in Batangas and Cavite. Meanwhile, 132 barangays in Batangas and Cavite are also at risk of getting hit by a volcanic tsunami, which can happen when material from Taal Volcano lands in water and creates waves heading towards land. CNN Philippines Triciah Terada, Gerg Cahiles, Ron Lozano and Xave Gregorio contributed to this report. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo, the award-winning banking platform for modern entrepreneurs, has been named one of 2020's best business checking accounts by Money Magazine . Novo was selected for its standout features including zero account minimums and no fees for ACH transfers, mailed checks, and incoming wires. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar banks, Novo's mobile-first banking platform was built for entrepreneurs who seek on-demand solutions to today's business challenges while providing transparency and flexibility. "We are proud to be recognized as the best by Money Magazine, one of the most reputable industry sources out there. As we enter a new decade where fintech and banking converge, Novo is committed to leading the charge in building the best business checking account for mainstream American business owners and this is further confirmation that we are well on our way," said Michael Rangel, Novo Founder and CEO. 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Access Novo Press Room Novo Media Contact Gloria Chou PR & Communications [email protected] SOURCE Novo Related Links https://banknovo.com/ West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has kicked up a row with his remark that "anti-CAA protesters were shot like dogs in BJP-ruled states", provoking criticism from political rivals and his own partymen. Addressing a public meeting in Nadia district on Sunday, Ghosh slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge" on those destroying public property during the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in the state in December. "Didi's police didn't take action against those who destroyed public property as they are her voters. Our governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka shot these people like dogs," Ghosh had said. Union minister and BJP leader Babul Supriyo termed Ghosh's comments as "irresponsible". "BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlipGhosh may hv saidIt is a figment of his imagination&BJP Govts in UP, Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoeverVery irresponsible of DilipDa to hv said what he had," Supriyo said in a tweet. The Trinamool Congress leadership came down heavily on Ghosh and said the comments reflected the mindset of BJP that brooks no dissent. "The comments reflect the mindset of the BJP. This is not an isolated statement of Dilip Ghosh. This the mindset and agenda of the BJP....they don't like dissent," TMC secretary general and state minister Partha Chatterjee said. Ghosh had defended the BJP governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka for incidents of police firing on violent anti-CAA protesters, saying they did the "right thing". The BJP leader said those involved in arson and vandalism should be shot, like in Uttar Pradesh. "They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy the country's property. Is it their zamindari?" he asked, and demanded that those "sabotaging" the interests of Hindu Bengalis needed to be identified. He had also claimed there were two crore "Muslim infiltrators" in the country and over one crore were illegally staying in West Bengal. "Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them," he alleged. Sharply reacting to Ghosh's remarks, the CPI-M alleged the BJP was trying to create an "authoritarian state". "The BJP has been claiming that the state governments led by them have not opened fire. Now the cat is out of the bag. Dilip Ghosh has spilled the beans. The BJP is trying to create an authoritarian state and killing protesters is a step towards it," senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For two years, Pennsylvania Democratic leaders have tried to get rid of Daylin Leach. Officials as prominent as the governor and as obscure as local party committee members have called on the state senator to resign. Those calls, which started amid allegations that he inappropriately touched female former staffers and made highly sexualized jokes, snowballed after a more serious allegation and his combative response. In Harrisburg, Senate Democrats havent let him participate in their caucus meetings. At home, hes been shunned from some party events. This year, Leach is facing voters for the first time since the allegations roiled progressives who had long seen Leach as a champion for women and gave Pennsylvania politics one of its first #MeToo moments. But his detractors are still having trouble getting rid of him. At least seven Democrats are running against Leach in the 17th District, which encompasses parts of Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Some who oppose him are growing anxious that the challengers will end up splitting the anti-Leach vote and enable him to win reelection, according to interviews with about a dozen party officials, operatives, and activists. These Democrats say that with such a big field, no candidate will be able to win important endorsements at county party conventions. Efforts have failed to recruit a blue-chip candidate who could clear the field for a head-to-head primary against Leach, such as State Rep. Mary Jo Daley of Narberth. And they question whether any candidate can raise enough money to convince voters that Leach should get the boot, especially because he still has the support of influential Democratic donors such as Connie Williams, his predecessor in the Senate and an heir to the Hess oil fortune. There are a lot of people that respect Daylin and appreciate the work hes done, Williams said. One Democratic consultant who has no client in the race but opposes Leach said, Theres only one way to take this guy down. Its head to head against a woman with significant money and an army of volunteers, said the consultant, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect business relationships. "Nobody has that. Joe Foster, chairman of the Montgomery County Democrats, said the April 28 primary could show whether the party is serious about supporting women and the #MeToo movement even when it ensnares one of its own. I dont believe this movement is looking for martyrs, said Foster, who opposes Leach. Its not looking for scapegoats. Its looking for change. To Leach, who has long denied wrongdoing, the episode shows the perils of jumping too quickly to conclusions about a persons conduct without all the facts. An investigation commissioned by Senate Democrats last year found that Leach at times engaged in humor that was sexual in nature. Investigators also said his conduct fell short of violating federal workplace discrimination law. I dont understand the logic of saying you should defeat one of the best advocates for women in order to validate women, said Leach, 58, of Wayne, a state legislator since 2003 and a longtime leader for liberal causes. I think I have a pretty compelling record of accomplishment. The intraparty fight comes as Pennsylvania Democrats are trying to unite against President Donald Trump, who narrowly carried the state in 2016, and to win control of the GOP-led legislature. The nominee is likely to win the general election in the mostly Democratic district. And if Leach prevails while memories of the allegations are fresh, it will only be harder for his foes to beat him next time. But to beat Trump, Leach added in an interview, it seems like it should be all hands on deck at the party level to make sure the president doesnt win Pennsylvania again. "Going after incumbent Democrats seems counterproductive to me. READ MORE: Pennsylvania Democrats dont just want to beat Trump in 2020: They want the state House back His challengers include Amanda Cappelletti, vice chair of the East Norriton Board of Supervisors and a former Planned Parenthood official; Linda Fields, a longtime labor organizer; Shea Ashe, president of the Norristown Area school board; lawyers Elvira Berry and Jamie Mogil; and Sara Atkins, a Lower Merion Democratic committee member. Jan. 30 is when the Montgomery County Democratic Committee is set to hold its convention. To win the partys endorsement, a candidate must get 60% of committee votes. Delaware County follows with a similarly high bar on Feb. 2. If neither county party makes an endorsement, the anti-Leach forces may be unable to consolidate support. Cappelletti, 33, seen as one of the stronger contenders, pointed to Leachs exclusion from Senate Democratic Caucus meetings. The district "doesnt have any real representation in the Senate at the moment, she said. She said she hopes to get the endorsements but would drop out if the county parties backed another candidate. Fields, 65, of King of Prussia, vowed she would do the right thing for the party. We cant be splintered, she said. Leach said he would soon be returning to caucus meetings. Im entitled to be there, and so Im going to go back, he said. Two Democratic senators Katie Muth and Maria Collett, both survivors of sexual assault who represent part of Montgomery County have described Leach as a bully and said his presence in the Capitol is draining. Defeating Leach, Muth said, should be a huge priority for the Democratic Party. We really need blunt, bold courage here," Muth, who has called for Leachs expulsion from the Senate, said of party leaders. "Theres no tiptoeing around because you dont want to offend people. Leach has described Muth as a dreadful person and a toxic hand grenade. Opposition to Leach has grown since The Inquirer reported in late 2017 that former campaign and legislative staffers said he had for years inappropriately touched young female staffers and made sexualized jokes. Leach denied wrongdoing. Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, quickly called for Leachs resignation. Last year, Senate Democrats hired the law firm Eckert Seamans to investigate separate allegations by an Allentown-area woman, Cara Taylor, who said Leach had sexually assaulted her in 1991, when she was 17. Leach denied the accusation and sued Taylor and two Philadelphia-area activists, alleging they had defamed him. On social media, Leach has described one of the activists he is suing as a truly horrific monster and a human wrecking ball of hate." Leach is also suing The Inquirer and one of its reporters, alleging defamation. The newspaper has stood by its reporting. In September, Senate Democrats released the Eckert Seamans report, which found that Leach had engaged in joking that was at times unquestionably sexual in nature. It also said none of the witnesses the lawyers interviewed offered any specific instances of any particular woman who claimed that Sen. Leach touched them in a sexually inappropriate way. Rather, the allegations were all of a more general nature, without specifics, that the senator had a way about him that could be viewed as sexually suggestive only if that person did not know Sen. Leach, the report added. The lawyers wrote that based on the facts at hand, they could not form any conclusion about Taylors allegation that Leach had sexually assaulted her. By late last year, as Leach claimed exoneration by the report, those calling for his resignation included Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa, state party chair Nancy Patton Mills, two dozen state lawmakers, and party officials in Delaware and Montgomery Counties. READ MORE: Pa. Dems renew call for Sen. Daylin Leach to resign after inquiry cites sex jokes but clears him of workplace discrimination Still, Leach has maintained loyal supporters. Last month, Williams hosted a fund-raiser for his campaign whose attendees included former Gov. Ed Rendell. Williams described Leach as a very good legislator and said he had discharged his responsibilities in a committed and inclusive way. Rendell said he didnt think the Eckert report findings warranted calls for Leachs resignation, though he thought the Senate should have censured him. Marsha Perelman, a civic leader and longtime energy executive who served on the host committee of the fund-raiser, said Leach has "owned the pain that his behavior has caused, and he has changed that behavior. Hes spoken at length, and very compellingly, about why he will be a more effective legislator than his competitors because of his experience and deep knowledge about the issues facing his constituents," Perelman said in an email. "He has been a strong voice for progressive change in Pennsylvania, and I want to give him the chance to continue to be that voice. Fertiliser companies importing so-called "blood phosphate" from Western Sahara could face illegal strike action by port workers in future, warn unions. A ship chartered by Ravensdown, the Federal Crimson, is currently unloading the last of 51 tonnes of phosphate at Port Chalmers, after earlier docking in Napier and Lyttleton. At each port, it has been boarded by members of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, who have handed protest letters to the captain. Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-Nutrients import about $30 million worth of phosphate each year from Western Sahara. Western Sahara is a piece of desert land of a similar size to New Zealand. It was a Spanish colony but was taken over by Morocco in 1975, a move condemned by the United Nations. Union organiser John Kerr said he was "hopeful" the companies would find alternative sources - but if they did not, union members could take more drastic action next time. "It is actually illegal in New Zealand to strike for political reasons - that right was removed by the 1991 Employment Contracts Act and not reinstated by the 1999 Employment Relations Act - but it is a human right." Port workers who refused to allow nuclear power ships to dock in the 1980s were "pivotal" in getting New Zealand declared nuclear free, he said. "New Zealand workers have a strong tradition of taking political action, for instance against Apartheid in South Africa and nuclear power. "If those laws had been in place in the 1980s, workers would not have been able to withdraw their labour. "So while this is about Western Sahara, there's a wider human rights issue too." Last month a Western Sahara government official said New Zealand fertiliser companies are stockpiling phosphate amid threats of court action to stop future imports. The companies say their imports have not changed. File photo of phosphate.The Western Saharan government is threatening more court action over the importing of its phosphate. Photo: AFP Kamal Fadel is the Australia and New Zealand representative for Polisario, the UN-recognised independence movement for Western Sahara. He visited New Zealand to spread awareness of the issues in Western Sahara and the impact New Zealand's phosphate imports were having on the region. He said the Western Sahara government was close to initiating court action. Previously, Western Sahara has successfully won in international courts, with those courts ruling Morocco had no legal claim to the phosphate, so could not sell it. Mr Fadel said the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara was internationally disagreed with and New Zealand's purchase of phosphate from them, was at odds with this. Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-Nutrients are the only two importers of phosphate in the western world. Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade met with Mr Fadel during his visit and a spokesperson said afterwards that the government remained of the view that New Zealand companies should be looking for alternatives to phosphate. (SPS) 062/SPS/RNZ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405491/blood-phosphate-imports-from-western-sahara-may-prompt-illegal-port-strikes-union More than two years ago, Hurricane Maria revealed that Puerto Rico was utterly unprepared for a powerful hurricane despite its location in one of the world's most storm-vulnerable regions. Now, a flurry of earthquakes topped by a magnitude 6.4 temblor that killed one person and damaged hundreds of buildings has many accusing the government of being caught unready again. "It proved that Puerto Rico is not prepared for a seismic movement," said Nazario Lugo, president of the island's Association of Emergency Managers. "The government has to be proactive, and we saw that was not the case until they were up to their neck in water." Lugo, a former emergency management director for Puerto Rico, told The Associated Press that the government didn't activate its emergency command centre until the day after the largest quake hit, breaking with protocol. This drew comparisons to Hurricane Maria of 2017, which devastated the island and caused thousands of deaths. Critics said it caught the local and federal governments with limited supplies on an island with poorly maintained infrastructure and led to a delayed response stemming from a lack of communication and organisation. A flurry of hundreds of small quakes began hitting Puerto Rico on December 28, and a magnitude 5.8 jolt that toppled a famed rock formation landmark struck on January 6, Three Kings' Day, a major holiday on the island. "The first day, when toys were being handed out, they should have started a process to activate the emergency plan," he said. That didn't happen until Tuesday's 6.4 earthquake hit before dawn. It knocked out power to the entire island, collapsed several homes and schools and cracked bridges. Many living along the southern coastline were left without water service and more than 4,000 people sought refuge in government shelters. While many Puerto Ricans were surprised, scientists were not, including Christa von Hillebrandt, former director of the island's Seismic Network and manager of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Caribbean tsunami warning programme. "For decades, scientists and people like me have been informing and alerting communities and the government of Puerto Rico of the physical threat," she said. "In the past 30 years, seismic conscience definitely improved in Puerto Rico, but not much action was taken...You would see some improvements, but some critical areas did not receive sufficient attention." Just days after the natural disaster, emergency management Director Carlos Acevedo acknowledged to reporters that the government had yet to complete a plan that dictates protocol for when an earthquake hits the island. Juan Alicea, president of Puerto Rico's Society of Professional Engineers, told the AP that he received a draft of the plan only on January 5. "I see that as a failure," he said. "We all have to assume our responsibilities." Acevedo did not return messages for comment and has insisted that Puerto Rico is prepared in case another big quake strikes. Von Hillebrandt partially agreed with that assessment, noting that local officials had identified all tsunami risk zones by 2003 and completed evacuation maps in 2015. By 2016, all coastal communities in Puerto Rico were certified as being ready for a tsunami. In October 1918, a magnitude 7.3 quake struck near Puerto Rico's northwest coast, unleashing a tsunami and killing 116 people. While concerns remain about Puerto Rico's preparedness, federal authorities have praised the local government's response. Jeff Byard, with the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, said he is extremely pleased with the post-quake operation. "I cannot commend the commonwealth enough for the proactive nature that they've taken providing the initial resources, the initial support," he said. More than 1,280 earthquakes have hit Puerto Rico's southern region since December 28, more than two dozen of them magnitude 4.5 or greater, according to the US Geological Survey. Given that activity, Alicea said it's extremely worrisome that some 200,000 homes across Puerto Rico are not built to code, as evidenced by the damage caused in recent days. "If we don't take action, this is going to cost us a lot of money and a lot of lives," he said. Also of concern is that some 500 public schools across Puerto Rico were built before 1987 and don't adhere to new construction codes, placing students at risk, according to Alicea. He said the government has invested money to bring many other schools up to date, but the remaining ones are not built to withstand earthquakes. Tuesday's quake flattened several schools and damaged an estimated two dozen overall, forcing education officials to postpone the start of classes by two weeks and only open schools that have passed inspection. Government officials have said they are identifying the most vulnerable schools and creating a plan to strengthen them, a process that could take months and cost between USD 1 million and USD 5 million per school. Meanwhile, people like Nancy Torres, 58, vow they will not return home until the shaking stops. She was sleeping in a small, four-door compact car with her husband in the front and their 21-year-old son crammed in the back. Her father-in-law had built the house where they were sleeping when the earthquake hit, and she doesn't trust it. "I couldn't even get up from my bed," she said of the day the big quake struck, adding that if she goes into the home, it's for very brief periods. "I can't even take a proper shower. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fried dough fans, your time is nigh. Last week, 180 Xurros, the delectable, detail-oriented Barcelona-style churro shop that had a two-year run on Northeast Broadway, announced it would reopen next to Masia, the upcoming Spanish restaurant from 180 co-owners Cristina Baez and Jose Chesa. Xurros (with an x) are the Catalonian version of the Mexican confection you might be more familiar with -- asterisk-shaped tubes of dough extruded and fried to order, then dipped in, stuffed with or served alongside various sweet creams and chocolate dips. At the original 180, that meant stubby xurro cigars stuffed with crema Catalana, teardrop-shaped xurro loops robed in matte chocolate and sugar-dusted xurros fried before your eyes for dunking into cups of silky drinking chocolate. Though short-lived, it was among the most exciting things to happen to fried dough in Portland last decade. At the new 180, which will open next month in the lobby of downtown Portlands upcoming Hyatt Centric hotel, the xurros will be made to order in Masias nearby kitchen, out of sight. And the banados, or xurros bathed in chocolate, house caramel or cookies and cream -- will remain loops, but the fried-to-order xurros will come as sticks, hopefully leading to shorter waits. The only feedback that we consistently got at 180 was people hoping for a faster pickup for their xurros, Baez says. Doing the sticks is going to help. Also behind the counter: croissants, chocolate chip cookies, the fried puffs known as bunuelos as well as xuixos, the sweet, custard-filled Cruffin ancestors found on the dessert menu at Ataula, Baez and Chesas first Portland restaurant. Savory flautas, the thin, grab-and-go sandwiches filled with Spanish tortilla, manchego cheese, Iberico ham or confit tuna, will come on skinny magic bubble bread baguettes imported from Barcelona. And coffee will come from Never, the colorful roaster with cafes in Southeast and Southwest Portland, including a special 180 blend and a drinks menu from Baez including smoky pimenton and dulce de leche lattes and -- if upcoming experiments pan out -- a pitch-black version made with squid ink. And Baez and Chesa, who kept the fryers and other equipment from the original location, havent given up hope on opening another standalone 180. Theres no rush, Baez says, but it definitely is still on the table. Look for 180 to open in the lobby of the new Hyatt Centric hotel alongside Baez and Chesas upcoming Masia restaurant at Southwest Alder Street and 11th Avenue early next month. -- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories The Knapps optimism at that time was shared by the entire community, and by millions of others throughout the country. We have no soggy sentimentality about those days: we recount Garys violence precisely to cure anyone of false nostalgia. But life had improved dramatically, and most expected that rising education levels and improved social services would give the Knapp kids and almost everyone else a much better life. The kids on the bus as it careered toward Yamhill each morning were sure that their world would be better than their parents had been. Yet those kids ended up riding into a cataclysm, as working-class communities disintegrated across America, felled by lost jobs, broken families and despair. About one-fourth of the kids who rode with Nick on the bus are dead from drugs, suicide, alcohol, obesity, reckless accidents and other pathologies. A boy named Mike is dead from suicide, after struggles with drugs; Steve from the aftermath of a foolhardy motorcycle accident; Cindy from depression, obesity and then a heart attack; Jeff from a daredevil car crash; Tim from a construction accident; Billy from complications of diabetes while in prison; Kevin from consequences of obesity. There are different accounts of what Sue died of. Chris has gone missing after decades of alcoholism and homelessness. Others are alive but struggling with dead-end jobs or wrestling with drugs and alcohol. Of the two boys that Nick walked to the bus stop with each day, Mike is a homeless alcoholic living in a park, and Bobby is serving a life sentence in prison for offenses so harrowing that the family has cut him off. The American economy has dazzled the world and its stock markets have created great riches, but the median American household is actually poorer in net worth today than it was in 2000. Median wages for the majority of the population that lacks a college degree are significantly lower today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, than they were back in 1979. Gallup has been asking Americans once a month for decades if they are satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States, and for the last fifteen years a majority has steadily answered dissatisfied. Gallup reported in 2019 that even as the economy grew steadily, higher levels of stress, anger and worry nudged Americans overall Negative Experience Index to 35three points higher than any previous score. Gallup concluded, In fact, the levels of negative emotions in the past several years are even higher than during the U.S. recession years. Gallup found that Americans were among the most stressed populations in the world, tied with Iranians and even more stressed than Venezuelans. Life expectancy continues to rise in most of the rest of the industrialized world, but in the United States it has dropped for three years in a rowfor the first time in a century. As well see, American kids today are 55 percent more likely to die by the age of nineteen than children in the other rich countries that are members of the OECD, the club of industrialized nations. America now lags behind its peer countries in health care and high-school graduation rates while suffering greater violence, poverty and addiction. This dysfunction damages all Americans: it undermines our nations competitiveness, especially as growing economies like Chinas are fueled by much larger populations and by rising education levels, and may erode the well-being of our society for decades to come. The losers are not just those at the bottom of society, but all of us. For America to be strong, we must strengthen all Americans. We set out in this book to explore that unraveling. We wanted to understand more deeply what had happened to Nicks friends on the school bus, how our country could have let tens of millions of people suffer an excruciating loss of jobs, dignity, lives, hopes and children, and how we can recover. The Knapps and many of the kids on the busand millions of Americans across the countrymade terrible, self-destructive choices about using drugs or dropping out of school. But we saw that these were compounded by terrible choices that the country made on multiple fronts. The kids on the bus who floundered werent somehow worse than their parents or less preparedindeed, they mostly had more educationand they didnt have weaker characters than their counterparts in other countries. American kids dont drop out of high school at higher rates than in other countries because they are less intelligent. So while we look unsparingly at failures of personal responsibility, lets also examine equally rigorously the failures of government, of institutions and of society. And lets seek solutions. In doing our research and reporting for this book, we came to see that lifes journey for affluent, well-educated American families is like a stroll along a wide, smooth path, forgiving of missteps. But increasingly, for those from lower on the socioeconomic spectrum, life resembles a tightrope walk. Some make it across, but for so many, one stumble and thats it. Whats more, a tumble from the tightrope frequently destroys not only that individual but the entire family, including children and, through them, grandchildren. The casualties are everywhere in America, if we only care to notice. On Saturday evening, San Antonians brought their best glitz and glam look to the David Bowie Celebration hosted by Paper Tiger. The evening was filled with live music from the Goon Squad performing some of the artist's top hits and dressed in David Bowie attire. The celebration also included a Bowie-inspired fashion show, costume contest and more. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) admitted in a televised statement Saturday morning that it had inadvertently shot down a Ukraine International Airlines jet shortly after its takeoff from Tehran International Airport last Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The plane was felled by an IRGC missile just hours after Iranian forces carried out carefully calibrated, non-lethal missile strikes on two bases housing US troops in Iraq. The strikes were in retaliation for Washingtons criminal January 3 assassination of Gen. Qassem Suleimani. The IRGC commander and nine others were killed by a US drone strike as they left Baghdad International Airport. In explaining how Iranian forces had come to shoot down a passenger plane, the head of the IRGCs aerospace division, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, said they were at the highest level of readiness Wednesday morning in anticipation of an American counterstrike. An officer took the bad decision to fire on the plane after mistaking it for a cruise missile, said Hajizadeh, adding, We were prepared for an all-out conflict. A separate statement from the headquarters of the Iranian armed forces claimed that Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 had come close to a sensitive IRGC military centre at an altitude and flight condition that resembled hostile targeting. The statement continued, Under these circumstances, the aircraft was unintentionally hit, which unfortunately resulted in the death of many Iranian and foreign nationals. The vast majority of those killed were either Iranian citizens or Iranian born, including 57 Iranian-Canadians and several dozen other Iranians who were studying in Canada. The disaster took place in context of fears of an imminent US attack on Iran. US President Donald Trump, who personally ordered Suleimanis illegal assassination, had warned Iran that 52 targets, including cultural sites, would be attacked if Tehran retaliated. On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Trump and top US military commanders had agreed to take out an Iranian command-and-control ship in the Persian Gulf if Iran launched revenge attacks for Suleimanis death. This, however, does not account for Tehrans disastrous decision not to ground commercial flights in and out of Tehran under conditions where it had just ordered missile strikes in neighbouring Iraq and was bracing for US retaliatory strikes; nor for the regimes rebuff for the better part of three days of all suggestions that an Iranian missile might have been responsible for the crash of Flight 752. The regimes initial concealment of its responsibility for the disaster reflects its immense fear, even in the face of a potential war with the United States, of a social upheaval within the country. The Islamic republic is a Shia clergy-led bourgeois state, facing growing opposition from the working class to its austerity policies and the growth of social inequality. Less than two months ago, it brutally suppressed mass protests over an increase in gas prices. These circumstances contributed to the shock, grief and outrage among ordinary Iranians over the plane crash and the governments role. One news report cited an Iranian woman as saying, They were so careful not to kill any American in their revenge for Suleimani. But they did not close the airport? This shows how much this regime cares for Iranians. On Saturday evening, anti-government protests reportedly involving hundreds of students were held at multiple Tehran university campuses. These were ultimately broken up by riot police. On Sunday and Monday, similar protests spread to other cities, including, according to Western media reports, Isfahan, Shiraz, Esfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh. According to some reports, riot police were out in force on the streets of Tehran Sunday and tear gas was used on a crowd in Azadi Square, estimated by the government-aligned Fars New Agency at 1,000 people. The Associated Press said tear gas was fired sporadically in Tehran, but there was no wholesale crackdown on protesters. Washington, its imperialist allies and the Western media are seeking to exploit the tragic fate of Flight 752 and the eruption of anti-government protests to divert attention from the war crime that was Suleimanis assassination and American imperialisms escalating war preparations against Iran. The Western media have given great prominence to the protests over the downing of the plane, circulating video-clips that feed into their right-wing narrative, including images of Iranians chanting, They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here. No such coverage was given to the millions in Iran and Iraq who took to the streets over the past 10 days to voice their opposition to Washingtons assassination of Suleimani and plans to plunge the entire Middle East into a catastrophic war. As always, the humanitarianism and moral outrage of the political representatives of imperialism and the Western press are highly selective. Trump, who heads a government that has refused for over 30 years to pay compensation to Iran for the US Navys downing of Iran Air Flight 655 in 1988, which killed all 290 people on board, has demagogically posed as a friend of the protesters. In tweets posted in English and Farsi, he wrote, To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: Ive stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching. On Sundays US political talk shows, National Security Adviser Robert OBrien and Defense Secretary Mark Esper shed crocodile tears for the people killed in the downing of Flight 752 and postured as supporters of the Iranian peoples democratic aspirations. All of this is preposterous. Trump heads a government that, under successive Democratic and Republican presidents, is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Iranians due to crippling economic sanctions Washington has imposed on the country. The sanctions, illegal under international law and tantamount to war, have prevented critical health supplies from reaching the country, denied Iran access to the world market, and plunged millions into poverty as the countrys currency has collapsed. Washingtons campaign of economic warfare has further exacerbated class tensions in Iran, which were already sharpening due to the bourgeois-clerical regimes rolling back of virtually all of the gains of the 1979 revolution, which toppled the bloody US-backed dictatorship of the Shah. The goal of Washington and its imperialist allies is to restore a semi-colonial regime in Tehran akin to that of the Shah, which will facilitate their plundering of Irans energy resources and preside over the further impoverishment of the Iranian population. As it seeks to gain control over the energy-rich and geostrategically vital Middle East, the US ruling elite cannot countenance the existence of an Iranian regime that aspires to pursue its own regional interests, let alone the growing influence enjoyed by much larger rivals like Russia and China. Trumps campaign of maximum pressure on the country and preparations for all-out war show no signs of let-up. On Friday, Trump unveiled a further round of sanctions against Iran, and more US troops and military assets are being deployed to the region. Iranian government officials pointed to some of these political realities in their comments following their admission that an IRGC missile had shot down Flight 752. After acknowledging Irans responsibility for downing the plane, President Hassan Rouhani blamed threats and bullying from the US for the incident. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster. Iran has promised full cooperation with an international investigation into the felling of the Ukrainian Airlines flight. Ukrainian flight crash experts are already in Tehran to review the two black boxes recovered from the crash site. However, just as the imperialist powers and their media outlets are seeking to leverage the grief and anger over the duplicity and negligence of the Iranian authorities, they will undoubtedly seek to exploit the investigation, including complaints that Tehran is failing to be forthcoming about the workings of its air defence system and operating procedures, to ratchet up pressure on Tehran. Jess Phillips said yesterday that she grew up wanting to be Queen of the World. The Labour leadership hopeful revealed she had always been told by her parents that she could do anything her brothers could. Last year documentary maker Michael Cockerell claimed that as a boy Boris Johnson had said he wanted to be World King. Labour leadership contender Jess Phillips, pictured on Good Morning Britain in October 2019, has revealed she always wanted to be 'Queen of the world' after being raised by 'rabid feminists' when she was younger Mrs Phillips, pictured, told The Sunday Times that she had a similar ambition. She said that growing up with three brothers and being raised by rabid feminists, she was told by her parents: Theres nothing those boys can do that you cant. It made me think, I can be the Queen of the World. At the weekend Mrs Phillips suspended her office manager over completely unacceptable anti-Israel tweets. Phillips (picture with MP Yvette Cooper with staff at Palfrey Sure Start Centre, in 2016) grew up being taught that she could achieve anything boys could which inspired the bold ambition of being Queen Her tell-all interview comes a year after Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said he wanted to be World King as a child In one, Salma Hamid said Israel was inflicting Holocaust conditions on Palestinians. The tweets were posted before she worked for Mrs Phillips. Phillips suspended her Labour aide Salma Hamid (pictured) over completely unacceptable anti-Israel tweets, on Friday She took the action after a newspaper uncovered messages posted by the aide, Salma Hamid, in which she appeared to brand Israel a murderer that was inflicting Holocaust conditions on Palestinians. In another tweet, the member of staff appeared to liken Israel to the Islamic State terror group. The messages were posted between 2014 and 2016 before she worked for Miss Phillips. Miss Phillips said she was sad to suspend her aide, but insisted it was the right thing to do and the only way to start building a bridge again with the Jewish community. Leadership favourite Sir Keir Starmer declared yesterday that the free-market model had been a failure and backed higher taxes on the wealthiest to pay for better public services. Is Pelosi timing the impeachment articles release so as to damage Bernie? By Selwyn Duke The conventional wisdom regarding Nancy Pelosis holding of the impeachment articles is that, as someone put it, shed pulled the pin on the grenade and then didnt know what to do. Yet even if she has bumbled into her current predicament, which seems likely, is there now some method to her madness? Has she found a way to turn lemons into at least a thimble of lemonade by using the situation to damage the presidential candidate she doesnt want to see capture the Democratic nomination burgeoning Bernie Sanders and help the establishment choice, Joe Biden? Its now being pointed out that if Pelosi releases the impeachment articles this week, as is rumored, it will hurt the campaigns of the five senators seeking the Democratic nomination, as theyll have to leave the campaign trail to be present for the trial. This is at just the time when one of those senators, Sanders, is surging in the polls; is leading in the first contest, Iowa, which is just weeks away; and who now, many Democratic observers say (and often fear), may very well be the nominee. In reference to this forced campaign-trail absence, Of course it matters, [Sen. Elizabeth] Warren said in an interview this week, reports Politico. We just did a 3-hour selfie line. Dont tell me it doesnt matter to do face to face. Yet the Massachusetts politician and the three other senators who arent Bernie are expendable. Warrens star has been fading, her lies and fanciful policy proposals having caught up to her. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) has risen a bit of late, but no one really believes shell be the nominee. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) now just serves as a token allowing the Democrats to say, Look, our field isnt entirely white! (an unpardonable sin in their now woke party). As for Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), well, few people will notice his absence because few even notice his presence. But Bernie matters. With him hitting his stride and the first contest (on Feb. 3) being significant because it can establish or kill momentum and with the polls close his absence is significant. This has to please the Democratic establishment. Its power brokers hobbled Bernie in 2016, and they surely dont want him now, either. First, hes not actually a Democrat but an independent; hes also anti-establishment, and the Democrat machine wants in the White House a Democrat, and one wholl play ball. Its also likely that insiders consider the white and wizened socialist septuagenarian unelectable. Evidencing this establishment antipathy was a November report stating that Barack Obama had actually vowed to intervene if Sanders seemed poised to be the nominee. In fact, one could just imagine the ex-president on the phone with Pelosi strategizing on how to bury Bernie. But Pelosi wouldnt need any prodding. Not only is she a major head on the Democratic-machine hydra who has assuredly pondered how the impeachment articles release will affect the primary contest, but theres another factor: Its quite likely that to Pelosi this is not just professional, but personal. Remember that Bernie is the candidate of Pelosis nemesis, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In fact, the New York socialist upstart has been campaigning by his side, helping to rally younger voters, and is a major factor in his post-heart-attack campaigns resuscitation. Also note that its Ocasio-Cortez and her radical crew who pushed Pelosi into going forward with impeachment in the first place, an action the House speaker apparently opposed and which has been disastrous for her party. So she certainly must find the prospect of using Ocasio-Cortez tactic of choice (impeachment) to damage her candidate of choice quite poetic and delicious. Add to this that Ocasio-Cortez is now refusing to pay her Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee dues and has been working to primary establishment Democrats thus challenging Pelosis power and one can only imagine how much the speaker despises the congresswoman. Remember, too, that Pelosi is a political operator wholl cut your head off and you wont even know youre bleeding, as her daughter Alexandra put it last year. I suspect the speaker may believe that releasing the impeachment articles this week sticks a shiv in Bernies back and by proxy in Ocasio-Cortez and will relish every minute of it. Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Gab (preferably) or Twitter, or log on to SelwynDuke.com. Home WASHINGTON Cory Booker has ended his presidential campaign. Its with a full heart that I share this news -- Ive made the decision to suspend my campaign for president, Booker said Monday in an email to supporters. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and Ive always said I wouldnt continue if there was no longer a path to victory. Stuck in single digits in polls and trailing most of his Democratic rivals in fundraising, the New Jersey senator said he couldnt compete. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington, Booker said in an email supporters. He had bet all his chips on doing well in the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses, including launching a $500,000 advertising campaign, but failed to move in the polls and did not qualify for Tuesdays debate in Des Moines. The impeachment trial against President Donald Trump would find him in Washington rather than appealing to Iowa voters. Booker was considered a top tier candidate when he entered the race in February 2019. But he hovered in the low single digits in opinion polls, even as he built strong organizations to get out the vote in the early primary and caucus states. His soaring rhetoric inspired audiences and won him kudos at every debate he participated in, but failed to translate into support. He failed to meet the thresholds for both the December and January debates. His paths to victory were blocked by other candidates. African American voters shunned both Booker and Kamala Harris (before she dropped out) in favor of former Vice President Joe Biden, who served under the first black president, Barack Obama. While Booker had run New Jerseys largest city, Newark, another mayor, Pete Buttigieg, of South Bend, Indiana, captured far more attention. His calls for unity and to heal Americas political divisions fell on the deaf ears of a Democrats infuriated by the policies and the rhetoric of Trump and wanting someone as angry as they are. Even at the end, Booker made no apologizes for the type of campaign he ran. Im proud of the ideas we brought to this Democratic primary and, more importantly, the values we championed throughout that the only way we make progress is by bringing people together even when we were told that our approach couldnt win. Because our values must always be our values, even when thats not convenient, Booker said. Despite long-standing ties to Wall Street and Silicon Valley, he raised far less campaign cash than many of his opponents. He also had to face self-funding billionaires Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg. And while candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren relied on well-developed networks of small-dollar donors, Booker hadnt raised money for a race since 2014 and therefore trailed in assembling such a list of people willing to give over and over again. At one point, Booker even talked about prematurely ending his campaign unless he raised $1.7 million during the last 10 days of September. He surpassed that goal. He instead will run for re-election to the U.S. Senate. 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. President Trump puts his hand in front of NBC News Kelly ODonnell in October 2019. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images One of the many curiosities of the first Twitter presidency is Trumps direct outreach to the Iranian people online. After an apparent de-escalation of the conflict with Iran following retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq, the president tweeted in Farsi to the Iranian public on Saturday, saying that he will continue to stand with you and that Americans are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage. On Sunday, he reiterated his support amid the weekend protests, in which thousands of Iranians expressed their anger over the Khamenei governments admission that it unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane outside Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 Though contradiction in Trumps Twitter feed is a pattern with almost unlimited evidence, the presidents claim of supporting reporters abroad directly contradicts his messaging at home, where he has casually and consistently eroded the relationship between the White House and the press. From effectively ending press briefings to limiting access for reporters asking critical questions, the president has treated American journalists as a hostile force. To pick just the most recent example, at his Thursday rally in Ohio, Trump riffed on the merits of the reporters on site, telling his supporters that they have some bad ones here tonight some real sick ones very dishonest people. (This is to say nothing of one of his primary political slogans.) It is important to delineate the presidents treatment of the press from that of the Khamenei government in Iran, where intelligence officers have reportedly threatened to kidnap Iranian journalists working abroad. It is important, also, to recall that Trumps rhetoric at home is not without consequence. Weve had multiple cases of people using the same rhetoric as the president, a TV news network security director told Mother Jones, describing threats sent to their reporters. And in late October 2018, Cesar Sayoc Jr., apparently inspired by the rhetoric of the president and his movement, mailed 16 non-functioning pipe bombs to targets he considered to be Trumps enemies, including a package sent to CNN, which caused reporters to document the evacuation of their own building on the streets outside the Time Warner Center. 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. BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a message of condolences to Oman's new leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, over the passing of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the death of Sultan Qaboos and extended sincere sympathies to his family and the Omani people. Sultan Qaboos was a great leader of Oman and had made important contributions to Oman's development as well as to the peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi said in the message, noting that the late sultan was admired and loved by the Omani people. Calling him an old friend of the Chinese people, Xi said that Sultan Qaboos had made positive contributions to advancing the China-Oman strategic partnership, facilitating practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields, and deepening the friendship between the two peoples. The Chinese government and people cherish their friendship with Oman, Xi said, adding that he is convinced that with concerted efforts, the China-Oman strategic partnership will make new progress. Roman Truba is suspected of interference with activity of a law enforcement officer and disclosure of information on pretrial investigation or inquiry Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine initiated a criminal case against the former Director of the State Bureau of Investigation, Roman Truba, MP Oleksiy Honcharenko reports, citing the Office. The case against Truba was brought on December 13, under the articles "Interference with activity of a law enforcement officer" and "Disclosure of information on pretrial investigation or inquiry". "Records from Trubas cabinet, which have been made public, prove that the former head of the department repeatedly and cynically violated the law. In this case, just dismissal is not enough. I think that an unbiased investigation into the actions of Truba and other figurants is a matter of honor for law enforcement officers," Oleksiy Honcharenko wrote. Meanwhile, State Investigation Bureau (SIB) summarized its work in 2019 and admitted that it failed to fulfill its priority tasks. As we reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Roman Truba from the post of the Director of the State Investigation Bureau (SIB) as the text of the order said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:05:49|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ATHENS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Three people have been arrested on charges of human smuggling following the sinking of a boat carrying refugees and migrants off Greece's Paxoi island group on Saturday, the Greek Coast Guard said on Monday. The three suspects were among the 21 people who were rescued, according to an e-mailed press release. Twelve bodies were recovered on Saturday and the search and rescue operation continued on Monday, the Coast Guard said. Survivors have told local media that approximately 50 people were on board the boat when it capsized under yet unclear circumstances. No information has been given by the authorities on the nationalities of victims and survivors. Saturday's tragedy is the deadliest occurring in Greece in recent months. Hundreds have perished in the Aegean Sea while attempting to reach Greece from Turkey among the million-plus people who have entered Europe via the Aegean since 2015. Boat capsizings are rare in the Ionian Sea in western Greece compared to the Aegean. Following the closure of borders along the Balkan route and the conclusion of the EU-Turkey agreement in spring 2016 aimed at stemming the influx, arrivals have decreased dramatically before picking up again in recent months. In 2019, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Greece registered 74,482 arrivals, significantly up from the 50,508 recorded in 2018. The majority of the migrants (59,457) last year crossed the Aegean Sea, while 14,891 people entered Greece from Turkey through their land border in the north. Danilov says "additional forces" could be sent to Tehran. A Ukrainian Defense Ministry transport aircraft with experts involved in a probe into the PS752 crash in Iran will return home after the completion of all the necessary procedures. "The Defense Ministry's aircraft will return from Tehran only after the completion of all procedures and when we can take away the bodies of all 11 Ukrainian citizens killed in the plane crash. All the experts necessary for this will work until the end," Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov said on Facebook on January 12. "If necessary, additional forces will be sent" to Iran, he added. Read alsoPM Honcharuk: Ukraine to allocate over US$8,300 to families of victims of Iran plane crash As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors. A transport aircraft of Ukraine's Armed Forces with 45 experts involved in the probe into the PS752 crash and the identification of the victims' bodies departed from Ukraine late on the same day. The expert group included members of the State Emergency Service, the Defense Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the SBU Security Service of Ukraine, the National Security and Defense Council, the State Aviation Administration, the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine and UIA experts. On January 11, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a "human error." Shares of steel major were up 0.64% at Rs 489.65 after the company announced successful refinancing of 1.75 billion euros of European debt. Tata Steel announced that Tata Steel Netherlands Holdings B.V. ("TSNHBV"), a 100% subsidiary of Tata Steel, has executed agreements for the refinancing of its bank debt. TSNBHV has raised term loan facilities of 1.75 billion euros from 19 banks. This represents a reduction of 500 million euros versus the external debt outstanding in Tata Steel Europe as of March 2019, enabling the standalone European business to have a more robust balance sheet while it is also putting in significant efforts at restructuring and improving its operating performance. These facilities have also been contracted at favorable terms and more efficient pricing, besides extending the maturity profile relative to the existing ones, the company said. Koushik Chatterjee, executive director & chief financial officer, Tata Steel said: The new financing has more flexible terms and better pricing that will provide greater financial headroom to the business in the coming years. The Company was able to complete this financing despite all the volatility in the financial markets, demonstrating the strong confidence enjoyed by Tata Steel in the financial community. Tata Steel India's production volume rose 1.83% to 4.46 million tons in Q3 December 2019 as against 4.38 million in Q3 December 2018. Production in Europe surged 6.84% to 2.5 million tons in same period. Tata Steel India's sales jumped 24.42% to 4.84 million tonne in Q3 December 2019. Sales in Europe declined 1.7% to 2.31 million tons on the back of overall slowdown and seasonal weakness. During Q3 December 2019, weakness in GDP growth and industrial output continued across major economies affecting steel demand. However, Chinese steel demand was buoyant as despite higher steel production, exports stabilized at around five million tonne a month. Sharing its outlook, Tata Steel said: "Positive developments on the US-China trade talks along with a step-up in China's policy easing is expected to provide support to global steel demand and steel prices. However escalating geo political tension pose a risk." In Europe, the overall slowdown coupled with seasonal weakness kept steel spreads under pressure as declining steel prices offset the benefit of softness in raw material prices, the company added. Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA). It is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world. On consolidated basis, the steel major reported a 6% rise in net profit to Rs 3,302.31 crore on the back of one time deferred tax gain of Rs 4365.33 crore in Q2 September 2019. Net sales fell 15.77% to Rs 33,953.75 crore during the period under review. Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cllr Meirion Jenkins is the Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources on Birmingham City Council. In January last year, I wrote for ConHome about how badly Birmingham was run by its Labour administration and how much taxpayers money was being wasted. A year on, we see no sign that our Conservative Groups concerns about a growing lack of accountability, secrecy, and a dictatorship style of management by the Council Leader and his Cabinet are being assuaged. There is a big problem in Birmingham City Council with transparency; the current Labour administration not only seeks to keep far too much information secret from both councillors and the public but, even where information is eventually disclosed, it is often disclosed late or in a form intended to minimise scrutiny. Contracts are renewed when they should be subject to scrutiny and re-tender. Decisions which are said to be urgent (and therefore sidestep the normal checks and balances), often are only urgent, if indeed they truly are urgent, because of crass inefficiency on the part of the administration. The hard truth is that the Labour Cabinet (with some notable exceptions) are just not good enough to run a city of Birminghams complexity. This means that officers find it easy to keep the upper hand, albeit one might counter that Labours political leaders are sometimes accused of standing behind officers to deflect responsibility. For example, the company that provided home to school transport for Birmingham children with special needs went bankrupt. The whole contract had been very badly managed for years with numerous costs overruns and hastily organised extensions. This particular contract had been extended seven times since 2009 without a proper re-procuring process. At various times, members raised serious concerns in the finance scrutiny committee but were largely ignored. A report on the whole fiasco was due to come to the Audit Committee in the autumn but was removed from the agenda because of purdah. Purdah is there to protect taxpayers money from being used to influence voting intention. It does not exist to shut down debate by committee members, slow down vitally important pieces of work on protecting vulnerable citizens, and it certainly is not there to save the administration from embarrassment! With the Cabinet already having been told of safeguarding and vehicle compliance concerns and the companys unsustainable finances, one can only speculate as to what further horrors may come out when Labour eventually publishes this report. Audit Committee members are routinely denied access to documents and information and Labour chairs of the Audit Committee seem reluctant to challenge their own administration. Having served on the audit committee most of the time since 2012, I am reaching the point of wondering whether we should withdraw entirely from the committee, for fear that the Conservative presence gives a stamp of legitimacy to Labours conduct. We have already declined the opportunity to take the role of Deputy Chairman. On the other hand, were it not for the Conservative Group, at least trying to allow some sunlight to shine on Labours conduct, goodness knows how little of Labours mistakes and inefficiency would ever be known to the taxpaying public? With preparations for the Commonwealth Games now in full swing, we are already beginning to see worrying signs of Birmingham Labours well-known inability to manage money and contracts. Most of the funding is being provided by central government, with Birmingham taxpayers meeting about 25 per cent of the main cost and also being responsible for the construction of the athletes village. Having devised a convoluted financing arrangement (reminding me of the administrator hospital sketch in Pythons Life of Brian), which even the Leader couldnt properly explain in the Scrutiny Committee, we have already seen a massive budget error. The relocation of a National Express bus depot for the athletes village was budgeted to cost 2 million. In the last few days, the Labour administration has rushed through an emergency decision between Christmas and the New Year (therefore no scrutiny/call-in possible, or even a cabinet meeting) to spend 15.5m approximately an eight times overspend. Labour in Birmingham is devotedly anti motorist despite constantly saying that they support Birmingham motor trade workers. With no referendum (as was the case elsewhere and despite no clear policy statement in their manifesto), Labour is implementing a charge for motorists who drive into the city. Described as a clean air zone, it makes several poor choices. The Conservative plan for green infrastructure (which was in our manifesto), would have delivered 25 per cent 30 per cent cleaner air without relying upon a taxation based behavioural change and / or the associated damage to Birminghams economy. The cost of the Conservative plan would have been met from the same grant that Labour is wasting on cameras. Labours own report acknowledges that their plan will hit the least well off the most, being those residents who cannot afford to replace their car with a newer compliant model. This policy side-stepped democracy for fear of the voters wise judgement. (Remind you of anything?) If the way that Labour runs Birmingham is anything to go by, then truly thank goodness we won the general election. Had Labour won, I have no doubt that the patterns of behaviour that we see in Birmingham, would have become a template for the way that our country would be run. Detectives have charged a woman with setting fire to her own prison cell at Broome Regional Prison in order to escape, then lighting a fire at the local primary school that caused millions in damage and caused the partial evacuation of Broome Hospital. The 22-year-old escaped about 1.55pm on Sunday, as authorities detected and extinguished the fire inside the cell. The fire at the primary school. Credit:ABC Kimberley As police searched for her, they were called to a fire at Broome Primary just after 4pm, the smoke from which was so thick that parts of nearby Broome Hospital had to be evacuated. Firefighters extinguished the fire but not before it caused an estimated $3-$5million damage, an estimate that may rise. A 26-year-old man was arrested from Khar area in Mumbai on Sunday for allegedly raping a woman and her teenaged niece here after which the minor girl became pregnant. The accused identified as Ajmal Hussain Lashkar (26) was produced before a local court, which sent him to police custody till January 17. According to police, the victims met the accused at a party in Mumbai after which they became close. "The accused gave the woman and her niece an alias name. He later raped the woman after promising to marry her and made obscene videos of her without her knowledge," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mohan Dahikar. He said that the accused showed the videos to the minor girl and raped her multiple times by blackmailing her with threats to make the video viral. The family found out about the incident after the girl got pregnant, after which a complaint was filed by the woman at Bangur Nagar police station on January 9. "After we received the complaint, an FIR was registered against the accused and an investigation was carried out. We tracked the accused and arrested him from Khar area here," he said. Police said that during interrogation, the accused said that he used the alias Ashish Dubey. A case was registered against him under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for a legal battle with an oil firm which claims he is obstructing its access to a crucial North Sea pipeline. Jim Ratcliffe, chairman and chief executive of Swiss-based petrochemical firm Ineos US firm Apache insists chemicals giant Ineos is unfairly hiking charges to use the Forties pipeline system, which transfers oil and gas from the North Sea to the UK mainland. Apache says Ineos, which owns the pipeline, wants to double the fees and is refusing to commit to transport all the fuel it wants to transfer. The firm is now turning to the High Court to enforce a deal it struck with the pipes former owner, BP. Ineos said it will defend the case. After Uttarakhand and Maharashtra Assemblies, Bihar Assembly on Monday ratified the 126th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2019, passed by the Parliament in December last year. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by Union 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.) Former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) exits federal court on October 1, 2019 in New York City. Collins announced his resignation from Congress on Monday. Federal prosecutors on Monday urged a judge to sentence former Rep. Chris Collins, a New York Republican, later this week to nearly five years in prison in an insider trading case, citing his lies to FBI agents and his apparent efforts to get others to cover up his crime. "There plainly is a need for the sentence imposed in this case to be substantial enough that it will promote respect for the law, in light of the lack of respect that Collins has shown for it and the importance of making clear that conduct of this kind, by anyone, is not tolerated," prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Collins, who represented a Buffalo-area district, pleaded guilty in October to tipping off his son Cameron about a failed drug test by an Australian pharmaceuticals company, Innate Immunotherapeutics, whose board Collins sat on, before the test results were made public. Collins, 69, had frantically called Cameron Collins on June 22, 2017, from an event he was attending on the White House lawn minutes after getting an email from Innate's CEO informing him and other select company insiders that the drug designed to combat multiple sclerosis had failed its tests. Collins was a major shareholder in Innate. The tip allowed Cameron Collins, his fiancee, Lauren Zarsky, his fiancee's parents and others who learned about Chris Collins' tip to avoid significant losses in their stock holdings by beginning to sell their shares of Innate Immunotherapeutics the following day. Innate's stock fell 92% once the company issued a press release about the failed drug test on June 26, 2013. By that time, Cameron Collins had sold more than 1 million shares of the company's stock, avoiding about $571,000 in losses, while his fiancee's father, Stephen Zarsky, avoided losses totaling almost $144,000 after trading on the illicit tip. "Congressman Collins was unable to avoid losses by selling his own shares because they were not held at a United States broker and could not be traded on the OTC [over-the-counter] markets," prosecutors wrote in their filing. Both Cameron Collins and Stephen Zarsky pleaded guilty in the case and are due to be sentenced next week. Chris Collins, who was the first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, is due to be sentenced Friday for one count of conspiring to commit securities fraud, and for one count of making false statements to the FBI. He had resigned his seat in Congress a day before pleading guilty, after vowing for more than a year that he would fight the charges, and after winning re-election in 2018 while under criminal indictment. Federal sentencing guidelines in the case recommend a prison term in the range of 47 to 57 months, according to a report by the U.S. Probation Office. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York want the judge in the case to give Collins a sentence on the high end of that range. Prosecutors in their court filing Monday said, "The Government believes that a sentence at the top end of the Guidelines range is necessary in order to satisfy the objectives of [the federal criminal code] and in particular to promote respect for the law, to provide just punishment for the offense, and to achieve general deterrence." The filing notes that in April 2018, FBI agents visited Collins at his home and asked him questions about trading activity in Innate around the time the drug results became public. "Collins elected to speak with the agents, and to lie to them in order to divert law enforcement from the trail of evidence showing that he and Cameron had committed insider trading," prosecutors wrote. Collins originally claimed he had not told anyone about the results of the drug tests after receiving them. "That was a lie," prosecutors wrote. "Then, he amended his account to say he had told his wife about the trial results, but not Cameron," the filing said. "That was also a lie. Then he invented an additional wrinkle: that Cameron had told him that he (Cameron) intended to sell shares in Innate due to concerns about the trading halt" that occurred after the company said it would be announcing the results, the filing said. After lying to the FBI, Collins "almost immediately" called Dorothy Zarsky, the mother of Cameron's fiancee, "and left a lengthy voicemail for her," prosecutors wrote. EDWARDSVILLE An ordinance dealing with underage vaping in unincorporated Madison County is expected to be discussed at Wednesdays Madison County Board meeting. Several board committees including Judiciary, Public Safety and Health have been dealing with the ordinance at various times. The ordinance would only cover unincorporated areas of the county. According to a copy of the proposed ordinance, the ordinance would ban the sale or use of vaping products to anyone under 21. While such sales are already prohibited, the ordinance would add teeth to the ban. Youth found in possession of e-cigarette items could be fined up to $200 for a first offense. A second offense within 36 months could be met with a $400 fine. The fine could be waived if they agree to take and satisfactorily complete an educational program within 90 days. A third offense could bring a $650 fine. Businesses or individual providing e-cigarettes to someone underage could face a $650 fine. Vaping has come under increased scrutiny after numerous illnesses and some deaths have been reported among users. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health there have been 214 reported cases and five deaths in Illinois as of Jan. 9. Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair counties each had three to six vaping-related cases, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The victims ages range from 13 to 85 years, with the median age 22. According to the IDPH website, the use of e-cigarettes among youth is an emerging public health threat. While cigarette smoking has declined to 5 percent from 21 percent of high school seniors from 2008 to 2018, use of e-cigarettes has dramatically increased. Between 2016 to 2018, e-cigarette use in Illinois increased from 18.4 percent to 26.7 percent among high school seniors, a 45 percent increase, according to the IDPH. A 15 percent increase was seen among eighth-grade students; and a 65 percent increase among 10th grade students. It also noted that almost half of students 10th to 12th grade believe there is low or no risk of negative health effects. More information about e-cigarettes and vaping can be found on the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/tobacco/e-cigarettes-and-vapes. Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447. THERE can be few islands in this country that have had their form as radically changed as Rocky Island, Co Cork. One of around 13 islands, or former islands in Cork harbour, its minute size meant its shape could be easily changed by its owner for other purposes. All the other islands in the harbour bar Spike Island are now connected to the shore by causeway, bridge or sand bar: Great, Little, Fota, Haulbowline, Corkbeg, Hare, Harpers, Weir, Brick, and Brown. There are others, too, such as Ring Island at Ringaskiddy, but these have effectively merged with the coastline by now. Also, Rat or Coney Island, which was subsumed by an expanded Haulbowline Island. During the Napoleonic Wars in the early years of the 19th century, Cork supplied a huge amount of military ordnance to the English navy. The Gunpowder Mills in Ballincollig manufactured thousands of barrels of gunpowder. Cork Harbour came into use as a major military base with a dockyard built on Haulbowline Island opposite Cobh. Rocky Island is a tiny islet between Haulbowline and the mainland at Ringaskiddy. Today, the island has one of five crematoriums in the country and occupies the former limestone naval storage facility which was built in 1808. The building had a capacity for storing 25,000 barrels of gunpowder. When the island was designated as a storage depot by the British, the Board of Ordnance instructed its engineers to flatten the island and to construct two magazine buildings only one of which remains. In 1839, a John Windele wrote: Rocky Island contains two extensive tunnels, or powder magazines, excavated in the solid rock, and communicating with each other by apertures in the sides. The Islet, a mere barren rock, may be distinguished by its small turret, perforated with loopholes, which forms lookout for a sentinel. Its islandness was lost in 1966 when the Haulbowline Steel Syndicate constructed a bridge to link Rocky Island to Haulbowline and the mainland at Ring Point. Because of the military ordnance stored there, Rocky Island became subject to several attacks and a continuous guard had to be placed there. Nevertheless, there were several incidents over the years involving gunfire. In 1891, the Cork Examiner reported that a private in the 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment, Thomas Swayne, was shot in the face by fellow private, John Porter. He was taken to hospital, where he lies in a precarious condition. In 1902, the Kerry Sentinel reported that, following a shooting, consternation reigned for some time on Rocky Island yesterday. On this occasion, guards rushed to the source of shots were they observed to see a Mrs Fitzgerald in possession of a Lee Enfield rifle. The paper reported: She was the wife of Sgt Fitzgerald of the Munster Fusiliers who was absent but she got possession of his rifle. The guard disarmed the woman. Motives unclear. His wife is a fine type hailing from Co Kerry. The facts of the occurrence were very difficult to obtain owing to the reluctance of the military men on duty. The risks of a massive explosion were highlighted by the paper and how essential it was to maintain security. There is as much explosive matter stored in it as would, if exploded, leave ugly traces over a wide area and the Government Dockyard and Government ships in the vicinity stand a poor chance if ever such a calamity occurred, said the Kerry Sentinal. These are some of the reasons it can be presumed why the military authorities exercise extraordinary vigilance in connection with the place. In 1905, the Cork Examiner again reported that Rocky Island is beginning to get rather an unenviable reputation for wild shooting associate with it. In this instance a bullet was fired from Rocky Island towards painters engaged in refurbishment at Haulbowline and that a bullet that whizzed dangerously close, so near that they had a remarkable escape. Rocky Island, the military area on Haulbowline, Spike Island, and the forts at the mouth of the harbour remained under British control until 1938. The crematorium was set up in 2005. How to get there: Drive 1km east from Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. Other: islandcrematorium.ie 2.6k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trump viciously mocked Sen. Cory Booker for dropping out of the race for the Democratic nomination, even though Booker will be a juror at his impeachment trial. Booker posted this video announcing that he was suspending his campaign: Its with a full heart that I share this newsIm suspending my campaign for president. To my team, supporters, and everyone who gave me a shotthank you. I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together. pic.twitter.com/Fxvc549vlJ Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 13, 2020 Trump responded to Bookers positive message with mockery: Really Big Breaking News (Kidding): Booker, who was in zero polling territory, just dropped out of the Democrat Presidential Primary Race. Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2020 Not everybody can have the Russians rig an election for them as Trump did in 2016. Trump is in no position to mock anyone, as third president in US history to be impeached, Donald J. Trump has no room to talk. Trumps tweet has been gobbled up by his supporters, but it is this behavior that is motivating so many Americans to go to the polls to vote him out of office in November. Trumps character and behavior are some of the biggest issues on the ballot. Its not the economy or the stock market, but Donald Trumps lack of character that will drive so many people to vote against him in 2020. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook Irans ambassador to the UK has been given a dressing down over the arrest of Britains representative in Tehran. The UKs ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, was arrested by police on Saturday as demonstrations broke out over the downing of a Ukrainian airliner by Tehrans military. In response to the arrest, Hamid Baeidinejad was summoned by the Foreign Office for a meeting with Middle East Minister Andrew Murrison. Dr Murrison said: The arrest of our ambassador to Iran was a flagrant violation of international law and it is important that Iran understands how seriously we take this matter. It must not be allowed to happen again. I made that clear to the Iranian ambassador this afternoon. In the Commons, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit out at the illegal treatment of Mr Macaire, who was held for about three hours after attending a vigil for those killed on Ukraine International Airlines flight 752. Thanks for the many goodwill messages. Can confirm I wasnt taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects- some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting. Rob Macaire (@HMATehran) January 12, 2020 Footage previously published by Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency appeared to show Mr Macaire at what it called an illegal gathering. But Mr Raab said: He was not attending or recording a political protest or demonstration. Mr Macaire said that he went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of the tragedy to pay his respects to the four Britons killed when the aircraft was shot down, but left after five mins when some started chanting. Story continues Mr Raab said that given the treatment of the ambassador, security measures at the embassy in Tehran were being kept under review. He told MPs that Iran now faced a choice about its future direction. The regime in Tehran is at a crossroads, Mr Raab said. It can slip further and further into political and economic isolation. But there is an alternative and the regime does have a choice: the diplomatic door remains open, now is the time for Iran to engage in diplomacy and chart a peaceful way forwards. Irans Revolutionary Guard admitted accidentally shooting down the Ukrainian jet with the loss of all 176 people on board, including four Britons. Families of the victims could seek compensation from the Iranian government, Downing Street indicated. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: As a first step we need a comprehensive, transparent and independent investigation to know exactly what happened. Of course the families of the four British victims deserve justice and closure and we will continue to do everything we can to support them in getting that, including options for compensation. (TNS) Winnebago County has been struck 224 times since Nov. 28 by computer malware that could disrupt and even cripple public safety and other services provided to thousands of taxpayers and residents, but a potentially bigger threat looms: A budget crunch that has slowed the pace of upgrades to the county's network.In 72 of those 224 instances, firewall technology employed by the county detected "callback activities," a signature of ransomware. The malicious software, typically spread through infected emails and websites, denies access to network systems or data until the victim pays a ransom to the hacker.Rockford Public Schools is still rebuilding its IT infrastructure following a September ransomware attack that left employees unable to access school computers, laptops, tablets and anything else connected to district servers or the Internet.In the U.S. last year, at least 113 municipal and state government agencies, 764 health care providers and 89 universities, colleges and school districts were struck by ransomware, costing an estimated $7.5 billion in damage, according to a December report authored by the software firm Emsisoft.Winnebago County has been fortunate so far. Employees in Gus Gentner's information technology department have quickly detected, intercepted and neutralized every virtual threat during the last month or so, including an attempted cyberattack that was thwarted at 3:37 a.m. Thursday."For us, 224 events in about a month, I'd say that's normal," said Gentner, the county's chief information officer. "We have about 1,200 employees. With that many moving parts and that many people logging on to our network, there's bound to be events. But it's not a question of if there will be a cyber event, it's a question of when."It's also a budget question.Baker Tilly, a private firm that the county pays for external auditing and financial consulting services, recently completed a review of the IT department and advised that $10.2 million worth of hardware and software upgrades be completed within the next five years. Ideally, consultants said, the county should spend a bit more than $2 million over the next three years on a "gigabit to desktop" network upgrade so that employees can continue to transmit data seamlessly with no disruption to county services.Continued investment in cybersecurity also is paramount, Gentner said. Virtually all of the services that Winnebago County provides to its taxpayers and residents are dependent on the county's IT network, which requires routine maintenance, repair and around-the-clock safeguarding, Gentner said."What we really need is faster interaction between our employees' desktop computers and our servers," he said. "We have about 1,200 employees. That's a lot computers, a lot of data moving around all the time."It's not just data in the form of text," Gentner said. "There's a lot of image data. A sheriff's deputy may be rendering a mug shot that needs to be uploaded and stored on the server. Someone else may be rendering a video that's evidence or an exhibit in a court case. Think about all of the video conferencing in our courtrooms when someone needs to testify from a remote location."Gentner said he submitted a budget request for the needed IT enhancements to administrators this fiscal year and during the two previous annual budget cycles. None of the upgrades he's asked for has been funded, he said. On Thursday, the County Board rejected a $133,000 budget amendment for data processing supplies and Internet services. Without those network upgrades, deputies and corrections officers cannot effectively use $2.4 million worth of Tasers, body cameras and squad car dash cameras that were recently purchased by the sheriff's department.County Board member Aaron Booker, R-1, voted in favor of the budget amendment, but the proposal failed to garner enough votes to pass. Booker said he predicts more budget battles until a majority of the board is willing to work with administrators to develop a comprehensive plan to pay for all of the county's capital needs. Booker said that for now, at least, the board doesn't seem to have the will to address the issue."I think it's going to take a lawsuit or an election to change things," Booker said. "That's just my personal feeling." Win Tell us what songs you like and you could win this week's prize! Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 12:15:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi here Sunday, vowing to enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. Chiwenga said Zimbabwe highly values its friendly relations with China, and is willing to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to turn the political mutual trust into practical cooperation, and upgrade the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. He hailed China's generous help in Zimbabwe's economic and social development and welcomed more Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Zimbabwe. Chiwenga reiterated that Zimbabwe firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports China on all issues involving its core interests, and stands together with China in international affairs. Wang spoke highly of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Zimbabwe, saying that during the period of struggle for national liberation, China and Zimbabwe were close brothers who fought side by side; and during the current national construction process, the two countries are mutually beneficial and win-win partners. Wang believed the southern African country has a bright future, noting China supports Zimbabwe in speeding up the pace of reform and in exploring the road to development in line with its own national conditions. He also stressed that China is willing to share its experience in economic and social development and governance with Zimbabwe with no reservation, and continue to provide assistance and support within its capability. Wang urged the two sides to closely coordinate and cooperate in multilateral affairs, and jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The Islamic Republic of Iran has warned the UK not to intervene in its internal affairs, spokesman for the Iranian government Ali Rabie said at the press conference in Iran. UK Ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire was detained for a short period for participating in an illegal rally, the spokesman added, Trend reports referring to IRIB. Rabie added that after the Iranian police revealed Macaires position, they released him within 15 minutes. The spokesman said that this is an unacceptable and unprofessional action to be taken by an ambassador. UKs ambassador was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry because of this action and a protest was expressed to Macaire and the UKs government, Rabie said. UKs ambassador was detained for participating in a rally hold by students gathering at Tehran's Amir Kabir University on Jan. 11 to honor those killed in the plane crash hours after Iran admitted it was downed by mistake. The Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed in Tehran province on Jan. 8, killing all 176 people on board. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13)The Department of National Defense said the first batch of returning Filipinos is scheduled to leave Iraq for Qatar on Monday night and may arrive in Manila tomorrow afternoon. In a statement Monday, the Defense Department said at least 12 Filipinos will leave Baghdad for Qatar at 9pm tonight. They are expected to arrive in Doha at 12:30 am Tuesday. A text message shared by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana quoted special envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu as saying the Filipinos are waitlisted for the 2:35 am flight of Qatar Airways to Manila. If they will be accomodated, they will arrive in Manila tomorrow at 4:10 p.m. Lorenzana earlier on Monday said the homecoming of Filipino repatriates from the Middle East has been delayed due to the disruption in operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). If the airport can accept their flights, then makakauwi na sila, said Lorenzana in a press briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management. [Translation: If the airport can accept their flights, then they can push through with their travel.] NAIA was closed on Sunday after ashfall from restive Taal Volcano spread to parts of Luzon. It resumed partial operations Monday morning. Some 516 flights and 25,000 passengers have been affected since Sunday afternoon following Taal's sudden rumbling and belching of ash columns. On Monday, it spewed a "weak" lava fountain for an hour and half as volcanologists warned that a hazardous eruption remains imminent. READ: NAIA resumes partial operations amid Taal eruption Lorenzana said that repatriates from the Middle East are currently on hold in their places of origin for a day or only for hours. Mga one day or hours lang siguro yan. Kasi in-open na ni Manager Monreal yung airport...Pinapauna niyang paalisin yung mga nandiyan na kasing walang bay yung darating, he said. [Translation: It might take a day or only a few hours. Because Manager Monreal already opened the airport...He is just giving way for departures first because there are no available bays for arrival flights.] Lorenza said 14 Filipinos are expected to arrive from Iraq amid the tensions between the United States and Iran. However, his department's statement, which came later, said there were 12 Filipinos leaving Iraq for Qatar. Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal earlier clarified that despite the resumption of partial operations at NAIA, airlines were still finalizing information on the status of their flight schedules. He added that arrival flights would only be accepted based on availability of slots at the terminals. CNN Philippines' David Santos contributed to this report PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 15:15:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 901 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, ALBERTA and TEL AVIV, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / InnoCan Pharma Corporation ("InnoCan" or the "Company") (INNO:CSE) announced today that test results of its unique cannabidiol (CBD) loaded liposomal platform technology developed under the Company's previously announced funded research agreement (the "Yissum Agreement") with Yissum Research and Development Company ("Yissum"), the commercial arm of Hebrew University (Jerusalem) demonstrated high loading of CBD, having the potential of a new way of administration by injection. The technology is the subject of a previously announced provisional patent application.Development efforts and tests for the CBD loaded liposomes were performed over several months by Prof. Chezy Barenholz, Head of Membrane and Liposome Research Lab, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem and head researcher and supervisor under the Yissum Agreement and the following results were achieved:High loading of CBD was achieved. The loaded amount is sufficient for administration of a therapeutic dose.Several types of CBD liposomal formulations were developed having potential of targeting a variety of clinical indications for CBD injection administration.The liposomal formulations may have the potential to enable a controlled release delivery of injectable CBD.In the picture: Iris Bincovich CEO, Prof. Barenholz, Ron Mayron Chairman, Yoram Druker VP BDProf. Chezy Barenholz, Head of Membrane and Liposome Research Lab, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel said: "This is a significant milestone and creates the basis for the development of therapeutically meaningful New Drugs, based on local injection of CBD, that could have greater efficacy and promote the well-being of patients suffering different ailments".Iris Bincovich, InnoCan's CEO said: "These positive first stage results are a powerful demonstration of the value of our partnership with Hebrew University. Continued test success would provide InnoCan with numerous commercial prospects. We anticipate the complete of the next development stage, within 18 to 24 months.InnoCan's project with Yissum is targeted at developing a breakthrough technology platform that enables the delivery of cannabinoids by injection of hydrogel-cannabinoid-loaded (such as CBD) liposomes into the blood stream or to a specific body part. The controlled release of CBD (or other cannabinoids) from the liposomes may allow continuous exposure of the patient to the cannabinoid and decreases the variations of CBD concentration in the blood caused by food intake or other physiological condition. Moreover, through injection of loaded liposomes, a greater portion of intact CBD can reach its target site, decreasing the total amount of CBD needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The use of the technology is versatile and may be tailored to the development of different cannabinoids.About InnoCan Pharma CorporationInnoCan brings pharmacological rigour to the burgeoning CBD marketplace. The founders and officers of InnoCan collectively have extensive experience, and commercially successful records in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors in Israel and globally. InnoCan's business has three distinct operating segments relating to the incorporation in products of CBD in their formulation: (i) research, development, marketing, distribution and sales of InnoCan-branded OTC pharmaceutical products; (ii) research and development of non-pharmaceutical products for third parties in exchange for fees and/or royalties; and (iii) research and development of hydrogels containing liposomes intended for licensing or sale to third party pharmaceutical corporations for manufacturing, distribution and sales. http://innocanpharma.com/ Forward Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "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 involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks contained in the Company's annual information form filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com . Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.For further information, please contact:For InnoCan Pharma Corporation:Iris Bincovich, CEO+972-54-3012842info@ innocanpharma.com For Investor Relations:Proconsul Capital Ltd.Andreas Curkovic416-577-9927NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.SOURCE: InnoCan Pharma Corp Key benchmark indices trimmed gains in afternoon trade. Positive cues from other Asian shares, easing of crude oil prices and strengthening rupee triggered buying in domestic shares. At 13:26 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 225.54 points or 0.54% at 41,825.26. The Nifty 50 index gained 60.85 points or 0.50% at 12,317.65. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.76% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.79%. The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 1458 shares rose and 889 shares fell. A total of 173 shares were unchanged. In Nifty 50 index, 35 stocks advanced while 15 declined. Macroeconomic data: India's industrial output grew 1.8% in November against a contraction of 3.8% in October, according to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data released by the government. Industrial output, or factory output, is the closest approximation for measuring the economic activity of the country's business landscape. Manufacturing output, which accounts for more than three-fourths of the entire index, grew 2.7% in November, against a contraction of 2.1% in October. Mining production grew 1.7% against a fall of 8% a month ago. The growth of primary products fell 0.3% against a fall of 6% last month. Production of capital goods in November saw contraction of 8.6% against a fall of 21.9% in October. Consumer durables fell 1.5% in November against a fall of 18% last month. Electricity production fell 5% against a contraction of 12.2% in October. Stocks in Spotlight: Coal India (up 2.70%), Britannia Industries (up 1.69%), Hindustan Unilever (up 1.64%), Indian Oil Corporation (up 1.28%) and Wipro (up 1.27%) advanced. Tata Motors (down 1.35%), Eicher Motors (down 1.23%), UPL (down 1.22%), Bharti Infratel (down 0.74%) and Tata Consultancy Services (down 0.81%) declined. Infosys surged 4.47% to Rs 771.25. On a consolidated basis, net profit rose 10.9% to Rs 4,457 crore on 2% increase in revenues to Rs 23,092 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q2 September 2019. The company increased FY20 revenue guidance. The revised guidance is 10.0%-10.5% in constant currency higher than 9-10% estimated earlier. It maintained FY20 operating margin guidance range of 21%-23%. Infosys said that its audit committee has found no evidence of financial impropriety or executive misconduct, giving a clean chit to CEO Salil Parekh and CFO Nilanjan Roy who were accused by anonymous whistleblowers of rigging the company's balance sheet. Tata Steel advanced 1.21% to Rs 492.45. The company's wholly-owned Netherlands- based subsidiary, Tata Steel Netherlands Holdings BV (TSNBHV), said that it has executed agreementsfor the refinancing of its bank debt. TSNBHV has raised term loan facilities of euro 1.75 billion from 19 banks. The fresh arrangement will enable the standalone European business to have a more robust balance sheet. Yes Bank slumped 6.03% to Rs 42.10. The private sector bank said that its board have approved raising of funds upto Rs 10,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt and decided not to proceed with the offer from Erwin Singh Braich-SPGP Holdings. The bank will hold extra-ordinary general meeting to obtain shareholders' approval for fund raising. Foreign Markets: Shares in Europe opened higher while Asian stocks continued trading higher ahead of US-China trade deal that will be signed this week on 15 January 2020. This week Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese officials are due to sign the long-awaited phase one trade deal between both countries. The deal will involve some tariff relief, increased Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural goods and changes to intellectual property and technology rules. Meanwhile, Washington and Beijing have agreed to hold semi-annual talks in targeting to resolve disputes and push for reforms. In US, stocks ended lower on Friday, after the Dow briefly topped the 29,000 milestone, with investor euphoria over recent record highs deflated by data showing slower-than-expected US jobs and wage growth in December. The US Labor Department said the US economy added 145,000 new jobs in December less than the 266,000 gain in the prior month. The unemployment rate, meanwhile, held near a 50-year low at 3.5%. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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Claire Stapleton, then a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, faced the same question over and over: What did she plan to do with that English degree? She flirted, noncommittally, with Teach for America. Then, a Google recruiter came to campus and, Ms. Stapleton said, she won American Idol. The company flew her out to Mountain View, Calif., which felt to her like the promised land ... Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, on Monday insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari has no reason to silence... Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, on Monday insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari has no reason to silence his opponents who lost during the 2019 elections. Keyamo said Buharis opponents were silenced during the last elections, hence no need for the president to take such step now that polls are over. The Minister in a series of tweets wrote: There are butterflies amongst us who think theyre birds. They shouted themselves hoarse against us during elections, yet the voters didnt listen & nobody silenced them. Is it after their threat during elections is over that anyone would be interested in silencing them? This President has NO REASON to silence those already silenced by the roaring voices of 15m voters in the last 2 general elections. These tiny bad losers are rather the ones who want to silence the voices of those 15 million citizens & govt has a responsibility to prevent that The comedians among these butterflies are those who drag in the name of govt into their private predicaments to whip up public sympathy. How would govt turn the public against someone who didnt have the public behind him in the first place? What is there to turn against him? This is coming at a time the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accused the Buhari-led Presidency of witch-hunting political opponents. PDP alleged that the Presidency was bungling Nigerias national unity through their exclusionist policies, divisive comments, disregard for rules, and failure to bring perpetrators of violence to book. The opposition party lamented that all efforts by well-meaning Nigerians and groups to ensure unity and harmonious co-existence in the country are being destroyed by the APC and the Buhari administration through their brazing acts of nepotism, total disdain for merit and complete disregard for the federal character principle in appointments, projects and programmes, to the vexation of the generality of Nigerians. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Police have arrested two people, including a minor, in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman in San Francisco's Tenderloin earlier this month. On Jan. 5, officers found 32-year-old Emma Hunt of San Francisco suffering from a gunshot wound on the sidewalk near Larkin and O'Farrell streets. Hunt was taken to a hospital, where she died, police said. Officers with the Police Department's Narcotics Detail were able to arrest 18-year-old Kevin Figueroa around 10:30 a.m. Friday near Eddy Street and Van Ness Avenue. RELATED: Man pleads in teen's slaying, is sentenced to 25 to 60 years He was booked into custody on suspicion of conspiracy and homicide, police said. Later that day, officers located the second suspect, a 17-year-old boy, as they served a search warrant at an apartment in the 600 block of Mission Bay Boulevard, according to police. Officers booked the teen suspect into the Juvenile Justice Center. His name won't be released since he's a minor. Police have not revealed what led up to the shooting. Anyone with information about the case is being asked to contact the San Francisco police 24-hour tip line at (415) 575-4444 or to text a tip to TIP411 with "SFPD" at the beginning of the message. 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. Appointment 13 January 2020 During his successful 15 -year stint as Trisara's General Manager, Mr. Lark has been instrumental in positioning Trisara as one of the top luxury resorts in the world. He led the Trisara team to earn recognitions including Robb Report "Best of the Best", Conde Nast Traveler "Gold List", Gallivanter's Guide "Best Resort Worldwide". Mr. Lark's exceptional care for guests and colleagues has been recognized by many accolades throughout his career. In 2019, discerning readers of the Gallivanter's Guide voted him as one of the Best General Managers Worldwide. Barack and Michelle Obama say they're 'so proud' after their first Netflix documentary film scored an Oscar nomination. The documentary American Factory, which is the first release from the Obamas' production company Higher Ground, earned an Oscars nod on Monday for documentary feature. It will battle it out for the Oscar against The Cave, The Edge of Democracy, For Sama and Honeyland. It was among the 24 Academy Awards nominations that Netflix received. Both Barack and Michelle tweeted their congratulations after American Factory's nomination was announced. Scroll down for video and full list of nominations The documentary American Factory, which is the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground, earned an Oscars nod on Monday Documentary American Factory, which is the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, was nominated for documentary feature 'Glad to see American Factory's Oscar nod for Best Documentary. It's the kind of story we don't see often enough and it's exactly what Michelle and I hope to achieve with Higher Ground. Congrats to the incredible filmmakers and entire team!' Barack tweeted. His wife congratulated the film's producers Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert and Jeff Reichert. 'So thrilled that Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar, and all of the incredible people behind #AmericanFactory are nominated for the Best Documentary Oscar! We're so proud of them and amazed by their talent for storytelling.' The documentary, which was released in August last year, follows a Chinese billionaire coming to Ohio to offer jobs at a reopened General Motors automotive plant. It tells the story of employees struggling to adjust to new leadership at the plant in Moraine, Ohio, after it was reopened by Shanghai-based firm Fuyao Glass in 2015. In the film, the workers' excitement is quickly quashed by difficult working conditions, significantly lower pay and management that fires anyone who falls short of company standards and blocks attempts to unionize. While American Factory never mentions Donald Trump by name, analysts say it offers a biting criticism of the president's failure to grasp complex global economic forces as he promises to reinvigorate manufacturing in America. Oscar-nominated directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert began filming in 2008 when the iconic GM plant was shuttered and 10,000 workers were laid off. The documentary, which was released in August last year, follows a Chinese billionaire coming to Ohio to offer jobs at a reopened General Motors automotive plant They returned in 2015 when Chinese billionaire Dewang - dubbed 'Chairman Cao' - swept in to open a Fuyao auto glass plant. The film charts the Midwestern rust belt community's journey from optimism at the giant plant's reopening - bringing back vital jobs - toward creeping anger and disillusionment as the new management imposed its strict, exhausting demands on workers, sacking those who don't comply. It sheds light on tensions between hundreds of laborers brought in from China and the many former GM employees. The compelling tale of challenges posed by what Bognar and Reichert call 'reverse globalization' struck a chord with the Obamas, who both call the Midwest home. 'Mrs Obama said it resonated with her because her father had done an intense, hardworking job for decades just to provide for his family, and she felt the Midwesterness of the film in what she saw on screen,' Bognar said in a previous interview. Reichert said that Michelle, a Chicago native, 'felt her own family in the film'. 'I think the President felt there was a certain amount of policy issues and big broad globalization,' she said. The film is the Obamas' first project under the deal they made with Netflix to produce content that reflects their values. The former U.S. President and his wife have also entered a multi-year partnership with Spotify to develop and product podcasts to be featured on the music streaming service. In the film, the workers' excitement is quickly quashed by difficult working conditions, significantly lower pay and management that fires anyone who falls short of company standards and blocks attempts to unionize A protest was held in Solapur in Maharashtra on Monday against the book written by a Delhi BJP leader comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A Shiv Sena worker has approached the police in Solapur, around 250 kms from here, seeking a "strong action" against Jay Bhagwan Goyal, the author of the book--"Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi". "While comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Prime Minister Modi, the author has insulted the great Maratha king and hurt sentiments of all the 'Shiv Premis' and 'Shiv Bhakts'," said Dinkar Jagdale who approached Faujdar Chawadi police station and submitted a complaint application. Demanding ban on the book, Jagdale alleged that it has generated "a lot of discontent" in Maharashtra. "The author has insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by taking his name without respect. We seek immediate ban and strong action against Goyal by police," he said. On Sunday, a Maharashtra Congress spokesperson lodged a complaint against Goyal with Nagpur Police for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people through the book. The ruling Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress have criticised the comparison between the 17th Century warrior king, who is revered in Maharashtra, and the PM. As the controversy escalated with the Sena taking an aggressive stand, the BJP in Delhi on Monday distanced itself from the book, saying the party has nothing do with its publication and it represents the author's personal opinion. The author Goyal told PTI that he was willing to revise those parts of the book to which opposition leaders have objected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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) - On Sunday a contract worker was killed at Coronado Global Resources's Curragh Mine located in Queensland Australia. The cause of the accident was not divulged. Operations at the mine have been suspended to allow investigators to work. The worker who died was an employee of Thiess, a mine supplier. On Thiess' website, it says the company is on its third successive contract with Coronado. Scope of work includes operation and maintenance of mobile plant and equipment, including a Bucyrus 495HR2 electric rope shovel. Thiess won an A$1.3 billion contract extension for work at the mine in September, reports International Mining. Coronado Global Resources is an international producer of metallurgical coal with operations in Australia and the U.S. The Curragh complex is located in the Bowen Basin, central Queensland, and has been operating since 1983. In 2017 Curragh complex was the sixth-largest metallurgical coal mine in Australia by production. According to new rules, if any MP noticed that someone did non-personal voting, he/she demands to stop voting President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky approved the introduction of criminal liability for piano voting action in the Parliament. He signed the relevant law No. 2148 today. The Criminal Code stipulates that deliberate committing by MP at a plenary meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of voting for another MP of Ukraine (non-personal voting) is punishable by a fine of $2 to $3.8 thousand. According to the bill, the Verkhovna Rada apparatus provides video recording of voting by MPs during plenary meetings. Under the new rules, if an MP noticed that someone did non-personal voting, he/she demands to stop voting. The presiding judge ascertains whether the MP is present at the meeting. If there is no MP, the chairman informs the Rada about the revealed fact of piano voting and instructs the Counting Commission to withdraw the card of the absent MP. After that, the chairman instructs the Verkhovna Rada apparatus to prepare a report on the violation by the MP of the requirement for personal voting. The notification along with the minutes, the transcript of the meeting and the video is provided to the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada for sending investigations to the State Bureau of Investigations. This law will enter into force the day after its official publication. As we reported before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 431-IX on the right of people with disabilities that occurred due to participation in Anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in Donbas, Joint Forces Operation or military conflicts in other countries, as well as volunteers to receive assistance in medical facilities of the Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine, foreign intelligence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc. Accountancy firm EY has been put on standby to handle the potential administration of regional airline Flybe, according to Sky News. Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Regional airline Flybe is in the midst of talks to secure financing to prevent a collapse of the company that could risk more than 2,000 jobs, according to Sky News. Exeter-based Flybe is one of the largest regional airlines in Europe, and handles around half of all UK domestic flights outside of London. Accountancy firm EY has been put on standby to handle the potential administration of the group, Sky News said, citing unnamed aviation industry sources. Noting that the government had been briefed on a potential crisis at Flybe, Sky News said that both the business and transport departments have been considering providing or facilitating emergency financing for Flybe. Both Flybe and the government have thus far declined to comment. READ MORE: Fastest rise in City optimism in four-and-a-half years In a tweet on Sunday, Flybe said that it continued to provide great service and connectivity for our customers while ensuring they can continue to travel as planned. We dont comment on rumour or speculation, it said. In February 2019, the assets and operations of the airline were sold for 2.8m to Connect Airways, an investor consortium led by Virgin Atlantic and including Southend Airport-owner Stobart and investment firm Cyrus Capital. Citing unnamed airline insiders, Sky News suggested that the financing requirements of that deal had become more onerous, leaving Flybe on the brink of collapse. Flybe currently operates around 75 aircraft across over 70 airports in the UK and Europe. Founded as Jersey European Airways in 1979, the airline carries around eight million passengers a year. In a statement, Pilots union Balpa said it was appalled that the future of the airline and hundreds of jobs were being discussed in secret without input from employees or their representatives. According to reports the airline could have collapsed over the weekend which would have been devastating news, said general secretary Brian Strutton. Story continues READ MORE: Government blamed for 'alarming loss' of affordable homes This is an appalling state of affairs and we demand that the owners of Flybe Virgin, Stobart and Cyrus and the government departments involved stop hiding and talk to us about Flybe. We have a right to be consulted and the staff have a right to know what is going on. If Flybe fails to secure financing, it could prompt the second collapse of a major airline in the UK in less than six months. Thomas Cook, the worlds oldest travel operator, collapsed into administration in September, leaving 150,000 holidaymakers stranded and putting 9,000 jobs in the UK at risk. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 13:54:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JINAN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Zhichao, who had been convicted of raping and murdering a middle school girl, was acquitted after a retrial in east China's Shandong Province on Monday. Wang Guangchao was also acquitted of harboring Zhang and concealing the murder on the same day. The civil compensation that went with the original sentence was announced invalid as well. The victim, surnamed Gao, was reported missing on Jan. 10, 2005. Her body was found in a bathroom at her middle school in Linshu County on Feb. 11, 2005. An autopsy showed that she was strangled to death. The provincial higher people's court ruled that due to lack of objective evidence, and doubtful legality of the defendants' confession, the evidence that led to Zhang's activities of raping, murdering and corpse insulting was incomplete. Besides, witnesses' testimony contradicted Zhang's confession. The court, by order of the Supreme People's Court's retrial decision, launched an investigation on Feb. 8, 2018, and held a private hearing on Dec. 5, 2019. Without reliable and complete evidence, and due to unclear facts, the court sentenced the defendants not guilty. Zhang was released in court. The chief judge informed the two defendants that they can apply for state compensation to the original court that gave the guilty verdict. Five medical professionals were participating in the course Saturday and Sunday. The Society of Trauma Nurses, which connected AtlantiCare with Acheampong, oversees ATCN training nationwide and awards certificates to those that complete the course. Both ATCN and ATLS courses involved intensive classwork and hands-on simulations, as well as testing at the end of the second day on human subjects painted to resemble patients with traumatic injuries, like stab wounds. On Sunday morning, five professionals in the ATCN track were taking part in a musculoskeletal/spine trauma lab, placing their peers leg in a splint to simulate the response to a fractured femur. This is to teach them how to maintain a safe spine so you dont cause any more damage to somebody, because you dont actually know if theres a spine injury, said Lois Kelly, TCRN and course director for ATCN at AtlantiCare. The hospital offers full courses three times a year, as well as an abbreviated refresher course, said Wendi Finkelstein, the continuing professional development manager for AtlantiCare. Professionals working in trauma centers must get recertified every four years. MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) Bernie Sanders has won a coveted union endorsement in New Hampshire as he faces the challenge of earning a repeat victory in the 2020 New Hampshire presidential primary. The Vermont senators presidential campaign announced Sunday that SEA/SEIU Local 1984 is endorsing Sanders once again, after earlier throwing support behind the lawmaker when he ran for president during the 2016 cycle. The organization bills itself as the states second largest union with over 10,000 public and private sector members. After winning a 22-point blowout victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 New Hampshire primary, Sanders is facing a more crowded field in his quest for the 2020 Democratic nomination with New Hampshires primary looming on Feb. 11. Other major 2020 contenders in New Hampshire including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg also publicly courted SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members for support at candidate town halls last year. Sanders also held a town hall with the union and publicly supported the state employees association during a stop on his End Corporate Greed tour of New Hampshire in late December. For decades, Senator Sanders has represented the interests of workers all across this country, and during these past few months, he has taken the time to support SEA/SEIU Local 1984 specifically, SEA/SEIU Local 1984 President Rich Gulla said in a statement provided by the Sanders campaign. Wag the Dog was an oddly prophetic 1997 black comedy in which an American president fabricated a war to divert attention from a sex scandal. In 1998 life imitated art when Bill Clinton uttered the words: I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. He was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1998 for lying about the affair. As it happened, Clinton intervened in the Kosovo war. He also ordered missile strikes in Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq. He was accused at the time of "wagging the dog" to divert attention from his political troubles. US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the missile strike Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing US troops. Credit:AP Fast forward two decades. An American president, impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstructing Congress, has ordered the assassination of the military commander of a sovereign country in what is an act of war. On this occasion, the impeachment issue is not about the seemingly trivial matter in hindsight of lying about sex, but whether a president corruptly sought to pressure an independent nation (Ukraine) to dig up dirt on the family of an opponent (Democrat Joe Biden). Speaking of Ukraine, the downing of a Ukrainian jetliner by an Iranian surface-to-air missile soon after take-off from Tehran airport an error confirmed by Iran's government at the weekend is a sickening reminder of the risks associated with an escalation of tensions in the worlds most volatile region. Home Search ICH The second occupation of Iraq If the US refuses to withdraw its troops they will eventually be forced out as they were in 2011 By Abdel Bari Atwan January 12, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - President Donald Trump has no legal or moral right to reject the Iraqi governments officially submitted request for the withdrawal of all US forces from Iraq. His refusal to pull them out defies both the Iraqi parliaments vote and the agreement signed by the two sides that provided legal cover for the deployment of 5,300 American personnel in the country to train Iraqi forces and help them fight the Islamic State group (Daesh). Iraq no longer needs nor wants that assistance, and certainly not from an aggressive occupying power. Washingtons stance betrays long-term hostile intentions against Iraq and the entire Middle East region. Even more ominously, the Pentagon now says it is studying plans to expand the NATO presence in Iraq. This means bringing in additional troops and armament in open defiance of the Iraqi government and parliament effectively mounting a repeat invasion of the country, under equally spurious pretexts as the first time. In addition, Trump has been reiterating that if the Iraqis insist on the Americans leaving, they will first have to payback the costs incurred by the US in the country, otherwise well stay there. He also threatened to confiscate billions of dollars of Iraqi government funds held in the US and subject the country to draconian economic sanctions as theyve never seen before. By refusing to withdraw its troops and threatening to reinforce the NATO presence, the US is continuing to treat Iraq as an occupied territory, showing utter contempt both for its sovereignty and its government a government that came to power as a result of the political process the US itself imposed on the country. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Outgoing prime minister Adel Abdelmahdi was right to warn the Americans that deploying forces and materiel in or conducting over-flights of the country without the governments permission would be an affront to the Iraqi state and people. But that would be nothing new. When Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Ain al-Assad base during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays respectively, they did not even inform the authorities in Baghdad that they were in the country. Treating the government with contempt is not merely a product of recent developments. As for Trumps demand that Iraq reimburses the US for the costs of invading and occupying the country, this is not just an insult to Iraq but to the intelligence of all humanity. Iraq did not ask to be invaded and occupied. It was subjected to naked aggression on fake pretexts preceded by a crippling 12-year blockade, which between them caused the deaths of more than a million Iraqis. People are continuing to die to this day from cancers caused by the uranium-tipped munitions with which the country was the bombardment. It is the US that should be paying compensation and reparations to Iraq for the untold death and devastation it caused. The US is responsible for triggering the latest crisis to explode in the region, first by ditching the JCPOA nuclear agreement with Iran, and then by assassinating Gen. Qasem Soleimani and his comrade Abu-Mahdi al Mohandis, deputy commander of Iraqs Hashd ash-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) forces. The reported arrest of a three-member spy cell at Baghdad airport that allegedly supplied information about the pairs arrival on a civilian flight from Damascus should shed light on this matter. Armed resistance by the Iraqi people forced American troops to quit the country at the end of 2011, and they will repeat this heroic feat if they have to until the day comes when the US begs the Iraqi authorities as it is currently doing with the Taliban to ensure a safe departure for its forces. The US cannot expect to trample on peoples dignity, violate their sovereignty and murder their leaders in such provocative fashion without provoking a ferocious response. The claim that the US is too powerful for anyone to take on is a deception that must be challenged. The country that is now trying to reconstitute its occupation is the same one that retreated in ignominious defeat from Iraq in 2011 and it is weaker now than it was then, no longer holding sway as the worlds unchallenged hegemon. Iraq cannot and must not submit to this extortion, be it financial or military. It is not a banana republic or an American dependency or protectorate, but an ancient country with a proud and resilient people. It will resist this second occupation and fight back as it did the first time. This article was originally published by "Raialyoum" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== The occupation continues : US is not willing to withdraw troops from Iraq, says Pompeo Pompeo: US troops to continue mission in Iraq The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. 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. A mother-of-two with incurable cervical cancer says her life could have been saved if she had been given a smear test on demand. Maxine Smith started bleeding after sex aged 27 a symptom of the disease. The 31-year-old visited her doctor several times in 2016 because she was worried. She claims a smear test was refused because she wasn't due one until the next year. Women aged between 25 and 49 are invited for a screening every three years. Instead, the hairdresser was given STI tests and told the bleeding was likely to be a side effect of taking the contraceptive pill. Ms Smith moved from Congelton, Cheshire, to Cheadle, Greater Manchester, and was able to get a smear test when she asked her new GP. A smear test doesn't spot cancer. Instead it looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could develop into cancer. In January 2018, doctors diagnosed Ms Smith with grade three cervical cancer the most severe. They spotted a 3cm tumour on her cervix. Ms Smith was told in November 2019 that her cancer had spread and was incurable, despite having undergone several rounds of chemotherapy. She is now making the most of her time with her children George, six, and Mia, five, after being told she may only have three years left with them. Maxine Smith, 31, says her life could have been saved if she been given a smear test on demand. She was suffering with symptoms of cervical cancer and claims to have visited her GP around five times. She is pictured before cancer Ms Smith, a hairdresser, was told in November 2019 that her cancer was incurable after having several rounds of chemotherapy (pictured) Ms Smith is now making the most of her time with her children George, six, and Mia, five, after being told she may only have three years left with them Ms Smith said: 'I believe I wouldn't be facing the horrors in my life now if I'd have been given a smear test on demand. 'I don't think I would have needed all the hard treatment of chemotherapy and then have to be battling it again to lose my life a few years down the line. 'It's left my family feeling heartbroken and helpless, my mother keeps saying it should be her and not me. 'My family are not ready for me to go, they feel cursed. 'The worst feeling is looking at my beautiful children and realising that I'm going to be stolen away from them.' Ms Smith claims that she had a smear test at the age of 26 and was due to have another at the age of 29. But at the age of 27 she began to experience bleeding after sex and went to her doctor in Congleton. Vaginal bleeding is very common and can have a wide range of causes, so is not necessarily a sign of cervical cancer. Ms Smith claims that despite asking for a smear test she was not given one because she was due one the following year. Ms Smith said: 'I knew something was wrong. I'd kept on getting bleeding and went to the doctor around five times. 'I was screened for STIs and was told there was nothing wrong with my cervix even though they didn't do a test. 'I'm not a promiscuous person so it was all very embarrassing. I went so many times but kept on getting told it was my [contraceptive] pill that was making me bleed.' Ms Smith started bleeding after sex aged 27 - a symptom of the disease. She visited her doctor around five times because she was worried. Pictured when she was healthy The hairdresser was given STI tests and eventually told the bleeding was likely a side effect of her contraceptive pill. Ms Smith is pictured before she got diagnosed Ms Smith moved from Congelton, Cheshire, to Cheadle, Greater Manchester, and was able to get a smear test when she asked her new GP. It was then, in January 2018, that doctors found grade three cervical cancer. She is pictured during treatment WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER? Cervical cancer affects the lining of the lower part of womb. The most common symptom is unusual bleeding, such as between periods, during sex or after the menopause, but other signs can include: Pain during sex Vaginal discharge that smells Pain in the pelvis Causes can include: Age - more than half of sufferers are under 45 HPV infection - which affects most people at some point in their lives Smoking - responsible for 21 per cent of cases Contraceptive pill - linked to 10 per cent of cases Having children Family history of cervical or other types of cancer, like vagina Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement Guidance in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme says women with symptoms of cervical screening that can't be explained by infection, contraception use or other causes should be referred to a gynaecologist. Ms Smith was eventually diagnosed with grade three cervical cancer after moving to Cheadle, where she says she was given a smear test on demand. A subsequent biopsy found a 3cm tumour on her cervix. Around 3,200 women in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, according to Cancer Research UK. An estimated 852 women will die from the disease every year. In the US, 13,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed every year, and about 4,290 women will die. At 29, Ms Smith had to endure the pain of having a hysterectomy an operation to remove the womb in order to remove her cancer. She underwent gruelling chemotherapy and was told the cancer was gone. It is unclear when this was. In November 2019, Ms Smith received the news that her cancer had returned and that it had spread to her lymph nodes and bowel. Ms Smith is currently receiving chemotherapy to shrink the cancer in an effort to give her some extra time with her children. She said: 'My children are quite young but I've tried to explain to them what's happened. 'I've said there's a flower that's opening up inside of me and it's getting bigger and bigger. 'I've told them I have to go to hospital to get this magical treatment that makes the flower close. 'They know I'm poorly but that's all I've told them. I want to protect them as much as I possibly can. In November 2019, Ms Smith received the news that her cancer had returned and that it had spread to her lymph nodes and bowel. She is pictured before she became ill Ms Smith, pictured with her children, said: 'I won't be able to see my children grow up to be adults. The doctors have said I've got about three years at most' Ms Smith said: 'My children are quite young but I've tried to explain to them what's happened. I've said there's a flower that's opening up inside of me and it's getting bigger and bigger' Ms Smith, pictured wearing a wig after chemotherapy, said: 'I believe I wouldn't be facing the horrors in my life now if I'd have been given a smear test on demand' 'Not a day goes by that my heart doesn't break when I think they won't have me around one day and I won't see their lives unfold.' Ms Smith is now calling for smear tests to be given on demand rather than every three years. Ms Smith said: 'I won't be able to see my children grow up to be adults. The doctors have said I've got about three years at most. 'I'm going to fight this with everything I've got. I don't care how much pain and suffering I have to go through as long as it gives me the chance to stay with the kids for just a bit longer. 'The NHS have been fantastic, they've gone above and beyond and I'm just so grateful to them. 'I'm hoping to just spend time with my children and enjoy the little things in life with the time I have left.' Ms Smith's family and friends are currently raising money for her on GoFundMe to pay for the cost of taking her and her children to Disneyland. China's biggest and most powerful destroyer has entered service as Beijing seeks to boost its military presence amid escalating tensions with Taiwan and the United States. The Nanchang, the country's first Type 055 guided missile destroyer, was commissioned to the navy of the People's Liberation Army yesterday morning in the eastern port city of Qingdao, according to state media. The commissioning of the vessel, a domestically built 10,000-ton-class surface warship, came a day after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen was re-elected for a second term on the back of a message of standing up to Beijing. It also came as tensions between Beijing and Washington rose over the latter's support for self-ruled Taiwan as well as anti-government protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong. The Nanchang, China's first Type 055 guided missile destroyer, was commissioned to the navy of People's Liberation Army Sunday morning in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao International observers believe that the commissioning of the warship could signal Beijing's efforts of building its military presence further from its shores and into the western Pacific. In the above picture, taken on April 23 last year, sailors stand on the deck of the new type 055 guide missile destroyer during a naval parade in eastern China's Shandong province The Chinese navy is growing faster than any other major fleet. The country has been investing heavily on building a 'deep blue water' naval force capable of operating globally, and the official delivery of the Nanchang was a step forward in the ambitious military plan, according to Chinese state media Global Times. International observers believe that the warship could signal Beijing's efforts of increasing its military firepower further from its shores and into the western Pacific. The Type 055 Nanchang destroyer is expected to form a battle group with either of the country's two aircraft carriers, said Global Times, quoting Chinese experts. China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, entered service in September, 2012, and is based in Qingdao, the same city as the Nanchang. Its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, went into active service on December 17 and is stationed in the city of Sanya on the edge of the South China Sea. The country is said to be building a third aircraft carrier, which would be equipped with a flat-top flight deck and an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong (pictured), went into active service on December 17 and is stationed in the city of Sanya in southern China on the edge of the South China Sea The Type 055 guided missile destroyer measures 180 metres (590 feet) in length and 20 metres (66 feet) in width. It has a displacement of more than 10,000 tons and is equipped with 112 vertical launch missile cells capable of launching a combination of surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, land-attack missiles and anti-submarine missiles, reported Global Times, citing media reports. A Beijing-based naval expert told the newspaper that the 'versatile' Type 055 could not only serve as a powerful escort to aircraft carriers but also lead a task group without a carrier and conduct a wide range of missions. Collin Koh, a research fellow and maritime security expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told The Japan Times that the warship is 'by far the most powerful surface combatant' in China's navy, apart from its aircraft carriers. The Chinese navy is undergoing 'comprehensive training' aimed at forming operational capability for the Nanchang and merging the warship into its combat system, the vessel's Captain, Zhou Minghui, told state broadcaster CCTV. The Nanchang was launched on June 28, 2017, and flaunted at a maritime parade on April 23 last year in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese navy. Its commissioning came Beijing reacted strongly after Taiwan's President Tsai was returned to office on Saturday in a landslide win. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen said the self-ruled island would not give in to threats and intimidation from China and that only Taiwan's people had the right to decide their own future Tsai said upon claiming victory that Taiwan would not give in to threats and intimidation from China and that only Taiwan's people had the right to decide their own future. China, which sees democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, has stepped up military drills around the island since Beijing-sceptic Tsai came to power in 2016. Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said today that separatists 'will leave a stink for 10,000 years' while commenting on Tsai's re-election. The United States expressed its support for Tsai and Taiwan's 'democratic process' - a move that will likely anger Beijing. Meeting Tsai in Taipei on Sunday, the de facto U.S. ambassador in Taiwan, William Brent Christensen, commended voters for taking part in 'this sacred democratic process'. 'This election serves as a reminder that the United States and Taiwan are not just partners; we are members of the same community of democracies, bonded by our shared values,' he said, in comments released by the American Institute in Taiwan. In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, William Brent Christensen (right), director of the American Institute in Taiwan meets with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (left) in the Presidential Office in Taipei on January 12 after Tsai's landslide re-election victory Tensions between China and the U.S. are also reflected in Beijing's position against American charity groups which have supported anti-government protests in Hong Kong. China today blamed months-long unrest in the financial hub on a U.S. charity, Human Rights Watch, after the head of the group was banned from entering the semi-autonomous city. Beijing defended the barring of the charity's Executive Director Kenneth Roth, claiming the non-governmental organisation bears 'significant responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong' and should 'pay the proper price'. Mr Roth, a U.S. citizen, was supposed to give a press conference in Hong Kong this week to unveil the New York-based group's latest global survey which 'describes how the Chinese government is undermining the international human rights system'. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the group of inciting anti-China individuals to carry out extremist, violent and criminal actions and fanning the flames of separatist activities. China has defended barring the head of a New York-based charity group from entering Hong Kong. The overhead view above shows thousands of people gathered in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay area ahead of a planned pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on January 1 The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service in Australia provided a valuable assist to wallabies looking for a meal in the wake of devastating wildfires. The department made it rain carrots and sweet potatoes. The parks service dropped thousands of pounds of vegetables to assist the brush-tailed rock-wallaby population, whose food sources were limited after wildfires tore through their habitats, according to the department. In a statement, the department said, "1000 kilograms of sweet potato and carrot have been sent to six different colonies in the Capertee and Wolgan valleys; 1000 kilograms across five sites in Yengo National Park; almost 100 kilograms of food and water in the Kangaroo Valley, with similar drops having also taken place in Jenolan, Oxley Wild Rivers and Curracubundi national parks." That amounts to more than 4,600 pounds of food and water. The provisions were dropped from helicopters and delivered by land. "The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby," New South Wales Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said in a statement. Kean said the food drop was the most widespread done for the brush-tailed rock-wallabies. He said cameras are being set up to monitor the food and animals in the region. Falling tree: Firefighter dies as Australia plans to adapt to wildfires "At this stage, we expect to continue providing supplementary food to rock-wallaby populations until sufficient natural food resources and water become available again in the landscape, during post-fire recovery," Kean said. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service dropped thousands of pounds of carrots and sweet potatoes from helicopters to assist the brush-tailed rock-wallaby population. Animals in Australia were hit hard by the scorching heat and brush fires. The World Wildlife Fund in Australia estimates that as many as 1.25 billion animals may have been killed directly or indirectly from the fires that have burned in Australia since September. Last week, aboriginal officials in South Australia approved the killing of more than 10,000 feral camels in a region battling drought. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Australia fires: Helicopters air-drop food, water for hungry wallabies French role, security set to dominate Macrons talks with leaders from Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad. French President Emmanuel Macron is due to host counterparts from five Sahel countries Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger to discuss the fight against armed groups and the future of French military presence in the region. Recent tensions between France and the regional governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks on Monday in the southwestern French city of Pau. Macrons meeting with Malis Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Fasos Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Nigers Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritanias Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Chads Idriss Deby was initially scheduled for mid-December but ut was postponed after 71 Niger troops were killed in an attack. Last week, another attack left 89 Nigerien soldiers dead. France has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting poorly equipped local armies that in 2017 launched a joint G5 Sahel force fighting armed groups. Macron insists the five countries must use the Pau meeting to express public support for Frances military presence by far the largest foreign contribution to the fight against regional fighters aligned to al-Qaeda and the ISIL (ISIS) group. Visiting the region last month, he complained of a lack of clear political condemnation of anti-French feelings on the ground. I see opposition movements, groups, who denounce the French presence as a neo-colonial, imperialist, Macron said in Nigers capital, Niamey, adding he was loath to send soldiers to countries where their presence was not clearly wanted. Fighters have recently stepped up their campaign against military and civilian targets, and earlier this month, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned that terrorist groups are gaining ground. Louis Magloire Keumayou, of the African Information Club, said a military answer was necessary in order to eradicate the armed groups in the region. But this would not be enough because we also need to bring social answers, he told Al Jazeera from Paris. Down with France On Friday, hundreds of people gathered in Malis capital, Bamako, to protest against the presence of foreign troops, carrying posters reading: Down with France, Barkhane must leave and France is a brake on our development. Despite the French presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA in Mali, the conflict that erupted in the north of the country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours, especially Burkina Faso and Niger. Thousands of civilians have been killed and more than a million displaced, with hundreds of troops dead, including dozens from France. 181206120109665 On Monday, the leaders will lay a wreath and observe a minute of silence for seven soldiers from Pau who died in action in Mali among 13 French troops killed in a helicopter crash while hunting armed fighters last November. The presidents will then gather for the summit Macron has said must clarify the political and strategic framework of the Sahel military campaign. After the talks, for which three hours have been set aside, the leaders will regroup for a working dinner where they will be joined by Guterres, European Council President Charles Michel and African Union Commission President Moussa Faki. Remobilise Malis Keita has said the summit will be decisive and will allow us to put on the table all the questions, all the grievances, all the solutions. But he insisted the G5 leaders would demand a respectable and respectful relationship with France. Kabore, of Burkina Faso, has described Macrons recent insistence as lacking in tact. Nigers Issoufou said the summit would launch an appeal for international solidarity so that the Sahel and France are not alone in this fight. On Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the summit would serve to remobilise and adapt ourselves to the new reality of the onslaught, which analysts say appears to have become bolder, more complex, and better armed. Paris will also use the occasion to repeat its call to other Western nations for help to step up the fight. NGOs on Friday urged that civilians caught in the crossfire not be forgotten at Mondays talks. The military response in the Sahel is part of the problem, said Maureen Magee of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Last year, military operations in Mali have pushed more than 80,000 people to flee. Engagement in the Sahel must put the protection of the populations at the heart of the response. Book clubs: awful, right? All that pressure. All that homework. All that intellectual snobbery, all that veiled competition. If you're in one perhaps you're anxious because you still haven't finished this month's book and don't understand it, are scared to admit you hated it and it's only two days away and you're hosting do you ever wonder if there is an easier way to combine sociability and enjoyment of reading? That feels less like being back at school? Well, there is. Silent Book Club. The idea is simple. You show up with a book any book and read it silently for an hour or so in the company of others. There's usually chit-chat before and after, and events are usually held somewhere it's possible to obtain the traditional book-club bucket of Pinot Grigio. But unlike other book clubs there's no pressure to come up with witty comments with which to dazzle fellow guests, you don't have to pretend to have read Robert Musil's modernist epic The Man Without Qualities just because the person whose turn it was to choose is showing off, and if you don't want to listen to Daphne going on about her ex, you don't have to. Book clubs: awful, right? All that pressure. All that homework. All that intellectual snobbery, all that veiled competition. Sam Leith (pictured) looks at a new trend of silent book clubs Its slogans include 'Shhh . . . we're reading' and 'Welcome to introvert happy hour'. Which true bookworm wouldn't like the sound or lack of sound of that? In our clattering, beeping, roaring modern world, silence is the most precious elixir of all. We anxiously swap tips on noise-cancelling headphones, and I know at least half a dozen people only some religious who have been on silent retreats. An East London hairdresser has started offering 'silent haircuts' for those who can't stand small talk. Uber has introduced a Quiet Ride button for those who'd rather not talk to their drivers. Silent tech fans, vacuum cleaners, kettles commands a premium price. You can even go to a silent disco. So why not read in silence, too? The Silent Book Club concept started, as much of this sort of thing does, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally, it was the idea of two busy working women in California, who took to meeting for a glass of wine and a few chapters of the latest Rachel Kushner in bars and cafes. Now there are Silent Book Clubs in towns and cities worldwide, including, in Britain, Northampton, Sheffield, Manchester and London. Tonight's comes courtesy of Murali Veeraiyan, a tech worker in his mid-30s. He came across the concept in the U.S. Moving back to London, he was astonished to learn we'd been managing without a franchise, so he started his own. Now the group on event organising website Meetup has 1,100-odd subscribers. Today, there are five readers including me, but nobody seems disappointed. It was noisier than expected. Arriving in the Black Sheep Coffee cafe and cocktail bar in London's Euston Road on a week night, I was greeted by thunderous ambient music and a bellowing crowd of drinkers at the bar not, on the face of it, the most auspicious place for a silent club. In our clattering, beeping, roaring modern world, silence is the most precious elixir of all. We anxiously swap tips on noise-cancelling headphones, and I know at least half a dozen people only some religious who have been on silent retreats. But there they were, tucked away at the back, sitting around a big bowl of popcorn and looking in only slight dismay at the crowd. 'We're always trying out different venues,' explains Murali. Around the table are Murali, his co-organiser 28-year-old finance worker Si Ning, and two guests one regular, John, a worker in financial tech in his late 20s; and first-timer Tricia, 32, who teaches business A-level for her day job. John, who says this is the only organised event he attends regularly, says its attraction is that 'you can do anything you want you're not set a task. 'You spend time with people, reading quietly, and speak as much as you want or as little as you want or not at all.' The obvious question bears raising, though. Haven't you just, um, invented the library? The idea is simple. You show up with a book any book and read it silently for an hour or so in the company of others. There's usually chit-chat before and after, and events are usually held somewhere it's possible to obtain the traditional book-club bucket of Pinot Grigio (stock image) 'It's not like a library,' says Murali, 'because libraries discourage you from talking. Here, it's ok to socialise. We actually encourage people to socialise before you start reading. We have a chat and everybody will share what they're reading. Sometimes we have a picnic in the park in the summer.' Plus, as he doesn't add, you can drink. They say the book club attracts a diverse demographic, with participants ranging in age from their early 20s to their 50s. It occurs to me that it might also work as a much more civilised dating mechanism. Tinder for introverts. Shared interests are a given, and the hour of silent reading is probably enough of a bar to entry to keep out the sex-pests. Has there been a Silent Book Club wedding yet? 'No. But we have had a couple of people start dating,' says Si Ning, cheerily. We start by talking a bit about what we've brought. Nobody has a copy of Margaret Atwood's The Testaments, which, Si Ning says, may be a Silent Book Club first. I was sufficiently absorbed by my book I barely noticed the background noise. And at the end of it? The alarm went off. Everyone removed their noses from their books. And we exchanged pleasantries, five relative strangers in a bar, tucked our books in our bags, then ambled out into the drizzly night. Murali tends to read non-fiction about neuroscience and decision-making. The last book he read was Solve For Happy by Mo Gawdat, about creating a happy life, and he's now deep into the Stoics: he has an impressively battered-looking copy of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. Si Ning has just finished Plato's Republic and is now decompressing with her go-to comfort reading, Terry Pratchett. John, who favours non-fiction about history, nature and music (he recently read and enjoyed Adam Nicolson's The Seabird's Cry) is currently deep into a slightly techy book about the music industry called Spotify Teardown. And genre fan Tricia, fresh from Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, is now stuck into some Harry Potter fan fiction. I took a proof of The Holdout a forthcoming thriller by Graham Moore, scriptwriter of Bletchley Park drama The Imitation Game, which crime writer Sophie Hannah said is the most gripping she's read for years. Plus, in case Sophie was wrong, I had Timur Vermes's new novel The Hungry And The Fat as a fallback. Then we were off. It was 7.15pm and an alarm was set for 8.15pm. The first rule of Silent Book Club is, obviously, that you don't talk in Silent Book Club. Not once the reading is under way. Also, checking emails is frowned upon: about ten minutes after silence was declared, I noticed a green banner on the screen of my phone indicating a message, possibly from the nanny. I started thinking, perhaps . . . Murali gave me a look on the kindly side of stern and mimed turning the phone face-down. I did. And there, perched companionably on stools around a wooden bar table, we read happily. If I were to transcribe the next hour of my recording as dialogue, it would look a bit like: ' . . . ' I was sufficiently absorbed by my book I barely noticed the background noise. And at the end of it? The alarm went off. Everyone removed their noses from their books. And we exchanged pleasantries, five relative strangers in a bar, tucked our books in our bags, then ambled out into the drizzly night. It was, you could say, golden. Kolkata, Jan 14 : BJP West Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh's threat to "beat up, shoot and send to jail" anti-CAA protesters, whom he called "infiltrators", and his remark that his party's governments in three states are doing just that, triggered a verbal spat between him and Union Minister Babul Supriyo. The low level of political discourse sunk even lower, as a Trinamool Congress leader asked the Central government to fatally shoot Ghosh. Addressing a party rally in Nadia district's Ranaghat, about 80 km from Kolkata, Ghosh alleged that there were one crore infiltrators in the state. "Friends, please know these people who are opposing Hindus and Bengalis. In whose interest are they doing this? There are one crore infiltrators. They are having their meals and staying here on our money," said the controversial BJP leader known for his incendiary comments. Referring to the widespread violent protests in the state for days last month against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, during which trains, buses, railway property were torched and vandalised, Ghosh said: "Several hundred crores... Rs 500-600 crore, went down the drain. "This (violence) happened because there was neither any baton charge, nor firing, nor was any FIR filed. Why? Didi's (elder sister - as Mamata Banerjee is popularly called) police did not arrest anybody. "Why didn't they do so, even though so much public property was destroyed? Is it anybody's paternal property? The railway tracks, roads, buses and trains were made with the money we pay as taxes. You are not taking any action only because they are your voters?" she said. He then referred to some states ruled by the BJP. "In Assam, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, our governments have shot dead these devils like dogs. They were taken elsewhere and then again cases were filed against them. They will come here, eat, stay, and then destroy property, do they think this is their zamindari? "We will hit them with sticks, shoot them, and also send them to jail. Our governments have done exactly that. Mamata Banerjee doesn't have the guts to do anything," Ghosh added. His party leader and minister in Narendra Modi cabinet Babul Supriyo slammed Ghosh. "Very irresponsible of Dilip Da to have said what he said," Supriyo tweeted, adding that BJP as a party has nothing to do with what Ghosh has said. "It is a figment of his imagination and BJP Governments in UP, Assam have NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever," he said. But Ghosh did not stop, and pooh poohed Supriyo. "People comment according to their understanding. What I feel is that our governments have done it, and so I said all that. If we get a chance we will also do such things," he said, sticking to his earlier comments. Supriyo also hit back. "Just as he has remarked 'Whatever Babul Supriyo has understood he has said', similarly I am saying this is Dilipdaa's personal opinion, and it has no connection with the party". It was then that Trinamool's Birbum district president Anubrata Mondal, who also has a history of making inciteful statements, added to the muddle. "The Central government should first shoot Dilip Ghosh dead," said Mondal, who had in the past asked his party workers to bomb the police and torch houses of independent candidates contesting Panchayat polls. Trinamool secretary general Partha Chatterjee flayed Ghosh, "He should know whatever he says people don't like. He doesn't even have support in his own party," he said. Ahead of the first ODI against India, Australia spinning all-rounder Ashton Turner hailed the leadership skills of skipper Aaron Finch and said that he has given him the "confidence to play his game". "Finch is been really good to me personally. Since I have been around the Australian squads, he has given me a lot of confidence to play my game the way I want to play," Turner told reporters in a press conference here on Monday. The 26-year-old has played three ODI so far and scored 125 runs with an average of 62.50. He was also part of the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Perth Scorchers in the ongoing season. "He has also given that belief to the whole squad. He is a brilliant leader. Since he has taken over as the full-time captaincy of ODI and T20I teams I have felt like we have gone from strength to strength. All of the boys enjoy playing under his captaincy," Turner said. "Australia have had the great history of good leaders and Finch is just continuing that tradition," he added. The all-rounder said that as a batsman he will try to give 100 per cent to lead his side to a victory. "As a batter, we put our best foot forward and play as well as we can and try to contribute to the winning team. It is important for us to worry about the present," Turner said. Turner hailed touring in India and said, "Coming back to India, we love touring here. From my experiences last time, I had a really enjoyable trip with some personal success." "Anytime you get a chance to represent your country and everyone knows the opportunity to play for your country. When you get that chance it is up to the individual how they take that chance," he added. The first ODI of the three-match series will be played at Wankhede Stadium here on Tuesday, January 14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mother, son killed as launch hit another in Meghna River 2 held: probe body formed A launch hit another at Meghna River in Hizla upazila of Barishal early Monday, leaving two passengers dead and eight others injured. Staff Reporter : A woman and her son were killed and eight others injured in a collision between Dhaka-bound 'MV Kirtankhola-10' and Bhandaria-bound 'MV Farhan-9' launches in the Meghna River under Haimchar upazila of Chandpur district early Monday. The deceased were identified as Mahmuda Begum, 25, wife of one Rubel Khan Abbas, from Bakerganj upazila in Barishal and her son Momin Khan, 7. They were passengers of 'MV Kirtankhola-10' launch, said Chandpur River Police Station Officer In-Charge Abu Taher. The 'MV Kirtankhola-10' launch left Barishal for Dhaka around 9:00pm on Sunday. On its way, another launch 'MV Farhan-9' coming from opposite side hit hard MV Kirtankhola in the char around 1:30am, leaving the duo dead on the spot and eight others injured, said Jhantu, counter manager of Kirtankhola. The incident might have taken place due to dense fog and poor visibility, he added. According to River Police Headquarters Control Room, MV Farhan-9 hit another launch, Kirtonkhola-10 from behind, which made Mahmuda and Mominul fall off from a top deck to a lower deck, killing them on the spot. Meanwhile, Pirojpur Sadar Police arrested 'MV Farhan-9' Master Md Aktar Hossain and his aid Md Abdul Hamid soon after reached the launch in the dockyard on Monday afternoon. Besides, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has formed a probe body to investigate the accident. It has ordered to seize the MV Farhan-9 launch. The service is beautiful, in the way that simple things filled with love often are, and on this afternoon the Caboto Centre is overflowing. Standing-room only. Mourners filed in by the hundreds, carrying fresh flowers and baking. Candles flicker on tables, lighting photographs of the lost. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The service is beautiful, in the way that simple things filled with love often are, and on this afternoon the Caboto Centre is overflowing. Standing-room only. Mourners filed in by the hundreds, carrying fresh flowers and baking. Candles flicker on tables, lighting photographs of the lost. By now, Manitobans have seen all their faces, heard all their names. Of the 176 people who died when the Iranian military accidentally shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, 138 were bound for Canada. Nine had roots in Winnipeg, and their lives trace the invisible, familial lines that bind Canada and Iran. They were university students, professors, dedicated community volunteers, a dentist. They were a family of three: engineer Mehdi Sadeghi, his wife Bahareh Haj Esfandiari and their ebullient daughter Anisa, who was just 10 years old. They were a mother and her son: Farzaneh Naderi and 11-year-old Nozhan Sadr. What has unfolded around their memory over the last week is a story of grief, and anger, and shock. It is also a story about community built and tended, about bonds forged through decades of hard work and resilient spirit. A story that now must speak, once again, of innocent lives caught in the crossfire of international tensions. At the memorial service, organized by the Iranian Community of Manitoba organization, those lives are placed front and centre. One by one they are honoured, with tender speeches by loved ones or employers. From screens placed round the room beam cheerful videos of the victims, some captured just weeks before the crash. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS People sign memorial books as they gather at the Caboto Centre Sunday. Kourosh Doustshenas rises to the podium. It is hard for him to stand there and face everyone, he says, but he owes it to Forough Khadem to do it. For years, the Winnipeg realtor had waited patiently, hoping to meet the right person with whom to build a life; he never imagined it would be someone as brilliant, as vibrant as her. Even the photos cant quite capture her brightness, he says, speaking over the phone the day before the memorial. She had a way about her, a positivity that radiated in everything that she did. It is that spirit with which Doustshenas fell deeply in love; after a quiet two-year courtship, the couple had planned to marry later this year. Khadem had come to Winnipeg in 2011 to pursue her PhD in immunology at the University of Manitoba. Once, she had been assigned to assist U of M professor Jude Uzonna at a conference in Tehran; impressed by her talent, he encouraged her to come to Manitoba to pursue her doctorate. A couple of years later, she did. That journey was not always easy for her, Doustshenas thinks. She was a woman in science, which can present its own set of barriers. She was a newcomer to Canada who wore a hijab, which to some visibly marked her as different. Yet somehow, Doustshenas says, these challenges never wore her down. She could talk to anyone and come away having made friends. She mingled with his colleagues at real estate functions as easily as her peers in science. And if people needed help with absolutely anything, Khadem jumped to offer assistance. "It was the way she could reach across and talk to anyone, and not just talk to but have an impact on them, such a good impact on them," Doustshenas says. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Kourosh Doustshenas, partner of Forough Khadem, is comforted as he weeps at the memorial. "To be successful despite all (challenges), and never get negative... this is a gift. It is a gift thats not easy to have in your heart." In the wake of the crash, Doustshenas and other victims families have found some solace in fellowship. The Iranian-Canadian community here numbers at least 3,000, and it is relatively close-knit: in a culture famous for its hospitality, many know each other from various home parties and community events. "Iranian people, they love to get together," says Mohsen Kermani, chatting over coffee before Sundays memorial service. "My wife knows. Sometimes we have 50, 60, 70 people at backyard parties. There are no small groups. When Iranian people get together, its always at least 20 or 30 people." Building that up has been a work of love. Its been 32 years since Kermani came to Canada; at the time, the Iranian-Canadian community numbered around 1,500 people, and was starting to knit itself closer together. Today, Kermani remembers selling out 200 tickets for one of their first formal events in the early 1990s. In 2007, Kermani, Doustshenas and others helped establish the Iranian Community of Manitoba, creating a single umbrella to strengthen their presence. They instituted programs to help newcomers adjust to life in Manitoba, to preserve and celebrate Iranian culture, and to offer Persian language classes. It was not always like this, here. Once, there were only a few intrepid newcomers, carving out a path for those who would come after. And if the tragedy of flight PS752 has sent Canada grieving, it has also put a light on the ties that bind the two nations, which ultimately resulted in so many Canadian-bound people being on that plane. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A couple holds hands during the service. To understand those links a little better, maybe one has to go back to the beginning. Flashback to the fall of 1964. On a plane to Canada, Lot Shafai struck up a conversation with a couple seated next to him, newlyweds flying home after a honeymoon in Europe. At the time, Shafai was learning English; he had a letter from a University of Toronto professor inviting him to study engineering, and not much else. The couple marvelled at his plans. So Shafai had no money, they said, and didnt speak the language, and didnt know anybody in Canada. Wasnt he scared? If everyone in Canada was as nice as they were, he smiled back, then he didnt see any reason to be frightened; besides, he was 21 years old, and ready for an adventure. Not long before, Shafai thought he would earn his masters degree in England. But in London, he met a retired BBC pianist who suggested hed be happier in Canada. At the time, he says, people in Iran didnt know much about the country: there wasnt even a direct phone connection between the two nations, and few professional ties. To learn more Shafai went to Canada House, a historic old edifice near Londons Trafalgar Square, and poured through stacks of books about the country. He marvelled at photos of vast forests, so different from the terrain in western Irans Azerbaijan Province, where hed grown up; he went to buy a ticket the same day. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A young child is hugged during the service. When Shafai landed in Toronto there were, as far as he knows, only 35 Iranian people there. He was accepted at the U of T, where he earned his doctorate in electrical engineering. In 1969, he prepared to move his family back to Iran; but a professor urged him to stay in Canada, where he soon found a job at the U of M. When Shafai arrived in Manitoba he knew of just two other Iranian-Canadians here, two brothers, both doctors. He began writing letters home, praising Canada, encouraging others to come. News spread quickly: one year after he arrived, three physicists from Iran contacted him, curious about bringing their research to the U of M. Shafai, who would become one of the U of Ms most world-renowned electrical engineering scientists, gave them the same advice he told everyone from Iran that expressed interest, in those early years. "I said only come if youre a pioneer, because you have to come and do something good for the country here," he says. "Those that decided to leave, they had this pioneering spirit. Maybe we got a special group of people. Thats how the North American system works. All the newcomers they come and they add to the dynamics." Two of those physicists stayed. Soon, more would follow: based on positive recommendations of Shafai and others, Iran became a key source of young talent coming to the U of M. Shafai himself guided at least 20 Iranian students in his program; it could be more, he says with a laugh, but hed have to sit down and count all of them. "Once they discovered Canada is wonderful place, they all came," he says. "It was word of mouth." JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS It was standing room only as people came together to remember and honour the Winnipeg victims. There is sadness in that story, too. Two of Shafais students, husband and wife couple Pedram Mousavi and Mojgan Daneshmand, went on to become "international superstars," he says, world-renowned scientists at the University of Alberta. They died in the crash along with their two young daughters, Daria and Dorina. "I am really heartbroken, even for their students, because they suddenly dont have their thesis advisors," Shafai says. "These professors were generating funding to pay these students, to be able to study. Its an enormous disaster, not only for people who lost their life, but for all the people left behind." Now, in the wake of the PS752 tragedy, the community here is turning to those ties to help see them through. The pain of the crash is fresh, but to many here, the stress of watching difficult events unfold from afar is nothing new. "Weve been on an emotional roller-coaster for the longest time," Kermani says. "Every so often, it gets to a boiling point, and we dont know when this is going to end." "Unfortunately, during these times, a lot of hearts get hardened," he continues. "We are praying for reconciliation, for peace, for forgiveness, for making this a bridge to come together to avoid and to stop things to happen such as this. It was avoidable." When Doustshenas came to Winnipeg in 1989, he told the crowd at Caboto Centre, he thought hed come so far from Iran that the politics of his homeland could no longer reach him. Then came the day that missiles flew, a plane full of innocent people plunged out of the sky, and the shock waves stretched round the world. 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. Khadem deserved better, he says. Everyone on that plane did. And maybe as the world mourns, as communities in Canada and Iran and across the globe wrestle with the truths scattered throughout the wreckage, hope will emerge. "Every tragedy we always say, maybe there could be a silver lining," Doustshenas says. "Maybe a tragedy brings people closer together. Maybe they will see the humanity in each other more, whether they belong to this political view or this religion. "If they bring a peace and trust and humanity to treat people with less suspicion and less anger, and try to be more helpful to each other, it will really really probably the best thing that can happen to the people who are involved. At least our loved ones wont have died in vain." melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca Earlier, Yashomati Thakur had also said that voters may accept money from the Opposition but must vote for the Congress. (Photo Credit: ANI/Twitter) Mumbai: Days after she faced flak for stating that newly-sworn in ministers in the Maharashtra government had not yet started making money, state minister and Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur has said that touching a cow "drives away negativity". On Sunday, the Women and Child Development Minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government defended her remarks, saying touching any animal, including cows, feels one with compassion. "Our culture says if you touch a cow, all negativity will go away," the Teosa MLA told a gathering in Amravati, over 690 kms from Mumbai, on Saturday. She told PTI on Sunday: "Cow is a sacred animal. Moreover, be it a cow or any other animal, touching them brings a feeling of love to us. What is wrong in what I said?" Earlier, campaigning for the Vashim Zilla Parishad polls, she had said "we have just come to power, our pockets are not warm enough yet". She had also said that voters may accept money from the Opposition but must vote for the Congress. The Congress is one of the constituents in the Shiv Sena-led government, apart from the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. WASHINGTON House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that senators will pay a price if they block new witnesses from testifying in the impeachment trial of President Trump. She said Americans expect a fair trial. Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said the House plans to vote this week to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate for the historic trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress over Trumps actions toward Ukraine. It will be only the third impeachment trial in American history. Its about a fair trial, Pelosi told ABCs This Week. They take an oath to have a fair trial and we think that should be with witnesses and documents. ... Do that or pay a price. But a leading Republican had already dismissed Pelosis tactics, saying the delay would have no effect on the expected outcome acquittal by the GOP-controlled Senate. The Senate should not reward this behavior by the House. The Senate should end this trial as quickly as possible. Thats what I intend to do. He will be acquitted. I hope and pray every Republican will reject what Nancy Pelosi did, and well pick up a few Democrats, said GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Graham predicted in a Fox News Channel interview Saturday that the trial will end in a matter of days. Just before Pelosis Sunday interview, Trump tweeted an insult, calling her Crazy Nancy. Asked about Trumps tweet, Pelosi said, Every knock from him is a boost. The Democratic-run House is set to vote this week to send the articles of impeachment to the Republican-controlled Senate after Pelosi ended a more than three-week delay. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is seeking a speedy trial to acquit the president. McConnell is reluctant to call more witnesses and has proposed a process similar to the last impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999 that would start the proceedings and then vote later on hearing new testimony. Pelosi said senators need to consider new witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton, who has said he would be willing to testify. Democrats are trying to put pressure on senators, particularly those up for reelection in 2020, to consider new testimony. She defended her decision to delay sending the articles of impeachment against the president, saying it produced new potential evidence and turned public attention on the upcoming trial. The House voted more than three weeks ago to impeach Trump on charges that he abused his power by pressuring the president of Ukraine to investigate Democrats, specifically Trump political rival Joe Biden. Trump was also charged with obstruction of Congress for trying to block the House investigation. Lisa Mascaro is an Associated Press writer. Since the 2014 publication of his first YA novel, When I Was the Greatest, Jason Reynolds has produced 15 booksa bounty that seems even more impressive considering he has also spent hundreds of days each year visiting schools and prisons, and speaking at conferences and conventions. In 2020, he will add a huge new responsibility to his schedule: on Thursday he will be sworn in as the next National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, taking the reins from Jacqueline Woodson, who has served in the post since 2018. Reynolds plans to focus on empowering young people in small-town America with a platform he is calling Grab the Mic: Tell Your Story. When we ask about how to perpetuate reading, our knee-jerk reaction is to just insist that young people should read and I know for a fact that is not working, Reynolds said. I travel all over the place and there are lots of well-meaning people who are trying to help kids who dont want to read, who live in households where reading is not valued, kids in prison, and definitely the wrong thing to do is to tell them to read. Youths dont work that way. You tell them to read theyll do anything but read. Instead, Reynolds, whose books include Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, a 2019 National Book Award finalist, and Long Way Down, which was both a 2018 Newbery and Printz Honor book, says he tries to make a personal connection with potential readers. As ambassador, he will visit areas that rarely if ever host an author. I have plenty of colleagues who are terrified or uninterested in going to those places but if we love children you cant only love the ones who are convenient. Thats disingenuous, he said. Im going to rural America, and were going to pick one or two kids, maybe one of the knuckleheads, or the one with the discipline problems, and have them interview me. Ask whatever they want to ask in front of a live audience. Instead of explicitly encouraging young people to read, Reynolds says his goal is to create human moments with kids by allowing them to connect with him. Its a strategy he has used repeatedly. Ive been doing a lot of school visits for five years and I always say, Ask away. Every question is on the table. You can see the teachers cringe when I say that. But the kids want to know, what kind of car do you have? [Reynolds does not drive.] What kind of sneaker? Whats your favorite video game? he said. These are the spaces where young people can talk to me as a person. They find out Im a real human and that I believe in them and as a result they become willing to invest in the things, these books Ive made. Its a backdoor message but it works. Reynolds will partner with StoryCorps, an audio archive housed in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, to record interviews with students while on tour. In his early 20s, Reynolds worked as a StoryCorps facilitator, guiding participants through the interview process. Some of these kids have a lot to express to us about their world, he said. They want us to know they love the place they call home, the new Syrian friends they have in Nebraska, about their grandmama, that some of the things people say about where they live are just wrong. Let them tell their stories. Reynolds has been in discussion about accepting the ambassador role for about a month. He was sworn to secrecy and could not even share the news with his mother, a teacher at a Maryland elementary school. I only told her a week ago. Shes in education so I could not risk that she would leak it. The national ambassador is selected by Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, based on recommendations from an independent committee comprised this year of Philip Nel, director of the graduate program in childrens literature at Kansas State University; Cristina Nosti, events and marketing director at Books & Books; Karli Pederson, childrens librarian at Milwaukee Public Library; Laura Pegram, publisher of Kweli Journal; Eva Volin, supervising children's librarian at Alameda Free Library, Alameda, Calif.; Emma Kantor, associate childrens book editor at Publishers Weekly; and Woodson. The program was established in 2008 by the Library of Congress, the Childrens Book Council and its foundation, Every Child a Reader, to emphasize the importance of young peoples literature. We couldnt be more pleased with the selection of Jason Reynolds, said Carl Lennertz, executive director of Every Child a Reader and the Childrens Book Council. He embodies everything that we look for in this important position, and every young person he will meet over the next two years will have their hearts and minds lifted. Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing, agreed that Reynolds was an ideal choice because of "how he connects with the thousands of young people he meets each year. [He is] a true advocate not only for literacy but for children. Reynolds is confident the ambassadorship wont keep him from writing. I get work done everywhereairports, airplanes, hotels, coffee shops, he said. I have everything I need: laptop, notebooks, pens. A native of Washington, D.C., he also plans to continue as an instructor in the MFA Creative Writing program at Lesley University in Boston. He has two books publishing in 2020 Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (Little, Brown, Mar.), a young readers edition of Ibram X. Kendis 2016 National Book Award winner; and a graphic novel adaptation of Long Way Down, illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff (Atheneum/Dlouhy, Oct.) Reynolds will officially accept the position at an inauguration ceremony at 10:30 on January 16 in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congresss Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE, Washington, D.C. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public. The event will also be streamed live on the Librarys YouTube site. He will become the seventh person to hold the position following Jon Scieszka (20082009), Katherine Paterson (20102011), Walter Dean Myers (20122013), Kate DiCamillo (20142015), Gene Luen Yang (20162017), and Woodson. He is honored to have been chosen but said the real reward is in the work ahead. I dont see it as some kind of award or another laurel to lean on, said Reynolds. If anything, I just want to do a good job. Im excited to have this opportunity and to have the resources behind me to make that happen. At the end of my two years I want my presence to have had an impact. Description GIS 13 January, 2020: Metro Express Ltd (MEL) has announced the distribution of the MECard Student, in the coming weeks, to students above 12 years old and who are currently in full-time education. MEL strictly follows the prevalent Free Public Transport policy of the Government and priority will be given to students whose educational institutions are within the catchment area of Metro Express corridor. This exercise will be carried out in close collaboration with the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA). The MECard Student will be issued against payment of a refundable deposit of Rs 100. Moreover, full time students who opt for the MECard Student will benefit from free travel on board the Metro Express only for their journeys from their residences to their educational institutions, and vice versa, during school days only. Students will need to have both their valid Free Travel Bus Pass issued by the NLTA and their personalised MECard Student so as to benefit from free travel on board the Metro Express. During the distribution phase of the MECard Student, which is expected to be a long one, students, with their valid Free Travel Bus Pass issued by the NLTA, will be able to travel between their place of residence and their educational institution for free on the Metro Express up to 29 February 2020. Furthermore, MEL encourages the public in general to use the MECard which is a quicker, easier and more convenient travel experience on board the Metro Express. The MECard (Adult and Child), which is valid for a period of at least 10 years and is currently on sale at Rs 200 (with Rs 100 Credit that allows for immediate travel), offers a quicker, more sustainable and environment friendly way of travelling on board Metro Express. It may be credited with at least Rs 100 and up to Rs 2 000 at any of the seven Metro Express stations via 16 automated Ticket Machines during operational hours of the Metro Express (06:00 hours to 22:00 hours). Single Use Tickets are still available at the Ticket Machines and passengers are encouraged to use coins instead of notes to purchase them. All passengers are reminded that it is mandatory to validate (Tap On) their ticket before they board the Metro Express and Tap Off before they leave the station at their destination. France and West African states agreed on Monday to unite their forces under a joint command structure to fight Islamist militants in the Sahel region and France will send an extra 220 soldiers to bolster its military presence there, Trend reports citing Reuters. West African leaders assured French President Emmanuel Macron that they wanted France to continue its military involvement in the region when they met with him in the southwestern town of Pau. We have no choice. We need results, Macron said, announcing the reinforcements after the summit with the leaders of Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Chad. France, the former colonial power, has about 4,500 troops already operating in the region, an arid expanse just below the Sahara desert. But security has been progressively worsening. Militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have strengthened their foothold, making swathes of territory ungovernable and stoking ethnic violence, especially in Mali and Burkina Faso. In a joint statement, the six leaders said they would focus their efforts against Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and they urged the United States to continue its logistical support for their forces. This new framework will take the form and name of a Coalition for the Sahel, bringing together the countries of the G5 Sahel, France - through Operation Barkhane, the statement said. Military assistance will also be placed under this format, including a future force of European special forces, it said. The focus of operations would be the border areas linking Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. French troops were hailed as heroes in 2013 when their intervention helped prevent an Islamist militant push to the Malian capital Bamako. But Macron and his government have been criticized at home for allowing French troops to get bogged down and they face growing hostility in West Africa for failing to restore stability. Macron said in December he wanted the West African leaders to clarify whether they want and need our presence. They will meet again in June in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott to assess the impact of the new command structure. Piers Morgan has insisted Scott Morrison won't survive as Prime Minister after he went on holiday during the bushfire crisis. The Dailymail.com Editor-at-Large was interviewed by Sunrise host David Koch on Tuesday morning to discuss Harry and Megan stepping back as senior royals. Koch also asked about Mr Morrison's leadership during the bushfires and Morgan said his decision to jet off to Hawaii in December has made his position 'untenable'. Asked if he had a message for Scott Morrison, Morgan said: 'My first message is what the hell were you thinking going off on holiday to Hawaii when your country is engulfed in flames? The broadcaster and Daily Mail Editor-at-Large was interviewed by Sunrise host David Koch this morning Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (in sky blue) poses with Aussies on holiday in Hawaii 'My second message is get real about climate change.' Morgan said climate change was not the only cause of the fires and acknowledged that Australia has had bushfires for decades. But he said: 'There is no doubt the scale and ferocity of the fires is directly and unarguably linked to the heating up of the planet - it's making it a lot worse. 'So Scott Morrison needs to wake up and recognise the reality.' Koch then asked Morgan: 'Can he survive this?' Morgan replied: 'I would be very surprised if he ends up surviving this. 'The point of leaders is to lead in times of crisis. Anyone can be prime minister or president when things are hunky-dory,' he added. 'But when you're facing one of the most calamitous disasters in the history of modern Australia and your reaction is to go and lie on a beach - and then your reaction is to completely deny any link with the bleeding obvious as to why this may be so bad - I think you make your own position untenable. 'If a British Prime Minister had behaved like he had done in a situation like this, he'd be gone.' Koch asked Morgan what gives him the right to criticise the Australian PM when many people see British PM Boris Johnson as a 'clown'. Scott Morrison needs to wake up and recognise the reality Piers Morgan on climate change Morgan replied: 'Firstly I don't think Boris Johnson is a clown, I think he's a very smart guy and he won a thumping majority in the election... I give him credit for showing leadership in direct contrast to Scott Morrison.' With a smile on his face, Morgan added: 'And when it comes to talking about each other's countries, let's be honest, you guys wouldn't have a show without us Brits.' Koch burst out laughing before Morgan added: 'I love Australia, I love the Australian people and I feel we're very connected.' Morgan also criticised Mr Morrison last week on Good Morning Britain. In a discussion with Liberal MP Craig Kelly, a climate-change sceptic, Morgan said: 'The truth is, he was absent when the fires were burning. 'Scott Morrison thought the right response to these fires erupting in Australia was to go lie on the beach in Hawaii. 'And that was a dereliction of his duty as leader of Australia.' Piers Morgan sent a series of scathing tweets (pictured) about Scott Morrison's handling of the bushfire crisis devastating Australia The host said the crisis was catastrophic, and made all the more difficult by politicians who were refusing to acknowledge the impact of climate change. 'You're facing one of the greatest crises you've ever faced and there is you Mr Kelly, with respect a senior politician, who still doesn't think this has anything to do with a heating up planet,' he said. 'Nothing to see here, nothing to worry about as virtually your entire country is eviscerated by fires - it is quite extraordinary.' As Mr Kelly continued to deny any wrongdoing on behalf of the nation's leader, Morgan cut the interview short. 'We're going to leave it there Mr Kelly. I've just got to say wake up. Climate change and global warming are real and Australia is right now showing the entire world how devastating it is,' he said. 'For politicians in Australia to still pretend there is no connection is absolutely disgraceful.' Residents look on as flames burn through bush on January 4, in Lake Tabourie, NSW NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said early indications suggest hundreds of homes were lost across NSW in Saturday's blaze Morgan also criticised Mr Morrison by posting a series of tweets saying the PM 'got what he deserved' when locals in the bushfire-ravaged town of Cobargo refused to shake his hand when he paid them a visit. The media personality shared a photo of the bushfires with his seven million Twitter followers, writing: 'Half a billion animals killed by the Australian bush fires. So far. 'Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, possums, cockatoos... all manner of species. A staggering, terrible tragedy.' Morgan then commented on the viral video which showed Mr Morrison being jeered by members of the public. 'Morrison got what he deserved... absolutely unconscionable for a Prime Minister to holiday in Hawaii as his nation burns,' he wrote at the time. Recently, Nokia Corporation NOK communicated that it has reached 63 commercial 5G contracts worldwide with 18 live networks to date. The Finnish telecom equipment makers 5G technology has been contracted by all four nationwide operators in the United States, all three in South Korea and all three in Japan. Solid momentum is a reflection of its sustained leadership in cellular technology R&D and standardization. Nokias share price rose 0.25% in Fridays trading session to close at $4.02. Some of its prominent customers are AT&T T, Verizon Communications VZ, T-Mobile US TMUS, Sprint, KDDI, Korea Telecom, LG Uplus, NTT DOCOMO, O2, SK Telecom, SoftBank, STC, Vodafone Italy and Zain Saudi. Owing to notable successes in progressive markets, the companys revenues increased at a CAGR of 12% from 2014 to 2018. It is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2019 results on Feb 6, 2020. Nokias end-to-end portfolio includes products and services for every part of a network, which are helping operators to enable key 5G capabilities such as network slicing, distributed cloud and industrial IoT. It facilitates customers to move from an economy-of-scale network operating model to demand-driven operations by offering easy programmability and automation. It is witnessing healthy underlying momentum in its focus areas of software and enterprise, which augurs well for its licensing business. The company is expanding its business into targeted, high-growth and high-margin vertical markets to address several opportunities beyond its primary markets. It had earlier announced plans to accelerate strategy execution, sharpen customer focus and reduce long-term costs. This, in turn, should help the company to position itself as a global leader in the delivery of end-to-end 5G solutions. At the same time, it is focused on building a strong scalable software business and expanding it to structurally attractive enterprise adjacencies. Nokia also clarified that these 63 contracts exclude any other type of 5G agreements such as paid network trials and pilots. If included, the total number of agreements would then exceed 100. Further, the company has more than 350 customers in 4G, but these first 63 customers symbolize about two-third of its global Radio Access Networks business in a given year. Reportedly, it is the only vendor with a globally available end-to-end product portfolio that covers all 5G network elements. This includes radio, core, cloud and transport as well as management, automation and security. Nokia is focused on its strategy that hinges on four priorities. The first priority is to lead in high-performance end-to-end networks with its communication service provider customers. The second priority is based on its relentless pursuit to expand network sales to select vertical markets, specifically energy, transportation, public sector, technical extra-large enterprises and webscale players. Building a strong standalone software business remains the third strategic priority. The fourth pillar aims to create new business and licensing opportunities in the consumer ecosystem. However, due to margin pressure and additional 5G investments, Nokia lowered its 2020 guidance. Non-IFRS earnings per share are expected to be 0.25 (+/- 5 cents) compared with the previously anticipated 0.37-0.42. Non-IFRS operating margin is likely to be 9.5% (+/- 1.5 percentage point), trimmed from previous estimate of 12-16%. Shares of Nokia have lost 21.2% against the industrys growth of 1.8% in the past six months. Story continues The company topped earnings estimates twice in the trailing four quarters, delivering a positive surprise of 81.6%, on average. It is currently trading with a forward P/E of 14.36X. Nokia currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> 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 Nokia Corporation (NOK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., announced she had formed a political action committee on Saturday to help raise funds for progressive primary candidates. The congresswoman has been a vocal opponent of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's policy to "blacklist" vendors and firms that work with candidates mounting primary challenges against Democratic incumbents. Ocasio-Cortez was one such candidate, having run a successful primary campaign against Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., in 2018. Democratic leadership sees the rule as necessary to protect seats and win elections, but critics like Ocasio-Cortez and fellow 2018 upset victor Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., say it prevents fresh voices from reaching Congress and could encumber efforts to increase diversity in the halls of the Capitol. Ocasio-Cortez has also not paid her dues to the DCCC during this campaign cycle and said she did not plan to pay. The funds are traditionally provided to the DCCC by House members to redistribute among other important races. Fox News reported that nearly 100 members had yet to pay their dues as of October. "DCCC made clear that they will blacklist any org that helps progressive candidates like me," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. "I can choose not to fund that kind of exclusion." Instead, Ocasio-Cortez said that she would raise money for candidates herself and that she had raised over $300,000 for other candidates. The PAC, along with Ocasio-Cortez's decision not to pay her dues and to donate to candidates instead, draws yet another clear dividing line between the freshman congresswoman and the Democratic Party apparatus. The Courage to Change PAC aims to "elect working-class champions who have lived the hardships we seek to eliminate - people who have experienced racial, economic, environmental, or social injustice firsthand," according to the website. Donations will be evenly split between Ocasio-Cortez's campaign and the PAC, the website says. The PAC's website explicitly calls out the DCCC for not supporting such candidates. The DCCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to a tally provided by her campaign on Sunday afternoon, the PAC has raised more than $107,000 from over 7,300 contributions since its launch on Saturday, and the average for each donation was just under $15. In the last two days, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign has raised nearly $150,000, according to data provided by it. "There is a robust infrastructure set up to maintain and defend the Democratic majority, and to support moderate Democrats, and often that infrastructure is running against progressive in blue districts," said campaign spokesman Corbin Trent. "So what we're looking to do is to make sure that progressive candidates and incumbents have the support that they need to back policies that are going to improve the lives of everyday Americans." While Ocasio-Cortez has publicly supported sitting Democrats such as Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut and swing-district incumbents such as Reps. Lauren Underwood of Illinois and Katie Porter of California, she has also thrown her support behind progressive challengers like Jessica Cisneros, whose primary campaign against Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, has attracted national attention. Some of Ocasio-Cortez's Democratic colleagues criticized her fundraising maneuvers last week. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., told Fox News that "DCCC dues are about supporting others because you want to be part of the team." "The goal is to be in the majority," Meeks said. "And the goal is, when you are on a team, I would think, to respect individuals whose districts are different than yours." In April, when asked about the DCCC rule on incumbents, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told The Post, "I'm for winning the House for the Democrats . . . My focus is strictly on winning the election and to putting our resources where it will win the election for the American people." Nepal government recently made yoga compulsory for school children in a bid to promote a healthy lifestyle, according to media reports. The course will be implemented in the school curriculum from the upcoming academic sessions and will be timely revised if needed. Similar credits Nepals Ministry of Education, Science and technology have completed designing courses on yoga for grades ninth to twelfth. Along with that, through an integrated approach, certain concepts about Yoga will be incorporated in other compulsory subjects like English and Nepali as per reports of the international media. The subject will have credits similar to other subjects. The subject will be taught under a three-year diploma programme under the Council for Technical Education. Meanwhile, the curriculum for the three-year vocational course on Technical School Leaving Certificate in Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy has also been designed. Read: Over 24,000 Syrian Children Opt To Study Russian After Govt Adds It To School Curriculum Read: Nepal Observes Birthday Of Founding Father Prithvi Narayan Shah While talking to an International media, Krishna Prashad Kapri, joint secretary at the ministry of education, science and technology said, that the students will have an option to choose between yoga, Ayurveda, and natural medicine as an optional subject at the school level. Ministry spokesman, Deepak Sharma said that the course is integrated with the school curriculum to promote a healthy lifestyle. Kapri also said that the courses will help students learn about Yoga and its importance. The course will also instil moral values in students and help them maintain their mental health. He further revealed that besides being helpful in the treatment of various ailments, Yoga, Ayurveda and naturopathy will also be helpful for further research. Read: Kobe Bryant Opens Up On Regret Over Joining NBA Straight Out Of High School Read: Nepal Govt Officers Begin Anti-corruption Training Programme In Gandhinagar Meanwhile, India is reportedly offering training to a batch of 21 Nepali government officers on anti-corruption training programmes to curb corrupt practices and enhance good governance in the Himalayan nation. The first batch of officers found the training, which was specially designed with inputs from the Nepal government, to be good and fruitful, the statement said. "This course will strengthen the institutional capacity of CIAA to curb corrupt practices and enhance good governance in Nepal," according to the embassy statement. Officials with the Randalls grocery store chain have announced the impending closures of two locations of the store in The Woodlands one in The Village of Grogans Mill shopping center and a second in the Village of Panther Creek shopping center. Christy Lara, director of public relations and communications for Albertsons, Tom Thumb and Randalls, said the two closures in The Woodlands are among five total closures in the Houston region in the latest round of stores shuttering in a challenging economy. In such a competitive environment, our company must sometimes make tough decisions to close underperforming stores so that we can reinvest in our remaining stores in the marketplace, Lara said in an email to The Villager. We are working diligently to place as many employees as possible in other locations, and we remain committed to the Houston market area. We invite customers to shop at our remaining Randalls locations throughout the Houston and surrounding area, several of which were remodeled in 2019. The two locations in The Woodlands are store No. 2673, located at 2250 Buckthorne Place, which is at the intersection of South Millbend Drive and Grogans Mill Road; and store No. 3054, 4775 West Panther Creek Drive, which is located off The Woodlands Parkway near the intersection with Gosling Road. Three other area stores, No. 4540 at Kingwood Drive, Kingwood; No. 1776, at 600 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood; and store No. 4062, located 2323 Clear Lake City Boulevard, are also closing. The two locations in The Woodlands employ a combined 138 employees, with 67 employees at the Grogans Mill location and 71 at the Panther Creek location. For both locations, the anticipated close date is Feb. 15, 2020, Lara added. The decision to close a store is a tough decision and was not made without careful consideration. Gordy Bunch, chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, said township officials received an official letter from Randalls corporate executives on Jan. 10 announcing the two stores would be closing in mid-February, something he said was mildly surprising. We really didnt have any insight (into possible closures). They didnt give any basis for the decision. The one (Randalls) at (Texas) 242 and FM 1488 closed several years ago, Bunch said. A lot of people were concerned with their village centers and shopping options (after learning of recent closures). Bunch also said part of George Mitchells original plans and vision for The Woodlands in the late 1960s and early 1970s as the township was being developed included the philosophy of having village centers with an array of shopping, retail and dining amenities so that local residents could either walk or bike to the centers or it would be a very short drive. The Randalls in the Village of Panther Creek village center is especially close to numerous senior living facilities and apartment complexes, including some that are rent-controlled and have residents who may not have motor vehicles and need a store within walking distance. The Randalls in the Village of Grogans Mill is home to The Woodlands Farmers Market, but has seen declines in shoppers in the past year. Mr. Mitchells original plan was to have grocery stores in each village center so residents could shop locally, Bunch added. We cannot force a landlord to do anything (with the empty space), but we can encourage them to bring in businesses with similar amenities like a grocery store and pharmacy. That would be our expectation: another grocery store such as an Aldi, a Sprouts or others. We will be reaching out to the landlords and see what their plans are for those spaces and see if it includes a grocery store and pharmacy. We will do what we can to make sure our village centers fit to the plan that they were intended for. Randalls, a unit of the national supermarket company Albertsons, has struggled in recent years to compete with regional and national chains offering lower prices and wider selections. The Houston chain closed six stores last year, and after the five closures next month will bring its local footprint to 17, down from 51 locations in 2005. Houston Chronicle Reporter Paul Takahashi contributed to this report. jeff.forward@chron.com (CNN) Princes William and Harry have denied a UK newspaper story alleging that a rift in the royal family was caused by William's "bullying attitude." In a joint statement sent to CNN, spokespeople for the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge said: "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge." "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful," the statement said. It followed a story in the Times of London on Monday, reporting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan and Harry, felt "pushed away" by William's "bullying attitude." The article suggested the brothers "fell out because William wasn't friendly towards Meghan" and that the Sussexes were "constantly being bullied." Harry and Meghan shocked the world and "disappointed" the rest of the royal family last week when they announced they would be scaling back their official duties to pursue their private interests. They added that they wanted to work towards becoming financially independent. Royal sources have told CNN it wasn't the decision itself but the timing of their announcement that left senior members of the family feeling hurt. Queen Elizabeth II, Harry's grandmother, had expressly asked the prince to hold off releasing any statements regarding the couple's future, CNN understands. The royal family is set to hold a summit Monday to discuss Harry and Meghan's future, a palace source told CNN on Saturday. The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry will all attend the meeting at Sandringham, the Queen's country estate in rural Norfolk, about 100 miles north of London. Meghan, who has returned to Canada -- where the couple and their baby son Archie spent the Christmas holidays -- is expected to call in. It's unclear when she will return to the UK. The summit will be the first time the senior royals have met since the Sussexes made their announcement on Wednesday. In spite of the way it has unfolded, the couple's decision to step back from senior royal duties is not that surprising. While it may have come as something of a bombshell to casual observers, the writing had been on the wall for some time. Harry and Meghan have both spoken previously about the toll public scrutiny has taken on them. Harry also flagged up the possibility of living abroad during the couple's controversial TV documentary, which aired in October. Ilia Beauty, a Laguna Beach, Calif.-based prestige line of clean color cosmetics, raised a Series B funding round of undisclosed amount. The round was led by Sandbridge Capital with participation from Silas Capital. The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand operations and invest in R&D. Led by Sasha Plavsic, Founder and Creative Director, and Lynda Berkowitz, CEO, Ilia offers an assortment of more than 100 clean, skin-centric makeup products crafted with certified organic ingredients and non-toxic synthetics. The brand also ensures that its products are manufactured ethically and sustainably, including the use of recycled aluminum and post-consumer recycled paper printed with vegetable-based dyes. The company currently sells through more than 600 doors across 30 countries around the world, including prominent retailers such as Credo, Space NK, The Detox Market, Follain, Bluemercury, Oh My Cream, Mecca and Sephora. FinSMEs 13/01/2020 Police in Tehran have been ordered to show "restraint" at demonstrations that erupted after the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger jet, the Iranian capital's police chief said Monday. "The police treated the people who had gathered with patience and tolerance" in a second night of demonstrations in Tehran on Sunday, said General Hossein Rahimi. "The police did not shoot at the gatherings at all because a restraint order (had been issued) for police in the capital," he said in a statement published by state television. The Ukraine International Airlines plane bound for Kiev was shot down shortly after take-off from Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. Officials in Iran initially denied Western claims the Boeing 737 was downed by a missile, before acknowledging on Saturday that it had been shot down in a catastrophic error. A gathering by hundreds of students at a Tehran university on Saturday evening to honour the dead turned into an angry demonstration against the authorities before it was dispersed by police. Similar demonstrations were held in the Iranian capital again on Sunday night, according to unverified videos shared on social media, but it was difficult to assess how many people took part. Iran has invited experts from Canada, France, Ukraine and the United States to take part in the investigation into the air disaster. President Hassan Rouhani has promised a "thorough investigation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Legislation filed in Oklahoma would establish an organizational framework for addressing mitigation of natural disasters in that state. House Bill 2776, The Oklahoma Hazard Mitigation Assessment District Act, provides the framework for residents in each county to elect and establish a hazard mitigation assessment district, according to Oklahoma State Rep. Lonnie Sims (R-Jenks). House Bill 2776 is the first piece of legislation to be introduced following interim studies Sims hosted at the State Capitol in September and October 2019 to conduct a comprehensive review of the historic Arkansas River Flood of 2019. Oklahoma ranks third in the U.S. in Federal Disaster Declarations and is the only state in the top seven that does not border the ocean or gulf, Sims said. We have to empower our people with the ability to protect themselves from the natural disasters that traditionally put their farms, homes, businesses, cities, towns and lives at risk. From generation to generation, one natural disaster after another, its hard not to become complacent to the tradition of tragedy that comes with living in Oklahoma, Sims added. We can no longer accept that more than half of Oklahoma communities have no access to flood insurance or even the basic resources for hazard mitigation, planning, disaster recovery and most disheartening, local matching dollars to qualify for millions in additional federal aid that victims so desperately need to recover. The Act has gained early support from the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG), Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO), and the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA), which represents the most population-dense county in the state. In his interim study presentation, Joseph Kralicek, executive director of TAEMA said, One dollar of mitigation brings a return of seven dollars or more. Following the historic Memorial Day flood of 1984 that killed 14 as well as damaged or destroyed over 5,500 structures and 7,000 vehicles in the City of Tulsa, the first ever flood hazard mitigation team and utility assessment fee was approved to identify and exclusively fund flood mitigation projects throughout the city. This commitment and investment may have been fully realized in 2019 when no lives or structures were lost in the second largest flood on record. This bill would give counties a desperately needed tool to lessen the impacts of these risks and better protect the lives of all our citizens, Kralicek said. The risks to our population are not decreasing as time passes, and those disasters will continue to cost lives and millions of dollars if they can continue unabated, causing a public safety and public health issue. We were honored to join Rep. Sims multi-level assessment of the Arkansas River flood of 2019. As the states Floodplain Board and Dam Safety administrator, and the agency responsible for the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan, we see a real opportunity for our state to make lasting progress towards long-term disaster resiliency through coordinated local and regional planning and investment, said Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) Executive Director Julie Cunningham. We look forward to working with Representative Sims, Senator Rader, the Legislature, the governor, and all stakeholders to build upon the excellent disaster preparedness and response that Oklahomas emergency management professionals have delivered time and time again. Natural disasters and the horrific damage they inflict have been a part of Oklahoma history for over a century, said Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. I truly appreciate Representative Sims efforts to continue mitigation of flooding and multiple other disasters. According to Lam, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers know firsthand the damage floods, drought and wildfire can do to crops, homes, roads and bridges. Not only do agriculture producers lose income from one years crop, but they lose the resource, the soil, to produce food and fiber for many years to come, Lam explained. Putting decision-making in the hands of local citizens and officials, who set the priorities and pick solutions, is part of our conservation ethic. Sen. Dave Rader, (R-Tulsa), offered his strong support by signing on to author HB 2776 in the Senate. Im excited to join Representative Sims in authoring legislation that delivers local control to the people of Oklahoma, Rader said. Local citizens are most directly impacted by disasters and best equipped to determine the investment priorities to protect their communities. The early support for this legislation has been humbling, Sims said. With every disaster comes a new opportunity to turn the lessons learned into tangible, curative actions that truly honor the thousands of victims who suffered. This bill is a great first step on the pathway to a safer future for Oklahoma, defined by Oklahomans. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Natural Disasters Legislation Flood Agribusiness Oklahoma The installation of a minority Socialist Party-Podemos government in Spain last week raises essential political issues facing workers across Europe and internationally. Described by its architects as the most progressive government since Spains Second Republic (1931-1939), it is in fact committed to imposing austerity, attacks on democratic rights and militarism. It will take place in pre-civil war-like rhetoric from the right-wing partiesthe Popular Party (PP), Citizens and far-right Voxwhich are seeking to bring down Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. During the investiture debate they accused Sanchez of being a traitor and sociopath for accepting support from the Catalan and Basque nationalist parties. Vox has called on the state to intervene to stop Sanchezs investiture, after Spain saw four coups in the 20th century, with the 1936 coup leading to a three-year civil war and a 39-year fascist dictatorship under Francisco Franco. The character of the new government, however, cannot be measured on the basis of the attacks of the right, but by its political programme and the history of the parties making it up. The deputy prime minister of economy will be Nadia Calvino, known for her defence of neoliberal policies in the European Union. She will be tasked with implementing cuts and tax increases to satisfy the governments pledge to the EU of 8 billion in austerity measures this year. Podemos and the Socialist Party (PSOE) have vowed to respect the mechanisms of budget discipline. The PSOE-Podemos government will be the first affected by the amendment of Article 135 of the Constitution, to ensure budgetary stability, passed by Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapateros PSOE government in 2011, with PP support. This amendment makes the repayment of public debt a priority over social expenditure at all levels of government. The law allowed nine years until it would go fully into effect. The amendment now requires the PSOE-Podemos government to cut 25 billion and reduce the national debt by half a billion euros. According to the PSOE-Podemos deal, income tax for those earning over 130,000 a year will rise 2 percent (4 percent for those earning over 300,000). This means that the richest 0.5 percent of the population will pay 49 percent, still below other countries like Belgium (60 percent) or France (55 percent). Even Sanchezs right-wing predecessor had a higher income tax on the richest bracket (52 percent) between 2012 and 2014. Capital gains tax will also rise by four percentage points for those with incomes above 140,000, and corporate tax will have a new minimum rate of 15 percent, while banks and energy firms will have to pay 18 percent. All of these are still lower than the European average. Workers will bear the brunt of new taxes through increases in taxes on diesel, train tickets, road tolls and self-employed contributions to social security. Due to the growing precariousness, many workers are false self-employed, as companies describe them as contractors while they do regular work. The widely hoped-for caps on rents in the housing market have been reduced to a promise to let local city authorities impose temporary rent ceilings if they discover undefined, abusive rent increases. In the last five years, however, rents have increased around 50 percent in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The coalition has also vowed to roll back some provisions of the 2012 PP labour reform, though not that passed by the PSOE in 2010. Both measures helped slash wage levels by increasing the number of temporary and part-time contracts, promoting unpaid internships and apprenticeships, facilitating redundancies, and letting companies make unilateral wage cuts if they projected they would make a loss. The latest statistics show the disastrous effects of these policies. The average income of workers under 35 fell more than 23 percent, from 35,600 in 2011 to 27,300 in 2017. Over 90 percent of new contracts are part-time or temporary, ranging from days to weeks. Of approximately 17 million wage earners in Spain, nearly 6 million, or 35 percent, are precarious workers. The new Labour Minister, the Stalinist Yolanda Diaz, will not revoke most of these assaults on workers. Rather, the government vows to modify more controversial parts of the labour reform, like the authorisation to fire workers on sick leave or unilaterally change job contracts. The government also claims it will raise the minimum wage from 1,050 to 60 percent of Spains average monthly salary, 1,970that is, 1,182by the end of 2024. This is an increase of less than 2.4 percent per year. Jose Luis Escriva will run the Ministry of Social Security, Inclusion and Migration. A former employee of the Bank of Spain, European Central Bank, Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility of Spain and the BBVA bank, he will preside over the detention centres for migrants, where they are held in prison-like conditions. The last PSOE government brutally cracked down against migrants, working closely with Morocco to block migrant ships from reaching Spains coast. Escriva will also be tasked with slashing the pension system to make it sustainable. In recent years, calls have grown inside the political establishment for deep cuts to public expenditure on pensions. Sociologist Manuel Castells (Podemos) will be the Minister of Universities. Castells has openly defended the US university system, where each university has independent structures and can attract private sector investmentsand where students pay tens of thousands of euros in yearly tuition. Arancha Gonzalez Laya will preside over Spanish imperialisms foreign policy. The new government will also have to respond to a petition from Washington to increase the US naval presence at the Rota naval base in Spain by 50 percent, making it the largest US naval base in southern Europe. This is part of the global drive to war, including the ongoing military build-up against Iran in the Persian Gulf. On democratic rights, the new government has claimed it will change the Citizens Security Law (the Gag Law) which severely restricts the right to free assembly and protests. However, the previous PSOE government did not change this, and last year passed an internet censorship law, the so-called Digital Security Law. Podemos abstained in the vote to allow the censorship law to pass. It allows the state to shut down digital communications, websites and apps at will, without a court order. The anti-Catalan campaign, the main framework the ruling class has used to justify its right-wing agenda, will continue. The new government has signalled it will not oppose the courts campaign against the Catalan nationalists and will not free nine Catalan politicians jailed in a fraudulent show trial overseen by the PSOE. Last week, Barcelonas Electoral Commission vacated Catalan regional premier Quim Torras seat in the Catalan Parliament, in effect removing him as regional premier. It follows a decision by Spains Supreme Court supporting the Central Electoral Commissions order suspending him as a member of Parliament. The same body ruled that incarcerated Catalan leader Oriol Junqueras, who received 1.7 million votes, cannot leave custody to take his seat as a European parliament member. The PSOE-Podemos government made no comment. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said during last weeks investiture debate, The next Government will need criticism and pressure from social movements to do things right. This recalls how the Greek ally of Podemos, Syriza, called strikes and protests against its own austerity policies while it was the ruling party. However, these did nothing to halt Syrizas violent onslaught against workers and migrants in Greece. It is now widely acknowledged, even in the bourgeois media, that the PSOE-Podemos governments right-wing agenda paves the way for the fascistic Vox party and its leader Santiago Abascal to take power. Estefania Molina for El Confidencial wrote that Podemos is now part of the system, and proof of this is that its leader no longer speaks of the regime of 78, or avoids talking about political prisoners Well, if Podemos is part of the system, the party that will reap benefits from citizens disaffection with politics, hereafter, will be Vox ... Abascal is watching the precarious working and middle classes, those disenchanted with politics. It used to be that the government relied on the public service to develop policy positions through green papers and white papers. Now, in the absence of any genuine political vision, the government calls royal commissions: on disability; on nursing homes, on banks. And now one is proposed on the bushfires ("PM takes a step in right direction", January 13). This would allow the government to defuse public outrage. It would also give the impression the government is doing something when it is actually just kicking the can down the road for another year or two of inaction. Meanwhile, the commission calls for papers, has hearings and formulates recommendations the government takes under advisement and from which it can cherry-pick what it actually decides to do. The action needed on climate change is already available, but the government does not want to act on it. Scott Morrison may mouth the words "climate change" and "evolving policy" but in the end his credibility in this area is nil. He lost it all when he took a lump of coal on to the floor of Parliament. - Neil Ormerod, Kingsgrove A septuagenarian, I cant recall Australia ever needing as many royal commissions as it has had over the past decade: institution responses to child sex abuse; elder abuse; banks misbehaviour; a dysfunctional disabilities sector; inland rivers management; and the prevalence of ice abuse to name a few. How is it that the executive and legislative branches of Australian governments have become so inert or complacent that it has become the role of eminent jurists and other experts to sort out issues of paramount public importance? - John Williams, Balmain Given the various Coalition governments multiple and contradictory political stances over many years on global warming, a mooted royal commission would need its terms of reference and composition to be very clearly apolitical. These vital aspects should be determined, not by the federal government (as the Prime Minister may have in mind), but by the Council of Australian Governments, which can be expected to have a far deeper (and broader) appreciation of the relevant issues. And it should be to COAG that the commission reports. - Peter Cox, Gerringong The federal government is a candidate for the Darwin awards. How good is the PM's "continuing to evolve" policy? Just ask the country and planet. The reptilian thinking of some Coalition members is disconcerting in the face of empirical evidence and scientific evaluations. With luck, the intellectual evolution of the nay-sayers will catch up with the broader realities facing humanity and allow us to play a small, but morally meaningful, role. Hope is no substitute for action. - Robert Caraian, Crows Nest There are already enough scientists on the planet who can tell our politicians what they need to know. It's a shame no one in Canberra is listening. - Patrick McGrath, Potts Point Jenkintown Road closed from Monday through May India continued to be Nepal's top source of tourists in 2019 even though there was a slight decline in the total number of tourists visiting the Himalayan nation. A total of 1.17 million tourists visited Nepal in 2019 via air and land route while in 2018 a total of 1.52 million tourists had visited Nepal, according to the data compiled by the Department of Immigration (DoI), Like in every year, in 2019 too, Nepal received the highest number of tourists from India. According to the data, a total of 209,611 Indian tourists visited Nepal while 169,543 Chinese visitors arrived in the country in the same year. The US secured the third position with 93,196 visitors arrival from that country while 61,139 tourists arrived from the UK and 55,869 tourists from Sri Lanka. Among the top five countries to visit Nepal, the number of tourists from the UK and Sri Lanka declined in 2019. As per DoI, 63,086 travellers from the UK and 70,610 tourists from Sri Lanka visited Nepal last year. The number of Thai tourists also declined from 53,250 in 2018 to 41,653 in 2019. Similarly, the number of tourists visiting Nepal from France, South Korea and Spain also declined to 30,644, 29,679 and 19,057, respectively in 2019 compared to 31,653, 37,142 and 20,210 visitors respectively in 2018. According to Nepal Tourism Board, flight obstruction due to the rehabilitation works at Tribhuvan International Airport and the halt in flight operations by a few international airline companies hit the tourist arrival figure last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 04:37:27|Editor: yan Video Player Close MADRID, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The 22 ministers of Spain's coalition government headed by Pedro Sanchez were sworn in on Monday before Spanish King Felipe VI to officially take office. Sanchez's Socialist Worker's Party, which won 120 seats in the general election on Nov 10, last year, signed a "pre-agreement" last November with the left-wing Unidas Podemos which claimed 35 seats at the polls to form a coalition government in Spain. Prime Minister Sanchez unveiled his new cabinet on Sunday. The 22 ministers include 11 men and 11 women. Upon taking office, each of the ministers committed to working for a more just, united and progressive Spain in their respective areas. Local analysts believe that although the crisis of forming a government has ended, this new coalition government will face serious challenges in the future because it is a minority in parliament, and there are differences between the two parties in government on various issues. Sadri Madjlessi, the co-owner of Hudson Bay Cafe in North Oakland, was planning to buy a plane ticket to visit his mothers grave in Iran. The U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general on Jan. 3 put his plans on hold. If you think Iran is just another country somewhere over there in the Middle East thats too far away for any conflict to impact everyday Americans, youd be wrong. A 2017 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Brookings Institution found there were about 365,000 people of Iranian ancestry in the U.S., with more than half living in California. The amplified hostility between Iran and the United States has already jolted our cities and neighborhoods. My hesitation going to see my moms grave site is not so much whether Im going to have issues in Iran, its whether Im going to have issues coming back when I get to the airport here, Madjlessi said. Since the drone strike, Americans of Iranian descent have been detained for hours at the border, the Associated Press and other news organizations reported. The detained have been asked about their political views and allegiances, their birthplaces and families. Whats next? We already know the current president doesnt have remorse for locking children in cages, and housing men and women in deplorable conditions in detention facilities. We are all being held hostage to Donald Trumps imperialist fantasies, said Zahra Billoo, a civil rights attorney and executive director of the Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. I think it is unfortunate that American imperialism has an impact not just abroad, but that we feel it at home when people are unable to travel, unable to reach their loved ones, and that impact is both indefinite and generational. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Raised in Tehran, Madjlessi was brought to the United States by his mother in 1977, two years before the Iranian Revolution toppled the countrys last monarch. His family settled in Oakland, which, according to Madjlessi, has a similar climate to Tehran minus snow in the winter. Much of his extended family lived around North Oakland. Three of his aunts lived in Montclair, another on Broadway Terrace. His uncle lived on Manila Avenue, a short walk from the cafe he and his wife, Tanya Anderson, purchased in 2004 on College Avenue in Rockridge. The couple are raising three boys. Hudson Bay is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and, of course, coffee. Its the type of neighborhood hangout where the employees learn the names of regulars, and where regulars usually run into somebody they know. I live a block away, and I sometimes go there to write the columns you read. One day last week, I went there for hot chocolate and just to think. The world we live in sometimes brings me down, and this year began with the wrong kind of bang. Im sure some of you feel the same. I ran into Walter Riley, a civil rights attorney, and we talked about the mothers occupying a vacant house in West Oakland. Riley told me Madjlessi hadnt been to Iran since his mother died on Nov. 15. She was 91. Madjlessi, 56, said that every time he left the U.S. to visit his mother in Iran, his suitcase was searched. And when he returned, he got the same question: What were you doing in Iran? 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. As a taxpaying American citizen, Im not doing anything illegal, he told me as we sat at Hudson Bays counter. We either are not very good at intelligence or were not very good at treating our own people very well. Madjlessi is one of seven children. Two sisters live in Iran, and a brother, who lives in the United States, has been there since their mother died. In the wake of the Ukrainian jet getting hit by a missile minutes after takeoff from Tehran last week, hes decided its safer to stay awhile longer, Madjlessi said. He said he probably wont go to see his mothers grave until after the presidential election. I cant rely on our government to make wise choices for me to feel safe to go somewhere, he said. Its just sad. It saddens me that this countrys foreign policy has been strong-armed by an irrational president, a red-handed grifter who puts his fortunes first. Putting American lives in the line of fire to look tough isnt patriotic. Its idiotic, and were all at risk. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays and Thursdays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr All the Samsung fanboys out there are probably waiting for the big announcement to see the next phone in the highly anticipated Galaxy S series. The company has been updating this line up for 10 years now, so let's just say it's something that we all are looking forward to. But it looks like Samsung has some different plans this year. The company appears to be re-branding the series and the new name is said to be Galaxy S20. The same has been confirmed through a series of leaked images showing the phone. The images were obtained by the folks over at XDA Developers. Here, take a look at it yourself - S20+ 5G looks absolutely insane pic.twitter.com/0vppZ65wys Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) January 12, 2020 As you can see, the phone's startup screen confirms the name. Why did they change the name? Well, nobody knows that for now. Perhaps they are naming by year now? Anyway, we can also see a punch hole on the front for the selfie camera, which is similar to the Galaxy Note 10. The phone seen in the image is a Galaxy S20+ 5G, so it's the larger variant. If XDA's source is something to go by, then it looks like we'll be getting more than a few variants this year. Samsung Galaxy S20 Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Samsung Galaxy S20+ Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) January 12, 2020 On the back, we can see the large camera array that's rumored to include a regular wide angle lens, an ultra-wide angle lens, portrait, and even a macro lens. It's funny how the sticker at the back specifically says "Do Not Leak Info". For those of you who are interested, Samsung will be unveiling all the phone at its Unpacked event on February 11. We'll definitely be bringing you all the updates from the event, so stay tuned. Source: XDA Developers Sunny Sen Oyo will, in the coming days, lay off 1,450 employees, 1,000 of them in India, in an attempt to drive sustainable and profitable growth at the SoftBank-backed startup, a source told Tech2. The budget hotel chain, which has 20,000 employees in India and overseas, is facing a backlash from partners and former and present employees because of transparency and governance issues. Change can be hard. It requires tough choices and it demands bold actions, Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal said in a letter to employees on 13 January. Tech2 has seen a copy of the letter. The letter comes amid reports of pink slips being handed out to staff in India as well as China. The Gurgaon-headquartered company started talking about rightsizing in November during Oyos Global Leadership Meet attended by 100 of its top leaders. In the Global Leadership Meet recently, we have together committed to four key values that are a natural extension of our cultural tenets. These values are building trust, being respectful, and being resilient at all times, Agarwal wrote. The CEO also admitted that in chasing high growth, the company went ahead of itself that pressure-tested the organisation at multiple levels, including at the cost front. This year, we are taking steps to address this, he said even as he went on to say that the companys revenue increased three times in 2019 when compared to the previous year. Culture and governance Commenting on a recent New York Times story that talked about Oyos toxic culture and troubling incidents, Agarwal said that the company was looking into each of the allegations made by the American publication. We continue to be subject to regular external audits and have reached a stage as a company where we are making significant investments in compliance, training, and governance that ensure operational consistency and accountability, he said. Roadmap 2020 The focus of Oyo and Agarwal for 2020 will be on sustainable growth, operational and customer excellence, profitability, and training and governance. The company needed to balance the speed of the growth with operational capabilities to ensure sustainability, Agarwal said. To achieve operational and customer excellence, the company will use technology and data insights along with our culture of service to simplify operations and drive consistent, and high-quality execution. On profitability, a three-prong strategy is in the works: to increase efficiency while focusing on core businesses and rationalising growth avenues; focus on profitable locations and buildings and avoid growth that dilutes margins, and further reduce operating costs. The last objective is to improve training and governance at Oyo, which has emerged as the biggest concern over the last few months. (We will) enable OYOpreneurs with the right tools to drive productivity, consistency and governance while building a high-performing and employee-first work culture, Agarwal added. But it will come at a costdownsizing. Some roles at Oyo will become redundant as we further drive tech-enabled synergy, enhanced efficiency and remove duplication of effort across businesses or geographies, Agarwal said in the letters. As a result, we are asking some of our impacted colleagues to move to a new career outside of Oyo, These employees will get between three to four months of salary, the source said. Jenelle Evans dropped her restraining order against estranged husband David Eason in a Nashville-area court on Friday. The 28-year-old reality star filed documents to dismiss the temporary restraining order in a Davidson County Circuit Court. She was reportedly supposed to be in a Tennessee court room with her ex on Monday morning, but Jenelle dismissed the case with a judge signing off on the request, according to TMZ. In the past: Jenelle Evans dropped her restraining order against estranged husband David Eason in a Nashville-area court on Friday; seen in February Jenelle was initially granted the restraining order in October after claiming she was fearful due to his 'history with violence.' Legal documents obtained by E! News revealed that Evans filed for the order 'because of his recent threats, his history of violence, his erratic behavior and his large stockpile of weapons, I am scared for my life and my children's well-being.' Shortly before seeking court-ordered protection, she filed for divorce from her husband of two years. According to the documents, Evans claimed Eason both physically and verbally abused her and even acknowledged that he shot and killed the family dog after it nipped at their two-year-old daughter Ensley. Not happening: She was reportedly supposed to be in a Tennessee court room with her ex on Monday morning, but Jenell dismissed the case with a judge signing off on the request, according to TMZ; seen in September She claimed that David said: 'You can die for all I care. You're a piece of s***. Biggest piece of s*** I've ever seen.' At the time, Evans claimed that Eason threatened to kill himself if they did not reconcile. Nearly one month later, the Teen Mom star extended her restraining order by more than one month with an expiration date set for today. The mom-of-three to sons Jace, 10, with Andrew Lewis and Kaiser, five, with Nathan Griffith; and two-year-old daughter Ensley with Eason has been candid with her fans about many personal issues, including her divorce filing from Eason. Tough spot: The mom-of-three - to sons Jace, 10, with Andrew Lewis and Kaiser, five, with Nathan Griffith; and two-year-old daughter Ensley with Eason - has past been candid with her fans about many personal issues, including her divorce filing from Eason; seen on Instagram 'I've mostly kept off social media the past few days because I've been focused on making some big life decisions,' she said in a post on Instagram the day of her October 31 filing. 'I've lived my life on camera since I was 17 years old. And a lot of it hasn't been pretty but it's been my life.' She went on to say that she and her children 'have moved away from David,' who made headlines this past April after he fatally shot the family's French bulldog Nugget, claiming the canine had behaved aggressively toward Ensley. The fallout from the killing saw the mom-of-three fired from the MTV series on which she had appeared for most of the past decade. The shooting also led to Jenelle and Eason losing temporary custody of Ensley. The reality star also lost custody of Kaiser while David lost custody of his 12-year-old daughter, Maryssa. The children returned home in July. Jenelle's eldest son, Jace continued to live with her mom, who has had custody over him for much of his life. Ben-Gurion University to present sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer with honorary degree NEW YORK...January 13, 2020 - Renowned psychosexual therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, will be receiving an honorary doctoral degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) on May 19, 2020 in Beer-Sheva, Israel. The ceremony will take place during the University's 50th anniversary celebration. To commemorate the honor, she is establishing the Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer Endowed Scholarship for Psychology, which will fund psychology student scholarships. BGU's Department of Psychology provides students with a broad understanding of the basis of normal and abnormal behavior while teaching and training future researchers and practitioners. "I am so excited to be awarded this honorary degree from Ben-Gurion University. I am proud to be establishing an endowed scholarship to help Israeli students in perpetuity," says Dr. Westheimer. "And, the secret is, everyone who donates gets good sex for life." Watch Dr. Ruth video. Throughout her life and career, Dr. Ruth has maintained her commitment to the Jewish people and Israel. She was separated from her family in 1938 and was sent on a Kindertransport to Switzerland by her parents who later perished in the Holocaust. After World War II, at age 17, she went to Palestine where she fought and was seriously wounded in Israel's War for Independence as a sniper in the Haganah, the Jewish freedom fighters. "I am an orphan of the Holocaust and was in Israel in 1948 when David Ben-Gurion declared the State of Israel," says Dr. Westheimer. "We danced all night. I would have loved to have met him because he was both brilliant and short. I am delighted to have a scholarship for the University that bears his name as Israel's founding father and first prime minister. I just love BGU!" "How fitting that a woman of Dr. Ruth's stature, who heard David Ben-Gurion announce the new State of Israel as a young woman in Israel in 1948, will receive an honorary degree from the University that bears his name seven decades later amidst a long and distinguished career. It is a great honor for BGU to recognize her achievements during our 50th anniversary," says BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. With an uninhibited approach to sex education and therapy, Dr. Westheimer, 91, transformed the conversation around sexuality for nearly four decades. She has appeared on hundreds of television shows as an expert on human sexuality, travelled worldwide giving speeches and lectures, and just published her 45th book. The critically acclaimed documentary, "Ask Dr. Ruth," in which she reflects on her life and career, debuted last year and is now on available on Hulu. Dr. Ruth's media career began in 1980 when her radio show, "Sexually Speaking," premiered on WYNY-FM in New York City. By 1983, it was the area's top-rated radio show, and in 1984 NBC radio began syndicating it nationwide as the "Dr. Ruth Show," which ran until 1990. "Dr. Ruth is incredibly deserving of an honorary degree for all she has accomplished. She has impacted the lives of people around the world by bringing human sexuality into public discourse," says Doug Seserman, chief executive officer of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "And her uncanny energy is a true force of nature. Dr. Ruth is more productive today than most people half her age," Seserman adds. Dr. Westheimer received her Ed.D. degree from Columbia University's Teacher's College as well as an M.A. in sociology from the New School for Social Research. She also taught at Princeton University, Yale University, Columbia University, Adelphi University, Lehman College, Brooklyn College, and West Point. ### To make a tax-deductible donation to this scholarship fund for psychology, go to http://www. aabgu. org/ dr-ruth or write a check made out to AABGU and send to: American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) Attn: Dr. Ruth Scholarship 1001 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor New York, NY 10018 American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information visit http://www. aabgu. org . This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong has sent condolences to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the families of victims over the Ukrainian plane crash in Iran. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko wrote about this on Twitter following a meeting with the prime minister of Singapore. During today's meeting Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong conveyed condolences to President Zelensky and to the victims' families of PS752. We are grateful to Singapore for their solidarity during this difficult time, Prystaiko wrote. During today's meeting Prime Minister of Singapore @leehsienloong conveyed condolences to President @ZelenskyyUa and to the victims' families of #PS752. We are grateful to Singapore for their solidarity during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/pxYUaRu0GG Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 13, 2020 As reported, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko is on an official visit to the Republic of Singapore on January 13-14. On January 8, Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran, killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board. The victims include 11 nationals of Ukraine (two passengers and nine crew members) and nationals of Canada, Iran, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and UK. Previously, the Iranian side stated that the crash had been caused by technical problems. On January 11, Iran announced that its military unintentionally shot down the Ukrainian aircraft. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian plane. iy Cory Booker withdrew from the race for the Democratic nomination today. The candidate acknowledged that there was no longer a path to victory for his campaign, an assertion borne out by his abysmal poll numbers and inconsistent fundraising efforts. Booker is just the latest candidate of color to be rejected by the base of voters who claim to very much care about the melanin count of their eventual nominee. A Columbia journalism professor named Errin Haines delivered an emblematic progressive lament on this issue: F0r a group touted as the most diverse field of candidates Democrats to ever run for president, she said, it does not have that diversity reflected on the debate stage or in polling. Andrew Yang, an Asian, might have something to say to Haines about the diversity of the current field. Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, might too. As I recall, Pete Buttigieg is openly gay, and while the operative definition of the word is always changing, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren are, by all accounts, still female. For a putatively anti-Semitic, homophobic, patriarchal country that once interned a group of Asian-Americans, its quite something to claim that the field as constituted is not diverse. Semantic quibbles about what constitutes a diverse field aside, one cannot help but notice the presumable culprits here: Democratic primary voters, many of whom are themselves racial minorities. Internalized oppression, indeed. More from National Review Advertisement The official 50-day countdown to Brazil's world famous Carnival was marred by clashes between cops and revelers in Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana district. The military police initially opposed holding Sunday's party because they were not given enough time to organize security for bash that took place. As night fell on the party that drew more than 300,000 people, police and municipal guards sought to disperse crowds with people fleeing along the beach and waterfront. Police responded with tear gas as some unruly partygoers attacked cops and municipal guards on site. A woman is helped to walk by a man as they move away from Sunday's clashes between police and revelers after the official start of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana beach Police officers take position during clashes with partygoers after the official start of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. At least 24 people were arrested Revelers at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, run for cover after unruly partygoers attacked the police, who then answered by firing tear gas into the crowd Video of the chaos showed the moment law enforcement chased a man, tackled and hit him before handcuffing him. Some people threw bottles. It was unclear how the disorder began. 'We were peacefully enjoying the carnival when police came throwing bombs,' said Isaque Batista, a 22-year-old barber. 'There was no previous tumult. The police arrived throwing (tear gas) bombs when there was no need for it.' According to Brazilian news outlet G1, at least 25 people were arrested, including 13 in Copacabana. Authorities said security forces dispersed crowds after a group of municipal guards was attacked with glass bottles, stones and other objects. At least one guard suffered minor injuries. Another police officer was hit in the head with a bottle and was taken to a local hospital for treatment and released hours later. The first Carnival in Rio de Janeiro was celebrated in 1723. The festivity is held before Lent and welcomes over 1 million partygoers The 2020 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro party kicked off Sunday and will conclude March 1, and is set to received at least 1.9 million visitors, up from 1.7 million in 2019, according to Rio mayor Marcelo Crivella Police officers detain a man during clashes between cops, security guards and party-goers after the official start of Carnival, in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Cops and municipal guards dispersed attendees with gas bombs, and moments of tension were experienced in the event that brought together more than 300,000 people Metro Rio, Rio de Janeiro's subway system, reported damages to its Cardeal Arcoverde train station after rioters damaged an escalator and two elevators. Revelers also caused significant damages to one of the train cars at the station. More than 300,000 people attend the opening show of the pre-carnival of Rio de Janeiro in the Copacabana district Sunday Women dance during the 'Bloco da Favorita' street party on Copacabana beach to the start to the 50-day countdown to Carnival with a concert Rio de Janeiro decided to reap the benefits of the economic boom that comes along with hosting Carnival by extending the official period to 50 days after locals and international visitors descended on the popular city and partied there for 23 days last year. The official Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is celebrated each year before Lent. The 2020 Carnival edition runs from February 21 to February 26. The first Carnival in Rio de Janeiro was celebrated in 1723. The festivity is held before Lent and welcomes over 1 million partygoers. This year's party kicked off Sunday and will conclude March 1, and is set to received at least 1.9 million visitors, up from 1.7 million in 2019, according to Rio mayor Marcelo Crivella. This year's Carnival in Rio de Janeiro will host at least 543 parades, in comparison to 498 in last year and 608 in 2018. Police officers detain a man during clashes between police and revelers after the official start of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Carnival King Momo, Djeferson Mendes da Silva, second from left, holds the key to the city at a ceremony marking the official start of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Weve had enough news in recent days to suggest were 13 months, not days, into this decade. Driving the news: President Trump pushes the biggest changes to environmental law in 50 years, the worlds biggest investor is going big on global warming and House Democrats are going it alone on climate policy. And this all just happened last week! Where it stands: It was easy to miss those developments with all of the alarming headlines of the last 13 days. America flirted with a Mideast war, the oil market surprisingly shrugged it off, a plane was shot from the sky, the impeachment saga feels like old news but is still very much a thing, and Australia is burning. Cue a modern-day rendition of 1989s We Didnt Start The Fire. How does one be productive in the midst of all the unpredictability? I think it forces you to choose between nihilism or pragmatism and loud or quiet. Jason Grumet, Bipartisan Policy Center president Grumet represents a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, the Bipartisan Policy Center, whose mission seems out of fashion. Nonetheless, his group is quietly working with Congress, industry officials and others to try to find a way forward on climate and energy policy. The big picture: Amid all this chaos, big changes are happening on the energy and climate change front that suggest more polarization and acrimony that could last long after the presidential election. 1) Democratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a sweeping legislative framework last Wednesday laying out policies that the lawmakers say could achieve net-zero U.S. greenhouse gas emissions within the next three decades. Why it matters: It adds policy substance to what has otherwise been mostly rhetoric coming from House Democrats. Chairman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), isnt even putting up a pretense of possible Republican support anymore, given that none of them support such a reduction goal. The bill is on a road to nowhere for now, and maybe forever, given the dicey politics of aggressive climate policies within even the Democratic Party. Nonetheless, Pallone says he needs to keep pushing. What choice do we have? Australia is burning, he told reporters at the Capitol last week. As for Republicans, some are offering narrow bills focused on innovation. Wednesday also saw Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) tout his recently introduced legislation providing subsidies for all types of clean-energy technologies. 2) Trump announced proposals on Thursday to drastically narrow the scope of a law governing environmental reviews of Americas infrastructure as a way to hasten the construction of everything from bridges to pipelines. Why it matters: The proposals are likely the biggest changes to the law the National Environmental Policy Act in its 50-year history, and could implicitly exclude climate change from consideration. For now, experts say, this is likely to create more (dare I say) chaos. The proposal puts 50 years of NEPA precedent into disarray and causes massive confusion for the agencies and courts, said Leslie Hayward, business and content director of business and content at the consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group. Lawsuits are inevitable and the rules ultimate fate hinges on the presidential election, Hayward says: Dont expect any expedited permitting in the meantime, or in fact the opposite, but it does have significant implications for long-term energy investments. 3) BlackRock, the worlds largest asset investor, joined Climate Action 100+, an investor network pushing companies to be more transparent and aggressive in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Why it matters: Time will tell how aggressive BlackRock will be within this group, but even joining is significant. This group now represents $41 trillion in assets, and although its hard to pinpoint what percentage that is compared to the worlds overall assets, Axios Felix Salmon, one of our in-house money experts, says no matter how you slice it, its a substantial share. 4) On Friday, the Trump administration issued more sanctions on Iran, deepening a policy whose centerpiece is sanctions on Irans oil exports. Oil markets are responding with a shrug. Prices are reliably low despite a persistent bout of geopolitical unrest emerging from the oil-rich Middle East. Thanks, American oil! Flashback: In August 2017, I wrote an article with the headline: Chaos obscures Washington's biggest policy change. Its purpose was to underscore how the chaos unfolding in Washington at that time Trumps prolific tweeting, the FBIs Russia investigation and the Moochs 15 minutes of fame was diverting attention from Trumps near-complete reversal of Americas environmental policies. People probably have a better understanding of Trumps environmental policies now, but chaos remains. Different tweets, investigations, characters but same chaos. The bottom line: The chaos is now predictable," says Grumet. "I think anybody who is trying to advance policy recognizes that this is the boundary condition. And we have had to figure out how to work through it." Whats next: My guess is on more chaos and more fires. Two Arizona school districts promoting racial divisions and social justice By Rachel Alexander Two school districts in the Phoenix, Arizona area have implemented educational programs promoting racial divisions and social justice. The two programs attack students on the basis of their skin color and other characteristics. Chandler Unified School District passed the equity and inclusion initiative in February 2018. Kyrene School District also implemented it. Word has gotten out on how awful these programs are. On November 8, Fox News host Tucker Carlson aired a piece on one of the two programs, called Deep Equity. Carlson described the teaching this way, America is based on a hierarchy of various oppressions: men oppress women, Christianity oppresses Islam, English oppresses Spanish, white people oppress everyone. There is also the Youth Equity Stewardship, or YES! program. Topics include social justice, lenses of diversity and equality to equity to borderless. That last one references Nican Tlaca, a term used by proponents of a borderless society in which indigenous peoples rule. One of the lessons is on the white mans dollar. There is a hip hop song entitled Music Voice Message Movement which slams capitalism, ...an economic system thats flawed from the start. It has no heart. Corwin, the vendor behind the programs, states on its website, This series engages students in a process of understanding their personal journey and social accountability through a critical social justice lens and creating a living example of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. One parent in the Chandler school district observed, Essentially, students and teachers are being taught anti-white, anti-Christian hate. Students are taught to lecture adults about their biases. They are being taught to be social justice activists. The programs also teach intersectionality. Michael Rectenwald, a former professor at New York University who now speaks out about the lefts agenda, says intersectionality is merely a replacement for Marxism, and is very similar to it. The Epoch Times explains, Through the lens of intersectional theory, human history is largely reduced to white Christian men being the oppressors, and everybody else being intersected by one or more layers of this oppression. Many parents took notice and started urging the school boards to reconsider using Corwin due to its leftist activism. Before winter break, CUSD superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel sent out an email stating that the district was going to cease using Corwin by the end of the semester. However, the school district intends to continue promoting some of the agenda, such as trans inclusion. In that school district, employees are going after parents who complain, and reporting their social media posts in order to get them removed. Purple for Parents is a group that formed in response to the Red for Ed movement. The latter seeks to increase public school funding but also involves students in the effort. Purple for Parents is concerned about fiscal costs and the indoctrination of students. Their members have been actively objecting to the Deep Equity and YES! programs. One of the Chandler districts governing board members, Lindsay Love, tweeted a couple of weeks ago, @splcenter [The Southern Poverty Law Center] should be looking into Purple for Parents as a hate group. Another post by activists called Purple for Parents a white supremacist hate group. Love also tweeted, Im glad it happened. Now people can see Purple for Parents real aim. Racism. This was apparently in response to a parody Twitter account that was created mocking her radicalism. But Purple for Parents is not a white supremacist group. One of its most active members, Michelle Dillard, is Asian. She has been quite vocal criticizing the programs. Love tweeted out the name of the employer of critic Scott Weinberg, doxxing him. This guy Scott is an AHCCCS investigator btws. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System is Arizonas Medicaid agency. She went on, There are anger management classes too. Maybe he should consult AHCCCS about that too. She added, Just figured Id share that because he might be stalking and harassing my family and others on AHCCCS time and with AHCCCS resources. She admitted that she provided people with an organizational chart so they could contact his management. Love continued slamming Weinberg in many more tweets, and tried to get him banned from Twitter. These radical proponents are also harassing critics at the school board meetings. They want to shut down their opposition so they can ram the programs through. Chandler has 24 schools, and 17 have scored in the 70s or lower on the AzMerit test. In Kyrene, 22 of its 25 schools have scores that low. AzMerit tests math and English. The founder of the Arizona Peoples Lobbyist, Jose Borrajero, asked why we spend so many dollars implementing culturally responsive teaching practices? What ever happened to the concept that schools should teach material that will enable students to learn what they need to become productive members of society, instead of engaging in social engineering? For more information, check out the contentious videos on the Purple for Parents YouTube channel. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications.mericano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home Protesters hold up a damaged U.S. flag and anti-USA banners during a demonstration following the U.S. airstrike in Iraq which killed a top Iranian commander, in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. The U.S.-China trade fight dominated investors' attention for much of 2019 but that will likely get overshadowed by tensions between the U.S. and Iran this year, a political risk consultant predicted Monday. "I actually think this (Iran) is going to be a more important issue for investors this year than China-U.S.," Alastair Newton, director of Alavan Business Advisory and a former British diplomat, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia." He predicted more Iranian retaliation this year, after Tehran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops last week in retaliation for the U.S. killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Newton didn't predict how Iran could retaliate, but other experts have said future moves could include aggression by Iranian proxy groups in the region and cyberattacks. Newton said the relationship between the U.S. and Iran is "just going from bad to worse," and there have been no signs the two sides could turn to diplomacy to resolve their conflict. His comment came as President Donald Trump tweeted that he "couldn't care less" if Iran agrees to negotiate. Trump on Twitter: National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "don't kill your protesters." Tehran wouldn't want to negotiate with Trump either, Newton said. Iranian authorities "are not going to talk with Donald Trump, the Iranians will hope that Donald Trump is defeated" in this year's U.S. presidential election and they have a Democratic Party administration to deal with, he said. Today we paid tribute to the victims of the Baku pogroms at Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Thirty years ago (January 13-19, 1990), tens of thousands of Armenians were brutally slaughtered in Baku and forcefully displaced, and the city with an Armenian population of nearly 250,000 was emptied of Armenians after the atrocities that took place for six days. This is what Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Lena Nazaryan wrote on her Facebook page. She particularly stated the following: The actions committed against the Armenians in Baku and Sumgait were organized or at least perpetrated upon the permission of the authorities of Azerbaijan, and what is noteworthy is the fact that the monument to the Armenian victims of the pogroms in Baku and Sumgait is located at Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Tens of thousands of Armenians were brutally slaughtered in Baku and forcefully displaced just because of their ethnic belonging, just like the 1.5 million Armenians who were annihilated during the first genocide perpetrated by the Turkish government in the early 20th century. Today, the Armenian people, who have experienced the horror of genocide, are particularly responsible for disclosure of the basic reasons for intolerance and discrimination and the prevention of crimes against humanity and genocides. English French Bordeaux and Villers-les-Nancy, 13 January 2020 - 6:00 p.m. (CET) Press release MALTA INFORMATIQUE expands its footprint into Europe and enters Belgium MALTA INFORMATIQUE and the Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division , a Pharmagest Group subsidiary, are ramping up European operations by acquiring the activity for developing software solutions for nursing homes and specialised establishments of the Belgian company CARE SOLUTIONS (an ARMONEA subsidiary). , a subsidiary, are ramping up European operations by acquiring the activity for developing software solutions for nursing homes and specialised establishments of the Belgian company (an ARMONEA subsidiary). This acquisition covers the teams, brands and contracts for the supply of Care Solutions applications to more than 630 assisted living facilities for seniors in Belgium out of the country's total of 1,540. for seniors in Belgium out of the country's total of 1,540. Concurrent signature of a strategic European partnership agreement with Colisee to assist them in developing software solutions for all their establishments. *** MALTA INFORMATIQUE, a subsidiary of Pharmagest Group (La Cooperative WELCOOP), is continuing its expansion outside the French market with the creation of MALTA BELGIUM and the acquisition of the Belgian software development business, CARE SOLUTIONS (an ARMONEA subsidiary). This acquisition provides access to more than 630 ALFs for seniors in Belgium out of the country's total of 1,540 retirement homes. Building on its success in France, MALTA INFORMATIQUE, which spearheads Pharmagest Group's Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division (4 companies, sales of 19.27 million in 2018 and 160 employees), has inaugurated its expansion into Europe with the creation of a subsidiary in Belgium in December 2019: MALTA BELGIUM, based in Charleroi and Schelle. To support its development in this market, MALTA BELGIUM is strengthening its teams and offering by the addition of CARE SOLUTIONS' employees and software suite. Offering a perfect fit with TITAN, the very comprehensive Care Solutions software suite is fully adapted to the needs of market players in the Belgian nursing home market. The existing teams (of approximately 30) who are recognised for the high level of their technical expertise will remain in place. Created in 2001, CARE SOLUTIONS is a subsidiary of the Belgian group, ARMONEA, owned by Colisee, Europe's fourth-largest provider of solutions for elderly care and well-being with 238 specialised facilities serving more than 24,000 residents. Strategic partnership agreement with Colisee In conjunction with the acquisition of CARE SOLUTIONS' operations, MALTA INFORMATIQUE has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Colisee. For MALTA INFORMATIQUE, this agreement is destined to assist Colisee in equipping its TITAN software range at all its establishments across Europe. Specifically, the multi-lingual, multi-establishment and innovative architectural profile of the new TITAN WEB solution will provide a common foundation for all Colisee's facilities in Europe. With respect to the acquisition of the CARE SOLUTIONS' operations, Gregoire DE ROTALIER, CEO of MALTA INFORMATIQUE and Head of Pharmagest Group's Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division, commented: "By increasing the Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division presence in Europe, the acquisition of the Care Solutions operations represents a very important first step on our part. We are very pleased to welcome Wim GIELEN, our COO (Chief Operating Officer) along with his teams. Together, we are laying the foundation stone for our development in Belgium. The activities and know-how developed by CARE SOLUTIONS in Belgium provide a perfect fit with our portfolio of solutions. This acquisition will also allow us to strengthen our ability to innovate in Europe by the addition of new talent. Speaking of this strategic partnership, Christine JEANDEL, Chairman of Colisee, stated: "Our goal is to provide practical, innovative and effective solutions to our Healthcare staff to assist them in the task of providing day-to-day care to the residents in all our establishments in France, Belgium, Spain and Italy. The partnership agreement with MALTA INFORMATIQUE based on its TITAN solution will support this objective and exemplifies the values and culture we both share. And outside France, this development marks the beginning of an international collaboration with a key player that we hope will be long-lasting and productive. About Colisee With 16,000 employees, Colisee is a key player in the European health care and old-age dependency sector with real expertise in developing solutions for elderly care and well-being. Its network in France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and China accommodates more than 24,000 residents and patients in assisted living facilities. Colisee is also a provider of solutions for home-based care. Colisee's majority shareholder is IK Investment Partners. About MALTA INFORMATIQUE and the Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division of Pharmagest Group MALTA INFORMATIQUE, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pharmagest Group, is an independent software vendor specialised in applications for assisted living facilities and day care facilities for the elderly, a fast-growing sector in which it has a 28 % market share. Its TITAN application is the only solution on the market with the ability to cover the entire medication pathway for assisted living facilities (ALFs) for the elderly. At 31 August 2019, MALTA INFORMATIQUE was installed at 2,150 ALFs. MALTA INFORMATIQUE is the operating company responsible for spearheading Pharmagest Group's Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division. With its subsidiaries DICSIT INFORMATIQUE, AXIGATE and ICT, this Division also operates in the HAD (hospitals at home), SSIAD (home-based nursing services), hospital and health centre segments. This Division equips more than 3,000 health establishments with a team of 160 employees and revenue of 19.27 million in 2018. About Pharmagest Group Pharmagest Group is the French pharmacy information technology leader, with a market share of more than 44% as a provider of software solutions for pharmacies, 28% for ALFs, 43% for HAD programmes, 20% for health care centres; With more than 1,000 employees. The Group's strategy is based on a core business of improving healthcare through information technology innovation and developing two priority areas: 1/ Services and technologies for healthcare professionals; and 2/ technologies for improving the efficacy of healthcare systems. To roll out this strategy, Pharmagest Group has developed specialised business lines: pharmacy IT, e-Health solutions, solutions for healthcare professionals, solutions for health and social care facilities (for ALFs, Home-Based Nursing Services, Hospital-at-Home programmes, senior care service centres, multi-professional and paramedical healthcare providers and hospitals), solutions for pharmaceutical laboratories , apps and connected health devices, and a sales financing marketplace... These businesses are grouped within four Divisions: Pharmacy - Europe Solutions; Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division (MALTA INFORMATIQUE); e-Health Solutions and Fintech. Listed on Euronext Paris - Compartment B Indices: CAC SMALL and CAC All-Tradable par inclusion The Group is included in the Gaia-Index 2019 comprised of socially responsible mid caps. Eligible for the Long-Only Deferred Settlement Service (SRD) ISIN: FR 0012882389 Reuters: PHA.PA Bloomberg: - PMGI FP For all the latest news go to www.pharmagest.com Follow Pharmagest on Twitter: @Pharmagest, LinkedIn and Facebook CONTACTS MALTA INFORMATIQUE CEO and Head of Pharmagest Group's Health and Social Care Facilities Solutions Division: Gregoire de Rotalier Tel. +33 (0)5 57 35 19 25 - gregoire.derotalier@malta-informatique.fr Pharmagest Group - Analyst and Investor Relations: Chief Administrative and Financial Officer: Jean-Yves SAMSON Tel. +33 (0)3 83 15 90 67 jean-yves.samson@lacooperativewelcoop.com Pharmagest Group - Press Contact Isabelle APRILE Mobile phone: +33 (0)6 17 38 61 78 - i.aprile@finextenso.fr Colisee Group - Press Contact Marie-Gabrielle DE MARCHIS Mobile phone: +33 (0)6 69 40 32 17 - mg.demarchis@nouvellesaison.com Attachment Australia has deployed a navy frigate to defend oil tankers from Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The warship set sail for the six-month mission on Monday against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the United States and Iran. Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the safety of those aboard the HMAS Toowoomba was a high priority. Australia has deployed navy frigate the HMAS Toowoomba to defend oil tankers from Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. 'Australia is very focused on ensuring the safety and security of men and women who represent us internationally ... the deployment of HMAS Toowoomba is no exception to that,' she told reporters. The federal opposition supports the deployment, just as it did when Australia sent a surveillance plane and handful of troops to the Middle East late last year. But Labor will not support sending any more resources to the Persian Gulf. 'I support our deployment to assist passage economics in the Strait of Hormuz but I don't support any further escalation of our engagement,' Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese told Triple M Hobart. An oil tanker is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz late this year It comes following Iran's missile attacks on two US-led military bases in Iraq. The airstrikes came in retaliation for the US assassination of elite Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. A Ukrainian passenger plane was later shot down by Iran, with officials in Tehran claiming the aircraft was mistaken for a US bomber. Concurs repetat pentru selectarea unei companii sociologice, care sa efectueze un studiu tematic "Barometrul opiniei publice in domeniul schimbarilor climatice" Office demand in Ireland is expected to continue to remain strong, although supply issues could become apparent in the next 12 months with limited choice for occupiers. This is according to JLL Irelands annual property outlook. Whilst there is significant construction underway, the trend for pre-lets continues, with limited new and vacant space delivered to the market in the next 12 months. JLL expect office rents to remain steady with landlords wary of Dublins rents becoming too expensive compared to other comparable European cities. JLL warns that there remains a critical issue with housing supply across all of Ireland and across all residential sectors. The property experts say the government needs a brave and holistic response to this in order to address the under supply and to ensure that Ireland remains a competitive city to live and work. Prices are expected to be broadly stable across sales and land sales, although rents are expected to increase. The property experts say affordability will therefore remain a significant issue, which may force some PRS activity to more suburban locations in the next few months. Commenting on the year ahead, Head of Research JLL, Hannah Dwyer said, "2019 was a busy and active year for the property sector, despite external disruptions. As we head into 2020 with renewed enthusiasm and vigor we are expecting more of the same, with stability across all sectors. The 2 key themes we are expecting in 2020 are for the property market to focus more on sustainability and technology across each of the commercial and residential sectors." She added, "Investors, tenants and indeed society as a whole are showing greater emphasis on these two themes and it will have a fundamental impact on real estate. Those who show greatest agility to these are the most likely to succeed." JLL Irelands annual property outlook briefing took place in Dublin last week when close to 300 developers, investors, corporates and occupiers gathered at The Conrad. Source: www.businessworld.ie Stocks in Asia mostly rose by the close on Monday as investors await the signing of a phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China. Mainland China markets jumped by the close. The Shanghai composite rose 0.75% to close at 3,115.57, while the Shenzhen composite jumped 1.36% to 1,822.35. The Shenzhen component was up 1.47% to 11,040.20. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also bounced and was up 1.11% in its final hour of trade. Tech stocks notched gains, with Sunny Optical rising 2.61% and Lenovo surging 3.20%. Gaming company Razer shot up almost 10% in the morning before paring gains to last rise 8.33%. It announced earlier this month that it had submitted an application for a digital banking license in Singapore. In South Korea, the Kospi rose 1.04% to close at 2,229.26, with cosmetics stocks notching significant gains. Japan's markets are closed for a holiday on Monday. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 bucked the trend, declining 0.37% to close at 6,903.70, with oil stocks seeing losses. Origin Energy declined 1.72%, Woodside Petroleum was down 1.20%, and Santos tumbled 0.56%. Oil Search was off by 1.89%. But gold stocks in Australia rallied on Monday to erase last week's losses after prices fell following declining U.S.-Iran escalation risks. Evolution Mining surged 2.79%, and Kingsgate Consolidated jumped 1.14%. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.69%, after hitting its highest since 2018 last week. Taiwan's benchmark Taiex index rose 0.74% to close at 12,113.42. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was reelected in a landslide victory over the weekend elections. She beat her main opponent Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang party which favors close ties with China by more than 2.6 million votes. That could fuel further tension with China, which has tried to get the island to accept its rule by way of threats and economic inducements. Meanwhile, the Philippine Stock Exchange suspended trading on Monday after a volcano near Manila spewed huge amounts of ash and steam, forcing flight cancellations and shutdowns of schools and government offices, according to a Reuters report. We first saw him as a young thug in Trainspotting, but Robert Carlyle has come of age to play the UK prime minister in an exciting new TV series, writes Ed Power. There are actors who light up the screen and there are actors who go off like a blowtorch when the cameras start rolling. Robert Carlyle has for most of his career belonged emphatically to the second category. In the 1990s he blazed through British cinema as pint-chucking Edinburgh hooligan Begbie in Trainspotting and steel worker-turned-male stripper Gaz in the Full Monty. This week he takes on the very different role of a Tory prime minister in new Sky One disaster thriller Cobra. He was surprised casting directors thought of him when looking for someone to sit in Number 10. It was not something anyone would necessarily imagine me playing a Conservative PM, says Carlyle (58). Theres no way I could have done the part speaking the way Im speaking now, in my native Glasgow accent. Theres a particular type of Scot Im sure youll recognise from hearing Scottish rugby players speak. Theyre vaguely Scottish theyve been brought up there. But they went to various private schools, Oxbridge or whatever. And the accents have flattened. Thats what I was trying to do. Begbie and Gaz are the characters for which he remains best known today. Trainspotting, in particular, has earned Carlyle a permanent place in British cinemas hall of fame. Even if you havent seen it in 20 years youll still remember Ewan McGregor dashing down the street to Iggy Pop, Underworld thumping over the end credits and Carlyle as Begbie, a headbutt in human form. He was at that point already known for his cauterising screen presence. He had variously portrayed a padres forbidden lover in Jimmy McGoverns Priest and, also in 1994, a killer traumatised by the Hillsborough disaster, opposite Robbie Coltrane in Cracker. Later, in Angelas Ashes, he played the alcoholic father. The film was clearly made for sentimental Americans but Carlyle held up his end. He even made for a plausible Bond villain against Pierce Brosnan in 1999s World Is Not Enough. It was an incredible streak. Its tough its a mental strain to continually inhabit those worlds, says Carlyle of his early parts. Its not a physical strain. Listen, Im not down a mine. But it is tough when you are dealing sometimes with quite complex issues which in your own private personal life would be very traumatic. You have to represent that. Sometimes it can wear you down. CANADA TRY He couldnt keep it up and he didnt try to. Twelve years ago, Carlyle, his wife, and their three daughters moved to Vancouver. After 25 years of gritty, often draining roles he'd decided to come at life and at his career from a different angle. First came the sci-fi saga StargateUniverse, and then the cult fantasy series Once Upon A Time. Id been doing low-budget indie stuff. It feeds your mind. It certainly doesnt feed your pocket. I had three kids, a wife you have a responsibility to try and secure your livelihood. Robert Carlyle as Begbie in Trainspotting. Carlyle was born in Maryhill in Glasgow in 1961. His mother, who worked for the local bus company, walked out on the family when he was four, leaving Carlyle to be raised by his father, a painter and decorator. He left school at 16 and initially worked with his dad. He discovered acting in his 20s, training at the Scottish Academy of Drama and Music. His first major role came in 1991 when he starred in Ken Loachs Riff-Raff. Once Upon A Time finally wrapped last year after seven seasons. Carlyle and his family still live in Vancouver, but has returned to the UK for Cobra. Prime minister Robert Sutherland is no Boris Johnson and has seemingly been written so as to render fatuous any comparisons with the current inhabitant of 10 Downing Street. Nonetheless, he is a Tory, and the story, in which apocalyptic solar flares threaten to plunge the UK into environmental and social anarchy, is established early on as taking place in the aftermath of Brexit. Its a drama brimming with machinations, too. The PM is tight with his chief of staff (Victoria Hamilton, aka the Queen Mother from the Claire Foy era of The Crown). And he is keeping his enemies close, particularly conniving home secretary Archie Glover-Morgan (Killing Eves David Haig). "My own political beliefs dont really come into it, says Carlyle. Its more trying to think about how this man in the context of his party and to give an honest representation. He was in Canada during the Scottish independence referendum. Obviously he has his opinions. He is, however, keeping them to himself. Its my business, he says. The thing is, Im in Canada but I go back and forward. I like to go to the supermarket and not get any hassle. What I noticed at the time of the Scottish independence referendum was that people were coming out one way or the other and getting terrible stick. I thought, Im keeping well out of this. TRAINSPOTTING AGAIN One thing he was happy to go back to was Trainspottting. In 2017 he reunited with director Danny Boyle and fellow actors Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner and Jonny Lee Miller for sequel, T2 Trainspotting. The film caught up with the Edinburgh reprobates 20 years on. It was a hoot. But it was also a meditation on age, loss and how people both change over time yet somehow remain the same. It was an absolute pleasure. When would you ever get the chance to do a sequel 20 years after? To reunite with the cast and my good friend Danny Boyle was an absolute joy. My personal opinion is that it was a better film. "Theres more of a narrative. You get deeper inside the heads of these men who have aged. Danny always said, Im never doing a sequel until youve aged. "Twenty years ago we all said, Well we can put on make-up to look older. But he was absolutely right. You have that life experience. Wed all lived our lives by then. And its there for all to see. He hasnt filmed a great deal in Ireland, to his enduring regret. He did The Mighty Celt in Belfast with Gillian Anderson in 2005. And its more than 20 years since Angelas Ashes, set in Limerick and shot largely in Cork, including at locations in Blackpool and on Barrack Street. The chance to work with Alan Parker [director of Angelas Ashes] was fantastic. And so, at a personal level, was the opportunity to meet members of the McCourt family. "To play someone who was within living memory of people was fantastic. Im seven-eights Irish. That may be the case, but this week, hes 100% believable as the UKs prime minister in a gripping opening episode of Cobra. Cobra begins on Sky One this Friday and can also be watched on Now TV. Theater of Operations: The Gulf Wars 19912011: An exhibition at MoMA PS1, in Queens, New York, November 3, 2019March 1, 2020 A major exhibition at MoMA PS1, the Museum of Modern Arts contemporary art center in Queens, New York, examines more than 20 years of US military operations in the Middle East. Theater of Operations: The Gulf Wars 19912011 shows the potential of artists to deepen our understanding of significant events through their work. Important aspects of the onslaught against Iraq are addressed: that the war was launched on the basis of lies about weapons of mass destruction resulting in the death, injury and displacement of millions of Iraqis, as well as tens of thousands of US troops and the decimation of the country as part of American imperialisms drive to establish control of the oil-rich region. Organized by MoMA PS1s chief curator Peter Eleey, and curator Ruba Katrib, the large-scale group exhibition of 250 works by over 80 artists/collectives fills MoMA PS1, a nearly 125,000-square-foot facility. Dia al-Azzawi. War Diary No. 1. 1991. Gouache and charcoal on paper 28 pages 12 5 8 x 9 1/2 (32 x 24 cm). Courtesy the artist The show features many works by Iraqi artists who are less well-known to audiences outside of the region, as well as by Kuwaiti artists, Iraqi-American and artists of Iraqi descent living in various countries, American and other internationally recognized artists who responded to the Gulf Wars in their work at the time or in the years since. Much of the work, particularly by the Iraqi artists, is of interest and represents an advance in terms of a serious artistic approach to world historical events. However, the exhibition overall demonstrates the still limited ability of artists, despite their sincere intentions, to respond to events such as the Gulf Wars in a way that deepens our understanding in an affecting and aesthetically compelling manner. This weakness derives from several interrelated causes, not least of which has been the art worlds decades-long lack of support for artists seeking to address issues other than their personal identities in their work. No less important is an underdeveloped historical and political consciousness, not unique to artists, that has hindered them from understanding the reasons behind the reasons for the eruption of American imperialism in the Middle East that began in 1990. Coupled with the prevailing practices of conceptual art, the result is too often superficial or one-sided artwork that is not up to the challenge of a topic of such magnitude. There is a wide variety of media included: paintings, works on paper, handmade books, sculpture, photography, video and multimedia installations. They touch on many aspects of the Gulf Wars in both direct and indirect ways. The apocalyptic images of the burning Kuwaiti oil fields are among the more immediately recognizable. Set on fire in August 1991 by the retreating Iraqi military in the face of advancing US coalition forces, the 10 month-long firestorm caused enormous economic and environmental damage. Himat M. Ali. Al Mutanabbi Street Baghdad. 2007. Mixed media on paper 12 bound books in wooden slipcase Each- 13 3/8 9 13/16 (34 25 cm). Courtesy the artist and Azzawi Collection London. Photo-Anthony Dawton. The firestorms appear in several pieces. The video Behind the Sun by Monira Al Qadiris (Kuwaiti, born 1983) projects them at a huge scale on a gallery wall; Susan Criles (American, born 1942) Field of Fire (1991) is a semi-abstract work of thickly applied black and orange paint-stick on paper; while Tarek Al-Ghousseins (Kuwaiti and Palestinian, born 1962) GW series includes multiple images of the flame geysers in the distinctive, small square format of Polaroids. Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 came in response to the Gulf emirates sabotage of the oil-dependent Iraqi economy in the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-88 with a likely green light from the US. But one learns relatively little of the significance of the oil fields set on fire by the retreating Baathist forces from the work. Whatever the immediate circumstances, the source of the destruction and mayhem in the Middle East is Western imperialism, led by the United States. President George H.W. Bushs administrations launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. In the course of six weeks the savage aerial bombardment virtually destroyed Iraqs military, killing or wounding hundreds of thousands of soldiers, as well as laying waste to the countrys infrastructure. Al Qadiris video footage, on the other hand, is overlaid with a soundtrack of Arabic religious poetry that describes scenes from nature sourced from old television programs. Other aspects of the conflict are dealt with obliquely. The Embargo sculptures by Nuha Al-Radi (Iraqi, 19412004) at first just seem whimsical, made from painted rocks, bits of wood and rusted metal canisters fashioned to resemble people. However, they reflect the impact of the decade of UN Security Councils sanctions under the Clinton administration that further crippled the Iraqi economy, restricting access to the most commonplace materials, even pencils. More importantly, the sanctions resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, many of them children, due to malnutrition, lack of medical supplies and diseases from lack of clean water. Installation view of Hanaa Malallah She He Has No Picture (2019) on view in the exhibition Theater of Operations- The Gulf Wars 19912011 at MoMA PS1 New York from November 3, 2019 to March 1 2020. Photo by Matthew Septimus. So too, the many instances of Dafatir (artist notebooks) reflect the embargo in that without access to art supplies, many artists chronicled their experiences in pen/ink on paper or cardboard. Dia al-Azzawis (Iraqi-British, born 1939) War Diary No. 1. (1991) and Rafa Nasiris (Iraqi, 19402013) War Diary (No 2, Its a Dirty War, 1991) and Seven Days in Baghdad (2007) are haunting, the latter in particular with red and black handprints urgently demanding our attention. Other work such as that by Himat M. Ali (Iraqi, born 1960) addresses the destruction of Baghdads famed book-market, Al Mutanabbi Street (2003). Al-Azzawi s Book of Shame: Destruction of the Iraq Museum (2003) reflects the despoiling of what was once the most advanced cultural centers in the Middle East. Another compelling piece is a wall-sized array of small portraits by Hanaa Malallah (Iraqi and British, born 1958) She/He Has No Picture (2019). The haunting faces of mostly women and children initially appear to be painted, but on closer inspection turn out to be collaged out of burnt canvas. They commemorate the victims of the Al Amiriyah bombing on February 13, 1991, in which 408 civilians were killed by a US precision smart bomb strike on a shelter. The title refers to the brass plaques that stand in for those victims who remained unidentified. These are among the more successful works in the exhibition. However, they hardly come close, or even attempt to encompass the full scope of the Gulf Wars. Objectively, making art about any war is a challengedoes the artist depict wars brutality by showing the intensity of human suffering or the magnitude of physical destruction? Does one focus on the callousness, criminality or stupidity of those responsible for launching the war or show the everyday life of those subjected to occupation? What of the troops tasked with carrying out these missions, some of whom do so with sadistic impunity while others are economic conscripts who may have little ideological commitment to the mission? And then there are aspects particular to these wars, which were sold to the public by an unprecedented level of propaganda disseminated through a relentless media blitz by the imperialist powers. Unfortunately, most of the work in the Theater of Operations exhibition takes up one or the other of these topics, but without adding much scope or insight. The media campaign was the subject of several artworks. Thomas Hirschhorns (Swiss, born 1957) Necklace CNN (2002) is an oversized bling sculpture of the CNN logo hung on a wall, telling us nothing beyond the obvious. Nuha Al-Radi. Portrait of Zain Habboo. 1995. Painted metal canister and rock 10 6 (25.4 15.2 cm). Collection Aysar Akrawi. Photo- Kris Graves. Several of the videos merely perpetuate the mind-numbing effect that they purport to critique. Dara Birnbaums (US, born 1946) Transmission Tower: Sentinel (1992) and Michel Auders (US, born France 1945) Gulf War TV War, 1991 (edited 2017) crosscut news footage of politicians and news anchors explaining events in such a way as to make them even less comprehensible than the original barrage of propaganda. Deep Dish TVs Shocking and Awful: A Grassroots Response to War and Occupation (2004) includes a lot of valuable video footage, particularly of day-to-day interactions between US troops and ordinary Iraqis under the occupation, and of the international mass demonstrations before the war which were the largest anti-war protests in history. But the videos are displayed on 12 continuously playing monitors, again making them nearly impossible to absorb. And while informational overkill is the subject of Rachel Khedooris (Australian, Iraqi-Jewish, born 1964) Untitled (Iraq Book Project, 2008-2010), an installation of 70 volumes reproducing every article that included the words Iraq, Iraqi or Baghdad in any news source from 2003 to 2009in order to suggest the indigestible magnitude of information about the war, raising questions about the representation of violencewhat comes across is that the artists themselves cannot make sense of what they perceive, so they merely reproduce it uncut, unedited, raw. The pieces by artists experiencing the war at a distancewhether American, European or Iraqis in exiletended to be less interesting. These artists fall into two groups. One includes artists like British-American printmaker Sue Coe (born 1951), whose work has always taken the form of cartoons protesting an assortment of progressive causes: cruelty to animals, industrial food production, apartheid, AIDS and numerous others. Included in this show, her prints lampoon Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney and George W Bush, as well as point to the connection of the war to the oil and gas industry in MOBILize/the Gulf and Shells Exxon (both 1990). Although Coes work is often compared to the prints of Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945) who created searing images of the impact of World War I, particularly on women and children, Coes work is far less profound in both form and content. Other well-established artists like the American minimalist sculptor Richard Serra (American, born 1938) and Fernando Botero (Colombian, born 1932) registered their outrage, shared by many around the world, at the exposure of the torture at Abu Ghraib. Luc Tuymans (Belgian, born 1958) painted a close-up of Condoleezza Rice emphasizing her mouth, and by implication, her lies to justify the invasion of Iraq on the assertion that Hussein had acquired nuclear weapons. As Secretary of State, Rice declared famously that we dont want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud. These artists, not necessarily considered political, responded to particular events each in his own distinctive style. The situation of these artists, who did not witness the Gulf Wars or events in the region first-hand, has by necessity meant that they drew on news images for their sources. Often these have become recognizable images in their own right, such as the hooded prisoner at Abu Ghraib; many have appeared in ways to manipulate public perceptions. However, seeing something with ones own eyes does not in and of itself lead to an unbiased or valuable interpretation. This is particularly evident in the work of painter Steve Mumford (American, born 1960). A master of realistic oil painting, as well as watercolor, Mumfords monumentally scaled Dying Soldier (2009), shows a team of medics working valiantly to save an oversized soldier on the operating table who looks dead. The unmistakable message is that the US military occupation is, most likely, a lost cause. Mumford is one of the few American artists to have consistently made the Iraq War a central subject of his work. While claiming to be neutral, Mumford continues to solidarize himself with the occupiers more than the occupiedit is noticeable that he rarely depicts Iraqis other than as abject, humiliated prisoners. Mumford says, I wanted to distill something essential about the drama of war, beyond right and wrong. These arent anti-war paintings. They arent political. Im not trying to address the morality of the war or George Bushs foreign policy agenda. I went to Iraq because I wanted to know what being in a war zone was like, and paint about it from my own subjective experience. Sue Coe. Bomb Shelter. 1991. Photo-etching on white heavyweight Rives_ 9 5_8 10 1_2 (24.4 26.7 cm). Courtesy Galerie St. Etienne_ New York. Copyright 1990 Sue Coe. We have previously reviewed Mumfords work, and have little to add. US soldiers have been fighting wars for decades in the Middle East and Central Asia in the interests of the oil companies, defense contractors and Wall Street financial institutions. The vast number of American troops who have been killed, wounded or left suffering with PTSD or other disabilities, with incalculable effects on their families and communities, are also victims of imperialisms insatiable greed and ruthlessness. But Mumfords non-political approach only encourages those who claim that support for Americas heroes does not mean support for Americas wars. In fact, the two go hand in hand. The US military has been carrying out a criminal, murderous occupation of Iraq, or attempting to, since March 2003. It is responsible for massive war crimes, including the barbarism in Abu Ghraib and the decimation of Fallujah and other centers of opposition. American operations in Iraq, as the WSWS has noted, amount to sociocidethe deliberate and systematic murder of an entire society. The photographs by Judith Jay Ross (American, born 1946), on the other hand, communicate the impact of the war on the soldiers without serving as an apology for US imperialism. Taken in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the 1990s, these modest, informal portraits reflect the increasing enlistment of working class families in the military, as well as another series taken of the variety of people who took part in anti-war protests in 2003. Although the work in Theater of Operations often falls short of the greatest artwork about warsuch as Francisco de Goyas etchings Disasters of War (1810-20); Eugene Delacroixs Massacre at Chios (1824); Kathe Kollwitzs many prints like The Widow II (1922); Otto Dixs 1932 triptych The War; and Pablo Picassos Guernica (1937)it is a step forward. Events are impelling the artists toward treating the neo-colonial Gulf Wars with the complexity and emotional immediacy that art can offer, while suggesting the need for a political perspective to put an end to war altogether. Toronto: News that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, had decided to step back from their royal duties and would live part-time in North America has jolted Britain. But in Canada, the Commonwealth country where the royal couple and their infant son, Archie, are widely speculated to be considering a move, their bombshell declaration of independence has been greeted with some warmth, a dash of discord - but mostly a shrug. The announcement came on the day that Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed in Iran, killing all 176 on board, including 57 Canadians. Tehran has said an Iranian missile fired in "human error" brought the plane down. That's the news that has consumed Canada, which is grieving the victims and searching for answers. But the drama surrounding the Sussexes has not gone entirely unnoticed. The question that has most piqued curiosity and provoked chatter here is where exactly in North America Harry, Meghan and Archie will settle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pictured at Canada House on January 7. Credit:Getty Images "It's just got to be Canada," the Toronto Star editorialised, wistfully. "At this point, our hopes are up. The country has so many wonderful things to offer. But, let's face it, we're a bit short in the glamour department. A bit of the Sussexes, even part time, could be just what we needed... Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said Monday that President Donald Trump should be able to do as he chooses when it comes to international security. Speaking during a panel session at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz said: "The president of the United States is the president of the United States, he can do whatever he wishes." He's "certainly" not accountable to me or "anybody in this room," he added. Abdulaziz's comments come as energy market participants continue to closely monitor heightened tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani earlier this month, triggering a dramatic escalation that many feared could result in a widening regional conflict. Iran, an arch-rival of Saudi Arabia in the region, responded to the U.S. attack by launching missiles at two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has since said the missile attacks were a "slap on the face" of the U.S., but such military actions were "not enough." The situation remains tense, but both sides have sought to back off from intensifying the conflict over recent days. James Bushe is said to have become the first HIV-positive person to acquire a commercial pilot's licence and fly a commercial plane in Europe. In 2017, it was reported that Bushe, then-referred to under the pseudonym Anthony, had been unable to become a commercial pilot due to his HIV status. At the time, he was prevented from accepting a place on an easyJet pilot training scheme due to the Civil Aviation Authoritys (CAA) interpretation of rules laid out by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The CAAs interpretation of the regulation previously dictated that qualified pilots who contracted HIV could continue to fly, but applicants living with HIV could not obtain the medical certificate needed to train to become a pilot. On Saturday 11 January, following the CAAs overturning of the policy, Bushe flew a commercial flight from Glasgow to Stornoway, having become a pilot for Scottish airline Loganair. James Bushe, the first HIV-positive person to train as a commercial air pilot in Europe (Loganair/PA Wire) The pilot said he hopes to inspire other individuals living with HIV who have experienced discrimination due to their diagnosis. I just wanted to be able to deliver a message to anyone else living with HIV who has been discriminated against, who faces barriers to employment or who wants to be a pilot, to say to them that it absolutely is possible, Bushe, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2014, told BuzzFeed News. The 31-year-old explained that he was inspired to go public about his diagnosis in September 2019, having tweeted about his story from the handle @PilotAnthony, after former professional rugby player Gareth Thomas opened up about being HIV-positive. Recommended Prince Harry praises Gareth Thomas for opening up about HIV diagnosis It was the week that the Gareth Thomas story was released, the pilot said. I just thought, anyone who has the platform to challenge the stigma that exists around people with HIV and has the support around them to do it, should do it. Ive got incredibly supportive friends and family. And if one person benefits from me doing this... its the right thing to do. The CAA released a statement regarding the completion of Bushes pilot training, praising him for raising awareness of the challenges faced by aspiring pilots living with HIV. For a number of years we have promoted changes at an international level to the current rules affecting pilots with certain medical conditions, including HIV, said Dr Ewan Hutchison, head of medical assessment at the CAA. Dr Hutchison said the organisation is providing medical expertise to support the EASA with the commissioning of a review of recent research relating to HIV. We expect that this may result in the removal of some restrictions related to the medical certificates of commercial pilots who are living with HIV, he added. World Aids Day 2017: in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take part in a discussion with HIV consultant doctor Laura Waters during their visit to the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Brazil Red balloons are released to mark the World AIDS Day in Sao Paulo REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - France A nurse takes blood for a HIV test for French President Emmanuel Macron as he visits the Delafontaine Hospital Reuters World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India A student displays his face and hand painted with messages in Chandigarh, India REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Nottingham Contemporary to attend a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair, on their first official engagement together. PA World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - South Africa Members of the 21 South African Infantry Battalion march to mark the World AIDS Day in Soweto AP World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India A childhas their face painted to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS on World AIDS day in Jammu Rex Features World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Kenya Free HIV testing booths are installed during the World AIDS Day event at University of Nairobi AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students use candles to form a large ribbon at a primary school in China REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India Commuters walk past a message on the World AIDS Day near Howrah Bridge, on the bank of river Ganges in Calcutta EPA World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India An volunteer lights candles placed on the ground in the shape of a red ribbon during an awareness rally on the eve of World Aids Day in Agartala AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students of Yangzhou University Medical College standing in the shape of a red ribbon VCG via Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students hold red ribbons at a high school in Hefei, Anhui province, China REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Mexico The "Diana La Cazadora" monument is illuminated in red on the eve of World Aids Day in Mexico City AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India Sand art on the Bay of Bengal Sea's eastern coast beach at Puri. Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik created the piece on the eve of World AIDs Day . Rex Features World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India People hold candles around a ribbon during a ceremony to create awareness about HIV/AIDS in Ahmedabad, India REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Ukraine A woman has a HIV/AIDS blood test in a mobile laboratory in Ukraine AP World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China The two towers of the Global Harbor shopping mall in Shaghai are illuminated with huge red ribbons Rex Features Nathan Sparling CEO of HIV Scotland, emphasised the impact Bushe has had in encouraging aspiring pilots living with HIV not to give up on their ambitions. Its really impressive that someone has not taken no for an answer, Sparling stated. And during the campaign we had people come to us and say, I wanted to train as a pilot too but I just assumed that rules would never change. James did everything he could to get the rules changed. And not only that, hes gone on and become a commercial pilot. Bushe previously described his inability to become a commercial pilot as a catch-22, saying that being unable to accept easyJets pilot training scheme destroyed a boyhood dream. New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Ministry of Defence has transferred 60 officers to the newly-created Department of Military Affairs (DMA) which is headed by country's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, sources said on Monday. The transfer order accessed by IANS stated, "The officers are hereby transferred from the Department of Defence to the newly created Department of Military Affairs with immediate effect." A total 13 deputy secretaries, 25 under secretaries and 22 section officers were transferred to the DMA. The order with respect to transfer of two joint secretaries in the department has not been issued so far. The order stated: "The orders in respect of Joint Secretaries and supporting staff will be issued separately." The DMA got formal structure on Friday after creation of posts for two joint secretaries, 13 deputy secretaries and 22 under secretaries and 22 section officers. They will assist the Chief of Defence Staff to carry out his responsibilities. General Rawat's task is to push the three Services to truly integrate in planning, procurement, logistics, doctrines and training. The CDS would provides single-point military advice to the government as well as function as the military advisor to the Prime Minister-led Nuclear Command Authority. Though the three Service chiefs will retain full operational control over their forces, the CDS will clearly be the "first among equals" in the hierarchy. At present, India has as many as 17 single-Service commands, with each force reluctant to give up its command. India has only one joint command that is in the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The DMA will be the fifth department in the Ministry of Defence. The existing ones are the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Department of Defence Research and Development and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. The DMA deals with the armed forces; the integrated headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, comprising the Army, Navy, the Air Force, defence staff headquarters and the Territorial Army. After taking charge as CDS, General Rawat's first directive to his tri-service integrated defence staff (IDS) was to prepare a plan for the creation of an Air Defence Command (ADC) and common logistics support pools for the armed forces. The proposal for the ADC should be prepared by June 30, said General Rawat, while also setting out the priorities for execution of synergy among the armed forces in different arenas in a time-bound manner by December 31. It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) Limited (HKG:184). 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 would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. For example, a Columbia University study found that 'insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers'. View our latest analysis for Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) Insider Transactions Over The Last Year While no particular insider transaction stood out, we can still look at the overall trading. Kim Swee Ho purchased 28.00k shares over the year. The average price per share was HK$5.00. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! SEHK:184 Recent Insider Trading, January 13th 2020 There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) insiders own about HK$253m worth of shares. That equates to 17% of the company. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment. Story continues So What Do The Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) Insider Transactions Indicate? Our data shows a little insider buying, but no selling, in the last three months. That said, the purchases were not large. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) insiders think the business has merit. Along with insider transactions, I recommend checking if Keck Seng Investments (Hong Kong) is growing revenue. This free chart of historic revenue and earnings should make that easy. 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. Lucknow, Jan 13 : After changing the name of two districts and one railway junction, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has now decided to change the name of the Ghaghra river. The Chief Minister has sent a proposal to the Union Home Ministry to change the name of Ghaghra to Saryu in Uttar Pradesh. The Saryu river finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas and Ramayana. Literally translating to 'that which is streaming', it flows through Ayodhya and as is believed to rejuvenate it and wash away impurities. Thousands of devotees come to the Saryu to take a holy dip throughout the year on various religious occasions. The Saryu, in the upper reaches, is known as the Kali river and then flows through Ayodhya and then into the Ghaghra in UP. The Yogi government, till now, has changed the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya district. Mughalsarai junction in Chandauli district has also been changed to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar. Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - A young protester in his twenties was fatally shot late Monday in Cosa, the stronghold of the main opposition party, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) Islamabad [Pakistan], Jan 13 (ANI): A senior Pakistani Army General, along with his family, has been kept under house arrest for weeks for vocally opposing the three-year tenure extension of incumbent Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. General Sarfraz Sattar was next in line to be Bajwa's successor as the Army Chief, albeit Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and later the President approved a three-year-long extension for Bajwa, effectively scuppering Sarfaraz's prospect. According to a report by Resonant News, Sarfaraz, along with six other disgruntled senior officers, joined hands with Supreme court Chief justice Asif Saeed Khosa to block Bajwa's tenure extension. It may be noted here that around 24 Lt Gens will have retired from the post in the next three years and Bajwa's extension would have spoilt their chances for the coveted post. The Supreme Court's verdict whittled down Bajwa's three-year-long extension to mere 6 months, owing to which Sarfraz had to bear the brunt of being a dissident, and he and his family members have been under house arrest since then, despite the fact that Sarfraz has already resigned from the service on November 26. Sarfraz has been superseded by Lt Gen Nadeem Raza, who was very recently awarded Nishan-e-imtiaz by the President, and, in the past, had been the Chief of General staff and headed the intelligence and operations. Ostensibly, Raza could take over as the next Chief of Army Staff from Gen Bajwa, the report further states. Earlier this month, Pakistan's upper house of parliament approved a law that allows the government to extend the term of the country's Army Chief. Bajwa, whose tenure ended in November last year, is set to benefit from the new law. (ANI) An Unrealistic Timeline, An Undefined Process: Setting The Record Straight On Northern Pulp In 2011, Paper Excellence purchased Northern Pulp, and since that time has invested more than $70 million in people, technology, and processes. By Brian Baarda, CEO, Paper Excellence Canada Published: January 11, 2020 ABERCROMBIE, Nova Scotia, Jan. 13, 2020 - Since 1967, a kraft pulp mill has been an economic driver for Pictou County, N.S. Over the decades, hard-working men and women have depended on the mill and put down roots to raise their families and contribute to the region. In 2011, Paper Excellence was proud to carry on this tradition when we purchased Northern Pulp Nova Scotia. We operate pulp mills throughout Canada and globally and recognized that the core fundamentals of a successful kraft mill were in place. We also recognized that investments would be needed to bring the mill to the environmental standards expected today. Paper Excellence purchased the mill with the assurance that all existing contracts would be honoured. Since that time, we have invested more than $70 million in people, technology, and processes, with more investments planned, that would continue to improve our production and reduce our environmental impact. While we made these financial investments in good faith, we also understood the need to address the social and community impacts that were the result of the sad legacy of Boat Harbour and a history of poor relations between the Pictou Landing First Nation (PLNF), the community and previous mill operators. In the regions where Paper Excellence operates, we strive to be contributing members of the community. Developing meaningful relationships takes time, and we have worked hard to be good neighbours and members of the community. We have always said that Boat Harbour needs to close, and we continue to believe this. In June 2014, a faulty pipe resulted in an effluent leak at our facility. We took full responsibility for this very unfortunate incident and undertook immediate actions to fix it. What is often forgotten is that our initial response efforts were delayed due to a protestor blockade. The blockade was only ended, and the mill restarted, when the Government of Nova Scotia agreed with PLFN to introduce legislation to have a Boat Harbour closure plan within a year. Subsequently, the Boat Harbour Act effectively revised the closure date of Boat Harbour from 15 years to 4 years and 8 months. Northern Pulp was not consulted in setting this new date and we made it clear the timeline was not realistic. In addition to shortening the timeline by more than 10 years, the government also changed the requirements of our Industrial Approval, the permit that allows us to operate. These changes presented a major threat to continued mill operations by requiring major capital investments without certainty that the January 31, 2020 Boat Harbour Act deadline could be met. It took a Supreme Court challenge and several decisions from the Minister of Environment to provide the certainty that Northern Pulp could continue to operate and that we could invest in needed upgrades. Our team worked diligently and in partnership with the government starting in 2016 to design a new wastewater treatment facility. We also started to conduct the necessary and growing list of studies required by the government. By December 2017, with a proposed new $130 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility designed, we engaged in meaningful consultation with stakeholders. It became apparent through our studies that our initial pipe outfall proposal wasnt preferred or feasible given ocean ice. We proposed an alternate location in the Caribou Channel and immediately began to carry out surveying and environmental studies. Unfortunately, the survey boat was blocked by local fishers who refused to allow the work to proceed. The blockade lasted until late December 2018 and was only ended after successful legal action. Unfortunately, this cost us time as we could not resume marine surveys until the spring 2019 ice break up. At this point, we had less than two years to complete more than two years of required environmental study and analysis. Only then would we get a decision from the Minister of Environment. The actual construction of a new wastewater treatment facility and pipe would take at least another two years. But we continued to push forward. Some 11,000 families and 30,000 woodlot owners across Nova Scotia expected nothing less of us and we believe it was the right thing to do. Over the course of the process, seven studies required by the Department of Environment became 68. Despite an already unrealistic timeline, our team did its best to meet each new request. Over the course of the process, seven studies required by the Department of Environment became 68. Despite an already unrealistic timeline, our team did its best to meet each new request. At the end of the day, we believe we put forward an excellent plan informed by third-party subject matter expertise based on sound science. This plan showed no meaningful environmental impact, represented significant operational improvement, and ensured Nova Scotias forest sector and the thousands it employs could remain a vital part of our economy, all while enabling the timely closure and remediation of Boat Harbour prior to the original contracted closure date of 2030. Still, the Minister of Environment decided he didnt have enough information and requested a full environmental assessment a requirement that adds at least two years to the timeline. It is disappointing that the Minister of Environments request for a full environmental assessment was not made many years earlier. It would have provided a definitive process and a more realistic timeline. Instead, the Ministers decision, combined with the Premiers refusal to extend the deadline for the closure of Boat Harbour, is now resulting in the closure of Northern Pulp, the devastation of Nova Scotias forestry industry, loss of over 2,700 rural jobs, and significant impact to another 8,300 forestry jobs across Nova Scotia. To our 330 direct employees and the families and forestry workers across Nova Scotia who have depended on the mill to help them put down roots and raise their family in the region: we want to make it clear that we do not want to close Northern Pulp. We want to operate in Nova Scotia for the long-term. We believe that a prosperous economy and healthy environment can co-exist in Pictou County, just like it does in 89 other communities with pulp and paper mills across Canada. Unfortunately, an unrealistic timeline and undefined process has put us in the position we, and you, are in today. We are sorry for the difficulties and unknown futures you are facing. We dont know what February 1, 2020, will look like. We will, however, continue to meet with government and industry stakeholders to fight for a future for Northern Pulp in Nova Scotia. In the absence of certainty that the Nova Scotia wants to continue supporting a flourishing forestry industry and the economic benefits it provides, our team is currently focused on supporting our employees, developing plans for a safe and environmentally sound hibernation plan, and working with the Government of Nova Scotia to understand if there is a future for our operations. Brian Baarda CEO, Paper Excellence Canada About Paper Excellence Canada Paper Excellence Canada has grown through logical acquisitions from a single mill base to a multinational group producing 2.7 million tonnes of paper and pulp and employing over 2,300 people over the past decade. To learn more, visit: www.paperexcellence.com SOURCE: Paper Excellence Canada The best practice around emergency funds is that you should have at least three months worth of critical household expenses (rent or mortgage, condo fees, utilities, groceries, etc.) set aside in case an emergency happens. The exception is if you are heavily indebted, in which case, some financial experts suggest you could keep as little as $1,000 in your emergency fund, and put the rest of your available money toward paying off your high-interest debts like credit card balances. Your emergency fund needs to be readily available, typically within 24 hours. But if youre anything like me, the thought of having your emergency fund sit around in an old-fashioned savings account, not earning much interest, is irritating. I like my money to work for me. Here are two ways to put your emergency fund to good use, without putting it at risk: Save the interest on a traditional line of credit If you owe money on a revolving line of credit, you can pay off the balance using your emergency fund. This move will save you money on the interest you would have otherwise paid towards your line of credit. At todays rates, this can add up to many hundreds of dollars in savings every month. But dont do this if it is a collapsible line of credit, which means that as you pay it down, you lose the available balance. In the event of an emergency, you will still need to access your line of credit to pay for the unexpected costs. Invest the money in a cashable (redeemable) GIC or the highest rate savings account on the market GICs traditionally offer a higher rate compared to a high-interest savings account. The caveat here is that the GIC you select cant be locked in, or youll have trouble redeeming your funds quickly during an emergency, and youll lose the interest you would have otherwise earned. Right now, there are some competitive high-interest saving account rates that rival GIC rates. Youll need to investigate whats available and go with whatever rate is highest. Supercharge this strategy by tucking that GIC or high-interest savings account into your Tax-Free Savings Account (if you have room) so that you dont pay any taxes on the interest that you earn. Id also highly recommend automating your savings contributions so that your account balance grows with each paycheque. Certainly there are many other ways you can deploy your emergency fund money, but the ones that earn you a higher return, also tend to have more risk than what Ive outlined above. Your emergency fund is the one piece of your overall portfolio that should not be exposed to too much risk. And statistically speaking, an emergency will happen in the next decade of your life, so you need to be prepared. LS Lesley-Anne Scorgie is a Toronto-based personal finance columnist and a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @lesleyscorgie Wellington/Melbourne, Jan 13 : The official death toll in the Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand last month rose to 18 on Monday after the death of one of the injured persons evacuated to Australia. "We are sad to inform that one of the three patients The Alfred received from the volcano tragedy has passed away," Efe news quoted Melbourne's Alfred Hospital as saying in a statement. "Two patients continue to receive specialist burns care. One is in a stable condition. One is in a critical condition," it added. The victim was one of 12 injured people evacuated to hospitals in Australia and the second in this group to die. New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims confirmed in a statement on Monday that "a further person died in an Australian hospital last night as a result of injuries suffered in the Whakaari/White Island eruption". Another 13 people remain in hospital in New Zealand, where 16 of the official deaths have been recorded. Two people not listed in the official toll were still missing in the waters around Whakaari/White Island, and presumed dead. On December 24, 2019, New Zealand authorities called off the search for missing New Zealand tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, 40, and Australian Winona Langford, 17, a week after the search had been scaled back due to no items of significance being found. The New Zealand authorities have opened two investigations to look into the incident on the privately-owned island. In total, 47 people - 24 Australians, nine Americans, five New Zealanders, four Germans, two Britons, two Chinese and a Malaysian citizen - were on the island when the volcano erupted on December 9, 2019. The 321-metre-high, Whakaari/White Island, 70 per cent of which is below sea level, is one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes and a popular tourist attraction. In 2018 it was visited by more than 17,500 people. Located at the southeastern end of the Ring of Fire, Whakaari last erupted in 2016 without causing fatalities. The deadliest incident at the site occurred in 1914 when 10 miners died as a result of a landslide caused by the collapse of part of the volcano's crater. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that a country-wide implementation of National Register of Citizens was "needless" and had "no justification". Speaking in the state Legislative Assembly, Kumar further said that his government agreed in principle to National Population Register (NPR) as they did likewise when such an exercise was last conducted 10 years ago. He, however, emphasised that the census should be caste- based. The CM said he was ready to have a discussion in the House with regard to "extra details" being sought as part of the NPR. He made the remarks while thanking the House for its unanimous support to the Constitution amendment for extending quotas for SCs and STs in the two Houses of the Parliament by another 10 years at a special day-long session convened for the purpose. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi was seated next to him when Kumar was speaking. The chief minister said at present he was preoccupied with the Jal Jeevan Hariyali drive on environmental conservation and all aspects relating to the issues could be discussed in the next session of the house and its sentiments conveyed to the Centre. Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, in his brief but impassioned statement, had remarked "the nation is on fire" on the issues of CAA, NRC and NPR and sought to know whether the chief minister "stands with Lalan Singh or Pavan Varma and Prashant Kishor". Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh is the leader in Lok Sabha of the JD(U) headed by Kumar. The party had voted in favour of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in both houses of Parliament, to which Varma, a national general secretary, and Kishor the national vice president had taken strong exception. In his address, Kumar said "this session has been convened for a specific purpose. However, there is a lot of turmoil over CAA, NRC and NPR. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that there should be a discussion on these. "But at present my mind is focused on the Jal Jeevan Hariyali campaign as part of which we are organizing a state- wide human chain next Sunday (January 19). If desired, we can discuss all these issues in future", he said. "But I must say something about NRC. How does the question of NRC arise? It arose in the context of Assam, as a consequence of the accord signed by the Rajiv Gandhi following the Assam agitation (on the foreign national issue). We have no inkling that such an exercise would be conducted across the country. "It would be needless (koi zarurat hai nahin) and have no justification (koi auchitya nahin). And I think the Prime Minister too has spoken clearly on this", he said. The Bihar chief minister had earlier also asserted that NRC will not be implemented in the state. "Kaahe ka NRC? Bilkul laagu nahin hoga" (NRC, what for? Will not at all be implemented), Kumar had said on December 20 last. Kumar is the first chief minister from the NDA camp to have said no to any attempt to undertake an all India NRC exercise. Kumar is heading a coalition government with the BJP in Bihar. Kumar also responded to apprehensions expressed about details like parents places of birth and documents pertaining to the same being sought in the NPR forms which have triggered fears that NRC may follow the exercise. "Our government has agreed in principle to NPR since we did likewise when such an exercise was last conducted 10 years ago. At present it is in the preliminary stage and census proper will start only after three to four months. All issues relating to it, like extra details (anya cheezein) being sought in NPR can be discussed when the House meets again. "On one thing, however, I am certain that the census should once be caste-based. At present census collects details of people following different religions and of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and it should be extended to all other castes", the chief minister. He said this referring to his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and the leader of opposition Tejashwi Yadav having spoken in favour of a caste-based census in their respective speeches. "I am ready to have this matter discussed on the floor of the house from where a representation can also be sent to the Centre", he added. The 166th Amendment to the Constitution, which extends quotas for SCs and STs was passed unanimously, through voice vote. Yadav had, in his speech, also expressed the opinion that "a permanent system should be put in place for the quotas so that these do not require to be extended after every 10 years". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Electoral code makers now oppose it: Mahbub Talukdar Staff Reporter: Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar on Monday said that who prepared the electoral code of conduct are now opposing it. It is utmost sorrowful matter that who prepared the electoral code of conduct, are now opposing it, Mahbub Talukdar said it in a letter sending to Chief Election Commissioner on the day. He urged the Election Commission in the letter to issue a circular with specific directives on electoral code of conduct so that no confusion can arise ahead of the Dhaka city corporation election. `If the code of conduct is not strictly enforced, the commission might face lack of confidence, which is not expected,` Mahbub Talukdar said. He also addressed the letter to the returning officers of both the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporations (DSCC). According to the existing electoral code of conduct, there is no scope for ministers and members of parliaments to take part in any committee formed in connection to the election, he said. He said, it is very much clear that ministers and MPs are not allowed to take any electoral work inside of buildings or out sides as per the electoral code of 2016. Count us among those who are not mourning the death of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Killing American soldiers is just one of many terrible things he did that leaves the world better without him in it. Also, count us among those who are grateful that President Donald Trump opted to de-escalate tension with Iran, possibly stopping a spiral into open war. Beyond that, however, we cannot praise the president and his dealings with Iran, because we expect more from the administration than responding with deadly force to immediate crises that never should have been allowed to bring us to the brink of open conflict. What we expect is a strategy that has a reasonable chance to reshape the political landscape in favor of American interests and, more broadly, toward the expansion of human freedom. That work should start with acknowledging the Iranian regime is a cancer on the Middle East. It is brutally oppressive. It employs terrorism as standard operating procedure. The Iranian regime destroys the bonds of civil society that are necessary for democracy to flourish. The spread of democracy is never easy. But the much needed spread of representative government in the Middle East has been hindered, and sometimes crippled, by the tyrants in Tehran who spread terror and chaos abroad and crush demands for greater freedom at home. Acknowledging this fact about Irans role in sowing chaos brings us to a fact about any successful strategy in the Middle East. Whats needed is not ad hoc military operations, but a strategy for bolstering social and military institutions that protect, preserve and propagate democracy. We believe that involves three broad strokes. Yes, military operations are necessary to degrade and destroy immediate security threats that range from the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq to terrorist organizations that operate where they can gain opportunity. Conducting these operations may entail deploying more American troops, or it might involve a different set of tactics. But the goal needs to remain preserving space for civil institutions to expand so that democracy can become deeply embedded. The second broad approach needs to involve diplomatic engagement that forges lasting alliances with strategic players such as Iraq and the nations that make up NATO. Third, the administration needs to make the case to the American people for why we should actively counter the Iranian regime. Winning a protracted international conflict requires sustained support at home. That support can only be forthcoming when a president lays out a clear and compelling strategy that inspires the people by tying the work to a larger purpose, to a purpose greater than immediate economic gain and that has a realistic chance of creating a more peaceful and prosperous future. Such a strategy can be aggressive and even confrontational, but it cant be reckless, ad hoc, or based on an immediate reaction or whim. And its usually better when it outmaneuvers rather than openly fights with an opponent. If it seems that the White House has not engaged in such a strategy, it may be because the president hasnt formed the kind of strategy that can isolate even a rogue regime like Iran. The fact is that the White House is lost, and its policy prescriptions for the Middle East reveal a moral confusion. The current secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, talks about the administrations strategy on Iran as one of confront and contain, perhaps signaling that he too thinks of this as a new type of cold war. But the administration seems to gloss over the fact that the good guys triumphed over communism because they based their work on a moral center of spreading human freedom, and they won allies along the way by defending more than enhancing Americas economic power. So be thankful that there is no immediate war with Iran, but also join us in pressing the administration for a clear and compelling strategy that can rally Americans and the rest of the free world to a greater purpose, and a purpose that is likely to lead to a more peaceful and stable future. Dallas Morning News A rough sleeper whose face was slashed in a frenzied stabbing spree has claimed the knifeman deliberately targeted four homeless men. Tommy Dennison, 52, was drinking coffee outside Primark on Market Street, Manchester, when the attacker suddenly brandished a lock-blade and cut him across the cheek without saying a word. The victim, who was left with a grisly wound needing 18 stitches, said the man than stabbed another rough sleeper sat a few yards away. A total four people were injured in the bloody blade blitz, with one taken to hospital. The knifeman was Tasered by officers, before being arrested. Describing the horrific attack last night, Mr Dennison said: 'He was outside Nero's where the bin is. I heard him screaming so I went over to help him. 'I tried to calm him down, he'd been stabbed twice, in the back and shoulder. Then I heard more screaming, from the other side of the street. Tommy Dennison, 52, whose face was slashed in a frenzied stabbing spree has claimed the knifeman deliberately targeted four homeless men He claims he was drinking coffee outside Primark on Market Street, Manchester, (crime scene pictured) when the attacker suddenly brandished a lock-blade and cut him across the cheek without saying a word 'There was a commotion, all these people were in the street, phoning police. Officers came from everywhere, it was a sea of blue.' Mr Dennison says both the other two victims were also homeless men. He said: 'One has a scar near his eye I saw him in hospital, his face was bad. The other guy has 180 stitches. '[The attacker] was targeting the homeless, he didn't say anything, he just walked up and slashed me.' Although Mr Dennison has had substance abuse problems and lived on the streets for many years, he has recently found accommodation. He is now recovering at home after having 18 stitches to his face in hospital last night. He said: 'It's sore but I'm OK. Everybody will be worried out there. I'm off the streets now, I'm trying to turn my life around. 'There's some right evil out there. But Manchester is a safe place, it's just now and again there are some incidents.' Greater Manchester Police continues to investigate the stabbing incident and a 30-year-old man is in custody. City centre spokesman for Manchester Council Pat Karney said on Twitter this morning: 'Incident last night was a rough sleeper feuding with other rough sleepers.' Officers confirmed Taser was deployed as he was arrested on suspicion of serious assault at the scene on Market Street. The victim, who was left with a grisly wound needing 18 stitches, said the man than stabbed another rough sleeper sat a few yards away Eyewitness Mitchell Jemmeh was walking towards Market Street when he saw the incident unfolding in front of him last night. He said: 'A homeless man was surrounded, he was screaming. At first sight I thought it was over money or he was on drugs, then a group of lads shouted to the people surrounding the homeless man: "he's on the tram, he's here". 'Everybody on the tram got off leaving this one male on his own on the tram. He was cornered on the end carriage of the tram. 'Then two female PCSOs came running over being cautious telling the surrounding crowd to back off.' 'Two or three plain clothes police officers then detained him, he was struggling trying to resist. He was then tasered and taken to the ground. 'As this is happening two other males appear to be stabbed, one was next to the first homeless man. 'He had a wound to the face and was bleeding from the face. The other was on the other side of the tram stop at a bin.' Greater Manchester Police said in a statement last night: 'Shortly before 6.20pm this evening, police were called to reports that two people had been stabbed on Market Street. 'Officers attended and a 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault - a taser was deployed during the arrest. 'Four people have been injured and one has been taken to hospital for treatment. 'This is being treated as an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public. 'Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage or information is urged to contact police.' TOKYO, Jan. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Seeing Machines Limited, the advanced computer vision technology company that designs AI-powered operator monitoring systems to improve transport safety will be exhibiting its FOVIO Driver Monitoring Chip technology (FOVIO Chip) at Automotive World in Tokyo, the world's largest exhibition for advanced automotive technologies. Seeing Machines is demonstrating its world leading technology on the Xilinx booth (#A16-48), its silicon supply partner. Seeing Machines and Xilinx have announced a renewed supplier agreement where Xilinx will supply the FOVIO Chip directly to automotive Tier 1 customers that are pre-approved by Seeing Machines. This solution includes Driver Monitoring System (DMS) software, acceleration IP and application interfaces on Xilinx silicon which forms a cost-effective and power-efficient DMS Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP). The FOVIO Driver Monitoring Chip solution enables customers to seamlessly integrate DMS into their advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and semi-automated driving systems. Visit Seeing Machines on the Xilinx booth (#A16-48) at Automotive World in Tokyo from 15 through 17 January 2020. *** About Seeing Machines Seeing Machines (LSE: SEE), a global company headquartered in Australia, is an industry leader in computer vision technologies which enable machines to see, understand and assist people. The Company's machine learning vision platform has the know-how to deliver real-time identification and understanding of drivers through Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis of heads, faces and eyes. This insight enables Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), which monitor driver/operator identification and attention and can detect drowsiness and distraction across multiple transport sectors. Seeing Machines develops DMS for the Automotive, Commercial Fleet, Aviation, Rail and Off-Road markets. The Company has offices in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, and delivers multi-platform solutions to industry leaders in each vertical. DMS is becoming a core safety technology integrated into ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) offerings for the automotive industry, particularly with the development of semi-autonomous and self-driving cars. DMS is also increasingly seen to be an integral safety feature across the Commercial Transport & Logistics industry globally. www.seeingmachines.com SOURCE Seeing Machines Limited A Sharadhaa By Express News Service Well-known actors giving voice-overs to animals in movies is quite common in Hollywood and Bollywood now. But the makers of Naanu Matthu Gunda have taken it up to the next level. The film, starring Shivaraj KR Pete and Samyukta Hornad, also features two dogs -- Gunda, and the older dog, Simba. Both the animals have dubbed for the film in their own voices. This is a first-of-its-kind attempt, to have dogs entering the recording studio to dub in their voice, says Raghu Hassan, who has written the screenplay and produced the film directed by Srinivas Thimmaiah. Simba and the younger dog underwent rehearsals and took two days to dub their portions. Simba, who has earlier played a role in the Malayalam film, Bangalore Days, is featured as the parallel lead in Naanu Matthu Gunda. Dogs lending their voice for their scenes is, in my knowledge, the first-of-its-kind instance in Indian film history. I have read or heard of Hollywood films having attempted to have a lion and a couple of dogs record in their voices, but I have not come across this anywhere in Indian films, says Raghu Hassan, adding that they tried to use stock voices for dubbing, but it didnt work. So finally, we decided to have Simbas original voice for the film, he says. Simba underwent special training by Shivaswami, after which the dog was sent to the recording studio. According to Raghu Haasan, the experience was extraordinary. The process of dubbing was a task, but Simba and the little dog, which we have christened Gunda, supported us very well. Dubbing for the murmuring sound, which emotes the feeling, was simply amazing. We also wanted to get a deep breath, for which we made Simba run for half a kilometre, and captured the sound. To get the snoring sound, we had to wait for him to sleep for 2-3 hours. The owner also provoked him to get a harsh bark from Simba. All this is something unique that the audience can watch in Naanu Matthu Gunda, explains Raghu Hassan. The younger version of Simba is played by a little labrador puppy. Since it wasnt given a name by the owner, the team decided to name it Gunda. The film also comprises Rockline Sudhakar, Govinda Gowda of Comedy Khiladigalu fame, bodybuilder, A V Ravi, and mostly consists of theatre artistes. They have also shot in an unexplored location of Haasan. The films story has been written by Vivekananda Tanjarayar, while cinematography has been handled by Chidanand HK and music is by Karthik Sharma. KM Prakash is on board as the editor. Naanu Matthu Gunda, made under the banner of Poem Pictures Production, is based on animal-human bonding. It is set to be released on January 24. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department(VALLEY VILLAGE, Calif.) -- An off-duty sheriffs detective was struck and killed by a car while she was in the middle of helping an elderly woman cross the street who had fallen in the middle of the road. Amber Joy Leist, a 41-year-old mother of two sons aged 17 and 20 and a 12-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, had stopped her car in Valley Village, California, on Sunday at around 11 a.m. when she saw an elderly woman fall while she was crossing the street. Leist parked her car near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Whitsett Avenue to help the fallen woman but was struck by an oncoming vehicle when she attempted to return to her car. Leist was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. "Today the LA County Sheriff's Department is grieving," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva in a statement on Twitter. "We are shocked and stunned by the sudden loss of a family member She was an outstanding detective who lead by example." Leist had a colorful and varied 12-year career including working as a north county corrections officer, a deputy in Lancaster as well as a school resource officer. Leist had spent the last five years with the West Hollywood station where she had been promoted to detective. Police are investigating the circumstances around the accident but the driver involved in Leists death stopped at the scene and was cooperating with investigators. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of permanent loss is the risk I worry about... and every practical investor I know worries about. When we think about how risky a company is, we always like to look at its use of debt, since debt overload can lead to ruin. We note that Iberpapel Gestion, S.A. (BME:IBG) does have debt on its balance sheet. But the real question is whether this debt is making the company risky. When Is Debt A Problem? Generally speaking, debt only becomes a real problem when a company can't easily pay it off, either by raising capital or with its own cash flow. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. While that is not too common, we often do see indebted companies permanently diluting shareholders because lenders force them to raise capital at a distressed price. Of course, plenty of companies use debt to fund growth, without any negative consequences. The first thing to do when considering how much debt a business uses is to look at its cash and debt together. Check out our latest analysis for Iberpapel Gestion What Is Iberpapel Gestion's Debt? The image below, which you can click on for greater detail, shows that at September 2019 Iberpapel Gestion had debt of 73.3m, up from 73.3 in one year. However, it does have 169.8m in cash offsetting this, leading to net cash of 96.5m. BME:IBG Historical Debt, January 13th 2020 How Strong Is Iberpapel Gestion's Balance Sheet? According to the last reported balance sheet, Iberpapel Gestion had liabilities of 47.3m due within 12 months, and liabilities of 73.9m due beyond 12 months. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of 169.8m as well as receivables valued at 36.3m due within 12 months. So it actually has 84.9m more liquid assets than total liabilities. This surplus strongly suggests that Iberpapel Gestion has a rock-solid balance sheet (and the debt is of no concern whatsoever). On this view, lenders should feel as safe as the beloved of a black-belt karate master. Succinctly put, Iberpapel Gestion boasts net cash, so it's fair to say it does not have a heavy debt load! Story continues The good news is that Iberpapel Gestion has increased its EBIT by 3.0% over twelve months, which should ease any concerns about debt repayment. There's no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. But it is future earnings, more than anything, that will determine Iberpapel Gestion's ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet going forward. So if you want to see what the professionals think, you might find this free report on analyst profit forecasts to be interesting. Finally, while the tax-man may adore accounting profits, lenders only accept cold hard cash. While Iberpapel Gestion has net cash on its balance sheet, it's still worth taking a look at its ability to convert earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to free cash flow, to help us understand how quickly it is building (or eroding) that cash balance. Over the last three years, Iberpapel Gestion recorded free cash flow worth a fulsome 91% of its EBIT, which is stronger than we'd usually expect. That positions it well to pay down debt if desirable to do so. Summing up While it is always sensible to investigate a company's debt, in this case Iberpapel Gestion has 96.5m in net cash and a decent-looking balance sheet. And it impressed us with free cash flow of 16m, being 91% of its EBIT. So we don't think Iberpapel Gestion's use of debt is risky. Above most other metrics, we think its important to track how fast earnings per share is growing, if at all. If you've also come to that realization, you're in luck, because today you can view this interactive graph of Iberpapel Gestion's earnings per share history for free. If, after all that, you're more interested in a fast growing company with a rock-solid balance sheet, then check out our list of net cash growth stocks without delay. 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. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg lashed out at the U.S. over its push for sanctions to be slapped on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. According to the minister, Austria rejects the extraterritorial effect of the sanctions. "This is unacceptable," Schallenberg told the Austrian newspaper Die Presse. He argued that the pipeline contributes to the diversification of energy supplies in Europe. This came after U.S. President Donald Trump signed in December the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which specifically envisages sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project. European Union will 'not be rushed' into signing off on post-Brexit agreements, Irish deputy PM warns The European Union will "not be rushed" into signing off on post-Brexit agreements with Britain despite a UK law setting a fixed deadline on the talks, Ireland's deputy prime minister has warned. The Tanaiste cast fresh doubt on Johnson's "ambitious" vow not to extend the existing Brexit transition period, in which the UK will stay aligned to EU rules, beyond 31 December this year. The Conservative manifesto commits the Prime Minister to the end-of-year deadline, teeing up a race to secure deals with the EU on areas including trade, security and aviation. The Withdrawal Agreement Bill passed by MPs this week enshrined in British law the commitment not to extend the so-called 'implementation period' December 2020 - meaning UK and EU negotiators will have just 11 months to negotiate fresh agreements. Simon Coveney said that while the fixed deadline was "a matter for Boris Johnson", the EU would not be bumped into agreeing pacts with the UK to suit its timeframe. "When people talk about the future relationship in the UK in particular they seem to only talk about a future trade agreement," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr. "Actually, there's much more to this than that." "There's fishing, there's aviation, there's data. And there's so many other things." He added: "I know that Prime Minister Johnson has set a very ambitious timetable to get this done, he's even put it into British law. But just because a British Parliament decides that British law says something, doesn't mean that that law applies to the other 27 countries of the European Union. "And so the European Union will approach this on the basis of getting the best deal possible, a fair and balanced deal to ensure that the UK and the EU can interact as friends in the future. But the EU will not be rushed on this just because Britain passes laws." But Security Minister Brandon Lewis insisted it was an "achievable" aim to get an over-arching post-Brexit agreement signed off before Britain leaves the EU transition period at the end of 2020. He told the same programme: "Lets remember we are talking about a prime minister where people said we couldnt reopen the Withdrawal Agreement - he did that in under a hundred days, got a new agreement. "[People] said we couldnt get it through parliament, we got the General Election, got a majority and just this week we had that vote, we are leaving the European Union." The Irish deputy PM also urged British politicians to ignore calls to adopt the "language of enemies not friends" as the two sides thrash out a post-Brexit relationship. He warned: "Both sides in this negotiation, in the next stage of Brexit, have a vested interest in working together, not to try and outmanoeuvre each other. "We need to put in place, from a trade perspective, a deal that respects the fact that the EU has got to insist on equivalence and a level playing field if there's going to be free trade in the future. And the UK also has its interests in terms of the relationship it wants to develop with other parts of the world taken into account as well." Coveney's comments come after the first face-to-face talks between the Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen, the newly-elected President of the European Commission. Von der Leyen used a trip to the UK this week - where she held discussions with Johnson at Number 10 - to argue that it would be "basically impossible to negotiate all" elements of the two sides' future relationship by the December deadline. And she warned: "Our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before. "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 world's largest single market. "The more divergence there is, the more distant the partnership will be." But a Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had urged the EU chief to kick off talks "on the future partnership and Canada-style FTA [Free Trade Agreement] as soon as possible after January 31". 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 [European Court of Justice] jurisdiction. He said the UK would also maintain control of UK fishing waters and our immigration system." Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has proposed a way out for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deal with his critics over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which has triggered protests and apprehension across the country. The former Union finance minister accused the Prime Minister of not having a dialogue with his critics, who do not believe Modis stance that CAA is meant to give citizenship and not take it away. He reiterated what the opposition parties have been saying that the legislation, if combined with an all-India National Register for Citizens (NRC), could result in the expulsion or detention of those Muslims who would not be able to provide the documentation required. PM talks from high platforms to silent audiences and does not take questions. We talk through the media and are willing to take questions from media persons, he said in a series of tweets. The only way out is for the PM to select five of his most articulate critics and have a televised Q and A session with them. Let the people listen to the discussion and reach their conclusions on CAA. I sincerely hope PM will respond favourably to this suggestion, he added. The senior leaders tweets came hours ahead of a meeting of the opposition parties, called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in New Delhi to form a joint strategy to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre on issues including the citizenship act. Leaders of the Congress, Left parties, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will be among those to hold talks in the afternoon. The BJPs top leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and home minister Amit Shah, have said the law does take away an individuals citizenship, and accused political rivals of spreading misinformation on the issue. Facing protests across the country, the ruling party has launched a door-to-door campaign that will reach out to three crore families to dispel doubts about the provisions of CAA and clear perceptions. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - An intensified debate over New York's bail law continues at the State Capitol, with the top Democrat in the State Assembly saying he wants to let the reforms play out without changes. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie urged people to have patience with the newly implemented bail law, which has received increasing scrutiny over its rules that allow New York courts to release people who would have remained in jail under the old rules. The law, which went into place at the beginning of the year, eliminated money bail and pretrial detention for a wide majority of low-level cases and nonviolent felonies. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) The wife of a reverend in the Oko-Oba area of Lagos State, Mrs Olusola Adeleke, has been arrested by the police for allegedly burning the skin of her home help with a hot iron. The woman was arrested along with the reverend, Adebanjo, as the couple were alleged to have subjected the nine-year-old girl to series of physical abuse since she started living with them two years ago. Sunday Punch learnt that the girls travails came to the limelight recently when one of the Adelekes two dogs bit her in the chest while she was feeding them. It was said that the couple did not take her to hospital for treatment which prompted a mandated reporter to inform a child rights advocate, Mrs Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, about the case. Taiwo-Ojo, a lawyer, told Punch correspondent that apart from the dog bites and mark of iron, there were scars of lashes all over the girls body. She explained that she approached the reverend, who claimed his wife was playing with the victim when the hot iron burned her skin. She said, I asked him if the iron is a toy but he was speechless. The woman didnt tell us what the girl did that warranted such inhumane treatment but the girl said she was punished for bedwetting. She said she is from Ajara (in Badagry). According to the girl, the couple lured her to their house two years ago through her mothers friend. They told the mother that an elderly couple without a child needed somebody to keep their company and they promised to send her to school. That was why her mother released her to the couple We have been trying to reunite her with her family. She doesnt know her surname; she only knows that her father was an Alhaji before he passed on. The suspects are pastors. They used horsewhips to beat the little girl who is about nine years old. There were scars all over her body from several previous beatings. Punch correspondent learnt that the states Ministry of Youth and Social Development were involved in the matter and the suspects were arrested on Thursday and transferred to the gender unit of the state police command headquarters in Ikeja. The lawyer said the victim while narrating her experience stated that the couple gave her tough chores to do, including tendering to Adelekes aged mother. She said, The malnourished child said she had been staying with the couple for the past two years without going to school. Her daily chores include changing the diaper and cleaning of a 90-year-old grandmother, who also resides in the place. She also feeds the two Alsatian dogs in the house and takes care of their kennel. A scar by her breast was a dog bite she sustained four days earlier but the reverend and his wife did not deem it fit to take her to a hospital for anti-rabies and anti-tetanus injections. The child rights activist stated further that the girl was taken to a hospital for treatment where a preliminary report revealed that she had been sexually abused. A medical test has been carried out on her and the result will be out on Monday. The girl has not revealed who did the dastardly act to her because of the trauma she had gone through. We are still waiting for the outcome of the police investigation to know the perpetrator, she added. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest of the couple. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates San Antonio police have identified the man accused of shooting a homeless man while attempting to steal his bike. Police said a homeless man was riding his bike at the corner of N. Brazos Street and Kaufmann Court when he was confronted by 28-year-old Alfredo Martinez, who allegedly attempted to steal his bike. HENLEY pub operator and brewery Brakspear has reached the final of the Publican Awards 2020. It is one of four companies shortlisted in the best accommodation operator category of the national competition, which is run by industry magazine The Morning Advertiser. Brakspear secured its finalist place for the accommodation at nine of its managed pubs, including the Crown at Playhatch. Judges will visit several of Brakspears pubs and there will be mystery pub visits as well as a panel interview in London for the companys senior management team. The award will be given to the pub group which offers guests the best overnight stay, with judges looking for comfort and design in the bedrooms, outstanding customer service and a tasty breakfast. Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, said: We had record entries into the Publican Awards this year, so our judges had a difficult task in choosing the finalists from a very talented field. All the pubs that have reached the shortlist deserve to be very proud of their achievement and we wish them all good luck with the next stage of the judging. The other three finalists are the Stay Original Company, PubLove, and the Inn Collection Group. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on March 4. Pictured: Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies at the Bull on Bell Street pub in Henley. TROY Kristy Cook, the manager of the McDonalds Restaurant in Troy, has won a Ray Kroc Award. The award honors the top performing McDonalds Restaurant Managers globally. Cook was one of 365 McDonalds restaurant managers representing the top 1 percent of restaurant managers to receive the honor, which includes a cash prize and a trophy. Cook has worked for McDonalds for 20 years. She will be honored April 22 at the Ray Kroc Awards Gala in Orlando, Florida. Being in the top 1% of one of the biggest restaurant chains in the world is crazy, said Cook. Troy, Illinois, is my hometown, so I was excited to be brought in to improve the store and fix the issues. It feels good to now hear positive things about this store in the community. I am proud of the turn-around the store has made and believe I have one of the best teams around, Cook said. I made it a point to get to sit down with each crew member and get to know them personally. My key to success is treating everyone like family, not just an employee. Tracy Timmons, area supervisor for the Dave Embry organization, said they were incredibly proud in Cooks selection. We have long considered Kristy to be an invaluable asset in our organization, Timmons said. She is committed to delivering great customer service and hospitality to our guests. Kristys team follows her lead and strives to make guests happy on each and every visit. McDonalds has more than 37,000 locations in 120 countries. Over 90% of McDonalds restaurants are owned and operated by independent local business men and women. The Trump administration has dropped its formal designation of China as a currency manipulator, signaling improved relations between the two countries just days before officials are set to sign a preliminary trade deal. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that the phase one U.S.-China trade agreement set to be signed on Wednesday includes commitments on currency practices and to refrain from competitive devaluation pledges that led the administration to remove the label it put in place less than six months ago. China has made enforceable commitments to refrain from competitive devaluation, while promoting transparency and accountability, Mnuchin said in a statement, which was released alongside a biannual report on foreign exchange practices of major trading partners. The decision to drop Chinas currency manipulator label marks a reversal from August, when Mnuchin took the rare step of issuing the formal designation against China at a moment when trade relations between the two countries were spiraling downward. That was the first time any administration had taken that step in nearly 30 years. Treasury defended that decision in its report, saying that Beijing over the summer took concrete steps to devalue its currency to gain unfair competitive advantage in international trade. But commitments in the phase one deal, including an agreement to make some information related to exchange rates public, led Treasury to remove the designation, the report says. The deal also promises $200 billion in Chinese purchases over two years. While text of the agreement has yet to be released, China is expected to agree to institute new currency disciplines as part of it. U.S. officials have said the currency rules will be enforceable, meaning any violations could be punished with tariffs. The long-delayed report offers the first detailed explanation of Treasury's decision last year to add the currency manipulator label, which is largely symbolic but viewed as a sort of public shaming. Treasury had been expected to release its biannual report by mid-October, but it was held without explanation until Monday the same day China's delegation arrived in Washington in advance of the deal signing. Story continues Previous administrations had refrained from imposing the formal designation, arguing that it was better to work with other countries to put diplomatic pressure on Beijing. President Donald Trump, despite campaign pledges in 2016 to label China a currency manipulator as soon as he entered the White House, had also held off for the first five currency reports issued under his administration. Mnuchin had suggested in October that the currency manipulator label could be lifted if the U.S. and China sign a deal. Assuming we close the agreement and we have the assurances, he said at the time, that will be a big step in the right direction for our evaluation. Still, the currency decision Monday sparked some criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who accused Trump of giving in to Chinese President Xi Jinping without getting much in return. Unfortunately, President Trump would rather cave to President Xi than stay tough on China, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. When it comes to the presidents stance on China, Americans are getting a lot of show and very little results. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of N.Y., walks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) added that just because were negotiating a trade deal doesnt mean we should ignore Communist Chinas bad acts. They are a currency manipulator. Period, he wrote on Twitter. Theyre also human rights violators and the world biggest polluters. We cant forget that. Treasury did keep China on its "Monitoring List" of trading partners whose currency practices deserve close attention. Nine other countries are also on that list: Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland and Vietnam. All of those countries had been on the most recent monitoring list except Switzerland, which was added because of its trade surplus and what Treasury called "persistent, one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market." Brazil and Argentina, two countries that Trump last month accused of manipulating their currencies, notably did not appear on the list. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Anastasia Savchenko - Trend: Implementation of measures necessary to carry out reforms in Azerbaijans energy sector continues in accordance with the order of the head of state. In an interview with Trend, Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov spoke about the implementation of important projects in the energy sector, as well as plans for the current and coming years. - What was last year like from the point of view of implementing the tasks set for Azerbaijans energy sector? - Last year, from the point of view of developing the energy sector and projects in this area, was quite effective for Azerbaijan. In particular, implementation of long-term strategy for the development of the energy sector of the Republic of Azerbaijan was started. The president was presented with proposals on attracting private investment to this sector, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, creating a favorable investment environment and supporting private entrepreneurship. The proposals to improve the efficiency of the heat supply system in the country were also prepared and submitted to the head of state in 2019. Draft laws 'On Power Industry', 'On the use of renewable energy sources in electricity generation', as well as 'On regulation in the field of energy and utilities' were developed and submitted. The implementation of measures to prepare new draft laws of Azerbaijan "On energy" and "On gas supply" began in 2019. After the adoption of proposals and bills, the execution process and a new stage of development in the energy sector will begin. - What is the dynamics of development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)? - Azerbaijan has been cooperating with IRENA since 2009, and has been a full member of the organization since 2014. During this time, the partnership relations between Azerbaijan and IRENA have developed significantly. The Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) project for Azerbaijan is an example of the countrys successful cooperation with IRENA. Recommendations on this project were provided, ensuring creation of favorable investment environment in order to support using potential of renewable energy sources. Many of these recommendations are consistent with the steps taken by the ministry for the development of renewable energy. At the same time, the preparation of the bill "On the use of renewable energy in the electricity generation" is one of the priority tasks set by the head of state as part of accelerating reforms in Azerbaijan's energy sector. Increasing the share of renewable sources in electricity generation, developing this sector taking into account international experience and attracting private investment are the main priorities to which the president pays special attention. The signing of two relevant orders over the past year is an indicator of the special attention of the head of state to the field of alternative energy sources. The draft bill, as well as drafts of other regulatory legal acts have been developed by the Energy Ministry taking into account the proposals of foreign investors and are under consideration. The adoption of the necessary legislative acts is one of the main processes ensuring the attraction of private investment in the renewable energy industry. - How do you assess the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US in the energy sector? -The US has always been an important partner in all Azerbaijans initiatives, especially in the development and bringing hydrocarbon deposits to global markets. The US companies not only participated in the signing of the Contract of the Century, but also supported the development of new technologies in Azerbaijan. In December 2019, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and the US Baker Hughes oil and gas company to develop and implement the concept of lean production at wells as part of exploration and production operations. The letters from US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in 2019, support for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project - an important segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Contract of the Century in Washington, and the contacts established by new Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette and other senior officials in Azerbaijan show that the US attaches great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan in the global energy security policy. The US administration regards the Southern Gas Corridor as a project that ensures Europes energy security and serves to better integrate the Caspian region into European and global energy markets, and supports the project by presenting it at meetings of the Advisory Council of the project. Azerbaijans Energy Ministry is cooperating with the US Department of Energy, which has rich experience, technical capabilities and a modern laboratory in the field of renewable energy. - How effective was the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK in the energy sector in 2019? -The UK, as an important partner of Azerbaijan in the energy sector, has invested $28.4 billion in Azerbaijans economy to date. As a result of Azerbaijans partnership with BP, the share of UK investments in Azerbaijans oil sector amounted to about $26.5 billion. Azerbaijans cooperation with the UK, in particular with BP, has played an important role in the implementation of large-scale energy projects. Beginning from this year, the ongoing project of the Southern Gas Corridor, will make significant contribution to Europes energy security. Projects regarding the second stage of development of Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG), Shafag Asiman fields, Block D-230, as well as the shallow part of the Absheron peninsula will ensure the development of cooperation at least until the middle of the century. Besides, more than 20 years of successful bilateral cooperation in the energy industry creates the prerequisites for the diversification of relations between Azerbaijan and the BP. At present, Azerbaijan is actively cooperating with a number of companies, and, in particular, with BP to intensify cooperation in the field of using renewable energy sources and attracting investments in this sphere. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy and BP Azerbaijan in 2018 to explore the potential for the development of renewable energy in Azerbaijan. Within this cooperation, BP Azerbaijan provided information on renewable energy sources and proposed relevant proposals. Azerbaijan is interested in BPs participation in auctions on providing the right to generate electricity in its territory through renewable energy sources. - What joint projects will be implemented between Azerbaijan and France this year in the field of energy? -Total, the French oil and gas company, which played an important role in Azerbaijans energy cooperation with France, is one of the first foreign energy companies in Azerbaijan that invested in the countrys oil and gas industry. One of the shareholders of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) main export pipeline, Total is currently the operator of the development and exploration of the Absheron field, which has significant gas and condensate reserves. Drilling of a dual bore well has already been completed at the field in order to estimate the reserves and start extracting the gas. The first product is planned to be received in 2021. For the purpose of cooperation in the field of alternative energy with French Total Eren S.A. and Quadran International companies, corresponding documents were signed in 2019. In the future, it is desirable that these French companies participate in auctions for granting the right to produce energy in the territory of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan. -At what level is it expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near future? -The volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere in Azerbaijan is planned to be reduced by 35 percent till 2030. Having signed the Paris Climate Agreement in April 2016, Azerbaijan assumed a commitment to keep an increase in the global temperature at two degrees Celsius. The country's greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere reached 73.3 million tons in carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent in 1990. Taking into account the fact that one of the sectors that generate carbon emissions is the electric power industry, it is important to achieve high results at power plants using natural gas and the latest technologies, increase efficiency of facilities, reduce fuel consumption and domestic power plant consumption and achieve energy efficiency. The specific consumption of equivalent fuel for generating electricity at thermal power plant of Azerenergy OJSC amounted to 279.8 grams / kilowatt per hour in 2018 compared to 2009, decreasing by 50.2 grams / kilowatt per hour and amounted to over 1 million tons of conventional fuel. The total losses in the electric power industry decreased by 41.6 percent and reached 10.5 percent due to the renewal of the 0.4-kilovolt network, the optimization of 6-10-kilovolt substations, the installation of modern meters in 2018 compared to 2009. Another progress is associated with the limitation of associated gas. If flaring reached 912.9 million cubic meters in 2012, then in 2018 this figure dropped up to 218 million cubic meters. A policy of increasing the share of renewable energy sources in generation of electricity will also contribute to a decrease in carbon emissions. The share of renewable energy sources, including water resources, in the total power generation capacity in our country is 17 percent. We plan to bring this figure up to 30 percent by 2030, which, along with increasing energy security, will greatly reduce carbon emissions. - What are the forecasts for the use of alternative energy sources in Azerbaijan in 2020? -Azerbaijan has specific goals and a policy decision on increasing the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production. Due to renewable energy sources in the Strategic Road Map on the development of public utilities (electric and thermal energy, water and gas) in Azerbaijan, approved by the relevant decree of the Azerbaijani president in 2016, the creation of a new generating capacity of 420 megawatts is envisaged. For this purpose, cooperation documents were signed with nine international energy companies, discussions were held, and proposals for the implementation of projects using wind and solar energy were received. Foreign financial partners are interested in investing in wind energy projects and cooperating with Azerbaijan in this field. At the initial stage, it is planned to implement pilot projects for 440 megawatts. Under the decree of Azerbaijani president on measures for implementation of pilot projects in the use of renewable energy sources dated December 5, 2019, a commission was created, and seven working groups were formed to carry out the necessary activities. Proposals on the allocation of land for pilot projects, the issuance of state guarantees to investors, the connection of power plants for projects to electric networks, and the strengthening of the network will be made within four months. Along with pilot projects, after the adoption of the law, an auction of projects in selected territories is planned. With the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), an auction preparation project is being implemented, within the framework of which work is underway to form a regulatory legal framework that manages auctions. I believe that 2020 will be the beginning of a new stage in the development of renewable energy in Azerbaijan. The usual reaction to bushfires in past years has been to say confidently that all this will regenerate, that fire stokes the Australian landscape in ways that do not happen elsewhere in the world. That is what science, Indigenous practices and simple observation have shown us time and again. An injured koala being treated on Friday at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Zoo in South Australia. Credit:Getty Images The fires this summer, though, are entirely different. Their scale and ferocity, burning to temperatures that in some places have obliterated every living thing, have fundamentally changed wildlife habitats for generations. Environment Minister Sussan Ley has described the impact as catastrophic. Whole tracts of native bushland, from temperate rainforests and drier swaths of eucalyptus woodlands to coastal stretches of tea-tree and heath, have burnt to white ash this summer. Ecologists believe some species of animals and birds have been lost forever, rendered extinct as these massive fires annihilated unique habitats. By Matt Agorist In case after infuriating case, the Free Thought Project has reported on instances of horrifying rights violations all stemming from a police officer claiming to smell a plant. We have seen both women and men sodomized and raped often times in public as cops search for this smell. We have seen entire families held hostage, women and children beaten up, rampant sexual assault, and all of it stemming from a plant smell. Now, police are arming themselves with a smell amplifier to go after those whod dare grow or partake in a plantin a state where recreational marijuana is legal. In December 2018, the state of Michigan legalized recreational marijuana. According to the city council in the town of Bessemer, however, the most common complaint from residents in the town is the smell of weed. Despite it being legal, cops are now arming themselves with new smell technology to go after those who dare partake in a legal plant in the legal state. The Daily Globe reported that the Michigan town of Bessemer has voted to spend approximately $3,400 to purchase a device to smell marijuana plants and train police officers in its use. The city of Bessemer stinks, council member Linda Nelson said. You can smell marijuana everywhere. Weve got people who cant sit in their backyard because the smell from their neighbor is so bad. Council Member William McDonald added, Its time we do something, even though he said the cost of the equipment posed some concern for him, the Globe reported. As Newsweek reports: Michigan law enforcement has been struggling with the ramifications of marijuana use since it was legalized. In November 2019, Newsweek reported that state police were still receiving calls about marijuana smoke and odor but lacked the jurisdiction to investigate them unless they suspect that it was being consumed by underage users. While it is legal to grow marijuana in Michigan, the states statute mandates that the plants cannot be visible to the naked eye or grown outside of an enclosed, secure area. This move by the city to acquire a smell device to catch stinky marijuana users and growers highlights a problem that still plagues the United States the bureaucracys addiction to the war on drugs. A recent article out of Forbes pointed out just how bad this problem has become. The CBD Health Revolution is online and FREE from January 13-19, 2020. Sign up HERE Despite an increasing number of states legalizing marijuana, arrests for the beneficial plant continue to increase. As Forbes reports: According to new data released by the FBI in October, there were 663,367 marijuana arrests in the country in 2018. Declare Your Independence! Profit outside the rigged system! Protect yourself from tyranny and economic collapse. Learn to live free and spread peace! Counter Markets Newsletter - Trends & Strategies for Maximum Freedom Thats one every 48 seconds, and represents an uptick from the 659,700 cannabis busts American police made in 2017, and from 2016s total of 653,249. The jump comes despite the fact that there are now 11 states where marijuana is legal for adults over 21. Americans should be outraged that police departments across the country continue to waste tax dollars and limited law enforcement resources on arresting otherwise law-abiding citizens for simple marijuana possession, NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said. We agree. Now, cops are reverting back to smell technology they used when weed was illegal nationwide. This is a dangerous move in the wrong direction for many reasons. As TFTP reported in June, an infuriating video was shared with the Free Thought Project showing North Carolina cops violate the rights of multiple innocent people because one of them smelled marijuana. No marijuana was found, but that didnt stop cops from holding a family and their guests hostage for over an hour to look for it. Also in June, TFTP reported the case of Erica Reynolds, 37, who is seeking $12.5 million in damages accusing police of sexual assault and battery, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, gross negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The reason for this sexual assault and battery? Cops smelled weed. Just last September, TFTP reported on another case in which Chanel Bates, 26, was leaving a restaurant when she was targeted by police who claimed they smelled marijuana. The officers olfactory intuition was then used as the justification to detain, savagely beat, and kidnap the entirely innocent woman who had caused harm to no one. The infuriating and disturbing scene was captured on video. There is at least one state moving in the right direction, however. As TFTP reported in August, the violence associated with cops claiming to smell weed has gotten so out of hand that one top court in Maryland is doing something about it. The court ruled that police are not justified in searching a person based solely off of the smell of marijuana. This ruling is a major boon for freedom and will only serve to improve police and citizen interactions by removing one of the ways police can harass individuals. Hopefully it will spread to other states like Texas where tyrant cops like smash in peoples heads for the smell. In the land of the free, cops will claim to smell a plant on you and use that claim to violate your body in the most horrific way. And some people still have the audacity to call this justice. Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project, where this article first appeared. Follow @MattAgorist on Twitter, Steemit, and now on Minds. New Delhi: Book politics flared up in Maharashtra once again with the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress working up much indignation that an author, a BJP member, would liken Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Maratha king Shivaji. The Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said it was insulting that Narendra Modi would be compared to a revered figure like Shivaji. As the title would indicate, the book flatters the PM -- Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi. It was written by Jay Bhagwan Goyal, a once upon a time busybody in the Shiv Senas operations in north India. He quit the party in protest against the treatment of north Indians and Maharashtra, started a short-lived party called the Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena and ultimately joined the BJP. In the face of outrage from the Shiv Sena and its allies in government, the NCP and the Congress, the saffron party distanced itself from the book, saying it had nothing do with its publication and that it only represented the author's personal opinion. Goyal too offered to withdraw parts of the book found objectionable by the Maharashtra parties. He told PTI, I only wanted to tell readers as to how Modi like Shivaji has worked to take everyone along and been successful in doing what many considered impossible. If it has hurt the sentiments of some people, I am willing to revise those parts of the book." Seizing the opportunity to make the BJP look uppity in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena worked up indignation. "A BJP leader has written the book titled Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', which we find insulting. We respect Prime Minister Modi. But comparing Shivaji Maharaj with anyone is not acceptable," he said. He demanded a ban on the book, and then nudged the warrior king's descendants, who are in the BJP, to react to the issue. Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," Raut said. His unnamed targets are Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, a Rajya Sabha member, and Udayanraje Bhosale, a former MP from Satara who recently joined the BJP after quitting the NCP. Another BJP-affiliated Shivaji descendant, Shivendraraje Bhosale, an MLA from Satara and cousin of Udayanraje Bhosale, said the book was the work of some "bootlickers". He said, I request my party leaders to put a check on such bootlickers who, for their personal gain, are ready to stoop to any level. I am totally against such comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Weeks before this years State of the State address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was doubling down on his claim that New York is the best from a progressive perspective at least. Last year we laid out the most aggressive agenda in modern political history, and we got it done, he boasted in mid-December. Were going to set the bar even higher, making progress happen for the people of this great state and sending a signal to a weary country to follow New York as we lead the way upwards. Cuomo isnt alone in insisting the Empire State is living up to its motto, Excelsior! State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins regularly refers to New York as the nations progressive beacon for hope and justice. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has made similar claims. New York State has always been a national leader in progressive policies that build up all our citizens, he said ahead of the 2019 legislative session. I am proud that the Assembly has long been at the forefront. Whether the topic at hand is touting the economic power of New York City or bragging about how upstate Americans are living their best lives, average New Yorkers like to think theyre exceptional. The state has the nations most populous city, the third-largest economy and the fourth-highest population. Its no surprise then that Cuomo likes to appeal to home state pride when pushing his legislative priorities. That is the New York way, Cuomo said in 2015. Weve always been different. Weve always been first. Weve always been the most progressive. In fact, New York hasnt always been first. Control of state government has shifted between Republicans and Democrats plenty of times over the years, with policymaking swinging in both conservative and liberal directions. In Cuomos first two terms, Democrats passed some progressive measures, such as legalizing same-sex marriage, while also working with Republicans to limit taxes and state spending. Now in his third term, Cuomo and the Democratic majorities in both houses of the state Legislature can do what they want without worrying too much about GOP opposition whether its strengthening tenant protections, better protecting individuals accused of crimes or allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses. Even with the Democrats newfound political dominance in Albany, however, the state doesnt own the mantle of national progressive leader. Even Cuomos favored claims are a bit more complicated than he lets on. He led a 2011 effort to make New York the first big state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislative means but the sixth one to do it overall. A $15 minimum wage was passed by state lawmakers in 2016, but it remains to be seen which state will become the first to fully implement the idea. That year, New York also passed what has been called the most generous paid family leave law in the country but it was approved more than a decade after California enacted its own plan. Other states have beaten New York to the legislative punch in banning assault rifles, extending waiting periods for gun purchases and passing a red flag law that allows judges to order weapons be seized from dangerous people. Yet to be fair, New York is recognized for having the strictest gun laws in the country. Cuomo even (kind of) got free college tuition for students from middle-class families but there were strings attached. City & State It depends on the prism through which you view it, said Democratic consultant Bruce Gyory. If you view New York through the prism of accomplishment, it is high up on the list (but) you can never do enough to satisfy the advocacy groups because they always want more. Since Democrats gained control of the state Senate after the 2018 election, they have been trying to make up for lost time. For example, before this year, New York was just one of the few states that did not guarantee criminal defendants could see the evidence against them before a trial began, one of several systemic factors that tilted cases in favor of prosecutors. New York was way at the bottom of the barrel, said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. But we leapfrogged over just about everybody with that discovery reform package. Democrats have similarly upped their progressive game in other ways. Women now have more reproductive rights enshrined in state law. Transgender people have stronger civil rights protections. The use of cash bail has been greatly reduced. Undocumented immigrants are getting drivers licenses and are eligible for state college financial aid programs. The state now has the most aggressive climate change goals of any state. Top progressive dog or not, the argument in New Yorks favor has gained some real teeth. However, activists and lawmakers on the political left are not always happy with the results of Cuomos brand of progressivism. The newly adopted plan for publicly financing political campaigns has not exactly inspired awe among the party faithful. Recreational marijuana is still illegal. New limits on solitary confinement fell short of what Colorado passed years ago. New York passed several important and overdue reforms this year, but they left many people behind, said Victor Pate, a formerly incarcerated person who is now the statewide organizer of a campaign seeking new limits on solitary confinement. Our state can only be a real national progressive leader if policymakers take further action. Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson and Barack Obama all let leftists down at times despite their accomplishments, which means analysis of Cuomos progressive legacy must also be kept in perspective, according to Gyory. When history looks back at the record, he said, New York under this governor and this legislative leadership ranks very high on the progressive scale. Historically, theres a case to be made for New York as well. Gov. DeWitt Clinton opened up the Midwest to commerce by leading efforts to construct the Erie Canal, a massive feat for the early 19th century. Liberal governors like Al Smith and Franklin Roosevelt helped make the state an incubator of social innovations like worker protections and social welfare programs after the original Progressive Era. But by the mid-20th century, the state was losing its grip on the title of Americas top state. California, a perennial rival, was growing in population. Upstate New Yorks industries declined. Years of Republican control of the governorship and the state Senate blocked Democrats from moving the state further to the left in the early 21st century. Other states took the lead on legalizing recreational marijuana, expanding voting rights or boosting protections for undocumented immigrants. New York is one of the leading states, said Joshua Freeman, a professor of history at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. But Im not so sure to the same extent it was 80 years ago. Even when New York is the first to pass progressive legislation, there arent always a lot of followers. If you stood up on the floor of the Illinois General Assembly and said, This is a piece of legislation that New York has passed and we must do it too, that wouldnt buy you beans, said Christopher Mooney, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who researches how state legislators in different states make public policy. In other words, there are better ways to woo a Midwestern lawmaker. We dont want to be Louisiana, Mooney said. So when you sit up on the floor and say this: You know, were 49th in the country on this that gets peoples attention. And only so many states are competing to be a national leader at least when it comes to progressivism. The Sunshine State has made moves to lure a new Florida Man or two at the expense of New Yorks tax base. Texas has a big ego, no doubt. But neither of them is vying for the progressive mantle at least not yet. While Gov. Gavin Newsom of California is swinging at every pitch progressives throw, states tend to compete with their neighbors, according to Florida State University professor Carol Weissert. Florida doesnt pay much attention to New Yorks innovations, said Weissert, who researches state lawmakers in different states. One big reason for that is that states tend to emulate states with regional or demographic similarities. So if there really is a national competition to be the most progressive state, not that many states are actually playing. Only about a third of the 50 states have governments controlled by Democrats. New York is competing against the likes of California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Even if the Empire State has an uncertain claim as the progressive leader of them all, at least Cuomo can tell New Yorkers hes looking out for No. 1. Technology allowing our thoughts and feelings to be translated into a digital form - and shared - is now a reality. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, wearable gadgets that can read your mind stole the spotlight. With new products made available on display at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, tech devices that use brain waves to improve sleep, anxiety, and concentration -- and even control prosthetic hands -- may finally be made effective. Companies are focusing on the "Brain-Computer Interface" with devices that can record brain signals from sensors on the scalp (or even devices implanted within the brain) and translate them into digital signals. They allow us to connect our minds to computers for some limited purposes, and big tech companies including Facebook and many startups want to make this technology commonplace. If you are terrified by the prospect of technology recording - and broadcasting - your opinions of the boss, your secret fears, or anything else - relax. The data BCIs can gather is more based around measuring the physical movements people want to make or their emotional state. It can be recalled that last year, Tesla founder Elon Musk's company Neuralink announced that human trials will move forward next year for an implantable device that can read a user's mind. Also, scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) released the results of a brain activity study, backed by Facebook, that shows it is possible to use brain-wave technology to decode speech. Brain tech holds great potential for helping us understand and control our minds from the comfort of our homes, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Mind-reading software is also wont to be of practical use in everyday business applications. While the detection of brain-wave patterns has been made possible, the missing ingredient was the ability to interpret them. The BCI industry is expected to reach $1.5 billion this year, with the technology used for everything from education and prosthetic to gaming and smart home control. NextMind offers a headset that measures activity in your visual cortex with a sensor on the back of your head. Facebook is funding research on brain-machine interfaces that can pick up thoughts directly from your neurons and translate them into words. The short-term goal is to help patients with paralysis, by decoding their brain signals and allowing them to "speak" their thoughts without ever having to move a muscle, considering in the US, 5.4 million people are diagnosed with paralysis. As time goes by, as machine-learning algorithms become more sophisticated and BCI hardware becomes more capable, it may be possible to read thoughts with greater precision. Two approaches to connecting up the human brain to external computing systems are invasive and non-invasive. Also, last year, Nissan unveiled Brain-to-Vehicle technology that would allow vehicles to interpret signals from the driver's brain; and Nielsen is already using neuroscience to capture non-conscious aspects of consumer decision-making. The reasons are both therapeutic and non-therapeutic why people are interested in trying to figure out how to decode the brain. RELATED ARTICLE: Mind-Reading Robots Can Fix Its Own Mistakes With Your Brain Waves Kranlyft Group, a Swedish master distributor for innovative Maeda mini cranes, Klaas aluminium truck and trailer cranes, has appointed Kanoo Cranes as the exclusive Maeda dealer for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain market. Founded in 1963, the Kranlyft Group has always been at the forefront of development in the lifting industry. Through innovation and new technologies, the company had established itself as a reliable partner with the focus on sustainability, safety and quality with its headquarters in the Swedish city of Molnlycke. Since the end of the 1990s, it has successfully represented mini cranes from the market-leading Maeda in Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East region. Although the group has broadened its machine portfolio to include additional brands, the Maeda mini cranes still remains its largest market. Kanoo Cranes is a division of the Kanoo Group, one of the largest family-owned businesses operating in the GCC region. This division was created to focus on providing engineered crane solutions to the construction and industrial markets as well as the oil and gas industry. Based in Bahrain, Kanoo Group has more than 100 years of experience of trade and shipping with an impressive history going all the way back to the 19th century. With a strong reputation, it has established itself as the crane professional in the region capable of taking on a large scope of works and providing specific and innovative solutions. All sales activities for new models and aftermarket with service will henceforth be managed by Kanoo Cranes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, stated Acting CEO Fahad Kanoo after signing the distribution contract with Kranlyft Group CEO Jurgen Vater. "Kanoo is proud to become the exclusive dealer for Maeda Spider Cranes, another market-leading product. And we pride ourselves on our capability to working closely with our principles to ensure that reliable cost-effective long term solutions are provided to our customers and partners," he stated. "We work only with the very best and have a long history of forming close successful partnerships over many decades and we look forward to another successful relationship and bringing this quality equipment to the market," remarked Kanoo. Kanoo Cranes will be handling a defined Maeda territory for sales, parts and services in a bid to increase the penetration of Maeda products and also support the Maeda machine park existing in the Gulf region. The company offers engineered solutions for any lifting requirements with knowledgeable experts engaged in the field of lifting with a large number of different crane types. With their already existing focus on premium brands and products specifically designed for the rental industry, they see great potential to expand with the Maeda range, it stated. On the strategic tiep, Vater said: "Kanoo Cranes has an excellent reputation and long history of entrepreneurial experience. These are very exciting times for us at Kranlyft Group and for the Maeda brand." "When looking for a dealer to appoint for these important markets Kanoo Cranes becomes a natural partner with their extensive experience in the field of lifting, great technical knowledge and a well-established network reaching over various markets and industries. We feel very confident that this will be the start of a long and prosperous business relation together," he added.-TradeArabia News Service This is the second part of the list of the 25 coolest and most curious places to explore on Google Earth. The first part can be found here. Some of the features below were first discovered thanks to the watchful eye from orbit, and the curious eye of the Google Earth community visitors. There are undoubtedly more of them waiting to be noticed or explained, so why not spend an evening or two looking out for some unique formations? Fresh Meteorite Crater 22.018333, 26.087500 Al Wahat Al Dakhla Desert, Egypt The Kamil crater was first discovered via Google Earth. This pristine meteorite impact crater is located in a remote area of the Sahara desert in southwest Egypt. It is believed to be barely a few thousand years old: very young for any impact structure. During scientific expeditions, researchers found over 5,000 pieces of iron meteorite, and they estimate that the original meteorite was around 4.2 feet wide and weighed 2-4 thousand pounds, with the majority of its mass vaporized on impact. The rim of the crater is about nine feet high. The structure is surrounded by rays of the sediment blasted out of the crater on the impact. Rayed craters are common on Mars or Moon, where sparse atmospheres do not erode them as fast but are extremely rare on Earth. On Earth, such rays get covered or crumble very quickly. Manmade Aurora 62.392832, -145.150312 Anchorage, Alaska, US A massive military research facility called High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (Haarp) with the fields of transmitters and receivers seen on the satellite images rivals Area 51. The Air Force's program manager says that Haarp's antennas are being used to study the ionosphere by artificially supercharging the atmosphere. Haarp scientists described the process as beaming radio waves into the crevasses of nearby Mt. Wrangell and bouncing signals off of the Moon. As a cool side-effect, the charged ionosphere produces the visual effect of Northern Lights: here in Haapr, they are produced artificially. The Aurora delivered on-demand! Heart of Voh (Coeur de Voh) -20.937631, 164.658489 New Caledonia The Heart of Voh is probably the most romantic mangrove swamp in the world. This swamp has developed some unusual natural designs, and the most intriguing of them is a perfect heart shape, La Cur de Voh. The heart can be seen from a plane, satellite, or a viewing point on the Mt Kathepaik. In the center of Voh, there is a small museum of the history and ecology of this area. Colonized in the 19th century, it used to be a critical coffee-growing hotspot in the early 20th century. Nowadays, farming and aquaculture are the primary sources of livelihood for the locals: they catch up to 100 tonnes of mangrove crabs every year. Aksai Chin Terrain Scale Model 38.265891, 105.949208 Huangyangtan, China One of the intriguing discoveries satellite imaging helped us to make is located in the middle of a desolate area about 21 miles southwest of Yinchuan in the autonomous region of Ningxia in China. Near the town of Huangyangtan, there is a 1:500 scale terrain model: a mind-blowingly precise and detailed replica of the eastern Aksai Chin and adjacent Tibet, a disputed border region with India. That piece of land led the countries into war in 1962 and still remains in dispute. The 3000 ft 2200 ft model is surrounded by the substantial facility, with rows of red-roofed buildings, multiple olive-colored trucks and a large compound with the lookout and communications towers. Such terrain models have been known to be used in military training, planning, and simulation: this type of rugged and challenging terrain can impact the tactical planning a lot, and it would be unwise to conduct the experiments in the remote mountains (not even mentioning risking a provocation). So Chinese strategists chose to bring the mountains to them. "Militaries love terrain models," comments a security specialist, "The Japanese had one before Pearl Harbor ... and the Chinese have full-scale airfields, oriented like Taiwanese airfields." Grand Prismatic Spring 44.525049, -110.83819 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA The Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the US as well as the third-largest in the world. It is located in the Midway Geyser Basin between two more famous geysers, Madison and Old Faithful. Its main feature is the vibrant spectrum of colors: the range of hues similar to that created by the white light passing through a prism, red to blue. Chernobyl Catastrophe Site 51.280673, 30.224031 Ukraine The Chernobyl disaster is a nuclear accident that occurred on 26 April 1986 in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The location is now a designated conservation area, with various monuments honoring the lives lost in 1986 and beyond. In the weeks and months following the Chernobyl disaster, hundreds of thousands of people known as "liquidators" were sent there in an effort to control the fire and core meltdown, and prevent radioactive material from spreading further. It is estimated that between 112,000 and 125,000 of them died by 2005, and thousands more were diagnosed with various cancers. Five million citizens of the former USSR suffered from the radiation effects following the disaster. Large Shipwreck 19.646111, 37.295000 Red Sea, Sudan The SS Jassim, a Bolivian cargo ferry, ran aground and sank on the Wingate Reef off the coast of Sudan in 2003. At 265 feet long, it is now one of the most sizable shipwrecks still visible on Google Earth. Mir Diamond Mine 62.529418, 113.990482 Siberia, Russia Called the Mir Mine, the open-pit diamond mine was built in 1957 after Soviet scientists discovered a massive kimberlite tube in its land. The mine remained operational until 2004. The diamond pit is almost 2000 ft deep and has a diameter of 4000 feet. These high-quality diamonds are not an easy treat: the mine is located just 280 miles away from the Arctic Circle. The temperature can drop to 122F in winter, and the nearest town is over 150 miles away. These harsh weather conditions mean that the permafrost reaches up to 450 feet deep, and even the surface ground is frozen solid for more than half the year, and the miners had to deal with health hazards and freezing of equipment. Vredefort Crater -26.989691, 27.500303 South Africa Also known as the Vredefort Dome for its central feature, the Vredefort crater has an estimated radius of 118 miles, making it the oldest and largest known impact structure in the world. A meteorite or asteroid bigger than South Africa's Table Mountain blasted out this giant crater 2.02 billion years ago. The dome in the center was initially thought to had been formed by a volcanic explosion, but finding the telltale shatter cones in the bed of the nearby Vaal River revealed it was the locality of a colossal bolide impact. The Vredefort Dome is so large that it is home to four towns: Parys, Vredefort, Koppies, and Venterskroon. In 2005, this crater was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White Island and its Lonely Seals -66.733678, 48.651044 Antarctica White Island is a part of the Ross Archipelago in Antarctica. Just ten on four miles in size, it is protruding through the ice about 3 miles east of Black Island. It has four craters, the highest of which is 701m. Apart from looking like a shiny white spot on Google Maps, a symbol of the unexplored and unmapped lands, the island is also unique for being "private grounds" of an isolated, but still breeding population of 2530 Weddell seals. Not only is this population the most southern known, but it has also been physically isolated from other populations for over 60 years: the advance of the ice shields cut them off from the open ocean. The seals swim and feed in the open waters of McMurdo Sound, but their breathing capacity is too limited to parse under the 12 miles of permanent shelf ice. Mysterious Desert Patterns in China 40.458148, 93.393145 China, Goby Desert This area in China appears to be a source of a mystery similar to Area 51. First, there is a giant structure at the coordinates above: satellite photos pinpoint the coordinates at a location in Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu, near the Gobi Desert. The site, which covers a mile of land, appears to be in close proximity to the headquarters of China's space program, too (although, to be fair, most governments utilize remote desert areas to conduct various tests and not-for-public-eyes developments). There appears to be some aircraft located there, which can suggest that the structure is some kind of a training, testing, or gunnery practice facility. When we were checking out the map to write this article, we also found a few more mysterious locations we can not explain: 40.491008, 93.510794; then 40.491135, 93.468661; another one at 44.711336, 93.529494; and 40.494974, 93.470584. Copy the coordinates and paste them into the Google Maps or Google Earth search line: what do you think those odd structures and shapes might be? Watch: 'If you're on this call...' Indian-origin CEO fires over 900 employees over 3-minute Zoom webinar in US Walmart lays off 56 employees in India; denies 2nd round of downsizing in April India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 13: Walmart India on Monday said it is letting go 56 of its employees, including eight from senior management level, as part of a restructuring exercise. The company, which operates 28 cash-and-carry stores in the country, said it is looking at ways to operate more efficiently. "We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organized in the right way. As part of this review, we have let go 56 of our associates across levels at the corporate office," Walmart India President & CEO Krish Iyer said in a statement. All of the 56 impacted associates, eight in the senior management and 48 in the middle as well as lower management, have been offered enhanced severance benefits and outplacement services to support their transition, he added. Iyer, however, ruled out the second round of layoffs in April, terming the speculation as baseless and incorrect. He said the company remains committed to growing its B2B cash and carry business in India. 21 killed in Texas Walmart shooting Walmart opened six new best price modern wholesale stores, one fulfilment centre and the company's sales grew 22 per cent in 2019, he added. "We have recently made significant investments to serve our members better and will continue to do so. This includes investments in our brick and mortar stores as well as e-commerce. "Our members are increasingly becoming omnichannel shoppers. We are thus investing heavily in technology and have a healthy pipeline of best price stores. This will provide our members with a true omnichannel and convenient shopping experience in the future," Iyer noted. Layoffs at Walmart's brick and mortar business began after it bought a majority stake in e-commerce retailer Flipkart in an around USD 16 billion deal in 2018. Walmart, as per its strategy to strengthen presence in the Indian market and also compete for head-on with global rival Amazon, had announced a mega deal to pick up 77 per cent stake in Flipkart. Walmart had started B2B e-commerce in July 2014 from its Lucknow and Hyderabad 'Best Price Store' and was later extended to other stores. It was among one of the first companies in India, which had adopted the omnichannel retail system by integrating online and offline formats here. Just before the Winter Break teachers in San Diego at both the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and Sweetwater Unified High School District (SUHSD) were notified of looming layoff notices, which district officials claim are needed to make up for $70 million and $26 million respective budget shortfalls for the 2020-2021 school year. SDUSD employs roughly 10,400 full-time staff and enrolls about 103,000 students at 113 elementary schools, 24 middle schools, four atypical schools, 10 alternative schools, 27 high schools and 25 charter schools. SUHSD, which is also part of San Diego County, is the largest secondary school district in California with 34 schools and 1,500 teachers. The district teaches 40,000 students and 22,000 adult learners. Running along Californias US-Mexico border, these districts serve some of the most vulnerable populations, including thousands of students who cross daily to attend school in the US. Parents of children with special needs across the border in Tijuana work especially hard to ensure their children can access services in US schools. The issuing of pink slips to hundreds of teachers will have a devastating impact on the quality of education in these two San Diego school districts. The layoffs, which are expected to come in March, will not only strip newer teachers of their livelihoods and access to vital health benefits. With schools already understaffed, the layoffs will further undermine learning conditions for thousands of students. Remaining teachers will face higher class sizes, class schedules will be uncertain and chaotic for weeks and school sites will rely on substitute teachers to fill in for cut positions. In addition, special education departments will take the brunt of the budget cuts and will be forced to operate without the minimum staff legally mandated for safety, let alone optimal learning. Cuts to Sweetwater Unified High School District (SUHSD) have already resulted in the closure of adult schools, layoffs of bus drivers and closure of bus routes, as well as early retirement pushed on educators who were under the assumption that the jobs of their young coworkers would be spared. This is not the first set of layoffs to hit San Diego County schools. In 2017, SDUSD issued 1,500 pink slips to counselors, library clerks, custodians, art instructors, food service workers and occupational therapy specialists. Teachers, students, parents and community members flooded board meetings to oppose the layoffs. Their pleas, however, fell on deaf ears and the board voted 5-0 to proceed with the layoffs. Officials from the San Diego Education Association (SDEA) did not lift a finger to fight the layoffs, saying instead that their jobs were to make sure that everyone is being laid off properly. Once again, the SDEA and the Sweetwater Education Association (SEA) have made it clear that they will do nothing to oppose the layoffs. That is why a group of Sweetwater teachers have called for the formation of rank-and-file committees to mobilize parents, students and broader sections of workers throughout the county and the state to fight the layoffs. The teachers have called for protests outside of the schools to draw attention to their fight. The SDUSD layoffs have been announced despite recent revelations that the district possesses a massive educator shortage in the area of special education for teachers and aides that serve students with disabilities. Halfway into the school year 100 vacancies for aides and about half a dozen vacancies for teachers who are qualified to work with students with moderate or severe disabilities in SDUSD remain unfilled. The large class sizes put the safety of students and educators at risk. The assault on public education is a bipartisan policy. San Diegos mayor is a Republican while the citys southern suburbs, including Sweetwater, are largely run by the Democratic Party. Governor Newsom and his predecessor Jerry Brown, who oversaw the largest growth of the charter school industry in the nation, are Democrats. Since 2008, over $8 billion in funding has been slashed from Californias public education and community colleges, and another $2 billion from its higher education institutions. This has been carried out under the leadership of the Democratic Party, which has relied on the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association to crush opposition by teachers, parents and students. Every politicianwhether it is Trump, his predecessor Obama, Governor Newsom or local school district officialsclaim there is no money for decent salaries or sufficient school funding. Meanwhile, they have squandered trillions on tax cuts, Wall Street bailouts, the brutalization of immigrants and Trumps recent $738 billion military war budget, passed with Democratic Party support. California, which would be the fifth richest economy in the world if it were a separate nation, is home to Silicon Valley, Hollywood and the largest concentration of billionaires in the US. San Diego is also the principal home port of the US Navys Pacific Fleet. The cost of a single aircraft carrier is $13 billion and the total costs of the developing Nimitz class of carriers was $37.3 billion, enough to hire 462,000 teachers and pay them an $80,000 annual salary. Yet countless districts in California, like the rest of the country, are facing massive budget cuts and teachers in Los Angeles, Sacramento and Oakland were forced to strike last year to defend their jobs and oppose budget cuts and school closures. Although the striking teachers won overwhelming support from parents, students and workers, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and their state and local affiliates isolated the strikes and imposed the austerity contracts dictated by Democratic officials and the wealthy school privatizers behind them. The defense of public education and a vast improvement of the conditions of teachers and students will only be accomplished through a vast redistribution of societys wealth from the top to the bottom. This will require a direct assault on the private fortunes of the financial and corporate aristocracy, which rules America. Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan met BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda at his residence in the capital on Monday. BJP General Secretary BL Santhosh and MP Tejasvi Surya were also present during the meeting. In December last year, Kalyan visited villages in Amaravati region and expressed solidarity with the protesters against the YSRCP government for its three capitals proposal. During his interaction with the locals, he assured all support from his party to the villagers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi police had arrested a total of 94 people for protesting violently during the agitations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in last one month. According to the government sources, all 94 persons were protesting violently at various locations against the amended Citizenship Act. Delhi police sources also claimed that these arrested people were booked in cases registered across Delhi including South-East, North-East, Central etc. Sources have also confirmed that cases against those who were arrested are still under investigation. "Cases are under investigation and there will be more arrests in the cases as we are in the process of identifying other accused," a senior government official said. Protests had erupted in different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh 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.) Derya Matras named Facebook regional director Facebook has named Derya Matras its regional director in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. In this role, Matras will lead Facebook to serve businesses and communities and to grow the company's economic and social impact across the region. Matras spent most of her career in emerging markets and was previously the Facebook country director for Turkey. Prior to joining Facebook, she was vice president of Dogan Media Group, the largest media conglomerate in Turkey. She has also held leadership roles in management consulting at McKinsey & Company, advising the private sector and governments around the world, especially on the digital economy. After playing Manya Surve in Shootout at Wadala, John Abraham is all set to play a gangster again in Sanjay Gupta's upcoming film, Mumbai Saga. Set in the 80s, the period gangster drama is based on true events. The film also stars Emraan Hashmi, Suniel Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Prateik Babbar, Gulshan Grover, Kajal Aggarwal among others. Unveiling John's first look from the movie, Gupta wrote, "One of my favourite moments from MUMBAI SAGA. And of course Mr. Abraham like never before." In this new still, a kurta-pyjama clad John is seen sporting an intense look with a vermillion mark on his forehead. Earlier in an interview, Sanjay Gupta revealed how John continued to shoot for the film inspite of suffering from an injury. "He didn't tell us about the injury and dived into an action sequence, in the process, aggravating it. The last two-week shoot has a lot of stunts so, we will resume after he's completely recovered, sometime next month," the filmmaker was quoted as saying. Talking about the film, he said, "Not many know what made Mumbai the city it is today. It makes for a compelling story, which will make you go, 'Oh my God!". Calling Mumbai Saga his 'most ambitious film', he was quoted as saying by IANS, "After 25 years and 17 films, I had to give my audience something bigger and better. Mumbai Saga is by far my most ambitious film which needed a visionary producer." Mumbai Saga is slated to release in theatres on June 19. Ek Villain 2: Aditya Roy Kapur & John Abraham Both Play Villains & Not Heroes, Confirms Mohit Suri John Abraham's Response To Why Kerala Hasn't Been 'Modified' Yet Will Make Every Malayali Proud WASHINGTON Josh Roesch is playing a major role in South Jerseys hot congressional race. But its different than the one he thought hed signed up for. Roesch, who grew in Stow Creek, was all set to manage Rep. Jeff Van Drews re-election campaign. Then Van Drew became a Republican. Now Roesch has been named to run Democrat Amy Kennedys efforts to oust the rookie representative. Kennedy, the wife of former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, is one of at least five Democrats running for a nomination that opened up after Van Drews party switch. It is strange? Roesch told NJ Advance Media. Of course its strange. Its a unique situation. Like members of Van Drews congressional staff, Roesch quit his campaign post after the congressman told him of his plans to switch parties following his oppositon to impeaching President Donald Trump. I thought I was working for a Democrat, Roesch said. Id like to go work for a Democrat still. So the veteran of New Hampshire and Virginia politics expressed an interest in working for Kennedy, a long-time resident of the congressional district, and was hired to run her campaign. Kennedy said Roeschs deep roots in South Jersey" and "his experience in this district and nationally will help us run the campaign we need to communicate our message about getting politics back to the business of doing whats right and serving our community, not ourselves. Other Democrats in the race include Montclair State University political science professor Brigid Harrison; Will Cunningham, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker; Atlantic County Freeholder Ashley Bennett and West Cape May Commissioner John Francis III. On the Republican side, Van Drew faces opposition from Bob Patterson, a former acting associate commissioner of the Social Security Administration under Trump and a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush; corporate executive David Richter; and Brian Fitzherbert, a businessman, engineer and project manager in the defense and aerospace industry. Van Drews new campaign manager, Ron Filan, is a former New Jersey state director for the Republican National Committee and political director at the New Jersey Republican State Committee. Van Drew also is being helped by Bill Stepien, Trumps former White House political director who earlier helped Chris Christie win two terms as governor. 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. January 13, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The iron grip the United States maintains over the global financial system - and its propensity to use that power to promote its national interests - was reportedly at play this week after Iraq's parliament voted on January 5 to urge caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to expel all foreign troops from the country. The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration warned Iraq that if it kicks US forces out of the country, Washington could respond by shutting down Baghdad's access to a key account Iraq's central bank holds with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York - an account that is crucial to the management of Iraq's oil revenues and its overall financial stability. More than 200 central banks, governments and international official institutions hold accounts with the New York Fed, thanks to the outsized role the US dollar plays in global financial transactions. The New York Fed provides these foreign account holders with a range of banking services to facilitate cross-border payments, manage dollar reserves, and access banking channels to help stabilise markets during times of acute financial stress. The WSJ notes that if Iraq were to lose access to its New York Fed accounts and the funds in them, including profits from oil sales, that could trigger a shortage of foreign exchange vital to the functioning of Iraq's already fragile economy. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The US Department of State warned Iraq's prime minister over the potential loss of access to New York Fed accounts in a phone call on Wednesday, according to an official in his office, the WSJ reports. Spokespeople for Iraq's prime minister, the country's central bank and the Iraqi embassy in Washington did not respond to the WSJ's requests for comment, while the US Department of Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board declined to comment. Following the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US air attack, Iraq's parliament voted to urge Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi to work towards expelling the more than 5,000 US troops stationed in the country. US President Donald Trump threatened to slap sanctions on Iraq should it carry out the non-binding resolution. On Friday, Abdul Mahdi signalled his intention to press ahead with it, saying he asked Washington to send a US delegation to Iraq to discuss steps for the withdrawal of US troops. The request was flatly rejected by the US state department. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House on Friday: "We are happy to continue the conversation with the Iraqis about what the right structure is." This article was originally published by "al Jazeera" - Michael McCain, the chief executive of a Canadian meat processor, Maple Leaf Foods, strongly criticized President Trump and his foreign policy on Twitter on Sunday night. In tweets published on the companys official account but signed by him, Mr. McCain blamed U.S. government leaders and a narcissist in Washington for policies that led to last weeks downing of a jetliner near Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, including 57 Canadians. Among the dead, Mr. McCain said, was the family of a Maple Leaf Foods colleague. The plane was shot down as tensions escalated after the United States killed an Iranian military commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. Iranian leaders eventually conceded that they had shot the aircraft down and said it was a human error. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.13 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Overall 2019 was a busy and successful year for Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Kazakhstan and ADB hopes to further build on the projects and initiatives that were launched, a representative of ADB told Trend. According to the representative, 2019 marked the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan-ADB partnership. This year ADB approved three sovereign local currency loans for a total of $517 million-equivalent in transport, finance and agriculture and three non-sovereign loans in support of solar power development and agribusiness for a total amount of $61.5 million. Thus, ADB has a current active sovereign loan portfolio worth $755 million for three projects. "They include strengthening access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially those located in rural areas and led by women and modernizing transport infrastructure along the Aktobe-Makat and Zhetybai-Zhanaozen roads in West Kazakhstan. At the request of the Kostanay region authorities, ADB is also providing technical assistance and analytical support to the local government to foster SME creation and entrepreneurship," the official said. In turn, banks non-sovereign loan portfolio in Kazakhstan includes three projects for about $162 million. Ongoing private sector projects include a loan to Samruk-Energy, Kazakhstans largest power generation company, to support its overall business restructuring and transformation plan, and two loans to support the construction and operation of solar power plants of a 50MW and 100 MW installed capacity in the Southern Kazakhstan. "In 2019, we also started activities under the new facility, ADB Ventures, to invest in business startups and facilitate the transfer of critical technology and innovative business models. Thirteen companies have already been selected for the first acceleration program in the country, leading the most successful companies to receive investment and advisory support," the official said. To combat climate change and promote the use of clean and renewable resources, ADB is providing technical assistance to prepare a low-carbon growth strategy and an integrated water masterplan for Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan. "In November, we launched a pilot clean technology project in Nur-Sultan that installs engine block heaters in cars to reduce the environmental impacts of starting a vehicles cold engine during the winter months," the representative said. The bank is also working closely with the United Nations to provide support to Kazakhstan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. "In November, we supported the First Regional Sustainable Development Goals Summit: Mobilizing Finance for SDGs organized by the government of Kazakhstan in Almaty. This years discussions focused on energy, water and climate resilience," the report said. Talking about the impact of these projects, the official noted that the purpose of banls MSMEs support project is to help Kazakhstan in economic diversification by promoting private sector development and improving access to finance. "It also helps reduce income inequalities and foster gender mainstreaming. The project has managed to sustain the flow of credit to the real sector, against the backdrop of an economic downturn following the decline in hydrocarbon prices that started in 2014. Funds were provided to over 16,000 local businesses, with 50 percent of loans directed to promote women-owned businesses, whereas over 70 percent of ADB-financed loans were provided to MSMEs located in regions outside the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty," the official said. In turn, Aktobe-Makat and Zhetybai-Zhanaozen road projects, once completed, are expected to boost regional connectivity, promote inclusive economic growth, and increase the countrys trade links with markets in East Asia, Europe, and the Caspian Sea subregion. The solar power plants in South Kazakhstan that ADB is financing will support the development of an early-stage solar power sector in the country and help replace imports of electricity in power-deficient southern Kazakhstan with indigenous renewable sources. In 2020, ADB is planning to work on the implementation of ongoing and newly approved sovereign and non-sovereign projects named above and continue providing advisory support through technical assistance. "As for the sovereign financing planned for 2020, new approvals are expected to be in the order of $640 million, covering sectors such as agriculture, transport, water supply and sanitation, as well as finance. We are guided by three strategic pillars of our Country Partnership Strategy for Kazakhstan: the first pillar is to help the country diversify its economy; second is to promote inclusive development; and the third one is to strengthen a green and sustainable growth," the official concluded. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh Two of the nations best pollsters have recently weighed in on the state of the Iowa Democratic race, with very different results. One subtle methodological choice might explain part of the difference, and on balance there is reason to think Bernie Sanders might be a bit stronger in one of the two polls than the topline result suggested. The first Iowa survey was the one conducted by Ann Selzer and sponsored by The Des Moines Register and CNN. On Friday, it found Mr. Sanders with a three-point lead and 20 percent of the vote. Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg were at 17 percent and 16 percent. Joe Biden was in fourth, with 15 percent. On Monday the other pollster, Monmouth, found Mr. Biden in first with 24 percent of the vote nine points higher than in the Selzer poll. Mr. Sanders was in second, with 18 percent, while Mr. Buttigieg and Ms. Warren landed at 17 percent and 15 percent. Either way, the race is close. Any of the four leading candidates could prevail, given the long history of late movement in Iowa caucus polling. In general, modest disagreements between polls ought to be expected, and it is no surprise that polls would frequently show different winners in a close four-way race like this one. An Oswego County manufacturer said Monday it has decided to lay off eight workers as a result of the extra costs of tariffs imposed during the U.S. trade war with China. HealthWay Family of Brands, which produces air purification equipment in Pulaski, said the cutbacks will leave it with a local workforce of 34 employees. Vinny Lobdell Jr., the companys president, said the layoffs became necessary after the company lost its appeal to the federal government to be excluded from U.S. tariffs of 25 percent on components it imports from China. The parts, including motors, are used in portable air purifiers that the company manufactures in Pulaski under the Intellipure brand name. Without the U.S. exclusion, Lobdell said Monday, the company had no choice but to cut costs through layoffs. Our goal now, until there is some certainty in the market, is to make sure the business is profitable, Lobdell told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. The company has been unable to find an exact replacement for the Chinese-made motors in the United States, Lobdell said, and motors that are similar would cost about twice as much as those he imports from China. HealthyWay also has to pay the tariffs when the imports arrive from China, and cant recapture the costs until months later when exporting its finished products to China and other markets. HealthWay has been a fast-growing success story in Central New York. As the family-owned company expanded its line of medical-grade air cleaning and filtration systems in 2016, it decided to open a plant in Pulaski instead of China. We put our facility in Pulaski for a reason, Lobdell said Monday. We believe in that community and the people. We dont take layoffs lightly. U.S. Reps. Anthony Brindisi, D-Utica, and John Katko, R-Camillus, wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Sept. 27, asking for his support to exclude HealthWay from the U.S. tariffs. Lobdell said he received a letter last week from federal officials denying the request. Read more Trump trade war with China takes toll on struggling Upstate NY dairy farmers Upstate NY business owners tell Congress: Trumps trade tariffs threaten jobs Trumps trade war with China lands blow at Central New York lumber mill 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. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he was aoutrageda by another missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed. (Photo Credit: File Photo) New Delhi: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he was outraged by another missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, as neighbouring Iran signalled a wish to de-escalate regional tensions. Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase, Pompeo tweeted. "These continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sundays rocket attacks. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. A volley of rockets hit an airbase in Iraq hosting US troops on Sunday injuring four Iraqi soldiers. The missile attack targeted the Al-Balad airbase in north of Baghdad that also hosts American soldiers. The Iraqi military confirmed the reports saying eight Katyusha-type rockets landed on Al-Balad airbase, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen. Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured and call on the Government of #Iraq to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 12, 2020 A majority of US airmen stationed at the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad had already left, the military sources said, following tensions between the US and Iran over the last two weeks. Military bases hosting US troops have been subject to volleys of rocket and mortar attacks in recent months that have mostly wounded Iraqi forces, but also killed one American contractor last month. That death set off a series of dramatic developments, with the US carrying out strikes against a pro-Iran paramilitary group in Iraq as well as a convoy carrying top Iranian and Iraqi commanders outside Baghdad airport. Iran Agrees De-Escalation 'Only Solution' On Sunday, Iran signalled on Sunday it favours a de-escalation after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States during which both sides fired missiles and Tehran accidentally shot down a passenger aircraft. In a meeting between Irans President Hassan Rouhani and the visiting emir of Qatar, both sides agreed de-escalation is the only solution to the regional crisis, the emirates ruler said. Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the region but also enjoys strong ties with Iran, with which it shares the worlds largest gas field. "This visit comes at a critical time in the region, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on what was believed to be his first official visit to the Islamic republic. "We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue." For his part, Rouhani said: Given the importance of security of the region... weve decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Love Island 2019 star Curtis Pritchard has denied rumours he 'cheated' on his girlfriend Maura Higgins on New Year's Eve. Appearing on Monday's instalment of Lorraine, he addressed a video that emerged showing him hugging a woman in a club. Curtis revealed to Lorraine Kelly: '[The] new year photos [are] nonsense - you can't hug somebody or talk to somebody in this day and age without something coming out!' Denied! Love Island 2019 star Curtis Pritchard has denied rumours he 'cheated' on his girlfriend Maura Higgins on New Year's Eve He was sure to add: 'Me and Maura are completely fine. I was there watching her on Dancing On Ice yesterday.' Indeed, Curtis was pictured in the audience watching his girlfriend as she competed on the new season of the skating show, with everything seemingly fine between them. When asked how he thinks Maura's doing on Dancing On Ice, Curtis revealed: 'She has been so nervous, I was messaging her all day yesterday saying, "How are you feeling?" 'She was shaking, so scared. I was sweating in the audience. She went on there and did the best performance she's ever done. I think she got under-marked, or I'm not going to say who but some people have got over-marked.' Curtis was sure to insist: 'Me and Maura [pictured last week] are completely fine. I was there watching her on Dancing On Ice yesterday' Clearing things up: Appearing on Monday's instalment of Lorraine, he addressed a video that emerged showing him hugging a woman in a club Curtis revealed to Lorraine Kelly: '[The] new year photos [are] nonsense - you can't hug somebody or talk to somebody in this day and age without something coming out' He added: 'I've watched AJ doing Strictly Come Dancing so many times, but I got more nervous watching Maura on this because I was thinking, one little slip and that's it, you could be out of the competition. 'She's her biggest critique, she wants to be so good. She wants to be so good, she wants to be perfect.' The professional dancer, 23, grinned from the sidelines as Maura, 29, glided across the ice to the tune of Lizzo's Juice during Sunday night's show. Curtis was ever the doting boyfriend as he watched on in amazement as Maura, who started skating as a complete novice just months ago, completed twists and various other impressive moves. When asked how he thinks Maura's doing on Dancing On Ice, Curtis revealed: 'She has been so nervous, she was shaking, so scared' Weighing in: 'I think she got under-marked, or I'm not going to say who but some people have got over-marked,' Curtis said of Maura's performance On the sidelines: 'I was sweating in the audience,' said Curtis [pictured on Sunday] The rumours about Curtis were that he was supposedly seen in a 'passionate clinch' with a mystery woman on the dance floor of a night club in High Wycombe, Bucks, where he was doing panto at the time. According to The Sun, the pair were seen getting close during a night out at O'Neill's bar as they celebrated the end of the decade. In the clip obtained by the publication Curtis appeared to have his arms around the unknown woman. A source told the paper: 'He started embracing her, in the full view of the entire club. It was quite shocking given we all knew he had a girlfriend.' Elegance: The professional dancer, 23, grinned from the sidelines as Maura, 29, glided across the ice to the tune of Lizzo's Juice First performance: Maura wowed the judges as she kicked-off Dancing On Ice with her professional skating partner Alexander Demetriou, 28, on Sunday night A source close to Curtis denied allegations to The Sun that he had cheated on Maura. Maura wowed the judges on Sunday, when she kicked off Dancing On Ice with her professional skating partner Alexander Demetriou, 28. The Love Island star, who has built up a fierce rivalry with Joe Swah, jumped for joy as Holly Willoughby told her she had beaten him by half a point, while Curtis cheered from the audience. Unknown woman: Curtis was apparently caught in a 'passionate clinch' on the dance floor of a night club in High Wycombe, Bucks (pictured with Maura in September) In her video tape, Maura told the camera: 'I want to do well. I don't want to be booted out on week one or two. I'm shocking at skating.' Speaking of her rivalry with fellow contestant Joe, 37, who performed last week, she said: 'I'm trying to knock Joe's confidence down and I feel like it's working.' After meeting her partner Alexander, Maura confessed: 'He's probably really disappointed. He calls me T-rex,' in a nod to the way she positions her arms. But Alexander said he 'couldn't be prouder' of the television personality after they took to the ice to perform their first ever routine. Love Island themed dance: Alexandra said he 'couldn't be prouder' of the television personality after they took to the ice to perform their first ever routine to Lizzo's Juice Clad in a silver sparkly costume, Maura paid homage to Love Island as she started off on a sun lounger. Despite some nerves, the Irish reality star looked graceful as she performed a roll-up into attitude lift, a back walkover as well as a twirling spinning lift. Heading over to the judges, Maura told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: 'It was nerve wracking, I'm still shaking.' The judges - Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill, John Barrowman and Christopher Dean - each awarded her 5.5 points, giving her a total score of 22 points of 40. Thrilled: The Love Island star, 29, who has built up a fierce rivalry with fellow contestant Joe Swash, jumped for joy as Holly Willoughby told her she had beat him by half a point From tropical island to iceberg: Clad in a silver sparkly costume, Maura paid homage to Love Island as she started off on a sun lounger Holly told Maura: 'I think that means you beat Joe Swash by a point'. The Love Island beauty punched her hands in the air and looked over at Joe, who was watching on from the balcony. Jayne, 62, said: 'Maura you look beautiful and like you're enjoying it, I think you have to have the confidence now. You are better than you think you are. Keep working.' Ashley, 31, critiqued: 'I know how nervous you were before you came out, it did show. You should believe in yourself. Be proud.' There she goes! Despite some nerves, the Irish reality star looked graceful as she performed a roll up into attitude lift, a back walkover as well as a twirling spinning lift 'You've come from a tropical island to a iceberg in here. I think you've acclimatized well,' Christopher said. Upon hearing the feedback, Maura said: 'It's amazing, unbelievable. I never thought I could have skated. I was really bad.' Ahead of the live show, Maura took to Instagram to show fans her injuries sustained from weeks of rehearsals. Number one fan: Maura's boyfriend Curtis proudly watched on in the audience and cheered her on The Irish beauty was bruised from her thigh down to her ankle, while she wrote: 'No pain no gain right?', alongside the post. Later in the show, Curtis told Holly and Phil: 'I'm sweating. She's been so nervous she did incredible,' and when asked if he was tempted to learn some moves on the ice, the reality star replied: 'I would love to have a go, yeah'. It comes after Maura insisted she and her beau will not be hit by the Dancing On Ice curse on Loose Women earlier this week. The Irish beauty, who is set to made her show debut on Sunday, said Curtis has no qualms about her partnership with Alexander Demetriou. She said: 'I dont think hes worried. Curtis is a dancer, he knows you have to have chemistry with your partner. The brunette beauty also declared that Curtis still gives her 'f***y flutters' six months into their romance, in a nod to her signature phrase while in the Mallorcan villa. On how their romance has stayed strong in the outside world, Maura said the pair "support one another" but, due to the nature of their work, are unable to see each other very regularly. She said: 'We dont see each other as much as we hoped. But were both in the same line of work now so we understand each other. So when we do see each other its nice.' Competitive: Maura joked with Joe, (pictured with Perri and Matt above) after beating him by half a point Impressed: Head judge Jayne Torvill, 62, said: 'Maura you look beautiful and like you're enjoying it, I think you have to have the confidence now. You are better than you think you are. Keep working' Thrilled: Upon hearing the feedback, Maura said: 'It's amazing, unbelievable. I never thought I could have skated. I was really bad' Smitten: It comes after Maura insisted she and her beau will not be hit by the Dancing On Ice curse during a candid interview on Loose Women earlier this week Curtis and grid girl Maura coupled up on last summer's series of Love Island but only made their relationship official two months after the show ended. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline in October, Curtis admitted he was worried about making things official with his other half. He confessed: 'I was nervous. Im not a person who sleeps around a lot or had a lot of girlfriends. 'I've only ever really had one [girlfriend] before that and then what happened in the villa happened. I was nervous to ask because I didn't really know how to do that stuff.' Appointment 13 January 2020 Edward E Snoeks has been appointed as the general manager of Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and The Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, which is slated to open in April 2020. Prior to his current role, Snoeks held senior executive positions with Marco Polo, IHG, and most recently, Okura Hotels, across major destinations in Asia such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Bangkok. He has also served as vice president hotel operations for Hong Kong Parkview Group, and also played a key role in the openings of Eclat hotels in Taipei and Beijing, as well as other projects in Hong Kong. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for forging a deal to end a 20-year-old border dispute with neighbouring Eritrea, but Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is finding reaching an agreement with Egypt over its project to build a dam on the Blue Nile far more difficult. Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan began US-sponsored negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in November and were expected to conclude them by January 15, but an agreement appears to be still far off. Yesterday, Ahmed called on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in the long-running dispute. Ramaphosa is a good friend for both Ethiopia and Egypt and is the upcoming president of the African Union. He can make a discussion between both parties to solve the issue peacefully because peace is the foundation of everything here in Africa, Ahmed said Sunday at a press conference in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. Ramaphosa said he was open to the suggestion and confirmed that he had already spoken with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about the matter. Ethiopia began construction of the dam in 2011, immediately triggering concerns that the massive project would cause water shortages in Egypt, which relies on the Nile for 90 percent of its water supply for the population and for agriculture. The Blue Nile, which has its source in Ethiopia, converges with the White Nile in Sudan and flows north through Egypt. Tensions have dogged the African nations ever since, and Egypt has at times threatened to take military action against the project. In 2015 the three nations signed a declaration of principles, which maintained that the downstream nations, Egypt and Sudan, should not be negatively affected by the dam. The declaration also held that if the three nations could not come to an agreement, the issue would be taken up by international mediators. The outcome of mediation is an open question as complicated and contentious legal issues are at play, said Timothy Kaldas, non-resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy in Washington, DC. The last round of negotiations between the Egyptian, Sudanese and Ethiopian foreign ministers, held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, lasted two days and ended on January 9, 2020 in a deadlock. One of the main sticking points is how long Ethiopia will be given to fill the 74 billion cubic metre reservoir behind the dam; Egypt worries that if the dam is filled too quickly, the water flow to its country will be reduced. Ethiopia said last week that Egypt asked to lengthen the filling time from 12 years to 21 years, a period of time that Ethiopia said is not acceptable. Egypt, for its part, denies having asked for such a long fill period. The ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement last week saying the Ethiopian side was being misleading and that Egypt was on board with filling the dam in six to seven years, as long as the inflow of the Nile was at average or above average levels during the filling period. Ethiopia plans to begin filling the dam in July, when the rainy season begins. Egypt later said Ethiopia's government failed to prove it would take all necessary precautions to ensure that the dam would not affect Egypts water supply, especially in times of drought. Whether the countries can come to agreement before the January 15 deadline is unclear. Public statements from the Ethiopian and Egyptian governments are contradictory, so it is difficult to know to what degree they are just posturing and hyperbole, Kaldas said. It depends on whos telling the truth, he said. The outcome of negotiations or mediation could have a profound impact on Egypt by setting a precedent that would allow other upriver nations to launch similar projects. The $4.2 billion, 6,000 megawatt dam is scheduled to begin generating much-needed power for Ethiopia, with one of the largest populations and fastest-growing economies on the continent, by the end of this year, and be fully operational by 2020. When completed, it will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa. Talks are set to resume on January 13 in Washington, DC. They will be hosted by the US treasury department and will also be attended by officials from the World Bank. South Africa: Inputs sought on document to improve film, TV workers rights Major improvements are in the pipeline for the rights of workers in the film and television industry. The Department of Employment and Labour is urging stakeholders in the industry to make inputs on the Basic Conditions of Employment Act notice, which was issued by Minister Thulas Nxesi in December 2019. Nxesi issued the notice with the intention of deeming persons in the film and television industry as employees for the purposes of the National Minimum Wage Act and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. The notice, titled Intention to Deem Persons in the Film and Television Industry as Employees for Purposes of Some Parts of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Labour Relations Act, was published in the Government Gazette. It was issued in terms of Section 83(2) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). The notice seeks to afford actors and crew members the same rights as other workers, including sick leave, maternity leave, severance pay, proof of incapacity and compensation claims for occupational accidents/diseases. Nxesi issued the notice shortly after actress Vatiswa Ndara, in an open letter to Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, painted a sordid state of affairs in the industry. In the letter, Ndara urged government to take steps to protect industry practitioners from exploitation and underpayment. In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Employment and Labour said following the release of the notice, it is inviting parties with an interest in the film and television industry to make written representations. Comments can be made to Chief Director: Labour Relations Directorate, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria 0001. Interested stakeholders will have 60 days to make inputs. The Government Gazette was published on 11 December 2020, the department said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. GENOA3 - The City of Genoa has released a new interactive 3D map of the historic centre that presents 27 of the city's most mysterious sites. The map, titled "Myths, Legends, Genoa", also includes the stories surrounding the sites, such as that of a young woman musician who, after daring to fall in love with a nobleman, was locked in the dungeons of the San Domenico Abbey, where the Carlo Felice Theatre now stands. A total of 10,000 copies of the map have been printed and will be distributed starting at the end of January in shops throughout the city's Integrated Street Centre (CIV) districts and tourism promotion areas. The map was printed in Italian and English and has a QR code system that will allow tourists and local residents to discover all the secrets of the "city of mystery". They can meet, for example, the masked lady who wanders at night with a bundle in her arms, perhaps her baby son born from an illicit affair; or go to feel the "breath of the devil" on the Salita dell'Arcivescovado. In attendance at the presentation of the map in Palazzo Tursi were City Trade Councillor Paola Bordilli, Tourism Councillor Laura Gaggero, councillor delegated to the municipalities Lilli Lauro, president of the Centro Est municipality Andrea Carratu, as well as many representatives from the CIVs and neighbourhood associations. "One of the positive aspects of this project is that it brings together the commercial fabric with the history and culture of the city," Gaggero said. "And it's just a first step: we're working to create an actual mystery week so that the concept of the ghost tour becomes a distinctive brand of tourism in Genoa," she said.(ANSAmed). The National President of the Technical University Teachers Association (TUTAG) has blasted the Greater Accra Regional Chapter for calling off the ongoing strike. The Greater Accra Chapter has served notice it will return to work today [Monday] irrespective of the stance of its national executives. Speaking to Citi News, National President of TUTAG, Dr Solomon Keelson said the comment by the Greater Accra Chapter must be disregarded as the strike is in full force across the 16 regions of the country. Accra Chair has said that if National doesn't call off the strike today, Monday, they would call it off. I think that is in bad faith. What he should have rather done is to initiate and even support us to get the people together. We are working hard to get our people together and if possible call an emergency meeting because we can't call the strike without the consent of all of these people who matter from the various chapters, he complained. And so not consulting anybody and going there is worrying. I don't know whether that view that he has presented is even a view from the Accra chapter itself or it's coming from him as a person. That must be disregarded because we are doing everything possible to put the people together even before our Thursday congress in Tamale. For him to just jump the gun and say that Accra alone will do that, I don't know whether Accra is part of our Union or not, or whether Accra now wants to separate from the Union or they still want to be part of the Union. Background TUSAAG and TUTAG are currently on an indefinite strike in protest of the non-payment of allowances due their members following the conversion of polytechnics to technical universities. According to TUSAAG, the amount received by its members in December is below allowances paid to colleagues in other public universities who hold similar positions as lecturers. The leaders of TUSAAG have vowed not to call off the strike till the government complies with the National Labour Commission's (NLC) ruling to pay their members the agreed allowances. The ongoing strike by TUTAG comes as a repetition of one they embarked on in October and December 2019. According to them, 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. They have also vowed to only call off the strike upon the fulfilment of the National Labour Commission ruling on the 28th of October 2019. But the Greater Accra Regional Chapter of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) hinted of plans to return to work today [Monday] regardless of the stance of its national executives. The national executives have the prerogative to speak on behalf of the union but for me, I am waiting on them until [Monday morning]. If they don't, I will let Accra [TUTAG] start work, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of TUTAG, Dr. Ibrahim Zubeiru, told Citi News. NLC directs Unions to call off strike The National Labour Commission (NLC) on Friday asked TUTAG to call off its strike, giving the assurance that the government would be working to migrate their qualified members to the single spine pay structure and pay them their allowances by January 29. This came after the Commission met with representatives of TUTAG, Ministries of Finance, Education, Employment and Labour Relations, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Controller and Accountant 's General's Department on the way forward to resolve the current impasse. In a statement, the NLC also assured that TUTAG members in institutions that have submitted or yet to submit their data to the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) will be paid their allowances as required. But members of TUSAAG say their strike is ongoing despite the ruling by the National Labour Commission (NLC) asking them to call off the industrial action. The National President of TUSAAG, Edem Honu said they are waiting to receive a copy of the NLC ruling before the National Executive Committee takes a decision on the matter. ---citinewsroom "It was a tremendous year for MedTech and the SmartTRAK team looks forward to covering all that 2020 brings!" - Sharon O'Reilly, CEO and President of BioMedGPS It was a busy year in MedTech and SmartTRAK covered it all! SmartTRAK is the leading provider of real-time market intelligence, analysis, and advisory services for the orthopedic, wound, regenerative medicine, and neuro therapies markets. Our experts provide comprehensive industry coverage on the latest trends, news and business intelligence. Here are SmartTRAK's top blog posts of 2019! 1. Robotics Front & Center at the Orthopedic Design & Technology Center by Elise Wolf, Senior Analyst for Computer-Assisted Surgery, 7/19/19 Robotics was a hot topic in 2019. SmartTRAK Senior Analyst for Computer-Assisted Surgery, Elise Wolf, participated in a panel discussion entitled Tech Talk: An Overview of the Growing Role of Additive Manufacturing and Robotic Surgery. 2. Total Joints Top Trends to Watch 2019: Care vs Value by Lisa Mahan, VP, Orthopedic Content, 11/4/19 The theme heading into 2019 for Total Joints could be summed up as Improved Care, Proven Value. 3. EWMA 2019: Insights and Innovation in Advanced Wound Care by Susan Paquette, General Manager & VP of Wound Care, 7/30/19 EWMA 2019 provided a unique glimpse into whats on the horizon worldwide (WW) for Advanced Wound Care. 4. Spinal Cord Stimulation: Top Trends to Watch in 2019 and Beyond by Anne Staylor, Managing Editor & Sr. Director of Advanced Technologies, 1/15/19 Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK Managing Editor and Dir. of Advanced Technologies, gives her predictions for the top technology and market trends to watch in SCS for 2019 and beyond. 5. Orthobiologics: Top Trends to Watch in 2019 and Beyond by Kim French, Senior Analyst for Orthobiologics, 10/28/19 Orthobiologics continues to command attention and SmartTRAKs Kim French shares her predictions for 2019. 6. SNIS 2019: An Interview with Corindus Vascular Robotics by Anne Staylor, Managing Editor & Sr. Director of Advanced Technologies, 11/1/19 Executives from Corindus Vascular Robotics discuss the Companys plans and strategies for improving stroke care in an interview with SmartTRAK. 7. Spine Acquisition Update by Julianne Burns, Senior Analyst for Spine, 5/10/19 Med device giants were scooping up innovative technologies, and the Spine market is bustling with activity, with two notable Spine acquisitions. 8. TOBI 2019 Update: Issues & Trends in Orthobiologics by Freddy Buntoum, Senior Analyst for Regenerative Medicine, 11/11/19 A look at the key trends and takeaways in Orthobiologics from the 10th PRP & Regenerative Medicine Symposium, hosted by TOBI. 9. Extremities Trends: 2019 and Beyond by Lisa Mahan, VP, Orthopedic Content, 2/28/19 SmartTRAKs VP of Orthopedics, Lisa Mahan, highlights trends shaping the Extremities Market. 10. 3M/Acelity: A Deeper Look Into the Potential Deal by Terry Hayslett, Senior Analyst for Wound Care, 5/31/19 In its biggest deal to date, 3M recently announced the acquisition of wound care giant Acelity and its KCI subsidiaries, and SmartTRAK examines the effects of the deal. 11. Ahead of OTA, Top Trauma Trends for 2019 by Natasha Weeks, Senior Analyst for Trauma & Extremities Fixation, 9/9/19 Ahead of the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) meeting, SmartTRAKs Senior Analyst for Trauma & Extremities, Natasha Weeks, talks about trends in Trauma. 12. S&N Solidifies its Leadership Position in Wound Biologics by Susan Paquette, General Manager & VP of Wound Care, 4/15/19 Smith & Nephew (S&N) announced on March 12, 2019, that it has agreed to acquire Osiris Therapeutics for $660MM with the deal expected to close Q219 but there may be potential roadblocks! About BioMedGPS BioMedGPS, LLC is the developer of SmartTRAK Business Intelligence, the leading provider of real-time data and analysis on the life sciences industry. Known for expert analysis and innovative tools, SmartTRAK provides daily updates, strategic insights and in-depth analyses of the wound care, orthopedics, regenerative medicine, and neuro therapies markets. For more information about SmartTRAK please visit SmartTRAK.com or contact BioMedGPS. Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says Nigerians have only been managing poverty in the country, despite Nigeria being so blessed with natural resources. The governor said this on Sunday during a church service marking the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan. The governor was quoted in a statement by Taiwo Adisa, his chief press secretary, as saying the management of the abundance of mineral resources, can lead a country to prosperity. Makinde said no country of the world became prosperous by merely relying on natural resources. Read Also: Im Ready To Break Some Toes Seyi Makinde He said, And on the occasion of this celebration, when I came in, as I was listening to what the Archbishop was saying, I picked some certain things from his statement. He said that God has blessed us a lot in this country but the leadership has only been managing poverty. That is actually true but I also beg to differ slightly, because natural resources alone can never take any country or society out of poverty. The only thing that can take us out of poverty is how we can organise ourselves and how we utilize those natural resources. We can have an abundance of it and we still waste it. As a matter of fact, if we look at the trajectory of countries that have been successful, for example, Japan, they barely have any natural resources but when we look at their people, they utilise the brain God has given to them, developed it and utilised it. Even, they take natural resources from other countries, refine them and sell it back to the countries they got it from at a high cost. So, this is how they were able to take themselves out of poverty. Knowledge is power and that is why, in this administration, education will still remain top priority. I want to appreciate the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed forces because you have done well for this country. Your colleagues have made supreme sacrifice for the unity of this country and for peace of the world because we have a record of members of the Armed forces that actually fought in the World War, he said. They have contributed to peace in the world, So, we know you have taken a lot of risk on behalf of all of us and we just want to say thank you. America issued an extraordinary warning to Britain over Huawei last night, insisting it would be 'madness' to allow the Chinese firm to build the UK's 5G phone network. Senior US officials handed over a classified dossier of fresh allegations against the telecoms company. It is understood the new information, likely to be technical, provides weight to America's claim that Britain's infrastructure could be put at 'risk'. A decision on 5G is expected later this month during a meeting of the National Security Council. The PM will be given two options block Huawei entirely, or allow it access to 'non-core kit' only such as antennae. Special relationship at risk: Boris Johnson and Donald Trump. Senior US officials handed over a classified dossier of fresh allegations against Huawei US officials last night warned Britain could see its 'sovereignty under threat'. They also said the UK's intelligence-sharing relationship with America could be cut off. President Donald Trump is said to be 'concerned' about the prospect of Britain using Huawei because he 'doesn't want anything to come between' him and Boris Johnson. British officials have raised concerns that blocking Huawei could lead to higher bills for consumers and delay the introduction of 5G. Nevertheless, six US officials, including deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, flew to the UK yesterday. The team was sent to lobby the Government, believing there is still time to persuade Mr Johnson to block Huawei. In a briefing following talks with Cabinet ministers, one official said it would 'be nothing less than madness to allow Huawei to get into next generation tele- communication networks and vacuum up personal data'. Another official stressed there was draft legislation in the US that would bring in 'draconian' rules such as 'cutting off intelligence-sharing [with] partner countries that use Huawei in their 5G networks'. The officials said that 'as constructive partners and friends' they were seeking 'to make sure we were sharing all of the relevant information that led the US to effectively ban untrusted vendors from our networks'. They added the US wanted 'to make sure this new government here had the benefit of our insights and intelligence'. One official warned of 'Chinese intelligence officers who dual-hack as Huawei employees', saying these included staff working for state security, which he referred to as 'the Chinese KGB'. The senior official also dismissed UK claims that risks could be lowered by allowing Huawei access only to non-core elements. One official warned of 'Chinese intelligence officers who dual-hack as Huawei employees', saying these included staff working for state security, which he referred to as 'the Chinese KGB' He said: 'It is the strong view and assessment of the United States... that any amount of equipment from untrusted Chinese vendors is too much. 'Any amount of equipment carries risks of compromising very sensitive infrastructure and... private citizens' data as well as corporate secrets and other sensitive information.' Another official claimed there was an 'appalling litany of things', saying there was 'no safe degree of interaction' with the firm. He warned that allowing Huawei in could lead to the UK to be subject to 'coercive manipulation' if the firm got into Britain's infrastructure. 'Then one's decision-making is at peril and sovereignty is threatened because one's autonomy is subject to those kinds of coercive pressures,' he claimed. In an unprecedented move, they also said that MI5 chief Sir Andrew Parker was wrong to suggest UK-US intelligence-sharing would not be affected. An intervention by Sir Andrew (pictured) on Monday led to speculation that Mr Johnson was preparing to give the go-ahead They said Mr Trump was 'watching this'. One said: 'He holds his relationship with Prime Minister Johnson very closely, very dearly. He doesn't want anything to come between the relationship between our two countries. 'I know he is looking at this with some level of concern.' An intervention by Sir Andrew on Monday led to speculation that Mr Johnson was preparing to give the go-ahead. Sir Andrew said he had 'no reason to think' the transatlantic relationship would suffer. A Huawei spokesman said: 'We are a private company which has supplied 3G, 4G and broadband equipment to the UK's telecoms companies for 15 years. 'Last year two parliamentary committees concluded there is no technical reason to ban us from supplying 5G equipment.' He added: 'We're confident the Government will take a decision based on evidence not unsubstantiated allegations.' The US still imports the kind of crude pumped in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and any disruption to the regions oil exports would drive prices up at American pumps, writes Julian Lee. US president Donald Trump was wrong last week when he said that the US doesnt need Middle East oil. For one thing, US refiners still need to process it to make the products their customers want. Whats more, Americas car drivers and truckers need it to keep flowing or else theyll face higher prices at their local gas pump. Trump made his assertion during an address from the White House after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at two airbases in Iraq used by the US military and amid fears of an escalation in attacks on key oil infrastructure in the region, including potentially the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz a narrow neck of water that connects the Persian Gulf to the open seas. Its certainly true that very little of the crude produced in the Persian Gulf region now finds its way to refineries in the US. Less than 5% of the 16.5m barrels a day of crude and condensate a light form of oil pumped from gas fields that flowed through Hormuz in 2019 went to American refineries, according to tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. By contrast, four Asian countries China, India, Japan, and South Korea bought two-thirds of all the crude and condensate from the region. If you add in the rest of Asia, that figure rises to more than 80%. Little wonder then that Trump is calling on those countries to take a bigger role in protecting oil flows through the strait. But the shipments to the US cannot be dismissed so easily. Individually, the country is the fifth-biggest buyer of Middle Eastern crude. Of course its imports from the region have tumbled as domestic oil production soared with the shale booms, as shown in the chart below. But the countries of the Persian Gulf still account for one in every eight barrels of crude imported into the US. As my colleague Sheela Tobben wrote before the shale boom began, US Gulf coast refiners invested millions of dollars revamping their plants to process relatively cheap heavy crude from the Middle East and Latin America into the low-sulfur products demanded by local consumers. Since 2012, they have rejigged their facilities again to process higher proportions of the type of light, sweet oil (containing little or no sulfur) that is extracted from shale formations. Much was made of Americas oil independence when the country posted the first full month as a net exporter of crude and petroleum products since government records began in 1949. That became apparent at the end of November, when monthly data for September were published. The feat was repeated in October (the most recent month for which we have monthly figures). But one shouldnt lose sight of the fact that this new status as a net exporter is driven by shipments of refined products. The US continues to import more crude than it ships out. It is solidly linked into the global oil market and will remain so. And with tension now flaring with Iran, the fact that there are fewer sources from which to import the heavy, sour crude (containing high concentrations of sulfur) on which Gulf coast refineries depend is coming into relief. The US imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports in January 2019 and Mexico and Colombia are facing declining output as a result of a lack of new investment. For now, while Canada remains the biggest supplier to the US, the Middle East delivers most of the rest. That brings me to the second reason that the US remains dependent on oil flows from the Persian Gulf and why it will remain so even if it buys none of the regions exports. Prices. No matter where oil from the Middle East is sold, the volume coming out of the region still has a profound impact on crude prices as well as those of gasoline and diesel fuel. Nowhere is that more true than in the US, where low taxes on fuels mean their prices are much more responsive to movements in global crude. The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline jumped by 10 US cents a gallon the biggest two-day increase in more than two years after attacks in September on Saudi oil installations, even though the worlds biggest oil exporter was quick to reassure customers that there would be no disruption to supplies. The kingdom lived up to its promise, but it still took three months for gas prices to return to their pre-attack level. That shows just how important the flow of crude from the Persian Gulf still is to Americans and their president. For now, the killing of Irans General Qassem Soleimani and Irans responses so far have had a smaller, but still noticeable impact on US gas prices even without any explicit Iranian threat to regional oil flows. If the mere prospect of a disruption to Persian Gulf oil flows can inflate US gas prices, imagine what a real disruption, much less an outright halt, would do. No president would want that risk during an election year and in that sense, the current incumbent of the White House is no different from his predecessors. Julian Lee is an oil strategist for Bloomberg First Word. Previously, he worked as a senior analyst at the Centre for Global Energy Studies. Union minister and BJP leader Babul Supriyo termed Ghosh's comments as 'irresponsible', meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress leadership came down heavily on Ghosh and said the comments reflected the mindset of BJP that brooks no dissent. Kolkata: West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has kicked up a row with his remark that "anti-CAA protesters were shot like dogs in BJP-ruled states", provoking criticism from political rivals and his own partymen. Addressing a public meeting in Nadia district on Sunday, Ghosh slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge" on those destroying public property during the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in the state in December. "Didi's police didn't take action against those who destroyed public property as they are her voters. Our governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka shot these people like dogs," Ghosh had said. Union minister and BJP leader Babul Supriyo termed Ghosh's comments as "irresponsible". BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlipGhosh may hv saidIt is a figment of his imagination&BJP Govts in UP, Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoeverVery irresponsible of DilipDa to hv said what he said https://t.co/aXF8pmJtAR Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) January 13, 2020 "BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a Dilip Ghosh may have said. It is a figment of his imagination and BJP govts in Uttar Pradesh, Assam have NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever. Very irresponsible of Dilip da to have said what he had," Supriyo said in a tweet. The Trinamool Congress leadership came down heavily on Ghosh and said the comments reflected the mindset of BJP that brooks no dissent. "The comments reflect the mindset of the BJP. This is not an isolated statement of Dilip Ghosh. This the mindset and agenda of the BJP....they don't like dissent," TMC secretary general and state minister Partha Chatterjee said. Ghosh had defended the BJP governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka for incidents of police firing on violent anti-CAA protesters, saying they did the "right thing". The BJP leader said those involved in arson and vandalism should be shot, like in Uttar Pradesh. "They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy the country's property. Is it their zamindari?" he asked, and demanded that those "sabotaging" the interests of Hindu Bengalis needed to be identified. Dilip Ghosh,West Bengal BJP President: You will come here, eat our food, stay here and damage public properties. Is it your zamindari? We will bash you with lathis, shoot you, and put you in jail. (12.1.2020) https://t.co/LcFZTrpYPj ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 He had also claimed there were two crore "Muslim infiltrators" in the country and over one crore were illegally staying in West Bengal. "Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them," he alleged. Sharply reacting to Ghosh's remarks, the CPM alleged the BJP was trying to create an "authoritarian state". "The BJP has been claiming that the state governments led by them have not opened fire. Now the cat is out of the bag. Dilip Ghosh has spilled the beans. The BJP is trying to create an authoritarian state and killing protesters is a step towards it," senior CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty said. TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.13 Trend: Iranian Minister of foreign affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif announced the measures of the government body to assist the families and friends of victims of crashed Ukrainian plane. "As part of practical measures to assist families of victims of #PS752 tragic disaster, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a hotline. It is manned 24/7. Number: +98 21 61153009 Embassies have also been instructed to facilitate assistance to families/friends of victims," said Zarif's message on Twitter, Trend reports. A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane with 167 passengers (including Iranian and foreign citizens) and 9 crew members on board crashed Jan. 8, after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. The plane was heading for Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. The plane took off at 06:12 (GMT+3:30), and at 06:18, it lost connection with the dispatcher center. The plane crashed at 6:22. Following the investigation, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran released a statement saying that the Ukrainian aircraft was unintentionally shot down by Iran, due to a human error. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani expressed regret over the tragic incident. "Iran's armed forces were on alert after the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and the US threats, so an unfortunate human error led to huge tragedy and innocent people have died," said Rouhani. New Delhi: Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghoshs shocking remarks on CAA violence has rattled the party leadership. A day after Ghoshs shoot like dog video went viral, Union Minister Babul Supriyo came forward to clear the air. In what can be called as a damage control exercise, Supriyo took to Twitter to put forward BJPs stand. Quoting a media report, Supriyo said that the BJP has northing to do with Ghoshs remark. Distancing the BJP from Ghoshs statement, Supriyo also said that none of the BJP governments have ever resorted to shooting down the protesters. On Sunday, addressing a public meeting in Bengal's Nadia, Dilip Ghosh had criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering a lathi-charge" on those destroying railway property and public transport. Damage Control BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlipGhosh may hv saidIt is a figment of his imagination&BJP Govts in UP, Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoeverVery irresponsible of DilipDa to hv said what he said (sic), Supriyo said on Twitter. What Dilip Ghosh had said? The BJP MP from Kharagpur, Dilip Ghosh is known for making controversial statements. During pro-CAA rally, Ghosh had said that, Mamata didi was not taking any step against the person who had destroyed public property as they were her voters. He further said that the state governments such as Uttar Pradesh had not only booked such persons but also charged baton and shot them too. He had further said that, "The property that were being destroyed, does it belongs to anyone's father's? In Assam, UP, our governments have shot these people like dogs. Whose loss is it anyway? BJP has been facing lots of opposition over the controversial citizenship law. West Bengal is among the worst-hit states in terms of violence. Bengal saw the worst damages to the public property during the protests. The Indian Railways claimed to have suffered losses of properties worth Rs 84 crore in violence related to protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC in West Bengal from December 13 to 15, according to reports filed by it before the Calcutta High Court. The Eastern Railway said in an affidavit before a division bench comprising Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan and Justice A Banerjee on Friday that it suffered the brunt of the protests with losses amounting to Rs 72.2 crore, with the maximum being in the Sealdah division, which suffered damages worth Rs 46 crore. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. [January 13, 2020] 84.51 Chooses MadCap Software to Replace Traditional LMS and Create Modern Stratum Learning Center San Diego, CA, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MadCap Software , Inc., the leader in multi-channel content authoring, today announced that 84.51, a leading retail analytics provider, has recognized significant gains by replacing its traditional learning management system (LMS) with MadCap Flare and MadCap Central. The full case study is available here . A subsidiary of Krogerthe second-largest general retailer and the seventeenth largest company in the United States84.51 brings together customer data, predictive analytics, and marketing strategy to drive sales growth and customer loyalty for Kroger and more than 300 consumer-packaged-goods (CPG) companies in the United States. 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When we first announced to the development team that we were going to create a reference guide for every report, every concept, there was a bit of laughter and a fair amount of disbelief, recalls Casey Schroeder, lead content strategist at 84.51. Now, theyre amazed and excited by what we've been able to do and how fast we've been able to make changes and stay agile, and its all possible because of MadCap Flare. As a company at the forefront in innovating solutions for retail analytics, 84.51 understands the importance of empowering users to access, understand, and make decisions based on timely, accurate information, said Anthony Olivier, MadCap Software founder and CEO. We are thrilled by the success 84.51 has achieved in developing its comprehensive Stratum Learning Center, which facilitates learning through a modern web experience, integrated training, and rich micro-content-enabled search using MadCap Flare and MadCap Central. About MadCap Software MadCap Software is a trusted resource for more than 20,000 companies around the globe for single-source, multi-channel authoring and publishing solutions designed to streamline the process of developing and delivering training content, learning and development programs, technical documentation, online Help, knowledge bases, and more. From authoring, publishing and translation, to cloud-based project and content management, to contribution and review in the cloud, you can streamline content delivery and manage the entire content development lifecycle with MadCap Software. MadCap Softwares services include product training, consulting services, translation and localization, and an advanced developer certification program. Headquartered in San Diego, California, with offices in Austin, TX, MadCap Software is home to some of the most experienced software architects and product experts in the content development industry. Learn more about MadCap Software at www.madcapsoftware.com . MadCap Software, the MadCap Software logo, MadCap Central, and MadCap Flare, are trademarks or registered trademarks of MadCap Software, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other marks are the properties of their respective owners. Rebecca Hurst Kinetic.PR for MadCap Software [email protected] 650-679-9282 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CLEVELAND, Ohio Two gunmen barged into a home and fatally shot a 46-year-old man and wounded another, police said. William Hoskins, 46, of Cleveland died in the shooting and a 40-year-old man was hurt, police said. No arrests have been made in the case as of Monday afternoon. The shooting happened about 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Roehl Avenue near Fulton Road in the citys Clark-Fulton neighborhood. The two gunmen went to the home and knocked on the door before someone let them enter. Once in the home, an argument broke out and the gunmen opened fire, police said. One of the gunmen pointed a gun and threatened a 47-year-old woman but did not shoot her, according to police reports. The gunmen ran out of the house after the shooting. To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page. Read more crime stories: Man shot in the mouth in Cleveland arrested on drug trafficking charges Driver accused of ramming two Elyria police cruisers Berea police continue search for teen last seen Saturday One male killed, another injured in shooting in Clevelands Clark-Fulton neighborhood Cleveland Heights teen arrested after pulling robbery prank on mother, calls police after she ran off Ticker Symbols: ADZNV, ADVZF-OTCQX TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Adventus Mining Corporation ("Adventus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: ADZN;OTCQX: ADVZF) is pleased to announce the execution of an earn-in agreement (the "Earn-in Agreement") with South32 Base Metals Ireland Limited ("South32 Base Metals Ireland"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of South32 Limited ("South32"), to advance through exploration the Rathkeale, Kingscourt and Fermoy projects (the "Projects") in the Limerick Basin in the Republic of Ireland, which are 100%-owned by Adventus through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Adventus Zinc Ireland Limited ("AZIL"). Subject to the approval of the Irish Minister of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, exploration activity during the earn-in period is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2020 and include further geochemical studies and drilling of high priority targets. The Projects consist of prospecting licences covering an area of approximately 1,155 km2 and highly prospective for zinc-lead-silver mineralization. Earn-in Agreement Exploration Funding in Ireland The Earn-in Agreement grants South32 Base Metals Ireland the right to acquire a 70% interest in the Projects by sole funding EUR 3,500,000 in exploration on the Projects over a four-year period. AZIL will operate the exploration activities during the earn-in period. A technical committee, comprising representatives from each of Adventus and South32 Base Metals Ireland will review and approve exploration programs and budgets for the Projects. All decisions of the technical committee shall be decided by majority vote, with South32 Base Metals Ireland having the casting vote in case of a split decision. Once South32 Base Metals Ireland has completed its funding obligations, South32 Base Metals Ireland may exercise its option right to acquire a 70% direct interest in a prospecting license area nominated by South32 Base Metals Ireland ("Project Area"). The parties shall then enter into a pre-approved joint venture agreement in respect of the Project Area. The joint venture agreement shall govern the joint venture with all costs and products borne by, and distributed to, the parties based on their respective participating interests. The joint venture agreement also contains certain capital contribution dilution mechanisms for participating interests and mutual rights of first offer for the parties. The decision on the approval for the Earn-in Agreement and funding arrangement by the Minister of Communications, Climate Actions and Environment of the Republic of Ireland is pending. The Projects Rathkeale, Kingscourt and Fermoy The Rathkeale project comprises eight (8) prospecting licences covering 256 km2 of prospective ground for carbonate-hosted Irish Type zinc-lead-silver mineralization within the targeted Waulsortian limestone. Historical drilling at Rathkeale has intersected significant alteration as well as mineralization. In 2017, Adventus completed a detailed structural-stratigraphic interpretation, under-pinned by 2D high-resolution seismic surveying, and supported by advanced geochemical techniques on historical records as an initial foundation to define areas of elevated mineral potential. This program resulted in six exploration target areas being identified for further work and drill testing. The Kingscourt project comprises thirteen (13) prospecting licences covering 422 km2 of ground considered prospective for Irish-type zinc-lead-silver deposits within the Pale Beds and Waulsortian limestone-hosted spectrums. Located in Counties Meath, Louth and Monaghan, exploration is primarily targeting footwall, Pale Beds-hosted zinc-lead-silver mineralization in the Moynalty Basin and is located approximately 10 km north of the Navan mine. The Fermoy project in north County Cork consists of twelve (12) prospecting licences covering 477 km2 and is located in the southern sector of the Irish zinc-lead-silver orefield. Based on historic data and maps, Adventus identified the area as poorly resolved geologically, with some key unrecognized structural characteristics yet to be interpreted by modern exploration models. Qualified Person The technical information of this news release has been reviewed and verified as accurate by Mr. Jason Dunning, M.Sc., P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Adventus, a non-Independent Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101. About Adventus Adventus is a well-financed exploration and project development company, focused in Ecuador. Its strategic shareholders include Altius Minerals Corporation, Greenstone Resources LP, Resource Capital Funds, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., and the Nobis Group of Ecuador. Adventus is leading the exploration and engineering advancement of the Curipamba copper-gold project in Ecuador as part of an earn-in agreement to obtain a 75% ownership interest. In addition, Adventus is engaged in a country-wide exploration alliance with its partners in Ecuador, which has incorporated the Pijili and Santiago projects to date. Adventus is based in Toronto, Canada, and is listed on the TSX-V under the symbol ADZN and trades on the OTCQX under the symbol ADVZF. About South32 South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. It produces bauxite, alumina, aluminium, energy and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at its operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. It is also the owner of a high-grade zinc, lead and silver development option in North America and has several partnerships with junior explorers with a focus on base metals. Its purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come, and to be trusted by its owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. 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 news release. This press release contains "forward -looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. 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 "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events or developments that Adventus expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Although Adventus have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and 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. Adventus undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Adventus Mining Corporation Related Links adventuszinc.com More than $31.4 million was located and returned to Tennesseans in combined life insurance benefits/annuities and monies returned through the departments mediation efforts in 2019, according to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI). In all, TDCI said: $27.2 million was located in 2019 for Tennessee consumers through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) national life insurance locator. Available since November 2016, the Life Insurance Policy Locator Service is a free tool that enables beneficiaries, executors, or legal representatives of a deceased person to track down the life insurance policies or annuity contracts of their late family members or friends. Nearly $4.3 million was returned to Tennessee consumers last year through TDCIs mediation efforts a process where TDCI insurance investigators intercede between insurance companies and policyholders to get wrongfully denied claims overturned and paid for policyholders. TDCI also reported that estimates from the NAIC show $44.8 billion premium volume was written by Tennessee insurance companies in 2019, making Tennessee No. 16 in the nation for premium volume. The insurance sector is an important and vital part of Tennessees economy, and I commend our team for their work balancing responsible oversight of the insurance industry with assisting stakeholders, said TDCI Commissioner Hodgen Mainda. When Tennesseans feel overwhelmed when it comes to questions about insurance policies and coverage, I urge them to remember that we are tireless advocates on behalf of consumers when it comes to answering questions and providing assistance. TDCI Assistant Commissioner Rachel Jrade-Rice added that filing a complaint or otherwise contacting department is always an option for policyholders if they are ever denied a claim or even if they have a question or concern about their insurance policies. In addition, TDCI noted in 2019 that: Six new Tennessee domestic insurance companies were licensed. 68 total actively licensed Tennessee domestic insurance companies. total actively licensed Tennessee domestic insurance companies. 192 licensed captive insurance companies and 460 cell companies totaling 652 Risk Bearing Entities (RBEs). licensed captive insurance companies and cell companies totaling Risk Bearing Entities (RBEs). 202,935 total insurance agents licensed in Tennessee a 6.4% increase in licensed agents compared to last year. The Department also helped oversee the launch of three new third-party testing centers in rural locations where individuals may take their insurance producer exams. $22.2 billion nationwide premium written by Tennessee domestic insurance companies. $44.8 billion premium volume written in Tennessee by insurance companies, making Tennessee No. 16 in the nation for premium volume according to the NAIC. 52 new companies licensed in Tennessee that are not headquartered in Tennessee. 1,865 total insurance companies actively licensed in Tennessee. For the seventh consecutive year, workers compensation insurance premiums are likely to decline for most Tennessee businesses in 2020 Source: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Topics Carriers Trends Market Tennessee Officials from the British and U.S. governments and the telecoms industry will meet on Monday, before Britain is due to take a decision on the possible use of Huawei equipment in future 5G mobile networks, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons spokesman said, Trend with reference to Reuters reports. We have strict controls over how Huawei equipment is currently deployed in the UK. The government is undertaking a comprehensive review ... There is a meeting today which involves U.S., UK government counterparts in national security and telecoms, the spokesman told reporters. Britain is expected to make a final decision on whether to deploy technology from the Chinese company this month. The United States is trying to persuade Britain not to use Huaweis equipment over what Washington says are security risks. Summer Institute Questions Where is the program hosted? The summer institute will be conducted virtually using both synchronous and asynchronous platforms for connection. What is the schedule for the week? The program will start the morning of Monday, July 12 and end the afternoon of Thursday, July 15. Can I come to some but not all of the summer institute? Applicants interested in The New York Times Teaching Project must agree to attend all daytime virtual events for each day of the summer institute without exceptions. What kinds of things would I need to do to prepare for the summer institute if I am accepted? If you are accepted into the program, The Learning Network will follow up with next steps, including registration for any online materials we may use and preprogram work and forms to complete. What technology is required? 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Any New York educators can apply for C.T.L.E. credits for their participation in the program. Does my school need a subscription to The Times? It does not. Accepted participants will be offered an individual one-year subscription to The Times to use in their work during the program. Do I need to be teaching with The Times already? You do not, though of course we want teachers with a strong interest in doing so. In your application, tell us about how you have used journalism in general to bring the world to your students, and how adding The Times might enhance your curriculum. I dont teach English, history or other humanities subjects. Should I still apply? The New York Times has resources and features that we believe benefit students and teachers of ALL subject areas. We encourage you to apply if you are interested in bringing The Times to your school no matter what you teach. Do I need to be teaching a particular grade level? This program is open to middle and high school educators. Im an administrator. Can I apply? We ask that only teachers with a full class load apply to this program. We very much hope, however, that accepted teachers will work closely with administrators or supervisors at their schools to coordinate the professional development they will offer. Should I apply if I am not sure if I can make the commitment for the entire year? No. Please apply only if you are able to commit to the entire program, including all summer and post-summer sessions. Can teachers or school librarians from outside the United States apply? At this time, we are accepting teachers from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Program Rules 1. Program Description: Participants will apply to be selected to participate in The New York Times Teaching Project 2021-22 Program. Participants will be invited to submit applications, which will be reviewed by NYT. By applying for this Program, each participant agrees to be bound by these Program rules and to the decisions of NYT, which are final and binding on all matters relating to the Program. The application submission period begins on November 19, 2020, and ends at 11:59 p.m. E.T. on Feb. 2, 2021 (the Submission Period). To be eligible, submissions must be submitted during the Submission Period and in accordance with Section 2 of these Program rules. 2. Eligibility: The Program is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry and current high school or middle school teachers or librarians in the United States (each an Applicant). Employees, representatives, agents, directors, and officers of NYT as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Program is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 3. How to Enter: To apply for the Program, during the Submission Period visit the Teaching Project 2021-22 Program application page located here. Then, follow the provided instructions to complete and thereafter submit the entry form. 4. Notification: The selected applicants will be notified by email (via the email address listed on the Entry Form) or phone by mid to late April 2021, and will be required to respond (as directed) to the notification attempt. If a potential program participant is unavailable to attend the virtual institute on the dates specified by NYT, the potential participant will be disqualified and an alternate entry may be selected in its place from all eligible entries received. NYT reserves the right to extend or modify the Program participant notification and announcement schedule as NYT deems necessary in its sole discretion to complete the verification process and/or to select an alternate Program participant. 5. Program Institute. Each Program participant will receive the opportunity to participate in a four (4) day virtual summer institute on July 12-15, 2021. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in virtual hangouts facilitated by The Learning Network throughout the 2021-22 school year where they will have the opportunity to present work and seek live feedback and support. Men are twice as likely to quit their job when triggered by their emotions. Photo: Getty Men are more emotional in the workplace than women, a new study has found. Men and women have different emotional triggers at work, according to the study of 2,000 UK workers and 250 line managers by UK job board Totaljobs. Men are twice as likely to get emotional because their ideas werent heard or because they were criticised and they were almost three times more likely to experience an emotional event because a project went over budget, missed a deadline or got cancelled. The research also shows a clear divide in the ways men and women express their emotions in the workplace. While men are twice as likely to shout or even quit their jobs because of their emotions, women are more than twice as likely to cry at work, with 41% of women saying that they have cried in the workplace compared with 20% of men. READ MORE: Is it ever OK to swear at work? Men and women are socialised to display emotions differently, especially at work. Men are more likely to report experiencing emotions associated with power, such as anger or pride, says Terri Simpkin, a senior lecturer in leadership and corporate education at Anglia Ruskin University. In fact, emotions and power are inextricably linked. Not being heard is congruent with lacking in status. Similarly, sadness is associated with a lack of power in social settings such as the workplace. However, many employees feel that they cant express their emotions at work at all with 59% of workers saying they have felt emotions at work that they didnt feel that they could freely express. A third (33%) said they conceal their real emotions with a positive face at work. READ MORE: Is instant messaging at work stressing us out? This could be to do with workplace culture as 30% of line managers said they consider the expression of emotions at work to be a sign of weakness and more than half (51%) believe that emotions should be completely suppressed in a professional context. Workplaces are environments of social expectations, Simpkin says. There are display rules associated with when, where and how much emotion can be shared and by whom. This is one reason why people will suppress their emotions in the workplace: they fear being judged. Story continues Colleagues are the main reason for getting emotional at work, the study found, with a third (33%) of emotional events in the workplace being triggered by co-workers, compared with 20% being caused by work tasks. READ MORE: Why separating our self-worth from our work can help our health and careers One in 10 employees felt emotional at work because they had been a victim of workplace bullying and six in 10 said they had a colleague they considered to be a work enemy. Its not all doom and gloom though 91% of workers reported that joy was the key emotion they experienced over the course of their careers. However, this is closely followed by surprise (90%), anger (85%), sadness (82%), disgust (71%), and fear (61%). Millennials are the most likely to face emotional challenges at work as figures reveal theyre the age group most likely to experience sadness (91%), anger (91%) and disgust (80%) in the workplace. READ MORE: UK 'generations away' from equality for women in top jobs The study shows that workers begin to express more joy and surprise as they age. They also get less sad, angry, disgusted, and fearful as they move through their careers. Experiences of workplace fear falls from rates of 77% among 23- to 38-year-olds to just 45% among employees aged between 55 and 73. Emotional intelligence is a key professional capability, particularly for leaders and managers. Our emotions are what make us human. They give us our capacity for collaboration, innovation, creativity and connection. Traditional attitudes which taught us to leave our emotions at the door should be long gone. Emotions are designed to communicate something to us. Recognising the message rather than suppressing it is key to dealing with emotions effectively. It is this human-ness within organisations that will set them apart as we move further into the fourth industrial age. As workplaces are becoming more and more digital, the ability to lead with an understanding of how to integrate emotionally aware people into them will be key to success, says Simpkin. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Former Chief Minister of Sri Lanka Northern Province CV Vigneswaran on Sunday said he strongly supported the idea of dual citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils living in India. This comes in the background of CAA, which excluded Lankan Tamil refugees. Population of Tamils (in Sri Lanka) has come down because of migration to India. Sri Lanka is not in a position to provide basic amenities to Tamils if they return, he told reporters. He said Sri Lanka and Government of India should work together to provide dual citizenship to Tamils who have settled here. Vigneswaran met VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan and a few former judges of Madras High Court. He later visited actor Rajinikanth and invited him to Sri Lanka. A rare, flesh-eating disease that has recently been found in Victoria has now spread to Far North Queensland. The Daintree ulcer - also known as the Bairnsdale ulcer in Victoria - starts as abnormal tissue growth before eating through flesh and leaving nasty wounds. At least 540 cases were reported in Victoria in the last two years, but it is rarer for cases to be reported in Queensland. Director of the Tropical Public Health Service in Cairns Dr Richard Gair said it was not clear how it was being spread, but said soil, water or insects could be to blame. He warned people to steer clear of water and soil in the Daintree and Mossman. Scroll down for video The Bairnsdale ulcer is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans (stock image) The bacteria destroys skin cells, small blood vessels and even fat under the skin which causes the nasty ulcer and loss of skin (stock image) There is currently not much known about the infection, but it is believed to be spread by mosquitoes, from possums to humans. 'Work has been underway to investigate the disease for many years in the Mossman Daintree area, in collaboration with James Cook University and the World Health Organisation collaborating centre in Victoria,' Mr Gair said. Microbiologist Tim Stinear of the University of Melbourne is worried the disease will spread more. 'I agree that's a real shift it might suggest that the (infection) reservoir has shifted. I think that's cause for concern and definitely needs investigation,' he told The Australian. The bacteria destroys skin cells, small blood vessels and even fat under the skin which causes the nasty ulcer and loss of skin. The ulcer gets larger over time which is why early diagnosis is critical to minimise skin loss. James Cook University professor John McBride said he was concerned about the spread of the disease. 'You might take the view that the first case was an anomaly, but the second and third cases make you think it is spreading,' he said. An article published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) in 2018 said the tissue-destroying infection which has spread in Australia by more than 400 per cent since 2010. World's largest retailer Walmart Inc on Monday said it has sacked 56 of its executives in India, including eight from senior management level, as it restructures its business in the country. In a statement, Walmart India President and CEO Krish Iyer said the company "remains committed" to growing its wholesale retail business in India. Most of the sacking was in Walmart's real estate division that is responsible for store expansion, implying the firm was facing challenges in expanding its wholesale business. Walmart operates 28 wholesale stores in India, selling goods to small shopkeepers but not to retail consumers because of government rules aimed at protecting Kirana stores do not allow such sales. "We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organized in the right way. As part of this review, we have let go of 56 of our associates across levels at the corporate office," Iyer said in the statement. All of the 56 impacted associates, eight in the senior management and 48 in the middle as well as lower management, have been offered enhanced severance benefits and outplacement services to support their transition, he added. He, however, denied reports of a second round of job cuts in April as part of an overall plan to shut down its physical presence in the country after struggling to return a profit. The 56 executives laid off make up for 1 per cent of Walmart's overall workforce in India. The job cuts come amid rising competition. US e-commerce giant Amazon Inc has partnered with India's leading retailer, Future Retail Ltd (FRL) to expand in the country, while richest Indian Mukesh Ambani recently launched an online retailer Jio Mart, offering free home delivery for thousands of grocery products. Iyer, however, ruled out a second round of layoffs, terming the speculation as baseless and incorrect. He said the company remains committed to growing its B2B cash and carry business in India. Walmart opened six new best price modern wholesale stores, one fulfillment center, and the company's sales grew 22 per cent in 2019, he added. "We have recently made significant investments to serve our members better and will continue to do so. This includes investments in our brick and mortar stores as well as e-commerce. "Our members are increasingly becoming omni-channel shoppers. We are thus investing heavily in technology and have a healthy pipeline of best price stores. This will provide our members with a truly omni-channel and convenient shopping experience in the future," Iyer noted. Layoffs at Walmart's brick and mortar business began after it bought a majority stake in e-commerce retailer Flipkart in 2018 in an around USD 16 billion deal. Walmart, as per its strategy to strengthen presence in the Indian market and also compete head-on with global rival Amazon, had announced a mega-deal in 2018 to pick up 77 per cent stake in Flipkart. Walmart had started B2B e-commerce in July 2014 from its Lucknow and Hyderabad 'Best Price Store' and was later extended to other stores. It was among one of the first companies in India, which had adopted the omni-channel retail system by integrating online and offline formats here. Amazon's partnership with Future Retail will make the US e-commerce giant the official online channel for the Indian firm's more than 1,500 stores across 400 Indian cities. As part of the deal, Amazon will add Future Retail's grocery products on its two-hour Prime Now delivery programme in India. Ambani on the other hand already owns India's biggest retail chain, Reliance Retail, and has made no secret of his goal of building an e-commerce platform to rival Amazon and Walmart. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Most Senegalese farmers sell peanuts and vegetables, but in one hamlet lost in a mangrove swamp in the West African country's south, only one crop is commercially viable -- cannabis. Kouba, a village deep in the mangroves of Casmance and inaccessible by road, teems with caiman crocodiles and rare birds. Locals say no police officer has set foot there since the 1980s, and a recent crackdown on cannabis cultivation has passed them by. "Ever since I was born, people have been cultivating cannabis," says Philippe Diaba. "If you don't grow cannabis here, you can't get by." Kouba villagers say the drug fetches between 15,000 and 30,000 CFA francs ($25-$50, 23-45 euros) a kilo -- compared with just 500 CFA francs for a kilo of onions. The money is attractive in Senegal, where two in five people live below the poverty line. Senegal seized 12.8 tonnes of cannabis or cannabis resin in 2017, a marked increase on hauls over previous years, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). "Casamance is one of the regions in Senegal where the most cannabis is produced," an officer from the narcotics division of the Senegalese police, who declined to be named, told AFP. - Cottage industry - Village women separate cannabis stalks by hand and leave them to dry on tin roofs, unafraid of the 10-year prison sentence marijuana cultivation carries in the former French colony. They sort a recent harvest into bales for pickup by traffickers arriving by canoe. Gaston Diaba, Philippe's brother and the village mason, gestures to large plots of cannabis lying beside rice fields. "All these fields are reserved for hemp," he says. Lacking other viable economic options such as tourism or conventional agriculture, the villagers have tended marijuana plantations in their lush backwater for decades. "There is no road to market for vegetables, so we grow them only for our own food," Philippe Diaba said. Kouba's 200 or so residents are secluded even within Casamance, a region already cut off from much of the north of Senegal by neighbouring The Gambia. A separatist conflict simmering since the 1980s in the region has also provided cover for their activities. - Cannabis funds education - But majority-Muslim Senegal is trying to clean up its reputation as a cannabis growers' paradise. Sheikh Toure of the UNODC office in the capital Dakar said Senegal is one of the first West African countries to target cannabis traffickers. "The repressive actions of recent years are sending a strong message to networks and producers," Toure said. Cannabis crackdown: Police in Dakar unpack sacks of cannabis for burning (2014 file picture) / AFP/File Philippe Diaba, who spoke to AFP while home in Kouba on holiday, said marijuana profits funded children's education in the village. In a garage owned by his neighbour Ousmane, hundreds of kilos of market-ready product stand packed in brown bundles. "It's worth millions of (CFA) francs," Philippe said, visibly uncomfortable amid the contraband. - 'Enormous potential' - While other African countries such as Zimbabwe and Lesotho have relaxed cannabis-growing restrictions or are considering doing so, Senegal is stepping up controls, according to the police. Looking to tighten security along a key trafficking route, the government in Dakar agreed to strengthen border controls with The Gambia last year. Authorities have also launched slash-and-burn sorties into parts of Casamance, where drug profits are suspected of funding separatists. "Casamance is not beyond the law," said Matar Diop, comptroller general of the Senegalese police, told AFP. "If illicit plantations are discovered they are destroyed by defence and security forces," he said. Yet Kouba villagers operate in peace. Victor Diatta, Kafountine's mayor, noted: "It is easy for law enforcement authorities (elsewhere in Casamance), but not in the (river) islands, which are difficult to reach." Diatta said he would like to see Kouba develop legal industries, pointing to "enormous potential" in sectors such as tourism and fisheries. But these need investment to take off, he said, and for the moment, growing cannabis is a question of survival. "The lure of easy money has taken precedence over other considerations," Diatta said. The news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to step back from royal duties has predictably been met with a maelstrom of media comments, backlash, and support. With #Megxit trending on Twitter, talk has inevitably turned from Prince Harrys wife, Meghan Markle, to the other American to marry into royalty Wallis Simpson. There are obvious similarities: American, divorcees, and both having the press howling that they are to blame for the breakup of the royal family. But thats where the similarities end. Simpson, although much gossiped about, remains somewhat of an enigma more than 80 years since she appeared on the Royal scene. Her legacy requires much shifting through what is fact and what is fiction. Intent on marrying the twice-divorced Simpson, King Edward VIII faced a government revolt by doing so. On December 10, 1936 the king, after ascending the throne a mere 12 months prior, abdicated. In a broadcast to the nation a day later, he famously declared, I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility, and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love. Six months later the pair were wed with little fanfare. Hated by the British press and deemed an American harlot, concerns over Simpsons apparent Nazi sympathies beginning with her rumored affair with Nazi Germanys Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop (the affair was never proved, but he did, in fact, send her many flowers) were deepened after the pairs ill-advised trip to Germany in October of 1937. At best the trip showcased their naivety, at worst it displayed misplaced sympathies as they hobnobbed with Adolf Hitler and other Nazi elite. When war broke out, the pair were sent to the Bahamas with the duke acting as governor-general. Many suspect this was a calculated move to remove the duke from the European, specifically Germanys, sphere of influence. The Duke of Windsor, 1937. (Corbis/Getty Images) After arriving in Nassua, the duke was famously rebuked after requesting a large sum of money to refurbish his residence. The New York Times reported that the duke and duchess were reminded that the money requested was enough to buy a fighter aircraft (a Spitfire MK I cost roughly 9,500, or, in todays currency, 535,312) at a time when the RAF was still perilously engaged in the Battle of Britain. British wartime documents, released by the Public Record Office in 1996, reveal the extent to which the government was concerned about the duke and duchess Nazi sympathies. One British intelligence note stated, Germans expect assistance from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the latter desiring at any price to become queen. The Americans, too, were concerned after the pair wished to travel aboard a yacht belonging to Swedish magnate, Axel Wenner-Gren, who happened to be close friends with Hermann Goering, a top Nazi party leader. The FBI, at the behest of J. Edgar Hoover, opened a dossier on the duchess and began monitoring her movements while she resided in the Bahamas. At wars end the discovery of what is now known as the Marburg files revealed 60 pages of previously buried correspondence between the duke and the Nazi high-command in 1940. Hitler himself saw an opportunity to reinstate the duke as a puppet king just as Germany was poised to invade Britain. However, in an interview with the BBC, royal historian Carolyn Harris describes the dukes motives towards Germany as peaceful and more out a desire to carve out a new role for himself and ensure that his wife was treated as a full member of the Royal Family That the couple was friendly with the Nazi regime, however, is undeniable. According to royal biographer Andrew Morton, the duke was certainly sympathetic even after the war he thought Hitler was a good fellow and that hed done a good job in Germany, and he was also anti-Semitic, before, during and after the war. To this day, access to the Marburg files remain closely guarded and fragmentary. After the war, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor would continue their exile in France, where they would die in 1972 and 1986 respectively. You are here: China Canadian-born panda twins, Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue, flew to Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, early Sunday morning. The twins will be kept in quarantine for a month at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The twin cubs were born at the Toronto Zoo on Oct. 13, 2015. Their parents -- female panda Er Shun and male panda Da Mao -- were brought to Toronto in 2013 as part of a loan agreement between China and Canada. They will stay there until 2023. The research base has established giant panda cooperation with 17 countries and regions since 1994. Currently, it is carrying out long-term cooperative programs for giant panda research and breeding with seven countries. The former WA trade commissioner accused of fleecing more than half a million dollars from taxpayers has missed the deadline to settle his debt, prompting lawyers to swoop on his Tokyo-based home. Craig Peacock was initially implicated in a Corruption and Crime Commission report from March last year, which revealed he dined with mates at the expense of taxpayers and covered up a drunken crash in a work car that landed him in prison for two days in 2011. Craig Peacock in Japan Credit:FILE He also organised a bathhouse trip for two Liberal politicians in 2015, including disgraced former MP Phil Edman. After the extent of Mr Peacocks misconduct was revealed, Premier Mark McGowan announced the State Solicitors Office had reached an out-of-court settlement over the matter and Mr Peacock agreed to pay more than $540,000 in reimbursement to the state. HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwes president Emmerson Mnangagwa praised his countrys relations with China on Monday, after meeting the Asian giants foreign minister Wang Yi, who was visiting as part of an African tour to promote Chinas economic and political interests on the continent. Mnangagwa, who suspended his three-week annual leave to meet Wang, told reporters after the meeting that relations between the two countries are on a solid foundation. No details of major investment deals were announced, although Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga on Sunday asked Wang to support projects submitted to him by Zimbabwe. The projects were not specified. Like in much of Africa, China has a strong presence in Zimbabwe, with investments spanning from energy to agriculture, mining and trade in wildlife as well as refurbishment of airports. Zimbabwe badly needs investment to shore up an economy in downward spiral and skepticism about Mnangagwas promises of reform by Western investors. Zimbabwes longstanding ties with China strengthened in 2003 when it adopted a Look East policy after western countries imposed sanctions. Since then, China has become Zimbabwes biggest source of foreign direct investment and has ties to the powerful military, including the construction of a military university on the outskirts of the capital, Harare. Wang also visited Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea and Burundi in his tour. Chinas foreign minister frequently visits Africa at the beginning of the year to emphasize the importance that China places on the continent. Prince Charles is hurt by Harry and Meghans decision to quit as senior royals because he has secretly given them millions to fund their lavish lifestyle and furnish their Windsor home in a show of love for the couple since they married 20 months ago, it was claimed today. Harrys father has reportedly tapped into private income from his 1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate to support the Sussexes because he was desperate to keep them happy in the UK and particularly to support Meghan after she moved to Britain from Toronto. A source told the Evening Standard: There is a great deal of hurt given that the Prince of Wales has gone out of his way to help his son who he loves dearly and embrace his daughter-in-law into the family. It came as father and son will face each other for the first time in the abdication crisis today as crunch talks begin at Sandringham with the Queen and Prince William also in the room. Meghan will be dialling in to support her husband from Vancouver this afternoon but Kate has stayed at Kensington Palace. A grim-faced Prince Philip was seen driving from the Norfolk palace this morning but the 98-year-old will not help broker an exit deal with the Sussexes, who he is said to furious with. Harry will ask his 93-year-old grandmother, father and brother to agree let them keep their royal titles and carry out royal duties for Her Majesty around the globe while leaving in Canada or the US and claim they want financial independence to earn their own money using the Sussex brand. Charles gives his youngest son 2.3million-a-year from the profits of his 1.2billion private Duchy of Cornwall estate, slightly less than his older brother William, and also bankrolled much of his wedding in May 2018, which was estimated at up to 30million. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates By PTI SURAT: Union minister Smriti Irani on Sunday said that investigation by the Delhi Police will bring culprits of violence on the campus of an education institution to book, an apparent reference to the JNU. Stating that no Opposition party was talking about apolitical students who want to pursue their studies, Irani hoped that "justice will prevail" after investigation. Irani was in Surat in Gujarat to take part in a public meet on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Responding to a query of reporters on the January 5 violence on Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Irani said, "Someone who breaks a server or creates hurdles in an educational institution should understand that it runs on the money of Indian taxpayers and harms their interest". "Such act also hurts the interest of over 3000 students who managed to register themselves, as well as the interest of teachers who have nothing to do with politics. "No Opposition party has spoken on their behalf, but I am hopeful that justice will prevail after investigation," the minister said. Many students had sustained injuries when a mask-wearing mob armed with sticks and rods ran riot on the campus of the JNU. Leftist organisations had claimed the RSS-affiliated ABVP's role in the attack, a charge denied by the students' body. The Delhi Police had registered an FIR against unidentified persons for rioting and damaging property. "Criminal investigation is going on. Delhi Police have produced evidences before the country," the minister said when asked about the JNU violence. "Being on a Constitutional post, all I would say is that guilty (behind the violence) should be punished on the basis of evidence produced before court," the minister added. Irani also chided those who indulged in raising "anti-India" slogans. "Those who talk about dividing India and shout slogans. Those who do not accept India's constitution should accept the fact that they are able to shout against independent India because many soldiers have sacrificed their life on the borders," the BJP MP said. Irani also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "knowledge" on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "Rahul Gandhi has perhaps not studied law but this has been his nature to not study. But I would like to say this much that those who studied the Act knows that it provides citizenship to Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and Christians who have been persecuted in neighbouring countries," she said. Irani also participated in a beach cleanliness drive here to mark the National Youth Day. Syrian Ambassador to India Riad Abbas on Monday criticised the United States over the escalated tensions in the Middle East owing to its interference in the region's affairs, and remarked, "Where there is America, there is trouble." "I will tell you this openly: Where there is America, there is trouble. Who invited America to come to the Middle East to fight these countries?" Abbas told media in response to a question on the escalated tensions in the region following a US airstrike earlier this month in Iraq that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani "They (the US) are following their interest. They are not coming for the welfare of the people. They came to hold the natural resources of those countries. Our country (Syria) and Iran refused and that is why they faced these big problems in the Middle East. Iran has now become a superpower in the region and they will defeat America," he added. Abbas said that his nation does not believe or have faith in American policies. "All American policies in the Middle East have failed. Be it North Korea, or Ukraine, everywhere there are foolish policies of America." "They could not stop nuclear proliferation in North Korea. They could not do any development in the Middle East or Ukraine. They always follow Israeli policies in the Middle East and hence they fail," he added. Abbas was speaking to media after holding a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Today, we'll introduce the concept of the P/E ratio for those who are learning about investing. To keep it practical, we'll show how Bank Of Ireland Group plc's (ISE:BIRG) P/E ratio could help you assess the value on offer. Bank Of Ireland Group has a price to earnings ratio of 11.06, based on the last twelve months. That corresponds to an earnings yield of approximately 9.0%. View our latest analysis for Bank Of Ireland Group How Do I Calculate A Price To Earnings Ratio? The formula for price to earnings is: Price to Earnings Ratio = Share Price Earnings per Share (EPS) Or for Bank Of Ireland Group: P/E of 11.06 = 4.78 0.43 (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2019.) Is A High Price-to-Earnings Ratio Good? A higher P/E ratio implies that investors pay a higher price for the earning power of the business. All else being equal, it's better to pay a low price -- but as Warren Buffett said, 'It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price'. Does Bank Of Ireland Group Have A Relatively High Or Low P/E For Its Industry? The P/E ratio indicates whether the market has higher or lower expectations of a company. The image below shows that Bank Of Ireland Group has a higher P/E than the average (9.7) P/E for companies in the banks industry. ISE:BIRG Price Estimation Relative to Market, January 13th 2020 Bank Of Ireland Group's P/E tells us that market participants think the company will perform better than its industry peers, going forward. Clearly the market expects growth, but it isn't guaranteed. So investors should always consider the P/E ratio alongside other factors, such as whether company directors have been buying shares. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios If earnings fall then in the future the 'E' will be lower. That means even if the current P/E is low, it will increase over time if the share price stays flat. So while a stock may look cheap based on past earnings, it could be expensive based on future earnings. Story continues Bank Of Ireland Group's earnings per share fell by 26% in the last twelve months. But EPS is up 28% over the last 5 years. And it has shrunk its earnings per share by 7.0% per year over the last three years. This growth rate might warrant a low P/E ratio. A Limitation: P/E Ratios Ignore Debt and Cash In The Bank The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. So it won't reflect the advantage of cash, or disadvantage of debt. Theoretically, a business can improve its earnings (and produce a lower P/E in the future) by investing in growth. That means taking on debt (or spending its cash). Spending on growth might be good or bad a few years later, but the point is that the P/E ratio does not account for the option (or lack thereof). How Does Bank Of Ireland Group's Debt Impact Its P/E Ratio? Bank Of Ireland Group has net debt worth a very significant 111% of its market capitalization. This level of debt justifies a relatively low P/E, so remain cognizant of the debt, if you're comparing it to other stocks. The Bottom Line On Bank Of Ireland Group's P/E Ratio Bank Of Ireland Group has a P/E of 11.1. That's below the average in the IE market, which is 12.2. The P/E reflects market pessimism that probably arises from the lack of recent EPS growth, paired with significant leverage. Investors should be looking to buy stocks that the market is wrong about. As value investor Benjamin Graham famously said, 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. So this free visualization of the analyst consensus on future earnings could help you make the right decision about whether to buy, sell, or hold. You might be able to find a better buy than Bank Of Ireland Group. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings). 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. "Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega"; Cast: Amit Sial, Sparsh Srivastav, Anshuman Pushkar, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Aksha Pardasany; Direction: Soumendra Padhi; Rating: * * * (three stars)By Vinayak Chakravorty It takes a Google search to put a finger on Jamtara. It is a sleepy district tucked away somewhere in northeast Jharkhand, barely over 1,800 square kilometers in expanse. In 2006 the government listed Jamtara as one of India's 250 most backward districts. Here's the quirk, then: Jamtara town, which forms the hub of such a backward domain, is widely nicknamed India's phishing capital. Over 50 per cent of phishing scams happening in the country are executed from this remote backyard of nothingness. Soumendra Padhi's web series tries delving into the reality that drives such an irony, with focus on creating drama and suspense. Simply put, phishing is a crime that requires very little investment -- a dispensable cellphone and a sim card. The caller, posing as a bank official, must also have the adroit conversational skill to dig out identity details pertaining to the victim's bank account or debit card. Often, educated people fall for such a hoax. The story (Trishant Srivastava and Nishank Verma) straightaway delves into portraying the milieu that lets such criminal activity thrive. In the underdeveloped back of nowhere that is Jamtara, there is no cyber police infrastructure. Even if a cop does arrest scamsters engaged in phishing, the district judge tersely throws out the case saying such things should be referred to the cyber cell. The police on their part carry out arrests for the sake of formality because they have to show some action has been taken, after a stray news report appears in a big city daily about phishing scams in remote Jharkhand. Into this volatile mix is thrown a greenhorn superintendent of police (Dolly Sahu), as the 10-episode tale begins. The narrative is direct in addressing what must be the biggest menace staring at grassroots India right now - unemployment among the youth, which sees them go astray and be led into a murky world where thrives a heady nexus of politics, criminals, police and the legal system. It is a world where nothing has changed over the decades. In grassroots India, where legitimate ways to make money, fame and respect are fast shrinking, the local don/politician Brajesh bhaiya (Amit Sial) becomes youth icon and role model. The story depicts how the young perpetrators are readily willing to be controlled by people like Brajesh. In a sense, "Jamtara" falls into a familiar pattern. It is merely narrating the story of yet another crime that operates by wooing the unemployed hoards with the baits of easy money societal clout in the hotbed of chaos that is the hinterland. Only, in this case the crime is a new-age activity. For the sake of conventional formula, there are the mandatory subplots of romance, rivalries (often spelling gritty violence) and deceit. It has become mandatory for OTT shows with a grassroots backdrop to go strong on cuss lingo, "Jamtara" is no exception. The screenplay manages to hold attention in most parts, though overall the series comes across as a somewhat half-baked exercise. The makers have elicited some fine performances from the largely greenhorn cast. Sparsh Srivastav and Anshuman Pushkar, who spearhead the young cast, are impressive. Seasoned players Amit Sial and Dibyendu Bhattacharya (as a local cop caught in an emotional conflict) authentically portray familiar roles. Director Soumendra Padhi's success primarily lies in his focussing on a shift that is unwittingly plaguing the backdrop of his tale. Grassroots India, armed with unlimited data, is learning a brand new dirty trick to rake in big bucks. It's a trick that threatens to be far more damaging than bootlegging, gun running or trafficking. It's not really the 'progress' we were hoping for. (Vinayak Chakravorty can be reached at vinayak.c@ians.in) Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) speaks during the Judge Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings at the Capitol in Washington on Sept. 4, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Sen. Cory Booker Suspends Presidential Campaign, Cites No Path to Victory Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced Jan. 13 that hes suspending his presidential bid, saying he no longer sees the possibility of receiving the Democratic nomination. Its with a full heart that I share this newsIve made the decision to suspend my campaign for president, Booker said in a press release. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can winmoney we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington. Booker, who was the mayor of Newark before becoming New Jerseys senator, said in a press release that he would stop his presidential campaign if there was no path to victory. After suspending his bid, Booker said he will now focus on supporting the eventual Democratic nominee for president. We may have not reached our ultimate goal, but over the last year, Ive had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible, inspiring, engaged people all over this country, and I am more confident now than ever that together we will rise, he wrote in his statement. We never backed down from our commitment to being a campaign powered by the people. Im so grateful to the supporters who invested time, money, and resources into building this organization. Im forever indebted to you and your activism, Booker said. Bookers campaign has struggled with fundraising over the past few months. In September, he published a note speaking about his campaigns finances, saying he needed to raise $1.7 million in 10 days. Democratic presidential candidates from left, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), former technology executive Andrew Yang, and investor Tom Steyer participate in a Democratic presidential primary debate, in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 20, 2019. Harris has since dropped out of the race. (John Bazemore/AP Photo) Without a fundraising surge to close out this quarter, we do not see a legitimate long-term path forward, campaign manager Addisu Demissie said at the time. According to RealClearPolitics, his national average polling numbers have hovered at around 2 percent. Booker didnt qualify for the December or January debates. Booker is the third Democrat to end his campaign this month. It comes on the heels of campaign suspensions by author Marianne Williamson and former Obama administration cabinet secretary Julian Castro. After dropping out, Castro endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for the nomination. I stayed in the race to take advantage of every possible opportunity to share our message. With caucuses and primaries now about to begin, however, we will not be able to garner enough votes in the election to elevate our conversation any more than it is now, Williamson, 67, wrote in a message to her supporters on Jan. 10. The Uttar Pradesh government is considering the introduction of the police commissioner system for Lucknow and Noida, the state police chief said Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh on Monday approved the commissionerate system of policing in Lucknow and Noida, which aims at giving more powers to the police.The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Adityanath said state capital Lucknow and economic capital of the state Noida will have an ADG-level officer as police commissioner. Both police commissioners will have magisterial powers. The system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to police officers and is aimed at better and effective policing. Under the new system, 40 police stations in Lucknow will be brought under the police commissioner who will have a team of two IGs as joint commissioners, nine SP-rank officials and a lady officer of SP rank along with a lady officer of ASP rank, the chief minister said. The lady officers will work exclusively for cases relating to crime against women and its control. In Noida, under the ADG rank official as commissioner, there will be two DIGs, five SPs, an SP-rank lady officer and an ASP rank official for traffic control. "Since the past 50 years, there was a demand to enforce the police commissionerate system for smart policing and today the cabinet has taken a decision in this regard," the chief minister said. "It was being considered since the past sometime that this system should be used for the urban population but it was ignored because of lack of political will power. I am happy that it has been approved for implementation in these two important areas," the chief minister said. As per the 2011 census, Lucknow had a population of around 29 lakh which today has reached 40 lakhs while that of Gautambudh Nagar (Noida) was 16 lakhs and today is 25 lakh, the chief minister said. The cabinet has also approved setting up two new police stations in Noida, he said. Besides, a network of CCTVs will also be set by in these two districts, he said. To a question, if other major cities will also have the police commissionerate system, the chief minister said whatever steps are needed for better law and order will be taken. A member of the New Patriotic Party in the Kumawu Constituency, Opanin Atta Agyepong, has appealed to delegates in the Kumawu branch of the party to reject attempt by the party leadership in the Ashanti region to impose the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hon. Philip Atta Basoah, to stand unopposed in the upcoming parliamentary primaries. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly called Wontumi is alleged to have said in a recent radio interview that all sitting MPs in the Ashanti region should go unopposed. But in an open letter to NPP delegates in Kumawu, Opanin Atta Agyepong warned that the attempt to impose on them the incompetent sitting member of parliament will result in the emergence of an independent candidate in the constituency. Any attempt to impose the incompetent incumbent MP, Hon. Basoah, on us, will lead to independent candidacy as it happened at Bekwai, where Joe Owusu won and came later on the ticket of NPP and he is now the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament he said. Opanin Atta Agyepong urged delegates in the constituency to be bold to reject the move to impose on them the incumbent MP when the regional executives meet Kumawu delegates Coming Tuesday, 13/01/20. Below is Opanin Atta Agyepongs write up: OPEN YOUR EYES FOR THE RIGHT ACTION There is a rumour going around that NPP leadership in the Ashanti Region are moving from constituency to constituency meeting and baiting delegates with some money to cause them to swear an oath of allegiance to accept incumbent MPs to go unopposed. Coming Tuesday, 13/01/20, the said leadership of NPP will be in the Kumawu Constituency to meet the delegates with the same agenda to impose the incompetent incumbent, Hon. Basoah, on us, for him to go unopposed. Kumawu, remember our title "BARIMA". Let's prove to everyone that we don't bear the title in vain, we are Mmarima. Any attempt to impose the incompetent incumbent MP, Hon. Basoah, on us, will lead to independent candidacy as it happened at Bekwai, where Joe Owusu won and came later on the ticket of NPP and he is now the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament. A magnitude 5.9 quake shook Puerto Rico on Saturday (January 11) causing millions of dollars of damage along the islands southern coast, where previous recent quakes have toppled homes and schools. The U.S. Geological Survey said the 8:54 a.m. (1254 GMT) quake hit 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of Guanica at a shallow depth of 3 miles (5 kilometers). It was followed by several aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.2 temblor less than two minutes later. No injuries or deaths were reported, officials said. Saturdays quake occurred four days after a 6.4 magnitude quake in the same area and amid a spate of more than 1,200 mostly small quakes over the past 15 days, all at shallow depths. Gov. Wanda Vazquez estimated damage from Tuesdays earthquake at $110 million, with a total of 559 structures affected. She said her administration was immediately releasing $2 million to six of the most affected municipalities. Vazquez is seeking a major disaster declaration from the U.S. government, which would free up more federal funds. As a result of Saturdays quake, Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority said outages were reported across much of southern Puerto Rico and crews were assessing possible damage at power plants. Officials said they also were going back to reassess all structures previously inspected, given the strength of Saturdays quake. Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Ocasio in the southern coastal city of Ponce told The Associated Press that officials closed the citys downtown area and two other nearby areas because of weakened infrastructure. One building completely collapsed, she said. There is a lot of historic infrastructure in Ponce. Barbara Cruz, a prosecutor who was in Ponce when the new quake hit, said concrete debris hit the sidewalk as buildings continued to crumble. Everyone is out on the street, she said. More landslides and damaged homes were reported, along with severe cracks on a bridge in the southwest coastal town of Guanica, where Aurea Santiago, a 57-year-old resident, said she saw big boulders falling on a nearby road. We have been through a lot, but whats important is that we are alive, and people are helping us, she said. The quake, which initially had been calculated at magnitude 6.0, was the strongest shake since Tuesdays magnitude 6.4 quake the most potent to hit the island in a century. That temblor killed one person, injured nine others and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and several schools and businesses in the islands southwest region. More than 4,000 people have been staying in shelters, many fearful of returning to their homes, and others unable to because of extensive damage. The director of Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority, ordered the temporary closure of the companys largest plant, which crews had been inspecting for damage caused by earlier quakes. The ground in southwest Puerto Rico has been shaking since Dec. 28, with more than 1,280 earthquakes, of which more than 100 were felt and more than 70 were of magnitude 3.5 or greater. NASA reported Friday that the quakes had moved the land in parts of southern Puerto Rico as much as 5.5 inches (14 centimeters), based on satellite images before and after the temblors. Victor Huerfano, director of Puerto Ricos Seismic Network, told the AP that he expects still more aftershocks as a result of the latest large one. Its going to re-energize an unstable situation, he said, adding that seismologists are studying which faults were activated. Its a complex zone. Photo: A crack runs through a bridge along Road 116 after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Guanica, Puerto Rico, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. The morning quake caused further damage along the islands southern coast, where previous recent quakes have toppled homes and schools. (AP Photo/Carlos Gius) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Earthquake Dozens of firefighters were sent to battle a bushfire south of Perth that started just after 2.45pm on Monday in Anketell. The blaze, near Thomas Road and Battersby Road, was believed to have been sparked by a boat parked at a local shipyard. The blaze captured on a Main Roads WA camera. Credit:Main Roads WA A bushfire emergency warning was issued for people in the area shortly after the fire took off but has since been downgraded to a watch and act for the eastern part of Anketell just before 6pm for people in the area bounded by Battersby Road, Anketell Road, Tuart Road and Thomas Road, including Scovell Crescent, Lill Place and Miyak Court in Kwinana. "The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as it is no longer directly threatening lives and homes. There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing," the latest alert said. France and its five partner nations in the Sahel region of West Africa pledged Monday to bolster their efforts against jihadists waging an increasingly deadly insurgency, while urging the United States to keep its troops engaged in the region's anti-terror fight. President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad lauded Washington's "crucial support", after a top US general confirmed the Pentagon was weighing a drastic troop reduction in Africa. "If the Americans decided to leave Africa, this would be very bad for us," Macron said after the high-stakes summit meeting in Pau, southwest France. "I hope to convince President Trump that the fight against terrorism is playing out in this region as well," he said. Macron said he would send 220 more soldiers to reinforce France's 4,500-strong Barkhane operation, tasked with training and assisting under-equipped local forces, and called on other allies to step up their participation in a new "Sahel Coalition." "The heads of state... underscored the need for greater cooperation in implementing the current initiatives in the Sahel and a stronger international commitment," the leaders said in a joint statement after the talks. In particular a new "Takuba Task Force" consisting of European special forces will be set up to track down insurgents in the mostly lawless border area linking Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. No details were given on which countries might contribute, but the leaders said the Takuba forces would focus initially on fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, known by its French abbreviation EIGS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou's millionaire boyfriend, Adam Rigby, has been hit with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) after an alleged incident with the actress' ex-husband, Chrys Xipolitas. As first reported by Woman's Day, Adam and Chrys were involved in an alleged dispute on the doorstep of Ada's home on Christmas Day, after tensions between the two men had reached boiling point. The exact reason for their argument is unknown. Ada Nicodemou's (right) millionaire boyfriend, Adam Rigby (left), has been hit with an AVO after an alleged incident with the actress' ex-husband, Chrys Xipolitas Adam attended an AVO hearing at Sutherland Local Court last week, after NSW Police took out a temporary AVO on behalf of Chrys. A NSW Police spokesperson said: 'On Wednesday 8 January 2020 at Sutherland Local Court, a 50-year-old man [Adam] was served with a provisional Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) following an application by NSW Police.' The AVO reportedly forbids Adam to destroy or damage property that belongs to Chrys. Breaking the AVO terms could result in imprisonment for up to two years and a maximum fine of $5,500. Adam and Chrys (right) were involved in an alleged dispute on the doorstep of Ada's home on Christmas Day, after tensions between them had reached boiling point. Pictured in June 2006 Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ada Nicodemou, Adam Rigby and Chrys Xipolitas for comment. Ada and Chrys split in 2016 after nine years of marriage. They share custody of a seven-year-old son, Johnas Xipolitas. She began dating Adam, whom she met at a work function, several months after her separation. Ada and Chrys split in 2016 after nine years of marriage. They share custody of a seven-year-old son, Johnas Xipolitas (pictured) The couple often splash their romance across Instagram and were recently the subject of engagement rumours. 'Everyone is expecting Ada to come home with a ring on her finger. They're inseparable,' a friend told Woman's Day last year. Adam is the CEO and founder of Upside Realty, a fixed-fee real estate agency. Last week's Michigan Supreme Court decision allowing cell phones in all state courtrooms has big implications and not just for litigants and reporters. Members of the public will be able to carry their electronic devices into courtrooms and use them to access the internet, as well as to send and receive emails and text messages, starting in May. And it's not just cell phones. The ruling states that the term portable electronic device encompasses, among other things, a transportable computer of any size, including a tablet, a notebook, and a laptop; a smart phone, a cell phone, or other wireless phone; a camera and other audio or video recording devices; a personal digital assistant; other devices that provide internet access; and any similar items. Justices cited a number of reasons for the rule change, but they all boil down to increased access to courts. Simply having a cell phone shouldnt be a reason to deny access to the public, said Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack in an interview with WCMU-FM (89.5) public radio. We heard comments after comments from members of the public who took the bus or took Uber to get to court and then were not allowed to get into the courthouse because they had their cell phone and either had to leave it outside or miss their important court appearance. Supporters of the rule change say it's especially important for low-income people, people who don't have cars or other places to store a phone, and people who represent themselves in court. But the effects are wide-reaching. You might not be planning on walking into court in handcuffs any time soon, but this decision goes beyond criminal cases. Civil cases involving things like wills and trusts, custody, divorce, landlord and tenant issues, and even property rights go through the courts. Additionally, the public will be able to take pictures of court documents as long as the device leaves no mark or impression on the document and does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the clerks office. This is a big deal for transparency in a state where some courts charge $1-per-page or more to reproduce court documents. Dissenting Opinion, Restrictions Not everyone is a fan of the decision, however. One justice, Stephen Markman, dissented. Justice Markman wrote in his dissenting opinion that decisions regarding electronic devices should be left up to judges in each courtroom. "In adopting a rule that allows phones in the courtroom, this Court gives greater regard to a modest increase in personal convenience than to the traditional sanctity of the courtroom and the security of jurors and witnesses," Markman wrote in his dissent. "In pursuing this course, we also give inadequate consideration and deference to the opinions and concerns of the judges of this state who will be on the front lines of confronting the problems associated with these phones and who will be held responsible for enforcing what many of them recognize to be a practically unenforceable rule. I dissent and would adopt a considerably more measured rule." Now, before you go ahead and start trying to make #CourtSelfies a thing, know that this change still comes with some rules. Devices must be silenced in court. You still can't use your device to take photographs or for audio or video recording, broadcasting, or live streaming. Thats unless that use is specifically allowed by the judge presiding over that courtroom. You cant photograph, record, broadcast, or live stream any juror or anyone called to the court for jury service. Courts can still further put reasonable limits on photography, recording, or broadcasting as long as they are not inconsistent with this rule. OGLESBY Although it is increasingly common to see a bald eagle in Central Illinois throughout the year, winter is the best time to see them in great numbers in the state and several festivals are scheduled to help people not only observe the magnificent birds but learn about them, too. The annual Bald Eagle Watch organized by the Illinois Audubon Society at Starved Rock State Park will take place Jan. 25 and 26. Activities are scheduled at Starved Rock Lodge, the state park visitor center and across the Illinois River at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center adjacent to the lock and dam. The Illinois Raptor Center, based in Decatur, also takes part in the event, presenting a live bald eagle at a free program in the Starved Rock Lodge. The Illinois Birds of Prey program is at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. An average of 3,500 people attend the Bald Eagle Watch, according to Jo Fessett, assistant to the executive director of the Illinois Audubon Society. People love eagles, said Fessett. Theres such an aura of wow, an eagle even though their comeback has been so strong. ... For a while they were so threatened. In 1963, barely 400 nesting pairs of eagles could be found in the contiguous United States. But efforts such as habitat protection and the banning of DDT helped them rebound. The first time the society sponsored Bald Eagle Watch at Starved Rock was 1999, only five years after the status of bald eagles was changed from endangered to threatened. The number of active eagle nests in Illinois has grown from about 100 in 2007, when the birds were taken off the threatened list, to an estimated 300 to 350 last year, according to an ornithologist with the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois. The presence of the Starved Rock dam and others around Illinois is a key reason why eagles flock to Illinois in winter. The turbulent waters around the dams remain unfrozen even in the coldest of winters and fish stunned while flowing through the open gates on the dams are a relatively easy catch for the eagles. Plus, trees on nearby islands give eagles a great vantage point. The colder the winter and more frozen the lakes and rivers are, the greater the number of eagles that will be concentrated at the dams, not only along the Illinois River but also on the Rock, Fox and Mississippi rivers. If youre not suffering, youre not seeing a lot of eagles, Fessett said with a laugh. Starved Rock is about 110 miles north of Decatur. Good places to watch for eagles include the top of Starved Rock, the wall along the Illinois River at the park and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center by the lock. You can see birds from those locations on just about any winter day, but spotting scopes will be set up during Bald Eagle Watch to give you a much better view and volunteers will be there to help answer questions. Rather than moving your car from site to site, pay $2 for an all-day ticket on the trolley that will run among the lodge, park visitors center and Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Just be sure to allow adequate time for travel between the locations as the trolleys can get crowded and you might need to wait for a second one. Another celebration is Fulton-Mason Eagle Day on Feb. 1, in Havana and Lewistown. Havana, on the Illinois River, is about 75 miles northwest of Decatur. Activities will be at the Havana Park District Nature Center, 416 N. Schrader St., Havana, and the district's Chester Center, 200 S. McKinley St., Havana. Nearby Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, will have a live bird program, exhibits, arts and crafts and science activities. Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton has eagle watching programs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. several days through March 6. Make required reservations by calling the parks visitor center at 618-786-3323. We stop and get out to look with a spotting scope where theres a good view and a safe place to stop, said Randy Holbrook of Pere Marquette State Park. In a good year, well see better than 100 (eagles) in a day, said Holbrook. The last week of January and the first week of February are usually the best. Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Fiser said he had backed Trump reluctantly in 2016 and would probably do so again in 2020. But he drew a distinction between the president still an outsider, even after three years in Washington and the Kentuckian who has walked the halls of Congress for more than three decades. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the untimely demise of their son, his family gave a fresh lease of life to five persons. Aditya B Manoj, 21, son of Manoj Kumar and Bindhu, of Sasthamangalam, died in an accident that occurred on the Sasthamangalam-Vellayambalam stretch in December. Now, the family has become the first to donate organs this year through the deceased organ donation programme in the state. The youths one kidney and liver were transplanted in patients at KIMS Hospital while another kidney was donated to a patient at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The corneas were donated to patients at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. Aditya was a fourth-year law student of Mar Gregorious Law College in Thiruvananthapuram. He was on his way back home around 9 pm on December 29 when a speeding car hit him and another bike rider Abdul Rahim, a Uber Eats employee from Nedumangad. The latter died on the spot. Aditya, who sustained severe head injuries, was shifted to KIMS Hospital. The car which hit them fled the scene without stopping and the police are trying to identify it. On Thursday, doctors confirmed that Aditya was brain dead and his parents agreed to donate his organs after KIMS Hospitals transplant procurement manager Dr R Muraleedharan convinced the family. Kerala Network for Organ Donation (Mrithasanjeevani) nodal officer Dr Noble Gracious and convenor Dr Ajayakumar M K were involved in the efforts. Adityas funeral rites were held at his residence in Sasthamangalam on Saturday. Copper futures gained 0.17 percent to 448.40 per kg on the pick up in spot demand as the metal got a boost from the US-China deal on January 15 and fears of conflict in the Middle East diminished. The base metal inventory at the LME-verified warehouse dipped to 142,900 tonnes, the lowest since in nine months to have supported the metal's prices. The threat of a long trade war limited mining activity and kept manufacturers from adding to their stocks. Inventories at warehouses tracked by the three international exchanges, a last resort for supply, have shrunk by about 37 percent since July to just shy of 300,000 tons, which is equivalent to just 1.2 percent of global consumption. According to Dharmesh Bhatia, Associate Vice President, FX and Commodities, Emirates NBD, Copper formed a golden cross, a technical pattern where an assets 50-day moving average tops its 200-day counterpart that can signal further gains. The metal ended 2019 at the highest in more than seven months after China moved to stabilize its economy and on signs of thawing tensions between Beijing and Washington. The bullish momentum on copper came as smelters suffered depressed margins, and the metal benefits from its exposure to electric vehicles and renewable energy. Still, the technical bullishness faces headwinds after a US airstrike that killed a top Iranian general ratcheted up geopolitical tensions. Copper has been displaying bullish price action on multiple time frames of late. This is mainly due to growing optimism that US and China will soon end their damaging trade war. The two sides are set to sign phase one of the deal in a few days time and then immediately start phase 2 talks afterward, said Bhatia. In the futures market, copper touched an intraday high of Rs 448.90 per kg and an intraday low of Rs 447.05 per kg on MCX. For the January series, copper touched a low of Rs 432.70 and a high of Rs 448.90 per kg. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper delivery for January contracts gained Rs 1.30, or 0.29 percent, to Rs 448.70 per kg with a business turnover of 4,755 lots. Delivery of the red metal for February jumped Rs 0.65, or 0.14 percent to 450.40 per kg with a business volume of 1,177 lots. The value of the January contracts traded so far is Rs 574.07 crore, and that of February contracts saw a value of Rs 34.86 crore. Emirates NBD advised its clients to buy MCX Copper at Rs 441 with a stop loss at Rs 426 and target of Rs 460-475. The prices of the red metal have been supportive as data from China showed its manufacturing sector expansion in December, which reflected that the second-largest economy in the world is stabilising. The H Dubai has appointed Aafrin Shaikh as the propertys new marketing and PR manager. Originating from India, Shaikh brings more than 12 years of hospitality experience, garnered from working in India and the UAE, with prominent hotel groups such as Movenpick, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Address Hotels. In her new role, Shaikh will oversee the brand, marketing and communication strategy of The H Dubai. Furthermore, she will take charge of the luxury hotels PR, goals and budget, developing media strategies and aiming for top-tier placements in traditional, digital, and broadcast media. Starting as a guest service agent at the J.W. Marriott in Mumbai, she moved into the roles of front office shift leader at the Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments, followed by lead Marketing & Communications positions at Movenpick and Address Hotels. Gonzalo Rodriguez, general manager at The H Dubai, said: It is an exciting time for The H Dubai and we are confident that Shaikhs experience and passion will provide a revitalising drive within our property. Additionally, as Expo 2020 approaches, we are looking forward for Shaikh to showcase her expertise and capacity to lead new marketing opportunities and partnerships, solidifying The H Dubais long-standing reputation for luxury and convenience. - TradeArabia News Service Mobiles first homicide of 2020 came six days into the new year. Willie Marshal, 55, was found shot at a residence on Hercules Street on Jan. 6 at approximately 7 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. The second homicide came five days later when a 24-year-old man was shot at Cottage Hill Apartments. The victim, Dexter McGrew, died shortly after being transported to Providence Hospital. With the first two homicides in the books for Mobile County for 2020, the Mobile police department is optimistic about decreasing violent crimes in Mobile and making the city safer. From our perspective we would like to have a year where there is no homicides. I dont know how realistic that can be, but were always optimistic that were going to try and do better and were always going to reduce the number that we had from the year before. Our goal is to educate the public about conflict resolution and to have them more engaged to deal with situations that could potentially lead to violent encounters, said Mobile Police Chief Lawrence Battiste. According to Mobile polices data system unit, as of January 13, 2020, the number of overall violent crimes reported in Mobile decreased 15 percent from 2018 to 2019. While the number of homicides in Mobile increased from 28 to 41, every other category of violent crime decreased -- including rape, aggravated assault, robbery, vehicle theft and larceny theft. According to Mobile police's data systems unit, violent crimes overall have decreased 15 percent from 2018 to 2019, as of January 13, 2020. In Mayor Sandy Stimsons initial run for mayor, he proclaimed that Mobile would become the safest city in America by 2020. In December of 2019, Stimpson dropped the 2020 deadline he once made and stated he wants to continue to strive to fulfill that promise and that he has no regrets about putting a timeline on it. "While we did not actualize the goal of becoming the safest city by 2020, we are a safer city than we were when (Stimpson) took office. The goal of becoming the safest city is still a goal for us and as long as we have a goal we continue to strive towards, our officers will work hard, roll their sleeves up to continue to improve the status of the city of Mobile, says Battiste. The city of Mobile hit a five year high in violent crimes in 2018, although the overall number has steadily decreased since 2013 when Sandy Stimpson took office as mayor. According to the Mobile police, they are continuing to investigate both 2020 homicide cases. They said that currently have several leads on both cases, but have yet to make any arrests in either case. Syrian Ambassador to India Riad Abbas on Monday criticised the United States over the escalating tensions in the Middle East owing to its interference in the region's affairs, and remarked, "Where there is America, there is trouble." Abbas was speaking to media after holding a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar. Responding to a question on the escalated tensions in the region following a US airstrike earlier this month in Iraq that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Abbas said, "I will tell you this openly: Where there is America, there is trouble. Who invited America to come to the Middle East to fight these countries? They (the US) are following their interests. They are not coming for the welfare of the people. They came to hold the natural resources of those countries. Our country (Syria) and Iran refused and that is why they faced these big problems in the Middle East. Iran has now become a superpower in the region and they will defeat America." READ | UK Summons Iranian Ambassador To Convey 'strong Objections' Over Envoy's Arrest READ | US Points To Dissent In Iran In Wake Of Deadly Drone Strike Abbas said that his nation does not believe or have faith in American policies. "All American policies in the Middle East have failed. Be it North Korea, or Ukraine, everywhere there are foolish policies of America. They could not stop nuclear proliferation in North Korea. They could not do any development in the Middle East or Ukraine. They always follow Israeli policies in the Middle East and hence they fail," he added. Programmes for the welfare of poor kids Further speaking about the programmes launched by CM Patnaik for the welfare of poor people, Abbas said he also visited Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) where 30,000 tribal students are studying. He said possible trade activities between Odisha and Syria were also discussed at the meeting. Abbas also visited the SOA Deemed to be University in Bhubaneshwar on Monday and interacted with SOA officials and the 134 Syrian students studying in the University, as per reports. READ | Saudi Minister Defends US Attack, Condemns Iran READ | After Florida Shooting, Saudi Military Trainees To Be Expelled From US (with ANI inputs) (image: AP) L ondoners are leaving the capital at a younger age than ever before in order to buy a home, according to a new report, with the Hertfordshire commuter town of Broxbourne emerging as the hottest relocation spot. The average age of Londoners who bought homes outside the capital in 2019 was 39 down from 47 in 2009. London leavers spent just under 359,000 on average buying a home last year, according to the report by Hamptons International, well below London's average house price of 472,000. Greater London and the South-East have long been popular with London buyers seeking more green space for outdoor lifestyles, larger homes and good train links to the city. In the zone: areas such as Epsom, now on the Oyster card scheme, have long been popular with Londoners seeking more green space and good train links / Alamy Stock Photo Now, priced-out first-time buyers are swelling the London leavers ranks as high property prices, rising buying costs and steep deposit requirements make it increasingly challenging to take the first step on the ladder. Almost a quarter of the 73,000 homes bought by London leavers last year were snapped up by first-time buyers. "For some, leaving London is the only way of getting on to the housing ladder," says Hamptons' head of research Aneisha Beveridge, "For many first-time buyers it also means moving further afield to areas such as the Midlands and North where they can get more for their money." Where are Londoners moving to? Sixty-nine per cent of London leavers moved to the South of England last year, while 15 per cent chose homes in the Midlands and 13 per cent moved to the North. The top 10 areas chosen by leavers are only just beyond the city fringes so, while prices may encourage searches further afield, it seems most buyers aren't ready to give up London connections entirely. With an average property price of 351,600, the commuter town of Broxbourne in Hertfordshire was the most popular area with 76 per cent of homes bought by Londoners last year. 300,000: this two-bedroom cottage in High Road, Broxbourne, is a short walk from the train station Broxbourne sits just the other side of the M25 from Enfield, at the northern end of the Lee Valley Regional Park and the white water centre built for the 2012 Olympic Games. The wider Broxbourne borough includes Cheshunt, Waltham Cross and Hoddesdon. Direct trains from Broxbourne station to London Liverpool Street take around 35 minutes, while an annual season tickets cost 2,736. In second and third places were Essex hotspots Epping Forest only a short drive from the Tube's Central line at Epping, with house prices of 460,340 and Thurrock where the council's 6.6 billion plans include two new schools and almost 3,000 homes. Average house prices in Thurrock are just below 268,000. Big plans: Essex's Thurrock, due to get 6.6bn investment, came third on the list of most popular locations / Alamy Stock Photo Epsom and Ewell which joined the Oyster card scheme last year in Surrey, and also Hertsmere, with commuter-friendly suburbs such as Elstree and Potters Bar, in Hertfordshire, both saw 50 per cent of homes sold last year bought by Londoners. Average house prices in these areas were 455,550 and 463,830 respectively. Popular areas for London buyers in other regions were Kettering and Coventry in the Midlands, with average prices of 204,000 and 188,170; and Liverpool (134,000), Leeds (184,830) and Newcastle upon Tyne (159,200) in the North. UPDATED Monday, Jan. 13: No snow yet in Portland; next threat for wintry weather comes overnight *** The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Portland metro area, with snow predicted to fall from 10 p.m. Sunday into the Monday morning commute. Forecasters predict 1 to 4 inches of snow will fall at elevations above 500 feet, with a mix of rain and snow showers on the valley floor leaving little to no accumulation. Higher spots such as the West Hills or Corbett are more likely to see snow accumulate. For most Portlanders in the city proper, that should mean wet roads during the Monday morning commute, though people living at higher elevations should take caution, said National Weather Service meteorologist Clinton Rockey. Check here for a list of school closures and delays as they are announced. If youre coming out of the hills, be prepared to have snow, Rockey said. But that doesnt mean Portland is done with winter weather for the week. Forecasters are keeping their eye on Wednesday afternoon, when colder air should meet a storm coming off the Pacific Ocean to create enough snow that it could stick around, even on the valley floor. Its a little too early for accumulation but right now it still looks like there might be a couple of inches, Rockey said. We will see some snow, its just a question of how much. Meanwhile, Washington State didnt have to wait for Sunday night to fall. Parts of the greater Seattle area reported flurries and snow accumulation of one to two inches by Sunday afternoon, with several mountain passes closed or slowed due to harsh conditions. And wild weather visited other parts of Oregon as well. On Mount Hood, treacherous driving conditions including heavy snowfall, high winds and downed trees caused more than a dozen crashes. And on the coast, 30-foot waves coupled with an unusually high tide led to savage scenes and tragedy after a Portland family was swept out to sea on Saturday, leaving a seven-year-old girl dead and her four-year-old brother missing. -- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Pedro Almodovar is back at the Oscars. On Monday, his latest movie Pain and Glory was nominated in the category of Best International Feature Film, marking the Spanish filmmakers return to the Academy Awards after Talk To Her earned a statuette for best screenplay 17 years ago. The internationally acclaimed director is breaking a long dry spell for the Spanish film industry, which had not had an Oscar foreign language nominee since 2004, with Alejandro Amenabars The Sea Inside. Last April, the Academys board of governors approved a name change for this category, which from this year onward will be known as Best International Feature Film. Antonio has been a part of my movies and of my life for over 30 years, and I am filled with pride at the fact that he has just earned his first nomination with this movie Pedro Almodovar Pain and Glorys main rival in the race for an Oscar is South Koreas Parasite, by Bong Joon-ho, which has won a Golden Globe and which is also vying for Best Motion Picture of the Year at the Academy Awards on February 9. The other nominees are Honeyland from North Macedonia, Corpus Christi from Poland and Les Miserables from France. Antonio Banderas has also been nominated for Best Actor for his work in Pain and Glory, where he plays the directors alter ego, Salvador Mallo. When the nominees were announced, Almodovar was in London on a stopover from a flight home from Los Angeles, where he had traveled on Saturday to pick up two more awards for Pain and Glory. The director sent a message from the airport: I am very happy about these nominations. It is the finishing touch to the films career. Antonio has been a part of my movies and of my life for over 30 years, and I am filled with pride at the fact that he has just earned his first nomination with this movie. Pedro Almodovar and Antonio Banderas during the filming of Pain and Glory. MANOLO PAVON This is the fourth time that the Spanish filmmaker has been shortlisted for an Oscar. In 1989, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown ran in the Foreign Language Film category but lost to Pelle, the Conqueror. In 2000, Almodovar won with All About my Mother, and in 2003 Talk to Her won for best screenplay, but the Best Foreign Film award went to Nowhere in Africa. Spain has taken home the Best Foreign Language Film prize on four occasions: in 1983 (Jose Luis Garcis Starting Over), in 1992 (Fernando Truebas Belle Epoque), in 2000 (Pedro Almodovars All About My Mother) and in 2004 (Alejandro Amenabars The Sea Inside.) Pain and Glory follows the story of Salvador Mallo, a 60-year-old filmmaker who is suffering physically and emotionally from back surgery, from feelings of remorse, and from the fear that he will never shoot another movie again. The role, played by Banderas, is an alter ego for Almodovar, who admits that he found inspiration in his own life and feelings, but who underscores that the character is fictional. The movie has earned critical acclaim at various international forums, including Cannes and the European Cinematographic Awards. Pain and Glory also has 16 nominations to the Goya Awards, Spains version of the Oscars, which will be handed out on January 25. English version by Susana Urra. T he London Fire Brigade (LFB) has released drone footage of a fire at the iconic music venue Koko in north London. The clip was recorded as part of an aerial safety operation to gather more information about the fire in Camden. Around 60 firefighters tackled flames last Monday and operators received 22 "999" calls from the public. It took the brigade more than five and a half hours to control the blaze and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Around 60 firefighters battled the blaze / Dave Benett An LFB spokesman said the drone footage, which pans across the roof of the venue, gave crews "situational awareness". It also provided information about which areas remained unsafe for firefighters. A drone video helped firefighters plan how to tackle the fire / Lucy Young Station Commander Jon Lewis said: "Firefighters' quick action and hard work in the early stages meant the fire was contained to the roof and saved the rest of the building." Around 30 per cent of the ceiling was damaged by fire and the venue's owner, Olly Bengough, praised the "quick response" of firefighters, which meant there were no human casualties. "We want to thank the London Fire Brigade for its quick response and how well it handled the situation," he said Firefighters at Koko in Camden High Street, north London / PA The amount of support we have received from the public has been amazing and well be doing our best to get the redevelopment of this iconic building back on-track." Koko, formerly known as Camden Palace and the Camden Hippodrome, closed in March 2018 for refurbishment and was covered in scaffolding at the time of the fire. Here I am not going to describe the whole political journey of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, just mentioning the outcomes of his political life. by Swadesh Roy Upcoming 17th March is the centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation of Bangladesh and one of the iconic heroes in the world. The National Committee of his birth centenary observation has started celebrating his birth anniversary. The committee has taken one-year long program for the celebration of this hero's 100th birth anniversary. The people of Bangladesh basically the new generation is so happy thinking themselves as the luckiest generation, observing centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On the contrary, when the centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is being observed in Bangladesh along with many parts of the world even the United Nations, then, the world is carrying conservative and fundamentalist wave, Sheikh fought his whole life against it. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the son of Indian Sub-continent. In his youth, when he was a student leader of the student wings of Muslim religious based political organization Muslim League' the then Indian Sub-continent was divided into two parts in the name of religion. Before this partition a mass humanitarian disaster, religious riot happened in this Indian Sub-continent. Millions of people were killed and thousands of women were raped. As a result, at least twenty-five million people were forcibly and frightfully displaced. Most of them became refugees. Their next generation is still suffering. The forcibly human displacement of this Indian Sub-continent is one of the biggest man-made disasters in the world. Sheikh Mujib, the young student leader, perceived it very keenly. Despite a young Muslim religion based party leader, he did not receive this human disaster with his mind in the name of religion. So, after establishment of a country named Pakistan on the basis of Muslim religion, which was a part of the Indian Sub-continent; he did not accept Pakistan. Rather from the very beginning of Pakistan, he started his new politics in the Eastern part of Pakistan, which was then called East Bengal. Mujib's new politics was to move the dimension of nationalism towards language from religion. Within a very short time, he became successful and as a young leader he gained the central attraction of the politics of Eastern part of Pakistan. After that, Mujib's political journey was very much speedy but on an uphill road. Here I am not going to describe the whole political journey of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, just mentioning the outcomes of his political life. In his twenty-two years of politics in Pakistan, he became the main and only leader of his people. Even it may be said; during his time, he was the leader of the world who was the most popular to his own people. One British journalist described his popularity saying, if Mujib called the water of any river in his country, the water flow would come to him. Mujib did not achieve his popularity by using religion or creating any myth. Granting a point, he made his popularity or united his people following language based nationality and geography based economic program and the demand of sovereignty of his people. It is true, when a leader unites his people on this type of scientific demands, then he can achieve his goal at any cost. Mujib's success was too costly. Three million of his people had to sacrifice their lives and more than half a million woman had to give their sacred virginity. The people of Mujib achieved this with invaluable independence. This Independence was not only an achievement of Sheikh Mujib, but also he became successful by moving the direction of the politics in a small part of this Indian Sub-continent which was divided and turned out to be so called independent as a midnights child in the name of religion. Given this context, Mujib was the only successful leader in Indian Sub-continent who could pull out the politics from the religion towards humanity. In a sharp contrast, Mujib became successful but he had to die by the killers of religious forces. After his killing, his country further ruled in the name of religion. So, Mujib was the leader who became successful against religious politics but he had to die by the religious forces. Before Mujib, another iconic leader of this Sub-continent, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, well known as Mahatma Gandhi had been killed by the religious force. Mahatma Gandhis appeal for humanity is very much universal all over the world comparatively Mujib who was more language based Nationalist leader. But to create a secular state he was more successful than Mahatma Gandhi. Last year was Gandhis 150th birth anniversary and this year is Mujib's centenary. Many parts of the world celebrated Gandhis 150th anniversary. Many parts of the world will observe Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans100th birth anniversary. Miserably, when Gandhis 150th and Mujib's 100th anniversary is being observed, then most parts of the world are ruling in the name of religion, ultra-nationalism, color, race and economic authority; all are against liberalism and humanity. We, the people of this Sub-continent along with all over the world are disappointed thinking that we are not that much eligible people who can celebrate Mujib's centenary; because, we are living in such a world which is more backward that Mujib created throughout his life. Even that with the people we are not fighting or sacrificing our comfort to create a world or a country what Mujib created. The new generation who will celebrate Mujib's centenary has many qualities; they are the global citizens and drive force of the world of information technology. Taking all this, they are not fighting that much to create all kind of discrimination free world or a world which will be equal for all people. If this new generation of Bangladesh keeps this in their mind that their iconic hero Mujib fought against religious, economic and other discriminations. We, the predecessors of Mujib will fight all kind of discrimination or inequality. Their fighting process may be different than Mujib but if they become the predecessors of their great leader and they want to celebrate the centenary of Mujib with due respect, they have to set up their mind for this fight. Otherwise, their celebration of Mujib's centenary will be only a day observation not to show the true respect to their iconic heros 100th birth anniversary. Swadesh Roy, Senior Journalist, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is a highest state award winning journalist and can be reached at swadeshroy@gmail.com Military members and veterans can get up to four free months of Apple Music through the Apple Music military discount -- but... Dashing through the open stretch, Glider Man snared the $8,500 Preferred 3 Trot at Flamboro Downs on Sunday (Jan. 12). Driver Paul MacKenzie ducked into the pocket with Glider Man while pylon-starter Its Huw You Know led the field through early fractions of :29.1 and :59.3. Race-favourite Ionia tipped first over from third on the second circuit to pressure the pacesetter towards three quarters in 1:29, but stalled into the final turn. Its Huw You Know maintained control briefly through the stretch until MacKenzie shot Glider Man inside and right by to win by a length in 1:58.4. Ionia gave chase in third. Owned by Jennifer Doyle and Danny Birt, Glider Man won his 11th race in what was his 70th career start, and pushed his overall earnings to $87,905. Randy Van Meer trains the $20.50 winner. Bugsy Maguire bolted for the front and wired his competition in the $8,500 Horses and Geldings Preferred 3 Pace with a 1:54.3 mile. Trainer-driver Austin Sorrie secured the top heading to a :28 opening quarter with Hes Got Swagger sitting second. The six-year-old Bettors Delight gelding continued on the lead uncontested through middle splits of :57.3 and 1:26.2 in progress to a two-length victory. Hes Got Swagger chased and finished second. Favourite Mongolian Hero N kicked from second-over to finish third. Owned by Walter Simmons, Bugsy Maguire won his 26th race in what was his 117th career start and pushed his overall earnings to $231,146. He paid $8.80 to win. To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs. Clane and other Kildare towns will see major road and traffic disruptions this year to enable major infrastructure work to be done. Irish Water is holding a public information evening in Clane this Thursday about upcoming works being carried out as part of the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Contract 2B. The drop-in information evening will take place on Thursday, January 16 (from 6.00pm - 8.00pm) at Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, County Kildare. Irish Water said its project team will be in attendance to present project plans and answer any questions. SEE ALSO: Pressure for more car park spaces in Sallins An information evening has already taken place in Sallins and further information evenings will be arranged for Naas and Newbridge in the coming weeks, it said. Once the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage scheme Contact 2B is complete it will increase the capacity of the wastewater network and support future population and economic growth within the scheme catchment. SEE ALSO: more Kildare stories It will also reduce the risk of flooding or storm overflows for Newbridge, Naas, Kill, Johnstown, Sallins, Clane and Prosperous. This project involves the installation of over 18km of new gravity sewers and rising mains to reinforce and improve the existing wastewater sewer network. In addition it will build additional storm water storage tanks, and other upgrades at the Clane, Sallins and Monread wastewater pumping stations. Irish Water said the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme (Contract 2B) will help to safeguard the River Liffey and its tributaries on its route through Kildare, from Newbridge down to Clane, and will provide the adjacent areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow. Speaking about the project, Olive Marshall, Irish Water said Irish Water is committed to investing in the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Kildare to support the needs of the growing population and to safeguard the environment. The Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme (Contract 2B) will provide East Kildare and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support the building of houses, schools, attract new industry and allow companies to expand and grow. Anyone interested in receiving further information or in asking questions about this project is invited to attend the information evening. For further information regarding this project please visit www.water.ie/projects-plans/upper-liffey-valley-sewer/ New Delhi, Jan 13 : Used car marketplace Cars24 targets to double its retail foorprint across the country in 2020 with planned launches of around 200 branches. The company currently has 200 branches with the latest being launched in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha on Monday. According to a company statement, in past one year, it has expanded its presence to 73 cities from 18 cities in 2018 and doubled the number of branches from 100 in 2018 to 200 in 2019. "Given our expansion plan in 2020, we will be adding approximately 200 more branches, perhaps adding 100 more cities to our entire portfolio," said Gajendra Jangid, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Cars24 said. Jangid further said that it would focus on more on tier-III and IV towns in the year ahead. "There is a long trail of tier-III and IV towns, where we are not present yet. We are going to go aggressively in tier-III, tier-IV towns," he added. He observed that on a monthly basis the company is transacting about 15,000 cars, including buying and selling of used vehicles. Talking of the demand, he noted that although the supply mostly comes from the tier-I cities, demand is high in tier-II and tier-III towns. "Approximately 30-40 per cent of the cars which we buy in metros end up going to tier-II and tier-III cities," he said. Cars24 is a tech-enabled platform that offers customers to buy and sell used cars. The company, in-turn, sells these cars online through its proprietary auction platform to businesses across India, dealing in pre-owned cars. Investors of the company include Sequoia India, Exor Seeds, Apoletto, Kingsway Capital and US-based investment firm KCK. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Christoffer Heckman (The Jakarta Post) - Mon, January 13, 2020 10:59 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321e8225 3 Science & Tech AI,artifical-intelligence,technology,Emotion,The-Conversation Free In its annual report, the AI Now Institute, an interdisciplinary research center studying the societal implications of artificial intelligence, called for a ban on technology designed to recognize peoples emotions in certain cases. Specifically, the researchers said affect recognition technology, also called emotion recognition technology, should not be used in decisions that impact peoples lives and access to opportunities, such as hiring decisions or pain assessments, because it is not sufficiently accurate and can lead to biased decisions. What is this technology, which is already being used and marketed, and why is it raising concerns? Outgrowth of facial recognition Researchers have been actively working on computer vision algorithms that can determine the emotions and intent of humans, along with making other inferences, for at least a decade. Facial expression analysis has been around since at least 2003. Computers have been able to understand emotion even longer. This latest technology relies on the data-centric techniques known as machine learning, algorithms that process data to learn how to make decisions, to accomplish even more accurate affect recognition. The challenge of reading emotions Researchers are always looking to do new things by building on what has been done before. Emotion recognition is enticing because, somehow, we as humans can accomplish this relatively well from even an early age, and yet capably replicating that human skill using computer vision is still challenging. While its possible to do some pretty remarkable things with images, such as stylize a photo to make it look as if it were drawn by a famous artist and even create photo-realistic faces not to mention create so-called deepfakes the ability to infer properties such as human emotions from a real image has always been of interest for researchers. Emotions are difficult because they tend to depend on context. For instance, when someone is concentrating on something it might appear that theyre simply thinking. Facial recognition has come a long way using machine learning, but identifying a persons emotional state based purely on looking at a persons face is missing key information. Emotions are expressed not only through a persons expression but also where they are and what theyre doing. These contextual cues are difficult to feed into even modern machine learning algorithms. To address this, there are active efforts to augment artificial intelligence techniques to consider context, not just for emotion recognition but all kinds of applications. Reading employee emotions The report released by AI Now sheds light on some ways in which AI is being applied to the workforce in order to evaluate worker productivity and even as early as at the interview stage. Analyzing footage from interviews, especially for remote job-seekers, is already underway. If managers can get a sense of their subordinates emotions from interview to evaluation, decision-making regarding other employment matters such as raises, promotions or assignments might end up being influenced by that information. But there are many other ways that this technology could be used. Why the worry These types of systems almost always have fairness, accountability, transparency and ethical (FATE) flaws baked into their pattern-matching. For example, one study found that facial recognition algorithms rated faces of black people as angrier than white faces, even when they were smiling. Many research groups are tackling this problem but it seems clear at this point that the problem cant be solved exclusively at the technological level. Issues regarding FATE in AI will require a continued and concerted effort on the part of those using the technology to be aware of these issues and to address them. As the AI Now report highlights: Despite the increase in AI ethics content ethical principles and statements rarely focus on how AI ethics can be implemented and whether theyre effective. It notes that such AI ethics statements largely ignore questions of how, where, and who will put such guidelines into operation. In reality, its likely that everyone must be aware of the types of biases and weaknesses these systems present, similar to how we must be aware of our own biases and those of others. The problem with blanket technology bans Greater accuracy and ease in persistent monitoring bring along other concerns beyond ethics. There are also a host of general technology-related privacy concerns, spanning from the proliferation of cameras that serve as police feeds to potentially making sensitive data anonymous. With these ethical and privacy concerns, a natural reaction might be to call for a ban on these techniques. Certainly, applying AI to job interview results or criminal sentencing procedures seems dangerous if the systems are learning biases or are otherwise unreliable. There are useful applications however, for instance in helping spot warning signs to prevent youth suicide and detecting drunk drivers. Thats one reason why even concerned researchers, regulators and citizens have generally stopped short of calling for blanket bans on AI-related technologies. Combining AI and human judgment Ultimately, technology designers and society as a whole need to look carefully at how information from AI systems is injected into decision-making processes. These systems can give incorrect results just like any other form of intelligence. They are also notoriously bad at rating their own confidence, not unlike humans, even in simpler tasks like the ability to recognize objects. There also remain significant technical challenges in reading emotions, notably considering context to infer emotions. If people rely on a system that isnt accurate in making decisions, the users of that system are worse off. Its also well-known that humans tend to trust these systems more than other authority figures. In light of this, we as a society need to carefully consider these systems fairness, accountability, transparency and ethics both during design and application, always keeping a human as the final decision-maker. *** Christoffer Heckman, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder This article was first published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. by Mindy Clegg This past week has been a roller coaster in American foreign policy, as we quite nearly ended up in a hot war with Iran. A curious phenomenon reared its ugly head during the fallout of the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, one of Irans top generalscomparisons to the start of the First World Wars precipitating event, the shooting of the Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand.1 As we all seriously contemplated another war, some leaned into the notion of its inevitability. Many would have you believe a Third World War was history merely asserting itself once again.2 Supporters of a war with Iran (and other wars) might tell you that war is a glorious thing, that our young will cut their teeth on violence and blood, coming out the other side battle hardened, ready to tackle the real world with both hands. At the very least, well defeat our enemies and ensure our continued dominance of the world, which we deserve. They might also proclaim that war is the only racket in town that will get our economy jumping again, exciting innovation through shattered bodies. I could not agree less with these assessments, and history most certainly backs me up here. First, with a few exceptions, there is no inevitable path to conflicthistory shows us there are always choices. Second, young people are often shattered by participation in war, as our homeless population still replete with veterans of various wars attest. Last, many things can jumpstart innovation. I argue that making parallels to events of the past in order to draw conclusions about the inevitability of particular outcomes (the ones that benefit the fewest and hurt the most, like a war) is to misread or even blatantly misuse history and what it actually tells us about humanity. Since the assassination some are making parallels to the Great War, but thats nothing new since the beginning of the War on Terror. Since 9/11 and Americas disproportionate response, certain events got associated with the aforementioned ex-Archduke in Sarajevo.3 As a historian, I find those parallels defeatist and weak, not to mention intellectually lazy. People love to say (with the wisdom of a sage) that history repeats itself, but people who do more than read the NYT Bestsellers list of history books know better. Those of us who read the raw stuff, spend time in archives, sift through the stacks connecting dots, ruminating on the meaning, context, causality, and this source or that one, can tell you that in reality time runs in one direction (or at least we perceive it in that mannerIll leave pinning down the actual nature of time up to my colleagues in astrophysics). You might find a rhyme or two in the long twisting story of humanity, but its rarely more than that. If we make the same mistakes as our ancestors, that is down to us stubbornly refusing to learn the lessons of the past or us actively trying to imitate them. The War on Terror provides our prime example in current events. In lived memory, the United States got itself mired in a war in Vietnam with no clear reason (other than ideological) that maimed, damaged, and alienated millions of American youth and illustrated definitely that overwhelming force does not a victory make. Yet here we sit again, our health care system filled with damaged soldiers, angry peasants coming to the side of our ideological enemy, horrific images making their way into our collective consciousness (despite attempts to hide them), our allies questioning our goals and morality, and so it goes. While some might look at that and point at the supposed inevitability of it all, we really should point the fingers where it truly belongs: those profiting off this war, one way or another, in much the way people profited off Vietnam. Choices led us to Vietnam, and choices lead us here today. Most frustratingly, we had plenty of data to lead us to make different (and better) choices. Historians of the Cold War, of Vietnam, or the US military, the antiwar movement, presidents, or congress in the 1960s (pick your historical angle from about a million) have done the hard work of putting this data in our hands, showing how human choice, stubbornness, and uncritical ideological thinking costs money, time, effort, votes, support, trustand most importantly lives. Its no secret by this point how we ended up in such a bloody and destructive war that ruined millions of lives and continues to have repercussions today. Yet we still have pundits proclaim that this moment is that Archduke moment (depending on the political orientation, in a tone of hushed reverence or muted horror). They believe that if we dont defend ourselves against the threat posed by Iran, all hope is lost. People keep calling out these supposed Archduke moments, mostly because they believe in history repeatingwar is inevitable and makes the world go round, goes the wisdom. May Antonio Gramsci preserve us from such manufactured consent.4 My counterargument to the history repeats crowd is that history is not a set of predetermined outcomes (which strangely in some fevered imaginations only seem to lead to destruction, which, my friends is not the same as a universe trending towards chaos at all). They do not repeat ad nauseam until were all sucked up into heaven or sent to the bad place. If an Angel and a Demon can make friends over 6000 years and avert Armageddon, friends, so can we mere mortals. That said, no paths of peace are obvious or clear in our current geopolitical situation. Historically, however, we have gone from living in very small communities where we knew everyone to villages to larger cities to city-states to kingdoms and finally to empires encompassing millions of our fellow human beings. The shifts from hunter-gatherers dependent on each other and our direct environment to a more complex mode of production with higher levels of specialization necessary to make something like the Persian, Chinese, or Roman empires function required a remarkable shift in our thinking. We today exist within these large-scale entities known as nation-states, often filled with highly diverse populations (as were ancient empires) and we do so without the sort of conflict that might have marked early hunter-gatherer societies coming into contact with different communities. Further, going from being part of the environment to dominating it the way that we have took no small amount of cooperation, even as the building of hierarchical systems depended on exploitation and violence. After all, something worth obtaining needed to exist in order to use violence to come to dominate it (if that makes sense). But with regards to history, its true we cant change what did happen. We can make better choices going forward, which is Id argue the major reason to study history in the first place. Im not the only one to see that we have choices here. Over at the Slacktivist blog, Fred Clark recently reposted a letter from then Representative Abraham Lincoln during the Mexican American War in the 1840s. Lincoln understood war for what it wasa choice.5 War is a choice almost always. We can look to the past and work to make better choices. Many who advocate for war do so in part because they see it as a glorious exercise in shaping manhood. Unformed boys are beaten into battle-tested men. We hear this often when war crimes are discussed, that the over the top brutal behavior some soldiers engage in while deployed is just the natural order. But at the end of the day, these trying actions that our young men either witness or engage in are all part of bringing them into manhood, preferably a stoic, silent manhood that supports and defends the nation and the people, but asks for nothing in return. The experience of war, especially modern war, isnt so glorious, however and really never was. Its as likely to warp people as it is to make them into an ideal man. Currently, our largest group of veterans are from the Vietnam war (in part because our World War II generation is dying out, RIP Grandpa and Pop Pop).6 The stereotype of the alienated and unstable Vietnam vet has become something of a joke, but the problems faced by these men and women are real. Many vets from that war suffer from ill health and serious mental illnesses due to their experiences, enough to be more than notable. Some scars are more visible than others, too, and psychological issues were underreported in this generation. For everyone vet who received treatment for their mental health at some point in their post-Vietnam life, many avoided treatment, as perhaps it was seen as unmanly to do so. While the homeless vets suffering from PTSD are obvious, many hid their traumas and took it out on themselves or on their loved ones. As recent studies have shown, the sort of trauma experienced in a theater of war (among other places) can very much alter us on a genetic level, meaning that trauma can be carried down even when abuse is not part of the picture. Studies of the children of Holocaust survivors and descendants of enslaved people have shown this to be the case.7 In other words, trauma suffered in situations such as war have more than just direct impacts on the individuals, but can spiral out for generations. Yet, the notion of war offering the chance to cover young men with glory persists. In our post-Cold War world, many today view war as a means of jump-starting technological developments and the economy. It is true that some things that made our lives easier came out of war time. The American Civil War saw the development of new canning technologies (which had existed since the time of the Napoleonic wars) and new embalming techniques. War (both cold and hot) helped make this very device Im using to communicate with you.8 The space race emerged out of Soviet and American conflict, and was aided by former Nazis (on both sides). Wireless technologies got a jump start in use from the Great War. These are a few examples. The Cold War, though, saw the continuation of the unprecedented interconnections between the US government, private industry, and academic research institutions. Part of the impetus for student protests on campus during the 1960s was university involvement with the government and defense contractors as Vietnam heated up. The connections between wartime and some innovations can be real. However, war as technological incubator has become synonymous with inventions, when there are plenty of examples of innovation happening in other ways. Many of our key technologies that we depend or use daily did not come out of wartime, even if war played a role in the evolution of those technologies. Cars are a case in point, as the earliest example might have been made by a Jesuit Priest as a toy for the Emperor of China.9 Likewise, some of the earliest examples of man thinking about flight came from the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, although kites date back to early Chinese history. Both paper and gunpowder were in use in China for centuries before they made their way west. Although a formidable weapon of war, its development came from Chinese alchemists looking for a way to extend life rather than an attempt to kill or maim. Paper was key to Chinese statecraft and effective rule. They made the first paper money, for example.10 We could find plenty of more modern examples, too, such as advances in understanding electricity, with research undertaken by various enlightenment era philosophers in Europe and the American colonies/early Republic. Technological development, then, tends to be a complicated process that takes place over often centuries, building on ideas from others, that is never really fully completed. War indeed can play a role in shaping those technologies, but its not the end all and be all of development. If we really wish to create a new era of innovation, a much better means of doing so would be to provide all children, regardless of race, gender, or economic class a well-rounded education, safe communities, and time to think and wonder. The events of the past week or so have thrown a new wrinkle into the tensions in the Middle East, as well as the ongoing saga around the impeachment of President Trump. History professor Heather Cox Richardson, who has been writing daily accounts of impeachment, connected those dots in the past few days.11 The president is receiving pushback that earlier presidents should have gotten on these issues (meaning George W. Bush and Barack Obama), and that is largely due to distrust of Trump from the leadership of the Democratic party. This is likely comparable to the pressure coming from the left in the late 1960s during the Vietnam War. By the time of the Tet Offensive (which was an unmitigated disaster for the American and South Vietnamese forces), the media began to look more critically at the Vietnam War and US involvement there. In both cases, considerable damage had been done already. We cant change the past. But we can use it to understand possible consequences to actions that our government plans to take on the world stage and to hold them accountable for those choices. We know that a war with the North Vietnamese led to the exact thing we hoped to avoidcommunist governments in South East Asia (and in one case a genocide in Cambodia). We know that the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq have had similar consequences in their respective regions (we could mention Libya here as well). The War on Terror had similar outcomes, acting as recruitment tools for organizations employing asymmetrical warfare against the United States. They dont have us for our freedoms, though, they oppose our empire. Although we cant know exactly what consequences a war with Iran would have exactly, we know that invading a country to force them to behave as wed like tends to end poorly, especially for the invaded country. Perhaps its time to look at new strategies that do not involve invasions and drone bombings, or other kinds of force. If America is the last empire, maybe we start the process of dismantling that empire and working through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange instead. We currently are in the midst of one of the largest crises to face humanityman-made climate changeand business as usually just wont do it if were expecting to have a habitable planet for our children and grandchildren. Footnotes 1 One example is at the Dan Carlin Reddit forum, Is This an Archduke Ferdinand Moment, Reddit, Jan. 3, 2020, (accessed Jan. 11, 2020), Dan Carlin reddit forum. A search for Archduke moment on google brings up many similar comparisons with other events. 2Some supporters are discussed here, Max Boot, A War With Iran would be the Mother of All Quagmires, Washington Post, May 20, 2019, (accessed Jan. 11, 2020),Washington Post, while Fox News seems to be divided on the issue of an actual war with a ground war with Iran while continuing to advocate a hardline, Rosie Gray and Miriam Elder, Fox News Hosts Were Against a Ground War with Iran. Trump Listened, Buzzfeed News, Jan. 8, 2020, (accessed Jan. 11, 2020), Buzzfeed News. 3 Right wing pundit Glenn Beck often invokes it as a warning from history type argument, usually involving Muslims and Marxists, Zachery Pleat, Beck Uncovers the Seventh Archduke Ferdinand Moment in Four years, Media Matters for America, Feb. 2, 2011, (accessed Jan. 11, 2020), Media Matters. 4 Antonio Gramsci was an Italian Marxist who wrote about the creation of common sense by the ruling class via cultural production. Some of his work can be read at Marxist.org/a> 5Fred Clark, Slacktivist, Patheos, January 9, 2020, (accessed Jan. 10, 2020, Slacktivist. 6 The VA has done comprehensive studies on this population of Veterans since the 1980s, VA Research on Vietnam Veterans, US Department of Veteran Affairs, (accessed Jan, 10, 2020), Department of Veterans Affairs. 7 For Holocaust survivors, see Helen Thomson, Study of Holocaust Survivors Finds Trauma Passed on to Childrens Genes, The Guardian, Aug. 21, 2013, (accessed Jan. 10, 2020), The Guardian. Similar studies have been conducted with regards to the descendants of enslaved peoples, see Lincoln Anthony Blade, Trauma from Slavery Can Actually Be Passed Down Through Your Genes, Teen Vogue, May 31, 2016, (accessed Jan. 10, 2020), Teen Vogue (Yes, that link is indeed to Teen Vogue.). 8 he internet came out of a joint project between academia, private industry, and the Defense Department, see Paul Edwards, The Closed World: Computers and the Politics of Discourse in Cold War America, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1997, especially the chapter on SAGE and the Vietnam War. 9 Archived at the Web Archive, A Brief Note on Ferdinand Verbiest, Curious Expeditions, July 2, 2007, (accessed January 11, 2020),From the Web Archive. 10 Karen Carr, History of Gunpowder: Gunpowder in Ancient China, Quatr.us, June 7, 2017, (accessed Jan. 11, 2020), Quatr.us For paper, you can see, History of the Chinese Invention the Invention of Paper, Computersmiths, (accessed Jan 11, 2020), Computersmiths. 11 Heather Cox Richardson, Letters from An American, (accessed Jan. 11, 2020), Letters From An American. Rowan County deputies have charged a second teacher with sexually based offenses involving a student, a press release indicated. On Sunday, detectives charged West Rowan Middle School teacher Justin Andrew Avery, 29, with third-degree exploitation of a minor and indecent liberties with a child. This follows the Dec. 23 arrest of West Rowan Middle School teacher Ethan Andrew Grose, who was originally charged with indecent liberties with a minor. Authorities said Grose now faces an additional charge of third-degree exploitation of a minor, and that he was brought into custody by the Iredell County Sheriffs Office on the new charge. Authorities added Grose posted his initial $25,000 bond in December. Evidence gathered during the investigation showed both teachers communicated with a student via social media applications, the Sheriffs Office reported. Deputies also identified a third suspect as 24-year-old Donovan Perez Hernandez. They said Hernandez isnt associated with Rowan-Salisbury Schools but is a resident of Salisbury. [January 13, 2020] Dataspeed Inc. Team Awarded $1.77 Million Grant From Michigan Department of Transportation DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dataspeed Inc., a leading autonomous vehicle engineering provider, in partnership with AM General, Comet Mobility, Easterseals, and Michigan State University, has received a $1.77 million grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The grant was awarded to the winners of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2020 Michigan Mobility Challenge, which is dedicated to developing autonomous vehicles to shuttle NAIAS 2020 attendees. The Dataspeed-led team was chosen as one of only two autonomous airport-to-downtown route solution providers. Select attendees can catch a ride in the autonomous shuttles from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to downtown Detroit during the NAIAS media days that take place from June 8 through June 11, 2020. The vehicles will demonstrate navigating both busy city streets, as well as highway-speed traffic at varying levels of autonomy. The autonomous shuttles, which Dataspeed will engineer onthe AM General MV-1 platform, will be designed with the latest safety-focused technology. The MV-1 is the only commercial vehicle that was designed and built specifically for wheelchair accessibility from the ground up. Each shuttle will be equipped with industry-leading vehicle software and sensors, including several forms of LiDAR, RADAR, GPS, and cameras, to appropriately detect, predict, and react during the pre-planned route. Additional safety measures will include qualified safety drivers and driver override settings. "We are excited to be making such an impact in the future of transportation. Metro Detroit is not only the automotive capital of the nation but it's also paving the way in autonomous vehicle technology," said Paul Fleck, Founder & CEO of Dataspeed. "This project is a paramount step for the autonomous vehicle industry by showcasing driverless solutions that can bridge the mobility gap for seniors and persons with disabilities. These shuttle rides will build upon the increasing public trust and interest surrounding self-driving cars." Dataspeed, built on over a decade of experience in automotive technology, has a strong foundation in delivering safe, automated solutions. This year alone, the Dataspeed team provided autonomous rides to over 2,000 individuals at both industry and public automotive events. The grant will allow Dataspeed to further its research and development as an autonomous vehicle integrator by formalizing its software stack through operating automated shuttles on public roads. This will advance Dataspeed's already progressive offering of autonomous vehicle platforms and strengthen the footprint of emerging driverless technology in Michigan. About Dataspeed Inc. Dataspeed Inc., located in Metro Detroit, provides complete autonomous research and development vehicle integrations that enable engineers to get up and running quickly on their algorithm, sensor, or data research activities. Dataspeed's industrial-grade by-wire solutions form the foundation of these platforms. Hundreds of customers have trusted Dataspeed's team of expert software and hardware engineers with their driverless car projects, including sensor developers, mobility-as-a-service providers, teleoperators, research institutions, and government agencies. Dataspeed is dedicated to building innovative driverless solutions that are safe, reliable, and cost-effective. Media Contact Heidi Bodell (248) 243-8831 [email protected] Related Images dataspeed-inc-logo.jpg Dataspeed Inc. Logo Related Links Dataspeed Announcement Video View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dataspeed-inc-team-awarded-1-77-million-grant-from-michigan-department-of-transportation-300985349.html SOURCE Dataspeed Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] When my eyes blinked open in the quiet of the operating theatre at the Cadogan Clinic in Chelsea, I felt supremely relaxed. It took a while, as the clouds of anaesthetic began to clear and the strange stiffness in my face became more apparent, to remember where I was and what I'd been doing. Oh yes. You volunteered to be a guinea pig for a cutting-edge facial regeneration procedure. You've just had fat sucked out of your thighs, mined for its stem cells, then injected back into your face by a world-class plastic surgeon, and the procedure has been live-streamed to a conference audience of surgeons around the world. Oh goodness. After 20 years of reporting on beauty and 'tweakments', I am used to putting myself out there. I have tried most non-surgical procedures. I've written a book about tweakments and now spend my time talking about them on social media and at conferences. But this was a new level of exposure and of cosmetic work. Anything that involves a general anaesthetic is hardly a tweakment, even if no scalpels were involved. ALICE HART-DAVIS, 56, has her fat sucked out of your thighs, mined for its stem cells, then injected back into your face by a world-class plastic surgeon in Chelsea, London. The above shows the work she had done Why had I done this? Well, if there was one procedure I'd been mad keen to try for a few years, it was a stem-cell-assisted fat transfer process known as SVF Facial Rejuvenation, a new technique that appears to regrow an ageing face from the inside out. It sounds like science fiction. But actually it's a part of a fast-developing specialty called regenerative medicine, where surgeons use your body's own natural resources fat, stem cells, blood, platelet-rich plasma and so on to repair everything from heart defects to orthopaedic problems and thinning hair. Now cosmetic medicine is getting in on the act. Stem cells, the body's healing resources, are capable of becoming any tissue into which they are injected. This is what makes them so exciting for medical research. We tend to think of them as being found in bone marrow and umbilical cords which they are. But they are also found lying dormant, waiting for action, in fat cells. Suck out some fat from the body, then extract from the fat a kind of concentrated stem-cell soup known as a 'Stromal Vascular Fraction' (SVF), and you are left with a miraculous SVF smoothie to do with as you wish. Not many surgeons in the UK do stem-cell work but the more I spoke to, the more fascinated I became by its potential. I even went for a consultation with one of the technique's leading proponents, but lacked the 10,000 needed to have the procedure. Then last year I interviewed Mr Tunc Tiryaki, a plastic surgeon from Istanbul with a passion for regenerative medicine, who had joined the roster of elite surgeons at Cadogan Clinic, a private hospital in London which has been pioneering this specialty. 2.75 million What the UK non-surgical tweakment market is worth Advertisement For him, regenerative medicine is the future. 'With facial ageing, until now we were just patching up the problem,' he says. 'Now we are fixing it by addressing every aspect of ageing.' The problem with the ageing face, he explains, is that everything is shrinking on the inside. We lose bone mass from our skulls as well as fat from the face. That's why the skin becomes slack. It's like an old dress that hangs loose when you have lost weight. Having a facelift just tightens the slack skin over the shrunken frame. Using injectable filler lifts the tissues from within, but the gel-based fillers just hold water for a number of months, then are gradually dispersed. But if you mix a stem-cell-rich SVF with fat and inject that, you can create long-lasting results. Seeing before-and-after pictures of his work left me intrigued. The faces all looked good greatly improved, yet natural. Hmm. I shut my notebook and went home thinking I'd found the next procedure for my tweakments wishlist. Alice is pictured before she had a stem-cell-assisted fat transfer process known as SVF Facial Rejuvenation, a new technique that appears to regrow an ageing face from the inside out So six months later, when the Cadogan Clinic told me it was organising the first London conference for Regenerative Medicine, to be led by Mr Tiryaki, and he needed a model for the stem-cell-assisted fat transfer procedure, I was round for a consultation before you could say Stromal Vascular Fraction. Was I a good candidate? Yes. What would he do to help my face, which, at 56, is beginning to show its age despite all the tweakments I've tried? First, he would tackle the depletion in the bony arches across the brow, across the cheeks and around the jaw by injecting fat mixed with SVF right down on the bone, to rebuild them to more youthful dimensions. Next, he would use the mixture to deal with lost volume in the soft tissues, rebuilding the fat pads in my cheeks that have withered with age and softening the hollows in the temples. Finally, he would use a microneedling roller to sink a dose of SVF mixed with hyaluronic acid into the surface of the skin, to regenerate and recondition the outer layers. Stem cells, the body's healing resources, are capable of becoming any tissue into which they are injected. This is what makes them so exciting for medical research. Wow. So he's basically stimulating regrowth of the bone and fat within the face? 'Not quite, but I can compensate for volume loss on the bone, and by scratching the bone with the tip of the needle I am creating a controlled wound on the bone that the body should heal, which will slow down the ageing process.' And how much of my own fat would he need to do all this? Probably 30cc (about two tablespoons) for the padding part, and 120cc (about eight tablespoons) from which to extract and concentrate the stem cells into the magic SVF. There was plenty for that in the saddlebags on my thighs. I went home to think it over, as protocol demands, though in truth I had already decided. 'Aren't you a bit worried about doing something like this?' asked a friend. 'Not one bit!' I replied. Though that wasn't entirely true. With any procedure, there is always the possibility that something will go wrong, however great the practitioner, however well-appointed the facilities, particularly when anaesthetic is involved. But I felt I was in good hands. Alice is pictured on the operating table There is a hard-to-define element of like and trust in choosing a practitioner for any work. If they are slick, dismissive or arrogant, I'm off. But Mr Tiryaki, softly spoken, utterly serious, and with an impressive track record, inspires confidence. Over the next few weeks he answered my questions patiently and allowed me to interview him again. On the day, even with the pressure of the conference schedule, he was cracking jokes as he marked up my face with Sharpies for the watching surgeons. After that, I knew nothing for two hours. I had clambered on to the operating table, nodding at the seven people already in the room and wondering how the photographer and his assistant, who were both donning scrubs, plus the live-link video team and two surgeons, were going to fit in, too. Two surgeons? Yes. While they had me anaesthetised on the table, Professor Ali Ghanem, another leading light in regenerative medicine, was going to microneedle my neck and decolletage with a device called a SkinPen with 3mm needles, and treat my neck to a dose of skin-rejuvenating platelet-rich fibrin, which he would create from a sample of my own blood. Later, awake again, I wasn't in a hurry to see what my face looked like. But when I eventually shuffled to the bathroom with my eyes half-closed, it didn't look too bad. Having a facelift just tightens the slack skin over the shrunken frame. Using injectable filler lifts the tissues from within, but the gel-based fillers just hold water for a number of months, then are gradually dispersed. There were new defined contours on my eyebrow arches, cheeks, jaw and chin. And on my nose Mr Tiryaki had wanted to correct the drooping he saw at the tip of it. I wasn't so keen but caved in, reckoning he knew best. And, oh heck, I could feel from the familiar ache around my mouth that my lips had been injected, which I hadn't expected. But I wasn't too swollen or even very bruised, and my needled decolletage looked only lightly stung. My husband fetched me home in the car along with antibiotics (because of the liposuction), compression socks (because of the anaesthetic), painkillers (which I didn't need) and instructions to wear compression shorts until the bruising receded and use only a very plain moisturiser on my face from the next day. He was relieved I had emerged in one piece. He didn't like me having a general anaesthetic and wishes I wouldn't have procedures at the novel end of the spectrum. I retired to bed and slept carefully on my back, with two pillows. There was no worry that I would curl over, as my thighs protested if I so much as rolled towards them. The next day, armed with a magnifying mirror and a bright light, I made a careful examination of my face, tracking the injection marks to see what had gone on while I was out for the count. Having a facelift just tightens the slack skin over the shrunken frame. Using injectable filler (pictured) lifts the tissues from within, but the gel-based fillers just hold water for a number of months, then are gradually dispersed It was all very neatly done, though my nose was glowing in protest at having a reshaping blob of fat injected just beneath the tip to jack it up a bit. I had to text Mr Tiryaki to ask what he'd done with my lips. There was no volume in them but there were injection marks at the corners. Just a thin line of plain SVF to strengthen the area, he replied. There were tiny track-marks all over my face, from the spiky roller used to get the final dose of SVF into the surface of my skin. The bruising (minimal) and swelling (moderate) crept in over the next 48 hours and receded over the course of three weeks. There was no pain as such but my face was very stiff and achy. On the second day after treatment, back at work, I had to plead with my colleagues not to make me laugh because it hurt to try to smile. What did they think? They were frank. 'You look like a caricature of what you're trying to avoid,' said Tilly, 21. 'Those big full cheeks!' 'You look exactly like you but nothing like you,' said Ruby, 23. 'But your skin looks great,' said Alex, 32, kindly. By the end of the day, I could barely move my face. Opening my mouth to eat and chew was hard work and my throat was sore from the breathing tube used during the anaesthetic. I'd forgotten how much a general anaesthetic knocks you for six. My mood plunged. Interesting, I thought, and recorded a video for Instagram, pointing out that after any procedure, whether it's lip injections or microneedling, you always get a day like this, where the excitement has worn off and you wonder what on earth you've done. My Instagram followers thought the procedure looked like a hell of a big deal and a high price to pay (7,000) for a relatively small change. Which is fair but what did they expect? That I would look 25 again? Or morph into Claudia Schiffer? My followers were appalled as was my mother. I'd forgotten she follows me on social media and hadn't warned her I was doing this. And I didn't realise until I played back the video that I sounded not just gravelly but on the verge of tears. I thought I was just being honest. There's no way to pretend a procedure like this, or the recovery, is a breeze. But I'd also wanted to show I was looking much less mangled and swollen than I'd feared. I hadn't thought I would be happy to face a camera for a week. After that, it was more straightforward. The bruises on my face were easily covered with make-up but my cheeks were still so stiff and solid I couldn't smile which wouldn't have mattered, except that I had to present a prize at an aesthetics-industry awards dinner a few days later. I got through the evening's photo-opportunities with a sort of pseudo-smirk instead of my normal grin. It helped that most people there knew what I'd had done and only wanted to have a good squint to see how my face was settling down. By my check-up with Mr Tiryaki ten days later, I felt far more human. My jaw and chin were still swollen, which is normal, and he was pleased with the result. 'The great thing is,' he says, 'the result will go on improving for at least a year. Everyone thinks adding something to the face such as the fat will make it look bigger. But because it is moving the tissues outwards and supporting the facial ligaments, it will make it look sharper.' I can see what he means. Building up my brow bone has moved the whole thing upwards and outwards, rather than as Botox or a brow lift would do simply moving my brow skyward. Adding volume to my chin and jaw as well as my cheeks subtly tightened the skin over my face. It's like reinflating my defining features, from the inside. My Instagram followers thought the procedure looked like a hell of a big deal and a high price to pay (7,000) for a relatively small change. Which is fair but what did they expect? That I would look 25 again? Or morph into Claudia Schiffer? That wasn't what I was after. I just wanted to look like myself but fresher, which is very much the result I've got. As to the price, I had a major overhaul with injectable fillers two years ago that cost 4,000, and all that has now dissolved. This change will be with me for good, though of course the ageing clock keeps ticking. And I love my new, perky nose-tip, though I don't think I will be doing any more tweakments for a while yet. This is enough for now. To discuss contentious issues particularly the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and and the economic slowdown the Congress convened a meeting of the Opposition parties on Monday. But if the attendance at the meeting was an indicator, the Opposition has reason to worry. All Opposition parties, in principle, speak about the need to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a united manner. But this seems more rhetorical than real. The Bahujan Samaj Party boycotted the meeting, claiming the Congress was poaching its legislators in Rajasthan. The Trinamool Congress decided to stay out because of local Bengal politics. The Aam Aadmi Party, with an eye on the upcoming polls in Delhi, neither wanted to be seen as wading into a controversial issue, nor was willing to accept the Congress lead on it though it later said it had not been invited to the meeting at all. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhaga was unhappy with comments made by local Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu and skipped the meeting. So did the Shiv Sena and the Samajwadi Party. This shows that the political challenge to the BJP will remain disparate. Local factors, state-level competitive dynamics, the unwillingness to accept Congress leadership, and, in some cases, ideological and tactical confusion means that an umbrella coalition to take on the BJP on even contentious issues is a distant prospect. This has been a huge asset for the ruling party, which has capitalised on precisely these divisions to score electoral victories as well as push ahead controversial legislations. [January 13, 2020] Canadian Bankers Association launches Cyber Security Challenge Call for applications from postsecondary students in Canada from all fields of study TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) today launched the CBA Cyber Security Challenge, an innovation competition that will bring together eligible students from universities and colleges in Canada, including alumni who have graduated within the last two years. Participants are invited to develop new ideas on how banks in Canada can help address key cyber-related issues facing the banking industry in the digital age. The Cyber Challenge, created in partnership with BMO Financial Group, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and TD Bank Group, will take place over a five-month period. Finalists will get the oportunity to prototype and pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges from the participating banks. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2020, and the final two-day event will take place in Toronto on May 16 and 17, 2020. Eligible participants from all backgrounds and fields of study are invited to participate and put their innovations to the test. Ensuring the broadest possible participation in banking workforces, including IT security teams, means tapping fully into the diversity of Canada's postsecondary student population. "The CBA Cyber Security Challenge will harness the burgeoning expertise of Canada's future workforce across diverse perspectives and skill sets," says Neil Parmenter, President and CEO, Canadian Bankers Association. "We're excited to see what bold ideas students will bring to the banking industry." For complete information on the Cyber Security Challenge, visit http://bit.ly/CBAChallenge About the Canadian Bankers Association The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada's economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca. Follow the CBA on Twitter: @CdnBankers Watch videos: Youtube.com/CdnBankers Follow the CBA on LinkedIn SOURCE Canadian Bankers Association [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Wells Fargo & Co. was told to pay $102.8 million after a federal jury in Texas said in infringed United Services Automobile Associations patents for a mobile deposit system. Its the second trial Wells Fargo has lost against USAA. In November, a different Texas jury said the bank should pay $200 million for infringing two other patents. That brings the total to about $303 million owed by the San Francisco-based Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo said it strongly disagrees with the verdict and said its considering its option, including a likely appeal. San Antonio-based USAA said it had pioneered systems to allow its members to deposit checks from just about anywhere because it doesnt operate traditional bricks-and-mortar banks and its military customers are all over the world. Wells Fargo, and the rest of the banking industry, has benefited from our technology and we look forward to working with banks to create reasonable and mutually beneficial license agreements, Nathan McKinley, USAAs vice president of corporate development, said in a statement. Our goal has always been to be reasonably compensated for the investment in mobile banking innovation we have made on behalf of our members and the military community. Mitek Systems Wells Fargo said it and other financial institutions license technology from Mitek Systems Inc., which filed its own lawsuit Nov. 1 against USAA in California. Mitek is seeking a court ruling that its technology didnt infringe USAA patents, saying the lawsuit against Wells Fargo had placed a cloud over Miteks products and services. We believe this is an industry issue involving numerous other banks that license remote mobile deposit technology from the same vendor, not USAA, Beth Richek, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman, said in a statement. Wells Fargo has been and continues to be a leader in enabling seamless payments and mobile banking experiences, and this ruling has no impact on our customers ability to remotely deposit checks or the companys work to provide innovative tools and technologies to our customers. The case is United Services Automobile Association v. Wells Fargo Bank NA, 18-366, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall). Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Texas Can a film bring about a change in the society? There have been many discussions around it in the past. When Kabir Singh had released, people argued that the movie which glorifies toxic masculinity is sending across a wrong message to the society, remember? Deepika Padukone's Chhapaak, which hit the theatres on Friday, has brought the limelight upon the plight of acid attack survivors. The movie, which is based on the life and story of acid attack victim Laxmi Agarwal, is being praised by a quite a lot of people. YouTube Adding to the glory of the heartwarming film, Uttarakhand state government has announced to start a pension scheme for acid attack survivors. Fox Star Studios According to a report on The New Indian Express, there are about 10-11 acid attack survivors that are currently living in the state of Uttarkhand. Fox Star Studios Rekha Arya, who is the State Women and Child Welfare Minister, announced the scheme. "The government is planning to start a pension scheme under which Rs 5000-6000 will be provided every month to the survivors so that they can live a life with dignity. "We will be bringing the proposal in the cabinet to get it approved to further implement the scheme. The idea is to support the brave women in achieving their dreams," she was quoted as saying by India Today. Fox Star Studios Chhapaak, meanwhile, has been embroiled in a big controversy, especially after Deepika Padukone's JNU visit. There were reports that claimed that the name of the attacker was changed from Nadeem to Rajesh. This kickstarted a debate on why his religion was changed. However, within hours, it was proved that such claims were false. Talking about the controversies surrounding Chhapaak, she said, "The film is based on struggles of someone real. So, if that person has not objected, there should be no issue for anyone else to get involved." Earlier, before the release of the movie, Deepika Padukone had said that she wants the movie to be so impactful that it stops acid violence. "I hope we won't have to constantly tell stories on acid attack survivors for us to see change. I hope with our film we begin to see that change for ourselves as a society and for acid attack survivors. If we don't, then we've done something wrong as a society. Cinema in itself is such a powerful medium that hopefully just through this one film we will hopefully be able to see that kind of change and impact," she had said. Also starring Vikrant Massey, Chhapaak was released on Jan 10. TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.13 Trend: Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has arrived in Iran's capital, Tehran, to hold talks with senior officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, Trend reports via IRIB. We talked about the relations between the two countries, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said. Relations between the two countries are very special. We are targeting certain numbers for trade and tourism, and we want to reach those numbers, he said. Relationship with Iran is a historical relationship, although we have had many stages and developments during which we discussed different issues, he said. We are here to thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for its stand in the post-Qatar blockade, he said. Iran provides good aid to the Qatari nation and has provided us with what we needed. These are things that cannot be forgotten, and we thank the President and the Islamic Republic of Iran, he added. The official pointed out that his trip to Iran is made at a critical time in the region. We agreed with President Rouhani that the solution to all the crises and issues is in dialogue, he said. On this trip, I invited Iran's president to travel to Qatar, he said adding that Rouhani promised to travel to Qatar as soon as possible. Luxury French fashion house Balenciaga has released a range of koala-themed clothing to raise money for animal conservation as bushfires continue to ravage Australia. Customers can purchase a white hoodie with a koala print on the front for $1,075, while a T-shirt with the same graphic will set shoppers back $625. The pricey items are exclusively available on the Balenciaga online store, with all profits going towards bushfire relief. 'In response to Australia's ongoing bushfire crisis and in addition to the donation announced yesterday by Kering, Balenciaga has decided to release T-shirts and hoodies that feature an image of the vulnerable Australian Koala,' the website reads. The French fashion house is selling a white hoodie with a koala print on the front for $1,075, with 100 per cent of profits going toward animal conservation The themed capsule collection comes after the fashion house's parent company Kering donated $1 million to bushfire relief efforts (pictured, $625 t-shirt) '100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of these pieces will be donated to the most appropriate local conservation organization selected by the Kering Group and Balenciaga sustainability experts.' The themed capsule collection comes after the fashion house's parent company Kering donated $1million to bushfire relief efforts. About 8,000 koalas have died in New South Wales, nearly one-third of the state's koala population. And more than 800million animals have been killed by bushfires in NSW alone. On Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, around 25,000 koalas are believed to have been killed, about half the estimated koala population of the island. WIRES staff are currently working on ensuring all animals affected by the massive bushfires are cared for with ongoing care, supplementary food and recovery. This includes koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums, echidnas, birds, reptiles and more. On Kangaroo Island, around 25,000 koalas are believed to have been killed. Pictured: Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with koala rescued at a burning forest on Kangaroo Island Vets and volunteers treat Koalas at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide Wildlife experts have been urged to fast-track their decision on whether koalas are now endangered, amid the unprecedented bushfire crisis Wildlife experts have been urged to fast-track their decision on whether koalas are now endangered, amid the unprecedented bushfire crisis. A panel will also be established to create a recovery plan for the marsupial which was already considered vulnerable before bushfires destroyed key habitats in NSW, Queensland and South Australia. 'Everything that can be done to rescue and recover koala habitat will be done,' Environment Minister Sussan Ley said at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital on Monday. 'Including innovative approaches that look at whether you can actually put a koala in an area that it hasn't come from.' It was announced earlier on Monday that wildlife and environmental groups are being given an initial cash injection of $50million as the country reels from the unprecedented bushfire crisis. The government money will be evenly split with $25million to an emergency intervention fund and $25 million for frontline environmental groups. This includes up to $5million for Greening Australia for revegetation initiatives and up to $3million for zoos to help treat animals. Firefighters are working around the clock to save the wildlife who are in direct threat of death and losing their homes. Meanwhile, a burnt animal sanctuary has been converted into a wildlife refuge that survived the blazes on Kangaroo Island. RSPCA wildlife rescuers established a treatment centre at the island's Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary - one of the few buildings left standing in the area. 'We set up a table, a drip and everything we needed to triage and sedate animals, and take a look at their wounds,' RSPCA South Australia veterinarian Dr Gayle Kothari said. 'A lot of them had burns to all four feet, so we provided pain relief and bandaged them.' Wildlife carers inundated with native animals, due to both bushfires and the drought, say they are struggling to find places to return them to the wild. Up to 80 animals are being rescued every day in Queensland, with three times the number of koalas needing help this fire season, according to the RSPCA. Twenty-seven people have died, around 2000 homes destroyed and at least seven million hectares of bushland incinerated by the blazes that have raged all summer. 13.01.2020 LISTEN The Public Service Workers Union of the National Board for Small Scale Industries says it will go to court if government fails to halt the privatisation of Business Resource Centres under the Rural Enterprises Programme. The Union earlier indicated that handing over such public facilities to a private individual or group would deny Micro and Small Enterprises access to the required business development services. The Brong Ahafo Local Chairman of the Union, Nuhu Salifu Dimeh, stressed that the National Board for Small Scale Industries was the only industry with such mandate. He told Citi News that his union will pursue any legal means to make sure the right thing is done. The NBSI [National Board for Small Scale Industries] is the only government organisation mandated to provide business development services. These facilities that government is seeking to privatize are loans that we contracted on behalf of the people of Ghana to construct the facilities. Despite being against the privatisation of the centres, Mr. Dimeh noted that the private sector was free to construct their own facilities. Our position is that let the person, construct his own facility and compete with us. We are capable of and have a track record, he said. About the programme The Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) is part of the Government's efforts to reduce poverty and improve living conditions in rural areas. It seeks to upscale and mainstream a district-based Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) support system implemented by a Rural Enterprises Project (REP I &II) within the public and private institutional systems. REP I and REP II were implemented from 1995 to 2012 in 66 districts nationwide, according to the Rural Enterprises Programme website. REP I and REP II contributed to the successful implementation of the national strategies for MSE promotion, as laid out in the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) II. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has overall responsibility for the Programme as the Ghana Government Executing Agency. The Programme phase is being financed by the Government of Ghana, IFAD and AfDB at a total cost of about US$193 million. ---citinewsroom Jamia Millia Islamia VC Najma Akhtar on Monday said the varsity administration will "explore the possibility" of moving court for registration of an FIR against "police brutality" on the campus after hundreds of angry students gheraoed her office demanding action against the Delhi Police. The vice chancellor said the National Human Rights Commission has already begun an inquiry into the December 15 police action and an NHRC team has visited the university and another will visit on Tuesday to record the statements of the "victims". Akhtar's assurance came in the evening after students broke the lock on the main gate, barged into the office premises and raised slogans against her, demanding that an FIR be registered against the police by January 16. Akhtar twice tried to pacify the students during the day but they refused to relent. She also said she does not want a deadline to file the FIR against police as she will follow the procedure. The students said if police are not ready to register an FIR, they are ready to march till a cognizance of their complaint is taken. They also demanded that the VC hold a press conference after an FIR is registered against the police and ensure safety of students on the campus and issue a statement in this regard. An independent SIT probe of the police action should be done and no action should be taken by the administration against students and the FIR filed against students be withdrawn, they added. When the VC came out to talk to students for the second time in the evening, she agreed to accept their demands but refused to give it in writing. The university, however, said in a statement the administration will take all possible measures to address the concerns of students. "A decision has also been taken that the administration will explore the possibility of moving court for registration of FIR in the December 15, 2019 police brutality in the university library case at the earliest. "The university has already followed all possible steps for the registration of FIR. It has given its complaint to SHO Jamia Nagar and it's copy to CP Delhi and DCP South East. University has also written letters to Joint CP Southern Range and DCP Crime for the registration of FIR earlier," it said. On students' demand to re-conduct exams, as many of them had boycotted them after the violence, the university said it has accepted the demand and the "ongoing semester exams stand cancelled till further notice" and a new schedule will be announced later. On December 15, as violence over the citizenship amendment act flared up, police personnel entered the campus and cracked down on students. According to students, police personnel laid seige to the campus and those injured were not even allowed to get medical attention. Students said windows of the library were smashed and around 50-60 students were inside when policemen gheraoed it. The students claimed that notices were issued to vacate the hostel post the violence but the VC has denied this. Saeed Fahad, an architecture student, said FIRs have been registered against those who were demanding their rights during the protest. The real accused are still at large, he said, referring to the police crackdown. Adil, an engineering student, said not even a single FIR has been filed in connection with last month's violence. Ragiv Naushad, a law student, said they are not convinced by the VC's assurance. "An FIR has to be registered as soon as possible. The vice chancellor should give us safety assurance that no police will enter the campus again," Naushad said. "FIR has to be done. Several students got injured during the violence and one lost his eye. What will happen to him? The students are not feeling safe inside the campus since the violence took place," a woman student, who didn't wish to be named, said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Somethings missing from this weeks comics pages. Theres also something new. Astute readers will already know about this. Shagg E. Dawg, the creation of artist Peter Guren in the comic strip, Ask Shagg, bid readers adieu in last weeks edition of the Sunday Republican and dozens of other newspapers across America. Forty years since Shagg made his debut, he and owner Guren called it a day. The comic, built around a premise of questions about animals submitted by young readers, wrapped up with this question: Dear Shagg, Rosko and Mouth, What do you do when youve answered EVERY question about animals? Concerned Reader, Everytown USA. The answer: We retire the comic strip and thank everybody for all their wonderful, marvelous, stupendous and questionable-errific questions. Guren is as funny a man as his comic-strip creation. As we made email plans this week to talk about his next chapter, Guren had me laughing, especially when the photo of him I requested to run with this column arrived. Of course, there would an animal in it. Well, whaddidya expect? he responded. Later, Guren confided, I wanted to make (you) laugh. Its part of who I am. Guren was a freshman, history major at Northwestern University when he figured out that he really didnt know what he wanted to do when he grew up. I woke up one morning and said to myself, I like drawing. Why dont I do that? he explains. Long story short, Northwestern didnt have an art major that matched his passion so Guren landed at the University of Michigan and its Stamps School of Art & Design. His application portfolio, he remembers, was all cartooning, featuring posters hed designed for friends in high school and a cartoon mobile he created for his girlfriend (the same woman who is today his wife of more than 40 years). After graduation, he headed off into the world of commercial art with an eye on getting a job in advertising. In his hometown of Cleveland, American Greetings was in the mix of potential employers and also where, Guren knew, an executive, Tom Wilson, had a double life as a cartoonist (Wilson was the artist of the Ziggy cartoons published nationally in the 1970s and 1980s). He set his sights on getting an interview with Wilson. Initially rebuffed, his persistence paid off as Guren landed an interview with Wilson, a job helping produce the companys High Brow line of cards featuring cartoons and guidance in how to get a comic strip published. It was Wilson who connected him with what was then Universal Press Syndicate. (Guren and Shagg were part of Creators Syndicate most recently.) For the next two years, Guren says, he worked among an inspiring group of cartoon artists, many of whom were just like him, pitching their comic strip ideas to syndicates. It was the best job you could ever get, he remembers of the floor at American Greetings where a dead plant greeted everyone getting off the elevator. It had a sign, Do not feed this plant. Its being punished. The boss was just as fun to be with as all the workers. We were cartooning every day, Guren says. We all wanted to become syndicated cartoonists. Ask Shagg would be his 10th proposal for a strip. Earlier concepts, including one called Green Cheese, that featured astronauts on the moon (remember the moon landing happened in 1969) and another he entitled Hanibal, a history-based comic (think BC and Wizard of Id), were all dissed and put aside. Then, American Greetings decided Guren should move up the ladder with the company, but down the stairs to the old peoples card-design floor. As he explains it, the fun of what had been his dream job would have evaporated, so he bid the company adieu and set out for a new chapter in life with Shagg. My humor is pretty silly. Everyone seemed to like my sense of humor, so I just went with that, he says of his mission with Shagg. Hopefully, it was good enough Guren, who is now 68, began by handling his own syndication efforts, pitching to 50 newspapers across the country and landing first on the pages of six, he remembers. Regional newspapers around Cleveland, including the Cleveland News Herald, were among those who latched onto his humor. It was the Herald, which decided to use Shagg on its pets page, that cemented his concept for a weekly panel cartoon. He credits his wife, Debbie, with introducing the concept of Shagg dolls, with one to be delivered each week to the reader whose question appeared in the strip. In the early days, she helped him learn to craft the dolls by hand right in his home studio. As Shaggs popularity grew in the 1980s, Guren opted to approach United again to market the strip. They agreed, Shagg found its way into over 200 newspapers and the production of Shagg dolls was handed over to the Dakin plush doll company. At Shaggs height of popularity, Guren says he would receive an average of 50 questions a week from readers, primarily under the age of 6 (or via their parents). He worked to ensure a geographic presence that hop-scotched across the nation. Best question? Someone asked, What is the largest worm ever found, Guren says. In the pre-internet age when it involved other research sources, Guren consulted the Guinness Book of Records and learned it was an earth worm in South Africa that measured 22 feet. His especially comedic closing frame portrayed the dumbest robin...trying to catch it. His most wonderful moment over the past four decades is clearly the audience with fellow United Feature Syndicate cartoonist and childhood idol Charles Schultz, creator of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. This guy was the reason I am a cartoonist, he explains. My brother would read Peanuts to me before I could read. The syndicate made it happen, stressing to him the great mans time was very limited. Gurens one-hour window with Schultz wound up extending into a conversation that spilled over into lunch and a visit to the artists studio. He was nicer than I could have imagined, Guren recalls. I flew home without the airplane that day if you get what I mean. The two developed a friendship that spanned 15 years and lasted until Schultzs death in 2000. It was from Schultz, Guren says, that he received the most important advice which has guided his career and life. He told me, If ever one of your kids comes into your studio and says, Lets go play ball, you put down your pen and go play ball, Guren remembers. The message was clear (that) your kids are a little more important than your real work. So it will be in the days ahead. Guren makes clear that while Shagg is retiring, he is not. About five years ago, he published a childrens book, Theres a Hippo in My Closet (and other reasons for not going to bed). His children (two sons and a daughter ranging from 42 to 36) and grandchildren (six of them from ages 1 to 7) have convinced him to turn to writing and illustrating childrens books full-time. His latest, Time to Wake Up Daddy, with a story line that follows two young children with a father deep asleep and snoring loudly, was sent to his agent just this week. For Guren, its a joyous transition. Im creating something, Im drawing, (and) Im still doing my dream job, he explains. I like to make people laugh. Laughter is good for the soul. And, when the grandkids arrive and ask him to go to the zoo, hell continue to drop everything and go. Gurens successor on our Sunday comics pages is an artist familiar to readers of our daily comics, Hillary Price, with her strip, Rhymes with Orange. Price creates her work right here in Western Massachusetts, and readers have frequently asked if she might be added to our Sunday line-up. More on that in a future column. Cynthia G. Simison is executive editor of The Republican. She may be reached by email to csimison@repub.com. Khulna Tigers in final of BBPL Sports Reporter : Khulna Tigers reached the final of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) defeating Rajshahi Royals by 27 runs in the first Qualifier of their Twenty20 cricket match at the flood-lit Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city's Mirpur on Monday. Sent into bat first, Khulna Tigers piled up a fighting total of 158 for the loss of three wickets in the allotted 20 overs and then bundled out Rajshahi Royals for 131 off 20 overs. Mohammad Amir played the key role to wrap up Rajshahi innings. Amir captured six wickets at the cost of 17 runs. He was adjudged the Man of the Match. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the other successful bowler for Khulna Tigers who claimed two wickets for six runs. Khulna Tigers faced an early debacle as they lost two wickets for 15 runs. Then opener Najmul Hossain Shanto and second-down Shamsur Rahman mended the innings adding together 78 runs for the third wicket partnership before Shamsur Rahman was caught by Andre Russell off Ravi Bopara when Khulna's total was 93 for the loss of three wickets. Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten with 78. His 57-ball terrific innings was decorated with four sixes and seven fours. After Shamsur Rahman's departure, Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed together 42 runs before Mushfiqur Rahim retired hurt when Khulna's score was 135. Shamsur Rahman made 32 from 31 balls featuring two fours and a sixer. Mushfiqur Rahim scored 21. Mohammad Irfan of Rajshahi Royals bagged two wickets at the cost of 13 runs, while Ravi Bopara took one wicket for 24 runs. Later, Rajshahi Royals faced an early disaster as they lost their six wickets for 33 runs. Then Shoaib Malik and Taijul Islam added together 74 runs for the seventh wicket partnership before Taijul Islam (12) was caught by Robbie Frylinck off Mohammad Amir when Rajshahi's score was 107 for the loss of seven wickets. After three deliveries, Shoaib Malik was caught by substitute Rahmatullah Gurbaz off Mohammad Amir when Rajshahi's total was 111 for the loss of eight wickets. Shoaib Malik alone fought back against Khulna bowling attack making a windy 80. His 50-ball innings had 10 fours and four sixes. A controversy erupted on Monday over description of the Bhil community as "criminal- minded" in a question paper of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, drawing ire of political parties which prompted the MPPSC to express "regret" and serve notices to the paper-setter and moderator. During the MPPSC's preliminary examination held across the state on Sunday, the question paper for Reasoning and Aptitude had a passage which described the Bhil community as having "apradhik pravriti" (criminal-minded) and indulging in "alcoholism". BJP MLA Ram Dangore (30), who appeared for the exam, brought the controversial passage to the notice of his party. "Something went wrong in setting the question paper, which should not have happened. The MPPSC is expressing regret. I am also hurt," MPPSC chairman Bhaskar Choubey told reporters in Indore, where the commission is headquartered. He said the commission has served notices to the paper-setter and moderator who had checked the said question paper before it went to press. "They have been directed to file their replies within a week," Choubey said, adding that action will be taken accordingly. He, however, refused to divulge names of the duo citing confidentiality in such matters. "An expert committee will look into the objection raised by the candidates regarding the controversial question and act accordingly," Choubey said. If the panel recommends action, the paper-setter and moderator will be debarred from the MPPSC examination procedure, the MPPSC chairman said. When asked about the demand for lodging an FIR in the case, he replied that it was not a criminal case. Choubey's remarks came hours after the opposition BJP and some leaders of ruling Congress demanded action into the matter. Taking strong objection to the reference, Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Gopal Bhargava hit out at the ruling Congress. "This reflects the Congress government's thinking towards innocent tribals and it is highly derogatory for the entire tribal community," the BJP leader said. Bhargava demanded that Chief Minister Kamal Nath take immediate action against those responsible for portraying the Bhil community in such a manner. MLA Dangore, who represents Pandhana seat in Khandwa district, demanded action against those responsible for setting the question paper and registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. "The Bhil community members are very innocent and by portraying them in such a manner, the MPPSC has disrespected them," Dangore, who also belongs to the community, told PTI. Congress MLA Laxman Singh, who is the younger brother of former state chief minister Digvijay Singh, also took a dim view of the reference to the Bhil community. The legislator, in a tweet, said he was hurt by such reference about the Bhil community and those responsible for it should be duly punished. He demanded that the CM express regret over the matter in the Legislative Assembly, which he said would send a "good message" in society. Tribal leader and former Union minister Kantilal Bhuria of Congress has demanded sacking of the MPPSC chairman. Earlier in the day, MPPSC secretary Renu Pant dubbed the matter "unfortunate". She had clarified that there seems no "ill-intention" behind the reference to the Bhil community. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Monday approved the proposal to set up police commissioner system in state capital Lucknow and Noida. The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our government today. Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved proposal to setup police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement at a press conference in Lucknow on Monday. An ADG-level officer will be the police commissioner of Lucknow and Noida, Adityanath further said. He also said that two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates. The chief minister asserted that the new system will help in improving law and order situation in the state. Adityanath also announced that two new police stations will come up in Noida. Uttar Pradesh Police chief OP Singh welcomed the decision. There will be an exchange of smart and sensitive policing, effective policing and integrated policing through this. It will further help in crime control, said Singh. The commissionerate system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to IPS officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) rank posted as commissioners. Goya's Culinary Arts Scholarship is available on a competitive basis to students entering an accredited two-year or four-year institution. Scholarships are in the amount of $5,000 awarded per academic year starting in Fall 2020 and are renewable for up to three additional years provided the student remains eligible to receive funding, totaling $20,000. "Goya has a long-standing history of giving back to the community and implementing educational programs to help strengthen the development and growth of our youth and educational systems," says Peter Unanue, Executive Vice President of Goya Foods. "The Goya Scholarship Fund acts, not only as a symbol of our appreciation to our community, but helps promote the importance of higher education." Applicants of the Goya Culinary Arts Scholarship will be selected based on the standard requirements established by Goya and administered by Scholarship America including academic achievement, leadership, and financial need, as well as an evaluation of an essay explaining how Goya has enriched their family traditions. Among the criteria for consideration, students (1) Must plan to be enrolled in college full time starting in Fall 2020 in a degree seeking program within the U.S. as a Freshman at a two or four-year U.S. accredited institution to obtain their first undergraduate degree; (2) Must be majoring in Culinary Arts and/or Food Sciences; (3) Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; (4) Must be willing to complete 10 hours per month of community service while receiving funding; (5) Must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States with a valid Social Security Number or have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). For more information and to apply, please log onto https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/goyaculinary/ Applications are due no later than February 17, 2020. About GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; the combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com About Scholarship America: Scholarship America mobilizes support for students getting into and graduating from college. Since 1958, Scholarship America has distributed $3.1 billion in scholarship assistance to 2 million students, funding both entry-level and multi-year scholarships and emergency financial grants. More information is available at www.scholarshipamerica.org. For more information, contact: Natalie J. Maniscalco 845.659.6506 / [email protected] SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc. Related Links http://www.goya.com The enumerator for the National Population Register, or NPR 2020, is likely to ask residents about their mother tongue while updating the database from April 2020, along with the house-listing exercise for the Census, according to a senior government official who asked not to be named. This is for the first time that language information may be sought under NPR, though this information was previously collected under the Census exercise. The NPR, which is a comprehensive biometric database of all usual residents in India, as opposed to the Census, which is a database of households, has generated controversy with the Opposition parties contending that the exercise is linked to the National Register for Indian Citizens (NRIC), which is aimed at identifying illegal immigrants. The government, which has in the past described NPR as the first step towards a nationwide NRC, now maintains that there is no link between the two, and that an all-India NRC is not immediately on the anvil. At least two state governments, Kerala and West Bengal, have announced they will not participate in the NPR updation. At least 10 chief ministers have said they will not participate in an all-India NRC whenever it is rolled out. NPR was created in 2010 and updated in 2015. On both occasions, officials said, data on mother tongue was not collected under the exercise. In addition to the mother tongue, NPR 2020 will also seek information on the place and date of birth of residents parents, apart from nationality. Though the section on mother tongue is not in the NPR 2020 form, the NPR manual prepared to train enumerators has a separate section called, Code for Mother Tongue. It lists 277 languages in India. HT has reviewed the manual. The information sought under Census was for 22 scheduled languages and 99 non-schedule languages, as per Census commissioners report on languages released in 2019. An official privy to the development said the inclusion in NPR of the additional data point mother tongue -- was a recent decision. The pre-test or the pilot for NPR in September-October in 2019 carried out across 5,000 census enumeration blocks did not collect this information, the official said. Union home ministry spokesperson Vasudha Gupta said: Language data will help better formulation of policy and help the government better target development schemes. Also, language data is collected in the Census; there should be no apprehension. The Census 2011 language data was released in 2019. But, unlike NPR, Census doesnt correlate its data with individual houses. While NPR, which links data to a particular household and its members, Census data is released at aggregate levels -- state, district, block, tehsil, and so on. It is, therefore, difficult, although not impossible, to drill down Census data and correlate it with a particular house or even a locality. Though decadal changes in the languages spoken are collected during the census, the need to collect data on mother tongue in NPR was not necessary, according to experts. Reetika Khera, associate professor (economics and public systems group) at Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad), said there were several unanswered questions over NPR. Unlike census data, which cannot be shared [it is protected by the Census Act], NPR data enjoys no protection. The government collecting or maintaining a database with names can be a harmless exercise, but in the Indian context, even the name can give away ones religion and/or caste. In addition, there is duplication between Census and NPR. Finally, contrary to government claims of NPR data being used for better targeting of developmental schemes, NPR data in the past was not used for schemes such as MNREGA, Khera said. The NPR manual also says that getting the correct date of birth of a person is one of the important items of information being collected under NPR. The enumerators may ask for documents such as birth certificate and school leaving certificate to ascertain correct date of birth. However, providing documents under NPR is not mandatory. The manual adds that for those who neither have these documents nor they remember the birth date correctly, the enumerator will ask a set of questions to ascertain the approximate period of birth. For instance, the enumerator may ask whether one was born before the rainy season or after. If one remembers their birth date as per Hindu, Bengali or Islamic calendars, the enumerators will convert it into English calendar, the manual states. The objective of NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in India. The database contains demographic as well as biometric particulars taken from Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identification number. When NPR is updated in 2020, it will be seeded with individual data points such as Aadhaar number, passport number, driving license, mobile number, and election cards, number among others. The manual, however, says that providing this information is voluntary. The Congress termed the move to record mother tongue as yet another attempt to engineer a new fault line in the country. We all know that government believes and wants a Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan. The intentions of the government are suspect, which is why there are continuous protests against NPR on the streets, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said. The Centres ruling Bharatiya Janata Party defended the move. There is no harm in collecting more information; it will lead to better targeted delivery and will give better inputs for framing policy, BJP spokesperson Gopal Aggarwal said. Studio visit: Tadaaki Kuwayama and Rakuko Naito As their separate private selling exhibitions open at Christies in New York, husband and wife discuss sharing a working space and their very distinct artistic practices The division between the personal and professional lives of New York-based artists Rakuko Naito and Tadaaki Kuwayama has long been blurred. For decades, the Japanese-born couple who immigrated to Manhattan just after their marriage in 1958 have shared a rambling mixed-use loft space in Manhattans Chelsea neighbourhood with a common living space flanked by separate studios. Hes over there and my studio is over here, explains the soft-spoken Naito. Despite their constant close proximity, Naito and Kuwayamas minimalist work remains distinct. He likes everything more artificially manufactured, says Naito of her husbands mechanically produced, monochromatic works colour studies framed in metals such as aluminium and titanium. Tadaaki Kuwayama (b. 1932), Untitled, 1971. Metallic acrylic on eight joined canvases with aluminum strip, in two parts. 96 x 100 in (243.8 x 254 cm). Estimate: $500,000. Offered in Tadaaki Kuwayama and Rakuko Naito, 8-17 January at Christies in New York Naito, however, prefers repetitive natural forms and working with the organic fragility of materials such as Japanese rice paper, which she cuts using a knife or more often by unpredictably separating pieces with a burning stick of incense. I dont use scissors, she says. The couple have never collaborated on a work, but both agree on the impact New York has had on their creative processes. Japanese life is still very strict, traditional, remarks Naito. I feel more freedom here, so I dont have to worry about what other people think. Rakuko Naito (b.1935), Untitled, 2014. Japanese paper on board in artist's frame. 24 x 24 x 5 in (61 x 61 x 12.7 cm). Estimate: $15,500. Offered in Tadaaki Kuwayama and Rakuko Naito, 8-17 January at Christies in New York I dont care about other cities I wanted to be in New York, explains Kuwayama of their decision to relocate. Even if I didnt know anything about New York. Some people say [my work] is not art, the 88-year-old continues, but art is more than painting. Art is more like [whats going on in] the brain. Tadaaki Kuwayama After originally studying nihonga, a traditional form of Japanese painting on paper or silk, Kuwayama abandoned the practice, finding its conventions too restrictive. Instead, he embraced the freedom of 20th-century abstraction with paintings of pure colour and form. Tadaaki Kuwayama (b.1932), Untitled, 1968-1969. Acrylic on four joined canvases with aluminum strip. 84 x 84 in (215.3 x 215.3 cm). Estimate: $200,000. Offered in Tadaaki Kuwayama and Rakuko Naito, 8-17 January at Christies in New York Tadaaki Kuwayama (b.1932), Untitled, 1968. Acrylic on two joined canvases with aluminium strip. 107 x 28 in (273.1 x 71.1 cm). Estimate: $200,000. Offered in Tadaaki Kuwayama and Rakuko Naito, 8-17 January at Christies in New York Through the decades, Kuwayamas work has evolved from three-dimensional explorations of colour in the Sixties and metallic pigment works during the Seventies to an ongoing series, Projects. The series, which began in the Nineties, explores space and perception through works of slightly varying colour and dimension. Light and space is very important, he remarks. I want people to feel something [when they see my art]. Most of my life is for art [and] nothing else. Rakuko Naito Naitos practice has remained aligned with principles of order and arrangement, which can be seen in her quintessentially Japanese Paper series minimalist geometric visions in paper, wood and cotton, meticulously arranged within shallow boxes. Just as her husband explores his craft in a broad colour palette, Naito celebrates the natural variation of white paper, the medium in which she now works most regularly. Rakuko Naito (b. 1935), Untitled, executed in 2014-2018. Japanese paper on board in artist's frame, in nine parts. Each: 17 x 17 in (43.2 x 43.2 cm). Estimate: $14,000 each ($126,000 total). Offered in Tadaaki Kuwayama and Rakuko Naito, 8-17 January at Christies in New York I dont want to paint the paper to make a colour, she explains. So right now I stay with the colour of the paper. Its all white paper, but comes up differently. Some have a yellow tint, some are brown, [and] some [pieces] are more white. That is the limit of my colour now. Throughout the evolution of a nearly six-decade career, which has included solo exhibitions around the world, Naito has always been fascinated by how her abstract work somewhere between a painting and a sculpture is perceived. I dont want to force people to see one way, she explains. People have different ideas [and] its very interesting. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe Thousands of people joined a rally in Hong Kongs business district on Sunday to demand universal suffrage in the legislative election in September, urging the international community to impose sanctions on the authorities if their calls fall on deaf ears. The demonstration took place at Edinburgh Place in Central a day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen won re-election for a second term in a victory that was seen as a referendum on the self-ruled islands approach to Beijing. Tsais victory was widely celebrated by Hong Kong activists, who called it a morale boost for their months-long protest movement, which was sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill, and expressed hope her administration would support demonstrators who had fled there. In the coming year, Hongkongers must continue to make our voices heard by the international community, to tell them that our fight against authoritarianism is not over yet, said Ventus Lau Wing-hong, spokesman of the organiser, the Hong Kong Civil Assembly Team. The protesters say sanctions by foreign governments would be a morale booster. Photo: Sam Tsang If Hong Kong has a Legislative Council that represents the voices of the people, that defends the interests of Hong Kong, the extradition bill would have been vetoed long ago. We would not have needed seven months of bloodshed. The protest movement began in June last year when the government tried to pass a bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited from Hong Kong to mainland China or other jurisdictions the city does not have such an agreement with. The campaign morphed into a wider anti-government movement, with protesters calling for five demands, including a judge-led independent inquiry into police actions. The organiser claimed 36,000 people took part in Sundays rally, while police put the figure at 3,000 at the events peak. Lau urged foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials if there was still no universal suffrage in the Legislative Council election later this year. This could be done by, for example, freezing their overseas assets or imposing economic sanctions on the city, he added. Story continues The protesters say the unjust functional constituencies, which return 35 lawmakers in the 70-seat legislature and have long been criticised for their small circle nature, should be scrapped. Lau said the sanctions should also apply to government officials and police officers who violated human rights in the city. Some waved flags calling for Hong Kong independence, as well as the US and British flags, at a rally that was held just about 200 metres from the Peoples Liberation Army garrison. Among the speakers were US-based Hongkongers who flew back to the city to talk about the steps they had taken to raise awareness in the United States. The measures included organising rallies and setting up street booths in the US to spread their messages. In November, US President Donald Trump signed into law legislation that could bring diplomatic action and economic sanctions against Hong Kong, brushing off multiple warnings by China against such a move. A 19-year-old rally participant, Yeung, said if more foreign countries would impose sanctions, this would be a morale booster for Hong Kong protesters. The university student said he had no faith in the government but protesters must keep the social movement going until all five of their demands were met. The election result in Taiwan is very encouraging to us. A lot of people here have been talking about it but we must not forget that our fight is here in Hong Kong, he said. Another protester, 23-year-old Lau, supported international sanctions on Hong Kong if the government refused to introduce universal suffrage in Septembers election, saying this was the way to keep the protest movement going. The rally was organised to ramp up support for another protest next Sunday. Photo: Sam Tsang The university student said Tsais election victory was encouraging, adding the people of Hong Kong and Taiwan faced a common enemy, the Chinese government. The rally was organised to ramp up support for another protest, called universal siege on communists, that would take place next Sunday. After the event, police officers intercepted some people, many of them dressed in black, in Central and Admiralty and searched their bags. Two people were seen being taken to police vehicles. Meanwhile, two yellow restaurants in Wan Chai and Yuen Long supportive of the protest movement were vandalised by masked men late on Saturday night, with one employee being sent to hospital after the attack. Man Wah Restaurant in Wan Chai was attacked by seven men wielding hammers, who smashed the shops glass doors, computer screens, refrigerators and table tops, security camera footage showed. They later escaped in a private vehicle. Rare day of peace as Hong Kong protesters stage small events across city Police suspected the attack was over a money dispute between one of the attackers and the employee, who was sent to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai. In Yuen Long, three masked men with hammers attacked Water Gate Chicken Rice, smashing up the restaurants glass door, two computer screens, a fingerprint scanner, tables and chairs. The three suspects ran away on foot. The restaurant also released CCTV footage of the attack, which showed the three men entering the premises as diners rushed to leave, while one family with a small child hid in the corner. No arrests have been made in either case. Previously, the Hung Hom location of Lung Mun cafe, also supportive of the protests, was targeted in October, with vandals smashing windows, computers, surveillance cameras and furniture. Additional reporting by Zoe Low This article Hong Kong protests: thousands join rally in Central to demand universal suffrage in upcoming election first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. In the 1967 film, The Graduate (which I do not recommend), Dustin Hoffman plays a recent college grad who is clueless about what to do next. At a cocktail party celebrating his graduation, one of his parents friends takes him aside and says, I want to say one word to you . . . Plastics . . . theres a great future in plastics. Today, the one word on the lips of far too many investment advisers is cannabis. A recent article in the Motley Fool online investment guide tells would-be investors theres a decent chance 2020 will be a significantly better year for the marijuana industry and marijuana-related stocks than last year. Why? Because theres a decent chance that three new states New Jersey, Arizona, and Nebraska will join the legalized marijuana trend in some form or fashion this November. Illinois legalized the sale of the drug on January 1st, with the lieutenant governor of the state promising a new day for residents of that state, particularly those that are black and brown. Heres what she meant: Besides legalizing recreation marijuana for anyone 21 or older with a drivers license, their new law created a Social Equity Cannabis Business Development Fund, whose goal is to promote diversity within the marijuana industry. So, would-be weed-entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs can not only get loans from the state, they can receive technical assistance in preparing their license applications, and reductions in their license and application fees. Promoting entrepreneurship in struggling communities is a laudable goal, but you have to question the wisdom of infusing a community already disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs with state-subsidized drug dealers. Encouraging and incentivizing residents to use marijuana is the last thing these communities need, particularly from the state. Governmental and marketplace enthusiasm for legalized marijuana overlooks that marijuana is not a safe drug, despite what we are so often told. Last year, in one of our most popular BreakPoint commentaries of 2019, I discussed the link between marijuana use and psychosis. And this isnt the only health risk associated with marijuana use. See the YouTube channel COncOrdance for an entire playlist devoted to the subject. Not only is the creator of the playlist a cellular biologist, hes an atheist. So, he cannot be accused of pursuing some religious, moral, or cultural agenda under the guise of science. In addition to the link between cannabis and psychosis, there is a link between cannabis and increased stroke risk, and research is becoming increasingly clear about the drugs impact on the heart and the lungs. All of this is covered by the YouTube COncOrdance series, with links to peer-reviewed studies from scientific journals. Most importantly, the series debunks the myth that cannabis never killed anyone. While newer research continues, the risks of marijuana on physical and mental health are well-documented and have been for some time. So why are so many states rushing headlong towards legalization? There are two answers. First, states just cannot resist all the money to be made. This is obvious in the way marijuana legislation is sold to citizens. Second, citizens are easily sold because of an impoverished understanding of freedom. As Os Guinness has summarized, we think of freedom as merely the absence of restraint, the ability to live and do as we please. While theoretically, such freedom is limited by the potential harm to others, weve become experts at ignoring or spinning such potential harms to get what we really want. True freedom is different. Its freedom to live as God intended, as image-bearers at work restoring Gods good creation. We oppose things not because we are killjoys, but because we embrace a bigger, fuller vision of the human person. In other words, we find ourselves against such so-called freedoms, because they are not freedoms at all. They will not make us more human, but less. Publication date: January 13, 2020 Photo courtesy: Roberto Valdivia/Unsplash BreakPoint is a program of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. BreakPoint commentaries offer incisive content people can't find anywhere else; content that cuts through the fog of relativism and the news cycle with truth and compassion. Founded by Chuck Colson (1931 2012) in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. Today, you can get it in written and a variety of audio formats: on the web, the radio, or your favorite podcast app on the go. John Stonestreet is President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and radio host of BreakPoint, a daily national radio program providing thought-provoking commentaries on current events and life issues from a biblical worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN), and is the co-author of Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview. Breakthroughs come when we dispel our reliance on the conventional, no matter how strange our ideas may seem at first. A new house in Pifo, Ecuador demonstrates what happens when you experiment with the notion of walls, giving inhabitants a novel way to interact with their environment while keeping them safe from the elements. Far-off view of the Daniel Moreno Flores-designed The House of Flying Tiles contains surprises and delights at practically every turn. Some observers, approaching its exterior screen of clay tiles dangling from wires, find it very strange. What could the purpose of this contraption possibly be? Is it purely artistic? Not exactly. It defines a small area of the yard for private lounging without cutting off access to fresh air and views of the sky, while simultaneously shading a facade that consists almost entirely of glass. But it also sets the mood for a quirky residence designed for optimal engagement with nature and optimal daylight for reading. Other angles reveal the House of Flying Tiles' true glass facade. The main entrance to the nature-immersed House of Flying Tiles. The expansive kitchen area on the House of Flying Tiles' ground floor. Architect Daniel Moreno Flores made it his mission to ensure the house was highly customized to his clients, expressing their unique identity while meeting all their needs and desires. For starters, the setting needed to remain as pristine as possible, with not a single tree removed to make way for the house. Ultimately, House of Flying Tiles was oriented to views of the adjacent mountains above all else. Thankfully, privacy is not much of an issue its rural location, making all of those glazed walls more livable than they might seem. Flores explains that the design of the house was born in a search of the essence of the owner, for which it is inquired on many of the topics related to it. From that essence, [I] identified a lot of creativity, a playful spirit, innocence, exploratory features, surprise seeking, sensory experiences, aim to discover, valuing processes, [and an] interest in mutations and changes in space. In this process, much of the characteristics of the owners character were absorbed and personal meanings were worked on. Due to the passion of the owner for the illustrations, it was established that it was fundamental to get involved in the owners logic and make illustrations as a design methodology (a book was made). Story continues The showers in the House of Flying Tiles are extremely open to the elements. Ladders allow the home's inhabitants to move from floor to floor in a fun, refreshing way. After understanding this constellation of ideas, we sought to encourage spaces that allow timelessness so that the owner was able to immerse in reading. These spaces seek an intensification in the relationship with some externalities such as the mountain, the low vegetation, the sky, and the Guirachuro (a local bird species). For the location of the house, an event was held with the owner in which we met to be able to witness the sunrise. This was fundamental to understand where the sun rises and to have that relationship in mind during the whole project. Ladders allow the home's inhabitants to move from floor to floor in a fun, refreshing way. Sliding Bookcases stand in for traditional doors all throughout the House of Flying Tiles. The house makes use of abundant natural and local materials like Abeto wood, reclaimed eucalyptus staves from an older home in the city, and clay tiles. The slanting planes of its exterior create diagonal lines connecting to the views or nearby trees and give the house a dynamic feel. All of its volumes are arranged in a way that creates spaces that are discovered as you enter. Even the angles at which light will enter the house at different times of year have been considered, with some glass configured so that rays of sunlight will enter the home vertically on the equinoxes. The living room, dining area, and kitchen on the homes lower level are bright and. A private, darker chamber containing the bedroom and bathroom is also set within this main volume, its roof creating one of the upper platforms and its exterior covered in open shelving. In place of conventional doors, bookcases and panels slide to reveal access. The upper-level office area inside the House of Flying Tiles. The House of Flying Tiles' reading nook has no shortage of natural light. To get to the office area one level up, simply pull down a set of ladder-like steps, and swing them back up again when they arent needed. A second, higher interior platform contains a reading nook, and yet another ladder grants access to the roof. If one things for sure, its that theres certainly no shortage of heights and angles from which to enjoy the land in this house. Seven former White House press secretaries joined six former State and Defense briefers for an open-letter CNN opinion piece arguing for a return to regular press briefings. Why it matters: The Trump White House has not held a traditional press briefing since March 11, when Sarah Sanders was still the press secretary. What they're saying: "The process of preparing for regular briefings makes the government run better. The sharing of information, known as official guidance, among government officials and agencies helps ensure that an administration speaks with one voice, telling one story, however compelling it might be. Regular briefings also force a certain discipline on government decision making. Knowing there are briefings scheduled is a powerful incentive for administration officials to complete a policy process on time. Put another way, no presidents want their briefers to say, day after day, we haven't figured that one out yet. ... Using the powerful podiums of the State Department, Pentagon and White House is a powerful tool for keeping our allies informed and letting our enemies know we are united in our determination to defeat them both on the battlefield and in the world of public diplomacy." Asked for a response, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told me: "This is groupthink at its finest. The press has unprecedented access to President Trump, yet they continue to complain because they cant grandstand on TV. Theyre not looking for information, theyre looking for a moment. This president is unorthodox in everything hes done. Hes rewritten the rules of politics. His press secretary and everyone else in the administration is reflective of that. In terms of the former press secretaries they can publicly pile on all they want. Its unfortunate, because Ive always felt I was in this small club of only 29 others who really know what I deal with each day, and that was always comforting. They may not say it publicly, but they all understand why I do things differently. They know I have three roles. They know my boss has probably spoken directly to the press more than all of theirs did combined. They know the press secretary briefs in the absence of the president, and this president is never absent a fact that should be celebrated. Like so many trailblazers, history will look back on this presidency with praise until then, Im comfortable with how I do my jobs and my team and I are always available to the press." Go deeper: Stephanie Grisham says White House briefings were "theater" This is a moment in the wake of the Soleimani killing and the mild Iranian response when everyone needs to take a deep breath. Iranian officials are clearly shocked and debating their options. They will have to factor in the fallout if, as evidence indicates, Iran mistakenly downed a Ukrainian airliner. Whether or not it was necessary or wise to kill Gen. Qassem Soleimani, his death wont produce World War III. The Iranian response will be asymmetric and occur over time. Tehrans goal is to drive the United States out of the Mideast, using the proxy Shiite militias that Soleimani fostered around the region. The immediate focus of their efforts is Baghdad. What we have is a pause, not victory, says veteran U.S. diplomat and former ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker. For the next step, watch Iraq. So let us watch. The 2003 invasion opened the door to Iranian influence there after the U.S. overthrew the Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein. Iran shares a 900-mile border with Iraq, in which a majority of Arabs are Shiite, as are most Persians. The George W. Bush administration naively believed that all Shiite Iraqis would welcome the U.S. with open arms because Saddam had oppressed them. But when I traveled to the holiest Shiite shrine city, Najaf in southern Iraq, in May 2003, religious leaders told me the Americans owed them big time. The first President Bush, they complained bitterly, had called for them to rise against Saddam during the 1991 Gulf War, then let Saddam slaughter them when they did so. The Americans should stabilize Iraq and leave, senior clerics said. They did neither, instead helping to create a sectarian political system, with Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish political parties that corruptly divide the oil spoils and fail to meet the countrys basic needs. Soleimani helped Tehran cement control over key Shiite political parties and movements. After ISIS swept into northern Iraq in 2014, the Iranian general also shaped Shiite militias into a powerful fighting force against it. Tehran still hopes to subsume the regular Iraqi army under the control of Shiite militias that are loyal to Iran. After Soleimanis death, pro-Iranian parties in parliament voted for the 5,000 or so remaining U.S. troops to leave. But its not at all clear that most Iraqis want them out. The parliaments decision was nonbinding, I was told by phone from Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, by Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqs longest-serving foreign minister (2003-14) and a leader in its Kurdish region. The current Iraqi caretaker government doesnt have the legitimacy to take this decision. Equally important, Kurdish and Sunni parties did not vote, nor are all Shia parliamentarians on board. Any such move has to be done with a national consensus, which isnt there, said Zebari. To understand why Iraqis are divided on this, one need only look at the massive street protests that had been taking place in Baghdad and elsewhere before Soleimanis death against Iranian domination of their country. These young demonstrators of whom about 450 have been killed by Shiite militiamen, probably on Soleimanis orders were also demanding an end to corrupt sectarian parties. This is the most powerful movement for change since the U.S. invaded Iraq. True, some demonstrators also spoke of the need for all foreign forces to leave, including Americans. But, said Zebari, this is not really the public sentiment on the street. And if U.S. troops leave, Iranian proxy militias will have an even freer hand to crush the protests. The key message, Zebari continued, is that the U.S. should not leave. If they evacuate, there would be a vacuum, chaos, a failed state. It would expose all U.S. allies to the threat of terrorism, and regional interference. In other words, Iranian influence would grow around the region despite Soleimanis death. Morever, if U.S. forces exit Iraq, the last troops would also have to quit northern Syria, which is supplied from Iraq. That means Iranian influence over Syria, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, would be cemented, to Israels detriment. If the U.S. gets nervous in coming days that Irans proxies may attack its forces in Iraq, Zebari has a solution. He says, They could relocate to Kurdistan if they feel threatened. We welcome them, he adds. Right now, U.S. officials are telling Iraqi leaders that the administration has no plans to pull out its soldiers. Yet on Wednesday, President Donald Trump talked of expanding a NATO role in Iraq (useless without a strong U.S. presence). Some see the presidents talk of NATO as a hint that he wants an early U.S. exit. At the same time, in a true Trump contradiction, his bizarre threats to sanction Iraq if the government asks Americans to leave make it harder for officials to defend their continued presence. Bottom line: It is time for Trump to clarify that U.S. troops will stay in Iraq, despite the temptation to pull them before November elections. To remove them now would be as powerful a tribute to Soleimani as the ayatollahs gave him in Tehran. Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Readers may email her at trubin@phillynews.com. Helen OCallaghan finds mental fitness linked to physical fitness With the goal of getting teenagers moving, new cross-curricular lesson resources have been developed for PE and Science teachers. Launched by CURAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices based at NUI Galway, the Strength in Science project has a double aim: to make science more personal and relevant to teens by linking how the biology and physics involved in exercise affects their health. And in a very subtle way: to present strong female role models working in different Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers. The Childrens Sport Participation and Physical Activity 2018 study shows that just 19% of post-primary girls meet Department of Education recommended minimum guidelines of 120 minutes of PE a week. Time pressure due to school work is often cited as a reason for allocating too little PE during school hours. The Strength in Science developers hope that by strongly linking PE lessons to the science curriculum, educators will feel time dedicated to PE isnt taking away from exam preparation. Four-lesson plan kits linked to the Junior Cycle PE and Science curriculums are available. They integrate the work of world-leading, Irish researchers with the scientific effects of exercise on areas of the body to prevent vascular disease, osteoporosis, stroke and neuro- degenerative disorders. Project leader Sarah Gundy says the programme gets at the real heart of the science behind exercise. Were hoping it will increase teen participation in exercise, as well as their understanding of how exercise affects their bodies that exercise isnt just about helping them lose weight but that it has an effect on their bones, their blood. So far, eight schools have taken on the project five in Galway, three in Dublin involving over 600 students. Gundy gives an example of the detail students will learn about the effects of exercise on the body. Trying a new exercise technique, like using a racket with your less dominant hand, builds new neurons in the brain. Aerobic exercise releases nitric oxide, which will make the insides of the arteries slippery so plaque wont stick. Among the NUI Galway researchers featured on the videos are vascular surgeon Niamh Hynes and biomedical engineer Professor Laoise McNamara. For free resources click here The USA is turning gray but thats no reason to be sad and blue. The Census Bureau reports that more than 54 million Americans are officially seniors that is, over 65 years old the highest figure in U.S. history. Seniors now comprise nearly 17% of the U.S. population, also a historic high. With about 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, the elderly share of the population is predicted to pass 20% before the end of this decade. The aging of our population reflects two trends that seem unlikely to change: older Americans are living longer, and young people are having fewer babies. Accordingly, the Census Bureau predicts that in the 2030s there will be more Americans over 65 than under 18 another first in our demographic history. Economists and politicians routinely deplore these trends. With more retired seniors receiving benefits and fewer taxpaying workers to pay for them, programs like Social Security and Medicare face serious fiscal challenges. Businesses that rely on growing young families to increase sales fear a dearth of future consumers. In fact, though, an aging population is not such a terrible problem if were willing to take some lessons from overseas. Many nations like ours industrialized, high-tech, free-market democracies have already reached the demographic destination were headed for. For the most part, those countries are growing old and loving it. In most countries of Western Europe, the elderly population share is already greater than 20%, with Italy leading the list at 23%. The world champion at population aging is Japan, where 28% of the population is over 65. About 30,000 Japanese celebrate their 100th birthday every year. In every aspect of life, Japanese society is adapting to the needs of its old folks. Books, magazines, train schedules and telephone directories are routinely printed in both normal and large-print editions. At major crosswalks, next to the button that pedestrians push to get a walk signal, theres a second button that can be pushed to get extra time to cross. Virtually every hotel, department store and train station prominently displays bright orange defibrillator machines with instructions for their use in emergencies. In buildings that have a bank of elevators, there is a designated priority elevator for people with wheelchairs or walkers. Escalators, too, have been modified to take wheelchairs. As befits a Confucian culture, the whole country celebrates a national holiday Sept. 17 called Respect for the Aged Day. Japanese newsstands are filled with collections of manga, or graphic novels. Stories about young lovers have always been a standard element of this popular genre. In recent years, though, the manga artist Kenshi Hirokane has had explosive success with a series called Tasogare Ryuuseigun, or Shooting Stars at Twilight. It spins tales of older people finding romance. In one typical story, a 70-year-old widower, bored with retirement, takes a part-time job as a corporate chauffeur. Hes assigned to drive a senior vice president, a woman nearing 60 who has never found room for a man in her busy life. Over time, they develop a warm friendship. One night the VP tells her driver to pull into the driveway of a love hotel, a common venue in Japan for indulging in a secret tryst. A wild evening ensues, and the two become ardent lovers. Hirokane has published 56 volumes of these twilight tales so far, and millions of readers buy each new collection. Including me I love this series. To offset the fiscal drain of old-age pensions and health care, Japan has made major efforts to keep seniors at work, raising the eligibility age for pensions and banning a mandatory retirement age. As a result, a nation with a declining population has seen an actual increase in people at work and paying payroll taxes. For millions of Japanese, the last years of life are turning out to be the best. I recently visited my old friend Maruta Yasuko in Kanagawa. After commuting to work for some 40 years two jam-packed trains plus a long subway ride twice each day she now enjoys the free time to spend with her family, cook fancy meals, and take up hobbies. At 82, Yasuko dyed her hair purple and started piano lessons. When I teased her about that Grandma playing chopsticks she had a ready answer. Im not the oldest person in the class, she said. So, Yes: the USA is turning gray. But other countries can show us how to relish our demographic destiny. The World Future Energy Summit 2020 (WFES), one of the largest sustainability gatherings, and its co-located events open today in Abu Dhabi. More than 33,500 delegates are expected to attend the events. The events, to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will run at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) till January 16. The co-events include WFES Energy, WFES Water, WFES Solar, WFES ecoWASTE, WFES Green Buildings and WFES Mobility. This is the 13th year that Adnec has hosted WFES and the event is one of the key international events on Adnecs annual calendar. With 33,500 attendees expected from 170 countries, and 800 specialist exhibitors, the World Future Energy Summit is the Middle Easts largest future energy and sustainability event. Held annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), the 2020 edition includes exhibition and forum programmes across five main pillars: energy, solar, water, waste and smart cities, hosting an unrivalled gathering of top-level government and business leaders. WFES is further reinforcing its reputation as a global marketplace for renewable energy and sustainable technology with over 90 percent of the exhibitor space selling out quickly in late 2019. The event has 20% growth for its 2020 edition compared to 2019. The summit provides a platform where global future energy, cleantech and sustainability community come together. From innovators and academics to political and industry leaders, it is an important annual event that showcases the state-of-the-art, enables new business and investment to flow, and sets the agenda. WFES will bring together government and business leaders and specialist exhibitors from around the globe, showcasing pioneering technologies and ground-breaking thinking in energy, energy efficiency, water, solar, waste and smart cities. As a global hub for business, innovation and knowledge exchange at the heart of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the World Future Energy Summit inspires the advancement and transfer of ideas, technology and investment across borders and between the public and private sectors worldwide, helping to stimulate sustainable growth for all stakeholders. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and group CEO of Adnec, said: We have entered the final stages of our preparations for WFES and our team of experts have been working around the clock. Adnec has invested significantly in its facilities and infrastructure required by todays global events industry for events to ensure that Adnec is regarded as one of the worlds leading venues for exhibitions and conferences and hosting such major exhibitions such as WFES highlights Adnecs position as one of the leading venues for such high profile events." -TradeArabia News Service A friend of a young student who was found dead in a suspected suicide after leading a divisive protest at a drag queen library reading session has described him as a man who had his 'struggles and mistakes'. Wilson Gavin was one of between 15 to 20 students who loudly protested at the Drag Storytime event at Brisbane Square Library in the city's CBD on Sunday afternoon. The president of the University of Queensland's Liberal National Club was found dead in southern Brisbane the following morning. Wilson Gavin (pictured during a media appearance on Sky News as a spokesman for the Australian Monarchist League) has been described as a 'very tormented soul' after being found dead in a suspected suicide in the wake of leading a protest against a drag time story reading Protester Wilson Gavin and friends stormed a drag queen story-time event for children at a library in Brisbane's CBD (left and right). He confronts Diamond Good-rim above Mr Gavin, a monarchist, opposed same-sex marriage despite being openly gay. Polly Wilson, who claimed to be his aunt, posted on Twitter in the wake of Mr Gavin's death to describe him as a 'tormented soul'. 'He was a very tormented young man and lost his way in life. He had a lovely heart,' Ms Wilson wrote in one social media comment. In another she criticised her Mr Gavin's protest, but attempted to justify his reasoning. 'I stand by everything I said on Twitter in regard to my late nephew Wilson Gavins behaviour at the library - it was despicable behaviour. However, there is a reason for everyones behaviour. He was a very tormented soul and I loved him,' she said. Mr Gavin's friend Drew Pavlou paid tribute to a 'decent and kind person that cared for others' while acknowledging the inner torment he suffered. 'He had his struggles and made mistakes, and it is a tragedy for us all that he ultimately succumbed to his suffering and pain,' Mr Pavlou wrote in a Facebook post. Social media user Polly Wilson, who was claiming to be Mr Gavin's aunt, posted on Twitter in the wake of his death to describe her nephew as a 'tormented soul' Mr Gavin's friend Drew Pavlou paid tribute to a 'decent and kind person that cared for others' while acknowledging the inner torment he suffered 'Today is a reminder of all we must do to affirm to young marginalised Australians the intrinsic worth and value of their lives.' The tragedy came after the protest at an event where drag queens read stories to children and their parents to teach kids about the fluidity of gender identity and provide them with queer role models. Footage of the protest shows the demonstrators chanting loudly while one of two performers Diamond Good-Rim tries to get them to stop. The Veronicas' star Jessica Origliasso, who is engaged to transgender bartender Kai Carlton said she was furious at the protest and called the group bigoted The video featuring Mr Gavin went viral and was slammed by The Veronicas star Jessica Origliasso, who is engaged to transgender bartender Kai Carlton. Before the tragedy emerged, Origliasso described the demonstration as a 'tone deaf 'protest' and fueled by bigotry.' In the wake of Mr Gavin's death, drag queen Diamond Good-Rim issued a statement saying he was deeply saddened by the news. 'My thoughts and deep condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time,' he said. 'We all need to band together at this awful, difficult time. Please, if any of you are feeling affected in any way by these recent events, reach out for support.' Johnny Valkyrie, the second drag queen at the event, said: 'If the family (of Mr Gavin) are reading this please know that I support you, and I am here to gather support and I know you are good people.' Mr Pavlou said his mate was 'at his core a very kind person that cared for others'. 'MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY': DRAG QUEENS RESPONDS Johnny Valkyrie Johnny Valkyrie, one of two drag queens involved in the Brisbane library incident, said his heart goes out to Wilson Gavin's family and friends. 'If the family are reading this please know that I support you, and I am here to gather support and I know you are good people,' he said. 'To those of you who follow me, if you require support please reach out to community services and hotlines which are freely available to the community. 'I cannot say anymore at this stage. I have to reflect on the events, heal and extend my love to the community.' Diamond Good-rim, another library performer, said: 'I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Wilson Gavin this morning. My thoughts and deep condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. 'We all need to band together at this awful, difficult time.' Advertisement 'I had the great privilege of seeing that side of him in life,' he said. 'He was hilarious and a riot to be around, his fame will always remain legendary.' Mr Gavin, a gay man, previously made the news in 2017 for opposing same sex marriage. The then 19-year-old fronted a 'You Can Say No' rally, saying: 'I support what marriage really is and I'm gay.' He also made media appearances as a spokesman for the Australian Monarchist League. Writer Satyajeet Marar said: 'Wilson Gavin was an intelligent, witty, articulate and outspoken young man with a good heart. 'Despite holding opinions that some people disagree with strongly, he would defend them with conviction. 'Brave and admirable traits while most of us in this generation spend years obsessing over what others think of us and worrying about whether expressing our opinions will cause people to dislike us.' The University of Queensland Liberal National Club deactivated its Facebook page on Monday afternoon. Despite its name, the club is no longer formally associated with the political party. State Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington declined to comment on the 'unconfirmed reports' at a press conference earlier today. 'I think today is a day to think about a bit of compassion and respect for people,' Ms Frecklington said. A spokeswoman for the University of Queensland said the institution will provide support for staff and students, and said they hope 'everyone shows consideration for those affected during the difficult days ahead'. For 24/7 confidential crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids' Helpline 1800 551 800 Rape is once again dominating the headlines in the UK. The context is different this time, and involves a foreign criminal justice system. But the story and its treatment in the press bears the hallmarks of the trial by media we have become so accustomed to witnessing when it comes to reported cases of rape in this country. The victim is a young female Brit who reported being raped by a gang of up to 12 men while on holiday in Cyprus. The 19-year-old later retracted her statement after a lengthy police interrogation in which she did not have a lawyer present. However, she later said that she was forced to withdraw her case by the Cypriot authorities. Nonetheless, on Tuesday, she received a suspended sentence for public mischief, which could potentially result in future incarceration. For a teenager who, according to her family, has been diagnosed with PTSD following her experience like so many other rape survivors the prospect of serving prison time abroad must be terrifying. The case has prompted international outcry and criticism of the Cypriot criminal justice system. It has also rightly encouraged a comprehensive and meaningful discussion in some corners of the internet about how rapes can be better prosecuted, as well as attempts to debunk traditional characterisations of what rape victims should look like or how they should behave. Many have criticised the Mediterranean islands criminal justice system, its culture of misogyny, its treatment of rape victims and its inability to convict rapists all of which is merited. Fighters of UN-backed government forces observe the eastern-based army in Southern Tripoli, Libya, on Jan. 12, 2020. Libya's UN-backed government and the eastern-based army on Sunday accused each other of breaching the cease-fire in southern Tripoli. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua) TRIPOLI, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed government and the eastern-based army on Sunday accused each other of breaching the cease-fire in southern Tripoli. The UN-backed government said in a statement that the eastern-based army breached cease-fire in Salah Addin and Wadi al-Rabee in southern Tripoli minutes after the cease-fire took effect. On the other hand, the eastern-based army said the UN-backed government forces made 30 breaches of the cease-fire in southern Tripoli. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called on the Libyan rival parties to establish an immediate cease-fire by midnight of Jan. 12. Both the UN-backed government and the eastern-based army agreed to cease fire. January 13, 2020 - SEOUL, South Korea - The International Vaccine Institute (IVI), a Seoul, Korea-based international organization, announced today that the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (Sida) will continue to support IVI's mission to accelerate vaccine research and development for global health with a total contribution of SEK 50 million (approximately 5.24 million USD) over the next five years as part of a longstanding partnership between the Swedish government and IVI. "We're proud to have Sweden's long-term support and partnership. Unrestricted support from Sida enables IVI to implement strategic imperatives and pursue independent research and innovation. We're very grateful for the latitude to advance both our scientific portfolio and core activities. "Our partnership has made possible significant accomplishments in the past, including the development and delivery of the world's first affordable oral cholera vaccine. We're looking forward to further collaboration in achieving global goals," said Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI. Sweden was one of the first countries to sign the IVI Establishment Agreement in 1997 and started funding IVI in 2002 through Sida. Since IVI's first research collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and Swedish Biological Laboratories in 2000, Sweden has played an invaluable role in developing IVI's landmark oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Shanchol, and later, Euvichol and Euvichol Plus, vaccines developed through technology transfer from IVI and prequalified by the WHO. To date, over 42 million doses of these low-cost OCVs have been deployed worldwide. "IVI's contribution to global health is invaluable considering both the technical support provided to low- and middle-income countries and the focus on diseases disproportionally affecting people living in poverty," said Dr Teresa Soop, Senior research advisor at Sida. In addition to funding for IVI operations, Sida has previously granted additional project funding for IVI's priority disease areas: cholera, dengue, and typhoid. These funds have supported a range of epidemiology and vaccine programs, including generating evidence on disease burden across developing Asian and African countries; accelerating the development and introduction of affordable dengue, oral cholera, and typhoid vaccines across Asia and South America; and increasing the capacity of developing countries to implement immunization programs in Central Asia. Sida's contribution to IVI extends beyond providing core funding and governance, to impacting operations and culture, particularly in the areas of sustainability and gender equality. With Sida's guidance, IVI initiated an Environmental Impact Assessment in 2018 which resulted in the formation of an internal Environmental Management System committee to oversee IVI's environmental impacts and champion sustainable development. IVI has also initiated efforts to further cultivate diversity and inclusion in personnel policies and leadership. These are two examples of how IVI benefits from and reciprocates partnership with its member states. ### About the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a nonprofit inter-governmental organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, IVI was the first international organization hosted by Korea. IVI has 35 signatory countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) on its treaty, including Korea, Sweden and India as state funders. Our mandate is to make vaccines available and accessible for the world's most vulnerable people. We focus on infectious diseases of global health importance such as cholera, typhoid, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, Group A Strep, Hepatitis A, HPV, TB, HIV, MERS-Corona Virus, as well as antimicrobial resistance. For more information, please visit https://www.ivi.int About the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, is Sweden's government agency for international development cooperation. We strive to reduce world poverty by allocating resources and knowledge with the goal of making a difference for people in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. To achieve this, we collaborate with actors from civil society and universities as well as the public and private sector. Sida's activities are funded through Swedish tax revenue. Libya's Government of National Accord Accuses Haftar's Forces of Ceasefire Violations Sputnik News 12:04 12.01.2020(updated 12:33 12.01.2020) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, agreed on a common stance on Libya and called for a comprehensive ceasefire starting midnight January 12. They also urged all conflict parties to begin negotiations. Libya's Government of National Accord has accused the Libyan Armed Forces of almost immediately violating the ceasefires in the Salah ad-Din and Wadi ar-Rabiya districts of Tripoli. Earlier, the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) under Fayez Sarraj announced on Sunday that it had joined the ceasefire in western Libya on the heels of the rival Libyan National Army (LNA). "The presidential council's head [GNA] and commander-in-chief of the Libyan army [Fayez Sarraj] declares ceasefire that began at midnight of January 12," the GNA said in a statement on Facebook. With that, the GNA stressed reserving "its lawful right to respond to any attack or aggression from the other side." The situation in Libya has escalated over the past several weeks as LNA commander Khalifa Haftar ordered his troops to advance on the Libyan capital of Tripoli, controlled by the UN-recognized GNA. The city has already experienced being a battleground of a similar attack in April when hundreds of people were left killed and thousands more injured. After the ouster and assassination of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country was plunged into a brutal civil war. Today, Libya is divided between two centers of power: an elected parliament in the country's east, and the UN-backed GNA in the west. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Passengers on board a Virgin Australia flight have recalled the terrifying moment the plane suddenly 'nosedived' before oxygen masks dropped from above and the pilot made an emergency announcement. Flight VA721 took off from Adelaide Airport on Sunday night bound for Perth, with the mid-air scare unfolding about 20 minutes before the plane was due to land. One passenger, Dylan Geiles, told 7 News: 'We started sort of nose-diving at a 45-degree angle almost.' He said braced for the worst when the pilot announced there was an issue and the masks began to drop. A Virgin Australia flight frightened passengers after the plane began to 'nose dive' 25 minutes before landing and oxygen masks dropped 'As soon as that happened the captain made an announcement and said we have to do an emergency descent,' Mr Geiles said. A spokeswoman for the airline refuted that the aircraft 'nosedived', saying a descent was made due to an issue with the cabin pressurisation system. Emergency services were called to meet the plane at the terminal, where the aircraft landed safely. 'Virgin Australia Regional Airlines flight VA721 travelling from Adelaide-Perth landed safely in Perth last night, after an issue with the cabin pressurisation system was identified by our flight crew,' the airline said. 'Safety is our number one priority and our flight crew took all necessary steps to mitigate this issue inflight. 'In line with standard operating procedures, emergency services met the aircraft upon arrival and guests and crew safely disembarked. Engineers are currently inspecting the aircraft.' She's known for helping others achieve their best bodies through her workout program, Keep it Cleaner. And fitness guru Steph Claire Smith has stripped down for a body positive campaign for lingerie brand Bras N Things. The 25-year-old showed off her fit physique in beige, black and berry underwear sets, while posing alongside plus-size model Jennifer Atilemile. Picture perfect: Fitness guru Steph Claire Smith has stripped down for a body positive campaign for lingerie brand Bras N Things They were also joined by Jessica Quinn, an influencer from New Zealand whose leg was amputated after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine. In the campaign photos, the models look radiant as they pose against a backdrop of cream and natural hues. They giggle and smile for the camera, as they lounge around on bedroom furniture. Inspiring: Bras N Things' Body Bliss campaign also features amputee Jessica Quinn (centre) and plus-size model Jennifer Atilemile (right) The women wore different sets from the range designed to flatter their body types. The Bras N Things Body Bliss campaign is designed to celebrate women feeling comfortable in their own bodies and the blissful feeling 'you only get when you find a comfy, perfectly fitting bra'. Bras N Things' National Marketing Manager Natalie Chalmers said: 'Steph, Jessica and Jennifer embody this and are all women who feel comfortable in their skin. 'While they all have different stories to tell and have overcome different challenges in their lives, it's their strength, resilience and confidence that has been the driving force behind their achievements. Lingerie philosophy: 'When you have the right fit, you'll feel better and have the confidence to strut what you've got,' Steph said Wow! Steph showed off her fit physique in matching beige, black and berry underwear sets 'At Bras N Things we think that behind every successful woman is herself. This is true for the women in this campaign and women everywhere - which is something to celebrate.' Steph, who has been modelling for Bras N Things since 2016, has previously spoken about the boost of confidence she gets when she finds perfectly fitted lingerie. 'When you have the right fit, you'll feel better and have the confidence to strut what you've got,' she said. Eight people have been stabbed in what has been described as a series of random attacks in a Colorado city that occurred overnight over a period of nearly an hour. The attacks were first reported to police at around 1.30am in Colorado Springs, with officers responding to find two injured victims there. Then, at around 2.10am, officers responded to another report of stabbings, where they found several more victims, some of whom were detaining the suspect. According to local media, police said that the eight victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and that their condition was not immediately clear. Police did, however, say that the attacks appeared to be random, and that there was no apparent relationship between the victims and the attacker. The police have not released the suspects name as of yet, citing an ongoing investigation. They have also refused to provide a public photo of the individual. Colorado Springs sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, roughly 50 miles south of Denver. The city has a population of nearly 465,000 people. US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned the Iranian regime not to "kill demonstrators" who took to the streets after the government admitted it had "unintentionally" shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet earlier last week. "National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions and protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "don't kill your protesters," Trump said on Twitter. His comments came after Robert O'Brien said on "Fox News Sunday" that Iran would soon have "no choice" but to engage diplomatically with the Trump administration, arguing that new sanctions passed were successfully ramping up the pressure on Tehran. "I think the maximum pressure campaign is working," O'Brien said. "Iran is being choked off and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table." "What's going to cause them to negotiate is the pressure on the economy, and when you've got students out there chanting 'death to the dictator,' and when you have thousands of Iranians out protesting in the street, that's the sort of pressure that's going to bring them to the table," he added. Iran and the US appeared to be at the edge of military conflict last week after the killing of Qasem Soleimani, head of Iran's Quds forces, for which Iranian forces responded with a barrage of missiles aimed at two Iraqi bases housing US troops, though the strikes caused minimal damage and no casualties. Trump appeared to back off from talk of war this week in a public address to the nation, saying on Wednesday: "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." "Our great American forces are prepared for anything," he added. "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," the President told his nation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 13, 2020 Zacks Equity Research Shares of CrowdStrike CRWD as the Bull of the Day, FedEx FDX asthe Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Microsoft MSFT, Amazon AMZN and Alphabet GOOGL. Here is a synopsis of all five stocks: Bull of the Day: CrowdStrikeis the $11 billion cyber-security darling of 2019 that IPO'd around $60 last June, ran to $100 in August and then just built a base around $45-50 in Q4. And that was part of the reason I pounced on shares under $50 on December 30 once the selling appeared to be over. In fact, the sellers may regret what they just did last month. Here's what I told my TAZR Trader group in the recent Buy Alert... TAZR Traders: Portfolio is buying CrowdStrike between $48 and $50. CrowdStrike has a powerful AI/machine learning (ML) approach to 24/7 malware threats that can no longer be recognized with traditional "signature-based" metrics (past threat patterns) CRWD became a Zacks #2 Rank after beating expectations and providing solid guidance in its Q3 report on Dec 5. But the stock sold off afterwards, with particularly heavy volume on Dec 9 -- exactly 180 days after its IPO on June 12. And that means it was IPO investors who were "locked-up" and just wanted out after missing their chance to sell at $100. Shares dropped from that peak during the Ukraine news. The bad news is that just about any selling was justified in the second half based valuation alone as the stock still trades at 20X forward sales with a $10 billion market cap. The good news is that the insider selling hardly put a dent in the potential turn that is setting up. In fact, shares couldn't even touch the Oct-Nov double bottom at $45 and there has been a good amount of volume this month showing willing buyers taking shares from shaky insider hands. Now that they are out of the way, let's see what the growth and upside are for CRWD. (end of excerpt from TAZR Buy Alert on Jan 30) Story continues I went on in that report to describe the analysts who were turning bullish again, despite the valuation. Silencing the Haters Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on CRWD shares to $90 after going over the company's Q3 beats in core SaaS metrics... **ARR increased 97.4% y/y to $501.7 million vs. $465.2M Stifel estimate **Total revenue increased 88.5% y/y to $125.1M vs. $119M Stifel estimate **Subscription revenue increased 98.1% y/y to $114.2M vs. $108.5M Stifel estimate Stifel analyst Gur Talpaz said CrowdStrike delivered "another clean beat" in Q3 across all major financial metrics and he believes the company's report "has put to bed unsubstantiated fears surrounding heightened competitive pressures and various conspiracy theories." In a note titled "Mic Drop: CrowdStrike Silences the Haters," Talpaz added that he believes CrowdStrike's cloud-centric approach to endpoint and device security is increasingly resonating with customers and he continues to see the company having "a significant cloud-defined moat that other vendors are ill-equipped to compete against." Guidance Raised Ahead of Another Big Growth Year CrowdStrike management also raised guidance for their Q4 FY20 (ends in January) with total revenue in the range of $135.9-138.6 million vs. prior consensus $127.2M. This caused analysts not only to raise this year's EPS estimates but FY 2021 (begins February) jumped from a loss of 40-cents to a loss of just 21-cents. The topline is expected to grow a healthy 42% from $467 million to $664 million in the new year. Oppenheimer titled their post-earnings note: Solid F3Q20 Execution Supported by Record Net New Customer & ARR; Positive Cash Flow In Sight for FY21. They have a $100 PT on CRWD shares. Mizuho analyst Gregg Moskowitz wrote that CrowdStrike Holdings reported another "spectacular quarter." Despite a high fundamental bar heading into the print, the company surpassed expectations as total annual recurring revenue growth of 97% year-over-year easily beat the Street's 85% estimate. The analyst continues to believe the stock will likely show a strong rebound over the next several months. He keeps a Buy rating on CrowdStrike with a $77 price target. And on Dec 30, the day I first bought CRWD shares under $50, came this analyst move... Needham Adds CRWD to Conviction List Needham analyst Alex Henderson kept his Buy rating and $92 price target on Crowdstrike, and added the stock to the Needham Conviction List in favor ofZscaler, calling it his "Single Best Idea in Security" heading into 2020. The analyst said the company's "technology, platform and efficacy" combine to create "one of the core platforms in Security" regardless of its customer strategy. Henderson added that CrowdStrike offers the "right technology" to improve security for either legacy perimeter defense or for "emerging, zero-trust" cloud-direct security. Customers from Goldman to Mercedes to US.Gov Last week I wrote a longer piece on CRWD and my increasing conviction in the company's solutions and sales potential after (1) learning more about their customers and (2) understanding their use of AI and machine learning (ML) to tackle persistent malware attacks, especially from skilled adversaries from Iran... In that short video and detailed article, I describe the security threats to banks, infrastructure, and technology networks that will only grow this decade, requiring 24/7 cyber "learning machines." The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team did a video presentation with the company because their car engineers and technicians rely on CrowdStrike to protect the data streaming from thousands of sensors every time they test something. Obviously, this group was willing to do a commercial for CrowdStrike. Hundreds of other companies probably don't want to talk about these data risks. But just think about how many corps have similar voluminous proprietary data streaming in thousands of IoT channels that they need protected? CrowdStrike Falcon on GovCloud Another impressive customer win was at Goldman Sachs, where CISO (chief info security officer) Andy Ozment previously worked in senior-level US government roles for over 6 years. Obviously, the dude knows his stuff. The most critical vulnerability we all share is a cyber-attack on government and utility services like happened in Atlanta in 2018. Not surprisingly, Crowdstrike is already working closely with US agencies as Falcon on GovCloud provides the industrys first cloud-delivered endpoint security and IT hygiene solution. Each component is tailored for securing the U.S. public sector, and is FedRAMP authorized and delivered from AWS GovCloud. This is probably why CrowdStrike was such a natural choice for Ozment and Goldman. Falcon on GovCloud enables customers to prevent all types of modern attacks and significantly reduces the cost of operating security infrastructure. These things were on my mind last week after the US strike on Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani. And it propelled me on Friday January 3 to issue this trade alert... TAZR Traders: Portfolio is adding to CrowdStrike under $51. Looking for the massive call buying action in CRWD that I noted earlier this morning, I came across two other data points... 1) Nomura predicts that CrowdStrike is poised for "another year of hyper-growth." The comment came in Nomura's note previewing the year and the firm's best ideas. The firm maintains a Buy rating and $71 target on CrowdStrike. 2) As we evaluate what Iran is capable of and likely to do, I was reminded of the 2018 utility "ransomware" cyber-attack on Atlanta that was executed by two Iranian hackers. (story excerpt below from Wikipedia) These might explain the bullish action in Jan, Feb, and March call options. (end of Jan 3 TAZR Buy Alert) Ransomware is Not New According to CrowdStrike, an exponential growth curve of malware has made it a pervasive and persistent threat to end users. Most virus protection software can't catch half of it now. What I love about the CrowdStrike approach to using AI and ML to seek and destroy cyber threats is that it's about "going where the ball will be." In other words, the most sophisticated cyber threats of this decade won't be designed by humans. They will be machine-made. So why not get ready for full-scale cyber war with the only tools that can win -- better machine programs that are constantly learning. Besides that, even if CRWD is not the winner of this war, you and I will be because we'll be studying the most urgent application of ML and AI: national security. Malware Meets Machine Learning On Monday January 6, I gave my TAZR members this report... Short Game in CRWD Getting Crowded The investing crowd came for CRWD today and 4 more events made them chase the shares +9% on massive volume of over 21 million shares! 1. CrowdStrike CEO on Cramer's show Friday evening 2. Actual pro-Iranian hack of a US government website on Saturday (as I suggested was likely) 3. VMWare's head of cyber-security interviewed Friday evening on Bloomberg on his knowledge of the "footprints" and "lateral" threats now possible from Iran 4. Bloomberg published a story about the Iranian hack of Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands casino in 2014 All of this combined for a massive bonfire of short positions as new longs deployed fresh capital. CRWD shorts had already been covering in December, leaving the shares short at just 6.5 million. So that's how we know there was even more fresh money pouring in to the stock. In the article vlog linked above, I go over each bullet in more detail. I also evaluate the current odds of a major vs. minor cyber attack by Iran and share some of the 2020 CyberWar outlook from the analysts at SunTrust. CrowdStrike seems pretty confident that their model of "cloud native" and data-centric solutions is a breakthrough in cyber security on par with Salesforce's CRM Cloud and Workday's HR Cloud. If that claim of upper-tier industry domination is even half true, the stock has higher to go in 2020 and beyond. Disclosure: I own CRWD shares for the Zacks TAZR Trader portfolio. Bear of the Day: FedExdid it again. For the second consecutive quarter, the shipping and logistics pioneer delivered another disappointing quarter and outlook. On December 17, the company reported a 10% EPS miss for Q2 fiscal 2020 (ended Nov) on account of a weaker global economy due to escalating trade tensions, higher costs at the Ground unit and loss of business with Amazon. Simultaneously, the company slashed its fiscal 2020 adjusted earnings outlook on expectations of lower revenues at each of the transportation segments and increased costs due to expansion of 7-day delivery service at the Ground unit. Since then, analyst have taken estimates down yet again. The EPS consensus for the current fiscal year ending in May has dropped 10.2% from $12.07 to $10.84. And FY '21 (starts in June) fell nearly 9% from $13.63 to $12.42. Whats Going on with FedEx? -- Part 2 FedEx Chief Executive Fred Smith gave analysts a surprisingly sober view of his business during the earnings conference call that day. "When you have a change that comes on you as fast as this did, it's hard to react to it. Our international business, especially in Europe, weakened significantly since we last talked with you." "Most of the issues that we are dealing with today are induced by bad political choices. I mean, making a bad decision about a new tax, creating a tremendously difficult situation with Brexit, the immigration crisis in Germany, the mercantilism and state-owned enterprise initiatives in China, the tariffs that the United States put in unilaterally. So you just go down the list, and they're all things that have created macroeconomic slowdown." Most analysts were caught off-guard. Morgan Stanley analyst Ravi Shanker summed up the reaction of many when he wrote later "We recognize that global growth has slowed but we are very surprised by the magnitude of the headwind, which is what might be seen in a severe recession." My colleague Ben Rains wrote about FedEX as the Bear of the Day in late October after a similar report and outlook... Whats Going on with FedEx? -- Part 1 FedEx shocked many on Wall Street when the firm in August essentially ended its relationship with Amazon. Some might contend that the global shipping powerhouse pulled the cord too early, even though company management noted that Amazon contracts represented only a small proportion of its revenues. CEO Frederick Smith said on FedExs Q1 fiscal 2020 earnings call that his companys decision not to renew its Amazon contract will hurt near-term profits. However, he went on to note that the company has started to land and onboard deals to help replace the lost traffic, while also removing significant costs which were unique to Amazon's requirements. It seems that the Memphis, Tennessee-based firm didnt want to be in business with a company that aims to take over the global shipping and logistics market. And FedEx hopes to do what Microsoft has done with cloud computing: attract Amazons direct rivals, including companies like Walmart. FDX aims to improve its FedEx Express hub automation, modernize its FedEx Express air fleet, and much more going forward. Management also outlined how it plans to enhance its offerings to attract more e-commerce customers and business to consumer clients, while remaining a B2B-heavy operation. To lead in e-commerce, we have launched or announced FedEx Extra Hours, an express service, which provides nightly pickup with delivery the next business day, Smith went on to say on FDXs earnings call. FedEx has more plans to help improve and bolster its e-commerce business as it aims to better compete against its core competitors. Company management noted that FedEx competes against four other firms: United Parcel Service, DHL, the US Postal Service, and more recently Amazon. Along with investors Amazon-related questions, FedEx continued to point to broader economic worries. Last quarter, the company significantly cut its fiscal 2020 profit forecast and noted that its performance continues to be negatively impacted by a weakening global macro environment driven by increasing trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Canary in the Global Economy? It's wise to be concerned about the trade war and global slowdown impacts on FedEx. Given the consistent shipping volumes that flow through their network, if they slowdown, the whole world economy may be headed that way. Right now, we've seen this show up in the manufacturing PMI and ISM data. But the rest of the US economy appears robust. Until we have more data to know which way the momentum is going, it's probably best to just watch FedEx as a business and avoid the shares. One thing for sure that will give you a clue is the Zacks Rank as it rises and signals rising estimates again. Additional content: Microsofts Azure Poised to Pop Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives put out a positive note on Microsofts cloud business, which isnt as easy to follow as Amazons AWS because Microsoft doesnt break out all aspects of its cloud business. So the comparison we actually read about in most cases is the infrastructure (IaaS) business, which still trails Amazon. But Microsoft also offers PaaS, which makes its cloud offerings more robust and attractive to new adopters. Thats probably why the analyst thinks it is firing on all cylinders around Office 365 and its Azure strategic vision. It also makes the business bigger than AWS. Whats more, the December edition of the Goldman Sachs bi-annual survey of 100 technology executives at Global 2000 companies shows that 56 are using Azure IaaS versus 48 for AWS, which seems to indicate that Microsoft is narrowing the gap in this segment as well. Goldman Sachs analysts estimate that 23% of IT workloads are already on public clouds, a jump from 19% in June. They expect that number to go to 43% over the next three years, which means huge growth potential not only for Amazon and Microsoft but also for the distant third, Alphabet. Microsoft has always had an edge at enterprise customers because of its being the incumbent player whose offerings most enterprises are already using. Migration or the hybrid approach that they largely prefer is easier when youre using the same vendor. Ives is saying that the business has now reached a tipping point where the trend of Amazon winning more of the orders is going to change. Enterprise customers and partners we have spoken to over the past few weeks indicate a clear acceleration of larger and more strategic enterprise cloud deals as Redmond is poised to win the majority of the next phase of cloud deployments versus the likes of Amazon and Bezos, he says. And best of all is the JEDI win according to Ives because of the ripple effect that will be felt for years to come on both the government and enterprise fronts and thus indicates a seminal moment in the cloud battle between these two stalwarts. Overall, he thinks that clearly Amazon won the first phase of cloud spending, but this next phase of cloud will be dominated by Redmond as it gains share and significantly narrows the gap over the coming years. The cloud business does indeed seem to be the thing driving share prices, which are up 57%+ over the past year. But this is also why the shares are overvalued with respect to the S&P 500 on every consideration except cash flow. Thats why we have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) on the shares. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. 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All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report FedEx Corporation (FDX) : Free Stock Analysis Report CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (CRWD) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19:Jason Donovan performs on stage during a "Chicago The Musical" media call on December 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: (L-R) Zac Donovan, Jason Donovan and Jemma Donovan attend The Olivier Awards with Mastercard at Royal Albert Hall on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) A cocaine addiction nearly cost him his life during the 1990s, but today Jason Donovan gets all the kicks he needs from performing. The dad-of-three is currently celebrating the 30th anniversary of his first album, Ten Good Reasons, marking it with a 52-date tour that includes a show in Belfast. Fans will be treated to the classic hits that made Jason an even bigger star than he was during his time on Neighbours, including Too Many Broken Hearts and Especially For You, as well as many of his hits from musicals, such as Any Dream Will Do. "It was a big year for me, 1989," the 51-year-old says. "I've been very lucky in that sort of sense - to have had one of those in a lifetime, the biggest-selling album in the UK that year. Expand Close MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19:Jason Donovan performs on stage during a "Chicago The Musical" media call on December 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images) Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19:Jason Donovan performs on stage during a "Chicago The Musical" media call on December 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images) "Nostalgia's massive at the moment, (but) I haven't done my own show in Belfast in a long time. "I think with performing, it's like a drug - the adrenaline kicks in as you go on stage, but I'm still anxious about delivering. Am I going to remember the words? Am I going to sing in tune? And what type of show's it going to be? "Recently I've been more fit than ever. There's nothing worse than going on stage when you're feeling sick or not focused. "I now know what I don't want to do, which is great. I know a lot of people who don't experience those extremes, not that taking drugs is anything cool in any way, shape or form. "Sometimes you learn so much from those times that it's an education. But listen, I'll tell you straight up, I would rather have not experienced it. Do I regret it? Not really. Am I proud of it and am I singing about it? No, not at all. "I was one of the lucky ones who got out. I was one of the lucky ones who wanted to change. Expand Close Jason Donovan and wife Angela. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jason Donovan and wife Angela. "There's no such thing as a good journey in taking drugs. Having had children and watching what sort of effect that had on them and my dad and how that would have affected him at the time... it's all relative. You think you're bulletproof when you're younger. "Alcohol gives me anxiety now. I love a drink, don't get me wrong, but if I'm absolutely honest, if I have a drink now, particularly if I go for a bit of a night out, it does give me anxiety." Jason, whose family roots can be traced to Cork, is no stranger to Belfast and has had some great shows in the city. "Belfast has changed a lot, for the better," he says. "Let's hope, let's keep our fingers crossed, that it finds itself through this difficult negotiation process." These days the performer tries to keep a good work-life balance, but it's easier said than done. "I'm still exhausted, still doing everything," he admits. "But I'm mature enough to be able to walk away from things that I don't think are right and not get worried about it. "Life goes on and you tend to believe in yourself a little bit more. It's a classic example of if you believe in yourself, everyone believes what you are doing is the right thing, so everyone follows. It's when you don't believe that everyone starts to question. Expand Close LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: (L-R) Zac Donovan, Jason Donovan and Jemma Donovan attend The Olivier Awards with Mastercard at Royal Albert Hall on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: (L-R) Zac Donovan, Jason Donovan and Jemma Donovan attend The Olivier Awards with Mastercard at Royal Albert Hall on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) "I love to keep fit, ride my bike and travel. I want to spend a bit more time in the sun as I get older. I've been living in London for 30 years, longer than I have lived in my own country. "I'd still love to learn to relax a little bit more and not worry about things. "Having a family, you're always wanting the best. I'm at the stage where I think, 'How many bedrooms do you actually need in a house?' Do you know what I mean? We all build up (and then) scale down (when) we realise fundamentally what's important is family and health." While Jason is a household name, he was never hungry for fame. "I never set out to be famous," he says. "That was a by-product of what I did, which was called acting. Fame is a funny one... it's a currency and it goes up and down. Sometimes it's really nice to trade in and other times it's not. "There's a lot of benefits and a lot of negatives. It's a club in a way, being famous, and as long as you remember what you're famous for, you understand it doesn't guarantee you your next job. Expand Close Kylie and Jason on Neighbours AFP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kylie and Jason on Neighbours "I think social media is a wonderful tool for people like myself. I would avoid it once I've had a few drinks, but it enables me to tell the story I want to tell. It is dangerous for a lot of people, but I find it addictive and empowering. "No one needs a fan club anymore. I remember when I used to sweat over sending letters out and trying to get my message across. "With respect to journalists and the media, once that leaves your mouth, it can be interpreted in different ways. When you can print it yourself to your audience, that's the ultimate control. I think that's empowering." Jason has had a long and varied career, but he hopes the best is yet to come. "Timing in life is sort of everything. For me to have landed in Neighbours in 1985, that gave me the leverage to move into music," he explains. Expand Close Jason Donovan with Philip Schofield - both in costumes form Joseph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jason Donovan with Philip Schofield - both in costumes form Joseph "From there, the profile that I had enabled me to do a lot of things. I guess it's not always about the splash. It's about surviving the swim after the splash. It's a long-distance run rather than a sprint. "I've tried to keep learning. I've gone into different areas in my career and I'm still doing it, but it's wonderful to have a core audience that you can always sit back on. That's where a show like this comes alive, because with those songs, no matter what I do, I'll always have an audience. There'll always be an audience for reliving your youth. "You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. For a lot of people, those memories (from their teenage years) are just more poignant, hence pop music is the holy grail of entertainment. The landscape become endless. "I hope my best moments are yet to come. I'd probably say my greatest achievement is my children and my family, but beyond that I really hope those best moments are still to come." Seven years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories. Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts. Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters. To help remedy this, every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented. National Infrastructure Commission Non-Executive Member This is an exciting time for the National Infrastructure Commission. The NIC was created in 2015 and became an Executive Agency of HM Treasury in 2017. After the successful publication of the National Infrastructure Assessment in July 2018, the NIC is now looking to the future. A new strategy is in development, to take us to the next National Infrastructure Assessment in 2023, and to support and drive this growth we are seeking to appoint one new Non-Executive Member to our Oversight Board. The role of the National Infrastructure Commissions Oversight Board is to ensure that the NIC is managed and governed appropriately, operates within its financial and operational delegation limits and has effective governance arrangements in place. Time: 1-2 days per quarter. Remuneration: Expenses. Closes: 17 January Information Authority Non-Executive Director Parliaments Information Authority is seeking to recruit a Non-Executive Director to join them for meetings related to the Parliamentary Estate, our building information and data, and the Restoration and Renewal programme. It is expected that the successful candidate would attend up to 15 meetings per year, including quarterly Authority meetings, additional Authority meetings related to the programme or associated work and to join other associated discussions as required. The 15 days to include all preparatory work for those meetings. Time: Up to 15 meetings a year. Remuneration: 9,000 per annum plus reasonable travel expenses. Closes: 19 January Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership Chair The Greater Lincolnshire LEP works with the public, private and voluntary sectors to drive sustainable economic growth. We help our businesses increase productivity and innovation, create new employment opportunities, and develop infrastructure solutions that support this. We are the voice of the local business community, ensuring that the economic interests of the area are properly represented. We believe that Greater Lincolnshire is alive with opportunities and a truly great place to live, work and do business and is emerging as the intelligent choice for investors. Time: Around four days per month. Remuneration: None. Closes: 20 January Construction Industry Training Board Board Trustee CITB is the statutory skills body for the construction industry in Great Britain and its purpose is to make better provision for the training and maintenance of skills in the industry. CITB raises around 200m annually via a training levy, and works closely with employers and the Government to ensure national construction skills needs are met. CITB seeks to create the culture and conditions that will deliver new ways of working, embracing new technologies, creating a demand in construction for more skills, new skills and higher level skills. CITB aspires to be at the forefront of effective commissioning and grant practice and is undertaking a high-profile transformational reform programme in order to achieve this. Time: Around 16 hours per month. Remuneration: Expenses. Closes: 28 January Homes England Chair The Chair will be responsible for the proper running of the Homes England Board. They will guide and influence the Agency at a strategic level providing confident, clear and consistent leadership. They will also lead the Agencys relationship with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who they will meet on a regular basis. The Chair will act as an ambassador for the Board and for Homes England, helping to build and develop collaborative strategic partnerships that support and promote Homes Englands core mission. The successful candidate will influence and network with key decision makers and stakeholders and explain how the organisation is transforming Time: Up to two days per week. Remuneration: 95,000 per annum. Closes: 31 January Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership Chair The Tees Valley Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are looking to recruit a new LEP Chair and new LEP members from the private sector to deliver our ambitious economic plans. The Combined Authority and LEP strive to ensure an equal and diverse membership, and through this latest round of appointments, have committed to achieve 50% female representation on the LEP board in 2020. Due to the current LEP Chair coming to the end of his term, we are looking to appoint a new LEP Chair who has a strong private sector background, experience of building effective organisations and has the motivation to fully commit to and represent the LEP on a local and national scale. Time: 6-8 days per month. Remuneration: Travel and subsistence expenses. Closes: 29 February Dubai issued 38,377 new business licences in 2019, a record growth of 90 percent compared to 2018 (20,129), a report by the Business Registration and Licencing sector at Dubai Economy said. The past year also saw a decrease in the number of licences cancelled, compared to 2018, from 5,037 to 4,949, said the report, quoted by Wam news agency. The businessmen who secured new licences in 2019 included those from Britain, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and Sudan. Dubai Economy said that the Foreign Direct Investment Law contributed to attracting and encouraging foreign direct investment to Dubais economic sectors and targeted activities, it said. Dubai Economy has opened new horizons for businesses in Dubai by restructuring economic activities, with 50 commercial activities and 35 light industrial activities converted into professional activities. The preparations and countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai have also contributed to attracting a large number of hospitality companies, restaurants, hotels and supply companies to invest in the city. The figures issued by the "Business Map" confirm the continuous support given by Dubai Economy to the emirates ambitious journey towards excellence and reinforces Dubais position in the global and regional economy as a centre of finance and business. Overall, 324,773 business registration and licencing transactions were recorded in 2019, while the rental value of units leased to companies in Dubai amounted to Dh26.2 billion, as more businesses and investors gained from the emirates competitiveness and increasing opportunities across diverse economic sectors. The report showed that License Renewals reached 140,951 transactions in 2019, including 108,407 licence renewals and 32,544 licence renewals and modifications. According to the report, 58 percent of the new licences issued in 2019 were professional (22,282), 40 percent commercial (15,282), 1.6 percent related to tourism (613) and 0.4 percent industry (200), creating 184,437 jobs. In the distribution of new licences, Bur Dubai accounted for the largest share (20,536), followed by Deira (17,798) and Hatta (43) licences. Real estate, leasing and business services accounted for 41.7 percent of economic activities licenced in 2019. The Maharashtra government has appointed a one-member committee comprising Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Kishor Raje-Nimbalkar to carry out an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) in Pune. The committee will submit its report in 10 days to the state government, an official said. On Monday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held a meeting on the issue. "Prima facie, a review has found irregularities and other issues which have not been addressed in an official manner. Therefore it was necessary to conduct a thorough probe," the official said. "State finance minister Ajit Pawar has given orders to carry out an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in Pune based SARTHI. There have been allegations of recruiting several people without considering the actual requirement or the strength of the institute," said the official. This is the first probe launched by Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government into the functioning of the previous government. The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI), Pune is registered under the Company Act, 2013 as non-profit government company. It is engaged in research, policy advocacy, training etc for socio-economic and educational development of Maratha, Maratha-Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, Kunbi communities and families dependent on agriculture in the state. Recently, Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati had sat for a token hunger strike in Pune alleging that attempts were being made to cancel the autonomous status of SARTHI. Urban Development Department minister Eknath Shinde had visited him promising removal of department secretary J P Gupta and swift action in the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said influenced by the policies of the party and the work of the AAP-led Delhi government, they are 'joining our family'. New Delhi: Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Congress leader and former MLA Ram Singh Netaji and three others on Monday joined the Aam Aadmi Part (AAP) in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Vinay Kumar Mishra, who is the son of former Congress MP Mahabal Mishra and unsuccessfully contested from the Palam Assembly seat, also joined the AAP. Councillor and social worker Jai Bhagwan Upkar from Rohini ward of Bawana Assembly and Naveen Dipu Chaudhary, a social activist working in the Gandhinagar area who has been associated with the Congress for a long time, too joined the AAP. Netaji said he was impressed by the work done by the AAP government and "that is the reason I decided to leave Congress". He won from the Badarpur Assembly constituency twice once as a BSP candidate and second time as an Independent after which he joined the Congress. Rajkumari Dhillon, former Congress councillor from Hari Nagar ward, also joined the AAP. Kejriwal said influenced by the policies of the party and the work of the AAP-led Delhi government, they are "joining our family". "They are warmly welcomed in the AAP," he said. The joining of prominent leaders comes ahead of polls early next month. Even though Mishra and Netaji both said that they have come to the party with an intention to work, sources said the AAP might field Mishra from Dwarka and Netaji from Badarpur. "There used to be only two major political parties in Delhi, the BJP and the Congress. People were fed up with the politics of both these parties because they did not deliver on promises made and having no other choice, voted them alternatively. But then five years ago, the people of Delhi initiated a new phase of self determination in politics and set an example for the rest of India - when a fledgling party, comprising common people, offered hope and managed to win 67 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi assembly, almost reducing existing political powers, to a naught," Kejriwal said. He said leap of faith has turned out to be the best decision that Delhi ever made. "Whether a supporter of the BJP, the Congress or any other party, AAP has gained a place for itself, in every heart because of its sincerity and intent of being in politics. AAP has managed to touch and transform their lives with the work it has done and this time they will vote for AAP, irrespective of personal party affiliation," he said. However, hours after Netaji joined AAP, party MLA from Badarpur ND Sharma sat on a protest inside Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence over his induction. "We joined AAP for clean politics but what is the difference between you and other political parties now. I won with 94,000 votes and he (Netaji) for 17,000 votes but he was inducted into the party just like that. The hard work of the volunteers were ignored," Sharma said. Sharma was accompanied by his supporters who raised slogans in favour of him. Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on 8 February. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bureau Veritas a world-leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services, announced it has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement in North America with Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC), a complex bridge and infrastructure inspection, non-destructive testing, and robotics engineering company. Through this partnership, Bureau Veritas will deliver innovative robotics and technology inspection solutions, in the US and Canada, that integrate into the company's global buildings and infrastructure portfolio. An industry first, Bureau Veritas inspectors will utilize the power of the robotics technology developed by IPC to determine the condition and deterioration of bridges, roadways and infrastructure, to better protect public safety, reduce costs, better budget for maintenance and repairs, as well as prolong a structure's life expectancy through early detection and repair. Delivering the inspection capabilities through the use of robotics allows the inspections to be completed without lane closures, without exposing workers to dangerous conditions, with a much higher efficiency and at a reduced cost. "Bureau Veritas' testing and inspection services have been enhanced by the addition of IPC's innovative robotics technologies by offering a broader, more robust portfolio of solutions that help customers better monitor the progression of deterioration, and proactively address areas of concern," said Jorge Hercules, Vice President, Transport and Infrastructure- Bureau Veritas North America. "We are excited to push the boundaries of innovation as we deliver the most advanced TIC solutions to our Buildings and Infrastructure clients worldwide." The full suite of robotics and technology tools developed by IPC will be leveraged by Bureau Veritas inspectors for the following services: BridgeScan: Bridge deck and roadway condition assessment service, utilizing innovative Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies and robotics to locate and quantify concrete or asphalt deterioration, delamination and debonding, cover thickness, rebar patterns and sizing, location and monitoring of deterioration progression and more. Bridge deck and roadway condition assessment service, utilizing innovative Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies and robotics to locate and quantify concrete or asphalt deterioration, delamination and debonding, cover thickness, rebar patterns and sizing, location and monitoring of deterioration progression and more. CableScan: Robotic cable stay bridge inspections that couples electromagnetic testing technology with high definition video inspection capabilities to detect corrosion, broken wires, and loss of section in the cable and physical damage to the cable sheathing. Robotic cable stay bridge inspections that couples electromagnetic testing technology with high definition video inspection capabilities to detect corrosion, broken wires, and loss of section in the cable and physical damage to the cable sheathing. PoleScan: Robotic High Mass Light Pole Inspections that takes high definition videos of High Mast Light poles and their components, allowing inspectors to remotely see imperfections in the weld seams, coating, and luminaries. Robotic High Mass Light Pole Inspections that takes high definition videos of High Mast Light poles and their components, allowing inspectors to remotely see imperfections in the weld seams, coating, and luminaries. PoleScan -R: Robotic High Mast Light Pole repair bot that climbs the High Mast Light Pole sands rust areas and paint coats over them without lane closures or man-lifts. Robotic High Mast Light Pole repair bot that climbs the High Mast Light Pole sands rust areas and paint coats over them without lane closures or man-lifts. RopeScan: Robotic Wire rope inspections that utilize robotics and magnetic flux leakage to identify section loss or broken wires along with video to locate surface damages. Utilizing RopeScan will minimize lane closures and the use of bucket trucks. Uses include bridge cables, crane cables, flare stack guy wires, mining cables and more. Robotic Wire rope inspections that utilize robotics and magnetic flux leakage to identify section loss or broken wires along with video to locate surface damages. Utilizing RopeScan will minimize lane closures and the use of bucket trucks. Uses include bridge cables, crane cables, flare stack guy wires, mining cables and more. RopeScan-L: A Robotic tractor that remotely climbs and lubricates wire ropes. A Robotic tractor that remotely climbs and lubricates wire ropes. TendonScan: Post tension tendon inspection and reporting services that utilizes electromagnetic technologies to examine the cross section of tendons to locate and measure the loss of metallic area, broken strands and corrosion. Post tension tendon inspection and reporting services that utilizes electromagnetic technologies to examine the cross section of tendons to locate and measure the loss of metallic area, broken strands and corrosion. CrackScan: Concrete and bridge crack inspection system that allows for 2D and 3D mapping and digital monitoring of the length, width, and position of cracks on concrete structures. Concrete and bridge crack inspection system that allows for 2D and 3D mapping and digital monitoring of the length, width, and position of cracks on concrete structures. ColumnScan: Robotic column inspection service that replaces dangerous manual inspections, and avoids placing personnel in a confined space while providing more quantitative data to the owner for any column or shaft inspection. "This exclusive partnership gives IPC the opportunity to disrupt manual & subjective inspection methods currently in use with quantitative data that can help asset owners better allocate budgets to manage maintenance and repairs. Utilizing robotic technology is safer for both inspectors and the traveling public and has a lower cost for the asset owners and taxpayers alike," said Doug Thaler, President, IPC." About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has more than 77,000 employees located in more than 1,500 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions, in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit www.bvna.com. About Infrastructure Preservation Corporation Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) is a bridge inspection, nondestructive testing (NDT) and robotic engineering company. IPC utilizes advanced nondestructive testing and robotic technology to produce condition assessment reports that determine the condition and deterioration of today's infrastructure. For more information visit www.infrastructurepc.com. MEDIA CONTACT Theresa Anderson +1 917 344 4593 [email protected] SOURCE Bureau Veritas Related Links http://www.us.bureauveritas.com Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine but did He in fact drink? What does the Bible tell us? John 2:1-11 describes the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. According to Jewish wedding tradition, fermented wine was always served at weddings. In this Gospel account, Jesus, His mother and His disciples are invited to a wedding and when the wine runs out, Jesus delivers the first of his signs by turning water into wine. John 2:11 says that it revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. While Jesus turning water into wine doesnt prove He drank water at the wedding, the likelihood is very high as traditional Jewish celebrations included drinking wine. Jesus likely drank wine during those celebrations in moderation. We also know that the Nazirites are the only group who are instructed to never drink wine/alcohol (Numbers 6:1-4). Jesus was a Nazarene given He was from the town of Nazareth. Since He was not a Nazirite, He did not take vows to abstain from alcohol. Luke 7 does indicate that Jesus drank alcohol at times. Jesus surely shared the Passover cup. We know from Scripture that John the Baptist didnt drink wine, but it is implied that Jesus did drink wine. The religious leaders of the day accused Jesus of being a drunk. Jesus said, "For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'" (Luke 7:3334). Despite this accusation, Jesus was never drunk or gluttonous. We know this because He lived a sinless life. While the Bible doesnt prohibit drinking, it does prohibit drunkenness. If millions of Americans have been brutalized and devastated by the abuse of alcohol, what message does drinking or refraining from it send? We can turn to Scripture for the answers. Jesus Himself warned against drunkenness because it prevents people from being ready for His return (Luke 21:34-36). The Bible also forbids drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 says, And do not get drunk with win, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit Drinking wine isnt a sin, but there are consequences if we overindulge and abuse it. We see from reading Romans chapter 14 that everything we do as Christians needs to be done with wisdom. If eating meat, which is not a sin, can in some circumstances be an offense to someone who may see the association with idolatry as the issue, then clearly there are applications here for other practices as well. In the case of the Romans 14 example, the real issue is one of protecting the weak believer from stumbling through observation of conduct on the part of other Christians which might lead that weak believer into sin whether or not the observed conduct is sinful. The issue of the passage is not the way we may look at believers who may not agree with what we are doing but wont be tripped up by our behavior, whatever the non-sinful behavior we are talking about may be. Rather, the issue is the spiritual welfare of our fellow believers who may have preconceived notions about certain behaviors and who may be tripped up in their faith when they see others have violated these notions. It is important for Christians to do what is right and to avoid what is wrong, to have a good reputation and to comport ourselves in a respectful way. But it is also important not to be intimidated by legalism. For example there are many cultures in the world where drinking without drunkenness has always been part of the social norm. An evangelist in such cultures who made a point of abstaining might be sending exactly the wrong message. This, however, is not a valid defense for recreational drinking under all circumstances in our own culture, which can also send the wrong message. While the Bible does prohibit drunkenness, the Bible does not prohibit drinking. Virtually every great believer you can name in Scripture drank wine. Proverbs 23:29-35 outlines some of the dangers of drinking, but elsewhere Proverbs commends wine under certain circumstances. There are New Testament passages which condemn being unduly under the influence (Ephesians 5:18), but Paul actually tells Timothy to have some wine on account of his ailments (1 Timothy 5:23) and of course, our Lord turned water into wine (John 2). These and similar well-known passages would seem to indicate that drinking is acceptable as long as one does not become drunk. But it is important to note that the culture of the ancient world was very different from ours. For instance, the water could be very bad, and mixing some wine with the water was known to neutralize some of the bacteria. That was the point of Pauls command to Timothy. Also, it was rare in Mediterranean culture to drink wine straight, so that it took a great conscious effort to become drunk than is generally true for us today. Finally, the culture of that day was very much oriented to wine as a staple, similar to how we drink orange juice or milk with our breakfast. The idea that someone might deliberately refrain from drinking wine would have struck the average person in biblical times as peculiar. In short, the message sent by a Christian who drinks in American culture is very much different from that of Peter or Paul having wine at dinner time. Drinking alcohol has been a hot topic among Christians that has been argued and discussed for thousands of years. God warns us to not be drunk and describes certain situations where some should not drink, but the Bible never says that alcohol is wrong. If we could drink and never go over the line and never give offense, then there would be very little problem with drinking. On the other hand, if this is a standard that is deemed difficult to uphold, then the issue of drinking, particularly public drinking should be given some serious thought. Since the Bible doesnt absolutely forbid drinking alcohol, whether or not you should drink is a personal decision you must make for yourself. Consider the impact of drinking not only on your personal life, but also the lives of the people around you. In November of 2018, when DIARIO DE CUBA began publishing its study on the Mas Medicos (More Doctors) program, the Foreign Ministry alleged that Cuban doctors in Brazil did not receive salaries because they were scholars, that More Doctors was a training program, that the idea for this program had come from the Brazilian Government, that Cuban doctors traveled voluntarily, that their rights were respected, and that all the revenue obtained from the export of these services was reinvested in the Cuban health system. All these statements were then disproven by the evidence presented in the diplomatic cables of negotiations between the governments of Dilma Rousseff and Raul Castro, in the documents of internal audits conducted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Health figures of the Cuban Government itself, presented by DIARIO DE CUBA. In 2019 Havana declared, for the first time, how much it had earned in a year by exporting medical services: $6.4 billion. As DDC research showed, given the current state of public health on the island, it is impossible that this amount is being fully invested in Cuban hospitals and medicine. Last Monday it was revealed that the UN's special rapporteurs on contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking had asked Havana for explanations regarding its doctors sent to missions abroad, notifying them that their conditions could be considered to constitute "forced labor". The Cuban authorities did not respond within the stipulated period of 60 days, and they still haven't. The most serious aspect of the UN's request is that it is the Universal System for the Protection of Human Rights that has questioned Havana's practices, and its observations transcend the country's medical programs, as these are only the most visible facet of a phenomenon that extends to all of society, with the regime having citizens -teachers, athletes, technicians- who are only paid a very small part of their salaries, based on justifications like sovereignty, independence and equity, these being increasingly challenged. In US courts several Cuban doctors have condemned the Pan American Health Organization for its connections with the scheme implemented by the Cuban government. Havana may continue to remain silent, but sooner or later the Justice authorities will speak out, and the facade of humanism shielding the program for the mass export of doctors and professional services, designed by Fidel Castro, will be exposed for what it was: the exploitation of the Cuban people. January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. In that spirit the American Human Rights Council, Courage Freedom , and the Islamic Center of Detroit, are teaming up to host a special training session on human trafficking. This special educational and training session serves as an opportunity for all participants to learn and share their knowledge with friends and families within their neighborhoods. The one-day training seminar is set for Jan. 25 at the Islamic Center of Detroit, 14350 Tyreman Ave. in Detroit. Registration is open now for interested participants. Space is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Each attendee will receive a formal certificate at the end of the training session. The session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will end at 4:30 p.m. Lunch and light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for attendance but a $20 donation is suggested. Human trafficking constitutes a serious challenge to all. It requires collective and collaborative efforts to defeat it. This is first of its kind training that is conducted within the Arab and Muslim American community in the Greater Detroit area. AHRC and all hosting parties are pleased to organize this important training session so people can gain education regarding this important challenge facing our society and yet join the fight to stop it. The guest speaker is Kelly Tallon Franklin, who is a best-selling publisher and two-time number one best-selling author, an award-winning speaker, respected advocate and trainer on the issue of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced prostitution. She is also the founder of Farmtown Canada and Courage for Freedom, she has a personal story of transformation, hope and resiliency, having herself overcome violence, drug addiction, abuse, exploitation and incarceration For more information, support or to attend the session, contact the AHRC at 313-914-3251 or via email at Imad@ahrcusa.org. This story proves that not everything is as it seems...and that even the smallest individuals can make a difference. In Jordan Spieces new fictional thriller, saving the Vatican may mean saving the world as the humans take on the demons attempting to take control of Rome. In Beatific Vision, Spiece depicts humanity, caught between a supernatural battle between good and evil. Readers are taken on an adventure through Rome, as the distinction between right and wrong becomes unclear. I wrote this book as an escape from reality, Spiece said. It was a way to place myself and my loved ones in an environment I could control and guide. In Spieces escape, Rome is held captive and the heroes of this supernatural mystery come from the unlikely duo of Daven and Adam, unassuming men who are just trying to protect their loved ones. With the help of angels keeping watch, the pair take on a new Roman power, Domus Aurea, who has partnered with the vengeful children of Lilith. Commander of an elite branch of the Vatican military, Giuseppe Morreti, finds himself caught in the middle of a spiritual tug-of-war between the people of Rome and the demons attempting to take control of the city. This story proves that not everything is as it seems, Spiece said, and that even the smallest individuals can make a difference. Beatific Vision By Jordan Spiece ISBN: 978-1-5462-4880-4 Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Jordan Spiece was born in Alberta, Canada, migrating to the United States at a young age. He exhibited artistic abilities in his adolescence, writing short stories and illustrating his own books. His passion for storytelling followed him into his adult life and became a labor of love in the form of Beatific Vision. To learn more about the author or his book, visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/775328-beatific-vision. ### Review Copies & Interview Requests: LAVIDGE Indianapolis Lindsey Gobel 317.435.2116 lgobel@lavidge.com The Lahore High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on a set of petitions filed by Pakistan's former military dictator General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who has been sentenced to death for high treason. A special court of Islamabad on December 17 last year handed down the death penalty to the 74-year-old Musharraf after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. The case was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in 2013. In his petition, Musharraf has asked the Lahore High Court (LHC) to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional, while also seeking suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition was made. The LHC on Monday reserved its verdict on a set of petitions filed by Musharraf challenging multiple actions against him, including his conviction for high treason, the establishment of the trial court that convicted him and filing of the original high treason inquiry against him by the government, the Dawn newspaper reported. The verdict is expected to be announced later on Monday, it quoted Musharraf's counsel Azhar Siddique as saying. A three-member full bench of the LHC comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir took tup the former president's petitions last week. On Friday, Justice Naqvi asked the federal government to submit a summary on the formation of the special court and had directed the state's lawyer to present arguments on Monday, the report said. As the court resumed hearing Musharraf's pleas on Monday, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Ishtiaq A Khan, appearing on behalf of the federal government, presented the order and record of the formation of the special court. Khan said that the matter of forming a case against Musharraf was never included in the Cabinet agenda. "It is the truth that the formation of the special court to hear the case against Musharraf was done without Cabinet approval," Justice Jahangir was quoted as saying in the report. During the hearing on Friday, the LHC had posed questions regarding the legality of the treason case and the formation of the special court that conducted the trial and had handed Musharraf the death sentence. "This was history's most important matter; can the cabinet discuss it without it being an agenda item?" the bench had asked. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008 and lives in Dubai in self-imposed exile. The PML-N government had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. In August 2008, he finally resigned in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition, going into exile until his ill-starred homecoming in 2013, exiling himself once more three years later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Governor Gavin Newsome is asking state lawmakers in California to funnel $1.4 billion to combat the growing crisis in homelessness. Gov. Newsome promised last year to build more shelters, emergency housing, and to design programs that would alleviate the crisis in the state that is costing tax payers billions of dollars. Newsome said that Californians are treating homelessness as a real emergency. Newsome said in one of the interviews, "Californians are demanding that all levels of government - federal, state and local - do more to get people off the streets and into services - whether that's housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment or all of the above." The money he is asking from lawmakers will go directly to people who need it the most. The governor added that the budget will be intended for preventive measures that include healthcare and rent assistance. NBC News reports that Newsome said, "[We're] using every tool in the toolbox - from proposing a massive new infusion of state dollars in the budget that goes directly to homeless individuals' emergency housing and treatment programs, to building short-term emergency housing on vacant state-owned land." The political will of the governor in requesting the budget for the homeless was appreciated by different advocates and officials. However, they also acknowledged that the budget will not be enough to get everyone off the streets, as of right now, there are 151,000 homeless individuals in California. According to the president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, based in Washington, D.C., Nan Roman "It covers the major direct issues related to homelessness, shelter, housing, social services and whether it's the right amount of money I can't say ... but it seems like it's hitting the right things." Meanwhile, Los Angeles has the largest homeless population. The city's homeless population has increased to 16 percent from 2018 to 2019 or a total of 36,000 individuals. Mayor Eric Garcetti, said that the top priority of the Angelenos is to solve homelessness. Likewise, this is also the top priority of people all across the state. He also added that this should be reflected as urgent when it comes to the state budget. The county's spokesman said that the mayor is very grateful for setting aside an additional budget to address problems related to homelessness. It was mentioned by Newsome that housing costs in the state have spiked behind low unemployment rates and entrepreneurial spirit. These problems have led its people to financial problems. Also, many were deprived of accessible housing because of these issues. An amount of $750 million was signed by the governor on Wednesday to help pay rent, fund affordable housing, and expand a safety net for individuals who are at risk. Moreover, an additional $650 million was added as an emergency aid that will go to cities and counties that have pressing needs. Newsome also mentioned that he wants to use state-owned land for the housing of homeless individuals and will also make changes to the state's Medicaid program. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said: "We can no longer make the imperative of getting people off the street a voluntary act by the government and the proposal is bold, and it expresses a strong commitment by the governor. The resources will be deeply appreciated and well-used." According to the governor's office they have allotted $3 billion to combat homelessness over the past two years. However, the budget seems to be too small as the number of homeless individuals has jumped considerably in the past year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: All the necessary conditions have been created for candidates to meet voters during the pre-election campaign for parliamentary elections scheduled for Feb. 9 in Azerbaijan, Chairman of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov told reporters, Trend reports. The CEC chairman noted that places have been allocated in all constituencies for candidates to meet their voters and these places meet all the necessary requirements. "The Central Election Commission has checked these facilities. Outdoor and indoor premises have been allocated in accordance with the requirements of the Electoral Code. These places are officially announced in print. Candidates can meet with their voters in designated places in an informal atmosphere," Panahov said. Iran's Rouhani Blames US For Current Situation in Middle East - Presidential Press Office Sputnik News 05:44 13.01.2020(updated 05:50 13.01.2020) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, during a telephone conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, said that the United States was to blame for the current developments in the Middle East, the presidential press office said in a statement. "The Americans are responsible for recent events in the region and we must all condemn US crimes in the region with a clear tone," Rouhani said in a phone call with Lofven, as quoted by his press office. The president added that the Iranian attack on the US bases in Iraq was carried out in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and was not a crime. Rouhani went on by saying that conflicts in the Middle East should be solved strictly by the countries in the region through political dialogue and with respect for the sovereignty of each state. "We should all join hands and restore security to the region and allow peace to prevail in this region," Rouhani said. The Swedish prime minister, in turn, offered his condolences over the death of many Iranians killed in a fatal Ukrainian plane crash, and noted that he appreciated Tehran taking responsibility for the tragedy. Lofven called for a transparent investigation and ensured Sweden's readiness to help. On Saturday, the Iranian military admitted to unintentionally shooting down the Ukrainian Boeing 737, having confused it with a hostile cruise missile in anticipation of a retaliatory strike from the US. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif confirmed early Saturday that Iran shot down the jetliner, citing "human error." Zarif expressed Iran's "profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations." The Boeing 737-800 plane crashed on January 8 near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all 176 people on board. The aircraft was flying to Kiev. Eighty-two victims were Iranian citizens, 63 Canadian, 11 Ukrainian, 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three victims were citizens of the United Kingdom. Most of them were students. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar Ambassador to Korea Thant Sin delivers a speech during a reception to mark the 72th anniversary of Myanmar's independence at the Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, Jan. 9. / Embassy of Myanmar By Yi Whan-woo A Myanmar independence celebration in Seoul last week addressed why Myanmar and Korea have reasons to believe their partnership can be further expanded on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2020. The anniversary follows the 3rd ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Commemorative Summit and the inaugural Mekong-ROK Summit in Busan in November 2019, during which Korea's future cooperation with 10-member ASEAN including Myanmar was discussed extensively. President Moon Jae-in visited Myanmar in September the same year the first Korean head of state to do so in seven years. The visit was in line with Moon's New Southern Policy aimed at deepening ties with ASESN. Areas of economic cooperation discussed included the Korea-Myanmar Industrial Complex (KMIC) and the Korea-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. KMIC is a $111.3 million project aimed at building infrastructure essential to run plants in Myanmar's largest city Yangon by 2024. To be completed in 2022, the bridge will connect Yangon and Dala, one of the region's least developed areas, across the Yangon River. The number of Korean visitors to Myanmar in 2019 was estimated to surpass 100,000 for the first time following the visa waiver program for Koreans, which was introduced in 2018. The number is expected to rise with direct flights being operated by Myanmar Airways International from December. Such flights add to those already operated by Korean Air. Myanmar Ambassador to Korea Thant Sin delivers a speech as his guest of honor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Kim Gunn stands next to him at the Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, Jan. 9. / Embassy of Myanmar By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Public support for Prime Minister Scott Morrison has slumped to its lowest levels amid widespread anger over his government's handling of Australia's bushfire crisis, according to a survey released by Newspoll on Monday. At least 28 people have been killed in the fires that have destroyed 2,000 homes, and razed 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), nearly half the area of the United Kingdom Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to the crisis, even taking a family holiday to Hawaii while fires were burning. He acknowledged during a television interview on Sunday that he had made some mistakes. "We have heard the message loud and clear from the Australian people," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday, when asked about the poll result as he announced a A$50 million ($34.56 million) wildlife protection fund. "They want to see a Federal Government adopt a very direct response to these natural and national disasters," Frydenberg said. The Newspoll survey showed Morrison's approval rating dropped 8% since the last poll on Dec 8 to stand at 37%, scoring lower than opposition Labour leader Anthony Albanese. It is Morrison's worst showing in the poll since he took over leadership of the ruling Liberal Party in August 2018 when a backbench uprising ousted former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. No margin of error was provided for the poll, which surveyed 1,505 people from Wednesday to Saturday, although it was about 2.5% points in previous Newspolls. The poll was taken after Morrison announced a A$2 billion bushfire recovery fund and called out 3,000 army reservists to back up state emergency workers - responses that were viewed as belated. Morrison said on Sunday he would take a proposal to Cabinet to hold a Royal Commission national inquiry into the bushfires, including examining the response to the crisis, the role and powers of the federal government and the impact of climate change. Story continues After weeks of raging fires whipped up by erratic winds and temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), conditions eased over the weekend with showers forecast for New South Wales (NSW), the worst hit state, over the next few days. "If this BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) rainfall forecast comes to fruition then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed," the NSW Rural Fire Service said on Twitter. Here are key events in the crisis: *Australia's pristine 'AAA' sovereign rating is not at "immediate risk" from the fiscal and economic impact of bushfires raging across the country's east coast, S&P said on Monday. *The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said on Monday bushfire victims can submit damaged banknote claims to redeem their lost money. *The Australian government committed A$50 million to an emergency wildlife recovery program on Monday, calling the bushfires crisis engulfing the country "an ecological disaster" that threatens several species, including koalas and rock wallabies. *German engineering giant Siemens said it would fulfil its contract to provide signalling for a rail line to a controversial new coal mine being built by India's Adani Group in Australia's outback, drawing criticism from green groups on Monday. *Frydenberg announced A$50 million in funding on Monday for protecting wildlife and restoring damaged habitat, with a focus on threatened species, like koalas, with heartbreaking images of rescues of burned animals having gone viral around the world. *Since October, thousands of Australians have been subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), an area nearly half the size of the United Kingdom. *Across New South Wales, 111 fires were still burning late on Sunday, 40 of them not yet contained, but none at emergency level. *A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in New South Wales and into Victoria have merged across more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land. They do not pose a threat, authorities say, despite being in an area hard to reach. *The government said on Sunday it would provide A$76 million ($52 million) for mental health counselling and healthcare consultations to firefighters, emergency workers, individuals and communities. *Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Sunday an out-of-control and unpredictable fire that is moving slowly in the state's south, poses a possible threat to lives and homes in the area. *South Australia said on Sunday that more than 32,000 livestock animals, mostly sheep, had died in recent fires on Kangaroo Island, while fire services are working to strengthen containment lines ahead of expected worsening weather conditions on Monday. *Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London. *Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined. *Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion, higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2% to 0.5% on gross domestic product. *The Insurance Council of Australia increased to more than A$900 million its estimate of damage claims from the fires, and they are expected to jump further. *About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with 140 more expected in coming weeks. *The fires have emitted 400 megatons of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said. *Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organisation said. ($1 = 1.4468 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Sonali Paul; additional reporting by Colin Packham in Sydney, Editing by Peter Cooney & Simon Cameron-Moore) India's flagship global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics Raisina Dialogue will begin on January 14 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the inaugural session at which seven former heads of state or government will share their views on important challenges facing the world. The fifth edition of the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation, will bring together 700 international participants from over a 100 countries, in one of the largest gathering of its kind. The three-day conference will see participation of 12 foreign ministers, including from Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the EU. Iran foreign minister Javed Zarif's participation assumes significance as it comes following the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will arrive here on Tuesday night for the event and address the gathering the next day. Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces, General Koji Yamazaki, Vice Chief of Australian Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston and Chief of Naval Staff of UK, Admiral Tony Radakin will also speak at the conference. The valedictory address will be delivered by Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Union, Josep Borrell. The Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth will also attend the conference, the MEA said in a statement. The NSA of Afghanistan, Deputy NSA of the United States and several ministers of state, including from Germany, will also present their ideas at the conference, the MEA said. Forty per cent of the speakers at the Dailogue are women, it said. The Heads of over 30 think-tanks from around the world will also moderate or present their views across different sessions, it said. The inaugural session on Tuesday will be attended by Prime Minister Modi and seven former heads of state or government, with high international stature and rich experience in governance, will share their views during the inaugural session on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, role of technology in modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism. The former heads of government who will engage in a discussion are former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, former Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen, former Bhutanese premier Tshering Tobgay and former South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo. Over the course of two days intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, debate on the global trading architecture, role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace. The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India's deliberative ethos as well as its international credibility and convening power, the MEA said. Ex-Emmerdale actor Asan N'Jie has landed his first role since he was sacked from the soap Ex-Emmerdale actor Asan N'Jie has landed a new role, his first since he was sacked from the show for threatening to 'knife' Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas. The actor played Ellis Chapman in the soap but was axed after he threatened Mr Lomas, 44, at the TV Choice Awards in London in September. He is now set to appear in BBC One drama Bloodlands, with the 25-year-old saying he is 'really looking forward' to the project. The BBC One crime thriller is written by Jed Mercurio, of Line of Duty, and will also star James Nesbitt, who will play a detective hunting an assassin. Discussing his role, N'Jie said he will be working with some 'amazing actors'. During the brawl in September that led to his sacking, the actor was seen throwing a punch at Mr Lomas and shouting: 'I'm going to f*****g kill you' in front of shocked onlookers. N'Jie had been involved in a knife attack plot on Emmerdale before the incident. In footage from the night, he could be heard saying: 'Do you think you are a f*****g big man? I'm going to f*****g kill you. I'm going to f*****g knife you.' After the then-Emmerdale actor threw the punch, I'm A Celebrity's Malique Thompson-Dwyer ran into the room to intervene and bundle Jamie out. Following the attack, an ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Emmerdale suspended Asan N'Jie yesterday pending further investigation into an incident at a central London hotel on Monday night. N'Jie, pictured during an episode of Emmerdale where he played Ellis Chapman, is now set to appear in BBC One drama Bloodlands 'ITV executives have met with him this morning and as a consequence Asan's contract has been terminated with immediate effect.' The actor's final scenes aired in mid October with the star laying low since. He has been replaced on the soap by Aaron Anthony. N'jie apologised for his actions, saying afterwards: 'My behaviour at the TV Choice Awards was completely unacceptable and very much out of character. 'I am devastated, accept full responsibility and am determined to learn from this.' INDIANAPOLIS -- Doctors at Indiana University Health hospitals now have faster, easier access to information about the patients they are treating in the emergency department. The app, created in a partnership among Regenstrief Institute, Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE), IU Health and Indiana University School of Medicine, provides clinicians with only the most relevant information from a patients medical history related to the complaint that brought them to the hospital. There is an incredible amount of information available for most patients, but sifting through all of it to find the most crucial data can be very time consuming, said Titus Schleyer, DMD, PhD, a Regenstrief research scientist and professor of biomedical informatics at IU School of Medicine. Clinicians could spend three to five minutes searching for data in a patients records. This tool cuts that time to less than 10 seconds, freeing up more time to interact with the patient. The app covers several conditions: chest pain, abdominal pain, headache, weakness and dizziness, back pain, pregnancy, heartbeat irregularities, and trouble breathing. These conditions account for about 40 percent of all visits to the emergency department at IU Health. The decision support tool has been in use in the emergency department at IU Health Methodist for about two years. Over the course of the development, the team has improved functionality and added features, including support for multiple conditions. Its use has now expanded to include emergency departments at IU Health West, IU Health North and IU Health Saxony. The app will be rolled out to the remaining emergency departments in the IU Health system over the next nine months. How the App Works The app is integrated into the electronic health record (EHR) system. When the clinician selects a condition, such as chest pain, the app connects to the Indiana Network for Patient Care, the clinical data repository managed by the Indiana Health Information Exchange, and retrieves the patients test results, notes and other information most relevant to the complaint. The tool is a FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) app, which is an application programming interface (API) allowing EHR systems to communicate with third-party applications using a common language. Before this app, providers had to leave the EHR and access the Indiana Network for Patient Care through a separate tool, said John Kansky, president and chief executive officer of IHIE. This eliminates the extra step. In addition, instead of sorting through every single health record, this app anticipates what the doctors are looking for and brings up only the most relevant information. Researchers hope it will improve patients outcomes as well as reduce costs, time and inconvenience by eliminating unnecessary tests and preventing readmissions to the hospital. The goal of this app is to allow providers to spend more time with patients, rather than searching through medical records, while also providing them the pertinent information they need to provide the best care possible, said Jason T. Schaffer, M.D., emergency physician and associate medical information officer at IU Health and associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at IU School of Medicine. Whats just as important is providing information on what is not available. With this decision support app, doctors dont waste time searching for test results that may not exist. Our goal with this project is to develop a framework that can be generalized to other use cases, said Dr. Schaffer. We hope to build upon this app and possibly make it available in other contexts to improve care. ### About Regenstrief Institute Founded in 1969 in Indianapolis, the Regenstrief Institute is a local, national and global leader dedicated to a world where better information empowers people to end disease and realize true health. A key research partner to Indiana University, Regenstrief and its researchers are responsible for a growing number of major healthcare innovations and studies. Examples range from the development of global health information technology standards that enable the use and interoperability of electronic health records to improving patient-physician communications, to creating models of care that inform practice and improve the lives of patients around the globe. Regenstrief Institute is celebrating 50 years of healthcare innovation. Sam Regenstrief, a successful entrepreneur from Connersville, Indiana, founded the institute with the goal of making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. His vision continues to guide the institutes research mission. About Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE) The Indiana Health Information Exchange is one of the largest health information exchanges in the U.S., partnering with communities throughout Indiana and beyond to ensure health information is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. IHIE connects hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare facilities in the state so they can provide the safest and highest quality patient care possible, while saving time and money. This one-of-a-kind network enables IHIE to assemble information to help providers make decisions critical to patient care and help providers identify patients needing testing, screenings and follow-up care for chronic diseases. About Indiana University Health Indiana University Health is the largest network of physicians in the state of Indiana. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the nations leading medical schools, gives patients access to leading-edge medicine and treatment options that are available first, and often only, at IU Health. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with dozens of facilities statewide, IU Health is a regional leader in providing the right healthcare when and where its needed. About Indiana University School of Medicine IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability. 2020 ELECTIONS / China asked to respect Taiwan's election results ROC Central News Agency 01/12/2020 12:48 PM Taipei, Jan. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's top government agency handling cross-strait affairs, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), on Saturday called on Beijing to respect Taiwan's election results and return to the right path of benevolent interactions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The MAC was responding to China's Taiwan Affairs Office, which issued a statement late Saturday shortly after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen () won re-election by a large margin, reiterating Beijing's adherence to the "1992 consensus" and the "one country, two systems" formula and its opposition to any form of independence for Taiwan. The "1992 consensus" is defined by China as the "one China principle," while "one country, two systems" is the formula China uses to rule Hong Kong and Macau, making them part of China, but promising them a high degree of autonomy and freedom to use their own economic and administrative systems. In a statement, the MAC said the election results show Taiwan is mature and consolidated democracy and the Taiwanese people's clear response to the development of cross-strait relations. The Chinese authorities should respect these results and face the reality, abandon threats of force against Taiwan and return to the right path of good cross-strait interactions. As Tsai said at a news conference Saturday after winning election, peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue are the key to positive cross-strait interactions and long-term stable development, the MAC noted, adding that China should drop its unilaterally set political preconditions for cross-strait dialogue and abandon threats or coercion against Taiwan. Beijing should also have a clear understanding about the Taiwanese people's insistence on democratic values and their adamant opposition to the "one country, two systems" formula, while facing the new trends of development in cross-strait relations with Taiwan, the MAC said. The MAC also stressed the government is consistent in safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of China and Taiwan's democracy and freedom and striving to maintaining the status quo of peace and stability in cross-strait relations. Meanwhile, Chinese scholars familiar with Taiwan affairs said Tsai's reelection victory could further complicate cross-strait relations during her next four-year term because she does not recognize the "1992 consensus." Bao Chengke (), a professor at East China Normal University, said that the Chinese people are steadfast in their stance on the one-China principle and Tsai's win is expected to cause and intensify conflicts between people on the two sides. Zheng Zhengqin (), an associate professor at Tsinghua University's Institute for Taiwan Studies in Beijing, said the election outcome will be detrimental to peaceful development of cross-strait relations. (By Miao Chung-han, Chou Hui-ying and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A year after the Ponderosa restaurant served its last plate of enchiladas in 2012, the iconic and empty East Mountain establishment was used in the penultimate episode of Breaking Bad as the rustic New Hampshire bar where Walter White ordered his last Dimple Pinch, neat. White would not be the last bad guy to show up at the Ponderosa. In late 2016, neighbors grew excited over rumors that the restaurant, then festooned with Christmas wreaths, was set to reopen by the holidays. But Christmas came and went. The wreaths disappeared. Neighbors heard the new owners were still working on repairs and licensing. Finally, the Ponderosa or Pondorosa, as it was sometimes called opened in May 2017. Even then the restaurant seemed unready. Water was served in bottles because a filtration system was faulty. No credit cards were accepted for months. A beer and wine license never materialized. A Christmas tree was never taken down. Reviews ranged from glowing to gross. Neighbors tried to remain patient, hoping the Ponderosa reboot would succeed, not just because it was the only restaurant that far south of Tijeras, but for the sake of Nate Geary, the restaurants amiable, overworked and overwhelmed young owner. Other patrons bemoaned waits as long as 45 minutes to have their orders taken. Some said they were turned off by the rude and creepy behavior of the cook, Jason Lambros. Only after the restaurants demise, announced Dec. 20 in a Facebook post, did most neighbors discover that Lambros, not Geary, owned the Ponderosa, and that he was not just rude and creepy, but a shyster and a sleaze and, now, a prison inmate. Jason Lambros, court records indicate, is actually James Lambros, a 69-year-old man from Austria with a criminal record that dates back at least into his 20s when he was charged with forgery and passing bad checks in San Diego and possession of pornography in San Francisco. Court records also indicate that Lambros was accused of defaulting on thousands of dollars in loans and leases in Albuquerque, beginning in 2006. That same year, Lambros was arrested on a charge of operating a liquor establishment without a liquor license after he took ownership of Harlows on the Hill, a nightclub in Nob Hill. That charge was later dropped. In 2011, Lambros adopted a teenage boy, and the two moved into a home in the Country Club area. It was around that time that Lambros befriended a 98-year-old neighbor, becoming her confidant and caregiver. In turn, he claims in court records that she willingly helped him purchase the Ponderosa in 2016. Also around that time, Lambros moved in to a massive three-story, four-bedroom mountain home complete with bunk house, bath house and barn 6 minutes from the restaurant. But a lawsuit filed on behalf of the neighbor accuses Lambros of bilking her out of more than $1 million in life savings, isolating her from her family and friends, hiding her mail, even tricking her by creating fake envelopes and deposit slips to give the illusion that she still had money in the bank. In May 2018, a year after the Ponderosa reopened, Lambros was hit with a 32-count felony indictment, including charges of larceny, embezzlement, tax fraud and forgery for his dealings with the woman and another neighbor. Lambros was also charged with possession of child pornography. Lambros legal problems continued to mount. Last summer, the previous owners of the Ponderosa sued him for defaulting on monthly payments and taxes and misusing $16,000 for a water filtration system. Then, on Oct. 1, a 19-year-old man with autism accused Lambros of sexually assaulting and possibly drugging him in a three-story home in the mountains. According to the criminal complaint, the young man said an older man who identified himself as Jason struck up a conversation with him at a thrift store and offered to buy him clothes and lunch. Jason then took the young man to his restaurant in the mountains, then to his nearby home, where the two smoked pot, drank wine and watched a movie. The young man said he felt woozy, passed out and later woke up with Jason performing a sex act on him. The young man said he felt frozen and too intoxicated to move, vomited and passed out until the next morning. Lambros was arrested Dec. 16 on sexual assault charges after DNA testing identified him as the likely contributor to mixture on the young mans privates. On Dec. 17, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding his Country Club neighbors. Under a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to five of the 32 counts, which did not include the child porn charge. On Dec. 18, the sexual assault charges involving the young man with autism were dropped, too. Michael Patrick, spokesman for the District Attorneys Office in Bernalillo County, said the young man lives out of state and did not want to return to New Mexico for trial or be subjected to the additional trauma of a court case. He also said the family was satisfied with the sentence Lambros will serve for the fraud. Lambros had pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charges. Lambros, three months shy of his 70th birthday, is battling thyroid cancer and other ailments, according to his attorney. The Ponderosa, meanwhile, has been returned to the previous owners, leaving Geary, the young co-owner, with nothing, and an East Mountain community with nothing but a sick feeling and no place for enchiladas. UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor. On Monday the New York Public Library, celebrating its 125th anniversary, released a list of the 10 most-checked-out books in the librarys history. The list is headed by a childrens bookEzra Jack Keats masterpiece The Snowy Dayand includes five other kids books. The list also includes a surprising addendum: One of the most beloved childrens books of all time didnt make the list because for 25 years it was essentially banned from the New York Public Library. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, would have made the Top 10 list and might have topped it, the library notes, but for the fact that influential New York Public Library childrens librarian Anne Carroll Moore disliked the story so much when it was published in 1947 that the Library didnt carry it until 1972. Who was Anne Carroll Moore, and what was her problem with the great Goodnight Moon? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it turns out, this footnote on the NYPLs anniversary list hints at a rich, surprising story of power, taste, educational philosophy, and the crumbling of traditional gatekeepers. Moore was appointed the NYPLs first superintendent of work with children in 1906, at a time when the very idea of children even being allowed into libraries was brand-new. (Children who couldnt read yet would gain nothing from a library, the theory went, and older children might be corrupted by all the trashy adult books.) Moore oversaw the beautiful Central Childrens Room in the librarys flagship building on Fifth Avenue. As Leonard S. Marcus writes in his biography of Margaret Wise Brown, Moore became perhaps the leading figure in popular childrens books in the first half of the century, and many of her methods seem strikingly modern. She scheduled scores of story hours for children; she encouraged any children who could sign their names to check out a book; she trained librarians drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and then sent them out into a city of immigrant children, preaching the gospel of reading. Advertisement Advertisement She was also a tastemaker whose NYPL-branded lists of recommended childrens books could make or break a books fortunes. Other libraries around the country looked to the NYPL, and if she didnt buy it, they didnt buy it, explains Betsy Bird, a childrens book blogger and longtime NYPL librarian whos now at the Evanston Public Library in Illinois. If Anne Carroll Moore didnt like a book, she could effectively kill it. Marcus writes that editors, authors, and illustrators routinely stopped by to visit with Miss Moore and seek her counsel on their works in progress; she supposedly had a custom-made rubber stamp reading NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PURCHASE BY EXPERT, and she was not afraid to use it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Miss Moores taste was particular. She loved Beatrix Potter and The Velveteen Rabbit and was a steadfast believer in the role of magic and innocence in childrens storytelling. This put her in opposition to a progressive wave then sweeping childrens literature, inspired by the early childhood research of the Cooperative School for Student Teachers, located on Bank Street in Greenwich Village. The Bank Street School, as it became known, was also a preschool and the teacher training facility where Margaret Wise Brown enrolled in 1935. This progressive wave was exemplified by the Here and Now Story Book, created by Bank Streets leading light Lucy Sprague Mitchell in 1921. A collection of simple tales set in a city, focusing on skyscrapers and streetcars, it was a rebuttal to Moores once upon a time taste in childrens lit. Advertisement Advertisement She is the quintessential bun-in-the-hair shushing librarian. Shes such an easy villain. Betsy Bird Anne Carroll Moore was not a fan of Margaret Wise Browns work. Brown, with her Bank Street training, was looking at the mind of a child, operating at the level that a child understands, says Bird. She was trying to get down on their level, whereas Anne Carroll Moore placed herself above the childrens level, handing what she viewed as the best of the best down to them. Advertisement Advertisement By the time Browns most famous book was published in 1947, Moore had ostensibly retired, thoughas Jill Lepore noted in the New Yorker in a story about Moores war with another childrens classic, Stuart Littleshe still essentially ran the childrens section, leading department meetings even when her put-upon acolyte and successor, Frances Clarke Sayers, tried changing the meeting room at the last minute. Margaret Wise Brown wanted librarians to adopt Goodnight Moon; she even blurred out the udder of the cow who jumped over the moon to avoid offending those Important Ladies. But it certainly wasnt enough for Moore, or Sayers, or the NYPL: Marcus notes that in a harshly worded internal review, the library dismissed the book as an unbearably sentimental piece of work. And so the book wasnt purchased by the New York Public Library, and while children were encouraged to check out all kinds of books from the librarys extensive childrens department, Goodnight Moon was not one of them. Advertisement Advertisement As Bird notes in a fascinating blog post, the legacy of Anne Carroll Moore is one that many childrens librarians struggle with. She is the quintessential bun-in-the-hair shushing librarian, says Bird. Shes such an easy villain. Her discriminating book recommendations delivered from on high represent the exact opposite of the credo pledged by most childrens librarians today: that the librarys role is to provide the widest possible array of titles and allow children to find the books they love. Yet Moore did more than anyone else in the first half of the 20th century to encourage children of all races and incomes to read. To adopt a 21st century rallying cry, Bird notes, Anne Carroll Moore was all about diverse books waaaaaay before anyone else was. Advertisement Perhaps in part because of Moores blacklisting, Goodnight Moon wasnt an immediate commercial success; by 1951 sales had dropped low enough that the publisher was considering putting it out of print. So no one was pressuring the NYPL to stock the book, least of all Brown, who died in 1952. (Recovering from surgery for an ovarian cyst in a hospital in France, she playfully kicked her leg up, cancan-style, to show a nurse how well she was feeling; the action dislodged an embolism from a vein in her leg, which traveled to her brain, killing her nearly instantly.) The book regained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as chains like Waldenbooks and B. Dalton grew; soon, libraries ceded their position as the primary buyers of childrens books to parents. By 1972, the books 25th anniversary, Goodnight Moon was nearing 100,000 copies sold a year. Perhaps it was that anniversary, speculated the NYPLs Lynn Lobash, that spurred the library finally to stock the book. Since 1972, Goodnight Moon has been checked out about 100,000 times from New York City libraries, placing it somewhat below the No. 10 book on the list, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But, says the NYPL, its rising fast. No doubt at the librarys 150th anniversary, Goodnight Moon will have surpassed some of the more dated titles on the list, like How to Win Friends and Influence People. Sorry, Anne Carroll Moore. Margaret Wise Brown won this round. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 21:07:43|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TASHKENT, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese companies operating in Uzbekistan reached 1,652 by the end of last year, second only to Russia in the number of foreign entities in the Central Asian country, according to information published by the Uzbek State Statistic Committee recently. Chinese companies are involved in the areas of oil and gas exploration, pipeline transport, infrastructure building, telecommunications, textiles, chemicals, and logistics and agriculture, the committee said on Sunday. China is among Uzbekistan's largest trading partners. In 2018, China-Uzbekistan trade surged 48.4 percent year-on-year, reaching 6.26 billion U.S. dollars. Statistics show that foreign enterprises operating in Uzbekistan are mostly from Russia, China, Turkey, South Korea and Kazakhstan, while foreign investments are concentrated in industries, foreign trade, construction and agriculture. According to the Uzbek Economy and Industry Ministry, Uzbekistan's gross domestic product grew by 5.5 percent last year, exceeding the projected rate of 5.4 percent. Since Shavkat Mirziyoyev was elected president in 2016, Uzbekistan has taken a series of measures to promote economic reforms, including the elimination of foreign exchange controls, the reduction of tax burdens, and preferential treatment for foreign investment. 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 families of four people who died in last year's Conception dive boat fire off the coast of Santa Barbara have filed wrongful death claims against the vessel's owners. In federal court filings Monday, the families' lawyers allege boat owner Truth Aquatics violated a number of Coast Guard regulations, including not having a "roving" safety watchman. The fire killed 34 people on Labor Day. "[That's] a federal law, which requires that someone be up at night, patrolling the vessel," said Robert Mongeluzzi, a lawyer representing the families. "It is to prevent the very catastrophe that occurred." A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board said no one was standing watch when the fire broke out in the middle of the night. The filings also allege the vessel failed to have safe methods of storing and charging lithium ion batteries, and had insufficient emergency exits. "Failure to have redundancy -- different means to get out -- gave the victims trapped below deck no way to get out of their bunks, no way to get free of this fire, and resulted in 34 horrific, agonizing deaths of the victims," said Jeff Goodman, another attorney representing the families. The claims were filed on behalf of Dr. Sanjeeri Deopujari, 31, of Norwalk, Connecticut, and her husband, Kaustubh Nirmal, 33, of New York; Yulia Krashennaya, 40, of Berkeley, and crew member Alexandra "Allie" Kurtz, 26, an Illinois native who had moved to California. AN ATTEMPT TO LIMIT LIABILITY WITH AN OLD LAW The claims come in response to a lawsuit Truth Aquatics filed a few days after the tragedy in an attempt to protect itself from paying damages. It cited an 1851 law, which allows a company to avoid financial liability if it can prove it was not at fault for a maritime accident. "We're saying we are going to defeat you in this ... action and hold you accountable, Mongeluzzi said. Truth Aquatics did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Despite its efforts to limit its liability, Truth Aquatics is already facing two lawsuits stemming from the fire. A crew member who survived, Ryan Sims, alleges in a lawsuit filed Sept. 12 that the Conception's owners were negligent in their failure to properly train crew members, give adequate safety and medical equipment and provide safety rules, among other claims. Christine Dignam, whose husband, Justin Dignam, died in the fire, sued in November, claiming the boat was unsafe. EXEMPT FROM TOUGHER SAFETY RULES The Conception was among more than 100 California boats exempted from strict U.S. Coast Guard rules designed to improve passenger safety during emergencies, according to the Los Angeles Times. The paper found that 11 boats classified solely for diving -- including eight in California -- were given special exemptions from 1996 safety standards. Those rules were prompted by a number of fires and other accidents that had killed dozens in the previous 30 years. The grandfathering provision meant those boats didn't have to make changes such as adding larger escape hatches and enhanced fire prevention systems, the Times reported. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) told the paper in a statement that Congress "must eliminate the hazards posed by boats grandfathered in under outdated safety regulations." The Conception disaster brought the Coast Guard's oversight under close scrutiny. The Times reported in November that the Coast Guard repeatedly ignored National Transportation Safety Board recommendations to improve fire safety measures for small passenger boats for two decades. Brownley and two other members of Congress have introduced legislation to require dive boats to have at least two escape exits, strengthen standards for fire alarm systems and create mandatory safety rules for the handling and storage of phones, cameras and other electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries. Allie Kurtz, a crew member, who died in the fire. (Elly Yu/LAist) THE COAST GUARD IS REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING SOME SAFETY UPGRADES The Coast Guard is considering some new safety regulations, according to two local dive boat operators who have spoken with agency officials. One big change under consideration: People would no longer be allowed to sleep side-by-side in one bed. People often sleep next to each other on boats that offer a "double-bunk." Ken Kollwitz, the owner of Channel Island Dive Adventures, told KPCC/LAist the Coast Guard considers that arrangement a safety risk because the beds are against a wall, making it difficult for the person closest to the wall to exit in an emergency. The Coast Guard is also considering a rule that would require dive boats to have more staff awake when docked or at anchor, according to Kollwitz and Ted Cumming, owner of Cal Boat Diving. While current regulations require just one crew member to be awake at night, the Coast Guard may now require a captain and a deckhand to be awake at night, Kollwitz said. The Coast Guard did not respond to a request for comment on Kollwitz and Cumming's remarks. The NTSB has repeatedly called on the Coast Guard to require small vessels to conduct regular inspections and report maintenance and repair needs for all of a boat's systems -- including the hull and mechanical and electrical operations, the L.A. Times reported. The agency argues this would improve safety on boats between Coast Guard inspections, which occur every one to two years, according to the Times. But the paper reported that the Coast Guard has pushed back on the recommendation, calling it "unnecessarily burdensome and duplicative of existing requirements." Emily Elena Dugdale contributed to this report. The Special Investigation Team set up by Delhi Police Crime Branch, which is looking into the violence carried out on 5 January inside Jawaharlal Nehru University campus on Monday identified a masked woman as a Delhi University student The Special Investigation Team set up by Delhi Police Crime Branch, which is looking into the violence carried out on 5 January inside Jawaharlal Nehru University campus, identified a masked woman as a Delhi University student. The masked woman, wearing a check shirt, light blue scarf and carrying a stick, who was seen in the purported videos of the violence shared on social media was identified as Komal Sharma. Sharma, who is a student of Daulat Ram College, has also been sent a notice to join the probe, the police said, adding her phone was found to be switched off since Saturday night. The woman was identified through one of the videos of the incident. She lives in the North Campus area. We approached her during the day but she was not home; her phone is switched off. We will send her a legal notice and ask her to come for questioning, a senior officer was quoted by The Indian Express as saying. According to ANI, those students who have been served notice by the Delhi Police will be interrogated in JNU and police has asked nine people to join the probe on Monday. Delhi Police Sources: Those who have been served notice by Delhi Police will be interrogated in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Nine people have been told to join the investigation from today. https://t.co/mGXdN0Rpl5 ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 The SIT on Sunday said that it has sent notices to 49 people, including Akshat Awasthi and Rohit Shah who featured in a sting operation conducted by a TV news channel, to join the investigation. Awasthi and Shah are first-year students of Jawaharlal Nehru University. They have been sent notices to join the probe, officials said. When police contacted Awasthi and Shah, they said they will join the probe. Though their phones were later found to be switched off, their locations have been traced and the two will be questioned in connection with their alleged involvement in the violence on campus on 5 January, the police said. While Awasthi belongs to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Shah is a resident of Munirka area in Delhi, they added. According to police, the server room was vandalised on 4 January following which the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, which visited to collect evidence on Saturday, could not retrieve the data. The FSL team is expected to visit the campus on Monday to retrieve data from the server since they are operational now, a senior police official told PTI. There have been reports that students have received emails from the server room on 4 and 5 January, the source of those emails will also be looked into, he said. Addressing a press conference, the police had on Friday claimed that nine students, seven of whom are from Left-leaning bodies including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, were identified as suspects in the violence on the varsity campus. The others included Dolan Samanta, Priya Ranjan, Sucheta Talukdar, Bhaskar Vijay Mech, Chunchun Kumar (an alumnus of JNU) and Pankaj Mishra. The remaining two suspects named by police are Vikas Patel and Yogendra Bharadwaj. Police sources said the two are from the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Among the nine, the police will question three of them on Monday. The three women who have been served notices will be questioned by a lady official at a place comfortable for them, an official said. All the nine people have been sent notices to join the probe via email and Whatsapp, police said. While Panjak Mishra has been asked to join the probe at 11.30 pm tomorrow at the Admin Block, Dolan Samanta and Sucheta Talukdar will be joining the probe on Tuesday, the official said. Chunchun Kumar has been called to join the probe on 15 January, he said. JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh has also been sent a notice to join the probe but police have not received a response from her yet, he added. A total of 60 people were part of the Whatsapp group, 'Unity Against Left', believed to have been created while the violence escalated on the JNU campus. Among them addresses of 37 people have been traced and notices have been sent to them to join the probe, police said. With inputs from PTI Mike Bloomberg wrote Monday in a CNN op-ed that Democrats are benefiting President Trump with their focus on Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states to vote for president, arguing they do not represent the party's electorate. Why it matters: Bloomberg wrote that, if elected, he would work with state party leaders to "re-order the primary calendar in ways that better reflect our diverse electorate and channel more resources into the states we actually need to win in November." He said Iowa and New Hampshire were "among the most homogenous [states] in the nation," asking, "[W]hat about African American, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islanders, and other voters in places like Detroit, Montgomery, Phoenix, and Houston?" "But since the changes are unpopular with voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, the other candidates have mostly stayed mum." Between the lines: Bloomberg has bucked the trend of focusing on early-voting states, instead investing in Super Tuesday states that will vote on March 3 and in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which vote in April, according to NBC News. Bloomberg emphasized in his piece that Democrats should focus on battleground states the party lost to Trump in 2016. The state of play: Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez has said that it is premature to discuss the 2024 nominating calendar. "After every cycle you evaluate, and that's for another time. We want as many people as possible to participate. And I think our reforms are enabling that," Perez said, according to the Dallas Morning News. Of note: Bloomberg praised Julian Castro, who recently dropped out of the presidential race, for advocating for a primary calendar that reflects the nations diversity. Go deeper: Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 13:08:50|Editor: zyl Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian Minister of Environment Sussan Ley has warned that koalas could be listed as an endangered species as a result of bushfires. Ley and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Monday announced 50 million Australian dollars (34.5 million U.S. dollars) in funding to support species affected by the bushfire crisis. Ley told reporters that koala populations have suffered an "extraordinary hit" from the fires, declaring that the iconic species could be officially listed as "endangered." Koalas have been considered "vulnerable" since 2012 but Ley said that the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, which manages the status of all species in Australia, could soon downgrade it. "There is no doubt a large number of koalas have lost their lives, many others have been injured," she said, according to The Australian report. "The truth is we don't know the full extent of that damage until it has been mapped and until these fires are over." Experts fear that half of the 50,000 koalas that live on Kangaroo Island in South Australia (SA) have perished in fires that have devastated the island. "Everything that can be done to rescue and recover koala habitat, will be done, including innovative approaches that look at whether you can actually put a koala in an area that it hasn't come from," Ley said on Monday. Half of the additional funding will go directly to zoos, wildlife carers and hospitals while the rest will be managed by Sally Box, the Threatened Species Commissioner, who will co-chair a committee with Ley on long-term recovery efforts. "That might be about protecting habitat where you have the vulnerable species remaining. It may be about controlling pests and weeds. It may be about securing threatened species population and getting them into the zoos," Box said. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday said the continuation of agitation by JNU students is not justified as their main issue of hostel fee hike has been "sorted". As decided during consultations with students, he said, the utility and service charge is not being levied on them and will be borne by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The students have stuck to their demand for a complete rollback of the fee hike. "The fee-related matter of JNU has been sorted out following several rounds of discussions with representatives of university students and teachers. The Ministry had constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to restore the normal functioning of JNU through dialogue with all stakeholders and to advise the university administration for resolution of contentious issues. "The students are not being asked to bear the cost of service and utility charges proposed for the winter session, which was their basic demand. Therefore, the JNU fee hike issue stands resolved and continuation of agitation by the students is no longer justified," the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry statement quoted Nishank as saying. The minister said universities should not be converted into political arenas and appealed to the students to call off their agitation. He added that over 5,000 of JNU's nearly 8,500 students have registered for the next semester. "Various meetings were held by HRD secretary with representatives of students, teachers and JNU administration on December 10-11, 2019, certain mutually agreeable agreements were arrived (at). As agreed in the meetings, the revised hostel room charges will remain applicable with 50 per cent concession for BPL students," Nishank said. Earlier in the day, a five-member delegation of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) had also met HRD Ministry officials. "We do not feel secure on campus, the atmosphere is not conducive for academic activities. Students who left the campus after violence are scared to return, how can we resume teaching," JNUTA president D K Lobiyal told the ministry officials. Last week the ministry had held a series of meetings with JNU Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, students' union and UGC on the JNU fee hike issue. It had ruled out the removal of Kumar amid demands from students and a section of teachers, saying sacking him is not the solution and the government's focus is to address the main issues that have cropped up on campus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States senate is expected to start the much awaited trial any day now to either remove President Donald Trump from office, or let him continue, following his impeachment last December by the House of Representatives. The president, who has railed against the impeachment calling it a witch-hunt and a hoax, is now calling for its dismissal, embracing a move by some Senate Republicans. The trial could start as early Wednesday. according to indication. A firmer timeline is expected on Tuesday when Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the Democratic-led House, is likely to tell party colleagues when she intends to transmit the articles of impeachment, a procedural necessity to trigger the trial. She is also expected to name Democratic lawmakers who will argue the case for Trumps removal at the trial, called managers. Indian Americans Raja Krishnamurthi, who is a member of the committee that conducted the impeachment inquiry, and Pramila Jayapal, a member of the panel that recommended the presidents impeachment, have been on a few lists of those in speculation. The speaker had indicated to Democrats last Friday she had decided to convey the articles of impeachment, which she had withheld in a bid to extract a commitment from the Senates Republican leadership to depose new witnesses, specially Trumps current and former aides such as the chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton. She did not succeed. Democrats will also not succeed in removing Trump from office, which needs the support of two-thirds of the 100-member Senate. And they dont have the votes even if they were able to flip a few moderate Republicans. Trump was impeached last December for, as per the first article of impeachment, abusing the powers of his office to force Ukraine to investigate his political rival and, second, for obstructing congressional probe into it. Republicans have considered dismissing the case entirely by changing the rules of the senate. A resolution was moved in the senate last week to that effect and has been supported reportedly by Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader of the chamber. Trump came out in support of this move in tweet on Sunday. Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, no pressure Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have, he wrote, adding I agree! Republicans need two-thirds of the votes to change the rules and dismiss the case, which they dont have. But they can overcome it by deploying the nuclear option, a legislative tool that allows the chamber to override one of its rules, such as the two-thirds majority, with a simple majority of 51. Lincoln Land Community Colleges agriculture program is one of six programs nationwide to receive the 2019 National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award. The award was presented at the NAAE annual convention in Anaheim, California. We are honored to be selected for this recognition, says Bill Harmon, LLCC professor and agriculture program coordinator. We work with area agribusinesses and encourage experiential learning in various forms. For instance, all students enrolled in an applied science program complete at least two internships as a part of their studies. Also, livestock judging provides an opportunity for students to develop public speaking, time management and organizational skills. Our goal is to prepare students for high quality agriculture careers. Several west-central Illinois students have been named to the fall semester deans list at Belmont University in Tennessee. To be named to the deans list, a student must earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average. Students are: Chesterfield: Alexis Egelhoff; Jacksonville: Ethan Karr, Mason Pohlman, Lauren Stidham; Oakford: Maria Brauer; Pittsfield: Olivia Hobbs. Jordan Walston of Barry has been named to the fall semester deans list at Missouri Valley College. To be named to the deans list, a student must earn a 3.3 or higher grade point average. Several area students have been named to the fall semester deans list at Bradley University. To be named to the deans list, a student must earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average. Students are: Alexander: Quinlan Mahoney; Jacksonville: Tyler Connors, Daniel Embley; Jerseyville: Barrett Hartman, Adam Meyer; New Berlin: Brooke Emmert. Bailey Plummer of Kane, Anna Owens of New Berlin and Cayden Sharp of Waverly have been named to the fall semester deans list at Greenville University. Adalynn Alcorn, the daughter of Matthew Alcorn and Brittany Thomason of rural Beardstown, and Kollin and Kristian Menge, the sons of Terry and Nicole Menge of Chapin, were chosen as Triopia school districts Kindness Students of the Week for Dec. 16. Compiled by Laurie Bosworth The new series of Love Island kicked off with a bang on Sunday night, bringing a whole crop of new reality TV wannabes into our lives. And Gabby Allen looked ready to soak up the action as she attended The Winter Boo Hoo Love Island viewing party at Camp and Furnace in Liverpool. Looking sensational in all black, the 26-year-old reality star opted for a pair of leather shorts with a black puff-sleeve crop top. Stylish: Gabby Dawn Allen joined the former contestants who attended the The Winter Boo Hoo Love Island party at Camp and Furnace in Liverpool She kept her accessories simple with a Dior bag and patent black boots. The former Islander tied her blonde tresses into a casual low ponytail with a few loose strands framing her face. She opted for a dramatic makeup palette with feathery lashes and copper eye shadow and was still sporting a glowing tan for her Thailand travels at the end of last year. Up close: Looking sensational in all black, the 26-year-old opted for a pair of leather shorts with a black puff-sleeve crop top She caught up with one of last years contestants Lucie Rose Donlan who was dressed down in a black jumpsuit with Bardot shoulder detailing, accessorising with a Louis Vuitton bag. She wore her long blonde hair down in her usual beachy waves and kept her make-up simple and natural. The former Love Islander stayed at Town Hotels in Liverpool, where she partied late into the night with her reality star pals following the BooHoo bash. Friends: She caught up with one of last years contestants Lucie Rose Donlan who was dressed down in a black jumpsuit with Bardot shoulder detailing At the end of last year, Gabby was embroiled in resurfaced claims that she had an affair with Jacqueline Jossa's husband Dan Osborne back in 2018. It was reported that Gabby's ex, Myles Stephenson, 28, was quizzed about what he knew regarding the claims whilst appearing on I'm A Celebrity alongside actress Jacqueline Myles is said to have told Jacqueline that he believed the pair DID have a fling, although Gabby has always maintained her innocence. Glam: The former Islander tied her blonde tresses into a casual low pony tail with a few loose strands framing her face Last week, Gabby shared a New Year's post from Bali where she reflected on last year and said this year she wants to fulfil her 'dreams'. She said: 'I have set myself goals and ambitions that I am adamant to achieve this year. I have dreams to fulfil and I have [been] dilly dallying around them, waiting for the right time. 'The time is now. 'I feel a change in my mindset and I going to climb this challenging, beautiful mountain we call life until I can shout from its peak that I have made myself proud.' A couple decided to take their modem on an adventurous road trip after their three young children refused to join them on their 'boring' day. Australian parents Cassie and Chris wanted to take the family-of-five on a day trip to Warrnambool - a city along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria on Sunday. But the pair were quickly met with the response 'that's so boring, I don't want to go'. And so in a hilarious turn of events, the parents unplugged and took the internet router with them, as they documented their day together at the beach, amusement park and playground. Australian parents Cassie and Chris decided to take their modem on an adventurous road trip after their three young children refused to leave the house In a hilarious turn of events, the parents unplugged and took the internet router with them 'Chris and I decided that instead of taking three unappreciative kids out, we let the ones who didn't want to go stay home and took our most over worked family member for a well deserved day out... our modem,' Cassie said. 'Modem had a fantastic day not being used by the kids and it was lovely not to listen to constant bickering. The only complaining was Evan being mortified that we took our modem out in public.' The mother shared a series of pictures of their road trip on Facebook, and her post has since been 'liked' more than 11,000 and 'shared' by over 7,800 people. The couple has left thousands of people in stitches, with many describing them as 'heroes'. The couple documented pictures of their 'lovely' day out with the family's home modem after their children thought their road trip was 'boring' The parents took the internet router on a day trip along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria 'Love it... Modem looks so happy on its day off. Wonder how the kids went with their day off,' Kellie said, with laughing emoticons. Carla said: 'This is actually the best thing ever.' Sara said: 'Love it looks like modem had a wonderful day living the life.' Jenny said: 'Parenting goals right here.' And Pam said: 'You win the internet today, this is the best.' Other parents said they were going to do the same thing to their own children if they refuse to go out with them. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 05:06:29|Editor: ZD Video Player Close A doctor checks a cholera-infected child at an anti-cholera treating center in Sanaa, Yemen, Jan. 14, 2020. About 80 percent of the Yemenis are in need of life-saving support, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Monday. "As of January 8th, almost 861,000 suspected cholera cases had been reported since 2019, impacting 324 of Yemen's 333 districts," said the spokesman. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- About 80 percent of the Yemenis are in need of life-saving support, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Monday. "The humanitarian operation in Yemen remains the largest in the world, with 24 million people - about 80 percent of the population - in need of life-saving support," said Dujarric at the daily news briefing. "About 7.4 million people need nutrition assistance, including 2.1 million children under the age of five, and 1.1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women who need acute malnutrition treatment," he said. "As of January 8th, almost 861,000 suspected cholera cases had been reported since 2019, impacting 324 of Yemen's 333 districts," said the spokesman. "Some 3.6 million people are internally displaced, with nearly 400,000 newly displaced in 2019 alone," Dujarric added. The Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution to extend, for six months, the mandate of the UN mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels. Resolution 2505, which won the unanimous support of the 15 members of the Council, extends the mandate of the UN mission in Yemen till July 15, 2020. Project Voice is officially making Chattanooga its permanent home. The annual event (previously called The Alexa Conference) brings together thousands of innovative voice technology leaders and users representing a wide array of industries. This year's Project Voice kicks off Monday and runs through Friday at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The following year's event will take place Jan. 11-15, 2021. Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke will welcome attendees and make remarks on Tuesday at 8:20 a.m. on the Project Voice 2020 mainstage at the convention center. "We're thrilled to permanently make Chattanooga the official home of Project Voice," said Bradley Metrock, executive producer of Project Voice, host of This Week in Voice and author of More Than Just Weather & Music: 200 Ways to Use Alexa. "Chattanooga --- often referred to as 'Gig City' because of its high-speed gigabit network --- is a continuously growing technology destination. Many tech businesses are looking to the city as one of the best Southern alternatives to Silicon Valley, Seattle, Boston or New York, so we're proud to help further place the city on the radars of tech companies and professionals." At Project Voice, attendees gain insights about voice technology, in addition to learning best practices, hearing case studies, and discovering ways to utilize voice tech across vertical markets. Companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Mercedes Benz and others participate in the event and its more than 100 educational sessions, in addition to The Voice World Fair, which features products and services in voice tech. The annual event also features the Project Voice Awards Gala, a variety of workshops, networking opportunities and more. In addition to Mayor Berke, some of the local Tennessee-based leaders that participate in or attend Project Voice represent: EPB, Lamp Post Group, Erlanger Health System, Nashville Technology Council, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Nissan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Co.Lab, Baker Donelson, The Enterprise Center, Vanderbilt University, VaynerMedia and FreightWaves. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh courted controversy by threatening to shoot and kill those involved in damaging public property 'like the same way in Uttar Pradesh' Kolkata: BJP state president Dilip Ghosh courted controversy on Sunday by threatening to shoot and kill those involved in damaging public property "like the same way in Uttar Pradesh". Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal's Nadia district, Ghosh came down heavily on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering lathi charge" on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in the state in December last year. "Didi's police didn't take action against those who destroyed public property as they are her voters. Our governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka shot these people like dogs," Ghosh had said. "Is it the father's property of those who are setting the public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on taxpayers' money!" Ghosh said. He said, "The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements (during anti-CAA protests)." "They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy the country's property. Is it their zamindari!" he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those "sabotaging the interests" of Hindu Bengalis. He claimed that there are two crore "Muslim infiltrators" in the country. "One crore alone is in West Bengal and Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them," he alleged. GODFREY Many future brides walked down the aisle Sunday, of wedding vendors, during the annual Hearst Midwest Media and The Telegraph Bridal Show at Lewis and Clark Community College Commons in Godfrey. Elaine Duich of Godfrey said she is getting married April 20 at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, but is planning the reception later in her hometown. Duich wore a wedding tiara and veil while perusing vendors Sunday with hundreds of other brides. I am looking for things for my reception definitely the cake, and a photographer is a big thing, Duich said. Nothing formal for the reception at all; it will be very informal. Duich arrived early on Sunday but didnt avoid the rush. All of this is a little overwhelming at first, but its pretty fun, she said. Everything looks really nice. I like how its set up; its got a good flow. Bethalto residents Tracy Streeper, the mother of the bride, and Angie Daniels, the mother of the groom, were looking for ideas for the June 5, 2021 wedding they are helping to plan. Our kids are engaged and they both live in Las Vegas, Streeper said. The groom is in the Air Force, so since they cant be here Angie and I thought we would come out here for the kids and see if we can help them decide. We want to find out all the latest trends, maybe find a DJ, a wedding cake, a photographer, the whole package, she said. The food is delicious, the wedding dresses that are on display are fun, and oh my gosh the cupcakes! Bridal bags were given to the first 100 brides who attended the Bridal Show; they were gone a short time after the event opened Sunday morning. The additional giveaways, exhibits, demonstrations and a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar kept everyone happy. Alton resident Karla Sippely was clearly happy when she emerged from the Savvi Formalwear money booth where brides could grab as much flying cash as they could in a limited amount of time. It felt great, with the breeze in my hair, and it smelled great in there, too, said Sippely, who is planning a 2021 wedding. Its not the smell of money though. I found out its fabric softener sheets to keep the money from sticking together. I was looking for a wedding venue and there are a lot of good options here, she said. Its nice that you can bring all of the different things you can get in this area together in one place so I dont have to run around to 20 different places checking them out. I can get my ideas here and get my questions answered. Java Taylor of Godfrey was getting questions answered for her Nov. 14, 2020 wedding. I am trying to get ideas for a dress and I am definitely trying to line someone up to design my bouquet, Taylor said as she examined several of the dresses worn by models during the events fashion show. I am back and forth on the style at this point, but I want to keep looking today and leave here with some ideas. This Bridal Show is beautiful, well-organized, the gifts are nice, and you can tell a lot of thought was put into it, she said. Bunker Hill resident Brianna Large said she has almost everything done for her Sept. 5, 2020 wedding. But I am still looking for a florist, she said. My wedding will be a country theme with sunflowers and a navy color. Oh, and the desserts are really good here. Carly Cress of Godfrey is planning a formal, June 27, 2020 wedding. I am finding caterers and all kinds of good stuff for the wedding. I think the selection here at the Bridal Show are great, Cress said. I love the booth where you can win money to go towards the purchase of your formal wear. I have sampled several of the food items and I will probably pick them because they are really good. The Bridal Show Fashion Show, sponsored by Frews Bridal & Formal Wear and Complete Weddings + Events, featured models showcasing the top trends in wedding attire. The Telegraph Bridal Show featured the following vendors: Savvi Formalwear; Bella Milano; Godfrey Meat Market; Gravemann Photography; Best Western Premier; Sweet Indulgences; Lewis & Clark Catering; The Cup; Shakin Shuttle Party Bus; Bemis Tupman Chiropractic; St. Peters Hardware & Rental; Capture Photography; Full Throttle Mobile DJ; Village of Elsah; Pattys Petals; STL Booths; Main Street Bridal; Memorable Moments; and Imagery by Jo. Hearst Midwest Media Group includes The Telegraph, The Intelligencer and On The Edge of the Weekend. MIAMI, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 10, 2019, Gara Group Inc., the industry's leading development firm that provides white-glove solutions to companies in the direct sales industry, filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Diego against iGalen Inc; iGalen International; SeD; David Price, Chan Hen Fai; and Dr. Rajen Manicka (37-2019-00053997-CU-BC-CTL). The lawsuit alleges the Defendants have breached their contract with Gara Group by refusing to perform its obligation to make timely payments, refusing to communicate assurance that payments would be made in a timely manner, and refusing to operate in good faith to resolve any differences between plaintiff and defendants. The lawsuit alleges that defendant iGalen deliberately failed to make payments, failed to make arrangements for payments with Gara Group, failed to acknowledge the existence of ongoing obligations, and repudiation of its agreed upon obligations under the terms of its contract with Gara Group. The total past due balance of alleged to be owing is in excess of $408,000.00. Payments were beyond 90 days past due at the time of initiation of the lawsuit. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges causes of action against the defendants for Breach of Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Quantum Meruit for work & labor furnished, Intentional Misrepresentation, Negligent Misrepresentation, Open Book Account, Intentional Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Alter Ego Liability and Accounting. About Gara Group Gara Group provides state of the art all-inclusive solutions and tools in launching and scaling operations worldwide - from corporate and replicated websites to distributor back-office, logistics, shipping, video production, social media, and customer service. With a multidisciplinary approach and over 70 years of combined experience working in software, direct sales, and marketing. Gara Group helps their clients get it right the first time and with lasting results for generations to come. Gara Group incorporates a suite of modules that provide flexibility to manage all corporate and distributor needs in a one-stop shop where our services are all under one roof and work flawlessly together! https://garagroup.com/ SOURCE Gara Group Inc Related Links https://garagroup.com Nations defense contractors promise no attack against US will go unprofitable Duffel Blog Techlash Hits College Campuses NYT History of Mel Brooks: Both Parts Jewish Review of Books Cashmere country: the perils of making the worlds finest fabric Guardian Help me! A young girls sign in car window isnt what it seems, California cops say Sac Bee New Lithium-Oxygen Battery Could One Day Power Electric Cars NBC UserFriendly: They could. if you thought the problem with Lithium Ion Batteries was they werent explosive enough. Federal court stops longline fishing to protect turtles off California coast LA Times The tortoise whose rampant sex drive helped save his species is finally retiring WaPo Before you hit share on that cute animal photo, consider the harm it can cause The Conversation On the Waterfronts The Baffler Taal volcano eruption forces thousands to seek safer ground in the Philippines WaPo An Airline Required a Woman to Take a Pregnancy Test to Fly to This U.S. Island WSJ Class Warfare Health Care Big Brother IS Watching You Watch 737 MAX Blackout Bug: Boeing 737 cockpit screens go blank if pilots land on specific runways The Register (chuck l) Syraqistan Macron meets with African leaders to boost fight against jihadists in Sahel France 24 Megxit Turkey Australia Apocalypse India Trump Transition Waste Watch 2020 Antidote du Jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 President Joko Jokowi Widodo has dedicated the first of a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attracting more Middle Eastern investment, starting with a multi-million dollar solar power plant project in West Java. Jokowi met on Sunday with, among other luminaries, the directors of metal producer Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), multinational retailer Lulu Group, financing firm BRS Ventures and renewable energy company Masdar. Masdar is slated to finance the 145 megawatt (MW) Cirata solar power plant. The Rp 1.8 trillion (US$131.2 million) plant will become Indonesias largest solar plant, a title currently held by the 15MW Likupang plant in North Sulawesi. 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 British broadcaster Piers Morgan has labelled Meghan Markle a 'ruthless social climber' who spent her life 'using people, moving on and ditching them'. In an interview on Sunrise, the media personality criticised the Duchess of Sussex for her treatment of friends, her ex-husband and even her own family. It comes as the Queen made an historic announcement that Meghan and Prince Harry would step back as senior royals and split their time between Canada and the UK. British media personality Piers Morgan (pictured) told Sunrise he feared for the history of the royal family and claimed Meghan was driving a wedge between them Prince Harry stands with his then-fiance Meghan Markle (pictured) outside Kensington Palace after making their engagement announcement back in November 2017 Speaking about Meghan's history of 'ghosting and ditching' those close to her, the presenter said he came to the conclusion she was a 'ruthless' status seeker. 'It really cemented in me a feeling that Meghan Markle is not quite what she seems,' he told the show on Tuesday morning. 'That she's actually somebody who I think is a pretty ruthless social climber who has spent her life using people, and moving on and ditching them. 'And it's an unpleasant trait.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision has threatened to cause a rift in the royal family, namely between the Queen and her grandson (pictured together in May 2019) Morgan, who has been critical of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step down from the royal family, said the public had initially warmed to the actress. But stories that emerged about her past behaviour soon clouded public opinion. 'Through the engagement and the wedding she got universal praise - including from me,' he said. 'I was like, 'whatever's happened with my friendship with her, I think she'll be good news for the royal family'. 'But then around the time of the wedding, you may remember, all the stuff around her dad - who she disowned - and her family, none of whom came to the wedding. The Queen (pictured, left, in July 2018 at Buckingham Palace) has given her approval for Meghan and Harry (right) to step down as senior members of the royal family There had been rumours of a rift between brothers Prince Harry (pictured, left, in May 2018) and William (right) because of the Sussex's decision to quit 'Then all these stories about what she did to her ex-husband, that she effectively fired him by sending him through the mail his rings. 'And then loads of other people said 'she ghosted me, she dumped me, she ditched me'. On Monday in the UK, the Queen made clear her deep disappointment at the couple's decision to quit their Royal duties and says there will be 'a transition period'. This will allow time to hammer out the final settlement between the family and the Duke and Duchess. The unprecedented statement came after a two-hour summit at Sandringham between the Queen and Princes Charles, William and Harry. Meghan and Harry (pictured, right, on Christmas Day 2018) are said to have blinded his father Prince Charles (far left) and brother Prince William (second from left) over the decision, as well his wife Kate (centre) During the crisis, Meghan is understood to have flown back to Canada to be with baby Archie (pictured) Morgan went on to claim that Meghan's 'social climbing' was now having more serious consequences, as it threatened to disrupt the British monarchy. 'But what makes it more serious now, is that having basically got rid of her own family, she now appears to be trying to get rid of Harry from his family and I think that is a dangerous moment for the royal family and for the monarchy,' he said. 'There's a difference in the way the criticism of the two of them is treated. 'My issue with Harry is that he's so weak over all this. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (pictured) enjoyed a holiday to Canada over the Christmas period, rather than stay with the family 'I quite predicted and understand why Meghan Markle finds royal duties stifling and boring and wants to be a global Hollywood superstar. 'But Harry was born into this and he should know better than most people that in return of all the servants and palaces and luxury life, that actually you have to perform what's called duty.' 'That is what the royal family do, that's why they exist. They perform public duty. 'And it seems to me that what these two now want, is they want their cake and all the royal trimmings, but they don't want to work for it in the way all the other royals do.' Before meeting Harry, Meghan (pictured in November 2019) was a successful actress with a leading role on US legal drama Suits 'I'm afraid, you can't say I didn't warn you. I've always believed in the phrase - 'if someone shows you who they are, then believe them',' Morgan went on. After spending Monday afternoon bunkered down in crunch talks with the Queen, Princes Charles, William and Harry left the Norfolk estate in separate cars. 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family,' a statement from the Queen later said. 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. The Queen (pictured with her family in March 2019) has expressed her disappointment at the decision but promised a 'period of transition' 'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. 'These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.' The Queen, who is desperate to chart a way out of the crisis raging through the Family ranks, has ordered courtiers to double down efforts to develops blueprint for the Sussexes' future, to be completed within days. London: So Prince Harry and Meghan are now squarely headed for the royal exit, apparently even with the backing of an "entirely supportive" family. We are told that Monday's face-to-face between Harry, the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William was constructive. The Queen says there is "respect and understanding" for the pair's plan for an independent future. And stresses that the controversial couple will remain a "valued part of my family". This drama though still has a long way to run and there are big questions yet to be answered. The summit at the Queen's private estate in Sandringham did resolve one thing: the threshold matter of whether the royal family should allow the pair to step back, or dig in and insist they stay. Haiti - Politic : The Deputy Jerry Tardieu rejects the false attacks of Me Newton Saint-Juste The lawyers engaged by the Haitian State in its dispute with the electricity producers now have a new target, they are interested in the loans granted by the ONA and in this context, Me Newton Saint-Juste one of the lawyers of the State has asked the Prosecutor's Office to open a judicial investigation into loans deemed impaired made in the past 20 years, citing without evidence, according to its interventions in the media, names of people and companies, supposedly beneficiaries of privileged loans, which is not without provoking strong reaction of the principal interested parties. Reaction of the deputy of Petion-ville Jerry Tardieu quoted by Me Newton Saint-Juste : "Hereby, I wish to inform the general public that I have no debt to ONA, an institution from which I have never borrowed one Gourde in my life, neither for myself nor for any of the companies in which I took part (even when it would have been my right since provided for by the law governing the matter). I would like to make this clarification after hearing Me Newton Saint-Juste, who presents himself as a lawyer for the Haitian state, mention my name several times as a debtor of the ONA. No one is fooled. There is no doubt that these slanderous and deceitful attacks, apart from all professional and deontological ethics, are part of an inclination of the power in place to smear personalities who dare to criticize the disastrous management of the country. No attempt at intimidation or political persecution will prevent the committed citizen that I am from continuing to be involved in the affairs of the city. Against all odds, I will never give up the honor of being their target to paraphrase Edmond Rostand. I take this opportunity to draw the attention of the national and international community, and human rights organizations, to the serious dangers faced by the Haitian democracy. To dare to criticize the current authorities, even being a parliamentarian, is now to expose oneself to baseless attacks and to raised visor of henchmen disguised as jurists who, under the pretext of false lies and files assembled from scratch, impunity tarnish the reputation of those who do not give up on their regim. In his diatribes, this modern-day inquisitor often associates me with the Oasis Hotel, of which I am, like ONA and 200 other investors, only a simple and proud shareholder. If he had taken the trouble to address the board of directors of this renowned hotel establishment, he would certainly have confirmed to him that this company does not benefit from any ONA loan. While reserving the right to initiate such and only legal action, I dismiss these accusations, baseless and unworthy of a lawyer, with the back of my hand. Besides, listening to the preposterous argument of this 'lawyer', I cannot prevent me to thinking to Me. Gerard Gourgues, who faced with the maneuvers of the awkward gravediggers of our nascent democracy exclaimed wisely : 'Even the wrong, they do wrong'." Deputy Jerry Tardieu HL/ HaitiLibre Moscow (AFP) - Libya's eastern strongman General Khalifa Haftar delayed signing a ceasefire agreement at talks in Moscow, but Russia said it was hopeful the country's warring rivals would soon conclude the deal to end nine months of fighting. Talks on the terms of a ceasefire between Haftar's forces and the UN-recognised government headed by Fayez al-Sarraj went on for seven hours on Monday without the two delegations actually meeting, though Moscow noted "certain progress". Sarraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli has been under attack since last April from forces loyal to Haftar, who is based in the east of the oil-rich North African country with his loyalist politicians. The two sides were expected to agree the terms of a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend, raising hopes of an end to the latest fighting to wrack Libya since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Western powers are keen to stabilise Libya -- home to Africa's largest proven crude reserves -- because of concerns Islamist militants and migrant smugglers, already active, will take advantage of the chaos. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sarraj and the head of High Council of State in Tripoli, Khaled al-Mechri, had signed the document. But Haftar and his ally Aguila Saleh "have asked for a bit more time until morning" to study it, he said. Turkey and Russia's foreign and defence ministers acted as mediators, but the rival delegations did not apparently come face-to-face. "We have refused any meeting with Haftar," al-Mechri was quoted as saying by Libya al-Ahrar television channel. - Calls for 'credible' truce - The ceasefire initiative was launched by President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who jointly called for a truce in Istanbul last week. A fragile ceasefire went into effect from midnight Sunday, but Erdogan on Monday reiterated the "urgent necessity" for a permanent agreement after meeting with Italy's prime minister. Story continues German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Putin on Saturday and he supported her drive to hold a peace conference sponsored by the United Nations. Berlin said Monday the summit was planned for later this month. French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a "credible, lasting and verifiable" truce. Diplomatic sources said discussions were also under way at the United Nations about establishing an observation mission in Libya to monitor the ceasefire, similar to an existing initiative in Yemen. "For the ceasefire in Libya to hold, there should be an impartial monitoring and implementation mechanism as well as confidence-building measures," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AFP. The UN is already "recording and verifying reported ceasefire violations" through its political mission in Libya, which employs around 230 people, he added. - 'Turn page on past' - Sarraj on Monday called on Libyans to "turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace". Since the start of Haftar's offensive against Tripoli, more than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans have been displaced, according to the UN. Turkey and Russia's diplomatic initiative came despite the countries being seen as supporting opposing sides. Ankara dispatched troops -- in a training capacity, it said -- to support the GNA in January in a move criticised by European powers and US President Donald Trump. The GNA has also signed agreements with Ankara assigning Turkey rights over a vast area of the eastern Mediterranean, in a deal denounced by France, Greece, Egypt and Cyprus. Russia has been accused of backing pro-Haftar forces, which are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt -- all regional rivals of Turkey. Several hundred Russian mercenaries are reported to be in Libya supporting Haftar. Putin said any Russians in the country are not in Moscow's pay. Russia supports Haftar as the stronger militarily and backed by its ally Egypt, said Russian defence analyst Alexei Malashenko. "Moscow wants to preserve its presence in Libya through Haftar, including its oil interests," he said. Russia could rekindle trade in arms and wheat and relaunch a stalled railway construction project. Europe and North Africa have also launched a diplomatic offensive to try to prevent Libya, with the increased involvement of international players in its conflict, from turning into what Berlin calls a "second Syria". King Abdullah of Jordan on Monday warned that thousands of fighters have left Syria for Libya and "that is something we in the region but also our European friends will have to address in 2020". The investigation is yet to establish the exact mode of the Russian-made missile launcher's operation at the time of the strike. The deadly missile launch targeting a civilian aircraft bound to Kyiv suggests either a deliberate act by the operator or flawed Russian software, a think tank reported. The Iranian Aerospace Forces claim that "during the flight, the aircraft appeared to be in close proximity to one of the important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, resembling a hostile object in shape and altitude," according to IGDTS think tank. Commander of Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Amir Ali Hajizadeh, said the air defense command post commander in the area of responsibility near the airport sent a missile launch permission request to the higher command, and, having received no response within 10 seconds, decided to strike. The question arises as to the mode the air defense system was operating in. If it was automatic mode, the operator had to make a decision to cancel the missile launch within 10 seconds. In the case of manual mode, he had to make the decision to strike. Thus, from a legal point of view, the investigation has to find out whether it was action or inaction that led to the plane crash. Russian TOR launchers supplied to Iran in 2007 did not have an automatic mode option. Read alsoPS752 downing: New video purportedly shows moment of missile launch If the system did operate automatically, this means that Russia had upgraded the Tors after 2007. Tor's radar target detection range is 32 km. The distance from the runway edge to the probable launch site is 30 km. Consequently, the "target" should have come on within the radar screen, rather than coming from the area outside the radar coverage. The air defense system crew had to be aware of their position and situation around them, including at the airport, its runway, and corridors for civilian flights. On January 9, 2020, Tehran Airport's online schedule indicated that a number of other civilian aircraft had taken off starting 05:23 local time before PS752 departure on 06:13 with intervals of eight to 33 minutes. Thus, the air defense launcher crew should have seen "targets" similar to PS752 between 4:32 and 06:12. The FlightRadar24 data illustrates an identical altitude gain for five airplanes that took off during this timeframe. Thus, even under psychological stress, the launcher crew could not see flight PS752 as something unexpected or out of the norm to identify it as a hostile object, presumably a "cruise missile". JNU violence: Police names seven Left wing students, 2 ABVP supporters Seven Left-wing students, including the president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union Aishe Ghosh, and two students from the RSS-affiliated ABVP are among nine suspects named by Delhi Police investigating the 5 January violence in the university campus. In a press conference, DCP Crime Branch Joy Tirki of the Delhi Police said the Crime Branch is investigating the criminal case and that as many as nine people, seven from Left including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh and two from ABVP have been recognised through CCTV footage. Tirki said this is an update on the findings of the investigation in the case so far and said since an institution and its students are involved, it is a sensitive case and requested that media to see it in "proper perspective". The police revealed the sequence of events they found during investigations. The varsity decided to commence provisional registration online between 1 January and 5 January. Four groups who had been demanding that old problems be solved first started opposing this move. Investigations reveal that they were not letting students register and were threatening and intimidating the ones who had registered. The protesting students started messing with the server and started shoving the on-duty staff out of the office, JNU authorities told investigators. This incident happened at 11.30 am on 5 January. At 3.45 pm on the same day, Periyaar hostel was attacked. WiFi had been disabled and so CCTV footage could not be used. As many as nine people have been identified through viral videos provided by students, authorities. People from JNUTA have helped the police and administration. Vandals so far identified on CCTV: 1. Chunchun Kumar (Ex-student JNU) 2. Pankaj Mishra 3. Bhaskar Vijay 4. Aishe Ghosh 5. Sucheta Talukdar (JNU) 6. Priya Ranjan (Student) 7. Yogendra Bharadwaj 8. Dolan Samanta 9. Vikas Patel Meanwhile, a delegation of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) meet with the MHRD Secretary Amit Khare. The JNUSU along with a few teachers of the JNUTA have demanded the removal of V-C M Jagadesh Kumar. After the Delhi Police named her as one of the suspects, JNUSU president-elect Aishe Ghosh said, Whats the proof against me? She asserted that until and unless Delhi Police conducts a fair probe, she would continue to protest in a peaceful and democratic manner. Delhi Police can do their inquiry. I also have evidence to show how I was attacked, Ghosh said. On January 5, some masked men with sticks and iron rods entered the JNU campus and launched an attack on students and teachers, they entered students' hostel and vandalised campus property. Several people, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, JNUSU General Secretary Satish Chandra and many teachers received grievous injuries. STAMFORDA Stamford judge on Monday ordered the rearrest of a Stamford woman who pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 from a Greenwich convenience store where she was the manager. Judge Bruce Hudock ordered the arrest of Julienne Julmeus, 25, of Seaside Avenue, after she did not show up to court, where she was to present a plan to repay the owner of the convenience store. Hudock forfeited the $50,000 court appearance bond that Julmeus posted following her September 2016 arrest on a first-degree larceny charge. He also ordered that Julmeus be held in lieu of a $150,000 court appearance bond for missing her Monday court date. Greenwich police say Julmeus was stealing up to $17,000 per month from the Sheephill Mobil gas station on East Putnam Avenue. According to Julmeus, the money was being used to pay off her husbands gambling debts and help her extended family in Haiti. Her attorney, senior public defender Howard Ehring, said he was disappointed in the days outcome for his client. I was hopeful of her making partial restitution so we could avoid prison because she does have a child that is less than a year old, Ehring said. I think restitution would have gone a long way. Last July, Julmeus pleaded guilty to a first-degree larceny charge that can carry with it a 20-year jail sentence with the understanding that she would be given a chance to pay some of the debt back before being made to serve any time in jail. Judge Gary White offered a 10-year suspended sentence and five years probation if she made restitution. White said Julmeus needed to establish a repayment plan by the time she returns to court. If you dont do what you are supposed to do, I want you to know I will send you to jail, he said. Talk to your family, they should be willing to help you out. Talk to your friends. You need to start finding the money. According to police, Julmeus began working at the gas station as a cashier in 2014 and was later promoted to manager. White excoriated Julmeus for working her way up in the store only to betray the person who promoted her. She was fired in late 2016 when management detected suspicious activities. Private investigators and an accountant were brought in by Greenwich Convenient Mart Inc., the store management, and police were notified. After a lengthy investigation and audit, authorities concluded that Julmeus stole $106,061, according to her arrest affidavit. Authorities reviewed video footage from the store to track her activities with the cash machine and went through financial documents. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com The Diversity Innovation Hub (DIH) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is among the Top 50 in Digital Health for 2020, receiving a Diversity And Inclusion Leadership Award for its efforts to improve health care through technology. The DIH launched in fall 2019 to address the lack of women and people of color in innovation and technology, to foster ideas and solutions that address social and structural inequalities, and to accelerate efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in medicine and science. The initiative--one of the first of its kind among health care systems--aims to diversify the pipeline for career paths in health care innovation and technology through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The DIH is spearheaded by Mount Sinai's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The awards are sponsored by the venture fund Rock Health, the law firm Fenwick & West, Goldman Sachs, and Pacific Western Bank. Winners are chosen by vote of their peers in digital health. "We are honored to receive this award as we continue to lay the groundwork to create meaningful change in the health field. We may be a growing hub, but this worthy acknowledgement shows the importance of our mission to advance diversity and inclusion through innovation," says Gary C. Butts, MD, Dean for Diversity Programs, Policy, and Community Affairs, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Mount Sinai Health System. "We welcome the role as a leading incubator in connecting the dots between innovation and diversity and inclusion, and we look forward to expanding programs to educate our students, trainees, and staff, as well as our neighboring communities that we serve, including Harlem." In 2019, DIH piloted two programs that will continue this year. The first is a Student Innovation Fellowship that introduces medical students who are female or from groups underrepresented in medicine to the fields of biodesign, health care venture capital, and technology. The second is a curriculum in innovation and design thinking for the North Eastern Regional Alliance MedPrep Program, an educational pipeline program that engages undergraduate students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds over three years to become competitive applicants. The DIH will host its first Pitch Day this spring at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Winners will receive funds to further develop their plans and ongoing mentorship from the hub's board of advisors and partners, including community and tech leaders from Silicon Harlem; One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York; National Medical Fellowships, Inc.; Radical Health; and RubiconMD. "We are happy to lead the charge in making a difference in Mount Sinai communities, but also as a model of innovation to diversify the entire health care industry," says Dennis S. Charney, MD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and President for Academic Affairs of the Mount Sinai Health System. "At the Icahn School of Medicine, we've taken many steps to ensure that diversity and inclusion remain a central part of our mission as an institution, and the DIH is a truly groundbreaking project, as noted by this recognition for its leadership in the digital health space." Mount Sinai is among a distinguished group of leaders and organizations including Kaiser Permanente, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Philips Health recognized for achievements that bring technological advancements to health care and support progress towards a better health care system. The winners were be recognized at the Top 50 in Digital Health Awards dinner hosted by the four sponsoring firms on Sunday, January 12, which kicked off the JP Morgan Health Conference in San Francisco. ### About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,480 primary and specialty care physicians; 11 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 410 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools", aligned with a U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" Hospital, No. 12 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, and among the top 10 most innovative research institutions as ranked by the journal Nature in its Nature Innovation Index. This reflects a special level of excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 14 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics in the 2019-2020 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked nationally in five out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 12th nationally for Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West are ranked 23rd nationally for Nephrology and 25th for Diabetes/Endocrinology, and Mount Sinai South Nassau is ranked 35th nationally for Urology. Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, Mount Sinai West, and Mount Sinai South Nassau are ranked regionally. For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Heres a look at how area members of Congress voted over the previous week: HOUSE VOTES 5G WIRELESS: The House has passed the Secure 5G and Beyond Act (H.R. 2881), sponsored by Rep. Abigail Davis Spanberger, D-Va. The bill would require the president to develop a multi-government agency strategy to ensure the security of next generation (5G) mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure systems. Spanberger said the strategy would help the U.S. successfully prevent foreign influence in our 5G networks and keep our citizens safe from possible threats from Chinas 5G technologies. The vote, on Jan. 8, was 413 yeas to 3 nays. YEAS: Steil R-WI (1st) CONFLICT WITH IRAN: The House has passed a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 83), sponsored by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., to require President Trump to withdraw U.S. military forces from hostilities against Iran in the absence of congressional authorization or unless forces are needed to counter an imminent attack against the U.S. by Iran. Slotkin said of the need for the resolution: Congress has long abdicated its responsibility as laid out in the Constitution to make the hard decisions we owe our troops when it comes to authorizing war. An opponent, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said concurrent resolutions are unconstitutional as a means to limit the executive branch and that the resolution would signal a lack of House support for needed protective action against Iran. The vote, on Jan. 9, was 224 yeas to 194 nays. NAYS: Steil R-WI (1st) BUSINESS TRAINING FOR PRISONERS: The House has passed the Prison to Proprietorship Act (H.R. 5078), sponsored by Nydia M. Velazquez, D-N.Y., to require Small Business Administration development centers to provide entrepreneurship counseling and training services to federal prisoners. Velazquez said the training will provide meaningful opportunities and hope for those who are committed to rebuilding their lives but are locked out of the labor market. The vote, on Jan. 9, was 370 yeas to 41 nays. YEAS: Steil R-WI (1st) Also, the House also passed the Promoting United States International Leadership in 5G Act (H.R. 3763), to direct the Secretary of State to provide assistance and technical expertise to enhance the representation and leadership of the U.S. at international standards-setting bodies that set standards for 5th and future generations mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure; and the Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act (H.R. 5065), to provide re-entry entrepreneurship counseling and training services for formerly incarcerated individuals. SENATE VOTES SMALL BUSINESSES: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Jovita Carranza to serve as the Small Business Administrations administrator. Carranza had been U.S. Treasurer since June 2017, and before that ran her own consultancy, was deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration, and an executive at United Parcel Service (UPS). A supporter, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said Carranza was equipped to help the Administration modernize and develop solutions that ensure that small businesses have access to the resources they need to start, to grow, and to empower our nation at large. The vote, on Jan. 7, was 88 yeas to 5 nays. YEAS: Johnson R-WI, Baldwin D-WI FEDERAL CLAIMS JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Matthew H. Solomson to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a fifteen-year term. Solomson, currently an executive at Anthem, a health insurance company, was previously a private practice lawyer in Washington, D.C., and a trial attorney in the Justice Department. The vote, on Jan. 8, was 89 yeas to 8 nays. YEAS: Johnson R-WI, Baldwin D-WI SECOND FEDERAL CLAIMS JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Eleni Maria Roumel to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a fifteen-year term. Roumel has been deputy counsel to Vice President Pence since 2018; from 2012 to 2018 she was an assistant general counsel to the House, and before that a private practice lawyer in South Carolina and New York. The vote, on Jan. 8, was 51 yeas to 47 nays. YEAS: Johnson R-WI NAYS: Baldwin D-WI THAILAND AMBASSADOR: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Michael George DeSombre to serve as U.S. ambassador to Thailand. DeSombre, a partner at the Sullivan and Cromwell law firm since 2004, has specialized in Asian corporate mergers and acquisitions, and is an active philanthropist in Hong Kong. The vote, on Jan. 8, was 91 yeas to 7 nays. YEAS: Johnson R-WI, Baldwin D-WI REGULATIONS OFFICIAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Paul J. Ray to serve as the administrator of the Office of Management and Budgets Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). Ray has been acting administrator at the OIRA since April 2019, and before that was the OIRAs associate administrator for nine months, and an appellate attorney specializing in administrative law. A supporter, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., praised Rays record at the OIRA of helping eliminate outdated or harmful regulations and thereby boosting U.S. economic strength and growing wage levels. An opponent, Sen. Gary C. Peters, D-Mich., said Ray has failed to meaningfully respond to inquiries from senators reviewing his nomination, and it would be irresponsible to confirm Mr. Ray to OIRA without an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate his record. The vote, on Jan. 9, was 50 yeas to 44 nays. YEAS: Johnson R-WI NAYS: Baldwin D-WI The Senate also passed a resolution (S. Res. 395), recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Iran hostage crisis; the Americas Conservation Enhancement Act (H.R. 925), to improve protections for wildlife; and the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (S. 1982), to improve efforts to combat marine debris. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- WHEN: Saturday, January 18, 2020 WHERE: Embassy of Afghanistan Media availability RSVP for details Listed in "MORE INFO" WHAT: The Independence Fund and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will partner to host an event that celebrates the continued relationship between and The Afghan Mission to the United States, Ambassador Roya Rahmani and the non-profit Veterans organization. The reception is centered around the children of American Veterans of Afghanistan and children of Afghan citizens residing in the U.S. finding commonality through shared experiences and a story many of them are familiar with in their own home. Sarah Verardo, CEO of The Independence Fund, will share with the children her book, "Hero at Home," a children's book about growing up with a parent who is a catastrophically wounded Veteran and has a "Robot Leg" as Sarah's children's classmates put it. Also in attendance will be several Veterans of the war in Afghanistan along with their families, Gold Star Families, members of the Afghan mission with their families, Afghan translators who have received American visas, Afghan diaspora and senior staff members of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the White House, media figures and other Veteran Service Organizations. "We know that for Veterans who served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, and families who lost loved ones there, or to battles at home, Afghanistan will be where many of our Nation's best left pieces of themselves - both physically and emotionally. We are so honored to have this incredible relationship with the Embassy and Ambassador Rahmani; the commitment and partnership between both nations to saluting and honoring Veterans continues to help heal the visible and invisible wounds of war," said The Independence Fund CEO Sarah Verardo. ABOUT AMBASSADOR ROYA RAHMANI H.E. Roya Rahmani is the first woman ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States of America. She assumed this position on December 14, 2018. Prior to this, she served as Afghanistan's first woman ambassador to Indonesia and the country's first accredited ambassador to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). During her tenure in Indonesia, she was also accredited as Afghanistan's non-resident ambassador to Singapore. During her posting in Indonesia, the Afghan and Indonesian bilateral relationship soared to its highest since its inception in 1954. Now, Indonesia and Afghanistan have close cooperation in various areas including economics, cultural, and promoting peace and tolerance from the Islamic perspective. H.E. Roya Rahmani joined MoFa as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Foreign Minister in 2011. From 2012-2016, Ambassador Rahmani served as the first Director General for Regional Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan (MoFA) during which she was responsible for leading her team to manage and promote the country's role and position in dozens of regional organizations and fora. In addition, Rahmani spearheaded the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process at MoFA where she played a key role in the conception and launch of the regional cooperation process. Ambassador Rahmani started her official work with the Afghan government at the Ministry of Education of Afghanistan, as a senior advisor for Planning and Policy in early 2011. Prior to this, she directed and managed various organizations and programs at national and international levels. From 2009-2011, she managed a program implemented in 11 countries that promoted women's empowerment. She worked as a part-time Subject Matter Expert with the NATO Joint Forces Training Center for two years and as a consultant with: the New York Department of Education, the United Nations Secretariat in New York, the Department of Trade and International Affairs of Canada, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, Women Living under Muslim Laws and other INGOs. From 2004 2007, H.E. Roya Rahmani worked as the Country Director of the International Center for Human Rights and Democratic Development organization in Kabul and traveled around Afghanistan. In 2007, she was awarded the Best Human Rights Activist Award by Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, for her work on a marriage document that secured equitable rights for the family and contributed to data collection at a national level. Rahmani holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Software Engineering from McGill University. She has won several awards and fellowships and is a Fulbright Scholar. Rahmani served as a member of the board of directors of many organizations, is a Musawah Advocate and a member of Munich Security Conference Young Leaders. H.E. Roya Rahmani has been featured by numerous international media and was named the People's Ambassador in 2017 by the Tattler Indonesia. She was born in 1978 in Kabul, Afghanistan in a middle-class family, is married and has one daughter named Bareen. ABOUT SARAH VERARDO: Sarah Verardo is a national advocate for wounded Veterans and their Caregivers. Her husband Michael was catastrophically wounded in Afghanistan in 2010, in two separate IED attacks that took his left leg, much of his left arm, and left him with polytraumatic conditions that have required more than one hundred surgeries and years of speech, visual, physical and occupational therapies. Starting as a volunteer with The Independence Fund, Sarah's steadfast devotion, experience, and drive led to her eventual selection as the organization's first Chief Executive Officer. Sarah continues carrying on the legacy of The Independence Fund's founder by providing all-terrain track wheelchairs to Veterans and has provided over 2,400 chairs to date. She also created the nonprofit's Caregiver, Family, Adaptive Sports, and Advocacy programs, and recently developed a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs that will combat Veteran Suicide through reunions of some of the hardest hit units of the War on Terror. This revolutionary program, Operation RESILIENCY, works with VA and DOD to recall units for peer support, relying on bonds formed during war and keeping the commitment of shared experience and brotherhood alive back home. Sarah advises Administration officials and members of Congress on the experiences of the families of our severely wounded Veterans and has been instrumental in shaping national policy for our warfighters and their families. Regularly appearing on cable news to commentate on the sacrifice of Veterans and Military families, Sarah is a respected subject matter expert in the field. ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE FUND: Established in 2007, The Independence Fund is a national Veterans Service Organization dedicated to meeting the unmet needs of catastrophically wounded Veterans, Caregivers and their families through a variety of programs. To learn more, visit www.independencefund.org. SOURCE The Independence Fund Related Links http://independencefund.org/ This post was published in partnership with Wirecutter , the site devoted to finding the best gear and gadgets. Every product is independently selected by the Wirecutter team. We update links when possible, but note that deals may expire and prices are subject to change. If you buy something through our links, Slate and Wirecutter may earn an affiliate commission. By Ben Keough Wirecutter Staff Shirts. Pants. Socks and underwear. Toiletries. A good book. Your phone charger. Your passport. Thats everything, right? What are you forgetting? Oh, yeah: a great camera. If youre headed out for a vacation to remember, youre going to need more than just a smartphone to capture trip-defining imageseven if you have the latest and greatest iPhone or Pixel. Thats because as good as smartphone cameras are, they cant zoom very far without destroying image quality, and they dont capture enough detail for large prints. Besides, youll need to save your phones battery for things like navigating to your hotel and desperately hitting up TripAdvisor for the best place to get Indian food in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not sure what kind of camera you need to make your trip a success? We have a few different suggestions depending on your needs, from a purely pocketable model for traveling light to a still-portable interchangeable-lens camera if you value image quality above convenience. And if your vacation calls for off-the-beaten-path exploration, we have a pick for you, too. Advertisement Advertisement These cameras arent exactly cheapeven the least expensive options add a few hundred bucks to the cost of a vacationbut with one of these cameras, youll be able to enjoy the results for a lifetime. In our eyes, that makes them a bargain. When you need to pack light: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 The HX99 offers a 30x zoom lens plus image quality on a par with that of a high-end smartphone, all in a body that you can slip into a jeans pocket. $473 from Amazon Are you the kind of traveler who checks in to an international flight with just a backpack? If so, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 is the camera for you. Sure, its small sensor produces images barely sharper or clearer than smartphone pictures, but theres not a smartphone on Earth that can come close to matching its 30x zoom lens. The upshot: Itll look as if you were standing at the foot of Mount Fuji when you snapped your photo, instead of sweeping by at 200 miles per hour on the Shinkansen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also love the HX99s clever pop-up viewfinder, which makes it easy to compose shots when bright sunlight washes out the tilting rear display. The camera also captures beautiful 4K video, and if youre a photo enthusiast, youll appreciate the huge range of manual controls (including customizable buttons and dials). Ultimately, though, the real reason to get this camera is if you want a lot of zoom in a very small package. For that purpose, it cant be beat. When big zoom is all that matters: Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Canon PowerShot SX70 HS With an impressive 65x zoom lens, this surprisingly compact camera can do it all, from wide-angle interiors and landscapes to close-ups of distant peaks and wildlife. $480 from Amazon If you want even more telephoto reach than a travel zoom can offer, you need a superzoom camera in your bag. The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is our favorite superzoom for people who need to shoot stuff thats really far away. Its zoom range (211365mm) will just as easily get you extreme wide-angle shots of the Taj Mahal as it will long-distance snaps of howler monkeys in the jungles of Costa Rica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Image quality is solid all around, and the SX70 HS also captures crisp 1080p video with smooth, silent zoom and reliable autofocus. Thanks to Canons simple user interface, this camera is also far less technical to use than some other superzooms yet it still provides a rewarding degree of control. When image quality matters but size does too: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI It offers less zoom than our other point-and-shoot picks, but the HX99s big sibling gives you near-DSLR image quality in a similarly pocketable package. $1,198 from Amazon Think of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI as a DSC-HX99 on steroidsthe design is similar, just a little bulked up. The sensor is bigger, which means the image quality is much better. The pop-up viewfinder is larger and sharper, which makes it easier to get the shot you want. And the lens, while not as wide or as long as the HX99s, is sharper and still covers a useful range, 28200mm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That may sound like a big downgrade from the HX99s 24720mm zoom, but this camera isnt for extreme-zoom shooters. Its for people who dont mind zooming with their feet but still want to pack light. In other words, youll need to actually hike Fuji, not just pass by on the train. In typical Sony style, the RX100 VI offers a mind-boggling array of controls, with plenty of customizable buttons and dials. This camera can produce frame-worthy photosits a huge upgrade over any smartphoneand Sonys video quality is unimpeachable. When you dont mind carrying a camera bag: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II w/ 14-42mm Lens This camera will get you the best image quality out of any model we recommend, at the expense of a little bulk and the need to change lenses. $449 from Amazon Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R The 14-42mm lens that comes with the E-M10 Mark II is a great walking-around lens, but you need something like this to capture long-distance shots. $99 from Amazon Thus far, our recommendations have focused more on size than on image quality. Even the Sony RX100 VI, which produces very nice images, uses a 1-inch sensor, which is considered small in the broader photography world. Another step up the image-quality ladderand one step down the portability scaleyoull find the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, a remarkably powerful, surprisingly affordable, and still quite compact mirrorless camera that thoroughly outclasses the RX100 VI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The downside? Well, its a bit bigger, and to get the same reach as with the Sony, you need to buy (and carry) an extra lens on your trip. Still, the Olympus camera and two-lens combo typically costs about half as much as the RX100 IV, and its larger, Four Thirds sensor will give you superior shots, especially when you pair it with high-quality lenses. Since this model is an interchangeable-lens camera, its also far more flexible, giving you the option to add an ultrawide lens for interior shots of St. Pauls Cathedral or a wide-aperture prime for portraits of your travel partners in exotic locales. If youre willing to carry a camera bag, its a mighty attractive value proposition. When you might get wet or worse: GoPro Hero8 Black GoPro Hero8 Black Riding the rapids? Catching some waves? Hitting the slopes? Dont take your smartphone or a DSLR. This is action-cam country. $349 from Amazon Action cameras do one thing very well: They capture the thrill of doing something crazy, and they survive when crazy turns out to be dangerous as well. If your vacation calls for wild adventures in the great outdoors, we think the GoPro Hero8 Blackthe top pick in our guide to action camerasis the best way to capture those heart-stopping moments. Advertisement Advertisement We love its crisp, vibrant, super-wide-angle video and impressively effective stabilization, which can make a nail-biting ride down a mountain bike course look like a Sunday-afternoon joyride. Its hyperlapse videos are mesmerizing, its slow-motion footage is silky smooth, and itll even take good-looking still photos in a pinch. We dont see it as a replacement for any of the cameras we recommend above, but we do think its the perfect complement. What else do you need? Of course, you cant buy just a camera. Theres a whole ecosystem of accessories and gear for each of these models, so be sure to check out our guides to memory cards (dont forget that the HX99 takes microSD), travel tripods, and camera bags. Photo: Matt H./Yelp A new New American and Italian spot has opened up shop in the neighborhood. Located at 1076 S. Fairfax Ave. in Mid-Wilshire, the new arrival is called Fairworth. Fairworth serves a selection of Italian and American dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. On the dinner menu, expect to see items like burrata and blistered tomatoes, roasted mushroom pizza and grilled pork chop. View the menus here. Fairworth has already attracted fans thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 25 reviews on Yelp. Alex F., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on Dec. 28, wrote, "This place is amazing. They have a great mai tai and the pizza is out of this world. Great ambiance too." Yelper Kelly N. added, What a darling restaurant. The cocktails are amazing fresh and funky... I love the cozy atmosphere and vibe. Fairworth is now open at 1076 S. Fairfax Ave., so stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Want to keep your finger on the pulse of new businesses in Los Angeles? Here's what else opened recently near you. 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. Saoirse Ronan has been nominated for a Best Actress award at the Oscars for her performance in Little Women. It is her fourth Oscar nomination having previously been shortlisted for Atonement (Best Supporting Actress, 2008), Brooklyn (Best Actress, 2016) and Lady Bird (Best Actress, 2018). The other nominees for the best actress Oscar are Cynthia Erivo for Harriet, Scarlett Johansson for Marriage Story, Renee Zellweger for Judy and Charlize Theron for Bombshell. Saoirse's Little Women co-star, Florence Pugh, was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The rest of the nominees are Kathy Bates for Richard Jewell, Laura Dern for Marriage Story, Scarlett Johansson for Jojo Rabbit, and Margot Robbie for Bombshell. Joker is leading this year's Oscar nominations with 11. Gangster film The Irishman, Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and World War One drama 1917 are in the running for 10 prizes each. The films nominated for best picture are Ford v Ferrari, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, Joker, Little Women, Marriage Story, 1917, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Parasite. The nominees for the best actor Oscar are Joaquin Phoenix for Joker, Leonardo DiCaprio for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Antonio Banderas for Pain And Glory, Adam Driver for Marriage Story and Jonathan Pryce for The Two Popes. The nominees for the best supporting Oscar are Tom Hanks for A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood, Sir Anthony Hopkins for The Two Popes, Brad Pitt for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Al Pacino for The Irishman, Joe Pesci for The Irishman. The best director nominations go to Martin Scorsese for The Irishman, Bong Joon-ho for Parasite, Sir Sam Mendes for 1917, Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Todd Phillips for Joker. Best adapted screenplay is between The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, Joker, Little Women and The Two Popes. While original screenplay is between Knives Out, Marriage Story, 1917, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Parasite. Parasite is also nominated for best international feature film alongside Corpus Christi, Honeyland, Les Miserable and Pain And Glory. Visual effects nominees are Avengers: Endgame, The Irishman, 1917, Lion King and Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. Elton John and Bernie Taupin earned a nomination for best original song for (Im Gonna) Love Me Again from Rocketman. Sound editing nominees are Le Mans 66, Joker, 1917, Once upon A Time In Hollywood and Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. In the category of original score the nominees are Joker, Little Women, Marriage Story, 1917 and Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. For costume design the nominated films are Jojo Rabbit, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Irishman, Joker and Little Women. Best sound mixing is between 1917, Ad Astra, Le Mans 66, Joker and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Sam Mendes 1917 picked up another nomination for original score, alongside Joker, Little Women, Marriage Story and Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. The animated short film nominees are Dcera (Daughter), Hair Love, Kitbull and Memorable. Best production design is between The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, 1917, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Parasite. Film editing is between Le Mans 66, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, Joker and Parasite. The cinematography award is between The Irishman, Joker, The Lighthouse, 1917 and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. The nominations were announced during a livestream presented by the actors John Cho and Issa Rae. The 92nd Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on February 9. Here is the list in full. Best picture: Ford v Ferrari (released in the UK as Le Mans 66) The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Marriage Story 1917 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Parasite Best actor: Antonio Banderas Pain And Glory Leonardo DiCaprio Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Adam Driver Marriage Story Joaquin Phoenix Joker Jonathan Pryce The Two Popes Best supporting actor: Tom Hanks A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood Sir Anthony Hopkins The Two Popes Al Pacino The Irishman Joe Pesci The Irishman Brad Pitt Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Best actress: Cynthia Erivo Harriet Scarlett Johansson Marriage Story Saoirse Ronan Little Women Charlize Theron Bombshell Renee Zellweger Judy Best supporting actress: Kathy Bates Richard Jewell Laura Dern Marriage Story Scarlett Johansson Jojo Rabbit Florence Pugh Little Women Margot Robbie Bombshell Achievement in directing: The Irishman Martin Scorsese Joker Todd Phillips 1917 Sam Mendes Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Quentin Tarantino Parasite Bong Joon-ho Adapted screenplay: The Irishman Steven Zaillian Jojo Rabbit Taika Waititi Joker Todd Phillips and Scott Silver Little Women Greta Gerwig The Two Popes Anthony McCarten Original screenplay: Knives Out Rian Johnson Marriage Story Noah Baumbach 1917 Sir Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Quentin Tarantino Parasite Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin Won Best animated feature film: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World I Lost My Body Klaus Missing Link Toy Story 4 Achievement in cinematography: The Irishman Rodrigo Prieto Joker Lawrence Sher The Lighthouse Jarin Blaschke 1917 Roger Deakins Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Robert Richardson Achievement in costume design: The Irishman Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson Jojo Rabbit Mayes C. Rubeo Joker Mark Bridges Little Women Jacqueline Durran Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Arianne Phillips Best documentary feature: American Factory The Cave The Edge of Democracy For Sama Honeyland Best documentary short subject: In The Absence Learning To Skateboard In A Warzone (If Youre a Girl) Life Overtakes Me St. Louis Superman Walk Run Cha-Cha Achievement in film editing: Ford v Ferrari Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland The Irishman Thelma Schoonmaker Jojo Rabbit Tom Eagles Joker Jeff Groth Parasite Yang Jinmo Best international feature film of the year: Corpus Christi Poland Honeyland North Macedonia Les Miserables France Pain And Glory Spain Parasite South Korea Achievement in makeup and hairstyling: Bombshell Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker Joker Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou Judy Jeremy Woodhead Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil Paul Gooch, Arjen Tuiten and David White 1917 Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis and Rebecca Cole The Queen has dropped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal titles from a statement about the couple's future in The Firm in a move one commentator said was 'very striking'. Her Majesty, 93, released a statement following the royal summit at Sandringham House today and, in a break from tradition, referred to Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, by their first names rather than their titles as 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.' Some fans said it indicated the couple could be stripped of their royal positions, in a move that would send shockwaves through the royal family. Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter said the move was likely to be telling, posting on Twitter: 'I do think it was very striking, particularly in a statement from the Queen.' The Queen, 93, dropped Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle's, 38, royal titles as 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' in a statement released after today's royal showdown, with some speculating the couple had been forced to give up the title Meanwhile another royal fan commented: 'Interesting the Queen refers to 'Harry and Meghan' not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 'Are they having to give up their titles? This would be an indication they are...' One wrote: 'Is there anything in that The Queen refers to Harry and Meghan without any titles? Hope so, because they don't deserve them.' However others disagreed, saying: 'It's striking, but I think she wanted to highlight they are a family and she is supporting her grandson and his family. Twitter users were stunned by the move, with one royal commentator calling the move 'striking' from the Queen 'Can you imagine how cold and impersonal this would have sounded had she used their titles.' The statement comes after Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles were pictured leaving the unprecedented summit in separate cars after more than two hours of crunch talks with Her Majesty. Harry faced Her Majesty, his brother and his father for the first time since quitting as a senior royal with Meghan 'dialling in' to support her husband from Canada. In the statement released by Buckingham Palace after today's showdown, the Queen said: 'Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. Throughout her statement released today following the summit at Sandringham, the Queen referred to the Sussexes by their first names 'Harry and Meghan' instead of their royal titles 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. 'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. 'These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.' Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter suggested the move to leave the couple's royal titles from the statement was 'very striking' Prince Harry had wanted his 93-year-old grandmother, father and brother to let him and his wife keep their royal titles while living abroad and grabbing 'financial independence' to earn their own money using the Sussex brand, which experts say could be worth 400million. Ahead of the meeting, the Queen was said to want guarantees that the proposed Sussex business empire wouldn't damage the royal family. William and Charles were expected to reject the couple's demands for taxpayer-funded police bodyguards while in the UK and were concerned about the environmental impact of criss-crossing the Atlantic to carry out royal duties in Britain and across the globe. Charles is also said to be 'hurt' by Harry and Meghan's decision to quit because he has secretly given them millions to fund their lavish lifestyle and furnish their Windsor home in a show of 'love' for the couple since they married 20 months ago, according to the Evening Standard. At the just-concluded 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, many U.S. tech companies have expressed their hopes for closer exchanges and cooperation with China despite bilateral trade tensions. Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon told Xinhua he is "super excited" about Qualcomm's business in China, and applauded the win-win cooperation between Qualcomm and its Chinese partners, such as Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus and vivo. Amon called the cooperation an example of successful relationship between the two countries, adding that it allows Chinese partners to not only grow in domestic consumption, but also expand outside China. "We are not backing down on our China cooperation. We're increasing our cooperation in resources towards or partnerships in China in the 5G transition," he said. Ford Motor also plans to step up its business in China. The company's new all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, will be on show in the Chinese market in April this year, and be available in the Chinese market next year, according to the company. Amy Huo, vice president of communications at Ford Motor Greater China, told Xinhua China has attached great importance to technology innovation and new energy development, which are highly compatible with Ford's strategy emphasis in the technologies such as electric vehicles and internet of cars. "Ford plans to further enhance cooperation with China in the five years to come, explore local strategic partners for joint innovation," she said. Some tech companies value China's huge market, manufacturing and labor costs, while some others value China's innovation technologies, and its geological location which can be considered as a logistics hub towards southeast Asian countries. Josh Cross, founder and CEO of American power and tracking technology company Elios, told Xinhua the company's cooperation with China dates back to 2015. Elios' software design is done in the United States and the hardware part is done in China. Currently it is cooperating with three Chinese companies in GPS products, power and GPS products, and sourcing, Cross said. China has very good infrastructure, years of experience and high efficiency, he said, adding Elios expects to cooperate with more Chinese partners in the near future. The 2020 CES, the world's premier tech show, was held in Las Vegas from Tuesday to Friday. The four-day show drew more than 4,500 exhibitors from over 160 countries. Nearly 20,000 new transformative tech products were on show, encompassing 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart cities and resilience, sports, robotics and more. Protests in Iran grow following shooting down of plane; Ayatollah called to resign Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Protesters in the Islamic Republic of Iran staged large-scale demonstrations over the weekend, with some demanding the resignation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the nations top official. The protests were sparked by the recent admission by the Islamic Republic that they had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian plane, killing all 176 passengers, most of whom were Iranian. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the capital Tehran, with police using teargas on the demonstrators. By Sunday morning, both sides had stepped up their presence, according to AFP. Apologize and resign, declared the Iranian publication Etemad daily, as reported by AFP, which also noted that a similar demand was carried in an editorial published by the daily news source Jomhuri-ye Eslami. Those who delayed publishing the reason behind the plane crash and damaged peoples trust in the establishment should be dismissed or should resign, stated the editorial, according to AFP. President Donald Trump sent out a series of tweets, two in English and two in Farsi, expressing his support for the protesters and demanding that the government not harm them. To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching, tweeted Trump. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! The most recent tensions began when U.S. forces killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani while he was in Iraq. According to the U.S., he was planning attacks on American soldiers. Iran responded by launching a series of missile attacks on positions in Iraq. While no American casualties were reported, one missile took out a Boeing 737 aircraft of Ukraine International Airlines soon after takeoff from Tehran International Airport. Initially, the Iranian regime claimed that it was the result of engine failure and the pilot losing control of the plane. The current protests and calls for Khameneis resignation come not long after the Islamic Republic experienced a wave of large-scale protests both in 2018 and last November. According to a U.S. State Department report released last month, Iranian authorities may have killed as many as 1,000 unarmed protesters during the November demonstrations alone. And as the truth is trickling out of Iran, it appears the regime could have murdered over a thousand Iranian citizens since the protests began, said Brian Hook, senior advisor to the Secretary of State, in a statement in December. We cannot be certain because the regime blocks information. Among those murdered are at least a dozen children, including 13 and 14-year-olds. Reading, PA (19601) Today Mostly sunny and bitterly cold. It will feel like it's in the single digits and low teens.. Tonight Partly cloudy and extremely cold. Wind chills around or below 0 degrees. Patna: Senior Janata Dal-U leader and political strategist Prashant Kishor on Saturday fired yet another salvo at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) when he, much to the annoyance of the BJP leadership, thanked Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for rejecting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Registration of Citizens (NRC) saying that was the right thing to do. Kishor, who was instrumental in getting Narendra Modi elected to the Prime Minister's office back in 2014, has since turned against his former paymasters arguing the Modi-Shah policies were against democratic principles of the nation and were meant to distract from the failure of the NDA government. "I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi & @priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count," Kishore wrote on his Twitter feed. Kishor was far from done though. He ended his tweet by saying "Also would like to reassure to all that CAA-NRC will not be implemented in Bihar." I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi & @priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - ????? ??? CAA-NRC ???? ???? ????? Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) January 12, 2020 His last line has naturally ruffled many feathers in his own party in view of the fact that JD-U national president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already flip-flopped on the CAA and NRC issue first speaking against them and later changing his mind in support of the new policies that have been described as extremely discriminatory by those opposed to the Prime Minister and his policies. "Prashant Kishor is free to speak his mind but his statement is not representative of the party leadership or where the party stands on the issue of CAA and NRC. Nitish Kumar has made his stand clear and the entire party stands with him," said a senior JD-U leader. Danielle Outlaw arrived in Portland in 2017 to much fanfare. The first African American woman to lead the citys police bureau was young, blunt and appeared eager to rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement. But in the hazy, sleepy holiday stretch between Christmas and New Years, she was gone. Outlaw was named the new chief of Philadelphias police department and tasked with addressing that agencys significant problems. The department faces lawsuits over harassment and discrimination within its ranks. Meanwhile, the city moved to fire more than a dozen officers because of racist and violent posts made to police social media pages, according to the Associated Press. Where Mayor Ted Wheeler conducted a national search to land Outlaw, he didnt look far from home, quickly and enthusiastically naming Outlaws hand-picked deputy, Jami Resch, the next chief. Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonians veteran cops and federal courts reporter, talked about Outlaws legacy in her brief time in Portland, how she broke the story of her departure, and what insiders make of her successor, Jami Resch on the latest episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian. Bernstein also spoke about the nearly a dozen chiefs shes covered in the past two decades (there were many interim chiefs as well), why their job is so tough and what challenges await Resch. Heres the full episode: -- Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:13:36|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, depart after a visit at Canada House in London, Britain on Jan. 7, 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's intention to step back from royal life dominated newspaper headlines in Britain Thursday. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) LONDON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The monarch of Britain said Monday the royal family is willing to give "a period of transition" in which Prince Harry and his family would spend time in Canada and the UK. After the royal family had a "very constructive" discussion about the future of Duke and Duchess of Sussex Monday at Sandringham, the Queen said in a statement that despite her preference for the couple to remain as full-time working royals, the royal family is "entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family". "Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family," it said. Harry and Meghan published a statement last week saying that they intend to "step back" as senior royals, spending time in North America and being financially independent. "Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK," the Queen's statement said. However, it added, due to the complex nature of the issue, "there is some more work to be done", but the Queen has asked for "final decisions to be reached in the coming days". British media reported that the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry met at Sandringham to discuss the plans Monday. Rising foreign investment flow in Vietnam has prompted overseas banks to expand operation in the country. Shinhan Bank has increased its registered capital to US$245.4 million. Inspired by many foreign businesses and investors making a splash in Vietnam, more financial institutions, especially from the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan, are seeking to further invest or shore up their operations here. Though there are two Korean banks doing business in Vietnam, still the Korea Chamber of Business Association in Vietnam has recently asked the Vietnamese government to license more Korean banks in Vietnam so that the institutions can support Korean investors when they do business in Vietnam. The two Korean banks in Vietnam Shinhan and Woori are also rushing to promote their in-depth development in the Vietnamese market. Woori Bank has decided to add stock depository services to its license while Shinhan Bank has increased its registered capital from VND4.55 trillion (US$193.4 million) to VND5.71 trillion (US$245.4 million). Hana, another Korean Bank, has recently also decided to enter the local market by acquiring a 15% stake of state-owned bank BIDV to become the strategic investor of the Vietnamese bank. And it is not only South Korean banks, but financiers from other countries are also speeding up their investments in the Vietnamese market. One of Japans largest financial services providers Mizuho Bank Ltd and Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC Private Limited also acquired more than 111.1 million shares of Vietcombank at a cost of some VND6.2 trillion (US$265 million) last year. Another Japanese bank Mitsubishi UFJ is also willing to support VietinBank in boosting its registered capital for business facilitation, according to Kanetsugu Mike, CEO of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG). Big market It is also understandable why Korean and Japanese financiers are becoming more interested in the Vietnamese market. Reports from the Ministry of Planning and Investments Foreign Investment Agency showed that South Korea and Japan were among leading foreign investors in Vietnam in recent years. Korean and Japanese banks thus can get a large number of customers from their countrymen who are doing business in Vietnam. Besides, finance expert Nguyen Tri Hieu said that foreign financiers have also seen that the Vietnamese market, especially consumer finance, has high growth potential, given the countrys population of nearly 100 million with only 30% of them having access to banking services. The international financiers have also expected to seize opportunities presented by new-generation free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which Vietnam has signed. Experts also forecast Vietnamese banks would continue to achieve further improvement in profitability this year because of wider net interest spreads and lower credit costs. Vietnamese banks achieved a higher aggregate return on assets in recent years, registering a rise of 1.1% in 2019 from 0.9% in 2018. Aggregate net income for the banks also rose 35% to VND70 trillion (US$3 billion) last year from the previous year, despite a moderation of credit growth. However, the increase in the activity of foreign banks will make competition pressure on the local financial market fiercer, Hieu noted, adding Vietnamese banks need to operate on a larger scale with huge investments in technology and products through consolidations and mergers to create stronger institutions that are able to compete with foreign banks. However, the presence of foreign investors will also bring many opportunities for the domestic monetary market and consumers will be the beneficiaries, he said. Nine foreign-owned banks including ANZ, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Shinhan Bank, Hong Leong Bank, CIMB Bank, Public Bank Berhad, Wooribank and United Overseas Bank Limited are operating Vietnam. There are also about 50 foreign bank branches, more than 50 representative offices of foreign credit institutions and many foreign-owned finance companies. Hanoitimes Opening finance, telecom markets under EVFTA has opportunities, risks With the newEU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA), the insurance sector is expected to continue to see strong growth, while the telecom sector will be more difficult to join. Fla. church with newly opened coffee shop run by autistic adults experiences fire, burglary Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A church in Florida with a recently opened coffee shop that was staffed by adults with autism spectrum disorder was the victim of a fire and burglary. GraceWay Church in Leesburg experienced a fire last Friday that impacted their youth and childrens building, which also damaged the GraceWay Grounds coffee shop. Alice Dickson, a spokesperson for GraceWay, reached out to The Christian Post via email on Sunday, explaining that the church was also burglarized. Friday night the Youth Center of GraceWay Church was set on fire and the church was burglarized. The Youth Center was gutted and GraceWay Grounds coffee shop and cafe was seriously damaged by smoke, explained Dickson. An investigation into the fire and burglary is ongoing, with the Daily Commercial reporting Saturday that police were talking with a person of interest about the crime. Sheriffs Sgt. Fred Jones said that the unnamed individual was found passed out on his mothers porch near the church, with drugs and a cut on his leg, reported the Commercial. In a statement posted to their Facebook page on Friday, GraceWay Grounds explained that no one had been harmed in the fire, adding Pray for us! Stay tuned for more info. #gracewaystrong. The organizers of the annual Autism Family Fun Day joined in on the call for prayers for the church coffee shop, posting a statement to Facebook on Friday. So many families have used this church for support long before so many new churches have also picked up the mantle of our special needs community, they stated. No one was there they are reporting. Let's send support to them and hopefully all will be well. Last October, the church opened the GraceWay Grounds Coffee & Cafe outreach ministry, which was aimed in part to help give autistic individuals employment training. Roberta Kellan, director of Operations for GraceWay Grounds Coffee & Cafe, told CP in an earlier interview that she has a son who is on the autism spectrum. I chose specifically the coffee shop because my son trained at a coffee shop while in Michigan, and it was one of his favorite places of employment. It offers an opportunity to be easily trained and interact with the public, said Kellan to CP last year. My son was able to receive on-the-job training via a work study program created by the public school system. They act as a liaison between the young people and participating employers. My son has flourished. At its opening, the cafe had six volunteer workers and its primary income stemming from donations. Any profits went back into the coffee shop and towards employment training. TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terrace Global Inc. (Terrace Global or the Company) (TSXV:TRCE) is pleased to announce that effective January 13, 2020, John Chou has been appointed as the Companys Chief Financial Officer. John brings extensive expertise in financial reporting, corporate finance, and systems and controls for both public and private enterprises, having served in a number of senior roles where he built and led finance operations in international and emerging markets. Prior to joining Terrace Global, John was the Vice-President, Finance of Gran Colombia Gold Corp., a leading gold producer with operations primarily in Colombia. Prior to that John was the Vice-President, Finance of Frontera Energy Corp., a leading oil and gas producer in Latin America and previously a manager with Deloitte in Toronto. John is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. We are very pleased to have John join our team. His global experience will be a key as for us as we grow our businesses internationally, commented Francisco Ortiz von Bismarck. We would like to thank Leon Dadoun for his time with the Company and wish him every success going forward. About Terrace Global Terrace Global is a multi-country operator (MCO) led by experienced cannabis entrepreneurs focused on the development and acquisition of international cannabis assets. Terrace Globals focus is on federally legal jurisdictions with existing domestic demand, low cost inputs and approved for exportation. Terrace Globals existing asset platform consists of: (1) a 33.75% indirect equity interest in one of the currently two recreational cannabis operations in Uruguay; (2) 100% of Oransur, S.A., a Uruguayan company producing high CBD hemp in Uruguay; (3) 100% of Terra Nova Producao e Comercializacao de Produtos Natuis e Farmaceuticos, Lda, a Portuguese company with a pre-license issued by INFARMED for the cultivation, importation, and exportation of medical cannabis in Portugal; and (4) 100% of Pharmabinoide S.L., a Spanish company producing and commercializing hemp in Spain. MariMed Inc., a multi-state cannabis operator in the U.S., dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people through the use of cannabinoids and cannabis products, owns approximately 6% of Terrace Global. Further Information For further information regarding Terrace Global, please contact: Terrace Global Inc. Francisco Ortiz von Bismarck, CEO and Director E-mail: info@terraceglobal.ca Website: www.terraceglobal.ca FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the Companys future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Boeing boss sacked after hundreds died in two plane crashes was accused of taking blood money after walking away with a package worth up to 64million. The crisis-hit aeroplane manufacturer is set to wave in its new boss with little fanfare today. Families of the 346 victims who died in the two Boeing 737 Max crashes have condemned 56-year-old Dennis Muilenburgs leaving pay as made with our loved ones blood. His replacement David Calhoun, 62, who has sat on Boeings board for a decade, faces an uphill struggle to turn around the companys shattered reputation. Dennis Muilenburg, 56, who had presided over Boeing for more than four years, was fired two days before Christmas Mr Muilenburg, who had presided over Boeing for more than four years, was fired two days before Christmas. Internal documents released last week revealed that Boeing employees openly mocked the development of the 737 Max, with one describing the plane as designed by clowns ... supervised by monkeys. Mr Muilenburg was denied severance pay, but bagged long-term bonus awards worth 22million, shares worth 3million, and distributions from his pension and bonus schemes of 21million. He kept the right to acquire 72,969 Boeing shares for 4million even though they are currently worth 18m. His pay dwarfs the 38million set aside as compensation for the families of victims in the crashes. The first accident, on a Indonesian Lion Air flight in 2018, killed 189 people. Another 157 passengers and crew lost their lives on an Ethiopian Airlines flight last year. Debris: 157 passengers and crew lost their lives on an Ethiopian Airlines flight last year. Pictured: Rescuers work at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, Ethiopia Zipporah Kuria, who lost her father on the Ethiopian flight, said: Boeing executives should be walking away in handcuffs, not with millions of dollars. Anguish fails to describe what we are feeling. It is bewildering for people taking part in atrocities to be rewarded. The payment [Muilenburg] has received is payment that was made with our loved ones blood. Paul Njoroge, who lost his wife, mother-in-law and three children on the same flight, said: Its so appalling that Boeing keeps shamelessly showing the world its culture of rewarding failures and clowns, as the latest documents released reveal, instead of investing and rewarding safety. Airline companies across the world grounded their fleets of 737 Max planes last March. The crashes have been blamed on faulty software. If Mr Calhoun can get the fleet back in the sky, he will be due a 5.5million bonus, company papers show, on top of his salary of 1.1million, and a cash bonus of at least 1.9million early next year. US lawmakers have pulled top Boeing executives before Congress to face questioning, and it was as part of these investigations that the company released a series of documents last month. Senator Ted Cruz, who chairs the senates aviation subcommittee, called them deeply disturbing and said legislative changes would be coming. He said: Boeing needs to explain to Congress why the company continues to withhold correspondence critical to understanding what happened. Im angry and every member of the flying public should be too. [January 13, 2020] 'TAT Newsroom Blogger Thailand' returns for its fifth year BANGKOK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that its 'TAT Newsroom Blogger Thailand' project returns for the fifth year with several significant changes, including a new focus on social media influencers. Participants don't need to have their own blog (website) to qualify but they must have at least one main social media account (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram) with a substantial number of followers. Also different in 2020 is that there will be no online competition. Social influencers will be scouted and approached based on this year's new rules and regulations. There will be one exclusive trip for social influencers outside of Thailand and two trips for those residing in Thailand. The focus will be on the TAT's Amazing Thailand 'Open To The New Shades' concept to promote new, unexpected experiences in Thailand. These can include, but are not limited to, responsible and sustainable tourism in line with TAT's CSR direction to reduce tourism-related waste. Or community-based tourism to secondary destinations in line with TAT and Thai government's policy to promote emerging destinations to even out seasonality and distribute income to local communities. Rules and regulations for selection of social influencers Group one: Outside Thailand Six outstanding candidates will be offered a single point-to-point international return air fare and an exclusive six-day/five- night adventure to explore Bangkok, Satun and Songkhla in Thailand with trip dates tentatively scheduled for between the last week of March 2020 to the first week of April 2020. The selection process for Group one includes Step 1: The TAT Newsroom Team selects 30 social influencers outside of Thailand from its established database of travel, food and lifestyle social influencers. They include 10 from Asia-Pacific, 10 from America, Europe and Oceania, and 10 from the list of past winners in the last four years. Step 2: The TAT Newsroom Team submits a selected list of social influencers for consideration by a panel of judges (Richard Barow, who is generally regarded as Thailand's preeminent travel blogger who is most active on Twitter (143k followers) @RichardBarrow; Tom Racette, a writer and editor with decades of experience working in Thailand's travel industry, and TAT International PR Division Team) to select six candidates and four runners-up. Step 3: The TAT Newsroom Team extends an invitation to selected social influencer to join the trip. In the event that selected candidates are unable to join, the team will first send invites to the runners-up, followed by competition winners from the last four years. The following Terms & Conditions for selection also apply *The social influencers must have a social media account (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) that has creative and constructive content about Thailand. Having also an own blog (website) is advantage; *A blog (website) or social media account must be regularly updated with the last post dated not more than four months prior; *Must have at least 20,000 followers on a social media account; *Must have reasonable engagement (likes, comments and shares of posts); *Can travel alone. The invitation is for one person only. Ratings: **The TAT Newsroom Team will rate all social media influencers based on two key criteria worth 25 points. An entrant's qualification is worth up to 10 points. Content that is creative and constructive about Thailand is worth up to 15 points. **The TAT's International PR Team and a panel of two expert judges will rate all social influencers based on three key criteria, worth a total of 75 points. Whether the blog/social account has constructive content about Thailand is worth up to 25 points. Whether the blog/social account has content that promotes Thai tourism is worth up to 25 points. Finally, if the blog/social account has posts that promote Thailand's good image are worth up to 25 points. **Interested social influencers outside of Thailand can express their interest by sending their profile to [email protected] from 1 to 31 January 2020. Group two: Social media influencers in Thailand Trip one: Five outstanding candidates will be offered a single point-to-point domestic return airfare and an exclusive four-day/three-night trip to explore Phrae and Nan in Northern Thailand with trip dates tentatively scheduled for between the last week of January 2020 to the first week of February 2020. Trip two: Five outstanding candidates will be offered a single point-to-point domestic return airfare and an exclusive four-day/three-night trip to explore Phatthalung and Songkhla in Southern Thailand with trip dates tentatively scheduled for between the last week of June 2020 to the first week of July 2020. The selection process for Group two includes Step 1: The TAT Newsroom Team selects three groups of social influencers in Thailand from its established database of travel, food and lifestyle social influencers. The first two groups (five to six each) include new or emerging social influencers, and the last group comprises winners of the last two years. The selection is based on the following rules and regulations. *Each social influencer must have a blog (website) or a social media account (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) that also has creative and constructive content about Thailand; *A blog (website) or social media account that is regularly updated with the last post dated not more than four months; *Must have at least 5,000 followers for social media account (mostly new and emerging social influencers. Maybe less followers, but if the number keeps increasing will be taken into consideration); *Must have reasonable engagement (likes, comments and shares on posts); *Can travel alone. The invitation is for one person only. Step 2: The TAT Newsroom Team submits the selected list of social influencers for consideration by the TAT International PR Division Team for approval. Step 3: The TAT Newsroom Team extends an invitation to the select social influencer to joint trip. In an event that the selected candidates are unable to join the first trip, the team will recommend participants for the second trip. Interested social influencers based in Thailand can express their interest by sending their profile to [email protected] from between 1 to 31 January 2020. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200113/2690149-1 SOURCE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Omicron Outbreak: Night curfew in Kerala from Dec 30, no New Year celebration post 10 pm Kerala cop kicks, beats up passenger for travelling without ticket on train, video goes viral Complete lockdown in Kerala? Here's what Health Minister has to say New Covid curbs in Kerala: Attendance at marriages, funerals capped at 50 Complied with SC order, demolished apartment complexes in Kochi's Maradu: Kerala govt informs India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 13: The Kerala government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it has complied with its order and demolished four apartment complexes in Kochi's Maradu which were built in violation of coastal regulation zone norms. A bench of justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah directed the state government to file a report with regard to removal of debris, which also fell in the backwaters. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on February 10. Watch: Last of the 4 illegal luxury apartment in Kochi's Maradu razed down in seconds The last of the four illegal apartment complexes in Maradu in Kochi was razed down through controlled implosion method on Sunday, marking the completion of the demolition drive against the waterfront high rises ordered by the Supreme Court over three months ago. The 55-meter high "Golden Kayaloram", the smallest among the four buildings constructed violating the Coastal Regulation Zone norms, was demolished at around 2.30 pm. On Saturday, two complexes -- H2O Holy Faith and the twin towers of Alfa Serene -- abutting the backwaters were destroyed in the similar implosion method in which explosives-filled in the structures blasted in a controlled manner. Mumbai-based Edifices Engineering carried out the explosion with the assistance of experts from South Africa-based Jet Demolition. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated newly elected Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. I cordially congratulate you upon your election as the president of the Republic of Croatia, President Aliyev said. I am pleased with the present level of relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia, the Azerbaijani president added. I believe the bilateral and multilateral cooperation between our countries will develop and broaden further in line with the interests of our peoples. I wish you strong health, happiness and success in your endeavors for the sake of prosperity of the friendly people of Croatia, President Aliyev added. On Sunday, the New York Times published a detailed account, based on high-level sources within the US government, of the Trump administrations decision to murder Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani on January 3, 2020. The Times report makes clear that, far from being a spur-of-the-minute decision by Trump, the murder of Suleimani had broad support within the executive branch and the intelligence agencies, which had planned this crime for the past 18 months. The account implicates former National Security Adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and CIA Director Gina Haspel in advocating and plotting the murder. The Times report presents a picture of a criminal state, in which the most flagrant violations of the law are treated as routine. It is a testament to the degree to which US foreign policy has been criminalized after nearly two decades of the war on terror. This noramlization of illegality extends to the press. The tone of the Times report is that of an adventure story. There is not a hint of a critcial attitude toward the flagrantly criminal character of the actions it describes. The word "legal," or any variant of it, simply does not appear in the body of the text. The article makes clear that the Trump administrations motives for murdering Suleimani had nothing to do with a supposedly imminent threat, as claimed by White House officials. Rather, the United States wanted to retaliate against Suleimani for a series of US policy setbacks for which the American state held him responsible. The Times writes: By the end of 2019, General Suleimani could boast of a number of Iranian accomplishments: [Syrian President] Mr. Assad, a longtime Iranian ally, was safely in power in Damascus, Syrias capital, prevailing in a bloody, multifront, years long civil war and the Quds Force had a permanent presence on Israels frontier. A number of militias General Suleimani had helped foster were receiving salaries from the Iraqi government and exerting power in Iraqs political system. The Times continues, For the past 18 months, officials said, there had been discussions about whether to target General Suleimani. It states: By the time tensions with Iran spiked in May with attacks on four oil tankers, John R. Bolton, then the presidents national security adviser, asked the military and intelligence agencies to produce new options to deter Iranian aggression. Among those presented to Mr. Bolton was killing General Suleimani and other leaders of the Revolutionary Guards. At that point, work to track General Suleimanis travels grew more intense. By September, the United States Central Command and Joint Special Operations Command were brought into the process to plan a possible operation. Just days before he was killed, Suleimani met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. Nasrallah warned him, according to the Times, that the American news media was focusing on him and publishing his photograph. The newspaper quotes Nasrallah as saying, This was media and political preparation for his assassination. In the days leading up to the strike, CIA Director Gina Haspel advocated for the murder, according to the Times, arguing that the consequences of not striking General Suleimani were more dangerous than waiting. Haspel presided over a CIA black site torture facility under George W. Bush and was implicated in the destruction of CIA tapes of detainees being subjected to waterboarding. CIA Director Gina Haspel arrives to conduct briefings for members of Congress on last week's assassination of Iran's senior military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Among the most revealing elements of the report is the following sentence: He [Trump] told some associates that he wanted to preserve the support of Republican hawks in the Senate in the coming impeachment trial. In other words, if the Times account is true, domestic political calculations played a significant role in this crime. Assassination violates the US Constitution and US law, as well as international law. The Bill of Rights specifically states, No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. In 1975, a Senate committee under Frank Church of Idaho exposed CIA assassination plots against a number of foreign leaders, forcing President Gerald Ford to sign Executive Order 11905, which declares, No employee of the United States Government shall engage in, or conspire to engage in, political assassination. Suleimani was a high government official of a sovereign state. As a general he was a peer of American military leaders in the fight against ISIS. He was murdered in a third country, Iraq, while acting in an official capacity to meet with the Iraqi prime minister. This was a war crime and an act of war. The Bush administration used the still-unexplained attacks of September 11, 2001 to carry out a full-scale assault on democratic rights and international law. It created a system of mass warrantless domestic surveillance (in violation of the Constitutions Fourth Amendment) and tortured thousands of people (in violation of the Eighth Amendment). The United States illegally invaded Iraq in defiance of the United Nations, with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan declaring, From our point of view and the UN Charter point of view, it was illegal. The Obama administration expanded on the Bush administrations crimes. It carried out more than 500 drone strikes throughout the Middle East and North Africa, with the body count in the thousands or tens of thousands. In a ritual known as Terror Tuesdays, Obama would personally pick the individuals to be blown to bits by drone-launched missiles. Obama took the extraordinary step of assassinating an American citizen, Anwar al-Awlaki, followed by his son, a 16-year-old US citizen, two weeks later. At the time, Obamas Justice Department asserted the right to kill US citizens, including within the borders of the United States. With each killing, the stakes have been raised, with state murder playing a greater and greater role in the political life of the United States. The contemporary form of targeted killing was pioneered by Israel. In the words of Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman, since World War II, Israel has used assassination and targeted killing more than any other country in the West. During the second Intifada in the early 2000s, the Israeli government routinely dispatched assassination squads or helicopter gunships to murder Palestinian activists and political figures. A UN fact-finding commission concluded that the murders were grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Article 147, and of international humanitarian law. At that time, the US and its European allies distanced themselves from the Israeli murder policy. While some Bush administration officials have criticized the assassination squads, Joe Biden, the Democrats chief foreign-policy spokesman, has unambiguously defended the Israeli use of these extrajudicial assassinations, noted the Middle East Policy Council. Now, the practices of Israela pariah state from the standpoint of international lawhave been adopted by the worlds leading Western democracies. Besides the United States, France and Britain both operate their own kill lists. It should be noted that, despite criticisms of the expediency of killing Suleimani by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and others, no Republican or Democrat has publicly called the killing a crime or demanded that Trump be impeached or prosecuted for this grave violation of the American Constitution. No one should believe that the open use of extrajudicial state killing will remain confined to regions outside the borders of the United States. Sooner or later, the United States will claim an imminent threat as the pretext to murder one of its own citizens within its borders. Under the pressure of endless, disastrous wars that have failed to reverse the decline in the global position of US imperialism, compounded by economic instability, soaring social inequality and the growth of the class struggle, the ruling class sees in the turn to open criminality the only means to secure its social and economic interests. What it fears most of all is the growth of mass popular opposition, to which it will respond with violence. The murder of Qassem Suleimani has shown once again that there is no faction of either the Democratic or Republican parties that defends democratic rights. The defense of the most fundamental rights enumerated in the Constitution, and the defeat of the ruling-class drive for war and dictatorship, require the mass mobilization of the working class in opposition to the capitalist system that the Trump administration personifies. Hundreds of people who lost loved ones aboard doomed 737 MAX jets learned late last week that Dennis Muilenburg - the fired Boeing chief executive who presided over the flawed airplanes' development and pushed regulators to keep them in the air - will receive at least $US62 million ($90 million) on his way out. Family members of crash victims told The Washington Post they are "sickened" by Muilenburg's payout, saying he presided over a profit-obsessed corporate culture that led the company to cut corners. Boeing chief Dennis Muilenburg oversaw a culture that put profits ahead of safety, plane crash victims' families claim. Credit:Bloomberg "Boeing executives should be walking away in handcuffs, not with millions of dollars," said Zipporah Kuria, whose 55-year-old father, Joseph Waithaka, of Kenya, was among 149 passengers who died in an Ethiopian Airlines crash on March 10. "The payment that he has received is payment that was made with our loved one's blood," Kuria said through a representative, adding: "It is chilling that what 346 families have received as support for their loss is almost as much as the man at the heart of their loss will have as a cushy retirement fund." Greenwich Arts Council / Contributed photo The Greenwich Arts Council is partnering with Dolan/Maxwell Gallery and author Christina Weyl to host The Women of Atelier 17, an exhibition of prints and works on paper made by artists who worked at the seminal studio founded by Stanley William Hayter in New York (1940-1955) and Paris (1927-1939) and (1950-1988). The exhibit is at the councils Bendheim Gallery Sunday, Jan. 19, through Thursday, March 12, with an opening reception set for Sunday, Jan. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. For confidential support 24/7 in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org Montana Brown has split from her model boyfriend, Elliott Reeder, who supported her through her best friend Mike Thalassitis's tragic death. The couple dated for two years and went Instagram official back in February, just eight weeks into their relationship. The Sun report that Montana, 24, is now single again after the couple decided to part ways. All over: Love Island's Montana Brown has split from her model boyfriend Elliott Reeder months after he supported her through Mike Thalassitis's tragic death Former loves: The couple went Instagram official back in February 2018, just eight weeks into their romance The former Love Island star has had a really tough time after her close friend Mike Thalassitis was found dead at the age just 26 back in March. She later confided in the publication that she was having counselling after being targeted by online trolls. Montana previously said: 'It's been really difficult to be honest. It's hard when you're in the spotlight, because people see you happy on Instagram and they're like 'why are you happy, are you not sad about Mike anymore?' Pain: Montana has had a really tough time after her close friend Mike Thalassitis (left) was found dead at the age just 26 back in March (pictured in January 2019) 'It's been something that's been really difficult; I've been getting quite a lot of hate about it which has been really, really upsetting.' She added: 'I'm looking to get some counselling, I'm on the mend.' W Models Management's Elliott appeared to be a pillar of strength to Montana and held her hand during Mike's funeral. There for her: W Models Management's Elliott appeared to be a pillar of strength to Montana Shock split: The pair had seemed to be very much in love with one another, regularly sharing pictures of their romance on social media He also took to social media to write a supportive post. He said: 'The biggest killer of men under 40 is suicide. Mental health ain't no joke.' Montana previously spoke about her jealous streak over the amount of attention Elliott gets. She said: 'There are people in the limelight who follow him and like his pictures who don't even know him. It's not very nice when people want to go for your man.' Hard to handle: Montana previously spoke about her jealous streak over the amount of attention Elliott gets CHRISTMAS shoppers, festive revellers and indeed hill climbers looking to shed the December pounds may have had to do a double take when out and about, with a number of nuns present. The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, referred to as the Nashville nuns by many, met en masse over the sacred season, with sisters descending on Shannonside from Elgin in Scotland, Sittard in the Netherlands and much further afield. Founded in Tennessee in 1816, the order came to Limerick two centuries later at the request of Bishop Brendan Leahy. A young group of sisters, mainly in their 30s and 40s, they replaced the order which moved out of the Dominic Street church that same year, following an emotional Mass. Three sisters are based in Limerick permanently: Sr Mara Grace, who hails from Kentucky, plus Sr Rose Miriam and St Caitriona Kavanagh, the only Irish nun, coming from Co Wexford. However, over Christmas, their number swelled to more than 13 religious , as the order gathered here. Sr Mary Amata, who hails from New York and is currently serving in the Netherlands, said: We have European missions in Scotland, Italy and the Netherlands. Community is very important to us. We decided to get together all in one place. Limerick has been a great choice for us. Its natural we all converge. Sr Angela Marie, who came from Elgin, said Limerick is more comparable to Glasgow than the town on the east coast of Scotland. Elgin is very small. Its more like a small town. You walk everywhere. Everywhere you go, you recognise people you know pretty much. Walking through the town, youd wave at people you know. Whereas Limerick has more of a city feel. I dont think in Elgin, we have any buildings more than three storeys high. Limerick might be more similar to Glasgow perhaps, Sr Angela said. As well as exploring the mind while here, the sisters have also given themselves a physical workout by climbing Croagh Patrick, Sr Angela admitting Im still aching from it! Sr Mara Grace added: We have had outings to Galway and Knock. Its time for us. We are all very involved in active working ministry, so for us, its a time to break, reflect and enjoy. Quite uniquely, as the flame burnt out on 2019 and a new decade was ushered in, the sisters spent New Years Eve in silent reflection, and thankfulness of what the Lord God has done for them over the year, as well as to look for hope. People often wonder, how can you be with so many people and not talk. Its a beautiful experience to all be united in heart, Sr Mara said, We have adoration of the blessed sacrament all through the day. We each take a different section to adore the Lord.. Sr Angela said: I went on two nice walks that day. On the second one in the afternoon, as the sun was setting over the river, we were passing on the bridge. We kept passing each other back and forth, each reading a book. I thought this must have looked so funny. As we obviously know each other. We are obviously sisters. We looked quite friendly with each other just to not weird people out when we passed. But we were definitely in silence enjoying the swans and the families as the sun setting. The sisters have a strict daily routine, which sees them on the move from dawn to dusk. Sr Mara said: Usually we get up at 6am. We go to our chapel and have time in silent prayer. Then we pray whats called the Divine Office. Religious lay people around the world would pray the same prayer. We would go to the Augustinians for the early Mass. Wed eat our meals usually in silence. Its because as we are being fed visually, we are also being fed spiritually. Then wed go about our work. Id be here at the Parish, one of the sisters is in the Chaplaincy at Mary Immaculate College. One is the advisor for primary schools in the Diocese, so she is visiting primary schools throughout the year. Then wed come together for a time of prayer, and have recreation, family time, where we might play a game, or chat. We end of our day with going to the chapel and giving it all the Lord. Wed usually be in bed for 10ish. While Sr Mara grew up in a religious home in Kentucky, it was not until the age of 20 that she realised God had a plan for her. I can identify several moments of grace through my life. Little hints or clues that I may have been created for this life. But Id say it was more of a gradual discovery. There are times when I can pinpoint that I experienced the Lord here and here. But it was more of walking in his faith and discovering his will, she said, If you had asked me 10 years ago if anyone in my family had been a priest or nun, Id have said no. Before that, Sr Mara was at university studying liberal arts with a view to becoming a teacher. Her brother Hugh is a Benedictine monk in Oklahoma. The sister has no regrets coming to Limerick, despite never having resided in the Treaty City before. The people here have made it like home for us. We have found open hearts. Sometimes we will go and visit Spanish Point and wave at America, but we feel at home here, she concluded. 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. Some women arrive in the morning, staying until the wee hours of the next day before going home for a few hours. When they leave, others take their place. The numbers change daily, ranging from several hundred to a few thousand. Children of all ages scamper around, waving national flags bigger than they are, while women cover their heads with the flag in a sign of reverence. They say they will not leave until the law is repealed. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category US business executives say a broad outline of the phase one trade deal with China coming into focus includes some advances in intellectual property protection, big-ticket farm purchases and a reduction in barriers to exports. The agreement seems modest but nonetheless directionally helpful, said a trade consultant briefed on aspects of the agreement. The best thing still is that we have a path toward not accelerating tariffs further this year. Executives cautioned that they had not seen the text of the agreement although they had been briefed in some detail by government and White House officials. For the first time, we have something to applaud in the US-China relationship, said one executive briefed by Trump administration officials. He and others declined to be identified over concerns it could hurt their standing with the administration. They added that they did not expect to see anything in writing before a scheduled signing ceremony on Wednesday between US President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He. This partly reflects Trumps desire to take credit, emphasise the deals significance and manage public opinion, executives and analysts said. While every president does this to some degree, Trump also hopes to avoid too much scrutiny of the deals provisions, which could call into question whether the grinding 18-month trade war has been worth the cost and the uncertainty Americans have suffered, they added. Optically they will want to announce the narrative, said one executive involved in international trade. They want to control everything. As outlined in mid-December, the deal does away with threatened tariffs on around US$155 billion worth of Chinese imports set for December 15 and halves tariffs to 7.5 per cent on another US$120 billion. But it keeps in place the 25 per cent import taxes on US$250 billion worth of Chinese products that have been in place for more than a year. Story continues Executives said they had been briefed that enforcement and dispute resolution mechanisms in the deal will mirror those worked out in May before talks fell apart. These will give the US the ability to impose tariffs and otherwise take unilateral action after 90 days if its concerns are not met. This has one of the thorniest issues in the talks and a major reason why negotiations collapsed seven months ago. The US has long bridled at signing a trade deal only to see China undercut the results through subjective enforcement and wobbly implementation. China is just a master, especially in agriculture, at negotiating a concession for a promise down the road, said Philip Shull, president of the Philip Shull Group consultancy and former minister counsellor for agriculture at the US embassy in Beijing. Its like the Popeye cartoon: Ill gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. He said that he had not been briefed on phase one details. China is just a master, especially in agriculture, at negotiating a concession for a promise down the road Philip Shull, former minister counsellor at US embassy in Beijing China, meanwhile, has balked at allowing US officials to vet the inner workings of its system and punish it unilaterally for perceived noncompliance, which it views as a breach of its sovereignty. In October, Beijing officially acknowledged progress in narrowing the gap over enforcement provisions, although both sides have given few details of how any mechanism would work in practice. Last month, Trump said China had pledged to buy US$40 billion to US$50 billion a year in farm purchases, adding that American farmers should buy larger tractors given such a positive outlook. One executive said she had heard from six different officials that the administration would not provide much detail on how it plans to reach these figures. Beijing has not confirmed how much in US farm products it is willing to buy. And Chinese agricultural vice-minister Han Jun told Caixin in an article published on Tuesday that China would not increase its import quotas for corn, wheat and rice, which appears to fly in the face of a massive buying spree. Reuters also reported on Tuesday that China suspended a national plan to mix gasoline with 10 per cent ethanol, another potential setback for US corn growers. China has also balked at sharply curtailing agricultural imports from Brazil and Argentina arguing that this would violate World Trade Organisation rules which would presumably be necessary to meet the US$40 billion target. These purchases are of enormous concern to US farmers, who played a major role in electing Trump in 2016 but have since suffered from his aggressive tariff policies. Farm bankruptcies rose 24 per cent last year, while 2019 farm debt is on target to hit a record US$416 billion. This is a big source of consternation for [the US Department of Agriculture] and farmers, one executive said. The executive continued that American farmers have been studying the locations of Brazilian soy plants for clues on their China export strategies, adding: Thats the level of granularity were seeing. Business officials said they had been told that intellectual property safeguards in the phase one agreement appear relatively robust, including measures aimed at protecting trade secrets during the administrative licensing process. US companies have long been frustrated by a Chinese expert panel that reviews and approves new products, business plans, factory layouts and other sensitive issues when foreign companies enter or expand operations in China. They say these panels often include representatives from state-owned companies, industry associations and well-connected academics who are in a position to share proprietary details with their Chinese competitors. One executive with ties to the White House said: Thats been addressed in the agreement. Thats a big deal. Another provision reportedly would bar Chinese companies from gaining approval, marketing or selling generic versions of pharmaceuticals still under patent abroad, an issue known as patent linkage. But there has been little apparent progress on forced technology transfer, executives said. As reported last month, foreign insurance companies will be allowed to take 100 per cent stakes in Chinese life insurers, up from 51 per cent. But another dozen or so US service sectors that had hoped for greater Chinese market access have been disappointed, one executive said. Executives said the agreement was hardly groundbreaking. But it does put a stop, at least for now, to months of chest thumping and destructive tit-for-tat import taxes affecting huge swathes of the US and Chinese economies. The deal also addresses complaints over so-called geographical indications under which local companies or areas can claim rights to a name even if its been widely used abroad. In early November, China and the European Union signed a side deal recognising 100 of each others regional specialities, including products such as champagne or feta cheese. But American companies have bridled under the systems restrictions. Changes in the deal will reportedly include a more flexible approach, mirroring that in the proposed new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which allows for more transparency and recognition when a name is commonly used internationally. This is amazing progress on stuff weve been talking about for two decades Beyond the commitment to buy more agricultural products, executives said the deal had made some progress in tackling certain non-tariff barriers to food exports, for example blocking meat imports by citing microscopic and completely healthy traces of bacteria. Executives say language in the deal addresses these so-called sanitary and phytosanitary measures relating to seafood, pet food, beef, pork, poultry, ethanol and biotech products. Securing approval for new biotech products also reportedly advanced. This is amazing progress on stuff weve been talking about for two decades, said the executive briefed by the White House. Executives also said the deal includes provisions making it easier to prosecute intellectual property violations through Chinese courts and administrative bodies, which dovetails increasingly with Chinas own national interest as more Chinese hi-tech companies innovate and expand globally. 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. More from South China Morning Post: This article US-China phase one trade deal is modest but helpful, say business leaders first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. The United States is emerging as a net energy exporter, and China has a nearly insatiable demand for energy that its domestic sources cannot meet. So it should surprise no one that energy is a key component of a trade deal the U.S. and China recently reached. Chinas demand and Americas supply might seem like a commercial match made in heaven. Of course, shifting geopolitical and strategic positions are never so simple. If anything, events leading up to the deal reinforced the high stakes for the U.S. as a top energy producer. As the trade war with the U.S. heated up last year, President Xi Jinping called for boosts in domestic production of oil and gas. Just a week before the two countries reached an agreement, a newly completed pipeline started delivering natural gas from Russia to China. While there is skepticism about the abundance and availability of Chinas domestic oil and gas reserves, Russia is the worlds No. 2 producer. As it happened, the initial public offering for Saudi Aramco, the Saudis state-owned oil company, was also announced in December after having been delayed by a shockingly effective terror attack last fall. Each of these developments underscores how essential it is for the U.S. to stay agile in its strategic arrangements globally and stay focused on its energy security and independence domestically. Increasing global demand and fossil fuel industry innovations have enabled natural gas to replace coal as the countrys leading resource for electricity generation. In addition, the U.S. has become not merely a production leader but the worlds top energy exporter in 2020, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The domestic resurgence can be credited to investment in areas that previous administrations shunned, such as Texas Permian Basin. As Forbes reported in April, the Permian Basin overtook the Aramco Ghawar site to claim the title of top oil producer and rapidly growing source of natural gas production. Since 2011, U.S. natural gas production has increased fourfold, from 100 to 400 million cubic feet per day. As a net energy exporter, the U.S. is working to secure the cyber component of the energy sector. As energy distribution systems embrace smart grid technologies, vulnerabilities to cyberwarfare tactics may increase. The U.S. can ready itself for any potential outages and maintain critical reserves by further diversifying its domestic energy and infrastructure portfolio. Specifically, an all of the above strategy that integrates energy sources from wind and solar to hydro and fossil fuels to maximize the grid is the key to resiliency and reliability. Many of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates neglect the importance of this concept. Some of the candidates have gone as far as to call for a ban on the development of all fossil fuels, rolling back use of fracking and closing down highly useful (and safe) production. We must soundly reject such regressive policies. As the recent trade and energy developments make clear, the U.S. is more prosperous and secure, and the world is safer, with the U.S. as a leading energy player. Our leaders should embrace policies that preserve American energy security and geopolitical leadership. Steve Bucci, who served for three decades as an Army special forces officer and top Pentagon official, is a visiting research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. Headline indices of the Hong Kong stock market finished session higher on Monday, 13 January 2020, as investor sentiment underpinned ahead of the expected signing of a Phase 1 China-US trade deal later this week that includes clauses against competitive devaluations. At closing bell, the benchmark Hang Seng Index advanced 1.11%, or 316.74 points, to 28,954.94. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index was up 1.15%, or 129.28 points, to 11,396.76. U. S. President Donald Trump and Chinese officials are set to sign the long-awaited phase one trade deal between the two countries on Wednesday, 15 January 2020, in Washington to ease the 18-month trade war. The Trump administration has invited at least 200 people to the White House for the ceremony. The China's commerce ministry said that Vice Premier Liu He, who leads the Chinese negotiation team in the trade talks, is set to visit Washington from today. The deal will involve some tariff relief, increased Chinese purchases of U. S. agricultural goods and changes to intellectual property and technology rules. The agreement will also include clauses that seek to prevent China from devaluing the yuan to "unfairly compete against U. S. exporters. Blue chips rose across the board. HSBC (00005) edged up 0.2% to HK$59.95. HKEX (00388) gained 1.9% to HK$280.2. Tencent (00700) rose 2% to HK$406.4. China Mobile (00941) bounced 1.9% to HK$65.4. AIA Group (01299) added 0.8% to HK$86.65. Property counters were higher as 15 property transactions were registered in 12 major residential projects over the past weekend. Swire Pacific (00019) climbed 3% to HK$74.75. Sun Hung Kai Properties (00016) added 1.9% to HK$121.3. New World Development (00017) gained 1.7% to HK$10.94. Sino Land (00083) put on 1.1% to HK$11.5. Henderson Land Development (00012) advanced 0.8% to HK$38.4. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A former French priest accused of sexually abusing around 75 Boy Scouts went on trial Monday, but the proceedings were delayed for at least a day because of a strike by lawyers. The case is France's worst clergy abuse drama to reach court so far, and its repercussions reached all the way to the Vatican. I have heard the suffering of these people, which I'm guilty of causing. I hope that this trial can unfold as quickly as possible, Bernard Preynat told the court after the judge announced the trial would be delayed until Tuesday. Preynat admitted in the 1990s to abusing boys, but was only removed from the priesthood last year. The church defrocked him in July, after French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin was convicted of covering up for Preynat's actions. Several other church officials were also accused of failing to alert police or prosecutors of his actions, including a senior Vatican official, Cardinal Luis Ladaria. The Vatican shielded Ladaria from trial, invoking his immunity as an official of a sovereign state. Preynat, now 74, appeared in court Monday in Lyon on charges of sexual assault of 10 minors between 1986 and 1991. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He's also accused of abusing dozens of others in the 1970s and 1980s, but those alleged incidents happened too long ago to prosecute. The judge delayed the hearing because of a strike by lawyers angry over President Emmanuel Macron's planned overhaul of the French pension system. Several of the victims' lawyers appeared in court despite the strike, and seemed confident that the trial would resume quickly. The French government is meeting legal sector representatives Monday for negotiations on the pension reform. Preynat's trial comes amid new tensions in the Vatican, as retired Pope Benedict XVI insists in a new book on the necessity" of priestly celibacy just as Pope Francis is weighing whether to ordain married men to address the Catholic priest shortage. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TORONTO - The CEO of Maple Leaf Foods spoke out Sunday against the U.S. government, days after an Iranian missile accidentally shot down a jetliner, killing all 176 people on board including the family of a company employee. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Michael McCain, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leafs Foods Inc., speaks during the company's annual general meeting in Toronto Thursday, April 28, 2011. The CEO of Maple Leaf Foods spoke out Sunday against the U.S. government, days after an Iranian missile accidentally shot down a jetliner, killing all 176 people on board, including the family of a company employee. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese TORONTO - The CEO of Maple Leaf Foods spoke out Sunday against the U.S. government, days after an Iranian missile accidentally shot down a jetliner, killing all 176 people on board including the family of a company employee. Michael McCain said in a series of tweets that the time since Wednesday's crash has not quelled his anger over what he describes as a "needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran." "U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction," he wrote, saying he feels that "a narcissist in Washington" destabilized the region. The tweets were sent from the packaged meat company's official account, though McCain characterized them as "personal reflections." The plane was mistakenly shot down minutes after taking off from an airport on the outskirts of Tehran. Iran mistakenly downed the Ukrainian flight as Tehran braced for retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces. The ballistic missile attack, which caused no casualties, was a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. They were retaliating for the U.S. killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a drastic step that triggered an instant backlash across the Middle East and put the U.S. and Iran on a war footing. Iran has admitted the plane was mistaken for a hostile target amid those soaring tensions with the United States, after first pinning the crash on a mechanical failure. U.S. President Donald Trump at one point said four American embassies were under possible threat when he approved Soleimani's killing, but Defence Secretary Mark Esper explicitly said Sunday that he had seen no hard evidence of that. Try our Dish The latest on food and drink in Winnipeg and beyond from arts writers Ben Sigurdson and Eva Wasney. Dish arrives in your inbox every other Friday. See sample. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The walk-back raises questions about the scale of the threat Trump described last week. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Iran must take full responsibility for shooting down the plane, which was carrying 138 passengers bound for Canada, including 57 Canadian citizens. He said that must include a full and credible investigation. But he's refrained from blaming the crash on the Americans. "I think it is too soon to be drawing conclusions or assigning blame or responsibility in whatever proportions," he told reporters last week. McCain, meanwhile, said he's still grappling with the death of his colleague's wife and 11-year-old son. "We are mourning and I am livid," he wrote. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2020. FAIRFIELD A very special celebratory show was revived Friday night at St. Pauls Episcopal Church when the church players produced The Boars Head a Festival of Light. Close to 100 performers took part in the musical retelling of the boars head legend, which centers on an Oxford University student who halted the rampage of an angry boar by stuffing his Greek paper down his throat. Rome installs 34 new stolpersteine memorials. Rome will install 34 new brass cobblestone memorials to victims of the Holocaust at various locations throughout the capital, from the historic centre to the suburbs, on 13 and 14 January. The memorials will be dedicated to Jews and partisans, including women and children, who were either deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camp or killed at the Fosse Ardeatine in Rome. The cobblestone-sized memorials are known as stolpersteine in German, or literally translated stumbling stones, and are installed outside the last chosen place of residence of victims of the Holocaust. Gunter Demnig in Rome. Photo LaPresse. Rome's newest stolpersteine will be installed by German artist Gunter Demnig in the Jewish Ghetto as well as in districts including Prati, Flaminio, Centocelle and Boccea. Demnig installed the first stolpersteine in Cologne in 1995, and since then about 50,000 have been installed on streets throughout Europe. The project has been active in Rome for the last decade, for more details see Pietre d'inciampo website. Cover image: Corriere della Sera Shen Yun continues to perform all over the globe, and after concluding its ninth and final performance in Atlanta, Georgia, audience members said they had been given a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. I love it. We didnt quite know what to expect, but its great artistry, said financial advisor Johnny Carruth. Its very beautiful, very well performed really enjoying it. Carruths wife added, I have just fallen in love with the culture. Juan Gorricho, the founding member of the International Society of Chief Data Officers, said, The lights and the colors are amazing, that sort of transmits to you like a lot ofhappiness, a good state of mindpositive. The music is fantastic, he added. Its a live orchestrathat is impressive, very impressive. Im really feeling the culture and feeling the story. And the scenery makes me want to go and visit the country, said Jay Aven. Aven is the director of Finance at Hyatt Regency Atlanta. From the staging to the inner spirit of the performers, Aven complimented every aspect of the show and felt fortunate that he could make it to Shen Yuns last performance in Atlanta before it leaves the city. The mechanics, the dramatic staging of the folks on stage, the stories that are being told I am very fortunate to be in a very front row and Im very close. I could see the expressions on their faces and theyre telling the story as well, said Aven. Im also very close to the orchestra. And that is fantastic. There are fun stories, and in the seriousness of the country and how it seems that they [Chinese regime] put down the tradition of the culture and they dont allow it [Shen Yun] there, that comes out in some of the plays, he added. Its something that Im learning about just reading about Shen Yun, reading about what it means, what it stands for, the Divinity. Traditional Chinese culture is divinely inspired. However, since the Chinese communists took power, the core of Chinas culture has been systematically destroyed. This continues today. Aven was saddened to learn that the company is not allowed to perform in China itself since Shen Yuns mission is to reinvigorate the core of Chinese culture and tradition. I feel the divinity. Of course, thats what the Shen means the divine, Aven added. Its a shame that the country doesnt bring that in, that they [Shen Yun] have to go out of the country. They have to come here or go around to other countries to tell their story. NTD News, Atlanta, Georgia. JAMMU (PTI): Terming the five-day visit of high level military delegation led by Udhampur-based Northern Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh to China as successful, an Army spokesman has said that the interaction will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in defence sector between the two countries and peace at the borders. The first high-level Military to Military engagement in 2020 between India and China culminated on Saturday, the spokesman said in a statement. The visit is considered significant as the composition of the delegation, schedule of the visit and interactions carried out were orchestrated in a progressive manner to achieve better understanding and build up of positive perceptions about key concerns faced at operational and functional levels, he said. He said the visit, to PLA formation headquarters and units, included fruitful interactions with top brass of Chinese PLA as well as troops on the ground. "The visit of the high level military delegation led by Lt Gen Singh to China culminated at Shanghai after visits to vital military establishments in Beijing, Chengdu, Urumqi and Shanghai. "The delegation arrived in China on January 7, carried out extensive interaction with the top Military Generals and troops of People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) Western Theatre Command which oversees the Northern Borders along Line of Actual Control (LAC) over a period of five days prior to departure on January 11," the spokesman said. He said the visit is thus, expected to enhance the cooperation in defence sector and furtherance of peace at the borders. The spokesman said Lt General Singh met the Commander of People's Liberation Army, General Han Weiguo in Beijing on January 7. On January 8, Singh proceeded to China's Western Theatre Command at Chengdu, where ceremonial welcome was accorded to the general by a guard of honour. Later, he visited PLA's Western Theatre Command Headquarters and held talks with General Zhao Zongqi, the Commander of Western Theatre Command on key issues concerning Indian Northern Borders, the spokesman said. The northern Army commander along with his delegation also visited a special Operations Brigade at Chengdu where they witnessed a counter-terrorism drill. On January 9, Lt Gen Singh visited the Combined Brigade under 77 Group Army and later interacted with Lt General Liu Wanglong, Commander Xinjiang Military Command, the spokesman said. On January 10, Singh visited 9 Engineer Regiment of Xinjiang Military Command and interacted with Chinese troops. "During talks with the Chinese Military officials, the delegation discussed a host of issues including border area management, improved bilateral military ties and defence cooperation activities as part of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and China," the spokesman said. He said it was rare for an Indian Army general to visit the region. "The visit is also seen as progression of the spirit of Wuhan and Chennai Summits. The visit of the delegation will surely foster the spirit of friendship and enhance the strategic military relationship between the two countries," the spokesman said. He said the interaction is expected to resolve local issues as well as ensure facilitation of traditional rights of graziers and border population, minimising perceptional differences and establishing new norms of responding to each other's actions and initiatives. Salalah Rotana Resort has promoted Ahmed Afifi to the role of executive assistant manager at the luxurious property in Oman. Afifi has more than 15 years of experience and joined Rotana Hotels five-star property in Oman on June 17, 2017 as a director of front office. With my extensive GCC knowledge and experience, I am delighted to assist the general manager and the team in Salalah Rotana Resort. I am excited and enthusiastic about the new role and leading the dynamic, highly motivated team in a competitive market with increased guest expectations and growth of an international hospitality environment, said Afifi. Holding a degree in Hotels Management from Egypt, Afifis hospitality journey began in the front office department back home when he joined Rotana in 2006 in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt, later moving to the UAE to spend nine years before landing in beautiful Salalah nearly three years ago. He has been a part of different reputable chains such as Helnan International and Millennium Hotels & Resorts. During his journey, he has held different leadership roles within many properties across GCC. In addition to his Hotel Management Degree, Afifi earned certificates in Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University, US. Salalah Rotana Resort is set along the shores of the Indian Ocean and a scenic 35 km drive from Salalah Airport. The waterfront resort's 422 splendid rooms and suites are beautifully built at the ocean front, around lagoons, water features and man-made canals. - Tradearabia News Service Lucknow, Jan 13 (UNI) To make policing more effective in the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday introduced the Police Commissionerate system in Lucknow and Gautam Buddhnagar (Noida) districts after the state Cabinet's approval. The introduction of the new system follows mass violence in the state, particularly in Lucknow, during the CAA protests on December 19. ADG (Meerut) Alok Singh and ADG( Prayagraj) Sujit Pandey have been appointed as the first Police Commissioner of Noida and Lucknow respectively. Making the announcement before the media after the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister claimed that his government has all political will power to deal with every situation and this new system will give more teeth to the police to control crime. "Besides, we have appointed two women police officers in both the cities to deal with the crime against the fairer sex, who will be entrusted to monitor the pending cases in women atrocities," he said, adding that a special police officer would also be deployed for controlling traffic system. In Lucknow, the new police commissionerate would cover 40 police stations while in Noida, it will cover around 25 police stations of both Noida and Greater Noida. As per the police Act, a city with over one million population can introduce the Commissionerate system. But in Lucknow, the population is around 4 million when as per 2011 census it was 29 lakhs while in Noida, the present population is around 2.5 million when the figure in 2011 was around 1.6 lakhs. Though the CM did not mention anything about the other big cities where this new policing system would be introduced, but officials maintained that Lucknow and Noida has been covered on an experimental basis and after its success it would be introduced in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra and Meerut. The Police Commissioner system was discussed first during the Mayawati regime in 2010 but the move was derailed by IAS lobby. MORE UNI MB SB 1319 Studies show that taller buildings are simply less efficient, and don't even give you any more useable area. Why bother? Writing in Curbed, Patrick Sisson asks In the supertall era, is the sustainable skyscraper a myth? We are going to be getting a lot more of them too. "The latest look at the global state of tall towers by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), suggests that the age of super-tall towers and expanding skylines is just beginning." But Sisson wonders: This new generation of towers, which represent the utilization of cutting-edge technologies, showcase great feats of engineering. But in a world slowly responding to climate change, can this type of construction, which requires massive amounts of energy and materials, ever approach sustainability? There are new technologies that are being used to make tall buildings more efficient, from parametric design to innovative engineering. Regulation changes could help too. A research paper by Christopher Drew, director of sustainability for Adrian Smith + Gordon Gil, a pre-eminent firm for skyscraper design, suggests that achieving a carbon neutral building is indeed a possibility. But buildings will likely only reduce their life cycle carbon emissions if regulations encourage them to do so. They suggest cities and countries begin to adopt new regulations, including: mandating Environmental Product Declarations, which establish embodied carbon value for building materials and make it easier to track and reduce embodied carbon emissions in construction; new building standards for sustainability that give owners marketing and bragging rights for greener construction; and zoning incentives from local planners that let more sustainable buildings add more floor space, which provides an economic incentive to cut embodied carbon. But the whole discussion ignores a fundamental question: Should we be building so tall in the first place? The simple fact is that the higher you go, the more structure you need to resist wind loads and carry the loads, the more elevators you need, the more pumps to get water up to the top. A 2018 study, Energy use and height in office buildings, found huge increases in energy consumption as buildings got taller. UCL Energy Institute/CC BY 2.0 When rising from five storeys and below to 21 storeys and above, the mean intensity of electricity and fossil fuel use increases by 137% and 42% respectively, and mean carbon emissions are more than doubled....Newer buildings are not in general more efficient: the intensity of electricity use is greater in offices built in recent decades, without a compensating decrease in fossil fuel use. The evidence suggests it is likely although not proven that much of the increase in energy use with height is due to the greater exposure of taller buildings to lower temperatures, stronger winds and more solar gains. James Robert Schofield et al The study authors also looked at residential buildings and found that gas and electricity use increased with height. Finally, according to Physics.org, they looked at building form, something we did recently in TreeHugger. A third part of the study looked at the relationship of different forms of building to their densities, where density is measured by taking the total floor area and dividing by the site area. The work has shown that, in many circumstances, the densities achieved by tall towers can be achieved with lower-rise slab or courtyard buildings. It is not always necessary to build tall to achieve high densities and energy use could, in many cases, be greatly reduced by building in different forms on fewer storeys. Operating energy low buildings vs high/ Peng Du et al/CC BY 4.0 Another study that one of my students found, 'Life-Cycle Energy Implications of Downtown High-Rise vs. Suburban Low-Rise Living,' looked at residential buildings and found a similar result: The higher the building, the less energy efficient it was. Waugh Thistleton Architects/ Dalston Lane Sisson mentions that architects are becoming more concerned about embodied carbon, and that architects are looking at super-tall wood structures. But this creates structural problems of a different kind; the wood structure is so light that it has to often be loaded with concrete to hold it down, like they did in Norway. That's one reason Andrew Waugh designed Dalston Lanes the way he did, wide, low and castle-like. Clare Farrow wrote in Dezeen, Andrew Waugh's argument is that we don't necessarily need to be thinking of wooden skyscrapers in London, however seductive the concept is, but rather of increasing density across the board. He is thinking more in terms of 10-15 storey buildings, which many believe to be the comfortable height for human beings. I admire the people behind the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat; I have met them a few times at conferences. I get the idea that they want to make our super-tall buildings more energy efficient. But if we really care about sustainability and energy efficiency, a better option is not to build them at all. Mumbai, Jan 13 : Indian sugar mills have benefited from the rise in sugar prices in the international market, as the demand for sugar exports from the country has increased and 28 lakh tonnes of sugar export deals have been sealed so far. The increased sugar export demand has led to a spurt in sugar prices in the domestic market. The price of sugar have increased by about Rs 100 per quintal. The National Federation of Co-operative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) estimates that sugar exports will meet the 60 lakh tonnes target this year. NFCSF Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare said, "The export demand has increased due to the rise in the prices of sugar in the global market. It seems that the sugar exports target fixed by the government will be met this year." The central government has set a target of 6 million tonnes of sugar exports for domestic sugar mills under the Maximum Admissible Export Quantity (MAEQ) for the 2019-20 season. Last year, the government had set a target of 5 million tonnes of sugar under Minimum Indicative Export Quotas (MIEQ). However, India managed only 38 lakh tonnes of sugar exports. "The current season or sugar production and marketing year 2019-20 (October), which started from October 1, has not even completed four months, but 28 lakh tonnes of sugar export deals have been made and the supply will continue to rise further as the supply is less than the demand. Domestic mills will benefit from sugar exports," Naiknavare said. In the international market, the price of raw sugar has gone up by 18 per cent in the last three months and the price of white sugar has gone up by more than nine per cent, which has helped the Indian sugar mills' exports. US sugar-11 price was 14 cents per pound higher on Monday. London sugar also closed at $376.80 per ton in the previous session. "According to the prevailing price of sugar in the international market, sugar mills in India are getting ex-mill price of white sugar at around Rs 2,300 per quintal, while that of raw sugar is around Rs 2,100 per quintal. If we add incentive of Rs 1045 per quintal being given by the government under the MAEQ scheme, then the price of white sugar exceeds Rs 34,00 per quintal, which is higher than the current domestic prices," Naiknavare said. Sushil Kumar, a Delhi-based sugar trader, said that the ex-mill rate of old sugar in Uttar Pradesh is currently Rs 3,280-3,300 per quintal, while the ex-mill rate of new sugar is Rs 3,250-3,290 per quintal. He said that the price of sugar has gone up by about Rs 80-Rs 100 per quintal this month. "The government has sought details of exports made by sugar mills till December 31. The government has set a quota of 60 lakh tonnes of sugar for 530 sugar mills. However, few mills did not export or they do not want to export. In such a situation, their quota will be given to the mills who are exporting," said Kumar. He informed that after the export of 60 lakh tonnes of sugar by September 30 this year, the closing stock will come down to 100 lakh tonnes. According to NFCSF estimates, sugar production in the current season is 263 lakh tonnes, while last year's outstanding stock is 145 lakh tonnes. Thus the total supply is 408 lakh tonnes. After extracting 60 lakh tonnes of exports and about 260 lakh tonnes for domestic consumption, the remaining stock will be 88 lakh tonnes. Of this, 40 lakh tonnes of buffer stock will remain. (Pramod Kumar Jha can be contacted at pramod.j@ians.in) Iraqi soldiers injured in airbase attack According to the local media, several rockets targeted Iraqi airbase housing US troops. At least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded as eight rockets hit a military base hosting US troops, Iraqs communications body said on Sunday. BASE LOCATED 80 KM NORTH OF IRAQ'S CAPITAL Eight Katyusha-type rockets hit the Balad Air Base in Salah al-Din province, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraqs Security Media Cell said in a statement. The Iraqi military media centre said on Sunday the al-Balad airbase, located some 80km away from the capital, was hit by eight Katyusha rockets. According to statistics, the number of multiple births in Kyiv has also been decreasing. The number of newborns in the capital city of Kyiv declined by almost 19% over the past five years. Read alsoStatistics: Ukraine sees its population shrinking, to 41.98 mln by Sept 1 "Over the past five years, the number of births (and the number of newborns) in Kyiv decreased by over 7,500, or almost 19%," according to the Medstat municipal research information and analytical center for medical statistics, which published information on births and newborns in the capital city from 2015 to early 2020. Some 40,339 births and 40,986 newborns were registered in Kyiv in 2015. Their numbers were 32,808 and 33,412 in 2019, respectively. In total, 33,412 babies were born in 2019, including 15,957 girls and 17,455 boys. According to statistics, the number of multiple births in Kyiv has also been decreasing. For comparison, there were 834 such births in 2015, and 726 in 2019 (721 twins and five triplets). Retail giant Walmart is firing a third of its senior executives at its India head office in Gurugram, The Economic Times reported. Those that have been laid-off include vice presidents across sourcing, agri-business and FMCG divisions, the report stated. In a related media report, Reuters said the retailer sacked 50 executives across the country. Walmart India announced the downsizing at a town hall on January 10, the report said. A second round of layoffs may happen by April, a source told the paper. The company is also considering closing its Mumbai fulfilment centre, its largest warehouse, and pause new-store expansion in India, the report added. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the stories. We are always looking for ways to operate more effectively to serve our members. This requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organised in the right way to best meet the needs of our members, the paper quotes a Walmart India spokesperson as saying. Walmart is not optimistic about the future of its brick-and mortar cash-and-carry business in India, sources told the publication. Walmart currently operates 28 wholesale stores, where it sells goods to small shopkeepers and not to retail consumers. It had acquired Bengaluru-based ecommerce major Flipkart for $16 billion. The sacking of top management could indicate that Walmart may sell or consolidate its operations with Flipkarts backend. A Flipkart spokesperson told the newspaper that the rumours are 'false and baseless'. Walmart remains deeply committed to growing its cash-and-carry business in India and is making deep investment in technology to cater to its members need through brick-and-mortar and e-commerce, the spokesperson told the paper. A $60 million student accommodation proposal for Mascot in Sydney's inner south has outraged residents, who say the project will devalue the area and make it "unbearable for the families and couples living within the vicinity". Student accommodation provider Iglu proposes demolishing three small warehouses in the suburb and building a 12-storey boarding house for 435 students. An artist's impression of the 12-storey student accommodation that will house more than 400 students. Credit:Bates Smart Architects "Iglu Mascot will offer a range of studio units and six-bedroom share units, with each bedroom containing a private en-suite bathroom," the company's management plan notes. In submissions to Bayside Council, more than 140 residents questioned why student accommodation was needed in an area "where there are no universities, TAFEs or colleges". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has issued a new law to replace Smart Dubai Office with Smart Dubai Department in any relevant legislation applicable in Dubai. Pursuant to the new Law, the Smart Dubai Department is responsible for facilitating Dubais smart transformation, to empower, deliver and promote an efficient, seamless, safe and impactful urban experience for residents and visitors, facilitating information and data exchange between the public and private sectors, and improving the efficiency of government services through automation and by encouraging the public to use smart services. To pursue its objectives, the Smart Dubai Department is authorised to establish plans, policies, programmes and initiatives required for smart transformation and submit them to The Executive Council of Dubai for approval. Smart Dubai Department, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai, is also responsible for overseeing all matters, policies, strategies, projects and initiatives related to the governments information technology systems and smart transformation. It also oversees the development and management of joint government systems and unified applications. Along with many other entities, the Smart Dubai Department is responsible for establishing, operating and developing a portal for all smart government applications, drafting KPIs related to the governments information technology sector in collaboration with the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai, utilising all available resources to support smart transformation efforts in collaboration with concerned government departments, and enabling and supporting government departments to develop new smart services. According to the law, Sheikh Mohammed will issue a decree appointing a director general for the newly established department. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue all bylaws required to ensure the implementation of the new Law. This new Law annuls Law No. (29) of 2015 on the establishment of the Smart Dubai Office and any other legislation that contradicts or challenges its articles. Any other legislation relevant to Law No. (29) of 2019 that does not contradict or challenge the new Law or any other applicable laws shall remain valid until annulled or replaced by new legislations. The New Law is valid from its date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette. TradeArabia News Service The HSE and/or Tusla may be sued on behalf of an intellectually disabled adult brother and sister who, despite concerns about possible neglect and sexual abuse at their mother's home, were returned there some weekends from residential care. The president of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, granted permission today to pursue possible personal injury proceedings on behalf of the siblings, who were made wards of court last year. He said there was a "long history" of concerns by professionals and neighbours about matters including poor hygiene, exposure to alcohol and pornographic material, a high number of visitors of "questionable character" to the home, and suspected sexual abuse. The man had made complaints of genital pain while the woman had made comments and demonstrated behaviours which led to concerns about potential sexual abuse. The siblings, now in their 40s, had not made any disclosure of sexual abuse and the concerns in that regard could not be verified for reasons including the siblings' poor communication skills. It is not considered any such abuse was inflicted by their mother, also regarded as a vulnerable person. There were long-standing concerns about the mother's ability to provide care for her children, including concerns dating from observations of their poor personal hygiene when in school, the court was told. The sister has been in full-time residential care for more than 20 years while her brother, who availed of extensive voluntary respite care for many years, was taken into full-time voluntary residential care in 2011. Both had continued to return some weekends to the home of their mother, where a male relative also resided. Due to escalating concerns for their welfare, home visits were stopped in autumn 2018 and court protection for both siblings was sought, leading to their being made wards of court last year. Today, Alan O'Connor BL, representing Patricia Hickey, general solicitor for wards of court, sought permission from Mr Justice Kelly, who manages the wards of court list, to pursue possible personal injury proceedings against the HSE and/or Tusla over the care of the two before being taken into wardship. Having read the papers in the case, including psychologists' reports on both siblings, the judge said he would grant that permission. He noted that senior counsel Sara Moorhead had, at the request of Ms Hickey, provided an opinion on whether to bring proceedings and had concluded, having reviewed the available records, there was a sufficient basis to do so. Ms Moorhead considered there was, "at minimum", a potential case for neglect but further claims may be advanced on examination of all relevant records. Additional records have been sought from the HSE and Tusla concerning the siblings, Mr O'Connor said. If the records are not forthcoming, the general solicitor can bring an application to the court seeking relevant orders, the judge said. A s we approach the middle of the month, the January blues are certainly starting to set in. Booking a holiday is an instant pick-me-up, so below weve gathered the best deals to be had this January. From 10 per cent off flights with Ryanair to 200 off easyJet's newly-launched holiday platform, you'll need to be quick as a lot of these offers are for a limited time only. Holidays Unsplash Easyjet Holidays Easyjet Holidays is currently offering up to 200 off its newly-launched package holidays in January and theres also the addition of free child places on some destinations including Portugal and Spain. Book by January 20. For full details of the easyJet Holidays sale, visit easyjet.com TUI The package holiday provider has sale codes offering 200 off holidays when you spend 3,000 or more. If thats out of your price range, you can still save on holidays worth more than 750. TUI is also offering up to 200 savings on holidays to Greece and Turkey between May and October. For full details of the TUI sale, visit tui.co.uk Unsplash Virgin Holidays Virgin Holidays deals to destinations across the globe include packages to Florida starting from 435 per person with extra savings on villas. With direct flights to Orlando from Gatwick, the long journey should be pretty easy with kids. For full details of the Virgin Holidays sale, visit virginholidays.co.uk BA Holidays British Airways has brought back its January sale. Its best holiday deals this year include Caribbean getaways from 529 per person and two night breaks to Venice from 99 per person. The British Airways sale ends on January 30. For full details of the BA Holidays sale, visit britishairways.com Unsplash Eurocamp The European camping giant currently has up to 40 per cent off holidays across Europe to destinations such as France, Spain and Italy. Prices start at 350 per party for a week long break. The sale ends February 26. For full details of the Eurocamp sale, visit eurocamp.co.uk Kuoni For the luxury holiday market, Kuoni hasnt forgotten about a January sale either. The premium package holiday provider has sales on holidays all over the world including the Maldives, Alaska and Bali. Offers at the moment include seven night half board trips to Mauritius from 1,349 per person. For full details of the Kuoni sale, visit kuoni.co.uk Sandals The luxury travel operator is currently offering up to 45 per cent off its holidays to the Caribbean with hotels in Grenada and St Lucia. Plus you can save up to an extra 600 off these prices. The Sandals sale ends on February 4. For full details of the Sandals sale, visit sandals.co.uk Unsplash Flights Easyjet Easyjet currently has up to 20 per cent off flights to Europe which includes flights from London to Paris for 14.99 one way and flights from London to Salzburg from 14.49 one way. For full details of the easyJet sale, visit easyjet.com Ryanair Ryanair has up to 10 per cent off 500,000 seats when travelling between February and May including flights from London Stansted to Barcelona from 9.99 one way. The offer ends January 26. For full details of Ryanair's sale, visit ryanair.com Emirates Emirates is offering deals on most of its routes, with highlights including fares to Hong Kong from 459. This sale ends on January 31. For full details of the Emirates sale, visit emirates.com Unsplash British Airways Now is certainly the time to book flights to the USA with British Airways offering return flights to New York from 261 per person. The BA sale also has discounted fares to many other worldwide destinations. Sale ends January 30. For full details of the British Airways sale, visit britishairways.com Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic currently has a fantastic sale on. One reasonable offering in the sale is flights to Orlando from only 255 per person. For full details of the Virgin Atlantic sale, visit virginatlantic.com Etihad Etihad currently has sale prices on most of its flight routes until January 22. Flights down under are particularly cheap with return flights from London to Sydney starting at 649 per person. For full details of the Etihad sale, visit etihad.com Qantas Return flights to Melbourne start at 682 per person with Qantas when booking this January. If Australia is a bit too far Qantas also has flights to Singapore on sale with a return from London priced from 459 per person. For full details of the Qantas sale, visit qantas.com Unsplash Cruise Princess Cruises Princess Cruises currently offering discounted prices on 1,500 of its cruises departing until April 2022 - a seven day cruise to Scandinavia from Southampton starts from 599 per person. The Princess Cruises sale ends March 2. For full details of the Princess Cruises sale, visit princess.com Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises is offering savings of up to 200 per stateroom on sailings from Southampton and Dublin. The offer also includes options for perks on board including tips, drinks and Wi-Fi. The Celebrity Cruise sale ends January 20. For full details of the Celebrity Cruises sale, visit celebritycruises.co.uk Fred Olsen Fred Olsen cruises has some great offers on at the moment with their cruise sale. Prices start from 599 per person and the offer includes free dining drinks and tips or free tours on certain destinations. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 17:22 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321fbb1b 1 Business Telkomsel,telkom,state-owned-enterprise,BUMN Free Telkomsel, a cellular operator subsidiary of state-owned communications company PT Telkom Indonesia, has appointed Setyanto Hantoro to lead the company as its new president director. Setyanto was named Telkomsel's new boss during the company's extraordinary shareholders meeting on Monday, replacing Emma Sri Martini, who was named the financial director of state-owned energy giant Pertamina by State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir. Telkomsels president director seat had previously been vacant for months after Emma left the company last November. Telkom Indonesia and major Telkomsel stakeholder Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) also appointed Venusiana Papasi as Telkomsels network director in the latest corporate reshuffle. The appointment of a new Telkomsel general director and network director is in line with our corporate strategy as we strive to become a digital telecommunications company that contributes to national development, Telkomsel spokesperson Denny Abidin said in a statement on Monday as quoted by kompas.com. Setyanto is no stranger to Telkoms corporate ecosystem, as the 45-year-old previously served as a member of the companys board of directors in 2016. Prior to his appointment as the new Telkomsel general director, he also served as the general director of PT Multimedia Nusantara a subsidiary of Telkom in the investment sector as well as the general commissioner of PT Jalin Pembayaran Nusantara, another Telkom subsidiary. Telkomsel recorded a positive performance in the third quarter of last year, booking a total Rp 68.3 trillion (US$4.9 billion) in profits. (rfa) ICICI Bank has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking recovery of bonuses given to Chanda Kochhar after the termination of her appointment as the bank's CEO and MD. Kochhar has been accused of playing a role in grant of out-of-turn loans of Rs 3,250 crore to Videocon Group, which allegedly benefited her husband, Deepak Kochhar. The monetary suit was reportedly filed on January 10. The bank in an affidavit sought the dismissal of Kochhar's petition filed last year. "ICICI has filed a suit seeking recovery of amounts towards the clawback of bonuses given to the petitioner (Kochhar) from April 2006 to March 2018 pursuant to the termination of the petitioner's services," the bank said in its affidavit, PTI reported. Clawback means a company can take back incentive-based pay, like a bonus, from an employee in case of any misconduct or declining profits. Explaining its stand, the ICICI Bank says Kochhar had entered into an agreement with the bank on December 8, 2016, as per which the bank can seek return of previously paid variable pay from her in case of integrity breach. "The petitioner's conduct has caused substantial embarrassment to the bank and all the stake-holders, and has led to irreparable reputational loss to the bank," the ICICI peition says, adding her misconduct violated ICICI Group's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The ICICI Bank's affidavit also says that Kochhar's petition challenging her sacking claiming violation of the RBI rules is an "malafide attempt" to secure valuable stock options of the bank. The matter has been posted for further hearing on January 20. In January 2019, the bank had set up Justice (retd) BN Srikrishna Committee to probe quid pro quo link in the Rs 3,250 crore loan given to Videocon. The panel in its report found that Kochhar worked in violation of the ICICI Bank's Code of Conduct and found her role in violation of the bank's "framework for dealing with conflict of interest and fiduciary duties, and in terms of applicable Indian laws, rules and regulations". ALSO READ:Reserve Bank defends its nod for Chanda Kochhar's sacking from ICICI Bank Kochhar had moved the Bombay HC challenging her ex-employer's decision to terminate her in November 30, 2019, after the bank approved her request for early retirement. ICICI Bank's board had also decided to take back all the bonuses and stock options paid to her between April 2009 and March 2018. Kochhar, in her, petition also challenged the 'purported termination' and refusal of the approved compensation. Seeking the court's intervention, she termed her termination "illegal, untenable, and unsustainable in law". The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the allegations against ICICI Bank that it illegally sanctioned loans to Videocon Group when Chanda Kochhar was at its helm. The allegations also point out that companies controlled by Chanda's husband Deepak Kochhar received kickbacks from Videocon in lieu of loans from ICICI Bank. The agency last week provisionally attached assets and shares belonging to Kochhar concerning the ICICI Bank-Videocon loan scam. The total worth of the attached assets is estimated to be above Rs 78 crore, but their market value is expected to be much higher. WATCH THIS:Videocon loan case: ED attaches Chanda Kochhar's assets worth Rs 78 crore Edited by Manoj Sharma Brent Allman, a fourth-year student in the Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution doctoral program, has been named the Laney Graduate Schools 2019-20 Kharen Fulton Diversity Awardee. Established to honor a longtime Laney Graduate School employee who championed the recruitment and success of diverse cohorts of masters and doctoral students, the award recognizes students who contribute to diversity and inclusion at the university. Allman grew up in southern California where, as an adolescent, he moved from a highly diverse middle school to a predominantly white school. The transition was challenging, according to Allman. My race had always been an issue with my peers, but it became even more of an issue at the mostly white school where students told him he did not look or act black enough. Because of the way I look, that alone changes my experience in my identity, Allman explained. Even if we have the same identity, our phenotypes define how other people treat us or how they even may validate or invalidate our identities. In addition to race, his sexuality became a point of contention in school. Before I knew what gay was, I was bullied and teased, starting in the second grade, for being effeminate and having mostly female friends, Allman said. Allmans experience is common among LGBT+ youth and youth questioning their identity. According to data from the Centers for Disease Controls 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), the prevalence of bullying on school property was higher among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (33 percent) students and those students questioning their identity (24.3 percent), than heterosexual (17.1%) students. At the start of his adolescence, Allman began questioning his sexual identity. He became more confident with his identity at the age of 16, eventually coming out to his best friend at that time, and the rest of his family and friends after graduating high school. While attending youth centers in gay-friendly neighborhoods, he gained a new sense of freedom to be himself. Throughout the hardships he faced in his youth, Allman had many academic and intellectual interests that became outlets and drivers for pursuing his future interest in population genetics and quantitative biology. His interests in mathematical approaches to studying genetic differences within population groups were key curiosities that resulted in his graduate pathway. I really liked building things and playing video games; I still play Pokemon, Allman confirmed. I think, oddly enough, the synthetic video game world also sparked my curiosity about the actual world. Like, wow, look at all thats possible in this fantasy world; I wonder what else is possible in the natural world? Allman double majored in mathematics and biology as an undergraduate student at the University of San Diego. He later continued mathematical studies in the University of Georgias Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program and received training in quantitative biology. That training motivated him to continue developing his skills in quantitative approaches to studying population genetics and evolution at Emory Universitys Laney Graduate school. Im really happy I did that, Allman said. In the world of biology, just having that stamp of approval of thinking quantitatively really helps you stand out just on paper alone. Emory University professor of physics and evolution Daniel Weissman could not have agreed more: I met Brent when he was interviewing at Emory, and I was immediately impressed by his maturity and his mathematical training, explained Weissman. In his first year here, he did a research rotation with me in which he took over and finished a project (Allman & Weissman, Evolution 2018) that I had been struggling with for years. I'm very lucky to be his co-advisor! Weissman, Allman and co-advisor Katherina Koelle, professor in evolutionary biology, are currently working on a project focused on how viruses reproduce. In scattered conversations, Koelle and Allman came up with the idea for their project. As the two biologists continued to work together, Allman proved to be a capable graduate student. Whats great about Brent is that he takes ownership over a project, Koelle said. He also comes to terms with the literature, doing research to make sure that the work that he does is building on whats already known instead of working in a vacuum. Hes got a lot of initiative. When Allman is not in the lab, he focuses on programming that supports the LGBTQ+ community at Emory. For three years, Allman has moderated a weekly discussion group for trans, queer and questioning graduate students. He serves as the co-president of the LGBTQ+ Graduate Coalition, and with the help of other graduate students, he is working on implementing a committee on diversity, equity and inclusion to assess program needs of students and provide diversity training for members of the Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution (PBEE) Graduate Program in the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.. And, as Ethics Chair for the PBEE program's seminar committee, Allman organized a presentation on the #MeToo movement in STEM, Emorys policies on gender discrimination and sexual harassment, and where students who are dealing with related issues can get help. Allman believes the Kharen Fulton Award, which recognizes leadership in graduate student diversity, inclusion and community, is a sign that he is spending his time outside of research wisely. To know other people feel similarly not only validates that Im spending my time well, but that the problems Im working on and the communities Im trying to build are valid and important, Allman said. Lisa Tedesco, Vice-Provost for Academic Affairs-Graduate Studies and Dean of the Laney Graduate School believes Allmans values and commitments represents one of the graduate schools most important initiativesdiversity and inclusion. Brents academic journey fosters community in remarkable ways, building capacity for community among graduate and undergraduate students and faculty, says Tedesco. This is a well-deserved honor; and his work is a fitting illustration for what our centennial celebration is all about -- It Starts with One. BAY CITY, MI A woman has received federal prison time for illegally buying a gun for her boyfriend, who later used it to kill his younger brother in Saginaw Township. U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington on Friday, Jan. 10, sentenced Jessica M. Peek, 25, to eight months in a federal prison. The judge allowed Peek until March 31 to surrender to authorities and begin serving her sentence. Once Peek serves her term, shell be on supervised release for an additional three years, Ludington ordered. Peek in June pleaded guilty to one count of sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person, a 10-year felony. The charge stems from Peek having bought a Kahr .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol from Showtime Guns & Ammo, 3621 Bay Road in Saginaw in August 2017. She bought it for her then-boyfriend, Adrian L. Villanueva, knowing he had been convicted of a felony and thus banned from possessing a gun, prosecutors alleged. Adrian L. Villanueva Villanueva had picked out the gun he wanted, provided Peek with the money to purchase it, and accompanied her to the business, prosecutors said. When she bought the gun, Peek misrepresented that she was buying it for herself, prosecutors alleged. Villanueva kept the gun after the couple broke up, prosecutors alleged. Villanueva on the afternoon of March 4, 2019, repeatedly shot his 25-year-old brother, Jonathan I. Villanueva, inside their shared residence at 4035 Emerick St. in Saginaw Township. Adrian Villanueva called 911 to report the shooting. Multiple relatives were present in the house, including the defendants two young children, prosecutors have said. Police from multiple agencies responded to the scene and engaged Villanueva in a four-hour standoff. During the negotiations, Villanueva eventually let some of his family members leave the house uninjured and ultimately surrendered to police. Saginaw County Emergency Services Team members then entered the house and discovered Jonathan Villanuevas body. The Villanueva brothers were natives of Georgia, according to their sister, Erica Durham, of Alabama. She previously said they were very close and that Adrian Villanueva has suffered from mental health issues much of his life. Adrian Villanueva in October pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, five counts of felony firearm, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, and two counts of felonious assault. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss a charge of open murder, which contains both first- and second-degree murder. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Janet M. Boes on Dec. 3 sentenced the 34-year-old Adrian Villanueva to 48 years to 75 years in prison. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 10:15:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 941 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 sphingotec launches a CE-marked point-of-care IVD assay for Proenkephalin (penKid(R)), the company's proprietary biomarker for real-time assessment of kidney function in critical care settingsIB10 sphingotest(R) penKid(R) runs on sphingotec's automated Nexus IB10 point-of-care platform and quantitatively measures levels of penKid(R) directly in whole blood samplespenKid(R) is a functional kidney biomarker reflecting the actual glomerular filtration rate and thus allows monitoring of renal function in real-timepenKid(R) enables earlier prediction and more precise monitoring of acute kidney injury than the current standard-of-careHENNIGSDORF/BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Diagnostics company SphingoTec GmbH ("sphingotec", Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) today announced the launch of its IB10 sphingotest(R) penKid(R), a CE-IVD-marked point-of-care test for Proenkephalin (penKid(R)), the biomarker that allows real-time assessment of kidney function with a simple blood test. The test is made available on the company's rapid point-of-care platform Nexus IB10 that uses whole blood samples without any pre-processing, requires less than three minutes hands-on-time, delivers test results after 20 minutes and can be flexibly deployed in laboratories or near-patient settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and Emergency Departments (EDs).In studies on more than 30,000 patients admitted to ICUs and EDs, penKid(R) has been demonstrated to be a real-time surrogate biomarker for glomerular filtration rate1, the gold standard to assess kidney function. In contrast to other markers, penKid(R) is an early predictor of worsening and improving kidney function independently from co-morbidities and inflammation2,3,.penKid(R) as a functional kidney biomarker has been demonstrated to provide significant clinical utility in numerous critical care settings:penKid(R) blood levels at admission to ICUs and EDs can identify patients at a high risk to develop acute kidney injury (AKI) as elevated blood levels of penKid(R) indicate kidney dysfunction in critically ill patients much earlier than the current standard of care4.penKid(R) blood levels during hospitalization can be used for real-time monitoring of kidney function. In critical care conditions (such as sepsis, acute heart failure) or after the administration of nephrotoxic drugs, which trigger kidney damage, elevated blood levels of penKid(R) reflect compromised kidney function. The normalization of kidney function is rapidly mirrored by decreasing levels of penKid(R). Hence, penKid(R) allows for individualized dosing of medicines with nephrotoxic side-effects.penKid(R) blood levels at discharge identify patients who have low levels of this biomarker that can be safely discharged from the hospital while elevated biomarker levels identify patients with sublinical AKI5 that require further attention.Worldwide AKI is affecting 13 million patients and puts other 26 million at risk. In the ICUs, 1 out of 3 patients will develop AKI6.Dr. Andreas Bergmann, CEO and founder of sphingotec commented: "Testing and monitoring of blood levels of Proenkephalin with our IB10 sphingotest(R) penKid(R) allows not only for the stratification of patients at risk for acute kidney injury at admission to the hospital but also facilitates the monitoring of kidney function in real-time throughout the entire patient care cycle. We strongly believe that making penKid(R) testing available on a rapid point-of-care platform has a unique potential to enable timely therapy decision by physicians at ICUs and EDs and thereby improve patient outcomes." The IB10 sphingotest(R) penKid(R) will be made available at the end of January 2020 to the critical care community for further clinical evaluation. The assay is commercialized in Europe and other regions that accept CE-IVD certification through sphingotec's network of distribution partners for the Nexus IB10 platform, together with a broad menu of standard tests for acute and critical care.###ReferencesDonato L. et al., (2018): Analytical performance of an immunoassay to measure proenkephalin, Clin Biochem., doi: 10.1016/j. clinbiochem.2018.05.010 Emmens JE et al. (2019): Proenkephalin, an opoid system surrogate marker, as a novel comprehensive renal marker in heart failure, Circ. Haeart Fail., doi: 10.1161/ CIRCHEARTFAILURE.118.005544 Gayat E. et al, (2018) Back-to-back comparison of penKID with NephroCheck(R) to predict acute kidney injury at admission in intensive care unit, Critical Care, doi: 10.1186/s13054-018-1945-9Caironi P. et al. (2018): Circulating proenkephalin, acute kidney injury, and its improvement in patients with severe sepsis or shock, Clin.Chem ., doi 10.1373/ clinchem.2018.288068 Rosenqvist, M. (2019): Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) - a novel biomarker for acute kidney injury in sepsis: an observational study, doi: 10.1186/s12873-019-0283-9Ponce, D. (2016): Acute kidney injury: risk factors and management challenges in developing countries, Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis., doi: 10.2147/ IJNRD.S104209 About sphingotecSphingoTec GmbH ("sphingotec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) develops and markets innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for novel and proprietary biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and monitoring of acute medical conditions, such as sepsis, acute heart failure, circulatory shock, and acute kidney injury in order to support patient management and provide guidance for treatment strategies. sphingotec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM(R)), a unique biomarker for real-time assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis or congestive heart failure, Proenkephalin (penKid(R)), a unique biomarker for real-time assessment of kidney function, and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3), a unique biomarker for cardio-renal pathway disruptions leading to acute organ dysfunction. In addition, sphingotec develops a portfolio of novel biomarkers, which predict the risks of developing obesity, breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases. IVD tests for sphingotec's proprietary biomarkers are made available as sphingotest(R) microtiterplate tests as well as point-of-care tests on the Nexus IB10 immunoassay platform by sphingotec's subsidiary Nexus Dx Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA) alongside a broad menu of IB10 tests for established biomarkers for acute and critical care.About Nexus Dx Inc. and the IB10 PlatformNexus Dx Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of sphingotec, headquartered in San Diego, CA, USA, i Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 13:10:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that China and Zimbabwe should keep pace with the times, open up and take innovative steps to make bilateral cooperation and relations more sustainable. During his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Sibusiso Moyo, Wang said this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe. Over the past 40 years, Wang said, the two countries have always understood, respected, supported and trusted each other, becoming an example of China-Africa cooperation and South-South cooperation. China is pleased to see that China-Zimbabwe relations have been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, and Zimbabwe has become an important partner in the co-construction of the Belt and Road. Wang said this year is an important year for bilateral relations, and the two sides should take this as an opportunity to further carry forward the tradition of friendly mutual trust and mutual support between the two countries. Wang said that China is willing to work with Zimbabwe to continue their firm support for each other on issues related to each other's core interests. China will firmly support Zimbabwe's economic and social development within its ability. He added that two sides should strengthen the exchange of experience in governance, promote policy consultation and cooperation to achieve results as soon as possible. China is also willing to coordinate and cooperate closely with Zimbabwe on multilateral affairs and safeguard the common interests of the two countries, Wang said. Moyo said that under the personal guidance of the leaders of the two countries, Zimbabwe-China comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation has been continuously consolidated. Zimbabwe admires China's great achievements in economic development and thanks China for its long-term contribution to Zimbabwe's economic and social development, for speaking for Zimbabwe on international occasions. Zimbabwe will firmly support the core interests of the Chinese side. Moyo said the two sides should take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to review and summarize the experience of developing bilateral relations, and further plan and design the direction of bilateral ties' future development. Zimbabwe is willing to learn from China's experience in economic development and governance, speed up the joint high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, implement cooperation projects under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, strengthen communication and cooperation on international affairs and jointly uphold multilateralism. Sonali Khanna has been appointed as the head of Lowe Lintas, South. An Executive Director in the organisation, Sonali has been in the advertising business for over two decades - of which she has spent 15 years with Lowe Lintas across offices in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore. Her deep understanding of the dynamics of Indian and global brands is thanks to her Pan-India advertising career that covers a diverse portfolio of product categories, including FMCG, confectionery, cosmetics, telecom, media, fashion, foods and jewellery. Some of the key brands that Sonali has worked on include Britannia, Tanishq, Unilever, Sonata, ITC, Paper Boat, Reliance Trends, Glaxo Smithkline, Dabur, Nestle, Hindustan Times and Himalaya. Prior to Lowe Lintas, she had a stint at Grey Worldwide. Commenting on Sonali's appointment, Virat Tandon, Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group said, Sonali is what an ideal advertising leader should be. Shes as adept at strategy as she is at managing client relationships and leading high performance teams. In her 15 years at Lowe, she has worked on some of the most demanding assignments across offices and brands. And, she has delivered every single time. I am very happy to announce her as the branch head for Lowe Lintas South. Its perhaps the most successful regional operation of any agency in the country. I am certain that with Sonali in the drivers seat now, its going to move several notches higher. Advertising is an ideas and people business and she passionately believes in partnering clients to drive brand effectiveness. She flourishes in high voltage environs where creative sparks and open debates go hand-in-hand. It is under her brand stewardship that Lowe Lintas picked up a Grand Effie in 2015 for its outstanding work on Paper Boat. Speaking about her appointment Sonali Khanna said, Lowe Lintas South has always been an enviable operation for MullenLowe Lintas Group. The office has consistently delivered ground-breaking work for its clients; helping them build brands that are a force to reckon with. What sets us apart is that despite inheriting a large agency DNA, our mind-set still reflects that of a hungry start-up. We are a bunch of passionate and dedicated professionals always ready for the next challenge. Leading such a group of talented individuals is a real privilege. On a personal note, I started my Lintas journey with Lowe Lintas Bangalore back in 2004. 15 years and 3 cities later, its a real thrill to be spearheading an office thats truly special! Sonali Khannas new appointment is effective immediately. "While we recognize the urgent need for boots on the ground to save animal lives now, our role will be to research the impact of the fires to support restoration for years to come," said Tiffany Grunert, President & CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. "From population studies of land mammals to the impact downstream on marine wildlife, the need for scientific research to support Australia's unique, precious wildlife is tremendous. We must do what we can to preserve what remains and restore what was lost." Australia is home to more than 300 native species, most of which aren't found anywhere else in the world. Local experts estimate the ongoing wildfires have destroyed more than 12 million acres of land and impacted between 500 and 800 million animals, including koalas. These immediate issues will soon turn into long-term effects that could drastically change the animals' future habitat and health. Koalas living on Australia's Kangaroo Island were already part of critical Morris Animal Foundation-funded research. Unfortunately, it's estimated the fires have killed 80% of these koalas, which the research team at the University of Adelaide identified as the last large, healthy, isolated population of koalas in Australia. "The loss of these koalas profoundly impacts their iconic species," said Dr. Wayne Boardman, koala researcher and senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. "In the wake of the wildfires, Morris Animal Foundation-funded research is more important than ever. The Foundation's commitment to supporting studies specific to the long-term effects of the wildfires is a critical step in helping koalas and all of Australia's wildlife survive the devastation of these fires." The Foundation will first create a forum for wildlife researchers to help determine the region's most pressing needs. Then Morris Animal Foundation will seek requests for proposals, which will be reviewed and approved by the Foundation's recently formed Senior Scientific Advisory Board. The $1 million commitment, made possible by a recent legacy gift, nearly doubles the amount the Foundation had devoted to supporting land-based Australian wildlife; however, pressing research needs will likely exceed $1 million. To support the effort, everyone interested can make a gift to Morris Animal Foundation's Wildlife Research program. Morris Animal Foundation, headquartered in Denver, is a global leader in supporting studies to find solutions to serious health threats to animals. Since its founding in 1948, the Foundation has invested more than $155 million in over 2,700 studies that have improved the health and quality of life for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife around the world. Below is a Dropbox link to a video news release about this story, with soundbites from both Tiffany Grunert and Dr. Boardman. https://www.dropbox.com/s/v6hzkm0e2s21pmj/MAF_AustraliaWildfires.mp4?dl=0 About Morris Animal Foundation Morris Animal Foundation's mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org. SOURCE Morris Animal Foundation Related Links https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org An Australian man is being held by HCMC police for robbing money at an English language center. Illustration photo by VnExpress. An Australian man is being investigated for robbing VND150 million ($6,490) from an English language center in downtown HCMC. The robbery took place last Friday at the Compass English language center on Tran Quoc Thao Street in District 3, police said Monday. Jackson Warren Nicholson, 49, came to the center while a female staff was counting cash on the third floor. He jerked the tray of money from her and put it into his backpack. When the woman shouted for help and tried to hold the man, he pulled out a screwdriver and threatened to stab her. Then, as he ran down the stairs, he was captured by the centers security guards who handed him over to local police. Nicholson told the police that he had committed the robbery because he had lost his passport and had no money to spend. He was staying at a hotel on De Tham Street in District 1's famous backpacker area. Further details were not revealed. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnams southern metropolis, received over 8.6 million foreign visitors in 2019, up 13 percent year-on-year, according to the municipal tourism department. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, January 13, 2020Sudanese authorities should end their suspension of the newspapers El Ray El Aam and El Sudani and the TV channels Ashorooq and Teiba, and work toward institutionalizing press freedom, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Sudanese authorities suspended the four news outlets as part of a wider effort to seize assets from the former ruling party of former President Omar al-Bashir, Qatar-based Al Jazeera and the independent Sudanese news outlet Radio Dabanga reported. The Sudanese Anti-Corruption Committee announced during a January 7 press conference that the outlets would be suspended, Radio Dabanga reported. Al Jazeera quoted El Sudani reporter Mashair Ahmed as saying that men in military uniforms came to the office and told staff that they had 30 minutes to take their personal belongings and leave. The report did not specify the date that took place. On January 12, Deputy Minister of Information Rasheed Saeed was cited in the reports as saying that the transitional government was suspending the outlets under a law authorizing authorities to seize the assets and funds of the former regime, and not because of their editorial line. Ashorooq did not immediately respond to CPJs email requesting comment. CPJ was not able to locate contact information for the other outlets. A representative for the local press freedom group, Sudanese Journalists Network, did not respond to CPJs request for comment. There is an irony to Sudans transitional government attempting to turn the page on a previous repressive regime by imitating its tactics, said CPJ Senior Middle East and North Africa Researcher Justin Shilad. Sudanese authorities should end the suspension of these newspapers and TV stations and ensure that press freedom does not become collateral damage during a sensitive moment. Radio Dabanga reported that the suspension would last until the committees investigation is complete. A CPJ review found the website for El Ray El Aam is offline and the websites for Ashorooq and El Sudani have not been updated since last week. The broadcasters Ashorooq and Teiba are uploading content to their YouTube pages. Shamael Elnoor, a Sudanese journalist who formerly worked at Ashorooq, told CPJ that she believes the decision was part of the effort to target the old regimes assets and was not connected to press freedom. The Sudanese Ministry of Information and Culture did not immediately reply to an email from CPJ. Last month, the transitional government announced that it was shutting the Sudanese Journalists Union under the same law, according to Al Jazeera. The move drew the condemnation of the International Federation of Journalists, which is the syndicates umbrella organization. Radio Dabanga reported on January 8 that the government was waiting for information on accounts and properties associated with the Sudanese Journalists Union. Sudan formed a new cabinet in September that included journalist Faisal Saleh as Minister of Culture and Information as part of a power-sharing agreement between civilian and military authorities after mass protests led to Bashirs ouster, The Associated Press reported. Saleh, who was detained by Sudanese authorities prior to holding his post, reiterated his governments commitment to press freedom in a November 2019 statement. The Ramakrishna Math and Mission on Sunday distanced itself from Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, contending that it was a strictly apolitical body which did not respond to ephemeral calls. The prime minister, during his address at Belur Math -- the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission -- said that the new law would not take away anybodys citizenship, and a section of the youth was being misguided about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA. Addressing a press meet, Swami Suvirananda, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission general secretary, said, The organisation will not comment on the prime ministers speech on CAA. We are a strictly apolitical body. We have come here after leaving our homes to answer eternal calls. We do not respond to ephemeral calls. He said Modi was a guest and the onus was on him on what he had spoken at the Math. Also Watch l I repeat, CAA not to revoke anyones citizenship: PM Modi at Belur Math But when you have a guest... Atithi Devo Bhava is the Indian culture. And you must extend all kinds of courtesies, decencies to him. And if something you feel ought not have been told, the onus lies on the person who tells it but not on the host -- by no logic, he added. Swami Suvirananda further said that both Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are not politicians but leaders holding constitutional posts. They represent the Constitution of India as they have a statutory post. Mamata Banerjee is the leader of West Bengal and Modi is the leader of India, he noted. Asked whether Modis speech on the CAA was an attempt to saffronise the Mission, Swami Suvirananda said, We are already saffron but that doesnt mean that we are saffron in the sense that is being interpreted in politics today. He said the Mission believes in inclusivity and is the only order in the world where the monks do not cast their votes. We are apolitical to that extent that our monks do not cast votes. The only order in the world which does not cast votes. We are inclusive as an organisation, only order in the world which has monks from Hindus sects and from even Islam... Islamic people from Iran and Iraq. Ours is the only organisation which has Christian monks, hundreds in numbers, Buddhist monks and we live like brothers, more brotherly than the brother born to same parents... What more inclusiveness do you want? he said. Modi, who came to the city on Saturday evening on a two-day trip to attend 150 years celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, spent a night at the Math here. The prime minister described his visit to the Math as a homecoming. VENEZUELANS who wish to enter the TCI will soon be required to make an application for a visa at their nearest British high commission, embassy or consulate. Applications can also be made from outside the TCI to the director of immigration or to territory representatives at the TCI Office in London, England, or New York, USA. Cabinet granted approval to impose visa restrictions on Venezuelan nationals at its meeting on December 18 last year. This will take place through the removal of Venezuela from Schedule 2 of Regulations 9 (1) of the revised Immigration Ordinance 2018. It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will come into force within two weeks, a Government press release stated on January 3. It added that, although the decision has been taken, Cabinet remains cognizant of the security and humanitarian situation in Venezuela. Guidance notes issued by the United Nations Commission for Refugee issues on March 2018 and updated May 2019 are also being scrutinized. These request that member states seek to allow access of Venezuelans and that countries have in place appropriate humanitarian protection for nationals of Venezuela. The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services will provide further information to Venezuelans within the Islands and the general public "in due course. Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan has lashed out against Meghan Markle again. But this time, he has negative impression on Prince Harry as well. His criticisms came alongside others in the aftermath of the Sussexes decision to step back as senior royals. Unmatched Disrespect Towards Her Majesty Morgan came out in defense of the British monarchy for what he sees as a move that was a blatant disrespect to The Queen. He criticized Harry and Meghan for "disowning the Royal family" calling them "nothing but spoiled brats." These sentiments were expressed after The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to be financially independent. Thus, they are henceforth stepping back from their roles as senior royals. They also unveiled their plans to move between North America and the UK. Morgan initially tweeted "What Meghan wants, Meghan gets." But the flames were fanned after one user defended the Sussexes in a comment: "A real man protects his family." The TV presenter lashed out then, saying Meghan and Harry are not protecting their families. Rather, he called out the Sussexes for disowning their family. He added that no other royal antic has ever matched this act of Meg and Harry. Throwing Heavy Words at the Sussex Royals Morgan continued on calling out the Sussexes for their "pure arrogance and willful disrespect of Her Majesty." He further suggests that the British monarch should strip Harry and Meghan of their HRH titles. He even suggests doing so without any formal ceremony and to do so with immediacy and dispatch the two as civilians. Piers also called the Duke and Duchess "greedy and entitled" royals. He slammed the royal couple for their disgraceful royal antics. To add to the fury, he wishes the worse on the two saying "I sincerely hope they will not exist much longer with those titles." Dealing With Media Once and For All Prince Harry is putting his foot down on media criticism. The past few years have been toughest on his wife, Meghan and even with their firstborn child, Archie. The Sussex Royals revealed their new media plan to only uphold credible media outlets. Furthermore, such media drives should be focused solely on objective news reporting. In addition, the media will only be entertained via invitation. The specialist media personnel are only allowed access to cover key events and moments in the Sussexes' lives. Harry and Meghan are also ceasing to follow the Royal Rota system set up 40 years ago. The system gives the press exclusive access to all official engagements. The Sussexes have made it clear they no longer plan to live by its rules. Decision to Step Back Shocked Senior Royals Apparently, the senior royals did not get firsthand information from the Sussexes of their decision. BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymont revealed that Harry and Meghan did not consult the other members of the royal family. To this, Morgan became even angrier saying, "Absolutely appalling that [Harry and Meghan] failed to notify Her Majesty." He adds that The Queen is not just Harry's grandmother, but the British monarch which should have been first to know. Buckingham Palace later released a statement revealing that the announcement made is still at an early stage. The senior royals are said to have understood the Sussexes' desire for a different approach but that it would take time to push through. Furthermore, their decision has caused sadness to the other royals. READ MORE: Royal Surprise! Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Officially STEP BACK From Royal Family Flight operations resume at Dhaka airport after 6 hrs Staff Reporter: Thick fog halted the flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for six hours on Monday. Flights have been resumed around 9:44am after a six-hour disruption caused by thick fog. HSIA airport Deputy Director Beni Madhab Biswas confirmed it to the journalists. The Deputy Director said, Flights on domestic routes remained suspended since 3:30am for six hours for the foggy weather. Besides, three international flights were delayed while a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was diverted to Kolkata instead of Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport for the same reason. Khairul Kabir, Assistant Manager of Shah Amanat International Airport said, A flight of Biman flew from Muscat of Oman failed to land its due station on Shah Amanat and diverted to Kolkata. Thick fog often disrupts operations at the countrys airports during winter. The new Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey MLA (PA) SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has claimed Sinn Fein back tracked on an agreement for Patsy McGlone to be the new Assembly Speaker. Sinn Fein, however, hit back, saying there was no agreement of any kind. The party's West Belfast MLA Alex Maskey was elected to the position on Saturday with the endorsement of the DUP. Mr Eastwood said originally it had been intended the position would go to his party for the first time with Mr McGlone in the chair but Sinn Fein changed their mind an hour before the election. Read More Alliance leader Naomi Long said that she understood Mr McGlone would be the new Speaker, but no agreement was made on the matter in the latest round of Stormont talks. SDLP leader Mr Eastwood told BBC Radio Foyle: "The way that the Speaker role was divvied up wasn't the best start." "We had never had the Speaker's position, we felt that it was right that someone from the SDLP had it this time and that was the understanding for the last couple of years." The Foyle MP said it was "widely understood" Mr McGlone would be given the position. "An hour out we were told that Sinn Fein would be putting someone forward and of course the DUP supported them. Expand Close SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone "That's fine, but I just thought it was a missed opportunity." Mr Eastwood said there was a "loose agreement" in place going back "a couple of years" and all parties were aware of it. "I don't think it was a good start, but it's a minor issue compared to what this Government has to do," he said. "Let's see, we've gone in here with our eyes open, we have issues with this deal, we don't think it goes far enough in some areas and maybe too far in others." Sinn Fein responded to Mr Eastwood's comments, saying there was no agreement in place. "There was no 'loose' or any other agreement that Patsy McGlone would be Assembly Speaker," a party spokesperson said. The UUP nominated Roy Beggs for the position. He was appointed a deputy speaker alongside the DUP's Christopher Stalford and Mr McGlone. Naomi Long said in previous rounds of talks it was understood the position of Speaker would be "rotated" by the main parties. "It would have been appropriate in those circumstances for Patsy McGlone to have the opportunity to serve as Speaker," the Alliance leader told the Nolan Show. "He had the experience, as did Roy Beggs and it would have been our understanding that would be the case. "There was no agreement in these talks, it wasn't actually debated or discussed during these talks. I was working off the basis of previous discussions that had been had some time ago." The SDLP leader revealed the issue while discussing his party's decision not to take the position of health minister. Mr Eastwood said that his party did not want the role without also controlling the finance ministry as they felt the roles should be closely linked. He said without holding the two departments it lead to another party denying funding for political reasons to health. The SDLP nominated North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon as Infrastructure Minister. LAUREL, Md., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cobepa S.A. ("Cobepa"), a global private equity firm, announced today that it has closed a growth equity investment in Precision Orthopedics ("Precision" or "the Company"), a leading provider of integrated orthopedic surgical care services across Maryland. Precision will use the new capital to bolster its current operations and implement its expansion plans within Maryland and elsewhere. Dr. Rishi Bhatnagar, Founder and CEO of Precision, commented, "This partnership with Cobepa provides access to capital and strategic support for Precision's growth initiatives including expanding into new geographies, opening additional ambulatory surgery centers and partnering with additional hospitals. It will enhance our ability to reach and treat patients." "Cobepa has a long history of supporting leading founder-led companies," said Peter Connolly, a Managing Director at Cobepa. "Dr. Bhatnagar and his team at Precision have done a remarkable job of building Precision into the leader it has become in a large and important geography. We are thrilled to partner with the Precision physicians in support of the Company's mission and growth objectives going forward." Based in Laurel, Maryland, Precision is among the state's largest independent providers of clinical and surgical orthopedic treatment and ancillary patient care services. Utilizing a network of ten clinical locations, an ambulatory surgery center, and its deep hospital relationships, Precision provides a broad spectrum of comprehensive, patient-centric musculoskeletal care. Precision's comprehensive service line is administered by its deep team of highly trained physicians across the entire musculoskeletal spectrum, supported by the Company's long-tenured clinical support staff and strong physician leadership. Cobepa North America team members Peter Connolly and Peter Batesko have joined Precision's Board of Directors. Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC and DLA Piper advised Precision. Choate, Hall & Stewart and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP provided legal counsel to Cobepa. About Cobepa Based in Brussels and New York, Cobepa is a privatelyheld investment company backed by European families. Cobepa manages a diversified portfolio of private equity investments valued at approximately $3.0 billion. Cobepa invests in leading companies with superior business models, sustainable market positions and leading management teams. Cobepa North America is primarily focused on investments in the healthcare and business services sectors as well as situations requiring a more nimble investment partner. For more information, visit www.cobepa.com. SOURCE Cobepa Related Links https://www.cobepa.com/ WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) will host their fourth annual celebration of the National Day of Racial Healing. Elaine Welteroth will emcee the mainstage event, with Lindsay Peoples Wagner of Teen Vogue hosting the Livestream. The program will feature Kellogg Foundation President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron, actress Storm Reid, youth activists, Central Park 5 member Raymond Santana, Baratunde Thurston and Jamilah Lemieux, among others. Watch the Special #HowWeHeal Program Streaming Live on YouTube on Jan. 21, 2020, 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m. EST at www.dayofracialhealing.org The day's programming will center on truth telling and trust building that can lead to racial healing for a more just and equitable future. The event will also recognize work done by grantees in several communities across the U.S. implementing the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) process. What: National Day of Racial Healing celebration with panels, conversations, videos, live music, and creative performances. Where: The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 When: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 8:30am - 5:30pm 8:30am Doors Open 9:00am-12:30pm Morning Session: (Minds), including a Fireside Chat with La June Montgomery Tabron and Actress Storm Reid . ** This portion of the program will livestream on YouTube at www.dayofracialhealing.org . Morning Session: (Minds), including a Fireside Chat with La June Montgomery Tabron and Actress . ** 12:30pm Lunch Session: Food as Healing Medicine and A Cultural Unifier Lunch Session: Food as Healing Medicine and A Cultural Unifier 1:45pm Afternoon Session: Racial Healing Breakout Sessions Afternoon Session: Racial Healing Breakout Sessions 4:00pm Closing Session: (Hearts and Minds) Closing Session: (Hearts and Minds) 5:30pm Reception Who: Hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and featuring: La June Montgomery Tabron , president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation , president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Storm Reid , Actress ( Wrinkle in Time, Euphoria ) , Actress ( ) Elaine Welteroth , award-winning journalist and former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue , award-winning journalist and former editor-in-chief of Lindsay Peoples Wagner , editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue , editor-in-chief of Rico Newman , chairman of the Maryland Indian Tourism Association , chairman of the Maryland Indian Tourism Association Jamilah Lemieux , columnist, cultural critic, and editor , columnist, cultural critic, and editor Natalia Anciso , American Chicana-Tejana contemporary artist and educator , American Chicana-Tejana contemporary artist and educator Baratunde Thurston , writer, comedian and commentator , writer, comedian and commentator Kristen Kish , Korean-born chef best known for winning Season 10 of Top Chef , Korean-born chef best known for winning Season 10 of Top Chef K. Sabeel Rahman , president of Demos, legal scholar and author of Civic Power Rebuilding American Democracy in an Era of Crisis , president of Demos, legal scholar and author of Raymond Santana , member of the "Central Park Five" , member of the "Central Park Five" Marc B. Joseph , artistic director of social impact Kennedy Center , artistic director of social impact Kennedy Center And other youth activists, performers and speakers Visuals: Diverse attendees, speakers and panelists, as well as live performances of music, dancing and spoken-word poetry. Visit www.dayofracialhealing.org for a complete list of events taking place around the country including Los Angeles, Chicago, Selma, AL, New Orleans, Buffalo, NY; Baton Rouge, LA; Battle Creek, MI; Flint, MI; Dallas, TX; and Richmond, VA. Join the conversation on social media via the hashtag #HowWeHeal. About National Day of Racial Healing The "National Day of Racial Healing" was established by the Kellogg Foundation in 2017 to promote healing as a critical path for ending racial bias and creating a society in which all children can thrive. The annual outreach grew out of WKKF's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, a national and community-based process designed to bring transformational and sustainable change to communities, while addressing the historic and contemporary effects of racism. About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special attention is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. SOURCE W.K. Kellogg Foundation Related Links http://www.wkkf.org Tributes have been paid to Jean Orr - a leading voice in nursing in Northern Ireland who was also an "inspiration" to Troubles' victims - who has died suddenly at her home. Professor Orr, who was in her mid-70s, was the driving force behind the establishment of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's University, Belfast, in 1997. She was also extensively involved in the work of the Wave Trauma Centre, which offers support to victims of the Troubles. Professor Orr became a patron of the charity in 1995, and later served as its chairperson from 2014 to 2018. Wave Trauma Centre CEO Sandra Peake said last night: "She had been a nurse throughout the Troubles, and knew what it had done to the community. "She had amazing vitality, amazing energy. "Her death on Friday came as a great shock. It was very sudden, very unexpected. She will be very badly missed. She was an inspiration." Appointed Professor of Nursing and Midwifery in 1991, in 2004 she became a CBE in recognition of her work in nursing. At the time of the award, she said honours were usually regarded as a reward for the individual, but she considered hers as much a tribute to colleagues in the school of nursing and midwifery at Queen's as recognition of her own achievements. Professor Jean Orr was the first Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queens. She had worked in the UK as a health visitor before becoming a lecturer at the University of Manchester before returning to Queens to become the head of school. Professor Orr retired from Queen's in 2008 but maintained her ties with the organisation. In 2019 she was honoured with a portrait commission for the walls of the Great Hall at Queens. The university said she had left an "indelible memory" on the staff and students within the school and her "legacy of professionalism and culture of caring remains in place to this day". Professor Donna Fitzsimons added: Professor Orr had superb vision and academic judgment, setting up a school that would educate graduate nurses across each of the four fields of Nursing and Midwifery - making a substantial contribution to healthcare in Northern Ireland. Professor Orr later began to take a more active role in the work of Wave, lending her support to the trauma education side of the charity's work. In 2013, she co-authored, with colleague Margaret Graham, Nurses' Voices from the Northern Ireland Troubles, a book which the Royal College of Nursing said "revealed the unimaginable horror faced by Northern Ireland's nurses over three decades of violence, and captured brilliantly the human aspect of nursing". Born in Belfast's Ormeau area, Jean Orr travelled the world. "She had a thirst for travel: a real wanderlust. There were very few places she hadn't been," Ms Peake said. Marianne Moutray, who was associate head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's at the time Professor Orr was its head, said: "Jean was different from anyone who had ever worked at Queen's before. "She was like an exploding firework. "And she had to start from scratch to create the School of Nursing - but she just breezed through challenges. Nothing was unsolvable to her. "Jean was kind and caring - from the most junior nursing student to the most senior of colleagues, she treated everyone with respect. She was an intelligent, creative person with an amazing sense of humour and phenomenal sense of style. "And she never forgot her lipstick!" Amid Turkey's ban on sea links with the ports of the occupied Crimea, Russia uses fraudulent schemes when sending ships to Turkey, in particular, by turning off navigation and forging documents. "I will not deny. Indeed, some companies carry out transportation. But there is the official stance of the Turkish side sea links with the ports of the occupied Crimea are forbidden. They are closed to sea links. The cases that, unfortunately, occasionally occur, are not systematic. They occur due to fraudulent schemes, Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Andrii Sybiha said in an interview with UATV. In particular, the navigation systems are turned off, the documents are forged, and it is indicated when entering Turkish ports that the vessel has arrived from the territory of Russia without displaying entry to the ports of occupied Crimea, the ambassador explained. According to him, the embassy knows the names, the owners of these vessels, and the Turkish side is being informed about their movement for the purpose of response. There is an intention to initiate the corresponding consultations with the Turkish side. "Of course, inspections are made, but there is a fraudulent scheme and the concerted efforts, in particular, of the law enforcement agencies of the two countries, are needed [to eliminate it]. We will probably also initiate consultations with the Turkish side to enhance the effectiveness of our joint response to such cases. And there is no ferry service, all these are manifestations of the hybrid war," the diplomat said. Last November, the information appeared about the launch of ferry service between the occupied Crimea and Turkey. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey denied the information. ol Karl Stefanovic believes that the Queen could have avoided Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'abdication' row with one simple gesture. The Today host, 45, is convinced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly announced their intention to step down from 'senior' royal duties in response to Her Majesty failing to include a photograph of them on her mantelpiece during her Christmas Day address. 'It all could have been resolved so much easier if the Queen just had a picture of them behind her,' Karl told viewers on Monday. 'Simple as that': Karl Stefanovic believes that the Queen could have avoided Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'abdication' row with one simple gesture. Pictured with Allison Langdon He continued: 'My grandma did that for years. She didn't have a picture of me on her mantelpiece...' His co-host, Allison Langdon, interrupted: 'Can I just say, we've only worked together for a week and you've mentioned [your grandmother] every single day. 'You should understand how Harry and Meghan feel!' Where are they? The Today host, 45, is convinced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly announced their intention to step down from 'senior' royal duties in response to the Queen failing to include a photo of them on her mantelpiece during her Christmas Day address 'She didn't have a picture of me': Karl joked that he can relate to Prince Harry because his own grandmother didn't include a photo of him on the mantelpiece 'for years' Karl chuckled: 'I do! I didn't have anyone saying, "Are you okay, Karl? Because grandma doesn't have a picture of you." I've been affected by it.' Sports presenter Alex Cullen added: 'It's true. Every time I go home, I look at the fridge and see which grandkids are on the fridge. "Where are ours, mum?"' Concluding the segment, Karl joked: 'I agree. Alex and I are going to live in Canada!' Snub: During the Queen's Christmas Day speech last month, viewers couldn't help but notice Harry and Meghan's absence among her family portraits. Pictured: The Queen, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 During the Queen's Christmas Day speech last month, viewers couldn't help but notice Harry and Meghan's absence among her family portraits. Next to her during the speech, there were pictures of King George VI, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as well as a family shot of the Cambridges. Last week, the Sussexes announced they were stepping down from 'senior' royal duties and plan to live between the UK and North America. Their decision to distance themselves from the royal family has been dubbed Megxit. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When it kicked off seven years ago, officials trumpeted the Raise the Roadway project, which lifted the Bayonne Bridge roadbed 64 feet, as a boon to area shipping. Perched 215 feet above the Kill Van Kull, the heightened deck accommodates larger, 21st-century container ships that were previously unable to fit under the bridge. The added height gave those vessels access to local ports. However, the project showered down not dollars in local commerce, but chunks of metal, wood, rocks and other debris, damaging its property and customers cars, contends one Port Richmond business situated below the bridge. Now, The Polishing Pad wants compensation. The Newark Avenue auto body shop has sued the bridge contractors for $7.1 million. Defendants actions were wanton and reckless and without concern for the safety of the people and/or property located under and adjacent to the Bayonne Bridge on the New York side of said bridge, alleges a civil complaint. The contractors performed the work in a dangerous, defective, hazardous, unsafe and/or improper manner resulting in severe and serious damages from 2016 to the present, the complaint alleges. Despite Polishing Pads written and verbal petitions, defendants ignored this dangerous situation and allowed the condition to continue, said the complaint. Recently filed in state Supreme Court, St. George, the suit names Skanska Koch Inc., Kiewit Infrastructure Co. and Skanska-Kiewit JV, as defendants. Polishing Pad seeks $2.1 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. The compensatory damages consist of $1 million in property damage, along with $1.1 million in costs to repair customers damaged vehicles. The defendants are accused of disrupting Polishing Pads business by, among other things, blocking the roads around the shop and its main entrance for months without permission, the complaint alleges. The ambitious $1.7 billion-dollar project started in 2013 and finished last year. RAISE THE ROADWAY The bridges 1,651-foot-long main span roadway currently features two, 12-foot-wide lanes in each direction, as well as outside and inside shoulders. The raised roadway initially opened on Feb. 20, 2017. Stretching high above the water, the heightened deck allows larger vessels to reach Port Newark and Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal in New Jersey, as well as Global Container Terminals New York in Mariners Harbor. However, the sailing hasnt been as smooth for businesses and residents below the bridge. In March 2017, Vaughn Bellocchio, Polishing Pads owner, told the Advance pieces of metal, wood, rocks and more had rained down off the bridge and onto his property for three years. Besides hitting his building, the detritus struck the newly-repaired cars in his lot, he said. Glue had dripped onto customers' vehicles, and, Bellocchio said, he or his crew had to sweep the property every day to remove the small debris that inevitably littered the lot. A nearby resident said cars on the street were cloaked in dust and small particles. The dust also got inside homes, the man told the Advance. A Port Authority spokesman said then the agency had done what it could. The authority had paid about $10 million to remove paint chips and other debris, car washes, exterior home power washes, pool cleaning and pool-water testing, the Advance reported. The spokesman also said the agency had ponied up cash for temporary hotel stays, minor construction-related repairs, and reimbursement for window replacement and air conditioning purchases. But that was cold comfort to Bellocchio. Three months later, in June, he said huge chunks of concrete had fallen down from the bridge, smashing cars below. "It's a disaster," the Advance quoted him as saying. "Big, massive stone boulders fell through windshields. It looked like something out of a movie." Bellocchio said contractors had set up flimsy netting for a short time, but it didnt catch all the descending debris. Afterward, the Port Authority temporarily suspended concrete demolition of old portions of the bridge, the Advance reported. A spokesman also said then the agency was in the process of repairing the damaged vehicles. Bellochio ultimately filed numerous damages claims with the Port Authority. But he also said he hadnt bothered filing other claims because the process was daunting. The disposition of those claims was not immediately available. The authority is not named in this suit. Jeffrey E. Tomei, Polishing Pads lawyer, declined comment on the suit. A Skanska spokesperson declined comment and deferred all inquiries to the Port Authority. An agency spokesman also declined comment. Kiewit Infrastructure did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the allegations. BRIDGEPORT During the launch of a city-wide effort to respond to the earthquake that struck Puerto Rico, an emotional city council president Aidee Nieves recalled her childhood summer vacations on the island. We will be working together to fund and support the towns and cities of Puerto Rico affected by these earthquakes, she said Monday as she fought back tears while announcing plans to raise money to benefit displaced residents and affected towns dealing with the aftermath of the 6.4 magnitude earthquakes and aftershock. It hit close to home when my aunt called me this morning and told me my cousins are sleeping outside in Yauco and it really hurts, she told Hearst Connecticut Media. The southern part of the island has been part of my value system. Bridgeport will host a fundraising event at the East Side Senior Center at 1057 E Main St. on Saturday. The event will run from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will collect monetary donations that will be dispersed to Yauco, Ponce, Guanica, Guayanilla, Penuelas, Utuado, San German and San Sebastian. In the past, like with Hurricane Maria, the city has sent supplies and goods to help residents in Puerto Rico. To avoid getting bogged down with shipping fees and the logistics of sending goods, however, Nieves said theyve opted to arrange monetary donations instead. Its more about stimulating their economy and putting people to work and putting stores to work, she said. The selected Puerto Rican towns receiving the funds will be setting up specific accounts that will be used to purchase supplies and materials to rebuild. The city of Bridgeport is more than our city limits, and the state of Connecticut is more than our state lines, said state Rep. Antonio Felipe, D-Bridgeport. A lot of the influence that we get as people ... comes from the island of Puerto Rico and when you look at that it really means a lot to give back to the island that has influenced us so much. The city is partnering with several community leaders and organizations like the Red Cross and the YMCA to fund and support affected towns. Along with the Saturday event at the senior center, the city will also have a phone bank at the Emergency Operations Center, 581 N Washington Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday for residents to make donations. More details will be provided Wednesday at the East Side Senior Center at 6 p.m., according to Lissette Colon, the HR talent manager for the Bridgeport School District. She said she is assisting with the citys communication with Puerto Rican officials. Colon said the city is working with Pedro Juan Figueroa Garcia, the mayor of Hormigueros, who will serve as a point of contact between Bridgeport and the mayors of the towns receiving the funds. How to donate The city will be collecting monetary donations at the East Side Senior Center at 1057 E Main St. on Saturday. The event will run from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The city will also have a phone bank at the Emergency Operations Center, 581 N Washington Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday for residents to make donations. See More Collapse Donors can also designate which town they want their donation to go to, according to Colon We want to make sure people feel comfortable that their money is going there, she said. We want to give people options. jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com Connie's Chicken and Waffles | Photo: Zach H./Yelp Looking to satisfy your appetite for Southern fare? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Southern restaurants around Baltimore, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt. 1. Chaps Pit Beef photo: eric l./yelp Topping the list is Chaps Pit Beef. Located at 5801 Pulaski Highway in Pulaski Industrial Area, the Southern spot, which offers barbecue and sandwiches, is the most popular cheap Southern restaurant in Baltimore, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,169 reviews on Yelp. This spot boasts four other locations in Aberdeen and Frederick, Maryland, along with Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and Chaps Media, Pennsylvania. On the menu, look for subs, chicken, ribs and more. Look for The Raven sandwich stuffed with beef, turkey, corned beef and cheese. 2. Connie's Chicken And Waffles Photo: Rochelle J./Yelp Next up is downtown's Connie's Chicken and Waffles, situated at 400 W. Lexington St., Lexington Market. With 4.5 stars out of 112 reviews on Yelp, the Southern spot, which offers chicken wings and waffles, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option. The site can tell you a thing or two more about Connie's Chicken and Waffles. "At Connie's Chicken and Waffles, we pride ourselves in providing the 'Connie's Experience,'" it writes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties. "You have a choice of nicely seasoned chicken wings or chicken breast tenders, along with original buttermilk, red velvet or cinnamon waffles." 3. Glo's Soul Kitchen Photo: qionah b./Yelp Glen Oaks's Glo's Soul Kitchen, located at 5656 The Alameda, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the affordable Southern spot, which offers soul food and chicken wings, four stars out of 13 reviews. "This spot offers a menu made with that Southern love, straight from mom's kitchen," it states on its Facebook page. Look for barbecue and baked chicken, ribs, cakes and pies. 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 discovery of a significant oil field off the coast of Suriname has grabbed headlines in the past few weeks. With less than a million inhabitants and a GDP per capita of $6,310, the new discovery could be a game changer small South American nation. It was Guyanas offshore success that sparked interest in the adjacent waters of Suriname due to its similar geological characteristics. The gamble now appears to have paid off after American Apache and French Total discovered the countrys first offshore energy resource. The newfound oil wealth couldn't have come at a better for Suriname and its stagnating economy. Suriname is a sparsely populated country slightly larger than Georgia with impressive natural resources. Its biggest export products are raw materials such as gold, precious metals, and wood from its tropical rainforest. Obviously, the slump in prices of raw materials has had a depressing effect on the countrys economy. The recent oil discovery has been a major boon for the country, enabling it to address the financial and economic disaster that had been unfolding over the past couple of years. Although the first reactions have been positive, it is uncertain whether the potential financial windfall will be spent appropriately. According to experts, corruption is a significant obstacle to doing business in Suriname due to a lack of regulation and legal anti-corruption measures. Besides corruption, critics fear that the political leadership will use the future income from oil production as collateral for additional loans. This wouldnt be a big problem if Suriname didnt already have a considerable debt burden. As of this year, the country owes $2.4 billion to creditors on a GDP of $3.4 billion. As well as significant economic effects, the recent oil discovery will have major geopolitical repercussions. Surinames international ties are diverse for an array of different economic, political, and social reasons. The countrys three largest export destinations are Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Belgium-Luxembourg due to the export of gold and precious metals. And while Surinames relations with its former colonizer, the Netherlands, have deteriorated over the years, relations with China have flourished. Beijing is financing a construction spree across the country. The potential is enormous as Suriname is relatively underdeveloped with plentiful natural resources alongside its recent oil find. Chinas money, however, doesnt come free. Beijing is already the biggest creditor to Suriname with outstanding loans of approximately $500 million. During a state visit in November 2019, the two countries announced another loan of $500 million, which was before the recent oil discovery. This means that China could own more than a third of the countrys debt. According to Harvard professor Carmen Reinhart, Suriname is among the top ten biggest debtors of Chinese money on a percentage level. Related: Recession Fears Cap Oil Prices In 2020 The changing geopolitical landscape is a consequence of the South American countrys relative lack of options. Although there is a strong social connection with the Netherlands, political and economic activities between the countries have deteriorated. Many Surinamese have relatives in Europe who moved there after the countrys independence in 1975. However, The Hague has become a staunch critic of Surinames President Desi Bouterse due to the massacre of 15 political opponents of his military regime in 1982. A recent verdict by the countrys court, made public during the Presidents official state visit to China in November 2019, directly held him responsible for the killings. Bouterse, however, enjoys immunity due to his Presidency. He is also running for a third term in May. His popularity among young people, who didnt witness the political turmoil of the 1982 period, and a potential economic boom due to the recent oil finds will likely ensure him a victory. What is certain is that the energy wealth will strengthen Bouterses position which will further deteriorate Surinames diplomatic relationship with The Netherlands and Europe. Also, the countrys relationship with the U.S. has somewhat cooled due to the arrest and conviction of the Presidents son in 2015 in the U.S. for offering Lebanons Hezbollah a base of operations in Suriname for $2 million. This means that Beijings position will remain strong for the foreseeable future. China is the only country with the ability and willingness to offer a wide range of services that Suriname and its leadership need. Washington, however, will definitely be wary of another incursion by China into its backyard. Therefore expect 2020 to be the year that Suriname will be courted economically and politically by several major powers. By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Teacher with students. The first time I heard the word autism I was teaching Early Childhood Special Education at an elementary school in Kapolei, Hawaii. It was very early in my teaching career, and I moved from teaching students with significant emotional and behavioral disabilities in a self-contained setting at a middle school to teaching 3- and 4-year-olds with various disabilities in an inclusive setting with a Head Start class. Some of you may be thinking, why in the world would anyone move from Hawaii back to Wisconsin? That is an excellent question that I have asked myself regularly from November through February each year since, but my family is in the Midwest. Family is more important than constant sunshine and living a few blocks from Waikiki Beach at least that is what I regularly tell myself. As I reviewed the records of the students I would serve that year, I read about a young girl who was diagnosed with autism. This was 1996, so it was long before autism was as well-known as it is now. It was also my first encounter with a learner who had the diagnosis. On our first day of school, her mom explained that she had echolalia (a new term to me at the time) and was a runner (another new term to me at the time). I quickly learned that echolalia meant she repeated everything that was said all day long which was a lot in a room full of young children. I also quickly learned that being a runner meant she takes off without warning and runs to anywhere and everywhere in the school and even out into the street. I had done all of my student teaching and my first couple of years of teaching working with older children who had a lot of mental health issues and behavior challenges, so this experience was certainly going to be a new challenge. Related: Please Don't Use the 'B-Word' to Describe My Autistic Son I went home the first day beyond exhausted and started doing my research. This was at the time of dial-up internet, so getting access to information was not as easy and quick as it is now. I read lots of books and went to conferences. I used everything I had learned about shaping and helping learners control and change their own behavior to apply whatever strategies I could. I did not realize what I was doing at the time as there was not as much research available then about the science of the brain, but since then I have learned about brain mapping and how you can create new neural pathways. That makes sense with where we found challenges and successes that year. Story continues After the first few weeks of school, I realized one of us was not going to make it through the school year if something did not change, and the 4-year-old was winning. I started working closely with her parents, her doctor, other staff, and anyone else I could ask about strategies to help. We made visuals for everything and eventually trained her to follow cues to tell us what she needed instead of running away. The key to success was being more consistent in my practice than I had ever been before and making sure as a team we all used the same language and the same cues whenever we worked with her. Related: I'm Not a Hero for Being a Good Dad to My Son With Autism We ended up having a great year. She learned how to respond to real questions instead of repeating others, she told her mom she loved her for the first time. That was a great day! She was able to play with others at recess with laughter, and she taught me a ton. I learned new ways to problem solve and how to see behavior as communication in a different way. I always understood that behavior was communication, but I was used to a lot of angry, acting out behavior. This was new stuff for me and helped me to see learners from an asset-based lens. This little girl, who happened to have autism, had so many incredible gifts to offer the world; she just needed us to look for them in really unexpected ways. Although I went back to the mainland at the end of that year and back to working with older students, I have never forgotten all that she taught me that year and still talk about it almost 25 years later in sessions about how to work with children with unexpected behaviors in the classroom. Related: When People Make Hurtful Comments About My Child on the Autism Spectrum Since then, I have worked with many students who are on the autism spectrum and their families. I know even more now about the communication, academic and behavioral needs of these learners and have continued to learn so that I can help our teachers and leaders have the best skills to include them in every setting. Ive learned about the entire spectrum and how varying the needs are across it. If you know one learner with autism, you know one learner with autism and what works for one rarely works for all. When I served as the Coordinator of Special Education for our school district, we started one of the first autism-specific programs for high school students in our area. We worked with grants and research organizations to get additional training for all teachers in understanding how to connect to and include students on the spectrum in meaningful ways. I have been able to support amazing teams of teachers and speech pathologists to develop a high school course based on the work of Michelle Garcia Winner in Social Thinking. Since then, our speech pathologists have expanded the work to running groups at most of our schools for students with disabilities. Over the last two years, they have also trained many regular education teachers and school counselors to work with all learners on lessons in Social Thinking combined with the Zones of Regulation strategies from a very early age. Our goal is always that all of our learners can see their own place in a group, learn how to identify their needs, and learn strategies to feel empowered. When they understand their own social interactions and emotions, they are more likely to find a sense of belonging within a group and therefore want to contribute and create. With all that I know now, you might be surprised to find out that it took me almost three years to use the word autism in reference to our son, Nick. Nick has autism, ADHD and dyslexia, which has turned out to be an opportunity to learn everything that is important in the world. Although professionally I knew a lot when we realized he was on the spectrum, you can forget everything you know as a mom. It took me a long time to accept his diagnosis and talk about it with others. In a class for pre-service teachers at a local university, one of my students recently shared that one of her learners has no support from home. His mom didnt even come to his Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting. I have been really open about Nick, his diagnosis, and why the school getting it right is so essential in our class. My response that it took me three years to say the A word when it came to my son shocked her, and it made me realized I should talk about that more. I have been really open about sharing many of our success stories and what we have learned in the last several years both at work and with my family and friends. I dont always talk about the time when we lived in a world of grief, afraid of what he might not become or denial that others just didnt know him well enough. If that is how I felt with years and years of professional experience, how does someone feel who is trying to navigate an impossible system of medical care with no background or connections to resources to find the right support within the system? If I find IEP meetings ridiculously intimidating when I ran them for many years, how does it feel to be a parent without that background knowledge in a room full of experts talking about what is wrong with their child and our plan to help? I have the support of family and friends who stick by me even when I am not in a place to receive that help. I have access to resources through my professional networks and the privilege of being able to get him to multiple therapies and services each week with the support of my husband and extended family that not everyone has. We recognize that and are thankful for it every day. We certainly dont have it all figured out by any means, but we have found some alternative therapies that are game-changers and were able to move him to a school we thought was a better fit for him where he is thriving. When I think about why I was so afraid of the A word, it comes down to not wanting him to be seen as his disability before someone gets to know him as a person. I had accepted that he has disabilities for years, but I was really fearful of the A word because many people want you to know everything they know about autism before they ask one question about Nick as a person. He has this amazing, gentle spirit and sees the world in a really beautiful way. He just doesnt show that side of himself to many people, which also took me a long time to realize as I have always been one of his people and made some assumptions that others were having a similar relationship with him to the one I have. My fear that his relationships would be defined by his label impacted me and kept me from teaching him to own who he is and express how he thinks differently about the world, why, and what he needs from others for a long time. I feared that others who have sympathy for him instead of empathy might therefore not hold him to the highest standard, or simply ignore him if they didnt understand the disability and that he is more than his label. He has made me a better educator and leader, as I am much quicker to try to see everyone and every situation from an empathetic lens. I dont always need to be able to understand why someone feels a particular way to recognize that those feelings are real and take them into consideration with a response or some support. In the role I get to serve in now, our experience in supporting him helps me to know why every classroom needs to be a place where every learner feels embraced as part of the community, appreciated for the gifts they bring, and given opportunities to create in ways that connect to who they are even if who they are is different than what we would typically expect. At the end of the day, we all have to remember that we are each doing the best we can. We each have different levels of education and life experience that contribute to who we are and how we respond to the next challenge life throws at us. People expected my acceptance to be different based on my experience, but it was not. I love my children as much as my parents loved me and as much as the parents we serve love their children. Those without the skills to navigate the system or the background to know what to do to support their child who learns differently in school love them just as much and really do want the best for them. They may just have a harder time showing it and being vulnerable enough to share their story with us. Given how long it took me to share mine, I get it. Read more stories like this on The Mighty: How Reducing Sugar in My Diet Has Helped Me as Someone on the Autism Spectrum 7 Steps That Helped My Son on the Autism Spectrum Transition to Adulthood Weighing Privacy vs. Transparency When I Talk About My Autistic Son A failure of the reconciliation deals in the southern province of Daraa has led to an outbreak in violence and the deaths of a number of regime fighters reports Syria TV. Three members of Assad forces were killed and others wounded on Friday in an attack carried out by unknown militants on two regime positions in the Daraa countryside in southern Syria. The Horan Free Media said that two regime fighters were killed in an attack carried out by militants with light weapons on the Military Security checkpoint near Saida in the eastern Daraa countryside. The report added that a member of regime forces was killed and others were wounded in an attack carried out on an Air Force Intelligence checkpoint between the towns of al-Musayfah and al-Ghariyeh al-Sharqiyeh in the eastern Daraa countryside. Pro-regime pages mourned the deaths of the three fighters: Mohannad al-Mutairi, Hassan Ahmed Douba, and Eham Mohamed Saeed, in an attack by militants on Assad forces positions in the eastern Daraa countryside. The Baladi News site quoted local sources as saying that regime Military Security forces shot at a militant trying to plant an explosive in the city of al-Sanamayn in the northern Daraa countryside, but he escaped. Daraa province has been controlled by regime forces since July 2018 as part of reconciliation and settlement agreements with military units, and has seen repeated assassinations by militants, which have mostly affected fighters and officers in the regime forces and others fighters from the militias supporting them. This article was translated and 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. A passenger on Monday registered a complaint on the Rail Madad app of the Indian Railways after discovering the bread cutlets served to her on board the Chiplun-bound Janshatabdi Express on January 11 were stale and had fungus on them. This is the third reported incident on an outstation train in the past week wherein passengers have complained of stale or substandard food. In response to the complaint registered by the passenger and Thane resident Madhumita Bal, the Indian Rail Catering Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said it has taken actions against the contractor who served the food and the staff on board the train. A fine of 1 lakh has been imposed on the contractor and a notice has been served, said Shivaji Sutar, chief public relations officer, Central Railway. IRCTC also stated that it will soon launch a drive to inspect the quality of food served on all outstation trains plying in Maharashtra. According to Bal, after spotting the fungus, she reported the incident to the vendor, following which her money was refunded. I had ordered the bread cutlet. On opening the meal box, I saw fungus on the bread and immediately pointed it out to the vendor. I got a refund but I was not happy with the quality of other snack items either. So I raised a complaint with the Railways, said Bal. In a major incident of on-board food poisoning, 26 people had to be rushed to a hospital in Chiplun after consuming breakfast on the Karmali-bound Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express on January 11. Victims of decade-long civil war say govt reviving stalled process without considering their voices. Kathmandu, Nepal Nepals transitional justice process, which has been stalled for years, looks all set to take a step forward, as authorities plan to begin nationwide consultations with victims and stakeholders. Nepal formed two commissions in 2015 to address transitional justice, but activists say it has been beset with delays and political interference. The two bodies have been lying defunct since last year but this week, a recommendation committee set up by the government is ready to recommend officials to be appointed to the two commissions the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP). The government on Monday began nationwide consultations with victims regarding the Transitional Justice Act (TJA), but victims of Nepals decade-long civil war (1996-2006) claim that government processes are cursory and do not take victims voices into consideration. Little progress The government move to amend the TJA in 2014 to give amnesty to people accused of grave human rights violations has faced criticism from victims and rights groups, who demand an amendment to the TJA to match international standards. The Supreme Court declared the amendments unconstitutional in 2015. More than 16,000 people were killed and about 1,400 disappeared during the civil war fought between the Maoists and the Nepalese army. The war ended in 2006 when the Maoists and the government signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. More than 13 years later, little progress has been made into the cases, said the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and TRIAL International in December. The former Maoist party has since merged with the moderate Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-UML) to form the Nepal Communist Party, which currently rules the country of nearly 30 million. Government officials, victims, and other stakeholders will discuss amendment to the Transitional Justice Act. We will incorporate their feedbacks and start drafting the bill amendment, Dhanraj Gyawali, a spokesman of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJP), told Al Jazeera. We expect about 80 participants in each [of the seven] province. The victims group Conflict Victims Common Platform (CVCP) has objected to what they say is a cursory method of consultation. We had asked the government to have consultation down to the village level, and not just at the provincial level. We wanted the consultation to incorporate as many victims voices as possible, and the process to spread over a few months. We are unhappy with the modality of the consultation itself, says Bhagiram Chaudhary, the president of CVCP. Our participation in the consultation will be critical. Victims against amnesty clause On Monday morning, before the consultation, CVCP protested at Maitighar Mandala in the capital Kathmandu, claiming the consultation was too short, was just for show, and was not transparent. They claimed it was not intended to benefit the victims. Victims groups had also asked that the Act be amended before officials are appointed to the two commissions. The two commissions together have received about 65,000 complaints, but were unable to investigate all the claims and report their finding within their initial term of two years. Their terms were extended several times, before expiring early last year. Now the government seems ready to jumpstart the transitional justice process. We have received about 60 applications for positions in the two commissions, and we have studied them. We are ready to make our recommendations by the end of the week, said Sharmila Karki, a spokesperson of the committee tasked with recommending officials to the two commissions. We do not know when the government will appoint them or how the process will go forward after that. Ram Bhandari, the president of National Alliance of Conflict Victims, says the government should not rush with the appointment to the transitional bodies without amending the TJA as it grants amnesty to perpetrators. Of course, we want the two commissions to be reformed so that they can take the process of transitional justice forward. But if they are reformed now, it will be on the basis of existing laws, and we do not want that, said Bhandari, who split from CVCP in 2018. The recommendation commission has not held consultation with victims, and it seems to be a victim of political interventions. Cross-section of Lebialem Fons, elite Moore Atem Rumour that the CPDM plans to cede the lone Parliamentary Seat in Lebialem to the opposition Cameroon Democratic Party (CDP) of Benze Enow Bate, member of the presidential majority has sent the political class jittery. The Star reports that Lebialem has in the past few months been weathering an unsolicited political storm to the chagrin and consternation of the denizens of the Division who say until the current crisis reared its ugly head, they have over the years voted the ruling party. It writes that the unconstitutional sacking of Prof. Tazoacha Asonganyi (now of late) as Secretary General of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) party and others was followed by the massive resignation of SDF militants to the CPDM in Menji-Fontem on April 26, 2007 and later Alou and Wabane. They says a survey carried out by their team of reporters say since then, Lebialem people have always rallied behind government because they want their roads tarred, sons and daughters appointed to high places in government and the opening of an Institute of Agriculture for improved productivity since their mainstay is farming. They said despite the current Anglophone crisis, their position has not changed as they keep appealing to government to solve the crisis so that they can return to their villages. If we dont vote the ruling party how can we ask for more appointments and amenities? asked a CPDM Councilor from Lebialem. Just last week, the social media and other reliable sources went aghast with news that the National President of the Cameroon Democratic Party (CDP), Benze Enow Bate has since been boasting that he has struck a deal with the Presidency for his candidate running in Lebialem to be given the lone parliamentary seat and deprived other candidates running under the CPDM and SDF lists even if they won. According to reports which have gone undomesticated, Benze Enow says his party is being compensated as member of the presidential majority who has stood and supported the Head of State in all his victorious elections. The victory he told his supporters will come from the ballot or from the court. While many said they doubted the veracity of the information, The Star decided to get into the root of the matter by calling the National President of the CDP, Benze Enow Bate who after listening to the allegations, said the information was false and misleading in an attempt to smear him. Hear him: l have never had any such discussion with anyone at the Presidency of the Republic and the Presidency cannot dictate who becomes a Parliamentarian. It does not control the voting population on the field. If you play your political game well on the field you will win. What you have read and been told is a blatant lie. As to information that his party is not well known in Lebialem, Benze Enow argued that his party has existed in Lebialem since it was created, adding that politics is a game of interest and whoever wins, wins. Meanwhile, the population has warned that whether the story is true or not, they are supporting the ruling party because of the appointment of their son, H.E. Paul Tasong, Minister Delegate at MINEPAT; H.E. Albert Fotabong, High Commissioner of Cameroon to the United Kingdom; Secretary General in the Ministry of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Justice Fonkwe Fongang; Board Chairpersons of the GCE Board and Public Investment, Prof. Ivo Leke Tambo and Dr. Daine Acha Morfaw; Inspectors General in the Ministries of Education and Social Affairs, Prof. Justine Njika and Fon Fualeke Asongtia Valentine of Essoh Attah, et al. They said they want to vote for the ruling party (CPDM) so that more appointments can come and the tarring of their roads and other benefits follow. Some of them who refused to be named for fear of the prevailing security situation in the two English-speaking Regions said with a CPDM Senator, Hon. Fon Lekunze Nembo Andreas and CPDM Parliamentarian, Hon. Dr. Bernard Ateawung Foju in place, all hands will be on deck to work for the development of Lebialem which prides itself with a population of over 140.000. It is crystal clear that only about 6.000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are away from home, while the rest of the people are in their villages in Lebialem. Political pundits are optimistic that Lebialem will undoubtedly vote the ruling party candidates in Municipal and Legislative elections so that the healing process with the one who has the authority to govern can continue for peace to return in the country. By Vinod Babu and Manoj Kumar HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Over one hundred thousand protesters, many carrying the Indian tricolour flag, took part in a peaceful march in the southern city of Hyderabad on Saturday, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new citizenship law. The protest, dubbed the Million March, was organized by an umbrella group of Muslim and civil society organizations. More than 40 percent of Hyderabad's estimated population of nearly 7 million are Muslims. Demonstrators were still pouring into the protest site late on Saturday afternoon, according to a Reuters witness, despite police saying no march would be allowed and that permission had only been granted for a 1,000-person gathering. The Indian government has faced weeks of acrimonious and, at times, violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was passed by Modi's government in December. The Hyderabad protesters held placards with slogans including "Withdraw CAA immediately," and "India's only religion in Secularism." The Reuters witness said the protest remained peaceful, and estimated that more than one hundred thousand people were in attendance. The new law eases the path for non-Muslim minorities from the neighboring Muslim-majority nations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to gain Indian citizenship. But, if combined with a proposed national register of citizens, critics of the CAA fear it will discriminate against minority Muslims in India and chip away at India's secular constitution. Modi's government maintains the new law is necessary to help minorities facing persecution in Muslim-majority nations, and it has called the pan-India protests politically motivated. At least 25 people have been killed in protest-related clashes with police since early December. Elsewhere, protests against the CAA also went ahead in several other Indian cities on Saturday with hundreds turning out for protests in cities in the southern state of Karnataka. Hundreds of men and women gathered at a rally in the tech hub of Bengaluru, with some accusing Modi's government of trying to divide India along communal lines, to distract from a sharp domestic economic slowdown and job losses. (Reporting by Vinod Babu in Hyderabad and Manoj Kumar in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Devjyot Goshal in New Delhi; Writing by Euan Rocha; editing by James Drummond) Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Geely Automobile officially announced on Jan. 10 the Chinese name of its all-new mid-sized SUV model code-named VX11. Dubbed Haoyue, the fire-new model has been seen by the public through a photo the automaker released at the same time. As we know, Geely always uses Yue as the second Chinese character of its SUVs' name. Staring with Hao, whose one of meanings in Chinese is heroic, the name embodies the company's ambition to take a stride forward to a heroic future. The new vehicle is said to hit the market in 2020. Before unveiling the name, followers of Geely's WeChat account were intrigued by a set of Morse code offered in a video. Clearly, the unique but obscure method didn't scare off them. Quite a few followers still decoded the puzzle, according to the comments. (Photo source: Geely Automobile's WeChat account) At the front, the Haoyue still adopts Geely's signature design language of expanding cosmos, while the new black badge adds volume to the vehicle's distinction. The U-shaped grille flanked by polygonal headlights creates a multi-layered perception. In terms of the side profile, the vehicle looks quite sporty and masculine thanks to the high center of gravity and the muscle lines at the wheelhouse. The straight and flat roof signals spacious headroom for passengers. Based on the patent images from China's MIIT, located the rear is a chrome trim connecting taillights, to some extent underlining the SUVs width. The new vehicle measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,780mm high, and has a wheelbase that spans 2,815 units. The information registered in the MIIT reveals that the Haoyue will offer two types of enginesthe 1.8T engine is good for 184hp and the 1.5T can produce up to 177hp. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD; MSE:ERDN) ("Erdene" or the "Company") announces commencement of an independent Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) and Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) work for the Khundii Gold Project (Project), to be delivered by a consortium of International and Mongolian consultants. Furthermore, the Company is pleased to provide an update on recent technical, permitting and exploration initiatives. Quotes from the Company: With an initial open-pit reserve of over 400,000 ounces grading 3.7 g/t gold and further resources and prospects in the vicinity, Erdene is positioned to emerge as a profitable new producer, said Peter Akerley, Erdenes President and CEO. Moving us closer to that goal of gold production is the recent launch of the Khundii Gold Project Bankable Feasibility Study, scheduled for completion in mid-2020. This BFS will be delivered by a consortium of consultants with experience operating in Mongolia and relationships with Asian firms that are likely to provide equipment and capital to the Project, continued Mr. Akerley. We have also made significant progress on the permitting and licensing components of the Project with the recently received conditional approval of its Mongolian Bayan Khundii Feasibility Study, registration of the water reserve supporting the Bayan Khundii plant and award of the land use permits to construct the mine support buildings. Finally, we completed a Q4 2019 exploration and technical study field program to continue to build on our exploration success in the district and provide the necessary geotechnical information for the BFS, concluded Mr. Akerley. This program included a series of holes on the Altan Nar and Ulaan projects and follow-up surface sampling of the new high grade Khar Mori target on the Khundii license. Results are expected in the coming weeks. Bankable Feasibility Study and Front-End Engineering and Design Study In late December 2019, Erdene launched the FEED and BFS required for permitting, project finance, and board approval to construct. The independent BFS will be prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and will incorporate an updated mine design study, FEED for the processing plant and associated infrastructure, a hydrogeological study, detailed waste management plans, and an updated economic model. The Company expects to deliver the BFS in mid-2020. These studies are being completed by Canadian and Australasian firms with Mongolian experience: Roma Group Ltd. ( Roma ), a leading regional provider of engineering, business and asset valuations, risk advisory, corporate and M&A advisory services will manage preparation of the NI 43-101 BFS Technical Report as well as the hydrology-hydrogeological and geotechnical studies, cost estimation and financial modelling workstreams. Roma is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has significant experience leading technical studies and valuation projects for major regional and Mongolian mining and financial firms. ), a leading regional provider of engineering, business and asset valuations, risk advisory, corporate and M&A advisory services will manage preparation of the NI 43-101 BFS Technical Report as well as the hydrology-hydrogeological and geotechnical studies, cost estimation and financial modelling workstreams. Roma is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has significant experience leading technical studies and valuation projects for major regional and Mongolian mining and financial firms. Several Mongolian companies are providing in-country services and support for the BFS and FEED Study, including: Soil Trade LLC ( Soil Trade ), a geotechnical engineering firm, LOBO Erdene LLC ( LOBO ), an engineering and construction firm, Project Mining LLC ( Project Mining ), a mining engineering consulting firm; and Eco Trade LLC ( Eco Trade ), an environmental consulting firm. Erdene works closely with local specialists to ensure compliance with Mongolian regulations. ), a geotechnical engineering firm, LOBO Erdene LLC ( ), an engineering and construction firm, Project Mining LLC ( ), a mining engineering consulting firm; and Eco Trade LLC ( ), an environmental consulting firm. Erdene works closely with local specialists to ensure compliance with Mongolian regulations. O2 Mining Ltd. ( O2 ) will assist with the BFS mine design and planning (including closure) and co-lead the FEED Study for non-process infrastructure and Mongolian construction permitting workstreams. O2 is a Hong Kong-based engineering firm with significant experience in mine development in Australasia, including the commissioning and operation of three gold and coal mines in Mongolia. ) will assist with the BFS mine design and planning (including closure) and co-lead the FEED Study for non-process infrastructure and Mongolian construction permitting workstreams. O2 is a Hong Kong-based engineering firm with significant experience in mine development in Australasia, including the commissioning and operation of three gold and coal mines in Mongolia. Auralia Mining Consulting ( Auralia ), have been engaged to confirm final mineral reserve modelling and mine design optimization. Auralia are a Perth, Australia-based consulting firm with expertise in mine engineering and resource modelling and extensive experience with gold projects with companies such as Barrick and Gold Road Resources. ), have been engaged to confirm final mineral reserve modelling and mine design optimization. Auralia are a Perth, Australia-based consulting firm with expertise in mine engineering and resource modelling and extensive experience with gold projects with companies such as Barrick and Gold Road Resources. 360-Global Inc. ( 360-Global ) will carry out process plant design and engineering for the BFS and FEED Studies. 360-Global is a consulting firm with offices in the Philippines and Australia, specialized in full cycle design services and experienced with gold processing infrastructure globally. ) will carry out process plant design and engineering for the BFS and FEED Studies. 360-Global is a consulting firm with offices in the Philippines and Australia, specialized in full cycle design services and experienced with gold processing infrastructure globally. ATC Williams Pty Ltd, ( ATCW ) will undertake mineral waste and tailings facility design and management and mine closure planning. ATCW is based in Melbourne, Australia and has extensive experience in mineral waste and tailings transport, storage, closure and water management, including at the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia. ) will undertake mineral waste and tailings facility design and management and mine closure planning. ATCW is based in Melbourne, Australia and has extensive experience in mineral waste and tailings transport, storage, closure and water management, including at the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia. Blue Coast Research Ltd ( BCR ) will continue to provide metallurgical testing support for the Khundii Gold Project. BCR have extensive experience with gold deposits and have carried out all of the Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar metallurgical test work to date. ) will continue to provide metallurgical testing support for the Khundii Gold Project. BCR have extensive experience with gold deposits and have carried out all of the Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar metallurgical test work to date. Sustainability East Asia, Ramboll, and Eco Trade LLC will continue to work together to deliver the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and the Mongolian Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment for the Project. Technical Studies Projects Roma, with support from Soil Trade, completed drilling for a geotechnical program including field based packer and load testing for rock strength testing and laboratory strength and shear strength analysis. This data will be incorporated into mine planning in Q1 for use in the slope optimization for the proposed Bayan Khundii open pit. A metallurgical program, managed by BCR, is currently underway to optimize Cyanidation, dewatering , comminution circuit and provide data for final design and equipment sizing. Completion is expected in mid-Q1 following which the final results can be incorporated into the process plant design work being undertaken by 360 Global. In late Q4 Soil Trade carried out an extensive soil engineering geotechnical drilling program. Data from the test work will be used to design foundations for process and non-process infrastructure for the Bayan Khundii mine site. As well, a detailed topographical survey was completed to aid in the site development and Mongolian permitting work. Permitting In Q4 2019, the Company made significant progress on key permitting related activities: Bayan Khundii Technical and Economic Assessment ( Mongolian Feasibility Study or MFS ): The Company received conditional approval of its statutory MFS by the Mineral Resources Professional Council of the Mineral Resource and Petroleum Authority ( MRPAM ) of Mongolia. The MFS is the base case assessment required for construction-related permits to begin earthworks at the Khundii Gold Project or ): The Company received conditional approval of its statutory MFS by the Mineral Resources Professional Council of the Mineral Resource and Petroleum Authority ( ) of Mongolia. The MFS is the base case assessment required for construction-related permits to begin earthworks at the Khundii Gold Project Water Reserve Registration: The Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism approved a water reserve and flow rate to be utilized for the planned processing plant and infrastructure of the Khundii Gold Project. Land Arrangement Plan: The Shinejinst Civil Representative Committee approved a land arrangement plan granting Erdene access to a 100 hectare area required to construct the Bayan Khundii open-pit and associated surface infrastructure. Exploration During Q4 2019 the Company completed diamond drilling on its Ulaan and Altan Nar licenses and conducted detailed surface exploration at the new high grade Khar Mori gold prospect on the Khundii license: Altan Nar (Gold, Silver, Lead and Zinc): A significant exploration and technical evaluation program is being designed for 2020 for the Altan Nar project. This will be partially shaped by the recently completed drilling of five holes in the area of the Discovery Zone deposit. The objective was to determine the extent and consistency of the high-grade core and test for expansion of mineralization along strike. Khar Mori (Gold): Detailed surface exploration which includes tightly spaced geochemical sampling (soil and rock) and geological mapping was completed in the vicinity of the new 32.9 g/t gold Khar Mori discovery and adjacent Altan Arrow prospects. Khar Mori is also scheduled to be the target of increased exploration in 2020. Ulaan (Copper-Gold): Extended UDH-02 (drilled in Q3 2018) to 638 metres depth to test for porphyry related mineralization beneath the main phyllic alteration zone. Additionally, two scout holes were completed peripheral to the main phyllic alteration zone with targets that included a sericite-quartz-tourmaline breccia body suggestive of an intrusion or porphyry related environment. Results from these three programs are expected by mid Q1-2020. About Erdene Erdenes deposits are located in the Edren Terrane, within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, host to some of the worlds largest gold and copper-gold deposits. The Company has been the leader in exploration in southwest Mongolia over the past decade and is responsible for the discovery of the Khundii Gold District comprised of multiple high-grade gold and gold/base metal prospects, two of which are being considered for development: the 100%-owned Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar projects. Together, these deposits comprise the Khundii Gold Project. In October of 2019, Erdene announced the results of an independent Technical Report for the Khundii Gold Project (press release here ), which included a Pre-feasibility Study (PFS) for the Bayan Khundii deposit and an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Altan Nar deposit. The PFS and the updated PEA results include an after-tax Net Present Value at a 5% discount rate and a US$1,300/oz gold price of US$97 million and US$24 million, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 42% and 90% for Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar deposits, respectively. The PFS envisions an open-pit mine at Bayan Khundii from Years 0-7, producing an average of 61,000 oz gold per year at a head grade of 3.73 g/t gold, and an open-pit operation at Altan Nar during Years 7-10, for an average annual production of 48,000 oz gold at an average head grade of 3.46 g/t gold, utilizing a conventional carbon in pulp processing plant at the Bayan Khundii mine. Erdene has secured a mining license for the Bayan Khundii deposit in August of 2019 and plans to start producing gold in late 2021. The Altan Nar PEA is by nature, a preliminary economic study, based in part on Inferred Resources. Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves which is required for a prefeasibility or feasibility study. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in four exploration licenses and two mining licenses in Southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of the Khundii Gold District. Erdene Resource Development Corp. is listed on the Toronto and Mongolian stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.erdene.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Qualified Person and Sample Protocol Peter Dalton, P.Geo. (Nova Scotia), Senior Geologist for Erdene, is the Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. All samples have been assayed at SGS Laboratory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In addition to internal checks by SGS Laboratory, the Company incorporates a QA/QC sample protocol utilizing prepared standards and blanks. All samples undergo standard fire assay analysis for gold and ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) analysis for 33 additional elements. For samples that initially return a grade greater than 5 g/t gold, additional screen-metallic gold analysis is carried out which provides a weighted average gold grade from fire assay analysis of the entire +75 micron fraction and three 30-gram samples of the -75 micron fraction from a 500 gram sample. Erdenes drill core sampling protocol consisted of collection of samples over 1 or 2 m intervals (depending on the lithology and style of mineralization) over the entire length of the drill hole, excluding minor post-mineral lithologies and un-mineralized granitoids. Sample intervals were based on meterage, not geological controls or mineralization. All drill core was cut in half with a diamond saw, with half of the core placed in sample bags and the remaining half securely retained in core boxes at Erdenes Bayan Khundii exploration camp. All samples were organized into batches of 30 including a commercially prepared standard, blank and either a field duplicate, consisting of two quarter-core intervals, or a laboratory duplicate. Sample batches were periodically shipped directly to SGS in Ulaanbaatar via Erdenes logistical contractor, Monrud Co. Ltd. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain required third party approvals, market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE Erdene Contact Information Peter C. Akerley, President and CEO, or Robert Jenkins, CFO Phone: (902) 423-6419 Email: info@erdene.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErdeneRes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErdeneResource LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/erdene-resource-development-corp-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCILs5s9j3SLmya9vo2-KXoA (ASX:IGL) Hello. I'm Rachael Jones for the Finance News Network. Joining me over the phone today from IVE Groupis Executive Chairman Geoff Selig. Geoff, welcome back to the network.No, thank you very much for having me.Now Geoff, first up, for people new to IVE Group, could you give us a brief introduction?Certainly. Originally, we were a business that was founded back in 1921. We we would describe ourselves today today as a holistic marketing company with a very broad depth of service offering, and it's our job to assist our customers navigate their way through what is a complex marketing maze so that they can connect with their clients or with their customers wherever, whenever they need to connect with them from a communications perspective. So, a diversified marketing communications group would be the best way to describe us, with a very integrated offer that we take to market. We've got about 2,000 staff and roughly $850 million a year of revenue.Thanks, Geoff. Now IVE has recently finalised the acquisition of Salmat Marketing Solutions and Reach Media New Zealand, a $25 million purchase with some further capex requirements. What does this mean for IVE?Well, we've certainly increased our offer in the retail sector over the last five years through a number of acquisitions, strategic acquisitions and investment program, and we are today a very large producer of long-run catalogues, and the acquisition of the Salmat Marketing Solutions and Reach Media businesses really rounds out that vertical for us so that we can take from the printed product right through to the distribution of that catalogue into seven million letterboxes in Australia twice a week. And the capital expenditure that supports that acquisition or enhances that acquisition essentially takes all those catalogues and pre-collates those catalogues so that our 14,000 strong walker network across the country no longer will need to collate the catalogues before they start to deliver them. They can essentially start to deliver them as soon as they receive them. So it'll be a more effective, more productive 14,000-strong walker network, national walker network. So, for us, these acquisitions and subsequent $25 million capital expenditure rounds out our vertical offer in the retail space.In December last year, IVE moved to trading under the one IVE brand. What will this mean for the group, its customers, and for its investors?It's really a question of time. We've operated with multiple brands as part of the IVE group now for a number of years, and as our offer has become increasingly integrated over the last decade and most of their customers are dealing with multiple parts of our business, attempting to describe again and to continue to operate our business across 13 different brands just leads to confusion, whether that be for a customer, or whether that be for a shareholder. So, it makes sense for us to move to a much simplified position in relation to brand, which is we are the IVE Group, we have an integrated offering, and this is the product and service offering of the business, which we describe across four areas: creative services, data-driven communication, production and distribution, and integrated marketing, rather than trying to describe what each brand does. So, for us, it's really in recognition of the more integrated offer and a more simplified approach to taking the business to market. It doesn't have any practical effect in terms of how we're structured internally, so to speak.Finally, Geoff, you all have closed off the books for the half year to December. When will you next be updating the market?Yeah, so half year results are due to be released to the market on Wednesday, 26th February. At that point, we'll have the traditional investor call and half year presentation, but that's the date that scheduled at the moment. 26th February.Geoff Selig, thanks for the update.No, thank you very much for having me. All the best. Mention the Teutonic brand name Braun and small kitchen appliances and electric shavers come to mind. But on the verge of its 100th anniversary, Braun is looking to reinvigorate its roots as one of Europes most prestigious audio brands, showing a line of self-powered smart speakers at CES last week. Its not doing it alone, however; Brauns Frankfurt, Germany-based industrial design team has partnered with audio engineers at the British digital-radio company Pure International to resurrect the Braun audio brandan effort that could extend to headphones, turntables, and more down the road. The trio of Braun-branded speakers we saw last week hold true to the understated, ageless Bauhaus looks and immaculate, precision sound that made Braun a special favorite of both audiophiles and interior designers from the late 1950s through the early 80s. Some of the form follows function audio devices Braun manufactured during that era are so gorgeously minimalist and practical that samples reside in the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Jonathan Takiff / IDG The speakers mute button turns red when activated, green when Google Assistant can hear you. The top-of-the-line Braun LE01 ($1,199) very closely echoes the slim-line looks and upscale (aluminum and stainless steel trimmed) cabinet materials of its 60-year-old predecessor, the LE1, which was sold in stereo pairs. Positioned horizontally on its metal feet, optional stand, or a shelf, one of the new units can deliver stereo. Instead of the original LE1s rare, electrostatic speaker panel driving the show, the new Braun LE01 and its smaller siblingsthe mid-sized LE02 ($799) and compact LE03 ($379) speakersspread the sonic wealth with interesting components from Tectonic Audio Labs. Yes, there are both active woofers and passive drivers on board to extend the bottom notes below 800Hz. But the rest of the soundscape (above that point) is delivered by Tectonics interestingly concocted full-range Balanced Model Radiators. A BMR, the maker says, is a unique flat diaphragm speaker that delivers even sound pressure levels both on- and off-axis. It promises excellent voice intelligibility and preserves the overall sound integrity wherever you sit. Jonathan Takiff / IDG When mounted vertically, Braun LE01 speakers are suitable for a sizzling stereo pairing, but a single speaker can also deliver stereo when mounted horizontally. Youll also find Tectonic BMRs in Bentley car stereos, speakers from Q Acoustics, and in the latest VR headset from Valve. The key thing is moving the crossover actiondone digitallyto below 800Hz, explained Tectonics Neil Robb. Most tweeters have their crossover point set between 1- and 3kHz. Thats just where voices sing and the ear is most sensitive, so youre hearing the gaps and phase distortion in the crossover spot, as demonstrated by the Fletcher-Munson loudness curve. If you move the crossover down lower in frequency, you move it out of the critical range. Hearing was believing in my brief test, as the team laid on classic speaker demo picks from Dire Straits (Walk of Life), Bill Withers (Aint No Sunshine) Yes (Owner of a Lonely Heart) Radiohead (Everything In Its Right Place) and Lorde (Royals). Everything precise, finely detailed, in its place, and natural. It sounded as though Lorde was standing right next to me. Jonathan Takiff / IDG We, too, are more accustomed to seeing the Braun brand on coffee makers and electric shavers than high-end audio gear. Depending on the Braun speaker model, youll find single or multiple 5.5- (or 3.5-) inch aluminum cone, high-excursion, fast-transient woofers with NdFE motors; full-range 2.25- (or 1.5-) inch balanced Mode Radiator drive units (fabricated from a composite material); race-track 6 x 3.5- (or 5 x 3-) inch passive radiators; and Monolithic HD Class D power amplifiers. Audio content arrives via Apple Airplay 2, built in Chromecast, Bluetooth 4.2 with AAC, or a 3.5mm aux input. And, of course, via dual-band Wi-Fi. An onboard 32-bit ARM-core digital signal processor can handle 96kHz/24-bit audio encoded in HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, Vorbis, WAV (LPCM), FLAC, and Opus. Operating features include Room EQ optimization, auto source switching, multiroom and stereo pairing, a 4 (or 2) microphone beam-forming array for far-field voice recognition and acoustic echo cancellation, and a privacy button to disconnect the microphone. These new Braun speakers feature Google Assistant and access to more than 100 music services, but the manufacturer doesnt call them smart speakers. It would prefer consumers compare the new lineup to something from Bowers & Wilkins or Bang & Olufsen. Well see if that comparison is warranted as soon as we get product in for an in-depth review. Harry and Meghan last week announced that they intend to step back their duties and responsibilities as senior members of the British Royal Family. (London, England) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be able to live their lives half in and half out of the Royal Family, constitutional experts have warned. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week they intend to step back as senior royals, and plan to live between the UK and North America. The couple will struggle to find a compromise between staying connected to the Royal Family and living their lives as private individuals, according to the director and senior research associate of UCLs Constitutional Unit, Professor Robert Hazell and Bob Morris. Writing in The Conversation, they said: [Harry and Meghan]s plans to carve out a progressive new role, and to work to become financially independent have been widely criticised as unrealistic. Initial polling shows some public sympathy for their aims but strong objection to their continuing to receive public money. Harry and Meghan say they plan to create 'a progressive new role' within the Royal Family (PA Images) Royal officials have been tasked to find a compromise, but it is hard to see how they can be half in, and half out of the royal family and reside regularly abroad. According to the two academics, Meghan and Harry will be the ones who suffer from the fallout of their departure as senior royals. They argue the couple are likely to face similar levels of scrutiny whether or not they are heavily involved with royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs decision to go public with their shock announcement without first telling the Queen has caused a deep rift in the Royal Family. The Queen was disappointed not to be told in advance, according to the BBC. Prince Harry will today attend crisis talks with the Queen to thrash out the details of his and Meghans role as royals in the future. Read more: Is this the most traumatic period for the Royal Family in a generation? Meghan Markle media coverage not racist, says home secretary Prince William says he can no longer 'put his arm around' Harry Prince Charles and Prince William are also due to attend the meeting at the Queens private Sandringham Estate. Story continues A royal source said it is likely that Meghan, who is currently in Canada with her son Archie, will join talks by phone. And in a further update, Princes William and Harry released a joint statement today condemning a media report accusing Prince William of bullying behaviour towards his brother. The Queen arrives to attend a morning church service in Sandringham, ahead of "crisis talks" over the future of Harry and Meghan's role in the Royal Family. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP) The statement didnt name a particular news outlet, but The Times carried a story on its front page on Monday morning citing a source who said Harry and Meghan regarded themselves as having been pushed away by what they saw as a bullying attitude from the Duke of Cambridge. The statement said: Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates Iran has had a turbulent past week, marked by more than a hundred Iranian deaths and dramatically increased tensions with the U.S. As it enters into the third day of protests fueled by popular anger over the government's handling of a downed passenger jet, some observers argue this is the most vulnerable the Islamic Republic's regime has been since its founding in 1979. Asked about the possibility of regime collapse, General James Jones, who was Obama's national security advisor in 2009 and 2010, said the risk for Tehran cannot be ignored. "I think the needle is moved more in that direction in the last year towards that possibility than ever before with a combination of the sanctions, relative isolation of the regime, and then some catastrophic decisions have been made assuming that we weren't going to respond, which turned out to be a very, very bad decision," Jones told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The response Jones referred to was the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 3, a move that shocked the region and prompted a response from Iran in the form of missiles strikes on two military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. forces. No one was killed in the strikes. Washington says the strike was in response to the storming by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and purported threats cited by the White House of impending attacks on Americans. "I think it's clear that the regime in Iran has had a very bad couple of weeks," Jones said. "And one of the things that people don't talk about too much is the degree of unrest that there is in the country, which I think is significant." "So you take the removal of Soleimani, you take the accidental downing of the civilian aircraft coupled with the amount of popular unrest the needle towards possible collapse of a regime has to be something that people think about. It's probably not politically correct to talk about it, but you have to think about it." The Trump administration denies its goal with "maximum pressure" through sanctions is regime change, but its officials have admitted they don't expect Tehran to change its "malign behavior" anytime soon and some current and former administration officials have espoused regime change in past years. 'Death, death to the dictator' More than a million people are estimated to have marched in the streets in Iran for three days of mourning over Soleimani, who was the architect behind Iran's expansion of influence in countries like Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen through proxy forces. It appeared to be a time of unity for many Iranians in support of their government and against the U.S. That appears to have been reversed after Iran had to admit its military accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet that killed 176 people, most of whom were Iranian, after several days of official denials. Iran's military said the "human error" happened amid "high tensions" as Iran was anticipating U.S. retaliation over its missile volley toward American targets in Iraq. An Iranian man holds-up a placard as he attends in front of a University to mark the memory of the victims of the Ukraine Boeing 737 passenger plane in Tehrans business district on January 11, 2020. Morteza Nikoubazl | NurPhoto | Getty Images) Thousands of Iranians are estimated to have protested the regime for the past three days and are now being met with live ammunition and tear gas from Iranian security forces, videos circulating online and verified by the Associated Press show. The protesters chants include "They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here" and "death, death to the dictator," in an apparent reference to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Jones says that this, in addition to years of worsening economic conditions, exposes major weaknesses for the regime. November saw street protests in Iran in response to the government dramatically raising fuel prices, which ultimately saw a brutal crackdown with hundreds of protesters killed by security forces. Crumbling economy Iran's economy has been buckling under increasingly heavy U.S. sanctions imposed after the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. Inflation has surpassed 40%, according to the Statistical Center of Iran, unemployment is high and the economy is expected to contract more than 8% in the financial year 2019/20. But the control the state holds over the country remains high. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its paramilitary force, Basij, numbers around 250,000 and law enforcement personnel constitute an additional half million across the country, bolstering coercive power. These bodies were instrumental in putting down Iran's 2009 Green Movement, a student-led political revolt that saw scores killed by government forces. While the Trump administration is encouraging the protesters, regional watchers warn that rather than the government backing down, yet more violence toward civilians could ensue. Anger toward the government among many in Iran far pre-dates the Trump administration. Beyond sanctions, Iran's economy is further handicapped by its own authorities, who have allowed gaping infrastructure deficiencies, a weak banking sector and widespread corruption. But some former security officials doubt the Trump narrative that maximum pressure will neuter the regime through internal discontent and unrest. Two former Middle East advisors under the Obama administration wrote in in Foreign Policy last month: "The biggest immediate risk is to the Iranian people themselves. Iran's history and its actions during the current crisis leave little doubt that the regime will stop at virtually nothing to remain in power." Killing Soleimani 'a powerful step' A piece of headgear thats sure to be with you for many seasons to come, this black bucket hat is a Folk style thats made from cotton and nylon blend ripstop. Crafted in Portugal, its branded simply with a rubberised logo patch. 73% Cotton, 27% Nylon Ripstop Fabric Rubberised Brand Patch Made in Portugal [January 13, 2020] TransactionTree and Flooid Partner for Better Customer Journeys CINCINNATI and ATLANTA, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Flooid, the leading specialized commerce platform that delivers deep and resilient basket functionality across any channel, today announced a renewed partnership with TransactionTree, the leading provider of digital receipt solutions for the retail industry. Flooid, which rebranded from PCMS earlier this month, has worked with TransactionTree for 7 years. Flooid's scalable basket & promotions technology works across verticals and channels and links seamlessly with TransactionTree e-receipts, which are less cumbersome, more cost-effective and more sustainable than the printed equivalent. Together the two companies help retailers save customers time while personalizing engagement and capturing added value at every transaction. Flooid and TransactionTree have worked together on a variety of projects, including deploying TransactionTree's highly integrated and unified retail marketing platform at a number of customers. Demand for the solutions offered by the Flooid / TransactionTree partnership continue to grow as customers increasingly adopt digital and paperless tools. As such, both companies have committed to working even more closely together in the years ahead. Andy Winans, CEO Americas, Flooid, said: "When rtailers understand and communicate effectively with their customers, they can expect increased sales, higher shopper satisfaction, greater loyalty and more referrals. At Flooid, we're committed to offering retailers best-of-breed solutions for every aspect of retail. TransactionTree is a natural partner for us." Jason Shapiro, CEO TransactionTree, said: "Flooid's commitment to No Limits Innovation, coupled with its cross-vertical, cross-channel basket capabilities provide a great synergy with our solutions. We're proud to be working with Flooid." To find out more about the TransactionTree / Flooid partnership, visit Flooid at booth 5737 and TransactionTree's booth 1259 at NRF 2020 from January 11th to 14th. About TransactionTree TransactionTree is the leading provider of digital receipt solutions for the retail industry and other transaction-oriented enterprises. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, TransactionTree was established in 2008 by forward-thinking, green-thinking innovators seeking technological solutions to common environmental business challenges in ways that also increase sales and cement customer loyalty. About Flooid The Flooid platform delivers deep and resilient basket functionality across store and online sales channels. With high levels of multi-vertical capability, Flooid handles the sales operations for some of the world's most complex grocery, specialty, fashion and food and beverage retailers in their POS, self-checkout, mobile, eCommerce and social environments. Flooid is designed to handle both the high levels of throughput and resilience that a store demands, and the hyper-scalability required for mobile and online sales. With its powerful API set, developer toolkit and the growing community of partners, Flooid enables retailers to tap into the massive ecosystem of start-ups, innovators and IOT technologies to remove the limits of their innovations. For more information visit flooid.com. Media Contact: Flannery Higgins, [email protected] Dan Dyer, 513-478-7818, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transactiontree-and-flooid-partner-for-better-customer-journeys-300985623.html SOURCE Flooid [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] File photo of DSP Davinder Singh, who was arrested along with two terrorists, whom he was allegedly ferrying in a car in Kashmir Valley. (Image: PTI) An officer decorated with a President's Medal and associated with the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police's anti-hijacking unit at Srinagar airport, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh was on January 11 arrested along with some "most wanted" terrorists. Singh's arrest has led to questions within the security establishment regarding the extent of his connection with the terrorists, and has also put a spotlight on the various high-profile cases that he has handled, including the one dealing with the 2001 Parliament attack. Singh, who was awarded the President's medal for gallantry last year, had first been mentioned by Afzal Guru in 2004, when he was lodged in Tihar jail for his role in the Parliament attack. Guru had reportedly said Singh had asked him to take a certain Pakistani national named Mohammad "to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him". According to an Indian Express report, Singh was then posted with the J&K Polices Special Operations Group. However, according to the report, Singh's alleged role, as claimed by Guru, was not probed then. Guru was convicted and hanged on February 9, 2013. Singh, who was until January 9 welcoming foreign envoys to Srinagar, was on January 11 caught with top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq at a checkpoint in Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Mushtaq was reportedly travelling with his associates, including a terrorist who had recently joined militancy in Kashmir. Singh was reportedly ferrying the militants out of the Valley. A senior J&K police officer told The Indian Express that Singh's arrest can open a "can of worms" if he "starts talking." "He was DySP DR in Pulwama too," the officer said. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar had, during a press conference after the arrests, said Singh is a "senior police officer" whose presence along with the militants was a "heinous crime". "He has worked on several anti-militancy operations in J&K. But the way he was caught yesterday (with) two, three militants in a car to Jammu that is a heinous crime. And that is why we treated him like a militant. He has been taken in remand and interrogation is going on," Kumar said. Singh, according to a report by news agency PTI, had been on the radar of the police for some time and a special watch was mounted on him. When intelligence agencies picked up Singh's conversation with Naveed Baba, the self-styled district commander of the banned Hizbul and a former policeman, it was decided to intercept his vehicle and arrest him. Reverend Nathan Ntege, 60, was alleged to have overseen a 'matrimonial conveyor belt' of Eastern European brides at his parish in south east London A vicar suspected of being at the centre of Britain's biggest sham marriage racket has been blacklisted by the Church of England. Reverend Nathan Ntege, 60, was alleged to have overseen a 'matrimonial conveyor belt' of Eastern European brides at his parish in south east London. A jury was told weddings at his church rocketed from six a year to up to nine a day with chaotic 'cattle market' scenes of brides who seemed to scarcely know their grooms hurriedly squeezing into ill-fitting shared wedding dresses in the lavatories. But despite the case against him being dismissed on the judge's orders, he has now been defrocked after the Diocese of Southwark carried out its own investigation. A disciplinary panel has now ruled that the vicar pocketed 60,000 in wedding fees that should have been paid to the church and he should be struck off. They also concluded he had failed to maintain marriage records properly. In 2014, Ntege was accused of conducting a 'matrimonial conveyor belt' of sham weddings at St Jude with St Aidan Church in Thornton Heath. The reverend, then 55, also of Thornton Heath, allegedly married nearly 500 bogus couples and faced 14 counts of facilitating a breach of immigration law and one count of fraud. The prosecution claimed immigration officials became suspicious of the 'inordinate number' of weddings at the parish church. But the case at Inner London Crown Court collapsed after the judge accused immigration officers of lying on oath. But despite the case against him being dismissed on the judge's orders, he has now been defrocked after the Diocese of Southwark's carried out its own investigation. Pictured is St Jude's and St Aidan's in Thornton Heath, south London, where he preached Now the church has revealed the results of the church's own investigation, which was sparked by a complaint made by the Archdeacon of Croydon, the Venerable Christopher Skilton. The report says Ntege was licensed as priest in charge at St Jude in January 2002 and installed as vicar in February 2007. Between January 2007 and April 2011 there were 475 weddings at the church - compared to 29 weddings between January 2002 and December 2006. The fees due to the Diocesan Board of Finance for the 475 weddings should have been 66,912 but 'no fees had been remitted to the DBF in this period', the report said. The investigators concluded that the vicar must have 'retained fees in the order of 60,000' even allowing for some deductions. The Archdeacon's complaint was first made in 2017 but there were a series of delays, with the vicar constantly applying for adjournments, claiming he had a bad back. But the hearing was finally held in November and now it has been announced that the vicar has been fired and placed on a lifelong clergy blacklist. The panel concluded the vicar 'had knowingly engaged in systematic wrongdoing over a period of several years. 'He had wrongfully retained substantial sums of money which he knew should have been remitted to the DBF and had done so over a sustained period of time. Pictured: The Rev Nathan Ntege with his wife Elizabeth in Kampala, Uganda 'Moreover, the respondent had, in the view of the panel, not demonstrated any remorse in relation to his conduct. 'His response to the complaint demonstrated a refusal to accept his wrong doing and a willingness to make false accusations against others. 'Accordingly the panel ordered that the respondent be removed from office with immediate effect, that he be prohibited for life from the exercise of any of the functions of his orders, and his name be entered on the Archbishops' List,' the report said. Rev Ntege, who was born in Uganda, claimed he had not been given training or support in maintaining church registers. He also said his previous ministry had been outside the Church of England, so he had therefore left the completion of the registers to the parish administrator and was not to blame for the errors. But the tribunal concluded 'the deficiencies were clear even on the briefest perusal of the records. 'Banns were recorded as having been called after the marriages had taken place and details that should have been filled in on the marriage registers had not been filled in.' It was also noted that the forms had been properly filled in during the earlier part of the vicar's ministry at St Jude's. CALGARY, Jan. 13, 2020 /CNW/ - Westleaf Inc. (the "Company" or "Westleaf") (TSX-V:WL) (OTCQB:WSLFF) announced today that following the closing of the merger of Westleaf and We Grow B.C. Ltd. ("We Grow"), Scott Hurd, President and Co-Founder, has resigned effective January 24, 2019. "On behalf of Westleaf, we thank Scott for his vision, leadership and efforts that have positioned Westleaf favourably with a high quality asset base that is ripe for growth in 2020" said Cody Church, Chairman of the Board of Westleaf. "Scott co-founded Westleaf and led the organization since August 2017. We are grateful for his strategic vision that has left the company in a strong financial position with sustainable competitive positioning. Scott was a driving force behind the recently closed merger with We Grow on December 20, 2019. We wish Scott continued success in his future endeavours." "As a founder of Westleaf, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation today," states Scott Hurd. "It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Westleaf through a period of immense growth in a new and dynamic industry. Our recently completed transformative merger with We Grow has positioned Westleaf to be one of the leading ultra-premium cannabis producers in Canada with best in class realized retail pricing, strong brand awareness and significant scalability and growth potential. With the merger now closed and a new leadership team in place, I have made the difficult decision to step back from the company. I have great confidence in the new management team and board to lead Westleaf through its next stage of growth. I wish Cody, Ben and the rest of the Westleaf team and board continued success in 2020 and beyond." Scott will work to formally transition his responsibilities over the coming weeks and will be available to support the organization as needed as a strategic advisor. Ben Sze, the former CEO of We Grow and current CEO of Westleaf, will succeed Scott as the President of Westleaf. Corporate Update Realized Pricing With We Grow's commitment to quality, it has bucked the industry trend of price compression, with the Q3 2019 financial results of We Grow demonstrating a gross realized price per gram of $11.65 (net realized price per gram of $10.06). Notably, in Q4 2019, the Company released additional flower strains into the recreational market and received an incremental $0.50 price per gram for four premium product SKUs. The Company will continue to focus on maintaining We Grow's position as a leader in the premium cannabis category with its Qwest and Qwest Reserve branded products. Cost Reduction Initiatives The Company continues to undertake cost reduction initiatives as it maintains focus on profitability and solidifying its position as one of the leading premium cannabis companies in Canada. As the integration of We Grow continues, Westleaf has focused on unlocking the combined synergies of the merger including the elimination of 9 positions (approximately 30% of corporate staff), resulting in projected annualized savings of approximately $1.3 million. The Company is finalizing its 2020 budget with a view to ensuring adequate adjustments are made to its cost structure to allow the Company to execute on its strategy and deploy capital towards optimizing its asset base. Effective immediately, executive leaders Shon Williams, Chief Development Officer, and Ben Kaanta, Chief Operating Officer, will be departing the Company and have transitioned their responsibilities to the current Westleaf executive team. About Westleaf Inc. Westleaf is a fully integrated Canadian cannabis company focused on cannabis brands, extraction and production of derivatives, wholly owned retail, as well as premium cannabis cultivation. Westleaf's operating cultivation facility is located in Creston, British Columbia in the heart of the Kootenays. It consists of 26,000 square feet retrofitted for phase 1 cultivation, including over 14,000 square feet of growing rooms. The Company is also building an 80,000 square foot purpose built indoor cultivation facility located in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Westleaf's cannabis production includes its brand Qwest, which is considered a preeminent luxury cannabis brand. Westleaf's extraction and processing facility, The Plant, is designed to produce high quality and consistent cannabis derivatives and consumables, both for Westleaf's in-house brands as well as white label products. Westleaf's retail concept, Prairie Records, leverages the instinctual tie between recreational cannabis and music with stores operating or in development across Western Canada. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things anticipated pricing, future capital requirements; Mr. Hurds ongoing involvement in the Company; the Company's business strategy, plans, cost cutting strategy, 2020 budget and ability to execute on the foregoing; . Forward-looking statements are 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 statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to the ability to obtain or maintain licences to retail cannabis products; review of the Company's production facilities by Health Canada and receipt or maintenance of licences from Health Canada in respect thereof; future legislative and regulatory developments involving cannabis; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the labour market generally and the ability to access, hire and retain employees; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the satisfaction of conditions precedent under the Company's credit facilities; timing and completion of construction and expansion of the Company's production facilities and retail locations; and the delay or failure to receive board, regulatory or other approvals, including any approvals of the TSXV, as applicable. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release contains the terms "gross realized price per gram" and "net realized price per gram". These indicators are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Accordingly, the Company's use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Gross realized price per gram and net realized price per gram are used by management to better understand the cannabis price per gram realized throughout a period. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. Gross realized price per gram is calculated as wholesale sales divided by the aggregate number of grams shipped during the period. Net realized price per gram is calculated as wholesales sales less excise taxes divided by the aggregate number of grams shipped during the period. SOURCE Westleaf Inc. For further information: Adam Coates, (416) 459-6306, [email protected] Related Links http://www.westleaf.com Launch collision on Meghna leaves 2 dead, 10 injured A woman and her seven-year-old son have died in a collision between two launches on the Meghna River. At least 10 others were injured in the accident -- involving a Dhaka-bound Kirtankhola-10 and Pirojpur-bound Farhan-9 -- which took place at Majher Char near Barishal around 1 am on Monday. The dead have been identified as Mahmuda Begum, 25, wife of Rubel Khan Abbas from Garuria Union in Bakerganj, Barishal, and her son Momin Khan. According to Azmal Huda Mithu, an official of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority in Barishal, the front end of Farhan-9 rammed into the middle of Kirtankhola-10, leaving a dent on its right side. Rubel and his family were asleep on the lower deck of the Kirtankhola during the impact, which left his wife Mahmuda and son Momin dead on the spot. At least 10 passengers, including Rubel, were injured in the accident with a few being admitted to the Chandpur Hospital in the aftermath. The accident was caused as a result of the dense fog covering the river at the time, according to BIWTA officials. A probe will be launched to investigate the accident, said Azmal. -- bdnews24.com Europe started its long-anticipated vehicle emissions rules on January 1, and China and the US (at least California) will be tightening theirs as well. Automakers are, for the most part, complying. But what about car buyers? Consumers are in love with sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for now, and getting them to switch over to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles is becoming a much tougher sell. Sales data and market studies confirm these findings. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says that there are now about 200 million SUVs around the world up from about 35 million in 2010 and accounting for 60 percent of the increase in the global car fleet since 2010. While automakers have been building more fuel-efficient SUVs and pickup trucks in recent years, theyre still consuming a lot more gasoline than small cars, hybrids, and electric vehicles and SUVs make up a much larger share of the market than these three vehicle segments. If the popularity of SUVs continues to rise in line with recent trends, this could add another 2 million barrels per day to our projection for 2040 oil demand, the IEA said in its November World Energy Outlook 2019 report. While electric vehicle sales are strong in China strong enough to get Tesla to invest heavily in its Shanghai plant SUVs have been even more popular with car shoppers in that market. Much of the same has happened in North American and Europe. Related: The U.S. Aims For Energy Storage Dominance Stable gasoline prices and improved performance and safety are the dominant factors driving the popularity of SUVs in new vehicle sales; and manufacturers have been promoting a certain stylishness and sportiness in crossover and large SUVs at major auto shows. Owners enjoy the benefits of transporting their family members while loading the vehicle with travel bags, groceries, household electronics, sporting equipment, bikes, and more. BMW is now seeing 44 percent of its global sales go to its "X" branded SUVs. The German automaker is investing heavily in designing and building more plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles to comply with stringent emissions rules in their major markets served. But SUVs are bringing a lot more in profit to the company. Honda is finally rolling out a hybrid version of its popular CR-V crossover SUV, but it may not matter in terms of sales increases. The 2020 Honda CR-V makes it tougher for the competition in the US market. The nation's best-selling compact-crossover SUV will now have a turbocharged engine and more safety features as standard equipment. Later in the year, the Japanese automaker will introduce the CR-V Hybrid that promises a 50-percent improvement in city fuel economy. The long-awaited light-duty vehicle emission rules started in EU member countries on January 1. Vehicle manufacturers will have to sell many more electrified vehicles or pay costly fines, a situation similar to China's rules. Chinas new regulatory structure was influence heavily by Californias zero emission vehicle rules. For automakers with product lineups with few EV offerings, they'll need to sell lots of conventional cars and trucks, and use the profits to pay the fines. The Trump administration is fighting the California rules in court and national regulations, but California still makes up about half of the nations EV sales. The Trump rules will increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, but at a much slower pace and lower benchmarks for passenger and commercial vehicles than enacted nearly a decade ago by the Obama administration. Related: Indias Oil Demand To Grow Faster Than Any Other Major Economy Industry analysts expect plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicle, and hybrid vehicle sales to soar at some point in the future. For now, consumers are happy with larger, traditional gasoline-engine vehicles for the power, performance, fuel pump price stability, and pervasive availability of fuel stations. Diesel-powered passenger vehicles have also been growing in popularity with US buyers in recent years, as manufacturers offer variations of their popular truck models with diesel engines. A number of SUV models now offer diesel engines as well, including the popular Jeep brand. The pressure is on for automakers and their suppliers to comply with emissions rules. The major stumbling block has been getting buyers including consumers, fleets, and drivers of ride-hailing vehicles to switch over to electrified models. Consumer preferences for SUVs could offset the benefits from electric cars, the IEA warned in its report. The agency said a doubling in market share had seen emissions from SUVs grow by nearly 0.55 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the last decade to roughly 0.7 gigatons. As a result, SUVs were the second-largest contributor to the increase in global CO2 emissions since 2010 after the power sector. Its been part of making passenger vehicles, along with medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, a ripe target for regulators to tackle. By Jon LeSage for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Computers running Windows 7 need to be urgently upgraded or could be at risk of cyber attacks or other online crime, Microsoft has warned. The operating system is now 10 years old but continues to be one of the most popular in the world. Now Microsoft has announced that it will be ending support for the software, meaning that problems will not be patched with critical updates from Tuesday afterwards. After that date, hackers will be able to exploit weaknesses in the software and they will not be fixed. According to NetMarketShare estimations for the end of 2019, Windows 7 is still one of the most popular Windows operating systems with a 32.74 per cent global share, second only to Microsoft's most recent version, Windows 10, at 47.65 per cent. GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has told the public not to access banking, emails or other services containing sensitive information from devices on Windows 7 due to the high risk. 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 End of support is a long-running measure by Microsoft, as it shifts from dated technologies and increases focus on newer ones. "The NCSC would encourage people to upgrade devices currently running Windows 7, allowing them to continue receiving software updates which help protect their devices," an NCSC spokesman said. Recommended New Xbox unveiled by Microsoft "We would urge those using the software after the deadline to replace unsupported devices as soon as possible, to move sensitive data to a supported device, and not to use them for tasks like accessing bank and other sensitive accounts. "They should also consider accessing email from a different device." Affected computers will remain functional but will no longer be secure. Companies which may not be ready for the move can choose to pay Microsoft for extended security updates through to January 2023 - though it is sold on a per-device basis and the price will increase each year, to encourage businesses to upgrade. Additional reporting by agencies The event themed a21@20: Navigating the Alpha Centurya, will see over 180 delegates from 105 countries. (Photo Credit: PTI File) New Delhi: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting India on January 14 to participate in the fifth edition of the geo-political conference Raisina Dialogue. The three-day event to be co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) will begin on Tuesday in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the inaugural session at which seven former heads of state or government will share their views on important challenges facing the world. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia to be on a visit to India on January 14-15. He will also deliver an address at the Raisina Dialogue 2020. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/wtsQmvpJEE ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 The event themed 21@20: Navigating the Alpha Century, will see over 180 delegates from 105 countries including many deputy foreign ministers, former prime ministers, former presidents, national security advisors, military chiefs and other high level policy-makers, scholars and officials will participate in the event, a statement by the ORF said. Besides, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, his counterparts from Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Latvia, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary, Rwanda and Tanzania will also be participating in the event. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and former prime ministers of Sweden, Republic of Korea, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand and Bhutan are also participating in the conference. Also Read: Russia backs India, says change in J-K's status 'carried within framework of the Constitution' Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karanbir Singh, besides US Deputy NSA Matthew Pottinger, Afghanistan NSA Hamdullah Mohib and Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Phil Davidson will also speak at the event. Also Read: Russia Considers CAA Domestic Issue, Can Be Resolved By Dialogue Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces, General Koji Yamazaki, Vice Chief of Australian Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston and Chief of Naval Staff of UK, Admiral Tony Radakin will also speak at the conference. The valedictory address will be delivered by Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Union, Josep Borrell. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. VERNON CENTER, N.Y. - Congressman Anthony Brindisi was joined by Vernon officials to call on the state to provide answers and address drinking water quality in Vernon Center. According to Brindisi, residents in Vernon Center have been dealing with contaminated water for over 10 years. Vernon officials believe the source of the contamination is the former New York State Department of Transportation salt storage facility in Vernon Center. "If it's the state that is primarily responsible for the salt seeping into the ground water, we're looking to the state to put some resources here to fix the problem," Brindisi said. "Residents here deserve clean drinking water and they've been living with it for far too long." According to town officials, there are 11 properties with contaminated wells. In samples taken from these homes, they found 60 times the normal level of sodium and 26 times the normal level of chloride. The Vernon Town Supervisor, Randy Watson, says the situation is getting worse. "It's just disgusting, they can't bathe, they're going out of their houses to take baths, they're bringing water in, they can't drink it, they can't wash their clothes, it's been devastating," Watson said. "We've been working on this for 10 years, we've got everything we need besides the funds." The proposed water project would connect residents in Vernon Center to the existing water system in the Village of Vernon. It would include a six mile longer water main, a water storage tank and a booster pump station, providing 213 houses and businesses with public water. Brindisi says he will send a letter to the New York State Transportation Commissioner, Marie Dominguez, to demand answers. Brindisis letter to Commissioner Dominguez is below: Dear Commissioner Dominguez: I recently toured Vernon Center, where residents are experiencing issues with very hard, salty, and bad tasting water. The water coming through the individual wells can cause damage to water softeners, faucets, and pipes in residents homes. Of even greater concern is the fact that this water could be hazardous to residents health. The amount of chloride in residents water far exceeds the level recommended by the New York State Department of Health; according to sampling done by Barton and Loguidice Engineers, chloride levels reached up to 6,600 mg/L, which is 26 times the NYSDOH recommended level. Furthermore, Barton and Loguidice sampled sodium levels in the water and found up to 3,800 mg/L, 60 times the normal sodium levels. I am deeply concerned that the residents of Vernon Center do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. I am aware that New York State has provided drinking water to residents in Vernon who have bad tasting water. I am seeking further information on their behalf: Why has the New York State Department of Transportation been providing drinking water to the residents of the Town? Has the NYSDOT examined the potential impact of its former salt storage site? New York State has periodically tested the drinking water in the area. Would the state be willing to share the results of that testing with the Town of Vernon? The health and safety of our citizens is of the utmost importance to me. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your response. Sincerely, Anthony Brindisi Member of Congress A spokesperson for New York State Department of Transportation, Joe Morrissey, sent NEWSChannel 2 a statement responding to Congressman Brindisi's claims. That statement is below: According to two independent studies done in 2015 and 2016, there is no evidence that high levels of chloride are from the salt shed but instead are likely due to naturally occurring salt found in the soil. Nevertheless, we will review the new study and continue providing bottled water to the community until a longer-term solution is determined. Politburo member, Secretary of Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCCs Commission for Communication and Education Vo Van Thuong made the statement at the ninth National Congress of the VASA, for 2019-2024, in Hanoi on January 13. Speaking at the congress, Politburo member Thuong hailed the achievements made by the VASA over the past tenure, as they significantly contributed to the national construction, defence and the countries development. The VASA should continue to uphold their spirit for self-reliance and creation, as well as boost further socialisation. They should also expand international exchanges to learn and absorb the the worlds culture to enrich the countrys stage arts and promote the image of the land and people of Vietnam to the world, he noted. It is essential to pay much attention to training young artists as well as creating favourable conditions for art and legal corridors for artists to promote their creativity, added the Politburo member. The congress featured the participation of over 420 delegates representing nearly 2,500 members of the association. A 21-member Executive Committee of the VASA was elected and Peoples Artist Trinh Thuy Mui was chosen as the association's President for the 2019-2024 tenure. Alonso Calle, 32, was arrested by police in Fontana, California, early on Sunday morning An Uber driver who picked up an intoxicated female passenger early on Sunday morning is alleged to have raped her after she either fell asleep or passed out in his car. Police in Fontana, California, arrested Alonso Calle, 32, after a woman alleged that she woke up in his car to find him having sex with her near McDermott Park. According to Fontana police, Calle called the cops after the alleged assault to warn that a rider may say he raped her during consensual sex in his car. Calle is said to have told police that the woman got mad, stated something about being raped and wanted out of his car. He later told police that he knew the woman was very intoxicated but still offered him sex, according to authorities. Calle was arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center in San Bernardino County. An Uber spokesperson told DailyMail.com: 'What the rider reported to police is extremely disturbing and has no place in our community. 'When we were made aware of the incident, we immediately deactivated the driver of our platform and stand ready to cooperate with police on the investigation.' When asked if Uber made sure that Calle was properly vetted, a company spokesperson said: 'The driver passed a background check in accordance with California State Law. Police allege Calle raped an intoxicated female passenger who passed out in his car Authorities allege the rape occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday in McDermott Park (above) in Fontana 'Uber conducts rigorous criminal and driving record screenings on millions of drivers. 'We also conduct continuous background checks on all of our drivers. 'While no background check is perfect, our process is thorough, fair, and relevant to the work at hand. 'Were continuing to build and strengthen our screening process, with the guidance of our Safety Advisory Board, and are introducing additional measures to improve safety.' It is unclear if Calle has a lawyer. Under California law, it is illegal to have sex with someone who is prevented from resisting by any intoxicating or anesthetic substance, or any controlled substance since that person cannot consent to relations. Calle, who is charged with rape, faces a maximum prison sentence of eight years if convicted. Police said Uber driver Amir Attia, 45, was arrested on Wednesday and charged for allegedly assaulting a woman, 25, he was driving to her home in July 2018 This is the second time in recent days that an Uber driver was arrested in California for alleged sex crimes. Amir Attia, 45, of Tustin, California, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a reported sexual assault of a 25-year-old woman in July 2018. According to Santa Ana police, Attia sexually assaulted the 25-year-old woman after she ordered an Uber from a local police station. The woman hailed the Uber from the station after she was released from the station following a DUI arrest. Police said the unnamed woman had been arrested by the Tustin Police Department for a DUI after getting involved in a traffic accident in July 2018. She told investigators that after she was released that day, she called an Uber to pick her up from the police station to take her to her home in Santa Ana, California. During the ride, she claimed that her driver - Attia - stopped the car and sexually assaulted her. Police said that DNA evidence confirmed the assault. Police said investigators got a DNA match to Attia more than a year after the incident occurred. Santa Ana Police then arrested Attia at his home on Wednesday. Police said that Attia then confessed to sexually assaulting the victim. He has since been booked into Orange County Jail on two felony counts of sexual penetration and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. He faces up to six years in prison if convicted. Attia's previous sexual battery conviction dates back to 1993. His bail was set at $150,000. In a statement to KTLA, Uber said that the woman's accusations against Attia were 'deeply troubling' and said that the company 'removed the drivers access to the app back in 2018 after we learned of this disturbing incident.' 'Ridesharing services provide a valuable service in preventing intoxicated people from getting behind the wheel,' Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. The woman said that Attia picked her up at the Tustin Police Department, where she had been released from custody following a DUI arrest in July 2018. On the way to her home, she claimed that Attia stopped and sexually assaulted her Police said that DNA evidence confirmed that a sexual assault had taken place and that they later matched the DNA sample to one taken from Attia (pictured) Uber said they removed Attia's access to the rideshare app after learning of the alleged incident (file image) 'It is tragic that this predator used his clients state of intoxication to victimize her.' The woman was said to have been released from the Tustin Police Department that night because it does not have a jail. The department's policy is to cite and release people, encouraging anyone who remains drunk to take alternate transportation home, according to NBC Los Angeles. Police said they are concerned that other women might have been sexually assaulted by Attia while he was still driving for Uber. Santa Ana Police detectives are asking that anyone with information regarding this case, or who may have been victimized by Attia call Corporal Maria Lopez at 714-245-8542 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Congress leader Irfan Ansari on Monday defended himself over his controversial remark made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by saying that he did not hurl any abuse on Modi but had said what people wanted to hear. This justification from Ansari comes after he faced flak for making a personal comment on Modi while speaking to protestors at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi earlier today. When asked about his comment on Modi, Ansari said, "I had said Modi ji is everyone's leader and he should not harbour hatred for us. He does not consider tribals, Dalits, minorities, and is bringing laws which distress people." He continued to explain, "I said, 'jo apni patni ka nahi hua wo desh ka kya hoga?' and people should not expect him to do any good now. I don't think I said anything wrong. BJP used to hurl abuses at Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi. I did not hurl abuses. I said what people wanted to hear." (ANI) Upcoming political events in the Bay Area: WEDNESDAY 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. FRIDAY 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. War budget: A discussion about ways to redirect federal funding to poor people and lessening spending on the military. Sponsored by San Francisco Party for Socialism and Liberation. $3-$10. 7 p.m., 2969 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here. SATURDAY 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. MONDAY King Day rally and march: Annual event marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day. March begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Caltrain station at Fourth and Townsend streets and ends at the rally site at Yerba Buena Gardens. More information is here. Medicare for All town hall: With Fremont Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Assemblyman Ash Kalra, D-San Jose. 4 p.m., Laborers Local 270, 2195 Fortune Drive, San Jose. More information is here. TUESDAY 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. Path to blue: Strategies for progressive victories in the 2020 elections, presented by Lenore Goldman, consultant with groups including Indivisible, Sister District, Swing Left and East Bay Activist Alliance. Free. Noon, Impact Hub Oakland, 2323 Broadway, Fruitvale Room, Oakland. 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. 23 Huffman town hall: North Bay Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman holds a town hall meeting for constituents. Noon, Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S, Petaluma. More information is here. Swalwell town hall: East Bay Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell holds a town hall meeting for constitutents. 7 p.m., Dublin High School student union, 8151 Village Parkway, Dublin. More information is here. JAN. 24 Huffman town hall: North Bay Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman holds a town hall meeting for constituents. 4 p.m., San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St., San Rafael. More information is here. JAN. 25 Iran protest: A rally against U.S. intervention in Iran, sponsored by ANSWER Coalition. Noon, Powell and Market streets, San Francisco. More information is here. 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. JAN. 30 Trumps testing of America: Washington Post journalists Carol Lennig and Philip Rucker on covering the Trump administration. $35 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. Noon, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here. Housing and local control: A UC Hastings symposium on state legislative efforts to restrict local control over housing decision. Features attorneys discussing the background and impact of these legislative efforts, and an academic panel covering the different dimensions of growth and housing in the state. Free. 2:30 p.m., 200 McAllister St., Alumni Reception Center, San Francisco. More information is here. 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. FEB. 13 Responsible conservatism: Political analyst William Kristol on whether American conservatism has a future. Free. 7 p.m., Cubberley Auditorium, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford University. More information is here. FEB. 15 Rep. Pramila Jayapal: Washington state congresswoman and Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair in conversation at the Commonwealth Club. $30 for nommembers, $10 for students. 1 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here. FEB. 26 W. Kamau Bell: Political comedian teams up with Mother Jones to talk about the 2020 election. $15. 7 p.m., Berkeley Repertory Theater, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. More information is here. MARCH 4 Gender issues and political identity: Rose McDermott, international relations professor at Brown University, discusses gender issues and leaders emotional manipulation of political identity. $5. 7 p.m., 518 Valencia St., San Francisco. More information is here. MARCH 5 Rahm Emanuel: Former Chicago mayor and Barack Obama adviser on how mayors run the world. $40 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $15 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here. To list an event, please email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) President Rodrigo Duterte has appealed to private companies to consider suspending work during times of calamity. Speaking to media Monday, Duterte commented on reports some companies made their employees come to work despite ashfall in several areas in the wake of Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption Sunday. "We do not control everybody. So, what we can only do is to tell them and usually the statement or the narrative of the government is always a, parang persuasive effect," he said. Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment said employees who "fail or refuse to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from natural or man-made calamity should not be exposed to or subject to any administrative sanction." President Duterte also said he would be making the rounds of areas affected by Taal Volcano on Tuesday. Work in government offices in Batangas and the three branches of government remains suspended until Tuesday, with Duterte adding authorities would assess the situation before declaring new suspensions for the succeeding days. Batangas declared a state of calamity Monday as Taal Volcano continued to spew ash and magma. LIST: Class, work suspensions for January 14 Taal showed a marked increase in volcanic activity on Sunday, with PHIVOLCS raising alert levels two, three and four in a course of a few hours. The seismological agency, however, has been monitoring the volcano since March 2019. In 2016, insurgent candidates roiled the nomination process of both major parties. Donald Trump, running as a populist, won 44 percent of the primary vote against a divided field and won the GOP nomination. Bernie Sanders, running as an unabashed socialist, also won 44 percent in the Democratic race against Hillary Clinton, despite her success in using the Democratic National Committee to kneecap Sanders. But because Sanders faced only one opponent, he lost. This year, Sanders is back, and the old saw that one way to win your partys nomination is to have run for it before may apply. (See Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Hillary Clinton). In 2019, Sanders raised an eye-popping $100 million. The grassroots he cultivated in Iowa and New Hampshire four years ago have vaulted him into first place in both states in the RealClearPolitics average of all polls. Sanders also has the backing of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and is the only candidate offering a full-throated defense of Medicare for All, now that Elizabeth Warren has admitted she wouldnt push for it during the first two years of her presidency. For a 78-year-old who suffered a heart attack last fall and has always insisted on serving in Congress as an independent, he displays an astounding resilience that rivals that of Trump. Sanders supporters insist that the only way to beat someone like Trump is with someone who shares with him his authenticity, his disdain for protocol, and, like him, offers a radical break from past policies. Only that will energize a disillusioned, nonvoting army of left-wingers that mirrors the blue-collar voters in the Midwest who turned out for Trump and delivered him the presidency. Nonsense, says the Democratic-party establishment. Jim Messina, President Obamas 2012 campaign manager, says that if he were working for Trump, he would very much want Sanders as an opponent. He can say, Im a business guy, the economys good, and this guys a socialist, Messina explained to Politico. Story continues The wrong person at the top of the ticket and Im not saying who that is there would be down-ballot carnage all across the country, and I think that people are starting to recognize it, adds Representative Cedric Richmond, a former head of the Congressional Black Caucus and a national co-chair of the Biden campaign. A variation of the Sanders campaign was just tried in Britain, where Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn ran on an unabashedly left-wing manifesto that included government-funded middle-class benefits ranging from free broadband to subsidized commuter-train tickets. Corbyn, a 70-year-old whose scratchy personality resembles that of Sanders, did well with young voters, winning 55 percent of voters under age 30, compared with only 22 percent for the opposition Conservatives. But among older voters he bombed, winning only 35 percent of those between ages 40 and 50. Among voters over 70, his party won a ghastly 14 percent. But what counts in becoming a party leader or nominee is not how you do with voters in general but with your partys base. Corbyn had a fanatical following within the loony Left portions of his party, and that enabled him to become leader in a party-membership election in 2015. Similarly, Sanders has a fan base with college students, public-sector union members, and aging hippies. In 2016, that coalition was enough to win him 50 percent of the Iowa-caucus vote against Hillary Clinton. He has retained about half of that running in Iowas current multi-candidate field. The caucus mechanics of Iowa, a state where less than 1 percent of Americans live, are brutal. If a candidate wins there, he becomes an automatic favorite to win New Hampshires primary eight days later and then to have a good chance of using that momentum to capture the nomination. Nate Silver, the political analyst at FiveThirtyEight, has developed a model of the Democratic race that forecasts that, should Joe Biden win Iowa, he has an 80 percent chance of becoming the nominee. But he might not come out on top of the current nearly four-way tie that polls show in that state. (He is currently running third, behind Pete Buttigieg.) Under a scenario where Biden loses Iowa, Silver gives Biden only a 20 percent chance of a delegate majority, with Sanderss odds of becoming the nominee going up to 40 percent. That prospect sends shivers down the spine of establishment Democrats. We all know the opposition research that Trump could throw against Bernie, one Democratic pollster told me. It runs from his rigid left-wing voting record to the fact that he was so delusional as to honeymoon in the Soviet Union in the year before the Berlin Wall fell and when it was obvious the system was evil. Establishment Democrats believe that they still have a good chance to stop Bernie even if he does win Iowa. They say the party might come together under an Anybody But Bernie candidate. They also point out that under Silvers model scenario where Bernie wins Iowa, there would be a decent chance that no one would come to the convention with a majority of delegates. In that event, on the second ballot, a group of party elders, or superdelegates, would be allowed to vote, and Bernie would likely be their last choice. The GOP establishment couldnt stop Trump from winning the nomination in 2016, but they have different rules, a former aide to President Obama told me in an interview. We would be able to stop Bernie, but then we might have a different problem: convincing his angry supporters not to stay home in the race against Trump. More from National Review As the royal crisis summit nears, more details about "Megxit" continue to surface. It has now been claimed that Prince Harry has decided to fast track the plans for both him and his wife, Meghan Markle, to step down as senior royals since he was worried his wife would have a meltdown if they remained in the U.K. The former "Suits" actress -- who grew up in Los Angeles -- wanted desperately to spend more time with friends and family in North America and less time in British palaces. According to the Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex has been growing increasingly worried about Markle's well-being as life in Buckingham Palace has left the former actress "on the brink." Because of that, the announcement that they would be stepping down as senior royals were "hastily rushed out" and plans for them to spend more time in North America has been made immediately. The source added: "And it got worse recently, with their spell in Canada helping cement her view that the family would be better off out of the spotlight and spending more time there." Courtiers reveal that Markle felt more comfortable staying in Canada while the Duke of Sussex returned to the U.K. to deal with the fallout of their decision. Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles are set to meet with Queen Elizabeth II on Monday for the Sandringham Summit. While there, the young prince would come face to face with the Prince of Wales and his older brother and his grandmother, who is said to be quite worried about Prince Harry's mental well-being. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are invested in mental health charities and initiatives, said in May that they would separate from the royal family because of the stifling constraints of life inside "The Firm." According to the Daily Mail's source, the couple found the slow pace of royal life "painful." They added that Markle also wants to take back control of her charity endeavors and work. Another source told The Sun that the statement was accelerated because Prince Harry knew he needed to take swift action as Markle still has not settled in the U.K. "He knows that and wants her to be happy." the source added. The same source revealed that Prince Harry and Markle's six-week break in Canada helped the duchess decide that their family would be better if they are separated in different continents. Courtiers are dreadfully searching for a face-saving solution behind closed doors, as that will keep the royal family together. It will also keep the pride of the monarchy undamaged. After a rift saw them grow apart last year, Prince William cannot even "put an arm" around Prince Harry nowadays. "I've put my arm around my brother all our lives, and I can't do that anymore. We're separate entities," Prince William has reportedly said, according to the Sunday Times. The Sussexes' intention to step back as senior members has only widened the gulf between the two brothers, with the older Prince understood to be "incandescent with rage" over his brother's blindsiding of the royal family. Prince William is also frustrated that the Duke of Sussex is no longer part of the team by deciding to become a financially independent royal. However, the Prince continues to hope that he will be "singing from the same page" once again with his brother and sister-in-law. The meeting on Monday will be discussions on the next steps for the entire monarchy. The idea of Ukrainian interference took root during Trump's presidential campaign, was spread online and then amplified by Russian President Vladimir Putin before some of America's elected officials made it their truth. With U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment trial set to begin in the Senate, some Republican allies continue to promote a discredited theory that accuses Ukraine of interfering in the 2016 U.S. election to keep him from winning. The notion, which is not supported by U.S. intelligence agencies, has nonetheless been embraced by a president reluctant to acknowledge the reality of Russian election interference, and anxious to show he had reason to be suspicious of Ukraine as the U.S. withheld crucial military aid last year, the Associated Press reports. The U.S. president's demand that Ukraine look into its own purported interference and investigate a political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, while the U.S. withheld the aid is at the heart of the congressional investigation that produced Trump's impeachment in the House on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. An Associated Press review shows the idea of Ukrainian interference took root during Trump's presidential campaign, was spread online and then amplified by Russian President Vladimir Putin before some of America's elected officials made it their truth. Read alsoTrump again mentions 'Ukrainian interference' in U.S. elections As U.S. authorities collected evidence in 2016 that Russia had hacked Democratic National Committee servers, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort suggested Ukraine, not Russia, had likely committed the attack, his deputy Rick Gates later told the FBI. That September, Trump confidant Roger Stone tweeted, "The only interference in the U.S. election is from Hillarys friends in Ukraine," referring to Trump opponent, Hillary Clinton. But Trump's FBI director rejected those allegations. U.S. intelligence agencies blame Russia for interfering on Trump's behalf, and special counsel Robert Mueller has charged 25 Russians with hacking Democratic email accounts and waging a covert social media campaign to sway public opinion. Yet, against all evidence, the theory's shape-shifting nature over the years has compounded its staying power. Stone's 2016 tweet, for instance, referenced a nebulous type of "interference," centered around Ukraine officials reportedly favoring Clinton over Trump. The tweet highlighted a Financial Times article that described efforts by ex-Ukrainian parliament member Serhiy Leshchenko, who opposed Trump's bid, to expose off-the-books payments by Ukraine's pro-Russia political party, including to Manafort. Leshchenko maintains his efforts don't amount to interference. Still, some Republican lawmakers have cited the article to support the Ukraine interference argument. "I think both Russia and Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election," said Republican Sen. John Kennedy. In February 2017, Putin publicly claimed Ukraine's entire government had supported Clinton and now needed to "improve relations" with the new Trump administration. By that April, Trump himself promoted the theory, falsely suggesting in an AP interview that CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity firm that traced the hack to Russia, had strong ties to Ukraine. "I heard it's owned by a very rich Ukrainian, that's what I heard," Trump said. "Why didn't they allow the FBI in to investigate the server?" In fact, CrowdStrike is a California company founded by two U.S. citizens George Kurtz and Dmitri Alperovitch. The latter was born in Russia and lives in America. And the FBI didn't need to physically take the DNC servers to confirm CrowdStrike's findings. CrowdStrike gave the FBI digital images that captured everything, the company says. Read alsoFiona Hill: Ukraine election meddling "fictional narrative" told by Russia But Trump took his suspicions about the servers directly to newly elected Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky in a now infamous July 25 phone call that spurred the articles of impeachment against Trump. As his Senate trial nears, Trump has pressed GOP senators to rally behind him asking personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to brief them on his trip to Europe, where he searched for witnesses and documents. Hill, a Russia expert, told Congress in November that political leaders who spread such falsehoods about Ukraine polarize the U.S., making it a target for misinformation campaigns by foreign powers like Russia. She warned: "These fictions are harmful even if they are deployed for purely domestic political purposes." Queen Elizabeth II departs in her Bentley car after attending Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on January 12, 2020 in King's Lynn, England. LONDON Queen Elizabeth, after crisis talks with top family members, agreed on Monday to let Harry and Meghan step down as senior royals and divide their time between the U.K. and Canada during a "period of transition." The queen chaired talks with Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry at her country estate, Sandringham, in Norfolk in the east of England. Meghan reportedly joined the talks by phone from Canada. In a statement released at 5 p.m. London time (noon ET), the queen said discussions on the future of Harry and his family had been "very constructive" and that she and other royals were "entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family." The queen said that while she and her family would have preferred the couple to remain as "full-time royals," their desire to live a more independent life was understood and respected. "These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days," the statement ended. The monarch's statement said the couple made it clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. Statistically, the global authority on health issues known as the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a highly frightening but realistic rate of suicides committed by members of the global humanity per annum. It says that close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Suicide the World Health Organisation observed succinctly, is a global phenomenon and occurs throughout the lifespan. It reckons that effective and evidence-based interventions can be implemented at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. There are indications that for each adult who died by suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. Suicide is a global phenomenon; in fact, 79% of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2016. Suicide accounted for 1.4% of all deaths worldwide, making it the 18th leading cause of death in 2016, so says the global agency on health matters also known as World Health organization in its website just visited by this writer. I must state that although the fact remains that suicide is a Worldwide trend, but for us in Nigeria just like in other African nations, the death of someone is a huge loss not just to the immediate family but to the society and the nation at large. Given the African set up of the typical family tree, members of a given family belongs to both the nuclear and the extended family units. So the matter of suicidal demise of any member brings about phenomenal amount of sorrows to a greater percentage of people in Nigeria. However, due to a number of factors not unrelated with psychological, emotional, financial and sociological factors, a lot of young Nigerians have fallen into the traps of suicide in the last couple of years particularly in the last one year. Around June of last year, Samuel Elias, 25, a final year student of Department of Religion and Culture, University of Nigeria Nsukka allegedly committed suicide by drinking sniper. The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Kate Elias a staff of the university, told the News agency of Nigeria that the unfortunate incident happened on Monday June 17, around 5.30pm in her house at Justina Eze Street Nsukka. Elias said she came back from work on that fateful day and discovered that the mood of her first child was bad and he was staggering when he came to collect a bottle of coke from the fridge I followed him immediately to his room and started talking to him but he could not respond and when I looked closely, I discovered that his teeth had tightened up. As I looked around, I saw an empty sniper bottle; at this point I raised alarm and my other children rushed to the room and we tried to give him red oil but his tightened teeth did not allow the oil to enter his mouth, she said. According to her, he was rushed to the hospital, where he eventually died. We immediately rushed him to Faith Foundation Hospital, Nsukka and were later referred to Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, where he eventually died. The mother of seven said her son could have died of depression, noting that he had been lamenting his inability to graduate from UNN because of his final year project, which he has been working on. I know two things he usually complained, his inability to graduate from UNN since 2016 because of the project that he has not finished as his classmates have all gone for their National Youth Service Corps. Also, how his fathers family in Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State abandoned us since their father died. Whenever he complained of these things, I usually advised him to trust God, who is capable of solving every problem. I do not know why he will go to this extent of committing suicide. I have seven children and he was my first child. It is still like a dream to me that my first son and first child has died, she said in tears. Reacting to this incident, Prof. Tagbo Ugwu, the Head of Department of Religion and Culture in UNN, said somebody called him and told him about the unfortunate incident. I received the news with shock and surprise. I will find out from his supervisor what is wrong from the project that has stopped him from graduating, he said. When contacted Mr Ebere Amaraizu, the Police Public Relations Office, in Enugu State, confirmed the incident and said police would investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The police is aware of Samuel Elias death. He was a final year student of the Department of Religion and Culture in UNN, who committed suicide on Monday by drinking sniper. Police will investigate circumstances surrounding the death, he said. It would be recalled that barely five weeks after Chukwuemeka Akachi, a 400-level student of Department of English and Literary Studies in UNN ended his own life after taking a bottle of sniper. In August of last year, from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), came the story that the school community was thrown into mourning mood following the death of a final year student, Opeyemi Dara. The deceased was said to be a student of Faculty of Arts, Department of English Language, who allegedly committed suicide after taking a suspected dose of lethal substance popularly known as sniper. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that she allegedly took her life following her poor academic performance, although the details of the incident were still sketchy. The media stated that the authority of the institution confirmed that the deceased committed suicide following depression occasioned by poor academic records. Daras academic records obtained by a journalist who worked on the story for one of the National dailies indicated that she had five outstanding courses and 12 Special Electives. Also the Public Relations Officer of OAU, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju confirmed the incident and promised that the institution would investigate and make its findings public. Olarewaju appealed to students not to contemplate committing suicide because of poor academic performance. We sympathize with the parents and guardian of the deceased known as Dara. We just want our students and young ones to know that depression is not a thing they should encourage, no matter the situation or circumstance they find themselves. Some people in the past have passed through the same situation and circumstances and came out clean. Now, suicide can never be an option and people, especially the young ones who believe that taking their own lives is an act of gallantry should know that it is not . We want to appeal to students, particularly OAU students to take things easy. Any child that fails; that is why the university says you can rerun a course, you can resit a course. People out there also face challenges and when you are in school, failure or repetition of a course or particular subject is also part of the challenges students must face. The university will get to the root of the incident and get back to the public, Olarewaju said. Just before this case, there was another story from Edo state. That was precisely at the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, UNIBEN, main campus came the heart breaking story that a final-year student jumped from the second floor of one of the hostels and died. The deceased male student, whose identity is still unknown as at press time, committed the suicide after failing his examinations, which made him suffer depression for failure to graduate. The next case is that of a girl that reportedly took her life following a break up of a relationship and this also happened at the University of Benin like the aforementioned the deceased was a three hundred level student. The corpse of Miss Christabell Omoremime Buoro, aged 21, a 300-level student of the department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin (UNIBEN), was discovered in her hostel flat at Plot 4 Uwaifo lane, Newton street, Ekosodin area, behind the university fence, so reports the newspapers. Miss Christabell reportedly was discovered after she allegedly took some deadly substance to end her life. It was gathered that the undergraduate linked her suicide to her breakup with her boyfriend. The media states that an empty sachet of Klin detergent was found in the spot where she took her life. According to the source of the media information, A small girl of that age will take her life all because of one boy. The policemen that came to evacuate the body were very angry after reading out loud the note she dropped. Thank God that she even dropped a note, if not the roommates would have been in hot soup, because investigation would have began from that point. As are with all cases of suicide, the police officers in this case situated at the Ugbowo police station have invited two person for questioning over the content of the letter. It was rumoured that the deceased Christabel mixed the deadly insecticide, popularly called Sniper with Sprite drink, and reportedly left a suicide note where she stated that she was about taking her life because the guy she loved didnt love her in return after her boyfriend broke up with her. Sadly, the year 2020 has also seen another case of suicide by a youngster and in this developing story we were told that the girl stated that she was depressed and that she no longer find life attractive. The Enugu State Police Command only at the weekend confirmed that a serving National Youth Service Corp member in Enugu State, Miss Bolufemi Princess Motunrayo, has committed suicide. It was gathered that Miss Motunrayo, a Batch C corps member serving in Girls Secondary School, Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State took her life on Friday, January 10, 2020, when she allegedly drank a substance suspected to be sniper. The Corp member hailed from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State and a graduate of Banking and Finance from Prince Abubakar Audu University formally called Kogi State University was reported to have taken two bottles of snipers. One of the media reporters who worked on this emerging story said it was learnt that she had before committing suicide dropped a short note that read, I did this because I see nothing worth living for in this world. Confirming the alleged suicide is the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who described the incident as unfortunate. Amaraizu, a Superintendent of Police in a text message to the Punch newspaper correspondent said, The incident has to do with the taking of sniper insecticide by one Bolufemi Moturayo Yetunde, a female corper from Kogi State but, doing her service with Girls High School, Ibeagwa-Aka, Igboeze South L.G.A on 10/1/2020. She was later rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed her dead, he said. In the version written by The Guardian, one of the friends of this absolutely beautiful graduate and a serving member of the National Youth Service scheme (NYSC) raised alarm that there is need for a thorough investigation of what triggered the 'suicide' because in the thinking of this person, the girl who killed herslf allegedly was having a swell time and was not known to have any case of depression or loneliness. From all these and many other stories of suicide and suspected suicides especially the cases of suicide by Students, there is a glaring evidence of a lacuna fundamentally in the administration of these tertiary institutions. These cases of students killing themselves due to frustrations attendant with their inability to successfully graduate could be tackled if these schools can set up functional mechanisms for looking into all cases related to inability or otherwise of their students to graduate. There has to be a system in place to seamlessly monitor and ensure that the process of writing and supervision of projects of students are transparent and open to such an extent that no single person should become the last hope of any strident from graduation. The schools should have a reporting mechanisms whereby cases relating to inability to pass these projects and graduate are looked into by dedicated members of staff who should play the role of arbitrators for the students. The school system in Nigeria is too commercially oriented to an extent that Students are put under intense pressure to raise money from all means possible to bribe lecturers marking their papers to enable them graduate and most of these students who can't raise money to pay their ways are left with no option than to be sexually abused by some professionally incompetent lecturers. The University and tertiary institutions must be made to put on a human and humane face even as there has to be a system in place to give access to students to step up and dialogue with dedicated teachers who would offer counselling and also hear cases related to frustrations witnessed at any stage of their educational journeys. The school must be prepared to vote cash to cater for this sort of important human relationship Counseling mechanisms to stave off the rising cases of suicide. The school must not be all about profitability. The Nigerian police and other relevant law enforcement agencies like NAFDAC must monitor the activities of traders who deal in chemical and drugs related products such as snipers with a view to ascertaining identities of buyers and the use to which these products would be put into. There is also the need for state governments and the Federal government to embark on deliberate but massive public enlightenment programmes to warn youngsters to choose life over death and to resolutely beat back all suicidal tendencies through the cocktails of effective means of communication and getting counseling service from toll free lines that should be publicized for all Nigerians to be conversant with. For instance the European Council on Human Rights has successfully repealed the death penalty because of the overwhelming rating of Right to life in Europe. In Article 2 of the European wide laws on human rights, it is legally provided tgat: "Everyones right to life shall be protected by law. This right is one of the most important of the Convention since without the right to life it is impossible to enjoy the other rights. No one shall be condemned to death penalty or executed. The abolition of death penalty is consecrated by Article 1 of Protocol No. 6." The Nigerian Constitution in Section 33(1) provides that "Everyone has a right to life. " Emmanuel Onwubiko is the Head of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria and [email protected] ; www.emmanuelonwubikocom; www.thenigerianinsidernews.com ; [email protected] . Hong Kong Airline Makes Woman Take Pregnancy Test Before Flying to US Island of Saipan A Japanese woman has revealed she had to take a pregnancy test before boarding a plane to the U.S. territory of Saipan, amid a rise in so-called birth tourism. Midori Nishida said the incident occurred when was checking into her flight at Hong Kong International Airport to Saipan in November, a flight she had taken frequently in the past. The 25-year-old was visiting her parents for 20 days on the island in the Western Pacific and was flying with a budget airline, Hong Kong Express Airways Limited. Nishida was not pregnant and stated that she wasnt in a mandatory check-in questionnaire. However, at the check-in counter, she was told that she had been randomly selected to undergo a fit-to-fly medical assessment. Airline staff asked the young woman to sign a medical records release form, and upon reading it, she noted that the assessment appeared to have been conducted due to her body shape. In our routine initial safety assessment by our ground handling staff, we have reasonable suspicion on the health condition of the passenger above. The passenger has been observed to have a body size/shape resembling to a pregnant lady, the form read. Nishida said she was then escorted to the bathroom by a woman in plain clothes who claimed to be a medical practitioner and was given a pregnancy test. Despite the test confirming that she was not pregnant, Nishida says the medical practitioner failed to record this on the medical form and instead instructed her to throw the pregnancy test away. Nishida was then allowed to board the flight but described the whole experience as truly appalling. I am truly appalled by the entire situation: the questionable policy of screening passengers, the non-transparency of the airline staff, and the flagrant discrimination, she said. The majority of airlines allow pregnant women to board flights without any medical certificate as long as they are below 36 weeks pregnant. However, some international flights restrict travel after 28 weeks, according to Healthline. Nishida said that Hong Kong Expresss policy for pregnant passengers denies boarding to non-U.S. citizens who are over 20 weeks pregnant. However, this policy was reserved explicitly for flights between Hong Kong and Saipan. Hong Kong Express Airways, which was acquired in July by Cathay Pacific, told The Wall Street Journal that the test was conducted in response to concerns raised by authorities in Saipan. In response to concerns raised by authorities in Saipan, we took actions on flights to Saipan from February 2019 to help ensure U.S. immigration laws were not being undermined, it said. The company added that under new management, it recognized the concerns its actions had caused and apologized unreservedly to anyone who has been affected by this, it said. We have immediately suspended the practice while we review it. However, Nishida called for Hong Kong Express to review its discriminatory practices to see if it solves the issue it intends to address while at the same time ensures that passengers privacy are respected, she said. The island of Saipan has become a popular destination for women, in particular Chinese, intending to give birth on U.S. territory, thus making their new-born babies eligible for American citizenship, WSJ reports. In 2018, more tourists than residents gave birth in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, of which Saipan is the largest. Chinese citizens can visit the Northern Marianas without a visa after a China visa-waiver program was introduced in 2009. A 2017 report by Pacific Island Times said that so-called birth tourism had become a lucrative business in China, where travel agencies offer tour packages to Saipan which include airport pickup, accommodation, and care throughout their stay on the island. West of the 6th Ring Road in Beijing, construction of the widely anticipated Universal Beijing Resort is in full swing. The initial phase of the project, which includes the Universal Studios theme park, the Universal CityWalk commercial complex and two resort hotels, is going to receive visitors in 2021. "The project, after completion, will play a leading role and provide an impetus for the socio-economic development of the surrounding region," said Xu Liping, the resort's vice president of government affairs. Beijing will step up efforts to promote the high-quality growth of its sub-center, said mayor Chen Jining in his government work report delivered Sunday at the opening meeting of the annual session of the municipal people's congress. Priorities will be given to the sub-center in selecting venues for pilot programs, key projects, high-performance companies and technological applications, Chen noted. As implementation of the control plan for Beijing's sub-center construction in the eastern suburb of Tongzhou District speeds up, a more livable, business-friendly city with good working conditions is taking shape, sparkling with vigor and vitality. A new flapping wing Another mega project has started construction to the west of some key municipal organs of Beijing, which moved their offices from the downtown area to the city's sub-center. The 1.3 million-square-meter underground transportation hub, the largest of its kind in Asia, is scheduled to be ready for traffic by the end of 2024, linking cross-regional and intercity railways, and several metro lines. Travel time to Xiong'an New Area in the neighboring Hebei Province will be reduced to one hour and it takes only 15 minutes to reach Beijing Capital International Airport, and 35 minutes to get to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport. With a founding history of more than 2,200 years, Tongzhou is the north end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and served as the gate of grain shipping to China's imperial capital in ancient times. Zhangjiawan, historically a key port along the canal where the 16th-century Italian priest Matteo Ricci landed to enter the capital city, used to be a major industrial town in Tongzhou with more than 1,000 industrial enterprises. As the district ramps up effort to shut down businesses and factories that fail to meet the sub-center's urban utility and environmental standards, Zhangjiawan is becoming a characteristic design town focusing on creative design and urban technology. Located in the emerging design town, Topnew, a traditional knitwear manufacturer, has had its unused factory buildings replanned and repurposed as the company moved its main business segment out. "The old industrial area, under unified planning with the integration of design and technological resources, will be built into a world-class, energetic fashion design block," said Cao Zonghe, Topnew's general manager. The design town in Zhangjiawan became the permanent site of the Beijing Design Week last September and saw 33 enterprises centering on fine urban management, social services and emerging industries settled in December 2019. Tongzhou was positioned as Beijing's "satellite town" in 1993 and then a "new town area" before the 155-square-km sub-center was planned. Today, as one of Beijing's "two new wings" along with Xiong'an New Area, the sub-center has set a model of quality-driven development by gathering a variety of superior resources. The sub-center has witnessed the settlement of headquarters of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises, branches of state-owned commercial banks, high-tech companies, a national cybersecurity industrial park and a human resource service park. Tongzhou is also at the forefront in building a pilot area as Beijing pushes for further opening of its service sector, with the actual use of foreign capital and total foreign trade volume growing by 8.4 percent and 15 percent year on year respectively in 2019. "We had a solid start in 2019, and will bring in more suitable industries to make the sub-center a vibrant city," said Hu Jiulong, deputy director of the sub-center's management committee. The meeting in Abu Dhabi between the Indonesian president and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was decisive. About US$ 12.6 billion in Gulf money will go to the energy sector. Indonesias new capital could be included. Abu Dhabi (AsiaNews/Agencies) The United Arab Emirates is prepared to invest US$ 22.8 billion in Indonesia through the latters sovereign wealth fund, including nearly a dozen deals in trade, energy and infrastructure, the Indonesian government announced today. The meeting in Abu Dhabi over the weekend between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (pictured) was the clincher. Widodo, who began his second term in October, wants to boost foreign investment to create jobs and foster growth in Southeast Asia's largest economy. About US$ 12.6 billion is part of an agreement between Indonesia's state energy firm Pertamina and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to build a petrochemical plant in West Java, Indonesia's Foreign Ministry reported. Other investments involve ports, renewable energy and agriculture. Indonesian authorities said that investments in Indonesia's planned new capital in Kutai Kartanegara Regency (East Kalimantan) could occur through the sovereign fund. Sheikh Zayed was asked to be an advisor for the development of the new capital. Indonesias Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan noted that the crown prince also expressed interest in investing in the development of Aceh, a province on Sumatra Island with special status that includes the enforcement of Islamic Law (Sharia). NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- OneOncology, the national network of independent community oncologists, announced today its new partnership with Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology (ECHO) as the company expands its footprint across New England. ECHO, a privately-owned, independent practice, has served north and southeast Connecticut for more than 30 years. ECHO's physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and administrative staff join OneOncology's network of over 250 physicians practicing at more than 150 sites of care and serving approximately 200,000 patients every year. By choosing to partner with OneOncology, ECHO remains an independent and privately-owned practice that will continue to serve north and southeast Connecticut and support valued relationships with Backus Hospital and Hartford Healthcare. ECHO's commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate cancer care aligns with OneOncology's core values of increasing access, improving quality, reducing costs and transforming the patient experience. "We joined OneOncology to remain independent, advance community oncology in Connecticut and partner with other practices who offer cutting-edge treatment options and clinical trials to patients in their communities," said Dr. Dinesh Kapur, ECHO's Managing Partner. "We firmly believe that strengthening community oncology in Connecticut and across the country is the right thing to do and OneOncology is the best partner to do so." ECHO's robust clinical trials program aligns with OneOncology's network-wide clinical initiatives directed by their all-physician governance board called OneCouncil. Dr. Kapur will serve on OneCouncil along with chairperson Natalie Dickson, MD, OneOncology's Chief Medical Officer Lee Schwartzberg, MD, and other oncologists in the network. Further, ECHO's leadership in advancing value-based care as part of Medicare's Oncology Care Model (OCM) complements the value-based care initiatives already underway at OneOncology. [See OneOncology Study Reveals Important Insights for Value-Based Care] "We welcome our ECHO colleagues to OneOncology," said Jeff Patton, MD, OneOncology's President of Physician Services and a board member. "Partnering with the renowned physicians of ECHO is an incredible capstone to an extraordinary year of growth at OneOncology. We look forward to continuing this momentum with our physicians, staff and the patients we serve." Expansion into an established market such as eastern Connecticut demonstrates the increasing demand for OneOncology's model by the top physicians in the country. OneOncology will continue its national growth and bring on additional oncology groups in 2020. To learn more, visit oneoncology.com or LinkedIn. About OneOncology: OneOncology is a national partnership of independent, community oncology practices working together to improve the lives of everyone living with cancer through a physician-led, data-driven, technology-powered and patient-centric model. OneOncology is comprised of five large community oncology practices representing over 250 physicians practicing at more than 150 sites of care across the United States. SOURCE OneOncology Related Links https://oneoncology.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 16:36:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A passenger airline of Thai Lion Air made an emergency landing at Sri Lanka's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on Monday after two of its passengers fell seriously ill, airport officials quoted in local media reports said here. Officials said the airline had departed from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and was on its way to Surabaya in Indonesia when two Indonesian passengers fell ill. The flight was diverted to Colombo to make an emergency landing. Police said the two passengers were pronounced dead upon landing and an investigation has been launched. Following a probe, the remains of the two passengers will be handed over to the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo, police said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The amount of mining materials extracted in Iran's Ilam province reached 2.2 million tons in the current Iranian year (started on March 21, 2019), so far, an official with Ilam Industry, Mine and Trade Organization Nabi Samavati said, Trend reports via IRNA. Currently, there are 74 mines in Ilam province and 53 of them are operational at the moment, Nabi Samavati said. The official added that 14 types of mining materials, including bitumen, gypsum, lime, meringue, calcite and marble, are extracted in the province. Four licenses have been issued in the current year for extracting 233,000 tons of mining materials and thus 39 more people got employed in the province's mining sector, Samavati said. The official noted that 64.9 million rials (roughly $1.5 million) have been invested in the mines, that have already been commissioned. Commissioning mines in Ilam province will have positive impact on economic development and raw material supplies of industrial enterprises of Iran, the official concluded. Representative Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.) has angered the Trump administration by pushing fellow Republicans to back a non-binding House resolution aiming to limit the presidents power to make war against Iran, the Washington Post reported on Monday. The Democrat-led resolution passed Thursday in a 224194 vote along party lines, with three Republicans voting in favor, including Gaetz. The resolution was a response to the U.S. killing on January 2 of senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. On the day of the vote, Gaetzs legislative director Devin Murphy sent an email to House Republicans urging them to vote in favor of the resolution. Reclaiming Congressional power is the Constitutional conservative position! Murphy wrote. We WILL be voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 83, and hope you will do the same! Trump vociferously objected to Gaetzs initiative. The Trump administration was disappointed in the congressmans vote and is hopeful that as the presidents foreign policy continues to unfold, he will reconsider his points of view, commented White House legislative director Eric Ueland. Another senior White House official told the Post it was super uncool and quite unwise for Gaetz to buck the president on the issue, and that the administration would not respond to Gaetzs phone calls, text messages, smoke signals or his kneelings in the snow. Gaetz has generally been one of Trumps staunchest allies in the House, especially during the impeachment hearings. The Florida representative initially claimed that Trump understood his vote for the war powers resolution. Other Republicans expressed disapproval of Gaetzs vote. As an FYI, my boss, Ms. Cheney, will be standing with and supporting President Trump and voting against this unconstitutional, partisan resolution, an aide to Wyoming representative Liz Cheney wrote in response to Gaetzs push in favor of the resolution. To the House Dems and GOPers who voted for this resolution: You have done nothing to legally restrict President Trumps power as Commander in Chief. Unfortunately however, you have increased the likelihood of conflict, Senator Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) wrote on Twitter after the vote on Thursday. More from National Review Ugandan authorities have nabbed a woman crossing the country's border carrying illegal cosmetics disguised as a baby. The suspect was making her way to Uganda aboard a bus at the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border with Uganda while carrying the cosmetics which she had stacked in a baby's clothes. READ ALSO: Ruto allies encourage DP to be strong after reports of being locked out of official residence READ ALSO: Willis Raburu discloses he still cries, grieves over daughter's loss and is not ashamed of it According to Uganda Customs Commissioner, Dickson Kateshumbwa, the contraband goods fitted so well in the clothes to masquerade as a child. "Intercepted baby aboard a bus from DRC at Mpondwe Border Post. Turns out the baby is a dummy containing banned cosmetics! Some smugglers never cease to amuse!!" said Kateshumbwa. READ ALSO: Wasamaria wema wawapeleka wavulana waliochangamsha mtandao shule la bweni She was however not lucky enough as law enforcers read malice with her dummy and apprehended her. The woman had stacked the banned cosmetics in a dummy baby. Photo: Dickson Kateshumbwa. Source: UGC The Uganda Revenue Authority said it was aware of this tactic that smugglers have adopted and will arrest all of them. The Ugandan government banned the cosmetics in 2016 because they contain mercury and hydroquinone which some studies have linked to damaging health side-effects. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) listed a number of creams, gels and liquid beauty products which failed to meet the required standards in November 2019. The products, which most people go for in a bid to lighten their skin despite the known side effects, were found to contain compounds which are prohibited for use in cosmetics. 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. Please give me a job - Stephen Kinyanjui | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Bharat Forge Ltd is quoting at Rs 513.9, up 0.16% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 7.85% in last one year as compared to a 14.84% jump in NIFTY and a 7.24% jump in the Nifty Auto. Bharat Forge Ltd gained for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 513.9, up 0.16% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.6% on the day, quoting at 12330.65. The Sensex is at 41883.32, up 0.68%. Bharat Forge Ltd has gained around 9.13% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Bharat Forge Ltd is a constituent, has gained around 2.73% in last one month and is currently quoting at 8225.5, down 0.2% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 5.31 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 17.05 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark January futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 513.9, down 0.13% on the day. Bharat Forge Ltd is up 7.85% in last one year as compared to a 14.84% jump in NIFTY and a 7.24% jump in the Nifty Auto index. The PE of the stock is 23.28 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.) DARLINGTON, S.C. A high school teacher in the Darlington County School District has been arrested for having sex with a 16-year-old student. The teacher, Anna Elizabeth Jeanette Patton, has been charged with three crimes: sexual battery with a student 16 or 17 years of age, no aggravated force or coercion; criminal solicitation of a minor; and disseminating harmful material or exhibiting harmful performance to minors. The employee has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation, Audrey Childers, a spokesperson for the school district, wrote in a news release. According to arrest warrants obtained by the Darlington County Sheriffs Office, the offenses came between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 in the Lamar area. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Patton is accused of having sexual intercourse and performing oral sex on multiple occasions. She also is accused of distributing material that depicts sexually explicit nudity to the juvenile victim through social media platforms and she did knowingly communicate with the juvenile victim through social media and text messaging for the purpose of enticing the victim to engage in sexual activities. In this file photo taken on March 11, 2019, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (R) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave after attending a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in central London, March 11, 2019. Queen Elizabeth II will host a showdown meeting with Prince Harry on Jan. 13, 2020, in an attempt to solve the crisis triggered by his bombshell announcement that he and wife Meghan were stepping back from the royal frontline. AFP Ensconced with aides at her royal retreat, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II prepared Sunday for a crisis family meeting to work out a future for Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, after their dramatic decision to walk away from royal roles. Well-wishers cheered the monarch as she made her weekly trip to a church at her Sandringham estate in eastern England. Meanwhile, supporters of the royal family's feuding factions used the British media to paint conflicting pictures of who was to blame for the rift. Royal officials said the queen had summoned her grandson Harry, his elder brother Prince William and their father Prince Charles to Sandringham, 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of London, for a meeting on Monday. The summit reflects the queen's desire to contain the fallout from Harry and Meghan's decision to ''step back'' as senior royals, work to become financially independent and split their time between Britain and North America. The couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the announcement Wednesday without telling the queen or other senior royals first. William is expected to travel to Sandringham from London and Harry from his home in Windsor, west of the British capital. Charles will fly back from the Gulf nation of Oman, where he was attending a condolence ceremony Sunday following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Meghan, who is in Canada with the couple's baby son Archie, is likely to join the meeting by phone. Buckingham Palace said ''a range of possibilities'' would be discussed, but the queen was determined to resolve the situation within ''days, not weeks.'' The palace said the goal was to agree on next steps at Monday's gathering, which follows days of talks among royal courtiers and officials from the U.K. and Canada. Buckingham Palace stressed, however, that ''any decision will take time to be implemented.'' Among the details that need to be worked out are who will pay for the couple's currently taxpayer-funded security, what money-making activities they can undertake and what the tax consequences would be of moving to Canada or the United States. ''The queen has said she wants it done really fast, and that is because she doesn't want Harry to go off in a huff, I am sure, and not come back,'' royal biographer Angela Levin told Sky News. ''They want to maintain the link of the family. It would be an absolute tragedy if it was done with a very bad feeling.'' However, evidence of bad feeling in the royal clan was spread across the pages of Britain's newspapers. The Sunday Times reported that William had told a friend he was sad that he and Harry were now ''separate entities'' because he wanted ''everyone to play on the same team.'' While royal officials say the queen was ''hurt'' by the surprise announcement, friends of Harry and Meghan say the couple felt they were being pushed aside because of the family's desire to focus on those in the line of succession _ Prince Charles, William and William's son George. Tom Bradby, a TV journalist who is close to Harry and Meghan, warned in the Sunday Times that the royal family badly needed a peace deal to prevent ''a protracted war'' that could damage the monarchy. ''I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred, sit-down interview (by Harry and Meghan) and I don't think it would be pretty,'' he wrote. Harry, who is sixth in line to the throne, married American actress Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle in 2018, and their son was born in May 2019. While many praised the couple for injecting youth and glamour into the royal family, last week's announcement marked an explosive turn in the growing split between them and the rest of the clan. Harry said in an October interview that he and William destined one day to be king were on ''different paths.'' It also came amid the couple's growing unhappiness about their treatment by the media. Harry, who blames the press for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a Paris car crash in 1997, has long chafed at the intense scrutiny he receives. The couple have sued several newspapers over allegedly intrusive coverage, and Harry has accused the media of targeting the biracial Meghan with abuse, some of it with ''racial undertones.'' The couple's decision to distance themselves from the royal family has drawn a mixed reaction. Many Britons expressed sympathy for Meghan and Harry, but said they shouldn't receive taxpayer-funded security if they don't perform public duties. There was near-universal sympathy, however, for the 93-year-old queen. ''I feel desperately sorry for her,'' said 70-year-old Jean Acton, who gathered with other local people to watch the monarch arrive at St. Mary Magdalene church. ''It must be horrible for any parent, let alone if you're a royal or not.'' (AP) Citi will be making some changes to the Citi PremierMiles credit cards airport lounge access benefits next year. Effective 15 January 2020, the complimentary lounge access for the Citi PremierMiles will be expanded to include international airports in 9 countries for up to 8x per calendar year. Currently, Citi PremierMiles cardholders can get unlimited complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA1, Penang International Airport, Kuching International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport for international flights. After the revision on 15 January, cardholders will only be entitled to 8x complimentary visits in a year but cardholders will not be limited to airport lounges in Malaysia. Citi PremierMiles cardholders will be able to get free airport lounge access in 39 lounges across 19 airports in the following countries: Malaysia Hong Kong Taiwan Macau China Canada Cambodia United Arab Emirates Indonesia The full list of airport lounges can be found here. The Citi PremierMiles credit card is Citibanks travel-centric credit card, allowing cardholders to earn PremierMiles that can be redeemed for air miles. It has an annual fee of RM600 (waived for the first three years) and is available to those with a minimum annual income of RM100,000. 0 0 votes Article Rating SHARE Cleveland High School Theater hosts the 6th Annual Performance Showcase on Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. Inside the showcase, CHS will present an evening of monologues, short scenes, Broadway Songs, Voices and the State Bound One-Act. Both shows held at Cleveland High School's Betsy Vines Memorial Theater. Admission to the show is $5. For more information contact Don Markham, dmarkham@clevelandschools.org. Arnold Fundraising Night at Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers will be Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. Tell them you support Arnold Elementary and the school will receive a portion of sales. For more information, contact Michael Chai, 423-472-2241, mchai@clevelandschools.org. E.L. Ross Elementary and Yates Primary host the Creative Discovery Museum STEAM Night on Tuesday, 6-7:30 p.m. at Yates Primary. Families will explore nine stations themed around science, technology, engineering, art and math skills. A free museum membership will be given away too. For more information, contact Mike Collier, 423-479-1723, mcollier@clevelandschools.org Blythe-Bower Elementary hosts Science Night for grades K-2 on Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, contact Prisavia Croft, 423-479-5121, pcroft@clevelandschools.org. Join E. L. Ross Elementary for the Ross Give Back Event at Chili's on Wednesday. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Cleveland Chili's and tell your server that you are representing E.L. Ross. Chili's will give back a portion of your sale to the school PTO. For more information, contact Stephanie Stone, 423-479-7274, sastone@clevelandschools.org. Blythe-Bower Elementary hosts the iMom Breakfast on Friday, 7:40 a.m. All students and mothers are invited to attend this monthly breakfast program. For more information, contact Laura Murray, 423-479-5121, lmurray@clevelandschools.org. Cleveland Middle School hosts Miss Tennessee on Friday, 8 a.m. For more information, contact Leneda Laing, 423-479-9641, llaing@clevelandschools.org. Yates Primary celebrates the 100th Day of School on Friday. For more information, contact Mike Collier, 423-479-1723, mcollier@clevelandschools.org Parent Teacher Conferences: Cleveland Middle School - Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. PTO Meetings: Bernie Sanders has goaded Donald Trump after a recent surge in polling for early voting states has reinvigorated his campaign for the 2020 Democratic nomination. The senator has risen sharply in polls for the first two states to vote in the Democratic primaries, Iowa and New Hampshire, with less than a month to go before voting begins. The surge has caught the attention of the president, who commented on Twitter that Mr Sanders is looking very good against his opponents and asked rhetorically what does this all mean? It means youre going to lose, Mr Sanders swiftly replied. Recent polling shows the Vermont senator beating Mr Trump in a one-on-one fight by 2.6 per cent on average, according to RealClearPolitics analysis. The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Show all 25 1 /25 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Bernie Sanders The Vermont senator has launched a second bid for president after losing out to Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is running on a similar platform of democratic socialist reform Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Joe Biden The former vice president recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well and has since maintained a front runner status in national polling EPA The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts senator is a progressive Democrat, and a major supporter of regulating Wall Street Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar is a Minnesota senator who earned praise for her contribution to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg, a late addition to the 2020 race, announced his candidacy after months of speculation in November. He has launched a massive ad-buying campaign and issued an apology for the controversial "stop and frisk" programme that adversely impacted minority communities in New York City when he was mayor Getty Images The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but has faced tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Pete Buttigieg The centrist Indiana mayor and war veteran would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Deval Patrick The former Massachusetts governor launched a late 2020 candidacy and received very little reception. With just a few short months until the first voters flock to the polls, the former governor is running as a centrist and believes he can unite the party's various voting blocs AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Beto O'Rourke The former Texas congressman formally launched his bid for the presidency in March. He ran on a progressive platform, stating that the US is driven by "gross differences in opportunity and outcome" AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kamala Harris The former California attorney general was introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony. She has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Bill De Blasio The New York mayor announced his bid on 16 May 2019. He emerged in 2013 as a leading voice in the left wing of his party but struggled to build a national profile and has suffered a number of political setbacks in his time as mayor AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Steve Bullock The Montana governor announced his bid on 14 May. He stated "We need to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and defeat the corrupt system that lets campaign money drown out the people's voice, so we can finally make good on the promise of a fair shot for everyone." He also highlighted the fact that he won the governor's seat in a red [Republican] state Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has focused on restoring kindness and civility in American politics throughout his campaign, though he has failed to secure the same level of support and fundraising as several other senators running for the White House in 2020 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam said he intended to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord Vice News The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017 AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Andrew Yang The entrepreneur announced his presidential candidacy by pledging that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual adviser has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Eric Swalwell One of the younger candidates, Swalwell has served on multiple committees in the House of Representatives. He intended to make gun control central to his campaign but dropped out after his team said it was clear there was no path to victory Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Seth Moulton A Massachusetts congressman, Moulton is a former US soldier who is best known for trying to stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming speaker of the house. He dropped out of the race after not polling well in key states Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Jay Inslee Inslee has been governor of Washington since 2013. His bid was centred around climate change AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Hickenlooper The former governor of Colorado aimed to sell himself as an effective leader who was open to compromise, but failed to make a splash on the national stage Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tim Ryan Ohio representative Tim Ryan ran on a campaign that hinged on his working class roots, though his messaging did not appear to resonate with voters Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tom Steyer Democratic presidential hopeful billionaire and philanthropist Tom Steyer is a longtime Democratic donor AFP/Getty Last week, Mr Sanders secured a major boost to his campaign when he was shown to be leading in a widely-respected Des Moines Register/CNN poll for Iowa with 20 per cent of the vote, followed by Elizabeth Warren (17 per cent) and Pete Buttigieg (15 per cent). He is also forecast to win in New Hampshire later in February, with close competition from Mr Buttigieg and former vice president Joe Biden. Mr Trumps decision to single-out Mr Sanders could indicate a change in tactics for the Republican presidents 2020 campaign, which has previously focused on attacking Mr Biden as his likely challenger in the election. Despite Mr Biden performing poorly in Iowa and New Hampshire, he remains the frontrunner in the Democratic race due to his commanding leads in southern states, such as Texas and South Carolina, which vote later in the contest. In recent weeks, Mr Sanders has intensified his criticism of the former vice president and argued that voters are not sufficiently energised by Mr Bidens campaign to defeat Mr Trump. In a leaked script for Sanders volunteers, campaigners have reportedly been told to push potential voters on weaknesses that Mr Trump could exploit against the former vice president, such as his support for free trade agreements and his vote for the Iraq War in 2003, according to Politico. Mr Sanders campaign has also reportedly recommended volunteers argue that Mr Buttigieg cannot win over young people or African-American voters needed to defeat Mr Trump and suggest Ms Warren is the candidate for highly-educated, more affluent people. Ms Warren, a personal friend with whom he has had an informal non-aggression pact, said she was "disappointed" by the report. Bernie knows me, and has known me for a long time, he knows who I am, where I come from, what I have worked on and fought for and the coalition and grassroots movement were trying to build", she said. The senators campaign did not challenge the authenticity of the script but it has declined to comment to Politico on the leak. In RealClearPolitics' polling average, Mr Biden is shown to be the strongest candidate against Mr Trump and defeats the current president by 4.5 per cent in a one-on-one contest. Other candidates perform less favourably in a one-on-one against Mr Trump, with Ms Warren trailing the president by 0.2 per cent on average and Mr Buttigieg trailing by 1.2 per cent. Los Angeles: The former chief executive of an Australian Stock Exchange-listed biotech company believes disgraced US congressman Chris Collins had something akin to a "brain explosion" when he engaged in insider trading during a White House picnic. Collins, 69, from Buffalo, New York, is hoping to avoid prison when he is sentenced in the District Court in Manhattan on Friday. US congressman Christopher Collins resigned over his involvement in alleged insider trading at Australian firm Innate Immunotherapeutics. Credit:Bloomberg The former member of the US House of Representatives and wealthy businessman was a major investor and board member of Innate Immunotherapeutics, a small biotech firm with offices in Sydney and Auckland. On June 22, 2017, Innate emailed Collins - who was at a White House congressional picnic - with the confidential news clinical trials for their potential "breakthrough" multiple sclerosis drug had failed. 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 amount of compensation to the families of victims of the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane will depend on the agreements reached between Iran and Ukraine, according to a representative of Iran Civil Aviation Organization. Reparation for Ukrainian plane depends on a settlement between Iran and Ukraine due to the process of the air disaster, Hassan Razaeefar said on January 12, IRNA agency reported. According to him, as a rule, the contractors pay compensation, but considering the fact that this crash was not a normal, the two countries need to reach a settlement. As reported, Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board. The victims include 11 nationals of Ukraine (two passengers and nine crew members) and nationals of Canada, Iran. Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and UK. Previously, the Iranian side stated that the crash had been caused by technical problems. On January 11, Iran announced that its military unintentionally shot down the Ukrainian aircraft. The plane was mistaken for a hostile target after it turned towards a sensitive military centre. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian plane. iy TAIPEI, Taiwan Fresh from a landslide re-election victory, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met Sunday with the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taipei, as China warned that countries should stick with recognizing communist-ruled Beijing as the rightful government of one China, including Taiwan. William Brent Christensen, a U.S. diplomat who is director of the American Institute in Taiwan, congratulated Tsai on her victory in Saturdays election, and she thanked him for his support. China considers self-governed Taiwan a part of its territory and opposes any official contact with the U.S. as an interference in its domestic affairs. The U.S. does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is legally bound to ensure that the island can defend itself against threats. Tsai has sought closer relations with the U.S. while pushing back against pressure from China, and the Trump administration has reciprocated. Since separating from China during civil war in 1949, Taiwan has developed its own identity but never declared formal independence. Beijing still claims sovereignty over the island of 23 million people and threatens to use force to seize control if necessary. In her victory speech Saturday night, Tsai urged China to resume talks with Taiwan without preconditions while warning against threatening use of force. Today I want to once again remind the Beijing authorities that peace, parity, democracy and dialogue are the keys to stability, Tsai said. I want the Beijing authorities to know that democratic Taiwan and our democratically elected government will never concede to threats. Tsais victory is a setback for Chinese President Xi Jinping at a time when Beijing is grappling with an economic slowdown and long-running, sometimes violent anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong. 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. Since its transition to full democracy beginning in the 1980s, Taiwan has increasingly asserted its independent identity from China even though it is not recognized by the United Nations or any major nation. Ken Moritsugu and Elaine Kurtenbach are Associated Press writers. By Olivia Rose THE CARIBBEAN region is "seismically active and we always need to be prepared, earthquake experts cautioned this week. The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad issued the warning after Puerto Rico was stuck by two earthquakes this week. On Monday (January 6), a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 rocked the country and it was followed by a strong quake with a magnitude 6.4 on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, the large tremor knocked out power, seriously damaged homes and other buildings and left at least one person dead, according to the New York Times. The governor of Puerto Rico, Wanda Vazquez has since declared a state of emergency throughout the country and activated the National Guard in response to the disaster. The SRC in a Facebook post on Tuesday, said Mondays quake was a "foreshock to the 6.4 quake and stressed that the region is seismically active. "Although we do not monitor that area, sharing of knowledge is key to better understanding and living with these geological hazards, the centre said. The US Geological Survey said the quake affected several other countries including the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis, the TCI and the US Virgin Islands. However, the TCIs Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) in a statement on Tuesday debunked these claims. "The TCI was not affected by the 6.4 magnitude earthquake which impacted Puerto Rico, the DDME said. The department added that the Turks and Caicos Islands is not under any earthquake or Tsunami alert, watch or warning. "Some false information is being propagated on social media platforms with reference to the recent seismic activity that impacted the southwestern part of Puerto Rico and a tsunami threat posed to Turks and Caicos Islands. The DDME said it is closely monitoring this event and advised that the seismic activity poses no threat to Turks and Caicos Islands. "Citizens are advised to ignore any WhatsApp messages circulating on this matter. Citizens are also asked to stop sharing WhatsApp voice note messages which may cause unnecessary concern and/or panic. "This is for information purposes only and there is no tsunami threat to the Turks and Caicos Islands from this earthquake. The department went on to join the SRC in stressing that the recent earthquakes serve as a reminder that the region is seismically active. It encouraged residents to join its annual Earthquake Awareness Week from January 12 to 18 as it seeks to "inform, educate and prepare the nation how to effectively respond to an earthquake occurrence. The TCI is one of several nations in the Caribbean and north western Atlantic regions that participate in a region wide drill. This evaluates communication systems, test standard operations procedures and response plans, increase preparedness to hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and response coordination throughout the region. According to information posted on the SRC website, the biggest earthquake in an earthquake sequence is called the main shock. "Main shocks are followed by lots of smaller earthquakes called aftershocks. Occasionally an earthquake will be followed by a larger event. "In that case, we call the first earthquake a foreshock and the new, larger event a mainshock. There is nothing inherently different about the earthquakes themselves, it is just terminology explaining when they occur in relation to each other, the SRC explained. In recent days, several Caribbean countries have been rocked by earthquakes ranging in magnitudes from 3.9 to 4.3. The latest earthquake struck off the coast of Dominica on Wednesday putting sections of the Caribbean on alert for possible tsunamis. London: UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel on Monday dismissed suggestions that some of the country's media coverage of Meghan Markle had racist connotations, ahead of crisis talks to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to chalk out the future roles for Prince Harry and his wife. The UK's senior-most Indian-origin Cabinet member will oversee the final security arrangements for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they step back from the royal frontline and divide their time between the UK and North America in the future. I'm not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the royal family. At this moment in time, right now, the royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that they're dealing with, she told the BBC. Asked if she believes there has been an element of racism in the press coverage against Markle, she noted: I'm not in that category at all where I believe there's racism at all. I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life. Markle, 38, an American, spent a lot of her working life in Canada as an actress. I certainly haven't seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature. In a Buckingham Palace statement back in 2016, Prince Harry had condemned the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls against his then fiancee Meghan Markle. Some media commentators have raised the issue again in the past few days after the couple went public with their intention to step back as senior royals, apparently without consulting the Queen. The bombshell announcement last week triggered an unprecedented crisis within the royal household, with the 93-year-old monarch set for her first face-to-face discussion with grandson Harry on Monday. Her son and heir, Prince Charles, has flown back from Oman to join the so-called Sandringham Summit at her estate in Norfolk along with his older son and the second in line to the throne Prince William. Markle, who had left for Canada last week to be with the couple's eight-month-old son Archie, is expected to join over the telephone. They are set to review a range of possibilities for the couple, taking into account plans they themselves have laid out. Only a broad outline is likely to be agreed at the crisis talks, leaving the implementation details to be thrashed out over time. Some of the issues to be discussed during what has been dubbed as a royal showdown would include how much official royal work Harry and Meghan will do in the UK and overseas on behalf of the royal family and the government; Harry and Meghan's His and Her Royal Highness titles, and how they will be styled. Also on the agenda would be how much money they might receive from the Queen and Prince Charles once their Sovereign Grant public funding is cut; and what commercial deals the couple might be allowed to strike. Meanwhile, some UK media reports indicate that Harry, who has always been close to his grandmother the Queen, is in turmoil over the crisis. He is under intense pressure to choose. It is sad, The Times' quoted a source as saying. There are also some fears that the couple might resort to a kind of tell-all interview unless an acceptable solution is found. This would result in further embarrassment for the royal household, which is said to be hurt by Harry and Meghan's move. On their official Sussex Royal website, the couple have laid out their intention to assume a more financially independent role while supporting the Queen and the monarchy from a distance. However, this half-in, half-out combination has never been tested by the royal family before and poses a range of complications for a traditionally conservative and stiff upper-lipped monarchy. There is unlikely to be much official information released to the public after Monday's Sandringham Summit, with the expected outcome being an announcement that talks will continue. Fire crews have worked through the night to tackle a blaze at a 19th century mansion house in Cheshire. Emergency services were called to Tilstone House, a wedding venue in Tilstone Fearnall, near Tarporley, at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze had spread to three floors of the timber-frame mansion. Emergency services were called to Tilstone House, (pictured) a wedding venue in Tilstone Fearnall, near Tarporley, at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday Ten crews were sent to the scene and on Monday morning firefighters remained at the period property damping down and using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots. A salvage operation to recover any furniture is also under way. There are no reports of any injuries as a result of the fire. Ten crews were sent to the scene and on Monday morning firefighters remained at the period property damping down and using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots The nearby A51 was closed following the blaze. It was partially opened earlier on Monday. The house was built in 1888 for Old Etonian Gilbert Greenall who became the 1st Baron Daresbury and originally used as a hunting and shooting lodge. It is now used for functions including weddings and private parties. According to the house's website, the house was built primarily as an 'aristocratic hunting lodge,' although in terms of scale, it was more like a country house. The Greenalls are said to have cemented Tilstone House as a a social hub, regularly entertaining on a large scale. The house was built in 1888 for Old Etonian Gilbert Greenall who became the 1st Baron Daresbury (pictured) In 1901, Tilstone became home to Major Frederick Howard Wingfield Fetherstonhaugh and his wife Beatrice. The major ran His Majesty, George V's thoroughbred stud. Around 1920, Mary Emma Dempster, wife of John Dempster, bought Tilstone. The Dempsters were an old Scottish family who had become millionaires thanks to the gas industry. After Mrs Dempster died in 1932, the Winterbottoms came to live at Tilstone House. Oscar Dunstan Winterbottom was a son of Old Etonian Book Cloth manufacturer, millionaire George Harold Winterbottom The current owners of the property bought the house and grounds in September 1997. In 2003 Tilstone House won national Quality Standards Awards for the rebuilding of its West Wing, with the standard of the restoration and faithfulness to the style of the original house all highlighted. Tilstone House is described as: providing 'the ultimate back drop to your wedding day.' 'Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, our opulent wedding venue and extensive grounds can cater for both large and more intimate occasions, providing complete exclusivity and a day that you and your guests will never forget,' its website states. The heads of Libyas two warring factions, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Serraj, and the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar, are both in Moscow this Monday to sign a binding ceasefire. Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in the conflict, are supporting the Moscow talks and have both urged the rival factions on Monday to sign a binding truce to end a nine-month-old war and pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the Libyan crisis. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying that the talks are going positively and that Ankara was working to ensure the truce became permanent. Fayez Sarraj and Khalifa Hifter met with top diplomats and military officials from Russia and Turkey for the talks that lasted about seven hours. The negotiations were held behind closed doors, and according to AP, the two men did not meet directly. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Sarraj signed the draft agreement, but that Hafter requested more time to consider it. They have a positive view of the document and asked for extra time until the next morning to decide, Lavrov said of Hafter and his delegation. I hope they will make a positive decision. Russian and Turkish representatives will continue to offer their assistance. A tentative ceasefire came into force Sunday at the call of Turkey and Russia. The two warring sides have however since accused each other of violations. Since April, the Tripoli-based GNA has been under attack from eastern forces loyal to Haftar, which on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. The ceasefire will thus end the nine-month campaign staged by Haftar to seize the capital, Tripoli. In a short televised speech on Monday, al-Sarraj called on Libyans to turn the page on the past. I call on all Libyans to turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace, he said. In an interview with Al Ahrar TV, al-Sarraj said the GNA had accepted the ceasefire deal to prevent more bloodshed in the country. We will not ignore the sacrifices of our sons and martyrs or our dream for a civil state, he said. Our acceptance of the ceasefire comes from a position of strength to maintain national and social cohesion. Al-Sarraj made it clear however that his governments forces were ready to resume military operations in case of any break to the ceasefire. Sarrajs GNA is backed by Turkey, which decided lately to deploy military advisers and possibly troops in Libya, and by Qatar, while pro-Haftar forces are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Russian President is also seen by analysts as supporting Haftar. Al-Sarraj has also accused Paris of supporting Haftar and tacitly backing his assault on Tripoli. French officials denied the claims. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Saturday Germany will host a summit on Libya on January 19, aimed at drawing a path to peace in the North African Country. She made it clear that the United Nations would lead the talks, aimed at giving Libya the chance of becoming a sovereign and peaceful country. Melbourne The Australian government on Monday said it might declare Koalas as an "endangered" species after the population of the cuddly animal suffered an "extraordinary hit" in the unprecedented devastating bushfires, which destroyed 30 per cent of their habitat across the country. The government also announced a 76-million Australian dollar fund for emergency mental health services for the communities hit by the crisis since September last year. The raging Australian bushfires, one of the worst in its history, has killed at least 26 people, burned over 10 million hectares of land, destroyed over 2,000 homes and pushed many species towards extinction. Over 1.25 billion animals are believed to be dead in the wake of bushfires and experts believe that hundreds of billions of insects may have been wiped out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. The government has established a 50-million Australian dollar emergency fund to address the devastating loss of wildlife. Announcing the funding commitment, Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Australia's koala population has taken an "extraordinary hit" in the ongoing bushfires and could be listed as "endangered". The Threatened Species Scientific Committee will need to assess whether koalas have moved from a 'vulnerable' listing to being 'endangered' in some parts of the country, she said. Koala populations across the country are not all impacted by the fires. Koalas are listed as vulnerable in northern New South Wales (NSW) and south-east Queensland, and the fires have likely put them under more pressure there, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The bushfires this summer season has destroyed over 10 million hectares of land across the country, while over 8.4 million hectares have been destroyed in NSW alone. With 30 per cent of their habitat already been destroyed in the devastating bushfires, koalas -- the herbivorous marsupial animal native to Australia -- have become a big focus for the Australian government. The ongoing blaze is also believed to have killed approximately half of the Koala population in the Kangaroo Island, described as Australia's Galapagos Islands. "We know that our native flora and fauna have been very badly damaged. It will be some time before we know what that means for their numbers (and) koalas will be a big area of focus for us," Environment Minister Ley said. "It may be necessary...to see whether in certain parts of the country, koalas move from where they are, which is often vulnerable, up to endangered," she said. According to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg the bushfire crisis is an "ecological disaster" that is "still unfolding". Pointing to the widespread trauma caused by the devastating blaze, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a 76-million Australian dollars emergency fund for mental health services to the bushfire-affected communities. "These bushfires have been unprecedented in their scale, coverage and duration. They have also taken a traumatic emotional toll on our people. We need to ensure the trauma and mental health needs of our people are supported in a way like we never have before," Morrison said. The government will spend 10.5 million Australian dollars on providing those affected with 10 free counselling sessions and 3.2 million Australian dollars will go towards deploying bushfire mental health response coordinators. Medicare rebates will also be available for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions, according to ABC. Online telehealth services will also be expanded to provide treatment sessions for people in remote areas, while 16 million Australian dollars will go to specialist support for emergency services personnel, targeting the more severe needs they might have, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Making the announcement of Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's visit to Oman, the External Affairs Ministry said he will carry a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sultan Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, who was sworn in as successor of Qaboos New Delhi: Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will lead a delegation to Oman on Tuesday to convey India's condolences over the demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, one of the longest-serving rulers in the Gulf region and a close friend of New Delhi. India is observing a day of state mourning on Monday over the death of Qaboos. He died on Friday at the age of 79. Making the announcement of Naqvi's visit to Oman, the External Affairs Ministry said he will carry a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sultan Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said, who was sworn in as successor of Qaboos. The MEA described Qaboos as a "true friend and well-wisher" of India who was instrumental in guiding and elevating India-Oman engagements to the strategic level. "Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of Minority Affairs is leading the government of India delegation to Muscat on 14 January to pay our sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of India," the Ministry of External Affairs said. Qaboos, who wrested power in 1970 and led Oman's rapid growth and development, was widely respected globally for his vision for the Gulf region. "In the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos the world has suffered an irreparable loss of a visionary leader and statesman who not only led his nation towards remarkable progress and prosperity but also was a beacon of peace for our region and the world," the MEA said. It said India maintained close and friendly relations with Oman under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sayyid Haitham on taking over as Sultan of Oman. "I heartily congratulate HM Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said on taking over as Sultan of Oman. I am confident that under his leadership, Oman will continue to progress and prosper and contribute to global peace," he tweeted. "India has millennia-old relations with Oman. We look forward to working hand in hand with HM Sayyid Haitham to further strengthen our strategic partnership," Modi said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 07:21:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close An actress performs "Flower Fairy," a piece of Peking Opera, during a Spring Festival gala in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Jan. 11, 2020. A grand Spring Festival gala was staged in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, Saturday night for local Chinese and Americans to join the Lunar New Year celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei) Performed by local artists and art lovers, the gala featured dancing, Peking Opera, traditional Chinese music and popular Chinese and American songs. HOUSTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- A grand Spring Festival gala was staged in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, Saturday night for local Chinese and Americans to join the Lunar New Year celebrations. Performed by local artists and art lovers, the gala featured dancing, Peking Opera, traditional Chinese music and popular Chinese and American songs. More than 1,000 people watched the "2020 Embracing Spring" evening show, the largest of its kind in Houston. Students perform dance "Mountain Spirits" during a Spring Festival gala in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Jan. 11, 2020. A grand Spring Festival gala was staged in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, Saturday night for local Chinese and Americans to join the Lunar New Year celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei) After joining the show for the first time last year, American vocal performer Dorceal Duckens was excited to return to this year's stage. Singing two songs, Duckens said he had a wonderful experience with Chinese artists and audience. "It's such a fabulous experience to be with the Chinese people. It's very kind of them to even want me to come back. I was excited when I got the call," he told Xinhua, sending New Year wishes to the Chinese community. Director of the show Jiajin Ji said the show has a special aim, carrying forward the traditional Chinese culture. "We chose some performances on purpose. Chinese instrument, traditional costumes, Peking Opera and ancient Chinese poems were all selected elements in this show to represent our splendid culture," he said. Members of Shaolin Temple Cultural Center present martial arts "Shaolin Kung Fu" during a Spring Festival gala in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Jan. 11, 2020. A grand Spring Festival gala was staged in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, Saturday night for local Chinese and Americans to join the Lunar New Year celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei) The show was organized by the Houston Chinese Civic Center, in cooperation with Chinese Consulate General in Houston and Chinese communities across Houston. Chinese Consul General in Houston Cai Wei and some politicians sent their greetings to Chinese communities for the upcoming Chinese New Year. The Year of the Rat will begin on Jan. 25. If corporate management is on the curriculum in 50 years' time, students in 2070 may still be trying to figure out how the current dilemma at the Boeing aircraft corporation has spun so dangerously out of control. How could an industrial giant, which many regard as too big to fail, blunder into all the wrong responses? The 2070 students, of course, will have the advantage of knowing how it all turns out, but nothing about Boeing in the past year inspires great confidence. The problem at the Chicago-headquartered group is almost 18 months in the making and stems from two plane crashes, in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed 346 passengers. The passengers were flying on the newly launched Boeing 737 Max. Boeing's handling of the aftermath of the crashes was lamentable. It was overly confident about a relaunch of the Max aircraft, annoying the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the process. There was, in turn, a chorus of criticism from the US Congress, global regulators, airline customers and other stakeholders. Its incompetent handling has led to the removal of CEO Dennis Muilenburg - but with an eye-watering redundancy package of $39m. The problem of the Max is the biggest crisis in Boeing's 103-year history. The crisis has cost the company billions of dollars and also challenged global aviation assumptions. According to the European director of aviation safety, Boeing performed self assessments, which were taken on board without a quibble by the FAA. A report in October found that the FAA had not exercised enough scrutiny over Boeing during the certification process. It also found that the regulator failed to ground the aircraft even after its own negative analysis. Since grounding all the Max planes, the company nonetheless has continued to produce 42 planes each month. It now has a stock of 400 Max aircraft. Only recently it announced a halt in production. This rattled its hundreds of global suppliers. To reduce its stock of Max planes, the group was making statements as to when the plane would fly again. This miffed the regulator, which accused Boeing of pushing the recertification of the Max ahead of the FAA's decisions. Some politicians accuse the company of prioritising profits over safety. The technical glitch centred on the Max's anti-stall system. This problem was compounded when it was learned that the company lobbied to avoid costly pilot training, arguing that pilots should have been able to handle the new system. To some, the FAA let Boeing ram through the Max design - based on a certification approved in 1967 for the 737. They chose this rather than face a costlier approval process for a new aircraft. Boeing leaders have been surprised by the political backlash as they assumed they had political protection given the company's spread of production plants around the US. They also spent handsomely on political donations, even giving $1m for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Boeing will face significant liabilities from victims' families and from airlines that bought the Max. A criminal investigation cannot be ruled out and would be likely to have severe financial consequences. Boeing's relationships with the FAA will have to change. The regulator will be under scrutiny to do its job and the company must implement a new safety culture. A breakup of the group between civilian and military aircraft divisions could be one consequence. In a recent bid to reassure regulators, passengers and flight crews, Boeing is recommending that airlines provide pilot simulator training for the Max. This is a stunning reversal of its previous stance. Boeing shares trade at $330 (296) against their 12-month low of $292. In spite of Boeing's problems I'm taking a mid-term view that the shares are worth considering. Nothing in this section should be taken as a recommendation, either explicit or implicit, to buy any share mentioned. Political Editor Daniel McConnell looks at the chances of all of the parties, groupings and unaligned independents who may be critical in forming the country's next government. 'Obviously, the General Election is now on'. That was the clear and unambiguous declaration from Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, on RTE radio following several days of intense media speculation driven by coy talk from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The country's youngest ever leader says he has his mind made up, leading many to conclude that the election will be held on Friday, Feb 7 or a week later on St Valentine's Day. For the first time since 2007, we have a genuine head-to-head contest between Varadkar and Martin as to who will be Taoiseach, meaning this campaign is likely to be the most personalised and presidential campaign in living memory. Whether it is a three- or a four-week campaign, it is worth looking at the chances of all of the parties, groupings and unaligned independents who may be critical in forming the country's next government. Fine Gael 47 seats Swept into office in 2011, the party is now nine years in office. Following a bruising first five years in office, Enda Kenny and his troops failed to get any credit from the public for dragging the country back from the economic abyss. In fact, he lost the election and saw 26 of his colleagues elected in 2011 lose their seats. It was a remarkable reversal of fortune for Kenny, who returned with just 50 TDs. The loss of so many seats in Munster particularly, 15 in total, severely damaged the party's standing. Even though he managed to cobble a minority government together and stayed in office for more than a year, he was fatally wounded by that result and his authority was shot. Ultimately replaced by Varadkar in the summer of 2017, the party began to enjoy a prolonged honeymoon reflected by a substantial lead across many opinion polls over Fianna Fail. It appeared at one stage that Varadkar was assured of re-election and came under significant internal pressure in 2018 to call a snap election to capitalise on that lead. He didn't and his party has since endured a torrid time in office. National scandals such as the cost overruns in the National Children's Hospital and the National Broadband Plan coupled with significant internal party discord involving Maria Bailey and the Murphys Dara and Verona means the shine has very much come off Varadkar's halo. Facing into the election, between retirements, resignations and de-selections, Varadkar is also 10 seats down before he begins. That is a lot of ground to make up. The party is clearly looking to Brexit and the economy as its key selling points and, on a good day, would be hoping to return with 55 to 60 seats if it has genuine hopes of winning that historic third term in office. Fianna Fail 45 seats Led by Micheal Martin since 2011, the party's near total demise that year came following their allowing the economy to 'go off a cliff' a decade ago. Martin, despite significant personal tragedy at the time, won the leadership and has steered the party to calmer waters and happier times. Not universally loved by his own colleagues, he took them from 20 seats in 2011 to 44 in 2016 and the party became the largest at local level following an impressive performance in 2014. Following the 2019 local elections, it remains the largest party and has gained significant ground in Dublin especially. Within the Dail parliamentary party, Martin has faced down significant pressure on many issues and won out. Most notably, his stance to support the Government's laws to liberalise abortion came despite a large majority of his own TDs opposing the plan. Winning two of the four by-elections in November has given the party a lift and with the two parties virtually neck-and-neck in Dail numbers, and momentum behind Martin, he appears favourite at this stage to win out. But having lost two elections as leader, this is his last chance and the stakes could not be higher. Sinn Fein 22 seats Mary Lou McDonald failed in her first electoral test when her party lost two of their three MEPs and 80 if its local authority councillors. She says she and her party have learned the lessons but while they capitalised on the public anger against Austerity in 2014 and 2016, they have yet to convince people they can deliver credible solutions. For the first time, Sinn Fein says it is ready for Government, even as the junior party, but Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour have all ruled out entering power with them. Were the local election results to be repeated, Sinn Fein could lose up to 10 of its current TDs and McDonald knows that if she fails again, her tenure as leader will be cut short. Labour Party 7 seats Nearly wiped out in 2016, the party has struggled for relevance in the 32nd Dail. A reasonable if unspectacular performance in the 2019 local and Europeans and later the four by-elections has given some in the party hope it can increase its Dail seat total next time around. While the Brendan Howlin/Alan Kelly conflict has been parked, it appears that it is merely a matter of time before the young pretender will ascend to the top position. Should it manage to win more than 10 seats, then expect the party to be central to any government formation talks and Howlin could yet end up as Tanaiste. Solidarity/PBP 6 seats Their councillors were squeezed last summer and should that be repeated, the ranks of this hard-left grouping could be greatly depleted. The somewhat farcical split by Paul Murphy from within the group only highlights their current unfitness for high office. They will not feature in any government talks as most others see them as unsuitable to govern. Green Party 3 seats Leader, Eamon Ryan, a former Communications Minister, has made no secret of a desire to re-enter Government. While the climate change agenda will be one of the key themes of the election, and the party will undoubtedly make gains, there is a major question as to how ready it is to capitalise on any green wave which may arise. Ryan's big challenge is to win more seats than Howlin, as they are in a race to become Tanaiste. Social Democrats 2 seats The party, born out of disaffection with the Labour Party, could struggle to grow its Dail presence but hopes that Gary Gannon could win a seat in Dublin-Central. They again could end up being crucial in government formation talks. Independents 24 seats The Independent Alliance appears to be no more with the decision of Kevin 'Boxer' Moran to paddle his own canoe next time and their time in Government is coming to an end. No one expected them to last as long as they have and recent opinion polls show that the influence of independent TDs in the next Dail is likely to be reduced. A small number of individual independent TDs could well be needed to shore up a working Dail majority. " " This painting by John Trumbull shows the Founding Fathers with the Declaration of Independence. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Abraham Lincoln knew exactly why the Declaration of Independence was such a profoundly important political document. "I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence," said Lincoln in an improvised speech on the eve of his first inauguration. "I have often inquired of myself, what great principle or idea it was that kept this Confederacy so long together. It was not the mere matter of the separation of the Colonies from the motherland; but that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but, I hope, to the world, for all future time." Lincoln was one of many American leaders and civil rights activists who challenged the nation to live up to its founding principles as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, "that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." But there's much more to the Declaration of Independence than that one unforgettable sentence. In 1,337 words, Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the Continental Congress made the case to their fellow Americans and the world that they had suffered abuse and mistreatment under King George III and that the British parliament intended to take away their freedoms. Colonists had no choice but to cut ties with Great Britain and declare themselves "free and independent states." Advertisement What's Inside the Declaration of Independence? The Declaration of Independence is organized into five main sections. First comes the introduction, a paragraph-long sentence that sets the stage for the philosophical arguments to come and places the call for independence in the broader "course of human events" as "necessary" under the "laws of Nature." " " In 1820, the Declaration of Independence was already showing signs of age. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned printer William J. Stone to make a full-size copperplate engraving to print copies. The 1823 Stone engraving is the most frequently reproduced version of the Declaration. National Archives Then comes the preamble, which begins with those immortal words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal... " and manages, in just five sentences (202 words), to lay out the entire American philosophy of government. Namely that "just" governments derive their powers "from the consent of the governed," and that the people have the right to organize their government based on principles that "shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." The third and longest section of the Declaration is the list of grievances against George III, who Jefferson boldly labels a "tyrant." Modeled after much older founding English documents like the Magna Carta (1215) and the Petition of Right (1628), this lengthy indictment of the king's various abuses against the natural rights of the colonists lays down the "facts" of the case for independence. The next, much shorter section extends the king's indictment to the British people, who had ignored the pleas of their "common kindred" and been "deaf to the voice of justice." For that reason, the Americans had no choice but to consider their former countrymen "enemies in war, in peace friends." The final section or conclusion wraps up the colonists' case in largely formulaic language common to political documents. But it ends with an emotional zinger that rings through the ages: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." Advertisement One Document, Four Audiences The Declaration of Independence was written for several audiences with distinct political stakes in the fledgling nation, explains John Kaminski, director of the Center for the Study of the American Constitution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The first audience was the American people, who remained divided between Loyalists and Patriots. The Declaration argued the cause of independence was just and that the price of freedom was one that Americans should be willing to pay. The second audience was Great Britain, both its people and its government. As its name implies, the Declaration of Independence wasn't asking for permission to sever ties with the mother country it was declaring independence, i.e. "this is happening and this is why we're doing it." The third audience was less obvious and consisted of every country that had a beef with England. Kaminski says that France and Spain in particular had "great grievances" against Great Britain and expected to go to war with King George any day. "One of the things that France and Spain were worried about was to enter into some kind of military alliance or commercial alliance with the Americans only to watch them go back and reconcile with Great Britain," says Kaminski. "France and Spain wanted to see a severance, and the Declaration of Independence was an announcement to them we're no longer with Great Britain. It's over." The fourth audience was posterity. The Founding Fathers knew they were writing a somewhat radical document that had the potential to launch an entirely new kind of democratic enterprise. "They were writing to us in the future,"says Kaminski. "They wanted to show what motivated them and why they took this drastic action." Advertisement If 'All Men Are Created Equal,' What About Slavery? To modern readers, this is one of the most glaring inconsistencies of the Declaration, that the Founders could claim that "all men are created equal" while allowing the practice of slavery and denying basic civil rights to black people and women. To 18th-century readers, though, there wouldn't have been such a conflict, says Kaminski. They would have understood that Jefferson was writing philosophically. In other words, all men and women are created equal in the eyes of God, even if they're not equal here on Earth. Jefferson might have also been speaking on a societal level, comparing Americans as "equal" to "all [other] men." At least that's what Jefferson was getting at in the introduction when he asserted that "among the powers of the Earth," the colonists occupied a "separate and equal station." Interestingly, 19th-century Confederate secessionists took Jefferson at his word, believing that the Founders meant that all men, including free and enslaved blacks, were created equal, and that's why the South had to split from the Union. Advertisement Was Jefferson the Sole Author of the Declaration? On June 7, 1776, a "Committee of Five" was tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence: Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Robert Livingston. Once they agreed on the substance of the document, they debated over who should write the first draft. Jefferson wanted Adams to do it, but the Massachusetts delegate refused in his typical colorful fashion. In an 1822 letter, Adams recounted how he convinced Jefferson to do it. "Reason first, you are a Virginian, and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason second, I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third, you can write ten times better than I can." Advertisement What Was Cut From the Declaration of Independence? Jefferson's original draft, written over three weeks holed up in his Philadelphia boarding house, went through heavy edits by the Continental Congress. In Jefferson's draft of the preamble, he held these truths to be "sacred and undeniable," not "self-evident." And the Founders added that shoutout to "divine Providence" in the final line. But the biggest and most glaring change was the deletion of an entire lengthy paragraph about the Atlantic slave trade. Jefferson, who one scholar calls "maddeningly complex" on the issue of slavery, berated King George for refusing some colonists' calls to rein in or stop the slave trade from Africa. "He has waged cruel war against human nature itself," wrote Jefferson in his original draft, "violating it's [sic] most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither." Adams particularly loved this section of Jefferson's draft, but knew it would end up on the chopping block. "I was delighted with its high tone and the flights of oratory with which it abounded, especially that concerning Negro slavery, which, though I knew his Southern brethren would never suffer to pass in Congress, I certainly never would oppose," wrote Adams. Advertisement A Declaration Heard Round the World The Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4, 1776, as is often thought. The Second Continental Congress voted to approve the resolution to legally separate from Great Britain on July 2. But the document was printed on July 4, so that's the date on the Declaration. As Lincoln said, the Declaration of Independence is more than an American document; it's a declaration of liberty shared by all free people. Since 1776, there have been 120 declarations of independence issued by nations and other sovereign peoples. Jefferson hoped that this would be true when he wrote a friend in 1795: "This ball of liberty...is now so well in motion that it will roll round the globe. At least the enlightened part of it, for light & liberty go together." Now That's Cool While Jefferson borrowed language from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, he deserves points for precision. "It took John Locke two treatises to come up with his philosophy of government," says Kaminski. "It took Jefferson 202 words." How Struggling Air India Is Setting the Stage for a Major Battle Among Distribution Giants The battle for Indias lucrative travel market among global distribution systems is not over yet even if Travelport has won hands down with exclusive rights to distribute Air Indias domestic flights content in India. For a split second, it appears that Travelport can sit pretty and command control of a vast market all on its own. Sabre announced at the start of the year that Air India had decided to withdraw from it. Amadeus had pulled out in December 2018 after Travelports win, awarded in October 2018 and fully implemented by January 1, 2020, which was just too much for it to swallow. So the grass was looking green for Travelport with neither Sabre nor Amadeus on the turf. But Amadeus announced last week that its back in with Air India, even if its only with the airlines international flights content, not domestic, which is now fully ensconced in Travelport. And while Sabre has failed to renew its contract, which expired at the end of 2019, the company said it is still engaging with Air India on a new agreement. India is far too important for technology and distribution players to walk away. And the distribution weapon that Air India wields is symptomatic of a sick airline that oscillates between cost-cutting and generating revenue as it gasps for air to stay afloat, according to industry veterans interviewed by Skift. A Dubious First Air India made a dubious first in the annals of airline distribution by appointing Travelport the sole distributor of its domestic flights content in India in October 2018. This is significant. Firstly, the domestic market in Asia is where most of the traffic is for airlines, except for the few like Singapore Airlines that have a tiny home base. Not only that, Indias domestic travel market is consistently the fastest growing of key markets tracked by the International Air Transport Association. In 2018, it expanded 18.5 percent over 2017 to 116 million passenger journeys. Story continues Secondly, such a pact just isnt done. For decades, Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport have taken assertive stands in their contracts with airlines and have seldom, if ever, let a large airline do what Air India has done provide less-than-full content. But Travelport is desperate to reverse its market share losses and sees India as a means to this end, as Skifts technology editor Sean ONeill wrote in this article. Air India, on the other hand, is under heavy pressure to show it is either making revenue, or making savings. The government is now at an exasperation point to find a suitor for the airline. Air Indias politically driven merger with Indian Airlines [in 2007] has been a commercial disaster; their falling market share and deteriorating financials have left them in poor shape, said Sunil Nanda, director of one of the regions oldest travel agencies, GC Nanda & Sons, and vice chairman of the Society of IATA Passenger Agents in Hong Kong, where he is based. It is an established mantra that airlines require cost-efficient and widespread distribution. In a highly competitive market like aviation where travel agents still contribute the vast majority of passengers, airlines remain highly dependent on GDS [global distribution system]. Cutting back on participation suggests poor financial health and will likely exacerbate Air Indias difficulties. It is a short-term tactic to save costs, added the industry veteran, who also has a track record in technology and distribution systems. Travelport appears to have taken advantage of a lack of flexibility of the other two major players and crafted an airline-specific deal to address Air Indias particular needs, observed Nanda. Travelport appears to be saying, We are open for business, lets talk. With their recent privatization they are insulated from the pressures of the stock market that still apply to both Amadeus and Sabre. The stock market is notoriously capricious and reacts to short-term news. Whilst Amadeus and Sabre must consider how the stock market and institutional investors will react to their initiatives, Travelport is unshackled; it can focus on its business and run it in the manner that makes the best long-term business sense. The Air India deal reflects this flexibility and is a positive for both companies. Analysts estimate the exclusivity may generate roughly 5 percent of Travelports revenue this year. At What Price? But how does giving Travelport exclusivity to domestic content save money for Air India? One theory is that as distribution companies charge airlines a fee per booking, Travelport could, for example, charge Air India a much smaller fee in return for the exclusivity. But as a portion of the fee is shared with agents, Travelport could in turn reduce that share. More menacingly, it could undercut agents further over time, since it has the monopoly on Air Indias domestic flights. Theres no need for Travelport to pay high incentives anymore to agents because we dont have a choice but to use that one GDS (global distribution system), as only it has the domestic flights content of Air India, said an agent. Gradually from November 2018, travel agents in India could no longer book Air Indias domestic flights, for example, Delhi to Mumbai, on Amadeus or Sabre, only on Travelport. As the deal covers only domestic, they could still book Air Indias international flights, say, Delhi to London, on any of the three competing distribution systems, while agents outside India could also continue to book Air Indias domestic and international content on all three (until December 4, 2018, when Amadeus left, that is). But as mentioned earlier, domestic is where most of the traffic is. Asked by Skift if the exclusivity comes at the expense of agents, Travelports regional managing director for India and Sri Lanka, Martin Herbert, said: Were not able to disclose specific commercial terms. However, we do work with all stakeholders to ensure value for all parties including on a case-by-case basis as appropriate. There are also concerns the move will disrupt the business. Travel agents tend to have one preferred GDS. Imagine that an agency has trained all the staff to use one particular GDS (global distribution system), then, for this one airline you have to train staff again. So maybe youd just book a different airline, said a source. Thats a gamble Air India takes in changing its strategy, in that although it can save costs, it can also lose business to other airlines. But, on the other hand, this could swing more distribution system conversions to Travelport, which surely is part of its overall strategy to boost market share. Agents using them for domestic bookings will likely use them for international flights as well, and this will help Travelport convert Sabre and Amadeus customers to Travelport, said Nanda. Why Amadeus Returns That may be a reason why Amadeus is back, after pulling out in December 2018 when its contract with Air India was up. The company took Air India to court in early 2019 to review the fairness of the Travelport deal, a case that is still in process. Besides, although Air India is seen as having gone to the dogs, it remains a dominant player. In financial year 2017/18, Air India carried 20.9 million, still a significant number by any measure, said Nanda. Its also important to keep in mind that the long-term fundamentals supporting Indian market growth are strong. The countrys middle class as well as its population overall is growing. This will drive travel demand. India is one of the worlds fastest-growing business travel markets. And the government is putting significant investment into aviation infrastructure and not just in main metros but beyond into small regional cities. As such Air India is a significant airline on the global stag, and it is important for the GDS (global distribution systems) to have access to the content of this airline for its agency customer base. Whats more, Jet Airways has been grounded since early last year, while Indigo, the fastest-growing Indian carrier, is a sister of InterGlobe Technology Quotient the official distributor of Travelport in India. Thus, even when Amadeus have signed up other Indian carriers including Vistara and SpiceJet after leaving Air India in December 2018, it did not have the two most dominant players in the market. As well, theres airline technology at stake, not just distribution technology. According to Nanda, SITA, Air Indias passenger service system provider, has announced it is retiring from this business in 2022. So Air India will have to move somewhere. It will have to look at Amadeus or Sabre. Given the complexities of the RFP (request for proposal) and negotiating process for passenger service systems today, Air India would benefit from the expertise of global specialists like T2RL (that help airlines procure such solutions). Travelport evidently also wants to increase its airline technology business. Its new chief operating officer, John Elieson, announced today, was president and CEO of Radixx international, a company that provides technology solutions to the airline industry and was recently acquired by Sabre. But an insider told Skift that be that as it may, the biggest reason why Amadeus is back in with Air India is that it sees a tiny window of opening, as things could change following Travelports privatization under its new owners, and theres potential to build up the relationship again. The source said Air India is now desperate to show that it is in a growth mode, as its up for sale, after its desperation to cut costs in 2018. However, Air Indias deal with Travelport is airtight, the source said. Asked by Skift about the change of heart, Amadeus spokesperson in Asia-Pacific did allude to the move as being a stepping stone, although he wont say to where. We are hopeful that, following our discussions with the airline, this new agreement represents a significant stepping stone for an extended, long-term relationship between both companies, he said. India is undergoing rapid digital transformation, and the situation of the Indian travel market over the last year has been particularly volatile and difficult for airlines and travel sellers. Amadeus is committed to supporting the travel industry and, in particular, our airlines and travel seller customers. This new agreement with Air India will allow Amadeus agencies worldwide (to) access the full range of Air Indias content and travel sellers in India to use the Amadeus system to book international travel, said the spokesperson. An Amadeus statement also quoted Meenakshi Malik, Air Indias commercial director, alluding to a growth strategy and a new journey with the distribution company. We are pleased to renew our relationship with Amadeus to support our growth strategy globally and hope that this is the first step in our new journey together. We look forward to working closer with Amadeus to support agencies and travelers in the future, Malik said. Skift reached out to Malik for comments but she did not respond. Amadeus spokesperson wont divulge the commercial terms of its new agreement with Air India but said its nothing out of the ordinary. Effectiveness Asked what sort of damage Amadeus suffered in the 13 months it was out of Air India, its spokesperson maintained the impact was minimal. Amadeus bookings in Asia-Pacific, minus India, grew 3.2 percent in the first nine months of 2019, over the same period in 2018, he pointed out. The opportunity cost however is its Asia-Pacific growth could have been higher had Amadeus come to an agreement with Air India instead of pulling out. Air Indias Malik did not respond to Skifts query about how effective the change of strategy has been since its implementation in November 2018. But a Travelport statement quoted her as saying the airline has already seen growth of 22 percent in operational profit and cut down cost by around Rs. 300 crore ($42 million) since it began changing its distribution strategy. Malik also projected a saving of Rs. 3,200 crore ($451 million) in five years, Travelports statement said. Asked how it helped Air India achieve those results, Travelports Herbert said, The specifics around how those figures are derived are best left addressed by Air India. That said, Herbert added, fundamentally what were delivering to Air India is a combination of, one, advanced technology to help drive bookings with our leading merchandising solution, Travelport Rich Content and Branding, that helps agents efficiently upsell and add-sell for a better mix of high-value fares and, two, scale advantages, enabled by our leading position in India with our extensive agency partner network. Were confident these factors are bringing significant value to Air India as it looks to boost sales domestically and globally, and implement its turnaround strategy. Is Travelport worried about Amadeus being back in Air India books? We reached our own commercial agreement with Air India in full expectation that it would be working with other distribution channels, including other GDS (global distribution systems), said Herbert. While weve watched the developments of the past one and a half years with interest, weve nevertheless been focused throughout on fulfilling our own obligations and supporting Air India on its objectives and ensuring we do so without disruption to Air Indias agencies and customers. Why is Sabre Out? Sabres contract with Air India was expiring at the end of 2019, hence it found itself in the same position as Amadeus over a year ago of having to negotiate new terms with the airline. A note it sent to its agents said it had worked with Air India for the better part of 2019 on a new contract. Regrettably, after extensive negotiations and having agreed on terms in late October, Air India has requested new terms that we cannot accept, it said. A Sabre spokesperson for Asia-Pacific told Skift the terms it offered, and that Air India had tentatively agreed to, were competitive and market-appropriate, but declined to say more. A source speculated, Clearly, Air India is seeking significant cost-savings from Sabre. Sabre is continuing to pursue an agreement with Air India, said its spokesperson. While the current contract has expired, we value our relationship with Air India and want to keep distributing their content under agreeable terms. Ultimately, the decision lies with Air India, she said. And so Air Indias distribution dance continues, its winners and losers are far from a foregone conclusion. Subscribe to Skift newsletters covering the business of travel, restaurants, and wellness. - Bobrisky has taken to social media to warn his haters against competing with him - The cross-dresser noted that if they compete with him they would die - In his Instagram post, the cross-dresser also noted that he is a queen that can never be tamed Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has taken to social media to warn his haters. The popular cross-dresser sent out the warning in a post on his Instagram page. The cross-dresser had sent out the warning to his haters as caption with a photo shared on his Instagram page. Bobrisky warned his haters that they risk death by competing with him. He also bragged about being a queen. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app In the Instagram post, the young cross-dresser and socialite also noted that he can never be tamed, adding that he is forever a queen. You compete, you die - Cross-dresser Bobrisky says as he warns haters Source: Bobrisky222 Source: Instagram PAY ATTENTION: Do you have news to share? Contact Legit.ng instantly Legit.ng also reported that the socialite had shared his New Year's resolution and it was interesting to hear. The socialite revealed that the year 2020 for him is the year for snatching people's husbands. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Nigerian actor Uche Maduagwu recently advised Bobrisky to stop behaving like a lady. The actor noted that God did not make a mistake in creating him as a male. Maduagwu also compared Bobrisky to Tacha, saying he would never be as pretty as she is. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Bobrisky's Birthday: Nigerians condemn Police over disruption at party venue - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng News Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Monday that Fiat Chrysler restitution checks in the amount of $1,000 have been mailed to 1,614 Arizona consumers who owned or leased certain Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel vehicles. All checks must be deposited or cashed within 90 days of receiving them in the mail. The restitution payments to consumers is part of a 2019 settlement between the Arizona Attorney Generals Office and Fiat Chrysler involving so-called EcoDiesel vehicles. The settlement resolved consumer fraud claims of deceptive marketing, selling, and leasing of 20142016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel vehicles. Under the settlement with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Fiat Chrysler agreed to pay restitution to Arizona consumers of up to $1,000 for a qualifying vehicle. Consumers with questions should contact the Arizonas Claims Administrator at (888) 764-8871 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m., Arizona time. The Fiat Chrysler settlement follows a 2018 settlement between the Arizona Attorney Generals Office and Volkswagen that provided restitution to more than 11,000 eligible Arizona consumers impacted by Volkswagens clean diesel scandal. Additionally, in January 2019, the Attorney General's Office filed a Consumer Fraud Lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and its parent Daimler AG for allegedly defrauding Arizonans through the sales of certain clean diesel cars. This case is still ongoing. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has sought details of employees from all ministries by January 15 as the government launched an exercise to formulate an accommodation action plan under its ambitious project to redevelop Central Vista in Lutyens' Delhi. In his letter to secretaries, Gauba has asked them to appoint a nodal officer not below the rank of joint secretary in their respective ministries to facilitate collection of all required information in this regard, sources told PTI. The Narendra Modi government has readied a blue print for its ambitious plan to redevelop Central Vista -- the nation's power corridor in Delhi -- for which several buildings such as Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Vice-President's residence and Nirman Bhawan are likely to be razed. The redevelopment plan of Central Vista is likely to include a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, common central secretariat for ministries and the revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan till India Gate. Shifting the residences of the vice-president and the prime minister close to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is also under consideration. An official said the 2022 Republic Day parade would take place at the "modernised" Rajpath. As part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, the government will construct a central secretariat to accommodate offices of all ministries, the cabinet secretary said in the letter. According to an estimate, the government is currently paying Rs 1,000 crore as rent annually for its offices spread across the national capital. "The cabinet secretary has sought a list of requirement of ministries, their attached and subordinate offices about the sanctioned and filled posts. He has asked secretaries of ministries to submit such details by January 15," a source said. Gauba said that such details will help the Union housing and urban affairs ministry, which is a nodal ministry for the mega project, formulate accommodation plan. The Union housing and urban affairs ministry has planned to float tenders for each project by next month. According to the Central Public Works Department, the entire Central Vista redevelopment project will be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 12,879 crore. The new Parliament building with seating capacity for 1,000 to 1,200 people is targeted to be constructed by August 2022 when India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024. In October last year, Gujarat-based architecture firm HCP Designs won the consultancy bid for architectural and engineering planning of the Centre''s ambitious project. The firm, which will be paid Rs 229.75 crore for consultancy services, will prepare the master plan of the project, including designs, cost estimation, landscape and traffic integration plans, and parking facilities among others. What could you do with a Christmas bonus of N2 million? The response is faster if you are a Nigerian senator: not much. In fact, some senators have described the amount which is only a fraction of a regular stream of benefits accrued to them as a mere drop in the vast ocean of their Yuletide expenses. Others threatened to cause the Senate leadership some headache upon resumption from their Christmas-New Year recess later this month. It was not enough to meet our Christmas needs, one senator said. In fact, some of us are already coming together to formally complain to our president. The lawmakers received the N2 million on December 18 from the Senate overhead and operations account, according to bank transaction alerts of two senators seen by PREMIUM TIMES. The purpose of the transaction was not attached to the payments, but lawmakers had been told a few days earlier to expect the funds as their Christmas allowances, according to three senators who briefed PREMIUM TIMES on it. The senators spoke under anonymity as of the time they interacted with PREMIUM TIMES to avoid a potential backlash from their colleagues, but one of them said they may eventually go public with their complaints if their anger boils over. They said we should use the money to take care of our families and constituents, one senator said. I was just standing there without knowing what to say for many minutes. The senator decried the failure of Senate President Ahmed Lawan to understand the scale of responsibility that usually confronts them whenever they visit their constituency. Senate President Ahmed Lawan[PHOTO CREDIT: @DrAhmadLawal There are many local government areas under my district, the senator said. How do I tell them that I only came back home with N2 million? Even when I am travelling for an event or just to visit my constituency, I usually hold at least N50 million, the senator added. Another senator said lawmakers usually received far larger amount in Christmas allowances, wondering why the current assembly that has maintained a cordial relationship with the executive now finds itself receiving much less. We have been struggling in poverty since we came on board months ago, the senator said. I asked my distinguished colleagues why we have to be the one suffering the excesses of past assemblies. We have given this administration every support and people on social media are angry and calling us a rubber stamp Senate, the senator said. We have started gathering ourselves and we will make our position known to the leadership, the senator said. Otherwise, we may not have a choice left but to publicly call out the leadership and give them some headache when we resume plenary. Two former senators who served in seventh and eight assemblies told PREMIUM TIMES they received Christmas allowances well over N2 million, but could not recall the specifics. We received allowances for Christmas and Sallah holidays during our time in the Seventh Assembly, a former senator from Ogun State said. I am struggling to remember how much we received then, but I am very sure each one was far more than N2 million. The second former senator confirmed that he received more than N2 million in Christmas bonus, but warned that members of the current assembly should concentrate on their activities rather than complaining over payment. The N2 million may look small, the senator said. But I will advise them to remember the millions of Nigerians who cannot even earn a fraction of that amount throughout the year. The former senators insisted on speaking off the background to avoid offending their serving senators, many of whom they identified as friends and political associates. Trust issues While the senators were unable to categorically say how much they should have gotten as Christmas bonus, they expressed deep suspicion that the share of each member of the 109 body was more than N2 million. I have been struggling to reconcile the amount we received as National Assembly budget with the small-small stipends we have been getting from the leadership, one senator said. Unlike the Senate President, we are not entitled to many official benefits like private jets and free fuel for our vehicles. The National Assembly received N125 billion in 2019. Although down considerably from the N140 billion it received the previous year, many Nigerians were still highly critical of governments priority in allocating such a vast amount to 469 people in a population hovering around 200 million. About 90 million Nigerians still languish in abject poverty, per official estimates. Their appropriated budget aside, lawmakers are also seen as the primary beneficiaries of the so-called constituency intervention projects whose allocation usually suppasses N100 billion per year. Although the projects are implemented by federal agencies, lawmakers are often accorded sufficient deference in choosing contractors. The opaque atmosphere under which contractors are nominated for constituency projectects allows lawmakers to push their own fronts who would then channel a large chunk of released project funds back to them all done under the radar with little or difficult-to-prove paper trail. Advertisements But the lawmakers who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES about the N2 million Christmas bonus said the Nigerian parliament had seen better days. Senators in the past left office as billionaires, one senator said. But things are no longer the way they used to be. Another senator said the growing awareness of their expenses by everyday Nigerians and civic groups has made it difficult to spend without any sense of accountability. It is becoming more and more difficult by every passing assembly, the senator said. I predict fewer people would be interested in this office in the next few years. As of 2018, senators were drawing N13.5 million per month in controversial running cost, amongst a slew of other consistent allowances known and unknown to the public. Shameful sense of entitlement Ola Awoniyi, a spokesperson for the Senate President, told PREMIUM TIMES he was not aware of the complaints and could not immediately speak on whether or not his principal was aware either. Godiya Akwashiki, the chief spokesperson for the Senate, did not return calls and messages seeking comments about the grumbling senators. While requesting for additional pay may not be inherently objectionable under labour principles, the manner with which the senators are going about their complaints could cast them as shamefully entitled, a political analyst said. It strikes me as a shameful sense of entitlement for senators to be complaining of receiving N2 million at a time of economic woes for the country, Tola Adekoya, a former university lecturer, told PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Adekoya said it was provocative that senators would be complaining about N2 million when a vast majority of the population could barely feed. This is something that you hear and your brain would respond like it was hit with a hammer, he said. Do they have any idea how many Nigerians cannot even feed themselves for once per day? They are out of touch, he said. Let us hope they desist from disrupting the activities of the Senate because of their selfish interest. Yet, Mr Adekoya said the Senate leadership should look into the complaints of the lawmakers in order to avoid undue drama that could slow down the progress of critical national assignments. They were elected to work for our collective interest, the analyst said. Efforts should be made to minimise complaints that they could use to sabotage the larger interest of Nigerians. The monarch, who passed away at the age of 79, modernised his country and mediated in reginal conflicts. Christians praise the unique leader. His successor Haitham ben Tarek pledges to follow in his footsteps and promote peaceful solutions to regional crises. Muscat (AsiaNews) Religious and political leaders from around the world have paid homage to Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman who passed away last Friday at the age of 79. One of the oldest and most enlightened monarchs in the region, he was able to modernise his country whilst keeping neutrality vis-a-vis regional powers, so much so that the country was nicknamed Switzerland of the Middle East. His cousin Haitham ben Tarek, who is also and Minister of Culture and Heritage, was sworn in as the new sultan on Saturday. A memorial service for the late monarch was held in Alam palace, which is used for official ceremonies, drawing several heads of state and government from the region and elsewhere, including Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zay, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who met the new sultan, as well as Great Britain's Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also attended the service. Melkite Greek Catholic Church Patriarch Youssef Absi was one of the Christian religious leaders who paid tribute to the late sultan. The Arab world has lost [...] a unique leader, said the prelate, adding that the sultan built a modern state, promoted initiatives capable of "bridging the rifts" in the Arab world, and reduced escalation in our conflict-infested region". Pope Tawadros II, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, sent his message of condolence. In it, he described Qaboos as "a symbol of strength and unity" for the country. Sultan Qaboos was born in 1940. After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England, he joined the British army. He took his father's place in a coup in 1970. From the beginning, he tried to re-establish relations with western states. Under his reign he reformed a previously underdeveloped nation, turning it into a leading tourist destination and a key player in the Middle East. His mediation was fundamental in the release of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, an Indian priest abducted in Yemen. The new Sultan, Haitham ben Tarek, was sworn shortly after bidding farewell to his cousin. In his first speech, the new leader stressed that he would follow the example of his predecessor, whilst trying to start a new phase of development for the nation. Analysts and observers describe the new sultan as a cultured man, calm and capable of ensuring continuity to Omans recent role as mediator. "We will follow the path of the late sultan," Haitham said, reiterating his countrys traditional policy of non-interference, which enabled it to have good relations with both the peninsulas main power, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. He expressed support for "our country's foreign policy of peaceful living among nations and peoples... and not interfering in the internal affairs of others, respecting nations' sovereignty and international cooperation". He added that under his reign, Oman would continue to "promote peaceful solutions" to regional and global crises. Oman represents a model among Gulf States, both in the fight against terrorism and religious freedom. A socially conservative nation, its citizens struggle to defend values and traditions whilst demanding gender equality. Unlike Saudi Arabia where the religious police (mutaween) are very present, Omani authorities interfere little in peoples lives. Some 55,000 Catholics, expatriates and migrant workers, live in the sultanate. That is equal to 2 per cent of the population. Overall, Christians are 6.5 per cent, followed by Hindus at 5.5 per cent. Most of the population, approximately 75 per cent, are Muslim. (Alliance News) - William Hill PLC said Monday it expects profit to be ahead of expectations, driven by favorable sporting results, and announced the departure of its Chief Financial Officer Ruth Prior. In a trading statement for 2019, the bookmaker said adjusted operating profit from continuing operations is expected to be in range of GBP143 million to GBP148 million, ahead of market and management expectations. The company attributed this to favourable sporting results through the year end. In 2018, adjusted operating profit came in at GBP266.8 million. The company said the retail business, having executed the remodelling strategy, generated operating profit above the guided range of GBP50 million to GBP70 million, as it experienced "favorable sporting results in December, above the long term gross win margin range". Online UK grew in line with the market for the third consecutive quarter, while weakness in gaming net revenue was offset by a strong sporting gross win margin, the bookmaker said. Meanwhile online International performance was mixed, with revenue expected to be broadly flat during the quarter, the company noted. Ulrik Bengtsson, chief executive officer, said: "The group has delivered a strong operating performance, ahead of our expectations and against a challenging regulatory backdrop." In a separate statement, William Hill announced the departure of Chief Financial Officer Ruth Prior. Prior, who had joined William Hill in October 2017, will return to the private equity sector, joining Element Materials Technology Ltd as chief financial officer. The company said Prior's contract requires her to give 12 months notice period and her departure date will be determined in due course. William Hill said it has commenced a search for a new chief financial officer. William Hill will publish its annual results on February 26. William Hill shares were up 1.4% in London at 186.85 pence each on Monday. By Loreta Juodagalvyte; loretajuodagalvyte@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 18:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 369 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Team Fallico of Dream Town Realty will Present Films and Host Events at Pickwick Theater throughout 2020.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Team Fallico is proud to announce their exclusive partnership with Pickwick Theater, a nearly 100 year old theater with a rich history. The Pickwick started as a vaudeville stage in 1928, and in 1975 was designated a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fallicos plan to present featured films and give away movie tickets throughout the year, in addition to hosting their annual holiday movie for the Park Ridge community.Both Craig and Nick are long-time residents of the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge and have been full-time realtors since 1969. Over their 50+ year-long career as realtors, they have produced over $500 million in sales volume and sold a home on every street. They have enjoyed working with thousands of thankful customers who have left hundreds of 5-star reviews, amassed a staggering 18K+ Instagram following and fostered a creative powerful marketing strategy with their in-house market team. As key figures in the Park Ridge community, they are the largest sponsor of the Park Ridge Park District.Last year, they earned the title of the #1 real estate team in Park Ridge, were the Chicago Agent Magazine "Best Team" nominee and made the Chicago Magazine's "Chicagoland" Top Real Estate List by selling over 250 homes from January 2018 - December 2019."The Pickwick Theater is a cherished landmark for our Park Ridge community, it is our honor to partner with them and host engaging events throughout the year, "said Craig Fallico, lead broker of Team Fallico, who was recently featured in Crain's Chicago Business 2020 Book.About Craig Fallico, Team Fallico, Dream Town RealtyCraig Fallico holds membership in multiple real estate affinity organizations, such as the National, Illinois, and Chicago Association of Realtors. Craig specializes in residential, investment/multi-family, condos, foreclosures, short sales, new construction and commercial/mixed use properties. Team Fallico has been featured in Chicago Agent Magazine for Who's Who in Chicago Real Estate and as Rising Star Selectee in Top Agent Magazine. For more information, please call 847-226-0834, or visit http://www.teamfallico.com/ For media inquiries, please call THE NALA at 805.650.6121, ext. 361.SOURCE: Team Fallico New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Citing "betrayal" by Congress in Rajasthan, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday said that her party will not attend the meeting of opposition parties, scheduled to take place later in the day, over the current political situation in the country. "As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," Mayawati said in a tweet. "Under such circumstances, BSP attending today's Opposition meeting called by Congress will be demoralising for people of the party in Rajasthan. So BSP will not take part in this meeting," she added. Stressing that her party opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she said, "Once again, I appeal to the Central government to take back this divisive and unconstitutional law." Opposition parties will meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country. Discussions will be held on several issues including the amended Citizenship Act, National Population Register (NPR), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during the meeting scheduled to be held in Parliament annexe at 2 pm. Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Aam Aadmi Party will not be taking part in the meeting. In December last year, Opposition leaders had met President Ram Nath Kovind and lodged their protest over police action against students over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. (ANI) Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion at this hour. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Bengal isnt UP: Mamata Banerjee on Dilip Ghoshs shot like dogs remark Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday lashed out at the BJPs state unit chief Dilip Ghosh after he commented that those damaging government properties were killed like dogs in states ruled by his party. Read more Fee issue at JNU resolved, students should call off agitation: HRD Minister The agitation by Jawaharlal Nehru University students should be called off as the thorny issue of fee hike stands resolved, said HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday. Read more At 20-party meet, Oppn raises bar for chief ministers who spoke against NRC A meeting of 20 opposition parties, led by the Congress, on Monday rebutted the government efforts to delink amendments to the citizenship law with the population register and asked all chief ministers who have spoken against the National Register of Citizens, or NRC to stop enumeration for the National Population Register, or NPR. Read more 13-yr-old Odisha girl abducted, then gang-raped for 36 hours A 13-year-old girl in Berhampur city of Odishas Ganjam district was allegedly gang-raped by three men, including one she knew, for close to 36 hours after being abducted, police said on Monday. Read more India vs Australia: Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini issue warning to Aaron Finch & Co ahead of Mumbai ODI - Watch The last time these two teams featured in an ODI series in India, Australia ran out 3-2 winners and the hosts will look to take revenge of that defeat in the upcoming series. Read more Oscar nominations 2020: Joaquin Phoenix, Leonardo DiCaprio get Best Actor nods. Heres complete list of nominees The nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards were announced on Monday evening. Issa Rae and John Cho announced nominees in 24 categories that honour the best achievements in films released in 2019. Read more It was all yellow: Deepika Padukone in yellow Anamika Khanna saree will make you want to invest in the colour in 2020 Deepika Padukones recent looks in the hues of the sun, from lemon yellow to ochre, that have got us swooning and exclaiming, Its all yellow. Take a cue from her stylish lookbook to find out the best way to rock the warm colour. Read more Crisis-hit bakery business Warrens has agreed a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) with its suppliers and landlords. A CVA is a process that enables a company to negotiate the repayment of its debt, rather than filing for liquidation or insolvency. Warrens said its suppliers and landlords had voted overwhelmingly in favour of a CVA, based on the companys growth strategy, financial forecasts and long-term relationships. The move follows the announcement of a major restructure by the business, which made a loss of almost 1m in its last reported financial year. Since the announcement, it has shut 22 company-managed shops and closed its factory in St Just, stating it was no longer economically viable. Its workforce has fallen from 500 to around 350 under the plans. The business also made 60 staff in production and distribution roles redundant last summer. Warrens continues to operate 44 managed shops, and said it was committed to profitable manufacturing at its factory in Callington We are particularly grateful for all the support we received from bakery industry participants, which reinforces what a special sector this is, including through periods of adversity, the company told British Baker this week. It described the CVA as an exciting opportunity to reposition the business. We can now focus on growth without the limiting constraints we inherited some years back, Warrens stated. Going forward, as well as growing our franchise arm, we will actively develop our own stores estate. The business has recently partnered with travel site operator SSP to open a 300 sq metre store in Gatwick Airport, and has said it planned to ramp up its focus on hospitals and travel hubs. Warrens said the Cornish pasty would remain at the core of its business but it planned to also develop its range to meet consumer demand for a variety of products and price points. In its latest accounts filed at Companies House, for the year ended 30 June 2018, the business made a loss of 915,000 compared to a 31,000 loss the previous year. Warrens won the Craft Bakery Business Award in the 2018 Baking Industry Awards. Subscribers to British Baker can find more information about Company Voluntary Arrangements here. A koala recovers in the outside pen at Paradise Primary school where Adelaide Koala Rescue have set up in Adelaide, Australia. (Getty) The koala population could be listed as endangered in parts of Australia as the devastating bushfires destroyed wide stretches of the animals habitat. The Australian government has pledged $50 million (26 million) to help rescue and protect wildlife affected by the summer fires but environmentalists fear some species and fauna may have already been driven to extinction. Estimated numbers show around a billion animals have been killed in the wildfires since they began, the human death toll of which stands at 28 and continues to mount, while thousands of homes have been destroyed. Heartbreaking images show koalas, kangaroos, and other animals after being badly injured as fires burned an estimated 25.5 million acres since September. A koala drinks from a water bottle provided by an emergency worker after devastating fires ravaged habitats. (Oakbank Balhannah/AP) Blackened trees poke through the scorched ground after a wildfire ripped through near Kangaroo Valley, Australia (AP) An injured koala is treated at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Zoo on January 10, 2020 in Kangaroo Island, Australia. (Getty) Five conservation groups wrote to environment minister, Sussan Ley on Thursday to express concern for at least 13 species, including iconic animals like koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Koalas are already listed as vulnerable in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland. She said the marsupials had taken an extraordinary hit, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. There is no doubt a large number of koalas have lost their lives, many others have been injured, Ms Ley said. READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS The truth behind this viral image of the Australian bushfires Bushfires rage out of control across southeast Australia Koala approaches cyclist, sips water from bottle The truth is we dont know the full extent of that damage until it has been mapped and until these fires are over. She said that reviews would be brought forward on whether certain koala populations should be listed as endangered rather than vulnerable. It may be necessary to see whether in certain parts of the country, koalas move from where they are, which is often vulnerable, up to endangered, she said. A worker holds up the foot of a burned koala at at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, 100 miles east of Melbourne, Australia. (AP) The $50 million commitment will be taken from the governments $2bn bushfire recovery fund, set up to support the rebuilding of community infrastructure and to help affected farmers and businesses. Story continues The government announced on Monday that $25 million would go directly to wildlife carers, hospitals and zoos based on advice from a panel of experts led by the threatened species commissioner, Sally Box. A worker treats a Koala nicknamed Sam, saved from the bushfires in Gippsland, at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center. (AP) According to the Guardian the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg said: This initial investment of $50 million into the protection and restoration of our wildlife and habitat is a critical step in creating a viable future for the animals that have survived. He told reporters on Monday as he visited the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where 45 koalas were being treated for burns that the crisis has been an ecological disaster. "We know that our native flora and fauna have been very badly damaged," he said. Capt. Dave Soldavini holds a baby kangaroo that was rescued from a wildfire, in Cobrunga, Australia. (AP) A firefighter patrols a controlled fire as they work at building a containment line at a wildfire near Bodalla, Australia on Sunday. (AP) The fires have destroyed habitats and killed hundreds of animals as they raged across the country. (AP) Meanwhile, knitters from the UK have responded to a call to create thousands of protective pouches and blankets for injured wildlife. The UK Crafters United Group has made over a tonne of items which are being dispatched to Australia. Donations to the volunteer-run group have come in from as far afield as the United States, Britain, Hong Kong, France and Germany. The Worldwide Fund (WWF) has warned the government of 13 animals whose habitats have been either destroyed or severely damaged. They include three critically endangered species: the southern corroboree frog, the regent honeyeater bird and the western ground parrot. DETROIT The so-called green ooze that first seeped onto I-696 in late December has now caused an indefinite closure on that highway. The ongoing investigation and cleanup efforts have indefinitely closed eastbound I-696 Exit 19 to Couzens Avenue, the Michigan Department of Transportation said in a news release. The far-right lane of the northbound I-75 ramp to eastbound I-696 is also closed indefinitely. That lane normally ends at the Couzens Avenue exit. Ongoing investigation and cleanup efforts related to the "green ooze" that spilled onto I-696 in December have indefinitely closed eastbound I-696 Exit 19 to Couzens Avenue and the far-right lane of the northbound I-75 ramp to eastbound I-696, which normally ends at the Couzens Avenue exit. Portions of I-696 Service Road, northbound Tawas Road and northbound Battelle Avenue are also closed.Courtesy of MiDrive The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are investigating the toxic spill that ran down an embankment and broke through a retaining wall on eastbound I-696 in December. The green ooze was identified as a chemical mix that includes the cancer-causing hexavalent chromium along with trichloroethylene (TCE) and cyanide. Officials said its coming from the former Electro-Plating Services buildings on 10 Mile Road, just yards from the highway. The state closed the business in 2016 after decades of chemical mismanagement, while federal prosecutors tried the former owner, Gary Sayers. He was sentenced to prison in 2019 and told to pay $1.4 million in restitution. By Jan. 5, at least 11,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater had been removed from the embankment and the lower level of the former plating facility, officials said. As of Jan. 3, 25 wells had been drilled for testing on and near the site to help analysts evaluate the contamination. Test results have been expedited and are expected in mid-January. Additional testing is likely. Blocking public access quickly became part of the hazmat response. Concrete barrier walls are being used to block the closed highway lanes. MDOT suggests that eastbound I-696 traffic continues to Exit 20 at Dequindre Avenue. Westbound I-696 traffic is not affected. READ MORE: No contamination found so far on other properties of green ooze factory owner Watch for green ooze slowdowns on I-696 as lane stays closed for contaminant testing Tests begin at closed factory to see how far green ooze contamination spreads EPA declined to pursue cleanup of factory responsible for green ooze on I-696 Lab tests confirm toxic chemicals in I-696 green slime Libya has been wracked by bloody turmoil since the ouster of long-time leader Muammar Gadhafi in 2011. AFP/VNA Photo MOSCOW Both sides in Libya's conflict are expected on Monday in Moscow to sign an agreement on the terms of a ceasefire which went into effect over the weekend, ending nine months of fighting after weeks of international diplomacy. The oil-rich North African country has been wracked by bloody turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed long-time leader Muammar Gadhafi, with multiple foreign powers now involved. The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli had been under attack since last April from forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj on Monday called on Libyans to "turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace". His comments came after a ceasefire began at midnight (Sunday 00:00 local time, Saturday 2200 GMT) in line with a joint call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Since the start of the offensive against Tripoli, more than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans displaced, according to the UN. The truce comes after a diplomatic offensive, led by Ankara and Moscow, which have established themselves as key players in Libya. Ankara dispatched troops -- in a training capacity, it said -- to the GNA in January. And Russia has been accused of backing pro-Haftar forces, which are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, all regional rivals of Turkey. Libya's head of High Council of State Khaled al-Mechri said the signing of the agreement in Moscow would pave the way for the revival of the political process. The head of Russia's contact group to Tripoli, Lev Dengov, said the two rivals will have to determine in the Russian capital "the terms of the future settlement in Libya, including the possibility of signing an agreement on the ceasefire and its details". He added he did not know if the two men would agree to meet directly. Haftar will be accompanied by parliament speaker Aguila Salah, while Sarraj will go with speaker Mechri. According to a Libyan source quoted by the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti, Khalifa Haftar has already arrived in Moscow. "They will have separate meetings with Russian officials and emissaries of the Turkish delegation, which is cooperating with Russia on this issue. Representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt will probably be present as observers at the talks," said Dengov, quoted by Russian news agencies. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Defence Minister Hulusi Akar are also expected to arrive in Moscow on Monday. AFP Flash Seven Katyusha rockets on Sunday hit Balad airbase, which previously housed U.S. troops, in Iraq's central province of Salahudin, a provincial security source said. The attack took place in the evening when the rockets landed on the airbase, located some 90 km north of Iraqi capital Baghdad, wounding two soldiers and causing damages to nearby buildings, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Balad air base is the largest military air base in Iraq, also known by the U.S. forces as the Logistics Support Activity (LSA) Anaconda. The airbase was housing a number of U.S. troops and advisors of an American company operating the Iraqi F-16 jet fighters, but they withdrew about a week ago after the international U.S.-led coalition announced the suspension of its operations against the Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack came a few days after Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iraqi Iran-backed Shiite militia Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, said the Iranian initial response to the killing of the Iranian military leader is done and it is time for Iraq to respond to the U.S. airstrike. Al-Khazali's threat 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, capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. Last week, 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. A Kentucky woman faces murder charges after she allegedly ordered her pit bull to attack a man she was assaulting, say authorities. On Friday, Melissa Wolke, 38, of Mount Vernon, was arrested and charged with murder in the death of Donald Abner, 55, of Richmond, multiple outlets including local stations WLEX-TV, WKYT-TV and WTVQ-TV report. She is also charged with resisting arrest and alcohol intoxication. Early Friday, police in Rockcastle County received a 911 call about a woman allegedly jumping up and down on a man and assaulting him while her pit bull mauled him, an arrest citation states, WKYT reports. The neighbor who called 911 told the dispatcher that Wolke was allegedly punching a man and commanding her pit bull to attack him, the arrest citation says. When police arrived at the home on Pug Lane on U.S. 25, they allegedly found Wolke in the backyard, sitting on the victim and punching him in the face, the arrest citation states, WLEX reports. The dog bit the man while she was allegedly punching him, the arrest citation says. The way I look at it, she used her animal, a pit bull, as a weapon to help her in this altercation, Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington told WKYT. She appeared to have blood on her hands and feet and had a large clump of hair in her hands that was consistent with the victims hair, police said, according to WLEX. Wolke allegedly refused to call off her dog when officers ordered her to command it to stop, WTVQ reports. Officers had no option but to eliminate the dog when it attacked them, the arrest citation says. Wolke had to be Tasered because she was allegedly belligerent and aggressive, police said. Abner was pronounced dead at the scene by the Rockcastle County Coroners Office, WKYT reports. When questioned by police, Wolke allegedly said she was going redneck on the man, WLEX reports. 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. Story continues She confirmed she owns the pit bull, named Denali, WLEX reports. Authorities are still investigating what led to the incident. Pennington said that he was told Wolke and the man were kind of friends, he told WKYT. But then there was an altercationthe situation went bad and now weve got a dead person, he said. The man suffered bite wounds on his face, neck and head. An autopsy is being conducted to determine how the man died. Theyll be able to tell if it was a gun shot, a dog bite, or heart attack, Pennington said, WLEX reports. Wolke has not yet entered a plea. It is unclear if she has retained an attorney who can speak on her behalf. She remains held in police custody. Kentucky State Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. REUTERS Within hours of demanding the US Senate call House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff as witnesses at his upcoming impeachment trial, president Donald Trump reversed course and suggested the Senate should dismiss the charges against him without hearing any evidence. Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, no pressure Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have, the US president tweeted Sunday afternoon, approximately three hours after he writing that Ms Pelosi and Mr Schiff must testify at his trial, which could later this week. Senate rules do not currently allow for the dismissal articles of impeachment prior to a trial, although some Republican senators have signed on to support a measure introduced Missouris Josh Hawley, which would amend the law to allow such a move. However, it is unlikely anything of the sort could muster the 67 votes such a change would require. Mr Trump became the third American president to face a Senate impeachment trial last month when the House of Representatives voted on 18 December to approve two articles of impeachment against him. Some 230 members 229 Democrats plus Michigan Republican-turned-independent Justin Amash voted to charge Mr Trump with abusing his power over the withholding $391 million (300 million) in military aid in a bid to force Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to announce investigations into the family of former his political rival Joe Biden. Mr Amash and 228 Democrats also voted to approve a second article of impeachment against Mr Trump for obstructing a congressional investigation into whether he had committed impeachable offences by withholding the aid. Unlike previous presidential impeachments, not a single member of the presidents own party voted in favour of either charge. Mr Trump and his allies have seized on this fact to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the entire preceedings, though most reputable legal scholars have dismissed such arguments as being without merit. Story continues Ms Pelosi has so far stalled on appointing the managers who will transmit the impeachment articles to the Senate and prosecute Mr Trump at his trial. Shortly after the House voted to approve both articles, the California Democrat told reporters she and her leadership team would wait to see what they are going to do on the Senate side". She pointed to statements made during a TV appearance by Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, in which the Kentucky Republican said he would be coordinating the conduct of Mr Trumps trial with the White House Counsels office. Ms Pelosi and Mr McConnell have been locked in a stalemate since then over the question of whether the Senate will allow witnesses - including former Trump national security adviser John Bolton - to testify. Mr Bolton, whose lawyers have previously alluded to his possession of information relevant to the charges against the president, said in a statement last week that he would testify if the Senate chooses to subpoena him as a witness. But the weeks-long deadlock appeared to break on Friday, with Ms Pelosi announcing the House would vote on a resolution to appoint managers and transmit the articles to the senate as early as Wednesday. Read more Pelosi to send Trump impeachment articles to Senate next week BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkeys export of cars to the US decreased by 6.6 percent in 2019 compared with the results of 2018, amounting to slightly over $1 billion, a source in Turkeys Ministry of trade told Trend Jan. 13. Turkeys export of cars to the US also decreased by 29.9 percent in December 2019 compared with December 2018, amounting to $81.6 million, the ministry said. Turkeys export of cars dropped by 3.1 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year, amounting to $30.5 billion or 17 percent of Turkey's total exports in 2019. Export of cars from Turkey increased by 2.9 percent in December 2019 compared with the same month of 2018, amounting to $2.5 billion or 16.5 of total Turkeys total export. Turkeys foreign trade amounted to $33.2 billion in November 2019. In this period Turkeys export increased by 0.1 percent compared with November 2019, amounting to $15.5 billion. At this time, import to Turkey increased by 9.7 percent compared with November 2018 and reached $17.7 billion. Turkeys foreign trade amounted to $340.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2019. Turkey ranks sixth in Europe on car production. Ford, Fiat, Renault, Toyota, Honda, Opel, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and MAN are assembled in Turkey. Turkey also manufactures local brands of buses such as BMC, Temsa and Otokar. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu A group of monks belonging to the Coptic Church are locked in an 18-month planning battle to build an 'alien-looking' site of worship for just 100 members on the North Yorkshire Moors. The church is set to be built in the middle of one of Britain's most beautiful national parks by the UK's first Coptic Church Order, St Athanasius' Monastery. Residents who live close to Langdale End and the local parish council of the hamlet near Scarborough have objected and said the church would look 'totally alien'. The small group of monks - who currently live in a manor house formerly owned by the famous Rowntree confectionary family - live an austere and celibate life of prayer, contemplation and self-sufficiency. The group of monks from St Athanasius' Monastery in North Yorkshire that are involved in planning row A general View of St Athanasius' Monastery is seen above. The new building will lie across 23 acres of land Under the plans submitted to the council, a 125 foot (38m) long church featuring two high domed towers in the style of Egyptian churches will be built. It will be able to house a congregation of up to 100 worshippers, some of whom will regularly travel there in three buses to join the monks, who lead a strict life of fasting and prayer. The church will lie in 23 acres of land where the monks will keep a range of animals and produce cheese and honey to remain self-sufficient. A spokesman for Darncombe-cum-Langdale End Parish Council, said: 'While councillors can appreciate the monastery's need for a church, the design is completely out of keeping for the area and will result in a building which looks totally alien in the landscape.' The planning documents seen above show how the new worship site will look once complete Design plans show there will be two large towers on the building. Locals have said the new building will look out of place Seif Asaad, secretary of the Coptic Church's Scotland, Ireland and the North of England diocese which covers the monastery, said: 'This is the first Coptic monastery in Britain which will be inhabited by monks. What do Coptic Christians believe? The Coptic Orthodox Church is the main Christian Church in Egypt. The religion has between six and 11 million members and while most Coptic Christians live in Egypt there are also members in the US and UK. Coptic Christians believe that their church dates back to 50 AD. It is said to have been founded when Apostle Mark arrived in Egypt. He is regarded as the first Pope of Alexandria. Under the Roman Empire the religion faced persecution after Egypt became a Muslim country. Copts today still claim they are at a disadvantage and in recent years their churches have been attacked by extremists. Advertisement 'In time there will probably be between five and 10 monks at Langdale End and members of our church will visit for spiritual retreat. 'As far as possible they will cultivate the land and try to be self-sufficient and also try to help the community.' The monks live a very strict lifestyle and rise at 4am for prayers and they fast every week as well as being extremely traditional, disciplined and obedient. The Coptic Orthodox church dates to the middle of the 1st Century and split from the rest of the Christendom in 451AD. It now has about 20 million followers worldwide. The ancient organisation can trace its influences back to St Mark and St Anthony, the first Christian monks. Its members are mainly in Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East but there are churches all over the world. St Athanasius' Monastery is a former Manor House where the order is based and was built by the Rowntree family of York, the founders of Rowntrees Confectionery. Proposals will be discussed by the North York Moors National Park Authority on Thursday. US Attorney General William Barr has demanded that Apple unlock two cellphones used by a gunman who carried out a mass shooting at a Florida military base. Barr made the high profile request at a press conference on Monday where he branded the attack an 'act of terrorism'. Three American sailors were killed and eight other people were wounded when Saudi military trainee Mohammed Alshamrani opened fire in a classroom at the US Naval Air Station in Pensacola on December 6. Alshamrani, 21, who was training to be a naval flight officer, was then killed in a shoot-out with police. Scroll down for video US Attorney General William Barr on Monday demanded that Apple unlock two cellphones used by a gunman who carried out a mass shooting at a Florida military base in December Federal officials are still investigating the shooting and examining evidence. Earlier this week, the FBI asked Apple to help extract data from two iPhones that belonged to the gunman. Three American sailors were killed and eight other people were wounded when Saudi military trainee Mohammed Alshamrani (pictured) opened fire in a classroom at the US Naval Air Station in Pensacola on December 6 Investigators have been unable to access the two devices - an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 5 - because they are locked and encrypted, according to a letter from the FBI's general counsel, Dana Boente. Barr's latest appeal for Apple's cooperation marked an escalation of the Justice Department's ongoing fight with the tech giant over the balance between personal privacy and public safety. 'This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that the public be able to get access to digital evidence,' Barr said, accusing Apple of providing no 'substantive assistance'. The attorney general indicated that he intends to use the Alshamrani case to push for a solution to the DOJ's struggle to get around Apple security features. 'We don't want to get into a world where we have to spend months and even years exhausting efforts when lives are in the balance,' he said. 'We should be able to get in when we have a warrant that establishes that criminal activity is underway.' Earlier this week, the FBI asked Apple to help extract data from two iPhones that belonged to the gunman. Investigators have been unable to access the two devices - an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 5 (pictured) - because they are locked and encrypted Barr indicated that he intends to use the Alshamrani case to push for a solution to the DOJ's struggle to get around Apple security features FBI officials obtained court authorization to search the phones but have failed to gain access by guessing the passwords, Boente said. Apple claimed in a statement that it has already provided investigators with all the relevant data held by the company and would continue to support the probe. At least one of the phones was shot by a sheriff's deputy during the attack, but investigators believe they may still be able to extract data from the device, according to a person familiar with the matter. Sources close to Apple told the New York Times that the company will not back down from its unequivocal support of impossible-to-crack encryption. Apple has long touted security as a major feature of its phones and in 2014 began building encryption into devices that can only be unlocked with a password or fingerprint reader. Apple said that even the company is unable to bypass the security. Apple has said that obtaining data from phones would require it to build a backdoor, which would set a dangerous precedent for user privacy and security. Apple executives have warned that gaining access to one phone would compromise the security of all devices because law enforcement would demand to use the back door excessively. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have accused Apple of providing a safe haven for criminals. Officials have managed to get around Apple's resistance in the past - most notably while investigating a terrorist attack that left 14 people dead in San Bernardino, California, in late 2015. Apple defied a court order to assist the FBI in its efforts to search an iPhone belonging to the suspect - sparking the public safety vs user privacy debate. The immediate dispute was resolved when the FBI found a private company to bypass the encryption. The over-arching debate, however, was escalated as Apple worked to ensure that neither the government nor private contractors would be able to gain access to devices in the future. Apple has long touted security as a major feature of its phones and in 2014 began building encryption into devices that can only be unlocked with a password or fingerprint reader In the Alshamrani case, DOJ officials say that they need access to the gunman's phones to see data and messages from encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp and determine whether he had discussed his plans with others at the base and if he was acting alone. At Monday's press conference Barr said that Alshamrani was motivated by 'jihadist ideology' and had posted anti-American, anti-Israeli and jihadist messages on social media. Some of those messages were shared within hours of the shooting. On September 11 of last year, Alshamrani allegedly posted a message which read: 'The countdown has begun.' Barr added that Alshamrani also visited the New York City memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks days before the shooting. The attack brought fresh complications to US-Saudi relations at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival. But according to Barr, Saudi Arabia provided 'complete and total support' to the American investigation of the incident. Police tape is pictured at the Pensacola Naval Air Station after Alshamrani opened fire in a classroom on December 6, killing three American sailors and wounding eight others Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham (left); Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson (center); and Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters (right) were killed in the attack Fran Bitter, a volunteer with the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia, salutes a group of sailors as they enter a funeral service for Walters at the Compassion Christian Church in Savannah, Georgia, on December 19, 2019 The attorney general also announced that the United States is removing 21 Saudi military students from a training program and sending them back to Saudi Arabia following the investigation. Fifteen of the 21 cadets had contact with child pornography and possessed jihadist or anti-American material, Barr said. Of the 21 cadets, 17 had social media profiles containing jihadi or anti-American content. None of the cadets are accused of having advanced knowledge of the shooting. It was not immediately clear on what grounds the students were being removed from the program, though the official said they were not suspected of having played any role in the attack. Officials have said Alshamrani hosted a party before the shooting, where he and others watched videos of mass shootings. The gunman, who used a Glock 9 mm weapon that had been purchased legally in Florida, had also apparently taken to Twitter before the shooting to criticize US support of Israel and accuse America of being anti-Muslim, another US official said last month. There are currently about 850 Saudi students in the United States for military training. Saudi Arabia Defense Attache Major General Fawaz Al Fawaz, his Embassy staff and other officials arrive to meet with the Saudi students who remain restricted to the Naval Air Station Pensacola base by their Saudi commanding officer on December 9 Alshamrani was on the base as part of a US Navy training program designed to foster links with foreign allies. He had started training in the US in 2017 and had been in the Pensacola area for the past 18 months, authorities said. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, said that Alshamrani 'had a deep-seated hatred for the United States'. 'For us to be bringing in these foreign nationals, you have to take precautions. Bringing in people from Saudi Arabia - we need to be on guard against that,' the governor added. Alshamrani was one of about 200 foreigners at the Pensacola base and thousands around the US who participate in military training, a program that US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said was 'very important to our national security'. The December shooting raised questions about how well international military students are screened before they attend training at American bases. Some lawmakers, including a top Republican ally of President Donald Trump, have called for Saudi Arabia to be suspended from the American military training program. Trump called for the program to be reviewed. But Sen Lindsey Graham, R-SC, said the program needed to be reevaluated after the attack. A Saudi commanding officer had ordered all students from the country to remain at one location at the base after the attack. National security adviser Robert O'Brien said in an interview on Fox News that the shooting 'showed that there had been errors in the way that we vetted' the students. The actions being taken by the Justice Department and Defense Department to remove the Saudi students are to 'protect our service men and women,' he said. Dublin, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Gene Therapy Market (3rd Edition), 2019-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Gene Therapy Market, 2019-2030 report features an extensive study of the current market landscape of gene therapies, primarily focusing on gene augmentation-based therapies, oncolytic viral therapies, and genome editing therapies. The study also features an elaborate discussion on the future potential of this evolving market. Amongst other elements, the report features: A detailed review of the overall landscape of gene therapies and genome editing therapies, including information on various drug / therapy developer companies, phase of development (marketed, clinical, and preclinical / discovery stage) of pipeline candidates, key therapeutic areas (cardiovascular disorders, muscular disorders, neurological disorders, ocular disorders, oncology and others) and target disease indication(s), information on gene type, type of vector used, type of therapy (ex vivo and in vivo), mechanism of action, type of gene modification (gene augmentation, oncolytic viral therapy and others) and special drug designation (if any). A discussion on the various types of viral and non-viral vectors, along with information on design, manufacturing requirements, advantages, limitations and applications of currently available gene delivery vectors. A world map representation, depicting the most active geographies, in terms of the presence of companies engaged in developing gene therapies, and a bull's eye analysis, highlighting the distribution of clinical-stage pipeline candidates by a phase of development, type of vector and type of therapy (ex vivo and in vivo). A discussion on the regulatory landscape related to gene therapies across various geographies, namely North America (the US and Canada), Europe and Asia-Pacific (Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea), providing details related to the various challenges associated with obtaining reimbursements for gene therapies. Detailed profiles of marketed and phase II/III and gene therapies, including a brief history of development, information on current development status, mechanism of action, affiliated technology, strength of patent portfolio, dosage and manufacturing details, along with information on the developer company. An elaborate discussion on the various commercialization strategies that can be adopted by drug developers for use across different stages of therapy development, namely prior to drug launch, at/during drug launch and post-marketing. A review of various emerging technologies and therapy development platforms that are being used to design and manufacture gene therapies, featuring detailed profiles of technologies that were/are being used for the development of four or more products/product candidates. An in-depth analysis of the various patents that have been filed/granted related to gene therapies and genome editing therapies, since 2016. The analysis also highlights the key parameters associated with the patents, including information on patent type (granted patents, patent applications and others), publication year, regional applicability, CPC classification, emerging focus areas, leading industry / non-industry players (in terms of the number of patents filed / granted), and patent valuation. An analysis of the various mergers and acquisitions that have taken place in this domain, highlighting the trend in the number of companies acquired between 2014-2019. The analysis also provides information on the key value drivers and deal multiples related to the mergers and acquisitions that we came across. An analysis of the investments made at various stages of development in companies that are focused in this area, between 2014-2019, including seed financing, venture capital financing, IPOs, secondary offerings, debt financing, grants, and other offerings. An analysis of the big biopharma players engaged in this domain, featuring a heat map based on parameters, such as the number of gene therapies under development, funding information, partnership activity and strength of the patent portfolio. A case study on the prevalent and emerging trends related to vector manufacturing, with information on companies offering contract services for manufacturing vectors. The study also includes a detailed discussion of the manufacturing processes associated with various types of vectors. A discussion on the various operating models adopted by gene therapy developers for supply chain management, highlighting the stakeholders involved, factors affecting the supply of therapeutic products and challenges encountered by developers across the different stages of the gene therapy supply chain. An analysis of the various factors that are likely to influence the pricing of gene-based therapies, featuring different models/approaches that may be adopted by manufacturers to decide the prices of these therapies. Story continues Key Topics Covered: Gene Delivery Vectors Regulatory Landscape And Reimbursement Scenario Competitive Landscape Marketed Gene Therapies Key Commercialization Strategies Late Stage (Phase Ii/Iii And Above) Gene Therapies Emerging Technologies Promising Therapeutics Areas Patent Analysis Mergers And Acquisitions Funding And Investment Analysis Cost Price Analysis Big Pharma Players: Analysis Of Gene Therapy Related Initiatives Market Forecast And Opportunity Analysis Vector Manufacturing Case Study: Gene Therapy Supply Chain Some of the Companies Mentioned include: 4D Molecular Therapeutics AAVogen AbbVie Abeona Therapeutics Aduro Biotech Advantagene Advaxis BlueWater Angels Boehringer Ingelheim Ichor Jennerex Juventas Therapeutics Longitude Capital MidCap Financial Midven Milo Biotechnology Mita Securities Mizuho Capital Partners Momotaro-Gene Morningside Ventures ORCA Therapeutics Orchard Therapeutics ORI Healthcare Fund Osage University Partners Oxford BioMedica Panmure Gordon PeriphaGen Pfizer PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals V-Bio Ventures VBL Therapeutics VCN Biosciences Voyager Therapeutics Ysios Capital Yuhan Corporation Ziopharm Oncology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nuaak0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Community leaders in Lagos on Sunday lauded the South West governors initiative of launching the Operation Amotekun to curb security challenges in the region. According to them, the new security outfit would help to strengthen the operations of regular security outfits. The six governors in the region had on Jan. 9 launched the security outfit in Ibadan. Commenting, Mr Bisi Yusuf, a member, Lagos State House of Assembly, said the essence of government was to provide security for the citizenry. Yusuf, representing Alimosho Constituency 1, said: Once there is security, there is going to be progress and development in the society. The establishment of Operation Amotekun will help to strengthen the national security. I want the Federal Government to also encourage other geopolitical zones to establish such operations to boost security in the country. He said the establishment of the security outfit was not political, adding that it would enhance the protection of lives and property of the citizens. The lawmaker urged residents in the region to cooperate with the security outfit to ensure it achieved its purpose. Amotekun cannot do it alone, residents must work with them to detect suspected criminals in the community. And when residents see the effectiveness, people, organisations and corporate bodies will not hesitate to contribute toward its progress. No amount of money is too much for security. As time goes on, there will also be Amotekun Security Trust Fund where people and corporate bodies will want to contribute to its progress like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Yusuf said. Contributing, Chief Olayinka George, the Baale of Karaole in New Oko-Oba area of Lagos, told NAN that such development would curb security challenges in all the nooks and crannies of the communities. George, also, the Secretary, Council of Baales, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), urged the individuals to be involved in assisting the security operations for the betterment of the communities. Amotekun should be well empowered and monitored to allow them perform their duties effectively without complain, the Baale said. Also, Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, Lagos State Chairman, Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), told NAN that such development was good for the region. According to him, both Federal and State Governments are trying their best in terms of securing the citizens, but it seems their best is not enough with our population. The number of policemen now cannot cover the states and the various communities. The police cannot take care of crimes nowadays, and for governors to come together to form the security outfit, it is a welcome development, he said. According to him, the governors explained that the operation will work with the Police for direction and monitoring to ensure they operate effectively. He said that the rate of criminal activities within the community would reduce and as well prevent crime from taking place because the residents were now involved in checking crimes and criminals. PV: 0 Los Angeles, Jan 13 : In a few hours, actor-producer John Cho and actor-writer-producer Issa Rae will host a two-part live presentation to declare nominations of Oscars 2020. Image Source: IANS Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. While Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood", which won Best Film awards at Monday's Critics' Choice Awards and at the Golden Globes earlier this month, is expected to be one of the frontrunners at Oscars, there's more to look forward to. Image Source: IANS News Gully Boy While "Gully Boy", India's official entry for the Best Foreign Film, is out of the race, there could still be a remote chance for an Indian film to get an Oscar nomination. Chef-turned-filmmaker Vikas Khanna has submitted his debut directorial effort "The Last Color" as an entry for Best Feature Film category. Image Source: IANS News The Last Color On the other awards, Joaquin Phoenix is expected to be the frontrunner among nominees in the Best Actor cetogery for "Joker", while Renee Zellweger looks like a sureshot entry for "Judy". Image Source: IANS Joker. According to bbc.com, only five women have been nominated for best director over the decades, and only one since 2010. That was Greta Gerwig for "Lady Bird" in 2018. Could she be one of the contenders this year for her acclaimed adaptation of "Little Women"? If Gerwig does get the nod, she will become the first woman to be nominated twice for best director. Popular picks for the Best Director should be Sam Mendes ("1917"), Quentin Tarantino ("Once Upon A Time In Hollywood"), Martin Scorsese ("The Irishman"), and Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite"). In fact, Joon-Ho's Korean film "Parasite" is also heavily favoured to get an easy entry in the Best Foreign Film category. The film has been winning in this category at most International awards ceremonies so far. While Cho and Rae are non-white celebrities to read out the names of nominees this year, will Oscars once again be #SoWhite, or will we see a fair representation of talent? Last year, three of the four acting statuettes were won by non-white stars (Rami Malek, Regina King and Mahershala Ali). This time, the Oscars are likely to be less diverse, reports bbc.com. At the Golden Globes, Asian-American star Awkwafina was the only non-white winner in the six movie acting categories, for "The Farewell". It is the best actress category that is likely to be the most diverse when the Oscar nominations come out. British star Cynthia Erivo missed out on a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Film Awards nod but was shortlisted for a Golden Globe for playing slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman in "Harriet". Eddie Murphy could be in the running for best actor for "Dolemite Is My Name", 13 years after his last and only nomination (for "Dreamgirls"). Zhao Shuzhen could be in the list of best supporting actress for "The Farewell", while Song Kang-Ho has a shot at best supporting actor for his performance in "Parasite". {"title":"Tom Hanks. (File Photo: IANS)","description":"Tom Hanks."} Past Oscar favourites could be back in the list. Tom Hanks has won twice, but has not been nominated since 2001 (for "Cast Away"). He's in with a chance for "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood". Al Pacino has eight career nominations - the last coming when he was up twice in 1993 (winning for "Scent of a Woman"). This time, he could return for "The Irishman". Renee Zellweger had three nominations in a row from 2002-04, but has not been listed since winning for the 2003 film "Cold Mountain". This year, she might make it to the best actress list for playing Judy Garland in "Judy". The 92nd Academy Awards ceremony will be aired live on Star Movies on February 10 morning in India. Latest updates on Oscars 2020 -- Syndicated from IANS Ho Chi Minh City rolled out an open-air double-decker bus tour around its centre, the first of its kind in the city, on January 12. browser not support iframe. The HCM City sightseeing hop on hop off tour goes through 24 streets to take visitors to 30 popular sitessuch as Vietnam History Museum HCMC, Thao Cam Vien Park, War Remnants Museum, Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck,Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace, according to AnhViet Hop On Hop Off Vietnam, the tour provider. The firms CEONguyen Khoa Luan said the bus will depart every 30 minutes at the bus stationnear Saigon Central Post Office in Cong Xa Paris street. Children underfive travel free. A single trip ticket is 150,000 VND (6.5 USD) forchildren aged 6 12 and 200,000 VNDper adult. A 24-hour unlimited pass is 350,000 VND for children aged 6 12 and 475,000 VND per adultwhile a night ride from 19:00 20:00 costs 350,000 VND per person. The tourincludes tour guide support, a headset for audio guides in multiple languages,a non la (Vietnams traditional conical hat), a city map, free wifi, freewater, and insurance on bus. The new service is expected toattract more tourists to the countrys southern hub and make it morecompetitive to other regional peers. Vietnam hasseen the fastest growth in tourist arrivals in Southeast Asia in recent years.Last year, the country welcomed more than 17 million foreign visitors and about100,000 Vietnamese people are working in the industry./.VNA President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin) Associated Press President Trump said in a pair of Monday morning tweets that he "saved" insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions on behalf of Americans, a claim that was misleading at best. Trump first tried scrapping Obamacare in Congress back in 2017. When that failed, his administration turned to the courts and backed a GOP lawsuit that would eliminate the entire law. If the lawsuit succeeds, over 20 million people could lose their health coverage. Protections banning health insurers from rejecting coverage for people based on their medical history are among the most popular parts of the law. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Trump sought to place himself as the guardian of a popular part of Obamacare in a series of Monday morning tweets, saying he protected insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions on behalf of millions of Americans. But that doesn't align with his administration's record on healthcare. Trump first blasted Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg for running an ad assailing his handling of healthcare, then said he "saved pre-existing conditions." "I was the person who saved Pre-Existing Conditions in your Healthcare, you have it now, while at the same time winning the fight to rid you of the expensive, unfair and very unpopular Individual Mandate.....," he said, referring to the provision compelling Americans to carry health insurance which was scrapped in 2017. Trump went on in a second tweet: "and, if Republicans win in court and take back the House of Represenatives, your healthcare, that I have now brought to the best place in many years, will become the best ever, by far. I will always protect your Pre-Existing Conditions, the Dems will not!" Protections that ban health insurers from rejecting coverage for people based on their medical history are among the most popular parts of the law, according to polling from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Story continues The president's remarks were misleading at best, deceptive at worst, given his administration has tried shredding the law for the past three years. After assuming office in Jan. 2017, Trump made dismantling the Affordable Care Act his chief legislative goal. It led to an unpopular "skinny repeal" bill in Congress that failed to acquire enough Senate votes to become law. The legislation would have substantially loosened those protections. When that door closed, the Trump administration backed a Republican lawsuit in federal court last year that would throw out all of Obamacare if it succeeds. Though Republicans have scored court victories, the high-stakes legal battle still hasn't resolved Obamacare's fate, and it's likely to drag on for many months to come. It could end up before the Supreme Court. On Friday, Trump's lawyers filed a brief arguing there is no "present, real-world emergency" compelling the high-court to take up the case immediately after a group of Democratic lawmakers urged it to issue a final ruling before the election in November. If the GOP-led lawsuit succeeds, an estimate from the Urban Institute found 20 million people could lose their health insurance as a result of eliminating the law's significant coverage expansions and protections for Americans with pre-existing health conditions. Bloomberg fired back in a follow-up tweet on Monday. "I know management isn't your strong suit, so perhaps you don't know your Justice Department supports a suit that would undermine protections for pre-existing conditions," he said. "Now that you know, why not ask them to drop the suit?" Read the original article on Business Insider Mary Eastin, English teacher at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, made a return from paid leave today. In what the... A young citizen of the Navajo Nation is suing a public school district and a teacher who allegedly called her a "bloody Indian" in an incident that drew widespread attention to the mistreatment of Native students. McKenzie Johnson was a junior at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when she was called a "bloody Indian" in front of her entire class on October 31, 2018. She is accusing the public school district, as well as the teacher of the Advanced Placement course, of fostering a hostile learning environment. Students cannot possibly be expected to thrive if they have to fear being called racist and derogatory names by the very people who are entrusted with their learning and safety, Preston Sanchez, the Indigenous Justice Attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, said in a press release . Thats why its imperative that we hold schools accountable when they fail to prevent or adequately address incidents of racism and harassment. The teacher, identified as Mary Jane Eastin in the lawsuit, also allegedly cut the hair of a second Native student on the same day in question. She was placed on leave following the incident and was eventually allowed to retire, according to the ACLU. The ACLU is suing on Johnson's behalf. The complaint was filed in New Mexico state court on January 8. Were fighting to establish a clear precedent that our state antidiscrimination protections extend to students in public schools, said Sanchez of the ACLU. Not only must we ensure Native American students feel safe behind school walls, but we must also do everything in our power to ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Read More on the Story Join the Conversation Related Stories Over a dozen Saudi servicemen to be expelled from US: Report Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 9:43 AM Over a dozen Saudi servicemen accused of harboring links to extremist groups and possessing child pornography will be expelled from US military bases, according to media reports. This comes after the FBI conducted an investigation into a shooting rampage by a Saudi officer at a Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida last month that killed and injured several people. Early in December, Mohammed Alshamrani, who was receiving pilot training at the base, opened fire in a classroom, killing three sailors and wounding eight others before he was shot dead by the sheriff's deputies. The Saudis to be expelled are not accused of aiding the 21-year-old Saudi Air Force second lieutenant in the shooting, but some of them are believed to have been linked to other extremist movements, CNN reported citing a person familiar with the situation. Some others are also accused of possessing child pornography, according to a defense official and the person familiar with the situation. The FBI probe also showed that several others had not reported the shooter's disturbing behavior prior to the attack, according to The Washington Post. "In the wake of the Pensacola tragedy, the Department of Defense restricted to classroom training programs foreign military students from Saudi Arabia while we conducted a review and enhancement of our foreign student vetting procedures," said Lt. Col. Robert Carver, a spokesman for the Department of Defense. "That training pause is still in place while we implement new screening and security measures." The Justice Department is expected to conclude that the incident was in fact an act of terrorism, CNN cited a US official as saying. The Pensacola base is a major training site for the Navy and home to its aerobatic flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels. Naval Air Station Pensacola employs more than 16,000 military and 7,400 civilian personnel, according to the base's website. Currently, some 5,000 international military personnel are being trained in the United States, including approximately 850 Saudis among all branches. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:02:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday urged the United States to stop wrongfully imposing sanctions on Chinese entities for cooperation with Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a news briefing when answering a question regarding the United States' new sanctions on Iran, which also involves Chinese entities. "China always opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," said Geng. China believes that imposing or threatening to impose sanctions will not help resolve issues, Geng said, adding that China always upholds that issues between countries should be solved based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, and that disputes should be properly addressed through peaceful methods including dialogue and consultation. China calls on all parties to respect the truth, adhere to the principle of political settlement, take practical actions to ease tension in the Middle East and the Gulf region and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region, said the spokesperson. He said China has had friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with Iran within the framework of the international law for a long time, which has not undermined the interests of third parties and should be respected and protected. "We urge the United States to immediately stop the wrong acts of imposing sanctions on Chinese entities, and we will firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests," said Geng. London: Britain's Prince William and his younger brother Harry publicly denounced an "offensive" newspaper report about their relationship on Monday, as the royals met for crunch talks to discuss the future roles of Harry and his American wife Meghan. The Times, citing an unnamed source, reported that Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by "a bullying attitude" of William who had not been welcoming to Meghan. Prince William and Prince Harry have rebuffed as "offensive" a newspaper article about their relationship. Credit:Reuters "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge," said the statement issued by the offices for William and Harry. "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful." Con Houlihan adored Casteisland. The iconic sportswriter spent his latter years in Dublin, but never forgot his hometown. He quoted the Greek poet Constantine Cavafy: In those streets and fields where you grew up, there you will live and there you will die. Now, authorities in Castleisland, and its surrounding areas, are planning to honour him, in return. Houlihans family home, at Dromtrasna, on the Limerick road, is where the commemoration will begin. For years, the house has been unoccupied and dilapidating. Castleisland Chamber Alliance, a community and enterprise organisation, aims to change this. Michael John Kearney, its chairperson, told the Irish Examiner: Were in the process of buying Houlihans home, and Harriet Duffin (Houlihans close friend) has been kind enough to offer us the house at a reasonable price. The Chamber Alliance, Mr Kearney said, will cover the initial costs, but added, we will have to go to the country for money. They are depending on the breadth of Houlihans friends and admirers. Connie is known and loved in the capital, Mr Kearney said. The appeal of Houlihans writings also crosses borders. The Alliance chair indicated they will also fundraise among the Irish diaspora. The fundraising will not only cover the purchase and renovation of the building, but will pay for the construction of a Con Houlihan statue at the family home. The Chamber Alliance has another Houlihan-related project in mind: A memorial centre. It would most likely be located on the main street of Castleisland, its primary purpose to display much of Houlihans writings. Duffin will be donating articles from her personal collection. Shes got a lot of written material from several decades ago, Mr Kearney said. An exhibition of Houlihans writings, the Alliance intends, would inform visitors about the rich heritage of Castleisland and the nearby towns and villages. This heritage includes other writers and sportspeople. The memorial centre will reflect that. The centre wont only feature Con Houlihan; it will have material by Micheal ODonoghue (the old NS school principal); it will showcase articles from the Sliabh Luachra (a now-defunct Castleisland-based magazine), and commemorate the achievements of the Desmonds GAA club, Mr Kearney said. These twin projects, the Alliance believes, will contribute to Castleislands tourist potential. Already, the Con Houlihan memorial trail a guided walk through the town has attracted visitors to the town. As Con Houlihan might say to the Chamber Alliance: Youre making all the right mistakes. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading maritime-disaster trial lawyers from Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C. (SMBB), and Panish Shea & Boyle LLP (PSB), today jointly announced the filing in Federal court of wrongful death and survival action claims on behalf of three passengers and one crew member killed in the Labor Day 2019 MV Conception commercial dive-boat fire off the coast of Santa Barbara, the worst such disaster in U.S. maritime history. Today's filings are the most comprehensive to date. They asserted that the massive inferno, likely caused by an unsafe lithium-ion-battery charging station, was foreseeable and preventable in part due to the failing to have a mandatory overnight safety watch. Announced by attorneys Robert J. Mongeluzzi and Jeffrey P. Goodman, of Philadelphia's SMBB, along with Robert Glassman, of Los Angeles-based PSB, the filings (U.S. District Court for the Central District of California: No: 2:19-cv-07693 PA (MRWx), which include claims for punitive damages, were filed on behalf of: Dr. Sanjeeri Deopujari, 31, a family dentist in Norwalk, Connecticut and her husband, Kaustbh Nirmal, 33, a financial analyst in New York . and her husband, Kaustbh Nirmal, 33, a financial analyst in . Yulia Krashennaya , 40, of Berkeley, California , shared with her partner, Daniel Garcia , also killed in the fire, an insatiable love of SCUBA and underwater photography. She worked as a product manager in Silicon Valley. , 40, of , shared with her partner, , also killed in the fire, an insatiable love of SCUBA and underwater photography. She worked as a product manager in Silicon Valley. Alexandra "Allie" Kurtz, 26, an Illinois native who moved to California . She was an exuberant member of the crew, proficient diver and poet, who was planning on studying marine biology in graduate school. Prior to coming on board, she worked as a production assistant in the film industry. Today's filing was an Answer to the Complaint filed by Conception's owners, Truth Aquatics, Inc., Glen Richard Fritzler and Dana Jeanne Fritzler, individually and as trustees of the Fritzler Family Trust, as well as a claim by the victims. The claimants were among the 34 individuals asleep below deck, directly beneath the heavily-used battery charging station in the galley. Due to the vessel's inadequate life-safety system design, including woeful means of ingress and egress, the victims were trapped and unable to escape when the fire erupted about 3:15 a.m. The filings document that the 75-foot, 41-year-old vessel was in blatant violation of numerous Coast Guard regulations, including failing to maintain an overnight "roving" safety watch and failure to provide a safe means for storing and charging lithium-ion batteries. On September 5th - less than three full days after the fire - lawyers for the vessel's owner filed for protection under an archaic 1851 act designed to protect the shipping industry. Their filing occurred before the last bodies were recovered by divers. Mr. Mongeluzzi, a co-founder of SMBB, at today's news conference announcing the filing, said, "The defendants killed these victims by breaking the law and failing to have a roving night watch whose job was to prevent the very catastrophe that occurred. Rather than mourn those whose lives they took with their failure to obey the law, they lawyered up and mercilessly filed an action to limit their liability before many of the bodies of these victims were even recovered. We will demolish their frivolous limitation of liability claim and hold them accountable for the outrageous harm they have caused." Mr. Goodman, partner at SMBB, said, "Lithium-ion batteries pose an extreme fire risk. Vessel owners and operators need to take safety precautions to ensure that a fire doesn't start, spread, and kill. Given the lax safety policies and safety enforcement at Truth Aquatics, it was only a matter of time before tragedy struck. We fully expect this litigation will put Truth Aquatics out of business and send a message to the maritime industry that safety must always come before profits." Mr. Glassman, attorney at PSB, said, "Make no mistake, the owners of the Conception were responsible for providing a safe, seaworthy vessel and failed to do so. In the aftermath of this tragedy, all deserve to know what went fatally wrong and that our justice system works in holding accountable those responsible for the wrongful deaths of 34 people. Through discovery, we intend to determine, for instance, why the Conception had non-compliant escape hatches in the event of an emergency, among what appears to be a litany of safety lapses. The family members, who are still grieving and in shock, want to express their deepest gratitude to all of the first responders for their efforts, to the people in and around Santa Barbara, and to the well-wishers from around the world whose support is a source of strength. Above all, the families of the victims, and those that represent them, want to make sure that what happened to their loved ones on the Conception can never happen again." The attorneys noted that their clients have requested that their privacy be respected and, at present, are granting no interview requests. Any information requests going forward should be made through counsel, whose contact information is provided below. SMBB (www.smbb.com) and PSB (www.psblaw.com) are among the nation's premier catastrophic personal injury law firms, whose litany of major cases include maritime disasters, from duck boats on lakes and rivers to cruise ships at sea. SMBB most recently represents numerous victims of the 2018 Branson, Missouri duck boat disaster that resulted in 17 deaths. In that case the firm successfully argued that the 1851 Limitation of Liability Act did not apply to the boat's owner. PSB, as part of its wide-ranging plaintiff's practice, presently serves as lead counsel in both the Thomas Fire and Woolsey Fire litigations in Southern California as well as lead trial counsel in litigation against Southern California Gas Company, representing thousands of victims of the 2015 Aliso Canyon Gas Leak in Porter Ranch, California. Attorneys E. Douglas DiSandro, Jr., of SMBB, as well as Brian Panish of PSB, are members of the Plaintiffs' legal team. SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett, & Bendesky, P.C.; Panish Shea & Boyle LLP Related Links https://www.psblaw.com A convicted Canadian drug smuggler pleaded guilty Monday to smuggling a large amount of methamphetamine on a boat called the Mandalay as he sailed near Newport in April. Philip Stirling, 65, entered his plea just six days after a federal judge denied his motion to dismiss the case. Stirling and his federal public defender had unsuccessfully argued that U.S. District Court lacked jurisdiction because there was no connection between the vessel and the United States and that the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act was unconstitutional. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend Stirling be sent to prison for seven years and three months when hes sentenced on April 20. Stirling also has agreed to forfeit the boat. According to court documents, the U.S. Coast Guard encountered the Mandalay on April 9 during a routine patrol. The Coast Guard noticed that Seattle was stamped on its hull but there was no flag flying and no visible registration numbers on the vessel. A Coast Guard boarding team sailed alongside the boat and through a loudspeaker demanded contact with the Mandalays crew, according to court records. This is the U.S. Coast Guard. Come out with your hands in the air, they said, according to court records. When no one responded, Coast Guard officials contacted the ships pilot through a marine radio. Stirling was instructed to come to the ships deck, but he told them he couldnt walk due to the weather. He said he was Canadian and so was his boat. Because that information conflicted with the marking on the ships hull, the Coast Guard authorized a boarding team to go onto the vessel to determine its nationality. Stirling remained below deck. Coast Guard members found him lying on the floor of the main cabin. He also was slurring his speech and had a hard time answering their questions, according to prosecutors. At one point, Stirling appeared to fall asleep. A medic was called to respond and administered the overdose-reversing drug naloxone after recognizing Stirling was suffering from a drug overdose. Stirling was then airlifted to a hospital in Astoria. A search of the ship revealed 28 jugs of yellow-tinted liquid stored on both sides of the outer deck. Tests revealed the liquid was methamphetamine, according to prosecutors. The maritime law makes it a crime to distribute or possess a controlled substance on a ship subject to jurisdiction of the United States. That includes a so-called vessel without nationality. The Mandalay fit that description because the Canadian government denied that the Mandalay had been registered in Canada, according to the U.S. State Department. Stirling told a nurse at a Portland hospital where he was transferred that he was heading to Canada with a ton of meth and 10 loads of fentanyl and that he didnt want to go to jail for the rest of his life, according to a federal affidavit. Stirling has been caught transporting drugs by boat in the past. He was stopped in 2001 with around 2,500 kilograms of cocaine and again in 2006 with an estimated $6.5 million worth of marijuana, according to The Vancouver Sun in Canada. He wasnt charged in the first instance but was charged in the second incident. That case was stayed, meaning the charges werent dismissed but the case did not proceed. He was arrested five years later by the Coast Guard after authorities found him at sea with four other crew members near Colombia with about 380 kilograms more than 800 pounds of cocaine and a little more than 1 kilogram of heroin on their 64-foot Canadian-registered sailing boat, court records show. The crew was about 90 miles away from their destination, Jamaica, when they were stopped. Stirling was eventually sentenced to 7 1/2 years in federal prison in the United States in 2013 after pleading guilty to importing cocaine. -- 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 2020 hindsight will judge these predictions By Dr. Robert Owens My favorite America Philosopher, Yogi Berra once said, It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. With that truism in mind let me begin doing the heavy lifting and tough stuff of being the Historian of the Future: As I predicted before his inauguration our President has been impeached by a Democrat dominated House and no matter what the official charges may say the charge is that they dont like him, and Hillary was supposed to win. In the coming year President Trump will be acquitted by the Senate and go on to win a landslide victory in November. His coattails will sweep in a Republican Congress. This Republican majority wont be diverted or perverted by the likes of Paul Ryan and theyll work diligently with President Trump to deliver the wall and other promises designed to keep America great. Though the Democrats, the Deep State, and their Media publicists continue to try and manufacture a recession just before the election the economy will finish the year strong with the Trump Bump carrying us into a new decade. President Trump will complete his first term as the first president since Carter to finish his first term with out taking us into a new war. In the 2020 election President Trump will receive the highest percentage of Black and Hispanic votes of any Republican since FDR. Unless there is a forum devised to take the process out of the hands of the highly partisan supposedly nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates President Trump will skip these opportunities for the Democrats who pretend to be journalists to tip the scales in their candidates favor with unfair questions, characterizations, and inuendo. The stock market will follow the impeachment show. If it looks like the President will be removed it will fall if it looks like he will be exonerated it will rise. Same thing with the election. Trump winning = stock market goes up. Trump losing = stock market goes down. If the neo-cons and democrats manage to manufacture a war Trump cant avoid or if they succeed in sinking the economy, all bets are off and Venezuela here we come. China will continue to swallow Africa, stamp out freedom in Hong Kong, intimidate Taiwan, sign a major treaty with the Philippians, accelerate their defense build-up, launch more probes to the moon, and violate every trade deal they sign with the USA. Putin will orchestrate the reunification of Russia and Belarus opening the door for him to remain in the presidency beyond the end of his second second term. Brexit is a done deal. After which Britain will sign a new trade treaty with the USA as it rebuilds its links with Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Italy will swing back to the right. Hungary and Poland will continue to turn away from the centralizing bureaucrats in Brussels. The climate cult will continue to chatter away while the world spins on as usual. Swedens society will buckle under the weight of EU mandated refugee resettlement. Great Britain will face increasing calls for both Scottish independence and the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Catalonia will continue its efforts to break free of Spain. Libya will degenerate into a full-blown civil war with outside powers fighting a proxy war for control of its oil. Japan will begin a major re-armament campaign. The declining purchase of Fed T-Bills by foreigners means that the Feds monetization of our ever-increasing debt will accelerate in 2020. Marijuana will become legal in several more states. The United Methodist Church will split over gay marriage and the ordination of homosexuals. The Roman Catholic Church will be wracked by scandals at the highest levels of the Vatican. Today is tomorrows yesterday and its all now to God. So no matter what happens in the coming year if we hold on to Him well eventually trade this transitory here for an eternity there. Dr. Robert Owens teaches History, Political Science, Global Studies, and Religion. He is the Historian of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com 2020 Contact Dr. Owens drrobertowens@hotmail.com Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook or Twitter @ Drrobertowens or visit Dr. Owens Amazon Page / Edited by Dr. Rosalie Owens Home US presidential candidate billionaire Michael Bloomberg said he was spending all his money to get rid of US leader Donald Trump, Reuters reported. Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. Im spending all my money to get rid of Trump, Bloomberg told Reuters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3. Bloomberg entered the race in November and, according to media reports, spent more than $ 200 million on TV ads. Bloomberg is one of Trumps active opponents and goes to the polls with a promise to defeat him. However, in order to be nominated as a single candidate from the Democrats, the politician must first get the support of voters in the internal party elections, and then the majority of the votes of the delegates of the party congress in July. According to polls, Bloomberg takes only fifth place among party members so far, losing more than 20% to race leader Joe Biden. The US presidential election will be held on November 3, 2020. Gary McAllister (pictured at the Ibrox stadium) was attacked on a night out in Leeds, West Yorkshire A 33-year-old man has been charged with attacking former Scotland captain and Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister. Damien Swan, from Leeds in West Yorkshire, will appear before magistrates on Wednesday accused of assaulting McAllister in the city in March last year. The former midfielder was treated in hospital after he was allegedly punched in the face outside a bar at around 4am on March 24. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'A man is due to appear in court this week charged over an assault in Leeds city centre in March last year. 'Damien Swan, aged 33, of Greenmount Terrace, Beeston, was charged by postal requisition with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the incident in Call Lane in the early hours of Sunday, March 24, where a man in his 50s was assaulted. He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.' McAllister, who is currently Steven Gerrards assistant at Rangers, had been out for a meal with his wife in Leeds city centre on March 24 when they were attacked while waiting for a taxi at 4am. The 55-year-old required hospital treatment after the assault. Pictured: The street in which McAllister was waiting for a taxi when he was attacked in Leeds, West Yorkshire In a Facebook post at the time, former Leeds player Dominic Matteo said the attack left McAllister without three teeth and needing plastic surgery and stitches. McAllister won 57 caps for Scotland and captained the team at the Euro 96 finals, famously missing a crucial penalty against England in the group stage. He played for Leeds from 1990 to 1996, during which time they became champions of the former First Division in 1992, beating Manchester United to the title. He also captained the team for two seasons before moving to Coventry City and then to Liverpool in 2000 aged 35. The former midfielder joined the management team at Coventry in 2002, and took up his role at Rangers last year. A British backpacker fell to her death from a clifftop selfie spot in Australia after an all-night party with friends. Model and make-up artist Madalyn Davis, 21, is believed to have scaled a fence around the Diamond Bay cliffs in Sydney to watch the sunrise and take pictures before plunging almost 100ft on to rocks below. Emergency services were called at around 6.30am yesterday. An air and water search was launched, and her body was recovered four hours later. Marine Rescue New South Wales said they were called after a group of people taking photos inside the fence regathered and could not find the woman. Family and friends today paid tribute to Madalyn Davis / Instagram New South Wales Police said: An investigation is under way into the circumstances surrounding her death. Ms Davis, from Lincoln, had been travelling around south-east Asia before arriving in Australia a few weeks ago. Shutterstock Her mother, Rebecca Smith, had been desperately trying to track her down after failing to hear from her yesterday. Footage obtained by television networks in Australia appears to show a group of people walking along a road in Sydneys eastern suburbs yesterday morning, before scaling a fence at the popular location. One member of the group can then be seen peering over the edge. Madalyn Davis died after an all-night party with friends / Instagram Ms Davis had been at a party in Vaucluse on Saturday night before heading to the cliffs, which are a hotspot for tourists taking photographs close to the edge. A 27-year-old woman also fell to her death there in August. Devastated friends today said Ms Davis had been living her dream in Australia, describing her as an angel and a free spirit, and calling her death an absolute tragedy. Jessica Wray wrote online: I really dont know how to process this. I will never ever forget the times we shared together the giggle fits we had in town. I will forever miss you, angel. Cerys Phillips called her the most beautiful, inspiring and funny people I had the pleasure to call my friend, adding: Im so glad you were able to experience travelling the world like you said you would. Jord Salthouse told of his shock and heartbreak. He wrote on Instagram: Less than two hours before this happened we was partying and having the time of our lives, living our dreams. You was always the life of any party and could make anyone smile. Absolute joy to party with, someone who brought smiles and laughter to everything we did, and someone that has left us way too soon. New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday extended the remand of all four terror suspects of the ISIS module, by eight days. One of the suspects was arrested from Vadodara in Gujarat and others from Delhi's Wazirabad on January 9. United Passenger Storms Cockpit, Attacks Flight Attendant, Injures 6 Officers: Authorities A passenger on a United Airlines partner flight is accused of assaulting a flight attendant on a plane before charging at responding officers when the plane landed in Newark, New Jersey, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Six officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, Port Authority spokesman Scott Ladd told NJ.com. Officials had responded to a report of an assault on a flight attendant on a flight that arrived from Washington. When the plane stopped and the door was opened, 28-year-old Matthew Dingley, of New York, charged at Port Authority officers. Some of them fell down the planes stairs, leading to injuries, according to Ladd. Six officers and the flight attendant were hospitalized, the official said. A passenger on the plane said Dingley tried to enter the cockpit. This guy was in a full sprint, right up to the cockpit, hits the cockpit, starts banging on it, passenger Mike Egbert told NBC New York. When a flight attendant tried to stop him, he attacked her, Egbert said, describing her as a hero for trying to stop him. Egbert added that a passenger on the plane appeared to have some law enforcement training and was allegedly able to subdue Dingley. Egbert described the incident further: He picks up a police officer, throws the police officerhis back. If he did actually get into that cockpit lord knows what would have happened. A United spokesperson said the incident unfolded on a United Express partner airline, CommutAir. CommutAir flight 4965, operating as United Express from Washington Dulles to Newark, landed without incident and was met by local law enforcement due to a disruptive passenger. Our primary concern is always to ensure the safety of all customers and crew and we are cooperating with authorities. We express our gratitude for the quick reaction of our passengers and crew who responded during this incident, the spokesperson told Fox News. As reported by NJ.com, the suspect was placed in the Essex County Correctional Facility after he was charged with aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest, and interfering with transportation. According to the NBC report, Dingley was arrested in 2016 for leading police on a chase in North Carolina. In 2017, he was found guilty of DWI in New York. Its not clear if he has an attorney. Other details about the incident were not provided. The alleged assault took place Jan. 9. The Trump administration has given various justification for its assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani and commander Abu Mahdi al Muhandis. It claimed that there was an 'imminent threat' of an incident, even while not knowing what, where or when it would happen, that made the assassination necessary. Trump later said the thread was a planned bombing of four U.S. embassies. His defense secretary denied that. Soleimani and Muhandis during a battle against ISIS That has raised the suspicion that the decision to kill Soleimani had little to do with current events but was a long planned operation. NBC News now reports that this is exactly the case: President Donald Trump authorized the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani seven months ago if Iran's increased aggression resulted in the death of an American, according to five current and former senior administration officials. The presidential directive in June came with the condition that Trump would have final signoff on any specific operation to kill Soleimani, officials said. The idea to kill Soleimani, a regular General in an army with which the U.S. is not war, came like many other bad ideas from John Bolton. After Iran shot down a U.S. drone in June, John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser at the time, urged Trump to retaliate by signing off on an operation to kill Soleimani, officials said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also wanted Trump to authorize the assassination, officials said. But Trump rejected the idea, saying he'd take that step only if Iran crossed his red line: killing an American. The president's message was "that's only on the table if they hit Americans," according to a person briefed on the discussion. Then unknown forces fired 30 short range missiles into a U.S. base near Kirkuk. The salvo was not intended to kill or wound anyone: The rockets landed in a place and at a time when American and Iraqi personnel normally were not there and it was only by unlucky chance that Mr. Hamid was killed, American officials said. Without presenting any evidence the U.S. accused Katib Hizbullah, an Iraqi Popular Militia Unit, of having launched the missiles. It launched airstrikes against a number of Katib Hizbullah positions near the Syrian border, hundreds of miles away from Kirkuk, and killed over 30 Iraqi security forces. This led to demonstrations in Baghdad during which a crowd breached the outer wall of the U.S. embassy but soon retreated. Trump, who had attacked Hillary Clinton over the raid on the consulate/CIA station in Benghazi, did not want to get embarrassed with a full embassy breach. The media claim that it was the embassy breach that the led to the activation of an operation that had already been planned for a year before Trump signed off on it seven month ago. As the New York Times describes it: For the past 18 months, officials said, there had been discussions about whether to target General Suleimani. Figuring that it would be too difficult to hit him in Iran, officials contemplated going after him during one of his frequent visits to Syria or Iraq and focused on developing agents in seven different entities to report on his movements the Syrian Army, the Quds Force in Damascus, Hezbollah in Damascus, the Damascus and Baghdad airports and the Kataib Hezbollah and Popular Mobilization forces in Iraq. It was the embassy breach and a war-industry lobbyist who convinced Trump to finally pull the symbolical trigger: Defense Secretary Mark Esper presented a series of response options to the president two weeks ago, including killing Soleimani. Esper presented the pros and cons of such an operation but made it clear that he was in favor of taking out Soleimani, officials said. Trump signed off and it further developed from there. There was no intelligence of any 'imminent threat' or anything like that. This was an operation that had been worked on for 18 month. Trump signed off on it more than half a year ago. Those who had planned it just waited for a chance to execute it. We can not even be sure that the embassy bombing had caused Trump to give the final go. It might have been that the CIA and Pentagon were just waiting for a chance to kill Soleimani and Muhandis, the leader of Katib Hizbullah, at the same time. Their meeting at Baghdad airport was not secret and provided the convenient opportunity they had been waiting for. Together Soleimani and Muhandis were the glue that kept the many Shia factions in Iraq together. The armed ones as well as the political ones. Soleimani's replacement as Quds brigade leader, Brigadier General Ismail Qaani, is certainly a capable man. But his previous field of work was mainly east of Iran in Afghanistan and Pakistan and it will be difficult for him to fill Soleimani's role in Iraq: After Soleimanis death, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Soleimanis deputy Ismail Qaani to succeed him. Qaani does not speak Arabic, does not have an in-depth knowledge of Iraq, nor the insight of Soleimani and his ability to balance the different positions of Iraqs factions with the opinions of Ayatollah Khamenei and the religious authorities in Najaf. The question is how the successor of Soleimani will manage his new responsibility including the thorny issues in Iraq. The escalation of the Iranian-American conflict is, according to many, an escalation towards war and the destabilization of the region in which the rules of engagement have changed. The question remains how, and not whether all of this will impact the situation in Iraq. Today the Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who has his on militia, and Iraqi PMU leaders met in Qom, Iran, to discuss how the foreign troops can be expelled from Iraq. Gen. Qaani will likely be there to give them advice. Yesterday Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hizbullah, gave another speech. In it he called on the Kurds in Iraq to pay back their debt to Soleimani and Hizbullah, which is owned for their fight against ISIS, and to help to evict the foreign soldiers from Iraq: 85-Nasrallah: Now, the rest of the path. 1) Iraq: Iraq is the first country concerned w/responding to this crime, because it happened in Iraq, and because it targeted Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a great Iraqi commander, and because Soleimani defended Iraq. 86-Nasrallah: I ask Masoud Barazani to thank Soleimani for his efforts in defending Erbil and Kurdistan Region, because Soleimani was the only one to respond to your call. Soleimani and with him men from Hezbollah went to Erbil. 87-Nasrallah: Barazani was shaking from fear, but Soleimani and the brothers from Hezbollah helped you repulse this unprecedented threat; and now you must repay this good by being part of the effort to expel the Americans from Iraq and the region. The Barzani family, which governs the Kurdish part of Iraq, has since long sold out to the Zionists and the United States. It will certainly not support the resistance effort. But Nasrallah's request is highly embarrassing to the clan and to Masoud Barzani personally. So far I only found this rather confusing response from him: Nihad N. Arafat @NihadArafat - 7:44 UTC Jan 13, 2020 The Kurdistan Regional Governments response to the immoral speech uttered by Hassan Nasrallah through the anti-terror apparatus is a clear message from the regional government to those terrorists that the response to the terrorists must be through the anti-terror apparatus. As military leader both Soleimani and Muhandis are certainly replaceable. The militia groups they created and led will continue to function. But both men also played important political roles in Iraq and it will take some time to find adequate people to replace them in that. That makes it likely that the already simmering political situation in Iraq will soon boil over as the Shia factions will start to fight each other over the selection of a new Prime Minister and government. The U.S. will welcome that as it will try do install a candidate that will reject the Iraqi parliament decision to remove the foreign forces from Iraqi grounds. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He (2nd L) says goodbye to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as they break from meetings at the USTR offices May 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. The United States removed China from a list of countries considered currency manipulators just two days before top trade negotiators for Washington and Beijing sign a key "phase one" trade deal, the Treasury Department announced Monday. The decision to strike China from the currency manipulator list comes more than five months after the Treasury Department formally made the designation. President Donald Trump and China Vice Premier Liu He are scheduled to sign a preliminary trade agreement in Washington on Wednesday. China is now on a "monitoring list" for currency practices along with nine other countries, including Germany, Italy and Japan. "The Treasury Department has helped secure a significant Phase One agreement with China that will lead to greater economic growth and opportunity for American workers and businesses," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "China has made enforceable commitments to refrain from competitive devaluation, while promoting transparency and accountability." CNBC reported earlier on Monday that the U.S. would make the move, citing a person familiar with the matter. The S&P 500 rose to a record high after reports from that the Treasury Department will no longer list China as a manipulator. The world's two largest economies for nearly two years have been levying tariffs back and forth while trying to work out the terms of a permanent trade resolution. Trump, in particular, has been critical of the U.S.-China trade deficit as well as Beijing's previous moves to devalue its currency, which tends to boost its exports. tweet Treasury's move in August to call China a manipulator raised tensions in the trade war and was the first such formal designation since President Bill Clinton's administration. It came as the Chinese yuan weakened beyond 7 yuan to the dollar for the first time since 2008. China's central bank governor, Yi Gang, maintained at the time that Beijing doesn't use its currency as a tool to cope with external disturbances such as trade disputes. The yuan has since returned to a pegged range considered normal in line with China's economic fundamentals and market demand and supply, and not weak enough to anger its trading partners. And while largely symbolic, the Treasury Department's summertime decision to label China as a manipulator could have left Beijing open to additional scrutiny through the IMF. The president's decision to remove China from the list drew criticism from the Senate's top Democrat, New York's Chuck Schumer. "China is a currency manipulator that is a fact," Schumer said in a statement. "Unfortunately, President Trump would rather cave to President Xi than stay tough on China. When it comes to the president's stance on China, Americans are getting a lot of show and very little results." Washington's move to strike China as a currency manipulator comes two days ahead of the hotly anticipated phase one trade deal signing between the two nations. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in an interview with Fox News on Sunday reiterated the importance of the pending deal and said that Beijing has agreed to purchase some $200 billion in U.S. goods over the next two years. The Jefferson County Commissioners Court is seeking to determine whether one of its members can serve simultaneously on a board that advises the court. Vernon Pierce, unopposed candidate for Jefferson County Precinct 1 commissioner, is expected to be reappointed to the board of the Sabine-Neches Navigation District next week less than a year before he likely will be sworn onto the court. To determine whether Pierce should be allowed to continue to serve on the Navigation Districts board, the county is requesting an official opinion from the Texas Association of Counties and potentially the state Attorney Generals Office, said Commissioner Eddie Arnold. He is planning to appoint Pierce on Tuesday and currently holds the seat Pierce is a candidate for. Pierce said to this point he and the county hadnt pushed too hard for an answer, as it was unknown if he would have an opponent for the Precinct 1 seat. While Arnold doesnt know what sort of recommendation the court will get back from the state, he doesnt foresee Pierce ultimately serving on both boards. I presume that will be the case, even just because of public opinion, he said. We want everything to be above board and transparent. Pierce said he wants to make sure that whatever steps he takes stepping down when he takes office or at the end of the new term with the Navigation District follow legal and ethical guidelines. I just want to be ethical and above board and not do anything dishonest, he said. Regardless of the timeline, it appears Pierce will appoint his successor to the Navigation District, although he said he doesnt have anyone specific hed like to see serve next. To help guide that decision, he plans to call upon the the first-hand experience with the district and the connections hes made since first being appointed in 2015. Arnold said he chose to reappoint Pierce, even though he likely wont end up serving the full two-year term, largely based on the urging of Navigation District general manager Randall Reese. Reese could not be reached for comment Friday. He was instrumental in getting funding for the Navigation Districts project to deepen the Sabine-Neches waterway, which will have a huge economic impact on our region, he said. The Navigation District, like several other county boards, is made up of members appointed by each commissioner. The boards primary duty is to serve as a liaison between the entity and the county commissioners court. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain London: The Queen will allow Prince Harry and Meghan to split from the royal family following an emergency meeting held to end the damaging crisis but may strip the couple of their formal titles. In a statement, the 93-year-old monarch said the family had held "constructive discussions" at the Sandringham Estate on Monday about the future of Prince Harry and his family. "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family," she said. "Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family." Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday speaking for the Citizenship Amendment Act and granting of the status to Hindus from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan told the Assembly that a person from the community "cannot be a Jinnah as he never attacks anyone" and are secular. He also supported granting of citizenship to Hindu Bengalis, which is being vehemently protested against by various outfits. Speaking in support of granting citizenship to Hindus, Sarma, who is also the chief of NEDA, BJP'S version of the NDA in the north east, said "A Hindu cannot be a Jinnah. Not a single Hindu king has destroyed a mosque or a temple. A Hindu is always secular and does not attack anyone. Hindus are secular". Former chief minister Tarun Gogoi had on January 6 called Prime Minister Narendra Modi India's "Hindu Jinnah" and accused him of following the "two-nation theory" of the Pakistan founder to divide the nation on the basis of religion. Sarma, who was speaking during the debate on the governor's address in the one-day special session of Assam Assembly, said the amended Citizenship Act will not violate the Assam Accord. The four-page Assam Accord did not mention anything about Hindu immigrants persecuted in Bangladesh. "In Assam Accord many things were left unresolved.... We have not violated the Assam Accord, but are addressing unresolved issues," the senior BJP leader said and sought a House panel to study the historic document in detail. Sarma said the Assam government will take the responsibility if more than five lakh people were benefitted by the CAA. "I'll leave of one person more than five lakh get citizenship under CAA," he said. He expressed concern over alleged rising Muslim population in Assam and said that "Ajmal Badruddin (AIDUF chief) or his son or his grandson will be the state chief minister after 30 years. No one can stop it". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Assembly this week is slated to attempt to override Democratic Gov. Tony Evers veto of legislation that would reduce the number of required training hours needed to become a certified nursing assistant in Wisconsin, as well as vote on raises for unionized trades employees within the University of Wisconsin System. On Wednesday, Republicans who control 63 of 99 seats in the Assembly will need to secure three votes from Democratic lawmakers if they hope to override Evers November veto of legislation proponents say will help address the states shortage of certified nursing assistants. Ensuring that our most vulnerable receive the care they need is not a partisan issue its only commonsense, Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, said in a statement. On Wednesday, well again provide an opportunity for our members to demonstrate that theyre above partisan politics and cast a vote to reaffirm what is truly right providing care for those in need. State law requires nursing assistants to complete 120 hours of training, while federal rules require a minimum of 75 hours. Under the bill, state health officials would be prohibited from requiring nursing assistants to obtain more than 75 hours of training. In May, the bill passed the Assembly 66-31, with Reps. Steve Doyle, D-Onalaska; Beth Meyers, D-Bayfield; and Don Vruwink, D-Milton, joining GOP lawmakers in support of the legislation. Doyle, Meyers and Vruwink did not respond to requests for comment Monday. Bill author Rep. Warren Petryk, R-Town of Washington, said in a statement hes hopeful the Assembly secures the 66 votes two-thirds of the Assembly needed to override Evers veto. This vote is needed because the governor chose to ignore the voices of seniors, persons with disabilities, caregivers, long-term care providers, healthcare providers, and members of his own party and vetoed this bipartisan piece of legislation, Petryk said in the statement. Evers vetoed the bill in November and said at the time he objected to reduced training for those who care for the states most vulnerable residents. Evers said in a November statement there are better ways to address the states shortage of nursing assistants and he had directed the Governors Task Force on Caregiving to develop strategies to attract and retain such workers in such positions. In November, Assembly Republicans failed in their effort to overturn three of Evers budget vetoes. It was the first time the Legislature had attempted a veto override in nine years. Pending agreements The Assembly also on Wednesday is scheduled to take up six bills that would move forward two years of collective bargaining agreements for the several hundred unionized trades employees across the University of Wisconsin System campuses. The UW System Board of Regents approved the agreements close to nine months ago, but Dave Branson, executive director of the Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, which represents the UW trades employees, said those workers ranging from bricklayers and carpenters to plumbers and painters continue to wait for cost-of-living raises. Theyre very significant; these guys have not had a raise since 2018, Branson said. Even though prices have inflated and costs have gone up, their wages have not kept pace with that. If approved, the 2018-19 agreement would entail a 2.13% increase, while the 2019-20 agreement amounts to a 2.44% raise. The raises will be retroactive, but Branson added that trades employees who have retired since negotiations began will not be eligible. Other UW System employees received two separate 2% raises last fiscal year. Branson said three collective bargaining units UW-Madison, UW System and the state represent about 425 total trades employees. Each unit voted to renew its status in November. The agreements also must be approved by the Senate and Gov. Tony Evers. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 There were clashes as far-Right supporters marched against the mayor at the weekend. - REX A German mayor who applied for a gun license to protect himself has spoken out about his reasons for the first time. Christoph Landscheidt, the mayor of Kamp-Lintfort, a small town in western Germany, said he did not intend to go around armed in public, Texas-style. He said he had been seriously threatened by far-Right extremists and wanted a gun to protect himself and his family against concrete situations in which police help could not reach us in time. His application for a gun license caused controversy when it emerged from court documents this month. Regional politicians condemned the move, arguing the mayor should rely on the police for his protection. Mr Landscheidt, who was elected mayor standing for the centre-Left Social Democrat party (SPD), was not named in the court papers and initially chose not to come forward. But amid growing criticism he issued a statement defending his actions. Contrary to various reports, it is not true that the mayor of Kamp-Lintfort intends to go about armed in public, Texas-style. This is absurd, he said. The fact is I have been seriously threatened by the far-Right scene since the European election campaign in May last year. Counter-demonstrators held a march in support of the mayor Credit: SASCHA STEINBACH/EPA-EFE/REX I have the greatest confidence in the police and respect the state's monopoly on violence. But there have been concrete situations in my private and professional environment in which police help could not have reached us in a timely manner. I applied for the gun license specifically for these exceptional situations which did not take place in public or involve contact with citizens or third parties. Mr Landscheidt did not provide further details of the threatening situations. His statement came as far-Right supporters marched against him in Kamp-Lintfort at the weekend. Under German law, gun licenses can be issued for self-protection but the bar is set very high and they are rarely granted. Licenses are generally only issued to registered hunters and professional marksmen. Story continues A number of German mayors have resigned in recent years over threats from the far-Right, and Mr Landscheidt called for public debate on the security of local politicians who cannot be afforded the same level of protection as national politicians. Arnd Focke, also of the SPD, resigned as mayor of the north-western town of Estorf last month citing far-Right threats. Mr Focke said he had received threatening phone calls in the night and found swastikas drawn on his car. Notes were left in his letterbox threatening to gas him. Resigning was a painful decision, but the right one, he said. He is the latest in a series of mayors of small towns to resign over similar threats. In 2015, Henriette Reker, the mayor of Cologne, was stabbed and severely injured at an election rally. Last year, Walter Lubcke, a local politician from Angela Merkels Christian Democrat party (CDU) was shot dead outside his home in a suspected far-Right attack. The visit gains significance as it comes in midst of spiralling tensions between Tehran and Washington. (Photo Credit: Twitter) New Delhi: Amid tensions with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will begin his three-day India visit on Tuesday. Zarif, who is coming to India to participate in India's flagship global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, 'Raisina Dialogue', will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Zarif will hold talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday over breakfast, said ministry. Later, the Iranian foreign minister will travel to Mumbai and hold discussions with business leaders and will conclude his three-day visit on Friday. The visit gains significance as it comes in midst of spiralling tensions between Tehran and Washington over the killing of General Qaseem Soleimani. After US killed Soleimani, Iran launched missiles on a military base in Iraq with US forces stationed there. However, US president Donald Trump in an address said no American soldier was injured in the attack. Things exacerbated for Iran when it accepted the human error, that claimed the lives of 176 passengers by bringing down a Ukrainian airliner in a missile attack. Also Read: 'Deeply Concerned': S Jaishankar Dials Iranian Counterpart Amid Iran-US Tension Earlier, external Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had dialled his Iranian counterpart Javed Zarif and had expressed India's concerns over the situation in middle-east. He also held telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and had highlighted Indias stakes and concerns regarding the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Also Read: US-Iran Tension: S Jaishankar Holds Telephonic Conversation With Pompeo, Voices India's Concerns India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and New Delhi has been in touch with key players in middle east including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar as it has important interests in the region. Moreover, in December 2019, S Jaishankar co-chaired the 19th Joint Commission Meeting with Javad Zarif. During Jaishankars visit, India and Iran had agreed to accelerate work on the strategic Chabahar project. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. President Trump in June authorized the option of killing senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani if Iranian aggression led to the death of Americans, NBC reported on Monday. The conditions for an operation targeting Soleimani were that it would be a response to Iran killing Americans, and that the president would have to personally sign off on the order. There have been a number of options presented to the president over the course of time, a senior administration official told NBC, saying an operation to kill Soleimani was put on the table some time ago. On December 27, the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah launched over 30 rockets at a U.S. military base in Iraq, killing an American contractor and wounding four military personnel. Trump decided to respond at the time with airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah positions, but the group then led several days of protests at the American embassy in Baghdad. The New York Times reported that Trump decided on killing Soleimani after seeing the images of crowds attacking the embassy. According to the paper, top Pentagon generals were stunned that Trump went through with the operation. The leader of Kataib Hezbollah, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed in the same drone strike as Soleimani while traveling in the Iranian generals convoy. At the same time as the Soleimani operation was underway, the administration authorized another covert operation in Yemen targeting a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, the Washington Post reported on Friday. Details of that operation have been slow to emerge as U.S. military activities in Yemen are generally highly classified. More from National Review Two men were arrested for allegedly stalking and trying to abduct a 23-year-old woman from Mahim area of Mumbai late Sunday night, police said. The woman is a Third Year BA student in a college in the western suburbs, said an official. The woman has told police that she had come down, along with her mother, to throw garbage in a bin located outside the gates of her residential complex, an official said. "The two accused, who were in an SUV, called out to her to join them in the vehicle. When she was walking away ignoring them, one of the accused followed her, caught her dupatta and tried to pull her hair to force her inside the SUV," an official said. The woman's uncle and brother saw the incident and rushed out and managed to nab the two, he added. The official identified the accused as Arbaz Dildar Naqvi (21) and Naved Khan (20), both residents of nearby Dharavi. "Naqvi and Khan are drug addicts and have told police they were under influence of drugs at the time. They have said they do not know the 23-year-old woman. We are checking if they have past records," Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mahim division) Ajinath Satpute said on Monday. They have been charged with stalking and kidnapping among other offences under the IPC, the ACP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) John W. Pawasarat, an analyst and researcher who examined quantifiable data to address social problems like poverty, mass incarceration and the barriers to employment and voting faced by people of color who do not have drivers licenses, died on Jan. 2 at a hospice in Wauwatosa, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee. He was 70. His wife, Lois Quinn, said the cause was prostate cancer. Mr. Pawasarat (pronounced pah-WAH-sah-raht) found in 2005 that in Wisconsin, only 53 percent of black adults and 52 percent of Hispanic adults had drivers licenses, compared with 85 percent of white adults. The finding underpinned a May 2014 decision by a federal judge that Wisconsins law requiring citizens to present photo identification usually a drivers license in order to vote was unconstitutional because blacks, Hispanics and other minority group members were disproportionately unable to participate. The United States Supreme Court agreed and blocked the law from going into effect ahead of the 2014 election. His findings were widely cited in other states, including Indiana, Michigan and Georgia, that were confronting similar voting rights issues. And it was cited by African-American members of Congress who unsuccessfully sought a federal ban on voter I.D. laws. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives, the Queen has said. What does this mean? Harry and Meghans public duties and some private ones are mostly funded by the Prince of Wales from his private 21 million-a-year Duchy of Cornwall income, so this is not public funds. Taxpayers pay for the couples official travel, and some of their office costs, but also an undisclosed amount for their security. Expand Close The British public has been paying for Harry and Meghans security (Tim Ireland/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The British public has been paying for Harry and Meghans security (Tim Ireland/PA) This could mean they intend to pay for their own security, and entirely fund their own official travel, but no further details have been released by Buckingham Palace. It could mean Charles will continue to fund them, or even the Queen instead through her Duchy of Lancaster income, or that Harry and Meghan will become entirely financially independent. What else did the Queen say? She said Harry and Meghan wished to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family, indicating, at this stage, the couple will not be cutting ties completely with the Windsors. The monarch said she and the family were entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family but she added: We would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family. Expand Close The Queen and the royals (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Queen and the royals (Dominic Lipinski/PA) What about their HRH style and their titles? It is not yet known. The couple were referred to initially by the Queen, in an unusual degree of informality for the monarch, as Harry and Meghan, rather than by their official titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This could be seen as a clue to what might be in store. But later in the statement, the Queen calls them the Sussexes. And where will the couple live? There will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK, the Queen said. Expand Close Harry and Meghan will at the moment live in Canada and the UK (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghan will at the moment live in Canada and the UK (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) How could they fund themselves? Harry and Meghan are predicted to make millions as a global brand. But the pair are already millionaires. Their joint wealth is estimated to be around 18 million, according to writer David McClure, who has investigated royal finances. Expand Close Harry and Meghan on their wedding day (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghan on their wedding day (Steve Parsons/PA) Harry inherited nearly 7 million from his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, but this will have grown with investment, and he is also thought to have had an inheritance from the Queen Mother, so is believed to have around 10-15 million. The duchess, said to be worth 2-3 million, pocketed a reported 333,000 per season for six runs of the legal drama Suits, as well as earning an income from feature films and fashion collections. When will the saga be resolved? The Queen, taking charge of the crisis, is clearly keen to conclude the matter and move on. More work is to be done after very constructive discussions with the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Harry, she said. But she is keeping to a tight timetable and has asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. What are the problems that need resolving? As well as confirmation on funding, security and titles, other issues include: What official engagements will Harry and Meghan carry out and how many? What proportion of their time will be spent on royal duties, and what will happen to their Commonwealth roles, their charities and their patronages? How will they ensure there is not a conflict of interest between their royal duties and their private work? Will they pay rent on Frogmore Cottage? Will this be at a commercial rate or a peppercorn rent? Where will they live in Canada and who will pay for their home? Where will they pay tax? Where will Archie go to school? What is happening with Meghans British citizenship application? Has this been completed? In UP, Nadda explains all the good PM has done for farmers 'CM refused to get on phone': JP Nadda slams Punjab govt over PM Modi's security lapse Jana Sena chief meets Nadda; sparks speculation of forging ties in AP India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jan 13: Telugu film actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan on Monday met BJP working president J P Nadda in the national capital amid speculation that the two parties might forge an alliance in Andhra Pradesh. Pawan, along with his senior party colleague and former assembly speaker Nadendla Manohar, met Nadda at his residence and held discussions for over an hour. Sources said they apparently discussed the political scenario in Andhra Pradesh and the need to forge an alliance in Andhra Pradesh, where the two parties had suffered defeat in both the assembly and the Lok Sabha polls. JP Nadda likely to take over as BJP chief next week They also held discussions on the ongoing agitation by farmers of Amaravati against YSRC government''s suggestion of having three capitals for the state, the sources added. Later, JSP leaders along with BJP MP from Bengaluru (South) Tejaswi Surya met BJP''s Andhra Pradesh in-charge V Murleedharan and co-incharge Sunil Deodhar here. Pawan had reached the national capital on Sunday following a call from the BJP leadership and had held preliminary round of talks with BJP general secretary B L Santosh and MP Tejaswi Surya. As the second of two back-to-back episodes begins, Ralph Anderson is being led through prison late at night. Hes here to see Terry Maitland, the two having a chat without any lawyers or other officers present. Anderson is simply baffled by this case. He both believes Terry and he doesnt. As they sit down, the detective gets to the point. He doesnt understand how the van with the New York plates ends up here, and with Terrys fingerprints all over it. It doesnt make sense. The thing is, Maitland cant shed any light on this because, as he says, he didnt kill Freddie. He doesnt know whats going on either. This entire first scene is rather stirring, as two men sit across from each other and stumble through the darkness hoping to find some sort of truth. Its impossible though. This whole situation defies any coherent explanation. Instead, Terry responds to Andersons question about ever touching his kid. He talks about teaching the small kid to bunt, and about how that shaped him into this confident, skilled Little Leaguer. Its clear that he cared for Ralphs son when he was alive, and his admission about hoping that he affected his life while he was on earth is lovely, and only further complicates how Ralph feels about this case. This second episode of the two-part premiere isnt as exciting as the first installment it drags a lot more but there are some inspired moments. For instance, the destruction of the rest of the Peterson family is simply devastating, and Jason Batemans direction gives us some truly wonderful shots that focus in on that grief. When Ollie Peterson and his father have to buy caskets for both Frankie and their recently deceased mother/wife, Bateman pulls in close on their blank faces as the funeral home worker rambles on about a discount he can give them. Those close-ups set up another one later on; when Terry is brought to the courthouse for his initial statement, a gunman goes after him. The gunman hits two cops and Terry before Anderson manages to shoot him dead. Anderson pulls off the killers mask and sees the face of Ollie Peterson. Story continues Then, later on, when the patriarch of the family can no longer deal with whats happened to his wife and kids and decides to hang himself, Bateman shoots the scene with only a ticking clock in the background, as if counting down the mans final moments. Then the camera moves outside, and everything goes quiet. We watch as a woman starts jogging by the house, only for her, and us, to be interrupted by the loud crash of the glass of the bedroom window as the mans legs swing through during his attempt he doesnt die, but does tremendous damage to hang himself. Its haunting stuff from Bateman, made all the more eerie by the hooded figure that continues to linger around during these moments of violence. As shocking as that death is, the fact that Terry Maitland dies is much more shocking. It looked liked Bateman would be a central character, but hes gone now, leaving his wife to sort through this whole mess. His last words? It wasnt me, spoken to Anderson, whos ordered to take two weeks of administrative leave so that he can deal with the fact that he just shot and killed Frankie Petersons older brother. Of course, Ralphs having none of it. He sees a therapist mostly so that he can be cleared to go visit a kid with some information he needs. It turns out the van with the New York plates was stolen by teenager who ended up dropping it in Dayton, Ohio while the Maitlands were there on vacation. So, Ralph goes to see Terrys wife, Gloria, and begs her to help him figure out just what the hell is going on here. He wants to clear Terrys name if hes innocent and try to give Gloria and her kids their life back. He asks her about the trip and if anything unusual happened. Gloria agreed to the meeting, but shes not really there. She sees Ralphs questions as attempts to still pin this on Terry, and shes had enough. Then her oldest daughter, sitting on the stairs, pipes up, and mentions that they were near a restaurant that Ralph had asked about, and that Terry had gotten a cut from a nurse while visiting his father in a home. That doesnt amount to much, and The Outsider is keeping its cards close to its vest right now, but theres hints here that something strange is going on. The cut; Terry being in two places at once; the hooded figure; and then the final scene, where a farmer discovers Terrys old clothes, the ones he changed into at the strip club, in his barn, which are leaking some sort of weird goo. Nothing is normal here, and things are bound to get even stranger. Related content: PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday 10th, the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) in cooperation with Carib Beer released its 2020 national event calendar. The yearly calendar gives businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) an opportunity to share their events with a wide audience of both residents and tourists. This edition officially opens SHTAs anniversary year marking 50 years of the association's existence. This Monday, SHTAs traditional calendar campaign starts, spreading the calendar to SHTA members and other interested individuals. As has been the case with the last Event Calendars, the artwork was designed by local artist Loic Bryan. The calendar is spread in its famous A0 format as well as a foldout in VISIT Magazine, present in Sint Maarten hotel rooms. An overview of events is digitally available on SHTA.com/Events and on SHTAs and influencer Facebook channels. Both digital and physical editions of the calendar have been actively distributed and reprinted by representatives in the United States and Europe. The calendars newest addition is highlighting a Sint Maarten cultural icon on the calendars header. A picture of Clara Reyes performing jazz will kick this tradition off on the 2020 Event Calendar Edition. Ms Reyes has garnered various awards during her long career in culture, leading her to Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica and South-Africa. She was decorated for her efforts by her Majesty Queen Beatrix and holds a Master degree in Dance and Choreography. I dedicate this to the many cultural icons I work with, as culture is only made and kept by many people together. I am grateful and want to thank everyone for the honor of being the first person to start of this tradition, and I look forward to seeing it continue. Ms. Reyes commented to being the first cultural icon to head the calendar. Another feature making this calendar special is the fact that it officially opens SHTAs 50 year anniversary year. During the year, various events will celebrate the association reaching half a century. SHTA is grateful for Carib Beers cooperation on this special anniversary edition, as well as for the support of the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau and lOffice de Tourisme de Saint-Martin. Anyone interested in having a calendar for personal use, or having an event they would like to post in next years edition, can contact +1 (721) 542-0108 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. One reader commented on the website of The Globe and Mail, Canadas leading national newspaper: Welcome to Canada but I trust you will be paying for any security or other costs. You cannot benefit from your royal station. The sentiment was echoed by other readers. Bill Morneau, Canadas finance minister, told reporters on Monday that the government had not yet decided if it would cover some of the security costs related to the royal move. No, we havent spent any time thinking about this issue, he was quoted as saying by the CBC, the Canadian broadcaster. We obviously are always looking to make sure, as a member of the Commonwealth, we play a role. We have not had any discussions on that subject at this time. While the royal couple have professed to wanting to be financially independent, there is no guarantee they could get permits to work in Canada. Speaking before Mondays announcement, Professor Lagasse noted that, although the queen is Prince Harrys grandmother and is an enduring presence on the Canadian 20-dollar bill, she was not a Canadian citizen and that her status as Canadas head of state did not automatically confer legal rights to her grandson. A wedding photographer is suing a venue and styling company for more than $570,000 after she slipped on a piece of organza fabric and shattered her knee. Bernadette Draffin of Moggill Wedding and Videography was taking photos of guests at a wedding in Queensland in 2017 when she slipped on a sash which should have been tied around a chair. The 37-year-old told Daily Mail Australia her knee was shattered in four separate places during the fall, requiring surgery and long-term physiotherapy. But she said the toll her injury took on her family was by far the worst thing she has ever experienced. 'My whole mood changed. My husband had to help me with everything and my relationship with my daughters deteriorated.' Bernadette Draffin of Moggill Wedding and Videography is suing a styling company and wedding venue for more than $500,000 The incident has limited her capacity to work as a photographer, and she has had to cancel bookings during her recovery period, her claim to the court states. The $577,164 claim includes $100,000 for lost income and another $258,030 for loss of potential future income. 'The accident had a big impact on my life and I'm still struggling,' Ms Draffin said. The photographer and videographer was once keeping busy with upwards of eight back-to-back jobs a month, and charges up to $10,000 per wedding. But since the injury, she is limited to no more than one wedding a week and still has to hire an extra set of hands to help get around at the wedding. 'That is at least $1,500 per wedding that I'm paying somebody that I never needed to do before,' she said. The 37-year-old told Daily Mail Australia her knee was shattered in four separate places during the fall, requiring surgery and long-term physiotherapy In addition to the lost income, Ms Draffin said she has received bad reviews from brides and grooms who she had to cancel on immediately after the incident, which makes it harder to draw in new clients. Ms Draffin is being represented by Shine Lawyers' Queensland regional manager James Hickman, who insist she has a case. Mr Hickman said his client was the sole breadwinner at home. 'If nothing else, I hope this accident will serve as a cautionary tale to all companies involved in wedding planning to be extra vigilant about the safety of their guests,' he told The Courier Mail. Ms Draffin alleges staff at Cherbon Waters Equestrian Centre at Burbank were warned of the dangers of fabric being left on the floor and had been instructed to pick them up. She also believes stylists Natasha and Anthony Ricco of Captivating Moments did not do enough to secure the sashes to the backs of chairs in the first place. Captivating Moments refused to comment on the incident when approached by Daily Mail Australia. The Australian government is waging war with European bureaucrats who want us to stop describing bubbly as Prosecco. The European Union is trying to stop Australian winemakers using the term because they say Prosecco is only produced in northern Italy. But the federal government has thrown money at university researchers in an effort to keep Australian winemakers in competition with their European counterparts. Until 2009 the word Prosecco was used to describe wine produced from a certain type of grape (stock image) Previously, the government gave $100,000 to Melbourne's Monash University to investigate the legality of restricting the term based on geography. Until 2009 the word Prosecco was used to describe wine produced from a certain type of grape. But the EU is fighting to have this changed, instead establishing the word 'Prosecco' to describe a type of wine made in Northern Italy. Australia's Prosecco exports are worth $60 million annually and are predicted to rise to $500 million over the next decade. In making the funding announcement Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan was scathing of the legitimacy of the claims by the European Union. 'Our research into geographic indications for wine will ensure local wine makers aren't disadvantaged by foreign producers making spurious claims for the exclusive use of wine names, such as prosecco,' Minister Tehan said. STOCK: The EU is fighting to change legal rights for the word Prosecco, trying to limit the word's use to describe a type of wine made in Northern Italy One of the main producers for the sparkling drink in Australia are the Victorian-based 'Brown Brothers', who have enjoyed a 50 per cent growth in Prosecco sales year-on-year. The company Director described the initiative as 'sneaky' when the announcement was first made. He also suggested the war over naming rights was driven by commercial convenience due to a rise in popularity of the drink over the past decade. STOCK: Australia's Prosecco exports are worth $60 million annually and are predicted to rise to $500 million over the next decade The fight over naming rights started 12 months ago as part of a push by the European Union to establish new trade deals with Italy and Greece. Along with Prosecco, the EU wants to retain exclusive naming rights for feta, parmesan and mozzarella. A likely compromise would see products still labelled by the country of origin of their ingredients, such as 'Australian prosecco' or 'Australian feta'. Two armed groups in the lawless Menaka region of central Mali signed an accord on Sunday to join forces to fight insecurity, stepping in where government and international efforts have largely failed. The accord came the day before French President Emmanuel Macron and five African counterparts including the Malian president were to meet in Pau, in southwestern France. Menaka, like other parts of central and northern Mali, has been beset by Islamist, inter-ethnic and criminal violence since conflict broke out in the north of the West African state in 2012. Rivalry among armed groups has exacerbated the insecurity. Despite a deepening humanitarian crisis, aid groups suspended operations in December after suffering repeated breaks-ins. Sunday's accord was signed by the Platform and the Coordination of Movements of Azawad (CMA), two coalitions of armed groups that signed a peace accord with the Bamako government in 2015. CMA is an alliance of mainly Tuareg former rebel groups, while the Platform is made up of pro-government armed groups. They agreed to the "total and immediate cessation of hostile acts (and) the protection of people and their goods" in the areas under their control. The two groups also agreed to clamp down on the circulation of weapons, to set up joint patrols and to create or reopen checkpoints. 'Traditional' judicial body They will set up a judicial body using "traditional conflict-management mechanisms" to bring criminals to justice. Notably, they agreed to prosecute wrongdoers from their own ranks. They also vowed to help displaced people to return home, and pledged to provide security for aid groups that wish to resume work in the area. In Pau on Monday, Macron was to meet with the heads of the G5 Sahel grouping which also includes Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad, all former French colonies like Mali. Their poorly equipped, impoverished local armies launched a joint anti-jihadist force in 2017. France for its part has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting the G5 Sahel force along with the 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA. Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger suffered a wave of Islamist attacks in 2019 that claimed more than 4,000 lives, according to the United Nations. More than one million people have fled their homes. On Monday, the G5 Sahel leaders will discuss the worsening security situation and the spread of jihadism while seeking a greater role for the French military in the region. The talks are expected to be delicate against the backdrop of anti-French sentiment on the ground, with French forces now contested by some as a foreign, even "neo-colonial". Jihadists have stepped up attacks on armed forces in recent months, with the Menaka area especially hard hit. Two attacks in November left 92 Malian soldiers dead. A massive firefight on Thursday at a military camp in western Niger left 89 soldiers dead, the government said, with "77 dead for the enemy". The Pau meeting was postponed from December after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers. Nokia Smart TV runs Android TV 9 out of the box with support for Netflix and Prime Videos. It supports Dolby Vision, which is Dolbys object-based HDR rendering. Flipkart says it will provide Complete TV Protection for Nokia Smart TVs. Nokia forayed into the smart TV segment with the launch of Nokia Smart TV on December 5. The TV is now up for grabs through Flipkart. The 55-inch TV is priced at Rs 41,999. As for the features, the TV runs Android TV 9 out of the box with support for Netflix and Prime Videos. It has a 10-bit ADS panel with 400 nits of brightness and covers 85-90% of 10-bit colour space. Nokia Smart TV has a 55-inch display. It supports Dolby Vision, which is Dolbys object-based HDR rendering. As for the audio, it is powered by JBL with 24W of sound output. The sound tuning and equaliser are catered to by JBL. The TV comes equipped with two full-range drivers, front-facing tweeters and down-firing mid and low range drivers. However, there is no separate woofer. Nokia Smart TV is powered by a quad-core processor coupled with 2.25GB RAM and 16GB storage. It also comes with MEMC technology, to enhance the picture quality and claims to eliminates blurs and judders for a screen shift devoid of lags, thus offering better picture definition. The Nokia Smart TV went on sale in India today at 12 noon through the Flipkart website. Purchasers can get a 10 percent discount on HSBC credit and debit cards. There is also a 5 percent instant discount offer on EMI with Axis Bank credit and debit cards. Buyers can also avail 5 percent unlimited cashback on Flipkart Axis Bank credit card. Moreover, Flipkart says it will provide Complete TV Protection for Nokia Smart TVs, available at a launch price of Rs 2,999. For the second consecutive day yesterday, demonstrators poured into the streets and squares of Tehran and other cities. Moderate newspaper calls for "apologies and resignations" of those responsible. Unconfirmed videos show gun shots in the vicinity of the protesters. For young people, the enemy is not America, but "it's here". Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - For the second consecutive day, thousands of Iranians took to the streets yesterday in the capital Tehran and other cities, protesting against the leadership of the Islamic Republic for the shooting down of the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) plane. The demonstrators chanted slogans and songs against the country's political, institutional and religious leaders, engaging in repeated clashes with the security forces that intervened to disperse the demonstrations. The agents exploded tear gas and used sticks on the citizen in the squares. According to some videos posted on social media, there were also several gunshots fired near the protesters. However, there are no independent and reliable reports of gun use or signs of blood on the ground, neither reports of casualties or serious injuries. "They lie telling us that our enemy is America. Our enemy is here, "shouted a group of demonstrators, gathered outside a university in Tehran. Other videos show demonstrators outside a second university and a group of people marching towards Azadi (freedom) square in the capital. Other unconfirmed videos would show young people refusing to step on the US (and Israeli) flag, a common gesture - and supported by religious authorities - in moments of maximum tension between Iran and the West. Anger and protests against government and authorities rekindled after the heads of the Islamic Republic lied for days, strongly denying any responsibility for the crash of the flight from Tehran to Kiev, with 176 people on board. Only at the weekend did the Guardians of the Revolution (Pasdaran) admit their responsibility, speaking of a "mistaken" launch of a missile on the plane. The aircraft crashed on the night of maximum tension (January 8) between the Islamic Republic and the United States, when Tehran launched a missile attack against US targets in Iraq in response to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani, head of the Qods Force. The victims are largely Iranian or Iranian-Canadian. Intellectuals and newspapers within the country have been highly critical, including the moderate Etemad which, in a headline yesterday, asked for "apologies and resignations" of those responsible for the accident, in order to meet "people's requests". The protests against the shooting down of the flight of Ukraine International Airlines come a few months after the demonstrations of mid-November, triggered by a widespread discontent against expensive fuel, and repressed with force. According to some unconfirmed sources, about 1500 deaths were recorded even if the leaders of the Islamic Republic strongly deny the data and speak of "fake news". The only female athlete to win an Olympic medal for Iran announced this weekend that she had defected from the nation because of hypocrisy, lies, injustice and flattery and said she had been used as a tool. The Olympian, Kimia Alizadeh (pictured), 21, announced her decision in an Instagram post accompanied by a photo from the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she won a bronze medal in taekwondo. They took me wherever they wanted, she wrote. Whatever they said, I wore. Every sentence they ordered, I repeated. Her comments ... DALLAS, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- TriLine Index Solutions LLC ("TriLine") announces the upcoming liquidation and dissolution of the Pickens Morningstar Renewable Energy Response ETF, an exchange-traded fund (Ticker: RENW) (the "Fund"). Shareholders of the Fund may sell the Fund on NYSE Arca, Inc. ("NYSE Arca") until market close on January 29, 2020 (transaction fees from their broker-dealer may be incurred). Shareholders who continue to hold shares of the Fund on the Fund's liquidation date, which is expected to be on or about January 30, 2020, will receive a liquidating distribution of cash in the cash portion of their brokerage accounts equal to the amount of the net asset value of their shares. Proceeds from the liquidation are currently scheduled to be sent to shareholders promptly after January 30, 2020. Additionally, the Fund will stop accepting creation orders from authorized participants after the close of business on January 29, 2020. Shareholders who receive a liquidating distribution generally will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the amount received for their shares over their adjusted basis in such shares if shares are held in taxable account, and should consult their tax advisor about the potential tax consequences. TriLine recommended that the Fund be liquidated and closed after consideration of the Fund's prospects for growth, among other factors. The Fund will begin liquidating its portfolio assets, which will cause the Fund to increase its cash holdings and deviate from the investment objective and strategies stated in the Fund's prospectus. BEFORE INVESTING YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISKS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES. SUCH INFORMATION IS IN THE PROSPECTUS, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM 214.615.3822. PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. The Pickens Morningstar Renewable Energy Response ETF is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, not affiliated with TriLine Index Solutions, LLC. SOURCE TriLine Index Solutions LLC 13 Jan Martin del Rosario recently bagged the Best Leading Male Performance - Digital at the 24th Asian Television Awards. As reported on PEP, the actor, who won for his performance in "Born Beautiful", accepted the award that was held in Manila, besting two other contenders - Thailand's Teeradon Supapunpinyo and Krissanapoom Pibulsonggram. del Rosario shared the good news on social media on 11 January with a photo of him with the said accolade, writing, "Truly honored to receive the Best Leading Male Performance award from the Asian Television Awards digital." del Rosario was not the only PH representative to win at the event. The iFlix Filipino drama "Mystified" won in the Best Single Drama or Telemovie category, while GMA-7's "Barangay 143" won Best Theme Song. In "Born Beautiful" - the spin-off of Jun Lana's "Die Beautiful", del Rosario replaces Christian Bables as Barbs Cordero, who struggles to come to terms with her identity and tries to start living again as a man through conversion therapy. The 24th Asian Television Awards ran from 11 to 12 January at the Newport Theater at Resorts World Manila. (Photo Source: Martin del Rosario Instagram) We realized we had an assistance program for our employees, but no such resource existed for students. This program is all about helping the student address a concern before it becomes a crisis that preempts a students education and ultimately achieving their career goal. As mental-health issues ranging from stress, depression and anxiety to crisis situations continue to rise on U.S. college campuses, Bellus Academy is launching a Student Assistance Program at its California and Kansas academies. In partnership with Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of technology-enabled human resources services, the Bellus Academy Student Assistance Program provides 24-hour, 7-days a week telephone and web access along with face-to-face counseling sessions for Bellus Academy students. The Student Assistance Program addresses a sharp increase in depression and anxiety reported by students across the nation. A November 2019 report in University Business magazine noted the percentage of college students with previous diagnoses or treatments for depression increased from approximately 9% in 2009 to more than 20% in 2019. Last year, California passed a budget allocating $5.2 million for improving mental health services in the University of California system. Beyond serious mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, everyday stresses can hinder a students ability to perform well in school. The Student Assistance Program at Bellus Academy aims to mitigate concerns before they reach a level that prompts a student to leave school. The program was inspired by Lynelle Lynch, owner of Bellus Academy. We realized we had an assistance program for our employees, but no such resource existed for students, Lynch said. This program is all about helping the student address a concern before it becomes a crisis that preempts a students education and ultimately achieving their career goal. The confidential support services are provided at no cost and can help students address a range of emotional and relational challenges including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and support for child/elder care. The program also provides tools to strengthen relationships and improve communication and work toward life goals. The services are introduced to students during orientation. The San Diego community has many resources in place to assist with crisis situations, but our goal is to help students cope with issues before they become a crisis, says Lauri Miville, director of people and culture at Bellus Academy. Morneau Shepell worked to develop a program based on the success of its existing employee assistance program, LifeWorks, as well as its domestic and international student support programs that was tailored to the needs of Bellus Academys student population. In todays increasingly fast-paced world, it can be challenging to practice self-care while balancing responsibilities at work and obligations at home, says Miville. This program helps to address the challenge. About Bellus Academy: Honored with the Intercoiffure Mondial Best Continental Academy award in 2015, Bellus Academy is an award-winning beauty and wellness institution dedicated to graduating career-ready professionals. Bellus Academy continues to partner with the highest caliber of experts, product lines and equipment manufacturers, raising the bar for educational training worldwide. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at bellusacademy.edu/about/consumer-information-disclosures. About Morneau Shepell: Morneau Shepell is the leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that delivers an integrated approach to well-being through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing everything our clients need to support the mental, physical, social and financial well-being of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement and benefits consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com. Koalas of NYC, a fundraising campaign to save wildlife in Australia has collected over $3,000. As a part of the campaign plush koalas, were hung on trees, telephone poles and other structures across New York City on Friday. Along with the stuffed koalas, there are tags which read, 1 billion of the worlds unique animals population has died in the Australian bushfires. The signposts also have a scannable code for people who wish to make donations. The noble idea The idea to place the toys and urge people to help the wildlife first came from the big apple outpost of Australian ad agency 'Cummins&Partners'. Dianne Villvieja, who is the agencys operation manager said that their team in the US were absolutely devastated and wanted to help in some way which leads to the idea. A fundraising page was also set up by the agency which said that the donations will go to the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service. Read: Anger Over Horrific Bushfire Triggers Remarkable Poll Slump For Australia's PM Morrison Read: Ricky Ponting And Shane Warne To Lead Relief Match For Australian Bushfires Read: Species Desperately Imperiled By Bushfires, New Plea For New Zealand To House Koalas Read: Australian Army Vets Treat Koalas During Fires Meanwhile, thousands of people have signed a petition for koalas to be introduced to New Zealand to escape Australia's devastating bush fires, but the proposal has been given the thumbs down by officials. A group calling itself the Koala Relocation Society said koalas were "functionally extinct in Australia" but could thrive in New Zealand which has nearly 30,000 hectares of land planted in eucalypts. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) resumed partial operations shortly before noon today despite the increasingly dangerous eruption of Taal Volcano. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal confirmed the lifting of the closure order on the airport, but clarified that airlines were still finalizing information on the status of their flight schedules. Some 516 flights and 25,000 passengers were affected since Sunday afternoon when Taal began acting up, he said in a briefing. Departures from NAIA began late this morning while arrivals started coming in at noon. "We planned to give way to the departures first to make parking slots available for incoming passengers and flights," Monreal said. He added that flights coming in would only be accepted based on the availability of slots. "Our plan was also to clear, to accept incoming flights but on partial operation. This means we have to put all these flights coming in based on slot availability," he explained. Some airlines already issued advisories on their cancelled, delayed and diverted domestic and international flights following this announcement. READ: LIST: Flight cancellations due to Taal Volcano eruption In a 10:45am advisory, Philippine Airlines (PAL) said that it had canceled several domestic flights and was delaying the departure of some international flights for the safety of passengers. "Clean-up operations have been carried out in view of the effects of ash emissions from Taal Volcano," the flag carrier said. AirAsia also issued an advisory that some of its flights remain cancelled and all affected passengers had been informed of their latest schedule via email and text messages. "AirAsia has thoroughly assessed its aircraft and equipment prior to recommencing flights. Some flights for today, 13 January, remain cancelled however," it added. Monreal earlier told CNN Philippines that they are coordinating with the different airlines to finalize the flight schedule for Monday. He advised passengers to contact their respective airline so they have enough time to prepare if their flights push through. "May we just reiterate that when we open later for partial operations, hindi po ibig sabihin na bukas na ho, pero...meron pa pong proseso, meron pa pong schedules na ipapatupad. Hintayin po ng mga pasahero ang kompirmasyon ng mga airlines bago sila magtungo sa mga paliparan," he said. [Translation: May we just reiterate that when we open later on the partial operations, this does not mean that we are fully open...we still have to finalize the process, implement the different schedules. The passengers should confirm with their respective airlines before they head to the airport.] "We are banking on the airlines to ensure that these passengers' requests are attended to," Monreal said. He added that airlines must also wait for the approval of the terminal clearance capacity of their aircraft heading to the country. Taal Volcano had a magmatic eruption early Monday morning after spewing only smoke and ash since Sunday afternoon, according to state seismologists. READ: Taal Volcano spews lava in magmatic eruption as hazardous explosion remains imminent But on Sunday, the pressure was on. Employees said it was a challenge to move so much so fast. Tiffany was determined to open for business in the temporary store on Monday morning. The company considered having a down day between when the old store closed and the temporary one opened, to have more time to pack, move and unpack. But officials decided to do it all in the 18 hours between when the old store closed on Sunday and the temporary one opened for the first time. They say moving is stressful, Michael Vanderheyden, who has sold jewelry on the main floor for 35 years, said as the packing began, and Ive been anxious for the last two or three weeks. Employees appeared less concerned about the security they handle expensive items every day without losing them than with the process: scanning bar codes, packing boxes and loading carts. And, once the carts were on the way, workers had to learn their way around the temporary store, down to which drawer the ribbon would be in when they needed to wrap a little blue box. But this is not Holly Golightlys Tiffany. Last year Tiffany agreed to a $16.2 billion deal to be sold to the luxury giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton also owns Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Guerlain, Dom Perignon and Bulgari (whose store is across from the one Tiffany is renovating). Tiffany has worked to update its image in the last few years. In 2018, the rapper A$AP Ferg did a remix of Moon River with the actress Elle Fanning in a nod to Breakfast at Tiffanys. And, ever since Tiffany opened a cafe in 2017, it has been possible to do what Holly Golightly did not have breakfast inside the store. Jai Bhagwan Goyal is a BJP member and the party's rivals in Maharashtra have latched onto the issue to corner it by holding protests and accusing it of insulting the legendary Maratha warrior. New Delhi: The BJP on Monday said the author of the book, which has drawn flak from Opposition for comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, has withdrawn the publication, as the party sought to defuse the raging controversy over it. "The BJP has nothing to do with the book which was brought by Jai Bhagwan Goyal (author) in his personal capacity. He has also apologised for hurting sentiments of people in Maharashtra and outside. He has withdrawn the book. This should put the controversy to rest," senior party leader and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told PTI. Goyal is a BJP member and the party's rivals in Maharashtra have latched onto the issue to corner it by holding protests and accusing it of insulting the legendary Maratha warrior. The ruling Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in Maharashtra have criticised the book, 'Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', deprecating the "insulting comparison" between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the PM. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut demanded that it be banned and asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. Goyal had earlier said that he only wanted to illustrate as to how Modi like Shivaji had done many things considered "impossible" and was willing to apologise if his book has hurt sentiments. By Yi Whan-woo A poster of 8th Venice in Seoul 2020 film festival DANBURY Police are investigating a shooting that left two people wounded at Castello, an upscale Italian restaurant, over the weekend. Lt. Bryan Bishop said police learned of the shooting when they were called to the emergency room for a report of gunshot wound victims early Saturday morning. No arrests have been made, he said. Bishop said he did not have any details on the possible motive for the shooting, and it is unknown how many shots were fired. The Padanaram Road eatery opened in late 2007 in the spot that previously held Bella Italia, according to past reporting by the NewsTimes. Brothers Lenny, Danny and Kenny Balidemaj opened the restaurant after leaving another establishment by the same name in Mamaroneck, N.Y Mayor Mark Boughton said he had heard there was an incident at the restaurant, but did not have further details. Castellos a pretty nice place, doesnt make sense to me, he said. The shooting marks Danburys first of the new year. The last shooting reported in the Hat City was in September of last year, when a 34-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his friend with a handgun by accident while they were high on crack cocaine. Calls to Castello went unanswered Sunday morning. Onondaga County is losing retired millionaire small business owners and young people to Florida, according to an analysis of IRS tax return data by The Empire Center for Public Policy. The county lost a net 5,227 residents to Florida between 2011 and 2018, records show. Those who left had an average annual income of $115,038, the records show. That is more than twice the median 2018 earnings $51,900 for Onondaga County, according to the U.S. Census. A dive into the raw year-to-year numbers sheds some light on who those people are and where they went. Overall, the numbers do not show a big exodus from Onondaga County, but it is worth exploring the trends. As in most Upstate New York counties, the largest number of people who left the county for other states went to Florida. The county is losing two kinds of people to the Sunshine State, according to E.J. McMahon, the Empire Centers research director. Multimillionaire, small business owners who just cashed out. Young people in search of opportunity. Which Florida counties have the most recent Onondaga County transplants? (Maps) McMahon based his speculations on summary tax return data released by the IRS and numbers estimated by the Census Bureau. The migration to Florida and other warm states like California and the Carolinas is not just about sunshine and lower property taxes, McMahon said. First, about the millionaires These are people whose wealth could have gone unnoticed by the neighbors. They owned a modest small business. They sold it for more than $5 million. That bumped their assets over the $5.85 million mark and that means New Yorks estate tax would kick in when they die. Florida and 32 other states dont have an estate tax. There were two interesting spikes in the numbers in recent years that show some of the wealthiest Onondaga County residents moving to two counties in Florida: Sarasota and Collier counties. (Think upscale Naples and Marco Island.) In the 2015-16 tax year, 23 filers who moved from Onondaga County to Collier County, Florida, filed federal income taxes on a combined $75 million in gross adjusted income for just one year. A similar bump happened in the 2012-13 tax year. That suggests to McMahon that one very wealthy person or a handful of modestly wealthy people sold thriving businesses and moved to Florida in those years. If you own a business that has some value, you have a strong incentive to make a clean break, McMahon said. You can still come back and visit in the summer, but you want to get out because you dont want to pay the estate tax. (A primer: The estate tax is charged to the estate not the beneficiaries. So if you move to Florida and die, your estate is not taxed and your children in New York are not shorted that money. Beneficiaries in New York do not have to pay a tax. That would be called an inheritance tax and New York does not have one.) About the young explorers The second group of Florida migrants McMahon detects in the data is young people. Individual tax returns are private, but the IRS does release enough summary data to see some families with modest working incomes moving south. For example, 55 filers with 103 exemptions (likely families with children) who last lived in Onondaga County filed 2017-18 income taxes in the county that includes Tampa, Florida. They had an average income the year before of $45,691, records show. The data does not show enough detail to show their ages, motivation or what happened next. McMahon brings Census data and anecdotal evidence in to support his theory. I would speculate that a lot of the drift to the Sun Belt is not only retirees, but young people searching for opportunities that dont exist in New York, McMahon said. Across New York The Florida trend holds true statewide. The state has lost a net 1.4 million residents to other states since 2010 the biggest percentage went to Florida. Also worth noting, McMahon does not blame high property taxes for the decision to retire to Florida. Many seniors qualify for big breaks on school property taxes because of New Yorks STAR program. Their houses tend to be paid for and they dont want to leave their grandchildren, churches and friends behind for good (maybe just for winter). In fact, the county is growing older. The 65-and-older population has increased in Onondaga County from 14 percent of the population in 2010 to 17 percent in 2018, according to the census. The population of Onondaga County has decreased only slightly from about 467,000 in 2010 to 462,000 in 2018, according to the Census. Thats about a 1 percent decrease. Whos moving to Onondaga County? The IRS also tracks movement into Onondaga County. Over 7 years, 2,547 people with average annual incomes of $42,798 moved from Florida to Onondaga County, records show. About 1,000 people also moved to Onondaga County from California in that time. McMahon speculates those numbers include people who retired to Florida or California, but moved back after a spouse died or when they needed more care. Some could also have moved to New York to qualify for the states Medicaid coverage, he said. Here are the destinations states for people who left Onondaga County between 2011 and 2018 and filed a federal tax return. They are ranked by the highest net loss. Rank State Moved out Moved in Net loss 1 Florida 7,774 2,547 5,227 2 North Carolina 2,739 885 1,854 3 Texas 1,786 628 1,158 4 South Carolina 898 60 838 5 California 1,862 1,035 827 6 Georgia 908 209 699 7 Pennsylvania 1,341 713 628 8 Massachusetts 1,545 940 605 9 Maryland 829 264 565 10 Ohio 844 349 495 11 New Jersey 1,013 520 493 12 Virginia 876 429 447 13 Arizona 809 536 273 14 Washington 502 247 255 15 Nevada 426 189 237 16 Colorado 409 203 206 17 Washington, D.C. 358 230 128 18 Tennessee 136 40 96 19 Connecticut 627 541 86 20 Michigan 137 63 74 21 Oregon 100 29 71 22 New Hampshire 117 47 70 23 Maine 69 27 42 24 Minnesota 95 55 40 25 Rhode Island 56 21 35 26 Indiana 33 0 33 27 Delaware 43 19 24 28 Vermont 110 90 20 29 Hawaii 164 149 15 30 Utah 15 20 (5) 31 Kentucky 19 26 (7) 32 Missouri 0 16 (16) 33 Illinois 464 488 (24) * The IRS does not release data when fewer than 20 returns are filed in a year. In this table, data was not released for Alaska, Arkansas, Alabama, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming. Read more: Which Florida counties have the most recent Onondaga County transplants? (maps) Syracuses unfair property tax system hurts poor the most; heres what can be done A NY taxpayers guide to STAR property tax checks for homeowners; which will you get? Look up real estate sales from 2016 to 2019 in Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. Contact the author: Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186. 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 new trade show focused on the latest developments in the transport and logistics sector will be held in Dubai, UAE, in November. The event, SiTL Middle East, will be organised by Reed Exhibitions, a leading event organiser with over 520 events annually across over 45 economic sectors, in Dubai South from November 16 to 18. The new event is the latest addition to Reed Exhibitions regional portfolio of events in the UAE covering the major developments and transformations within the transport and logistics sector. The event is set to provide an effective platform for government and industry stakeholders from across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) to access leading technologies that increase efficiency and reduce costs in logistics operations, said a statement from the company. The debut edition of SiTL Middle East is set to welcome over 120 exhibitors and more than 2,000 visitors, including regional distribution managers and logistics professionals keen to take advantage of the latest trends in innovations and solutions that could boost business efficiency and profitability. In addition, the event will be an important venue for key officials from various countries to hold bilateral discussions, while the UAE Government and other leading commercial entities will highlight the countrys major efforts in building a global hub supported by world-class facilities and services, it said. Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) and Dubai South, said: Dubai South is committed to make significant contributions towards expanding the capabilities and strengths of the Middle East as an important hub for global logistics and e-commerce. Our vision is in line with Dubais and the UAEs strategy for sustainable growth and continued global leadership. Through SITL ME, we will be gaining new insights and opportunities to grow in terms of technology and innovation, which is essential in the drive towards efficiency and sustainability in business operations and management. We are confident the event will bring about these key focus areas which are highly important for both the government and private sectors, he said. Nadia Abdul Aziz, president of Dubai-based National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL), said: The UAEs logistics sector has been an early adopter of modern technologies which positioned the Arab worlds second biggest economy as a world-class business hub. Dubai had taken a proactive role in planning its development in terms of logistics facilities, zones and investments. We have the best connectivity in the region to reach out to more than three billion population via our both air and sea/rail connectivity, she added. Trade/e-commerce is part of the governments strategy for the future. Logistics passport has been launched, a first of its kind initiative, and also a reward scheme for logistics and freight companies by Dubai Customs World. Under the Dubai Plan 2021, logistics-related targets are prominent. The strategy has an economic component that aims for the city to become one of the top five logistics centres in the world. Dubai has also launched a new Silk Road Strategy aiming to establish the emirate as a global trade and logistics hub, she said. The rapid growth of e-commerce and new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) have made the sector increasingly crucial to businesses where transport and logistics play an essential role. It is part of a supply chain management where planning, implementing and controlling of flow and storage of goods and services take place, from their points of origin to end consumer. SiTL Middle East will feature seven major segments, including intra-logistics, robotics and automation; packaging and pallet; technologies, IOT and information systems; new energy and transport equipment; real estate and logistics infrastructures, and safety and cybersecurity. It will also hold a conference supported by key partners from Reeds global networks in its logistics events, including a Demo Zone where one can experience world-class equipment and solutions, including customised tours. Reed Exhibition also brings to the region its highly acclaimed Business Connect, a dedicated buyers and matchmaking programme which will host over 100 top buyers from the region and arrange pre-scheduled meetings for exhibitors to optimise business opportunities. Daniyal Qureshi, group exhibition director, Reed Exhibitions, said: The event is poised to bring a valuable portfolio of activities to the well-established SiTL Europe which leverages the global recognition of the SiTL brand and shares their best practice in the Middle East. Across its current portfolio of market leading events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Reed Exhibitions brings nearly 4,500 exhibitors and over 109,000 visitors from 170 countries to the UAE and SiTL ME will be a major new event that would boost the countrys global position as a strategic venue for major events, Qureshi added. Latest studies by PwC have revealed that major transformations brought about by new technological solutions are taking place across the sector, identifying digitalisation, shifts in international trade, software-driven process changes, changes in domestic markets commerce and machine-driven process changes, as the five primary drivers of change. In this context, the UAE is in the best position to leverage growth for industry players considering its geographical location and advanced infrastructure. The country is primed as an emerging trans-shipment and multi-modal logistics hub on the Europe-Asia and Asia-Africa trade lanes. The country was ranked first in the region and third globally after China and India as the most-connected emerging economy, according to the 2019 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index. According to the World Banks Logistics Performance Index 2018 ranking, the UAE stands 13th out of 160 countries, outstripping Canada, France, Finland, Denmark and Australia. The Middle East logistics market is seen to reach USD 66 billion by end of 2020, according to Swisslog Middle East, the robotic, data-driven and flexible automated solutions provider. The UAEs e-commerce sector alone is currently worth $17.8 billion, representing 45.6 per cent of the total value of the Middle Easts e-commerce market. A thriving e-commerce industry in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to be worth $28.5 billion by 2022, while the global logistics industry will touch the $726 billion mark by 2020. A Technavio report highlighted that the global logistics market between 2020 and 2024 is poised to grow by $287.1 million, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly five per cent, driven by consumer goods, automotive, food and beverage and healthcare. The market is driven by the increasing use of multimodal transport. In addition, digital transformation is anticipated to further boost the growth of the logistics market. Multimodal transport decreases cargo handling time and costs per vehicle and helps keep inventory and merchandise costs under control, it stated. TradeArabia News Service YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan -- A Navy lieutenant faulted for her role in the USS Fitzgerald's fatal collision will not be forced from the Navy but allowed to exit with an honorable discharge instead, a board of inquiry has decided. Lt. Natalie Combs, a tactical action officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer, was censured in April for failure to perform her duties that day. The destroyer collided June 17, 2017, with a container ship, the ACX Crystal, about 60 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, where the warship was based. Seven sailors died in the collision. A Navy board of inquiry on Thursday found no reason to force Combs from the Navy after 11 years of service, the Navy Times reported. Navy officials and Combs' attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In 2018, Combs and her commanding office, Cmdr. Bryce Benson, faced criminal charges stemming from the collision, including negligent dereliction of duty resulting in death and negligent hazarding of a vessel. The charges were dropped last year. Instead, the two received letters of censure from the secretary of the Navy. The letter to Benson stated that his "ineffective leadership and poor judgment were causal factors in the collision." Combs' letter accused her of demonstrating "incompetent and ineffective leadership" for "failure to perform duties," "ineffective communication and failure to make recommendations to the bridge watch team." Related: Navy Drops Charges Against Fitzgerald Commanding Officer, LT in Collision Case Censure letters are public rebukes that draw shame and acknowledge wrongdoing, but do not carry legal implications or impact retirement benefits or pay for the reprimanded officers. Post-collision reports identified causal factors beyond the actions of the Fitzgerald officers. Several reports pointed to institutional failures. A Navy report in late 2017 said the accident was "preventable," and listed crew exhaustion, skipped certifications, poor watch-standing and training and manning problems among the causes. The service has since implemented about 100 changes, including tightened surface warfare officer qualifications, to address these issues. An August post-collision report by the Japan Transport Safety Board said it was "somewhat likely" that the Fitzgerald was "not properly on the lookout" for ACX Crystal. That report also listed other contributing factors, including the ACX Crystal's failure to sound danger signals or contact the Fitzgerald before the crash. The Fitzgerald crash was the first of two deadly collisions in the 7th Fleet in 2017. Ten sailors died when the USS John S. McCain collided with the tanker Alnic MC near Singapore on Aug. 21, 2017. Confusion among McCain watch-standers led to a loss of steering control, and the destroyer crossed into the civilian oil tanker's path, according to a Navy post-collision report. Read more: What About My Spouse? Confusion at Some Bases as New Commissary Access Begins NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Pacific 5G chipset market accounted for US$ 321.9 Mn in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 44.4% over the forecast period 2019-2027, to account for US$ 8,674.0 Mn in 2027. Driving factors such as a rise in demand for a reliable communication network and rapid growth in the developments of smartphones are anticipated to have a huge impact on the development of 5G chipset market in the coming years. Further, concerns around spectrum harmonization for 5G globally are expected to hinder the market growth in the coming years and have a high impact on the 5G chipset market in the shorter term. APAC is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the deployments of 5G infrastructures. The major reason for this is the high population density of China and India resulting in a large number of smartphone subscriptions, supporting government initiatives towards a digitalized economy, huge investments in laying out optical fiber infrastructure that would connect to the backhaul of 5G networks and enhanced focus on concepts such as smart cities and smart buildings. China is the most populated country in the world, and a country with a large number of companies established. ZTE Corporation, Huawei Technologies, Inc. that are two largest telecommunication companies in China, are investing significant funds for the development of 5G technology. These new market initiatives and strategic partnerships are expected to continue during the forecast period, contributing to the high growth of the 5G chipset market in the region. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05833584/?utm_source=PRN The 5G chipset market is fragmented in nature due to the presence of several end-users, and the competitive dynamics in the market are anticipated to change during the coming years.In addition to this, various initiatives are undertaken by governmental bodies to accelerate the 5G chipset market further. The governments of most of the economies in the APAC region are focusing on the advancement of 4G LTE in order to ensure a seamless transition into 5G technology.In APAC, China will lead the initial commercialization of 5G, due to the frequent adoption of advanced technology, huge population, and strong government support for 5G development in the country. Furthermore, the government of Japan has funded about USD 300 million for promoting the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with other technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and robotics. The government is supporting the advancement of faster fiber-optic cables for enabling these technologies that would form the backbone for the efficient working of 5G networks. The 5G chipset market by product is segmented into devices, customer premises equipment, and network infrastructure equipment.During the forecast period of 2019 to 2027, the devices segment is anticipated to be the largest contributor in the 5G chipset market. The penetration rate of mobile/smartphones is very wide in APAC region, as this region is the home of highly penetrated market across the world namely: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore.According to certain study it has been noticed that the China, Japan, and South Korea will drive the advancement of 5G technology. Furthermore, Australia is harnessing the opportunities of the adoption of 5G Technology. The overall 5G chipset market size has been derived using both primary and secondary source.The research process begins with exhaustive secondary research using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the 5G chipset market. It also provides an overview and forecast for the 5G chipset market based on all the segmentation provided with respect to the Asia Pacific region.Also, primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, and external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the 5G chipset market. Some of the players present in 5G chipset market are Broadcom, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., International Business Machines Corporation, Infineon Technologies AG, Mediatek Inc., Nokia Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson, and Xilinx, Inc. among others. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05833584/?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 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen the bank accounts of a former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani. The anti-graft agency has also asked the former senator, who is accused of extorting a businessman the sum of $24,000, to declare his assets. This was made known in a statement on Sunday by Shehu Sanis Senior Special Adviser, Suleiman Ahmed. KanyiDaily had reported that Senator Sani was arrested for allegedly collecting the sum of $24,000 (N8.6million) from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of ASD Motors, Alhaji Sani Dauda, under the guise of helping him resolve an ongoing case with the EFCC. Although the former lawmaker denied the allegation, the anti-graft agency insisted he had questions to answer on the matter. In the statement, Sanis aide revealed that the EFCC has blocked his principals bank accounts and forced him to declare his assets. Suleiman Ahmed wondered why the EFCC has not detained Sanis accuser who admitted to giving bribe and why it has not invited Alhaji Samaila Isa Funtua who was mentioned in the frame up against Shehu Sani? Mr Orilade, what is the connection between allegations of extortion of $25,000 and then searching his residence, blocking his accounts and forcing him to declare his assets? he asked the EFCC. The other questions Sanis aide posed to the EFCC in the statement are: Bill Gertz is an author of eight books and an award-winning national security journalist and currently is the national security columnist for The Washington Times. His recently published book, Deceiving the Sky: Inside Communist China's Drive for Global Supremacy provides valuable insights revealing why Chinese communist leaders and their increasing totalitarian system of government pose such a menacing threat to the world and how they are actively undermining American democracy and freedom. While the book is focused on modern China, valuable lessons can be learned about the dangers of totalitarianism and political corruption operating anywhere in the world. Especially noteworthy is material presented in Chapter 1 "How Communists Lie," specifically by Guo Wengui, who is a Chinese billionaire and political exile and former insider who left China in 2014. The first chapter includes quotes by Guo Wengui exposing how the Chinese communist system operates in deceitful ways. Guo Wengui is a controversial public figure operating from his current home in NYC. He is a leading and well known activist opposing the Chinese communist government through several different methods, including social media, public appearances and meeting with prominent Western opinion-makers and politicians. Opinions today widely differ about his actual status, his background, and his true intentions. However, he knows the communist system well as a former political insider and the ideology behind it, so the ideas offered by him are valuable to consider. Guo Wengui starts by reminding us that China is a communist country and that communism attempts to build a utopian society, therefore the very basis of the system is false. As a consequence, he persuasively states that in fact, communists are professional liars, because they will never realize what they promise. It is in fact impossible to do so. He states that traditional Western culture is built on the morality of right and wrong. On the other hand, he asserts that in the communist system, truth and lies are interchangeable. As an example, if the truth furthers the ideological cause, it will be used, and when outright lies are expedient, there is no unwillingness to use them. Guo Wengui labels today's Chinese political system as a kleptocracy concerned and primarily motivated by fulfilling the interests of a comparatively small elite rather than the well-being of the Chinese people. These selected few elites are all exclusively high-ranking members of the Communist Party. Totalitarian systems such as the one that exists today in China strive to take total control of the everyday lives of their citizens, including their thoughts and attitudes as well as their daily activities. The Chinese Communist Party regularly uses its state-controlled mass and social media to maintain absolute political control, often relying on outright deceit. As I read this characterization of the workings of the Chinese Communist Party and its leaders, it led me to thinking more about current political conditions closer to home. In our country, the most powerful collective mechanism for the people to come together on a regular basis and have the right to choose the political agenda and the type of country we want to live in is by voting. The American voter goes to the polls with the expectation that our elected representatives will work to deliver solutions to the issues and challenges facing our country. Since his inauguration, President Trump has worked tirelessly to implement his agenda and has been exceptionally successful in doing so. Various positive results have occurred in a wide variety of areas ranging from the economy, immigration, and trade policy to national security. The most dangerous assault on our system of government today is the orchestrated efforts by the Democratic Party to actively work in a series of campaigns to invalidate the results of the 2016 election. Democrats actively resist, impugn, and call into question without exception any policy initiative by the Trump administration. The Democrats currently promote an environment of resistance by outright deception indicating a determination not to offer any compromise on issues. In addition, they do not seem to display any regard for the consequences of their actions on our country. Extending over more than three years, on December 18, these efforts led to the House voting along party lines on two articles to impeach President Trump. The House voted 230-197 to charge Trump with abuse and 229-198 to charge him with obstruction of Congress. A key indicator of the continued magnitude of their determination to remove the president from office is that only three Democrats joined in to vote in opposition to one or both of the charges against the president. All of this is occurring within an environment where there is no actual evidence of any impeachable offenses ever being committed by the president or any members of his administration. However, there is being uncovered on virtually a daily basis extensive evidence of unprecedented political corruption and subversive activities authorized and conducted by high-ranking members of the Obama administration, with all of them directed at destroying candidate and then President Trump. The move to impeach President Trump is occurring as Democratic Party moves rapidly left politically openly advocating adopting socialism in America in an apparent attempt to radically transform the very nature of our country and system of government. The growing appeal of socialism in this country can be attributed to many factors. The brand of socialism presented by many of today's leading Democratic politicians has an alluring and emotional appeal to many people. It is portrayed as a political system consisting of fair and equitable solutions to many of our most challenging political, economic, and social issues. The policy agendas of today's leading Democrats including Medicare for All; the Green New Deal; open borders; and their approach to issues such as social justice, economic and tax policy, foreign policy, gun control, and energy policy, plus so many others, are rarely held up to comprehensive public examination and scrutiny by the mainstream media in any truly meaningful way. China today is on a path under paramount leader Xi Jinping and an increasingly powerful Communist Party of evolving its political system to be even more totalitarian, ready and willing to go to greater lengths and measures to control virtually every aspect of its citizens' lives. In our country, is the Democrats' socialist vision and associated policies for America fake, and can they ever deliver on what they promise, and will their agenda ultimately be of benefit or detriment to the American people? Do they threaten our freedoms in an attempt to further control our lives by implementing a significantly larger government apparatus that will include much greater regulation of a citizen's daily activities? Are they moving us on a path toward totalitarianism similar to the one evolving in China today? The difference in our country is that our future can still be determined by the voters in 2020. At this time in our history and with an increasingly left-leaning radical Democratic Party and their agenda, the results of the next election will profoundly define the future direction of our nation and way of life. In 2018, the World Tourism rankings by United Nations World Tourism Organization listed France, Spain, Italy and Germany among the top 10 most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals. In response to this data, Shaun Dowling provides an easy instructional book to help language learners speak basic and conversational French, Spanish, Italian and German. Talk Your Way Round Europe (published by AuthorHouse UK) provides beginners and avid language learners a simpler method of learning. It features 500-word vocabularies, basic instructions and pronunciation that makes learning easy and effective. It can also be a travelers ultimate companion as it provides words that will help one communicate with the locals when buying food, eat out and having business meetings. To begin learning, visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/Talk-Your-Way-Round-Europe/dp/1728392926. Work through the 15 sessions or browse through them when you have the time. Review the lessons a few days before traveling, and carry this book with you wherever you go. You will soon find that you are able to talk your way around Europe, Dowling advises. Talk Your Way Round Europe By Shaun Dowling Hardcover | 6x9 in | 302 pages | ISBN 9781728392929 Softcover | 6x9 in | 302 pages | ISBN 9781728392912 E-Book | 302 pages | ISBN 9781728392905 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Shaun Dowling is the author of Talk Your Way Round Europe. AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.co.uk or call 0800 047 8203. BRIDGEPORT A Stratford man, who told family members he would do anything to protect his niece, is facing 25 years in prison for fatally shooting her. Michael Buddha Catchings, 23, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Earl Richards to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and first-degree assault on Monday as he was about to go to trial. Asked by the judge if he agreed with the allegations against him, Catchings looked down and simply answered, Yes. Supervisory Assistant States Attorney C. Robert Satti Jr. told the judge that under the plea bargain he had agreed to reduce the charges from murder and attempted murder. He said the victims family did not want Catchings prosecuted for homicide. Catchings faces 25 years in prison on the manslaughter charge and a concurrent 20-year term on the assault charge when he is sentenced March 13. Catchings is accused of fatally shooting 27-year-old Raenetta Catchings, the mother of two small children, in front of her Stratford home in the early morning hours of Aug. 13, 2017, and wounding her boyfriend, Marc Elliott, of Bridgeport. Police responding to a call of gunshots at the North Avenue home said they found Raenetta Catchings lying in the street surrounded by family members with a gunshot wound in her chest. She was pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital. Elliot was found a short distance away suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, police said. From the start police said the large group of family at the scene refused to talk to investigators. Officers learned from other witnesses that the Catchings family had been holding a birthday party. During the party, Raenetta Catchings and Elliott had walked out to the street to have an argument, police said. At some point, police said, several people from the birthday party walked over to the arguing couple and the situation escalated. Police said witnesses told them a male voice was heard yelling, Ill shoot your whole family. Ill shoot this whole block, and then another voice responded, Buddha, Buddha, no! Witnesses then heard two gunshots and Michael Catchings ran one way and Elliot ran another way, police said. Police said another witness told them Michael and Raenetta Catchings were very close, like brother and sister, and that Michael Catchings intervened to protect his niece but accidentally shot her. The Special Investigations Unit has cleared a York Region police officer who shot at a suspect in August in Vaughan. The incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. Aug. 13, the SIU said in a news release last Friday. Police spotted a stolen Dodge Neon travelling west on Steeles Avenue of speeds upwards of 100 km/h. When the 26-year-old driver came to a stop at a red light on Islington Avenue, officers approached the vehicle and ordered the driver to put the vehicle in park and raise his hands, the SIU said in its report. Video evidence showed the driver instead accelerated towards one of the officers, who fired eight rounds at the vehicle, striking him five times. The officer avoided being hit by the car. The driver came to a stop after ramming into the rear end of another stopped vehicle. He was arrested for theft and attempted murder and taken to hospital with serious injuries. A female passenger who was in the same vehicle did not suffer from any serious injuries. In the SIUs report, director Joseph Martino called the officers actions necessary to protect himself from possible death or grievous injury and said it was a first and foremost, an act of self-defence. The first six shots, Martino wrote, were fired at the vehicle while the driver was accelerating towards the officer. However, the final two shots were fired when the driver had already stopped and incapacitated. Martino called this an error, but a reasonable one. Consider the speed with which events unfolded and the innate tension of the situation faced with a vehicle at close range moving in his direction and with only split seconds at his disposal to decide how he was going to react, the dissipation of the threat apparent in hindsight was likely not as clear to the (subject officer) in the heat of the moment. Martino said in the report. The SIU is an arms-length provincial agency tasked with investigating incidents involving police officers that lead to serious injury or death as well as sexual assault allegations against officers. TY Tom Yun is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @thetomyun Read more about: The interest in sustainable investments continues to grow and the formation of Obton's latest solar fund "Impact" provides Danish investors with even more opportunities to make green investments. "Our newest solar fund will include investments in solar parks worth EURO 1,6 billion (DKK 12 billion) and give investors an opportunity to place their money in a completely green product that will benefit both them and society. Many European countries are lagging behind the EU climate targets, and solar energy is an obvious choice for greener energy production. This is where private investment fits in perfectly and helps push the world in a more sustainable direction," explains Oliver Peters, Investment Director, Obton. Green power company "Impact" is a green power company which owns solar parks in a number of countries, such as Germany, Ireland, France and the Netherlands, and generates green power from solar parks for consumers. A small part of the portfolio will comprise solar parks in North America and Asia where the interest in solar energy is sharply rising at present. The project appeals to professional and semi-professional investors and has an expected equity capital of EURO 401 million (DKK 3 billion). "Obton has been on the solar energy market for more than a decade, making it one of the first players in the sector. Whereas ten years ago we had to spend time convincing both countries and investors of solar energy's benefits, we are seeing a completely different interest in this area today. The enormous international awareness of the climate emergency and of the necessity of switching to sustainable power production - together with plunging module prices - has prompted tremendous growth in the solar energy sector in many parts of the world, and we have great expectations for the years ahead," Oliver Peters says. Global megatrend Obton is already experiencing enormous interest in this new solar fund, which replaces Obton's previous fund "Stabil" (after it raised more than EURO 267 million (DKK 2 billion) and established solar parks worth EURO 1 billion (DKK 8 billion) in eight countries). "More and more investors are realising that you don't have to comprise on the return even if you want to make a green investment. Today, sustainability is big business, which is not only true of solar energy. We're seeing a megatrend with a market potential that exceeds all expectations time and time again," Oliver Peters says. About Impact Obton's latest solar fund targets professional and semi-professional investors. It will contain investments in solar parks for EURO 1,6 billion (DKK 13 billion). It comprises solar parks in countries such as Germany, Ireland, France and the Netherlands. A small part of the portfolio will be made up of solar parks in North America and Asia. Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States OAKVILLE, Ontario, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giyani Metals Corp. January 13, 2019 (EMM.V) (FRANKFURT:KT9) (WKN:A2DUU8) (Giyani or the Company) announces the commencement of the feasibility study (FS) for its K.Hill manganese deposit in Botswana with positive initial feedback from SRK, Tetra Tech, and Royal IHC after their three-day site visit to K.Hill in late December 2019. Following the successful FS bid from SRK Consulting (SRK), and joint bid from Tetra Tech and Royal IHC, that was announced on December 13, 2019, Giyani organized a three-day site visit for the team of consultants, who will be the project leads for their respective practices to survey the K.Hill project area. The aim was to provide them with first-hand experience of the location, terrain, infrastructure and various other aspects related to the overall project. During the site visit, the team surveyed the K.Hill deposit, and the surrounding area; to consider potential locations for the mine, processing plant, waste rock and tailings facilities. The team also assessed the areas infrastructure to develop an initial understanding of the requirements to build and operate the K.Hill project. Additionally, the team inspected the drill hole locations from the 2018 resource drilling program and considered potential drill hole locations for the infill drilling program for 2020. Another aspect the team considered during the site visit was any potential benefits and impacts of the K.Hill project on the town of Kanye, which will be examined in detail in the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) to be run in parallel with the FS. Robin Birchall, CEO of Giyani commented: It was very important for the Company to kick start the K.Hill feasibility study with a comprehensive site visit with all of the project leads from SRK, Tetra Tech and Royal IHC. I believe that the three-day site visit was a beneficial use of time that provided valuable input to the planning process for all participants. Story continues Mike Beare, Project Manager for SRK commented: The site visit was a quality opportunity to kick start the feasibility study with all team members present. It was certainly apparent that the K.Hill deposit has a significant history and the new process route will open a new chapter in this history. Jacques du Toit, Project Director for Tetra Tech & Derk Hartman, Director EPC & Project Delivery for IHC Mining, part of the Royal IHC Group, commented: The site visit confirmed that Giyani has a unique opportunity to benefit from some of the best infrastructure in Southern Africa which includes well-maintained roads and close access to the robust power supply network that also feeds Debswanas nearby Jwaneng diamond mine. Established supply routes and power will enable a fast and cost-efficient development of the K.Hill manganese project. About Giyani Giyani Metals Corp. is a Canadian junior explorer and developer focused on creating shareholder value by accelerating the development of its high-grade manganese project in the Kanye Basin, Botswana, Africa. Additional information and corporate documents may be found on www.sedar.com and on Giyani Metals Corp. Website: https://giyanimetals.com/. About SRK SRK Consulting is an independent global mining consulting firm that is owned by its worldwide employees and specialises in technical studies that deliver added value and reduced risk to all stakeholders. Website: https://www.srk.co.uk/en About Tetra Tech Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, program management, construction management and technical services worldwide. The work on the K.Hill project will be completed through Tetra Techs wholly owned subsidiary Coffey Geotechnics Ltd, A Tetra Tech Company, in the United Kingdom. Website: www.tetratech.com About Royal IHC Royal IHC is an independent global engineering and contracting company with more than 3,000 employees working in 39 locations worldwide. It is privately owned with a head office in The Netherlands. IHC Mining is a leading service provider in mining and mineral processing, metallurgical & bulk test work programs, design & engineering, project management services and EPC(M) contracting. Website: https://www.royalihc.com/ On behalf of the Board of Directors of Giyani Metals Corp. Robin Birchall, CEO Contact: Giyani Metals Corporation Robin Birchall CEO, Director +447711313019 rbirchall@giyanimetals.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 news release. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act (U.S. Persons), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Companys securities to, or for the account of benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons. Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Giyani expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, does not expect, plans, anticipates, does not anticipate, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential, scheduled, forecast, budget and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could, should or might occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of the relevant management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to certain assumptions, important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Giyanis ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In the case of Giyani, these facts include their anticipated operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, and plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. This information relates to analyses and other information that is based on expectations of future performance and planned work programs. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation: inherent exploration hazards and risks; risks related to exploration and development of natural resource properties; uncertainty in Giyanis ability to obtain funding; commodity price fluctuations; recent market events and conditions; risks related to the uncertainty of mineral resource calculations and the inclusion of inferred mineral resources in economic estimation; risks related to governmental regulations; risks related to obtaining necessary licenses and permits; risks related to their business being subject to environmental laws and regulations; risks related to their mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to competition from larger companies with greater financial and technical resources; risks relating to the inability to meet financial obligations under agreements to which they are a party; ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; and risks related to their directors and officers becoming associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to conflicts of interests. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Giyanis forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information or statements. Giyanis forward-looking information is based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations and opinions of their respective management on the date the statements are made, and Giyani does not assume any obligation to update forward looking information if circumstances or managements beliefs, expectations or opinions change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For a complete discussion with respect to Giyani and risks associated with forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, please refer to Giyanis financial statements and related MD&A, all of which are filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Prince Harry will come face-to-face with Queen Elizabeth today amid Buckingham Palace fears that he and his wife could go public with damaging accusations about the royal family if they do not get what they want. As the queen, Prince Charles and Prince William join forces to confront Harry (35) for the first time since he announced plans to walk away from his role, the threat of a "no-holds-barred" television interview looms large. The crisis summit - taking place at the queen's country home, Sandringham in Norfolk - is expected to last several hours as the family combs through the various scenarios that could form a blueprint for Harry and Meghan's "progressive" new roles. Hurt Meghan (38) is expected to join the conversation by dialling in by phone from Canada. Prince Charles was last night due to travel back from Oman for the family summit on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He was out of Britain to attend a condolence ceremony following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. The queen has made it clear that she wants the "Sussex situation", as it has become known, resolved within days to prevent further damage to the monarchy. Prince Phillip (98) is said to have been left "deeply hurt" by his grandson's decisions and is angry at their "lack of respect". Expand Close Prince Harry and wife Meghan. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas /PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Harry and wife Meghan. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas /PA Wire Palace aides fear the duke and duchess could prove problematic for the institution if they are allowed to cut loose and are not kept on side. Tom Bradby, the ITV journalist and a friend of both Prince William and Prince Harry, warned yesterday that the Sussexes were considering a set-piece television interview to reveal their reasons for stepping back from the family. Video of the Day "I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred, sit-down interview and I don't think it would be pretty," he wrote in 'The Sunday Times'. While Mr Bradby did not expand on the concerns the couple could voice, courtiers fear they might brand the royal household racist and sexist. A royal source said there was "concern" behind palace gates about an interview that was beyond the press office's control. "Just look at what happened with the Duke of York on 'Newsnight'," they said. Prince William, who was said to have been upset when his brother appeared to confirm rumours of their rift in an interview with Mr Bradby last year, is said to be particularly concerned that the couple may be planning to "sound off". "That's why these negotiations are so delicate," the source added. "The last thing the royals want is any acrimony making it on to the airwaves in a way the palace can't control". Other royal insiders have suggested the Sussexes are preparing to reveal more about the "challenges" they have faced through friends and sources in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are believed to have moved their dogs to Canada, prompting speculation they intend to spend most of their time there. They reportedly flew their beagle and labrador out to their property in Vancouver Island in November during their six-week sabbatical from royal duties. Meghan left her infant son, Archie, with her best friend and a nanny following their Christmas break. She has now returned to be with him and Harry is expected to follow her after crisis talks with other members of the family. ( Daily Telegraph, London) 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 Bolivia's armed forces hit out at exiled former president Evo Morales on Monday after he said he would introduce armed local militias similar to those in Venezuela if he returns home. "Bolivia's people are hurt and our armed forces outraged," said Defense Minister Luis Fernando Lopez in a press conference. He said the military rejected "an absolutely terrorist and seditious logic." Morales has been accused of terrorism and sedition by the interim government and an arrest warrant has been issued against him. Morales fled Bolivia -- initially to Mexico before settling in Argentina -- on November 10 after three weeks of protests against his controversial re-election in a poll widely denounced as rigged. The interim government of right-wing President Jeanine Anez has banned him from standing in new elections to be held on May 3, but Morales has been angling for a return to political life in Bolivia. In a recording played on Sunday on Bolivia's Radio Kawsachum Coca (RKC) -- owned by the coca planters union to which he belongs -- Morales repeated his belief that he had been the victim of "a coup". Morales said it had been a "colossal mistake" for his government not to have a "plan B" that would have allowed his Movement for Socialism party to hold onto power in the face of mounting pressure from opposition demonstrators. He said he intends to return to Bolivia when campaigning for the elections starts, despite the risk of arrest. "Before long, if I return to Bolivia, we will have to organize popular armed militias, as Venezuela has done," Morales told RKC. He confirmed to Reuters that the recording was genuine, but added that he did not want people to arm themselves with guns. Lopez, who was previously in the military, insisted: "We're not going to allow anything." Anez said on Twitter that Morales's statements showed that "peace, reconciliation and democracy were never options for him." Morales tweeted that indigenous peasant movements had defended themselves in the past. "In some regions it was called a communal guard; In other times: militias. Now, union police or union security. All within the framework of our uses and customs, and respecting the Constitution," he tweeted. In Venezuela, about 3.2 million civilians belong to a militia created by former president Hugo Chavez, an ally of Morales and mentor of the country's current socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Those militias -- known as "colectivos" in Venezuela -- have been accused by NGOs of carrying out violent oppression against opposition protesters. Aramcos quick recovery from the attacks on its Abqaiq oil facility shows resilience and flexibility thats without parallel in the industry, Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser said, assuring that Saudi Aramco is a reliable supplier. "The whole world saw that Saudi Aramco, which is the central bank of oil, can respond to any unforeseen events. There was no interruption to our international customers," the company's CEO said in a Bloomberg TV interview in Dammam. As tensions with Iran continue to dominate the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is working to beef-up its resilience to attacks. In September, the Abqaiq plant and the Khurais field were attacked by drones. Two Winnipeg private school teachers will be jointly honoured with a Governor General's History Award for their work leading a student-authored book about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Two Winnipeg private school teachers will be jointly honoured with a Governor General's History Award for their work leading a student-authored book about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Jock Martin and Heather Ragot, both employed at St. John's-Ravenscourt School, will be honoured Jan. 20 by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette in Ottawa. St. John's-Ravenscourt School teachers Jock Martin and Heather Ragot will receive an award from Gov. Gen. Julie Payette for their teaching work. (Supplied/Jock Martin and Heather Ragot) The book project was the culmination of a year's studies by 22 Grade 11 students over the 2017-18 school year. "We started in September, working on a number of different ways of understanding truth and reconciliation and residential schools... The book actually was a way of publishing all the things we'd been talking and thinking about and writing about, and experiencing, by the end of the year," Ragot told the Free Press. "When we talked with students about the best way to publish what we were thinking about, and what we had experienced, they got really excited about the idea of actually having a tangible book you could hold in your hand that could be available for sale in a store," said Martin. "That really spoke to this particular class, and so that was what we pursued." The book grew out of student research papers exploring different Indigenous communities across Canada, Ragot said. "What we had talked about was getting away from a pan-Indigenous experience, (the concept) that all Indigenous people are the same, they all have the same languages. But they don't it's a wide variety of cultures and ways of being in Canada's Indigenous communities," she said. The students then came together to collaborate on the book, combining their research papers into chapters. "So that was a really interesting process, because they had to negotiate with each other what was important information to put in the chapter," Ragot 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. Martin said the experience was an eye-opener for students, who gained firsthand knowledge by visiting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba, and meeting survivors of Canada's residential school system. The book, Reconciling the Past, Finding a New Path, was self-published and carried for a time at McNally Robinson Booksellers. The Governor General's History Awards, which includes prizes for history-related community programming, academic research, museums and popular media, are administered by Winnipeg-based national non-profit organization Canada's History Society. The excellence in teaching award is backed by TD Bank, and Martin and Ragot will split a $2,500 prize. St. John's-Ravenscourt School will receive $1,000. solomon.israel@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sol_israel WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Monday left in place the conviction of a Massachusetts woman who sent her boyfriend text messages urging him to kill himself. Michelle Carter is serving a 15-month sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2014 death of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III. A judge determined that Carter, who was 17, caused the death of the 18-year-old Roy when she ordered him in a phone call to get back in his carbon monoxide-filled truck that hed parked in a Kmart parking lot. The phone call wasnt recorded, but the judge relied on a text Carter sent her friend in which she said she told Roy to get back in. In text messages sent in the days leading up to Roys death, Carter also encouraged Roy to follow through with his suicide plan and chastised him when he didnt, Massachusetts courts found. The case garnered national attention and sparked legislative proposals in Massachusetts to criminalize suicide coercion. Carters lawyers argued in their Supreme Court appeal that the conviction should be thrown out because it was an unprecedented violation of her free speech rights that raised crucial questions about whether words alone are enough to hold someone responsible for another persons suicide. The lawyers also argued there was simply not enough evidence to prove Carter urged Roy to get back in his truck to die, or that he would have lived if she had called for help or taken other actions to try and save his life. Joseph Cataldo, one of Carters lawyers, said Mondays decision was an injustice and that the legal team is weighing its next steps. He didnt elaborate. The U.S. Supreme Court not accepting Michelle Carters petition at this time is unfortunate, he said in a statement. Clearly many legal scholars and many in the legal community understand the dangers this precedent created by the Massachusetts courts. Carter has been serving her sentence at the Bristol County House of Correction in Dartmouth, Mass. She was initially set to be released in May, but is now scheduled for release Jan. 23. Jail officials said Carter has accrued enough good time credits for good behavior and attending programs while incarcerated after she was denied parole last September. A Gold Coast man has been charged after a multi-vehicle Pacific Motorway crash left the highway closed for hours on Saturday after a fuel tanker rolled and spilled part of its load. Police will allege the 27-year-old from Upper Coomera was travelling south at Helensvale when his Holden ute clipped the tanker's trailer about 11.50am, causing it to roll into another car. Emergency crews assess the scene of the spill at Helensvale on Saturday. Fuel from the tanker then spilt into the southbound lanes, leading police to declare an emergency situation while crews worked on the scene. The major road had reopened in both directions by Sunday morning. Nobody was seriously injured in the crash. Karan Johar Shares First Poster Of Varun Dhawans Mr Lele And This Time The Hero Is Not In Search Of His Dulhania From the Oven to the Table by Diana Henry Chosen by Ella Risbridger, who says: Its not a stretch to say that Diana Henry is a huge part of the reason I am a food writer. Diana, to anyone who loves food and writing about food, needs no introduction: One of the leading lights of British cookery writing, she makes food you want to eat and writes about it in prose you want to read. I used to save up for her books with coins in a jar (literally!). But her latest, From the Oven to the Table, is one of my favorites of all, both beautiful and useful. Its an intensely practical book, and it does exactly what it says on the cover: You put the things she says in the oven in the order that she says, and then its magic. (Try the chicken with plums!) You would think this meant some kind of compromise on flavor or texture or ingredients, but it never does. Not once. Brisbane City Council still does not know exactly how much construction delays on its Brisbane Metro mass transit project will cost, six months after flagging the hold-up. But the council insists the 2016 LNP election-pledge project is still "fully funded", despite also admitting the delays caused by reassessing the planned South Brisbane Metro station would cost more money. Concept images for the proposed Brisbane Metro station at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, preferred by the state government to the original location at the Cultural Centre. Credit:Queensland Government The 2017 business case for Brisbane Metro indicated final construction would be completed by 2022; however, that has since been pushed out to 2023. Public and active transport committee chairwoman Krista Adams said that, to date, the council had invested $113 million into the $944 million project, of which $43 million was put towards the Metro depot at Rochedale. Together with Africa's Kenya and Ethiopia, and South America's Colombia and Ecuador, China's Yunnan province, the most important flower producing base in Asia, is one of the world's three regions most suitable for flower production. With much of the recent success attributable to the implementation of the Chinese government's Belt and Road initiative, over the last few years China's floral market has maintained its growth trend. Thanks to its unique location, superior natural conditions, abundant species resources, less restrictive logistics and prominent product advantages, Yunnan is able to meet the consistently increasing demands for flowers from developing countries in and around Southeast Asia, offering unprecedented opportunities for the province's floral industry. The flourishing floral industry also drives the development of producers in Yunnan. The province is now home to over 6,000 flower producers that planted flowers on 99,600 hectares with a total output of 6.26 billion freshly cut flowers and with output value amounting to 31.3 billion yuan (approx. US$4.49 billion) during the first half of 2019. Under the trend of floral industry upgrading, an ever growing number of companies are willing to attend the expo, and are eager to collaborate with domestic and foreign companies and scientific research institutions, buy advanced equipment that meet international standards, and expand R&D and application of new varieties of flowers. Last July, the 50,000sqm KIFE 2019 gathered together over 400 leading floral companies from 18 countries and 20,370 professional visitors from 28 countries. Yunnan province's supportive policies and measures proved to be a key factor in drawing many flower companies and entrepreneurs worldwide to the expo with the objective of seeking out business opportunities in the province. The success of the expo speaks to benefits delivered to the province as a result of the policies. Zhang Lan, vice president of Reed Exhibitions, said, "Through the expo, we aim to not only show participants the amazing emerging technologies and services, but allow them to enjoy Yunnan's world-class flowers." KIFE, a window and platform to showcase the development of the province's floral industry, is a high-level gathering leading the development of Asia's floral industry, with the mission of identifying market trends and maintaining the province's floral industry leadership position in the market. The 2020 Kunming International Flower Expo of China is scheduled to be held in Kunming again from July 10-12, 2020, showcasing beautiful flowers both produced in Yunnan and globally, preeminent flower varieties, and the world's leading planting technologies and equipment. The Netherlands, the Guest Country of Honor at the expo, will lead a delegation of the country's most prominent companies to attend the expo. The expo's organizers, together with Consulate General of Netherlands in Chongqing, will offer onsite programs for the Dutch companies, including New Varieties Releasing, Cold Chain Logistics Forum, and seminars on planting technologies. The expo will continue to enhance communication and cooperation with the floral industry in countries around the world, with the aim of establishing Kunming as an international center for flower trading, industry communication, investment in and development of a flower culture, as well as the global showplace for China's flower market. For more information, please visit: https://www.kmflowerexpo.com/en-gb.html SOURCE Kunming International Flower Expo of China Related Links https://www.kmflowerexpo.com/en-gb.html Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam maintained that the city has remained a global financial hub despite months of pro-democracy protests which turned violent at times. Speaking at the opening of a regional financial forum, Lam said that the months-long protests have not deterred the citys strength and the financial system remained intact. Protests erupted in June last year following administrations proposal of extradition law but even after its withdrawal, the pro-democracy protesters continued with their agitation demanding the resignation of Lam and several other reforms. Protesters have accused the current administration of hand in glove with Beijing and undermining the autonomy of Hong Kong. Read: Anti-establishment Views Unite, Divide Hong Kong Protesters The embattled leader said that the social unrest and challenges have failed to undermine the strengths and resilience of the semi-autonomous region. Last month, in a UK-based global market research company report, Hong Kong maintained the top position in Asia city destinations but more than 5 per cent of all visitors to Hong Kong came from mainland China. On New Years Day, the pro-democracy protesters marched to Victoria Park against Beijings attempt to influence the policy of the semi-autonomous region. Thousands of Hong Kong residents reportedly gathered on a grass lawn and help placard that read Freedom is not free. Read: Hong Kong Rally Seeks International Support For Movement Beijing denied allegations However, China has repeatedly denied the allegations of interference and blamed the west for stoking unrest in the region. President Xi Jinping, in his New Years address, had said that Beijing will resolutely safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong under one country, two systems. Recently, Taiwan started witnessing an influx from Hong Kong with protesters seeking asylum. Asylum seekers from Hong Kong feel that there are too many external forces acting in the semi-autonomous region of China which could change the course of events dramatically. They fear that the city will never be the same after what happened in the past six months. Protesters are of the opinion that Taiwan is democratic and has freedom of speech, unlike China. Read: Protests In Hong Kong Brought Sadness And Rage: Leader Carrie Lam Read: Hong Kong Protesters Begin New Year With 'Persist In 2020' Rally (With inputs from agencies) Gable Tostee's Tinder date has phoned police with fears for her safety three years after he was acquitted over the death of a woman he met on the same dating app. The 33-year-old made national headlines after New Zealand woman Warriena Wright plummeted to her death from his 14th storey Gold Coast apartment in August 2014. Now known as Eric Thomas, he was acquitted of both Ms Wright's murder and manslaughter in 2016. Police were called to a home in Logan, south-east Queensland, at about 4.15am on New Year's Eve after a 28-year-old woman Mr Thomas met on Tinder found out about his past. The woman also told police she feared for her safety because the 33-year-old had become intoxicated, The Courier-Mail reported. Gabriel Tostee made headlines after New Zealander Warriena Wright (pictured together) plunged to her death from his Gold Coast 14-storey apartment block on August 8, 2014. More than five years later another woman he met on Tinder has phoned police with fears for her safety Mr Thomas was removed from the home in the suburb of Yarrabilba, but has not been charged, no offence was recorded and it is believed he was collected from a police station by his parents. He later said his date admitted to reading up on his history when police arrived. He described the incident as a 'bizarre' misunderstanding. 'She never asked me to leave or anything ... I was literally woken up when the police walked in and she said to me something like "I've done some reading on you and you've got me on edge",' Mr Thomas said. Mr Thomas said the fact she called police was bizarre because the unnamed woman didn't signal at any point previously she didn't want to be with him. 'She'd heard of the story [about his trial and acquittal] ... I think she was surprised for a second but we just kept talking and fell asleep on the couch together,' he said. Police were called to a home in south-east Queensland about 4.15am on New Year's Eve after a 28-year-old woman Mr Thomas (pictured) met on Tinder found out about his acquittal It comes after Mr Thomas threatened legal action against a feminist Facebook group warning other women to steer clear of him. Mr Thomas claimed he was the victim of a hate/harassment campaign by social media group Mad F***ing Witches, which posted screenshots from his Tinder profile and warned social media followers in November. Mr Thomas said he considered it a hate/harassment campaign on ABC Radio Melbourne's Mornings program. Mr Thomas (pictured with Warriena Wright on August 8, 2014 just hours before she fell to her death) said the fact the woman called police was bizarre because the unnamed woman didn't signal at any point previously she didn't want to be with him 'I was acquitted in a court of law and they don't know the facts,' Mr Thomas told listeners. 'Ethically I should not be obliged to tell people I did nothing wrong.' Mr Tostee changed his name to Eric Thomas and moved to New Zealand in 2016 with a partner, before moving back to the Gold Coast. Mr Thomas is no stranger to controversy following his highly publicised trial and has shared several provocative posts to his social media accounts since. It comes after Mr Thomas threatened legal action against a feminist Facebook group warning other women to steer clear of him In a Facebook post last year Mr Thomas wrote: 'The best cure for feminism is a good root,' accompanied by a photo of a raised middle finger. The backlash he received on social media failed to deter him, as he went on to make more controversial posts. He has has also referred to his murder acquittal in an online post, saying: 'the only thing I murder is p***y'. He also recently took to social media to accuse girls of sexually objectifing themselves. 'Why do so many girls sexually objectify themselves by posting a ton of half naked pics then complain when they get treated like sexual objects? That's like wearing a clown suit and complaining that nobody takes you seriously,' Mr Thomas posted on Facebook. A toddler was twice abandoned first by the parents who left him in their car to gamble inside a Humble gas station and again by the two men who stole the car he was in. All four adults have since been charged in the kids hour-long adventure that began Sunday night in northeast Harris County and ended Monday morning in MacGregor Park in Houstons Third Ward. A clerk said she warned the parents identified as Kimberley Cook, 21, and Anthony Blue, 29 as recently as Friday to stop bringing their child to the Shell gas station sandwiched between Old Humble Road and Highway 59 where they often sidled up to a row of five slot machines. Every day theyre here playing the machines, cashier Karla Tristan said. Tristan said the couple often brought their beautiful boy with blue eyes but would leave him outside in the backseat because the store did not allow children inside the gaming area. Harris County Sheriffs Office Sgt. Ben Beall said the couple left the child outside in their Chrysler 300 which was left running and unlocked on Sunday night as they spent the next half hour on the machines. It wasnt until around midnight that they realized someone had taken their vehicle, and with it the boy. The couple has since been charged with child abandonment, according to authorities. They needed to learn their lesson, Tristan said. Ive told them already, Dont be leaving your baby in the car and you cant bring your baby in here, she continued. I told them not to do that anymore and they would leave the baby in (the car) all the time. Police have accused Jabari Jonathan Davis and Vincent Leon Cannady, both 19, of stealing the couples car and then ditching the kid in MacGregor Park about an hour after the theft. The men came into the gas station asking for directions to downtown Houston, with Tristan surmising they did so to see whose car was left running outside. Tristan said the parents demanded to see the surveillance footage of the two men once realizing their child was gone. Police were also called. A half hour later, a city employee locking up the last gate to MacGregor Park for the night saw something unusual near a playground. Temperatures by that time had dipped into the low 50s. The employee initially thought the child was an animal but quickly realized it was a onesie-clad child busy at play. Despite the four adults whose missteps led him to being in the park, the child appeared to be enjoying the attention that followed. Police officers could be seen crowding around the boy in the back of an HPD cruiser as he wiggled his toes. The baby is playful and doesnt appear to be injured, HPD Officer Kerry Clopton told reporters at the scene. There are a lot of wild animals out here, Clopton said. Things could have ended up differently had the park ranger not come by here and located the baby. He was taken to Texas Childrens Hospital as a precaution with plans to be released into the custody of his grandparents, officials said. Texas Child Protective Services spokeswoman Tiffani Butler said the agency is now investigating the family. As for the suspected car thieves, Beall said police quickly caught up with Davis and Cannady on Loop 610 near Texas 225 soon after the child was found. The driver initially sped away as an officer tried pulling them over but he came to a stop near Loop 610 and T.C. Jester. Both men were taken into custody. Above all, Im grateful the infant was found safely, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a tweet. Disturbing details when one considers the infant was left unattended while parents were playing 8-liner machines. Court records show Cannady and Davis were on deferred adjudication for unrelated charges. Both men were ordered to stay at an in-patient facility called Young Men About Change in Humble, in lieu of prison time. Records show that Cannady absconded from the facility in October but was ordered back in November. Both men are slated on Wednesday to appear in court. Staff writer Jay R. Jordan and Julian Gill contributed to this report. BRIDGEPORT Waiting to be arraigned Monday on sexual assault charges, a prominent Fairfield eye doctor complained that he has a very busy practice. Ive got a judge waiting to see me, Dr. Ian Gorovoy complained to court personnel. He received no sympathy from Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton who set a $150,000 bond. The allegations in this case are very disturbing, said Senior Assistant States Attorney Tatiana Messina. The 35-year-old Gorovoy, who lives in the Greenfield Hills section of Fairfield, is charged with four counts of third-degree sexual assault and four counts of risk of injury to a child. His lawyer, Edward Gavin, said his client turned himself in after being told there was a warrant for his arrest. We look forward to defending against these baseless claims, Gavin said. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Gorovoy is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman over a lengthy period of time. Some of the assaults allegedly occurred when the womans child was present. At one point, the affidavit states that Gorovoy told the woman she would have sex with him if he pointed a gun at her head. Gorovoy graduated from Brown University. He completed medical school at the University of Pittsburgh and his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Francisco . Following residency, Gorovoy was invited to join the faculty at UCSF where he taught residents surgery. He began practicing in Fairfield in 2016. A Victorian couple have sparked outrage after flying a Nazi flag above their home, but authorities are powerless to stop them. Residents in Beulah, north-west of Melbourne, have repeatedly complained about the red and black flag with a swastika. The home was bought in 2019 by the couple, who defended flying the flag due to the female's German heritage. Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Jessie Holmes said there is nothing they can do. Residents in Beulah, north-west of Melbourne, have complained about a couple flying a red and black Nazi flag with a swastika above their property (stock image) 'What the flag represents is not in line with the values of council and we are disappointed it is causing offence in the community,' she told The Age. 'However, we don't have a particular level or provision that enables us to act on that.' The chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich was disgusted that someone would willingly fly a Nazi flag in Australia. 'The flying of the Nazi flag in the skies of our nation is like plunging a dagger in the heart of Holocaust survivors and spitting in the face of the Diggers who fought to defeat Hitler and his genocidal regime,' Dr Abramovich said. The Victorian government will review the states anti-vilification laws this year after calls from Reason Party MP Fiona Patten to broaden the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act to protect minority groups not currently protected under the act. The inquiry will review the public display of propaganda, and online incidents involving potentially offensive material. Monday January 13, 2020 Job Title: RN Unit Manager City Rome, NY $7500 sign on bonus!!! Open interviews every Tuesday 9am-noon! A rehabilitation facility in Rome is currently seeking an RN Unit Manager. Premium compensation and comprehensive benefits package provided. Duties Include: handle all supervisory duties for the unit, establish employee policies and procedures, establish the standards of care for the unit. Requirements: 2 years LTC experience, 1 year management experience and a valid RN license. Pay: not specified Job Order # NY1329151 ___________________________________________________________________________ Monday January 13, 2020 Job Title: Restaurant Staff City New Hartford, NY An established restaurant in New Hartford is hiring. Do you have a passion for food and customer service? As a team member, you will contribute to the extraordinary dining experience that keep our guests coming back for more. Both full and part time hours. Openings include Line Cook, Server Assistant/Busser, Server, Dishwasher/Utility, Bartender, Prep Cook, Host/Hostess. Pay: varies Job Order # NY1329170 _________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday January 14, 2020 Job Title: Skilled Laborer City Barneveld, NY We are looking for skilled laborers with knowledge in 110 and 12 volt for a family owned and operated trailer manufacturer. We have long-term work available for the right candidate. Applicants should have manufacturing experience. The ideal candidates should be capable of working with minimal oversight but willing to follow directions closely. We manufacture our trailers from the ground up. The ability to learn a new skill is a plus. Pay: not specified Job Order # NY1329173 _________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday January 14, 2020 Job Title: Cable Assemblers City Rome, NY Full in-house training program, eye exam provided Summary: Accurate assembly of sub electro and mechanical components for builds into higher level assemblies, build higher level assemblies according to written instructions, drawings and visual aids that comply with standards with minimal to zero defects. Vision requirement 20/20 corrected, must be able to distinguish colors and must have steady hands and fine motor skills. Must maintain a high degree of manual dexterity in order to handle small objects. Pay: not specified Job Order # NY1329070 __________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday January 15, 2020 Job Title: Merchandiser Recruitment City Utica, NY We will be accepting applications and conducting on the spot interviews at Utica Working Solutions 207 Genesee Street, 2nd Floor on Thursday, January 16th from 10am-3pm. Part time, Monday through Thursday, 26 hours per week. Travel to local supermarkets adding new items and fixtures through out the store. The team visits one store per day working Monday through Thursday. Some Fridays are available. Holidays and weekends off. Pay: not specified Job Order # NY1325378 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday January 15, 2020 Job Title: RN/LPN Unit Manager City Rome, NY Duties include: Provides management/supervision of nursing staff for a 40-bed unit. Assures standards of care are met for all unit residents. Addresses issues/concerns raised by customer groups Function as a member of the interdisciplinary care team. Requirements: current NYS LPN Licensure Minimum 3-5 years supervisory/management experience in LTC or medical/surgical setting. Pay: not specified Job Order # NY1328478 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday January 16, 2020 Job Title: Account Collections City Rome, NY Summary: Manage the day to day collections operations of an established Auto Sales company with a primary focus on collection & retention of accounts. Hours are Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm and rotating Saturdays 9am to 2pm. Bonuses/Insurance, paid vacation/sick/holidays, 401K, uniform shirts. Requirements: 2-3 years' experience collecting (by phone and in person)with a collection agency, finance company or rent-to-own company. Pay: $14.50-$19.25/hr Job Order # NY1329076 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday January 16, 2020 Job Title: Production Recruitment City Herkiemr, NY A local donut production facility will be recruiting Production Workers at the Herkimer Working Solutions, 303 N. Prospect St. on Friday, January 17th from 1pm-3pm. Duties: pick finished donuts off the production line and package them into trays and boxes to be shipped to our customers. 1st and 2nd shift available, training provided. Pay: $13-14.25/hr Job Order # NY1324629 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Friday January 17, 2020 Job Title: Housekeeper City Rome, NY Part time, day shift. Must be available weekend hours. Must have ability to lift 70 lbs, organize work schedule from the room status list, arrivals and departures, distribute linen, towels and room supplies using wheeled carts or by hand, restock room supplies such as drinking glasses, soaps, shampoos, writing supplies, mini bar, replace dirty linens with clean items, inspect and turn mattresses regularly. Pay: not specified Job Order # NY1329008 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Friday January 17, 2020 Job Title: Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist City Utica, NY Summary: prepare checks, confirm billing and receiving accuracy. Process invoices for payment. Check accuracy of business transactions, resolve discrepancies. Maintain working relationships with external suppliers. Apply customer payments to accounts. Work with sales representatives to resolve customer payment issues. Perform data entry and administrative duties. Requirements: High School diploma and 2 years of experience. An accounting/business background is preferred. Pay: $14/hr Job Order # NY1329062 For more information, contact your local Working Solutions one-stop office, or head to their website at https://workingsolutions.com Herkimer County: (315) 867-1400 | Madison County: (315) 363-2400 | Oneida County-Utica: (315) 793-2229 | Oneida County-Rome: (315) 356-0662 China's purchase of USD 200 billion worth of additional American products over a period of two years is part of the phase one trade deal with Beijing, the US has said, as the world's two top economic powers look forward to end their bitter two-year tariff war this week. President Donald Trump has announced last week that the US will sign the first phase of a pending trade deal with China "probably" on January 15. "We're signing, as you know, a very big deal among many other things with China...probably on January 15," Trump told reporters at a White House event. China's commerce ministry on Thursday last confirmed that Vice Premier Liu will be in the US capital from Monday to Wednesday to sign the "Phase One" trade deal with the US. The phase one deal signals a de-escalation in a trade war pitting the two most powerful economic giants against each other for nearly two years. The phase one of the trade deal with China includes the country buying USD 200 billion worth of additional American products, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday. In an interview to ABC News, he said, "It is USD 200 billion of additional products across the board over the next two years, and, specifically, in agriculture, USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion." "This is a big opportunity for our farmers. I think some people have questioned whether they can produce it. The president said they are going to go out and buy more land and produce plenty of agriculture (products)," he said in response to a question. Describing it as a "historic transaction", Mnuchin said further talks would be held for the remaining phases. "As we have said, there will be a phase two. But this is the first time we have had a comprehensive agreement with China on technology issues, agricultural issues, financial services, purchases, and has a real enforcement mechanism. So this is a big win for the president," he asserted. Mnuchin said the first phase of the trade deal includes real enforcement provision. "If they don't comply with the agreement, the president retains the authority to put on tariffs, both existing tariffs and additional tariffs," he said. The language of the trade deal, he said, will be released this week. "The day of the signing, we will be releasing the English version," he added. According to him, there are very important intellectual property rules in the deal that the US expects the Chinese to adhere to. "There are cyber concerns that we do have. So let me just be clear. Cyber will be part of phase two," Mnuchin said. "But we have incorporated provisions in phase one that we think are important protections for US companies. So, we have made very clear there can be no forced technology transfer and that China is putting out laws to protect both US technology and other technology," he added. Trump, who has been accusing China of indulging in unfair trade practices contributing to the huge trade deficit amounting to USD 375 billion, had earlier warned that if a deal is not reached by March 1, the end of the 90-day grace period, the US will increase the tariffs on the USD 200 billions of goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. Trump has been demanding China to drastically reduce the trade deficit and ensure Intellectual property rights production for US technology and services. The escalating trade war raised concerns in China as its economy was on the downward trend amid efforts by the government to rejig the export-dependent economy to that of relying more on domestic consumption. Last year, the US imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of US goods. China is currently America's largest goods trading partner with USD 635.4 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2017. Goods exports totalled USD 129.9 billion; goods import totalled USD 505.5 billion. The US goods trade deficit with China was a whopping USD 375.6 billion in 2017. Trade in services with China (exports and imports) totalled an estimated USD 75 billion in 2017. Services exports were USD 57.6 billion; services imports were USD 17.4 billion. The US services trade surplus with China was USD 40.2 billion in 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Outspoken Co Fermanagh cleric Fr Brian D'Arcy has opened up about why he conducted the funeral Mass of a priest who had sexually abused him. In a new interview with veteran broadcaster Eamonn Mallie, he also spoke of the often extreme conditions he faced in his early training and why he chose to stay celibate after falling in love with a woman. Born in 1945, Fr D'Arcy grew up in the countryside area of Bellanaleck near Enniskillen. He attended the Christian Brothers school in Omagh before starting his training to become a Passioni st priest in 1962 and later transferred to Mount Argus in Dublin. Speaking on the first episode of the new series of Eamonn Mallie: Face to Face with..., which is broadcast on UTV tomorrow, Fr D'Arcy said he was first abused by one of the religious brothers who taught him at the Omagh school. He was singled out as a shy country boy miles from home. "He spotted that in a yard full of kids and he put his arm around me and brought me to his room and I became his recreation for a number of months at that stage," he said. He was targeted by another priest when he was older during his time in Mount Argus. "The same thing happened again, it didn't happen to the same extent but it was an attempted rape on me by a priest that I was sent to look after," he said. "He also had spotted that I was a nervous young guy and asked me to look after him when he was sick, allegedly. "It was in the context of his room that he engaged me in abuse. I suppose I was old enough to spot it at that stage and did do something about it." Fr D'Arcy said the priest had "manipulated" him with threats of being sent home from the priesthood if he ever spoke out. "Abusers use holy sin, power, control magnificently to destroy people and that's what he did and that's what he tried to do." He said he was inspired to forgive his abuser by the "wonderful" peace campaigner Gordon Wilson, who gave a famous interview after his daughter Marie was killed by the IRA in the 1987 Enniskillen bomb. In later years, the Mount Argus priest who abused him was a member of the community where Fr D'Arcy was the rector. "He died and it was up to the superior to officiate at his funeral... I would hope I talked to him before he died, helped him to die as well as he could," he said. "I had hoped that he might say sorry; he didn't but that was his own thing. "I commended him to God and I hope that God has forgiven him. Yes, I preached at it and said the Mass and I hope I was reasonably just to the good things he had done in his life." Of his strict early training, Fr D'Arcy recalled whipping himself and only learning his mother was dying one day before she passed. The thinking of the time, he explained, was to make the early stages of training so hard that only those serious about taking their vows would stay. He said one of the things you had to do was make a scourge for yourself out of very hard twine. "At night prayer you went up and stripped off and beat yourself," he said. "It was a scourge with five elements on it which was very sore. Your enthusiasm as to how hard you beat yourself was an indication of how serious you were." Cut off from the outside world, he was in "complete shock" when he was only told his mother was ill the night before her death. On falling in love with a woman, he said he "almost certainly would have married" if he had not been a priest. "I couldn't do that because I had committed myself to celibacy. But I'm always convinced that married priests should be the most normal thing in the world," he said. Eamonn Mallie: Face to Face with... is on UTV tomorrow at 10.45pm A mother whose 10-year-old son died nearly three years ago while waiting for a heart transplant is angry that an "opt-out" donor system has not been introduced and children still have to travel to the UK for the life-saving operation. Maria Coyne, from Clarehall, Dublin, will mark the third anniversary of her son Gavin's death next month. She said she believed "matters wouldn't have improved" for other children since her son's death, but fears it may be a decade before heart transplants are available here. "We're approaching what will be the third anniversary, and it's exactly as it was when Gavin died," she said. "There's been no changes in the transplant service and we still haven't got our 'opt-out' system. "Health Minister Simon Harris promised to do that in 2019 and he hasn't done it. I don't know what's happened with it." Expand Close Gavin, who died in February 2017, aged 10 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gavin, who died in February 2017, aged 10 Last May, the minister said an "opt-out" system could transform organ donation in Ireland. The system would mean people would automatically have organs donated after death unless they opted out. Frustrated Mr Harris previously said a vital part of a new human tissue legislation bill was the regulation of the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissues for the purpose of transplantation. Ms Coyne said she is frustrated that there has been no movement on children's heart transplants. Families still have to travel to the UK to have heart and liver transplants carried out. "I don't know why this is still the case," she said. "But I believe it's down to a lack of consultants, money and a lack of staff in general. "I believe they could do transplants for children here at the Mater Hospital - this is just down to money, mostly, I feel. "It's frustrating to know nothing has changed since we lost Gavin." Gavin died in February 2017 at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. The Holy Trinity Primary School pupil had been diagnosed with heart failure after a family holiday to Florida. The bright schoolboy had been admitted to Crumlin Children's Hospital. He underwent a series of procedures and was awaiting organ donation. Gavin was transferred to the UK to be placed on a heart transplant list, as Ireland has no such service for children. His family had to arrange their own travel there and back. He passed away in Newcastle while awaiting a transplant, and the fact Gavin died in England impacted the family's grief even more. In March 2017, officials from the Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland office met medical staff at Crumlin children's hospital to discuss setting up a paediatric heart transplant scheme. However, nothing tangible developed from this. "I think it's the system itself, the HSE is a bigger entity than Simon Harris," Ms Coyne said. "It feels like the HSE are pinning all their hopes on the new children's hospital, but they won't do transplants in the new hospital either. "All of that money and they're still going to send kids to the UK. "Three years down the line, all we're told is talks are ongoing, but one consultant told me it won't happen for at least 10 years. "I feel money is a priority ahead of need." She said Christmas was "another year gone without my son. I just wait for it to be over". "And when the anniversary passes, I think I'm over that day, I'll be fine, but then I realise, no, I'm still in the same situation," she added. "I think the day will come when it'll feel less hard, but it doesn't. Then we watch the huge amount of spending on the children's hospital, and know there's still no provision for transplants in Ireland and still it will cost the taxpayers to send their kids to the UK. It doesn't make any sense. "This could be anyone's child tomorrow - we had no warn- ing - it was out of the blue." A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Work is progressing on the drafting of the Bill in collaboration with the Office of Parliamentary Council. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme was undertaken by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on October 16, 2019, and the committee's report has not been received. "When the report is received, the department must consider its findings and conclude drafting. It remains the intention to publish the Bill by the end of Quarter One 2020. "It is hoped the Bill will then be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Frustrated "Kidney transplants are carried out in the Children's Health Ireland, Temple Street, while Irish paediatric patients travel to the UK for heart, lung and liver transplants. "Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland has advised that the current practice in regard to liver and lung transplants is working well, and a change is not envisaged. "Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin, has advised that they do not currently have the capacity to provide a paediatric heart transplant programme. "The possibility of heart transplants for paediatric patients being undertaken in Ireland may be considered in the medium term, in the context of the construction of the new children's hospital at St James's campus. If any change was to be pursued, it would take a considerable time to implement." Pep Guardiola might be the driving force behind Manchester City but he needs lessons behind the wheel. The Sky Blues boss has got through four cars since moving to the North West. Road hog Pep, 48, has damaged an 80,000 black Mercedes GLE, a 150,000 Range Rover, a 200,000 silver Bentley GTX700 and a 30,000 Mini Cooper. He has a reputation from his Barcelona days of being a hapless driver and this is his fourth car he has owned since coming to Manchester. His wing mirrors dont survive for long and hes also managed to fill a diesel Range Rover with petrol and mangle a silver Bentley, sources said. A again source said: Pep is brilliant at many things but driving doesnt appear to be one of them. Hes struggled with the roads in Manchester and had a couple of bumps. In November 2018, The Sun on Sunday told how Pep had a car share with backroom staff. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates After the Uttar Pradesh government decieded to recover the cost of the damage done to public property during violent protests from the rioters responsible for the damage, West Bengal BJP state president Dilip Ghosh on Sunday courted controversy by threatening to shoot those involved in damaging public property in the state. "Uttar Pradesh government had not only booked such people but also lathi-charged and shot them. Similarly, we will also shoot, lathi-charge and book whoever destroys public property in the state," Ghosh said addressing a public gathering. Reportedly, his remarks drew flak from other political parties in West Bengal. READ | TMC Govt Not Implementing Central Schemes As There Is 'no Cut Money', Says PM As Mamata Skips Event 'Public property belongs to taxpayers' He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of not taking action against those who damaged public property during the violent protests against the amended Citizenship Act, and called vandalisers her voters. "Who do they think the public property that they are destroying belongs to? Their father? Public property belongs to the taxpayers. You (Mamata) do not say anything because they are your voters. In Assam and Uttar Pradesh, our government has shot these people like dogs," Ghosh said. READ | 'No Rethinking On CAA, Govt Firm': Naqvi After Mamata's Clarion Call Against The Act The MP from Kharagpur was attending an event in support of the newly amended citizenship law. Calling for action against those destroying public property in the name of protests, Ghosh appended, "You come here, eat our food, stay here and vandalize public property. Is it your zamindari? We will bash you with lathis, shoot you and put you in jail. Mamata Banerjee has no desire to do anything." READ | BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao Accuses Mamata Of Spreading 'panic' For Vote-bank Politics The passage of the contentious amended Citizenship Act witnessed a row of violent protests across the nation that started from the northeastern states such as Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, followed by violent protests in universities such as JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi and Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh. Several protests were held across the nation with West Bengal also witnessing violent protests. The amended Citizenship Act seeks to provide citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Jains, Jews, Parsis and Buddhist refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31st December 2014 due to religious persecution. However, several sections of society are misled and thinking that the act would snatch away the citizenship of Indian minorities, though the central government has maintained that the act is about giving citizenship to the refugees who faced religious persecution in the three aforesaid countries and not about snatching citizenship from Indian minorities. (With ANI inputs) READ | PM Modi Attacks Mamata Banerjee On Home Turf, Says She Is 'stalling' The Centre's Schemes Huffman firefighters are going to get paid. The Huffman Fire Department posted a letter on its Facebook page on Jan. 7 that the department, which had consisted of volunteers since its founding in 1972, will now include full-time paid firefighters. Although it has had some paid part-time firefighters since 2018. The call volume in the Huffman area has steadily increased over the past five years. This is in part due to the population growth in Huffman and the surrounding areas, said Huffman Fire Department Chief Tyler Shirley. The area is seeing a lot more vehicle traffic with the growth around us. As Highway 99 continues its progress around the northeast side of our area, we anticipate a major increase in call volume. Our commissioners realize this and are being proactive. Department leaders had worked over the past year to become compliant with the Texas Commission on Fire Protections regulations, and is now a direct provider for Harris County Emergency Services District #4,, and that transition is continuing. Shirley said, in addition to the faster response times due to increased staffing, one of the biggest benefits that Huffman will get from that TCFP compliance is a mutual aid agreement with the Houston Fire Department, which does does not enter into mutual aid agreements with any departments that are not TCFP compliant. Allowing Houston Fire Department Station 65, which is stationed in Huffman and covers parts of the Lake Houston Area, to respond to emergencies with Huffman Fire Department, and vice-versa, via a mutual aid agreement will significantly decrease the amount of time a single engine company is operating on large scale incidents alone, he said. HFD will now consist of full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters, which Shirley said is necessary due to the sometimes inconsistent participation of volunteers, who all work other full-time jobs. It is important to realize that there is no operational difference between our paid and volunteer firefighters, said Shirley. They adhere to the same training standards, wear the same uniform, and are held to the same performance standards. Related: Firefighting family of Huffman The department stated that the change will not result in any new taxes. Shirley said the department has made major cuts to the operations budget, such as hiring trained and certified firefighters rather than spending money on training and certificaion, to ensure that the increase in payroll will not cause a deficit. Our department is, and will continue to be, staffed by professionals who take a sense of pride and ownership of this community. We are looking forward to an exciting new year. Thank you for your continued support, the letter posted on Huffman Fire Departments Facebook page concludes. Related: The Huffman Volunteer Fire Department provides fun end to summer programming elliott.lapin@hearst.com Ubisoft and Bungie have both put plans into motion that aim to help those affected by yet-ongoing bush fires in Australia, joining the ranks of studios like Crytivo that are rallying their communities to help raise funds during the disaster. Bungie announced its charitable Bungie Foundation organization will kick off a program to benefit the Australian wildlife rescue organization WIRES as well as the NSW Rural Fire Service next week. Starting January 16, Bungie says all profits from the sale of a T-shirt fundraising campaign will go to both organizations, up until the shirt is removed from sale in mid February. Its a similar push to other Bungie Foundation fundraising efforts in the past, the most recent of which raised $1.6 million. Ubisoft Australia, meanwhile, put forth a $30,000 donation to the Australian Red Cross Disaster and Recovery Relief Fund. It did so after its community asked it to run a donation drive in-game, noting in a Twitter statement that direct donations take a quicker approach than an in-game push. The studios tweets also included a list of links for community members willing to donate to help the relief efforts, found here. Update: Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward launched its own campaign over the weekend as well, pledging to donate 100 percent of Activisions net sales of an Australia-themed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare pack to bush fire relief programs. The Guardian has today reported that the Irish border could yet harm Boris Johnsons Brexit deal, with experts saying it will be impossible to deliver the computer systems for the special arrangements for Northern Ireland by the end of this year. Failure to implement the new systems will risk legal action by the European commission against Britain, the Institute for Government says. The Prime Ministers intention to establish a trade deal with the EU by the end of December 2020 was also dealt a blow by the Tanaiste Simon Coveney at the weekend as he indicated the bloc would be in no rush to work to Johnsons timetable. Coveney said the fact that Britain had put the timescale for a trade deal into law did not mean the other 27 European countries would fall in line. Coveney issued his warning on BBC Ones Andrew Marr Show, saying the deal to be struck between the UK and EU over their future relationship was vast, encompassing security, data, aviation and trade. During the interview, Coveney said, "When people talk about the future relationship in the UK in particular, they seem to only talk about a future trade agreement. Actually, theres much more to this than that I know that Johnson has set a very ambitious timetable to get this done hes even put it into British law but just because a British parliament decides that British law says something, doesnt mean that that law applies to the other 27 countries of the European Union." Source: www.businessworld.ie Nancy Lewis, whose single-minded belief that Americans would find a quirky British comedy troupe amusing was instrumental in getting that troupes breakthrough show, Monty Pythons Flying Circus, broadcast on American television, died on Dec. 20 in Manhattan. She was 76. Her husband, the actor Simon Jones, said the cause was leukemia. Ms. Lewis was head of publicity for Buddah Records, an American company, when in 1971 it struck a distribution deal with the British label Charisma Records that included two albums by Monty Python. The troupe had become famous in Britain after the debut of Flying Circus on the BBC in 1969 but was virtually unknown in the United States. Ms. Lewis championed the albums and then the television series, finally getting it on the air on PBS in 1974. The next year, when ABC broadcast an edited compilation of the show in its weekday late-night slot, she urged the troupe to go to court to try to stop a second such broadcast on the grounds that the editing ruined much of the Pythonesque humor, which relied on running gags, incongruity and absurdity. The suit didnt stop the second broadcast, but on appeal it did establish that the Pythons owned the copyright to the Flying Circus episodes, an important precedent. YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. 115 years ago local Tartars(Tatars), who currently identify themselves as Azerbaijanis, carried out the first deliberate and organised pogroms of Armenians in Baku. According to several sources at least a few hundreds of Armenians became the victims of the Armenian pogroms in different months of 1905. Not only the ethnic Armenian population of Baku but houses, shops, factories, including oil industry factories owned by Armenians, were targeted by Tartars during the pogroms. A large number of Armenians were able to confront the mass murders only due to their self-defense. City and governorate authorities of Baku as well as the police not only didnt intervene in the pogroms but also supported the armed groups of Tartars. The precedent was repeated during the Armenian pogroms in September of 1918 and January of 1990 the last chord of the forced deportation of Armenians from Baku. According to British journalist and eyewitness of the events James Dodds Henry, at the time, about 35,000 Armenians were living in Baku, many of whom were engaged in industry and held honorary positions in the municipal council. Describing the 1905 Armenian pogroms in Baku, Italian historian and diplomat Luigi Villari who was traveling in the Caucasus at the time, says: But the Armenians, with their superior education, their greater intelligence and push, have acquired an increasing influence in the town and the industry, and have edged the Tartars out of many professions. There are only two small Tartar oil firms, although many Tartars are interested in the business. At Baku, where they are numerically inferior, the Armenians form a majority on the town council, as the law does not allow the non-Christian races to have more than half the seats on local bodies. Even in competition with foreigners the Armenians hold their own, for while their interests on the naphtha industry are only 35 per cent. Of the total, they are represented by five members out of seven on the Soviet Siezd (council of naphtha producers). There are also no Tartars on the Bourse Committee[1]. Illustration from French Le Groix Illustre newspaper from October 29, 1905. The land of Oil; Caucasian Tartars slaughtering Armenians. A copy of this newspaper issue is being kept in the fund of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute. In the first Russian Revolution when the anti-government sentiment dominated the country, Muslims gained more sympathy. The tsarist authorities began to consider Armenians dangerous, and the Tartar population took advantage of it as they did not like the positions Armenians held in Baku. In his book "Report of 1905 on the revision of the city of Baku and the Baku province", Russian Senator Alexander Kuzminsky, who was sent to the Caucasus by the Tsar's decree to investigate the crimes and pogroms in Baku on the spot, wrote that the reason for the mass murders of Armenians was the murder of a Muslim Aga Rza Babayev, who was allegedly killed "by a shot from the Armenian crowd. According to writer and publicist Karen Aghekyan, this was just an excuse to start the mass killings. L. Villari writes in his book that the same Babayev took revenge for his murdered relative Kasum-Bek, who was avenged by the Armenians for committing several acts of violence against Armenian children; girls and boys. But this complicated and not fully disclosed chain of revenge could not in any case be the cause of the Armenian pogroms, but only the formal reason for the Tartars, who have long been waiting for an opportunity to deal with the Armenians for their social and cultural superiority. According to the results of the examination of Al. Kuzminsky and the report of the Chief of Police of Baku, only on 6-9 February, 1905, overall 232 people (192 Armenians, 36 Tartars and 4 Russians) were killed. 32 Armenians and 5 Tartars were killed in the suburbs of Baku during 7-10 February. The number of Armenians wounded in suburbs exceeded that of Tartars; 23 Armenians and 4 Tartars[2]. It is noteworthy that, unlike the Armenians, in the case of the Tartars, there is no evidence of the murder of old people and children. Almost all information sources mention about killed men who were capable of carrying weapons. Al. Kuzminsky describes in detail how the houses of renowned Armenians in Baku (Ter-Osipov, Ghasabov, Lalaev, Galustov, Aslanov, Adamov, etc.) were looted, and the owners of the houses were killed along with their families[3]. The most striking example of this is the story of Adamoffs(Adamyans) that J.D. Henrys tells about in his Baku: An eventful History book. He describes the wiping out of Adamoffs as the most thrilling chapters in the history of massacres. According to the author, 40 Armenians including elderlies, women and children found shelter in Adamoffs house and were either killed or burnt alive in the end. During the self-defense organized by Adamoffs, as mentioned by J.D. Henry, 40 Tartars that surrounded Adamoffs apartment, were also killed but unlike Armenians all of them were adult men and held weapons. A screenshot from J.D. Henrys Baku: An eventful history book. The author also tells the story of Lalaevs in the same book. For several days the Lalaevs begged the Governor for help through other influential families, but the Governor deigned to appear at the Lalaevs' house only a few days later, finding the house on fire and the corpses of Lalaev, his wife and other victims lying on the street. On the other hand, L. Villari records that M. Nakashidze walked around the streets of the city and encouraged the Tartars who carried out the Armenian pogroms. According to the author, one time he even ordered the police to return the gun taken from one of the Tartar murderers and patted the latter on his shoulder. These facts show that Bakus police played a special role during the Armenian pogroms in February, August and October, supporting and encouraging the Tartars. According to eyewitness accounts, the police began the march in order to provoke the Tartars to the massacre[4]. As by L. Villari mentions, if Nakashidze wished to prevent the riots, he would have stopped them. The authorities did not respond to desperate calls for help from the Armenians besieged in their homes. Nakashidze said that he had no troops and could do nothing to help, although in fact he had two thousand men at his disposal[5]. Another piece of evidence was published in French Le Grand Illustre newspapers September 15 issue. Mr. Tatossoff as well as his spouse Marie and daughter Eveline were burnt alive during the merciless atrocities carried out by Tartars. Source: The Fund of The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Henry notes about the correspondent of the British Times newspaper which tried to find out who began the warfare in the Caucasus and after four weeks of investigation dispatched 2 letters. In the letter written on September 27, the correspondent hold Armenians responsible for the outbreak and the continuance of hostilities but in the letter written just a day after this one, the correspondent emphasizes, After weighing the evidence as carefully as possible, I am driven to the conclusion that this charge is quite unjustifiable, and that the Armenians have throughout acted on the defensive[6]. February pogroms were followed by pogroms in August and October. At that time, clashes took place in oil industries that were owned by Armenians and where most of the workers were also Armenians. In addition to human losses, the Armenian community of Baku also suffered huge material losses. Unfortunately, comprehensive data on the total number of victims and material losses of the Armenians has not yet been published. In parallel with the pogroms of Armenians in Baku, Tartars carried out the massacres of Armenians in Nakhichevan, Shushi, Yelizavetpol (Gandzak, nowadays Gyanja) and other places. The pogroms of Armenians in Baku in 1905 and 1906 were the first act of open, large-scale and organized attacks by the Tartars on the Armenian community of Baku. This was followed by 1918 and 1990 Armenian pogroms, where the Armenian population and centuries-old cultural heritage were destroyed with almost the same scenario and with even greater cruelty. The persecution towards Armenians continues even today. People with Armenian last names are forbidden to enter Azerbaijan. The peaceful Armenian population is still a target for the Azerbaijani armed forces. In April 2016, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces entered the village of Talish, and executing an Armenian family of three elderly people. Their bodies showed signs of torture and abuse; they shot 2 of them to death and then cut off their ears. The same method was common during the Armenian pogroms of 1905 and 1918 by Tartars, and in 1990 by Azerbaijanis who had already adopted the new identity. The international community must condemn these acts of crimes against humanity in order to prevent such tragedies from happening. Rubina Lalayan [1] Villari L., FIRE AND SWORD IN THE CAUCASUS, 1906, p. 188. [2] ., 1905 . . -1 http://hamatext.com/ad-marginem/item/180-otchet-1905-goda-o-revizii-g-baku-i-bakinskoj-gub-1 [3] ., 1905 . . -1 http://hamatext.com/ad-marginem/item/180-otchet-1905-goda-o-revizii-g-baku-i-bakinskoj-gub-1 [4] Henry J.D., Baku. An eventful History, London, A. Constable & Co., ltd. 1905 p. 156. [5] http://www.aniv.ru/archive/1/ogon-i-mech-na-kavkaze-luidzhi-villari/ [6] Henry J. D., Baku. An eventful History, Arno Press, New York, 1977, pp 150-151. Nguyen Thai Hai Van, the first female Grab CEO in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Grab Vietnam. Nguyen Thai Hai Van will commence her role as Vietnam CEO of Singapore-based ride-hailing giant Grab on February 1. Van, the first female Grab CEO in Vietnam, will oversee business strategy and operations across the country, Grab stated Monday. Van boasts 17 years prior marketing experience at the Netherlands-backed personal care products maker Unilever Vietnam ahead of joining Grab on November 1 last year. Besides, she co-chairs Vietnam Mobile Marketing Association. She takes over as Grab Vietnam CEO from predecessor Jerry Lim, who will return to Singapore to serve as regional head of customer experience. Grab has seen strong development since entering Vietnam in 2014. Payments via Moca, its e-payment partner, grew by 150 percent between January and June last year while its number of active monthly mobile users rose by 70 percent. The use of a controversial spying power by law enforcement agencies has fallen sharply since a landmark ruling that Irish legislation breached EU law. However, one legal authority expressed concern that the powers are still being used to a significant extent despite the ruling. TJ McIntyre, associate professor of law at UCD, said the exercise of the powers is in breach of both the High Court judgement of December 2018 and previous European court rulings. The High Court ruled that 2011 legislation allowing State agencies to access peoples private communication data provided for an indiscriminate data-retention regime and breached privacy rights under EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Figures provided by the Department of Justice to the Irish Examiner indicate a projected 60% drop in the use of the Communication (Retention of Data) Act 2011 by the end of this year, compared to 2018. The data shows: 4,274 disclosures of communication data in 2019 (to end of September), compared to 13,879 for all of 2018; If disclosures are made at the same rate for the remaining three months of 2019, it would indicate a drop of 59% in disclosures (from 13,879 to 5,697); Disclosures to gardai had fallen from 13,545 in 2018 to 4,047 by the end of September. The department said the 2019 figures do not include a further 2,404 subscriber disclosures to gardai under the Data Protection Act 2018. These figures are included in the communication data figures for years before 2019. This would bring the total number of disclosures, including subscriber data, up to September 2019, to 6,678. That would indicate a total projected figure of 8,900 disclosures by the end of the year (5,697, plus 3,205), suggesting a total reduction of 36% on 2018. Communication data includes mobile phone records (phone numbers, duration of calls, and location of calls), internet data records (IP address of device, email addresses, name and address of user, web history, and credit card information), and subscriber data (number of phone and name and address of user, if bill pay). The department did not provide a breakdown of the 4,274 disclosures by the three separate bases upon which agencies can seek records under the 2011 act: Investigation of serious crime, security of the State, and the saving of human life. In his High Court ruling, Mr Justice Tony OConnor specified that his declarations only related to the investigation of serious crime, and not State security and the saving of human life, and concerned telephone data, not internet records. The State is appealing this judgement to the Supreme Court, claiming the consequences of not having access to retained data for the investigation and prosecution of serious crime was stark and that there was no alternative. The High Court judgement, stemming from a case taken by convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, followed a succession of European court rulings and domestic inquiries (Murray), which undermined the legal basis of the retention laws. Prof McIntyre expressed concern at the quite large number of disclosures still taking place, and that he suspected that gardai were keen to continue using the act in serious crime cases. Id be stunned if they werent still using it for serious crime, he said. They have continued to use it as an intelligence tool, not an evidential tool, as they know it would be inadmissible. He said the second ECJ case (Tele2) in December 2016 found that EU law applied to domestic legislation and prohibited general and indiscriminate retention of data. While the High Court ruling was confined to the investigation of serious crime, he said the EU rulings included national security, while excluding for the saving of human life. The European judgements are binding on the Irish State, but it has continued on regardless, said Prof McIntyre. Manila (AFP) - Philippine authorities warned Sunday a volcano near the capital Manila could erupt imminently, hours after it sent a massive column of ash skyward that grounded flights and coated towns across the region in fine dust. Thousands of people living near Taal volcano, a popular tourist attraction set in the centre of a picturesque lake, were evacuated from their homes as it spewed ash, rumbled with earthquakes and lightning exploded above its crest. A "hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days", the nation's seismological agency warned, adding that the ash could pose a risk to aircraft. Aviation officials ordered a suspension of flights in to and out of the capital's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, after the ash cloud was reported to have reached 50,000 feet (15,000 metres). Government seismologists recorded magma moving towards the crater of Taal, one of the country's most active volcanoes located 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila. Taal's last eruption was in 1977, he added. A kilometre-high column of ash was visible and several volcanic tremors were felt within the vicinity of the volcano, which is popular among tourists for its scenic view. The local disaster office said it had evacuated over 2,000 residents living on the volcanic island, which lies inside a bigger lake formed by previous volcanic activity. Solidum said officials will also order the evacuation of people living on another island nearby if the situation worsens. "Ash has already reached Manila... it is dangerous to people if they inhale it," he told AFP. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are not uncommon in the Philippines due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface. In January 2018, Mount Mayon displaced tens of thousands of people after spewing millions of tonnes of ash, rocks, and lava in the central Bicol region. Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna lashed out at trolls who questioned his faith after Bigg Boss 13 contestant Asim Riaz fed him. The chef entered the Bigg Boss house recently to judge a cooking task and treat the winners to mouth-watering dishes cooked by him. In an Instagram post, Vikas lauded Asim for his humanity and humility and slammed trolls for sending him hate messages. We had spent hours and hours to create Michelin Style plates for the Winning team.......when everyone started eating, I was so happy to see them eat. They are living in isolation without any luxury for months, it was a satisfying moment for me to see them savour my food. Except for Asim, who served me a bite with his hands first. It was a genuine moment to thank me. When I posted this humble gesture on Insta Story, I got a lot of hate filled rude messages and questions. Even questioning my faith. Im an Indian and thats my faith, he wrote. Vikas said that during his struggling days in the US, he went hungry for days. I have slept many days without food during my journey in America, I admire people with courage and big hearts even when they are at the receiving end. Humanity and Humility Shine even when they are silent and small, he wrote. Earlier, Vikas had shared a picture of Asim feeding him in the Bigg Boss 13 house on his Instagram story and written that he was humbled by the sweet gesture. After being accused of favouring Asim and receiving of a lot of hate for the post, Vikas clarified in a series of tweets why he was moved. Yesterday I posted a pic on my Insta Story of #AsimRiaz feeding me cake that how that moment moved me. Many people left extremely rude comments and questions. Here is why that moment was important for me to express. pic.twitter.com/DiE0HxqAXd Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) January 12, 2020 When house mates are living in Bigg Boss for months without luxuries and when given a Michelin Star meal, it moved me that Asim fed me first. Im not a part of any team, but we must honor a humbling moments in life. This gratitude is what defines us as human. Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) January 12, 2020 Yesterday I posted a pic on my Insta Story of #AsimRiaz feeding me cake that how that moment moved me. Many people left extremely rude comments and questions. Here is why that moment was important for me to express, he wrote. When house mates are living in Bigg Boss for months without luxuries and when given a Michelin Star meal, it moved me that Asim fed me first. Im not a part of any team, but we must honour a humbling moments in life. This gratitude is what defines us as human, he wrote. Follow @htshowbiz for more It was a good morning for popes and Macedonian beekeepers, a bad one for drug-scamming strippers. Photo-Illustration: Vulture, STXFilms, Netflix and Neon Take the drama of a presidential election, and then make the whole thing rest on the opinions of a few thousand voters, very few of whom care about the opinions of people on Twitter. No, Im not talking about the Iowa caucuses, Im talking about the 2020 Oscar nominations, which caused plenty of consternation on Monday morning. Lets run down the biggest snubs and surprises of the 92nd Academy Award nominations. Jennifer Lopezs snub headlined a morning of Oscars gatekeeping. If you wanted a sign that the tastes of Oscar obsessives dont always line up with the tastes of actual Oscar voters, one of the mornings first categories gave you a hard lesson, as Jennifer Lopezs Hustlers performance was left out of Supporting Actress. Lopez had been widely pegged as the categorys No. 2 behind Laura Dern: She was the breakout performer in a critically acclaimed, Zeitgeist-y hit, with an iconic musical number to boot. Its tempting to say that this was a case of the internet going gaga for someone and assuming Oscar voters would naturally follow suit, but Lopez did make it into most of the major precursors, scoring nominations from the Golden Globes and SAG. Ultimately, Hustlers was hamstrung by the notion that this frothy crime caper was not an Oscar movie, a notion that, as we saw all over this mornings nominations, often privileges the grandiose, the gritty, the masculine. IndieWires Anne Thompson, whose barometer is usually closer to the median Oscar voters than the rest of us might like to admit, had been putting cold water on Hustlers chances since September, noting that the film was unlikely to play well with tony Academy voters, who want their Oscar contenders to shine with the patina of art. Voters did not cotton on to the films sly social commentary; to them, it might as well have been Avengers: Endgame. The Academy went with an all-male directing slate, and a nearly entirely white field of acting nominees. The presence of three women of color in the Best Actress race meant that, no matter how hard they tried, the Oscars could not go full BAFTAs they were almost certainly going to consider Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, and/or Lupita Nyongo. In the end, they went with only one: Erivo, whose role in the inspirational historical biopic Harriet hewed closest to the standard Oscar mold. But the other three acting categories went 100 percent Caucasian, as Eddie Murphy of Dolemite Is My Name, Song Kang-ho of Parasite, and Zhao Shuzhen of The Farewell joined Lopez in being shut out. The crafts categories were better, as Parasites success meant plenty of South Korean creatives got their due, but the Best Director field was, as expected, another all-male year, as Todd Phillips rode the Joker wave into a directing nomination over Little Womens Greta Gerwig and Portrait of a Lady on Fires Celine Sciamma. You can rationalize plenty of these individual choices Us was a horror movie that came out in March, Song wasnt the campaigner that Marina de Tavira was last year, Gerwigs movie was slightly less beloved than other Best Picture contenders but taken together, its hard not to see these nominations as the Academy retreating to familiar notions of what types of film it should be canonizing. Joker and 1917 proved their strength with surprising nominations. Two Best Picture nominees got a serious boost by showing up in unexpected areas of the ballot. Joker led all comers with 11 nominations, a tally that included nods in Costume, Sound Mixing, and Makeup & Hairstyling. And 1917 pulled off an Original Screenplay nod, a major feat for a film thats almost entirely wordless in the second half. Before this morning, each was considered a second-tier threat to take home the top trophy now, theyre asking questions. Both of those popes proved infallible. On the surprises side, no movie had more a pleasant morning than The Two Popes, which at times had felt like Netflixs fourth-string contender this Oscar season. Though the Globes loved the Catholic two-hander, most of the guilds roundly ignored it, and its best chance at a nomination seemed to be in the thin Adapted Screenplay category. Lo and behold, not only did Popes score in Screenplay, but both of its stars get acting nods, as Anthony Hopkins received his fifth career nomination, and Jonathan Pryce cracked the extremely competitive Best Actor field over the likes of Taron Egerton, Adam Sandler, and Christian Bale. (I suppose it was not surprising that voters considered them a package deal: After all, the movies not called The One Pope.) The success of The Two Popes can be taken as a bellwether for this mornings theme: For voters, recognizing a liberal-humanist dramedy about a beloved world leader, filled with familiar faces from HBO dramas, was like falling asleep in a comfortable recliner. A24 was almost completely shut out. It wasnt so long ago that A24 offerings like Moonlight and Lady Bird were the darlings of the Academys hipper segments. But in recent years, the indie studio has fallen off the Oscar map, and this year its ostensible heavyweights Uncut Gems and The Farewell blanked entirely. In all, A24s only nomination came for the black-and-white cinematography of The Lighthouse. In a shortened season, its possible voters were less inclined to go exploring unfamiliar territory: Forced to choose between screeners for Richard Jewell and Uncut Gems, time-pressed viewers may have chosen to go with the movie with the established Oscar pedigree. Honeyland became the first film ever nominated in both Documentary and the foreign-language category. A24s title as the Academys favorite indie distributor seems to have been nabbed by Neon, which not only handled Parasite but also succeeded in turning Honeyland, a verite documentary about a struggling Macedonian beekeeper, into the summers buzziest doc. Its efforts paid off with the news that Honeyland had not just made the grade in Best Documentary, but also in Best International Film, where new rules opened voting up to any Academy member whod watched all the short-listed films. It became the first movie to ever double up in those categories. For an awards-season underdog, the honors could not have been sweeter. Apollo 11 was snubbed in Best Documentary. Honeylands spot in Documentary was made possible in part because that branch decided to snub one of the ostensible front-runners, Apollo 11, a moment-by-moment retelling of the moon landing constructed by newly unearthed archival footage. The doc branch is not entirely dissimilar to a high-school cafeteria, and this snub was entirely keeping with its penchant for shutting out movies that seemed to be riding high. (The Mr. Rogers documentary Wont You Be My Neighbor was last years victim.) The format may also be to blame: Though the film was a staggering accomplishment when seen on the gigantic screen of the Walter Reade Theater, Ive heard from viewers who watched it on a TV and said they were bored to tears. Other contenders who couldnt crack the field Not only did Eddie Murphy go unrecognized in Best Actor, but Ruth Carters spectacular blaxploitation ensembles for Dolemite Is My Name got left out of the Costume category. Weeks after Taylor Swifts Beautiful Ghosts got left off the Best Original Song short list, Beyonce also got the cold shoulder from Oscar voters, as her Lion King number Spirit was left off in favor of perennial nominee Diane Warrens song Im Standing With You, from the Christian family drama Breakthrough. Frozen II was snubbed in Best Animated Feature, the worst the Oscars have treated this franchise since John Travolta uttered the words Adele Dazeem. RAMALLAH, West Bank The Palestinian Authority is getting ready to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bethlehem Jan. 23. Putin is scheduled to meet with President Mahmoud Abbas and visit the Church of the Nativity and the President Putin Palestinian Organization for Culture and Economy, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal told Al-Monitor. Putins visit to the West Bank is part of a regional tour that will also include a stop in Israel to participate in the Holocaust commemoration events and the 75th anniversary of the Soviet forces liberation of detainees from Nazi concentration camps. The PA hopes the talks between Abbas and Putin will strengthen Russian-Palestinian bilateral relations and develop economic and political cooperation between them. The PA also hopes to encourage Russia to play a bigger role in the peace process with Israel. Nofal said that Putins visit is important in light of the political developments in the region, the escalating crisis between the PA and the United States and deadlocked peace prospects. The importance of the visit also stems from Russias support for the two-state solution, which the US administration is countering in a series of decisions violating international law such as recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital and its legitimization of settlements in the West Bank. As the PA is banking on Russias support, Abbas will invite his Russian counterpart to play a key role in the peace process. Palestinians have had deep-rooted ties with Russia since the opening of a representative office for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) there 45 years ago. Russia recognized Palestine as a state 31 years ago and it supports the Palestinian peoples right to establish a state on the 1967 borders. There has been a great deal of activity in the past two years to boost Palestinian trade and economic cooperation with Russia. On Nov. 22, the two governments signed a series of memorandums of understanding and other agreements in Moscow to develop trade and economic relations. However, Palestinians are aware that Israel and Russia also have strong ties, and they do not expect Russia to ruin its relations with Israel for their sake. Nofal explained, Good Israeli-Russian ties might serve the peace process by providing Russian or international sponsorship for it, as we reject the US sponsorship. He added that Russias political influence in the world is rising. He said, We do not want Russia to fight for us, but we hope it will coordinate stances with the European Union regarding the peace process. Nofal indicated that Abbas will have several requests for Putin, mainly holding an international peace conference in cooperation with member states of the UN Security Council and finding an international formula for negotiations similar to that through which a nuclear agreement was reached with Iran. Putin has called for a tripartite summit between himself, Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several times. Putin might reiterate this call during his visit, as Abbas has repeatedly voiced his willingness to cooperate. The general elections that the PA intends to hold will feature heavily in the Abbas-Putin talks, a Fatah source told Al-Monitor. Abbas will fill Putin in on efforts to hold the elections, including Israel ignoring the PAs request to allow elections in East Jerusalem. Abbas will also seek Russias intervention to pressure Israel in this regard. Head of strategic affairs for the Palestinian prime minister Ahmad Jamil Azm told Al-Monitor that Putins visit comes amid lack of significant international efforts regarding Palestinian affairs. Azm noted that Abbas will talk to Putin about holding a new international conference for the peace process that Russia and the international group would lead as well as the election. He added, Israeli-Russian relations are excellent, and Russia and the EU will be asked to pressure Israel to implement the agreements, specifically the Oslo Accords that require Israel to facilitate elections in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Azm noted, Russia is not afraid of playing a bigger role in the peace process, but Israel and the US are also important parties to the process. Israel, which is the main obstacle to any political solution, wont agree to any settlement. The PA will ask all countries to find a new mechanism for negotiations. Although Netanyahu has refused to meet Abbas after Russia called for a tripartite meeting, Palestinians are betting on cementing bilateral relations with Russia. With that, at least Russia would continue supporting a two-state solution and rejecting settlements in the West Bank. Abbas is scheduled to visit Russia in May to participate in the 75th Great Victory anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis in World War II, as part of the PAs efforts to develop trade and economic ties with Russia. * U.S., China due to sign trade deal on Wednesday * SPDR Gold holdings fall to lowest since Sept. 16 Jan 13 (Reuters) - Gold prices fell 1% on Monday as optimism in equity markets ahead of the signing of an interim U.S.-China trade deal and lack of further escalation in Middle East tensions diminished bullion's safe-haven appeal. The U.S.-China Phase 1 agreement is due to be signed at the White House on Wednesday. Spot gold dipped 0.5% to $1,553.60 per ounce as of 1246 GMT, having fallen 1% to $1,546.27 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures fell 0.4% to $1,554.50. "We are struggling (a) little bit with the details. It'll be quite interesting to see if there is any concrete guidance in the details of the phase-one deal," said Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke. "Also, the news that the Chinese and the U.S. would meet on semi-annual basis to discuss trade, I imagine was something which wasn't expected by the market, and could be weighing on gold." A Wall Street Journal report said on Saturday Washington and Beijing had agreed to semi-annual talks aimed at pushing for reforms in both countries and resolving disputes. The positive sentiment ahead of the planned signing boosted global equities, which were hovering just below record levels, while the U.S. dollar gained against key rivals. Stronger appetite for riskier assets weighs on greenback-denominated gold. Bullion rose to a near 7-year peak of $1,610.90 last week after a U.S. drone strike killed a top Iranian commander in Baghdad and Iran launched missiles against U.S. bases in Iraq in retaliation. The rally, however, faded with a lack of further military escalation in the region. The United States imposed more sanctions on Iran on Friday and vowed to tighten the economic screws if Tehran continued "terrorist" acts or pursued a nuclear bomb. "The tensions between U.S. and Iran seems to have calmed down a little bit, at least for the time being, and people are just taking profits on that," said Afshin Nabavi, senior vice president at precious metals trader MKS SA. Reflecting investor sentiment, holdings of the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust , fell 0.9% to 874.52 tonnes on Friday, their lowest since Sept. 16. On the technical front, gold is testing the support level of $1,550 and a fall below that would be a negative signal, opening space for further declines, Carlo Alberto De Casa, Chief analyst at ActivTrades said in a note. Elsewhere, palladium rose 1.2% to $2,142.52 an ounce. Silver was down 0.5% at $18, while platinum fell 0.5% to $973.32. While the extent of the protests and police presence was hard to assess because of Irans restrictions on social media and news, videos online showed university students in Tehran and Isfahan chanting against the countrys rulers while riot police deployed nearby. In addition to the domestic outrage, Iran may also face demands for compensation from nations whose citizens were killed on the plane. Ukraines foreign minister said five countries were involved in talks: Canada (which lost 57 citizens), Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sweden and another that he did not identify. Another angle: Kimia Alizadeh, the only female athlete to win an Olympic medal for Iran, announced over the weekend that she had defected because of hypocrisy, lies, injustice and flattery. Context: Over 10 days, Trump administration officials have offered varying rationalizations for the strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a decision that risked a war with Iran. We rounded up the explanations. DUBLIN, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Network Virtualization and Softwarization by SDN and NFV Solutions, Applications, Deployment, Service Providers and Enterprise 2020 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This research evaluates the network virtualization and softwarization market involving the implementation and operation of software-defined networking and network function virtualization. The report evaluates both SDN and NFV for communication service providers and enterprises. The report provides SDN and NFV forecasts by solution, application, deployment mode, service providers and enterprise for 2020 to 2025. Software-defined Networking Arising from the demands of pervasive cloud computing and changes in the way ICT groups approach networking, Software Defined Networking (SDN) represents a merging of hardware and software resources and networking functionality into a software-based virtual network. The key concept of SDN is to move control out of the switches into a dedicated server that has a global view of the network state. This breaks fundamentally with existing principles of layer 2 and layer 3 networking where each switch has autonomous control. An approach to building computer networks that separates and abstracts elements of these systems, SDN allows system administrators to rapidly provision network connections in mechanized fashion rather than manually configuring. In software architecture terms, SDN requires some method for the Control Plane to communicate with the Data Plane. Virtualization within a computing context refers to the act of creating a virtual version of a resource including, but not limited to a virtual computer hardware platform, operating system (OS), storage device, or computer network resources. Various technologies are involved in virtualization including those that allow for interface between platforms over an Application Programming Interface (API). One such API-dependent technology is SDN, which allows network administrators to manage network services through abstraction of lower-level functionality. Network Function Virtualization SDN is often mentioned in one breath with Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Although SDN and NFV are often deployed together, they are separate concepts with different aims. NFV is a telecom led initiative that aims to utilize standard IT virtualization technology to consolidate many telecom network equipment types onto industry-standard high-volume servers, switches, and storage. NFV relocates network functions such as soft switches, HSS, IMS, OSS and BSS from dedicated devices to generic virtualized servers. One could say that NFV does for communications what server and storage virtualization did for computing. NFV involves implementing network functions in software that can run on a range of industry-standard server hardware, and that can be moved to, or instantiated in, various locations in the network as required, without the need to install new proprietary equipment. SDN & NFV Interworking SDN and virtualization are poised to transform network and service architecture thanks to improvements in technologies that offer improved performance and lower costs. However, some data centers use SDN but do not offer NFV as a service. And although a less likely scenario, a service provider can support NFV without having an SDN enabled network. In short, NFV usually runs over SDN enabled networks, but not all SDN networks need to provide NFV. Many telecom initiatives, such as the implementation and operation of edge computing, are built upon the pillars of SDN, NFV, and cloud technologies. We see many of these initiatives involving both SDN and NFV evolving to become increasingly applicable to many different CSP and enterprise environments and use case scenarios. However, many efforts are silo-based, meaning that they are not cross-platform or cross-CSP. This will continue to a certain extent, but we also see a developing need for a federated platform to act as a development environment as well as test-bed and field trial operations in a cross-technology, cross-service provider framework. This platform will address SDN devices, controllers, and applications. Key Topics Covered Executive Summary 1 Introduction 1.1 Topics Covered 1.2 Key Findings 1.3 Target Audience 1.4 Companies Researched 2 SDN Technical Brief 2.1 The Evolution of the Internet 2.2 The History of SDN 2.3 What Is SDN? 2.4 SDN Switches 2.5 Controller 2.6 SDN Applications 2.7 Deploying SDN 2.8 Network Function Virtualization 3 Standards and Open Source 3.1 OpenFlow 3.2 Open Source SDN Controllers 3.3 Open SDN Switches 3.4 Languages 4 SDN Trends 4.1 SDN Selling Proposition 4.2 SDN Restraints 4.3 Evaluating SDN Interest Level 5 Service Provider SDN Strategies 5.1 The Case for SDN 5.2 The Service Provider Dilemma 5.3 Service Provider Case Studies 5.3.1 AT&T 5.3.2 NTT 5.3.3 Orange 5.3.4 Telefonica 5.3.5 Other Service Providers 6 SDN Vendor Strategies 6.1 SDN Challenges Business Models 6.2 The Vendor Dilemma 6.3 The SDN Vendor Landscape 6.4 SDN Vendor Case Studies 6.4.1 Accenture 6.4.2 Nokia Networks 6.4.3 Big Switch 6.4.4 Brocade 6.4.5 Cisco 6.4.6 Dell EMC 6.4.7 Ericsson 6.4.8 Hewlett-Packard Enterprise 6.4.9 Huawei 6.4.10 IBM 6.4.11 Juniper 6.4.12 NEC 6.4.13 Nokia 6.4.14 Oracle 6.4.15 Other Vendors 7 Enterprise SDN Strategies 7.1 The Case for Enterprise SDN 7.2 Enterprise Case Studies 7.2.1 Facebook 7.2.2 Goldman Sachs 7.2.3 Google 7.2.4 Microsoft 8 SDN Market Outlook and Forecasts 8.1 Global SDN 2020-2025 8.2 SDN by Solution Type 2020-2025 8.2.1 SDN by Network, OS, and Application 2020-2025 8.2.2 SDN Network Devices 2020-2025 8.2.3 SDN Network Devices by Proprietary and White Box 2020-2025 8.3 SDN by Implementation Type 2020-2025 8.4 SDN by Deployment Model 2020-2025 8.4.1 Software Defined Everything 2020-2025 8.4.2 Software-Defined Datacenter Market 2020-2025 8.5 SDN by Market Segment 2020-2025 8.5.1 SDN by Service Providers 2020-2025 8.5.2 SDN by Enterprise Vertical 2020-2025 8.6 SDN Markets by Regions 2020-2025 9 NFV Market Outlook and Forecasts 9.1 Global NFV Market 2020-2025 9.2 NFV by Solution 2020-2025 9.3 NFV by Deployment Type 2020-2025 9.4 NFV by Network (Core and Radio) and Customer Equipment 2020-2025 9.5 NFV by Market Segment 2020-2025 9.5.1 Carrier Grade NFV 2020-2025 9.5.2 NFV Markets by Industry 2020-2025 10 Migrating to SDN 10.1 Business Over Technology 10.2 Agile Migration 10.3 The Migration Process Companies Mentioned Accenture AT&T Big Switch Brocade Cisco Dell EMC Ericsson Facebook Goldman Sachs Google Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Huawei IBM Juniper Microsoft NEC Nokia Nokia Networks NTT Oracle Orange Telefonica For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/c0r6x Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com What according you was the highlight for year 2019? For Indians, it was the year of dining where foodies dined without fear of bill on any occasion. As per the recent report published by Indias most sought after restaurant solutions company Dineout, Indians dined out 4.5 times in year 2019 as compared to 2018 through Dineout platform with almost 60% of them dining over the weekends. In 2019, close to 4566 tables were reserved per hour across Indian cities including metro & non-metro cities and while the average bill value for dining out was Rs.1600, for ordering in it was Rs.300. The report is an indication of the growing dining out culture in India with a win-win situation for both diners & restaurateurs. While Indians were able to save a whopping amount of Rs.600 crore using the app, restaurants also earned 3X more during each dining. India is a food-loving country with different states offering a myriad of cuisines. However, North Indian food emerged to be a clear winner with maximum Indians ordering it across India including South Indian states. With 37%, North Indian food cuisine was a hit among Indians, Chinese at 19% and Continental at 12%. The report also showed interesting trends in Metro Vs. Non-Metro: Metro Cities Non-Metro cities Delhi was the city with the highest savings! Udaipur is the new city of love for having maximum table for 2 reservations A Delhi resident dined out 179 times & made the highest savings of over 3.5L using Gourmet Passport and Dineout Pay Indore is family first with a maximum table for 4 reservations and surprisingly, dines out more on Thursdays! Bangalore spends the highest while dining out as compared to the rest of India Commenting on the dining trends and expectations from 2020, Ankit Mehrotra, Co-founder & CEO - Dineout said, We have been advocating about dining out culture in India since 2012 via our platform Dineout, and its great to finally see the positive changes in the dining habits of Indians. The report has thrown up some very interesting leanings like North Indian cuisine being the most preferred in South of India as well, while Indorites bucked the trend by dining out more on the weekday(Thursday) unlike the rest of the country which goes out on weekends with their friends and family. We are glad that our special services & products like Gourmet Passport and Dineout Pay acted as a catalyst in boosting the overall dining culture & helped the customers save more each time they went out to grab a bite of their favourite cuisine and am sure that 2020 will be bigger and better for the dining out industry. Looking into the crystal ball of the dining out industry, 2020 is expected to be no different. So as the saying goes, If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world, let this year be no different! A worker rides a bicycle at an oil refinery of China's Sinopec, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province on May 10, 2011. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) China Opens to Foreign Oil and Gas Drilling as Domestic Production Shrivels News Analysis Chinas Ministry for Natural Resources announced the removal of many competitive restrictions limiting foreign and private energy companies competing against state-owned giants. The new measure will take effect on May 1 this year. Chinas domestic oil production rose from about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in the 1970s after allowing highly restricted joint ventures with foreign exploration and production firms to gain access to modern drilling technology. But authorities over the last decade have limited access for foreign exploration and production companies to only the most technically challenging onshore and deepwater offshore projects. Despite being targeted as a national priority and given virtually unlimited access to state funds, domestic oil output peaked at a record 4.4 million bpd in June 2015 and then fell to 3.8 million bpd in September 2019, about the same level as a decade earlier. With production shriveling and annual consumption rising at a 10 percent rate, the General Administration of Customs announced in November that Chinas daily oil imports hit a global record of 11.13 million barrels per day (bpd). At the current pace, China has passed the U.S. peak crude oil import level of 10.1 million bpd in 2005. Chinas state-monopoly mandates created the worlds largest oil and gas company, Sinopec, and the third largest firm, China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC). Chinas national oil champions dominate domestic upstream and downstream oil and natural gas sectors, plus have made about $69 billion in offshore investments. With $772 billion in revenues, the two Communist Party cooperatives account for about a third of the global revenues of the top ten global energy giants. The Energy Information Agency recently commented that Chinas largest oil fields are mature and in terminal decline. The biggest challenge for Chinas oil production has been the depletion of natural gas at many developed oil fields that is accelerating the overall decline in domestic oil production. The International Energy Agency warned that Chinas oil import dependence ratio is about 72 percent and will rise to 76 percent by 2024. The only untapped Chinese drilling opportunities are the 25.7 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in the geologically challenging western interior provinces and offshore fields that would require highly sophisticated foreign technology to develop. China announced in July that it would restructure the three categories of its investment Negative List that include encouraged, restricted and prohibited. The most meaningful change was joint venture requirement in oil and natural gas exploration and development is lifted. The U.S.-based Wiimer Hale law firm cautioned that although relaxations on foreign investment restrictions for oil and natural gas exploration and development are welcome, it is still unclear if existing rules still mandate foreign investments through equity or cooperative joint ventures or programs with Chinese partners. That concern seems to have been addressed by Ministry for Natural Resources in a Dec. 31 China Global Times interview that indicated Beijing for the first time would allow foreign companies to explore and develop domestic oil and gas fields without setting up a joint venture with a Chinese company. Reuters suggests that state-monopolies will have to cede some of the oil and gas assets they control by virtue of being state companies to private companies. Market research analysts at IHS Markit commented regarding the new rules: China is accelerating the sector reform due to growing energy security concerns. HIS added, Vitalizing the industry by diversifying the participants, including foreign and private investors, is the focus of that reform. Two General Motors engineers were arrested and accused of racing corvettes on the streets of Kentucky. According to WXYZ Detroit, the two men were street racing Corvette Stingrays in Bowling Green, Kentucky when they were arrested. The men allegedly were traveling 100 to 120 mph in a 45 mph zone. Kentucky state troopers say the men had just left a pool hall before they were stopped, WXYZ Detroit reports. One man is from West Bloomfield and the other is from Ontario. Both men were released on bond and face charges for racing, reckless driving and speeding. 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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 New Delhi, Jan 13 : On the suggestion of Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, Nusli Wadia on Monday in the Supreme Court withdrew the defamation cases against Ratan Tata. Chief Justice Bobde appreciated Wadia Group chairman's response on the suggestion. "We appreciate it," said a bench headed by Chief Justice and comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant. Tata's counsel also made a statement in the apex court that there was no intention to defame Wadia. Last week, the apex court observed that the court is not aware of what is the reason behind these allegation and this case. "Both of you should talk," said Bobde. The court insisted that the suggestion is a view, as it is not any law in this matter. Wadia had initiated criminal defamation proceedings after his removal as independent director in a Tata company after the unfolding of the Cyrus Mistry episode. Tata had consistently maintained that there was no intention to defame. Senior advocate C.A. Sundaram told the court that his client is willing to withdraw the case if the opposite party withdraws the allegations. The Chief Justice attempted to broker peace between Wadia and Tata and suggested that the court may approve the findings of the Bombay High Court that Tata had no intention to defame Wadia. The Chief Justice had queried Wadia's counsel. "The other party has some grievance in connection with you, and they can act according to the law. 'How does that amount to defamation'," court queried Wadia's counsel. The counsel insisted that his case is not against the company, but against the people who issued a special resolution requisitioning a meeting and sent the details to the media. As, the apex court was in the middle of passing an order on the matter, Wadia's lawyer said there is a pending suit. The Chief Justice reiterated that the court's intention is to finish the matter. Wadia's counsel said he needs to take instructions from his client and the court adjourned the case to Monday. The Bombay High Court had quashed proceedings initiated by a local court against Tata Sons' former chairman Ratan Tata along with its current chairman N. Chandrasekaran and eight directors of the firm in a criminal defamation case filed by Nusli Wadia. By Abdul Kerimkhanov The official website of the EUs research and innovation program, EU Horizon 2020, has removed the distorted map of Azerbaijan after Bakus interference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Leyla Abdullayeva has told local media. "The department has already removed the distorted map from the Horizon 2020 website. The EU representative said that this issue was investigated by the Directorate General and noted that this happened due to the inattentiveness of the technical staff involved in the development of this website. It was brought to the attention of the opposite side that it is important to issue a warning in the EU General Directorates to prevent such errors in the future," Abdullayev said. Abdullayeva described as rude and insidious provocative approach the fact that Azerbaijans Armenian-occupied territories had been portrayed as Nagorno-Karabakh republic under the Country Profiles section on the official website of the EU Horizon 2020 Program. Earlier, Azerbaijans map was distorted on the website of the National Geographic Kids magazine by the world-famous scientific and educational organization National Geographic, as the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of the country was painted in a separate color. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan jointly with the U.S. Embassy took immediate measures as a result of which the mistake with regards to the Azerbaijani map was corrected on August 7, 2019. 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 PARIS, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting has partnered with GEFCO, a world leader in multimodal supply chain solutions and the European leader in automotive logistics, to support its digital transformation over the next five years. As a key business and technology partner of GEFCO, Infosys will help transform the group's next-generation business application management services. Building upon the foundation of these services, Infosys will also leverage its Live Enterprise Suite to help GEFCO evolve into a 'Digital Native' organization. This will enable new supply chain capabilities to extract and process information in real-time and generate purposeful insights with very low latency to help GEFCO respond intelligently and effectively across thwe value chain. The end objective is to help GEFCO create new sustainable sources of competitive advantage and continuously improve value for its customers. Jean-Luc Galzi, CIO, GEFCO, said, "We are pleased to begin our digital transformation journey with Infosys. Digital innovation in the supply chain sector is key and our new partnership will help strengthen GEFCO's expertise and bring value to our customers." Karmesh Vaswani, EVP and Global Head for Retail CPG & Logistics, Infosys, said, "We greatly value the trust and commitment placed by GEFCO in Infosys to partner in this digital transformation journey. We have a shared vision on the 'Art of Possible' and will apply our Live Enterprise approach to help scale new performance thresholds and further enhance the market leadership of GEFCO." About GEFCO Group GEFCO is a world leader in multimodal supply-chain solutions and the European leader in automotive logistics. Building on 70 years of expertise and the unique expertise of its 15,000-strong workforce, GEFCO designs smart, flexible solutions to meet the most complex supply-chain challenges in every industry sector. Present in 47 countries, with an integrated global network, GEFCO serves 300 destinations worldwide. In 2018, the Group generated revenues of 4.6 billion. www.gefco.net. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gefco/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gefco_group 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. SOURCE Infosys Mumbai, Jan 13 : After a furore in Maharashtra political circles and a threat by the Congress to launch an agitation on Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday washed its hands of a book drawing comparisons between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP's national media co-head Sanjay Mayukh issued a statement stating that "the party had nothing to do with the book" that has ruffled sentiments across the political spectrum. "It's the author's personal viewpoint, so it is not our party publication, nor are we connected with it in any manner. The writer has also said that since it has hurt anybody's emotions, he is withdrawing the book," Mayukh said in a statement on Monday evening. The abrupt withdrawal of the book 'Aajke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', penned by Jai Bhagwan Goyal -- released with much fanfare in New Delhi on Sunday -- is likely to cool down temperatures in state political circles. The Maharashtra Congress threatened to launch a statewide agitation on Tuesday to protest against what it termed a "contempt" of the great Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. State Congress President and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said attempts were made even in the past by some BJP activists to make such comparisons. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered idol of the masses in the state. Those who sought votes in his name are now making mischievous attempts to insult him in this manner," said Thorat. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the nation to ransom with the new citizenship law CAA and NRC and has ruled the country in an autocratic manner. "He can never be compared with the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj". Earlier, top leaders of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress slammed the BJP after the book, penned by Jai Bhagwan Goyal, kicked off a huge political storm in Maharashtra. Sena's Sanjay Raut asked whether this was "acceptable" to the descendents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Satara and Kolhapur dynasties like Udayanraje Bhosale and Shivendraraje Bhosale, respectively, and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and recall the book. NCP state President and Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil said: "Tall and vast as the Sahyadri mountain ranges, my king cannot be compared with anybody. Keep this in mind, or elsea you have to face Maharashtra." NCP's Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad burst out: "Have they lost their mind?", while Congress General Secretary Sanjay Dutt demanded to know why the BJP or its Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis have not yet condemned the development and kept silent. Congress' state spokesperson Sachin Sawant called it as "an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's philosophy," and NCP's national spokesperson and Minorities Development Minister Nawab Malik demanded that "the offensive book must be immediately banned". Based in New Delhi, Goyal is a former Shiv Sena leader who had quit the party in 2008 to protest against its anti-north Indian stance and joined BJP in 2014. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Trump has rarely needed to exceed the limits of executive power in order to abuse his office. Rather, he has inflicted damage again and again by personalizing and misusing powers that the presidency clearly possesses. That is what happened in the Ukraine affair, which is a scandal less because of the specific acts Mr. Trump took than because of why he took them. As president, from the moment he swore an oath to faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, Mr. Trump has never pretended that he serves an interest larger than his own. Rather, he boldly asserts that there is no public good distinct from his personal, political and financial interests that what is good for him and what is good for the country are indistinguishable. This is why he seems unable to fathom that he did anything wrong in the Ukraine affair: His attempt, by leveraging military aid, to force an embattled countrys president to investigate one of Mr. Trumps political opponents was business as usual. This personalized vision of his office and its power is why Mr. Trump openly embraces deploying law enforcement authorities against his political enemies. Law enforcement should go after the bad guys and protect the good guys. But to Mr. Trump, the good guys are his friends and the bad guys are his enemies. In the earliest days of his administration, that view led him to ask his F.B.I. director to drop an investigation of his national security adviser and to demand that the attorney general investigate Hillary Clinton. With the Ukraine affair, the impulse is merely exported to the arena of foreign policy, where the president is even less legally constrained than he is domestically. If it is legitimate to use the awesome law enforcement powers of the American federal government to serve Mr. Trumps interests, why shouldnt he expect a foreign leader to do the same? In Mr. Trumps highly personalized presidency, foreign policy is a matter of impulse and whim, with no concern for facts or national interests. As fateful a step as the killing of an Iranian military figure can take place because the president, upset about leaks and negative press coverage, wants to look stronger than his predecessor. When President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey suggested to Mr. Trump that United States forces could withdraw from Syria, the president was happy to oblige without any significant consideration of the consequences even announcing it on Twitter. But when the newly elected president of Ukraine requested a meeting at the White House, Mr. Trump required a favor first. In every policy arena, the presidents traditional management functions as chief executive of a giant organization have been subsumed by Mr. Trumps desire for self-expression and impulsive announcements of his desired outcomes. In issuing the hastily written travel ban in his very first week in office, Mr. Trump chose to push aside the departments of State, Justice, Defense and Homeland Security. Those departments then had to spend months contorting themselves to claim that a travel ban affecting Muslims was not the Muslim ban that candidate Trump had promised. The Tamil Nadu police and Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru, in a joint operation have arrested two persons from Kolar on the charge of having links with Mehboob Pasha, a terror suspect. The arrested have been identified as Mohammed Zaheer and Salim Khan. The wife of Pasha is a resident of Kolar and police investigations have released that Zaheer and Salim were in constant touch with Pasha. Salim is a relative of Pashas wife. Highly placed sources in the police said that Zaheer, an engineering graduate, was providing technical assistance to Pasha in terror activities. Sources said that Salim has sheltered Pasha during latters several visit to Kolar. The arrests were made on January 3 and the local police had no information about it. The police seized laptop and pen drive found in the house of Salim. Saturdays London protest opposing war with Iran, organised by the Stop the War Coalition (STWC), attracted fewer than 2,000 people. Other events around the UK were tiny dispirited affairs, made up almost exclusively of members of pseudo-left and Stalinist groups. The paltry numbers involved is testimony to the political bankruptcy and collapse of Britains official anti-war movement. Concerned primarily with arguing for British imperialism to pursue a foreign policy more independent from Washington, it offers no genuine way for millions of people to articulate their deeply held anti-war sentiment. Indeed, the more dangerous the world situation becomes, with the US threatening to wipe out entire nations with the backing of Britain and other imperialist powers, the less the STWC, which turns its face squarely to the rightward lurching Labour Party and trade union apparatus, is able to mobilise popular support. Saturdays protest was not a demonstration that had anything to do with a fight against imperialist war. Speakers at the rally repeatedly called for de-escalation from both sides and for Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stand up and oppose US President Donald Trump. The STWC leadershipmade up of Counterfire, a split-off from the Socialist Workers Party, and a handful of ageing Stalinists and other pseudo-left figureswas far more concerned with the fate of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn than the Iranian people. Theirs was a rally dedicated to the political rehabilitation of Corbyn and burnishing his badly tarnished anti-war credentials. In September 2015, on taking the leadership of the Labour Party, Corbyn cancelled plans to address a Stop the War meeting and announced his resignation as its chairman. To placate the Blairites in his party, the man who spoke against the Iraq war in 2003 delivered a free vote in Parliament for Labour MPs to back air strikes on Syria in 2015. His 2017 general election manifesto pledged Labour to NATO membership, committing at least 2 percent of GDP to military spending and the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system. His 2019 election manifesto declared that our armed forces are versatile and capable of fulfilling the full range of roles and obligations. It decried a situation in which Trained army personnel have been cut from 102,000 to just over 74,000 and warned that The security challenges we face know no borders a Labour government will undertake a Strategic Defence and Security Review to assess the security challenges facing Britain, including new forms of hybrid, cyber and remote warfare. Having been rejected by millions of workers in Decembers general election, who had no faith in his claims to represent a left alternative to the Blairites, Corbyn is due to be replaced as Labour leader in April. He has therefore decided to return to his past practice as a loyal backbencher issuing personal declarations committing him to precisely nothing. Even now, such is his determination to do nothing to upset his right-wing allies that he spoke on Saturday not as Labour leader, but as the vice-president of the largely defunct Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)! Jeremy Corbyn speaking at the rally Corbyns speech began by drawing an equivalence between US imperialism and Iran. Tehrans admission that it had accidently shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet killing 176 people last week, at the height of the most recent US war scare, was part of a whole pattern of appalling acts across the region. Theres no excuse for shooting down an airliner, theres no excuse for a targeted assassination by one state against another, he said. One wouldnt have known that it is the US that has launched war after war over the past 30 years in the Middle East, invading, occupying and using its proxy armies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Libya. His message was received loud and clear by the Blairite Guardian, whose report of the rally was headlined, Jeremy Corbyn: Iran has 'no excuses' for shooting down airliner. Outgoing Labour leader tells anti-war march that missile attack was an appalling act. According to Corbyn, there was nothing the imperialist powers could not achieve in the cause of peace. Those attending this years non-nuclear proliferation treaty review conference should make it a real one for once where we recognise the potential power of the non-nuclear proliferation treaty to end the proliferation of nuclear weapons and help to bring about nuclear disarmament. Banning nuclear weapons at Mays conference would be an opportunity to review the Iranian deal to bring about a conference to end weapons of mass destruction all across the Middle Eastern region and help to bring peace, justice and human rights to all the peoples of that area of the world. Johnson himself could be a peace broker, said Corbyn, as he called for the UK to stand up for international law, for peace and for justice all around the world Our message today is that we want a British government that will follow those principles, that will take those principles to the UN and make those principles the centre of its foreign policy Salma Yaqoob, former leader of the pseudo-left Respect Party and now seeking to be Labours candidate for West Midlands mayor, asked of Johnson How low are you prepared to go on bended knee to Trump?... stand up man! Opening the rally was Andrew Murray, a close adviser to Corbyn. A former chair of STWC, he is also chief of staff at the Unite trade union and was introduced to the rally by CND leader and fellow Stalinist Kate Hudson as speaking on behalf of Unite. Andrew Murray Murray stated, All of us here today wish that Jeremy Corbyn was in 10 Downing Street and there is a battle going on to defend the foreign policy which Jeremy Corbyn has always championed on platforms like this one, a policy that is needed more than ever. He added, I urge everyone standing for leader of the Labour Party to make it absolutely clear they are not going to heed the advice of Tony Blair who says Labour must return to support the western foreign policy as he puts it. What a fraud. Thanks to Corbyns political cowardice, he will likely be succeeded by the Blairite Sir Keir Starmer. Moreover, the likely winner of the position of deputy, backed by Corbyns shadow chancellor John McDonnell, is Angela Rayner, who has praised the unindicted war criminal Blair, and insisted--taking her cue from Corbyn--that all shades of red are needed in our UK Labour party to take on this nasty Tory government who are wrecking our country. Tariq Ali speaking at the protest Despite caveats about the US having no right to be in the Middle East, the Pabloite Tariq Ali insisted from the platform Saturday that both sides have to de-escalate. Introducing Corbyn, he grovelled, I want to say on your behalf to him, welcome home Jeremy we need you here We need Jeremy here to help us fight and to help you lead the fight, for as long as he can or as long as he wants to. But we need him out here with us. We need him to be the voice of the anti-war movement in this country Some of the leading figures in STWC, including Ali and John Rees of Counterfire, are also leading personnel in the Dont Extradite Assange campaign. They have spent months claiming that Corbyn could not speak up in defence of imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assangefacing extradition and a 175-year sentence for exposing US war crimesbecause this would be used against him by the media to prevent his election. One month after Labours defeat, Ali et al not only joined Corbyn in his continued silence on Assange but closed ranks to protect him from criticism. When Corbyn was challenged on Saturday as to why he did not speak out on Assange, he scowled in obvious disgust, as did Andrew Murray. He was then bundled away by his minders. So when Honda previewed the Fit Modulo X a few weeks ago, we thought it looked rather neat in our eyes at least. Now, it's been unveiled at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, we could say that it looks even better in live photos. When the all-new Honda Fit, known as the Jazz here, was introduced at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show , the reception towards its styling was splitting opinions to say the least. There was a lot of comments about the grill-less nose and there's talk about it to this day. Of course, there will still be those who will say something about the look of the all-new Fit, but we reckon that grill could help sway their opinion on the car. The grill doesn't appear to be tacked on either as there's a bigger opening than the hybrid variant. This makes us believe that only the Fit Hybrid will use the no-grill look while the standard (gas-fed) models will have a grill. As for the Modulo X kit itself, it has a different set of bumpers from the hybrid Fits. Also, it gets a lot of gloss black highlights on the outside, namely on the bumpers, grill, side mirrors, tailgate spoiler, and tailgate garnish. Also, the entire roof finished in gloss black as well. Completing the Modulo X package are a set of unique eight-spoke alloy wheels. The rest of the car n the other hand doesn't seem to get other upgrades. Since this is Modulo, there might be a suspension package that will be offered in the pipeline. We're not expecting changes under the hood though, which is a 1.0-liter gas-electric mill. Honda still won't release any specific numbers on the car just yet, but it might be in the region of the previous-generation Fit Hybrid which made about 130 - 140 PS. We're curious as to how the non-hybrid Jazz will look like once it's out, but the Fit Modulo X seems to give us an idea of what it might be like. Here's to hoping we get this package, and the car itself, sometime this year. The Queens historic royal family summit on her Sandringham estate on Monday was an exclusive affair for the monarch and her heirs. After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their shocking announcement last week that they have decided to step back as senior members of the Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth ordered Prince Harry, his father Prince Charles and brother Prince William to a family summit. The attendees were limited to the heads of each family those born into the British royal family, so the spouses including Williams wife Kate Middleton, Charles wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and the Queens husband Prince Philip (who is officially retired) were not in attendance. Meghan was thought to have participated in the meeting via phone from Canada, as the discussion specifically affects her. The meeting, which lasted 90 minutes, was held in the Queens country home in Sandringham, Norfolk. RELATED: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Spend Time in Canada and U.K. During Period of Transition Kate, who celebrated her 38th birthday last week, was spotted leaving Kensington Palace on Monday, while William was in Sandringham. Prince Philip, who was hospitalized last month, was seen being driven out of the grounds of Sandringham in a green Land Rover ahead of the Queens meeting. Prince William, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William | CHRIS JACKSON/AFP via Getty Images; ALASTAIR GRANT/AFP via Getty Images; Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images After the meeting, the 93-year-old monarch released a rare and emotional statement. RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Did Not Use Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys Titles in Post-Summit Statement Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family, the Queen said in a statement. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Story continues Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. RELATED: Prince Harry and Prince William Break Silence to Deny Report That Bullying Led to Exit Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, released their unprecedented announcement to step back in an Instagram post last week. 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 statement read. 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. 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! Meghan and Harrys decision left senior royals hurt and deeply disappointed, an insider told PEOPLE. The couple also declared they 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. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Cyber Insurance Market size is expected to reach $21.4 billion by 2025, rising at a market growth of 27.2% CAGR during the forecast period. The number of companies, both large and small, has grown significantly over the past few years, opting to invest seriously in cyber security services. Many areas of the cyber industry, however, still need improvement to help businesses be fully prepared for cyber-attacks. This is most apparent when companies experience a cyber-incident and lack clarification as to how any economic or commercial damage resulting from the incident can be recovered. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05832280/?utm_source=PRN A cyber insurance policy, also known as cyber risk insurance or cyber liability insurance coverage (CLIC), is intended to help a company mitigate risk exposure by offsetting recovery costs following a cyber-related breach of security or similar event. Technology, social media and Internet purchases play key roles in how most of today's companies conduct business and attract prospective customers. Such vehicles also act as cyber-attack gateways. Cyber-attacks are likely to occur, whether perpetrated by run-of - the-mill hackers, terrorists, insiders, or even nation states, and can cause moderate to severe losses to large and small enterprises. Organizations frequently have to determine what risks to prevent, accept, control or transfer as part of a risk management strategy. Based on Organization Size, the market is segmented into Large Enterprises and Small & Medium Sized Enterprises. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Banking & Financial Services, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, Retail and Others. The banking and financial services applications segment recorded the dominant market share in 2018. As a result of increasing monetary operations, it has grown as a core industry. It is prone to a higher number of incidents in hacking like large-scale fraud, breaches, and heists. Banking and financial services protection is a matter of concern as these services are known as the foundation of economies. Over the forecast period, the healthcare application segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR. Digital vulnerabilities have been generated by rapid digitalization in the healthcare sector to allow easy access to customer data. Based on Regions, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa. The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Aon Plc., American International Group, Inc. (AIG), Allianz Group, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Lockton Companies, Inc., Chubb Limited, Munich Re Group, AXA XL SA, Zurich Insurance Group and Lloyd's Group of London Ltd. Recent strategies deployed in Cyber Insurance Market Collaborations, Partnerships, and Agreements: Jun-2019: Aon collaborated with CyberCube, a leading provider of cyber risk analytics for (re)insurance industry. The collaboration is aimed at delivering innovative cyber (re)insurance solutions to its insurance carrier prospects and clients through integrating CyberCube in Aon's CyberMetrica platform. Jun-2019: Chubb partnered with National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). This partnership will offer an industry leading resource for small business needs and education together with access to insurance products and services to NAWABO members. May-2019: Munich Re signed a partnership agreement with Curv. The assets held in Curv wallet are covered up with the sum of $50m. Dec-2018: Aon teamed up with Norton LifeLock, a Symantec brand in order to develop a comprehensive solution, which helps in providing protection online to high-net-worth individuals and helping them in safeguarding their assets from lurking cyber criminals. This solution comprises of Aon's customized and individual risk diagnostic and enhanced cyber insurance that offers broader coverage to high-net-with segment. Oct-2018: AXA teamed up with Slice Labs in order to launch a new cyber insurance policy that is designed for SMBs. This policy has been powered by Slice's Insurance Cloud Services (ICS) platform and AXA XL's cyber insurance solution for providing comprehensive cyber insurance protection together with real-time intelligence to proactively counteract cyber risks. Apr-2018: Aon announced its collaboration with HP for helping the companies in strengthening their business continuity and disaster recovery planning with the help of cyber risk management services and comprehensive IT security. Together these companies will provide Aon cyber resilience evaluation, HP DaaS, Aon premier cyber insurance panel, and Aon incident response services. Acquisition and Mergers: May-2019: Allianz Group signed a definitive agreement to acquire Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society (LVFS) and Legal & General Insurance. These acquisitions help Allianz to enter in Cyber insurance market in UK. Jul-2018: American International Group, Inc. took over Validus Holdings, a Bermuda reinsurer and specialist insurer. The acquisition adds diversified franchises to AIG comprised of Validus Re, a reinsurance platform, Talbot, a Lloyd's syndicate, Crop Risk Services, AlphaCat, an insurance-linked securities asset manager, etc. Expansions: Sep-2019: Chubb expanded its reach to India by opening a new business services center in Hyderabad, Bengaluru. The professionals of this center will support highly impacted areas such as analytical areas and digital technology areas for supporting the Chubb's global insurance operations. Product Launches and Product Expansions: Nov-2019: Allianz introduced a new cyber proposition, which offers comprehensive cover and access to incident response-services and prevention support to mid-corporate businesses. It will insure the business against cyber-attacks including lost income and costs. Nov-2019: Zurich Insurance introduced new cyber insurance for the manufacturing industry. With the launch of this insurance, Zurich has extended its footprints to the manufacturing business. Aug-2019: Chubb launched Pro ERM cyber insurance offerings for professional services firms. These offerings comprise of cyber, privacy and network security liability, electronic, social and printed media liability, first party cyber coverage, and professional liability. May-2019: Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB), a part of Munich Re, launched a new HSB Farm Cyber Insurance solution. This solution helps in protecting farmers and farm technology from malware, hackers, and other cyber-attacks. Scope of the Study Market Segmentation: By Organization Size Large Enterprises Small & Medium Sized Enterprises By Application Banking & Financial Services IT & Telecom Healthcare Retail Others By Geography North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Rest of North America Europe o Germany o UK o France o Russia o Spain o Italy o Rest of Europe Asia Pacific o China o Japan o India o South Korea o Singapore o Malaysia o Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA o Brazil o Argentina o UAE o Saudi Arabia o South Africa o Nigeria o Rest of LAMEA Companies Profiled Aon Plc. American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Allianz Group Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Lockton Companies, Inc. Chubb Limited Munich Re Group AXA XL SA Zurich Insurance Group Lloyd's Group of London Ltd. Unique Offerings from KBV Research Exhaustive coverage Highest number of market tables and figures Subscription based model available Guaranteed best price Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05832280/?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 Above, Kenneth McCallion, whose losing Ukraine lawsuits in U.S. courts against Paul Manafort helped Robert Mueller put Trump's ex-campaign manager behind bars. By Eric Felten, RealClearInvestigations January 13, 2020 When the FBI began investigating Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman the indicted pair who worked with Rudy Giuliani on his Ukraine inquiries one of the first people agents interviewed early last year was Kenneth McCallion. A New York lawyer, former federal prosecutor, Democrat donor, and onetime Democratic congressional candidate, McCallion doesnt claim to know Parnas or Fruman, or have any firsthand knowledge of their activities on behalf of President Trumps personal lawyer. But McCallion told RealClearInvestigations he was a go-to source because of his years spent representing Ukrainian politicians in lawsuits and, more important, because the agents had used him as a source in the biggest probe in recent years: the Trump-Russia investigation. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort: His conviction in the Mueller probe was based in part on material provided by anti-Trump lawyer Kenneth McCallion. McCallion claims to have informed the feds about shady Ukraine-related dealings by former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort dealings McCallion had spent years trying and failing to sue Manafort over. When Robert Mueller was named special counsel, McCallion says, he fed that same information to his team. The special counsel never uncovered a conspiracy with Russia, but his probe did lead to Manaforts conviction in part on the conduct described by McCallion, including bank fraud and hiding money abroad. In one of the final codas of the Mueller prosecutions, Manafort associate Rick Gates another McCallion target was sentenced last month to 45 days in jail and three years of probation. In the long investigative cloud trailing Donald Trumps presidency, Kenneth McCallion may be one of the most influential people almost no one has heard of. A key player in Manaforts downfall, the lawyer has helped make Ukraine central to American politics -- including, now, impeachment. McCallion is also a Rorschach test for these partisan times. The avowedly Trump-hating attorney might be seen as a truth-teller whose help exposing wrongdoing led to criminal convictions; or he might be seen as a lawyer with a failed case and a grudge who used personal relationships with federal prosecutors to bring the crushing force of the federal government down on his enemies. Either way, McCallion is a common thread in both the Mueller probe and the push for impeachment. He also helps explain the curious conundrum of how Ukraines bitter and byzantine politics came to be Americas politics. Setting His Sights on Manafort Kenneth Foard McCallion has engaged in a broad array of legal work since graduating from Yale University in 1968 and Fordham Law School in 1972. In private practice he has brought environmental class actions and human rights lawsuits, including a successful effort to pry compensation for Holocaust survivors from French banks. He has also been litigating Ukrainian disputes for nearly a decade and has made a habit of bringing his complaints to U.S. federal court. McCallion's litigation accused Manafort of shady dealings with Ukrainian business tycoon Dmytro Firtash, above. But New York Judge Kimba Wood wasn't buying it. He has represented prominent Ukrainians and has sued nearly every high official in the government of Ukraine. McCallion set his sights on Paul Manafort in 2011 when Manafort was advising Ukraines new president and McCallion was representing the countrys former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, who had been jailed on corruption charges by Ukraines newly elected and arguably Russophile government. That year, McCallion sued Manafort and his partners in a New York real estate venture. The basic accusation was that the former prime minister had been prosecuted to keep her from rooting out corrupt Ukrainian business schemes, and that some of the earnings from those schemes were being used in U.S. real estate deals involving Manafort and the Ukrainian billionaire Dmytro Firtash. McCallion accused Manafort and others of money laundering, wire fraud, mail fraud and racketeering. In a bio on his law firms website, McCallion boasts that his civil RICO case against Paul Manafort and others in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York served as part of the basis for the Department of Justice and Special Counsel Muellers indictments of Mr. Manafort and Mr. [Rick] Gates for various federal criminal offenses. He makes the same claim in his latest Trump-flaying book Treason & Betrayal, that his Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act lawsuit on behalf of Tymoshenko became part of the source material for the federal investigation leading to the indictments of Manafort, Gates and [lawyer Alex] van der Zwaan. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko: She was McCallion's client. McCallion fails to mention that the assertions and accusations made in his RICO suit were dismissed repeatedly by the federal court. U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood ruled that the litigation had failed to meet the legal standard that when one drew all inferences in the plaintiffs favor there would be at least a single claim that was plausible on its face. Not that Wood didnt give McCallion plenty of chances to make his case. In litigation that lasted until September 2015, the judge afforded the lawyer multiple opportunities to amend his complaint. McCallion did just that again and again. And yet the court dismissed his accusation that the Manafort crowd had committed wire and mail fraud: Plaintiffs never explicitly identify any particular act or transaction that constitutes wire or mail fraud. The judge found the money-laundering accusations came up short too: Nothing in the complaint, she wrote, specifies when these transactions took place, approximately how many there were, and most crucially, which Defendants were involved. As for the other RICO allegations, the court found that McCallion had failed to allege facts sufficient to establish that the Defendants were involved. The judge finally dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning: Dont come back to my court. Former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych: He was Manafort's client. McCallion tells RealClearInvestigations that he would have found ways to revive his court case, but by the time it was dismissed by Judge Wood, Manaforts client, Viktor Yanukovych, had been chased out of Ukraine and Tymoshenko had been freed from jail. Given those developments, McCallion says, Tymoshenko had a diminished interest in pursuing the U.S. complaint. But McCallions interest in getting Manafort was not diminished. He may have lost in court, but it wouldnt be long before he had the opportunity to do something with his voluminous files on Manafort. Judge Wood made her final ruling on the Tymoshenko lawsuit in September 2015 just three months after Donald Trump had announced his candidacy and nine months before the candidate would make the consequential decision to appoint Manafort his campaign chairman and thus a high-value target. For McCallion it was a twofer: Not only was he in a position to dent Trumps bid, here was a chance to finally bring down his old foe Manafort, something he had failed to do in years of civil litigation. McCallions outsized influence in the Ukrainization of American politics comes not from winning a big case, but from losing, and losing repeatedly. Alexandra Chalupa: McCallion wasnt the only figure trying to damage Trump via Manafort and the Ukraine. McCallion wasnt the only figure trying to damage Trump via Manafort and the Ukraine. Alexandra Chalupa, a Democratic National Committee contractor, coordinated with Ukrainian officials to, as Politico put it, sabotage Trump, mostly by scuffing him up with dirt on Manafort. According to Politico, the Ukrainian efforts involving Chalupa had an impact in the race, helping to force Manaforts resignation and advancing the narrative that Trumps campaign was deeply connected to Ukraines foe to the east, Russia. McCallions efforts are less well known than Chalupas, but may have been more consequential. Theres little doubt Paul Manafort gives political consulting a bad name. But there was always the strange question of what his expensive mortgage applications, real estate transactions, and ostrich coat had to do with the special counsels portfolio. Were the prosecutors really interested in those issues, or were they just a way of putting the squeeze on an unwilling witness? Robert Mueller: The special counsel's remit was clarified to explicitly include Ukraine -- i.e., crimes arising from payments [Manafort] received from the Ukrainian government. When Mueller was appointed May 17, 2017, his mandate was to ensure a full and thorough investigation of the Russian governments efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. There was nothing said about Manaforts real estate deals, at least not for several months. In August 2017, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein issued a follow-up memo clarifying that the special counsel was authorized to investigate certain matters, including two additional sets of allegations involving Manafort. Those new allegations such as crimes arising from payments he received from the Ukrainian government mirrored some of the allegations McCallion had pursued without success in his civil suit against Manafort, Firtash, et al. Rosenstein explicitly empowering Mueller to pursue those allegations suggests that McCallion had a substantial influence on the shape of the special counsels investigation. Its a suggestion the lawyer makes himself: A part of the federal investigation of Manafort and Gates, he writes, was based on the money-laundering activities of Manafort and Gates that was contained in a civil RICO suit brought on behalf of Yulia Tymoshenko and others by my law firm. He claimed that prosecutors and later the Special Counsels office followed up on leads provided by the civil RICO case. Perhaps McCallion is overstating his role in Muellers strategy. One attorney who has wrangled with McCallion suspects he is exaggerating his contribution to Muellers prosecution of Manafort. Still, McCallions influence can be seen in the July 2017 warrant application to search Manaforts residence. Prosecutors and investigators working for Mueller told the court that Manafort had met with a Ukrainian oligarch to discuss a New York real estate transaction they would undertake together and to pitch other ideas. According to the warrant application, Manafort admitted approaching the oligarch to propose the New York deal. The deal was made in 2008, according to business records publicly filed in a New York litigation in other words, according to documents from McCallions lawsuit. Alex van der Zwaan: The Dutch attorney was caught up in the Mueller probe, in part thanks to McCallion. McCallion also takes credit for giving material to the media. [S]ome reporters covering Trump and Manafort have relied, at least in part, on information and documents that I have provided to them, he writes in The Essential Guide to Donald Trump (and Why Im Sailing to Nova Scotia If He Wins), published shortly before the 2016 election. In April 2016 around the end of the time Glenn Simpsons Fusion GPS was providing anti-Trump research to the Washington Free Beacon the Beacon published a story about Manafort based in part on information from McCallions civil RICO lawsuit. That raises the question of whether the Beacon received that information from McCallion by way of Fusion GPS. The Beacon would not discuss its sources. But asked by RCI about the Free Beacon article, McCallion is unambiguous: I absolutely did not EVER provide any material to Simpson or anyone else at Fusion GPS. McCallion also claims credit for one of the stranger side-prosecutions brought by the Mueller team: the charges against Alex van der Zwaan, a young Dutch attorney with the law firm Skadden Arps. When Tymoshenko was jailed, prominent U.S. law firms prepared competing reports for and against her. Hired by Tymoshenkos supporters, Covington & Burling found that, "[a]t present, the allegations against the former prime minister appear to be political in nature because there does not appear to be facts to substantiate the charges." On the opposite side, hired by Yanukovych allies, Skadden Arps found in its report that Tymoshenko hadnt provided specific evidence of political motivation that would be sufficient to overturn her conviction under American standards. Valuable Intermediary McCallion says van der Zwaan was complicit in a Skadden scheme to hide what it was really being paid in an effort to evade Ukrainian regulations. Skadden Arps, he alleged, had been paid multiples of what was shown. Once again McCallion fed the Mueller team with prosecutorial suggestions: We turned over our information to the FBI and federal prosecutors. Then, McCallion waited to see what the federal investigation would turn up. Van der Zwaan was prosecuted, not for any illegal billings but for lying to the FBI about the timing of conversations he had with Manafort associates. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison and fined $20,000. Skadden Arps eventually paid a $4.6 million fine for not registering the work with the Justice Departments Foreign Agents Registration Act office. Asked repeatedly by RealClearInvestigations about McCallions role in shaping the Mueller prosecutions, Department of Justice spokespersons, including Kerri Kupec, did not respond. RCI reached out to many of the attorneys who had been on the Mueller team with little in the way of response other than Andrew Goldstein, who said, Cant comment. But McCallion told RCI his connections in Ukraine allow him to be a valuable intermediary between federal investigators and Ukrainians the bureau might not otherwise interview: The contacts we developed have continued to bear fruit, he says. On his firms website, McCallion says his New York litigation served as part of the basis for the Department of Justice and Special Counsel Muellers indictments of Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates for various federal criminal offenses. He doesn't mention the lawsuits were repeatedly thrown out. McCallion clearly expects kudos for importing Ukrainian disputes into the American arena. Even though his litigation against Manafort repeatedly failed, McCallion used U.S. courts to make accusations that would later have success with the special counsel and the FBI. As McCallion told RCI, We hope to be of help. In this reading, the lawyer is the hero of the story, the bulldog who saw to it that the people he had in his sights were eventually convicted of crimes, correcting the technicalities and timidity of the courts. In another reading, McCallions tenacity is less attractive. Having failed time and again to win in court against Manafort and his cronies, the lawyer took a weak case to the feds, who were casting about for something prosecutable. In order to collect the trophies they needed to justify their efforts, Muellers team put their considerable muscle behind allegations a federal court had already dismissed with prejudice. In this reading, Kenneth McCallion used his contacts with federal prosecutors and investigators to settle the score with litigants who had bested him. Now the intersection of corrupt Ukrainian politics and cutthroat American politics is the stuff of impeachment. The question remains whether, by relying for Ukrainian intel on someone who is both a devoted enemy of the president and a partisan participant in Ukraines combative politics, the FBI has chosen the most reliable of sources. In the wake of an inspector generals report that faults the bureau for overly cozy relationships with agenda-driven informants, thats a highly relevant question. GOP Sen. Rick Scott on Monday railed against what he calls the impeachment "circus" surrounding President Donald Trump, accusing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of playing games. "She just hates Trump," Scott said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "She said it was so important to get it done in December and didn't have time to have witnesses come, and now she wants to tell us how to do the trial in the Senate." "Clearly what Pelosi has done is a circus, it's a sham," the Florida Republican added. "We should be doing things that are important, but we're playing this game." A spokesperson for Pelosi did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Scott was referring to the speaker's delay in sending to the Senate the two articles of impeachment passed by the House last month. She's expected to send them this week. The California Democrat's delay was part of a strategy aimed at trying to force concessions out of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, including the ability to call witnesses. McConnell, however, shut down that idea last week, telling reporters that he had enough votes to start the trial without a commitment to hear from additional witnesses. "It's frustrating to me," Scott, a key ally of Trump, added. "The Democrats didn't prove anything but that he is innocent." Trump was charged last month with abuse of power for asking Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding aid as leverage, and with obstruction of Congress for stonewalling the House investigation. The president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and is backed by Senate Republicans, who are unlikely to vote to remove the GOP president. What does it take to impeach a United States president? What does it take to remove a US president from office? US President Donald Trump became only the third president in United States history to be impeached last month when the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment related to Trumps dealings with Ukraine: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The matter is now set to move to the Republican-controlled Senate, where Trump is likely to be acquitted. Heres a look at how the impeachment process works and what it takes to remove a president from office. The former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, on Monday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he could not fulfill the conditions of the bail granted to him. Mr Maina is accused of diverting N100 billion of pension funds, and is facing trial for alleged money laundering. He is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 12-count charge, and is also accused of operating fictitious accounts and carrying out other fraudulent activities. The former PRTT chairman, who was in hiding for almost two years, was arrested by the State Security Service last year. The SSS handed over Mr Maina to the EFCC, which had declared him wanted for over a year. His son, Faisal, who was arrested alongside the father in September, is accused of operating an account he used to divert various sums of money, including N58 million. The two men were arraigned by the EFCC on October 25 on separate charges. They pleaded not guilty. Bail conditions The court on November 25 admitted the former pension chairman to bail in the sum of N1 billion. Justice Okon Abang, who gave the ruling, also ordered that Mr Maina must produce two sureties who must be serving senators. The judge said the two lawmakers must not be standing criminal trial in any court in the country. He also ruled that the two sureties, who must be prepared for a N500 million bond each, must always be in court with the defendant at each adjourned date. Court session At the resumed hearing of the matter on Monday, Mr Mainas lawyer, Afam Osigwe, informed the court that his client could not meet the bail conditions. Mr Osigwe presented an application pursuant to section 181 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), seeking a bail variation for Mr Maina. READ ALS: According to the lawyer, although two senators had indicated interest to stand as sureties, they have stated that they neither have properties in either Asokoro or Maitama worth the amount specified by the court. Justice Abang asked Mr Osigwe if he obtained documents containing the information of landowners in Abuja from the land registry and he replied, No! The land registry treats such documents as confidential, he said. Mr Mainas lawyer added that to even conduct a search on an identified property, the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), would not permit you to do so unless you produce the original titled document together with a letter of consent. When you approach a person to be your surety and the person says I dont have this property, I think it would be disrespectful to go behind investigating whether what the person has told you is true, he said. However, Justice Abang, held that Mr Maina ought to have attached documents to prove their claim. The court did not fix those conditions for fun. The court has reasons for imposing those conditions. So, if you want the court to vary it, convincingly, you have to establish the fact that the applicant is unable to comply with those conditions, the judge said. Mr Abang also added that the defendant failed to challenge the prosecutions claim that he (Mr Maina) no longer resides in Abuja and might run away if released on bail. But Mr Osigwe in his argument said all Mr Mainas travel passports had been seized by the anti-graft agency. All the documentation relating to his residential permit in Dubai, UAE is all with the EFCC and a High Court of the FCT, he said. Advertisements The plane crash did not become yet another battlefront and an irritant in Irans relations with the West Iran officially recognized that it has accidentally shot down a Ukrainian plane. The preliminary results of the examination came. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif apologized and said that a mistake had occurred and the human factor played a role. The passenger airliner was mistaken for a military target amid escalating regional tensions. This is a competent and correct step on the part of Iran, which effectively knocks out hostile comments like "Iran is a barbarian state" or "totalitarian regimes never recognize anything and cover everything." Unfortunately, this situation showed that in such regional proxy conflicts, innocent people suffer the most, and this time Ukraine became subject to this confrontation. This proves that the world is interconnected and various processes on other continents can influence us. The crash has become an instrument of the information war between the parties. And Iran struck back, promptly taking away from the United States a toxic topic that they could use all subsequent years to put pressure on the Islamic Republic if Tehran began to go into denial and a dead defense. Moreover, the Iranians obviously brought a message here (they promote it through local media), which should show that Iran is much more constructive and adequate than the United States itself (and possibly other countries). Indeed, at one time, the United States did not officially recognize de jure its guilt for the downing of the Iranian passenger airliner A300 over the Persian Gulf in 1988 in very similar regional conditions. The US agreed to pay financial compensation to the families of the victims, but only after seven years of litigation with Iran already in 1996. It is very important for Iran to demonstrate constructive and sober thinking. This is part of their outreach war with the United States, a long game that they launched back in May 2018, when Washington pulled out of a "nuclear agreement" with Iran. They invited all parties to conduct the investigation, waited until everyone around laid out numerous versions of what had happened, millions of times said that Iran bulldozed the field of the incident, hid the data, categorically denies everything, etc., and then admitted that there was a mistake. I think, Europe breathed a sigh of relief. The plane crash did not become yet another battlefront and an irritant in Irans relations with the West. Further escalation of the regional conflict in the Middle East is not profitable for the EU, as well as for Ukraine. By the way, now Ukraine has several tasks: Get compensation. Ensure that the guilty are punished. Complete the investigation until the end (our experts are still there) in order to add the final result to a full report. Read the original text on Facebook Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 17:40:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BANGKOK, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- In a move to curb the increasing dangers of (particulate matters) PM 2.5 in Thailand, the Thai Ministry of Transport warned on Monday that authorities will impose hefty fines on vehicles with exhaust emissions that exceed safe limits. "The trucks and buses are main factors attributing to the aggravation of the PM 2.5 on major and minor roads in Bangkok and surrounding provinces," said Jirut Visarnchit, director-general of the ministry's Department of Land Transport. "Therefore we will impose a minimum fine of 5,000 baht (165.54 U.S. dollars) on violators and vehicles with exhaust emissions that exceed safe limits will be banned from the roads." Jirut also said that his department is cooperating with several government agencies including the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) in checking exhaust emissions from the city buses. The inspections between Oct. 1, 2018 and Dec. 30, 2019 found that 743 out of 37,873 vehicles, checked by officials, emitted exhaust fume over required standards or over 45 percent and legal actions were taken against the vehicles' owners, Jirut said. Vehicles with excessive exhaust emissions between 30-45 percent received notification that owners must check them regularly, he said. Since mid last year, Thailand, especially Bangkok, has been suffering thick smog coming from burnt harvest crops, construction buildings and excessive black smoke from trucks and buses in the city. The Pollution Control Department this week also reported small particle dust at unsafe levels in 38 areas in Bangkok and its neighboring provinces. On Monday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) Health Department released a report indicating that nearly 40,000 people in the city's two main districts have sought medical treatment for respiratory illnesses at its hospitals since September last year. BRIDGEPORT - Just days after domestic violence charges were dismissed against her, city school board chairwoman Jessica Martinez is under investigation in connection with the stabbing of her ex-boyfriend on Saturday. We are looking into allegations that she (Martinez) is involved, said Police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald on Monday. He declined further comment. Martinezs lawyer, Dennis Bradley, said he had not heard Martinez was a suspect in the stabbing. Police said Orlando Baez was stabbed Saturday morning and showed up bleeding at a relatives Cottage Street home. They said Baez, who suffered stab wounds to the right arm and hand, initially claimed that he didnt know who stabbed him or why. Contacted Sunday night by Hearst Connecticut Media, Martinez confirmed that her ex-boyfriend had been stabbed. He was robbed and attacked, Martinez texted. However, Baezs family later posted on social media that Martinez had stabbed Baez. Last Thursday Superior Court Judge Eugene Calistro dismissed the charges of attempted second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and violating previous conditions of release against Martinez after Martinez completed a 20-week domestic violence education program. The charges all involved two disputes Martinez allegedly had with her ex-boyfriend Orlando Baez. Martinez claimed in court that Baez was the aggressor and she was defending herself. During Thursdays hearing, Senior Assistant States Attorney Kevin Dunn told the judge that Martinez had successfully completed a 20-week domestic violence program. She was involved in a relationship with a person who has a lengthy criminal record, she was bravely defending herself against his attacks, said Martinezs lawyer, Dennis Bradley as he and Martinez left the Golden Hill Street courthouse. She participated in the program and completed it and that is a testament to the strong woman she is. The 38-year-old Baez is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 22 on charges of third-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and violation of a protective order for the incidents. Given the rising number of renting Australians, several state governments introduced a slew of changes to their tenancy laws, intending to boost the rights of the tenants but will the changes discourage property investors? While the extent of the changes in each state varies, the primary goals of the reforms were to limit rent increases and give tenants the power to make minor modifications. New regulations already took effect in the Australian Capital Territory in November. Under the changes, rent increases outside fixed-term agreements are capped to one per year. ACT will also allow landlords to refuse consent to tenants who are planning to make modifications, provided that they obtain approval from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. This year, the key changes to New South Wales and Victoria's tenancy laws will come into effect. In NSW, landlords must ensure that their properties are "structurally sound". Furthermore, they will not be allowed to prevent tenants from making minor renovations. In Victoria, tenants will be allowed to make minor changes to the property even without the consent of their landlords. The state's changes will also prevent landlords from evicting without cause at the end of a fixed-term agreement. Queensland is also planning to update its tenancy laws, which are now under consultation. Under the proposed changes, landlords in Queensland will also lose their power to evict tenants after a fixed-term deal. Propertyology director Simon Pressley said the changes seem to be "heavy-handed" and could even discourage investment and push up prices. For instance, owning a pet is also one of the heavily-discussed issues, with some changes preventing landlords from prohibiting pets under rental agreements. "The reality is pets can cause damage to a property. The legislation can say whatever it wants about pets, but that's a fact. So I think it is completely wrong for any state government, at any time, to say, 'we're going to pass some legislation that removes the right of the asset owner to say yes or no to pets'," he told The New Daily. Pressley said boosting the engagement between landlords and tenants would be able to make the dynamics better than imposing the "heavy-handed" changes. Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Media and Communications Manager Nicole Madigan said the changes seem to undermine the rights of the landlords to their properties. "If enacted, the law change would erode fundamental landlord rights and deter property investment across the state. The reforms' ripple effect would see renters struggling to find suitable housing under already tight conditions," Madigan said, adding that the proposed changes were "reckless". Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, in an exclusive interview to Republic TV said that he condemns the attack on the press. He asserted that freedom of the press is the essence of democracy thus it is important to preserve it. This comes after Republic TVs crew was attacked by the protesters in Jamia University on Monday. Javadekar on Republic TV attack Union Minister Prakash Javadekar while speaking about attacks on Republic TV said, We condemn the attack on the press. Freedom is the essence of democracy. Congress and AAP are trying to disturb the peace in the society. They promoted and instigated violence in Delhi. The attacks are also sponsored by them. Read: Goons attack Republic TV's crew again at Jamia; intimidation fails, reporting continues They dont want the truth to emerge. They want falsehood to win the day, which will not happen. This is because CAA has nothing to do with Indian citizens. This law does not apply to them. There is no doubt about anyones citizenship in India, this law just gives citizenship to the people who came to India after their religious persecution in Pakistan, he added. We condemn the attack on TV crew and let me tell you once again that AAP and Congress are two faces of the same coin and they are creating disturb. But thats not going to succeed. They will suffer because of having such an attitude, said the Union Minister. Read: SHOCKING: Republic TV crew attacked on Jamia campus, goons try to delete camera footage Republic TV attacked After being dragged and thrown out of the Jamia Millia University Vice-Chancellor's office on Monday, Republic TV's crew was heckled and were told to switch off cameras, blocking them from reporting about the students' protests. Republic TV's legal editor Rhythm Bharadwaj and Correspondent Sumi Rajappan who were reporting outside the VC office were first gheraoed, heckled and then finally forced to vacate the area as protestors started sloganeering against the media. Moreover, after incessant heckling, the reporters were forced out of the university itself by the security guards. Read: Jamia Students Gherao VC's Office, seek FIR against Delhi police on Dec 15 violence Read: 'Protest at Jamia against CAA was pre-planned, outsiders were involved': Delhi Police By Rasana Gasimova Azerbaijans Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) held 23 trainings, nine online trainings, seven seminars, two round tables and other educational events in 2019 to educate micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Baku and regions across the country, the agency reported while reporting the results of the last year. The events were dedicated to business development, financial literacy, corporate governance, sales and marketing, public-private partnerships, etc. and involved over 8,000 entrepreneurs. The agency has established partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, business associations and NGOs to conduct educational events involving local and international experts, and has used a business partnership platform in this area. In addition to the theoretical information, entrepreneurs were presented with practical knowledge and skills in various enterprises and farms, and learned from experiences that were shared by successful business owners thanks to the activities of the agency. In addition, some 38 entrepreneurs and managers went to Germany for the internships under the German-Azerbaijani joint program to improve skills of managers in Azerbaijans business community, which is coordinated by SMEs Development Agency and German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). So far, 422 entrepreneurs and managers have benefited from the program. In 2020, about 40 entrepreneurs and managers will participate in a retraining course in Germany. In 2020, KOBIA is planning to launch an online training platform, as well as open small and medium-sized business development centers to educate entrepreneurs and improve their knowledge and skills. Small and medium-sized businesses play an important role in the development of Azerbaijans economy. Development of SMEs leads to the growth of entrepreneurship, which is one of the priority directions of Azerbaijans economic policy. The Agency for the Development of SMEs aims to ensure the consistency of reforms, as well as the improvement of the business regulation system and the application of effective coordination, enhancement of the role and competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses in the country's economy, and the compliance of the management system of this sphere with modern requirements. The SMEs held a share of 76 percent in employment in the country in 2018, and last year, the agency has carried out comprehensive work for the development of SMEs. In particular, inspections of business entities have been suspended and the process of obtaining licenses has been simplified. The share of SMEs in Azerbaijan's foreign trade is planned to increase to 40 percent after 2025. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) has announced that all of its members will be engaging in a one-day full withdrawal of services on Tuesday, January 21. This means teachers in publicly funded Catholic district school boards across Ontario will not be reporting to work or performing any of their duties. The previously announced administrative job action will remain in effect before and after this date. It has become clear that this government will only do the right thing when they are under pressure from Ontarians. They have left us little choice but to take the next legal step in the bargaining process, says OECTA President Liz Stuart. In November, OECTA members voted 97.1 per cent in favour of taking strike action if necessary. When they were presented with the issues at the bargaining table, Catholic teachers gave their negotiating team overwhelming support, says Stuart. Of course teachers would rather be in the classroom, but the government needs to recognize that we are united in opposition to their cuts, and we cannot accept an agreement that would have devastating, long-term consequences for our students and schools. We appreciate that strike action will be difficult for parents, but we are confident they will understand our need to demonstrate our resolve to protect our world-class education system. Last week, midway through the first of two scheduled days of negotiations, the Ministry of Labour-appointed conciliator adjourned bargaining, having deemed the parties to be too far apart on the issues. No further bargaining dates have been set. We showed up at the bargaining table ready to roll up our sleeves and engage in a real dialogue, unfortunately the government did not, says Stuart. Minister of Education Stephen Lecce says the government is being reasonable and bargaining in good faith, but we have been told explicitly by their negotiating team that they have no mandate or authority to reach an agreement that does not include significant, permanent cuts. It is clear that some members of this government view publicly funded education as nothing more than an expense. Minister Lecce says he is in it for the students, but when will he start advocating for the investments students need to succeed? The province-wide withdrawal of services will be the first of its kind for Catholic teachers in more than 20 years. The governments claim that this is a common occurrence is an insult to Ontarians intelligence, says Stuart. Negotiations are always tough, but teachers have only had to take this type of action when our rights and working conditions, and the learning conditions of our students, have been under direct attack. The only thing cyclical about this situation is that when a Conservative government comes to power in this province, Ontarians are forced to take extraordinary measures to defend our vital public services. - 30 - OECTA represents the 45,000 passionate and qualified teachers in Ontarios publicly funded English Catholic schools, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. She already is one of the most decorated stars of award season. And if all the shiny new trophies weren't already enough for Laura Dern, she got to enjoy one of the glitziest events of the year with her dear mother. The 52-year-old actress was joined by her actress mother Diane Ladd, 84, at AARP's Movies For Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday. Dynamic duo: Laura Dern was joined by her actress mother Diane Ladd, 84, at AARP's Movies For Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday Laura went hell for leather in a black midi dress with a low-cut neckline which showed off a matching lacy bra. She completed the look with a pair of suede booties as she strutted her stuff alongside her beloved mother. Her signature blonde locks were worn down in a middle-part as her complementary make-up was topped off with a swipe of red lip. Rocking it: The 52-year-old actress went hell for leather in a black midi dress with a low-cut neckline which showed off a matching lacy bra Flaunting it: She completed the look with a pair of suede booties as she strutted her stuff alongside her beloved mother Pretty: Her signature blonde locks were worn down in a middle-part as her complementary make-up was topped off with a swipe of red lip Diane looked fashionable in a red coat over white top, black trousers and leather loafers. She accessorized with a white polka dot scarf and multiple necklaces with jade pendants. Diane was lucky enough to see daughter Laura's big moment as she was given Best Supporting Actress for her role in Marriage Story. Legend: Diane looked fashionable in a red coat over white top, black trousers and leather loafers Proud: Diane was lucky enough to see daughter Laura's big moment as she was given Best Supporting Actress for her role in Marriage Story Hanging out: She was joined by fellow actress Annette Bening Captivating: In Marriage Story, Dern plays Nora - the fiery divorce lawyer who represents Scarlett Johansson's character Nicole in her divorce from Adam Drivers Charlie In the Noah Baumbach directed film, Dern plays Nora - the fiery divorce lawyer who represents Scarlett Johansson's character Nicole in her divorce from Adam Drivers Charlie. It was quite the weekend for Laura as she finished it up with a Critics' Choice Awards win in the Best Supporting Actress category at the gala event held at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar on Sunday night. She made sure to give a shout out to the rest of the women in her category. 'I share this with all of you,' she told Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lopez, her Little Women co-star Florence Pugh, Margot Robbie, The Farewell's Zhao Shuzhen. She also made a reference to her hit HBO show Big Little Lies, inviting all the gals to 'come to Monterrey.' For everyone: It was quite the weekend for Laura as she finished it up with a Critics' Choice Awards win in the Best Supporting Actress category at the gala event held at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar on Sunday night By AFP SYDNEY: Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "megablaze" under control on Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by bushfires. New South Wales firefighters said they finally had the upper hand in the fight against the vast Gospers Mountain fire on Sydney's northwestern outskirts, which has been burning out of control for almost three months. Visiting the area on Monday, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said there was a "small area of burning still to complete" but the "containment prognosis looks promising." The fire seared an area of national park three times the size of Greater London and lit several connected blazes totalling over 800,000 hectares -- an area larger than Austria. ALSO READ | Australian bushfire crisis: Firefighter dies as country works on long-term battle plan As residents and authorities continued to come to grips with the sheer scale of the devastation, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast some firegrounds could get up to 50 millimetres (two inches) of rain in the next week, a relief after a prolonged drought. If that forecast bears out, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said, "then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed." Dozens of other fires are yet to be controlled. The climate-change-fuelled fires have prompted an international outpouring and donations from around the world to help communities and animal populations. Australia's unique flora and fauna has taken a catastrophic hit, with an estimated one billion animals killed, and countless trees and shrubs burned away. The country's environment minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered. ALSO READ: Serena ends three-year title drought, gives Auckland Classic prize money to Australia bushfire relief This weekend, Sydney will host a star-studded charity gig to benefit fire services, the Red Cross and animal welfare organisations. Headliners include Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton-John and Queen. The political impact of the crisis is also coming into sharper relief. A poll released on Monday showed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings have nosedived in the face of widespread anger over his handling of the deadly crisis. The Newspoll survey showed 59 per cent of Australian voters are dissatisfied with the conservative leader's performance overall, and only 37 per cent were satisfied, an abrupt reversal since his shock election win last May. Morrison has been criticised heavily for his response to the months-long crisis -- which included going on holiday to Hawaii, making a series of gaffes and misleading statements about his government's actions, and forcing angry victims to shake his hand. Morrison began the crisis insisting local authorities had enough resources to handle the fires and exhausted volunteers firefighters "want to be there". He also repeatedly stated that Australia was doing more than enough to meet its emission reduction targets, prompting a series of large-scale street protests. Seeing a backlash, Morrison has since deployed the military, launched the largest peacetime call up of reserves, pledged billions of dollars in aid, increased payments to firefighters, and suggested more work may need to be done on emissions. [January 13, 2020] NRGene Announces a Global Contest for a Chance to Win QuickGenetics - a Genomics Starter Package for Cannabis and Hemp Breeding NRGene, a market leader in genomics solutions, is announcing a global contest today as part of a new product campaign. Following 150 successful genomic projects performed to market leaders in the seed business and more than 10 successful genomic projects done in cannabis and hemp, NRGene has gained a broad understanding of how to best employ genomics for breeding new elite varieties. This knowhow is crucial in order to meet the unique challenges the cannabis and hemp markets are facing in developing elite varieties that perfectly suit their medicinal, wellness or recreational purposes. The company is now offering a full portfolio of genomic solutions that helps any cannabis company accelerate the development of new varieties through artificial intelligence-based breeding, including highly accurate genome mapping, diversity analysis, and trait mapping. Access to such services allows growers and breeders to efficiently and precisely develop new cannabis varieties with desirable characteristics while significantly reducing costs and timelines. During 2019, NRGene made great strides in the cannabis industry and expanded its customer base through deals with such market leaders as Cronos Group, Aurora, Oregon CBD, Pure Holding AG, and more. QuickGenetics - data-driven decision making for superior plants and accelerated breeding To ensure a smooth entrance to molecular breeding, NRGene now offers QuickGenetics - a comprehensive package that supports breeders in creating breeding programs tailored towards specific traits. The service includes expert consultation, full genome assembly of key lines, the broad analysis of genetic diversity, and the targeted DNA marker discovery required for stacking desirable traits and creation of optimized varieties. "?QuickGenetics? is the ideal solution for those who seek to keep up with the rapid pace of cannabis product innovation," said Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and founder of NRGene. "Our experience enables us to offer mature solutions that are uniquely positioned to give the cannabis industry the boost it needs." As part of the new product launch, NRGene has announced a global contest and invites cannabis breeders and growers to apply for a chance to win a free package of QuickGenetics, a prize valued at more than $100,000 USD. All contestants are requested to submit a short form explaining some of their breeding needs and goals for 2020. Winners will be selected on the basis of the goals' ambition and innovation. Applications are open until March 13?. Click ?HERE? to complete your application. About NRGene NRGene is a genomics company that provides turn-key solutions to leading breeding companies. Using advanced algorithmics & extensive proprietary databases, we empower breeders to reach their full potential by achieving stronger and more productive yields in record time. NRGene's tools have already been implemented by some of the leading agribiotech companies worldwide, as well as the most influential research teams in academia. NRGene is headquartered in Ness Ziona, Israel with an office in San Diego. For more information, please visit www.nrgene.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005190/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi, Jan 13 : Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi has asked the party leaders seeking ticket for their kins to themselves contest the Delhi Assembly polls. The party is likely to release it's first list of candidates in a day or two. According to sources, she said everybody whom the party wanted to nominate would contest elections. While some senior leaders had sought time, others expressed their willingness to contest elections, sources said. Sonia doesn't want any thing, like Haryana and Maharashtra, where party didn't contest the elections with full force. The Congress is keen to field strong candidates and doesn't want to contest in a manner that would send out a message that the party is not a strong contender. Miffed with the party's lacklustre approach, Gandhi summoned all leaders, including Ajay Maken and Arvinder Singh Lovely, who had contested Lok Sabha polls to her residence. J.P. Agarwal, Rajesh Lilothia and Naseeb Singh were also present at the meeting. IANS had reported last Monday that as many as a dozen leaders wanted party ticket for their sons or daughters. Wary of defeat, some of these leaders were trying to garner ticket for their kins. Sajjan Kumar has sought ticket for his son. Mudit Agarwal, son of J.P. Agarwal, is also hoping for a nomination. Yoganand Shastri's daughter is also demanding a ticket. On Jan. 19, 2018, State Police stopped a vehicle as it traveled north on Interstate 25 in Sierra County. The male driver and one of his female passengers had outstanding warrants and were ultimately taken into custody. A lawsuit filed last week in Santa Fe alleges a male officer inappropriately touched the woman under the guise of a pat down, despite the fact that a female officer was only 15 minutes away. The plaintiff says the officer touched her breasts and inner thighs, put his hands under the waistband of her pants and grabbed her bottom. And her lawyer, Erin Chavez, said the entire search happened directly in front of a dashboard camera. The male driver, on the other hand, was never patted down, according to Chavez who works at the Kennedy, Kennedy and Ives law firm. Theres disparate treatment between the male and the female, Chavez said in an interview Thursday. Chavez said the search was odd, and that research showed that this was not his typical conduct. We looked, and its the only time he ever did this, Chavez said. A New Mexico State Police spokesman did not respond to a request seeking comment on the suit. The acts and the failures to act by (the Department of Public Safety), by and through NMSP, constitutes negligence, gross negligence, and/or recklessness towards plaintiff and subjected other females pulled over by NMSP to the same battery and danger inflicted on plaintiff, states the suit, filed by plaintiff Cheri Chavez, who is not related to Erin Chavez. The suit says DPS has a duty to adequately train and supervise its officers and to protect the safety and welfare of all New Mexicans. It accuses the agency of negligence and the officer of battery, and it seeks unspecified damages. Army Chief General Manoj Naravane on Saturday said that if the Indian Army is given orders, it will take appropriate action to reclaim PoK. Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has dared the BJP to permit the Indian Army to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying thats the best way to teach the tukde-tukde gang at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) a lesson. The Sena, in an editorial in its mouthpiece, Saamana, on Monday said, Rather than making comments about the tukde-tukde gang, the Centre should give the Army a map of India and permit the Army Chief to reclaim PoK if the government is really serious about wiping out that gang at JNU. The Sena already raised the BJPs hackles by likening the recent alleged attack on JNU students to the terror attacks in Mumbai. The editorial is aimed at causing further embarrassment to the BJP, which is facing widespread criticism for the violence at JNU. Army Chief General Manoj Naravane on Saturday said that if the Indian Army is given orders, it will take appropriate action to reclaim PoK. Referring to his comments, Sena said, The Army Chief has said nothing wrong. Most of the terror-training camps are run in PoK with the support of the Pakistani Army and ISI. The editorial asserted that the Army Chief is asking for orders from the Centre and said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give such orders. This is what the country wishes. The Sena urged the Centre to pursue the matter as this is the best way to teach the tukde-tukde gang a lesson. The party said that despite the surgical strike carried out by India on PoK, Pakistans habits have not changed. That is why we welcome Army Chief General Naravanes new policy. He said that the Indian parliament had in February 1994 passed a resolution that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an inseparable part of India, it said. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has directed the UP government to regulate the sale and distribution of acid. The court further directed the state government to file its counter affidavit on January 31, detailing steps being taken in this regard. A bench of Chief Justice Goving Mathur and Justice Chandra Dhari Singh passed the order on a PIL filed by the NGO Chhanv Foundation on Friday. The petitioner had stated that the Supreme Court had issued detailed directions in this regard to all states long ago. The NGO contended that though the state government issued an order in this regard on August 13, 2013, no serious action has been taken so far. Holding that the issue is serious, the court directed the state government to lay before it the action taken in this regard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 Trend: On Jan. 14, Rome will host the fifth meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijans Energy Ministry Jan. 13. The meeting will be attended by co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Manlio Di Stefano. The commissions meeting agenda includes issues of cooperation between the two countries in trade, economic, energy, logistics and infrastructure spheres as well as in agriculture, culture and tourism, the report said. A session will also be held with the participation of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), Azerbaijan Investment Company, the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the State Oil Fund as well as the relevant Italian organizations to discuss investment opportunities and prospects in both countries. The report also notes that following the meeting, a protocol will be signed following the fifth meeting of the intergovernmental commission. As part of the meeting of the intergovernmental commission, meetings are planned between Parviz Shahbazov and Italian Minister of Economic Development Stefano Patuanelli, as well as with the management of Ansaldo Energia, Maire Tecnimont, TechnipFMC, DBA Group and Alstom Italia companies. Haiti - FLASH : Registration of candidates that failed in the State Examinations The Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training informs the general public and failed candidates in particular, that the first session of the permanent baccalaureate exams for the 2019-2020 academic year will be held from February 17 to 21, 2020. The registration of candidates is planned for the period from 13 to 24 January 2020 in all the Departmental Education Directorates (DDE). Only candidates who have failed in their final year (traditional secondary or renovated secondary) are eligible to take part in the tests. The candidates will compose in the subjects for which they did not have their average (registered in the database of the National Bureau of State Examinations "BUNEXE" for a period of two years). Registration conditions : 1. Participation sheet for the latest tests or certificate from the Ministry of National Education; 2. Two identity photos; 3. Participation fee of one thousand five hundred (1500) gourdes per candidate. The Ministry asks the departmental directorates to make all the arrangements for the smooth running of the registration process for the candidates concerned. HL/ HaitiLibre MIDDLETOWN A 20-year-old man faces charge related to an alleged armed carjacking Sunday at Price Chopper that involved a teen victim and during which he allegedly shot at another vehicle in the lot, then engaged officers in a chase, police said. Officers responded to the report of an armed robbery police at the grocery store at 855 Washington St., Middletown, at about 10:41 p.m. Sunday and learned the suspect, Gabriel A. Nerette, 20, of no certain address, allegedly pointed a handgun at a 14-year-old who was sitting in the car, according to Middletown police Lt. Heather Desmond. No one was injured in the incident, she said. Authorities say Nerette entered the drivers seat of the 2010 white Mercedes Benz while the minor was in the passenger seat, according to the report. While fleeing, officials said, Nerette fired his gun once in the direction of a Subaru Forester, and the round struck and entered the rear of that vehicle. Nerette reportedly drove east on Washington Street / Route 66, and an officer located the carat the intersection of Washington and High streets. Nerette failed to stop engaging this officer in pursuit, accelerating and passing vehicles, the officer wrote in the report. Authorities pursued Nerette for approximately 28 miles, through several towns, to South Main Street and Lawnacre Road in Windsor Locks, where he allegedly crashed the Mercedes, causing heavy damage to the front end of the vehicle, the report said. Nerette allegedly ran numerous red traffic lights and stop signs, including taking a left turn onto Route 9 north from Washington Street, a right-turn-only lane, police said. Nerette recklessly drove to endanger life, traveling up to speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour, the officer wrote in the report. Authorities said a search turned up a .25 caliber Raven semiautomatic handgun in the vehicle. Nerette does not have a pistol permit, and is a felon previously convicted on charges of robbery and assault, both in the third degree; first-degree reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a minor, according to the report. Two vehicles were damaged, the stolen vehicle involved in the crash and the vehicle the suspect shot at when fleeing, Desmond said. Nerette is charged with carjacking, unlawful discharge of a firearm, weapons in a vehicle, risk of injury to a child, first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, carrying a gun without a permit, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trover, interfering with an officer, breach of peace, criminal possession of a gun, and two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, police said. He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail and is due in Middletown Superior Court Monday. The Congress raised questions on Monday over the role of Davinder Singh, a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer arrested for ferrying terrorists, in the Parliament and Pulwama attacks and asked if he was "only a pawn" in a "bigger conspiracy". In a swift operation, police arrested Singh, a deputy superintendent of police, at Mir Bazar in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday, along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Baba, a district commander of the banned outfit, and Altaf, besides an unidentified lawyer who was working as an overground worker for terror outfits. "Who is Devinder Singh? What's his role in 2001 Parliament Attack? What's his role in Pulwama Attack, where he was Dy SP DR? (sic)," Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet. "Was he carrying Hizbul terrorists on his own or is he only a pawn, as master conspirators are elsewhere? A bigger conspiracy?," he added. Singh, who was in line for promotion as a superintendent of police later this month, was posted at the anti-hijacking unit at the Srinagar airport. He was under the radar of the police when the plan was being hatched to smuggle out the terrorists, an official said on the condition of anonymity. Singh's name had also surfaced during investigations into the 2001 Parliament attack, when convict Afzal Guru had alleged his role. The probe, however, was in Singh's favour. Surjewala also tagged a media report titled "Who is Davinder Singh, the Kashmir police officer arrested in a car with Hizbul militants?" with his tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) LEAWOOD, Kan., Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Euronet Worldwide (EEFT), a leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider, announced today it will publish active missing children alerts on its ATM screens following an agreement with AMBER Alert Europe, a foundation that assists in finding and saving missing children. The agreement provides the basis for any Euronet entity to support local AMBER Alert Europe partners in missing child awareness campaigns where Euronet and AMBER Alert Europe or one of its partners are present. The partnership was successfully piloted in the Netherlands in the summer of 2019 when a missing child alert was published nationwide on the screens of the Euronet ATM network within a few hours of it becoming active and remained until the child was safely located. This use of Euronets ATM screens, which are potentially viewed by millions of users and passers-by across Europe each day, is part of Euronets initiative to provide support to its local communities through services and philanthropic efforts. We are delighted to support an initiative, such as AMBER Alert Europe via our ATMs, said Nikos Fountas, Executive President and Chief Executive Officer, Euronet EMEA EFT Processing. Our ATM technology and locations such as airports, railway stations, and city centers, places the alerts in front of large audiences. We are able to upload an alert on a missing child onto the ATM screens quickly and hope this activity accelerates the safe return of any missing children. ATMs are typically located in heavily-trafficked areas, said Frank Hoen, AMBER Alert Europe Chairman and Founder. This partnership will significantly increase the amount of exposure that missing children will receive. I am certain that this will save childrens lives in the future. About Euronet Worldwide, Inc. Euronet Worldwide is a leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider. Founded in 1994, the company offers payment and transaction processing solutions to financial institutions, retailers, service providers and individual consumers. These services include comprehensive ATM, POS and card outsourcing services, card issuing and merchant acquiring services, software solutions, cash-based and online-initiated consumer-to-consumer and business-to-business money transfer services, electronic distribution of digital media and prepaid mobile phone time and other cloud-based financial technology solutions. Story continues Euronet's global payment network is extensive - including 47,209 ATMs, approximately 305,000 EFT POS terminals and a growing portfolio of outsourced debit and credit card services which are under management in 54 countries; card software solutions; a prepaid processing network of approximately 710,000 POS terminals at approximately 329,000 retailer locations in 52 countries; and a global money transfer network of approximately 389,000 locations serving 161 countries. With corporate headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and 65 worldwide offices, Euronet serves clients in approximately 170 countries. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.euronetworldwide.com . About AMBER Alert Europe AMBER Alert Europe is a foundation that assists in saving missing children at risk by connecting law enforcement with other police experts and with the public across Europe. AMBER Alert Europe advocates that one missing child is one too many and aims for zero missing children in Europe. AMBER Alert Europe brings together 32 official organisations, public authorities and business entities from 21 countries. The foundation actively contributes to the EU and national policy debate on saving missing children. AMBER Alert Europe also officially facilitates the Police Expert Network on Missing Persons (PEN-MP) ( https://www.amberalert.eu/police-expert-network/ ), so far consisting of over 50 experts from 21 countries, and the Task Force on AMBER Alerts. The goals of AMBER Alert Europe are backed by 465 Members of the European Parliament: most successful Written Declaration since 2011. Learn more at amberalert.e u . A woman who became an escort after 40 years of marriage described her husband as her 'biggest encourager' in last night's Louis Theroux: Selling Sex. Caroline, a registered dental nurse in her 60s, told how Graham, her husband of 44 years, fully supports her decision to sell sex to clients whom she meets through websites and via social media. Graham, a chartered surveyor, takes X-rated photos of his wife, is involved in choosing racy outfits and will even leave the house so that she can have sex with clients in their West Sussex home. But while Graham, also in his 60s, insisted he was happy to support his wife because he wants her to be 'happy' and 'successful in her own right as a woman', unconvinced viewers claimed it seemed as though he was 'putting on a brave face'. Caroline, a registered dental nurse in her 60s, told how Graham, her husband of 44 years, fully supports her decision to sell sex to clients whom she meets through websites and via social media. She described him (bot pictured) as her 'biggest encourager' Graham, a chartered surveyor, takes X-rated photos of his wife, as seen above, is involved in choosing racy outfits and will even leave the house so that she can have sex with clients in their West Sussex home. He said he wants her to be 'happy' and 'successful in her own right' However unconvinced viewers claimed it seemed as though he was 'putting on a brave face' One tweeted: 'I feel sorry for Carolines husband #LouisTheroux.' Another posted: 'Yep Caroline's husband is just doing this to make her happy. #louistheroux.' A third wrote: 'Caroline & Graham are a odd couple her husband helping her get more clients.' The documentary opened with a scene showing Graham granting his wife permission to 'give herself' to another man for an hour. Caroline told Louis she had seen 5 or 6 clients that week. Coming downstairs in a plunging blue dress on her way to meet another client, Caroline said: 'I belong to you. I'm yours but I want to give myself to another man for an hour but I just wondered if you could give me away to him for the hour,' to which Graham responded: 'Yes, darling, I give you away to Dave for the hour.' The documentary opened with a scene showing Caroline coming downstairs in a plunging dress, pictured, before asking Graham for permission to 'give herself' to another man Caroline told Graham: 'I belong to you. I'm yours but I want to give myself to another man for an hour but I just wondered if you could give me away to him for the hour,' to which her husband responded: 'Yes, darling, I give you away to Dave for the hour' before saying goodbye Another scene showed Graham photographing Caroline as she stretched out on the sofa in a provocative black plastic bra and micro skirt combination, offering suggestions on her poses and her choice of clothes. Later, Graham accompanied Caroline as she searched for a new fetish outfit in the basement of a Soho sex shop, performing a 'touch test' on the latex police uniform she eventually chose. Asked on her motivation, Caroline told Louis she had been raised in a strict household with traditional values on the role of women and how they should view sex. Escorting gives her a way to regain control of her sexuality and liberate herself. Asked on her motivation, Caroline told Louis she had been raised in a strict household with traditional values on the role of women and how they should view sex. Pictured, Caroline and Graham aged 19 and 24 at the time. The couple are now in their 60s and live in West Sussex 'My upbringing was quite Victorian but also a mix of religion,' she explained. 'I was brought up to believe sex was dirty and wrong, and I went into our marriage with the same attitude. 'It's been a process over the last few years particularly that I've really been discovering who I am and what I need.' Graham added in a separate conversation: '[She was taught] women should be seen and not heard, or not even seen... I knew, for example, that sexually she was repressed, to put it mildly. I kept on thinking, "How can I initiate her?.' but he admitted: 'I never dreamt that Caroline would take it this far.' One scene showed Graham photographing Caroline as she stretched out on the sofa in a provocative black plastic bra and micro skirt combination, with Louis standing nearby, above Graham accompanied Caroline as she searched for a new fetish outfit in the basement of a Soho sex shop, performing a 'touch test' on the latex police uniform she eventually chose Caroline had the idea to explore becoming an escort after meeting a woman on holiday who had tried it. It was not made clear how long she had been in the industry but it is thought her interest has grown in recent years. There was suggestion that Graham is not 100 per cent happy with his wife working as an escort. At one point he admitted to Louis he has 'ups and downs'. He said: 'If we've had a row, or something hasn't gone right, or I feel I haven't been thought of or considered in one way or another then I can feel something negative coming out of me. I can feel kind of a bit jealous or a bit irritated... Louis observed that Graham appeared happy to put up with the insecurity in exchange for his wife's happiness - and a more adventurous sex life. Pictured, Caroline and Graham embrace 'But then of course four hours later, we'll be fine... I want her to be absolutely successful as a woman in her own right, I want her to be happy and to have pleasure, not just sexually.' Graham also confessed he sometimes felt overlooked by his wife and craved more intimate attention. Louis observed that Graham appeared happy to put up with the insecurity in exchange for his wife's happiness - and a more adventurous sex life. Graham added: 'I'm as surprised as anybody could be as to where we've ended up and where Caroline's ended up... I'm proud of her and I think it's amazing. By Azernews By Rasana Gasimova The 5th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Italian Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation will be held in Rome on January 14. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Perviz Shahbazov and Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Manlio Di Stefano will meet in Rome to discuss expansion of cooperation in trade, economy, energy, logistics and infrastructure sectors, as well as in the field of agriculture, culture and tourism, the Ministry of Energy told local media. A session will also be held to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation prospects of the two countries. Representatives of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Fund (AZPROMO), the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Businesses (SMEs), Azerbaijans State Oil Fund of and relevant Italian structures will participate at the session. The final protocol will be signed following the meeting. As part of the event, Parviz Shahbazov will hold meetings with Italian Minister of Economic Development Stefano Patuanelli, as well as representatives of Ansaldo Energia, Maire Tecnimont, Technip FMC, DBA Group and Alstom Italia companies. Italy and Azerbaijan are strategic partners in the energy sector. Italy is one of the main buyers of Azerbaijani oil. Italian company Eni has been involved in several projects on the operation of oil and gas fields in Azerbaijan since 1995, which laid the foundation for economic cooperation between countries. Since 1999, Italy has been receiving a large part of Azerbaijani oil exported through the Baku-Supsa pipeline and through the Baku-Ceyhan. In 2004, the countries signed a Joint Declaration for the establishment of an Italian-Azerbaijani Council for Economic, Industrial and Financial cooperation. In 2006, the first meeting of Azerbaijani-Italian Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation was convened. Italy is an important economic and trade partner of Azerbaijan. Italy accounts for about 20 percent of our trade turnover with foreign countries. Azerbaijan will also supply gas to Italy through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is the main part of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC). Azerbaijan exports mainly oil and oil products to Italy, as well as chemical industry products, while Italy supplies products, light and food industry products to Azerbaijan. As many as 95 Italian companies, which participate in 41 contracting projects under interstate agreements, have been registered in Azerbaijan. In total, the investments of Italian companies in Azerbaijan have amounted to about $530 million, and the volume of Azerbaijani investments in Italy is estimated at $135 million. Tragedy struck at Umuobom in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State as one Sunday Agwim allegedly murdered his mother, Mrs Christiana Agwim. The police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, told Southern City News that the 47-year-old suspect had been arrested for killing his mother. He said, We received intelligence from one Jude Mbionwu, a security coordinator at Umuobom, who revealed that one Sunday Agwim, 47, killed his mother, one Christiana Agwim, 62, using hitting a hammer and a machete on her head and completely grounded the head into powder beyond recognition with the hammer. The scene was immediately visited and the suspect was arrested and exhibits recovered. The corpse was not taken to the mortuary because of the damage to the head; rather, coroners forms were completed and a doctor from the UTH Nnewi, Anambra State, conducted an autopsy on the corpse to enable the burial to take place. In his confessional statement, the suspect stated that he never knew what came upon him. The police spokesperson added that the suspect would be charged at the end of the investigation. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Thousands of Gambians marched in the capital Banjul Sunday calling on President Adama Barrow to serve a five-year mandate rather than the three years he promised the electorate in 2016. The march came after thousands took to the streets in December calling for him to respect the commitment he made with his coalition partners and stand down. Under the terms of that deal, he agreed to serve as a transitional leader, after being elected in December 2016. But supporters of Barrow say the constitution allows him to complete a five-year mandate. Barrow defeated the countrys former dictator Yahya Jammeh in the second-round run-off of the election. When Jammeh tried stay on, pressure from the international community forced him into exile in January 2017. The former autocrat had ruled for 22 years. Jammeh, who is living in exile in Equatorial Guinea, reportedly wants to return to The Gambia. In a leaked recording he approved a demonstration by his supporters scheduled for Thursday. A truth and reconciliation commission set up to examine his era has heard testimony from around 190 witnesses of torture, murder, rape and witch hunts. While he still has his supporters, there have also been calls for him to be returned to the country for prosecution. Activists who want Barrow to stand down plan to demonstrate again next Sunday. Cardinal Zenari writes to thank Catholics for the 200 million euro they raised for Syrian Hospitals. By John Waters The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, has written a formal thank you letter to the church in Hungary. The Catholic Bishops conference of Hungary organized a donation campaign, in collaboration with the Caritas Syria and AVSI foundation agencies. Over 200 million euros were raised in Hungary and have been used to support the Syrian Open Hospital initiative. The initiative began in 2016 and aims to ensure free access to hospital for some of the poorest Syrian citizens. At present, the initiative supports 3 hospital in the country. Two are located in Damascus while the third is in Aleppo. Already, over 30,000 people have received treatment as a result of the initiatives. The Syrian Civil war began in 2011, as part of the Arab Spring movement. Cardinal Zenari emphasized the serious nature of the ongoing conflict in Syria, noting that The bloody conflict, the 9-year-long destruction, the death and the endless rows of refugee camps are not over yet. Just think about the bombing and the daily attacks in the North-West and the situation which remains uncertain in the North-Eastern part of the country. He went on say that he finds it comforting that brave people of good will follow the example of Veronica, Simon of Cyrene and the Good Samaritan and help the persecuted get to safety. Cardinal Zenari has been Nuncio to Syria since 2008. Pope Francis named him a Cardinal in 2016, in recognition his work for, what the Pope termed the beloved and martyred Syria. It started with the first generation of the family in the 1950s with Laxman 'Jallad' - Pawan's great grandfather - who hanged convicts sentenced to death. Now Laxman's great grandson son is preparing to conduct his first ever execution - of the convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. For the past four generations, Pawan's family has produced a long line of 'Jallads' or executioners. Pawan 'Jallad' is one such man with this very unusual vocation. A man who earns his livelihood by ending the lives of society's rejects. Pawan had earlier assisted his grandfather Kalu Ram in executions where he learned the nuances of the family trade. "This is the blessing of my ancestors. They only managed to carry out one or two hangings thought their lives. But I'm going to hang four convicts in one go," Pawan told IANS. On being asked if he is looking to break the record of his ancestors (great-grandfather, grandfather and father), Pawan said, "You could say that but in the past 100 years no one has had the chance to hang four convicts at the same time. I am the first to get this chance. But I cannot think of challenging my ancestors. They are my 'gurus' from whom I learnt this craft." When Pawan's father died, it led to a conflict among Pawan and his brothers over who would inherit the historical legacy of the family tradition. Eventually his brothers withdrew from the profession leaving it all to Pawan who was granted a monthly salary of Rs 5,000 by the Uttar Pradesh jail administration. Notably when Mumbai attack terrorist Ajmal Kasab was set to be hanged, Pawan 'Jallad' was considered for the job but circumstances conspired against him. Then when Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was sent to the gallows, again Pawan was in line to pull the lever but yet again he was denied the opportunity. This time, however, the Directorate General of Tihar Jail has twice written to the UP jail authorities asking specifically asking for Pawan 'Jallad' to carry out the hangings of Nirbhaya's killers. So Pawan is hopeful that he will finally get his chance in the same jail where his ancestors carried out the executions of Kashmiri terrorist Maqbool Bhat and murderers Billa and Ranga, among others. For the first time in India, an executioner will carry out four executions together in the same prison. Reason enough for Pawan 'Jallad' to rejoice. (Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan can be reached at sanjeev.c@ians.in) Controversial BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday night lodged a complaint with police, alleging that she received envelopes by post which had poisonous chemicals on them. Police seized 3-4 envelopes from the MP's residence and some of these contained letters in the Urdu language, they said. "We got a complaint from the MP that she had received envelopes allegedly having some harmful chemicals in them and we are filing an FIR in the matter," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Bhopal Irshad Wali told PTI. When asked about the presence of chemicals in the envelope, the DIG said that it will be clear only after the forensic team examines it. Efforts to contact the BJP MP from Bhopal or her aides were not successful. Meanwhile, a picture of a brown envelope, purportedly with Thakur's address on it, was being circulated on social media with a message that it contained some poisonous chemical which was life threatening. City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Umesh Tiwari said a case has been registered against an unidentified person on charges of criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing grievous hurt at Kamla Nagar police station and added that the matter is under investigation. Bengaluru, Jan 13 : A protest rally was held on Monday by members of Hindu organisations in Karnataka's Kanakapura town against the construction of a Jesus Christ statue at a village on a government land that senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar allegedly gifted to a church, a BJP leader said. "About 1,000 members of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike, RSS, Bajrang and our party staged the rally to protest against the Jesus statue on a government land, which Shivakumar had no right to gift to a local church," BJP spokesman G. Madhusudhana told IANS here. Kanakapura, about 40km southwest of Bengaluru towards Mysuru, is the assembly constituency of Shivakumar and a part of the Lok Sabha constituency of his brother D.K. Suresh Kumar of the Congress. "Without the state government's consent, Shivakumar gifted the 10-acre land, meant for grazing, on December 25 to a church trust for constructing a 100-ft Jesus statue on a 13-ft pedestal in the nearby Herobele village," said Madhusudhana. State Revenue Minister R. Ashoka transferred Kanakapura tahisildar Anandaiah on December 30 for facilitating the land transfer to the church trust without Deputy Commissioner's approval. "Shivakumar is trying to please his party leader Sonia Gandhi for being appointed as the next Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president since its incumbent Dinesh Gundu Rao resigned on December 9 following party's debacle in the by-elections to 15 assembly seats, in which only two of its 15 candidates won," said Madhusudhana. The right-wing organsiations are against the statue in the village which is on the foothills of Kapali betta (hill), which is considered sacred by the Hindus, as god Kapali is said to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. "The statue project has been put on hold pending inquiry, as several local Hindu organisations raised objections as it was to come up near the sacred hill considered holy," said Madhusudhana. The greens also opposed granting a part of the 230-acre grazing land to the trust, as it is against a revised notification the state government issued in 2007 to prevent encroachment. Defending his gesture to gift the land for building the statue, Shivakumar told reporters that the previous JD-S-Congress government had granted him the land for development activities as he was the legislator from the local area. "I have gifted similar lands to Hindu organisations also in the past for building temples, community halls, schools and hospitals, as I believe in equality of all religions," said Shivakumar. Indore city was conferred with the plastic waste management award on Sunday with the Sindoda panchayat being declared as the first plastic-free area in the state recently. The award was conferred by actor Aamir Khan to Indore Zila Panchayat chief executive officer Neha Meena in the capital at an event organised by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. Chief Minister Kamal Nath also congratulated the Indore administration for the achievement and said that the state is proud of their effort. "Indore has featured among the four districts in the country for 'plastic waste management award 2020' under the Jal Shakti Ministry, Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). This is a proud moment for the state. Congratulations to the Indore district administration team," Nath tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hyderabad, Jan 13 : Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana met here on Monday to discuss various issues including the latest political developments at the national level in the wake of the nation-wide protests over Citizenship (Amendment) Act. After landing here from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy drove to Pragati Bhavan, the official residence of his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrashekhar Rao. Rao accorded a warm welcome to Reddy and hosted a lunch for him. After the lunch, they discussed various issues. While the agenda of their meeting was not officially announced, the two leaders understood to be discussing the political developments at the Centre in the wake of ongoing protests against CAA, National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). The two Chief Ministers are likely to discuss CAA and related issues to take a stand in view of nation-wide protests. Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had voted against the Bill in Parliament while YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy had supported it. They are also likely to disuss a joint strategy over NPR in view of the demands from various sections, especially Muslims to halt the work on NPR as they believe it to be the first step for NRC. The work on NPR is scheduled from April 1. Telangana Chief Minister is under pressure from its ally All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and other Muslim groups to stay NPR as done by Kerala and West Bengal. Rao has come under criticism for his silence over the NRC and NPR. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who was criticised for backing Citizenship Bill in Parliament, last month made it clear that he will not support NRC or any other move by the Centre which discriminates against the minorities. This is the fourth meeting between Rao and Reddy since the later assumed office in May last year. The earlier meetings were focused on issues arising out of bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014 and sharing of river waters. ALBANY Who wants to take on Antonio Delgado? Anybody? Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro says he will not run for Delgado's 19th Congressional District seat, disappointing Republicans who saw him as their best hope to beat the incumbent Democrat. Tony German, a retired two-star general and former adjutant general of the New York National Guard, pulled out of the race on Monday, saying he hasn't raised enough money to carry on. That's a one-two punch in the gut for the GOP. Molinaro and German are well known in the district, giving each Molinaro especially a fighting chance of winning. At the moment, Delgado does not face a challenger known to voters. Delgado's path to reelection seems nearly as easy as Paul Tonko's in the deep blue 20th Congressional District one more sign of the GOP's infirmity in New York. The 19th is supposed to be a swing district, after all. President Donald Trump won the 19th by seven percentage points in 2016. In the 2018 race for governor, Molinaro crushed Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the sprawling and largely rural district, which includes Rensselaer County and territory to the south and west of Albany. Republicans can win there, and yet the GOP can't find a plausible candidate? How embarrassing for the party. Molinaro, who has young children and was reelected by voters in Dutchess County just 10 weeks ago, told me this just wasn't his year to run. "It would be dishonest to my constituents and unfair to my family," he said. "I couldn't convince myself otherwise." Younger children need their parents around the house, so I'll applaud a dad who decides to spend more time with his kids. Clap, clap, clap. But I suspect that Molinaro, who has said he didn't vote for the president, was also wary of running as a Trump-skeptical Republican in an election cycle that promises to be dominated by Trump. It would have been easy to fall off that tightrope. So, again: Who wants to take on Delgado? Ola Hawatmeh does. Hawatmeh is a 42-year-old fashion designer and big-time Trump supporter. She's the daughter of Catholic immigrants from Jordan. She grew up in Poughkeepsie, graduating from Roosevelt High and Marist College. She's a mother to three sons who talks openly about her fights against breast cancer and domestic violence. Hawatmeh is an unusual candidate, especially for Republicans, and it's easy to imagine her outsider campaign garnering national attention that would certainly be helpful in a race against Delgado, who has raised more than $2 million. Media: A woman of Middle Eastern descent loves Trump! Can you believe it? But Hawatmeh also has weaknesses that are as obvious as a gold dress. She's lived much of her adult life in St. Louis and moved back to Dutchess County just four months ago. Voters in the district don't know her, and it's fair to wonder if she can connect with them or speak to their issues. When I think Schoharie County, I don't think fashion design. Can Hawatmeh plausibly win? "I've faced greater challenges," she said when asked about the difficulty of beating Delgado. "I have faith in what I can do, and I have faith in the voters." Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Hawatmeh often echoes Trump's Make America Great Again theme "We're on a runway to make America great and we're not going back," she says in her slick campaign-announcement video and her best strategy might involve grabbing Trump's coattails and hanging on tight. More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at cchurchill@timesunion.com or 518-454-5442. See More Collapse Of course, it isn't clear that Trump will again win in a district that twice went for Barack Obama. This swing district really swings. Delgado is popular enough and moderate enough, methinks, to win over a not-inconsiderable number of Republicans. He's been meeting with voters in all corners of the district. With the exception of his vote for impeachment, he's avoided controversy. Nevertheless, there may still be new candidates. Bartle Bull, a writer and businessman in Dutchess County, is being mentioned as a likely challenger. There are even whispers that Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin could run. (Seems unlikely.) Well, I certainly hope Delgado faces a strong challenge, be it from Hawatmeh, Bull or somebody else. I'm not against Delgado, mind you, but I am against elections that aren't competitive. It is bad for democracy when most members of Congress represent districts that are safely blue or red. It's undemocratic when the the majority of members, Tonko included, never face real challenges and roll to reelection without fear. Safe districts warp our politics and prevent the bipartisan compromise needed to get things done. We need more swing districts, not fewer. We need more members of Congress worried about the wrath of voters. A politician who's too comfortable can easily lose touch, and Washington, like Albany, doesn't need more out-of-touch politicians. cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill Late Monday morning, Senator Cory Booker announced that he would be suspending his presidential campaign. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and Ive always said I wouldnt continue if there was no longer a path to victory," Booker wrote in an email to supporters. "Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington." The ever-increasing whitening of the Democratic presidential primary has largely been attributed to money. For months now, we have seen nonwhite candidates such as Kamala Harris, Julian Castro, and now Cory Booker collectively cite their respective campaigns financial woes as the basis for them exiting the still-too-crowded field. This has all taken place in the midst of billionaires like Mike Bloomberg and Tom Steyer managing to rise in recent polling for no other reason than their infinite resources affording them the luxury of blanketing the airwaves with their respective ads, boosting name recognition. Even so, while I agree that the campaigns of Bloomberg and Steyer offer yet another grim look into an inconvenient truth about American democracy it mirrors an oligarchy far more than most who help shape the political narrative are willing to admit I am not convinced money alone doomed the Booker campaign. After all, its not as if Booker didnt used to get criticism over the kind of money he raised notably corporate interests (as some have already made note). Booker knows how to raise money, but the political climate has changed, and with it, many folks political calculations. As a result, Cory Booker could have been provided the code to Scrooge McDucks vault of gold and likely still would have failed. What really sank him, and flatly, what also sank the bids of Kamala Harris and Julian Castro is the unspoken preference the Democratic electorate by and large has for a white candidate especially if he is male. Its been evident for sentient beings for quite some time, but in the case of Booker, it has been particularly frustrating to watch white people in the media marvel at how smart Pete Buttigieg for possessing the moderate political views he developed only about two weeks ago. As The Huffington Posts Amanda Terkel pointed out, news outlets cited Buttigiegs Rhodes scholarship 596 times in 2019, while Bookers had just 79 mentions. Senator Amy Klobuchar was correct in her assertion that if she had the experience of Pete Buttigieg, her candidacy would not have been taken as seriously. Could we be running with less experience than we had? I dont think so, Klobuchar told the New York Times last November. I dont think people would take us seriously. Yet, the reason why she remains in the race and Kamala Harris doesnt is the same reason Pete Buttigieg is considered a rising political star in the way Booker and Castro arent: its good to be white. Its evident in Klobuchars main selling point: that she represents Midwestern values, which based on her routine lack of recognition of cities like Chicago, Detroit, Gary, and Milwaukee while boasting such chops boils down to I appeal to white people. Cory Booker has consistently made mention of the need to appeal to black voters in those Midwestern states, but again, the voters who look like he and I, along with our brown neighbors, continue to be an afterthought. And before some unimaginative mind cites black support for Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders being higher than that of Booker and other nonwhite candidates, that is not so much a testament to our inherent bias as it is a realistic assessment of the Democratic base writ large. The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Show all 25 1 /25 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Bernie Sanders The Vermont senator has launched a second bid for president after losing out to Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is running on a similar platform of democratic socialist reform Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Joe Biden The former vice president recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well and has since maintained a front runner status in national polling EPA The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts senator is a progressive Democrat, and a major supporter of regulating Wall Street Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar is a Minnesota senator who earned praise for her contribution to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg, a late addition to the 2020 race, announced his candidacy after months of speculation in November. He has launched a massive ad-buying campaign and issued an apology for the controversial "stop and frisk" programme that adversely impacted minority communities in New York City when he was mayor Getty Images The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but has faced tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Pete Buttigieg The centrist Indiana mayor and war veteran would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Deval Patrick The former Massachusetts governor launched a late 2020 candidacy and received very little reception. With just a few short months until the first voters flock to the polls, the former governor is running as a centrist and believes he can unite the party's various voting blocs AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Beto O'Rourke The former Texas congressman formally launched his bid for the presidency in March. He ran on a progressive platform, stating that the US is driven by "gross differences in opportunity and outcome" AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kamala Harris The former California attorney general was introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony. She has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Bill De Blasio The New York mayor announced his bid on 16 May 2019. He emerged in 2013 as a leading voice in the left wing of his party but struggled to build a national profile and has suffered a number of political setbacks in his time as mayor AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Steve Bullock The Montana governor announced his bid on 14 May. He stated "We need to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and defeat the corrupt system that lets campaign money drown out the people's voice, so we can finally make good on the promise of a fair shot for everyone." He also highlighted the fact that he won the governor's seat in a red [Republican] state Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has focused on restoring kindness and civility in American politics throughout his campaign, though he has failed to secure the same level of support and fundraising as several other senators running for the White House in 2020 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam said he intended to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord Vice News The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017 AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Andrew Yang The entrepreneur announced his presidential candidacy by pledging that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual adviser has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Eric Swalwell One of the younger candidates, Swalwell has served on multiple committees in the House of Representatives. He intended to make gun control central to his campaign but dropped out after his team said it was clear there was no path to victory Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Seth Moulton A Massachusetts congressman, Moulton is a former US soldier who is best known for trying to stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming speaker of the house. He dropped out of the race after not polling well in key states Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Jay Inslee Inslee has been governor of Washington since 2013. His bid was centred around climate change AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Hickenlooper The former governor of Colorado aimed to sell himself as an effective leader who was open to compromise, but failed to make a splash on the national stage Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tim Ryan Ohio representative Tim Ryan ran on a campaign that hinged on his working class roots, though his messaging did not appear to resonate with voters Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tom Steyer Democratic presidential hopeful billionaire and philanthropist Tom Steyer is a longtime Democratic donor AFP/Getty Yes, Barack Obama infamously rode the wave to history on the heels of historic levels of black support in both the primary and general election, but only after we saw white people find comfort in his themes of hope and change. Obama was succeeded by bigotry and proclamations of American carnage. This period of history complete with its rise of white nationalist violence has rightly been likened to The Great Redemption period. It matters not whether we ever reach the point in which the electorate, still majorly populated by white Americans, want to admit that. It has already been proven by our political discourse, the amount of money nonwhite candidates cant raise, and yeah, our polling data. Politically, Booker and I didnt really align outside of criminal justice and gun control, but nonetheless, I do hate that he, like Harris and Castro, represent so much of what Democrats pretend to care about...and yet. Put simply, white people even those who claim not to share any of Donald Trumps prejudices are still so terrified by the prospect of four more years of his monstrosities that they are willing to place the Obama legacy in the hands of Joe Biden, the man who was selected as vice president at the time mainly to help settle the fears of older white voters. Every other group, sensing this, is also voting accordingly. Money can do many things, but it cant pay that sort of prejudice away. GREENWICH The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra hosted a special Behind Beethoven concert this weekend, giving the audience a chance to experience the music up-close. So up-close that they got to hear the music the way the musicians hear it: from inside the orchestra. For the first time in Greenwich, musicians, conductors and listeners came together for an immersive performance of Beethovens Fifth Symphony. Fans and newcomers were seated near the orchestra members, changing the way they hear this beloved work. The concert, called InsideOut, was put on by the traveling conductor who founded InsideOut concerts, David Bernard. Theyre able to experience things they never thought they would at a concert, Bernard said of the audience. Its like the iMax of classical music. InsideOut partnered with Greenwich Symphony to put on this immersive concert. Greenwich Symphony has a lot of history, and has been around a long time, Bernard said. This is a way for them to build their audience and bring in people who havent necessarily been, or see themselves as classical music fans. US troops were clearing rubble and debris on Monday from a military base housing American soldiers in western Iraq on Monday, days after it was struck by Iranian missiles. The Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq's western Anbar province is a sprawling complex about 110 miles west of Baghdad and houses about 1,500 members of the US military and the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State militant group. It was struck by a barrage of Iranian missiles on Wednesday, in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed atop Iranian commander, General Qassem Soleimani, whose killing raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. An Associated Press crew visiting the Ain al-Asad base in the western Anbar desert of Iraq saw large craters in the ground and forklifts lifting rubble and loading it onto trucks. The US said no US soldiers were killed in the Iranian attack. (ANSA) - Ankara, January 13 - Any ceasefire in Libya will be "precarious" without a political process to firm it up, Premier Giuseppe Conte said after talks in Ankara Monday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Libyan Premier Fayez al-Sarraj and his eastern Libyan adversary General Khalifa Haftar are in Moscow Monday to sign a ceasefire agreement. "The ceasefire cam prove to be a very precarious measure unless it is inserted into an effort by the international community to guarantee stability for Libya", Conte said. "and for this reason we have agreed on the desirability of accelerating the Berlin process". Mike Bloomberg, the ninth richest person in America and 14th richest person in the world, is on a crusade to use the Democrat Party to rid America of Donald Trump. The problem is that the Democrat Party doesn't seem to care much for him. Before becoming New York mayor, Bloomberg was a Democrat. Then he ran for mayor after the hugely successful Rudy Giuliani, a Republican, decided to step down. To appeal to the same demographic that was grateful for Giuliani's managerial skills, Bloomberg launched his mayoral bid as a Republican. Six years later, he announced that he was an independent. Now he's a Democrat again. When it comes to Bloomberg, it's not about principles; it's about pandering. Bloomberg continued Giuliani's precedent of fiscal sanity when running one of the world's largest cities. His otherwise mostly Leftist policies sat well with New Yorkers, although they were less thrilled with his authoritarian side. They went along with his banning trans fats from restaurants but rebelled when he tried to ban the sale of big sodas. Despite his temporary hiatus as both a Republican and an independent, Bloomberg is, in fact, a hardcore Leftist. Since leaving the mayor's office, his most important crusade has been to fight the Second Amendment. Most recently, his "Everytown for Gun Safety" PAC got involved in the 2019 Virginia elections. Everytown's $2.5-million investment in Virginia, compared to the NRA's $300,000 investment, paid off. Virginia went completely blue and instantly embarked on a gun-grabbing campaign that made even California look like a slacker state. The result, interestingly, has been to see an extraordinary level of proSecond Amendment activism in Virginia, as ordinary Americans realized that a Leftist New Yorker had successfully bought and perverted their rights. Other than his fiscal conservatism, Bloomberg is pure Leftist: he supports unlimited abortion, stem cell research, centralized control over education, using taxpayer funds to fight climate change, amnesty for illegal aliens, open borders, abortifacients without parental permission for teenagers, controlling religious circumcision, and cheering on China's regime. He also recently apologized for supporting stop-and-frisk, which he had once seen as a remarkably effective way to keep down crime. In addition to sharing the Democrat Party's political ideology, Bloomberg also shares its visceral antipathy for Trump. In a recent Reuters interview, Bloomberg said the primary point of his campaign is to remove Trump from office: "Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump," Bloomberg told Reuters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3. "Do you want me to spend more or less? End of story." [snip] "One of the reasons I'm reasonably confident I could beat Trump is I would be acceptable to the moderate Republicans you have to have," said Bloomberg, a former Republican who made his fortune selling financial information to Wall Street firms. "Whether you like it or not, you can't win the election unless you get moderate Republicans to cross the line. The others are much too liberal for them and they would certainly vote for Donald Trump." Bloomberg's only problem, given that he has Leftist bona fides and big bucks, is that people aren't showing up for him. At an event in blue Colorado, he spoke to a crowd of only 38 people. He was no more successful in Texas: Just 45 people showed up to Bloomberg's latest rally with TV star Judge Judy Sheindlin in Texas on Saturday, according to the New York Post. Perhaps worried about those low attendance numbers, the Bloomberg campaign contacted the Washington Examiner, the source of the above quote, to say that there were actually 130 people at the event. While that might be fine for early 2019, it's not so good for 2020. Bloomberg's lack of charisma may not matter in the end. As Bill Schanefelt wrote in a recent American Thinker article, it looks as if Bloomberg is banking on the fact that none of the leading Democrat candidates can break from the pack, which will lead to a brokered convention. Having invested in a spectacular on-the-ground effort across America, Bloomberg believes he'll have enough superdelegates to game the Democrat Party system. It remains to be seen whether the "party of woke," which hates rich white people but still has an all-white primary slate composed almost entirely of millionaires and billionaires, will allow the world's 14th richest person, a white guy, to buy the White House, even if that does mean beating Donald Trump. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: The controversy over the recently released book Aaj Ke Shivaji Narendra Modi is refusing to die down with Sambhaji Raje, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, joining the chorus of voices demanding a ban on it. Sambhaji Raje, who is a BJP Rajya Sabha member, said, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our revered king. Comparing him with contemporary politicians is not acceptable to us Shiv bhakts. The party that has published this book should not take our sentiments for granted. I demand that the party president withdraw this book. Earlier, Sanjay Raut, the editor of Saamana and Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member, said people are speaking against the BJP and asked whether the comparison with Narendra Modi was acceptable to the descendants of Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra Congress president and revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat had also demanded that the book be withdrawn, adding that his party would protest against the BJP across the state on Tuesday. "BJP has insulted the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There is no one who can be compared with the Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj was for every caste and religion and he protected them. Narendra Modi is the person who divides society on every possible line and agenda, Thorat said. He said that they would not allow the sale of the book in Maharashtra. We have asked the chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to ban this book, Thorat said. Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi minister Chhagan Bhujbal said Shivaji was a great king. By comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji with Narendra Modi, the BJP has exposed itself. This is nothing but madness. Shivaji was not a small king who could be compared with anyone. He was the king for everyone, Bhujbal said. Rohit Pawar, the grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, also jumped into the controversy and demanded that the book be banned. Why Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? BJP should not demean the Bahujan idols and icons by comparing them with anyone. I strongly condemn it, Pawar said. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, however, said Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi ministers are blowing the issue out of proportion. We and everyone know that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cannot be compared with anyone. People should read the book and then form their opinion, Mungantiwar said. 1 big thing: Amid chaos, real action on climate President Trump pushes the biggest changes to environmental law in 50 years. The worlds biggest investor is going big on global warming. House Democrats are going it alone on climate policy. And all that happened just last week. It was easy to miss, amid hostilities with Iran, Australia burning, and other crises, Axios' Amy Harder writes in her weekly "Harder Line" energy column. But big changes are happening on the energy and climate change front that suggest more polarization and acrimony that could last long after the presidential election. 1) Democratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a sweeping legislative framework on Wednesday, laying out policies that the lawmakers say could achieve net-zero U.S. greenhouse gas emissions within the next three decades. Why it matters: It adds policy substance to what has otherwise been mostly rhetoric coming from House Democrats. Some Republicans, are offering narrow bills focused on innovation. Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) recently introduced legislation to provide subsidies for all types of clean-energy technologies. 2) Trump announced proposals Thursday to drastically narrow the scope of a law governing environmental reviews of Americas infrastructure, as a way to hasten the construction of everything from bridges to pipelines. Why it matters: The proposals are likely the biggest changes to the law the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in its 50-year history, and could implicitly exclude climate change from consideration. 3) BlackRock, the worlds largest asset investor, joined Climate Action 100+, an investor network pushing companies to be more transparent and aggressive in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This group now represents $41 trillion in assets. 4) The Trump administration on Friday imposed more sanctions on Iran, deepening a policy whose centerpiece is sanctions on Irans oil exports. Oil markets are responding with a shrug. Prices are reliably low despite unrest in the Middle East. are responding with a shrug. Prices are reliably low despite unrest in the Middle East. Thanks, American oil! Share this story. A self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon Hybrid Biho, right, developed by Hanwha Defense in cooperation with LIG Nex1, is displayed at Association of the United States Army exhibition held in Washington, in Oct. 2017. / Courtesy of Hanwha Defense By Kim Jae-heun Top Korean defense firms said they will join "DEFEXPO INDIA 2020" next month to attract buyers in India, the world's second-largest market for the defense industry. Hanwha Defense, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), and LIG Nex1, along with seven more companies, are participating in Asia's biggest defense industry expo scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh, India, from Feb. 5 to 8. The leading South Korean defense companies said they will display products specially designed for the local defense environment as part of plans for larger penetration in countries in Southeast East Asia, which have higher growth potential. At the exhibition, Hanwha Defense is aiming to win about 3 trillion won ($2.5 billion) worth of deals for orders of Hybrid Biho-branded weapons from the Indian government. It is a self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon that can effectively shoot down helicopters and small planes like drones flying at a low altitude, Hanwha said. Hanwha joined with LIG Nex1 to develop the weapon. "We are planning to showcase Hybrid Biho at the exhibition for the first time to impress the Indian army officials," said a Hanwha Defense official, Monday. "We hope it gets recognition for its excellent quality and brings a positive effect to the delayed contract process." In October 2018, the Indian defense ministry selected the Korean artillery as the sole candidate for acquisition, but a defense firm in Russia raised objections over the qualification of the weapon testing process and requested a re-evaluation of their anti-aircraft defense system. India's Defense Acquisition Committee (DAC) is expected to review the contract documents and make the decision this month, a report said. Hanwha Defense is already in cooperative relations with the Indian army as it won the bid to obtain an order of 100 self-propelled artilleries named K9 Thunder. However, Russia may be able to intercept the possible deal as Moscow is India's biggest weapons trading partner, whose products constitute 62 percent of overall imported arms, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The KAI is focusing on promoting its basic training aircraft the KT-1. "Currently, the Indian air force is changing its basic trainers and we want to supply our planes there," a KAI official said. "We will showcase the FA-05, a light attack aircraft, and Korean Utility Helicopter named Surion too, but the KT-1 will be our main item at DEFEXPO 2020." Meanwhile, over 700 firms from 30 countries around the world will establish booths to show off their weapons at DEFEXPO this year. By PTI MUMBAI: Terming the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "insulting", senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded that it be banned and asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. Talking to reporters here, Raut said comparison of Shivaji Maharaj with anyone was "not acceptable", and the book seemed to be the handiwork of some "bootlickers" to appease the prime minister. He said the BJP should declare that it has no link with the book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book. "A BJP leader has written the book titled 'Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', which we find insulting. The party should clarify whether it considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as great as Shivaji Maharaj," Raut said. "We respect Prime Minister Modi. But comparing Shivaji Maharaj with anyone is not acceptable," he said. Without taking any names, Raut targeted the warrior king's descendants - BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Bhosale, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the NCP. "Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," the Sena leader said. He said it looks like some "bootlickers" have published the book to appease the prime minister. "They are the ones who are creating trouble for him (Modi). The BJP should get rid of them," he said. Demanding that the book be banned, Raut said he has spoken to Shiv Sena president and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over the issue. "He (Thackeray) told me that Sena has taken the right stand and we are going to stick to it. This book should be banned and the BJP should officially distance itself from such a book and the narrative it is pushing forward," he added. Raut said the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal was once with the Shiv Sena, but was removed from the party after he allegedly attacked the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. "BJP leaders are quite active when it comes to some issues such as (pertaining to Hindutva ideologue) V D Savarkar. I hope they will demonstrate similar efficiency in this case also. The BJP should declare that it has no link with the book," the Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member said. The descendants of Shivaji Maharaj from Satara and Kolhapur are affiliated with the BJP. They should speak out their views on the issue, he said. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Shivendraraje Bhosale, who is also a descendant of the Maratha warrior king and is the cousin of Udayanraje Bhosale, said it was unfortunate that some "bootlickers" were creating a problem for the party's image. "I request my party leaders to put a check on such bootlickers who, for their personal gain, are ready to stoop to any level. I am totally against such comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the MLA from Satara said. NCP's state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Jitendra Awhad, and senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde also expressed their disappointment earlier over such a book being published by a BJP leader. Sambhaji Raje on Sunday demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book, which was published in the saffron party's Delhi office. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Sunday lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book. In his complaint, the Congress leader sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book and its distributor. Despite the tragic shooting down of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 near Tehran, the United States and Iran appear to have avoided an all-out war in the aftermath of the high-profile drone strike that killed Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani. Iran's retaliatory missile strikes into Iraq did not cause any casualties and both sides are clearly trying to find an off-ramp. However, the US-Iran relationship is unlikely simply to go back to business as usual, and the crisis has important consequences for longer-term regional stability. Here are the new key issues: Iran's missiles are getting more accurate - which may constrain future US basing and operations: Before the recent missile attacks, many public assessments of Iran's missiles assumed they were fairly inaccurate. Satellite imagery of Iran's recent barrage indicates those may have been wrong. Iran recorded a fairly high rate of likely "hits" to "misses". The lack of casualties may have been the result of Iran targeting areas of the bases with fewer personnel and more equipment, and not merely dumb luck and early warning. This probably shows Iran now deploys fairly accurate short-range ballistic missiles, part of a global trend toward more accurate missiles the Pentagon has predicted for years. They are conceivably at least 10 times as accurate as the Soviet-origin Scud missiles Iran and Iraq deployed against each other during their conflict in the 1980s. In a future conflict, Iran could use precise conventional ballistic missiles to damage and degrade bases used by US aircraft and harass and destroy ports upon which the United States would rely to deploy and resupply troops. It is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a normal tempo of military operations in the face of incoming missiles. The United States could shift to aircraft based on US Navy aircraft carriers. However, these giant ships are themselves vulnerable and there aren't that many of them. Alternatively, the United States could use aircraft from more distant bases, out of range of Iranian missiles. However, this would entail longer transit times to target and perhaps aerial refuelling. That, in turn, would mean any future campaign will require more aircraft and be costlier than it would be if Iran had not developed more-precise missiles. This situation would be dramatically different from the campaigns of 1991 and 2003, when US bases were virtually invulnerable to missile attack. The shooting down of a passenger jet shows the crisis had its costs: The destruction of a civilian aircraft showed how tragedies can occur during military crises, even when neither participant desires escalation. Sadly, this is far from the first crisis in which one side mistook a civilian airliner for its opponent's military aircraft. Similar incidents resulted in the shoot-down of a Malaysian passenger plane over Ukraine in 2014; an Iranian passenger airliner over the Persian Gulf in 1988; and a Korean Airlines plane that strayed into Soviet airspace in 1983. The common ingredient in all of these episodes was a crisis or war that had at least one actor in a state of high alert. When that actor received ambiguous information - such as a warning of an unidentified incoming aircraft - it assumed the worst. Shooting first and asking questions later can have terrible consequences. Iran has now admitted it was responsible for the Flight 752 mistake and it feared the United States would launch retaliatory strikes on Iranian territory after Iran hit the Iraqi bases housing US forces. An Iranian air defence operator, who was primed to expect incoming military aircraft and unable to get timely confirmation of the target's identity, fired at a civilian jet instead. When actors make decisions under stressful conditions with incomplete information - conditions that a crisis or war meets virtually by definition - they may become more rather than less likely to use force. The fog of war can induce not simply confusion but a type of worst-case thinking that promotes escalation rather than restraint. That dynamic could re-emerge in future conflicts in the region, or beyond. Ultimately, the crisis isn't over yet: Some of Iran's own citizens are accusing their government of negligence in causing the deaths of those aboard the Ukrainian Airlines flight - the vast majority of whom were Iranian. Angry Iranians are taking to the streets. Such protests can easily have international consequences, as evidenced by the brief detention on Saturday of the British ambassador in Iran over alleged incitement. Even apart from Iran's domestic turmoil, plenty of potential flash points remain. Iran's regional proxies remain strong and have many ways to target the United States and its allies, both overtly and covertly. The Trump administration's decision to enact new economic sanctions is unlikely to coerce Iran and may instead drive it to lash out. Iran's decision to recalibrate its adherence to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers also puts the country back on a collision course with hawks in the United States and Israel. As they say, things in the Middle East can always get worse - and they very well may. ( Washington Post) Caitlin Talmadge is associate professor of security studies in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington DC UPDATE: Police ID Grand Rapids man killed in Northern Michigan snowmobile crash BOON TOWNSHIP, MI A man is dead after a snowmobiling crash in Northern Michigan over the weekend. A 28-year-old Grand Rapids man died in the crash that occurred in Boon Township, Wexford County at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, according to a news release from Michigan State Police Cadillac Post. Police have not identified the man. The man was navigating a turn on Trail 3715 when he lost control, left the trail and struck a tree, police said. He was wearing a helmet. Troopers were assisted at the scene by Boone Township Fire Department, Selma Township Fire Department, North Flight EMS and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. READ MORE: Snowmobiler missing for 5 hours found safe by rescue team Pickup truck falls through ice on U.P. lake 12-year-old dog finally finds forever home after six years in a shelter Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:52:56|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Monday said its facing a critical funding gap to meet the needs of refugees in Ethiopia. A monthly fact sheet published by UNHCR, said it has only received 150.3 million U.S. dollars out of the total 346.5 million U.S. dollars required to meet the basic nutritional needs, as well as the education, health and accommodation needs of refugees in Ethiopia. As of Dec.2019, the UNHCR has registered 735,2014 refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia, most of whom are housed in refugee camps in six regional states. Ethiopia currently hosts the second largest refugee population in Africa, next to Uganda. Refugees in Ethiopia primarily come from Eritrea, South Sudan, Somalia and Sudan, according to figures from the Ethiopian government. Conflict and drought in neighboring countries continues to force people to seek refuge in Ethiopia, which has a long tradition of hosting refugees. Ethiopia has also in recent years hosted an increasing number of refugees fleeing conflicts in Yemen and Syria. In Feb.2019, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, had commended Ethiopia for its open-door policy towards refugees that are arriving from neighboring countries. Grandi, during his four-day visit to Ethiopia in February 2019, praised the Ethiopian government's "openness to new and innovative approaches to improve the lives of refugees and host communities." New Delhi: Hundreds of Jamia Millia Islamia students gheraoed Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtars office on Monday, demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with last months violence on the campus. Among other demands, they also want the university to reschedule examinations and ensure security of students. The students barged into the office premises after breaking the lock on the main gate and raised slogans against the VC. They are staging a sit-in outside the office, asking the VC Najma Akhtar to interact with them over issue. Earlier, the Jamia Millia Islamia had submitted a fresh report to the HRD Ministry requesting judicial inquiry into the entry of police on the university premises last month. The varsity had earlier submitted reports in the matter on December 15-16. In the fresh report submitted to the ministry on December 20, Jamia reiterated its request for initiation of an inquiry committee or a judicial inquiry to the incident. In its report, the varsity mentioned that police used teargas and lathicharge to disperse protesters gathered on Mathura Road and Julena Road. The police had on December 15 purportedly stormed the library while looking for outsiders who were involved in the arson and violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest outside the campus. While pushing the crowd on this road, the Delhi Police entered inside the campus through Gate Numbers 4 and 7 by breaking the lock, beating the guards on duty and window and doors of the library, lobbed the teargas shell inside the reading room then forcefully entered inside and beat all the students studying inside the library brutally, they claimed in the report. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor at Jamia On Sunday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor joined hundreds of protestors who are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act. He said the December 15 police action against the students in Jamia is a "blot on the nation". "Whatever happened on December 15 is a blot on nation. Without any provocation, without any intimation to the vice chancellor, they (police) entered hostels and attacked women students. Students studying in library were attacked, which is a 'shame, shame, shame' and not acceptable at all," he told the crowd. Attacking the act, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said the Centre's step is discriminatory and an effort to marginalise "one community". "That is why we opposed the introduction of the bill in Parliament, as it brought religion in the Citizenship Act for the first time," he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 09:54:33|Editor: zyl Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has suffered a blow to his approval rating amid the ongoing bushfire crisis. According to the latest Newspoll, which was published on Sunday night by The Australian, revealed that Morrison's popularity has plunged since he became prime minister in August, 2018. It was found that Morrison's net approval rating, which is calculated by subtracting his dissatisfaction rating from his satisfaction rating, has fallen from negative three in December to negative 22. By comparison the net rating of Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has risen 10 points to positive nine. Albanese now leads Morrison as the preferred prime minister for the first time by a margin of 43 percent to 39; an 18-point swing from Morrison's 48-34 lead in December. Poll analyst Kevin Bonham told The Guardian on Monday that Morrison's fall in preferred prime minister polling was "the equal second highest such loss in Newspoll history". The Labor Party leads Morrison's governing Coalition 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis; the first time the government has trailed since winning re-election in May 2018. The poll of 1,505 voters was taken amid the ongoing bushfire crisis, during which Morrison has been criticized for poor leadership. He was forced to apologize in December after he went on a family holiday to Hawaii while much of his home state of New South Wales (NSW) burned while some members of government have dismissed the link between the fires and climate change. During a 30 minute interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Sunday Morrison acknowledged that leaving the country during the crisis was a mistake. "In hindsight, I would not have taken that trip knowing what I know now," he said. Budget carrier Vietjet Air on January 12 launched two new air routes linking the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho with Taipei of Taiwan and Seoul of the Republic of Korea (RoK). At the launching ceremony (Photo: VNA) The Can Tho - Taipei route operates four round trips per week. Meanwhile, the Can Tho Seoul route has three flights per week. Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Vietjet Air Luu Duc Khanh said the airline currently boasts 80 airplanes and will add 24 others to its fleet this year. It has carried over 100 million passengers on 137 air routes, of which there are nine from/to the Mekong Delta. Since the first air route inaugurated in 2014, Vietjet Air now has the largest number of routes to the Can Tho international airport among Vietnamese carriers, with seven domestic and two international ones, he added. Vice Chairman of the Can Tho Peoples Committee Dao Anh Dung said the additional international air routes will bolster investment attraction, tourism development and create optimal conditions for regional residents to travel. On the occasion, the carrier and HD Bank presented 100 million VND (4,300 USD) each to the citys fund for the poor. Scientists in the UK have developed a new vaccine against avian influenza using a technique pioneered at the Pirbright Institute. In 2017 Pirbright had used genetic engineering to develop a more efficient and effective vaccine for Mareks disease. Professor Venugopal Nair, who is the head of the avian viral diseases programme, said at the time that one of the advantages of the new technique was that vaccines could be developed far more quickly. He said then that the technique used to produce a more effective vaccine for Marek's disease could produce vaccines for new AI strains within days. Now, a Pirbright team has announced that it has used the gene editing technique to produce a new vaccine that protects against both Marek's disease and avian influenza. A team led by Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the avian influenza group at Pirbright, says the process is more efficient, as well as faster, compared to previous methods. And it says it will allow poultry vaccine producers to rapidly update vaccine strains in order to keep up with virus evolution. The team's work, which was published in the journal, Vaccines, involved using a gene editing tool called CRISPR/Cas9 to insert an avian influenza gene into the turkey herpes virus (HVT) that is used in Mareks disease vaccines. HVT is already widely used in vaccines against Mareks disease and can be administered to eggs, enabling automated delivery and providing birds with protection from the day they hatch, said Professor Iqbal. The additional HA (haemagglutinin) gene we have incorporated will be expressed by HVT when it replicates in host cells, meaning that a single dose of vaccine induces immunity against both viruses. The genetic engineering process we have developed using CRISPR/Cas9 is far quicker and more efficient than previous technologies, as well as being very consistent and accurate. These attributes are essential for providing fast and reliable vaccine production to protect poultry, he said. AI is seen as a growing threat to the poultry industry, both here in the United Kingdom, across Europe and in other parts of the world. In 2015 a bird flu epidemic in the United States is estimated to have cost the US government a billion dollars. A total of 40.6 million pullets were either lost to AI or culled as a result of the epidemic. Professor Hans-Wilhelm Windhorst, IEC statistical analyst, has put the overall economic impact on the United States economy at $2.6 billion. The cost of lost birds and production amounted to 812 million. Over the winter of 2015 and 2016 there was a series of cases across the UK - the most serious an outbreak at Staveleys Eggs, which was a high pathogenic case and which resulted in the loss of nearly 200,000 layers. Barry Thorp of St Davids Poultry Team subsequently warned delegates at a conference for the British Free Range Egg Producers' Association (BFREPA) that it was inevitable that AI would continue to appear in the UK. Every 12 to 18 months we are going to have outbreaks of AI within units in the UK, no doubt about it. The only question is how quickly we find it and how much it spreads before we find it. That is what we have got to stop. He said: Up until now we have been lucky with avian influenza. It is cropping up about every 12 months on a poultry farm somewhere in this country. Up until now it hasnt spread much; we have picked it up early and I think we have been lucky. We cant keep on being lucky. Once in 10 years we probably wont be lucky and it will spread. We have to stop that happening. An expert group of the International Egg Commission (IEC) has considered the possible benefits of vaccination. It produced a report in which it said there were advantages - particularly in developing countries where vaccination could, it said, help to protect a vital source of protein. However, it said there were concerns that vaccination could lead to complacency in implementing good surveillance and bio-security measures. And in developed countries the use of avian influenza vaccines could impact on trade, it said. The Pirbright researchers said that in their gene editing work they used the gene codes for haemagglutinin - an influenza protein that is key for virus entry into host cells and is, therefore, an important target of the host immune response to block infection. Mutations could occur with high frequency in HA proteins, they said, enabling flu viruses to evade immunity generated by vaccines. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to create new vaccines will help tackle evolving viruses by reducing the time it takes manufacturing companies to adapt their vaccine strains to match these mutations, allowing faster responses to outbreaks and providing better protection, they said in a report on their work. They said that, although the gene editing method was very reliable, a small number of HVT viruses failed to incorporate the HA gene into their own genome effectively. To ensure HA is being expressed in the vaccine, the team exploited the HA proteins ability to bind to molecules on the surface of red blood cells, they said. Chicken cells infected with the successfully modified HVT virus express HA on their surface, which red blood cells attach to, forming a clump that can be visualised using microscopy. This simple lab test improves the speed at which suitable vaccine candidates can be identified and has a much broader application as it can also be used for other viruses that incorporate proteins, which interact with red blood cells. Professor Iqbal said: Improving how we make vaccines is critical for preventing avian influenza outbreaks. Our work could help reduce the spread of disease between birds and reduce the risk of infection for people who work closely with poultry. Now that we have developed a rapid method for generating this modified vaccine, our next steps will be to study the vaccines effectiveness in field trials. The Pirbright study was supported by grants funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under Newton Fund UK-China-Philippines-Thailand Swine and Poultry Research Initiative, Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) and the British Council Newton Fund Institutional Links programme. By Express News Service COIMBATORE: Spending from his own pocket, a government school teacher has distributed new clothes to tribal school students ahead of the Pongal festival, on Saturday. As many as 32 students of Barali government high school in Karamadai block coming from the tribal settlements at Neeradi, Billur, Thondai, among others, received the clothes. Five teachers, including one headmaster are working at the school. The initiative has won many a heart on social media. MA A Sai Senthilnathan who surprised students with new clothes, said, "The students studying here come from a poor economic background. I have given dresses to the students using a part of my salary since many of them did not have the money to buy it themselves and celebrate the festival happily." This is not the first time that Senthilnathan is giving away clothes either, for he did the same in 2018 before Deepavali. According to sources, teachers and educational officers are happy that the school strength is increasing in the last two years. An official, said, "The student strength was only 17 in the school in 2017. After Sethilnathan came to the school, the student strength increased since he went to the tribal settlement and explained about the importance of education for kids. However, parents hesitated to send their children to school, considering the lack of transport facilities. Only one government bus is running in the route." "Senthilnathan had taken steps by approaching the Samagra Shiksha which in turn provided funds to transport students to the school and back home on a daily-basis. Consequently, the student strength has increased from 17 in 2017, 25 in 2018 and 33 in 2019. Few of our co-workers and school headmasters helped too," she said. "Senthilnathan is also procuring grocery items and vegetables in order to provide breakfast to students. Officials and teachers are supporting these activities," she pointed out. The Queen feels 'monumentally let down' by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following their decision to step down as senior royals, it has emerged. The Duke of Sussex, who announced the couple's plan in a statement over Instagram last week, is 'behaving like a teenager,' an insider told Vanity Fair magazine. 'After everything she has done for Harry she feels monumentally let down,' the insider told the magazine's royal correspondent Katie Nicholl. The Queen feels 'monumentally let down' by Prince Harry and Meghan following their decision to step down as senior royals, it has emerged 'The family are all very upset at how the Sussexes have behaved, not least because of the impact it has had on the Queen, who has a very frail husband, the whole Andrew problem to deal with and now Harry, who is frankly behaving like a bolshie teenager' (they are pictured) 'The family are all very upset at how the Sussexes have behaved, not least because of the impact it has had on the Queen, who has a very frail husband, the whole Andrew problem to deal with and now Harry, who is frankly behaving like a bolshie teenager.' The source added that Harry has left his grandmother to 'pick up the pieces' after his decision. 'What was once a very warm and jokey grandmother grandson rapport has dissipated' they said. Meanwhile, royal photographer Arthur Edwards insists the Queen will make Harry 'an offer he can't refuse and the Duke will remain in the UK' ahead of this afternoon's crunch royal showdown at Sandringham. Speaking on Lorraine, Mr Edwards, who has known Prince William and Harry since they were young boys, said: The Queen and the Prince of Wales will make him an offer he can't refuse. 'She will speak to him today and say 'Harry you are a senior member of the family' - and you know the one person he won't refuse is her.' Royal photographer Arthur Edwards has said the Queen will make Prince Harry 'an offer he can't refuse and the Duke will remain in the UK.' Speaking on Lorraine, Mr Edwards, who has known Prince William and Harry since they were young boys, said: 'I hope the Queen talks some sense into them. Discussing the rift between the two princes, Mr Edwards added: 'Those brothers have been so tight for years. 'They were very, very close and they love each other to death. What's gone wrong I don't know. The Queen will probably say sort something out now.' He also threw water on the idea that Harry would do a Hollywood interview in which he would criticise or disrespect the family. 'He wouldn't say anything bad about him family - not on Oprah Winfrey that's for sure.' Adding: 'I think Harry is better off here than there. He's a great asset to this country and he's a sensational asset. 'He didn't hate the media until the last 18 months and he'd take us to the pub and say I didn't like this or that, and then he would pay the bill. Now he doesn't even look or talk to us. It's sad. Speaking on Lorraine, Mr Edwards, who has known Prince William and Harry since they were young boys, said: The Queen and the Prince of Wales will make him an offer he can't refuse Mr Edwards added: 'I think he must be in torment he doesn't want to leave he's much, much loved. He's now suing newspapers. What's he doing all that for?' Meanwhile, royal biographer Robert Hardman said the Duke of Sussex 'was born HRH - he's going to stay HRH', but added that a role in the Commonwealth might be difficult. The meeting at the Queen's private Sandringham estate today will see her, William and Charles discuss Harry's move with wife Meghan to step down as senior royals. Mr Hardman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'People have tended to focus on things like 'oh, will they be stripped of their titles?' That's not going to happen. 'Prince Harry was born HRH - he's going to stay HRH - I don't believe that's even on the table. But there's just a lot of very pragmatic stuff that needs to be discussed. Mr Hardman, a writer for the Daily Mail, added: 'They've talked about wanting to retain a role in the Commonwealth. 'The Commonwealth isn't a plaything of the Royal Family. The Royal Family spent years, generations trying to adjust its relationship with what used to be the Empire. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to Canada House in London last Tuesday Royal biographer Robert Hardman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning (pictured) that the Duke of Sussex 'was born HRH - he's going to stay HRH' 'Since the creation of the modern Commonwealth, the Royal Family have been very careful to step back from any sort of executive role, it's a symbolic figurehead role. HRH gained official recognition in 1917 under King George V The title HRH is given only to those members of the Royal family in direct line to the throne and their spouses. Harry has been an HRH since birth. On the morning of the wedding in May, 2018, his grandmother the Queen gave him the title Duke of Sussex. Meghan became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex when she married Harry. Their title in Scotland is the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton. In common usage since the 18th century, HRH - His or Her Royal Highness - only got official recognition in 1917 under King George V. He declared that the title should be restricted to the children of the sovereign and the offspring of the sovereign's sons, as well as the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. Their wives are also eligible to use the title but husbands and children of the daughters of the sovereign are not. Peter and Zara Phillips, for example - the children of the Princess Royal - are not HRH. Prince Andrew's former wife Sarah lost her HRH after her divorce in 1996. The Princess of Wales was stripped of the title when she agreed to a divorce settlement from Prince Charles in the same year. A fierce dispute concerning the title occurred on the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, when he was created HRH the Duke of Windsor. Despite repeated pleas, his brother George VI refused to grant the same title to his wife, the former Mrs Wallis Simpson, who had to be content with 'Her Grace'. Advertisement 'So to just sort of to say, 'Well, I'd quite like to do this in the Commonwealth', you've got to get it past 53 nations, not just your family.' Harry and Meghan will need titles if they can continue to undertake duties on behalf of the Queen. They could voluntarily relinquish their HRHs and retain their courtesy titles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, given by the Queen. However the couple's new brand - Sussex Royal - is built around the kudos of being a royal highness. Losing this would it signal this is an abdication in all but name and it would mean the couple being lower down the pecking order than Prince Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Andrew's ex-wife Sarah lost her HRH after her divorce in 1996 as did Diana when she split from Charles the same year. Last week, former MP Norman Baker, a Privy Council member, said the Queen has the ability to strip the Sussexes of the title, adding: 'You are either a member of the Royal Family or not.' But members of the Royal Family do not see any benefit in them losing their titles. They are acutely aware of the disastrous consequences when Harry's mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, lost her HRH status as the public believed she had been vengefully stripped of her status. Last week constitutional expert Robert Hazell said: 'The title HRH is in the gift of the Queen so if she wanted to remove it, it's a matter for her own discretion.' Mr Hazell, of University College London's constitution unit, added that 'if the political and Parliamentary will were there, Parliament could legislate' on the issue too. 'Parliament can legislate on anything, it is sovereign,' he said. A summit will take place at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk today involving Prince Harry, the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William to discuss Harry's future with the Royal Family 'For example, the rules of succession were changed by the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 to introduce gender equality. 'If the government wished, Parliament could also legislate to remove royal titles. But that is highly unlikely. I would be very surprised if the government wanted to get involved, although the Prime Minister maybe asked about it. 'Ultimately, it's a matter of judgement for the Queen. She will be very concerned about the potential reputational damage to the monarchy. 'She will also have conflicting feelings about it because, after all, this is her grandson we are talking about.' New Delhi: Reiterating his stance on implementing the contentious National Register of Citizens, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday (January 13) stated once again that there's no question of implementation of NRC in the state. Speaking at the state Assembly, Nitish said, "There is no question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified on it." The Bihar CM also added that any talks on the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 should be done separately, and not read along with the NRC. Notably, Nitish is the first Chief Minister from the NDA camp to have publicly shunned chances of the implementation of NRC in his state. Earlier, he had assured the public that no member of the minority community would be mistreated under his watch. LIVE TV Live TV So far, states like West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have spoken against the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens. On January 12, JD(U)'s vice-president Prashant Kishor had stated that CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state On Friday, the government issued a gazette notification declaring that the CAA has come into force with immediate effect granting citizenship to six non-Muslim minority communities -- Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian, who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014. The Congress, as well as various other political parties, have raised voices against the CAA which was passed by Parliament on December 11, a move which faced countrywide violent protests on 'misconception' that the law is against the Muslim community residing in India. Facing criticism and protest against CAA, the Central government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on many occasions have clarified that the law is "nothing to do with the citizens of India" and that a "misconception" is being fuelled by the opposition parties against the law. While some big foreign retailers had to leave the market, Vietnamese groups poured more money into retail chains and expanded business. The biggest deal The deal was the merger of two Vietnamese leading businesses Vingroup and Masan. The formers subsidiaries VinCommerce and VinEco were transferred to Masan Consumer Holding. The new company owns a large network of 2,600 supermarkets and VinMart and VinMart+ stores in 50 cities/provinces and 14 hi-tech farms. The deal was made in the context of the continued expansion of foreign retailers. The agreement between the two powerful groups aims to optimize the advantages of each party and create the leading consumer goods retail group in Vietnam. The cheapest deal While some big foreign retailers had to leave the market, Vietnamese groups poured more money into retail chains and expanded business. Cua Hieu va Suc Song JSC, the owner of Shop&Go, sold its retail chain to VinCommerce, a subsidiary of Vingroup, for $1. Established in 2005, Cua Hieu va Suc Song was a consumer goods trader. The first Shop&Go became operational in 2006 in HCM City. After 14 years of operation, the company had 87 convenience stores, of which 70 were in HCM City and 17 in Hanoi. The chain was tired of the stiff competition in the market. In 2016, the chain reported revenue of VND267 billion and loss of VND40 billion. By the end of 2016, Shop&Go had incurred a loss of VND205 billion, while its chartered capital was VND1.27 billion. The chartered capital increased to VND207.27 billion by October 2018, but this could not help the company revive. Big foreign players left In mid-May 2019, Auchan unexpectedly decided to sell its 18 stores in Vietnam and leave the market. The retailer from France planned to invest $500 million in Vietnam. However, its business results were poor with 45 million euro worth of revenue in 2018 and a big loss. Arriving in Vietnam in 2015 and leaving in 2019, Auchan was the last European retailer leaving the Vietnamese market. It was a big surprise that the buyer of Auchan was the Vietnamese retailer Saigon Co-op. Mon Hue in crisis The fall of Mon Hue chain, owned by Huy Vietnam, drew special attention from the public, partially because Huy Vietnam was famous for huge capital calls. Making its debut in Vietnam in 2007 and receiving $30 million worth of capital from foreign investors, Huy Vietnam was the pioneer in applying F&B business model. In 2015, Huy Vietnam once applied for listing its shares on the Hong Kong bourse, planning to mobilize $100 million worth of capital through many different campaigns. A series of Mon Hue shops in Hanoi and HCM City have shut down, 28 suppliers have denounced the chain of not paying tens of billions of dong. Linh Ha Parasite just took home the Golden Globe for Best Foreign-Language film earlier this month, as well as at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday. And now Bong Joon-Ho's critically acclaimed comedic thriller has scored South Korea its first ever Oscar nominations for the 2020 award season. Nominations came out early Monday morning revealing that Parasite earned nods in a number of categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Production Design, and Best International Feature Film. Making History: The Oscar nominations were announced this morning and Bong Joon-Ho's Parasite earned six nominations, including Best Picture; seen on Sunday Parasite: The film revolves around an impoverished family that orchestrates an elaborate con towards a naive, rich family in Seoul Joon-Ho isn't just the first South Korean director to earn recognition from the academy, but only the second Asian director in history to be nominated in the Best Picture category in total. The only other Asian director to receive acknowledgement was Ang Lee, who is Taiwanese. Lee took home the Oscar for Best Director twice, once for his work in Brokeback Mountain in 2006 and then for his work in Life Of Pi in 2013. Parasite is told strictly in Korean and, so far in history, there has yet to be a foreign language film to take the evening's most coveted prize, Best Picture. The film Burning by Lee Chang-dong was expected to earn an Oscar nod in the category at last year's ceremony, but was ultimately snubbed. South Korea, being home to over 50million people, and the Asian continent being home to over 4billion people, it's a wonder that the academy has been able to keep Asian-driven content out of the running for so long. Parasite, released in theaters in the United States in October, has earned over 24million dollars in the states and an impressive 130million dollars world wide. The family: The film's protagonist's consist of Kang-ho Song, Hye-jin Jang, Woo-sik Choi, and So-dam Par Worldwide: The film has earned an impressive 130million dollars world wide The story follows the story of a highly clever, but poor family, who orchestrate an elaborate plot to infiltrate the lives of a naive, wealthy family in Seoul in the hopes of abundant personal gain. As the story progresses, the protagonists learn that all good things must come to an end - one way or another. The film stars the recognizable Joon-Ho favorite and acclaimed Korean actor, Song Kang Ho, along with The Concubine's Cho Yeo-jeong, Train to Busan's Choi Woo-shik, and The Priest's Park So-dam. The film took home the Golden Globe for Best Foreign film, but could not receive a Best Picture nomination due to the strict rules regarding films in the show's the Best Picture category. For the Globes, films must feature 'more than 50 percent English dialogue' to qualify. Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Jan 13 (ANI): YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA from Mangalagiri, Alla Ramakrishna Reddy, who along with his supporters were detained for organising a rally in favour of government's proposal of three capitals in the state, attacked TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and said that the farmers are expressing concern that Naidu deceived them by taking away their fertile lands in the name of capital development. Earlier, police had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the area, which prohibits an assembly of four or more people. A rally that started from Penumaka village was scheduled to end at Tadepalli. YSRCP cadre and people carried placard and raised slogans in favour of decentralisation of power. The police did not allow the rally to proceed and briefly detained Reddy before releasing him after some time. Along with Reddy, several party leaders and women who came to attend the rally were also detained at Mangalagiri police station. After that, Ramakrishna Reddy held a press meet at YSRCP central office in Tadepalli. He said that the capital farmers are demanding the decentralisation of administration and equitable development of all the regions of the state. He said the farmers are expressing concern that former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu deceived them. "They said that the lands of the Dalit of the region were forcibly taken away by Naidu and turned the farmers of the region into beggars", the YSRCP MLA stated. Ramakrishna Reddy also alleged that Naidu was taking up the agitation just to save the lands of his 'benamis' and made his wife Bhuvaneswari to donate her platinum bangles for the agitation to save the lands she bought in the name of her heritage firm. With reference to Naidu seeking alms for the agitation, the YSRCP MLA asked why the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and his son Lokesh did not donate their salaries for the cause. He asked how Naidu can lead an agitation where 144 section was promulgated. He said TDP workers, real estate brokers and anti-social elements were taking up the agitation in the name of farmers. Responding on TDP's allegations on state police, that they are yielded to the ruling party, Ramakrishna Reddy said that when there was an attack on Tehsildar Vanajakshi and IAS officer Balasubrahmanyam during TDP regime, Naidu had used the police department to suit his political ends. The MLA condemned the TDP chief calling the DGP as one from North-Eastern region. "Weren't there any officers from north India or non-Telugu regions during your regime?" he asked. (ANI) WASHINGTON President Donald Trump, who earlier in the presidential campaign made U.S. Sen. Cory Booker a punching bag at his rallies, took a final shot at the Democrat after he ended his presidential campaign on Monday. Trump used Twitter to highlight Bookers low polling ratings and sarcastically said he was worried about facing him in November. Really Big Breaking News (Kidding): Booker, who was in zero polling territory, just dropped out of the Democrat Presidential Primary Race. Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2020 Trump used a series of 2018 campaign rallies to go after Booker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who opposed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Booker is one of the 100 senators who will decide whether to remove Trump from office once the Senate receives the articles of impeachment from the House. 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. I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! stars were reportedly given a 'cheat sheet' biography of one another, before going into the jungle. According to Woman's Day this week, the contestants were handed the guides so that they could 'pretend' to know who everyone was. A source told the publication that it was to save the campmates from any form of 'embarrassment.' I'm a Celebrity... don't you know who I am?! Jungle stars were given a 'CHEAT SHEET' biography of their castmates so that they could 'pretend' to know who everyone was (pictured is Charlotte Crosby) 'It has a name, photo and a short bio,' the source reportedly close to the show revealed to the publication. 'It's to avoid any embarrassment, particularly for the younger celebs who may not have heard of the others.' This series stars the likes of British Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, 29, Love Island star Erin Barnett, 24, Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore, 59, and media personality, Tom Williams, 49. The cast: This series stars the likes of British Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, 29, Love Island star Erin Barnett, 24 (pictured), Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore, 59, and media personality, Tom Williams, 49 Prior to the show's sixth season, fans were left scratching their heads after Charlotte was revealed as the 'international megastar' joining the cast. Many fans claimed they didn't recognise the former Geordie Shore star, with one viewer asking on Instagram: 'Who is she? I have no idea.' Another added: 'Who is she?' 'Who is she?!' I'm A Celebrity Australia fans blasted Charlotte for not being famous enough... after she was teased as an 'international megastar' In her corner! However, there were plenty of supportive fans who knew all about Charlotte The comments were left under the official announcement video I'm a Celebrity had shared to Instagram earlier this month. In the clip, Charlotte revealed she was looking forward to visiting South Africa, where the Australian version of the show is filmed. However, there were plenty of supportive fans who knew all about Charlotte. Charlotte rose to fame in 2011 on MTV UK's Geordie Shore, on which she had a tumultuous on-off relationship with co-star Gary 'Gaz' Beadle. Daily Mail Australia has contacted 10 for comment in relation to this story. Boeing 737 Max 8 jets, built for American Airlines (L) and Air Canada are parked at the airport adjacent to a Boeing Co. production facility in Renton, Wash. on April 8, 2019. (Elaine Thompson/File photo via AP) FAA Seeks to Fine Boeing $5.4 Million Over Faulty Max Parts The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday it plans to fine Boeing $5.4 million for installing substandard parts on the wings of 178 of its 737 Max jetliners, which have been grounded since two crashes linked to other systems on the planes. The proposed civil penalty follows an FAA announcement last month that it would fine Boeing more than $3.9 million for installing the same parts on other versions of the 737. Boeing said it has no reports of the parts causing a problem during flights. The company said it is working with airlines to make corrections, and will make sure all inspections and any needed part replacements will be done before the 737 Max planes return to service. The FAA proposed fine covers tracks that guide the movement of control surfaces called slats on the front of the wings on 737sboth the Max and the previous model of 737, called the NG. The slats give the planes extra lift during takeoffs and landings. The FAA said that poor oversight of suppliers led Boeing to install tracks that could become brittle and weak because of mistakes during manufacturing. The FAA said the faulty tracks were given cadmium-titanium plating in mid-2018 by Southwest United Industries, which supplied the finished tracks to Boeing contractor Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit later delivered them to Boeing. Chicago-based Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA. [January 13, 2020] RDC Turns Philadelphia's Boathouse Row Blue to Spread Awareness of Human Trafficking RDC, the global leader in compliance screening, observed National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Saturday, January 11 by sponsoring the blue lighting of Philadelphia's Boathouse Row - one of a number of initiatives by the company to support trafficking victims and eradicate modern slavery. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005273/en/ Philadelphia's Boathouse Row on Saturday, January 11th, in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day In a show of support for RDC's efforts, both direct and through partnerships, to prevent human trafficking, RDC employees wore blue to the company's headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania as well as in company offices across the globe. As the leading provider of anti-money laundering software, RDC's solutions play a key role in helping major financial institutions and fintechs prevent criminal networks from funding illicit activity. This includs screening for human trafficking violations. "We're proud to take part in this nationwide observance for human trafficking awareness," said RDC CEO Tom Walsh. "As a company, we know how widespread the issue of modern slavery is both here and abroad, and we understand that combatting this terrible practice requires a broad coalition of stakeholders to stand vigilant against bad actors. That's why we pursue partnerships and initiatives to support these efforts." In addition to providing the technological tools that help financial institutions and fintechs prevent human traffickers and other bad actors from accessing banking services, RDC has partnered with several anti-human-trafficking organizations to support their efforts to prevent modern slavery and aid its victims. These organizations include the Polaris Project and ASSET Campaign, both of which are based in the United States, as well as the United Kingdom-based charity Unseen. RDC has worked with each to raise awareness of their work and offer insights and technological expertise to further their operations. "As an organization we're passionate about preventing the spread of human trafficking," said RDC Global Head of Marketing Terese Fernandez. "This is a core issue for our clients and one that we emphasize in our solutions, as well as with a number of extraordinary organizations dedicated to this issue. We will continue supporting their efforts in order to eradicate modern slavery." About RDC RDC, the Smarter Screening company prevents criminal infiltration of the world's financial systems by delivering automated, intelligent customer screening and decision-ready intelligence. RDC supports more than 1,000 organizations and 35,000 compliance professionals across more than 100 countries in strengthening their KYC/AML, fraud and Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) protection, ensuring sanctions and watchlist compliance, protecting their brand and reputation and managing supply chain and vendor risks. Founded by 20 of the world's leading financial institutions, today RDC is a Vista Equity Partners portfolio company. Learn more about RDC by emailing [email protected] or visiting www.rdc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005273/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] "Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as... Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's announcement of 'stepping back' as 'senior members' of the Royal family has sparked curiosity on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Reportedly, Meghan visited Canada to be with her son Archie after spending holidays last year in towns on the southern end of Vancouver Island on Canada's west coast. The couple's intention to spend more time in North America has reportedly led the onlookers to suspect that they might shift to Canada which recognises Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. One of the residents of Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula reportedly denied being a 'royal follower' until the couple come into town. He then confessed that Prince Harry and Meghan's visit 'of course piques interest'. These towns on the peninsula have reportedly been popular among retirees for its laid-back pace of life and proximity to ferries to the British Columbia mainland. The towns have less than 20,000 residents and are filled with ocean-themed gift shops, boutiques, and fish-and-chip huts. Since their vacation, the couple has sparked interests and fascination of the residents. Read - Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Find Royal Family Members 'unfriendly, Jealous': Reports Curious resident will respect privacy However, despite their curiosity, the locals are reportedly determined to give Prince Harry and Meghan their privacy. A resident of North Saanich told an international media outlet that there are many 'hidden mansions' and the locals are trying to figure out where will they move in. The owner of a shop in Sidney also said that the 'last thing they want' is people taking their pictures when they come in. However, the fact of the royals settling amid the locals would become normal once people get 'used to the idea'. Reportedly, many residents even declined to speak with the reporters in order to respect the couple's privacy. Read - Prince Harry To Meet Queen Elizabeth For Discussion Over Duke, Duchess's Future Roles According to reports, security experts said that the Canadian government is most likely to have a legal duty to provide security cover to the couple. The legal obligation comes as Canada is a part of the British Commonwealth of countries with the Queen as the head of their state. Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was of the opinion that Prince Harry and Meghan could refuse security provided by the Canadian government. Chief of a New York-based security firm, Mike Zimet said that if Prince Harry and Markle need security, then a whole new framework will have to be built around them. Read - Prince Harry And Meghan Hopeful Talks On Future Roles End sooner Rather Than Later Read - Prince Harry Delays Plans To Join Meghan In Canada Amid Royal Split Talks Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday insisted that the population had to get accustomed to massive bushfires and other climate-change catastrophes, and accept the internal mobilisation of the military on the pretext of protecting ordinary people. Calling out the armed forces to deal with climate-related emergencies was the new normal, he declared. Morrisons stage-managed interview on Australian Broadcasting Corporation television was yet another expression of the contempt and indifference of the government and the whole political establishment for the vast human, social and environmental cost of the extraordinary bushfire crisis that has engulfed large parts of the continent since August. Scott Morrison being interviewed on the ABC (Screenshot) Already, with at least two months of extreme heat, drought and fire danger still to come, nearly 2,500 homes have been confirmed destroyed, millions of people have suffered dangerous levels of smoke for days on end and 28 people have been killed, including four firefighters. The day before Morrisons interview, Bill Slade, a veteran Parks Victoria firefighter with more than 40 years experience, had been killed by a falling tree while working to contain a fire near the town of Omeo in eastern Victoria. Up to one billion animals are estimated to have died as well, and terrible damage has been done to forests and other eco-systems. These events have given people across the country and around the world a picture of the hellish conditions and human suffering being generated by global warming. Morrisons performance was a desperate attempt at political damage control, laced with evasions and falsehoods, and combined with an effort to exploit the disaster to boost the emergency powers of the state apparatusin particular the ability of the federal government to quickly deploy troops domestically. Facing widespread outrage, the prime minister claimed that his government had done all it couldand taken unprecedented measuresto address the disaster. At the same time, he rejected calls for any effective action to cut carbon emissions, and for greater civilian fire-fighting resources. In a bid to deflect the mounting popular hostility to the government, he flagged a royal commission inquiry into the catastrophea traditional means of smothering discontent. On every level, Morrison refused to give straight answers to any question. Asked about the fury directed against him by fire victims, he said: There are things I could have handled on the ground much better. But he dismissed the anger as emotional and claimed that he had visited fire-devastated communities in good faith to listen, not for photo opportunities. In reality, in the fire-ravaged village of Cobargo, Morrison grasped the hand a young pregnant woman who has lost her home and then walked away as she demanded more resources for the volunteer Rural Fire Serviced. And, with TV cameras in tow, he similarly took the hand of a disgusted local fire captain who did not want to meet him. Morrison also offered a new and entirely different explanation for his decision to covertly take a holiday in Hawaii as the crisis reached heights in late December. After earlier saying he had promised the vacation to his children for months, he claimed he had originally planned a holiday on the now fire-devastated New South Wales south coast, but had been forced to change his plans by since-cancelled official overseas visits to India and Japan. A Murdoch media Newspoll, made public overnight, provided an indicator of the hostility toward Morrison and the political elite. It reported that more voters (59 percent) are dissatisfied with Morrisons performance than satisfied (37 percent). Since the previous poll in early December, Morrison has suffered one of the greatest reversals in the polls historysatisfaction fell eight points and dissatisfaction increased by 11 points. Despite Morrisons evasions, his interview pointed to the underlying refusal of the ruling capitalist class to seriously address climate change because that would cut across the profit interests of the fossil fuel conglomerates and other key sections of the corporate elite. Morrison said his Liberal-National government could evolve its policies, including emission reduction targets that are limited to cutting them to 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. But he insisted he would not deviate from those targets, which scientists have warned for decades are totally inadequate to prevent the earths temperature from rising to calamitous levels. The prime minister flatly defended the governments fraudulent and internationally-condemned use of supposed carry-over credits from the 1997 Kyoto pact to produce up to 80 percent of that target. His government remained committed to a balanced policy that recognises Australias broader national economic interests and social interestthat is, the profit interests of the Australian ruling class. Reversing his many previous denials of any connection between the bushfires and climate change, Morrison said there was no dispute that climate change was creating the longer, hotter, dryer, summer seasons. Yet, he declared this to be an unstoppable process, which required greater resilience and adaptation. The fact is, over the next 10 years and beyond we are going to be living in a very different climate and we need to improve our resilience to that, Morrison said. In other words, people just have to accept the failure of the Australian government and governments around the world to halt, let alone reverse, climate change and accept the terrible consequenceshigher temperatures, long and more ferocious bushfire seasons, drought and other climate-induced catastrophes. Above all, this new normal, he said, meant a more direct ability for the Commonwealth, particularly through the Australian defence forces to be able to take action. Having already invoked a power to order a call-out of nearly 3,000 reservists, Morrison said that military deployments had to become more pre-emptive. This marked a big historic change. Morrison said this power would not be confined to bushfire emergencies, but could apply for all disasters, including floods and storms. Military interventions had to be launched when the chief of the defence force believes there is a risk to life and safety and without any instigation at a state level. Such a shift would further open the door to using the military to put down social unrest, while overturning the constitutional restriction on calling out the armed forces without a state government invitation. In 2018, the government, backed by the Labor Party, pushed legislation through parliament to allow armed military mobilisations to suppress domestic violence and protect Commonwealth interests, without state requests. Politically, Morrison could make such a media appearance only because of the role of the Labor Party and the Greens. Far from condemning the government, let alone calling for its removal, they have offered it advice on how to deal with the popular outcry. Labor leader Anthony Albanese welcomed the royal commission proposal and hailed the use of troops, saying only that a national response should have come earlier, while the Greens took credit for being the first to propose a royal commission. No less than the Liberal-National Coalition, Labor and the Greens bear central responsibility for the bushfire emergency. Whenever they have been in office, at both federal and state levels, they have equally failed to address the climate crisis and have imposed austerity measures which have gutted essential social services while boosting military spending. The author also recommends: The Australian fire crisis and the necessity for socialism [11 January 2020] DUBUQUE, Iowa Almost exactly four years ago, Donald J. Trump touched down at an airport hangar here, delivered a donation to a group that provides service dogs to veterans and, before inviting a few kids to run around on his Boeing 757, criticized the wars in the Middle East that many local families had sent their sons and daughters to fight in. Im the guy that didnt want to go to war, he told a crowd of several hundred. Its just unjust, its a mess, Mr. Trump went on, promising that if he ever did deploy the military anywhere, it would be so strong, so powerful that nobody is going to mess with us anymore. That November, Dubuque County voted Republican in the presidential election for the first time since 1956, when Dwight Eisenhower was on the ballot. Mr. Trumps success in places like Dubuque heavily white, working class, union-friendly and Catholic remade the Republican electorate. And his path to a second term depends heavily on whether those voters turn their backs on the Democratic Party again. A commercial truck entering Canada on Christmas Eve was found to have more than $25 million worth of methamphetamine inside it. The truck entered Canada on the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor on Dec. 24, according to Click On Detroit. The Canada Border Services Agency and Royal Canadian Mounted Police seized about 200 kilograms of suspected meth from the truck, according to Click On Detroit. This seizure demonstrates that border services officers are committed to protecting our borders and ensuring the security of Canadians, said Joe McMahon, of CBSA. We work in partnership with the RCMP to prevent illegal activity at the border and to keep our communities safe from illicit drugs. Police arrested the driver, a 36-year-old man from Mississauga, Ontario. He is charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's statement in the terror financing case against him could not be recorded in an anti-terrorism court here on Monday after his lawyer requested the court to give the JuD chief more time. Defence counsel requested the Anti-Terrorism Court-I Lahore for adjournment of the hearing against Saeed in the terror financing case, saying the JuD chief needed more time to record his statement, a court official told PTI after the in-camera hearing. The court accepted the request of Saeed's counsel and adjourned the hearing till Tuesday. In the last hearing on Friday, a questionnaire was handed over to Saeed in the ATC regarding charges of terror financing against him. Deputy Prosecution General Abdur Rauf submitted the questionnaire for Saeed in the ATC which was handed over to him for reply. Earlier, the cross examination of prosecution witnesses, including some revenue officers, by the defense counsel concluded. The prosecution had produced a number of witnesses against Saeed and his three close aides. The ATC had indicted Saeed and others on December 11 in the terror financing case. The Counter Terrorism Department 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. The US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. Saeed's 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.) Goldman Sachs plans to double its workforce in China in the next five years, increasing its headcount on the mainland to as many as 600 people, according to a person familiar with the US investment bank's hiring plan. The expansion would be contingent on Goldman receiving majority control and eventually full ownership of its security brokerage joint venture on the mainland, as well as Beijing continuing to further open up its financial markets, said the person, who was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. Further escalation in the US-China trade war also could cloud the expansion, the person said. Goldman declined to comment when contacted by the Post. Bloomberg News earlier reported the potential headcount expansion yesterday. Goldman applied to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) last August to take majority control of its venture known as Goldman Sachs Gao Hua Securities, seeking to raise its stake to 51 per cent from 33 per cent. A decision by authorities is expected later this year, people familiar said. The hiring push on the mainland is part of the US bank's new five-year plan in which Chief Executive David Solomon is looking to improve its profitability and share price performance. David Solomon, chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs. Photo: Bloomberg alt=David Solomon, chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs. Photo: Bloomberg Earlier this month, the bank restructured its reporting segments as it seeks to give investors more clarity on how it generates revenue. The segments are investment banking, institutional client services, investment management and consumer and wealth management. Goldman opened a consumer banking unit in 2016 called Marcus, named after the bank's founder Marcus Goldman, but it has struggled with profitability. It also developed a credit card with Apple, which debuted in August. The bank also is looking to expand its wealth management business as it seeks to broaden its revenue streams. Story continues The potential of further opening up the mainland financial markets has been enticing for US and European banks, including Goldman. Beijing has said it would undertake a series of measures to further open up the financial sector, including removing shareholding limits on foreign ownership of securities, insurance and fund management companies this year, a year earlier than planned. The move came against the backdrop of a trade war that has raged between the US and China for 18 months. US President Donald Trump has placed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese-made goods in hopes of forcing Beijing to change decades of industrial and trade policies and further open up its markets to foreign businesses. China and the US are expected to sign a phase one trade deal in Washington later this week. China has granted majority control to other foreign banks in their local ventures before Goldman made its move last August. UBS Group received approval to take a controlling stake of UBS Securities China in November 2018, becoming the first foreign bank to do so for an existing joint venture, after ownership rules were relaxed in 2017. The Swiss bank has said it expects to take full control of the business this year. HSBC, which has made a big bet on growth in the Pearl River Delta, became the first foreign bank approved for a new majority-controlled securities joint venture, HSBC Qianhai Securities, on the mainland in 2017. Last year, JPMorgan Chase and Nomura Holdings also received approval to open majority-owned security brokerage ventures in China. In April, Credit Suisse said it planned to take a controlling stake in its mainland securities joint venture. 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. The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over a plea by Congress leader Karti Chidambaram seeking the return of Rs 20 crore, which he had deposited with the top courts registry as security for travelling abroad. Karti Chidambaram is facing criminal cases being probed by ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). One of the cases relates to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to INX Media for receiving foreign funds of Rs 305 crore when his father and Congress leader P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. The top court had granted Karti Chidambaram permission to travel abroad in January and May last year asking him to deposit Rs 20 croreRs 10 crore for January and 10 crore for Maywith the secretary-general. It had in May last year dismissed the Congress lawmakers plea seeking the return of Rs 10 crore, claiming he had taken the money on loan and was paying interest on it. A vacation bench comprising the then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose had said, Pay attention to your constituency. Her shoes are sturdy but worn in; 500 hours spent patrolling the streets Angela Janeczko calls home is bound to soften even the most rugged soles. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Her shoes are sturdy but worn in; 500 hours spent patrolling the streets Angela Janeczko calls home is bound to soften even the most rugged soles. For 20 years, Janeczko, 51, has lived in West Broadway, a diverse neighbourhood on the periphery of downtown Winnipeg that blends families, students, immigrants and young professionals from a wide cross-section of economic means. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Angela Janeczko, co-founder of the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol, zips up get parka inside the organization's "den" at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre on January 10, 2020. Trendy cafes and bars exist opposite resource centres for the homeless, and stately homes neighbour low-income rental housing. The vibrant community, like many others in the city, is well-acquainted with a variety of social issues. In 2019, more than 200 incidents of violent crime were recorded and the number of property offences has inched upward over the past year, Winnipeg Police Service statistics show. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Despite frostbite warnings and temperatures dipping into the minus 30s, volunteers with the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol walk the streets on January 10, 2020. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba estimates that more than 18,000 needles were distributed to drug users in the area over the last three years. Janeczko has met those challenges at the grassroots level over the past two years, first as the female lead of the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol, and now as one of its two co-ordinators. "I saw the need in the community that was there and nobody was addressing the issue. I wanted action to be taken and it takes boots on the ground to get it done," she says during an interview in the office of social worker Travis Bighetty, another West Broadway Bear Clan co-ordinator. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Volunteers with the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol speak with a man waiting outside a secondhand store on Sherbrook St. during a Friday night patrol. With temperatures dipping into the -30s, volunteers are concerned for the wellbeing of those living on Winnipeg streets. "I had all kinds of time," she says. "I wanted my grandchildren to feel safe when theyre in the neighbourhood, to make it safer and to make the community stronger." In 2018, she was connected with the Bear Clan, when James Favel the North End-based organizations executive director asked her to volunteer for a new chapter in West Broadway. She had been itching to play a bigger role in her neighbourhood when the offer came up, and didnt hesitate to accept the volunteer position. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Despite frostbite warnings and extreme cold, members of the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol walk the back lane of Furby St. on January 10, 2020. Volunteers search debris for sharps, like needles, and other hazardous item that could cause injury. The hundreds of hours shes already spent on the streets honour the memory of a friend who have been lost to violence; one, Delma Kennedy, was the victim of a 1994 stabbing. And shes out there for her late husband, Brad Beauchemin, a fierce supporter of the patrol, who died of cancer in August. Notably, Janeczko pounds the pavement to help people living with addiction and homelessness two things she has experienced first-hand. "I knew what it was like out on the streets and I wanted to help. Thats why I walk," she says. The West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol is on the street every Friday and Saturday, and is just one of a dozen volunteer patrols in Winnipeg, participants motivated to improve their communities from the ground up and respond to safety issues and crime trends through neighbourhood-specific interventions. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Lori Anderson and Rebecca Ford check for people in need of assistance under the Maryland Bridge on January 10, 2020 during a patrol with the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol. A typical patrol night involves Bighetty arriving late and getting a scolding from Janeczko, the two joke. Then they go about organizing volunteers and donations, deciding what areas will be covered, and which vulnerable community members they will touch base with. But in what was an exceptionally violent year, many nights were not typical, requiring patrollers to be a resource for people dealing with grief and tragedy. Among the citys record 44 homicides in 2019, one hit particularly close to home for the patrol. On June 7 less than a half-hour after Bighettys patrol passed by Robert Christian Donaldson, 51, was fatally stabbed on Sherbrook Street at Sara Avenue. The group returned that weekend to smudge the corner where the random attack occurred. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS With temperatures reaching into the -30s, volunteers with the West Broadway Bear Clan Partol head into a McDonald's restaurant to warm up at the halfway point of a three-hour-long patrol. Winnipegs scourge of violence has strengthened patrol members resolve and underlined the need for grassroots responses to social disparity. The patrol is setting an example of community ownership, Bighetty says, explaining the feeling is one that sticks. His connection to the Bear Clan stretches back more than 20 years to when he was a teen watching his older brother patrol the North End with the original Bear Clan. 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. Now 40, Bighetty says that early exposure defined who he is today. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Travis Bighetty, co-founder of the West Broadway Bear Clan Patrol, retrieves a sharps disposal container from a supply closet as he prepares to head out on patrol with other volunteers on January 10, 2020. The group picks up used needles and other hazards as it patrols the neighbourhood. "There are those incidents that happen and create a lot of fear, and it leads people into isolation," he says. "Through that isolation, fear builds up to where youre alone. I believe its important for our community members to come together. "On a cold night, if you see us walking, and youre warm at home, at least you know theres somebody out there," he continues. "There are incidents that will happen, but its not going to change unless everyone becomes involved with it. Putting yourself into isolation because of fear is not a solution." danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca 'Mamata meeting Modi desperate attempt to split anti-TMC votes in Bengal' India oi-PTI Kolkata, Jan 13: West Bengal BJP on Monday termed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city and her decision to "back out" of the opposition meeting in New Delhi as "desperate attempts" to divide anti-TMC votes in the state. According to senior state BJP leaders, Banerjee giving the opposition meeting convened by interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi a miss was a "well-calculated move to give oxygen to the Congress and CPI(M) in Bengal, which are on their political death beds". "She (Banerjee) deliberately wants to send out a message that something is cooking between the BJP and the TMC. After meeting PM Modi, Mamata joins TMC dharna against CAA In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, we emerged as the main opposition in West Bengal. "Now, this is being done in a desperate attempt to split anti-TMC votes between us, the CPI(M) and Congress," a state BJP leader said. He said this "trick" has, however, been exposed and will not yield any result as "people of the state have already decided to oust the TMC government in 2021 and bring the BJP to power in the state". The BJP had secured 18 of the 42 seats in West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, just four less than the ruling TMC. The BJP had bagged 41 per cent of the polled votes while the TMC clinched 43 per cent, relegating the Congress and the Left to the third and fourth positions respectively. "As the Congress and the Left had failed to hold on to their respective electors base, many of whom voted for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee is trying to project these two parties as the main opposition instead of the saffron party," another senior BJP leader said. The state BJP's views come after the chief minister met the prime minister and they shared the dais at a state government event. Protesting incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Congress and the Left workers in the state during a trade union strike on January 8, Banerjee had boycotted an opposition meeting called by Sonia Gandhi on January 13 over CAA, NRC, violence on JNU campus and "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Trinamool Congress leaders, however, dismissed the BJP's allegations, asserting that the saffron party should "stop reading too much between the lines". "It is the TMC that has been at the forefront of anti-CAA protest in the country. We were the first to oppose the amended Citizenship Act. "So they (BJP) should think twice before making any baseless comment. It is the BJP that has a tacit understanding with Congress and CPI(M) in the state," senior TMC leader Tapas Roy said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said the "political match-fixing" between the TMC and the BJP is now out in the open. "The double standards of the TMC and BJP are now exposed. The political match-fixing between the two parties has come out in open. The TMC and the BJP can never fight each other as they are two sides of a coin. Only the Left and the Congress can contest them," he said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, January 13, 2020, 13:00 [IST] Lightning Logistics, Shreyas Shibulal's start-up, rents out electric scooters along with the riders for last mile delivery. Bibhu Ranjan Mishra reports. IMAGE: Shreyas Shibulal. Photograph: Kind courtesy hreyasshibulal/Twitter.com Shreyas Shibulal believes in taking "calculated risks". This is something this second-generation entrepreneur confesses that he has learnt from his father S D Shibulal, co-founder, former chief executive officer and managing director of IT services major Infosys. And that's the reason, Shreyas is not going for an expansion overdrive with his start-up venture, Lightning Logistics, by scaling up rapidly without getting to learn firsthand the intricacy of running a business that is based on services model. Micelio, the venture fund set up by him with a corpus of around $20 million (Rs 150 crore) is doing due diligence of four start-ups though the investments may happen sometime towards the end of this fiscal year. But Shreyas has his eyes on a larger goal of being a part of the electric vehicle journey that India is embarking upon, either as an investor, an entrepreneur, or even getting into manufacturing of EVs meant for business to business usage. "I think, by nature, I make decisions in a calculated manner. And probably, this is one thing I have learnt from my dad though he always encourages me to start doing things instead of thinking too much," says the 27 year old. He acknowledges that there's always a bit of pressure being the son of a successful entrepreneur, but he doesn't want any thought about fear of failure to distract him anyways. During his school days, Shreyas says he was passionate about the automotive space. His belief to work in this space got strengthened when he was pursuing a master's in embedded systems at the University of Pennsylvania after a degree in computer science from Haverford College. This led him to do an internship at Elon Musk-run Tesla during his graduation. After returning to India in 2016, Shreyas did not take a take a plunge into entrepreneurship immediately, but instead preferred to work with a data analytics company called Flutura, run by former Mindtree top executive Derick Jose, for around a year. And he had a reason why he wanted to learn data science as well. "Data science actually goes very well with automotive. It was a great experience, I really enjoyed the work (at Flutura)," he says. Lightning Logistics, the start-up he launched almost nine months ago, rents out electric scooters along with the riders for last mile delivery. Present across three cities for now including Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, the company owns around 1,000 electric scooters to cater to the last mile delivery requirement of companies in the e-commerce space including grocery, mom and pop stores, as well as courier. But in the process, claims Shreyas, the company gathers a lot of data from its scooters that are fitted with telematics units. "We get a lot of interesting data points from these bikes as these are deployed with the client 24/7 which will help us in further refining the design of the fleet in the future." Even though the company procures these scooters from the OEMs, it does some amount of modification in terms of design, sometimes replacing the battery units to optimise their performance, and in order to be able to carry specific payloads for different clients. The telematics units and sensors fitted with the scooters constantly monitor the health of vehicles, including vibration, temperature, and the pollution level apart from tracking their movement. In the next one year, Shreyas says the company is looking at expanding the fleet size to 2,000, apart from foraying into tier-II cities. "It will be interesting to see how do we collect data from smaller cities and understand the usage pattern," he adds. In the next stage, Shreyas has set his sights on the EV manufacturing space also, by designing electric bikes that can be deployed for B2B use. Even though it's still in ideation stage, he thinks there will be a huge demand for those as most EV manufacturers today are focused on the consumer space. Shreyas's Micelio Fund is evaluating at least four early stage companies in the EV space after shortlisting around 130 applications it received since January 2019. By the end of this fiscal year, Micelio looks at deploying $1 million in a couple of these companies while it is also scouting for co-investing opportunities. As an enabler to the investment arm, Micelio has launched a discovery studio with an aim of enabling the start-ups in the EV space from the ideation to prototype to providing them the right technology and tools. "I do what I love to do, and this (EV) certainly is the space where I want to be. I want to run a business which can create some bit of social impact," he says. Neil OBrien: R & D. We invest disproportionately in the first at the expense of the second. Heres how to improve. Neil OBrien is MP for Harborough Consider your smartphone. In one sense, a triumph of free market innovation. In another, a product of the US military-industrial complex. As the left-wing economist Marianna Mazzacato points out, many technologies in your phone were developed by the US government for military use. The GPS you use to navigate to the chippy was developed to land nukes accurately on Soviet military targets. The internet we use to look at cat gifs was originally ARPANET, intended to make military communications resilient to nuclear attack. Around the year 2000, the US Defence Advanced Projects Authority invested in research to develop a voice-activated assistant for the military. The technology was later commercialised and sold to Apple. There are several lessons from the iPhone story: the role government can play in research by pulling through new technologies and commissioning things. The non-linear nature of research and the unpredictable way new technologies multiply one another. Im mentioning this now because government is thinking big about science, research and innovation. Dominic Cummings now-famous blogpost seeking: Data scientists and software developers, PhDs in maths or physics Weirdos and misfits with odd skills made people notice it, but the Prime Ministers intent has been pretty clear: the biggest new spending commitment announced during the election was to invest an extra 3.2 billion a year in on Research and Development (R&D) by 2023. Boris Johnson is right to increase investment in R&D: weve slid from being a leading investor in research to somewhere at the back of the pack. Looking at public and private investment as a share of GDP, between the early 1980s and 2015 we plummeted down the OECD league table, from the 3rd heaviest investor to the 23rd. Relatively poor countries like Slovenia and the Czech Republic now invest more of their national income in science. China substantially more. Leading innovators like Israel, Korea and Switzerland are racing away, investing twice as much as us. We spend just under 1.7 per cent GDP on R&D, and the Governments goal is to get us up to the OECD average, around 2.4 per cent. This matters because economists have increasingly recognised the central role of innovation in driving economic growth. Indeed, in 2018 Paul Romer won the economics Nobel Prize for his work on this point. Government investment in R&D stimulates private sector investment: as we saw with the iPhone, innovations created for one reason by government can be repurposed by businesses. More researchers means a bigger pool of talent for firms to draw on. So the Prime Minister is quite right to invest more. But we also need to change the way that the Government invests. There are two big problems that stop government investment having the beneficial effect it should. Problem one: the Governments spending is concentrated in the so called golden triangle of Oxford, Cambridge and London, rather than helping to level up poorer places where it might have more impact. Problem two: UK government spending is weighted towards early stage, foundational research, rather than close-to-market development work (More R than D as it were). For decades politicians have lamented how breakthroughs made in Britain get commercialised elsewhere. But part of the problem is that were investing in a way that means they get the benefit of our research: of the money government spends on R&D in Britain 13 per cent goes on later phase development. In the US its 45 per cent, and in China 56 per cent. These two problems are linked. Pure research tends be focussed on top universities in the golden triangle, rather than in firms themselves. Thats why the private sectors own investment in research is much more balanced across the country than the governments. In London, for every pound of R&D investment by government and universities, the private sector invests just over a pound. In the West Midlands the ratio is quite different: businesses are investing five pounds for every government pound. In 2017, the South East and London accounted for a third of all private business investment in R&D, and the midlands and north also accounted for a third. But the South East and London got 39 per cent of government and university investment, while the north and midlands got just 28 per cent. This imbalance is driven by the core science budget: the Research Councils (which fund projects) and Quality Related QR funding, which universities allocate. Of these core funding streams, a government analysis suggests nearly half (46 per cent) of grants in England have been going to just three cities: Oxford, Cambridge and London. As Professor Wilsdon of the University of Sheffield told a recent Select Committee inquiry: there are observable trends towards greater concentration over the last 20 years. The graph of the top of this piece shows that per head, the big winners from the core science budget were London, the South East and Scotland, the three richest parts of the UK, where constraints on growth like housing costs and congestion bite hardest. The graph also shows that when government spends in ways that are more joined up with industry, theres a more even spread. Funding through Innovate UK (which does things like giving research grants to start up firms) sees places like the North East, South West and East Midlands doing relatively better. But this sort of spend is currently just a small part of the budget. What to do about our two problems? First, scale up existing funding channels that are more commercially focussed and better spread. Make sure a good proportion of the extra money goes to bodies like Innovate UK and things like SMART grants to start up firms. Second, develop new channels that help pull through demand, which the US is so good at. Do what the Connell Review implied, and create a ringfenced budget to procure innovative products, as the US does. Ive met firms who have used the US SBIR scheme and it has transformed their prospects to be able to say they have a contract with the US government. Third, do more to build up research centres which genuinely bridge academia and industry. Richard Jones widely-discussed paper is right to say we should try to build on the success of places like the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Sheffield and the Warwick Manufacturing Group. More mission-oriented centres like the Faraday Institution might be part of this. Government should review which of the Catapult centres are worth building on or not. Fourth, we need to rethink university funding and incentives. Far more of universities research budgets should reflect their industrial work. For example, last year about three per cent of Oxfords grants from Research England funded work with industry. Things like the Higher Education Innovation Fund, which supports work with business, should be a much larger share of their funding. Professional esteem and rankings should change too. One business-minded Vice Chancellor of a northern university lamented to me that his work to spin out new businesses and attract investment was given no value compared to the Research Excellence Framework rankings. I could go on. Theres loads we can do to make research investment more effective. Its great to have a dynamic new government thats interested in and investing in research. If we play our cards right, we can create all kinds of opportunities for people right across the country. In 2013 Gordon Marr was appointed CEO of Hansard Global Plc (LON:HSD). This report will, first, examine the CEO compensation levels in comparison to CEO compensation at companies of similar size. Then we'll look at a snap shot of the business growth. And finally we will reflect on how common stockholders have fared in the last few years, as a secondary measure of performance. This method should give us information to assess how appropriately the company pays the CEO. See our latest analysis for Hansard Global How Does Gordon Marr's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? According to our data, Hansard Global Plc has a market capitalization of UK57m, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth UK473k over the year to June 2019. While we always look at total compensation first, we note that the salary component is less, at UK322k. We examined a group of similar sized companies, with market capitalizations of below UK153m. The median CEO total compensation in that group is UK252k. As you can see, Gordon Marr is paid more than the median CEO pay at companies of a similar size, in the same market. However, this does not necessarily mean Hansard Global 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 Hansard Global has changed from year to year. LSE:HSD CEO Compensation, January 13th 2020 Is Hansard Global Plc Growing? On average over the last three years, Hansard Global Plc has shrunk earnings per share by 15% each year (measured with a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 31%. The reduction in earnings per share, over three years, is arguably concerning. But in contrast the revenue growth is strong, suggesting future potential for earnings growth. It's hard to reach a conclusion about business performance right now. This may be one to watch. Although we don't have analyst forecasts shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Story continues Has Hansard Global Plc Been A Good Investment? Since shareholders would have lost about 49% over three years, some Hansard Global Plc shareholders would surely be feeling negative emotions. This suggests it would be unwise for the company to pay the CEO too generously. In Summary... We compared the total CEO remuneration paid by Hansard Global Plc, and compared it to remuneration at a group of similar sized companies. We found that it pays well over the median amount paid in the benchmark group. Over the last three years, shareholder returns have been downright disappointing, and the underlying business has failed to impress us. Although we'd stop short of calling it inappropriate, we think the CEO compensation is probably more on the generous side of things. Whatever your view on compensation, you might want to check if insiders are buying or selling Hansard Global shares (free trial). Important note: Hansard Global may not be the best stock to buy. You might find something better in this list of interesting companies with 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. Work will get underway shortly on building a dedicated centre to help children in Cork city and county who are battling drug and alcohol addiction. News of the project was given to members of the Cork City and County Joint Policing Committee (JPC) by David Lane, coordinator of the Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce. Currently, adults and children battling addiction are treated together at the HSE's services at Arbour House, in the St Finbarr's Hospital campus. Mr Lane said having the different age groups together was not ideal as different approaches were required to help adults and juveniles. He said that for a number of years he and his colleagues had sought a separate, dedicated treatment unit for minors and the HSE had agreed to build one at the former St Mary's Hospital campus in Gurranabraher. It will be built on one entire floor of one of the derelict buildings there. We hope that work will begin on the facility in either in March or April of this year and it will be up and running by the winter, Mr Lane said. He added that the centre will not be residential and will work closely with outreach centres for juveniles which are dotted throughout the county. In a year we work on average with around 100 children across the city and county. We want to separate the juveniles from adults because they require different forms of intervention. He added that seven additional support jobs were being created by the HSE in drug and alcohol services in Cork and Kerry this year. Mr Lane, who has been involved in drug and alcohol services for the past 20 years, said that trends change, but fortunately recent research showed that abuse of both was decreasing among younger people. Cllrs Joe Carroll and Kevin Murphy said there appeared to be a rise in the availability of drugs in their respective areas of West and South Cork. Senator Jerry Buttimer maintained the same could be said in Cork City. Figures provided at the meeting by Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin showed the number of people caught in possession of drugs for supply in Cork City was up from 182 in 2018 to 189 last year. The number caught just for possession rose from 711 to 846. The number of cases for both supply and personal use were marginally down in the Cork North and Cork West Garda Divisions for the 2019 period compared to the previous year. Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan said that under the direction of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris more resources will be directed towards targeting drug suppliers this year. Cllr Cathal Rasmussen, said he was also concerned about underage drinking. Mr Lane said there was a bigger problem in this country with drink rather illegal drugs and hopes minimum pricing will be introduced by the government shortly. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Former Congress Parliamentarian Maurice Kujur passed away at KIMS, Bhubaneswar due to age-related infirmities and multiple diseases in the wee hours of Sunday. He was 84 and survived by his two sons, Rajat and Pravat, and two daughters. He breathed his last at 3:10 am according to his son Pravat who added that the burial ritual would take place at 12 pm on Monday at the graveyard of Mission Church at Sundargarh town. Apart from high blood pressure and diabetes, Kujur was also suffering from Parkinson's disease, according to Pravat. Born in November 1935 at Bhalumunda village in Sundargarh district, Kujur won the Sundargarh parliamentary constituency as a Congress candidate in 1984. He was a Lok Sabha member from 1984 to 1898 and was a Rajya Sabha member from 1996 to 2002. He was also Vice-chairman of National Commission of Schedule Tribe between 2008 and 2011, but stayed away from active politics due to age and health-related issues, informed former Sundargarh District Congress Committee President Dushmanta Naik. Sundargarh Lok Sabha Member of BJP and Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence Jual Oram condoled Kujur's death. Recalling Kujur's contribution to the development of Sundargarh, Jual said the district lost an able leader. "I convey my sympathies to the bereaved family. My deepest condolences on the demise of eminent Congress leader & former MP of Sundergarh, Shri Maurice Kujur. He will be remembered for the decades of public service he gave to India. May his soul rest in peace," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in a message. Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik also expressed profound grief over Kujur's death. Closely associated with several organisations, Kujur had made constant efforts to improve the social status of tribals. (With PTI inputs) Today, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield unveils the Westfield How We Shop: The Next Decade, its biggest retail trends report to date, which predicts 2025 will be the experience tipping point in retail when more than half of retail space in stores will be dedicated to providing experiences. The new re... [] Bear Grylls has said that learning about the struggle and battle Cara Delevingne faced because of her mothers heroin addiction has inspired him. The TV personality invited the Hollywood actress and catwalk star on to his survival skills programme Running Wild, in which he takes celebrities on two-day trips into the wilderness. Delevingne, 27, joined the former SAS serviceman, 45, for a trek across the mountains of Sardinia, later saying she had been his favourite guest of the series because she was not a typical Hollywood star. Expand Close Brie Larson and Bear Grylls begin their adventures in Panama by jumping from a helicopter (National Geographic/Ben Simms) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brie Larson and Bear Grylls begin their adventures in Panama by jumping from a helicopter (National Geographic/Ben Simms) He said: I think the great strength of Running Wild is that you have time on these journeys to get to know the real person and to hear their stories. Its not like a chat show where youre just trying to tell a funny story for two minutes. When you have to spend two days together, you really get to know someone. She had so many battles growing up with a mother who was a heroin addict and her whole dynamic through school, and I just thought shes such an inspirational person for so many people. To see her in such an unguarded, real way as she was on our adventure together, I loved. I found it really inspiring to take her away and I thought people are going to love you, and rightly so, because shes never given up, and thats the heart of Running Wild. It means you just have to go for things. You have to face some fears. You have to keep moving forward and never give up, and thats been her life story. Expand Close Bear Grylls in Iceland (National Geographic/Ben Simms) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bear Grylls in Iceland (National Geographic/Ben Simms) Video of the Day I think that was the surprising one but a real joy for me and a pleasure to do. Delevingne, who attended the fee-paying Bedales School in Hampshire, has previously spoken about how she became depressed aged 15 when she discovered her mothers heroin addiction. Grylls said their journey differed to that of former guests Julia Roberts and Roger Federer because Delevingne fits into this really interesting space. He added: Shes a supermodel on one hand and an actor on the other hand, and an icon for so many young people on the other hand. She has something like 45 million or 50 million Instagram followers, which many of these Hollywood stars dont have followings like that. Her story has been one of struggle and battle to get to where she is that many of her followers dont really know that. Expand Close Armie Hammer (Isabel Infantes/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Armie Hammer (Isabel Infantes/PA) Running Wild returns this month with a star-studded cast including Captain Marvels Brie Larson, Magic Mikes Channing Tatum and Armie Hammer. Grylls said Hammer, who starred alongside Timothee Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name, had become a good friend following their adventures through Sardinia. He also revealed that the Golden Globe-nominated US actor had gone to extreme lengths to find sustenance on their gruelling journey. He said: I think for me seeing Armie Hammer drinking milk from the nipple of a goat was definitely a new one. I thought wed just squeeze the teat and well get some milk and it will give us some energy for the rest of the journey, but he dived in for it and it was pretty funny. Grylls, who was last year honoured with an OBE for services to young people, the media and charity, said he hoped the UK could be great partners with Europe following Brexit. He said: I try and keep out of politics, but of course Im always a proud British taxpayer, and Im a very proud British citizen, and Im also a proud part of Europe as well. I think, as we all develop, the world has to come closer together and we have to support each other, but Brexit is Brexit. That all seems to be happening and lets hope we can all be great friends and great partners moving forward. The future of the world is all about partnership, isnt it? Running Wild With Bear Grylls airs from January 19 on National Geographic, starting with Brie Larsons adventure across the Pearl Islands in Panama. Anamika Khanna was in town recently to kick off the 15th edition of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour with her muse Rhea Kapoor - her theme is My craft, my pride, and the entire tour is based on the premise Pride, as an expression of success and individuality, with the focus being on India with its indigenous craft. The Kolkata-based designer, who started her career in 1998, is known for modernising Indian craft. Though her collections are graciously Indian, they also have strong shades of bohemian and goth. Khanna was among the 33 designers to be part of Indias first Lakme Fashion Week, which took place at Taj Palace, New Delhi in 1999. Talk show Czarina Oprah has worn her outfits at various occasions, and a 10 kg velvet lehenga, studded with pearls, gold and silver, designed by Khanna was gifted to Lady Gaga by Simi Garewal, during her talk show, Simi Selects Indias Most Desirable. Rhea Kapoor and Anamika Khanna at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour Preview in Delhi. Her twin sons, Vishesh and Viraj have also joined her firm, and were behind the AK-OK collection, launched in late-2018. In an open chat, the designer spoke to us about how Kolkata has influenced her, whether shes a scary boss, not taking holidays and much more. Has Kolkata had any part to play in honing your fashion sense? For a designer, it is very natural to be impacted and to be influenced by where you live and the people you meet. Living in Kolkata, I think number one, Ive been able to find my own space and find my own voice and not get crowded. Secondly, I also feel that in Kolkata, there is an inherent craft and culture. And you automatically imbibe that as you grow up there. So yes, Kolkata has been a very big influence. Kolkata has the most vibrant culture in all of India. Which is your favourite club there? (Starts laughing) Thats an interesting question. Living in Kolkata you cannot run away from the clubs since theyre an inherent part of your life. I would say RCGC is one of my favourites! And your favourite restaurant? Chinoiserie, at the Taj Bengal. Vishesh and Viraj, the designers sons are avid golfers and have joined her company. You have the unique distinction of being one of the people whove actually met the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. What was that like? The whole feeling was ethereal, it was like we were in a movie. How easy or difficult has it been for you to maintain the position youve reached in the fashion industry? I dont think anything comes easy. Unless you give it all youve got with everything that youve got, youre not going to be able to achieve the enormous target you set for yourself. I have worked non-stop for the last 20 years. I dont think Ive had a day when Ive actually put my feet up and said, Okay, Im not working. Its not been easy, but its a journey that I chose and that I love. With the Queen of England. Are you trying to say that in the last 20 years you havent taken a day off? Yes, because your mind is always working. Even when youre on a holiday you are inspired by something and youre back at work. Its not like one doesnt take days off, but youre always at it. Its just something that you love so it just becomes a part of you. Would you prefer Netflix or a party out? Netflix. With regards to fashion, who is your favourite, Madonna or Michael Jackson? Madonna, because of the fact that over the years shes been able to be reinvent herself and yet be so powerful at her age and have that energy and the charisma. People say is that Anamika Khanna has a reputation of being elusive. Would you agree or disagree with that? (Laughs) Im just shy, not elusive. Secondly, I stay in Kolkata, so Im not available for everything. Generally, as a person, I just feel that I would like my work to talk rather than me speaking, so yes, people get the impression that I might be elusive. Is Anamika Khanna the kind of boss who people would be afraid of? (Laughs again) People are petrified! Its not that theyre afraid of me, but somehow they listen! The author tweets at @shadowwarior and can be reached at kabir.bhandari@htdigital.in Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A sweet shop owner who faced down a gunman trying to plunder her till today said he had messed with the wrong woman. Darren OShea, 45, was jailed for 12 years after wielding an imitation handgun in raids on two stores in south-east London. At a Co-op in Eltham he escaped with 300 after threatening staff just after 9pm on July 13 last year. Five days later he attempted the same thing in broad daylight at P&R Sweetshop, a mile and a half away in Charlton, ordering Jyotsna Patel, 58, to hand over cash from the till. The mother of two, who owns the shop with her husband, said: I am massively relieved that this man has been brought to justice and is now behind bars. She said she feared she would be killed but added: I refused to hand over any money. I said I needed to pay rent and support my family and I work hard. Darren O'Shea (Metropolitan Police) "He said he had a gun but I just stared him down. He pulled out a black gun and pointed it at me. I thought I could die but I was not going to give in. I am tough and do not back down. He had picked on the wrong woman here. I went for the alarm button and pressed it. He could see he couldnt mess with me so ran off. Mrs Patel said she and her husband moved to a shop in Charlton eight years ago because of violence in Tottenham where she ran a business. She added: You have to fight back against these people. Her husband Chandrakant, 60, said: She was so brave. It was all over in 30 seconds. OShea was identified from CCTV and traced to an apartment near Mrs Patels store, along with the imitation firearm. He told police he had committed both robberies to fund his drug addiction. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a national level committee to oversee the year-long celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur's 400th birth anniversary, an official statement said here on Monday. In a letter to the prime minister, Singh said the Punjab government will celebrate the historic occasion with a series of programmes throughout the year, beginning April 2020, it said. He said his government is in the process of drawing up a detailed proposal for the commemoration of this mega event and it will be sent to the government of India shortly. Describing the 400th 'Parkash Purab' of Guru Tegh Bahadur as a fortunate occasion for all, Singh said the ninth Sikh guru occupies a special place in the country's history. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life to uphold the principles of religious freedom and amity and was, therefore, rightfully called 'Hind-di-Chaadar', he said. The Punjab government has already decided to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur's 400th birth anniversary on April 18, 2021, with year-long celebrations beginning April 12 this year, the statement said. It has also planned to organise a mega function on his 399th 'Parkash Purab' at the historic town of Baba Bakala and the concluding function on his 400th birth anniversary at Anandpur Sahib, the statement added. Guru Tegh Bahadur was born on April 1, 1621. He resisted forced conversions of Hindus, Kashmiri Pandits and non-Muslims to Islam and was killed in 1675 on the orders of the then Mughal emperor in Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in Ganderbal district arrested a terrorist associate who was assisting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, according to Kashmir Zone Police on Monday. The arrested terrorist associate has been identified as Tariq Gani. "Police in Ganderbal arrested a terrorist associate identified as Tariq Ganai. As per police records, he was assisting active terrorists of proscribed outfit LeT. Further investigation is in progress," the tweet by the Kashmir Zone Police read. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The owner of a Hoosick Falls restaurant said he has removed a sign that said "Gas Chamber" after a customer complained it evoked images of the Holocaust. Old Hoosick Tavern owner Tom Nicchi said he ordered the sign removed from the wall of the Route 7 restaurant after he was contacted Monday by the Times Union. The sign hung near a bathroom and was intended to be humorous, he said. It was gone Monday afternoon. "It wasn't malicious. It was a frat house joke," Nicchi said. "It was not meant to offend anybody." It didn't make Stewart Harris laugh. Harris was on his way home from a family gathering in South Carolina when he stopped for a meal Dec. 29 at the restaurant. I was stunned by that, the Troy, N.H. man said Monday. Harris said he spoke to a member of the restaurants staff, saying the sign was completely offensive and inappropriate and needs to come down." Maybe it was meant as a joke, but the sign instantly made him think of Nazi Germanys extermination of millions of Jews," Harris said. Unless its a Holocaust museum, he has no business hanging the sign up, he said. Harris said he initially sent Facebook messages to the restaurants website, but didn't immediately receive a response. Hes also contacted the Anti-Defamation League. Route 7 is a primary tourism route that visitors take to go to Vermont. Depending on the season, they may be cutting across Rensselaer County to go skiing or leaf peeping. Restaurants and other businesses dot the two-lane highway. Nicchi said he called Harris to tell him the sign was removed. Harris said he and Nicchi spoke. "The sign is down. I never meant to hurt anybody," Harris said Nicchi told him. Harris said he was glad the sign was no longer hanging on the wall. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "The food was great. The service was great. Then there was the freaking sign," Harris said about his visit. In recent days, two people have taken issue with the sign on Yelp, the online restaurant review site. While many diners praised the quality of the food, the two writers objected to the sign. One said a spate of recent anti-Semitic attacks - including the Dec. 28 stabbing rampage at the home of a rabbi's Rockland County home that left five people wounded as they celebrated Hanukkah - should give the business owner pause. After the Times Union visited the restaurant on Monday, Nicchi called the newspaper in the afternoon to say the sign had come down. A reporter stopped by again in the afternoon to verify that it was gone. Nicchi said he bought the sign years ago from a closed automotive business. The restaurant is filled with signs and other items as part of its decor. That wasn't the only bit of redecorating Nicchi did on Monday: He also removed a statue of a black jockey. Such tchotchkes have become viewed as racist in recent decades. A man accused in a deadly shooting last week was arrested at his Fort Bend County home early Monday morning, police say. The man is suspected in a drive-by shooting that left a man dead Wednesday afternoon in the 7500 block of Cook Road, according to police. Two men were walking on a sidewalk when someone inside a passing car began shooting, police say. One of the men on the sidewalk was mortally wounded while the other pulled a gun and returned fire, police say. It is unclear if anyone inside the car was struck. Several Houston police officers were conducting surveillance on the mans home Sunday night on Summer Farm Trail near Pine Harvest Lane when they spotted the man as he walked inside his home, according to Houston Police Department SWAT Cmdr. Larry Baimbridge. The officers werent able to take him into custody before he got inside his front door, Baimbridge said. MORE FROM JAY R. JORDAN: Baby taken in Houston car theft, left shivering and alone in Third Ward park Officers pulled up to the house and used a patrol cars PA system to order everyone inside the home to come outside, Baimbridge said. Everyone inside the home, except for the man in question, exited the home, Baimbridge said. The officers pleaded with the man for more than an hour to give up, but he still refused to come out. Thats when the officers called for help from HPDs SWAT team, which had just finished up taking another man into custody nearby in an unrelated case. Those heavily armed SWAT officers surrounded the home and called out from their own PA system from atop an armored truck, Baimbridge said. When the suspect looked out and saw the armored vehicle and all the SWAT personnel, Baimbridge said, he realized it was time to give up. The man, who was not immediately identified, came out of the house and was taken into custody around 1 a.m. 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 An eclectic range of legal minds -- including some familiar names in the Capital Region -- were selected for a New York State Bar Association task force to combat a surge in hate crimes and domestic terrorism. The panel assembled by New York State Bar Association President Hank Greenberg will be chaired by Carrie Cohen, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan who successfully prosecuted the first federal corruption trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in 2015. Panel members include: * Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge George A. Yanthis, who was appointed on the bench in White Plains but was in the Albany area for several years as a federal prosecutor. He was the lead prosecutor in the 1992 corruption trial of former Albany County Executive Jim Coyne. In 1978, Yanthis and two other lawyers -- George King and Irv Adams -- formed what was believed to be the region's first black legal firm. * Albany-based state Supreme Court Justice Christina Ryba, who in 2016 became the first black person to be elected to sit on the state Supreme Court bench within a 28-county region of upstate New York. * Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the chief assistant district attorney to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance. If the last name sounds familiar, thats because she is married to defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, the lawyer for NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, the purported personal growth guru from Halfmoon who awaits sentencing in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn for sex trafficking, forced labor and racketeering. * Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, a former associate judge of the Court of Appeals where she served for 19 years. She was the the first Hispanic and the only the second woman to sit on the state's top court. * State Supreme Court Justice Ellen Biben, the former executive director of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). Biben is now administrative judge of the criminal term in Manhattan, where all felony cases are adjudicated. * New York City attorney Paul Shechtman, who ran the state Division of Criminal Justice Services under Gov. George Pataki. More recently, Schectman is known as the attorney for Buffalo developer Louis Ciminelli in the Buffalo Billion corruption case. He worked the appeal of auto repair John W. Cole, who was convicted of felony assault in a high-profile crash case in Clifton Park. * Thomas Capezza, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Albany who served as general counsel for State Police. He is now in private practice. * Joon H. Kim, former acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney who served as the deputy to high-profile former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who became known for bringing several corruption cases aimed at Albany figures, including the Buffalo Billion case. * Denise O'Donnell, former director of the state Division of Criminal Justices Services who served as a Buffalo-based U.S. attorney. * Mark Alcott, a former president of the State Bar Association. * Andrew G. Celli, Jr., a former commissioner and vice chair of the state's Temporary Commission on Lobbying. He also served as chief of the civil rights bureau for then-Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. * Gail Heatherly, a senior counsel for Attorney General Letita James, where she has run the conviction review bureau, special investigations and prosecutions unit. In June, it was widely reported that Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery wanted to hire Heatherly to assist in the prosecution of Nauman Hussain, the man charged in the Schoharie limo crash that took 20 lives. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. * Avi Schick, a former deputy attorney general who chaired the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. and Empire State Development Corp. under Spitzer. * Carol Sigmond, a Manhattan-based attorney and vice president of the State Bar Association. * State Supreme Court Justice C. Randall Hinrichs, an administrative judge for a judicial district based in Suffolk County. * Scott M. Karson, an appellate lawyer and former Suffolk County prosecutor who will succeed Greenberg as State Bar Association. * Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. * Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini. * Tali Farhadian Weinstein, general counsel for Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. UkraineGate - Inconvenient Facts Watch Joe Biden, Friend Or Foe Of Corruption? Although Joe Biden very often denounces the "cancer of corruption", this first episode shows that he has lied several times, and that his attitude remains very questionable on this subject. You will discover three characters at the heart of UkraineGate. First, Mykola Zlochevsky, the Ukrainian oligarch through whom the scandal happened. Then, General prosecutor Viktor Shokin, whose resignation was obtained under pressure from Joe Biden, less than ten months after his appointment. And finally, the latter's successor, Yuriy Lutsenko, whom Biden was quick to describe as a "solid man" Summary Part 1 A Not So Solid Prosecutor Full Version Part II Not so dormant investigations This second episode focuses on the investigations of General prosecutor Shokin, described as "dormant" by the Biden clan. It demonstrates the fallacy of the narrative launched by Bidens communication advisors. But you will also discover that Bidens defense - widely reported by the mainstream media without any verification - has been challenged by Viktor Shokin in various interviews, of which we reveal several excerpts that have never been broadcast... - We will post other sections of this documentary as the become available- This article was originally published by "UkraineGate" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Plane tragedy weighs on Iran Global Times By GT staff reporters Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/12 22:53:40 Tehran urged to hold those responsible to account The unintentional downing of a Ukraine aircraft by Iran has put the Middle Eastern country under tremendous pressure not only domestically but also globally. There was no excuse for the tragedy and Iran must take responsibility and punish those accountable for downing the jetliner, Chinese analysts said. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the aerospace commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, said Saturday that the corps accepted responsibility for the crash. A missile operator mistook the plane for a cruise missile as there had been reports that such missiles had been fired at Iran, according to BBC. "He had 10 seconds to decide. He could have decided to strike or not to strike and under such circumstances he took the wrong decision," Hajizadeh said. Angry Iranians took to the streets of Tehran Saturday night after the Iranian authority admitted the terrible "human error" that caused the loss of 176 lives, and protesters chanted for the resignation of the country's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Guardian reported. In a "flagrant violation of international law" according to the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the British Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire was detained during an anti-government protest, media reports said. The Iranian news agency Tasnim said on Sunday that Macaire had been arrested for "involvement in provoking some radical acts among protesters. He was freed a few hours later but will be summoned tomorrow for further explanations." Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was quoted as saying in a Reuters report that Canada would "not rest until we get the accountability, justice, and closure that the families deserve." Mounting pressure Iran is now facing tremendous domestic and external pressures, although its authority and officials have vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the mistake. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tweeted earlier on Saturday that "Armed Forces' internal investigation has concluded regrettably that missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane that killed 176 innocent people." "The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake," Rouhani wrote. "Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake." Iran pledged to hand over those responsible for the tragedy to the country's military court. The Iranian Armed Forces Staff assured the nation it would make any re-occurrence of such an incident impossible by fundamentally modifying operational processes of the Armed Forces and that it would hand over the culprits to the military court, the Tehran-based Mehr News Agency reported on Saturday. The Western world and Iranian anti-government forces wanted to use the plane issue to pressure the Iranian government, hold more anti-government events and further split the government from the people, seeking to subvert Iranian authority, Chinese analysts said. "Their final goal is to overturn the Iranian government," said Li Guofu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing. "But I don't think they could succeed this time." The Iranian government and military have apologized and promised to pay compensation and ascertain where the responsibility lies, Li explained. They had done all that they could, leaving no excuse for the Western media to hype, he asserted. According to an investigation report released by the Iran Armed Forces on Saturday, the mistake happened after threats "made by the American President [Donald Trump] and its military commanders to attack 52 targets on the soil of the Islamic Republic in the case of Iran's retaliation. Due to the unprecedented movements in the region's airspace, Iranian Armed Forces were thrust to an utmost level of readiness and alert." Hours after the retaliatory Iran missile strikes against US military bases in Iraq, the "aircraft presence of US terrorist forces" increased near Iranian borders and some targets were seen on radars, which triggered the air defense, the report said. "In such sensitive and critical situations, flight No.752 of Ukraine International Airlines departed from Imam Khomeini Airport and while changing direction, it completely resembled a hostile target approaching a sensitive center of IRGC," the report continued. As a result, the plane was wrongly targeted and shot down, it said. Capabilities questioned While a civilian aircraft is significantly different from a missile in terms of radar cross-section and optic characteristics, it needs to be manually distinguished after it is caught by an air defense system, military observers said. The operator failed in this task. Neither the air defense system nor the operator seemed to have referred to tracking information for civilian aircraft, which should be openly available. The operator was also obliged to make contact and get verification, but failed due to communications disruptions, Hajizadeh said. While some Chinese military observers said the operator was left with no choice but to gamble and shoot the suspected missile down to prevent a potential US attack, others said all these mistakes reflected the Iranian military's poor equipment capabilities and incompetent personnel. "Iran ought to shoulder the responsibility for this tragic accident. However, several underlying factors leading to the tumultuous situation in the Middle East are also to blame," Niu Xinchun, a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing, told the Global Times on Saturday. It was wrong to assume Iran would shoot down the plane for political reasons, Niu noted. The US should also take a certain part of the responsibility for the issue as it was continuous extreme US pressure and Trump's recent military deterrence against Iran that had put the country on high alert and led to the tragedy, according to Li Guofu. As Iran has now accepted its ultimate responsibility, the relatives of the passengers may demand compensation directly from Iran, which must be huge, analysts noted. "Compensation of $145,000 for each person, an amount set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, is sought under normal circumstances. In this particular case, the amount should be higher," Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Saturday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sanaa resident Abdullah Salami had been trying to buy food with the money in his pocket but without much luck. With no shop willing to accept the banknotes, Salami returned to his family's home empty-handed. In November 2019, freshly printed banknotes arrived in Aden, headquarters of the UN-recognized government of Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. From there they were pumped onto the market to gradually begin the process of replacing older notes nationwide. While it is not a problem to use the new notes in government-controlled areas, on Dec. 19, the Sanaa-based Houthi government banned their use and exchange in areas under its control. This new economic fraying between the Houthis and the government constitutes yet another burden on weary civilians, particularly in Yemens north, and exacerbation of their economic plight. A couple of days back, I went to the shop to buy some food commodities Salami told Al-Monitor. I selected the items and came to the attendant to make the payment, but he said, Sorry, return the items. I cannot accept these new notes, Salami told Al-Monitor. In September 2016, the Yemeni government had decreed the transfer of the Central Bank from Sanaa to Aden. In the wake of the move, the government approved the printing of new banknotes, which have since begun circulating across the country. The new banknotes were given a new look and colors different from the previous ones to easily distinguish them. People coming into possession of the new notes, however, are finding no way to use them. A restaurant owner in Sanaa who requested anonymity said business owners cannot accept the new notes, for fear of a Houthi crackdown. After the Houthi announcement that the new banknotes are illegal, I could not take any more although I know the new notes are not fake, and it is not wrong to accept them, said the restaurant owner. If the Houthis know I accept the new notes, it is a risk, and I would not be spared their punishment. The Houthi authorities in Sanaa have adopted draconian measures to stop the circulation of the newly printed currency, calling on civilians to turn in the notes they have and be compensated for them. Officials at the Houthi-controlled Central Bank in Sanaa argue that the ban on dealing in the new notes is to benefit the economy and the people. On Dec. 29, Sami al-Sayaghi, director of the treasury and an acting official for foreign banking operations at the Sanaa-based Central Bank, said in a statement to 26 September News, What we have done is intended to protect the national economy and capital as well as the purchasing power of citizens. If we accept the illegal currency, we will reach a stage at which income is of no value in line with the devaluation of the national currency against the foreign currency and price hikes. Sayaghi said a month-long grace period had been granted for individuals holding the new notes to swap them for older ones through specified banking institutions in Sanaa. Meanwhile, the government in Aden has slammed the Houthi ban, charging that it is worsening living conditions. Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani tweeted on Dec. 30 that the banknote ban had deprived 40,000 retirees of receiving their pensions in Houthi-dominated areas. Houthis ban on circulation of currency & cash [withdrawal] from public to buy & speculate on dollar in black market, is evidence of impoverishment & starvation policy against citizens, Eryani wrote. According to him, the Houthis' actions will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis the country is confronting and in the process also destroy the currency and national economy. On Jan. 1, a government official said letters had been sent to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund urging them to pressure the Houthis to rescind their prohibition on the new notes. Over the last five years of war, Yemen has fragmented on various levels. Political divides have been conspicuous, and the social fabric has largely eroded. The country is run by two governmentsthe Houthis' in the north and Hadi's in the south. The economic fight over the currency serves to further complicate Yemens quagmire. While the competing governments continue flexing their muscles to showcase their leverage in the country, the currency fight will produce serious economic repercussions and further suffering by civilians. Jameel Abdulnasser, who works at a currency exchange in Sanaa, told Al-Monitor that a lot of customers are unhappy about the Houthis' action. Banning these notes will create a currency black market, he said. The exchange service providers will take the new notes and give out the old notes in return for a discount. For example, if you have 10,000 Yemeni rials in the new notes, you will be given 9,000 Yemeni rials in the old notes. According to Abdulnasser, another consequence of the ban is the extra charges on money transfers from government-controlled areas to Houthi-controlled areas. The exchange companies will not incur losses he said. Only civilians will be the victims. They will pay higher fees to get their funds sent from one province to another. Abdulwahid al-Awbali, an economic analyst, told Al-Monitor that banning the new banknotes will negatively impact the economy and lead to currency speculation and a cash crunch, neither of which is desirable. Almost 80% of the old notes are in bad condition, and they need to be replaced gradually, said Awbali. Before the war, the old damaged banknotes that reached the Central Bank of Yemen would not be injected into the market again. Instead, new notes used to be pumped into the market. With residents in Houthi-controlled areas forced to continue to use the old notes, while banks have to follow the orders of the Sanaa government, people feel like they are living in two different countries at the same time. If I want to spend my new banknotes, I have to go to the south or any government-controlled city, said Salami, the Sanaa resident. This will make our living conditions harder. This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Chad Hipolito (Reuters) North Saanich, British Columbia, Canada Mon, January 13, 2020 14:05 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321f01a1 2 Lifestyle Prince-Harry,Meghan-Markle,Canada Free Towns on the southern end of Vancouver Island on Canada's west coast are abuzz with interest over the possibility that Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will become semi-permanent residents there. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked an uproar on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean when they said on Wednesday that they would be stepping back from their senior roles in the British royal family. The couple's stated intention to spend more time in North America has led onlookers to suspect they will make a home in Canada, which recognizes Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. On Friday, Reuters reported that after just a few days back in the UK, Meghan had returned to Canada to reunite with the couple's 8-month-old son, Archie. According to media reports, she has gone back to the Saanich Peninsula, a part of Vancouver Island just north of British Columbia's capital, Victoria, an area where the family took a six-week vacation at the end of last year. "I wouldn't call myself a (royal) follower until they come into town, and then of course it piques our interest," Joan Wilson, a resident of Sidney, on the Saanich Peninsula, said. Towns on the peninsula, which has long been popular with retirees thanks to its laid-back pace of life and proximity to ferries to the British Columbia mainland, mostly have fewer than 20,000 residents and are filled with ocean-themed gift shops, boutiques and fish-and-chip huts. Read also: Canadians would back Prince Harry as governor general: Poll The couple have captured residents' fascination since their vacation in the area, which has "a really interesting mix of very wealthy people and middle-class people," said North Saanich resident Beth Doman. "There's a lot of hidden mansions, so we were all trying to figure out where they were staying." Despite the curiosity, locals are determined to give them privacy. "The last thing they want is mobs of people coming around and taking their picture," said Ron Buschgens, owner of Lolly Gobble Sweet Shop in Sidney. "That would start to settle down as people got used to the idea of them being here." Many residents declined to speak to reporters on the record, saying they wished to respect the couple's privacy. "Harry's mother died because of all the attention that was on her and it was very tragic," Sidney resident Lynn Salituro said, referring to the late Princess Diana. "I'm sure they just want to break away and have a safe haven and somewhere they can live a normal life." Queen Elizabeth has summoned Prince Harry, as well as his father, Prince Charles, and elder brother Prince William, for a crisis meeting on Monday at her Sandringham estate to discuss future arrangements, a Buckingham Palace source told Reuters. Lady Kitty Spencer has shared a glimpse at her sun-soaked vacation in South Africa, after seeing in her birthday and the festive period abroad. Princess Diana's niece, who turned 29 last month, took to Instagram this week to post a picture of her glamorous surroundings in Western Cape. The D&G model, who is cousin to Princes William and Harry and grew up in Cape Town, posted a picture as she perched on the side of a private pool overlooking a luscious landscape. Lady Kitty Spencer has shared a glimpse at her sun-soaked vacation in South Africa, after seeing in her birthday and the festive period abroad. Princess Diana's niece, who turned 29 last month, took to Instagram this week to post a picture of her glamorous surroundings in Western Cape Dressed in a frilly tiered pale Zimmerman dress, the picture shows the private pool overlooking a landscrape of green fields and hills. Kitty shared the picture with the caption: 'Blending in!', racking up over 8,000 likes. The model then shared another snap in an elegant white Zimmerman dress and Hermes sandals, as she posed alongside a pal in front of an infinity pool overlooking the sea. '10 year anniversary!', she wrote, racking up comments from Pixie Lott and the likes of the named designers. The D&G model, who is cousin to Princes William and Harry and grew up in Cape Town, was dressed in a frilly tiered pale Zimmerman dress, the picture showed the private pool overlooking a landscrape of green fields and hills Another picture showed the first picturesque sunset of the New Year in South Africa, which has opposite seasons to England At the end of last month Lady Kitty Spencer shared a glimpse at her sun-soaked birthday celebrations in South Africa surrounded by friends and family. The glamourous niece of the late Lady Diana is currently dating fashion tycoon Michael Lewis, who is six years older than her father, Earl Spencer, since the spring. The couple went public with their relationship during a stroll through New York City in May and were seen kissing after leaving Club 55 in St Tropez in August. Lady Kitty, is active on Instagram, recently defended social media against naysayers who blame it for a rise in children's low self-esteem. In an interview with the Telegraph, Lady Spencer said: 'Social media doesn't have a conscience - it's how you use it. You give it the power. 'I think rather than being overwhelmed and knocking social media, maybe people should be working on their own self-esteem. Maybe the problem started before that - if you are so easily made to feel bad, what's that about, where did that start? At the end of last month Lady Kitty Spencer shared a glimpse at her sun-soaked birthday celebrations in South Africa surrounded by friends and family. Eliza's boyfriend Channing Millerd was also in attendance and took some snap of the event (left) and videos of Kitty herself (right) Dubai, Jan 13 : A Pakistani taxi driver in Dubai turned a saviour for an Indian girl by returning her lost wallet that had her UK student visa just three days before she was to return after a winter break, a media report said. Raechel Rose, who flew to Manchester on January 8, had lost the wallet in Modassar Khadim's cab on January 4, the Gulf News said in the report on Sunday. The corporate law student at Lancaster University was on her way to attend a friend's birthday when the incident took place. "She had got into his taxi with another friend near Burjuman around 7.30 p.m. on January 4," her mother, Sindhu Biju, told Gulf News. "Just then, they saw their other friends in another car and decided to join them. They immediately left the taxi and Rose didn't realise that she left her wallet behind." Apart from her UK residence permit card, the wallet contained her Emirates ID, United Arab Emirates driving license, health insurance card, credit card and more than 1,000 dirhams. Meanwhile, Khadim had finished two other trips. It was when after the second trip that he noticed the wallet as the first passenger had sat in the front seat. "Since the family, who came next, said it was not theirs, I opened it to check if there is any contact number. I could only see all the cards and the cash," he told Gulf News. With the help of the Roads and Transport Authority, who helped verify the details that matched Khadim's complaint which he had lodged earlier, he finally dropped off the wallet at Rose's residence. Trump slams Iran: Don't kill your protesters Protests erupted in Tehran against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after Iran admitted it "unintentionally" shot down a passenger plane belonging to the Ukraine International Airlines. US President Donald Trump said he does not care if Iran enters negotiations to de-escalate ongoing tensions with Washington, though his national security adviser suggested Tehran has no other option after US sanctions and protests. "I DON'T CARE IF IRAN NEGOTIATES" "National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran 'choked off', will force them to negotiate," Trump said Sunday on Twitter. "Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and 'don't kill your protesters.'" . A few hours before the crash, Iran fired missiles at bases in Iraq where U.S. and coalition troops were stationed. The attack was revenge for the U.S.'s killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, which escalated tensions in the region between Washington and Tehran. Walmart India on Monday said it is letting go 56 of its employees, including eight from senior management level, as part of restructuring exercise. The company, which operates 28 cash-and-carry stores in the country, said it is looking at ways to operate more efficiently. "We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organized in the right way. As part of this review, we have let go 56 of our associates across levels at the corporate office," Walmart India President & CEO Krish Iyer said in a statement. All of the 56 impacted associates, eight in the senior management and 48 in the middle as well as lower management, have been offered enhanced severance benefits and out placement services to support their transition, he added. Iyer, however, ruled out a second round of layoffs in April, terming the speculation as baseless and incorrect. He said the company remains committed to growing its B2B cash and carry business in India. Walmart opened six new best price modern wholesale stores, one fulfilment centre and the company's sales grew 22 per cent in 2019, he added. "We have recently made significant investments to serve our members better and will continue to do so. This includes investments in our brick and mortar stores as well as e-commerce. "Our members are increasingly becoming omni-channel shoppers. We are thus investing heavily in technology and have a healthy pipeline of best price stores. This will provide our members a true omni-channel and convenient shopping experience in the future," Iyer noted. Layoffs at Walmart's brick and mortar business began after it bought a majority stake in e-commerce retailer Flipkart in an around USD 16 billion deal in 2018. Walmart, as per its strategy to strengthen presence in the Indian market and also compete head-on with global rival Amazon, had announced a mega deal to pick up 77 per cent stake in Flipkart. Walmart had started B2B e-commerce in July 2014 from its Lucknow and Hyderabad 'Best Price Store' and was later extended to other stores. It was among one of the first companies in India, which had adopted the omni-channel retail system by integrating online and offline formats here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Richard Ratcliffe with his daughter Gabriella - PA The husband of British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said the arrest of the UK's ambassador to Iran is a "really bad sign for us". Richard Ratcliffe said the detention of Rob Macaire during anti-government protests in Tehran did not bode well for his wife, who has been held "essentially as a hostage" for almost four years. He also said US President Donald Trump's actions have made the situation "much more volatile" but noted "his administration has got Americans home, whereas the UK hasn't succeeded". Mr Ratcliffe told Sky News' Sophie Ridge show: "The arrest of the ambassador and the attempt to try and turn that into 'this is a foreign plot, it's the British organising the protest' which is what Iranian Press TV has put out, it's a really bad sign for us. "Of course we are in the middle of all that because Nazanin is regularly brought out as someone involved in overthrowing the regime and all those fake stories. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a charity worker from London, has suffered declining physical and mental health during her detention and suffered panic attacks amid the rising political tensions in recent days. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is in Evin prison Credit: Family Handout/PA Wire Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe is serving a five-year sentence over allegations, which she vehemently denies, of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government, having been arrested in 2016 during a holiday visit to show her baby daughter Gabriella, now aged five, to her parents. Mr Ratcliffe believes once her sentence concludes the regime will "just add a second sentence at the end, so yes the longer we don't get out the more likely we are to have many more years to do". The long-time campaigner for her freedom said he understands he will have a meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson "not next week but the week after". Rights groups say her trial was a sham and describe her as a prisoner of conscience, while the Foreign Office says her treatment fails to meet obligations under international law. Mr Ratcliffe says she is being held by the Islamic republic as a diplomatic bargaining chip. MANZINI - Police have arrested a man who was found in possession of explosives and detonators allegedly used to bomb automated teller machines (ATMs) or make bombs. A detonator can be described as a device or small sensitive charge used to detonate an explosive. Also known as a blasting cap, it is a device used to trigger an explosive device. Detonators can be chemically, mechanically, or electrically initiated, the latter two being the most common. Information gathered is that the accused, Nhlanhla Derrick Gumbi (29) of Sithobelweni, was arrested last week Monday by a team of about 10 police officers from Matsapha and the Serious Crimes Unit (LUKHOZI). He was allegedly found in possession of 36 detonators, 18 blasting explosives as well as dagga weighing 26 milligrammes, which was confiscated in his rented flat situated at Logoba, near Matsapha. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is said to have formulated a strategy to apprehend the suspect after receiving information about the explosives, most of which he allegedly kept in his rented house. Selling A team of police officers was then assembled to work on the issue, after they had been tipped off that the accused allegedly eked a living through selling the deadly merchandise. After days of investigations, the team of police officers reportedly contacted the accused and arranged that he met them near the Matsapha Weighbridge. It has also been gathered that the police officers who had called Gumbi allegedly pretended to be buyers and showed interest in the dangerous items. He was given the idea that such explosives and detonators would be in exchange for bags of dagga, part of the statements submitted in court read. A day was arranged and the accused was informed by his buyers that he would have to meet them at the place on January 6, 2020, which was last week Monday. Information submitted in court through recorded statements was that Gumbi left his house on the day carrying a Nike plastic bag stuffed with all the items and headed to the meeting place. The accused allegedly met up with plain-clothes officers who immediately handcuffed him. He was briefly questioned at the scene before he was bundled into a police van and taken to his house where more items were retrieved. He was later driven to the police station, where he was further questioned. It was also established that the REPS Operational Support Service Unit (OSSU) Bomb Disposal Unit, which had been called to the scene, informed other officers that upon inspection, it was discovered that the said items nearly exploded at the time they were in Gumbis possession as temperatures were very high on the day. He was almost killed by his own explosives and the detonators as it was a hot day and he had stuffed them all in a plastic bag, it was revealed in the statements. When the police took the accused to his house, it was thoroughly searched and some dagga was allegedly found stuffed in a small plastic bag. During interrogation, Gumbi allegedly told the team of officers that he had no intention of keeping the dangerous explosives and detonators. He is further alleged to have informed the police that the items had been left by a deceased relative, who was on July, 2019 shot by the police. This was after he (relative) had allegedly escaped, together with others, from the Big Bend Correctional facility. This policy is as clear as mud as to how this is going to work, said Scott Kitchen, director of the Humanized Mouse Core Laboratory at the University of California at Los Angeles, which was the first of its kind when it was created in the early 1990s and now provides such mice to 70 scientists on campus and around the country. Ive asked my way all the way up the ladder within NIHs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Cancer Institute. I dont think the people I am talking to know. Welcome to the Future of Security. Lets get started:Last week, a study by the University of Michigan found that new voting machines in hundreds of districts lack adequate safeguards to protect against hacking. The study, according to thewas an independent review of the machines called ballot-marking devices, or BMDs, which at least 18 percent of the country's districts will use as their default voting machines in November. The BMDs were believed to be a secure option to the kind of efforts by Russia to infiltrate and manipulate the countrys infrastructure. Now, the situation looks less clear.The implication of our study is that its 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, told theThis latest revelation has led to calls by a number of experts to have voters cast paper ballots. But switching to paper ballots could be problematic. Almost 16 million American voters spread across eight states wont have paper backups for their votes in 2020, according to theThis week, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger instructed 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.A school district in upstate New York has begun using facial and object recognition technology as a security precaution. According to the Lockport School District the technology, known as the AEGIS system, can detect guns and uses facial recognition to identify individuals, and will function as an additional security measures in all buildings.The use of facial recognition inside the school is considered one of the first times the technology has been deployed in public education. The initial plans were opposed by the New York State Education Department over privacy concerns. In response, the launch date was delayed for months while the department requested Lockport school officials to adequately deal with privacy issues, such as not storing students identifying information in the systems database.Since Lockport announced its initial plans to use facial recognition (pushed back from the original September launch date), other school systems around the country have begun to show interest in the technology and have begun to implement the technology as means to provide better security.Large cities like Chicago and Detroit , frequently courted by companies, have seen a recent push toward widespread adoption, while school districts in cities in states as diverse as Florida Missouri and Colorado , among others, are also seeing investment, according toIn Californias Bay Area, a local library system in Contra Costa County confirmed last week it had been hit by hackers, resulting in network outages affected services at all 26 library branches. An investigation is underway.Also last week, the city of Las Vegas reported a network breach as the result of a malicious email, officials confirmed. An email led to a "compromise" of the computer network. The incident coincided with the first day of CES, one of the largest tech events of its kind, which was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A Chinese dance troupe performs during a Chinese folk custom fair in Kampala, Uganda, Jan. 12, 2020. Thousands of people including Ugandans, Chinese community members and foreigners living in the east African country on Sunday thronged Kololo ceremonial grounds in Kampala to enjoy the first ever Chinese folk custom fair, also known as temple fair. It was fanfare as Ugandans and other foreigners walked through the journey of various Chinese cultures that were exhibited. For the Chinese community, although home is thousands of kilometers away, they still got a warm reminder of their cultural traditions. The temple fair was held ahead of the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25 this year. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) KAMPALA, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people including Ugandans, Chinese community members and foreigners living in the east African country on Sunday thronged Kololo ceremonial grounds in Kampala to enjoy the first ever Chinese folk custom fair, also known as temple fair. It was fanfare as Ugandans and other foreigners walked through the journey of various Chinese cultures that were exhibited. For the Chinese community, although home is thousands of kilometers away, they still got a warm reminder of their cultural traditions. Zhong Shuangquan, a Chinese investor in Uganda told Xinhua in an interview that holding the fair is important especially for the youthful Chinese who are overseas. He said the fair helps to remind the youths born or studying overseas to cherish their traditional culture. "Our culture is that no matter where you are, you will always go back home and gather with your family and celebrate the lunar New Year," Zhong said. "Our young generation cannot go back to China to celebrate that is why the Chinese community in Uganda decided to organize the temple fair." The stalls at the fair exhibited various cultures from different parts of China. Traditional Chinese dishes were a major highlight. Chinese cultural performances like Kungfu and dances mixed with local Ugandan performances caught the attention of the revelers. In an interview with Xinhua, Sylvia Kabatesi, a Ugandan reveler said she noticed some similarities in the way drums are played during Chinese and Ugandan cultural performances. "I heard the way they beat their drum is similar to ours here. I liked the way Ugandans danced the traditional Chinese dances. It is good to see them do something from another country," Kabatesi said. Tracy Hathorn, a foreign resident in Uganda who visited the show said she was amazed by the way the Chinese people relish their culture. "I loved everything the minute I arrived here, it felt like I was back in China," she said. Hathorn said culture is a key factor that describes a group of people. Besides the Chinese products that were also exhibited, like construction equipment, a Chinese medical team was on ground administering among others ancient Chinese medicine. "I have a frozen shoulder. I had a fracture in my shoulder so I could not move my hand backwards, but after this I can take it at least halfway through," Rahul Gajbhiye told Xinhua after getting treatment from the Chinese medical team at one of the stalls. Gajbhiye said doctors have asked him to go to the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital twice a week so that his shoulder can be completely healed. The temple fair was held ahead of the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25 this year. Kuciak murder trial and hauliers strike will impact elections. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Last Week in Slovakia is a commentary and overview of news in Slovakia that The Slovak Spectator subscribers receive in their inboxes every week as part of The Slovak Spectator online subscription. Subscribers also receive a pdf with an overview of news and have access to all of our online content. By subscribing you are helping us provide news about Slovakia you can trust. Thank you. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement All eyes in Slovakia and beyond are on Pezinok as of this morning. The first session of the trial with the four people facing charges related to the murder of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova started there at the Specialised Criminal Court and will continue through Wednesday, followed by more sessions next week and in February. Related article Related article How the Kuciak case changed Slovakia (overview) Read more It will soon be two years since investigative reporter Jan Kuciak was killed in his house in Velka Maca. His fiancee Martina Kusnirova was shot dead along with him. Unlike most cases of murdered journalists in the world, the police detained and charged not just the persons whom they believe to have fired the shots, but also those who ordered the murder. The trial has started within two years since the murder occurred (see timeline of investigation). Today in Pezinok, with about a hundred journalists (including from abroad) in attendance, the prosecutor read the indictment against the four. Miroslav Marcek, whom the police believed to be the person who fired the shots, pleaded guilty. Kocner and Zsuzsova said they werent guilty of the murder. Szabo declined to make a statement about his guilt. The Louisiana House of Representatives named Gonzales Republican Rep. Clay Schexnayder as its new speaker today, after a split Republican party forced the two candidates to rally support from Democrats for a shot at one of the most powerful positions in Louisiana government. Schexnayder won with a vote of 60-45 against Livingston Republican Rep. Sherman Mack, signaling that despite Republicans holding a supermajority (two-thirds of the seats) in the Senate and being two votes away from also holding one in the House, the days of having to build bipartisan coalitions might not be over. Rep. Julie Emerson, a Carencro Republican who nominated Mack for the speakership, said that selecting leadership is the toughest thing we do in our tenure as representatives. Its really hard to ask a group of your friends to be their leader because it hurts when they dont support you. Emerson said Mack had traveled across the state meeting with legislators and campaigning for their votes. But ultimately it wasnt enough to defeat Schexnayder, who chaired the Committee of Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development and authored a 2019 bill to regulate the growing, processing and transportation of industrial hemp. I know we don't always agree about policy, we dont always agree about politics, Schexnayder said in a speech on the House floor following his election, but we all agree that Louisiana has its best days ahead of it. Schexnayder said his priorities are balancing the state budget, decreasing state spending and improving the states education system to create better opportunities for coming generations. Stuart Bishop, the Lafayette Republican who nominated Schexnayder stressed the importance of the House to make its decisions independent of all outside influence and called Schexnayder an avowed conservative Republican. Although 68 members of the 105-member House are Republicans, a split in the party made the votes of the 35 Democrats and two Independents key in securing the 53 votes needed to become speaker. Clay Schexnayder wins Louisiana House Speaker after push from Democrats A divided Louisiana House on Monday installed Gonzales Republican Clay Schexnayder as speaker, capping a months-long, contentious battle for t Democrats and more moderate members of the GOP helped propel Schexnayder to victory, despite a letter from U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and Attorney General Jeff Landry in December urging Republicans to choose a speaker without consulting Democrats. Mack was also backed by Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby. This seemed to mark a shift from just yesterday when Democratic Rep. Cedric Glover, a former Shreveport mayor, tweeted he planned to vote for Mack and Rep. Patrick Jefferson, a Homer Democrat, as speaker pro tem. (Jefferson was not nominated Monday.) But when the vote call came, all Democrats and Independents ultimately voted for Schexnayder. The race for Senate president was much less dramatic, with all 39 members voting for Sen. Page Cortez, a Lafayette Republican, as were the selections for both chambers No. 2 positions. The Senate chose Sen. Beth Mizell, a Bogalusa Republican, as its president pro tem, and the House chose Rep. Tanner Magee, a Houma Republican, as its speaker pro tem. Schexnayder and Mack were two of 24 House Republicans to vote against a final compromise bill in 2018 that extended .45 of a fifth cent of state sales tax and put to an end a series of special legislative sessions over the state's budget woes. Magee voted in favor of that bill. In the Senate, Mizell was one of six votes against the bill, while Cortez voted for it. In their new roles as the heads of their respective chambers, both Cortez and Schexnayder will have considerable power over picking committee leaders and members, choosing to which committee bills are assigned and which bills ultimately pass. Gov. John Bel Edwards congratulated both Cortez and Schexnayder in a statement this morning and in it, stressed the importance of both parties working together. By rejecting partisan rancor and those who seek to turn Baton Rouge into Washington D.C., we can continue Louisianas stability and make progress that will allow us to continue on a course of prosperity, he said. I stand ready to work with all of those who come in good faith. Funding of 25,000 has been allocated to local Mens and Womens Sheds in the county, a Kildare Fine Gael Senator has confirmed today. Fine Gael Senator Anthony Lawlor welcomed the news, saying: My colleague Minister Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today confirmed that 372 Mens and Womens Sheds have been allocated a total of 500,000 from his Department in order to support the important community work done by these groups." It is understood that funding has been allocated locally to Larchfield Park Nursing Home Men's Shed, Johnstownbridge Men's Shed, Celbridge and District Men's Shed, Monasterevin Men's Shed, Naas Community Men's Shed, Newbridge Community Men's Shed, Na Fianna Men's Shed, Maynooth Men's Shed, Kilcock Community Men's Shed, Clane Men's Shed, Kill and District Men's Shed, Athy Community Men's Shed, Sallins Men's Shed, Leixlip Men's Shed, Cooleragh/Staplestown Men's Shed, Kildare Town Women Projects Group, and Sallins Women's Shed This funding will support these excellent local projects in the contribution they make to our local area. This capital funding will enable individual Mens and Womens Sheds to purchase equipment or to carry out minor works to improve their premises through the provision of small grants. I am delighted to see that Womens Sheds have also received funding from the Government for the first time,"said Senator Lawlor. He said that he hoped that the number of Womens Sheds continues to grow in the coming years. Mens and Womens sheds have become a vital element in the fabric of our communities and have done so much to tackle social isolation, Senator Lawlor added. Funding for Men's Shed across the country was introduced in 2018 in recognition of the support offered to men and Minister Ring confirmed that funding will now extend to include Women's Sheds. Minister Ring said:"Having witnessed the exceptionally positive impact of Mens Sheds in recent years, Ive no doubt that the emergence of Womens Sheds can only be a good thing for community life in Ireland. Im delighted that 33 Womens Shed Groups have availed of the funding on offer and I hope to see this number grow in coming years. The head of Britain's MI5 security service has dismissed suggestions UK-US intelligence sharing could be damaged if Chinese telecoms giant Huawei develops Britain's 5G network, the Financial Times reported Monday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under intense pressure from US President Donald Trump to prevent Huawei from playing a role in building Britain's 5G telecoms network on grounds of security. Asked in an interview with the FT if the intelligence-sharing relationship could be harmed, MI5 director general Andrew Parker said: "I've no reason today to think that. "Perhaps the thing that needs more focus and more discussion is how do we get to a future where there's a wider range of competition... than defaulting to a yes or no about Chinese technology," added Parker, who is standing down in April. Responding to the interview, Johnson's spokesman said: "When a decision has been made we will provide an update to parliament. "We have a close and longstanding security and intelligence sharing relationship with the US and that will continue." The spokesman confirmed that British and US "national security officials" were holding a meeting Monday in London following a report that the talks were a last-ditch bid by Washington to stop Huawei playing a role. Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications are the next milestone in the digital revolution, bringing near-instantaneous connectivity and vast data capacity. They will enable the widespread adoption of futuristic technologies such as artificial intelligence and automated cars and factories -- advances Beijing is desperate to lead. Huawei's status as a major world supplier of the backbone equipment for telecoms systems gives China an inside track -- but it has also attracted suspicions. Various countries have raised security concerns about Huawei technology, with the United States and Australia barring the firm from participating in their 5G networks and others hesitating to let it in. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The Yogi Adityanath government has reportedly submitted a list of refugees to the Centre under CAA, the Times of India report said on Monday. the list includes Hindu refugees living in 19 districts of Uttar Pradesh, the TOI report said. The list has been sent to the Union Home Ministry. The list also includes personal account of such refuges and the ordeals faced by them during their troubled journey from neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The TOI report said that around 40,000 individuals have been identified as non-Muslim, illegal refugees. Majority of these illegal immigrants are staying in Agra, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Saharanpur, Varanasi, Meerut and Lucknow among others. The Law Of Citizenship The Narendra Modi government had passed the contentious legislation in Parliament on December 11. Two days later, President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent and making it a law on December 13. The Citizenship Act grants Indian nationality to Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Parsis and Sikhs who fled Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan in half the time of other groups if they can argue they suffered religious discrimination in their country of origin. Fire of Protests in UP Uttar Pradesh has been the worst-affected state during the CAA violence. From Kanpur to Firozabad, violent clashes were reported in several cities of the state. Though there have been various claims and counter-claims, UP officials maintain that 19 people were killed in the state during violent clashes. Dead men named in FIR News Nation had earlier reported about the FIR file by the police over the December 20 violence in Kanpur. The shocking details may just set the path for new row. News Nation had learnt that the UP Police had booked 13 men in the FIR. These people were injured in during the protests. Shockingly, three of them died due to bullet injuries in the aftermath of the violent clashes. However, the police remain adamant saying the it is following the due procedure. After the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act turned violent in UPs Firozabad on December 20, the Firozabad police booked around 2,500 people. As a precautionary measure, they have now issued notice to Banne Khan, who died around six years ago, under section 107/16 of the IPC. Apart from this, two men aged 90 and 93 have also been asked to appear before the Magistrate and fill a bond of Rs 10 lakh. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. No intention to cover up cause of Ukrainian plane crash: Shamkhani Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 5:03 PM The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) says no effort was made to cover up the reasons behind the crash of a Ukrainian plane in southwest Tehran, emphasizing that covering up such incident was impossible in view of its nature and characteristics. Ali Shamkhani made the remarks while attending a mourning ceremony for two of the plane crash victims on Sunday, saying that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been the main party to mourn over this bitter incident. "There was no intention to cover up the reasons behind this incident from the very beginning, taking into account that such a cover-up was actually impossible in view of the nature and technical characteristics of the crash," Shamkhani said. The Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, en route to Kiev and carrying mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians, crashed minutes after takeoff near capital Tehran early on Wednesday, killing all the 176 on board. On Saturday morning, the Iranian armed forces headquarters issued a statement saying that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was erroneously shot down. Iranian authorities say the Ukrainian airliner had been mistaken with an adversarial cruise missile when it was shot down by an extra missile defense system deployed to the southwest of Tehran. "The announcement of the real cause of the Ukrainian plane crash took some time due to the necessity of examining all the possible theories, including "possible enemy actions in jamming," "hacking of systems," "infiltration [of enemy agents]," and other related factors," Shamkhani added. "From the earliest hours after the plane crash, the Islamic Republic of Iran invited experts from the concerned countries to conduct unrestricted investigation, which is a sign of our goodwill gesture to closely follow up on the cause of the crash and announce the results of the investigations," the secretary of the SNSC further said. In conclusion, Shamkhani stressed, "It must be noted that proving any of the factors that led to firing of the missile [at the Ukrainian plane] could completely change the way that the public was informed about the incident as well as the country's response to it." Iran has vowed full cooperation with countries whose nationals lost their lives in the crash, particularly Canada which had 63 citizens on board the plane. Furthermore, Iranian authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident and vowed that all those responsible for the tragedy will be held into account. The tragic incident occurred a few hours after the Iranian defense units poured more than a dozen ballistic missiles on two military bases housing US troops in Iraq, in retaliation for the US assassination of Iran's top military commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3. The strike also assassinated Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy chief of the Iraqi pro-government Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), near Baghdad International Airport. Four other Iranians and four more Iraqis in their company were also martyred. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi, Jan 13 : Jagat Prakash Nadda, working president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is likely to be elevated as the party chief, replacing Amit Shah, this ekadashi (January 20). "The announcement is likely on either January 20 or January 21," said a senior BJP functionary. However, another BJP leader was more specific and said the announcement would be on the coming ekadashi. In Sanskrit, ekadashi means 'eleven', as in the eleventh day of two fortnights of the waxing and waning moon. The process of election of the national BJP president is quite elaborate and has been described in detail in the party constitution. The national president shall be elected by an electoral college, comprising members of the national council and the state councils, it says. "Any 20 members of the electoral college of a state can jointly propose the name of a person, who has been an active member for four terms and has 15 years of membership, for the post of national president. Such joint proposal should come from not less then five states where elections have been completed for the national council. The consent of the candidate is necessary," says the party constitution. Nadda is likely to be elected unopposed. According to a BJP leader, privy to details, nomination papers for the post is slated to be filed on or by January 19. "Since Nadda has backing of both Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, any other nomination is unlikely," he said. However, there is a technical glitch. The party constitution mandates completion of election of at least 50 per cent of state presidents for the election of national president to happen. As of now, the BJP is yet to reach that mark. However, a senior BJP leader told IANS the process of completion of election of at least 50 per cent state presidents will be completed in the "next four-five days". One such upcoming election is in Punjab, to be held at Jalandhar on January 17. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Rajya Sabha member, Mahesh Giri, national secretary, have been appointed observers for it. Though the party had finalised the intra-party poll schedule long back, but it's running late. The BJP had planned election of mandal presidents on October 11-13, district presidents and state executive members between November 11 and November 30, and state presidents and the national executive members between December 1 and December 15. The BJP hoped to finalise the election of the party chief by December 31. While some attribute the delay to the BJP's preoccupation with Jharkhand Assembly polls where it was facing the JMM-Congress-RJD combine, few term it deliberate. The BJP follows the Hindu calender and is very mindful of auspiciousness of any time. The election schedule of the party chief was deemed inauspicious, first by a BJP Rajya Sabha member and later by many others in the organisation. And this ekadashi is being considered the right moment for the new BJP chief to take over. As the rules suggest, the election must be endorsed by the national council within one month, it is likely to be convened in Delhi, soon after the Delhi Assembly poll results are out by February 11. (Anindya Banerjee can be contacted at anindya.b@ians.in) In a landmark study, over 95 percent of the women after five years after having an abortion, said it was the right decision for them. The findings were published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, which come as many states are requiring waiting periods and counseling for women seeking abortions, based on the assumption that they may regret having them. But researchers at the University of California, San Francisco's (UCSF's) Advancing New Standards in Reproductive (ANSIRH) found no evidence that women began to regret their decisions as years passed. On the contrary, the women reported that both their positive and negative feelings about abortion diminished over time. At five years, the overwhelming majority (84 percent) had either positive feelings or none at all. "Even if they had difficulty making the decision initially, or if they felt their community would not approve, our research shows that the overwhelming majority of women who obtain abortions continue to believe it was the right decision," said Corinne Rocca, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and first author of the study. "This debunks the idea that most women suffer emotionally from having an abortion." The researchers analysed data from the Turnaway Study, a five-year effort to understand the and socioeconomic consequences for nearly 1,000 women who sought abortions in 21 states around the country. The analysis included 667 participants who had abortions at the start of the study. The women were surveyed a week after they sought care and every six months thereafter, for a total of 11 times. While women did not report regretting their decision, many did struggle initially to make it. Just over half said the decision to terminate their pregnancy was very difficult (27 percent) or somewhat difficult (27 percent), while the rest (46 percent) said it was not difficult. About 70 percent also reported feeling they would be stigmatised by their communities if people knew they had sought an abortion, with 29 percent reporting low levels and 31 percent reporting high levels of community stigma. Those who struggled with their decisions or felt stigmatised were more likely to experience sadness, guilt, and anger shortly after obtaining the abortion. Over time, however, the number of women reporting these negative emotions declined dramatically, particularly in the first year after their abortion. This was also true for those who initially struggled with their decision. And relief was the most prominent emotion reported by all groups at the end of the study -- just as it was at every time point in the study. "This research goes further than previous studies, in that it follows women for longer, and was conducted on a larger sample from many different clinics throughout the U.S.," said Julia Steinberg, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of family science at the University of Maryland, College Park, who wrote an accompanying commentary on the study in Social Science & Medicine. "It shows that women remain certain in their decision to get an abortion over time. These results clearly disprove claims that regret is likely after abortion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AMMAN, Jordan - A Jordanian court sentenced an Israeli man on Monday to four months in prison and fined him $1,450 for illegally crossing into the country and possessing drugs, the state-run Petra news agency reported. Konstantin Kotov, 35, crossed into Jordanian territory on Oct. 29. He pleaded guilty to crossing the border into Jordan illegally but pleaded not guilty to the drug possession charge, saying it was meant for personal use. Kotov did not say why he travelled to Jordan and wrongly claimed that having a small amount of marijuana was legal in Israel. Israeli law doesnt allow any possession of marijuana, though amounts smaller than 15 grams are considered to be for personal use and carry a lesser charge. The Jordanian state security judge rejected Kotovs argument, saying he had violated Jordanian law. Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty 25 years ago, but relations have cooled in recent years over the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process and Israeli policies in annexed east Jerusalem, where Jordan has custodianship over Muslim holy sites. Al Shebab extremists killed three people in an attack in eastern Kenya, police said Monday. The militants from neighboring Somalia attacked the settlement of Kamuthe in Garissa county, setting fire to a police post and destroying a telecommunication smast, police said in a report seen by The Associated Press. Three non-Muslim teachers were killed and a Muslim one was abducted, the report said. The attackers spared the life of a female nurse due to her gender, it added. Al-Shebab has vowed retribution on Kenya for its troops being present in Somalia since 2011 to fight the militants. The group has carried out numerous attacks on Kenya, killing hundreds. Earlier this month, the al-Qaida-linked group attacked a military base used by Kenyan and U.S. forces, killing three Americans and destroying aircraft and other machinery. Since December, al-Shebab has increased the frequency of attacks in the five frontline Kenyan counties that border Somalia and that the government has named as a hotspot for extremism. Security forces have been caught on the back foot each time, according to analysts. On Jan. 2 al-Shebab claimed responsibility for killing four people in an attack on a convoy of buses and vans being escorted by police in Lamu. The group killed 11 people in Mandera county, eight of them police officers returning to duty, who were pulled from a bus on Dec. 6. The group killed two non-Muslim construction workers in Garissa county on Dec. 17 and on Dec. 22 burned construction equipment owned by a Muslim contractor that was being used to develop a road in Mandera. On Dec. 27, two security officers died and seven other policemen were wounded when a roadside bomb tore through their patrol vehicle in Wajir county.(AP). I ran's ambassador in London was today summoned to the Foreign Office to explain why Britains top diplomatic envoy in Tehran was detained by police. Hamid Baeidinejad was called to attend a meeting in Whitehall, expected to be with Middle East minister Andrew Murrison. Mr Baeidinejad was summoned after Britains ambassador in Iran, Rob Macaire, was held by police on Saturday after attending a vigil for victims of the passenger plane that was shot down last week by mistake by the Revolutionary Guard, killing all 176 people on board. Mr Macaire was understood to have been held having gone to a barbers shop for a hair cut on the way back to the British Embassy. He tweeted yesterday: Thanks for the many goodwill messages. Can confirm I wasnt taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some chanting started. Detained half an hour after leaving the area. Arresting diplomats is of course illegal, in all countries. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab / Getty Images Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned the arrest of the ambassador without grounds or explanation, which he stressed was a flagrant violation of international law. The Iranian foreign ministry said Mr Macaire was swiftly released after it had been alerted. The regime faced fresh fury today after security forces allegedly fired live ammunition and tear gas at a protest over the shooting down of a the jet. Videos posted online showed a crowd fleeing near Azadi (Freedom) Square in the capital Tehran last night, apparently after being fired upon. Tehrans police chief Hossein Rahimi denied his officers had shot at demonstrators. Police officers have been given orders to show restraint, he insisted. However, the denial was likely to be treated with scepticism given the regime flatly rejected for days that its military mistakenly downed Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 with a missile on Wednesday after it had taken off from the capitals international airport. Videos posted on social media suggested gunshots were fired near the protests, showed pools of blood, as well as images of wounded people being carried away, although the footage could not be verified. In one of the clips, demonstrators flee, coughing, as a tear gas canister lands among them, with one woman calling out in Farsi: They fired tear gas at people. Azadi Square. Death to the dictator. Riot police in black uniforms and helmets were sent to Vali-e Asr Square, at Tehran University, yesterday and other landmarks. President Donald Trump tweeted: To the leaders of Iran DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. M I5 is to increase the number of behavioural scientists it employs by 50 per cent within the next year to improve its ability to stop terrorists before they strike. It also plans to hire more data scientists for the same reason as it seeks to alter the balance of its recruitment and develop a new style of spy for the future. At the same time, MI5 wants to work more closely with tech firms, including start-ups in London, to develop new ways of using technology such as artificial intelligence and drones to protect national security The moves have been prompted by the need to find better means of analysing the mass of online data now generated by each terror suspect. Sources say the huge amount of such material is making it increasingly difficult to use traditional methods of human analysis to detect when the most dangerous individuals might act. MI5 / PA They say that means that new ways of performing this task, using technology and science, will become increasingly important. The behavioural and data scientists will be used, for example, to help MI5 colleagues identify how financial transactions and travel might indicate terrorist activity and when suspects are preparing an attack. Whitehall officials add that updated legislation, and a public debate about the balance between security and privacy, will be required to ensure that new methods are legal. But they argue that the law must keep pace with technological advance if the public is to be adequately protected. The new emphasis on technology and data came as MI5s director general Sir Andrew Parker joined the debate over the possible involvement of the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Britains new 5G network. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said yesterday that the US had threatened to cut off some intelligence to the UK if it allowed Huawei to take part. But in an interview with the Financial Times today, Sir Andrew said he had no reason to think that the Britains intelligence-sharing relationship with the Americans would suffer if Huawei technology is permitted in the network. He added that the Five Eyes intelligence partnership with the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand was the strongest it had been and that the relationship between the UK and the Americans was very close and trusted. A decision on whether to allow Huaweis participation in 5G is expected to be taken by the Government this month. Blocking the Chinese firms involvement would hinder the development of the network and potentially harm Britains future trading with China. Rachel Stovall is a longtime community advocate and organizer. Also a fundraising, media and marketing consultant, Stovall is most known for singing with her dance band Phat Daddy and the Phat Horn Doctors. The European Commission president-elect is currently making the rounds in Europe this week, visiting various political leaders. Von der Leyen was on official visit in Luxembourg this Monday. The European Commission president-elect is currently making the rounds in Europe this week, visiting various political leaders. Von der Leyen was on official visit in Luxembourg this Monday. Von der Leyen's commission will present an ambitious climate budget on Tuesday. According to Spiegel, the commission vowed to unlock 1 trillion euros of investment in the so-called green deal over the coming decade. EC AV Service The photos published on this site are subject to copyright and may not be copied, modified, or sold without the prior permission of the owner of the site in question. The new head of the European commission also had a meeting with the Grand Duke. On a side note, the new commission will be sworn in by 27 EU commissioners at the European Court of Justice in Kirchberg this Monday at 3 pm. The members of the commission will swear an oath to follow EU agreements and act in the best interests of the collective. Two directors of well-known jewellery chain TBZ were booked on Monday after two Nagpur men alleged they were cheated by the company to the tune of Rs 20 lakh, police said. The accused have been identified as Hemant Zaveri and Sagar Zaveri (34), directors of Mumbai-based Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri & Sons Pvt Ltd (TBZ), according to a press release issued by the Nagpur police commissionerate. One of the complainants, Uttangrao Marotrao Bhojapai (60) and his friend Prashant Kumar Taytas invested Rs 10 lakh each in a scheme of the company for nine years at its Chhaoni branch here in April 2012 (till September 2021), it said. As per the scheme, the investors were assured of getting 1.5 per cent returns per month from the TBZ branch, the statement said, quoting from the complaint. When the branch stopped sharing profits with the duo, Bhojapai and Taytas approached the company and sought return of their original investment (total Rs 20 lakh), but TBZ officials kept dilly-dallying over payment, it said. On not getting their money back, the duo approached the police and lodged the complaint and attached relevant documents. Based on the complaint, an offence under IPC sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) was registered against the two TBZ officials at the Sadar police station, the statement added. Local TBZ officials could not be contacted for comment over the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A fatal stabbing took place near 17th and Sansom on Jan. 11. Read more Bob Silver was driving to dinner in Center City on Saturday night when three men burst out from between parked cars. At first, Silver, an intellectual-property lawyer, couldnt quite tell what was happening between the men, whom he said were black and in disheveled clothing. Then one hurled a punch. Moments later, a second punch. In between, one of the men pulled out a blade Silver likened to a chefs knife. Within minutes, a man was stabbed in the neck. Silver, 61, was frozen behind the wheel of his Toyota Highlander at 17th and Sansom Streets. Police said the victim, a man in his 30s, died Saturday night at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The authorities said Saturday they had recovered the weapon and made an arrest, but declined to comment further. Silver said he spoke with a city homicide detective Sunday to recount the attack. He had been driving with his husband and another couple to dinner at the Greek restaurant Estia on Locust Street at about 6:15 p.m. Silver was driving in the left lane, carefully navigating his Toyota through the mass of traffic. Then the three men hurtled out into the street, Silver said, missing the front of his car by just a few feet. Two of the men attacked each other, he said, while the third managed to stay out of the violence. It became very clear they were fighting," he said. I could see the violence kind of erupting and when they were directly in front of the car, this one guy pulls out a 12-inch chefs knife." Silver said he called 911 as soon as he saw the knife. The man who held it, he said, was older he estimated in his 40s to 50s tall, and bald. Silver recalled that the attacker had clutched the blade in his right hand. I turned my eyes away because I didnt want to look at another person being stabbed, Silver said. Seconds later, the victim was bleeding in front of a seafood restaurant, Lukes Lobster. The attack was one block away from a fatal attack in July 2018, when food courier Michael White stabbed real estate developer Sean Schellenger. White, 22, said in a trial that attracted wide attention that he had acted out of self-defense. White was acquitted of the majority of his charges except for evidence tampering, related to his throwing the knife onto a West Philadelphia rooftop shortly after the stabbing. The investigation into Saturday nights attack was continuing. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in Saudi Arabia for talks with King Salman on Sunday as part of a tour of oil-producing Gulf Arab states aimed at promoting peace amid a spike in tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Japan has a deep alliance with the United States, but it also has ties with Iran, which until 2017 supplied Japan with about 5% of its crude oil imports. Japan has sought to remain politically neutral as tensions in the Persian Gulf have escalated following President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from Irans nuclear deal with world powers. Security in the Persian Gulf's waters and for Mideast oil supplies is a national security priority for Japan, which imports nearly 90% of its oil from the Middle East. Much of that is shipped from Arab Gulf states through the narrow Straight of Hormuz, which Iran partly controls. Japan plans to deploy naval forces, a destroyer and two patrol airplanes off the coasts of Yemen and Oman to help protect its energy supplies, while keeping away from directly patrolling the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. does. After arriving late Saturday evening in Riyadh, Abe was given a ceremonial welcome and hosted for lunch by King Salman Sunday afternoon. Abe also met Sunday with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Saudi media reported he was scheduled to meet the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This marks Abe's third visit to Saudi Arabia as prime minister. Saudi Arabia is Japan's top supplier of crude oil, accounting for about 39% of Japan's overall crude imports. Iran is unable to sell its oil internationally as it once did, due to U.S. sanctions by the Trump administration. Over the summer, Japanese energy supplies became a target of rising tensions when two cargo ships were mysteriously hit off the Gulf of Oman. No one claimed responsibility for the attack, although others that summer were blamed on Iran, which has denied involvement. Story continues The attacks on Japanese-related cargo in June took place while Abe was in Iran meeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani. He'd traveled to Tehran as an interlocutor for President Donald Trump to ease tensions. Concerns of a wider conflict have grown in recent days following a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed Iran's powerful military commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran retaliated, striking two military bases in Iraq where American troops are stationed, though no casualties were reported. Amid the chaos and heightened threats, Iran acknowledged Saturday it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all 176 people aboard. Abe is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and Oman on Wednesday, before departing back to Tokyo. In the UAE, he will meet with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and other leading Emirati figures. In Oman, Abe will hold talks with the country's new ruler, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who was named on Saturday following the death of longtime ruler Sultan Qaboos. Abe is travelling with a delegation that includes ministers responsible for boosting trade and business ties. While in Saudi Arabia, he is scheduled to visit the desert region of Al-Ula, which the kingdom is touting as a tourism destination, and will reportedly met the Saudi crown prince there. ___ Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo contributed to this report. Environment campaigner urges Siemens to choose the right side of history, but company says it must honour commitments. German engineering group Siemens said it would fulfil its contractual obligations to a controversial coal mining project in Australias outback, attracting criticism from environmental groups on Monday. Siemens was awarded a contract last year to provide signalling technology for a railway line to transport coal from a remote coal mine run by Indias Adani Group in northern Queensland state. The German company had said it would decide by Monday on its involvement in the project. On Saturday, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg called for Siemens to review its role in the project. There is practically no legally and economically responsible way to unwind the contract without neglecting fiduciary duties, Siemens Chief Executive Joe Kaeser said in a statement. Local and federal governments approved the project based on the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as well as hundreds of pages of environmental impact statements, Siemens said. Environmental groups have harshly criticised the Australian governments support for the coal industry, blaming it for contributing to climate change and, in turn, the bushfires ravaging parts of the country. Siemens has given itself an enormous kick in the guts today. It has made a disastrous decision for its own reputation and its hollow commitment to the Paris agreement goes to the heart of that, David Ritter, Chief Executive Officer of Greenpeace Australia Pacific, told Al Jazeera, referring to the 2015 Paris climate agreement. The development of the Adani coal mine is completely inconsistent in spirit with the Paris agreement. So it beggars belief that Siemens can actually think it is committed to Paris while it is supporting the construction of this coal mine, Ritter said. Siemens said it had pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and it fundamentally shares the goal of making fossil fuels redundant over time. While I do have a lot of empathy for environmental matters, I do need to balance different interests of different stakeholders, as long as they have lawful legitimation for what they do, Siemens CEO Kaeser said. We should have been wiser about this project beforehand. Now, we need to be a supplier who sticks to its commitments as long as the customer stays on legal grounds, too. Because being a company which is not a reliable source for its customers is simply not an option. Adani said it was pleased to be working with Siemens and that it would not be intimidated or deterred from delivering on its promises of jobs for locals and coal for developing nations. Environmental activists slammed the decision and pledged to continue their protests, concerned the continued use of coal will lead to higher emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas which is linked to global warming. If Siemens board thinks this is the end of the conversation, theyre kidding themselves, said Julien Vincent, executive director of environmental advocacy group Market Forces in Melbourne. Siemens will face huge public opposition at its [annual general meeting] on the 5th of February and will have to explain to its shareholders why becoming part of the most reputationally risky projects in the world is in the companys best interests, he said in a statement. A protest group that has disrupted the operations of companies linked to Adanis mine said they would target Siemens. Siemens expertise is vital to the Adani coal railway and there is too much at stake to give up, said Galilee Blockade spokesman Ben Penning. Citizens will escalate their protests until Siemens listen to the science and choose the right side of history. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One America News Network, ("OAN") announced today that Chanel Rion will lead OAN's White House coverage as the network's Chief White House Correspondent. "We're delighted to have Chanel lead our White House coverage. She's fully engaged in the news cycle and not afraid to ask the tough questions," stated Robert Herring, Sr., CEO of One America News Network. "Chanel has garnered a large following amongst OAN viewers," Herring added. Chanel Rion, Chief White House Correspondent for OAN Ms. Rion has been instrumental in One America News coverage of President Trump's re-election campaign, the White House, and US National Security. She has taken her reporting and investigative efforts globally - reporting from the North/South Korean border; Kyiv, Ukraine; and Budapest, Hungary. Ms. Rion most recently led and produced the One America News Investigates three-part series featuring investigations centered in Ukraine with special guest Rudy Giuliani. The One America News Investigates programs exposed Hunter Biden's corruption and money laundering activities and former US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch's perjury before Congress and the American people. Most recently, via Twitter, Ms. Rion is believed to be the first journalist to report Ukrainian Flight 752 over Iran was shot down by Iranian forces despite the Iranian government's initial claims of mechanical issues. On Sunday, October 27, 2019, Ms. Rion provided coverage of President Trump's address to the world announcing that US Forces eliminated ISIS Leadership. Ms. Rion asked the President if the pull out of US troops in Syria the prior month was strategically tied to the raid on ISIS leadership. The President's response included, "It's a great question and you're doing a great job." Chanel Rion is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in International Relations. About Herring Networks, Inc. One America News Network is a dependable source for credible live news reporting 24/7. The network also features three one-hour political talk shows, namely The Daily Ledger with Graham Ledger, Tipping Point with Liz Wheeler, and After Hours with Alex Salvi. While other established cable news networks' offer several hours of live news coverage, only OAN can claim to consistently provide 21 hours of live coverage Monday through Friday with extensive weekend coverage. In addition to external news-gathering sources, the network operates news bureaus in Washington, D.C., New York and California. One America News Network is available on leading national cable providers, including AT&T TV, AT&T TV Now, AT&T U-verse, CenturyLink PRISM TV, DirecTV, Frontier Communications, Verizon FiOS TV, and numerous regional video providers across the nation. For more information on One America News Network, please visit www.OANN.com. Press Contact: Krista Pendleton Press Relations Herring Networks, Inc. Phone: 858-270-6900 x 105 [email protected] SOURCE One America News Network Related Links http://www.OANN.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 03:41:22|Editor: yan Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt arrested on Monday eight people for forming an international network of trading human organs, the Administrative Control Authority (ACA) said in a statement. The network, run by a Palestinian woman, forged government documents and illegally attracted foreign patients wishing to have kidney transplantation surgeries, according to the ACA statement. The defendants were brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution which ordered their detention pending investigation. Egypt arrested and sentenced dozens of Egyptians and non-Egyptians for illicit trade of human organs over the past few years. Data software company Cloudera named Rob Bearden as its new CEO on Monday. Bearden was previously the CEO of rival Hortonworks, which merged with Cloudera last year in a stock swap that valued the combined companies at $5.2 billion. Shares of Cloudera rose 3% in extended trading following the announcement. Bearden is a familiar face for many of the company's employees. Now he's keen to eke out more savings from the integration of the two companies and bring in more revenue from customers. Cloudera has already achieved about $125 million in cost synergies, Bearden said in an interview with CNBC on Monday. "We see that there's probably in just operating efficiencies about half that much again that we can get, and we're very focused on generating free cash flow," he said. Cloudera was founded in 2008, and Hortonworks, which Bearden co-founded, spun out of Yahoo in 2011. The two companies for years challenged each other to commercialize the Hadoop open-source software for storing and processing lots of different kinds of data. The two companies' stocks moved lower as they competed with each other, as well as better-capitalized cloud infrastructure providers like Amazon and more traditional database software companies like Oracle. Then they came together, looking to take advantage of each other's distinguishing characteristics. Cloudera's CEO following the merger, Tom Reilly, resigned in July, shortly after Carl Icahn disclosed a stake in the company, and board member Marty Cole took over as interim CEO. Under Cole, a former Accenture executive, Cloudera stock has nearly doubled as the company beat analysts' expectations. At a $3.4 billion market capitalization, though, Cloudera is still worth less than the $5.2 billion of Cloudera and Hortonworks put together when the merger was announced in October 2018. Now Cole is retiring to spend time deep-sea fishing. Hewlett Packard Enterprise recently acquired the assets of another company in the category, MapR, sending worried MapR customers into Cloudera's arms. "We've had a number of the MapR customers reaching out to us, and as they learn more about CDP [the Cloudera Data Platform], they're very aggressively embracing us," Bearden said. Bearden had a brief stint as CEO of open-source software start-up Docker, but that company sold off part of its business to privately held Mirantis in November, and Bearden left then. Bearden said he has spent the past two or three months meeting with Cloudera's management team to try to establish the plan for the company's 2021 fiscal year, which begins on February 1, 2020. "I just got very excited about the team itself, the momentum the company was building, and the reception of the new product across the customer bases, and just saw a huge, massive opportunity, and things just fell into place naturally," Bearden said. He was not on the Cloudera's committee to find a replacement for Cole. WATCH: Cloudera upgraded following earnings (Bloomberg) -- Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is planning to attend a private dinner on Monday with tech leaders including Oracle Corp.s Larry Ellison, according to people familiar with the matter. The dinner, which will be held in San Francisco, comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran run high, and days after Pompeo announced new sanctions on the country. The hope is to drum up support for the Trump administration in Silicon Valley amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to one of the people, all of whom asked not to be identified discussing private information. The dinner guest list includes about 15 people, many of them tech industry leaders, including Sarah Friar, the chief executive officer of Nextdoor.com Inc., Marc Andreessen, the prominent venture capitalist, and Gregory Becker, the CEO of Silicon Valley Bank, the person said. Representatives for Oracle, Nextdoor, Andreessen Horowitz and Silicon Valley Bank didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. The dinner is set to follow appearances earlier Monday for Pompeo in Silicon Valley, including public events at the Commonwealth Club and Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution. --With assistance from Nick Wadhams and Nico Grant. To contact the reporter on this story: Sarah Frier in San Francisco at sfrier1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Anne VanderMey, Virginia Van Natta 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. US President Donald Trump warned Iran Sunday against killing protesters who have risen up over the regimes downing of a civilian airliner as his defense secretary left the door open to talks with Tehran without preconditions. Trumps salvo came as Irans Islamic regime faced a challenge from angry street protests, having come to the brink of war with the US after a series of tit-for-tat confrontations. To the leaders of Iran DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS, Trump tweeted, warning that the world and more importantly, the USA is watching. In an interview with CBSs Face the Nation just before the tweet, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump was still willing to hold talks with Irans leaders.- Were willing to sit down and discuss without precondition a new way forward, a series of steps by which Iran becomes a more normal country, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on CBSs Face the Nation. And if something happened to the protesters? Esper replied: The president has drawn no preconditions other than to say were willing to meet with the Iranian government. Long-standing US-Iran tensions have soared since January 3 when missiles fired from a US drone killed a top Iranian commander, Qasem Soleimani, near Baghdads airport. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at two US bases in Iraq, inflicting no casualties in what was seen as an attempt to prevent a spiral of escalation. But hours later, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard unit shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet shortly after takeoff from Tehran. The death of all 176 people aboard and Iranian leaders belated admission its forces mistook the plane for a cruise missile has set off angry protests against the regime. The British ambassador to Iran was briefly arrested Saturday after attending a memorial service to the victims at Tehrans Amir Kabir University. Reeling I just think you see a very corrupt regime that the Iranian people are finally standing up and trying to hold them accountable, Esper said. On another Sunday talk show, national security advisor Robert OBrien said the Iranian regime was reeling from maximum pressure. They are reeling from their incompetence in this situation. And the people of Iran are just fed up with it, he said on ABCs This Week. Meanwhile, said Esper, the US believes it has disrupted the plots that it says precipitated Soleimanis killing, and expects no further Iranian retaliation. We do not expect any further attacks. But if you look at whats happening on the ground today, you have just yesterday in Tehran and other cities, Iranians chanting, death to the Ayatollah,' he said. Esper and OBrien defended the intelligence that led the administration to claim Soleimani was plotting imminent attacks on US troops and diplomats in the region. But other than in the case of the US embassy in Baghdad, Esper would not confirm Trumps claim in a recent Fox News television interview that four US embassies in the region were among Soleimanis target. Asked if there was specific evidence in the intelligence to support the claim, Esper said, I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. Fudging intelligence The administration has come under withering fire from Democrats and at least two Republican senators for refusing to share the intelligence with members of Congress. Senior congressional leaders the so-called Gang of Eight were briefed January 8 as skepticism mounted about the administrations rationale for a killing that raised the risk of war with Iran. We had exquisite intelligence and the intelligence showed that they were looking at US facilities throughout the region and that they wanted to inflict casualties on American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, as well as diplomats, OBrien said on NBCs Meet the Press. The threat was imminent. I saw the intelligence. Adam Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, said there was no discussion in the briefing given to the Gang of Eight about plots against four embassies. In the view of the briefers, there was plotting, there was an effort to escalate, a big plan, but they didnt have specificity, he said. So when you hear the president out there on Fox, he is fudging intelligence, he said on Face the Nation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the congressional leadership should have been informed of the strike against Soleimani in advance. I dont think the administration has been straight with the Congress of the United States, she said on Meet the Press. SOURCE: AFP| PHOTO: AFP (Newser) Passengers on a flight into New Jersey from DC had a scare as the United Express plane started to land in Newark on Thursday evening, reports NBC New York. Passenger Mike Egbert says that Matthew Dingley got up and went into a "full sprint" toward the cockpit, ramming into the door and starting to bang on it. When a flight attendant tried to stop Dingley, Egbert says that Dingley went after her. "A slight woman, petite, and this guy was clocking her," he says, noting that he and other passengers intervened and were able to calm the situation down. That didn't last, though: When the plane landed and police tried to board to confront Dingley, he rushed at them. story continues below Six police officers were injured before they were able to get Dingley under control, including one who was knocked off the plane's stairs and broke four ribs. The flight attendant was hospitalized and released. "If he did actually get into that cockpit, Lord knows what would have happened," Egbert says. Per CNN, Dingley was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, interfering with transportation, and criminal trespassing and booked Friday into Essex County Jail. "We express our gratitude for the quick reaction of our passengers and crew who responded during this incident," CommutAir, which operates United Express, said in a statement to NBC News. This isn't Dingley's first legal issue: He was arrested in 2016 after a police chase in North Carolina and earned a guilty charge in 2017 for DWI in New York. (Read more United Airlines stories.) DERBY On Dec. 19, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law the deal with 29 state hospitals that gets Connecticut taxpayers off the hook for billions of dollars in legal fees. But that didnt stop him from celebrating the settlement on Monday. During a ceremonial bill signing in Griffin Hospital, Lamont wouldnt blame his predecessor, then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, for the potentially massive $4-billion liability he got saddled with upon taking office last year. But there was a near-palpable sense of relief at the ceremonial signing table as the governor put his signature to a pair of documents and posed for pictures with lawmakers and hospital officials. While taxpayers are out from under a legal cloud, state hospitals are assured of funding peace with state government for the next seven years, under the agreement on the so-called provider tax, created by Malloy in 2012 to gain more federal Medicaid reimbursements for state government and the hospitals. The provider tax ended up costing hospitals big money. The new deal allows the hospitals $1.8 billion, including a 2-percent hike in their Medicaid rates. It is expected to cost the state about $870 million and the federal government about $960 million. This is something that could have been delayed further, said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. This is the beginning of a new era of cooperation and collaboration between Connecticuts hospitals and state government, he said, noting that the original intent of the provider tax was to leverage more federal funding. Because of the demands on state government at the time, it wound up with some deviation from the original intent of the relationship between the industry and government, which benefited state government in that it brought in additional resources but wound up with a disproportionate relationship, one where it benefited the state of Connecticut and caused harm to Connecticuts hospitals, Charmel said. Charmel credited Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides and Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz with helping settle the conflict, reducing the burden of the tax by 50 percent, from about half a billion dollars. Charmel credited Lamont with recognizing the risk. Although action on this had been deferred year after year, this governor appreciated the fact that to have a strong and viable hospital industry, meant that the state of Connecticut would be vibrant, because Connecticuts hospitals, collectively are the largest employers in the state and the economic engines of their communities, he said. This is a problem going back seven, eight, nine years, Lamont said. Im sick of these problems just hanging around and we dont solve them. This is one I think weve solved in the best interests of the people of the state of Connecticut as well as the patient across the state. Klarides, R-Derby, credited the Connecticut Hospital Association with pursing the issues that culminated in the legal action, then, finally, the settlement approved last month by the General Assembly. Nobody wanted that to happen, but you have to use what you have in your toolbox to get what you believe is right, she said. Fasano, R-North Haven, praised Lamont for taking up the issue within his first few weeks in office last year. It was difficult because there was a lot of lack of trust between the hospitals and any government administration, let alone the state of Connecticut, Fasano said. It is a complicated, complicated deal and at any time it could have gone sideways. Fasano said that the issue was a big one for the new administration. He said that hospital lobbyists were relentless. But that what it takes in that building, he said. If youre not at the table you become the meal. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT . BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.13 By Tamilla Mammadova - Trend: The Georgian government has approved the concept of renewable energy projects for the construction of wind farms near Tbilisi and Kaspi, Trend reports with reference to Georgia Capital investment company. As reported, the total capacity of these wind farms will be 108 megawatts (MW). The power plants will be built simultaneously and their commissioning is scheduled for 2022. According to the company, in the near future an agreement will be reached in connection with guaranteed electricity procurement contracts. In 2020, five new wind farms with a total capacity of 270 megawatts will begin to operate in Georgia. As reported, the country will be able to receive 332 MW from wind farms by the end of 2020, 665 MW by the end of 2025, and over 1,300 MW by the end of 2030. Currently, there is one Kartli wind farm operating in Gori with a total capacity of 20 MW. Demand for electricity in Georgia is growing from year to year. From 2016 to 2018, the country's electricity consumption grew by six percent, and local production increased by only five percent. As a result, the volume of electricity imports from neighboring countries has increased. Several flights were cancelled and numerous others delayed at the Dubai International Airport as heavy rain left the airport waterlogged at the weekend. The rains began Saturday and continued overnight until Sunday, causing disruption in flight operations. Although details of the situation remains sketchy Monday afternoon, India Times reported that over four of India Airs flights were cancelled at the weekend. A Dubai International Airport (DXB) official also told journalists on Sunday that 22 flights were cancelled on Saturday night while one inbound flight was diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport. The figures, the official said, were from Saturday night only, as the total number of flights cancelled or delayed during the last two days due to rain and water logging will be announced later. On its verified twitter handle, the airport assured passengers of its continued efforts to bring normalcy to the situation on Saturday night. Operations at DXB continue to be hampered by the knock-on effects of todays heavy rainfall resulting in a number of flight delays, cancellations & diversions, a tweet from the airport handle said. We continue to work closely with our partners to restore full operations & minimise inconvenience to our customers. However, with additional rain expected later this evening, the disruption is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Customers are advised to check directly with their airlines for more specific flight information and allow additional time to get to the airport. Airport officials also advised passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance and always check flight status with their airlines. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the airport claimed that the Dubai Airport is now at the recovery mode, as the backlog of delayed flights are being cleared Monday. Dubai International Airport is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is also considered as one of the worlds busiest airports by international passenger traffic. We are all familiar with the Pentagons and CIAs torture center and prison camp at Guantanamo Bay Cuba, where the U.S. national-security establishment has knowingly, intentionally, and deliberately destroyed protections guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Those include the right to a speedy trial, right to effective assistance of counsel, right to be remain silent, right to trial by jury, and right to confront adverse witnesses. Its worth noting that that the national-security states power to assassinate people also violates the Bill of Rights, specifically the Fifth Amendment, which reads in part as follows: No person shall be deprived of life without due process of law. There are two important points to note about that restriction on the power of the federal government: One, the restriction is not limited to American citizens. By the use of the word person, rather than citizen, the protection extends to everyone in the world. The federal government is prohibited from killing anyone, citizen or foreigner, without due process of law. Two, notice that our ancestors included no exceptions to this restriction. That is, the restriction does not say: No person shall be deprived of life without due process of law, unless the federal government deems it necessary to protect national security. There are no exceptions whatsoever. What is due process of law? The term stretches all the way back to Magna Carta, when the barons of England forced their king to acknowledge that his powers over the people were limited, as compared to omnipotent. Over the centuries, due process of law has come to mean notice and hearing. When it comes to the governments power to kill people, that means (1) a formal indictment notifying the person what he is being accused of; and (2) a trial, usually a jury of regular citizens in the community, in which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and in which the accused is free to defend himself. So, there it is, in clear and succinct language: Our ancestors expressly prohibited U.S. officials from killing people without first providing them formal notice of charges and a trial. That was Americas established system for more than 150 years. No program of state-sponsored assassinations. No federal program for killing people without due process of law. That all changed after World War II, when the federal government was converted from a limited-government republic type of governmental system to a national-security state form of governmental system. A national-security state is a totalitarian type of governmental system. North Korea is a national-security state. So is Egypt. And China, Russia, Cuba. And post-World War II United States. A national security state is composed of a vast and powerful military establishment, an intelligence agency with omnipotent powers, including the power to assassinate people, and a surveillance agency that has the power to maintain a vast system of secret surveillance over the citizenry and others. In the early days of the national-security state, the CIA just assumed the power of assassination. There was no congressional law delegating that power to the CIA. The CIA began wielding and exercising the power of assassination on its own, as part of the new national-security state form of governmental structure that had been adopted after World War II. Almost from its beginning, the CIA established an assassination program, which included the preparation of an assassination manual. The manual trained CIA personnel in the art of assassination and, equally important, in ways to prevent people from recognizing the assassination as being state-sponsored. Making killings look like accidents was one of the methods in which CIA assassins would be trained. Central to this assassination program was secrecy. The national-security state essentially made an implicit deal with the American people: we will exercise dark-side, totalitarian-like powers, including the power to kill people without due process of law, in order to keep you safe, but we will also keep it secret so that you dont have to be bothered about what we are having to do to protect national security. As early as 1953, the CIA assassinated federal military scientist Frank Olson because, they felt, he posed a threat to national security. One year later, it had a list of people targeted for assassination as part of its coup in Guatemala, which ousted the democratically elected president of the country, Jacobo Arbenz, and replaced him with an unelected military dictator. That kill list is still classified by the CIA as top secret. In 1961, there was the CIA conspiracy to assassinate Congo leader Patrice Lumumba. In the early 1960s, there were the repeated CIA attempts to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro. In 1963, there was the CIA assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In 1973, there was the CIA orchestration of a military coup in Chile, during which the Chilean national-security establishment tried to assassinate the democratically elected president of the country, Salvador Allende, with missiles fired from the militarys jet planes. It was all kept top secret, until the 9/11 attacks. From that day forward, the national-security establishments program of state-sponsored assassinations came out into the open and became recognized as an official program of the U.S. government, one fully confirmed by the federal judiciary. Thats how the Pentagon and the CIA have turned America into an assassination nation, one in which the U.S. government wields and exercises the power to deprive anyone it wants, including both American citizens and foreign citizens, of life without due process of law, in violation of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. By Trend The leaders of Britain, France and Germany on Sunday called in a joint statement on Iran to return to full compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and refrain from further violence, Trend reports citing Reuters. We urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the agreement and return to full compliance, the leaders said in the statement issued by the office of French President Emmanuel Macron. We call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation; and we remain ready to engage with Iran on this agenda in order to preserve the stability of the region, they added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Iran signalled on Sunday it favours a de-escalation after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States. (Photo Credit: File Photo) New Delhi: Iran signalled on Sunday it favours a de-escalation after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States during which both sides fired missiles and Tehran accidentally shot down a passenger aircraft. In a meeting between Irans President Hassan Rouhani and the visiting emir of Qatar, both sides agreed de-escalation is the only solution to the regional crisis, the emirates ruler said. Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the region but also enjoys strong ties with Iran, with which it shares the worlds largest gas field. "This visit comes at a critical time in the region, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on what was believed to be his first official visit to the Islamic republic. "We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue." For his part, Rouhani said: Given the importance of security of the region... weve decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region. Meanwhile, Irans Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that they did not aim to kill US troops when firing a wave of missiles last week at Iraqi bases hosting American forces. Our aim was not really to kill enemy soldiers. That was not important, the Guards commander, Hossein Salami, told parliament, referring to Wednesdays missile operation launched to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general. The physical destruction (caused by the missiles) was just because we wanted to say that we are so much more superior to the enemy (and) that we can hit any point we choose, he added, in a speech aired on state television. Iranian operation against killing of Qasem Soleimani Iran launched a wave of missiles at bases in Iraq hosting American and other foreign troops on Wednesday. The US said no American personnel were harmed in those missile attacks on Iraqi soil. The Iranian operation was carried out in response to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Guards Quds Force, in a January 3 US drone strike near Baghdad airport. Hours after launching the missiles on Wednesday, Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane soon after it took off from Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard in what it later admitted was a catastrophic error. Iran has invited experts from Canada, France, Ukraine and the United States to take part in the investigation into the air disaster. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:47:39|Editor: yan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Possible future risks of the Finnish welfare state system rose as a public topic in Finland on Monday, as the Finnish pro-business think tank EVA published a survey on this issue. Emilia Kullas, director of the Business and Policy Forum EVA, on Monday rolled out the survey, indicating that 44 percent of Finns believe the Finnish pension system would collapse some time in the future and pensions already earned could not be paid, while only 25 percent disagreed with this vista. The survey noted, however, that 54 percent of Finns think it would be wrong if citizens themselves would have to prepare for the old age through savings. Nine out of ten Finns back the view that the welfare state must be able to provide tax-financed old age services to everyone. Invited to comment the EVA research at a press conference, Ilkka Kaukoranta, the chief economist of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), said private wealth can never be a replacement to the welfare state. He added that several Finnish studies have recently reflected a wide backing of the population to the welfare state concept. Nevertheless, EVA predicted in the survey report that Finns will be confronted in the future with the situation that personal fiscal assets will have a crucial importance to the life quality of old age. It refers to the declining birth rates and increasing number of people to be taken care of. And for that situation Finns should have to begin to save more, EVA said. The welfare state system was created in Finland in the 1960s. It comprises low cost health and old age care, heavily subsidized by public financing, and free education including universities. The current Finnish left-center government has in its program committed itself to upholding the welfare state as a predominantly public operation. A plumber and his girlfriend are some of the first people to plead guilty to looting offences committed during Australia's bushfire crisis. Leon Elton, 38, pleaded guilty to a series of charges on Monday morning after he was accused of stealing from a burned out electrical store on the NSW south coast. Police have alleged in court that Elton and his girlfriend, Kylie Pobjie, stole Apple TVs, two drones, hair clippers, laptops and other products worth up to $20,000 from Betta Electrical at bushfire-ravaged Batemans Bay on Wednesday. Elton pleaded guilty to six charges including entering a building/land with intention to commit an indictable offence, larceny between $5,000 and $15,000, dispose property theft less than $5000, and possessing a prohibited drug. He appeared at court by video link and was refused bail, a NSW Courts spokesman said. His girlfriend likewise pleaded guilty later on Monday. Mother Kylie Pobjie (left), 31, and her boyfriend Leon Elton (right), 38, allegedly raided a shop burned out by bushfires and stole $20,000 in electrical items in Batemans Bay on Wednesday The Betta Electrical Batemans Bay store is seen on fire on New Year's Eve as devastating blazes consumed the holiday coast The Princes Highway electronics store was devastated by an inferno on New Year's Eve - but enough stock remained in tact for the pair to allegedly ransack it, police claim. Two days after the alleged offending, Elton was arrested at home in Tilba Tilba on Friday afternoon while Pobjie was detained in Narooma. Pobjie was charged with two counts of enter/building land with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of larceny and two counts of dispose property - theft. An out-of-sessions bail hearing on Saturday was told the pair had prior criminal histories. A registrar described Pobjie's past track record as 'very extensive', claiming she had spent 'several periods in custody' for drug offences, ABC News reported. Elton's only prior criminal history was reportedly a dishonesty charge relating to using Monopoly money to pay for a drink at a bar. The pair faced court on Saturday, with Pobjie apprehended in Narooma, where the pair allegedly drove from Kylie Pobjie, 31 (pictured) and plumber Leon Elton, 39, were refused bail in court on Saturday, accused of stealing from the shop to pay for drugs Police facts claimed the couple made a two-hour return trip from Narooma to Batemans Bay to ransack the store over a 24-hour period. After parking across the road, police allege the two entered the fire damaged store in the town's industrial area and fled with stolen goods. Police allege the two then sold the electrical goods for drugs and as payment for using the car. A third man, 26, was charged on Saturday with receive property theft after he was allegedly found with stolen mobile phones from the store in his car. In a statement, shop owners Geoff Hatton and Dominic McClelland said the store was 'heavily impacted' by bushfires but that 'buildings and businesses will be rebuilt. 'We obviously will not be open for business for a period of time. Our plan is to reopen as soon as possible in a temporary centre. 'Thank you to all the RFS and NSW firefighters that worked so hard to try and defend our centre, you guys and girls are the true heroes.' On Monday, Mr Hatton said: 'I've moved on now, too much to do in getting our business up and running again.' Ambassador of Belarus A.Ermolovich meets the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan 13-01-2020 On January 13, 2020 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Andrei Ermolovich, met with the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (in the rank of Minister) of Pakistan, Muhammad Afzal. The sides discussed topical issues of Belarusian-Pakistani cooperation between the rescue services of the two countries. M.Afzal expressed an interest to visit the Republic of Belarus in order to get acquainted with the activities of the Ministry for Emergency Situations, educational institutions for the training of rescuers and emergency equipment manufactured in Belarus. The interlocutors gave a special attention to consultations on the draft agreement on cooperation in the field of prevention and elimination of emergencies, which will lay the foundation stone for cooperation in this field between the relevant institutions of Belarus and Pakistan. print version Shivamogga (Karnataka) [India], Jan 13 (ANI): A group of writers, theatre persons and environmentalists, dressed in the attire of kings, gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Shivamogga and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Speaking to ANI an economist BM Kumara Swamy said, "The CAA passed by the parliament has become an act and the state government cannot pass any act which is against it." They also accused the opposition parties of misleading people on the Act. "The Opposition parties are misleading the people about Muslims losing their citizenship. The CAA act is only about giving citizenship to religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan," he said. "I request people to understand the act before protesting against it. For strengthening the country we have to support the CAA and we thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the courage to enact this act," he added. (ANI) Washington is consulting with Chinese colleagues to cut off oil supplies from Iran to China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin said. He told Fox News that through sanctions Washington has now managed to "cut off probably over 95% of the oil revenues" of Iran. According to Mnuchin, at present, China accounts for a significant part of the remaining oil exports of Iran. "I sat down with the Chinese officials. They flew in a delegation to meet with us and the State Department to talk about this. They've cut off all of the state companies from buying oil, and we're working closely with them to make sure that they cease all additional oil activities," the U.S. Treasury Secretary said. Mnuchin noted that the United States had previously imposed sanctions on a number of Chinese firms transporting Iranian oil. HONG KONG, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam visited on Saturday the wife of a 57-year-old construction worker set on fire by a rioter and transferred donations of 300,000 Hong Kong dollars (around 40,000 U.S. dollars) to her. "I also expressed my sympathy and I hope Lee will recover as soon as possible," Lam posted on her Facebook and said the money was the second batch raised by the construction sector, following previous donations of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars. The man surnamed Lee was poured with flammable liquid and set ablaze on a footbridge in Ma On Shan on Nov. 11, following an argument with rioters who were trashing facilities in a metro station. Suffering from burns on almost half of his body, Lee was still in hospital after several medical operations. "The horrific scene of Lee being tortured is still fresh in my mind," Lam said. "Rioters cannot tolerate other people disagreeing with them and they 'lynched,' threatened, beat and even burned innocent residents." The assaults of rioters on ordinary residents were rampant. A 70-year-old street cleaner died in November after being hit in the head by a brick hurled by a rioter when a large group of masked rioters were wildly attacking residents attempting to remove road blockages. Lam also denounced rioters who silence other people by doxxing and vandalism and said that partial coverage that glorifies violent accidents is outrageous. The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to Apple, WhatsApp, Google on the petition of three Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professors seeking to preserve CCTV footage, Whats App conversations and other evidence related to January 5 violence at the University campus. Three professors of JNU -- Ameet Parameswaran, Atul Sood and Shukla Vinayak Sawant had recently approached the Delhi HC through a petition seeking to preserve CCTV footage, preservation of data of social media and other evidence related to January 5 violence at the university campus. Justice Brijesh Sethi has sought response from respondents by tomorrow (January 14) from several social media organisations. Meanwhile, Delhi police informed the HC that they have already sought CCTV footage of the January 5 violence and are taking every necessary step. However, no response has come from the university. We have also written to WhatsApp seeking details of the two groups-- 'Friends of RSS' and 'Unity against Left' and waiting for the response, Delhi Police Informed. JNU professors moved the Delhi High Court seeking required directions to the Delhi Police Commissioner to preserve data, CCTV footage and other evidence relating to the recently held violence at the JNU campus. Advocates Abhik Chimni, Maanav Kumar and Roshni Naamboodiry appearing for petitioner professors had sought directions for preservation and retrieval of all materials/evidences available with WhatsApp INC, Google INC and Apple INC pertaining to relevant data of WhatsApp groups "Unity Against Left" and "Friends of RSS" including messages, pictures and videos and phone numbers of the members, related to JNU violence incident that occurred on January 5. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Please, please stop telling people who use the term of endearment Bone Spurs that they show a lack of respect to the office of the presidency. Respect is earned, not given. Our president is the unrivaled best at calling people names. Maybe he should be more respectful of the position the antiquated Electoral College put him in. Take a good look in the mirror before you chide the partisan name-calling, as your dear leader revels in it. The Democratic presidential field shrank Monday with the withdrawal of New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. The 50-year-old represented one of the party's few remaining opportunities to spotlight ethnic diversity in its quest to unseat President Donald Trump. Twelve hopefuls remain, barely half of the field who set their sights on the nomination last year. 'Its with a full heart that I share this newsIm suspending my campaign for president,' Booker wrote in a tweet on Monday morning. Donald Trump mocked him moments later. Cory Booker has left the Democratic presidential race, shrinking the field to 12 candidates and stripping the party of one of its last remaining nonwhite White House hopefuls President Donald Trump jumped on his iPhone to tweet a slap at the New Jersey senator, joking that he would finally rest easy knowing Booker wouldn't be the Democratic nominee 'Really Big Breaking News (Kidding): Booker, who was in zero polling territory, just dropped out of the Democrat Presidential Primary Race,' the presdient tweeted. 'Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him!' Booker was polling at 1.8 per cent among Democratic voters, according to an average maintained by Real Clear Politics. He made a dignified exit, thanking his team and his supporters: 'I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together.' 'I've said throughout this race that this election is not just a referendum on Donald Trump. It's a referendum on who we are and who we must be to each other. And over the past year, I've seen the very best of who we can be,' Booker texted his supporters. Booker followed spiritual guru Marianne Williamson and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro out of the race. Castro almost immediately put his weight behind Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who in national polls has seen her support drop as Sen. Bernie Sanders moves up the ladder. Castro is campaigning for Warren in Nevada and Iowa. Williamson told her supporters Friday, when she dropped out, that she'd support the candidate the Democrats nominate. Booker added diversity and a little star power to the race. He was one of four black candidates running. Now only former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick remains. Booker's girlfriend is actress Rosario Dawson, who would occassionally appear at his side at campaign events and debates. Sen. Cory Booker (right) added some star power to the race, as his girlfriend, actress Rosario Dawson (left) would sometimes join him at campaign events. Here the couple is photographed entering the spin room at the October 15 debate in Westerville, Ohio Sen. Cory Booker announced Monday morning that he was suspending his bid for the presidency. Booker will soon have to play the role of juror in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of President Trump As a member of the U.S. Senate, Booker was going to have less time to campaign thanks to Trump's upcoming Senate impeachment trial. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is likely to move the articles of impeachment over to the Senate this week - and then the trial can commence. This timing eats into the last few weeks candidates have to campaign before voting begins. The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for February 3, with the New Hampshire primary coming eight days after, on February 11. Friday's Des Moines Register poll had Sanders out in front - for the first time - at 20 per cent. Sanders was followed by Warren with 17 per cent, Buttigieg with 16 per cent and Biden with 15 per cent. Booker was polling at just 3 per cent, being leapfrogged by entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who received 5 per cent support. December and early January polls in New Hampshire show either Sanders or Buttigieg in the lead. Booker, on the other hand, bobbed between 1 and 3 per cent. Fundraising has also been a problem. The New Jersey senator raised just $6.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. 'Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win - money we don't have, and money that is harder to raise because I won't be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly keep me in Washington,' Booker wrote in his note to supporters Monday. Vietnamese companies collaborate on swine production Thadi, the agricultural arm of automotive manufacturer Thaco Group, will collaborate with pangasius exporter Hung Vuong JSC (HVG) to raise swine following the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)'s standards, Vietnam News Agency reported. Based on a strategic cooperation agreement signed between the two sides, Thadi will hold 65% stake in a joint venture with HVG to raise up to 1.2 million swine annually. In 2020, VND2 trillion (US$86.34 million) would be invested in raising about 45,000 breeding swine at farms in An Giang and Binh Dinh with 15,000 head expected to be supplied to the market in March. Thadi will additionally acquire a 35% stake of HVG and participate in the latter's board of management. Thaco's chairman Tran Ba Duong said HVG has exclusive rights to raise a swine variety imported from Denmark. The company has developed high-tech farms in An Giang and Binh Dinh, supplies high-quality piglets to farmers, and also produces cattle feeds. However, the company has suffered losses and financial difficulties in recent years. Cooperation with Thaco is expected to help HVG gain breakthroughs in livestock farming and provide Vietnamese consumers with safe food products at affordable prices, said HVG chairman Duong Ngoc Minh. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong spoke highly of the cooperation, saying the strategic deal will contribute to developing high-tech farming in Vietnam. He also expected Thaco to expand high-quality cattle farming to meet domestic demand. Thadi has charter capital of VND3.5 trillion and owns in total agricultural land of 29,600 hectares, of which 10,000 hectares are for fruit farming. The company also raises about 90,000 head of beef cattle. The man accused of stabbing at least five people with a machete at the home of a Hasidic rabbi during a Hanukkah celebration pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges on Monday. A federal grand jury indicted Grafton Thomas, 37, late last week on additional counts of attempting to kill victims based on their religion and obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon for the December 28 stabbing of members of the Orthodox Jewish community in Monsey, New York. Each of the 10 federal counts carries a maximum prison term of life. Thomas attended his arraignment in White Plains in orange jail garb as members of his family, including his mother, sat in the courtroom and waved at him. Scroll down for videos Grafton Thomas, 37 (pictured) on Monday pleaded not guilty to five federal hate crime charges in the Hanukkah stabbing spree Thomas' defense lawyer, Michael Sussman, argued the man is mentally ill and does not understand the federal charges against him He spoke only briefly to answer the judge's questions, confirming his name and age and saying that he has taken the antidepressant Prozac. When asked by the judge whether he was 'clear' in his head during Monday's arraignment, Thomas replied in the affirmative. Thomas' defense attorney, Michael Sussman, entered the not guilty pleas on his client's behalf and suggested that the mentally ill man does not fully grasp the charges against him. When the presiding judge asked the defense lawyer whether he was satisfied with Thomas' understanding of the indictment, Sussman replied: 'no, your honor. He understands it to the extent he understands it,' according to New York Daily News. Thomas also faces state charges in the December 28 attack inside the home of a rabbi in Monsey, NY Federal prosecutors have said Thomas targeted his victims because of their Jewish faith. In a criminal complaint filed last month, they cited handwritten journals they seized from the suspect's home containing references to Adolf Hitler, Nazi culture and the Black Hebrew Israelites movement, identified by extremism experts as an anti-Jewish hate group. Thomas also faces state charges for the attack, which his attorney, pointing to his client's long history of mental illness, has said was likely an expression of psychosis rather than bigotry. Sussman, his lawyer, has said Thomas had a long history of mental illness and had been hearing voices. He has requested the 37-year-old undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The picture above shows the apparent moment Grafton Thomas stormed into a rabbi's house in Monsey with a machete before allegedly attacking five Hanukkah celebrants An image was taken apparently moments before the attack shows Rabbi Chaim Leibush Rottenberg (sitting), who is the leader of Congregation Netzach Yisrael-Kosson One of the men wounded in the machete attack remains in serious condition. His family has said he may have permanent brain damage. Thomas is accused of storming into the home of Rabbi Rottenberg, a prominent Hasidic Jewish leader in a predominantly ultra-Orthodox community of Monsey and attacking guests gathered there for a Hanukkah celebration. Thomas allegedly took out a machete and started stabbing and slashing people in the home packed with dozens of congregants. The five victims suffered serious injuries - including a severed finger, slash wounds and deep lacerations. The most gravely injured is reported to be a 72-year-old man who suffered machete blows to his head, leaving him partially paralyzed, comatose and breathing on a respirator. Josef Neumann, a father-of-seven children from New York, sustained a 'fractured skull' and had been 'sliced through his neck'. Authorities said Thomas fled by car to Manhattan, where he was arrested later that night. Josef Neumann, a father-of-seven children from New York, sustained a 'fractured skull' and had been 'sliced through his neck'. He is pictured following the horrific attack Thomas was arrested within two hours of the attack. When police pulled his car over in Manhattan, he allegedly had blood all over his clothing and smelled of bleach but said 'almost nothing' to the arresting officers. Authorities say they discovered a blood-stained 18-inch machete and a knife smeared with dried blood and hair in Thomas' car after the attack. The Monsey attack capped a string of incidents in which Jews have been physically attacked or accosted in the New York metropolitan area in recent weeks, including a shooting at a kosher supermarket in New Jersey that left two members of the Hasidic community dead. One of the suspects in that attack - who died in the shooting - had also expressed interest in the Black Hebrew Israelites. Two days after being sworn in as San Francisco's new District Attorney, Chesa Boudin reportedly fired at least seven attorneys from his office. Among the Friday firings were multiple managing attorneys in the criminal division. The news was first reported by The San Francisco Chronicle. I had to make difficult staffing decisions [Friday] in order to put in place a management team that will help me accomplish the work I committed to do for San Francisco," Boudin said in a statement. According to The Chronicle, the prosecutors are at-will employees and can be terminated at any time per the San Francisco city charter, but some still do plan on taking legal action. "For someone who ran on a platform of second chances, I know I never got a first," one of the terminated attorneys told KQED. MORE: 5 things new DA Chesa Boudin wants to change immediately about San Francisco A little over 130 of the office's 300 employees are prosecutors. According to the Chronicle, Boudin hired new four attorneys on Monday. Two formerly worked at the public defender's office. Boudin ran on a platform of major justice system reform, from ending cash bail to ending mass incarceration. "Theres an awful lot about our criminal justice system that is dysfunctional. Everyone who sets foot in a criminal courtroom will see myriad ways the system is dysfunctional," Boudin told SFGATE recently. Katie Dowd is an SFGATE Senior Digital Editor. Email: katie.dowd@sfgate.com | Twitter: @katiedowd New Delhi, Jan 13 : Opposition parties have decided to keep up the pressure on the Centre on the triple CAA, NPR and NRC issues by reading out the preamble to the Constitution across the country on Republic Day. In a statement issued following a meeting here on Monday, the opposition parties said they had decided to observe a "Jai Hind Day" on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23. The resolution adopted at the meeting also called upon Chief Ministers who are opposed to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), to stop the Nationbal Population Register (NPR) process their states. The resolution said: "The slogan coined by the Indian National Army (INA) under his (Bose) leadership has become the regular greeting of all Indians - "Jai Hind". The historic INA trial at Red Fort reverberated with the slogan "Sahhgal, Dhillon, Shahnawaz" that galvanised the Indian people and bolstered the communal unity of our people during those difficult times of 1945-46." "Readings of the Preamble of the Constitution and taking oath to safeguard it in all habitations across the country must be held. and on January 30, on the martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi. Observe it by highlighting his relentless campaigns in pursuit of communal harmony," the resolution said, urging people to join the program. The opposition parties also urged the states to stop the NPR process from going ahead. "The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic and religious minorities. The NPR is the basis for the NRC. We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR. All the Chief Ministers, who have announced that they will not implement NRC in their State, must consider to suspend the NPR enumeration as this is a prelude to NRC," they said. The resolution also said the economic crisis has pushed the economy to the verge of a recession with a record fall in the country's GDP and unemployment levels at their highest in the last half century. "Agrarian distress deepening with rising farmers' suicides, massive closures and lay offs in industrial units accompanied by rising prices of petroleum products, cooking gas, vegetables and all essential commodities is making people's lives more miserable. The Modi government has created an economic disaster," it added. CAIRO Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala al-Saeed met Jan. 7 with Sameh Shenouda, CEO of Zarou, a wholly-owned unit by US private equity firm Blackstone, to discuss investment opportunities with Egypt's sovereign wealth fund. The minister said that the fund is confidently moving toward attracting investments in line with the sustainable development strategy Egypt Vision 2030. This comes as the Cabinet approved Dec. 26 amendments to the Egypt Fund Law No. 177 of 2018 on the development of state resources and exploitation of state assets. Article 6 of the law currently in force provides that the fund aims to contribute to sustainable economic development through the management of its funds and assets. Article 5 stipulates that the president of the republic has the right to transfer the ownership of any of the unused state-owned assets to the fund. It also allows for the transfer of assets used by the state in coordination with entities that own the assets in question. According to the amendments, the fund aims to contribute to sustainable economic development through the management of its own funds and assets, the funds and assets of state-owned entities or companies and state-affiliated bodies. It also aims to manage the funds and assets of companies it has shares in and those of companies it is entrusted with managing. Also, the amended text, which was submitted by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development upon the request of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, protects the presidents decisions from potential judicial appeals. It states that the only parties allowed to appeal against presidential decisions related to the transfer of an asset ownership to the fund are either the asset owner himself or the fund. Parliament is now expected to approve the amendments as it is dominated by the pro-Sisi Daam Masr Alliance. According to the amendments, no person is allowed to file a lawsuit with the aim of annulling contracts concluded by the fund. Also, courts are not allowed to accept appeals or claims related to such disputes. The current version of the law, which parliament passed on July 16, 2018, states that the capital of the fund amounts to 200 billion Egyptian pounds ($12.5 billion). But the government is planning to increase the capital of the fund to 1 trillion pounds ($62 billion). Some observers believe that the amendments contribute to the revitalization of the economic and investment cycle and help attract new investments in light of the increase in the volume of the authorized capital of the fund. However, others believe that such amendments portend economic deterioration and set the stage for corruption away from any kind of accountability and oversight. These opine that the states role is to provide a favorable environment for investments, and not sell state assets and property without accountability. Parliamentarian Ahmed Tantawi, a member of the 25-30 bloc, told Al-Monitor that the new amendments will put the fund at the disposal of the executive authority as they allow it to act as it pleases without oversight or accountability even from parliament. Tantawi noted that these broad powers give the executive authority the right to sell or lease state property to foreign investors or even to borrow from foreign entities by using such assets as collateral without the need for anyones approval, including parliament. Such powers also give the president full powers to take any decisions without any objection from anyone, including the judiciary. This contradicts the constitutional provisions guaranteeing every citizen the right to litigate. Article 97 of the constitution states, The right to litigation is inalienable for all, and every citizen has the right to refer to his competent judge. The state shall guarantee the accessibility of the judicature organs to litigants, and the rapidity of statuting on cases. Any provision in the law stipulating the immunity of any act or administrative decision from the control of the judicature shall be prohibited. Economist Hani Tawfiq, who is also president of the Arab Union for Direct Investment, told Al-Monitor that the government is striving to create an investment environment capable of greasing the wheels of the Egyptian economy. This, he said, prompted the state to protect sales contracts concluded by the fund in an attempt to lure Arab and foreign investors who fear government bureaucracy and would rather have their interests protected. It created a fund that can single-handedly take decisions without consulting any other party. Tawfiq added that the government learned from past mistakes and the privatization experience over the past years, when court rulings would nullify sale contracts concluded by public sector companies, including Omar Effendi Company, Tanta Linen Company and Shebin El Kom Spinning & Weaving Company, among others. This is why, he said, the government is seeking to reassure foreign investors in Egypt. On Dec. 8, Saeed said during her meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly on the sovereign fund's work that meetings are currently being held with a number of Saudi investors who confirmed their desire to invest in the sovereign fund. She said that other similar meetings are to be held with a number of Emirati investors who are members of the Egyptian-UAE Business Council. Since August 2016, the government has been seeking to breathe new life into the country's economy and attract investments through the 2016 economic reform program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The exchange rate was liberalized in the wake of that program, as energy subsidies were reduced and an unprecedented rise in commodity prices and services ensued. As the IMF reform program came to an end, the government is now focusing on attracting foreign investments, as the net foreign direct investment rate declined for the second year in a row from about $7.7 billion during fiscal year 2018 to roughly $5.9 billion during fiscal year 2019, a decrease of 23.5%. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 09:23:30|Editor: zyl Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Government has announced 76 million Australian dollars (52.4 million U.S. dollars) in funding for mental health services in bushfire-affected communities. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Sunday that the funding would cover free counselling sessions, health consultations and rebates for 10 psychological therapy sessions via Medicare, Australia's universal public healthcare system. "These bushfires have been unprecedented in their scale, coverage and duration," he said. "They have also taken a traumatic emotional toll on our people. We need to ensure the trauma and mental health needs of our people are supported in a way like we never have before." At least 28 people have died and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed across the country in bushfires. "We know that trauma and tragedy are deeply linked with mental health impacts and what we're seeing now is that people are in the early phases of recovery and response," Health Minister Greg Hunt said. "Initial early treatment for mental health can make a very significant long-term difference. "But even then, in three or six months, post-traumatic stress can emerge, and so early action is vitally important but also to be there over the medium and the long term." An inquiry into the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, the most deadly bushfires in Australian history, found that mental health impacts persisted for five years after the disaster for some victims. Christine Morgan, the head of the National Mental Health Commission, welcomed the funding announcement. "This is a particularly distressing time for everyone across the country," she told News Corp Australia. "Because of this, it is important that the mental health and wellbeing of Australians is supported immediately, as well as providing ongoing long-term interventions." New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that it was not hearing the Sabarimala review pleas but focused on examining the larger issue of law, like ban on women's entry to mosques and temples, genital mutilation among Dawoodi Bohras, and bar on Parsi women married outside the faith from entering the fire temple. A nine-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, said the court would examine the legality and essentiality of religious beliefs that discriminated against women. Justice Bobde drawing out the contours of the judicial enquiry said it would primarily examine the seven questions referred to a larger Bench by a five-judge Bench on November 14, 2019, in a split 3:2 majority judgment. In November, a five-judge Bench then headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi instead of deciding on the Sabarimala judgment review, which allowed entry of women of all ages to the Sabarimala temple, framed seven questions and referred that to a seven-judge Bench. The questions included whether "essential religious practices" would come under the ambit of constitutional protection under Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs). The CJI said the court would only examine the propositions of law raised about religious practices, believed to be essential to various religions, and it would not go into the individual facts of the petitions. The court has clarified that it would not delve into the legality of issues associated with the practice of polygamy and 'nikah-halala' in Islam. To streamline the process of examining the legal issues, the CJI has asked lawyers to hold a conference on January 17 to frame questions on law, which would be examined by the nine-judge Bench. The court posted the case for hearing after three weeks. The lawyers also contended that petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act were listed for hearing on January 22, and this should not impact the hearing by the nine-judge Bench, the CJI said cases would be heard "chronologically". Senior advocates -- Indira Jaising and Rajeev Dhavan -- said the apex court couldn't decide on the essentiality of religious practices, as it was beyond its jurisdiction. The advocates cited the 1954 Shrirur Mutt judgment of the Supreme Court. According to this, the essentiality of religious practices should be decided in accordance with the religious doctrines of each faith. The advocates queried on the strength of the nine-judge Bench, constituted to look into the matter, and asked was it to test the seven-judge Bench that delivered the Shrirur Mutt judgment. The Tamil Nadu government has told the Madras high court that it will remove certain portions about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from a Class 10 book. Chandrasekaran, secretary of RSSs Tamil Nadu wing, had moved a petition in the high court, seeking a direction to remove some portions of the book, which he alleged were against the RSS. During the hearing, the TN government agreed to remove the portions the petitioner found controversial. We have formed a team to inquire into the issue. The TN school education department will strike the controversial portion from Social Science book of Class 10, the school education department said. Tamil Nadu BJP unit has also demanded the TN government to inquire into this matter as how the subject has come into the syllabus. RSS was formed to do people welfare activities. It was not any religion. The TN government should inquire into this matter, the BJP TN twitter handle post reads. DUBLIN, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Turkish Defense Market - Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides readers with detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of industry leading companies, and key news. The report offers detailed analysis of the Turkish defense industry with market size forecasts covering the next five years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for the industry, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants. In particular, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the following: The Turkish defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of the Turkish defense industry during 2020-2024, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the country's expenditure and modernization patterns Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget with respect to capital expenditure and revenue expenditure. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the country's imports and exports over the last five years Market opportunities: list of the top ten defense investment opportunities over the next 5 years Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the Turkish defense industry Turkish military expenditure is anticipated to register a CAGR of 18.13% over the forecast period. Turkish military stands at US$14 billion in 2019, and registered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.04% during the historic period. The country's strained relationship with Greece, persistent threats from the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), active participation in peacekeeping missions, and the focus on the indigenization and Turkification of defense industry drove defense expenditure during the historic period. With this trend expected to continue, expenditure is anticipated to register a CAGR of 18.13% over the forecast period to value US$29.8 billion in 2024. As a percentage of GDP, the country's defense expenditure will average 2.2% over the forecast period compared to an average of 1.7% recorded during the historic period. The capital expenditure allocation, which stood at an average of 33.9% during the historic period, is projected to increase to an average of 40.4% over the forecast period. This is primarily due to the procurement of advanced defense equipment and a focus on increasing the capabilities of the country's indigenous defense industry. Various procurements that are expected to fuel the growth of capital spending over the forecast period include multi-role aircraft, missile defense systems, corvettes, and main battle tanks (MBTs). Turkish homeland security (HLS) expenditure stands at US$5.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach US$7.8 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 10.32% over the forecast period. Expenditure is driven by the threat of separatists and extremists, illegal immigration, drug trafficking and the country's dispute with Syria. Aircraft accounted for the largest expenditure during 2014-2018, with the US being the largest supplier. Turkish defense imports were highest in 2014 and 2018. Turkey procured Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and in 2014 acquired 737-700 Peace Eagle Aircraft. Other significant import partners include South Korea, Spain, and Italy. Sensors, artillery, missiles, engines, naval vessels, naval weapons, armored vehicles and satellites were other key imports during 2014-2018. Similarly, arms exports recorded a gradual increase during the historic period and armored vehicles accounted for the majority of defense exports, with UAE topping the list of defense exporters during 2014-2018. Key Highlights Turkish defense expenditure stands at US$14 billion in 2019, and registered a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 4.04% during the historic period. in 2019, and registered a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 4.04% during the historic period. The country's strained relationship with Greece , persistent threats from the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), active participation in peacekeeping missions, and the reduction in foreign dependency for military equipment procurement, drove defense expenditure during the historic period. , persistent threats from the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), active participation in peacekeeping missions, and the reduction in foreign dependency for military equipment procurement, drove defense expenditure during the historic period. With this trend expected to continue, expenditure is anticipated to register a CAGR of 18.13% over the forecast period to value US$29.8 billion in 2024. As a percentage of GDP, the country's defense expenditure will average 2.22% over the forecast period, which is marginally declining compared to an average of 1.7% recorded during the historic period. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 1.1. What is this Report About? 1.2. Definitions 1.3. Summary Methodology 1.4. About the Author 2. Executive Summary 3. Market Attractiveness and Emerging Opportunities 3.1. Current Market Conditions 3.1.1. Primary threat perception 3.1.2. Military doctrine and strategy 3.1.3. Procurement Programs 3.1.3.1. Ongoing procurement programs 3.1.3.2. Future procurement programs 3.1.3.3. Top Procurement Programs by Value (US$ Million) 2019-2024 3.1.4. Geopolitical, Social and economic scenario 3.1.5. Political and strategic alliances 3.2. Defense Market Size Historical and Forecast 3.2.1. Turkey defense expenditure expected to grow during the forecast period 3.2.2. Turkish defense expenditure to rise over the forecast period 3.2.3. Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP is expected to decline over the forecast period 3.3. Analysis of Defense Budget Allocation 3.3.1. Share of capital expenditure to increase over the forecast period 3.3.2. Capital expenditure to increase over the forecast period 3.3.3. Key Trends in Turkish defense market 3.3.4. Per capita defense expenditure to rise over the forecast period 3.4. Homeland Security Market Size and Forecast 3.4.1. Homeland security (HLS) expenditure expected to grow over the forecast period 3.4.2. Threats driving homeland security expenditure 3.5. Benchmarking with Key Global Markets 3.5.1. Turkish defense expenditure expected to remain low compared to leading spenders 3.5.2. The country's defense budget is high compared to its regional countries 3.5.3. Turkey defense expenditure as a percentage of GDP is expected to decrease 3.6. Market Opportunities: Key Trends and Growth Stimulators 3.6.1. Top Defense Market Categories by Value (US$ million) - Forecast-Period Projections 3.6.2. Physical Security 3.6.3. Multirole Aircraft 3.6.4. Main Battle Tank 4. Defense Procurement Market Dynamics 4.1. Import Market Dynamics 4.1.1. Defense imports expected to decrease over the forecast period 4.1.2. The US was the primary supplier of arms to Turkey 4.1.3. Aircraft were the major imported military hardware during 2014-2018 4.2. Export Market Dynamics 4.2.1. Turkey aims to increase defense exports over the forecast period 4.2.2. UAE emerged as the largest importer of Turkish defense equipment during the period 2014-2018 4.2.3. Armored Vehicles accounted for the majority of defense exports during 2014-2018 5. Industry Dynamics 5.1. Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1. Bargaining power of supplier: low 5.1.2. Bargaining power of buyer: high 5.1.3. Barrier to entry: medium 5.1.4. Intensity of rivalry: high 5.1.5. Threat of substitution: high 6. Market Entry Strategy 6.1. Market Regulation 6.1.1. The Turkish government encourages offsets to develop the country's domestic industrial defense base 6.2. Market Entry Route 6.2.1. Budgeting Process 6.2.2. Procurement policy and process 6.2.3. Joint venture provides market entry opportunity for foreign OEMs 6.2.4. Joint research and development programs provide foreign OEMs with an opportunity for market entry 6.3. Key Challenges 6.3.1. Corruption poses a challenge to the success of defense deals 6.3.2. The completion of military modernization plans, project delays, and cost escalation to limit new projects 6.3.3. Devaluation of Turkish Lira in relation to US Dollar 7. Competitive Landscape and Strategic Insights 8. Business Environment and Country Risk 8.1. Economic Performance 8.1.1. GDP per capita 8.1.2. GDP, current prices 8.1.3. Export of goods and services (LCU Billion) 8.1.4. Import of goods and services (LCU Billion) 8.1.5. Gross national disposable income (US$ Billion) 8.1.6. Local currency unit per US$ 8.1.7. Market capitalization of listed companies 8.1.8. Market capitalization of listed companies as a percentage of GDP 8.1.9. Government cash surplus deficit as a percentage of GDP 8.1.10. Goods Exports as a percentage of GDP 8.1.11. Good imports as a percentage of GDP 8.1.12. Service imports as a percentage of GDP 8.1.13. Service exports as a percentage of GDP 8.1.14. Foreign direct investments 8.1.15. Net foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP 8.1.16. Mining, manufacturing, and utilities output Companies Mentioned Lockheed Martin Lockheed Sikorsky Korean Aerospace Industries Boeing ( McDonnell Douglas ) ) Samsung Techwin Hyundai Rotem Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) - Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems BAE General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Otokar Roketsan Makina ve Kimya Endstrisi Kurumu (MKEK) Aselsan Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Havelsan Tusas Engine Industries (TEI) FNSS Defense Systems Company Istanbul Shipyard For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/578suq Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Philippines is suddenly facing a dangerous crisis. Authorities have ordered a total evacuation of nearly half a million people near the capital Manila, after a volcano, Taal, spewed ash up to nine miles (14 kilometres) into the air on Sunday prompting warnings of a possible "explosive eruption." Ashfall meant that a huge area in Manila now stands covered in ash. There are also chances that the volcano might erupt anytime soon. In the Philippines, Taal Volcano has errupted and its now under alert #4, a warning that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible anytime. To my fellow PH oomfs, pls keep safe and if youre experiencing ashfall as well pls dont forget to wear a mask pic.twitter.com/sRbX7DvtRD DADDEH (@vminggukx) January 12, 2020 Taal volcano is located about 37 miles (60 kilometres) south of the capital Manila on the island of Luzon and it is one of the countrys most active. Images and videos of eruption are spine chilling: They show the sky and towns covered in ash and steam. Avelino Mendoza The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert level to four which means an "explosive eruption" could happen in the coming hours or days. The highest alert level is five, which is used to indicate if the eruption takes place. Even though the volcano itself is not very big, it is considered among the worlds most dangerous as a lot of people live in its vicinity, according to Erik Klemetti, a volcanologist at Denison University. WATCH: As the Taal Volcano in Batangas continues to spew ash Sunday, January 12, the ashfall reach the South Luzon Expressway For updates on #TaalEruption2020: https://t.co/QnFEn7Rc1H pic.twitter.com/AMHlUfItIv Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) January 12, 2020 Meanwhile, it is being reported that the prices of face masks have spiked. Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said that her office has received complaints that N95 masks were being sold for P200, up from the previous P25 to P30 (Rs 35- 42) to P200 (Rs 280). She has ordered the city's permits bureau and licenses office to check retailers. She said, Let's not use this time to take advantage of others. Let's remember, this is dangerous to the health. We don't want asthma patients to be rushed to the hospital just because they cannot find or afford masks. Meanwhile, images of towns and villages being deserted because of the volcano are doing the rounds online. This picture was shared with the caption, Agoncillo town, the nearest area in the Taal crater lake turned into a desert after the whole site was covered with gray ashes and coconut trees were almost flattened. The widow of a CIA agent killed in a suicide bomb blast at his Afghanistan base has broken her silence 10 years after the deadliest single day attack on the agency. Racheal LaBonte appeared on the Today show Monday, alongside her daughter Raina who was only two years old when Darren LaBonte was killed at 35 in the December 30, 2009 suicide blast depicted in Oscar-winning movie Zero Dark Thirty. Darren had phoned his wife a day earlier to say he was coming home. But he never made it back after carrying out one last mission - one he told superiors he was reluctant to do and that his father urged him to call off. Recalling the moment she received the phone call to tell her Darren had been killed, LaBonte told Today's Savannah Guthrie: 'I fell to my knees, started crying.' Scroll down for video Widow Racheal LaBonte has opened up to Today about receiving the news her CIA agent husband had died in the December 2009 suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan: 'I fell to my knees, started crying' Darren LaBonte joined the CIA in 2006. The widow says she 'couldn't breathe' when she heard about her husband's passing A suicide bomber struck a CIA base in northern Afghanistan in Dec. 2009. It was the deadliest single day for the agency in a quarter century. 7 officers and contractors were killed For the 1st time, the family of one of those officers is honoring the legacy of them man they lost pic.twitter.com/xe9ZyWWEF7 TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 13, 2020 She was on vacation in Italy with Darren's family: 'And my mother-in-law's standing right in front of me, my brother-in-law's standing right in front of me, and I couldn't breathe. I couldn't breathe.' In the interview, LaBonte fondly remembers meeting Darren on a blind date. He was a former Army Ranger and SWAT team officer in Libertyville, Illinois before 9/11 and wanted to go back to the Army again after September 11, 2001 but his wife forbade him. 'Find another way to serve,' she recounts telling him. Darren eventually worked for the FBI then, in 2006, became a CIA case officer based in Amman, Jordan. He was a handler for bomber Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi, a Jordanian doctor who the CIA believed was a double agent helping them gain intelligence on Al Qaeda but was in fact a triple agent loyal to Islamist extremists. Seven officers and contractors were fatally injured in the Camp Chapman attack. The CIA team was criticized for making fatal errors such as not searching al-Balawi before the deadly meeting in a bid to make him feel welcome. CIA Director Leon Panetta did not discipline anyone and simply said in a report that came out 10 months later: 'This is a case where there are some systemic failures where all of us have responsibility, and all of us need to fix it.' Raina, 12, (left) says the good work her father did has pushed her to strive to do better every day, especially in her studies Racheal visits Darren's grave in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia several times a year with Raina Racheal LaBonte wants her husband to get the recognition her deserves: 'I think that it's important for people to know that there are people out there in the shadows that are doing behind-the-scenes work that they don't even realize' Now the mother wants their little girl, now 12, to carry her father's memory with her. 'I think that it's important for people to know that there are people out there in the shadows that are doing behind-the-scenes work that they don't even realize,' LaBonte NBC News for the Today show. 'They are the sheepdogs to the sheep. There is danger that is lurking in the shadows, and there are people out there that are protecting every single one of us.' She visits Darren's grave in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia several times a year with Raina. Raina says she remembers her father holding her and the good work he did has pushed her to strive to do better every day, especially in her studies. Although the pair appear somber a decade on, they are trying to make sure Darren's memory lives on. 'It doesn't feel like 10 years. Feels more just like yesterday,' LaBonte continued. 'The emptiness is still there. However, the celebration of a life is way more important, and we try to do that every single year every day of the year.' Oscar-winning movie Zero Dark Thirty (2012) is centered around the story of the CIA attack at Camp Chapman but officer LaBonte's family want people to understand who he truly was Darren's father Dave said: 'For 35 years, he lived a high-speed life. He did what he could to make the world a better place, and he shouldn't be forgotten' His parents also don't want him to be forgotten. Father Dave LaBonte says he tried to talk Darren out of leaving the military for a safer and higher paid role elsewhere. His mother Camille told NBC News: 'He said, "It's more important to do something that matters than to make money."' They have an oil painting on their wall commissioned by King Abdulla of Jordan whose military intelligence officer cousin, Captain Sharif Ali bin Zeid, acted as a liaison between the bomber and CIA and was also killed in the attack. 'For 35 years, he lived a high-speed life,' Dave LaBonte said. 'He did what he could to make the world a better place, and he shouldn't be forgotten.' Trump's National Security Advisor Reveals Circumstances Under Which US Would Withdraw From Iraq Sputnik News 22:06 12.01.2020(updated 22:16 12.01.2020) Last week, following the US drone strike against a senior Iranian commander in Baghdad, Iraq's parliament passed a resolution calling for the expulsion of all foreign troops from the country and the cancellation of Iraq's cooperation with the US-led coalition against Daesh (ISIS).* The US will leave Iraq on its own terms and when it is "safe" to do so, US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien has said. "The president said we want to be out of the Middle East. But what we need to do is leave on our terms, and we need to leave in a fashion in which ISIS/Daesh has been fully eliminated. We took care of the physical caliphate and we're working very hard now to mop up the rest of ISIS," O'Brien said, speaking to Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday. "I think we'll come up with a resolution, we had a team from NATO this week. I think you're going to see far more NATO involvement in Iraq," O'Brien added. Pressed on whether the US would respect Iraq's sovereign choice, O'Brien said that the US looked forward "to leaving an Iraq that's safe and that's secure and that's independent, and that's what the Iraqis want as well." Commenting on the Iraqi parliament's resolution demanding the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country, O'Brien downplayed its significance. "With respect to the resolution you're talking about that was a non-binding resolution, so it seems they've learned something from our democracy with non-binding resolutionsThis was a non-binding resolution passed by a Shia-only group of legislators. The Sunnis boycotted it, the Kurds boycotted it." On Friday, US media reported that Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi formally asked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to develop a mechanism to withdraw the estimated 5,000 US troops still stationed in the war-torn country. In a phone call with Pompeo, Mahdi reportedly objected to US forces entering Iraq and aircraft flying over the country's airspace. On Saturday, US media reported that Washington had warned Baghdad that it could lose access to its central bank account at the US Federal Reserve Bank if it went through with its decision to expel US troops from the country. Last week, following the Iraqi parliament's vote, President Trump threatened to hit Iraq with sanctions that would "make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame" by comparison, and said that the US would not leave Iraq until Baghdad paid the US back for the costs of building the Balad military base north of the Iraqi capital. * A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Deepak Chopra, MD and Menas Kafatos, PhD The universe is hard to explain, because there are so many moving parts and so many levels, probably infinite in both cases. It is a cherished goal in physics to unify these parts, but so far success has eluded even the most brilliant investigators. The average person might take an occasional interest in the latest theories about the cosmos, but we think the mystery of the universe faces everyone on a daily basis, as does the solution to the mystery. The cosmic riddle is easy to state: Is the universe whole? Do its parts all work together, and if so, how? Clearly the universe isnt a machine, because machines are assembled from mechanical parts with visible connections like the gears in a cars transmission. But the universe has a peculiar feature. The moving parts, meaning any physical object, whether as large as a galaxy or as tiny as an atom, depend on probabilities to show us their properties, and these suddenly vanish at the quantum level. Even large, or macroscopic, objects exhibit quantum behavior. To drive the point home, subatomic particles do not have a stable identity. They flicker in and out of one state, following invisible probability waves. The same peculiarity holds true for the other basic ingredients of what we call everyday reality: time, space, and energy. All have an invisible source beyond the physical, even though we experience them in the physical world. Classical physics, like all of todays science, depends on reductionism, the method that explains a phenomenon by breaking it down into smaller parts. Reductionism is tied to the fundamental idea that reality is physical and that nothing else is needed beyond the physical. Even though modern physics is hugely complex, the outmoded notion that the universe is a gigantic physical mechanism keeps persisting a century after quantum theory dismantled the very notion that the mystery of the universe lies in its tiniest bits and pieces. If the mystery of the universe can be solved, the solution doesnt lie with a purely physical explanation. If we take an ordinary object like a coffee cup, the mystery of everything is contained in it, and in one stroke the mystery can be solved, because in the experience of holding a coffee cup, you can simultaneously throw out a solution that doesnt work and see that the right solution is dawning. Holding the cup and experiencing it is as important as the cup itself. The two cannot be separated. Physics can reduce a coffee cup to the smallest scale before everything vanishes in the quantum dimensions known as the Planck scale, named for a seminal quantum physicist, Max Planck, who started the entire quantum revolution in 1903. Measurements of length are extremely tiny, almost infinitesimal at the Planck scale. As a unit of measurement, the Planck length is 100 million trillion times smaller than the proton. Planck theorized that five infinitesimal units that characterize the micro worldlength, mass, energy, temperature, and chargecan be reduced to individual quantum scales to the smallest possible values at the scale where the universe, and everything in it, originates. If you try to imagine the womb of creation, the Planck scale is its location. Planck-scale units tell us the scale at which the universe began during the Big Bang, but they also mark the end of the road. This is where the laws of nature no longer operate, where smaller is impossible to measure because length itself, along with the whole setup of three dimensions, time, and every known constant, ceases to have meaning. There is much more to say about the Planck scale, but one thing is clear. Physical explanations stop here, and they havent solved the mystery of the origin of the universe. What lies over the Planck scale horizon cannot be known by any kind of physical experiment, data, facts, or any observation. Where the universe collapses into pure mystery, so does a coffee cup and so do you. You are beyond any facts, which means that physical data concerning you, although interesting and useful, are just provisional, temporary, and relative. In fact, any theory reaches a horizon of understanding about the mysteries that lie beyond. The true, essential you (along with the coffee cup and the entire universe) can only be found following a non-physical path of explanation. This path, which is open to direct experience, is the path of consciousness. We are so conditioned to accept the physical explanation of reality that the path of consciousness seems alien. But consciousness itself already defies the reductionist approachas another great quantum physicist, Erwin Schrodinger declared, it makes no sense to subdivide the mind. It is far more credible and ultimately self-consistent to explain everything as a creation of consciousness than as a machine-like conglomeration of matter and energy. The Planck scale cannot be observed, only speculated about. But whatever is happening, you and I are the result, along with everything in existence. Something has to be going on, and if it isnt material or physical, if it doesnt take time or occur in space, there is only one thing that the human mind can conceive, which is consciousness. This is a classic example, one might say, of Sherlock Holmess dictum that when every other explanation has failed, the one that remains, however improbable, must be true. Consciousness-based reality is ultimately the cleanest, most self-consistent and irreducible view of the wholeness that science and philosophy are trying to reach. Assigning the leading role to consciousness isnt improbable. Being conscious is the essence of every experience. Without awareness, there is no known reality. To someone wedded to a purely physical explanation, consciousness is nothing, or at best a lingering mystery that no one can understand, but once you step away from physicalism, consciousness is everything. This choice, between nothing and everything, is crucial; you cant get around it. Planck himself came to believe that consciousness is fundamental to the universe. In an attempt to salvage physicalism, it is argued that the universe existed for billions of years before human beings appeared on the scene to be aware of it. Physical explanations miss the point. What does it mean to say you are conscious? It means that you perceive, understand, and know. It means that you can think, observe, speak, and act. It means that you have a sense of self. These features of you cannot be created out of physical stuff. It only makes sense that they have always been around, woven into the fabric of existence itself. Consciousness knows, understands, perceives, observes, etc. These are its basic qualities, just as wetness is a basic quality of water. So the path of consciousness is built up not from bits and pieces of matter, but the process of consciousness creating anything it wants simply by projecting itself. Its creative ability begins with nothing but itself. It doesnt need space, time, matter, and energy. They are tools of creation the way a painter uses the tools of color. A painting needs the tools of color to be created, but clearly the painting is much more than those tools. A coffee cup has local qualities and universal qualities at the same time. It is a thing and it is the idea of the thing. The local qualities are its color, shape, hardness, lightness, and so on. Its universal qualities are invisible, playing their part behind the scene. These are the qualities of creativity embedded in consciousness. There is every reason to shift our explanations to be consciousness based. When you see a painting, its local qualities are in the picture. You can study the Mona Lisa for hours absorbing these qualities. But implicitly you know that it took a conscious mind, belonging to Leonardo da Vinci, to assemble those local qualities. He conceived how to make the models smile elusive, her beauty enigmatic, her skin luminous, and the inert paint come alive. Without consciousness, no local qualities can exist. The same is true of the universe, your body, a coffee cup, and anything else. Without consciousness to unify everything, we would be left with the only alternative, which is nothing. DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. He is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego. Chopra is the author of over 89 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His 90th book and national bestseller, Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential (Harmony Books), unlocks the secrets to moving beyond our present limitations to access a field of infinite possibilities. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century. Menas C. Kafatos is the Fletcher Jones Endowed Professor of Computational Physics at Chapman University. Author, physicist and philosopher, he works in quantum mechanics, cosmology, the environment and climate change and extensively on philosophical issues of consciousness, connecting science to metaphysical traditions. Member or candidate of foreign national academies, he holds seminars and workshops for individuals, groups and corporations on the universal principles for well-being and human potential. His doctoral thesis advisor was the renowned M.I.T. professor Philip Morrison who studied under J. Robert Oppenheimer. He has authored more than 333 articles, is author or editor of 20 books, including The Conscious Universe, Looking In, Seeing Out, Living the Living Presence (in Greek and in Korean), Science, Reality and Everyday Life (in Greek), and is co-author with Deepak Chopra of the NY Times Bestseller You are the Universe (Harmony Books), translated into many languages and at many countries. You can learn more at http://www.menaskafatos.com The Saudi pilot who killed three people when he opened fire on a Florida Navy installation last month was inspired by jihadist ideology, the United States attorney general said, calling the attack "an act of terrorism." Second Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, a 21-year-old Royal Saudi Air Force member, shared jihadi and anti-U.S. military posts on social media, Attorney General William Barr said in a Monday press conference on the investigation into the Dec. 6 attack. Some of those posts were shared within two hours of the attack. The shooter also visited the 9/11 memorial site in New York over Thanksgiving weekend and posted a message on the 18th anniversary of those attacks stating that "the countdown has begun," Barr said. "The evidence shows that the shooter was motivated by jihadist ideology," he said. David Bowdich, the FBI's deputy director, said that Alshamrani fired at photos of President Donald Trump and at least one other former commander in chief during the attack. The Saudi officer also made statements during the attack that were critical of American actions overseas, Bowdich said. Ensign Joshua K. Watson, Airman Mohammed S. Haitham and Airman Apprentice Cameron S. Walters were killed in the attack. Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly posthumously awarded the three aviation trainees the Wings of Gold in honor of their heroism and sacrifice. Related: 3 Sailors Killed in Pensacola Awarded Aviator's Wings of Gold The attack, which wounded eight others, lasted 15 minutes, Bowdich said. Naval security forces engaged the shooter within eight minutes. Alshamrani was ultimately killed by law enforcement personnel. At the crime scene, Bowdich said they recovered a semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine, several ammunition magazines and approximately 180 rounds of ammunition. He confirmed that Alshamrani purchased the weapon used in the attack lawfully in Florida in July 2019. "It was purchased under a hunting license exception," Bowdich said. "This exception allows non-immigrant visa holders who otherwise are not permitted to buy firearms or ammunition to purchase them if they have a valid state-issued hunting license permit or other required documentation." The fatal incident prompted a review of the program that allows international troops to train on military installations. Barr said the investigation shows Alshamrani acted alone despite early reports that other Saudi troops had assisted in or recorded the attack. "They fully cooperated in the investigation, as did all other Saudi cadets who were interviewed by the FBI at the base and in other bases around the country," he said. In the course of the investigation, though, Barr said officials identified 21 members of the Saudi military who had inappropriate materials and will be shipped back to their country this week. Seventeen of the cadets had jihadi or anti-American content on their computers, Barr said. "However, there was no evidence of any affiliation or involvement with any terrorist activity or group," the attorney general added. Fifteen of the Saudi trainees -- including some who'd been found to have the jihadi or anti-American materials -- were also found to have had "some kind of contact with child pornography," Barr said. One was found to have a significant number of child pornography images, he said, while the rest had one or two photos that had been posted in a chat room or sent to them via social media. "The relevant U.S. attorneys' offices independently reviewed each of the 21 cases involving derogatory information and determined that none of them would in the normal course result in federal prosecution," Barr said. "However, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia determined that this material demonstrated conduct unbecoming an officer in the Royal Saudi Air Force and in the Royal Navy and the 21 cadets have been disenrolled from their training curriculum in the U.S. military and will be returning to Saudi Arabia later today." Barr defended the program that allows foreign troops to train at U.S. military bases, calling the partnerships "critically important to our country." He later added that the vetting on international troops coming into the U.S. should be improved before those personnel arrive in the U.S. "I wouldn't suggest or speculate that improved vetting would necessarily have prevented this particular event, but I do think it's clear -- and I think the department of defense agrees -- that we do have to improve our vetting procedures," Barr said. "And they are in the process of doing that." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Read more: Esper Calls for Review of Foreign Troop Vetting in Wake of Pensacola Shootings 'It is feared that AI can predict the outcome of a case once it is launched.' 'It knows the law, precedents and judicial thinking better.' 'If AI becomes too common, clients will start using the software to measure the chance of success of their cases,' says M J Antony. 'AI is not going to replace human judges. It is not going to replace human discretion. It is only the repetitive, mathematical and mechanical parts of the judgments for which help can be taken from the system... we are exploring the possibility of implementing it.' -- Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde, January 11, 2020. If all the laws in the country are laid end to end, there will be no end. India has the longest Constitution with 117,369 words (the US has only 4,543). There are 1,248 main Acts, though there is no exact count covering central and state laws. The Supreme Court judgments run into 16 printed volumes every year. Multiply the number for 24 high courts. Then there are procedural rules for each state. The mind-boggling data can be mined only by artificial intelligence, the new entrant into the legal field. However, the Indian legal system is still struggling with basic digital literacy. The facility for e-filing petitions in the Supreme Court elicited poor response -- only a few hundred in the past three years. It is rare to find a lawyer arguing with a laptop in front. The court recently expanded to multi-storied buildings in 12 acres nearby -- a clear sign that judiciary is not prepared for the advent of space-crunching AI. With less than 0.2% in the Union Budget for the judiciary, this must be expected. Chief Justice S A Bobde has declared that AI will not be allowed in the decision-making process. Still, he recognised the role of AI when he said that it can read 1 million words per second and answer questions where thousands of pages are involved as in the recent Ayodhya case. Since the judiciary is still slow to adopt AI, it is natural that the legal profession is also sluggish in this field. There is little preparation in law colleges for the coming data revolution. The law faculties are stuck in old syllabi and they are not equipped to prepare future lawyers to use AI. The judges are also not digitally savvy and still struggle to emerge from the Dickensian era. Though software for law and procedure is slowly becoming available in the market, only a few corporate law firms use them at present. Ordinary lawyers cannot afford them or know how to use them. Moreover, their clients will be impressed if they are called into a room where law books are stacked up to the ceiling. They are more at ease with the current dystopian state of affairs and find it good for their business. AI is useful mainly for research at present. This is now done by junior lawyers in law firms. This could be done more efficiently by AI. It is helpful in counselling corporate clients and providing due diligence before signing contracts. Its proficiency in repetitive, routine work is unparalleled. Surveys have found that it is more than 70% accurate. If AI takes over, legal professionals have reason to fear that they will meet the same fate as horses when steam engine was invented. The future of AI is inauspicious for lawyers in other ways too. It is feared that it can predict the outcome of a case once it is launched. It knows the law, precedents and judicial thinking better. Only the human factor is left out, like the attitude of judges while a lawyer filibusters. If cameras are allowed into the courtroom, AI will analyse the lines in the judge's brow better. If AI becomes too common, clients will also start using the software to measure the chance of success of their cases. If they find their case weak, they would prefer to go in for arbitration or settlement instead - a loss for legal business. Doctors have often been confounded by highly specialised questions their patients have picked up from Google. Lawyers might find themselves in a similar predicament. Lastly, predictive AI would meet extra-legal challenges special to India. Astrologers who help win litigants lurk near lawyers's chambers. Bhrigu Samhita contains all knowledge about current and future events, as well as information about the future. Then there are at least two temples -- one in Kerala and another in Himachal -- where the deities specialise in bestowing sure victory to litigants. A 29-year-old RPF constable has been arrested on the charge of sodomising a taxi driver in Mumbai, police said on Monday. The accused, identified as Amit Dhankad, was drunk at the time of the incident which occurred on Sunday late night, an official said. He said Dhankad had an argument with the cabbie who was picking up passengers from P D'Mello Road in south Mumbai. "Dhankad wanted the cabbie to drop him to Grant Road. However, the taxi driver refused saying he had already picked up passengers, which angered Dhankad. He then hit the taxi driver with a stick, empty beer bottles and took him to a railway area where he sodomised him," the official said. The accused is posted at the CSMT. Dhankad snatched Rs 850 cash and a mobile phone from the cabbie, and demanded Rs 2000 to release him, he added. "The victim somehow managed to free himself and reached MRA Marg police station," he said, adding that a police team picked Dhankad from RPF barracks near Karnak Dock. The constable has been booked under sections 377 (Unnatural Sex), 394 (Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), 387 (Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said MRA Marg police station senior inspector Sanjay Kamble. A local court remanded the accused in judicial custody till January 20, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FILE PHOTO: The logo of the French oil giant Total Refinery is seen in Donges (Reuters) - Oil major Total on Monday said its Donges refinery in western France was being supplied again after a weekend blockade in the port of Saint-Nazaire due to a nationwide strike over the government's pensions reform had been lifted. "Oil depots are very well-supplied. The movement will therefore have no impact on the supply levels of our network from the Jan 14-16 period and beyond," a spokesman with Total said. Strikes and protests over President Emmanuel Macron's pension overhaul which have been taking place since early December have generated fears over possible fuel disruptions across the country. It was unclear on Monday whether strikes would ease in the coming weeks, following some government concessions to unions. The government's standoff with the unions is the biggest challenge yet of President Emmanuel Macron's will to reform the euro zone's second-biggest economy. A representative of the hardline CGT union told Reuters the Saint-Nazaire port could be subject of new blockades as soon as Tuesday. (Reporting by Bate Felix; Writing by Matthias Blamont; Editing by Dan Grebler) Monarch says she would have preferred couple to remain full-time royals but respects their wish for an independent life. Britains Queen Elizabeth has given her blessing to grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghans wish for a more independent future following crisis talks involving the most senior members of the royal family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family, the 93-year-old monarch said in a statement. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. She said there would be a transition period during which the couple would spend time in the UK and Canada, adding there was more work to be done on finalising future arrangements for the couple. Earlier, Prince Harry and Meghan issued a statement outlining their wish to step down, carve out a progressive new role, and become financially independent. They said that they wanted to divide their time between North America and the UK. In response, Buckingham Palace said these were complicated matters. The British media reported that the queen was taken aback by the couples move. In her Royal Christmas Message, the monarch rounded of what she described as bumpy year. In a more pressing family crisis in 2019, her son Prince Andrew came under increased scrutiny after being accused of raping a minor an allegation which saw him step back from royal duties. American schools generally do not teach about religious texts. This is unquestionably a good thing, an important way in which public institutions, including our venerable K-12 schools, abide by and uphold the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment, which prohibits the state sponsoring of religion. But there is a part of me that sometimes worries about unintended consequences. It happens most frequently when I read about current events, like the ongoing debate over the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement in the Middle East, rising Hindu nationalism in India, or young Christians differing attitudes toward gay marriage compared with their parents views. Every day religious texts, and their imprint on the spiritual and social practices of faith, reshape the geopolitics of our world. Shouldnt we question whether in our haste to protect our children, we may be losing something? Im not actually a particularly religious-with-a-capital-R person, but the study of a religious text, in large part, shaped my beliefs of what high-quality schooling can look like. And it prepared me to ask deeper questions about the link between religious beliefs and social and political structures. Armed with color-coded highlighters and index cards, my 9th grade classmates and I went through chunks of the Old Testament, part of a unit on source criticismthe theory that four major schools of writers compiled and edited the books comprising the Torah (which are also the first five books of the Old Testament). Taught by the indefatigable Donna Maree Wanland at my Jesuit high school, the course was nominally a religion class. In substance, though, it was an intellectually rigorous exploration of how different sources mirrored evolutions in Judeo-Christian thought, culture, and law. This kind of teaching would be exceedingly difficult to do well in public education. But Ms. Wanlands class was the first time I can recall ever engaging in scholarly thinking at school. Today, I attribute a continued fascination with how texts are constructed to this class. It contributed to my decision to get two degrees in English and, later, my choice of profession, journalismwhich is, after all, about sorting through competing sources in search of some greater understanding of events. As has been argued before, there is also valuable cultural capital in studying religious texts. The allusive nature of Western literature, despite ongoing debates about its worth, means its a lot harder to make much sense of Dante, Milton, or Shakespeare without a good working knowledge of the Bible. And in U.S. History, it is far more profound for students to grapple with the African-American experience in the United States when they learn that the Bible was almost always the first book that enslaved people learned to readand that the black experience of Christianity is deeply linked to the development of black music, the roots of the civil rights movement, and the Great Migration. Shouldnt we question whether in our haste to protect our children, we may be losing something? Its possible for students to learn the skills of historical inquiry and literary analysis absent a focus on religious texts. But Im not convinced that that is the case for making more general sense of world events. Even in my own experience, I never received similar exposure to the central texts or traditions of any other major world religion, like the Quran or the Hindu Vedas, and my knowledge and understanding of those religions is rudimentary. Im skilled and well-prepared enough to be able to research and learn more about them on my own, but I doubt most Americans can say the same. If anything, the challenges for self-teaching are greater than ever, given the mainstreaming of white Christian nationalist ideas and anti-Islam sentiment. In no way do I mean to suggest that K-12 schools should suddenly begin secular religious studies programs. The evidence we have indicates that teachers are woefully underprepared to teach them. In a 2013 study of dozens of Texas districts biblical-literature curricula, religious-studies scholar Mark Chancey of Southern Methodist University found several problematic themes, including a bias toward a conservative Protestant interpretation, inaccurate representations of Judaism, and the promulgation of the myth that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. The limited data that we have about the public appetite for the teaching of religious texts is also concerning. In a recent survey, more than three-quarters of American parents favor a comparative religions class and more than half support nonsectarian Bible study. Yet, digging below the surface data yields uncomfortable divides and hints at hidden agendas. Evangelical Christians, the group of Americans that most favors a Bible studies course, remain deeply wary about teaching other religions, for example. Secondly, the track record of so-called nonsectarian providers is discouraging. Not long ago, I attended a press conference held by a group promoting a secular Bible curriculum and textbook. When queried why they thought schools should devote precious time to the topic, they asserted that if more students knew something about the Bible, there would be less crime and fewer wars. The motivating factor for this group, in other words, had little to do with the intrinsic historical, literary, or global value of understanding this text and much more to do with values that they felt it conveyed. It is not generally good form to end an essay like this with the equivalent of throwing ones hands up in the air, but here we go: Students First Amendment rights, already curtailed more than in other public institutions, are crucial; we cannot and should not do anything to jeopardize them. And, yet, I worry: Few students will experience the kind of structured inquiry into religious studies that I did, unless they are lucky enough to take such a class in college. I only hope that smarter minds than mine can figure out a way forward on this paradox. 13.01.2020 LISTEN Accord, one of Nigerias registered political parties has thrown its weight behind the decision of Governor Emeka Ihedioha to suspend officials of the Local Governments in Imo State, describing their election as unconstitutional. The Party also wants perpetrators of the January 6 2020 invasion of the twenty seven local government areas in the state prosecuted. In a Press Conference by the State Chairman of the party, Elder ThankGod Ibe weekend on the recent invasion of the Local Government Council Headquarters in Imo State by suspended Local Government Chairmen and other officials and appointees of the Rochas Okorocha administration, the party argued that Governor Ihedioha acted within the law, by suspending the officials. The text reads in part: We have taken time to study and review the unwholesome act of invading the Imo LGA Headquarters on 6thJanuary, 2020 by agents of the immediate past governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his son-in law, Uche Nwosu who purport as elected local government officials and appointees. We wish to reiterate that Accord filed a case (Suit No. HOW/613/2019)against the then government headed by Owelle Rochas Okorocha. We challenged the constitutionality and validity of the Local Government elections which the administration of Rochas Okorocha purportedly conducted on the 25thof August, 2018 before the expiration of its tenure. The grounds on which the suit is predicated include a ground stating that the Independent State Electoral Commission ISIEC, which purportedly conducted the election was not properly constituted according to law and another which alleges that there was actually no election held in accordance with the electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and failure to constitute an Election Petition Tribunal etc. We took this legal action on a major ground that ACCORD is the only party, apart from Rochas Okorochas party, the APC, which participated in what turned out to be a sham called election. We also wish to emphasize that the case was filed by ACCORD before the end of Rochas Okorochas administration and before the present administration of His Excellency Emeka Ihedioha was inaugurated, but government being at Law a continuum, the Ihedioha administration inherited the case as respondents. We also recognize the fact that while the substantive suit filed by ACCORD was pending, (and is still pending), certain developments took place with respect to Local Government administration in Imo State. There were upon assumption of office by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, conflicting Court judgements on the status of Local Government officers in the state. There was also a notice of allegations of serious misconducts bordering on high fraud and financial mismanagement against all the Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councilors and other political appointees. There was public outcry which jolted the Imo State House of Assembly to pass a resolution urging the Governor to act in accordance with the law. ACCORD is not unaware that the administration of local governments in Imo State is governed by the Imo State Local Government Law No. 15 of 2000 as amended by Law No. 28 of 2019 of the same name. We refer to this law (combined) as the Imo State Local Government Administration Law of 2000 (as amended in 2019). Under section 26A of this Law (as amended), the Governor is empowered to suspend a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Councilor or any other political appointee of a local government where (a.) there is a case of emergency; (b.) there is notice in writing of any allegation against the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Councilor or political appointee of any Local Government. Under section 4 (1) of the same law, emergency is defined to include a situation where there are conflicting Court Judgements, Rulings and Court Orders or uncertain legal environment. There were other situations included by the Law as emergency each of which the situation which existed in Imo State at this early period of the Ihedioha administration could aptly fit into. Acting upon the above scenario, Imo people who spoke through their representatives in the State House of Assembly raised their voices in a resolution paving the way constitutionally for the Governor to suspend these officials and political appointees of the local governments. We are also aware that the Governor set up a Committee to look into the Notice of Misconduct and turn in their findings. We are also aware that the Committee set up to investigate the financial corrupt practices has already unearthed mind-bogging cases of abuse of office, misconduct and fraudulent financial practices against the suspended officials and appointees. The committee has turned in an interim report and asked for more time to conclude, pursuant to which the governor, by an instrument under his hand and pursuant to the same law as aforesaid, has extended for another six months the tenure of the Interim Management Committees of the Local Governments. It is against the above background that ACCORD supports every step being taken by the State Government and the security agencies to apprehend those that perpetrated the criminal actions of 6th January 2020 and bring them to account under the criminal laws of the state. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, left Michigan to hit the campaign trail with Bernie Sanders this weekend, lauding the Democratic presidential primary hopefuls commitment to black and brown communities during multiple events in Iowa. Sanders earned the progressive congresswomans endorsement in late 2019 after he visited her constituents in Michigans 13th District. Michigan is a key battleground state in the next election, and Tlaibs district is expected to play a large role in selecting both the Democratic Party nominee and the countrys next president. Tlaib, speaking at rallies in two Iowa cities this weekend, said she aligns with a political movement Sanders started with his first presidential bid. She also spoke at length about growing up outside the beautiful black city" of Detroit and the plight of residents struggling to find affordable housing in neighborhoods untouched by pollution. The freshman congresswoman said Sanders understands the pain of economic oppression. I know you all feel it. You feel this realness, this rawness, about this person, Tlaib said while introducing Sanders at a Jan. 11 rally. You feel it. I love that when he sees me angry and on the break of tears, he gets it. While Tlaib traveled with Sanders this weekend, an allied political action group organized supporters in Wayne County. Voters in communities surrounding Detroit thoroughly rejected Sanders during his narrow 2016 Michigan primary win. Tlaibs predecessor, the late John Conyers Jr. endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary. When it came time to vote, Sanders gathered less than half as many Wayne County votes as Clinton was able to muster. However, Clinton lacked the support of communities around Detroit in the general election. Clinton received 76,000 fewer Wayne County votes than former President Barack Obama did in 2012 and lost Michigan by less than 11,000 votes. Our Revolution Michigan, a progressive political action group spun from Sanders 2016 campaign, held a rally Sunday to mobilize voters for the upcoming March primary. The event was held in Livonia, a city in the northwest part of Wayne County that Trump won by 7 percentage points. Michelle Deatrick, co-founder of Our Revolution Michigan, said Sanders is the best candidate to inspire disillusioned Democrats who stayed home, voted for a third-party candidate, or flipped for Trump due to his promises to bring back manufacturing jobs. "One of the reasons I so firmly believe that Sen. Sanders is the most electable candidate is that he is exciting a very wide swath of the electorate, Deatrick said. Expanding the electorate and ensuring that the largest part of the electorate possible is voting for the Democratic nominee is absolutely crucial. Tlaib, a 43-year-old daughter of Palestinian immigrants who was among the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, said Sanders stands with working people. She said Sanders has a lifetime of experience with issues affecting her constituents, fighting corporate pollution, gentrification, and disinvestment in urban neighborhoods. He will always put us first, Tlaib said. We deserve that. We cant guarantee that with others. We can guarantee it with someone who has been saying the same exact thing for 40 years. Its yet to be seen whether Tlaibs support will help convince more voters in her majority African American district to support Sanders this time. Sanders acknowledged a need to attract older black voters to support his campaign during an interview with the New York Times editorial board. Recent polling shows Sanders is leading the field among black Americans under age 35, but struggles with older black voters. Former vice president Joe Biden has consistently been favored by black voters in national polls and was endorsed by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan last year. The Democratic primary field is keeping a tight focus on Iowa, the first state to hold caucus or primary later this year. Sanders emerged as a possible front-runner in Iowa, according to polls released this month, but those voters look much different than people in Detroit. Tlaib told the audience in Iowa Sanders wont sell us out." She pitched the Vermont senator as the most genuine candidate who is leading the political conversation among Democrats. I feel like weve already won just because hes in the race, Tlaib said. People are talking about issues theyve never talked about. Meanwhile, Our Revolution is moving ahead with plans to build volunteers for Sanders when he turns his attention to Michigan. Deatrick said the group is knocking on doors, holding phone banks and gathering grassroots support throughout Michigan. His movement in the state never went away, Deatrick said. Related coverage on 2020 primary: Bernie Sanders joins picket line at Detroit UAW strike Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib endorses Bernie Sanders for presidency Rashida Tlaib, Bernie Sanders pay tribute to John Conyers at Detroit rally Michigan-born musician Jack White says Bernie Sanders is telling the truth at Detroit rally Pro-Trump protesters gather outside of Detroit Bernie Sanders rally Bernie Sanders says Michigan voters sparked political revolution that will beat Trump Sen. Cory Booker announced Monday that he will end his campaign after failing to qualify for the Democratic debate planned for Tuesday in Iowa. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and I've always said I wouldn't continue if there was no longer a path to victory," Booker said in an email to supporters Monday. The New Jersey Democrat's announcement came a day before six presidential candidates will participate in the CNN/Des Moines Register's debate in Des Moines, Iowa. He did not qualify for the event. It also came as the Senate gears up for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. "Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win -- money we don't have, and money that is harder to raise because I won't be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington," Booker wrote. His announcement marks another departure of a high-profile black candidate from the 2020 race. After not making the December debate, Booker criticized the rules that kept him from qualifying for the event and was outspoken about the growing lack of diversity on stage. The New Jersey Democrat ran for president aiming to restore a sense of community and mend the moral fabric of America. Booker launched his candidacy in February 2019 with a message he would remain faithful to throughout his campaign, calling on Americans who are feeling "a common pain" to come together in "common purpose" for greater justice and systemic change. Booker pressed for reforming the nation's gun laws, including establishing a national gun license program. He advocated expansive criminal justice reform, including legalizing marijuana and expunging records of those already convicted for marijuana-related crimes. And Booker frequently shone a light on policy blindspots concerning marginalized communities, citing his own low-income, minority-majority neighborhood in Newark. But unlike some of his rivals, Booker focused less on policy than on the "spiritual" side of the presidency. He viewed the White House as a moral post from which to inspire and guide a dispirited nation. In his announcement to supporters, Booker said he would do "everything in my power to elect the eventual Democratic nominee for president, whomever that may be, and to elect great Democrats to the Senate and up and down the ballot." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SARATOGA Kate walked into her home after work. She fed the dog, changed her clothes and started making dinner. The entire time, her ex-boyfriend was inside the home, waiting for her. While she was using the stove, he came up from behind, grabbed her hair and began beating her, she said. Literally he ripped my hair so hard my skull bled, she said. It was just blood and blood and blood. The Times Union is not using Kates last name because she is a victim of domestic violence. She managed to get away and lock herself in a bathroom. Later she escaped and checked in to a nearby motel, got a new phone and called the police. Kate already had a full order of protection against the man, William C. Durfee. She said she still isnt sure how he got inside her home. He either got through the garage or came in through a window, she said. The Nov. 19 assault resulted in State Police charging Durfee, 35, with felony aggravated criminal contempt and misdemeanor assault. He was sent to Saratoga County jail on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond. This wasnt the first time he had been charged with assaulting Kate. Less than a week before, Dufree was released from state prison after serving 18 months as the result of violating his probation for an August 2016 assault against Kate. So, when State Police arrested him, he was also held on a parole violation. On Tuesday, Dufree walked out of Saratoga town court, after pleading guilty to two misdemeanors. Under his plea agreement he was allowed to remain free pending sentencing. But if the November incident had happened just two months later, Dufree might have been released with little or no bail at all, which critics of the state's new bail rules have said creates the potential for offenders to quickly return and possibly cause greater harm to their victims. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said earlier this month the county had another domestic violence case where the defendant was released with no bail. In a Milton case, the man almost immediately returned to the home he was supposed to be staying away from. Were seeing the same thing, he said. Victims of domestic violence are saying, Whats going on, we need to be protected. Zurlo acknowleged that even before the new bail laws took effect, there was little stopping a domestic violence offender from making bail and returning to re-offend. But putting the defendant in county jail, even overnight, gave them a cooling off period and the ability to be evaluated by the countys pre-trial services, the sheriff said. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Were saying this is turning in to a public safety issue, Zurlo said. In an opinion piece published in the Auburn Citizen last month, Leah Feldman vice president for community programs with Family Services, which operates the Center for Victim Safety and Support, wrote that the elimination of pre-trial detention in most domestic violence misdemeanor cases gets rid of a crucial time when intervention can de-escalate attacks. "Releasing an offender has the potential to embolden them to keep committing acts of violence and places the burden on the victim to find safety," Feldman wrote. Maggie Fronk, executive director of the domestic violence and sexual assault support group Wellspring in Saratoga Springs, said the best thing domestic violence victims can do, regardless of whether the person who hurt them is released or held on bail, is to get in touch with a domestic violence agency to help them make a plan to stay safe. There can be a really short time period between when that arrest happens, and when that person, who is in an escalated state, is in the public, she said. Fronk said one change shed like to see is some type of risk assessment tool that judges could use in domestic violence cases. On Thursday, state Republican legislators introduced amendments to repeal the states bail reform laws, which were rejected by the state's Democratic majority. Some legislators have also introduced legislation that would amend the law, adding additional offenses to the list of crimes that are eligible for bail. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins late last week said that Democrats are aware "tweaks" may be needed for the newly enacted criminal justice reforms. However, she said they will not rush to do anything as a result of "a lot of fear-mongering." Kate says in the meantime, shes afraid for her life. When she found out Durfee was released, she called a Saratoga County Sheriffs deputy to help her secure the windows at her home. Im thinking about checking myself in to a psychiatric ward so he cant get me, she said. Kogi State Government and the organised labour have set up a 14-man committee to negotiate the implementation of the new minimum wage to workers in the state. The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Mohammed Onogwu, disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja on Monday. Mr Onogwu said the Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Ayoade, is the Chairman of the committee which also has the state Head of Service, Deborah Ogunmola as member. Other members of the committee from the side of the government are Ibrahim Sani (SAN), Special Adviser to the governor on Legal Matters and Asiru Idris, Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning Also to serve on the committee are Abubakar Ohere, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Momoh Jibrin, State Accountant-General and Okala Yakubu, State Auditor-General . READ ALSO: Usman Ododo, Local Government Auditor-General is also a member of the committee. Members of the committee from the labour side are Akeji Yusuf, Chairman Joint Negotiating Council, Tade Adeyemi, President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee and I.A Abubakar, from the Joint Negotiating Council. The rest are Thomas Ayodele, Nigeria Union of Teachers and Meliga Obaka, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria. Kingsley Fanwo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Information and Communication Strategy will serve as the Secretary of the committee to be inaugurated on January 14. (NAN) Supporters of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen celebrate the preliminary results at a rally outside the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan Jan. 11, 2020. Reuters Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, center, joins her hands with Vice President-elect William Lai, left, and Vice President Chen Chien-jen outside the campaign headquarters in Taipei on Jan. 11, 2020. She declared victory in Taiwan's election on Jan. 11 as votes were being counted after an election battle dominated by the democratic island's fraught relationship with China. AFP Chinese pro-democracy activists who traveled to Taiwan to observe the island's presidential election said Sunday that the reelection of independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen gave them cause for hope despite Beijing's quashing of dissent on the mainland. More than a dozen dissidents, many exiled from communist-ruled mainland China, said at a forum in Taipei that Saturday's landslide win for Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party has important implications for relations among China, the U.S. and Taiwan, and for Chinese everywhere. At a time when the government of Chinese leader Xi Jinping has tightened surveillance and controls to the extent that dissent appears to be utterly wiped out, underground groups and protests persist, the dissidents said. Taiwan's election results are the clearest indication that there is still hope for democracy in China, said Wang Min, leader of the U.S. branch of the outlawed China Democracy Party. New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Kerala government to remove the debris of the apartment complexes in Kochi's Maradu area which were demolished earlier on court orders because the residential structures built were violating coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms. A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra and M.R. Shah said the order from the court had indeed been a painful task. "It's a painful duty, but had to be done", the Justices noted. This observation from the court came on the state government's submission that the court orders had been complied with and the residential buildings had been demolished. The apex court refused to dispose of the matter and instead asked the government to clear the debris, which fell into the backwaters after the demolition. "The reports say the debris has fallen in the backwaters, you have to restore the area", the court directed the state government. The court also asked the government to file a report on the removal of debris from the site and slated the matter for further hearing on February 10. One of the lawyers in the case contended that action is yet to be taken against the officials concerned who were involved in requisite permissions for the illegal buildings. The court replied something will happen on this issue, and the parties concerned should wait. A lawyer appearing for some flat owners raised the issue of discrepancies in following the compensation process as ordered by the apex court. He said people who had purchased two flats have received compensation for only one. The court asked the lawyer to move an application on the matter. The court had ordered interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the residents of the complex. The apex court had ordered the demolition of buildings on May 8, 2019. In September, it directed demolition of flats within 138 days, declining to entertain a plea of the flat owners seeking a stay on its demolition order. The state government had informed the court that it has already paid an amount of Rs 27.99 crore as interim compensation to the flat owners and will further disburse Rs 33.51 crore. One of my wifes familys traditions is to eat too many Peconic Bay scallops on the day before Thanksgiving. Little cylinders about as long as a finger joint, ranging in diameter from dime- to quarter-sized, bay scallops are a bit too small to sear properly, the way you would sea scallops. They are, in fact, a little too small to cook properly at all and are best eaten raw. Yet theyre so sweet and tender that, even when breaded and slightly overcooked in an excess of butter, I find them to be the finest fishy seasonal delicacy not just on Long Island but the East Coast, edging out shad roe or the overrated soft-shell blue crab. This year, however, most of the bay scallops died. The few that were harvested were sold to restaurants and people with connections I dont have. Ecologists have warned the die-off is due to global warming; my mother-in-law, who knows a few baymen, says its a fluke, and the scallop harvest will return next year. Regardless, instead of a pound of fried scallops, I found I had nothing to occupy my attention that November afternoon, so I went for a walk. Theres a small, private beach nearby, a narrow strip of sand that stretches a few hundred feet along a bay, bounded on one side by a narrow jetty overlooking the channel to a pond that serves as a kind of harbor for the neighborhoods boats. When I first started going out there a decade ago, most of the boats and the houses of their owners were small and functionalthe kind youd expect to find in a sleepy beachside community mostly made up of middle-class families. Nowadays, both the houses and boats are enormous and regal aside from the few belonging to older residents, those whove managed to stay on despite the temptation of rising property prices andlike the loss of the scallops, like the loss of many of the trees in my in-laws immediate area, deemed a nuisance by the newer, wealthier residentsthe loss of much of what I, as a visitor, believed made East Marion what it was. Maybe that was why, as I walked up and down the beach kicking at clamshells and twigs and errant bits of seaweed, thinking of all the scallops I couldnt eat, my thoughts turned toward memory and the ways it misleads us. I was, of course, thinking churlishly of the scallopsof how my Thanksgiving was ruined; of the possibility of never eating Peconic Bay scallops againbut there were other, larger ways in which my memories seemed to crowd out other thoughts, drag in emotions entirely out of proportion to the occasion, and otherwise make themselves the focus of my beach-walking state of mind. There was, for example, the fact that East Marion reminds me of Yotsukura, the sleepy, beachside community where my Japanese family lives on the other side of the world, despite the fact that the few similarities between the two places are entirely superficial. The differences are particularly stark when it comes to food: Yotsukura, like any seaside town, has its share of seasonal delicacies, but the fervor with which the locals embrace them, whether its sardines or Pacific saury in the fall or the two different kinds of bonitothe lean, young fish with its pale pink flesh thats caught in the spring and the older, fattier fish that comes in the autumn, with meat the color of a bad bruiseare unlike anything Ive seen in America, let alone Long Island. "There was no reason, I concluded, save for memory and its tricks, its tendency to make unlike things alike" So it was with something like irritation that I swatted away thoughts about Yotsukura as I walked back and forth, tracing the lines of detritus left by the tide. Why would a beach with no waves, a beach on the banks of a placid bay, remind me of the vast stretches of sand that edge my grandmothers town, protected as it is by seawalls and artificial forest buffers designed to stem the daily fury of the Pacific Ocean? There was no reason, I concluded, save for memory and its tricks, its tendency to make unlike things alike. Vicky Wasik Ill confess I was primed to be maudlin. The weather was perfect for a little scallop solipsism: cool but not cold; windy, but gently so; a little overcast but no threat of rain. And the topic of memory and its unreliability had been on my mind ever since I published a recipe for chicken adobo, the national dish of the Philippines, which I, in no way Pinoy, nevertheless felt comfortable developing solely because I lived in the country as a very young child. There were other justifications, to be surethe dish has near-infinite variations; the Filipino diaspora is quite open to culinary adaptation; I have eaten adobo so regularly for 36 years that I felt sufficiently armored against valid claims of cultural appropriationbut its useless to deny my brief stint living there was the main reason I felt it was appropriate. And yet, publishing the recipe nevertheless left me feeling uncomfortable. As I retraced my steps on that quiet East Marion beach, I thought about the false likeness of my surroundings to Yotsukura and the way that likeness relied on a series of hefty elisions stacked like those precarious rock sculptures bored people build on vacations. I understood what was left out served to shorten the distance between the scene before me and my memories of Japan. I also understood that something similar had occurred with the adobo recipe, to make it more like the original recipe Id had made for me in the Philippines. That something similar had occurred, more specifically, with Erlinda. I noted in the article accompanying the recipe that Erlinda, the person who taught the recipe to my parents, was my nanny. But really she was my yaya, a Tagalog word for governess or caregiver that has a more expansive definition in my mind because, from the time I was six months old until I was four, Erlinda was essentially my second mother. My first memories are of being witheating withErlinda; of trying fish eyeballs in her room; of her making me adobo; of her setting a small red plastic bowl of tambo-tambo before me on the table as I called out goodbye to my parents, who were on their way out for dinner. I remember, too, rushing into her arms after spending a little time away, then burying my face into the pleats of her baby-blue dress the way my toddler today will bury her head in my knees after a long day at work. The impulse was the same: to get as close as possible to someone you love beyond language, to obliterate, for just a moment, the gap that exists between two people. Vicky Wasik And while there was nothing remarkable about my relationship with Erlindait would be familiar to any child whos had a yaya or its equivalentit was, in retrospect, marred by attitudes endemic to the expatriate experience. To this day, I dont have a clear memory of Erlindas face, which I ascribe to both the failings of memory and to the fact that her face never made it into any of our photographs from the time, even though shes nevertheless present in many that focus on me: a forearm propping me up as I balanced on a fence; a hand compelling me to turn toward the camera; the same pleats I buried my face in serve as a baby-blue backdrop in one photo of a three-year-old version of me, mugging for the lens. You could charitably chalk up Erlindas effacement to the fact that I was a child or to the prevailing culturally chauvinistic attitude of Americans abroad in the 1980s. But I lived abroad for a couple of decadesin the Philippines, India, and Hong Kongand Ive met expats of many nationalities, and Ive come to think theres something fundamentally self-involved about the expat experience. For many, no matter how noble their outlook or ideals and no matter what age they are when they spend their time abroad, it seems to me the way they process living in an unfamiliar country, and all the terror and wonder that entails, is with a childs blinkered sense of being the center of the universe. I was reminded of that recently by a comment made by the journalist Ishaan Tharoor about the protests in Hong Kong. I lived in Hong Kong for four years and, like any other useless expat, largely saw the citys populace as mostly apolitical and insular, Tharoor wrote. While he went on to note how events have shown how wrong that view was, he has since deleted the comment, which I understand, given that it begins by painting expats with an overly broad brush, much as I am doing here. But its a candid confession of error, and I can attest to its accuracy: The primary reaction in the expat community to the first major pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2003 was surprise, particularly among expat journalists. Courtesy of Sho Spaeth As I mulled these thoughts over as I walked up and down the beach, it occurred to me that my discomfort with publishing the adobo recipe had very little to do with the recipe itself, nor with leaving out Erlinda, no matter how cold that has left me, and instead had to do with the invocation of my childhood abroad to give it an aura of accuracy if not authenticity. Those who spend their formative years in another country or move to one as an adult are routinely credited with being cosmopolitan simply because they were lucky enough to have lived in a foreign country. The same is true of professional travelers, whether theyre international consultants who rack up airline loyalty points or travel writers. But I know many of those people who suffer from a parochialism thats much narrower than the one generally attributed to fanny-packed tourists, a parochialism thats made worse by an assumption on the part of nonexpats that to live abroad is to be worldly. That assumption can lead to some errors in judgment, whether its a cynical view of an entire populations political apathy or a conviction that a certain adobo your yaya made is a good version of a national dish, let alone in any way definitive. And those who are granted that assumption can adopt some terrible habits, as I have, leaning on their experience despite having done the work, misusing their memories to make unlike things alike, collapsing a world of differences through the lens of their experience, for the simple and silly goal of protecting an aura of worldliness that has repeatedly served to their advantage. Thats not to say people who spend significant time abroad are inherently untrustworthy. But it is a warning to treat any appeal to authority they might have solely because of the miles theyve logged or places theyve lived as suspicious, and a reminder that they, like every other person, suffer from a suite of myopic biases that need to be diligently worked against. I have a final beachside anecdote to offer to support that point, if youll bear with me. Id grown tired of thinking of expats and their deficiencies, and as I was finishing up a final circuit of tracing and retracing my steps in the sand, I realized the lines of shells and rocks and seagrass left by the tide werent as uniform as Id initially assumed. By the jetty, there was a greater concentration of shells, from clams for the most part but also from mussels and other molluscs, and a disparate few from scallops, which I noted ruefully. As I walked away from the jetty, the concentration of shells became less dense; a function, I deduced, of the way the water lapped up against the structure, and the way the current moved, the ebb and flow of the tide. The result was a kind of picture made of clamshells, like the comma-like swoosh of purees and sauces that used to be ubiquitous in fancy restaurants. Judging from all the bird droppings that surrounded the jetty, I believed Id figured out the mystery of this little bit of natural art, and when I returned to my in-laws house, I described to my mother-in-law in my long-winded way the interesting discovery Id made: the lay of the beach, the way the clamshells formed a kind of swooping figure, the series of small deductions that led me to my conclusion. Without looking up from preparing our dinner, she said, Yeah. Its where gulls eat clams. A candle is placed on a table bearing photos of some of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 that crashed after takeoff near Tehran, Iran, as members of Toronto's Iranian community attend a vigil in Toronto on Jan. 8, 2020. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press - image credit) The family members of those killed on Flight PS752 are likely entitled to monetary compensation under international aviation law, lawyers say, but could also achieve it through a comprehensive settlement with the government of Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guard shot down the Boeing 737-800 using surface-to-air missiles, Iranian leaders conceded on Saturday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Fifty-seven of those who died were Canadian citizens, while dozens of others were travelling to Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that he expects Iran to take full responsibility for the downing of the jetliner and indicated that he would press Iran to provide compensation on behalf of the people who lost their lives. "A full and complete investigation must be conducted," Trudeau said. "Families are seeking justice and accountability and they deserve closure." Lawyers say there are three main avenues for family members to achieve financial compensation: through civil action, through the International Court of Justice, or through international diplomacy. Civil action Vincent Genova, a Toronto lawyer who practices personal injury and aviation law, said the families of Canadian citizens and those with ties to Canada could most likely launch a civil action in a Canadian court against Ukraine International Airlines, the operator of Flight PS752. Genova said family members can make the case that the airliner was negligent and should have cancelled the flight due to the security situation in the region. "I think most people are quite shocked that the plane was allowed to take off in what could have been a war zone and certainly a dangerous time given the the political climate in that region," said Genova. Just hours before the flight took off, Iran had launched a missile attack against two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. and Canadian soldiers, in retaliation for the U.S. assassination of Gen. Qassem Solemeini, who was head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Story continues On Saturday, the Iranian military said it mistook the plane for a "hostile target" and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani blamed "human error." Watch: Trudeau's statement Saturday following Tehran's admission it shot down Flight PS752 Whether or not a Canadian court has jurisdiction over a case like this depends on the passenger's ticket and flight itinerary, according to Joe Fiorante, a Vancouver lawyer who specializes in aviation law. Fiorante said people travelling to Canada on a one-way ticket or returning to Canada on a round-trip ticket would be covered by the Montreal Convention, an international treaty to which Canada and Ukraine are signatories, but Iran is not. Under the Convention, airlines are responsible for compensating victims' families in the case of an "accident," which is defined broadly and would include a missile strike, Fiorante said. Families are entitled to provable damages up to an initial threshold of $232,000, without having to prove fault. Compensation covers, at a minimum, things like funeral expenses and lost belongings, but can be expanded to include loss of future income and other damages related to the loss of a loved one. Any final amount would be determined in the court where the complaint is filed, Fiorante said. "Unfortunately, like all other civil litigation that these cases can take years to resolve," Fiorante said. "There'll be some very complicated questions in this case as to whether Ukraine Airlines has a defence to the claim based on the events leading to the to the crash," he said. International court A second possible avenue of compensation for victims' families is through the International Court of Justice. The government of Canada could bring a claim in that court against the government of Iran for reparations, Fiorante said. In 1989, the Iranian government made such a claim against the United States for shooting down Iran Air Flight 655. That flight was on its way from Tehran to Dubai when two surface-to-air missiles launched from the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Vincennes brought it down over Iranian territorial waters. All 290 people on board were killed. The international court case dragged on for years, but eventually the U.S. government eventually agreed to pay $131 million in compensation to Iran and the families of the victims. "The lawyers will want much more information about all of the circumstances pertaining to this crash but that is an avenue that is certainly open to the government of Canada," FIorante said. Diplomacy Ultimately, the solution to the issue may be worked out through international diplomacy. The Iranian government could come to an agreement with other governments involved, including Canada's, that would include compensation for the families of victims. Genova, the Toronto lawyer, used the example of the Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland on Dec. 21, 1988, killing 270 people. The investigation into that crash found a Libyan intelligence agent guilty of planning the attack and the U.N. imposed a series of sanctions on Libya. Years later, the Libyan government accepted responsibility as part of a broader deal that saw international sanctions lifted. "A lot of that came about because of geopolitical pressure," said Genova. "I think there will be similar actions against the Iranian government until they make good on their admission of fault." There are already signs that things are moving in this way. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has set up an international working group of countries whose citizens perished on the plane. Members include representatives from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada and Afghanistan. The purpose of the group is to coordinate a response and to share information about the investigation. Members of the working group held a phone call yesterday where they all discussed the need for justice, including compensation for victims, according to a readout provided by Champagne's office. (Newser) The United States is removing nearly two dozen Saudi military students from a training program and sending them back to Saudi Arabia after an investigation into a deadly shooting by a Saudi aviation student at a Florida navy base last month, Attorney General William Barr said Monday. Many of the 21 cadets had contact with child pornography and possessed jihadist or anti-American material, Barr said. None is accused of having advanced knowledge of the shooting, which Barr said was motivated by jihadist ideology and which he classified as an act of terrorism, the AP reports. The Justice Department reviewed whether any of the trainees should face charges, but concluded that it did not meet the standards for federal prosecution. story continues below The 21-year-old Saudi Air Force officer, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, opened fire at the base in Pensacola, killing three US sailors and injuring eight other people. Prior to the shooting, Alshamrani visited a memorial to the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City, made statements online critical of American military action overseas and professed a belief that violence was necessary to defend Muslim countries, law enforcement officials said in revealing new details about the motive of a shooting that focused attention on the presence of foreign trainees on American bases and the quality of vetting. Alshamrani, who was killed by a sheriffs deputy during the rampage at a classroom building, was undergoing flight training at Pensacola, where foreign military members routinely receive instruction. (Read more Pensacola stories.) The Congress and 19 other opposition parties on Monday accused the BJP-led government of repealing Article 370 "in a hasty hurry," which had left Jammu and Kashmir "under virtual siege" for the past five months, human rights "trampled upon" and lives "ruined". In a resolution adopted at a meeting here, the opposition parties said that communications continue to be disrupted, the economy of the region has been "ruined" and three former State Chief Ministers -- Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti -- continue to be detained. "The abrogation of Article 370 in a hasty hurry has left the state of Jammu and Kashmir, now bifurcated into two Union Territories under a virtual siege for over five months. Human rights have been trampled upon and people's lives ruined. Communications continue to be disrupted, its economy ruined, free movement of the people curtailed. Three former J-K chief ministers along with hundreds of political leaders and thousands of people continue to be detained," the resolution said. The Parliament had adopted a resolution in August last year repealing Article 370, which gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. It also passed a law to bifurcating the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday lashed out at the BJPs state unit chief Dilip Ghosh after he commented that those damaging government properties were killed like dogs in states ruled by his party. In a terse response, Banerjee said Bengal is not Uttar Pradesh. Its shameful. How can you say this? Its a shame to even take his name. Youre promoting firing. This isnt UP. Here firing wont happen. Understand that if tomorrow something untoward happens, youll be equally responsible. You want to kill people for protesting? ANI quoted Banerjee as saying. Ghoshs comments came when he was addressing a gathering of party supporters at Ranaghat in Nadia district after a rally in support of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Sunday. His remarks were so incendiary that even BJP leaders distanced themselves form them Around two dozen people have been killed in violence in anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh last month and five died in Assam, including three in police firing. Both states are ruled by the BJP. Mamata Banerjee who is a trenchant critic of the CAA met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Raj Bhawan in Kolkata on Saturday during his two-day visit to Bengal and requested him to roll back the amended law that makes religion a test of citizenship. The CAA facilitates Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. On Sunday, at the Belur Math in Howrah, Modi said that the CAA was only an amendment for those persecuted in Pakistan and not about taking away the citizenship of any Indian. He also blamed the opposition for misguiding the youth to protest against the law. The CAA has sparked widespread protests across many places in the country on grounds that it is discriminatory, divisive and unconstitutional. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Three Belgian doctors will go on trial for murder for helping a 38-year-old woman end her life in Belgium's first criminal case concerning euthanasia. The doctors, whose names have not been made public, are accused of unlawfully poisoning Tine Nys on April 27, 2010. Prosecutors say she did not have an incurable mental disorder, a key condition for granting euthanasia. The doctors, who will go on trial in Ghent, northern Belgium, tomorrow are the first to be brought to court for euthanasia since the practice was legalised in 2002. The three doctors have been accused of murdering Tine Nys, 38, (centre). Prosecutors say that she did not have an incurable mental disorder, a key condition for granting euthanasia The three, whose signatures were required for the procedure, are the doctor who administered the lethal injection, Ms Nys's former general practitioner and a psychiatrist. The family claimed in 2018 she was suffering from a broken heart due to a failed relationship, and that she falsely claimed to be autistic in order to be approved for euthanasia. They have also complained that it was carried out in an amateurish manner and her sister Sophie has said she was asked to hold the needle during the procedure. Psychiatrist Lieve Thienpont, who was accused by nine fellow psychiatrists in a letter to the British Medical Journal in 2015 of being responsible 'for probably close to 50 per cent... of euthanasia cases for psychiatric disorders', has previously complained about the family. In one leaked email, she wrote: 'We must try to stop these people. It is a seriously dysfunctional, wounded, traumatised family with very little empathy and respect for others... I am starting to better understand Tine's suffering.' There is no suggestion that Ms Thienpont is involved in the trial. Psychiatrist Lieve Thienpont, right, has been accused by nine fellow psychiatrists of being responsible for 'close to 50 per cent... of euthanasia cases'. There is no suggestion that she is involved in the trial When the trial begins on Tuesday it will focus on jury selection, a process that could take some time. Prosecutors will then read the indictment on Friday before the doctors are given a chance to speak next Monday. If the three are found guilty they will likely face time in jail. Belgian law allows adults to request the right to die on condition that they are facing unbearable physical or mental suffering resulting from a serious and incurable disorder. It was extended to terminally ill children in 2014. Most patients choosing medically assisted death have terminal cancer, but mental suffering has extended, for example, to twins born deaf and becoming blind who are unable to bear not being able to see or hear each other. In neighbouring Netherlands, where euthanasia is also legal, a doctor was acquitted in a trial in September after being accused of failing to secure proper consent from a woman who had Alzheimer's. Prosecutors there have since sought a Supreme Court ruling. Ms Thienpont runs a clinic in Ghent where she gives people advice on euthanasia During the decade after euthanasia was legalised, there were 8,752 cases, with a gradual increase each year, according to a report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. In 2003 there were 235 euthanasia cases, representing 0.2 per cent of nationwide deaths and, in 2013, there were 1,807 cases, which was 1.7 per cent of deaths. Up to 69 per cent of all cases were people with cancer in 2013, and 65 per cent were under the age of 80. Arun Kumar Unless you are living under a rock, by now you should know about the US-Iran tension. Here is a quick summary: The United States killed a top Iranian military commander general Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike in Iraq on Friday (03-Jan-2020). Iran declared it would no longer abide by any of the restrictions imposed by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known commonly as the Iran nuclear deal including limitations on its enrichment of Uranium. In the early hours of Wednesday (08-Jan-2020), Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in retaliation. The United States killed a top Iranian military commander general Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike in Iraq on Friday (03-Jan-2020). Iran declared it would no longer abide by any of the restrictions imposed by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known commonly as the Iran nuclear deal including limitations on its enrichment of Uranium. In the early hours of Wednesday (08-Jan-2020), Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in retaliation. After Irans attack, Mr Trumps speech indicated a softened stance of no further military confrontation with Iran and said he was ready to embrace peace. Close Related stories Daily Voice | Any change in FY22-FY23 earnings estimates will be minimal after Q3 numbers: Unmesh Sh... Closing Bell: Sensex, Nifty end higher on a volatile day; metals drag, IT gains Hot Stocks | Double-digit return likely from Birla Corp, Chambal Fertilisers, Tata Coffee in short t... While no one knows exactly how future events can unfold, at the current juncture, the US and Iran appear to have stepped away from the brink of a full-blown conflict. The last few days have seen a surge in gold and crude oil prices internationally and heightened volatility in equities. The Nifty on January 6 was down by 1.9 percent on concerns of a possible increase in oil price. On January 7, Nifty was up 0.5 percent. On January 8, Nifty was down 0.2 percent. On January 9, Nifty was up by 1.6 percent. The below post, more than our outlook on the event, is a peek into our thought process on how to approach such crisis-like events which is a perennial part of equity markets. Should you be worried about the volatility? The Nifty on 06-Jan-2020 was down by 1.9 percent. First, let us put this in perspective. Since 1991, there have been ~540 days out of 7,060 days where markets have fallen much more than 2 percent i.e. around 8 percent of the time. In other words, a daily fall of more than 2% has happened once every 13 days since 1991. Sounds pretty common right! Thankfully, now that you have had a peek at stock market history, you know this volatility is business as usual for equity markets. Hey, but what about the US-Iran tension that the market is worried about? Again let us put these market scary events in perspective. Do these events impact an investor in the long-run? Major events that happened in the last 15 years (Jan-05 to Dec-19). Unnerved by all this, an investor who simply decided to stay invested in the markets, ended up getting a 606 percent return, or 13.9 percent, CAGR (Nifty 50 TRI). The simple realization is that almost every year we have a few events about which the market is worried. We are never crisis-less. Some lead to temporary corrections, many dont. The keyword here is temporary. The same story of equities providing decent long term returns despite the scary headlines has held true for the last 30 years! So here is the simple essence Market corrections do not equal financial lossunless you sell! All that is fine. But what if this turns out into a full-fledged war? What will be the impact on markets? While the previous periods of similar geopolitical events suggest that the impact on markets usually tend to be short-lived, the honest answer is We dont know how the event will unfold. Most importantly, even if we somehow knew that we still wouldnt be able to predict how the markets will respond to that. I cant recall ever once having seen the name of a market timer on Forbes annual list of the richest people in the world. If it were truly possible to predict corrections, youd think somebody would have made billions by doing it. Peter Lynch In our view, while equity markets track underlying earnings growth over the long run, consistently predicting market movements in the short term is next to impossible. Let us explain why we dont attempt to predict such events. There are essentially two challenges 1. Geopolitical events by their nature are unpredictable Think about it. Honestly, do you think anyone out there knows what Mr Trump plans next? 2. Markets reaction to war and geopolitical crises can be counter-intuitive Its difficult to predict how investors will react to such events as so much of the markets reaction to these events is context-dependent. Sometimes the market response to events can be just the opposite of what you think. Source: https://fortune.com/2020/01/03/iran-us-conflict-stock-market-oil-prices/ We cannot predict but we can prepare: While it is extremely disappointing to hear the truth that we cant predict the short-term movements of equity markets, the paradox is that the more you realize you dont have control over the market in the short run, the more you actually gain control. Come again. How in the world does that work? Simple. Because you now suddenly start thinking of a strategy to prepare for a wider range of outcomes rather than for a single outcome that you are trying to predict. Fair enough. So how do we prepare? First the basics, 1. Make sure the money for goals needed in the next 5 years is not into equities 2. Make sure you have an emergency fund (preferably via safe liquid funds) to cover for at least 6 months of your expenses 3. Is your current asset allocation i.e your split across various asset classes such as equity, debt, gold etc. in line with your risk appetite (if you are panicking right now, then most likely its not) Now to the actual plan. If the whole US-Iran tension subsides, then it is life as usual. Simply, leave your portfolios untouched to compound in peace. What if markets start to fall due to some unexpected turn of events? Should you sell now and enter later? Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon A Time In Hollywood was named best picture at the Critics Choice Awards (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon A Time In Hollywood won best picture at the Critics Choice Awards while Phoebe Waller-Bridge added more silverware to her cabinet. Seen by many as a reliable indicator ahead of the Oscars, the Critics Choice Awards honour the best in TV and film each year. The triumph of Tarantinos film over rivals including 1917, The Irishman and Marriage Story gives it a boost ahead of next months Oscars, while Joaquin Phoenix was also celebrating. Here is a list of the main winners: Best actor Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) Best supporting actress Laura Dern (Marriage Story) Best supporting actress in a comedy series Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel) Best supporting actor in a comedy series Andrew Scott (Fleabag) Best action movie Avengers: Endgame Video of the Day Foreign language film Parasite Best supporting actress in a drama series Jean Smart (Watchmen) Best supporting actor in a drama series Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) Best movie made for television El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie Best animated feature Toy Story 4 Best actor in a drama series Jeremy Strong (Succession) Best actress in a drama series Regina King (Watchmen) Best limited series When They See Us Best comedy film Dolemite Is My Name Best actress in a comedy series Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) Best actor in a comedy series Bill Hader (Barry) Best acting ensemble The Irishman Best screenplay Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) Best supporting actor in a limited series or movie made for television Stellan Skarsgard (Chernobyl) Best supporting actress in a limited series or movie made for television Toni Collette (Unbelievable) Best actress in a limited series or movie made for television Michelle Williams (Fosse/Verdon) Best actor in a limited series or movie made for television Jharrel Jerome (When They See Us) Best supporting actor Brad Pitt (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) Best young actor/actress Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) Best comedy series Fleabag Best drama series Succession Best actress Renee Zellweger (Judy) Best director Sam Mendes (1917) and Bong Joon Ho (Parasite) Britains ambassador to Iran, Robert Macaire, was briefly detained over the weekend as the country faces international condemnation over their downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 earlier this week. The news was first reported by Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency. The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law, Britains Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards, the statement continued. The missile strike on the plane, which killed 176 people, including 82 Iranian nationals, sparked protests against the Iranian regime. In a tweet, Tasnim accused Macaire of organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University. They also said the ambassador, who was released, would be summoned Sunday to account for his actions. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates The irony is that while Trump administration officials may think they are thwarting the fake news media by withholding daily briefings, they might actually be impeding their own ability to do their job. Because basic questions arent being answered in the press briefing, reporters are bombarding the press secretarys staff with emails and phone calls. Reporters are lined up at all hours of the workday outside the upper press area of the West Wing where the press secretary and her deputies sit. With these traffic jams, the press secretarys office is constantly in a catch-up situation, says Martha Joynt Kumar, a political scientist who has sat in briefings and studied the relationship between the White House and the press corps for decades. Its said that an eagle needs two strong wings so fly, but in American politics, the left-wing is trying to cannibalize the right, thinking that it will soar higher than ever before. In a new poll from Zogby Analytics, over one-third of Democrat primary voters were found to support gun confiscation of American citizens who have not even committed a crime. Although 36% is not a majority, it shows that a large segment of the population does not trust the general population with weapons to defend themselves. They do, however, generally support those guns in the hands of government agents, police, and the military. If guns were to be forcibly confiscated from law-abiding Americans, it would not usher in a peaceful utopia as many seem to believe. Instead, it would undoubtably create armed conflict between citizens and the government. Put simply, no matter how well-armed the government is, there is a large segment of the population that will never give up their guns without a fight. This is quite possibly the quickest way, and the only way, to start a civil war in America. Not to mention the fact that gun confiscation is a long shot from being proven to reduce crime. The only thing that this form of gun control does do is reduce the power of the people to fight back against oppressive regimes. If you want to know why gun control is a bad long-term strategy, try reading about the history of Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, or Adolf Hitlers regimes and how they took guns from their people prior to oppression and mass murder. But sadly, a certain percentage of the population doesnt care how it happens, as long as they eventually get a shot at their dream of utopia. The end justifies the means, as the old socialist adage goes. However, many sheriffs, police officers, and members of the military have come out in fierce opposition to any kind of gun confiscation, even going so far as refusing to enforce unconstitutional laws or promising to deputize every citizen in order to bypass them. Ammoland reports: There were 20.4 million Democrat primary voters in 2018, the highest number in two decades. 36% of 20.4 million is 7.34 million voters who want to confiscate firearms from Americans who have not committed a crime. This contrasts with about 18 million voters who have firearms carry permits and roughly 100 million voters who own guns. In addition to gun confiscation, the poll found that 39% of likely Democrat voters support eliminating private health insurance, forcing everyone into government dependency for healthcare, and 43% support reparations for black Americans, which would force white Americans who have never owned slaves or supported any kind of racism to pay African Americans simply for their skin color. 39% also support decriminalizing illegal border crossings, effectively opening the border completely and allowing any of the 700 million people currently seeking immigration to cross our border with no resistance and take advantage of our many generous welfare programs. America is also the top destination for would-be immigrants; about 24% of adults worldwide seeking to immigrate want to come to the US. Thats 165 million people to add on top of the 330,217,617 the US census bureau counted on the last day of 2019. Additionally, 38% believe that we should provide free government-paid healthcare for all illegal immigrants. As fantastic as it would be to help 165 million people, a country with over 23 trillion dollars of debt just cant sustain that level of immigration. Finally, 38% percent of likely Democrat voters support legalizing abortion all the way up until just before birth. Although there isnt a majority for any of these issues, several Democratic presidential hopefuls have stated their support for each of these positions, including reparations, free healthcare for illegals, and gun confiscation. In order to understand the disease we call politics in America, you have to see the great philosophical divide between the left and right. While the left is generally well-meaning, the policies that they support are not sustainable and often rely on forcing parts of the population to give up their rights and property for the benefit of others. However, as Americans, we can only choose liberty or dependence; freedom or discrimination; civility or coercion. Attempting to attain both is as unwise as an eagle tearing off one wing thinking it will fly without restraint from the other. About the Author Phillip Schneider is a student as well as a staff writer and assistant editor for Waking Times. If you would like to see more of his work, you can visit his website, or follow him on the free speech social network Minds. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The 7th meeting of Iran-Qatar Joint Economic Cooperation Commission will be held in Tehran within the next three months, Iranian Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, Head of Irans Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Hamid Zadboum said, Trend reports referring to the organizations website. Zadboum said that discussions were held in Tehran Jan. 12 on the sidelines of the meeting of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatari Minister of Industry and Commerce Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and other members of the Qatari delegation. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari will attend the upcoming commissions meeting, the Iranian deputy minister added. At the meeting on Jan. 12, it was stressed that a commission meeting should be held to accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements to develop trade and economic relations between the two countries, Zadboum said. The deputy minister noted that an agreement was reached to hold an exhibition on the potential of the two countries and present investment opportunities at the exhibition on the sidelines of the commissions meeting. Now the Wagoners are questioning whether their son will be safe, and whether the Ellicott City school should be allowing the classmate to return. They have decided to keep their son home from school, at least temporarily, and are asking school officials to transfer the other student to another school. They point to the fact that the other student has become increasingly aggressive toward their son since middle school. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday slammed state BJP president Dilip Ghosh and said that he made "shameful" remarks and accused him of promoting violence. "It is shameful. How can you say this? It is a shame to even take his name. You are promoting firing. This is not Uttar Pradesh. Here firing won't happen. Understand that if tomorrow something untoward happens,you will be equally responsible. You want to kill people for protesting?" Banerjee said. Ghosh had on Sunday sparked controversy by threatening to shoot down those who damaged public property in the state. "Uttar Pradesh government had not only booked such people but also lathi-charged and shot them. Similarly, we will also shoot, lathi-charge and book whoever destroys public property in the state," Ghosh said addressing a public gathering in Nadia. Talking about CAA protests, Banerjee said, "If there could be more than 43 universities in my state, then there are thousands of universities across the country. It's not one college or one university fighting this battle, all are. All students are protesting. From Bihar to Lucknow, to Karnataka everywhere students are protesting." She added, "For publicity, few are setting buses ablaze... That can't be called a movement. These days I am noticing couple of people are coming with black flags , hurling abuses, resorting to vandalism...This is nothing but cheap publicity. Those who encourage this, they are equally wrong." Talking about the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, Banerjee said, "Show me one party nationally that has taken this fight since day one. TMC has taken it up during standing committee meeting. We have always protested this. BJP is doing the identity and there are others who are resorting to 'bandh' ""Don't think we are weak. We have a strong will. Where there is a will, all battles can be won. If you think you will dare me, have an understanding with BJP and try to silence me then you are wrong," Banerjee said. Referring to Left parties, Banerjee said, "You have such a big party office in Delhi. How many protest rallies have you done in Delhi? You have no guts. You have no existence. All through the day are abusing me. They are so irresponsible. There is no difference between Left and BJP." She further stated that Congress and Left have lost their ideologies. "I appeal to all opposition parties, wherever you are strong please go and fight for the people there," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Frogfoot has announced that it is rolling out fibre infrastructure in Polokwane. Bendor Park and Welgelegen have both gone live, the fibre network provider said, with over 600 homes currently being covered in these areas. However, Frogfoot said this makes up just 10% of its total planned fibre coverage in the city. Frogfoot is expanding in these towns as they meet our criteria in terms of the number of houses that can be connected, as well as the average household income in these areas, said Frogfoot head of sales Shane Chorley. While we are looking primarily at the consumer market, there are opportunities to target certain types of smaller businesses that are based in and around the residential areas. Chorley said that users from smaller towns are data-starved, and fibre connectivity will change how they can use the Internet. It might take a while, but as people become exposed to the possibilities of quality high-speed Internet, they consume far more data than before. Frogfoot said that schools within the coverage area can apply for a fibre link, which will give these schools access to a free FTTH connection of up to 1Gbps as part of Frogfoots schools promotion campaign. The company said its strategy to roll out fibre to secondary towns in South African also includes the expansion into Bloemfontein, East London, Ermelo, Middelburg, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, and Witbank. Now read: Top ISP in South Africa revealed Dalondo Moultrie is the assistant managing editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail him at dalondo.moultrie@seguingazette.com . Nikkie de Jager, better known as beauty influencer NikkieTutorials, is speaking her truth. The social media star who has 12.4 million subscribers on YouTube and 12.9 million followers on Instagram posted a video on Monday revealing that she is transgender. Today I am here to share something with you that Ive always wanted to share with you one day, but under my own circumstances, she began. And it looks like that chance has been taken away from me. So today I am taking back my own power. I want to start the year off with the truth, I want to start the year off by finally revealing a part of my life that has made me who I am. I want to talk about a part of myself that makes me, me. I cant believe Im saying this today to all of you for the entire world to see but damn it feels good to finally do it. When I was younger, I was born in the wrong body which means that I am transgender. Now, so surreal saying this. Filming this video is scary but it feels so liberating and freeing, de Jager said in the 17-minute clip, which garnered nearly half a million views and over 62,000 comments in about an hour. I am NikkieTutorials and I am Nikkie, she continued. I am me. We dont need labels. If we are going to put a label on it, yes, I am transgender. But at the end of the day, I am me. And at the end of the day, you are you. Nikkie Tutorials de Jager went on to share that her mom (the owner of a Dutch beauty brand) was convinced she was having a girl during her pregnancy with the YouTube star. She said the birth of a baby boy was a surprise to her mom and definitely a surprise to me as soon as I had brains to think with. Ever since I was born, Ive always thought I was a girl, de Jager continued, adding that shes been interested in hobbies typically deemed feminine by society since childhood. All of me was girly. My mom knew immediately that I either was going to be gay or a different type of story. And it turned out to be a different type of story. Story continues The social media star whos most viral video The Power of Makeup boasts a staggering 40 million views then thanked her mom for being supportive and accepting, revealing that she was allowed to grow her hair out at age 6 and wear girls clothes a few years later. She also received support from teachers, but was honest about feeling trapped and angry and was honest about the fact that some kids did not understand what she was going through. de Jager was also upfront about the details of her transition: Yes, I got fully-transitioned. By the time I was 14, I got my hormones because Im a tall b**** and I kept on growing. By the time I was 19, I fully transitioned, she said. I transitioned while on YouTube. Next, de Jager touched on her relationship with fiance, Dylan (who proposed to the YouTube star during a trip to Italy over the summer) telling fans that she wished she told him sooner but that they are handling matters privately. I am honored to be by his side, she said of Dylan. de Jager said she didnt publicly disclose her Transgender identity sooner because she wanted my channel to be about my art. At the end of the day, my story is beautiful, she said. Im proud of my story. No more holding back. No more secrets. Near the end of the video, de Jager confirmed that she was being blackmailed by people who wanted to leak her secret to the press. She boldly raised her middle finger towards them, quipping I hope you sit nice on it! She concluded by thanking a few people, including her millions of followers, her family and her fiance. FOCUS Top-line Results Expected Mid-2020 NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delcath Systems, Inc. (DCTH), an interventional oncology company focused on the treatment of rare primary and metastatic cancers of the liver, today announced it has completed patient enrollment in its FOCUS registration trial intended to confirm the potential of its investigational combination treatment for patients with unresectable hepatic-dominant metastatic ocular melanoma (mOM). A total of 80 patients have been enrolled in the trial. Delcath expects to announce top-line results of the FOCUS trial by the middle of 2020. Because of a lack of effective treatments for patients with unresectable hepatic-dominant ocular melanoma, Delcath will continue to enroll eligible patients in the trial until Delcath determines the feasibility of an Expanded Access Program (EAP) and subsequent commercial availability. Melphalan/HDS (melphalan hydrochloride for injection for use with the Delcath hepatic delivery system) is designed to administer high-dose chemotherapy to the liver while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects via filtration of the chemotherapeutic agent from the blood. "We are pleased to have reached the minimum endpoint target enrollment in the FOCUS trial and we expect to announce top-line results around the middle of this year, commented Jennifer Simpson, PhD., M.S.N., C.R.N.P. - President & Chief Executive Officer. Delcath is fully committed to advancing its clinical development program and working with the FDA to bring this significant therapy to metastatic ocular melanoma patients in the United States market. Dr. Simpson continued, We believe Melphalan/HDS has the potential to be an essential therapy in the treatment of mOM, which is an orphan disease and area of unmet medical need. About the FOCUS Trial FOCUS is an open label, single-arm, multicenter (United States and Europe) study in a minimum of 80 patients with metastatic ocular melanoma. The primary endpoint is overall response rate defined as the proportion of patients with a best overall response of a confirmed complete response or partial response (CR+PR) determined by Independent Central Review Committee. Secondary endpoints are duration of response, disease control rate, overall survival and progression free survival, each as determined by Independent Central Review Committee. All patients are followed for survival status until death. Story continues About Delcath System, Inc. Delcath Systems, Inc. is an interventional oncology company focused on the treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancers. Our investigational product Melphalan Hydrochloride for Injection for use with the Delcath Hepatic Delivery System (Melphalan/HDS) is designed to administer high-dose chemotherapy to the liver while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects. In addition to the FOCUS Trial, we have initiated a global Phase 3 clinical trial for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) called The ALIGN Trial. Melphalan/HDS has not been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for sale in the U.S. In Europe, our system is marketed under the trade name Delcath Hepatic CHEMOSAT Delivery System for Melphalan (CHEMOSAT) and has been CE Marked and used at major medical centers to treat a wide range of cancers of the liver. CHEMOSAT is being marketed under an exclusive licensing agreement with medac GmbH, a privately held multi-national pharmaceutical company headquartered in Germany that specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of oncological, urological and autoimmune diseases. Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by the Company or on its behalf. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to: the timing and results of the Companys clinical trials, including without limitation the OM and ICC clinical trial programs, and timely enrollment and treatment of patients in the global Phase 3 OM and ICC clinical trials; IRB or ethics committee clearance of the Phase 3 OM and ICC Registration trial protocols from participating sites and the timing of site activation and subject enrollment in each trial; the impact of the presentations at major medical conferences and future clinical results consistent with the data presented; approval of Individual Funding Requests for reimbursement of the CHEMOSAT procedure; the impact, if any of ZE reimbursement on potential CHEMOSAT product use and sales in Germany; clinical adoption, use and resulting sales, if any, for the CHEMOSAT system to deliver and filter melphalan in Europe including the key markets of Germany and the UK; the Companys ability to successfully commercialize the Melphalan HDS/CHEMOSAT system and the potential of the Melphalan HDS/CHEMOSAT system as a treatment for patients with primary and metastatic disease in the liver; our ability to obtain reimbursement for the CHEMOSAT system in various markets; approval of the current or future Melphalan HDS/CHEMOSAT system for delivery and filtration of melphalan or other chemotherapeutic agents for various indications in the U.S. and/or in foreign markets; actions by the FDA or other foreign regulatory agencies; the Companys ability to successfully enter into strategic partnership and distribution arrangements in foreign markets and the timing and revenue, if any, of the same; uncertainties relating to the timing and results of research and development projects; and uncertainties regarding the Companys ability to obtain financial and other resources for any research, development, clinical trials and commercialization activities. These factors, and others, are discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they are made. Contact: Delcath Investor Relations Email: investorrelations@delcath.com Hayden IR James Carbonara (646)-755-7412 james@haydenir.com Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images From Harper's BAZAAR Prince William has expressed his sadness over Prince Harry's decision to distance himself from the rest of the royal family, and spoken of his hope that they can come up with a way to work as a "team". As reported by the Sunday Times, the Duke of Cambridge told a friend that he wants to find a way to "support them" ahead of the crisis talks taking place between senior royals at Sandringham on Monday - dubbed the 'Sandringham summit'. "Ive put my arm around my brother all our lives and I cant do that any more; were separate entities," he said. "Im sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when were all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the same team." Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images The Queen has summoned senior royals to the Sandringham estate on Monday to discuss the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's desire to step back and become financially independent. It's expected that Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles will all be in attendance, while Meghan will join on the phone from Canada. It's believed that this is the first time the Queen and Prince Harry will have met face-to-face since the announcement was made. It's not known how the meeting will be structured, nor if any conclusion will be met. BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond reported that "it is hoped that the talks will produce a 'next step' on the way to defining the couple's new relationship with the royal family", in keeping with the Queen's hope that they will find a solution within days, rather than weeks. He added that there are still "formidable obstacles" to overcome. While the senior royals have been in discussions over the phone since the announcement was made, they've all been in separate locations; the Queen in Norfolk, Charles at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire, William at Kensington Palace and Harry at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, reports the Guardian. Story continues Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made international headlines this week when they announced their plans to take a step back as 'senior' members of the royal family. A follow-up statement from Buckingham Palace, referring to the issues as "complicated", plus a BBC report claiming that the royal family were "disappointed" by the announcement, prompted much speculation that Meghan and Harry had simply charged ahead with their plans, defying the wishes of the Queen. However, it seems as though the Sussexes may have been forced to make the announcement earlier than planned. According to royal reporter Omid Scobie, conversations about their plans had been taking place "across all levels" within the family for months, and they intended to wait to inform the press until the logistics had been ironed out between households. Scobie, via Harpersbazaar.com, explains that their agenda was unfortunately leaked to The Sun, who planned to publish the news - forcing them to go public with their plans sooner than intended. "It was a case of act now or lose control of something they had spent a long time working on," a source close to the couple told Scobie. He went on to detail how the royal response was far from the drama reported in the tabloids - "no one was incandescent with rage" - and that they are all now working on a solution to support the couple. While the speed at which they now have to deal with it is not ideal, it's by no means the disaster that it's been made out to be, he claims. You Might Also Like Rumor mill: Are you expecting Sony to show off the PlayStation 5 at E3 this year? You probably shouldnt hold your breath. According to an industry analyst, the Japanese company will be skipping the gaming expo for the second year in a row. Sony surprised many by announcing it wouldnt attend E3 2019, but many expected it to return this year, especially as the PS5 is set to arrive during the holiday season. But in an interview with VGC, analyst Michael Pachter said he believes Sony will again avoid the show. As far as I know, they dont plan to attend, says Pachter. I think thats a huge mistake, as their focus on the consumer is not inconsistent with their attendance at the premier industry trade show. I hope they change their minds, but am sceptical. While some other sources claim Sony will be returning to E3, VGC writes that Microsofts Xbox team is working under the assumption that PlayStation will not be at this years event and is upping its plans accordingly, which probably means well see more of the Xbox Series X. If Sony really has decided to skip E3 for a second year, its likely because the company is planning a dedicated PlayStation event of its own, where it can show off the PS5 without distractions. But the firms absence would be a disappointment, and again highlight the declining importance of the event in many game companies eyes. We already know quite a bit about the PS5, including its specs and features. Weve also seen alleged images of the dev kit and DualShock 5 controller, while the internet had a good time tearing apart the next-gen consoles new logo. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad moves Delhi court seeking bail India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 13: Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad moves Delhi court seeking bail in the case related to anti-CAA protests at Daryaganj. He was arrested on December 21 on allegations of inciting violence during anti-CAA protests. Matter likely to be heard tomorrow. Azad, currently under arrest, has said that there was no evidence against him in the FIR which states that he had instigated the crowd to march to Delhi gate from Jama Masjid and indulge in violence. The plea sought a direction to the jail authorities or the Delhi government to provide medical treatment to Azad. The Bhim Army chief was sent to judicial custody on December 21 by a Delhi court. Give immediate medical treatment to Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad: Delhi court directs Tihar Azad's outfit had organised a march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the amended Citizenship Act on Friday, despite not having police permission. The marching protesters were stopped by police and paramilitary personnel near Delhi Gate, after which they turned violent and set a car on fire and damaged a few other vehicles. The police resorted to lathicharge and used a water cannon to control the situation. News that Flybe airline is on "the brink of collapse" could put in jeopardy connecting flights announced by City of Derry Airport last November. On November 18 of last year, City of Derry Airport revealed: "Loganairs new partnership with Flybe brings fantastic news for City of Derry Airport and the wider North West region! The new code share partnership means travel from City of Derry Airport to a vast range of UK and European airports is now possible by travelling via Glasgow and Manchester with one single booking. Flights are available to book now with Loganair via www.loganair.co.uk or via a local travel agent. "You are now able to travel from City of Derry Airport to Glasgow or Manchester with Loganair and connect with Flybe to the East Midlands, Birmingham, Exeter, Southampton, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Cardiff, Isle of Man, Jersey, Dusseldorf, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam." City of Derry Airport could not be reached for comment at this time. Loganair confirmed that the partnership still stands but would not comment on rumours regarding Flybe. A spokesperson for the Flybe said: Flybe continues to provide great service and connectivity for our customers while ensuring they can continue to travel as planned. "We dont comment on rumour or speculation. DETROIT - Detroit will soon have its long-awaited RoboCop statue on display in the city. After nearly 10 years in the making, the giant bronze statue depicting the cyborg law enforcer from the 1987 movie, who patrolled the streets of Detroit in the near future, is nearly complete. Organizers, who started the Kickstarter campaign in 2011, tell MLive the statue should be done by the end of March. Once its complete, the statue will be put on display outside the Michigan Science Center on John R St. most likely sometime this spring. We wanted the statue to be outside on the grounds of the Science Center where people didnt have to pay money to go into the museum to see it, said Brandon Walley, one of the people behind the project. We wanted people to be able to see it anytime just by walking. Walley says the Science Center hasnt picked a spot yet where it will be displayed, but a huge ceremony is expected to take place. He says theres a good chance actor Peter Weller, who played RoboCop, will be there. Weller and the original director have expressed interest over the years in coming to the unveiling, but theres no guarantee. We have built up a relationship with Weller. We met him at a local comic con a few years ago and got to know him. Hes fascinated with Detroit and the citys architecture. Once the head is on, the statue will be 11 feet tall. It has a stainless steel base and weighs a whopping half a ton. Venus Bronze Works of Detroit is a big part of the project. Walley says it was important that as much of the statue was built in Detroit as possible. He says a lot of the Kickstarter money went into giving the restoration company the tools they needed. This could have been finished sooner with other institutions, but we wanted this done in Detroit. Finding Venus Bronze Works, one of the top bronze statue restoration companies in the world was big. They do the Joe Louis fist, the Spirit of Detroit statue. We outfitted them with the capabilities of being a foundry. They werent really built out for a project of this size. But having a Detroit artist making it in Detroit was really important to us. How the project happened: About 10 years ago, someone on Twitter pointed out that Philadelphia had a statue of Rocky and that one of RoboCop would be a great ambassador for Detroit. The Twitter user tagged then-Mayor Dave Bing who tweeted back saying there were no plans for a RoboCop statue. Thats when Walley, a filmmaker, and Jerry Paffendorf, co-founder and CEO of Loveland Technologies went with the idea and created a Kickstarter campaign which raised more than $67,000 with nearly 3,000 worldwide backers. It starts with a couple of us having a crazy idea. Then people from all over the world pitched in. We had to figure out on the fly how to make this happen as successfully as possible, Walley told MLive. Why so long? We had to contact MGM who owns the likeness of RoboCop, making sure we did everything right through them. It became a really long process. We had to get the exact model made. That model had to be blown up to over a 10 foot mold. That happened in Vancouver, and Idaho. That took years as well. The owner of Venus Bronze Works went through a cancer scare. That was two more years. Our main goal was to get him done right with the exact likeness. We wanted to make sure it was bronze and beautiful. We would have loved for it to have been off of our plate a half decade ago, but we rolled through it and are seeing it through the finish line. Walley says the next time you see the statue, it will be sporting a fully finished dark gray patina. MORE DETROIT AREA FROM MLIVE: DEATH MUSEUM opens: A look inside this morbid lair of learning This HISTORIC MICHIGAN LIBRARY looks like something out of Hogwarts Area BOWLING ALLEY now has groovy Brady Bunch 70s look after $1.4M restoration Americas largest O scale train MODEL RAILROAD is in small town Michigan Retro area store filled with horror-themed collectibles, VINTAGE GIFTS We braved Michigans LONGEST ZIPLINE T he most senior members of the Royal Family will sit down in Sandringham today to discuss the very future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Todays crisis meeting will be the first time Harry, his father Charles, his brother William and the monarch have sat down together since the shock news emerged. They will thrash out the terms of the Sussexes' future role within the family, with the Queen reportedly eager to find a swift way forward. As the group gear up for these landmark talks, the Standard takes a look at all the key participants, and the part theyre expected to play in shaping Harry and Meghans next steps. The Queen The Queen being greeted by her grandson the Duke of Sussex / PA The Queen is both the head of state and the head of the royal family, as well as Harrys beloved Granny. Over the decades, Britains longest-reigning monarch has weathered the Windsors many storms. She is a symbol of stability both for the nation and within the royal family. Although said to have been left hurt by Harry and Meghans actions, the Queen is not given to rash decisions. She is expected to address the matter in a calm and pragmatic way and will ultimately have the final say. Her private secretary Sir Edward Young Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary Sir Edward Young / PA Sir Edward has worked for the Queen for 16 years. He is responsible for supporting her in her duties as head of state and is the middle man between the monarch and the Government. Sir Edward reportedly played an influential role in getting the monarch to star in the much talked-about 2012 Olympics opening sequence film with James Bond actor Daniel Craig. However, he has come under fire in recent weeks, with insiders accusing him of failing to handle disputes within the family and struggling to deal with the scandal surrounding the Duke of York. The Prince of Wales Charles is said to be unhappy at the situation / PA Charles is the future king and currently funds Harry and Meghans public duties through his 21 million-a-year Duchy of Cornwall income. The heir to the throne is said to be furious at how his youngest son and his wife have handled the situation. However, while Charles is committed to his royal duty, he is also a committed father, and he will want Harry and Meghan to be happy. His principal private secretary Clive Alderton Clive Alderton, the Principal Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales / PA Mr Alderton is a career diplomat who became Britains ambassador to Morocco following a six-year stint as an aide at Clarence House between 2006 and 2012. Always sharply dressed with blond combed-over hair, he has accompanied Charles on a number of overseas tours. Mr Alderton joined the Foreign Office in 1986 and has taken up posts in Poland, Belgium, Singapore and France. The Duke of Cambridge Prince William (right) and his brother have always been very close / AFP via Getty Images When Harry turned 21, he described his brother William as the one person on the planet he could talk to about everything. But the pair have grown more distant over the years, culminating in Harrys candid admission during an ITV documentary last year that they were on different paths. Speaking on Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, the younger duke said: Look, were brothers, well always be brothers and were certainly on different paths at the moment. With a settled family life with the Duchess of Cambridge and their three children and his work on mental health, homelessness, and conservation William is viewed as a sensible and stable part of the monarchy. His private secretary Simon Case Prince William's Private Secretary Simon Case / UK Press via Getty Images Mr Case was has been a leading civil servant, previously tasked with trying to solve the border issue in Northern Ireland and Ireland during Brexit discussions. The Cambridge University history graduate, who undertook a PhD in political history at Queen Mary University in London, also served as principal private secretary to former prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May. He took up the role with Mr Cameron after serving as director of strategy at the intelligence and security organisation GCHQ. The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry has expressed anger and hurt at what he considers a 'ruthless campaign' against his wife by the tabloid press / PA Harry has always been a favourite with royal fans, who have never forgotten the heart-rending image of the 12-year-old prince walking behind his mothers coffin. However, last year proved turbulent for both the duke and his wife as the pair struggled to cope with what they consider a ruthless campaign by the tabloid press. Harry will be intent on securing his and Meghans ambitions to achieve financial independence and to split their time between the UK and the US. Still, a source close to the couple told The Times he would be heartbroken if forced to sever links with the royal family altogether. The Sussexes' private secretary Fiona Mcilwham The new secretary describes herself as a 'wannabe supermum' / @FionaMcilwham Ms Mcilwham is a top diplomat and became one of the UKs youngest ever ambassadors when she was posted to Albania aged just 35 in 2009. She joined their team from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) earlier this month, having held diplomatic posts in Washington, Brussels, Baghdad and Sarajevo. Describing herself on social media as a wannabe supermum, she also clearly has a sense of humour. In the aftermath of the Sussexes shock announcement, she reportedly joked to colleagues: I was offered the Iran desk (at the FCO). That might have been easier. The Duchess of Sussex Meghan is expected to dial into the discussions from Canada / POOL/AFP via Getty Images It is understood Meghan will dial into todays meeting, having returned to Canada to be with their son Archie. The American former actress, who is just 20 months into her royal life, has spoken openly about her struggles to cope with intense tabloid interest. She told ITVs Tom Bradby: Its not enough to just survive something, thats not the point of life. You have got to thrive. A meteorite that crashed to Earth in Australia half a century ago contains grains of ancient stardust that predate the Sun, a study has found. These grains formed some seven billion years ago are believed to be the oldest solid matter on the planet. Stars are born when dust and gas floating through space meet, collapse together under the influence of gravity and and heat up. After burning for millions of years stars die, throwing particles that formed in their winds out in to space. Those bits of stardust eventually form new stars, along with new planets and moons and meteorites. Scroll down for video A meteorite that crashed to Earth in Australia half a century ago contains grains of ancient stardust (as pictured inset, that form from the outflow of stars, main) that predate the Sun 'This is one of the most exciting studies I've worked on,' said lead author and Field Museum, Chicago, cosmochemist Philipp Heck. In their study, the researchers analysed minerals dubbed 'presolar grains' that are older than the Sun and can be found in some meteorites, where they remained preserved for billions of years. 'These are the oldest solid materials ever found and they tell us about how stars formed in our galaxy,' Professor Heck said. 'They're solid samples of stars, real stardust.' Each grain is both tiny at around a tenth of the thickness of a human hair and hard to come by, being contained in only five per cent of the meteorites that have ever fallen to the Earth's surface. One space rock rich in presolar grains, however, is the Murchison meteorite that fell on Victoria, Australia, back in 1969 and its largest fragment is contained in the collections of the Field Museum. Extracting presolar grains for meteorites is a multi-step process. 'It starts with crushing fragments of the meteorite down into a powder,' explained paper co-author and Field Museum geologist Jennika Greer. 'Once all the pieces are segregated, it's a kind of paste, and it has a pungent characteristic it smells like rotten peanut butter.' This 'paste' is then dissolved with acid until only the presolar grains remained a process that Professor Heck compares to burning down a haystack in order to the find the needle hidden within. Presolar grains for this study were isolated from the Murchison meteorite about 30 years ago by experts at the University of Chicago. Researchers studied presolar grains from the Murchison meteorite that fell on Victoria, Australia, back in 1969. Pictured, a fragment of the Murchison meteorite held in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington Taking the isolated grains, the researchers set about determining what kinds of stars the grains had come from and how old they were. 'We used exposure age data, which basically measures their exposure to cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles that fly through our galaxy and penetrate solid matter,' explained Professor Heck. 'Some of these cosmic rays interact with the matter and form new elements. And the longer they get exposed, the more those elements form.' 'I compare this with putting out a bucket in a rainstorm. Assuming the rainfall is constant, the amount of water that accumulates in the bucket tells you how long it was exposed.' The researchers analysed minerals dubbed 'presolar grains' that are older than the Sun and can be found in some meteorites, where they remained preserved for billions of years The researchers found that some of the presolar grains from the Murchison meteorite were the oldest ever discovered. Based on how many cosmic rays they had soaked up, most of the grains had to have formed at least 4.64.9 billion years ago. In addition, some of grains were more than 5.5 billion years old. For context, the Earth is around 4.5 billion years old and the Sun around 4.6 billion. Researchers studied presolar grains from the Murchison meteorite that fell on Victoria, Australia, back in 1969 the largest fragment of which is held by the Field Museum in Chicago The age of the presolar grains was not the end of the discovery, however. As presolar grains are formed when a star dies, they reveal the can reveal the star's history. The researchers suggest that seven billion years ago, there was a bumper crop of new stars forming. 'We have more young grains that we expected,' said Professor Heck. 'Our hypothesis is that the majority of those grains which are 4.6 to 4.9 billion years old formed in an episode of enhanced star formation. There was a time before the start of the Solar System when more stars formed than normal.' Explained: The difference between an asteroid, meteorite and other space rocks An asteroid is a large chunk of rock left over from collisions or the early solar system. Most are located between Mars and Jupiter in the Main Belt. A comet is a rock covered in ice, methane and other compounds. Their orbits take them much further out of the solar system. A meteor is what astronomers call a flash of light in the atmosphere when debris burns up. This debris itself is known as a meteoroid. Most are so small they are vapourised in the atmosphere. If any of this meteoroid makes it to Earth, it is called a meteorite. Meteors, meteoroids and meteorites normally originate from asteroids and comets. For example, if Earth passes through the tail of a comet, much of the debris burns up in the atmosphere, forming a meteor shower. Advertisement The findings add fuel to the debate as to whether new stars are created at a steady rate, or whether there are periods of more and less active stellar formation. 'Some people think that the star formation rate of the galaxy is constant,' said Professor Heck. 'Thanks to these grains, we now have direct evidence for a period of enhanced star formation in our galaxy seven billion years ago with samples from meteorites.' The team also found that presolar grains often float through space stuck together in large clusters like 'granola'. 'No one thought this was possible at that scale,' said Professor Heck. 'It's so exciting to look at the history of our galaxy,' concluded Professor Heck. 'Stardust is the oldest material to reach Earth, and from it, we can learn about our parent stars, the origin of the carbon in our bodies, the origin of the oxygen we breathe. With stardust, we can trace that material back to the time before the Sun.' 'It's the next best thing to being able to take a sample directly from a star,' added Ms Greer. The full findings of the study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Libya's government, rebels agree to ceasefire brokered by Turkey, Russia Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 9:58 AM Libya's internationally-recognized government and militia groups under the command of renegade General Khalifa Haftar have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj in a Saturday statement announced a ceasefire from midnight (2200 GMT), but he also underlined the "legitimate right" of government forces to "respond to any attack or aggression that may come from the other camp." The announcement came hours after Haftar's forces announced a let-up in their months-long offensive to seize the Libyan capital of Tripoli from the government. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, issued the call for a truce between the two rival forces following a bilateral meeting in Istanbul on Wednesday, with Haftar initially pushing back against the ceasefire deal and vowing to fight on. Both sides accuse each other of violating ceasefire But hours later, both the government and Haftar's forces accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The government said it recorded violations "minutes" after the ceasefire began. Haftar's militia also said the government was breaching the truce on multiple fronts. Backed by Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Haftar's forces launched an offensive against the capital last April to unseat the United Nations (UN)-recognized government of Serraj. But the militia forces have been bogged down on the city's outskirts. More than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 5,000 others wounded since the start of Haftar's military operation, according to the UN. Since 2014, Libya has been divided between two rival camps: the government in Tripoli, and a camp based in the eastern city of Tobruk. Haftar commands the forces purportedly fighting for the eastern camp. The country 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. The Turkish government, which supports the government in Tripoli, recently deployed 350 troops to Libya. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PORTLAND, Oregon, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Transaction Monitoring Software Market by Component (Solution and Services), Deployment Model (On-Premise and Cloud), Organization Size (Large Enterprises and Small & Medium Enterprises), Application Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Customer Identity Management, Fraud Detection and Prevention (FDP) and Compliance Management), Industry Vertical (BFSI, Government & Defense, IT & Telecom, Retail, Healthcare, Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026." According to the report, the global transaction monitoring software market was estimated at $7.95 billion in 2018 and is expected to hit $25.41 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 15.70% from 2019 to 2026. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities- Increase in digitization of payment transactions, surge in need for mitigating money laundering, managing KYC compliance and CTF activities, growing identification of high-risk activities through advance analytics, and high demand for organizations to comply with stringent regulatory agreements fuel the growth of the global transaction monitoring software market. On the other hand, lack of transaction monitoring and AML professionals, and difficulties in managing cross-border as well as multi-jurisdictional AML-compliance curtail down the growth to some extent. However, integration of advance technology, and rise in the deployment of transaction monitoring system by SME's are projected to usher in a number of opportunities in the near future. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6011 The solution segment to dominate by 2026- Based on component, the solution segment contributed to nearly three-fourths of the global transaction monitoring software market share in 2018, and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period. Increase in adoption of this software by several bank and financial institutions, and stringent government regulations for data security are expected to drive the growth of the segment. The service segment, on the other hand, is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 15.70% during 20192026. This is due to surge in the adoption of different services in various organizations. The on-premise segment to lead the trail during the study period- Based on deployment model, the on-premise segment accounted for nearly three-fifths of the global transaction monitoring software market revenue in 2018, and is projected to retain its dominance by the end of the year 2026. Enhanced security features provided by on-premise model drive the growth of the segment. At the same time, the cloud-based segment would register the fastest CAGR of 17.40% throughout the study period. It's remotely accessible from anywhere around the world which, in turn, boosts the growth of the segment. For purchase enquiry at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6011 North America generated the major share in 2018- Based on geography, North America held the largest share in 2018, generating nearly two-fifths of the global transaction monitoring software market. This is because North American countries are expected to adopt transaction monitoring software at a high rate to bring great improvements in operational efficiency in IT infrastructure. Simultaneously, the Asia-Pacific region would cite the fastest CAGR of 17.50% by 2026. This is due to rise in digitalization in emerging economies such as China and India. Leading market players- BAE Systems ACI Worldwide Inc. Fiserv Inc. Software AG Thomson Reuters Corporation FIS, Nice Ltd. Oracle Corporation Fair Isaac Corporation SAS Institute Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Similar Reports: Environmental Monitoring Market Expected to Reach $ 29.234 billion by 2026 Software Defined Networking Market is Expected to Reach $132.9 Billion by 2022 Retail Automation Market Expected to Reach $23.58 Billion by 2026 Bug Tracking Software Market Expected to Reach $601.64 Million by 2026 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of misleading people on the amended Citizenship Act and the NRC, and remaining "insensitive to state suppression and violence". Addressing a meeting of the Opposition attended by leaders of 20 parties, Gandhi said there have been nation-wide spontaneous protests by youths supported by citizens from all walks of life. "The immediate cause is the CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan and brutal," the Congress chief said. "The Prime Minister and Home Minister have misled the people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," she said. The "Modi-Shah government stands totally exposed" for its inability to govern and to provide security to the people, Gandhi alleged. The nation has watched in horror at the "BJP-orchestrated assault" on JNU after what happened in Jamia, BHU, Allahabad university and AMU, she said Asserting that the NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam, Gandhi said the Modi-Shah government is now focusing on the NPR exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. Contrary to the assertions of the Home Minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC, she claimed. Stating that the real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity, she alleged that the prime minister and the home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from "this grim reality by raising one divisive and polarizing issue after another". NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, LJD chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, RJD leader Manoj Jha, National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among those present. The BSP, TMC and AAP stayed away from the opposition meet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 3 1 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 WOODBURY Flanders Nature Center will host David K. Leff, an award winning essayist, former deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and former board member of the Connecticut Maple Syrup Producers Association, for a slide show and illustrated talk about the many aspects of maple sugaring. The program will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 25. Find out how this unique ancient northeastern North American product was discovered and the high-tech techniques it takes to produce it today. Is maple syrup the next miracle food? Learn why some people think it is and how you can make and enjoy your own syrup. As a former sugar maker himself, Leff will give you an insider's view. The book he has authored, Maple Sugaring: Keeping it Real in New England will be available for sale and signing. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Reports on India Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Coffee in India un der Hot Beverage category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, competitive intelligence and industry reports. A number of factors drove growth in Coffee in India at the end of the review period. Rapid urbanisation contributed in several ways: eroding traditional consumption practices, creating new consumption opportunities through the development of retail and foodservice channels, and leading to hectic consumer lifestyles influenced by Western cultures. Cities also provide an information-rich environment, with considerable access to media publicising trends in food and drink. Furthermore, increasing de... Coffee in India report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data 2014-2018, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they legislative, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2023 illustrate how the market is set to change. Request a free sample copy of India Coffee Market Report @ http://www.marketreportsonindia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/646874 Product coverage: Fresh Coffee, Instant Coffee. Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data. Why buy this report? * Get a detailed picture of the Coffee market; * Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change; * Understand the competitive environment, the markets major players and leading brands; * Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop. Coffee in India HEADLINES PROSPECTS Range of factors supporting coffee growth Demand moving upmarket Targeting millennials with indulgent flavours COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Major multinationals dominate, but competition intensifying New players may further boost competition Growing number of high-end players in foodservice CATEGORY DATA Table 1 Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: Volume 2014-2019 Table 2 Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: Value 2014-2019 Table 3 Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: % Volume Growth 2014-2019 Table 4 Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: % Value Growth 2014-2019 Table 5 NBO Company Shares of Coffee: % Retail Value 2015-2019 Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Coffee: % Retail Value 2016-2019 Table 7 Forecast Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: Volume 2019-2024 Table 8 Forecast Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: Value 2019-2024 Table 9 Forecast Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024 Table 10 Forecast Retail Sales of Coffee by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Strong platform for hot drinks growth in the Indian market Rise of foodservice specialists laying ground for premiumisation trend in coffee and tea Evolving demand trends providing opportunities for smaller players NPD targeting premiumisation, health and convenience Multiple factors set to drive forecast period growth Browse our full report with Table of Contents : http://www.marketreportsonindia.com/marketreports/coffee-in-india/646874 About Market Reports on India: Market Reports on India is an excellent source to obtain top quality market research reports that helps you to understand the business in the Indian market. We cover various industries, identifying and understanding key macro and micro-economic trends, insights and futuristic growth opportunities. To help achieve all this and more, Market Reports on India is the answer to all your business needs. Contact us at: Market Reports on India Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonindia.com Website: www.marketreportsonindia.com Follow us on : Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn CINCINNATI, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Flooid, the leading retail commerce provider of baskets that follow customers, not channels, announced a deeper collaboration with Adobe. Tanya Bowen, Chief Digital Officer, Flooid Consumers today buy experiences, not products. Serving relevant and timely content is central to delivering a great brand experience. But why limit your personalized content to online only? Surfacing personalized content on your in-store employee devices can drive measurable and incremental revenue. Adobe and Flooid understand the benefits of engaging with customers in store 1:1. Enable your store to become the digital hub of the future. The Adobe Experience Platform, in combination with Flooid App Suite and Flooid core, can digitize your store. "Targeting customers in a non-invasive, and personal way, leveraging instore tech you already have is a measurable winner. Flooid is working with Adobe to extend the edges of marketing and content reach to the store, instore employee devices, and customer-facing self-checkout and consumer scan/pay/go." Tanya Bowen, Chief Digital Officer, Flooid. "Adobe's work with Flooid to deliver highly-personalized and visually rich content across customer touchpoint is a powerful way to drive brand loyalty and increase purchase," says Michael Klein, Director, Industry Strategy for Retail, Adobe. Offering an omnichannel experience that connects the dots between online and offline is essential to frictionless commerce. Magento, an Adobe company, works with Flooid to connect your online and in-store businesses so customers can buy whenever they want, through any channel, and expect a variety of delivery options. By leveraging Flooid's heritage in the store space including mobile endless aisle, personalized promotions, and Basket by Flooid in conjunction with Magento's commerce platform and OMS our collaboration will deliver the many omnichannel and digital journeys to suit your business. "We are excited to work with Magento to enable better design and delivery of seamless browsing, shopping and ordering for customers. Sharing core capabilities such as Basket by Flooid and linking the online with the offline journey should translate to lower TCO for retailers," said Tanya Bowen, Chief Digital Officer, Flooid. "Flooid offers innovative omnichannel capabilities to Magento merchants, enabling them to connect the dots between basket, transaction and order. We're excited to have Flooid be part of the Magento Technology Partner community," said Peter Sheldon, Senior Director of Strategy, Adobe. ++ Both Flooid and Adobe are exhibiting at NRF 2020 at booths #5737 and #5810 respectively. About Flooid The Flooid platform delivers deep and resilient basket functionality across store and online sales channels. With high levels of multi-vertical capability, Flooid handles the sales operations for some of the world's most complex grocery, specialty, fashion and food and beverage retailers in their POS, self-checkout, mobile, eCommerce and social environments. Flooid is designed to handle both the high levels of throughput and resilience that a store demands, and the hyper-scalability required for mobile and online sales. With its powerful API set, developer toolkit and the growing community of partners, Flooid enables retailers to tap into the massive ecosystem of start-ups, innovators and IOT technologies to remove the limits of their innovations. For more information visit flooid.com. Media Contact: Flannery Higgins, [email protected] Dan Dyer, 513-478-7818, [email protected] SOURCE Flooid Related Links https://www.flooid.com Calhoun, 62, a long-time Boeing director named chairman in October after the board stripped Dennis Muilenburg of the title, was named chief executive on Dec. 23 following the board's firing of Muilenburg amid growing concerns about the company's relationship with regulators and its handling of the Max. Boeing's new Chief Executive David Calhoun assumes the job Monday as the U.S. planemaker battles to recover from two fatal crashes of 737 Max planes that killed 346 people in five months and led to the model's worldwide grounding in March. Boeing has estimated costs of the Max grounding at more than $9 billion to date and is expected to disclose significant additional costs during its fourth-quarter earnings release on Jan. 29. Boeing faces rising costs from halting production of the Max this month, compensating airlines for lost flights and assisting its supply chain. It is also considering raising more debt. Calhoun started his tenure at the aerospace giant with an employee e-mail calling for the company and its workers to do better. Below is an excerpt: "This is a crucial time for Boeing. We have work to do to uphold our values and to build on our strengths. I see greatness in this company, but I also see opportunities to be better. Much better. That includes engaging one another and our stakeholders with greater transparency, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of safety and quality, and incorporating outside-in perspective on what we do and how we do it." Calhoun, a longtime executive at Blackstone private equity group and corporate crisis manager, is already working to repair the company's relationships with regulators, airlines and lawmakers. He previously headed a General Electric division that included airplane engines. Last week, the board and its interim CEO reversed course and recommended regulators require simulator training for pilots before they resume flying the Max. Directors also authorized the release of more than 100 pages of damaging internal messages that disclosed company efforts to avoid costly simulator training for the Max amid troubling questions about its culture. In one email, an employee said the 737 Max was "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys." A source close to Calhoun said Sunday that it was important employees saw the emails, which Boeing last week described as "completely unacceptable." Calhoun wants to "get rid of the culture of arrogance" at Boeing that led to the messages written by a small number of employees, and ensure staff "hold each other accountable," the person said. U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told reporters Friday he advised Calhoun in a conversation he needs "to do something to relieve the pressure from Wall Street on your organization, which ultimately drove all this." Calhoun will be at Boeing's Chicago headquarters and at its facilities in Washington State this week, the source said, talking with lots of employees. On Friday, the board approved a $1.4 million annual salary for Calhoun and long-term compensation of $26.5 million if he achieves several milestones, including the return to service of 737 Max. Reuters has reported the FAA is not expected to approve the Max's return to service until at least February and potentially March or later. U.S. airlines have canceled Max flights into early April or later. As lonely hearts messages go, the appeal by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa will take some beating. The fashion entrepreneur (44) is looking for a girlfriend who will accompany him on a trip around the moon. Mr Maezawa is scheduled to be the first private passenger on Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is due to make its inaugural lunar trip in 2023. The father of three, who recently split up from his actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki (27), has decided he does not want to make the journey alone. So he has made a plea for a female companion to join him on what will be the trip of a lifetime. "As feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me, there's one thing that I think about: continuing to love one woman," he wrote on his website. "I want to find a 'life partner'. With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world peace from outer space." Applicants must "be interested in going into space" and "someone who wishes for world peace". Candidates must be single women over the age of 20 and the deadline for applications is Friday, with the winner being selected by the end of March. The cost of the three-week trip, which will entail riding on Elon Musk's Big Falcon Rocket, has not been disclosed. Given the Big Falcon Rocket cost $5bn (4.5bn), the seats will not be cheap. The maverick Japanese billionaire has bought every seat on the rocket for the inaugural trip. Other passengers are expected to be artists asked to create a piece of art. Mr Maezawa, who made his fortune creating Japan's biggest online fashion retailer Zozotown and became a billionaire by the time he was 35, is something of an anomaly among the country's normally conservative entrepreneurs. A former drummer in a US punk rock band with a love of contemporary art, he is more likely to be found wearing jeans than a business suit. Viewers will be able to follow the progress of Mr Maezawa's search for a new companion on a documentary 'Full Moon Lovers' on AbemaTV, a Japanese streaming website. ( Daily Telegraph, London) By Rasana Gasimova A groundbreaking ceremony has been held in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek for the construction of the Friendship Park of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Addressing the ceremony, Kyrgyzstans President Jeenbekov said that the opening of the park will take place as part of the official visit of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to Kyrgyzstan in 2020. He noted that the agreement on the construction of the park was reached following talks between the heads of two states on the sidelines of the 6th and the 7th Summits of Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States held in Cholpon-Ata in 2018 and in Baku in 2019. Jeenbekov went on saying that these activities testify to the high level of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Azerbaijani Ambassador Hidayat Orujov was also attending the ceremony. The park will occupy the area of 5.5 hectares. Along with other infrastructure, fountains, artificial pools, an outdoor amphitheatre, and playgrounds will also be installed in the park. Apart from the park, Azerbaijan will also build a secondary school in the Kok-Jar housing estate in Bishkek. The political, cultural and humanitarian between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have been growing in recent years. As for economic cooperation, the figures indicate that Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan do not fully use the potential of trade and economic cooperation and the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to only $5 million in 2018. Earlier, Kyrgyzstans First Deputy Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov said that Azerbaijan is Kyrgyzstans important partner in the Caucasus. He noted that the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with fraternal Azerbaijan is one of the priorities in the foreign policy of Kyrgyzstan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Clergy, feminists blast New Yorks commercial surrogacy bill as 'dangerous,' gravely immoral Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Following an unsuccessful attempt to legalize commercial surrogacy last year, New York state has reintroduced legislation that would allow the practice, which is drawing criticism from religious leaders and feminist groups. New York state Assembly Bill 1071 and its companion in the state Senate, Bill 2071, would lift prohibitions on surrogacy and allow for embryos created in a lab via in vitro fertilization using sperm and eggs that might or might not be from the couple procuring surrogacy services to be transferred to the womb of a surrogate. The surrogate mother would then, per legal contract, give up all rights to the child after it's born. Some religious leaders say the bill poses a danger to women and benefits those who are financially well-off. The surrogacy legislation is designed mainly to benefit wealthy men who can afford tens of thousands of dollars to pay baby brokers, at the expense of low-income women, said Kathleen M. Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference, according to Catholic News Agency. The Catholic Church has decried surrogacy and artificial reproductive technologies that involve the "dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus)," describing the practices as "gravely immoral" in its Catechism. The Catholic Church is not alone in its opposition to the New York bill. "No New Yorker should regard putting womens bodies up for sale as a civil rights advance, no matter whom it allegedly benefits. Women arent property," Natasha Chart, board chair of the radical feminist group Women's Liberation Front, told The Christian Post in an email on Friday. "The draconian contracts commonly used by the commercial surrogacy industry, the infliction of emotional trauma on birth mothers by controlling or dissatisfied clients, and the routine abandonment of children who arent what the clients were expecting, are all reasons why a growing number developing nations have forbidden this type of commercial exploitation of their female citizens." She added: "When countries like India have banned this after many years of trouble and hard experience with wealthy surrogacy tourists, we should be extremely suspicious of the motives of alleged progressives trying to introduce it as a civil rights advance in New York. Whose rights are they concerned with, I wonder? Because it doesnt sound like they were thinking about the women and children involved at all." The renewed push in New York comes after a failed attempt to scrap existing laws on surrogacy in 2019. The legislation passed in the state Senate but was never brought up for a vote in the Assembly. Surrogacy is increasingly being seen as falling under the LGBT rights umbrella, but the money factor has troubled some progressive lawmakers who might otherwise be supportive. It is pregnancy for a fee, Deborah Glick, a New York Democratic assemblywoman and the first openly gay member of the state Legislature, told The New York Times in June. And I find that commodification of women troubling. The debate has pitted some feminists against progressives and LGBT activists in the state. A letter sent to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, which was signed by feminist icon Gloria Steinem and a coalition of other women's rights advocates, asserted that women would be harmed by the legislation. "Our opposition to this bill emerges from our conviction that the legalization of commercial surrogacy contracts in New York state will undermine womens control over their bodies, thwart womens reproductive rights, render women vulnerable to reproductive trafficking and exploitation, and further subordinate and harm women, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, in our state," the letter sent last June states. Wont rest until every refugee from Pak is given citizenship: Shah India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Jabalpur, Jan 13: Every oppressed refugee will get Indian citizenship, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah said. The government will not rest until each oppressed Pakistani refugee is given citizenship, Shah also said. He was speaking at a public meeting at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. We will rest only after giving citizenship to every oppressed refugee and none can stop us, Shah also said. The Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhist and Christian refugees have the same rights in India as we have, Shah also said. On citizenship law, Amit Shah challenges, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee He also said that the Ram Temple at Ayodhya would be built in four months time. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi deplored that a section of the youth is being "misguided" over the Citizenship Law, which is aimed at giving and not taking away anybody's citizenship rights. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet "CAA is not about taking away citizenship, it is about giving citizenship. Today, on National Youth Day, I would like to tell this to the youngsters of India, West Bengal, North East that this is not an overnight law for giving citizenship. State of economy is a temporary phase: Amit Shah "We must all know that any person of any religion from any country of the world who believes in India and its Constitution can apply for Indian citizenship through due process. There's no problem in that," he told a gathering at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission. Pipeline 13 January 2020 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with KL MIDTOWN Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture company by Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad (Hap Seng) and TTDI KL Metropolis Sdn. Bhd., to develop a new 450-room Hyatt Regency branded hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Set to be completed in 2024, the new hotel will mark the return of the Hyatt Regency brand to Kuala Lumpur. For leisure and business travelers visiting the Malaysian capital, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur will deliver energizing experiences and a stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency brand ethos. Guests will enjoy seamless, intuitive service alongside refreshing food and beverage concepts and flexible spaces suited for work, collaboration or relaxation. Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur will be a state-of-the-art property designed by internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma. When completed, the hotel will offer four food and beverage concepts including two bars, a market cafe, and a Japanese restaurant. It will also feature an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and Regency Club - an exclusive lounge offering a relaxed environment to work, meet and socialize for club level guests. For meetings and events, the hotel will also include 21,528 square feet (2,000 square meters) of flexible space, including a 10,764 square foot (1,000 square meter) ballroom, making it the ideal setting for any occasion. The hotel will be situated just north of the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the third largest MICE venue in Southeast Asia and the largest trade and exhibition center in Malaysia. With a direct connection to MITEC, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur will be easily accessible for business travelers who are visiting the meeting venue. The venue is located just five miles (eight kilometers) northwest of Kuala Lumpur's city center, and 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. E ight people have been hurt in a stabbing spree across multiple locations in a city in the US state of Colorado. Police said the horrifying incident in Colorado Springs in the early hours of Monday appeared to be a random act of violence. The knife attacks began at about 1.30am (8.30am UK time) and took place near walking trails in the city. A man has been detained and taken into custody, Colorado Springs Police Department said in statement. Officers found two victims in the citys west side and tracked the suspect along trails, where several more injured people were found. There has been reports that some of the victims had helped to detain the suspect, the police department said. Seven victims were rushed to hospital. Midnight on Jan. 15 will be the last chance parties have to submit their lists of Knesset candidates for the 23rd Knesset to the Central Elections Committee. With both parties hovering around the electoral threshold, Meretz and Labor-Gesher came to the conclusion on Jan. 12 that they have no choice. If they really want to survive the upcoming elections, they will have to unite. We need to join forces with Meretz, said Amir Peretz, Labor-Gesher party chairman and Knesset member, at a meeting of his partys leadership. Then he added, Even if we are being forced into it." He and Meretz party Chairman Nitzan Horowitz then met for a meeting described as decisive. By the end of the meeting it was decided that the two parties would run March 2 on a joint ticket. On the eve of the September 2019 election, Meretz merged with former Prime Minister Ehud Baraks Democratic Israel and Stav Shaffirs Green Movement and ran as a single list, known as the Democratic Camp. Together, these three parties were able to garner just five seats. At the same time, the Labor party, which joined forces with Orly Levy-Abekasis Gesher party, received just six seats. Since then, the Democratic Camp has fallen apart, and Meretz, like Labor-Gesher, could, according to the most recent polls, fall below the electoral threshold. Even before the decision of a joint run, Meretz signaled that it will not have an Arab candidate in a realistic slot on its list. This direction was confirmed after the unification. Knesset member Issawi Freij had saved Meretz twice: first in April 2019, when he managed to recruit thousands of voters in Arab settlements, particularly his own town of Kafr Qassem, and again in the September 2019 election, when he pushed for the party to join forces with Ehud Barak. This time around he has been pushed to the fifth slot on Meretzs list. More so, with the unification, he is now placed in the 11th slot a spot that is hardly electable. In the past, Meretz took pride in being a party known for raising the banner of Jewish-Arab partnership. This time, it came down hard on Freij in particular and the Arab voters in general. The partys Knesset members are exhausted by all of the recent elections coming one after the other, so that today, they are fighting less for the principle of partnership than they are for their own personal survival. Who even remembers now that just one day after the April 2019 election, when Meretz barely passed the electoral threshold, then-party Chairwoman Tamar Zandberg admitted that Meretz won at least one seat from Arab towns and villages? It managed to achieve this thanks to Freij from Kafr Qassem and Druze candidate Ali Salalha from Beit Jann. At the time, Zandberg came to the conclusion that if the center-left camp doesnt create a partnership with the Arab society, it will not be able to return to power. If, on the other hand, the Arab sector votes like the Jews, there will not be a prime minister from the right." Recently, Meretz has been negotiating with Mazen Ghanaim, former mayor of the Arab town Sakhnin, and Talal al-Karnawi, former mayor of the Bedouin town Rahat. They both rejected a less than generous offer when they learned that they would not be given a realistic slot on the partys Knesset list. According to publications, the first four Meretz slots on the united new list are now filled by Nitzan Horowitz (third slot), Zandberg (fourth slot), Yair Golan (seventh slot) and Ilan Gilon (eighth slot). The united list seems more generous vis-a-vis the Labor-Gesher partner. As things look now, Freij is being pushed way down the list. That will be the situation on March 2, unless the leaders of the two parties realize that they are making a mistake of historic proportions and effectively divorcing themselves from Arab voters. Every vote I brought to Meretz was grabbed out of the lions jaws. I want to be part of the ship, or rather I insist on it, instead of being nothing more than a fig leaf, Freij told Al-Monitor shortly before the unification decision. (He was referring to votes that would definitely have gone to the Arab Joint List were it not for him, along with undecided voters, including many who considered casting their ballots for the Blue and White party.) The text of part of the interview follows: Al-Monitor: Youre nothing more than a fig leaf now. Freij: There are still people in the party for whom deep in their hearts Arabs are little more than a fig leaf. I will not let that happen. Al-Monitor: Do you think you made a mistake when you initiated the merger with Ehud Barak? Maybe other members of Meretz are getting back at you for the results of that decision and the damage it caused. Barak left you all alone and went his own way. Freij: I believed at the time that this sort of leadership could generate a big bang and a real change within the political left, and so I went for it. It is possible that I was wrong. Al-Monitor: People pay for their mistakes, dont they? Freij: No, they dropped me from the fourth slot [on the Meretz list] to the fifth slot because of personal considerations. But those kinds of personal considerations have no room in such a delicate and sensitive election campaign. We need to have an added value, and then put the list together based on that. Al-Monitor: Is Meretz Chairman Nitzan Horowitz a leader? Do you think he is exhibiting leadership? Do you think he is the right person to head Meretz? Freij: Ill let you know after March 2. A leader is judged by how he puts the good person off to the side and makes a decision based on political, electoral and ideological considerations. The Arab vote is more critical than ever. I cant stress it enough. My party is making a mistake. Freij said that there are advanced negotiations underway with Taleb el-Sana and Abdel Wahab Darousha of the Arab Party to put a woman representing their party in the No. 6 slot of the Meretz party list. He refused to reveal who that woman might be. Of course, that is no assurance that such a candidate or even he himself would actually become members of the next Knesset. A post-footy game raid by workplace watchdogs has uncovered alleged underpayment of nearly $100,000 for more than two dozen cleaners at a Melbourne stadium. Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors went to Etihad Stadium (now Marvel Stadium) and allegedly found 25 cleaners were being paid flat rates in 2017. Workers were allegedly short-changed a total of $99,637 between February 2 and June 30 that year. Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors went to Etihad Stadium (pictured) (now Marvel Stadium) and allegedly found 25 cleaners were being paid flat rates in 2017 The ombudsman launched action in the Federal Circuit Court against Quayclean Australia Pty Ltd, a national cleaning company with the main contract to provide cleaning services at the stadium. Action has also started against subcontractor company Ranvel Pty Ltd, Ranvel's owner-director Indika Udara Lokubalasuriya and Harjot Singh who was a director of Melbourne-based company Lionheart Pty Ltd, which is now in liquidation. Ranvel and Lokubalasuriya allegedly underpaid a total of $24,498.80 to 14 cleaners working for a $16 per hour flat rate. Lionheart and Mr Singh allegedly paid 11 cleaners flat hourly rates between $7 to $23, with the total underpayments at $75,138.26. Quayclean is also accused of paying insufficient amounts to the subcontractors to meet award entitlements and for being an accessory to some underpayment contraventions. The alleged underpayment amounts owed to workers have been repaid in full. 'Workers employed in this sector are low-paid, often vulnerable migrant workers with limited understanding of their workplace rights,' ombudsman Sandra Parker said. The matter was investigated after it was anonymously reported to the ombudsman. The matter is due before the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne in February. A recent exchange between a Washington Post columnist and a freshman U.S. senator reveals some of the underlying issues in contemporary policy debates on the right. George Will, a stalwart of classical liberalism in the Beltway, criticizes Josh Hawley, Republican senator from Missouri, in a recent column. According to Will, Hawleys reservations about American policy over the past few decades reveal a Marxist-like economic determinism, little faith in the market, and complete faith in government: Individualism, tendentiously defined, is the Missouri Republicans named target. Inevitably, however, the culprit becomes capitalism, which is what individual freedom is in a market societys spontaneous order. Whereas Will offers the market as the expression of individual freedom, Hawley in his rejoinder argues that individual freedom is not reducible to market operations that it depends on nurturing various social institutions that can sometimes be at odds with the market. For Hawley, Edmund Burkes little platoons of society today are faltering under relentless pressure from the global economy. And he calls for government policy to correct those trends (whether through reversing concentration in the tech sector, reforming trade policies, or other efforts). The clash between Will and Hawley has a long pedigree. Indeed, it casts light on the way that some of what is often called populism or nationalism today could in some ways be seen as a successor to the initial wave of neoconservatism. Though such neoconservatives as Daniel Bell, Nathan Glazer, and Irving Kristol may have differed on many issues, they shared some important affinities, including support for policy experimentation and for the idea that both the market and government had significant limits. Having been youths during the Great Depression, many neoconservatives were essentially supporters of the welfare state, but they also diagnosed some of the ways in which the welfare state could undercut its supposed aims. The Public Interest, a major neoconservative organ, was stocked with articles about how some Great Society welfare efforts might end up not ameliorating but rather entrenching poverty. Story continues However, the neoconservatives were emphatically not proponents of laissez-faire. Not only did they often support robust government efforts; they also had deeper reservations about the dynamics of the market. Irving Kristol famously mustered only two cheers (not three) for capitalism. While the material wealth produced by capitalism was in many ways a good thing, the endless pursuit of profit could also degrade traditional communities and sap important moral virtues. In The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism, Daniel Bell offered a sociological elaboration of this theme; the elevation of consumerism in an age of American plenty could undermine the virtues, including prudence and discipline, that a successful market economy requires. This double-edged skepticism about both government and the market led neoconservatives in the direction of policy experimentation. Parts of the welfare state could be retained but reformed. While the market had considerable advantages, it also had to be monitored in the name of the public interest. Moreover, the froth of economic productivity was no substitute for the bonds of faith, family, and community. (In light of that, its not surprising that National Affairs, in many ways a successor to The Public Interest, should serve as a venue for thinking out various policy options and offer nuanced discussions of the textures of lived liberty.) When Hawley denounces the political vision of an autonomous Promethean self, that sounds rather like two cheers (or maybe one and a half) for capitalism. Just as neoconservatives looked at an American economic and political system under increasing pressure in the Sixties and Seventies, many of those sympathetic to a populist or nationalist correction see in the contemporary United States signs of disappointment and socioeconomic strain. In the 21st century, economic growth has slowed by many measures. Deaths of despair have skyrocketed. Partisan rancor and dysfunction hold the Beltway in their grip. Political radicalism, from socialism to the woke left to the alt-right, has gained new currency in some parts of the public. These trends have left a black mark in the lives of many Americans. But they also might augur ill for liberal democracy and a market-based economy. Policy reforms to correct them can be less a flight from liberty and more a way to make the practices of liberty sustainable, a theme that has pervaded accounts of liberty in America from Hamilton to Tocqueville to the neoconservatives. These trends have a bearing on the ability of the United States to project power abroad, a concern of many neoconservatives. Internal division makes it harder for the United States to be a responsible power on the world stage. Moreover, maintaining a certain industrial and infrastructure base an enterprise currently associated with populism is also a prerequisite for great-power status. Marco Rubios recent push for an industrial policy is a great break from neither conventional Republican policy nor neoconservative strategy. In this meeting, for instance, of the editorial board of The New Republic in 1986, Charles Krauthammer made a case for an oil-import fee (see around the 31-minute mark). He based his argument primarily on geopolitics: Cheap oil from abroad was putting downward pressure on domestic oil exploration, and so placing a tariff on foreign oil would encourage domestic production of this key strategic asset. (Decades after that meeting, the fracking revolution, which was influenced by sustained high prices in oil, would lead to a substantial increase in the American production of oil. The growth of fracking has also altered the American geopolitical calculus by making the U.S. less dependent on the whims of oil producers abroad.) There is a second-order question about which policies might be most effective at nurturing communities and promoting an integrated body politic. For instance, one might not agree with the tradeoffs involved in Krauthammers proposal of an oil-import tax. People might disagree about the best mechanisms for deconsolidating the financial sector or even about whether such a deconsolidation would advance the goal of local empowerment and ground-up economic growth. Such second-order disagreements are important politics, after all, is about designing policy to achieve goals, not just about setting them but consistent with the broader center-right tradition of using policy to regulate the market in the name of the public good. It would be a mistake to press affinities into absolute identity. If the original neoconservatives were to take a time machine to 2020, some would no doubt disagree with some of the policy proposals advanced by contemporary allies of populism. They also might be bemused, even provoked, by the current occupant of the White House. (In an interview late in life, Glazer made a characteristically multivalent assessment of the president, criticizing both his conduct in office and those who saw in the Trump White House the descending shadow of fascism.) Of course, certain variants of nationalism and populism offer no reforms to moderate the market or renew civic resources but rather spout invective and exacerbate division and paranoia. Seeking to sustain national integration is very different from trying to impose some racial or ideological homogeneity on the body politic. Spittle-flecked denunciations of the elite are far from serious policy efforts to enhance economic opportunity. An agenda for national unity in which the rights of individuals are trampled and minority groups are demeaned may be as uncongenial to democratic liberty as Promethean atomization. In the last third of the 20th century, neoconservatives sought that middle way between a worship of the market and an adulation of the state. Recognizing that both the market and the state had a part to play, they offered a series of reforms to counter the faltering New DealGreat Society consensus. In our time, the consensus of high neoliberalism has long been stumbling, and its disruptions in turn call out for their own policy response. The possible responses are many. An agenda to strengthen broad-based opportunity within the American economy could serve to counter civic disintegration and protect our individual liberties and the republican order. Some might term such an agenda populist or nationalist, but it could also be called neoconservative. More from National Review At the start of The View on January 13, moderator Whoopi Goldberg began by complimenting Abby Huntsmans dress. Then Whoopi gave the floor to Huntsman for some sort of announcement. And Huntsman indeed had some news to share. This is always such a hard thing to do, Huntsman began. And especially at this table, because this is a really special table the most iconic show on television and the smartest woman Ive ever worked with. But today Im saying goodbye. With Huntsman departing to help with her fathers campaign for governor of Utah (again), The View will be down one conservative commentator. That immediately gets the rumor mill churning about who will replace Huntsman, who joined the show back in September 2018. In the coming days, more than a few eyes will turn to Elisabeth Hasselbeck, the former View co-host producers wanted back before they hired Huntsman in 18. But Hasselbecks return seems like a long-shot. The View tried to get Hasselbeck back most recently in 2018 THE VIEW Elisabeth Hasselbeck visits today, Tuesday, March 26, 2019. | Lou Rocco/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images After the departure of Sara Haines in 18, The View reached out to Hasselbeck and offered the former co-host her old job. That offer took her by surprise. (Anyone who knows the story of Hasselbecks departure will understand why.) In her book published in 2019, Hasselbeck described her reaction after getting the offer to return to her old chair at the table. The chair they had truly pulled out from under me? she wrote. That chair? She was less than enthusiastic about a return. I could neither picture myself back in that arena nor imagine moving our family out of Nashville, she wrote. However, she felt grateful because it gave her a sense of closure. [God] healed the wound of disappointment and betrayal, and He provided me with gratitude. After Ramin Setoodehs tell-all Ladies Who Punch came out in 2019, Hasselbeck found herself reliving some of those View battles. Clearly, she didnt relish the thought of diving back in again when she got the offer to return in 18. So we wouldnt bet shes ready to do so 17 months later. Hasselbeck doesnt seem like a likely replacement for Huntsman THE VIEW Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Abby Huntsman in 2019 | Lou Rocco/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images With Huntsmans departure leaving a conservative chair open once again at The View, wed be surprised if Hasselbecks representatives didnt get a call about the job recently. (Its unclear when Huntsman gave notice about leaving the show.) But, given how unwilling Hasselbeck was to return just over a year ago, viewers shouldnt expect her to replace Huntsman in the coming weeks. After all, with Meghan McCain battling her co-hosts on a regular basis, the show doesnt exactly represent a place for serene, measured debate. In short, if the arena of The View didnt appeal to Hasselbeck less than two years ago, shes not likely to have a change of heart this time around. Considering how rough Barbara Walters (and others) treated he back in the day, its hard to blame her. Also see: Why Whoopi Didnt Feel the Need to Apologize to Meghan McCain After The View Dust-up YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian who is in the United Arab Emirates on a working visit met with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo, the Armenian Presidents Office told Armenpress. The Indonesian President highly appreciated the meeting with his Armenian counterpart and touched upon the Armenian-Indonesian historical connections, in particular remembering the Sarkies Brothers. By attaching importance to the continuation of traditions President Sarkissian said his goal is to encourage the expansion of the bilateral mutual partnership and fully utilize the existing potential and opportunities. Armen Sarkissian said Armenians are global and closely-connected people, and thanks to the spread of Armenians and the Armenian business the cooperation potential is growing immensely. The two presidents especially highlighted the expansion of cooperation and exchange of experience in the fields of IT, creative education and innovation. In this context President Sarkissian introduced the new presidential initiative ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) on science and technology development in Armenia, stating that according to this program it is expected to have a Museum of the Future or the first Disney Land of artificial intelligence in Armenia. The program also aims at bringing international company representatives operating in IT to Armenia making the country one of the leading centers for artificial intelligence, data management and math modeling. The officials also discussed the cooperation opportunities with the Indonesian companies on the sidelines of this initiative. The Armenian and Indonesian Presidents also exchanged views on the cooperation prospects within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The Indonesian President said his country expects Armenias support to the signing of a free trade zone agreement with the EAEU. President Sarkissian stated that the greater and dynamic the organization is, the more beneficial it will be for expanding the mutually beneficial partnership of the member states. He introduced Armenias competitive advantages thanks to which new opportunities will be provided to the Indonesian investors to enter new markets. The meeting also touched upon the cooperation opportunities in tourism, agriculture, food safety, etc. President Sarkissian said Armenia can export high-quality fruits and vegetables, goods and products made on water base, which will be competitive in Indonesia. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan Morocco has expounded its energy strategy and its approach to the fight against climate change before the 10th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), held in Abu Dhabi this January 11-12. Morocco has adopted an ambitious energy strategy meant to enlarge its renewable energy capacity and performance to strengthen its position as a world leader in the field, as well as a policy to fight climate change, in full harmony with global ambitions aimed at combating this phenomenon, said minister of Energy, Mining and Environment, Aziz Rebbah. Addressing a ministerial plenary session Sunday, Rebbah said Morocco has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by 42 % by 2030. To reach that goal, the Kingdom adopted a strategy based essentially on the large-scale development of renewable energies and the strengthening of energy efficiency. The official also presented the Morocco Solar Plan, with focus on the Noor Ouarzazate plant, the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world that could power more than one million homes with its 580 megawatt capacity, saving thus the planet from over 760,000 tons of carbon emissions. This dynamic is pursued through the development of several solar projects with various technological choices and innovative hybrid solutions. The programs initiated within the framework of this energy strategy have achieved major breakthroughs thanks to the locally developed expertise and the great interest shown by international operators in these programs, said the minister. The North African country is ahead of schedule in producing 42% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020, and targets 52% renewable energy in the national electricity mix by 2030. Rebbah also spoke about Moroccos hydrogen production capacity, saying that the countrys performance in the production of the material would benefit the market globally. Hydrogen is not a regional resource, and Morocco could be a bastion for green hydrogen for the whole world. Given our business environment, were ready, he was quoted by the news outlet moroccoworldnews.com as saying. The 10th IRENA Assembly featured a ministerial roundtable on Green hydrogen, described as the potential energy transition game-changer. Participants in the roundtable identified hydrogen produced by renewable energy as potential key accelerator of the energy transition and enabler for a wider global decarbonization. Green hydrogen is gaining unprecedented political and business momentum, with a number of policies and projects expanding rapidly around the world, said IRENAs Director-General Francesco La Camera. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) underlined the important role of hydrogen for decarbonization. He said Hydogen can help overcome many difficult energy challenges. It can decarbonise hard-to-abate-sectors like steel, chemicals, tucks ships and planes. Hydrogen can also enhance energy security by diversifying the fuel mix and providing flexibility to balance grids. Ministers and business leaders took stock of the progress of hydrogen from renewable power and discussed findings and implications in supporting the development of hydrogen from renewable power in Member countries. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving to Canada part-time. On Monday, following a highly-anticipated meeting of senior royal family members, The Associated Press reported that the Queen has agreed to allow Prince Harry and Meghan to live a more independent life, which includes a move to Canada. %image1 The Queen released her own statement following the meeting calling it constructive. The statement added that the family agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. She noted, My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Harry and Meghan have made it clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK," she wrote. "These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. The news came less than a week after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the world by announcing their plans to step back as senior members of the royal family in an Instagram post. The announcement, the palace said, was not approved nor vetted by The Queen prior to posting. 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. Story continues The couple added in the Instagram caption, they planned to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, however, that too had not yet been OKd by Her Majesty. The couple noted that they always planned to continue to honor their duties to The Queen as well as their patronages. And their plans to become financially independent are in the works as the former-actress-turned-royal has clinched a deal with Disney to do voice overs. Fallout of their decision has had a ripple effect on the palace as well as on Harry's brother, Prince William. Ive put my arm around my brother all our lives and I cant do that any more; were separate entities, he reported told a friend following their announcement. An independent councillor has been accused of twice assaulting a female police officer. As well as being charged with two counts of assaulting the officer on September 30 last year, 61-year-old Henry Reilly was also charged with resisting the female constable, resisting a male constable and causing criminal damage to a police radio and ear piece on the same date. Reilly, from the Ballynahatten Road in Kilkeel and who sits in Newry and Mourne District Council as an independent councillor, did not attend Newry Magistrates Court where a prosecuting lawyer told the court that body cam footage had been served on the defence. District Judge Eamon King adjourned the case for two weeks for attitude". Although he now sits as an independent, Mr Reilly has previously served on the council as a member of the UUP, the DUP and most recently UKIP but had to resign from the party as his job with a charity did not allow him to align with any political party. P rince Harry is preparing for his face-to-face meeting with the Queen, his father and brother as the senior royals seek to thrash out plans for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's future. Meghan is with their baby son Archie in Canada, but a royal source said it is likely she will join the crisis talks by phone. The duchess flew to Canada a few days ago where the family spent an extended festive break in British Columbia. It is thought William will be travelling to the estate in Norfolk from his Kensington Palace apartment and Harry from Frogmore Cottage near Windsor Castle. Charles was in Oman to attend a condolence ceremony following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, and was due to travel back to the UK on Sunday evening. There are a range of issues to be discussed on Monday, and it is likely the royals will try to come to some agreement before the meeting ends to stop the immediate crisis causing lasting damage to the monarchy. Harry and Meghans statement and a new official Sussexroyal.com website have thrown up important questions about funding for the couples round-the-clock security, media access to their royal events and how they will pay for their future lifestyles. Other important issues to resolve include who will pay for the substantial security cost of protecting the couple and their baby son if they spend large portions of the year in Canada and possibly America. It is not known what time the family plan to meet, how long the summit is expected to last or whether the entire day has been set aside to find a solution. Before the meeting, the royals will be given written proposals produced by their offices and others, including relevant government departments from the UK and Canada, where it is thought Harry and Meghan will establish a second home. It is not known who else, if anyone, will be at the meeting but it is likely the private secretaries of the four royals may join part of the talks to assist with any questions. On Thursday, the Queen, Charles and William gave orders for their households to work with the Sussexes team to quickly find a workable solution to their desire to change the direction of their royal lives, but still support the Queen. A royal source said next steps will be agreed at the meeting, adding that it is the Queens wish that the issue is resolved at pace. Some at Buckingham Palace are reported to fear that Harry and Meghan could conduct a potentially damaging television interview if they do not get what they want. In an article for The Sunday Times, broadcaster Tom Bradby a friend of both Harry and William said: I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred, sit-down interview and I dont think it would be pretty. The Queen attended church at Sandringham on Sunday where wellwishers expressed sympathy for her, and clapped as she left, with some members of the public saying that Harry and Meghan should not receive any more taxpayers money. Harry and Meghan are said to have left the Queen feeling hurt by their bombshell announcement that they plan to step back as senior royals, become financially independent and split their time between the UK and North America. Additional reporting by PA Media Listen to today's episode of The Leader: Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 13 : The congenital problem of factional feud continues to dog the Congress in Kerala. And the entire top brass of the party in Kerala has been summoned to Delhi to find an amicable solution to tne never-ending squabbles. These leaders included state party chief Mullapally Ramachandran, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, former Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as well as Benny Behanan, convenor of the Congress-led UDF and Lok Sabha member. As they have been unable to resolve their differences over the much-delayed party revamp and continue to bat for their supporters' elevation to the party posts, the central party leadership has called them to Delhi. Since the seventies, the party was led by A.K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony, both former Chief Ministers. Now their groups have been taken over by Chennithala and Chandy. After Karunakaran's death, his several supporters crossed over to the Chandy faction, making him the tallest Congress leader with a pan-Kerala acceptance. But after leading the UDF to defeat in 2016 Assembly polls, Chandy withdrew to the backstage, leaving the field open to Chennithala. There is another faction led by Ramachandran. These factions and their leaders -- despite several rounds of talks -- have failed to reach an understanding to the party's revamp, which includes 14 district presidents and the lower committees. While Ramachandran wanted one vice-president and fewer general secretaries and secretaries, Chandy and Chennithala are demanding a jumbo list of office-bearers to accommodate their supporters. With two crucial elections -- local body polls later this year and the 2021 Assembly polls in May -- the party knows without setting the internal squabbles it would be difficult to take on the now 'cash rich' ruling CPI-M. As many as 11 people including three police officials were injured in stone-pelting during a clash between two groups in Bhainsa town of Nirmal district, police said on Monday. Police imposed Section 144 Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and brought the situation under control after members of two communities indulged in arguments, followed by assault, stone-pelting and arson over a petty matter of some people riding bikes by removing silencers late on Sunday night, they said. The clash that broke out over a petty matter as some people were questioned by members of another community while they were making noise by removing silencers from their bikes. The fight turned violent with members of the two communities setting some vehicles on fire besides indulging in minor incidents of damaging houses also after pelting stones, police said. "A total of 11 people were injured in the incident including three police officials and out of them 10 were given treatment as out-patient and discharged. The situation is under control...police patrolling and watch has been kept on the situation," a senior police official told PTI. Additional police personnel were mobilised from adjoining districts and deployed, the official said adding those involved in the clashes were being identified and legal action will be initiated against those responsible for the violence. The three police officials including District Superintendent of Police C Shashidhar Raju (who suffered bleeding injuries on his fingers) sustained injuries during the stone pelting while dispersing the clashing groups, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After three years of tweets and tariffs, President Donald Trump has arrived at his China moment. With the signing Wednesday of a phase one deal that includes Chinese commitments to respect American intellectual property, not manipulate its currency, and a U.S. expectation for $200 billion in new purchases that should help reduce a yawning trade deficit and repair some of the damage suffered by farmers, Trump will deliver at least a partial agreement many skeptics doubted was ever possible. But even that political victory leaves Trump confronting the same China conundrum that has plagued his predecessors. The broad and bipartisan agreement in Washington is that American presidents have for decades been hoodwinked by a China that has often failed to deliver on its promises. Trump and his lieutenants, of course, insist that this time is different, that experts who see phase one as a rebranding of old guarantees are wrong. Unlike agreements negotiated by prior administrations, this one is enforceable, they say, and there will be real and immediate economic repercussions for China if it comes up short. We think it was a good negotiation, we think it will make a real difference, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told reporters on Dec. 13. A skeptic would say well see and thats probably a wise position to take. But our expectation is that they keep their obligations and in any event, theyre enforceable. Also, its not the end of the story, the White House says. Coming soon, though even Trump acknowledges probably not before the November U.S. presidential election, is a second deal that will address long-standing American complaints not covered in the initial 86-page document. Among those: the state subsidies from discounted loans to cheap electricity that have nurtured a growing club of Chinese multinationals. Some inside and close to the White House have their own doubts that second installment will ever materialize. Yet the more immediate question is whether China will even live up to the promises in the first phase. And if not, the question becomes whether Trump will have the political courage to take action ahead of the election, even it if risks roiling the markets on which he is hanging his economic credentials. There is a real enforcement provision, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday on Fox News. And if they dont comply with the agreement, the president retains the authority to put on tariffs, both existing tariffs and additional tariffs. In a talking points memo distributed to supporters last month, the administration said it called for each country to establish a special office to monitor the deals implementation and address any disputes. If conflicts arent resolved within 90 days, the U.S. could take unspecified proportionate action against China and vice versa. Either party could also abandon the deal, of course. But some analysts say such a framework risks being inherently political. Wendy Cutler, a veteran trade negotiator now at the Asia Society Policy Institute, says that by not deferring to independent panels or arbitrators, the dispute mechanism leaves the question of violations and how to respond in the eye of the beholder. That means politics and competing economic pressures and interests are likely to intrude, as they have before. It also means that the only arbiter of whether the Chinese are keeping their end of the bargain will be the Trump administration, which may be loath toadmit they are not. What does it say for one of his key negotiating accomplishments if the president has to admit the agreement isnt working as intended? Cutler says. The Hawkish Camp Steve Bannon, Trumps former White House chief strategist, says there wont be enough time before November for the president to take action if China doesnt abide by the deals terms. I dont think well be able to ascertain whether they lived up to the commitments until after the 2020 election, he said. Bannon, who since leaving the administration in 2017 has made hawkishness on China a central part of his brand, says hardliners like him who see communist China as an existential threat to America remain disappointed by a phase one deal they see as easing the pressure on Beijing. A second phase will only be possible if China is put under extreme duress by an economic assault on multiple fronts, including restrictions on access to U.S. capital markets, he told Bloomberg News. More moderate observers have their doubts as well. Jude Blanchette, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, says there are signs already that China and particularly its own economic nationalists have been emboldened by the phase one deal and are shrugging off the commitments it includes. Theres a darn good chance we just see a repeat of this show which has been going on certainly since WTO accession in 2001 of China doing what it can to get its tiptoes right up to the letter of the law but in fundamental ways ignoring the spirit of it, Blanchette says. That is in part because everything from Trumps impeachment to the looming election and even the presidents handling of Iran is adding to Chinas perception of weakness rather than strength in Washington. They smell blood for Trump, Blanchette says. There has always been, especially since impeachment, a narrative in China that weve got him where we want him, weve got a lot more leverage over him than we had. Rod Hunter, who agonized over China policy while on President George W. Bushs National Security Council and is now a partner at law firm Baker McKenzie, argues that no single agreement can bridge the huge asymmetry of interests between the U.S. and China over key issues like the heavy role of the state in the Chinese economy. We see that as a problem. But the Chinese government sees that as a feature, a virtue of their system, Hunter says. Steady Strides For its part, Beijing is pointing to progress. A foreign investment law that took effect Jan. 1 bans administrative agencies from forcing technology transfers. The government also brought forward plans to allow full foreign ownership of life insurers, futures, securities and mutual fund companies by 2020, after cracking the door open in 2018. And while the U.S. labeled China as a currency manipulator in August at the height of trade war, the Peoples Bank of China has long relinquished direct intervention. China has made steady strides in reform and opening-up over the past year, Cui Tiankai, Chinas ambassador to the U.S., said last week at a gala in New York for Chinese companies that invest in the U.S. Bridging the differences requires a careful balance of diplomacy and leverage. One solution being pushed by Mnuchin is to revive a forum for bilateral discussion that the Trump administration disbanded in 2017, but its unclear yet whether the president will go for that idea. Hunter and others acknowledge that even if China does not comply with the terms of the phase one deal, Trump has still managed to reset the relationship in ways other than the notable redirection of global supply chains and a reduction in Chinese imports, which is why there is so much talk in policy circles of a decoupling or a new Cold War. Technology Battles The administration has enforced a new, broader conception of national security and given defense and intelligence officials a bigger say in economic policy, particularly on China. In practical terms that has meant stricter curbs on Chinese investment in the U.S. and on the ability of American technology companies to do business with China, as seen most vividly in the blacklisting last year of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. Those efforts arent ending with the new truce. In fact, they are expanding. In the pipeline is a new Commerce Department rule to restrict U.S. imports of telecommunications equipment such as that made by Huawei that might threaten U.S. national security. Tariffs, meanwhile, will remain a blunt stick. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, average U.S. levies on Chinese imports will be 19.3% even after the deal takes effect more than six times higher than before the trade war began in 2018. A President Warren, a President Biden, they are not going to be able to unwind that, Hunter says. They are not just going to be able to say on Jan. 21st never mind, were taking away the tariffs without getting something in return. Now read: Huawei continues rise despite Trump blacklisting Mumbai, Jan 13 : In a major breather to India Inc, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline for the top 500 companies to split the posts of Chairman and Managing Director (MD) by two years, till April 2022. As per the market regulators' norms, which were to come into effect on April 1, 2020, the top 500 listed companies in terms of market capitalisation would have to separate the roles of Chairperson and MD. The move comes in the backdrop of requests in this regard from several corporates. Industry participants and analysts have hailed the decision, saying it would have a positive impact. "This move from SEBI was much needed, and is extremely good news. Many large listed companies were struggling with this issue, and were being forced to make hasty decisions on succession," said Rishabh Shroff, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Shroff added that with this extension, companies now have time to carefully select suitable candidates. "We anticipate many promoter-run listed companies will now make succession planning a top priority in 2020," he said. As many entities have a single post of CMD, fearing that the overlapping of board and management functions could lead to conflict of interest, the market regulator, consequently, announced regulations to separate the two posts. Many companies, including many top ones, have merged the two posts into a CMD (chairman-cum-managing director), leading to some overlapping of the board and management and potential conflict of interest situations. The regulator, in May 2018, came out with its norms to split the post. The norms were part of the series of recommendations given by the Uday Kotak-led committee on corporate governance commissioned by the market regulator. In July 2019, President Trump told four of them Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and her fellow representatives in the House, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan to go back to where they came from. (Which would be the United States for Pressley, Tlaib and Ocasio-Cortez, and Somalia for Omar, who became a U.S. citizen in 2000.) WASHINGTON - The number of consumer product recalls fell to its lowest level in 16 years in 2019, marking the third year in a row under mostly Republican leadership that federal regulators have announced fewer product safety problems, according to Washington Post calculations. But there are early signs that the new head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission plans a more aggressive approach to companies selling potentially unsafe products. Last year, the CPSC announced 241 recalls, including for unstable furniture, flammable clothing and dangerous lawnmowers. The highest-profile recall involved 5 million units of the popular Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play, an infant inclined sleeper tied to more than 30 deaths. The 2019 total was down 7% from 2018, which itself was 8% lower than in 2017. That's the year that Republican Ann Marie Buerkle took over as the commission's acting chairwoman after President Trump nominated her to the job, giving her day-to-day control of the agency. She stepped down from her leadership post in late September, rather than seek Senate confirmation to a new term, amid criticism of her handling of safety issues. The CPSC under Buerkle also posted a steady decline in the number of companies hit with civil penalties for failing to follow safety rules, dropping from six firms in 2016 to none in 2019, according to agency data. "It just always felt like something was holding them back," said Nancy Cowles, executive director of the advocacy group Kids in Danger, who said she doubted that the drop in activity was due to products being safer. CPSC spokesman Joe Martyak cautioned against using the recall numbers to judge the agency's performance, noting that they don't reflect other agency efforts to stop unsafe products from reaching consumers and that the numbers fail to distinguish between different levels of danger. Last November's recall of 270 FlipStix knitting needles (reports of needles breaking but no injuries) is counted the same as last July's recall of 9,700 Cannondale bicycles (report of the bike's fork suddenly fracturing, causing several serious injuries and one death). The CPSC recall list also contains only those recalls that companies agreed to perform. CPSC recalls are almost always voluntary. If a company refuses to recall, the agency can file a lawsuit. But it rarely takes that step. The last recall lawsuit came in 2018, when the agency's three Democratic commissioners voted to overrule Buerkle's objections and went to court to force Britax to recall its BOB jogging stroller. The stroller was involved in hundreds of crashes caused by the sudden detachment of the stroller's front wheel. The case ended in a controversial settlement - approved by the agency's new Republican majority - allowing Britax to avoid a formal recall. Instead, the company launched an information campaign that, as Post reporting later revealed, failed to notify some retailers as required and offered a defective fix to some consumers. Now, with a new acting chairman running the CPSC, Democrat Robert Adler, the agency is trying a different tactic to force the hand of reluctant companies. The CPSC last Wednesday issued a rare product safety alert - and made it clear the agency wanted the product taken off the market. The warning said a four-drawer dresser made by Hodedah was a tip-over risk and that the CPSC "intends to continue pressing the case for a recall with Hodedah." The notice was unusual because it acknowledged that the agency and company disagreed about the need for a recall. Negotiations over recalls normally are not revealed to the public, giving companies considerable leverage. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Hodedah, a manufacturer based in New York, did not respond to requests for comment. The CPSC warning notice said the agency discovered the problem during its own stability testing of Hodedah's dresser. The agency is developing mandatory safety regulations for furniture. Furniture tip-overs were blamed for 89 deaths, mostly children, from 2014 to 2018, the agency said. Wednesday's safety alert is known as an "unilateral" inside the CPSC because it is one the few ways for regulators to take action without a company's permission, according to a senior agency official who did not have permission to talk with the media. The tool is rarely used. The last one was in 2011 for a baby high chair that clamped to a table, which was associated with several injuries. Three months after that alert, the company agreed to a formal recall. Adler said in a statement that while it's difficult to judge the CPSC's performance based on recall statistics, "I've been open about my desire to have the agency serve as a more vocal watchdog for consumers, and I hope that we can get there in the near future." Recalls fell almost 15% during Buerkle's nearly three-year tenure, compared to the same proceeding time period, The Post found. The products removed from store shelves in 2019 included 19 motorized vehicles, such as a snowmobile and recreational utility vehicles. Ten recalls involved bicycles and bike accessories. Six were for infant sleep products. After Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress's new ally, the Shiv Sena will skip the meeting of opposition parties called by Sonia Gandhi on Monday to discuss the situation arising out of violence on various university campuses and protests over the amended Citizenship Act. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said the his party had no information about the meeting and so, there was no point in attending it. Sources, however, claimed that the AAP is not attending the meeting in view of the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi. BSP president Mayawati said her party will not attend the meeting, saying it will "demoralise" her party workers. In a series of tweets, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said her party is against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens but attending the meeting will demoralise BSP workers in Rajasthan, where the Congress has caused defections in her party. "As is well known that despite the BSP support to the Congress-led Rajasthan government from outside, it has been for the second time that BSP MLAs have been made to join their party which is completely wrong" Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. "Under such circumstances, the BSP attending the opposition meeting today under the leadership of the Congress will be demoralising for party workers in Rajasthan. Therefore, the BSP will not attend this meeting," she said. However, she made it clear that the BSP is against the CAA and NRC "As it is, the BSP is against CAA/ NRC etc. It is an appeal to the central government again that it should withdraw this divisive and unconstitutional law. Also, It is very unfortunate to politicize students in JNU and other educational institutions" she added. Congress's ally in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena has also reportedly said that the no member of the party will attend the meet. Congress leader Ashish Deshmukh has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray asking him to remove heads of various universities who were appointed under the previous BJP-led dispensation for being loyal to the RSS and its Hindutva doctrine. Deshmukh, a former MLA who was with the BJP before crossing over to the Congress, said such appointees were "poisoning the atmosphere" of these universities. "Universities cannot and should not be permitted to be used as breeding ground of dirty communalism, poisonous hatred, close door thinking, invocation of dogmas, taboos..." Deshmukh wrote. He asked the CM to restore universities into the hands of "deserving meritorious academicians". Incidentally, Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant was asked for a comment on this issue during a press meet in Pune on June 11. Queried about a Congress leader's statement seeking cancellation of appointment of "pro-RSS vice chancellors", Samant had said it was not appropriate for him to comment as appointments of VCs are done by the governor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Queen will meet senior royals in Sandringham later to discuss the future roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry, the Duke of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales will all attend, while Meghan is expected to join the discussion by phone from Canada. The Sussexes say they plan to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond described the meeting as royal history in the making. It is hoped the talks will produce a next step on the way to defining the couples new relationship with the Royal Family in line with the Queens wish to find a solution within days. The Queen will meet senior royals in Sandringham later to discuss the future roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry, the Duke of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales will all attend, while Meghan is expected to join the discussion by phone from Canada. The Sussexes say they plan to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond described the meeting as royal history in the making. It is hoped the talks will produce a next step on the way to defining the couples new relationship with the Royal Family in line with the Queens wish to find a solution within days. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Russia is set to host a meeting of Libya's rival leaders Monday a mediation effort closely coordinated with Turkey. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Fayez Sarraj, the head of Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli, and his rival Khalifa Hifter will meet for talks in Moscow. The negotiations follow a truce proposed by Russia and Turkey that began Sunday the first break in fighting in months. There were immediate reports of violations by both sides, however, raising concerns it might not hold. The truce came as Libya's civil war was on the brink of a major escalation. Various foreign players back Libya's two rival governments, and they have recently been stepping up their involvement in the oil-rich nation's conflict. Libya plunged into turmoil after the 2011 civil war that ousted and killed long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The eastern government is supported by France, Russia and key Arab countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Italy and Qatar support the Tripoli government, which has faced an offensive by Hifter's forces, which closed in on the capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Libya with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who visited Moscow on Saturday. The Russian leader welcomed Germany's plan to hold a Libya peace summit in Berlin early this year. On Sunday, Putin also discussed Libya in phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The Kremlin said they emphasized the need to respect the truce that took effect Sunday and spoke in support of the planned summit in Berlin. Russia has maintained contacts with both conflicting parties in Libya, but the government in Tripoli has recently charged that Russian military contractors were fighting alongside Hifter. Asked Saturday about Russian private security companies in Libya, Putin responded that if there are Russian citizens there, they do not represent the interests of the Russian state and do not receive any money from the Russian state. The Russian president noted that mercenaries were sent to Libya from the Syria's rebel-held province of Idlib alongside Turkey's border, voicing hope that a lasting truce will help end the deployment of foreign fighters to Libya. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier this month that his country was sending military personnel to Libya to support Sarraj's government. Sarraj visited Istanbul for talks with Erdogan Sunday before heading to Moscow. Turkey's foreign and defense ministers are scheduled to hold talks with their Russian counterparts in Moscow on Monday as part of a shared effort to mediate a peace deal. The negotiations follow the deals struck by Russia and Turkey to coordinate their action in Syria, where Moscow has shored up President Bashar Assad's government and Ankara has backed his foes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Elected officials, Jewish community leaders and members of the NYPD were joined by over 150 borough residents Sunday night at the Lew Stolzenberg Social Hall inside of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Sea View to discuss ongoing security concerns amid a rise of anti-Semitic and hate crime attacks across New York City. Community questions and in-progress security measures took center stage at the meeting, which was organized by the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) on Staten Island. Many in attendance voiced fears about the increased frequency of acts of anti-Semitism, from swastikas drawn in public spaces, to attacks that threaten the community. Im basically here just to see what action is being taken against anti-Semitism, which seems to be almost a daily occurrence, said Alan Smith, a Willowbrook native. Smith said that the prevalence of anti-Semitism rhetoric and actions has "become almost like a cancerous type of thing." And once cancer gets a hold of something, Smith said, it festers. Gary, a Willowbrook native who did not wish to have his last name printed, echoed those sentiments, saying there is an uneasiness among the Jewish community as a result of the "very scary reality that there is open anti-Semitism being displayed in New York and New Jersey. For Betsy Wilson, 75, a frequent attendee of the JCC, her fears are fundamental. Wilson expressed concern about the frightening prospect of active shooters in her public spaces, specifically the JCC. We have no clue what were supposed to do, she said. For me and my friends, were older, Wilson said, Were not going to be able to run too fast. Over 150 people attended the security meeting. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk The timing of the security meeting was significant, as Jan. 25 less than two weeks from the date of the gathering will mark 75 years since the liberation of the concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. The anniversary comes in the wake of a pair anti-Semitic attacks separated by only three weeks in New York and New Jersey, which targeted Jewish civilians, and amid a 21% spike of anti-Semitic incidents overall in New York City, NYPD data shows. The troubling connection between an uptick of anti-Semitic incidents three-quarters of a century after the Holocaust was not lost on Isreal Nitzan, the deputy consul general of Israel, who attended the event. Its very difficult to believe that 75 years after the holocaust we have to deal with jewish casualties, rising anti-Semitism, he said. During the invocation to the meeting, Rabbi Pinchas Pearl said, In recent weeks, the Jewish community does not know peace. Rep. Max Rose said "we have got to secure our communities" at the security meeting. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) In December, an attack targeting Jewish people left a veteran police officer and three people dead inside of a Kosher Market in Jersey City. Less than three weeks later, a man allegedly stabbed five people in a rabbis home in Monsey, N.Y., on the seventh day of Hanukkah. Authorities said the man, who faces five attempted murder charges, among others, searched Zionist temples of Staten Island less than two weeks before the attack. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, who previously created a task force to combat hate crimes on Staten Island, struck a positive note in light of the considerable attendance of the event. Scott Maurer, the CEO and executive vice president of Council of Jewish Organizations, who is also the co-chairman of the aforementioned task force, emceed the gathering. In hours of darkness and moments of hatred where evil shows its ugly face, its moments like these that are exhilarating and heartwarming, McMahon said of the packed meeting room. Congressman Max Rose condemned the aforementioned rise of anti-Semitic incidents, and also displayed anger that people are afraid to speak Hebrew in public, afraid to observe their religion ... here in New York City." Rose, who recently urged Staten Island at-risk institutions, like synagogues, churches and mosques, to apply for part of a $90 million grant and also stood beside President Donald Trump when he signed an executive order combating anti-Semitism on college campuses, said Now is not a time for partisanship. We cant think about politics when were addressing [anti-Semitism]," Rose said, We have got to secure our communities. No one in New York City should be afraid when they are praying, Rose said. NYPD Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey spoke during the meeting. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey, the NYPDs borough commander, said that the department stands committed to ensuring the safety of every community in Staten Island. Thats not just something we say, Corey said, its something we practice. The NYPD recently announced that it would add hate crimes to its publicly-available crime database CompStat for the first time since the stat-tracking sites inception. Additionally, the NYPD unveiled the Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism REME unit, which is focused on any trends and any signs of racially and ethnically motivated extremism, Mayor Bill de Blasio said after the shooting in Jersey City. Corey said that NYPD officers on Staten Island have increased their visible presence outside places of worship, but also called on the community to reach out to the NYPD in instances where they see suspicious activity. Its better to call us and not need us than need us and not call us, he said. Assistant District Attorney Mark Palladino said that the district attorneys office is especially dedicated to prosecuting hate crimes, saying that the office has a strict no plea policy" in instances where a crime is motivated by hate. If you are going to target a victim based on their race, their ethnicity, their religion, their sexual orientation, their age, even, well then you are going to face further incriminations and you are going to be held accountable because you did bring that element of hate to the criminal transaction. Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis spoke to the need for education on the subject of anti-Semitism. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who also spoke extensively about the perils of the recently-adopted bail reform law, said that education is essential for combating acts of anti-Semitism. I think its incredibly important that we educate the next generation about the atrocities of the Holocaust, Malliotakis said. We have to ensure that every child not only here in New York State but across the country, gets the education about the history of these atrocities so they know what these words mean, Malliotakis said referring to the use of language like nazi and racist," particularly on social media. As recently as last week, a set of flyers promoting a New Jersey hate group were found in New Dorp. A similar series of flyers were found in the neighborhood months before. On the Staten Island Ferry, a pair of intended hate symbols a reversed swastika and SS bolts were discovered on the Guy V. Molinari Staten Island Ferry on Jan. 6. The meeting was also attended by Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Brooklyn), Councilman Steve Matteo (R-Mid-Island), Mendy Mirocznik, the president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, and representatives from the FDNY, the office of Borough President James Oddo, Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore), Senator Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island), Councilman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore), and Governor Andrew Cuomo, among other Island leaders. 4 Iraqi Troops Wounded in Attack on Air Base North of Baghdad By VOA News January 12, 2020 Four members of Iraq's military were wounded in a rocket attack on a base north of Baghdad, Iraq's military said Sunday. The attack on was on Balad air base, about 80 kilometers north of Baghdad. U.S. defense officials confirmed to VOA were no U.S. troops on the base. Although there were no American casualties, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Sunday that he is "outraged" by the attack and calls on the Iraqi government to hold whoever was behind it responsible. Eight Katyusha rockets were fired at the base, just days after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq which also house American military. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's attack. The attack comes amid increasing tensions between Iran and the United States after a U.S. drone strike killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran's top general, earlier this month. The U.S. announced new sanctions on Iranian companies and eight senior officials, in response to the Iranian missile attacks against bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq. U.S. officials have insisted Soleimani was plotting attacks on U.S. facilities. VOA's Carla Babb contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Musicians have been warned not to stuff themselves into instrument cases in 'playing Ghosn' craze following fears they might suffocate themselves. Yamaha sounded the note of caution after a woman photographed herself curled up inside a harp case and a baby was pictured lying in a guitar case. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, 65, escaped Japan after stuffing himself inside an audio equipment box in December. A baby was placed into a guitar case as the 'playing Ghosn' craze swept Japan. The fugitive tycoon escaped the country inside an audio equipment case A man has also posted a picture of himself preparing to hide in an instrument case online Here the man is completely curled up inside the case with the large musical instrument Photos uploaded to social media also showed somebody appearing to stand inside a double bass gig bag. Responding to the images, Yamaha Wind Stream said on Twitter: 'There have been a large number of tweets showing people climbing into large instrument cases. 'To avoid the possibility of a tragic accident, please do not do this... Musical instrument and audio equipment cases are designed to hold musical instruments and audio equipment. Please use them correctly.' Ghosn, arrested on financial misconduct charges in 2018, jumped bail and fled in mysterious circumstances to Lebanon, where he gave a rambling press conference last week. The Wall Street Journal reported that he was snuck on to a private jet in Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin. Yamaha issued the warning on Twitter after former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn escaped Japan by hiding inside an audio equipment case 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 The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in Turkey as saying that holes had been drilled into the container to ensure the businessman could breathe. The report was accompanied by a picture of a large black case which The Wall Street Journal claimed was the one used by Ghosn. Kolkata: West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has kicked up a row with his remark that anti-CAA protesters were shot like dogs in BJP-ruled states, provoking criticism from political rivals and his own partymen. Addressing a public meeting in Nadia district on Sunday, Ghosh slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge on those destroying public property during the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in the state in December. Didi's police didn't take action against those who destroyed public property as they are her voters. Our governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka shot these people like dogs, Ghosh had said. Union minister and BJP leader Babul Supriyo termed Ghosh's comments as irresponsible. BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlipGhosh may hv saidIt is a figment of his imagination&BJP Govts in UP, Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoeverVery irresponsible of DilipDa to hv said what he had, Supriyo said in a tweet. The Trinamool Congress leadership came down heavily on Ghosh and said the comments reflected the mindset of BJP that brooks no dissent. The comments reflect the mindset of the BJP. This is not an isolated statement of Dilip Ghosh. This the mindset and agenda of the BJP....they don't like dissent, TMC secretary general and state minister Partha Chatterjee said. Ghosh had defended the BJP governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka for incidents of police firing on violent anti-CAA protesters, saying they did the right thing. The BJP leader said those involved in arson and vandalism should be shot, like in Uttar Pradesh. They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy the country's property. Is it their zamindari? he asked, and demanded that those sabotaging the interests of Hindu Bengalis needed to be identified. He had also claimed there were two crore Muslim infiltrators in the country and over one crore were illegally staying in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them, he alleged. Sharply reacting to Ghosh's remarks, the CPI-M alleged the BJP was trying to create an authoritarian state. The BJP has been claiming that the state governments led by them have not opened fire. Now the cat is out of the bag. Dilip Ghosh has spilled the beans. The BJP is trying to create an authoritarian state and killing protesters is a step towards it, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said. In another development that highlights the supremacy of Pakistans powerful military establishment, the Lahore High Court on Monday declared the death penalty verdict against former Pakistani Army Chief and President Pervez Musharraf as null and void. It also ruled that the Constitution of the Special Court which pronounced the original judgment was unlawful. On December 17, Musharraf was sentenced to death after being held guilty of high treason for abrogating the Constitution and imposing an extra-constitutional emergency. Thereafter, Musharrafs counsel moved the Lahore HC seeking not only the quashing of his death sentence but also the formation of the special court. Read: Pakistan Bar Council Condemns Army's Reaction Amid Internal Tussle Over Musharraf Verdict Pakistani Army openly questions Judiciary Musharrafs case was given a big push after his arch-nemesis Nawaz Sharif took oath as Pakistans Prime Minister for the third time in 2013. The former military dictator had assumed power in a bloodless coup in 1999 after ousting Nawaz Sharif. This case however pertained specifically to the emergency imposed by Musharraf in 2007. Within a few hours of the special courts verdict, the Pakistani Army backed him completely and declared that he could never be a traitor. Interestingly, the Army too cast aspersions over the constitution of the special court. Throwing its weight behind Musharraf, the Imran Khan-led government decided to move the Supreme Judicial Council to seek the removal of Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth for his alleged controversial remarks in the judgment. Read: Pakistan Bar Council Condemns Army's Reaction Amid Internal Tussle Over Musharraf Verdict The Army statement read, "An ex-Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and President of Pakistan, who has served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor. It added, "The due legal process seems to have been ignored including constitution of special court, denial of the fundamental right of self-defence, undertaking individual-specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste. Armed Forces of Pakistan expect that justice will be dispensed in line with Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan." Read: Musharraf Death Sentence: Pak Court Calls To 'hang Corpse For 3 Days' If Found Dead Lahore HC seeks the opinion of a legal expert While hearing Musharraf's plea, the Lahore HC had summoned senior lawyer Ali Zafar to testify as a legal expert. According to Zafar, both the complaint against Musharraf and the formation of the special court was not according to the law. For instance, he claimed that the Pakistani cabinet had not approved the complaint, which was a necessity as it referred to Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan. (With PTI inputs) Read: After Pak Army, Imran Khan's Govt Defends Pervez Musharraf Against Hanging Sentence Film Review: Just Mercy: A True Story Let Down by Predictable Tropes PG-13 | 2h 16min | Drama | 10 January 2020 (USA) What if your freedom is taken away for a crime you didnt commit? Thats a powerful and frightening thing to ponder, isnt it? So, its not surprising that it makes for great movie plots, especially for courtroom dramas that play with the heartstrings while offering food for thought. Director Destin Daniel Crettons (Short Term 12, The Glass Castle) new biographical sketch Just Mercy opens with the soon-to-be inmate Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx) looking into the sky appreciatively. Soon, the African-American lumber worker from Monroeville, Alabama, is arrested for the murder of a young white lady. From the outset, its painfully clear that McMillian is innocent. This all really took place in 1987. After these events, were introduced to a newly minted attorney named Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), who up and moves to Alabama with one noble mission in mind: to defend death-row prison inmates whom he feels have been wrongly convicted of capital crimes. Michael B. Jordan in Just Mercy. (Warner Bros. Pictures) Soon, Stevenson becomes involved in McMillians case, which seems to be egregiously in error; circumstances surrounding the case are specious at best. Were also introduced to a local advocate named Eva Ansley (Brie Larson), who is supposedly there to assist Stevenson in his righteous defense of McMillian. However, she is barely seen during the films rather lengthy 136 minutes. Almost immediately, it becomes evident to Stevenson that McMillians case is going to be an arduous, uphill battle. He fires off appeal after appeal to get McMillian freed, but both the local community and the courts are full of racists and corrupt governmental officials. The real-life story is a supremely compelling one, a David versus Goliath narrative that would seem tailor-made for a film. Unfortunately, although guided by a decent script and some great acting, in Crettons hands, the experience plays out in a hackneyed manner. Not for Lack of Talent Michael B. Jordan is one of the more versatile actors in Hollywood these days. Hes thrilled us with the electricity of Adonis Johnson in the Creed series and has also played one of the best supervillains in some time: Erik Killmonger in Black Panther. Here, he changes faces again and disappears into his role as the righteous and noble Stevenson, trying his best to free an innocent man. There are some disturbing scenes where the attorney gets trounced by the system and Jordan portrays Stevensons quiet despair; you can see and feel the anguish reflected in his eyes. Jamie Foxx (L) and Michael B. Jordan and in Just Mercy. (Warner Bros. Pictures) But all of Jordans gravitas seems wasted here, as this film is too straightforward. Theres no nuance to engage the mind. You know right from the outset that McMillian is innocent and good and that the local police and courts are all devious and bad. Theres even an ardently evil district attorney named Tommy Champan (Rafe Spall) whose over-the-top sneering and posturing verges into cartoonish. Like Jordan, Foxx is believable as McMillian, and there are some heart-rending scenes he pulls off that seem natural and organic. He also has more to work with since his role is multifaceted. His performance as an innocent man with a limited amount of time left in his life oscillates between quiet rage, a sorrowful sense of despair and anguish, and everything in-between. McMillians flashbacks of looking up into the sky as a former free man are dreadfully sobering. Having said that, the film lacks authenticity in many areas. Its as if the filmmakers shot a bunch of compelling scenes and then stitched them all together. It leads us by the nose from one dramatic scene to the next, each reaching an emotional crescendo, but ultimately these rarely impact the overarching narrative. Some of these even register as emotionally manipulative: Was the film designed strictly to snag awards, instead of just delivering a genuinely intriguing film? By the time Just Mercy arrives at its melodramatic, predictable ending, we feel that weve seen all of this before. Although punctuated by great acting performances, these alone cant elevate this film from its all-too-pedestrian moorings. Just Mercy Director: Destin Daniel Cretton Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson Rated: PG-13 Running Time: 2 hours, 16 minutes Release Date: Jan. 10 Rated: 2.5 stars out of 5 Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author based out of Los Angeles. To see more, visit DreamFlightEnt.com or contact him at Twitter.com/ImIanKane PRAGUE, Czech Republic - The Czech capital, Prague, on Monday signed a partnership agreement with the capital of Taiwan, Taipei - three months after cancelling a similar deal with Beijing and angering the Chinese government. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Mayor of Prague Zdenek Hrib, right, and Taipei city mayor Ko Wen-je sign a partnership agreement between the two cities at at the Old Town City Hall in Prague, Czech Republic, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The signing comes three months after Prague revoked a similar sister-city agreement with Beijing, an action that angered China. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) PRAGUE, Czech Republic - The Czech capital, Prague, on Monday signed a partnership agreement with the capital of Taiwan, Taipei - three months after cancelling a similar deal with Beijing and angering the Chinese government. The disagreement over Beijing began after the Chinese insisted on having a clause in the deal stating that Prague supports the one-China principle, which does not recognize Taiwan. In reaction to Prague's decision to ink a deal with Taipei, China cancelled the tours of several Prague classical music ensembles and orchestras. 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. Taiwan split from mainland China amid a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the self-ruled island part of its territory. While Prague authorities have resisted the one-China principle, the Czech government recognizes it. The deal between Prague and Taipei was signed by the mayors of the two cities, Zdenek Hrib and Ko Wen-je. Hrib said the cities share the democratic values, the respect to basic human rights and cultural freedoms" and therefore can inspire each other. He said the deal focuses on economic, trade and cultural co-operation but not on politics. The deal is accompanied by agreements for co-operation between the Prague and Taipei zoos as well as in tourism and information technology. South Africa: SA, Ethiopia sign visa waiver for officials South Africa and Ethiopia have signed an agreement on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic or official/service passports. This, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said in a joint communique, is expected to ease the travel of officials, which will contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations. The signing of the agreement emanates from the official visit by Prime Minister Ali to South Africa over the weekend. The two-day visit was the first State level exchange of visits between the two countries. Prime Minister Ali was also a guest at the 108th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress on 11 January 2020. President Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; State Security; Home Affairs; Trade, Industry and Competition; Higher Education, Science and Technology, and for the signing ceremony, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Tourism. Prime Minister Ali was accompanied by the Ministers of Social and Labour Affairs, Mines and Petroleum and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism. The two Heads of State anticipate the MoU will be key to the creation of employment opportunities, especially for the youth. South Africa and Ethiopia also signed a memorandum on cooperation in the field of health. The memorandum will be important in providing high quality health services for the citizens of their respective countries, especially the young and the elderly, read the communique. Strengthening trade relations On matters of trade, the principals welcomed the presence of South African companies and business entities in Ethiopia, including investment and trade links, and it was agreed to enhance bilateral investments between the two countries. At the same time, the principals affirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade and investment between business entities in South Africa and Ethiopia, as well as agreeing to cooperate in the field of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to their important role in job creation. There was also agreement to strengthen cooperation in the area of mining, deep mining and mineral beneficiation to strengthen agricultural cooperation so as to enhance food security and to work towards addressing skills development through the exchange of best practices, among others, the communique said. Migration President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Ali discussed the issue of Ethiopians residing in South Africa and agreed that the two countries need to cooperate on this matter. The two leaders further agreed on the need for both countries to work together to address illegal migration, human trafficking and smuggling. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav on Monday said Swami Vivekananda had talked of religious and social inclusiveness, which the Citizenship (Amendment) Act brought by the Narendra Modi government is diagonally opposite to. Yadav said he would not question the propriety of the prime minister making a speech from Belur Math, the headquarter of Ramakrishna Mission set up by Vivekananda. "Swami Vivekananda would have been ashamed of this India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to represent after the CAA," he said during an interaction with students of the Jadavpur University in its main campus here. He told the students that the monk had in his famous speech in Chicago said he was proud to be an Indian because the nation had given shelter to anyone who had sought shelter or refuge from any religion or nationality on the earth. "The CAA says it will offer refuge, but before that, we (the government) will check your nationality, your religion; these are precisely the two things that Swami Vivekananda spoke against," Yadav said. Stating that the country has seen one month of unprecedented protests since President Ram Nath Kovind signed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on December 12, the Swaraj India claimed that it has now become a nationwide movement. "What began to oppose the CAA, has now become a movement for the soul of India, a movement to demand and reaffirm the idea of India," he said. Yadav said he is happy that the PM has "admitted" that rumours and falsehoods are being spread and that people are being misled, adding that people of the country believe in the truth. The Prime Minister on Sunday said in his speech at Belur Math that the CAA is not about taking away citizenship, it is about giving one. Invoking the National Youth Day which marks Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, he said, "I would like to tell this to the youth of India, West Bengal, North East that this is not an overnight law for giving citizenship. "We must all know that any person of any religion from any country of the world, theist or atheist, who believes in India and its Constitution, can apply for Indian citizenship through due process. There's no problem in that," the PM said on Sunday. Speaking to the gathering, former JNU student leader Umar Khalid claimed that through NRC, the Modi government wants to divide West Bengal again, which suffered the pangs of division in 1947. "The most disastrous effect of NRC will be in Bengal" where millions of people have taken refuge over decades from erstwhile East Pakistan and present-day Bangladesh, he said. (Image Credit: Twitter: @_YogendraYadav) OTTAWAThe federal government expects to make some changes this year to keep Canadas garbage from illegally ending up on foreign shores, after needing to bring dozens of shipping containers of rotting garbage back home from at least two Asian countries last year. Canada spent $1.14 million in June 2019 to bring 69 shipping containers filled trash to a waste-to-energy facility near Vancouver, ending a six-year diplomatic row with the Philippines. The Canadian trash was illegally shipped to the Southeast Asian nation in 2013 and 2014 falsely labelled as plastics for recycling and the two countries fought for years over whose job it was to get rid of it. The dispute ended only after Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines, suspended diplomatic relations and recalled his ambassador from Ottawa until Canada finally took back its trash. Meanwhile, Environment Canada says a handful of containers have been returned to Canada from Malaysia in recent months. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said last May it was grossly unfair for countries like Canada to off-load their garbage on others and his government expressed hope that Canada would take steps to better monitor and track its shipments. The containers that ended up in Malaysia were labelled as recyclables but were so contaminated with garbage the materials could not be recycled. That was also the case for the shipments that went to the Philippines. Canadian officials appear to be heeding Mohamads call. Environment Canada says it is now working with the Canada Border Services Agency to see what can be done to stop illegal shipments of garbage. The goal is for some new policies and programs to be in place before the end of the year. Kathleen Ruff, founder of the online advocacy campaign RightonCanada.ca, said its great if Canada is trying to stop illegal shipments. At the same time, she noted, Canada remains opposed to amending the international convention governing shipments of hazardous waste, including garbage and recyclables. The Basel Convention used to allow developed countries like Canada to ship waste to developing countries as long as they got prior and informed consent. Ruff said that system lent itself to abuse and has failed to stop the massive dumping of hazardous wastes in developing countries. The convention was amended in December to prohibit the export of hazardous waste with or without consent. Canada has not accepted that amendment, said Ruff. In the wake of the garbage debacle in the Philippines, Canada amended its policies to require permits to ship most waste overseas. Still, Canadian waste routinely winds up in foreign ports despite no such permits having been issued in the last four years. In addition to the Philippines and Malaysia, Canadian garbage has shown up in Cambodia and Indonesia in the last year. Environment Canada has not yet said who paid for the garbage to come back from Malaysia, how much there was or where it ended up. The problem of illegal waste soared after China closed its doors to most plastic recyclables in 2018. China had long been the main destination for the worlds recyclable plastics but so much of the material was arriving contaminated with non-recyclables that China got fed up and shut the system down. A number of illegal waste routes were created as developed nations with limited ability to recycle their own waste sought new markets that didnt really exist. In some cases, countries were shipping waste to unscrupulous importers who promised recycling but instead were just dumping the material in waterways or burning it, causing significant air and water pollution. Gabrielle Lamontagne, a spokeswoman for Environment Canada, said the department continues to gather information about illegal waste. She would provide no more information about how much illegal waste the department knows about and where it ended up. Canada is not the only country with an illegal garbage problem. Indonesia, for example, returned illegal garbage to the United States, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Spain and New Zealand in 2019. Other countries are also trying to stop the illegal waste industry. In November, Australia came up with a plan to ban all waste exports entirely over the next two years, starting with glass waste exports this July, mixed plastics by July 2021, tires by December 2021 and everything else by the middle of 2022. By PTI NEW YORK: Contempt for regulators, airlines and their own colleagues coupled with a casual approach to safety: a series of emails by Boeing employees paint an unflattering portrait of a company culture of "arrogance" imbued with a fixation on cost-cutting. The emails underscore the task awaiting incoming CEO David Calhoun when he takes the company's reins on Monday, under intense pressure to restore public confidence -- and that of aviation regulators worldwide -- after two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX aircraft. The emails were contained in some 100 pages of documents dated between 2013 and 2018 and transmitted to US lawmakers by the Seattle-based aviation giant. The messages were seen by AFP after their release Thursday. Often cutting, dismissive, mocking or cavalier, the messages show that Boeing's current difficulties reach far beyond the 737 MAX, shining a light on a level of dysfunction that seems almost unimaginable for a company that helped democratize air travel -- and which builds the US president's iconic Air Force One airplane. The emails show that Boeing tried to play down the role of its MCAS flight-control system in order both to avoid the costs involved in having to train pilots on the system in flight simulators and to speed the federal green-lighting of the MAX plane. Investigators singled out the role of the MCAS (the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) in the fatal crashes of MAX planes flown by Indonesia's Lion Air (October 29, 2018) and Ethiopian Airlines (March 10, 2019). ALSO READ | FAA-EASA to test Boeing 737 Max from January 15; India to take a call later Those crashes claimed 346 lives and led to the plane's worldwide grounding last March. "I want to stress the importance of holding firm that there will not be any type of simulator training required," one Boeing employee messaged a colleague on March 28, 2017, a few months before the MAX received federal certification. The message went on: "Boeing will not allow that to happen. We'll go face-to-face with any regulator who tries to make that a requirement." A few months later, the same employee -- a test pilot -- bragged about having "save(d) this company a sick amount of $$$$." The names of most of the employees who sent the messages were blacked out. In 2018, several employees working on the MAX simulators complained of encountering numerous technical difficulties. "Would you put your family on a MAX simulator-trained aircraft? I wouldn't," said a message sent in February 2018, eight months before the first crash. "No," a colleague agreed. ALSO READ | Boeing papers show employees slid 737 Max problems past FAA Two other employees said they were concerned about the impact on Boeing's image at a time, they said when the company's leaders seemed obsessed with the idea of gaining ground on Airbus's narrow-body A320neo. "All the messages are about meeting schedule, not delivering quality," one employee said. A colleague replied: "We put ourselves in this position by picking the lowest-cost supplier and signing up to impossible schedules. "Why did the lowest-ranking and most unproven supplier receive the contract? Solely because of the bottom dollar." Robert Clifford, a US lawyer representing victims' families from the Ethiopian Airlines crash, said the Boeing culture led to "unnecessary and preventable deaths." "Excuses will not be heard," he said in a statement on his law firm's website. The documents also show Boeing employees questioning the competence of the company's engineers. "This is a joke," an employee wrote in September 2016, in a reference to the MAX. "This airplane is ridiculous." "Piss poor design," said another, in April 2017. And yet for decades Boeing was seen as representing the very best in aerospace engineering and design. It developed the 747, nicknamed the "queen of the skies," and contributed to the Apollo program that sent a man to the moon. The aerospace company and its huge network of suppliers are goliaths of the US economy. In June 2018, one employee messaged his own analysis of the problem: "It's systemic. It's culture. It's the fact that we have a senior leadership team that understands very little about the business and yet are driving us to certain objectives" while not "being accountable." Michel Merluzeau, an analyst with Air Insight Research, said, "Boeing needs to re-examine an operational culture from another era." Greg Smith, Boeing's interim chief executive officer, insisted that "these documents do not represent the best of Boeing." In a message to staff sent Friday and seen by AFP, he added, "The tone and language of the messages are inappropriate, particularly when used in the discussion of such important matters." Some emails are dismissive of federal regulators, starting with those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who approved the MAX. "There is no confidence that the FAA is understanding what they are accepting," an employee wrote in February 2016. Nor were airlines spared. "Now friggin' Lion Air might need a sim(ulator) to fly the MAX, and maybe because of their own stupidity," an employee wrote in June 2017, more than a year before a 737 MAX crashed near Jakarta. "Idiots!" Yet another employee, this one more somberly, wrote in February 2018: "Our arrogance is (our) pure demise." By Trend The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has taken over full control of work of the liquidated Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervision Chamber, Chairman of CBA Elman Rustamov said, Trend reports. Rustamov made the remark at the meeting with representatives of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs' Organizations (employers), entrepreneurs and bank managers. The CBA's priorities in 2020 are the development of the financial sector, ensuring its stability, completing the restructuring process, as well as expanding and supporting the stability of the insurance sector, applying the principles of open banking, and developing of business lending, Rustamov said. Despite growth of the lending sector in the country, most of the loans issued by banks are in consumer loans, while business lending is growing at a slower pace. Nevertheless, the financial sector in the country has noticeably intensified, the chairman said. The Financial Market Supervision Chamber of Azerbaijan was abolished on November 28, 2019 in accordance with the decree of the head of state on improving management of the regulatory system and control of the financial services market. According to the decree, the authorities of the chamber, defined by the laws of Azerbaijan, including its rights and obligations in the field of licensing, regulation and supervision of the financial services market, protection of the rights of investors and consumers of financial services, as well as its property, were devolved to the CBA. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz BSP supremo Mayawati (file photo) Accusing the Congress of betraying the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) despite giving outside support to the government in Rajasthan, party supremo Mayawati on Monday made it clear that her party would not be attending the Opposition meeting called by United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Mayawati also appealed the Centre to make amendments in the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). In a series of tweets in Hindi, Mayawati said: "Despite giving outside support to Congress in Rajasthan, they made the BSP MLAs to join their party for the second time, which is betrayal." "Thus participating in the opposition meeting called by Congress will be demoralising for the BSP. So BSP will not attend the meeting," she said. Her remarks came ahead of the Opposition meeting convened by Sonia Gandhi over the issue of CAA, NRC and attacks on students in Jamia Millia Islamia University, Aligarh Muslim University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Cracks in Opposition has been visible in last couple of days as West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerhee has said that she will not attend the meeting. Lamenting at the Central government over the controversial CAA, Mayawati appealed the government to take it back. "The BSP is against the CAA and the NRC. BSP appeals the government to roll back the divisive and unconstitutional act. Even the politicisation of the students in JNU and other varsities is unfortunate," the BSP chief added. Autoclave seized on Chinese ship by India could have been for nukes in Pakistan In lieu of money or facilitating a surrender: The case so far against decorated J&K cop India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: Davinder Singh, the decorated police officer arrested in a terrorism case has claimed that he was ferrying the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists to facilitate their surrender. Officials investigating him say that he had made this made claim during interrogation, but we are investigating the same further. However, sources tell OneIndia that Singh was helping the terrorists cross the Banihal tunnel in lieu of money. The source also said that an amount of over Rs 10 lakh was agreed upon. Singh, however, denied the charge during interrogation. The source, however, added that Singh was not being truthful and he had no authorisation to organise a surrender. The Afzal Guru link to the decorated cop arrested by J&K police Meanwhile, he would be questioned for his alleged links with Afzal Guru. Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar while confirming the arrest of Davinder Singh said that the officer would be treated like any other terrorist. He would be questioned for his links with Afzal Guru, Kumar said. He also said that another person, a lawyer by profession had also bee caught. Singh, on the other hand, is a decorated police officer who had served in the Special Operations Group and had earned a President's medal. In the year 2004, Afzal Guru, who was lodged in the Tihar jail had written a letter to his lawyer. In the letter he had said that Singh then posted with the J&K Police's Special Operations Group had asked him to take Mohammad, a Pakistani national identified as one of those who carried out the Parliament attack to Delhi, rent a flat and purchase a car for him. Afzal had also named another officer Shanty Singh, who along with Singh allegedly tortured him at the STF camp. He further mentioned that the name of Altaf Hussain the brother in law of SSP Ashaq Hussain, who first brokered his release with Davinder Singh and took him to the DySP. Decorated cop arrested on terror charges, being probed for links with Afzal Guru Kumar said that the officer had worked in many anti-terrorist operations. He had however committed a heinous crime and hence was arrested, Vijay Kumar also said. Sources tell OneIndia that the terrorists along with the DSP were arrested in a joint operation of the police and Army on the national highway near Mirbazar. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered in a raid at the officer's residence, the source also added. This is the first instance in which such a senior officer has been arrested along with terrorists. The arrested terrorist, Syed Naveed Baba was wanted in several cases. He was an IED expert and was wanted in the killing and attacks on truckers and locals, security officials said. Meanwhile, a high alert has been declared after the Intelligence Bureau has warned of fresh attempts to spruce up violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Top Home Ministry officials familiar with the development confirmed that there would be an attempt to send in battle-hardened terrorists from both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The source also said that infiltration attempts of these terrorists would not just be made in Jammu and Kashmir, but in Punjab as well. The input is a very credible one and actionable. In the wake of this Grade A alert, it has been decided not to pull out troops from Jammu and Kashmir for now. There would be a spurt in terror-related activity from March onwards, the Home Ministry official also said. Top police officer, two terrorists detained in J&K Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a security review meeting along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. The focus of the meeting was on the ongoing protests at the universities and also those against the new citizenship law. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the northeastern states, were also discussed at the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Intelligence Bureau chief, Arvind Kumar. The source said that while the overall scenario was discussed in general, the major part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the security ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. During the discussion on Jammu and Kashmir, it was decided that the restoration of broadband and internet connectivity be put on hold for some time. There should be no hurried decision on this as it could lead to violence, it was also decided at the meeting. On the deployment of troops at the Valley, it was decided that no further withdrawal shall take place immediately. Any decision in this regard would be taken in the summer after a thorough review, it was also decided at the meeting. Advertisement The campaign aims to educate the people, elected representatives, and government officials and make them capable of responding appropriately to such cases."The aim of the campaign is to create greater awareness around teenage pregnancy in Rajasthan and encourage stakeholders to make a strong commitment towards ending teenage pregnancy."One-fifth of the population of Rajasthan are adolescents, and their improved health will have a significant impact on the social and economic profile of the state," said Nikita Srivastava of PFI.According to NFHS-4 data, 35 percent of girls in Rajasthan are married before 18 years, and more than 6 percent of them either had children or were pregnant at the time of the survey.Source: IANS A federal appeals court summarily rejected what it called a self-serving appeal by disgraced former U.S. Congressman Steve Stockman, finding the lower court properly convicted him of 23 felony counts in a massive fraud scheme involving illegal spending of more than $1 million in charitable donations. The 5th U.S. Circuit on Friday slammed the somewhat tortuous argument by the ex-lawmaker that the trial judge erred by failing to acquit him and by improperly instructing jurors. The 18-page opinion was riddled with stinging barbs. Stockmans lawyer picked apart the lengthy jury instructions on appeal, but the court said those arguments were confected on a foundation of sand and found ample support for conviction. Each of six claims that the trial judge improperly instructed the jury lacked merit, the appellate panel found, in an opinion dripping with sarcasm. Stephen E. Stockman served four years in Congress and now faces ten years in prison, begins the opinion written by Sen. U.S. Judge E. Grady Jolly. He seeks to avoid this career detour. 5th U.S. Circuit Court The opinion goes onto say that the Republican ex-congressman argued that prison should not be the next item on his resume because the convictions were tainted by improper jury instructions and unsupported by the evidence. The appellate court strongly disagreed, in the ruling joined by Judges James E. Graves, Jr. and Stephen A. Higginson. Stockmans appellate lawyer and Justice Department prosecutors could not be reached for comment. Stockman, 63, of Clear Lake, a Tea Party firebrand who championed gun rights and curtailing immigration during two nonconsecutive terms representing southwest Houston and then East Texas, is currently detained at a low security federal lockdown in Beaumont. RELATED: Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman convicted in massive fraud scheme The scheme the Capitol Hill veteran orchestrated involved funneling charitable contributions between 2010 and 2014 from two megadonors who ran conservative nonprofits and using it to pay for a spy operation targeting a potential GOP rival at the statehouse in Austin, among other illegal and unrelated expenses including dolphin tours and hot air balloon rides. Two aides, Thomas Dodd and Jason Posey, pleaded guilty and took the stand at Stockmans trial, delivering some of the most damning testimony in the month-long trial. 5th U.S. Circuit Court A federal jury on April 12, 2018, found Stockman guilty of illegally diverting $1.25 million of federal election donations toward personal expenses. At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal said the ex-lawmakers sentence took into account that Stockman hired workers to secretly rifle through trash and surveil a perceived opponent from his own party. Rosenthal said hed cheated taxpayers and constituents, and violated the public trust. He tried to conceal acts and continued to seek the political spotlight all the while. MORE: 34 surprising facts revealed during ex-Congressman Steve Stockmans fraud trial Stockmans appellate lawyer David A. Warrington previously served as counsel to the 2016 Trump campaign at the Republican National Convention and describes himself on his firms website as one of the leading Republican lawyers in the nation. He argued in court documents that prosecutors failed to prove Stockman intentionally defrauded two major GOP donors when he solicited donations to pet projects. 5th U.S. Circuit Court Stockman was convicted for nonprofit fundraising and political activities subject to protection under the First Amendment, Warrington wrote, asking the court to dismiss the case because The Governments case against him turned his failure to achieve completion of certain nonprofit political activism and projects into fraud. However, the appeals court responded last week by referencing the painstakingly detailed evidence of money transfers showing the ex-congressman perpetrated a scheme to separate wealthy donors from their money and to spend that money at Stockmans pleasure and direction. The ruling ends with a final decisive punch: In sum, the judgment of the district court is, in all respects, AFFIRMED. gabrielle.banks@chron.com Vistara had placed orders for 50 aircraft, comprising both A320 Neos and A321 Neos for domestic as well as short and medium-haul international operations with deliveries between 2019-2023. Mumbai: Tata-SIA joint venture airline Vistara has started phasing out nine Boeing 737 planes, which it had leased after the grounding of Jet Airways, from this month amid induction of the latest batch of A320 neos in the fleet. The airline is returning two of this nine leased B737 from January and the rest seven will be exited the fleet between 2022-23 as they are on long term lease, a Vistara spokesperson told PTI. The government has temporarily reallocated as many as many as 488 Jet Airways' slots to Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, GoAir and AirAsia India to fill the capacity gap in the wake of the airline ceasing operations mid-April last year. A slot is a specific date and time at which an airline can arrive or depart at an airport. "Two of our Boeing 737-800NG aircraft are exiting fleet this month as their lease tenure ends. The remaining seven have longer lease duration and most of them will exit fleet between 2022 and 2023," a Vistara spokesperson said in response to a PTI query. The spokesperson also said that by the time Vistara phases out all these leased Boeing planes, it would induct more than 50 narrow-body and wide-body aircraft in its fleet from Airbus and Boeing additionally. After the government put a rider that temporary allocation of ex-Jet Airways slots was subject to aircraft induction, Vistara leased nine Boeing 737-800 planes to reportedly secure as many as 110 additional slots of the 488 slots. Vistara, which is 51 percent owned by the Tata Group and rest by Singapore Airlines, had placed orders for 50 aircraft, comprising both A320 Neos and A321 Neos for domestic as well as short and medium-haul international operations with deliveries between 2019-2023. The airline has already taken deliveries of some of the A320 Neos from this order, starting last November. Besides, the carrier has also bought six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul international operations. Vistara will start inducting these wide-body planes in the fleet from next month. The Delhi-based airline, which completed five years of operations on 9 January, currently operates over 200 daily flights to 34 domestic and international destinations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Tamilla Mammadova Trend: On December 12-13, the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia paid an official visit to Ukraine, Trend reports via Georgian Government. During the visit, Giorgi Gakharia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the one-on-one meeting, the two countries' leaders discussed common European prospects. The parties emphasized the friendly relations between the Georgian and Ukrainian nations which promise to bring about concrete result for both countries. After the one-on-one discussions, an enhanced-format meeting was held at the Administration of the President of Ukraine, attended by Georgia's Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and the Georgian Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Irakli Chikovani. After the completion of the meeting, Gakharia and Zelensky signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the High-Level Georgia-Ukraine Strategic Council. The work of the Strategic Council incorporates four directions: political, trade and economic, defense and security, and cultural and humanitarian. Each direction will have a working group led by corresponding ministers, which will ensure a high level of comprehensive bilateral dialogue. The leaders of two countries emphasized that the signing of the agreement at such a high level demonstrates the two countries' commitment to moving relations to a higher level. Under the official visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia also met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksiy Honcharuk. According to the Georgian Prime Minister, the strategic partnership between the two countries must draw on effective economic cooperation, and the Georgian Government is ready to achieve more in the areas of trade, transport, and development and attract further investments in various directions. Giorgi Gakharia also emphasized the importance of the Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia and Ukraine, underlining the need to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation in this direction. According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Georgia is Ukraine's strategic partner, and Prime Minister Gakharia's visit will lay the foundation for further deepening and developing bilateral relations. As part of his official visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia met with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov. During the meeting, the Head of Government spoke about the aspirations and challenges of the two countries. Giorgi Gakharia also underscored the successful cooperation at the parliamentary level and commended the trilateral format of cooperation between the Parliaments of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada thanked the Prime Minister of Georgia for his official visit, and emphasized that it is an honor to host Giorgi Gakharia in the 9th convocation of the Ukrainian Parliament. During the visit, the Prime Minister participated in the Plenary Session of the Heads of the GUAM Member States. After the session, the parties signed documents designed to create a unified economic zone between the organization's member states, and to foster the achievement of FTAs. Giorgi Gakharia, together with the Heads of the GUAM Member States, signed the Comprehensive Declaration defining economic processes within GUAM, also the development of transport and energy corridors, prospects of developing free trade, people-to-people contacts, and bolstering tourism, along with the political dimension. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 12:49:48|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close Miguel Diaz-Canel (C), President of Cuba, and his wife Lis Cuesta Peraza watch the art pieces made with food during a culinary workshop in Havana, Cuba. Jan. 11, 2020. Cuba aims to lure more foreign visitors by touting its gastronomy, a rich blend of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and even Asian culinary influences, along with its beaches and historical heritage. To that end, Cuban authorities eagerly launched a three-day culinary workshop that showcased both the history and evolution of Cuban cuisine. The workshop concluded late Saturday.(Xinhua/Lin Zhaohui) HAVANA, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cuba aims to lure more foreign visitors by touting its gastronomy, a rich blend of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and even Asian culinary influences, along with its beaches and historical heritage. To that end, Cuban authorities eagerly launched a three-day culinary workshop that showcased both the history and evolution of Cuban cuisine. The workshop concluded late Saturday. Called "Cuba Sabe," which can mean both "Cuba Knows" and "Cuba Tastes," the workshop was organized by Lis Cuesta, wife of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and academic services manager of cultural tourism agency Paradiso. Diaz-Canel attended the event, as did Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso, and Secretary of the State Council Homero Acosta. "Our island is dedicated to tourism, but beyond sun and beaches, there is also our people, our history and our cuisine," Cuesta told reporters. Cuba's culinary culture "is like our national culture, a culture of resistance," Cuesta said, calling for more traditional dishes to be offered at hotel restaurants alongside the international fare. Each ethnic group that arrived in Cuba, from Africa, Europe and China, enriched the local cuisine with their native ingredients and cooking skills, Cuesta added. "These types of events are stimulating" because they show "cooking is not just eating and drinking but also a cultural action, a way of introducing ourselves to the world as we are," Jorge Mendez, an official of Tourism Ministry and author of several books on Cuban cuisine, told Xinhua. "Without fine cuisine, there is no tourism, so we have to promote it, improve it, and make it more pleasant to attract tourists," said Mendez, who is in charge of gastronomy and tourism promotion in the ministry. It is estimated that 4.5 million foreign tourists will visit Cuba in 2020, 200,000 more than the year before. Rasheida Quinn, center, cries as she talks about her son, Demitrius Moore, as Diane Melton, left, and Quinn's mother, Robin Blackwell, right, comfort her near her home in Philadelphia, Pa. on January 13, 2020. Demitrius, 15, was shot and killed on Saturday. Read more Demitrius Moore, 15, finished his chores before walking out the door of his North Philadelphia home on Saturday afternoon, washing three loads of laundry for his mother and younger brothers before leaving to visit his fathers house. Moore never made it. On the way, he was shot twice in the chest by a gunman who remained at large Monday, leaving Moores relatives wondering why he was gunned down and planning funeral arrangements for the teen they called Man-man." They shot my baby right in his heart, Moores mother, Rasheida Quinn, said Monday, crying as a friend embraced her. Philadelphia police released few details about Moores killing, which was part of a barrage of violence in the city over the weekend. In less than 48 hours, police said, seven people were killed and 12 others were wounded by gunfire, including a 44-year-old man shot in a hand and leg when he was robbed of $4, and an 18-month-old boy who suffered a graze wound to the head. The violence spanned neighborhoods across the city and was particularly acute Sunday, when 10 people were killed or injured in less than 10 hours, police said. The outburst pushed the citys homicide total to 14 in the first 12 days of the year, police statistics show, the most killings this early in a year in five years. Gun violence has continued to plague the city even as other violent crime tallies remain relatively low: 356 people were slain last year, the highest total since 2007, and more than 1,400 people were shot, the highest total since 2010. Mayor Jim Kenney on Monday expressed frustration over what he called an overwhelming weekend, and over how many people can access guns, whether legally purchased or bought on the street. The guns are still the one part of this that we cant control, Kenney said after an unrelated news conference in Rhawnhurst, referring to the citys inability under state law to enact its own gun regulations. Police said the weekends incidents remained under investigation, and most had not yet resulted in arrests. In Moores case, his mother said she learned what happened when detectives knocked on her door Saturday. Police said the 15-year-old was fatally shot on the 3100 block of North Rosewood Street around 1:35 p.m. and pronounced dead about 15 minutes later at Temple University Hospital. Quinn said her son had regularly helped out around the house and looked after his five younger brothers, and was a typical teenager who liked rap music, girls, basketball, and clothes. Quinn said that her son got in trouble recently after he was caught joyriding in a stolen car, but that hed stayed out of trouble since. She said she hoped surveillance footage would help police find his killer. Her family has regularly heard gunshots near their home on the 2600 block of North 12th Street, Quinn said. The neighborhood once had a few people who went by the nickname Man-man, but over the years, bursts of violence had claimed all but her son. Once he said to me, Mom, Im the last of the Man-mans, Quinn said. The other victims killed during the weekend were all men between the ages of 23 and 35, according to police. On Saturday night, a 35-year-old man whom police did not identify was fatally stabbed in the neck on the 100 block of South 17th Street. Police said someone had been taken into custody, but they did not provide further details Monday. A witness told The Inquirer this weekend that he was sitting in his car when he saw a fight among three men spill out from between parked cars; one of the men then pulled out a large knife. An 18-month-old toddler was shot in East Germantown on Sunday on the 100 block of East Pastorius Street during an incident in which a 26-year-old man was also struck in a shoulder. Both were hospitalized in stable condition, police said. Acting Police Commissioner Christine M. Coulter told reporters at the scene that there was no doubt the gunman knew they were firing with a child in range: They had to see the kid. They were right up" on the victims. Amid the spree of crimes, Kenney said, city officials would do everything we can to reduce the violence, adding that as police continue to investigate, community crisis responders were being sent to affected neighborhoods and seeking to speak to residents and help prevent retaliation. Still, the violence continued Monday, with two homicides reported among several shootings. Police said a 19-year-old man was killed around 11 a.m. on the 1900 block of Georgian Road in West Oak Lane when he was shot several times in the head. The city recorded the second slaying just before 5:30 p.m., when a 26-year-old man was shot in the neck while in the 2600 block of West Cumberland Street. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene. Police reported no arrests in either killing. Two men, ages 33 and 24, were shot on the 900 block of North 11th Street around 2:56 p.m. Authorities said that each was taken to Temple University Hospital and that their conditions were not known. At 3:13 p.m., a 28-year-old man was shot four times on the 5100 block of Catharine Street. He was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in stable condition, police said. And less than an hour later, around 4:10 p.m., a 20-year-old man was shot once in a thigh on the 4400 block of Holden Street in West Philadelphia. He was hospitalized in stable condition, police said. Staff writers Patricia Madej and Robert Moran contributed to this article. The 2020 edition and Saudi Arabias first International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) opened today in Dhahran, participated by over 8,000 oil and gas professionals. The conference will run under the theme Vision to Prosperity: A New Energy Era Emerges till January 15 at the Dhahran Expo under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco hosted the opening ceremony of conference taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time. With keynote addresses by Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman, Minister of Energy, and Yasir O Rumayyan, Chairman of Saudi Aramco, the IPTC attracted more than 15,000 delegates from 70 countries. With the kingdom hosting the G-20 summit this year, Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin H Nasser congratulated Saudi government entities for their successful efforts in securing the prestigious industry conference to be held in the kingdom. Nasser emphasised the need to transition to a lower carbon energy mix and highlighted the role the energy industry has played in creating the economic prosperity the world enjoys today. "With IPTC 2020, we have the perfect platform to push forward in our efforts to demonstrate that our industry is an integral part of the long-term solution to global energy challenges. As part of the energy transition, I firmly believe, oil and gas will continue to play a significant role for a long time to come. " He added: "We have the capability to be leaders when it comes to addressing the need for more energy with less emissions and I am confident that our industry has the talent and the innovative mindset, which is required to find the best and most pragmatic solutions. " Nasser participated in a plenary session with industry CEOs to discuss the theme Vision to Prosperity: A New energy Era Emerges'. Saudi Aramcos Senior Vice President Upstream Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Chief Digital Officer Nabil Al Nuaim, and VP Petroleum Engineering & Development Nasir K. Al-Naimi are also scheduled to speak during the conference. The conference will, for the first time, incorporate workshops examining the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the sector, an area in which Saudi Aramco has significantly advanced in recent years. IPTC 2020 will spark discussions about key solutions and technologies that will take the industry on a path of further development. Commenting on the event, Mohammed Al Qahtani, Senior Vice President, Upstream, Saudi Aramco, and IPTC 2020 Executive Committee Chair, said: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is proud to host this years International Petroleum Technology Conference for the very first time. Attended by industry leaders and sponsored by four premier petroleum organisations and societies, IPTC 2020 brings together global experts to share their knowledge, innovation and latest technologies in what has become the flagship multi-disciplinary event in the Eastern Hemisphere. He added: At the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as the home of the worlds largest oil and gas company and some of the worlds largest oil reserves, Saudi Arabia is truly an exceptional location for this distinguished event. IPTC is recognised as a landmark event and brings together the whos who of the oil and gas industry. This year, the event will see a prestigious line-up of global thought leaders, CEOs and executives from leading NOCs, IOCs, and government officials. Delegates will have the opportunity to network, discover, share and exchange their experiences, successes, and learnings with over 8000 like-minded professionals from around the world. Taking place simultaneously over 6,900 sq m, an exhibition feature over 250 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technology, enabling delegates and visitors to discuss potential partnerships and projects. This years comprehensive agenda will feature distinguished industry experts speaking at the Opening Session, CEO Plenary Session, Executive Plenary Session, Energy Think Tank Plenary Session, 5 Panel Sessions, and IPTC Society Presidents Panel Session. Global industry professionals will focus on various topics and trends spanning 100 technical sessions. Delegates will be presented with ample opportunities to network and experience true Saudi Arabian hospitality at the Cultural Reception. Some of the influential speakers at the conference include Amin Nasser, President and CEO, Saudi Aramco; Peter Coleman, CEO and Managing Director, Woodside Energy; Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Executive Director, Upstream Directorate, Adnoc; Darren Woods, Chairman and CEO, Exxon Mobil Corporation; Jeff Miller, Chairman, President and CEO, Halliburton; Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO, Total; Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes; Wan Zulkiflee bin Wan Ariffin, President and Group CEO, Petronas; Michael Train, President, Emerson, Chairman, Emerson Automation Solutions; and Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman, IHS Markit. For professionals interested in enhancing their technical knowledge, four seminars will be offered on topics such as reservoir compartmentalisation, geomechanics, and machine learning. The Diversity and Inclusion Panel Sessions and Workshop will stimulate discussions on best practices to increase diversity, promote inclusion, and to encourage the concept of belonging. IPTC 2020 will cater to the dynamic interests of global oil and gas professionals, and spark discussions about key solutions and technologies that will take the industry on a path of further development and innovation. IPTC 2020 is supported by Saudi Aramco as the Exclusive Host); TAQA (Principal, IPTC Lounge, and Day 1 Networking Lunch Sponsor); Huawei (Principal and Mobile App Sponsor); Adnoc, Baker Hughes, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Schlumberger (Principal Sponsors); NESR (Diamond and Lanyards Sponsor); ARO Drilling, Sinopec (Platinum Sponsors); PTTEP (Gold and Floor Graphics Sponsor); Global Suhaimi, Rawabi Holding, Tatweer Petroleum (Gold Sponsors); Petrolink, SANAD (Silver Sponsors); Saudi Arabian Chevron (Conference Bags Sponsor); Total (Directional Signage Sponsor); Microsoft (Digital Transformation Sponsor); ARGAS (Registration Sponsor); KPC (Badges Sponsor); OiLSERV (Visitor Carrier Bags); Wanli (Bottled Water Sponsor); PETRONAS (Closing Session Sponsor); Weatherford (Author Lounge Sponsor); Shelf Drilling (Visitor Planner Sponsor); NOV (Day 1 Coffee Breaks Sponsor); FlexSteel (Day 2 Coffee Breaks Sponsor); ADES (Bronze Sponsor); Petrofac (Associate Sponsor); AES, Al Abdulkarim Holding, Drager, NITI, Owl Cyber Defense (Corporate Sponsors). Founded in 2005, IPTC is a multidisciplinary technical event in the Eastern Hemisphere and is a collaborative effort among the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The scope of the conference programme and associated industry activities address technology and relevant industry issues that challenge industry specialists and management around the world. IPTCs mission is to promote, aid, and encourage technology dissemination and collaboration amongst the multiple disciplines of the petroleum industry. Last years IPTC was held at the Beijing International Convention Center Beijing, China, from March 26-28, 2019, and was themed, Partnership and Innovation: The Silk Road towards a Sustainable Energy Future IPTC 2019 was Chinas second after a previous event held in 2013. It was hosted by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and co-hosted by Saudi Aramco. - TradeArabia News Service By Babak Dehghanpisheh and Alexander Cornwell DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said on Saturday its military had shot down a Ukrainian plane killing all 176 aboard in a "disastrous mistake", saying air defenses were fired in error while on alert after Iranian missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq. Iran had denied for days after Wednesday's crash that it had brought down the airliner, although a top Revolutionary Guards commander said on Saturday that he told authorities about the unintentional missile strike the day it happened. Even as top Iranian officials and the military issued apologies, protests against authorities spread across Iran including in the capital Tehran, Shiraz, Esfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh. Foreign governments condemned Iran's shootdown, with Ukraine demanding compensation. Canada, Ukraine and Britain, however, called Tehran's admission an important first step. "What Iran has admitted to is very serious. Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific. Iran must take full responsibility," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose country had 57 citizens on board, told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa. "Canada will not rest until we get the accountability, justice, and closure that the families deserve." Trudeau said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani committed to collaborating with Canadian investigators, working to de-escalate tensions in the region and continuing a dialogue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Iran's acknowledgement was a step in the right direction but added, "The perpetrators must be held accountable." Writing on Twitter, Zelenskiy said Rouhani had apologized to him on behalf of his country. Zelenskiy demanded that the victims be identified and returned to Ukraine at once. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, until now silent about the crash, said information about the incident should be made public. Up to 1,000 protesters chanted slogans in Tehran against the authorities, the semi-official Fars news agency said in a rare report on anti-government unrest. Story continues Demonstrators ripped up pictures of Qassem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian military commander who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 3. Iranian missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation for the killing led to Iran being on a state of high alert for possible reprisals in the hours when the plane was downed. A British envoy to Tehran was arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters, the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency said. On Twitter, videos showed protesters demanding that Khamenei step down because of the disaster. "Commander-in-chief resign, resign," hundreds chanted in front of Tehran's Amir Kabir university. Reuters could not verify the footage. The crash heightened international pressure on Iran after months of friction with the United States and tit-for-tat attacks. Canada and the United States had both said early on that they believed an Iranian missile brought down the aircraft, probably in error. "The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake," Rouhani wrote on Twitter, promising that those responsible would be prosecuted. "My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families." U.S. REACTION In the first official U.S. statement after Iran's admission, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo posted on Twitter a video of the protests in Tehran with the caption, "The voice of the Iranian people is clear. They are fed up with the regime's lies, corruption, ineptitude and brutality" of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian military, under what he called Khamenei's "kleptocracy." Experts said mounting international scrutiny would have made it all but impossible to hide signs of a missile strike in any investigation and Iran may have felt a U-turn was better than battling rising criticism abroad and growing grief and anger at home, as many victims were Iranians with dual nationality. In Twitter messages, angry Iranians asked why the plane was allowed to take off with tensions in Iran so high. The plane, a Boeing 737-800 en route for Kiev, came down shortly after take-off from Tehran, when Iran was alert for U.S. reprisals after launching rockets at U.S. troops in Iraqi bases. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Iran's admission was "an important first step" and that it was "vital that all leaders now pursue a diplomatic way forward" to avoid conflict. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, in a rare step, apologized to the nation and accepted full responsibility. Senior Guards commander Amirali Hajizadeh said he had informed Iran's authorities on Wednesday about the unintentional strike, a comment that raised questions about why officials had publicly denied it for so long. Speaking on state television, Hajizadeh said he wished "I could die" when he heard about the incident. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter that "human error at time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism led to disaster", citing an initial armed forces investigation into the crash. A military statement said the plane flew close to a sensitive Revolutionary Guards site at a time of high alert. Ukraine said the plane was in a normal flight corridor and Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation said the airliner had not veered off its normal course. Ukraine International Airlines said Iran should have closed the airport. The carrier said it had received no indication it faced a threat and was cleared for take off. Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said his country will pay 200,000 hryvnia ($8,350) each to the families of those who died in the disaster. Honcharuk also said Ukrainian diplomats were working on how to receive compensation from the Iranian authorities. European airlines should avoid Iranian airspace until further notice, the EU Aviation Safety Agency said, expanding on earlier advice that airlines should not overfly Iran below 25,000 feet (7.6 km). The disaster was reminiscent of a 1988 incident in which the American guided-missile cruiser USS Vincennes shot down an Iranian airliner, killing 290 people. Washington said it was an accident. Tehran said it was intentional. Iran's admission stands in contrast to Russia's denials of responsibility in the 2014 shootdown of a Malaysian airliner over eastern Ukrainian territory held by Russia-backed separatists. All 298 people aboard died. A Dutch-led investigation concluded that the missile that hit the aircraft came from a launcher transported from a Russian military base just across the border. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh, Parisa Hafezi and Alexander Cornwell in Dubai, Steve Holland and Jonathan Landay in Washington, Allison Lampert in Montreal, and Natalia Zinets in Kiev; Writing by Edmund Blair, Giles Elgood and Will Dunham; Editing by Frances Kerry and Daniel Wallis) Web series "Metro Park", starring Ranvir Shorey, Pitobash, Purbi Joshi and Vega Tamotia, will be returning for Season 2. The Eros Nows Original series begins by showcasing the quirks and eccentricities of the everyday life of 'desi' Indians living Image Source: IANS News Web series "Metro Park", starring Ranvir Shorey, Pitobash, Purbi Joshi and Vega Tamotia, will be returning for Season 2. The Eros Nows Original series begins by showcasing the quirks and eccentricities of the everyday life of 'desi' Indians living Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Jan 13 : The web series "Metro Park", starring Ranvir Shorey, Pitobash, Purbi Joshi and Vega Tamotia, will be returning for a second season. The Eros Now Original series begins by showcasing the quirks and eccentricities of the everyday life of 'desi' Indians living abroad. A newly-married couple, Kannan and Kinjal, who're expecting a baby, live in an apartment in New York and plan to shift to Metro Park in New Jersey, which is close to Kinjal's sister's house. Kalpesh, Kannan's brother-in-law runs an "American" convenience store called "Pay and Run" in the heart of India-town in New Jersey and lives with his wife Payal who runs her beauty salon. As Kannan and Kinjal move into a neighbourhood where most of the residents are Indians, they find it difficult to adjust with the suburban atmosphere. The story takes the audience through various stages when the two couples find it hard to deal with different situations in their environment. "Given the success the show enjoyed for its first season, taking things a notch higher with season 2 was an easy decision for us! The worldwide popularity and viewership season one received was because the characters and milieu were modern and relatable," said Ridhima Lulla, Chief Creative Officer, Eros Group. "We are thrilled to have created such funny, charming, relatable characters, and we promise our viewers around the world will be delighted to have another season to look forward to," she added. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's new government took office Monday facing the challenge of finding a solution to the Catalan crisis after controversially agreeing to start talks with the separatists. Catalonia's oldest and largest separatist party, the ERC, demanded the negotiations over the region's place within Spain in exchange for its crucial abstention in a confidence vote last week that saw Sanchez sworn in for another term. Under the deal, his Socialists agreed to open talks between the central and separatist governments to "unblock the political conflict over the future of Catalonia", and then put to a regional vote any agreements which these negotiations produce. "The Catalan question has been Spain?s main problem for the past five or six years and it is the first time that someone decides to tackle it through a negotiation," said Ernesto Pascual, professor of political science at the Open University of Catalonia. The big question is what will be the scope of these talks, since the two parties have sharply opposing views over the independence issue. Separatists want to discuss the possibility of holding a legally binding referendum in Catalonia, as well as an amnesty for their leaders who were sentenced in October to lengthy jail terms over a failed 2017 independence bid. But the Socialists have already said that such a referendum would be impossible. - What agreement? - The agreement between the Socialists and the ERC calls for an "open dialogue of all proposals" but stresses that the results of the talks must respect the "legal and democratic order". "A self-determination referendum in Catalonia is not possible according to the Spanish constitution," said constitutional law professor Xavier Arbos. Reforming the constitution to allow a region to hold a self-determination would require the support of a qualified majority in parliament, which looks unlikely since Spain's major parties, including the Socialists, are opposed. What will most likely happen is that the talks will end in "an agreement to clarify and set in stone what are the region's powers, which would create a special position for Catalonia" within Spain, said historian Joan Esculies. The wealthy northeastern region, which has its own distinct language and culture, already enjoys significant powers over health and education, and has its own police force. But a significant part of the population of around 7.5 million people wants even more powers to protect the language and culture, and complains of a lack of investment by the central government in the region. Catalans are divided over independence, with 47.9 percent against and 43.7 percent in favour, according to a recent poll by the regional government. - 'Treason' - Catalonia was rocked by protests which sometimes turned violent last year over the conviction of Catalan leaders, and against that backdrop any concession by Sanchez's government would be fiercely attacked by conservatives. The main opposition Popular Party and far-right Vox already accuse Sanchez of "treason" for having been sworn in for another term thanks to the abstention of the ERC. An agreement which gives the region more powers would undoubtably be challenged in the courts by these parties just as the PP did in 2006 against a new autonomy statute for Catalonia. Spain's Constitutional Court in 2010 struck down several of the statute's articles, causing support for separatism to soar. "And if that were to be the case, it would cause similar frustration," said Arbos. The talks are also opposed by Catalonia's other main separatist party, the more hardline Together for Catalonia of former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont who was in power during the failed 2017 independence bid. This negotiation "is a long process which will go through phases of reconciliation, estrangement or even rupture. But at least it is a first step," said Esculies. Separatists want to discuss the possibility of holding a legally binding independence referendum in Catalonia, as well as an amnesty for their jailed leaders Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., the Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based broker, announced it has acquired a 60% interest in Caribbean insurance broker Risk Management Services Ltd. (RMS). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Formed in 1978 and located in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, RMS is one of that countrys top three brokers. It offers property/casualty and employee benefits products and services to a wide range of private, public and multinational entities in the manufacturing, oil and energy, and service industries. Christian Low and his team will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Matthew Pragnell, group CEO of Gallagher in the Caribbean. Our Caribbean brokerage operations have worked on regional accounts with RMS since the mid-90s, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO. We have been very impressed with their integrity, knowledge of the business and high-quality service, and we are delighted to further solidify that partnership. Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Topics Mergers Agencies A.J. Gallagher Risk Management MIAMI--The results of an 18-year study of Atlantic tarpon by scientists at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science revealed that these large silvery fish take extensive seasonal migrations--1,000s of kilometers in distance--beyond U.S. borders. The new findings can help protect the fish, which is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN--International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the main draw of a more than $6 billion catch-and-release sport fishing industry in the United States. Using electronic satellite tags, the UM research team tracked nearly 300 Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) in coastal waters of the western central Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, including as far away as Mexico, Belize and Nicaragua. The results showed that the mature tarpon make extensive seasonal migrations along a warm, seasonally moving ocean-water feature known as the 26o C isotherm where temperatures remain constant. They also found the fish use both freshwater and estuarine habitat throughout their life and identified several previously unknown spawning locations in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. "Our findings show that there is international connectivity in the U.S. multibillion-dollar recreational tarpon fishing industry," said Jerry Ault, UM Rosenstiel School professor and a co-author of the study. "This is of great importance to anglers and scientists alike to better understand and protect this valuable--and vulnerable--fish and the people who rely on it." Atlantic tarpon, known as the Silver King, are considered one of the greatest saltwater sport fish due to their size and spectacular fighting ability. They can reach up to eight feet (2.5 meters) long and weigh up to 355 pounds (161 kilograms), with an average speed of 35 miles per hour. While tarpon fishing is predominately catch-and-release in the United States, subsistence and commercial harvests of tarpon occurs in many other countries. Sport fishing for tarpon is also very popular in other countries. Despite the history and importance of recreational catch-and-release fishing for tarpon in the U.S., Atlantic tarpon are now threatened throughout their range by recreational fishing release mortality, directed commercial harvests, intensive harvesting of key prey species, and habitat degradation, said the scientists. "A myriad of professional charter boat captains in the Florida Keys rely on tarpon fishing bookings as their principal source of income," said the study's lead author Jiangang Luo, a research scientist at the UM Rosenstiel School. "If the tarpon population declines, or alters their migration patterns due to climate changes, it would significantly affect lives and livelihoods in Florida and beyond." Using the 18-year dataset, the researchers also found that shark predation on tarpon is more significant than previously known across the southeastern United States, Gulf of Mexico, and northern Caribbean Sea. ### The study titled, "Migrations and movements of Atlantic tarpon revealed by two decades of satellite tagging," was published in the Jan. 2020 issue of the journal Fish and Fisheries. The study's co-authors include: Jiangang Luo, Jerald Ault, Bruce Ungar, Steven Smith, David Mangum, Russell Kleppinger and Angel Requejo from the UM Rosenstiel School; Michael Larkin and Nicholas Farmer from NOAA Fisheries; Thomas Davidson and Aaron Adams from the Bonefish Tarpon Trust; David Bryan from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Scott Holt from the University of Texas; A. Scott Alford from the International Tarpon Conservation Organization; Robert Humston from Washington Lee University; Adam Marton from Fieldworkers Club and Julian Robertson from the Robertson Foundation. Support for the study was provided by National Science Foundation (grant EAR-1204752) and many private donors including: the Robertson Foundation, Bonefish Tarpon Trust and Buchanan Family Foundation. About the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School The University of Miami is one of the largest private research institutions in the southeastern United States. The University's mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940's, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, visit: http://www.rsmas.miami.edu and Twitter @UMiamiRSMAS January 13, 2020 release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, France Nicox SA (Euronext Paris: FR0013018124, COX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced that its partner, Bausch + Lomb, has received approval for VYZULTA (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution), 0.024% in Mexico. The approval in Mexico follows approvals of VYZULTA in the U.S. and Canada. VYZULTA is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Gavin Spencer, Chief Business Officer of Nicox, said: VYZULTA is now approved in three major markets. This approval will contribute to Nicox revenue stream and it validates that Nicox is continuing to maximize the value from our partnered assets to complement our own development activities, further reinforced by our recent ZERVIATE license in South Korea and the forthcoming commercial launch of ZERVIATE in the U.S. by our partner Eyevance. Nicox receives increasing tiered net royalties of 6% to 12% on global sales of VYZULTA as well as up to $150 million in potential future milestones. Bausch + Lomb is a leading global eye health company and wholly owned subsidiary of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC). Nicox S.A. is an international ophthalmology company developing innovative solutions to help maintain vision and improve ocular health. By leveraging our proprietary expertise in nitric oxide (NO) donation and other technologies, we are developing an extensive portfolio of novel product candidates that target multiple ophthalmic conditions, including glaucoma. Our portfolio has three programs in development including NCX 470, a novel, second-generation NO-donating bimatoprost analog, for intraocular pressure lowering, based on our proprietary NO-donating research platform and NCX 4251, a proprietary formulation of the well-established molecule fluticasone, for acute exacerbations of blepharitis. Our research activities are focused on novel future generation NO-donors including NO-donating phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors and NO-donating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators (in partnership with Cyclerion). In addition, we have two ophthalmology assets that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); VYZULTA (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution), 0.024%, exclusively licensed worldwide to Bausch + Lomb, a Bausch Health Companies Inc. company, and commercialized in the U.S. by Bausch + Lomb since December 2017, as well as ZERVIATE (cetirizine ophthalmic solution), 0.24%, exclusively licensed in the U.S. to Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Nicox is headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, France, is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment B: Mid Caps; Ticker symbol: COX) and is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma & Bio and Next 150 indexes. For more information on Nicox, its products or pipeline, please visit: www.nicox.com . English French Paris, France; London, UK, January 13, 2020 Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, has signed a new four-year contract worth over 80 million (approximately 67.8 million) with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to supply its BullSequana XH2000 supercomputer, which is one of the most powerful meteorological supercomputers in the world. It will increase ECMWFs computing power by a factor of around 5 and will support hundreds of researchers from over 30 countries across Europe in their work on medium and long-range weather forecasting and prediction. Notably, it will enable them to reliably predict the occurrence and intensity of extreme weather events significantly ahead of time, essential to respond to the climate and weather crisis facing us today. Weather forecasting is computationally intensive and demands the best in high performance computing power said Dr Florence Rabier, Director General at ECMWF. This is one of the main reasons we chose Atos. We trust in its ability to supply and integrate the best technologies available, but also in its proven expertise to deliver effective solutions to the weather forecasting community across Europe. Thanks to this investment, we will now be able to run higher resolution forecasts in under an hour, meaning better information will be shared with our Member States even faster to enable much improved weather forecasts as they combine this enhanced information with their own data and predictions. As governments and society continue to grapple with the impacts of increasingly severe weather, we are also proud to be relying on a supercomputer designed to maximise energy efficiency." Once operational, the new supercomputer will allow ECMWF to run its flagship world-wide 15-day ensemble prediction at a higher resolution of around 10km, offering significant improvement in the ability to forecast severe weather events. Sophie Proust, Atos Group CTO said: Were really delighted to have been selected by ECMWF for this major contract. This is testament not only to our solid expertise and operational excellence needed to install, manage and run such a large system, but also to the best-of-breed technology which we are supplying, with our BullSequana XH2000 and our partners AMD, Mellanox and DDN. This new solution will optimize ECMWF's current workflow to enable it to deliver vastly improved numerical weather predictions. Most importantly though, this is a long-term collaboration, one in which we will work closely with ECMWF to explore new technologies in order to be prepared for next-generation applications. Adrian Gregory, Group SEVP, CEO UK&I and Global Head of Atos Syntel said: We believe that our BullSequana supercomputing technology, people and collaborative approach will reinforce the ECMWFs reputation as a world class research and operational centre and that this partnership will stand as a flagship model for industry-meteorological collaboration. Gunther Tschabuschnig, Convener of the ECMWF Technical Advisory Committee which reviewed ECMWFs HPC selection said: One cannot overestimate the importance of accurate weather prediction. This has never been truer than in our current age, as the effects of climate change and severe weather are increasingly felt. Individuals and societies need ever greater amounts of information to ensure they are prepared. Atos brings an impressive track record of success in this field and its background in delivering advanced supercomputing solutions to some of the worlds best meteorological services will ensure we are placed on a firm footing for success. Atos has successfully deployed BullSequana systems at many leading European supercomputing centres that either undertake production or research work into weather forecasting, earth systems and climate modelling including Meteo France, the German Climate Computing Centre, the Spanish AEMet, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK. Atos is also a partner of the ECMWF and other national weather centres in the ESCAPE2 and ESIWACE2 European projects developing next generation weather models which contribute to informing the future of atmospheric sciences. Based in Reading in the UK, ECMWF is an independent intergovernmental organisation supported by 34 Member and Co-operating States across Europe and holds the largest archive of numerical weather prediction data in the world. The system will be delivered and installed at the ECMWF data centre in Bologna, Italy in 2020, with service commencing in 2021. Atos will work locally with E4 Computer Engineering to manage, run and maintain the system. Atos has produced thought leadership on the topics of supercomputing and big data, which is also included within its Digital Vision programme. ### Additional technical information Atos brings together its key technology partners to work on this project, which includes AMD, Mellanox and DDN, who have successfully provided solutions to most of the worlds supercomputing centres. The BullSequana system is equipped with AMD EPYC processors, a Mellanox HDR InfiniBand (200Gb/s) and has over 91PB of EXAScaler storage from DDN, enhancing the systems overall speed, efficiency and stability. The BullSequana XH2000s highly-efficient water-cooled Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) solution will provide exceptional energy efficiency, minimising the carbon footprint of the system, helping ECMWF meet its green objectives. About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with over 110,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of over 11 billion. European number one in Cloud, Cybersecurity and High-Performance Computing, the Group provides end-to-end Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Big Data, Business Applications and Digital Workplace solutions. The group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Syntel, and Unify. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information technology space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education as well as multicultural and pluralistic approaches to research that contribute to scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the group enables its customers, employees and collaborators, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably and confidently in the information technology space. Press contacts: Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @ laurajanefau Adam Fisher | Adam.Fisher@atos.net | 07989 145 665 Patrick Hogan | phogan@3x1.com | 07747 237 936 About ECMWF ECMWF is the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. ECMWF is both a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing global numerical weather predictions and other data for its 34 Member and Co-operating States and the broader community. The Centre has one of the largest supercomputer facilities and meteorological data archives in the world. Other strategic activities include delivering advanced training and assisting the WMO in implementing its programmes. ECMWF operates two services from the EUs Copernicus Earth observation programme, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). ECMWF also contributes to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS). Attachment Indonesia signed 11 business deals with the United Arab Emirates worth a combined 314.9 trillion rupiah ($23 billion) covering investment in energy and other sectors, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said via his Twitter account on Monday, Trend with reference to Reuters reports. Widodo witnessed the signing of the deals with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed over the weekend during an official visit to Abu Dhabi, his tweet said. President Widodo, who began his second term in office in October, is keen to boost foreign investment to help create jobs and boost growth in Southeast Asias biggest economy where economic growth has been stuck at around 5% for several years. In the petrochemical and gas sectors, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed deals with Indonesian companies PT Pertamina and PT Chandra Asri Petrochemicals, UAE state news agency WAM reported. They included an agreement for ADNOC to supply 528,000 tonnes of liquid petroleum gas to Pertamina by the end of 2020, WAM said. Prior to the visit, Indonesian ministers had outlined some of the deals, including an agreement between Pertamina and ADNOC to upgrade a refinery in Balongan, West Java. Widodo said five agreements were also signed between the governments. Agreements covered education, health, agriculture and counter-terrorism, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement. Widodo and the crown prince also discussed a plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund, Indonesias Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan said. Japans Softbank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corp (IDFC) were also interested in taking part in the fund, Pandjaitan said in a statement. The UAE would be able to use the fund to invest in the development of Indonesias proposed new capital in East Kalimantan province on Borneo Island. It is also interested in investing in a property development in Aceh province on Indonesias Sumatra island, Pandjaitan said. Agencies have been digging deep to say, The way of work in our agency is it achieving mission, service and stewardship objectives? Particularly when it comes to service, we have to ask the question, What is the best modality for delivering service? Margaret Weichert, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, said in an interview. Telework is not proving the most effective way of delivering. A bride has revealed how she made a surprising entrance to her wedding in a helicopter after a horror fuel tanker crash blocked the route to the venue. Maleea Forbes, from Queensland, nearly missed her own ceremony to marry her groom Scott on Saturday after the lanes between Brisbane and Gold Coast were shut in both directions on the highway following a multi-vehicle crash. Trying to remain calm about the situation, her quick-thinking father John saved his daughter's special day by hiring a last-minute chopper for the bridal party. Maleea Forbes, from Queensland, married her groom Scott on Saturday after arriving at the alter in a helicopter Trying to remain calm about the situation, her quick-thinking father John hired a chopper 'Dad approached me, and said "look there's been a really bad accident... a lot of guests are struggling to get to the wedding, it's taking people hours so if we drive, you're going to be an hour late to your wedding",' she told Sunrise. 'Then he said "no, wait. I've got another option for you. I've got a helicopter on standby if you want to take that in case." I thought he was joking but he wasn't.' The bride - who has a fear of flying - decided to surprise her husband-to-be by arriving at the altar in a helicopter with her father and four bridesmaids. 'It took me about 10 or 15 minutes to decide if we'd do it or not. As soon as I said "alright dad, let's take the helicopter", all the bridesmaids got so excited,' she said. 'I think that kind of took away my nerves. I know walking down the aisle is probably the part where most people are more nervous about in their wedding - but for me, it was getting there - it was the most nerve-wrecking part. The bride - who has a fear of flying - decided to surprise her husband-to-be by arriving at the altar in a helicopter with her father and four bridesmaids The bride and her four bridesmaids had to take a helicopter to the ceremony on Saturday On Saturday, a fuel tanker crashed on the highway, blocking the route to the wedding venue The couple sharing a laugh about their special day after a last minute decision saw the bride hitch a ride on a helicopter Her now-husband Scott said his bride sent him a text message explaining she was running late but was going to arrive in a helicopter. 'I got a text message from Maleea saying "there's a bit of traffic, we might be coming in by helicopter". I thought she was just pulling my leg,' he said. 'But I said "take as much time as you need, I'll still be here waiting". Luckily it all worked out.' After hitching a ride in a helicopter wearing a stunning wedding gown, the bride said: 'It definitely wasn't as glamorous as it sounds though.' President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday evening spoke to Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou on the telephone to commiserate with him, the government and people of Niger Republic, over the terrorist attack of January 9, 2020, in Chinagodrar, which killed scores of soldiers in a military base. President Buhari expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims. Condemning the heinous attack by the terrorists, the Nigerian leader assured his Nigerien counterpart that Nigeria will continue to work closely with his country and other international partners to overcome terrorism and violent extremism. The president reaffirmed that the perpetrators of such cowardly acts and their sponsors deserve no peace and comfort, stressing that Nigeria stands in solidarity with her allies to ensure that justice is served. Garba Shehu Senior Special Assistant to the President The link between climate change and Australias fires has been overstated. The neglect of traditional forest management practices is more to blame, says Ramesh Thakur. THIS month, because of the smoke from nearby wildfires, Canberra has had the worlds worst air-quality, with readings 20 times above the official hazardous threshold. The city also recently had its hottest day on record (111F/44C). Meanwhile, Delhi had its coldest December day on record. Both are evidence of growing climate volatility, confirming global warming. In assigning blame for the blackened skies and burning landscapes of Australias southern summer, however, some critics including the editorial board of the Financial Times have lazily pointed a finger at climate denialism. Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has been criticised vehemently not just for his slowness to help fire-ravaged communities, but also for attempting to enjoy a family vacation (since aborted) in Hawaii. The anger of bushfire victims including a woman who refused to shake Morrisons hand is understandable. But much of the broader criticism is misplaced, and reveals a willful ignorance of Australias long history with bushfires. Those who have rushed to condemn Morrisons government have downplayed the failings of state governments, some of which are alleged to have prioritised the transition to renewable energy over prudent forest-management. Moreover, the armchair critics have chosen to disregard the long lead times between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and to overstate what we know about the links between global warming and specific weather events. In its relatively short history as a nation-state, Australia has suffered through several heatwaves and fire seasons far deadlier than the current one. In January 1896, 200 people died in three weeks from heat- and fire-related causes; and in January 1939, 71 people died in the state of Victoria. Australias aboriginal communities, meanwhile, have been living with the continents harsh climate and terrain for tens of thousands of years. Recent research on these societies sophisticated land- and bush-management practices shows that fire plays an important role in forest regeneration. For example, the Queensland-based fire researcher Christine Finlay has long-warned that reduced burning of fuel loads (the dry, combustible wood that builds up on forest floors) during the winter could increase the frequency of firestorms in the summer. Finlay, who studied the history of bushfires from 1881 to 1981 for her PhD, shows that bushfire-reduction operations since 1919 have been departing from traditional indigenous practices, such as low-intensity, cool-weather burning. According to her data, there is a direct correlation between the increased frequency and size of fires since 1919 and the accumulation of catastrophic levels of fuel load. Controlled burning which is conducted over large areas and under favourable wind and temperature conditions is cheap and highly effective in reducing the incidence of bushfires, as well as the likelihood that they will spread uncontrollably. And, unlike drastic efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it does not threaten livelihoods and living standards. For years, Finlay recently told The Australian, I energetically sent this predictive model to government agencies, in particular bushfire services, the media, coronial and parliamentary inquiries, and so on. Horribly ignored, it proved horribly accurate. Why were these warnings ignored? The reason, one suspects, is that the traditional, commonsense approach to managing the problem is not as sexy as high-profile climate activism. Of course, bushfires have both structural and direct causes. Australias average surface temperature has increased by about 1.5C since the early 1900s. On a hot continent dominated by dry eucalypt landscape, anthropogenic global warming has aggravated the background conditions for fires, which now occur more often, in more places, and for longer periods. The 2019-2020 summer fire season started unseasonably early, in November. But the precise relationship between local weather patterns and global warming is unclear, and current climate conditions cannot be attributed to current emissions, which will have their full effect not this year, but decades from now. Moreover, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds only limited evidence of direct links between human-induced climate change and droughts, bushfires, floods, and hurricanes. Even if Australia had achieved net carbon neutrality in 2019, it would have suffered the same fire season. Of course, to avert a crisis in several decades time, action must be taken now. Still, there are some things the Australian federal and state governments can do to reduce the current fire toll. Fire management authorities should identify the direct causes of individual fires, educate the public on the risks, and track down and prosecute arsonists. In 2019, 183 people were charged with deliberately lighting fires. More broadly, Australia needs better land- and fuel-load management practices, and more funding for firefighting services. One hopes that the inquiry commission that Morrison is contemplating will help to evaluate whether state and local governments have carried out controlled burning of fuel loads in national parks over the past few seasons, and ascertain if this would have helped to reduce the spread and intensity of the fires. To the extent that climate policies would lower the risks of bushfires, they must be implemented at a global level. Australia accounts for less than 1.2% of the worlds carbon dioxide emissions. The big four emitters are China (27.21%), the US (14.58%), India (6.82%), and Russia (4.68%). Yet, given Australias exceptional exposure to the risk of bushfires, its government should be leading the effort to negotiate binding emissions-reduction targets globally. Instead, Australia has been a climate laggard. Like former prime minister Tony Abbotts government, which often gave climate deniers a nudge and a wink, the Morrison government lacks the credibility or moral authority to press for stronger climate action by others. Morrison cannot be blamed entirely for this fire season. But, having taken a page out of US president Donald Trumps anti-globalist playbook, he should not be surprised to find himself on the receiving end of criticism. Ramesh Thakur, a former United Nations assistant secretary-general, is emeritus professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University project-syndicate.org SALINA, N.Y. -- As firefighters rushed to the scene of a garage fire Sunday night in the town of Salina, 911 callers reported hearing an explosion there, Liverpool Fire Chief Matt Manley said. Onondaga County 911 dispatchers began receiving calls at 7:16 p.m. Callers reported a detached garage, at 1222 Cold Springs Road, on fire, dispatchers said. Cold Springs Road is also known as Route 370 in the town of Salina. Liverpool, Moyers Corners and Solvay volunteer firefighters; state police; and Onondaga County fire investigators responded to the scene. Firefighters closed part of Cold Springs Road (Route 370) for about a half hour while they brought hoses across the street from a fire hydrant to help battle the fire, Manley said. Firefighters extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes, but they remained on the scene for more than two hours to make sure the fire wouldnt reignite, he said. The fire did not spread to the house so the residents living there could return home after the fire, Manley said. However, a vehicle and all other items in the detached garage were destroyed in the fire, he said. It was not immediately clear what caused some people to hear an explosion at the start of the fire, but county fire investigators are still investigating. The cause of the fire 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. Colorado voters could decide this November whether to fund free preschool for 4-year-olds statewide by taxing tobacco and vaping products. On Friday, two advocates took the first step toward putting the question on Novembers ballot, filing more than a dozen possible versions with the states Office of Legislative Council, which reviews potential initiatives before sending them to the Secretary of States Office. The money from a new vaping and tobacco tax, which is likely to be opposed by the tobacco industry, would go a long way toward helping Gov. Jared Polis make good on his promise to offer free preschool to all 4-year-olds by the end of his first term. One version of the ballot question would put $300 million more per year toward state-funded preschool. That amount exceeds the $27 million that Polis requested in this years budget and has not gained endorsement from lawmakers of both parties. Anna Jo Haynes, a longtime early childhood education advocate, and Jim Garcia, chief executive of Denvers Clinica Tepeyac and a board member of the advocacy group Healthier Colorado, filed the ballot initiatives. Filing several versions all with slightly different taxing levels and methods is a common practice before the options are winnowed down to a single question. State Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a pediatrician, last year sponsored a bill to ask voters to pass similar legislation. Despite Polis support, the Senate rejected the idea amid opposition from vaping and tobacco interests, and concerns about using a regressive tax to pay for an essential service. Backers of the new ballot effort say the taxes will help address Colorados highest-in-the-nation youth vaping rates by making tobacco and vaping products more expensive, a move thats been shown to decrease sales Colorado does not currently tax the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes, making vaping a cheap and attractive alternative to cigarettes Placing taxes on these products is the best way of keeping these products out of the hands of kids, said Jake Williams, executive director of Healthier Colorado. New taxes on a pack of cigarettes or vaping products would range from $1.20 to $2.60, depending on which version of the ballot proposal is selected. At 84 cents a pack, Colorados cigarette tax is among the lowest in the country. With a $1.01 federal tobacco tax, the measure would bring total taxes to between $3.05 and $4.45 a pack. Williams said the potential new tax would improve health and early education in the state. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools The Tennessee Valley Authority has named Jeannette Mills its newest executive vice president and chief external relations officer, effective Feb. 3. In her role, she will lead TVAs efforts to further strengthen its relationships with local power companies, elected officials, community leaders, economic development agencies and other stakeholders in TVAs seven-state service area. Jeannette brings more than 30 years of energy and utility experience to TVA, both from a customer-focused and regulatory perspective, said Jeff Lyash, TVA president and chief executive officer. She has a passion for high-quality customer service and a solid track record for driving economic development. Ms. Mills served as the senior vice president of safety, health, environmental and assurance for the U.S. region at National Grid Group, the United Kingdoms largest investor-owned utility. Previously, she had served as a commissioner on the Maryland Public Service Commission, providing regulatory oversight of gas, electric, telephone, water, sewage disposal and transportation companies. Ms. Mills spent 25 years of her career at Baltimore Gas and Electric, starting as an associate engineer and progressing through positions of increasing responsibility to ultimately serve as vice president, customer operations and chief customer officer. She holds a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and a masters of business administration from Loyola University. TVAs history and reputation for serving the public is highly respected within the utility industry, and I am excited to be a part of a team that cares so much about improving the lives of the people of the area, said Ms. Mills. Ms. Mills fills the role previously held by Van Wardlaw, who is retiring in January after nearly 40 years of TVA service. Van has been instrumental in building stronger relationships with our partners throughout the Tennessee Valley, and his contributions to TVAs continuing mission are deeply appreciated, said Mr. Lyash. A team of scientists working for the Army are developing a promising new technology to keep soldiers' hands warm in cold environments without gloves. The new device is a simple heating band thats wrapped around a persons forearm and powered by a small battery. Developed by John Castellani, a research physiologist at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Boston, the band radiates heat into the upper forearm which prevents the blood vessels from contracting in response to cold air. A team of scientists at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Boston has developed a new device to keep solders hands warm and effective in cold weather without having to wear gloves The effect is strong enough that it reaches the bloods vessels in the hand and keeps blood circulating through the whole arm to support proper motor function. A comfortable person is a person that can do their job, Castellani told New Scientist. Comfort is important. In cold weather, blood vessels contract to help keep one's core body temperature up by channeling blood deeper into one's muscle tissue and to one's core organs. Wearing gloves can counteract this effect, but the added bulk can often hinder hand and finger movements to the point where theyre as functionally ineffective as an unprotected hand impaired by the cold would be. To test the technology, Castellani and his team compared the performance of people in a room that was chilled to just above freezing, around 33Fahrenheit, as they attempted to put small pegs into a pegboard. The device is an electric band that radiates heat into the wearers forearms to keep their blood vessels dilated and improve blood flow to their hands The researchers found that subjects wearing the forearm band had around 50 percent more hand dexterity than those manipulating the pegs without any protection, and 90 percent more finger strength. Researchers are currently working on developing a version of the band that can deliver four hours of continuous heat, before deploying the device with Army personnel in the field, something they expect to take another two to three years. If thats successful, the device could become commercially available after. Canada will not rest until there is justice and accountability for the victims of the plane shot down by an Iranian missile, Justin Trudeau has said. Speaking at a memorial service for the 57 Canadian passengers who died, the prime minister of Canada said the tragedy should never have happened. We will not rest until there are answers, he said at the vigil in Edmonton. We will not rest until there is justice and accountability. After several days of denials, Iran has now admitted its military forces accidentally shot down Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752. It said a Revolutionary Guard anti-aircraft defence unit was on high alert after Iran had fired missiles at US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and mistook the scheduled passenger jet for a US attack. The president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, said his nation deeply regrets this disastrous mistake and pledged there would be a full investigation. Mr Trudeau said Canada would play a part in finding out the truth about the accident. Addressing a crowd of thousands inside a university gym, he said: I want to assure you that you have my full support during this extraordinarily difficult time... you give us purpose to pursue justice and accountability for you. Thirteen of the Canadian victims came from the city of Edmonton and tearful tributes to them were read out during the vigil. One friend of a father who was killed in the disaster along with his wife and two daughters said the loss was too much to bear. Public grief was also expressed at other vigils across Canada. At the University of Toronto, many in the crowd openly wept as the names of the victims were read out one by one. Iran has invited Canadian experts to join their investigation, and three officials have already arrived with visas for eight others also approved. Canadas Transportation Board has also said it will send a team of investigators who specialise in retrieving and analysing data from aeroplane black boxes. Story continues Read more Trudeau says intelligence indicates Ukraine plane shot down by Iran Nusli Wadia ends defamation case against Ratan Tata, others Wadia Group chairman Nusli Wadia today withdrew all defamation cases, including the suit for Rs3,000 crore damages, against Tata Group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata and others. A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde allowed Wadia to withdraw the petition in the apex court after the court recorded that Tata and others had no intention to defame Wadia. In view of the statement made by Tata that there was no intention to defame Wadia, which is in accordance with the finding of the High Court, the petitioner is hereby allowed to withdraw the present petition as well as the pending suit for damages, the bench said. The decision by the Indian-born British businessman comes after the top court on 6 January asked Wadia and Tata to sit together and resolve their differences in the defamation case. The Chief Justice asked Tata and Wadia to resolve the defamation case on their own, calling the two as mature people being leaders in their own right. Bobde wondered why it was not possible to solve it. Wadia had filed a criminal defamation case against Ratan Tata and other directors of Tata Sons in 2016 after he was voted out of the boards of some Tata Group companies. Wadia backed Cyrus Mistry after he was ousted from Tata Sons in October 2016.The defamation case, filed in December 2016, also sought Rs3,000 crore. In the defamation suit, Wadia also mentioned board members Ajay Piramal, Ranendra Sen, Vijay Singh, Venu Srinivasan, Ralf Speth and FN Subedar along with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran who succeeded Mistry, who, according to Wadia, conspired to defame him. The Supreme Court inforned senior advocate CA Sundaram, who was appearing for Wadia, that court appreciated his client for the response. Hyderabad: The BJP on Sunday reacted strongly to JD(U) leader Prashant Kishors tweet in which he had declared that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens wont be implemented in Bihar. BJP leaders in Patna said that his statement was baseless and misleading. Mr Kishor in a tweet had congratulated Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for rejecting the CAA and the NRC and claimed that the contentious Act would not be implemented in Bihar. I join my voice with all to thank Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of CAA and NRC. Both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi deserve special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all that CAA-NRC wont be implemented in Bihar, Kishor said in the tweet. It came a day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi issued a statement calling the CAA-NRC discriminatory and divisive. Both JD(U) and BJP leaders feel that Kishor opposing the CAA-NRC may harm the NDA during the Assembly polls scheduled to be held by the end of this year. Kishor was the first JD(U) leader to oppose his own party for supporting the legislation in Parliament last month. While expressing strong resentment after the Bill was passed. LIGO-Virgo Network catches another neutron star collision On April 25, 2019, the gravitational-wave observatory network that includes the National Science Foundation's LIGO and the European Virgo detectors picked up what appeared to be gravitational ripples from a collision of two neutron stars. Astrophysicists at the University of Birmingham have contributed to a new study confirming that this event, which was witnessed by only one detector in the network, LIGO Livingston, was indeed likely the result of a merger of two neutron stars. This would be only the second time this type of detection has ever been made. Professor Alberto Vecchio, Director of the Institute of Gravitational Wave Astronomy, University of Birmingham, said: The binary system that we observed on the 25th of April 2019 is a very interesting one. Its members are likely two neutron stars, and the sum of their masses is the highest ever observed. This begs the question of whether this is the tip of the iceberg of a new class of neutron star binary systems, different from those we have known so far. On the other hand, we cannot rule out that at least one of the members of the binary is a black hole. If this is the case, we would need to invoke some fairly unconventional formation processes. The first detection of this type, which took place in August of 2017, made history for being the first time that both gravitational waves and light were detected from the same cosmic event. The April 25 merger, by contrast, did not result in any light being detected. However, through an analysis of the gravitational-wave data alone, researchers have learned that the cosmic collision resulted in a merged object with an unusually high mass. "From conventional observations with light, we already know of 17 binary neutron star systems in our own galaxy and we have estimated the masses of these stars," says Ben Farr, a LIGO team member based at the University of Oregon. "What's surprising is that the combined mass of this binary is much higher than what was expected." "We have detected a second event consistent with a binary neutron star system and this is an important confirmation of the August 2017 event that marked an exciting new beginning for multi-messenger astronomy two years ago," says Jo van den Brand, Virgo Spokesperson and professor at Maastricht University, and Nikhef and VU University Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Multi-messenger astronomy occurs when different types of signals are witnessed simultaneously, such as those based on gravitational waves and light. The study, submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters, is authored by an international team that comprises the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration, the latter of which is associated with the Virgo gravitational-wave detector in Italy. The results were presented this week at the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu, Hawaii. Neutron stars are the remnants of dead stars that exploded. When two neutron stars spiral together, they undergo a violent merger that sends gravitational shudders through the fabric of space and time. LIGO, which stands for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, became the first observatory to directly detect gravitational waves in 2015; in that instance, the waves were generated by the fierce collision of two black holes. Since then, LIGO and Virgo have registered dozens of additional candidate black hole mergers. The project's first detection of a neutron star merger took place in August of 2017: both LIGO detectors, one in Livingston, Louisiana, and one in Hanford, Washington, detected the event, together with a host of light-based telescopes around the world (neutron star collisions produce light, while black hole collisions are generally thought not to do so). This merger was not clearly visible in the Virgo data, but that fact provided key information to ultimately pinpoint the events location in the sky. In the case of the April 2019 event, only a single detector in the LIGO-Virgo network picked up the gravitational-wave signalLIGO Livingston. The LIGO Hanford detector was temporarily offline, and, at a distance of more than 500 million light-years, the event was too faint to be detected with Virgo's current sensitivity, in addition to being located in a region of sky where Virgo is less sensitive. Using the Livingston data, combined with information derived from Virgos observations, the team narrowed the location of the event to a patch of sky more than 8,200 square degrees in size, or about 20 percent of the sky. For comparison, the August 2017 event was narrowed to a region of just 16 square degrees, or 0.04 percent of the sky. "This is our first published event for a single-observatory detection," says Caltech's Anamaria Effler, a scientist who works at LIGO Livingston Observatory. "But Virgo made a valuable contribution. We used information about its non-detection to tell us roughly where the signal must have originated from." The LIGO data reveal that the combined mass of the merged bodies is about 3.4 times that of the mass of our sun. Typically, in our galaxy, neutron star collisions are known to produce final masses of up to only 2.9 times that of sun. One possibility for the unusually high mass is that the collision took place not between two neutron stars, but a neutron star and a black hole, since black holes are heavier than neutron stars. But if this were the case, the black hole would have to be exceptionally small for its class. Instead, the scientists believe it is more likely that LIGO witnessed a shattering of two neutron stars, and that their merger resulted in a newly formed black hole of about 3.4 solar masses. "What we know from the data are the masses, and the individual masses most likely correspond to neutron stars. However, as a binary neutron star system, the total mass is much higher than any of the other known galactic neutron star binaries," says Surabhi Sachdev, a LIGO team member based at Penn State. "And this could have interesting implications for how the pair originally formed." Neutron star pairs are thought to form either early in life, when companion massive stars successively die one by oneor they are thought to come together later in life within dense, busy environments. The LIGO data for the April 25 event do not indicate which of these scenarios is more likely, but they do suggest that more data and new models are needed to explain the unexpectedly high mass. Notes for editors: At the opening of a civil trial in Ottawa two years ago, the judge warned the jury against conducting any research on the internet. It will just introduce into the trial information thats not properly evidence, Justice Charles Hackland told the jury on Jan. 9, 2018. And that, he added, could in some cases torpedo the trial if its a serious enough matter. Nevertheless, eight weeks after all the evidence had been heard about the vehicle collision that led to the trial, the jury foreperson googled the law about the central issue in the case: liability. Next month, the Ontario Court of Appeal will consider whether the judge erred when he turned down a request to declare a mistrial on that basis. Its believed to be the first time any appellate court in Canada has considered arguments about internet use by jurors in a civil case. Despite judges instructions against hunting for information online, juror googling continues to bedevil the justice system, sometimes forcing mistrials or worse, verdicts that could be based on misleading or false information gleaned from the internet. Yet with dozens of jury trials scheduled in 2020 at downtown Torontos Superior courthouse, some legal insiders feel not enough is being done to ensure jurors not conduct their own research into a case. There are no easy fixes. The difficulty is that strongly emphasizing that jurors should not do Google searches will only intrigue them more, said Toronto defence lawyer Daniel Brown, a vice-president of the Criminal Lawyers Association. In the Ottawa case, the jury sent a note to the judge that included a question about something called fault determination rules, which state that if a vehicle is struck while illegally parked, then the operator of the parked vehicle is 100 per cent at fault. The jury is wondering if this part of the (Highway) traffick (sic) act should be considered, the note said. They were wondering because, in the case before them, Ronald Patterson was suing Pascal Peladeau after Peladeaus vehicle crashed into his on a rural road and Pattersons car was parked illegally at the time. But the fault determination rules are not part of the Highway Traffic Act; rather, they are a regulation under the Insurance Act intended to resolve property damage disputes. In his appeal, Pattersons lawyers wrote that not only were the rules not relevant, but that considering them was highly prejudicial against Patterson, who was awarded $310,000 after the jury concluded that he was 73 per cent responsible for the collision. Thomas Connolly and Joseph Obagi are now asking the provinces top court for a new trial, arguing the judge should have agreed to their request for a mistrial, failed to conduct a proper inquiry of the jury by questioning only the foreman, and failed to determine the prejudicial effect of the googling on the verdict. Peladeaus lawyer believes the appeal should be dismissed. The judge properly took steps to ensure that fairness and the perception of fairness owed to both parties remained intact, Joseph Griffiths wrote, and was right not to pry into the jurys deliberations, which might have undermined the secrecy and sanctity of the deliberative process. Connolly and Obagi noted that the jury foreman told the judge that other jurors were trying to understand how to interpret things and were struggling and stuck on the issue of liability. Its not unusual for juries to get hung up on legal concepts. During a recent, high-profile sex assault trial in Toronto, the jury sent the judge a note asking about what the Criminal Code says about consent, while another jury deliberating in a murder case wanted to know the legal definition of deliberate. Given the complexity of trials, which can include experts testifying about medicine, engineering, or accounting, and judges charges on the law that can last for days, its no surprise jurors would turn to the internet for answers, Brown says. Jurors are given a near impossible task to correctly interpret and apply complex laws to complex facts. Even highly trained and experienced judges occasionally make mistakes in this area, he wrote in a text message. However, only a judges mistakes can be corrected on appeal. For better or worse, we will never know how or why the jury reached the verdict they did, Brown noted, Their deliberations including any erroneous application of the law will always remain shielded from public scrutiny. And when jurors seek information that hasnt been heard during a trial, a mistrial is sometimes the result. Thats what happened a day after the Crown opened its case against Calvin Nimoh, who fatally stabbed cancer researcher Mark Ernsting in downtown Toronto on Dec. 15, 2015. Ignoring the judges instructions, a juror looked up the accused online, discovered that he had an outstanding charge involving violence, and told fellow jurors about it. One of them alerted the judge, who declared the mistrial. That meant Ernstings husband, who had just gone through a wrenching day of testimony in the first trial, would eventually have to come back to tell his story a second time. It was so, so awful, like I do remember I was so nervous I was shaking, Robert Iseman recalled of Nimohs first trial. They called my name and it felt tunnel vision-y walking up to the stand. I dont think I looked at the jurors. I cant recall any of their faces. The next day, Iseman was horrified when the judge revealed a juror had broken the rules, and because of that, a mistrial was being declared. In my brain I thought (Nimoh) was free to go, and I just broke down, said Iseman. I just about lost it. That wasnt the case but, the prosecutors explained, Iseman and other witnesses who had already testified would have to go through the whole exercise again. I had to wipe my mind and just kind of reset, he said. Iseman doesnt hold what happened against the juror. I think he really, truly had the best intentions and didnt quite understand repercussions, he said, but adds that every prospective juror should consider the anguish that can result from mistrials caused by googling. At the start of every jury trial, the judge reads instructions to the jurors about the law they need to apply to reach a verdict. Those instructions, which were created by a special committee of the Canadian Judicial Council, tell jurors they are not to use the internet or any electronic device in connection with the case, and remind them that their task is to decide the case based solely on the evidence heard in the courtroom. Some Toronto judges are known to go off script by beefing up their instructions by warning specifically about the perils of googling. But Brown, the defence lawyer, believes it would help if the instructions had some teeth. In the United Kingdom and some American states, jurors can face criminal sanctions if they Google during a trial. The government would likely need to legislate it as a crime to ensure compliance as they have done with maintaining secrecy in jury deliberations, he wrote. Another proposal would see jury members sign an undertaking to fulfil their obligations without access to the internet or evidence not heard in court. A law student who studied what he called the runaway jury phenomenon in Canada borrowing from the title of a John Grisham novel concluded jurors might also benefit from hearing about the rules of evidence. That might help them understand a judges gatekeeping function to determine admissibility based on relevance, reliability or where its prejudicial effect exceeds its probative value, Keith W. Hogg wrote in his 2019 paper Runaway Jurors: Independent Juror Research in the internet Age. It might also help them understand why evidence must be tested in court, where the accused has an opportunity to respond. Jurors insufficient appreciation of the goals of evidence law may also contribute to the problem, Hogg wrote. All these matters could be addressed more explicitly by the trial judge. Read more about: "I had never seen an aircraft or travelled by air till I was about 30," Union minister Jitendra Singh told a group of students on Monday, stressing how lucky they were to have travelled by air from Jammu to Delhi at this young age. Singh was addressing a group of 150 students, hailing from Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, during an informal interaction. Singh told them that they were fortunate to have travelled from Jammu to Delhi by air at this young age. "I had never seen an aircraft or travelled by air till I was about 30 and I boarded a helicopter for the first time only after I became a minister in 2014," he said. The students are currently visiting Delhi as part of a 'Bharat Darshan' tour. The students, mostly in the age group of 13 to 15 years, were excited to tell the minister about their travel experience and the sites visited by them, an official statement said. The students indulged in a free, frank exchange of ideas and also offered their opinions on diverse subjects. When asked to detail some important features of Samba, they referred to its forts and also its Kandi belt. In turn, Singh reminded them that nearby was the ancestral village of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, who had attained martyrdom while holding back Pakistani invaders in 1947. The students also spoke about their interests, hobbies as well as the curriculum of their studies. A number of premier educational institutions, including AIIMS and IIM, are coming up in their vicinity, they were told. After spending two days in the national capital, the group of students is scheduled to fly to Hyderabad where their itinerary includes a visit to the Salar Jung Museum and other monumental places. The 'Bharat Darshan' tour is being conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the local administration. The group includes a combination of boys and girls from government high schools as well as private schools, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The General Secretary of the Fulani Community in Ghana, Yakubu Musa Bari is worried over alleged discrimination against Fulanis in the ongoing National Identification Card registration in parts of the country. Yakubu Musa Bari said the Office of the Fulani Community has received a lot of complains across the country from Fulanis who were denied an opportunity to register in the ongoing National Identification Card registration. Yakubu Musa Bari made the comment at the installation of Ibrahim Mohammed as the new Wenchi Fulani Community Chief in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region. Yakubu Musa Bari noted that before Ghana became independent, the Fulanis voted and have participated in every election. The NIA always singles out Fulanis that they are not Ghanaians and they are not supposed to register. Citizenship is by law. You just see my face and tell me I am not a Ghanaian? No. If the Chinese can be a Ghanaian, a Lebanese can be Ghanaian, a Nigerian can be a Ghanaian why not the Fulani who toiled and defended this country before it became independent? he asked. The new Wenchi Fulani Community Chief, Ibrahim Mohammed as part of his speech said, There are many Fulanis here but there is no leader so I want to bring all Fulanis in Wenchi together. I would also ensure that the Fulanis in Wenchi embrace education because we have seen that education is very important. ---citinewsroom Donald Trump said Monday that it doesn't matter if the threat Qassem Soleimani posed to the U.S. was 'imminent' more than a week after he ordered the drone attack that took out the top Iranian military leader. 'The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners are working hard to determine whether or not the future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' or not, & was my team in agreement. The answer to both is a strong YES., but it doesn't really matter because of his horrible past!' Trump posted to Twitter. The president had to repost the tweet when he mistakenly used 'eminent' instead of 'imminent.' Although homophones, the words mean two different things with eminent referring to a famous person or positive attribute and imminent means something is about to happen or is looming. Nothing else in the amended tweet was altered from the original posted a few minutes before. Donald Trump tweeted Monday that it doesn't matter whether Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was planning an 'imminent' attack against America and said his 'horrible past' was reason enough to take him out Trump posted the message after tweeting and deleting the same exact post but mistakenly wrote 'eminent' instead of 'imminent' Trump and his defense and intelligence officials have insisted in the last week that Soleimani was planning an attack that could have been carried out within 'days.' Trump says that intelligence led to the decision to launch a drone strike that killed the Iranian general Lawmakers have scrambled over the past week to determine if the intelligence justified the president's decision to launch an airstrike that resulted in the Iranian general's death at the beginning of January. Trump's defense and intelligence officials have confirmed the information indicated Soleimani was orchestrating an 'imminent' attack. Democrats, however, remain unconvinced even after the House and Senate were briefed last week by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, CIA Director Gina Haspel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. Trump also insisted in an interview with Fox News on Friday that Soleimani was planning attacks on four other U.S. embassies in the Middle Eastern region. Left-leaning lawmakers have lamented Trump didn't inform them, or the Gang of Eight a bipartisan group informed on intelligence matters that he was going to carry out the attack that killed Soleimani. Trump insists he didn't have to notify Congress of the attack and said during his first 2020 campaign rally last week that he was worried Democrats would have leaked the planned drone strike if he had told them. New revelations this week, however, raised questions of the imminence of the threat after NBC News reported Trump had authorized taking out Soleimani seven months ago. This further complicated the confusion over what intelligence led Trump to pull the trigger. The president initially provided the authorization to take out Soleimani a key figure the military believes is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans during a tense period over the summer after Iran shot down a U.S. drone. A senior administration official said there have been 'a number of options presented to the president over the course of time,' adding it occurred 'some months ago.' Soleimani's death came a few days after the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq was breached on New Years Even by protesters who back pro-Iran Shia militia. Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff claims Trump is 'fudging the intelligence' in regard to Soleimani's killing after Democrats lamented they were not informed before the attack was carried out. Trump said Friday that Soleimani was also planning attacks on four other U.S. embassies in the Middle East region Iran responded to Soleimani's death by firing almost two dozen ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases where U.S. troops were stationed. No Americans were killed or injured in the attack. Trump threatened 'disproportionate' retaliation if Iran targeted America, but since the bombing last week has not issued any other attacks and has only responded by sending more troops to the Middle East and refusing to pull troops from Iraq. Democrats have grilled Trump administration officials over what they meant when they said Soleimani was planning an 'imminent' attack and some, including Pompeo and Esper, have said the attack would have happened within 'days.' Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff insists Trump and his administration is 'fudging' the intelligence on Soleimani. 'When you hear the president out there on Fox, he is fudging the intelligence and when you hear the Secretary say, well, that wasn't what the intelligence said, but that's my personal belief, he is fudging,' Schiff said in reference to the president and his Pentagon chief. 'When Secretary Pompeo was on your show last week and made the claim that the intelligence analysis was that taking Soleimani out would improve our security and not and leaving them in would make us less safe, that is also fudging,' the Democratic representative from California continued in an interview on Face the Nation Sunday morning. 'That's not an intelligence conclusion. That is Pompeo's personal opinion.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 16:15:04|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close AYBAK, Afghanistan, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The security forces in crackdown on the armed militants have captured four Taliban fighters from the northern Samangan province, said a statement of police released here Monday. According to the statement, the militants were captured from Hazrat Sultan district when they were shifting a wounded militant by car to the neighboring Kunduz province for medical treatment. The arrested militants have admitted their affiliation with the Taliban outfit, the statement added. Samangan province, with Aybak as its capital 215 km north of Kabul, has been the scene of Taliban-led militancy over the past few years. Taliban militants who are active in both Samangan and Kunduz provinces have yet to make comment on the report. Dave Calhoun, Chairman of Boeing Adam Jeffery | CNBC Boeing's new CEO, Dave Calhoun, has a daunting to-do list when he takes the reins at the company's Chicago headquarters on Monday: improving the plane-maker's strained relationships with regulators and airline customers, winning back public trust and getting the 737 Max grounded for almost a year after two deadly crashes flying again. A more than decadelong Boeing board member, Calhoun has already signaled he will be more conservative than his predecessor Dennis Muilenburg. The board ousted Muilenburg just before Christmas after his botched response to the crashes and overoptimistic forecast that regulators would allow the planes to fly again before the end of 2019. The latter drew public ire from the Federal Aviation Administration, setting up a rare confrontation between the regulator and the biggest company it oversees. Calhoun called on employees to learn from the painful lessons since the first of two 737 Max crashes, in October 2018. "Many of our stakeholders are rightly disappointed in us, and it's our job to repair these vital relationships," Calhoun said in a note to Boeing's more than 150,000 employees. "We'll do so through a recommitment to transparency and by meeting and exceeding their expectations. We will listen, seek feedback, and respond appropriately, urgently and respectfully." Calhoun, 62 and a veteran of General Electric and Blackstone Group, has been playing peacemaker with the FAA. He also favored the company recommending airline pilots undergo simulator training before the 737 Max can fly again, reversing the company's position when Muilenburg was at the helm. The change promises to add millions in costs for Boeing but is one that aims to restore confidence in the planes' safety. "He's certainly the right person to stabilize the situation," said Teal Group aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia. Culture takes priority Perhaps Calhoun's most challenging task will be fixing Boeing's internal culture that has drawn criticism from lawmakers for prioritizing costs over safety, which has been blamed for killing the 346 people on the crashed flights in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Calhoun urged the company to release hundreds of internal messages about the 737 Max's development, a person familiar with his thinking said, adding that Calhoun will spend time at the company's Seattle plant to talk with employees. Those embarrassing messages showed Boeing employees bragging about bullying regulators into approving more lax training standards for the plane, saying the jetliners were "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys." Broadly, they showed employees under pressure to keep costs down and a general arrogance toward regulators and airline customers around the world. They also showed that some employees were worried about safety standards and spoke out. "Would you put your family on a MAX simulator-trained aircraft? asked a Boeing employee to a colleague in a 2018 exchange. "I wouldn't." His co-worker replied: "No." Boeing called the messages "completely unacceptable." It said the "language used in these communications, and some of the sentiments they express, are inconsistent with Boeing values, and the company is taking appropriate action in response. This will ultimately include disciplinary or other personnel action, once the necessary reviews are completed." "This is a crucial time for Boeing. We have work to do to uphold our values and to build on our strengths. I see greatness in this company, but I also see opportunities to be better. Much better," Calhoun said in his note to employees. Calhoun is an insider and the released messages were exchanged during his more than 10 years on Boeing's board. Some family members of crash victims say he was too close the problem. "It's not going to change the culture within Boeing," said Paul Njoroge, who lost his wife, three children and mother-in-law on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March. "There is a culture of ignoring safety ... maximizing profits." Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which is investigating the 737 Max, on Friday said he recently told Calhoun that he needs to change Boeing's structure so executives are not as beholden to Wall Street. The decisions that brought the planes to market faster was "all driven by watching the stock price and corporate pressure," DeFazio told reporters. He also said they are considering legislation to tighten the FAA's control over certification tasks that had been handed over to Boeing under rules designed to streamline that work. Calhoun will have more to do than getting regulators to sign off on the Max, a task that will earn him a $7 million bonus if he does that and meets other financial targets, according to a securities filing on Friday. He must also deal with delays and the possibility of additional regulatory scrutiny on the Boeing 777X plane as well as sliding demand for wide-body jetliners in general. Hobbled by the crisis, Boeing hasn't been able to move forward with plans for a new midmarket jet, handing a bigger lead over to chief rival Airbus as the European plane-maker wins sales of its forthcoming long-range, single-aisle plane from airlines including American and United. Layoffs, production shutdown The worldwide grounding has wiped more than $50 billion from Boeing's market value and is threatening to drive up costs further as it heads toward the one-year mark. Regulators say they have no firm timeline of when they will approve Boeing's changes to the planes to bless them as airworthy again. That uncertainty has dented revenue for airlines that flew the Max by more than a $1 billion and counting. In July, Boeing took a $4.9 billion after-tax charge to compensate airlines. It has already reached preliminary agreements with American and Southwest, but those customers don't expect the planes to fly again until at least April, which will further add to Boeing's tab. The company will likely provide an update to the cost of the grounding when it reports earnings in late January. This month, Boeing is planning to shut down its 737 Max production facility in Washington state, reassigning some 3,000 of its workers to other facilities, including in California. It said it doesn't expect to lay off employees, but the crisis is already hitting suppliers, including engine-maker General Electric. Spirit Aerosystems, which makes fuselages for the Max, said it would cut an initial 2,800 jobs because of the crisis. On Monday, Moody's Investors Service downgraded Spirit's debt into junk-bond territory, saying the company's "liquidity profile will quickly and materially erode in the absence of mitigating developments that remain largely out of the company's control." The ratings firm also put Boeing's debt on review for a downgrade, which follows a one-notch cut last month. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday said the Boeing 737 Max problems could slow U.S. economic growth this year by half a percentage point to 2.5%. Other changes Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Kim Ki-nam, center, signs agreements to make sure the company-launched anti-corruption committee functions, independently, during the signing event held in its main technology compound in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. On Kim's left is Samsung Electronics president Kim Hyun-seok and to his right is the company's mobile boss Ko Dong-jin, Monday. Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul Top management at Samsung Electronics vowed to properly and independently operate the newly-launched anti-corruption committee. Just a few days after the company named former Supreme Court Justice, Kim Ji-hyung, as leader of the commission, top Samsung executives signed the agreement to fight corruption, monitor and eradicate all illegal activities. The event was held at Samsung's main technology compound in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Kim Ki-nam and two company co-CEOs including its consumer electronics chief Kim Hyun-seok and mobile boss Ko Dong-jin attended the event. "We arranged the event to send a clear message to Samsung employees that there can be no compromise for any illegal activities. Therefore, all paid Samsung employees should comply with a set of guidelines as part of the transparency principle," Samsung Electronics said in a press release. "No decisions or activities that go against the company-set principles and relevant laws will be permitted," it added. The agreements include the specifics which mandate employees at Samsung Electronics and other affiliates comply with relevant laws and company principles and report breaches of the law to the committee if any allegations concern anyone in a top management role. But the agreements neither stated who will be held accountable for any wrongdoings nor how protection will be provided to whistleblowers. Top management at Samsung's other affiliates Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDS and Samsung C&T joined the move. Also, top management at Samsung SDI, Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance will receive an official mandate. The seven Samsung affiliates will cooperate with the committee on various aspects to make sure the body operates effectively. As Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong's trial approaches, the committee chief told reporters that the body will look "very closely" into a wide range of issues affecting the group's transparency including corruption, labor issues and even management succession, with greater independence and autonomy. The committee chief clarified he will do this as the group leader Lee gave him "full authorization" to proceed with committee-set tasks. As the crucial April general election nears, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and Cheong Wa Dae aides were supporting the company's investment plans partly because economic initiatives are a key focus of President Moon Jae-in. The President visited Samsung facilities two times and congratulated the company on its efforts to move forward with investment plans. It remains to be seen whether the launch of the committee will satisfy the local judge who asked the Samsung leader to come up with detailed plans to improve the company's management transparency and to show how it will be free from any external political influence. But Samsung said the committee comprises seven members including two from civic groups, two from academia and one from Samsung Electronics former Samsung's communications chief Rhee In-yong. Sources inside Samsung said the company would review possibilities to help the committee access Samsung's internal documents if necessary, and added issues and concerns such as no legal binding authority under the Commercial Act would be addressed, thoughtfully and properly. Boris Johnson's plan for a weak free trade agreement with the EU will create a "customs border" and end "frictionless trade" with Britain, the EU has said. An internal slide presentation drawn up by the European Commission for member states ahead of the start of talks says market opening will be "limited" under the plan and that new customs checks will be implemented on British goods. The reality is bad news for UK industries like car manufacturers and supermarkets, which rely on moving parts and goods quickly across the channel without bureaucracy and time-consuming checks. Crucially, the EU emphatically rules out any "mutual recognition" of regulations between the UK and EU, an idea previously toyed with in Westminster to give Britain a continued advantage of the single market despite having left it. Brussels is also set to insist on a clause that could see the trade agreement suspended entirely a "suspension of obligations" if Britain to deregulate past the "level playing-field" set by Brussels. Some right-wing cabinet ministers see Brexit as an opportunity to deregulate, either for its own sake or to secure a trade deal with Donald Trump's US. The slides say the UK and EU would become "separate markets and distinct legal orders", meaning "an end of free movement of goods and mutual recognition" of regulations. The presentation is part of a series of January seminars being held in the EU capital and attended by member state diplomats to "prepare the ground" for future relationship negotiations and to get the bloc on the same page. Talks are set to start between Britain and the EU in February, once Brexit has taken place. Both sides will have 11 months to negotiate a deal during the transition period while the UK follows all EU rules. Though the transition period can be extended by up to two year Mr Johnson says he will not do so and has even said he will legislate to prevent himself from doing so. If no deal is cut by the end of the transition the UK will slide onto WTO terms and face large tariffs and quotas for trade with the EU - widely considered a devastating scenario by trade experts. 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 But the new internal EU slide shows that even if the UK is successful in striking a comprehensive trade agreement quickly, business will face significant disruption under the hard type of Brexit chosen by the government. The free trade agreement approach will put Britain far further from the EU's orbit than countries like Norway and Iceland, which despite being outside the EU participate in the single market. Even Turkey, which is outside the single market, has a customs union with the bloc on top of its free trade agreement while other countries to Europe's east are striking more comprehensive association agreements with Brussels and seeking to join. Niger army chief fired after attack kills 89: Niger's president has fired the army's chief of staff in the wake of attacks that have killed at least 174 members of the security forces since December. President Mahamadou Issoufou's action came after the death toll from an attack by Islamist extremists on the military last week rose to at least 89, making it the most deadly assault of its kind in years in the West African nation. Brisbane councillors have been told they can only use the marketing materials for a $4 million advertising campaign up until the March election, prompting Labor to accuse the LNP of spending ratepayers' money on the Schinner administration's reelection campaign. The Brisbetter campaign was announced by lord mayor Adrian Schrinner in October last year to promote council initiatives, including off-peak travel for seniors and first home owners' rates reductions. Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner speaks in council chambers. Credit:Tammy Law To date the LNP administration has spent $2.5 million on the advertising program, with the campaign spend scheduled to end on February 21. Over the 2018-19 financial year, Brisbane City Council spent $2.8 million on advertising. Princes William and Harry have released a joint statement in which they dismissed a "false story" published in a British newspaper. As the brothers prepare for crisis talks at Sandringham today, alongside Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, to work out details of Harry and wife Meghan Markle's "step back" from royal life; they have denied the language used in a story today. "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge. "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful," they said. The statement was in response to a story published on Monday, allegedly detailing the status of their relationship, reporting that their brotherly bond began to fracture when William expressed reservation about Harry's romance with Meghan when they began dating. The royals have been uncharacteristically forward in their communications with the press as they try to stay on top of the narrative unfolding around them since Meghan and Harry's shock announcement last Wednesday. Read More Meanwhile, the highest ranking senior royals have gathered at the British monarch's estate to finalise an exit strategy for the Susssexes, including ironing out details of their finances, which are currently tied up in public funds. The UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment on future security arrangements for the couple - and dismissed suggestions of racist media coverage. "I'm not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the royal family or for any protected individuals - that's thoroughly inappropriate for me to do so," she told BBC Radio 5 Live. Video of the Day "At this moment in time, right now, the royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that they're dealing with." Ms Patel rejected suggestions that Meghan had been subjected to racist press coverage. She said: "I'm not in that category at all where I believe there's racism at all. I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life." Asked if the media had been in any way racist, she replied: "I don't think so, no ... I certainly haven't seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature." SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- More than 1,200 landlords were invited to South Euclids seminar in the fall, an event designed to help them understand the importance of federal housing vouchers and the citys anti-discrimination law that protects low-income renters who use the subsidies. But only 15 landlords registered to attend the training. Ten showed up. At first, I concluded, the low turnout told me everything I needed to know: Too many landlords just dont care about diversity and inclusion. They dont care that housing subsidies give families a shot at better schools and better jobs, or that the widespread discrimination voucher holders face often relegates them to the same dangerous, unstable neighborhoods they had tried to escape. But then I witnessed an exchange between one landlord and Kris Keniray, the associate director of the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research, and it made me realize that perhaps protecting the rights of tenants isnt enough. The voucher system and the bureaucracy that supports it also need improvement to avoid penalizing landlords who come to the program in good faith and to leave those who dont with fewer excuses to ignore laws like South Euclids. In her comments, Keniray thanked the suburb for leading the way with its progressive anti-discrimination policy, which prohibits landlords from turning down tenants simply because they plan on using a housing voucher to pay a portion of their rent. But the law appears to be widely disregarded by landlords in South Euclid, and few have been held accountable. One in seven African-American households who rent in Cuyahoga County has a voucher, Keniray told the small group of landlords. Think about that. If all private landlords say, Were just not going to deal with vouchers, and they dont even respond when someone inquires, what impact does that have on our community? One landlord raised his hand. I love your passion, he told her. And I totally agree that all of the things you described are important. I've been in this business a long time. Theres no question, discrimination is real. But then he pointed to the lengthy process of having ones rental property inspected by a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority contractor and approved to accept a voucher tenant. CMHA officials had said earlier in the seminar that the process generally takes 21 days that is, if the inspection can be scheduled promptly and the unit passes on the first try. Delays along the way, which are common, could mean a couple months without rental income for the landlord. For many of us, its not that we want to discriminate, the landlord said. Its that there is an actual disadvantage to participating in the voucher program, regardless of what our intentions are. Maybe theres a misconception that someone who owns real estate is a millionaire and can afford to lose money. But that's not the case. Another landlord asked if CMHA could pre-approve a property to accept a voucher tenant perhaps inspect the unit while its still occupied, so its ready to rent as soon as it becomes vacant. Unfortunately, thats not an option under HUD rules, responded Heather Gaines, director of the voucher program for CMHA. I left the seminar with the feeling that much work still needs to be done if the federal housing voucher program is to live up to its potential, connecting families to housing options in higher-opportunity communities. I believe, as strongly as ever, in the power and importance of local fair housing laws, and that they should be adopted more broadly than in just the handful of Ohio municipalities that have enacted them so far. Its certainly time for us to galvanize behind a Cuyahoga County-wide effort to ban discrimination of tenants with federal housing subsidies. But at the same time, 21 days is just too long for landlords to keep a property vacant when their livelihoods depend on rental income. We generally accept that every bureaucratic process will be a quagmire of paperwork and administrative fussiness. In this case, however, were expecting landlords to help solve our low-income housing crisis were even passing legislation requiring it without meeting them halfway with an efficient system that protects their businesses from harm. Gaines and other CMHA officials pledged during the seminar to explore ways the inspection and approval process could be expedited. Doing so would be critical to a voucher program that meets the needs of all parties, and it would strengthen other reforms CMHA is delivering this year to make life easier for landlords. For example, CMHA has said that it will begin conducting its routine inspections of voucher-rented units every other year, rather than annually a policy shift that, hopefully, will alleviate some of the hassle landlords complain about. And the housing authority has changed how it determines rent payments in a way that landlords might find encouraging. Until recently the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development capped voucher payouts at fair market rent, which was calculated over the entire ClevelandElyria Metropolitan Statistical Area, rather than taking into consideration smaller markets where rents might be higher. However, CMHA is now allowed to begin setting its payment standards based on fair market rent by zip code. Also this year, landlords can expect to receive CMHAs rent offers ahead of move-in inspections, helping them determine if the offer will suffice before theyve invested time and money in inspections and repairs. These reforms should pave the way for countywide legislation that protects the rights of tenants seeking a higher quality of life, without disenfranchising landlords like the one who spoke up during South Euclids seminar. When the system works at its best, families have access to safe, stable communities and landlords enjoy an efficient inspection process and a guaranteed rent deposit every month. Everyone wins. And of course, a public awareness campaign to dispel myths that voucher recipients are bad neighbors would help all these efforts succeed even if it means reaching just 10 landlords at a time. You can reach columnist Leila Atassi at latassi@cleveland.com. President Trump was right to kill the terrorist who was planning further bloodshed and with the blood of thousands on his hands. Gen Qassem Soleimanis Revolutionary Guard was responsible for massacring over 1,500 of his fellow countrymen after they protested the regime. In Iraq, he trained Shiite militias to torture and kill their enemies to maintain Irans power over the Iraqi government. The Mullahs in Iran hijacked a legitimate revolution in the late 70s to establish a murderous, repressive, evil regime of their own. They have killed hundreds of thousands of their own citizens in order to stay in power. During the 1988 massacre, over 30,000 members of the resistance were executed in cold blood. Iran admitted that they shot down a Ukrainian jetliner killing all 176 people aboard. The Mullahs have looted the country to the point where large swaths of the country does not have fresh drinking water. Trump is right to continue squeezing Iran with sanctions to shut down the flow of dollars to this evil, medieval regime. Trump doesnt have to send troops to Iran. He can continue to tighten the noose. The Iranian people will do the rest. Mike Leonard, Petersham SARATOGA SPRINGS - A women's equality march and rally, organized by students, will move through the city on Saturday. The event, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will circle to and from Congress Park, along Putnam Street and Ellsworth Jones Road. Among the marchers will be speakers Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake), Saratoga County Supervisor Tara Gaston and Planned Parenthood of Greater New York volunteer Bridget Schwartz. Maple Avenue Middle School students Emma and Maggie Anthes will also speak. Sister Abby Anthes, who attends the Saratoga Springs High School, also helped to organization. The march and rally, sponsored by Saratoga Unites and Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, is intended to promote gender equality and to empower women to create political change. If Jussie Smollett had last year pleaded guilty to some minor charge, done 90 days of community service, and paid a substantial fine to reimburse the $130,000 worth of overtime costs rolled up by Chicago police detectives investigating his ludicrous assault claims, he might today be in full rebound mode. Picture it: the tearful, dramatic mea culpa with Robin Roberts. A bold admission This is on me followed by a deflection of blame to drugs or alcohol or the dark demons of hate we all know are lurking out there, waiting for third-tier television stars to emerge from sandwich shops. A charity concert. A blessing from Al Sharpton. Some light-hearted banter with Stephen Colbert. Then, gradual forgiveness and maybe another TV deal. What Smollett did instead looks increasingly stupid. He admitted nothing and even doubled down on his fantasy tale of a late-night attack by men supposedly roaming the streets with a noose and a bottle of bleach. He was handed the opportunity by the office of States Attorney Kim Foxx, which dropped charges without demanding a guilty plea because he had supposedly already been punished enough, by secretly serving a few hours community service and forfeiting a bond of which he paid a mere $10,000. But if he was the victim of a crime, why should he forfeit one dollar or agree to one hour of community service? Worse: The real criminals are still out there! Led by the then-mayor and the thenCPD superintendent, outrage about Smolletts lies caused the appointment of a special prosecutor, Dan Webb. So the story lives on. Smollett has not been nailed, and Chicago wants him nailed. He will get nailed. The postman always rings twice. Webb has won the right to comb through Smolletts emails, the Chicago Tribune reported last week. Smollett is not exactly a meticulous master criminal. The day the story broke, January 29, he was already telling different versions of his tall tale to the press and the police (who, if I know anything about police, therefore grokked that he was lying on the very first day). Story continues A Chicago judge approved the special prosecutors request for search warrants to obtain from both Smollett and his manager not just emails but also drafted and deleted messages; any files in their Google Drive cloud storage services; any Google Voice texts, calls and contacts; search and web browsing history; and location data. Ouch. There is no chance that all of this information will back up Smolletts made-for-TV claims about men roaming around looking for gay television actors to beat up while chanting MAGA slogans. The search warrant was granted way back on December 6, and since the judge ordered Google and its representatives, agents and employees not to disclose his order to turn over the records because it might jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation, Smollett presumably had no idea his records were even being seized until the Tribune report ran on January 8. So lots of things Smollett said privately before and after the most notorious fake attack by nonexistent evildoers since The War of the Worlds radio show are about to become public. Smolletts career appears to be on pause. His income must be minimal after Fox fired him from Empire. His legal bills are piling up. Oh, and Dave Chappelle openly mocked him and rechristened him Juicy Smollee. Will the humiliation never end? Smollett is not the only one on the hook. Foxx, Smolletts apparent ally who let him skate, seems to be feeling the heat and has retained outside legal counsel. Foxx hired a lawyer to represent her personal interests and also brought in a former chief judge to respond to Webbs inquiries about the states attorneys office. This latter problem is costing taxpayers a significant amount: the lawyer is being paid (at a rate of $250 to $375 an hour) with public funds. Foxx is running for reelection but faces three Democratic opponents in a March primary. Seems like it wont be long before Special Prosecutor Webb uncovers what really happened with the case. The good news for Smollett, who in November of 2018 posed on Instagram in a shirt emblazoned with the word TRUTH in gigantic letters, is that he will at last be freed from his lies. After being forced to confess, he can get to work on rebuilding. Let the fake-apology tour begin! More from National Review Bhopal, Jan 13 : The question paper of the recently held Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) examination has raked up a controversy over a derogatory reference to the Bhil community. The question paper of the competitive examination, conducted by the MPPSC on Sunday, had a "passage" on the Bhil community. One of the passage's questions allegedly said, "They are financially weak as they spend more than their income." The question paper also cited that the community people had "criminal tendencies", which is one of the reasons for their poverty. Calling the question paper "insulting", Opposition leader Gopal Bhargava lashed out at the MPPSC. "The tribals have made a significant contribution to India's independence struggle. They are the protectors of our culture. It is an insult to the entire tribal community. Calling the Bhils as 'criminal minded' in the PSC question paper is shameful. Kamal Nath should take immediate action against it." Laxman Singh, Congress MLA and brother of former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, has expressed his displeasure over the PSC question paper and demanded action. He tweeted, "I am hurt by the indecent remarks against the Bhil Samaj by the state government's publication. Not only the officer responsible should be punished, but also the Chief Minister should express regret in the House. After all he is the Chief Minister of the state. This will convey a good message." A 32-year-old criminal wanted in a double murder case for the last nine years has been arrested by Mumbai Police's crime branch, an official said on Monday. The accused, Prakash Avsarkar, had jumped bail in 2011. During that period, Avsarkar is suspected to have involved in a string of robberies in Mumbai limits. He was arrested from a temple near suburban Vikhroli station on Sunday. Avsarkar, who was working for Papya Shaikh gang in 2011, is accused in the murder of Pravin Gondkar and Rachit Patni in Shirdi. After booked under stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOC) Act, he jumped the bail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tsai urged to be more pragmatic Global Times By Chen Qingqing Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/12 19:13:34 After Taiwan's incumbent regional leader Tsai Ing-wen swept a landslide victory in the island's regional elections on Saturday, senior officials from the UK and the US sent out congratulations with an intention of continuously playing "Taiwan card" in containing the Chinese mainland. However, Chinese mainland officials and analysts reiterated that any separatist attempts are doomed to fail. Tsai of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) beat Han Kuo-yu, candidate of Kuomintang (KMT) and Tsai's major rival, with a record-high 8.17 million votes, surpassing the total votes she won in the 2016 regional elections. In Tsai's speech after she declared the victory, Tsai reminded that "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue" are the four key elements in cross-Straits relations, claiming that the Taiwan authority would not "concede to threats and intimidation." The Chinese mainland upholds the basic principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems" as well as the one-China principle, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Beijing-based Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said after the results of the elections came out. And the mainland's policy toward the island is consistent and clear. While endorsing the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," the mainland will work with Taiwan compatriots to continue to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and the peaceful reunification of the motherland, he noted. Some western officials showed their eagerness of continuing using "Taiwan card" as a way of containing the rise of the mainland by praising the elections "as vibrant democracy," and even lauded Tsai for seeking so-called stability with the mainland. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo applauded Tsai's victory in an official statement released on Saturday, claiming the island made it "a model for the Indo-Pacific region and a force for good in the world." UK Foreign Office also lauded that the elections "are testament to Taiwan's vibrant democracy." Meanwhile, in a meeting between Tsai and the director of the nonofficial American Institute in Taiwan on Sunday morning, the two sides reportedly sought to promote ties to a "global partnership." External factors The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday expressed strong opposition to Western officials congratulating the reelected regional leader, saying such behavior violated the one-China principle. The ministry also voiced opposition toward any form of official interaction between the island and countries with established diplomatic ties with the mainland, reiterating that the one-China principle was a "shared understanding of the international community." Mainland analysts said Tsai's victory speech and her intention of upgrading the island's global presence reflected her attempt to seek more support from the US, echoing the US government's aim of enhancing the role of the island in its Indo-Pacific strategy. They believed Tsai's reelection reflected younger Taiwan residents' favorable view of the DPP. Combined registered voters stood at 19.31 million, with 16 percent in the age group of 20 and 29, and 18 percent of those aged 30 to 39. Previous opinion polls suggested Tsai was leading Han and People's First Party competitor James Soong Chu-yu, and analysts noted a larger turnout of young and first-time voters - given her high popularity among youth - might have given Tsai an extra edge, according to the Taipei-based Taiwan News. Her victory emerged in an overall international political climate of rising populism, Li Xiaobing, an expert on Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, told the Global Times on Saturday. "Months of social unrest in Hong Kong also influenced the island's mood," he said. The DPP successfully manipulated Hong Kong issue, creating anti-mainland sentiment and rejection of "one country, two systems" with the younger generation, Song Luzheng, a research fellow and expert on Taiwan studies at the China Institute of Fudan University in Shanghai, told the Global Times on Sunday. "Young people, who are usually a little sensitive on the economy, are easily instigated. As result, the DPP gained historical support of the Taiwan youth," he said. Over the last few years, Tsai had been seriously challenging Chinese national sovereignty by adopting aggressive rhetoric and triggering more conflicts between the mainland and the island of Taiwan, thus seriously challenging Chinese national sovereignty. Escalating China-US trade tension prompted Washington to come up with more acts related to the island, as part of its efforts of curbing the rise of Beijing, analysts noted. "Those actions had little concrete content but have greater significance as the DPP took the opportunities to advocate the support from the US government," Song said. Tsai's second term is anticipated to lead the cross-Straits relations into a more difficult situation in 2020. Mainland analysts also suggested that the regional leader should uphold the bottom line, continue focusing on social and economic issues in her second term. If she continues making use of the external forces like the US in promoting "Taiwan independence," it would only accelerate the reunification process, analysts warned. Bottom line Mainland's official attitude on Taiwan question clearly indicates to the bottom line, and Taiwan regional leader and politicians should thoroughly take into consideration the potential risks before brazenly provoking the mainland, having a more pragmatic view on how long DPP's political goals could last if it takes a more aggressive approach in dealing with cross-Straits relations. "The ball is always in our court," Song said, noting that mainland forecasts more obstacles in the relations after Tsai's reelection, leading to call for a firm preparation for reunification. To further diminish the island's global presence, the mainland would consider establishing ties in 2020 with those countries which currently have "diplomatic relations" with the island or take more active policies and military gestures like island encirclement exercise, analysts predicted. "The pretext of handling Taiwan question is not to affect our rejuvenation process," an analyst close to the matter who preferred not to be named told the Global Times on Sunday. The reunification is a progressive process and taking the situation under control, which is the bottom line, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Advertisement Chilling photos show the charred corpses of animals strewn throughout the devastated forests on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, as fires continue to rage across the country. Koalas are also seen sitting in piles of ash, in heartbreaking scenes, and scrambling up the blackened sides of trees. Rescuers in the area from Humane Society International Australia have told how there are charred bodies 'as far as the eye can see' and that whenever they find a living animal it 'feels like a miracle'. The fires had killed an estimated half a billion animals by January 4, with the number expected to continue to rise. Animals have been rushed to makeshift hospitals across the country, and thousands of kilograms of carrots and sweet potatoes have been dropped across New South Wales to help wild animals struggling to survive by providing them with a food source after the fires. Chilling photos show corpses of animals littering a forest floor on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, where fires continue to rage. Two animals are pictured here near to each other Another chilling photo shows this charred and blackened animal in the forest where fires continue to rage. Rescuers from Humane Society International said they could see corpses 'as far as the eye can see' A dead koala was pictured with a rescuer. When they find a living animal 'by miracle' it is either rushed to their rescue centre and offered aid or euthanised. One kangaroo that was euthanised was burned so badly its tail and feet were bone This koala is pictured being taken to a wildlife hospital after surviving the devastating bush fires An animal rescue team from Humane Society International took these graphic photos when it set up a disaster response unit to help animals. 'These are some of the toughest scenes I've ever witnessed: The bodies of charred animals as far as the eye can see', said the charity's senior specialist in disaster response, Kelly Donithan. 'We've seen kangaroos with devastating burn injuries and dehydrated koalas gasping for water. We found one kangaroo so burned her feet and tail were nothing but exposed bones. 'Amidst all this death, every time we find an animal alive it feels like a miracle.' Humane Society International Australia's CEO Erica Martin said that the land they are searching is 'utterly scorched' with the 'charred bodies of animals everywhere'. 'In one area, which was badly burned a week ago, the scenes were nothing short of apocalyptic. We only found one living koala among thousands of bodies of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and birds.' The charred corpse of what appears to be a kangaroo is pictured lying on its back in the blackened forest A koala that survived the blaze is seen sitting on a pile of ash looking dazed and confused. These are some of the toughest scenes I've ever witnessed: The bodies of charred animals as far as the eye can see', said the charity's senior specialist in disaster response, Kelly Donithan A rescuer approaches a lost looking koala to offer it some help. The government in New South Wales has dropped sweet potatoes and carrots onto forest floors to offer animals something to eat A koala pictured climbing up a blackened tree in the forest on Kangaroo island, southern Australia, where fires continue Fires continue to rage on Kangaroo island in southern Australia today, as this image from Google crisis maps shows When the charity finds injured and desperate animals in the burnt out forest, they are either rushed to emergency centres for treatment and offered aid, or euthanised. The kangaroo with feet so burnt they were turned to bones was euthanised by the charity. Humane Society International, which runs 600 sanctuaries across the country, said many have been devastated by fires or are experiencing an enormous influx of animals. Ms Donithan said that although the goal is to keep animals in the wild as much as possible, their injuries and landscape decimation has made this impossible. 'The landscapes are so decimated that for many this hasn't been an option because there is nothing left for them to eat or drink, so they need to be taken in for care', she said. A koala receives emergency treatment at the makeshift animal hospital. Humane Society International, which runs 600 sanctuaries in Australia, say most have been badly burned while those which survived are swamped with animals A young kangaroo is rushed to hospital after being rescued from the burnt out forest in southern Australia A lost and disorientated koala is offered water by a rescuer in the area. Wildlife experts have warned that koalas could go extinct in areas of the country following the devastating fires Rescuers walk through the forests as they search for animals needing help (left) and a koala is carried to a rescue centre in a laundry basket (right) Wildlife experts have warned that if the fires continue unabated koalas could become extinct in certain areas of Australia. The blaze has engulfed 12 million acres - nearly two thirds the land area of Ireland. Wildlife groups have been handed $50million to help them care for animals injured in the blaze, which will be split evenly between an emergency intervention fund and a frontline environmental groups fund. The money will be steered by Australia's threatened species commissioner Sally Box, who will work with a panel to put a recovery plan in place. Environment Minister Sussan Ley says it's too early to know the impact of the catastrophic fires, but that it creates an historic environmental challenge. 'We need to be guided by scientific experts in the field, by our national research bodies, the traditional owners who have managed this land over tens of thousands of years, our farmers whose passion and commitment to the land spans generations and our local communities,' she said in a statement. Prime minister Scott Morrison has been repeatedly criticised for not doing enough and taking too long to respond to the devastating fires. The closure of Californias last nuclear power plant would cost Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers $112.5 million annually under a regulatory settlement the utility recently reached with various groups. PG&E customers would pay through 2027 to shut down the Diablo Canyon plant in San Luis Obispo County if the five-member California Public Utilities Commission signs off on the settlement. The entire closure would cost an estimated $3.9 billion, about $1 billion less than PG&E originally sought. Monthly bills for the average PG&E customer would rise 59 cents under terms of the deal, or $7.08 per year, according to company spokeswoman Hillary Bouchenot. PG&E has already set aside about $3 billion in customer money to fund the plants decommissioning, Bouchenot said in an email. The settlement proposal was filed with the commission on Friday, supported by PG&E, The Utility Reform Network consumer group, the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, the commissions public advocates office and other groups. In a statement on Monday, the alliance credited itself with reducing the amount of time it should take to transfer nuclear waste from fuel pools into dry cask storage. The company had planned to keep spent fuel in the pools for seven years after shutting down the plant, but as a result of the deal it will now look for companies that can transfer the waste in four years, the alliance said. Given PG&Es woeful corporate safety record, this added measure of enhanced safety regarding the vulnerable spent fuel pools is a big victory for Californians, said Rochelle Becker, the alliances executive director, in the statement. Becker said her group is pleased that our multi-year pursuit of those concerns will also keep costs lower for ratepayers as we bear witness to the end of nuclear power in our state. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, R-Templeton (San Luis Obispo County), has proposed a state constitutional amendment that would keep Diablo Canyon open. But the amendment faces long odds because it would reclassify nuclear power as renewable energy a tough political sell in a state that has turned away from plants like Diablo Canyon. Nick Mirman, Cunninghams chief of staff, said in an email Monday that the lawmakers office is still waiting to hear whether the Legislature will hold a hearing on the proposed amendment. In December, PG&E reached a different proposed settlement as part of its three-year general rate case. That settlement, which must also still be approved by the state utility commissioners, would raise the bill for a typical electric and gas customer by 3.4%. J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Franchising, LLC., one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announced Tim Brown as its Vice President, Chief of Operations. The announcement comes at an essential time as Marco's Pizza approaches 1,000 locations and ramps up international growth. Brown, a Marco's Pizza Area Representative and Franchisee for more than a decade, will lead both franchise operations as well as company-managed operations. Brown began his career in the pizza industry 40 years ago as a delivery driver for Domino's, while attending The Ohio State University. He worked his way up the ranks at Domino's and ultimately became the Senior Vice President of Operations for its largest franchisee, overseeing stores in eight states and two foreign countries. He joined the Marco's Pizza brand in 2008 and now owns nine stores and serves as an Area Representative for Marco's Pizza in Alabama and Middle Tennessee. "Tim will be a great addition to the Marco's Operations and Executive Leadership Teams," said Tony Libardi, President and COO of Marco's Pizza. "We're excited to add a person with his expertise, proven performance, and commitment to excellence. He knows how to deliver a five-star experience in his stores, and we look for him to help apply those best practices to the rest of the system." As Chief of Operations, Brown will bring his need for speed to the rest of the brand while looking to make immediate improvements to penny profits and helping stores realize true cost savings. These efforts begin with building a team designed to work with franchisees and Area Representatives to provide training and enhancements to overall operations systemwide. "I joined this brand years ago because I believed in the product and our culture of performance," said Brown. "As we approach 1,000 locations, it's essential we create a great experience for our guests and our employees, which starts with executing operational excellence always. The future is bright for Marco's Pizza and I'm thrilled to be joining the leadership team at such a pivotal time of growth." Opening a new store every three and a half days on average, Marco's Pizza is committed to continued growth and increasing its presence internationally by late 2020. As America's Most-Loved and Most-Trusted pizza brand, Marco's has carved out a niche in the industry for authentic Italian quality pizza, known for its fresh dough made daily onsite, a proprietary cheese blend that is fresh, never-frozen, and a secret original pizza sauce recipe from its founder Pat Giammarco. "Tim's deep understanding of our company history and culture, and his experience with Marco's Pizza gives him a unique and welcomed perspective. I worked with Tim back in his days with Domino's and again, here at Marco's. We are honored to have his experience and passionate personality added to our hard-working leadership team to help collectively drive our brand's stellar reputation forward," Steve Seyferth, Marco's Pizza SVP, Chief Experience Officer. For more information on Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit www.marcosfranchising.com or call 866-731-8209. ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza companies in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives by making authentic Italian quality pizza with fresh ingredients. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate 900 plus stores in over 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 4 in Forbes "Best Franchises to Buy" 2019 Study/Medium Investment, and No. 39 on Entrepreneur's 2019 Franchise 500 ranking. Other recent accolades include ranking No. 2 on Entrepreneur's 2018 Top 200 Food and Restaurant Franchises in the pizza segment, and No. 8 on the Military Times Best: Franchises 2018 list. SOURCE Marcos Franchising, LLC Related Links https://marcosfranchising.com Tests of the latest diesel vehicles have found that they can regularly exceed the limit for particle emissions by significant levels during the process of clearing out their pollution filters on the move. Assessments by a green transport campaign group found that two of the UK's most popular diesel models, the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Astra, were well over the legal limit during this regular cleaning process. Current EU rules dictate that new passenger cars must not produce more than 600 billion emission particles per kilometre, but both the Qashqai and Astra far exceed these restrictions by up to 1,000 times when they empty their diesel particulate filters (DPF). Particle problems: New tests have revealed that diesel cars are producing well over the legal limit of emissions when they regularly clear out filters designed to trap harmful pollution Transport and Environment (T&E), the group responsible for the tests, has called on EU lawmakers to make emissions testing and regulations stricter. The green campaigners have long been critical of the development and sale of new diesel cars over the last four years, since Volkswagen was found to be cheating emissions tests in the US in September 2015. These latest examinations of cars found that new vehicles, launched after the VW's dieselgate scandal, are producing excessive levels of pollution when their diesel particulate filters are being cleaned out. It said the particulate pollution spikes to 1,000 times the normal level during the regular process of diesel cars clearing their anti-pollution filters. DPFs are a legal requirement for diesel cars and are designed to capture the harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, produced by their engines. The build up of these particles can clog up the filters, which are designed to clean themselves if this because the case. Motorists who mostly drive short distances in town and low speeds are recommended to take their cars onto faster roads so the DPF can actively clear itself. This tends to result in a big puff of black smoke from the exhaust, as the devices coughs out the emissions it has collected during previous journeys. The devices also have active regeneration systems that inject extra fuel to raise the temperature of the exhaust to burn off the excess stored soot. A 2018 Nissan Qashqai SUV - the 6th best-selling new car in the UK last year - was found to be up to 32% over the EU limit A Euro 6 emission diesel Vauxhall Astra was found to produce 115% more particles when cleaning out its DPF than EU law allows The tests on a 2018 Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Astra showed that when this occurs, particulate emissions are 32 per cent to 115 per cent over the legal limit of 600 billion particles per kilometre. The Qashqai is the UK's best-selling SUV, and has been for over a decade. Last year alone Nissan sold 52,532 examples, making it the sixth most popular new model in the UK. The Astra - a long-standing favourite family car for Britons - was among the top 20 most-bought new models last year. A Nissan spokesman told Reuters that 'all Nissan vehicles and DPF devices fitted in our vehicles fully comply with applicable emissions legislation'. The Japanese carmaker also said it supported new, stricter emissions tests and had introduced new technology to meet them. A spokesman for Vauxhall said it couldn't comment because it was not aware of the details of T&E's report released on Monday. This graphic shows how far over the legal EU limit the Qashqai and Astra are during the process of clearing their DPFs T&E said more than 45 million vehicles carry particle filters in Europe, leading to 1.3 billion filter cleanings per year. The process can occur every two weeks and can last for around 9 miles (15 kilometres). Under current European rules, if filter cleaning occurs during an official test, the results do not count, 'meaning that 60 to 99 per cent of regulated particle emissions from the tested vehicles are ignored,' T&E said in its report. What is a diesel particulate filter and how do I maintain one? A diesel particulate filter A diesel particulate filter is a device that captures and stores harmful exhaust particulate matter to stop it from being released into the air we breathe. But because they only have a finite capacity, the trapped emissions periodically have to be emptied or burned off to regenerate the DPF. In real life driving terms that means making sure a diesel car gets a prolonged motorway speed run regularly. This regeneration process removes the excess emissions soot clogging up the filter, reducing the harmful exhaust emission and helps to prevent the tell-tale black smoke you used to see from diesel vehicles, particularly when accelerating hard. Euro 5 exhaust emissions legislation introduced in 2009 to help lower car CO2 emissions effectively made DPFs mandatory, and since then, around one in two new cars a year are diesels with them fitted. There are two methods of maintaining a DPF - passive and active. Passive regeneration occurs when the car is running at motorway speeds for half an hour or longer to push the exhaust temperature higher so it can start the process of burning off the excess clogged soot. Active regeneration means extra fuel is injected automatically, as part of the vehicle's ECU, when a filter reaches a predetermined limit (normally about 45 per cent) to raise the temperature of the exhaust and burn off the stored soot. The tests of the two cars, both of which are adhere to the latest Euro 6 emission standards introduced for new models from September 2017, were carried out by European vehicle test lab Ricardo in July and August 2019. It found that the Astra emitted the largest number of particles when full filter regeneration took place, with 1,300 billion particles per kilometre. The Qashqai's filter regeneration tests showed emissions of between 790 billion and 850 billion particles per km, exceeding the limit by 32 per cent to 41 per cent. Particle pollution affects more people than any other pollutant according to the World Health Organization, with three in four inhabitants of European cities exposed to unsafe levels of particles, according to the European Environment Agency. The DVSA introduced tougher MOT measures for diesel cars fitted with particulate filters. Any model producing smoke of any colour from its exhaust automatically fails the test In May 2018, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduced new rules for the annual MOT test to tighten up on the outputs of diesel cars. If mechanics witness smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust of a diesel cars with a particulate filter fitted, the vehicle automatically fails the test. In the first six months of the new rules being introduced, double the volume of cars failed the test on emission assessments, with 750,000 models flunking by the end of November 2018. In the same six months there was also a 448 per cent increase in the number of diesel vans failing their emissions tests, increasing from 3,585 in 2017, to 19,648 in 2018. Bristol looks set to become the first UK city to ban all diesel vehicles from its busiest roads at designated times in a bid to reduce the impact of oil burning cars on pollution. The city council is currently waiting on government approval for its proposal to stop diesel passenger cars and vans of all ages from entering the city centre between 7am and 3pm from March 2021. The Lahore High Court on Monday termed as "unconstitutional" the formation of a special tribunal that tried and sentenced Pakistan's former military ruler to death for high treason, according to the media reports. The special court of Islamabad on December 17 last handed down the death penalty to 74-year-old Musharraf after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. The case was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government in 2013. The LHC declared the formation of the special court against Musharraf as "unconstitutional", Dawn reported. Monday's decision by a three-member full bench of the LHC comprising Justices Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Chaudhry Masood Jahangir came in response to a petition filed by Musharraf challenging the formation of the special court for the high treason case against him. In his petition, Musharraf had asked the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional, while also seeking suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition was made. The LHC also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law, Geo TV reported. Additional Attorney-General Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan earlier told the court that the formation of the special court to try Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution was not part of the agenda of federal cabinet meetings of the government of then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. "The special court was constituted without the formal approval of the cabinet," Khan said in court. He also maintained that the charges filed against the former president were flimsy since, under the emergency powers of the executive, fundamental rights could be suspended. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008 and lives in Dubai in self-imposed exile. The PML-N government had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. In August 2008, he finally resigned in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition, going into exile until his ill-starred homecoming in 2013, exiling himself once more three years later. Ni John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman Atia Azohnwi Ni John Fru Ndi, Chairman of the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF, has left Cameroon for the United States where he hopes to get medical attention following his double abductions by separatists last year. Before leaving the country over the weekend, Fru Ndi accused President Paul Biyas Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, CPDM, of being behind the attacks on the SDF candidates for the February 9, 2020 municipal and legislative elections in a bid to wipe out the party from the countrys political map. In fact, Cameroon-info.net understands that Ni John Fru Ndi was twice kidnapped by armed men believed to be loyal to the putative state of Ambazonia whose independence they seek Ambazonia is a geographical allusion to Cameroons North West and South West Regions. Kidnapped by armed men Friday, June 28, 2019 at about 3:30pm, Cameroons fiery opposition leader Ni John Fru Ndi regained his freedom at 9:30pm on Saturday, June 29, 2019. In an interview published by The SUN, the opposition leader says separatists are missing the target by attacking the SDF instead of targeting Mr Biyas CPDM regime that has reduced Anglophones to near nothing in this country. Hear Fru Ndi: The SDF is not only being targeted now because if you know the history of elections rigging, brutalization in the field especially in areas even here in the Francophone areas, you will remember that our party has since its creation suffered a lot intimidation and attacks with our militants being beaten and killed such as what recently happened in the North. The people who gave in to democracy in this country never really thought what they said. Before we formed the SDF, we had a constitution for the party, a programme to set up the way forward and we agreed that we are going to change the country through the ballot box. Now, the Anglophones of whom I am one, have been marginalized, taken for granted and misused, abused, insulted in this country. But we still believe that even if you spit on my face, I will clean the spit and go where I am going because I have something in mind which I want to achieve. But when the other people came up and said they want to change the government of secede through the ballot box, I saw all these options before me and I calculated the weight of this option and realize that if I go through it, it will lead to a lot of bloodshed. That is why I did not opt to go in for the gun. Even in 19992 when we actually won the presidential election, Mr Biya himself accepted and every Cameroonian will tell you that Fru Ndi won. But here, the army voted much for us and when they results were proclaimed in favour of my opponent, the army wanted to take up arms to defend my victory but again I refused and I thought that with time, we were going to resolve things through the ballot box, constitution. If today people are talking about the cosmetic changes made in the Constitution, it is thanks to the SDF though today some children insult me that it is not Fru Ndi who brought the power to talk here loud and big. When I hear this I simply ask them to go ahead and achieve what they want to achieve. But do not take your gun and face me because I am not the one blocking your way and people tell you just come out of Parliament (National Assembly and Senate) and councils and you will see what we will do, change the country now and get our independence. I tell them that please can you sit down let us talk but they keep insisting that just get out and see. I look at that as radicalism. So today, they have left the CPDM that is destroying everything and they are now on the SDF following Fru Ndi, abducting me twice, dragging me on the floor and giving me wounds. The painful thing is that I was just from the hospital, two hours later. In other words, that was more than death because all my family members were already weeping. But as the Lord God that we serve saved my life, I tell the people doing that it is not by forcing Fru Ndi with the power of the gun that you will achieve what we want because the right person to force with power of the gun is Mr Biya. The SDF has just 14 MPs out of the 16 we had at the beginning of the expired mandate at the National Assembly and only 7 Senators and even if all of them withdraw from Parliament and join them in the bushes, what effect will that has? I dont think anything. The number of councillors and mayors I have in the North West and South West if all of them leave and join them in the bushes, what difference will be there? And more so, the Anglophones have a serious problem and which people have taken advantage of it now to make money. With all due respect for all those fighting in the bushes, some of them are hardened criminals and I told the people genuinely fighting for the Anglophone course to disassociate themselves from such criminals who escaped from prisons in Ndop, Kumbo, Wum, Mbengwi etc. And again, Nigerians have taken advantage of the situation because information reaching me says some of the people killed are those recruited from Nigeria. So when they take the guns they are only after the SDF because CPDM people are moving around freely in town and they have not abducted even one. They first started by setting fire on my compound in town, later burnt down my house in the villages to ashes. The people monitoring this abroad, that is, the leaders told the boys here to do that in order to teach me a lesson. What is my crime because for three years now, I have been calling for the leadership of the Anglophone movement to come so that we can talk and strategize on what to do but all answers I receive is that just get out from Parliament and councils. You cannot hold a gun and just give me instructions like that because I will not take them. Since then, they keep abducting members of the SDF party which I am now forced to agree that those are the YCPDM youths who have gone into the bushes thinking that they can destroy the SDF this way pretentiously thinking that Mr. Biya will win everything on February 9, 2020 for the world to see him as the greatest person. But they forget to know that everything happening in this country is monitored abroad through embassies and several other channels that we might not know. I knew of this when I used to tour foreign countries to sell the ideologies of the SDF, talking about the Anglophone problem etc. The people were asking me very sensitive questions on Cameroon to prove that they have up-to-date information about our country. I remember how I got into the foreign ministry of Germany and I was told by the Minister that Mr Chairman, we know this, that. So when you say you want to change the country, and you are fighting telling the world that the international community will step in and help but let me remind you that the international community does not believe in terrorism, abduction to take ransoms, amputating peoples hands, fingers, heads and wild things being done. I dont think that Anglophones themselves are comfortable with all of these. And when I condemned the way the woman was headed in Santa, some of them in Europe picked on me saying the boys are dying in bushes. I didnt send any person in the bush and I did not go to the bush because I do not want to see blood. And when I met Mr Biya in Bamenda, I told him that in 1992 I was a millimetre away from declaring way over my stolen victory but I did not do that because I looked at the handsome and beautiful children of Cameroon and said, I cannot spill their blood. He said yes, I knew and I asked him that what did you do? He replied that we met now so let us move forward. Since then, I have not been able to discuss with him again. So sir, there is a saying that the hunter missed the animal and shot his dog. That is what is happening in Cameroon today with Anglophones right now because all that is done, the international community is seeing; amputation, abduction, beheading and this is not talking well of the course and if we do not sit down and strategize on how to resolve our problems, then we are merely wasting our time. On why the SDF is bent on taking part in the polls despite the odds, Fru Ndi said it has never been a bed of roses for the SDF, not at any point in the chequered history of Cameroons democracy. His words: The SDF has never had any election with ease in Cameroon because we have had elections where we won but our people were rather beaten and our victory stolen. We are running because we want to make our point known to the world that we are prepared for these elections. But we said that if getting towards these elections, the conditions are not safe, we will call it off. We do not believe in punching a person and start running away. If I punch you in a ring, I will stand there for us to punch ourselves. The results we are expecting are that the SDF is very comfortable under a clean atmosphere to win in those areas chosen and if we win and taken good care of the people, the next elections will come. It is not as if we must win it all only in the upcoming elections. It will be better, safer and more conducive for Anglophones to vote for the SDF and they get on looking at their problem than for any other party. Fru Ndi ends by saying he was invited to the New Year Wishes presentation ceremony to the President of the Republic, Paul Biya last January 9, 2020 at Unity Palace in Yaounde but he did not show up because he is not happy. I was duly invited but I am here because I am not well and I am going out for treatment. I will not be on my way out for treatment and I go and open my teeth to say happy New Year to somebody. You say happy New Year when you are truly happy because I believe in saying things from my heart not showing you my teeth when inside me I am saying something else, he said. by Joseph Shieber It is a great shame that the authors of the recently released AAUP statement In Defense of Knowledge and Higher Education do not even know what it is that they are attempting to defend. And it is the height of irony that, in an essay attempting to defend the importance of expert knowledge, the authors of the AAUP would be so cavalier in their rejection of expert knowledge about the very subject of their defense, namely knowledge itself. The authors of the AAUP report have a laudable goal in mind. They seek to defend the importance of, as they put it, the disciplines and institutions that produce and transmit knowledge. The authors correctly note that recent critics of higher education mistakenly confuse the teaching and research conducted at colleges and universities with indoctrination. They quote the current United States Secretary of the Department of Education, Betsy DeVos, who exhorted college students to fight against the education establishment. The faculty, from adjunct professors to deans, DeVos warned the students, tell you what to do, what to say, and more ominously, what to think. Although they arent terribly clear, it would seem that the AAUP report authors push back against DeVoss conflation of education with indoctrination on the basis of three important qualities of research and education at higher education institutions: 1. College and university professors develop and transmit valuable thinking methods and skills examples that the authors cite include learning how to solve differential equations, to predict the path of a hurricane, to track the epidemic of opioid addiction, to study the impact of tariffs on the economy. 2. College and university professors discover and disseminate factual information examples that the authors cite include the principles of quantum mechanics, the somatic effects of nicotine, and the history of slavery and Jim Crow, or the history of the Holocaust. 3. In addition to those discipline-specific thinking methods and bodies of factual information, college and university professors also inculcate in students an appreciation for the methods of investigation appropriate to knowledge-seeking, which the authors characterize as informed, dispassionate investigation. So far, so good! If the authors of the AAUP report had stopped here, they would have done higher education and, indeed, the general public who derive so much from the fruits of higher education a great service. Unfortunately, they didnt stop here. They then, in a statement committed to the defense of disciplinary expertise and the value of research, blithely dismissed the value of disciplinary expertise when it comes to the analysis of knowledge. Heres their nod to the disciplinary expertise of philosophers: There are, of course, endless philosophical debates about the meaning of knowledge.' Thats it. Perhaps this wouldnt have been so bad if the working definition of knowledge that the AAUP writers had come up with was any good. Unfortunately, their definition is an abject failure. Heres why. Heres the definition, in its entirety: For our purposes we need define [knowledge] only as those understandings of the world upon which we rely because they are produced by the best methods at our disposal. Now, if the authors of the AAUP statement had consulted a single disciplinary expert on the definition of knowledge, they would have known that, despite endless philosophical debates, there is remarkable agreement among philosophers about certain features of knowledge. (In fact, there is probably at least as much agreement about those features as there is among climate scientists about the phenomenon of anthropogenic climate change, or among epidemiologists about the lack of a causal role for vaccines in the prevalence of autism among the population.) Paramount among those features of knowledge is this one. Knowledge entails truth. In other words, if you know something, then what you know is true. The philosophical consensus actually comports very well with our everyday understanding of knowledge. Suppose you tell someone, I know who founded the Mughal Empire. It was Akbar. Suppose they then correct you and say, Actually, Babur founded the Mughal Empire. You cant then respond, Well, I knew that Akbar founded the Mughal Empire, but I was wrong. Instead, you would say something like, Well, I thought I knew who founded the Mughal Empire, but I was mistaken. In other words, even the implicit command of knowledge contains the kernel of understanding that knowledge requires truth. If you believe something thats false even if youre very confident of your belief, and even if you believe it on the basis of very strong evidence then you still dont know it. And this is why its abject nonsense for the authors of the AAUP report to write, Such knowledge may in the end prove accurate or inaccurate; if its genuine knowledge, it CANT prove inaccurate. You might be wondering why this matters. Why not just use the working definition that the authors of the AAUP statement settled on? Well, recall that the point of the statement in defense of knowledge is to defend the value of the sort of expertise that is developed and transmitted at institutions of higher learning. With that in mind, look at this part of the definition of knowledge employed by the drafters of the statement: they are produced by the best methods at our disposal. What makes the methods that are, according to the AAUP authors, part of the very definition of knowledge the best methods? According to the AAUP statement, what makes them the best methods is that the experts agree that theyre the best methods: The dialogue that produces expert knowledge occurs among those who are qualified by virtue of their training, education, and disciplinary practice. So, lets see what the drafters of the statement are arguing and remember, theyre arguing against those who claim that college and university researchers are merely indocrinating students in elitist ways of thinking with no underlying justification for commanding belief. The drafters of the AAUP statement are, in effect, arguing that we should value understandings of the world produced by experts because experts tell us that we should value them. As an argument intended to convince, thats a disaster. This is all the more saddening, because this disaster could have been so easily avoided. All that the writers of the AAUP statement would have needed to do is to consult an expert! Here are two easy ways that the statement could have been improved. First, the statement could have noted the distinction between know-how (or practical knowledge) and knowledge-that (or factual knowledge). If I know how to evaluate proofs in quantified modal logic, or how to speak Shanghainese, or how to analyze a dataset in R, then its not so much that I possess a particular body of factual knowledge. Instead, I possess a certain sort of skill the very sort of skill to which the authors of the AAUP statement appeal in the first defense of higher education that I attributed to them. Note that know-how is not the sort of thing that can be called true or false. You either have the ability, or you dont although of course there are degrees of skill. One reason why it would have been an improvement to include know-how in the defense of knowledge is that know-how would allow the defense of knowledge to extend to some disciplines that many people are uneasy to include within the umbrella of disciplines that discover factual information. So even if you dont think that creative writing, or music composition, or theater involve discoveries of factual knowledge (and note that Im not necessarily endorsing this view!), you could still grant that there is know-how involved in, say, writing a villanelle, or arranging a piece in eight-part harmony, or conveying a particular emotion onstage. (For much more on know-how, see lecture 16 of my Theories of Knowledge, or this excellent survey article.) Second, the statement could have included facts or truth in the definition of factual knowledge, reflecting not only the overwhelming philosophical consensus but also common usage of knowledge. The importance of this is that it can strengthen the argument that the AAUP writers offer in defense of knowledge. Knowledge is important because in the case of factual knowledge it involves FACTS. In the words of John Adams words that the AAUP writers quote in their statement Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. This definition of factual knowledge, in contrast to the definition offered by the AAUP drafters, would allow us to provide a non-circular defense of expertise as involving the best methods at our disposal. This is because, with the improved definition of factual knowledge, we can define best methods as those methods most likely to yield (factual) knowledge, rather than simply as those methods that the experts endorse. (For much more on the value of true beliefs, see lecture 2 of my Theories of Knowledge, or this excellent discussion.) In this age of post-truth, alternative facts, and government-sponsored assaults on expertise, the value of higher education research and teaching has never been more in need of a strong defense. It is a shame that, when the AAUP deputized a committee of scholars to draft such a defense, the members of the committee failed themselves and us by ignoring the value of expertise. CLEMSON, South Carolina -- Biological sciences assistant professor Zhicheng Dou has received a $1.85 million collaborative grant from the National Institutes of Health to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a widespread human infectious disease afflicting more than 40 million people. Dou's work might help pave the way for finding a cure for this disease, which is contracted by eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure to infected cat feces, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis is the second-leading cause of death among food-borne illnesses in the United States. Dou and his research collaborator Paul Roepe, a chemistry professor at Georgetown University, will explore ways to disrupt the parasite's nutrient metabolism, which could lead to the development of new drugs to treat and manage a Toxoplasma infection. Most healthy people who are infected by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite experience few if any symptoms that go away without any treatment. However, people with compromised immune systems like infants or HIV, cancer and organ transplant patients might experience serious complications that are sometimes fatal. Commercially available antibiotics exist and are effective. However, they have strong side effects that limit their use in certain human populations, especially immune-suppressed patients. This new project builds on results that Dou and his research group discovered during the past year. Namely, they altered a digestive organelle in the parasite by disrupting a specific transporter, which stripped the parasite of its ability to process certain proteins. This alteration, in turn, lessened the parasite's infective strength. "Our recent work revealed that a Toxoplasma chloroquine resistance transporter ortholog (TgCRT) mediates the separation of the parasite's digestive compartment with its adjacent organelle, which affects the function of the digestive organelle," said Dou, who is a researcher with the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center in the College of Science at Clemson University. "With this NIH R01 grant, we will study the molecular mechanism by which the TgCRT and another digestive organelle-localizing transporter (TgMDR, a Toxoplasma multi-drug resistance transporter ortholog) functionally interact with each other to regulate the function of the digestive compartment in Toxoplasma parasites." At the end of the five-year grant, Dou's team will have quantified the physiological environment within the parasite's digestive organelle, measured the transport of small nutrient solutes via both TgCRT and TgMDR transporters, and determined the functional relationship between both transporters in the regulation of the morphology and physiology of the digestive compartment. Dou's research results might also have an important impact on the treatment of malaria, a mosquito-borne disease that killed more than 400,000 people worldwide in 2017. Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is closely related to the Toxoplasma pathogen. In some parts of the world, the malaria parasite is resistant to the conventional chloroquine drug treatment because the parasite has mutated its chloroquine resistance reporter protein, making the medicine ineffective. According to Dou, the malaria parasite contains an organelle called the food vacuole, which displays similar functions as the organelle investigated in Dou's previous research. "It has a very acidic environment for food digestion and nutrient utilization, like the human stomach," he explained. "If we can find a way of neutralizing it, this organelle cannot digest food efficiently, which will cause the death of parasites." Clemson University will receive nearly $1.5 million of the total $1.85 million in funding, while Georgetown will receive the rest. ### This material is based upon work supported by the National Institutes of Health under grant number 1R01Al143707-01A1. The content described here is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. [January 13, 2020] Project Voice Makes Rising Tech City Chattanooga Its Permanent Annual Home CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Voice, the No. 1 event for voice tech and AI in America, is officially making Chattanooga, Tenn., its permanent home. The annual event (previously called The Alexa Conference) brings together thousands of innovative voice technology leaders and users representing a wide array of industries. This year's Project Voice kicks off Jan. 13 and runs through Jan 17, 2020, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The following year's event will take place Jan. 11-15, 2021. Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke will welcome attendees and make remarks on Jan. 14, 2020, at 8:20 a.m. on the Project Voice 2020 mainstage at the convention center. "We're thrilled to permanently make Chattanooga the official home of Project Voice," said Bradley Metrock, executive producer of Project Voice, host of This Week in Voice/a> and author of More Than Just Weather & Music: 200 Ways to Use Alexa. "Chattanooga often referred to as 'Gig City' because of its high-speed gigabit network is a continuously growing technology destination. Many tech businesses are looking to the city as one of the best Southern alternatives to Silicon Valley, Seattle, Boston or New York, so we're proud to help further place the city on the radars of tech companies and professionals." At Project Voice, attendees gain valuable insights about voice technology, in addition to learning best practices, hearing innovative case studies, and discovering ways to utilize voice tech across vertical markets. Companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Mercedes Benz and others participate in the event and its more than 100 educational sessions, in addition to The Voice World Fair, which features some of the most exciting products and services in voice tech. The annual event also features the Project Voice Awards Gala, a variety of workshops, networking opportunities and more. In addition to the Mayor of Chattanooga, some of the local Tennessee-based leaders that participate in or attend Project Voice represent: EPB, Lamp Post Group, Erlanger Health System, Nashville Technology Council, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Nissan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Co.Lab, Baker Donelson, The Enterprise Center, Vanderbilt University, VaynerMedia and FreightWaves. For details about Project Voice, visit https://www.projectvoice.ai. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/project-voice-makes-rising-tech-city-chattanooga-its-permanent-annual-home-300985617.html SOURCE Score Publishing / VoiceFirst Events Met Eireann have asked people not to share fake weather warnings online after a number of bogus 'status red' warnings were shared on social media today. As Storm Brendan hit Irish shores, #StormBrendan quickly became the top trend on Twitter as users shared warnings, videos and photos of the latest weather. However, among the thousands of tweets there were a number of false weather reports, warnings and charts being shared. Head of Forecasting at Met Eireann, Evelyn Cusack asked people not to share the bogus information. People, it just got serous here in Bantry. Do not got out in this.#StormBrendan #justnow pic.twitter.com/3nbbb70GWv Liquid Curiosity (@CuriosityLiquid) January 13, 2020 "There is some really crazy stuff out there," Ms Cusack told Sean O'Rourke on RTE Radio. "There are a whole lot of fake weather charts with red warnings and everything on it." Ms Cusack said that those creating and sharing these fake reports are extremely irresponsible. She advised people to get their local weather forecast from the Met Eireann website and the app. "We have spent the last two days considering this very carefully. "We have a full team of people here with the best high resolution model. "Some people think they are better at forecasting by looking out the window than Met Eireann. "We run a 24/7 operation that is paid for by the citizens of Ireland so I'm actually astounded." The Making of a Museum: 100 Years, 100 Works tells the museums story through a combination of interviews and works from the collection. Together, the works on view reveal the story of the Tampa Museum of Art. The Tampa Museum of Art officially kicked off its 100-year centennial celebration on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Patrons and Members attending the kickoff enjoyed a VIP reception, a special exhibition 'The Making of A Museum: 100 Years, 100 Works', which features 100 important works from its permanent collection, the unveiling of TMAs history book, and a cake celebration. The 100 objects selected for the exhibition represent works important to founding the Museum and the growth of its permanent collections. With significant holdings of ancient Greek and Roman art, as well as Modern and Contemporary art, the collection is unique. Today, the Museums collection includes over 7,000 objects with works of art acquired each year. In this exhibition, objects made in an array of media and created over different periods of time are juxtaposed to create new dialogues. Together, the works on view reveal the story of the Tampa Museum of Art. From its beginnings as Tampa Museum of the Fine Arts (1920-1923) to the burgeoning Tampa Art Institute (1923-1966) and the Tampa Bay Art Center (1966-1979), the Tampa Museum of Art has matured in tandem with the growth and cultural prosperity of the Tampa Bay area. As the Museum celebrates its past, it looks towards the next 100 years. As an accompaniment to the centennial, the Museum published a 200-page history book The Making of a Museum: 100 Years, 100 Works which will be available for purchase beginning January 11, 2020. The book tells the museums story through a combination of interviews and works from the collection. About the Tampa Museum of Art: Founded in 1920, the Tampa Museum of Art inspires the residents of the Tampa Bay region and others around the world by providing engaging exhibitions and innovative educational programs that emphasize ancient, modern and contemporary art. As the Tampa Museum of Art nears its 100th anniversary, its exhibitions in part will focus on the breadth of the institutions growing permanent collection. The Museum houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the southeastern United States. As one of the regions largest museums devoted to the art of our time, the Museums collection also embraces sculpture, photography, painting, new media, and more. With a 14,000 square-foot LED installation of Leo Villareals Sky (Tampa) illuminating the south facade and the Museums 23-foot tall cast iron sculpture Laura with Bun by Jaume Plensa silhouetted in front of the north facade, the Tampa Museum of Art stands as an iconic landmark of downtown Tampa. Year-round creative classes offered both on-site and at various locations throughout Hillsborough County provide children, teens, and adults with opportunities to discover new skills and learn different art-making techniques. The Museum brings together local, national and international artists and scholars to inspire visitors to take part in exhibitions and art discourse through lectures, tours, and community partnerships. While shopping for unique exhibition-related objects at the Museum Store or enjoying handcrafted meals, coffee, and gelato at the Riverwalk Cafe at TMA, visitors can take in the views of Tampas scenic riverfront and see why the Museum also serves as one of Tampas premier venues for special private events. Located in the heart of downtown, next to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Tampas Riverwalk, the Tampa Museum of Art leads as both a cultural institution and a community museum dedicated to celebrating the diversity of its home city. General Hours and Information: The Museum opens daily at 10 a.m. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday*, Saturday & Sunday 10a.m. 5p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. *Fourth Fridays from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. The Museums phone number is 813.274.8130 and the website is http://www.tampamuseum.org. The Museums address is 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza. Tampa, FL 33602. Turkeys gas exploration in eastern Mediterranean raises concern among neighbours Greece and Cyprus. Since ExxonMobil discovered gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean sea off Cyprus, Turkey has also tried to muscle in on the energy exploration game. Turkish ships have started exploration in waters belonging to Cyprus. And while Cyprus has voiced concerns about Turkeys move, international and regional players have yet to block Ankara from going ahead. Al Jazeeras Rory Challands reports from Nicosia. The United States is planning to expel more than a dozen members of Saudi Arabia's military who are training at U.S. military installations, multiple sources told CNN. The decision was reportedly reached after an FBI investigation following a shooting last month at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida, in which a member of the Saudi Royal Air Force killed three U.S. service members on the base. The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment. The Saudis who are expected to be expelled aren't accused of aiding in the shooting, which has been treated by law enforcement as a terrorist incident, but some are reportedly believed to have connections to extremist movements, per CNN. Others were reportedly found to possess child pornography, a defense official said. The Saudi government has reportedly been cooperative and even helped U.S. investigators link particular social media accounts to individuals. One of the major findings of the investigations appears to be a social media conversation, in which some military members expressed support for extremism. Read more at CNN and The Washington Post. More stories from theweek.com More sources are confirming Sanders told Warren a woman can't be president, saying they heard it directly from Warren Bernie Sanders fires back on CNN report saying he told Elizabeth Warren a woman can't be president: 'Ludicrous' White House expects Republican senators to join Democrats in vote to call impeachment witnesses Uttam Prakash Agarwal alleged that both Citax and Braich offers were incomplete and did not include firm commitment as to the price, size, timings, confirmation from the banks about availability of the funds. Yes Banks independent director and chairman of its audit committee, Uttam Prakash Agarwal, resigned on Friday, alleging that managing director and chief executive officer Ravneet Gill had misled the board of directors about the binding offers to raise capital. The banks board said in a notification that it had received the resignation of Agarwal, and that certain observations made by him on the banks governance would be duly examined by the board. However, the notification on board meeting did not mention if the allegations were discussed. A Yes Bank official did not want to add anything beyond the exchange notifications. The bank also said it was investigating whether Agarwal met the fit and proper criteria as a director after being cautioned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), but before the issue could be taken up by the board on Friday, he resigned. Agarwal alleged that Citax had a share capital of only 100, and that neither Citax nor Braichs offers could be called binding commitments. But the bank told the board, exchanges, and the media that it had received a binding offer of up to $1.2 billion for capitalisation of the bank. Agarwal strongly denied any wrongdoing. Rather, he said the RBI letter was a routine one and was received in April last year as part of annual check on the fit and proper criterion of all the directors. I had given them six legal opinions on the issue where the chief justice of Kerala and others gave me a clean chit. "But they used that tool to pressurise me because I was a vocal member in the board against the malpractices. "How much time does it take to ascertain the fit and proper criterion? I am a director since November 2018, he said. These are not mere allegations, but hard facts. "The capital raising issue is going on for four months. "They didnt even do due diligence on Citax. "Did they find if the investor has enough money to invest in the bank? "Let us first examine the fit and proper criterion of the management itself, Agarwal said. He alleged in his letter to the capital markets and banking regulators, as well as to the exchanges, that Yes Bank CEO Gill initially did not want to disclose to the board the names of the investors who gave binding offers. "In the subsequent meetings, Gill communicated the names verbally, and it was also found that one of them, Citax, had a share capital of just 100. There are serious concerns as regards deteriorating standards of the corporate governance, failure of compliance, management practices and the manner in which the state of affairs of the company are being conducted by Mr Ravneet Gill - MD/CEO, Dr Rajeev Uberoi, senior group president governance and controls, Mr Sanjay Nambiar - legal head and board of directors, Agarwals resignation letter said. Agarwal, an independent director at the bank since 14 November, 2018, said he was appointed by the shareholders to serve for a period of five years starting June 12, 2019. Agarwal alleged that on October 31, 2019, when the management held a meeting of the capital raising committee (CRC), Gill said the bank had received a commitment from a global investor to put $1.2 billion in the bank. However, there was no meeting held by the board of directors for considering this proposal. The bank subsequently informed the exchanges that it had received such an offer, without disclosing the name of the investor. The NSE, according to Agarwal, issued several letters to the bank, seeking details of the investor mentioned on October 31, but the bank had not satisfactorily answered those queries. In the board meeting on November 29, Gill verbally informed the board about the binding term sheet with certain investors. However, in spite of repeated requests by the undersigned and other board members, the management for reasons best known to them did not table or share any correspondence or paper or a copy of the binding term sheet, his letter alleged. While the board pressed the MD and CEO to share term sheets of all nine approved investors by the board and the CRC, Gill produced only two term sheets, one from Citax and second jointly from SGPG Holding (HK) and Erwin Singh Braich, which by any stretch of imagination cannot be termed as binding offer/term sheet, Agarwal alleged. The media release issued by the bank was shocking, considering the fund raising plans mentioned there were at variance with what was discussed or approved by the CRC and the board on November 29 meeting, Agarwal said. The Citax and Braich offers were incomplete and did not include firm commitment as to the price, size, timings, confirmation from the banks about availability of the funds etc. From this information, all the board members were aghast and firmly requested CEO/MD that unless and until a comprehensive and effective due diligence have been carried on each and every investor including Citax and ensure that the committed amount of investment is placed with a bank in escrow, no misleading information can be shared with any statutory/regulatory bodies/stock exchange to ensure that by no stretch of imagination, the bank is in violation of the regulations stated under subject, the letter said. The CEO and MD also produced three letters from different investors, but they were expressions of interest for investment in debentures and not in the equity of the bank. However, Gill issued a media release on December 10 that the bank was evaluating potential investors to raise capital up to $2 billion. Concerned about such misleading offers, an empowered committee at the bank held a meeting on January 7, where independent experts from IDFC Securities, Ambit Capital and Avendus Capital reaffirmed the concerns raised by the undersigned. Emails sent to the three firms remained unanswered. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters The recent case of Mark Latunski, accused of murdering and mutilating 25-year-old Kevin Bacon, has brought to light an old problem -- long wait times at the states Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Latunski, who has a long history of mental illness, is being held in the Shiawassee County Jail awaiting mental competency testing, which his attorney has said will take at least 60-90 days, if not longer. Suspect in Kevin Bacon case claims hes from royal family, attorney says A new bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives last week would require the state to complete a mental competency examination to determine a defendants competency to stand trial within 30 days of a court order. State Rep. Doug Wozniak R-Shelby Township, sponsored House Bills 5325-27 alongside Reps. Julie Calley, (R-Portland) and Abdullah Hammoud, (D-Dearborn,) according to a Thursday, Jan. 9 Michigan House Republicans news release. The bills have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. The bill aims to address the backlog of criminal cases pending evaluation at the state forensic center and help local law enforcement access alternative options when the state is unable to complete a mental competency exam in a timely manner. Currently, examinations to determine a defendants competency to stand trial must be completed at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry, a facility run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The forensic center is so backlogged that many people are forced to wait months before they are examined, Wozniak said in the release. In the meantime, trials are delayed and defendants languish in county jails that often dont have the proper resources to treat the mentally ill. Wozniak said he did not know much about the Latunski case, but recognizes the long wait times for psychiatric evaluation in Michigan are a problem across the board. It just takes way too long no matter what," he said. "You should be evaluated quickly so you can get your day in court. As a practicing attorney, he said mental health issues are also a large part of elder law. I think we have to look at more creative, energetic methods to work with our ill people or mentally handicapped people, he said. A 2016 investigation by MLive revealed defendants were waiting six months on average for treatment at the forensic center, located in York Township south of Ann Arbor. The investigation showed judges were issuing show-cause orders against the state to move the process along. Speedy trial? Not if youre mentally ill in Michigan In 2018, in the wake of the investigation by MLive, three similar bills were by the House. The bills, sponsored by then state Rep. Klint Kesto, R-Commerce Township, attempted to tackle long wait times by putting a 45-day limit on the time it takes a criminal defendant to be examined by a forensic psychiatrist. They passed the House Law and Justice Committee on Dec. 5 but never made it through the state Senate. Suspect in Kevin Bacon murder case has long history of mental illness, records show Suspect in Kevin Bacon case claims hes from royal family, attorney says Judge approves competency test in Kevin Bacon case 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. By Noah Sin and Alun John HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam and top finance officials praised the Chinese-ruled city's resilience as a global financial hub on Monday amid more than six months of often violent pro-democracy unrest. Protests escalated in June over a since-withdrawn bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party. They have since broadened to several demands, including universal suffrage. Speaking at the opening of a regional financial forum, Lam said the city's financial system remained stable thanks to lessons learnt since the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Lam cited the listing of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd as a boon for other listings by mainland companies. The city's "strengths and resilience, just like our financial systems, have not been undermined despite (the fact) that we experienced considerable social unrest and challenges", Lam said. She added she was confident the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997, would bridge divisions and realise its goals of a reunited community and "flourishing" economy. Finance Secretary Paul Chan, speaking at the same event, said Hong Kong's banking system was running smoothly and had ample liquidity despite the city facing "unprecedented" turbulence. "PARALLEL UNIVERSE" Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Deputy Chief Executive Howard Lee said the strong performance of financial assets was further proof of the city's resilience. "No matter whether it is the currency or the equity markets or infrastructure, they seem to be going through a kind of parallel universe," he said. The Hang Seng index was trading at its highest since July, while the Hong Kong dollar has flirted with three-year highs. Julia Leung, deputy chief executive of the Securities and Futures Commission, said that Hong Kong markets had been "hyper stress tested in the last six months" and they "had done well". Story continues Many protests involved violent clashes between protesters and police on central streets lined by the city's tallest towers hosting top finance companies. Some financial firms have been caught in the middle, with branches of mainland banks repeatedly vandalised as protesters vented their anger at what they perceive as Beijing meddling in the city's affairs, an accusation denied by Beijing which blames the West for fomenting unrest. HSBC has also drawn the ire of some protesters who accuse it of being complicit in action by authorities against activists trying to raise money to support their campaign. HSBC strongly denies any connection. Hurt by a tariff war between Washington and Beijing, and with protests hurting tourism and retail sales, Hong Kong's economy has fallen into recession and is relying on its finance industry to prevent a deeper downturn. Chan said the government was considering a more "competitive" tax arrangement to attract private equity funds to the city and further relief measures to prop up the economy, without offering further details. (Writing by Marius Zaharia; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Lincoln Feast and Nick Macfie) Edwin Poots said potentially the Executive may have to commit to raise extra revenue through the introduction of water charges or a hike in rates bills (Liam McBurney/PA) DUP Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has suggested water charges could be implemented in order fund some of the commitments made in the Stormont deal. However, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill was quick to rule out the possibility of water charges being implemented. Read More New Decade, New Approach details a series of measures that will require additional money, such as more police officers, resolving the health crisis and teachers' pay. To deliver on these commitments, the UK Government has pledged a substantial financial package for Northern Ireland, however it is unclear exactly how much this would be. Read More Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show, Edwin Poots suggested this figure could be around 2billion, however he warned that the Treasury could push for rates increases, such as a water charges, to meet the financial needs of the deal. Mr Poots said, in discussions with Julian Smith, the Secretary of State was reluctant to say how much extra money would be supplied by the Treasury. "He was very resistant about being tied down to a particular figure, but we were working off identified need and they were working to ascertain exactly what it would take to meet those needs," he said. "He said he didn't want to make any promise of a figure and I said 'well all you have to say is 'billions'', and that would be of course at least two billion. "That may well come with strings attached, so for example, and I don't know this, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they do press us to raise rates at a higher level, that we have to do something in terms of water rates. Those could be pressures applied by the Treasury, and we will have to wait and see if that is the case." Currently, water charges are included in domestic rates set by councils. Mr Poots said water infrastructure was running at a 1.5bn deficit and he would not be surprised if the UK Government requests more money is raised at a local level to reduce that deficit. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, however, has ruled out the introduction of a separate water charge. "There will be no domestic water charges," she tweeted moments after Mr Poots spoke on Radio Ulster. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Boris Johnson are visiting Stormont on Monday, where it is expected to be revealed how much extra funding will be provided by the Treasury. Finance Minister Conor Murphy said London and Dublin must deliver on the financial commitments made in the deal which brought about the restoration of Northern Ireland's devolved government. "The New Decade, New Approach document presented by the Governments contains ambitious commitments for public services and workers," he said. Read More "To deliver these commitments, the governments pledged a substantial injection of funding, over and above the block grant. The local parties have done their part by restoring the power-sharing Executive. "The two governments must now honour their pledge and provide the funding needed to deliver on the New Decade, New Approach document." The extradition process to bring a suspect detained over the brutal murder of widow Rose Hanrahan (78) in Limerick from the UK back to Ireland is set to take two months to conclude. The man, detained by British police last month on foot of an Irish-issued European Arrest Warrant (EAW), is wanted for questioning by Limerick detectives over the Christmas 2017 murder of the frail pensioner. He has appeared before a magistrate in the UK but the legal process over the EAW will now take several weeks to resolve. The man remains in custody and a further court hearing will take place within a fortnight. An English magistrate is now awaiting support documentation from Ireland in respect of the EAW. Ms Hanrahan was violently assaulted in her own home in what appeared to have been a botched robbery. She was then tied up and strangled. It is understood that police acted on the warrant immediately when they became suspicious of the individual's identity. Gardai are now carefully monitoring the matter and detectives are ready to fly to the UK to assist with the extradition process if required. Limerick gardai were notified by police in England of the detention via Interpol and Europol. Alixandria Cortez, a retired member of the US Air Force, a wife and a mother, and a recipient of a masters in psychology, has completed her debut book All Youve Given Me: a rhyming story for children to read with their adults that follows a little green bird who stands out in a world of yellow birds, and the unwavering love and support their mother offers. Childrens books are instrumental in teaching kids life lessons, Alixandria Cortez said of her medium. I wanted to show my son, Elliot, that its our differences that make us special. Published by Page Publishing, Alixandria Cortezs book is filled with vivid illustrations that bring the story to life on the page for young readers. From the small birds earliest days, to the day it leaves the nest, the momma bird makes it a point to teach the lesson of self-acceptance in the face of diversity. Follow a little birdie on its journey to find the greatest treasures in life, friendship, and love for oneself, Cortez encourages readers. To share in this heartwarming and inspiring story, readers can purchase All Youve Given Me at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. A meeting of 20 opposition parties, led by the Congress, on Monday rebutted the government efforts to delink amendments to the citizenship law with the population register and asked all chief ministers who have spoken against the National Register of Citizens, or NRC to stop enumeration for the National Population Register, or NPR. The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic & religious minorities. The NPR is the basis for the NRC, the meeting of opposition parties said in a resolution that was passed at the end of the meeting. Several opposition parties had absented themselves from the meeting, three of them - Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and DMK - because of the central role that the Sonia Gandhis Congress had played to convene the strategy meet. ALSO WATCH | 6 parties skip Opposition meet on CAA, economy; BJP slams vote bank politics We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR. All the Chief Ministers, who have announced that they will not implement NRC in their State, must consider to suspend the NPR enumeration as this is a prelude to NRC, the opposition parties said in their joint statement. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, one of the first states to announce that she will boycott the meeting, has already declared that Bengal wont allow the NPR enumeration to take place. So has Keralas Pinarayi Vijayan. It isnt clear how the boycott will work on the ground. State government officials, who are tasked by the Census Commissioner under the Union Home Ministry to go house-to-house for the first phase of the decadal headcount in April-May this year, are expected to enumerate people for the population register too. Congress-ruled states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chjhattisgarh have already declared that they will not implement the citizens register or change in the citizenship law that fast-tracks citizenship for undocumented migrants belonging to religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The opposition leaders vowed to block the population register as well. Blaming the government for the economic slowdown that they claimed had pushed the economy to the verge of a recession, the opposition leaders said the BJP had embarked on a dangerous course of sharpening communal polarization after coming to power in last years national elections. They also came up with a calendar of three days - Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses birth anniversary on January 23, Republic Day on January 26 and Mahatma Gandhis death anniversary on January 26 - and asked people to observe these days in an appropriate manner to defend the constitution. This, we believe, is the duty of all Indian patriots, the statement said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By PTI SURAT: Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha on Sunday said enactment of the "unconstitutional and unnecessary" new citizenship Act was a ploy by the Centre to "divert attention" of people from its "failure" to prevent the economic slowdown. Addressing a gathering during the course of his "Gandhi Shanti Yatra" here, the former BJP leader quoted former chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian saying that India was facing a "great slowdown with its economy headed for intensive care unit (ICU)". "All sections of the society are disenchanted with the functioning of the government. Those in the government are great experts at diverting attention." "So, this unconstitutional, unnecessary Act is meant to divert the attention of the youth, farmers, women, so they get involved in opposing this and do not think about their daily difficulties," Sinha said. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was notified on January 10, grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities migrated to India Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh till December 31, 2014, following their persecution over their faith. Massive protests were witnessed against the CAA, mainly by the student community, since its passage by Parliament in December last year. Opposition parties has been dubbing the CAA "anti-Muslim" legislation, a charge being debunked by the government. Sinha said, "The Act was brought in because the economic condition of the country is at present in a great danger". The former finance minister was in Surat as part of his 3,000-km yatra, which began from Mumbai on January 9, for various demands including repealing the CAA; constituting judicial inquiry into instances of "state-sponsored violence" such as the attack on JNU students, and seeking the government's assurance in Parliament that nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise will not be carried out. "The biggest catch of the Act, which is why this can't be implemented, despite being notified by the Central government, is that it talks about giving citizenship to persons who have suffered religious persecution or fear of religious persecution," Sinha told reporters. "Where is the evidence of religious persecution? It is in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, but not in India. Will India get proof of this from neighbouring countries?" he asked. "How will a child prove if their parents or grandparents who migrated here from neighbouring countries are dead? This Act cannot be truly implemented because it is unconstitutional, with an artificial cut-off date, is based on religion, and is impractical," he added. Chief Minister said the Supreme Court-monitored Register of Citizens in Assam would have been a "correct NRC" had the full responsibility of its updation been given to the state government. Replying to the debate on Governor's Speech during the one-day special session of the Assam Assembly on Monday, Sonowal also said people need not fear the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) as the government will not do anything against their interests. "The BJP wants a correct NRC. If the Assam government had got full responsibility of the NRC upgrade work, then I can tell it with confidence that it would have been a correct NRC," he told the House. As the mammoth NRC exercise was carried out under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court, the state had no role to play in its upgrade process, Sonowal said in his over an hour long speech that ended post midnight. "The Assam government only provided the service of 55,000 of its employees and the police force for the security purpose," he added. The final NRC was published on August 31 last year by excluding 19,06,657 persons. A total of 3,11,21,004 names were included out of 3,30,27,661 applicants. Talking about the CAA, the chief minister said the people were protesting because misinformation regarding the Act was being fed to them. "The number floating is just imaginary about how many people will apply for citizenship. The CAA is a Act and entire India will implement it. Please do not get apprehensive about the Act. The rules are not framed yet and we have given our suggestions," he added. He stressed that after people apply for the citizenship, all applications will be examined and all of the applicants may not get citizenship. "I respect AASU as I am a product of that organisation. But no one should spread misinformation. Indigenous people will be given land rights and the definition of indigenous will also be decided. All the people are safe in our government. "I cannot think of betraying mother Assam. How can people think about it?... We have studied the Act. Those people living here for decades will apply and talk about their mind... Please don't doubt the government unnecessarily," Sonowal said. "I appeal to the opposition parties to leave aside petty and lead with correct information. I also assure the people that we will not make you weak. We will make you the strongest community in India," he said, reiterating his position of safeguarding the culture, identity and language of Assam. Earlier, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in his speech in the Assembly said that a maximum of five lakh Hindu Bangladeshis will be benefitted from the CAA in the state. Photo: Unsplash Hiring for software engineers in Sunnyvale is going strong. Employers in the industry posted 24 new jobs over the past week, and 130 in the last month, more than for any other job category in the area, according to ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace. The title local software engineer also came in first in terms of local employers adding new jobs by occupation. In the past month, 43 companies listed open jobs for Sunnyvale-based workers in the industry. Top companies seeking local software engineers include Focus America Inc., Agile Global Solutions and HealthExpense. HealthExpense also posted jobs for engineers. This story was created automatically using local jobs data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. The steam blast was also seen in Mariveles, Bataan, around 60-kilometer north of Batangas. (Photo : Bataan Weather Page's official Facebook account) The local geo-hazard agency in the Philippines has issued a warning that the recent phreatic eruption in Taal Volcano could lead to a magmatic eruption. The steam blast usually comes before the major eruption, but there are some instances it did not so we have to keep on monitoring, said Allan Loza, a specialist from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Ongoing phreatic explosion at the Main Crater of Taal Volcano. Photos are taken from installed IP cameras monitoring the activity of Taal Volcano. pic.twitter.com/9Qyd7aLvsJ PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 12, 2020 The volcano, situated in the province of Cavite and Batangas, erupted on Sunday afternoon local time. The plume of ash it spewed went as high as 100 meters, said Phivolcs Undersecretary Renato Solidum on his phone in his phone interview with a local news agency. It can be seen even from distant provinces in the north of the volcano. Hours before the eruption, multiple minor earthquakes were recorded by Phivolcs. The volcano is currently at alert level 4, according to CNN Philippines. As of writing, Phivolcs is reporting more minor earthquakes in Twitter with the tag #EarthquakeBatangas. Evacuation Order Due to the increasing activity, Undersea. Solidum said that a precautionary evacuation order will be implemented within 48 hours while the volcano is being monitored. Taal volcano is located in the middle of the lake, and Solidum said that the water will be a hindrance to the evacuation. At least 6,000 island inhabitants were asked to flee to the mainland of Batangas through boats, according to the Office of Civil Defense in the region. Force evacuations were also issued in multiple towns in Cavite and Batangas. Meanwhile, BGen Edgar Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said that the military units based in Luzon have been alerted to assist in case a disaster happened since Sunday evening local time. The Philippine Navy will also be deploying some units to give support. Suspension due to Ash Fall The ash the volcano spewed fell even on areas on the far north, including Manila, which is 60-kilometer from the north of Batangas. This prompted people to buy for the N95 mask and medical supplies. READ: The Department of Health warns against the effects of ashfall. pic.twitter.com/jufxxQqAnl CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) January 12, 2020 Several towns and cities in Luzon have issued class suspensions at all levels. Some local government agencies also suspended their operations temporarily. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila also canceled some of its incoming and outgoing flights for safety reasons. Taal Volcano, the second most active volcanoes in the Philippines, has been increasing its activity since March 2019. It caused fear among the residents, and it was fueled by some "major earthquake" alert circulating on Facebook. Phivolcs denied that warning. The last eruption of the Taal volcano happened about four decades ago. ALSO READ: How to Survive a Volcanic Eruption? 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. Echoes Of War And Collapse: Russia's Demographic Decline As Small 1990s Generation Comes Of Age By Lilya Palveleva, Robert Coalson January 12, 2020 MOSCOW -- Russia's demographic turbulence, which stretched the length of the last century, is continuing into the third decade of this one. The government's statistics agency, Rosstat, released figures in December showing a natural population decline of 259,600 in the first 10 months of 2019. The predicted decline for the whole year: more than 300,000, a loss three times greater than the year before. It marks the third straight year of decline -- Russia lost about 19,000 people in 2017 and nearly 100,000 in 2018. In-migration was enough to overcome the 2017 natural population loss, but the 2019 figures mark the second straight year of overall population decline. The sobering figures marked the end of nearly a decade of increases following the catastrophic demographic losses of the 1990s, a downward spiral that was only reversed in 2009. But experts have not been surprised by the numbers, which they say are echoes of demographic trends of previous generations. "First, this is about the relatively large generation that was born during the [post-World War II] period of rising birthrates reaching old age," says Alla Ivanova, head of the Department of Health at the Institute of Sociopolitical Research, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "Of course, this affects the increase in the death rate." "And birthrates are declining, primarily, because the relatively small generation of women born in the 1990s has reached reproductive age," Ivanova adds. "It is well-known that that period saw a very significant decrease in births." In other words: Fewer babies then, fewer babies now. Ivanova tells RFE/RL the current trend seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future. "For the next 10 years we will most likely live in a period of depopulation -- that is, a contraction of the population driven by natural decrease," she explains. "But the overall population might actually increase if migration can compensate for the natural decrease." 'Thin Generation' President Vladimir Putin, who made ensuring natural population growth a top propriety when he started his current term in 2018, lamented the phenomenon in his annual press conference on December 19, saying that Russia was "haunted" by the 1990s birthrate collapse. "Every 20 years, a thin generation of those born in these years enters adulthood, the childbearing age, but by definition, there are few of them, both men and women," Putin said. The president then outlined "a system of measures" the government had implemented to support families with children, including a 450,000-ruble ($7,350) mortgage credit to families with three children. "I know this is not enough," he added. "We need to broadly increase living standards as a whole, to achieve growth in wages and people's real incomes. The general sentiment, family planning, and broader planning horizons will depend on the economy." Former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, now an outspoken critic of Putin who lives in the United States, is skeptical of such pronouncements, accusing the Russian government of short-sightedness and of prioritizing political goals over demographic issues. "The main thing that has disenchanted me this year [2019] is the authorities' complaisance in everything," Kasyanov tells RFE/RL. "The authorities do not want to change anything.... They all admit that we have big problems but no one can do anything about them because Putin cannot bring himself to change either domestic or foreign policy." Kasyanov says he believes the inevitable demographic trough that Russia is experiencing is exacerbated by a general public mood of despondency about the future. "[People] aren't thinking about or planning their lives five or 10 years in advance like they did in the early 2000s, when birthrates started rising again," he says. "Today we have returned to 1998, when there was a crisis situation and people could only think about their lives day-to-day -- what should they do tomorrow? Their planning horizon is no more than one year." The government has also launched a plan to attract up to 10 million Russian-speaking migrants by 2025 as part of its National Projects program. But the results of that initiative so far have been inconclusive. Sociologist Ivanova says migration will have to be a crucial component of the government's response as the labor pool contracts, but she adds that the obstacles are formidable. "It is clear that considering our living standards and the development of the economy, highly qualified migrants are not rushing here in large numbers," she says. "But there are other methods that are being used, but not sufficiently." For example, she says, the government could do more to attract young people to study in Russia and create incentives for them to remain in the country after they graduate. "Such students gradually become integrated into the national, language, and cultural milieu where they study," she says, and that this makes it easier for them to acculturate for the long term. "The policy of student migration is actively encouraged by specialists, but there hasn't been much response so far," she says. Alcohol, Abortions To Blame? Economist Aleksei Ulyanov, a member of the government's advisory panel on demographics and family policy, tells RFE/RL that Russia "is on the brink of extinction." He says the three main problems contributing to the demographic crisis, beyond the echoes of past demographic events, are abortion and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. He is calling for direct or indirect restrictions on all three. As most of the country "is turning into a desert, the government is allocating money -- despite the budgetary crisis -- for abortions," he says. Ivanova, however, warns against searching for magic cures. Reducing alcohol consumption, for instance, is a laudable goal but it entails changing the culture, not merely raising taxes or imposing bans. "We have already stepped on the rake a few times and there is no sense in doing it again," she says. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption, while still a problem in Russia, fell 43 percent between 2003 and 2016, a result it attributed primarily to government policies adopted after 2000. Likewise, restricting access to abortions leads to numerous negative consequences, including "rising maternal mortality rate, underground abortions, increased criminality, and problems with women's health -- including reproductive health and sterility," Ivanova says. "Consulting, providing social, psychological, and economic help that is the path toward gradually reducing the number of abortions," she concludes. "The number of abortions in this country is going down -- substantially. And we will continue along that path." "But I repeat -- we simply don't need sharp policy changes and radical methods," Ivanova says. "Radical methods have never brought anything positive." At the end of December, Rosstat issued three possible demographic prognoses for the period to 2036. According to the optimistic prediction, which foresees successes improving birthrates and life expectancy as well as increasing migration, has the population rising to 150.13 million people by 2036. The conservative estimate puts the population at 143 million by 2036. The pessimistic version, which projects continued declining natural population declines and a failure of the migration policy, puts the population at 134.28 million by 2036. United Nations forecasts for Russia are even a bit more dire. The "optimistic" variant puts Russia's population at 147.3 million in 2050. The conservative estimate is 135.8 million, while the pessimistic prediction foresees a population of 124.6 million by the middle of this century. The UN projected that pessimistic prediction even further, saying it is possible Russia's population could be just 83.7 million by 2100. Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by Lilya Palveleva of RFE/RL's Russian Service. Mikhail Sokolov and Maksim Blant of RFE/RL's Russian Service also contributed to this report Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia- demographic-data-dip-as-small-1990s-generation- comes-of-age/30373049.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 NEW YORK - President Donald Trump circulated a fake image on Monday depicting congressional Democrats top-ranked leaders in traditional Muslim attire in front of the Iranian flag, drawing criticism that he was promoting Islamophobic tropes. The manipulated photo retweeted by Trump showed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in Muslim garb with the caption: The corrupted Dems trying their best to come to the Ayatollahs rescue #NancyPelosiFakeNews. Trump, a Republican, had previously faulted Democrats for criticizing his administrations targeted killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, but his use of Muslim imagery as part of that effort drew pushback from Muslim American advocates. The image is a hodgepodge of anti-Muslim tropes and garb from many traditions including some that are frequently used to stereotype and attack Muslims, Madihha Ahussain, special counsel at the non-profit group Muslim Advocates, said in a statement. Its disappointing but not surprising that the president would use his massive Twitter platform to spread this kind of harmful, ignorant, anti-Muslim bigotry. Wael Alzayat, CEO of the Muslim American group Emgage Action named for its mission to engage Muslim Americans also criticized Trumps decision to amplify the doctored photo of Pelosi and Schumer. Theres no place for it, irrespective of political differences, he said in an interview. Schumer tweeted his own pushback to Trump, asking: How low can you go? The image that Trump retweeted has been circulating on the internet for a few days. The Twitter account that Trump got it from has a history of tweeting in both English and Persian about Iranian issues, promoting pro-Trump content and criticizing U.S. Democrats. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham defended Trumps retweet of the image, telling Fox News on Monday that the tweet was intended to show Democrats have been parroting Iranian talking points, and almost taking the side of terrorists and those who were out to kill the Americans. Democrats have raised questions about the Trump administrations rationale for ordering the Soleimani killing, warning about the resulting heightened tensions with Iran. But no Democrats have praised Soleimani, and Pelosi herself described him last week as a terrible person who did bad things. ___ Associated Press writer Amanda Seitz in New York contributed to this report. DRT Strategies, Inc. (DRT) (http://www.drtstrategies.com), a leading management and technology firm, announced today that the company was named the winner of the Gold Stevie Award in the Company of the Year category and a winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the Fastest Growing Company of the Year category in the 16th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 90 categories. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the worlds premier business awards. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for crowned, the awards were presented to winners during a dinner event attended by more than 550 people at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on November 15, 2019. The event was broadcast via Livestream. We are honored to be recognized for the second time by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business in such prestigious categories, commented Susan Kidd, Founder and CEO at DRT Strategies. This recognition exemplifies the heart of what we do at DRT and our belief that by working together outstanding results can be achieved. With agility, collaboration and enduring excellence, DRTers help our customers explore the possibilities that are now within reach, by leveraging emerging technologies and delivering high value solutions that tackle their most critical mission needs." Maggie Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards, said, In its 16th year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received an outstanding body of nominations from women in organizations of all types, in 25 nations. We are gratified by how meaningful it is to women to win a Stevie Award, and how impactful it can be on the futures of their careers and their organizations. We congratulate all of this years Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners for their achievements. Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/Women. About DRT Strategies DRT Strategies, Inc. (DRT) is a leading management and technology firm providing information technology (IT) solutions, health IT services, program management, and financial management solutions to federal agencies and enterprise clients. The company is a ServiceNow partner, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Premier Partner, holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certifications and has achieved CMMI-DEV Level 3. DRT is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with offices in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, Atlanta, Georgia, and Kansas City, Missouri. More information on the company can be found at http://www.drtstrategies.com. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new Middle East Stevie Awards. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Four Rivers Special Education District will be adding an expansion to Garrison Alternative School to house a program that is now spread throughout its 19 districts. Director Chris Pennell said the building will expanded on the north side to house the organizations Learning in a Functional Environment, or LIFE, program. Weve never had space for the program here, Pennell said. We are very excited to be able to house the program here. The $2 million expansion will include four classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a sensory room and a restroom. The LIFE program is now housed in home districts, but Pennell said once the expansion is complete, those students will attend classes at Garrison. The program provides opportunities for students to learn how to function in the community, as well as learn about jobs and everyday life. It helps prepare students for life, Pennell said. Jacksonville has a lot more opportunities for students than they do in their hometowns. In addition to more opportunities to experience things outside in the community, Pennell said it will also allow for easier access to other services provided through the school. Four Rivers sends therapist to the schools, but Pennell said housing the program at Garrison will put less strain on the districts resources and allow quicker, easier and more frequent access. There are 16 students in the program throughout the districts, but Pennell said the space could hold about 24. These are students that need extra equipment, such as wheel chairs, so we have to make sure we have extra space for those, Pennell said. Construction on the expansion will begin this spring as soon as the weather breaks. The current plan is for it to be open by the start of next school year, Pennell said. Students who participate in the program will be bused to the school each day. Four Rivers is covering the cost of the expansion from federal money that has been set aside for building improvements. Though construction work will be done throughout the end of the school year, Pennell said it will not interfere with any operations at the school. A GoFundMe page has been set up in aid of the family of a 34-year-old woman from Dundalk who died from cancer yesterday (January 12). The page, which was set up by a friend of Ciara's, Hannah Donaldson, has already raised $8,635 raised of $20,000 goal. Ciara and her son Liam Ms Donaldson explained that the money would go towards helping the "love of Ciara's life" her three-year-old son Liam, who will now be looked after by his dad Ciara's "other greatest love" her partner Iain. The mum of one had recently secured citizenship in Australia, where she had been living for a number of years. The GoFundMe page explained the tragic situation: "On 4 November 2019, Ciara NicEabhairdh (34) went to her GP regarding some swelling in her face thinking she may have had an allergic reaction. Her GP quickly sent her to hospital, worried that she may have had a stroke. That evening it was discovered that Ciara had a dark mass in her brain, which turned out to be a brain tumor. "Ciara had surgery within the week however, the surgeons were unable to remove the tumor and her legs, hearing and vision were all impacted post-surgery. Biopsy results confirmed the worst - stage 4 melanoma, with an incredibly rare and dangerously aggressive subtype. "On 12 January 2020, our beautiful girl passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her and who she loved the most including her parents Tommy and Myra, partner Iain and closest friends." "No money will ever bring Ciara back but we would like to raise some money to help give Ciara the most wonderful send off and to ensure that Liam has every opportunity that Ciara dreamed of available to him. This includes ensuring that Liam can continue to visit his Grandparents in Ireland each year, who Liam has a very special relationship with. "Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Sincere Thanks." If you would like to help you can view the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ciara039s-cancer-fund Ribeye is one of the cuts at Steak 48. Read more Center City Philadelphias steakhouse scene lost a stalwart over the holidays with the closing of Mortons, upstairs at 1411 Walnut St. But by April, the number will tick back up with the opening of Steak 48. Steak 48, a family run, Scottsdale, Ariz.-based steakhouse with locations in Houston and Chicago, will encompass the spaces occupied formerly by both Teds Montana Grill and Ruths Chris in the Atlantic Building at Broad and Spruce Streets, across from the Kimmel Center. For its vastness over 12,000 square feet, the operators are stressing intimacy, with smaller dining rooms and a mezzanine creating more personal experiences. Brothers Jeff and Mike Mastro and business partner Scott Trolio also own three other restaurants in Arizona a seafooder called Ocean 44 and a steakhouse called Dominicks in Scottsdale, as well as Steak 44 in Phoenix. The Mastros made the meatery scene nearly 20 years ago with the Mastros Steakhouse and Mastros Ocean Club brands, now owned by Landrys, parent company of Mortons. Heres what you should know: Chef Robert Watson, a native of Philadelphia, worked at the Warwick Hotel and Cutters back in the day. He now works for Steak 44, another Mastro-owned steakhouse in Scottsdale. The steakhouse was launched as Steak 44, after its address on North 44th Street in Phoenix. Subsequent locations were called Steak 48 in homage to Arizonas being the 48th state. This location, a 450-seater in more than 12,000 square feet, will resemble Steak 48s Chicago location. Large windows will look out to Broad Street. Judith Testani of Testani Design Troupe is also installing a floor-to ceiling glass expo kitchen and is leaving original architectural detail at 260 S. Broad St., which was built a century ago as the offices of Atlantic Richfield Oil Refining Co. (Chief brand officer Oliver Badgio says the original steel girders of the building have been exposed and covered in a coat of lacquer paint.) Bold art, intimate layout, sexy design, luxury personal service are among adjectives being tossed out. Menu will include some items unique to Philadelphia, as well as steakhouse standards. Smaller side dishes will be offered to encourage patrons to sample more foods. Wine list will include more than four dozen by the glass and 650 by the bottle. 300 full- and part-time workers will be hired. A series of preview evenings will send 100 percent of check proceeds to support five Philadelphia charities. A little history for the space at the Atlantic Building, at the northwest corner of Broad and Spruce: Before it was Teds Montana Grill, which ran from 2006 till late 2011, it was Avenue B, a splashy restaurant owned by Neil Stein that had a 2-year run from 2000 to 2003; Bonaparte, a French American-themer that lasted only eight months, from May 1998 till January 1999; and Josephs on the Avenue, an Italian restaurant that crashed and burned after only four months in 1998. Ruths Chris occupied the other half of the ground floor from its opening in 1988 when that slice of Broad Street was more like the Avenue of the Tarts than the Avenue of the Arts till 2016. Ruths Chris is now at the Sonesta, at 18th and Market Streets. PlayStation fans may finally get a look at the PlayStation 5 soon, as signs are increasingly pointing to a February reveal for the new console. Sony recently announced the Experience PlayStation event, taking place from Jan. 14 to Feb. 16 in New York, where it says it will celebrate 25 years of play with a collection of titles on PS4 and PS VR. The timing of the event has raised some speculation, as a PS5 reveal was already expected at Sonys PlayStation Meeting in February. Sony announced the PlayStation 4 at a similar event in February 2013, which makes a February announcement for the PS5 seem all the more likely. As Push Square reports, several top figures at Sony have also been seen in San Francisco recently, which some believe hints that the company is gathering its executives to prepare for the big announcement. Hermen Hulst, the new head of Sony Worldwide Studios posted about his arrival to the city, and the leader of Sonys new indie relations department, Shuhei Yoshida, was later seen with indie dev Sucker Punchs Andrew Goldfarb. Related: Next-Gen Wont Be a Head-to-Head Bout Between Xbox Series X and PS5, Says Microsoft Sony has been doling out information about its next generation console for months now, spilling a few new details at a time, but without an official reveal. Through both Sony and a series of leaks, we now have a good idea about the expected specs of the PS5, and what its controller might look like. Sony also revealed the PS5 logo recently (with a good bit of pomp and circumstance), and there are reports of some games that will be coming to the new console. Theres still a lot that we dont know, though, and Sony Interactive CEO Jim Ryan says that the most important features of the PS5 still havent been revealed. Recent rumors suggest that Sony will be skipping E3 for the second time in a row this year, which could make the upcoming February events a perfect time to reveal the PS5 and start the marketing blitz leading up to launch. Ukrainian specialists continuing to look for material evidence after plane downing in Iran - Ukrainian PM The Ukrainian government regards Iran's admission of responsibility for the January 8 downing of the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight near Tehran as an important step as part of the plane crash investigation, which is still continuing, Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk wrote on Facebook on Saturday. "This is an important step for the investigation, which is still continuing. Our experts are continuing to work at the scene of the tragedy in order to thoroughly investigate the reasons and establish the truth. Ukrainian specialists are continuing to look for material evidence linked with the tragedy," Honcharuk said. Together with Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, Ukrainian specialists inspected the found black boxes from the downed plane and the place whether fragments of the plane debris are being stored, he said. "The plane debris has been lined up in order to determine the completeness of the found parts of the Boeing 737-800," Honcharuk said. Furthermore, DNA samples have already been collected from relatives of the crash victims and the bodies are being identified, he said. "This morning [January 11], an electronic DNA formula was sent to our experts who are working at the scene of the tragedy in Tehran. We are working to complete the identification and promptly repatriate the bodies of the Ukrainian citizens killed [in the air crash]," he said. Ukraine will do all it can to uncover all details of what happened and will extend support to the victims' families, he said. Iranian media outlets said on Saturday morning, citing a statement issued by the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, that the Ukrainian Boeing had been shot down by the Iranian military by mistake. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani described the downing of the Ukrainian passenger jet as a "great tragedy and unforgivable mistake." "Armed Forces' internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people," Rouhani said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for his part, said that Ukraine was expecting Iran to take full responsibility and carry out a thorough investigation. The UIA flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv (Boeing 737-800) crashed shortly after takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport in the Iranian capital on January 8. All 176 people on board were killed. They included eleven Ukrainians (including the nine crew members), 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, ten Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. In early February, Nada Debs will make her debut in IKEAs Middle East stores with a special collection of tableware and small sized furniture under the label LJUV, meaning delicious in Swedish. The talented designer, whose trademark is the perfect fusion of Levantine marquetry and Japanese refinement, has become a well-recognized name in the design world, sought after for ad-hoc and special international collaborations. After (literally) setting foot in a well-known Italian leather goods brand, by revamping the heels of their famous sandals, Debs is now on her way to conquering Scandinavian design using a democratic approach and her oriental inspiration. IKEA approached Debs to design a special Ramadan collection. The branches of IKEA in the Middle East requested a range of decorative and functional objects which, just like the special Christmas and New Year series, echo this period of the year, which is centered around traditional family reunions as well as concepts of conviviality and generosity, Debs explained. They believed that due to my experience in Oriental-Japanese fusion design, I would easily be able to combine the minimalist and contemporary spirit of their label with graphic elements that are specific to the culture of this region of the world. From dusk till dawn For this special, 45 piece collection, including trays, plates, glasses, bowls, vases, carpets, curtains, mirrors, floor cushions and coffee tables, Debs has tapped into her own repertoire of colors, shapes, materials and techniques that she has perfectly mastered. The collection includes variations of the celebrated hexagon, a popular geometrical shape widely used in architecture throughout the region, as well as combinations of wood and metal or ceramic and brass that are a mainstay of Debs design. The pieces are highlighted by a perfect calibration of soft and bright colors, especially the fabrics which are supposed to reflect dusk and dawn, the two key times of day during Ramadan. The challenge in this collection for Debs, who is accustomed to producing in limited editions, came in translating her designs into more democratically designed products. This was an important requirement for IKEA, which produces good quality, beautifully designed, functional and durable products in large volumes at prices that are within everyone's reach. Working with a team well-versed in mass production and adapting her artisanal and meticulous work process to the speed of industrial manufacturing was a new experience for Debs. The designer approached the challenge with an extremely collaborative attitude, according to Karin Gustavsson, an IKEA creator who worked with Debs throughout the project. The two travelled to India to monitor the manufacturing process. The majority of pieces in the LJUV collection, especially textiles, are being produced in the South Asian country to combine cost reduction and social impact. A trip to Afghanistan Enthusiasm for social impact forms the background of Debs collaboration with IKEA. The story began during a trip Debs took to Afghanistan to track the production of a series of rugs she had designed. While there, she met Roula Saade Ghani, the wife of Afghanistans president. Ghani, who is of Lebanese descent, mentioned to debs that 60 percent of young Afghans are unemployed. Debs was deeply moved by the difficulty of their situation and impressed with their skills. She began thinking of a project that could bring them work and sustainable resources. Debs recalled that IKEA had created an Indian artisanal collection in the past and reached out to the Swedish company by email. IKEA regularly develops partnerships with designers from different regions of the world in the spirit of social entrepreneurship. Debs hopes that reaching out would lead to the development of an Afghan collection. "At the beginning, it felt like throwing a bottle into the sea with no real expectations of any quick or positive return, she said. To her surprise, the managers of IKEAs social impact section quickly responded and expressed enthusiasm about the idea of collaborating with Debs. "Except, instead of Afghanistan, they chose India for security reasons," the designer explained. This is how Debs came to have a special Ramadan collection with the most famous furniture brand in the world. "Even if the project is different from the one I had designed for Afghanistan, we were still in the same niche, and it was all the more attractive due to the fact that this project is aimed at reflecting a period of the year in the Middle East during which the values of compassion, empathy and generosity are celebrated, she said. The work stems from an emotional design that reflects the emotional nature of the people of the Middle-East, she added. By adapting her ideas, skills and techniques to the five dimensions of IKEAs democratic design, Debs is also bringing international visibilityneeded now more than everto the design world in her own country. Unfortunately, consumers in Lebanon will not be able to purchase pieces from her collection because the Swedish giant does not have a branch in the country. (This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 8th of January) The number one story in the news in Great Britain (and a major story around the world) is the apparent abandonment of the Royal Family by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, better known as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The story obviously has a strong personal element, but it also strikes me as emblematic of our time. The British monarchy is not just ancient, but profoundly old-fashioned. It is founded on a concept of duty, exemplified by Queen Elizabeth II, that is utterly at odds with the 21st century. Being a Royal is a great job, most would say, but it inherently involves sacrifice. The major Royals devote a great deal of time to public service, and the Royal Family is supposed to be above politics. Meghan Markle, on the other hand, is a perfect exemplar of the 21st century. An American actress, she is, to begin with, a woman, this centurys favored sex. And not only is she very good-looking, she isthe golden ticket of the 21st centurymulti-racial. And, a child of a time in which nothing is above politics, she is a highly political animal. Thus, Meghan is a long time admirer of Hillary Clinton: Markle has admired Clinton from a young age and even wrote to her when she was just 11 years old to demand her help with getting a sexist ad for dishwasher soap taken off TV. At the time, Clinton was the first lady. That relationship has been resumed now that Meghan is famous: After Markle opened up about the struggles of being a new mom in the public eye, Clinton expressed her sympathy and respect for the royal. Oh my God, I want to hug her. I feel as a mother I just want to put my arms around her, Clinton recently told the BBC. She continued, I want to tell her to hang in there, dont let those bad guys get you down. Keep going, do what you think is right. Who are the bad guys? Queen Elizabeth? Prince William? Hillary isnt just making up the relationship; Meghan reportedly invited Clinton to Frogmore to see baby Archie: Now this week, the Sussexes son reportedly spent time with former first lady and secretary of state Hillary Clinton. According to the Daily Mails Rebecca English, Clinton came to visit Meghan and Archie at Frogmore Cottage on Tuesday. Both women have a lot of admiration for each other and it was a very sweet, warm meeting, a source told English. They are mutual fan girls! It has also been reported that Barack and Michelle Obama have been advising Meghan. Oprah Winfrey, too. Once the current controversy broke, however, they all backed off and now deny playing a role. Who knows. What we do know for sure is that Meghan is a woke liberal. She is especially concerned about the environment, of course. So people like Hillary Clinton, the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey may have seen her as a way of importing left-wing politics into the Royal Family. Which isnt supposed to be politicalan impossibility, some would say, in our century. Prince Harrys role in this story is unclear. His brother William was quoted today as saying, Ive put my arm around my brother all our lives. I cant do it any more. Prince William, who with his wife Catherine carries the royal tradition into the next generation, says that he is sad that his family is no longer a team, but hopes that someday, the current rift can be healed. Until recently, Harry seemed like anything but a leftist. His scrapes as a young man led to many comparisons with Prince Hal. Later, he became a soldier and fought with distinction in Afghanistan. In conventional ways he is a formidable guy, but most reports suggest that the Duchess is calling the shots these days. Which makes sense, given the modern alignment of forces. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they are exploring ways to make money and thereby liberate themselves from the monarchy. This, too, is a classic modern phenomenon. It is also where the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey reportedly came inadvising Harry and Meghan about how to cash in on their brand. But they now deny these reports. Be that as it may, I have no doubt that if Harry and Meghan want to get rich, they can do it. As liberals, they have access to the unlimited financial resources of the Left. They can sell their story. They can dish the once in a millennium truth about the British monarchy, while at the same time cashing in on their status as Duke and Duchess of Sussex. For a left-wing, multi-racial Duchess/actress/activist in the 21st Century, the sky is the limit. I recently re-read the seven volumes of Prousts In Search of Lost Time. Proust chronicles the decline of the French aristocracy from the late 19th century through the years following the Great War. In Prousts vast narrative, the thrusting, middle-class Madame Verdurin winds up, shockingly, as the Princess de Guermantes. In todays world, that rise is not so surprising. Similarly, the middle-class actress Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex. The 21st century wrinkle is that being a Duchess is by no means the end point of social climbing. Rather, renouncing (more or less) that status in favor of ones freedom to be a leftist spokesman on behalf of causes like climate change is the modern twist on Proust. A twist of which todays establishment entirely approves. I dont know how badly Meghan Markle and her consort Harry have damaged the British monarchy. Not too badly, I hopethe monarchy has been around for something like 1,300 years, give or take. But this meme is a nice commentary on the damage that Meghan and Harry have done: Twenty-first liberalism is no respecter of history, or of institutions, a fact to which the ascendancy of the Duchess of Sussex bears witness. E mily Thornberry made it into the next round of the Labour leadership race with just moments to spare this afternoon as five MPs made the second round. The shadow minister hit the 22 backers needed in the final minutes before nominations closed at 2.30pm. She joins Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy in the next round. Clive Lewis dropped out of the race earlier in the afternoon, stating he was standing aside in the spirit of pluralism, diversity and generosity. TODO: define component type apester Sir Keir is the frontrunner at present, having had 86 nominations. "I'm pleased to have received the support of colleagues in Parliament to make it to the next phase of the Labour leadership contest," he tweeted. "Another future is possible - but we have to fight for it." Jeremy Corbyn (R) and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry / Getty Images Behind him in second was Corbyn-ally Rebecca Long-Bailey, who had 33 backers in her bid to replace the current party leader. The contestants will now face a number of hustings as party members make up their minds. Sir Keir Starmer was backed by the most MPs in the nominations / PA They will be competing for nominations from trade unions and local party branches in the second round. These will be held in Liverpool, Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow and London - with Labour facing a backlash for having not arranged any in Yorkshire or the East Midlands. Rebecca Long-Bailey came second to Sir Keir Starmer in nominations / REUTERS Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir and longstanding Corbyn ally Rebecca Long-Bailey are seen as favourites at the moment - though a YouGov poll last month predicted a comfortable win for Sir Keir. Sir Keir has the backing of Unison, the UK's largest union, as well as former leader Ed Miliband backing his run. While Ms Long-Bailey has the support of those who were close to the current leader Mr Corbyn, though he has not declared backing himself, with key ally shadow chancellor John McDonnell supporting her run. Ms Long-Bailey however has moved to distance herself from the leader, stating they are different in their styles of communication and approach to policy. Despite this, she rated his performance at the party's helm "10 out of 10". In the deputy leadership race to succeed Tom Watson five have also made it through. (This is the part of a regular feature that highlights some of the best food and drinks in Central New York that you probably dont know about. Do you have a hidden gem in CNY? Share your favorite by emailing me at cmiller@syracuse.com. I might even buy you lunch. If you want to know my next hidden gem before its published, join my text group for subscribers where Ill announce it a day in advance. Thatll allow you to get there before everyone else.) When you walk into Joes To Go, youre always greeted with a big Welcome to Joes! Its like the greeting you get at Moes Southwest Grill, the chain Mexican restaurant ... only this one is more genuine. Same goes with the food. Here, youre going to get a meal made from scratch by a family that loves to cook. Joes To Go is in its eighth month. It sits a block outside of downtown Syracuse on West Onondaga Street. Its close enough for city workers to grab a lunch, and its an easy stop to pick up dinner on the way home. The crowded two-page menu features some southern dishes like cheese grits and fried catfish. It also has burgers, wings, pasta, seafood, baked mac and cheese, empanadas and plenty of sandwiches. So, whos Joe? Im Joe, said owner Phyllis Moore. Joe represents everyone we cook for, and we cook for everyone. Phyllis had worked in the Syracuse City School District for 37 years, first as a sixth-grade teacher and ultimately as a vice principal. Her family and friends urged her to have a plan for when she retired. That day finally came in 2014. She comes from a family that cooks. It could be something as simple as a neighborhood barbecue, or it could be as big as catering cast parties for the kids school plays. Whatever it was, people raved about the food. Her family runs a tax preparation business, and the clothing store/barbershop next door had just become vacant, so she bought it. After five-plus years of planning and a good year of government red tape, Joes to Go finally became Phyllis post-retirement career. The post-lunch-rush crowd at Joe's to Go on West Onondaga Street in Syracuse. Hidden Gems of CNY. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)Charlie Miller The original concept was to sell entire meals. One day might be a pot roast, with potatoes, salad and another side dish, all at one price. The next day might be a fried chicken dinner or pork chops. That didnt sell. The first two months, we had to make a radical change, she said. People werent interested in that. We had to turn it around, and we had to turn it around quickly. They created a menu with a few specialties and unique takes on traditional food. They also started offering daily specials. Theyre now in the eighth month, and it seems to be working. During my two visits last week, Joes To Go was feeding a steady flow of hungry people. Theres a whole generation of people raised on food from a can. So much of what people eat and what people get in restaurants is pre-done, Phyllis said. Cooking from scratch is time-consuming. Just going to the store for fresh ingredients takes time. But its worth it in the end. Phil McCarthy Jr., a manager at Joe's to Go on West Onondaga Street in Syracuse, gives a batch of wings the second frying. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)Charlie Miller Phil McCarthy Jr., one of the managers and Phyllis nephew, has his hands in almost everything at Joes to Go. He comes up with much of the menu, he cooks, and he runs the front register. He also put the kitchen together and built much of the interior, including the signs on the wall. On weekends when theyre closed, he comes in to clean and get ready for the new week. (McCarthy, by the way, last appeared on syracuse.com almost exactly two years ago when he helped save the life of a man suffering a seizure.) Im very proud of this place, he said. Were a family-owned business, and we care about what we do, and we care about our customers. That keeps Darryl Rotolo of Solvay coming back. On Friday, he called in his lunch order, and it was ready as promised at 1:30. The food is just excellent, and you can eat healthy, he said. What I like the most, though, is how they treat you. My food is always ready when I walk in, and they call me by my name. You dont see that anywhere else. Joes to Go in Syracuse. Hidden Gems of CNY. (Jacob Pucci | jpucci@syracuse.com) Keith Gissendanner first had food from Joes to Go when his boss at the Syracuse Housing Authority brought some into the office. Hes been ordering here twice a week since. One day I might get a burger, another day Ill get grits, he said. When I want to be healthy, Ill get the Health Nut salad. There is so much to choose from here, and its all good. That salad, by the way, is lettuce, red onion, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, cherry peppers, dried cranberries and almonds. Its topped with Italian dressing. A full-sized salad is $6.99; a side salad is $3.99. Tip: While you can get bottled water and cans of soda here, treat yourself by splurging for a cup of the southern style sweet tea. This should be marketed as a liquid dessert. It goes down fast though. Try to make it last through your whole meal. Mine lasted about 20 seconds. Its that good. I originally came to Joes to Go last Tuesday while working on the sequel to my story on chicken wing places you probably didnt know about. A reader said they made the best wings she had ever had. After watching the cooks work, and seeing the reaction from customers, I realized Joes To Go was more than just a place to get tasty wings; its a true hidden gem. That said, the wings here are deliciously unique. Like all the top wing spots, Joes to Go buys fresh jumbo wings that are never frozen. Wings here are pressure fried, something I hadnt experienced around in CNY. The pressure fryer gets the oil hotter, and the chicken is totally submerged so it cooks faster. The meat ends up more moist than wings from a regular deep fryer. Before coating the wings in sauce, the cook here briefly drops them into a traditional fryer to make the skin crispier. The most popular sauce is sweet & spicy. Its a sticky glaze with just enough punch to satisfy those of us who like hot wings. They also have traditional Buffalo (mild, medium and hot), barbecue, sassy, curry and garlic parmesan. My favorite, though, was the Henny sauce, made with Hennessy cognac. This reminded me of a barbecue sauce I had in Texas. It was sweet, a little tangy and somewhat salty, but the cognac adds hints of vanilla and nuts. Worry not; these wings wont give you a buzz. You can buy wings in orders of three, five, 10, 15 and 20. Theyre $1 each and worth every cent. You must try ... Garlic fried rice ($5.99): Phil starts each morning at 8 a.m. by making his garlic fried rice. He chops and sautes fresh green and red peppers, scallions, onions, Thai basil and garlic. Its unlike the fried rice youd get at a Chinese restaurant; the subtle garlic base makes this so much more robust. Phils recipe somehow keeps the rice moist. You can add shrimp or chicken to the fried rice for an additional $1.99. We ordered the fried rice and wings combo. For $6.49, we got a side of garlic fried rice and four wings. This is probably the best way to sample two of the signature dishes here at a decent price. The Henny wings were so good the first time, I had to share it with my colleague, syracuse.com food writer Jacob Pucci. They were just as good as they were Tuesday. Garlic fried rice with four Henny chicken wings from Joes to Go in Syracuse. Hidden Gems of CNY. (Jacob Pucci | jpucci@syracuse.com) The Burger ($4.99, $6.89 or $8.79, depending on size): Hamburgers here are smash patties, meaning they toss a ball of ground beef onto the hot griddle and smash it into shape. Its not a preformed patty. Theyre served on Texas toast rather than a bun. Thats a plus because you get two thick slices of bread thats been buttered and lightly grilled on both sides. It makes the experience much better and certainly more fattening. Jacob and I were really hungry so we ordered a double cheeseburger. We also added bacon, caramelized onions and homemade bacon jam. The toppings were an extra dollar each, but they were well worth it, especially the sweet and savory bacon jam. This sandwich was almost too big. We couldve easily gotten away with sharing a single. Still, it didnt go to waste. A double cheeseburger with bacon jam, carmelized onions and bacon from Joe's to Go on West Onondaga Street in Syracuse. Hidden Gems of CNY. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)Charlie Miller Desserts: Jerrilinn Gorman makes all the desserts herself. She also prepares the tax returns next door with her sister, Jamie McKinney. (McKinney, by the way, also is a manager at Joes To Go, and she was making tasty fried catfish during my first visit.) Jerrillinn models the cookies ($2.49) after those made at Lavain Bakery in New York City. Theyre a hefty 4 ounces, making them soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Gorman makes chocolate chip, peanut butter, cinnamon sugar and chocolate with peanut butter chips. They also use these cookies for ice cream sandwiches. Thats already on my list for next time. When was the last time you had pudding made from scratch? Im not talking about Jell-O pudding mix from a box. Joes To Go actually uses real milk, butter and whatever flavoring necessary. I bought one chocolate pudding and a strawberry banana ($3.49). I forgot what real pudding tasted like. The chocolate pudding tasted like a melted Hersheys bar. Whatever dessert you pick, it will be the perfect ending to a satisfying meal. Tip: get dessert when you order from Joe's to Go on West Onondaga Street in Syracuse. Everything, including the pudding, is homemade. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)Charlie Miller The Details The restaurant: Joes To Go, 415 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, (315) 565-5637 Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday Credit cards? Yes Access to disabled? Yes Inside seating: Yes. Parking: On- and off-street. READ MORE Hidden Gems of CNY: A motel restaurant stuck in the past ... on purpose Hidden Gems of CNY: A roadside bar serving prime rib and a mammoth calzone Hidden Gems of CNY: If theres such a thing as gourmet diner food, I found it Hidden Gems of CNY: An unbelievable fish sandwich at an unbelievably low price Hidden Gems of CNY: Mexican food in an Irish bar Hidden Gems of CNY: Fresh fried chicken and a killer steak sub Hidden Gems of CNY: Fill your tank with gas, fill your belly with a Pakistani gyro Birthday freebies: Heres everything I ate and drank for free Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. Subscribers only: Join an insider text group with Charlie Miller to get news and updates on the Best of Central New York. SIGN UP HERE 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 lynch mob has burned an alleged paedophile alive after he was accuse of raping and killing a six-year-old girl in Mexico. Local media named Alfredo Roblero as the man who was beaten up before being doused in fuel and set alight in a small village in the southern state of Chiapas. He had been accused of raping and killing a girl called Jarid who was reported missing last Thursday before her body was found by a roadside the following day. Disturbing footage shows the mob surrounding Roblero who is tied up to a post with a crowd of men surrounding him and recording the alleged killer on their phones. Grim footage shows the alleged paedophile, identified by local media as Alfredo Roblero, writhing on the ground in agony as flames leap across his body in the southern state of Chiapas Local media named Alfredo Roblero as the man who was beaten up before being doused in fuel and set alight in the small village They beat and kicked him before binding his hands and feet, poured petrol over his body and then set him alight. Grim footage shows Roblero writhing on the ground in agony as flames leap across his body. The condemned man can be heard shrieking while the crowd watching jeer and whistle. The six-year-old girl called Jarid was reported missing last Thursday before her body was found by a roadside the following day The condemned man was filmed being kicked and beaten on the ground before his hands and feet were tied up and he was set alight using petrol The authorities in Chiapas said in a statement that citizens are not allowed to take the law into their own hands and vowed to open an investigation into the suspect's death. The investigation is ongoing. Details about why Iran air defense forces mistook a Ukrainian airliner for a cruise missile remain murky, but one thing is clear: Safeguards for operating surface-to-air missiles are supposed to prevent that kind of mistaken identity and all of them failed. The error, which killed all 176 people aboard the plane on Wednesday, is probably the result of multiple layers of failure that extend into high levels of the government and military, said Steven Zaloga, senior analyst for missile systems at the Teal Group. "There's any number of potential problems here," Zaloga said. "This incident strongly suggests that the methodology has failed and the technology has failed as well. There should have been a methodology worked out to prevent fratricide." Iran has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation of what happened, and bring the "culprits" to justice. Among the questions that remain is why authorities allowed civilian flights to operate during the tense hours after its attack on the Iraqi bases. Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 was flying in a very different manner than the cruise missile it was supposedly mistaken for. It was following the normal departure path from Tehran's airport and was clearly transmitting its identity when it was taken down. While a highly effective weapon against short-range threats, the SA-15 Tor missiles used in the strike early Wednesday have a guidance system that's designed for use in war zones and can't by itself easily distinguish between airliners, cruise missiles and other military aircraft. As a result, nations that deploy the Tor typically link them into a broader air-defense command system capable of tracking civilian planes, Zaloga said. In those circumstances, soldiers operating missile batteries aren't supposed to fire them without approval from higher authorities. Flight 752, a Boeing 737-800, was transmitting its position for civilian radars and the newest flight tracking system that uses global-positioning data, according to data posted by FlightRadar24. While the Tor's radars might not have been been able to discern between civilian and military targets, other systems in Iran were tracking the plane and that information should be available to missile battery commanders, he said. Iran has offered changing explanations for why it shot down the jet in the pre-dawn darkness. A statement released early Saturday said that the plane had turned toward a military base. FlightRadar24's track for the Boeing 737-800 showed it flying a normal profile. About two minutes after becoming airborne, it made a slight turn to the right, which is typical for departures from that runway. When it climbed to about 7,900 feet (2,408 meters) altitude, it suddenly stopped transmitting its position, most likely as it suffered damage from the missile. At least two other planes that departed that morning followed nearly identical paths and several others flew nearby, according to the company's data. "Even without having been made directly aware of this flight, a SAM operator crew should have easily been able to identify that this flight pattern and radar profile was completely at odds with any suspected U.S. missile or combat aircraft strike package," Justin Bronk, a specialist in military technology at Britain's Royal United Services Institute, wrote in a post on the think tank's website. A later statement by Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of Iran's Aerospace Force, said the jet was identified as a cruise missile. The U.S. versions of those self-guided drones are designed to hug the ground to avoid detection, often flying within 100 feet of the surface, Zaloga said. The Ukrainian plane was rapidly climbing and was several thousand feet higher. The missile operator was supposed to obtain approval before commanding a strike, but communications were disrupted and he only had 10 seconds to decide, Hajizadeh said. Despite criticism of Iran's explanations of the missile attack, the regime was praised by some for not attempting a broader cover-up. "Not withstanding two days of denials, this is an admirably frank admission of guilt," Bronk said in a tweet. "Will help avoid further escalation with the West, help the victim's families grieve, and prevent years of conspiracy rubbish. Well done." The apparently mistaken missile firing came just hours after Iran launched several ballistic missile barrages on bases in Iraq at which U.S. troops were stationed and Iran's air-defense system was on high alert. An earlier U.S. attack in Iraq that killed Iran's top general also heightened tensions. "We accept full responsibility for this action and we will obey any decision taken by the authorities," Hajizadeh said. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, which had initially adamantly denied a missile was involved, said it hadn't received any information on the plane being shot down despite repeated requests for information from military authorities. In spite of those factors, the failure points to broader issues with Iran's air-defense system, Zaloga said. Even though the country has had some successes, such as when it shot down a U.S. drone last June, it's generally seen as antiquated and ineffective, he said. "The source of the problem may be that they thought they were better than they were," he said. Among the questions that also remain is why authorities allowed civilian flights to operate during the tense hours after its attack on the Iraqi bases. The Federal Aviation Administration, which had imposed several flight restrictions on U.S. carriers in the region in recent months as tensions rose, reissued those warnings prior to the Tehran crash. The FAA became more aggressive in issuing such warnings in the wake of the 2014 loss of a Malaysian Airlines plane. There are relatively few surface-to-air missile systems operating around the world that are sophisticated enough to take down a jetliner and they typically aren't activated unless there's an imminent threat, Zaloga said. But last week's incident shows better controls are needed. "That is something that needs to be discussed at an international level," Zaloga said. It wasn't the first such case of tragic mistaken identity. In 1988, an Iran Air Airbus A300 was shot down by the U.S. Navy over the Persian Gulf, killing 290 people. Its crew mistook the jet for an Iranian fighter jet. In 2014, a Russian-made Buk missile downed Malaysia Airlines flight as it flew over eastern Ukraine, where fighting was occurring between rebels and that country's forces. Iranian officials may have allowed flights to continue because they didn't want to signal to the U.S. that it was involved in the missile attack against the Iraqi bases, Zaloga said. The result put those planes as risk, Simon Petersen, a director of missile defense issues at Terma A/S, said in a tweet. "So basically every passenger on every civil plane was used as human shields," he said. - - - Bloomberg's Yasna Haghdoost, Arsalan Shahla and Aoyon Ashraf contributed to this report. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he was "outraged" by another missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, as neighbouring Iran signalled a wish to de-escalate regional tensions. "Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase," Pompeo tweeted. "These continued violations of Iraq's sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end." There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's rocket attacks. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling Congress in Maharashtra will hold protests across the state on Tuesday against a book written by a Delhi BJP leader comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra over the book--"Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", written by Jay Bhagwan Goyal, with the Shiv Sena demanding a ban on the book. Ruling allies Sena, NCP and Congress have criticised the book. "Congress workers will take out a protest march at every district headquarter on Tuesday against the book," Maharashtra Congress president and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat told reporters here on Monday evening. He accused the BJP of attempting to "insult" Chhatrapati Shivaji, who enjoys a reverential status in Maharashtra, and his legacy by seeking to compare him with the prime minister. "Such attempts were previously made by BJP leaders Vijay Kumar Goyal and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath," he alleged. Thorat said Shivaji Maharaj's "secular approach" to establish 'Swarajya' in the 17th Century cannot be compared with PM Modi's "divisive and communal policies" like the CAA and NRC. "The autocratic nature of the prime minister in running the government cannot be equated with the secular approach through which Swarajya was established by Chhatrapati Shivaji," he said. He also accused Union Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah of labelling every individual who holds different views as an "anti-national". As the controversy escalated with the Sena taking an aggressive stand, the BJP in Delhi on Monday distanced itself from the book, saying the party has nothing do with its publication and it represents the author's personal opinion. The author Goyal told PTI that he was willing to revise those parts of the book to which opposition leaders have objected. Apart from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, who is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has demanded that the book be banned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The insurance industry is so intertwined into the economy and society, that just about any noticeable change in either will have some impact for the insurance industry. That is why it is imperative for agency owners to watch and learn about major trends when they start. Following are the seven key trends that insurance agencies should be tracking for 2020. Natural Disasters Effect on Insurance Insurance companies will need to rethink the underwriting and models used in areas prone to natural disasters. The spread of concentrated housing into previous rural areas has exacerbated the losses due to natural disasters in recent years, whether its hurricanes in the east, tornados in the midwest or fires in the west. The typical approach by insurance companies after a natural disaster is to apply for rate increases and/or plan modifications, non-renew risks in disaster prone areas or add more underwriting restrictions. However, insurance regulators are pushing back and demanding more from the insurance companies. In response to the wave of non-renewals and cancellation in fire-prone areas, California imposed a one-year moratorium that prevents insurers from canceling customers in areas impacted by recent wildfires. The consulting firm Milliman estimates that the combined 2017 and 2018 wildfires in California wiped out about twice the underwriting profits made in the state for the past 26 years. Needless to say, carriers view California as no longer profitable and subject to extreme risk exposure. So, regulators will need to work with insurance companies to strike a plan that works for both the insured and the insurers. A big issue for California, as well as many other states is that regulators base the pricing of insurance on historical experience, not projections for the future. The California wildfires of 2017 and 2018 were anomalies that bypass the current method of pricing insurance. Insurance agencies dont have a lot of clout to help resolve this problem at the high level, but they can help their own clients with a few small steps. Educating the client on how they can mitigate risks to fires, floods, hurricanes, etc., is very helpful. We also advise agencies to review with the client the limitations of their current coverage and then offer any new options available. People will still need insurance, despite the regular threat of natural disasters. So, agents will need to work with the way the system works now. We advise agency producers to draft a letter to clients letting them know of the limitations of the coverage they can now provide, such as Fair Plans or Lloyds of London coverage to make sure that if another natural disaster occurs, the agencys E&O exposure and coverage is not at stake. Health Care Act Legislation Two years into the Trump administration, there is still no major legislative change to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but some changes did occur. Despite the lack of new legislation, the few executive actions that President Trump did eliminate are the re-imbursement to health insurance companies that President Obama allowed via Executive Order. Any losses the companies face are no longer subsidized. Thus, the insurance companies increased their 2018 and 2019 rates to cover previous losses in anticipation of these change. Also, the 40% tax on high-cost employer plans (Cadillac tax) has been pushed out to 2022. With the Democrats in charge of the House, it is hard to predict what will happen. Bottom line is that the major changes brought in by the ACA, such as accepting pre-existing conditions, will remain and only minor changes are likely to occur. Employers are getting squeezed on the cost of health care. Employers are getting squeezed on the cost of health care. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, health insurance premiums are expected to rise by 6% in 2020. Companies are taking a hard look at affordable options, such as high deductible health plans, which can be paired with health savings accounts. Telemedicine is also on the rise. This virtual care allows employees/patients to consult with a medical provider via a computer, smartphone, or tablet, usually at a much lower cost. First, most agencies offer insurance to their employees. Any changes to the Affordable Care Act or the cost of health care in general will affect the firms employee benefits expenses. Changes also impact those agencies that sell health insurance. It is possible that a change to the current system could affect premiums, commission rates and even the ability to sell health insurance. Insurtech It seems that some insurtech firms are becoming more receptive to working with agents rather than find ways to eliminate them, at least for now. The insurance industry seemed like a ripe target for these new startups to disrupt the industry by cutting costs and generating profits for their new ideas. The current distribution and service channels (i.e. insurance agents and brokers) were one of the areas of focus. However, the role of sales and service staff at insurance agencies was underestimated and the system is very complex, thus, it is not easily replaced with an algorithm. Many insurtech firms with the big dollars backing them focused on breaking into the insurance company side since it seemed like that had the most potential to make the largest amount of money. The smaller startup firms see that their best approach is to make incremental improvements to the current system and not re-invent the wheel. One such example is Indio Technologies which solved a perennial problem for agents by turning the application and renewal process into a fully digital, modern customer experience. The firm was acquired by Applied Systems at the end of 2019 and it is expected to be integrated. Smart Harbor is another firm that developed products and services specifically for independent agencies, such as a mobile app that customers can use when buying insurance. Insurance Technologies Corp. purchased Smart Harbor in August of 2019. One thing to expect for 2020 is a fair amount of M&A activity as the insurance companies and service providers to the insurance industry buy up the new competition. With all these new startups, there might be some more options and real improvement in available software for agencies that make the job of the service and sales staff easier. The 20-plus year wait for helpful agency automation seems to be over. However, in the long-run, as insurtech settles down and understands the parameters of the insurance industry, there will be a revived focus on streamlining the sales and service process. Insurance agencies need to incorporate new technology sooner rather than later, because it will be a game changer with respect to productivity and efficiency. Market Conditions Overall, the insurance industry was resilient for 2019 and should continue to do well for 2020. Both commercial and personal lines are seeing a hardening of the market. MarketScout reported that U.S. commercial property/casualty insurance rates rose 4% on average in the third quarter of 2019, up from 3% during the second quarter. By industry class, habitational and transportation businesses saw the highest average rate increases at 6% and 7.5%, respectively. Deloitte reported that the hardening property/casualty market is a worldwide phenomenon, with increases in all major geographic regions for the third straight quarter of 2019. A key driver to the current hard market in personal lines is related to the losses from recent natural disasters. It will take at least a year or two for insurance companies and regulators to work out the new approach to risk assessment, underwriting and pricing. Commercial auto will continue to face challenges as the claims frequency and severity trends continue to point upward. Interestingly, technology is both part of the problem and part of the solution since distracted drivers result in more frequent and more severe accidents. However, the growth in use of telematics in vehicles should reduce accidents. Expect most lines to show rate increases of at least 5% during 2020. The one exception will be workers compensation, which on average will remain steady or decrease during 2020. Various sources report that workplace injuries have been declining, while the combined loss ratio in most states is well under 100%, which creates the current soft market. The new law in California, which has a tighter definition of an independent contractor, will create a flood of new employees that will be covered by workers comp, and the long-term impact is not clear at this point. For 2020, the independent agent should pay close attention to the market trends because their clients will notice the rate changes and start looking around. Agencies that have competitive carriers will do well and can pick up new clients from their competitors. However, during a hard market, eventually all carriers will raise their rates, so dont focus on selling by price alone. Work with the clients well before the renewal date to assess their true current risks and offer solutions that will differentiate your agency from the competition. 2019 M&A Activity and Pricing M&A activity is expected to continue during 2020, according to our discussions with key acquirers. As long as insurance agencies remain profitable, there will be buyers. The current prices paid by publicly traded brokers, large regionals and agencies funded by private equity firms are already extremely high and will likely continue to be high for the valuable, desirable firms. Since the supply is dwindling, the prices may be even higher for those that remain if they fit the profiles of the key buyers today. Acrisure and HUB continue to be the leaders of national broker purchases. Acrisure completed 100 transactions in 2019 and management expects to do the same level in 2020, maybe slightly more. Their volume hit almost $2 billion in 2019. HUB closed 70 transactions in 2019, which was an all-time high. They expect to close about the same number in 2020. They are a buyer that really helps agencies with producers and markets, and they handle some of the internal HR and accounting operations, too. Assured Partners is very competitive and closed over 50 transactions this past year and expect to do the same next year. They have revenue earn-outs that are very attainable. Foundation Risk Partners, a somewhat new buyer, had its first acquisition in November 2017. This past year they did several acquisitions and will continue that trend in 2020. Arthur J. Gallagher picked up their pace this year especially in California. They will be aggressive nationwide and are especially looking for the right people to grow in areas they have not been in before. A really nice mid-sized national broker, Risk Strategies, is based out of Boston. They did 25 deals in 2019, which was one of their biggest years. They are being more selective in buying agencies with specific niches, like employee benefits, healthcare, real estate and transportation agencies. In 2020, they expect to do another 20 to 25 transactions. Brown & Brown did 20 deals in 2019 and expects to have the same amount of activity in 2020. Main offices are Chicago, Atlanta, Boston and Chesterfield, Mo. BroadStreet Partners, NFP and Relation are funded by private equity and venture capitalists. They continue to aggressively solicit and buy independent agencies and have large amounts of capital to pay well. Private equity firms have been buying up insurance agencies for their investors. This makes a lot of sense because the return on investment is typically 20% to 30% plus, which is greater than most other available investments today. Private equity firms are paying typically 8 to 9 times EBITDA as down payments. In addition, there are usually earn-out bonuses that can also be significant as a multiple of EBITDA or topline, which we prefer for our clients. When the value is translated to a multiple of revenue this means 2.75 to 3.5 times revenue. Sometimes the down payments require at least 10% to 25% of the acquirers stock and can also be required on at least one of the large buyers earn-outs. Peer Acquisitions Local peer buyers and internal buyers cannot compete at the high prices and multiples since they need to pay out of cash flow. So, there will continue to be a price differential between those that receive offers from the well-funded buyers and those that sell internally or to local competitors. However, some independents prefer not to sell to a much larger, often publicly traded firm. Often the existing firm is completely transformed a few years later, and not always for the better. There is at times a sense of pressure to produce and writing larger accounts is expected. These criteria are not a good fit for many agencies, even medium-sized service oriented independent agencies. In addition, producers in these acquired agencies have to sometimes write commercial lines and benefits accounts that are over $2,500 for some and $5,000 in commission for other acquirers to get paid. However, there are other acquirers that leave the agency alone and wont even change its name, such as Acrisure and Broadstreet. Agency Pricing Sellers today still get prices from other peer independents in the 1.5 to 2.0 times range, if there is at least close to a 25% to 30% profit margin. As a multiple of EBITDA (earnings before interest and depreciation) these values are in the 6 to 7 range. In the earn-out portion of the price the seller is expected to grow the business, not just maintain it. Terms based on future growth should be discounted when determining value based on cash today. So, if an agency gets 1.75 to 2.25 times revenue today, this is actually a price closer to 1.3 to 1.6 times revenue, projected three years out. With the economy continuing to improve and the ability to get credit lines from banks, the value of agencies and sale pricing is still very good with independents and national firms, especially because there are so many acquirers. There is often misunderstanding about what the real prices being offered are. Some of the deals have a sizable portion of the price based on earn-outs for future performance. Internal Perpetuation Can Be Difficult If an owner sells internally, it is usually for less than the value of an external sale. There is risk that the internal candidates might not work out, nor do they often have the money to do a buy-out. Often the retiring principal needs to finance the deal for the internal candidate. It is hard for small- and medium- sized independent agencies to internally perpetuate. The next generation often does not have the management and sales skills set to be able to retire the majority owner. The terms for internal purchases are still typically 20% to 30% down, with the buy-out over five to 10 years, depending on the agencys cash flow and whether or not the internal buyer has any money of their own. An internal buy-out rarely has an earn-out component, so the value should be conservative, to not jeopardize the internal buyer being able to use the agencys cash flow to pay the loan off over time. Buyers often want the retiring owners to move on after a few years, so then they can manage the firm, without their influence. With a new presidential election in full swing, there is no guarantee that the lower tax structure that President Trump put in place will continue. Tax Law Changes May Occur From the insurance agency perspective, tax reform has had its initial and perhaps biggest impact directly on the owners and employees for their personal income taxes. This includes any changes to corporate taxes, since the majority of agencies are privately held. Corporate taxes were reduced and then offset that with elimination of some deductions. With a new presidential election in full swing, there is no guarantee that the lower tax structure that President Trump put in place will continue. For agency owners this also includes whether or not capital gains will be at its current low federal rate of 20%. Some agencies looking at the sale option are concerned about this and may decide to cash in on their investment before the election occurs to guarantee the lower rates. Summary Being proactive and knowing how current trends will affect the firm is the first step. Managing the agency in a way that exploits these trends will then allow the firm to succeed. Agency owners need to establish business and marketing plans. Good communication within the firm is imperative. Having meetings and planning sessions is a good way to get everyone involved and headed in the right direction. Oak & Associates knows that the key trends in this article are important for owners to pay attention to for the coming year. Contact Oak & Associates if purchasing a Sales and Marketing or Business Planning template is of interest or if a planning session is desired. Topics Carriers California Trends Agencies Legislation InsurTech Profit Loss Tech Wildfire Market Chinese Navy commissions first Type 055 destroyer Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/12 13:28:13 Large warship to accompany aircraft carriers in battle groups: experts China's first 10,000 ton-class Type 055 guided-missile destroyer, which is expected to accompany aircraft carriers in battle groups, was officially commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Sunday. Analysts believe the commissioning is a step forward in China's deep blue water strategy, which allows China to better safeguard its sovereignty and overseas interests. A commissioning ceremony for the domestically developed warship, named Nanchang, was held on Sunday morning at a naval port in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday. This is the first warship to enter the Chinese naval service in 2020, and also the first 10,000 ton-class destroyer to join the PLA Navy battle sequence, according to the report. Zhou Minghui, captain of the Nanchang, told CCTV that the vessel will now begin to conduct training in all systems and subjects in order to form combat capability and integrate into PLA's combat system. The commissioning of the first Type 055 shows the Chinese Navy has now stepped into the era of fourth generation destroyer, CCTV said. Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie told the Global Times on Sunday that the Nanchang is expected to accompany the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier which is also based in Qingdao, and form an aircraft carrier battle group. The Type 055 will serve as a powerful escort to aircraft carriers, and it is also very versatile and can lead a task group without a carrier and conduct a wide range of missions, Li said. Having a displacement of more than 10,000 tons, the Type 055 is a 180-meter-long, 20-meter-wide guided missile destroyer with 112 vertical launch missile cells capable of launching a combination of surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, land-attack missiles and anti-submarine missiles, according to media reports. Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times that the Nanchang can also accompany the Shandong, China's second aircraft carrier, as the destroyer will not likely be a fixed partner to either of China's aircraft carriers. The Nanchang was launched on June 28, 2017 and joined the naval parade on April 23, 2019 in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy. Since the Nanchang's debut in the naval parade in April 2019, it is believed to have completed all kinds of tests including combat ones, making it ready for Sunday's commissioning, Song said. The commissioning of the Nanchang is a reflection of a major shift in China's deep blue water strategy, as safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and oversea interests requires large warships such as Type 055 destroyers, aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, Song said. Five other Type 055 destroyers have been launched at the Dalian Shipyard, Northeast China's Liaoning Province and Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, according to reports. Military analysts predict China could develop an upgraded version for the Type 055 featuring advanced technologies such as the electromagnetic railgun. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BJP MLA Ram Dangore has demanded action against the person who has set the question paper of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam in which Bhil tribe was described as "criminal-minded" and "immoral". "In a question paper of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission exam, Bhil tribe is described as criminal-minded and immoral. What is the Congress government trying to do? Action should be taken against the person who has set this paper," Dangore told ANI. The BJP legislator from Pandhana said that Bhil tribe is a dominant tribe in Madhya Pradesh and holds great significance. He claimed that the Bhil tribe helped Lord Rama and Maharana Pratap in their battles with Ravana and Mughals respectively and also played an important role in India's freedom struggle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gardai are investigating after St Brigid's Church in Milltown was ransacked in the early hours of Saturday morning last. The alarm was raised by a man visiting his mother's grave at 8am on Saturday morning. Several sacred items taken from the Church have since been recovered by gardai but their condition is not know at this stage. The raiders took the tabernacle containing Communion hosts from the altar area. They also threw the priests' vestments on the floor and took a candle stand. Newbridge gardai were called and carried out an extensive forensic investigation. Locals rallied around and cleaned up the Church on Saturday and Mass went ahead as normal on Sunday morning. Parish priest Fr Willie Byrne and curate For Brian Kavanagh were shocked and upset by the incident. At Sunday morning Mass, Fr Kavanagh asked for prayers to be said for the perpetrators. Johnson in Northern Ireland as Treasury stumps up 2 billion to get deal going Boris Johnson is preparing to hand over up to 2 billion to the new Northern Ireland executive as part of the deal that restored power-sharing after three years of impasse. The prime minister is due to arrive in Belfast today to hold talks with Arlene Foster, the Democratic Unionist Partys first minister and Michelle ONeill, Sinn Feins deputy first minister, at Stormont. His visit follows the landmark deal, accepted by the parties on Friday, that will restore the devolved institutions after three years of political deadlock. As part of the deal the Treasury is expected to find nearly 2 billion in additional funding to improve public services in the province. The Times He hails incredible time for the Province The Guardian Prime Minister to push for nursing strike solution FT as legacy proposals spark backlash from Tory MPs Boris Johnson has sparked a backlash from Tory MPs after it emerged the smallprint of his deal to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland risks opening up new Troubles probes into thousands of veterans. The Governments New Decade, New Approach agreement that persuaded warring Northern Irish parties to restore the Stormont executive for the first time in three years promised to deal address legacy issues within 100 days. Senior Tories said this was totally contradictory to what the PM promised in his leadership campaign to end unjust prosecutions of Northern Ireland veterans. The row comes as Mr Johnson visits Belfast today to mark the historic reopening of the Stormont Assembly But the PM is expected to face a grilling over exactly how much money the Government has committed to Northern Ireland as part of its successful efforts to restore power-sharing. The Sun Jack rules out Scottish referendum in Sturgeons lifetime A second independence referendum should not be held while Nicola Sturgeon is First Minister or even during her lifetime, the Scottish Secretary has said as Boris Johnson prepares this week to formally reject her request for the legal powers. Alister Jack said his message to Ms Sturgeon was that the staging of any future separation vote would be a matter for her successor in Bute House and possibly her successors successor. As pledged by Mr Johnson during the recent Westminster election campaign, Mr Jack said the Prime Minister would not give her the powers for another referendum even if the SNP wins an outright majority in next years Holyrood election. Daily Telegraph Times too short to elect an unknown as Scottish Tory leader Jamie Greene MSP, The Times No point in Leonard carrying on after indyref two defeat Alan Cochrane, Daily Telegraph Iran crisis deepens over arrest of ambassador Iranian protesters burnt the Union Jack outside the British embassy in Tehran as a diplomatic crisis over the arrest of the UK ambassador grew. A crowd of hardline religious students and regime supporters chanted Death to England and called for the expulsion of Rob Macaire, the ambassador. They also burnt Israeli flags. On Saturday Mr Macaire was detained in Tehran for half an hour after he left a vigil in memory of the 176 people killed on board a Ukrainian airliner shot down by Iran last week. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian deputy foreign minister, claimed that Mr Macaire was arrested as an unknown foreigner and was released as soon as his credentials had been checked. The Times Corbyn launches incendiary attack on assassination of Soleimani Daily Express Security: Wallace calls for UK to have strategic autonomy from the US Britain must be able to fight wars without the help of the US, the Defence Secretary has said, as he admitted the thought of America withdrawing from its leadership role keeps him awake at night. Ben Wallace said a forthcoming defence review must give Britain the ability to stand alone, particular in terms of surveillance and reconnaissance, rather than always relying on the US. He said: The assumptionsthat we were always going to be part of a US coalition on everything is really just not where we are going to be. It came as Brandon Lewis, the Security Minister, said Britain should stop putting ourselves down as a country and realise that weve got a loud voice. Daily Telegraph Johnson visit shows critical importance of Omani alliance The Guardian as MI5 chief shrugs off Huawei risk to Britains intelligence relationships Andrew Parker, head of MI5, says he has no reason to think that the UKs intelligence-sharing relationship with the US would be hit if Britain adopted Huawei technology in its 5G mobile phone network, as a key decision on the issue looms. Sir Andrews comments will increase expectations in UK government and industry circles that the Chinese companys equipment will be permitted for use in some non-core parts of the network. Boris Johnsons government will on Monday face last-minute lobbying from Washington to exclude Huawei from the countrys 5G network, as the prime minister prepares to make a decision expected this month with huge geopolitical and economic consequences. FT Johnson risks major spat with Trump The Sun American delegation demands idea is dropped Daily Mail Tech is biggest challenge and opportunity, says Parker FT >Today: Bob Seeley MP in Comment: Why the Government should listen to our allies and say: no way, Huawei Cummings wants Cobra-style meetings to advance agenda Dominic Cummings is preparing to use Cobra-style security meetings to push through Boris Johnsons agenda and hold ministers and officials to account. The prime ministers chief adviser wants last years emergency no-deal preparations to become a template for reforming decision-making and project management in Whitehall. The move could mean the scrapping of many cabinet committees in which decisions have traditionally been made. They would be replaced by groups in which ministers, officials and advisers from across departments worked together on specific projects. The structure would be modelled on the governments Cobra emergency committee and the so-called XO committee that oversaw the no-deal delivery plans. The Times >Yesterday: ToryDiary: How to help hold those new Red Wall seats. Introducing the Midlands and Middlesbrough masterclass. News in Brief: News Washington, DC - The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday announced a settlement with Punch It Performance and Tuning and Michael Paul Schimmack and other companies and individuals close to Schimmack (Defendants) resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) associated with the manufacture and sale of aftermarket products that defeat the emissions control systems of motor vehicles. The complaint also alleged that certain defendants fraudulently transferred assets after learning of the EPA claims in an effort to avoid payment of penalties in the case. Under the settlement, lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, defendants, who have stopped manufacturing and selling defeat device products, will pay a civil penalty of $850,000. The defendants also agree to stay out of the business of selling the illegal products, to surrender the computer code used in the products and to stop providing technical and warranty support for the defeat devices already sold. Companies and individuals who deal in aftermarket defeat devices are threatening the publics health and violating federal law, said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark. The Department of Justice is committed to ending this illegal trade, seeking justice for those harmed from this fraudulent activity, and encouraging compliance in the automotive industry through strong enforcement. EPA will vigorously pursue and prosecute companies who attempt to circumvent emission controls that are required to reduce air pollution, said EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine. This case illustrates why stopping the manufacture, sale, and installation of aftermarket defeat devices is an EPA National Compliance Initiative. The Middle District of Florida remains committed to enforcing the Clean Air Act, said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. The settlement announced today is a clear statement of our offices commitment to protect our citizens and the environment. The defendants manufactured and/or sold more than 20,000 aftermarket defeat devices. These products were designed for a range of certified motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines including vehicles manufactured by Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler. The aftermarket products sold by defendants included hardware components and electronic tuning software, known as tunes, that hack into and reprogram a motor vehicles electronic control module to alter engine performance and enable the removal of filters, catalysts and other critical emissions controls that reduce air pollution. Under the CAA, it is illegal to manufacture or sell parts or components for motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines that bypass, defeat, or render inoperative elements of design that were installed by the vehicle or engine original equipment manufacturer to comply with CAA emission standards. The complaint filed in the case alleges that each act of manufacturing and each sale constitutes a violation of the CAA. In addition, the complaint asserts that after EPA notified the defendants in 2016 of its intent to take enforcement action, the corporate defendants transferred real estate and large sums of money to one or more of the individual defendants in their personal capacities. The U.S. alleges these were fraudulent transfers under the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act. In addition to their civil penalty of $850,000, defendants will also do the following: Surrender all intellectual property to EPA, including programming, files, software, source code, design, instructions, or other information that could be used to manufacture tunes; Certify that no products have been manufactured or sold since March 2017; Certify that no intellectual property has been transferred to any party other than EPA; and Refuse to provide technical support or honor warranty claims for products subject to the consent decree. EPA has recently begun a National Compliance Initiative on Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines. To read about EPAs National Compliance Initiative visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-stopping-aftermarket-defeat-devices-vehicles-and-engines. SightMD announces strategic partnership with Dr. Spencer E. Sherman, M.D., P.C. The acquisition represents SightMDs third office in Manhattan. SightMD (or the Company), a multi-specialty ophthalmology platform, today announced a strategic partnership with Spencer E. Sherman, M.D., P.C., a Manhattan-based ophthalmology practice. Sight Growth Partners, the administrative services provider for SightMD, will also serve Dr. Sherman in all administrative manners. The acquisition represents SightMDs third office in Manhattan, with Dr. Sherman bringing 30+ years of ophthalmic experience to SightMDs growing team of over 80 providers and 38 convenient locations in the greater tri-state area. Dr. Sherman is a New York native who has been serving the Upper East Side community for decades. He graduated from Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia College before founding his own practice. Throughout his esteemed career, Dr. Sherman served as a guest professor and lecturer at many leading medical institutions in the United States and around the world and published textbooks and articles in several major medical journals. He has been a cornerstone of his community for decades, providing kind and compassionate care to thousands of patients. Dr. Sherman is affiliated with Lenox Hill, North Shore LIJ and Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospitals. My partners and I are excited to welcome Dr. Sherman to the SightMD family, said Jeffrey Martin, M.D., a Co-Founder and CEO of SightMD. Dr. Sherman is well known in the New York ophthalmology community for his history of providing excellent patient care while remaining at the forefront of medical advancements in our industry. We could not be more excited to partner with him. Dr. Sherman added, as I evaluated the future of my practice, SightMDs physician-led, patient-centric culture resonated with me and was consistent with how Ive practiced medicine over my career. Throughout the transaction process, SightMD was transparent, professional and focused on doing what was best for my patients, my team, and me. Im excited to partner with SightMD and Sight Growth Partners to prepare my practice for another chapter of excellent patient care and growth. Jonathan Lujan, CEO of Sight Growth Partners, added, Sight Growth Partners continues to be committed to its mission of easing the administrative burden of physicians so they can focus on the patients. We look forward to partnering with and empowering additional blue-chip providers like Dr. Sherman." Dr. Sherman will maintain his existing schedule pursuant to this partnership. Michael Savetsky, M.D., a Board certified Cornea/External Disease and Refractive Surgeon, specializing in LASIK, PRK, corneal transplants, cataract surgery, Pterygium, dry eye, and general ophthalmology, will also add hours at the new Upper East Side Manhattan office. SightMDs strategic partnership with Dr. Sherman represents the eleventh practice to join the Company since Sight Growth Partners partnered with Chicago Pacific Founders in September 2018. About SightMD SightMD is a rapidly-growing integrated ophthalmic provider group, offering patients access to over 60 ophthalmic surgeons and specialists through the convenience of 38 locations spanning the east end of Long Island, Westchester County and Manhattan. SightMD's track record of providing clinically-excellent care spans over 50 years, and its services include laser cataract surgery and lens implantation, glaucoma management, retinal disorder treatment, corneal services, neuro-ophthalmology, LASIK laser vision correction, oculoplastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, and audiology. For more information about SightMD, please visit http://www.sightmd.com About Sight Growth Partners Sight Growth Partners is a leading management services organization serving the ophthalmology sector. It has over 100 employees who provide administrative solutions to 38 ophthalmology clinics and one ambulatory surgery center, which combined serve over 80 providers. Sight Growth Partners provides its physicians with world-class administrative services, including a 24/7 call center, billing, credentialing, human resources and other services, enabling them to continue delivering best-in-class care to patients in their communities. Sight Growth Partners is backed by Chicago Pacific Founders, a leading middle market private equity firm which focuses exclusively on partnerships with growing companies in the healthcare services sector. For more information about Sight Growth Partners, please visit http://www.sightgrowthpartners.com. Apple will not help authorities to unlock iPhones used by a Saudi Arabian gunman who killed three people and injured eight others in an attack on a US air base that White House officials have declared an act of terrorism, according to US attorney general William Barr. Department of Justice officials announced that the tech giant has turned over iCloud materials but has refused to help give federal investigators access to two phones used by Second Lt Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force who was training with the American military. On 6 December 2019, Mr Alshamrani entered a building on the grounds of Pensacola Naval Air Station and opened fire, killing three US sailors and wounding eight other Americas. The shooting lasted 15 minutes. A Florida sheriff's deputy killed Alshamrani during the attack. Officials determined that Alshamrani was "motivated by jihadist ideology" and posted a message on social media on 11 September 2019 reading "the countdown has begun". 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 gun used in the attack was lawfully purchased through a hunting license exemption. Police recovered two iPhones belonging to Mr Alshamrani, but Mr Barr says that Apple "has not given us any substantive assistance" to help unlock them. Doing so would likely compromise its end-to-end encryption systems at a time when it is aggressively promoting its privacy policies. In a statement from Apple, the company said it "rejects the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance" in the investigation. "Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing." Apple said the FBI notified the company it needed additional assistance a month after the attack. "Only then did we learn about the existence of a second iPhone associated with the investigation and the FBI's inability to access either iPhone", Apple said. The company received a subpoena for information related to the second iPhone on 8 January. A statement said: "We have always maintained there is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys. Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers. Today, law enforcement has access to more data than ever before in history, so Americans do not have to choose between weakening encryption and solving investigations. We feel strongly encryption is vital to protecting our country and our users' data." Attorney general Barr dismissed claims that other Saudi cadets who were training at the base took video of the attack as it unfolded. The shooter "arrived by himself" and videos that captured the attack's aftermath were not taken in coordination with Mr Alshamrani, officials said. Mr Barr announced that the US will also expel more than a dozen Saudi servicemen who were also training with the US military. A Pentagon review found that 21 Saudi servicemen training at the base possessed "derogatory material" 17 of them posted "some jihadi or anti-American content" on their social media, and 15 "had some kind of contact with child pornography". According to Mr Barr, US attorneys "independently reviewed each of the 21 cases involving derogatory information and determined that none of them would, in the normal course, result in federal prosecution". Saudi Arabian officials, however, determined that the servicemen "demonstrated conduct unbecoming an officer" and have been "dis-enrolled" from their training in the US. They will return to Saudi Arabia. Mr Barr said the FBI "sought and received" a court order with probable cause to obtain Mr Alshamrani's phones to determine with whom he was communicating in the days and weeks leading up to the shooting. According to the FBI, he fired a round into one of the phones, and the other phone was also damaged. Mr Barr says the FBI was able to repair the phones but they're engineered by Apple to "make it virtually impossible" to operate without the company's cooperation. He said: "This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that investigators be able to get access to digital evidence once they have obtained a court order based on probable cause. We call on Apple and other technology companies to help us find a solution so that we can better protect the lives of Americans and prevent future attacks." The Trump administration has struggled to justify the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani from the jump. And now the one justification presented publicly by President Donald Trump has utterly fallen apart. Trump has said in recent days that Soleimani was planning to "blow up" the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and also that he was going after "four embassies." But Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed on talk shows Sunday that the idea that Soleimani was about to attack four embassies wasn't based on intelligence. Instead, he said it was simply something Trump and others "believed" to be the case. Here's the relevant transcript from CBS's "Face the Nation": Esper: Well, what the president said was he believed that it probably and could have been attacks against additional embassies. I shared that view. I know other members of national security team shared that view. That's why I deployed thousands of American paratroopers to the Middle East to reinforce our embassy in Baghdad and other sites throughout the region. Margaret Brennan: "Probably" and "could have been." That is - that sounds more like an assessment than a specific, tangible threat with a decisive piece of intelligence. Esper: Well, the president didn't say there was a tangible - he didn't cite a specific piece of evidence. What he said is he probably - he believed, could have been - Brennan: Are you saying there wasn't one? Esper: I didn't see one with regard to four embassies. What I'm saying is, I share the president's view that probably - my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. Esper added on CNN's "State of the Union," "But what the president said was, he believed. He said [Soleimani] could have been targeting - all those things that I believe as well, that the national security team believes as well." Esper added when pressed, "What the president said was, he believed it probably could have been. He didn't cite intelligence." Except that Trump didn't always couch this as his belief. He did in a Fox News interview, but at more than one other point, he talked about it as though it was a conclusion based on intelligence. "Soleimani was actively planning new attacks, and he was looking very seriously at our embassies and not just the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said at a rally in Toledo, Ohio. He added in a local TV interview with WTVG: "Plus, he was going after - in our opinion, our very intelligent opinion, he was going after our embassies, and things could have happened." "He was looking very seriously" is not based on a suspicion; it's something you say when you are stating what is believed to be a known fact. And although Trump couched the second quote as "in our opinion," he then cited "our very intelligent opinion." Even if you believe "intelligent" doesn't quite mean Trump was saying this was in the intelligence, it suggests that it was based on something more than inference and guesswork. And indeed, even in the Fox News interview Trump said, "I can reveal I believe it probably would've been four embassies." The "I believe" could be read as his suspicion, but "I can reveal" sure suggests this is based upon actual information. There is also the fact that Trump specifically cited "four embassies." If this was indeed just a guess that wasn't actually based on intelligence, why the specific number? That number had to have come from somewhere. Another big point is something else Esper revealed on "Face the Nation." He confirmed that there was intelligence to support the idea that Soleimani was preparing to attack one U.S. embassy - the one in Baghdad which supporters of a pro-Iranian militia briefly stormed earlier this month. "There was a reference in this exquisite intelligence to an attack on the United States Embassy in Baghdad," Esper said. "That information was shared with the Gang of Eight. All that exceptional intelligence shared with the Gang of Eight, not the broader membership of the Congress." But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated at a briefing last week that this information - if not the presumed attack on four embassies - was indeed shared in briefing all of Congress. Here's his exchange with NBC News's Peter Alexander: Alexander: Today, at the podium, you said that the imminent threat was a threat to U.S. embassies. You didn't know precisely when or where. Last night, the president said it was a threat to embassies, including to our Baghdad embassy. Why can you say that here, and the president could say it at a rally in Toledo, but no one said it to lawmakers behind closed doors in a classified setting, as multiple senators have since said? Pompeo: We did. Pompeo also indicated that those attacks on embassies were indeed part of the "imminent" attacks that the administration used to justify the Soleimani strike. "We had specific information on an imminent threat, and those threats included attacks on U.S. embassies," Pompeo said. "Period. Full stop." Two points. One is that Esper now says he hasn't seen intelligence on the threat to multiple embassies, whereas Pompeo said the "specific information" about imminent threats included threats to those embassies. And the second is that, even if we're to accept that Pompeo was speaking loosely and that the intelligence was really just about the one U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Esper said that information wasn't shared with "the broader membership of the Congress," but only with the Gang of Eight. Pompeo, in contrast, said "we did" when asked if the information about attacks on embassies was shared in that wider briefing. He later deflected when asked to reconfirm, but he did confirm. In other words: It's a mess. Asked to produce actual intelligence justifying the claims of an "imminent" attack by Soleimani, Trump has instead provided his own guesses. He has repeatedly suggested that this was based on actual intelligence, even though Esper now says it wasn't. And in the process of explaining Trump's comment, Pompeo suggested that the attacks on multiple embassies were in the intelligence shared with Congress. Esper now says not only that the multiple embassies aren't in the intelligence, but that even the information that Soleimani was prepared to strike one of them wasn't shared with the broader Congress. What's the next explanation? K oalas could be listed as endangered after large numbers were wiped out in Australia's bushfires. Estimated numbers show around a billion animals have been killed in the wildfires since they began in September. At least 24 people have died while thousands of homes have been destroyed. Threatened Species Commissioner Sally Box said that just under a third of eucalyptus woodlands, which koalas use for both food and shelter, may have been lost in New South Wales. The koalas' heavy fur and tendency to climb higher when threatened are severe disadvantages in fast-moving bushfires. Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest on Kangaroo Island (REUTERS) / Reuters Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said reviews would be brought forward on whether certain koala populations should be listed as "endangered" rather than "vulnerable". "Everything that can be done to rescue and recover koala habitat will be done, including innovative approaches that look at whether you can actually put a koala in an area that it hasn't come from," she said. Australia fires - In pictures 1 /78 Australia fires - 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 Australian state of New South Wales in December AFP via Getty Images An aerial view of bushfires burning south of Canberra Getty Images Adelaide wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest on Kangaroo Island in January Reuters German tourists Julia Wasmiller and Jessica Pryor pose for a photo at Mrs Macquarie's chair, wearing face masks due to heavy smoke in December Getty Images A small aircraft dumps fire retardant behind houses at the foot of Mount Tennant as the fire front of the Orroral Valley fire creeps through the Namadgi National Park on January 30, 2020 in Canberra, Australia Getty Images A pyrocumulonimbus cloud is generated by the intense Orroral Valley bushfire buring to the south of Canberra. Getty Images Eugenie Bouchard of Canada takes a moment to catch her breath during her qualifying match against Xiaodi You of China during 2020 Australian Open Qualifying at Melbourne Park Getty Images Bernard Tomic of Australia receives medical attention in his match against Denis Kudla of the USA during 2020 Australian Open Qualifying at Melbourne Park Getty Images Massive smoke rising from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria in January AP Smoke looms over Sydney A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire at Snowy Valley, Australia in January AFP via Getty Images Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits a resident's property in an area devastated by bushfires in Sarsfield, Victoria state in January POOL/AFP via Getty Images An injured koala rests in a washing basket at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in January Getty Images A pedestrian wears a mask as smoke shrouds the Australian capital of Canberra, Australia in January AP A large smoke plume is seen over a sheep property in the Parndana region in January Getty Images NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff prepare to air-drop carrots for animals in bushfire-stricken areas, in Newnes, Wollemi National Park, New South Wales in January via Reuters A wallaby eats a carrot after NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service staff air-dropped them in bushfire-stricken areas around Wollemi and Yengo National Parks, New South Wales in January via Reuters Nurses feed an injured male koala at Adelaide Koala Rescue in January Getty Images A woodchip mill burnt by bushfires is seen as smoke rises in Eden in Australia's New South Wales in January AFP via Getty Images Kylie Minogue donates to the cause @kylieminogue Cars line up to leave the town of Batemans Bay in New South Wales to head north in January AFP via Getty Images HMAS Choules off the coast of Victoria, Australia in January Reuters The property of Lyle Stewart is razed to the ground at Nerrigundah, Australia in January AP Rural Fire Service firefighter Trevor Stewart views a flank of in Tumburumba, Australia Getty Images A plane flies in the tobacco-coloured skies over Auckland, New Zealand, as smoke from the wildfires traveled from Australia in January Getty Images An orange glow darkens the sky in Auckland city from the wildfires in Australia Getty Images Kiahan Bellchambers and her brother Jesse Bellchambers looking for belongings amongst the ruins of their house destroyed during bushfires in Batlow, in Australia's New South Wales state in January AFP via Getty Images Lieutenant Kynan Lang from the 10th/27th Battalion visits the scene where his uncle and cousin died in a bushfire to place a memorial on Kangaroo Island, Australia in January via Reuters A firefighters backs away from the flames after lighting a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia AP Black ash and fire debris is washed up on Boydtown Beach and the banks of the Nullica River in Eden, Australia REUTERS Barb Copus holds a rescued baby brushtail possum at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park in the Parndana region on Kangaroo Island, Australia Getty Images A burnt car is seen after bushfire in Batlow, in Australia's New South Wales state in January AFP via Getty Images A burning gum tree is felled to stop it from falling on a car in Corbago, as bushfires continue in New South Wales, Australia in January Reuters General view of the Dunn Road fire in January Getty Images Australian Army CH-47 Chinooks from the 5th Aviation Regiment deliver hay bales to remote bushfire-affected farms on Kangaroo Island, Australia via Reuters Volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area in December Reuters Thick smoke from wildfires shroud the Sydney Opera House in December AP A property burns from bushfires in Balmoral, 150km southwest of Sydney in December AFP via Getty Images A fireman fights a bushfire to protect a property in Balmoral, 150km southwest of Sydney in December AFP via Getty Images Helicopters dump water on bushfires as they approach homes located on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Australian wildfires turn sky red in December brendanh_au/Twitter Firemen inspect a house recently destroyed by bushfires on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Firemen prepare as a bushfire approaches homes on the outskirts of the town of Bargo in December Getty Images Monitoring the Tianjara fire from a helicopter in the Moreton and Jerrawangala National Park in December Getty Images People wear face masks to protect from the pollution over Sydney Harbour in December Getty Images A fire approaches the village of Nerrigundah, Australia in December AP An old car burns from bushfires in Balmoral AFP via Getty Images The remains of burnt out buildings are seen along main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo in December AFP via Getty Images Wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale, Australia in December AP A horse trying to move away from nearby bushfires at a residential property near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales in December AFP via Getty Images Fire and thick smoke remains the village of Nerrigundah, Australia in December AP Gary Hinton stands amongst rubble after fires devastated the New South Wales town of Cobargo in December AFP via Getty Images A helicopter drops fire retardent to protect a property in Balmoral in December AFP via Getty Images The sky glows red as bushfires continue to rage in Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia in December via Reuters A fire and rescue team inspect the damage around Torrington in Glen Innes, Australia in November Getty Images Flames from an out of control bushfire seen from a nearby residential area in Harrington, Australia in November AFP via Getty Images Bushfires taken from a plane in over north eastern New South Wales in November AFP via Getty Images An Air-crane water bombing helicopter drops water on a bushfire in Harrington, Australia in November Reuters Haze blanketing Manly Beach, Sydney in November Sydney Coaches via Reuters The Australian government also committed A$50 million to an emergency wildlife recovery program on Monday, calling the bushfires crisis engulfing the country "an ecological disaster" that threatens several species, including koalas and rock wallabies. The wildfires have razed more than 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), nearly half the area of the United Kingdom, destroying or severely damaging the habitats of several native animals. Sam Mitchell owner of the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park carries a dead koala and kangaroo to a mass grave / Getty Images "This has been an ecological disaster, a disaster that is still unfolding," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters on Monday as he visited the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where 45 koalas were being treated for burns. "We know that our native flora and fauna have been very badly damaged." A koala receiving medical attention after getting hurt in the bushfires / Getty Images Images of burned kangaroos, koalas and possums, along with footage of people risking their lives to save native animals have gone viral around the world. Knitters have responded to a call to create thousands of protective pouches and blankets for injured wildlife. The Australian division of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has advised the government of 13 animals whose habitats have been either destroyed or severely damaged. An injured koala rests in a washing basket at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park / Getty Images They include three critically endangered species: the southern corroboree frog, the regent honeyeater bird and the western ground parrot. "Huge proportions of globally significant areas like the Gondwana Rainforestand Blue Mountains World Heritage Areas along with the Australian Alps and Western Australia's Stirling Ranges have suffered catastrophic burns," WWF said in an emailed statement. Experts have predicted that around a billion animals have been killed / Getty Images Other animals at risk include koala populations across the southeast, the Kangaroo Island dunnart, glossy black cockatoo, long-footed potoroo, western ground parrot, Blue Mountains water skink, eastern bristlebird and the brush-tailed rock wallaby. In a mission dubbed Operation Rock Wallaby, national park staff used helicopters to air drop thousands of kilos of carrots and sweet potatoes to brush-tailed rock wallabies in remote areas of New South Wales state. Nurses feed an injured male koala at Adelaide Koala Rescue / Getty Images "The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock wallaby," NSW environment minister Matt Kean said. "The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat." Mandatory to wear dhoti-kurta', saree for entering sanctum of Kashi Vishwanath temple India oi-Mousumi Dash Varanasi, Jan 13: The devotees visiting the holy shrine will now reportedly have to follow a dress code to enter the sanctum of the temple. This decision was taken by the Kashi Vidwat Parishad. According to the new dress code that will be relevant for both men and women, it mandatory for men to wear the Indian traditional 'dhoti-kurta' and saree for the women to enter the premises and worship the deity. Besides this, the devotees wearing pants, shirts and jeans will only be allowed to worship from the distance viewing the strict dress code rules. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet The devotees will be allowed to enter the temple till 11 AM. The date is yet to be fixed for the exercise of the new dress code rule. Dwight Turner Jr. pleaded guilty on Monday in connection with a wreck in Chattanooga in which two people were killed and another seriously injured. Turner, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide in the appearance before Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman. He also pleaded guilty to reckless aggravated assault and driving on a revoked license. Turner got six years on each of the vehicular homicides as well as three years on the reckless aggravated assault. The cases will be served concurrently. The wreck happened Jan. 3, 2019, at 9:12 p.m. at 1400 S. Holtzclaw Ave. Police said Turner was driving a red Dodge Ram that crashed into a white Chrysler van (taxi). It was found that one of the three occupants of the Chrysler, Mechele Lane, was dead at the scene. Lorenzo Jarrett Jr. died at the hospital. The driver, Melivin Tibbs, was critically injured. Police said three people were in the Dodge Ram along with Turner. Only Sara Giles remained at the scene. She was transported to the hospital after being found wandering around the scene. She said a man known as "DJ" was driving the vehicle and that Amanda Lacy was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Police were told Turner was driving at a very high rate of speed on E. Main Street and running red lights. Ms. Giles said Turner looked over at her just before the Holtzclaw Avenue intersection, screamed loudly, while continuing to go faster. Police said, "This led to the crash that left two innocent parties deceased." Turner fled the scene on foot and was apprehended in Atlanta later. Video from a convenience store showed Turner driving the rental vehicle shortly before the crash. Boyd Patterson of the public defender's office said, "This was a tragedy. I am glad that Dwight took responsibility." The CISF on Monday nabbed a man coming from Bangkok at the airport here for allegedly smuggling 'gold paste' worth Rs 32 lakh by concealing it in his underwear and jeans, officials said. Passenger Amarjeet Singh was intercepted while he was going to board a connecting flight to Delhi and his frisking led to the recovery of over a kilogram of 'gold paste', they said. The traveller, coming from Bangkok, had taped the 'gold paste' and hidden it in his inner wear and bottom lining of his denim pant, they said. Central Industrial Security Force personnel at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport handed over the passenger to Customs authorities for further probe. The total value of the seized gold paste is about Rs 32.25 lakh, they added. In an another incident at this airport on Sunday, four Bangkok-bound passengers were apprehended by CISF personnel with foreign currency worth Rs 68.38 lakh that was concealed in their bags and cellphone equipments. The seized currencies included US Dollars, Euros and Thai bahts. All the four men were handed over to Customs department officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Dale T. Taylor The recent action authorized by President Donald Trump to eliminate Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a brutal architect of terrorism responsible for the killing of hundreds of Americans, has once again raised the decades-old controversy regarding enforcement of the War Powers Act that was adopted by Congress in 1973. While I was a student at Rutgers University School of Law, concentrating in international law, I undertook the task of researching the War Powers Act regarding both its constitutionality and practical efficacy as a means to halt wars. To begin with, the War Powers Act is not really an a act as traditionally defined; its actually a congressional joint resolution with little legal basis and having almost no practical effect. It should also be pointed out that no president, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, has ever formally recognized this joint resolution as giving Congress constitutional oversight over a presidents ability to use the military in times of a foreign crisis or a domestic threat. The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to weigh in on the controversy, citing the issues at hand as being political in nature as opposed to judicial. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants to Congress the right to declare war. But the last time this was used was at the beginning of World War II. Its language does not give Congress the right to dictate when, for what reason, or for how long, military might, including large-scale operations, may be undertaken. Article II, Section 2, grants that right exclusively to the president as commander-in-chief. The War Powers Act was meant to avoid more undeclared Korean and Vietnam wars, notwithstanding that both of those actions were initially supported by a majority of the Congress and, in the case of Korea, had the support of the United Nations. Congress also supported the use of force to keep Marines in Lebanon during 1982 and 1983, and during the 1991 Gulf War. Presidents have from time to time submitted reports to Congress as a courtesy, but not as an acknowledgment of any authority vested in the legislative branch under the War Powers Act. Members of Congress who continue to drag this resolution out of the closet every time there is a military conflict are simply trying to leverage what is a wholly political argument without constitutional significance. President Bill Clinton ignored the War Powers Act in the bombing campaign in Kosovo in 1999; so did President George W. Bush in the post-9/11 war on terrorism, although Congress separately endorsed military action against al-Qaida. President Barack Obama ignored the act in Libya in 2011 (where his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton reportedly indicated that the administration would bypass the 1973 law). Obama bypassed it again during the 2012-2017 secret war against Syrian President Bashar Assads regime in the aftermath of Assads use of chemical weapons against his own people. And why not? These acts didnt amount to a declared war. Rather, they represented use of military force in the interests of national security as determined by the commander-in-chief. Crises that pose a threat to our legitimate national security interests often require swift military intervention, most times clouded in secrecy, in order to save American lives and achieve a high degree of success with the least amount of harm to our forces. Trying to get bipartisan approval of a Congress that cant even agree on the most rudimentary pieces of legislation without months of hearings and rancor is simply not tenable where our national security is threatened and quick action is required. One can question Trumps recent decision to kill Soleimani as either good policy or bad policy. But please, forget about the War Powers Resolution. That purely political piece of legislation was constitutionally untenable from the very beginning, and it remains so today. Dale T. Taylor is an attorney with offices in Mullica Hill, N.J. . He is a former columnist for the Gloucester County Times, now the South Jersey Times. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 20:37:37|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Lahore High Court on Monday termed the formation of a special court that issued death sentence to former President Pervez Musharraf unconstitutional. Musharraf appealed in the court in December 2019, against the death sentence verdict, seeking the court to dismiss the special court's judgement against him for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional. On hearing Musharraf's petition, the court also said that the treason case against the former president in which he was sentenced to death was not prepared in accordance with the law. Though the three-member bench of the high court did not issue any statement regarding the validity of the special court's verdict of sentencing Musharraf to death, the petitioner's counsel said that the decision stands void as the very formation of the special court that gave the judgement has been declared against the law. Musharraf was handed over the death penalty on Dec. 17, 2019 on a case filed by former Pakistani government in 2013 for suspending constitution by imposing emergency in the country in 2007. By Associated Press LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II agreed Monday to grant Prince Harry and his wife Meghan their wish for a more independent life, allowing them to move part-time to Canada while remaining firmly in the House of Windsor. The British monarch said in a statement that the summit of senior royals on Monday was "constructive," and that it had been "agreed that there will be a period of transition'' in which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend time in Canada and the UK." The summit at the queen's Sandringham estate in eastern England marked the first face-to-face talks with Harry since he and Meghan unveiled the controversial plan to step back from their royal roles. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family,'' the queen said in a statement. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.'' The meeting came after days of intense news coverage, in which supporters of the royal family's feuding factions used the British media to paint conflicting pictures of who was to blame for the rift. Buckingham Palace said a range of possibilities would be discussed, but the queen was determined to resolve the situation within days, not weeks." Buckingham Palace stressed, however, that any decision will take time to be implemented." This is a handout photo issued on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 by Buckingham Palace of a statement by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on the future of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Queen Elizabeth II says she has agreed to grant Prince Harry and Meghan their wish for a more independent life that will see them move part-time to Canada. One of the more fraught questions that needs to be worked out is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent and what activities can be undertaken to make money. Other royals who have ventured into the world of commerce have found it complicated. Prince Andrew, for example, has faced heated questions about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, the queen's second son, has relinquished royal duties and patronages after being accused by a woman who says she was an Epstein trafficking victim who slept with the prince. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also face questions on paying for taxpayer-funded security. Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment, but said safety was a priority. There were signs earlier in the day that the House of Windsor had moved to unite. Princes William and Harry issued a joint statement criticizing a newspaper article on the severe strain in their relationship, calling the story offensive and potentially harmful as they embark on talks regarding the future of the British monarchy. Though the statement didn't name the newspaper, the Times of London had a front page story about the crisis in which a source alleged that Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by the bullying attitude from" William. The joint statement insisted that the story was false.'' ALSO READ | Prince Harry delays plans to join wife Meghan in Canada amid royal split talks For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful, the statement said. Flags of the Republic of Korea and the Prosecution Service wave at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap By Jung Da-min Tensions between Cheong Wa Dae and the prosecution are escalating without any sign of compromise, as each side passes the bucks over issues such as the prosecution's investigation into corruption scandals involving presidential aides and the justice ministry's reassignment of senior prosecutors. The head-on clash reached a peak Sunday when Cheong Wa Dae blasted the prosecution for trying to "illegally" search one of the presidential office's divisions prosecutors refuted this, stating they were following due process. On Friday, investigators from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office visited Cheong Wa Dae to seize material related to allegations that the presidential office meddled in the 2018 Ulsan mayoral election to help then-ruling party candidate Song Cheol-ho, a close aide to President Moon Jae-in, win. As Cheong Wa Dae is a national security facility, investigators are not allowed to go into the compound and conduct search operations directly. Instead, Cheong Wa Dae staff used to hand over specific material that the prosecutors asked for. This time, however, the presidential office refused to hand over material and prosecutors had to return empty-handed after an eight-hour confrontation. Cheong Wa Dae called the raid an "illegal act," saying the warrant brought by the prosecution did not specify the material to seize. "When they came for the search operation, the prosecution did not submit a detailed list of the material it want to seize," a senior presidential official said Sunday. "They submitted a list hours later. But the list was one drawn up by the prosecution arbitrarily, and not approved by the court." T he 2020 Oscar nominations have been announced, with some of the biggest names in film recognised for their work over the past year. The 92nd Academy Awards take place on February 9, and its arguably shaping up to be one of the most open fields in recent times. The likes of 1917, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Irishman and Parasite are leading the way with a host of nominations. And while we can take educated guesses at some of the winners, some of the categories will go right to the wire. Can we take any signs from the Golden Globes? Its never set in stone that the Academy will follow the Globes lead, but we can be sure that 1917 is definitely in contention after winning Best Motion Picture Drama. Once Upon A Time also picked up Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, despite not featuring any musical numbers or, it has to be said, a great deal of comedy. Elsewhere, Renee Zellweger, Joaquin Phoenix and Laura Dern are also in the frame for acting awards following success at both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Sadly, the nominations are also notable for a stark lack of representation when it comes to talent from BAME backgrounds, with the likes of Lupita Nyongo, Awkwafina and J-Lo all missing out despite being tipped for success by critics. These are our predictions for the winners of the big awards at this years ceremony. Best Picture Ford v Ferrari/Le Mans '66 The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Marriage Story 1917 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Parasite War movies generally havent tended to fare all that well with the Academy its been 12 years since The Hurt Locker took the top prize, with the likes of Hacksaw Ridge, Dunkirk, Beasts of No Nation and Zero Dark Thirty missing out since then. You have to go back to the 90s to see the likes of Schindlers List, Braveheart and The English Patient take the top prize. Despite this, 1917 is one of the clear the frontrunners for Best Picture, given the Golden Globe win for Best Motion Picture Drama and the unanimous critical adoration of the film. Its a stunning achievement, but it was (bizarrely) nominated for Best Action Movie at the Critics Choice awards alongside the likes of Avengers: Endgame and The Lion King the kinds of films which are traditionally ignored by the Academy in this category which could harm its chances. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is currently favourite with the bookies after winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Picture. It doesn't deserve it the film is bloated and indulgent even by Tarantino's standards but it's easy to understand why it could be recognised with a Best Picture win in February. If theres one thing that the Academy loves, its films about Hollywood and the movies think of The Artist, La La Land and more indirectly Argo. Tarantino has never won a Best Director or Best Picture Oscar either, despite picking up Best Original Screenplay for Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained. As its the directors penultimate film, the Academy might feel like recognising his career achievements while they can. They have a track record of doing this, giving Martin Scorsese the nod for The Departed in 2007 after ignoring his superior work on the likes of Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas. Parasite is one of the most high profile foreign film releases of recent times, having won the Cannes Palme d'Or. The Academy may feel like a win in the International Feature Film and recognition for director Bong Joon Ho would suffice though. Elsewhere, Hitler Youth comedy Jojo Rabbit was entirely ignored at the Globes, and the controversial subject matter of the film which has split critics could prove too polarising for the Academy when it comes to recognising Taika Waititi's film. We dont expect it to be in the reckoning when the awards arrive in February. Netflix has clearly stepped up its game over the past few years, releasing both the beautifully told and performed Marriage Story and sprawling gangster epic The Irishman in 2019. Netflix has yet to be fully accepted at other awards ceremonies, with the likes of Cannes putting up a clear division by effectively excluding them over recent years. The Academy has been more open minded though, recognising Alfonso Cuarons Roma with three awards in 2018 an encouraging sign for both films. Prediction: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood - Trailer Best Director Martin Scorsese The Irishman Todd Phillips Joker Sam Mendes 1917 Quentin Tarantino Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Bong Joon-ho Parasite The Critics Choice awards had a tie in its Best Director category between Sam Mendes and Bong Joon Ho, and itll likely be these two scrapping it out for Oscars glory too. A win for Mendes would be in recognition of 1917s technical achievements as much as anything. Hes no stranger to Oscars recognition either, having previously won the prize in 2000 for American Beauty. Hes the bookies favourite. With Parasite probably likely to miss out in the Best Picture category, it could be Bongs year. The Academy could see this category as a way of celebrating the South Korean masters work to date, raising his profile for Western audiences and championing foreign film as a whole especially given the backlash faced for the lack of diversity on show at the BAFTAs earlier this month, perhaps. His rousing speech at the Golden Globes (Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films) wont have done him any harm either. Tarantino also has to be a serious contender. Who knows what his next project will be possibly a third Kill Bill movie? and given the unpredictable nature of his filmmaking, the Academy may pick this moment to honour him. It would have been fantastic to see Greta Gerwig recognised for her work on Little Women, but after the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs failed to nominate any women for Best Director, it sadly wasn't a surprise to see her snubbed again here. Jordan Peele, too, has emerged as one of the most exciting and original filmmakers of his generation, bringing social themes to blockbusters. A nomination for him here would have been deserved, even if the bookies had him at 40/1 for a nod. Prediction: Bong Joon-ho Parasite - Trailer Best Actress Cynthia Erivo Harriet Scarlett Johansson Marriage Story Saoirse Ronan Little Women Charlize Theron Bombshell Renee Zellweger Judy With the risk of making ourselves look rather foolish, were going to say it theres only one winner here. Heavy favourite Renee Zellweger won the Golden Globe for Actress in a Motion Picture Drama, beating Cynthia Erivo for Harriet, as well as Johansson, Soirse Ronan and Charlize Theron, and its hard to look past her. The Critics Choice award also went her way for her moving portrayal as Judy Garland in Judy and her performance ticks all the boxes a heartbreaking biopic about a Hollywood icon is the kind of stuff the Academy eats up year after year. There are a selection of fantastic performances elsewhere, of course. Her stiffest competition comes in the form of Scarlett Johansson in Marriage Story. Despite a nomination, Saoirse Ronan also looks likely to miss out once again for Little Women a movie packed with wonderful turns from the likes of Ronan, Florence Pugh and Emma Watson, which might not receive any recognition in February. If theres any film which suggests its time for the Academy to introduce a Best Ensemble award this year, its this one. Awkwafina was not nominated despite delivering an affecting performance in the beautiful Farewell, but perhaps the biggest snub of all comes in the form of Lupita Nyongo. The strength of Us rests on her duel performance as matriarch Adelaide Wilson and her terrifying tethered double Red either of which should have been worthy of a nomination here. Prediction: Renee Zellweger Judy - Trailer Best Actor Antonio Banderas Pain & Glory Leonardo DiCaprio Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Adam Driver Marriage Story Joaquin Phoenix - Joker Jonathan Pryce The Two Popes Best Actor could be anyones, with a host of top performances all staking their claim for the award. Having said that, itll most likely be Joaquin Phoenixs tortured turn as the Joker that takes the prize. The Academy loves a physical transformation for a role Phoenix lost 52 pounds for the part and its arguably the standout performance of the year, regardless of the polarising effect the film had on critics. Phoenix has already won the top Critics Choice award and the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, which stands him in good stead. However, the controversy surrounding the film last year could possibly put them off. If they do, its Antonio Banderas who could be in the frame for the prize. His performance in Pain & Glory won him Best Actor at Cannes, and The Standards David Sexton was just one of the critics to heap praise on him at the time, hailing his superb performance. Its even more remarkable, given that Banderas suffered a major heart attack just two years ago. Adam Driver's stoic performance in Marriage Story was one the year's gems, but he remains an outside bet here, as does Leonardo DiCaprio for Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. We thought Adam Sandlers Uncut Gems performance, as creepy as it is charismatic might have snuck in there too, but it wasn't to be. He was always an outside choice, but its a shame to see that Eddie Murphy wasn't recognised for his performance as blaxploitation star Rudy Ray Moore in Dolemite Is My Name a film which has been hailed by some as a return to form and a late career highpoint. It was also a surprise not to see Rocketman's Taron Egerton nominated after he pickedup the Golden Globe for Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Prediction: Joaquin Phoenix Joker - Trailer 2 Best Supporting Actress Kathy Bates Richard Jewell Laura Dern Marriage Story Scarlett Johansson Jojo Rabbit Florence Pugh Little Women Margot Robbie Bombshell Laura Dern has emerged as the clear favourite in this category, despite her performance as the street fighting divorce lawyer in Marriage Story feeling a touch pantomime villain at times. She won both the Critics Choice award and the Best Actress in a supporting role in any motion picture at the Golden Globes the form book suggests shes on course for another win here. The category is almost as exciting for the performances it left out. The Standards Charlotte OSullivan tipped The Farewells Zhao Shuzhen for success in her review, saying: The Farewell (made for $3m) is widely expected to win Golden Globes and Oscars. When it does, Hong Lu will probably have to be dragged on stage. I cant wait to see her beautiful face. There was a clamour for Jennifer Lopez to be recognised during this years awards season when Hustlers first came out in September, but her chances were dealt a blow after being snubbed at the BAFTAs and she misses out completely here. It is, however, nice to see Florence Pugh's performance in Little Women recognised. Prediction: Laura Dern Marriage Story trailer Best Supporting Actor Tom Hanks A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood Anthony Hopkins The Two Popes Al Pacino The Irishman Joe Pesci The Irishman Brad Pitt Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Brad Pitt has emerged as the favourite for his performance as the LA stuntman Cliff Booth in Tarantinos Once Upon A Time In America wed like to see him win, if only for the most inventively violent use of a dog food tin in the history of cinema. Pitt won the Critics Choice award, and hes never won an Oscar before that could well be about to change. Joe Pesci gave his most thoughtful performance to date in the Irishman, while Al Pacino shouted and charmed as union leader Jimmy Hoffa in the way only Pacino can. Both remain outside bets here. Funny, too, that DeNiro was snubbed elsewhere. Anthony Hopkins is arguably the most interesting performance on the list, playing the scandal-ridden Pope Benedict XVI. The Standards Charlotte OSullivan said he was perfect as a tyrant whos simultaneously bloated and beady-eyed, but the bookies odds make a victory for him unlikely. Tom Hanks likeable turn as the TV icon Fred Rogers in the cosy A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood could be seen by the Academy as a safe bet, and it's his first nomination in 20 years. Were still going with Pitt here, though. Prediction: Brad Pitt Air Serbia has registered weaker numbers on its sole long haul service between Belgrade and New York during the first half of 2019. According to the latest available data from the United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Serbian carrier welcomed 30.282 travellers during the January June period, representing a decrease of 4.9%. The airline is unlikely to reach its 2018 annual passenger result on the route, which totalled 79.657, since it temporarily suspended flights between the two cities from September 24 until October 6 as its sole Airbus A330-200 had to undergo mandatory maintenance checks. The airlines full-year performance will be made public in June of this year. Air Serbias capacity on the Belgrade - New York - Belgrade service decreased during the first half of 2019 in part due to the usage of Etihad Airways Airbus A330-200 aircraft between January 12 and February 14, while its own jet of the same type underwent scheduled maintenance checks at Etihad Airways Engineering in Abu Dhabi. Over the same period, Air Serbias European network was exposed to a number of frequency cuts, as the carrier consolidated its network in the lead-up to a significant expansion from June onwards. Over the first half of 2019, the airlines average cabin load factor on the route stood at 78%, representing a noticeable improvement of twelve points. During the first six months of the year, Air Serbia uplifted 2.289.063 kilograms of freight on the Belgrade - New York service, down 32%. Since launching operations between the two cities on June 23, 2016 until July 1, 2019, Air Serbia handled a total of 228.080 travellers on the route. The airline previously said its JFK service was a long-term investment. "The introduction of flights to New York is a long-term investment for Air Serbia. Such routes usually take three to five years to achieve optimal results. What you get from the service to New York is an important air bridge between the United States, Belgrade and other destinations, the company noted. A record 73,000 elderly drivers voluntarily gave up their licenses last year in accordance with the government's campaign to reduce traffic accidents caused by older adults, police data showed Monday. According to the National Police Agency (NPA), a total of 73,221 drivers aged 65 or older voluntarily returned their licenses, marking a 6.1-fold surge over 11,913 such licenses surrendered in the previous year. People aged 75 and above accounted for 71.5 percent, or 52,377, of the elderly drivers who gave up their licenses last year, the NPA noted. Behind the steep increase in the number of senior drivers giving up their licenses was the introduction of a support program for senior citizens surrendering their driver's licenses by local governments. Forty municipal governments, including Seoul, Daegu and Incheon, have implemented an incentive program that provides 100,000 won (around US$83) a month in a transportation allowance to senior drivers who voluntarily return their licenses. The NPA plans to provide 1.39 billion won out of its annual budget to local governments this year to share their payment of transportation allowances for elderly drivers returning their licenses. The government has steadily encouraged elderly people to stop driving, saying their eyesight and cognitive ability may deteriorate due to old age. Starting last year, drivers older than 75 are obliged to renew their driver's licenses and take an aptitude test every three years, instead of every five years. According to police data, elderly people above 65 accounted for 14.3 percent of South Korea's population as of the end of 2018, but they accounted for 44.5 percent of road accident fatalities. (Yonhap) Ex-Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg left the aerospace giant with $80.7 million in salary, stock options and other bonuses after he was forced to resign from the company in December, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing disclosed on Friday. Chief among his services rendered was spearheading the production and certification of the 737 Max 8 aircraft, which killed 346 passengers and crew in two crashes, making it one of the deadliest commercial jets ever put into service. Muilenburgs assets include shares worth $4.3 million, pension and back pay totaling $28.5 million and long-term stock options amounting to $29.4 million. Boeing also preserved his right to purchase nearly 73,000 shares of company stock at a pro-rated value of $5.5 million, which he could then resell for $24 million. Having rushed the new jet into service, cutting safety corners and covering up known and potentially fatal engineering and software dangers, and then vouching for the safety of the plane after both the first crash, in October 2018, and the second, in March 2019, Muilenburgs punishment was the loss of his severance package, worth an estimated $14.6 million. Pres. Trump with Keith Muilenberg in February 2017 [Photo credit: Ryan Johnson] Boeing allocated only $50 million in compensation for the 346 families who lost loved ones in the two crashesLion Air Flight 610 outside of Jakarta, Indonesia, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 outside Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The lives lost, according to the company, are only worth $144,500 each, less than what Muilenburg averaged in a month. The callousness with which Boeing has treated the crash victims families as compared to its chief executive is an example of class justice in America. A worker accused of reckless driving in Washington state, where the Max 8 is made, can be thrown into jail for 364 days and fined up to $5,000. The corporate CEO who recklessly went ahead developing a deadly aircraft and who should be tried for the murder of hundreds of men, women and children is rewarded with a new windfall to add to his fortune. Moreover, as the result of the grounding of the Max 8 after the second crash and production freeze that began this month, Boeing subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems has laid off 2,800 employees. The parts manufacturer generates 80 percent of its revenue from its Boeing contract, a large portion of which is making the fuselage for the deadly plane. The company has also announced that it will be laying off more workers at its plants in Tulsa and McAlester, Oklahoma, none of whom will receive any compensation from Boeing for having their livelihoods destroyed. These are no doubt only the first of many thousands of layoffs the working class will be forced to suffer as a result of the companys greed and negligence. The criminality of the Max 8 enterprise was again laid bare on Thursday, when the Washington Post reported that Boeing had submitted to Congress a trove of internal communications in which employees with their names redacted expressed their frustrations with the management of the project and fears that the aircraft was unsafe to fly. This is a joke. This airplane is ridiculous, commented one employee in a conversation regarding updates to the Max hardware and software. Fix one thing, break [three] others. A different missive exclaimed, Ill be shocked if the FAA passes this turd. Another message proposed darkly that one could avoid the dangers of the Max 8 by committing suicide. Get silencer, put on end of gun, place adjacent to temple, and pull triggerthe problems stop. At this point, how can they consider continuing? An email from 2018 suggests that problems similar to those that have plagued the Max 8 are continuing in the development of Boeings newest plane, the 777X. It reads: Why did the lowest ranking and most unproven supplier receive the contract? Solely based on the bottom dollar. Not just MAX but also the 777X! Supplier management drives all these decisions Best part is we are re-starting this whole thing with the 777X with the same supplier and have signed up to an even more aggressive schedule! The documents also show the lengths Boeing was willing to go to ensure that pilot simulator training not be required for the Max 8 in order to keep overhead costs as low as possible. Emails signed by Boeings 737 chief technical pilot at the time, Mark Forkner, stressed the importance of holding firm that there will not be any type of simulator training required to transition from NG to Max when discussing the aircraft with federal regulators. Forkner also played a key role in forcing international regulators to accept Boeings assertion that only a minimal computer-based training course was required to fly the Max 8. He wrote, likely to regulators at Indias Directorate General of Civil Aviation, that there is only one difference between the [737 NG] and [737 Max], and they should withdraw their reservations because the regulatory agencies in Argentina, Canada, China, Europe, Malaysia and the US had already done so. As was conclusively shown by Indonesias aviation regulatory agency in its final report of the Lion Air crash, the planes plunged to their doom as a result of a previously little-known anti-stall mechanism called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which was concealed from test pilots during the Max 8s certification and kept out of manuals used by commercial pilots flying the aircraft, even after the first crash. There are no innocent explanations for these exposures. Despite Boeings denials that the emails are inconsistent with Boeing values, they make clear that the company, its executives and its major shareholders gave far greater weight to their profits and stock prices than the safety of the people who would eventually be on board the flying deathtrap. This includes $200 billion made by major Boeing shareholders such as The Vanguard Group, T. Rowe Price Associates, the Newport Trust Co., SSGA Funds Management and Blackrock Fund Advisors, among others, from the time the Max 8 was first announced to just before the second crash. For his part, Muilenburg made $6.5 million selling stock the month before Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 plummeted to its destruction, suggesting that he and other executives who made similar multi-million-dollar windfalls had concerns about the safety of the plane. The criminalization of the American ruling class is the product of the degeneration and crisis of the entire social and economic system of capitalism. The Boeing disasters underscore above all the need to mobilize the working class to expropriate the major banks and giant corporations in order to transform them into publicly owned and democratically controlled utilities. According to Kotaku reporter Jason Schreier, PS5 will have exclusive next-gen games when it launches later this year. If this comes true, Sony would be going for a completely different strategy compared to Microsoft. Xbox Series Xs library will feature cross-gen for at least one year, as revealed in a recent interview by Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty. Ive heard some of the PS5 launch titles, Schreier said during the latest Kotaku Splitscreen podcast. I wont say them yet as I probably will want to some kind of report on that stuff for the future. But those will be on PS5 only. The move is consistent with Sonys strategy to have a faster transition over PlayStation 5 in comparison with previous generations, where it took a little longer to have consumers moving from a current-gen console to a new one. Microsoft has instead been promoting the concept of ecosystem and blurring the lines between generations and devices for the last few years. An excellent example of that is Halo Infinite launching at Xbox Series Xs day one but also being available day and date on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC. As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty told MCV last year at X019. We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that were committed to them with content. This is what Microsoft has been pushing as forward compatibility, a particular case where Xbox One is capable of running next-generation games and is not limiting anymore to backwards compatibility, meaning the ability to handle titles from previous generations. Sony has yet to reveal its full plans for backwards compatibility, but we do know that PlayStation 5 will be able to run PS4 games at the very least. At the time being, it is unknown whether PlayStation 4 games run on the newest hardware will feature some improvement or will be emulated. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, details were released around Brand USA Travel Week Europe 2020. The biggest players in the United States and European travel industries will gather once again to discuss trends, challenges, innovations, and opportunities to increase international visitation to the United States. Brand USA Travel Week Europe is scheduled to take place from Monday, Sept. 21 Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at London's etc. venues County Hall. Registration is now open to exhibitors and buyers with exhibitor registration closing on Mar. 31, 2020, and buyer registration closing on Jun. 17, 2020. "Brand USA Travel Week Europe debuted to great success in 2019, showcasing the diverse range of travel experiences available throughout the United States. The event proved to be a groundbreaking initiative for Brand USA and its partners," said Tom Garzilli, chief marketing officer at Brand USA. "Brand USA Travel Week Europe has improved the way the U.S. travel community engages with the European market, fostering more authentic connections and business opportunities. We are dedicated to providing both exhibitors and buyers with an even greater experience in 2020." Brand USA Travel Week Europe celebrates the diverse range of travel experiences available throughout the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia. The 2020 event will offer curated one-on-one B2B appointments between U.S. exhibitors and European buyers, a compelling and informative Enrichment Series, and a series of extraordinary evening events that will engage, educate, and entertain attendees. "Europe has long been a vital market to the United States, and Brand USA Travel Week Europe is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to driving inbound visitation from this region. Putting the United States firmly on the European stage in a truly unique business setting, the initiative positions the USA as a premier destination as we aim to increase visitation, spend, and market share," added Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA Brand USA Travel Week Europe will rotate throughout Europe. Future locations have been identified as 2021 in Germany, 2022 in the United Kingdom, 2023 in France, 2024 in the United Kingdom, and 2025 in the Netherlands. Additional information about Brand USA Travel Week Europe is available at BrandUSATravelWeek.com. ABOUT BRAND USA: Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation's first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. travel policies and procedures to worldwide travelers. The organization's mission is to increase international visitation to the USA in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA. According to studies by Oxford Economics, over the past six years, Brand USA's marketing initiatives have helped welcome 6.6 million incremental visitors to the USA, benefiting the U.S. economy with more than $21.8 billion in total economic impact and supporting, on average, nearly 52,000 incremental U.S. jobs a year. For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com. To discover more about the USA and the boundless diversity of American travel experiences and authentic, rich culture, please visit Brand USA's consumer website VisitTheUSA.com and follow Visit The USA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SOURCE Brand USA Related Links https://www.thebrandusa.com Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has called for a process of "de-escalation" in the Middle East amid widespread protests in Iran after the country's military admitted shooting down a Ukrainian airliner. An Australian navy warship has set sail for the Persian Gulf to keep shipping safe for the next six months in the tense Strait of Hormuz that passes by Iran. HMAS Toowoomba will be sent to the Persian Gulf amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Credit:Royal Australian Navy Protests have erupted throughout Iran in recent days with demonstrators calling on its senior leaders to resign over their initial denials that it shot down the passenger plane carrying 176 people. Tensions between the US and Iran have sharply escalated this year since a targeted American drone strike in Iraq killed prominent Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Tehran responded with missile strikes on US targets in Iraq. Nevada attorney John W. Muije has entered the race for Department 3 judge of the Fourth Judicial District. Justice of the Peace Mason Simons filed for the newly created bench Jan. 6. Muijes campaign released the following statement on Friday: Longtime Nevada Lawyer John W. Muije is pleased to announce his filing as a candidate for the newly created District Court, Department 3, Judgeship, covering Elko County (The Fourth Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada). John and his wife Bobbi have resided in Nevada for over 40 years, and now make Wells their permanent home. John has been admitted to practice since 1980, and has been in private practice, dealing with the day-to-day challenges of practicing law AND also running a successful small business, for the past 37 years, employing and providing good jobs for as many as ten other Nevadans at a time. Simultaneously, while focusing primarily on civil litigation, John has served literally hundreds of private clients willing to pay their hard-earned money for Johns considerable experience and expertise. In doing so, he has built a reputation as one of the most successful and tenacious litigators in the State, having been recognized as one of Nevadas TOP ONE HUNDRED TRIAL LAWYERS. Early in his career, Johns practice relied on volume, and he and his associates successfully handled hundreds of cases, routinely appearing in court a dozen or more times a week to argue for and obtain justice for his many clients. As he gained experience, and recognition in the legal community, the cases became larger and more challenging, with John regularly appearing in District Court matters all over the state, Federal Court matters, and of course handling both Nevada State Supreme Court as well as Federal appellate court matters on a recurring basis. In recent years, and with the benefit of more than 30 years active practice and experience, John routinely handles and litigates multi-million dollar matters, most of which are referred to him by other lawyers and satisfied clients. John finds it unnecessary to advertise on television, or take out large display ads in the phone book, insofar as his success rate brings him more clients than he can comfortably handle. John was born in Salt Lake City, but travelled widely in his younger years as his dad was a consulting engineer. Ultimately John earned an academic scholarship at Michigan State University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in economics in 1976. The next year he finished first in the Michigan State MBA class of 1977. Thereafter, John attended the University of Chicago, known as one of the most challenging and rigorous academic Law Schools in the Country, earning his Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree. Even before law school, John had decided he wished to return to the West, where much of his family still resided. While in law school, he worked as a summer law clerk for larger firms in Denver and Seattle. Upon graduation, John accepted a position with one of the larger law firms in Las Vegas, Nevada. Three years and significant legal experience later, John decided to venture out on his own and began operating his own law practice, which he has done ever since. John and his wife Bobbi have successfully raised four children, the youngest of whom is now 26 years old and a special education teacher. John and Bobbi are blessed to have two beautiful granddaughters, and hope for more grandchildren. John has been a life-long avid hunter who first began to hunt Northern Nevada in the late 1980s, where he made numerous friends and enjoyed the excellent hunting, particularly in Elko County. John first acquired property in Elko County in 1995, where he hoped to build a permanent home. Subsequently, John and Bobbi, tiring of the crowding, the congestion, and the ever worsening rat-race in Las Vegas, purchased 80 acres and an existing homestead in early 2014, north of Wells off of Highway 93, which they now count as their home. John and Bobbi joined the Elko chapter of the BPOE CHAPTER 1472, (the Elks) about that time and are looking forward to becoming much more active now that they are almost done transitioning to Elko County full time. John notes that the District Court is Nevadas general jurisdiction court tasked with handling felony criminal cases, larger civil matters, probate and estates, divorces, adoptions, and guardianships, and pretty much any other important legal matter of every kind and nature. The big advantage John brings with him into this campaign is his many years of diverse and far-ranging experience, coupled with the fact that he has successfully managed and operated his own business for over 30 years, covering payroll, paying rent, and dealing with recurring real world challenges. During that time, John has appeared before dozens of different Judges, magistrates and courts, and has observed first hand what it takes to be a superlative Judge able to efficiently and fairly handle the legal problems and issues of the many hard-working citizens and taxpayers that come before the Court. Additionally, having represented many hundreds of diverse clients and dealing with virtually every legal problem imaginable, John is especially well-suited to smoothly assume the Department 3 Judgeship and handle the complex and serious challenges of Nevadas newest general jurisdiction Court. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Guest Column For India, There Are Many Reasons to Engage Myanmar Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (right) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk during her ceremonial reception in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi on Oct. 18, 2016. / REUTERS As one of only two Southeast Asian countries invited to attend the swearing-in of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he won re-election in May 2019, Myanmars relations with India have been thrust into the spotlight. Heres why Naypyitaw should matter to Delhi in 2020. For a start, Myanmar is an important member of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a minilateral subregional organization that is committed to fostering bilateral or regional cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries. As the members of BIMSTEC were invited by Modi to his second inauguration, he will be looking to prioritize this body in his second term, which will include greater engagement with Myanmar. Myanmar is geopolitically significant to India as it stands at the center of the India-Southeast Asia region. Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country that shares a land border with northeastern India, stretching some 1,624 kilometers. The neighbors also share a 725-km maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Being the only country that sits at the intersection of Indias Neighborhood First policy and its Act East policy, Myanmar is an essential element in Indias practice of regional diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, and serves as a land bridge to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is therefore in Indias geostrategic interest to see Myanmar prevail as a stable and autonomous country, thereby making possible greater bilateral engagement in India-Myanmar relations. The last thing Delhi policymakers would want is a failed Myanmar state at Indias doorstep and a weakened Myanmar falling into the clutches of China as a satellite state, thereby being pressured to do Beijings bidding in regional affairs. Without colliding head-on with China, Delhi scours for ways to outsmart Beijing so that the balance of power in mainland Southeast Asia is tilted in favor of India. This makes Myanmar an inadvertent kingmaker in Sino-Indian relations. It is little surprise then that Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country that has a separate bureaucratic division (shared with Bangladesh) in Indias External Affairs Ministry, testifying to the continued importance of Myanmar to Indias foreign policy under Modis government. India sees Myanmar as being vital to fulfilling its ambition to become a US$5-trillion (7,353-trillion-kyat) economy by 2024. But with total bilateral trade of $2 billion, Indias economic engagement with Myanmar lags behind China, behoving Modis government to scale up India-Myanmar economic ties. This dovetails with India giving greater weight to bilateral economic engagement with Southeast Asian countries after it withdrew from the multilateral Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Facilitating connectivity is central to improving India-Myanmar economic relations. India regards Myanmar as a gateway to link up to the rest of Southeast Asia, and thus has invested in ASEAN-wide infrastructural projects that are able to boost trade in the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area. Infrastructure projects are underway, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT), which aims to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with the Sittwe deep-water port in Rakhine State by sea. It is incumbent on India to bring the projects they front and finance into fruition expeditiously. As part of its policy for the Indian Ocean called Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), central to which is port-led development, India developed the Sittwe port in Rakhine State. This port, which sits on the Bay of Bengal, serves as a critical node of the KMMTT initiative to connect southwestern Myanmar to northeastern India by creating a multi-modal trinary of sea, river and road transport corridor to boost interconnectivity. Indias long-term strategic goal is to create a Special Economic Zone surrounding the Sittwe port, and in so doing, cement Indias footprint in Rakhine and boost its presence in the Bay of Bengal. The Sittwe port is meant to be Indias answer to the Chinese-fronted Kyaukphyu port, which is intended to cement Chinas geostrategic footprint in Rakhine. For economic relations to improve, India and Myanmar must boost their security cooperation at the border. The more secure the border is, the greater the economic activity will be. Part of the reason why the KMMTT has faced delays is that the route of the project traverses a warzone in Rakhine state, where a battle rages on between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army rebels on the one hand, and on the other, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Insurgents from Indias Nagaland have also disrupted the completion of the KMMTT project. The Indian and Myanmar armies have carried out two joint military operations, codenamed Operation Sunshine 1 and 2, to fight militants along the borders of Myanmars Rakhine state, which borders the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Greater impetus was given to these operations after Modi visited Myanmar in 2018. Seeing that Myanmar is critical to its national security interests, India provides military training and conducts joint military exercises with the Myanmar Army like the India-Myanmar Bilateral Military Exercise (IMBAX-2017 and IMBEX 2018-19), by which India had trained the Myanmar army to be able to participate in UN peacekeeping operations. To deepen their defense relations, India and Myanmar signed a landmark defense cooperation agreement in July 2019 during the visit to India by Myanmar military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Realizing the growing importance of the Bay of Bengal, the navies of both India and Myanmar conducted a historic bilateral naval exercise, IMNEX-18, in 2018. India also invited the Myanmar army to participate in the India-led multilateral Milan naval exercise that occurs biennially in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the next one taking place in March 2020. To elevate its Made in India arms industry, India has identified Myanmar as key to increasing its military exports. Along those lines, Myanmar bought Indias first locally produced anti-submarine torpedo, called TAL Shyena, in 2017, and in 2019, Myanmar acquired a diesel-electric Kilo-class submarine, INS Sindhuvir, which India had modernized after purchasing from Russia in the 1980s. For Naypyitaw, these military purchases are meant to secure and protect Myanmars maritime interests, especially on the back of its neighbors Bangladesh and Thailand acquiring submarines from China. In this submarine procurement race, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Myanmar are competitively hedging their military purchases between India and China. Myanmars geostrategic importance to India has meant that Delhi did not take a hardline approach on Naypyitaw vis-a-vis the Rohingya issue, even keeping its distance when Myanmar was hauled into the International Court of Justice over accusations of Rohingya genocide. That the Indian government is now led by the right-wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party also meant that the BJP-led government, with their Islamophobic tendencies, is unlikely to be sympathetic to the plight of Muslim Rohingyas. But because of geopolitical considerations and mindful of international public opinion, India, which has a Hindu majority, will need to perform a balancing act between Muslim-majority Bangladesh and Buddhist-majority Myanmar as far as the Rohingya issue is concerned. India has therefore played it safe by providing humanitarian relief even while deporting Rohingya refugees from India for security reasons, provoking the UNs ire. The quicker the Rohingya issue is resolved, the easier it will be for India to manage its relations with Myanmar and Bangladesh, focusing instead more on bilateral and subregional economic cooperation. Not immediately obvious is Myanmars importance to Indias conduct of cultural diplomacy through the lens of Buddhism for tourism purposes. Modis Buddhist Circuit initiative, which seeks to double foreign tourist arrivals and revenue by connecting ancient Buddhist heritage sites across different states in India, should resonate with Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Indias Buddhist diplomacy would not only attract pilgrims from mainland Buddhist Southeast Asia and thereby bolster the countrys tourist industry, but it could also build up Indias diplomatic reservoir of goodwill and trust with Buddhist-majority countries such as Myanmar. India-Myanmar ties are on the cusp of a remarkable transformation. The moment is opportune and the atmosphere is conducive for the governments of India and Myanmar to intensify efforts toward making India-Myanmar relations profoundly significant in each others foreign policy. On the one hand, Myanmar is striving to be stable and autonomous as it continues to manage its difficult democratization, while on the other, Modi is marketing India to the world. While Myanmar is Indias gateway to Southeast Asia, India is Myanmars gateway to South Asia. Looking ahead to the 2020s, the litmus test for the political leaderships of India and Myanmar is whether they are able to work together in taking a perfunctory India-Myanmar bilateral relationship to the next level of deepening engagement on a sustainable basis. Envisioning the potential in India-Myanmar relations has to be prioritized by both countries, and bilateral commitments translated to practical outcomes, lest India and Myanmar end up as one of those bilateral relationships that disappoints or merely flatters to deceive. The onus, however, remains on India as to how far and deep it is prepared to nurture its relations with Myanmar, knowing full well that Naypyitaw will matter much to Delhi in the next decade, not least if India wants to augment its standing as a regional power in the Indo-Pacific. Archana Atmakuri is Research Analyst and Dr. Mustafa Izzuddin is Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. A version of this article was published in The Diplomat. You may also like these stories: Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xis Visit Indian PM Defends Citizenship Law After Protests Turn Deadly Indias Supreme Court Halts Tree Felling for New Mumbai Metro Civic Leader group eight point plan to go before Councils Executive Board tomorrow This article is old - Published: Monday, Jan 13th, 2020 The output of work between critical friends and local stakeholders over how to drive investment and improvements to Wrexham has been released including identifying a core brand for the town centre. The group of civic leaders has benefitted from external facilitation and the involvement of critical friends from different sectors to define a vision for the town centre. Following a number of workshops, the vision was agreed as being A vibrant Town Centre ready for further investment. Cllr Pritchard explained the group as coming together in a non political manner to see what they think of the town. He said: They all have a passion and enthusiasm for Wrexham, and they have given up their valuable time to discuss and come up with this document. They looked at the town warts and all, but it is refreshing they are there with a common purpose and no politics to find solutions. When there is politics sometimes things can get lost. Cllr Pritchard avoided political specifics, but did note: During the election I did not comment but the town centre was one issue raised. I am looking forward to working with our new MPs. Wrexham Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft said: We are lucky we have got a group of leaders with their heart in Wrexham. They are all Wrexham based. On one level the group is about creating relationships and networking, but also working together with a common purpose to promote and build Wrexham as a vibrant place. The group looked at Rhyl and Birkenhead and how they leveraged investment and what has been done there. A brochure of investing in Wrexham to lever investment can be created, and we hope for buy-in from Welsh Government. The time is right, Wrexham needs to be at the front of the queue for investment. We are building a consensus view with Ministers. Members of the Group are in the process of securing endorsement of the report from their organisations / businesses and therefore the Council is asked to signal its support for the document and the vision and direction of travel it represents. The town centre and gateways to it could see some remodelling, with the old Woolworths building being cited as one that is too big and some 70s architecture also seen as detrimental to the future of the town centre. Cllr Pritchard said anyone can join the group as long as they had passion to improve Wrexham, calling this new report refreshing while noting it did not tread on the toes of the town Masterplan which was approved in 2016, which itself was based off a Prospectus 2025 document first publicly mooted in a now ancient 2015, with the subsequent decade flying by. Cllr David A Bithell also gave his support to the report, I welcome it, I support the aspirations of it and what the future holds for example the transport hub. There is negativity out there, but the key message is it is 2020 and Wrexham is open for business. The Civic Leadership Report 2019 on Wrexham (PDF here) gives a vision of the town centres strengths and also its weaknesses and puts forward eight ideas to build on those strengths and address the weaknesses. The 1,500 word twenty page document is an output from a group that has met over the last year, and is based off a idea thought to have come from the councils new Chief Executive Ian Bancroft. The document has three asks at the start, which are made to the Council Leader and Welsh Government Ministers. They are asked to pledge support and work towards the common purpose of improving the town centre, asking them to become partners, investors and champions for that goal, and assist in delivering Wrexhams pitch to a wider cross-sector audience of partners. Several issues with the town centre are listed which could be applicable to any place in Wales or the UK, including; anti social behaviour, low consumer confidence, large redundant buildings and poor quality public realm areas. The issues are then addressed by several ideas: Creative engagement, with it noted the wider Wrexham economy is healthy and incomes are good but Town Centre spend doesnt follow. Finding financial solution to knock down and invest in town centre buildings, noting high quality specifications will refresh and energise the town centre. A new entrepreneurial loan fund to to stimulate and sustain entrepreneurs that push the envelope Improve transport routes and methods to encourage local people to travel in to town Safe lively spaces in town, and good gateways into town A more defined town centre core, with smaller units of independent traders offering quality products and experiences. High quality residential accommodation, and it appears a discouraging of identikit flats with encouragement of innovative design that is complementary to the Towns heritage. Creation of a high quality prospectus for the town, with a clear brand. Membership of the Civic Leadership for Wrexham is listed in the document as leaders or owners of: Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Coleg Cambria Development Banks of Wales Net World Sports North Wales police St Giles Church The Bank The Lemon Tree Wrexham AFC Wrexham Business Professionals Wrexham County Borough Council Wrexham Glyndwr University Once the report gets the nod through the Executive Board tomorrow consultation and engagement will take place and proposals for delivery of activities will commence. Top pic: From the existing Masterplan document. I read the chapters that told the history of their arrival in America over and over, and seized on the phrase black Irish. I grew up in a predominantly Irish suburb of Boston I knew that people used the phrase to describe Irish people with darker hair and darker skin. I took that murky definition and decided it must mean Francie was black like me. Francie with her fierce and sometimes unknowable mother, in her allegiance to her block, in her ability, borne of necessity, to create better worlds for herself inside her mind all of these read as markers of black girlhood to me. I claimed her as mine. When I made my claim, I did not feel as if I were betraying my blackness. Indeed, I felt an immense power, as if Id found a way to read the book that only I was clever enough to discover. So I feel conflicted about the criticisms of Little Women. I understand the fatigue of watching a prestigious film about white women being claimed as a cultural watershed for women everywhere. But I also feel the pull of narrative, of images on the screen, of watching an artist build a world and inviting others to enter. Where are the black characters? I remember reading on Twitter. And then a response saying you dont want to see director Greta Gerwig trying to portray black characters. Never mind that Ms. Gerwig did include black actors as townspeople. And then the turn again: Lets stop imagining ourselves in white stories and instead create our own. To this point, I think of the life of Ellen Garrison Jackson. Nine years older than Louisa May Alcott, she was a black girl in Concord, Mass., the second generation to live in her familys homestead. Like Alcott, she grew up in a family committed to radical social change. Her mother worked as an abolitionist, occasionally working in coalition with white female activists in Concord. In 1866, she initiated an early lawsuit over segregation in public transportation, testing the nations first Civil Rights Act and predating Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott by nearly a century. Many of the things that readers respond to in the story of the March family the questions of how to live a life of moral fortitude in an immoral world; the fierceness of righting injustices that young girls feel when they encounter the world are a part of the history of Ellen Garrison Jackson. She could easily and with historical accuracy be included in the Little Women universe. The fact that she isnt speaks to the value of the question of Where are we? The question can be valuable in helping to find the stories that are deeper and more complicated than the conventions of narrative fiction. In the movie theater, watching the March sisters onscreen, I sat beside my own sisters, Alcott superfans, and my niece, who has been dragged to Orchard House, the Alcotts home in Concord, more times than she can count. Watching a movie and dissecting it scene by scene afterward with my sisters is one of my keenest pleasures, one I took for granted in childhood. One I recognize as an adult now as rare. As we left the theater, we fell into the practiced conversation of sisters, a volley of interjections, an endless round of and then, but so, and now. It is worthwhile to point to the absences, the silences, the erasures in stories. But the questions should be an invitation to creation, not an end to conversation. Kaitlyn Greenidge is the author of the novel We Love You, Charlie Freeman and a contributing opinion writer. 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. Guru, a resident of Doabgah suburb of J&Ks north-western Sopore town, was hanged in Delhis Tihar jail on February 9, 2013. Undated photo of deputy superintendent of police Davinder Singh who was arrested along with two Hizb-ul Mujahideen militants in Kashmir Valley on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. (PTI Photo) Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday said that Davinder Singh, deputy superintendent in Anti-Hijacking Squad at the Srinagar International Airport, who was arrested along with two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants in southern Kulgam district a day ago, is being treated as a militant. The police further said that Singh will be questioned also about Parliament attack convict Muhammad Afzal Gurus claim that he (the police officer) had asked him to take a co-accused to Delhi. Guru, a resident of Doabgah suburb of J&Ks north-western Sopore town, was hanged in Delhis Tihar jail on February 9, 2013. The J&K police had on Saturday arrested a top Hizb commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu alias Babar Azam and his accomplice Asif Ahmed Rather while travelling along the highway connecting Srinagar and Jammu. Singh, who was travelling with them in a Hyundai i20 car, was also taken into custody for questioning. The police recovered five hand-grenades from the possession of the arrested militants and subsequently an AK-47 rifles and two pistols during a raid at the police officers house in Srinagars high-security Shivpora area. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Vijay Kumar at a press conference here on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Singh and said that he was involved in a heinous crime for which he will be treated like other militants. He said that another person, a lawyer by profession but working as an over-ground worker of militants, has also been apprehended. The police sources identified the lawyer as Irfan Shaffi Mir of Shopian district. Singh is a decorated police officer who has served valiantly and productively in the J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) for many years. He was some time back awarded the Presidents medial for bravery. Acknowledging this, the IGP said, This police officer has worked in many anti militancy operations but the way he was captured yesterdayIt is a heinous crime. That is why we have treated him like other militants. He added, Weve arrested him formally and brought him on remand. The interrogation is going on. Singh and the militant duo were taken to an unknown destination immediately after the car they were travelling in was intercepted by a police party headed by an officer of IGPs rank between Mir Bazaar and Wanpoh stretch of the highway in Kulgam district on Saturday morning. The police sources said that the preliminary investigations revealed that the trio was on their way to Delhi. Singh was absent from duty on Saturday and had applied for four days leave from Sunday, the sources said. The sources also said that the police was tracking Naveed Babus movements and his location was traced after he made a phone call to his brother. After the interrogation of the police officer and the militants, the police carried out multiple raids in Srinagar and south Kashmir. While an AK-47 rifle and two pistols were recovered from the polices officers Srinagar residence, another AK rifle and a pistol were found at a militant hideout in south Kashmir on Naveed Babus confession. The police said that Naveed Babu, a former Special Police Officer who decamped with more than one assault rifles from central Kashmirs Budgam district in 2017, was wanted by it for his involvement in the killing of eleven civilians in various incidents in south Kashmir where he was very active for past some time. Naveed Babu, the police said, had joined the Hizb in 2017 itself. The IGP said that Naveed Babu has been involved also in killing of policemen and torching many apple orchards and threatening farmers and other people following the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year. He was the most wanted for us and HMs commander of district Shopian. He is HMs second in command after its chief Riyaz Naikoo, the officer said adding that he (Naveed Babu) was involved in a series of post-August 5, 2019 attacks on non-local labourers, truck drivers and apple merchants with the aim of driving the non locals out of Valley. Replying questions, IGP Mr Kumar said that the interrogation of Singh by the J&K police, its CID wing, the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is underway. Guru had in a letter to his lawyer claimed that Singh had asked him to take Muhammad, a co-accused in the Parliament attack, to Delhi and arrange his stay there. Asked about Gurus claim, Mr. Kumar said, Theres nothing in my records but what you are saying will also be asked (to) him during the interrogation. A journalist told the IGP that Singh had in an interview to him some years back admitted that he had tortured Guru and that in order to save himself from more torture he (Guru) was asked to do one last work in Delhi. The Valleys police chief evaded a direct answer to this but reiterated that Singh would be interrogated about Gurus claim as well. Princes Harry and William pose with a rock python during a visit to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Gabarone, Botswana (Anthony Devlin/PA) The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex shared what appeared to be an unbreakable bond. Their experience of a royal childhood and the trauma of losing their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, bound them together through their teens, and well into adulthood. But the royal brothers have faced a turbulent time due to a rift that would at one stage have seemed unimaginable. Expand Close Prince William, nine, and Prince Harry, seven, in Canada in 1991 (Martin Keene/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince William, nine, and Prince Harry, seven, in Canada in 1991 (Martin Keene/PA) Harry, in his ITV documentary during his Africa tour, told of how he and William had good days and bad days in their relationship. He spoke of how they were on different paths but told how he still loved his brother dearly. Broadcaster Tom Bradby, a friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who interviewed them for the Africa documentary, wrote in The Sunday Times of Harry and Meghans relationship with the royal family: The fallout began at the time of the wedding in 2018. Expand Close Harry and William arriving at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle for the dukes wedding to Meghan Markle (Ian West/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and William arriving at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle for the dukes wedding to Meghan Markle (Ian West/PA) Really damaging things were said and done. The atmosphere soured hard and early, but few meaningful attempts were made by anyone to heal the wounds. He added: There is no doubt Harry and Meghan feel they have been driven out. Bradby, speaking on ITVs Good Morning Britain earlier this week, had said: There are lots of people who would, including I think the brothers themselves, love them to be closer again. He described it as a family dispute within a family firm. In a joint statement on Monday, William and Harry denied a newspaper claim about their relationship which they branded offensive and potentially harmful. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and his sons in Klosters in 2000 (John Stillwell/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and his sons in Klosters in 2000 (John Stillwell/PA) The statement did not name the newspaper but Mondays The Times has a front page story about the crisis, and says a source told the publication that Harry and Meghan regarded themselves as having been pushed away by what they saw as a bullying attitude from the Duke of Cambridge. As well as facing the scrutiny of royal life, William and Harry both served in the military, enduring the rigours of training at Sandhurst, followed by a career, for a time, in the forces. They played polo together, and lived close to one another at Kensington Palace, where they grew up. Expand Close Prince William and Prince Harry at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in 2006 (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince William and Prince Harry at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in 2006 (PA) Although different in character, the pair were always at ease in one anothers company, frequently making jokes about each others hair at royal appearances. Harry, more open and outspoken, was always been seen as more of the party prince compared with William. Considered more reckless and the daredevil one, Harrys most famous stunts have included being photographed playing strip billiards while on holiday in Las Vegas. Expand Close William (right) and Harry ride their motorbikes ahead of the start of the Enduro Africa charity ride in Port Edward, South Africa in 2008 (Jerome Delay/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp William (right) and Harry ride their motorbikes ahead of the start of the Enduro Africa charity ride in Port Edward, South Africa in 2008 (Jerome Delay/PA) Future king William is seen as more cautious, and more measured in his approach. Harry was Williams best man when he married Kate Middleton in 2011. At the altar, it was Harry who reassured him that all was going smoothly on the big day, telling William when Kate arrived: Right, she is here now. Harrys best man speech was said to be both hilarious and touching. Expand Close Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton, followed by best man Prince Harry and maid of honour Pippa Middleton (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton, followed by best man Prince Harry and maid of honour Pippa Middleton (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) He in turn asked William to do the honour when he wed Meghan Markle in 2018. William vowed revenge for Harrys best man speech and his own delivery was described as naughty. Their friendship had a sadness at its roots. The brothers had to endure losing their mother at a young age, an experience which brought them together in grief. William and Harry were just 15 and 12 when Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 and the brothers sought comfort from one another during their difficult teenage years. Both have spoken of the warmth their mother showed them in childhood and how she strove to make them aware of those less fortunate than them. In 2017, they marked the 20th anniversary of Dianas death. They viewed tributes left for the princess at her former home, Kensington Palace, and commissioned a statue in her memory. Expand Close The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry after viewing tributes to Diana, Princess of Wales, at Kensington Palace ahead of the 20th anniversary of their mothers death (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry after viewing tributes to Diana, Princess of Wales, at Kensington Palace ahead of the 20th anniversary of their mothers death (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) When Harry turned 21, he described William as the one person on the planet with whom he could talk about everything. Its amazing how close weve become, Harry said. I mean, ever since our mother died, obviously we were close, but he is the one person on this earth who I can actually really we can talk about anything. We understand each other and we give each other support. The brothers went on to work jointly on their Royal Foundation, striving to raise awareness surrounding mental health issues, along with other charitable work, then becoming a royal trio with the Duchess of Cambridge. Harry, who was the spare to the heir until William and Kate had children, had settled down in recent years, concentrating on his charity work, and then marrying former Suits star Meghan. But just 20 months after the glittering royal wedding, Harrys role with the royal family stands on the edge of a precipice. Harry and Meghan moved from Kensington Palace, left the Royal Foundation their joint venture with William and Kate, blindsided the royals with statements attacking the press and now want to step down as senior royals and become financially independent. Theres a lot of times that both myself and my brother wish, obviously, that we were just completely normal, Harry confessed in 2012. Despite their troubles, it could perhaps be William who is the only person who can fully understand what his brother is going through. Photo: The Canadian Press UPDATE: 9:40 a.m. Queen Elizabeth II said Monday that she has agreed to grant Prince Harry and Meghan their wish for a more independent life that will see them move part-time to Canada. The British monarch said in a statement that today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family." She said it had been "agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK." Harry and Meghan are also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days, the queen said. In a six-sentence statement that mentioned the word "family" six times, the Queen said that though we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Monday's meeting involved the Queen, her heir Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry, with Meghan expected to join by phone from Canada. Meghan arrived back in Canada last week to be with the couples baby son Archie. The family spent the holidays in British Columbia. One of the more fraught questions that needs to be worked out is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent and what activities can be undertaken to make money. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also face questions on paying for taxpayer-funded security. ORIGINAL: 6:45 a.m. Princes William and Harry slammed a newspaper report Monday describing a severe strain in their relationship, calling the story offensive and potentially harmful as they embark on talks regarding the future of the British monarchy. The two brothers issued the unusual statement even as Queen Elizabeth II was set to hold face-to-face talks with Prince Harry for the first time since he and his wife, Meghan, unveiled their controversial plan to walk away from royal roles. The dramatic family summit is meant to chart a future course for the couple. Though the statement did not name the newspaper, the Times of London has a front page story about the crisis in which a source alleged that Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by the bullying attitude from" William. The joint statement insisted that the story was false.'' For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful, the statement said. The meeting reflects the queen's desire to contain the fallout from Harry and Meghans decision to step back as senior royals, work to become financially independent and split their time between Britain and North America. The couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the announcement Wednesday without telling the queen or other senior royals first. The meeting at the monarch's private Sandringham estate in eastern England will also include Harry's father Prince Charles and his brother Prince William. It comes after days of intense news coverage, in which supporters of the royal family's feuding factions used the British media to paint conflicting pictures of who was to blame for the rift. William is expected to travel to Sandringham from London and Harry from his home in Windsor, west of the British capital. Charles has flown back from the Gulf nation of Oman, where he attended a condolence ceremony Sunday following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Meghan, who is in Canada with the couples baby son Archie, is likely to join the meeting by phone. Buckingham Palace said a range of possibilities would be discussed, but the queen was determined to resolve the situation within days, not weeks." The goal was to agree on next steps at Mondays gathering, which follows days of talks among royal courtiers and officials from the U.K. and Canada. Buckingham Palace stressed, however, that any decision will take time to be implemented." One of the more fraught questions that needs to be worked out is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent and what activities can be undertaken to make money. New Delhi, Jan 13 : A team of nearly a dozen Delhi Police Crime Branch sleuths stationed at Jawaharlal Nehru University has started a probe into the Jan 5 campus violence, according to a senior Crime Branch official. Akshat Awasthi and Rohit Shah, ABVP members, whose faces emerged during a TV channel sting, refused to join the investigation, police said, hoping they would join the probe on Tuesday. The official said the police called up a "masked woman", identified as Komal Sharma, but her phone was found to be switched off. "A notice has been sent to her to join the investigation. She is a student of Delhi University's Daulat Ram College," said the official. The police have so far issued notices to 9 accused asking them to join the investigation into the JNU violence. Seven out of the 9 suspects are from Left organisations. Out of the seven accused, three -- JNUSU President Aishe Gosh, Bhaskar Vijay and Pankaj -- joined the investigation on Monday. Aishe Gosh was questioned separately today, a senior police officer said, adding one of the questions the police asked her was who had hit her and whether she could identify the suspect. She was also asked how many stitches she received for her head injury. Ghosh had told a channel that she was hit by an iron rod and that she received 10 stitches on the upper part of her forehead. The other suspects, Bhaskar Vijay and Pankaj, were questioned together by a Special Investigation Team. The police are trying to coalsce all the information to form a sequence of violence that rocked the university on Jan 5. The police have decided to send a legal notice to 37 more people, part of WhatsApp group involved in the violence. Popocateptl, the second-highest volcano in North America and one of Mexicos most active, has erupted again, shooting out lava and billowing smoke on Jan. 9. Thursdays eruption at sunrise was a spectacular one, and was it well documented given the volcanos location 43 miles southeast of Mexico City, where its 17,700-feet-high peak can be seen if weather conditions allow. A bright explosion lit up the morning sky, followed by a shower of lava, then a huge cloud of smoke that reached nearly 20,000 feet high, raining down fire and ashes. Although no casualties were reported, Mexicos National Center for Disaster Prevention issued a yellow phase 2 alert, which means people are advised to stay clear of the volcano and its slopes. Popocatepetl (or Smoky Mountain in the native Nahuatl language) has been monitored 24/7 by at least 20 observational posts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration captured the eruption from space. Popocatepetl has had at least 36 major eruptions since the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1519. Volcano Erupts Near Manila; Airport Shut, Villagers Flee A small volcano near the Philippine capital that draws tourists for its picturesque setting in a lake erupted with a massive plume of ash and steam Sunday, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and forcing Manilas international airport to shut down. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal Volcano in Batangas province south of Manila blasted steam, ash, and pebbles up 6 to 9 miles into the sky in a dramatic escalation of its growing restiveness, which began last year. The volcanology institute raised the danger level around Taal three notches on Sunday to level 4, indicating a hazardous eruption may happen within hours or days, said Renato Solidum, who heads the volcanology institute. Level 5, the highest, means a hazardous eruption is underway and could affect a larger area. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, but authorities scrambled to evacuate more than 6,000 villagers from an island in the middle of a lake, where the volcano lies, and tens of thousands more from nearby coastal towns, officials said. About 300,000 people were targeted to be moved to safety in Batangas overnight and in the next few days. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The latest Newspoll puts Labor ahead of the Coalition for the first time since the election in May. Scott Morrison's personal approval has also taken a significant hit, falling from 45% to 37%. The polling follows a month of scandal for the PM and his approach to handling the Australian bushfire crisis. Visit Business Insider Australia's homepage for more stories. Scott Morrison has faced an avalanche of criticism for his handling of the bushfire crisis over the past month or so and it looks like that's being reflected in the polls. According to the latest Newspoll, conducted by The Australian, Labor has pulled ahead of the Coalition for the first time since the election in May, now leading 51 to 49 on a two-party-preferred basis. But it's Morrison's personal popularity which has really taken a hit, tumbling eight points from 45% to 37%. Labor leader Anthony Albanese has moved ahead to 43% marking the first time a Labor leader has been ahead on that particular metric since a lone outlier poll in August 2018. The Newspoll was conducted between January 8 and January 11 and surveyed 1505 voters. Of course, we can easily dismiss this result as pure, horse-race faffery particularly since the two-party-preferred numbers in the lead-up to the May election consistently showed a Labor victory where there was to be no such thing. But it does indicate two things worth noting. Firstly, voters are not particularly pleased with Scott Morrison's handling of the bushfire crisis. The roar of disapproval, which began amid Morrison's ill-advised Hawaii jaunt barely abated throughout the New Years period, perhaps hitting its peak when an exhausted firey on the frontline told the PM, in no uncertain terms, to "get fucked". https://twitter.com/carolduncan/status/1213399172792999937 Morrison has conceded the weakness of his early bushfire response, saying in an interview with ABC Insider's host David Speers on Sunday there were "things I could have handled on the ground much better". The second indication from the Newspoll is that voters don't seem to have taken it out on the Coalition. Yes, Labor are ahead. But it's a very small, fragile lead considering the intensity of recent anger directed at the government's response. For now, it appears it is the PM who is wearing the brunt of the public's wrath. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday said the phase one of the trade deal with China includes them buying USD 200 billion worth of additional products from the US. "It is USD 200 billion of additional products across the board over the next two years, and, specifically, in agriculture, USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion," Mnuchin told ABC News, days ahead of the signing of the first phase of the deal. "This is a big opportunity for our farmers. I think some people have questioned whether they can produce it. The president said they are going to go out and buy more land and produce plenty of agriculture (products)," he said, in response to a question. Describing it as a historic transaction, Mnuchin said further talks would be held for the remaining phases. "As we have said, there will be a phase two. But this is the first time we have had a comprehensive agreement with China on technology issues, agricultural issues, financial services, purchases, and has a real enforcement mechanism. So this is a big win for the president," he asserted. Mnuchin said that the first phase of the trade deal includes real enforcement provision. "If they don't comply with the agreement, the president retains the authority to put on tariffs, both existing tariffs and additional tariffs," he said. The language of the trade deal, he said, will be released this week. "The day of the signing, we will be releasing the English version," he added. According to him, there are very important intellectual property rules in the deal that the US expects the Chinese to adhere to. "There are cyber concerns that we do have. So let me just be clear. Cyber will be part of phase two," he said. "But we have incorporated provisions in phase one that we think are important protections for US companies. So, we have made very clear there can be no forced technology transfer and that China is putting out laws to protect both US technology and other technology," he added. Trump, who has been accusing China of indulging in unfair trade practices contributing to the huge trade deficit amounting to USD 375 billion, had earlier warned that if a deal is not reached by March 1, the end of the 90-day grace period, the US will increase the tariffs on the USD 200 billions of goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. Trump has been demanding China to drastically reduce the trade deficit and ensure Intellectual property rights production for US technology and services. The escalating trade war raised concerns in China as its economy was on the downward trend amid efforts by the government to rejig the export-dependent economy to that of relying more on domestic consumption. Last year, the US imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of US goods. China is currently America's largest goods trading partner with USD 635.4 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2017. Goods exports totalled USD 129.9 billion; goods import totalled USD 505.5 billion. The US goods trade deficit with China was USD 375.6 billion in 2017. Trade in services with China (exports and imports) totalled an estimated USD 75.0 billion in 2017. Services exports were USD 57.6 billion; services imports were USD 17.4 billion. The US services trade surplus with China was USD 40.2 billion in 2017. The all-white production team behind ITV's royal documentary on the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle crisis were slammed last night for a 'lack of diversity'. ITV's Royal Editor Chris Ship and his team produced the hour-long special 'Harry & Meghan: A Royal Crisis?', which aired last night and covered the highs and lows of the couple's life in The Firm. Ahead of the programme, the journalist shared a selfie of the group on Twitter, praising them as 'classy, hard-working, no nonsense' and 'talented' for putting the documentary together in just two days, after the crisis broke last Wednesday. But some fans of the Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, were quick to criticise the group, with one commenting: 'No brown people in UK? No wonder the reporting is from one perspective.' An ITV News spokesperson told the MailOnline: 'The picture in the shared tweet is only a snapshot of a much wider team of talent behind the production of the documentary.' Fans of Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 38, criticised the team behind the royal documentary 'Prince Harry & Meghan: A Royal Crisis?' which aired on ITV last night They continued: 'It was taken as the show was on air and excludes several team members, many of whom had left the office after long shifts, were in editing suites ensuring the programme went to air without issue, or part of one of the four different international teams in Glasgow, Canada, LA and London who made contributions to the programme. 'The picture Chris Ship posted was first shared on another employees Twitter account, where she has tweeted other pictures from the production which showcase more of the diverse talent involved in the making of the show. These pictures were also shared as a reply to Chris tweet. They added: 'Further to this, the production team went to great lengths to ensure that the voices on screen were also diverse including contributions from the likes of Kimberly MacIntosh, Roya Nikkhah, Omid Scobie and Farah Nasser, amongst others.' Sharing the selfie of the production team with his 61,000 followers ahead of the programme airing, Chris wrote: 'The classy, hard-working, no nonsense, pizza eating, sleep depriving, guest-booking, talented team who produced tonights programme A Royal Crisis on Harry and Meghan in a record two days. The criticism came after ITV's Royal Editor Chris Ship shared a snap on Twitter praising the 'hardworking and talented' team for putting together the documentary together in just two days (pictured bottom centre, Chris Ship) He added: 'Impressive bunch.' But while Chris heaped praise on his team, Prince Harry and Meghan fans were quick to point out a lack of diversity among the group. One angry person wrote: 'Every single person in this pic can only theorize about what it means to be foreigner or brown in UK... 'Every single perspective in picture is Ive never seen racism. Of course you havent, its not directed at you.' Fans of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were quick to criticise Chris and the team, pointing out there was a 'lack of diversity' in the group Another questioned: 'Chris. Does ITV not have any diversity? Im genuinely asking.' Another wrote: 'No wonder there is racial bias against Meghan if this is a representative of royal reporters. 94 per cent white media.' One sarcastically wrote: 'Diverse team there.' Meanwhile another user commented: 'Wow just look at that diversity.' Prince Harry and Meghan fans criticised Chris and the team he worked with on the documentary (pictured, Chris Ship) The 'crisis' documentary, which was presented by Chris, featured clips of Prince Harry and Meghan throughout their relationship alongside a host of interviews with royal correspondents and royal experts. As well as providing some insight into the couple's decision to step down as senior royals, several commented on how the Sussexes might move forward following their decision. The documentary came ahead of today's crunch talks taking place between the Queen, Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry at Sandringham, Norfolk, as they work to broker an exit deal for the Sussexes. The Duchess of Sussex will 'dial in' from Canada, where she is currently staying with Archie. Prince Philip is not expected to attend. Prince Harry & Meghan: A Royal Crisis? aired last night on ITV, and followed the royal couple throughout the highs and lows of their relationship The family will discuss the significant obstacles that need to be overcome before Harry and Meghan can step down as senior royals, with the Queen reportedly keen to find a solution in a matter of days. As part of their bombshell announcement last week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 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 documentary comes days after the couple announced they'd be withdrawing from the royal rota system used by the senior royals, and attacked the UK's royal correspondents 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.' Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch in history even though she was never supposed to become queen in the first place. The whole history of her rule is fascinating to consider if her uncle King Edward VIII had never abdicated the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, we wouldnt have Queen Elizabeth as a monarch at all. And if her father hadnt died young, she probably wouldnt have broken the record for the longest rule. All the circumstances in Queen Elizabeths life have contributed to her legacy and to her unique habits. And even though her father King George VI died a long time ago, the impact of his death is still prevalent today. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth | Studio Lisa/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth and her father King George were very close Not all daughters have close personal relationships with their fathers, but young Elizabeth had a special bond with King George VI. Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, a full decade before her father would unexpectedly take the throne. Once George became king, he began grooming his daughter for the role he knew she would inherit. This shared destiny helped solidify their close relationship. King George VI began entrusting young Elizabeth with more and more royal responsibilities, proving how much he trusted her judgment even in her youth. The king named her counselor of state when she was just 18. This gave her the power to represent the United Kingdom in her fathers absence. Also, King George expressed his dismay with Elizabeths decision to marry Prince Philip. Like so many protective fathers, he didnt believe Philip was worthy of his daughter. King George VI with Princess Elizabeth | Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images King George died unexpectedly while Elizabeth was abroad Its always a tragedy when a world leader dies. But when King George VI died from lung cancer on February 6, 1952, citizens were shocked and saddened to hear the news. And no one was more heartbroken than Princess Elizabeth. Everyone knew that King George had lung cancer and was suffering from failing health for years before his death. But they didnt know his time was imminent. Elizabeth wasnt present at her fathers deathbed because she was on an important royal tour of Kenya at the time. She attended the tour in King Georges place because he was too ill to travel. But despite that fact, Elizabeth expected her father to recover from that illness. She never forgave herself for being away when he died. Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in Kenya | Chris Ware/Keystone/Getty Images Elizabeth was having a great time up until the moment of her fathers death Just before learning of her fathers death, Elizabeth was enjoying herself taking photos with elephants as part of the excursion along with her husband, Prince Philip. Time reported that she was too excited to sleep thanks to these gentle giants and kept leaving her cot to watch other nocturnal visitors at the watering hole. But the mood quickly turned somber when the news of King Georges death broke. Prince Philip heard from a local reporter and had the unfortunate task of informing his wife that her father was dead. After hearing the news, Elizabeth cut her trip short and returned home. She assumed responsibility for the United Kingdom the next day. Elizabeth mourned his death privately but presented a brave face in the wake of the tragedy. By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty, she said, via Good Housekeeping. My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples. One year later, she officially became the queen and began her long-lasting reign. She still honors her late father in surprising ways Queen Elizabeth at Christmas | John Stillwell WPA Pool/ Getty Images Queen Elizabeth doesnt talk much about her late father these days. But she does observe a few traditions that were inspired by his untimely death. For one thing, all royal family members always travel with at least one black outfit in their suitcase just in case someone important dies while theyre away. This is in remembrance of the time the queen was in Kenya and had no somber clothing to wear on her journey home. Queen Elizabeth also leaves her Christmas decorations at Sandringham up until February 6 the anniversary of King Georges death each year. In a way, its like keeping a piece of her father alive in her memory during the holiday season. (Newser) Who will be celebrating Oscar morning? Brad Pitt for sure. Jennifer Lopez almost certainly. And very possibly the Obamas, too. Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards, which will begin at 8:18am EST Monday, should bring plenty of star power to the Feb. 9 ceremonya good thing, too, since the show will for the second straight year go without a host, the AP reports. Thankfully, this Oscar year isn't lacking for drama. Netflix is gunning for its first best picture win and it has at least two contenders, led by Martin Scorseses crime epic The Irishman and Noah Baumbachs divorce drama Marriage Story. But in the lead up to Mondays nominations, much of the momentum has gone to a pair of movies that exalt the big screen with showmanship and celebrity: Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, with Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sam Mendes' continuous World War I thrill ride, 1917. story continues below The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences select anywhere from five to 10 nominees for best picture, depending on how many first-placed votes a film gets. Thats usually meant eight or nine movies. This year, the precursor guild nominations have suggested the sure things are Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, 1917, The Irishman, Taika Waititis Jojo Rabbit, and Bong Joon Hos Parasite. That leaves a few slots to be battled out by Joker, Little Women, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Bombshell, and The Farewell. More: The director category will be especially closely watched. Though Greta Gerwig (Little Women) is a possibility, the academy is expected to nominate an all-male field despite a year in which women made significant gains behind the camera. The academy has nominated only men for best director in all but five years; Gerwig was the last woman nominated, two years ago. In the acting categories, Renee Zellweger (Judy) has consistently led the best actress contenders. Should Awkwafina be nominated, she would be only the second woman of Asian descent nominated in the category. (The first, 1936 nominee Merle Oberon, hid her South Asian heritage.) Pitt has a lock on the supporting actor Oscar, which would be his first ever. Laura Dern (Marriage Story) and Lopez (Hustlers) have led the supporting actress nominees. A nomination would be the first for Lopez The best actor category, after a few lackluster years, has been especially competitive, with Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) and Adam Driver (Marriage Story) as the most entrenched nominees in a field including DiCaprio, Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), Christian Bale (Ford v Ferrari), Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name), Adam Sandler (Uncut Gems) and Robert De Niro (The Irishman). Beyonce will likely add an Oscar nomination to her many honors, for her Lion King song. American Factory, the first release from Barack and Michelle Obamas production company, Higher Ground, is likely to be among the documentary nominees. The nominations, to be read by Issa Rae and John Cho, will be live streamed on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, and the academys social platforms. The second wave of nominees will begin at 8:30am EST and be carried live on Good Morning America. (Read more Academy Awards stories.) Authorities in South Carolina are looking for a man accused of entering a mobile home in the middle of the night on Sunday and kidnapping a young girl. The seven-year-old's stepfather heard her screams and gave chase, prompting the abductor to drop her and run away empty-handed. According to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, the attempted kidnapping took place at around 2am in the 5700 block of Dorchester Road in North Charleston. A man walked into a mobile home on Dorchester Road in North Charlestone, South Carolina, through an unlocked door early Sunday and snatched a 7-year-old girl, but the kidnapping was thwarted by the victim's stepfather The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is now search for the suspect with the aid of K-9s A press release from the agency states that an unknown man entered a family's mobile home through an unlocked door and snatched the girl. The childs stepfather heard her cries for help and followed them across the property, at which point the intruder let go of the girl and fled alone. Charleston County deputies, K-9 officers and the North Charleston Police department searched the area but could not located the suspect. Deputies have increased patrols in the area of the trailer park as detectives continue to investigate the attempted kidnapping. The perpetrator was described as a short man who was last seen wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Charleston County Sheriffs Office at 843-202-1700 or Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111. The luxury pad is located in historic mansion block Avenfield House. Photo: Grant Frazer/Olivia Appleby (LC)/Lawrie Cornish Luxury estate agent Wetherell just put Londons ultimate student pad on the market. But the one-bedroom apartment doesnt come cheap the starting price is 895,000 ($1.1m). The flat is located in one of the most affluent areas in the UK, let alone London. Located on Park Lane, Mayfair, the apartment in historic mansion block Avenfield House is just 10-20 minutes away from some of Londons top universities, such as the University of Westminster and Kings College London. Photo: Grant Frazer/ Olivia Appleby (LC)/ Lawrie Cornish This contemporary Avenfield House apartment offers the perfect space for a young student living in London. It will not only provide a great investment opportunity for parents, but also reassurance that their child will be living in Mayfair, an exceptionally safe neighbourhood, in close proximity to some of Londons top universities, said Peter Wetherell, chief executive of Wetherell. We are seeing domestic and overseas buyers continue to invest in prime Mayfair property for their studying children, with the priorities being a respected location, good transport links and stylish design. Photo: Grant Frazer/ Olivia Appleby (LC)/ Lawrie Cornish The luxury apartment offers 532 square foot of living space and residents will have a 24-hour porter and lift services. The apartment features contemporary, luxury interiors, such as grey silk carpets, black marble work surfaces, grey marble tiles, and black quartz flooring. While the price may seem extortionate for the average student, Wetherell has long rented and sold luxury London apartments to mainly foreign buyers who are looking to purchase a safe and optimal residence for their children which will double up as a long-term investment. Photo: CTV News A continued winter storm is causing havoc on the B.C. Coast. BC Ferries cancelled several sailings due to heavy wind, including routes between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, between Tsawwassen and Duke Point, and between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay. It was the third straight day of cancellations. Environment Canada said Metro Vancouver could see five to 20 centimetres of snow by late afternoon. Late Saturday's snow brought with it downed trees and wires, leaving about 3,000 people without power in Port Moody and Burnaby. City of Vancouver spokeswoman Ashton Patis says the snow is being cleared and priority areas include arterial roads, bus stops, bridges, emergency and school routes and bike lanes. She says the city has 71 vehicles and 29 other equipment units, 2000 tonnes of salt at its yards, and hundreds of personnel available to deploy as required. Washington: Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other administration officials joined President Donald Trump in trying to draw attention to dissent in Iran instead of lingering questions about the scale of the threat used to justify a drone strike on Iran's top military leader. Esper added to the uncertainty over the intelligence behind last week's killing of Gen Qassem Soleimani when he said Sunday that he had seen no hard evidence that four American embassies had been under possible threat. Trump said last Friday that Soleimani had been planning such an attack. In appearances on Sunday news shows, both Esper and national security adviser Robert O'Brien said they agreed that Iran might have hit more than just the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital. It is certainly consistent with the intelligence to assume that they would have hit embassies in at least four countries," O'Brien said. But Esper, when asked whether there was a specific piece of evidence, replied: I didn't see one with regard to four embassies.'' And in response to a question about whether Trump was embellishing'' the threat, Esper said, I don't believe so. In a tweet both defiant and dismissive, Trump turned his attention again to supporting Iranian protesters and warning the Iranian government not to attack them or to pursue nuclear weapons. He tweeted: National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran 'choked off', will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and 'don't kill your protesters.' O'Brien had suggested the United States sees this moment as an opportunity to further intensify pressure on Iran's leaders, with whom the US has been at odds for four decades. Iran's leaders already are under enormous strain from economic sanctions that have virtually strangled Iran's main source of income oil exports. Esper said street protests in Tehran show the Iranian people are hungry for a more accountable government after leaders denied, then admitted shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane. "You can see the Iranian people are standing up and asserting their rights, their aspirations for a better government a different regime," Esper said. Trump's order to strike at Soleimani came as he was already under pressure ahead of an impeachment trial in the Senate. Many in Congress complained that the administration did not consult them in advance and did not adequately brief members afterward. After the US killed Soleimani in Baghdad, it appeared the backlash in Iran and elsewhere had helped Tehran by shifting the focus away from its internal problems. The strike also seemed to divert attention away from domestic unrest in Iraq over government corruption, and it intensified efforts by Iraqi politicians to expel American and other foreign forces. But the shootdown of the Ukrainian plane on the night of the Soleimani strike, killing all 176 people aboard, opened a new avenue of pressure for the Trump administration. "I think the regime is having a very bad week," O'Brien said. "This was a regime that's reeling from maximum pressure, they're reeling from their incompetence in this situation and the people of Iran are just fed up with it, he said, adding that regime change is not US policy. "The people of Iran are going to hopefully have the ability at some point to elect their own government and to be governed by the leaders they choose, O'Brien said. In Tehran, Iran's security forces deployed in large numbers on Sunday. Demonstrators defied the heavy police presence to protest their country's days of denials that it shot down the Ukrainian plane. Videos posted online showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans and moving through subway stations and sidewalks. Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the Ukrainian flight and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the immediate aftermath. Later the government took the blame for the shootdown, saying it was caused by human error. Reviewing the dramatic sequence of events that preceded the downing of the Ukrainian jetliner Wednesday, Esper justified the US killing of Soleimani as an act of self defense, and he said the US foresees no more Iranian military attacks in retaliation for that. Even so, the leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is closely aligned with Iran, said Sunday that Iran's missile attacks on two bases in Iraq housing US forces last week were only the start of the retaliation. Hassan Nasrallah described Iran's military response, which caused no casualties, as a "slap" at the US. He called it the "first step down a long path" that will ensure US troops withdraw from the region. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he was concerned that "Iran has lots of ways that they can take action against us, both overt and covert, and I don't think they're done trying to seek revenge.'' Esper spoke hopefully of getting the NATO alliance more involved in Iraq to help train Iraqi security forces. He said this could allow him to reduce the number of American troops in Iraq, currently numbering more than 5,200, but he did not say any reduction was in the works yet. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 19:35:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 314 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Q4 revenue US$381 million, above the mid-point of the November guidance range. Underlying full year 2019 revenue US$1,420 million, excluding licensed main PMIC products, up 38% year-on-year. Cash and cash equivalents at US$1,025 million.LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Dialog Semiconductor Plc (XETRA:DLG), a provider of power management, Configurable Mixed-signal IC, AC/DC, backlighting and Bluetooth(R) low energy wireless technology, today reports Q4 2019 unaudited preliminary revenue of approximately US$381 million (Q4 2018: US$431 million), above the mid-point of the guidance range of US$350 million to US$390 million communicated on 6 November 2019.Unaudited preliminary revenue and preliminary underlying revenue for the full year 2019 were approximately US$1,566 million and US$1,420 million respectively (FY 2018: US$1,442 million). Underlying preliminary full year revenue excluding licensed main PMIC products was up 38% year-on-year. Connectivity & Audio delivered strong year-on-year revenue growth due to the strong performance of Bluetooth(R) low energy products. Advanced Mixed Signal preliminary revenue was also up year-on-year on the robust performance of backlighting products as well as growth in rapid charge and Configurable Mixed-signal ICs.The business performance in 2019 gives us a solid foundation to achieve our long-term financial targets.Dialog remains a highly cash generative business and at 31 December 2019 the Company held preliminary cash and cash equivalents of approximately US$1,025 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately US$347 million.The Company will publish its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2019 on 4 March 2020.For further information please contact:Dialog SemiconductorJose CanoHead of Investor RelationsT: +44 (0)1793 756 961FTI Consulting LondonMatt DixonT: +44 (0)20 3727 1137FTI Consulting FrankfurtAnja MeuselT: +49 (0) 69 9203 7120Dialog and the Dialog logo are registered trademarks of Dialog Semiconductor Plc or its subsidiaries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (c) Copyright 2020 Dialog Semiconductor. All rights reserved.Contact:Jose CanoDirector, Investor Relations+44(0)1793756961SOURCE: Dialog Semiconductor Plc. The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) is coming together in Philadelphia this week. That means that starting Wednesday, there are dance performances every night. It also means that 63 instructors will be giving classes in dance traditions that span the diaspora. So, for example, if you wanted to see performances from Philadanco, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, among others, all on the same bill, that would be Saturday night. If you wanted one of Beyonces longtime choreographers as a hip-hop teacher, on midnight Friday, Chris Grant will be here, and youd have your chance. Noted scholar Brenda Dixon-Gottschild, a professor emerita of dance studies at Temple University, lavished praise on the lineup. "I would suggest that [people] choose a concert on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday night one or more and come and taste. Come and feel. Come and experience. Come and see, Dixon-Gottschild said. I think that you will leave with love. It would be a grave mistake, she said, to assume that since its a gathering for black dance, that theres sameness across the dozens of companies. Every black dance company is different, she explained. With showcase concerts that may feature seven or more ensembles, the diversity of perspectives will be apparent. In a sense, it's not the same as a deep dive into one dance ensemble, but it's a taste of many different styles and ways of thinking dance of embodying ways of making art. Philadelphia hosted the IABDs first ever festival and conference in 1988, then called the 1st International Conference on Black Dance Companies. It was the brainchild of Philadanco founder Joan Myers Brown, whom Dixon-Gottschild calls the mother of IABD. Now, Philadanco and Brown are hosting this 2020 festival during one the last months of Browns tenure as executive artistic director. Brown, who turned 88 on Christmas, plans to retire this spring. What should festivalgoers look out for? Dixon-Gottschild shared tips. . A day for tap On Wednesday, the Tap Philly Style program brings afternoon and evening classes at the University of the Arts. After these workshops end, there will be a 10 p.m. tap jam. The classes cost $25, and the jam costs $20. The lead teaching artists will be Jason Samuels Smith, an Emmy winner who is both the son and grandson of celebrated dancers, and Dormeishia, who was recently hailed as the queen of tap in the New York Times. Of Dormeishia, Dixon-Gottschild gushed: This person is like the epitome of tap dance. Philly proud Philly companies make up the vast majority of the roster Wednesday night, for the show that opens the festivals concert series at the Merriam Theater. Tickets are $60. That includes Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble, Waheed Works, and Just Sole! Street Dance Theater Company, among others. The ensemble DMB|#dbdanceproject, led by Rowan dance professor Dawn Marie Bazemore, is also set to perform. Thomas Prest On Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and on Friday at 2:45 p.m., Norwegian dancer Thomas Prest, who leads his Tabanka African & Caribbean Peoples Dance Ensemble in Oslo, will be teaching a class at the University of the Arts. Non-IABD members may register for the price of $35 a class. Prest will be teaching his technique, which Dixon-Gottschild called indescribably beautiful in the way that he has codified and expanded on African dance tropes and made a vocabulary of his own. A roundtable for sharing support Dixon-Gottschild, founder of the Coalition for Diasporan Scholars Moving, leads a session annually at IABD for attendees to come together to discuss struggles and barriers in academia and dance culture. Her Saturday afternoon roundtable this year, Collective Strategies for Diasporan Women in Dance, will include academics from the U.K. and the U.S. at the Doubletree Hotel. (This event requires registration for IABDs conference, which is running at multiple locations. Non-IABD members may purchase registration for one session at $35.) Whats important about this session is that it becomes a kind of clearinghouse and learning moment for how certain people have come up against the wall, how they have dealt with it, if they got through it, and if they didnt, what techniques would they suggest and what is their takeaway? Dixon-Gottschild said. The last hour of the session is an open discussion with the audience. And its a very deep and necessary place that we need to go and stop and take stock, in the middle of all that we are still enduring. The trailblazers performance The IABD began with five companies: Philadanco, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Lula Washington Dance Theatre from Los Angeles, and Denvers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Dixon-Gottschild is looking forward to seeing them all at the Saturday night performance at the Merriam Theater. Tickets are available for $60. Dixon-Gottschild, who wrote the 2012 book Joan Myers Brown and the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina, said the significance of each founding company remains profound: These five companies are unforgettable in their persistence, in their continuity, and in their continuing to thrive against all the odds, Performing with them, in addition to Alvin Ailey and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, is the Brooklyn-based company Evidence, led by the prestigious choreographer Ronald K. Brown. Praise through dance On Sunday morning, theres a concert and awards brunch at the Bellevue Hotel that will focus on liturgical dance. Admission is $100. Typically, Dixon-Gottschild said via email, youth groups give a beautiful sermon with their young dancing bodies, with gospel music accompaniment. Every year, she insists, this event is consistently jaw-dropping. For more information, visit iabdassociation.org. Here's the scoop on candidate forums, early voting One-stop voting runs Feb. 13-29 at four locations. With early voting just less than five weeks out, voters have limited time to sort out their choices in primary elections, especially in the 11th Congressional District, which has 12 Republican and five Democratic candidates. The Democratic and Republican parties have announced candidate forums in the coming weeks. Republican Party Republican candidates on the March 3 Republican primary ballot will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to Republican voters during four meet-the-candidates breakfasts in January and February. The events are Saturday, Jan. 18; Wednesday, Jan. 22, Saturday, Feb. 15 and Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Dixie Diner in Laurel Park. The Republican Party encouraged candidates for statewide office and those who will be on the primary ballot in Henderson and Transylvania counties to appear. Democratic Party The Democratic Party is hosting a candidate forum 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the city Operations Center, 305 Williams St., for candidates for state House Districts 113 and 117, Senate District 48, and the 11th Congressional District 11. Schedule: 1 p.m. Introduction 1:05 District 113 Speaker(1): Sam Edney. 1:15 District 117 Speakers(2): Danae Aicher, Josh Remillard. 1:35 Q & A for state House. 1:45 District 48 Speakers(3): Brian Caskey, Cristal Figueroa, Najah Underwood. 2:15 Q & A for state Senate. 2:25 District 11 Speakers(5): Gina Collias, Moe Davis, Michael OShea, Phillip Price, Steve Woodsmall. 3:15 Q & A for congressional seat. 3:30 Closing. Early voting Early voting starts Thursday, Feb. 13, and runs through Saturday, Feb. 29. Hours are 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 28 and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29. One stop-voting locations are the Board of Elections office, 75 East Central St.; Etowa Library, 101 Brickyard Road, Etowah; Flat Rock Village Hall, 110 Village Center Drive, Flat Rock; and Fletcher Town Hall, 300 Old Cane Creek Road, Fletcher. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Stressing that the upcoming Union Budget must focus on providing more jobs to the youth, serious infrastructure development and addressing the problems faced by the agriculture sector, veteran industry leaders like Sunil Kant Munjal, one of the founder promoters of the Hero Group; Venu Srinivasan, Chairman of TVS Group and Ajay S Shriram, Chairman and Senior Managing Director of DCM Shriram said that levying inheritance tax in the Budget would not really be a welcome move as the same would slow down investment and growth. Speaking during the launch ceremony of Munjal's book 'The Making of Hero' in the capital, unveiled by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who did not speak on the occasion, Shriram emphasised on the need to address the problems plaguing farmers in a focussed way. "Setting up a GST type of a body comprising representatives from the centre and involving state agricultural ministers will help bring everyone on the same page and expedite measures needed to make the sector dynamic." While Munjal called for increased investment in infrastructure development, Venu Srinivasan added, "Steps must be taken to create more jobs for youngsters." As the conversation, moderated by mediaperson Prannoy Roy dwelled upon the intricacies of running a family business, Munjal said, "By nature, business is a capitalist entity, and family, a socialist one. This contrast is the beauty of a family business, which is as good as its ethos. It's all about how senior family members behave, that lays the foundation for generations to follow. My father, before leaving a hotel would make his own bed. Also, I believe that restructuring is not a bad thing. Sometimes, it's better done than not." Stating that in a family-run business spanning generations, total trust and free-flow of communication are vital, Shriram added, "An environment has to be created so that everyone can talk. People can have different opinions and it is important to respect that fact. Small hurts, if not talked about and addressed can grow unimaginably bigger." Values, Srinivasan said must be shown and not just talked about. "A business is not just about the mind, it's also about the heart." As the conversation veered towards young family members who may not be interested in joining the decades old family business, all the three industrialists stressed that none of them believed in forcing youngsters to come on-board. "Well, in our family, we have fashion designers, chocolatiers and those running a university too," said Munjal. Srinivasan added that it was important to push youngsters in the direction of their passion. "If a young person in the family has an idea which gives him the buzz, why discourage him?" Shriram expressed that he was all for supporting newer ideas but they should be practical and not a "hobby". "It's important that the idea is backed by a sound business strategy." Speaking about his book, published by HarperCollins India, Munjal said that though there were several offers from people to write about the family, but he wanted to give an insider's account of the family who migrated from Pakistan post 1947 with almost nothing and built an empire. "It's about how four brothers who had very little formal education, and had with distinct personalities synchronised to build a world-class enterprise." The event was also attended by Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of late former Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley. A four-year-old girl was injured after her five-year-old cousin shot her using her grandfather's licensed gun while playing in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla district on Monday, police said. The incident took place in Sharnal village under Rampur police station. The girl, Ninika, sustained a bullet injury on her right hand, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Abhimanyu Verma said. The licence of the .12 bore gun is in the name of the girl's grandfather, Main Ram, he said. The girl's family rushed her to a community health centre in Taklech, from where she was referred to a hospital in Rampur. After being administered first aid at the hospital, she was shifted to the Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla, Rampur Station House Officer (SHO) Ravinder Negi told PTI. She is reported to be out of danger, he said. To a question, the SHO said the investigating officer (IO) has not yet visited the place where the incident took place. The village is in a far-flung snowbound area. The IO will visit the spot on Tuesday and verify the facts, he added. Negi said an FIR would be registered against Ram under section 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Arms Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON As Congress wrestles with how to address deceptive Internet practices, one Nebraska law professor is urging it to tread carefully. At issue are the many ways in which people can be tricked online today, whether that involves videos altered realistically to smear public figures or manipulative user agreements designed so that nobody would ever read them. Such practices are often lumped together under the broad term dark patterns. But even that phrase is itself somewhat manipulative, and lawmakers should be wary of stifling legitimate, productive uses of new technology, according to Gus Hurwitz, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law and director of a new center that will study the issue. Hurwitz testified Wednesday during a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing. Dark patterns are something that this committee absolutely should be concerned about, but this committee should also approach the topic with great caution, Hurwitz testified. Design is powerful, but it is incredibly difficult to do well. Efforts to regulate bad uses of design could easily harm efforts to do, and use design for, good. NEW YORK - A year ago, marijuana legalization looked like it was on a roll in the Northeast it had already passed in three of the regions states and was a priority for governors in three more, including the populous New York. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. NEW YORK - A year ago, marijuana legalization looked like it was on a roll in the Northeast it had already passed in three of the regions states and was a priority for governors in three more, including the populous New York. Now, after legislative efforts stalled and a vaping sickness stirred new concerns, the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut still want to make recreational pot legal. And they and Pennsylvanias governor have been comparing notes on how to do it. This year, lets work with our neighbours ... to co-ordinate a safe and fair system, New Yorks Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week. His state hosted the four Democratic governors for an October summit on the issue. But the states have different approaches and political appetites. They are contending with new questions as both opponents and advocates of legalization point to the vaping scare to make their cases. And in an election year for many state officeholders, the politics of pot legalization look all the more complex. Supporters remain hopeful, particularly about New Jersey, where the question is now headed to voters this fall, and New York, where Cuomo spotlighted it in his State of the State speech Wednesday. The fact that he has really centred it as part of his agenda for this legislative session goes to show just the tremendous amount of impact and momentum there is around legalization, says Melissa Moore of the pro-legalization Drug Policy Alliance. To her, the lung illness that has killed over 50 people, sickened thousands and been tied by authorities to a thickening agent in illicit pot vapes has created an additional degree of focus and urgency for legalizing weed so users can get regulated, safety-checked products. Critics of legalization, however, feel the dynamics have shifted their way. The vaping crisis has opened up conversations for us to talk about the harms of marijuana, said Kevin Sabet, president of the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Although its efforts were met with mixed results last year legalization measures stopped short in New Jersey and New York but succeeded in Illinois thats given us momentum in 2020, Sabet says. Two-thirds of U.S. states now allow medical marijuana, and recreational use is legal in 11, including the Northeastern states of Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont. (The latter two currently allow some possession of the drug but havent started legal sales. Shops could open this spring in Maine, while Vermont has yet to enact a system.) New York seemed like it might be on track to join in last year, after Cuomo got behind legalization and Democrats enjoyed control of both legislative chambers for the first time in several years. But the effort failed amid friction over whether pot tax revenue would be committed to areas where marijuana arrests once were concentrated and how communities would get to choose whether to host dispensaries, among other issues. Lawmakers pivoted and passed provisions to eliminate criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and create an expungement process. This year, Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins feels legalization is imminent, but there are realities that are concrete. Lawmakers are very concerned about vaping safety, she said. Cuomo, too, has elevated health questions; his proposal this year newly includes a research centre on health and safety issues. And many suburban legislators remain cool or outright opposed to permitting recreational pot, citing concerns about drugged driving and other potential downsides. "As a teacher, I've seen first-hand the effects that drugs can have on children, said state Sen. Monica Martinez, a Democrat from suburban Long Island. She opposes marijuana legalization but feels New Yorkers should vote on it (in New York, citizens cant initiate referendums, but lawmakers can). Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and New Jersey counterpart Phil Murphy both campaigned on legalizing recreational marijuana but have faced ambivalence in their legislatures, where fellow Democrats are in control. Murphy and New Jersey legislative leaders pushed legalization last year. But the measure foundered on disagreements over expunging past marijuana convictions, whether black communities stood to gain or lose from a legal weed market, and other issues. An expungement measure has since been enacted separately, and lawmakers now are taking a different tack on legalization: They voted last month to put it on the ballot. Connecticuts Lamont is still examining the path forward on marijuana legalization, spokesman Max Reiss said this week. Some proposals cleared Connecticut legislative committees last year but never got full floor votes, and it remains unclear how much support there might be this year. Opponents have raised arguments ranging from health unknowns for users to workplace issues for federal defence contractors with big facilities in the state. 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. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf this fall embraced legalizing weed, after previously saying the state should explore it. But given opposition from Republicans who control the Legislature, Wolf considers it more realistic first to pursue lifting criminal penalties for marijuana and creating an expungement mechanism, spokesman J.J. Abbott said this week. Mike Straub, a spokesman for Pennsylvanias House Republican caucus, said GOP representatives are concerned about legalizing marijuana when it remains illegal under federal law, and theyre watching how the states three-year-old medical marijuana program plays out before going further. Elsewhere in the Northeast, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has said shell renew a recreational marijuana legalization proposal this year . But state Senate and House leaders oppose it. All are Democrats. In New Hampshire, a legalization proposal passed the state House last year but stagnated in the Senate; both have Democratic majorities. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has said he opposes legalizing recreational pot. ___ Associated Press writers Ryan Tarinelli and Marina Villeneuve in Albany, New York; Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; and Michael Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, contributed to this report. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Center of Photography (ICP) will launch its new integrated center on Manhattan's Lower East Side with a free Opening Community Day on Saturday, January 25 from 11 AM to 7 PM. Located at 79 Essex Street, ICP is the cultural anchor of Essex Crossing, one of the most highly anticipated and expansive mixed-use developments in New York City, developed by Delancey Street Associates. The International Center of Photography Launches New Home at Essex Crossing with Four Exhibitions and Free Opening Community Day on January 25, 2020 (Credit: Saul Metnick) ICP's new space, designed by Gensler, reunites its school and museum, creating an engaging space for museumgoers, ICP members, students, and the Lower East Side community to explore how images shape our understanding of the world. The Center will feature exhibition galleries, media labs, classrooms, darkrooms, an equipment room, and shooting studios, as well as an extensive research library, a shop, cafe, and public event spaces. In addition, ICP will have extended hours, free admission for visitors 18 years old and under, $3 admission for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/EBT Card holders, and multi-language translation and interpretation. "ICP is entering an exciting new era as we launch our new integrated center and reunify our school and museum. We look forward to welcoming our Lower East Side neighbors and photography lovers from all over the world," said Mark Lubell, ICP's Executive Director. "We encourage everyone to experience all ICP has to offer, including our world-class exhibitions, our education programs at every level, our thought-provoking public programs, and activities for photo enthusiasts and families." During Community Day, visitors can experience ICP's four opening exhibitions and learn more about ICP's educational programs and public events for adults, teens, and families. The opening exhibitions are: Tyler Mitchell : I Can Make You Feel Good the photographer and filmmaker's first US solo exhibition and the US premiere of several photographs, video, and installation works exploring new ways of interpreting Black identity today the photographer and filmmaker's first US solo exhibition and the US premiere of several photographs, video, and installation works exploring new ways of interpreting Black identity today CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how iconic portraits came to be through four decades of contact sheets from major photographers documenting the hip-hop movement a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how iconic portraits came to be through four decades of contact sheets from major photographers documenting the hip-hop movement James Coupe : Warriors a new series of moving image works that algorithmically categorize museum visitors and, using deepfake technology, inserts them into specific scenes from the 1979 cult classic film The Warriors a new series of moving image works that algorithmically categorize museum visitors and, using deepfake technology, inserts them into specific scenes from the 1979 cult classic film The Lower East Side: Selections from the ICP Collectiondrawn from ICP's rich holdings of mid-20th-century works, it examines the role of images in enduring narratives about the Lower East Side. Highlights of ICP's new center include: 40,000 square feet of exhibition, education, and administration space Educational programs at all levels from youth to adult via continuing education classes, two part-time programs, three full-time one-year certificate programs, and an MFA program in association with Bard College A research library featuring over 22,000 books, artist files, and periodicals An expanded shop with a comprehensive photography book selection and imaginatively curated objects and apparel A new cafe offering pastries and sandwiches prepared by Cafe D'Avignon and featuring La Colombe coffee and tea Extended general hours: Monday through Sunday 11 AM7 PM; open until 9 PM on Thursdays ; closed on Tuesdays ; closed on Tuesdays New admission fees: Adults $16 ; Seniors (62 and Over), Students (with Valid ID), Military, Visitors with Disabilities $12 (caregivers are free); SNAP/EBT card holders $3 ; Seniors (62 and Over), Students (with Valid ID), Military, Visitors with Disabilities (caregivers are free); SNAP/EBT card holders Free admission: ICP members and ICP students; all visitors 18 years old and under Pay by donation hours: Thursdays from 5 to 9 PM and the last Saturday of the month from 11 AM to 2 PM ICP's new visual identity, designed by Pentagram, will launch with the opening of the new space. The logo harkens back to the stylized ICP acronym on the letterhead Cornell Capa used to announce ICP in 1974. Updated for the 21st century, the three letters (ICP) can now take an infinite number of forms, reflecting the countless and critical ways that photographers frame our world today. Admission to the Opening Community Day is free, but space is limited. Claim your timed ticket at icp.org. American Sign Language, Spanish, and Mandarin interpretation will be available during the event. ICP is accessible to people using both manual and electric wheelchairs. About ICP The International Center of Photography is the world's leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Cornell Capa founded ICP in 1974 to champion "concerned photography"socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through our exhibitions, education programs, community outreach, and public programs, ICP offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Visit icp.org to learn more. Special Thanks Tyler Mitchell: I Can Make You Feel Good has been made possible by the generous support of the ICP Exhibitions Committee. CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, produced and originated at the Annenberg Space for Photography, is created by Vikki Tobak and Creative Director Fab 5 Freddy. This exhibition is based on the book Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop by Vikki Tobak and was created in partnership with United Photo Industries. CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop is made possible by CIROC Ultra-Premium Vodka and Crown Royal Regal Apple. Exhibitions at ICP are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional exhibition support is provided by the Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, Inc. SOURCE International Center of Photography Person using calculator next to charts and graphs The 2010s was a fantastic decade for a lot of reasons. The fact that it led to the Toronto Stock Exchange Index trading at an all-time high by the end of the 10 years made the decade quite special. Of course, the decade was marred by difficulties and speculation of the economic cycle bringing in another recession. Talks about a recession coming on soon riddled 2019, and a recession is likely to happen within this new decade. Despite the TSX Index trading at amazing figures, investors cannot be too careful about their investment holdings. I am going to discuss a defensive dividend stock that you should consider buying in 2020 and holding throughout the decade to protect your investment portfolio: Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR). Safe investment option for a recession Few things can hold up well during challenging economic times. People need utilities, gasoline, telecommunications, and, most of all, they need access to affordable food. Restaurant Brands is a company relatively safe from the devastating effects of the economic cycle due to its necessity in the lives of its consumers. Restaurant Brands is a name built on a stable growth foundation. The fast-food industry offers its customers access to affordable food, which gives it the room to grow, even when other sectors are struggling. Restaurant Brands has a world of opportunities for growth when considering its portfolio, which consists of the worlds most desirable brands, with Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Other than having three of the most popular fast-food chains, QSR enjoys the capability of double-digit growth without spending too much capital on low return-on-equity expenses. The franchisee and joint-venture partnership business model helps the company counteract some of the risks involved with expansion into new markets. As a consequence of its low-risk business model, Restaurant Brands continues to grow and presents its shareholders a safe investment option even during a recession. Story continues Popeyes might be stepping up its game Of the three significant names under its belt, QSR relies the least on Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for its overall revenues. A lot of investors barely regard Popeyess performance in any earnings report for the multinational restaurant company. Tim Hortons and Burger King carry the primary load for Restaurant Brands, but there is a possibility for things turning for the better. As an investor, you cannot ignore Popeyess international growth potential. Popeyess chicken sandwich became very popular in 2019. The demand for its product was so high that the restaurant chain actually experienced a shortage in supply last year. The appetite for chicken is booming, and Popeyes has a product that can cater to the growing need. As the international demand for more Popeyes restaurants increases, the possibility for QSR to skyrocket further is closer than it might seem. Moving into new markets presents its set of challenges for Popeyes and QSR, but the companys brand reputation offers a lower degree of risk than other chains out there. Foolish takeaway Trading for $83.68 per share at writing, Restaurant Brands gives shareholders a dividend yield of 3.14%. With the rise of Popeyes in the cards, Tim Hortons becoming more prominent, and with the risk of a recession, I think QSR could be a stock worth considering for this decade. More reading Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. 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 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CellTrust Corporation, a pioneer and leading provider of global secure and compliant mobile communication for enterprise, announced today, Sean Moshir, CellTrust Chairman and CEO has been named an Arizona Business Leader in Cybersecurity for 2020. For over thirty years AZ Big Media has been bringing readers across Arizona compelling business and lifestyle news through a range of publications available online and in print. Each year, over 5,000 business leaders from Arizona are nominated within their industry and area of expertise. A distinguished panel of their peers then selects the top 500 considered to be the most influential leaders. "Throughout the many years I have known Sean, I have seen the high regard his employees hold for his leadership ability as well as their excitement for the leading edge technology they develop," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO, Arizona Technology Council. "Sean has also displayed his immense loyalty to Arizona and our technology community, turning down multiple offers to move some of his companies to California. He is an excellent example of what it means to be an Arizona business leader and is well-deserving of this award." Widely recognized as one of the most influential cybersecurity CEOs in the industry, Sean Moshir is credited with founding the now multi-million-dollar security patch vulnerability management and remediation space when he established PatchLink Corporation (now Ivanti) in Arizona in 1991. Under Moshir's lead, PatchLink became one of the fastest growing companies in the US and provided many top-level US agencies, including the FBI, US ARMY, US NAVY, NASA, NIST, DISA, VA, NIH, USDA, EPA, HHS, with state-of-the-art Internet security. Additionally, Fortune 500 companies around the world, such as Shell, Lockheed Martin, Novell, IBM, Thompson, Kraft Foods, Harley Davidson and Bank of America, sought out PatchLink for their security expertise. Moshir has attracted over $40 million USD in investment and venture capital for his companies in Arizona. His most recent venture CellTrust, founded in 2006 in Scottsdale, was recognized as the 54th Fastest Growing Telecommunications Company in the US by the INC. 500/5000. In 2008, Moshir and his team identified a market opportunity for secure compliant mobile communication in highly regulated environments such as finance (FINRA, SEC), healthcare (HIPAA), and government (FOIA, Sunshine Laws). "I think my ability to recognize the raw energy people have in them and help them channel that energy in a positive way has been a driving force over the years. And, my ability to teamwork with, and adapt to many personalities has been a plus," said Sean Moshir, CellTrust Chairman and CEO. CellTrust's pioneering SL2 mobile communication compliance technology is now the global market leader used by tens of thousands of people within the financial services, government and healthcare industries across 100+ countries. AZ Big Media publication AZ Business Leaders 2020: https://azbigmedia.com/publications/azbusiness-leaders-2020/ About CellTrust Corporation CellTrust, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, is a global leader in enterprise mobile communications, compliance enforcement, traceability, e-discovery and security, for highly regulated industries. Awarded Productivity App of the Year 2019, CellTrust SL2 helps those operating in the financial services, government and healthcare industries to securely and compliantly manage and archive text messaging, voice and chat communications, balance mobile productivity, risk and control and enforce regulatory compliance. (Dodd-Frank Act, GLBA, SOX, FINRA, SEC, FCA, MiFID II, FOIA, Sunshine Laws, HIPAA). https://www.celltrust.com/ Find us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CellTrust 2020 CellTrust Corporation. All rights reserved. CellTrust, the CellTrust logo, and the CellTrust product names and logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of CellTrust Corporation. In addition, other companies' names and products mentioned in this document, if any, may be either registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners and do not imply endorsement, approval or affiliation with CellTrust. Media Contact: Tammara Anderton [email protected] +1.480.515.5200 Ext. 500 SOURCE CellTrust Corporation Related Links http://www.celltrust.com Representative Image Avinash Vadapalli and Kaushal Patel In a significant move, the Union Cabinet on January 8, 2020, cleared an ordinance that throws open coal mining to non-coal companies while removing restrictions on end-use of the fuel with an aim to boost investment and output. It approved promulgation of the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. The backdrop is grim. The government has been able to reallocate only 89 of the 204 coal blocks which were cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014. More worryingly, Indias GDP growth has decelerated to a six-and-a-half-year low of 4.5 percent in the September quarter. Indias coal reserves are estimated at 300 billion tonnes. However, production of coal for 2018-19 was subdued at 730 million tonnes (mt). Coal India, which employs over 3 lakh workers, produced 607million tonnes followed by Singareni Collieries (64 mt). The rest was produced by captive coal producers. More than 50 percent of Indias total primary energy comes from coal, and India added 120GW (giga watt) of coal-based thermal power plant capacity during the past decade. The plant load factor at thermal power plants remains depressed due to the economic slowdown. To add to the woes, the import bill for coal rose to $26 billion in 2019, from $16 billion in 2014. According to government sources, the total coal import for 2018-19 stood at 235 mt, of which 130 mt could be substituted by domestic coal, the one with a smaller calorific value which is readily available in India. What weighs on coal production is industrial and regulatory factors, which raises the import bill and in turn, the trade deficit. India was the second biggest importer of coal in 2019 with a global share of over 16 percent, next only to Japan. A host of power plants have come up in coastal areas where imported coal is more competitive than Indian coal due to high transportation costs. With the right technology, coal with high calorific value can be suitably tapped with lesser cost per unit of electricity produced. In general, most plants blend both low calorific Indian coal and the high calorific imported version to improve productivity. Also, coking coal, one of the most important requirements in manufacturing steel, is not abundantly available in India. So, the entire coal import of India is not substitutable. India exports small quantities of coal -- $100 million as of 2019, with a 0.1 percent global share. Australia (16 percent) remains the leader, followed by Indonesia (15 percent). Indias coal export prospects look uninspiring due to surging domestic demand, sub-par competitiveness, need for better technology and lack of quality. The government has set a target of 1.5 billion tonnes coal production by FY24, of which Coal Indias mandate is 1 billion tonne. It has introduced a host of reforms such as removal of end-use requirements for miners, allowing auction of coal-bearing areas to private parties for commercial mining in February 2018, which ended the monopoly of Coal India, and clearing 100 percent FDI (foreign direct investment) through the automatic route in commercial coal production for captive use by steel, power and cement, in August 2019. Before August 2019, 100 percent FDI via the automatic route was allowed in coal and lignite mining for captive consumption by steel, power and cement companies. But the open market sale of coal had not been allowed. These restrictions acted as major FDI barriers. Currently, 100 percent FDI is allowed in mining for sale in the open market as well as associated infrastructure like washeries, crushing, coal handling and separation. In a separate move, the Environment Ministry gave clearances to 10 coal mining projects with a combined capacity of 160 mtpa (million tonne per annum) and 4 washeries with a combined capacity of 31 mtpa. These reforms are expected to bring in new global players and global technology used for underground mining. India has been trying to attract global mining giants and improve competitiveness of the sector. But so far, it has met with hard luck. A relatively high supply, squeezed sectoral margins, a move towards cleaner air, thermal power uncertainty and the governments push for solar power are holding back global mining majors like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore from committing big on India. Coal gasification is another area the government has been focusing on to help improve productivity and reduce pollution and emissions. This helps check reduction in calorific value of coal between the extraction stage and the time when it reaches power plants. Indian steel and power companies are expected to bid for new coal blocks, especially when global competitiveness of the Indian steel industry is below par and thermal power is competing with solar energy where the cost of solar cells has dropped significantly leading to competitive unit rates. Backward integration in the industry is expected to improve reliability and margins for steel and power players. As India tries to jumpstart growth by working around the economic slump, the new reforms are expected to improve efficiency and competitiveness by bringing in more capital, transparency, global players and technology. Left to right and from the top: Maria Pombo, Marta Carriedo, Ana Moya, J. Muchelas, Marta Soriano and Paula Gonu. A few months ago, Spains pharmaceutical association CGCF noticed that demand for a specific brand of facial wipes used to treat acne was soaring, after pharmacies began calling in about it. The sudden rise in interest was caused by several videos posted by social media influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers. These individuals had recommended the product, which is in fact an antibiotic that requires a medical prescription. Spanish legislation strictly restricts the advertising of such medication, as its indiscriminate use can cause health problems. This is not the first time that medication has been pushed on the internet as though it were a book or a bottle of perfume. Guillermo Martin Melgar, a pharmacist, has been observing how some of these opinion shapers, especially those from the world of fashion and lifestyle, routinely tell their followers to use products that should only be prescribed by trained health professionals. In September, Martin Melgar decided to make a list of all such recommendations that he came across, and he posted the results on his Twitter account. The list kept growing: a pomade used for infections, an antiviral drug to treat some forms of herpes, another acne treatment, guidelines on how to take flu medication so it wont affect ones sleep patterns, and more. One of the problems is that they dont take criticism from professionals. They respond with insults or by blocking us Guillermo Martin Melgar, pharmacist The CGCF filed a complaint with the Health Ministry, which has moved into action. At first the investigation focused on YouTube, which the ministry contacted to let it know that Spanish legislation prohibits encouraging the consumption of prescription drugs, while over-the-counter products are subject to strict rules that force advertisers to clearly indicate that it is medication and that a health professional should be consulted to resolve any doubts. The platform was asked to immediately remove the content, or else make access impossible, said a ministry spokeswoman, adding that it was a general requirement and that no specific videos were identified. In late December, Google (which owns YouTube) responded with a message expressing a willingness to cooperate with Spanish authorities and take down any content in violation of the law. But the company has told this newspaper that this will only happen when they receive a list of specific videos, which will be examined one by one to check whether they violate YouTubes terms and conditions. But YouTube is not the only place where prescription medication is being promoted. Martin Melgar says that most of this content is also found on Instagram. The ministry said that it will work to take down these videos on any social media platform, and that it is working with doctors and pharmacists associations to deal with the problem. The latter are proposing committees to analyze content and to raise awareness among businesses and citizens. When faced with a barrage of criticism for recommending prescription drugs she told followers how a cream for skin infections took away a really big little ball from her ear in just two days the Instagrammer Marta Carriedo was unconcerned. A similar pattern All the influencers detected by both the CGCF and Guillermo Martin Melgar follow a similar pattern: they are young women who share fashion and beauty advice. They are bloggers who recommend all kinds of things, from clothes and creams, to medication, typically for beauty purposes, says Martin Melgar. One of the problems is that they dont take criticism from professionals. They respond with insults or by blocking us. Ive been told that I have no idea, that they can talk about whatever they please, or that pharmacists are a mafia group, he adds. Lorea Bagazgoitia, of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, has had similar experiences. Once the videos are detected we try to correct the situation, but we are met with haughty responses. EL PAIS unsuccessfully tried to reach some of these influencers for comment. Who cares if it required a prescription, it worked for me. Its like if I get strep throat and my doctor prescribes a medication; evidently Im going to tell you if theres one that works worse than another, she said. Oh well, its more of the same. Im so over this kind of shit, I really dont care. A lot of the videos are no longer available online, either because their authors took them down, or because they were created specifically as short-lived Instagram stories, which last only a few hours. Ana Lopez-Casero, of the CGCF, explains that at the heart of the problem is peoples lack of knowledge about medication. Many people view it as just another consumer product, like clothes or records, but thats not what it is, she says. We dont want to criminalize these influencers, surely their intentions are good, but the rules for promoting medication are very strict, and they should also be followed on the new channels. But none of this happens when influencers make their recommendations. Although health professionals consulted by this newspaper said that the products pushed by these social media starlets do not generally pose a big risk to individual human health, improper use of antibiotics can create resistance to drugs, a public health problem of great concern to the international community. Overusing antibiotics can diminish their effectiveness against bacteria. We are spending a lot of money on awareness campaigns and on resources to make people use antibiotics wisely, only when they are necessary and in the right doses. With videos like these, which are viewed by hundreds of thousands of people, the effort could be in vain, says Lopez-Casero. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that antimicrobial resistance will cause 10 million deaths a year by 2050, more than cancer. English version by Susana Urra. The Department of Defense has awarded Virginia Tech researchers $3.8 million in support of the Office of Naval Research's Manufacturing Engineering Education Program. The goal is to establish programs to better position the current and next-generation manufacturing workforce to produce military systems and components that assure technological superiority of the department, according to the Department of Defense's website. "The Virginia Tech team will work to create a multidisciplinary program that seeks to create and sustain a workforce for the design, application, and fabrication of structures supporting systems, such as communications, radar, and additional related areas in applied electromagnetics," said Bradley Davis, research assistant professor at the Hume Center for National Security and Technology and principal investigator. "Together we will work to develop student and industry participant expertise in the critical technologies needed in design and manufacturing for the Department of Defense and commercial platforms." The project will focus on applications, designs, manufacturing, and testing of structures by introducing composite construction and processing, advanced manufacturing (including 3D printing), and the application of these technologies in fabricating solutions, such as structurally integrated antennas and radomes. Davis leads an interdisciplinary team from across Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and industrial and systems engineering, to develop new courses that educate students in the cross-functional application of materials and processes for such applications as conformal and embedded antennas in aircraft wings. Michael Bortner, assistant professor of chemical engineering and co-principal investigator, will serve as the team lead for composite materials and processing. Other engineering faculty involved in the research are Scott Case, Steven Ellingson, Chris Williams, Majid Manteghi, Jaime Camelio, Steve McKnight, and Jack Lesko. The program will enhance the university curriculum and offer unique industrial continuing education opportunities. Organized teams of undergraduate and graduate students will participate in related research programs that will be implemented in the form of a combination of courses and short courses. These teams will leverage a program introduced by Alan Michaels, director of the Electronic Systems Lab at the Hume Center, called Vertically Integrated Projects, also sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. This program offers students opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary teams that will design and apply skills to produce solutions to specific research problems, write reports, and present outcomes in seminars and symposiums. As part of the program, students will be offered new coursework focused on electromagnetics, composite processing, additive manufacturing, and advanced antennas. Additionally, numerous short courses and workshops will be developed for the Department of Defense professional community. Within the funded project, an industry/government/university consortium will be created to help direct and fund further research efforts. Minimal consortium fees will be used to fund experiential learning programs specifically targeted at attracting undergraduate students to fill the workforce development pipeline. Industry partners will engage with students through research team reviews, recorded guest lectures, internships, cooperative education, and graduate research sponsorships. ### This April 22 file photo shows the Washington state seal protected by ropes in the rotunda of the Legislative Building at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Storm Brendan brought heavy rain and strong winds to Northern Ireland on Monday, January 13, with large waves seen at Whitehead, a seaside town in County Antrim. The Met Office issued a yellow wind warning across Northern Ireland, warning that travel disruption was likely. Authorities reported widespread power outages, saying that they were working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible. Storm Brendan was projected to cross over Ireland and make landfall on the west coast of Great Britain by Monday evening. Credit: @catboy1970 via Storyful New Delhi: Its finally truce between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Salman Khan and all credits to the other half of his Karan Arjun jodi, Shah Rukh Khan. Reports have it that Sanjay Leela Bhansali will get the two most popular Bollywood biggies together for a film and not just for a cameo as in Tubelight or Zero but full-fledged roles. As both the actors are aggressively scouting for good Bollywood projects that would man sure shot success, they have given their nod for the old director, Bhansali. According to a report by DNA, it was a struggle to bring Salman and Shah Rukh Khan together. Many writers, producers, and directors tried to do so, but nobody could do that. Finally, Sanjay Leela Bhansali gave them a great script that has been loved by both of them. They thus agreed to go ahead with the project soon. The source also revealed that Sanjay Leela Bhansali met Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in Juhu's Soho House to finalize the project. Interestingly this happened after Salman and Sanjay's fallout during 'Inshallah' leaving us much scope to guess is Shah Rukh was the peacemaker in Salman and Bhansalis botched up relationship. For the unversed, Salman walked of Bhansalis project Inshallah over creative and budgetary differences, making the movie being shelved. A source close to the project revealed to ETimes, The truth of the matter is that Bhansali's cost of production of the film without Salman's fee touched Rs 160 crore and his remuneration was decided by him as Rs 50 crore along with 40 per cent profits". The source further revealed that Bhansali was not finding investors as satellite and digital rights of Salman's film are sold and recovering Rs 210 crore only though theatrical rights in India and overseas didn't appear to be a profitable deal for them. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday opened a meeting of 20 opposition parties with a stinging attack on the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi, who assumed leadership role of the Congress last year, also described the national population register as the first step to a nationwide NRC, or National Register of Citizens. Gandhi, who criticised the shockingly partisan and brutal crackdown by the police in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, also said that though the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the NRC were the immediate cause of the nationwide spontaneous protests but these reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. Sonia Gandhi also accused PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of misleading the nation on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide our people along sectarian lines. There is unprecedented turmoil today, she said. She referred to contradictions in statements of the two government leaders and charged them with continuing their provocative statements, insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace. The nation has watched in horror at the BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU coming so soon after what happened in Jamia (Millia Islamia), BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Allahabad University and AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) and other institutions of higher learning in other parts of the country, she told the meeting of 20 Opposition parties. There were many absentees from the opposition camp including Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party, DMK led by MK Stalin, Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiv Sena. Asserting that the NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam, Gandhi said the Modi-Shah government is now focusing on NPR (National Population Register) exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. Contrary to the assertions of the home minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC, Gandhi said. The real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development, affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, the Congress president said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A special issue of Nature has published a series of studies looking at how monitoring Antarctica from space is providing crucial insights into its response to a warming climate. Here are their key findings: Three trillion tonnes of ice has been lost from Antarctica since 1992 The Antarctic Ice Sheet lost around three trillion tonnes of ice between 1992 and 2017, according to research led by Leeds University. This figure corresponds to a mean sea-level rise of about eight millimetres (1/3 inch), with two-fifths of this rise coming in the last five years alone. The finds mean people in coastal communities are at greater risk of losing their homes and becoming so-called climate refugees than previously feared. In one of the most complete pictures of Antarctic ice sheet change to date, an international team of 84 experts combined 24 satellite surveys to yield the results. It found that until 2012 Antarctica lost ice at a steady rate of 76 billion tonnes per year - a 0.2mm (0.008 inches) per year contribution to sea level rise. However, since then there has been a sharp, threefold increase. At some point since the last Ice Age, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was smaller than it is today Researchers previously believed that since the last ice age, around 15,000 years ago, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was getting smaller However, new research published by Northern Illinois University shows that between roughly 14,500 and 9,000 years ago, the ice sheet below sea level was even smaller than today. Over the following millennia, the loss of the massive amount of ice that was previously weighing down the seabed spurred an uplift in the sea floor. Then the ice sheet began to regrow toward today's configuration. 'The WAIS today is again retreating, but there was a time since the last Ice Age when the ice sheet was even smaller than it is now, yet it didn't collapse,' said Northern Illinois University geology professor Reed Scherer, a lead author on the study. 'That's important information to have as we try to figure out how the ice sheet will behave in the future', he said. The East Antarctic Ice Sheet was stable throughout the last warm period The stability of the largest ice sheet on Earth is an indication to scientists that it could hold up as temperatures continue to rise. If all the East Antarctic Ice Sheet melted, the sea level would rise by 175 feet (53 metres). However, unlike the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets it seems it would be resistant to melting as conditions warm, according to research from Purdue University and Boston College. Their research showed that land-based sectors of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet were mostly stable throughout the Pliocene (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago). This is when carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere were close to what they are today - around 400 parts per million. 'Based on this evidence from the Pliocene, today's current carbon dioxide levels are not enough to destabilise the land-based ice on the Antarctic continent,' said Jeremy Shakun, lead author of the paper and assistant professor of earth and environmental science at Boston College. 'This does not mean that at current atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, Antarctica won't contribute to sea level rise. 'Marine-based ice very well could and in fact is already starting to contribute, and that alone holds an estimated 20 meters of sea level rise,' he said. Decisions in the next decade will determine whether Antarctica contributes to a metre of sea level rise One of the largest uncertainties in future sea-level rise predictions is how the Antarctic ice sheet reacts to human-induced global warming. Scientists say that time is running out to save this unique ecosystem and if the right decisions are not made in the next ten years there will be no turning back. Researchers from Imperial College London assessed the state of Antarctica in 2070 under two scenarios which represent the opposite extremes of action and inaction on greenhouse gas emissions. Under the high emissions and low regulations narrative, Antarctica and the Southern Ocean undergo widespread and rapid change, with global consequences. By 2070, warming of the ocean and atmosphere has caused dramatic loss of major ice shelves, leading to increased loss of grounded ice from the Antarctic Ice Sheet and an acceleration in global sea level rise. Under the low emissions and tight regulations narrative, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and implementation of effective policy helps to minimise change in Antarctica, which in 2070 looks much like it did in the early decades of the century. This results in Antarctica's ice shelves remaining intact, slowing loss of ice from the ice sheet and reducing the threat of sea level rise. What saved the West Antarctic Ice Sheet 10,000 years ago will not save it today The retreat of the West Antarctic ice masses after the last Ice Age was reversed surprisingly about 10,000 years ago, scientists found. In fact it was the shrinking itself that stopped the shrinking: relieved from the weight of the ice, the Earth crust lifted and triggered the re-advance of the ice sheet. According to research from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) this mechanism is much too slow to prevent dangerous sea-level rise caused by West Antarctica's ice-loss in the present and near future. Only rapid greenhouse-gas emission reductions can, researchers found. 'The warming after the last Ice Age made the ice masses of West Antarctica dwindle,' said Torsten Albrecht from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. 'Given the speed of current climate-change from burning fossil fuels, the mechanism we detected unfortunately does not work fast enough to save today's ice sheets from melting and causing seas to rise.' The world's ice shelves may be being destabilised by forces from above and below Researchers found that warm ocean water flowing in channels beneath Antarctic ice shelves is thinning the ice from below so much that the ice in the channels is cracking. Surface meltwater can then flow into these fractures, further destabilising the ice shelf and increasing the chances that substantial pieces will break away. The researchers, led by the University of Texas at Austin, documented this mechanism in a major ice break up, or calving, event in 2016 at Antarctica's Nansen Ice Shelf. The findings are concerning because ice shelves, which are floating extensions of continental glaciers, slow down the flow of ice into the ocean and help control the rate of sea level rise, according to the study. 'We are learning that ice shelves are more vulnerable to rising ocean and air temperatures than we thought,' said Professor Christine Dow, lead author of the study. 'There are dual processes going on here. One that is destabilising from below, and another from above. 'This information could have an impact on our projected timelines for ice shelf collapse and resulting sea level rise due to climate change', he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 08:37:26|Editor: zyl Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will send two military ships with "a small contingent of unarmed servicemen" to help repatriate Filipino workers in the Middle East, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Sunday night. On Wednesday, Lorenzana told reporters that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the deployment of two battalions of troops to the Middle East to help repatriate thousands of Filipino migrant workers in the region amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. He changed his statement, however, saying the Philippines is no longer sending two battalions of troops after meeting with his colleagues in the foreign and labor departments on last Thursday. "It may not be wise to send uniformed servicemen to the Middle East due to the sensitivities of the countries there," Lorenzana said in a statement late on Sunday night. "Hence, it was agreed that we recommend the sending of a small contingent of servicemen instead of two battalions but they will be in civilian attire and will not be armed should they be needed on the ground," he said. "Also, two battalions would be a lot and they would be taking much of the spaces on the ship, leaving very little or nothing for the repatriates," he added. Lorenzana said Duterte approved the changes when he discussed the developments during their meeting also on last Thursday. Already, Lorenzana said the Philippine Navy is preparing two ships to sail for the Middle East. The Middle East is home to over 2.1 million who are legally working in that region. Philippine officials said the number could be more as thousands more illegally sneaked into the region to work. The Philippines wants all Filipinos to move out of Iraq. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs 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," it said. In the Baghdad area, the DFA said many Filipinos are working with the U.S. and other foreign facilities. In other areas, particularly in Erbil, the DFA said Filipinos work in regular commercial establishments. Last Saturday, Arsenio Andolong, the spokesperson for the Philippine Department of National Defense, issued a statement saying the situation in the Middle East remains "unstable." "Our contingencies for massive repatriation are still placing," he added. Andolong said that 14 Filipinos had agreed to be repatriated. He added that a Philippine Coast Guard ship is in Malta "and ready to sail anytime to nearby countries where Filipinos are in danger to ferry them to safer areas." MAIDUGURI, Nigeria - A multinational African military force says it has killed a commander of the extremist group, Islamic State West African Province, in an airstrike. Amir Khalifa Umar, an influential leader of the group was eliminated in an attack on one of the insurgents hideouts near Lake Chad known as Tunbums Sabon, said Col. Timothy Antigha, chief of public information for the Multinational Joint Task Force. Umar, the third-ranked leader of the group, was killed in ongoing offensive operations against the Islamic State West Africa Province and other purveyors of violence and instability in the Lake Chad Basin, said Antigha. Three other extremists were killed in a separate airstrike, said Antigha. The multinational African military force includes soldiers from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria and works to end to the exremist Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and the surrounding Lake Chad region. Crowds in Iran call on leadership to quit after Tehran admitted it mistakenly shot down plane with 176 people on board. Protesters denouncing Irans clerical rulers took to the streets and riot police deployed to face them in a third day of demonstrations after authorities acknowledged shooting down a passenger plane by accident. Demonstrations, some apparently met by a violent crackdown, were the latest twist in one of the most serious escalations between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Iranian revolution swept the US-backed shah from power. Video from inside Iran showed students on Monday chanting slogans including Clerics get lost! outside universities in the city of Isfahan and in Tehran, where riot police were filmed taking positions on the streets. Images from the previous two days of protests showed wounded people being carried and pools of blood on the ground. Gunshots could be heard, although the police denied opening fire. Video sent to the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran and later verified by The Associated Press showed a crowd of demonstrators near Azadi, or Freedom, Square fleeing as a tear gas canister landed among them. People coughed and sputtered while trying to escape the fumes, with one woman calling out in Farsi: They fired tear gas at people! Azadi Square. Death to the dictator! Another video showed a woman being carried away in the aftermath as a blood trail was seen on the ground. Those around her cried out that she has been shot by live ammunition in the leg. Oh my God, shes bleeding nonstop! one person shouted. Another shouted: Bandage it! A full picture of protests inside Iran is difficult to obtain because of restrictions on independent media. But videos uploaded to the internet showed scores, possibly hundreds, of protesters on Monday at sites in the capital and Isfahan, a major city to the south. Dont kill US President Donald Trump, who raised the stakes last week by ordering the killing in a drone strike of Irans most powerful military commander, tweeted to Irans leaders: Dont kill your protesters. Tehran acknowledged shooting down the Ukrainian jetliner by mistake last Wednesday, killing all 176 aboard, hours after it fired at US targets in Iraq to retaliate for the killing on January 3 of General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iranian public anger, rumbling for days as Iran repeatedly denied it was to blame for the plane crash, erupted into protests on Saturday when the military admitted its role. Show restraint State-affiliated media has reported protests in Tehran and other cities but has provided few details. Police treated people who had gathered with patience and tolerance, Tehran Police Chief Hossein Rahimi said in a statement on state media. At protests, police absolutely did not shoot because the capitals police officers have been given orders to show restraint. Tehrans showdown with Washington has come at a precarious time for the authorities in Iran and the proxy forces they support to wield influence across the Middle East. Sanctions imposed by Trump have hammered the Iranian economy. Irans authorities killed hundreds of protesters in November in what appears to have been the bloodiest crackdown on anti-government unrest since 1979. In Iraq and Lebanon, governments supported by Iran-backed armed groups have faced mass protests. Adding to international pressure on Tehran, five nations, including Canada, Britain and Ukraine, whose citizens died when the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 was shot down, meet in London on Thursday to discuss possible legal action, Ukraines foreign minister said. Online protests Javad Kashi, a professor of politics at Tehran Allameh University, wrote online that people should be allowed to express their anger in public protests. Buckled under the pressure of humiliation and being ignored, people poured into the streets with so much anger, he wrote. Let them cry as much as they want. There has also been a cultural outpouring of grief and anger from Irans creative community. Some Iranian artists, including famed director Masoud Kimiai, withdrew from an upcoming international film festival. Two state TV hosts resigned in protest over the false reporting about the cause of the plane crash. Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Irans most famous actresses, posted a picture of a black square on Instagram with the caption: We are not citizens. We are hostages. Millions of hostages. Saeed Maroof, the captain of Irans national volleyball team, also wrote on Instagram: I wish I could be hopeful that this was the last scene of the show of deceit and lack of wisdom of these incompetents but I still know it is not. He said despite the qualification of Irans national team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after years of efforts, there is no energy left in our sad and desperate souls to celebrate. Escalation Irans government spokesman dismissed Trumps comments, saying Iranians were suffering because of his actions and they would remember he ordered the killing of Soleimani. Trump precipitated the escalation with Iran in 2018 by pulling out of a deal between Tehran and world powers under which sanctions were eased in return for Iran curbing its nuclear programme. The US president said he wants a more stringent pact. Iran has repeatedly said it will not negotiate as long as US sanctions are in place. It denies seeking nuclear arms. The recent flare-up began in December when rockets fired at US bases in Iraq killed a US contractor. Washington blamed a pro-Iran militia and launched air strikes that killed at least 25 members of the armed group. After its members and supporters surrounded the US embassy in Baghdad for two days, Trump ordered the strike on Soleimani. Iran retaliated on Wednesday by firing missiles at Iraqi bases where US troops were stationed, but did not kill any Americans. The Ukrainian plane, on its way to Kyiv, was shot down shortly afterwards. Most of those killed were Iranians. Dozens were Canadians, many dual nationals who travelled to Iran to visit relatives over the holidays. After days of denying responsibility, commanders of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps issued profuse apologies. Irans president called it a disastrous mistake. A top commander said he told authorities on the day of the crash the airliner had been shot down, raising questions about why Iran initially denied it. New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron raised the Kashmir issue during a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the statement released by the Elyse Palace said. The statement further added that the government is closely following the situation in Kashmir. Two leaders discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir in the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises bilateral ties. In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which France continues to follow closely, the statement released by French embassy said. A statement issued by the Indian government on Friday after talks between Modi and Macron did not mention Kashmir. The two leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and global situations, the statement by PMO said. Last week, the government took a group of 15 foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir to see the efforts to bring back normalcy in the region after abrogation of Article 370, the Ministry of External Affairs had said. Also Read: Jammu And Kashmir Police Says DSP, Arrested With Hizbul Members, Will Be Treated As Terrorist Envoys from European countries were not part of the group. The French statement said Macron and PM Modi expressed their shared view on the necessity of de-escalation of tension in the Middle East, adding that they agreed to work together towards easing tensions by urging the parties to show restraint and responsibility. The Middle East is witnessing increasing tension after Maj Gen Soleimani, the head of Irans elite al-Quds force, was killed in a US drone strike. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Iraq with missile attacks. Also Read: Jammu And Kashmir: 3 Terrorists Killed In Encounter With Security Forces In Pulwama It said the two leaders expressed their interest in pursuing the strengthening of their partnership in the military and civil nuclear fields as well as enhancing their operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. They reiterated their attachment to the full implementation of the goals defined during Prime Minister Modis visit to Chantilly on August 22, 2019 and Indias participation in the Biarritz G7 Summit, it said. They agreed on the interest in intensifying ministerial visits in both countries in the course of this year, the statement said. Modi visited Chantilly in northern France in August for bilateral talks with Macron, just before the G7 Summit in Biarritz. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Tonight, half a dozen Democratic candidates will participate in the seventh campaign debate. With three weeks to go until the Iowa caucuses, the field has narrowed, with both Sen. Cory Booker and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro recently dropping out. Unfortunately, the thinning of the field has also meant a thinning of debate topics. When it comes to the economy, Democrats seem to be stuck on how much to tax wealth rather than how to help create wealth. Thats a common charge against Democrats during any election campaign, but it has particular urgency right now. Despite the continued macroeconomic expansion, there are worrying sub-surface trends. Not potential signs of recession in the near futurebut signs of potential economic erosion, threatening prosperity over the next several years. The United States is enduring what researchers have labeled a startup deficit. Business creation has stalled over the last several years. We have fewer high-growth firms, especially in high-tech sectors, and those firms that do achieve high growth have been creating fewer jobs. Entrepreneurship is still largely white and male, and there are significant geographic disparities. Only a relative handful of regions enjoy vibrant entrepreneurial scenes. Its easy not to worry too much about this during a record-breaking expansion, but the startup deficit means lower productivity and less wealth creation over the long term. The U.S. economy, already older and slower according to economists, could become more so. Addressing this issue, and other indicators of lower economic dynamism overall, should be a top priority for the next president. Most of the Democratic candidates, however, seem either unaware or unconcerned about this. As a new paper released today from the Progressive Policy Institute shows, entrepreneurship has been largely absent from the Democratic campaign. Bookers withdrawal means the loss of more than the last African-American candidate. It also means the loss of one of the few candidates who has talked about declining entrepreneurship and the importance of business creation for local communities. The new PPI paper reviews how each remaining candidate has spoken (if at all) about entrepreneurship as well as what they say they might do as president to catalyze business creation. The paper also looks at how President Trump has approached entrepreneurship, reviews the academic research on declining business dynamism and its causes, and considers what actions might be taken to reverse the trends. Our main conclusion is that most Democratic candidates are fairly far from what might be considered an ideal set of entrepreneurship policy ideas. That applies especially to those who are being permitted to join the debate this evening. There are exceptions. Congressman John Delaney (who is not participating in tonights debate) has been the most vocal about entrepreneurship. Thats not surprising, since Delaney has built two successful companies. Andrew Yang, who also has entrepreneurial experience and started an organization, Venture for America, to help young companies, has talked about the hard reality of starting a business. Yang did not qualify for the debate tonight. Of those who will be on stage in Des Moines, only Sen. Amy Klobuchar can be said to be certifiably pro-entrepreneur. Klobuchar co-founded the Senate Entrepreneurship Caucus and co-sponsored reintroduction of the Startup Act. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Mayor Pete Buttigieg both have proposals on their campaign websites aimed at closing demographic gaps in entrepreneurship. Yet Warren, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, speaks so vehemently against business that its hard to imagine her being perceived as concerned about addressing the startup deficit. Former Vice-President Joe Biden has been mostly quiet about entrepreneurship, but he does have some worthy ideas on his website about helping new businesses. One might also expect that Biden would revive some of the Obama administrations entrepreneurship initiatives (such as the International Entrepreneur Rule). President Trump has not been anti-entrepreneur but he hasnt exactly been pro-entrepreneurship either. Surveys have found confidence in the president among entrepreneurs to be waning, and small business optimism has fallen in 2019 compared to the administrations first two years. Overall, Trumps economic policy chaos has led to volatility and spikes in economic uncertainty. So tonight, what should the Democrats talk about? For starters, debate moderators should ask them about the startup deficit and corresponding decline in business dynamism. That should give us a sense of how concerned the candidates are about these trends. They should be asked about how theyll approach regulation and taxes from the perspective of both existing business owners and potential new businesses. What specific ideas from the policy agenda published by the Center for American Entrepreneurship would they adopt? It would be nice, of course, if such a substantive debate included all the candidates, especially those who do seem concerned about the state of U.S. business creation. Most of all, Democratic candidates should be asked to speak about the economicand socialimportance of entrepreneurship in American history. How, at the very moment that the American entrepreneurial spirit appears to be in trouble, would they reinvigorate that legacy? Every day in Lisbon is leg day. One of Western Europes oldest cities was built on seven hills that are so steep, some streets have special elevators just to help you ascend them. For the ones that dont, the level of exertion is necessary if you happen to have eaten six custard tarts before noon in a comparative pasteis de nata tasting. (Pro tip: Pasteis de Belems eggy numbers are the best; Manteigaria Silvas vanilla-y ones come in a close second.) Im in the city at the start of a Windstar itinerary called Tapestries, Towers, and Tarte Normande, an eight-day sailing from Lisbon to Amsterdam. The cruise lines itineraries along Europes West Coast are the most popular, and they evolve every year: In 2020 its Autumn on the Atlantic Coast in September, and in July the following year its Cruising the Atlantic Coast. (Both are James Beard Foundation sailings with a guest chef and sommelier on board.) Its an efficient and charming way to traverse the Atlantic coast without driving or flying, and, if youre a non-cruiser, Windstar is for you: Its all-suite ships are luxurious, relaxed, and have more of an a la carte philosophy. This bodes well for the independent traveler. The cruise on board the Star Breeze wasnt all smooth sailing. With a storm rolling across Europe, Mother Nature threatened, and our captain heeded her warning, changing course to avoid it. Two ports were dropped from the itinerary, and we spent two rocky days at sea. No matter, the ships general manager and crew dealt with the guests disappointment with infectious grace, humor, and excellent hospitality. A lighthouse on the rugged coast of Jersey Island, a self-governing dependency of Britain. | Sally Spaulding/Chad Chisholm Thats how we spent two nights in Porto instead of one. Portugals second-largest city is fabulously smooshed into a hillside along the Douro River, dotted with narrow, brightly tiled homes of former merchants and fishermen. Gaia, across the river from Porto, is the epicenter of port wine production, and you would do well to lose yourself in its winding lanes and port houses for a day. Story continues Our remaining ports of call included Cherbourg in France, Bruges in Belgium, and Saint Helier on Jersey island. Cherbourg is a popular port for cruise ships because of its proximity to the D-Day beaches, but it is also close to Normandys apple orchards and the heart of cider and Calvados production. If youre lucky enough to be there in spring, the apple orchards are in full bloom, and you can pick up some excellent souvenirs in liquid formand an apple tart or two. Because of our compacted itinerary, we breezed through the beer- and chocolate-themed fantasy that is Bruges and only had half a day on Jersey (a tax haven like the Caymansbut with cows). Its a self-governing dependency of Britain, and we had enough time to get a taste of its deep sense of independence, as well as its excellent butter, sausage rolls, and pasties. Charming canals encircle the Belgian town of Bruges. | Neil Emmerson / robertharding/Getty Images Being stuck at sea for two days was not so bad, really. Not when there are spa treatments to be had, martinis to be drunk (note: do not do this in a 15-foot swell), and snacks to be eaten. Every time I tried to visit the gym to counter my indulgences, it was packed, testimony to the fact that guests want to keep up their fitness routines while on vacation. Windstar recognized that some time ago and is currently upgrading the Star Breeze and two of its sister shipsthey will essentially be cleaved in half and extended to include a much bigger fitness facility, spa, and extra dining options. Theyll be back on the water starting in February 2020. This is good news for those who value the wellness offerings on a ship as much as good food and booze. The renovated ships will be home to two new restaurants: Star Grill, by barbecue master, TV host, and cookbook author Steven Raichlen; and tapas bar Cuadro 44, a small-plates concept by Michelin-starred NYC chef Anthony Sasso. Sounds like two more good reasons to hit the gym at sea. (From $1,699, windstarcruises.com) Where to Eat & Drink Both canned and grilled sardines are to be found on most menus in Lisbon and Porto. | Sally Spaulding/Windstar Cruises If you have one meal in Lisbon, make it lunch at Prado. This former cookie factory with greenhouse vibes is helmed by Nuno Mendes protege Antonio Galapito, who serves simple, elevated riffs on his native cuisine. Think raw mackerel with pops of tangelo rind or squid in its ink draped in melty sheets of lardo, alongside a wine list dominated by biodynamic or organic wines. (pradorestaurante.com) Craft gin is just as hot in Lisbon as it is in other world capitals, but where else could you drink 80-odd different ones in a former 19th-century royal palace? Gin Lovers has kept some of the gorgeous dilapidated patina of the old palace as the backdrop for this bar and restaurant. They also produce their own gin in partnership with a local distiller: the pretty, floral Lisboa Gin. (ginlovers.pt) When visiting port houses in Porto, start on the waterfront at Ramos Pinto, where the beautifully preserved digs of its former owner Adriano now serve as a lively museum. Its worth taking the official tour before you taste. Taylors is the most traditionally British and historic of the houses, a bit stuffy but worth a visit for the grounds and cellar alone. The modern and austere Cockburns tasting room is very cool indeed (and as a bonus they carry all the wines under the Symington Family Estates banner to buy, including Grahams, Warres, and Dows). Its a great place to sip a white port and tonic. If you happen to dock in Cherbourg on market day, go to the market in the town square to try the local version of rice pudding, teurgoule. Sold in little pots, its slow-cooked, resulting in a concentrated, caramelized texture and flavor. You could stop at any number of breweries in Bruges, but for a place that speaks to the innovative young heart of the city, try De Republiek, which is an art space, cinema, bar, and restaurant. The lunch of the day could be a delicious, elevated take on pork cheeks with mustard sauce, celeriac mash, and roasted carrot topped with toasted caraway and buckwheat. (republiekbrugge.be) "Oh my God, she's bleeding nonstop!" one person shouts. Another shouts: "Bandage it!" Another video shows a woman being carried away in the aftermath as a blood trail can be seen on the ground. Those around her cry out that she has been shot by live ammunition in the leg. Videos sent to the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran and later verified by The Associated Press show a crowd of demonstrators near Azadi, or Freedom, Square fleeing as a tear gas canister landed among them. People cough and sputter while trying to escape the fumes, with one woman calling out in Farsi: "They fired tear gas at people! Azadi Square. Death to the dictator!" Iranian security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner, online videos purported to show Monday. Anti-government demonstrators wave an Iraqi national flag during a demonstration in Tahrir square, against the breach of Iraqi sovereignty by the U.S. and Iran. Photos and video after the incident show pools of blood on the sidewalk. Tehran's police chief, Gen. Hossein Rahimi, later denied his officers opened fire though the semiofficial Fars news agency said police "shot tear gas in some areas." "Police treated people who had gathered with patience and tolerance," Iranian media quoted Rahimi as saying. "Police did not shoot in the gatherings since broad-mindedness and restraint has been agenda of the police forces of the capital." However, uniformed police officers were just one arm of Iran's security forces who were out in force for the demonstrations. Riot police in black uniforms and helmets gathered earlier Sunday in Vali-e Asr Square, at Tehran University and other landmarks. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes, and plainclothes security men were also out in force. People looked down as they walked briskly past police, apparently trying not to draw attention to themselves. The Guard previously has been accused of opening fire on demonstrators during protests over government-set gasoline prices rising in November, violence that reportedly saw over 300 people killed. Other videos from Fars showed demonstrators chanting: "We are children of war. Fight with us, we will fight back." The crash of the Ukraine International Airline early on Wednesday killed all 176 people on board, mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians. After pointing to a technical failure and insisting for three days that the Iranian armed forces were not to blame, authorities on Saturday admitted accidentally shooting it down in the face of mounting evidence and accusations by Western leaders. Iran downed the flight as it braced for possible American retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces earlier on Wednesday. The missile attack, which caused no casualties, was a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad. But no retaliation came. Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the plane and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the wake of the tragedy. They are also mourning the dead, which included many young people who were studying abroad. At earlier protests Saturday, students in Tehran shouted: "They are lying that our enemy is America! Our enemy is right here!" Another Fars video showed demonstrators on Sunday night tearing down a poster of Soleimani in Tehran. Ali Rabiei, a government spokesman, insisted Iran's civilian officials only learned Friday that the Guard shot down the plane. "The point is that we did not lie," Rabiei said. He went onto blame the U.S. for "spreading the shadow of war over Iran." Javad Kashi, a professor of politics at Tehran Allameh University, wrote online that people should be allowed to express their anger in public protests. "Buckled under the pressure of humiliation and being ignored, people poured into the streets with so much anger," he wrote. "Let them cry as much as they want." There's also been a cultural outpouring of grief and anger from Iran's creative community. Some Iranian artists, including famed director Masoud Kimiai, withdrew from an upcoming international film festival. Two state TV hosts resigned in protest over the false reporting about the cause of the plane crash. Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Iran's most-famous actresses, posted a picture of a black square on Instagram with the caption: "We are not citizens. We are hostages. Millions of hostages." Saeed Maroof, the captain of Iran's national volleyball team, also wrote on Instagram: "I wish I could be hopeful that this was the last scene of the show of deceit and lack of wisdom of these incompetents but I still know it is not." He said that despite the qualification of Iran's national team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after years of efforts, "there is no energy left in our sad and desperate souls to celebrate." Meanwhile, another video making the rounds showed the national symbol of Iran, four crescents and a sword in the shape of a water lily flying through what appeared to be a 1980s-style video game like "Galaga." Music chimes when it touches oil as it fires on symbols representing people, knowledge and ultimately an airplane. "To be continued," the caption at the end of the clip reads. YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan released a statement on the 30th anniversary of the anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku, the PMs Office told Armenpress. The statement reads: Dear Compatriots, Today we commemorate the victims of pogroms, ethnic cleansings and mass deportations of the Armenians in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Thirty years ago, the international community witnessed and condemned the massacres committed against the Armenian population in Baku. In 1990, as a result of the policy of repression and ethnic cleansing started by the Sumgait massacre, only 35-40,000 out of some 250,000 Armenians remained in Baku, mostly elderly and helpless people. Their fate was even more tragic: hundreds were killed, maimed and went missing; tens of thousands became refugees. This was the outcome of the anti-Armenian pogroms that raged in Baku for about a week. The Armenians living in Baku were not a threat to Azerbaijan, to its authorities or political forces. All they wanted was to continue living in their hometown where their ancestors had lived. However, they were viewed as a threat by Azerbaijan because of their ethnic origin. The Armenians used to live in Baku for centuries, giving the city a genuine trait of multiculturalism. In the 19th century, they made a major contribution to the development of oil industry in Baku. The Armenians played an invaluable role in the development of the city during the Soviet times. 30 years after the aforementioned tragic events, there is no respect or compassion for the victims of Bakus anti-Armenian massacres. Those few people who had courage to even refer in their literary works the tragedy of the Armenians went through in Baku, were publicly shamed and officially declared traitors. Even today, perpetrators who committed atrocities against helpless people are regarded as heroes of Azerbaijan, while their crimes are considered a glorious chapter in the fight for Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regretfully, the past three decades failed to be a time of reflection, repentance and reconciliation in Azerbaijan. In the meantime, we have witnessed attempts to exterminate the population of Artsakh, we have witnessed the release and glorification of the convicted murderer Ramil Safarov, in April 2016 we witnessed tortures and brutal killings of elderly and helpless people in Artsakhs border settlements. Armenophobia has become a state policy and creed in Azerbaijan. Dear Compatriots, Today, we express our gratitude to all those international organizations and parliamentary bodies which responded and documented these events by condemning and exposing them to the world. By paying tribute to the memory of our innocent victims, I declare with all responsibility that we will not allow new attempts to exterminate or deport Armenians. The Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Artsakh and all Armenians around the world will use their full potential to ensure the right of existence and peaceful development of the Armenian people in their historical motherland, including in Artsakh. This was an important meeting of the CLMV economic cooperation mechanism within the economic cooperation channel of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020. Heads of delegations and GIZ representatives at the meeting (Source: VNA) The biannual event focused on the plan to realize the outcomes of the 11th CLMV Economic Ministers Meeting that took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 5th, 2019; the implementation of the 2019-2020 CLMV action plan; and necessary procedures for the submission of the CLMV development framework adopted by CLMV economic ministers last September, to the upcoming CLMV Summit, according to the MoITs Asian-African Market Department. The officials also had a discussion with the ASEAN Secretariat on the deployment of the plan regarding the third phase of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (AIA) and other relevant issues. They suggested the ASEAN Secretariat further support the four countries in connecting with their development partners, and mapping out a plan to implement the CLMV development framework after it is approved at the CLMV Summit. The CLMV development framework provides strategic orientations for economic collaboration between the four countries, and it is the first of its kind that has been formed since the establishment of the CLMV cooperation mechanism, the Asian-African Market Department said, adding that it looks towards a developed and competitive CLMV region by 2030. The officials also spent time reviewing the implementation of some projects funded by development partners like Japan, India and Germany. According to the department, the annual CLMV Economic Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting will approve annual action programmes of the member countries and map out orientations for their cooperation in the next year. Such action programmes focus on economy-trade, human resources development and coordination mechanism. The CLMV Economic Ministers Meeting aims to enhance economic, trade and investment ties between the four countries, step up regional integration, improve the role of CLMV in regional and international production chains, and narrow the development gap between CLMV and other ASEAN member countries, the department said./. Bollywood never fails to impress their fans and followers with new experimental looks. From the gym to the airport looks to festival bashes and parties, everything that actors step out in is spoken about these days. Listed below are some of the celebs look from yesterday that you might have missed out. ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan Getting Mobbed By Fans While Exiting A Theatre Leaves Internet Outraged Sara Ali Khan After returning from a long vacation in the Maldives, actor Sara Ali Khan on Sunday visited the Shani Temple in Juhu to seek blessings. The Kedarnath actor Sara visited the temple with her mother Amrita Singh. During her visit to the temple, Sara aced the all-white look in a white sharara suit and kept her hair-do simple with a clean pleat. Ananya Panday Recently, Ananya took to her Instagram to share a cute photo of herself from Wai. In this photo, the actor can be seen posing for a cute mirror selfie. She was looking cool with a grey coloured tank top with matching bottoms. The image caught more attention as she was looking cool with half of her hair into two cute buns. ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan & Sara Ali Khan Can't Take Their Eyes Off Each Other, Fans 'love' The Pics Tara Sutaria Tara Sutaria treated herself as she headed out for shopping yesterday. The Marjaavaan actor was seen carrying a shopping bag as she stepped out of the store. Tara was seen in a stylish grey and pink athleisure. She styled her look by tying a printed jacket around her waist and also sported a pair of golden shades. Adah Sharma The actor shared a series of pictures in a yellow striped short dress. She was looking pretty in this dress and completed her look with rings and a bracelet. She opted for black leather boots for a perfect look. ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan Shares Childhood Pic, Fans Find Resemblance With Taimur Ali Khan ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar To Feature In Sara Ali Khan's Next With Dhanush: Reports Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. Notwithstanding the small size of its Vidhan Sabha (70 seats), the upcoming elections for the city- state of Delhi are the cynosure of national political interest. It has been so since 2011, when the city became the centre of the Anna Hazare-led protests against corruption a movement that led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In two subsequent rounds of assembly elections in 2013, and then in 2015, the party established itself as a political start-up of urban professionals, with a clean image. In the 2015 assembly elections, the AAP won 67 of the 70 seats, ending both a 15- year old reign of the Congress, and challenging an established base of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). But this victory came with its dilemmas. The AAP could do nothing to challenge the ascendance of the BJP at the Centre, on an anti-corruption political agenda similar to its own, in two consecutive Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. Also, although Arvind Kejriwal became the face of a more-or-less collegial leadership of the AAP in its early years, Narendra Modis face as a national leader had greater pan-India appeal. The same electorate that put Kejriwal in power with such a massive mandate was unwilling to accept his jibes about Modi. The lessons from Delhi were pointing to a structural transformation in the electoral arena. First, the voter was looking at credible issues being at the forefront of electoral promises; pork-barrel politics or monetary offerings were not influential enough. The structures of patronage based votebanks that worked as a fixed asset for the Congress were now passe. Second, citizens could vote differently for different levels of government, even within the same limits of geography. At the very least, the city now had an assertive citizenry at the base this writer found that in elections between 2013-15, older politicians, such as the Sajjan Kumar-Ramesh Kumar duo, had little traction. Given these changes, how is the political competition likely to play out this time? Are local issues likely to hold sway, or will the more nationalistic issues matter more? What is the broader political significance of the battle and its likely signals for national politics? As far as political competition is concerned, foremost in the minds of the electorate, is the question of whether the incumbent AAP will manage to hold on, with its focus on concrete delivery and local issues. Some of the strongest achievements of the government have been with respect to taking on water mafias in unauthorised colonies, and improving the performance of government schools. In areas like Sangam Vihar Delhis largest unauthorised colony it was the land mafia that doubled up as the water mafia, and private tankers extracted heavy rents for meagre supplies for 15-20 minutes every fortnight. The colony now has a more regular, the AAP cadre-supervised supply of tankers, and pipelines are being laid out for secure water to households. So, the issue is not just about ownership documents to those living in unauthorised colonies, which the BJP hopes to leverage, but the long and arduous process of connecting them to pipelines and civic amenities, that Kejriwals government seems to be inching towards. This may well help the AAP gain the trust of the underclasses. Similarly, the promise of free electricity for 200 units is not simply a freebie as the BJP campaign would have us believe. It is coupled with the partys personal assistance in case of complaints of exaggerated electricity bills. Another notable achievement is that of improvements in infrastructure, and quality of education in the 1,000-odd government schools. A clear outcome of their enhanced performance is the improved pass percentage. Even more, alignment with world-class ideas on teacher training and learning outcomes has helped the government school model conform to global norms in this area. Over 200 teachers were sent to Singapore another city- state with globally acclaimed high learning levels on Programme for International Student Assessment tests. As a result, flipped classrooms, computer-aided classrooms, revised and friendly curricula, even swimming pools in some schools, are concrete achievements. For the BJP, the electoral competition is pegged around its nationalistic legislation based changes the nullification of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and its special status, and now the Citizenship Amendment Act. The party is relying on the charisma of Narendra Modi, who is an able communicator, and makes direct appeals that are considered credible by the electorate. The trouble is, however, that the partys record of local municipal governance, through its councillors, is dismal. And the nationalistic legislations of late have stirred protests where the local actions of the city police, which reports to the Centre, have been criticised. The outcomes may not signal any political realignment at the Centre, where the BJP is firmly in control. But as voters deliberate on elections in this city-state, they may transform the nature of the political arena further. In that case, they may ask for concrete deliveries rather than be shown the might of the State that simply legislates but has a delivery deficit. Manisha Priyam is associate professor, National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration The views expressed are personal Mike Bloomberg addresses to supporters during his presidential campaign kick off in Austin on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Read more AKRON, Ohio - By the time Mike Bloomberg sniffed the hydroponic basil growing in an old tire factory here, he had already traveled 1,700 miles in three hops on his chartered plane, met with the mayor of Chicago and climbed into a soybean tractor on the frozen plains of southern Minnesota. It was a show of force - four states in less than 17 hours on Wednesday, each event meticulously produced for local press, with separate rented motorcades and a button-down advance staff that choreographed his movements like a ballet. No other presidential candidate in the Democratic field would have tried to pull this off in January. As the cameras shuttered before the purple grow lights of an urban farm, he asked if anyone knew the difference between a good salesman and a great salesman. The good salesman, he explained, can face rejection at one door and move on to the next just as convinced he will make the sale. "The great salesman knocks on the same door," he said with a sly smile. The thing that makes Bloomberg different is he can knock on all doors at once. Bloomberg is running aggressively to win the Democratic nomination but he is simultaneously building out a general election machine to defeat President Donald Trump, with a new structure - data, field organizing, advertising and policy - that aims to elect Democrats up and down the ballot even if the party's voters reject the former New York mayor this spring. The party he is moving to transform, which he only rejoined in October, has become little more than a bystander to his ambition. With more than 800 employees, $200 million in ad spending so far and a fully catered Times Square office that houses hundreds of employees, "Mike Bloomberg 2020, Inc." does not resemble a primary campaign in any traditional sense. It is an experiment in what happens to democracy when a single faction operates without economic constraints. While most presidential efforts start early and poor, the Bloomberg project exists in an inverted dimension, a fact that has caught the attention of Trump, who spent years tracking Bloomberg's political career closely in New York. The president has been closely monitoring Bloomberg's campaign, impressed by his extraordinary spending and fearful of his potential rise, according to Trump confidants with whom the president has discussed Bloomberg. Bloomberg's aides, in turn, have delighted in trying to find ways to get Trump's attention and increase his anxiety, like the recent purchase of an $11 million Super Bowl ad that will run against a similar spot purchased by Trump's campaign. The extravagance is part of the message, an attempt to demonstrate his competence and show that he can manage something big with good intentions. "We also want people to know that we are building a juggernaut pointed at Donald Trump and the Republican Party," said Tim O'Brien, a senior adviser to the campaign who has been taking the message to state parties around the country. "One of Mike's goals is to make a machine that lasts. This idea that he wants to do a vanity run or is just buying exposure is belied by that." To begin with, that means building a fully staffed general election campaign in January to win primary contests in March, with a suite of high-profile recruits on the payroll, like former top executives for Facebook, Foursquare and GroupM, the world's largest advertising media company by billings. No one at headquarters knows what he will ultimately choose to spend, but they operate for the moment without budgets, putting the 12th richest person on the planet on a path to spend $1 billion or more. He wants Democrats to know he is happy to spread the money around. During a swing through Texas on Saturday, when his campaign staged over 150 events in 27 states in a show of organizing prowess, he cast himself as a potential benefactor and mentor for all state and local party organizations. "I think you look at each," Bloomberg said, when asked if he would boost them. "You look to see how well they're run, and if you tried to help, that you'd be able to help. That's number one. And number two would be that your money would be used efficiently. And it's not just money. We can bring some advice." Whether he wins or loses the nomination, the ubiquitous television and digital ads he is running have been crafted as the opening exchange in a conversation about Trump's failures that will continue through November. "I am looking forward to making a multi-month-long case to voters that will end on Election Day with his defeat," says Howard Wolfson, a top adviser overseeing the paid media efforts. New health care spots scheduled to begin airing on Monday focus nearly as much on attacking Trump as introducing Bloomberg. "America is sick of Donald Trump, and America is getting sicker," begins one ad voice-over, as the screen shows unflattering photos of the president. "There are one million more uninsured Americans every year under Trump." Bloomberg's data operation, cryptically called Hawkfish, aims to incorporate expensive demographic and targeting data, parts of which can later be fed back into the party's databases or repurposed for the broader fight against Trump and Republicans. The fact that he is a candidate gives him greater access to party data than he would otherwise have, and as a candidate he also benefits from lower television ad rates in swing states before their primary contests than he would if he simply advertised against Trump as a regular citizen. The massive campaign staffs he has been bringing on in swing states - 60 in Arizona and over 80 in North Carolina, for example, at a time when most candidates are focused in Iowa - have been promised jobs through the July convention or November election, long after his primary campaign closes up shop. On the walls of the campaign headquarters in Manhattan, on a floor previously occupied by the New York Times, two digital countdown clocks hang in pairs. One ticks to Super Tuesday, March 3, when Bloomberg hopes to pick up delegates in 14 states after declining to campaign in the first four contests. The other aims at the general election in November. "Either it is going to be the best primary campaign in American history, or the greatest IE that has ever been created," said campaign manager Kevin Sheekey, using the political lingo for an independent expenditure campaign, the super PAC-type efforts that wealthy interests use to influence elections. All parts of any campaign that have been run before - an aggressive constituency operation, a surrogate team, a Spanish-language effort, local media teams in dozens of states so far - have been built out. Top aides have been telling Bloomberg to give his cell number to superdelegates whose support could play a decisive role in a contested convention. His campaign is turning out a steady stream of campaign swag - sold at cost, not to raise money - in the hopes of a coming demand for "I LIKE MIKE" and "Democracy is not a witch hunt" T-shirts. His own social set has been taken care of as well. Even though Bloomberg will not accept campaign contributions, part of his political operation, called Committee for Mike, is courting Wall Street executives, New York philanthropists and other local leaders with special events and weekly invite-only conference calls. The ask is influence. "Amplify our message by acting as validators in the media, within your professional network, and other spheres," the campaign wrote in a recent email to the group, after Bloomberg invited dozens to a campaign breakfast briefing at one of his Upper East Side buildings. Despite all the spending, his primary hopes depend largely on factors well beyond his control. If former vice president Joe Biden performs well in the early states, Bloomberg's moderate appeal will likely be overshadowed. But in the case of a stumble, or a divided field, Bloomberg could position himself as a party broker with a minority of delegates, or as a moderate unity candidate, aiming to bring together the party. On the campaign trail, much of what he is doing in the meantime is defiant in its vague appeal. An engineer by nature who likes to talk about delegating authority, he is focused on process and efficient message delivery. Despite 12 years as mayor, he is still learning to emote and talk with his hands. His campaign signs have the same blue-on-blue design used by the 2012 Obama campaign, and his entrance song at events, lifted from John F. Kerry's acceptance speech at the 2004 convention, is U2's "Beautiful Day." His policy, though sometimes nuanced on paper, is uncomplicated in presentation, leaning heavily on phrases known to move focus groups. "My pitch, I guess," he told more than 500 potential supporters in Ohio on Wednesday, reading from notes, "is if you want health insurance for everyone, if you want to combat inequality with fairer taxes and better jobs, if you want to share my belief in opportunity for all, if you support a commitment to quality education in this country for everybody, if you want to clean out the White House, clean out the Oval Office, if you want to get things done, join team Bloomberg." At an earlier event in Chicago, only a couple hundred showed up, and some of them seemed less than convinced. One group of a half-dozen younger attendees in the audience said they found out about the event through their employer, which one young woman said she was "scared" to identify. But a few feet away, fear of a different sort had produced real support. "We are really scared," said Brenda Gordon, a teacher of dentistry from Chicago, speaking of Trump. She said she came to the event after signing up for the email list for a man she believed could win, whom she called "my exception to the old white man rule." "He is everything Trump wishes he was," she said. "He is a real billionaire." As Bloomberg finished his remarks in Akron, and prepared to travel back to Queens, New York, where his day had begun, he admitted that he was not looking forward to the fifth flight. But he also wanted the crowd to know that he is just getting started. "Tomorrow it starts again," he said. "I'm the luckiest guy in the world." The Washington Posts David Weigel, Philip Rucker and Josh Dawsey contributed to this report. R eady for a new smartphone? Samsung has confirmed that a new Galaxy phone is on its way with a new name and new specs that promise to blow last years S10 range out of the water. From 5G capabilities to the camera power on the new devices, here is everything we know so far about the Galaxy S20 phones. Whats new with the Samsung Galaxy S20 range? From the rumours released so far, the new Samsung phone range is a big departure from what has come before. For starters, Samsung has decided to do an Apple and ditch its standard numerical naming. It was expected that this year the company would release the Samsung S11 range, however, it has decided to jump forward to naming the new phone S20. It also plans to release a lot more devices. It looks like there could be five phones in the new S20 range: the S20, S20 5G, S20+, S20+ 5G and S20 Ultra 5G. This is a signal that Samsung is dedicated to releasing more 5G phones this year. Last year, the company released five 5G phones, selling 6.7 million versions of these devices throughout 2019, from the affordable Galaxy A90 5G (629, Samsung.com/uk) up to the expensive, and futuristic, Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G (1,900, Samsung.com/uk). With three 5G phones expected to be unveiled in the new phone range, it looks like 2020 is going to be an even bigger year for 5G. Samsung Galaxy S20 release date: Samsung has already sent out invitations for its new phone launch which will take place on February 11 in San Francisco, kicking off at 11am PST, which is 7pm UK time. Last years S10 launch took place on February 20 with the new phones available to buy on March 8. We would normally assume that the new devices will be available to buy either at the end of February or the first week of March. However, in the leaks regarding the tech giant's new folding phone, thought to be the Galaxy Z Flip, WinFuture has it that the new device could be on sale as early as February 14. So you could have your hands on a shiny new Samsung phone by the end of next week. Leaked images of how the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip folding phone will look, courtesy of Evan Blass / Evan Blass / @evleaks Samsung Galaxy S20 design: It looks like there will be punch-hole in the centre of the phone to house the selfie camera, similar to the Note 10 range from last year but smaller and less intrusive on the screen. On the back of the phone, there looks to be a big rectangular camera module to house all the different lenses according to leaked images from XDA Developers, there will be four cameras on the S20+ phone, along with a flash lens and maybe a time of flight sensor which is handy for portrait photography. Leaked renders of how the new Samsung Galaxy S20 phone will look with a punchhole selfie camera on the front and quad camera block on the back (OnLeaks x CashKaro ) / OnLeaks x CashKaro Another change to the design is that Samsung is moving away from the curved screens found on the S range in favour of a flat screen, like the one it debuted on the cheaper Note 10 Lite at CES last week. This is an interesting move by Samsung and well have to wait to see if this comes to fruition in February. In terms of size, the S20 is expected to have a 6.2-inch screen; the S20+ will have a 6.7-inch screen, whilst the S20+ Ultra will be 6.9-inches. Good luck trying to fit that in your jeans pocket. Samsung Galaxy S20 camera: It looks like the S20 range will be sporting a massive quad camera set up on the back of the phone. According to notable phone leaker Ice Universe, there will be an ultra-wide-angle lens, a main camera lens, and a periscope zoom lens, alongside the flash and time of flight sensor. In particular, Samsung could debut a new night photography feature called Bright Night, which will improve the types of images you can take in low light. For the higher-spec S20 Ultra, rumours point to the phone being able to record video in 8K which would be seriously impressive. Itll be interesting to see how the new selfie camera matches up, given that the S10+ and S10 5G both had dual selfie cameras on the front of the device, but Samsung may have knocked this down to only one for the S20 range. Samsung Galaxy S20 specs: Specs-wise, the new S20 range is expected to run Samsungs new Exynos 990 chipset, which promises efficiency and performance gains of up to 20 per cent more than last years chip. The tech in the chip will allow the new phone displays to have a 120Hz refresh rate this means the screen will refresh 120 frames per second, which makes watching videos and gaming a whole lot more fun. OnePlus is reportedly working on 120Hz refresh tech too, following the 90Hz display that debuted on last years 7 Pro. A recent leak points to all the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones sporting a smooth 12GB of RAM, whilst the S20 Ultra 5G, the highest spec phone in the range, could even have 16GB of RAM way more than even most laptops and computers. It might seem rather unnecessary to have such powerful memory on a smartphone but if Samsung wants to retain its crown as the top smartphone maker in the world then blockbuster features like this will be necessary. One thing were hoping for is that the S20 range will receive some battery upgrades too, given that we loved last years S10+ but found the battery to be rather lacking. Some rumours point to the S20+ rocking a 4,500 mAh, the same as the Note 10+, whilst the Ultra 5G could have a 5,000 mAh battery along with fast charging to boost it from 0 to 100 per cent in just over an hour. Samsung Galaxy S20 price: The Galaxy S range is often more affordable than the Note range but given all the improvements that appear to be coming to the Samsung S20 phones, we may see the prices hiked up as a result. Last year, prices for the S10 and S10+ phones started at 799 and 899 respectively. Its likely the S20 will also cost 799 as the starting price, however, dont be surprised if the new phones do end up more expensive than last year. What else is Samsung going to launch? It's almost certain that Samsung will be unveiling its new folding phone, named the Galaxy Z Flip, next week. This is a departure from last year's Galaxy Fold as it sports a clamshell device, similar to an old-school flip phone and not unlike the re-launched Motorola Razr which debuted at the end of last year. In addition, there should also be a new pair of the company's wireless earbuds, named the Galaxy Buds+, next week. Reports point to Samsung leaking the earbuds themselves via the App Store. The new earbuds are going to be slightly bigger than last year's version, offering 60 minutes of playtime with only three minutes of charge, more microphones and multi-device connection. Those looking forward to noise-cancelling will be sadly disappointed, however. Eight eminent personalities, including former Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar and ex-Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, have appealed to people to "introspect and audit" the working of the Constitution ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Republic. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Eight eminent personalities, including former Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar and ex-Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, have appealed to people to "introspect and audit" the working of the Constitution ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Republic. "Is the Constitution a mere administrative manual which enables the elected governments to claim legitimacy for abuse of power, and allows the citizens to convert liberty into license disregarding rights of others? Is it simply another text penned by ink, or a sacred text written in the blood of innumerable martyrs who transcended the barriers of caste, religion, region, ethnicity and language?" they asked in an open letter. Their appeal has come at a time when there have been protests, some of them violent, against the new citizenship law, which critics say discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. Stressing that peaceful reconciliation of conflicting interests, healthy public discourse, and respect for dissenting views are at the heart of democracy, they urged people to "introspect whether truth and non-violence - the two values held very dear to the heart of the Father of the Nation - continue to inform our actions in the public sphere." Under the title ''70 years of Indian Constitution-A Defining Moment'', the signatories of the letter said 70 years of the working of the Constitution provided an "opportunity to celebrate our successes, and also to introspect and resolve to overcome our shortcomings". "We appeal to all citizens to utilise this solemn occasion to celebrate our success, reflect on our current concerns, particularly about our plural, secular society, and resolve to fulfil the Constitutional goals envisaged by Dr Ambedkar and our forefathers as summed up in the Preamble," they said. Apart from Quraishi and Chelameswar, the letter has been signed by film personality Sharmila Tagore, former Army Commander Lt Gen Harcharanjit Singh Panag, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Carnatic musician and creative personality TM Krishna, former chairman of UGC and ICSSR Sukhdeo Thorat and former member of the Planning Commission Syeda Hameed. The open letter was released exactly a year after four senior judges of the Supreme Court, including Chelameswar, had mounted a virtual revolt against the then chief justice, listing a litany of problems that they said were afflicting the country's highest court and warned could destroy Indian democracy. The unprecedented move at a joint news conference had left the judiciary and observers stunned, leaving uncertain how this open dissension in the hallowed institution would be resolved. On Monday, the eminent personalities said each generation has a "solemn duty to constantly introspect and audit the working of the Constitution". "The 70th anniversary of the Republic is an appropriate moment to celebrate and introspect by peacefully observing the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (January 23), foundation day of the Election Commission celebrated as the National Voters Day (January 25), the Republic Day (January 26) and the martyrdom of the Father of the Nation (January 30)," they said. The citizenship law, notified on January 10, grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who came to India till December 31, 2014, if they have faced religious persecution in their countries. The government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have defended the law, saying the minority groups from the three countries have no other option but to come to India when they face religious persecution there The Parliamentary Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Sagnarigu Constituency of the Northern Region, Mrs. Felicia Tetteh has been lauded by the Chiefs and people of Parin, a suburb of Sagnarigu for addressing the huge sanitation challenge in the area. The popular business woman won the hearts of the community members when she mobilized resources to evacuate heaps of garbage that were causing serious discomfort and health threats to the lives of the people. The Chief of Parin, Naa Abubakari Fuseini and his opinion leaders who showered blessings on Mrs. Tetteh admitted that the evacuation of the garbage had brought a huge relief to the community. According to him, he and his people had made several appeals to the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon A.B.A Fuseini to assist the community to clear the refuse, but he allegedly turned a deaf ear to their plea. He pledged to give Mrs. Felicia Tetteh their fullest support in the next general elections. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sagnarigu, Hajia Mariam Iddrisu commended the 2020 Sagnarigu Constituency Parliamentary Aspirant of the NPP for her prioritizing the health of the people. She said sanitation management had become one of the major challenges facing the assembly as it continues to drain the little money in the coffers of the assembly. Hajia Iddrisu noted that the intervention by Mrs. Tetteh cannot be underestimated and congratulated her for affecting the lives of the people positively. She added the intervention by the NPP Candidate falls in line with the vision of the ruling government and the Sagnarigu municipal assembly to make every community of Ghana clean. When you have a parliamentary candidate of a political party prioritizing the health, sanitation and wellbeing of the people, it is encouraging and I think the people should entrust their votes to her. Leadership is about championing the development aspirations of the people and if Mrs. Felicia Tetteh as a PC can do this, I think she can do more if she is voted to represent the people of Sagnarigu in parliament. She has proven that women in leadership can do better off than men, the MCE posited. Anyone researching Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSEMKT:PZG) might want to consider the historical volatility of the share price. Volatility is considered to be a measure of risk in modern finance theory. Investors may think of volatility as falling into two main categories. The first type is company specific volatility. Investors use diversification across uncorrelated stocks to reduce this kind of price volatility across the portfolio. The second type is the broader market volatility, which you cannot diversify away, since it arises from macroeconomic factors which directly affects all the stocks on the market. Some stocks see their prices move in concert with the market. Others tend towards stronger, gentler or unrelated price movements. Some investors use beta as a measure of how much a certain stock is impacted by market risk (volatility). While we should keep in mind that Warren Buffett has cautioned that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk', beta is still a useful factor to consider. To make good use of it you must first know that the beta of the overall market is one. A stock with a beta below one is either less volatile than the market, or more volatile but not corellated with the overall market. In comparison a stock with a beta of over one tends to be move in a similar direction to the market in the long term, but with greater changes in price. Check out our latest analysis for Paramount Gold Nevada What PZG's beta value tells investors While history does not always repeat, this level of beta may indicate that the stock price will continue to be exposed to market risk, albeit not overly so. Share price volatility is well worth considering, but most long term investors consider the history of revenue and earnings growth to be more important. Take a look at how Paramount Gold Nevada fares in that regard, below. AMEX:PZG Income Statement, January 13th 2020 Does PZG's size influence the expected beta? Paramount Gold Nevada is a rather small company. It has a market capitalisation of US$21m, which means it is probably under the radar of most investors. It doesn't take much money to really move the share price of a company as small as this one. That makes it somewhat unusual that it has a beta value so close to the overall market. Story continues What this means for you: Since Paramount Gold Nevada has a beta close to one, it will probably show a positive return when the market is moving up, based on history. If you're trying to generate better returns than the market, it would be worth thinking about other metrics such as cashflows, dividends and revenue growth might be a more useful guide to the future. In order to fully understand whether PZG is a good investment for you, we also need to consider important company-specific fundamentals such as Paramount Gold Nevadas financial health and performance track record. I urge you to continue your research by taking a look at the following: Financial Health: Are PZGs operations financially sustainable? Balance sheets can be hard to analyze, which is why weve done it for you. Check out our financial health checks here. Past Track Record: Has PZG been consistently performing well irrespective of the ups and downs in the market? Go into more detail in the past performance analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of PZG's historicals for more clarity. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here. 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. CITY HALL -- Rep. Max Rose has endorsed Michael Bloomberg for president, winning the former New York City mayor his first endorsement from a sitting member of Congress. The first-term congressman cited Bloomberg turning the city around after Sept. 11 and his bipartisan approach to politics as reasons why he supports him. When Bloomberg was elected to his first term as mayor in 2002, he garnered 77 percent of the boroughs vote, owing his citywide victory largely to Staten Island voters. Bloomberg backed Roses predecessor former Republican Rep. Daniel Donovan in his unsuccessful 2010 bid for state attorney general. In 2018, Bloomberg also donated $5,400, the maximum amount for individual donors, to Donovans congressional bid in the lead up to the Republican primary where the former Island congressman faced off against ex-GOP Rep. Michael Grimm. The city Mike Bloomberg inherited in 2002 was reeling from the worst terrorist attack in American history and facing economic recession. There were real fears nothing would ever feel or be the same again. Mike Bloomberg took the reins, brought New York City back to life and put us on track to lead in the 21st century, Rose said. Mayor Bloombergs even keeled and visionary leadership is what we need to reduce the chaos, partisanship and hyper-vitriol that has overtaken Washington. Rather than submit to another stage of politics as usual, we must be bold and unifying in taking on the huge challenges we face as a nation, Rose continued. We need to root out corruption so we can put the economy back on the side of working people, fix our crumbling infrastructure, lower prescription drug costs and end the opioid epidemic. Mike Bloomberg has taken on tough fights and gotten results, which is why I believe he is the best candidate for my district, my city, and for our country. The billionaire has presented himself as a centrist candidate, but has faced some criticism for positions he held during his time as mayor, such as the NYPDs stop and frisk program and the push to ban large-sized sugary drinks. Bloomberg attempted to address the stop and frisk concerns during a campaign speech in Brooklyn last year. I was wrong, Bloomberg said before the Christian Cultural Center, a predominantly black megachurch. And I am sorry. The former mayor paid a visit to the Island in early December to attend the Iron Hills Civic Associations annual holiday dinner at the Richmond County Country Club. If we work together, we can solve problems and make progress, Bloomberg told the room of more than 200 people. Weve done that here in New York City, and we desperately need to do it across the country. Roses endorsement comes as the race for his congressional seat is heating up. Rose is currently running unopposed in the June primary, but faces two Republican challengers Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis and Brooklyn prosecutor Joseph Caldarera. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) ("Actinium"), announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) to utilize Actinium's Antibody Radiation-Conjugate or ARC apamistamab-I-131 for targeted conditioning and replace the chemotherapy conditioning being used in an ongoing Phase 1/2 stem cell gene therapy clinical trial. In the trial, patients with relapsed or refractory HIV-related lymphoma are being treated with autologous stem cell gene therapy. This is the first gene therapy clinical trial that will utilize ARC based conditioning. The clinical trial will be conducted at UC Davis and may be expanded to additional sites in the future. Dr. Mehrdad Abedi, Professor, Hematology and Oncology at UC Davis and study lead, said, "This collaboration represents an exciting combination of revolutionary technologies that could further our ability to treat patients with HIV and other life-threatening diseases with gene therapy. Despite the advances made in the field of gene therapy, the reliance on non-targeted chemotherapy and external radiation as conditioning regimens is less than optimal and poses a problem that we hope to reduce or eliminate as part of this collaboration by replacing our conditioning regimen in this study with Actinium's ARC based targeted conditioning. Advances in HIV therapies have dramatically improved patient survival, but current therapies require life-long daily use to keep the HIV virus at bay, can have severe side effects, may be overcome by HIV resistance and do not address the needs of all patients like those in this study with HIV-related lymphomas. We envision a future where a single treatment of our stem cell gene therapy can cure patients of their lymphoma and HIV leaving the patient with a new immune system that can fight, be resistant to and prevent the mutation of HIV. Apamistamab-I-131's demonstrated antitumor effect against lymphoma and ability to condition patients in a targeted manner with a demonstrated tolerable safety profile in the bone marrow transplant setting makes it an ideal conditioning agent for this patient population. Based on these factors and extensive supporting clinical data in the Iomab-B program, we selected this ARC as the conditioning agent for the next phase of our trial as we believe antibody radiation-conjugates are more advanced and hold distinct advantages over novel but unproven conditioning technologies such as Antibody Drug Conjugates and naked antibodies that are beginning to be developed albeit at the preclinical stage." In the current clinical trial, the anti-HIV stem cell gene therapy is produced by taking a patient's own or autologous, blood forming stem cells and genetically modifying them via gene therapy with a combination of three anti-HIV genes. The intended result is for the gene modified bone marrow stem cells to produce a new immune system and newly arising immune cells that are resistant to HIV via a single treatment. Conditioning is necessary prior to adoptive cell therapies such as gene therapy to eliminate certain cell types such as immune cells and stem cells in the bone marrow so the transplanted cells can engraft. Until now, conditioning in this trial, as is typical, used a multi-drug chemotherapy regimen administered over several days. This approach is non-targeted, associated with toxicities that impairs patients and restricts the use and efficacy of cellular therapy. Apamistamab-I-131, which requires just one therapeutic administration, will displace the non-targeted chemotherapy to condition patients in a targeted manner with the goal of reducing conditioning related toxicities and improving patient outcomes. Actinium and UC David will cross-reference their respective Investigational New Drug applications and will work collaboratively to obtain necessary regulatory and institutional approvals. In this clinical collaboration, Actinium will provide drug product, support for its administration and certain trial costs. UC Davis will be responsible for the production of the anti-HIV stem cell gene therapy and overall conduct of the study and its cost. Dr. Dale Ludwig, Actinium's Chief Scientific Officer, said, "We are excited to be working with Dr. Abedi on this clinical study and we appreciate his recognition of the value of our Iomab-ACT targeted conditioning program may provide in support of gene stem cell therapy. This targeted approach using our CD45 ARC, enables both anti-tumor activity and effective conditioning with the potential for reduced toxicity compared to non-targeted chemotherapy and external radiation in the bone marrow transplant setting. Supported by extensive clinical investigation in 12 trials and over 300 patients, a single therapeutic dose of apamistamab-I-131 is sufficient for conditioning and, due to its dual activity, even a patient with active disease could expect to receive therapy within two weeks, which is anticipated to lead to better outcomes compared to chemotherapy, external beam radiation, or exploratory approaches such as naked antibodies or Antibody Drug Conjugates. In addition, CD45, the target of apamistamab-I-131, is ideal for targeted conditioning, as it is not expressed outside of the haemopoietic system and, because it is a poorly internalizing receptor. An ARC approach which does not require internalization of its radionuclide warhead for target cell killing, is anticipated to be more viable and more effective than Antibody Drug Conjugate approaches which need to internalize their payloads. Given the potential of this ARC targeted conditioning technology for bone marrow transplant, we are grateful to Dr. Abedi for the opportunity to advance the Iomab-ACT program into the promising field of gene stem cell therapy." Sandesh Seth, Actinium's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Actinium is thrilled to be working with UC Davis and honored to now be part of this important trial. It has become evident that better conditioning regimens are needed for cell and gene therapies to reach their full potential. Our team is proud to be the first company to establish a clinical stage targeted conditioning portfolio for both cell and gene therapy. We are pleased to extend our ARC technology for targeted conditioning into these rapidly advancing fields and we are committed to establishing a strong leadership position in enabling these adoptive cell therapies fully realize their great potential for improving patients' lives." Apamistamab-I-131's demonstrated conditioning and antitumor effect in lymphoma1 Actinium's apamistamab-I-131 ARC has been studied as a targeted conditioning agent in over 300 patients in the bone marrow transplant setting in the Iomab-B Program and is currently being studied in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical (SIERRA) trial in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Clinical proof of concept has been established with Iomab-B for targeted conditioning in high-risk, relapsed or refractory lymphoma patients prior to an autologous stem cell transplant where a favorable safety profile with no dose limiting toxicities and minimal non-hematologic toxicities observed and promising efficacy with median overall survival not reached (range: 29 months to infinity) and 31% of patients in prolonged remission at a median of 36 months follow up (range: 25 41 months)1. 1) Cassaday et al. Phase I Study of a CD45-Targeted AntibodyRadionuclide Conjugate for High-Risk Lymphoma. AACR Clin Cancer Res Published OnlineFirst September 3, 2019 About Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ARCs or Antibody Radiation-Conjugates, which combine the targeting ability of antibodies with the cell killing ability of radiation. Actinium's lead application for our ARCs is targeted conditioning, which is intended to selectively deplete a patient's disease or cancer cells and certain immune cells prior to a BMT or Bone Marrow Transplant, Gene Therapy or Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT) such as CAR-T to enable engraftment of these transplanted cells with minimal toxicities. With our ARC approach, we seek to improve patient outcomes and access to these potentially curative treatments by eliminating or reducing the non-targeted chemotherapy that is used for conditioning in standard practice currently. Our lead product candidate, apamistamab-I-131 (Iomab-B) is being studied in the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 Study of Iomab-B in Elderly Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (SIERRA) trial for BMT conditioning. The SIERRA trial is over fifty percent enrolled and promising single-agent, feasibility and safety data has been highlighted at ASH, TCT, ASCO and SOHO annual meetings. Apatmistamamb-I-131 will also be studied as a targeted conditioning agent in a Phase 1/2 anti-HIV stem cell gene therapy with UC Davis and is expected to be studied with a CAR-T therapy in 2020. In addition, we are developing a multi-disease, multi-target pipeline of clinical-stage ARCs targeting the antigens CD45 and CD33 for targeted conditioning and as a therapeutic either in combination with other therapeutic modalities or as a single agent for patients with a broad range of hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma. Ongoing combination trials include our CD33 alpha ARC, Actimab-A, in combination with the salvage chemotherapy CLAG-M and the Bcl-2 targeted therapy venetoclax. Underpinning our clinical programs is our proprietary AWE (Antibody Warhead Enabling) technology platform. This is where our intellectual property portfolio of over 100 patents, know-how, collective research and expertise in the field are being leveraged to construct and study novel ARCs and ARC combinations to bolster our pipeline for strategic purposes. Our AWE technology platform is currently being utilized in a collaborative research partnership with Astellas Pharma, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements for Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This press release may contain projections or other "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe-harbor" provisions of the private securities litigation reform act of 1995 regarding future events or the future financial performance of the Company which the Company undertakes no obligation to update. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or estimated future results, including the risks and uncertainties associated with preliminary study results varying from final results, estimates of potential markets for drugs under development, clinical trials, actions by the FDA and other governmental agencies, regulatory clearances, responses to regulatory matters, the market demand for and acceptance of Actinium's products and services, performance of clinical research organizations and other risks detailed from time to time in Actinium's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including without limitation its most recent annual report on form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q and Forms 8-K, each as amended and supplemented from time to time. Contacts: Investors: Hans Vitzthum LifeSci Advisors, LLC [email protected] (617) 535-7743 Media: Alisa Steinberg, Director, IR & Corp Comms [email protected] (646) 237-4087 SOURCE Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Related Links http://www.actiniumpharma.com/ The Bombay high court (HC) has granted bail to a 25-year-old man who was in jail since April 2018 for raping a 14-year-old girl on grounds that the victims conduct indicates she left her home of her own free will and she had surrendered to the physical desires of the applicant out of her love and affection for him. The order was passed by justice Sandeep Shinde on January 9. The incident took place on April 18, 2018, when the minor girl, a resident of Malad, left her home at 1am on the pretext of going to the toilet. When she did not return, her father filed a complaint with the police. Meanwhile, according to a statement given by the girl, she and her boyfriend travelled by train to various places including Mahabaleshwar and Bhusawal in Maharashtra, and Delhi, before reaching Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, their home town. There, the girls relatives convinced the couple to return to Mumbai, which they did on April 26. The man was arrested at Mumbai airport under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In her statement to the police a few days later, the victim said she had eloped with her boyfriend of her own free will and that he had not forced her to have sex with him. A medical test confirmed that the two were sexually active prior to the incident. The said description of facts do not even remotely suggest that the (bail) applicant had ever induced and/or forced the victim to leave her parents house, the court observed. Justice Shinde cited a Supreme Court order from 1965 (S Varadarajan vs State of Madras) to grant the man bail, but restricted him from living in the vicinity of the minor. The mans lawyer said before the court that the minor was in love with her client and though he had not made any promises of marriage, she went with him, after which they had physical relations. She added that her client was in jail since April 2018 and was willing to cooperate with the investigators. Additional public prosecutor Avinash Kamkhedkar opposed the bail on the grounds that the victim was a minor and the accused was booked under the POCSO Act which does not allow bail to perpetrators of crime against minors. The court disagreed. Senior advocate and womens rights activist Flavia Agnes told HT on Monday that such an order would set a wrong precedent for perpetrators of sexual crimes, as there is no way to stop them from enticing more minors once they are out on bail. Though the minor may have gone with the accused of her own free will, how can it be assumed that she understands the ramifications of her actions? Though the order restrains the accused from meeting the victim, there is no restraint on him from enticing other minors, Agnes said. Senior advocate Dr Sujay Kantawala said a general assumption cannot be made about the applicant, as each case is different. POCSO has stringent conditions, but the voluntary conduct of the minor victim, prima facie, weighed in favour of the accused as she had voluntarily had sexual intercourse. The court has correctly imposed strict conditions while granting bail, however, it is critical to ensure that these conditions are not violated. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday met Union Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur to discuss possibilities of revival of the troubled Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank. After the meeting in Delhi, the Rajya Sabha member termed the discussion as "constructive". The PMC Bank has been put under restrictions by the RBI, after a multi-crore scam came to light following which the deposit withdrawal was initially capped at Rs 1,000, causing panic and distress among depositors. The withdrawal limit was increased gradually to Rs 50,000. "Had a meeting with the Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur (@ianuragthakur) in New Delhi to raise the issue of revival of PMC Bank. We had a constructive exchange of views on the topic," Pawar tweeted. The fraud at PMC Bank came to light in September last year after the Reserve Bank of India discovered that the bank had allegedly created fictitious accounts to hide over Rs 6,700 crore in loans extended to the almost-bankrupt Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL). According to RBI, the PMC bank masked 44 problematic loan accounts, including HDIL loan accounts, by tampering with its core banking system, and the accounts were accessible only to limited staff members. Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Enforcement Directorate have registered offences in the case. The EOW last month submitted a 32,000-page charge sheet against five persons in the multi-crore PMC Bank scam. The charge sheet has named former managing director of the bank Joy Thomas, former chairman Waryam Singh, former director of the bank Surjit Singh Arora, along with HDIL promoters Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan. The charge sheet includes the forensic audit report of PMC bank and documents of properties purchased by the accused bank officials with kickbacks received by them for giving undue favour to HDIL and the Wadhawans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : BJP Kerala state secretary A K Nazir was allegedly attacked inside a mosque at Nedungandam in Idukki district on Sunday, shortly after he participated in a programme on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), police said. While the BJP alleged that activists of Social Democratic Party of India and the pro-CPI(M) Democratic Youth Federation of India were behind the attack, police maintained that since the incident took place inside a mosque, it was not clear who had attacked Nazir. The BJP leader was obstructed by a group of people when he entered the Thookkupalam Jumah Masjid to offer prayers after the Jana Jagriti meeting. However, the Imam allowed him to perform prayers. "While performing namaz, Nazir was beaten up from behind using a chair and was also kicked," a BJP press release said. Nazir, who hails from Kochi, was rushed to a local hospital and then to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. As part of the public meeting, a rally was also taken out by the BJP where three DYFI workers had created some trouble, Kattappana Deputy Superintendent of Police N C Rajmohan told PTI. However, since the attack on Nazir took place inside the mosque it was not clear who was behind it, he said. Meanwhile, BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh "strongly condemned" the attack on Nazir. "Such attacks, such violence, we strongly condemn", he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. The BJP also took out a march to the Secretariat, protesting against the attack. (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 Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 The government has issued a number of incentives including a higher tax threshold and the reduction of down payment requirements but analysts believe they will not be enough to revive the countrys sluggish property market. Real estate consulting firm Savills Indonesia research and consultancy head Anton Sitorus said he expected the countrys property market to remain the same this year despite the stimulus as demand would remain week. He said the stimuli provided by the government and Bank Indonesia (BI) would not have much impact on property sales because the current property prices were still considered too high. 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 PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 12:00:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 512 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Velocity Truck Centers (VTC), the leading group of commercial vehicle dealerships in the Southwest, is pleased to announce that the company has acquired Central California Truck and Trailer Sales, Inc. (CCTTS), the leading independent used-truck and new/used trailer retailer in California. Warren Auwae, CCTTS's founder, has joined VTC and will be responsible for the combined trailer and used truck operations of CCTTS and VTC.With the combination of CCTTS' 6 locations in California and VTC's 9 locations, the group will becomes one of the largest volume retailers of used trucks in the west with 15 total locations across California, Arizona and Nevada. CCTTS also brings expertise in new and used trailer sales to the VTC family. In addition CCTTS will now be able to offer financing through VTC's sister company, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, bringing many more options for the CCTTS customer base to acquire equipment.From Brad Fauvre, Co-President of VTC, "We are very excited to welcome CCTTS to the Velocity family. Warren and his sales team are best-in-class in all metrics and will bring additional skills and perspective to the Velocity network. We are especially excited to have Warren's entrepreneurial drive and depth of experience in truck and trailer sales as an addition to our senior management team." Adds Conan Barker, Co-President of VTC, "We want to enthusiastically welcome the CCTTS employees into our organization. The CCTTS brand will remain in the marketplace strengthened by the VTC network, and we look forward to growing together with our new team members and customers in the coming years." From Warren Auwae, "We feel like we found the perfect home for our employees and customers. We are excited for the opportunity and see real growth potential with the combined forces." Velocity Truck Centers, a part of the Velocity Vehicle Group (VVG), operates commercial vehicle dealerships across California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. VTC provides new & used commercial vehicle sales, including the full spectrum from pickup trucks to delivery vans to 18-wheelers and school busses, as well as aftermarket parts and service support, along with a multitude of other vehicle-related services. VTC is an authorized dealer for the Freightliner, Western Star, Autocar, Ford, Fuso, Thomas Built Buses, Isuzu, Hino Trucks, SportTruck, Renegade RV, Rosenbauer fire, Crane Carrier and Freightliner Custom Chassis vehicle brands. VVG also offers equipment financing through its Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance subsidiary, as well as small business and SBA loans through Velocity Small Business Solutions, and truck rental and leasing through Velocity Truck Rental and Leasing.VELOCITY VEHICLE GROUP DIVISIONS INCLUDE: Velocity Truck Centers Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance VelocitySBA BusWest SelecTrucks of L.A. Velocity Truck Rental & Leasing SportTruckRV Velocity Fire Equipment & Sales Velocity Truck & Trailer Parts Miramar Truck Body and Equipment; and now Central California Truck and Trailer Sales.For more information contact:Ardis JonesOffice of the PresidentVelocity Vehicle Group(562) 447-1200SOURCE: Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance A couple accused of looting an electrical store in a bushfire-ravaged town allegedly sought to use the stolen goods to pay for drugs, a court has heard. Mother Kylie Pobjie, 31, and plumber Leon Elton, 39, have been refused bail after being accused of twice breaking into the burned out Betta Electrical Batesmans Bay shop on Wednesday. The pair are accused of stealing Apple TVs, two drones, hair clippers, four laptops and other Apple branded products worth up to $20,000 from the New South Wales south coast store, court documents said. The shop was devastated by an inferno on New Year's Eve - but enough stock remained in tact for the pair to allegedly ransack it. Mother Kylie Pobjie (left), 31, and her boyfriend Leon Elton (right), 38, allegedly raided a shop burned out by bushfires and stole $20,000 in electrical items in Batemans Bay on Wednesday The Betta Electrical Batemans Bay store is seen on fire on New Year's Eve as devastating blazes consumed the holiday coast The couple were arrested some 70km north of Batemans Bay, at homes in Tilba Tilba and Narooma, on Friday afternoon. Pobjie was charged with two counts of enter/building land with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of larceny and two counts of dispose property - theft. Elton was charged with the same offences plus possess prohibited drug. An out-of-sessions bail hearing on Saturday was told the two had prior criminal histories. The registrar described Pobjie's past track record as 'very extensive', claiming she had spent 'several periods in custody' for drug offences, ABC News reported. Elton's only prior criminal history was reportedly a dishonesty charge relating to using Monopoly money to pay for a drink at a bar. Defence lawyers had argued in court that the pair's criminal history was 'limited' and leniency should be granted to the couple. Legal Aid solicitor Adam Sumbak reportedly told the court Pobjie had owned up to the crime by handing herself in. The pair faced court on Saturday, with Pobjie apprehended in Narooma, where the pair allegedly drove from Kylie Pobjie, 31 (pictured) and plumber Leon Elton, 39, were refused bail in court on Saturday, accused of stealing from the shop to pay for drugs Police facts claimed the couple made a two-hour return trip from Narooma to Batemans Bay to ransack the store over a 24-hour period. After parking across the road, police allege the two entered the fire damaged store in the town's industrial area and fled with stolen goods. Police allege the two then sold the electrical goods for drugs and as payment for using the car. Pobjie and Elton will return to court on Monday where they are likely to make fresh bail applications. A third man, 26, was charged on Saturday with receive property theft after he was allegedly found with stolen mobile phones from the store in his car. In a statement, shop owners Geoff Hatton and Dominic McClelland said the store was 'heavily impacted' by bushfires but that 'buildings and businesses will be rebuilt. 'We obviously will not be open for business for a period of time. Our plan is to reopen as soon as possible in a temporary centre. 'Thank you to all the RFS and NSW firefighters that worked so hard to try and defend our centre, you guys and girls are the true heroes.' Daily Mail Australia contacted the store for comment. One person was arrested and another was being sought Sunday afternoon after Contra Costa County Sheriff's deputies tried to pull over a vehicle reported as stolen, a Sheriff's sergeant said. Deputies reported spotting the stolen car at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday on Pacheco Boulevard in the unincorporated area between Pleasant Hill and Martinez, Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Dickerson. The car fled from deputies, going the wrong way on Pacheco Boulevard and getting into a minor accident before getting onto Interstate Highway 680 at Concord Avenue in Pleasant Hill. A stay-at-home mother who gave up work aged 25 to have children has revealed how she is now turning over 10 million a year after starting a beauty business from her kitchen. Maxine Laceby, now 53, from Wolverhampton, didn't return to the workforce for another 25 years, which is when she started 'accidentally' started Absolute Collagen after experimenting homemade beauty supplements when collagen became trendy. Now, she runs the business with the help of her two daughters, Darcy, 22, and Margot, 19. Maxine told Femail: 'Entering the workplace after that long was something that I found both immensely challenging and also incredibly stimulating. Maxine Laceby, now 53,(left) from Wolverhampton, runs the business with the help of her two daughters, Darcy, 22 (standing) and Margot, 19 (sitting) 'I had very little technical knowledge and I hadn't so much as written a cheque in 15 years.' But Maxine has come along way from not not knowing basic finance, because her company is set to take home 10 million next year as one of the UK's fast growing direct to consumer beauty brands. Along with her daughters, she produces anti-ageing liquid collagen products, which fight against the visible signs of ageing and improve the quality of skin, hair and nails. Discussing how she discovered the product, Maxine said: 'Four years ago, I started to look at what I was putting into my body and taking better care of myself. 'At the time the in thing seemed to be bone broth, so I started boiling up my own batches from things such as pig trotters and chicken feet. 'Almost immediately after I started taking it, I had a better sense of well-being, my aches and pains disappeared, and my skin looked fresh and radiant.' Maxine (pictured with her daughters) is now a far cry from not knowing basic finance, as her company is set to take home 10million next year as one of the UK's fast growing direct to consumer beauty brands WHAT IS ABSOLUTE COLLAGEN? Absolute Collagen is a daily liquid dose of marine collagen. Maxine says it helps to promote healthier, younger and more radiant looking skin, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and encouraging stronger, thicker and faster growing hair. The product reduces joint pain and muscle degradation, boosts lean muscle mass and energy levels, supports a healthy digestive function and improves liver health. It contains 8g of high-grade hydrolysed marine peptide collagen which enters the blood stream more quickly than other types of collagen and therefore delivers results faster than other products on the market. Advertisement 'The only thing I could put it down to was the bone broth, so I embarked on an extensive research project to see what was it about the bone broth that was making me look and feel so well. 'I soon realised it was the collagen. I started cooking up large vats of broth for hours and I soon became known as the local collagen dealer. My friends were banging the door down for the stuff.' But Maxine quickly realised that her work was labour intensive and she needed another way to keep supplying her friends and family. 'At this point I started to get tired of the work involved and asked myself how I could make this easier for myself. It was then I decided I wanted to put it into sachets' she continued. 'Then I asked myself what I would want from a product like this. 'I wanted the maximum amount of the very best available collagen that my body could absorb, I wanted it ready mixed, easy to take and I didn't want to pay a lot of money for it.' 'Whilst researching collagen it soon became clear that Type 1 marine collagen was far superior to any other form of collagen and I knew that was the collagen I wanted in my product and then Absolute Collagen was born.' Maxine told Femail: 'Entering the workplace after that long was something that I found both immensely challenging and also incredibly stimulating' she is pictured here with her daughters Maxine runs absolute collagen, a supplement service that helps skin as well as joint pains Maxine (left) said: 'Whilst researching collagen it soon became clear that Type 1 marine collagen was far superior to any other form of collagen and I knew that was the collagen I wanted in my product and then Absolute Collagen was born' And while she is now a thriving success, Maxine admits it's not been easy. 'I personally found that the barriers I faced were huge, I felt I was going in to battle every single day. 'No one believed in me, I was after all a 50-year-old woman who hadn't worked for 25 years and had no experience within the beauty supplement industry.' 'I was once pointed to in a high-profile meeting and told that I was a small fish in a big pond and there was no way that I could expect to compete with the marketing budget of the "big boys".' 'I also had to self-fund because I was told point blank by my then bank manager that he couldn't see how the business would take off and that perhaps I needed more experience in the industry.' Maxine (centre) with her daughters Darcy (right) and Margot (left) said: 'No one believed in me, I was after all a 50-year-old woman who hadn't worked for 25 years and had no experience within the beauty supplement industry.' As well as workplace ageism and sexism, Maxine had an extra barrier because she lives with ADHD and dyslexia. 'I was diagnosed with ADHD whilst doing a Fine Art degree four years ago. It is something that I see as a gift. It has taught me to think outside the box.' 'I've got no comparison of what it's like to not live with ADHD and dyslexia. I've always thought like this and it wasn't until I got to the age of 50 that I suddenly realised I think differently to other people and I see it as a massive positive. 'It makes me think around things and I always have to be solution-focused because of the way my brain works. As a result, I was able to create and launch Absolute Collagen.' 'As far as what does that make me like as a mother, it probably makes me really wacky as I'm very responsive and think anything is possible. I'm very like "let's do this now" and the kids don't know any different.' Maxine didn't let the knock backs get in her way. She added: 'I would like to think I am breaking barriers down every day' she is pictured here in her office But Maxine didn't let the knock backs get in her way. She added: 'I would like to think I am breaking barriers down every day. 'I am a woman, who with no prior experience, started her business in her kitchen. I put the consumer at the forefront of the business and within two years we are one of the UK's fastest growing direct to consumer beauty brands.' 'On a personal level, I feel incredibly passionate about supporting women. Everything I bring to the boardroom I have learned from being a woman and a mother. 'I believe we have so much to offer the UK economy and I am exploring the idea of starting a charity that supports women wanting to come back to business, or like me at 50, enter the world of business for the first time.' And the hard work has clearly paid off for Maxine. Her daughters help her run the business with Margot handling the customer service side ensuring that thousands of packages that are shipped everyday make it to customers on time. Darcy meanwhile manages the supply chain by procuring the ingredients and ensuring each batch adheres to safety standards and is allergen free. Maxine thinks her success is down to how the product itself, as well as their social first marketing. Her daughters help her run the business with Margot (centre) handling the customer service side ensuring that thousands of packages that are shipped everyday make it to customers on time. Darcy (left) meanwhile manages the supply chain by procuring the ingredients and ensuring each batch adheres to safety standards and is allergen free What's it like working for your mum? Margot, 19 says, 'I love working for the company. I can learn in a relaxed and safe place and it's great to have an understanding of how the whole business runs and not just one specific part of it. Definitely something that wouldn't be possible in many other companies.' 'I love working closely with my mum and sister, but sometimes it's all everyone talks about. I am the one who makes sure that we make time for us to do things away from the business as a family.' Darcy, 22, added: 'We are a small close-knit team and we are all so valuable. I feel I am listened to and that I contribute on a daily basis. Ultimately there is trust between all three of us. We have an amazing team working with us, who I hope also feel part of the Absolute Collagen family as well.' 'Working alongside your mum and sister you can end up being very straight talking. To the point where I think the team may think we are annoyed at each other, but we aren't, we just aren't afraid to say if we don't like something. If Margot wants to change something in the warehouse, she can and usually it ends in a more efficient process, Mum listens to us, we are heard.' Advertisement 'The most important contributing factor to our success is that the product works. Unlike many of our competitors we put the maximum amount of collagen in each daily dose' she added. 'Prior to the launch of Absolute Collagen in 2017 I was told my product was too cheap and I should increase the cost for the consumer. I was told I needed the backing of a big brand and that I had to be in retail. I knew from the off this was not an option for Absolute Collagen due to the price point I wanted to be at.' 'My ethos has always been "beauty shouldn't be pocket deep". I chose to stand by my morals, and this meant I had to go direct to consumer, and this has proven to be incredibly successful. Like lots of women out there I am solution focused and will always find a way around a problem.' Maxine's daughters help her run the business with Margot (back) handling the customer service side ensuring that thousands of packages that are shipped everyday make it to customers on time while Darcy (centre) manages the supply chain by procuring the ingredients and ensuring each batch adheres to safety standards and is allergen free 'Back in early 2017 there were very few brands going direct to consumer and this threw up another problem, how was I going to get Absolute Collagen seen by people?' 'I made the decision to market exclusively through social media. 'It was a massive challenge as lots of people didn't use social media or have had bad experiences with it. They have been tied into offers that are too good to be true and as a result, I found that online shoppers were cautious. 'However, I enlisted the help of a digital marketing agency and built a team of great customer service and the company started to go from strength to strength.' Maxine, pictured with her staff, said: 'Prior to the launch of Absolute Collagen in 2017 I was told my product was too cheap and I should increase the cost for the consumer. I was told I needed the backing of a big brand and that I had to be in retail. I knew from the off this was not an option for Absolute Collagen due to the price point I wanted to be at.' 'Customer service is at the very forefront of our business and it is a massive part of why we have been so successful. We deal directly with our customers so we can ensure that their experience is a positive one. Every social media comment is answered personally, and no one is ever ignored.' 'Shipping everything from home was one of the best decisions we made as this meant there was no barrier in the chain between us and our end user. This means we deliver a faster and better service for our customers.' 'Since we launched the product we have focused on building a brand voice, brand trust and a brand community where people not only know that the product works but can trust what they were being told and believe in me, the company the brand and the product. 'I created Absolute Collagen simply because it works and today, we have hundreds of reviews that come in daily from people, not only with excellent results but saying how they adore the fact that we respond to them personally. We listen to them; they are part of pour journey and they can pick the phone up and talk to us if they choose to.' 'The collagen supplement industry is growing quickly and it's a product that isn't going anywhere fast. 'It's great to be a part of that and to be seen as leader within the collagen supplement industry.' As for the future, Maxine said she's focused on international expansion. 'We have recently launched in America and I want to introduce as many people as possible to the product. We also have several very exciting products in the pipeline that we can't wait to launch. Watch this space!' New Delhi: Lahore High Court on Monday declared the formation of special tribunal in former Pakistan President Pervez Musharrafs treason case as unconstitutional. Pakistans additional attorney general on Monday said the issue of treason case was neither discussed during a cabinet meeting nor had it been the agenda of cabinet. Musharraf had earlier filed petitions challenging his conviction for high treason and the establishment of the trial court that convicted him and filing of the original high treason inquiry against him by the government, Pakistani media reports. Musharrafs lawyer, Ali Zafar, has maintained that former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif did not bring the matter to the cabinet and cited it as the violation of protocol. Zafar has called the order to file the treason case invalid. Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan said that in Musharrafs case, the interior ministry made the complaint which is supposed to be done by the federal government, reports Pakistani media. A special court on December 17, 2019 awarded death sentence to Musharrafs in the treason case. The court had announced death sentence for the former military ruler in treason case in a 2 to 1 majority verdict. Also Read: Pervez Musharraf Gets Death Sentence In Treason Case By Special Court In Pakistan According to the Pakistani media, the prosecution team was led by led by Advocate Ali Zia Bajwa, who represented the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government. The case was being heard by a special bench comprising Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth Akbar of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court. The bench was formed on the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The high treason trial of the former military dictator for clamping the state of emergency on November 3, 2007, filed during the previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government, has been pending since 2013. Also Read: Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Challenges His Death Sentence In Lahore High Court He was booked in the treason case in December 2013. Musharraf was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. AS the death toll staggers at over 3,000, it is worrying for all citizens that those in auth Associated Press Writer Funeral services were scheduled Tuesday for a mother and her three children who were found dead, beaten and bloodied, in their Lubbock apartment a week ago. No arrests have been made in the deaths of Tammy Cooper, 45, her 9-year-old twins sons, KaDiece and Kasheim Allen, and her daughter, Mahogany Jasmine Allen, 11. The boys would have turned 10 on Friday, said Tammy Cooper's mother, Mary Cooper of Dallas. "This is something that is more than a mother is supposed to go through," said Mary Cooper, 74. "I'm just taking it a day at a time." Mary Cooper said she last spoke with her daughter on the evening of Oct. 24. "She would have told me if someone was messing with her," Mary Cooper said. "We talked every day. She and I were very close." She said her daughter was unemployed but a good mother. The family lived on Social Security checks the twins received because of their premature births at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and child support from their father. The father, Charles Washington, said his daughter loved to sing and often talked about wanting to make that her livelihood. He said the twins were fans of martial arts movies and had started school this fall in Lubbock. "I never thought this would happen to me," he said. "It's a hard pill to swallow but I'm trying my best to deal with it." The children kept the last name of the man Tammy Cooper was married to when she became pregnant by Washington and had the children, Washington said. Walter Allen knew the children weren't his, Washington said. Allen and Tammy Cooper later separated, he said. Tuesday's funeral services at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas will be attended by investigators from Lubbock, who said they still don't have a suspect in the case. Mary Cooper said she knew what she wanted to happen to the assailants. "Whoever they are I want them to rot in hell. They are monsters," she said. "They took something from me very precious, my baby daughter and her three children." 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. A lack of Labour leadership hustings in areas where the party haemorrhaged support in last year's general election has been branded "disappointing and ridiculous". The party has been criticised after releasing details of the events, to be held throughout January and February, were released last night. There is no event in the East Midlands or Yorkshire, both components of the party's so-called "red wall" which crumbled in December's vote. Meanwhile, the South East of England outside of London has also been neglected. TODO: define component type apester Leadership candidates Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips have all criticised the schedule's evasion of areas where Labour suffered substantial losses at the polls. Rory Palmer, Labour MEP for the East Midlands, told the Standard: "Its disappointing and ridiculous that theres no official hustings events scheduled in the East Midlands and Yorkshire regions, and in the South East outside of London. These areas are full of seats which Labour has just lost, in many cases not just lost but where the Tories now hold handsome majorities in places Labour has held for generations. Party members in these places deserve the chance to put their questions to the leader and deputy leader candidates. "These are the constituencies that are the frontline in Labours battle for future credibility and success. MPs are vying to become the new Labour leader The events are set to be livestreamed though Mr Palmer said he does not feel this is enough for those areas which have been missed, adding: "A live webstream just isnt adequate: this is not just about the practicalities its about the message it sends to party members in those areas that are now fundamental to Labours very survival and relevance as a party." Mr Palmer has written to the party's general secretary and said he believes this could be discussed by the party's NEC, national executive committee this evening. Leadership frontrunner Sir Keir has written to the governing body, and tweeted: "Im disappointed the Party hasnt organised hustings in the South East, East of England or Yorkshire. "Labour can win the next election, but only if we win back peoples trust across the UK." His competitor Ms Phillips wrote: "It will take a lot more than holding a local hustings to win back trust in the seats we lost at the general election, but it would be a start. Lets have more events in every region and nation - and not just in big cities!" Ms Nandy added: "As I have repeatedly said, the Labour Party has lost seats for the first time in our history in areas like Bolsover, Wrexham and Stoke. The failure to debate the future of our party in communities like these shows that we are part of the problem." In a statement, a representative for the Labour Party said its plans were to make the hustings open to "as many party members of possible". They said: We will hold hustings right across our country in venues chosen to be accessible to as many party members as possible. They did not clarify whether concerns raised were to be discussed by the party's National Executive Committee. Declassified documents illustrate govt involvement, which outlet says it would not allow today according to principles. Britains government secretly funded Reuters in the 1960s and 70s at the behest of an anti-Soviet propaganda unit linked to British intelligence and concealed the funding by using the BBC to make the payments, declassified government documents show. The money was used to expand Reuters coverage of the Middle East and Latin America and was hidden by increased news subscription payments to Reuters from the BBC. We are now in a position to conclude an agreement providing discreet Government support for Reuter services in the Middle East and Latin America, noted a redacted 1969 British government document marked Secret and entitled Funding of Reuters by HMG. HMGs interests should be well served by the new arrangement, said the document, which was declassified last year. HMG stands for Her Majestys Government. The extent of influence if any that the government was able to exert over Reuters news in return for the money is unclear from the documents, which detail a 1969 secret British government financing deal for Reuters. However, the documents illustrate the level of involvement the government once had in Reuters affairs and the explicit agreement to conceal the financing. Earlier on Monday, the BBC published a story about the government funding. Many news organisations received some form of state subsidy after World War II, David Crundwell, a spokesman for Reuters said. But the arrangement in 1969 was not in keeping with our Trust Principles and we would not do this today, said Crundwell, referring to the Reuters Trust Principles, designed to preserve the news agencys integrity, independence and freedom from bias. The news gathering activities of Reuters are overseen by the Founders Share Company, which was created in 1984 to uphold the Trust Principles. The principles stipulate that no single interest, group or faction should come to dominate Reuters. While Reuters sells news to a broad array of customers including governments, no government exercises control over how or what Reuters produces, Crundwell said. A BBC spokeswoman said: The BBC charter guarantees editorial independence irrespective of whether funding comes from the UK government, the licence fee or commercial sources. A British government spokeswoman declined to comment. The documents show the Information Research Department (IRD), a British anti-Soviet propaganda unit with close ties to British intelligence, led negotiations with Reuters. The British governments funding of Reuters in the 1960s and 70s was disclosed in a 1992 authorised history of the news agency called The Power of News: The History of Reuters. In 1969, Reuters needed money to further expand in the Middle East. and Western powers such as Britain wanted to bolster their influence against the Soviet Union by expanding news services across the world, the documents showed. The secret government financing of Reuters as set out in the documents amounted to 245,000 pounds ($320,000 at current exchange rates) per year before 1969, but then reduced to 100,000 pounds ($130,000) per year in 1969-70 and nothing in 1972-73. The new relationship established with Reuters in the Middle East and Latin America can lead to valuable goodwill and cooperation with the Agency on a global scale, John Peck, former head of the IRD, said in the documents. The documents said that Reuters could and would provide what the government needed, though the government officials conceded that Reuters did not want to appear to be taking decisions at the behest of the British government. Reuters, founded in London in 1851 and now owned by Toronto-based Thomson Reuters, is one of the worlds largest news organisations. Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice J Chelameswar, former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi and Lt General (R) Harcharanjit Singh Panag and five other prominent personalities have made a joint appeal to citizens to reflect on our current concerns, particularly about our plural secular society in a statement released to celebrate 70-years of working of the Constitution. The statement released on Sunday exhorts the citizens to resolve to fulfil our Constitutional goals envisaged by Dr. Ambedkar and our forefathers as summed up in the Preamble. Justice J Chelameswar was one of the three Supreme Court judges who held an unprecedented press conference in January, 2018, to voice disagreements with the working of the then CJI Dipak Misra. His co-signatory, SY Quraishi is also a critic of the Modi government, who had recently hit out at the governments move to introduce electoral bonds. The statement says, time is right to introspect whether TRUTH and NON VIOLENCE- the two values held very dear to the heart of the father of the nation, continue to inform our actions in the public sphere. The timing of the current statement is likely to draw attention as it comes amid violent protests and a fierce debate over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). The opposition has accused the government of a conspiracy against the Muslims through the legislation, while the government has stoutly defended the legislation, calling the opposition campaign, a lie. The statement is also signed by famous filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, actor Sharmila Tagore, former member of the planning commission Syeda Hameed, renowned musician TM Krishna and former UGC chairman Sukhdeo Thorat. Adoor Gopalakrishnan was booked for sedition last year on the orders of a Bihar Court for writing an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with 48 other artists, expressing concern over incidents of mob lynching. The statement goes on to ask: Is the Constitution a mere administrative manual which enables elected governments to claim legitimacy for abuse of power, and allows the citizens to convert liberty into license disregarding rights of others? January 26 this year will mark the 70th anniversary of the Constitution of India coming into effect. The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. "The real aim was to help Naveed and Asif move out of Kashmir and to go to Pakistan," sources said, "Rafi had expertise in arranging and ferrying people to Pakistan." According to details accessed by IANS he had gone to Shopian to bring Naveed Babu to Srinagar some days before and was now helping Naveed and his accomplice to escape to Jammu. The police have recovered grenades and AK 47 rifles during a search at Singh's residence in Srinagar. "Money must have been the only motive for Singh to help the militants," sources said. The 57-year-old officer hails from Ovarigund Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama. The family owns orchards in Tral and his parents live with his brother Naseeb Singh in Delhi. "Singh had received many militant threats in the past which was the reason for him to move to relatively safe location at Indira Nagar in Srinagar, sources said. After completing his graduation from Amar Singh College in Srinagar, he joined police as sub inspector in 1990. His wife is a teacher and he has three children, two daughters, who are doing MBBS in Bangladesh, while and son Birinder Singh is in school. During his 10-year stint in the Special Operations Group (SOG) in the nineties, Singh gained prominence for taking part in anti-militancy operations. For his role he was given an out-of-turn promotion and made inspector in the late 90s. During an operation he was injured in the leg in Budgam. Afzal Guru, who was hanged in 2013 for his role in Parliament attack in one of his letters he wrote to his lawyer had alleged Singh had tortured him in custody and then tasked him to take a militant to Delhi and arrange for his accommodation there. The militant was one those who was killed during the attack on Parliament. According to sources, Singh was never questioned after Afzal's letter named him. Sources say Singh's record against militancy helped him to get away with all his 'misdeeds'. "It must have been a regular affair for him to harbour militants," sources said. "In the past he was subject of many inquiries regarding extortion and corruption but was exonerated in all the cases." Singh is also said to have carjacked a truck carrying timber, owned by a relative of former Chief Minister Ghulam Mohideen Shah. "He was never questioned, and the incentive for actively working against militancy could have played a part in exonerating him for all his crimes." A decorated officer, he was also part of a UN peacekeeping mission in 2003 for a year. He was awarded the President's Police Medal for Gallantry last year. Sources said he has two properties in Srinagar and one in Jammu. After serving in the Special Operations Group of J&K Police he was transferred to the traffic police. Sources said after his arrest he stands suspended. "He was one bad apple that has been shunted out from the force, he will be punished and dismissed from service," sources said. According to sources, Naveed who was arrested with Singh, was the most wanted Hizbul Mujahideen militant in Kashmir and was involved in the killing of non-local truckers and threatening fruit farmers after the abrogation of Article 370. Sources said Naveed was also a 2012-batch police constable. He had been arrested once and released later. Naveed was transferred to Leh before he was moved to Budgam where was put on a guard duty. In September 2017 he deserted the police and escaped with five AK 47 rifles while on duty. Hundreds of Jamia Millia Islamia students protested outside the office of the Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar on Monday demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with last months violence on the campus. Akhtar told the students that the process to register FIR will begin on Tuesday. Dont ask me exact dates. When I said today that FIR will happen, that means it will happen, she said. Akhtar also said she had written to the government on the violence that left over 200 injured and said she would stand by the students. The Jamia administration also cancelled the ongoing semester exams on the demand of the protesting students. The university administration said in a statement that new schedule for exams will be announced later. The call for Mondays protest was given by the student-led Jamia Coordination Committee which wanted registration of FIR in the alleged police excesses of December 15 and the damage of university property. The vice chancellor also assured students that they are safe on campus. Angry students claimed that notices were given to vacate the hostel post the violence, a charge denied by Akhtar. The Jamia Millia Islamia campus was the scene of tension following protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA erupting in violence in the neighbouring areas of Shaheen Bagh and Jamia Nagar on December 15, 2019. Protesters torched four public buses and two police vehicles as they clashed with police in New Friends Colony during the protest, leaving nearly 60 people including students, cops and firefighters injured. The police had stormed into the campus after the violence on the streets and have been accused of assaulting students. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov has instructed his first deputy Ruslan Stefanchuk to lead the work on creating a bill on bringing 13 laws in compliance with the Constitution, some of which do not take into account the current version of the Basic Law. "On September 30, 2010, the Constitutional Court (CCU) decided on the constitutionality of the law on amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine of 2004 and recognized it as the one that does not comply with the provisions of the Basic Law. In this decision, the CCU ordered the authorities to bring the legislation in line with the Constitution as amended on June 28, 1996. In 2010, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the relevant law. As you know, on February 21, 2014, the Constitution of 2004 was restored, and the aforementioned law ceased to be in force. Today there are 13 laws in force in which the wordings of their individual provisions have not been determined by parliament yet," Razumkov said at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada's Conciliation Council on Monday. The speaker appealed to the heads of the committees to develop appropriate changes in their fields of competence and make proposals regarding the revisions of certain provisions of 13 laws so that they would comply with the current Constitution of Ukraine. Razumkov entrusted his first deputy Stefanchuk to lead the work on the bill, which should correct the legal conflicts caused by the Constitutional reforms of 2010 and 2014. "I would like to ask Ruslan Vasylyovych to head this work and prepare a joint draft law on this issue for consideration in the Verkhovna Rada. I propose to carry out the mentioned work within two weeks. I think this time will be enough, if not, we will extend the deadlines," Razumkov added. According to him, this problem needs to be resolved in the near future, since for several years certain norms of 13 laws have not been in line with the current version of the Constitution of Ukraine and are suspended. The speaker of parliament did not specify which laws are subject to correction. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 13, 2020 2020/01/13 At the invitation of Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, and Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Han Zheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Vice Premier of the State Council, will attend the 2020 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos and visit Switzerland from January 20 to 21. At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jorge Arreaza, Minister of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, will pay an official visit to China from January 15 to 19. Q: Iranian military admitted that they mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian jetliner. I wonder what is China's comment on this? A: We are deeply saddened by this tragic Ukrainian plane crash. We express deepest condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. Relevant parties are in communication regarding this and we hope to see a proper settlement to avoid further complication. Q: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China started using Twitter from December 2019. Can you tell us its purpose? A: First I would like to thank you for your interest in our Twitter account. As a matter of fact, many Chinese embassies and consulates as well as diplomats posted overseas have opened social media accounts. Just like other countries' diplomatic posts and diplomats, our presence in social media platforms overseas like Twitter aims to do a better job in telling the story of China, with its realities and policies, to the world. We hope to make use of such platforms to facilitate exchange and promote mutual understanding. Q: Vice Premier Liu He is going to sign the phase one trade deal in the US, I believe on the 15th. We wanted to know if China will be releasing the text of the trade deal after this signature? A: Please stay tuned for further updates. Q: Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said yesterday he was barred from entering Hong Kong. Is this true and was this an order from the central government? And if so, what was the reason? A: China's central government and the Hong Kong SAR government handle border entry and exit matters in accordance with law. It is China's sovereign right to decide who shall be granted entry and who shall be denied it. I also want to point out that abundant facts and evidence have shown that the NGOs concerned have been supporting anti-China rioters in Hong Kong through various means, inciting violence and inflaming separatist activities for "Hong Kong independence". They bear major responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong. Sanctions on these organizations are therefore fully justified as they should pay the price for what they've done. Q: The US introduced new sanctions against Iran targeting eight high-level officials. The sanctions also included some Chinese entities. I wonder what's China's comment and if China is going to maintain cooperation with Iran in these areas? A: To begin with, our principled position is clear-cut. We are against unilateral sanctions and the so-called "long-arm jurisdiction". We believe wanton use or threat of sanctions won't solve any problem. We hold that purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms governing international relations should be complied with in state-to-state relations; differences should be properly handled in peaceful ways through dialogue and negotiation. China calls on all parties concerned to view what has happened based on their own merits and stick to the general direction of political settlement. Concrete steps should be taken to defuse the Gulf situation and jointly uphold regional peace and stability. As to the US sanctions on Chinese entities, I'd like to point out that for a long time, China and Iran have been conducting mutually-beneficial cooperation in various sectors within the framework of international law. Such cooperation, which is justified and lawful and doesn't harm any third party's interests, should be respected and protected. We urge the US to cease immediately the wrongful sanctions on Chinese businesses. We will continue to staunchly defend Chinese enterprises' legitimate rights and interests. Q: To follow up on the earlier question about Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth being barred from entering Hong Kong, does your answer mean the central government liaised with the Hong Kong SAR government in this particular decision? A: As I just said, China's central government and the Hong Kong SAR government handle border entry and exit matters in accordance with law. It is China's sovereign right to decide who shall be granted entry and who shall be denied it. Q: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with African leaders on his visit to Africa. Previously certain western politicians said China dragged African countries into "debt traps" with the BRI. Not long ago, the chief executive of the US International Development Finance Corporation claimed in an interview with Financial Times that China's international infrastructure investments are like a "House of Cards" because of debt overload and lack of transparency, which led him to predict that it's only a matter of time before it collapses. What's your comment? A: I don't see any basis for the linkage certain people claim to see between the BRI and "debt traps", "house of cards" or whatnot. What I know is that not a single country has fallen into a debt crisis because of Chinese investment. Criticism and slanders have never stopped BRI cooperation from growing and flourishing or dampened the enthusiasm in the BRI among the vast majority of countries. To date we have signed 199 BRI cooperation documents with 137 countries and 30 international organizations, including 44 African countries and the African Union Commission. This is a vote of confidence from the international community including our African brothers and the best response to certain people's malicious smears. State Councilor Wang Yi is visiting Africa as we speak. All the countries he's been to have spoken highly of BRI cooperation. During his stopover in Kenya last Friday, State Councilor Wang went on a trip aboard the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger train. During its construction, the railway project created a total of 30,000 local jobs, raising Kenya's economic growth by 1.5 percentage points. It meets local transportation needs at much lower costs while reaching high environmental standards. A ride on the SGR train has become a must-try experience in Kenya. Hailed as the "Tanzania-Zambia Railway in a new era", the Mombasa-Nairobi railway has become a new symbol of China-Kenya and China-Africa friendships and a new benchmark for win-win cooperation between China and Africa. As an African proverb goes, "The croak of frogs will not stop a cow from drinking in the river." Regardless of smears and slanders by certain country or person, China will as always follow the principle of joint consultation and contribution for shared benefits and work with the African side to deepen high-quality BRI cooperation for more tangible outcomes and deliver more benefits to Africa and the people of this continent. Q: Bloomberg reported that the US Army plans to deploy a specialized task force to the Pacific to help neutralize some capabilities China and Russia already possess and are intended to keep US carrier groups away from the Asian mainland, said US Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy in an interview. The decision is not just a military issue, but could impact the geopolitical equilibrium of the whole region. What's your comment? A: I haven't seen the Bloomberg report and will need to get more information about it. What I can say is that China is committed to defending world peace, advancing global development and upholding international order. A stronger China will make greater contribution to peace and development throughout the world. We hope what the country concerned says and does will be conducive to enhancing regional countries' mutual trust and cooperation and maintaining regional peace and stability. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Never underestimate the power of the online review. Ninety percent of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business and 88 percent of consumers treat online reviews with the same trust as personal recommendations. What's more, customers are likely to spend 31 percent more on any business that has excellent reviews. If you aren't fully aware of the benefits a great online review can bring, there is one business in Los Angeles that surely does: Bottega Louie, a restaurant that opened a decade ago in downtown LA. Since opening its doors, the spot has garnered a little over 16,000 Yelp reviews, currently more than any other business on the platform. And Bottega Louie hasn't exchanged quality for quantity--76 percent of all reviewers forked over a 4-star or 5-star rating. But to what does this restaurant owe its success? Ryan Shapiro, Director of Sales and Marketing for Bottega Louie, says multiple factors have contributed to this overwhelming online response. Namely, Shapiro explains, the business was able to rack up their reviews by offering an incredibly unique atmosphere and wide range of products. "You can come five times and have five completely different experiences," says Shapiro, and it's easy to understand how. The restaurant stocks a bakery in the front, and a stylish diner in the back. Sleek and minimalistic, Bottega Louie boasts an expansive menu that offers a variety of tastes: fried chicken, beignets, hamburgers, and baked goods. "Our restaurant menu is Italian," explains Shapiro. "It does have a California influence to it, and then we have our French Patisserie, but we are in L.A., [which] is also a big influence on it." With a menu like this, Bottega Louie is able to draw in different crowds that want to order different things, thus appealing to a larger audience. The restaurant is visited by 15,000 patrons every week, and brings a playful atmosphere into the hustle and bustle of downtown L.A. But the staff at Bottega Louie don't just collect Yelp reviews and let them sit--another testament to their understanding of satisfying patrons is the staff's willingness to receive and engage with customer feedback. Says Shapiro, "There are things that people say that we take to heart and we look at, [like] 'Okay multiple people have made this comment--let's review it. Let's sit down and see if there's merit to it and make sure we're constantly evolving and making changes.'" New Delhi, Jan 13 : Congres president Sonia Gandhi has said that the Prime Minister and home minister has misled the nation on the Citizenship Amendment Act and the government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide our people along sectarian lines. There is unprecedented turmoil today, she said. Speaking in the opposition meet here, Sonia Gandhi said, "The Prime Minister and Home Minister have misled the people. They have contradicted their own statements, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence." "The Constitution is being undermined and the instruments of governance are being misused. Students and the young have in particular been targeted. In several parts of the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, large sections of the population are being harassed and attacked," Sonia Gandhi said. There have been nation-wide spontaneous protests by the youth supported by citizens from all walks of life. The immediate cause is the CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan, Sonia Gandhi said in the opposition meet called to discuss the controversial law. "The nation has watched in horror at the BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU students coming so soon after what happened in Jamia, BHU, Allahabad University and AMU and other institutions of higher learning in other parts of the country. The Modi-Shah Government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and to provide security to the people. The NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam," she said. "The Modi-Shah government is now focussing on the NPR exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. Contrary to the assertions of the Home Minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC." Sonia added. Lashing out at the economic policy of the government, Sonia said, "The real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged, she further said." "The Prime Minister and Home Minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive and polarizing issue after another. It is for us to work together and thwart the designs of this government," she said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Danskine, who joined Equinix in 2011, succeeds Jeremy Deutsch, who was appointed president of Equinix Asia-Pacific in July 2019 and was managing director from 2014 until July 2019. Based in Sydney, Danskine will report to Deutsch who steered Equinix through a period of organic expansions, including the acquisition and integration of Metronode. Danskine originally joined Equinix as a global account manager in Sydney where he developed strategic relationships with key customers and partners, including cloud service providers, network service providers, systems integrators, as well as some of Australias leading financial institutions. Danskine relocated to Equinix in San Francisco three years after joining the company in Sydney. Most recently Danskine has served as senior director, strategic alliances, leading a cross-functional team to deepen the companys partnership with key strategic alliance partners. Prior to joining Equinix, Danskine led sales and business development for the service provider sector at Geo Networks in London, which was subsequently acquired by Zayo Networks, and prior to Geo, he held key leadership and sales roles at Optus and Hutchison Telecoms. Guy has a proven track record of driving business growth and accelerating Equinixs market leading position, while efficiently leading his team, said Jeremy Deutsch, President, Equinix Asia-Pacific. With his experience managing a global, cross-functional team and growing our strategic partnerships to unlock mutual value, I am confident he will continue to deliver on our commitment in Australia to provide our customers with interconnection solutions that support digital transformation and cloud adoption initiatives, Deutsche said. As Equinix continues to expand, introducing new products and services to customers in Australia, Im excited to be home and rejoin the team here, said Danskine. Over the past several years we have seen that Australian organisations are very fast adopters of new technologies, and I look forward to helping deliver added value to our customers deploying across Australia and furthering Equinixs position as the market leader. New Delhi, Jan 13 : After BJP held a core group meeting on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday which lasted till 3 am, the party reconvened the meeting on Delhi polls at Amit Shah's residence. However, the party postponed its Central election committee meeting which was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday evening. Party's working president J.P. Nadda, General Secretary (organisation) B.L. Santosh, party's Delhi in-charge Prakash Javadekar, state President Manoj Tiwari among others were present in the meeting. Shyam Jaju, Harsh Vardhan were also part of the meeting on Monday afternoon. The BJP has held a series of surveys of each constituency, sources said. The nightlong meeting was to get final feedback on probable candidates for all seats in Delhi before deciding on the candidates on Monday's CEC, which was postponed at the last minute. The party's highest decision-making body on candidate selection may meet yet again on January 17, sources said. Some of the prominent names that are likely to be taken up are Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Bagga from Tilak Nagar and Kapil Mishra from Karawal Nagar among others. Party sources said Vijender Gupta, who had won in 2015, is almost certain to be retained. However, some old faces could also be dropped. A section of the central BJP leadership wants giving a chance to fresh faces as such candidates don't carry any "baggage." The move could also send a positive message among the party cadre. In the 2017 MCD elections, the party had not given ticket to a single sitting councilor. Sources said the party may not go that far in the Assembly polls, given factionalsm in the party. But a strong pitch is being made from within the central BJP to give a sizeable share of tickets to young candidates. Showcase - Irelands Creative Expo returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, January 19 to Wednesday, January 22. Now in its 44th year, Showcase is one of Irelands largest international trade fairs. Buying teams from over 2,760 retail businesses from across the world will travel to the RDS to discover unique, authentic, contemporary products designed and made in Ireland. Over 400 creative brands, of which more than 50 are debuting at Showcase this year, will be presenting their new 2020 collections across fashion, jewellery, and home & giftware. Four businesses from Leitrim will be hoping for international success at the expo. Giolla Liddy from Artwood, Drumshanbo, Carol McLoughlin Calligraphy from Carrick-on-Shannon, Roy Humphreys Woodturner from Mohill and new to Showcase for 2020 is Cianan Redmond from Soap Studio in Fenagh. Showcase is a landmark event for Irelands design and craft sector each year. Orders generated over the four days of the 2019 show were 25.1M (+4.6%), equating to an annualised sales level of 159.2M (+4.4%) and another strong year is expected for 2020. Showcase 2020 will have a number of exciting features, including the launch of So, a new inspirational short film to create awareness and appreciation of Irish-made textiles, accessories and apparel. Showcase 2020 runs from Sunday, 19th to Wednesday, 22nd January 2020 and is for trade attendance only. For further details on the event or to pre-register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called for "maximum restraint" and accentuated on the need to talk to resolve the latest flare-up in the Iran-US tensions. The Pakistani Foreign Officer released the statement after Qureshi's meeting with the top Iranian leadership. On directions of Imran Khan, Pakistan Foreign Minister embarked on his two-day visit on Sunday to Iran and Saudi Arabia to defuse the ongoing tensions in the region following the killing of Iran's Commander Qasem Soleimani in a US-led drone strike in Baghdad. Pakistan's Army had asserted that the country, that shares its border with Iran, will not allow its soil to be used against anyone. In the 1980s Pakistan's soil was used against the Soviet Union by the US. In a similar proclamation, Imran Khan said that Pakistan will not be a party to any regional conflict, and would rather make a peacemarker's role. Pakistan's first response over the issue did not come from the government, but unsurprisingly, from the Pakistani military. Qureshi met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif separately during which the leaders discussed the recent developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Pakistan-Iran relations were also discussed, the Foreign Office said in a statement. He "emphasised the importance of maximum restraint and immediate steps for de-escalation by all sides", saying that "war was in nobody's interest and it was imperative to resolve the issues through dialogue and diplomacy", it said. READ| Iran strikes US base in Iraq: World divided, oil prices surge; everything you need to know Iranian President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif expressed appreciation for Qureshi's visit and stressed the importance Iran attached to its brotherly relations with Pakistan, the statement said. The leaders stressed that Iran also preferred de-escalation of tensions and preservation of peace and stability in the region, it said. All sides have responsibilities towards this, the Iranian leaders were quoted as saying by the Foreign Office. India's role in peacemaking After the conflict soared, Tehran on January 9 had said that it would welcome any peace initiative from New Delhi for de-escalating tensions in the region. Iranian Ambassador Ali Chegeni said that Tehran welcomes all initiatives from all countries, especially India. He said, "India usually plays a very good role in peace in the world. At the same time India belongs to this region. We all welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India a good friend for us, to annoy allow escalations." Amid escalations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a conversation with both Zarif and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Tehran and New Delhi share a strong bilateral relation with economic, historic and cultural links. Both the countries have relied upon one another for maintaining the stability of the region. The most prominent, Chabahar Port, that acts as a transport and trade corridor with Afghanistan and Central Asia is significant in India-Iran relations. READ| US-Iran tensions: Israel, China, Russia pick sides; here's how rest of the world reacted (With PTI inputs) For all of the time Democrats have spent spelling out elaborate plans for health care reform during this presidential election, the candidates have paid relatively little attention to Medicaid, the insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans. Aside from Amy Klobuchar, who wants to let people buy in to it, Democrats have spent much more time and energy on ideas like creating a new public option (Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, sort of Elizabeth Warren) or single payer (Bernie Sanders, sort of Elizabeth Warren) than they have talking about ways Washington could extend Medicaids reach. Advertisement This seems like an oversight. Medicaid has proved to be both well liked by voters and relatively inexpensive to run. Expanding it further might be one of the most popular and fiscally responsible ways to offer more affordable coverage for lower-income families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid enjoys wide public support. Three-quarters of adults view the program favorably, and while many Republican governors and legislatures, especially in the deep South, have refused to expand it through the Affordable Care Act, theyve lately been overruled by their own voters. Residents of Nebraska, Utah, and Idahoall bastions of conservatismhave gone over their elected leaders heads and passed ballot initiatives approving a Medicaid expansion. Meanwhile, Kansas now looks poised to become the 38th state, including D.C., to join in, thanks to a deal that its newly elected Democratic governor and Republican Senate leader struck this week. Its just the latest reminder that Americans like Medicaid, even in Trump country, and want more people, perhaps even themselves, to have access to it. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Medicaid is extremely cost-efficient, as far as health care programs go. Because it pays doctors and hospitals lower rates than Medicareand far, far lower rates than private insuranceit manages to provide comprehensive coverage at a relatively low price to the government. This is despite the fact that beneficiaries pay either nothing or close to nothing for their care. (Some states impose nominal co-pays on nondisabled adults, and a few have experimented with small premiums.) How cheap is Medicaid to operate? Consider this comparison. The Congressional Budget Office currently projects that the federal government will spend an average $5,500 in 2020 for each Medicaid enrollee made eligible by the ACA expansion. In contrast, it is expected to spend $6,625 on average for each American who receives subsidized insurance coverage through the exchanges, which unlike Medicaid comes with significant premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. That gap is only expected to grow in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government does not actually pay the entire cost of Medicaidstates chip in too, which is why they have an incentive to manage it frugally. But even if you count state and federal dollars combined, the CBOs forecasts still suggest that the government will spend less per head on the Medicaid expansion than it will subsidizing insurance on the ACAs exchanges. If the feds took every single person who gets a tax credit to buy private Obamacare coverage and paid the full cost of enrolling them in Medicaid instead, it would probably save a few billion dollars per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep in mind, were talking about averages, which obscure some important nuances. Today, poorer Americans get a lot of financial help to buy private coverage under Obamacare, while higher-earning households receive much less. That means the government could save a lot of money moving low-income families into Medicaid but would likely be better off continuing to subsidize private coverage for much of the middle class. So, with that in mind, why not expand Medicaid to cover more low-income Americans when it comes time for the next round of health care reform? The Affordable Care Act made adults who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line eligible in expansion states. Why not raise that cutoff to 175 percent for people who cant get affordable coverage through work? Or even 200 percent? The federal government could cover the entire cost, and thanks to Medicaids lower expenses, it would still likely be cheaper per head than subsidizing private coverage, or even enrolling people in the sort of public option that candidates like Buttigieg and Biden seem to be envisioning. Plus, the care would be free, or near free, for families that signed up. Advertisement Advertisement Sounds great, right? Now lets get to the arguments against doing it. Advertisement Some might worry that red states wouldnt go along with the plan, even if Washington offered to pay for the whole thing. After all, more than a dozen states have refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. And while their Republicans leaders usually cite concerns about cost, some of their reluctance also seems to be rooted in an ideological opposition to extending the governments role in health care. So lets assume there would be some holdouts. Even then, it would still be worthwhile to let more people sign up for Medicaid in states like California where it has strong political support. Meanwhile, the federal government could still offer a premium-free version of the public option to the low-income residents of states that havent agreed to expand Medicaid, which is what Biden and Buttigieg are planning to do anyway. Advertisement Others might argue that Medicaid coverage simply isnt very good, and so we should offer lower-middle class workers something better. Critics of the program often point out that many doctors dont accept new Medicaid patients, because the payment rates are so low, which leaves enrollees with limited options for care. But these criticisms are often overblown: Medicaid beneficiaries are just about as satisfied with their insurance as workers covered by their employers and appear to have no more trouble getting care than low-income adults with private health plans. And if were really worried that people wont like Medicaid, we could let them pick between it, private insurance, or the public option. Give families a choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any effort to expand Medicaid would obviously face political challenges. Doctors and hospitals would probably hate the idea and lobby against it, since theyd be paid more by private insurance. If it passed, they might also beg states to increase their Medicaid reimbursement rates, which would erase some of the programs cost savings. But so what? This country desperately needs to control its health spending while expanding coverage, and providers will probably fight like maniacs against any reform that threatens their pay. Theres no reason to preemptively rule out a Medicaid expansion just because it could face some pushback. Advertisement Advertisement The one real danger I could see to further expanding Medicaid is that it might overload the program. Critics tend to exaggerate the problems patients face accessing care now. But given that there is a limited pool of doctors who are willing to accept Medicaid, enrolling many more people in it could potentially make those issues worse. That said, there might also be reasonably inexpensive ways to alleviate a lot of those problems, like paying primary care doctors a bonus for taking more Medicaid cases. You also have to balance the hypothetical possibility that youll bog the program down with Medicaids very real cost advantages for the government and the obvious fact that a lot of people would be very happy with potentially free, or near-free, coverage that amply protects them in case they get sick or injured. Advertisement Advertisement As long as Washington is judicious about it, expanding Medicaid could be a popular, fiscally prudent move. The program is efficient, its well-liked, and building it out would be a straightforward, inexpensive way to get more lower-income Americans insured. Its not a fix for all our health insurance woes, but the idea deserves more attention than its received. New York wont appeal a ruling by a judge who rejected the states claim that Exxon Mobil Corp. misled investors for years about the oil giants internal planning for risks associated with climate change. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat who took office after the suit was filed, announced the decision late Friday without giving a reason. James nevertheless hailed the trial in state court as a landmark the first time in history Exxon was forced to answer publicly for its messaging around climate change. As we have done for the last year, my office will continue to fight to ensure companies are held responsible for actions that undermine and jeopardize the financial health and safety of Americans across our country, James said in a statement. Exxon has never taken the economic impact of climate change on its business seriously, and that truth was laid bare at trial, she said. Jamess defiance belies the decision by New York Supreme Court Justice Barry Ostrager, who rejected all the states claims. In its securities fraud suit, filed in October 2018, New York accused Exxon of lying to shareholders about its use of a proxy cost for carbon in its internal accounting to prepare for future climate change regulations. That alleged lie suggested to the public that Exxon was being more prudent about climate risks than it really was, the state said. Ostrager, in a 55-page ruling in December, said the attorney generals office failed to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Exxon Mobil made any material misstatements or omissions about its practices and procedures that misled any reasonable investor. Irving, Texas-based Exxon previously accused New York of filing the lawsuit in a politically motivated attempt to target the company. That argument was bolstered on the final day of the trial when the state dropped its two most serious fraud claims against the company after failing to back them up with any evidence during the trial. On Friday, a non-profit energy industry organization filed a motion to intervene in the case in an effort to unseal communications between the Attorney Generals office and a well-known plaintiffs lawyer who is involved in various lawsuits against the energy industry. Energy Policy Advocates, based in Washington state, said in its filing that the lawyer, Matt Pawa, shopped around anti-Exxon litigation strategies in pitches to various AGs office, including Massachusetts, which has also sued Exxon. Documents filed in this matter will shed light on the important ongoing debate about the propriety of the New York Attorney Generals actions in this matter, the group said in its filing. Regardless, they will show how such costly if failed litigation came to pass, or at least key influences. Neither the New York Attorney Generals office nor Pawa immediately responded to requests for comment on Saturday. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits New York Climate Change Key accused in the honey trape case, Shweta Vijay Jain was on Monday brought here from Indore jail for questioning by the Income Tax department. A total of six persons, including five women and a man, were arrested in connection with the case. A special investigation team (SIT) of the Madhya Pradesh police is probing the matter. They have also carried out raids and confiscated electronics gadgets, laptops, and Pendrive from the accused persons' possession The scandal had rocked the state and snowballed into a political controversy. The matter came to light after an Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) engineer filed a complaint alleging that two women were blackmailing him by threatening to make some objectionable videos viral. The engineer was later suspended from the service by the IMC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dear Professor Jay 1. Thank you for inviting me to offer context on how I came to know former Bishop Peter Ball and on my dealings with him over the years, to assist your important Inquiry. I want to begin by applauding your work to ensure that the abuse of children is properly investigated and appropriate measures are taken to ensure they are fully protected. That is why I am pleased, on this occasion, to offer the following information, which I have set out to the best of my recollection after the passage of 25 years. 2. Over the years I have had, and continue to have, many interactions with the Clergy of the Church of England and of other Faiths, often on a daily basis. Set in that context, I first became aware of Peter Ball sometime during the 1980s, when I heard him preach. At that time, he came across as an interesting and engaging person. He was later appointed Bishop of Gloucester, in 1992. Since he had become my local Diocesan Bishop, near my home in Gloucestershire, I attended his Installation. He gave an impressive Address, which brought him to my attention again. At the same time I recall becoming aware of Michael Ball (Peter Ball's brother) who was later appointed Bishop of Truro, to which I am also closely connected through the Duchy of Cornwall. Over the whole of my life, I have met countless senior Clergy who have been invited to preach and, on various occasions, I have myself invited them to give Holy Communion at my home. I extended such invitations to Peter Ball from time to time, starting in 1993. 3. As is well known, I maintain correspondence relationships with a great number of individuals. Peter Ball occasionally wrote to me in respect of private, often spiritual, matters. On each occasion I naturally replied as I believe that to be the polite thing to do, although there was often a significant delay on my part given other priorities which demanded my attention. My recollection is that these exchanges were normally instigated and driven by Peter Ball, in addition to a handful of telephone calls during the decades of our correspondence. Having refreshed my memory of our correspondence to try to help your Inquiry, I note this is borne out by the contents and dates of the letters in question. 4. With the significant passage of time, I cannot now recall with sufficient certainty when the following exchange took place and whether there was one particular conversation that concerned the reflections I offer below or more than one. 5. Peter Ball told me that he had been involved in some form of 'indiscretion', which prompted his resignation as my local Bishop at Gloucester. He emphasised that one individual, who I now understand to be Mr Neil Todd, had made a complaint to the Police; that the Police had investigated the matter; and that the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to take no action. This sequence of events seemed to support Mr Ball's claim that the complaint emanated from a single individual; that the individual bore a grudge against him and was 'persecuting' him; that the complaint was false; but that the individual had nonetheless profited from the complaint by selling his story to the newspapers. The matter was described by him as 'closed'. Peter Ball added that various people within the Church did not like him and had themselves used the complaint to curtail his ministry and force his resignation. When this exchange took place, I did not know about the nature of the complaint. 6. The true context and details of this complaint, and I now understand many others, against Peter Ball did not come to my attention until the time of Mr Ball's trial and conviction in 2015. My main source of information before this was Mr Ball himself, though I should add that I was so fully occupied by my public role that Mr Ball's situation was rarely at the front of my mind. As context, it seems important to say that in the 1980's and 1990's there was a presumption that people such as Bishops could be taken at their word and, as a result of the high office they held, were worthy of trust and confidence. That has changed over the years, as evidence has caused us all to be more challenging of what we hear and what we are told. But, at the time, there was on my part a presumption of good faith. I believe I was far from alone in taking this view. 7. I was certainly not aware at the time of the significance or impact of the caution that Peter Ball has accepted, or indeed sure if I was even told about it. Whilst I note that Peter Ball mentioned the word in a letter to me in October 2009, I was not aware until recently that a caution in fact carries an acceptance of guilt. I was aware that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to pursue a case against Mr Ball. This seemed to support Mr Ball's defence of his position set out in his letter. 8. I recall that Peter Ball told me that following his resignation as Bishop of Gloucester he would lose the house in which he lived and that, as a consequence, both he and his brother Michael would become homeless. He told me that their monastic vows meant they had very little money. In this context, I occasionally sent the brothers small gifts of money, as I do for many people in need, and Pete Ball's interest in becoming a tenant of a Duchy of Cornwall property then arose. A significant part of the Duchy's business is in arranging and managing leases for properties and I mentioned the situation of the Ball brothers to the Duchy, as I do for others from time to time. The details of the eventual rental were handled, as usual, by Duchy staff. I was aware of the transaction but did not assist with the selection of the house. Some time later, in 1997, Peter and Michael Ball became tenants of a Duchy property until early in 2011, when they moved on. Police investigations 9. At no stage did I ever seek to influence the outcome of either of the Police investigations into Peter Ball and nor did I instruct or encourage my staff to do so. 10. I understand from document ANG000021 that a member of Gloucestershire Police seems to recall that he 'came under pressure' in 1992 or 1993 which related in some way to some form of interest from myself and my staff in Peter Ball. This is untrue. Indeed, at the time of this Police investigation I had no knowledge of these particular matters. It follows, therefore, that I did not authorise - and could not have authorised - any such action. And nor would I have done. 11. Likewise, I have no recollection of any contact by one of my Personal Protection Officers or indeed any member of my staff with Gloucestershire Police. I was clear at the time, as I have remained clear, that the Police must be able to carry out their investigation in the proper manner without external pressure or influence. We have looked at our files and can find no record of any of these matters. It is always possible that my name was taken in vain, as can unfortunately happen from time to time. As I make clear elsewhere in this Statement, there is a gap between rumour and fact. 12. In a similar vein, I do not recall receiving a letter from Michael Ball in April 2013 as described by Detective Superintendent Carwyn Hughes (OHY000203). Having looked at our files we cannot find any record of such a letter. The occasional letters that I did receive from Michael Ball were of private and social nature and I am not aware of any interest from Sussex Police in this correspondence. Nevertheless, I have made available to you copies of the private correspondence received from Michael Ball, in case that could help your Inquiry in any way. I understand that a conversation took place between Sussex Police and the Metropolitan Police Royalty Protection team in 2013, and that Sussex Police informed the Metropolitan Police that they visited Peter Ball's home and removed items which included a letter sent from me. I believe the Metropolitan Police asked whether or not this letter was relevant to the inquiry. I further understand that the Metropolitan Police emphasised clearly that they were not enquiring about the investigation itself and specifically wished to avoid any appearance of influence over it. They wished only to establish the facts about the property that had been removed and its correct ownership. The Metropolitan Police were told that the letter in question was not relevant and that it was to be returned by Sussex Police to Peter Ball. The Church of England 13. Probably late in 1994 (although I cannot now be certain of the date) I recall seeing the then-Archbishop of Canterbury at an event and taking that opportunity to ask, among other issues, about Peter Ball as he had lately been my local Bishop. I remember the Archbishop was supportive of Peter Ball and thought him a good man and priest. I do not think we discussed any detail, though I recall that the Archbishop was perhaps thinking of 'trying to bring [Peter Ball] back to a public ministry' at some stage. I understood there were some complications, but these were not described. As this was clearly a matter for Church authorities, I took no personal position on it. 14. Other than this conversation with the then-Archbishop, I do not recall any specific conversations regarding Peter Ball, although I was aware that Mr Ball was himself keen to persuade the Church to 'restore [him] to some form of Ministry in the Church'. The general view of members of the Clergy who occasionally mentioned him to me was that he was a capable and well-liked priest. 15. The Inquiry has asked about a note made by Andrew Purkis, of Lambeth Palace, following a lunch he had with my then-Private Secretary, Richard Aylard, on 30th August 1994 (ACE003034). My Private Secretary meets regularly with members of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Office to discuss a range of matters. Having reviewed the document it is clear that the meeting took place in the normal course of business and was for the purpose of discussing matters other than Mr Ball. I cannot shed any light on what appears to be a brief mention of Mr Ball at the end of the meeting. I have no recollection of discussing the matter. I have also been shown a copy of my letter of 14th December 2001 addressed to Peter Ball. As far as I can recall, this letter conveyed that I could not assist Peter Ball in any approach he was thinking of making to the Archbishop to seek a return to public ministry. I recall Peter Ball repeating this request around this time and again some time later and my declining to assist. It follows therefore that I was not involved in 'any discussion with Lambeth Palace' on this matter. Contact with Institutions 16. You have asked about contact between myself and institutions in respect of Peter Ball between 1993 and 2015. To the best of my knowledge and belief I have dealt with these contacts in the information I have volunteered above, and I can only hope this will be of some assistance to you. 17. I have been shown an extract from an interview conducted by the Chair of the Church of England's Inquiry into Peter Ball last year, Dame Moira Gibb, with Elizabeth Hall of the Church of England, suggested there were some rumours of an interest from me in Peter Ball being given some alternative employment (INQ000682). I can confirm that this is untrue: not for the first time, and as the Gibb Inquiry concluded in respect of my contacts with Peter Ball over the years, there is a gap between rumour and fact. I did not seek any such roles for Mr Ball and did not ask others to do so on my behalf. 18. I regret that I am unable to shed any light on references made in a letter dated 23rd March 1997 to a 'horrid man' or a 'frightful and terrifying man'. This seems to be a manner of speaking in the midst of a long letter written more than twenty years ago. I do recall that Peter Ball felt that numerous individuals, including his critics in the media, were doing all in their power to disadvantage him unfairly. I suspect, but cannot be certain, that the reference is to this issue in some way. It of course needs to be read in the context of my understanding at the time, namely that Peter Ball had been falsely accused of a single offence (the nature of which was unknown to me) by an individual whom the relevant judicial authorities and many others had themselves not believed. Events later demonstrated beyond any doubt, to my deep regret, that I, along with many others, had been misled and the reverse was true. At the time, however, it would have followed that people seeking to disadvantage Peter Ball, including from gaining employment, were behaving unfairly. What I can say with certainty is that I did not express this view to anyone else or take any action associated with it. 19. In conclusion, I would like to state that, throughout my life, my position has occasionally brought me into contact with prominent people who have subsequently been accused of serious wrong-doing. Rather than rushing to private judgement, I have always taken the view that the judicial process should take its course. I am then able to ground my opinions in facts tested by law, rather than hearsay. In many cases, including two very prominent cases of false accusation last year, this has proved a sensible course. It follows that I ceased contact with Mr Ball once the judicial process had concluded and he was found guilty of serious offences against young people. My heart goes out to the victims of abuse and I applaud their courage as they rebuild their lives and, so often, offer invaluable support to others who have suffered. It remains a source of deep personal regret that I was one of many who were deceived over a long period of time about the true nature of Mr Ball's activities. That is why I wanted to volunteer the facts in this letter, which I believe to be true, in the hope that they might be able to help your important work. Yours sincerely DPA Chloe Wilde became a fixture on Canadian TV screens after winning the MuchMusic VJ competition in 2013; the 31-year-old is currently a host on CTVs etalk. With her cheerful demeanour and boundless energy, Wilde became a fan favourite and parlayed her popularity into a lifestyle website and podcast called Healthy Is Hot, which discusses topics like postpartum depression and body-shaming, along with fitness and nutrition tips. Now, it has evolved into a show six episodes streaming on Crave see Wilde crossing the country to explore forest bathing in Tofino, chat with Indigenous teen water activist Autumn Peltier and face her fear of heights with a surprise bridge-jump. I bare all in this show; its probably the most vulnerable Ive been, says Wilde. Thats saying something, since shes become known for discussing all manner of personal topics with refreshing honesty. You talk a lot about taboo womens health topics. Were you always this open? As a teenager and a young woman, I was very shy. I would have loved to see older women talking about some of the things I was thinking about or struggling with. So later, I took it upon myself to be more candid. Its not always pretty, but its real. I think at first it was a little bit shocking. People were like, Whoa, youre talking about periods? All the time? We see you with ice packs, we see you talking about how its painful. Im like, Yes, thats what actually goes on. I dont know how to tell you this, but half the population are women, and this is what we go through. What has been your own experience with menstrual pain? Menstrual pain has been a part of my life since I got my period at 11. My mom took me to the doctor and they suggested that I go on birth control to ease the pain. In my early 20s, I made the decision to go off birth control, and the debilitating pain hit. I didnt know how to manage it I tried medication and heating pads, and it wasnt going away. A couple of years ago, I was walking to work and fell to my knees in pain. I went to the ER, and scans revealed that there were hemorrhagic cysts on my ovaries. I started sharing about it on social media, and women would reach out and say, Im going through the same thing. They would suggest different remedies and medications. It gives me a lot of anxiety every time my period comes. Every month, I cross my fingers and hope the Naproxen will work if Im lucky, Ill throw up or feel like Im going to poop my pants but Ill get through it. That brings us to the way you talk about poop, because thats really one of the last taboos for women. It really is, and I dont know when this started for me but I have become so open about talking about poop. Since I can remember, Ive struggled with constipation; when I travel, Im like, Here we go, Im not going to poop for four days. Look, we all go number two! It happens. Sometimes it doesnt happen and weve got to talk about that and figure it out together. Why is mental health such a big focus for you with Healthy is Hot? Mental health issues have been in my family for a long time, and a lot of the people I love the most struggle with it, but I thought I was immune to it. When I entered the MuchMusic VJ search and left my old life as a science student in Montreal, I felt like a fish out of water, and thats when I started to feel anxiety. I started to go to a pretty dark, unhealthy place. My mom made me realize that I was struggling with something, that I needed to prioritize my health. Healthy is Hot was born that day, because I was trying to find my voice and find resources to deal with these new feelings I needed help. Thankfully, over the past couple of years weve seen the stigma reduce and resources be more plentiful. How do you define the term hot in the context of Healthy is Hot? That moment when my mom expressed concern about my health, and about all the weight I had lost during the reality show, was a light bulb moment. That night, I went to the gym and used the hashtag #healthyishot for the first time, with a grainy image of myself looking in the mirror. I was 24 and surrounded by all these hot women in media and in magazines, and I was like, Lets change the narrative of what hot is. Hotness is this thing we put on a pedestal and it doesnt necessarily deserve to be there, but if you put healthy with hot on that pedestal, I think its an amazing thing to strive for. Teenage me struggled a lot with body image, felt incredibly insecure, was very worried about what I looked like, but maybe thats something that all teenage girls go through. Back then the women that we saw in the media all looked the same, and I think beauty and hotness are going in a new direction now; its not just one thing anymore, its many things. Do you see Healthy Is How as part of the movement toward openness, as people share more about personal things? There is less stigma around these difficult subjects. No one should have to go through uncomfortable or embarrassing things by themselves; there is bound to be at least one other person going through what you are going through. If you can find that sense of community and have communication and conversation on those subjects, thats a freaking great thing. China has said Human Rights Watch Director, Kenneth Roth, was denied entry to Hong Kong over his organisations support of protesters in the city. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang, said on Monday that non-profit instigate protesters to engage in extreme violent crimes and bear great responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong. These organisations deserve sanctions and must pay their dues, Geng said. Geng added that China has the right to allow or refuse individuals entry into the country. Earlier, Mr Roth said he was denied entry on Sunday to Hong Kong where he was scheduled to launch the organisations latest world report this week. Mr Roth said he was blocked at Hong Kong airport from entering for the first time, having entered freely in the past. During seven months of sometimes violent anti-government protests, the Chinese-ruled city has barred several activists, foreign journalists and an academic. This year, the new world report describes how the Chinese government is undermining the international human rights system. But the authorities just blocked my entrance to Hong Kong, illustrating the worsening problem, Roth said in a post on his Twitter account. He added that Hong Kong immigration officials had cited only immigration reasons. Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, said Human Rights Watch had encouraged radicals in Hong Kong to take violent and extremist actions. They have instigated the activities of Hong Kong separatists and hold a major responsibility for the current chaos, Shuang said. Human Rights Watch, based in New York, is scheduled to release its 652-page World Report 2020 at the Foreign Correspondent Club in Hong Kong on January 15. Mr Roth will launch the report on January 14 at the UN in New York, the organisation said in a statement. This disappointing action is yet another sign that Beijing is tightening its oppressive grip on Hong Kong and further restricting the limited freedom Hong Kong people enjoy under one country, two systems, Mr Roth said. Human Rights Watch said a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official had threatened to impose unspecified sanctions against it and several U.S.-based pro-democracy organisations in early December. Neither Beijing nor Hong Kong authorities have since provided further details, it added. Many people in Hong Kong are angered by what they see as Beijings ever-tightening grip on the city, which was promised a high degree of autonomy under a one country, two systems framework when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing denies interference and blames the West for fomenting the unrest. (dpa/NAN) A base jumper was left dangling 175m above the ground after his parachute got caught on a cliff face in Thailand. Austrian Johannes Grasser, 28, became trapped after leaping off the peak of Khao Ok Thalu in the country's Phatthalung province on Monday morning. It is thought a gust of wind blew him back against the rocks, causing the canopy to snag on an outcrop. Video footage showed him suspended helplessly on the side of the mountain as a rescue operation was launched. He was eventually brought down safely by abseilers more than five hours later. 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 Phatthalung Rescue Team said in a statement on Facebook that the parachutist had been taken to hospital with a wounded leg. A little injury, everyone is safe, it added, describing the rescue operation, which was watched by the governor of the province, as a success. Local media reported a villager had heard calls for help while doing housework at around 8.30am. He raised the alarm after spotting the parachute stuck on the side of the mountain. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) admitted in a televised statement Saturday morning that it had inadvertently shot down a Ukraine International Airlines jet shortly after its takeoff from Tehran International Airport last Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The plane was felled by an IRGC missile just hours after Iranian forces carried out carefully calibrated, non-lethal missile strikes on two bases housing US troops in Iraq. The strikes were in retaliation for Washingtons criminal Jan. 3 assassination of Gen. Qassem Suleimani. The IRGC commander and nine others were killed by a US drone strike as they left Baghdad International Airport. In explaining how Iranian forces had come to shoot down a passenger plane, the head of the IRGCs aerospace division, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, said they were at the highest level of readiness Wednesday morning in anticipation of an American counterstrike. An officer took the bad decision to fire on the plane after mistaking it for a cruise missile, said Hajizadeh, adding, We were prepared for an all-out conflict. A separate statement from the headquarters of the Iranian armed forces claimed that Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 had come close to a sensitive IRGC military centre at an altitude and flight condition that resembled hostile targeting. The statement continued, Under these circumstances, the aircraft was unintentionally hit, which unfortunately resulted in the death of many Iranian and foreign nationals. The vast majority of those killed were either Iranian citizens or Iranian born, including 57 Iranian-Canadians and several dozen other Iranians who were studying in Canada. There are conflicting reports on whether the plane had turned back toward Tehran due to a technical problem or was flying its normal route when it was struck. Should it turn out that the plane had sought to return to the airport, this could further explain why the IRGC believed it to be an incoming attack missile. The fear of a devastating US assault was well grounded. US President Donald Trump, who personally ordered Suleimanis illegal assassination, had warned Iran that 52 targets, including cultural sites, would be attacked if Tehran retaliated. On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Trump and top US military commanders had agreed to take out an Iranian command-and-control ship in the Persian Gulf if Iran launched revenge attacks for Suleimanis death. This, however, does not account for Tehrans disastrous decision not to ground commercial flights in and out of Tehran under conditions where it had just ordered missile strikes in neighbouring Iraq and was bracing for US retaliatory strikes; nor for the regimes rebuff for the better part of three days of all suggestions that an Iranian missile might have been responsible for the crash of Flight 752. These circumstances have contributed to shock, dismay, grief and outrage among ordinary Iranians. One news report cited an Iranian woman as saying, They were so careful not to kill any American in their revenge for Suleimani. But they did not close the airport? This shows how much this regime cares for Iranians. On Saturday evening anti-government protests reportedly involving hundreds of students were held at multiple Tehran university campuses. These were ultimately broken up by riot police. Yesterday, similar protests spread to other cities, including, according to Western media reports, Isfahan, Shiraz, Esfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh. According to some reports, riot police were out in force on the streets of Tehran yesterday, and tear gas was used on a crowd in Azadi Square, estimated by the government-aligned Fars New Agency at 1,000 people. The Associated Press said tear gas was fired sporadically in Tehran, but there was no wholesale crackdown on protesters. Washington, its imperialist allies and the Western media are seeking to exploit the tragic fate of Flight 752 and the eruption of anti-government protests to divert attention from the war crime that was Suleimanis assassination and American imperialisms escalating war preparations against Iran. This is part of their decades-long efforts to demonize Irans clerical-led bourgeois nationalist regime. The Western media have given great prominence to the protests over the downing of the plane, which to date have remained comparatively small, circulating video-clips that feed into their right-wing narrative, including images of Iranians chanting, They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here. No such coverage was given to the millions in Iran and Iraq who took to the streets over the past 10 days to voice their opposition to Washingtons assassination of Suleimani and plans to plunge the entire Middle East into a catastrophic war. As always, the humanitarianism and moral outrage of the political representatives of imperialism and the Western press are highly selective. Trump, who heads a government that has refused for over 30 years to pay compensation to Iran for the US Navys downing of Iran Air Flight 655 in 1988, which killed all 290 people on board, has demagogically posed as a friend of the protesters. In tweets posted in English and Farsi, he wrote, To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: Ive stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching. On Sundays US political talk shows, National Security Adviser Robert OBrien and Defense Secretary Mark Esperthose who are leading the planning for an all-out war on the Iranian peoplecynically shed crocodile tears for the people killed in the downing of Flight 752 and postured as supporters of the Iranian peoples democratic aspirations. All of this is preposterous. Trump heads a government that, under successive Democratic and Republican presidents, is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Iranians due to crippling economic sanctions Washington has imposed on the country. The sanctions, illegal under international law and tantamount to war, have prevented critical health supplies from reaching the country, denied Iran access to the world market, and plunged millions into poverty as the countrys currency has collapsed. Washingtons campaign of economic warfare has further exacerbated class tensions in Iran, which were already sharpening due to the bourgeois-clerical regimes rolling back of virtually all of the gains of the 1979 revolution, which toppled the bloody US-backed dictatorship of the Shah. The goal of Washington and its imperialist allies is to restore a semi-colonial regime in Tehran akin to that of the Shah, which will facilitate their plundering of Irans energy resources and preside over the further impoverishment of the Iranian population. As it seeks to gain control over the energy-rich and geostrategically vital Middle East, the US ruling elite cannot countenance the existence of an Iranian regime that aspires to pursue its own regional interests, let alone the growing influence enjoyed by much larger rivals like Russia and China. US imperialism bears chief responsibility for the destabilisation of the entire Middle East region, which has experienced one savage US-led and fomented war after another over the past two decades. Taken together, the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria have claimed the lives of millions and forced millions more to flee their homes. Washingtons plotting for war with Iran, including the tightening of its military alliance with the Saudi monarchy, the Gulf sheikdoms and Israel, as well as its support for Riyadhs war on Yemen, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, have brought the entire region to the brink of military conflictone that could rapidly draw in the major powers and be fought with nuclear weapons. Iranian government officials pointed to some of these political realities in their comments following their admission that an IRGC missile had shot down Flight 752. After acknowledging Irans responsibility for downing the plane, President Hassan Rouhani blamed threats and bullying from the US for the incident. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster. Iran has promised full cooperation with an international investigation into the felling of the Ukrainian Airlines flight. Ukrainian flight crash experts are already in Tehran to review the two black boxes recovered from the crash site. However, getting to the bottom of what precisely led to the shooting down of the plane is a highly sensitive issue, given that it is closely bound up with the workings of Irans air defence system. For understandable reasons, the regime in Tehran will be less than enthusiastic about turning over such information to the United States and its allies under conditions where Trumps campaign of maximum pressure on the country and preparations for all-out war show no signs of let-up. On Friday, Trump unveiled a further round of sanctions against Iran, and more US troops and military assets are being deployed to the region. Just as the imperialist powers and their corporate media outlets are seeking to leverage the grief and anger over the negligence of the Iranian authorities, they will undoubtedly seek to exploit the investigation, including complaints that Tehran is failing to be forthcoming about the workings of its air defence system and operating procedures, to ratchet up pressure on Tehran. A Decade ago, a destructive earthquake had hit Haiti. It turned Port-au-Prince, it's capital city into a place of unimaginable destruction. Approximately 70,000 bodies were discovered a week after the disaster and thousands more were discovered in the following weeks. The 7.0 earthquake that happened on January 12, 2010. Before the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the country was filled with multiple issues and a series of unfortunate events. Examples of these events are a dictatorship, protests, and the slave revolution. According to the local UNICEF communications officer Francoise Chandler, she told her daughter that a bomb had struck the country's capital city. She described that during that time intense shaking was felt and the noise was deafening. She shared that the experience felt like a similar event that happened in the United States of America. She said that the dust was everywhere. Thick dust particles covered their car. Chandler's daughter during that time asked her if they were going to lose their lives. She didn't give a definite answer to her daughter's questions but she assured that if they do, they'll be together. Her daughter stopped throwing questions after that conversation. Based on the statement released by the US Geological Survey, the earthquake that occurred on that day took less than thirty seconds before it stopped. The results of the almost-30-second-earthquake were depressing. The help provided by the many nations of the world gave the people of Haiti hope. According to Sanjay Gupta of CNN, the world united to help Haiti. He was one of the reporters that reported on the aftermath of the earthquake. His reports on the aftermath of Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake showed the people who lost their lives on the incident and the people who were injured. Compassion and support came from the different parts of the world for Haiti. New York sent their firemen to help. Rescue workers from Iceland also offered a helping hand. Hospital tents were provided by Israel. China lent their sniffer dogs to help find survivors and bodies. Venezuela helped by providing oil. Non-government organizations offered assistance to the people of Haiti. Chandler remembered working in a tent of open-air because the company's offices in the country were destroyed by the earthquake. Millions of donations came from international donors. The total donations collection for the reconstruction of Haiti was approximately $10 billion. The result of the earthquake's aftermath was due to the weak structure of the buildings in Haiti. When the earthquake struck, the poorly built structures feel down on their inhabitants. According to the head of Sacre Coeur Hospital in Milot, Harold Previl, he felt hopeful after the devastating earthquake because he believes that after recovery from the earthquake, the people will change for the better. Ten years after the earthquake, people shared that they are less hopeful for their country compared to the past. According to the present president of the country, Jovenel Moise, Haiti had improved. He said that regardless of the country's efforts to reconstruct their country after the devastating earthquake, the scars from the event will forever remain in its people. After ten years since the incident, the country still has the insufficient infrastructure and other services for the betterment of the people of Haiti. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 21:29:14|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Students learn about the farmer's painting under the instruction of farmer's painting artist Zhu Biyun (C) at a cultural center in Henghe Town of Cixi, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 13, 2020. Qian Haijun Volunteer Service center and Zhu Biyun's studio of farmer's painting in Cixi held the first of a series of art lessons at a cultural center in Henghe Town on Monday. More than 20 primary school students, including local children and migrant children of Zhuang and Miao ethnic group, attended this activity and learned about farmer's painting under the guidance of farmer's painting artist Zhu Biyun and volunteers, as a way to welcome the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival and enrich students' daily life during their winter holiday. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blasted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for launching a 'one-woman blockade' to stall impeachment articles as the latest machinations set up a trial that could begin next Tuesday. Pelosi meets with her caucus Tuesday, after saying she will finally send the month-old articles to the Senate this week, which would set off an immediate historic trial for President Trump. She has said the House will vote on the impeachment managers who will prosecute the case at the Senate trial which could set up a trial to begin after Martin Luther King Jr. day. Pelosi said Sunday her tactics helped push the need for a full trial with witnesses into the public realm although it was not at all clear Monday that Senate Republicans would agree to allow witnesses. McConnell, in remarks on the Senate floor Monday, was unpersuaded. 'The Senate will not be sucked into this precedent-breaking path,' crowed McConnell. 'We will fulfill our constitutional duty. We will honor the reason for which the founders created this body to ensure our institutions and our republic can rise above short-term, factional fever. The House has done enough damage. The Senate is ready to fulfill our duty,' he said. Pelosi told ABC's 'This Week' on Sunday: 'What we think we accomplished in the past few weeks is that we wanted the public to see the need for witnesses.' She said the issue was about getting a 'fair trial.' Pelosi is expected to hold a vote in the next few days to finally send impeachment articles to the Republican-majority Senate after holding them in limbo for a month. The standoff comes after party leaders during the Clinton trial were able to reach a consensus and a 100-0 vote on the rules for trial. The House Democrats weekly caucus meeting will be held Tuesday morning. There the House Speaker is expected to discuss next steps in impeachment, including setting a day to vote on transmitting impeachment articles to the Senate so Donald Trump's impeachment trial there can commence. The vote is expected to take place Tuesday or Wednesday after Pelosi announced Friday the House would vote this week to send the articles along to the Republican-controlled chamber. The full House voted last month, almost completely along party lines, to impeach Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Instead of then voting to send the two articles to the Senate, Democrats held them hostage in the House. The House is expected to vote this week on transmitting impeachment articles to the Senate after holding them in the lower chamber for a month. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (pictured) announced last week she would be holding a vote to move impeachment to the Senate Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (pictured center) has said privately that he plans to hold six-day work weeks Monday through Saturday until the impeachment trial is over Although Republicans want a speedy trial, Donald Trump has indicated he wants to drag out his supposed acquittal with witnesses, including the anonymous whistle-blower and Joe Biden Pelosi said Sunday morning in an interview with ABC News that she was holding back the articles to make the case to the American public that there was a need for witnesses to testify in the Senate trial. 'About time,' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Capitol Hill Friday when Pelosi announced the upcoming vote. The Kentucky Republican has made it clear he intends to hold a speedy trial, likely without calling additional witnesses. He has promised, however, that the Senate GOP will hold a conversation on whether or not they will call witnesses in the trial. Democrats, and some Republicans including the president have demanded the Senate listen to witness testimony. Trump wants to hear from the still-anonymous whistle-blower and former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Once the articles are sent to the Senate there will be a few days of logistical work before the trial will begin. McConnell said behind closed doors that he plans to maintain Senate guidelines for impeachment and keep the chamber in session six days a week Monday through Saturday until the impeachment trial is over. This would not only hold the 100 Senators on Capitol Hill throughout the trial, but could also take four presidential candidates off the campaign trial. Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota are all actively campaigning to become the Democratic nominee for president in 2020. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone (bottom left) and Trump's personal attorney Jay Sekulow (bottom right) will serve on Trump's legal team. They met at the White House with Stephen Castor, the Republican Counsel during the House impeachment hearing Pelosi's announcement came after she faced increasing pressure from within her own party, including from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to allow the president's trial to begin. 'I have always said I would send them over. So there shouldn't be any mystery to that,' Pelosi insisted in her interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos over the weekend. 'What we did want, though, and we think we accomplished in the past few weeks, is that we wanted the public to see the need for witnesses, witnesses with firsthand knowledge of what happened, documentation which the president has prevented from coming to the Congress as we review this,' she said. Trump, contrary from the majority of Republicans in the Senate, wants to drag out the upper chamber's hearing where he is expected to be acquitted but his legal team for the trial has not yet decided if it will seek witnesses and how much time it will seek to argue his case. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow are expected to have speaking roles in the trial, people familiar with the plans told The New York Times. The lawyers met at the White House with Stephen Castor, who served as Republican's counsel in the House impeachment hearings. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Anastasia Savchenko - Trend: Turkish Airlines (THY) transported 74.3 million passengers in 2019, Trend reports with reference to the website of the Turkish Public Disclosure Platform (KAP). In January last year, THY announced a plan to carry 80 million passengers - 33 million on domestic flights and 47 million on international flights, according to the report. In December 2019, 5.4 million passengers were carried by the airline, which is 0.5 percent (5.5 million) less than in the same period of 2018, said the report. The number of passengers decreased by 11.5 percent on domestic flights and increased by 7.7 percent on international flights. Passenger transportation by air in Turkey in 2019 (208.8 million passengers) was 0.8 percent less than in the same period of 2018. Over the indicated period, the passenger flow on domestic airlines amounted to 100.1 million people, which is 11.3 percent less compared to the same period of 2018. Last year, 108.6 million people were carried by international flights, which is 11.4 percent more than in 2018, the ministry said. According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, a total of 84.8 million passengers were transported last year via three main Turkish airports - in Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @AnSav_2105 New televisions at the CES gadget show in Las Vegas were more diverse this year than they have been in a long time. Beyond the 8K resolution hoopla, panel technologies ranged from MiniLED and MicroLED to souped up OLEDs, making things much more interesting than usual. So which ones stood out from the crowd? Here's four of my favourites. Samsung's 'The Wall' is a modular microLED display that can get as big as your budget will allow. Hisense's OLED rival: Dual Cell 4K television Hisense first showed off its intriguing Dual Cell 4K LCD TV at last year's show, but the Chinese company was back at CES 2020, and promising to release the TV in Australia this year. So why is Dual Cell a big deal? Conventional LCD televisions use an LED backlight that selectively dims part of the image to achieve better contrast between light and dark areas. This is why an LCD television with more local dimming zones almost always looks better when it comes to viewing HDR content. The best and most expensive LCD televisions on the market normally top out at a couple of hundred dimming zones, as there's only so many LEDs you can fit on a single backlight. A court in the Russian republic of Tatarstan has arrested a local civil rights activist on suspicion of promoting terrorism after he mocked President Vladimir Putin and two of his close associates in a YouTube video. Karim Yamadayev, a former police officer, was arrested on January 11 for a video he posted last month on his YouTube channel, Interfax reported. If found guilty, Yamadayev faces up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of 1 million rubles ($16,390). The opposition activist told RFE/RL on January 3 that police had searched his home in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny, confiscating his computers, payment cards, and scripts for his show. The December 29 video features Yamadayev, dressed as a judge, reading death sentences to two men whose heads are covered with black sacks. A white sign hangs from their necks with the names "Dmitry Peskov" and "Igor Sechin." Peskov is Putins long-serving press spokesman, while Sechin is the powerful chief of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft. Another man in the show portrays a third defendant who also has his head covered with a black sack and a sign with the name "Vladimir Putin." Two days after the online show was published, Yamadayev was detained and questioned about the video. His arrest period is until February 29 and could be extended. With reporting by Interfax January 13 : Lohri 2020 is one of the much-awaited festivals in Punjab and is primarily celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus in the North part of the Indian subcontinent. This 2020, it will be celebrated on Jan 14, 2020, as per the Hindu calendar . It is celebrated a day before the festival of Makara Sankranti 2020 or Maghi. It marks the end of the winter season and also the commencement of the summer season. Traditionally, it was observed to commemorate the passing of the winter solstice. It is a restricted holiday in many places like Punjab, Delhi and is celebrated with a lot of pomp. Below you can see the traditional rituals that are observed for years in the small towns and villages of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and other northern parts of India. Also know: Auspicious 2020 Lohri Sankranti Moment to observe this year Traditional Attires worn for Lohri festival Image Source: IANS News College students dressed up in traditional attires celebrate Lohri) Women wear newly stitched kurta pajama sets; drape themselves with golden or bright colored shawls that will be bordered with golden tassels. While some women and young girls wear kurta with loose or flared pants, some women wear long skirts. Image Source: IANS News Children dressed up in traditional attires Young girls too wear similar colorful attires, funky jewelry and look their best on this day. Image Source: IANS Girls dance along in groups They engage in a lot of leisure activities like singing songs and dancing along with the tunes. Dholaks, Drums, and Kite Flying during Lohri and Makar Sankranti festive time Image Source: IANS Beat drums and dance for Lohri 2020 Young girls also beat drums (dholaks) and sway in full vigor. As seen, they also have the kite strings with them and that reveals the kite flying traditions that are beautifully practiced during this festival time. Image Source: IANS Girls prepare to fly kites Image Source: IANS Kite Flying on Lohri Image Source: IANS Lohri involves kite flying Young girls have fun during the whole festive time flying kites and this is mostly celebrated on the eve of Lohri. Image Source: IANS Lohri bonfires Huge bonfires are made in each locality and women sing folk songs, dance around the Lohri bonfires. Image Source: IANS Communal bonfires for Lohri and Makara Sankranti Large wood pieces are stacked together, and women move in circles around the fire. The fires are meant to drive away evil omens from our lives and bring in good luck, prosperity and new hopes into the New Year. Image Source: IANS Lohri snacks given to children Image Source: IANS Lohri snacka It is customary that young girls and small children go to various homes and collect their Lohri food items like peanuts and jaggery during the Lohri festive celebrations. If this ritual is avoided, then this is believed to bring in bad luck to the family that refuses to give goodies to the children. Image Source: IANS Lohri snacks thrown into fire Women, children, and young girls throw in Lohri goodies like peanuts, sesame seeds, jaggery and many other small agricultural produce of the harvest season into the fire. Image Source: IANS Mustard crops ready top be harvested for Lohri Girls and young children have fun running around through the mustard farms that are ready to be harvested during this season. Image Source: IANS Lohri festival This is a picture taken in Jammu where even men join the fun of burning the Lohri fire. Image Source: IANS Lohri festival in Punjab and Amritsar In villages, huge fires are made for the entire community. Image Source: IANS Lohri festival in jammu Image Source: IANS Lohri festival with drum beats Image Source: IANS Lohri festival with drum beats in Punjab The Lohri festival is a grand affair in Punjab and Haryana. The pictures show how they deck in typical Punjabi attires, dance to folk songs, enact old plays and also beat drums. Asian nations likely to be affected differently, with economic risks for Beijing and Pyongyang eyeing strategic gains. Deepening fractures in the relationship between the United States and Iran pose economic headaches for China but create strategic opportunities for North Korea, experts say one of many reverberations from the weeklong crisis. Washingtons assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, a move that triggered Iranian missile attacks on the bases of US forces in Iraq, has raised risks of instability in the Middle East, which is worrisome for China the biggest buyer of oil from the Gulf region. Its top sources are Saudi Arabia and Iraq, which has been exporting 100,000 barrels of crude oil a day to China since October as part of an infrastructure deal. Beijing is also the biggest buyer of Irans crude, although imports have fallen since waivers from US sanctions expired last year. In November, the Communist state bought 547,758 metric tonnes (539,106 tons) of crude from Iran, well below Aprils 3.04 million tonnes, according to Chinese customs data. For Pyongyang, the issue is more political. It may see Washingtons assassination of Qassem Soleimani, Irans military commander, as a sign that the US is pursuing regime change and resume its nuclear programme to protect itself, strategists said. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (left) was a visitor to Chinas Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing in August last year [File: How Hwee Young/Pool Photo via AP Photo] In an English-language editorial on Wednesday, the Chinese state-owned tabloid Global Times lashed out against President Donald Trumps administration, accusing it of using the Iran crisis to hurt Chinas economy. Its aim is to thwart Chinas development by implicating China or even dragging China into military clash, the paper said. The US-Iran conflict fits into this tactic because China has big and growing reliance on energy from Iran and other Mideast [Middle East] countries, which makes it vulnerable to regional strife and turbulence. Few options Chinese President Xi Jinpings administration, which held naval war exercises with Iran and Russia in the Gulf of Oman last month, has sternly criticised the US for Soleimanis death but there is not much else it can do, according to analysts. China is keen to avoid further strain in its relations with the US, as ensuring regional stability and ending trade war are currently its top foreign policy priorities, said Kaho Yu, a senior Asia analyst at consulting firm Verisk Maplecroft in Singapore. Since 2018, the worlds two largest economies have been locked in a trade war that is squeezing Chinese industries. The country recorded growth of 6 percent in the last three months of 2019, a low not seen since 1992, amid slumping exports and manufacturing. Beijing may not have the staying power to continue fighting a trade war, said Tony Nash, founder of artificial intelligence firm Complete Intelligence and a long-term China watcher. The Iran factor could also diminish Beijings leverage during its trade negotiations with Washington. Trump will likely use Chinese companies business with Iran as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations, said Yu. Washington is aware that China did not comply with US sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports and continues to be Irans key military supplier, he continued. In September, the White House slapped sanctions on various Chinese people and companies, including two COSCO Shipping Corporation units, for knowingly engaging in the transport of Iranian crude in breach of US sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Telecommunications giant Huawei, deemed a national security risk by the US, has also come under fire over alleged sanctions violations. Its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou is currently battling extradition to the US on charges of fraud and misleading HSBC Holdings over Huaweis business in Iran. The US has accused Huawei and other Chinese companies of breaching sanctions on Iran [File: Jason Lee/Reuters] But as Trump looks to convince other countries of broader security risks tied to Chinese firms, he may not succeed. The international community could see Soleimanis killing as an example of US recklessness, which could further erode the Trump administrations credibility, said Nick Marro, a global trade lead at The Economist Intelligence Unit. That will inevitably bleed into other security issues where the US is trying to make its voice heard, Marro warned, adding that a destabilising foreign policy wont win critics over to [Washingtons] camp. An emboldened Pyongyang Trumps actions towards Tehran tend to spark worry about Pyongyang and this time is no different, according to strategists. When the US leader withdrew his country from the Iran nuclear accord in 2018, concerns grew that North Korea would walk away from diplomacy. The countrys leader Kim Jong Un warned of a new strategic weapon in late December, after carrying out of a series of missile tests in the wake of a collapsed summit with Trump in February. Some worry Soleimanis death will further encourage Kim. The US taking out a top Iranian leader may cause Pyongyang to rethink the scale of its next provocation, Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Seouls Ewha University, wrote in a Tuesday note published on The Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank. Pyongyang may now point to Irans case to justify resisting denuclearisation and enhancing its self-avowed strategic deterrent for regime survival, he continued. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stepped up his rhetoric in the past few months and talked of a new strategic weapon last month [KCNA via Reuters] Kim, on the last day of 2019, said there was no basis for his nation to continue its moratorium on tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to North Koreas official KCNA news agency. Kim attributed his decision to Washingtons gangster-like demands and hostile policies that included joint military drills with South Korea and sanctions. In response, Trump told reporters on Sunday that it was unclear whether Kim would renege on his promise of denuclearisation. I dont think hed break his word to me, but maybe he will, Trump was quoted as saying. Soleimanis death could ultimately derail Trumps North Korea strategy, according to Anthony Rinna, a Korea specialist at research group SinoNK. Given the riskiness of US foreign policy actions, other countries may be unwilling to continue cooperating with Washington, he warned: With the current escalation in Iran-US ties, other countries with an interest in seeing a nuclear-free North Korea may be less willing to trust the US good faith. This is particularly true as China and Russia continue to set themselves up as an alternative force for North Korean denuclearisation in contrast to the US-led campaign of sanctions, Rinna said. Then-U.S. Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) speaks to reporters as he leaves the courthouse after a pretrial hearing in his insider-trading case, in New York, on Sept. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) Prosecutors: Former Rep. Chris Collins Should Serve Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Insider Trading Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence former Republican New York congressman Chris Collins to nearly five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to being involved in an insider trading scheme as well as lying to the FBI. Before his resignation, Collins represented New Yorks 27th Congressional District, which includes areas surrounding Buffalo and Rochester. He won reelection in November 2018 despite being criminally charged three months before. Prosecutors in a court filing said on Jan. 13 that the Government believes that a sentence at the top end of the Guidelines range is necessary in order to satisfy the objectives of [the federal criminal code] and in particular to promote respect for the law, to provide just punishment for the offense, and to achieve general deterrence. Federal sentence guidelines in the case have recommended between 47 and 57 months in prison, noted CNBC. Prosecutors also said they want to sentence Collins on the higher end of that range. Collins pleaded guilty late last year in the case, which relates to an Australian biotechnology company, Innate Immunotherapeutics, a firm the former congressman sat on the board of and held a significant stake in. I regret my actions beyond anything that I could explain here today, Collins, 69, said in court at the time in October 2019, reported CNN. In a plea deal, he avoided other charges including securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. Collins admitted to, among other things, illegally tipping his son while standing on the White House lawn, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said after his plea was entered, according to the news outlet. By virtue of his position, Collins helped write the laws of his country, and acted as if the law didnt apply to him. Prosecutors said that Collins learned in an email from Innates chief executive that a clinical trial for its proposed multiple sclerosis drug, MIS416, had failed. He told the news to his son Cameron Collins, who then told his fiancee, Lauren Zarsky, and her parents, Dorothy and Stephen Zarsky. By Collinss actions, the Zarskys avoided significant losses in their stock holdings and began selling their shares of Innate Immunotherapeutics the next day, Reuters reported. The firms stock fell 92 percent after the firm issued a press release about the failed drug test. Cameron Collins reportedly sold 1 million shares and avoided hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential losses. Lauren and Dorothy Zarsky were not criminally charged in the case, but they reached civil settlements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to prosecutors in their latest filing, Collins pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit securities fraud, in connection with his tipping his son, Cameron Collins, with material non-public information that would dramatically affect the stock price of Innate Immunotherapeutics Limited (Innate) so that Cameron could trade on that information and tip others, and to one count of making materially false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about this crime nearly a year after he had committed it. Cameron Collins and Stephen Zarsky, meanwhile, both pleaded guilty in the case, according to the Buffalo News. Prosecutors said recently that the younger Collins should get six months in prison. The Enforcement Directorate on Monday conducted searches at multiple premises here in connection with a hawala trade case linked to cattle smuggling across the India-Bangladesh border, official sources said. They said the searches are being conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) at about 11 premises and the person under the scanner of the federal probe agency is an alleged cattle smuggler identified as Mohammed Inamul Haq. Haq was arrested in March, 2018 by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with an alleged bribe case involving a BSF Commandant. Border Security Force (BSF) officer J D Mathew was posted in Murshidabad district of West Bengal as the commander of its 83rd battalion and was arrested by the CBI with unexplained cash worth over Rs 45 lakh in December, 2017 while de-boarding a train in Kerala. Haq is also stated to be operating in Murshidabad district and the ED is probing his alleged hawala dealings linked to the cattle smuggling crime and other similar activities. Hawala pertains to the transfer and movement of money by skirting the banking channels and dealings of dirty funds is largely done in cash. The man is suspected to be involved in many other such alleged financial crimes, the sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) EgyptAir is to launch a new year-round direct Dublin-Cairo service this summer. The new route, which commences on June 5, will operate four times per week and will be Irelands first scheduled air service to Egypt. Were very pleased to welcome EgyptAir to Ireland and to add Cairo to Dublin Airports extensive route network, said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison. Cairo is one of the worlds great cities and we will be working closely with EgyptAir to promote this new route, which will be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers. EgyptAir Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Captain Ahmed Adel said he was delighted that EgyptAir would have four weekly flights linking the capital cities of Egypt and Ireland from later this year. The Egyptian Ambassador in Dublin, His Excellency Khaled Sarwat said the new route would further enhance and deepen the bilateral relations between Egypt and Ireland and boost the mutual investment, trade and tourism between our two friendly nations. With a metropolitan area population of 20 million, Cairo is the largest city in the Arab world. It is located on the banks of the Nile, and the famous Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx are less than 10 miles from the city centre. Cairo is third on Lonely Planets Top 20 cities to visit in 2020. The market for air travel between Dublin and Cairo is increasing, with an estimated 14,000 passengers travelling between the two cities last year. EgyptAir also has an extensive route network from its hub in Cairo to onward destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. EgyptAir, which is part of the global STAR Alliance, carried more than nine million passengers in 2019 on a fleet of 68 aircraft. It operates more than 70 routes, including services to 18 African destinations, 17 in the Middle East, seven in Asia-Pacific and three in North America. The new Dublin-Cairo service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays with an Airbus A320NEO aircraft that is due to join the EgyptAir fleet in February. The 142-seat configuration will have 16 seats in business and 126 in economy. Washington Muthamia is the secretary-general of the Njuri Ncheke Supreme Council of Ameru elders. He spoke to the Nairobian about a variety of topics such as witchcraft, bride price, cheating in marriage, curses, and more. Elders are no longer as respected as they once were. Where did they go wrong? African elders are a source of wisdom, guidance, justice and leadership. However, we live in different times. There are many levels of governance, and respect is therefore shared. But some elders have been caught up in scandals thereby threatening their honour. Equally, some negative aspects of civilisation and changing cultures have had an effect Why do elders make political pronouncements on behalf of the people without consulting them? African elders are considered crucial opinion-makers in major cultural and political decisions. Because the community has limited consultation mechanisms, their participation in governance at the county and national levels may be hard or impossible. Hence, elders must show leadership. Unfortunately, some elders are self-seekers on politicians payrolls. Elders have been cursing people but the curses dont work. Why? The belief about curses is common and very real among many African communities. A curse is known to affect up to the 4th generation and will have an immediate effect on the lifetime of a cursed person, or may take time before it takes root. As an elder, what is your view on sex education in schools? Our sons and daughters need basic knowledge on sexuality from both parents and teachers. I support the implementation of a well-vetted curriculum in upper primary school and at all education levels. Society should not remain passive but must deal with peer pressure, which is a major cause of childhood pregnancies, drugs menace, suicide and many other problems The number of single mothers and fathers is on the rise. What is the problem? Indiscriminate sex between persons of different ages, sex abuse including rape and prostitution, are on the rise society. The family unit is under attack and many men fear commitment and responsibility. There are family breakages due to divorce, separation and cheating. The human rights crusades and rising feminism are driving our daughters to seek freedom from male domination and the strings related to marriages. Your generation inherited an efficient civil service, a robust economy and a beautiful environment. Do you as elders feel you let down your grandchildren? There is no quick fix for development. Since independence, the Kenyan economy has been able to withstand and survive various national and global crises. Kenya has grown from being an underdeveloped country to become a developing country with a commendable growth rate. Kenya is well ranked globally in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But things are different on the ground, right? We have to admit that successive governments never got priorities right. Huge budgets were sunk in wrong, nonperforming sectors. Most allocations were misappropriated. Food security and agriculture, health, especially preventive healthcare, growth of manufacturing and indigenous small and micro enterprises, infrastructure and housing, and good governance have received dismal budgetary allocations, yet this is what would have improved our peoples fortunes. Of course, our environment would have been better safeguarded if all elders were custodians of the forests, rivers and riparian land, wetlands, hills, common natural resources, including public lands. As an elder, when you look into Kenyas future, what do you see? Great hope. Kenya is a rising star with the ability to realise the great potential if the Jubilee Party manifesto and vision 2030 remain in focus. Progressive implementation of President Uhuru Kenyattas Big 4 Agenda (enhancing manufacturing, food security, universal health coverage, and affordable housing) are key to growth and equitable development. A lot of ground however needs to be covered on agriculture, and regional economic and political integration, through EAC (East African Community), AU (African Union) and other African economic and trade blocks. Is it time we did away with bride price? Bride price is simply a token of appreciation to the brides family. Bride price has however been commercialised and families are demanding huge amounts. Njuri Ncheke prefers a standard bride price to make it affordable to both the rich and the poor Will Kenya ever be ruled by a leader who is not from the big tribes? It is achievable but chances are remote in our current nature of politics. Political alignments have dictated a status quo with the infamous tyranny of numbers. At 56 years, Kenyas democracy is young and we require a deeper political culture to build appropriate nationalism and patriotism to enable society defy all odds and thrust forth a political figure regardless of their tribe. Over a century after Christianity came to Africa, we still believe in witchcraft. Why? Witchcraft is real, its an age-old world phenomenon that is not limited to Africa. Witchcraft has a deep tradition in many African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi etc. Christianity is widespread, but it has not resolved all human dilemmas. Witchcraft is a dominant belief among remote civilisations of the world. Christianity identifies witchcraft with the evil spirit world. Witchcraft is a paying career for practitioners and some habits are hard to quit! A habit is second to nature. Why do Kenyans elect corrupt people? Political influence, especially by political parties and charisma mesmerise ignorant voters. The corrupt can afford expensive election campaigns, as well as compromise and buy voters. Ask yourself why vetting institutions allow known thieves to vie for political office. In the old days, elders ensured that men who could not sire children were assisted by a vetted close relative. Is this better than going to a sperm donor? The decision is better left to the family of the one in need. Some families may value tradition where a vetted relative or wife inheritance works. Modernity and gynaecologists have made it easier for needy families to access sperm donations. Many old men get abandoned by their wives in old age. Whats going on? Some husbands and fathers had a harsh and inconsiderate relationship with their wives and children although women who are selfish and hellbent on chasing after worn-out dreams can influence gullible children. Nature favours mothers to bond more with their children during upbringing and are able to manipulate them even in old age. Is cheating sufficient reason to end a marriage? No. Cheating in marriages is real but is not an adequate ground for separation or divorce. Sex is overrated. Marriage counsellors and other mediators like the council of elders can resolve the differences. Let the couples learn to forgive as advised in the Bible. What is your worst fear for 2020? The emerging political divisions in the ruling party due to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and succession politics may cause violence after the 2022 elections. Bill to exempt Ukrzaliznytsia from land tax submitted to parliament 10:40, 13.01.20 2503 The draft law has already been registered in parliament. In a major relief for Pakistan's self-exiled former military dictator, a top court here on Monday declared his "complaint and trial" in the high treason case as "unconstitutional" leading to the annulment of his death penalty by a special tribunal. The special court of Islamabad on December 17 last handed down the death penalty to 74-year-old Musharraf after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. The case was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government in 2013. A three-member full bench of the Lahore High Court comprising Justices Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Chaudhry Masood Jahangir unanimously declared the formation of the special court against Musharraf as "unconstitutional". The court also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law. "The Lahore High Court has declared unconstitutional all actions right from initiation of complaint and its conclusion against General (retd.) Musharraf by the special court," Additional Attorney General of Pakistan Ishtiaq A Khan told PTI. "Gen Musharraf is a freeman now," he added. Khan earlier told the bench that the special court was constituted without the formal approval of the Cabinet. He also maintained that the charges filed against the former president were flimsy since, under the emergency powers of the executive, fundamental rights could be suspended. Justice Naqvi had asked the federal government on Friday to submit a summary on the formation of the special court and had directed the government's lawyer to present arguments on Monday. Musharraf, who has been in Dubai in 'self-exile' for the last five years or so, hailed the court's decision. The ailing retired general also said his health is improving. Monday's ruling came in response to a petition filed by him challenging the formation of the special court for the high treason case against him. In his petition, Musharraf asked the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional, while also seeking suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition was made. The special court had also ordered that corpse of the former military ruler should be dragged to parliament and hang for three days if he dies before his execution. Prime Minister Imran Khan's government became furious over the ruling and said it will move to the Supreme Judicial Council to unseat the "mentally unfit" head of the special court. The verdict of the special court also angered the powerful army, which said the ruling was against all human, religious and civilizational values. "An ex-Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and President of Pakistan, who has served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defense of the country can surely never be a traitor," Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said after the special court's ruling. Musharraf was the first military ruler convicted for subverting the Constitution. Though he was not the first General to do so. Three chiefs including Gen Ayub Khan, Gen Yahya Khan and Gen Zia-ul-Haq also abrogated the Constitution but never faced any court. The PML-N government had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. In August 2008, he finally resigned in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition, going into exile until his ill-starred homecoming in 2013, exiling himself once more three years later. (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.) A massive six-alarm fire erupted in New Jersey Sunday night, burning through at least five buildings as it raged through the night. The fire broke out around 8pm in an unoccupied five-floor apartment complex that was under construction in Bound Brook on East Main Street near Mountain Avenue, fire officials said. The building was quickly engulfed in the inferno and flames, likely fueled by wind, then leaped across the street to set another under-construction complex, two nearby houses and an electronics store on fire, according to NJ.com. Harrowing video and photos from the scene show the roaring orange flames rip through the buildings and firefighters on the scene tackling the blaze past 11pm. Firefighters said they had the blaze under control late Sunday. There are no known injuries at this time but more 100 residents were forced to evacuate the area. A massive six-alarm fire erupted in Bound Brook, New Jersey Sunday night ripping through five buildings in a downtown commercial area The fire broke out around 8pm in an under-construction complex called Meridia Downtown, a five-floor building that was unoccupied at the time. The flames then leaped across the street and set another under-construction complex on fire as well as two nearby houses and an electronics store on fire An aerial view of firefighters trying to douse the blaze pictured above Harrowing video and photos from the scene show the roaring flames rip through five buildings and firefighters on the scene tackling the blaze past 11pm More than 100 people gathered to watch firefighters work well into the night to contain the blaze 'The whole thing caught flame quickly,' Bound Brook Police Chief Vito Bet said, adding the blaze 'was so hot it blew to the other new building under construction across the street. We're gonna be out here for awhile. It keeps rekindling.' 'This is a disastrous fire that is very difficult to contain and has the potential to spread to all nearby structures,' the Bound Brook Police Department initially said on Facebook. The building where the blaze first ignited was known as Meridia Downtown and included 174 apartments plus retail space located in the downtown commercial district, according to Bound Brook Councilman Abel Gomez. The flames jumped across the Main Street to a second apartment complex that was also under construction, which consisted of 60 residential units and a restaurant. Around 3,000 people, about half the town, were left without power late Sunday as firefighters braved the flames. Due to the fire the NJ Transit suspended the Raritan Valley Line between Bridgewater and Dunellen in both directors. 'Its bad here,'Captain Kevin Rivenbark said, noting that the cause of the fire has not been determined. Twitter users shared their view of the Bound Brook blaze showing plumes of orange smoke rising into the night sky The massive blaze quickly spread evacuating more than 100 residents in the area, but no injuries were reported Police issued this warning of the fire Sunday evening On Sunday evening around 100 people gathered to watch the fire roar and plumes of glowing orange smoke rise into the sky. 'The apartment building was nothing but 100 units of framing. What these fire crews have done is pretty remarkable. Im very much relieved. It could have very easily spread,' Buck Clarke, who owns a distillery that will open behind one of the burning apartments, said. The buildings under construction were a part of the borough's downtown redevelopment zone after the area was hit hard by flooding over the past two decades. 'Bound Brook was in the process of a renaissance. After all the floods weve had here, and now we have this fire,' Councilman Gomez said sorrowfully. In films, its known as a MacGuffin. Its the thing that makes all the characters in the story chase about like headless chickens, but which ultimately turns out to be meaningless in itself. A classic example is The Maltese Falcon: Humphrey Bogart spends the whole movie in search of the eponymous statuette, only to realise in the end that it has no value whatsoever. For all the show of togetherness by the five main parties on the BBCs Sunday Politics show yesterday, the Stormont deal which brought about this weekends restoration of power-sharing may turn out to be the biggest MacGuffin of all. For three years devolved rule has been suspended and unionists and nationalists have been at each others throats over what they claimed were vital matters of principle. Suddenly, just because theyve all run out of things to do and say to keep the story going, those principles turn out to have been as insubstantial as smoke and theyve reset the clock to early 2017 with not much to show for the trouble and strife in between. Read More Sinn Fein has got a deal which satisfies few of the red lines it set down on the Irish language and which also keeps Arlene Foster as First Minister when republicans said they couldnt stand her in charge for a moment longer after the cash-for-ash scandal. The DUP, meanwhile, can present the deal as a long-delayed return to work, which gives them a few more flag days and a Commissioner for Ulster British Identity to sell to the grassroots even if the Irish Government looks suspiciously more involved in Northern Irelands internal affairs than ever before; but its not clear what Democratic Unionists won which wasnt available early in 2018 to justify holding out for so long. Expand Close First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill lead the new coalition executive in Belfast (Press Eye/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill lead the new coalition executive in Belfast (Press Eye/PA) Read More Whatever solace they take from the restoration of devolved government, people in Northern Ireland are entitled to look at the deal which brought it back and ask: is that it? Is that really what the parties were willing to sacrifice everything for? Despite fears from some unionists that theyve given too much away, this background hubbub merely disguises the fact that not much has changed at all. The petition of concern will be reformed, in ways not altogether clear, but there is still nothing but goodwill to stop the whole thing collapsing again. Read More Theres not even going to be an election. Theres an argument that people are sick of elections at this stage, but it shouldnt be possible for the two main parties to just act as if nothing happened in the past three years that the Executive wasnt in place and to return to Stormont without giving voters a chance to have their say on what they thought of the carry-on. The DUPs Diane Dodds (left) wasnt even an MLA until a couple of days before Christmas, when she was selected to replace new MP Carla Lockhart in Upper Bann, and now shes Economy Minister. Thats hardly accountability. Read More Both the DUP and Sinn Fein lost a serious amount of votes in last months general election and must be heaving a sigh of relief that theyve dodged a date with the electorate for another while, despite the fact that an election is due. Expand Close Ministerial briefs were allocated during the landmark hearing of the reconvened Assembly on Saturday (Press Eye/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ministerial briefs were allocated during the landmark hearing of the reconvened Assembly on Saturday (Press Eye/PA) That the Assembly wasnt sitting for three of the years since the last one is beside the point. Time didnt stop just because ministers at Stormont stopped doing their jobs. Inexplicably, smaller parties, such as Alliance and the SDLP, who did well in December, have gone along with this anti-democratic stitch-up, thereby losing the momentum which theyd built up and which could have carried them through to greater strength in a genuinely new Assembly. An election was used as a threat in case of no deal, when it should have been seen as an opportunity. This was the ideal time for Alliance, SDLP and the Ulster Unionists to assert themselves. Instead, they waited meekly and mildly on the sidelines, pretending unconvincingly that their participation in a patched-up Executive was in any doubt, while the big boys got on with the real business. The Assembly, which will get under way properly tomorrow after Saturdays procedural formalities, is not new. What the two governments did was find the barest minimum which could revive the old Stormont, while addressing none of the structural deficiencies which meant it kept falling apart. There has been some tinkering. Officials will be present at all future ministerial meetings and the health service will get an overdue injection of cash. An end to the nurses dispute is finally in sight. Both Arlene Foster and Michelle ONeill (below) are also pledging to press the Executives nose to the grindstone in the coming months to tackle Northern Irelands urgent needs, and, while the short-lived experiment in having an official Opposition is now over, all parties were solemnly pledging on TV yesterday to hold each other to account. Whatever that means. But there will be just as many overpaid special advisers as before and legacy issues remain a huge obstacle. Dealing with the past hasnt magically got any easier. More ominously, both parties are already trying to head off internal grumblings by raising expectations of whats really possible. Sinn Fein is still talking up the prospect of a border poll and the DUP is still insisting its thus far and no further for nationalist ambitions. New Decade, New Approach looks more like a catchy soundbite dreamed up by media gurus in London and Dublin than a message which those who are expected to put it into action have taken to heart. After three difficult years, during which wrangling over Brexit has destabilised everything filling republican heads with visions of imminent Irish unity and distracting unionists with grandiose dreams of power-broking at Westminster a period of calm may be enough for now. Starting over can be cathartic. Not having an immediate election may even give the DUP and Sinn Fein an incentive to make the boring, day-to-day stuff of government work before facing disgruntled voters again. But its worth remembering that this whole crisis was engendered by a demand that there be no return to the status quo and, for all the tentative, wounded hope raised by this weekends renewed transmissions from Stormont, the Assembly looks suspiciously like the status quo. Its probably churlish to spoil the celebratory mood with undue cynicism, but those who dared to dream of the possibility of something different and something better emerging from the wreckage of the past three years have had a rude awakening. Theyre effectively being asked to put their faith again in the way things were before. After all thats happened, thats asking a lot. Hundreds of students were seen protesting outside the office of Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Najma Akhtar here on Monday demanding an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with the December 15 violence in the campus premises. Students raised slogans against the Vice-Chancellor for the delay in registering an FIR against the Delhi Police. Among other demands, students want rescheduling of exam dates and assurance from the varsity on the safety of students. Talking to ANI on Sunday, Jamia vice-chancellor said: "A team of NHRC had already visited the campus and we have provided the required evidence to them. A team will again visit the university on Tuesday (Jan 14). The commission will take statements and proofs from injured students and witnesses (of December 15 incident). I hope they will try to see through our point of view." On December 15, clashes had allegedly erupted between the Delhi Police and Jamia students after a protest against the Citizenship law turned violent.The vice-chancellor also alleged that the police has not filed an FIR in connection with the incident as of now. Najma had also said that the university authorities had written a letter to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) immediately after the incident took place and requested to initiate a high-level probe into the matter. "Exams are going on and the next sessions of the academics will start right after the exams. So I appeal students not to miss any examination and ruin their future because when youth are agitated, others take advantage of them," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 4.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard In a tweet, Trump called on the Senate not hold an impeachment trial and to dismiss the articles of impeachment against him. Trump tweeted: Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, no pressure Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 The president has gone from demanding an impeachment trial to demanding an impeachment trial with witnesses to now wanting no impeachment trial at all. Trump wants Mitch McConnell to make it all go away. However, as Speaker of the House Pelosi said on ABCs This Week, Lets be optimistic about the future, a future that will not have Donald Trump in the White House one way or another. Ten months from now we will have an election if we dont have him removed sooner. But, again, hell be impeached forever. It doesnt matter what Mitch McConnell does, because he cant make impeachment go away. For the rest of his life, Donald Trump is going to be an impeached president. It is a stain on the Trump name that will linger for generations. A dismissal of the articles will not make the impeachment of Donald J. Trump disappear. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook Prices for heavy crude in Canada have fallen to $36.66 per barrel, once again coming under pressure because of limits on pipeline capacity. Western Canada Select (WCS) typically trades at a discount relative to WTI, due to quality differences and because of the long-distance it needs to travel. But the discount tends to increase or, put another way, the price of WCS tends to drop when oil producers run into pipeline bottlenecks. In severe cases, such as late 2018, there is a blowout in the price differential between WCS and WTI, which can be interpreted as a kind of glut of oil trapped in Alberta. Last year, Alberta put mandatory cuts into place to rescue WCS prices, which had dropped as low as $13 per barrel in late 2018, which meant that it was trading roughly $50 per barrel below WTI. The cuts the provincial government put into place helped to rescue WCS prices almost immediately. Fast-forward to early 2020 and WCS is once again trading at much lower levels compared to the U.S. benchmark. Canadian crude failed to participate in the relatively constant price increase since October, remaining largely below $40 per barrel, JBC Energy said in a note on Friday. WCS prices have been trading at a discount relative to WTI of about $23 per barrel so far in 2020, which is a larger discount than was seen even after the Keystone pipeline leaked a few months ago. WCS is now trading at its widest discount since December 2018, the month just before Albertas mandatory production cuts went into effect. Related: Operating Costs In Oil & Gas Are Falling Globally And This Country Is Leading The suppressed prices are coming on the back of strengthened supply, in particular of heavy crude amid upgrader maintenance, JBC added. Oil sands production was up 80,000 bpd in November, compared to the same month a year earlier. Furthermore, Albertan stock levels jumped to 74 million barrels in November, within grasp of the all-time highs seen in 2018 and earlier last year, JBC Energy said. The surge in inventories is also the result of the Keystone pipeline leak, which kept the pipeline offline for a period of time and resulted in Canadian oil exports falling by 500,000 bpd in November. Alberta has been gradually lifting the mandatory production cuts that were put into place a year ago, but as the cuts are phased out and production ramps up, the industry finds itself facing the age-old problem of inadequate pipeline capacity. As a result, WCS prices could remain under pressure. In fact, there is a risk of another price blowout, according to a report by Credit Suisse. If the WCS discount exceeds $25 per barrel, Alberta government might be forced to step back in and raise the volumes on mandated cuts to control a bloating inventory situation, Credit Suisse said. Related: Global Oil And Gas Discoveries Hit Four-Year High The wider differential will likely push more oil onto rail. Oil-by-rail shipments surged in 2018 on the larger discount but fell in early 2019 after Albertas production cuts went into effect. Since then, oil-by-rail shipments have increased, as the province has sought to increase rail capacity at a time when it was also unwinding the production cuts. In December, oil-by-rail shipments shot up to 500,000 bpd, a record high, according to Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. If Canadian oil can reach the U.S. Gulf Coast, it can fetch a decent price due to the global tightness in the heavy oil market, which is the result of sanctions on Venezuela and declines in Mexicos heavy oil, among other factors. Its pretty telling in terms of how much these Gulf Coast refiners want to pay for these barrels, Matt Murphy, analyst at Tudor Pickering, told Reuters. Rail shipments make sense when WCS trades at least $15-per-barrel below WTI. With WCS currently trading at around $23 per barrel, and no new pipeline capacity coming online anytime soon, rail shipments could continue to climb. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has signed agreements with Indonesias Pertamina and Chandra Asri towards development of a petrochemical complex and supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Adnoc signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore potential development of a crude-to-petrochemicals complex in Balongan, Indonesia as well as a sales agreement in which Adnoc will supply Pertamina with up to 528,000 metric tonnes (MT) of LPG by the end of 2020, reported UAE state news agency Wam. Chandra Asri and Adnoc also signed an MoU to explore potential supply of naphtha to Chandra Asri in Indonesia that would be utilized as a feedstock for their current and potential new cracker complex in Indonesia. Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Adnoc Group CEO, signed each of the agreements, while Nicke Widyawati, Pertamina president director and CEO and Erwin Ciputra, Chandra Asri president director signed on behalf of Pertamina and Chandra Asri, respectively. Dr Al Jaber said: "The agreements signed with Pertamina and Chandra Asri will potentially help Adnoc to secure additional in-market presence in one of Southeast Asias fastest-growing economies, enabling new domestic value-creation opportunities across the hydrocarbon chain. Todays announcement is a testament to the success of Adnocs international partnership strategy, our ability to consistently deliver innovative value-creation opportunities and the UAEs strong ties with the Republic of Indonesia." Widyawati said: "The agreements with Adnoc will strengthen Pertaminas ability to carry out its national duty, realising Indonesias energy security in a challenging and complex environment. We expect that both the potential refinery development at Balongan and the direct LPG supply will allow us to optimise Indonesias oil and gas value chain, better serve the domestic market through our vast distribution networks across the whole archipelago and access new opportunities to meet growing global demand for petrochemical products." Ciputra said: "Chandra Asri is delighted to explore opportunities with Adnoc in the area of feedstock supply for our current and future petrochemical business. This is in line with our heritage and strategy of developing long-term, win-win partnerships as a Growth Partner; supporting our ongoing mission to contribute to Indonesias economic development." The potential Crude to Petrochemicals complex would build upon the ambitions outlined in the comprehensive framework agreement signed by Adnoc and Pertamina in 2019, while accelerating Indonesias path towards petrochemical self-sufficiency. The new Pertamina LPG sales agreement with Adnoc will allow for both FOB sales, in which customers collect product from Abu Dhabi, and CFR sales, in which Adnoc delivers product to customers. This flexibility further supports Adnoc's strategy to deliver more CFR cargos to its customers and build upon its trading and logistics capabilities. Adnocs potential supply agreement with Chandra Asri will further expand Adnocs reach in Indonesia and is expected to help lay the groundwork for other potential areas of collaboration between the two companies. Secretary of the Da Nang City Party Committee Truong Quang Nghia hosted a reception on January 12th for Nikai Toshihiro, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan and Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance. Secretary of the Da Nang City Party Committee Truong Quang Nghia (right) hosts a reception for Nikai Toshihiro, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan and Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance. (Photo: VNA) At the meeting, Nghia expressed his hope that Toshihiro will continue to assist Da Nang in implementing Lien Chieu Port project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. For his part, Toshihiro said the Japanese delegation, comprising 1,000 people, will enhance collaboration with Da Nang in such spheres as economy, culture and tourism. The flow of Japanese tourists to Da Nang last year increased nearly 50 percent from 2018, and the number is likely to rise in the time ahead, he added. Twenty one Japanese students in the delegation want to learn about Da Nang, he said, stressing that Japan is willing to welcome Da Nang students to the country. Da Nang signed memoranda of understanding to establish official relations with four Japanese cities, and has had cooperative ties with more than 20 cities and provinces of Japan, according to the municipal Party Committee. Japan is running over 190 projects worth about 900 million USD in Da Nang. More than 1,000 Da Nang students are learning the Japanese language at schools. There are three direct air routes between Da Nang and Japan, and a total of 183,572 Japanese visited the city last year./. A lot of us feel a bit grim at this time of year. Put it down to the effects of too much gorging and boozing over the Christmas break, or just the thought of getting back to the early morning commute in the dark and drizzle. But we just get on with it. Thats not so true of our near neighbours in France and Germany. Compared with the British, the two largest economies in the EU (once weve left) are plagued by malingering. In the UK, the rate of absenteeism on grounds of sickness per employee averages only four days a year. But it is 14 days in France, and in Germany 18 days roughly four times as much, in other words. I have like many Britons travelled often to France. And been astonished by the vast banks of pills in their local pharmacies, writes DOMINIC LAWSON. Pictured: A pharmacy in France (stock image) And I simply dont believe that the Germans and French are four times likelier than we are to become genuinely unwell. It is a difference in attitude, or, to put it another way, in what is thought acceptable. This is now being exploited by new technology made clear in a story published a few days ago by The Times, under the headline Sick note website arret maladie.fr leaves bosses feeling queasy. According to the report: The site arret maladie.fr, which translates as sick leave was launched this week with a promise to help tens of thousands of ailing employees to take time off work. Alarming The entrepreneur behind the scheme, Can Ansay, has devised a means of delivering sick notes via WhatsApp, connecting doctors to applicants without any face-to-face consultation. Mr Ansay had already launched his business successfully in his own country of Germany, charging 25 euros for each sick note hed facilitated. Very successfully, I should say: according to the paper, Ansay says that 99 per cent of applications for a sick note are approved by the doctors in his scheme in Germany. It is expected that the rate will be similar in France. What might make it easier to get such notes is that both these great nations and especially the Germans have devised terms for alleged medical conditions which dont seem to exist in the UK. For example, at this time of the year, many Germans complain of suffering from Fruhjahrsmudigkeit, which roughly translated means early year tiredness. But it sounds so much more alarming in the original German. As does Kreislaufzusammenbruch. This means circulation collapse which would be deadly, if true. But as one report explained: Its used quite commonly in Germany to mean something like feeling woozy, or I dont think I can come in to work today. Another impressive-sounding term useful for similar purposes, and divulged to me by a German friend living in the UK, is Wetterfuhligkeit, which she translated as weather sensitivity. Intrigued, I googled the term and was delivered to the website of the German magazine Apotheken Umschau. It quoted a Dr Christina Koppe, medical meteorologist at the German Weather Service, who warned: The stronger and faster the weather changes, the greater the impact on sensitive people... the organism is overwhelmed by the new conditions and cannot adapt quickly enough. In the UK, if theres a sudden cold snap, we put on a coat. No one complains of weather sensitivity and so far as I know, our own Met Office doesnt have a team of doctors. Its employees who present the weather forecast just say wrap up warm (which is already more advice than most of us think we need). Now, heres the really extraordinary fact, which more than anything else reveals the extent of the German fixation on such matters. Apotheken Umschau, a fortnightly health magazine which few in Britain have ever heard of, has a circulation of around 9 million and an estimated 19 million readers per issue. Even allowing for the fact that the German population is 25 per cent bigger than ours, this is staggering: by way of contrast, the best-selling magazine on general health matters in the UK, Womens Health, sells just 125,000 copies per issue. That London-based German friend also told me: If you watch German commercial television at the peak hours of between 7pm and 9pm, its almost wall-to-wall health ads, especially homeopathic stuff, which is just high-price placebos for the worried well. But Germans cant get enough of it. Malady Ive never spent much time in Germany, so this was revelatory. But I have like many Britons travelled often to France. And been astonished by the vast banks of pills in their local pharmacies, the great majority also homeopathic in nature, offering cures for a stupefyingly wide range of conditions most of which probably have never occurred to anyone from this country. One such prevalent French malady is crise de foie which means liver attack. Actually, there is a sort of British equivalent: we call it the morning after the night before. As in France, this is more of a male complaint. But there is no English version of the affliction about which so many French women complain les jambes lourdes. Literally: heavy legs. The French flocked to the film Supercondriaque , about a character described as a thoroughly modern Frenchman who refuses to kiss women for fear of catching an illness, panics at the slightest sneeze, and douses himself in antibacterial handwash when he goes out An Australian woman living in Paris, Diana Bowman explained on her blog, Turning Parisian: Another ailment which I never knew I had until the French told me about it was les jambes lourdes. In Australia, this is not really a thing. Not here, either. But that may be because Australian and British women are less martyrs to high heels than their French sisters. In fact, it is the French male who is the more hypochondria-prone of the genders. A study released by the French opinion pollsters IFOP revealed that nearly a quarter of French males under the age of 35 fear they are suffering from an illness, even though they have manifested no symptoms. This may help to explain why the French spend roughly three times more per capita than the British on pills and potions. And why the French flocked to the film Supercondriaque, about a character described as a thoroughly modern Frenchman who refuses to kiss women for fear of catching an illness, panics at the slightest sneeze, and douses himself in antibacterial handwash when he goes out. Pain But the flipside of this difference in national character is that even when genuinely ill, we tend to put up with medical treatment that the French would rightly regard as intolerable. Some years ago, I spoke to a British ophthalmologist, whose practice, most unusually, was both in Kent and just across the Channel, in Northern France. He told me: If you go to Lille and tell them they had to wait 18 weeks for eye surgery, they would faint. But here, people will wait 18 months for the same treatment and think we are doing a good job for them. Which is to say, the British are prepared to put up with interminable delays in treatment within the NHS, enduring avoidable pain for far longer than French or German patients would even think possible, let alone acceptable. Or as that German friend put it to me (and she is married to an Englishman): You guys, you just put up with more. You are more stoic. She said our national character still reminded her of a photo she had seen of an old couple, during the Blitz, in an underground shelter. They were just sharing a pot of tea, looking completely unconcerned. She added that the British still seemed to have though I am sure this is truer of the older generations the stiff upper lip. Winston Churchill used the phrase keep buggering on so frequently that he abbreviated it to KBO But lest I became too smug, she also said, like that ophthalmic surgeon: You Brits are too patient and even too polite. You put up with c**p, especially within the NHS, that you shouldnt put up with. This national characteristic, to keep buggering on (a phrase used so frequently by Winston Churchill that he abbreviated it to KBO), has always puzzled our neighbours in France and Germany. As it has during the prolonged uncertainties of Brexit a decision they frequently describe as if it were national suicide. Yet, last October, when the political chaos and doom-mongering about no-deal Brexit was at its peak, the Office for National Statistics produced its annual so-called Happiness Index: it showed the average happiness score recorded by Britons responding to its vast survey was 7.56 out of 10 actually an improvement on the previous year. The British spirit of KBO remains alive and well. HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Aluf Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: AHIX) ("AHIX" or "the Company") today announced that despite delays in acquisition financing, 2019 was a transformational year. During 2019 the Company made major changes in its strategy, portfolio, leadership, and BOD and achieved major milestones in strategic growth by identifying additional acquisition targets. Following is a review of Aluf's 2019 accomplishments and achievements along with the vision for 2020 and beyond. 2019 Highlights Kicked off 2019 with a new Board of Directors comprised of thought leaders in technology market segments that complement Aluf's acquisition strategy. Expanded our strategic vision to include various "Next Gen" technologies and broadened our scope beyond Biometrics and Hardware/Software to include Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, AI, and Computer Vision. Redesigned and unveiled a dynamic website which accurately reflects our strategic vision. Acquired COLOTRAQ, the first and largest broker and master agency specializing in data center infrastructure solutions. Launched Aluf CBD Partners LLC to fulfill the growing client need in the CBD marketplace. Appointed COLOTRAQ'S founder and CEO, Dany Bouchedid , President/Chief Executive Officer of Aluf. , President/Chief Executive Officer of Aluf. Appointed Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., as Aluf's transfer agent and registrar its common stock. Announced the execution of non-binding Letters of Intent to acquire two additional privately held next gen technology companies. This puts the Company at a total of four acquisitions, including existing CSPA to acquire a profitable biometric company, along with the acquisition of COLOTRAQ in April. 2020 Outlook The next several months promise remarkable results as we take the company from no revenue at the beginning of 2019 to sustainable growth and profitability, including: Finalize the capital raise for traditional M&A debt financing and Private Placement to close or consummate various acquisitions Provide additional working capital to support growth initiatives for portfolio companies Complete annual audits for Aluf and subsidiaries, become fully reporting, file a registration statement, and take additional steps toward uplisting off OTC Pink Sheets. "We are doing everything in our power to put Aluf in a position of strength. I am confident that we will succeed through solid strategic execution of our planned acquisitions, consolidations, and the expansion of our portfolio businesses" stated Dany Bouchedid, President/CEO. "This will allow us to hit our projections of over $75 million in gross revenue within five years, with a CAGR of over 30%.", continued Mr. Bouchedid. About Aluf Holdings, Inc.: Aluf Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded holding company whose core competency is to acquire, manage and propel "Next Gen" technology companies into the future. Our focus includes the Biometric, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, AI, Computer Vision and Software/Hardware verticals. For more information go to www.aluf.com About COLOTRAQ: COLOTRAQ is the foremost global sourcing advisory firm and master agency for colocation, managed hosting, cloud and related network services. Since 1999, COLOTRAQ has been helping find data center infrastructure solutions for businesses and institutions worldwide through its unrivaled network of over 400 service providers, 200 of which provide cloud services in over 1,300 cities across 140 countries and territories. Through DCITRAQ, its industry leading cloud-based software for sourcing Colocation, Cloud, Connectivity and Cybersecurity, COLOTRAQ can instantly source customer requirements from a single rack to thousands of square feet of Data Center space along with Managed Hosting, Cloud-based infrastructure, Cybersecurity and network services anywhere in the world. For more information go to www.colotraq.com Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E and/or 27E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to raise necessary financing, retention of key personnel, timely delivery of inventory from the company's suppliers, timely product development, product acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and products, in addition to general economic risks and uncertainties. Corporate Contact: Aluf Holdings, Inc. Teresa McWilliams Chief Financial Officer 866-793-1110 SOURCE Aluf Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.aluf.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington Mon, January 13, 2020 18:03 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321fdb0b 2 Environment Alaska,environment,snow,Survivor,rescue Free Haggard and traumatized, a young man has told how he survived for more than three weeks in the snowy wilderness of Alaska after his remote cabin burned down when he mistakenly put cardboard in his stove. Tyson Steele, who was rescued by helicopter on Thursday, said his cabin -- located 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the nearest neighbor -- was incinerated in mid-December, and his beloved dog Phil died in the blaze. Steele, 30, dug a snow cave and then built a makeshift shelter, staying warm with just a few sleeping bags and coats, and eating tins of food saved from the fire. Helicopter footage released by Alaska State Troopers showed Steele waving for help, with SOS marked out in the deep snow, after a rescue effort was launched as he had not called his parents for three weeks. "The mistake I made, I got hasty and I put a big piece of cardboard in the stove to start the fire," Steele said. "It sent a spark out through the chimney which landed on the roof." He awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of melting plastic dripping and rushed outside in minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 26 degrees Celsius) temperatures to find his cabin ablaze. At first, he thought his six-year-old chocolate Labrador had escaped safely. "My dog starts howling, right? Inside. And I thought he was not inside... I was hysterical," he said. "I have no words for what sorrow; it was just a scream... that's all I could express -- just scream. (It) felt like I tore my lung out." Read also: Alaska's hottest month portends transformation into 'unfrozen state' Snowed in Steele described how a box full of ammunition and a propane tank exploded in the roaring fire as he tried to save the cabin by throwing snow on it until dawn. Eating a long-awaited McDonald's and still wearing some of the same clothes, Steele gave an interview to the State Troopers unit, which described him as appearing "vaguely reminiscent of actor Tom Hanks' character in the movie 'Cast Away'." Steele told how his phone failed, his snow boots were lost in the flames, and that he made a survival plan hoping that his lack of communication with friends and family would trigger a search mission. "I figured I had two cans a day for 30 days... The thing was, maybe half of those cans, they've heated up and popped open and the smoke's circulating inside the can. It tastes like my home, just burning." Steele, who was in good physical condition after his ordeal, said it snowed heavily and that one attempt to walk out of the forested area left him quickly defeated. He had been living alone at the cabin -- originally built by a Vietnam War veteran -- in Susitna Valley only since September, and he did not have a map. Steele said he was going to stay with his parents in Salt Lake City to recover. "They've got a dog," he said. "And that would be some therapy. "The worst part of all of this -- I can survive 23 days again -- but my dog was in there, asleep by my side." Topics : Alaska environment snow Survivor rescue A fisherman and rancher teamed up to form StoneRoot Field & Sea in 2019, selling pasture-raised meats and wild-caught seafood to local farmers markets. Now, theyre planning to open two Bay Area restaurants to feature their proteins and better connect diners to the food system. One restaurant will rise on StoneRoots farm in Green Valley, between Napa and Fairfield, while a casual seafood-oriented eatery will come to San Franciscos Pier 47. StoneRoots Doug Stonebreaker and Gary Root met in 2016 as vendors at the Marin Farmers Market. Stonebreaker, the founder of Prather Ranch Meat Co., was hawking dry-aged beef while Gary Root, who had recently launched Same Day Seafood, was selling sustainably caught fish. As neighbors, they chatted about each others businesses, strategies and approaches to sustainability in an era of climate change. I started to realize how much overlap there was, Root said. We see the world through a similar lens. StoneRoot Field & Sea Last year, they decided to leave behind Prather and Same Day Seafood to join forces it made more sense to work together since their day-to-day operations were similar and appealed to a similarly-minded customer base, despite specializing in different proteins. While meat and seafood arise from different ecosystems, Stonebreaker and Root approach them holistically with StoneRoot. Integrating them could also be a boon for the environment, they argue. Were really grass farmers. The meat and proteins are byproducts of that land stewardship, Root said, explaining that StoneRoot uses regenerative farming practices and works to sequester carbon. Thats whats good for the Earth and thats whats good for the ocean. Were trying to make our own little dent in that way people think about raising food. To truly vertically integrate, StoneRoot couldnt just sell their proteins directly to customers at farmers markets. Most ranchers and fisheries sell to restaurants, too. Instead, they decided to open their own restaurants. Inspired by places like Hog Island Oyster Co. in Marshall and Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena, Stonebreaker and Root are planning to open still-to-be-named restaurants surrounded by their day-to-day working environments. StoneRoot Field & Sea In San Francisco, theyll take over what was formerly known as the Old Wharf Smokehouse on Pier 47, steps away from Scomas, to land fish, smoke seafood and serve diners in a casual, rustic space. There will also be a retail component, so visitors can take raw fish home to cook themselves. Root pictures serving StoneRoots fish alongside simple fare like breakfast burritos made with StoneRoots bacon and eggs at picnic tables in a semi-covered space. Even more than the food, the goal is shifting the vibe of Fishermans Wharf, which has degraded, and get back to a more authentic experience related to local food production, Root said. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. At StoneRoots Green Valley ranch, theyll build a 4,000-square-foot restaurant and emphasize pasture-raised pork, lamb and chicken as well as 100% grass-fed beef on the menu. Right now, the space is a dirt lot without running water or electricity. StoneRoot tapped KDA Architects for the design and hopes to open the restaurant in 2021. The San Francisco eatery would likely follow. Until then, Root hopes to build excitement for the projects with a series of events on the property with food and live music starting in the spring. StoneRoot held a few in 2019 known as Friday Nights at the Farm events the most recent edition drawing about 1,500 people. StoneRoot Farm & Sea The chefs who have helped out with Friday Nights at the Farm include Julian Sandoval (Scomas), Adam Timney (Starbelly) and David Williams (Bull Valley Roadhouse). Root expects them to be involved with the future StoneRoot restaurants, which he hopes help raise awareness for StoneRoots sustainable fishing techniques and ranching practices. No one business or group of people is going to make a huge impact, Root said. But its important for us to set an example and inspire others to do better. Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker NEW YORK - Presidential politics move fast. What were watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign: ___ Days to Iowa caucuses: 21 Days to general election: 295 ___ THE NARRATIVE This week features the final debate before voting begins in Iowa, making Tuesday night the most important night of the 2020 primary season so far. It comes as the political world grapples with the fallout of the Trump administrations military clash with Iran, the looming Senate impeachment trial and deep uncertainty about the direction of the Democratic primary. At this point, any one of the four top-tier candidates Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren has a legitimate chance to win the Iowa caucus. ___ THE BIG QUESTIONS Will the debate provide any clarity? Six Democrats will share the stage in the final prime-time clash before primary voting begins. Four of them are clustered near the top, while even the often-overlooked billionaire Tom Steyer flashed in the polls recently and Mike Bloomberg looms as a Super Tuesday force. The tremendous uncertainty means that any one of the candidates on stage Tuesday has the opportunity to change the direction of the race. Is the political world underestimating Bernie (again)? In case you missed it, a certain 78-year-old white-haired democratic socialist was listed as the leading candidate in The Des Moines Register/CNN Iowa poll released late last week. That should be a wake-up call for anybody who doesnt think Sanders can win the Democratic nomination and we know youre out there. Remember this: Every Democrat in history who has won both Iowa and New Hampshire has eventually become the nominee. And if the Vermont senator wins Iowa, he opens New Hampshire with a massive advantage. He won the state easily four years ago. A lot can happen in the next month, but dont sleep on Sanders. Can Biden exorcise the ghosts of Iraq? Its hard to believe, but almost two decades later Biden is still struggling to explain his vote to authorize the use of military force against Iraq. And last weeks military clash with Iran is only making it harder. Sanders, the only candidate in the field who was in Congress for the 2002 vote, attacked Bidens vote on the issue over the weekend. Buttigieg, who was a 20-year-old college student during the congressional vote in question, has also hit Biden on Iraq in recent weeks. Foreign policy should be an asset for Biden, a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Policy Relations Committee and a two-term vice-president, but it will likely hurt as much as it helps unless he can figure out how to move past criticism from both major political parties on the sensitive issue. The debate moderators, and his Democratic rivals, wont let him off easy Tuesday night. Will Democrats pay a price for their first all-white debate? The debate will also be the first that features an all-white slate of candidates. Asian-American Andrew Yang was the only minority to qualify for the last meeting with all the black and Latino candidates having already been pushed out for failing to meet the Democratic National Committees fundraising and polling thresholds. The all-white debate comes less than a week before Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday in an election cycle in which Democrats desperately need to energize minority voters not a good look for the party. Are things about to get nasty on the left? Left-wing favourites Sanders and Warren have played nice with each other for virtually the entire 2020 campaign. Until now. Warren over the weekend said she was disappointed after news emerged that Sanders campaign volunteers were encouraged to question Warrens ability to expand the partys coalition beyond highly educated voters. Warren suggested that the Sanders campaign was trying to trash her. While Sanders downplayed the dispute, there are signs for the first time that all is not well on the partys far-left flank. Given that only one of the two New England senators may get a ticket out of New Hampshire, this is a dynamic to keep a close eye on. Will the other billionaire in this race be a factor? Here at 2020 Watch we dont put too much stock in single polls, but it was hard to ignore Steyers recent surge in South Carolina and Iowa. Sure, the bumps are likely the result of his massive advertising campaign, but that doesnt make them insignificant. The political world has treated Steyer as an afterthought since the much wealthier Bloomberg entered the race, but Steyer is the only one of the two who will appear on the debate stage this week. If theres one thing we all learned in the Trump era its this: Dont count out the billionaires. THE FINAL THOUGHT President Donald Trump is keeping his eye on the prize. As Democrats gather in Iowa, the Republican president will spend Tuesday night rallying supporters in what may be the nations most important general election battleground: Wisconsin. He opens the year with no serious primary challenge and more than $100 million in his campaign account. As their primary fight intensifies, remember that the real work has barely begun for Democrats in 2020. ___ 2020 Watch runs every Monday and provides a look at the week ahead in the 2020 election. ___ Follow Peoples at https://twitter.com/sppeoples ___ Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game. Peter Robinson set up a meeting with a government minister to discuss jailed ex-UVF godfather Gusty Spence being handed the Royal Prerogative of Mercy. This newspaper reported last week on newly declassified files at the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland which showed the then East Belfast MP made telephone calls to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) in April 1984 concerning Easter parole for Spence and his eventual release date. Now we can reveal that six months prior to the call, Mr Robinson wrote to Nicholas Scott MP, a Northern Ireland minister, to arrange a meeting, attended by he and Mr Spence's family, to appeal for a pardon. The letter, dated September 26, 1983, reads: "Dear Minister, I have been approached by the family of Gusty Spence to see if you would be prepared to meet one or two of them along with myself concerning the exercise of the Royal Perogative (sic) of Mercy. Expand Close Former DUP leader Peter Robinson. Credit: Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Kevin Scott / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Former DUP leader Peter Robinson. Credit: Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph "I am sure you are aware that Gusty has been parolled (sic) twice recently and I believe the family could give some assurances concerning his future intentions to enable you to make your decision." In May 2014, there was an outcry after it was revealed by Secretary of State Theresa Villiers that 365 royal prerogatives of mercy have been issued in Northern Ireland between 1979 and 2002, in an answer to a question from MP Kate Hoey. There were no figures for 10 years between 1987 and 1997, as the records had apparently been lost, but the NIO said the vast majority of pardons were not terrorism related. But a month later, the government admitted that royal pardons were given secretly to paramilitaries in Northern Ireland in return for information in cases dating as far back as the 1980s. Sixteen were for terrorism-related cases in the years immediately after the Good Friday Agreement. The royal prerogative of mercy, commonly known as a royal pardon, allows changes in sentences without the backing of, or consultation with, Parliament. Gusty Spence, who died aged 78 in 2011, was once the leader of the UVF and one of the first of the loyalist terror group's members to be convicted of murder. He was also for some time the UVF commander in the Maze prison before declaring that he had turned his back on violence and was pursuing politics with the UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party and later in 1994 he announced the loyalist ceasefires to the media. The new documents were unearthed by the charity Paper Trail, which supports victims and survivors of the conflict. Expand Close The letter penned by Peter Robinson in relation to Gusty Spence / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The letter penned by Peter Robinson in relation to Gusty Spence They include a note of the meeting between Mr Scott and Mr Robinson and the Spence family on Tuesday, December 6, at Stormont Castle, with Gusty's wife, brother and daughter. Mr Robinson handed over a paper prepared by the family and points included that his crime was committed in 1966 and he was at the time the longest serving prisoner in Northern Ireland, having been inside for 17-and-a-half years. The memo said: "Mr Robinson said that when Mr Spence was in control of the UVF compound (in prison) his was more of a restraining role - that of a father figure. He had persuaded the organisation to adopt a political rather than paramilitary role. Mr Spence then resigned his command of the UVF." It added: "Mr Robinson said that the community as a whole felt a sense of injustice where Mr Spence was concerned. "People like the Price sisters (Dolours and Marian) served short periods and were then released under the guise of suffering from anorexia nervosa. Therefore, the release of Mr Spence would not anger the community." He also assured the minister that if Gusty was released "he would not be returning to a paramilitary environment" and wanted to spend time with his grandkids as he had missed out on his children growing up. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Monday termed Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Population Register (NPR) and Register of Citizens (NRC) a "package" that is "unconstitutional." Claiming that NPR is the basis for NRC, Yechury after Congress-led Opposition meeting here, said: "The NPR will be the basis in which NRC will be enumerated. The NRC, CAA, NPR are a single package which is unconstitutional as it linked religion with citizenship. It is basically targetting the poor, marginalised, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who will be harassed for producing documents." "We have declared that this is something which is not accepted. We want the CAA to repeal and NPR to be stopped," he said. Yechury further appealed to all the Chief Ministers, who have announced they will not implement NRC in their state must consider suspending NPR enumeration. "The Chief Ministers, who have declared that their states will not implement NRC, we urged them to also decare that NPR will not be allowed in their state because you have a Census, Aadhaar Card and epic number for all the voters. The motive of NPR is to form the foundation for NRC," he said. Expressing solidarity with people and students fighting to "save the Indian Constitution", Yechury said: "To strengethen the spirit of resistance in a peaceful manner in defence of Indian constitution -- we appeal people to join us on January 23, 26 and 30 against Citizenship (Amendment) Act and NRC, in spirit to 'Save Country, Save Democracy and Save Constitution'." Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had asserted that there was no link between the NPR exercise and the NRC and that the process of NPR cannot be used for NRC. In an exclusive interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash, Shah had said that the information obtained through NPR cannot be used for NRC. He had said the Union Cabinet has not ever discussed the NRC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ControlCase is committed to going beyond the auditors checklist and working in partnership with clients to achieve security and demonstrate compliance more efficiently and cost effectively. ControlCase, a leading provider of IT Security Certifications and Continuous Compliance Services, announced it has validated SmartBase Solutions, a market leading data and technology firm to the HITRUST CSF. ControlCases assessment for HITRUST CSF Certification included the SmartBase Data IQ Platform, Communication Automation, and Data Analytics services. The certification demonstrates that all supporting systems meet key regulations and requirements for protecting and securing sensitive personal healthcare information (PHI). The ControlCase HITRUST certification methodology begins with a readiness assessment which provides current status of the clients environment against the HITRUST CSF. The service also includes unlimited remediation support until the client is ready to begin the audit. Upon completion of the audit, ControlCase then submits the validation to HITRUST for their certification. The ControlCase HITRUST methodology is well recognized among healthcare organizations as it also includes guidance on compliance best practices as well as pioneering technology to simplify processes and provide more accuracy and peace of mind to the client. For over 14 years, SmartBase has been managing data and delivering actionable insights to clients of all levels of data sophistication. SmartBase works with larger marketing organizations in a variety of industry segments with some emphasis in the healthcare industry. This includes service and insurance providers and medical device companies. SmartBase also provides customer and brand loyalty marketing solutions to franchisees and manufacturers. Nearly all of their solutions are provided in a software as a service model and hosted in their private cloud infrastructure. SmartBase Solutions met or exceeded established maturity levels in the 19 domains measured in order to achieve HITRUST CSF Certification. Upon completion of the assessment, ControlCase submitted the results to HITRUST, who in turn issued a Certified Assessment Report. This achievement further validates SmartBase Solutions data security practices with the HITRUST CSF. "As technology continues to evolve, so does SmartBase. Our SmartBase IQ Data Platform, Secure Hosting services, Patient Advocacy application, Communication Automation services, and Data Analytics round out our full capability to streamline operations and improve management. We are committed to innovation as well as safeguarding PHI," said Donna Duffy, Project Manager at SmartBase Solutions. "The HITRUST CSF Certification helps SmartBase Solutions stay at the forefront of data security and assures our clients that protecting sensitive information is one of our highest priorities." ControlCase is committed to going beyond the auditors checklist and working in partnership with clients to achieve security and demonstrate compliance more efficiently and cost effectively, said Bill Brody, Partner HealthCare at ControlCase. We provide a service that is centered around improving efficiencies and freeing up internal resources to focus on priorities. Year 2 of the HITRUST assessment will include an interim assessment of SmartBase Solutions existing environment and filing with HITRUST for continued certification. We look forward to our continued partnership with the SmartBase Solutions team. For more information on ControlCase HITRUST Assessment Methodology please contact Kimberly Simon on ksimon@controlcase.com About ControlCase ControlCase is a global provider of certification and continuous compliance services. ControlCase is committed to partnering with clients to develop strategic information security and compliance programs that are simplified, cost effective and comprehensive in both on-premise and cloud environments. ControlCase provides the best experts, customer experience and technology for regulations including PCI DSS, HITRUST, ISO 27001, PCI PIN, PCI P2PE, PCI TSP, PA DSS, CSA STAR, HIPAA, GDPR and FedRAMP. http://www.controlcase.com About SmartBase Solutions Headquartered in Plymouth, MN, SmartBase Solutions is a market leading data and technology firm helping organizations leverage their vast amounts of data to develop smart business solutions. Its flagship SmartBase IQ Data Platform delivers advanced data processing technology to enable clients to quickly connect and integrate their disparate data. SmartBase provides Secure Infrastructure and Data Hosting services to allow clients to focus on their business with the comfort of knowing that their data is managed and protected in a secure private cloud environment. SmartBases Driive Loyalty Marketing Solution builds customer loyalty for brands, franchisees, and manufacturers through intelligent trigger-based marketing. SmartBases Patient Advocate solution enables prospective patients to connect with a patient who has undergone the treatment theyre considering to allow them to make the best decisions for their health. Rounding out its comprehensive suite of services, SmartBase also provides Communication Automation services to strengthen customer relationships and create a roadmap for better business decisions. SmartBase Solutions serves clients in the Financial Services, Healthcare, Health and Beauty, Medical Device, and Retail industries. http://www.smartbasesolutions.com Media Contact: Kimberly Simon ControlCase ksimon@controlcase.com On a bitterly cold night in February 2016, a woman named Emily met State Sen. Daylin Leach at a political fund-raiser in Harrisburg. She was 27, working as a temporary employee for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Campaign Committee (SDCC). He was a 55-year-old incumbent who chaired the committee. Leach, a well-known Montgomery County progressive and longtime advocate for women's rights, listened with interest as they talked, Emily said. At one point, she explained that she had once lived in Beirut, Lebanon, and could speak Arabic. She recalled that during the conversation, Leach held on to her upper arm "for an uncomfortable amount of time," maybe 10 seconds or so. It seemed harmless, but later that evening, she said, an email from Leach arrived in her inbox. "Hey there," read the subject line. Below was a short passage in Arabic. "How wonderful it was to talk to you today," it began, according to a translation, before making a reference to some petitions. The following morning, as Emily registered attendees at an SDCC breakfast in the lobby of the Harrisburg Hilton, Leach approached again. She was wearing a skirt and sitting at a table. She said Leach sat next to her, discussed his history of fighting for women, and suggested he might be able to help her find a job. And then "he grabbed my thigh, almost to punctuate his point with a cruel irony," said Emily, who spoke on the condition of her last name not being used. In the moments that followed, Emily said, she felt "frozen in fear and humiliation. I wrapped up the fund-raiser and went back to my hotel room and sobbed." Two members of the state Democratic Party confirmed that Emily sent them distraught text messages describing the encounter in the hours after it occurred. The episode was among the starkest cited by former campaign and legislative staffers and advisers who say Leach, a legislator since 2003, has for years engaged in questionable behavior with young female staffers and volunteers, from highly sexualized jokes and comments to touching they deemed inappropriate. The behavior was all the more jarring, they said, given his reputation as a stalwart defender of women's rights. Leach, 56, who is now running for Congress, declined to be interviewed for this story and did not respond specifically to written questions from the Inquirer and Daily News. Instead, he provided a lengthy statement in which he blamed the accusations on an unnamed political opponent and denied ever inappropriately touching women. He noted that he sometimes does touch people when he is talking to them and that "some people subjectively find such touching unpleasant." "Politics is, sadly, an ugly business," Leach wrote, adding: "I will go back to doing what I've always done, being a fierce fighter for women's rights and trying to protect my family from the unfortunate consequences of the profession I've chosen." Leach, who is married and has children, referred specific questions to Philadelphia lawyer George Bochetto, who in an interview last week added: "He's not a predator. He's not a hound dog. He is a very, very conscientious and decent public official that has not lost his sense of humor, despite his political career." After being alerted to concerns regarding Leach's behavior, the Inquirer and Daily News interviewed nearly two dozen people about the senator's conduct. Some women described him as a good boss, one who gave them wide latitude to make political and policy decisions in an office where hierarchy and job titles mattered little. They acknowledged he often made sophomoric comments and had a bawdy sense of humor, but said they were not bothered by it. But eight women and three men recounted instances when Leach either put his hands on women or steered conversations with young, female subordinates into sexual territory, leaving them feeling upset and powerless to stop the behavior. Aubrey Montgomery, a former finance director for Leach's first campaign for Senate in 2008, said Leach has consistently supported policies that help women. "But," she said, "as great as his legislative record is for women globally, he can be awful to women individually." Accusations and a denial Montgomery, a well-known fund-raiser who has worked for Leach and others, was among the few witnesses to his behavior willing to be publicly identified or quoted. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing the nature of their encounters and Leach's position as one of the region's high-profile elected officials. Among the incidents they described: A woman who worked for Senate Democrats in 2015 said Leach inappropriately touched her in a Senate office. At least one eyewitness reported the encounter and a human resources officer for the Senate interviewed the woman. On the opening night of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Leach allegedly made inappropriate sexualized comments to a female intern in the Pennsylvania delegation, according to two delegation officials at the event. They said they were concerned and responded by directing interns to travel in pairs for the remainder of the convention. A woman who worked as a fund-raiser for Leach several years ago said he was prone to "inappropriate" touching. "He'd put his arm around me, and his hand would linger on the small of my back, and briefly graze my butt," she said. "As a woman, you get that feeling that this isn't right." Two women who worked on Leach's 2008 Senate campaign said he repeatedly discussed sex in front of young female staffers, including references to famous "women I'd like to f." They said Leach's sexualized comments became so uncomfortable they tried to limit his time around interns and volunteers, and fretted over hiring attractive young women for fear of how he'd behave around them. None of the women who described seeing or hearing questionable conduct by Leach told the Inquirer and Daily News that they had been assaulted, denied promotions, or had their careers threatened. Each said that he created and promoted a culture in his office that objectified women and that he often framed his comments as harmless jokes. Leach, in his statement, said he never "intentionally or unintentionally touched" these women inappropriately. "It did not happen." Although in the same statement he said of the two incidents: "I recall one not at all and one only vaguely." >> Read Sen. Daylin Leach's statement on claims of inappropriate conduct Senate Democratic officials declined to publicly discuss Leach and whether they knew of any complaints against him. Privately, one Senate officer acknowledged that Democratic leaders had fielded a 2015 complaint from a then-23-year-old staffer who said Leach inappropriately put his hands on her. But the officer, along with others, also argued that other unnamed state legislators have engaged in far worse behavior. In an interview this month, the former Senate staffer, who spoke on condition that she not be named, said she first met Leach at an after-party for the Pennsylvania Progressive Summit at the Federal Taphouse in Harrisburg in February 2015. At the time, she was working for the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, the fund-raising arm that Leach then-chaired. The woman said Leach asked her about the work she was doing for the committee, and then slid his hand down her back and "touched my butt." She yelled at Leach, she said, only to be told by one of his top campaign aides that her response was inappropriate. She said she encountered Leach again a month later, after she'd taken a job with the Senate. This time, she said, he approached her from behind and tickled her torso while she sat at her desk during a budget hearing luncheon in a Senate office, leaving her stunned. A witness reported the incident to the woman's boss, she said. During a subsequent meeting with a human resources administrator in the Senate, the woman said, she felt as if she had been discouraged from filing a formal written complaint about Leach's conduct. Instead, she was assured that such behavior wouldn't happen again. "I'm more mad at the Senate for not doing anything," she said of the episode. "It's the culture up there that's the problem." In a statement, Senate Democratic officials said they could neither acknowledge nor discuss any such incidents, citing confidentiality rules to protect victims of sexual harassment. Brittany Crampsie, spokeswoman for the Senate Democratic caucus, said that typically, if an employee wants to report an incident, "he or she would go to their supervisor and/or the director of human resources. They would walk the individual through their options, one of which is making a formal complaint with the chief clerk's office. That process involves a review by outside counsel, and then a report to Senate leadership." A high-ranking Senate Democrat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a party leader did speak to Leach after the woman described their contact, and warned the legislator to watch his behavior. Asked if he had been given any such warning, Leach did not respond. When a joke goes too far Throughout his nearly 15 years in public office, Leach has been known as an unflinchingly liberal Democrat who sometimes aims an edgy, often-skewering sense of humor at staffers, fellow legislators, and even himself. President Trump, whom Leach called a "fascist, loofah-faced shit-gibbon" in a tweet that went viral earlier this year, is also a frequent target. Leach is seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan, a Delaware County Republican, as Capitol Hill reels from a wave of sexual-harassment accusations against some prominent male politicians, leading to the recent announced resignations of Sen. Al Franken and Reps. John Conyers and Trent Franks. Leach's supporters have argued that allegations about his conduct are politically motivated, and aimed at derailing his congressional run. They have taken issue with reporting by the Inquirer and Daily News, noting that the papers have filed Right-to-Know requests for any harassment complaints, as well as the names of current and former staffers. Earlier this month, Leach's attorney sent reporters a letter demanding that they "cease and desist this fishing expedition." Bochetto elaborated during an interview in his Center City office last week. "You've undertaken a witch hunt," he said. "And I think what you've done is come up with Easter eggs, for the most part." The women who spoke to the Inquirer and Daily News about Leach said they were all struck by the irony of feeling harassed by a man they believed was their ally. In his tenure in the Capitol, the senator from Wayne has championed legislation to legalize medical marijuana, ban the shackling of female prisoners, increase the minimum wage, expand access to health care, and extend antidiscrimination protections to Pennsylvania's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. He has also been a fierce and vocal opponent of measures that seek to roll back women's rights, including a recent bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Aubrey Montgomery was 24 when she joined Leach's 2008 Senate campaign. She said she was offended by his sexualized tone in the office. Montgomery said she called him on his comments but felt as if the move backfired. "When I expressed my discomfort, Daylin suggested I just didn't get the joke, labeled me a prude and characterized me to my colleagues as the campaign's wet blanket," she said. "The more uncomfortable Daylin made me, the more he would dial up the intensity. The more I expressed my discomfort at his sexual and off-color humor, the funnier it was to him." Montgomery said she continued to support Leach because she backed his policy positions. In recent years, however, she has done compliance work for, and donated money to, Dan Muroff, who is running against Leach in the Democratic primary for Congress. In his statement, Leach said he found it "a little strange" that Montgomery was offended by his humor. He noted that she had donated to his political campaigns and that she "came back to work for me again" after the 2008 race. Montgomery did political work for Senate Democrats in 2011 but not directly for Leach. Meanwhile, another woman who worked on Leach's 2008 campaign said he would talk about actresses he wanted to sleep with, and referenced wanting to hire a "full set" of secretaries: a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead followed by a "bald chick." He also referenced wanting to have his own "Charlie's Angels." "I don't subscribe to the belief that there is a sliding scale to marginalizing women in the workplace, that there is a gray area," the woman said. "I feel really strongly that we shouldn't have to put up with this stuff. That this is not appropriate in the workplace." Political campaigns, unlike government, have no human resources departments. They also often have no written policies guiding employee behavior. The woman who worked as a fund-raiser for Leach and said he had grazed her behind with his hand several times said the senator is "very friendly, which you don't mind. But as an elected official, you know where your hands should be." She added that she sometimes offered a simple warning to young women who were going to work with Leach: Don't be alone with him in an elevator. Emily, the temporary SDCC worker who encountered Leach last year in the Harrisburg Hilton, said she was among the women who had been given that exact warning from the fund-raiser. An imperfect process The legislature has sexual-harassment policies in place, but the process for reporting such conduct is not clear-cut, and can be fraught with politics. The Senate, for instance, has a "workplace harassment" policy that generally defines such harassment as "any repeated, deliberate, unwelcome comments, gesture, conduct or physical conduct of any nature." Employees who believe they have been harassed can make a complaint verbally, but the policy recommends following that up with a written statement that documents the nature, date, and time of the offense. Violating the policy could lead to suspension, termination, or other sanctions, it says. Though the policy states that complaints can be filed with an employee's supervisor, or with the Senate's chief clerk or secretary, there is no central clearinghouse. Nor does the policy state how to investigate and resolve them. Instead, Democratic and Republican leaders in the chamber each select someone to investigate and manage personnel issues. Depending on the type of complaint and whom it involves, that person could decide to handle it in-house or farm it out to an outside attorney, according to Senate lawyers. Such protocols particularly against the backdrop of a national wave of high-profile sexual-harassment allegations have led a number of Pennsylvania legislators in recent weeks to propose measures to tighten the rules and prohibit confidential payouts and settlements. Though bills aimed at cracking down on sexual harassment have been introduced, there has been no commitment to moving any quickly to a vote. A harsher climate Leach has faced scrutiny in the past over some of his risque comments. The legislator shuttered the "Leach Vent," a blog he wrote that mixed political satire with amateur sketch-comedy bits that were heavy on not-so-subtle sexual jokes, after the Inquirer wrote about it in 2005. At the time, he argued his humor wasn't offensive. He still sometimes resorts to Leach Vent-like comments while weighing in on political matters. In March, Leach tweeted a photo of Vice President Pence and other Republican officials sitting at a long conference table. "Here, the EXPERTS on women's bodies deciding what #healthcare they need," he wrote. "For example, I bet they are all sure the female orgasm is a myth." The allegations against Leach have surfaced at a moment when elected officials in Harrisburg and beyond are demonstrating they have little interest in defending male colleagues accused of inappropriate behavior. "We have to rid the Capitol of those who seek to take advantage of their position and power," Gov. Wolf wrote in an editorial earlier this month about the #MeToo movement. Last month, the House held a sexual-harassment awareness session for all of its members. A group of female lawmakers in the House and Senate have proposed measures that include banning nondisclosure agreements in sexual-harassment cases to shield the names of legislators and prohibiting the legislature from using taxpayer money to pay settlement costs. No such policies were being mulled back in 2015, when the former Senate staffer said Leach twice put his hands on her in the space of two months. At that time, she said she felt the process could leave future female employees vulnerable. She worried it "would just happen again to the next twenty-something-year-old woman," she said. "That shouldn't happen. Harrisburg should be a great place to work." The "All-wheel Drive (AWD) Strategies of Select European OEMs, 2019" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Stringent European emission norms dictate that automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) comply with the carbon emission target of 95g/km by 2020 and the indicative range of 68-78 g/km by 2025. While OEMs have been focusing on improving efficiency, there is a growing preference among consumers for vehicles that offer better ride and handling benefits. Ride and handling technologies, for example, All-wheel Drive (AWD) systems, apart from having a cost implication, also hurt fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. This has put OEMs in a tight spot and OEMs are examining all possible options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without sacrificing driving dynamics. This increase in fuel consumption of the conventional AWD system is primarily because of the parasitic losses that are inherent in mechanical driveline systems. To overcome these challenges, several major OEMs are working toward hybridization and electrification. Electrification is one of the key pillars of every major OEM's corporate strategy and almost all premium and some big mass-market OEMs have announced that several models in the existing line-up can be electrified, with a full-electric or plug-in hybrid drivetrain being offered in addition to the combustion engine option. Additional electrified models will be brought to market in the coming years and beyond 2020 and also most OEMs' next-generation electric vehicle architecture will enable further fully electric vehicles. Electrification brings about a disruption not only to OEMs but also to suppliers and pure-electric vehicles will change the dynamics of the value chain. Driveline suppliers that, until recently, have had strong capabilities on hardware will now need to develop software capabilities. During the forecast period, the driveline supplier also needs to work toward reducing the weight of components and parasitic losses without affecting the ability to transfer the required amount of torque, because several OEMs are still expected to use mechanical AWD systems in the near term. While such developments incur significant costs, OEMs are pressuring driveline suppliers to reduce the cost of these systems. A major challenge that driveline manufacturers face is reducing the cost of next-generation electric driveline systems and, at the same time, improving operational parameters. A typical electric AWD system cost is about 3 to 4 times the cost of a conventional mechanical system. This huge difference is likely to hurt the take rate for such systems. This research service from the Mobility Team aims to provide an overview of the strategies of key OEMs in the market with regard to AWD technologies and decipher directions of developing technologies in Europe. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary Key Findings All-wheel Drive System Offerings by OEMs Driveline Electrification Path Overview of All-wheel Drive Systems Offered by OEMs 2. Research Scope, Objectives, Background, and Methodology Research Scope Research Aims and Objectives Key Questions this Study will Answer Research Background Research Methodology Key OEM Groups Compared in this Study 3. Definitions and Segmentation Product Segmentation System Definitions 4. Audi Audi Strategy Summary Audi AWD Strategy Summary Audi AWD Strategy All Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy Audi AWD Strategy All Architecture Design 5. BMW BMW Strategy Summary BMW AWD Strategy Summary BMW AWD Strategy All Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy BMW AWD Strategy All Architecture Design 6. Hyundai Hyundai Strategy Summary Hyundai AWD Strategy Summary Hyundai AWD Strategy All Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy Hyundai AWD Strategy All Architecture Design 7. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz Strategy Summary Mercedes-Benz AWD Strategy Summary Mercedes-Benz AWD Strategy All Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy Mercedes-Benz AWD Strategy All Architecture Design 8. PSA PSA Strategy Summary PSA AWD Strategy Summary PSA AWD Strategy All Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy PSA AWD Strategy All Architecture Design 9. TOYOTA Toyota Strategy Summary Toyota AWD Strategy Summary Toyota AWD Strategy All Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy Toyota AWD Strategy All Architecture Design 10. Volkswagen Volkswagen Strategy Summary Volkswagen AWD Strategy Summary VW AWD Strategy AWD and eAWD Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy VW AWD Strategy AWD and eAWD Architecture Design 11. Volvo Volvo Strategy Summary Volvo AWD Strategy Summary Volvo AWD Strategy AWD and 2 eAWD Architecture Design Model-wise AWD Penetration and Strategy Volvo AWD Strategy AWD and 2 eAWD Architecture Design 12. Growth Opportunities and Companies to Action Growth Opportunities in Advanced Suspension Technologies Strategic Imperatives for Success and Growth 13. The Last Word The Last Word 3 Big Predictions Legal Disclaimer List of Exhibits Companies Mentioned Audi BMW Hyundai Mercedes-Benz PSA TOYOTA Volkswagen Volvo For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lxb1vv View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005682/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Hanoi police have launched criminal investigations against 20 people for murder following last Thursdays clash that left three policemen and a civilian dead in the capital's Dong Tam Commune. Weapons the protestors at Dong Tam Commune in Hanoi's My Duc District used to attack police forces on January 9, 2020. Photo by Vietnam Television. Two others have been arrested and placed under criminal investigation for resisting law enforcement officers, while another four have been detained on the same charges, according to a statement by the Ministry of Public Security. All the suspects are residents of Dong Tam Commune in My Duc District, 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of downtown Hanoi. Le Dinh Kinh, the civilian who died in the clash, has been determined to be the mastermind behind the acts of causing disturbance and resisting the authorities over a long-standing land dispute. Kinh's son Le Dinh Cong, who is among those arrested for murder, has admitted to spending over VND30 million ($1,300) on gasoline and weapons, as well as leading the protest actions by throwing rocks, petrol bombs and grenades, according to national broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV). As of Monday morning, four days after the clash, all roads leading to the area around Hoanh Village in Dong Tam Commune were still blocked, and barricades were still placed on provincial road 429, over 4 kilometers from Dong Tam. Additionally, three police checkpoints have been set up along roads leading to the rear part of Hoanh Village and another two on the path to the local cemetery, about 1-2 kilometers from the village. Police officers have been stationed in Dong Tam to "ensure safety," said Major General To An Xo, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Security. One of the people arrested and placed under criminal investigation for resisting law enforcement officers in a clash with Hanoi police on January 9, 2020. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Television (VTV). Last Thursdays clash happened a week after some units of the Ministry of National Defense, in collaboration with local authorities, began building a fence for the Mieu Mon Military Airport in Dong Tam Commune, the public security ministry said. A group of about 30 locals planned to oppose the authorities' construction work. On Thursday morning, armed police officers entered Hoanh Village and a clash with a group of locals broke out near Kinh's house. Several people used grenades, petrol bombs and knives to attack police forces, killing three police officers, according to a statement by the Ministry of Public Security. Alleged ring leader Kinh also died during the clash. Further details of the clash have yet to be revealed and the area has been cordoned off and access limited. The deadly clash was the latest incident in a long-standing dispute over the land where the Mieu Mon Military Airport is to be built. Protestors have said that they were not properly informed that the land was transferred to the military at some point, while officials maintained that the land belonged to the military. Tension rose and came to a boil in February 2017, when military-owned telecom giant Viettel started work on a defense project in the area. Upset villagers then took 38 police officers and government officials hostage in a communal house to protest work on the military airport. The standoff was resolved a week later, but in July 2017, local government inspectors announced that the land in Dong Tam Commune in My Duc District has always belonged to the military. While land disputes are not uncommon in Vietnam, it is the first time in decades that policemen and civilians have been killed in one. O'Brien Says US Ready to Reach Deal With Taliban, Reduce Contingent in Afghanistan This Year Sputnik News 03:47 13.01.2020 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said that US President Donald Trump could reach a deal with the Taliban movement already this year and even if there was no deal, Washington would still reduce its contingent in Afghanistan. "The Afghan forces are doing better, and I think we'll be in a position at some point soon, whether it's with a deal or without a deal, to reduce our military footprint in Afghanistan", O'Brien said in an interview with the Axios news portal. In response to the question of whether Trump was going to conclude an agreement with the Taliban before the presidential election in the United States, O'Brien said that this could happen this year. "I don't judge things based on when the election's going to take place, but I think it is possible that there'll be a deal this year", the media outlet quoted the national security adviser as saying. Earlier in the week, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Qatar for a new round of bilateral peace talks with the Taliban, with many leading Afghan officials hopeful that a binding agreement can be signed between the two sides. Leaving Afghanistan was one of Trump's key campaign promises. In mid-December, various media reported that Trump was planning to announce the withdrawal of 4,000 troops after the resumption of talks with the Taliban. Washington sought a guarantee that the region would not become a safe haven for terrorists in exchange for its pullout from the country. Namely, it wanted that the Taliban would cut its ties with terrorists and instead would cooperate closely with the Afghani government. The pullout never took place, however, and further details on when or if it would happen were not given. Many rounds of peace talks have been held with no significant result as well. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mark Rainey threats on social media regarding Ian Ogle murder. Mark is the brother of Glen Rainey accused of the murder of Ian Ogle. Mark Rainey charged with UVF cocaine dealing following raids by the Paramilitary Crime Taskforce. Picture Exclusive to Sunday Life. A loyalist facing charges connected to an East Belfast UVF cocaine dealing network threatened to "rip the ears off" a young relative of Ian Ogle who was stabbed to death by the terror gang. Suspected drug lord Mark Rainey issued the grim warning on social media after the family member told him to "show some decency" towards the murder victim whose first anniversary occurs later this month. The 40-year-old, whose brother Glenn Rainey (33) is charged with the UVF murder of Ogle, later deleted the comment. However, this newspaper has been provided with screenshots of the threat which is now being investigated by police. Amazingly, Mark Rainey felt confident enough to make the comment despite being on strict court bail conditions having been charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Expand Close Mark Rainey threats on social media regarding Ian Ogle murder. Mark is the brother of Glen Rainey accused of the murder of Ian Ogle. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mark Rainey threats on social media regarding Ian Ogle murder. Mark is the brother of Glen Rainey accused of the murder of Ian Ogle. He was arrested in March last year following a Paramilitary Crime Taskforce operation against the East Belfast UVF. Expand Close Mark Rainey threats on social media regarding Ian Ogle murder. Mark is the brother of Glen Rainey accused of the murder of Ian Ogle. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mark Rainey threats on social media regarding Ian Ogle murder. Mark is the brother of Glen Rainey accused of the murder of Ian Ogle. Giving evidence against him in court, a police officer accused the terror gang of "flooding the streets with drugs". Rainey's threats against the relative of Ian Ogle come in the same week that his partner Vera and children Toni and Ryan were targeted in a sick graffiti campaign. Vile sexual slurs about Toni were written on walls in east Belfast, along with slogans branding the brave 28-year-old a 'Sunday Life tout'. She was singled out for having the courage to speak to this newspaper about her dad's murder and predicting that reckless members of the East Belfast UVF could kill again. In social media posts about the Ogle graffiti, alleged cocaine baron Mark Rainey dismissed the grieving family's concerns, saying: "Don't instigate something then play the victim when you get a reaction". The loyalist also complained about being the target of similar slogans, writing: "It just p****s me off that they've been spraying s**t for ages, as soon as someone writes something back it's poor me." The Ogle family has vowed not to give in to the latest intimidation attempt, with Toni Johnston maintaining it will not affect their justice campaign. She said: "If they (UVF) think writing rubbish on walls will stop us then they are mistaken." Senior East Belfast UVF figures are known to be dismayed by the graffiti targeting the Ogle family as it again brings the organisation negative headlines. A loyalist source said: "Graffiti and social media comments like these achieve nothing, it only makes us out to be a bunch of heartless idiots." Ian Ogle was stabbed to death outside his Cluan Place home in January 2019 following an 18-month intimidation campaign by the UVF. Prominent loyalists Jonny Brown (33), Glenn Rainey (33), and Mark Sewell (40) are charged with his murder - a claim they strongly deny. The East Belfast UVF has admitted its members were involved, but insisted the killing was not sanctioned at a leadership level. cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk CHP Silver Alert: Search continues for 68-year-old Butte Valley woman Local law enforcement agencies are not giving up efforts in the search for 68-year-old Paula Beth James missing since last Thursday. The Butte County Sheriffs Office said it has a helicopter to search the Magalia area. Family members said James has symptoms of dementia and might become disoriented. If you have any information call 911. Missing 11-year-old Placerville boy found dead Placerville investigators have transitioned from a missing child search to a suspicious death investigation. After the discovery of the body of a missing 11-year-old boy. Roman Lopez was last seen at his home in Placerville on Saturday morning. After an extensive search, his body was found later that day. Oroville Police arrest man for narcotic sales A man already on probation for other incidents is once again behind bars, this time, for trespassing. Oroville police said they spotted Joseph Duran Quintana of Santa Clara, sitting in a car in the driveway of vacant homes. Police said he was carrying cocaine, heroin, and a dagger. Quintana was booked into the Butte County Jail on no bail. Report: Feds to bill fire victims if utility doesn't pay $4B The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that FEMA could bill wildfire victims over money owed to the agency by PG&E. The federal emergency management agency has asked for reimbursement from PG&E to cover costs from the governments response to recent fires. FEMA tells the chronicle if PG&E does not reimburse them individual victims who received settlement funds would be responsible. CA considers purchasing land to create largest state park in decades California could purchase property that would be to create one of the largest state parks in decades. A group of San Francisco area lawmakers is urging the governor to help purchase the N-3 ranch near Livermore. The property is home to a wild habitat and portions of the Alameda Creek watershed. If approved, the purchase package would include funds from the nature conservancy and the trust for public lands. Esper won't confirm intelligence about President's claim that Soleimani was targeting 4 US embassies It has been 10 days since the U.S. airstrike which killed Irans top general. Now, Washington lawmakers say they are not seeing any hard evidence to back up the claim that the general was targeting U.S. embassies. This week the Senate is expected to vote on a measure aimed at limiting President Trumps ability for further military action against Iran. Philippines warns of 'explosive eruption' after Taal Volcano spews ash near Manila In the Philippines, thousands are evacuating from areas near Manila after an active volcano began spewing smoke and ash. The danger level around the crater is now at level 4. Meaning, a hazardous eruption is likely in the coming hours or days. Hundreds of flights are canceled with many travelers now stranded due to the eruption. Angola's courts have not pursued the overseas assets of Isabel dos Santos, a prosecution spokesman has said in a move that could deescalate a row between authorities and the billionaire daughter of former president Jose Eduardo - after her domestic assets were seized at the end of last year. But, the spokesman added, the courts won't hesitate to take such action if necessary. Angola alleges Dos Santos and her husband steered payments of more than $1 billion from state oil company Sonangol and official diamond trading group Sodiam to companies where they held stakes. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ANGOLAN BUSINESSWOMAN AND AFRICA'S RICHEST WOMAN, ISABEL DOS SANTOS, SAYING: "All the allegations are false." But Africa's richest woman, according to Forbes, says it is a "witch hunt" aimed at weakening her father's influence and distracting from failures under new President Joao Lourenco. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ANGOLAN BUSINESSWOMAN AND AFRICA'S RICHEST WOMAN, ISABEL DOS SANTOS, SAYING: "There is a drive in Angola, within the political party, within the MPLA, to neutralize President Dos Santos' influence in Angolan political life. And that really comes through conducting a campaign very much challenging his legacy. Recently, his image was removed from the Angolan currency, from the banknotes. So this is a very, very strong signal that is being put out there that his legacy should be altered." After Lourenco succeeded Eduardo in 2017, following nearly four decades of rule, he cracked down on the role of his predecessor's children in state enterprises. Dos Santos, who holds significant stakes in several major Portuguese firms, was fired as chair of Sonangol and her brother from a sovereign wealth fund. But she remains a highly divisive figure in Angola with supporters seeing her as a top entrepreneur; detractors as an embodiment of corruption. Days after indicating that he may not travel to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum later this month, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday said he would attend the global meet, and that the expansion of his ministry would take place before his foreign tour. Reiterating that he would keep his promise of making disqualified legislators who won the December 5 bypolls on BJP tickets as ministers, he said cabinet expansion would take place soon after his meeting with party president Amit Shah on the matter. This, amid repeated delays in his Delhi visit, and disqualified legislators like A H Vishwanath, who lost during the bypolls, also demanding a ministerial berth. "There is no truth in speculations regarding the cabinet expansion. In fact Amit Shah had given me time for a meeting today in Delhi, but I had to attend important programmes here. Tomorrow, if possible,I will cancel all my programmes and go to Delhi and get cabinet (expansion) cleared. There is no problem in that," Yediyurappa said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the legislators who have won in the bypolls need not worry about the speculations. "I will fulfill the promise that I have made. If Amit Shah is available, I will try to go to Delhi tomorrow. If not he is coming here (Karnataka) on January 17 and 18, will get things cleared and expand the ministry," he said. Yediyurappa had earlier said he would be leaving for New Delhi, probably on January 11 or 12, to discuss cabinet expansion with the BJP high command. However on Saturday, he said he has decided to discuss it with Shah during the latter's visit to the state next week. Shah will be here to address a massive rally at Hubballi on January 18 aspart of BJP's nationwide outreach programme to create awareness on the Citizenship Amendment Act. To a question about his visit to Davos, Yediyurappa said "everyone is persuading me to go, so I have decided to go. As I'm being sent by the central government, so I will have to go, and I will go and come." Yediyurappa, along with Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Mansukh Mandaviya,as well as chief ministers - Amarinder Singh (Punjab), Kamal Nath (Madhya Pradesh) are among those expected join over 100 Indian CEOs in the Swiss ski resort town of Davos later this month for the WEF's 50th annual meeting. The Chief Minister however, had last week, indicated that he may not travel to Davos. Rubbishing reports about the Ministry expansion after the Delhi assembly polls, he said there was no connection between the two. "I will talk to Amit Shah in a couple of days and immediately take up ministry expansion after that. There is no need for anyone to worry and there is no truth in certain media reports," he said, adding that expansion exercise will be completed before his Davos visit. The Chief Minister is likely to travel to Davos on January 20, according to sources. According to reports, disqualified legislators who were re-elected during the December 5 bypolls on BJP tickets and are all set to become Ministers too had put pressure on Yediyurappa to expand the cabinet before the Davos visit. As the Chief Minister has already made it clear that 11 of the disqualified JDS-Congress MLAs who got re-elected in the bypolls on BJP tickets will be made ministers, lobbying has been on in the party for the remaining ministerial berths. Currently there are 18 Ministers, including the Chief Minister in the cabinet, that has a sanctioned strength of 34. However, with reports that the high command may not be keen on making all 11 re-elected legislators, as Ministers, it remains to be seen how things turn out. Cabinet expansion will not be an easy task for the Chief Minister as he will have to strike a balance by accommodating the victorious disqualified legislators as promised and also make place for old guards, upset at being "neglected" in the first round of the induction exercise. He also has to give adequate representation to various castes and regions in his cabinet and also deal with allocation of key portfolios. Meanwhile, A H Vishwanath, a disqualified legislator, who lost on a BJP ticket from Hunsur, expressed his Ministerial ambitions, as he sought Ministerial posts to all 17 disqualified legislators, whose revolt led to collapse of the coalition government and paved way for BJP to come to power. "....Asking (Minister's post) is our responsibility because 17 of us have cooperated for his (CM) government to come to power and demolition of unconstitutional coalition government. "We have asked that 17 of should be given opportunity," he told reporters in Raichur. Asked if he would become Minister and what action he would take if he was not considered, Vishwanath said, "let's see...wait and watch." Asked about Vishwanath's demand, Yediyurappa said, "just because someone said so, it cannot be done. What the National President says, I will do it accordingly."Another disqualified legislator who lost during the bypolls on a BJP ticket, MTB Nagaraj from Hoskote, too has been lobbying for a Ministerial post. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg began a bus tour through Texas at Market Square on Saturday as part of his strategy to skip primaries in early-voting states in hopes of winning in Super Tuesday states like Texas. Over a hundred people packed inside the Viva Villa restaurant early Saturday to see the former New York City mayor, who was joined by Judy Sheindlin Judge Judy one of Bloombergs earliest and highest-profile campaign supporters. While Bloomberg and Sheindlin took aim at President Donald Trump, Bloomberg was presented as a viable, moderate candidate with a lengthy track record of success in business and government. America probably still needs a little tweaking, but this is the greatest country on Earth, Sheindlin said to the crowd. In an apparent swipe of more leftist Democratic candidates, she added that the nation doesnt need a revolution. And those that are touting the revolution in this country are wrong. Bloomberg opened his remarks by acknowledging Gov. Greg Abbotts decision this week not to accept new refugees into Texas for fiscal year 2020. The America that I know, and the America that you know, just doesnt close its door to refugees, he said about Abbotts decision, which was prompted by a new rule from President Trump allowing states to decided whether to take in refugees. As president, I would immediately rescind President Trumps policy, and I would end his disgraceful attempt to demonize and scapegoat refugees and immigrants. Bloomberg touted his achievements in New York City, including implementing stricter background checks for gun buyers, reducing the number of uninsured people and raising life expectancy in the city. America is not New York I understand that, he said. But a lot of things that we did in New York showed that we know how to put a team together and focus on making peoples lives better and improving this country. But he also continues to face criticism from Democrats on the left who argue Bloomberg, worth an estimated $50 billion, exemplifies the outsized impact that ultrarich Americans can have on the political process. A handful of audience members at the event sported Mike 2020 merchandise, but many others said they were undecided and seeking to learn more about the candidates. Im between (Sen. Amy) Klobuchar and Bloomberg, Nick Dominguez, 40, said. He said he has shied away from more liberal candidates such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, but said the most important thing is a candidate who will work toward bringing America back together. Were so divided right now, he said. Some voters Saturday questioned whether Bloomberg, 77, would have the stamina to complete the contentious race, while others said they want to see him debate the other candidates on stage. But Bloomberg points to the Democratic party rules for the debate, which require candidates to meet a minimum polling and donor threshold. Because his campaign is self-funded and doesnt accept public donations, Bloomberg says he cant make the debate and will carry his message directly to voters. I can afford it myself; theres no reason why the public should have to reach in their pockets, Bloomberg said. I hope the party changes its rules. Id gladly participate in the debates. But if they dont, thats OK too. Bloomberg, founder of the eponymous business information and media company, has eschewed the traditional presidential primary strategy, which calls for candidates to focus on winning in early states Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire where primary elections will take place in February. Instead, Bloomberg has gone all-in on winning in the 14 Super Tuesday states, such as Texas and California, where primaries are on Tuesday, March 3. Since entering the election in late November, Bloomberg has spent more than $200 million in advertisements nationwide and over $67 million in 2020 alone. The rest of the field, by comparison, has spent a total of $222 million on ads this election, according to Advertising Analytics. The strategy is to skip those relatively small, early states, and hope by March to generate enough support for the late-entering candidate via advertising and campaigning to win the larger states. Recent polling for the Democratic primary race in Texas shows Bloomberg in fifth-place in the state, with 5 percent of the vote. He is currently behind former Vice President Joe Biden, Sanders, Warren, and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and polling site FiveThirtyEight gives Bloomberg less than a 1 percent chance of winning the Texas primary. The site gives Biden a 45 percent chance of wining the states Democratic primary. Judge Judy first expressed support publicly for Bloomberg in early November. The popular 77-year-old TV personality also is from New York City. Shes one of the most watched people on television, averaging about 10 million daily viewers, according to Nielsen. A staffer said the Bloomberg campaign is opening 17 field offices in towns across Texas and opened a statewide headquarters in Houston. The campaign opened its nationwide efforts by hosting 150 events across the country Saturday. Sheindlin and Bloomberg traveled to Austin later Saturday morning and ended the day at a campaign stop in Dallas. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net The Trump Administration announced a final rule setting forth standards for determining joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a rule that has been sought by franchisers and companies that employ contract workers. The new rule from the Department of Labor, which will become effective in 60 days, is a departure from a legal interpretation adopted by the Obama Administration in 2016 and a 2015 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that expanded joint employment situations and made it easier for workers to sue their employers. The new DOL rule, while not legally binding, does guide consideration of whether companies are classified as joint employers of workers and thereby can be held responsible for labor violations including requirements on minimum wage and overtime pay. The rule can affect franchising companies, contractors, temporary staffing, cleaning agencies and similar firms. The issue has been central to several cases involving the chain McDonalds and whether it can be held liable for alleged labor violations in its franchisees restaurants. Last month McDonalds won a 2-1 victory before the current NLRB with Trump appointeesagreeing to pay $170,000 to settle workers claims against its franchisees but also winning a ruling that frees it from direct responsibility as a joint employer. The Obama administration had backed worker advocacy groups in the litigation against McDonalds. The Obama standards for determining whether there is joint employer status themselves departed from long-standing precedent and made it easier for workers to sue their employer. In its final rule, the Trump DOL provides a four-factor balancing test for determining FLSA joint employer status in situations where an employee performs work for one employer that simultaneously benefits another entity or individual. The balancing test examines whether the potential joint employer: Hires or fires the employee; Supervises and controls the employees work schedule or conditions of employment to a substantial degree; Determines the employees rate and method of payment; and Maintains the employees employment records. A business would not have to meet all of these criteria to be considered a joint employer. The rule also sets forth when additional factors may be relevant to a determination of FLSA joint employer status and identifies certain business models, contractual agreements with the employer, and business practices that do not make joint employer status more or less likely. Recent History In a decision known as Browning-Ferris Industries, the NLRB in August 2015 overturned established precedent for determining whether a joint employer relationship exists under the National Labor Relations Act. Legal guidance adopted by the Obama DOL in 2016 reflected the expansion of joint employer liability cited in the Browning-Ferris ruling. For example, it considered a franchiser a joint employer not only if it exercised direct control of employees activities, but also if it had indirect or even potential control. The Trump DOL withdrew the Obama guidance in 2017. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, DOL Secretary Eugene Scalia and White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said the new rule should clarify the situation affecting these relationships and relieve companies of a potential liability. The new rule also gives companies in traditional contracting and franchising relationships confidence that they can demand certain basic standards from suppliers or franchiseeslike effective antiharassment policies and compliance with employment lawswithout themselves being deemed the employer of the other companys workers. That will help companies promote fair working conditions without facing unwarranted regulatory costs, the Trump officials wrote in the Wall Street Journal. The International Franchise Association (IFA) praised the new rule as a return to a simple, clear, and thoughtful joint employer standard. IFA has argued that the Obama standard increased lawsuits against employers, cost jobs and sapped the American economy of $33.3 billion per year. Robert Cresanti, IFA president and CEO, said the four-part test to determine employer status can clarify joint employer status, employer liability, and the roles and responsibilities of each party in a business relationship. Worker groups have argued that a narrowing of the rule will create an incentive for large employers to outsource more jobs. Rebecca Dixon, executive director of the National Employment Law Project, said the new rule makes it easier for corporations to cheat their workers and look the other way when workplace violations occur. The liberal Economic Policy Institute has said workers could lose $1.3 billion in wages annually under the new rule. There is more to come on the issue from the Trump Administration. While the DOL standards are not legally binding, the NLRB joint employer rule is. The NLRB is close to finalizing its own rule. Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Politics A 38-year-old man, arrested in ATM hacking cases, allegedly committed suicide at a police station in West Tripura district on Sunday, officials said. Sushanta Ghosh, who was in police remand since Saturday, committed suicide inside the lavatory of the West Agartala Police Station, officer-in-charge Subrata Chakraborty said. He was arrested from his residence at Lankamura on Saturday by sleuths of the cybercrime team and produced before a local court, which remanded him to two days police custody, the officer said.His body was found hanging inside the lavatory of the police station around 5 am. He went to the lavatory around 3.54 am, but did not come out. It came to the notice of a guard that he was missing and later found him hanging from the ceiling of the lavatory, Chakraborty told reporters. Sushanta was allegedly involved in an international racket that hacked 60 bank accounts in Tripura recently. His name surfaced, following interrogation of four Turkish cybercriminals arrested in November last year for their role in ATM hacking cases here, the officer said. Tripura Human Rights Organisation (THRO) demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.We have the apprehension that it might be a case a custodial torture and death. Police might be trying to frame it as a case of hanging but we dont trust them, so we demand a judicial enquiry into the incident, THRO president Purushottam Roy Barman told reporters. Following the US killing of Soleimani and retaliatory airstrikes, the Syrian Prime Minister headed to Tehran to strengthen the relationship between the two countries writes Al-Masdar. The Syrian Prime Minister, Imad Khamis, made a trip to Tehran with several high-level government officials on Sunday to meet with their Iranian counterparts. Today, a high-level government delegation headed by Prime Minister Imad Khamis, travelled to the Iranian capital, Tehran, to discuss with senior officials the current bilateral relations between the two countries and work to strengthen them at all levels, as well as accelerating developments in the regional and international arenas, Al-Watan reported, quoting a diplomatic source. The Al-Watan source said that consultation and coordination between the two countries at this stage is necessary because following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the two allies need to strengthen their alliance. The newspaper added that the delegation will include the foreign and defense ministers. On Friday, the US military carried out an attack near Baghdad International Airport, resulting in the killing of the Quds Force commander, Major-General Qassem Soleimani, and the Deputy Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units, Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes. Iran responded to these assassinations by targeting the US militarys positions at two bases inside of Iraq. The attack primarily targeted the al-Assad Airbase, which hosts the second largest US military contingent in Iraq. 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. When state Attorney General Josh Shapiro told his four kids about Safe2SaySomething, a student safety tip line his office was launching, one of them, a high-schooler, wasnt too impressed. He looked at me and said, Dad, thats stupid. Nobodys going to use that, Shapiro recalled. Well, the kid was wrong. As Safe2Say hits its first anniversary, it has fielded 40,382 contacts from students in every single school district in Pennsylvania, Shapiro said during a news conference Monday afternoon. I can tell you unequivocally that the investment has paid off, he said, as the staff at Safe2Says temporary center in Lemoyne worked behind him. We receive over 100 tips every day. He said there have been some surprises since the Legislature tasked him with setting up the 24/7 anonymous tip line in conjunction with Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit school safety group formed following a December 2012 massacre at an elementary school in Connecticut. The expectation was that Safe2Say would mostly get tips about threats of school shootings and other classroom violence, Shapiro said. Such tips have been received and acted upon, he said, but they are only a tiny part of the tips receive via the Safe@Say app, the 1-844-SAF2SAY phone line and the SAFE2SAYPA.com web site. Though we did successfully thwart some (school) attacks, those tips were not the majority of the tips we received. Not even close, Shapiro said. In most cases, he said, tipsters were talking about their fellow students who seemed depressed. They were talking about students who were coming to school hungry. They were talking about kids who were victims of cyberbullying. Center staffers pass on the information to school district resource teams and, if necessary, the police, he said. We hear you, Shapiro said, praising the kids who have used Safe2Say. We take your tips seriously. Due to the types of tips that make up Safe2Says traffic, I have called on the Legislature to put a mental health counselor in every school building in Pennsylvania, the AG said. Brittany Kline, the centers director, cited examples of two instances where tips headed off possible school violence. Brittany Kline is the director of the Safe2SaySomething crisis center. In one case, a student reported hearing about school shooting threats on social media. A firearm was seized from the home of the student making the threats, Kline said. In another case, a gun was confiscated from a student in a school after another pupil saw him carrying it, she said. In general, she said, We have a lot of students who reach out for friends. We also get a lot of students who reach out for themselves. The app has received the most traffic, about 39,000 tips, Kline said. Linus the Golden Doodle is in charge of stress relief at the center. She has 10 analysts to handle all those calls. There are 11 staffers if you count Linus, the Golden Doodle whos there for stress relief and who really seemed to enjoy the belly rub he got from Shapiro. Those analysts are a busy crew, because all of the communication is two-way. Safe2Say isnt cold and impersonal. Its more like a chat, Kline said. Denise Richards has been facing a wave of drama from her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-stars. But the actress seems focus on a personal tragedy, which she recently shared on social media. She took to Instagram Sunday to mourn the loss of her dog Louie in a heartfelt post after returning home from Spain. Sad news: Denise Richards took to Instagram Sunday to mourn the loss of her dog Louie in a heartfelt post after returning home from Spain The 48-year-old posted a few photos of the brown Shih Tzu mix, which she rescued 10 years ago. She wrote: 'Heartbroken. Came home from Spain to say goodbye to our Louie.... did everything to keep him here. Sadly for us, it was his time to cross the rainbow bridge. 'We rescued him 10yrs ago and hes one of the funniest & most animated furry babies. Im so grateful he waited until I got home so I could be with him. 'I know hes now with some of his siblings & his nana (my mom) but it still hurts. Louie you are so loved & will be missed terribly. Thank you for blessing us with your unconditional love & effervescent beautiful spirit my [heart emoji].' RIP: The 48-year-old posted a few photos of the brown Shih Tzu mix, which she rescued 10 years ago Puppy love: The sad news comes just days after Richards posted an update on the dog's health: 'Hopefully hell make a positive recovery' The sad news comes just days after Richards posted an update on the dog's health, in which she tried to remain optimistic. She wrote: 'Praying for our #louie I love this guy so much... Its so hard when they enter their senior years. Hes so loved by all of us & hopefully hell make a positive recovery.' The Wild Things star posted a photo of herself Saturday on a plane as she returned home from Spain, where she was working on a project. While she was gone, some drama was brewing with her RHOBH co-stars, particularly Brandi Glanville, 47, with whom she allegedly had an affair. An insider told DailyMail.com: 'Denise claimed to Brandi that she was in an open marriage, but she wasn't and this has hurt Denise's husband Aaron very much.' Another source told Page Six that Richards' co-stars confronted her during a trip to Rome about the affair. They said: 'They confronted her in Rome because she was also s***-talking the girls to Brandi.' Home sweet home: The Wild Things star posted a photo of herself Saturday on a plane as she returned home from Spain, where she was working on a project Scandal vibes: While she was gone, some drama was brewing with her RHOBH co-stars, particularly Brandi Glanville, 47, with whom she allegedly had an affair Jumping ship: Richards reportedly hasn't filmed anything since a confrontation went down between her and her co-stars over the alleged affair Mum's the word: Glanville has since responded with an Instagram post, captioned: 'When you want to respond but are not allowed to...' The source added: 'Brandi has always been honest from the get-go. Shes never been the one to deny anything. Apparently, she has receipts too.' Richards reportedly hasn't filmed anything since the confrontation went down, and she skipped co-star Teddi Mellencamp's baby shower. The Drop Dead Gorgeous star's publicist has since provided a comment to People: 'It isn't true.' Another source told them that the whole ordeal will play out in the upcoming season 10, for which a premiere date has not yet been announced. Glanville has since responded with an Instagram post, captioned: 'When you want to respond but are not allowed to...' Richards has been married to Aaron Phypers since 2018, and they share daughter Eloise, eight, whom Richards adopted as a single parent in 2011. She also shares daughters Sam, 15, and Lola, 14, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, to whom she was married from 2002 to 2006. Glanville was married to Eddie Cibrian from 2001 to 2010, sharing sons Mason, 16, and Jake, 12. Human rights group Reprieve calls the kingdom a pariah state and questions why it is hosting this years G20 summit. Saudi Arabia executed 184 people in 2019, the most in a calendar year in six years, human rights organisation Reprieve has said, calling it a grim milestone for the kingdom. Of the executions announced by the Saudi Press Agency last year, 88 were Saudi nationals, 90 were foreign nationals and six people were of unknown nationality, a statement released on Monday by Reprieve said. The group said 37 people were executed by the Saudi government on a single day on April 23, including three who were children when they had committed their alleged offences. This is another grim milestone for Mohammed bin Salmans Saudi Arabia. The kingdoms rulers clearly believe they have total impunity to flout international law when it suits them, said the rights groups director, Maya Foa. Reprieves statement noted that the Saudi crown prince, also known as MBS, had said in a televised interview in 2018: We have tried to minimise [the death penalty] And we believe it will take one year, maybe a little bit more, to have it finished We will not get it 100 percent, but to reduce it big time. However, Reprieve said the number of executions continues to rise under his rule, with four executions already reported this year. While the oil-rich kingdom embarked upon a liberalisation drive, it has faced criticism over multiple human rights issues, including arrests of critics, restrictions on women, and the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabias rulers clearly believe they have impunity to flout international law, and it is time the kingdoms partners told them otherwise in the strongest possible terms, Foa told Al Jazeera. NGOs boycott G20 meetings The statement by Reprieve quoted Foa as saying: A country that tortures and executes children should be a pariah state, not preparing to host the next meeting of the G20. 191201111457831 Saudi Arabia took over the rotating G20 (Group of 20) presidency from Japan last year, becoming the first Arab nation to have the prestigious role of hosting the summit of the worlds largest industrialised and developing economies. The next G20 summit is planned in November in Riyadh. This week, the kingdom will hold Civil 20 (C20) meetings with civil society groups from the 20 countries. The C20 was established in 2013 as an official engagement group of the G20 to ensure world leaders hear outside voices from civil society. However, three leading international NGOs announced on Monday they are boycotting the C20 meetings, The Associated Press news agency reported. In a joint statement, Berlin-based Transparency International, Amnesty International and Johannesburg-based CIVICUS, an alliance of civil society organisations and activists, said they were calling on other groups to join their boycott as well. Foa told Al Jazeera that the countries gathering to promote cooperation at the upcoming G20 summit in Riyadh would be seen as a tacitly endorsing these egregious human rights abuses. The US and the UK, in particular, must hold Mohammed bin Salman to his word and demand an end to the torture and execution of children in Saudi Arabia, she said. The committee addressed 12 amendments, four of which were approved. Those include removing language that would have delayed the potential rollout by six months from July 1, 2020, to Jan. 1, 2021. Five amendments were withdrawn after Lambeth said he would discuss the potential legislation with their sponsors. There has been no action since on HB655 since it was sent to the House Rules and Operations committee. Election Bergers projection of a brief session particularly if he is successful in convincing at least one Senate Democrat to support a budget veto override attempt has no stated consideration of addressing Medicaid expansion. Bergers opposition carries more weight than similar Medicaid expansion scenarios in Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska and Utah because unlike those states, North Carolina citizens do not have the ability to initiate statewide ballot referendums. I suspect Republican legislators in this state will not budge, Kokai said. Gov. Coopers willingness to threaten the entire state budget over Medicaid expansion has made legislative leaders even more wary of a scheme that already raised significant concerns for them. Editors note: Speaking of Prohibition, due to another new government action, Assembly Bill 5, Rebecca Yerger will be limited in the number of articles she can write for the Register in 2020. Therefore, her column will run only every other week. A century ago, in January, Prohibition became the law of the land. The pages of the local newspapers were filled with stories reporting the details about this unique time in American and Napa Valley history. However, while these articles were strictly factual accounts, Prohibition also generated countless local legends and lore. Having survived the test of time, these century-old anecdotes provide a different perspective and even amusing reflections into Napa Valley during Prohibition. Although the Volstead Act, the federal legislation creating Prohibition, allowed individual to produce wine for personal consumption, many people, especially immigrants, were under the impression any and/or all wine making was illegal. Fearing entanglement with the law and legal systems for bootlegging, many home wine makers devised ways to camouflage the production of their personal wine. One related story states that the effort to disguise this private winemaking involved an entire district of what is now Napa. This neighborhood, known as East Napa or Little Italy, was located on the east side of the Napa River and was heavily populated by Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. According to this tale, the women of the East Napa sauteed hundreds of pounds of onions and garlic to mask the distinctive scent of the grape crush. However, some locals claimed this practice was actually a ploy to increase business at the Italian eateries of Napa as the pungent scent of the cooked onions and garlic blended with the fragrance of the crush whetted many appetites, both far and near. While wine was considered a refined and tolerable form of alcoholic libations, distilled liquors were viewed as wicked and corrupting spirits. As a result, Prohibition mandated severe restriction on their production, sale and consumption in the effort to abolish distilled beverages. But according to local legend, it surreptitiously prevailed. Throughout Napa County, the surviving watering-holes found ways to procure or manufacture, store, and sell distilled liquors. Many of these establishments created hidden compartments and/or used code words to assist with their defiance of Prohibition. For example, a bar once located just east of the Semorile (now the Bounty Hunter) building on First Street had a trap door behind the bar. Located on the floor, it opened to the Napa Creek below. Within this underground hiding place was a special and locked vault filled with bottles of distilled alcohol. It was within easy reach of the long-armed proprietor-barkeep. But it also provided a quick disposal site for any incriminating evidence. When needed, the liquor filled glasses and open bottles were dropped into the water below. As for code words, at the Oberon (now Downtown Joes) a trusted customer could always quench his or her thirst with a special order. The secret code phrase was, Ill have a caramel sundae, but hold the ice cream. In reply, the bartender would serve the patron a distilled beverage of their choice. But not all bootleggers were so secretive. According to the late George Blaufuss, his father, a German born and trained brewmaster, was arrested for openly making beer. When he was arrested, the local sheriffs deputy confiscated the evidence a few cases of beer. Being an upstanding citizen of Napa, his case was held within the judges chambers in the presence of his attorney, the District Attorney and the arresting officer. As part of the hearing, the deputy brought in the evidence, the cases of beer. At that time, both attorneys as well as the judge questioned as to whether or not the beverage was an illicit liquor. So the judge ordered the deputy to distribute samples of the evidence to each party. A considerable amount of time and additional samples were required by all to make an informed decision. Eventually, the judge determined it was beer, but without sufficient evidence, he could not find the award-winning brewmaster guilty. The hearing ended with the cases participants filing out of the judges chambers in a most happy way. ANNOUNCEMENT: For those of you who are interested in discovering more stories like those above and/or true but interesting local historical account, I invite you to enroll in one or more of my upcoming local history courses offered through the city of Napas Parks and Recreation department. The first course, Napa in the Movies, Wednesday, Jan 22Feb. 12; 6:30-8:30 p.m., will feature movies filmed in Napa Valley, such as A Walk In the Clouds. The following two, five-week, courses, Napa Historical Treasures 1 & 2Wednesday. Feb. 19- March 18 and March 25-April 22; 6:30-8 p.m.will feature true and unique local historical accounts. Each course, independent of one another, will offer a wide range of topics and will be presented in a non-traditional format. For more information and/or to register, either review pages 16 and 56 of the Winter/Spring 2020 Parks and Rec schedule; visit cityofnapa.org/parksandrec or call 707-257-9529. Email Rebecca Yerger at yergerenterprises@yahoo.com. One of Germany's biggest utilities plans to open a new coal plant even though the nation is lagging behind countries from U.K. to Spain in phasing out the fuel. Protesters are already preparing to disrupt the opening of Uniper SE's Datteln-4 plant in June and could turn the utility into the latest flash point in Germany's increasingly fractious debate about the fossil fuel that still generates about a third of the country's electricity. The conflict could threaten Chancellor Angela Merkel's climate legacy as German emission targets lag following a decade of record renewable energy investments. Merkel is trying to build consensus this week over a 2038 exit date for coal and heal widening rifts between industry and environmentalists. Government officials and company executives will meet for another round of talks Jan. 15 in Berlin, where they'll discuss compensation for abandoning coal. Uniper is keen for its plant to become one of the nation's last operating coal facilities. "It'll be an own goal for Uniper to open it," said Dirk Jansen, an official at the environmental group BUND Friends of the Earth Germany. The 1.5-billion euro ($1.7 billion) Datteln-4 plant, outside Dortmund in western Germany's industrial heartland, is already nine years late and over budget because of defects that delayed its connection to the grid. Climate activists aren't buying the utility's arguments that the new facility burns cleaner than older models it plans to retire and wants the plant shuttered before it ever operates. In the year since a German panel of industry and environmental experts recommended Europe's biggest economy stop using coal, talks have focused on compensation that utilities are seeking in return for closing plants. That could be changing, however, as activist investors and funds pressure companies to reduce emissions. Uniper's fifth-biggest shareholder, Blackrock, added some $7 trillion of heft to a group of investors on Friday that's pressing the world's biggest emitters to change their ways. The addition of the world's largest fund manager is a significant milestone for the Climate Action 100+ group, which advocates for emissions transparency and climate action. Uniper argues the facility is more efficient than existing coal plants, and therefore more environmentally friendly, adding it should run to close to the 2038 exit date. "There is understanding from the government that it makes sense to turn on the most efficient plant," Uniper CEO Andreas Schierenbeck said in an interview with Bloomberg in November. Despite faltering economics for coal, the company said last year that Datteln-4 would be a "significant earnings contributor once up and running." Others say that logic is flawed and raises questions about whether Merkel's government is serious about making up lost ground on its lapsed climate targets. Connecting the 1,100-megawatt plant to the grid would undermine "the credibility of the coal commission," said Claudia Kemfert, a professor for energy economics at the DIW in Berlin. A report in the Rheinische Post newspaper on Wednesday said Uniper was proposing to shutter all its remaining coal plants or convert them to gas in order to let Datteln-4 open - the company is undertaking a gas conversion project at its Scholven plant near Cologne, with the aim of the site producing electricity from gas by 2022. The proposal would include, however, closing or converting a 747-megawatt coal plant in the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven, commissioned in the mid-70s, according to an official from the port's home state of Lower Saxony who asked not to be identified as the plan isn't yet sealed. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The federal government last year approved 40 billion euros in aid to Germany's four main coal regions to cushion the structural impact of plant closures, a financial facility that would potentially cut Uniper's costs in closing its coal plants. If Uniper reaches an agreement that allows Datteln-4 to open, it won't be the end of the matter. On Thursday, Luisa Neubauer, 23, Germany's answer to Swedish climate protester Greta Thunburg, called on the Fridays for Future movement to target the plant and demand the government close it, underscoring the challenge facing fossil fuel operators in increasingly environmentalist Germany. The German Green Party also said it would seek to review the status of the plant if it gets into government, a scenario deemed almost certain by pollsters due to German coalition mathematics. "It cannot be that Germany's coal exit will be marked by the opening of one of the biggest coal-fired power stations in Europe," said senior Green Party politician Oliver Krischer in an email to Bloomberg. (Michael Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, has committed $500 million to launch Beyond Carbon, a campaign aimed at closing the remaining coal-powered plants in the U.S. by 2030 and slowing the construction of new gas plants.) Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he would no longer be accepting any new refugees in 2020 following the executive order that President Donald Trump signed, which allowed states to opt-out of resettlements, according to multiple reports. In September 2019, Trump signed an executive order which stated that for refugees to be resettled in a particular state or city, the federal government requires the consent of that specific state or local government. The Federal Government, as an exercise of its broad discretion concerning refugee placement accorded to it by the Constitution and the Immigration and Nationality Act, should resettle refugees only in those jurisdictions in which both the state and local governments have consented to receive refugees under the Department of States Reception and Placement Program (Program), the executive order stated. As indicated by the executive order, within 90 days of this executive order, the secretary of state, secretary of health, and the human services will determine who has given consent to the federal government for the resettling of refugees, before refugees are allowed to be resettled in that particular state. However, should a state not give consent to the resettling of refugees, then the federal government cannot override their decision. [I]f either a State or locality has not provided consent to receive refugees under the Program, then refugees should not be resettled within that State or locality unless the Secretary of State concludes, following consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Homeland Security, that failing to resettle refugees within that State or locality would be inconsistent with the policies and strategies established under 8 U.S.C. 1522(a)(2)(B) and (C) or other applicable law, the executive order stated. Within Trumps new executive order, Abbott decided not to give consent to the executive orderthe first one to do so, according to The Hill. Also, in a letter written to Michael R. Pompeo, the secretary of state, stating that he would not be consenting to the resettlement of refugees as indicated by the executive order. In the letter, Abbott said his reason was: the state and all the non-profit organizations currently need to direct their resources to those who are now living in Texas, whether it be refugees, migrants, the homeless, or its citizens. As per the letter indicated, Texas had been, in the past, very welcoming towards refugees. In fact, more refugees have been received in Texas than in any other state. Over the decade, roughly 10 percent of all refugees resettled in the United States have been placed in Texas, Abbott stressed that even currently, the process of resettling continues for many of these refugees. However, the many issues resulting from disproportionate migration, which was a result of a broken federal immigration system, have left Texas dealing with the consequences. Texas continues, still, to deal with these problems, the letter stated. As a result, Texas cannot consent to initial refugee resettlement for [the fiscal year 2020]. This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States. Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state, Abbott stated. About a year after U.S. forces seized Baghdad, an Iraqi man approached artist Dia al-Azzawi in a cafe in Amman, Jordan, and offered to sell him several rare paintings. Azzawi, who had helped assemble collections for various Iraqi museums in the 1960s and 1970s, knew that two of the works had been plundered from Baghdads Museum of Modern Art. He failed to persuade the man to return them. Years later, he still finds it unfathomable that Iraqis pillaged various national museums in 2003 while the U.S. troops who had toppled Saddam Hussein watched. All the people who went to steal everything, to destroy everything, they did it without realising that all this stuff does not belong to the government, it did not belong to Saddam, it belonged to them, he says at his London studio. They lost their identity, they did not care about anything. Recommended Iraq releases dramatic images of flaming wreckage from US airstrikes For him, that wanton destruction, compounded by Islamic State fighters later taking sledgehammers to irreplaceable ancient statues, crystallised the way in which long years of dictatorship, war and punishing Western sanctions had unravelled Iraqi society. The influence of those decades on Iraqi, American and other artists is the focus of a sprawling exhibition, including more than 250 artworks, at MoMA PS1 in New York City until March 1. It is called Theatre of Operations: The Gulf Wars 1991-2011. Much of Azzawis painting and sculpture focuses on the grim consequences of war, and he has lent 11 of his own works and 28 pieces from his broad collection of modern Iraqi art. He has served as an important mentor to a younger generation of Iraqi artists. His work can be overtly political sweeping, raw canvasses that engulf the viewer with the tragedy of violence. More subtle, abstract works combining vivid colours, Arabic letters and fragments of antiquity or poetry also convey a message. I use the shape of the calligraphy to be part of the art, Azzawi says. I dont use it to read Arabic. It is part of identity. It also echoes the Islamic tradition of avoiding figurative art, or any painting, in favour of the written word. Azzawi's War Diary No. 1. 1991 (MoMA) Nada Shabout, a professor of art history at the University of North Texas who specialises in Iraqi art, says Azzawis work always has a presence. It is a beautiful work of art, she says, but when you look into it, you see all these details with these strong and vital messages that in general always have a sense of defiance. Azzawis work always has a presence. It is a beautiful work of art, but when you look into it, you see all these details with these strong and vital messages that in general always have a sense of defiance Block quote caption At 80, Azzawi is a spry, puckish figure with long, salt-and-pepper hair, a white walrus moustache and a ready chuckle. He was born in downtown Baghdad in 1939, the third of 10 siblings. His father was a wholesale grocer. Azzawi came of age amid the political ferment of the 1950s, as Arab kings fell to army coups. Electrified by the Pan-Arab vision of Egypts Gamal Abdel Nasser, he was expelled from high school for leading anti-government demonstrations. At Baghdad University, he spent mornings studying the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia and afternoons studying European art. He received a Bachelor of Arts in archaeology in 1962 and a diploma from the Institute of Fine Arts in 1964. Working for the Ministry of Culture, Azzawi began organising museum exhibitions, mostly in archaeology. He helped found a politicised collective of young artists. They sought to root modern Iraqi art in the ancient past, while also taking a position on regional events. By 1976, Azzawi sensed that Iraq was becoming a totalitarian state, with art serving only to glorify the Baath Party. He moved to London and never lived in Iraq again. In London, the Royal Academy of Art suggested he was already too accomplished a painter to enrol. To earn a living, he worked for the Iraqi Cultural Centre, organising exhibitions from around the Arab world. In 1982, while an invading Israeli army controlled Beirut, Christian Phalangist militiamen massacred hundreds of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Horrified, Azzawi created his first major work, drawing a massive, enveloping panorama of the carnage, now owned by the Tate Modern. He sketched almost feverishly on paper, he says, not thinking how difficult that would be to preserve. He had long identified with the Palestinian cause, which deepened later when Iraq was destroyed. They are Arabs, I am an Arab, he says. Everybody has the right to rebuild their history, their culture. We have the right to be part of the world. They are Arabs, I am an Arab. Everybody has the right to rebuild their history, their culture. We have the right to be part of the world. Block quote caption At his first solo exhibition he met a young Swedish woman, Shashten Finstrom, whom he married. The couple had a daughter, Tala, who studied creative writing at Oxford and is now the mother of Azzawis two-year-old grandson. Named Frederick, Azzawi calls him Farid. During the 1980s he developed a signature style, large abstract paintings in vivid colours that often included elements of Arabic letters or references to antiquity. The disparate elements were all grounded in Arab identity the colours, for example, came partly from bright rural kilims. Then in 1991, during the first Persian Gulf War, the colour drained from his palate. Azzawi called the series Bilad as-Sawad, the Land of Darkness. It is an historic name for the fertile, black soil in the Iraqi heartland. The black-and-white works were an emotional reaction and an anti-war statement. He found it a challenge artistically. My work is very colourful, he says, so he added shades of grey to try to relate the pieces to his usual palate. In one of the wars most grisly incidents, warplanes strafed a retreating Iraqi column north of Kuwait City. In London, The Observer printed a gruesome picture of one victim. Azzawi has a pessimistic view of his country's future (AFP/Getty) When Azzawi went to capture the death mask in black and white, he felt a sudden kinship with the soldier and something inside him rebelled. To do it in black and white would have been accepting reality, and I did not want to accept reality in that sense, he says of the work, Victims Portrait, which is in the MoMA PS1 show. Postwar, Iraq entered a long, gruelling period of international sanctions that beggared its once robust middle class. Art supplies such as lead pencils, barred as possible dual use for weapons, disappeared. So did the art market. Years earlier, Azzawi had started creating dafatir or notebooks usually long, coarse paper accordions combining painting or bits of sculpture with poems. It is not about reading the poem, but rather visualising it, Shabout says. He has always taken the traditional into new dimensions. In the late 1990s, Azzawi looked for Iraqi art reflecting the debilitating effect of the sanctions. I could not find anything which expressed the difficulties of what was going on there, he explains. I started to contact some artists to do books for me. Azzawi promised to buy the works. I have an incredible collection, he says, and has refused to sell them. More than 30 are in the show. Most address the toll of war and occupation, like the heavy concrete blast walls that sliced through Baghdad or the March 2007 bombing of Mutanabbi Street, the book market and heart of intellectual Baghdad. The dafatir are novel, echoing Baghdads past as an important source of illuminated Islamic manuscripts. Pushed by Azzawi, they evolved into a uniquely Iraqi format, ragged, creative and high concept. They resist display and it is all about documentation, says Zainab Bahrani, an Iraqi professor of ancient near eastern art and archaeology at Columbia University. They are really powerful and original because they are not derivative of what was happening elsewhere. Azzawi: What happened to Iraq is an epic (Avveroes) When he tires of painting, Azzawi says, he finds sculpting more liberating. In the immediate aftermath of the war, President George W. Bush made his mission accomplished speech, even though years of bloodshed and the destructive wrath of Isis lay ahead. In response, Azzawi took several years to complete Mission of Destruction, a billboard-sized work that fills an entire wall at MoMA PS1. It is a strident anti-war manifesto in paint, also reflecting his sense that ordinary Iraqis paid the price. Part of it was mourning, he said. It was obvious that the Iraqi army could not face the American army. The result was easy to predict. On one end of the work, U.S. soldiers in sunglasses bristle with bayonets and destructive machinery. On the other end, representing Iraqis, lies a chaotic jumble of severed limbs and death masks. The only colour is a splash of red among the victims. In the middle, a shrouded corpse tumbles into an abyss. What happened to Iraq is an epic, it is the complete destruction of Iraq either by the Iraqis or by the foreign forces. For me, this is an opportunity to show Iraqi artists and to express a kind of protest against what happened to their country. Block quote caption Azzawi laments the fact that, rather than rebuilding Iraq, the U.S. occupation fostered new and bloody sectarian divides. Worse followed. Mosul, Iraqs second city, fell to Isis. Azzawi watched aghast the footage of warriors smashing priceless ancient statues that he had helped gather for the citys museum. How on earth can somebody come and do this? he asks. I dont think that this is Islam. If this is Islam I would not be a Muslim, definitely. Azzawi now divides his time between a studio in Doha, Qatar, and his main one in northwest London, in an old school in a small industrial park. After two hours spent cataloguing the destruction of Iraq, he was somewhat gloomy but still gracious. Long ago, Azzawi was inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh, a dark Mesopotamian tale that follows its hero on an arduous quest to discover the secret of eternal life. In the future, Azzawi says, perhaps these last decades will be viewed as another such epic. In the meantime, he considers the Iraqi works in the MoMA PS1 exhibition as collective dissent. What happened to Iraq is an epic, it is the complete destruction of Iraq either by the Iraqis or by the foreign forces, he says. For me, this is an opportunity to show Iraqi artists and to express a kind of protest against what happened to their country. New York Times Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 18:25:20|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tehran's police chief Hossein Rahimi on Monday denied that the security forces under police commandment had shot at the protesters over the past few days, state TV reported. On Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of people tried to stage demonstrations in the capital Tehran in protest against the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) over Tehran's airspace. The IRGC accepted the responsibility for "mistakenly" shooting at the plane, blaming it on "human error." Rahimi said that the Tehran's police officers have been ordered to show restraint in the face of protests. IW Gregorios book None of the Above (2015) is a brilliant example of an author writing about a community that she is not a part of. The story is so engrossing that you would not want to put the book down, and follows its protagonist Kristin Lattimer, an intersex person, whose life unfolds in this book for young-adults. The Queer Bookshelf is your fortnightly date with books about queer lives and loves from India and elsewhere *** Is it okay if heterosexual authors write novels with queer characters? I think that is almost akin to asking whether it is alright for savarna authors to write books on dalit lives; for white authors to tell stories of people of colour; for sighted authors to pen fiction featuring visually impaired individuals, and for cisgender authors to write novels about trans and non-binary folx. I think you get the drift. I am drawing attention to asymmetries of power in our society, and the positionality of writers that might influence how they perceive, narrate and represent the experiences of those who are marginalised. Last year, a filmmaker who identifies as straight got in touch with me to seek inputs for a queer love story she was in the process of writing. I agreed to help. After she finished her narration over the phone, it was my turn to give feedback. I found the premise quite problematic. The queer protagonists sexual orientation was used merely as a sensational plot twist in an otherwise boring storyline, and not developed as an aspect of his personality that was important to him. When I indicated this, the filmmaker replied that it was her story, and she could do anything she wanted to. That is justified, but I do not see the point in reaching out to a queer person for their perspective on a queer story if you have already made up your mind, and have no intention of hearing them out. I support freedom of speech and expression, so I do not buy the idea that professionals who make a living by writing should restrict themselves to weaving narratives about people like themselves. In my view, imagination and empathy are closely linked; those who have a gift for holding readers spellbound with their words can play a significant role in challenging prejudices and correcting misinformation about communities that are stigmatised and/or underrepresented. However, authors can do this only if they are aware of their privilege and ignorance, and if they are open to learning, else they might end up reinforcing the biases that already exist. This long preface is meant to underscore why I think that IW Gregorios book None of the Above (2015) is a brilliant example of an author writing about a community that she is not a part of. The story is so engrossing that you would not want to put the book down, so I will refrain from mentioning any spoilers here. You just need to know that this is a young-adult novel, and the protagonist Kristin Lattimer discovers that she is intersex, which means that though she outwardly looks like a girl, she has male chromosomes, not to mention boy parts. She is a champion hurdler, has a boyfriend she is madly in love with, and goes to a school where she is voted homecoming queen shortly before her diagnosis. She lives with her father, misses the mother she lost to cancer, and has two close friends that she keeps no secrets from. The I in LGBTQIA+ stands for intersex. While this acronym is being increasingly used in Indian popular culture, you will rarely find intersex people being quoted in articles about pride marches or speaking on panel discussions ,or being featured in documentary films and television shows. This needs to change, because intersex people have their own concerns and issues to articulate, and these should not get wiped out just because there are not enough platforms for them at the moment. While Gregorios book is set in the United States of America, and not in India, it has much to offer Indian readers who are keen to learn about what it means to live as an intersex person as a misfit in a world where it is assumed that you can either be male or female, where none of the above is not an option. Gregorio is a practising surgeon, living in Pennsylvania. In her novel, Kristin is modelled after the first intersex patient she treated. Like Kristin, this patient too had Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) and found out about it when she was a teenager. In the authors note at the end of the book, Gregorio shares that the patient came from a very poor and disadvantaged background, was unaccompanied on her visits to the clinic, underwent surgery to remove her gonads, and usually came across as remarkably stoic. Even after the patient stopped visiting, Gregorio kept thinking about her. She wondered how the patient came to terms with her diagnosis, if she had a boyfriend, what happened the first time she tried to have sex, and if she told anyone about her condition. These questions inspired her while working on the novel. Gregorio writes, I think I was the first person to really talk to her about her condition and what to expect in the future...I worried about her support system. I also knew there were questions she would only think of after the appointment, so I made sure to give her information about the AIS support group. In retrospect, that was probably the single most important thing I did for her. The compassion Gregorio displayed as a doctor is also evident in her craft as a writer. Unlike many from the medical community that she is a part of, she chooses the term intersex over DSD short for Disorder of Sex Development while telling Kristins story because the word disorder suggests something inherently wrong. Some of the characters in None of the Above address Kristin as a hermaphrodite. Yes, the word is used in a pejorative sense not only by students who are hell-bent on making her life miserable, but also by a doctor. Apparently, this was a difficult decision for Gregorio, but she made it because intersex awareness isnt widespread enough to have eradicated the term. She also says that in recent years, the word hermaphrodite has been reclaimed by intersex people in the same way that the word queer has been reclaimed by gay men and women. I disagree here because queer, to me, encompasses many identities other than gay and lesbian. For now, let us focus on what Gregorio draws our attention to. Words that are meant to hurt us can be defanged in ways that centre our stories. There is a lot in this book that works for me. It does not compromise on the fun and cheesy elements of a high school romance while filling up the pages with information that is usually tagged as technical, scientific, or medical. It keeps you involved in the relationships, situations and emotions that Kristin has to deal with. There is more to her than her diagnosis, her love of running, her obsession with social media, her life at school, and hints of homophobia as well as transphobia. The novelist has been able to depict Kristins suffering without making her an object of pity, or a saint. This appears to be a much better way of sensitising readers about the lived reality of an intersex person, than handing them a pamphlet, and asking them to feel sorry. I also like the fact that Gregorio does not present Kristin as a template for the way in which every intersex persons life unfolds, while she also highlights how important it can be for an intersex person to connect with other intersex people. She mentions several individuals, support groups and organisations that she learnt from during her research process. More importantly, she clarifies that there are differences of opinion about surgery, particularly in the matter of genital correction that involves children and the absence of consent. Kristin opts for surgery because of her fears and her life circumstances but she also knows the consequences and side effects. Other intersex people in the book do not make the same choices. Why did Gregorio write this book? She says, It was early 2009. I was pregnant with my first child, a daughter. Just months later, Caster Semenyas story hit, and it became clear to me that intersex was a perfect jumping-off point for a discussion of tolerance, feminism, and gender essentialism. It begged so many questions: What does it mean to be a woman? What happens when you dont fit perfectly into the gender binary? And what role does your biology play not only in who you love, but who loves you? I will add just one more question here: If you woke up tomorrow, and realised that the concept of gender was completely erased from this world, how would you make sense of everything in your life? I have no idea what I would do, but this is something worth spending time on. It seems a bit like going to a country where people speak a language that sounds absolutely unintelligible. That is terrifying because of its unfamiliarity, and liberating because there is no baggage to carry. Chintan Girish Modi is a writer-researcher working at the intersection of peace education, gender equality and queer rights. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Northern Ireland's political leaders to show leadership as Stormont returned from its three-year hiatus. He refused to be drawn on how much additional funding there would be for the restored Executive - needed for the pledges made in the deal to restore Stormont - but promised his government would give the institutions his full support. Mr Johnson rejected the idea that his visit was simply a "photo opportunity or publicity stunt" and said he wanted to mark the historic return of devolution. In their first joint statement since taking office at the weekend, First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said funding to make the commitment in the deal a reality must be "quick". Arlene Foster described their meeting with Leo Varadkar and Boris Johnson as "constructive". We need significant and sustained investment, not just this year but over a number of years. This is crucial in ensuring transformation in areas such as health and also our road and water infrastructures," she said. Michelle O'Neill added: "All Executive Ministers are committed to working together to tackle some very serious issues in our society and across public services. But, quite simply, we need the money to make it happen. We have done our bit and I look forward to the fulfilment of the commitments made by the two Governments to let us get to work. Sloppy if DUP & SF didn't nail down the govt on how much genuinely new funding there'll be for public services. Far more important to ordinary folk here than all these commissioners & quangos. Undermines public confidence already in New Decade New Approach. Suzanne Breen (@SuzyJourno) January 13, 2020 Read More Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney were also at Stormont. Mr Varadkar said north-south and east-west cooperation would deepen as a result of the return of power sharing. Speculation has abounded around the exact financial figure committed to Northern Ireland as part of last week's New Decade, New Approach deal. DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots said he expected the UK Government to deliver at least 2billion to support the power-sharing deal. He also suggested the Northern Ireland taxpayer may have to pick up some of the tab. Read More While not giving an exact figure Mr Johnson said his government were making "huge commitments" financially to Northern Ireland. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye Boris Johnson met with first and deputy first ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill and NI Secretary Julian Smith at Stormont Castle to mark the restoration of devolution in NI. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings, Stormont during a visit where he met First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye William Cherry/Presseye Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings, Stormont during a visit where he met First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye William Cherry/Presseye Boris Johnson speaks to the media at Stormont after meetings with Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill and NI Secretary Julian Smith after the restoration of devolution in NI. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson meet at Stormont on January 13, 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (left), Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (centre left), Prime Minister, Boris Johnson (centre right) and Ireland's deputy premier, Tanaiste, Simon Coveney (right) in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Boris Johnson at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images Boris Johnson, Michelle ONeill, Arlene Foster and Julian Smith (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey (left) and Boris Johnson (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, speaking in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, whilst on a visit to meet the leaders of the restored powersharing government. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Politics. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith meet with First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JANUARY 13: Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (R) are greeted by First Minister, Arlene Foster of the DUP (2nd R) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill (2nd L) of Sinn Fein at Stormont on January 13, 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, speaking in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (right) during their visit to Stormont, Belfast to meet the leaders of the restored powersharing government. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Politics. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye At a press conference in Stormont's Great Hall, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the work of Stormont's parties and said they had compromised to facilitate the resumption of government. Expand Close Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (right) during their visit to Stormont, Belfast. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (right) during their visit to Stormont, Belfast. Liam McBurney/PA Wire He also commended Secretary of State Julian Smith for his role in the the negotiations. "Now is the chance for the Executive and Assembly to deliver for people of Northern Ireland and deliver on the priorities of the people and that is above all improving people's healthcare, fantastic schools and making sure the streets are safe," Mr Johnson said. "Of course we are going to be supportive but it's not just about money it's about leadership and what's so great about today is that Northern Ireland politicians put aside differences and stepped up to plate and showed leadership, that is a fine thing and the right thing." The Prime Minister said the deal allowed politicians to develop on "a very, very promising set of circumstances for Northern Ireland". "I want to make it absolutely clear that we in the UK Government will now work with this revived government to ensure we deliver on that potential through better infrastructure, better education and technology," Mr Johnson told the press conference. "Using those three things to bring our whole UK together so all four nations benefit from the prosperity and growth we intend to deliver." Read More The Prime Minister, fresh off his crushing General Election victory, said the return of Stormont was a "great moment". He said that there was a period before Christmas where it looked like Stormont may not return. "Never mind the hand of history on my shoulder," he said echoing Tony Blair's comments from 1998 when it appeared talks could collapse, "I see the hand of the future beckoning us all forward. "I hope with goodwill and compromise and hardwork on all sides it will be a very bright future indeed." Addressing the RHI Scandal, the Prime Minister said it was vital that public spending in Northern Ireland be "properly invigilated" and that there could be no repeat of the scandal. He also moved to address fears around checks on goods coming from Great Britain to Northern Ireland after Brexit. Mr Johnson said the only circumstances he could foresee checks on goods was if the goods were travelling on into the Republic and "we have not secured a zero tariff, zero quota trade deal with our partners in the EU." He said the special arrangements for Northern Ireland would end after four years unless the Assembly wished to continue them. The Prime Minister also promised to live up to his manifesto promise of "no further unfair prosecutions for people who served their country when there is no new evidence". He said the legacy mechanisms contained within the Stormont House Agreement would provide balance and reassure both veterans and people "in search of truth". He was also asked about the future of Julian Smith and the Northern Ireland Office. There has been speculation the Secretary of State could be moved off the brief in an expected Cabinet reshuffle in February. And there has long been suggestions the Scotland, Wales and NI offices could be rolled into one. The Prime Minister would only say Mr Smith's future was "bright". Read More Mr Varadkar said one of the strengths of the deal was that there was an agreed approach on legacy issues. He acknowledged: "It is going to be difficult." The Taoiseach said that he believed "the Good Friday Agreement is up and running again" and discussed with Mr Johnson co-operation between Ireland and Britain over the next couple of years and said a new post-Brexit trade deal should be in place as soon as possible. "We are going to beef up and deepen co-operation between Britain and Ireland in the interests of everyone who lives on these islands," Mr Varadkar said. Mr Johnson arrived a Stormont Castle flanked by Secretary of State Julian Smith and was greeted by DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill. As they posed for photographs Mr Johnson shook hands with Ms O'Neill and Mr Smith shook hands with Ms Foster. Later he and Mr Smith attended a round-table meeting of the newly formed Executive. The US branch will play an instrumental role in building KONKA's global brand and expanding its television business, with future expansion into white goods, small appliance and smart home. Under the new brand strategy, KONKA aims to build its presence in the US and has set a goal of selling one million TVs by 2023. Alongside the announcement, KONKA also debuted four series of TVs for the North American market, including LED, QLED and OLED TVs in 32-inch 75-inch screen sizes. The company also showcased the APHAEA 'Smart Wall', a self-developed 236-inch 8K Micro LED display powered by Konka's proprietary 8K processing. Following substantial investment in innovation and intelligent manufacturing, KONKA has launched an array of successful and award-winning products including an AI panorama television, the APHAEA future screen and 8K experience. The featured technologies and products at CES 2020 highlight the brands highest technological achievements and showcase the strength of Chinese brands. KONKA's growing presence in the global market is the fruit of its long-term global expansion strategy and comes off the back of it entering the African market in 2019 with the establishment of its joint venture in Egypt and international incubator projects. The opening of KONKA's US Headquarters is the brand's next step in actively promoting integrated global development. KONKA's joint venture in Egypt with local appliances manufacturer HOHO, is enabling KONKA to complete its supply chain and expand into the African market to reach annual sales of 600,000 televisions across Africa and the Middle East in three years. KONKA has also set up 15 KK STAR innovation bases in 7 China's major cities and 5 other countries. Following the opening of the US branch, KONKA looks forward to establishing an innovation center in London this year and additional offices and centers in Israel, Italy and Japan. The development of 5G and AI have signaled a pending round of new consumption upgrades. Look forward, the company will work with top global markets to support the sustainable and integrated development of this new wave of innovation. About KONKA Group Founded in 1980, KONKA Group (stylized as KONKA) is the first sino-foreign equity electronic joint venture company. As a technology platform-based company driven by technological innovation, KONKA's scope of business covers consumer electronics (TVs, white goods and mobile phones), semiconductor technology, eco-friendly technology, industrial parks, platform service and investment and finance. KONKA's operating revenue in 2018 reached CNY 46 billion, and with the phased achievements of KONKA's industrial layout and a detailed strategic blueprint for all its businesses, the brand is expected to achieve the revenue target of CNY 100 billion within three years. SOURCE KONKA Group R ising numbers of children are being trafficked from London and other cities and forced to distribute drugs by county lines gangs, a charity has warned. The Childrens Society, based in Stratford, said it was seeing higher numbers of children being targeted, groomed and trafficked for criminal exploitation. It has been handed 120,000 by the City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporations charitable funder, to provide support for victims. The most recent National Crime Agency report identified nearly 2,000 individual county lines deal lines controlled by criminal networks, with the largest number originating in London. They involve children as young as 11 being forced to distribute drugs in other parts of the country. Helen Leadbitter, from The Childrens Society, said young people were groomed into exploitation with drugs and alcohol or promises of status and wealth and then controlled using threats, violence and sexual abuse. CHINESE phone brand Itel is banking on the Filipino budget market as it looks to sell more of its affordable smartphones this year. Lei Zhang, Itel Philippines country manager, said the company seeks to increase its share in the P4,000 priced smartphone market. In 2019, the firm sold around one million units to Filipino buyers. This year, it targets to double its sales to two million, as it banks on the strong domestic consumption. During the companys first anniversary event in Lapu-Lapu City Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, officials announced that the firm aims to strengthen its presence in the Visayas market, particularly in Cebu. Itel has around 500 dealers in the Visayas, with local company Aerophone as its authorized distributor for its products in the region. Zhang projected a huge potential in the Philippine market, given the brands strong sales growth in 2019. Currently, Itels share in the P4,000 smartphone market segment stands at 10 percent. Rachel Wei, the firms head for Southeast Asia operations, said it could offer more affordable prices because of the higher sales volume of their products. Aside from smartphones, Itel also sells feature phones, with a current 8.5 percent market share in the Philippines. According to Wei, there is still demand for feature phones as there are still consumers who cant afford to buy smartphones. According to analyst firm Canalys, Chinese phone maker Oppo held the biggest market share at 28 percent in the Philippines as of the second quarter of 2019 in terms of total smartphone shipments to the country followed by Samsung and Vivo. (CSL) Foreigners enjoy the long-table banquet at Qiantong ancient town in Ninghai County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 11, 2020. An activity featuring Chinese Lunar New Year customs was held here on Saturday, attended by over 100 foreigners from over 30 countries. [Xinhua/Zhang Peijian] Foreign kids make traditional Chinese food at Qiantong ancient town in Ninghai County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 11, 2020. An activity featuring Chinese Lunar New Year customs was held here on Saturday, attended by over 100 foreigners from over 30 countries. [Xinhua/Zhang Peijian] Foreigners make traditional glutinous rice cakes at Qiantong ancient town in Ninghai County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 11, 2020. An activity featuring Chinese Lunar New Year customs was held here on Saturday, attended by over 100 foreigners from over 30 countries. [Xinhua/Zhang Peijian] A foreign kid tries traditional drumming at Qiantong ancient town in Ninghai County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 11, 2020. An activity featuring Chinese Lunar New Year customs was held here on Saturday, attended by over 100 foreigners from over 30 countries. [Xinhua/Zhang Peijian] (Source: Xinhua) The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) today (1/12) confirmed the allocation of approximately USD 105 million for eight renewable energy projects in developing countries in the seventh cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility. The announcement marks a record level of funding for any cycle since the facility was launched and will provide funding for projects in Antigua and Barbuda, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cuba, the Maldives, Nepal, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement was made during the 10th IRENA Assembly and brings cumulative funding to date to US$350 million, in line with the commitment made by ADFD across seven funding cycles to IRENA recommended projects. "Overcoming investment needs for energy transformation infrastructure is one of the most notable barriers to the achievement of national goals," said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. "Therefore, the provision of capital to support the adoption of renewable energy is key to low-carbon sustainable economic development and plays a central role in bringing about positive social outcomes. "The record levels of funding announced in this cycle of the facility will not only support the eight chosen countries in their pursuit of energy and climate plans but will also further global ambitions to build a sustainable future," he continued. "This facility is a true reflection of the transformational outcomes that organisations with shared goals can deliver when they come together and provides a blueprint effective cooperation in the future." His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: "In cooperation with IRENA, ADFD is proud to have supported the deployment of renewable energy solutions worldwide over several years. In its efforts to boost the implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals 6,7,11, 12 and 13 - ADFD-funded projects over the seven cycles of the Facility have led to the widespread adoption of scalable, clean, and sustainable energy alternatives in 26 countries." He added: "Today's announcement re-affirms the UAE's and ADFD's leading efforts to combat the effects of climate change by stimulating robust development across the global renewable energy sector. The Fund's commitment to this priority has enhanced long-term growth prospects and yielded socio-economic benefits for millions of lives in line with the national objectives of the beneficiary countries." In Antigua and Barbuda, an 8 MW hybrid power plant (solar and wind) will receive an ADFD investment of US$15 million. The project is expected to benefit 5,500 households and allows for large reductions in the import of fossil fuels. In Burkina Faso, an ADFD loan of US$5.5 million will contribute to the construction of a 3 MW solar PV power plant in the country. The project is expected to extend electricity to approximately 40,000 people in rural areas. In Chad, the ADFD loan of US$15 million will contribute to the construction of a six MW solar power plant. The project is expected to benefit more than 215,000 people in six cities. In Cuba, a project will receive an ADFD loan of US$20 million to install 8.5 MW of solar PV capacity, supported with 2 MW of energy storage, in Isla de la Juventud. The project will benefit 32,300 people, aims to support the energy sector, decrease fossilfuel consumption, reduce the level of carbon emissions and secure energy consumption from renewable and sustainable sources. In the Maldives, a waste-to-energy plant project in the city of Addu will receive an ADFD loan of US$14 million. The 1.5 MW renewable energy project will utilise waste in generating electricity and reduce dependence on imported fuel benefitting 35,000 people. In Nepal, a project will receive an ADFD loan of US$10 million to support a total of 20 biogas digesters which will serve as demonstration units to 270 municipalities. The digesters will convert organic waste into useful energy and offset the use of fossil fuels by replacing it with renewable natural gas. In Saint Lucia, the 10 MW Troumassee solar power station, battery storage and setting up solar energy systems in the country, will receive an ADFD loan of US$15 million. The venture will support the whole population, economic development, advance the implementation of Saint Lucia's national energy policy and reduce diesel fuel consumption. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an ADFD loan of US$10 million will support the installation of a 7 MW solar PV project and benefit 2,444 households. The renewable energy venture aims to reduce carbon emissions, fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Watch the video showing implemented renewable energy projects by IRENA and ADFD Cardi B is a regular, degular, shmegular girl from the Bronx. She prides herself on being a New Yorker and represents her stomping grounds wherever she goes from her accent to her swagger. But after recent political events, it appears that she is growing tired American life and is ready for a change of scenery. The Bodak Yellow rapper recently announced on social media that she plans to file for citizenship in Nigeria, citing the growing tension between the United States and Iran. Cardi B on the red carpet | Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images More on why Cardi B said shes filing for citizenship in Nigeria Cardi B posted her message shortly after the United States launched an airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and further heightened Middle East tensions. The drama has prompted many concerns and an onslaught of memes about a potential World War III. Naaaaa these memes are f*ckin [funny] but sh*t aint no joke! Specially being from New York, Cardi B wrote in the Jan. 3 tweet. Its sad this man is putting Americans live in danger. Dumbest move Trump did till date Im filing for my Nigerian citizenship. Naaaaa these memes are fuckin but shit aint no joke ! Specially being from New York .Its sad this man is putting Americans live in danger.Dumbest move Trump did till date Im filing for my Nigerian citizenship. iamcardib (@iamcardib) January 3, 2020 Some Nigerians quickly welcomed Cardi B with open arms, including government official Abike Dabiri-Erewa who said in part: We cant wait to receive you again. Our doors are open, sister. What are the chances that Cardi B will really move to Nigeria? Honestly, it doesnt seem very likely that Cardi B will relocate. Many of her loved ones live in America and its arguably the best place to be in terms of her music career. Also, she and her husband Offset just bought their dream home. In December 2019, they purchased a sprawling mansion in Atlanta, Georgia. Cardi B admitted in a series of Instagram videos that it took them more than two years to find the perfect pad. According to Variety, the home features a library, 1,800-bottle wine cellar, and a playroom for their 1-year-old daughter, Kulture Cephus. Cardi B also suggested on Twitter that her hubby is not yet on-board, asking fans, Convince him to move with me. Cardi B mightve had a change of heart already In a series of tweets posted on Jan. 12, Cardi B said that while shes not a fan of the government, she has a lot of love for it and thinks that she could help change it for the better. I think I want to be a politician, she tweeted. I really love government even tho I dont agree with Goverment. She said that she had recently watched documentaries that focused on war and that they had opened her eyes. Like I was watching War documentaries, she continued. No matter how many weapons a country have you need people! How are you trying to go against a country and possibly start a war when this country lacks patriotism? I barely see people claiming they LOVE being American. I will have to explain a lot so I will have to do a video or a live talking about it, she added. So imma come back to my last two tweets another day. Imma talk about it another day . But she offered one more message before she signed off, in which she talked about a potential run for Congress. I do feel like if I go back to school and focus up I can be part of Congress, Cardi B added. I dead*ss have sooo much ideas that make sense.I just need a couple of years of school and I can shake the table. So, again, it doesnt seem likely that shell ditch America. But she could always vacation in Nigeria. Right? Pelican Water Systems, now a part of Pentair, is delighted to expand its signature in-home services to Memphis, Tennessee, and the nearby communities of Germantown, Bartlett, Millington and Southaven. With a quick phone call, homeowners in Memphis can schedule a free in-home consultation with a certified water expert to discover their ideal water treatment solution. Pelican Water in-home consultants arrive at your home in a fully-stocked mobile retail center that contains everything needed to test and treat all types of home drinking water a stocked mini showroom, a water test station, and a wide selection of Pelican water filtration and softening systems designed to remedy individual water quality problems. Public drinking water for Shelby County is drawn from an abundant underwater aquifer called Memphis Sand. Environmental factors in Memphis can affect the quality of your drinking water. Proactive water treatment presents an effective solution to help ensure cleaner, great-tasting drinking water for your family. Pelican Water professionals take time to test the water from each home for water quality issues such as hardness and chemicals present. Based on each familys water profile, lifestyle and budget, our water specialist will recommend the best water filtration and treatment solutions for your home. When they are matched with the right system, residents of Memphis can rest easy and enjoy great-tasting, higher-quality water free of unpleasant odors or hardness minerals. New systems are expertly sized and installed for peace of mind. Memphis families with questions about their overall water quality should call and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation. Every Pelican Water consultation in Memphis is backed by a 90-day labor guarantee, and all installations are performed with white-glove service. For a full list of locations where in-home services are offered, visit the Pelican Water in-home services page. About Pelican Water Systems Pelican Water Systems provides professional knowledge and leading technologies in whole house water filtration, countertop water filtration systems, UV bacteria disinfection systems, and salt-free water softener alternative systems. Pelican Waters mission is to help families enjoy cleaner, safer, better-tasting water in their homes in an environmentally friendly way. Pelican Water is proud to offer under-counter reverse osmosis systems that are small enough for practical use in RVs and marine vessels. Acquired by Pentair in February 2019, Pelican Water continues to be the global market leader in salt-free water treatment technology. For more information about Pelican Water Systems in-home services in Memphis, visit PelicanMemphis.com. About Pentair At Pentair, we believe the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean, safe water. We deliver a comprehensive range of smart, sustainable water solutions to homes, business and industry around the world. Our industry-leading and proven portfolio of solutions enables our customers to access clean, safe water. Whether its improving, moving or enjoying water, we help manage the worlds most precious resource. Smart, Sustainable Water Solutions. For Life. Pentair had revenue in 2018 of $3 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 110 locations in 30 countries and 10,000 employees, we believe that the future of water depends on us. To learn more, visit pentair.com. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange made a brief court appearance Monday in his bid to prevent extradition to the United States to face serious espionage charges. He and his lawyers complained they weren't being given enough time to meet to plan their battle against U.S. prosecutors seeking to put him on trial for WikiLeaks' publication of hundreds of thousands of confidential documents. The 48-year-old was brought to court from Belmarsh Prison on the outskirts of London. He saluted the public gallery, which was packed with ardent supporters including the musician MIA, when he entered the courtroom. He later raised his right fist in defiance when he was taken to holding cells to meet with lawyer Gareth Peirce. Peirce said officials at Belmarsh Prison are making it extremely difficult for her to meet with Assange. We have pushed Belmarsh in every way - it is a breach of a defendant's rights, she said. Assange refrained from making political statements. He confirmed his name and date of birth, and at one point said he didn't understand all of the proceedings against him during the brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He faces 18 charges in the U.S., including conspiring to hack into a Pentagon computer. He has denied wrongdoing, claiming he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. Many advocacy groups have supported Assange's claim that the charges would have a chilling effect on freedom of the press. A five-day extradition hearing is scheduled for late February. Assange's legal team has tried to delay the hearing so there is more time to prepare, but these requests have been denied. Assange has already served a 50-week prison sentence in Britain for jumping bail. A rape investigation launched against him in Sweden has been dropped, so he would likely be freed from prison if extradition is denied. A Denver man has filed a claim in the U.S. District Court for Colorado claiming that the Aurora Police Department and at least six individual officers violated his constitutional rights by stopping and searching his vehicle without probable cause, reasonable suspicion or other legal basis. JERUSALEM - Israeli police said Monday they had raided a cult-like group in an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem in which dozens of women and children were being held and abused under extreme slavery conditions. The polices undercover investigation learned details from women who had escaped the group that authorities described as a cult. The raid was carried out in co-ordination with the Israeli Center for Victims of Cults. Police say a 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of heading the group and committing severe offences against those under his influence. He and eight female accomplices are suspected of isolating some 50 women in the complex, along with children between the ages of 1-5, and keeping them out of contact with their families and the outside world. The prime suspect, who was not named, is also suspected of stealing money and doling out various forms of punishment. Israels Channel 12 reported that the suspect had previously been arrested at least twice on similar charges, and denied any wrongdoing during his arraignment. We know that the women and children were there for several months inside the home, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. We know that he took their money away from them and was holding them against their will. Superintendent Isaac Simon said the victims were held in very cramped conditions and difficult sanitary conditions. Police released footage of the compounds interior crammed with closely spaced triple-decker bunk beds. PHILADELPHIA A 23-year-old college student died early Saturday morning after he fell while jumping between rooftops, according to reports. Vivek Subramani, a medical student at Drexel University, fell two floors and hit his head, Fox 29 reports. Two other students also were jumping rooftops with Subramani when he fell just before 2 a.m. Witnesses tried to help Subramani by performing CPR before emergency workers arrived, CBS Philadelphia reports. He was pronounced dead at Jefferson Hospital. There is no evidence of narcotics or foul play, CBS Philadelphia reports. However, police say a witness says the group had been drinking before the incident, NBC Philadelphia reports. Drexel President John Fry released a statement expressing sympathy to Subramanis family and friends. There are no words to express the sense of loss when any young life is cut so short," Fry said in the statement. Bishara Sheikh Hamo, 25, underwent female genital mutilation (FGM) when she was just 11 years old. The cut resulted in serious health complications for Sheikh Hamo, and now, the tally clerk is an anti-FGM crusader keen to ensure no other girl experiences what she did. She bared it all in an interview with Saturday Nation. The day was in December 2005. I was 11 and I woke up very early because I was going to get the cut. It was a big day. The day that us girls would become clean and pure. I was excited about it. We had been socialised thus. I grew up in a village called Sericho in Isiolo County. My dad was a polygamist who had 11 wives. We were about 46 children in total and my own mother had four kids; I was the last born. I was always a friendly and talkative girl. I still have the same personality to date. The practice was deep-rooted in our culture and I knew it was the only way into womanhood. As a young, girl, I was also looking forward to receiving an award that my grandmother had promised, if I didnt cry during the process. A LAUGHING STOCK We were four girls eagerly awaiting to magically blossom into women after the cut. They took us from our homes to an unknown place. All I could remember was the cutter or traditional midwife saying, This is the place to get your earlobes piercing done. I got confused because two of the girls already had ear piercings. Perhaps she was trying to make light of the grave moment so that we dont get afraid. The midwife, as is the case, was a woman aged above 50. Most of the time, they use razor blades and one razor blade can be used on five or more girls. The cutters have no medical training. FGM is one of the most severe non-medical type of procedures. For most girls, despite the severity of the procedure, there is no way out of it. If you fail to be circumcised, you will be the laughing stock of the village; you will suffer stigma, and no man will want to marry you. I didnt want to be ostracised. I was the first one to be initiated on this particular day. I was blindfolded and my hands tied behind my back as I lay down on a floor mat. UNBEARABLE PAIN There were five other women in the room including the midwife. One spread my legs wide open and pinned my limbs down. At this point, my wrapper (leso) was removed. One of the big-bodied women sat on my chest and covered my mouth so that I couldnt scream. They didnt want the other girls to hear you scream. I felt a sharp cut between my legs. I wailed loudly out of pain. They removed my blindfold and all I could see was blood everywhere. Many years later, I learned that they performed the type II cut, which is known as excision. They removed the clitoris and labia minora. They then applied some traditional herb called qumbi and rubbed it on the affected area. It would soothe the pain, one woman assured. Then they made me sit on a hole with burning charcoal mixed with herbs with my legs tied. It was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my life. It is going to keep infection away, another woman yelled out. For the next week, I had to sit on the hot charcoal hole every morning and evening. The following day after the cut, I had the most unbearable pains when peeing. By now I felt that this was pure torture. Why did they have to make me go through this, I cursed. This was just the beginning of my agony. ADMITTED My bladder became weak and I developed urinary problems. I even missed classes for two weeks. When I urinated, it would come out in small drops. I would get migraines and whenever I saw the doctor, I was given painkillers which never helped. My periods became irregular and I had an uncontrollable discharge. I suffered for 13 good years. Even in my agony, I tried to maintain a semblance of a normal life. I secured a job in November 2016 at the Kenya Ports Authority as a berth tally clerk in the Cargo Department where I still work. That was after trying my hand in sales at various companies. In May 2018 my health challenges heightened. I had an unusual migraine. I was admitted to a hospital in Mombasa. The tests showed I was acutely dehydrated. I received 24 litres of intravenous fluids for three days and on the fourth day my urine came out in drops. One drop was usually worse than the previous one and I would even go a day without peeing. It turned yellowish and my body swelled. The urinary catheter wouldnt get in because there was no space in my bladder. URGENT OPERATION In June, I got a special evaluation and thats when the doctor told me that I had a bladder outlet obstruction. Have you gone through FGM? the doctor inquired. Yes. Why? I responded. Your urinary passage was sliced off, he revealed and wondered how I had survived for those many years. I required an urgent operation, he said. I had to undergo urethral structure and blood wash (urinary dilation) and immediately after an operation. The process was to adjust my urine passage and clean my bladder because of the blockage I had. They also put a catheter in me for two weeks. During that period, I also got my monthly period and I wasnt sure if it was a normal period or not but the pain was excruciating. Luckily, everything went back to normal and even my periods became regular. Two months after the operation, feeling normal and my health restored, I started to campaign against FGM. ADVOCACY I had seen firsthand what the practice can do to ones life. I made it my mission to dissuade girls from undergoing the cut. My two nieces are now 21 and did not go through the initiation. I would do the same for my daughter. Kortex Kenya recognised me with an award called She Can in March 2019. In the same year, I also formed a foundation called Bishara Hamo Foundation as a tool to bring advocacy against FGM to my community because of health complications. I look up to Janet Mbugua as she is vocal about issues concerning women. I also look up to Hirbo Wadere who is an FGM survivor and advocate. A Chinese actress performs Sichuan Opera "Changed face" during a cultural show in Tunis, Tunisia, on Jan. 12, 2020. Chinese embassy in Tunisia held a cultural show on Sunday evening to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the City of Culture in Tunis. (Photo by Adele Ezzine/Xinhua) TUNIS, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese embassy in Tunisia held a cultural show on Sunday evening to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the City of Culture in Tunis, capital of Tunisia. This show, including singing and dancing performances retracing a large part of Chinese culture and civilization, was broadcast live on Tunisian state television the Nationale 1. Over 900 spectators attended the show, which has provided the audience with a visual feast of traditional Chinese operas, instrument solos, magic shows and acrobatics. This festival coincided with the 56th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Tunisia and China. In recent years, Chinese culture has become more and more influential in Tunisia, Fatima, a student studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute in Tunisia, told Xinhua, while hoping to watch more Chinese cultural performances. Iranian police have denied reports they are shooting at protesters in Tehran, and the city's police chief said officers are under orders to show restraint as demonstrations continue against the country's leadership. Videos posted on the internet recorded what looked like at least one injured protester as demonstrators took to the streets during the weekend after Iran's government admitted its military mistakenly shot down a civilian airliner, killing all 176 passengers. Tehran's police chief, General Hossein Rahimi, said officers did not fire live ammunition at protesters, according to the BBC. "The police treated the people who had gathered with patience and tolerance," he said, but added that "those who intend to manipulate the situation" would face consequences. Iranians were protesting for a third day on Monday, with videos online showing demonstrators running from tear gas. In some videos, what sounded like gunfire was audible, though no independent organization has verified whether live ammunition was fired. Residents of Tehran reported a heavy police presence in the central city, according to The Washington Post. To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 Of the 176 killed on the Ukrainian Airlines flight downed by the Iraqi rocket, 82 were Iranian. Another 63 were Canadian. After initially denying that Iran was responsible, the government acknowedged that the Revolutionary Guards mistook the plane for an incoming missile and shot it down. But Iran also blamed the United States, which killed a top Iranian military leader with a missile strike Jan. 3. Iran responded with a missile strike on bases in Iraq where U.S. soldiers were housed; no Americans were killed in the retaliatory strike. Story continues Iranian security officials were blamed for the deaths of possibly 200 protesters late last year during protests over high fuel prices after a government fuel subsidy cut though the U.S. government has said the death toll was much higher. After the U.S. strike that killed Soleimani, many Iranians turned their anger toward the United States, but since the shootdown of the Ukrainian plane, the government has again become the focus of anger. Related Links: New US Sanctions Aim To Dent Iran's Metal Producers Why A Downed Airliner In Iran Worries Canada's Soy Farmers Photo from Pixabay. 0 See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. A cutlery company has created a range of knives with blunt tips in response to knife crime statistics in the UK. In October 2019, it was reported that knife crime had reached a record high in England and Wales, with more than 44,000 offences involving a knife or a sharp instrument recorded by police in the 12 months leading up to June. This marked a seven per cent increase on the previous year, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) stating that the number of crimes involving knives was at its highest point since the 2010 to 2011 period. In a bid to tackle knife crime, British cutlery and kitchenware firm Viners, which was founded in Sheffield in 1901, has designed a new range of knives with square ends. The company says the range, named the Assure collection, has been created in response to rising knife crime statistics and new government legislation. Due to be released later this week it has been repeatedly tested to ensure the tip does not pierce skin intentionally or otherwise. (Viners (Viners) With knife-related crime incidents at a record high and a reported 285 fatalities in the last 12 months alone, the UK government has taken the decision to reclassify kitchen knives as an offensive weapon with the new Offensive Weapons Act 2019, leading some retailers to remove single knives from sale in retail stores, a press release for the knife collection stated. The new Assure collection from Viners has been created in response to this new legislation, with the team extensively testing a new shape knife that is highly functional for the modern cook but shaped to reduce and prevent injuries, accidents and fatalities. Single knives in the range cost either 3.99 or 5.99, while a four-piece set costs 15.99. (Viners (Viners) The knives will be available to purchase later this week from home furnishings retailer Dunelm, before being released on the Viners website from Sunday 16 February. Viners says that the knives deliver the same functionality as a standard knife in the kitchen, while helping to reduce unnecessary accidents when preparing food and washing up. The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Show all 18 1 /18 The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Purple ribbons are seen tied to a tree and fence at a park near to where 17-year-old Jodie Chesney was stabbed to death in an attack with no obvious motive, in the Harold Hill area of London. Chesney was stabbed in an unprovoked attack while out with friends on March 1, 2019. Four males aged 16, 17, 19 and 20 have been charged with her murder which all four deny. In honour of her favourite colour, purple ribbons were tied to a railing, alongside a message also written in purple: "Choose life, drop the knife! RIP Jodie. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes and bottles of alcohol are seen outside the house where 20-year-old Tyrelle Burke was stabbed to death, in the Wythenshawe area of Manchester. Burke was stabbed to death on April 5, outside his home by a friend following a night out. 18-year-old Denver Walton was charged with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims A woman walks past floral tributes near to where 29-year-old Joshua White was stabbed to death, in the Hackney area of London. Joshua White died after he was stabbed through the heart in broad daylight on April 26. Two teenagers have been charged with his murder, and police are attempting to extradite an 18-year-old from Ireland in relation to the attack. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes and photographs are left at the spot where 17-year-old Yousef Makki was stabbed to death, in Hale Barns. Makki was stabbed to death on March 2 during a row with another boy. A 17-year-old boy was cleared of his murder by a jury at Manchester Crown Court on July 12. Makki's family have protested against the verdict. Photography by Reuters The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes and packets of crisps and a chocolate bar are tied to a fence where 21-year-old James Halewood was stabbed to death, in the Kirkby area of Liverpool. Halewood was stabbed to death in broad daylight outside a parade of shops at lunchtime on July 7. Two men aged 26 and 23 have been arrested in connection with his death. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Graffiti on a fence of an industrial unit near to where 18-year-old Hazrat Umar was killed, in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham. Umar was killed after being stabbed 15 times in an unprovoked attack on February 25, on his way to the gym. Adam Muhammad, 17, a student at the same college, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment for his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes are seen tied to a pedestrian crossing near to where 40-year-old Gavin Garraway was stabbed to death, in the Clapham area of London. Garroway was stabbed to death through the window of his car on March 29. Zion Chiata, 18, has been charged with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes and teddy bears are seen outside a house where 26-year-old Kelly-Mary Fauvrelle and her unborn baby where stabbed to death, in the Croydon area of London. Fauvrelle was stabbed to death in the bedroom of her home in the early hours of June 29. Her baby boy, Riley, was delivered but also died four days later. Ex-partner Aaron McKenzie has been charged with her murder and causing the death of the baby. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Flowers are tied to the entrance of Sara Park near to where 16-year-old Abdullah Muhammad was killed in the Small Heath area of Birmingham. Abdullah died after suffering stab wounds to the chest and back in the evening of February 20. Three males aged 17, 19 and 20 have been charged in connection with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims The remains of candles and tributes are seen near to where 19-year-old Kamali Gabbidon-Lynck was stabbed to death, in the Wood Green area of London. Gabbidon-Lynck died after he was stabbed by a gang on bicycles on February 22, in an incident which left another man suffering from knife and gunshot wounds. Three men aged 18, 19 and 20 have been charged with murder, attempted murder and robbery. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims A woman pushes a pram past a row of houses where 33-year-old Charlotte Huggins was stabbed to death, in south London. Huggins was the first stabbing victim of 2019, stabbed in the back at her home in the early hours of New Year's Day. Her ex-boyfriend Michael Rolle was found guilty of her murder and jailed for life. He stabbed Huggins after she celebrated New Year's eve with a male friend. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes are left at the spot where 18-year-old Cheyon Evans was stabbed to death, in the Wandsworth area of London. Evans died from a stab wound to the chest after being attacked by a group of youths in broad daylight on June 14. Three males aged 18, 18 and 17 have been charged with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Lanfrey Place is where 17-year-old Ayub Hassan died after suffering multiple stab wounds in the street, in the West Kensington area of London. Hassan was killed after his attack on March 7. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Floral tributes are left near to where 21-year-old Lewis Bagshaw was stabbed to death, in the Southey area of Sheffield. Bagshaw collapsed and died on July 21, when seeking help from residents of Piper Crescent after suffering stab wounds. Police investigations into his death are ongoing. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Flowers and toys are left at the scene where 19-year-old Lejean Richards was stabbed to death, in the Battersea area of London. Richards was attacked and fatally stabbed on February 5. Roy Reyes-Nieves, 23, and Roger Reyes-Nieves, 18, have been charges with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims A man walks past floral tributes left near to where 24-year-old Joe O'Brien died after being stabbed in a fight outside a pub, in Manchester. O'Brien died following a fight outside the Royal Oak pub on April 21. Momodou Jallow, 21, has been charged with his murder. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims Flowers are seen near to where 29-year-old Nathaniel Armstrong was stabbed to death, in the Fulham area of London. Armstrong was stabbed to death during an altercation on March 16. Murder charges against a 29-year-old male were dropped after prosecutors said there was no realistic prospect of conviction. Reuters/Phil Noble The makeshift shrines to Britain's knife crime victims A police officer stands outside a row of terraced houses where 33-year-old nurse Saima Riaz was stabbed to death, in Rochdale. Riaz, a mother of three, was found on April 23. 36-year-old Mohammed Abid Choudhry has been charged with her murder. Reuters/Phil Noble In August 2019, young people affected by knife crime delivered a letter to Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street addressing the topic. More than 100 people signed the 12-point manifesto, which outlined actions that they believe could be taken to reduce the prevalence of knife crime. The young people involved with the creation of the letter collaborated with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Knife Crime. Armenias President Armen Sarkissian today issued a message on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Armenian pogroms in Baku. The message reads as follows: Dear Compatriots, Today, we pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the pogroms in Baku. Thirty years ago, in January of 1990, purges of the Armenians were ordered in Baku, claiming the lives of hundreds of Armenians; many were injured, subjected to tortures, were expelled, some were lost without a trace. After the pogroms, Baku, which had had the Armenian population of 250,000, was totally purged of Armenians. Mass murders of the citizens of the Armenian origin, organized by the Azerbaijani authorities in January 1990 in Baku, had been a result of the state policies of Armenophobia and forced expulsion of the Armenians. Through the wide-spread carnage and violence, which had lasted for over a week, the Azerbaijani authorities were able to achieve their goal: the Armenian community of Baku, which had survived the Azerbaijani atrocities in 1905 and 1918, in January of 1990 ceased to exist; the people, who considered Baku their native town and which they had enriched with their work and talent, lost their birthplace. Despite the entreaties of the international community, the Azerbaijani authorities until today have not been held responsible for the ethnically motivated murder of hundreds of people, for torture, forced exile, grabbing of the Armenians property and estate. Today too, through the impunity of the crime, a continuous hate propaganda against Armenia and the Armenian people, they continue to encourage similar crimes, put in peril the regional peace and security. There is no period of limitation for the crimes against humanity. Today we bow to the memory of our martyrs. We also must realize more than ever that through our unity and togetherness, through our joint efforts we have to do everything to preclude the repetition of such crimes in the future. Advertisement Tourists looking to take the perfect Instagram snap are destroying Tasmania's lavender fields. The craze is creating problems for business owners in Tasmania, who are considering cordoning off parts of their farms to minimise potential damage. Some tourists are trampling the plants and picking the flowers with complete disregard to the livelihood of the local farmers. Scroll down for video Pictured: Lavender flavoured ice cream is one of the selling points of the Bridestowe Estate in Tasmania's north east PICTURED: Lavender fields are in full bloom in Tasmania in January, and it's creating a boom for those in the agricultural industry Tony and Denise Cox run the Lavender House Perfumery in Rowella, in Tasmania's Tamar Valley. Ms Cox told ABC News it's difficult to watch the way some visitors treat their property. 'It's hard for me when they decide to use the lavender as an armchair and sit right in the middle of it because the lavender doesn't like that and we've had quite a few bushes which have been broken in the process,' Mrs Cox said. The pair are considering establishing a unique space on their farm so visitors can take photos without damaging their plants. 'We'll place seats and have more portable lavender pots around them so that the damage will be reduced,' Mr Cox said. The head of the Tasmanian Tourism Industry Council has suggested business owners install signage to limit the areas visitors can enter for photo opportunities. Nearby is Australia's biggest lavender farm- Bridestowe- which has become a mecca for tourists travelling to Tasmania. The property in Tasmania's north-east attracts more than 50,000 visitors from across the world each year. It's become one of the most photographed landscapes in Tasmania. Social media is thought to be part of the reason for a growth in visitation to the property, helping sustain their business which otherwise operates off the sale of essential oils, body creams, soaps and culinary products- like lavender ice cream. PICTURED: Bridestowe, in Tasmania's north-east, attracts more than 50,000 visitors from across the world each year Pictured: Bridestowe Estate General Manager James Ravens says 'A beautiful photo in the lavender is a part of the social media sharing culture' The farm charges a $10 flat rate entry fee for visitors wanting to visit the 200 kilometre stretch of fields during flowering season, which usually runs from December to February. Bridestowe Estate General Manager James Ravens told the Daily Mail Australia they are seeing more damage to their farm as the number of visitors grows. But he said they rely on tourist dollars to keep the business running. PICTURED: Bridestowe- Australia's biggest lavender farm- has become a mecca for tourists travelling to Tasmania 'Flowers are delicate and don't like to be trodden on, we'll get the occasional person who doesn't understand and that will create a few more gaps in the rows but 99% of visitors are amazing and respectful,' he said. The 47-year-old has been involved in the family business for more than a decade and sees social media as a more of an advantage to their operation than a negative. 'A beautiful photo in the lavender is a part of the social media sharing culture, but it can be a hard thing sometimes for people to get the perfect shot,' he said. Pictured: Bridestowe Estate in Tasmania's north east said Instagram is growing visitation to their property 'As flowers get trampled and the plants are struggling the photos just aren't as nice,' he said. He said the bigger issue they're facing with an influx of international visitation is actually the biosecurity risk it poses- which could 'potentially wipe out the entire crop'. The Sydney local said they're unlikely to make any changes to the way their farm operates based off concerns about damage to the crops. 'Part of the charm is that people can walk through the fields, walk through the rows, pick a flower- just the one,' he said. Mr Ravens said they'll be keeping a watchful eye on visitors in case anything changes. STOCK: The rise of Instagram tourism is creating problems for some of Tasmania's Lavender farms The UK has demanded an apology from Irans ambassador in London after the arrest of Britains top diplomat in Tehran. Rob Macaire was detained as demonstrations broke out over the downing of a Ukrainian airliner by Iranian forces and was subsequently called in by the foreign ministry in Tehran to explain his illegal and inappropriate presence at the event. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was a flagrant violation of international law. The diplomatic door remains open, now is the time for Iran to engage in diplomacy and chart a peaceful way forwardsDominic Raab Iranian ambassador to the UK Hamid Baeidinejad was being summoned to the Foreign Office to demand an apology and to seek full assurances that this will not happen again. Mr Raab said that given the treatment of the ambassador security measures at the embassy in Tehran were being kept under review. Expand Close Hamid Baeidinejad, Iranian ambassador to the UK, leaves the Foreign and Commonwealth office (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hamid Baeidinejad, Iranian ambassador to the UK, leaves the Foreign and Commonwealth office (Jonathan Brady/PA) He told MPs that Iran now faced a choice about its future direction. The regime in Tehran is at a crossroads, Mr Raab said. It can slip further and further into political and economic isolation. But there is an alternative and the regime does have a choice: the diplomatic door remains open, now is the time for Iran to engage in diplomacy and chart a peaceful way forwards. First footage released by Police, showing #UK ambassador to #Iran Rob Macaire and his companion attending an illegal gathering in #Tehran pic.twitter.com/KxaEzR3b7H Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) January 13, 2020 Footage has been published by Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency which appears to show Mr Macaire at what it calls an illegal gathering. Defending himself, Mr Macaire said that he went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of the Ukraine International Airlines PS752 tragedy on Saturday to pay his respects to the four dead Britons but left after five mins when some started chanting. 2/2 Detained half an hour after leaving the area. Arresting diplomats is of course illegal, in all countries. See comments by Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab. https://t.co/djpr99iSwI Rob Macaire (@RobMacaire) January 12, 2020 Mr Raab told MPs: He was not attending or recording a political protest or demonstration. His arrest later that day without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Irans Revolutionary Guard admitted accidentally shooting down the Ukrainian jet with the loss of all 176 people on board, including four Britons. Families of the victims could seek compensation from the Iranian government, Downing Street indicated. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: As a first step we need a comprehensive, transparent and independent investigation to know exactly what happened. Of course the families of the four British victims deserve justice and closure and we will continue to do everything we can to support them in getting that, including options for compensation. [January 13, 2020] Magellan Aerospace Secures Contract with Collins Aerospace Systems - Landing Gear Magellan (News - Alert) Aerospace Corporation ("Magellan") announced an agreement with Collins Aerospace Systems - Landing Gear ("Collins"), for the supply of nose landing gear assemblies for the B737 aircraft. The assemblies, comprised of complex machined titanium components, are valued at approximately CAD $52 million and will be delivered through 2024 from Magellan's facility in Kitchener, Ontario. In order to provide the best solution for Collins, Magellan's vertically integrated deliverable will utilize their global resources in Kitchener, New York, India, and Poland. As the final assembly of the B737 landing gear takes place in Collins' Krosno, Poland facility, the proximity of Magellan's Poland facility provides the opportunity to stage buffer kits in close proximity to Collins' facility, readily available to mitigate production risk. In securing this agreement, Magellan has demonstrated the ability to meet the competitive demands of cost, quality and performance expected by Collins. Mr. Haydn Martin, Vice President, Business Development and Contracts for Magellan said, "This competitively won business for the B737 platform yields in excess of 60 aircraft sets per month and speaks to the reputation that Magellan has built in the aerospace sector. The confidence that Collins has placed in Magellan is significant and demonstrates our ability to offer our customrs comprehensive and reliable solutions." About Magellan Aerospace Corporation Magellan Aerospace Corporation is a global aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, and defense and space agencies worldwide. Magellan designs and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced proprietary products for military and space markets, and provides engine and component repair and overhaul services worldwide. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MAL), with operating units throughout North America, Europe, and India. Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Corporation in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Corporation believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause the Corporation's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Corporation's Annual Information Form (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Corporation's forward-looking statements. The Corporation has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005661/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 13:01:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1044 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / The Board of Directors of Grid Metals Corp. (TSXV:GRDM) ( the "Company") is pleased to announce that Dr. Dave Peck, Ph.D., P.Geo., has been appointed to the position of Vice President of Exploration and Business Development for Grid Metals Corp. Dr. Peck is a practicing Professional Geoscientist with over 30 years of experience with majors, mid-tier mining and junior exploration companies. His career focus has been on discovering, evaluating and developing magmatic platinum group metal ("PGM") and nickel-copper sulphide deposits. Dave has amassed a wealth of knowledge of global PGM and nickel-copper sulfide projects, mining districts and markets.From March 2012 to August 2014 he served as the Head of Exploration for North American Palladium Ltd. ("NAP") until recently the owner of the Lac des Isle deposit, Canada's only producing palladium mine. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Vice President, Exploration - a post he held until the end of 2019. Dave was one of the three officers on the senior management team that led the turnaround of NAP, culminating in its recent acquisition by Impala Platinum of South Africa for CAD $1.0 billion. From 2003 to 2009, he served as Global Nickel Commodity Leader for Anglo American plcs Exploration Division. Dave has extensive experience in designing and implementing exploration programs for PGM and nickel-copper deposits, business strategy, corporate financing, technical report writing and property valuations. The Company is confident that Dr. Peck's skills and experience will be invaluable in advancing the potential of the Company's portfolio of palladium, nickel and copper projects and in identifying and delivering valuable new opportunities. (Please refer to Dr. Peck's biography included in this release for more information.)Dr. Peck commented "I am pleased to be joining Grid and have the opportunity to advance and augment its portfolio of high potential properties, all of which I have very strong familiarity with. I am specifically encouraged by the strong geological similarities between the East Bull Lake ("EBL") property and the Lac des Iles ("LDI") palladium deposit and look forward to applying the exploration approaches that have worked so well at LDI to EBL. The limited amount of drilling at EBL represents a clear and present opportunity for Grid given the widespread near-surface palladium mineralization on the property. The fact that new palladium zones are still being discovered at the smaller LDI mine property, despite over 30 years of intensive exploration drilling, bodes well for a significant palladium discovery at EBL." Dr. Peck will complete a review of Grid's extensive technical database for the EBL property and will determine the optimal technical program for the next phase of exploration.Robin Dunbar President and CEO of Grid said "we are pleased to have a successful explorer and strategic thinker of Dave's magnitude join our team. Dave is a pragmatic and highly skilled professional and his engagement with Grid is a very positive development for the Company. " The Company is also pleased to note that Carey Galeschuk, P.Geo. and Paul C. Davis, P.Geo. will continue as consulting geologists with Grid on their respective projects and report to Dr. Peck.Dr. Dave Peck, P.Geo. - BiographyDave Peck holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Melbourne University and a M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Windsor. He is a practicing Professional Geoscientist registered in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. Dave's geological experience spans over 30 years and more than a dozen countries on five continents. He has a diverse professional background reflecting his employment with major, mid-tier and junior mining and exploration firms, private geological consulting businesses, government geological surveys and academe. His industry experience has been focused on magmatic PGM and Ni-Cu sulfide mines and exploration projects.At the end of 2019 he left the senior management team at North American Palladium ("NAP") after playing a key role in the transformation of the company into a profitable mining business with a CAD $1 billion market capitalization value, a rejuvenated mineral resource base, and a world-class exploration portfolio. In his last year at NAP he was an important contributor to the sale of the company to Impala Platinum. Under his leadership, NAP's exploration department made several significant PGM-copper-nickel sulfide discoveries including multiple new palladium zones at Lac des Iles and a major expansion of the Sunday Lake PGM-copper-nickel deposit. Prior to this Dave established and managed two successful geological consulting businesses and was a director of a private Manitoba exploration company. From 2002-2009 Dave was employed by Anglo American plc's Exploration Division and for six of those years was the Global Commodity Leader for nickel. In that role he was responsible for all technical and strategic aspects of the company's global nickel exploration programs including allocations of annual budgets of up to U.S. $50 million. In the 1990's he worked as a Senior Mineral Deposits geologist at the Manitoba Geological Survey and as a project geologist at Laurentian University in association with the Ontario Geological Survey. Dave previously held appointments as adjunct professor at Laurentian University and the University of Manitoba.Dave has authored or co-authored numerous academic, government publications and corporate technical reports, most of which deal with the geology, geochemistry, genesis and economics of PGM and magmatic sulfide deposits. In 2016, Dave published a synthesis paper that shared his unique insights into developing successful exploration strategies for these deposits. Dave is a recognized expert on the geology and mineral deposits of the Lac des Iles region in Ontario; the Raglan District in Quebec, the Thompson Belt, Fox River Belt and Bird River Belt in Manitoba; the East Bull Lake Suite of Intrusions in Ontario; the Duluth Complex in Minnesota; the Cheyenne Belt of southeastern Wyoming; and the Cambrian ultramafic complexes of Western Tasmania. He has developed and participated in projects in many other key mineral belts including the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa; the Coppermine River (Muskox Intrusion) district in the Northwest Territories, Canada; the Panxi Rift in Sichuan Province, China; and the Kola-Karelia terrane in northern Sweden and Finland. He has worked on or visited most of the world's major nickel sulfide and PGM mining districts. He also maintains a solid background in exploring for and evaluating m A frantic search has been launched for a missing 14-year-old girl who 'willingly' left her home in Michigan with an unknown person over the weekend. Reem Alsaidi was last seen early Saturday January 11 around 5.15am leaving her Dearborn home on the 7000 block of Pinehurst. She was caught on video getting into a white or grey sedan that pulled up in front of her residence. Michigan authorities are searching for missing 14-year-old Reem Alsaidi who was last seen 'willingly' leaving her Dearborn home and getting into a white or grey sedan around 5.15am on Saturday January 11 Detectives believe she 'willingly' left her home and entered the car, according to a press release from the Dearborn Police Department, and may have traveled to Albion that same morning Detectives believe she 'willingly' left her home and entered the car, according to a press release from the Dearborn Police Department. 'There is reason to believe she was in the Albion, MI area later that morning,' authorities said on Twitter. Cops say there has been no contact from her since that time. Police released this photo of the white or grey four-door sedan that Reem got into Saturday morning. Police are considering this is a missing person and endangered advisory. Reem is an Arab-American girl with long dark hair and brown eyes. She is 5 foot 3 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. It's not clear what she was last wearing but she had a backpack with her. Anyone with information on Alsaidi's whereabouts or the case is asked to contact the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2241. New York, Jan 13 : For some people, a bout of intestinal distress like traveler's diarrhea leads to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recent discoveries have given researchers a better idea of how this happens, and potential leads for new treatments. Scientists aren't sure exactly how this happens, but some think an infection may contribute to IBS by damaging the gut nervous system. The study, published in the journal Cell, takes a close look at why neurons in the gut die and how the immune system normally protects them. The research from Rockefeller University on mice offers insight into IBS, a chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract and could point to potential new treatment approaches. According to the researchers, in a healthy gut, the immune system must strike a careful balance between responding to threats and keeping that response in check to avoid damage. "Inflammation helps the gut ward off an infection, but too much of it can cause lasting harm," said study researcher Daniel Mucida, Associate Professor at Rockefeller University in the US. "Our work explores the complex mechanisms that prevent inflammatory responses from destroying neurons," Mucida added. To understand the effects of an infection on the nervous system, the research team gave mice a weakened form of Salmonella, a bacterium that causes food poisoning, and analysed neurons within the intestine. They found that infection induced a long-lasting reduction of neurons, an effect they attributed to the fact these cells express two genes, Nlrp6 and Caspase 11, which can contribute to a specific type of inflammatory response. This response, in turn, can ultimately prompt the cells to undergo a form of programmed cell death. When the researchers manipulated mice to eliminate these genes specifically in neurons, they saw a decrease in the number of neurons expiring. "This mechanism of cell death has been documented in other types of cells, but never before in neurons," said study researcher Fanny Matheis. "We believe these gut neurons may be the only ones to die this way," Matheis added. It's not yet clear exactly how inflammation causes neurons to commit cell suicide, yet the researchers already have clues suggesting it might be possible to interfere with the process. The key may be a specialised set of gut immune cells, known as muscularis macrophages. Previous work in Mucida's lab has shown that these cells express inflammation-fighting genes and collaborate with the neurons to keep food moving through the digestive tract. If these neurons die off, as happens in an infection, a possible result is constipation -- one of a number of unpleasant IBS symptoms. In their recent report, the team demonstrated how macrophages come to the neurons' aid during an infection, ameliorating this aspect of the disorder. Their experiments revealed that macrophages possess a certain type of receptor molecule that receives stress signals released by another set of neurons in response to an infection. Once activated, this receptor prompts the macrophage to produce molecules called polyamines, which the researchers think might interfere with the cell death process. In other experiments, the researchers found that Salmonella infection alters the community of microbes within the guts of mice -- and when they restored the animals' intestinal flora back to normal, the neurons recovered. Protests erupted across Iran for a second day on Sunday, piling pressure on the countrys leadership after the military admitted it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner at a time when Tehran had feared American air strikes. They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here, a group of protesters outside a university in Tehran chanted, according to video clips posted on Twitter. Security forces were reported deployed in large numbers across Tehran on Sunday, expecting more protests. Riot police in black uniforms and helmets massed in Vali-e Asr Square, Tehran University and other landmarks as calls circulated for protests later in the day. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes and plainclothes security men were also out in force. State-affiliated media had reported protests on Saturday shortly after the military apologised for mistakenly bringing down the Ukrainian plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 aboard. Iran downed the Ukrainian flight as it braced for retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing American forces. The ballistic missile attack was a response to the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, Irans top general, in a US airstrike in Baghdad. Tehran residents told Reuters police were out in force in the capital on Sunday, as public anger boiled up following days of denials by the military that it was to blame. Even talking about it makes my heart beat faster and makes me sad, Zahra Razeghi, a Tehran resident, was quoted by Associated Press. I feel ashamed when I think about their families. Riot police fired teargas at thousands of protesters in Tehran Saturday, where many had chanted Death to the dictator, directing their anger at supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Apologise and resign, Irans moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the peoples demand was for those responsible for mishandling the plane crisis to quit. US President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for past waves of anti-government demonstrations in Iran, addressed the countrys leaders in a tweet, saying DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. The world is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching, he tweeted. Britain said its ambassador in Iran was briefly detained on Saturday, which Iranian media said was because he was inciting protests. The envoy said he attended a vigil for plane victims. Irans authorities summoned him on Sunday, while members of a hardline militia gathered outside the mission holding signs demanding the treacherous embassy be closed. British foreign secretary Dominic Raab said Iran can continue its march towards pariah status ... or take steps to de-escalate tensions with diplomacy. LANESBOROUGH Authorities seek the publics help as they investigate a shooting in the Berkshire Mall parking lot early last week that sent a man to the hospital. The shooting occurred Jan. 5. Police Chief Timothy Sorrell told the Berkshire Eagle the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and showed up at Berkshire Medical Center around 3:30 p.m. The victim has since been released. Sorrell has said little about the victim other than to say he is from eastern Massachusetts. Investigators have been reviewing extensive video footage for leads, he said. The police chief said crime has not been a major issue at the mall, now nearly empty. The state police detective unit assigned to the Berkshire County District Attorneys office and the Lanesborough Police Department are investigating.Those with information are asked to call Lanesborough police at 413-443-4107. You guys are scaring me: A woman accused three New York Mets of raping her during spring training in Florida in 1991; they were never charged. Almost 30 years later, hardly anyone knows it happened. Daniel Engber grew up idolizing the Mets, who won the World Series in 1986. He knows countless facts and anecdotes about the team but did not even remember this womans story. He wanted to understand it, and when he dug intelling, for the first time, the story of what happened to the accuserhe found eerie echoes with our current times. Advertisement Dumb, dumb, dumb: The Oscar nominations were announced this morning, and Joker led the pack with 11. Dan Kois bravely stands astride the track to say: Enough. Stop the madness. Joker is not the best picture of the year. Joker is dumb as hell. Meanwhile, Dana Stevens wants to know if the Academy thinks that Little Women directed itself? Shed like to throw this years nominations in the fireplace for having neglected to honor Greta Gerwig for directing. Read all our Oscars coverage here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are the rite of movement: For most of Western history, its been understood that people have a fundamental right to free movementto walk urban streets free from government intrusion, to navigate the seas, to travel via plane or automobile. But slowly, over the years, the U.S. courts have chipped away at this right. Kia Rahnama looks at what went wrong. One more snub for the road: You might be surprised to learn that the beloved childrens book Goodnight Moon is not on the New York Public Librarys Top 10 list of most-checked-out books. Turns out the omission has a lot to do with the crusade of one snooty (but trailblazing) librarian, Anne Carroll Moore. Dan Kois has the story. For fun: Is 47.2 really the most miserable age? 31.36 has been a mixed bag, Abby For their first meeting of the year, Webb County Commissioners Court will conduct interviews for the countys Utilities System director, a position that has been vacant for months. READ MORE: 23-year-old Laredo man dies in first fatal crash of 2020 Former Water Utilities Director Adrian Montemayor left his job with the county in late August. He was one of the central figures who helped ameliorate the water quality in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo after E. coli was discovered in their drinking water in 2013. By 2017, the county announced that the communities water was 99.9999% clean. Montemayor had recommended that Tomas Sanchez Jr., who has led water and wastewater field operations, and Rose Flores, who worked in billing and customer service, serve as co-directors while the county searched for his replacement. Commissioners could select their new candidate Monday. The court will also discuss appointing E. Diana Cantu as the designated representative for the administration and enforcement of the countys on-site sewage facility with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Webb Countys only licensed designated representative for on-site sewage facilities left last October, but a contracted DR assisted their program, reads the agenda. During this period, several existing deficiencies were identified and recommendations were offered for the County to implement safeguards to ensure the future integrity of the program, the agenda says. The Planning Department is recommending a reorganization of this and the Environmental Health & Sanitation Department to ensure the county meets minimum standards with the TCEQ, and so that there is more than one designated representative for oversight of their on-site sewage facility. The countys Safe Haven program, which has been housed at Mall Del Norte for a couple of years, may get a new home on Monday. The countys purchasing agent is asking for the courts approval of a 21-month lease contract for a 3,000 square foot space at 5711 McPherson Road. This was the sole vendor that met all space requirements of the grant, according to the county. The Commissioners Court will also discuss implementing parking fees at the TexMex parking lot, the area across the street from the Billy Hall Administrative Building and catty corner from the Justice Center. READ MORE: LPD raids lead to arrests of 3 suspected drug dealers Election Day and early voting sites for the March primary election are also set to be established by the court on Monday. The head of Human Rights Watch who was barred from entering Hong Kong said on Monday he was saddened at how the city had deteriorated under pressure from Beijing, as he vowed to unveil his report in New York instead. Kenneth Roth, the groups executive director and an American citizen, returned to the United States after Hong Kong immigration authorities turned him away at the city's international airport on Sunday without explanation, according to the organisation. He had planned to visit the city to launch the New York-based groups World Report 2020, which includes a lead essay on the Chinese governments assault on the international human rights system. An Immigration Department spokeswoman said it would not comment on individual cases. She added that when handling cases, the department would, in accordance with the laws and immigration policies, fully consider all relevant factors and circumstances of the case before deciding whether the entry should be allowed or not. Roth said: I had hoped to spotlight Beijings deepening assault on international efforts to uphold human rights. The refusal to let me enter Hong Kong vividly illustrates the problem. Roth, who had flown in from New York, later wrote on Twitter: Despite my probing, the Hong Kong immigration authorities would say only (and repeatedly) that they were barring me for immigration reasons. They wouldnt even own up to the real reason. It's sad and troubling how quickly things have deteriorated under pressure from Beijing, he added. Trying to silence the human rights messenger shows a determination to flout, not uphold, human rights standards. The group was expected to release its 652-page report at a news conference in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The report reviews human rights practices in nearly 100 countries. Roths essay says the Chinese government is undermining the global system for enforcing human rights. Story continues Kenneth Roth had planned to release the groups report on Wednesday. Photo: Sam Tsang On his return to the US on Monday, Roth revealed he would launch the report at a news conference at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday given that the authorities blocked me from entering Hong Kong. On December 2, Beijings foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the Chinese government would impose sanctions against Human Rights Watch and four other US-based non-profit groups that played an egregious role in the disturbances in Hong Kong, in its response to Washingtons endorsement of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which could pave the way for diplomatic action and economic sanctions against the citys government. The other groups were the National Endowment for Democracy, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the International Republican Institute and Freedom House. The next day Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said her government would follow up on the sanctions announcement. Roth has visited Hong Kong several times, including to release a report on gender discrimination in the Chinese job market in April 2018. The group also listed a number of other visitors who had been denied entry by Hong Kong immigration authorities, including a US photographer [Matthew Connors] who documented Hong Kong protests in January, US academic Dan Garrett last September, and United Kingdom-based founder of Hong Kong Watch Benedict Rogers in October 2017. This disappointing action is yet another sign that Beijing is tightening its oppressive grip on Hong Kong and further restricting the limited freedom Hong Kong people enjoy under one country, two systems, Roth said, referring to the principle under which Hong Kong is governed. Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch co-wrote an open letter to Lam, urging her to set up an independent commission of inquiry to investigate alleged excessive use of force by police in the more than seven months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. An independent commission of inquiry is the first step to addressing the serious human rights violations against protesters since June, said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch. The European Union also weighed in on the controversy. In a statement, European Commission spokeswoman Virginie Battu-Henriksson said denying entry to Roth raises serious questions over Hong Kongs traditions of openness and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression. These principles are enshrined in the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, Battu-Henriksson said. These principles are an integral part of Hong Kong's continuing success and we expect them to be upheld. This article Human Rights Watch chief Kenneth Roth says barring him from Hong Kong is sad and troubling reflection of Beijing pressure first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. The new environmental tax on oil transit through Belarus does not apply to Russia and will be paid by Gomeltransneft Druzhba pipeline operator, a source in the Belarusian oil industry, familiar with preparations of the draft decree, told Sputnik on Monday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th January, 2020) The new environmental tax on oil transit through Belarus does not apply to Russia and will be paid by Gomeltransneft Druzhba pipeline operator, a source in the Belarusian oil industry, familiar with preparations of the draft decree, told Sputnik on Monday. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed late last week a decree, under which the tax will be imposed. Apart from that, the decree stipulates that a 50 percent profit tax rate has been set to enable funding of removal of possible consequences of oil pipelines accidents and other accidents related to oil transportation through the country. "Work on the draft decree was conducted during the past year, there were several options of the document. As far as I know, there were plans to impose a fixed [environmental] tax in the amount of 35 [Belarusian] kopecks [$0.17] for 100 tonne-kilometres [of pumped oil] ... The last variant of the decree has not been published officially yet, it is just known that it has been signed ... But it is suggested that Gomeltransneft Druzhba will pay this tax as the operator of the Belarusian sector of the Druzhba pipeline, [Russian] Transneft will not pay anything. This does not anyhow apply to the Russian side at all," the source said. The "Jeopardy!" category was "Where's that Church?" The clue, for $200, was about an ancient basilica, "built in the 300s A.D.," in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. And the answer? That might depend on who you ask. But the one deemed correct on Friday's episode has plunged the TV game show straight into criticism - and deep into the heart of debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Just after host Alex Trebek read the prompt about the Church of the Nativity, contestant Katie Needle was first to buzz. Responding in the show's standard question-as-answer format, she said, "What is Palestine?" But Trebek told Needle, a retail supervisor from Brooklyn, that she was wrong. Then contestant Jack McGuire buzzed in, saying, "What is Israel?" "That's it," Trebek said, awarding $200 to the tourism consultant from San Antonio, Texas. While that total made little difference - Needle, who was already in the lead, ended up winning the episode anyway - the answer behind it sparked a firestorm of controversy over the weekend, as prominent commentators and pro-Palestinian activists demanded an apology from "Jeopardy!" for misstating the location of the historic church. "The Church of the Nativity is in Bethlehem, which is Palestine, NOT Israel," said Scott Roth, the publisher of the progressive Jewish website Mondoweiss. "The woman answered Palestine and you ruled her wrong." "Unacceptable!!" Omar Baddar, deputy director of the Arab American Institute, wrote on Twitter. "Katie Needle got the correct answer & was robbed . . . @Jeopardy owes an apology for endorsing Israel's universally-condemned illegal takeover of Palestinian lands." Representatives for Sony Pictures Television, which produces "Jeopardy!", did not immediately respond to a request for comment. After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel took control of the West Bank and allowed Jewish settlers to move in. But Palestinians and much of the international community consider the area, including Bethlehem, to be illegally occupied Palestinian land. The Church of the Nativity, considered by many to be the birthplace of Jesus, sits by a white-stoned square in the heart of Bethlehem near the controversial concrete barrier that encircles the West Bank. UNESCO, which considers the church to be a World Heritage Site, lists it as one of three such locations in Palestine. So for many of those who slammed "Jeopardy!" over the weekend, the trivia answer was more than, well, trivial. It was a commentary, implicit or not, on a hotly contested and deeply emotional question in Middle East geopolitics. The Oslo accords of 1995 give control over Bethlehem and the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority, though that is complicated by Israeli settlements and military checkpoints. Under a historic "Status Quo" agreement, the church and other holy sites near in the area must be jointly shared and protected by various Christian denominations. James Zogby, a Democratic pollster and co-founder of the Arab American Institute, slammed the "Jeopardy!" episode as "an insult to history, reality, [and] the thousands of oppressed Palestinians of Bethlehem." "This is outrageous," Zogby, a former DNC executive committee member, wrote on Twitter. "If 'Israel' had been the answer, it would have been bad enough. But the fact that she gave 'Palestine' as the thought answer and was told it was wrong makes this an outrage." Code Pink, the liberal antiwar group, even created an online petition, demanding that "Jeopardy!" "immediately apologize for the politically dangerous inaccuracy that took place on your show." As a 19-second clip of the video was viewed more than 1.3 million times over the weekend, some eagle-eyed viewers on Twitter and Reddit started to get suspicious. Following Needle's wrong answer, they noted, the show went to commercials with her score listed as $4,600, but returned from the break showing it as $4,800 - with seemingly no explanation for the increase. The score for McGuire, who won the clue with "Israel," remained unchanged. Normally, if a right answer is later deemed to be incorrect, Trebek addresses the issue on-air. What happened? One audience member at the taping of Friday's episode seems to have an answer: The Church of the Nativity question was never supposed to air at all. When the episode went to break inside the studio, the show's producers began huddling offstage, an audience member told The Washington Post. Most breaks during that day's taping had been only about eight minutes, and this one had reached twice that length. "It was obvious that something was wrong," said the audience member, who requested to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the situation. Once the show started filming again, she recounted, it was as if Trebek and the producers had turned back the clock: Scores for Needle and McGuire had both gone back to what they had been immediately before the host read out the Church of the Nativity clue. Then, Trebek and the three contestants taped an entirely new question, with an entirely different $200 clue. Mysteriously, it seems as though that question never made it to air. Needle, who has won a two-day total of $53,602 and will continue competing in Monday's episode, used the controversy as a chance to express her own views on the conflict. Last year, she visited a Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem, and later shared a petition in support of Palestinian children detained by Israeli authorities. On Friday, she wrote on Twitter, "Palestine should be free." 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 By Ben Christopher | CalMatters If you're confused about how to vote in California's presidential primary, you're in good company with Susan Sarandon. At the beginning of January, the "Thelma and Louise" actress and Sanders enthusiast issued a public service announcement on Twitter: "California voters: make sure to switch from independent to democrat (sic) in order to vote for ?@BernieSanders." Just one problem: She's wrong. Political independents (known in California election parlance as "no party preference" voters) do not need to switch parties to vote in the Democratic presidential primary -- the just need to request a Democratic ballot first. Technically, Sarandon was retweeting the account @TimOnTheTractor -- but Tim (presumably) doesn't have an Academy Award. He also doesn't have 653,000 Twitter followers to misinform. To be fair, the minutiae of California election law is really confusing! And Sarandon is hardly alone. Election day in California is March 3, but already social media has become a bipartisan chorus of wrongness about the what, how and why of the state's presidential primary. If you're unsure about how to get the ballot you want, why things here are so complicated or what presidential primaries are all about, here are four things to know before you vote: THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY WILL NOT USE THE FAMILIAR "TOP TWO" BALLOT California voters can be forgiven for assuming that political party registration doesn't really matter. In 2010 voters backed a measure to create the state's nonpartisan "top two" election system, in which all primary voters fill out a ballot with every candidate on it -- regardless of either the voter's or the candidate's political party. The top two winners then move on to the general election ballot -- even if they're both from the same party. In races for state legislative and congressional seats, the top two method will still reign on the 2020 ballot. But when you vote in the presidential primary, it's back to the old partisan system: Democrats on the Democratic ballot, Republicans on the Republican ballot, and so on. So while voting in California usually goes like this under the top two: (Courtesy of CalMatters) In the presidential primary, it looks a little more like this: (Courtesy of CalMatters) NO PARTY PREFERENCE VOTERS: PAY ATTENTION! Registered Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians and other party members, rest assured. You are guaranteed a primary ballot with all of your party's presidential contenders on it. But voters who don't belong to a political party -- the fastest growing voting block in the state -- will have to navigate a more daunting set of obstacles to cast a presidential primary vote. Some parties have "members only" policies: The Republican Party The Green Party The Peace and Freedom Party If you want to vote in one of these three primaries, you'll have to join that party. You can't do it as a member of any other party, or even as a "no party preference" independent. No exceptions. The following three parties do allow political independents to cast ballots in their presidential primaries: The Democratic Party The Libertarian Party The American Independent Party (which is the party's name and not to be confused with being a party-less political independent) But -- and this is an important caveat -- these voters do have to specifically request the ballot they want. For those who vote in person, this is a cinch. Just go into your polling place when it's time to vote and ask. But independents who vote by mail need to let your county know which ballot they want ahead of time. Maybe you received a postcard that looks like this: (Courtesy of CalMatters) If so, and you filled it out and mailed it back, you should be all set. If you missed the deadline or lost the card, and you're not going to vote in person, email or call your county registrar's office and let them know which ballot you want. L.A. County voters: Dean Logan, Registrar - Recorder/County Clerk 12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1024, Norwalk, CA 90651-1024 Phone: (800) 815-2666 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Email: voterinfo@rrcc.lacounty.gov Website Orange County voters: Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters 1300 South Grand Avenue, Bldg. C Santa Ana, CA 92705 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11298 Santa Ana, CA 92711 Phone (714) 567-7600 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m Email: ocvoter@ocgov.com Website Riverside County voters: Rebecca Spencer, Registrar of Voters 2724 Gateway Drive Riverside, CA 92507-0918 Phone: (951) 486-7200 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Email: rovweb@co.riverside.ca.us Website San Bernardino County voters: Bob Page, Registrar of Voters 777 E. Rialto Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92415-0770 Phone: (909) 387-8300 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Email: rovwebmail@rov.sbcounty.gov Website Ventura County voters: Mark A. Lunn, County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters 800 S. Victoria Avenue Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza Ventura, CA 93009-1200 Phone: (805) 654-2664 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Website If you live in another county, you can find the contact information here. And if you've already received a ballot in the mail and were disappointed by the lack of presidential candidates, do not fill it out. You can always request a new ballot, but trying to vote twice is frowned upon (and also punishable as "voter fraud") . The California Secretary of State's office has an all-in-one website where you can check your registration status, register or change your party affiliation online, and learn more about the presidential primary. You can make registration changes online through February 18. After that, you'll have to do it in person -- which you can do up to and even on Election Day itself. (Side note: Anyone registered under the "American Independent Party" is considered to be a member of that party, not an independent voter. "No party preference" is the designation for voters who do not affiliate with a party. Yes, it's very confusing. Want to know more? Our friends at the L.A. Times took a hard look at this a few years ago>>) L.A. AND ORANGE COUNTIES ARE AMONG 15 DOING THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY If you live in one of the counties highlighted below, voting might look a little different this year. In 2016, California passed the "Voter Choice Act," a law aimed at modernizing the state's election system, such that: Every registered voter gets a ballot in the mail Voters are no longer required to go to a specific polling place, but can vote at any number of voting centers or drop-off points Voters can cast their ballots in person beginning 11 days before, and up to and including, Election Day In 2018, five counties (Madera, Napa, Nevada, Sacramento, and San Mateo) rolled out the new system. This year, 10 more will join their ranks, including L.A. and Orange counties. That's fifteen counties in all containing 49% of the state population. This is key for "no party preference" voters living in these counties who may not get the ballot they want in the mail. See the previous section for details. Want more information on the changes? Our political reporter Libby Denkmann has more about changes to how we vote and the races to watch in Southern California >> DELEGATE MATH CAN BE COMPLICATED In state legislative races, the electoral calculations are straightforward: The two candidates who earned the most votes, regardless of party, move on to the final voting round in November. But the math is trickier in the presidential primary: citizen votes are used to select party convention delegates, who then select the party's nominee for the White House. Let's focus on the Democratic contest, which is bound to be the most interesting one. Nationwide there will be 4,532 Democratic delegates, 495 come from California. In the Golden State, presidential hopefuls can earn delegates three ways: By winning a large share of the statewide vote. By winning a large share of the vote in any one of the state's 53 congressional districts. By successfully schmoozing party leaders. The 144 statewide delegates are awarded in proportion to a candidate's performance across the state -- up to a point. To take a recent polling average average from FiveThirtyEight as a hypothetical election result, if Joe Biden wins 23% of the California vote, he would win the support of at least 23% of those statewide delegates. Why "at least"? Party rules require candidates to demonstrate a baseline level of electoral viability: they only earn delegates if they win at least 15% of the vote. Only three candidates exceed that threshold in the polls: Biden with 23%, Sen. Bernie Sanders with 22% and Sen. Elizabeth Warren with 17%. By that math, Biden would get 36% of the delegates because he earned 36% of the primary vote split just among the candidates who exceeded the benchmark. Another 272 delegates are awarded by congressional district. That gives candidates who have strong support in a particular region of the state an opportunity to earn delegates even if they don't perform well overall. But not all districts are created equal. The Democratic Party assigns between 4 and 7 delegates to each district depending on the number of Democratic voters who live and vote there. Thus, San Francisco gets 7, while the state's rural, conservative northeastern district gets 4. For these delegates, the proportional logic is the same but at a smaller scale: delegates are divvied up among candidates who earn more than 15% of the vote in each district. The last 79 delegates are composed of the party elite -- people like Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state's sitting members of Congress, the top members of the state party. They automatically get a spot at the convention. They're also "superdelegates," meaning they can vote for whomever they want. But superdelegates don't have as much power as they used to, thanks to a post-2016 change in the party rules designed to wrest some control from the party establishment. When regular delegates first vote for the nominee at their convention in Milwaukee next July, super-delegates will have to sit out the vote. It's only if a candidate doesn't win a majority of delegate votes outright in the first round do the superdelegates then get to weigh in. The last time that happened: 1952. This story was originally published on CalMatters website on Jan. 10. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 21:04:42|Editor: yhy Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will kick off its annual "Piano Virtuosos" series on Tuesday, with 15 world-famous pianists presenting music pieces of different genres. Fifteen piano masters including Chinese pianists Yin Chengzong, Lang Lang, French classical pianist Philippe Entremont and Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder will stage 16 concerts throughout the year. As the year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, the NCPA Piano Virtuosos will feature nine concerts centered the compositions of Beethoven to join the global commemoration of the great composer. Initiated in 2011, the NCPA Piano Virtuosos has invited over 90 world-class pianists to give performances that combine classic works and modern elements. The JNUTA has also given a call for 'non-cooperation' in academic matters over a range of issues, including that of fee hike and the 5 January violence New Delhi: The students and teachers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Monday boycotted classes amid standoff with the administration over the fee hike issue. The classes were supposed to begin on Monday but could not start due to the collective boycott. The students' union had earlier said it will ensure registration by paying only the tuition fees and not the increased hostel charges but kept the decision on hold after it found that the administration had blocked the registration portal for many students. The teachers' association has also given a call for 'non-cooperation' in academic matters over a range of issues, including that of fee hike and the 5 January violence. Teachers and students have been demanding the sacking of Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. KIGALI The Rwanda government has deported four Ugandans who had spent close to a week in custody. In a move interpreted as reciprocating Kampalas release of Rwandans over a week ago, Rwanda security forces on Saturday, January 11, transported the four Ugandans and handed them over to Immigration officials at Katuna border post in Kabale District. Those released are Samuel Arinaitwe, Ernest and Ambrose Twesigomwe, who are residents of Kabale District. Speaking to journalists, the group said they had been detained at Mirundi Police Station but that they were not tortured. We had crossed into Rwanda to look for our relative who was mentally ill and had crossed into Rwanda without our knowledge, Mr Bangirana said. He added that for all the time they were in the police cell, they were fed on boiled maize seeds and water. On reaching Gatuna the Rwandan security officials took our photographs, photocopied our National Identity cards before they handed us to the Ugandan immigration officials at Katuna, Mr Bangirana added. Agaba said that the cell was also clean and contained at least 40 inmates, including some other Ugandans. Rwandas action is the complete opposite of several recent incidents when they have shot and killed several Ugandans caught crossing the border. This comes a week after Uganda released nine Rwandans earlier charged over espionage, an act Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kuteesa said was a gesture indicated that Kampala wants to mend relations between the two countries. He also appealed to Kigali to reciprocate. Related Reports shared on Facebook of kidnapping attempts at central Pennsylvania shopping areas are false, state police in Adams County said on Monday. People who had seen the warnings had contacted state police at Gettysburg wanting more information, said Trooper Megan Frazer. Frazer said there have been no confirmed kidnapping attempts. If any incident of this kind would occur, the Pennsylvania State Police would inform the public and the media immediately. If anyone has witnessed a crime or suspicious behavior, we encourage you to contact your local police department, an announcement from state police said. In the event of a serious incident such as attempts to kidnap children, state police would quickly inform the news media and further inform the public via its Facebook page, its Twitter account focused on Harrisburg area counties, or its website containing news releases, Frazer said. Frazer further said people in need of emergency information can contact the state police station serving their area. After Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen swept to a landslide victory in's general elections, China said on that the democratic island's "separatists" would "leave a 10,000-year stink." Tsai saw off China's preferred candidate Han Kuo-yu, garnering more than 57 percent of the total vote after she vowed to defend the island's way of life against threats, infiltration and saber rattling by China to win a second term in office. Chinese state councilor and top diplomat Wang Yi said China wouldn't alter its view on Taiwan as a result of Tsai's resounding victory, saying it has a "consensus" with the international community that the island is part of China. "This consensus won't alter a bit because of a local election on Taiwan, and will not be shaken because of the wrong words and actions of certain Western politicians," Wang added, in an apparent reference to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who congratulated Tsai for dealing with "unrelenting pressure." "Those who split the country will be doomed to leave a stink for 10,000 years," said Wang, who used to head China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Tsai's election victory came after she stood up to increasingly aggressive rhetoric from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who called last year for "unification," refusing to rule out the use of force to annex Taiwan. Tsai responded by saying that Taiwan's 23 million people -- who are ruled under the KMT-founded 1911 Republic of China that fled to the island in 1949 after losing the civil war -- have no wish to give up their sovereignty. Taiwan was part of Japan for 50 years before being handed back to the 1911 regime, and has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, nor has it formed part of the People's Republic of China. Tsai also argued that the erosion of democratic progress and civil liberties in Hong Kong under China's "one country, two systems" means that Taiwan should never take Beijing seriously when it talks about "unification." 'Face up to reality' In Taipei, the Mainland Affairs Council called on Beijing to respect the outcome of the election. "[Wang] must face up to reality and stop believing his own lies," the council, an administrative department responsible for handling the relationship with China, said in a statement. Wu Qiang, a former politics lecturer at Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University, said Tsai's re-election could prove to be a fundamental turning point for Taiwan. He said the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) had failed to address concerns about growing Chinese influence, with Han avoiding the issue entirely during his campaign. "Tsai Ing-wen resisted Chinese influence with the anti-infiltration law just before the election, defending democracy and opposing one country, two systems," Wu said. "She was targeting younger voters." But he said Beijing is unlikely to soften its stance any time soon. "There will be no fundamental changes to [China's] policy on Taiwan for a long time to come," Wu said. Veteran Chinese journalist Gao Yu said Taiwan would have become unrecognizable if Han had been voted in as president on , and that Hong Kong had indeed served as a warning about one possible future for Taiwan. "Going by the example of Hong Kong, if Han Kuo-yu had won, a lot of the [freedoms] that people in Taiwan currently enjoy would have changed," Gao said. "But the people of Taiwan totally rejected the idea of 'one country, two systems' as mooted by the Chinese Communist Party," she said. "They have defended the sovereignty of 23 million people, as well as their values, their lifestyle and their capitalist system." Pressure from China could get worse U.S.-based legal scholar Teng Biao said Taiwan had made its support for the Hong Kong protest movement abundantly clear, and had taken specific action to support protesters. "This time the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Tsai Ing-wen prevailed," Teng told a discussion forum in Taipei on . "It is widely seen as having played a very important role in Hong Kong's ongoing struggle." "But I think Tsai, during the next four years of her presidency, should step up support for Hong Kong, not just moral and verbal support, but also in the form of more specific actions," he said. The election followed half a year of protests in Hong Kong, which underscored to Taiwan's voters the erosion of democratic progress and civil liberties in Hong Kong under the "one country, two systems" model that China wants to use to rule Taiwan. Tsai told journalists at a news conference after her victory was announced on that she expects pressure from China to continue, and even worsen. Tsai repeatedly said that Taiwan's 23 million people -- who are ruled under the KMT-founded 1911 Republic of China that fled to the island in 1949 after losing the civil war -- have no wish to give up their sovereignty. During the campaign, security agencies and analysts revealed how China had poured funding, fake news and disinformation into Taiwan ahead of the crucial poll. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Chung Kuang-cheng for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Have You Heard Georges Podcast was one of the big winners of the end-of-year lists, topping a number of critics polls as the podcast of the year. You always know, with myriad art forms, when you see or hear something new, when it feels important. This show from George the Poet is that. A London rapper/MC whose spoken word pieces have soundtracked the likes of the opening of the BBCs royal wedding coverage in 2018, George Mpanga, 29 today, studied politics, sociology, and psychology at Cambridge University and thought he was on course for a career in public life before he discovered rapping and performance. All of this feeds into his podcast, the first season of which won gold in five categories at last years BritishPodcast Awards, prompting the BBC to sweep him up for his second season. From the outset, it instantly feels fresh, exciting and influential, as George, speaking in free-flowing verse, melds myriad genres into a show that demands your attention. Telling your own story is the secret of survival, he says on the first of the eight episodes that comprise season one. He explores his train of thought, incarceration of black people in Britain, and the war on drugs all in a matter of minutes. Running throughout the series are snippets of songs, George acting as a tastemaker, explaining at one point: There are two ways of listening to rap: you can focus on whats missing or take a deeper look at whats there. A Grenfell Story, meanwhile, is like a radio drama that will stop you in your tracks. Its one of the most affecting hours of audio. Despite the heavy topics, the podcast is playful, breaking the fourth wall as George ponders if a topic is too tough, whether he should rerecord a line, talks with his producer, and preempts #notallwhitepeople criticism. Paul Carter, who works on the podcast, told the New York Times recently: Were not podcasters. Were making audio stories. "Theres an emerging field in podcasting that is art, and art saying different things: Thats where we fit. Expect many copycats in the next year. YOUVE GOT TO HEAR THIS: That Peter Crouch Podcast is back after a hiatus in the second half of last year. Its as irreverent as ever as the former Liverpool star discusses why he retired and just what makes a great captain. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 21:36:57|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Photo taken on Jan. 12, 2020 shows the ingredients of making eight-treasure rice pudding, including raisins, Chinese wolfberries and honey dates, at a workshop in Zunyi, southwest China's Guizhou Province. It is a peak season for food companies in Zunyi to produce eight-treasure rice pudding, so that they can meet the market needs ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival. (Photo by Luo Xinghan/Xinhua) The Department of Energy has agreed to comply with a request from watchdog American Oversight to begin producing records related to former Secretary Rick Perrys communications with key figures in the Trump-Ukraine investigation, according to a joint status update filed Monday. Why it matters: The agency will release its first batch of records on Jan. 28, which could coincide with the Senate impeachment trial. Further document productions are scheduled for Feb. 4 and March 16. The big picture: American Oversight filed a FOIA lawsuit in October seeking records from Perry, Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette and other officials possibly involved in the administrations efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Trump's political opponents. Perry led a delegation to attend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's inauguration in May 2019 and met with Ukrainian officials three other times. Axios also reported in October that Trump told House Republicans that he made his now infamous phone call to Zelensky at the urging of Perry. Go deeper: Pelosi says she doesn't regret decision to hold articles of impeachment The worlds powerful and ambitious meet in Switzerland this month to advance common interests. In some instances, those interests might encompass the hopes of an electorate; in others, they might extend to shareholders or, occasionally, the demands of a society with a certain kind of administration. However, in a world where resources are ever-more concentrated, it is difficult not to see the World Economic Forum, at Davos, as an annual victory party for the rawest kind of capitalism. The event might be fairly described as The Oscars for The Market. That is why Oxfam tries to set a context, and a challenge, by publishing an annual report on how the rich get richer, just as Davos delegates eye each other at at pre-conference cocktail parties. Last year, Oxfam recorded that 26 people then owned the same wealth as the poorest half of the global population. That figure was 43 in 2017, showing how quickly and resolutely resources are being concentrated. It may be tightened further this year. Those findings, consistent over a number of years now, echo a House of Commons report that warns that the worlds richest 1% are likely to control as much as two-thirds of the worlds wealth by the end of this decade. This, like climate change, hardly augurs well and must make social instability a real prospect. Those may be the grand headlines, but there are myriad everyday examples. Just last week, Boeings chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg, sacked amid the worst crisis in the companys history, was given a golden handshake worth more than $60m. Though unexceptional at that high-octane strata, his package begs an obvious question what kind of a package might he have secured had he been successful? At the other end of the spectrum, the French unions that have protested for more than a month over pension reforms can record a modest victory. Prime minister Edouard Philippe withdrew a proposal that would raise the pension age from 62 to 64. In Ireland, the qualifying age for a state pension rises to 67 next year and to 68 in 2028. That this reform was imposed without any real protest is another confirmation that the Irish trade union movement and its political arm, the Labour party, are irrelevant outside the public sector, where those changes will have little or no impact. These issues, and many more, including an escalating, worldwide housing crisis, point to a political reluctance to confront or even constrain the credo in play. That seems more than unwise, especially as todays world offers frightening examples of what happens when obvious warnings are ignored. Climate change will exacerbate poverty and drive accelerated migration. It is impossible, too, to argue that our tax policies, so beneficial to our economy, do not play a small part in this Davos-isation of our world. An election looms and the attention given to these issues will say a lot about us and our principles. The next Dail can do little enough about the worlds Muilenburgs, but there is an awful lot to do to make this a more equal society and ensure that everyone gets even a small slice of the cake, rather than just an occasional crumb from a very well-stocked table. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hikmat Hardono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 15:21 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321f22b1 3 Opinion Education,poverty,SMERU,school,East-Nusa-Tenggara Free One afternoon at the end of 2014, several volunteer teachers sat in a circle under the palm trees of a host family in a village in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Jerry cans were lying around in one corner of the yard while in another, a wood-burning stove was still warm after it was used to process nira (neera) the palm nectar that had been tapped from lontar palms that morning. Farli, a young teacher with the Indonesia Mengajar movement, was telling us about the bustle in Mukekuku village in East Rote, Rote Ndao regency, where he was assigned. He also shared the village's hopes for and challenges of education. The other young teachers occasionally chimed in with stories from their assigned villages. Eight young teachers had been assigned that year to eight different schools across Rote Ndao, and I was attending the programs mid-year reflection session. On that particular day, we were scheduled to visit Inpres Oeulu elementary school where Farli taught in his assigned village. The villagers were uncommonly busy. In the early mornings, they were busy tapping nira from the lontar palm tree, which was immediately processed into sugar or sopi, a traditional local drink. The bustling activity ended every day at around 9 a.m. Therein lay the problem; at least from our perspective as residents of Jakarta. The local children were often late to class or skipped school altogether because they were helping their parents tap and process nira. Student attendance during nira season was low, although the teachers had tried to convince parents to send their children to school. It was not that the parents did not want their children to go to school; they simply could not afford to skip the nira harvest, which typically lasts three months. The income they made from tapping nira during those three months sustained their families for the entire year. Seasonal conditions like this in Mukekuku are common in many of the areas where Indonesia Mengajar volunteers are assigned. In the villages of Fakfak regency, West Papua, children occasionally skip school because they must help their families harvest nutmeg. During fishing season at some islands, entire families go out to sea to catch fish, thus lowering student attendance. For people who live in Jakarta and other urban areas, quality education is pursued by ensuring student attendance during a school year that matches their daily lives: their children attend school from morning to afternoon, except on national and school holidays. Strict attendance during the school year may only be appropriate for urban children or those of farming families in Java. Rice farmers in Java generally work throughout the year, especially in areas with good irrigation, sometimes planting other crops during the dry season. They leave early in the morning and go home late in the afternoon, and do not need to accommodate the westerly monsoon winds or seasonal harvests like Rote or Fakfak do in eastern Indonesia. The complexity of diverse local practices raises concerns, not only in terms of schooling but also in educational philosophy. If modern education believes that each child possesses unique intelligence and it is the teacher who must therefore adapt their approach to each child, then shouldnt we also adjust our approach to their learning, including when they attend school, to their way of life and their environment? Surely, we can find a learning approach that accommodates to nira and pepper harvesting seasons, just as educators have found multiple approaches to accommodate the diverse intelligence of children. At least in the past decade and in the nine years since Indonesia Mengajar was founded, various policies have been developed confirm the singular policy approach, including the National Exam (UN), the 2013 Curriculum and the school zoning system. The new Education and Culture Minister, Nadiem Makarim, is looking to do away with the National Exam amid other planned changes. Yet our findings confirm that the one-size-fits-all policy rarely works and instead prompts adaptations that deviate from its objectives. The one-size-fits-all policy is generally implemented nationwide, relying on regulatory enforcement instead of consensual stakeholder engagement, and follows a rigid schedule. The most significant characteristic of such policies is that they are often technical in that they overload their key beneficiaries, the students. Take the National Exam, which basically pressures students to achieve certain learning outcomes instead of urging other education actors like teachers, education offices and the education ministry to work harder in improving student learning outcomes. The consequences of this system seems to fall squarely on the students' shoulders and not on other education actors that actually have the resources and capacities. When the National Exam scores drop, it is the students who bear the consequences; there is no penalty for officials in the education offices or the ministry. Likewise, the school zoning system aims to achieve educational equality, but it places the heaviest burden on students rather than other education actors. It is the students who must make the adjustments so the state can realize its education equality goals, whereas it is the state that should be the one to carry the heaviest load by distributing qualified teachers to all schools. Good teachers adapt with the needs of their students; the state should ideally familiarize itself with student needs. A one-size-fits-all education policy has never been able to answer the challenges of our students diverse socioeconomic conditions. With all its resources and capacities, the state should be able to accommodate the diversity of its students, including formulating multiple policies for each child, family and the environment in which they live and work. *** The writer is the chair of Yayasan Indonesia Mengajar (Indonesia Teaches Foundation) and a board member of the RISE Program in Indonesia. This article was first published on the RISE website. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. [January 13, 2020] eG Innovations Powers Citrix Global Unified Demo Infrastructure eG Innovations, a world leader in providing application and infrastructure monitoring solutions, announced today that Citrix (News - Alert) has chosen the eG Enterprise end-to-end application and infrastructure monitoring solution to power its global demo infrastructure. Citrix's demo infrastructure is a unified set of applications and infrastructure that supports demos used to showcase the company's solutions at its global briefing centers, industry events, and customer/partner facing conferences, such as Citrix Synergy (News - Alert) and Citrix Summit, around the world. For over five years consecutively, Citrix has relied on the monitoring intelligence of eG Enterprise to power demo environments for its annual Summit and Synergy conferences. Now, this partnership is being extended to add global briefing centers and industry events that Citrix participates in. Srinivas Ramanathan, CEO of eG Innovations, said, "We are very pleased that Citrix has chosen eG Enterprise to monitor their global unified demo infrastructure. Ensuring performance success for customers and partners is one of our foremost objectives. We now have a bigger opportunity to work with Citrix and help their team deliver an excellent demo experience across their worldwide briefing centers and tradeshows." "At Citrix, our mission is to deliver a superior user experience in both our digital workspaces and physical locations and events," said Ed Duncan, Senior Technical Marketing Engineer, Citrix. "With eG Innovations, we have an innovative solution we can use to manage and monitor our demo ifrastructure in a simple unified way, which empowers our employees and partners to perform at their best and delight our customers." eG Innovations is a Silver Sponsor at Citrix Summit 2020, which will be held in Orlando, Florida. Visit booth #405 at Summit to see a live demonstration of eG Enterprise's digital workspace monitoring capabilities. eG Enterprise is widely used by Citrix partners for performance assessments, 24x7 monitoring, capacity bottleneck analysis and planning, troubleshooting and diagnosis, optimization and for health checks post migration, and upgrades. See eG Enterprise in action as you visit the Citrix training labs at Citrix Summit. For more information about Citrix Summit, visit www.citrixsummit.com. For more information about eG Innovations, visit www.eginnovations.com/Citrix. About eG Innovations eG Innovations is dedicated to helping businesses across the globe transform IT service delivery into a competitive advantage and a center for productivity, growth, and profit. Many of the world's largest businesses use eG Enterprise technologies to enhance IT service performance, increase operational efficiency, ensure IT effectiveness, and deliver on the ROI promise of transformational IT investments across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Visit us at www.eginnovations.com or on Twitter (News - Alert) at @eGInnovations. All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005031/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ROGERS, Ohio Michael Baer, 18, has been on both sides of auctions. He grew up in 4-H, selling market chickens and hogs each year at the Columbiana County Fair. But he also grew up working for his familys business, Baer Auctioneers-Realty LLC, which sells at the auction at the Columbiana County Fair. Its really cool, actually, Baer said. Sometimes, my dad would get to sell my 4-H animal. Now, he is set to be part of the fourth generation of auctioneers in the Baer family, which owns Rogers Community Auction and Flea Market in Rogers, Ohio. Family legacy Emmet Baer, an auctioneer, founded Rogers in 1955. His son and Michaels grandfather, Jim Baer, eventually took it over as the second generation. Now, it is run by Baers father, Bill Baer, and uncles, Ken and Wade Baer. Ive been a part of it my whole life, so really, I pretty much knew from the start that thats what I wanted to do, Michael Baer said. Its a lot of work, but its a lot of fun Sometimes it doesnt feel like youre even at work. Sales He started helping out at Saturday sales when he was about 12. He used to help hand out items or hold them up during the auction for buyers to see. The auction atmosphere at those sales its just really a lot of fun, he said. By the time he started at Crestview High School, he knew he wanted to stick with it. At 16, he started working, doing maintenance and setting up or tearing down before and after auctions. On a Wednesday in January, it was quieter at Rogers than it is on summer flea market days, but there was still work to do. They were getting ready for the January online consignment auction. For online consignment sales, Baer helps unload items from a long, white trailer into a barn. Then, he and other workers tag and take pictures of each item to put online. The online stuff is really taking off now, he said. Thats what its all going to. They were also getting ready for their weekly hay sale. Baer pointed out the bales stacked in a pavilion, noting that hay often sells well in the winter. He helps set up and tear down for hay sales and other auctions. Education In 2019, the same year he graduated from high school, Baer spent part of December at Reppert Auction School in Indianapolis. My whole family went there, Baer said. The program is 10 days long, with 13 hour-days. Students learn about the basics of auctioneering, and the laws and business principles auctioneers need to run their own business or continue someone elses. Since he grew up around the family business, Baer already knew most of the basic auctioneering the program went over, but the law and business ideas were new to him. Theres a lot that I think anybody can pretty much learn there, cause theres a lot that you dont realize when youre not behind the desk in the office doing all the paperwork and contracts and everything for the sale, he explained. Baer graduated as part of Class 256 from the school, but he still has to pass two tests and spend a year apprenticing with another auctioneer. COLUMBUS Wade Baer, of Baer Auctioneers-Realty LLC, in Rogers, Ohio, was named the 2020 Ohio Auctioneers Association president at the annual conference Jan. 4. Brad McGovern, auctioneer and realtor with Baer Auctioneers, was named the 2020 OAA junior division bid calling champion and elected to the board of directors at the conference. McGovern attended Reppert Auction School in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2016, and began apprenticing under Baer soon after. He later attended Hondros College of Business, in Akron, Ohio, for the Ohio real estate salesperson pre-licensing program and then received his Ohio Auction and Real Estate Licenses. His apprenticeship test is set for Jan. 14. After he passes it, he will be able to apprentice for a year with his dad, and then can take a test to get the license. Future Baer plans to stick with the family business. He is thinking about becoming a real estate agent too, someday, like many other auctioneers do. For now, he is working at Rogers, setting up signs to advertise sales, helping with general maintenance and working on auctions, and getting ready to raise a market hog for his final year in 4-H. He went to the Ohio Auctioneers Associations annual conference for 2020 in early January for the first time, along with some of his family and other auctioneers who work with Baer Auctioneers-Realty. He hopes to eventually join the association, and possibly the National Auctioneers Association as well to get more involved with the business side of auctioneering. by Peter Tran Catholics are a small minority and represent only 1.38 of the provinces population. For decades, priests were in short supply. However, the faithful are very religious, they engage in works of charity and show mutual affection, noted the bishop. As the Year of the Rat approaches, Bishop Hoang calls for greater attention for young people. Hanoi (AsiaNews) In anticipation of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, on 25 January, the parishes of the Diocese of Bac Ninh, northern Vietnam, met on 8-11 January with Bishop Cosma Hoang Van at to take stock of the pastoral work done in the lunar year that is about to end and plan for the one that is about to begin so as to respond to the opportunities and challenges faced by the mission of evangelisation. Bac Ninh province has a population of more than 9 million with a small Catholic community of about 140,000 people or 1.38 per cent of the total. The diocese can count on 96 priests, who serve in 77 parish churches and 263 chapels. Local churches lack room to teach catechism to children, and many young couples are forced to migrate to the city to look for work. As a result, many grandparents have to raise children. This often prevents them from going church to pray or attend Mass. Still, We thank God, said Bishop Hoang. Generally, Catholics of this diocese are very devoted. In the past, some parishes had no priests for decades. However, the faithful are very religious, engage in works of charity and show mutual affection. This shows the strength of their faith. The bishop is keen to promote pastoral outreach, and insists that parish priests pay special attention to young people, explain to couples Church teachings on marriage and carefully prepare children for baptism. For the prelate, this will lay the foundations for a greater youth participation in religious life and catechism. Last Thursday, the 21 parishes in Bac Giang district held their annual meeting at Ngo Xa Church chaired by Bishop Hoang. Twenty priests from 17 communities also took part as did 300 representatives of pastoral committees and Catholic associations. The obstacles that the parishes in Bac Giang are called to overcome are manifold. Our priests are confronted with complex realities in each parish, said the head of the local clergy. However, they stand strong in a spirit of communion and unity, sharing work experiences and organising spiritual retreats. In addition, in cases of illness or problems in the parish, they are always ready to visit and support one another. On Friday, the 10 parishes in Noi Bai district met at Noi Bai parish. During the year that is about to end, that of the Pig (Ky Hoi), local Catholics participated with dedication in the work of the Church, contributing to the proclamation of the Good News through concrete actions and deeds of friendship. In 2020, the district pastoral committee will focus on helping young people. The last district to meet was Bac Ninh. On 11 January, priests and faithful from 19 parishes celebrated a thanksgiving Mass in Tu Ne parish. Before the service, the bishop, the clergy and local Catholics talked for about an hour about their respective work experiences and their impressions of the religious life in the diocese. At the same time, priests and parish pastoral committees highlighted the guidelines for the next Year of the Rat (Canh Ty). Just when we think the KarJenners are scandal-free, at least one member of the reality family always tends to find themselves embroiled in some drama. Though he hasnt been in the spotlight for the past several years, Rob Kardashian is currently going through a major court battle to get sole custody of his three-year-old daughter, Dream. Kardashian shares his only child with his former fiance, Blac Chyna. The pair had a whirlwind but extremely tumultuous relationship and engagement that ended in a rage of leaked nude pictures shortly after Dreams birth. Though Kardashian and Blac Chyna currently share custody the adorable little girl things might change. The former Keeping Up with the Kardashians star just petitioned the court for sole custody of Dream with some shocking allegations against Chyna. It seems like his big sister, Khloe Kardashian is trying to help him win. This is why Rob Kardashian is seeking sole custody of Dream Since their chaotic split in September 2017 where abuse was alleged on both sides, and Kardashian released private nude photos of Chyna the pair have had a custody agreement of Dream that seemingly worked for them. Now all that is changing. TMZ got their hands on sealed court documents that Kardashian filed seeking sole custody of his toddler-aged daughter. In the documents, he accuses Chyna of having parities in her home while Dream is present, of snorting cocaine, and spending upwards of $600 on alcohol per day. Kardashian has also stated that he feels Chynas violent behavior is rubbing off on their daughter. Apparently, Dream has picked up several swear words and has been violent with other children. In the filling, the businessman has asked the Chyna only be allowed supervised visitation with their daughter on the weekends. Khloe Kardashian is helping Rob get sole custody of Dream The sealed court documents also reveal that Khloe Kardashian has been instrumental in helping her brother get sole custody of Dream. She is claiming that her niece has been decidedly more aggressive as of late. The Good American founder has also stated that her niece has said she doesnt want to go to her mothers house. Khloe has always been very close with Dream, a source close to the KarJenners told People. When Rob had custody of her as a baby, Khloe often helped out. She really loves Dream. Khloe will do everything she can to help Rob get custody. She thinks this is best for Dream. A second source told E! News, Khloe has always had a special place for Dream and has almost been like a second mom to her. She always makes a huge effort to include Dream in everything and wants to give her the same things that True and her cousins get to experience. Blac Chyna is denying all of Rob Kardashians allegations Neither the Kardashians nor Chyna has spoken out since the sealed documents were leaked. However, The Real Blac Chyna star did release a statement through her lawyer calling the allegations absolutely absurd. The statement read, Chyna has already overcome many baseless, malicious, and anonymous calls to Child Protective Services that falsely claimed she is an unfit mother. To the contrary, Chyna is a devoted mother who loves both of her childrenKing Cairo and Dream Reneemore than anything in this world. We hope everything works out for Dreams sake. New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has finally broken his silence on the CAA controversy. During a special session of the Bihar State Assembly, Nitish Kumar openly stated that there would be no NRC in the state. A nationwide NRC would be needless (koi zarurat nahin hai) and has no justification (koi auchitya nahin hai). We do not think any such thing is going to take place. I think the prime minister, too, has spoken clearly on this, Nitish Kumar said on the floor of the House. More importantly, Kumar also made a statement on the CAA issue. Amid the protests by the Opposition members, the Bijhar Chief Minister said that should there be a consensus, he is open to the idea of debating the CAA in the Bihar state Assembly. This is the first time that Nitish Kumar has made a statement on the issue that has sparked massive protests across India. Interestingly his Deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi had announced the dates of NPR in Bihar. Modi had said that the update process of the National Population Register (NPR) will be carried out in the state from May 15 to May 28 this year, notwithstanding the West Bengal and Kerala governments' decision to put the exercise on hold in their respective states. The process of preparing NPR began in 2010 during the UPA regime which was completed between April 1 to September 30 that year, he said while addressing media on January 4. Pavan Varmas Open Letter After this, Nitish Kumars confidant Pavan Varma had written an open letter demanding the Bihar Chief Minister to take a stand on the CAA issue. "You have always stood for a secular India... It is for this reason that I appealed to you to reconsider the party's support to the divisive and discriminatory CAB. I was deeply disappointed when my request went unheeded," the letter read. I am greatly surprised that Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi has unilaterally announced that the NPR will be carried out in BiharSince, you have said that Bihar will not have the NRC, it follows that you must say no to the revised NPR as well, Varma wrote in the letter. Prashant Kishors rebellion on Twitter Earlier, senior JDU leader Prashant Kishor had voiced his strong opinion against the citizenship laws. Kishor has been tweeting against the Citizenship Act and the NRC consistently. Kishore had tweeted against the NRC. The argument that no nationwide #NRC has been ANNOUNCED is not convincing as it is not the SAME as clearly stating that there will be No #NRC, he had said on the micro-blogging site. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The growing scepticism of Silicon Valley, sometimes referred to as the "techlash," has spared few major players. In 2019, Facebook was fined nearly $5 billion by the Federal Trade Commission for mishandling user data. Amazon cancelled its plans for a New York City headquarters after residents, union leaders and local legislators contested the idea that the behemoth should receive $3 billion from the state to set up shop. Google, in 2018, faced internal protests over its plans for a censored search engine in China and handling of sexual harassment. The share of Americans who believe that technology companies have a positive impact on society has dropped from 71 per cent in 2015 to 50 per cent in 2019, according to a Pew Research Centre survey. At this year's Golden Globes, Sacha Baron Cohen compared Mark Zuckerberg to the main character in movie JoJo Rabbit: a "naive, misguided child who spreads Nazi propaganda and only has imaginary friends". That these attitudes are shared by undergraduates and graduate students who are supposed to be imbued with high-minded idealism is no surprise. Loading Belce Dogru, who graduated from Stanford with a degree in computer science last year said: "There has definitely been a shift in conversation on campus." Stanford is the second-biggest feeder school for jobs in Silicon Valley, according to data from HiringSolved, a software company focused on recruiting. Some companies pay as much as $US12,000 ($17,000) to advertise at the university's computer science job fairs. "It felt like in my freshman year Google, [data analytics firm] Palantir and Facebook were these shiny places everyone wanted to be. It was like, 'Wow, you work at Facebook. You must be really smart,'" said Dogru, 23. "Now if a classmate tells me they're joining Palantir or Facebook, there's an awkward gap where they feel like they have to justify themselves." Audrey Steinkamp, a 19-year-old at Yale, which sends about 10 per cent of each graduating class into tech, said that taking a job in Silicon Valley is seen as "selling out". That is especially true, some of the students said, when a classmate chooses to work for Facebook, whose products have spread disinformation and helped influence a presidential election. "The work you do at a place like Facebook could be harmful at a much larger scale than an investment bank," Dogru said. "It's in the pockets of millions of people, and it's a source of news for millions of people. It's working at a scary scale." Many students still believe that technology can help change the world for good. As Glaser put it for Slate, some of them are opting out of the Big Tech pipeline and trying, instead, "to use technical skills as an insurance policy against dystopia." "Students have an opportunity to look at where they can have the most impact that's in line with their values," said Leslie Miley, a former director of engineering at Google and Slack. "The fact of the matter is Google, Facebook, Twitter are not in line with those values because they're huge companies beholden to a lot of different masters." Still got that college spirit Anna Geiduschek, a software engineer who graduated from Stanford in 2014, was working at Dropbox last year when she received an email from an Amazon Web Services recruiter. She replied that she wouldn't consider a job with the company unless Amazon cut its contract with Palantir. "These companies go out of their way to try and woo software engineers, and I realised it would send a powerful message for me as a potential employee to tell them no," Geiduschek, 27, said. "You could basically cut them off at their supply." Her recruiter responded: "Wow I honestly had no idea. I will run this up to leadership." Days later, Geiduschek received another template email from an Amazon hiring manager, so she scheduled a call and aired her grievances by phone. Some engineers are sharing screenshots of their protest emails on Twitter with the hashtag #TechWontBuildIt. Jackie Luo, an engineer, sent an email to Google saying that she wouldn't consider a job there given its plans to re-enter China with a censored search engine. Kelly Carter, a web developer, emailed a Tesla recruiter with her concerns about the company's anti-union tactics. These protests echo mounting public concerns about the power of these corporations. But it's not clear whether they have moved the needle for prospective hires. Former recruiters for Facebook told CNBC in May that the acceptance rate for full-time engineering job offers at the company had dropped precipitously, as much as 40 per cent. After publication, Facebook disputed the figure; the company "regularly ranks high on industry lists of most attractive employers," a spokesman said. Data published by LinkedIn showed that tech firms continued to hire at high rates, especially for entry-level employees. But at campus career centres, students are struggling with the dual, and sometimes duelling, desires for prestige and purpose. "It started with millennials, but now Gen Z-ers are getting educated because they want to do good in the world," said Sue Harbour, senior associate director of the career centre at the University of California, Berkeley, which is Silicon Valley's top feeder, according to HiringSolved. "And as we've seen tech companies grow, we've also seen the need for more tech oriented to social responsibility." Good luck changing the culture For years, students were told they could tackle ethical concerns about technology from the inside, working within the mammoth structures of companies like Google. Stapleton said that was part of the company's allure: its ostensible commitment to empowering even its youngest employees to weigh in on critical problems. Stapleton spent 12 years at Google and YouTube. Her weekly emails to staff, she said, were the stuff of corporate legend. In 2012 Larry Page, one of the company's founders, called her onstage to celebrate her work as colleagues presented her with a wooden plaque that read: "The Bard of Google." Then, in 2018, Stapleton helped organise a Google walkout, after reporting in The New York Times revealed that the company gave a $US90 million severance package to Android creator Andy Rubin, who was accused of sexual misconduct. Nissan executives have examined the possibility of breaking away from Renault amid concerns that relations with the longtime French partner have turned dysfunctional after the ouster of former chief Carlos Ghosn, according to a person familiar with the matter. Since last year, Nissan has been exploring the pros and cons of sustaining the alliance, particularly when it comes to engineering and technology sharing, according to the person, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential matters. Those studies predate Ghosn's escape from Japan and were preliminary, so no decision has been made, the person said. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, here on Monday, briefed Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on law and order situation following Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia violence within a month. The meeting took place in North Block in the afternoon. Earlier, Patnaik and Bhalla apprised a 31-member Parliamentary Standing Committee for Home Affairs on Delhi's law and order, which deteriorated during violent protests in Jamia and a series of student protests. The protests were against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which came into force on Friday. The CAA proposes citizenship rights to migrants of six non-Muslim communities facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. According to sources, Patnaik informed Bhalla that as many as 90 people had been arrested in the last one month for involvement in the anti-CAA violent demonstrations and that the law and order situation in the city was under control. Patnaik also briefed Bhalla about a report, prepared by Delhi Police's Joint Commissioner Shalini Singh on the January 5 JNU violence. The JNUSU has claimed that members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS student wing, were behind the violence. The ABVP has denied the allegations. On the Jamia Millia incident in which the university sought a high-level probe into Delhi Police's entry to the university premises and opening of fire against protesters, Patnaik shared a detailed action report with the Home Secretary. The police claimed it had entered the campus in search of "outsiders". Later, it arrested 10 suspects for violence and released the students detained at the police station. It said Jamia students were not among the arrested suspects, some of whom had criminal antecedents. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 05:08:29|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan. 13, 2020. Negotiations between Libya's warring leaders in Moscow are going positively, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday. "We are trying to make the cease-fire in Libya permanent," Erdogan said at a press conference in Ankara with visiting Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ANKARA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Negotiations between Libya's warring leaders in Moscow are going positively, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday. "We are trying to make the cease-fire in Libya permanent," Erdogan said at a press conference in Ankara with visiting Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Erdogan noted that he will attend a meeting in Berlin on Jan. 19 to discuss Libya's peace process, along with Conte and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We have supported the Berlin process in a constructive way and continue to support it," he stated. Appreciating Italy's efforts on the Libyan issue, Erdogan said the Syrian crisis was another topic of their talks. "I stressed that we expect Italy's support for our efforts to maintain the de-escalation status of Idlib," the president said. For his part, Conte said the cease-fire will be a temporary solution and the international community should find a permanent settlement for the Libyan issue. The Berlin process is an important opportunity, he added. Italy would not accept any attempt that will intervene in the sovereignty of Libya, the Italian leader said. Moscow hosts talks for reaching a cease-fire agreement between Khalifa Haftar, commander of the east-based Libyan National Army which has been trying to conquer the capital Tripoli, and Fayez al-Serraj who heads the rival Tripoli-based UN-recognized government. Turkey and Russia brokered the negotiations which came after a cease-fire on Jan. 12 initiated by Ankara and Moscow after 11 months of heavy clashes in Libya. Turkey backs Serraj while Russian military contractors have been deployed alongside Haftar's forces. KABUL - Severe winter weather has struck parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, with heavy snowfall, rains and flash floods that left at least 54 people dead, officials said Monday as authorities struggled to clear and reopen highways and evacuate people to safer places. In Pakistan, where 30 people were reported killed, much of the damage struck southwestern Baluchistan province. Imran Zarkon, chief of provincial disaster management, said 14 died there in the past 24 hours, mainly when roofs collapsed amid heavy snowfall. Heavy snowfall had forced closures of many highways, with some parts in the province under six inches of snow. Eleven people were killed in eastern Punjab province, battered by heavy rains, and five others died in the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir, officials with the state-run emergency service said. The divided Himalayan region has witnessed heavy snow fall in recent days and power cuts have been reported. Emergency services said they were struggling to provide food and other items to snow-hit areas. In Afghanistan, harsh weather conditions led to the death of at least 24 people, according to the ministry for disaster management. The ministrys spokesman, Ahmad Tameem Azimi added that flash floods destroyed 131 residential houses located mostly in the countrys south, west and northern provinces. Hasibullah Shaikhani, a press officer with the disaster management ministry, said most highways in Afghanistan were closed due to heavy snowfall and fears of avalanches. Residents of the Afghan capital, Kabul, where temperatures dropped to -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit), abandoned driving and struggled to get to work on snow-covered roads. ___ Sattar reported from Quetta, Pakistan. Associated Press writers Roshan Mughal and Asim Tanveer in Muzaffarabad and Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report PUNE, India, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Bioplastics Market size is anticipated to witness promising growth on account of the rising awareness about environmental protection worldwide. Fortune Business Insights in their report titled, "Bioplastics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable), By Application (Rigid Packaging, Flexible Packaging, Textiles, Automotive & Transportation, Agriculture & Horticulture, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026," offers a detailed analysis of the market and throws light on major industry developments. Bioplastics Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2015-2026 As per the report, the global Bioplastics Market size will exhibit a CAGR of 16.2% and reach USD 19.93 billion by 2026. The forecast period is set from 2019 to 2026, and the market value as per 2018 was USD 6.04 billion. According to the current Bioplastics Market trend, the market is dominated by the rigid packaging segment with respect to applications. This is on account of high demand from shipping companies that demand sustainable yet sturdy packaging products fit for carrying a heavy load. Report Highlights A 360-degree overview of the market Factors boosting, retracting, challenging and providing opportunities to the market Key industry developments and interesting insights related to Bioplastics Market List of key vendors in the market and prime strategies Other Bioplastics Market trends To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, Click Here: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/bioplastics-market-101940 Surging Demand for Ready-to-eat Food Products will help Promote market for Bioplastics A major Bioplastics Market growth driver is the increasing environmental concerns related to the use of plastic and its harmful effects. This, followed by the rise in demand for alternatives for plastics, is expected to help increase the overall Bioplastics Market size in the forecast period. Besides this, the increasing demand for bioplastics from industries such as pharmaceutical companies and food industries is anticipated to help attract high Bioplastics Market revenues in the forecast period. This is owing to the rise in demand for ready-to-eat food products that require safe packaging materials with low environmental impact. List of the significant Bioplastics Market manufacturers include; Kaneka Takasago Taghleef Industries Genecis Braskem BASF Toray Roquette Succinity GmbH NatureWorks Solvay Danimer Scientific Trifilon Biofase Bioapply Lyondellbasell Avantium PTT MCC biochem Total Corbion NV LCY biosciences Matrica Novamont S.p.A. Other Players Get Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/bioplastics-market-101940 Presence of Robust Automotive Industry to aid in Expansion of Europe Market Geographically, the global Bioplastics Market is dominated by Europe holding about 19% Bioplastics Market share. This percentage is anticipated to reach 25% by the end of 2022 on account of suitable policies adopted by the European state members of France and Italy. Moreover, the presence of a robust automotive industry demanding lightweight vehicles and a rise in demand for bioplastics used for packaging products are further anticipated to help this region continue dominance in the coming years. On the other side, the European Bioplastics 2018 report states that 56% of the overall production of bioplastic was from Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific Bioplastics Market growth is attributable to a new foreign investment law imposed by the Chinese government effective from January 2020. The immensely multiplying packaging industry demands are further expected to help augment the Bioplastics Market growth in the coming years. Joint Venture and Merger and Acquisition Strategies to Help Players Attract High Revenues The key Bioplastics Market manufacturers are entering into partnerships and joint ventures for attracting high Bioplastics Market revenue in the forecast period. Some of the significant market players are PTT MCC Biochem, NatureWorks, Succinity GmbH, and Total Corbion NV. For the manufacturing of PLA, a partnership was signed between PHH, an oil company located in Thailand, and Cargill. Similarly, Corbion NV, a joint venture of Corbion and Total also deals with the production of PLA. Additionally, BASF and Corbion entered into a joint venture forming Succcinity GmbH for the production of Succinic Acid and its derivatives. Other strategies adopted by players include expansion of geographical presence, new product offerings, and multiplication of distribution channels worldwide. Some of the key industry developments in the Bioplastics Market are: December 2018 A new production facility was opened in Rayong Thailand by Total Carboin NV with an annual production capacity of 75KT. It also uses non-GMO sugarcane grown locally for manufacturing high heat PDLA and PLA. January 2019 The acquisition of Buifilm, was completed by Taghleef Industries. Biofilm is a Latin American manufacturing company that produces BOPP film for flexible packaging in industrial applications. Request for Customization https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/bioplastics-market-101940 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 Key Emerging Trends For Major Countries Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc. Latest Technological AdvanBioplastics Insights on Regulatory Scenario Porters Five Forces Analysis Key Insights Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Type Biodegradable Starch Blends Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) Polybutylene succinate (PBS) Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) Other Biodegradables Non-biodegradable Bio-Polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET) Bio-Polyamide (Bio-PA) Bio-Polyethene (Bio-PE) Bio- Polytrimethylene terephthalate (Bio-PTT) Other Non-Biodegradables Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Application Rigid Packaging Flexible Packaging Textiles Automotive & Transportation Agriculture & Horticulture Consumer Goods Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia pacific pacific Rest of World TOC Continued! Order a Single User License Copy: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101940 Have a Look at Related Reports for Bioplastics Market: Food Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Materials (Glass, Metal, Paper & Paperboard, Wood, and Plastics [Polypropylene, Polyethylene, PET, and Others]), By Product (Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible) By Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery & Confectionery, Dairy Products, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Sauces, Dressings and Condiments, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Polyethylene (PE) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE), By End User (Packaging, Automotive, Infrastructure & Construction, Consumer Goods/Lifestyle, Healthcare & Pharmaceutical, Electrical & Electronics, Agriculture, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Paints and Coatings Additives Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Dispersing Agent, Rheology Agent, Leveling Agent, Anti-foaming Agent, Adhesion Promoting Agent, and Others), By Application (Automotive, Architectural, Wood, Industrial, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Polyurethane (PU) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Rigid Foam, Flexible Foam, Molded Foam, Elastomers, Adhesives & Sealants, Coatings, and Others), By Application (Furniture, Construction, Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, Packaging, Footwear, and Others), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Blow Molded Plastics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Resin (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), and Others), By Molding Method (Extrusion Blow Molding, Injection Blow Molding, Stretch Blow Molding, Rotational Blow Molding), By Application (Transportation, Packaging, Building & Construction, Electrical & Electronics), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Polymer Foam Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Polyurethane (PU), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Others), By Application (Automotive, Building & Construction, Packaging, Furniture, Appliances, Apparel and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Polypropylene (PP) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Homopolymer, Copolymer), By End User (Packaging, Automotive, Infrastructure & Construction, Consumer Goods/Lifestyle, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Electrical & Electronics, Agriculture, Others), 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. 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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: [email protected] Fortune Business Insights LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs Read Press Release: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/press-release/bioplastics-market-9499 SOURCE Fortune Business Insights The Roll Lifting Equipment with Geared Rotation is the ideal solution to increase efficiency and improve health and safety conditions. New to Packline Materials Handling, and Ultrasource LLC, the roll handling equipment with vertical spindle equipment is designed for the lifting and rotation of rolls of film, foil, paper and various packaging materials which have a core diameter of 3 inches (75mm). This roll handling solution is suitable for clean room, high care environments such as those found in the food, drinks and pharmaceutical industries. The Vertical Spindle Attachment has a gearbox with manual handwheel for the rotation to and from the vertical to horizontal orientations. A further handwheel provides the roll gripping and release action. The rolls are securely gripped by the core. This mechanism has a torque limiter fitted so that the clamping fingers do not over or under tighten in the core. This enables the operator to lift rolls with complete confidence and safety. The attachment has been designed to provide a high load capacity with great strength and durability as well as improved wear resistance providing an enhanced ease of use with a simple and safe action. This attachment is manufactured from stainless steel and anodised aluminium which makes it entirely suitable for the pharmaceutical and food industries and other hygienic applications. Furthermore, it is backed up by a full bespoke design service so ensuring that the right solution can be made to suit most reels. All Packline attachments are fully interchangeable and can be easily fitted or removed from any model of Compac lifting machine that is fitted with the quick release system. This attachment is also available with manual and powered roll rotation. This reel handling equipment has a 440lbs (200kg) maximum lifting capacity however, larger capacities (and to suit greater roll widths), are available on request. All Packline attachments are fully interchangeable and can be easily fitted or removed from any model of Packline Compac lifting machine that is fitted with the quick release system. Furthermore, they are backed up by a full bespoke design service so ensuring that the right solution can be made to suit most rolls. This stainless-steel roll lifting machine is suitable for use in the following industries: Food Drinks and Beverages Dairy Pharmaceutical Medical Chemical FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) The purpose-designed compact framework, positioning of handlebars and addition of an optional remote-control device provide improved manoeuvrability and ease of use for the operator. The small footprint makes this roll handling equipment highly manoeuvrable and a natural choice for todays narrow production lines and demanding lifting requirements. For further information on this roll lifter, or the full range of lifting and handling equipment, please contact Packline Materials Handling, or contact Ultrasource LLC in the USA for more information on the EZ Lift. Packline Ltd Unit 28 Newtown Business Park Ringwood Road Poole, Dorset BH12 3LL, UK https://www.packline.co.uk/ USA Distributor: Ultrasource USA LLC 1414 West 29th Street Kansas City, MO 64108-3604 (O): 816.360.2034 | Ext 2034 https://www.ultrasourceusa.com/ez-lift-film-roll-material-handling-equipment.html For a full list of worldwide distributors please visit Packlines website. Reuters A delegation of US officials will arrive in Britain on Monday to try to persuade Britain not to use Huawei equipment in the upgrade of its telecoms network, two people with knowledge of the matter said on Sunday. Britain is expected to make a final call on how to deploy Huawei Technologies equipment in its future 5G networks later this month. Security minister Brandon Lewis told the BBC on Sunday a decision would be taken "relatively soon". The US delegation is expected to include deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, the two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. UK ministers must weigh US-led allegations that the equipment could be used for Chinese state spying against Britain's relationship with Beijing and industry warnings that banning the firm outright would cost billions of dollars. (Also read: Senators want us to stop sharing intelligence with countries using Huawei 5G tech) Huawei, the world's largest maker of mobile networking equipment, has repeatedly denied that its equipment could be used for spying. A company spokesman has previously said UK lawmakers had confirmed Huawei equipment would not be deployed in networks used for intelligence sharing. One US senator has introduced a bill that would prevent the United States from sharing intelligence with countries that allow Huawei Technologies to operate 5G network technology. (Also read: Huawei participation in India's 5G trials a step in the right direction; could speed up commercial 5G rollout) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been expected to press British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab over Huawei when the pair met in Washington last week. British defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Sunday Times that US President Donald Trump and his advisers have threatened to cut off some intelligence to the UK if the National Security Council gives Huawei a green light. "Its not a secret. They have been consistent. Those things will be taken into account when the government collectively decides to make a decision on it, Wallace said. Massmart is consulting with unions about store closures and job cuts, but Makro will remain unaffected. In its announcement, the company said its plan is to close a total of 34 physical stores and retrench 1,440 employees in an effort to improve its finances. The Massmart Group has recently conducted a store optimisation project that highlighted a number of underperforming stores in its portfolio, said Massmart. Consequent to this project the Massmart Group seeks to advise shareholders that Massmart has commenced a potential store closure consultation process in terms of section 189 and section 189A of the Labour Relations Act. MyBroadband asked Makro how these job cuts would impact it, but the retailer said it would remain unaffected. Please note that Makro is not affected by the announcement, Makro said. RIP Dion Wired Makro may have escaped the cutbacks unscathed, but Masscash is set to lose 11 stores, and Massmart plans to shut down the Dion Wired franchise. The company plans to shutter all 23 Dion Wired stores in South Africa, removing the hi-tech retailers local presence entirely. According to Massmarts website, its Masscash division consists of the following stores: Jumbo Wholesale Jumbo Shield Rhino Cash and Carry Cambridge Food Massmarts new chief executive, Mitchell Slape, arrived at the company in September last year with a mission to turn around its financial position after it reported a loss in the first half of 2019. Massmart operates a range of well-known retailers in South Africa in addition to the companies listed above. These include the Builders stores, consisting of the Warehouse, Express, Trade Depot, and Superstore outlets. A Game spokesperson has confirmed that other brands in the Massmart group are not affected by the planned store closures. Now read: Green tech pays off for investors Image Credit: Nitish Kumar Twitter Patna/IBNS: Despite being an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar on Monday said there is no question of the implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) while there should be a special discussion on the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, in the state assembly, media reports said. "There should be a discussion on CAA. If everyone wants, then there will be a discussion in this house. As for NRC, there is no question of the NRC and no justification for it," Kumar said as quoted by NDTV. Though the JD(U) had voted in favour of the CAA in Parliament, Kumar faced criticism from his own party colleagues including his deputy Prashant Kishor. Later Kishor, who is also a poll strategist, had stated NRC will not be implemented in the state which will go to polls in 2020. Several Chief Ministers of the country including the Congress ones, Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala have stated they won't implement CAA- which will grant citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi but not Muslim refugees who came to India from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan before 2015- in the state. The Kerala government has also passed a resolution in the state assembly against the CAA. However, the Centre on Friday issued a notification of the CAA effective from Jan 10. In a U-turn from their previous statements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in December, 2019, said nothing about NRC has been discussed since 2014 when the BJP assumed power at Centre. (Image Credit: Nitish Kumar Twitter) The Georgian Civil Aviation Agency urges the country's air companies to avoid using Iranian and Iraqi airspace, because of the high risks related to the current tension in the region. "We cannot ban Iranian airline companies from flying. We can ban our airlines from flying if it is needed. Our companies do not carry out regular flights [to Tehran] but if they use Iranian airspace, they can change the route on their own," the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency said on January 8. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended avoiding Iraqi and Iranian airspace as the Integrated EU Aviation security Risk Assessment Group evaluated overflights in the Iraqi and Iranian airspace as a high risk, Agenda.ge recalls. With no state university vice- chancellor turning up at Raj Bhavan, their proposed meeting with Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar fell through on Monday. One of the VCs, who was scheduled to attend the meeting, said he had other commitments. "I had received a letter from the governor, who is also the chancellor of state universities, but could not attend the meeting due to other commitments. To my knowledge, no VC attended the meeting, convened at 11 am today," he said. Higher Minister Partha Chatterjee could not be contacted for his comment, but sources said there were around 20 state-run universities in Bengal, but none of the VCs turned up for the meeting. An office-bearer of the Jadavpur University Teachers Association (JUTA) said procedural difficulties, following the passage of the West Bengal Universities and College (Administration and Regulation) Act 2017, does not allow a vice chancellor to attend a meeting, without getting a nod from the higher department. The Act, passed in early December, specified that "every communication proposed to be made by the Chancellor to any state-aided university shall be routed through the (higher education) department and the VCs have to intimate the department before taking any important decision." It was quite clear that the proposed meeting will fall through, the JU office-bearer said. Dhankhar, after being stopped from attending the annual convocation of Jadavpur University last month, had said "there is a policy paralysis. Universities are in captivity and caged by the state government". He had convened a meeting of vice chancellors on January 13 following the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US officials are consulting with Chinese colleagues to cut off oil supplies from Iran to China, US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told Fox News, Trend reports citing TASS. He noted that through sanctions Washington has now managed to "cut off probably over 95% of the oil revenues" of Iran. According to Mnuchin, at present, China accounts for a significant part of the remaining oil exports of Iran. "I sat down with the Chinese officials. They flew in a delegation to meet with us and the State Department to talk about this. They've cut off all of the state companies from buying oil, and we're working closely with them to make sure that they cease all additional oil activities," Mnuchin said. Mnuchin noted that the United States had previously imposed sanctions on a number of Chinese firms transporting Iranian oil. Predictions about the future, Yogi Berra observed, are tough to make. Retrodiction, with the help of hindsight, is much easier. A Commentary article got me ruminating on an alternative present day one where Hillary Clinton actually campaigned in Wisconsin and didn't lose the Midwest to a Queens-born parador magnate. In President Clinton's America, some differences would be immediately notable: a woman occupying the Oval Office; a libidinous man as first gentleman,; gelded progressive activists not marching in the street in black fatigues or pink vulva hats; a stronger ISIS caliphate; an otiose nuclear deal still in place with Iran; full coffers at the Clinton Foundation; a new war in the Middle East, possibly with Qatar. That's merely a menu of conjectures. I'm convinced, however, that one difference between the Trump administration and a Clinton administration redux is certain: the reputation of social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the rest of the attention-monetizing programs occupy a unique political space. While our partisan factions bicker endlessly on topics ranging from the best fast food restaurant to the epistemological nature of reality, they agree on one thing: the malicious influence of the digitized agora. Conservatives, for the most part, have maintained a healthy skepticism of social media, and the internet more generally. Edmund Burke decried democracy as rule by the "swinish multitude." The briefest browsing reveals the internet to be much the same, with hardcore pornography and school fight videos swelling out limited server space. Some high-profile conservatives have ditched the toxic mire of social media, urging others to follow their lead. Liberals, on the other hand, applauded the liberating effect of the internet. On social media, the left swooned over its organizational possibilities and ability to catalyze informal support for a cause, as long as it was progressive. "Social media's progressive credentials were impeccable," Christine Rosen writes. "Countless trend stories praised the skill with which Barack Obama's presidential campaign had used data and social-media platforms." In 2012, the Obama campaign didn't just assiduously use Facebook to its electoral advantage; it wittingly broke the platform's rules to collate voter data. And Facebook executives looked the other way, currying favor with the administration just as its data collection efforts accelerated. "President Obama's enthusiasm for Silicon Valley's promises lasted throughout his administration, undisturbed by any concerns about potentially harmful side effects to democracy," Rosen continues, citing numerous mainstream headlines about Obama's forward-minded use of big data. Of course, liberals have completely reversed field in having case on social media. The Russian skullduggery from the last presidential election, which any digital marketer will tell you was ineffectual, poisoned the well of goodwill the left had for Facebook and Twitter. More so, it was Democratic voters who fell hardest for "fake news," heretofore known as propaganda. Rosen cites a study from Zach Goldberg of Georgia State University that found "social media contributed to the radicalization of white liberals on identity issues in the late Obama years." Think back to the palmy years of Obama's second term, when movements like Black Lives Matter and radical concepts like gay "marriage" became cause celebre for the left-leaning. Facebook introduced avatar skins for sympathizers of leftist causes to signal their support. An army of rainbow-shaded profile pictures invaded the Facebook timeline when Obergefell was decided t echnology for progress! It all seems twee, sitting here in 2020. Mark Zuckerberg has gone from harmless naif to imperious Sauron, with a panopticon-like vantage of billions. Almost every Democrat running for president wants to bust his massive digital trust. Elizabeth Warren is inveighing against Facebook's advert policy, which allows for the traditional campaign tactics of fibs and truth-stretching. Some on the right are adjuring President Trump to strip big social media channels of their legal liability protection. Facebook, in response to critics of its hands-off approach to Muscovite rapscallions during the 2016 election, has bowed to public pressure and curtailed its news feed functionality. The upshot was countless publications issuing big stacks of walking papers, or shuttering. With one algorithmic change, Zuckerberg eliminated thousands of jobs, crushing an industry under Facebook's iconic ashen thumb. Twitter and Google have adjusted their ad policies in response to liberal demands the former eliminating political advertising entirely, the latter binning much of its micro-targeting options. And just like that, Democrats have self-handicapped, cutting off a potent tool that helped their party capture the presidency eight years ago. The great social media pullback of the lasts three years wouldn't have happened had Hillary Clinton won. Under President Clinton 2.0, the digital publishing industry would be thriving. The Clinton re-election campaign would be blasting 30-second teaser videos to urban, upper-class whites with advanced degrees in social science. No campaign would be wasting money on Twitter's meretricious ad platform, but that's beside the point. Hillary's loss made social media an enemy of the left. The change of heart must have come as a surprise to the many Google employees who wept after Trump's victory. The moral of the story is that "no enemies to the left" no longer cuts the progressive mustard. Anything that inhibits leftist politics, no matter how tenuous, must be abrogated. Democrats may be about to learn a tough lesson come November: shooting inside the tent isn't a good way to make friends. They usually resent it, or end up dead. Netflix may have been nominated for 24 Academy Awards on Monday, but it's getting snubbed by AMC and Regal. The streaming service's two best picture nominees "The Irishman" and "Marriage Story" will not be included in either of the theater chains' best picture showcases. In the wake of the annual Oscar nominations, best picture films tend to resurface at theaters across the U.S. for casual moviegoers to catch before the big awards ceremony. Many of these films previously had limited releases or hit theaters around the same time as big budget blockbusters. It's not surprising that AMC and Regal have decided against screening Netflix's films considering the contention that has persisted between the streaming service and mainstream theater chains in the last few years. When Netflix's "Roma" became the first Netflix film to be nominated for best picture, both AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas declined to show the film in theaters. Both movie theater chains have the same rule: they won't show any nominated films that didn't have a standard theatrical release or weren't licensed to be shown in their theaters during their initial release. Netflix has clashed with theater owners for years. The streaming service's top priority is boosting its subscriber numbers, and running a film in a theater for several months could hurt its chances of wooing new sign-ups. LNA Claims to Have Downed Turkish Drone That Was Attacking Southern Tripoli Sputnik News 19:06 12.01.2020 This comes following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart in Istanbul on 8 January when they urged both sides in the conflict in Libya to start observing a ceasefire from midnight on 12 January. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) has shot down a Turkish drone that was carrying mortar rounds in violation of the latest ceasefire between the LNA and the Government of National Accord (GNA), the LNA's Al-Karama Operations Room said Sunday. "An enemy Turkish drone that was carrying mortar rounds was shot down. This [the flight] was a violation of the ceasefire," the operations room's press office said. Earlier in the day, the Turkish Defence Ministry said that a ceasefire brokered by Moscow and Ankara in western Libya had been generally observed. The President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Istanbul on 8 January to discuss the situation in Libya and called on the conflicting sides to observe a ceasefire starting at midnight on 12 January and to sit down for talks. Libya has been torn by civil war since 2011 when its leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed. The country is divided between Haftar's Libyan National Army and the UN-backed Government of National Accord. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A traveler from China who arrived in Bangkok was infected with the newly identified virus believed to have triggered a pneumonia outbreak in central China, Thai officials said. The patient, who was hospitalized on Jan. 8 at the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, tested positive for the novel coronavirus linked to the outbreak in Wuhan, in Hubei province, the Thai Ministry of Public Health said in a statement Monday. The patient has since recovered and is well enough to be repatriated. It's the first reported case of someone outside China being infected with the novel virus, which has captured international attention because of similarities with the one that sparked Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, 17 years ago. Unlike SARS, which killed almost 800 people, the new virus doesn't appear to spread easily between people. "I'd like to ask the public not to be alarmed," Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's deputy premier and health minister, said in the statement. "The detection of the patient shows that we have an efficient system of surveillance. We're confident that we can control the situation." No new related pneumonia cases have been detected in China since Jan. 3, the municipal health commission in the city of Wuhan said Saturday. Genetic studies of virus material collected from patients indicated that 41 people had been infected with the novel coronavirus, instead of the 59 previously counted, it said Sunday. Among the Chinese cases, seven were in serious condition and six were discharged. A 61-year-old man died, although doctors said he also suffered from an abdominal tumor and chronic liver disease. The outbreak was linked to a wholesale seafood market in Wuhan that also sold live animals and meat from wildlife. That had prompted concern that an infectious respiratory pathogen from animals had emerged, potentially setting off a deadly contagion reminiscent of SARS. So far, no infections among health-care workers have been reported, and there is no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission, the World Health Organization said Sunday. The outbreak started in late 2019. "It is too early to breathe a collective sigh of relief, as tempting as it may be," the International Society for Infectious Diseases' ProMED-mail program, an internet service to identify unusual health events, said in an email Monday. Scientists still don't know the source of the virus, and it's possible it might lurk in animals sold at other markets in China, ProMED-mail said. "We still do not know the host or possible intermediary host of this virus," it said. "And with the coming Chinese New Year (Jan. 25), there will be massive population movement in the country and the region, and wildlife meals are delicacies." Genomic data pertaining to the novel virus was made publicly available by a team of doctors and researchers in Wuhan, Shanghai, Beijing and Sydney, enabling scientists outside China to study its genetic fingerprint for clues about where and how it might have emerged. Researchers from other cities have been invited to Wuhan to exchange information. Coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to SARS or the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS-cov, the WHO said. Andrew Rambaut, a professor of molecular evolution at the University of Edinburgh, said the novel coronavirus is 89% similar to a SARS-related bat coronavirus. "But that doesn't mean it comes from bats," he said in a post on Twitter. Linfa Wang, a professor and director of the emerging infectious diseases program at the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, said he was traveling to Wuhan Tuesday. Two scientists from Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control will also visit the city "within days," Chou Jih-haw, director general of the center, told the South China Morning Post on Sunday. Wang and colleagues showed in April 2018 that a novel bat coronavirus caused acute diarrhea in pigs, leading to a large-scale outbreak that killed almost 25,000 piglets on four farms in southern China's Guangdong province from 2013 to 2016. While that particular virus isn't known to infect humans, coronaviruses cause illness in people more frequently than previously thought, said Wang. It's only when they cause large clusters of cases, like in Wuhan, that they are investigated and discovered, he said in a phone interview on Tuesday. "This whole investigation is almost like SARS No. 2," Wang said. "The only difference is that there were no health-care workers infected. Everything else looked just like SARS." SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse woman intentionally hit her childs father with a vehicle Sunday afternoon on South Salina Street, authorities said. The victim called Onondaga County 911 around 2 p.m. to say Tracy Thomas, the mother of his child, had hit him with her sport utility vehicle three or four times near a Family Dollar store on South Salina Street in Syracuse, according to police dispatches. Syracuse police say they responded to the 3200 block of South Salina Street for a report of a man who had been struck by a vehicle. When they arrived, they learned Thomas had used her vehicle to intentionally strike a man she had been in a relationship with, police spokesman Officer Joseph Commisso said. He did not comment further. An ambulance was called to the scene, but police say the 29-year-old victim had minor injuries and he refused medical attention. Police charged Thomas, 33, of Syracuse, with second-degree assault, a felony, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor. Thomas was sent to the Onondaga County Justice Center. She remained in jail Sunday night, records show. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He talk to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House April 04, 2019 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images U.S. and China trade representatives will end years of intense bilateral negotiations with a "phase one" deal on Wednesday that promises billions of dollars' worth of agricultural purchases and the beginning of reforms to China's longstanding practice of forced technology transfer. For all the pomp and circumstance expected at the signing ceremony and repeated assurances from American negotiators many are still unsure of exactly what the two nations are agreeing to. On paper, the deal includes a "dramatic expansion of U.S. food, agriculture and seafood product exports" as well as an agreement by China to end its long-standing practice of forcing or pressuring foreign companies to transfer their technologies to Chinese companies, according to a U.S. Trade Representative document. The USTR has also said the deal reiterates U.S. opposition to currency manipulation and a commitment by China to buy at least $200 billion in U.S. exports over two years including manufactured goods, food, agricultural, energy products and services. Estimates of the value of goods by industry the White House believes Beijing will buy include about $80 billion in manufactured goods, $53 billion in energy, $32 billion in agriculture and $35 billion in services. "We have been going through a translation process that I think we said was really a technical issue," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox News on Sunday. "And people can see. This is a very, very extensive agreement." Top negotiators, including Mnuchin, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and others are expected to attend the signing on Wednesday in Washington. P.J. Quaid, a corn options broker at the CME Group in Chicago, said he's eager to learn how the White House plans to enforce the tenets of the phase one deal if Beijing skirts its obligations. "This thing's been a crazy roller coaster since it started. A lot of people have become pessimistic because a lot of the purchases they said they're going to make seem hard to attain," Quaid said. "If this thing comes in under expectations, you could see sell-off," he added. "It's been a rough time for people trading Ags." The Office of the United States Trade Representative did not return CNBC's request for comment. Others were cautious after a Chinese media report suggested that Beijing isn't as upbeat on the prospect for future trade talks. Taoran Notes, a blog run by a state-owned newspaper called Economic Daily, published its first blog post in two months on Sunday. "We need to bear in mind that the trade war is not over yet. The U.S. hasn't removed all the tariffs on Chinese imports and China is still imposing its retaliatory duties," the blog wrote according to a CNBC translation. "There are still so many uncertainties ahead." For Don Roose, president of Des Moines, Iowa-based brokerage U.S. Commodities, China's commitments to farm purchases are key. "We're anticipating $35 billion [of farm purchases] the first year and $40 billion in the second," he said. "It doesn't look like we're creating any new world demand." But unresolved, Roose said, is whether the Chinese will after years of haggling actually end up buying more U.S. farm goods than before President Donald Trump opened the trade spat nearly two years ago. Still, Roose said he was slightly more optimistic with a phase one deal nearly signed. "There's always a question mark, but if they want to get to 'phase two,' they're going to have to show some solid follow-through," he said. Still, others cautioned against reading too much into the specifics of U.S. purchases instead of the broader, structural changes agreed to by China. The fact that Beijing is willing to crack down on policies concerning forced technology transfer and lower some obstacles for U.S. companies in China shouldn't be ignored, according to attorney Clete Willems, who previously worked at USTR and the White House. "There's a lot of talk about specific agricultural sales. But China's going through and addressing longtime, systemic barriers to U.S. products," including biotechnology, Willems said. That's likely an underappreciated part to any hopes of boosting U.S. grain exports to China, which has long bristled at American genetically modified crops, he added. Beijing approved genetically modified soybeans and papaya from the U.S. last month after the announcement of the phase one deal. "The structural elements of this deal are going to be more important in the longer term than the specific purchases," Willems said. "Remember: We started this whole thing because of Section 301 including the forced tech transfers." "Of No. 1 importance is the fact that USTR did in fact get commitments from China on the major elements of the Section 301 report," he added. Trump based his use of U.S. tariffs against China on Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to levy sanctions against countries that break trade agreements or respond to unfair, unreasonable or discriminatory trade practices. The global 2-ethylhexanol market size is poised to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% during the period 2019-2023, 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/20200113005564/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global 2-ethylhexanol market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) The automotive industry registered remarkable growth in the past few years and will continue to grow during the forecast period. This is expected to increase the demand for 2-ethylhexanol, as it is used for the production of plasticized PVC in automobiles owing to its flexibility, durability, and strength. Plasticized PVC is commonly used in underbody coating, seats and dashes, filter housing, and body sealers. Moreover, 2-ethylhexanol is also widely used to produce 2-EH nitrate, which is used as a cetane improver for diesel fuel. 2-Ethylhexanol reduces the ignition delay, knock and noise, misfiring, shock loads, and fuel consumption in vehicles. Thus, the growth of the automotive industry will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR30202 As per Technavio, the increase in R&D activities of non-phthalate plasticizers will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other important trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2019-2023. 2-Ethylhexanol Market: Increase in R&D activities of Non-Phthalate Plasticizers The rising innovation and product development of non-phthalate plasticizers is anticipated to drive the growth of the global 2-ethylhexanol market. For instance, in December 2017, OXEA signed a cooperation agreement with Oxxynova for the production of dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) in Europe. The company is expected to produce 60,000 metric tons of DOTP by 2019. The use of 2-ethylhexanol as the main raw material in the production of DOTP is expected to foster market growth during the forecast period. "Other factors such as the increase in prices of 2-ethylhexanol, and increasing preference for backward integration will have a positive impact on the growth of the 2-ethylhexanol market value 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 2-Ethylhexanol Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the 2-ethylhexanol marketby application (plasticizers, 2-ethylhexanol acrylate, fuel additives, and others) and geography (Americas, APAC, and EMEA). The APAC region held the largest share of the market in 2018, followed by EMEA and Americas respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to maintain its dominance as well as register the highest incremental growth due to high demand from end-users applications such as floor and wall coverings, wires and cables, films and sheets, and coated fabric. 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 Geographical Segmentation Regional comparison Key leading countries Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses 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/20200113005564/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com We knew it was coming, but does that make it hurt any less? In early October, the Calgary Zoo announced that its male and female giant panda twins would be leaving soon for China. And now that day has come. Early last Friday, the pair were loaded onto an airplane destined for their new habitat in China, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Calgarians seemed to have a special place in their hearts for the much fawned over panda twins, Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue, whose names translate to mean Canadian Joy and Canadian hope. Their stay at the zoo began in March 2018, after coming from the Toronto Zoo, where they were born, a first of its kind in Canada. A special exhibit space, Panda Passage, was built to house the cubs and two adult pandas on loan from China. The presence of the twins drew crowds eager to see these not-so-little cubs roll around in the snow, snooze and munch on bamboo. "We're proud to have contributed to panda research and conservation for their two-year stay with us," said Jamie Dorgan, Calgary Zoo's director of animal care. "Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue will be deeply missed by our staff, volunteers, community and, indeed, people right across North America who visited them during their stay in Canada." The Calgary Zoo According to China's guidelines, all giant pandas born outside of China must be returned when they are around four years old. Now, the pair will live at the Chengdu Research Base, where they will likely take part in a breeding program. To ensure a smooth transition of responsibility, the animal's caregivers in Chengdu came to Calgary last year in order to get acquainted with the pandas and their routines. The twin's departure was a complicated effort and required the collaboration of teams at the Calgary International Airport, the International Animal Lounge YYC, Lufthansa Cargo and members of the Calgary Zoo. "We would like to thank our staff and transportation partners for their significant planning and hard work to get the giant panda cubs back home safely," said Dorgan. Take heart, there are still two adult giant pandas at the Calgary Zoo to enjoy: female Er Shun and male Da Mao, who will stay in Calgary until sometime in 2023. A machine which can keep a human liver alive outside the body for an entire week has been invented by scientists. The Liver 4 Life machine can add days of life into donor livers, which currently can only be kept for up to 24 hours. Using state-of-the-art blood pumping and filtering technology, the device can keep a liver healthy and even repair or regrow damaged organs in the lab. It took four years to develop and scientists say it is a major breakthrough in making more organs available for desperate patients stuck on the waiting list. A liver charity in the UK said the device offers hope to hundreds of people on the transplant list who face 'unbearable' waits for organs, and the NHS called the technology 'amazing' and potentially revolutionary. The perfusion machine can keep livers healthy and function for days after they have been removed from a human body (left, a liver before being connected to the machine and, right, after having fresh blood pumped through it and fatty build-up removed) The Liver 4 Life machine has various processes which mimic the actions of the human body, such as blood being pumped through it, an artificial muscle moving it around and a dialysis machine filtering the blood Scientists at University Hospital Zurich, the University of Zurich and the university ETH Zurich developed the machine, which uses perfusion technology. It works by hooking up a removed liver to tubes which pump oxygen-filled blood into it and suck old blood after the oxygen has been used back out. When the blood is removed it is filtered through a dialysis system which remove waste like the kidneys do in a healthy body. The machine, which keeps the organ at body temperature (37C/98.6F), also removes bile from the liver to stop it building up, which can be poisonous. It also has an artificial diaphragm the sheet-shaped muscle between the lungs and the liver and stomach to move the liver around to stop it being damaged by the pressure of resting in the same place all the time. WHAT ARE LIVER TRANSPLANTS? A liver transplant is a procedure in which someone has their liver removed and replaced with one donated by someone else. The operation is usually given to people whose livers have failed because of diseases like cancer or liver disease. Usually an entire liver is implanted after being taken from a dead person, but it is also possible to do a living transplant from a patient who has part of theirs removed. In these cases the livers of both the donor and the recipient are able to regrow completely from just part that is left behind in the body. Livers can only be preserved for a matter of hours after being taken from the body so there is not a stockpile, meaning people must be added to a waiting list if they need one. The average wait in the UK is 135 days for adults and 73 days for children. When a suitable liver is received the patient will get a phone call from the hospital telling them to come in immediately to have the operation while the organ is still fresh. People who have successful transplants and don't have the organs rejected by their body can usually get back to a relatively normal life. However, they must be careful to remain in good health and will have to take life-long medication to control their immune system and stop it attacking the organ. Source: NHS Advertisement In tests the Swiss scientists managed to keep human livers alive for at least a week at a time. And six out of 10 livers considered too damaged to use managed to regenerate themselves or be repaired by scientists to make them usable. Professor Pierre-Alain Clavien, chairman of surgery at University Hospital Zurich, said: 'The success of this unique perfusion system developed over a four-year period by a group of surgeons, biologists and engineers paves the way for many new applications in transplantation and cancer medicine helping patients with no liver grafts available.' There are currently 408 people in the UK waiting for a liver transplant, and 972 transplants were carried out in 2018/19. In the US there are around 17,000 people waiting for a liver. Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: 'Hundreds of people are on the waiting list for a liver transplant at any one time. 'The wait can be unbearable for patients with advanced liver disease and their loved ones, especially as many donated livers are considered unsuitable for transplant. 'This new device offers real hope for all those faced with this distressing predicament. 'It has the potential to dramatically improve transplant outcomes, allowing livers that were previously thought to be unsuitable to be used and increase the time that livers are able to be kept. 'Ultimately, this could lead to a reduction in waiting list times and mortality rates from advanced liver disease.' John Forsythe, a medical director at NHS Blood and Transplant, added: 'This research is fascinating, it goes a step beyond previous perfusion work by imitating the organ and its functions in extraordinary detail and were excited to see where this goes from here. 'Any new technique which allows organs to be preserved for longer has the potential to revolutionise transplantation and enable us to save even more lives. 'To be able to keep a liver functioning for a week is amazing, it allows time for natural recovery of the organ as well as medical interventions which could make an initially unusable organ, transplantable. 'There are currently 408 patients, including 38 children, waiting for a liver transplant in the UK. 'With the law around organ donation changing later this year in both England and Scotland [the public will all automatically become organ donors from April] and research like this, we hope to help more of these patients receive a lifesaving gift.' NHS Blood and Transplant said that people living unhealthy lifestyles being obese and drinking alcohol are the main drivers of liver disease means the need for liver transplants will increase in the future. The drastic procedures are used as a last resort when people have incurable liver disease or cancer which destroys the organ. Scientists in Switzerland tested their device on 10 livers which had been rejected by transplant centres in Europe and found six of them became healthy enough to use within a week The machine took four years to develop. It is pictured in action in a lab in Switzerland a liver is connected inside the white box on the left hand side A person cannot live without a liver, but they can survive with part of one because the organ can regenerate itself if part of it is removed. The Zurich scientists found that part-livers kept alive by their machine were also able to regenerate. This could mean the standard for donated livers could be lowered if their technology is able to repair or regrow those which have been damaged already. Professor Clavien added: 'The ability to preserve metabolically active livers outside the body for one week or more could allow repair of poor-quality livers that would otherwise be declined for transplantation. 'We tested the approach on 10 injured human livers that had been declined for transplantation by all European centres. 'After a seven day perfusion, six of the human livers showed preserved function as indicated by bile production, synthesis of coagulation factors, maintained cellular energy and intact liver structure.' The scientists revealed their success in the journal Nature Biotechnology. CITY HALL -- Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis won the full support of the state and local Conservative parties Monday as their nominee for Congress in the race against freshman Rep. Max Rose. The endorsements from the Staten Island, Brooklyn and the states Conservative parties come after she was endorsed unanimously by the Staten Island and Brooklyn Republican Executive Committees last week. At a time in which our nation faces many challenges at home and abroad, our state, city and local community will do well in electing Nicole Malliotakis to Congress, said the states Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar. In the past nine years as an Assembly member, she has repeatedly shown her ability to cause the voices of her community to be heard in Albany. I expect nothing less from her in Congress. The NYS Conservative Party together with our local county organizations will be devoting the time, energy and resources to help make this happen." On Staten Island, the Republican Partys executive committee interviewed the five-term assemblywoman and two other candidates before it decided to endorse her over her primary opponent, Brooklyn prosecutor Joseph Caldarera. The Islands Republican Party said it did not interview long-rumored prospective GOP congressional candidates Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) or former GOP Rep. Michael Grimm. Its unclear how many candidates the Republican Party in Brooklyn interviewed before making its decision to endorse Malliotakis. Staten Island and the state Conservative parties said they only formally interviewed Malliotakis before making their endorsements. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Conservative Party could not immediately be reached about whether the party interviewed any other candidates before endorsing Malliotakis. We have been proud to support Nicole Malliotakis in every one of her past campaigns and know that she will represent this district well in Congress, said Island Conservative Party Chairman David Mario Curcio. The incumbent congressman is far too liberal for this district, as evidenced by his voting record that includes a shameful vote to impeach the president. Conservative candidates have held this seat for the better part of the past four decades and Nicole Malliotakis shares the values of her constituents. Her candidacy will help to restore conservative leadership in the House and advance President Trumps agenda to keep America great. Executive committees endorsements are not typically full party endorsements. Executive committee endorsements have to be fully ratified by the entire county committee during borough conventions ahead of primary races. However, Brooklyn Conservative Party Chairwoman Frances T. Vella-Marrone said the Conservative parties bylaws allow their executive committees to make full party nominations and endorsements. The Islands Republican congressional primary race had initially been off to a somewhat crowded start with Malliotakis, Caldarera and controversial Youtube prankster Joey Saladino in the running, but Saladino folded his congressional bid in December. "I want to thank the Conservative Party State Chairman Jerry Kassar, Richmond County Chairman David Curcio, and Kings County Chairwoman Fran Vella-Marrone, along with their executive committees, for their endorsement and support of my candidacy, Malliotakis said. The Conservative Party has been supportive every step of the way and I look forward to working closely with them to make sure Max Rose is a one-term congressman. New Yorks 11th Congressional District deserves a representative who shares their values and not those of Nancy Pelosi or the socialist squad of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Malliotakis opponent Caldarera has said he is not concerned about the major parties consistent endorsements of his rival. Today I was endorsed by a true conservative, President Trumps 2016 NYS Chairman Carl Paladino. Nicole was Marco Rubios chairwoman in 2016. Nicole voted for the SAFE Act and is pro-choice, Caldarera said. I am the only true conservative running in NY-11. The deadline for prospective congressional candidates to file with the state Board of Elections is early April, but so far, no other Republicans have announced plans to run in the June primary. On the Democratic side, as of now, Rose is running unopposed after Democratic Socialist Richard-Olivier Marius told the Advance he dropped out of the race. In just my first year in Congress, Im proud to have seen my legislation signed into law to combat the opioid epidemic, permanently fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, allow construction of the Seawall to begin, decrease congestion and increase counterterrorism funding, Rose said. By not taking a dime from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists, yet still delivering results that will have real impacts on the lives of Staten Islanders and South Brooklynites, were showing that its possible to take on corruption and still get things done. The Islands Democratic Party has yet to make official endorsements in the race, but in September, its new chairman, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, stressed the importance of getting Rose re-elected in 2020. Malliotakis also has received support from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Whip Steve Scalise and House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney. The Washington Post has ranked the New Yorks 11th Congressional District as one of the top 10 House races to watch in the country. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz. I cordially congratulate you on the commencement of your tenure as the federal chancellor of the Republic of Austria, President Aliyev said. I believe the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Austria, and our bilateral and multilateral cooperation will develop and strengthen further in line with the interests of our peoples, the Azerbaijani president said. I wish you strong health, happiness and success in your endeavors, President Aliyev added. The face of anti-immigration politics in Italy could be about to make a comeback amid an election in the northeast region of Emilia-Romagna. Matteo Salvini, head of the right-leaning Lega party, left the Italian government abruptly in the summer of 2019 after clashing with his coalition partner the Five Star Movement (M5S), a party supportive of more social benefits. Salvini decided to put forward a motion of no confidence on the then prime minister Giuseppe Conte. His move, dubbed by critics as an attempt to govern Italy alone, led M5S to join forces with Partito Democratico (PD) a pro-European social democratic party, averting the need for a snap election and thus stopping Salvini from potentially forming a government. However, with regional elections due later this month, analysts are wondering whether Salvini could return to government soon. "The regional election in Emilia-Romagna on 26 January is by far the most important political event that could determine the shelf life of the government," Wolfango Piccoli, co-president of the research firm Teneo, said in a note Friday. The region of Emilia Romagna, which includes the emblematic city of Bologna, has traditionally supported left-leaning parties. However, polls suggest that the candidate for the anti-immigration Lega party could win the vote and give the party its ninth consecutive win in regional ballots since the last national election in 2018, according to Reuters. "Salvini has been campaigning in the region since November, pledging to 'liberate' it from the left. A PD (Partito Democratico) defeat at the hands of Salvini's Lega would strip the center-left party of its symbolic heartland, and likely trigger an internal confrontation," Piccoli added. If the upcoming regional vote ends up seeing a victory for the Lega party, both the PD and the M5S would be under pressure potentially leading their current government to an end. "The (election) risks are significant because a loss could not only encourage the PD to leave its coalition with the M5S as it looks for a new identity, but it could also trigger an implosion of the M5S," Erik Jones, professor of European Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Italy, told CNBC Monday. "The M5S does not typically do well in regional elections and is currently polling only at about 8% in the region. But this region is also where M5S started, and where it first entered into local government. So, a devastating loss here will fuel ammunition for those who don't like (Luigi) Di Maio (M5S' leader) and who worry that the Movement has lost its way." Stamford Police Department / Contributed STAMFORDA Bronx, New York, man was extradited to Stamford last week to face charges that he illegally obtained a $12,000 loan from the Stamford Federal Credit Union last year. Financial Crimes Sgt. Steven Perrotta said Cary Kleiner, 48, illegally used a Stamford persons identification to secure the loan from the credit union in July 2019. The money was then withdrawn in cash and a bank check, according to police. ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.jpg ONE: A NEW TOMORROW kicked off the new year with a night of scintillating martial arts action in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, 10 January. Fans at the Impact Arena reveled in the masterful performances from world-class athletes who showcased breathtaking finishes, incredible submissions, and explosive skills. Here are the top three highlights from a terrific evening in the Thai capital. Hitman Hunts Down Foe To Score First ONE Super Series Win Liam Harrison punches Mohammed Bin Mahmoud On Friday, Liam Hitman Harrison added Mohammed Jordan Boy Bin Mahmoud to his growing list of casualties. The British striker needed just over two minutes to knock Mohammed out in their ONE Super Series Muay Thai duel. While Jordan Boy teased him with several leg kicks, Harrison instead exercised patience, wisely biding his time while he searched for an opening. Within a minute, the Englishman saw his chance. A couple of sharp jabs sent Mohammed into the ropes, which opened him up for a prime shot right to the liver. Before the Malaysian could muster a reply, Harrison swung a crushing left hook that dropped him. Clearly wobbled, Mohammed managed to answer the referees eight count, but he was quickly met with a barrage of punches and hit the canvas for the second time. The Kuala Lumpur native got up yet again, but this time, Hitman unloaded another series of punches and elbows that dropped Mohammed for good. Le Starches Takahashi With Massive Hook Thanh Le throws a left hook Thanh Le continued his rise up the featherweight ranks with a stunning first-round knockout of Ryogo Kaitai Takahashi. The pair exchanged leg kicks at the beginning of the bout, but it was Le who started to move and land punches on his Japanese opponent. The Vietnamese-American threw a kick that Kaitai caught, but Le managed to shake him loose and connected with a huge right hand to the Japanese athletes jaw. Le followed up with a hard knee just as Takahashi tried to get back to his feet. He then crunched a thudding straight left onto the chin and crumpled the Krazy Bee representative. Story continues With another incredible first-round finish in the books, Le could soon find himself challenging for featherweight gold. The Iron Man TKOs Haggerty In World Title Rematch Rodtang attacks Haggerty.jpg ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang The Iron Man Jitmuangnon successfully defended the gold against rival Jonathan The General Haggerty in their main event rematch. The Englishman threatened early with his long frame and stabbing kicks, but Rodtang looked to ease himself into the contest using the raw power of his hands. The Iron Man landed a hard shot to the liver that had Haggerty on his knees. Once the action resumed, Rodtang proceeded to target the Englishmans ribs with impunity. In the second frame, the Jitmuangnon representative attacked Haggertys lead leg, forced him to step forward, and then served him punishing blows to the torso. The Knowlesy Academy athlete strung together some punches and tried to sweep the World Champion, but The Iron Man leaped over to evade. A defiant Haggerty connected with a kick to the face, but it could not stop Rodtangs advances in the third round. The Thai pushed Haggerty to the ropes and dropped him with a series of punches to the body. After Haggerty got up, Rodtang launched looping blows to the head that sent the Englishman down again. The General dragged himself up from the floor once more, but Rodtang delivered a final salvo of strikes that finished him off at 2:39 of round three. Read More From ONE Championship: ONE: A NEW TOMORROW Full Results And Highlights For Rodtang Vs. Haggerty II Thanh Le Driven Toward Glory To Provide For His Son Liam Harrison Plans Highlight-Reel KO Of Jordan Boy Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Quinn at an off licence on January 2 Detectives investigating the murder of Co Antrim man Glenn Quinn have released a CCTV image as part of their bid to trace his last movements. Mr Quinn (47) was beaten to death in his flat in Ashleigh Park in Carrickfergus on January 5, shortly after clashing with a senior figure from the UDA's South East Antrim unit. Last week, three people were arrested on suspicion of Mr Quinn's murder, however they were later released pending further investigation. Read More Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area in a bit to trace his movements prior to the attack. "I know that he visited shops on the Woodburn Road at around 2pm on Thursday January 2. Due to his limited mobility, he would have travelled there in his silver BMW car, registration YEZ1590," he said. "Did you see Glenn in his car after this time? I would also like to hear from anyone who saw or spoke to Glen in the days before his murder. Glenn was well-known throughout Carrickfergus and had no known enemies and no reason that we are aware of for anyone to cause him harm." Mr McCartney said the victim was assaulted outside his home on December 29 and, although he was not badly injured, he was left "frightened" by the attack. The senior PSNI officer said he would like to hear from anyone who had been in contact with Mr Quinn since Christmas Day who may have information as to the motive behind his murder. Police have also released a CCTV image of Mr Quinn at an off licence on January 2. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Glen Quinn Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Quinn at an off licence on January 2 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Glen Quinn If you were in Ashleigh Park on Friday January 3, from midday until 10pm or witnessed the attack on Glenn on December 29 we need to speak to you, particularly if you witnessed anything or may have captured any footage on dash cam or mobile phone," Mr McCartney said. This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable member of your community who was not in the best of health. "The appalling individuals, who preyed on defenceless Glen in his own home need to be caught and put behind bars. It is clear that they do not represent the Carrickfergus community, everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home." Anyone with any information that could help police with their investigation has been urged to contact them on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. MBABANE Buying school uniform and paying school fees remains a high mountain to climb for over 500 support staff employed at schools around the country. Phumelele Zulu of the Swaziland Union in Learning and Allied Institutions (SULAI) said there were over 860 members of the union and 60 per cent of them, which is about 516, were owed salaries dating back to October last year. An average salary for a support staff employee is E2 000 and this means the over 500 employees are owed over E5 million, considering that their salaries are likely to be paid in February and would be back-paid from October. With schools set to open towards the end of the current month, schools support staff members are hoping for Gods intervention in the form of a miracle to have their salaries paid before classes resume so that they can buy uniforms and pay school fees for their children. Funder Since the adoption of the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme back in 2009, government, with the assistance of the European Union (EU), have been funding primary eduacation, as parents do not have to pay a cent for the education of their children. The implementation of the programme has been cited as the source of the challenges faced by the support staff whose salaries have been coming in irregular patterns over the years. She said when people were buying items for Christmas to enjoy with their families; these employees had a gloomy one as they had not received their salaries. Zulu said this was due to governments failure to release the FPE and the orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) grants to schools on time, which then compromised some initiatives at schools, including the paying of salaries to support staff. This is a very serious matter which started after the introduction of the FPE grants in 2009. The situation, particularly in rural schools, is worse as infrastructure is dilapidated and needs serious upgrading. Paint on the walls is peeling off and windows are broken. We have been raising these issues with the Ministry of Education and Training and urging them to at least find a strategy that would see the grants being released on time to schools but to this day, nothing has changed, she said. Zulu said they made recommendations to government to do a study that would determine the total number of support staff employed in all the schools around the country and also determine if there were unnecessary personnel employed to engage in an exercise of purging if there were any. This emanated from an outcry from the ministry that schools had employed a high number of support staff and the budget for same was high. Zulu said this was going to help government come up with a standard maximum figure for each school not to exceed when hiring the support staff. Lynn Owens, 64, had been a clerk in the Bucks County courthouse since 2016. Read more A former Bucks County Courthouse employee pleaded guilty Friday to using official letterhead to send a message to a woman squabbling with the county employees boyfriend over a contractor bill. Lynn Owens, 64, was sentenced to six months of probation for official oppression, forgery, and criminal attempt to extort, according to court records. Her attorney, Michael Applebaum, did not return a request for comment Monday. Owens, of Quakertown, told detectives in August that she had conspired with her boyfriend, Steven Wolfe, to draft the letter, which bore the names of senior judges and court administration staff in Bucks County, investigators said. The two sent the letter to a woman in Mertztown, Berks County, who had hired Wolfe to perform work on her home, according to the affidavit of probable cause for their arrests. The woman had refused to pay Wolfe $157 for the power-washing work he completed, saying she wasnt satisfied with its quality. The correspondence, which Owens created on her work computer in the countys Office of Jury Selection Commission, said the woman needed to pay Wolfe what she owed or she would face legal remediation, according to the affidavit. None of the people whose names were on the stationery, including Bucks County President Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr., approved Owens use of the letterhead, investigators said. Confused about the letters meaning, the woman took it to the Clerk of Courts office in Doylestown, whose staff notified prosecutors when they realized it was fraudulent. Owens was fired from her position, which she had held since 2016, shortly after her arrest in August, investigators said. Court records indicated that the case against Wolfe, who faces similar charges, was still active Monday. It's not every day you see a teenager on ABC's "Shark Tank." "I always love to see a #kidtrepreneur in the tank," Shark Barbara Corcoran live tweeted during Sunday's episode. "It's an advantage to start your business when you're young. You have nothing to lose and nowhere to go but up." Corcoran was referring to 13-year-old Sofi Overton, who pitched her "sock with pockets" company, Wise Pocket Products, to the investors. "I created a sock for kids, made by this kid, to make life easier for whatever we're doing," Overton told the Sharks. Wise Pocket makes leggings and socks with pockets to hold phones and other devices, and with each purchase a pair of socks is donated to children's shelters across the country. "I got into this business when I was 11," said Overton, who told the investors she'd been watching "Shark Tank" since she was 6. "My cousin put her phone in her boot. I tried to, and it was really uncomfortable. I asked around my school to see if other kids had this problem, and they did, so I came up with my prototype," she said. "I cut off the top of another sock and stuck it inside the sock. And I sowed it up the sides." But Overton, who lives in Betonville, Arkansas, really impressed the Sharks when she explained how she funds her business. "I save everything that I earn. I invested $10,000 of my own money," she said. "I had saved $5,000 and I earned $5,000 more through business pitches and competitions." "Sofi, you're a perfect example of what every kidtrepreneur should do," Shark Mark Cuban said. "You got a job, you saved up some money, you did all the prototypes yourself, then you made actual products, then you sold those products $16,000 worth of products," he said, referring to the business's lifetime sales. Although the cost to make the sock is high, at $5.47, the Sharks were still interested because of Overton. Sharks Lori Greiner and Daymond John offered Overton $30,000 for a 33.3% stake in the business. Overton countered, asking the two for $35,000 for a 25% stake. Greiner and John accepted. Greiner and John said on the episode their end goal would be to license the socks, but in the meantime, Overton's business is more than just a money maker to her. "Going into high school is stressful," Overton told the Sharks. But "with the Wise Pocket Products, it's kind of a boost for me, a confidence boost: If I can own a business, then I can go through school," she said. Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube! See also: The holiday parties are over, the New Years resolutions are in and many likely revolve around a healthier 2020. For those who may have been overserved during Decembers festivities, or are just looking for a challenge, that could include cutting out the glass of wine with dinner or the cocktails during nights out with friends. Dry January has become an annual trend in the past several years, prompting many to abstain from alcohol for the inaugural month of the year. But does it work? Experts say its great for some to slow down their alcohol intake after one of the most celebratory times of the year. It cuts down on calories, improves sleep and brings an awareness of drinking habits. But for others, a deeper problem exists, and a cold turkey approach could actually be dangerous. Here are five things to know about Dry January. 1. Some history. The U.K.-based group Alcohol Concern, now named Alcohol Change UK, started the trending Dry January challenge in 2013. In its first year, 4,000 people took part, according to the group, and the hashtagable trend has grown since then. The groups latest tracking shows that while 100,000 people signed up on the website in January 2018, millions actually participated. The group projects that 10% of those who drink in the U.K. will take part in the challenge this month and abstain from alcohol. Dry January offers a ready-made response to anyone who tries to pressure us to drink, Alcohol Change UK CEO Richard Piper said in a statement. Strong evidence tells us that signing up for Dry January helps people - even heavy drinkers - to drink more healthily all year round. But experts say the challenge might not be for everyone, especially heavy drinkers, and can even backfire for more moderate drinkers. 2. Who should be wary? How helpful Dry January is may vary from person to person, said Mark Zissman, a psychologist and clinical director of Lake County services at Gateway Foundation treatment centers. Zissman points to studies that show taking a month off from drinking can help in various ways, improving sleep and resulting in weight loss. But he cautioned those who are heavy drinkers. And more mild or moderate drinkers might find success in a month off from alcohol, but then usher in February with even heavier alcohol use, Zissman said. Largely, the risks are how much is somebody drinking prior to actually participating in Dry January, he said. Alcohol is one of two substances where people can actually die from going through withdrawal. (This also applies to certain kinds of prescription drugs.) People forget that. 3. Dry January isnt treatment. Zissman recommends that heavy drinkers consult professionals before taking part in a Dry January challenge. And to think about why they might want to quit drinking for a month: Is there an addiction? If so, Zissman says treatment can help and should go beyond a January challenge. For some people, it could be really normative and really healthy, he said. At same time, it might also be indicative of a larger alcohol-use problem. Zissman also suggests using the acronym CAGE as a self-assessment tool for alcohol-use disorder. C stands for cut-down attempts in the past. A stands for annoyed: Do you feel annoyed by others commenting on your drinking? G is for guilt felt after drinking. And E is eye-opener: Do you need a drink in the morning or notice other physical dependence? 4. Who benefits? Zissman said that for many, Dry January can be a healthy endeavor. Maybe they find they rely on (alcohol) a little bit too much, but they dont necessarily have a problem, he said. Zissman said more research is needed, but theres some that shows the Dry January challenge can lead to drinking less for several months afterward. Alcohol Change UK cites research that shows 72% of Dry January participants are engaging in less risky drinking six months after Dry January. Besides health benefits, Dry January participants report to the group that they save money. The group has also found that those who officially sign up for the challenge on its website are more successful in making it the entire 31 days sans alcohol. 5. Dry-ish January also becoming popular. While its not unusual for bars to capitalize on the Dry January trend, offering mocktails as an alternative to patrons, theres another mechanism for mindful drinking: Dry-ish January, according to Jennifer Contraveos, Chicago-based senior portfolio ambassador for Bacardi USA. Its certainly a trend were not only seeing at the start of any new year, she said. In many facets, people are more conscious of what we are putting into our bodies year-round. Recognizing the trend, bartenders are offering not only alcohol-free drinks, but also recipes that use lower alcohol liquors or other substitutions to make for a good Dry-ish drink, Contraveos said. That could mean a shot of vermouth in a drink instead of whiskey, mixing up the ratios in drink recipes or simply smaller cocktails, she said. King Mohammed VI has sent a message of condolences to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur, the new ruler of Oman, following the death of Sultan Qaboos. The message was delivered to Sultan Haitham by Prince Moulay Rachid, the youngest brother of King Mohammed VI, during the funeral ceremony that took place at Al Alam Palace in the Omani capital. In his message, King Mohammed VI expressed his sincere compassion to Sultan Haitham and the Omani people for the loss, underlining that with the death of Sultan Qaboos, the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab and Islamic nation have lost an important and wise leader who achieved a global revolution for his country and several economic and political accomplishments. Sultan Qaboos gave Oman a privileged position both at the regional and international levels, and helped consolidate Arab and Islamic solidarity, as well as reinforce dialogue, peace, and moderation, the Royal message stated. Prince Moulay Rachid also conveyed the new Omani ruler a message where King Mohammed VI congratulated Sultan Haitham for his new role as leader of the Omani people. The Sovereign expressed, on his behalf and on behalf of the Moroccan people, his warmest congratulations, wishing Sultan Haitham success in leading the Omani people towards further progress and prosperity. The King also hailed the strong ties of brotherhood between the two Royal families, as well as the special relations between the two brotherly countries, which are rooted in fruitful cooperation and unwavering solidarity. King Mohammed VI underlined his determination to pool efforts with Sultan Haitham to further strengthen these ties to serve the interests of the two countries and of the Arab and Islamic world as a whole. Open source Google has officially launched an R&D center in Ukraine, and it will be creating a new direction on the basis of CloudSimple. AIN.UA reported it, citing its own sources. It was stated that the Kyiv office is located in Astarta BC, where, according to the edition, about 30 people work. "We can confirm that CloudSimple has joined Google Cloud, which will help us improve the integrated VMware migration solution by enhancing support and adding new features for users," Googles representatives said. In November 2019, Google acquired CloudSimple with an office in Kyiv. And in January 2020, employees of CloudSimples Kyiv office became employees of Googles office in the capital of Ukraine. As we reported earlier, Ukraine's government has officially launched a pilot to implement Google tools. The company provided the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with 1000 free accounts. "We have officially launched a pilot to implement Google tools in the Cabinet of Ministers. We have agreed with Google that they give us 1000 free accounts. We are very grateful for that. First of all, I count on Google Docs and Spreadsheet. You don't even realize how much time public servants spend due to the fact that they can't just "share" the documents and work on them together. Instead, a lot of time is spent on the logistics of paperwork and pencils, Dmytro Dubilet, the member of Ukraine's government, stated. A research team led by Profs. GAO Caixia and LI Jiayang from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have engineered five saturated targeted endogenous mutagenesis editors (STEMEs) and generated de novo mutations to facilitate the directed evolution of plant genes. Their study was published in Nature Biotechnology on Jan. 13. Heredity and variation are the basis of organismic evolution. Random mutagenesis by physical or chemical methods has long been applied to improve traits in plants, but it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In higher organisms, especially in plants, a target gene is usually transferred into a bacterial or yeast cell to generate the required diversity for selection, but once a target gene is no longer in situ, the functional consequences of such a change may not be the same as in the native context. Moreover, most important agronomic traits cannot be selected in bacteria or yeast. "To establish powerful tools for directly inducing saturated targeted mutations and selection in plants will accelerate the development of agronomic traits and important functional genes," said Prof. GAO Caixia. The researchers fused cytidine deaminase with adenosine deaminase to obtain four STEMEs. All four STEMEs efficiently produced simultaneous C>T and A>G conversions using only a sgRNA. They also produced the fifth dual cytosine and adenine base editor - STEME-NG - to expand the targeting scope. With only 20 sgRNAs in rice protoplasts, STEME-NG can produce near-saturated mutagenesis for a 56-amino-acid portion of the rice acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase gene (OsACC). In a proof-of-concept experiment, the researchers used STEMEs to direct the evolution of OsACC gene in rice plants. They sprayed the regenerated rice seedlings with haloxyfop as the selection pressure. The scientists then identified three novel (P1927F, W2125C, and S1866F) and one known (W2125C) amino acid substitutions for herbicide resistance. These mutations were found to affect the haloxyfop-binding pocket directly or indirectly, based on the homology model of the CT domain of yeast ACC. The development of STEME paves the way for directed evolution of endogenous plant genes in situ, which is important for breeding via molecular design. Moreover, this STEME process might also be applicable beyond plants. For example, it may be useful for screening drug resistance mutations, altering cis elements on noncoding regions and correcting pathogenic SNVs in cell lines, yeast or animals. ### The study was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the National Key Research and Development Program of China. Alexandra Wong, 63, holds up a Union Flag during a demonstration demanding Hong Kong's leaders step down and withdraw an extradition bill - REUTERS A 63-year-old Hong Kong protester who disappeared from the rallies last August has said she is detained in China, barred from leaving the country and facing criminal charges. Alexandra Wong, who is nicknamed Grandma Wong, has for years been a fixture at protests in Hong Kong, where she was born. Ms Wong, who now lives in Shenzhen, a neighbouring Chinese city, would travel near-daily across the border to participate in political demonstrations in the former British colony, often waving a Union Jack flag to urge the UK government to do more to protect freedoms in Hong Kong. She was last seen on Aug 11, surrounded by riot police at a Hong Kong subway station. Protesters march on a street during a rally against parallel traders in Sheung Shui district on January 5, 2020 in Hong Kong, China. Credit: Anthony Kwan In two recent emails to the Telegraph, she said she was injured severely on Aug 11 by the riot police. She was then arrested on Aug 14 in Shenzhen and held under administrative detention for 15 days, before being sentenced to an additional 30 days under criminal detention. I am being on bail pending trial, Ms Wong wrote to the Telegraph via email. And I am forbidden to leave Shenzhen. She said she was applying for permission to visit Hong Kong, and didnt specify what criminal charges were being brought against her. Two weeks later, she wrote: Have been released from the small cage. Now!!! Be inside the big cage!!! Ms Wong also said she had spent a few days undergoing patriotic education, a practice that can include physical torture and Communist propaganda indoctrination, according to accounts from dissidents interviewed previously by the Telegraph. Protesters chant as fireworks explode in Hong Kong along the waterfront on new year's eve in Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong Credit: REX I cry everyday, she said in her note, which appears to have been sent by email to a handful of journalists. Ms Wong took great personal risk to participate in the protests in Hong Kong, given that she lived in mainland China, where state security and secret police operate with impunity, frequently detaining dissidents, human rights lawyers, even farmers who dare to challenge the ruling Communist Partys authority. Story continues Other Chinese nationals have also been detained in the mainland after traveling to Hong Kong in recent months. Border security checks between mainland China and Hong Kong have stepped as as the protests grow in fervour and continue into a seventh month, affecting Chinese nationals, Hong Kong residents, and foreigners. Protesters hold up their hands to symbolize the five demands of the pro-democracy movement Credit: Lee Jin-man Some journalists and human rights activists, including Kenneth Roth, executive director Human Rights Watch, an advocacy group, have also been denied entry. Protests kicked off last June over an extradition proposal that would have sent suspects to face trial in mainland China, where Chinese Communist Party control of the courts leads to a 99.9 per cent conviction rate. The demonstrations have since evolved into a greater civil disobedience movement aimed at curbing Communist influence in Hong Kong, which has long enjoyed freedoms unseen on the mainland and guaranteed under an agreement when the former colony was returned by the British to Beijing in 1997. People were incredible for the most part. Just being there with a kiss and a hug might have been enough, Ms. Nodjoumi said. But she got a lot more. People sent latkes, flowers, fruit baskets, knishes, baklava, books, advice everything was helpful in its way, she said. She delighted in the friend who came to organize her closet, the eight pints of ice cream a friend sent from a special shop in Cincinnati, as well as gifts of massages and psychotherapy sessions she could share with her husband. Perhaps most helpful while she underwent taxing surgery and chemotherapy was the friend who organized a meal train of people who delivered family meals and school lunches every day for six weeks; the relatives who took her sons on a three-week trip to Chicago; and the friend who cared for the boys at the friends home in Brooklyn for an entire week. People were so generous and helpful, she told me. It all made me feel very loved. But like Ms. Wolters, Ms. Nodjoumi was distressed by those who told bad-news stories or, for Ms. Wolters, those who were overly optimistic, saying Dont worry, everything will be fine. As she wrote, People dont want advice on how they should feel (Look on the bright side) or how to be fixed (Things will be better tomorrow); they often just want to be heard. Acknowledging a persons pain or bad day, instead of trying to move them past it, is the most helpful way to go. It is best to simply say, Im sorry you are going through this. Would you like to talk about it? Dr. Wendy Schlessel Harpham, a Dallas physician who was in and out of treatment for chronic lymphoma for many years and is now in a long-lasting remission, says the best things to say depend on your relationship with the patient and what the person is currently going through physically and emotionally. But whatever you choose to say or do, she said, show love and support without judgment or instructions on how the person should feel. Dont ask How are you? Ask How are things? Dont ask about treatment or if the cancer is curable. Dont volunteer stories about yourself or other patients, and dont tell the patient what to think or feel or do, Dr. Harpham told me. The Supreme Court Monday asked four senior advocates to convene a meeting to decide on re-framing and adding issues to be deliberated by it in the matter relating to discrimination against women in various religions and religious places including Kerala's Sabarimala Temple. A 9-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, commenced the hearing on the matter referred to it by a 5-judge bench on November 14 last year on various issues including evolving a judicial policy to deal with matters relating to religions, their essential practices and the scope of judicial interventions. At the outset, senior advocate Indira Jaising, who has been appearing in Sabarimala and other matters, opposed the reference. She said without holding that the Sabarimala judgement was wrong, the matter could not have been referred to a larger bench and moreover, the 7-judge bench verdict in the Shirur Mutt case has not been doubted or assailed to justify a reference to the larger bench. "We are not hearing the review petitions in the Sabarimala case. We are only on the reference points," the bench clarified. Jaising said: "There is no defect in the (Sabarimala) judgment. The reference order only says that the issues arising in cases of entry of Muslim women in mosques, rights of a Parsi woman married to a Non-Parsi and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation by the Dawoodi Bohra community may overlap with the issues in that judgment, and that the prospect of the reference of those issues to a larger bench cannot be ruled out. "No competent court has said that Sabarimala judgment is bad in law. If Your Lordships say it is not correct, only then will subsequent questions arise." She said that the issues raised in the reference order were "academic in nature" and it was not possible for the court to answer them without dealing with the facts of the case. "If necessary, only for the purpose of reference to facts, and not for decision, we can list all those cases", the bench said. Jaising said that Hindu, Muslim and Parsi laws cannot be governed under the same regime and a common judicial decision was not possible. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan said the court needs to examine the facts of the each case to arrive at a decision. Senior Counsel A M Singhvi, appearing for Dewasom Board, said the issue before the court was "the interplay of freedom of religion, Article 25 and 26, Article 14, Article 21 and other provisions of Part III of the Constitution. It doesn't mean 5-6 Chapters of the Constitution. Such a sweep would shake every case-law from 1950". He said the matter was extremely sensitive and sought time for preparing arguments in the case. Solicitor General Tushra Mehta also agreed with Singhvi and said that issues to be dealt by the bench needed to be fine-tuned. "We may list all the cases, Dawoodi Bohra, Mosque entry, Parsi woman, before us for facts, even though we won't decide them," the bench said. The bench categorically said that for the time being, it was not venturing into the issues of polygamy and nikah halala pertaining to Muslims. The bench also rejected the plea that lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara, who has been barred by a judgement from appearing before the apex court, be allowed to argue in the Sabarimala case. "We will not review Justice Nariman's judgment (debarring advocate Nedumpara)", the bench said. The top court said the 9-judge bench will proceed chronologically with the hearing, starting with the Sabarimala case as it was the "oldest" matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amman, Jan 14 : Visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Monday called for tension de-escalation in the Middle East. In a press conference in the capital Amman after talks with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, Maas said Germany has been maintaining coordination with Jordan which is a key player and hub for stability in the region, Xinhua reported. He called for efforts to support stability and security in the Middle East, adding Germany will continue to support Jordan as it has received a large number of Syrian refugees. Maas also said Iran should not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries, especially Iraq, suggesting no withdrawal of international troops from Iraq to prevent the country from being a fertile land for terrorism. Germany has started the Berlin Operation to reach a truce in Libya, the German official added. For his part, Safadi highlighted the need for dialogue and de-escalation in the region, saying any escalation in the region will have serious consequences on the region and Europe. Underlining the need for continued war on terror, Safadi said this war is not over as the Islamic State still represents a threat. The Jordanian minister also voiced appreciation for Germany's support to the two-state solution to the Palestinian issue and warned against the serious consequences of the lack of peace in the region. Its last broadcast was on January 12. Ukraine's only English-language television channel, UATV, has stopped broadcasting. "Ukrainian international state broadcaster UATV will cease the production of news and satellite broadcasting, starting from January 13, 2020," UATV said in a news release, RFE/RL reported. "As a result, several of the English language news presenters bid farewell to their jobs and to their viewers around the world." Its last broadcast was on January 12. Read alsoOwner of 112 Ukraine, NewsOne suspected of financing terrorism Early in 2020, the government in Kyiv decided to shut down international broadcasting and to close its Crimean-Tatar, Arabic, and English-language departments. UATV was created in 2015 amid what media analysts have called a fierce "information war" with Russia. The channel was established "to ensure access of foreign audiences to objective, up-to-date, and complete information about events in Ukraine and to maintain a positive image of Ukraine in the world," an earlier news release from the broadcaster stated. In the span of four years, UATV was connected to nearly 400 cable networks and broadcast to nearly 30 countries in Europe, North American, Asia, and Africa, including in the Middle East. The administration of President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated it intends to launch a Russian-language TV channel at the state broadcaster this year specifically for audiences living in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the local media watchdog Detector Media reported in December. As thousands protest against presidents attempt to extend rule, survivors of 2009 mass killings join in, saying grievances not addressed. Thousands have been demonstrating in Guinea against President Alpha Condes attempt to change the constitution to extend his time in power. They have been joined by survivors of a stadium mass killing in 2009, when security forces killed at least 156 people during an opposition rally. Those who lost loved ones say they are still waiting for justice. And that the same security forces that are cracking down now were also responsible for the 2009 brutalities. Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque reports from the capital Conakry. A warning some viewers may find the following images disturbing. Leaders belonging to the ruling parties in Maharashtra have termed it an insult to Shivaji, asserting that no one can be compared to him. A book written by a BJP leader that compares Prime Minister Narendra Modi with warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji has kicked up a storm in Maharashtra, with a Congress leader filing a complaint with the Nagpur Police claiming that the book hurts popular sentiments. The book is titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi." The ruling Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine (Maha Vikas Aghadi) is up in arms against the book, written by the BJP's Jai Bhagwan Goyal and released on Saturday. Leaders from the ruling parties in Maharashtra have termed it an insult to Shivaji, asserting that no one can be compared to him. The NCP and the Sambhaji Brigade, an organisation working for Maratha interests, held a protest on the issue in Pune on Monday. In fact, even BJP Rajya Sabha MP Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, who is also a descendant of the warrior king, demanded a ban on the book. "We respect Narendra Modi, who was elected as the prime minister of the country for the second time. But neither Modi nor anybody else in the world can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he told reporters at Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana district. He demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah should immediately ban the book, which was published in BJP's Delhi office. "People are expressing anger on social media over the book and demanding a ban on it," Sambhaji Raje said. Maha Vikas Aghadi slams BJP: 'There's only one Shivaji' A Maharashtra Congress spokesperson on Sunday lodged a complaint with the Nagpur Police Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people through the book. In the complaint filed by Congress spokesman Atul Londhe, he said by comparing Modi to Shivaji Maharaj the writer has insulted the warrior king. In his complaint, the Congress leader sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book and its distributor. State revenue minister and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said I am going to participate in a protest against BJP's attempt to compare Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj. The protest will be held on January 14, at 11 am, near Tilak Bhavan. Partyworkers and supporters will also participate in large numbers. Balasaheb Thorat (@bb_thorat) January 13, 2020 The Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said, "At least the Maharashtra BJP should clarify its stand on the issue. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cannot be compared with anybody in this world. There is only one sun, one moon and only one Shivaji Maharaj...Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj." The NCP's Nawab Malik said, "Comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with prime minister Modi is a great insult to Maharaj and the people of Maharashtra, BJP should withdraw the book." Some journalists also lashed out at the BJP for its leader's book. For instance, Sudhir Suryawanshi said, "The desperation of forming 80 hours government in Maharashtra forced Devendra Fadnavis to sit in Opposition. "Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi" by BJP was another desperate attempt by BJP to divert attentions from the real issues like slowing economy & rising unemployment." Another senior journalist Nikhil Wagle said, "This is an insult to Shivaji Maharaj!" BJP distances self from controversy The BJP has sought to distance itself from the controversy, saying the party has nothing do with its publication and it represents the author's personal opinion. BJP media co-incharge Sanjay Mayukh told reporters that the book's author has also expressed his willingness to withdraw those parts of the book which a section of society has found objectionable. Goyal told PTI that he was willing to revise those parts of the book to which opposition leaders have objected. "I only wanted to tell readers as to how Modi like Shivaji has worked to take everyone along and also been successful in doing what many considered impossible. If it has hurt sentiments of some people, I am willing to revise those parts of the book," he said. With inputs from PTI A U.S. appeals court on Friday upheld a lower court decision to dismiss nationwide litigation over the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in which victims families sought to hold the carrier, its insurer Allianz SE and Boeing Co. liable for the still-unexplained disaster. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington affirmed a November 2018 ruling from U.S. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson that found 40 wrongful death and product liability lawsuits do not belong in the United States. Judge Neomi Rao, writing for the unanimous panel, said that while the court has great sympathy for the victims of this tragedy and their families she found no reason to reverse the decision. We conclude that the district court did not clearly abuse its discretion in dismissing appellants lawsuits, she wrote. Jackson said the case belonged in Malaysia, which has an overwhelming interest in and substantial nexus to the March 8, 2014 disappearance of Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 heading to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 people on board. The decision is a new setback for plaintiffs from the United States, Australia, China, India and Malaysia who represented more than 100 Flight MH370 passengers, including from Japan. The plane is believed to have crashed in the south Indian Ocean after veering far off course, but no remains or large pieces of wreckage have been found. Flight MH370s disappearance remains one of the worlds greatest aviation mysteries. A Malaysian report concluded that its investigative team was unable to determine the real cause for the disappearance of MH370, human interference or error were more likely the cause of the planes disappearance than aircraft or system malfunction. The plaintiffs sued under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty governing air transportation incidents, and various U.S. state laws. (Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Joanathan Stempel; Editing by David Gregorio) Topics Lawsuits USA Aviation The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops called Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to reject resettlement of new refugees deeply discouraging and disheartening. Abbott, who is a Catholic, on Friday said the state is already overburdened with immigrants crossing the southern border. Texas is now the only state to opt out of the federal program facilitating refugee resettlement. Forty-two other states, including 17 led by Republican governors, have said theyll remain a part of the program. While the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops respects the governor, this decision is simply misguided, the bishops statement says. It denies people who are fleeing persecution, including religious persecution, from being able to bring their gifts and talents to our state and contribute to the general common good of all Texans. The refugees who have already resettled in Texas have made our communities even more vibrant. The bishops conference is just one of a number of religious and secular groups pressing the governor to reconsider. Those questioning the decision have pointed out that the number of refugees being resettled in the U.S. has been slashed by the White House to a record low of 18,000 in 2020. And refugees are the most stringently vetted entrants to the U.S., going through multiple interviews and security screenings in a process that can take up to three years. For subscribers: Abbott says he wont admit refugees, making Texas first state in nation to opt out of federal program Abbott is calling the decision a matter of stretched state resources. In his letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Abbott wrote that since 2010, more refugees have been sent to Texas than any other state. At the same time, the governor wrote, the state has been the focus of immigrants crossing the southern border. The state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless indeed, all Texans, Abbott wrote. In a statement Monday, Abbotts spokesman John Wittman defended the decision, pointing out that refugees will still be free to come here. The governors denial simply means that refugees who move to Texas would do so without the services that resettlement agencies provide to help them integrate. No one seeking refugee status in the United States will be denied that status because of the Texas decision, the statement says. Importantly, the decision by Texas will not prevent any refugee from coming to America. Equally important, the Texas decision doesnt stop refugees from moving to Texas after initially settling in another state. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Abbotts decision divided Republicans and Democrats in Austin. Republican Sen. Pete Flores, a retired game warden from Pleasanton who represents a district that spans from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border, said Abbott has the information to make the right choice. I stand with Gov. Abbott on whatever position he takes that is in the interest of Texas," said Flores, who is up for re-election in 2020. It has to do with our capacity to be able to adequately address the issue, Flores said. Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, who previously wrote to Abbott urging him to continue refugee resettlement efforts in the state, said she was "deeply disappointed" in his decision. "An unprecedented amount of people are experiencing displacement in todays world due to political and economic instability and conflict, and we should welcome them to Texas with open arms," she said in a statement. "With the strength of our economy and our people, we have ample resources to help refugees it is our moral obligation to do so." Pentagon Fears Falling Behind 'Fast-Moving' Russia, China Despite Record Budget Sputnik News 19:31 12.01.2020(updated 19:52 12.01.2020) Late last year, President Trump signed the 2020 National Defence Authorization Act into law, approving a whopping $738 billion in defence spending for the fiscal year beginning in October 2020, including an additional $71.5 billion for 'overseas contingency funding' (i.e. the nation's war budget). US Air Force General and Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman John Hyten has expressed concern with the "speed" at which Russia and China are supposedly moving in trying to overtake the US's status as the world's number one military power. "China in particular, is moving unbelievably fast. So we have to make sure that we move fast or faster than the potential adversary that we have in China and Russia," Hyten said, in an interview published on the Pentagon's website. Hyten warned that even though in his estimation the US was leading in most areas, "if you're in a race and someone is running faster, it doesn't matter how far ahead you are, eventually that somebody is going to catch and surpass you. We can't ever allow that to happen." The general did not specify what areas Russia or China were "running faster" in, nor what areas where US capabilities were supposedly superior. He explained, however, that the US military needs to emulate private enterprise as the computer software industry in adapting to threats. This includes the military's efforts to adapt more quickly to cyber threats. Currently, Hyten suggested, the military's efforts were constrained by factors including US law, regulations, directives and various instructions. "It has to look different than it does right now. And we're going to have to adjust to that as we go forward," he said. According to the general, the modernisation of America's nuclear forces remained the DoD's number one priority. "I'll have a big voice and given my background, the chairman certainly wants me to stay very much engaged," he said. Hyten's efforts reportedly include the simultaneous push to modernise the US nuclear triad, as well as nuclear command and control systems. The Trump administration has continued and supplemented the 30 year, $1 trillion on its nuclear modernisation programme begun under President Barack Obama. Record Defense Spending In late December, President Trump signed the 2020 National Defence Authorization Act into law, committing $738 billion to defence despite a national debt in excess of $22 trillion. The US already spends more on defence than the next seven countries combined, while NATO's total spending topped $1 trillion in 2018. Despite a surge in tensions with Washington in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukraine crisis, Russia has actually been making cuts to its defence spending in recent years, recently dropping out of the top five countries by total spending with its $61.4 billion defence budget. In November, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow could afford to make spending cuts because defence modernisation programmes launched earlier in the decade were bearing fruit, allowing for a reduction in spending while maintaining the same defence capabilities. At the same time, Putin has boasted that some of Russia's new strategic missile capabilities have "no analogues in the world," and would continue to remain unmatched for years to come. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! The first ETI (Exchange Traded Instrument) under the public offering issuance program of Liechtenstein's iMaps ETI plc starts trading on the MTF of the Vienna Stock Exchange today. The Haack Performance ETI was launched for the asset manager PP Asset Management, which is licensed by the German BAFIN. The note tracks the performance of the Haack investment strategy, which achieved a performance of almost 20% in the past year. "I am pleased that we start trading with our Actively Managed Certificate (AMC) on the Vienna Stock Exchange. This means that investors who do not want to follow the investment recommendations themselves all the time now also have easy access via stock exchange trading via their own broker to invest in our benchmark-independent product," says Hans-Jurgen Haack, Senior Manager at PP Asset Management and mastermind of the Haack investment strategy. "We are pleased that we can welcome our first customer to the stock exchange for a public offering solution. The demand for these innovative investment vehicles or ETIs Exchange Traded Instruments under our public offering program is increasing steadily and we will shortly announce further listings," summarizes Andreas Woelfl, founder chairman of iMaps Capital Markets Group, the arranger. "Exchange Listed Instruments" ETIs for short, issued by the Liechtenstein iMaps ETI AG combine the best of many worlds, public offering like an UCITS fund, exchange-traded similar to an ETF, flexible like an alternative investment fund and based on collateralization to Intertrust as a trustee in favor of ETI investors, to avoid the credit risk of the issuer. The demand shows us that we have met the needs of many asset managers with this financial innovation," summarizes Gunter Woinar, CEO of iMaps Capital Markets European operations. About iMaps ETI plc iMaps ETI AG is an issuer of derivative securities in the Principality of Liechtenstein with a main business focus on Actively Managed Certificates and Fund-Linked Notes to be issued as a public offer in the EU UK as well as private placements in Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong The issuer is the wholly owned subsidiary of iMaps Capital Markets. The iMaps Capital Markets Group focuses on providing asset managers with the platform for issuing investment vehicles either as actively managed certificates or fund linked notes with listing and offering in Europe and other jurisdictions. ETIs represent an interesting, rapidly growing and cost-efficient alternative to funds and thanks to the approved prospectus from iMaps ETI plc, there is the possibility of offering them to the public throughout the EU UK. Disclaimer: The prospectus for the issuance programme of Exchange Traded Instruments in the form of derivative securities got approved by FMA Liechtenstein and can be downloaded free of charge from the website www.imaps-capital.com/etis Language: English Company: iMAPS ETI AG Industriering 14 9491 Ruggell Liechtenstein Phone: +1345 232 1382 ISIN: CH0505798592 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005478/en/ Contacts: Andreas Woelfl +41 76 343 2496 andreas@impas-capital.com Civic Engagement in the U.S. Can Better Reykjavik Work Here? The world of online discourse was vastly different one decade ago. This was before foreign election meddling, before social media execs were questioned by Congress, and before fighting with cantankerous uncles became an online trope. The world was perhaps more naive, with a wide-eyed belief in some circles that Internet forums would amplify the voiceless within democracy.This was the world in which Robert Bjarnason and his collaborators lived. Based in Iceland, Bjarnason and his team developed a platform in 2010 for digital democracy. It was called Shadow Parliament, and its aim was simply to connect Icelands people with its governmental leadership. The platform launched one morning that year, with a comments section for debate. By evening, two users were locked in a deeply personal argument.We just looked at each other and thought, this is not going to be too much fun, Bjarnason recalled recently. We had just created one more platform for people to argue on.Sure, the engagement level was quite high, bringing furious users back to the site repeatedly to launch vitriol, but Shadow Parliament was not fostering the helpful discourse for which it was designed. So, developers scrapped it, pulling from the wreckage lessons to inform future work.Bjarnason and team, officially a nonprofit called Citizens Foundation, worked for roughly a year, and, eventually, a new platform called Better Reykjavik was born. Better Reykjavik had key differences, chief among them a new debate system with simple tweaks: Citizens must list arguments for and against ideas, and instead of replying to each other directly, they can only down-vote things with which they disagree. This is a design that essentially forces users to create standalone points, rather than volley combative responses at one another, threaded in the fashion of Facebook or Twitter.With this framing of it, Bjarnason said, were not asking people to write the first comment they think of. Were actually asking people to evaluate the idea.One tradeoff is that fury has proven itself to be an incredible driver of traffic, and the site loses that. But what the platform sacrifices in irate engagement, it gains in thoughtful debate. Its essentially trading anger clicks for coherent discourse, and its seen tremendous success within Iceland where some municipalities report 20 percent citizen usage as well as throughout the international community, primarily in Europe. All told, Citizens Foundation has now built like-minded projects in 20 countries. And now, it is starting to build platforms for communities in the U.S.So far, Citizens Foundation has a nascent collaboration with New Jersey. It is supporting work led by the New York City-based academic research entity The Governance Lab (GovLab), bringing a Better Reykjavik-esque platform to state employees. There is optimism for a similar project aimed at the public next year.Still, the question looms: Will Americans who find themselves torn by unprecedented polarization in 2020 embrace an online digital democracy system that prizes rationality over team sport rhetoric? A look at current digital engagement efforts across the U.S. offers some valuable insights.Creating platforms for digital democracy is almost a cottage industry in the U.S., one that has grown rapidly in recent years as tech has accelerated and concerns about the health of the republic have grown in the wake of election meddling and online misinformation campaigns.Yet, no one platform has become the dominant place for local, county and state government agencies seeking to offer citizens easy and productive ways to participate in the governance of their communities. One major success story, however, is the town of Gilbert, Ariz. The work there is led by Dana Berchman, the towns charismatic chief digital officer, who has private-sector media experience with massive entities such as MTV.With a small department and a budget no larger than any strapped local government, Berchmans efforts have drawn large segments of Gilberts population to engage with government online. Berchman said residents are interested in participating with government, even if busy schedules and lack of knowledge about how to do so make it difficult.Theres this misconception that people dont care, Berchman said, and that they wont participate. No, they do care, you just dont make it easy for them to participate.The key is meeting them where they spend their time which for many is online. To that end, Berchman has had much success engaging residents of Gilbert with the neighborhood social networking platform Nextdoor, which requires verification that residents actually live in the communities they are voicing opinions about. In other words, that uncle who always sails in with a hot take about your Facebook posts couldnt do that unless he lived right next to you. Thats one way to reduce the threat of personal attacks and unproductive debates, while at the same time giving elected officials real data at a low cost from verified constituents. Gilbert, for example, recently crowdsourced a public consensus about laws pertaining to the e-scooters that are laying siege to U.S. communities nationwide.The challenge, however, is creating a culture in which people are as enthusiastic about using a digital democracy platform as they are about scrolling through Facebook.One idea that has proven useful for this in the U.S. is building online platforms with specific, results-oriented missions. These are projects that reel residents into participatory online spaces by asking them to help solve problems they care about, ultimately keeping them coming back by showing them the actual results of their contributions.This has certainly been the case in Flint, Mich., where the local government has long struggled with a rash of blighted buildings. Within the last decade, work on a master plan there found that blighted buildings were often a problem for private businesses and communities alike. In fact, the plan found that roughly 60 percent of blighted buildings there were owned by entities outside of the public sector, said Suzanne Wilcox, Flints director of planning and development.In response, the city created the Flint Property Portal, which gives residents a place to easily report information about blighted properties in their neighborhoods. With this portal, which is accessible via both a website and mobile app, people who live in Flint can send messages about blighted properties to the local government, creating useful data. They can then track the data to see how the government is responding to it.In 2019, the Flint Property Portal received Cities of Services Engaged Cities Award, an international citizen engagement accolade. At the time of the award in October, officials noted that more than 189,000 informational messages about blight had been sent to the city from its residents, leading to a $60 million blight elimination grant from the federal government that has so far helped demolish more than 4,000 structures.Moreover, Wilcox said the portal has inspired many who use it to continue engaging with their local government, as well as to collaborate with neighbors on taking personal responsibility for other blighted lots. Basically, rather than fighting about the political reasons the town has become blighted, this results-oriented work has created an actionable channel for making real, lasting change. No matter how eloquently worded, no social media retort is capable of that.These types of success stories seem to be limited in the U.S., however, as compared to broader commensurate efforts such as Better Reykjavik in Europe.Mauricio Garcia is the deputy director of Cities of Service, which bestows the Engaged Cities awards. Garcia has followed international citizen engagement efforts for the past four years and noted a clear increase in the work both abroad and in the U.S.Just over the last couple of years here, youve seen a lot more investment in dollars as well as in political and social capital, Garcia said, pointing to Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Knight Foundation as vital supporters of the work domestically.Garcia agreed that many citizen engagement efforts in the U.S. have more specific asks than the broad workings of projects in Iceland, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. He also noted that Better Reykjavik is one of a growing number of these platforms, pointing to a company called Bang the Table, as well as to a municipal project in New York City. Garcia said that the domestic and international work has become complementary.Were ahead in some ways and theyre ahead in others, Garcia said, and were learning from each other.Bjarnason, for his part, also noted that the seemingly insurmountable divides in modern American politics are not unique to this country, with his homeland of Iceland as well as other European nations facing similar climates. The key, he reiterated, is keeping the focus on useful ways to help.Its a simple thing to show people that a little bit of transparency and a little bit of participation dramatically decreases divisions between people, Bjarnason said, especially if its happening at the state or local level.In fact, New Jersey has already used the Better Reykjavik platform to support an internal innovation challenge. Citizens Foundation has also set up an American nonprofit group called Citizens Foundation America, which is being led by Oregon-based Joshua Lanthier-Welch as it works to bring the platform to more of this country.Nobody involved is terribly concerned that American divisions or culture will mitigate the impact of the work, if public outreach is done in an effective way that introduces users to the full potential of the platform.People see technology as having undermined democracy, said Lanthier-Welch, and we have to show them that the same technology can be used to build it back up. Former police officers have welcomed the move to switch to the commissioner system in Noida and Lucknow, saying it could improve policing in the two major cities of the state as the entire decisionmaking process will be now with the police officers. The commissioner system can improve basic policing as it gives police commissioner powers to decide on local policing issues and take policy decisions. But manpower and training constraints have prevented real benefits of the commissioner system, said Prakash Singh, a former director-general of Uttar Pradesh police, whose public interest petition in the Supreme Court resulted in a slew of reforms introduced in the police system. Technically, the commissioner system should have less political interference than the police under deputy commissioners. But in reality, it may not happen. Another former director-general of police Arvind Kumar Jain said the decision of implementing commissioner system will improve the law and order as well as help in curbing the crime rate. This decision has increased the responsibilities of the police officers, he said. He added with the passage of time, more senior police officers will have to be posted to Noida and Lucknow to make the system really effective. An officer at the Uttar Pradesh police headquarters said all administrative decisions for maintaining security and law and order will now be taken by the police officers and not district magistrates as it was done earlier. Under section 4 of the Indian police Act of 1861, the district magistrate has certain powers over the police. Additionally, Sections 20 and 21 of the Criminal Procedure Code, give some powers to regulate law and order to the executive magistrates. In the police commissioner system, these powers are exercised by the police officers, he said. Former Uttar Pradesh police chief Brij Lal said sometimes there used to be a difference of priority or opinion even while taking preventive measures. He said police deals with people, who are a threat to peace and law and order situation, while district administrations have several other responsibilities. Lal cited the killing of tribals in Sonbhadra district last year and said police could have taken action to avoid the confrontation there .In case of crowd control, the power of ordering the use of force was with the district administration. But in the case of Noida and Lucknow, the police now have the direct right to use its power as per the situation. Lal said the police in the two cities will also now decide on requests for permissions for protests and demonstrations. Before Noida and Lucknow, 61 Indian cities were under the commissioner system. Except Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and some Northeastern state, other states have introduced the commissioner system in their cities under the Indian Police Act. Eighty-five years ago this month, Bruno Richard Hauptmann, accused of kidnapping and murdering the infant son of Charles Lindbergh, stood trial in what the news media described as The Trial of the Century. Using that standard, the impending confrontation in the Senate over the impeachment of President Donald Trump qualifies as The Trial of the Week. While Hauptmanns trial riveted the nation for weeks, there is a growing impeachment fatigue in the country, a feeling that interest in round the clock coverage has waned, replaced by a weary just get it over with already air of resignation. The fascination with watching and hanging on every word uttered by Congressional leaders as they move toward removing a president from office has diminished, victimized in large measure by incessant posturing and partisan bickering. The haste with which the impeachment inquiry began was abandoned by House Speaker Nancy Pelosis abrupt decision to delay submitting to the Senate the two House approved articles of impeachment because she was unhappy with the Senate procedures. Her decision to withhold the articles for an indeterminate period caught many of her colleagues unaware but, recognizing party solidarity is more important than an orderly process, leapt aboard and crowed that the Speakers move was brilliant politics. Politics? Certainly. Brilliant? Not so much. For someone who had masterfully navigated the minefield of conflicting pressures and demands from her factionalized party, Pelosi overplayed her hand by unilaterally deciding to halt a process she set in motion and setting up a confrontation with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In addition to injecting herself into the prerogatives of the upper house, Pelosi gifted to Republicans the opportunity to renew their criticisms of the impeachment process as a sham. It opened a new line of partisan attack as well. The articles of impeachment abuse of power and obstruction of Congress they said, were so flimsy and so lacking in evidence of wrongdoing that Pelosi feared submitting them immediately to the Senate would reveal their true motive overturning the 2016 election results while keeping the issue alive through the 2020 election season believing that Democratic candidates would benefit. McConnell has remained unmoved by the arguments made by Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York that a Senate trial include witnesses under oath and the submission of documents. All are aware acquittal will be the outcome, that 67 votes in favor of impeachment is unattainable. There is a bit of Kabuki theater at play, each player following a script even though the denouement is apparent well before the final curtain. McConnell desires a process in which the Senate moves with dispatch to consider the allegations. He believes the longer Pelosi delays the pressure will build on her to concede to the Senate. Republicans will ratchet up criticism of the Speaker, portraying her as stubbornly thwarting a Constitutional process for political advantage. They will mock the House floor speeches about reverence for the Constitution and no one is above the law as so much pious bleating to disguise crass power politics. Should Pelosi persist, there will come a point when she will be forced to make a choice, to acknowledge her position is untenable, that she has overplayed her hand and risks losing public support. The point is approaching quickly if it hasnt already been reached when a resolution is required, when the time for delay and distraction is over and it is time to move on. Pelosi cannot afford to stand in the way. The Senate deliberations and debate will certainly not rival the Trial of the Century, and the nation will turn its attention to issues of more direct personal concern. Rather, American voters and taxpayers will remember The Trial of the Week, and, whether it went their way or not, will rebound nicely. Carl Golden is a senior contributing analyst with the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University in New Jersey. You can reach him at cgolden1937@gmail. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Blac Chyna has hit back at Rob Kardashian's claims that she is a bad parent as he seeks primary custody of their daughter, Dream. 31-year-old Chyna denies claims his claims her daughter is dirty, says she doesn't abuse drugs in front of her children and contests claims she taught Dream sexual positions. According to TMZ, sources close to the reality star claim she is a 'good mother who would never put her child in harm's way, despite what Rob says. Not true: Blac Chyna continued to contest Rob Kardashian's claims she is a bad parent to Dream, 3, during their custody case... as she denied abusing drugs in front of her children and teaching sexual positions Rob, 32, had previously claimed Chyna was spending $600 a day on alcohol, abusing drugs, chasing people with knives and making violent threats, failing to keep Dream well-presented and teaching her sexual positions and naked twerking. But sources close to Chyna claim this is simply not true, particularly the accusations about sexual positions. They told the site: 'Chyna has never done drugs in front of her children and only drinks on occasion ... when her kids are not around. Wow! Rob, 32, had claimed Chyna was spending $600 a day on alcohol, abusing drugs,making violent threats, failing to keep Dream well-presented and teaching her sexual positions 'She claims she always keeps Dream clean and makes her practice good hygiene ... and has more than 100 nice outfits for her at her home.' Rob has asked the court to reduce Blac Chyna's parenting time to just weekends, with a nanny present. His sister Khloe and former employees of Chyna have supported him. He has also requested that she submits to drug and alcohol testing no less than 30 minutes before each visit with Dream. Moreover, Khloe wants to do 'everything she can' to help Rob win primary custody of Dream. 'Khloe has always been very close to Dream,' a source told People. 'When Rob had custody of her as a baby, Khloe often helped out. She really loves Dream.' Here to help: Rob's sister Khloe wants to do 'everything she can' to help Rob Kardashian win primary custody' The insider added: 'Khloe will do everything she can to help Rob get custody. She thinks this is best for Dream.' Khloe, 35, has a close relationship with her nieces and nephews, including Dream, and recently documented a play-date between Dream and her own daughter True, 20 months, on social media. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has always been close to her brother, who lived with her for several years. So many fun play dates: Here Dream and Khloe tried on red lipstick for a photo In his documents, Rob said he believes his ex poses a danger and isn't behaving appropriately around their little girl. The reclusive star accused his former lover - who also has seven-year-old son King Cairo with her ex-partner Tyga - of regularly hosting parties at her home in front of Dream and invites strangers around to 'get drunk with her.' Rob believes Dream's behaviour has changed recently as she's started 'naked twerking, and acting out sexual positions that she said her mom taught her' as well as swearing and using language he insisted he never uses around her. Close bond: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has always been close to her brother, who lived with her for several years, (pictured in April 2012) He also said his daughter arrives to him with messy hair and dirty teeth. Rob's paperwork states that Khloe can back up his allegations as she has noticed a behavioral change in Dream as she is 'more in defense mode' and is 'decidedly more aggressive' during her play dates with her cousins. However, a lawyer acting for his client Chyna has blasted Rob for moving to take the tot away from her 'hands-on, extremely loving' parent. A big family support system: Khloe has Penelope on her lap as she posed with her sister and mom on a recent vacation She is often with the kids: Khloe tried teach her daughter True and Kourtney's daughter Penelope how to do cartwheels Lawyer Lynne Ciani said: 'So Rob Kardashian - who has ... posted illegal revenge porn against Chyna - wants to take custody of Chyna's beautiful daughter, Dream, away from her hands-on, extremely loving mother? 'And Khloe Kardashian ... wants to take her niece Dream away from her loving mother, Chyna? Oh, please. '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.' Rob filed documents in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday for full custody of his daughter. Rob 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's lawyer fights back: '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 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 uses foul language in front of Dream, who has subsequently repeated phrases such as 'What the f***?' and 'b***h.' And he 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 added that she is usually drunk, and has finished a full bottle of Hennessy in one sitting. Dream was involved in a physical fight with another kid last month, which Rob said is indicative of her mother's influence. Rob 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. China's first Type 055 destroyer Nanchang commissioned PLA Daily Source: Xinhuanet Editor: Xu Yi 2020-01-12 13:36:44 JINAN, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Nanchang, China's first Type 055 guided-missile destroyer, was commissioned in the People's Liberation Army Navy on Sunday morning in the port city of Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. The 10,000 tonne-class destroyer officially debuted at the multinational naval parade in celebration of the Chinese navy's 70th founding anniversary on April 23, 2019. Launched on June 28, 2017, the destroyer was equipped with new air defense, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons, said a statement from the Navy. The commission of Nanchang marks the Navy's leap from the third generation to the fourth generation of destroyers, according to the statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Smart Dubai has launched a "Smart Supplier" app, which now allows suppliers registered with the Government Resource Planning Systems to access data, contracts, bids, and financial transactions from more than 50 Dubai Government entities. The launch is part of Smart Dubais plans to meet the goals of the Dubai Paperless Strategy and transform all applicable internal and external government transactions into paperless operations by December 2021, reported Emirates news agency Wam. The Smart Supplier mobile application is available on Apple and Android phones, allowing all registered suppliers to conduct their transactions using their smartphones any time and from anywhere. This includes viewing documents related to bids, observing billing processes and paying tender fees, among other services. While users do not require a username or password to view the listed public bids, they will need them to access and apply for these bids. "Smart Dubai has launched a series of initiatives and services in an effort to automate Dubai Government operations. These projects and services will serve to promote our role in achieving the objectives of the Year of Preparation for the UAEs 50th Anniversary, announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said Wesam Lootah, CEO of the Smart Dubai Government Establishment. This, in turn, expedites Dubais transformation into a full-fledged smart city, and paves the way for implementing the Dubai Paperless Strategy 2021. The Smart Supplier application offers services allowing users to easily pay the fees of their tenders, if any, and submit invoices to government entities easily, saving nearly 40 percent of the time normally needed to process these invoices. The app also provides an interactive panel that allows registered suppliers to view their relevant statistics, the volume of work undertaken with government entities, and all of their contracts. Additionally, the app allows suppliers to apply for delivery notifications for products and services, and receive digitally signed documents for products and services. As for government entities, the application allows them to enlist more suppliers for their available services, which serves to increase competition and speed the provision of better services. A man accused of stabbing an off-duty police officer 11 times after becoming fixated with him has admitted attempted murder. John McCartney, 40, launched the attack when the victim answered his door in Rayleigh, Essex, on April 24 last year while his wife and children were at home. McCartney, who is currently being held at a secure psychiatric facility, admitted attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon at Basildon Crown Court on Monday morning via video link. The defendant is believed to have known the Essex Police officer - who cannot be identified for legal reasons. The attack took place in Rayleigh, Essex in April 2018 / Google Maps The victim was stabbed a total of 11 times, suffering six stab wounds to the centre of his chest, lacerations to his chest, arm and abdomen - exposing his bowel - a half-inch wound to the upper arm and wounds to the feet. Despite the severity of his injuries, the victim managed to tackle McCartney to the ground, jump on his back and lie on him until help arrived. The officers wife and neighbours helped him to restrain McCartney before he was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and given emergency surgery. Essex Police said the officer was now recovering at home. At today's hearing, McCartney spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and give his nationality as British and to enter his guilty pleas. Judge Samantha Leigh adjourned sentencing until March 6 to allow time for psychologists to come to court and give evidence about his mental state. In the weeks before the attack, McCartney conducted a campaign of harassment against the victim on social media. McCartney launched a sustained and frenzied knife attack on the victim on his doorstep, the force said. Essex Police said in a statement: Despite suffering 11 stab and slash wounds, a number of which were extremely serious, our officer, using tactics learnt during his police training, battled valiantly to keep McCartney away from his family, and to restrain him to prevent him causing harm to his family and neighbours. The victim said in a statement: The events of Wednesday April 24 have had a huge impact on not just my life but those of my family, close friends, neighbours and policing colleagues. They, like me, continue to live with the emotional scars of that day but I am thankful to all of them my wife, family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and paramedics who undoubtedly not only saved my life that day but continue to support me since. Words are not enough to express how much everything they have done and all of their love and support has meant to me. Chief Constable Ben Harrington paid tribute to the bravery of the wounded officer, and added: Im in no doubt that his heroism in tackling an armed man whilst critically injured protected the community, protected his family, and Essex is safer as a result. STEPANAKERT. Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Armenian pogroms in Baku, one of the most tragic episodes of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. On January 13, 1990, the targeted oppression of the Armenians of Baku turned into a widespread and organized massacre. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) republic noted this in a statement, which also reads as follows: Chanting the slogans Glory to the heroes of Sumgait!, Long live Baku without Armenians!, a crowd of thousands, having divided into groups led by activists of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan (PFA), embarked upon methodically cleansing the city of Armenians house by house. Evidence abounds on atrocities and murders committed with extreme cruelty. Those who managed to escape death were subjected to forced deportation. Thousands of Armenians were brought to the port of Krasnovodsk city in Turkmen SSR by a ferry across the Caspian Sea, and were later sent to Armenia and Russia by airplanes. The massacres continued for an entire week in the conditions of complete inactivity of Azerbaijani authorities, internal troops and Bakus large garrison of the Soviet Army. On January 18, on the occasion of the massacres of Armenians in Baku, as well as armed attacks on the Armenian villages of Shahumyan region and Getashen, the European Parliament adopted a resolution titled On the Situation in Armenia, which called for the authorities of the USSR to guarantee real protection of the Armenian population living in Azerbaijan by sending forces to intervene in the situation. Units of the Soviet Army were deployed to the capital of Azerbaijani SSR only in the night of 20 January 1990 that stopped the pogroms, overcoming the fierce resistance of armed units of the PFA. The Baku pogroms became one of the bloodiest mass crimes against the Armenian population in a series of pogroms, deportations, ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity carried out in Azerbaijan since February 1988. According to various sources, 150 to 300 people died as a result of the massacre. We condemn the permanent denial by the Azerbaijani authorities of the genocidal acts and the heroization of the performers, which has become an integral part of Bakus policy of promoting xenophobia and hatred towards Armenians. Today, the inculcation of Armenophobia and the promotion of hate crimes against Armenians have been elevated to the rank of state policy in Azerbaijan and penetrated into all spheres of public life in this country, thus causing serious changes in the consciousness of the Azerbaijani society. The problem of xenophobia towards Armenians in Azerbaijan has reached such dimensions that has become one of the key sources of threats to regional stability and security. In order to overcome these negative processes and prevent an even greater complication of the problem of xenophobia in Azerbaijan, implementation of a set of measures, with the support of the international community, will be necessary, which will allow Azerbaijani society to get rid of the hate norms and guidelines imposed by the authorities. An important step in the process of eradicating the negative phenomena caused by the years-long propaganda of hatred towards Armenians could be the recognition by the Azerbaijani authorities of responsibility for the mass crimes committed against the Armenian population, including the Baku pogroms. This will not only improve the situation in Azerbaijan itself, but also create prerequisites for establishing lasting peace in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron will host heads of state from west Africa Monday in the southern city of Pau to map out a new strategy to fight insurgent violence. It comes amid a spate of deadly attacks and increasing hostility towards the presence of French troops. After initially being postponed, it is in the garrison town of Pau at the foot of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, where Monday's summit will now take place. The choice is not insignificant. The city was home to seven of the thirteen French troops who lost their lives in a helicopter collision while hunting jihadists in northern Mali last November. An inside source told RFI that the accident had strengthened France's resolve to review the efficacy and purpose of its combat mission in the Sahel. "This summit was called after the emotion caused by the accidental death of 13 of our French troops," comments Emmanuel Dupuy, president of the Institute of European Perspective & Security Studies in Paris. More than forty French soldiers have been killed since 2013 when France first engaged troops in Mali through its Serval operation and succeeded in driving out jihadist militants from towns they were occupying in the north. Seven years on, Serval's successor, Barkhane has struggled to yield similar military gains. Limited gains A deadly attack on a Niger military base last month, killing 71 soldiers, was a stark reminder of the terrorist threat in the Sahel, which forced the French government to hold off from holding the Pau summit, initially planned for 16 December, until now. "There is interrogation about whether or not the presence of 4,500 French troops in five countries: Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad is efficient to fight against the insurgency," Dupuy told RFI, which has become bolder and more complex in recent months. On Sunday, the death toll from another attack by rebel fighters this week on a Niger army base in the western town of Chinagodrar climbed from 25 to 89. Failure to quell the violence has fueled rising anti-French sentiment against the former colonial power. On Friday, hundreds of people demonstrated in Mali against the presence of foreign troops in their country, brandishing slogans reading "Down with France, Barkhane must leave," referring to the 4,500-man French force in five Sahel countries, according to the AFP. The people of Bamako but also Ouagadougo in neighbouring Burkina Faso, hit too by jihadist attacks, are questioning the efficiency of France's military presence, continues Dupuy. Searching for commitment "With 4,500 soldiers, more than 500 armed vehicles, 20 or more helicopters, we should have wiped the insurgency out by now. But a military solution alone is not the answer," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron has thus invited his counterparts from the five west African countries to adopt a new strategy in their increasingly shaky counter-terrorism alliance. Macron's invitation initially angered some Sahel leaders, who perceived it as an order. The French president said last month he could not "ask his troops to fight against jihadi violence in the Sahel and at the same time put up with critical statements from the public about their presence." France's Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly on Saturday echoed similar concerns about this growing French hostility. "We must obtain from west African leaders a clear position as to what they want and don't want," she told AFP. While France has a legal mandate from the five Sahel countries justifying its presence in the region, a semi-arid belt beneath the Sahara, it now wants these countries' populations to recognise its legitimacy as well. Call for solidarity This recognition is needed to secure the support of European countries, which so far have been reluctant to engage troops on the battlefield, and will be less inclined to do so given the public antipathy towards France, according to analysts. Along with the five west African presidents, Paris has also invited European leaders and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to Monday's summit. "Joseph Borrell, head of the EU External Action Service was the first to say that France should not be the only European partner to fight against terrorist organisations in the Sahel," Dupuy commented, although he remains sceptical that other countries will step up. "European Union countries do not have the same vision," he says. Germany recently turned down an offer from France to participate in Paris' new Takouba task force, a special operations unit that would be engaged in real fighting, replying that it already had over 1,000 troops in the 13,000-man UN peacekeeping force, MINUSMA. Lack of coordination "Germany, and the United Kingdom," which is due to send over 100 troops to the Sahel this year, "have said they will fight against terrorism but not with the French forces," explains Dupuy. The G5 leaders also have some 5,000 troops fighting the insurgency, but lack funding, training and equipment. Part of the objective of the Pau summit will also be to coordinate all of these military missions into a common strategy for west Africa. "There are more or less 30,000 troops on the ground, costing something like 4 to 5 million euros per day," offers Dupuy. Local populations, he says, are waiting for them to deliver. New Health Minister Robin Swann is to meet trade unions involved in strike action as other parties face questions over why they avoided the portfolio. The former Ulster Unionist leader said he wanted to resolve the industrial dispute "right away". Health unions have been taking strike action over pay parity and staffing levels, which nurses say are unsafe. Mr Swann said: "I am happy to confirm that contact has been made with trade unions and I will be meeting with them as soon as possible this week. I'm looking forward to getting this dispute sorted right away. "Obviously, the financial package for the new Executive and support from other Ministerial colleagues will be central to making that happen. "We need our nurses and other health workers back at work. There's a massive challenge for all of us in making our health service better and our great staff have a vital role to play in that." Healthcare workers across Northern Ireland staged a fresh round of strike action last Friday. About 9,000 Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members were joined by nurses and other Unison workers. Pat Cullen, director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, welcomed Mr Swann's move. "We are keen and available to meet the Minister at his earliest convenience to begin the process of resolving the issues in our current dispute," she said. "The restoration of pay parity has been addressed in the New Decade, New Approach deal, but of equal importance are the issues we have outlined in relation to safe staffing, and ensuring that we have the nursing workforce in place to be able to deliver the reform that our health services so badly need." Anne Speed from Unison said: "This prompt move by minister Swann is recognition that the determination and courage of thousands of health workers has made the health service the key priority for our new government." The crisis engulfing the health service is arguably the most pressing priority for Stormont. However, when it came to the selection of the ministerial briefs, the DUP, Sinn Fein and SDLP all passed on the chance to select the health portfolio. It led to claims that the other parties wanted to dodge what is viewed as the most challenging of the ministerial roles. DUP Economy Minister Diane Dodds insisted the issue should not be viewed as party political. "Robin Swann is not from my party but he will be my colleague in the executive and it will be absolutely vitally important that he is successful in that portfolio so his success will be the executive's success and we need to work together," she told RTE. Sinn Fein said it would directly support Mr Swann through its roles in the Executive Office and at the Department of Finance. Sinn Fein Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said all the portfolios were interconnected. "On one portfolio or another, all of these issues are important, all of these issues impact and connect on each other in terms of how we prevent people even falling sick in the first place," she told BBC NI's Sunday Politics show. The SDLP's Colin McGrath told the same programme that his party would only have taken health if it had also controlled the finance department, so it could influence the budget allocation. He said previous health ministers had seen their budgets "robbed" of millions of pounds by decisions taken elsewhere in the executive. The SDLP selected infrastructure as its chosen ministry. The party had fifth choice under the d'Hondt system for allocating seven executive ministries. Before that the DUP and Sinn Fein selected four other posts between them. The UUP had sixth pick and only then was health selected. The party has insisted the brief was its number one choice. Struggling airline Flybe is seeking emergency funding to prevent it from collapsing. More than 2,000 jobs are at risk at the Exeter-based airline, which handles half of UK domestic flights outside London, and received a bailout less than a year ago. Arts and crafts store Hobbycraft saw sales jump 9 per cent in the Christmas period. The Dorset firm said this was partly driven by more customers looking to buy customised Christmas decorations and recyclable Christmas gift tags. The value of takeovers by UK companies fell by a quarter last year. Brexit uncertainty has been blamed for the fall in takeover deals, which reached 134.7billion in 2019, according to data provider Mergermarket. New Delhi, Jan 13 : A unified pension products regulator is on the anvil consolidating supervisory powers from SEBI, IRDAI where all superannuation products, schemes and corpus of private insurers will be under the single authority in a bid to make long term funds available to the government for infrastructure and growth schemes, said sources. "The new regulator will only involve pension assigned funds of multiple handlers like IRDAI governs Unit Linked Pension Plans (ULPPs) and annuities. Government Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) is governed by Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and superannuation funds are managed by either employers or insurance companies, regulated by the IRDA. SEBI regulates retirement funds are managed by Mutual Fund," said the sources. The proposals were submitted by the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India to the finance ministry in December and the inter-ministerial discussions are now over and the decisions will be taken to Cabinet next month, sources added. The changes however exclude EPFO products. EPFO manages funds worth Rs 15 lakh crore. The amended Act will also see handing over of the management of the NPS trust to the government. The NPS Trust, is currently under PFRDA. NPS has a corpus of Rs 4 lakh crore. Private pension corpus could be around Rs 8 lakh crore and growing, said the sources. The idea is to consolidate the schemes and products insurance companies and MFs to avoid complexities and different cost for the subscribers (consumers) under one umbrella for their better utilisation, sources in the knowledge however said this is being done where Central government will have access to crores of funds for the infrastructure development and growth schemes from the private insurers as the revenues are drying up on the expected sources -- taxes, disinvestments. Government is banking on the argument that an efficient pension system will make long term funds available for investment especially in infrastructure and economic growth. Government is eyeing mainly the pension plans corpus of the private insurers offering deferred annuity, immediate annuity, life annuity and national pension schemes. Max Life, Bajaj Allianz, HDFC Life, Reliance ICICI Pru among others. Recently Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled Rs 102 lakh crore national infrastructure pipeline. India plans to invest about Rs 102 lakh crore in the infrastructure sector in the next five years to achieve the GDP target of $5 trillion by 2024-25, she said. The finance ministry had set up a task force headed by Economic Affairs Secretary to prepare a roadmap for the national infrastructure pipeline from 2019-20 to 2024-25 under the Rs 102 lakh crore infra plan. Sharon Gaiptman kisses her brother Lenny at his home in Philadelphia. Read more One night, when she was a teenager, Sharon Gaiptmans grandmother divulged to her a family secret that changed the simple math shed grown up with namely, that Gaiptman was the firstborn of three children, followed by a brother and sister. But that night, her grandmother told her that there had once been another sibling, born before her, a brother. Shortly after that revelation, Gaiptman asked her parents over dinner if it were true. My mother ran from the table, crying, said Gaiptman, now 71, and my father told me I was never allowed to bring it up again. But Gaiptman, who was born in North Philly and grew up in New York, could not forget what her grandmother told her and how her mother had reacted. She spent years prodding other relatives for information, until she got some answers. His name was Lenny, they told her. He was born in 1946. The family lore was that a nurse had dropped him on his head and he died. So that pretty much checked out with everyone, Gaiptman said. Gaiptman let it rest until she was in her early 40s, when she was pregnant and concerned about the health of her unborn child. She asked her father, had Lennys death truly been accidental? If not, had it been caused by something congenital? He said that her mother had been exposed to German measles rubella while pregnant with Lenny. As a result, a nurse told them, Lenny had been born a monster and was going to die within two days." Her parents left Lenny at the hospital, heartbroken, believing their firstborn would soon succumb. Gaiptman doesnt know if they even got to see him when he was born. She likes to believe they didnt. Her mother died in 1987, her father in 2014 and thats when Gaiptman, whod since moved to Juneau, Alaska, doubled her efforts to learn more about Lenny. Hours of Googling revealed evidence of Lennys birth, but not his death; a burial fund, but no burial. Then she found his name Leonard Gaiptman, of Spring City, Pa., mentioned in a small newspaper blurb from 1976 that listed who had been admitted to Phoenixville Hospital and who had been discharged. That was 30 years after he was supposed to have died, she said. She Googled some more, until she found an address on the 3900 block of Richmond Street in North Philly. In April of 2018, when she and her husband were back in the area to visit, they drove to the home, but no one was there. Gaiptman had a hunch that Lenny, if he were alive, might have disabilities. After more web searching, she found COMHAR, a nonprofit that serves 11,000 people with mental illness, intellectual disability, or substance addictions in Philadelphia and lower Montgomery County. Gaiptman called COMHAR, where her unusual quest stirred much interest. Over the next few months, she sent the agency family pictures, answered all their questions, and waited. Finally, in the fall of 2018, came the phone call that has changed her life: Sharon, we have your brother. "I was so happy,' she said. You have no idea. READ MORE: Their tote bags sold out at Aerie proving what people with disabilities can do Lenny, she learned, was not the monster of family lore. In fact, when Gaiptman first met him just after Christmas in 2018, in Philly she recognized him at first sight, she said. His smile lights up a room. Hes like my dad, she said. Hes just very smiley. Sharon said her brother had lived at the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital an institution for residents with mental and physical disabilities, which closed for good in 1987 during the nationwide movement to transition residents into community living arrangements. She doesnt know if he lived there in his childhood, but he has been under COMHARs supervision since 1984. Lenny is verbal, has both intellectual and physical disabilities, and gets around with the help of a wheelchair, said Sharon. He lives in a group home in Port Richmond with two male housemates; the men spend weekdays at COMHARS Vanderwoude Center, partaking in social, physical, and recreational activities in the community. Woody Rosenbach, COMHARs CEO, said Lenny Gaiptmans care is funded by the city and the state, via Medicaid. This feels really good, said Rosenbach about Lennys restored connection to family. "Lennys an individual whos had a great life. Its been a joyous reunion. Lenny, his little sister learned, is a big Philadelphia Phillies fan, traveling to Clearwater every year to see the team during spring training with the help of a nonprofit that arranges the getaways. He even likes to sleep on a Phillies pillow. Last month, Sharon Gaiptman traveled to Philadelphia for another visit with the brother she never knew she had and who has brought wonder into her life. Youre the best, she said, hugging him. She believes COMHAR and its employees have taken good care of her brother all these years, becoming his family. Now, that family has more members. It was very emotional. I cant believe the state, the commonwealth, kept this man alive for 72 years, she said. Whatever family he didnt come by naturally, everybody here is just so giving and so caring. Everybody is a professional. Since connecting with Lenny, Gaiptman said, shes thought a lot about her parents. Shes convinced that they believed he was dead. Perhaps it was better that way. My parents never could have taken care of Lenny. They lived in a flat in North Philly and didnt have a cent. They were just getting by. There was no home health aides back then. We live in a different world, she said. I have compassion for them. " Australias Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed regret over his handling of the bushfire crisis ravaging the country. The PM has faced mounting criticism over his governments response to the bushfires and its climate policy. Since September, bushfires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed thousands of homes. On Sunday, Mr Morrison conceded there were things I could have handled on the ground much better. In recent weeks, Mr Morrison has been heckled by locals when visiting fire-hit communities in the states of New South Wales and Victoria, where the worst blazes are concentrated. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates "Uttar Pradesh government had not only booked such people but also lathi-charged and shot them. Similarly, we will also shoot, lathi-charge and book whoever destroys public property in the state," Ghosh said addressing a public gathering here. He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking action against those who destroyed public property during violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act as "they are her voters". The MP from Kharagpur was attending an event in support of the newly amended citizenship law. "Who do they think the public property that they are destroying belongs to? Their father? Public property belongs to the taxpayers. You (Mamata) do not say anything because they are your voters. In Assam and Uttar Pradesh, our government has shot these people like dogs," Ghosh said. "You come here, eat our food, stay here and vandalize public property. Is it your zamindari? We will bash you with lathis, shoot you and put you in jail. Mamata Banerjee has no desire to do anything," he added. NSUI was hardly visible and failed to drive this movement by the students, not just in Delhi but even in the Congress-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh or Rajasthan. While campuses in several parts of the country simmer with students raising angry voices against the Centre, the Congress student wing National Student Union of India (NSUI) appears to be conspicuous by its absence from the ongoing high-octane movement. Confining itself to stray reactions, NSUI has allowed the Left to take the lead. Its curious, considering that the party should have seen the current round of conflict as an opportunity to reassert its presence among the student community. The voice against the recent violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi didnt remain confined to the campus but reverberated in campuses across the country. It was the Left-affiliated student unions that aggressively went hammer and tongs by staging demonstrations, protest marches and rallies not only at JNU or on the streets of the National Capital, but at other academic institutions as well. While the Lefts red flag was visible almost everywhere, NSUIs voice was feeble, almost inaudible. As a counter-movement against the Lefts student agitation within the JNU campusbetter known as the fortress of the Left and outside, its the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) that took an aggressive stance against the Left. In every campus where the Left staged protests whether in support of JNU or against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Right countered it. In the meanwhile, NSUI and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) were nowhere in the picture. They chose to act as fence-sitters. Is it deliberate or is it due to lack of ideological clarity in the Congress? Or is it a reflection of the general state of affairs in the party? NSUI and Youth Congress lack ideological clarity and courage of conviction, unlike the Left-affiliated unions or Right-wing ABVP. Congress youth brigade receives confusing and often conflicting signals from partys top brass. And here lies the problem, said Rasheed Kidwai, political commentator and author of Sonia, a biography and 24 Akbar Road, while speaking with Firstpost. NSUI may not have its representation in JNU Students Union (JNUSU), but it has its presence in Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) through the post of the secretary. Even in the past, NSUI had a strong presence in DU campus, but it has failed to make a mark this time. NSUI participated in the protest march to express solidarity with the Left unions. The IYC took out a torchlight procession against the violence at JNU campus to India Gate on 6 January and we were a part of it, an NSUI worker said. Despite such claims, NSUI was hardly visible and failed to drive this students movement, not just in Delhi but even in the Congress-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh or Rajasthan. Barring a days demonstration and sloganeering here and there, NSUI opted for symbolic representation, rather than taking the lead. At JNU and in other campuses in Delhi, it's the CPI (M-L) Liberation affiliated union -- All India Student Association (AISA) along with SFI have been at the forefront of this student movement. Both CPM and SFI staged demonstrations and protest marches in various districts of Chhattisgarh from Korba to Jagdalpur against the NRC, CAA, Centres anti-people policies and the violence on students in JNU, said Chhattisgarh CPM state secretary Sanjay Parate. The present student movement which began as a protest against the CAA and the National Register for Citizens (NRC), gained momentum after violence was unleashed upon students and teachers of JNU protesting inside the campus against fee hike. The Left grabbed the opportunity, unlike Congress, to lead the biggest pan-India student agitation in the last two decades. The last major ones were anti-Mandal agitation in 1990 and anti-reservation protests in 2006 during the UPA government. In the last 20 years, no pan-India student movement as widespread as this one has happened. The last big one was anti-Mandal agitation in 1990 and after that anti-reservation one to some extent. Unlike other political parties, its always the Left which fights for the peoples cause. A student movement is the nucleus of any movement in a democracy, whether it was during freedom struggle or against the Emergency. The Left has always been at the forefront. The basic tenet of the Left is to stand by the poor, deprived, oppressed and exploited sections of the society, and it doesnt do it to capitalise it politically, former eight-term MP from West Bengal and general secretary of CPM-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha, Hannan Mollah, who participated in the JNU students march on 9 January told Firstpost. After the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday in which issues ranging from suppression of the voice of the students in campuses to economic slowdown due to the policies of Narendra Modi government were discussed at length, the Congress party in its resolution stated, The CWC expresses its solidarity with the youth and the students in their fight for defending the Constitution...CWC resolves that every worker of the Congress party will work alongside Indias youth and the students in this endeavour. The statement is more of symbolism than a clear direction. The student and youth leaders of the Congress still have no clue about the next step they need to pursue. Congress is with the movement. A three-member team has submitted its fact-finding report on JNU violence to our president Sonia Gandhi, which well release on Sunday, a Congress leader remarked. In fact, Congress was far more decisive and proactive between 2017 and 2019 on the issue of farm distress, when Rahul Gandhi was the party president and was leading Congress campaign for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. They reaped the fruits of labour by winning the BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in one go. Unlike the Congress, both the BJP and the Left are ideology-based parties that drive their student bodies to top gear on any issue. The Left, though not having the organisational strength and pan-India footprint that both Congress and BJP enjoy as national parties, has aggressively been pursuing the student movement, despite knowing that it wont be able to capitalise on it at the political level. The Congress being the natural leader of the opposition could have done that but it has failed to seize a golden opportunity to set its own agenda. On the other hand, the ABVP and the BJP have been in a symbiotic partnership due to their ideological oneness. This will help the BJP to capitalise it politically from ABVPs anti-Left and pro-nationalistic movement. As Congress is not an ideologically-driven party like BJP or CPM, on many emotive issues, we often witness the emergence of three to four shades of opinions. The rank and file in Congress are divided, hence they lack clarity, said Kidwai. Even after the abrogation of Article 370 and Supreme Courts verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, cohesiveness was missing in the statements made by the Gandhis, top leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Digvijaya Singh, AK Antony, Jyotiraditya Scindia, etc. and other apologists. Eleven Rajasthan districts are facing the worst locust attack after 26 years with control measures being taken on 3.70 lakh hectare affected land and an official urging international cooperation to deal with the menace. The last locust outbreak was reported in 1993 when the state's Agriculture Department had carried out preventive measures on 3,10,482 lakh hectares affected land, whereas control measures on 3.70 lakh hectare land have been done till January 12 so far, he said. "It is one of the worst locust attack that Rajasthan is facing this time. Locust attack started this year from May 21 and is still continuing. So far, control measures have been done on 3.70 lakh hectare affected land by spraying 2.60 lakh litre melathion. This is a problem which requires immediate international cooperation," Suwa Lal Jat, Joint Director (Plant Protection), said. He said that locust attack generally starts in June-July and lasts till October end or November-mid but it has been eight months from now that it is still continuing, adding that the presence of locust population has been seen on the international border with Pakistan, which still poses danger. The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), headquartered in Jodhpur, said locust attack is the biggest and longest running phenomenon. "It is the biggest locust attack in the last four or five decades. Last big attack was seen in 1993 and the affected area span has already surpassed it this time. It is a challenge for the coming months as well because the presence of locusts in the Gulf countries, including Iran and Pakistan, is alarming and summer breeding of locusts is also approaching," LWO Deputy Director K L Gurjar said. The 11 affected districts where control measures have been taken include Jaisalmer 2 lakh hectare, Barmer 80,000 hectare, Bikaner 80,000 hectare, Sriganganagar 5,000 hectare, Jalore 1,500 hectare, Hanumangarh 800 hectare, Nagaur-Churu 500 hectare each, Pali-Sirohi 400 hectare each and Dungarpur 50 hectare. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had written a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, seeking the Centre's assistance on the matter. On December 30, Gehlot had announced to conduct girdawari (survey) for the assessment of loss caused to crops due to locust attack in Western Rajasthan. On Saturday, the chief minister had asked officials to start distribution of compensation to farmers on loss to crops due to locust attack. Jat said the unusual phenomenon is being investigated by the scientists of five agriculture universities of the states who are taking samples in the affected areas. "The teams of scientists are taking samples in the affected areas to study locust habitats. They are examining whether the reason is climate change or global warming or anything else," he said. He said that 54 teams of the Agriculture Department are surveying and monitoring the situation, 450 tractors with mounted sprayers are being pressed into service to control the menace, besides an additional fleet of 500-700 tractors received per day with the support of people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 00:19:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The need to reallocate funds will see Denmark's National Police close approximately 240 positions during 2020, said Jens Henrik Hojbjerg, national commissioner of the Danish Police, in an interview with the newspaper Jyllandsposten published on Monday. The savings made on the payroll will partly go towards the budget of the state prosecutor for serious economic and international crime, which receives 45 million Danish krone (6.7 million U.S. dollars) from the National Police in 2020. This corresponds in salary to approximately 90 National Police employees, said Hojbjerg. In addition, he said that a further 150 staff positions must be canceled at the National Police and their tasks assigned to the country's 12 police districts. The latter part of the saving is needed to finance trainings for police personnel on counter-terrorism, border protection and visible policing, he said. The Danish National Police currently employs 9,415 officers. With the selection of next Congress Legislature Party leader and state Congress president on the cards, former chief minister Siddaramaiah will meet the party high command in Delhi on Tuesday, a senior leader said. "Yes... He is leaving for Delhi on Monday evening. There is a meeting scheduled with the party high command on Tuesday," said a Congress leader close to Siddaramaiah. Names that are doing rounds for the post of CLP leader include H K Patil and former speaker K R Ramesh Kumar whereas D K Shivakumar and K H Muniyappa are the top contenders for the state party chief's post. Siddaramaiah had stepped down as the CLP leader while Dinesh Gundu Rao had resigned as state Congress president on December 9 after the party's poor performance in the assembly bypolls at 15 places. While the ruling BJP won 12 seats, Congress could secure only two seats namely Hunasuru and Shivajinagar. An independent candidate won from Hoskote. The bypolls were necessitated due to the disqualification of 17 MLAs which brought down the coalition government of Congress and the JD(S). The bypolls were held at 15 places whereas the decision regarding the two other assembly segments was put on hold pending court order. The BJP's thumping victory in the bypolls helped the saffron party gain majority in the Karnataka assembly with 117 seats minus the speaker. The Congress and the JD(S) were expecting a substantial victory in the bypolls but the BJP's stellar performance left the leaders of the two parties in a state of shock. The bypolls were being seen as an acid test for Siddaramaiah and Rao. THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Talen Energy Corporation ("Talen Energy" or "the Company") announced today the completion of the previously-announced sale of its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary Interstate Energy Company LLC ("IEC") to Adelphia Gateway, LLC ("Adelphia"), a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, Talen Energy received proceeds in the amount of $155 million, which was in addition to $10 million received upon announcement of the transaction in October 2017. The closing proceeds are expected to be used for recourse debt reduction. "The sale of IEC marks the last in a series of planned sales of non-core assets which were announced shortly following Talen Energy's take-private transaction in December 2016. These sales allowed the Company to monetize underutilized assets to generate incremental cash flow, and drive greater efficiencies," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Alexander. "We appreciate the efforts of those on both sides of this transaction and look forward to working with Adelphia to ensure a smooth transition for all involved." The IEC pipeline consisted of an 84-mile pipeline between Marcus Hook and Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. As part of the agreement, Talen Energy subsidiaries have entered into contracts with Adelphia whereby the northern portion of the pipeline will continue to supply natural gas to Talen Energy's Martins Creek and Lower Mount Bethel generating stations. The southern 50-mile portion of the pipeline will be repurposed by Adelphia to flow natural gas to the greater Philadelphia region. About Talen Energy Talen Energy is one of the largest competitive energy and power generation companies in North America. The Company owns or controls approximately 15,000 megawatts of generating capacity in well-developed, structured wholesale power markets, principally in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southwest regions of the United States. For more information, visit talenenergy.com Investor Contact Ryan Koren Senior Manager, Investor Relations and FP&A 610-601-0477 [email protected] Media Contact Taryne Williams Media & Community Relations Manager 610-601-0327 [email protected] SOURCE Talen Energy Related Links http://talenenergy.com Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will propose a national review into the country's ongoing fire crisis to cabinet, he announced yesterday. The Royal Commission will include the impact of climate change, the operational response at a state and local level, and the role of the federal government. Mr Morrison made the announcement the day after a 40-year veteran firefighter, Bill Slade, was killed by a falling tree while fighting fires in Victoria's Alpine region. Mr Slade is the fourth firefighter to die this fire season, and brings the national toll of confirmed deaths to 27. Mr Morrison, who had refused to commit additional funding to fire fighting and went on holiday to Hawaii in December, also conceded there were things he could have handled better. "There are things I could have handled on the ground much better," Mr Morrison told ABC TV, perhaps referring to his awkward encounters with furious residents in Cobargo and Quaama. He said that in hindsight he should not have gone to Hawaii. Mr Morrison also claimed that greater federal intervention "was not something that was recommended going into this fire season". However, in April last year, 23 former fire service chiefs and deputy chiefs issued an open letter warning that Australia was unprepared for the coming fire season and needed to take more action to combat climate change. The former fire chiefs asked for whoever was voted in as prime minister after the May election to meet with them to discuss a plan, an invitation that was ignored after the Liberal-National coalition retained office. In addition, it was revealed on Saturday that the federal government's own plan to prepare for the effects of climate-change-related natural disasters was ignored for 18 months in the Department of Home Affairs prior to the fire crisis beginning in earnest. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework warned that climate change was exposing the country to natural disasters on "unimagined scales, in unprecedented combinations and in unexpected locations". It warned more and more people and assets would be at risk, and that essential services - including power, water, telecommunications and financial services - would be vulnerable. However, the government took no action in response, and failed to publish the national implementation plan promised for release last year. Opinion polls published late yesterday showed Mr Morrison's disapproval rating rise by 11 points, up to 59pc, while his approval rating crashed eight points to 37pc. ( Daily Telegraph, London) European Powers Urge Iran To Stick To 2015 Nuclear Deal January 12, 2020 Germany, France, and Great Britain have urged Tehran to stick by the terms of the 2015 deal that restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. In a joint statement on January 12, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that "it is essential that Iran return to full compliance with its commitment under the agreement." Iran said last week that it no longer considered itself bound by the agreement, from which the United States withdrew in 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump called the deal "fatally flawed," in part because it did not restrict Tehran's ballistic-missile program or address its support for terrorist groups in the Middle East. Last week Trump urged European countries to also renounce the deal. The January 12 joint statement noted that "we must address -- through diplomacy and in a meaningful way -- shared concerns about Iran's destabilizing regional activities, including those linked to its missile program." U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on U.S. television on January 12 that the administration was prepared to open talks with Iran "without precondition" to work out "a series of steps by which Iran becomes a more normal country." "The president has drawn no preconditions other than to say we're willing to meet with the Iranian government," Esper said. Based on reporting by AP, dpa, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/european- powers-urge-iran-to-stick-to-2015 -nuclear-deal/30373278.html/a> 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 Failing to make disclosure by January 31 will attract penal action in accordance with the present law. New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Tightening regulations for drones which could be a potential security threat in the sky, the Civil Aviation Ministry has asked individuals or firms to voluntarily disclose the details about the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) starting Tuesday. An official note from the ministry said that those possessing drones are required to submit information about them. Accordingly, they can visit the dedicated digital platform and share the drone details. "This is the global practice. It is the baseline information which authorities require drone operators to share," a former Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official said. As per the drone guidelines by the aviation regulator, drone operators have to obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN), Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and other operational requirements before flying them in the sky. "It was brought to the notice of the Government of India that such drones and drone operators are not complying with the CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) mentioned above," the Aviation Ministry said in a statement. "The conditions of No Permission-No Take off (NPNT) as envisaged in the aforesaid CAR are not mandatory for this purpose whereas if drones are operated without due permission, the aforesaid process of CAR is violated. The deadline to submit the required information to the Government is 31st January 2020," it said. On successful submission of voluntary disclosure of possessing drone, a Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) and an Ownership Acknowledgement Number (OAN) will be issued online to the owners. This will assist in validation of operations of drones in India. "However, the DAN or OAN does not confer any right to operate a drone(s) in India, if it does not fulfil the provisions given in the CAR. Further, ownership of drone(s) in India without a valid DAN or OAN shall invite penal action as per applicable laws," the ministry said. nk/kr By Express News Service BENGALURU: A little more than a month after he tendered his resignation to the post of Congress Legislative Party chief, Siddaramaiah is all set to meet the partys central leadership. AICC interim president Sonia Gandhi has asked Siddaramaiah to meet visit Delhi and meet the high command on Monday. The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka legislature had sent his resignation after the drubbing the party received in the recently-concluded bypolls to 15 assembly seats. Following the invitation of the Congress high command, Siddaramaiah will travel to New Delhi on Monday evening. He will return to Bengaluru on Tuesday night, read a press statement from the former chief ministers office. The invitation to New Delhi comes after DK Shivakumars return from Delhi. Shivakumar is a front runner for the post of KPCC chief. Former AICC president Rahul Gandhi is said to have spoken to Siddaramaiah, asking him to withdraw his resignation. With the veteran leader refusing, the high command is expected to hold talks with Siddaramaiah. Given his cold war with Shivakumar, Mondays visit is also being seen as an attempt to bride the gap between the two leaders, given the possibility that Siddaramaiah may continue as Leader of Congress legislative party, while Shivakumar may be appointed KPCC chief. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkeys export of steel and cement to Azerbaijan amounted to $159.6 million from January through December 2019, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on Jan. 13. During this period, Turkeys steel export to Azerbaijan increased by 16.3 percent compared with the same period of 2018, a source in the ministry said. Herein, Turkeys cement export to Azerbaijan increased by 5 percent compared with the same period of 2018, and amounted to $41.2 million, the source said. Turkeys export of steel to Azerbaijan increased by 21.6 percent in December 2019 compared with December 2018, amounting to $9.6 million, the ministry said. This month, Turkeys export of cement to Azerbaijan increased by 0.8 percent compared with the same month of 2018, and amounted to 2.6 million, the source said. Turkeys export of steel dropped by 10.6 percent from January through December 2019 compared with the same period of 2018, amounting to $13.8 billion. During 2019, Turkeys export of cement increased by 17.8 compared with the summary of 2018, amounting to $3.5 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Checking alcohol level on Tran Khat Chan street, Hanoi (Photo: VNA) The alcohol level created by eating a small amount of fermented fruit or cough syrup generally dissipated within two to five minutes after consumption, Lieutenant General Vu Do Anh Dung, head of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, told Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper. Since Decree 100/2019 and the Law on Alcohol Harm Prevention which bans drivers from drinking any alcohol took effect on January 1, drivers have raised concerns about eating fermented fruit or cough medicine. At an online conference held by Giao Thong newspaper this week, Major Dao Viet Long, deputy head of Hanois Traffic Police, said among the 84 cases in the city in the first seven days of this year, none involved drivers that had eaten fruit. Drivers were allowed to request a second breathalyser test if they wanted to prove they hadn't been drinking. They could also wait until the alcohol on their breath reached zero to take the test one more time, he said. Since the new law took effect, drivers face stiff penalties if they are found to have consumed alcohol. The maximum punishment for car drivers is a fine of 40 million VND (1,740 USD), and a two-year ban. Drunk motorbike drivers may face an 8 million VND (348 USD) penalty and have their driving licences revoked for two years. Those who ride bicycles are subject to fines ranging from 400,000 VND (174 USD) to 600,000 VND (261 USD) if they drink. Bui Sy Loi, Vice Chairman of the National Assemblys Committee of Social Affairs, said on the first six days of the new year, the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents decreased by four compared to previous years. I believe that the new regulation has brought a sense of relief to people. They are reminding each other not to drink and drive at parties, which is a positive sign, he told the conference. According to Tran Thi Xuan Hang from the Ministry of Health's Legal Affairs Department, the Law on Alcohol Harm Prevention also regulates locations that were allowed to sell alcohol, and includes stricter regulations on alcohol advertising. Since January 1, off licences have been within a 100m radius from educational and healthcare facilities. The new law also stiffens penalties on driving without helmets, jumping traffic lights and taking the wrong lane. Hang said the strict regulations were necessary because Vietnam had one of the highest consumption rates of alcohol in the world. In the past five years, the level of pure alcohol consumed by each person increased from 6.6 litres to 8.3 litres. The ban on alcohol while driving was strongly supported by National Assembly deputies, and lawmakers looked to international examples for guidance. Khuat Viet Hung, Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Traffic Safety, said putting Decree 100 into practice had demonstrated the determination of authorities to stop drink driving. Ten years ago, the regulation on wearing helmets was enforced amid controversy. Now an estimated 15,000 lives had been saved and 500,000 head injuries had been prevented. This helped the country save a staggering 5.3 billion USD. It shows that as long as the Government and ministries were determined, they would be successful, he said. A record number of men needed NHS surgery after snapping their penises last year, according to statistics. In total, 164 men had to have an operation to save their manhood after fracturing the blood-filled columns which make it hard during an erection. Men in their 30s and 40s were most affected by the painful injury but the youngest patient was just 18, while the oldest was in his 70s. When a penis fractures it most often happens during sex, snapping under the weight of a partner's body or a powerful thrust. A scientific study in 2015 revealed the cowgirl (woman on top), doggy style and missionary positions were most likely to cause injury. In total, 164 men had to have an operation to save their manhood last year after fracturing the blood-filled columns which make it hard during an erection (stock image) The number of men needing penis repair surgery last year was 38 per cent higher than in 2014/15 and a record number, according to The Sun. And there may be even more cases among men who are too embarrassed to go to a doctor about it, one expert said. The anatomy of an erection is based around two spongy tubes which fill up with blood and harden, and a firm, fibrous sheath which surrounds them, called the tunica albuginea. When the tunica albuginea, which is made mostly of collagen, comes under extreme pressure it can snap and cause the penis to bend out of shape. If this happens the erection will quickly subside and the penis become swollen and painful. The penis can even make an audible cracking sound when it breaks. It usually happens if the penis is thrust into a solid surface or if something or someone falls on it. 'Normally patients coming with something looking like a bruised aubergine,' King's College Hospital urologist Gordon Muir told The Sun. 'If you leave it to health without treatment there is a high chance of getting scarring which can lead to Peyronie's disease.' Peyronie's disease is a condition in which scar tissue builds up inside the penis and causes it to bend dramatically rather than stay straight a slight bend is normal but Peyronie's may cause it to be 90 or more. A fractured penis can usually be repaired with surgery to stitch the tunica albuginea back together. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2020) - Roscan Gold Corporation (TSXV: ROS) (FSE:2OJ) ("Roscan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Appointment of Sir Samuel Jonah as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Michael Gentile, CFA will transition to a Board Member from current Strategic Advisor role (12th December, 2019). Further, Roscan announces the acceptance of the resignation of the Board Members, Mr. Don Whalen and Mr. David Mosher, effective immediately. Mr. Sangmuah, CEO of the Company commented: "I would like to thank both Mr. Don Whalen and Mr. David Mosher for their time and advice over the years as Roscan advanced our project in Mali. Their help has been invaluable in setting the stage for the next phase of growth for Roscan. It is anticipated that this new appointment of Sir Samuel Jonah with his experience and expertise in the mining sector globally, especially in West Africa, will be a tremendous asset to the company. In a similar role, Sir Samuel Jonah was able to transform Equinox Minerals from a $63M market capitalization company to a $7.4B company before selling to Barrick. In addition he had a similar role in transitioning Moto Gold from a $50M market capitalization company to a $546M company before selling to Rangold. I am honoured and privileged to have him join the Roscan board and foresee a similar path of value creation under his guidance. In addition, I am very pleased to advise that Mr. Michael Gentile has agreed to transition into a more significant role with Roscan as a Board Member to the Corporation." "Roscan's future is bright and exciting," said Sir Samuel Jonah. "The Company's exploration program is off to a great start, and has a great team to take the Company to a new level. With positive drill results and news flow this promises to be a very exciting year for Roscan shareholders." Appointment of Sir Samuel Jonah to Non-Executive Chairman Sir Samuel Jonah earned an Associateship in Mining Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall, England, and subsequently a M.Sc in Mine Management at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London. Jonah's has an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree awarded jointly by the Camborne School of Mines and the University of Exeter (UK) in 1996. He joined Ashanti Goldfields Corporation in 1979, working in various capacities, including underground operations. At the age of 36 he became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and supervised the transformation of Ashanti Goldfields into a mining multinational, increased gold production from 240,000 ounces per annum to over 1.6 million ounces in over ten years, and oversaw the company's listing as the first operating African company on the New York Stock Exchange. He became Executive President of Anglo Ashanti Ltd (world second largest gold producer at the time) in May 2004 when Ashanti merged with AngloGold Limted. In June 2003, Jonah became the first Ghanaian to be knighted in the 21st century when he was presented with an honorary knighthood by the Prince of Wales, in recognition of his achievements as an African businessman, a leading business executive from the Commonwealth, and an international public figure. In his long career he has successfully served on many boards, including the board of Vodaphone UK and the advisory board of Bank of America. Sir Jonah is the Chairman of Helios Towers that IPO in October 2019 for $1.8B. Stock Options The Company's board of directors has approved the granting of 3,500,000 incentive stock options pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan to recently appointed Sir Samuel Jonah subject to approval. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.12 per share for a period of five (5) years from issuance. About Roscan Roscan Gold Corporation is a well-financed Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area of producing gold mines (including B2 Gold's Fekola Mine which lies in a contiguous property to the west of Kandiole), and major gold deposits, located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali. For further information, please contact: Andrew J. Ramcharan (PhD, P.Eng, FAusIMM) Executive Vice President - Corporate Development and Investor Relations Tel: (902) 832-5555 Email: aramcharan@Roscan.ca Greg Isenor Executive Vice-Chairman Tel: (902) 832-5555 Email: gpisenor@Roscan.ca Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is 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 information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. 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/51364 ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland's strong Democratic majority seemed far away this weekend at a conference near the State House, where Republicans discussed their priorities for 2020. During speeches Saturday by elected GOP officials and party leaders, attendees booed the costly education overhaul proposal being championed by the deep-blue General Assembly, cheered raucously for President Donald Trump and poked fun at candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. In between panels about how to reduce gun-control restrictions and limit access to abortion, dozens of the party faithful exchanged business cards, snapped selfies and commiserated over being conservative in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1 and have a veto-proof majority in both chambers of the legislature. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, a moderate in his party who has frequently criticized Trump, was not present at the conference hosted by the conservative website Red Maryland. Hogan's spokesman said the governor was invited but could not attend "because of his schedule." Rep. Andy Harris, the only Republican in Maryland's congressional delegation, was the informal keynote speaker. He took to the stage midafternoon Saturday, regaling the audience with stories from the House floor. "The Democrats in Washington are unhinged," said Harris, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative bloc closely allied with Trump. "Ilhan Omar," he continued, referring to the first-term Democratic representative from Minnesota. "To hear her on the floor, criticizing killing a terrorist is - is something else. I won't go there," he added, as audience members laughed. Omar, a Muslim who is the first member of Congress to wear a hijab, is among a large number of Democratic lawmakers who have criticized the Trump administration's killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani as a tactical mistake. In his 30-minute speech, Harris, whose district mostly covers Maryland's Eastern Shore, slammed local Democratic officials in other parts of the state and in the District of Columbia, mocking their policies on criminal justice, immigration and education. "D.C. is run by communists," he said. Baltimore City's leaders have been an "abject failure" in addressing the jurisdiction's high crime rates. And Montgomery County's sanctuary policies to protect immigrant communities are "unbelievable." During other sessions, speakers discussed ways they could strengthen the party's ranks. Although Hogan is popular among voters from all parties (a recent poll by Gonzales Research & Media Services, found the governor had a 75 percent approval rating), the Maryland GOP has seen losses in local and state legislative races, driven in part by anti-Trump backlash among moderates and independents. Brian Griffiths, Red Maryland's editor in chief, said he understands that Maryland will not vote for Trump in the upcoming presidential election. He and other conservative leaders are focused on races further down the ballot. "Maryland needs us," said state Sen. Justin Ready, R-Carroll, who recently returned to Annapolis for the state's 90-day legislative session, where new, more-liberal presiding officers have taken charge. "These progressives in the General Assembly . . . their agenda is ramming through wasteful, unaccountable spending over the Kirwan Commission," Ready said, referring to the $4 billion education funding proposal that conservatives have criticized for being too costly. "They want more spending on top of the spending we already do." While Ready described Maryland in an interview as "still a very, very blue state," others at the conference saw it differently. "Trump is very popular here," said Linda Flint, president of the Harford County Republican Women, adding that she does not believe the president's 37 percent approval rating in the Gonzales poll. "Everywhere I go, people are very receptive to supporting Trump." In an earlier session titled "Growth Through Diversity," a panel of four black speakers discussed questions posed by a moderator, including "How to expel racism in [the Republican] party?" and "How to convince minorities, especially Hispanics, that we're not racist?" At the end of the panel, the speakers also shared their thoughts on Trump. "Do we agree with everything he says? Everything he tweets? Maybe not," C.J. Sailor, director of programs at the Gloucester Institute, said to the audience, which was largely white. "But think about what will it be like to have President Biden. Imagine a President Warren." The attendees and other speakers groaned in consensus. Sudans journalists sound the alarm as the government shuts down several media outlets. Journalists in Sudan have denounced the seizure of two newspapers and two TV stations as a grave assault on the freedom of the press. The government says these media organisations were funded by the countrys former leaders but it has not provided any proof of this. Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan reports from Khartoum. The two men on board a Queensland-bound light airplane that went missing during a flight from northern NSW have been confirmed dead, after authorities reached the rugged bushland crash site. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter found the crash site about 1.5 kilometres into the Koreelah National Park on the Queensland border about 9.45am on Monday, according to NSW police. The crash site was located by air on Monday morning. Credit:Mackenzie Price The single-engine Tailwind aircraft left Casino Airport about 2pm on Sunday, bound for Boonah in Queensland's south-east. A search was initiated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority when the plane failed to arrive about one hour later and attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful. Hemlock Public School District is joining 538 local and 56 intermediate school districts across Michigan to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month. "Our school board members spend countless hours of time working to provide the best possible education for our students," said Superintendent Donald Killingbeck. "They also serve as the corporate board of directors for one of our community's largest employers. Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say 'thanks' for all they do." "School board members represent their fellow citizens' views and priorities in the complex enterprise of maintaining and running the community's public schools," Killingbeck added. "They also reinforce the principle of local control over public education, which is an important, highly valued aspect of education in Michigan." The school board's primary goal is to support student achievement, to achieve that goal, the board focuses on the following needs: Creating a vision for what parents and citizens want their school district to become and how to make student achievement the top priority. Setting standards for student education. Assessing school's goals and students learning. Accounting for the outcomes of decisions and by tracking progress and reporting results. Aligning the use of the district's human and financial resources. Creating a safe and orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach. Collaborating to solve common problems and to support everyday successes. Focusing on continuous improvement by questioning, examining, revising, refining and revisiting issues related to student achievement. The Hemlock Public School District intends to honor members of the Board of Education with a hallway reception at 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 13 at 200 Wilson St., before the regular January board meeting that starts at 7 p.m. "Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation for our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round effort on their part," Killingbeck said. "They are dedicated individuals who are committed to improving student achievement and determining what the best for all students." The men and women serving Hemlock Public School District and their years of service are: President Dr. Katherine Ellison -- five years Vice President Matthew Wesener -- seven years Secretary Mary Ann Ling -- seven years Treasurer Jamie Rivette -- seven years Trustee Hilary House -- four years Trustee David Messing-- two years Trustee Kim Hoeppner -- one year GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Students who live in Grand Rapids and graduate from a high school within the city limits are on track to start getting free college tuition, starting with the Class of 2020. The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board of Directors signed off on a plan Monday, Jan. 13 that would give students a chance to have up to 60 credit hours - or two years - paid for at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). There are 22 eligible high schools - traditional public, charter and private. Pedro Gutierrez, 17, said he plans to use the scholarship when he graduates from Innovation Central High School, which is in the Grand Rapids School District. His said his family has been struggling financially. Being able to hear that we dont have to pay and Im to work to support the bills and stuff for my family, something great to hear," he said. Makes someone feel happy. It takes out the struggle. GRCC President Bill Pink said that the community college has a long history of partnering with the community and is a natural choice for the community of Grand Rapids" to administer the program. We know that there are barriers around transportation, childcare, food," Pink said. What this does is, and what it will mean for our community, is that it will take one of those barriers off the table for many of these students. The barrier of cost. Hedy Cardenas (left) and Pedro Gutierrez (right) are Innovation Central High School students. Both plan to apply for the promise zone scholarships. In order to qualify for the scholarship, aside from residency, students must apply for federal financial aid through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Once the students total need-based grants are determined, eligible students would receive a scholarship to pay the remainder of their bill for tuition and mandatory fees. Teresa Weatherall Neal is the chairperson of the authority that authorized the promise zone. She said at the Monday press conference announcing the funding that this move is huge for young people in the Grand Rapids community. This is a game-changer for families and for young people, she said. It is not just about them though. This will also be a game changer for our business community, for our children to be able to go to our community college without the debt. The scholarships dont just cover the tuition for a certificate or associate degree at Grand Rapids Community College. Students will also receive money for books, supplies, and fees associated with their courses. Students can go to school full-time or part-time and will have five years to get their degree or certificate. The authority expects 267 total students to receive the scholarship during its first year, based on data collected from Kennari Consulting. The authority estimates that it will need $2.9 million for the first five years to meet its financial obligations. In order to do that, the scholarship will be funded using a combination of private and corporate donations and investments. After two years, the scholarship will also be funded in part by capturing tax increment financing funds." That means that a portion of the City of Grand Rapids State Education Tax will be set aside for the promise. While the promise zone will start collecting that money in 2020, it wont be able to use it until 2022. Within the first 10 years, the promise zone is expected to capture $30,535,913, with a projected 10-year cost of $22,245,251. The tax capture money is expected to fully fund the promise within five years, said John Helmholdt, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs for Grand Rapids Public Schools. The authority also plans to explore whether the promise can be extended and apply to a two-year degree at other schools, and whether it could fund four-year degrees, Helmholdt said. The cost difference though, when you run those numbers, is substantial. Youre getting into the hundreds of millions of dollars, he said. So the tax capture would never be enough to cover that cost, and thats what the board said, we need to get going right now for the class of 2020 so we can trigger that tax capture. The first two years will primarily be funded through community fundraising. However, the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation announced Monday that it will give $500,000 to the promise zone. Because its important to us, Pink told the authority about its donation and its partnership with the authority to administer the scholarships. Were happy to do both of those things, friends, because it means that much to our kids, to our children. It means that much to our community. The development plan still needs final approval from the Michigan Department of Treasury, but the authority is moving ahead with the plan. There is a website in place to give students and families information about how to apply for the scholarship, and the authority is working on other ways for teachers, schools, etc to spread the word about the promise. Students who start at a qualified school in 9th and 10th grade will be eligible for 100-percent of the scholarship benefit. Students who start at a qualified school in 11th grade will be eligible for 50-percent of the scholarship benefit. Students who only go to a qualified school during their senior year are not eligible. There is no GPA requirement. The 22 schools that are currently eligible are: Grand Rapids City High School Grand Rapids University Prep Innovation Central High School Ottawa Hills High School Union High School Grand Rapids Montessori High School C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy Grand Rapids Public Museum School Grand Rapids Learning Center Lake Michigan Academy Southwest Community Campus High School Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School Sacred Heart Academy High School Grand Rapids Christian High School West Catholic High School Grand Rapids Adventist Academy Wellspring Preparatory High School Hope Academy of West Michigan Grand Rapids Covenant House Academy NorthPointe Christian High School Plymouth Christian High School Southeast Career Pathways In November 2017, former Gov. Rick Snyder, signed legislation increasing the number of promise zones from 10 to 15, creating the opportunity for Grand Rapids. Connecticuts Times Up Act requires employers to provide all existing employees with two hours of training by Oct. 1, 2020. Employers must provide two hours of training and education to new employees hired on or after October 1, 2019 within six months of their start date. They must also provide two hours of training and education to all existing supervisory employees by Oct. 1, 2020 or within six months to new supervisory employees, and to provide periodic training not less than every 10 years. The Chamber is now hosting Sexual Harassment Prevention Trainings to fulfill these requirements. So far, two dates have been scheduled for Jan. 29 and March 10, from 8-10 a.m. Iranian parliament sympathizes with victim's families, supports IRGC IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 12, IRNA -- The Iranian parliament (Majlis) issued a statement on Sunday to sympathize with families of those killed in the accidental downing of the Ukrainian airliner and also to support the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). They said in the statement, which was read at the open session of the parliament, that they would not let the enemy take opportune from a mistake by a member of the family. Referring to Iran's response to the US assassination of Lieutenant-General Qasem Soleimani in which one of the biggest US airbases in Iraq was hit repeatedly with missiles, the country's parliamentarians said breaking the hegemonic awe of the criminal government of the US by the IRGC surprised the world. They said that after World War II, the US attacked different places in the world 53 times, but this was the first time they faced such a brave move. The statement says that the tragic incident of the accidental downing of the Ukrainian passenger plane was a sad experience that broke hearts. They also praised the IRGC commanders' honesty and bravery to accept the responsibility of the plane crash. The Iranian lawmakers reiterated that they would not forget that Iran is in war with the criminal US regime and wouldn't let one mistake of a member of the family be misused by the enemy. 9417**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address While covering anti-government demonstrations, an Iraqi journalist and his cameraman were shot dead by unknown gunmen last week in Iraq's southern city of Basra, officials said. The journalist, Ahmed Abdel Samad, 39 and the cameraman Safaa Ghali, 37, belonged to Iraqi cable news outlet Dijla TV. The unidentified gunmen approached their car and opened fire on them, witnesses told a Qatari news channel. Ghali was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later died. Read: Iraq's Balad air base housing US troops hit by 8 Katyusha rockets, 4 injured On Saturday, the US Embassy in Baghdad confirmed the assassinations of the journalist and cameraman in a statement. The embassy condemned the killings as "deplorable" and "cowardly." The embassy also stated that it was the Iraqi government's responsibility to uphold the right to freedom of expression as well as protect journalists and activists who should be allowed to demonstrate without fear of repercussions. The embassy also urged that the perpetrators should be found and "brought to justice." It still remains unclear who or which group carried out the killings. Read: Protesters and security forces clash in Iraq's Karbala "The ongoing assassinations, kidnappings, harassment, and intimidation of members of the press, social media activists, and pro-reform activists in Iraq by armed groups cannot continue to go unpunished," the embassy said. Read: Iraqi PM tells US to decide mechanism for troop withdrawal Journalist criticized Iraqi forces on social media Journalist Ahmed Abdel Samad had recently criticised Iraqi security forces and Iran in his social media posts. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, he had posted a video criticising Iraqi security forces for arresting protesters in Basra but not taking action against those protesting in front of the US Embassy in Baghdad, hours before he was shot. Even before that, Samad had been critical of the government. He had once tweeted that Iran was using the daughter of General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike earlier this month, to incite vengeance. "Iran they are taking advantage of everything for the proxy war," Samad wrote on his twitter. (With Agency Inputs) Read: Iraq PM meets UK and French ambassadors One of the dominant ideas buzzing around the internet is that theres little we can do to escape the prospect of more frequent and worse bushfires - ever. Thats because theres little we can do to slow or reverse climate changes. From coal relic to digital energy future. Credit:Paul Rovere Australia accounts for just 1.3 per cent of global emissions. Thats much more than you would expect on the basis of our share of worlds population, which is 0.33 per cent. But even if we stopped greenhouse gas emissions as soon as we could and started sucking carbon back in (as would be possible with reafforestation) itd make little difference to total global emissions, which is what matters or so the argument goes. But this argument ignores the huge out-of-proportion power we have to influence other countries. Theres no better indicator of that than in Ross Garnauts new book Super-power: Australias low-carbon opportunity. Garnaut conducted two climate change reviews for Australian governments, the first in 2008 for the state and Commonwealth governments, and the second in 2011 for the Gillard government. In the second, he produced two projections of Chinas emissions, based on what was known at the time. One was business as usual, which showed continued very rapid increases. The other took into account Chinas commitments at the just-completed 2010 United Nations Cancun climate change conference. Chinas annual emissions matter more than those of any other country they account for 27 per cent of the global total, which is a relatively new phenomenon. The bulk of the industrial carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere was put there by the United States and the Soviet Union, who have been big emitters for much longer. The medical devices market is anticipated to grow significantly owing to the rise in geriatric population. Fortune Business Insights in a new study, titled Global Market Size, Share and Global Trend by Type (Orthopedic Devices, Cardiovascular Devices, Diagnostic Imaging, IVD, MIS, Wound Management, Diabetes Care, Ophthalmic Devices, Dental & Nephrology), End User (Hospitals & Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Clinics) and Geography Forecast till 2025 finds that in-vitro diagnostics is likely to dominate the market. According to the study, the IVD segment covered a share of 12.9% in the global market in the year 2018. The medical device market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2019 and 2025. In 2018, the market accounted for a value of US$ 425.5 Bn and is likely to reach US$ 612.7 Bn by 2025. Report Highlights: Detailed Historical Overview Consumer and Pricing Analysis Market Dynamics of the Industry In-depth Market Segmentation Historical and Projected Market Sizing in Terms of Value Recent Market Trends and Impact Factors R&D Status and Technology Overview Extensive Industry Structure Coverage Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/medical-devices-market-100085 Key Companies and Manufacturers Covered: The study covers key players operating in the market along with prime schemes and strategies implemented by each player to hold high positions in the industry. Such a tough vendor landscape provides a competitive outlook of the industry, consequently existing as a key insight. Medtronic DePuy Synthes Fresenius Medical care Philips Healthcare GE Healthcare Ethicon LLC. Siemens Healthineers Cardinal Health Stryker BD Baxter International Inc. Other players Stringent FDA Regulations on the Approval of Medical Devices May Hamper the Growth The global medical devices market is expected to grow, but there are certain factors restricting the market. Time taken to attain regulatory approvals may limit the growth of the market to an extent. Companies are Adopting Innovative Strategies to Stay Ahead of Competition In December 2017, Siemens Healthineers acquired Fast Track Diagnostics with an aim to ensure improved patient care and safety. Such growth strategies adopted by leading companies will enable growth in the market. Some of the other players present in the global medical devices market include GE Healthcare, DePuy Synthes, Ethicon LLC., Baxter International Inc., Medtronic, and Philips Healthcare. Companies are adopting strategies to improve their revenue shares in the medical devices market. In-vitro diagnostics help in the testing of diseases such as malaria, diabetes, cancer, STDs, and AIDS/HIV. These devices provide accurate information, which is a key factor fueling their demand worldwide. Fortune Business Insights predicts this to be a key factor creating growth opportunities in the segment during the forecast period. However, growth of this segment may get hampered by delayed approvals by regulatory authorities. The medical device industry is currently witnessing high growth due to increasing demand in hospitals and surgical centers. The rapid adoption of medical devices across hospitals is driving the global medical device market. Fortune Business Insights predicts hospitals and surgical centers to remain dominant in the coming years. Increasing expenditure on healthcare and expansion of healthcare infrastructure, especially in emerging nations sare anticipated to drive this segment between 2019 and 2025. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts:https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/medical-devices-market-100085 Medical Devices Market Regional Analysis: U.S.- (District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York & more) Canada- (Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Quebec & more) Australia- (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria3, Queensland & more) Ireland- (Dublin & more) Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Scandinavia Japan New Zealand And more Research Methodology: Fortune Business Insights follows a robust research methodology that involves data triangulation based on top-down, bottom-up approaches, and validation of the estimated market numbers through primary research. The information used to estimate the market size and forecast for various segments at the global, regional, and country level is derived from the most credible published sources and through interviews with the right stakeholders. Growth rate or CAGR exhibited by a market for a certain forecast period is calculated on the basis of various factors and their level of impact on the market. These factors include market drivers, restraints, industry challenges, market and technological developments, market trends, etc. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Estimates medical devices market trends with SWOT analysis. Detailed business profiles including product offerings, recent developments, key financial information, and strategies employed by main market players. Analysis of various regions and countries that includes the demand and supply based actions, which consequently have a major influence on the markets expansion. Market dynamics and opportunities for growth for players in the near future. Competitive landscape describing the market revenue shares of key players. Market segmentation analysis that deals with quantitative and qualitative research, discussing the influence of policy-based and economical aspects. Order Full Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/100085 KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: What are the key technological and medical devices market trends shaping the market? What are the key opportunities in the market? What are the key companies operating in the market? Which company accounted for the highest market share? Why Choose Fortune Business Insights? Users Also Search For- polymed medical devices, particulate testing medical devices, best medical alert devices, cgmp medical devices, biocompatibility for medical devices, cdsco medical devices, regulatory strategy medical devices, medical alert devices 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. 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 Linkedin | Twitter | BLogs MILTON, W.Va. In the early mornings, Chastity and Paul Peyton walk from their small and barely heated apartment to Taco Bell to clean fryers and take orders for as many work hours as they can get. It rarely adds up to a full-time weeks worth, often not even close. With this income and whatever cash Mr. Peyton can scrape up doing odd jobs which are hard to come by in a small town in winter, for someone without a car the couple pays rent, utilities and his child support payments. Then there is the matter of food. We can barely eat, Ms. Peyton said. She was told she would be getting food stamps again soon a little over two dollars worth a day but the couple was without them for months. Sometimes they made too much money to qualify; sometimes it was a matter of working too little. There is nothing reliable but the local food pantry. Four years ago, thousands of poor people here in Cabell County and eight other counties in West Virginia that were affected by a state policy change found themselves having to prove that they were working or training for at least 20 hours a week in order to keep receiving food stamps consistently. In April, under a rule change by the Trump administration, people all over the country who are able-bodied adults without dependents will have to do the same. The policy seems straightforward, but there is nothing straightforward about the reality of the working poor, a daily life of unreliable transportation, erratic work hours and capricious living arrangements. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 10, 2020 Amazon is urging a federal judge to throw out a privacy lawsuit centered on Alexa's alleged collection of children's voices. The Alexa service works -- and performs the helpful, valuable, and entertaining functions that plaintiffs access and enjoy every day -- because a recording is created that converts voice into digital instructions, Amazon argues in papers filed Thursday with U.S. District Court Judge Richard Jones in Seattle. Plaintiffs cannot be permitted to invite the creation of a recording by using a wake word to invoke the Alexa service, and then sue when a recording is created. The company adds that the basic functional requirements of voice-directed services, and simple common sense, require dismissal of the case. Amazon's papers come in response to a class-action complaint brought last year by a group of parents who allege that Alexa, a natural-language processing service, violates their children's privacy. advertisement advertisement The parents filed suit soon after it came to light that Amazon employees and contractors sometimes listen to audio clips captured by Alexa, in order to improve the service's ability to interpret and respond to speech. When children say a wake word to an Alexa Device, the device records and transmits the childrens communications in the same manner that it handles adults communications. Neither the children nor their parents have consented to the childrens interactions being permanently recorded, the papers said in an amended complaint filed last month. Worse, those recordings are then stored persistently, which enables Amazon to disclose the recordings to thousands of contractors worldwide. The complaint alleges that Amazon violates wiretap laws in nine states -- California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. Amazon counters in its new papers that the claims should be dismissed, arguing that the allegations don't amount to violations of the states' wiretap laws. While the state statutes vary in their specifics and language ... their consistent interpretation recognizes that mere creation of recordings within a communications service, as intended to provide instructions over the internet, cannot state a claim for illicit interception, eavesdropping, or recording, Amazon writes. Were it otherwise, all voice-activated technology by definition would constitute wiretapping. Amazon previously contended that the case belonged in arbitration because its terms of service required that the parents agreed to arbitrate all claims before using Alexa, or allowing their children to use the service. A federal judge rejected Amazon's argument on that point last year. Amazon and the parents are expected to face off at a hearing in Seattle on January 31. DALLAS, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A new industry trends report from Axxess, the leading home healthcare technology company, and BKD, a national CPA and advisory firm, confirms concern among the home-based care industry regarding implementation of the new Patient-Driven Groupings Model and other regulatory changes, as well as ongoing staffing challenges. The potential impact of PDGM has created a significant amount of uncertainty among home health providers, who consider it their greatest challenge in 2020. Most providers reported that they are at least somewhat concerned about the impact of PDGM, though larger organizations indicated they feel more confident about their ability to manage the change effectively. Work force staffing challenges were the second most common industry challenge cited by home-based care providers. "The report confirms that regulatory changes create uncertainty, which is why it is important for home-based care providers to partner with organizations that know how to help them thrive during times of transition," said Axxess founder and CEO John Olajide. "The industry is focused on finding solutions that will help them navigate the impact of PDGM, and addressing staffing challenges. Axxess is committed to innovating to meet industry needs and has solutions that address these priorities." Added M. Aaron Little, Managing Director from BKD: "Change is easier when you rely on advice from experts who understand your concerns and provide a clear path to success. PDGM is a monumental change so it is no surprise it has caused so much unease. For businesses to grow in the new payment model, they must implement new operational processes that are based on expert-level insight." Respondents from providers of all sizes also expect that their organization will primarily rely on established business practices to help grow their business in the years ahead, though a significant number see their organization diversifying into other service lines. Responding organizations also indicated they consider technology's primary benefit to be helping them remain compliant with regulations and streamlining documentation of care. Axxess and BKD surveyed thousands of home health, hospice, and home care providers of all sizes over several weeks in late 2019. Results were gathered from organizations of all sizes and from individuals at every level, ranging from C-suite leaders to staff members who work directly with patients and clients. The 2020 Industry Trends Report is available for download and includes best practices from experts at Axxess and BKD. About Axxess Axxess is the leading home healthcare technology company, providing solutions that improve care for more than 2 million patients nationwide and are trusted by more than 7,000 organizations. Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use, innovative software solutions, empowering home health, home care and hospice providers to grow their business while making lives better. The company's collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a "Best Place to Work." About BKD CPAs & Advisors BKD is a national CPA and advisory firm with a dedicated and highly-reputable health care practice that is committed to helping providers realize their financial, operational and revenue cycle goals. Our professionals offer solutions for home health, home care and hospice clients across the United States. BKD understands the regulatory and legislative changes in the home care and hospice arena and can help providers tackle and prepare for these issues. Visit www.bkd.com/homecare to learn more. SOURCE Axxess Related Links http://www.axxess.com/ Im standing on the edge of eternity. It sounds dramatic, but I mean it literally. Im on the edge of Fish River Canyon, in southern Namibia, near the border with South Africa. This canyon, the second largest in the world after the Grand, is around 650 million years old. Okay, so it might not be an eternity, but thats pretty old. When a shallow basin formed in the rock, which eventually carved out the canyon now some 550 metres deep at points the continents of America and Africa were still joined. Fast-forward a few million years and Im now peering into it, hoping the strong gusts of wind dont blow me in. The rubbery quiver trees, fat with weaver bird nests, came later: these spindly, umbrella-like trees erupt from the gunmetal-grey slate stones that line the canyons edge, while the concrete balcony belonging to the chic lodge Im staying at tonight is a mere few steps back. Helpfully, the slogan for Fish River Lodge, the only lodge in Namibia to sit on the lip of the canyon itself, is the edge of eternity (see?). Sink too many Namibian red wines in front of the firepit in the lodges open bar and restaurant, forget your torch (thankfully provided) and perhaps stumble over a dassie lurking outside your room and youd tumble straight into the chasm, never to be seen again. The landscapes of southern Namibia Show all 17 1 /17 The landscapes of southern Namibia The landscapes of southern Namibia Kolmanskop Kolmanskop Getty Images/iStockphoto The landscapes of southern Namibia Deadvlei Deadvlei Getty Images/iStockphoto The landscapes of southern Namibia Fish River Canyon Fish River Canyon Getty/iStock The landscapes of southern Namibia Namib-Naukluft National Park Namib-Naukluft National Park Getty Images/iStockphoto The landscapes of southern Namibia Sossusvlei Sossusvlei Getty Images/iStockphoto The landscapes of southern Namibia Quiver trees Quiver trees Getty Images/iStockphoto The landscapes of southern Namibia Hartmann's mountain zebra Hartmann's mountain zebra Getty Images/iStockphoto The landscapes of southern Namibia Eagle's Nest Eagle's Nest Tom Morris The landscapes of southern Namibia Desert horses in Luderitz Desert horses in Luderitz Tom Morris The landscapes of southern Namibia Desert Grace Desert Grace Gondwana Collection The landscapes of southern Namibia Ballooning in the Namib Desert Ballooning in the Namib Desert Wilderness Safaris The landscapes of southern Namibia The landscapes of southern Namibia Heaviside's dolphin Heaviside's dolphin Tom Morris The landscapes of southern Namibia Rockhopper penguins Rockhopper penguins Tom Morris The landscapes of southern Namibia Fish River Lodge Fish River Lodge Fish River Lodge The landscapes of southern Namibia Fish River Lodge Fish River Lodge Tom Morris The landscapes of southern Namibia Fish River Lodge Fish River Lodge Tom Morris Fish River Canyon is possibly, maybe, I think the most spectacular landscape I clap eyes on during a two-week road trip around southern Namibia. Ive gone south because well, not many other people do. Anecdotally, many visitors arrive in dusty capital Windhoek before pinballing north to safari-stuffed Etosha National Park, west to the wind-blown coast and then onto the burnt orange dunes of Sossusvlei. I wanted something a bit different: to drive the great southern loop of Namibia, to take the path less-trodden. I wanted to find as many different landscapes in just two weeks as possible easy in a wonderfully varied country like Namibia. Which is what brought me to Fish River Canyon in the first place. After a day or so in Windhoek really all you need in this flat, 1950s-style African capital, home to the Lutheran Christuskirche and the fun Joes Beerhouse, a honeypot for hungry out-of-towners we drive south west out of the city towards the barren Namib-Naukluft National Park. Driving the Namib-Naukluft National Park (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Travel in Namibia, unless youre particularly outdoorsy, involves bouncing between perfectly situated lodges on long, long drives. Our destination, 184 miles and four hours drive mostly down a gravel road, is Desert Grace, a contemporary-cool lodge overlooking the charred brown rocks of the park. And so here is the next landscape: the scrubby orange-brown flatlands of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to antelope of all sorts springbok, oryx, eland and, thrillingly, a shy dazzle of Hartmanns mountain zebra that run across our path one dimly lit morning. Sitting on the private deck of our lodge at Desert Grace, glancing up at razor-sharp skies (oh look, theres Orions Belt and the Southern Cross, a mere 88 million light years away from Earth), with a margarita in hand from the lodges neon-lit, urban-in-feel cocktail bar, feels otherworldly. Hiking to the top of Dune 45 (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Namib-Naukluft National Park, at more than 19,000 square miles big, encompasses the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, the worlds oldest. Further back in time we go. The sands of Sossusvlei, meaning dead end marsh, are just 50 million years old... a baby compared to Fish River Canyon. This landscape, these burnt orange dunes inching out of the dry clay pans, are Namibia on celluloid. Despite seeing them in a hundred Instagram pictures, in person theyre even more impressive: smooth curves of sand rising high from the horizon, rendered in a boiled sweet shade of orange. Some are sweetly named things like Big Daddy and Big Mama, or theres the more prosaic Dune 45, at mile 45 along the paved track from the main road at Sesriem. We drive until the road turns into sand, and from here its a further two kilometres to Deadvlei, the shiny white clay pan home to blackened stumps of acacia trees. They were once thriving in this valley, until the river changed course and left a cracked heel of ground, between 600 and 700 years ago. I imagine these arboreal skeletons are what my plants at home look like. Deadvlei (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Namib-Naukluft National Park is so vast indeed, its the largest game park in Africa that it stretches beyond the dry-as-dust Namib Desert both further south and towards the coast. Which is where were headed now. Our next destination is the Eagles Nest lodge in the Klein-Aus Vista Reserve, a mere 100 or so kilometres from Luderitz, a town developed around the regions diamond mining heritage, now less about sparklers than seal colonies, African penguins and dolphins; and the eerie, cinematic beauty of Kolmanskop, a once-thriving miners town now buried almost entirely by sand. The ghost town of Kolmanskop (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) To close the southern loop, after meandering south to Fish River Canyon, we skim through Keetsmanshoop a nondescript town that serves us well as a stopover point for noodles and bottles of Windhoek beer, but nothing else towards the Kalahari Desert. African penguins off the coast of Luderitz (Tom Morris) The Kalahari is an entirely different desert proposition to the Namib. For starters, its scrubby, with lightly rolling rust-red dunes that are studded with vegetation. Its also super-disorientating: walk a few dunes over and youve completely lost your bearings. The Kalahari also offers a chance to catch the big game that weve missed from not heading towards the safari lands of Etosha. There are giraffe, blue and black wildebeest (a confusion of them even chase directly across our path one morning) and the perennial antelopes, which happily come to feed at the watering hole of the cosy Kalahari Red Dunes lodge while were having a braai a traditional southern African barbecue on the terrace. Accommodation in the Kalahari (Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge) After almost two weeks, weve got two deserts, one canyon and some Imax-wide open spaces under our belts. We wind our way back to Windhoek, where our last destination is Omaanda, part of luxed-up European group Zannier Hotels, which opened in 2018 between the capital and the airport. This resort, which sells itself as safari-lite, lies in a bush-speckled private game reserve stuffed with oryx, eland, white rhinos and a pride of lions. The landscape has morphed into a scrubby savannah with the backdrop of an infinity pool and a poolside gin bar with locally made spirits (when in, er, Namibia...). Sipping on a Desolate and tonic around the firepit, the only light for miles around, I remember what our guide, Chamberlene, at Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge told me: You get Namibian fever and you have to come back. Travel essentials Visiting there A 10-day self-drive safari to Namibia with Expert Africa starts from 5,010pp, including car hire, accommodation, activities and some meals. International flights (involving a stopover from the UK) from 830. expertafrica.com, 020 3405 666 Germany plans to hold a summit on Libya on Jan. 19, two participants in the preparatory negotiations said on Monday, Trend with reference to Reuters reports. The Turkish presidency said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan would come to Berlin for a one-day visit on Jan. 19, but gave no further details. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that Libyan peace talks would be held in Berlin, as Turkey and Russia appealed to the north African nations warring factions to enter a ceasefire. She said the aim was to give Libya the chance to become a sovereign and peaceful country. Senior NSW Minister Andrew Constance has pleaded with the federal government to remain focussed on the bushfire recovery effort and not get sidetracked by inquiries and reviews. As Prime Minister Scott Morrison prepares to take a proposal for a bushfire royal commission to cabinet, Mr Constance warned against losing focus on the monumental task of helping fire-ravaged communities across the country get back on their feet. NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says all tiers of government must focus on bushfire recovery, not inquiries. Credit:AAP The magnitude of this cannot be deflected from, in terms of the recovery need, because of inquiries and reviews, Mr Constance told the Herald. He said while it was critical for NSW to undergo an operational review of the bushfire crisis, the findings of a royal commission could be rendered meaningless if people were allowed to fall through the cracks in the immediate future. The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Finance and Economy, Sarah Alade, has demanded N500 million from two journalists, Alfred Olufemi and Gidado Yushau, over a report on hemp smoking published on May 19, 2018. The investigative report titled: Inside Kwara factory where Indian hemp smoking is legalized, was authored by Mr Olufemi, a student journalist at Obafemi Awolowo University. Mr Yushau is the Editor-In-Chief of NewsDigest, an Abuja-based online newspaper that commissioned and published the story. According to the report, Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industry, a company owned by Mrs Alade, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), allowed the smoking of cigarettes, as well as Indian hemp by workers within its vicinity. The report also stated that the firm refused to respond to Mr Olufemis inquiry on the situation after he had put several calls and text messages to the industrys hotlines. Last year, the two defendants were arraigned by the police before a Magistrate Court in Ilorin for criminal conspiracy and defamation based on Sections 97 and 192 of the penal code. The duo pleaded not guilty. Following the bail application made by the defence counsel, Usman Belgore, the Chief Magistrate of the Court, A.O Muhammed, released the defendants on self-recognizance and on the basis that they are innocent until proven otherwise. The conditions of bail include two sureties each who are relatives of the defendants with a bail bond of N200,000. The case was then adjourned to January 13, 2020. However, when the matter was called on Monday, the prosecutor could not provide his witness and as such, the magistrate further adjourned to January 28. Fresh Case: After the adjournment on Monday, the two journalists were served with a writ of summons by the legal practitioner of Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Limited. Buharis Adviser Demands N500 Million From Journalists Over Critical Report In the document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the company demanded N500 million from the duo. The company also seeks an order compelling the defendants to retract and delete the links of the report from their platform and ensure the deletion of same from all platforms on the internet that have copied it. Buharis Adviser Demands N500 Million From Journalists Over Critical Report Hillcrest is also asking for an apology from the online news platform and two national dailies. The journalists have insisted that the story was accurate and they stand by its content. Over 2 million Brazilian have rallied up against their fellow Brazilian filmmakers. It is the hope of the petitioners that a film portraying Jesus Christ as gay be axed from Netflix where it is being shown. A Brazilian judge has previously ordered to ban the showing of the film "The First Temptation of Christ" in Brazil. However, higher court ruling from the Brazilian Supreme Court has overturned the decision. The Netflix show will continue to air in Brazil. Supreme Court Sees Nothing Wrong Supreme Court president Dias Toffoli has overturned the ruling of Rio de Janeiro judge Benedicto Abicair. A legal complaint was filed against the filmmakers Porta dos Fundos at the Rio de Janeiro court. Brazil is largely made of a Christian community. A conservative Catholic group filed the legal complaint which was granted in their favor. However, after Porta dos Fundos appealed to the higher court, the final ruling came in their favor. The Supreme Court president unveiled his reason for allowing "The First Temptation of Christ" to be shown in Brazil via Netflix. He said that humorous satire cannot be supposed as to weaken the values of Christian faith. The high magistrate stressed out that since Christianity has been in existence for over 2000 years, the Netflix show should not have the ability to weaken the faith. He did acknowledge that it is the common belief of majority of the citizens of Brazil. Toffoli cited freedom of speech as one of the key reasons why he ruled in favor of Porta dos Fundos. As such, he believes the film should be made available to the audiences in Brazil. Major Outcry from Brazilians, Ignored Key people in Brazil have blatantly opposed the showing of "The First Temptation of Christ" in Brazil. Among them was Palmares bishop Henrique Soares da Costa, who called for his countrymen to cancel their Netflix subscriptions should the film be allowed to show. Conservative Evangelical pastor Marco Feliciano also contradicted the film. He revealed that not only Christians, but also non-Christians have prompted him to take action. He called the film of Porta dos Fundos and its members, irresponsible for what they created. He added that it is time the country took a collective action to put an end to the film on Netflix. Another key detractor of the film was the son of Jair Bolsonaro, the prominent president of the far-right in Brazil. Eduardo Bolsonaro had been very vocal about his feelings towards "The First Temptation of Christ." More than 2.3 million signatures have been garnered for the removal of the film from Netflix. Besides the Change.org petition, a conservative group called CitizenGo also took in 1.4 million signatures. However, despite the major outcry, the final ruling has still been made, largely ignoring these millions of people. A Bit on The Controversial Film "The First Temptation of Christ" is streaming in the United States via Netflix already. It spans 46 minutes. The cast all speak Portuguese. It is being released as a comedy special for the holiday season. In the film, Jesus has a boyfriend named Orlando. He lets him meet his parents, Joseph and Mary. Jesus is set to celebrate his 30th birthday at the film. Film creator Fabio Porchat took defense of the feature film. He revealed that the film did not say that people should not believe in God. He said that since the film does not incite violence, nor does it say that people should not believe in God. Hundreds of Jamia Millia Islamia students gheraoed Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar's office on Monday, demanding a registration of a first information report against Delhi Police in connection with last month's violence on the campus. Akhtar later said the varsity administration will explore the possibility of moving court for registration of an FIR against the 'police brutality'. The vice chancellor said the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has already begun the inquiry into the police action against the students. An NHRC team has already visited the university and another team is scheduled to come on Tuesday to record the statement of the 'victims', she said. On Monday, the students barged into the office premises after breaking the lock on the main gate and raised slogans against the vice-chancellor and demanded an FIR against the Delhi Police. On December 15, as violence over the anti-citizenship amendment act flared up, the Delhi Police entered the campus and cracked down on students. According to students, police laid seige to the campus and those injured were not even allowed to get medical attention. Students said windows of the library were smashed and around 50-60 students were inside when policemen gheraoed it. Akhtar tried to pacify the students who were unwilling to relent. Students said if police are not ready to register the FIR, then they are ready to march till a cognisance of their complaint is taken. In a statement, the university said the administration will take all possible measures to address the concerns of students. "A decision has also been taken that the administration will explore the possibility of moving court for registration of FIR in the December 15, 2019 police brutality in the university library case at the earliest. "The university has already followed all possible steps for the registration of FIR. It has given its complaint to SHO Jamia Nagar and it's copy to CP Delhi and DCP South East. University has also written letters to Joint CP Southern Range and DCP Crime for the registration of FIR earlier," the statement said. Among other demands, the students also want the university to reschedule examinations and ensure security of students. "On the demand of the protesting students, the vice-chancellor, in consultation with the Deans, Heads of Departments and other officials, announced that the ongoing semester exams stands cancelled till further notice. New schedule will be declared later," the statement added. Angry students claimed that notices were given to vacate the hostel post the violence, a charge denied by Akhtar. Saeed Fahad, an architecture student, said FIRs have been registered against those who were demanding their rights during protest. The real accused are still at large, he said referring to the police crackdown. Adil, an engineering student, said not even a single FIR has been filed in connection with last month's violence. Ragiv Naushad, a law student, said they are not assured with the vice-chancellor's assurances. "The FIR has to be registered as soon as possible. The vice chancellor should give us safety assurance that no police will enter the campus again," Naushad said. For the first time, Tibet has passed a law making ethnic unity mandatory, reflecting the significant role it plays in the sensitive remote Himalayan region's economic and social development. The People's Congress of Tibet on Saturday passed the legislation, which will take effect from May 1, guaranteeing ethnic unity in the territory, a Global Times report said on Monday. The new law makes it clear that Tibet has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times, and it is the common responsibility for the people of all ethnic groups to safeguard national reunification, strengthen ethnic unity and take a clear-cut stand against separatism, it said, quoting a report in Xinhua agency. "This is the first legislation on ethnic unity at the autonomous region level across China," Penpa Lhamo, deputy head of the Contemporary Studies Institute at the Tibet Academy of Social Sciences, told the daily. The law reflects the important role of ethnic unity in the region's economic and social development, the report said. There are more than 40 ethnic minorities accounting for 95 per cent of Tibet's over three million population. Lhamo said that the legislation work started early last year and it collected opinions from all sections of the society. "The legislation considers local ethnic characteristics of Tibet. Ethnic unity is an important goal of stable social governance in the region. The move is also in line with the Constitution's provisions on ethnic unity," he said. Official figures released by China in March last year on Tibet said the region's population has grown from 1.23 million in 1959 to 3.44 million in 2018, with Tibetans accounting for over 90 per cent. Oversees Tibetan groups allege large scale migration from Chinese mainland to Tibet to exploit the abundant natural resources in the Himalayan region which is resented by the local population. While releasing a white paper on Tibet showcasing its development under the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), Tibet's executive vice governor Norbu Dondrup denied there was any significant support for Tibet as a separate political entity. "The issue of Tibetan independence does not exist," he said. About 150 Tibetans have committed self-immolation since 2009 calling for the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile in India and improvement of human rights conditions in the homeland of the top Tibetan Buddhist leader. China terms Dalai Lama as a splittist and a separatist. In November, China objected to the US plans to take up the issue of the successor to the 84-year-old Dalai Lama to United Nations saying that Washington is misusing UN platform to interfere in its internal affairs. Beijing asserts that his successor should be endorsed by it. China says Tibet for centuries has been its territory well before the People's Liberation Army (PLA) took control of the region in 1950. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two General Motors employees have been arrested after they were caught racing two brand new 2020 Corvettes at speeds of up to 120 mph on a Kentucky road. The men had reportedly been drinking at Cue Time Cocktails and Billiards on Wednesday evening, before deciding to go on the high-speed joyride along Lovers Lane, in Bowling Green. Alexander Thim, 27, and Mark Derkatz, 30, were stopped by police and arrested on the corner of Lovers Lane and Olde Town Boulevard at around 11:20 that evening. Alexander Thim, 27, and Mark Derkatz, 30, were stopped by police while racing the luxury cars down a Kentucky road. Both were arrested and charged with reckless driving Police reports described the two as having had the smell of alcohol on their breath. The duo were charged with racing a motor vehicle on a public highway, reckless driving and speeding late on the evening of Wednesday January 8. Thim, was said to have been driving a red Corvette stingray at speeds of up to 120mph in the left hand side of Lovers Lane, while Derkatz was driving a white Corvette at speeds of 100mp on the right side of the road. The speed limit on Lovers Lane is 45mph. A third person driving another Corvette was also involved in the late evening joyride, but did not exceed the speed limit and was therefore not arrested. A stock image (above) depicts a red Corvette - the same model being driven by Alexander Thim on the evening of January 8 The men who were arrested were arraigned on Thursday in Warren District Court and are due to reappear in court on February 18 for a pretrial conference. Both have been released from Warren County Regional Jail on a $1,000 bond. General Motors, said in a statement to Automobile Magazine, the company was investigating the incident. 'Safety remains our overriding policy,' the company said. It said Bowling Green Assembly is the only location that builds the model of car its employees had taken for a joyride. The price of the luxury sport car starts at $60,000. Thim is reportedly a design engineer who works on the cars' induction and exhaust systems, while Derkatz is the co-chair of an electrical issue resolution team. A former royal chef has revealed his recipe for the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite dessert, a sticky toffee pudding. Darren McGrady, 58, who worked as a personal chef to the Queen, as well as Princess Diana and Prince William and Harry, revealed Kate Middleton often cooks her own meals and even does her own grocery shopping. Speaking to Delish, the cook, who now lives in Dallas, Texas, said he starts the recipe by coating chopped dates with baking soda. Darren McGrady, who worked as a personal chef to the Queen, as well as Princess Diana and Prince William and Harry, revealed Kate Middleton often cooks her own meals and even does her own grocery shopping. He then melts Muscovado sugar to make the sticky-sweet glaze. Darren, who has cooked for five US Presidents, then adds the cake batter of eggs, butter, flour, sugar which he mixes with the liquid date combination, before steaming it for an hour. The dessert, that's been served at Buckingham Palace, is finished off with sauce and whipped cream. He told Delish: 'This is how we prepared it at Buckingham Palace' he added that 'the Queen loved this at Sandringham when it was really cold outside, and when she was at Balmoral, and the rest of the royal family did too.' Kate's favourite dessert is said to be sticky toffee pudding, which Darren reveals she makes herself Writing on his website, Darren describes the dessert as 'a fabulous treat for these cold weather days and so easy to make too', where he reveals his full recipe. It comes as the author slammed Meghan Markle following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to resign as senior royals. Darren said that Meghan 'only wanted to be famous' and that 'People saying Princess Diana would be proud don't know Princess Diana. She would have been furious that Harry had been so manipulated. The chef has previously revealed how there's so much food and equipment needed for Christmas at Sandringham the ARMY helps transport supplies Writing on his website , Darren describes the dessert as 'a fabulous treat for these cold weather days and so easy to make too' (stock image) Speaking in an interview with royal reporter Omid Scobie for Yahoo UK series The Royal Story, Darren said: 'It takes months of planning contacting all of the suppliers. 'The day before we went up to Sandringham, we'd pack all of the equipment into these hampers and then the Army would arrive and load them into the back of these big army trucks. It literally was a military operation!' He added: 'The men would come down to a big hearty breakfast but the ladies, they prefer the extra hour or so to get ready so they'd have a breakfast tray taken up to their rooms with some sliced fruit, maybe a boiled egg. 'That would sort of carry them going into church, and then the royal lunch.' Darren, who worked for the royal family for 10 years and oversaw Christmas on a number of occasions, explained the chef in charge has to prepare separate menus for the adults, children and even the corgis. Signatures From AG, FBI Director Needed on FISA Probe of Presidential Campaign Under New Proposal One proposal to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court would require the signatures of both the attorney general and FBI director before launching a counterintelligence operation into a presidential campaign, Attorney General William Barr said. The FBI during the Obama administration applied to spy on Trump 2016 presidential campaign associate Carter Page using information from a dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele, who was paid by the Democratic National Committee and the campaign of rival candidate Hillary Clinton. Barr was asked on Jan. 13 about a recent apology from FBI Director Christopher Wray about how the FBI handled the Page situation and what changes he wants to see to the secretive court. Were considering a number of additional things, Barr told reporters at an unrelated press conference in Washington. Chris Wray and I have discussed a number of possibilities. FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks in Washington on Dec. 9, 2019. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) One of the things that weve agreed on is that the opening of a counterintelligence investigation of a presidential campaign would be something that the director of the FBI would have to sign off on, and the attorney general would have to sign off on. Barr was speaking a few days after Wray expressed deep regret over the FBIs slew of significant errors and omissions made in the applications to spy on Page. The FBI has the utmost respect for this court, and deeply regrets the errors and omissions identified by the [Office of the Inspector General], Wray wrote in the letter, adding that the agencys conduct was unacceptable and unrepresentative of the FBI as an institution. Wray said he ordered dozens of corrective actions to try to ensure the same error-riddled applications dont happen again. Examples include a new verification form to certify the accuracy of information from informants, a new checklist for agents to fill out when seeking FISA approval for surveillance to better inform the court of all relevant information, and new training to reemphasize the importance of accuracy and thoroughness in all FISA applications. Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on Dec. 11, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Wray and Barr were reacting about a month after Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz identified at least 17 significant errors or omissions in the applications, as well as additional violations of internal FBI guidelines. Trump and Page both reacted to Wrays apology. What about all of the lives that were ruined because of the so-called errors? Trump wrote on Twitter. Are these dirty cops going to pay a big price for the fraud they committed? Page wrote: Has Mr. Wray apologized to @POTUS or any other member of the @realDonaldTrump movement yet, for all the abuses by his @FBI colleagues and their @DNC friends? So far, all Ive gotten from the Bureau is even more lies & more information roadblocks. Katabella Roberts contributed to this report. A former detective sergeant who was dismissed from An Garda Siochana last October has gone to court seeking to legally challenge her dismissal. Evelyn Doherty was sacked after serving in the Force for 28 years. She worked in the Crime and Security Section of An Garda Siochana. In 2017, the detective was found guilty by a jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of harassing a state solicitor by sending abusive letters between September 2011 and March 2013. Ms Doherty had denied all charges. She was acquitted by the jury of two counts of making false statements. She was sentenced to three years imprisonment but the balance of her sentence was last year suspended by the Court of Appeal. Ms Doherty (52) of Sandyford, Dublin who has a case before the Supreme Court, now wants her dismissal overturned. In an affidavit grounding her application before the High Court, she said she is seeking a judicial review of the Garda Commissioners decision and claims her rights have been allegedly breached. Property seized seven years ago Ms Doherty was suspended with pay in October 2013 and in August 2018, she claims her wages were stopped. She claims from August 2018 to October 2019 she was suspended without pay and claims it was without a justified explanation to herself or her solicitor. Ms Doherty in her affidavit said documentation from the Garda Commissioner in October last year stated she had not replied to his letter requesting a submission as to why he should not sack her. She claims she posted a submission to the Garda Commissioner in July 2019. She said her submission was sent again by email to the Commissioner but she was dismissed two days later on October 16, 2019. In the High Court today, Ms Doherty told the court she also wanted property returned to her including laptops which she said had been seized by Gardai seven years ago. She also said she was seeking reinstatement until her case before the Supreme Court is finalised. Mr Justice Charles Meenan told Ms Doherty to put the Garda Commissioner on notice of the application. The case will come back before the court at a later date. Breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel isn't cheap to begin with: Eggs Benedict with home fries will set you back $26, and sourdough French toast is $24. But if you're visiting the hotel's Laurel Court Restaurant and Bar this week, you'll have to spend a $50-per-person minimum on breakfast in addition to an 18 percent service charge and if you stay longer than 90 minutes, you'll be charged an extra $30 per hour, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Don't worry, this isn't our permanent new reality. You can thank the 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference for the extra charges. The conference takes place from today, Jan. 13, to Thursday, Jan. 16. Two more weightlifters face being stripped of their medals from the 2012 Olympics over doping. The International Weightlifting Federation has said Romanians Roxana Cocos and Razvan Martin are suspected of using banned steroids after their 2012 samples were re-tested using modern technology. The IWF said Cocos' sample contained two different banned steroids and Martin's three. They join more than 50 other lifters who have failed re-testing from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, which has left the medal standings in weightlifting almost unrecognizable compared to the original results. Cocos is the silver medalist in the women's 69-kilogram category. If she is disqualified, Kazakh lifter Anna Nurmukhambetova would inherit second place, while Ubaldina Valoyes of Colombia would move up to the bronze spot. Martin won bronze in the men's 69kg event, and his medal could pass to North Korean Kim Myong-Hok. Martin's already been banned once for doping from 2013 to 2015. A Turkish lifter who didn't win a medal, Erol Bilgin, could also be disqualified. He was eighth in the men's 62kg event. The results come at a time when the IWF is itself under pressure over alleged doping cover-ups and financial irregularities, something the organization denies. The International Olympic Committee has called for the allegations first reported by German broadcaster ARD to be investigated by the World Anti-Doping Agency. (Image source: Pixabay) Russia continues to apply its legislation in the occupied Crimea to discriminate against ethnic groups, including Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians, ignoring the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. "The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has published its assessment of the discrimination of Crimean Tatars in the Russian-controlled Crimea... The Committee experts once again urged the Government of the Russian Federation to provide the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with full access to Crimea to monitor the situation. The Committee noted that the legislation and administrative measures that discriminate against ethnic groups and indigenous peoples, including in the issues of citizenship, availability of education in Ukrainian language, registration of religious communities, and activities of the Crimean Tatar self-government bodies, including Mejlis, are being applied in the occupied Crimea," the Anti-Discrimination Center Memorial reports. According to the UN Committee, Russia has not provided information about the steps taken to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violating the rights of Crimean Tatars, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and ill-treatment. "The Committee concluded that the Government of the Russian Federation has not complied with the Committee's previous recommendations," the Anti-Discrimination Center Memorial quotes the statement made by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In August 2017, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination adopted concluding observations on the twenty third and twenty fourth periodic reports of the Russian Federation. In paragraphs 19-20, the Committee expressed concern about the limitations on the operation of Crimean Tatar representative institutions, in particular the Mejlis, the closure of several media outlets, and about violations of Crimean Tatars human rights, including allegations of disappearances, criminal and administrative prosecutions, mass raids, and interrogations. The Committee was further concerned about restrictions on using and studying Ukrainian language since the conflict erupted in 2014. ol Colombian police say they have thwarted an assassination attempt against a former leader of the FARC rebel group. Police on Sunday (January 12) announced they had killed two suspects near a location where Rodrigo Londono - also known as Timochenko - had been staying. Timochenko was the top commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia when it signed a peace deal with the Colombian government in 2016. Police say they intercepted the suspects thanks to a tip. They blame two former FARC commanders - now living across the border - for masterminding the plot. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) NATIONAL POLICE DIRECTOR, GENERAL OSCAR ATEHORTUA, SAYING: "The suspects had received direct military instructions from Ivan Marquez and El Paisa in Venezuela to execute a terrorist attack, the attack that was neutralised yesterday." Last August, the two former commanders announced they would return to armed struggle because the peace deal had broken down. The 2016 agreement ended a war that stretched over five decades and killed more than a quarter million people. It also gave FARC a foothold in politics. Today, the group calls itself the Revolutionary Alternative Common Force. It holds ten seats in Congress and is led by Timochenko. With a number of global certificate outages, malicious software backdoors and major data breaches, 2019 was a banner year for cybercriminals, according to machine identity protection provider Venafi which warns that security professionals should expect to see more attacks targeting machine identities throughout 2020. According to Kevin Bocek, vice president of security strategy and threat intelligence for Venafi, in many of the largest incidents in 2019, the cryptographic keys and digital certificates that serve as machine identities played a primary role in the breaches. Cybercriminals understand the power of machine identities and know they are poorly protected, so they target them for exploitation, said Bocek. In 2019, organisations spent over $10 billion protecting human identities, but most are just beginning to safeguard their machine identities. This continues to be true even though the number of humans on enterprise networks remains relatively flat while the number of machines that need identities including virtual machines, applications, algorithms, APIs and containers is projected to grow exponentially in 2020. Its inevitable that machine identity attacks will intensify in the coming year. Bocek predicts cybercriminals will pursue machine identities in three distinct ways in 2020 and says: Compromise automatic software updates Last year, the ASUS Live Update Utility service was successfully attacked by cybercriminals, which allowed them to load malicious code on over one million machines using the pre-installed automatic software update function. Attacks like these are likely to escalate in 2020 because many devices have a built-in automatic software update service, and when an update is signed with a legitimate code-signing certificate, these updates are automatically trusted. Unfortunately, because most organisations dont tightly control code-signing keys and certificates, its easier for attackers to gain access and insert malware into the automatic software update process. Ransomware Targets the Internet of Things (IoT) Researchers have been detailing security flaws in IoT devices for years. In 2019, there were multiple product recalls on smart home devices due to critical security issues. While there hasnt been a major security incident involving enterprise IoT, 2020 could be the year the pendulum swings the other way. Last year, ransomware attacks targeted individual machines in hospitals and local governments, which led to whole cities being taken offline. If these tactics expand beyond targeting specific machines to hold data for ransom, its reasonable to assume that attackers will expand the ransomware model to target larger groups of IoT devices, such as medical devices including pacemakers and insulin pumps or focus on other systems like traffic control. Compromised machine identities make it entirely possible to use code signing certificates to kidnap IoT devices using malware or use TLS certificates to create zombies. It seems quite possible that well see an entire IoT network held for ransom in 2020. Seize on artificial intelligence (AI) In 2020, algorithmic decision-making AI will become more mainstream. This will bring both opportunities and challenges, particularly around the transparency of AI algorithms. If organisations do not understand how some AI models work to reach specific decisions, its possible that bad actors will use this confusion to manipulate AI outcomes. Many AI models rely on blindly trusted machine identities. If machine identities are compromised, attackers can send malicious data streams that feed AI models. These types of attacks could have a wide-reaching impact on everything from predictive policing to financial forecasting. Machine identities are a relatively new, and very effective, point of attack because there is a huge gap between the security controls applied to human identities and those applied to machine identities, says Bocek. In 2020, everyone from CISOs to security architects and security practitioners will need to prioritise the protection of machine identities in their organisations in order to reduce these very real security risks. State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal AIR 1992 SUPREME COURT 604 Honble Apex court has given seven principals where a complaint can be quashed:- Where the allegations made in the First Information Report or the complaint, even if they are taken at their face value and accepted in their entirety do not prima facie constitute any offence or make out a case against the accused. Where the allegations in the First Information Report and other materials, if any, accompanying the F.I.R. do not disclose a cognizable offence, justifying an investigation by police officers under S.156(1) of the Code except under an order of a Magistrate within the purview of S.155(2) of the Code. Where the allegations made in the FIR and the evidence collected in support of the same do not disclose the commission of any offence and make out a case against the accused. Where the allegations in the FIR do not constitute a cognizable offence but constitute only a non-cognizable offence, no investigation is permitted by a police office, unless a Magistrate has issued an order for the same, as contemplated under section 155(2) of the Code. Where the allegations made in the FIR are absurd to the extent that no prudent man can even reach a just conclusion that there is a sufficient ground for proceeding against the accused. Where there is an express legal bar engrafted in any of the provisions of the Code or the concerned Act (under which a criminal proceeding is instituted) to the institution and continuance of the proceedings and/or where there is a specific provision in the Code or the concerned Act, providing efficacious redress for the grievance of the aggrieved party. Where a criminal proceeding is manifestly attended with mala fide and/or where the proceeding is maliciously instituted with an ulterior motive for wreaking vengeance on the accused and with a view to spite him due to private and personal grudge. Geeta Mehrotra & Anr. V. State of UP (Criminal Appeal No.1674 of 2012 (Arising out of SLP(Crl) No.10547/2010):- Honble Supreme Court held that wherein the court categorically observed that mere casual reference of the names of the family members in a matrimonial dispute without allegation of active involvement in the matter would not justify taking cognizance against them overlooking the fact borne out of experience that there is a tendency to involve the entire family members of the household in the domestic quarrel taking place in a matrimonial dispute specially if it happens soon after the wedding. Lalit Bhatia Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors:- Honble Allahabad High Court observed that having gone through the entire records as well as supplementary affidavit and I feel that this is one of those cases in which the complaint has been filed only with a view to cause harassment to the husband and his family members. In fact it is gross misuse of the provisions of Section 498A I.P.C. which certainly pricks the judicial conscience and cannot be left to stand. In the circumstances, I am in agreement with the argument advanced by counsel for the applicants that the continuation of the proceedings on the basis of complaint impugned in this application is nothing short of an abuse of the process of the court and is liable to be quashed in exercise of inherent powers. I therefore,come to a conclusion that the complaint instituted by the opposite party No. 2 is frivolous one and is quashed. Harsh Vardhan Arora v. Smt Kavita Arora, 2002 MLR 528:- Omnibus allegations had been made against all the accused in respect of demand of dowry, harassment, torture and beating given to her during the period she stayed in the matrimonial home. No specific date, month or year had been specified when these incidents had taken place. It cannot be ignored that every member of the family of the complainants husband has been implicated in this case. The allegations made are vague and general and for that reason no offence under Section 498-A, IPC is made out against the accused. P areshbhai P ravinbhai P atel & VS S tate of G ujarat & Others:- Whatever allegations have been leveled are quite vague and general. So far as the husband is concerned, I take notice of the fact that from June 2013 he is in Bahrain. It seems that he has taken up employment in Bahrain. As usual, it appears that the first informant could not adjust herself at her matrimonial home on account of the disputes which could be termed as mundane matters. R azia K hatoon R izvi & A nr . V s . The State of M aharashtra & Anr:- Honble Bombay high court quashed a case under section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) of cruelty to wife filed by a woman against her brother-in-law, his wife and her sister-in-law observing that their implication for the offence was actuated by design to harass and humiliate them for being related to her husband. The HC bench of Justices Ranjit More and N J Jamadar observed It is judicially recognized that in the wake of marital discord, the allegations are made thick and fast. There is a tendency to rope in as many persons from the family of the husband as possible, irrespective of their involvement in the band as possible, irrespective of their involvement in the alleged crime. It added, Allowing the prosecution of the immediate relations of the first informant, when the prosecution case does not indicate their involvement even remotely, would amount to injustice. J awant Singh and Others V s . State of Punjab & Another:- The complaint was filed under section 498A IPC by the wife in India against her husband and mother-in-law. The offence was committed in Kuwait and for this reason, the complaint was quashed. It has also been held therein that in this matter section 4 IPC and section 188 Cr.P.C. were not even applicable. The contents of FIR are clear enough to show that there was no matrimonial discord between Yashandeep Kaur and Kanwarjit Singh before she left for Canada on 28.4.2009. The complainant has not even alleged that before leaving for Canada, she had demanded the ornaments or other articles allegedly entrusted to the petitioners at the time of marriage. There is no allegation of any demand of dowry and consequent harassment of the complainant at the hands of the petitioners in India before this date. Since there were no allegation in respect to Petitioners of their doing anything in India attracting offence punishable under Section 406 of IPC or any other offence, prosecution in India was not maintainable - Petition allowed and FIR quashed. Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!" Join our Telegram group Join our Whatsapp group "Loved reading this piece by Kapil Chandna Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!" Tags : Criminal Law Courtesy Bini Fund STATEN ISLAND, N. Y. -- The Old Bermuda Inn, Rossville, may have broken attendance records last week when it hosted more than 500 people for the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund's Exotic Food Night fundraiser. The mood was lively as guests gathered for an exotic dinner feast on Thursday which included duck satay, rabbit sausage, elk ossobuco over pasta, bison cheeseburgers, antelope rice balls, stuffed quail over asparagus, and alligator hush puppies. The lavish dinner spread also offered breaded pheasant dunkers, elk and blue cheese mushrooms, squab stuffed jalapeno poppers, and pulled wild boar sliders. A whopping $20,000 was raised from the event, which also included raffles. On behalf of the Bini Fund, I am so grateful to the Historic Old Bermuda Inn, The Parrelli family of Montalbano's of Rosebank, and our sponsors for making this event our biggest Exotic Food Night to date said Massimo DiDonna, president of the fund. Over 500 guests joined us, and because of their generosity our organization will continue to fulfill our mission of helping the Staten Island community in a time of need." The event was also sponsored by Dana Lincoln Ford, Auto Dent Collision, Investors Bank, Special Tees, and Gem Gunsmithing. Don't Edit Massimo DiDonna, Cosmo Parrelli, Vincenzo Parrelli. Courtesy Bini Fund The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created to honor the heroism of fallen firefighter Carl V. Bini and continue his life-long belief in helping others. Bini, a firefighter with Rescue Co. 5, Concord, lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center. The Bini Fund supports local families through scholarships, emergency grants and special needs assistance. Scroll below for more glimpses into the night's festivities. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Bison salame, elk salame, and venison salame were just a few of the exotic food offerings of the evening. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Vinny Parrelli, Rocco Fuda, and Benio DiDonna. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Chairman and President of the Bini Fund, Massimo DiDonna, addresses over 500 attendees of the Exotic Food fundraiser. Don't Edit Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Pulled pork sliders were a hit at the Bini Fund's Exotic Food Night fundraiser. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Tom Smolka was the lucky winner of the raffle grand prize, a red ATV! Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund There were also antelope balls! Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Rocco Fuda and Anthony Rapacciuolo. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Guests enjoy the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund at the Old Bermuda Inn. Don't Edit Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Squab poppers were a hit at the event. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Guests enjoy the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund at the Old Bermuda Inn. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Guests enjoy the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund at the Old Bermuda Inn. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Guests enjoy the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund at the Old Bermuda Inn. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Guests enjoy the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund at the Old Bermuda Inn. Don't Edit Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund A representative from Maontalbano's of Rosebank, a sponsor of the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund. Don't Edit Courtesy Bini Fund Guests enjoy the "exotic food" fundraiser to benefit the Bini Fund at the Old Bermuda Inn. Authors Mayole Gonzalez and Vicente Chinchilla celebrated the launch of their new books on Sunday in an event put on by the Parent Leadership Training Institute, People Empowering People, and the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of Fairfield County. Cuban author Mayole Gonzalez book Un Angel en la Tierra (An Angel on Earth) and Salvadoran author Vicente Chinchillas book Guantes de Seda (Gloves of Silk) were recognized at the event, reading passages and fielding a Q&A session. The Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of the city police, Delhi government, Inc, Google Inc and on a plea of three JNU professors to preserve data, CCTV footage and other evidence relating to the January 5 violence on the varsity campus. The informed the court that it has asked the JNU administration to preserve and hand over CCTV footage of the violence. Justice Brijesh Sethi listed the matter for further hearing on Tuesday. The court was told by Delhi government Standing Counsel (criminal) Rahul Mehra that the police has not yet received any response from the university administration. The counsel said police has also written to to preserve data of two groups "Unity Against Left" and "Friends of RSS" including messages, pictures and videos and phone numbers of members, related to JNU violence incident. The petition was filed by JNU professors Ameet Parameswaran, Atul Sood and Shukla Vinayak Sawant seeking necessary directions to the Commissioner and Delhi government. The petition also sought direction to the to retrieve all CCTV footage of JNU campus. Two alleged drug peddlers were arrested with 110 grams of heroin and 250 grams of charas at separate places in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, police said. In the first incident, Amandeep Singh was arrested from Jagatpur village and 110 grams of heroin was recovered from him, Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police Shridhar Patil said. Quoting preliminary investigation, the officer said Singh received the consignment from Punjab and was on his way to Kathua when he was intercepted by police and taken into custody. "He is a notorious drug peddler and was wanted for spreading the menace in the district. He was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances(NDPS) Act for the fourth time for his involvement in drug peddling," Patil said. The SSP added that the police will recommend his detention under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) to convey a strong message to those indulging in drug trafficking. Another narcotic smuggler Bashir Ahmad was arrested after 250 grams of charas was seized from his possession in nearby Samba district, a police spokesman said. Ahmad, a resident of south Kashmir's Anantnag, was noticed moving suspiciously at Nonath-Ghagwal and tried to escape on seeing a police party. He was subsequently chased and arrested. Ahmad was also booked under the NDPS Act and further investigation is underway, the spokesman added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A model has recounted her horrific ordeal at the hands of masked robbers who she claims threw bleach at her and locked her in a small bathroom while they raided her home for cash and jewellery. Eve Ryan, 24, said she arrived at her house in Dublin, Ireland on January 9 to discover six thieves wearing balaclavas. In an ordeal lasting 20 hours, the men allegedly pinned her down by holding knives and screwdrivers to her neck before locking her in a bathroom while they ransacked her home. Model Eve Ryan, 24, (pictured) said she arrived at her house in Dublin, Ireland on January 9 to discover six thieves wearing balaclavas In an ordeal lasting 20 hours, the men allegedly pinned Eve (pictured, left and right) down by holding knives and screwdrivers to her neck before locking her in a bathroom while they ransacked her home 'I came upstairs to find six men with balaclavas in my house,' Eve told The Sun. 'They put knives to my neck and screwdrivers to my eyes. They threw bleach on me and asked where the jewellery and money was. I've never ever felt as terrified in my life.' She pleaded with the thieves not to hurt her grandmother, who was also in the house in Portmarnock at the time and suffers from dementia. She claims the men dragged her by the hair into a 'tiny toilet en-suite in the back bedroom, which has no window' and locked her in, taking away the key. Eve was determined to find a way out and even penned notes using mascara to slip under the door to her grandmother in the next room, instructing her how to dial 999. During the ordeal, Eve had 'desperate' thoughts and even thought about escaping by banging a hole in the wall. The alarm was eventually raised when Eve's aunt arrived at the property and heard her desperate screams. A neighbour helped to smash down the front door and the thieves fled. During the ordeal, Eve had 'desperate' thoughts and even thought about escaping by banging a hole in the wall Eve said of her rescue: 'It was the best moment of my life. I'm so thankful they never went near my granny and didn't hurt my dogs' Eve said of her rescue: 'It was the best moment of my life. I'm so thankful they never went near my granny and didn't hurt my dogs.' She added that the thieves broke in despite the property having 'state of the art CCTV surrounding the whole house.' Police are now appealing to the public for information and have asked road users who happened to be travelling on the Coast Road between Baldoyle and Portmarnock between 6.30pm and 8pm on the 9th January to contact the Gardai on 1800 666 111. WESTPORT Before a generally supportive crowd in a school auditorium, Gov. Ned Lamont on Sunday was greeted warmly for his truck-only tolls proposal, aimed at supporting the states infrastructure improvements with a percentage of out-of-state dollars from largely interstate carriers. During a late afternoon forum in Bedford Middle School, Lamont stressed the need to persuade the Democrat-dominated General Assembly to approve over unified Republican opposition his 10-year, $19 billion transit improvement plan, for a variety of economic reasons. He said that a bill is finally being hammered out by legislative leaders, but declined to predict when the General Assembly might take up the long-simmering issue. These are all about good-paying jobs, Lamont told a crowd of about 400 during a public forum held following an afternoon-long rally of construction workers outside on an unseasonably warm day. Thousands and thousands of recession-proof, good-paying jobs. It really gets down to how do we pay for this. I think we generally agree how important it is to fix our transportation system Only a few anti-toll advocates seemed to have attended the event, including Joe Scully, president of the Motor Transportation Association of Connecticut, who stood in front of the school entrance with signs underscoring the more than $17,000 a year the average interstate truck pays in road-use fees. The usually familiar anti-toll core, famous for getting no tolls banners into photos of the governor, were elsewhere, campaigning for anti-toll Republicans in a special state House election in Colchester. Inside, the crowd, while generally pro-toll, included skeptics who questioned the need for bringing back a toll system that was discontinued more than 30 years ago. After the 82-minute event, state Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton, a member of the legislative Transportation Committee, and Rep. Laura Devlin, R-Fairfield, ranking member of the panel both of whom oppose tolls said that Westport is generally a pro-toll town, and they believe the forum was located there for that reason. Westport has always been a little bit different, Lavielle said, stressing that Republicans havent been shown the latest incarnation of the planned legislation. In particular, Lavielle is concerned about whether lawmakers may not have control of future issues, including toll fee rates and the possible expansion to include cars. All weve heard is that the legislature would not, Lavielle said. There were certainly a lot of things not shared and therefore there were some questions not asked, Devlin said in an interview. They are targeting tractor-trailer trucks, which I think are easy for people to visualize, she said, stressing that its actually the weight of trucks that create danger for other motorists and wear down state highways. She noted the need for the states weigh stations to reopen. Sen. Will Haskell, D-Westport, who sat next to the governor onstage, said its important to make large trucks pay user fees. Lamont said that the fuel taxes that fund transit improvement are decreasing, while the states aged bridges deteriorate further. This is the best deal for taxpayers, Lamont said. Later, in an answer to a question from a toll skeptic, Lamont said he doesnt want to use the states emergency reserves to pay for improvements. I think we have a better way of paying for this, he said. Thats why were here today. Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, noted that the current transportation crisis is costing taxpayers an average of $1,800 a year each in lost time and motor vehicle repairs. The states biggest pollution problem is transportation-related, he said, including cars idling in traffic. Another panelist, veteran state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, another member of the Transportation Committee, said that the average age of highway bridges is 53. Bridges and roads built in the 50s and 60s, it could be argued that they are at the end of their useful life, Steinberg said. After a half-hour of statements from the seven-member panel, questions from the audience broke down around 50 percent from supporters and 50 percent from potential opponents. Throughout the afternoon, construction unions who would benefit from Lamonts massive infrastructure plan held a rolling demonstration in the school parking lot, including signs promoting CT2030, the name of the governors plan. They were given signs that said Better Infrastructure Economic Development. Transportation Commission Joseph Giulietti said that trucks-only tolls would bring in about 50 percent of the estimated $170 million or more from out-of-state vehicles. This is truly a fair way of assessing the costs, he said, stressing that every other state along the eastern seaboard tolls vehicles. He said that Rhode Islands defense of its trucks-only tolls gives state officials optimism. Connecticuts relationship with New York State is also very good, with both states wanting the best possible service in the northeast corridor, Giulietti said. Lamont said that the plan by Republicans to bond an additional $700 million a year in borrowing is too expensive and doesnt make as much fiscal sense as truck tolls. We have more per-capita debt than any other state, Lamont said. This is the best alternative Ive been able to find. The plan makes sense. The numbers add up. In response to a question on climate change, Lamont said that transportation improvements are part of the states program to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, including a big commitment to wind power. The biggest applause of the event went to Haskell, who explained the nature of the states troubled fund for transportation improvements. State Sen. Carlo Leone, D-Stamford, said that the current plan was the result of exempting fuel trucks and largely intrastate trucks. This is really the big 18-wheeler trucks, he said. Its not the smaller trucks. In this affluent town, which is in the heart of the commuter-train region, some questioners wanted to find out how the governor plans to speed up Metro-North service to New York City. We want to make sure that not only are we doing this for Fairfield County, but the entire state, Duff said. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT Walkers at the South Bull Wall as high winds churn up the sea during high tide Sandbags at the ready as Storm Brendan touches down, bringing with him gusts of up to 130kph. Met Eireann has issued a status orange wind warning for the entire country. The warning came into effect at 8am this morning and will remain in place until 3pm in Leinster. Dublin City Council said in a statement that it has "been monitoring the forthcoming unsettled weather" and as a result, it will be erecting flood defences and has closed the car parks at Clontarf and Sandymount from 6am. Dublin Port Company has also temporarily closed access to the Great South Wall - the wall out to Poolbeg Lighthouse - from 11am until 4pm and the North Bull Wall Bridge - the main bridge to Bull Island - from noon until 2.30pm. Surge "With wind and rain expected until Thursday this week, Dublin Port Company will continue to monitor the situation," it said in a statement. Expand Close Dublin city council shore up flood defences on Clontarf ahead of the forecasted storm. Photo: Arthur Carron. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dublin city council shore up flood defences on Clontarf ahead of the forecasted storm. Photo: Arthur Carron. Meanwhile, Met Eireann's head of forecasting Evelyn Cusack warned that, despite predicted wind speeds of more than 130kph, the most significant risk is that of widespread flooding. "It's a very deep, active storm," she told the Herald. "There will be very high seas on the Atlantic coast, and this combined with a high tide and storm surge, leaves a high risk of coastal flooding around all of Ireland, not just on the west. "There is a big risk of flooding. Local authorities have been warned and are prepared." Ms Cusack added that Storm Brendan will not be long-lasting, however, and by this evening its major effects should have subsided. "For Dublin probably around noon to 2pm will be peak," Ms Cusack said. "The feature here is the high risk of flooding, but it is a storm so we're expecting gusts of 130kph. "This time of year the trees are bare, they're not in leaf so there is a risk of trees coming down across the country. "It will be rapidly decreasing but it will be continuing in the west and north-west but it will all be gone by teatime on the same day. It's a 12-hour event but in the north-west it could last longer." The poor weather will not end then, however, as Storm Ciara is likely to be named by UK forecasters today. While Ireland will not receive the brunt of that storm, its edge will produce rain over Ireland, which due to the cold weather may freeze. "When the storm subsides, there will be a rapid decrease in conditions," Ms Cusack said. "For [tomorrow] though there will be a risk of some sleety snow. There's a possibility of Storm Ciara being named by the UK Met Office, tracking across the south of England. That won't affect us but we'll have to keep an eye on that. "We'll get the rain from that storm, if it is named, but it will be cold over Ireland [tomorrow] so that rain could turn to sleet or even snow on high ground across the country. "Overall the weather for the coming week is very, very unsettled." The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has closed a number of national parks. "The NPWS advises the public not to visit any national parks, national monuments or nature reserves while the warnings are in place and asks for their ongoing co-operation on this matter by not entering these sites for the duration of these weather warnings," a spokesperson told the Herald. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Retno LP Marsudi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 09:18 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321e135f 3 Opinion bilateral-relations,diplomacy,Indonesia,UAE,United-Arab-Emirates,Retno-Marsudi Free As President Joko Jokowi Widodo arrived on Sunday in Abu Dhabi on an official visit, we are witnessing how the two nations shared vision for moderation and sustainable energy is taking their bilateral relations to a new era. President Jokowi is in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to repay the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in July 2019 and to deliver a keynote speech at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). Conducted amid ongoing tensions in the region, the Presidents visit gives fresh impetus to cooperation over confrontation, dialogues over conflict and peace and security over instability. President Jokowi seems to underline the need for the international community to redouble its efforts for peace and security in the Middle East. When peace and stability are in place, developments and prosperity follow. The visit is strengthening the extensive ties between Indonesia and the UAE, allowing both not only to improve their diplomatic bonds but also to contribute to efforts to address global issues posed by violent extremism, radicalism, terrorism and energy security vis-a-vis climate change. The world sees an imminent threat in the expansion of violent extremism, radicalism and terrorist ideology, hence this strategic interest between the two nations in promoting state models of moderate, modern and pluralistic Islam is crucial. The future relations of Indonesia and the UAE will also rest upon their willingness to respond to the challenges of global energy security. Today, 1 billion people still lack electricity and cleaner energy. Energy and fossil fuel consumption has given rise to the impacts of climate change. Far more needs to be done to advance renewable and efficient energy in all sectors. Thus, Indonesian-UAE relations are being directed to answer those challenges through developing new energy partnerships. Therefore, President Jokowis visit carries at least two messages. First, to promote strategic investment deals, particularly on sustainable energy, and to share his vision on green growth as a way to transform energy security into sustainable energy. Second, to promote the true values of Islam in advancing moderation and tolerance. The Indonesia-UAE relationship has grown strategically since it was established 44 years ago. The exchange of visits between leaders, as well as the recent conclusion of Islamic affairs, education, health and agriculture agreements together with significant business deals, have played an important role in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Billions of dollars worth of business deals are to be generated from this visit and will stimulate bigger investments in the future. These business deals are testament to the trust and confidence of foreign investors in Indonesia. Our relations today are marked by close ties between our leaders, who share a belief in moderation and tolerance. Both leaders also call for inclusiveness and the need for the Muslim world to spread the true face of Islam, which promotes peace, tolerance and moderation. The realization of this common vison can be seen in the initiative to build a mosque and an Islamic center in the Central Java city of Surakarta. Not only will the mosque and Islamic Center become the symbol of the Indonesian-UAE vision for peace and moderation, but also an epicenter for teaching, promoting and disseminating the moderate and tolerant values of Islam in Indonesia and in the region. The two leaders also displayed their commitment to moderation through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Islamic affairs. Cooperation to instill noble Islamic values that reject violent extremism but promote tolerance and help raise Muslims level of understanding of moderation will be conducted through exchanges of experience and expertise, capacity building for imam, maintenance and management of mosques, introduction of Islam and the demonstration of its merits, as well as moderation and management of endowments. At present, the most important thing is to strengthen the unity of the people and encourage more inclusiveness. This is what Indonesia and the UAE want to achieve in our immediate future cooperation. Indonesia and the UAE also put great importance on sustainable energy. The strategic relations between the two countries provide a lot of opportunities and elements of development, which are very promising to invest in, especially because the two countries aim to secure sustainable energy. Both leaders envision that the relations between Indonesia and the UAE could represent a platform for growth and progress in sustainable energy. During the ADSW keynote speech, President Jokowi reiterated the need to find the middle way to build bridges between development and the solutions to climate change. President Jokowi said he was also convinced that there will be no green growth without sustainable development and there will be no sustainable development without sustainable energy as there will be no sustainable energy without sustainable cooperation. It is in this spirit that both leaders agreed to the two countries sustainable cooperation over new and renewable energy. As a concrete example: Masdar and PT Pembangkit Jawa-Bali (PJBi) just signed a contract to construct the worlds largest floating solar photovoltaic power plant generating only clean energy and reducing the carbon footprint of the region. This technology hopefully will also be replicated in other several water reservoirs in Indonesia. As both the leaders of Indonesia and the UAE move to build on 44 years of relations, all of us must help them turn this noble vision into action. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Amid his recovery from complicated heart disease in London, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was spotted at a restaurant. The picture that has gone viral on Monday also features former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, his brother and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and other family members. While some netizens cast aspersions over his illness, others expressed relief over signs of his recovery. Doctors advised Nawaz Sharif to walk daily, here he takes a walk to have tea with the family #Corrupt pic.twitter.com/E3Z7wqR1Q9 MARY... THE IRISH INSAFIAN (@IRISHINSAFIAN) January 13, 2020 Read: After Pakistan Army's Criticism, Relief For Musharraf As Lahore HC Quashes Death Sentence Meanwhile, Good to see Mian Nawaz Sharif coming back towards normal life. He went to a cafe with family in London today. pic.twitter.com/dxg4n3ipsm Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) January 13, 2020 Read: Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif Likely To Be Shifted To US For Better Treatment Nawaz Sharif's health problems Nawaz Sharif was undergoing his 7-year sentence in a corruption case in Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail. However, he had to be rushed to a hospital in October as his platelet count dropped to a critically low level. The Lahore High Court allowed him to travel abroad in November to seek further treatment as his condition continued to deteriorate. Sharif signed an undertaking whereby he promised to return to Pakistan within 4 weeks or whenever he was in a fit condition to travel. Sharif arrived in London on November 19. Recently, reports indicated that he was likely to be admitted to a hospital for a cardiac procedure. Read: Pakistan Govt Writes To UK; Seeks Return Of Nawaz Sharif After Treatment Musharraf let off by Lahore HC Earlier in the day, the Lahore HC declared the death penalty verdict against former Pakistani Army Chief and President Pervez Musharraf as null and void. It also ruled that the Constitution of the Special Court which pronounced the original judgment was unlawful. On December 17, Musharraf was sentenced to death after being held guilty of high treason for abrogating the Constitution and imposing an extra-constitutional emergency. Musharrafs case was given a big push after his arch-nemesis Nawaz Sharif took oath as Pakistans Prime Minister for the third time in 2013. The former military dictator had assumed power in a bloodless coup in 1999 after ousting Nawaz Sharif. This case however pertained specifically to the emergency imposed by Musharraf in 2007. Read: Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif Was Near Site Of Stabbing Incident At London Bridge (@ChaudhryMAli88) The United States imposed sanctions on Moldovan businessman and former official Vladimir Plahotniuc, accusing him of "significant corruption," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday in a statement WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th January, 2020) The United States imposed sanctions on Moldovan businessman and former official Vladimir Plahotniuc, accusing him of "significant corruption," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday in a statement. "Today, I am designating former Moldovan official and oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc due to his involvement in significant corruption," Pompeo said. "In his official capacity, Plahotniuc was involved in corrupt acts that undermined the rule of law and severely compromised the independence of democratic institutions in Moldova." Two weeks after his wedding, a Ugandan man, Mohammed Mutumba, has just discovered that his supposed wife is a man, Daily Monitor has reported. Mr Mutumba, who is the Imam of Kyampisi Masjid Noor mosque in Kayunga District, Uganda, has been suspended from his clerical work after unknowingly wedding a fellow man in Islamic culture. He was suspended as investigations into the shocking incident commenced. According to regional Kadhi Sheikh Abdul Noor Kakande, the move to suspend the 27-year-old is aimed at preserving the integrity of the faith. Mr Mutumba exchanged vows with Swabullah Nabukeera a fortnight ago after meeting at the Kyampisi mosque. However, two weeks into their union, the couple is reported not to have gotten intimate as the supposed bride claimed that she was on her period. Mr Mutumba also said they were not intimate before the marriage. According to Daily monitor, during the waiting period, Mutumbas neighbour accused his newly-wedded wife of jumping over a wall separating their houses and stealing clothes and a television set. The matter was reported to the police. Kayunga District criminal investigations officer, Isaac Mugera, told Daily Monitor that Nabukeera was wearing a hijab and sandals when apprehended. It was when he was being searched by a female officer that the suspect had stacked clothes in the bra to hoodwink that they were breasts. On further search, we discovered that the suspect had male genitals, said Mr. Mugera. READ ALSO: During interrogations, Nabukeera revealed that his real name is Richard Tumushabe and that he duped Mutumba so as to get his money. He was charged with impersonation, theft and obtaining goods by false pretense. Nabukeeras alleged aunt was also arrested. She admitted that Mr Mutumba had paid dowry including two goats, two bags of sugar, a carton of salt and a Koran. She claimed that she did not know her niece was male as she got to know him when he was already an adult. Bengaluru, Jan 13 : Assuring depositors that their money was "100 per cent safe" with the bank, Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank Chairman K. Ramakrishna, here on Monday, said 62 loans had locked up Rs 300 crore of deposit. "Your money is 100 per cent safe with Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank. It's my responsibility," Ramakrishna said at Sri Guru Narasimha Kalyanamandira auditorium, to assure depositors. Because of these 62 dud loans, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had restricted the lender from executing business, he said amid shouting by depositors. To assuage customers, the call to an assistant commissioner of police by Bengaluru South MP Tejaswi Surya -- not present -- was relayed on loudspeaker live and the MP claimed that he had spoken to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to help the customers. Ramakrishna said he would meet customers again on January 19 with all the details and numbers. Dramatic scenes and pandemonium ruled the auditorium before his arrival. Thousands of bank customers threatened to go en masse to the police station and file a case against Ramakrishna. As he addressed the gathering in Kannada, hundreds of depositors shouted back at him seeking clarifications. "The bank is saying I can't withdraw more than Rs 35,000. In case of our fixed deposit maturing, we will have to renew it as we can't encash it, " said Nagaraj M, 49, who has been dealing with the bank for the past six years. At the auditorium, thousands of depositors earlier demanded the bank chairman's presence to clarify the matter. The lender had invited depositors to the auditorium at 6 p.m. to update them on the bank's status, following a RBI directive restricting the bank from doing business with immediate effect. "We want the bank's directors here," shouted a depositor from the stage. A handful of policemen were trying to control the crowd and bring order to the assembly. Many elderly and retired persons had arrived to know the fate of their savings. Several women were also present at the meeting. "It was a good bank with only 0.5 per cent NPAs. Now we can't trust any bank. See what happened with the PMC Bank," said another customer. Shankar Sharma, 38, an employee of a private company, said majority of depositors were senior citizens and retirees. "I don't have an account with the bank, but my mother, uncle, aunt have deposited money in it. I came for them, " said Sharma. He said many of the bank's 35,000 clientele deposited more than Rs 5 lakh, which had total deposits of Rs 1,600 crore. The bank started operations in 1999. Ramakrishna was escorted away to safety by the police after his speech even as the depositors were screaming and agitating for justice. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned against military confrontation with Iran saying it will harm peace and stability across the world. Abe is on a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, starting January 11 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. There were apprehensions about Abes scheduled visit to the Middle East countries after Iran attacked military bases in Iraq that housed US troops following its top military commander Qassem Soleimanis death. But the Japanese leader decided to go ahead with the scheduled visit amid regional crisis and met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In an hour-long meeting on January 12, Abe discussed the regional tension with the Crown Prince. Read: Japan's Abe Meets Saudi King Amid Threats In Persian Gulf Calls upon countries to defuse tensions According to Abes spokesperson Masato Ohtaka, the Japanese Prime Minister reportedly said that any military confrontation in the region that includes a country like Iran will have an effect not only on peace and stability in the region but the peace and stability of the whole world. He has called upon all relevant countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions. Japan has been walking a diplomatic tightrope after the US-Iran relations worsened following the recent developments and clarified that it will not join a US-led coalition in the region. According to media reports, Tokyo will deploy warship and reconnaissance aircraft to protect its maritime interest in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Read: Japan PM Shinzo Abe To Visit Middle East Despite Ongoing US-Iran Tensions In this visit, as the situation in the Middle East increases in tension, we will exchange views with the three countries that will play an important role in mitigating regional tensions and stabilizing the situation as part of diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation of the situation, Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihida had said ahead of the visit. Iran has been giving mixed signals after US President Donald Trump called for peace in the region claiming no American lives were lost in the attack. Iran envoy to the UN, Majid Takht Ravanchi, had said that Trump administration is reluctant to hold dialogue. Ravanchi claimed that though the US President has offered cooperation, the administration is going to intensify the sanctions on Iran. Read: Japan Urges The US To Show Restraint In MidEast Read: Japan Continues To Seek Carlos Ghosn In Lebanon (With inputs from agencies) 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. Senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh was suspended on Monday, even as it emerged that he had sheltered three terrorists, arrested along with him, at his residence here right next to the Armys XV corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment, officials said. Singh, who was decorated with the President Police Medal about four months ago, continued to be grilled by a team of police and intelligence investigators. His office at Srinagar airport, where he was posted as deputy superintendent of police in the anti-hijacking squad, was sealed, they said. Piecing together the ... The core group of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a seven-hour long meeting at the residence of party president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday to discuss the party candidates for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. Working president JP Nadda, Delhi in-charge Prakash Javadekar along with party leaders Shyam Jaju, Manoj Tiwari, Vijay Goel, Vijender Gupta, and Anil Jain were among those who attended the meeting. According to sources, party leaders discussed the candidates for 45 out of the 70 assembly seats in the meeting while discussions on the remaining seats will be held on Monday. The party leaders considered the candidates based on the central survey and public feedback and the party is focusing on bringing in new faces, sources said. Once the leaders discuss the candidates for all the seats, a candidate list will be sent to the Central Election Committee (CEC) of the BJP for further discussion and approval. The date for the meeting of the CEC has not yet been decided. The Model Code of Conduct came into force in Delhi on January 6 after the Election Commission announced that the assembly election in the capital will be held on February 8. Counting of votes is scheduled on February 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Across the country, 42,822 appointments are missed every day. [Photo: Getty] More than a million Brits fail to turn up to their GP appointment every month, data suggests. NHS figures show a record 7.8m patients in England alone did not attend a scheduled consultation between June and November last year. Across the country, 42,822 appointments are missed a day - or 30 a minute, the statistics show. With the average GP check-up costing 30 ($38.92), skipped consultations could set the NHS back more than 200m ($259.5m) a year. READ MORE: Cancer patients avoid asking questions to 'overstretched' doctors and nurses When patients miss appointments it can be a frustrating waste of resources for GPs and our teams, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said. But also for other patients who are struggling to secure an appointment for themselves. There may be many reasons why a patient might miss an appointment and in some cases it can be an indication something serious is going on for that individual. But we would urge patients to let us know if they can't attend as soon as possible, so we can offer that time to someone else who really needs it. READ MORE: 20,000 assaults on emergency workers recorded in first year of new law Around 307m GP appointments are booked every year. Of these, 5% (15.4m) are missed without notice, meaning they cannot be rescheduled for those in need. Around half of last years no-shows were due to see a doctor, while the remainder were check-ups with a nurse or other healthcare professional. With GP shortages an ongoing issue, missed appointments can be particularly frustrating for those in need. The British Medical Association reported the number of full-time, fully-qualified GPs in England fell by 2% in the year up to June 2019, while full-time partners went down 5.3%. READ MORE: NHS worker assaulted in 'appalling' unprovoked attack The NHS is getting technical to help combat missed appointments and save money. Practices are using electronic methods, such as SMS reminders, to encourage patients to keep their appointments or cancel them in a timely manner, Professor Stokes-Lampard said. Story continues The health service announced in November it will trial a digital patient tool that allows users to book and change appointments online, receive text reminders and access maps that direct them to the clinic, MailOnline reported. Known as DrDoctor, it is already been tested in 10 hospitals, including Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust. It is expected to be rolled out to 11 more over the next few months and then nationally, if successful. At the start of a new year, many of us look to the future, review the past and consider the state of the nation. As a dean of engineering, I have the privilege of working with students, seeing them grow into their profession, and define their vision for the future of this great country. We have many serious challenges to address as we face the next decade. The future of work frames them all. How we educate the workforce is part of the solution. It is fair and reasonable for taxpayers to ask if universities have delivered on the promises made by the leaders who invested in education at the dawn of Confederation. Have universities kept pace with the needs of our economy? Since 1950, the size of the Canadian labour force has increased by 3.6 times. According to Statistics Canada, over the same period the number of university degrees awarded has multiplied by 18 times. According to the 2014 Education at a Glance report by the OECD, Canada has the highest percentage of population aged 25-64 with some form of tertiary (past high school) education. Canada sits at 53 per cent, versus the OECD average of 32 per cent. We have increased the availability of education to people entering the workforce from 18 per cent to 80 per cent since 1950. Specifically, engineering enrolment across the country has increased by two per cent per year since 1991. At the same time, life expectancy, quality of life, employment and literacy are all up significantly. We should be proud of this record. But what do high literacy and education levels mean for the future workforce? The very meaning of work is changing. Rather than using humans to do work that can be done more safely by machines, we need skilled workers who can be the bosses of machines. This work requires creativity and insight, so craftspeople and precision tradespeople will still be needed, along with university graduates. The skills we need in the future workforce, according to the RBC Humans Wanted report, have shifted from manual labour to skilled trades, analytical thinking, problem solving and design work. Engineers are part of this solution. University leaders are very aware of future job skills reports and are moving to incorporate changes into their programs. This is partly in response to dramatically reduced government funding, which forces transformation in our business models, and partly in response to messages we are hearing from industry and government. We are listening and looking to the future. While there are always portions of an organization which resist change, I see a great vision for the future among my colleagues across our country and I see action on the ground at the University of Saskatchewan and elsewhere. As we move into a new decade, we should be proud of Canadas investment in post-secondary education and proud of our national and provincial leaders who recognized that a more skilled workforce would be needed for the jobs of today and the leaders of tomorrow. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles has killed more than 6,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last Tuesday, the organization called on international partners and agencies to increase resources to fight what it called the "world's worst measles epidemic." The world's largest and fastest moving epidemic has killed three times as many people as Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to the 6,000 who have died, more than 310,000 cases were reported in the country since the beginning of 2019. Even though the agency and its international partners have vaccinated 18 million Congolese children under the age of 5 against the disease, routine immunization coverage is still low across the DRC. According to WHO, 1 of 4 cases in the country occurred in children under 5, who are most vulnerable to the vaccine-preventable disease. The Congolese government and WHO launched the emergency vaccination program last September. Obstacles in stopping the spread of disease include poor infrastructure, attacks on health centers and a lack of access to routine healthcare. In 2019, every one of the country's 26 provinces reported measles cases. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said they were making the best efforts to bring the epidemic under control. According to Moeti, "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." Another dilemma is the mistrust for medical professionals in some areas of the DRC, where measles vaccine rates remain low in locations guarded by armed militias, and workers' access to remote areas is difficult. According to Dr. Amedee Prosper Djiguimde, the officer in charge of the DRC's WHO office, they recognize the government's engagement in the efforts to end the outbreak but there are still efforts to be made. Other factors that aggravate the epidemic are malnutrition, weak public health systems and outbreaks of other epidemic-prone diseases. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), vaccination was coverage was at 57 percent in 2018. WHO has allocated $27.6 million, but a further $40 million is required for a six-month plan to extend vaccination to children between six and 14 years of age. The six-month plan is also needed to reinforce elements of the outbreak response beyond vaccination, including improving treatment, health education, community engagement, health system strengthening, epidemiological surveillance and response coordination. Lack of funding remains a huge impediment, they said in a statement. There is also less vaccination in areas where armed groups operate. Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and long-term disabilities. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and might stay within the air after a contaminated particular person has coughed or sneezed for as much as two hours. However, Ebola in DRC has gained far more eyes internationally, especially after armed militias attacked health workers in November. The Ebola epidemic - the second largest and second deadliest outbreak of the illness in historical past - started in August 2018. It has resulted in the deaths of more than 2,231 people. Last November, four health workers who were responding to the Ebola outbreak were killed in eastern Congo. RELATED ARTICLE: Deadly Measles is Back in the US, But Why? Kilkenny band, Oh Bryan are supporting Aslan in the Hub at Cillin Hill on Saturday. They will go on stage at 8pm doing an acoustic set. The boys have been on tour with Aslan over the past year playing all over Ireland in places like The Olympia, The INEC Arena and The Wexford Opera House. "Although we are primarily a rock band we scale down for these Aslan shows playing an acoustic set. We still rock the places as best as we can with the acoustic set and recommend people to some early to check us out. Its also really lets the songs shine and speaks for themselves when stripped back to acoustic," Steve O'Brien of the band said. Steve and Shane Power are from Kilkenny and have been involved in the music days for years. "We both started off our gigging careers in the ZOO Club which used to be held on Sundays when we were in school. Now based in Dublin we continue to write and release music," Steve added. Following their last sold out gig in Whelan's in Dublin, Oh Bryan will release their new single soon. Their next single It's Not Easy Will be released on February 12 on all platforms including Spotify, Youtube, Deezer , Apple Music and iTunes. The single will be available for purchase on iTunes to help support the band. The new single has been quoted as being Sonically on par with Foo Fighters by famous music producer and engineer Philp Magee (Kodaline, The Academic, The Blizzards, The Script) Space travel is something everyone dreams of and aspired to do with the advancement of science and technology. One brand really close to making commercial space flights is SpaceX. Yusaku Maezawa, the Japanese billionaire who stands in line as the first prospective rider on SpaceXs future deep-space rocket is on the lookout for a girlfriend to accompany him on his journey to the moon. Reuters/Abema Hes initiated a campaign to find a female partner to fly around the moon with him. The campaign, according to the website is specifically looking for a significant other and not just a friend. The website states, Yusuka Maezawa looks for a female partner to go to the moon with him. He has a long-held dream of going into space, the website states. He wants to visit such a special place together with a special someone. Apparently, this swayamvar will be a documented reality show called 'Full Moon Lovers' that will be aired on Japanese streaming platform Abema TV. In case you were interested to be a part of this contest, there are a few pre-requisites to consider. For starters, hes looking for single women over the age of 20, with a bright and positive personality. She should be interested in going to space and be willing to prepare for it (which can in itself be rigorous). She should also be someone who wants to enjoy life to the fullest and wishes for world peace. Reuters In case you were wondering how is Yusuka Maezawa the first to travel using SpaceXs next-generation Starship Rocket, hes made a sizeable deposit for becoming a private customer to go for the ride once the rocket is ready. While it wasnt revealed how much did he actually pay, Musk revealed that it was enough to partially pay for the rockets development. In case you were wondering hell be landing on the moon, he wont. The rocket will take him around the moon and get him back to Earth. The applications have already commenced and will end January 17, 10:00 AM JST (Japan Standard Time). A day after the police identified 37 out of 60 members of a WhatsApp group, Unity Against Left, the police on Sunday identified seven more people for the violence on the campus. Sources said none of the seven identified persons belong to either leftist or rightist outfits. New Delhi: The Delhi police have identified seven more of the 60 people from a WhatsApp group from several videos and photos that went viral on social media in the JNU violence case. The police have also recorded statements by a warden, 13 security guards and five students over the campus violence that left 34 people injured. The police has come under severe criticism for acting as mute spectators when the brutal attack was unleashed by goons on students and the faculty at the campus. Former Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar has said, however, that had he been in command of the force, he would have sought intelligence and intervened at any appropriate time to prevent the situation escalating at the university campus. The administration kept seeing the situation; that was wrong. The police could have acted even without the vice-chancellors request, Kumar said. More important, the special branch and local police, which was aware of how things were happening over the past few days, should have foreseen events and based on its own reports it could have intervened, he said. Asked what he would have done differently had he been police commissioner, Kumar said: I would have pressed my special branch into and asked it to develop intelligence and at any appropriate time, I would have intervened and prevented the incident. No one could have faulted me for that. A day after the police identified 37 out of 60 members of a WhatsApp group, Unity Against Left, the police on Sunday identified seven more people for the violence on the campus. Sources said none of the seven identified persons belong to either leftist or rightist outfits. Earlier, the police had identified four other students who were in favour of the semester registration process and wanted to enrol themselves for the new academic year. The police has also asked JNU student Akshat Awasthi along with his colleague Rohit Shah to join the probe. Akshat was caught on camera by a television channel saying that the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidrarthi Parishad (ABVP) students were behind the brutal attack. A first-year student of the French degree programme at JNU, Akshat Awasthi identified himself in the footage of Sundays attack as an ABVP activist. Another student, Rohit Shah, too had confessed on camera that 20 ABVP activists from JNU were involved in Sundays attack. It is learnt Akshat could visit the police station but in all probability not join the probe. Earlier, the ABVP had distanced itself from the two students, Akshat Awasthi and Rohit Shah, claiming the two were not its members. [January 13, 2020] Tequity Inc.'s Client, TeleMED Diagnostic Management Inc., has been Acquired by Pluribus Technologies Inc. TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tequity Inc., a North American boutique Tech M&A advisory firm, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to TeleMED Diagnostic Management ("TeleMED") in their acquisition by Pluribus Technologies Inc. ("Pluribus"). TeleMED is a pioneer and leader in designing and engineering innovative solutions for the electronic management of non-invasive medical test data within a diagnostic environment. The backbone of TeleMED's technology is ViTELflo, a sophisticated, intuitive application that integrates process automation, document management and records management functionalities relating to a wide variety of non-invasive diagnostic tests. Pluribus is a holding company established to acquire and grow small, profitable software companies. "We are pleased to add TeleMED as our third acquisition to our portfolio of companies in the past 9 months," said Richard Adair, CEO of Pluribus Technologies. "Our existing portfolio companies host secure SaaS platforms on behalf of several Fortune 500 companies. We are committed to bring this level of expertise and the resources required to ensure that TeleMED remains a leader in the healthcare industry." "Having Tequity as my advisors made a significant difference. They were great to work with throughout the process and really understood my objectives and what was important to me in a transaction," said Asa Lebel, CEO of TeleMED. "I am excited about the acquisition by Pluribus Technologies as I believe that the company has the marketing and sales expertise required to grow TeleMED by increasing our market share in Canada and also reachingnew markets outside of Canada." About TeleMED Diagnostic Management Inc. TeleMED an ISO 13485:2003 certified company, has been a pioneer in the development of powerful solutions for managing non-invasive medical diagnostic data. TeleMED serves an array of verticals in the healthcare industry including community diagnostic laboratories, specialty clinics, occupational testing organizations, family physician groups and paramedical service providers. The solutions offered feature advanced security safeguards, innovative quality management tools, business analytic capabilities, smart electronic forms and a high degree of interoperability and connectivity. www.telemeddiagnostic.com About Pluribus Technologies Inc. Pluribus specializes in acquiring small, profitable software companies from owners and investors that are seeking a succession plan. Pluribus helps entrepreneurs exit their businesses by providing them with a liquidity event when there are often few other reasonable options. The management team of former owner-operators builds upon the legacy created with loyal customers and employees, taking businesses to the next level of success. www.pluribustechnologies.com About Tequity Inc. Tequity is an M&A advisory firm with core expertise in Enterprise Software and IT Services companies. We are highly specialized in strategic mergers, exits, and carve-outs for technology companies. We consistently help shareholders to achieve optimal outcomes in transactions with growth-focused acquirers. As business operations and growth specialists who have built companies, raised capital, and successfully exited, we bring real world experience to any M&A discussion. www.tequityinc.com Contact: Diane Horton, CBI, CM&AA VP Business Development +1 905-581-7424 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tequity-incs-client-telemed-diagnostic-management-inc-has-been-acquired-by-pluribus-technologies-inc-300985017.html SOURCE Tequity Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Right lines: go bold with black eyeliner against flawless skin Eyeliners at the ready, because it was all about razor-sharp flicks and striking shadow play on the autumn/winter catwalks. Black is, well, the new black this season, as the darkest of hues was employed by make-up artists to create unapologetically bold eye looks, set against a canvas of clean, flawless skin. Here are three ways to try the graphic eyes trend... 1. The regal wing 'Royal meets The Vatican' was how make-up legend Val Garland described the futuristic flick at Erdem, which she said was inspired by the films of Fellini and Hitchcock. Garland created the look with Nars products, using kohl liner to trace the wing shape, then filling it in with black eyeshadow to give a velvety finish, neatening the edges with a cotton bud dipped in eye make-up remover. Expand Close Pandora duo eyeshadow, 25, Nars / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pandora duo eyeshadow, 25, Nars 2. The sexy smudge At Molly Goddard, MAC make-up artist Hiromi Ueda said she was "inspired by Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles and the voluminous dresses worn by the characters". The look focuses on 'morning after' eyeliner, the ring of black pencil blended out to a short, blunt wing - it helps to add a little bit of mixing medium on top of the liner, to slightly dilute the pigment. Expand Close Minorque kohliner, 20, Nars / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minorque kohliner, 20, Nars Ueda also gave models a ruddy-cheeked glow by applying pink toned blusher high on the cheeks. 3. The big smoke Taking the smoky-eye trend to a whole new level, make-up artist Kabuki created a soft-edged all-black look to match the monochrome clothing at Jeremy Scott AW19. Leaving lashes and brows bare (some models even had their arches bleached), this look is all about the shadow. Taking a small eyeshadow brush and a cream shadow, start close to the lash line and gradually build up the pigment, working towards the inner corner, and out to form a blurred wing shape. Use a larger blending brush (or your fingers) to create an airbrushed finish, then complete the look with black kohl liner on the upper and lower lash lines. In an unusual move, students protesting against the new citizenship law and the National Register of Citizens have laid claim on the Indian tricolour and the Constitution. It has now become a regular feature at these protests to read from the preamble of the Constitution, wave the Indian flag and display photographs of Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar. This has stumped the Narendra Modi government which has been on an overdrive to appropriate both Gandhi and Ambedkar and equally quick to dismiss dissenters as anti-nationals. Meanwhile, the Centre has also stepped up its efforts to reclaim the Constitution as its own. The culture ministry, for instance, has directed all associations and institutions attached to it to hold regular programmes on the Constitution. These could include a lecture, a discussion or a workshop. Maybe this exercise is not related to the ongoing protests but the Centres directive has acquired urgency against the backdrop of the students agitation. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi may be out on his travels but he continues to call the shots in the party through his band of loyalists. For instance, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, who is said to speak on behalf of the Nehru-Gandhi scion, played a key role in drawing up the list of party leaders to be included in the Maharashtra Cabinet. According to party insiders, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is officially in charge of Maharashtra, was a mere token presence in these discussions. Then there is Rajiv Satav, also a member of Team Rahul, now heading the screening committee to shortlist candidates for next months Delhi elections. Furthermore, Rahul aides Meenakshi Natrajan and Sachin Rao have been instrumental in the appointment of friends Sachin Naik and Bajirao Khade in Priyanka Gandhi Vadras team. But nothing beats the appointment of Vijay Inder Singla as Congress secretary attached to treasurer Ahmed Patel, with the specific charge of properties and assets. This is an additional responsibility for Mr Singla as he is also a minister in the Punjab government. Needless to say, Mr Singla is close to Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders are wondering if Mr Singlas appointment is an attempt to clip Mr Patels wings. Rajendra Kumar Miglani, adviser to Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath is easily the most powerful man in the state government. Known for his four-decade-old association with Mr Nath, Mr Miglani has been a permanent fixture in his office and has been the point person managing the chief ministers constituency Chhindwara. Today in Bhopal, Mr Miglani controls access to the chief minister. All those employed both in Mr Naths office and residence are handpicked by him and are popularly referred to as the Miglani Service Cadre (MSC). Predictably, Mr Miglani is kept abreast of all developments in Mr Naths office and home by MSC members who owe their jobs to the chief ministers right-hand man. As a result, no one and nothing escapes Mr Miglanis attention. That Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot are not exactly on best terms is an open secret. The two are constantly engaged in a cat-and-mouse game. So far, Mr Gehlot was forced to treat his younger colleague with kid gloves. But the CM is now comfortably placed after six legislators from the Bahujan Samaj Party crossed over. A more confident Gehlot is said to be planning a Cabinet rejig. There is talk that the newly-inducted MLAs are likely to be rewarded with ministerial berths while Mr Pilots nominees could be dropped on the pretext of accommodating the former BSP legislators. As a result, the tension between the two has resurfaced. It was, therefore, no surprise when Mr Pilot publicly criticised his own government for the infant deaths in Kota. The February 8 Delhi Assembly election has forced finance ministry officials to postpone the customary post-budget dinner for media-persons. The dinner is usually organised a day or two after the presentation of the budget and is hosted by the finance minister. Officials who are in charge of planning the ministers schedule and booking the venue realised just in time that since the model code of conduct is in place, it would have to be held after the poll results are declared on February 11. Nirmala Sitharamans last post-budget dinner became controversial as a large number of journalists did not adhere to the boycott call given by their colleagues to protest her decision to deny access to accredited correspondents to the ministry. Just 5.5% of rental housing stock across the country is within Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits. That is according to a new report by the Simon Communities which examined homes for those at risk of homelessness. It shows there is a shortage of one-bedroom housing for single people and couples in all areas covered by the study. Just 97 out of 1,753 properties were available to rent during the three-day snapshot study were within standard Housing Assistance Payment limits. There were only six properties available to rent for single people and 14 for couples within standard HAP limits. Simon Communities spokesperson Wayne Stanley says more family homes are being made available but it is harder for others. "There has been a significant increase in terms of what you can get using discretionary HAP but most of that is concentrated in the Dublin area and most of that is family homes so there is a really significant gap there when you're talking about single people or couples," said Mr Stanley. During the three-day study, there were no HAP homes for single people or couples in five parts of the country. "There were no properties available to rent within standard or discretionary HAP limits for a single person or couple in Limerick City, Waterford City, Portlaoise, Galway city centre or city suburbs. "There was only one or two properties in Limerick City, Sligo, Dundalk and Athlone." (Bloomberg) -- Facebook Inc. is taking down Instagram posts that express support for Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. strike, CNN reported. Pictures run by or on behalf of sanctioned people and organizations, as well as posts that commend or support their actions will be removed because the social-media company operates under U.S. laws, a Facebook spokesman said in a statement to the news agency. The Iranian government has protested by calling for legal action against Facebooks photo-sharing app, Instagram, one of few western social-media platforms not blocked in the country. A government website also created a portal for users to submit examples of removed posts, Iranian state media reported, according to CNN. Instagram shut down Soleimanis personal account last April after the U.S. designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organization. Facebook operates under US sanctions laws, including those related to the US governments designation of the IRGC and its leadership, the Facebook spokesman said, according to the report. To contact the reporter on this story: Max Zimmerman in Tokyo at mzimmerman90@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Shamim Adam at sadam2@bloomberg.net, Natnicha Chuwiruch, Stanley James 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. San Francisco, Jan 13 : Star Wars icon Mark Hamill has joined the list of high-profile celebrities who quit Facebook in protest against allowing political ads and spread of misinformation on its platform. Hamill took to Twitter on Sunday to announce that he would delete his Facebook account. "So disappointed that Mark Zuckerberg values profit more than truthfulness that I've decided to delete my Facebook account," Hamill tweeted. "I know this is a big 'Who cares?' for the world at large, but I'll sleep better at night," he added. Actor Sacha Baron Cohen in November wrote an article on regulating the social networking platform in the Washington Post. His followers supported the decision to delete Facebook. "I deleted Facebook 8 months ago and it feels great. Zuckerberg is making billions and destroying democracy in the process," responded one user. "Facebook has become an Empire. Like the very one you destroyed," tweeted another. Hamill is known for playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series, which won him the 'Saturn Award for Best Actor' three times. The #DeleteFacebook movement started after the infamous Cambridge Analytica data scandal. "What's Facebook?" Elon Musk tweeted last year, sarcastically replied to a tweet from WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton urging his followers to delete Facebook by tweeting: "It is time." Musk removed SpaceX, Tesla and his own official pages from Facebook. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The North America hermetic packaging market accounted for US$ 1.16 Bn in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period 2019-2027, to account for US$ 2.02 Bn in 2027. During the forecast period from 2019 to 2027, the aerospace and defense industry is expected to drive the demand for hermetic packaging worldwide. In addition to this, robust demand for hermetically packaged electronic components from the automotive, medical, and telecommunications industries is anticipated to fuel the future growth of hermetic packaging market worldwide. However, alternative and low-cost non-hermetic packaging methods could hinder the hermetic packaging market growth. Despite these limitations, the increasing demand for consumer electronic devices worldwide is projected to offer ample growth opportunities for the players operating in the hermetic packaging market during the forecast period of 2019 to 2027. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05828392/?utm_source=PRN The hermetic packaging market is fragmented in nature due to the presence of several industries, and the competitive dynamics in the market are anticipated to change during the coming years.In addition to this, various initiatives are undertaken by governmental bodies to accelerate the hermetic packaging market further. In the year 2017, the Government of Quebec altered its tax incentives for new data centers.The state now offers an attractive tax regime to the technology business. This trend is anticipated to be followed by the neighboring provinces as well.The reformed tax regime included up to 30% tax credit on eligible R&D expenses, US$ 25,000 tax credit per employee for recruitment of new IT employees and, 5% tax credit for labor costs in multimedia titles. These tax policies would not only encourage investment in data centers but also promote the adoption of novel technologies. Growing support for data centers would also demand better memory storage facilities and thus have a good impact on the electronic components that are integrated into the data centers. The reformed regulation in the North American countries would substantially contribute to the growth of the hermetic packaging market. The hermetic packaging market on the basis of industry vertical is segmented into aerospace, medical, telecommunications, consumer electronics, military & defense, automotive, and others.The aerospace industry vertical is the major adopter of hermetic packaging solutions owing to the increasing demand for critical applications in aircraft and space applications, including spacecraft guidance systems, and satellites. Further, military & defense is also witnessing immense growth in the demand for hermetic packaging solutions. The overall hermetic packaging market size has been derived using both primary and secondary source.The research process begins with exhaustive secondary research using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the hermetic packaging market. It also provides an overview and forecast for the hermetic packaging market based on all the segmentation provided with respect to the North American region.Also, primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, and external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the hermetic packaging market. Some of the players present in hermetic packaging market are Ametek, Inc., Egide SA, Kyocera Corporation, Legacy Technologies Inc., Materion Corporation, Micross Components Inc., Renesas Electronics Corporation, Schott AG, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, and Texas Instruments Inc. among others. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05828392/?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 Moscow, Jan 13 (UNI) Libya's rival forces are expected to sign a ceasefire deal here on Monday, media reports citing local officials confirmed. In a statement Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) agreed to a ceasefire starting from Jan 12 at midnight (2200 GMT), several hours after rival forces announced cessation of hostilities. Libyan National Army (LNA) Head Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has already arrived in Moscow, where he could hold talks with Libya 's Government of National Accord (GNA) Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, Sputnik reported. Sarraj is also expected to arrive here, later in the day. The Russia-Turkey brokered ceasefire came into effect at midnight on Sunday. LNA has besieged the GNA seat of Tripoli for almost a year. In recent bouts of fighting, Haftar's forces have advanced to the outskirts of the capital and have also taken the town of Sirte in central coastal Libya. The LNA supports eastern Libya's Tobruk-based parliament, which rivals the internationally recognized GNA. UNI XC RKM JAL 0717 T hey say that before you judge a man, you must walk a mile in his shoes. Well, Ive waddled in a pregnant womans shoes for eight months now (spoiler alert: despite my byline picture I am the pregnant woman) and I can say with full authority, if a pregnant woman enters a train, bar, or frankly anywhere that has seating offer her your seat. But it shouldnt stop there. Many commuters all over London might need a seat for myriad reasons. If youre one of the Londoners who spins around on an ergonomically designed office chair all day (Im looking at you, Janet from accounts) do you really need to sit down for your entire journey home? Stefanie Reid, the track-and-field Paralympian a single-leg amputee recently gave a talk on the social model of disability. It proposes that it is societal structures and attitudes that in fact disable somebody, not the medical condition itself. Reader, I felt seen. Reid opened my mind to the ways in which society can influence the feeling of disability to the point of total exclusion. Yes, yes, I have not done the maths and its clearly not possible to reorganise the infrastructure of an entire city overnight, but there are ways we can all lean in to a social model that places inclusivity at its core. A Baby on Board badge / PA Archive/PA Images As an able-bodied pregnant woman, trying to navigate a busy commute has felt really disabling at times, particularly when Ive had to beg for a seat. And as a long-serving martyr of the Central line I get it: books, podcasts, this newspaper. We welcome distractions to make our commute more palatable and they can make us less aware of the people around us. But to deny somebody a seat despite being perfectly able to stand? No. Thats not OK. A couple of years ago, pregnancy skincare brand Mama Mio conducted a survey revealing how difficult it is for pregnant women to use public transport. In it, only two per cent of people thought you should offer your seat up when a woman is in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Two. Per. Cent. Having lived through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy one of the most physically demanding and vulnerable stages I can tell you this is absurd. I spent my first trimester taking naps in various toilets across London when my body absolutely refused to stay awake. It should be the right of the person in need to decline a seat Ive had hangovers that deserve their own seat The study also revealed that three in 10 people believe you dont need to offer a pregnant woman a seat until she is visibly showing. I didnt visibly show until month seven of my pregnancy (and yes, I displayed my Baby on Board badge throughout). So, what, no seat for me? Excuse me as I scream into this pillow. And I do understand the not wanting to offend anybody barrier. My husband once joked: Unless I see the baby crowning, I dont feel comfortable asking. But surely it is better to offer your seat than risk obstructing somebody in need? It should be the right of the person in need to decline a seat. Hell, Ive had hangovers that deserve their own seat. We are all responsible here. We are all able to make the world a better place. Yes, even on the Central line. So use a little common sense and kindness. Look for a badge. Try to make eye contact. Smile. And if you see a baby crowning call a damn ambulance. Samiras won but we must keep fighting This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act. We still have a long way to go sisters, with the pay gap at 17.3 per cent but now and again, a beacon of light cuts through and reminds you of what were fighting for. As news broke that BBC broadcaster and writer Samira Ahmed, had won a monumental victory against her employer, working women all over the land did a little dance. Samira Ahmed / PA Samira claimed she was underpaid by 700,000 for hosting audience feedback show Newswatch compared with Jeremy Vines salary for Points of View. Happily for Samira, the judge agreed, stating that Jeremy Vine was paid more than six times what the claimant was paid for doing the same work as her. Of course, some stars deserve to be paid more than others but in this particular case both Vine and Ahmed started on their shows in directly comparable roles. The only thing not comparable was their gender. This case is a reminder for all women that we still need to keep fighting. No Salt 'N' Pepa for Greta (or Wolf) Greta Thunberg, conceivably the most impressive 17-year-old on the planet, has company. On day three of his internship at Nasa, Wolf Cukier, a 17-year-old from New York, discovered an entirely new planet. When I was 17, the most impressive thing I did was learn the rap in Salt N Pepas Whatta Man. Now Im the combined age of Greta and Wolf and I still havent discovered a planet. Not even a tiny one. AFP via Getty Images HOUSTON, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Riviera Resources, Inc. (OTCQX: RVRA) (Riviera or the Company) announces it has entered into an agreement to sell its Oklahoma City Office building to an undisclosed buyer for a contract price of $21.4 million, subject to closing adjustments. The Company expects the transaction will close in the first quarter of 2020. The property to be sold is a four-story, 105,000 plus square foot office building located at 14701 Quail Springs Plaza Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. This transaction is subject to buyers termination rights, as well as the satisfaction of closing terms and conditions. The estimated net proceeds from the sale are expected to be added to cash on the Companys balance sheet. As previously announced, the Company has also signed definitive agreements to sell its interests in properties located in the Overton field in East Texas, interests in properties located in the Personville field in East Texas, and its interest in properties located in the Drunkards Wash field in the Uinta Basin that are all expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. After closing the transaction, the Company will continue to own upstream assets primarily located in North Louisiana and Mid-Continent regions. Additionally, the Company owns Blue Mountain Midstream LLC, a midstream company centered in the core of the Merge play in the Anadarko Basin. Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations made by the Company which reflect managements experience, estimates and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and anticipated future developments. These statements include, among others, statements regarding the return of capital to shareholders, our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These include risks relating to the Companys financial and operational performance and results, low or declining commodity prices and demand for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, ability to hedge future production, ability to replace reserves and efficiently develop current reserves, the capacity and utilization of midstream facilities and the regulatory environment. These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please read Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other public filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events. (Adds details on steel demand, background) Jan 13 (Reuters) - Iron ore pellet producer Ferrexpo on Monday reported a small drop in full-year production as steel-making products faced weak demand due to sluggish global economic activity. Ferrexpo, a Swiss-based company with assets in Ukraine, produced 10.5 million tonnes of pellets for the year ended Dec. 31 from 10.6 million tonnes a year earlier. A bruising trade dispute with the United States has hit demand from top steel producer China, hurting prices for steel making ingredients such as iron ore pellets. Steel demand in China is expected to fall 0.6% to 881 million tonnes in 2020, according to a Chinese government consultancy. Ferrexpo, the third-largest pellets exporter, said sales volume for 2020 was about 10.3 million tonnes, slightly higher than 10.2 million tonnes it sold a year ago. The company also said its net debt narrowed to $282 million at the year end from $340 million in 2018. Ferrexpo delayed its full-year results twice last year after saying that some of the funds it donated to a Ukrainian charity, which coordinated its corporate social responsibility programme, could have been misappropriated. In October, Ferrexpo's chief executive officer, Kostyantin Zhevago, temporarily stepped down to resolve matters related to one of his former businesses in Ukraine. Zhevago, an Ukrainian mogul, owns a stake of more than 50% in Ferrexpo and was appointed CEO in 2008. (Reporting by Shanima A in Bengaluru, Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) shanima.a.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net ; Within UK +44 20 7542 1810; Outside UK+91 80 6749 3167; ;)) Amid ongoing protests against the amended citizenship law, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday termed the situation in the country as sad. I think what is happening is sad... Its just bad.... he told BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith at a Microsoft event in Manhattan. He further expressed how he would want to see a Bangladeshi immigrant become the next CEO of an Indian multinational corporation. I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the next CEO of Infosys, he said. Asked Microsoft CEO @satyanadella about India's new Citizenship Act. "I think what is happening is sad... It's just bad.... I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the next CEO of Infosys" cc @PranavDixit Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) January 13, 2020 The Microsoft CEO later took to Twitter and said his hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up that benefits the Indian society and economy. Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, this is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. Im the shaped by Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experience in the United States. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up or lead a multinational corporation benefitting Indian society and the economy at large, he said in the statement. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) was passed by Parliament on December 11 last year and came into force on January 10. The CAA is designed to facilitate Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The Opposition says the law is divisive and discriminatory because it makes religion a test of citizenship. Several parties have also challenged the constitutional validity of the law. The ruling BJP has shown no inclination to roll back the law and Union home minister has gone on record to say that the government wont budge an inch on the legislation. The BJP has also launched an outreach programme to push its point of view on the law. Soldiers from Papua New Guinea flew out of Port Moresby on Monday to help with the wildfires recovery effort in Australia. The 100 soldiers were farwelled by Prime Minister James Marape and Australian officials before boarding a plane for their three-month deployment, expected to be mainly in Victoria state. One soldier said he's excited to be repaying Australia for its past help during natural disasters in Papua New Guinea. The troops, who are mainly engineers, will be working with Australian Defence Force personnel in clearing roads and fire breaks, local media reported. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 16:54:08|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Ministry of Wildlife Conservation said on Monday that the cabinet has agreed to recruit civil defense force in areas worst affected by the long standing conflict between humans and elephants to minimize the number of deaths. Ministry officials quoted by local media as saying that 2,500 civil defense personnel will be recruited in areas which are populated by humans and elephants, and steps will also be taken to build strong elephant fences with Chinese aid to remedy the situation. In addition, every eight officers from the civil defense force will be given five firearms each to scare away the elephants when they enter areas of human residences. Sri Lanka faced the highest number of elephant deaths in the country's history in 2019 with 361 animals killed, the Center for Environment and Nature Studies said last week. Over 100 people were also killed in the longstanding human-elephant conflict, the Wildlife Ministry said. Officials have urged the government to take immediate steps to control the situation to minimize the elephant deaths and protect the majestic animals. Killing wild elephants in Sri Lanka is an offence punishable by death, but there have been regular reports of angry villagers poisoning or shooting them. Official records show the population of wild elephants in Sri Lanka is estimated at 7,500. Google Maps Police have identified 19-year-old George Anthony Vasquez as the man who died Sunday morning after losing control of his vehicle and crashing on the South Side. Around 4:15 a.m., San Antonio police responded to the 9600 block of Old Corpus Christi Road for a single-vehicle accident. They determined that Vasquez had been driving westbound when he lost control of his 2008 Honda Civic. Indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas has handed over a 'trove' of information to the Democratic-run House Intelligence Committee, his lawyer says. Parnas, who featured prominently in the House Democratic impeachment inquiry, has been indicted on alleged campaign finance violations, after being accused of relying on a straw donor to funnel money to a pro-Trump super PAC. Now, he has digital information he wants to share, having obtained a green light from a judge. 'After our trip to DC, we worked through the night providing a trove of Lev Parnas WhatsApp messages, text messages & imagesnot under protective orderto [the committee], detailing interactions with a number of individuals relevant to the impeachment inquiry,' wrote Parnas attorney Joseph Bondy. Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas has handed over information from his iPhone to investigators with the House Intelligence Committee Bondy attached his statement to a grinning thumbs-up photo of Parnas and Trump, who last fall denied knowing Parnas despite photos showing them at fundraisers and events. Bondy appended his tweet with the hashtags '#LetLevSpeak' and '#LevRemembers.' A federal district judge granted Bondy's motion to modify a protective order and provide discovery information to the committee, which oversaw the impeachment inquiry which resulted in the House voting out two articles of impeachment against Trump. Parnas lawyer Joseph Bondy touted the information handoff on Twitter Bondy said the men brought the contents of Parnas' iPhone 11 to committee staff, having sought permission to provide information from three of Parnas' electronic devices. Parnas and Fruman have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have yet to face trial. The efforts by Bondy to assist congressional investigators could be an effort to demonstrate his client's utility as a potential witness in the Southern District of New York, where he is being prosecuted. Parnas and Fruman were involved in Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani's efforts to dig up information in Ukraine and seek an investigation related to former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. Impeachment witnesses also cited Giuliani as being behind information meant to tarnish former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch in what witnesses described as part of a successful smear campaign. Panal chair Rep. Adam Schiff is continuing his probe. The Associated Press reported Parnas and Fruman used their political contacts they are photographed on multiple occasions with Giuliani to try to score a natural gas deal involving Ukraine. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 12:11:44|Editor: zh Video Player Close SUVA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Education is never going to be fully fulfilled if Fijians fail to raise men and boys who respect women and girls. Fijian Minister for Education Rosy Akbar made the comment on Monday and said we owe this to our daughters, sons, grandchildren and generations to come. While speaking at the launch of the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls, Akbar said this can be achieved by enabling prevention programs to be delivered in a context where respectful, non-violent, healthy peer and gender-equitable relationships can be normalized. Akbar said the cycle of violence must be broken in homes, families and society. She said education has a significant role to play in transforming the root causes of violence against women and girls - Gender Inequality and Patriarchy. Akbar said she believes that many of the life skills in violence prevention, such as respectful communication, managing emotions, resolving conflicts and solving problems are the same skills that can help children succeed in school and that can protect against other issues that affect learning, such as alcohol and drug use. Akbar said education opens doors to knowledge, opportunity and empowerment like nothing else adding, however, the access of women and girls to education comes with its own challenges. She said there are still many barriers to learning and professional attainments that are specific to girls and women. Fijian Health Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete who was also part of the meeting has welcomed the five-year plan saying violence against Fijian women and girls has become an epidemic. Fiji's rates of violence against women are among the highest in the world. The Fiji Women's Crisis Center reports that 64 percent of women who have been in intimate relationships have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner, including 61 percent who were physically attacked and 34 percent who were sexually abused. John Abraham Convinced Arshad Warsi's Wife To Let Him Continue Biking, Gifts Him A BMW Bike Worth Rs. 12 Lakhs? Ninety-four people have been arrested in various parts of the national capital for indulging in violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the last one month, officials said on Monday. Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik also met Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and is believed to have briefed him about the prevailing situation in the city, which continues to witness protests against the contentious legislation. So far, 94 people have been arrested by police for indulging in violence in different parts of Delhi in the last one month during protests against the CAA, a government official said. These incidents of violence took place in Jamia Milia Islamia University, Seemapuri, Jama Masjid, Jawaharlal Nehru University during protests against the CAA, which was enacted on December 11. 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. The protesters are claiming that the CAA is discriminatory as for the first time the Indian citizenship will be given on the basis of religion, depriving the Muslims from the benefits. However, the government has been maintaining that the non-Muslim refugees have no other option but to come to India when they faced religious persecution in the Muslim-majority three neighbouring countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A South Carolina high school teacher has been accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student and sending him X-rated images for more than three months. Anna Patton, 22, an English teacher at Lamar High School, was arrested on Monday on charges of sexual battery with a student 16 to 17 years of age; disseminating obscene material to a person under 18 years, and criminal solicitation of a minor. According to arrest warrants from the Darlington County Sheriff's Office, between October 1, 2019, and January 11, 2020, Patton had sexual intercourse and oral sex with the teenage boy. English teacher Anna Patton (left and right), 22, has been charged with sexual battery with a student 16 to 17 years of age; disseminating obscene material to a person under 18 years, and criminal solicitation of a minor Patton has taught English at Lamar High School in South Carolina (pictured) since July 2019 Patton, who is believed to have a young son of her own, is also accused of sending the 16-year-old student nude photos via various social media accounts. The documents, cited by SCnow.com, accuse the educator of sending the boy text messages to entice him to have sex with her. Patton was taken into custody based on evidence gathered in the course of the investigation and statements made by the alleged victim to law enforcement officials. The 22-year-old remained in jail without bond on Monday afternoon. Patton is accused of having intercourse and oral sex with a 16-year-old student, and sending him nude images and enticing texts for more than three months In the wake of her arrest, the local school district has placed Patton on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. According to her Facebook page, Patton was hired as a teacher at Lamar High School in July 2019. She graduated from Francis Marion University, a small liberal arts college in South Carolina, in the spring of 2019 after writing her honors thesis on the use of Nazi propaganda in German schools during the Third Reich. According to a biographical Facebook post from November 2018, during her time in college Patton was the vice president of FMU Honors, a South Carolina Teaching Fellow and was on the board of directors of a charity helping foster families. File image Expressing solidarity with those protesting against the amended citizenship act, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor visited Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh and said that the law was against the ideals of unity espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. Tharoor later travelled in metro to reach JNU where he addressed the students and condemned the violence by a masked mob on January 5. He said the December 15 police action against the students in Jamia is a "blot on the nation". After visiting the university, he visited Shaheen Bagh to express solidarity with the protesters. Terming the Citizenship Amendment Act "discriminatory", Tharoor asserted that it is against the ideals of unity espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. "Whatever happened on December 15 is a blot on nation. Without any provocation, without any intimation to the vice chancellor, they (police) entered hostels and attacked women students. Students studying in library were attacked, which is a 'shame, shame, shame' and not acceptable at all," he told the crowd. Attacking the act, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said the Centre's step is discriminatory and an effort to marginalise "one community". "That is why we opposed the introduction of the bill in Parliament, as it brought religion in the Citizenship Act for the first time," he said. Tharoor said he did not want any section of society to be reduced to second class citizens. "We shall stand for the values we cherish and for the humanity, and above all we should stand for Bharat (India)," he added. Tharoor, who addressed the crowd in Hindi and English said, "Religion was nowhere mentioned in the Citizenship Act until the BJP-led government incorporated it in the CAA. This is not something we can accept." "The CAA betrays the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, who sacrificed his life for the unity of the nation; the unity of Hindus and Muslims. India, which Mahatma Gandhi wanted to see, will not be the India after the introduction of religion in the CAA," he said. Tharoor also recited a couplet, "Na mera hai, na tera hai... Yeh Hindustan sabka hai... na samjhenge yeh baat toh nuksan sab ka hai..." He was accompanied to Jamia by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Subhash Chopra. Tharoor claimed the introduction of religion in CAA will be followed by the all-India NRC which puts onus on one community to prove its citizenship. "That is not the India that our founding fathers wanted to see, that is not the India that people in the Congress, including myself, will ever like to accept. We want an India where everyone is equal. It should not matter whether you are a Muslim or Hindu, a Christian or Sikh. If you are Indian, you have the same rights and same privileges," he said. "Don't let anyone tell you that you have lesser rights than anyone else has in this country. You have the same rights as a Muslim or a Hindu or Christian. That is India, the Republic of India, the India of the Constitution," he said. Remembering poet Muhammad Iqbal, with his statute standing tall nearby in the varsity campus, Tharoor recited his famous poem, "Mazhab nahin sikhata apas men bair rakhna... Hindi hain hum, watan hai Hindustaan hamara.." He said students studying in the university should always remember that Jamia was a seat of resistance to the British and Mahatma Gandhi came here and started the Khilafat Movement. "You all should know that when Gandhi came here, he had said Jamia should continue fighting and if it needs money, I will go with a begging bowl and I will save Jamia. Today Jamia is one of the great universities of our country," he said. At Jawaharlal Nehru University, he condemned the events that unfolded last Sunday and demanded action against the accused. Terming citizenship law a religious test, he said it is something that is happening in the country for the first time. "It is the first time that a religious test has been introduced into the definition Indian citizenship," he said while delivering a talk on the amended citizenship law. "Never before in our country has it mattered what your religion was to qualify to be an Indian citizen. The fact that this government doesn't understand that is the biggest shame of all," he said. "We have Amit Shah even today challenging Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, 'Can you show me anything in this bill that takes away anybody's citizenship? ' That is a wrong question," he said. "We have statements by sympathisers of the government saying this is upholding India's fine standards, giving asylum to persecuted minorities. I used to work for refugees at the UN. I know something about persecution and I know what the response to persecution is," he said. He said the response to persecution is giving asylum to people from every country where they face persecution, never to send them back and never to ask them which religion they belong to. "The question is why they were persecuted. It might be for their religion, it might be for their race, it might be for their gender, it might be for their sexual orientation, it might be for their political opinion," he said. At JNU, some students also protested against Tharoor for his tweet on Islamist extremism. "Our fight against Hindutva extremism should give no comfort to Islamist extremism either. We who're raising our voice in the #CAA_NRCProtests are fighting to defend an #InclusiveIndia. We will not allow pluralism & diversity to be supplanted by any kind of religious fundamentalism," he tweeted. President Trump is coming under attack from the media because of confusion (deliberate or otherwise) about whether Qassem Soleimani was planning future attacks. What the media have failed to explain is why a mass murderer's future plans suddenly matter. When Soleimani was originally killed, the official line was that, in addition to the tens of thousands dead due to the terrorist chief's direct or proxy actions, including more than 600 Americans, Soleimani was planning an imminent attack. Almost instantly, though, Democrats, especially those in the media, began to challenge just how "imminent" that attack really was. On Friday, secretary of state Mike Pompeo conceded that Soleimani had planned attacks but that intelligence hadn't placed them on a specific calendar of upcoming events, while defense secretary Mark Esper said the timeline for more attacks was "days." Meanwhile, also on Friday, President Trump told Laura Ingraham that the attacks would be directed at four embassies, including the embassy in Baghdad. By Sunday, however, a gleeful New York Times was stating that Secretary Esper had challenged Trump's narrative: They had to kill him because he was planning an "imminent" attack. But how imminent they could not say. Where they could not say. When they could not say. And really, it was more about what he had already done. Or actually it was to stop him from hitting an American embassy. Or four embassies. Or not. For 10 days, President Trump and his team have struggled to describe the reasoning behind the decision to launch a drone strike against Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, the commander of Iran's elite security forces, propelling the two nations to the brink of war. Officials agree they had intelligence indicating danger, but the public explanations have shifted by the day and sometimes by the hour. On Sunday came the latest twist. Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said he was never shown any specific piece of evidence that Iran was planning an attack on four American embassies, as Mr. Trump had claimed just two days earlier. The question that no one is asking is, why does this matter? When President Obama finally said "yes" to killing Osama bin Laden, nobody challenged the decision by claiming that bin Laden was a useless relic of past terrorism who spent his time locked in a room watching porn. When Hillary crowed, "We came, we saw, he died," about Moammar Gaddafi's death in 2011, the same crowd now seeking detailed information about Soleimani's future plans did not point out that Gaddafi had normalized relations with the West and renounced terrorism eight years before. And much as the media begrudged the fact that it was Trump who killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi this past October, no one demanded that Trump prove that al-Baghdadi was planning future ISIS terrorism. The point is that it should be completely irrelevant what Soleimani's future plans were. It is enough that he was a worldwide terrorist kingpin for more than two decades, that he was a legitimate military target, that he would definitely kill again at some future time, and that the American military finally had enough intelligence to kill him. The media's quibbles about "imminence" ought to be dismissed as just that quibbles from an institution more concerned with attacking Trump than with celebrating the just retribution rained down from the American military on a mass murderer. T he Prince of Wales has been paying millions of pounds extra to fund Harry and Meghans lifestyle from his private income on top of the money he gives them from the profits of the Duchy of Cornwall, the Standard has learned. At one stage he was paying the Sussexes, who say they want to be financially independent in their new role once they step down as senior royals, more than Prince William and his family. That figure is now around the same. Inside sources say Charles paid out hundreds of thousands of pounds in private income too to help furnish Harry and Meghans Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, in addition to the 2.4 million of taxpayers money spent on renovations. On top of that he paid out a small fortune for their wedding, a source said. Another source told the Standard: There is a great deal of hurt given that the Prince of Wales has gone out of his way to help his son who he loves dearly and embrace his daughter-in-law into the family. Prince Charles with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the traditional Christmas Day service in Sandringham in 2018 / AFP via Getty Images The figures quoted on the Sussex website are wrong. It does not take into account security for one thing and much of the travel. Also talk of what the Prince of Wales only pays towards both his sons from the profits of the Duchy is simply not true. He has paid out considerable sums from his private investments and money too. These are not small sums. It should not be a surprise that he is upset by all this given the truth about how he has supported his son. Questions have been raised over how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will achieve financial independence in the wake of their announcement that they plan to step back as frontline royals. In a statement shared on their official Instagram page, they said that, as they transition away from their role as senior royals, they plan to work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. With no precedent of a working royal stepping back in quite this way, it remains unclear how the couples plan will work. It is the norm that senior royals are prohibited from earning any income in any form. Charles paid out hundreds of thousands of pounds in private income too to help furnish Harry and Meghans Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, it is said / PA But there are current members of the British royal family who hold titles but earn incomes, including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Royal aides and government officials have created a range of scenarios setting out the stark implications faced by the Duke and Duchess, including a major tax trap. Sources have described todays royal summit at Sandringham as a reality check for the couple. Harry will be told that he could face a potential double tax on any commercial income if he and Meghan decide to resign from their royal duties and relocate abroad. The couple could also face an enormous bill for Frogmore Cottage. Canada requires residents, or anyone who spends 183 days or more in the country, and some property owners to pay income tax on their global earnings. Similar rules apply in the UK, but the limit is just 90 days. This means Harry may give up his UK residency or limit his time in Canada, or risk being double-taxed on any commercial income. An investigation into a Queensland mother accused of murdering her two disabled adult children for insurance payouts continues, a court has heard. Maree Crabtree's case was briefly mentioned in Brisbane Magistrate's Court on Monday, where it was adjourned until February 17. Maree Mavis Crabtree is accused of the murders of her children, Erin (inset top) and Jonathan (inset bottom). Ms Crabtree, 53, was charged in January 2018 over the death of her daughter Erin, 18, in 2012, and son Jonathan, 26, in 2017. She is also charged with the grievous bodily harm and torture of a 25-year-old woman, and several fraud offences. The 2019-2020 edition of the Tennessee Blue Book, released this week, honors the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, the 19th Amendment was not submitted to the states for ratification for 41 years. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th (and final) state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment, thereby making women's suffrage legal in the United States. This commemorative edition honors the steadfast efforts of Tennessee suffragists and the pivotal role Tennessee played in ratifying the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. It is fitting to dedicate our states official historical reference, the Tennessee Blue Book, to this significant milestone. The cover of the 2019-2020 Tennessee Blue Book is yellow, honoring the symbolic color of the national womens suffrage movement. Published every two years, the Tennessee Blue Book is the definitive manual on Tennessee state government. It features detailed information about all three branches of government, Tennessee state history, biographies of elected and appointed state officials, census data, election statistics, and more. The 2019-2020 Blue Book, published by the Secretary of States office, is available free of charge to any Tennessee resident through members of the General Assembly or the Division of Publications at (615) 741-2650 or publications.information@tn.gov. Previous editions of the Tennessee Blue Book can be viewed at sos.tn.gov. The opposition Congress and AIUDF on Monday shouted slogans against the BJP-led government in Assam in the state Assembly during the address of Governor Jagdish Mukhi forcing him to end his speech abruptly. As soon as the governor began his address at the one- day special session, opposition members stood up and protested against the new citizenship law and deaths of five persons in police firing during anti-CAA protests in the state last month. Carrying posters and placards, MLAs of the Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) trooped to the well of the House and started shouting slogans. The governor's voice could not be heard in the din and he ended his address within minutes. Speaker Hiten Goswami announced Mukhi's speech to be taken as read. In his speech made available to the media, the governor said his government has given top priority to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people and preserve their identity and heritage. "In order to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people over land, my government has adopted a new Land Policy and also brought a law to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the state over land," the governor said. The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 has been amended to facilitate removal of encroachment from all religious institutions like Sattras (15th century monasteries set up by Vaishnavite polymath of Assam Srimanta Sankar Deb), he added. Mukhi also said the Centre has also set up a high- level committee to suggest measures for the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and the panel is expected to submit its report shortly. The clause provides constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguard to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. The Assam government has also taken up an ambitious programme, "Bhasa Gaurav Achoni", to preserve and promote Assamese and other indigenous languages, Mukhi said. He said the government will also bring a legislation to make it mandatory to teach the Assamese language as a compulsory subject in English medium and other schools soon. The governor also said the government has taken a number of steps to fulfil aspirations of various ethnic communities of the state. Mukhi said the government has been able to script a new development narrative for the state which has witnessed tremendous push in the infrastructure sector - roads, bridges, schools, colleges, medical colleges, housing, etc. The government has also implemented welfare programmes such as old-age pension, disability pension, widow pension, housing for poor, cooking gas connections, electricity connections and food security. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Admittedly, it is a very difficult problem, an especially cruel variant of the wider unresolved matter of what to do about the thousands of left-behind foreign Islamic State fighters whose native countries are reluctant to take them back, out of an understandable fear that they would return to terrorism. Yet half of the children living in three northern Syrian camps are under the age of 5, according to the United Nations; 80 percent are under 12. In the camps, which are being guarded by Kurdish forces still funded and supported by the United States, these kids receive at most basic health and education. They remain subject to Islamic State indoctrination, often from their mothers, many of whom remain fiercely loyal to the organization and who even enforce its rules through violence up to and including murder. The longer the children stay, and the older they get, the more likely they themselves may be to grow up into a new Islamic State generation. Windows fans helped develop Windows 10 and its related apps and services via the Insider program. But with Windows Phone dead, how can enthusiasts help guide Microsofts presence in phones like the Microsoft Surface Duo? Via a new preview of the Microsoft Launcher app for Android phones. Microsoft published a preview version of its Microsoft Launcher to the Google Play Store for Android. Note that Microsoft has already published what you might call a stable version of the Microsoft Launcher to the Play Store, which you can download and use. In contrast, the preview is designed to be a testing ground for new features and UI elements, and comes with all the risks of beta softwarei.e., it might break something. Microsoft The Microsoft Launcher Preview app allows you to use Bing images as your phones background. Because the Microsoft Launcher Preview is still in its early stages, dont expect it to break too much ground; in fact, the key features number just two: the oft-requested dark mode, and the ability for the launcher to rotate into landscape mode. The latter replicates what the Launcher would look like on a PC, and might be helpful for the Windows Your Phone app. Microsoft Microsoft Launcher in dark mode, along with a summary of your screen time. In any case, its likely that the Microsoft Launcher preview will be where new features appear on the phone, just like the Windows Insider program also provides access to new capabilities. Microsoft Launcher Preview is also potentially a testing ground for the dual-screen features that will appear on the upcoming Surface Duo Android phone, due this holiday season. (Microsoft also teamed up with Samsung for the Galaxy XCover Pro phone on Monday, which includes support for the Walkie Talkie feature in Microsoft Teams.) If youre considering buying a Duo or are just interested in seeing what Microsofts up to, Microsoft Launcher Preview might be worth a quick install. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is not getting the time he needs with his legal team to discuss his fight against extradition to the United States, causing delays to the case, his lawyer told a British court on Monday. After skipping bail in Britain, Assange spent seven years holed up in Ecuador`s embassy in London before he was dragged out by police in April last year. The United States wants him extradited to face 18 charges including conspiring to hack government computers and violating an espionage law. He could spend decades in prison if convicted. The 48-year-old Australian appeared for Monday`s hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court wearing glasses and a dark blazer over a light top. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth to the judge and saluted his supporters in the public gallery at the beginning and end of the hearing. Assange`s lawyer Gareth Peirce said difficulty in getting time with Assange had delayed the case, telling the court: "This slippage in the timetable is extremely worrying." Assange is being held in a British jail pending the U.S. extradition case, having served a sentence for skipping bail. He fled to Ecuador`s embassy in 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden to face sex crimes accusations that were dropped last year. He says the US charges against him are a political attempt to silence journalists and publishers, and that the Swedish allegations were part of a plot to catch him. Assange made global headlines in early 2010 when WikiLeaks published a classified US military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. Judge Vanessa Baraitser said Assange could have time on Monday to speak to his lawyers, and would appear in court again later on Monday. Full extradition proceedings are expected to commence in February. Hours after Congress leader and former MLA Ram Singh Netaji joined the AAP, party legislator from Badarpur N D Sharma sat on a protest at Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence over his induction. "We joined the AAP for a clean but what is the difference between you and other political parties now. I won with 94,000 votes and he (Netaji) for 17,000 votes but he was inducted into the party just like that. The hard work of volunteers was ignored," Sharma said. Sharma was accompanied by his supporters who raised slogans in his favour. No immediate reaction came from the AAP in the matter. Ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, former MLA from Badarpur Netaji and three others on Monday joined the AAP in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Even though Netaji said he has come to the party with an intention to work, sources said the AAP might field him from Badarpur, replacing Sharma. The Delhi assembly polls will be held on February 8 and the counting will take place on February 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The results of a study conducted by researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine may not support troponin testing for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in selected elderly patients with nonspecific complaints (NCSs). The study findings will be published in the January 2020 issue of Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM), a journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM). The lead author of the retrospective observational multicenter cohort study is Alfred Z. Wang, MD, assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine. Wang et al. found that while consideration for ACS is prudent in selected elderly patients with NSCs, ACS was rare. In the series of elderly patients presenting to the ED with nonspecific complaints, most patients underwent troponin testing, and although 20 percent of those tested had an elevated troponin, the diagnostic yield for ACS was low. Only 1.2 percent of patients (6.0 percent of those with elevated troponin) were determined to have ACS. Further, only one patient underwent angiography, and no patients received reperfusion therapy; nonetheless, emergency physicians admitted everyone with an elevated troponin. Give the false?positive rate in the study, the authors suggest that the study results may not support routine troponin testing for ACS in geriatric patients. While previous work has found that elderly patients, especially those patients older than 75, with ACS can present with nonspecific complaints, this is the first study to define the rate of ACS and evaluate the utility of troponin testing in elderly patients with nonspecific complaints. The study provides an estimate of the rate of ACS given nonspecific complaints, providing a previously unknown baseline risk estimate or pretest probability in this population. Commenting on the study is W. Frank Peacock, MD, professor and vice chair for research, Henry JN Taub Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, and president of Comprehensive Research Associates: This study calls into question the routine practice of troponin testing in every single elderly patient with non-specific but potentially concerning symptoms. They report a false positive ACS rate exceeding 90 percent, which makes it hard to think that troponin testing was useful in most of their patients. But pointedly, some of their patient's died and the lack of a helpful troponin doesn't mean they shouldn't be admitted. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:13:50|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers reported that they have performed a systematic knockout of the genes on Chromosome 1 in zebrafish. The completed resource has been made open to other researchers online and is expected to power studies of gene activity in models of human disease. Zebrafish, a tropical fish about 2.5 cm to 4 cm long, is an ideal model for studying human genetics and disease due to its similar genetic structure to humans. The complete genome sequence of zebrafish was published in 2013. Scientists have found that zebrafish share 70 percent of genes with humans, and 84 percent of genes associated with human diseases have a zebrafish counterpart. Researchers from 24 Chinese research institutes on zebrafish reported in the journal Genome Research that with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, they successfully knocked out 1,029 genes of 1,333 genes on Chromosome 1 in zebrafish, and found 1,039 alleles corresponding to 636 genes that can be genetically passed to offspring. An allele refers to an alternative form of a gene, meaning that there is a mutation at the same place on a chromosome. They found that nearly one-fourth of all mutant genes are related to human diseases. The researchers said that their study generated the first chromosome-wide collection of zebrafish genetic mutants by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and the results will serve as a valuable resource for the research community. The results are available on the China Zebrafish Resource Center website (http://www.zfish.cn/TargetList.aspx). VIRGINIA The Cass County Board is scheduled to meet in regular session at 7 p.m. today at the Cass County Courthouse, 100 E. Springfield St. Among the items on the agenda are: Significantly weakened by the loss of star striker Pedro Manzi early this month, I-League champions Chennai City FC face Al Riffa SC of Bahrain in a preliminary round match of the AFC Champions League here on Tuesday. The Coimbatore-based Chennai City will be making their first foray in the preliminary stage of the elite club competition of the continent by virtue of winning the I-League last season, in which Spanish hitman Manzi scored 21 goals to emerge as the top scorer of the competition. Chennai City sold Manzi to Japanese club Albirex Nilgata for a tranfer fee reportedly touching Rs 1 crore, the highest earned by any Indian club ever for a single player's sale. They have roped in 19-year-old striker Jan Uzangu from FC Basel, with whom they signed a partnership deal last year. Uzangu, however, will not be available for Tuesday's match against Al Riffa at the Arena Stadium. Al Riffa are one of the most successful clubs in Bahrain, having won the domestic top league 12 times. They have played in the AFC Champions League group stage twice earlier -- in 1989 and 2004. They have made four appearances in the AFC Cup -- Asia's second tier club competition -- with a semifinal appearance in 2010 being their best. Akbar Nawas' I-League defending champions have been struggling for form this season. After six matches, they have garnered just eight points from two wins, two draws and two losses to languish at the fourth place in the I-League table. Adolfo Miranda Araujo, known as Fito, is the key player upfront for Chennai and he has scored twice so far. The midfield has been improving somewhat after a shaky start with the likes of Katsumi Yusa, Syed Suhail Pasha and P Raju making their presence felt. The Chennai defence, though, has remained a weak spot and they have not had a clean sheet since they beat TRAU 1-0 in their first match back on December 1. They have conceded two goals each in the last three matches. Al Riffa have been unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins, though they are are currently at seventh spot in the Bahraini Premier League table. The winner of the match between Chennai City and Al Riffa will play against Shahr Khodro FC of Iran on January 21 in the preliminary second round, whose winner will take on Al Sailiya of Qatar in a play-off on January 28 for a place in the group stage of the AFC Champions League proper. (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 Liz Thomas (Agence France-Presse) Tibetan Plateau, China Mon, January 13, 2020 10:05 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321e5b96 2 Environment river,Asia,environment,China,India,Pakistan,Mekong-river Free From the flood-ravaged banks of the Brahmaputra to the disappearing wetlands of the Mekong, Asia's main waterways -- and the people that live along them -- are fighting for survival. Climate change, international politics, spiralling population growth, and unchecked development are putting unprecedented strain on key waterways in some of the most densely populated nations on earth. The continent's ten major rivers flow out of the Tibetan Plateau, which China has political control over, creating unique challenges and requiring international cooperation if Asia is to boom in the century ahead. India is grappling with a water crisis on all fronts as global warming creates more extreme weather and poor environmental planning puts millions at risk. "The water crisis is expected to worsen as the country's population is set to grow to about 1.6 billion by 2050," says Pradeep Purandare, a former professor with the Water and Land Management Institute. Flooding on the Brahmaputra is becoming increasingly violent, displacing entire communities and causing hundreds of deaths. But along its banks, as with much of India, there are few provisions in place to harness or conserve water when there's an abundance, and a lack of proper management when there's too little. As a result, some 163 million people in India, which is set to become the world's most populous nation in the next eight years, live without access to clean water, according to WaterAid. In neighboring Pakistan, the mighty Indus is under threat from global warming. The waterway's basin produces 90 percent of Pakistan's food supply, according to the United Nations, with agriculture dependent on irrigation from the river, which in turn heavily relies on meltwater from the Himalayas. Read also: Organization plans to install 100 trash booms to protect Bali's waterways With its surging population, experts warn the nation faces "absolute water scarcity" by 2025, citing the loss of the Himalayan glaciers as a key threat. The Mekong nations -- China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam -- are struggling to ensure sustainable development, jeopardizing hundreds of millions of lives. Under the tagline "Shared River, Shared Future", China -- which sits upstream -- insists it seeks only the sustainable development of the river and to split the spoils of a trade and energy boom. But squeezed for value by the dams lacing China's portion of the river, and further downstream, the Mekong is already changing. Fish stocks have collapsed, say Thai fishermen, while endemic species like the giant Mekong catfish and river dolphins are on the brink of extinction. Internally, China faces challenges of its own. Decades of rapid development has left the Yangtze, the world's third-longest river, and its tributaries choked with toxic chemicals, plastic and garbage, threatening the main drinking water source of nearly 400 million people -- a third of China's population. Authorities even publicly disclosed the existence of more than 250 "cancer villages" -- mostly in the Yangtze basin, according to the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, which linked the increases to water pollution. Protecting the Yangtze -- which irrigates an area responsible for 45 percent of the country's GDP -- is now a priority, with President Xi Jinping calling for an end to "destructive" development along it. A man with an extensive history of violent sexual offending 'slipped through the cracks' before he brutally raped and murdered an outback nurse in 2016, the South Australian deputy coroner has heard. Gayle Woodford's body was found buried in a crude grave three days after she went missing from her Fregon home in SA's north. Dudley Davey subsequently pleaded guilty to her rape and murder and is serving a minimum 32-year jail term. Gayle Woodford's body was found buried in a crude grave three days after she went missing from her Fregon home in SA's north It's believed Davey had tricked Ms Woodford into opening a security cage around her home and overpowered her as she walked to her ambulance. Opening an inquest into the death on Monday, counsel assisting, Ahura Kalali, said a 'catalogue of blunders' occurred in the lead-up. He said Davey should have qualified for ANCOR, the national child offender register, which would have allowed police to monitor and share information about registered offenders. The court heard a failure to comply with ANCOR reporting obligations could have landed Davey back in court prior to Ms Woodford's murder. Dudley Davey subsequently pleaded guilty to her rape and murder and is serving a minimum 32-year jail term The inquest will also look into whether an application was made to indefinitely detain Davey, under a law that locks up offenders unwilling to control their sexual instincts. Other issues to be examined during the two-week inquiry will be the overall safety of remote area nurses and the presence of police in such communities. The inquest will first hear from Ms Woodford's husband, Keith. A decorated Indian officer has been arrested for helping to transport rebel militants in Kashmir, the police chief of the restive and highly-militarised Himalayan province said Sunday. Deputy superintendent Davinder Singh had worked for the police for decades and was a member of an elite counter-insurgency force in the disputed territory, which both India and Pakistan claim in full. He was apprehended late on Saturday when his vehicle was pulled over at a police checkpoint south of Srinigar, the region's main city. "The fast moving car was stopped and searched. Two wanted militants and our officer... and a third person were arrested in the operation," Kashmir police chief Vijay Kumar told reporters. Kumar said police and intelligence agencies were questioning Singh, accusing the officer of a "heinous crime". Security forces recovered guns and ammunition from several locations in the follow up to the arrests, including from Singh's residence in Srinagar. Hours after the four men were detained, police killed three alleged rebels during a gunfight in southern Kashmir's Tral district, where the arrested militants were based. One of those arrested was Naveed Baba, the deputy commander of the local rebel outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. Baba had stolen four assault rifles and deserted the police force to join the militant group in 2017, according to police. Singh had risen steadily through the ranks of the Kashmir security apparatus during his career and was last year awarded a medal by the Indian president for his service. But years earlier he was accused of forcing a man to help armed militants travel to New Delhi in a deadly attack on the Indian parliament in 2001. Twelve people including five attackers were killed in the attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militant groups -- prompting a months-long military stand-off that brought the two nuclear-armed countries to the brink of war. India had accused Pakistan based militant groups of launching the attack and resulted in a months-long military stand-off at the border with Pakistan before both the armies retreated under international pressure. Story continues Singh acknowledged in 2006 he had tortured his accuser, Mohammad Afzal Guru, while he was in custody, but the claims were not taken seriously by investigators. Guru was later convicted for his part in the attack and hanged. Kumar told Sunday's press conference that the allegations would now be revisited. "We will ask him about the attack in the interrogation," the police chief said. - Decades of rebellion - Scores of militant groups in Kashmir have fought India's administration of the territory since an armed rebellion broke out more than three decades ago. Police and Indian troops are routinely accused of human rights abuses against the local population. Security across the territory has been tightened since August 5, when India revoked Kashmir's semi-autonomous status, arrested the region's top political leaders and imposed a security and communications blockade. Some restrictions have since been slowly eased but internet services for the public remain blocked. 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. Ataria Malveaux was 18, just out of high school, when she fled a chaotic family life in Houston for the promise of making quick money in Dallas. She soon discovered her would-be employer was a pimp; only the help of another woman allowed her to escape forced prostitution. Last week, memories of that harrowing experience came flooding back to Malveaux, now 43 and an operations analyst at Royal Dutch Shell in Houston, as she toured a mobile exhibit highlighting the risks and dangers of human trafficking in the oil and gas industry. She broke down in tears. It was very emotional because it happened to me, Malveaux said. A lot of young girls out there dont have the awareness. They dont have the support. The mobile exhibit is part of the increased effort by the energy industry to combat a criminal activity that has plagued it behind the scenes for decades from West Texas oil fields to Houston energy conferences to gasoline stations and truck stops. Human trafficking, a euphemism for modern-day slavery of forced labor and prostitution, has long targeted the oil and gas industry and its male-dominated workforce. Over the past week, the exhibit, which included testimonials and detailed information about how trafficking works and how to spot warning signs, stopped at more than a dozen major oil and gas companies to train workers to recognize human trafficking and report it to authorities. The energy industry, organizers said, is uniquely positioned to take on the issue, not only because of its vulnerabilities but also because of its global reach. What to do If you suspect trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. See More Collapse This is going to be very effective because oil and gas has picked up this issue, Malveaux said. We have a huge voice in the world. Bringing awareness The United Nations estimates that more than 40 million people at least 10 million of them children are victims of human trafficking worldwide. Human trafficking ranks only behind the drug trade in global criminal enterprises and can range from large multinational trafficking rings to local pimps. The mobile exhibit and training, called the Freedom Drivers Project, was started by Truckers Against Trafficking, which is supported by truckers associations and truck stop operators, such as Pilot Flying J of Knoxville, Tenn. The group has since partnered with energy companies and the Oil & Gas Trafficking Awareness Group, which was founded in Houston two years ago. The weeklong awareness tour was the largest event yet held by the Oil & Gas Trafficking Awareness Group, said co-founder Jennifer Hohman, who also is the chief information officer at Seadrill, an offshore drilling firm, in Houston. Its only been in the past few years that people are really beginning to talk more about this issue, Hohman said. Its always been there, but everyone in this community is starting to take notice. Hohman and others started the awareness group to put a spotlight on a problem that touches on almost every aspect of the energy sector but is too often ignored. The tour coincided with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday. On HoustonChronicle.com: The Track open-air sex trade permeates daily life on Houstons outskirts Over the weekend, Shell started playing trafficking awareness public service announcements at all of its U.S. retail gas stations that have TV screens at the pumps. Shell decided to get more involved after executives started getting more reports from long-haul truck drivers of forced prostitution at its service stations and truck stops. This is a heinous crime, said Fergie Theriault, Shell general manager of marketing and delivery. As part of our societal license to operate, we need to intervene. We need to help. Truckers Against Trafficking was formed a decade ago to train truck drivers to report sex trafficking, said Ashley Smith, TATs energy operations director. About 845,000 truck drivers and trucking industry employees have received training, but the group realized the problem reached far beyond truck stops and began partnering with other industries, particularly oil and gas. Weve built out this program because traffickers are going to target any areas where theres large groups of men, Smith said. Survival stories Survivors and advocates say theres no typical trafficking victim. They can be men or women and range from unauthorized immigrants to American teenagers, who are targeted online, manipulated and trapped by human traffickers. Annika Huff started working as a field trainer with Truckers Against Trafficking after she barely survived the routine beatings and torture from a pimp who kidnapped her and sold her into the sex trade in Las Vegas in 2014. Huff said she had dropped out of school and was temporarily living with her alcoholic father in Las Vegas. At 18, she was at a bus stop planning to leave Nevada when she was picked up by a man and some women whom she thought she could trust. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox She quickly was forced into prostitution. Her escape attempts failed, resulting in beatings that broke dozens of her bones. After two months, suffering from gangrene infections, severe injuries and major blood loss, she was left by the pimp for dead. She was hospitalized and underwent 12 surgeries before making it back to family in California. After the pimp was arrested, convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2016, Huff publicly joined the fight against trafficking Human trafficking happens everywhere from small towns to big cities. Nowhere is safe, she said. They prey on vulnerabilities. It can happen to anyone. Huff helps truckers and other industry workers spot the warning signs, such as the involvement of minors. She encourages young women to develop support systems, such as networks of friends. Malveaux said she spent her early years hopping from different family members in Houston, Louisiana and California. After graduating from high school in Houston, she said she felt virtually alone in Houston and needed money. She said she then heard about an opportunity to make quick cash in Dallas and fell for it. At first, she said, she didnt realize the other women were prostitutes and the employer a pimp. When that shoe box went on the floor and everyone put their money in it, Malveaux recalled, I knew something was not right. Fortunately for her, another woman who lived close by warned her that shed fallen into the clutches of a pimp and that she needed to get out. She helped her escape and put Malveaux on a bus to Houston. After a few years of odd jobs, she got an entry-level position with Shell, earned her associates degree and worked her way up. She plans to get more involved with the efforts of Shell and the oil and gas sector to bring attention to the issue. I smile, and my smile is genuine because I made it out, she said. Now Im stronger. More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 French president Emmanuel Macron raised the Kashmir issue during a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his country continues to track developments in the region closely. The matter came up during the conversation on Friday, according to a statement from the Elysee Palace, which added the two leaders agreed to work together to ease tensions in West Asia by urging all parties to show restraint. An Indian statement issued on Friday had made no reference to the Kashmir issue. The development comes at a time when the European Union mission in New Delhi is holding discussions with the external affairs ministry on a visit to Kashmir by envoys of EU states, including France. In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which France continues to follow closely, the French statement said. A group of 15 foreign envoys and senior diplomats, including the ambassadors of the United States, Norway and South Korea, visited Kashmir last week the first such trip organised by the Indian government. The external affairs ministry said more such visits will be organised as the situation in Kashmir progressively normalises. People familiar with developments said dates are yet to be fixed for a visit by EU envoys. The EU has called on India to end the restrictions and detentions in Kashmir. It has also called for talks between India and Pakistan to resolve their disputes. During their conversation, Macron and Modi expressed their shared view on the necessity of de-escalation in the Middle East and agreed to work together towards easing tensions by urging the parties to show restraint and responsibility, the French statement said. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to implementing the goals defined during Modis visit to Chantilly in France last August and during Indias participation in the G7 Summit in Biarritz. They agreed to intensify ministerial visits from both sides this year. Macron and Modi also expressed their interest in strengthening the bilateral partnership in the military and civil nuclear fields, and enhancing operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. They also agreed on the importance of remaining in very close contact in view of the upcoming decisive events in 2020 with regard to climate change and biodiversity. The Indian statement had said Modi had reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France and expressed satisfaction at the steady progress in the multi-faceted relationship. The statement had also said the two leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and global situations. It had added that two leaders also agreed to keep in touch and further enhance strategic cooperation, including in the areas of defence, civil nuclear energy and maritime security. The administration has offered few details and differing justifications for the drone strike that killed Soleimani, ranging from retaliation for two decades of attacks on U.S. troops and allies by the Quds Force he led, to the possibility of future actions against the United States, to Trumps claim that intelligence had confirmed imminent plans to bomb four American embassies. The head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has arrived in Moscow, where he could hold talks with Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) of Libya Fayez Sarraj, a Libyan informed source said, Trend reports citing Sputnik. According to the source, Sarraj will arrive in Moscow on Monday. "Khalifa Haftar has already arrived in Moscow. Sarraj will arrive there on Monday. They are expected to have negotiations in Moscow," the source added. North Saanich (British Columbia): Towns on the southern end of Vancouver Island on Canada's west coast are abuzz with interest over the possibility that Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will become semi-permanent residents there. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked an uproar on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean when they said on Wednesday that they would be stepping back from their senior roles in the British royal family. The couple's stated intention to spend more time in North America has led onlookers to suspect they will make a home in Canada, which recognizes Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. A property, where according to British news reports Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, spent the holidays at the end of 2019, is seen amid conflicting rumors about the plans of Meghan, in North Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. (Image: Reuters) On Friday, Reuters reported that after just a few days back in the UK, Meghan had returned to Canada to reunite with the couple's 8-month-old son, Archie. According to media reports, she has gone back to the Saanich Peninsula, a part of Vancouver Island just north of British Columbia's capital, Victoria, an area where the family took a six-week vacation at the end of last year. "I wouldn't call myself a (royal) follower until they come into town, and then of course it piques our interest," Joan Wilson, a resident of Sidney, on the Saanich Peninsula, said. Towns on the peninsula, which has long been popular with retirees thanks to its laid-back pace of life and proximity to ferries to the British Columbia mainland, mostly have fewer than 20,000 residents and are filled with ocean-themed gift shops, boutiques and fish-and-chip huts. The couple have captured residents' fascination since their vacation in the area, which has "a really interesting mix of very wealthy people and middle-class people," said North Saanich resident Beth Doman. "There's a lot of hidden mansions, so we were all trying to figure out where they were staying." Despite the curiosity, locals are determined to give them privacy. "The last thing they want is mobs of people coming around and taking their picture," said Ron Buschgens, owner of Lolly Gobble Sweet Shop in Sidney. "That would start to settle down as people got used to the idea of them being here." Many residents declined to speak to reporters on the record, saying they wished to respect the couple's privacy. "Harry's mother died because of all the attention that was on her and it was very tragic," Sidney resident Lynn Salituro said, referring to the late Princess Diana. "I'm sure they just want to break away and have a safe haven and somewhere they can live a normal life." Queen Elizabeth has summoned Prince Harry, as well as his father, Prince Charles, and elder brother Prince William, for a crisis meeting on Monday at her Sandringham estate to discuss future arrangements, a Buckingham Palace source told Reuters. Suspected Al-Shabaab Islamists killed three teachers and kidnapped another at a primary school in eastern Kenya on Monday, police said, the latest in a spate of attacks in the region. The assailants also torched a police post and damaged a telecoms mast in the attack in Kamuthe, 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the town of Garissa. At around 2am (2300 GMT Sunday) "suspected armed AS Militia attacked Kamuthe primary school, Kamuthe Police Post, a telecommunications mast and murdered 3 teachers", a police statement said. "The telecommunications mast is partially damaged but operational." A separate police report on the incidents seen by AFP said the three teachers killed were not from the region, and that a local teacher was abducted. The assailants spared a nurse as she was a woman. "They also set fire" to the police post in Kamuthe, a senior police officer who asked not to be identified told AFP. Since the start of the year, the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab have stepped up their attacks in eastern Kenya, along the Somali border, and Kenyan police have been on high alert. On January 5, the Islamists stormed onto a US military base in the coastal Lamu region, destroying several aircraft and killing three Americans. Two days later they killed four civilians, including a child, during an attack on a telecommunications mast near Garissa. Al-Shabaab issued a statement last Wednesday warning that Kenya "will never be safe", threatening tourists and US interests in the country. The group said Kenya should withdraw its forces from Somalia while they still "have the chance". Kenya sent troops into Somalia in 2011 as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission fighting against Al-Shabaab, and has seen several brutal retaliation attacks both on its troops in Somalia and civilians in Kenya. This week Kenya marks a year since the January 15 siege of the upscale Dusit hotel complex in Nairobi left 21 dead. Previous attacks have killed 67 at the Westgate shopping centre in 2013 and 148 at Garissa University in 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan is longtime ally of the United States, but has long-standing relations and interests with Iran. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on a visit to the Middle East hoping to calm ease tensions sparked by the killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, has warned that military confrontation with Iran will harm peace and stability across the world. Abes comments came at the start of a five-day Gulf tour that had been thrown into doubt after Tehran responded to the assassination of Soleimani by firing missiles at bases hosting US troops in Iraq, prompting fears of all-out war. But as those concerns receded, Abe decided to go ahead with the visit and on Sunday discussed regional tensions during an hour-long meeting with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in northwestern al-Ula province, according to Japanese foreign ministry spokesman Masato Ohtaka. Any military confrontation in the region that includes a country like Iran will have an effect not only on peace and stability in the region but the peace and stability of the whole world, Abe said, according to Ohtaka. Abe called on all relevant countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions, Ohtaka added. The spokesman said the two leaders agreed on working closely on maritime security in the region and discussed Tokyos decision to send a destroyer for intelligence activities along with two P-3C patrol aircraft to the Middle East. Japan, however, has said it will not join a US-led coalition in the region. Tokyo has walked a fine line in balancing its key alliance with Washington and its long-standing relations and interests with Tehran. Ohtaka said Abe stressed the importance of a continuous and stable Saudi oil supply to Japan. The prime ministers tour will also include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Reaction Swift, Stern to Iran's Downing of Ukrainian Jetliner By VOA News January 11, 2020 In the face of mounting evidence, Iran acknowledged Saturday that it had shot down a Ukrainian jetliner by accident this week after it took off in Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard. Once Iran made the admission, after three days of denying it was responsible, the reaction came swiftly, from Iran and around the world. From Iran: General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' aerospace division, said his unit accepted full responsibility for the shootdown. In an address broadcast by state TV, he said that when he learned about the downing of the plane, "I wished I was dead." Hajizadeh said the missile operator mistook the 737 for a cruise missile and didn't obtain approval from his superiors because of disruptions in communications. "He had 10 seconds to decide. He could have decided to strike or not to strike and under such circumstances, he took the wrong decision," Hajizadeh said. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, expressed his "deep sympathy" to the families of the victims and called on the armed forces to "pursue probable shortcomings and guilt in the painful incident." President Hassan Rouhani acknowledged his country's responsibility. "Iran is very much saddened by this catastrophic mistake and I, on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, express my deep condolences to the families of victims of this painful catastrophe," the president said. Rouhani added he had ordered "all relevant bodies to take all necessary actions [to ensure] compensation" to the families of those killed. A leader of Iran's opposition Green Movement, Mehdi Karroubi, called on Khamenei to step down over the handling of the downed airliner. From Ukraine: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked the U.S, Britain, Canada and others for information about the crash. He said it "undoubtedly helped" push Iran to acknowledge its responsibility. Zelenskiy said the crash investigation should continue and the "perpetrators" should be brought to justice. "It's absolutely irresponsible," Ukraine International Airlines Vice President Ihor Sosnovskiy told reporters. "There must be protection around ordinary people. If they are shooting somewhere from somewhere, they are obliged to close the airport." From Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau demanded Iran provide "full clarity" on the downing of the plane, which Ottawa said had 57 Canadian citizens aboard. "What Iran has admitted to is very serious. Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific. Iran must take full responsibility," Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa. "Canada will not rest until we get the accountability, justice and closure that the families deserve." Foreign governments condemned the downing of the plane, with Ukraine demanding compensation. Canada, Ukraine and Britain, however, called Tehran's admission an important first step. The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 20:09:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) held from Monday to Tuesday in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) aims at examing the current global economic landscape and share insights on the environment businesses in the new year. The two-day event, themed with "Redefining Growth: Innovation Breakthrough Inclusiveness", touches on a wide range of issues including global economic outlook and opportunities, fintech, sustainable and inclusive development, green finance and financial inclusion, offering participants a head start in identifying new economic challenges and opportunities in 2020. Speaking at the forum, HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam noted that today's economies are exploring growth through innovation and technology while seeking inclusiveness. "As fintech continues to shake up the financial world, the AFF continues to expand its focus on fintech. This year, we launch the FintechHK Startup Salon, showcasing promising business ideas from fintech startups," Lam said. "To exemplify our commitment to technology, last year, we issued eight virtual banking licences, as well as two virtual insurer licences. These can spur financial innovation, while boosting customer experience and building financial inclusion." Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan said that in 2019, Hong Kong again topped the world in fund-raising through IPOs. The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report ranked Hong Kong's financial system top in the world, while the World Bank rated the region the third-easiest place to do business. President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun said the core values of AIIB are lean, clean and green, and the bank is supporting innovative approaches to infrastructure financing. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto shared the country's experience in growth, saying innovative economic policies not only made the country survive the crisis in 2010 but also made it perform better than before. The AFF is part of the International Financial Week in Hong Kong, which brings together some 16 events ranging from private equity and fund-raising to alternative investment and advertising strategies for financial concerns. A trip to Shenzhen, a neighboring mainland city, is also featured this year, with visits to leading financial services and technology companies there. A man accused of stabbing an off-duty police officer ten times while he was at home with his wife and two children has today admitted attempted murder. John McCartney, 40, who is being held at a secure psychiatric facility, launched the attack when the victim answered his door in Rayleigh, Essex, on April 24 last year. McCartney admitted attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon at Basildon Crown Court this morning via video link. The attack was on a road in the Essex town of Rayleigh, where the town centre is pictured Lesley Chipps, prosecuting, told the court: 'At 9.15pm there was knocking at the front door of the property. At first they ignored it. 'The man went out of side door and could see Mr McCartney there. A young child looked out of the window and Mr McCartney waved and smiled at him.' 'This was not a random attack. He is someone who was targeted. This is someone who has had an obsession with this police officer for a number of years.' At a previous hearing the court heard McCartney was believed to have known the Essex Police officer - who cannot be identified for legal reasons. He was stabbed a total of ten times, suffering six stab wounds to the centre of his chest, lacerations to his chest, arm and abdomen - exposing his bowel - a half-inch wound to the upper arm and wounds to the feet. McCartney admitted attempted murder at Basildon Crown Court (file picture) in Essex today Essex Police said the officer was now recovering at home. At today's hearing, McCartney spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and give his nationality as British and to enter his guilty pleas. Judge Samantha Leigh adjourned sentencing until March 6 to allow time for psychologists to come to court and give evidence about his mental state. Chief Constable Ben Harrington paid tribute to the bravery of the wounded officer, saying: 'I'm in no doubt that his heroism in tackling an armed man whilst critically injured protected the community, protected his family, and Essex is safer as a result.' He also praised the officer's family, adding: 'I say thank you to the emergency services, to his neighbours, to the community and the doctors, medics and paramedics who undoubtedly saved his life.' The officer is still recovering, but the chief constable said he hoped 'a man of his bravery' would be able to continue to serve with Essex Police. Figures indicate State use of spying laws fell after a landmark High Court judgment, but their use as an intelligence tool continues, say Security Correspondent Cormac OKeeffe. ON the face of it, official figures show that the States use of controversial spying laws has dropped dramatically during the last year. If the figures for the first nine months of 2019 are extrapolated for the full year, it would indicate a fall of about 60% in use of the powers. But when additional figures are added in, they would suggest the reduction is around 36%. Either way, it is still a significant drop and one that gardai and legal experts predicted following a landmark High Court judgment in December 2018. The contested powers, covered in the Communication (Retention of Data) Act 2011, allow gardai and other agencies to access private communication data of people from mobile phone and internet providers. The data does not include content of conversations or messages, but covers the traffic data, including logs of phone calls and texts, duration and location of calls, as well as internet records such as IP address, email address, and credit card information. The act sets out that the data can be sought for the investigation of serious crime (by gardai, Revenue, and An Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission); security of the State (gardai and Defence Forces); and saving human life (gardai). The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also has the power (for serious crime), but has never used it. THE STATS Figures relating to the 2011 act, provided by the Department of Justice, show: The total number of disclosures fell from 13,879 in 2018 to 4,274 by the end of September 2019; Disclosure to gardai went from 13,545 to 4,047; Defence Forces from 288 to 227; Revenue from 23 to 0; and Gsoc from 23 to 0; If the 4,274 figure is extrapolated to the rest of the year, it would indicate a total of around 5,700 disclosures would be made. That would be a reduction of 59% on 2018. In addition, the depart-ment said a further 2,404 subscriber disclosures (name and address of registered mobile phone users) were given to gardai in the year to September under separate legislation the Data Protection Act 2018. Before 2019, these figures were included in the total figures, meaning that a total of 6,678 disclosures were made to September 2019. Again, if extrapolated for the rest of 2019, it would indicate around 8,900 disclosures for the full year. That would suggest a final reduction in disclosures of 36% on 2018. There is no breakdown in any of the figures as to how many relate to investigation of serious crime, security of the State or saving of human life. It is clear that disclosures in relation to serious crime dropped to zero for both Revenue and Gsoc. Usage by the Defence Forces on national security grounds, although down on 2018, has not significantly changed. THE LAW The High Court ruling followed a succession of European court judgments and domestic inquiries, all undermining the law in this area. The judgment found that the 2011 act provided for a general and indiscriminate system for retaining data and that this breached EU human rights laws. Mr Justice Tony OConnor said his ruling related to telephone records and the investigation of serious crime meaning it excluded internet records and the two other bases for seeking communication data, the security of the State and the saving of human life. He further ruled that the act contravened EU law by not requiring judicial approval to access the data (with the legislation merely requiring internal, senior approval) and that there were no legislative guarantees against abuse. His judgment, stemming from a case taken by convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, followed two key rulings in the EU Court of Justice, the first resulting from a case taken by Digital Rights Ireland. Graham Dwyer That judgment, in 2014, found that the 2006 EU Data Retention Directive, upon which the 2011 act is based, was incompatible with the EUs Charter on Fundamental Rights, and was invalid. In December 2016, a second ECJ case ruling (Tele2) found that EU law did apply to domestic legislation in this area and prohibited general and indiscriminate retention of data. In October 2017, the Government published the report of Mr Justice John Murray on the law on data retention. The former chief justice said much of the data retention system in Ireland was precluded by EU law and said the Tele2 ruling sweeps the ground from under the mass surveillance system in Ireland. He said it may no longer be lawful to compel service providers to retain indiscriminate communication data, and said agencies should consider to what extent if at all they should continue using the act. Coinciding with the report, the Government published its draft bill to deal with the various issues, but Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said gardai and other agencies would continue in certain circumstances to seek the data under the act. The Oireachtas Justice Committee examined the matter at the end of 2017 and published a report in January 2018, calling for substantial amendments to the draft bill. In October 2018, the judge tasked with overseeing the operation of the system, Ms Justice Marie Baker, said there was an urgency in bringing in the legislation. Last July, the current judge overseeing the system, Mr Justice Charles Meenan, said he had been told by senior officers that failure to update the laws was having a detrimental impact on investigations. The State is currently appealing the High Court decision in the Supreme Court. It argued that the ruling has implications well beyond Dwyers case, with enormous adverse consequences for the investigation and prosecution of serious crime generally. The interpretation of various ECJ decisions was disputed between the two sides in the States appeal. REACTION Associate professor at UCD School of Law, TJ McIntyre, who is also chair of Digital Rights Ireland, said the scale of continuing usage is astonishing. He said it showed contempt for the law given the High Court ruling, Mr Justice Murrays report, and the two rulings from the ECJ. The High Court ruling was limited to serious crime, but European law also includes national security, said Prof McIntyre. The Tele 2 Watson case made it clear that the whole retention scheme is illegal, that you cant retain data on an indiscriminate basis and [it] must be targeted, except in emergency cases to save life. European law is also clear that you need a prior decision by a judge or equivalent body before accessing data, again except in emergencies to save life. Tele2 made it clear that European judgments are binding on member states and the Irish State has failed to respect that by continued use of the 2011 act, he added. At the Oireachtas hearings in 2017 the department said it was drafting legislation because the current law didnt comply with Tele 2, but it continued on regardless, using the 2011 act. He said that after the High Court judgment it was clear gardai were keen to continue using the act in serious crime cases. Id be stunned if they werent still using it for serious crime, he said. He said the figures showed Garda usage had gone down, but pointed out that it was still being used: They have continued to use it as an intelligence tool, not an evidential tool, as they know it would be inadmissible. Im not saying you can legally do that, but it would not emerge unless you enter it as evidence in court. Prof McIntyre said the department had told the Oireachtas hearings in late 2017 that the new General Scheme of the Communication (Retention of Data) Bill 2017 would comply with the ECJ rulings. That was two years ago and there has not been a peep since from Justice, he said. If Graham Dwyer succeeds in his challenge, now appealed to the Supreme Court, it will be down to successive failures of the ministers of justice to react to warnings going back many years. In response to queries on the status of the new bill, the department said Ireland and other member states had intervened in a number of significant cases before the ECJ on data retention. Oral hearings on these cases had recently been heard. There is ongoing contact between the Garda authorities, the department, and the Attorney Generals office to consider the implications of the earlier courts decisions in relation to data retention and the drafting of legislation to give effect to the requirements of those judgments, it said. Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that the duo is "obsessed" about Pakistan. "Who is speaking the language of (Pakistan Prime Minister) Imran Khan? It is the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The divisive agendas of Pakistan are being perpetrated in this country. So, they are the ones who are speaking in Pakistan's language," Sibal told ANI while replying to a query on BJP levelling allegations against Congress speaking in the language of Pakistan. He said that Modi and Shah sleep at night dreaming about Pakistan and keep on talking about the neighbouring country the entire day. "Both of them sleep at night dreaming of Pakistan, thinking of Pakistan when they get up in the morning and talking about Pakistan. They should be rather dreaming about India, thinking of India when they get up in the morning and talking about India the entire day. They are obsessed with Pakistan," Sibal asserted. Recalling Modi's statement on demonetisation, Sibal continued, "During demonetisation, the Prime Minister said that give me 50 days and everything will be fine. There will be no terrorism, no black money and no fake currency. Did it happen?" The Congressman asserted that the "people did not believe in the Prime Minister anymore because of the statements made by him in the past". He also said that the people will launch a struggle against the "divisive agenda" of the central government. Talking about the citizenship law, Sibal said, "Kerala Assembly passed a resolution. What was the intent of the resolution? It is to tell the Centre that don't take the CAA forward and withdraw it...There is growing support among the people of the country and within opposition states including those who were their allies, who have said that they will not implement the CAA. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The market continued to trade near day's high amid strong buying support. The Nifty firmly held above 12,300 mark. At 11:31 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 279.89 points or 0.67% at 41,879.70. The Nifty 50 index gained 71.8 points or 0.59% at 12,328.60. Buying was broad based. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.65% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.74%. The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 1420 shares rose and 702 shares fell. A total of 159 shares were unchanged. In Nifty 50 index, 34 stocks advanced while 16 declined. Buzzing Index: Insurance companies were in focus after Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released business data for December 2019. HDFC Life Insurance (up 0.78%), ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (up 0.56%), Max Financial Services (up 0.22%) and SBI Life Insurance (up 0.14%) edged higher. HDFC Life Insurance's first year premium's rose 5.83% to Rs 1503.95 crore on month on month basis. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance first year premium surged 16.13% to Rs 1112.32 crore in December 2019 as against Rs 957.81 crore in December 2018. SBI Life Insurance's first year premium rose 18.97% to Rs 2071.41 crore in December 2019. Max Life Insurance's total first year premium jumped 22.11% to Rs 637.14 crore on month on month basis. State owned Insurance giant LIC reported a 53.4% jump to Rs 16,861.98 crore in December 2019 over December 2018. Stocks in Spotlight: Edelweiss Financial Services soared 6.18% to Rs 112.55 after chairman Rashesh Shah clarified that the company has no links or transactions with Capstone Forex and all allegations regarding the violation of FEMA guidelines are false. As per the company's filing, Rashesh Shah said that he was unable to meet the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in person. The company, however, sent a senior authorised representative to attend the ED with the requisite information. Media reports suggested that Sanjay Nathalal Shah, a chartered accountant and an independent director of Edelweiss Group had been accussed of having connections with Capstone Forex. Shah further clarified that he has no association with the Edelweiss Group. Rashesh Shah has debunked the media's claims as "false allegations, conjecture and innuendo." Edelweiss Financial said it will take necessary legal actions against the concerned media group, in order to protect and reinforce the reputation of Edelweiss. The statement was released on Sunday, 12 January 2020. Tata Steel gained 0.81% to Rs 490.5. Tata Steel Netherlands Holdings B.V. (TSNHBV), a 100% subsidiary of Tata Steel, has executed agreements for the refinancing of its bank debt. TSNBHV has raised term loan facilities of EUR 1.75 billion from 19 banks. This represents a reduction of EUR 500 million versus the external debt outstanding in Tata Steel Europe as of March 2019, enabling the standalone European business to have a more robust balance sheet while it is also putting in significant efforts at restructuring and improving its operating performance. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Welcome to episode 55 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CO-OP Financial Services. CO-OP is your trusted payments processing partner whose mission is to drive the credit union movement forward. In this episode, Randy is speaking with Deepthi Dommaraju. She is the Vice President of Data Analysis at Trellance, which offers data analytics solutions to help credit unions revolutionize the products and experience they provide to their members. They talk about data analytics, women in tech, and of all things what she has learned from restaurant ownership. They discuss her team, the inspiration for taking the position with Trellance, and how the inspiration has changed over the years. She believes that jumping to conclusions too quickly is a mistake that new leaders make and that you should always leave emotions out of business decisions. Deepthi speaks about her mentors, why she chooses to mentor today, and what she does to wind down. Can you say Bollywood dance. Listen in and hear from a woman that leads in the technology field. She is very knowledgeable in many industries and has a lot of wisdom to share. This is an episode that needs to be heard, and one you dont want to miss. Enjoy! Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Deepthi: Deepthi Dommaraju, VP of Data Analysis at Trellance DDommaraju@trellance.com www.trellance.com LinkedIn | Blog Show notes from this episode: Shout-out: To our friends at CO-OP Financial Services, our first sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Check out everything going on at Trellance. They are doing some cool stuff to help credit unions. Shout-out: Shelly-Ann Wilson Henry Shout-out: To our friends at CUNA and the NCUA for their work on DEI. Shout-out: Jill Nowacki A great article from Trellance on data: Data Management Framework 7 essential components Also check out the Vendor Evaluation Services from Trellance here. Shout-out: Robbie and Stu Young Book mentioned: Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland Shout-out: Mollie Bell Trellance acquired OnApproach early in 2019. Read about it here. Shout-out: To our friends at ACCOSCA and George Ombado Book mentioned: Start With Why by Simon Sinek Book mentioned: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18 & 37), Mollie Bell, George Ombado You can find all past episodes of The CUInsight Experience here. In This Episode: [01:30] Deepthi welcome to the show! [02:22] She discusses the challenges she has seen for women in tech. [03:30] Was it intentional for women to hold more tech positions in your company? [04:50] What is your advice for women who want to lead a team as you do? [05:16] Deepthi talks about credit unions and the strategies they follow when it comes to data. [06:17] Trellance is helping show credit unions what to use the data they collect for. [06:48] What are some ways credit unions can use this data? [08:12] She believes that credit unions need to be prepared to change at a pace to keep up with everyone else. [08:49] Do you see this as an opportunity for credit unions? [09:56] Deepthi speaks about being a Scrum master and describes what that is. [12:15] Randy asks about the restaurant she owned and what type it was. [13:13] What will you be the proudest that your team has accomplished if we sit down and talk a year from now? [14:31] Deepthi tells us what the inspiration for taking the VP of Portfolio Management with Trellance was. [16:14] How has the inspiration changed over the years? [17:20] Her leadership style is dependent on the situation she is in. She changes to what she is dealing with. [18:34] I am not your boss is something her team hears her say all the time. [19:43] How have you cultivated the ability to make tough decisions when you have to? [21:05] Deepthi speaks about the common myths she has been told as a leader. [21:48] Jumping to conclusions too quickly is what she sees leaders do today. [22:48] Keep your emotions out of decisions is advice she was given that she keeps today. [23:30] What is your stress buster? What do you do to relieve stress? [24:26] She talks about having mentors in her career and how she tries to mentor now. [26:15] What do you do to recharge when you have a day off? [26:47] She discusses high school and what kind of student she was. [27:23] She dreamed of being an FBI officer when she was young. [28:44] Is there an APP that you must have to get by day to day? [29:27] What is your favorite album of all time? [29:55] What book have you gifted many times over the years? [30:28] Work-life balance has become more important and small petty things have become less important. [31:21] When she hears the word success her mom and dad are the first people that come to mind. [32:11] What did your mom do when you were growing up? [32:36] Deepthi gives her final thoughts. The French prime minister informed the unions behind a crippling railway strike over pension reform Saturday that he is open to backing down on one of the most controversial proposals: raising the full pension eligibility age to 64. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe wrote to unions one day after the French government and labor representatives engaged in talks that had seemed to end in a stalemate after more than a month of strikes and protests. Philippe's letter said that the plan to raise the full pension eligibility age from 62 to 64 -- the unions' major sticking point -- was open to negotiation. It was the first time the French government overtly indicated room for movement on the retirement age issue. A popular image of a philosopher is a solitary man in an ivory tower hunched up in the pose of Rodins thinker. Were it true, Roger Scruton would not have been a philosopher titan polymath that he was: academic, barrister, rider to hounds, farmer, novelist, composer of operas, pianist, wine critic, and much elseincluding, of course, philosopher. And journalist. For Scruton had an activist temperament, of which we offer two examples, drawn from our own experience. The first involves this site. In 2013, he set up a new section within it called Thinkers Corner. The aim was to provide a platform for Tory intellectuals and an opportunity for new writers. It failed comprehensively. This was as much the fault of the Editor as that of Scruton, if not much more so. The second was a reworking of an older idea. Scruton was one of the original founders of the Conservative Philosophy Group, one of the symptoms of the Thatcher revival of the 1970s and 1980s. He revived it more recently. If his aim was to recreate that ethos, he did not succeed. It was not well attended by Tory MPs. One might conclude that Scruton was ineffective as an actor rather than a thinker. This would be mistaken. For his energy got results in what was Czechoslovakia, where he set up an underground university to offer education for those expelled from the state system and more broadly to teach them in the western academic tradition. Thirty years on from the Velvet Revolution, he was awarded the countrys highest civilian honour. This work was heroic. ConservativeHome wrote that Scruton deserved a peerage (though we also said later that doubtless he would not accept one unless it were hereditary). We were delighted when he was knighted, describing the honour as a knighthood for the movement. This was an attempt to capture his sense of commitment. Which brings us to the Conservative Party and Scruton himself. He never quite gave up on it treating it with the derisive affection that one reserves for some impossibly errant relative. Like this site, he was supportive of it while always remaining independent, recognising that, for all its many faults, it remains the only practicable vehicle for the realisation of conservative ideas. His interest was not reciprocated. This leads us to ask why it has engaged so little, over so many years, with the small but lively domestic network of Conservative intellectuals. Margaret Thatcher was the exception that proves the rule. It is impossible to imagine John Major turning up to one of the meetings of the original Conservative Philosophy Group. We can only think of one Tory leader who would have done so with enthusiasm: Iain Duncan Smith. One answer is that the Conservatives remain, over 40 years on from the Thatcher experiment, the Stupid Party at heart suspicious of ideas and those familiar with them. (Even when those concerned are reacting against bad ones, which was part of what Scruton did.) Those intellectuals with whom it comes to terms are invariably practising politicians, such as David Willetts, Oliver Letwin, Jesse Norman, Chris Skidmore and Danny Kruger. Another is that to the Cameron leadership the most successful electorally since Thatchers, at least until Boris Johnson came along Scruton was an embarrassment, with his commitment to fox hunting, opposition to multiculturalism as Editor of the Salisbury Review, hostility to same-sex marriage (later rescinded) and general dispostion to take ideas seriously. That knighthood took a very long time to come. At least two Cabinet Ministers claim credit for it, and it may be worth adding that Michael Gove has said that Green Philosophy, Scrutons magnificently balanced book about ecology and the environment, helped to inspire his work at Defra. He is a bit of an exception to the rule that we are writing about. At any rate, Scruton had come in from the cold by the time of his knighthood having been appointed to an advisory post on housing. The Cameron Government had eventually recognised his value. Our readers will be familiar with what happened next. Scruton was fired as Chairman of the Governments Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission after a New Statesman interview before eventually being reinstated. We thought that he had shown a lack of comradely discipline by giving the interview at all (though noting from the start that his words had been twisted). The Commission has published an interim report. Its final one will be part of Scrutons legacy. The purpose of the report is to tackle the challenge of poor-quality design and build of homes and places, across the country and help ensure as we build for the future, we do so with popular consent. ConservativeHome looks forward to the publication of the final version. And to the Johnson leadership engaging more actively with Tory intellectuals than its predecessors have done. Whether it will do so or not is open to question. Johnson has an interest in ideas consider The Dream of Rome but dislikes being bound by them: he sees politics as a practical business. Dominic Cummings has ideas of his own. We close by looking back on that list of names we suggested for peerages in 2015: Eamonn Butler, Paul Johnson, Ruth Lea and Charles Moore, as well as Scruton himself. Others whose talents might be utilised by this new Government include: Noel Malcolm, Sheila Lawlor, Michael Clarke, Philippa Stroud, Niall Ferguson, Patrick Minford, Andrew Roberts, David Goodhart, Richard Ekins. There is also a fledgling network of Conservative academics the furthering of which has been slowed by the recent chaos at the top of the Party. Scruton would have approved. He would also have known that it wasnt the Tory Party alone that under-recognised what he had to offer. It is safe to say that his views been less blue, and less colourfully expressed, his academic career would have been more successful. Then again, there was a part of Scruton that seemed to relish confrontation. His fighting spirit was very like his fathers a lifelong socialist of a very English kind still remembered, in High Wycombe where Scruton himself was raised, for helping to save the Rye, a park near the centre of the town, from development during the 1960s. Jack Scruton was agent for a petition of protest presented to a joint committee of the Commons and Lords. Roger Scruton himself, though a practising Anglican, may not have been a Christian not throughout his adult life as a Conservative, at any rate. But he would ruefully have recognised the force of the verse: a prophet is not without honour, but in his own country , and among his own kin, and in his own house even if that prophet dies, as in his case, not without honours. We mourn his passing. Photo: Matthew Rutledge/Flickr Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in Houston. Randalls closing 5 Houston-area stores The Randalls Grocery Company announced it's closing five stores in the Houston area, according to a company press release. Read the full story on KPRC2/Click2Houston. Man shot to death, as son watched in suspected robbery in southwest Houston, police say A man is dead after what appears to be a robbery gone wrong, according to the Houston Police Department. Read the full story on KPRC2/Click2Houston. Man crushed in fatal industrial accident at northwest Houston company Authorities are investigating an industrial accident where a man was reportedly crushed and killed by a compactor at a northwest Houston company. Read the full story on Chron.com from the Houston Chronicle. Gunman leaps through McDonalds drive-thru to chase female worker, Texas video shows The Houston, TX Police Department's robbery division is searching for a gunman who pointed a firearm at a female employee of McDonalds before going through the drive-thru window to find the woman, video shows. Read the full story on The Sacramento Bee. 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. Wildlife experts have been urged to fast-track their decision on whether koalas are now endangered, amid the unprecedented bushfire crisis. A panel will also be established to create a recovery plan for the marsupial which was already considered vulnerable before bushfires destroyed key habitats in NSW, Queensland and South Australia. "Everything that can be done to rescue and recover koala habitat will be done," Environment Minister Sussan Ley said at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital on Monday. "Including innovative approaches that look at whether you can actually put a koala in an area that it hasn't come from." It comes as a wildlife group calls on koalas to be introduced to New Zealand eucalyptus plantations to ensure they dont become functionally extinct. In a statement the group, Koala Relocation Society, said koalas could: thrive in New Zealand, as many other Australasian species do. A petition advocating for the relocation of some of Australias koala population had been signed by nearly 7,000 people on Monday afternoon. In November, the Australian Koala Foundation proclaimed koalas were functionally extinct in parts of Australia but researchers were quick to pour cold water on that claim. However largely thanks to habitat loss, dwindling koala populations have been facing real danger and after the horror bushfire crisis, the marsupial could be officially classified as endangered. A photo made available by the Australian Department of Defence shows injured koalas rescued by the Australian Army soldiers, New Zealand Army sappers and RSPCA members. Government puts up $50 million for wildlife recovery More than one billion animals are thought to have perished in the fires, according to researchers at Sydney University, prompting the federal government to give wildlife and environmental groups an initial cash injection of $50 million. In announcing the funding, Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the countrys koala population had taken an extraordinary hit in the ongoing bushfires and could be listed as endangered. Story continues The money will be evenly split with $25 million to an emergency intervention fund and $25 million for frontline environmental groups. Australia's threatened species commissioner Sally Box will put together the recovery panel which will meet on Wednesday. The panel will include university experts as well as Zoos Victoria, CSIRO and state and territory representatives. Dr Box said the panel would consider the impact the fires have had on Australia's threatened animals, map affected areas and create a long-term plan to restore habitat. Unburned areas will also be used to help protect animals, including by ensuring feral predators are controlled around the perimeter of properties. Vets and volunteers treat Koalas at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, southwest of Adelaide onFriday, January 10. Source: AAP/David Mariuz Lack of protection causing death by a thousand cuts Environmental groups have welcomed the initial money, but say much more will be needed as the magnitude of the devastation becomes clear. Australian Conservation Foundation's James Trezise says species will need to be safeguarded for the future. "That means protecting critical habitats, long term funding for recovery actions and stronger national environmental laws," he said. The Wilderness Society says Australia's approach to looking after vulnerable species needs a complete overhaul to ensure they don't become extinct. "For over 20 years, Australia's wildlife and iconic natural places have suffered a death by a thousand cuts under Australia's failed nature protection system, and these fires may have pushed many species over the brink," the society's Suzanne Milthorpe said. Have been on Kangaroo Island for two days but it feels like a month. Nothing could have prepared me for this. We're non-stop in the field searching for wildlife survivors in apocalyptic landscapes. Air is thick with ash and death, but I wouldn't be anywhere else #AustralianFires pic.twitter.com/hHyvyVwJ3x Evan Quartermain (@EvanQuartermain) January 12, 2020 The Greens say the $50 million is "petty cash" given the environmental catastrophe. "This can't just be a fluffy PR exercise from the environment minister because the whole world is talking about Australia's koalas being burnt and killed," Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said in a statement. "Our beautiful environment and wildlife is what makes Australia the place people want to come and visit, it deserves more than this token announcement." The public response to the plight of animals has been strong, with the WIRES wildlife rescue organisation receiving close to $14 million in online donations. Do you have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7s daily newsletter. Sign up here. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a memorial for the victims of the Ukrainian plane disaster in Iran this past week, in Edmonton, Alberta on Sunday. AP photo Edmonton: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Sunday its been gut-wrenching to listen to stories from relatives of 57 Canadians who perished in the downing of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran last week as he attended one of several memorials across the country. Speaking at a memorial with a capacity crowd of 2,300 in Edmonton, Alberta, Trudeau said he has learned many of the victims came to Canada in search of new opportunities for their families, but those families are now consumed by grief and outrage. The plane was shot down by an Iranian missile moments after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday. All 176 on board were killed, including 138 who were headed for Canada. Iran has admitted the plane was mistaken for a hostile target amid soaring tensions with the United States. Trudeau called it a Canadian tragedy. This tragedy should never have occurred, he said. We will not rest until there are answers. We will not rest until there is justice and accountability. Other memorials were held Sunday across the country. At the Vancouver Art Gallery, National Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan also called the crash a national tragedy. At the University of Toronto, many cried throughout the ceremony as speakers listed victims, including a one-year-old. People broke out in raucous applause several times when various speakers and politicians said Iran would be held accountable. Fati Mortazavi, whose best friend died in the crash, said having a community come together helped her cope with the tragedy. Its so comforting for us, said Mortazavi. As long as we know that someone cares for these people, thats so important for us. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland attended the vigil in Toronto and said the loss goes well beyond the university. This is Torontos loss, this is Ontarios loss and this is Canadas loss, an emotional Freeland told the vigil. Nothing will ever replace these brilliant lives that have been cut short. We will always ... bear these scars. Three members of Canadas standing rapid deployment team arrived Saturday in Iran to establish a base of operations for the Canadian government in the wake of the crash. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Sunday that Iran has approved visas for six more members of the team, who are currently in Ankara, Turkey, as well as for two experts from the Transportation Safety Board. The eight are to travel to Iran on Monday, Champagne said in a series of tweets. A spokesman for Champagne said the officials will be there to provide consular assistance to the families of the victims, including supporting repatriation of remains, to help identify victims and to assist in the investigation. Canadas Transportation Board said Sunday it also plans to deploy a second team of investigators who specialize in aircraft recorder download and analysis. Maple Leafs Foods chief executive Michael McCain, meanwhile, blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for the death of an employees wife and family. McCain called Trump that narcissist in Washington and said the dead Canadians are collateral damage in a rare instance of a Canadian corporate leader making a strong political statement. He said hes still grappling with the death of his colleagues wife and 11-year-old son. "We are mourning and I am livid, he wrote in tweets that were sent from the official Maple Leaf Foods account. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:47:39|Editor: yan Video Player Close PARIS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Five West African states and France agreed on Monday to unite their forces in a "Coalition for the Sahel" to fight extremist insurgents in the Sahel region and France will send an additional 220 soldiers to reinforce its military presence there. In a joint statement, presidents of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger (collectively referred to as the "Sahel G5") and France said they would focus their efforts against Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and urged the United States to continue its logistical support for their forces. "This new framework will take the form and name of a 'Coalition for the Sahel', bringing together the countries of the G5 Sahel, France -- through Operation Barkhane," the statement said. In the afternoon, Mali's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Faso's Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Chad's Idriss Deby joined French President Emmanuel Macron for a security meeting in the southwestern French town of Pau. "I have decided to engage additional combat capabilities -- 220 soldiers will reinforce Barkhane's troops," said Macron after the summit. "We have no choice. We need results." Some 4,500 French troops started Barkhane Operation in 2014 in Sahel to help these countries maintain control of their territory while also preventing the region from becoming a safe-haven for Islamist groups. U.S. troops provide logistical support to the operation. With the Pau meeting, Macron hoped to legitimize the French military presence and mobilize more European commitment in Sahel, said BFM TV. In pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai tomorrow Bengal not implementing central schemes as there is no cut-money: Modi India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kolkata, Jan 13: Taking a swipe at the Mamata Banerjee government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged it was not implementing central schemes as they do not help "syndicates" or involve "cut money". Addressing the 150th-anniversary programme of Kolkata Port Trust, which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee skipped, PM Modi said people in West Bengal would not have to miss out on the benefits for long, an apparent reference to the Assembly polls next year. "When there is no syndicate or cut money involved, why would someone implement central government schemes? I don't know whether they (state government) would give approval for central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, but if they do, people of Bengal will be able to enjoy their benefits," he said. Black flag shown to PM Modi, Mamata Banerjee skips at Kolkata Port Trust event The Prime Minister said that he was pained to see that the poor in the state were not getting benefits of the Centre's welfare schemes. "Eight crore farmers across the country are getting benefited (due to the central schemes). But there will always be a pain in my heart (about the schemes not being implemented in Bengal). Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet "I will always pray to god for the welfare of farmers and poor patients. May God give them (Bengal government) good sense ... However, I have a feeling that the people of West Bengal will not remain deprived of central schemes for long," he said. During the 2019 general election, PM Modi had consistently attacked Banerjee, accusing her of running a "syndicate raj" in the state. The BJP tally rose from two to 18 in West Bengal which has 42 Lok Sabha seats, while the ruling Trinamool Congress won 22 seats, down from 34 in 2014. The Prime Minister on Sunday also rechristened Kolkata Port Trust after Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The Chief Minister, who was scheduled to attend the port trust programme, was conspicuous by her absence. None of the Trinamool Congress ministers was also present at the event. Banerjee, one of the most bitter critics of the prime minister, met him at Raj Bhavan on Saturday, after deciding not to receive him at the airport, and was seated with him later at an event at Millennium Park. Kolkata Port Trust renamed after BJP icon Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee PM Modi had arrived here amid protests by students and other groups against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens and the National Population register exercise. "I told him that we are against CAA, NRC and NPR. I told him there should be no discrimination among masses and no citizens are left out and tortured," the chief minister had told reporters after meeting PM Modi at Raj Bhavan. Moments later, she was present at an anti-CAA protest nearby. Banerjee, who called her meeting with Modi a "courtesy visit", said the Prime Minister had asked her to come to New Delhi to discuss the vexatious issues. Banerjee, however, skipped the inauguration of renovated heritage Currency Building, founded in 1833, by the Prime Minister. On Sunday, PM Modi said his government at the Centre was making every possible effort to develop Bengal, especially its poor, underprivileged and exploited sections. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation of infrastructure projects for the expansion and modernisation of the Kolkata Port. [January 13, 2020] Industry Leaders Work with Flooid's Flexible and Resilient Basket Platform Technology NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Flooid, a specialized platform that delivers deep and resilient basket functionality across any sales channel and retail format today announced the latest release of its Flooid App Suite. The Flooid App Suite offers the agility and flexibility and the best in Mobile POS, Endless Aisle, POS, Self-Checkout and Convertible Lane, Follow-me Basket, Cash Office, Maintenance and Management tools across all retail verticals. The company is also continuing to highlight Flooid's network of partners and collaborators following the official unveiling of the Flooid brand at booth #5737 at NRF 2020 this week. "With the advent of rapid innovation in retail, the importance of store inter-operability and emergence of the store as a digital hub, IBM and Flooid (formally PCMS) have partnered to provide a digital store platform for today that scales and enables creative new channels for tomorrow," said Colm O'Brien, Director Global Consumer Industry, IBM. IBM Store in the Cloud provides the ecosystem, architectural and omnichannel solutions that are powered by Flooid App Suite, Flooid Core and Basket by Flooid. IBM change transformation alongside Flooid will reimagine and recreate the store as your digital edge in retail. Tim O'Loughlin, President - Verifone Americas, said: "Flooid offers retailers a seamless customer experience with a basket that follows the customer, not the channel. The synergy between Flooid and Verifone provides retailers with innovative, flexible and secure transaction and payments capabilities." Flooid is also working with SUSE, the world's largest independent open source software company that gives retailers more flexibility to innovate, increase efficiency and gain insight nto their operations. Together Flooid and SUSE are helping retailers to control costs, simplify solutions, scale fast and accelerate their response to market trends. Brent Schroeder, Global CTO - SUSE, said: "Open source infrastructure software plays a critical role in simplifying the delivery of the modern customer experience to meet the demands of today's dynamic retail environment. "Our work with Flooid redefines the shopping experience for customers and accelerates business innovation for retailers." Berty Ho, Vice President - Strategic Alliances - Tecsys, said: "Our collaboration with Flooid will deliver a strong value proposition to global retailers seeking best-of-breed commerce platform capabilities and needing a true seamless customer journey experience where the basket follows the customer." Flooid is also working with NEC to help retailers innovate. With biometric technologies becoming more commonplace in consumer's lives and the growth of IoT and data opportunities that lie within, Flooid and NEC are partnering to enhance frictionless in-store journeys. NEC's advanced face recognition technology combined with Flooid App Suite and Flooid Personalized Offers can enable seamless consumer and employee recognition and a personal engagement. Demonstrations will be available at Flooid booth #5737 at NRF 2020. Naru Notomi, Director - 1st Retail Solutions Division - NEC Corporation, said: "The solution being demonstrated is just the first step of an exciting collaboration, where both companies' domain knowledge and technologies are being combined to bring innovation to the retail industry of the future." Tanya Bowen, Chief Digital Officer Flooid, said "We'd like to invite every retailer to visit us at booth #5737 to learn more about the seamless benefits our industry partnerships can bring to their businesses." ++ Flooid will be unveiling its new brand at NRF 2020 in New York. Visit booth #5737 for a Flooid experience including interactive customer journey and software demonstrations. About Flooid The Flooid platform delivers deep and resilient basket functionality across store and online sales channels. With high levels of multi-vertical capability, Flooid handles the sales operations for some of the world's most complex grocery, specialty, fashion and food and beverage retailers in their POS, self-checkout, mobile, eCommerce and social environments. Flooid is designed to handle both the high levels of throughput and resilience that a store demands, and the hyper-scalability required for mobile and online sales. With its powerful API set, developer toolkit and growing community of partners, Flooid enables retailers to tap into the massive ecosystem of start-ups, innovators and IoT technologies to remove the limits of their innovations. For more information about Flooid please visit https://www.flooid.com/ Media Contact: Flannery Higgins, [email protected] Dan Dyer, 513-478-7818, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industry-leaders-work-with-flooids-flexible-and-resilient-basket-platform-technology-300985708.html SOURCE Flooid [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A repeat felon from New Brightons most recent prison stint put him behind bars for six years. Ricardo Gonzalez wont be going upstate for as long this time, but hes still going to be out of circulation for a while. On Monday, Gonzalez, 49, pleaded guilty to a weapon charge to resolve his latest case in exchange for a four-year prison sentence. The defendant, who lives on the 300 block of Jersey Street, was busted on Oct. 30, 2018 on the sidewalk on the 600 block of Bay Street in Stapleton. A criminal complaint said cops found a loaded Taurus .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun in his right front pants pocket. Six bullets were in the magazine, said the complaint. Gonzalez was indicted on charges of criminal weapon possession and criminal firearm possession. He pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree criminal weapon possession to satisfy all charges. Besides four years in prison, Gonzalez will be sentenced on Feb. 7 in state Supreme Court, St. George, to five years post-release supervision. The defendant told the court he spells his first name Ricardo and not Richardo as court papers list it. Gonzalez has served five prior prison terms, all relating to drugs, show online records of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He was most recently paroled in August 2012 after serving a six-year sentence for third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. This man stood up and accepted responsibility. Im proud of him, defense lawyer Mark J. Fonte said outside court. It shows that no matter your background it is never too late to turn your life around. Assistant District Attorney Kate Malloy is prosecuting the case. Although China remained the leading export market of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables in 2019, Vietnams export turnover to this market in the first 11 months of 2019 fell by 13.2% over the same period in 2018. The decline came from China's tightening of imports through unofficial channels, causing big changes for a number of Vietnam's agricultural exports, including fruit and vegetables. In addition, many producers and Vietnamese enterprises are still confused by the standards and regulations that China has set for eligiblity to export to China through official channels. Specifically, the regulations relate to the traceability and planting area registration of agricultural products, and the registration of packaging manufacturers and labels of products, among others. In particular, a number of fruits exported to China must meet specific regulations, including that the transport of watermelons must use porous mesh and that jackfruit is wrapped in kraft paper or contained in carton boxes with printed traceability information. Bananas must be put into paper boxes or plastic bags with codes of origin printed with traceability information. So far, only nine Vietnamese fruits are eligible to be exported to China through official channels, namely dragon fruit, watermelon, rambutan, mango, lychee, longan, banana, jackfruit and mangosteen. In the context of declining exports to the Chinese market, Vietnamese fruit and vegetables saw increasing export value to fastidious markets in 2019. Notably, Vietnams fruit and vegetable exports to the US reached US$137.7 million in the first 11 months of 2019 (accounting for 4% of Vietnams total fruit and vegetable exports), up 9.2% over the same period in 2018. Meanwhile, Vietnams fruit and vegetable exports to the Republic of Korea were reported at US$119.4 million (accounting for 3.5%), up 14.2%; to Japan at US$112.4 million (accounting for 3.3%), up 14.4%; and to the Netherlands at US$73.8 million (accounting for 2.2%), up 34.8% compared to the same period in 2018. There are six Vietnamese fruits exported officially to the US, including lychee, dragon fruit, mango, star apple, rambutan and longan. Vietnam has also successfully brought four types of fruit into the Australian market, namely lychee, mango, dragon fruit and longan. We can see that our country's fruit and vegetable exports are progressing in a new and sustainable direction. However, the quantity of fruit and vegetables exported to fastidious markets currently accounts for a very small proportion. The fruit and vegetable sector still has much to do in order to fulfill the target export revenue of over US$4 million in 2020. First of all, Vietnam should fully implement the requirements from China to promote the official export of Vietnamese agricultural products to this market. Farmers, processing enterprises and exporters need to raise their awareness of Chinese requirements to make the necessary changes in production and business with great importance attached to the quality and traceability of products. This is also an opportunity to boost the sustainable development and export of our country's fruit and vegetable sector. In addition, Vietnam should develop specific strategies to quickly increase market shares in the fastidious markets of the US and Europe. Once accepted, Vietnamese fruit and vegetables will have an additional "passport" of quality, creating favourable conditions to occupy other markets in the world. Oil settled at the lowest level since early December as geopolitical tension in the Middle East eased. Futures in New York fell 1.6% Monday. The threat of an outright war has receded since Tehran fired missiles at U.S.-Iraqi bases last week in retaliation for Washingtons assassination of its top general. In Libya, warring factions have called a cease-fire in their nine-month conflict. But the situation in Iran remains volatile amid protests against the governments accidental downing of a commercial airliner. There is a continuing sense that the geopolitical risk from Iran has come down dramatically, said Phil Flynn, a senior market analyst at Price Futures Group Inc. There is reduced risk to supply and thats weighing on market sentiment. The lack of a geopolitical risk premium is partly due to plentiful supplies of U.S. shale and a torrent of new crude from non-OPEC countries including Brazil, Guyana and Norway. On the demand side, the U.S. and China are set to sign their limited trade deal this week, which may improve sentiment. We are now rolling into a period with a softer fundamental oil-market balance, said Helge Andre Martinsen, senior oil market analyst at DNB Bank ASA. We need actual supply disruptions to push prices close to $70. But watch out for increasing Iranian proxy activity and an acceleration of Irans nuclear program in the months ahead. PREVIOUSLY: Oil holds biggest weekly drop since July on easing Gulf tension Brent futures for March settlement fell 78 cents to $64.20 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange after losing 5.3% last week. The global crude benchmark traded at a $6.12 premium to WTI for the same month. West Texas Intermediate crude for February delivery fell 96 cents to $58.08 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 6.4% last week, the most since mid-July. While the chance of imminent war has lessened, relations between the U.S. and Iran remain combustible. Tehran has said it will stop abiding by limits on uranium enrichment, while the U.S. imposed new sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Oil markets are underestimating the risks in the Middle East and may be wrong in assuming Irans retaliation is over, said Jason Bordoff, head of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University in New York. Meanwhile, Brazil and Guyana are set to add more than 400,000 barrels of combined daily supplies to the market this year, a volume that would offset most of the auxiliary cuts agreed to by OPEC and its allies in late 2019, according to Stratas Advisors. We are still in an overall bull market and many stocks that smart money investors were piling into surged in 2019. Among them, Facebook and Microsoft ranked among the top 3 picks and these stocks gained more than 57% each. Hedge funds' top 3 stock picks returned 45.7% last year and beat the S&P 500 ETFs by 14.5 percentage points. That's a big deal. This is why following the smart money sentiment is a useful tool at identifying the next stock to invest in. Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT) has seen an increase in hedge fund interest of late. Our calculations also showed that KMT isn't among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds (click for Q3 rankings and see the video at the end of this article for Q2 rankings). Why do we pay any attention at all to hedge fund sentiment? Our research has shown that hedge funds' large-cap stock picks indeed failed to beat the market between 1999 and 2016. However, we were able to identify in advance a select group of hedge fund holdings that outperformed the Russell 2000 ETFs by 40 percentage points since May 2014 (see the details here). We were also able to identify in advance a select group of hedge fund holdings that'll significantly underperform the market. We have been tracking and sharing the list of these stocks since February 2017 and they lost 27.8% through November 21, 2019. That's why we believe hedge fund sentiment is an extremely useful indicator that investors should pay attention to. [caption id="attachment_30621" align="alignnone" width="600"] AQR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT Cliff Asness of AQR Capital Management[/caption] We leave no stone unturned when looking for the next great investment idea. For example Europe is set to become the world's largest cannabis market, so we check out this European marijuana stock pitch. We read hedge fund investor letters and listen to stock pitches at hedge fund conferences. This December, we recommended Adams Energy as a one-way bet based on an under-the-radar fund manager's investor letter and the stock is still extremely cheap despite already gaining 20 percent. Now let's view the latest hedge fund action regarding Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT). Story continues How have hedgies been trading Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT)? Heading into the fourth quarter of 2019, a total of 25 of the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey were long this stock, a change of 25% from the previous quarter. The graph below displays the number of hedge funds with bullish position in KMT over the last 17 quarters. With the smart money's capital changing hands, there exists a select group of key hedge fund managers who were adding to their stakes considerably (or already accumulated large positions). Is KMT A Good Stock To Buy? More specifically, Ariel Investments was the largest shareholder of Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT), with a stake worth $171.4 million reported as of the end of September. Trailing Ariel Investments was AQR Capital Management, which amassed a stake valued at $26.6 million. Adage Capital Management, GAMCO Investors, and Millennium Management were also very fond of the stock, becoming one of the largest hedge fund holders of the company. In terms of the portfolio weights assigned to each position Ariel Investments allocated the biggest weight to Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT), around 2.28% of its 13F portfolio. Cerebellum Capital is also relatively very bullish on the stock, setting aside 0.28 percent of its 13F equity portfolio to KMT. Now, key hedge funds were leading the bulls' herd. Balyasny Asset Management, managed by Dmitry Balyasny, established the biggest position in Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT). Balyasny Asset Management had $7.9 million invested in the company at the end of the quarter. Noam Gottesman's GLG Partners also made a $6.4 million investment in the stock during the quarter. The other funds with brand new KMT positions are Matthew Hulsizer's PEAK6 Capital Management, Matthew Hulsizer's PEAK6 Capital Management, and Michael Gelband's ExodusPoint Capital. Let's now review hedge fund activity in other stocks similar to Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT). We will take a look at Nelnet, Inc. (NYSE:NNI), WD-40 Company (NASDAQ:WDFC), Trinity Industries, Inc. (NYSE:TRN), and BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO). This group of stocks' market valuations are similar to KMT's market valuation. [table] Ticker, No of HFs with positions, Total Value of HF Positions (x1000), Change in HF Position NNI,11,86338,-2 WDFC,17,209160,2 TRN,26,680181,3 BBIO,12,884584,-2 Average,16.5,465066,0.25 [/table] View table here if you experience formatting issues. As you can see these stocks had an average of 16.5 hedge funds with bullish positions and the average amount invested in these stocks was $465 million. That figure was $289 million in KMT's case. Trinity Industries, Inc. (NYSE:TRN) is the most popular stock in this table. On the other hand Nelnet, Inc. (NYSE:NNI) is the least popular one with only 11 bullish hedge fund positions. Kennametal Inc. (NYSE:KMT) is not the most popular stock in this group but hedge fund interest is still above average. This is a slightly positive signal but we'd rather spend our time researching stocks that hedge funds are piling on. Our calculations showed that top 20 most popular stocks among hedge funds returned 41.3% in 2019 and outperformed the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) by 10.1 percentage points. Unfortunately KMT wasn't nearly as popular as these 20 stocks and hedge funds that were betting on KMT were disappointed as the stock returned 13.5% in 2019 and trailed the market. If you are interested in investing in large cap stocks with huge upside potential, you should check out the top 20 most popular stocks among hedge funds as many of these stocks already outperformed the market so far this year. 5 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Video: Click the image to watch our video about the top 5 most popular hedge fund stocks. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey. Related Content One of the Army's advisory Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) will be headed to the Pacific for the first time as the Pentagon once again tries to draw back from the Middle East and confront China and Russia, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said last week. SFABs have thus far deployed only to Afghanistan, but McCarthy said one of them will be going to the Indo-Pacific theater, possibly later this year, to improve the readiness of partners in the region through its specialized train, advise and assist mission. China's military buildup and use of "economic coercion" against allies necessitates a U.S. response that will involve closer coordination with partner nations in the region, McCarthy said at the Brookings Institution Jan. 10. "We will accomplish readiness through strengthening our partnerships" in the Pacific with Thailand, the Philippines and others, he said. Related: The Army Is Preparing to Take its SFAB Mission Global, General Says One way to do that is by committing one of "our regionally aligned Security Force Assistance Brigades ... which will deploy in fiscal 2021" beginning Oct. 1, he added. McCarthy's announcement is in line with the expanded role for the SFABS outlined last year by then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, who is now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The service planned to build to five SFABs, assigning one each to U.S. Central Command, Africa Command, European Command, Indo-Pacific Command and Southern Command, Milley said in a January 2019 address to the Association of the U.S. Army's Institute of Land Warfare. Milley said the plan to deploy more SFABs followed on the "extraordinarily positive" reports on the performance of the 1st SFAB, which ended its mission in Afghanistan in November 2018. At a Pentagon briefing last May, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Wren of the 1st SFAB said he saw major improvements in the ability of the Afghan security forces to go on the offensive during the SFAB's deployment. "Just us being there gave them confidence," he said. However, the 1st SFAB's deployment came at a cost. Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Bolyard, 42, of Thornton, West Virginia, and 20-year-old Cpl. Joseph Maciel, of South Gate, California, were killed in separate "insider attacks" by Afghans in uniform during the mission. Bolyard was one of the Army's most experienced and respected noncommissioned officers. He had at least seven combat deployments and was a recipient of six Bronze Stars, two of them with combat "V" device. The deaths of Bolyard and Maciel in the so-called "green on blue" attacks were "tragic to us internally," Brig. Gen. Scott Jackson, commander of the 1st SFAB, said at the Pentagon briefing in May, adding that his soldiers were aware of the risks. The 1st SFAB had trained specifically on balancing security against the need to get out with the Afghans at remote locations, Jackson said. The Army's concept in forming the SFABs was to take more experienced enlisted and junior officer personnel, preferably with tours in combat zones, and place them in units designed specifically for the train, advise and assist mission. In Afghanistan, the SFABs have the dual purpose of freeing up other Army units for more conventional and counter-terror missions. In the Indo-Pacific, McCarthy said, the SFAB would contribute to the National Defense Strategy, which is aimed at drawing back from the counter-terror wars that have consumed the U.S. military since the 9/11 attacks to focus on great power competition against China and Russia. McCarthy acknowledged that the Pacific historically has been "predominantly a sister service endeavor," meaning that it is the bailiwick of the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, but said an expanded role for the Army is vital to fulfilling the National Defense Strategy. The other services' ships and planes have their missions, he said, but "nothing comes close to the effects of boots on the ground, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners." In response to questions at Brookings, McCarthy also noted that the U.S. for years has attempted to shift forces to the Pacific, only to be drawn back repeatedly into conflicts in the Middle East. During the Obama administration, the policy came to be known as the "Pacific pivot," but the initiative stalled as then-President Barack Obama ordered a surge of troops to Afghanistan and later sought to battle the rise of the Islamic State. President Donald Trump has publicly and repeatedly stated his intention to withdraw U.S. troops from the "endless wars" of the Middle East. But as commander in chief, he has ordered at least 14,000 more troops to the region since last May and has kept a carrier battle group on station. In the current crisis with Iran, Trump has ordered about 3,500 paratroopers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division to Kuwait, sent about 100 Marines to bolster the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and put other units on standby alert. However, Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper have said that the focus on China and Russia is now the top priority and will require a shift of forces to the Pacific. At a Pentagon briefing last month, Esper said that decisions on drawing down troops in Afghanistan would be made "in the coming weeks," possibly clearing the way to bolster the U.S. presence in the Pacific. The overall U.S. intention is "to have a much more comprehensive" Army presence in the Pacific, McCarthy said. Crises in the Middle East could complicate the plan, but "you need the will to do it, and we have the will" to send more soldiers to the Indo-Pacific, he said. "We don't need any more gunfights [and] we don't want any more," McCarthy said, "but if they come, we'll be ready." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Read more: Group to Fight Space Force's Use of Bible for Swearing-In Ceremonies 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 Dominic Cummings is set to declare war on ineffectual government by shaking up the way ministers meet and make decisions, according to reports. Boris Johnson's top adviser is apparently considering plans to replace Cabinet committees with a more flexible system based on Cobra emergency security meetings. It comes amid concerns within the government that the old way of working slowed down decisions and was prone to the leaking of secrets. Under Theresa May there were a series of Cabinet committees which would see small groups of ministers meet to discuss and make decisions on a specific policy area. The idea behind Cabinet committees is to reduce the burden on the actual Cabinet by enabling binding decisions to be made by smaller groups of ministers. Most of the committees were scrapped by Mr Johnson when he became PM last year as his administration focused entirely on delivering Brexit. Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson's top adviser pictured in Downing Street on January 6, is reportedly considering a shake-up of the way decisions are made in government Now that he has won a crushing Tory majority, attention has turned to how best to ensure the new government's priorities are delivered. It is thought that Mr Cummings wants to replace the Cabinet committee system with one based on the so-called XO committee model which was itself modelled on Cobra. The XO committee, chaired by Michael Gove, was set up last year to coordinate the government's emergency no-deal Brexit preparations. It met every day and its cast list would change depending on which Brexit-related issue was being discussed. Ministers were joined at the meetings by officials and it is thought that this would continue under the new way of working which is being considered. This would allow civil servants to give advice directly to ministers and to be held to account by Downing Street. As such the move, if it comes to fruition, is likely to be seen as an attempt by Number 10 to exert greater influence over what happens across Whitehall. A government source told The Times that 'no one really missed' the old Cabinet committees and without them 'there were certainly less leaks'. Mr Johnson, pictured in the House of Commons on January 9, is now focused on delivering the Tory manifesto after winning a crushing majority at the general election last month With Mr Johnson now in control of an 80-seat Conservative majority his government is now entirely focused on delivering what was included in the Tory general election manifesto. Delivering on promises already made is viewed as being more important than coming up with new 'headline-grabbing' initiatives, one government source told MailOnline. Another source told The Times: 'The question everyone is focused on is how can you improve project management and make sure that you don't get blown off course by day-to-day events.' The changes reportedly under consideration could be rolled out after Mr Johnson conducts a Cabinet reshuffle next month following the UK's departure from the European Union. YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia has advised Armenia-registered airlines to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The aviation regulator said in a January 12 statement it continues following the developments in the Middle East, including the new circumstances regarding the tragic crash of the Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing-737 aircraft on January 8 in Tehran. The Civil Aviation Committee is closely cooperating with aviation authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the International Civil Aviation Organization, European Union Aviation Safety Agencys (EASA) Risk Assessment Group and all its partners for ensuring the safety of flights. The aviation authority advised airlines registered in Armenia to take into account EASAs advice and consider the possibility of temporarily bypassing Iraqi and Iranian airspaces at all altitudes. European airlines should avoid Iranian airspace until further notice, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said on Saturday following Irans admission that its armed forces inadvertently shot down a Ukrainian airliner earlier in the week. The advice expands on an earlier EASA recommendation that national authorities bar airlines from overflying Iran below 25,000 feet. It was issued in light of the statement from Iran that its armed forces accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger aircraft, EASA said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Obton has announced details of its 300m investment in the Irish solar energy sector. Obton, a Danish solar photovoltaic (PV) business, and its Irish partner Shannon Energy, will develop up to 500 MW of solar PV projects in Ireland over the next five years. This represents an investment in the Irish economy of over 300m at today's energy prices and will create over 1,000 jobs particularly during its construction phase. Obton's significant investment in the Irish solar energy sector was launched today (1/9) by Anders Marcus, Obton CEO, Mark Foley, Eirgrid CEO, and H.E. Uffe Balslev, Ambassador of Denmark, at an event in University College Dublin. This investment will see around 2,000 acres of farmland converted to the production of renewable energy, helping to deliver the Government's strategic goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050. In 2018, Obton formed a joint venture with Dublin-based Shannon Energy. Together they are building an impressive pipeline of solar power investment projects in Ireland and are committed to playing a key role in the transition towards renewable energy. In conjunction with the investment announcement, Obton and Shannon Energy have also announced details of their first three strategic project acquisitions: the Grian portfolio of solar projects in Westmeath, Longford and Tipperary; the IGP portfolio of projects in Tipperary and Cork; and the Wind Energy Direct solar project in Galway. These three projects will deliver approximately 150 MW of solar power, which would be enough energy to cover the yearly energy consumption of 25,000 homes. Speaking at the launch event, Anders Marcus, Obton CEO, commented: "Obton's vision to create a sustainable future for the coming generations is of highest priority. Through Shannon Energy and our business partners, we are in a great position to do just that in Ireland." Commenting on the investment announcement, Noel Shannon, Shannon Energy CEO, said: "Shannon Energy are delighted to have secured the financial strength for constructing Utility Scale solar projects in Ireland, through our partnership with Obton, and we look forward to securing the licences for our planned implementation in the upcoming Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions over the next five years." Welcoming the announcement Mark Foley, Eirgrid CEO, commented: "As the operator of the national electricity grid in Ireland, EirGrid is committed to achieving 70% renewable energy on the power system by 2030. Investments in renewable energy projects, such as the one announced by Obton and Shannon Energy today, are critical to achieving that goal." H.E. Uffe Balslev, Ambassador of Denmark commented: "Obton is an ambitious Danish company with long experience within solar power investment in many countries. I am proud to support their entry into the Irish market and excited about their expected substantial contribution to making Ireland meet the 2030 renewable energy targets of the Government's Climate Action Plan." Contact: Andreas Jakobsen, Chief Communications Officer M: +45 2720430 E-mail: aja@obton.com In an unprecedented move, West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for an all-party meeting at his office on January 17 to discuss on two Bills passed by the state Assembly, which he is yet to sign. His move comes in the wake of intensifying acrimony between him and the state government, with the ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) repeatedly accusing the governor of hampering the states development by holding on to Bills passed by the legislature. Dhankhar on Monday posted on Twitter his four-page letter, dated January 11, inviting chief minister Mamata Banerjee, as the leader of TMC, Leader of the Opposition Abdul Mannan, of the Congress, along with legislative party leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) and other parties. @MamataOfficial The step has been taken for this meeting as on one hand the inputs are not being made available and on the other hand, total factually untenable information is being put in public domain both at the level of the Assembly as also the State Government, Dhankhar tweeted. The two Bills in question are West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019, and West Bengal State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Bill, 2019. In this letter, Dhankhar, after elaborating on his points of concerns, including the governments insufficient response to his queries, wrote that it had become imperative for me to invite for appropriate deliberations and interaction with the Leaders of the Legislature Parties, so that in the true spirit of coordinated working, a way forward approach can be initiated. CPI(M)s Sujan Chakraborty, who along with Congress Abdul Mannan had brought discrepancies in the West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, to the governors notice in September, said he would be unable to attend the meeting because he would be out of the state. We have no reservation in meeting the governor but I will be in Kerala on that day, Chakraborty said. Mannan, too, said he would be in New Delhi on that day. We have no opposition to discussing the mob lynching bill with him. After all, we drew his attention on this. However, our party has not taken any decision yet on discussing with the governor the SC, ST commission bill, Mannan said. Mannan alleged that, responding to the chief ministers allegation that the governor was hampering development initiatives by holding on to the SC, ST commission Bill, the Congress and the Left had urged the ruling party to bring in the Assembly a motion, supported by facts and documents, condemning those who were trying to disrupt development initiatives but that no such motion was brought. The governors move, inviting all-party meeting to discuss a Bill, is not unconstitutional but unprecedented. We dont think it is right to take one unprecedented step after another. In any case, we dont want to do anything that could widen the rift between the government and the governor. So, we will discuss it within our party, Mannan said. Biswanath Chowdhury of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) said a decision about attending the meeting would be taken at the Left Front level. Left Front comprises the CPI(M), CPI, Forward Bloc and RSP. I personally would not be able to make it to the meet due to my poor health, Chowdhury said. Manoj Tigga, leader of BJPs legislative party in the state Assembly, said he would readily accept the invitation once he received it. Trinamool Congress has not responded yet. Constitution expert Subhas Kashyap said that the governors move was unusual but not unconstitutional. It is unusual for a governor to call all party meetings to discuss a Bill passed by the legislature. But he is within his legal rights to withhold giving his signature to the Bill. He can also send it to the Centre for its consideration. However, there is nothing in the Constitution barring a governor from inviting all party meeting, even if its unusual, Kashyap said. The governor doesnt even need to call for an all party meeting to withhold or deny his assent. However, calling an-all party meeting is not something a governor usually does, Kashyap added. Barrister Anindya Mitra, former advocate general of West Bengal said: If the governor is not satisfied with any bill he can ask the ruling party for clarifications. If he is still not satisfied he can send it back to the assembly. But if the assembly sends it back he is bound to sign it. State Medicaid and Long Term Care Director Matthew Van Patton will leave his job effective Feb. 7, Department of Health and Human Services CEO Dannette Smith announced Monday. Van Patton has been the Nebraska director nearly two years. Smith said Van Patton is going back to the private sector. When he was hired for the Nebraska job, he was the head of a health care technology startup. "We are sorry to see him go," Smith said. "He's done an extraordinary job in developing a road map for us based on the quadruple aim." That aim included: Improving the patient experience of care, the provider experience, and the health of participants, and reducing the per-capita cost of health care. At this time, Smith said, the department is planning to move forward with the plan Van Patton put in place for Medicaid expansion. Gov. Pete Ricketts said his search for the next Medicaid director has started. When asked if it concerned her that Van Patton had chosen to leave in the middle of the expansion process, Smith said he had done an excellent job, but being the Medicaid director, both in Nebraska and nationally, is a tough job. "We are thankful for the leadership and vision he has provided to us," she said. Expansion of Medicaid coverage to an estimated 90,000 Nebraskans was approved by Nebraska voters in November 2018. The department is planning to launch the program Oct. 1, almost two years after voters approved it. Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld has said the state is illegally delaying the start of Medicaid expansion. The language of the expansion initiative approved by Nebraska voters in 2018 clearly called for the state to "take all actions necessary to maximize federal financial participation in the expanded program," he said. Jeremy Brunssen, state deputy director of finance and program integrity, will be the interim Medicaid director while the state searches for a replacement for Van Patton, Smith said. The state plan amendment was filed with the federal government in April 2019. And a waiver request was submitted Dec. 12 to allow the department to implement the necessary infrastructure for expansion. On Dec. 17, the state was notified it could proceed with a public comment period. Last year, the Medicaid program in Nebraska covered about 240,000 people at a cost of $2.1 billion. Expanded coverage for adults whose annual income is at or below about $16,000 or 138% of the poverty level would add tens of millions of dollars annually. Heritage Health Adult, the name given to the expansion, is expected to begin accepting applications Aug. 1. There are two parts to the proposed program: A basic package, available to all who qualify, and a prime package if they participate in wellness plans, personal responsibility and community engagement requirements. Prime benefits would include vision, dental and over-the-counter medication. Reach the writer at 402-473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSLegislature Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday demanded the immediate dismissal and launch of a criminal investigation against the Jawaharlal Nehru University vice chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar. The party also alleged that the vice-chancellor was the mastermind behind the violence in the university campus. The demand comes after a fact-finding team of the Congress had visited the university to assess the situation. The Congress had appointed the four-member fact-finding committee to carry out a detailed inquiry into violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The members of the committee included Mahila Congress Chief Ms. Sushmita Dev, Hibi Eden, MP and former NSUI president; Syed Naseer Hussain, MP and former president of JNU NSUI; and Amrita Dhawan, a former NSUI president and ex-DUSU president. Ms. Sushmita Dev said, A criminal investigation must be initiated against the VC, the company that provides security service and members of the faculty who conspired with the attackers to unleash the violence at Sabarmati hostel, Periyar hostel and other places. The security companys contract must be immediately terminated. The fact-finding committee also charged certain member of the JNU faculty who were operating in consonance with the VC. She added that since his appointment in 2016, he meticulously infiltrated the university with people in the faculty who did not merit their positions and promoted only those who would be compliant to him and had their inclination to right-wing ideology. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned that military confrontation with Iran will impact global peace and stability, as he visits the Middle East hoping to ease tensions spiked by the US killing of a top Iranian general. His comments came at the start of a five-day Gulf tour that had been thrown into doubt after Tehran responded to the attack on Qasem Soleimani by launching a barrage of missiles at bases hosting American troops in Iraq, prompting fears of all-out war. But as those concerns receded, the Japanese premier decided to go ahead with the visit and on Sunday discussed regional tensions during an hour-long meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in northwestern Al-Ula province, according to foreign ministry spokesman Masato Ohtaka. "Any military confrontation in the region that includes a country like Iran will have an impact not only on peace and stability in the region but the peace and stability of the whole world," Abe said, according to Ohtaka. Abe called "on all relevant countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions", Ohtaka added. The spokesman said the two leaders agreed on working closely on maritime security in the region and discussed Tokyo's decision to send a destroyer for intelligence activities along with two P-3C patrol aircraft to the Middle East. Japan, however, will not join a US-led coalition in the region. Tokyo has walked a fine line in balancing its key alliance with Washington and its longstanding relations and interests with Tehran. Ohtaka said Abe stressed the importance of a continuous and stable Saudi oil supply to Japan. The prime minister's tour will also include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that he was "outraged" over the recent reports of another rocket attack on military base hosting US troops in the north of Baghdad that wounded four Iraqi soldiers. "Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured and call on the Government of #Iraq to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable," Pompeo said in a Twitter. "These continued violations of Iraq's sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end," he added. Rockets slammed into an Iraqi airbase north of Baghdad on Sunday where American troops have been stationed, wounding at least four Iraqi troops. No immediate information about casualties was reported, according to Al Jazeera. At least six rockets struck the Al Balad base, which hosts American trainers, advisers and a company that provides maintenance services for F-16 aircraft. Some projectiles fell on a restaurant inside the airbase, officials were quoted as saying. The attack came just days after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq that housed US forces and caused no casualties. So far, there has no claim of responsibility for the attack, which comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over the last two weeks. Last week Iran launched missile attacks on two Iraqi airbases, Ain al-Asad and Erbil, hosting US troops in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. The limited Iranian strikes appeared to be mainly a show of force and de-escalated tensions that had threatened to turn Iraq into a proxy battlefield. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Queen Elizabeth has released a groundbreaking statement after the royal familys summit in Sandringham to discuss Prince Harry and Meghan Markles decision to step down as senior royals. The meeting came to an end after a two-and-a-half-hour discussion on Monday. Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family, the Queen said in a statement. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock RELATED: Palace Aide Says Ive Never Seen the Monarchy in Such a State Amid Talks of Meghan & Harrys Exit Palace sources told PEOPLE that the Queen ordered Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles to meet at her country home on Monday in order to talk things through. Meghan was thought to have called in from Canada. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Though it was previously reported that the Duchess of Sussex would join the meeting via phone from Canada, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Tuesday that Meghan and Harry ultimately decided that it wasnt necessary for her to do so. In the end, the Sussexes decided that it wasnt necessary for the Duchess to join, the palace said in a statement. Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, shocked the world with their decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family last week. They revealed their plans to carve out a progressive new role within this institution, they wrote in a statement on Instagram. Story continues An insider told PEOPLE that Meghan and Harrys decision left senior royals hurt and deeply disappointed. Royal historian and biographer of the Queen, Robert Lacey, tells PEOPLE: It was incredibly personal. I cant recall a royal statement where one gets the sense so much of the Queen herself speaking. Using phrases like my family and I is very moving. It clearly shows her wish to resolve everything. Adds Ingrid Seward, the Queens biographer: Its deliberately very vague and doesnt tell us much apart from Harry and Meghan have won the first round. Ive never seen a statement like that in 30 years. It was very personal and sounds very sad. RELATED: Prince Harrys Friend JJ Chalmers Says Royal Exit Was to Protect Wife Meghan Markle and Son Archie The unprecedented family summit follows a series of emergency discussions across the last few days and raises the prospect that a solution is in sight that will work for the Sussexes and the royal family. There is a range of possibilities for the family to review which take into account the thinking the Sussexes outlined earlier in the week, the source said. As we have said previously, making a change to the working life and role of the monarchy for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex requires complex and thoughtful discussions. Next steps will be agreed at the meeting, the source shared. The request for this to be resolved at pace is still Her Majestys wish. The aim remains days not weeks. There is genuine agreement and understanding that any decision will take time to be implemented. The meeting was the first time they had all been together since Remembrance Day weekend in November. Prince Harry and Prince William on Nov 10 | Karwai Tang/WireImage The previous discussions that have been taking place between the households of the Queen, Charles, William and Harry and Meghan have also involved the U.K. and Canadian governments. There is a range of possibilities for the family to review, the source reiterated. The Duke of Sussexs close friend JJ Chalmers has said the royal made the decision in order to protect his family. Hes less the captain in the army I knew, and hes more a father, JJ Chalmers, who met Harry while they were both serving in the military, said during an appearance on the UK show The One Show on Friday. And I think the decision that he has made, at the forefront of that is to protect his family, because thats the number one rule is to be a father and to be a husband, Chalmers added, noting that tensions with the media also played a role. RELATED: Kate Middleton Leaves Kensington Palace as Prince William Attends Family Summit About Harry and Meghan The couples friend Tom Bradby has warned that should a suitable solution not be reached, the royal couple could give a no-holds-barred interview. I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred sit down interview and I dont think it would be pretty, Brady, a journalist who toured southern Africa with the royal couple for the emotional ITV documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, wrote for The Sunday Times. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Shutterstock Shortly after, palace insiders denied claims that Harry and Meghan were being driven out of royal life. Harry and William released a statement denying a U.K. newspapers story that the rift between the brothers was allegedly caused by Williams bullying. In a joint statement obtained by PEOPLE, Harry and William insisted that the story, which was run by the Times of London, was false. Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a U.K. newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge, the statement said. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful, it continued. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty William has also privately expressed sadness over the distance that has grown between him and his brother. Ive put my arm around my brother all our lives and I cant do that any more; were separate entities, William told a friend, according to The Sunday Times. However, the royal also hopes the rift can be repaired in time. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when were all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team, he said, according to the friend. By ADAM BEAM Associated Press SACRAMENTO California lawmakers are considering a first-of-its-kind ban on medically unnecessary surgeries for children born with ambiguous or conflicting genitalia until they are at least 6. The measure refers to intersex people who are born with genitalia, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don't fit typical definitions for males or females. Examples include people born with both ovaries and male genitals or incompletely formed genitals that can be ambiguous. Between 1% and 2% of the population are born with intersex traits, according to the measure's author, state Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat. The proposal would make California the first state in the U.S. to ban some of the procedures on infants, and lawmakers were scheduled to vote on it in a committee hearing Monday. It must pass the state Senate by Jan. 31 to have a chance at becoming law this year. The bill would ban all intersex procedures on children 6 and under, unless they are deemed medically necessary by the Medical Board of California. Wiener said an example of a medically necessary procedure would be correcting a dangerous condition that prevents some intersex infants from urinating. The California Medical Association opposes the measure, saying clinical evidence for the risks of such surgeries "are still inconclusive to allow for legislating of the practice." Wiener calls it a civil rights issue. He said the surgeries can have life-altering consequences, which could include sterilization and the loss of sexual sensation. These are dangerous medical procedures with, in many cases, largely psycho-social benefits that cannot be considered in the context of an infant, who has yet to develop their sex or gender identity, Wiener said. -- The Associated Press Australian dirt bike rider Toby Price has opened up about the moment he came across the accident which claimed the life of fellow Dakar Rally competitor Paulo Goncalves. The 40-year-old Portugese rider died after crashing during the seventh stage of the race, 276km into the special stage from the capital Riyadh to Wadi Al Dawasir. Price, who began his run through the stage roughly five minutes after Gonclaves, said he came across a small crest in the desert to find his rival. Paulo took off into the stage about 5 minutes before me and the worst case had happened, Price posted on Facebook. I come over a small crest and seen a rider down and was Paulo. Worst fears kicked in cause I knew this one was serious. I called for help ASAP and helped get him on his side (plus more serious checks). Australian rider Toby Price has described the scene he encountered after fellow Dakar Rally competitor Paulo Goncalves, who died after an accident on stage seven. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) Price went on to describe how he and fellow competitor, Slovak racer Stefan Svitko, provided first aid to Gonclaves after calling for help from a medical helicopter. "The organisers received an alert at 10:08 and dispatched a medical helicopter that reached the biker at 10:16 and found him unconscious after going into cardiac arrest," organisers said in a statement. "Following resuscitation efforts in situ, the competitor was taken by helicopter to Layla Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. The Australian was left to complete the 250 remaining kilometres of the stage after Gonclaves had been airlifted to hospital. We all worked as long as we could but there was nothing we could do, he said. I helped assist carrying him to the helicopter as it was the right thing to do. I was first at his side and wanted to be the last to leave. My last 250km of special stage was tough, Im dehydrated from tears. At the moment Im not even worried about the result, I couldnt care. Many thoughts with family and friends on this day. Dakar Rally rocked by tragic death The organisers have decided after consultation with the races' motorcycle fraternity to cancel stage eight of the race on Monday "in order to give the riders time to mourn their friend." Story continues Goncalves was the first competitor to die in the gruelling endurance event since Polish motorcycle rider Michal Hernik in Argentina in 2015. A runner-up in 2015 and four-time top 10 finisher of the Dakar, Goncalves suffered mechanical problems on Friday and had change his bike's engine to stay in the race, dropping to 46th overall after the sixth stage. "The target now is to do my best, because the result at the end...there is no way to get a good result. Instead I'll try to do good stages every day possible and that's what I'm looking for," Goncalves said then. The experienced rider had competed in the Dakar on three continents, from its origins in Africa to South America and this year's debut in the Middle East. Artificial intelligence, human gene-editing ethics and more at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Seattle PRESS REGISTRATION: Credentialed reporters and public information officers may register online: http://www. eurekalert. org/ aaasnewsroom/ 2020/ registration SEATTLE, Wash. -- The growing use of artificial intelligence in society, how math can help address political gerrymandering, the ethics of human gene-editing, and the spread of infectious disease among ocean organisms will be discussed at the 2020 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting, the world's largest general scientific conference. During February 13-16 in Seattle, Washington, the 186th AAAS Annual Meeting will offer free public lectures and hands-on fun for families and a plethora of scientific and technical sessions for registrants. AAAS -- publisher of the journals Science, Science Advances, Science Translational Medicine, Science Signaling, Science Robotics, and Science Immunology --anticipates up to 10,000 attendees at the conference. Two free Family Science Days -- 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16 -- will feature hands-on science-learning activities, plus a Meet the Scientists speaker series designed especially for middle- and high-school students. For details, see http://www. aaas. org/ fsd . Family Science Days will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. The theme of this year's conference, "Envisioning Tomorrow's Earth," was organized by AAAS President Steven Chu, professor of physics at Stanford University. "Scientific and technological research have been invaluable in developing ways of improving life on Earth," Chu said. "At this Annual Meeting, we will consider how efforts and advances in science and technology can respond to new challenges, from both nature and the built world, faced by society." Chu currently serves as the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics and Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University. Prior to rejoining Stanford in 2013, Chu was appointed U.S. Secretary of Energy by President Barack Obama, the first scientist to head the Department of Energy, which includes 17 national laboratories. Chu has also served as director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and professor of physics and molecular and cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He first joined Stanford University in 1987, where he was a professor of physics until 2004. Between 1978 and 1987, Chu worked at Bell Labs, where he ultimately led its Quantum Electronics Research Department. At Bell Labs, Chu carried out research on laser cooling and atom trapping, work that would earn him - along with Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and William Daniel Phillips - the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1997. Their methods for using laser light to "trap" and slow down atoms to study them in greater detail "contributed greatly to increasing our knowledge of the interplay between radiation and matter," the Nobel Committee said in 1997. Chu received bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley. Free Public Lectures The meeting will officially kickoff on Thursday, February 13 with the AAAS president's lecture at 5:15 p.m. Public lectures will take place at the Washington State Convention Center, Level 4, Plenary Hall 4A. On Friday, February 14 at 5:15 p.m., journalist and author Maryn McKenna will discuss "The Second Antibiotic Era." At 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, sociologist Alondra Nelson, president of the Social Science Research Council and Harold F. Linder Chair in Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study, will present "The Social Life of DNA and the Need for a New Bioethics." Science News Opportunities Highlights from the meeting will include these and many other breaking research news topics: Assessing the extent of gerrymandering in political districts The neuroscience of addiction Using remote sensing and mapping technologies for food security Digital life after death Finding lost Einsteins and encouraging diversity in invention Disease outbreaks in the ocean Public health impacts of wildfire smoke The ethics of human gene-editing research Employing artificial intelligence to disrupt sex trafficking And much more. Reporters can contact AAAS staff to receive advance information on more than 20 embargoed press briefings and social events for credentialed newsroom registrants. The news briefing lineup will kick off Thursday, February 13 with a reporters-only press breakfast hosted by AAAS President Steven Chu and AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh, followed by the release of new research from the journal Science. Family Science Days PHOTO / TV OPPORTUNITIES (Video Available) http://www. aaas. org/ fsd Free AAAS Family Science Days -- scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel -- will include hands-on activities and stage shows for families with children, teenagers, and young adults. The schedule includes a sensory-friendly hour on Sunday, February 16 from 11:00 a.m. until noon. To attend the event, register in advance via the website above. Walk-in registration is also available on-site. Family Science Days participants will have the opportunity to: Experience a mobile planetarium Create science art Read science books with award-winning authors Make a model of the solar system that fits in your pocket Build an artificial intelligence network Ask scientists and engineers your questions Scientific Program for Registrants In addition to free public offerings, registrants to the AAAS Annual Meeting will be able to sample a diversity of symposia, town halls, film screenings and lectures covering more than 120 topics encompassing engineering and technology; communication, language and culture; climate and the environment; medicine and health; physics and astronomy; science education; and more. Topical lectures will include discussions on indigenous science and collaborative practice by Alison Wylie of the University of British Columbia; ocean and climate solutions by Jane Lubchenco of Oregon State University; advances in artificial intelligence by Eric Horvitz of Microsoft Research; the neuroscience of early childhood development by Patricia Kuhl of the University of Washington; computation and crowdsourcing in astronautics by Moriba Jah of the University of Texas, Austin; transgender children and social cognition by Kristina Olson of the University of Washington; quantum cloud computing by Elham Kashefi of the University of Edinburgh; and geoengineering by David Keith of Harvard University. Town hall meetings -- which aim to connect and engage attendees with thought leaders across various areas of science, policy and society-- will include balancing science with concerns about national security, addressing local policy challenges with science, the economics of climate change, developing ethical guidelines for science journalism, and more. For the full meeting program, visit http://meetings. aaas. org/ program . MEDIA NOTE: On-site registration for journalists opens at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 13 in the Washington State Convention Center, Level 2. The AAAS President's press breakfast will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by the first news briefing at 9:00 a.m. Additional information on AAAS Annual Meeting news offerings can be provided in advance to reporters who ensure adherence to the embargo policy. Embargoed news will be available to reporters via the AAAS virtual newsroom, online at EurekAlert! beginning Monday, February 10. ### About the American Association for the Advancement of Science The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science, as well as Science Translational Medicine; Science Signaling; a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances; Science Immunology; and Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. The nonprofit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement and more. This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RIO DE JANEIRO - In a city filled with buff bodies, bronzed skin and cocktail cabanas, there are few sights more mournful to people than an empty beach on a beautiful day. But here it was again: sunshine pounding, aqua water undulating - and virtually no one in sight. "Terrible," grumbled Henrique de Rei as he arranged his beach stall on an empty beach. "What a waste." Behind him, up on a roadside sign above, the clock offered the only explanation he needed for the lonesome sight: 5:46 a.m. In this latest chapter of humanity's ongoing and continually controversial experimentation with time, Brazil, after nearly a century of begrudgingly changing the clocks every few months, has called off daylight saving time. "Even if it was only an hour, it messed with people's biological clocks," President Jair Bolsonaro reasoned when he signed the decision last year. Now, months later, every day brings another reminder of that decision as summer crests in Latin America's largest country, and the sky clears at the unconscionable hour of 4:30 a.m., and early morning has the feel of high noon - minus, of course, the beachgoers. Much of the world is increasingly considering whether it should follow suit. In the United States, the rush is on in statehouses and Congress to do away not with daylight saving time but to nix standard time, if anyone can agree on such a thing. "Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is O.K. with me!" President Trump tweeted last March. And on the other side of the Atlantic, the European Parliament voted last year to do away with all of the clock jiggering. "Let's end this once and for all," urges an online petition in the United States that has collected 250,000 signatures. "End the madness." But many Brazilians, now months into the change, are here to say: Be careful what you wish for. Brazilians have never been shy about complaining about their country, whether it's the crime, the social inequality or the corruption. Now, as days begin earlier than anyone can remember, they've added a new one to the list. "Four in the morning and the sun is rising; I miss my deceased daylight saving time," one person mourned on Twitter. "ARE YOU HAPPY, BOLSONARO?" another asked. "I never knew I liked daylight saving time until it was gone," added a third. In fact, a lot of people don't know much about daylight saving time. There's confusion over why it was established, how it works, even what to call it. Many contend, for reasons unclear, that it has something to do with farmers, when - "It has nothing to do with farmers," said David Prerau, author of "Seize the Daylight," the authoritative account. "I hear that all of the time, and it's completely wrong," he said. "It was the farmers who, historically, have always been against it." So if it's not the farmers' fault, whose is it? According to Prerau, there are two major reasons the practice got kicked off. The first is happiness. Clocks were set forward in the spring because people enjoy having more daylight at the end of the day rather than at the beginning, when it's wasted on a dormant populace. They're set back again in the fall to give children enough daylight to get to school. "You want to have daylight at the most usable time," Prerau said. "That's the most basic underlying thing. We can't manufacture more daylight any day of the year, but we can move it around." The other reason is economics. The practice caught on a century ago, when lamps and lights were often the biggest contributors to electrical bills. The idea was to align natural light with the business day to reduce the need for lights. But the economic explanation is quickly losing currency. "The argument is not there," said Matthew J. Kotchen, an economist at Yale who has studied the topic. What drives electrical bills now isn't lighting - whose efficiency has increased greatly - but climate control. If anything, he said, heating and air conditioning get more pricey during daylight saving time. "What we found in the state of Indiana is that (daylight saving time) does significantly increase people's energy consumption, by 2 to 3 percent," he said. It's difficult to imagine two places more dissimilar than Indiana and Brazil. But the same logic applies. "When they created daylight saving time, the habits of people were different," said Frederico Araujo, president of the Brazilian Association of Energy Conservation Service Companies. "We didn't have air conditioning or refrigerators." His organization published data in 2018 that showed how much energy the practice was saving in Sao Paulo, the country's most populous state. The results were underwhelming: In four months, a state with 234 cities and 44 million people saved only enough energy to power one city with 1 million people for eight days. "It's necessary to rethink daylight saving time," the organization concluded. Bolsonaro did. "It doesn't save any money and messes with our biological clock," he said last April. "We only have something to gain by keeping the hour where it is." Marina Pinheiro, a young professional in Rio de Janeiro, wasn't too sure. "During the summer, I've always still had an opportunity to enjoy the sun by going to the beach at the end of the day." No more. The same went for Julia Reis, who in the beginning ignored the government and continued living daylight saving time, despite all obstacles. "The best thing I've done," she called it in a piece for Vice's Portuguese-language website. She said she knew an hour didn't seem like much, but for her, it made all the difference. She lives in a poor neighborhood on the fringes of Sao Paulo where it's dangerous to travel at night. "I can't arrive during the night because of all of the robberies," she said. "When it was bright out, I could stay out longer." Some days it feels as if Brazilians - endlessly polarized, diverse and opinionated - disagree on just about everything. Now they can't agree on the time, either. Marcelo Carvalho sat on a bench near the water, smiling into the sunlight, enjoying a rare moment of peace on what would otherwise be a chaotic beach. "This is the normal hour," the 50-year-old retail worker concluded. The moment wouldn't have been possible without the change. "It's better this way." Then he lifted himself off the bench and, as the sun reached higher into the sky, went to work his early-morning shift. Thursday was the third anniversary of Martin McGuinness decision to stand down as Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister and close that early chapter in the current, as yet unrealised, normalisation of that society, its relationships with its neighbours, and its neighbours relationship with it. McGuinness died some weeks later, but his office, for today at least but maybe not for too long more, remains echoingly empty. The institution he dedicated the latter stages of his life to Stormont can, after yesterdays agreement by all the parties involved to restore power-sharing, become a catalyst in a rejuvenated, relevant and important democratic process. That assemblys role never seemed more pressing than now as Brexit redraws fundamental relationships. Had that political vacuum continued a new darkness might have closed in. It is extremely important that the commitment to renewing Stormont is robust and withstands the changes Brexit will bring. The linkage between London funding for Northern Ireland and political progress addresses this issue, hopefully in a convincing, reliable way. Anyone who might stymie the revived process must have the very highest motivations as anything less would be intolerable. Especially as the fear, intransigence, cultural differences that prevailed since that January day in 2017, almost made yesterdays final step seem one too far. How uplifting it is on the cusp of a new decade, that these fears have been conquered and a new dynamic has a chance to take hold. McGuinness remains a divisive figure as does nearly every important figure in from the Norths Troubles but his journey offers reassurance. He won prominence as a young paramilitary in Derry. His charisma fizzled on television screens when he was filmed recruiting young men grooming young boys for his deadly cause by showing them some of the IRAs weapons. Yet, an image from the closing stages of his career, before illness swept him away, shows him shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth, the figurehead of all he opposed. The warlord had become a politician because the Armalite was found unequal to the task of fathering real, positive change. Unimaginable and unacceptable as the carnage that befell McGuinness society in the decades separating those two images is might be today, the image of him wearing a white bow tie as he shook hands with Queen Elizabeth was unimaginable even when the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) was signed 21 years ago. Yet that resetting came about because of the GFA and the recognition that so much had to be set aside but not forgotten if progress was to be realised. That principle seems relevant south of the border this week as a well-intentioned, but poorly presented event was misused in the most opportunistic way when officialdoms eye was taken off the greater prize. The efforts to restore Stormont have succeeded and even if the patience of Job and the wisdom of David will be needed to realise the potential that milestone brings failure is not an option. Too many lives, too much opportunity, and time have been sacrificed to the ideas that can still divide and weaken. A good day but the real work of rebuilding must begin now. The Australia bushfires have already burned more than 6 million hectares of land, twice of what was burned in Amazon fires. It has taken the lives of over a billion animals and 24 humans till date and the fires are still on a rampage. Firefighters and volunteers have been incessantly fighting the fires and donations from different parts of the world are starting to pour in. Some people are raising money the best way they can. Adult models have been selling nudes and have raised over a $1 million for the Australia bushfires. Instagram Various state fires services in Australia provide people with the option to donate money. One can donate to firefighters, their families or even the families of those who have lost their lives. The donations can either be money transfers, clothes, and/or other essential goods. Koala challenge is going viral on the internet to raise money for the victims. A fitness beverage company has challenged people to participate in the 'Koala Challenge' to help raise money for the victims, firefighters, and wildlife in Australia. According to FITAID, the company that started the challenge, every video posted on social media completing the challenge, will generate a $5 donation. To participate in the challenge, one needs to lie flat on top of a workout bench and then shift the bodyweight to hang from the underside of the bench. The only condition is that the body can't touch the floor. Basically one needs to hang from benches, like koalas hang from trees. Hundreds of people have been participating in this challenge in order to raise money for the Australia bushfires victim. London, Jan 13 : The UK royals, led by Queen Elizabeth II, will gather on Monday at the Monarch's Sandringham Estate for talks over the futures of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle over their shock announcement to step down as senior royals. Prince Harry, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and their father Charles, the Prince of Wales, will all attend the meeting, while Meghan was expected to join the discussion by phone from Canada, reports the BBC. It is hoped the talks will produce a "next step" on the way to defining the couple's new relationship with the Royal Family - in line with the Queen's wish to find a solution within days. Among the issues likely to be discussed are what funding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will receive, whether they will keep their titles, and what royal duties they will continue to carry out. Monday's gathering at the Queen's estate in Norfolk - being described as the "Sandringham summit" - will be the first time the monarch has come face-to-face with Prince Harry since the Sussexes' announcement, which was posted on their official Instagram account on January 8. But newspaper reports suggested the couple could conduct a potentially damaging television interview if they were unhappy with the outcome of the discussions. Broadcaster and friend of the couple, Tom Bradby, who made a documentary with them last year, wrote in the Sunday Times: "I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred, sit-down interview and I don't think it would be pretty." Meghan is currently in Canada with her eight-month-old son Archie after flying there amid the ongoing discussions, which have involved the UK and Canadian governments, reports the BBC. The couple had been in Canada over Christmas, before they returned to the UK last week after a six-week break from royal duties. Last October, Harry and Meghan publicly revealed their struggles under the media spotlight. The couple were already preparing to launch their own Sussex Royal charity, which they set up after splitting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's foundation in June last year. In December it was revealed that the couple had made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across a string of items including books, calendars, clothing, charitable fundraising, education and social care services. From prison cells to Ph.D.: Advocates push to restore college access in prison Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment What started as selling drugs as a teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, led to a pattern of more serious poor decisions for Stanley Andrisse as he grew up. By his mid-20s, he found himself convicted of three felony drug trafficking charges with a prosecutor calling for 20 years to life in prison. The sharp words said by the prosecutor that day in 2006 stuck with Andrisse. As he began a 10-year prison sentence, he contemplated the label he was given by the attorney. Could he really be a career criminal with little hope of leaving the criminal lifestyle? Looking back on his life choices as a teenager and young adult, he was led at the time to believe that the prosecutor was right. For much of my early incarceration, I saw myself as a bad person, Andrisse told The Christian Post in a recent interview. I saw myself as this career criminal. I saw myself as being someone who was hopeless. Once I got out, I thought the only thing that was really left for me to do was to continue doing what I had been doing. But thanks to encouragement from a mentor and his pursuit of higher education, Andrisse turned his life around. Today, Andrisse is living proof of the abundance of talent and intelligence living within people imprisoned in correctional facilities across the United States. And if given the opportunity and access to postsecondary education, they are capable of reaching extraordinary heights many never thought possible. What we seek to do is really change that narrative around what that potential is [for people in prison], he said. Years removed from his imprisonment, Andrisse is an endocrinologist scientist and assistant professor at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he is researching Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. He also holds a visiting professorship at Georgetown University Medical Center and previously held an adjunct position at Johns Hopkins Medicine a far cry from the career criminal label that had been pressed on him over 13 years ago. Additionally, Andrisse serves on the frontlines of the growing bipartisan push to restore access to federal postsecondary education grants for people serving behind bars. He also mentors 100 formerly and currently incarcerated people each year as the executive director of a nonprofit called From Prison Cells to PhD (P2P). P2P is one of many organizations advocating on Capitol Hill for a measure to restore incarcerated students eligibility to receive Pell Grants. Pell Grants are a federal subsidy provided to low-income students to help them pay for college and other forms of postsecondary education. The grants are provided to all eligible students who apply. But after tough-on-crime legislation passed in 1994, students in prisons have been barred from receiving Pell Grants. Since then, most college education programs in prisons have vanished. Restoring Pell Grants to prisons, Andrisse argues, would provide more access to vocational classes as well as college and university degree programs. In due time, proponents contend, improving access to education in prisons will only reduce the nations troubling recidivism rate. Nationally, 43.3 percent to 51.8 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals will recidivate within three years of leaving prison, Andrisse explained. Education has been correlated with a drastic reduction in recidivism rates. What does the data say? A research report from the independent national research and policy organization Vera Institute of Justice, published last January, states that most people in prison in the U.S. are not receiving postsecondary education despite the fact that 64 percent are academically eligible. The report explains that 58 percent of people who are incarcerated in the U.S. do not complete any education program at all while in prison. Citing 2014 data, the report suggests that only 9 percent completed a postsecondary program during their prison time. Part of the problem is that access to postsecondary education in prison is extremely limited. Most existing programs are funded through the federal Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative, which serves a maximum of 12,000 incarcerated students nationwide annually through partnerships with over 60 higher education institutions. The Vera Institute report estimates that if the ban on Pell in prisons is lifted, about 463,000 incarcerated people would be eligible to receive Pell Grants. According to a 2014 RAND Corporation report, the odds of recidivating are anywhere from 36 percent to 43 percent less likely for those who take part in correctional education programs than for those who do not. The RAND report also found that the odds of finding post-release employment for those who participated in a correctional education program was 13 percent to 48 percent higher than for those who did not. 1 2 3 Next Abhishek Bansal In the current financial year, the RBI has reduced the GDP forecast from 7.2 percent in April 2019 to 5 percent in December 2019, mainly because consumer spending has dropped significantly. In Budget 2019, the Finance Minister had pegged India's nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate at 12 percent for 2019-20; now, the nominal GDP growth is expected at about 7.5 percent. In the last Budget, the FM had revised the fiscal deficit target to 3.3 percent of GDP, but now it's probable that the government will miss this target. Due to a shortfall in tax collections, the government is expected to cut spending to meet the fiscal deficit. The total indirect tax collections were estimated to be Rs 11.19 lakh crores in 2019-20. Direct tax collections, as of November, crossed only Rs 5 lakh crores against the target of Rs. 13 lakh crores. The Central GST collections, as of November, stood at Rs. 3.26 lakh crores, against the government's goal of Rs. 5.26 lakh crores. We can probably see incremental growth in tax collections in the remaining months of the financial year, but the government is likely to miss the target. The unemployment is at a 45-year high, whereas consumer confidence and GDP growth is at a 6-year low. India needs a sustained growth path over the next five years to achieve the $5 trillion economy target. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi affirmed that a five trillion dollar economy is not a sudden development, and it is based on a deep understanding of the strengths of the country. According to him, sectors like tourism, urban development, infrastructure, and the Agri-based industry have a high potential to take forward the economy and result in massive employment generation. It's not possible to grow over extended periods without major structural reforms. The upcoming budget is the event where we can expect reforms to manifest, which will set a path for the economy to achieve this target of a $5 trillion economy over the next five years. Several fundamental and path-breaking reforms have been undertaken in the form of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, GST, and corporate tax cut. Continual liberalization has resulted in unprecedented inflows of FDI into the country. Just one month after announcing a surcharge on FPI in Budget FY19-20, the government repealed it. Despite a slowdown in the global economy, foreign investment inflows have not been impacted. India received $26.096 billion of foreign investment in the first half of FY2019-20 in comparison to $22.664 billion for the FY 2018-19. In 2018-19, total FDI into the country stood at $62 billion, an increase from $60.1 billion in 2017-18. India mainly attracts investments from countries like Mauritius, Singapore, Japan, the U.K., the Netherlands, the U.S., Germany, Cyprus, France, and the U.A.E. The sectors that received maximum FDI include services, computer hardware and software, construction development, trading, automobile, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and power. In the latest data for the current FY, the cumulative value of exports for the period April-November 2019-20 was $211.93 billion as against $216.23 billion for the same period in 2018-19. India's exports declined for the fourth successive month in November. India's manufacturing activity also slowed down during October and November. The average quarterly PMI for the third quarter is the lowest, since the three months up to September 2017. However, looking at the breakdown, manufacturing activity improved in December 2019 to 52.70 relative to 51.20 in November 2019. Still, higher exports and manufacturing growth is crucial for India's goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025. India's share of global exports is less than 2 percent. RBI's focus should be on reducing the cost of capital by further lowering the repo rates and ensuring that benefits should be passed on to the consumers. The cost of logistics should be brought down in the upcoming budget, and the economy should be opened to global investors in a range of areas such as real estate, defense, insurance, pension funds, etc. The focus of the Government should be on signing multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which would improve the value chain and will give India an edge over non-member countries. India needs to create a freer autonomous economic zone where concentrated manufacturing activity could be developed without the fear of labour laws, land laws or any other obstructions. In this budget, we expect the government to focus on more reforms towards achieving a better rank for the ease of doing business. Sustained business reforms over the past several years have helped India jump 14 places to move to 63rd position in the global ease of doing business rankings in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2020 Report. Still, our challenge is that in the next two years, we must reach the top 50 and in the next five years, reach the top 25. India still lags in areas such as enforcing contracts (163rd) and registering property (154th). It also takes 1,445 days for a company to resolve a commercial dispute through a local first-instance court, almost three times the average time in OECD high-income economies. Structural agricultural reforms in India is the need of the hour as 58% of India depends on this sector. The government is spending a lot on agriculture subsidies, but not much has been achieved. India needs robust physical markets, technology upgradation, and contract farming, among others. Most farmers do not have the capacity or means to benefit from the existing schemes. Therefore, it is better to adopt an out-of-the-box approach. We need to develop a new model where farmers learn to be productive by working in association with a professional firm that takes care of farming, marketing, and exports. Allowing contract farming will resolve many of these issues. Urbanization at a faster speed will also help India increase the optimal use of its resources. Under the census definition, 31 percent of the Indian population lived in urban areas in 2011. Major world cities account for 82 percent of the global GDP despite being less in number. America and Europe have already completed urbanization, while China is nearing the completion. India has just begun urbanization, and there is much scope to develop megacities. This will solve unemployment issues and will also allow the optimal use of natural resources. Singapore is the best example of urbanization which uses water resources more optimally. (The author is Chairman and Managing Director, Abans Group of Companies) 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. Hollywood celebrity is tough to shuck, at least for Meghan Markle, last seen in a starring role as duchess of Sussex. Instead of marveling at her fairy-tale ending with her marriage to Prince Harry in the U.K., she's made it clear she wants to go back to the Hollywood celebrity circuit, that B-list group that makes loud left-wing noises to get attention and movie roles. Harry can come along for the ride if he wants, but he's probably going to get chewed up and spat out in the long run. She'll dump him when he gets inconvenient. It's pretty clear by the latest stunt she pulled that she's not loyal to him, and to heck with his family, too. So instead of living as a royal, which means abjuring politics in the name of representing a nation, she's going to accept Hollywood roles; sell trinkets on the Kardashian model; and, best of all, spread her political wings. To her, former president Obama and his wife Michelle are the real royalty, so off she goes in pursuit of being the next Michelle Obama, wearing fashion and spouting left-wing politics. The British royal family hasn't even figured out what to do after that blindsiding letter they got from the Sussexes, but on politics, she's already started. According to the Daily Mail: Harry and Meghan may settle in the US eventually but not while President Donald Trump is in charge. Friends have told the Daily Mail that while the couple plan to live in Canada at first although probably not on Vancouver Island their ultimate aim is to have a home and business in Los Angeles. Meghan grew up in the city and her mother, Doria Ragland, still lives there. Miss Ragland, 63, was seen walking her two dogs near her home last week after the royal couple's bombshell news. However, staunch Democrat Meghan, who has openly been critical of Mr Trump and missed the President's state visit to the UK last year, has said that she will not move to the US while he is in charge. See, she can't stand being in a country where ordinary people might vote for Trump. It's too, too dreadful. She can't bear to be in a room with us, or share some country space. The U.S. simply isn't big enough for all of us. It goes to show what a poisonous influence she is to the British royal family, which has bent over backward to be kind to her and accommodate her. They know she's no royal, so they've given her allowances and space to adjust, lots of vacays and breaks and stuff. She got excused from meeting President Trump when he came to visit on the grounds that she had just had a baby, though she showed up fine to another event the next day. She doesn't bother much with credibility with the public, see. The royals nevertheless indulged her on the grounds that if she could make Prince Harry happy, then they'd treat her like family despite everything. But she pretty well threw that gift away as some cheap trinket and forced Harry into signing on to her live-in-Canada plan, selling royal merchandise, trading off the family name, which in Britain (or anywhere, really) is abhorrent. Imagine someone in your family wanting to leave the family "firm," which largely consisted of smiling, looking nice, being kind to strangers, and representing the best of the nation, dumping that job onto other members instead, and selling t-shirts of their doings instead. She hasn't made Harry happy, either, which rather ends the reason for their embrace of her, too. As Mark Steyn noted on Fox News a few days ago, she seems to be loyal only to herself. Steyn noted that she first cut her own family dead to achieve fame she never had in Hollywood with the royals, and now she's betraying the royals, again in favor of the red carpet. The only thing that still matters to her is Hollywood celebrity life. Charity work is for the birds, and being kind to strangers...well, we know she's not kind to the royal family who bent their own rules to take her in, so you can bet she's not about to be kind to strangers. She not only wants the red carpet, but wants to be woke, too, spouting off about politics, same as Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, that toilet-mouthed woman who sells cookware at Target, Chrissie Teigen, Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Taylor Swift, and other low-class morons the full celebrity cavalcade of people the public can't stand. She jets around to lecture on global warming, and then she refuses to share a space with Americans on account of the half of us who voted for Trump. In that creepy resignation note signed with Prince Harry, which she was no doubt behind, she spoke of launching a 'new progressive role' instead. According to NBC News: On closer inspection, the "new progressive role" they want to pursue would appear to have them benefit from millions of dollars bankrolled by the British public while walking away from many obligations traditionally tied to that life. She better get used to Canada life, of course, with that blackface progressive prime minister of theirs, because people like her are among the reasons why Trump is going to get handily reelected come November. Image credit: Mark Jones via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. IRGC chief commander General Salami expresses extreme sorrow over plane crash Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 6:58 PM The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has expressed his profound sorrow over recent downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane over Tehran, saying he had never felt more shame in his life. Major General Hossein Salami made the remarks while addressing a Sunday session of Iran's parliament, where he said he wished he was among the passengers of the crashed plane and died with them. "I wish I were inside that plane and fell down and burned along with those loved ones instead of witnessing this tragic incident," the IRGC's chief commander said, noting, "I swear on the life of my children that we [in the IRGC] have no other wish but to be torn into pieces for the sake of the security, welfare and peace of our people." The Boeing 737-800, on its way to Kiev and ultimately bound for Toronto, was shot down unintentionally on January 8, hours after Iran fired missiles at two US military bases in neighboring Iraq. All the 176 people on board were killed and among them 147 were Iranians. "After the assassination and martyrdom of our beloved commander [Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani] and his comrades [by US forces in Iraq], we found ourselves in the psychological atmosphere of an unknown war with the United States," Major General Salami said. The IRGC's chief commander stressed, "There was very heavy pressure from the public for retaliation and we, like you and even more than you, were influenced by that incident." Salami added that Iran's retaliatory response to the targeted killing of Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani had to be "proportionate" with the US crime, adding, "This time, we did not set our goals based on human fatalities, [because] our goal was not to kill the enemy's soldiers and it was of no significance to us." Last Friday, US airstrikes assassinated Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), among others, after targeting their vehicles in Baghdad. The assassinations took place under the direction of US President Donald Trump, with the US Department of Defense taking responsibility for the strike. Both commanders were admired by Muslim nations for eliminating the US-sponsored Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Soon after the assassination, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said Washington was to face a "harsh revenge" for the atrocity. Early on Wednesday, the IRGC fired volleys of ballistic missiles at the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq's Anbar Province, and another outpost in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which housed US forces. Trump has denied that the Iranian strikes led to any casualties. Tehran said the US military conducted at least nine sorties after the operation, taking the wounded to Jordan and the occupied territories, while Chinook helicopters transferred the injured Americans to the US hospital in Baghdad. Elsewhere in his remarks, Salami said after Iran's missile attack on the US base in Iraq and when the country was expecting American forces' response, the air defense forces were told that a number of Cruise missiles had been fired and were ready to intercept them. "Our operator was told about the Cruise missiles and his contact with the SOC was cut for a while. Therefore, when he saw the airplane on his radar screen he was sure that it was a serious threat." "When planes are aligned with the air defense system, their cross section becomes small in size. Under war conditions [that prevailed that night], the operator believed that it was a Cruise missile and that he had downed a Cruise missile." "We made a mistake and a number of our fellow countrymen were killed as a result of our mistake, but it was unintentional and we feel ashamed and will make up for it," Salami said, adding, "When we made sure [about what had happened] we released information. However, we are ready to accept any decision that is made and we submit ourselves to the will of the dear and great nation of Iran." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 13.01.2020 LISTEN Head of information for Ghanas permanent mission to the UN and Member of NPP National communication Team, Kofi Ameyaw has called on Ghanaian voters to reject the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) due to its abysmal performance. He said the NDC had demonstrated that it lacked ideas for turning the nations fortunes around and to make things better for the population. He stressed that governance is about ideas, "how you can manage the resources you have to generate income to develop the country you are governing, but the NDC was ignorance about how to use the resources we have to generate income to develop the nation. Kofi Ameyaw told Kwame Tutu on Anopa Nkomo on Accra-based Kingdom FM 107.7. He said instead of the NDC learning about the good measures put in place by Nana Addo, they have rather positioned themselves to antagonize the progressive developmental projects of the NPP. According to Kofi Ameyaw, since the NDC flagbearer was elected, he has not been able to propound a policy for the transformation of the lives of the people of this country. According to him, NPP opposition, unlike the NDC, have policies like the Free SHS, NABCO, One-Village -One-Dam, One -District -One- Factory, One -Constituency-One-Million Dollars among others to shape the public debate. The blood on her Range Rover was the first clue that Jennifer Duloss disappearance last May would turn into something sinister. The weeks that followed brought more revelations from the police, adding to a mystery that gripped the public. Her blood was also discovered on the seat of a car her estranged husband had borrowed on the day she vanished. Nearly two dozen items with her DNA were found in garbage cans some 75 miles from her suburban Connecticut home. Then there was her ongoing acrimonious divorce case, in which Ms. Dulos, a mother of five, had said she worried she was in danger. Yet even as each new detail made it more likely that Ms. Dulos had met a violent end, investigators could not find one key piece of evidence: her body. The conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell on five of six charges of recruiting and grooming teenage girls for sexual encounters with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is not and should not be the end of the story. While Maxwell has been held accountable for her actions, the men who engaged in th Forces opposed to the protests in Iraq appear to have stepped up operations to kill protest activists and journalists covering the demonstrations following the escalation of the crisis between the United States and Iran in Iraq. Hundreds of protesters have been reported killed since the protests began in early October. But there has been a subset of killings that has targeted protest activists who have been raising funds, providing ambulance services and mobilizing demonstrators. Journalists providing the public with information about the protests also have been killed in an apparent bid to curtail coverage. Protesters called for massive Jan. 10 demonstrations, and that day, Dijlah TV correspondent Ahmad Abdul Samad and photographer Safa Ghali were shot dead in the center of Basra city during their coverage of the protests. Armed men shot them from a close distance and ran away immediately. The US Embassy in Baghdad strongly denounced the "deplorable and cowardly assassination" of the two Dijlah TV journalists and called upon the Iraqi government to undertake a serious investigation and punish the perpetrators. However, it is most likely that no such investigation will take place and that there will be no resolution, as has been the case in previous killings, amid high suspicion about the involvement of Iran-backed militias in these crimes. Iraqi authorities have not identified the groups carrying out the killings of activists. The speeches of caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and various security officials have avoided mentioning these attacks. On Jan. 4, a protest activist was killed by gunmen riding a motorcycle near Sadr City. Three days earlier, an activist was killed by unidentified gunmen southwest of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. On Dec. 22, activist Hassan Abdul Mohsen al-Bahadli survived an assassination attempt by unidentified gunmen who fired four bullets at his car; Bahadli has been recovering in the hospital since. On Dec. 20, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in his sermon delivered by his official representative Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai, lamented the killings of the activists. But his sermon and his constant assertion of the need to preserve the lives of activists has not prevented attacks from being carried out. Indeed, those responsible remain unknown to the public and seem to be able to move about easily and commit attacks whenever they please. Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 24, 26 people playing active logistical and other important roles in the protests were killed, while three survived attempts to kill them, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights. Half of the 26 were killed in Baghdad; the other deaths took place in a number of southern provinces. While civil society activists thought worst-case scenarios could include arrests, kidnappings and threats, they were shocked when groups opposing the protests decided to resort to targeted killings. Rights commission member Hemn Bajalan told Al-Monitor, The activist killings in Baghdad and the southern provinces indicate that there are armed groups that are not affiliated with the government trying to abort the protest movement in Iraq, and we at the commission have pointed out that the killings affect field activists in the protest movement. He added that the rights commission, which has limited powers, is working to pressure the government to identify perpetrators and we think that several parties are behind these attacks. We believe protesters are in great danger and the government should work to protect them and hold perpetrators accountable. On Dec. 20, activist Ali Asmi was killed in Dhi Qar province in southern Iraq, but he apparently was not the intended target. His brother, Salam Asmi, said the killers were after him, and addressed those responsible later that day, saying, The person you killed was my little brother, not me. He was going to get married in a few months. The targeted killings have caused great terror among the protesters, some of whom found themselves forced to never return to their homes, especially those who protest in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. They have often spoken of great worries about being followed by armed groups. Bassel Hussein, a consultant for the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor, I believe the process of killing protesters and activists has entered a new phase of direct, selective targeting of specific civilian activists for several reasons. Perhaps the most important of which is related to whether these protesters are dynamically active and have the ability to mobilize others, or are intellectually active and are able to influence and educate the demonstrators. He said, The government has fallen short ever since the protests first started." He added, "Accusations have been made against government agencies that they either intentionally failed, or colluded, or participated in the crackdown on demonstrators. In previous protest in Iraq, the risks associated with demonstrating were being threatened or kidnapped with the exception of one incident in 2011, where activist Hadi al-Mahdi was killed in Baghdad. He had been leading protests against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government. BOSTON A prominent Harvard University law professor sued the New York Times on Monday, accusing the newspaper of defamation for the headline and lede of a story related to donations from sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a lawsuit filed in Massachusetts federal court, an attorney for Lawrence Lessig a law professor, legal scholar and activist contends the Times published a "sensationalized, false and defamatory 'clickbait' headline and lede" that was the "direct opposite" of his position. At issue is a Sept. 14 Times story with the headline, "A Harvard Professor Doubles Down: If You Take Epsteins Money, Do It in Secret." The first sentence reads, "It is hard to defend soliciting donations from the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But Lawrence Lessig, a Harvard Law professor, has been trying." The lawsuit says the Times story was met with "mass outrage in Cambridge and Somerville, in Lessig's nationwide social media following, by countless victims of sexual assault, and in the infinite depths of the 'Twittersphere.' Within hours, Lessig became associated with the notoriety surrounding the Epstein scandal, and the community that quietly or silently tolerated such monstrosity." Danielle Rhoades Ha, vice president of communications for the New York Times, said the newspaper defended the story's accuracy and will fight the claim. "When Professor Lessig contacted The Times to complain about the story, senior editors reviewed his complaint and were satisfied that the story accurately reflected his statements. We plan to defend against the claim vigorously." The Times article was based on comments Lessig made a week earlier in a 3,500-word online essay on the website Medium, and subsequent interviews with a Times reporter, about his take on donations a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, Joi Ito, took from Epstein to benefit MIT's Media Lab. Story continues Harvard Law School professor and former 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Lawrence Lessig discusses campaign finance reform at the American Enterprise Institute November 13, 2015 in Washington, DC. In his essay, Lessig explained why he signed a petition expressing support for Ito, who resigned as director of the MIT Lab in September when it was revealed by the New Yorker he took $525,000 in donations from Epstein that he marked as anonymous. The donations came to light after Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in federal prison in August while awaiting new federal sex trafficking charges. Lessig wrote at the time, "Everyone seems to treat it as if the anonymity and secrecy around Epsteins gift are a measure of some kind of moral failing. I see it as exactly the opposite. IF you are going to take (this) money, then you should only take it anonymously." But the lawsuit argues that Lessig did not say he supports universities accepting money from donors like Epstein and in fact repeatedly said doing so was "a mistake" but believes they should at minimum take the money anonymously to avoid laundering the reputation of donors. In the same essay, Lessig wrote, "I believe it was a mistake to take this money, even if anonymous." The lawsuit says Lessig asked the Times to edit the headline and lede after the story was published but the newspaper did not. Lessig wrote that he chose to defend Ito because his friend was being "scapegoated" when MIT deserved to be held accountable. In an addendum Lessig tacked on to his original essay before the Times story published, he reiterated that "if" a great university takes contributions from criminals like Epstein then they should be anonymous. "That conditional has been heard by some to mean I support the idea of a great university taking (contributions from people like Epstein.) I do not," the addendum read. "I believe a great university should say, absolutely, it wont take money from criminals." Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig sues New York Times over Jeffrey Epstein story Lahore: In a major relief for Pakistan's self-exiled former military dictator, a top court here on Monday quashed Pervez Musharraf's death sentence and termed as "unconstitutional" the formation of a special tribunal that tried him for high treason. The special court of Islamabad on December 17 last year handed down the death penalty to 74-year-old Musharraf after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. The case was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government in 2013. A three-member full bench of the Lahore High Court comprising Justices Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Chaudhry Masood Jahangir unanimously declared the formation of the special court against Musharraf as "unconstitutional". The court also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law. After Monday's ruling, the special court's verdict stands void, Dawn reported, quoting both the government and Musharraf's lawyers as saying. The decision came in response to a petition filed by Musharraf challenging the formation of the special court for the high treason case against him. In his petition, Musharraf had asked the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional, while also seeking suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition was made. Additional Attorney-General Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan earlier told the court that the formation of the special court to try Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution was not part of the agenda of federal cabinet meetings of the government of then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. "The special court was constituted without the formal approval of the cabinet," Khan said in court. He also maintained that the charges filed against the former president were flimsy since, under the emergency powers of the executive, fundamental rights could be suspended. Justice Naqvi had asked the federal government on Friday to submit a summary on the formation of the special court and had directed the government's lawyer to present arguments on Monday. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008 and lives in Dubai in self-imposed exile. The PML-N government had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. In August 2008, he finally resigned in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition, going into exile until his ill-starred homecoming in 2013, exiling himself once more three years later. carlos ghosn Etienne Laurent, Pool via AP In a new interview with CBS News, former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn described himself as a "fugitive from injustice" and said Hollywood has approached him about his unbelievable story. Ghosn escaped from Japan while on house arrest under 24-hour surveillance after Nissan executives accused him of not disclosing how much he was taking out of the company, and he was arrested and charged with financial wrongdoing. Investigators believe Ghosn stuffed himself in a box used for concert equipment with breathing holes cut in the bottom, so that he could be transported by private jet into Lebanon, where he grew up. Ghosn wouldn't tell CBS News whether the box rumor is true or if any Americans helped him on his exit from Japan, but he did say he planned the escape himself and that he is innocent of his charges. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Carlos Ghosn has expressed interest in making a movie about his life before, from meeting with "Birdman" producer John Lesher to being at the center of rumors he was working with Netflix (which the streaming service denies). Now, Hollywood may be even more interested in the ousted Nissan CEO, now that he's pulled off an unbelievable escape from 24-hour surveillance on house arrest in Japan to living lavishly in Lebanon. In a new interview with CBS News, Ghosn said Hollywood had reached out to him about his life story, and responded "Why not?" when asked if he could see a project happening. He also answered "no comment" when asked about whether his daring escape on December 29 involved any Americans, or if he really stuffed himself into a box used for concert equipment with breathing holes cut in the bottom so that he could ride a private jet out of Japan without detection. Ghosn described the risks he took when escaping from 24-hour surveillance in Japan, but didn't elaborate on how he did it Story continues Carlos Ghosn and wife Carole Ghosn REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier Ghosn also told CBS News that he planned his escape himself, which was rumored to involve 15 people including a former US Green Beret and cost millions. For the first leg of his escape, Ghosn boarded a bullet train undetected for a 3-hour trip to the Osaka airport. "I knew that I was taking risk," Ghosn said in the interview. "I knew that, if I was putting people around me in the loop, not only they were taking a risk, but also the risk of any slippage, any rumor, any leak, would be very high, and they would kill any project like this. So, I had to work by myself only with people who are going to operate, you know? There was nobody else. This was a condition." The fugitive, who described himself specifically as a "fugitive from injustice," says he's the only person who knows all the details about what really happened. In the late '90s, Ghosn helped pull Nissan back from the brink of bankruptcy. But other Nissan executives accused him of not disclosing how much he was taking out of the company as profits began to suffer in 2018, and Ghosn was arrested in Japan and charged with financial wrongdoing. He has claimed he's innocent of all charges and needed to escape from Japan, where there is a 99% conviction rate. At Japan's request, Interpol issued a "Red Notice" for Ghosn and his wife Carole, which doesn't require Lebanon to arrest him but is a request to law enforcement worldwide that they locate and arrest a fugitive. "I don't feel bad about it, because the way I've been treated, and the way I was looking at the system, frankly, I don't feel any guilt," Ghosn told CBS News. The Lebanese government has restricted him from leaving the country, but he is now believed to be residing in a $15 million mansion. Read the original article on Business Insider The previous record was held by a 1967 Shelby GT500 that sold for $2.2 million at Mecum's Kissimmee auction past year. The Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT featured in the film "Bullitt" was sold on Friday at a Florida auction house for $3.74 million. Last year, a 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Mustang sold at Mecum Kissimmee for $2.2 million, according to Hagerty. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 auto used in the Steve McQueen film Bullitt is seen during the Paris Motor Show in 2016. The auto remains in a fully unrestored state, bearing the scars from the iconic 10-minute chase, plus over 40 years of daily use. He opted for a no-reserve sale, which meant there was no minimum price that buyers had to top. I'm a Mustang kid and for a hot minute, Steve McQueen was just stunning. Two Mustang GT Fastbacks in Highland Green were ordered for the film, with chassis number '559 the one used most by McQueen as the hero vehicle. Many movie buffs view the chase as ground-breaking for its duration and white-knuckle drama. In the action classic, McQueen played Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco police detective determined to track down the underworld kingpin responsible for the killing of a witness who'd been under his protection. Kiernan's father, Robert, bought the vehicle after seeing an ad in a 1974 issue of "Road & Track". THe Kiernan family had previously turned down big-money offers for the auto, including from McQueen himself who was keen to be reunited with the vehicle. Putting the Bullitt Mustang up for sale has been a tough decision for the Kiernan family with Robert's son, Scott, appearing in person to start the bidding in Kissimmee. "I would like very much to keep it in the family, in its original condition as it was used in the film, rather than have it restored; which is simply personal with me". McQueen died in 1980 at age 50. In 2014, the most valuable muscle auto to be sold, a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible, was sold for $3.5 million, the company said. It went almost 40 years without being driven until recently, with 104,607 kilometres on the odometer, Sean Kiernan said. McLaren Northern Michigan expects increase in COVID patients during the upcoming weeks As of Jan. 3, McLaren Northern Michigan had 20 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized, as well as three in the intensive care unit. TUCSON, Ariz. and KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With a new name, new look and an exciting new concept, Sleep Solutions Outlet is offering consumers a whole new way to buy a bed. No waiting for sales to get a great deal. No marketing gimmicks. No haggling with mattress salespeople. Now, shoppers can find the sleep solution that's ideal for them in a comfortable, relaxed environment. The completely reimagined stores offer a huge assortment of top quality Sealy and Stearns & Foster mattresses at outlet prices every day of the week. Premium brand mattresses on display at Sleep Solutions Outlet. Sleep Solutions Outlet offers up to 60% off retail prices on factory overstocks, closeouts and comfort returns. Up to 60% off premium mattresses. 100% of the time. Sleep Solutions Outlet is a true outlet. The chain has access to Sealy and Stearns & Foster Secondary Bedding products, which include factory seconds, overstocks, floor models, discontinued items and comfort returns. "It's just a smarter way to buy a mattress," says Mike Souza, Sleep Solutions Outlet CEO. "Because of our unique relationship with the manufacturer, we get priority access to these truly phenomenal deals. And because we can offer so many different types of mattresses, we have a solution for every body and every budget." Sleep solutions in a comfortable environment. Sleep Solutions Outlet calls their pricing "Easy Everyday Values" and everything about the new stores is designed to make the entire experience easy and enjoyable. "We want shoppers to be comfortable during the entire process," Souza explains. "From the minute they walk into the store to trying out the various mattresses and, most importantly, when they get their mattress home." Mattress shopping designed to take the pressure off. You won't find pushy salespeople at Sleep Solutions Outlet. The sales associates are friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable. They can explain the relative benefits of a hybrid mattress vs. a traditional coil spring mattress, and help shoppers find the best one for their body type. Built on a foundation of trust and transparency. Since opening its first store in 2010, Sleep Solutions Outlet quickly became the nation's leading liquidator of high quality, name brand mattresses. Now, with a bold new look and concept, Sleep Solutions Outlet is building on a high level of consumer trust and confidence. "We're proud of the chain we build with BMC," adds Souza, "And we're excited to go even further with Sleep Solutions Outlet." Grand Opening Celebrations at all four Tucson-area locations. Throughout the Grand Opening event, Sleep Solutions Outlet will be offering exciting grand opening deals and giveaways including free pillows to every shopper, while supplies last. Media Contact: Jerry Wessels [email protected] 214.354.3634 SOURCE BMC Mattress MADRID (AP) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday that he wants the hallmark of his new left-wing coalition government to be the dialogue needed to tackle the countrys most pressing issues, including the Catalan separatist conflict. Sanchez said that following the top priority of economic growth, his government will focus on improving the relations between Spain's diverse regions, in a veiled reference to Catalonia. Our citizens have demanded of their politicians a Spain of moderation and not one of conflict, Sanchez saidafter formally presenting King Felipe VI with the names of his new Cabinet members. Sanchez, who came to power in 2018, remained in charge after his Socialist Party won back-to-back elections last year and he eventually managed to form a coalition government with the left-wing United We Can party last week. In order to get the support needed to win the endorsement of parliament to form a government, Sanchez had to agree to opening talks with the separatist-led regional government of Catalonia which wants to break with the rest of Spain. That has earned him severe criticism from the three right-of-center opposition parties despite his promises not to allow a referendum on independence. This will be the first coalition government in Spain since the restoration of democracy in 1978. To accommodate the inclusion of a second party in government, Sanchez has increased the number of ministries from 17 to 22. His Cabinet will be equally split between men and women and he says that his government will have gender equality as one of its overarching missions. The other main priorities for Sanchez are social justice, the environment, adapting to an aging population, and managing the digital revolution. Around one half of Catalonias 7.5 million residents would support secession for the wealthy region, according to polls. The separatist movement in Catalonia has caused the worst political crisis in Spain in decades. Cars used by Belgium's federal police force can't enter major cities in the country because they don't adhere to new vehicle emission rules introduced at the start of 2020. Tighter restrictions were brought into force at the start of the month to cut the number of older diesel cars and vans from entering low emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. It's since emerged that many of the vehicles being used by Belgium police are too dirty to enter these cities. Too dirty to patrol: Thousands of vehicles used by Belgium federal police are too dirty to be used in the country's major cities due to new low emission zone rules introduced in 2020 The police force said it does not have sufficient funds to renew its entire fleet of cars to make them compliant with the new vehicle emission standards required for the cities. This is said to impact several thousand of vehicles being used by police officers, which it has already warned authorities about. Owners of vehicles have until the end of March to adhere to the new restrictions before they are issued with fines of 350 (300). A spokeswoman for the police force declined to detail exactly how many of the department's vehicles now fail to meet the stricter rules. Some exceptions have been made for certain cars clearly marked as for police use, such as those equipped with a blue flashing light and a siren, she added. Other vehicles have been shifted to duties outside the major cities. Belgium also has local police forces, such as six covering the capital Brussels. The low emission zone in Brussels was tightened in January to ban all Euro 3 diesel vehicles. Owners have a 3 month grace period to replace their cars before receiving fines of 300 The federal police said it does not have the sufficient funds to replace its fleet of cars and vans that don't meet the updated emission zone standards in major cities Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent already had bans in place on the most polluting vehicles as part of their own low emission zones, similar to London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) introduced in April last year. However, from January 1 2020 it tightened the restrictions to all Euro 3 diesel models. This covers diesel vehicles registered from 2001 to 2005, which the federal police is still using. PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- We are pleased former President Bill Clinton enjoyed his recent trip to the Dominican Republic and acknowledged publicly his safety while on the island. As he said, "This is a great place and everybody should come here and see it." As a collection of hotel groups that have spent decades focused on giving U.S and international travelers the vacations of their dreams, we agree. That is why in November, a consortium of hotel ownership and management groups representing more than 50 properties and resorts in Punta Cana, joined together to reassure travelers that our 50+ properties in Punta Cana (the eastern most destination on the island) are all laser focused on guests' safety and security throughout their stay. This joint commitment to a set of policies, safety guidelines, and security measures across all our properties is called the Punta Cana Promise . The Punta Cana Promise is an eight-point pledge that assures the highest level of safety, security and service are met across all participating properties. Each hotel will display the Punta Cana Promise seal as a demonstration of its commitment to the eight points and a visual assurance to U.S. and international travelers. Delivering on that level of service is our top priority. To learn more about the Punta Cana Promise, please visit www.puntacanapromise.com and follow @PuntaCanaPromise on Facebook SOURCE Punta Cana Promise Related Links http://www.puntacanapromise.com The industrial disharmony that has been creating disruptions in the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) since last week, has finally affected medical activities at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMED) in Ondo. While the workers in EKSUTH are threatening a showdown with the state government over the sack of about 200 workers by the government and unpaid emoluments, their Ondo counterparts are already on a no-work mode because of three to six months unpaid salaries. The Resident Doctors at UNIMED teaching hospital in Ondo and Akure began their indefinite strike on Friday and went ahead to stage a protest, calling for the payment of their salaries. The striking doctors said they could no longer condone the non-payment of their wages by the state government. They lamented that they were being owed between three and six month salaries depending on when they joined the service. The strike had grounded activities at the hospitals both in Ondo town and the Akure, forcing patients to seek medical attention in private hospitals. The Chairman, Media Committee, Association of Resident Doctors, UNIMED, Taiwo Olagbe, told journalists that the doctors were being owed between three and six month salaries depending on when they joined the service of the hospital. He said several meetings with the state government had failed to resolve the problem and so they had no choice but to go on strike. The doctors also accused the hospitals management of doing a selective payment as thirty three out of over one hundred and fifty doctors who were paid one month salary recently. They promised to return to work as soon as their salaries were paid. Meanwhile the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Wahab Adegbenro, said the government would begin to address the problem on Monday. He explained that the protesting doctors were new employees whose appointment processes were still being perfected. Mr Adegbenro denied that the strike action had affected medical operations in the hospitals, saying patients were being attended to by other doctors not affected by the issue. Ado Ekiti Meanwhile, in Ado Ekiti, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Ekiti Chapter, on Sunday backed down on their threats to go on a strike, after the state government tried to remedy the situation. The resident doctors had planned a strike to commence on Monday, demanding that the sacked workers be reabsorbed promptly before Monday. With some of the demands met and further discussions scheduled with the government, the workers said they had no choice but to shelve the planned strike. The health union, in stating its reasons for shelving the strike, stated that the suspension was to display respect for the state governor, Kayode Fayemi. After the expiration of the first ultimatum on Thursday, the union gave a three-day extension which expired at midnight on Sunday. However, on Sunday afternoon, the Chairman of JOHESU, EKSUTH chapter, Omotola Farotimi, said the strike had been suspended following a resolution reached by labour and the management on Friday, January 10. We wont be going on strike again, she said. On Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour, Chief Yemi Esan, came to hold a meeting with us on behalf of the governor, with the management and we all came to a conclusion that everybody that was given letter would be given fair hearing by the time they would meet in February and they would give them their salary. Some of them had been reabsorbed and we are told they are to go back to their duty posts with immediate effect. They (government) have also agreed to meet all our agitations on welfare of members soon. We give the governor the regard for coming to our aid and for calling the meeting to hear us out. Advertisements We are giving him that respect that is why we are suspending the strike hoping that the needful would be done. Terms He also explained the terms of the agreement. He said the agreement between the workers and the government stipulated that all the sacked workers shall be given fair hearing by EKSUTHs boards appeal panel during its sitting in February. It was also agreed that all the sacked workers working in critical sectors should return to their duty posts with immediate effect, with a promise that their re-absorption will be forwarded to the board for ratification. It was also resolved that all those with genuine cases will be redressed with all their salaries and allowances paid. And that no one would be made to be victim of witchhunt over the imbroglio in EKSUTH, the official said. In a sleepy village next to Lake Taihu, Geely is embarking on a technical tour-de-force with its 5G Connected Factory. It is here where the ... We are being paid to tell our clients side of the story, Mr. Burson told the New York Times that year. We are in the business of changing and molding attitudes, and we arent successful unless we move the needle, get people to do something. But we are also a clients conscience, and we have to do what is in the public interest. Within hours of demanding the US Senate call house speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff as witnesses at his upcoming impeachment trial, President Donald Trump reversed course and suggested the Senate should dismiss the charges against him without hearing any evidence. Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, no pressure Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have, the US president tweeted Sunday afternoon, approximately three hours after writing that Ms Pelosi and Mr Schiff must testify at his trial, which could later this week. Senate rules do not currently allow for the dismissal articles of impeachment prior to a trial, although some Republican senators have signed on to support a measure introduced by Missouris Josh Hawley, which would amend the law to allow such a move. However, it is unlikely anything of the sort could muster the 67 votes such a change would require. Mr Trump became the third American president to face a Senate impeachment trial last month when the House of Representatives voted on 18 December to approve two articles of impeachment against him. Some 230 members 229 Democrats plus Michigan Republican-turned-independent Justin Amash voted to charge Mr Trump with abusing his power over the withholding $391m (300m) in military aid in a bid to force Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to announce investigations into the family of political rival Joe Biden. Mr Amash and 228 Democrats also voted to approve a second article of impeachment against Mr Trump for obstructing a congressional investigation into whether he had committed impeachable offences by withholding the aid. Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff later identified as diplomat David Holmes overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS Unlike previous presidential impeachments, not a single member of the presidents own party voted in favour of either charge. Mr Trump and his allies have seized on this fact to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the entire proceedings, although most reputable legal scholars have dismissed such arguments as being without merit. Ms Pelosi has so far stalled on appointing the managers who will transmit the impeachment articles to the Senate and prosecute Mr Trump at his trial. Recommended Pelosi to send Trump impeachment articles to Senate next week Shortly after the House voted to approve both articles, the California Democrat told reporters she and her leadership team would wait to see what they are going to do on the Senate side. She pointed to statements made during a TV appearance by Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, in which the Kentucky Republican said he would be coordinating the conduct of Mr Trumps trial with the White House counsels office. Ms Pelosi and Mr McConnell have been locked in a stalemate since then over the question of whether the Senate will allow witnesses - including former Trump national security adviser John Bolton - to testify. Mr Bolton, whose lawyers have previously alluded to his possession of information relevant to the charges against the president, said in a statement last week that he would testify if the Senate chooses to subpoena him as a witness. But the weeks-long deadlock appeared to break on Friday, with Ms Pelosi announcing the House would vote on a resolution to appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate as early as Wednesday. She's already set to co-host next year's Golden Globes ceremony with her friend Amy Poehler. Tina Fey made another major appearance for an intimate talk with Oprah Winfrey as part of her 2020 Vision: Your Life In Focus tour. The 49-year-old writer and comedian revealed that she'd managed to lose 30 pounds recently via Weight Watchers during their chat Sunday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Influential meeting: Tina Fey sat down with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday in St. Paul, Minnesota, for an intimate talk as part of her 2020 Vision: Your Life In Focus tour Tina looked stylish and elegant in a black and white plaid suit, which she wore over a black sweater. The former SNL star elevated her 5ft5in stature with a reflective silver pair of heels, and she let her voluminous brunette locks rest over her shoulders. Oprah looked comfortable and casual in an olive suede vest with fringe, along with a white shirt and brown leather pants. Business formal: Tina looked stylish and elegant in a black and white plaid suit, which she wore over a black sweater. She paired the outfit with reflective silver heels Simple style: Oprah looked comfortable and casual in an olive suede vest with fringe, along with a white shirt and brown leather pants Tina revealed to Oprah early in their chat that she had gotten a lifetime membership to WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers), which she credited with helping her lose 30 pounds. She said she joined the organization in New York after spending some time in Chicago. 'I was in Chicago, and really enjoyed the food... and the big coats,' she joked. The Mean Girls writer said she wasn't currently counting points, though that was likely to change as it got closer to the Golden Globes. Oprah has long been an advocate of the weight loss organization, which sponsored her current nine-date tour. Tina revealed to Oprah early in their chat that she had gotten a lifetime membership to Weight Watchers, which she credited with helping her lose 30 pounds Covered up: She said she joined the organization in New York after spending some time in the Midwest. 'I was in Chicago, and really enjoyed the food... and the big coats,' she joked; pictured in February Taking her time: The Mean Girls writer said she wasn't currently counting points, though that was likely to change as it got closer to the Golden Globes Tina also joked during their conversation about wanting to steal away Oprah's friend Gayle King, who's set to be her special guest for the final event on March 7 in Denver, Colorado. But after the comedy, she got more introspective while thinking about what she still wanted to accomplish in her career. 'I feel like I am at an age where all the things I've ever thought I wanted to do, I did them. I always wanted to work at Saturday Night Live, I always wanted to have a show, I always wanted to have children..." she said, according to The Oprah Magazine. 'And I did that. So I feel like I'm trying to be quiet, and take things in. And listen. I'm waiting for something inside me to tell me what the next thing is I want to do.' 'Wait for that,' replied Oprah. 'Don't tell it. Let it tell you.' Tina shares two children, Alice, 14, and Penelope, eight, with her husband Jeff Richmond, who composes the music for many of her shows and a Broadway musical adaptation of Mean Girls. Icon: Prior to their conversation inside the Xcel Energy Center, Oprah and Tina stepped out in the frigid air to visit a statue immortalizing the late Mary Tyler Moore from her iconic TV series Landmark: 'You better believe I was going to visit the Mary Tyler Moore statue when I touched down in Minnesota!' Oprah wrote. 'Liz Lemon wouldve loved this' Prior to their conversation inside the Xcel Energy Center, Oprah and Tina stepped out in the frigid air to visit a statue immortalizing the late Mary Tyler Moore from her iconic TV series. 'You better believe I was going to visit the Mary Tyler Moore statue when I touched down in Minnesota!' Oprah captioned the video. 'Thank you for joining me, Tina Fey. Liz Lemon wouldve loved this.' Tina stayed toasty in a black down jacket with a fur-lined hood, while Oprah covered up in a ribbed beige jacket and a matching turtleneck. 'We came here to have our Mary moment, because we're both huge Mary fans,' Oprah said in front of the bronze statue, which showed the actress tossing her hat in the air, a reference to the show's instantly recognizable credits sequence. Staying warm: Tina stayed toasty in a black down jacket with a fur-lined hood, while Oprah covered up in a ribbed beige jacket and a matching turtleneck Security sources said that the Myanmar army has been carrying out operations since January 29 against all the Indian insurgent groups. Indicating that they would be surrendering their arms soon to the security forces, security sources said that they would be part of the ongoing peace-process. Guwahati: In a major breakthrough on insurgency front, about 40 cadres of anti-talk faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), including its chairman B. Saoraigwra, have come back to India on Saturday night from Myanmar to join the ongoing peace-process with government of India. Informing that outfit had approached the government of India expressing their willingness to give up their armed-struggle, security sources said that safe passage was facilitated to all the NDFB cadres by the Indian army to cross over to India from international border in Manipur. Security sources said, The NDFB chairman, B. Saoraigwra, and his family members along with his security personnel crossed the international border at Tamu (in Manipur), while NDFB-S (self-styled) general secretary B. Ferrenga, council members and other cadres entered India through the Longwa international border (in Nagaland). Claiming that some more cadres would be coming to join the peace-process in next few weeks, security sources however refused to divulge their whereabouts. They have been kept at safe location under strict security cover, said security sources coordinating the process in the ministry of home affairs. Security sources said that the Myanmar army has been carrying out operations since January 29 against all the Indian insurgent groups. Pointing out that they were also facing acute shortage of fund, security sources said that NDFB cadres have come out with their arms and ammunitions. Indicating that they would be surrendering their arms soon to the security forces, security sources said that they would be part of the ongoing peace-process. Security sources however clarified that the most wanted NDFB leader G Bidai was not the part of the group. The NDFB faction, led by G Bidai was responsible for the massacre of over 80 Adivasis (tea tribe community) in northern Assam in December 2014. Following the bloodbath, most of its leaders fled to Myanmar and Bhutan as the security forces launched a massive operation against the outfit. The most wanted G Bidai, is said to have been holed up, along with a few cadres, in Bhutan bordering Western Assam. He escaped several close encounters with Indian army. 760 Shares Share As a doctor, there is an experience that all can relate to. It concerns that particular patient who comes in with not just one concern, but a litany of them. They require more than the prescribed 15 minutes of visit time, and we sit and listen, try our best to console and guide. Yet, for some patients, it never seems to be enough. Our suggestions are challenged, our views questioned. They leave unhappy, and we are left feeling inadequate. There is a knee-jerk response that occurs, and Ill be the first to admit it happens to me: the tendency to label that patient as difficult. There are certainly other terms that may make their way into the record of that patient, like overly anxious or hypochondriacalterms that, once included, do more to characterize that patient to other clinicians they may see in the future. Its the code of medicine that clinicians use to forewarn each other. And its certainly unfair. I remember a patient from long ago, when I was starting practice. She had been treated for ovarian cancer. It had terrified her, but she made it through surgery and chemotherapy. I was so happy for her when that last treatment was administered. Youre finally done, I exclaimed. Put it all behind you, and move on with your life. Really? she said. It was her only responseand one I had not anticipated. We looked at each other for a bit, and then I continued. Look, no one knows what the future will hold, and yes, the odds are high you will have a relapse. But, its not 100 percent. We will watch you closely, so leave your cancer here, and try to be happy its finished. She smiled and walked out. In the months that followed, though, I would get messages from her, infrequently at first, but within a few months, she was calling often. My nurse would come in and tell me about themconcerns about various pains or a cough, general worry that cancer had moved to her lungs, her liver, her bones. She wanted X-rays and CT scans, repeat labs with each call. My nurse would call her back, provide advice we agreed on, and do her best to address the symptoms. I would see this patient every three months, where we would rehash the notebook of symptoms she had faithfully recorded since the last visit. We would discuss the pros and cons of imaging. Each 15-minute visit would last over 30 or 45 minutes, and at each visit, I would end it the same wayAll things suggest youre fine. Stop worrying so much, and try to smell the flowers. Each time, she would smile, get up, and walk out. Ultimately, she fired me. She told the patient advocate at the time that I was dismissive and didnt take her seriously. To be honest, I was relieved. She was incredibly difficult. This happened a very long time ago, and since that time, I like to think Ive evolved. I now realize that going back to a normal life is not an option after youve been treated for cancer. Everything changes: how you view life, how you see your place in this world, how you relate to other people. Cancer forces you to evolve into someone different. And, in that first-year post-diagnosis, there is also an emotional response to this real threat of a mortal illnessfear of recurrence. Studies suggest that up to 20 percent of those treated for cancer have severe symptoms associated with fear of recurrence, and in 70 percent the symptoms are of moderate severity. As Ive learned more about this, I also looked back on this particular woman who had been through curative treatment for her ovarian cancer and I learned, albeit late, that she was suffering, and I failed to recognize the symptoms consistent with fear of recurrence: the hypervigilance, the paralyzing anxiety, the frequent need to be heard. Fortunately, we have made strides to help guide our patients in how to manage fear of recurrence, but it begins with calling it by its name. While Ive learned its important to not only hear our patients but to really listen; its also important to recognize my own reactions. Now, if a patient is making me feel anxious, I know to pause, and to ask myself, Whats really going on here? I now know that patients arent calling our offices because they are bored. They are often calling because they dont know where else to turn. And if I dont have the time to sit, listen, and counsel, then its my job to find the right person who can help, whether it be the phenomenal social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, or the palliative care physicians that are the extensions of supportive care that is implicit in the care of all patients with cancer. I never saw that patient again. She left the institution and established care outside of the city where I practiced. But, she taught me an important lesson in doctoring. I wish I could tell her how much she taught me about empathy and about how cancer is more than just biology. But mostly, I wish I could tell her that Im sorry. She deserved better from me. I know that now. Don S. Dizon is an oncologist who blogs at ASCO Connection. Kelly Shanahan is an obstetrician-gynecologist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com An Air Canada flight bound for Australia has diverted to Honolulu because of a dead passenger. Passenger Christopher Woodgate, 38, was pronounced dead when the flight landed in the Hawaii capital on Saturday, said Kira Paiva-Kimura, an administrative services officer for the Honolulu medical examiner's office. An autopsy will be conducted. The flight from Vancouver was headed for Brisbane when it diverted to Honolulu because of a medical emergency, said Peter Fitzpatrick, an Air Canada spokesman. He would not provide details about what happened to the passenger. The man died on an Air Canada flight to Brisbane. Source: Getty/file "Out of respect for the privacy of our customers, Air Canada cannot confirm the details about the medical emergency," he said in an email. The man had been sick prior to the flight, Jessica Lani Rich of the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, a nonprofit that assists visitors in distress, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The man was travelling with five children, his wife and another family member, Ms Rich said. Her organisation also hired a nurse to care overnight for an 11-year-old passenger travelling alone. There were 257 passengers and 13 crew members on the flight. The airline provided passengers with hotel and food vouchers. The passengers left Honolulu on Sunday on a different flight, Mr Fitzpatrick said. 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. Donald Trump has said he couldnt care less if Iran negotiates with the US despite his own administration suggesting it was working to get the country to come to the table amid increasing tensions. The president tweeted about comments made during an interview on Fox News Sunday with National Security Adviser Robert OBrien, in which the White House official said he believed the maximum pressure campaign is working and that Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table after the administration introduced a new round of sanctions against Tehran. National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran choked off, will force them to negotiate, Mr Trump tweeted on Sunday night. Actually, I couldnt care less if they negotiate. He added: Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and dont kill your protesters. The tough talk comes after Mr Trump ordered the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, who died in a US air strike earlier this month. Iran has since responded by targeting multiple military bases in Iraq known to house US and coalition troops, though neither of the Tehran-linked air strikes have so far resulted in any US casualties. Mr Trump also repeatedly warned Iran against killing protestors taking to the streets after Tehran was found to have shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, in which 176 people died, including 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three British nationals. Iran has blamed human error for striking down the passenger jet, as well as US adventurism which it said led to the unintentional strike. Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Show all 23 1 /23 Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians demonstrate following a tribute for the victims of the Ukraine Boeing 737 crash in front of the Amirkabir University in the capital Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police dispersed students chanting "radical" slogans during a gathering in Tehran to honour the 176 people killed when an airliner was mistakenly shot down AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University - People hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises Online videos purported to show that Iranian security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University AFP correspondents said hundreds of students had gathered early in the evening to pay respects to those killed in the air disaster ISNA/AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back at police AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University A protester confronts an Iranian police officer AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gathe AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians light candles for victims EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran People burn British and Israeli flags during a protest in front of the British embassy, in Tehran. Hundreds of Iranian hardliners gathered for a protest against Britain, a day after the UK ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire was detained after attending a a vigil for the victims of Ukraine passenger jet EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protestBritish embassy protest in Tehran Chanting "Death to Britain", up to 200 protesters rallied outside the mission a day after the brief arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran AFP via Getty Images Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protesters chant slogans while holding up posters of Gen. Qassem Soleimani during a demonstration in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. AP To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS, the president wrote on Sunday as demonstrators in Iran protested over the downing of the Ukrainian plane. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching, he continued. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! The region has fallen into further instability amid the escalating crisis between Iran and the US. While the Pentagon has said US interests faced an imminent threat from Soleimani, White House officials have failed to present evidence of such claims, and some have even admitted to not actually seeing that evidence before Mr Trump ordered the air strike against the Iranian general. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also told reporters last week we dont know exactly which day it wouldve been executed, but added that Soleimani himself was plotting a broad, large-scale attack against American interests and those attacks were imminent. Mr Trump has meanwhile insisted Iran was possibly targeting four US embassies, though his secretary of defence said on Sunday he had not reviewed evidence supporting those claims. On Sunday, Mr OBrien brushed off Irans response to the conflict as typical and said increased economic pressure may ultimately result in a resolution. What's going to cause them to negotiate is the pressure on the economy, the national security adviser said. When you've got students out there chanting 'death to the dictator', and when you have thousands of Iranians out protesting in the street, that's the sort of pressure that's going to bring them to the table. HANOI (Reuters) - A court in Vietnam handed lengthy jail terms on Monday to two former chairmen of Danang city, accused of economic mismanagement, state media reported on Monday. Tran Van Minh and Van Huu Chien were sentenced to 17 and 12 years in prison, respectively, by Hanoi People's Court, reported Tuoi Tre newspaper. Minh was the chairman of Danang, Vietnam's top tourism destination, from 2006 to 2011, while Chien was chairman from 2011 to 2014. The pair were accused of violating regulations on state asset and land management to illegally sell several state-owned land slots to businessman Phan Van Anh Vu, causing losses of up to 22 trillion dong ($949.38 million) to the state budget, the report said. Vu, who fled to Singapore seeking passage to Germany but was arrested in Vietnam two years ago, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday for violating state regulations on land management, according to the report. Vu, also known as "Aluminium Vu", had earlier been sentenced to decades in prison at other trials for deliberate disclosure of state secrets and abusing power to appropriate property. The court also sentenced 18 other people on Monday to between 1.5 and 6 years for their involvement in the case, the report said. ($1 = 23,173 dong) (Reporting by Hanoi Newsroom; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) ITHACA, N.Y. An officer accused of failing to thoroughly investigate an array of crimes for the Ithaca Police Department could be fire, Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick said on Twitter. The mayor has said the officer whom officials havent identified did inadequate investigations into various crimes over 10 years. Some of those cases included sexual abuse allegations, officials have said. On Monday, Svante Myrick responded to a critic on Twitter by saying he totally agreed that the officers reported conduct is unacceptable. Weve taken appropriate action with respect to every officer involved, including termination of the officer directly involved, Myrick wrote. And instituted nine important reforms to make sure this cannot happen again. Contacted by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, Myrick later clarified that the officer had not been fired, but that his office is seeking the officers termination. The decision will ultimately go to an independent arbitrator, should the officer contest his or her firing. Totally agreed. We've taken appropriate action with respect to every officer involved, including termination of the officer directly involved. And instituted nine important reforms to make sure this cannot happen again. Mayor Svante Myrick (@SvanteMyrick) January 13, 2020 The department has turned over records of the mishandled cases to the district attorneys office and state Attorney Generals office, Myrick said in a news release and in a Facebook post. The Ithaca Voice, citing sources from both city hall and the police department, reported that an audit of Ithacas investigations division began six months ago. The online media outlet reported that the audit tried to account for cases being assigned to investigators and how many of the cases were closed. More than 200 cases assigned to one investigator were backlogged and the cases were then reassigned to other investigators who began following up with each case, the Voice reported. Myrick said that the police department would like anyone who reported crimes to come forward if the complaint went unanswered by the police department. Ithaca officials said the following policies have been established for investigators and the investigations division: New expectations have been disseminated to the investigators. All open cases require an update every two weeks unless a supervisor approves otherwise (due to vacations and/or other time off). The division holds daily briefings in an effort to increase communication, efficiency and teamwork. All cases are tracked from the time they are assigned to the time they are closed. The division has established a new computer case management system. A technical sergeant has been reassigned to provide for an additional layer of supervision and oversight. The division is also implementing monthly supervision meetings with each investigator. All investigators are now generalists to ensure equitable work distribution. They wont be assigned specialties but will receive training to handle different types of cases. Editors note: This article initially stated that the officer had been fired, based on Myricks post on Twitter. However, the mayor later clarified that the process is ongoing and the officer is still employed. The mayor said the employees future will be determined by an arbitrator unless the officer resigns. Two Alabama women are under arrest after authorities say they were stopped in Georgia with multiple bottles filled with the date rape drug. The Troup County Sheriffs Office on Monday identified the suspects Ashley Prince, 47, and Jessica Partridge, 26. Both women are from Opelika. Sheriffs Lt. Nathan Taylor on Friday stopped a vehicle for a window tint violation on Interstate 85 southbound at mile marker 8. The lieutenant noticed behavior consistent with criminal activity, authorities said, and the agencys drug-sniffing dog, Chapo, was deployed for a free-air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Chapo indicated the presence of narcotic odor, and a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up about 2 gallons of GHB gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Prince, who was the driver, and Partridge, a passenger, were arrested and charged with possession of GHB with intent to distribute. Following their arrest, narcotics agents from the Lee County Sheriffs Office were contacted and they, along with Harris County Sheriffs Office and Muscogee County Sheriffs Office, conducted a search at Princes residence in Lee County. Authorities found methamphetamine, LSD, marijuana, and additional GHB. Prince will also be facing charges in Lee County for the narcotics discovered during the search warrant. U.S. Attorney General William Barr speaks at the International Conference on Cyber Security at Fordham University School of Law on July 23, 2019 in New York City. Attorney General William Barr said during a press conference on Monday that Apple had not helped the FBI crack into password-protected iPhones used by Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, who is suspected of killing three people last month in a shooting at a Navy base in Pensacola, Florida. The comments highlight law enforcement's frustration with encryption technologies that protect data so that neither Apple nor law enforcement can easily read it. The speech also previews future clashes between technology companies and governments over whether to build "back doors" that would allow law enforcement elevated access to private data to solve crimes like terrorism. "We have asked Apple for their help in unlocking the shooter's iPhones. So far Apple has not given us any substantive assistance," Barr said, next to a poster with a picture of the iPhones. "This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that investigators be able to get access to digital evidence once they have obtained a court order based on probable cause." "We call on Apple and other technology companies to help us find a solution so that we can better protect the lives of Americans and prevent future attacks," he said. Barr has also clashed with Facebook over encrypted messages, which he called "data-in-motion" on Monday. When Barr was asked if he was considering a court order to compel Apple to unlock the iPhones, he declined to comment. Last week, the FBI sent a letter to Apple's general counsel asking for help. Late Monday, the company said in a statement, "We reject the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the Pensacola investigation." Apple said it responded to law enforcement requests "promptly, often within hours" and that it has turned over "many gigabytes of information" to investigators. Apple was involved in a high-profile showdown with the FBI in 2016 when the Justice Department sued it to help it gain access to a phone used by Syed Farook, who was responsible for the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 people dead. The FBI eventually said that it was able to gain access to the phone using a private vendor, which cracked the phone's security. Apple has designed its devices with encryption, which means that it cannot access personal information on locked iPhones without the password to the phone. In the San Bernardino case, Apple said that in order to retrieve data that hasn't been uploaded to the company's servers, it would have to build special software. Several vendors make devices marketed to law enforcement that can crack into iPhones, but the efficacy of those devices can increase or decrease based on security flaws Apple fixes. Last week, an Apple employee focused on privacy who was speaking at a trade show defended Apple's use of encryption. She said the company has a team working around the clock to respond to requests from law enforcement but that she doesn't support building "back doors." Representative image The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police, on January 12. confirmed to have arrested Davinder Singh (also known as Davindra Singh) - the deputy superintendent of J&K Police - along with two Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar, while addressing a press conference, stated that the senior cop would be treated and tried as a terrorist. Singh, for his role in anti-terror operations in J&K, was awarded the President's Medal. Singh was detained in a car along with the two terrorists Naveed Babu and Altaf in south Kashmir. Soon after the arrest, the IGP said, We consider DSP Davinder Singh's involvement as a heinous crime and he will be dealt in the same manner as other arrested militants. Singh has been booked under the Unlawful Activity Act. The trio was caught red-handed with grenades and other explosives. In a subsequent raid, two AK 47-rifles were recovered from Singhs house. The deputy SP is accused of ferrying the militants from the Shopian area, possibly out of the valley. The owner of the vehicle in which the two militants and Singh were arrested is yet to be traced. The DSP was posted with the anti-hijacking unit at Srinagar airport and was also one of the officials to receive the 16-member delegation of foreign ambassadors who visited Kashmir last week. Singh will be interrogated by all security agencies. The Armenian authorities have strongly denied media claims that they will use repressive methods and even blackmail in a bid to force the chairman and other members of Armenias Constitutional Court to resign. Citing an unnamed government source, the Hraparak daily said late last week that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has given the heads of Armenias law-enforcement agencies one week to ensure those resignations. It claimed that at a secret meeting in Yerevan Pashinian discussed with them various ways of achieving that, including pressure on close relatives of the Constitutional Court judges. Another newspaper critical of Pashinians government, 168 Zham alleged afterwards that the Armenian police possess secretly filmed video evidence of extramarital affairs involving two unnamed members of the court. The police will threaten to publicize that compromising material if the judges refuse to step down, claimed the paper. A spokesman for Prosecutor-General Artur Davtian flatly denied those false reports at the weekend, saying that they are aimed at discrediting the countrys top law-enforcement officials. I find it necessary to inform that there was no such meeting, especially with such an agenda and especially with the participation of Armenias prosecutor-general, Gor Abrahamian wrote on Facebook. Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian parliament speaker and a close associate of Pashinian, shrugged off the allegations on Monday. I dont have time to comment on any fictitious theories, he said. Davtian charged Constitutional Court Chairman Hrayr Tovmasian with two counts of abuse of power late last month. The chief prosecutors office said Tovmasian unlawfully privatized an office in Yerevan and forced state notaries to rent other offices de facto belonging to him when he served as justice minister from 2010-2014. Tovmasian was quick to reject the accusations as politically motivated. He claimed that the Armenian government warned him this summer that he will be indicted if he refuses to step down. Mirzoyan brushed aside that claim, saying that Tovmasian would have been prosecuted even if he had resigned. The criminal case is not to do with his [current] tenure, he told reporters. The speaker also insisted that Pashinians political team is not desperate to get rid of Tovmasian and six other judges of the nine-member Constitutional Court who were installed by the countrys former governments. Its not that we go to bed and wake up thinking only about this issue and that our supreme goal is to oust Hrayr Tovmasian from the Constitutional Court, he said. Pashinian implicitly demanded the resignation of the high court judges in August. He accused them of maintaining links with Armenias former leadership and impeding reforms which he says are aimed at creating a truly independent judiciary. Pashinians critics say that he is on the contrary seeking to gain control over all Armenian courts and thus tighten his grip on power. Tovmasian was indicted on December 27 one day after President Armen Sarkissian signed into law a controversial government bill giving the seven Constitutional Court judges financial incentives to resign before the end of their mandate. Raghuraj Singh said that only one percent of the population is opposing the CAA. (Photo Credit: Facebook/Raghuraj Singh) New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh on Sunday landed himself amid controversies by saying that those who raise slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would be buried alive. Addressing a rally aimed at garnering support for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the new citizenship legislation, the UP Minister said, If you raise slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, I will bury you alive. Earlier, while anti-CAA protests in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), slogans were repotedly raised against PM Modi and CM Yogi. He also launched an attack on first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru saying, "What was Nehru's caste? He did not have a 'khaandan'," he claimed. The minister of state in the labour ministry further went to add that only one percent of the population is opposing the CAA, reports NDTV. Apparently targeting the protesters, Raghuraj Singh said, They stay in India, eat up our taxes and then raise 'murdabad' slogans against the leaders. This country belongs to people of all faiths, but slogan shouting against the Prime Minister or chief minister is unacceptable. In a similar incident, a BJP MLA from Karnataka, while addressing a gathering in Bellary, had issued apparent threats to 'minority' for participating in anti-CAA protests, BJP MLA. Also Read: 'Beware Of Majority': Karnataka BJP Lawmaker Warns 'Minority' Over Anti-CAA Protests He had said that opposing the new Citizenship legislation will not be good for them and that they will have to face the 'repercussions' for being opposed to the law. It's just a caution for those who are protesting against the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act). We are 80 per cent and you (Muslims) are 18 per cent. Imagine what will happen if we take charge", news Agency ANI quoted MLA Somashekar Reddy as saying. For two years, San Francisco outreach workers had tried coaxing into housing a frail 42-year-old homeless man whod been adrift on the citys streets for more than a decade. Client one used to sell his body for heroin money. He would often convulse uncontrollably until he quieted the spasms with alcohol. He was a familiar face for the citys paramedics, who fielded 118 calls to 911 about him in 2019, according to the Department of Public Health. Back in September, San Franciscos health and homelessness officials placed client one his name was withheld so health officials could discuss his case in front of a reporter without violating his privacy on a list with 236 other severely mentally ill, drug-addicted and homeless people on the citys streets. That list, called the shared priority project, is the citys latest attempt to force its fragmented departments and nonprofits to work together to help its most vulnerable. The idea is to specifically focus on 237 of the toughest cases and often those at highest risk of dying and do whatever it takes to get them the services and housing they need. Four months in, the results shared exclusively with The Chronicle provide a window into San Franciscos difficulties in caring for those in crisis. These clients face intense medical and psychological problems while navigating a disjointed, overwhelmed behavioral health care system. The shared priority project is part of a broader effort to revamp the citys system of care as a shortage of mental health workers, drug treatment beds and stable housing hobbles its ability to help the most vulnerable. With support from Mayor London Breed, the Board of Supervisors recently passed legislation, called Mental Health SF, to overhaul the system. The shared priority project is just a small step toward the kind of coordinated response promised in Mental Health SF. Since September, 43 out of 237 people have moved into permanent supportive housing. During that period, 84 people were placed into shelters, including 55 who were assigned to housing and are awaiting move-in. Meanwhile, 101 are still on the streets, including 34 whom officials cant find. Nine have died from overdoses or chronic health conditions. Blanchard; John While many on the list have long been known to city officials, coordination between city departments has been lacking. The 237 are part of a larger list of 4,000 people struggling from a deadly trifecta of homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction. The city has prioritized the smaller group for medical treatment and moved them to the front of the line for residential treatment facilities, permanent supportive housing or other types of interventions. The shared priority project has built upon efforts by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to catalog the citys population of unhoused people and match them with services. The department developed the list of 237 based on what clients were showing up as very-high-needs in both of our systems, said Jeff Kositsky, who directs the homelessness department. We couldnt do this work without (the citys Public Health Department) because they have expertise and data that we dont. This level of coordination has never existed before, he said. At their weekly meeting, team members talked incessantly about the need to share information. We need to make sure communication is really fluid. Thats what were really breaking the mold with here with this project making sure were not so siloed, said Melanie Bien, a behavioral health clinician. But even with increased resources, delivering care has not been easy. Housing specialists and social workers described navigating a litany of problems as they try to guide clients indoors. Client five, a 58-year-old woman, lost custody of her children years ago because of her addictions. She recently suffered a brain injury after using cocaine laced with fentanyl, Bien said. Bien worked with the woman in residential treatment 20 years ago. Its really sad to see her still struggling, she said. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle The effort really makes you realize what it takes, in a holistic way, to help people who have a lot of problems, said Barry Zevin, the health departments medical director of street medicine and shelter health. It also brings into the picture gaps in the system of care, and where it is hard to do the work because a gap is there. Through the shared priority project, Zevin said he hopes the city will gain a clearer understanding of where, exactly, people are slipping through the cracks as it works to adopt Mental Health SF. Under Mental Health SF, the city would try to provide fast and round-the-clock access to services for those in need and add 1,000 treatment beds to the system over the next few years. But for now, there arent enough beds. Erik Deiters, a city social worker who works with high-needs clients, said hes not surprised that only a fraction of the shared priority clients have been placed in housing. He knows how it is to build trust with clients and how long it can take to persuade them to go inside if a bed or housing unit is available. One of the biggest challenges, he said, is the sudden, dramatic rise of methamphetamine use, which the city doesnt have adequate resources to deal with. I dont think the system even knows how to handle this population, he 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. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Since September, about a dozen staffers from a handful of departments have crammed weekly into a small room in the health departments street medicine office for client updates. On a recent afternoon, they discussed client one. Just before Christmas, client one finally relented to social workers appeals and entered permanent supportive housing. Though he was still panhandling for vodka money, he finally had a safe place to sleep. But paramedics recently found him unconscious, though he revived with a dose of Narcan, which can help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. He was taken to the hospital, where hes being treated for withdrawal symptoms and pneumonia in an intensive care unit. Broken Care San Francisco spends nearly $400 million a year on mental health and addiction treatment, but thousands of people in crisis lack sufficient care. In this series, Chronicle journalists investigate the failures of this complicated, costly system and explore solutions to the crisis. For more from the series, search for "Broken Care" at sfchronicle.com. See More Collapse As Simon Pang, section chief of San Franciscos EMS-6 program a team of health workers who respond to emergencies involving the homeless delivered his report on client one, there was a sigh of frustration. Wed like to tell his caseworker to visit him in the hospital, Pang told the group. Im not entirely sure theyve met yet. Emergency calls from people like client one, Pang said, have been rising each year. They've been getting sicker and sicker on the street, he said. Despite the challenges, the shared priority team is buoyed by bits of uplifting news. During the weekly meeting, Tobi Skotnes, a health care analyst, excused herself to take a call. Skotnes returned with the news that a woman one of the 237 whod been missing had surfaced at an alcohol sobering center, looking for food. Skotnes quickly grabbed two team members to improvise a plan to get the woman into housing. They were able to catch her before she left the sobering center, and she was transported to a Navigation Center. As you can see, things are very fluid here, Bien said. Trisha Thadani and Dominic Fracassa are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com and tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani, @DominicFracassa Britains biggest regional airline, Flybe, will continue to operate after rescue talks with the Government proved successful. Delighted that we have reached agreement with Flybes shareholders to keep the company operating, ensuring that UK regions remain connected, said business secretary Andrea Leadsom. This will be welcome news for Flybes staff, customers and creditors and we will continue the hard work to ensure a sustainable future. Flybes shareholders have agreed to invest more money in the airline, according to BBC business editor Simon Jack. He tweeted: Government pledges to review air passenger duty in run up to budget but will make changes in line with their zero carbon ambitions. Flybe has urged the government to consider an across-the-board cut in air passenger duty to help keep it flying. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/13/2020 ADVERTISEMENT ANGELA AND MICHAEL ADVERTISEMENT MIKE AND NATALIE ADVERTISEMENT MICHAEL AND JULIANA ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ANNA AND MURSEL ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT BLAKE AND JASMIN ADVERTISEMENT TANIA AND SYNGIN ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. featured Anna Campisi dropping Mursel Mistanoglu off at the airport in a very emotional scene, Natalie Mordovtseva admitting she wasn't in love with Mike Youngquist, Jasmin Lahtinen clashing with Blake Abelard's friends, Tania Maduro and Syngin Colchester getting into a big fight, Juliana Custodio de Sousa bonding with Michael Jessen 's ex-wife Sarah, and Angela Deem investigating Michael Ilesanmi 's denied K-1 visa during Sunday night's Season 7 episode on TLC.features Americans and their foreign fiances looking to wed within 90 days in the United States or else the American individuals would risk losing love and having their significant others return to their home countries.The tenth episode of 's seventh season featured Anna, a 38-year-old from Bellevue, Nebraska, and Mursel, a 38-year-old from Antalya, Turkey; Angela, a 54-year-old from Hazlehurst, GA, and Michael, a 30-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria; Mike, a 34-year-old from Sequim, Washington, and Natalie, a 35-year-old from Kyiv, Ukraine; Blake, a 29-year-old from Los Angeles, California, and Jasmin, a 27-year-old from Helsinki, Finland; Tania, a 29-year-old from Colchester, Connecticut, and Syngin, a 29-year-old from Cape Town, South Africa; and Michael, a 41-year-old from Greenwich, Connecticut, and Juliana, a 23-year-old from Goiania, Brazil.Two couples, however, did not make an appearance in this episode: Emily Larina , a 28-year-old from Portland, Oregon, and Sasha Larin , a 31-year-old from Moscow, Russia, as well as Robert, a 41-year-old from Winter Park, Florida, and Anny, a 30-year-old from Santiago, Dominican Republic.Below is the latest on each couple currently starring on Season 7 of :Angela arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, to visit her man after he had been denied a K-1 visa, and Michael couldn't wait to see her, hug her and kiss her. Michael said he missed her crazy personality, and he surprised her with a cake when she arrived at the airport since she loves sweets.Angela told Michael that seeing him "extremely upset" broke her heart after his K-1 visa interview and she was prepared to fight like hell to bring him to the United States.Angela then asked Michael to share every detail of his K-1 visa interview so she could attempt to find out what went wrong.Michael recalled going through security, waiting for three hours, and saying they never got married during her two visits to Nigeria because Angela wants her elderly mother, children and grandchildren to witness the wedding.Angela said Michael should have shared that they had an engagement ceremony in Nigeria, but Michael said his profile listed that he was engaged. Angela still argued Michael had made a mistake, and they immediately began bickering in the car.Angela called Michael "stubborn" and "hard-headed," and she wished Michael would listen to her more. Michael was ready to give Angela some space because he admitted it's difficult to communicate with her when she's tired and stressed.Once the pair settled in for the night, Michael surprised his fiancee with a clock he had made for her out of photos of them. Angela said the gift showed exactly why they were together because they truly loved each other.The next day, Michael planned to talk to Angela about getting married in Nigeria and obtaining a spousal visa over breakfast. He wanted Angela to try more local food although she apparently didn't like Nigerian food.Michael told Angela he had met with a professional immigration lawyer, who suggested they get married in Nigeria and apply for a spousal visa. Michael and Angela's lawyers disagreed over the chances of winning an appeal."We have a 60 percent chance of getting [a visa by winning an appeal]," Angela told Michael.Michael thought marrying in Nigeria was the best option because the chance of his appeal being approved was slim, but she disagreed and insisted, "I'm not getting married over here." One denial wasn't going to change that for Angela."That's not going to happen, so -- next question!" Angela told the cameras.Michael wanted to get married and start a family together, and the more Michael begged, Angela started to come around and at least said she would think about getting married in Nigeria.Michael didn't want his K-1 visa to be denied again, and he didn't want to waste time.First, Angela wanted to investigate more why Michael's K-1 visa had been denied. Angela seemed to put a spousal visa on the table although it would break her heart to not have her family at her wedding.Mike was about to leave Ukraine for the United States in a couple of hours. Natalie said Michael's a great man and she thought they were in a good place.But Natalie remained silent when a producer asked her on-camera, "Do you love Mike?""God it's hard. I think we have potential because he's a good guy and there are moments that are good," Natalie replied.Mike appeared upset by that response and noted it seemed like Natalie didn't care he was leaving, nor would she really miss him.Natalie said love needed to grow, and that would happen by overcoming difficult situations as a couple. Natalie then reiterated how she had feelings for Michael that could grow into love."I'm a woman. I'm okay not to be sure," Natalie said. "It would be a lie from my side to say I love him.""That's a f-cking wrap for me!" Mike vented before walking away from his joint interview with Natalie. "I'm going to go pack."Mike later said it was really hard to see Natalie so conflicted in her feelings for him because she had expressed her love for him multiple times before.Mike sarcastically told Natalie he had a great going-away party. Mike was so upset that Natalie wouldn't confess her love, but Natalie pointed out all they were doing was argue."I don't have to keep your ring," Natalie said, before giving it back to Mike."Thank you," Mike replied.Natalie wanted Mike "to show some action," but he didn't. She had been hoping Mike would put the ring back on her finger, but Mike wasn't sure the ring meant anything to Natalie.Mike was in shock Natalie took the ring off, especially because the stone had belonged to his mother. Mike told Natalie to devote herself to the church and "go for it" because he was out of time and she had said everything that she wanted to say.Natalie's mother told Mike everything would be fine on his way out of their place, but Mike and Natalie were both visibly upset. It was a hard moment for everyone involved.Natalie wanted to hear an apology from Mike before he left because she thought he was overreacting, but he refused and clearly felt he was not to blame for their problems.Michael and Juliana had 10 days left to wed, and Juliana said she and her fiance were comfortable around each other after that intense talk of a prenuptial agreement.Juliana still didn't like having to depend on Michael for everything, including money and travel, but he apparently bought her a bicycle for her birthday so she could get around on her own. Juliana loved riding her bike, and a scene showed her visiting Michael's ex-wife Sarah at her place.Juliana had to wait three or four months to work and model again. She began modeling at age 15 in Brazil and opened up to Sarah about how the other girls in her agency were "so mean" to her and she had no money or food when she left her parents."Even though modeling was my dream, I gave up after three months and went back home. It was devastating," Juliana told the cameras, adding that she joined a church after the hardship."I think the church was a cult... and for any reason, you could go to hell."The church's pastor apparently introduced Juliana, who was 17 years old at the time, to a 34-year-old man whom she later married. Juliana said they married after dating for only four months, and in the same day they wed, "he changed."Juliana's ex-husband demanded Juliana that she stay home, not work and clean their house -- and she said the pastor did not believe her when she complained about his behavior."[We] didn't sign divorce or anything. [I] left," Juliana shared.After Juliana escaped the bad relationship, she moved to Sao Paulo to start modeling again as a stronger and more confident woman. Juliana wasn't going to let anyone bully her again, and then after four months, she filed for divorce and forced her ex to sign the papers.Sarah applauded Juliana on having overcome so much in her life and she cried after listening to her story. Sarah realized there was "indescribable" depth to Juliana.Sarah was beginning to regret asking Juliana not to parent her two kids, Max and Cece, since she has great values. Sarah complimented Juliana on being an intelligent hard worker, who values family.Sarah said she and Juliana "filled in the gaps" together in terms of what would make an excellent mother, and she told Juliana that she was glad she chose Michael as a partner."And I'm thankful you're so nice," Juliana said."When I first met Sarah, maybe she was thinking that I was taking advantage of Michael and [had] all the reasons to think that I'm bad. Opening up to her about my life was very important to me, because now I feel like she knows me and understands... I think Sarah likes me -- I hope."Later on, Sarah brought Juliana to a store where Juliana could try on her wedding dress after alterations, and Juliana hoped to become best friends with Sarah because she thought she was really nice.Sarah told Juliana that once she starts making money, she shouldn't hand her money over to Michael -- which was a mistake she had made in her previous marriage. Sarah revealed there was an imbalance in power in her marriage and she didn't want the same for Juliana.Sarah also told Juliana she's not "the house servant" and shouldn't feel responsible for always cleaning the house or cooking.When Juliana tried on her long-sleeve, lace ballgown with a sparkly belt, Sarah said Michael was going to weep at the sight of her. Sarah was so supportive, saying Michael really loved Juliana.Juliana cried in her dress because she couldn't wait to marry her love. But a part of Juliana feared she'd get hurt again."Don't be nervous. You're part of a big family now," Sarah assured the future bride.Anna and Mursel had 19 days left to wed, but Mursel had been staying in a hotel. Anna said there was no point in talking or having a conversation with Mursel about the future because his mind was made up and he had every intention of returning to Turkey.But Mursel told the cameras he loved Anna and never meant to hurt her. He really hoped that she would forgive him.When the pair reunited, Anna complained, "I can't believe you're not choosing me."Mursel said he really wanted to marry Anna but his family was very bad and disapproved. The couple both cried, but Anna was angry more than anything. She really thought Mursel would have picked her over his family."He tells me he loves me, but he can't man up and prove it," Anna said in a confessional.Mursel insisted he was "suffering too much pain," but Anna pointed out her heart was broken. She didn't want Mursel to hug her or comfort her, and Mursel felt awful to see Anna so upset and hurt."I will love you for a lifetime," Mursel promised."Me, no. Love finish," Anna said. "You lost me. I just want you to go."Mursel sobbed and sobbed, but Anna remained strong and simply told her fiance not to contact her again. Mursel then nearly fell off the couch and bawled his eyes out, which prompted Anna to cry as well."I want to kiss you," Mursel noted."I want to punch you," Anna replied, wiping the tears from her face.Mursel told the cameras he was a broken man who had lost all hope, and Anna just didn't understand why Mursel was choosing to leave her, her sons and their relationship.Anna was in disbelief -- she just couldn't believe this was happening and her relationship was over.Mursel then left Anna's house with his suitcase in hand.Mursel felt guilty for choosing his mother over Anna and hurting Anna in the process. He said he was returning to Turkey "unwillingly.""It will end. I mean, it's over [with Anna]," Mursel told a producer.Meanwhile, Anna had a lot of emotions going through her head, but she decided to drive Mursel to the airport so they could enjoy their last moments together. Anna was also still hoping Mursel would change his mind and choose to be with her.Anna kissed and hugged Mursel, but she insisted their relationship was over if he went back to Turkey because she would never move to Turkey."The K-1 visa is a one-entry visa, so once you leave, you cannot come back into the United States. So, once he leaves, that's it. He's not coming back," Anna explained to the cameras.Mursel seemed to regret telling his family about Anna's children. Since he's the only son in his family, he felt the need to put his feelings aside and obey his parents.At the airport, Mursel confessed he was scared to lose Anna, and the pair got extremely emotional when saying goodbye."Please, Mursel, don't go!" Anna said."I love you," Mursel replied.Mursel then walked away with his ticket, and Anna's heart was broken. She wished Mursel would stand up to his parents and explain that Anna is a good person.Mursel ended up running back to Anna to hug her again, but that appeared to be the end."I had good dreams coming to America from Turkey. If I knew this was going to be the case, I wouldn't have come," Mursel said in a confessional."If I could turn back time, I wish I had told my parents about the kids before. I am really regretting that right now."Mursel repeated how he loved Anna so much, but Anna was already outside of the airport."Mursel left. I thought he would change his mind last second, but he didn't. Now that he's left on a K-1 visa, he can't come back," Anna told the cameras."I never thought we'd be here. He's broken my heart and I'm not going to go back from this. I don't think I can."With 70 days left to wed, Blake and Jasmin got ready because Blake had a show with one of his friends. Jasmin expected Blake would be performing in a club -- where people would be drinking and smoking -- and so she asked her sister and best friend, Janette, to accompany her.Jasmin admitted Blake's music was different and she didn't really understand the lyrics. Blake also covers his face when he raps, which Jasmin thought was weird and unnecessary.Blake hoped Jasmin wouldn't hate his music.Meanwhile, Jasmin was tired of living with Blake's parents without him. She was started to get annoyed, but Blake said they only had two more months to wait until they could marry and live with each other.Jasmin apparently took a long time to get ready, and so Blake was late. His label and fellow artists weren't happy with him, but Blake kept his cool and never took frustration out on Jasmine.Jasmin admittedly hated the club scene and wasn't into Blake's music. Janette even asked Jasmin to join the crowd and dance in the pit, but Jasmin turned the offer down and wanted to stay sitting at a table."If Blake was not my fiance, I don't think he would be my favorite artist," Jasmin said in a confessional. "I don't like rap music."Jasmin, however, told Blake's friend Rita that she was enjoying herself. Rita worried Jasmin was using him and hoped she was in the United States for the right reasons.Blake understood where Rita was coming from, and he also wanted Jasmin to prove that she cared for him.Blake's friend Joey, who is President of Blake's record label, said it was hard to see that Jasmin wasn't into his music. Blake explained Jasmin tends not to be very expressive and she just doesn't love to party.Blake's friends didn't think Jasmin was "down" with their world, and the guys just wanted to be able to laugh and have fun with Jasmin, which simply wasn't happening. They also weren't sure Jasmin was going to support Blake.The conversation upset Blake, so he decided to leave the room."With the 90 days, it's either now or never that he notices [Jasmin]'s lack of interest in what he's doing. Maybe he doesn't want to accept it, or maybe he's just delusional," Joey told the cameras."I don't know what we said that was completely off, but... we're coming from a good place."Tania and Syngin had 36 days to wed, and he tidied a hotel room before picking his love up at the airport. Tania was returning home from her long stay in Costa Rica.The couple, however, had recently fought and needed to figure things out before getting married. Syngin's anxiety was high and he was feeling stressed because he had to resolve some issues with Tania, but at the same time, he couldn't wait to just hug her and be with her.When the couple reunited at the airport, Syngin had a flower for her, and they kissed and embraced. Syngin felt "bliss and happiness" at the sight of her, and she was so glad to see him.Tania told Syngin she just wanted to cuddle with him and not argue that night. Tania said no one would love her the way Syngin loved her. For example, Tania hates biting into apples and getting it all in her teeth, so Syngin takes a bit for her and gives her a piece."It's the little things that you do that just shows me how much you care," Tania told her man.Tania said she hated being away from Syngin and she's well aware "she's a little bit extra." She wanted to marry Syngin, but she knew they had a lot to work on in order to make their relationship last.After spending a great night together in the hotel, Tania and Syngin headed back to Connecticut and their shed.Syngin said they had discussed owning some land and growing their own food in 10 years, but Tania pointed out they needed to save money in order to do that.Syngin began working in the mines at age 17, and he had friends who had died. Syngin opened up about how it's not worth risking one's life every single day for a job.Syngin felt he had a new slate in life, and he was considering becoming a fireman or policeman. He also thought about woodworking. Tania appreciated Syngin's goals and ambitions, but she wanted him to start studying in order to achieve his dreams."There are sometimes when I'm like, 'Are you just too young for me?' I want an adult," Tania said.Syngin insisted he's an adult but he doesn't sit around worrying about the future. Tania wanted her man to care more about the future and have a gameplan, but Syngin was annoyed Tania was attacking him.Syngin said he didn't have money to take classes and educate himself, and the pair got into a huge argument in the car.Syngin tested Tania and told her to just leave him if she wanted to, and Tania was totally on edge. It seemed like Tania would have no problem leaving Syngin behind -- at least in that moment -- and he called her "crazy."Tania didn't feel heard, but Syngin said she never felt heard by anyone, including society.Tania said she just wanted Syngin to take their life together seriously. She wanted him to become a planner and follow through with jobs rather than follow whims and make poor financial decisions.However, since Syngin couldn't work for a while in the United States, he wouldn't be given an opportunity to prove his work ethic to Tania within his 90-day stay, and she understood they'd still have a lot to learn about each other after marriage.Want spoilers? Click here to visit our Spoilers webpage! Julian Assanges lawyers have complained prison officers stopped them spending adequate time with their client as the Wikileaks founder appeared in court ahead of his extradition hearing. Mr Assange saluted supporters in a packed public gallery at Westminster Magistrates Court for a 12-minute hearing speaking only to confirm his name and to briefly state he did not understand an element of the proceedings. The hearing was adjourned for the remainder of the day after lawyer Gareth Peirce said she had been unable to spend sufficient time with her client and go through his evidence during a visit to HMP Belmarsh. The 48-year-old is being held at the high-security prison as he awaits the outcome of an extradition request from the US, where he faces 18 charges brought forward by the Donald Trump's justice department including conspiracy to hack a Pentagon computer. Ms Peirce said "We have pushed Belmarsh in every way - it is a breach of a defendant's rights." Key moments for Julian Assange Show all 9 1 /9 Key moments for Julian Assange Key moments for Julian Assange The situation today Assange was arrested after Metropolitan Police officers were invited into the Ecuadorian embassy on April 11 2019. How did it come to this? Ruptly TV Key moments for Julian Assange The break Assange shows the front page of the Guardian on July 26 2010, the day that they broke the story of the thousands of military files leaked by WikiLeaks AFP/Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Wanted A warrant for Assange's arrest was issued in August 2010 for counts of rape and molestation in Sweden AFP/Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Ruling The UK's Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Assange should be extradited to Sweden to face trial Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Sanctuary Following the ruling, Assange was given asylum by the Ecuadorian governement over fears that his human rights would be violated if he were extradited, he has since remained in the embassy in London Getty Key moments for Julian Assange A friend in Pam Friend Pamela Anderson delivers lunch to Assange at the embassy in October 2016. She has since spoken against his arrest Getty Key moments for Julian Assange Arbitrarily detained A UN panel found in 2016 that Assange had been arbitrarily detained and that he had not been able to claim his full right to asylum. It urged Sweden to withdraw the charges against him Getty Key moments for Julian Assange The cat ultimatum Last year, the Ecuadorian embassy threatened to revoke Assange's internet access unless he stopped making political statements online and started taking better care of James, his pet cat. Assange accused Ecuador of violating his rights Reuters Key moments for Julian Assange Arrest Assange was arrested on April 11 2019. Ecuador revoked his asylum status and invited the Metropolitan Police in to the embassy to arrest him. Reuters Wearing a black jacket, grey jumper and glasses, Mr Assange slowly raised his right fist as he was led to the courts holding cells to further discuss his case and sign off on evidence. Among those supporting him at court was rapper MIA, who attended proceedings a day before she is due to receive an MBE for services to music. I think it was important to follow this case. I am off to get a medal at Buckingham Palace tomorrow and I think today is just as important," she told reporters outside court. "To give somebody an hour to put their case together is not right." Mr Assange was arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in London in April, having claimed asylum in the building for seven years to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations - which he has always denied. Recommended UN official accuses UK and US of torture over Assange and Manning Sweden has since dropped its investigation into Mr Assange because of the lenght of the time which has passed the claims were first made, but he still faces a string of charges in the US. Many of the charges relate to Mr Assanges founding and work on Wikileaks - which published sensitive and classified documents, including more than a million files leaked by US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over the duration of Mr Assanges incarceration, including his time spent at HMP Belmarsh and in the Ecuadorean Embassy. In May, Nils Melzer, the UNs Special Rapporteur on torture, condemned the deliberate, concerted and sustained nature of the abuse inflicted on Mr Assange. He added: In 20 years of work with victims of war, violence and political persecution, I have never seen a group of democratic states ganging up to deliberately isolate, demonise and abuse a single individual for such a long time and with so little regard for human dignity and the rule of law. The collective persecution of Julian Assange must end here and now." The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution last week to limit the power of the president to wage war against Iran. And Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey is leading a similar effort in the Senate to do the same. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Pelosi hasn't relayed the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial three weeks since President Donald Trump was impeached on charges of abuse and obstruction. Last night, she led the Democrat-controlled House in passing a measure limiting Trump's ability to take military action against Iran after he ordered the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP Casey is co-sponsoring SJ Resolution 63 that Sen. Tim Kaine has introduced to prohibit the president from taking further military action against Iran without getting authorization from Congress. Both of these measures are designed to protect the American people, considering the serious repercussions that would result from war with a country as powerful as Iran. If we have been in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade, war with Iran could keep our soldiers remain in the region for another generation. Our grandchildren would be fighting the grandchildren of Ayatollah Khamenei long after were gone. And who knows what miseries such as war would bring. The Constitution allows the president, any president, to defend the United States in an emergency, when there is an imminent threat. Over the past few days, Congress has been debating whether the threat General Qassen Soleimani posed to the United States indeed was imminent enough to compel the president to kill him. But it seems there are different definitions of imminent. 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 If imminent means an attack was definitely going to happen sometime or somewhere, as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defined it, then the Constitution has been satisfied. If imminent means the president had no time to consult Congress and had to take immediate action to save lives, Casey and many others are dubious that standard was met. Sen. Bob Casey speaks to the PennLive Editorial Board on Oct. 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com But the United States came so close to an Armageddon scenario with Iran following Soleimanis killing, Casey and many of his Congressional colleagues want to send a strong message that he must follow the Constitutions guidelines and make sure they are on board and fully engaged. 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, Casey said. As other members of Congress, the senator was not satisfied with the briefing he received to explain why Soleimani posed an imminent threat. Demonstrators display placards while protesting a recent conflict with Iran, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, in the Harvard Square neighborhood, of Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)AP I didnt hear nearly enough. I was rather surprised, he said. A lot of Americans are asking what was the imminent threat; what was the nature of it. Casey says the lack of concrete information has prompted members of Congress to move quickly to pass the resolutions to limit the presidents abilities to engage American troops in another all-out war that might mean invading or bombing Iran. We need substantial debate on war powers, he said, and the crisis with Iran is providing the impetus to start a national dialogue that is long overdue. We know the price Pennsylvania families have paid, Casey said. We had 197 killed in action in Iraq , and in Afghanistan, 91. Add to that the number of Pennsylvanians who served in Iraq and Afghanistan who have been wounded, and that number is into the thousands. Weve paid a substantial price . . . and I want to make sure that this or any administration . . . that this or any Congress pursuing a war. . . has a good debate on the issue. Sen. Caseys arguments are convincing about the need for both the House and Senate to reclaim their powers over war. If more of Pennsylvanias men and women are to die in a showdown with Iran, Congress needs to be on board. If our sons and daughters are to be sent into war, it should be a national consensus led by Congress and fully supported by the American people. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:45:55|Editor: yan Video Player Close HARARE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 31 anthrax human cases have been reported in at least two districts in Zimbabwe since the end of 2019 with 28 people diagnosed in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, and three others in Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province. At least 27 cattle have since died from the disease in the two districts. The three human cases in Marondera were picked at a clinic in Chimbwanda small-scale farming area on Jan. 2 and confirmed at the Chinese-built Mahusekwa Hospital on Jan. 6, according to a memorandum from district veterinary office to the provincial veterinary office. It was established that the affected people ate meat from two beasts which had died of unknown causes on Dec. 30, prompting the district veterinary office to request urgent supplies of 5,000 doses of anthrax vaccine to cover 5,534 cattle in a radius of 10 km. Vaccination is now in progress, according to a veterinary services officer in Harare. In Masvingo, veterinary services provincial officer Ernest Dzimwasha told The Herald newspaper on Sunday that most parts of Bikita East were badly affected. The government has since warned people not to consume uninspected meat. WESTFIELD Citing his work on a pending state bill that could extend benefits to firefighters suffering from Parkinsons disease, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts endorsed state Rep. John C. Velis, Monday in his race for a state senate. "I'm certain that my Parkinson's is connected to my service as a firefighter," said Greg Heath, a 47-year-old former professional firefighter in Westfield. "With the age I was diagnosed it generally is seen in much older people and no family history. It's definitely from the toxins we are exposed to every day." Heath, who first took his plight to Velis a few years ago, was one of about a dozen local firefighters union members who gathered Monday in the social hall of St. Josephs National Catholic Church on Main Street in Westfield for the announcement. Current state law doesnt automatically presume the connection between Parkinisons and service as a firefighter, Heath said. That assumption is in place for lung diseases for example. Parkinson's shows up in the general population at a rate of 3 out of every 1,000 people. Among firefighters, its ten times more prevalent at 30 out of every 1,000. And for Health and his family, the difference is the difference between being out on a general disability at 40% of his pay with a tax responsibility and being out of work under "accidental disability" receiving about 72% of his pay and not paying taxes on it. "People say we have masks on, how can we ingest the toxins. But when we are working, breaking down doors and saving rescuing people, our makes can be dislodged. And you can ingest the toxins in other ways. They can come in through your skin. You can get them if you eat or drink." Velis, D-Westfield, said the bill introduced in the Senate by Humason, came out of committee late last month. Its the second time the issues been introduced on Beacon Hill after failing to pass in the last session. "The difference now is that we have so much more science behind it," Velis said. The bill, S. 1546, also has the support of state Sens. Eric. Lesser, D-Longmeadow, Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, James T. Welch, D-West Springfield, and Patrick M. O'Connor, R-Weymouth. Velis is running for the seat vacated by new Westfield mayor Donald F. Humason Jr., a Republican. Velis, A Democrat, faces Republican John Cain of Southwick. The district known as the Second Hampden-Hampshire District includes Agawam, Westfield, Holyoke, Easthampton, Southampton, Tolland, Montgomery, Granville, Russell, Southwick and parts of Chicopee. The parts of Chicopee in the district are: Ward 7, precincts A and B, Ward 8, precinct A and Ward 9, precinct A. The special election will be March 31. Agnew Volkswagen has opened its 2m Volkswagen showroom on Boucher Road. The south Belfast site features the newest branding from the German car manufacturer. The revamp, which took seven months, included a customer lounge, WiFi as well as a dedicated electric vehicle area and a range of the latest VW models. Franchise director Brian Robinson said: We are proud to be the first showroom to showcase the new retail experience and branding in the UK which now provides a luxurious environment for our customers and staff. Sushant Singh on Sunday said that he stands in support of the ones who are going through troubles arising out of the CAA and NRC. Mumbai: Actor Sushant Singh on Sunday said that he stands in support of the ones who are going through troubles arising out of the CAA and the NRC. Giving the instance of Assam where the NRC has been implemented at the instruction of the Supreme Court, a visibly furious Sushant said: "If a foreign tribunal says that you are not an Indian, because they've (officials) written your name wrongly in every document or maybe the date of birth of your father is found to be different, where will these people go." When asked about his comment on the ongoing JNU protest, the actor sarcastically said: "I read one funny Twitter post that Gandhiji was running to kill Godse but one bullet came in between." HONOLULU When scientists search for alien planets, they get a special thrill when they find one that seems to reflect our own world back to us. TOI 700 d is the newest member of that elite club . The planet was discovered courtesy of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS, as one of three worlds in a distant solar system. Unlike its neighbors and the vast majority of planets scientists have identified so far it seems to be about the same size as Earth and to orbit its star at a distance that would allow water to remain liquid on its surface. The discovery was announced here on Jan. 6 at the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society . As an Earth-size planet in its star's habitable zone, TOI 700 d is a big deal for scientists. "We really want to understand the question, could life form on these planets around very small stars? And this is kind of a nice big step towards that goal," Joseph Rodriguez, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Massachusetts, told Space.com. "We're nowhere near it yet and we're talking, probably, decades, if not much, much longer to answer this question. but we're making steps towards arguably one of the biggest questions in science and not just science but philosophy, religion and a lot of other things." Related: The Biggest Alien Planet Discoveries of 2019 But for all their excitement, the scientists involved in the discovery don't know a whole lot about TOI 700 d. First, they know about its star, a red dwarf that appears to be a more pleasant sun than some. Active stars can fling bursts of radiation and of highly charged material at planets orbiting them, potentially sterilizing these worlds . "The star is absolutely quiet," Emily Gilbert, a graduate student in astronomy at the University of Chicago, told Space.com. "We had 11 [months] of TESS data and I didn't see a single flare. The star is a little bit older so it's kind of calmed down a bit over its lifetime, we expect." The scientists have spotted three planets so far around this quiet star: TOI 700 b, c and d. The first two orbit too close to the star to be promising worlds for life, but the third orbits in the magic ring scientists call the habitable zone , where temperatures allow water to remain liquid on a planet's surface. "It's actually farther into the habitable zone than Earth; Earth itself is barely habitable," Gilbert said. They are also confident, although not positive, that this planet is tidally locked the same side always faces its star in a constant day, while the other side is in constant night. But from there, the uncertainties start to pile up. In particular, the scientists working on TOI 700 d want one crucial measurement: its mass. That number would clarify how likely the planet is to be a rocky world like ours, rather than a gassy body that looks like a small sibling of Neptune . All About Space All About Space magazine takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through our solar system and beyond, from the amazing technology and spacecraft that enables humanity to venture into orbit, to the complexities of space science. Subscribe for just $5 (or 5/5). They've announced their findings anyway because that measurement is going to be very hard to get. "There are facilities that can do it," Rodriguez said. "But there's only a few, it's going to take years probably and multiple campaigns and hundreds of observations." The scientists also don't know right now whether the planet has an atmosphere, a vital clue when looking for potential life. "If you have just a rock, no one can live there," Gilbert said. Unfortunately, answering that question will be even more difficult than measuring the world's mass. So for now, scientists are assuming TOI 700 d is rocky, and using models to try to bridge the gap between what they know about the planet and what they know about what life requires. "Modeling helps us say, how robust is this planet? How well can it maintain habitable surface temperatures under all these conditions?" Gabrielle Engelmann-Suissa, a Universities Space Research Association visiting research assistant at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, told Space.com. All told, Engelmann-Suissa and her colleagues ran 20 different models, each starting with a different combination of surface characteristics: Is the world covered in land, or is it covered in water? And atmospheres? Like Earth's today, like ancient Earth's, or like that of Mars , for example. Engelmann-Suissa and her colleagues have no idea which of those models is a better match for the reality of TOI 700 d if any of them are. "It sounds like a free-for-all and it kind of is when you model all these types of planets," she said. But the point isn't to stumble upon a scenario that matches the distant truth. Instead, it's to get a sense of the range of possibilities and to understand whether scientific instruments could distinguish between them. On the first front, the TOI 700 d models look somewhat promising. "None of them went into a runaway greenhouse effect ," Engelmann-Suissa said. "In no simulation that we studied did the ocean evaporate, which is cool, that's a good sign." She added that the global average temperatures ranged fairly dramatically, but not beyond the bounds of what scientists can imagine particularly hardy life withstanding. A diagram showing the orbits of all three known planets in the TOI 700 system. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Chris Smith (USRA)) The hottest simulation, for example, turned up an average surface temperature of about 196 degrees Fahrenheit (91 degrees Celsius). "That's way too hot for us to be comfortable," Engelmann-Suissa said. "It's really hot, but it would kind of be presumptuous to say there's no life" Modeling's second goal, to better understand how instruments could see the world, offers a grimmer evaluation of TOI 700 d. Nothing scientists have right now will be able to begin to differentiate between all these possible flavors of planet. NASA's next major telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope , won't be able to either, and most future concept designs rely on similar apparatuses. "That's a big problem in our field, there's kind of dim prospects for looking at these planets," Engelmann-Suissa said. "We need to really experiment with detectors and figure out, OK, how can we get this signal precision? Luckily, it's not my problem." But what the scientists do know for sure is that starting this summer, TESS will again be pointed toward TOI 700 and that could reveal whole new mysteries to try to solve. "Maybe we'll find out that we don't know the architecture of the system: Hey, there's a few more planets," Rodriguez said. "Maybe it's something where it starts to resemble our own solar system , which seems to be uncommon. "But we just don't know, and I think that's really interesting," Rodriguez said. "We're going to have a lot more data and we're just starting to peel the orange and figure out what's going on with the system." Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty ImagesTwo women were arrested Wednesday on fraud charges, after claiming that they could secure the likes of Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran for a benefit concert to raise money for the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, which works to protect kids from gun violence. The charity asked Nancy Jean and Carissa Scott to book top talent for the concert, which it planned to hold at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. The two women drew up a $500,000 contract and promised an appearance by Justin Timberlake. A subsequent $600,000 contract was drawn up to secure an appearance by Bruno Mars, and the women also claimed they could book Lady Gaga and Usher. But Jean and Scott didn't represent any of those artists. The FBI says they posed as booking agents to swindle investors, and used the initial $100,000 deposit they were given for personal expenses. The investor who put up the money became suspicious when JT's socials didn't list the concert. In response, someone claiming to be Timberlakes manager assured the investor the star would perform -- but only for an additional fee. An FBI undercover then stepped in to pose as a different investor in the concert. According to the criminal complaint, Scott told him she could arrange for other top-tier artists to perform at the concert, including Drake, Flo Rida and Ed Sheeran. The FBI then contacted the actual representatives of the musicians who, according to the complaint, said they did not know either woman. Its discouraging to think these defendants were willing to defraud an investor supporting a charity foundation, the FBIs Bill Sweeney said. Jean and Scott were arrested Wednesday at New York City's JFK Airport and were due for an initial appearance Thursday in Brooklyn federal court. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. KYODO NEWS - Jan 13, 2020 - 09:57 | All, World Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday sought cooperation from Saudi Arabia to ensure stability in the Middle East as he urged all parties involved to exercise restraint amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, a senior Japanese government official said. In his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman near Al Ula in the country's northwest, Abe expressed his concern about the grave impact that a military conflict in the region would have on the rest of the world. Both agreed that collective efforts are necessary toward easing Middle East tensions, according to the official. "A military conflict in the Middle East would have a huge impact on global peace and stability," Abe told the crown prince, who is considered Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler. "I'd like to ask all countries concerned to respond (to the situation) in a restrained manner." (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan shake hands ahead of their talks in Riyadh on Jan. 12, 2020.) Saudi Arabia has built good relations with the United States while both countries harbor hostility toward Iran. Japan, which maintains friendly ties with Iran, has been encouraging dialogue between Tehran and Washington amid a months-long standoff over a 2015 nuclear deal. Abe is visiting Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter and a crucial supplier to resource-poor Japan, on the first leg of a five-day trip that will also take him to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Japan relies on the region for about 90 percent of its oil imports. Abe also briefed the crown prince on Japan's initiative to send a Self-Defense Forces destroyer and patrol planes to the region to safeguard commercial shipping. Prince Mohammed told Abe that he "fully supports" the decision, with the two agreeing to coordinate closely toward securing the safe navigation of ships in the region, according to the Japanese official. (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (center L) and Saudi King Salman (center R) attend a welcome ceremony for Abe in Riyadh on Jan. 12, 2020.) Abe's visit comes as concerns about a U.S.-Iran military conflict have receded somewhat. U.S. President Donald Trump did not resort to further military action last week against Iran following Tehran's targeting of Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops with missiles. The Iranian attack was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander earlier this month. Abe also met with Saudi King Salman in Riyadh earlier Sunday and exchanged views on the Middle East situation. As Riyadh holds the Group of 20 presidency this year, they agreed to work together to make the Saudi-hosted summit meeting of the diverse group in November a success, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Japan held the rotating G-20 presidency in 2019. In recent weeks, Japan has been intensifying calls for all parties to exhaust diplomatic efforts to bring stability to the Middle East. When Abe met with Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who serves as foreign minister, on Sunday, the Japanese leader said he is "deeply worried" about the Middle East situation and that Tokyo is aiming to help stabilize it. Abe's trip to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman is aimed at briefing them on Japan's SDF dispatch. Tokyo is seeking to enhance its own intelligence-gathering capabilities in areas that include the Gulf of Oman and part of the Arabian Sea. But the Strait of Hormuz near Iran, a key shipping lane, is excluded as Japan wants to draw a clear distinction between its mission and a U.S.-led maritime security initiative that Tokyo has not joined. Related coverage: Iran apologizes to Ukraine for accidentally shooting down airliner 2 SDF planes leave for Middle East on intel-gathering mission U.S. slaps Iran with fresh sanctions after missile attacks Neymar shines but PSG held by Monaco in thriller PSG\'s Neymar (left) is challenged by Monaco\'s Guillermo Maripan during the French League One soccer match between Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) and Monaco at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Sunday. AFP, Paris : Neymar scored twice and created another goal but leaders Paris Saint-Germain were held to an entertaining 3-3 draw at home on Sunday by a Monaco side playing their first Ligue 1 game under new coach Robert Moreno. The Brazilian gave PSG the lead after just two minutes at the Parc des Princes but Monaco scored two quick goals through Gelson Martins and Wissam Ben Yedder to move 2-1 ahead inside quarter of an hour. A Fode Ballo-Toure own goal brought PSG level and Neymar restored their advantage from the penalty spot before half-time after a foul on Kylian Mbappe. But Monaco, who also host PSG on Wednesday in a rearranged fixture, earned a point when Islam Slimani's goal was controversially awarded after it was initially ruled out for offside. "We didn't put in our best performance but we tried. It was a good test. Monaco have a good team but we are superior and we must show it on the pitch," Neymar told Canal+. "If we had played at our best we would have taken the three points. "I think on the third goal, the fact our defender touched the ball wasn't intentional but the decision falls to the referee. They have VAR for that, we can't complain. We weren't perfect tonight either." It was just the second time PSG have dropped points at home this season -after a shock 2-0 defeat by Reims in September - but the draw represented a positive start for former Spain coach Moreno, who replaced Leonardo Jardim at the end of December. "We should be very happy. I'm very pleased with my players and I want to congratulate them for a great match," said Moreno. "We played to our strengths on the counter-attack. We think we can beat any team and that's what I tell my players. That's our philosophy." PSG had started the new year in rampant form by scoring six both times in a pair of domestic cup wins and looked on track for a 10th win in a row over Monaco after Neymar controlled a terrific Marco Verratti pass to smash home the opener. Thomas Tuchel's side came in riding an eight-match winning streak - across which they had scored 34 goals - but concerns remained over the deployment of a prolific four-man attack against stronger opposition. Monaco hit back almost immediately as Cesc Fabregas threaded a neat ball through for Ben Yedder and although he was chopped down by Keylor Navas, the rebound rolled into the path of Martins who tapped into an empty net. The visitors soon exposed PSG again, this time Keita Balde ran at the defence before slipping across to Ben Yedder who applied a composed finish for his league-best 14th goal. The Monaco duo almost combined to devastating effect once more on the counter, with Navas producing a fine save with his legs to thwart Senegalese forward Balde. PSG equalised moments later when Neymar received the ball in the box and his snapshot took a couple of deflections - the latter coming off Ballo-Toure for an own goal. Kamil Glik headed against the post on the half-hour but PSG regained the lead on 41 minutes, Neymar converting a spot-kick after Mbappe was brought down by Martins. Aleksandr Golovin missed an excellent chance to level before the break while Neymar was denied a hat-trick by a sharp reflex stop from Benjamin Lecomte early in the second half. Monaco made it 3-3 with 20 minutes to go with the help of the video assistant referee system. She's found herself out of a job following the shock cancellation of I'm A Celebrity: Extra Camp last week. And Emily Atack was supported by her sister Martha as she stepped out in London on Sunday, days after ITV confirmed the spin-off show had been axed after 18 years on air. The actress and TV personality, 30, looked stylish in a terracotta orange mac, teamed with a matching scarf and bright red mini-skirt as she enjoyed a relaxing stroll with her talent manager sibling. Moving on: Emily Atack was supported by her sister Martha as she stepped out in London on Sunday, days after ITV confirmed the I'm A Celeb spin-off show had been axed The former The Inbetweeners star paired the look with dramatic gold earrings, big shades and tortoiseshell-heel boots. The TV host wore her brunette locks scraped back from her face in a loose bun and opted for minimal makeup to display her naturally pretty features. Later on Sunday, Emily took to Instagram to share an image of she and children's TV presenter friend Tillie Amartey, wearing the same coat. She captioned the photo: 'I think we might spend too much time together.' You win some, you lose some: The actress and TV personality, 30, looked stylish in a terracotta orange mac, teamed with a matching scarf and bright red mini-skirt It comes after Extra Camp was axed due to its expensive running costs for a non-prime time slot. Emily joined I'm A Celeb Extra Camp as a presenter in October 2019 but only managed a run of one series alongside co-hosts Adam Thomas and Joel Dommett before the show was axed last week. The television star referenced the end of the show on her Instagram Story on Thursday, where she joked that Adam was blaming himself over the decision. She playfully joked 'it's probably because of me!', before optimistically adding that they will all be moving on to new projects. Adam wrote on Instagram: 'Ok so this isn't awkward ... imagine your first ever presenting role on a show that's been running for years... you do one show and it gets cancelled!! [sic] 'We might spend too much time together': The former The Inbetweeners took to Instagram to share an image of she and children's TV presenter friend Tillie Amartey, wearing the same coat The former Emmerdale star continued: 'You can't write it, haha aww not gonna lie wish I could have had another go at it... but that's life! What a job what an experience at least I can tell my kids I was once a presenter!' (sic) Before the news broke an ITV source told The Sun: 'ITV have been discussing the future of Extra Camp for some time and it's not a decision they've taken lightly as they are very fond of it. 'But bosses are focusing on growing ITV2's prime-time offering on the channel and Extra Camp, sadly, isn't a part of that.' 'The show is quite expensive to make and, in the current climate, they've had to make a tough commercial decision.' The show was first fronted by presenter Louise Loughman, before tragic It girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson took over alongside Mark Durden-Smith. Other key appearances include Matt and Emma Willis, Caroline Flack, Joe Swash and Scarlett Moffatt. Asheen Phansey called it a "bad attempt at humour", but the US college professor has been fired for his Facebook post encouraging Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets. The remarks made by the professor at Babson College in Massachusetts were in response to US President Donald Trump's recent tweet saying the US had earmarked 52 Iranian cultural sites for destruction, warning Tehran not to strike back after an American drone killed Iran's top general Qassem Suleimani. Phansey, an adjunct professor and the director of sustainability, suggested that Iran's supreme leader might want to do the same ? and get specific. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should tweet a list of 52 sites of cultural American heritage that he would bomb ... Um Mall of America? Kardashian residence?" he wrote on his Facebook page earlier this week. The post, which has since been deleted, was subject to a "prompt and thorough investigation" by Babson College, also Phansey's alma mater. The college said Phansey was fired because the post on his "personal Facebook page does not represent the values and culture of the College". "Based on the results of the investigation, the staff member is no longer a Babson College employee. As we have previously stated, Babson College condemns any type of threatening words and/or actions condoning violence and/or hate," Boston-based news outlet WBZ television reported. Phansey released a statement on Thursday, saying he was "disappointed and saddened" that the college had decided to abruptly terminate his 15-year relationship with it "just because people willfully misinterpreted a joke". He called his post, which appeared to encourage Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets, "a bad attempt at humour". "I am really concerned about what this portends for our ability as Americans to engage in political discourse without presuming the worst about each other," he said. Phansey has also apologised through his attorney, insisting his post was simply a bad joke. "I am sorry that my sloppy humour was read as a threat," he said. NASA has selected 13 candidates who have successfully completed their over two years' of basic astronaut training and are all set to be a part of the space agency's ambitious future missions to the ISS, Moon and Mars. Photo: NASA/Twitter HOUSTON (PTI): Raja Jon Vurputoor Chari, an Indian-American US Air Force colonel, is among 13 new NASA graduates who have successfully completed their over two years' of basic astronaut training and are all set to be a part of the space agency's ambitious future missions to the International Space Station, Moon and Mars. The successful astronauts were selected among 18,000 applicants in 2017 after NASA announced its Artemis programme. Chari, 41, was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment. At a ceremony in Houston on Friday, each new astronaut received a silver pin, a tradition dating back to the Mercury 7 astronauts, who were selected in 1959. "2020 will mark the return of launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, and will be an important year of progress for our Artemis program and missions to the Moon and beyond," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "These individuals represent the best of America, and what an incredible time for them to join our astronaut corps," he said. The astronauts will receive a gold pin once they complete their first spaceflights. Astronaut candidate training for the new graduates included instruction, practice, and testing in spacewalking, robotics, International Space Station systems, T-38 jet proficiency, and Russian language. As astronauts, they will help develop spacecraft, support the teams currently in space and ultimately join the ranks of only about 500 people who have been into space. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas were among the speakers at the first-ever public graduation ceremony NASA has held for its astronauts. "For generations, the United States has been the world leader in space exploration, and Johnson Space Center will always be both the heart and home of human spaceflight activity. I have no doubt the newly minted astronauts will add to that history and accomplish incredible things," said Cornyn. "I congratulate these exceptional men and women on being the first graduating class of the Artemis program. They are the pioneers of the final frontier whose work will help fortify America's leadership in space for generations to come. I am excited for the opportunities ahead of them, including landing the first woman ever on the surface of the Moon, and having the first boots to step on Mars," Cruz said. The new graduates may be assigned to missions destined for the International Space Station, the Moon, and ultimately to Mars. With a goal of sustainable lunar exploration later this decade, NASA will send the first woman and next man to the surface of the Moon by 2024. Additional lunar missions are planned once a year thereafter and human exploration of Mars is targeted for the mid-2030s. NASA continues its work aboard the space station, which, in November, will celebrate 20 consecutive years of human occupation. The agency also is on the verge of launching astronauts again from American soil aboard American commercial spacecraft, and is preparing to send humans to the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Chari, a US Air Force colonel from Cedar Falls Iowa, graduated from the US Air Force Academy with bachelor's degrees in astronautical engineering and engineering science. He earned a master's degree in aeronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. Chari served as the commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Inspired by his father Srinivas Chari, who came to US at a young age from Hyderabad, for engineering degree, with the goal of getting higher education and making a successful career. He met his wife and spent entire career at John Deere in Waterloo. "My father came to the country with the goal of getting an education and realising the importance of that and that directly translated to how I was brought up," Chari told PTI in a recent interview. "There was a focus throughout my childhood on education and that being the thing, you really needed to do well to succeed," he said. Chari's wife, Holly, is a Cedar Falls native and they have three children. : Japanese Coast Guard ship 'Echigo PLH08' arrived here on Monday to take part in a five day joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard, aimed at boosting ties between the two countries. Led by Commanding Officer Captain Kiyoshi Harada,the ship is on a goodwill visit following the memorandum of cooperation signed between the coast guards of two countries in 2006. The 19th edition of the joint exercise will be witnessed by Japanese Coast Guard Commandant Takahiro Okushima and Indian Coast Guard Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan In addition to "Echigo", four Indian Coast Guard ships, aircraft and a vessel from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) would take part in the exercise between January 13 and 17, a Coast Guard press release said. "The exercise is aimed at further strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two Coast Guards, enhancing interoperability in communication as well as search and rescue procedures and sharing of best practices", they said. The exercises also mutually beneficial and strengthen existing bilateral relationships, enabling both Coast Guards to work together to protect shared interests if the need arises, whether it is responding to piracy threats or humanitarian disasters. Various activities have been planned during the five days, including visit of on-board ships, sporting and cultural interactions between personnel of both Coast Guard vessels. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Monday Humberside police said officers had arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the death of Richard Huckle (pictured) A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering one of Britain's worst paedophiles. Richard Huckle died at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire on October 13 last year, reportedly fatally stabbed in his cell with a makeshift blade. On Monday Humberside police said officers had arrested a 29-year-old man and had passed a file to prosecutors for consideration. Police would not comment as to whether the man arrested was a fellow prisoner. They issued a short statement that said: 'A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man at HMP Full Sutton on October 13 2019. 'A file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and we are awaiting their decision regarding charges.' Huckle was given 22 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for an unprecedented number of offences against children aged between six months and 12 years. Richard Huckle died at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire (pictured) on October 13 last year, reportedly fatally stabbed in his cell with a makeshift blade The freelance photographer, from Ashford in Kent, awarded himself 'Pedopoints' for different acts of abuse against 191 youngsters, and sold images of his depravity on the dark web. In online posts, Huckle bragged that it was easier to target impoverished children in Malaysia, than those from wealthy Western backgrounds. He was arrested when he was stopped at Gatwick Airport en route to spend Christmas with his family in 2014, after Australian authorities tipped off the UK's National Crime Agency. Richard Huckle from Ashford, Kent, (pictured) was given 22 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for an unprecedented number of offences against children aged between six months and 12 years At the time of his arrest, he was writing a guide to teach fellow paedophiles how to abuse children and avoid detection. Officers seized his encrypted laptop and managed to uncover more than 20,000 indecent pictures and videos although there were other files they were unable to crack. Winter Session: Opposition to take out march protest against suspension of 12 MPs today Opposition MPs in both Houses march in protest from Gandhi statue to Vijay Chowk Opposition's resolution against CAA must have made Pak happy: BJP India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jan 13: The Opposition''s resolution against the amended citizenship law must have made Pakistan happy, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here on Monday, while asserting that the legislation was a chance to expose Islamabad''s "barbaric treatment" of minorities. He also said the Opposition ended up "unnecessarily" attacking the Modi government in the process. Taking a dig at the Opposition, the Union law minister said their unity stood "exposed". "Opposition unity stands exposed as major parties like SP, BSP, TMC and AAP kept away (from a meeting convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi). The resolution is neither in national interest nor in the interest of security. It is also not in the interest of those minorities who fled neighbouring countries to escape persecution," Prasad told reporters. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, adopted a resolution on Monday, demanding that the amended Citizenship Act be withdrawn and the process of NPR immediately stopped and asserting that it was all part of an "unconstitutional package" that targeted poor people, SC/STs and minorities. TWO men have been jailed for stealing elderly womens purses in Henley and Wallingford. Serial offenders Kevin Nanton and Paul Hopkins pleaded guilty to three counts of theft at Oxford Crown Court. Nanton, 52, from Witney, was sentenced to 40 months and Hopkins, 44, of no fixed abode, to 26 months after also admitting a charge of fraud. The men appeared in court via a video link to HMP Bullingdon in Bicester and Hopkinss partner wept in the public gallery as the judge Mr Justice Daly sentenced them. The court heard that the pair targeted a Henley woman, a French national, as she was shopping in the town on November 28. Dr Robert Lindsey, prosecuting, said they held the door open for her as she visited Oxfam in Market Place and then followed her to the library in Ravenscroft Road. Eventually she realised that her purse, which contained between 100 and 200 euros in cash and her French identification card, was missing. Meanwhile, the men made a series of contactless payments amounting to almost 120 using her bank card at W H Smith and Sainsburys in Bell Street. The victim, 67, said: I think its a poor life if youre taking the purse of an old lady when you are 52. I was distraught because I had some photos inside of my late mother and dog. The men had already targeted another woman in Wallingford on November 18. Dr Lindsey said she was shopping in the towns Waitrose store when she felt two men standing near her by the meat counter. She later discovered that her purse was missing from her bag. It had contained 500 in cash along with her husbands bus pass and her National Trust, Boots, Waitrose and debit cards. On December 5 the men stole a purse from another woman in Henley market place. They were then arrested by police. The court heard Nanton already had 54 convictions relating to 199 offences while Hopkins had 14 convictions relating to 31 offences. Dr Lindsey said: The aggravating factors here are the targeting of the vulnerable and elderly. In terms of harm, we have heard from one of the victims that there was a degree of inconvenience caused to her. Rhianna Fricker, for Hopkins, said he had a significant gap in his offending. He was last convicted in November 2017 and released in April 2018, she said. He managed to stay out of trouble until these offences. She said Hopkins suffered from depression and anxiety and his partner was in debt. Miss Fricker said: She is a person with good character and has provided a home for him. Their relationship has developed and she has become an incredible support for him. Mr Hopkins understands that he has devastated the relationship and he takes full responsibility for his actions. He has made a huge improvement in recent years apart from these offences. He wants to work with the probation service and take time to think about what he has done. Lyall Thompson, for Nanton, said: I acknowledge that these are extremely unattractive offences and ask the court to put them into perspective. They are unattractive but they certainly do not cause the emotional distress and upset that the most serious offences do. Mr Nanton is also burdened with an appalling criminal record. This is what hes been doing for many years the same sort of offending. That fact is that it is a cycle that Mr Nanton got into for very many years and theres no sign of him stopping. Whats needed is some sort of breakthrough, in my submission. He is motivated to change his gambling and, unprompted, he has attended Gamblers Anonymous and has found out what he would have to do. The judge told the men the offences were disgraceful and disgusting. He said: You planned it in advance and you deliberately targeted the victims, who were elderly ladies out doing their shopping. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:22:51|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Syrian artist Issam Darwish looks at one of his paintings at his gallery in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 23, 2019. Shocked, wondering, denying, sad and disbelieving are the faces that have made their ways to Issam Darwish's painting boards that reflect his feelings about his surroundings during the Syrian war. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) by Hummam Sheikh Ali DAMASCUS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Shocked, wondering, denying, sad and disbelieving are the faces that have made their ways to Issam Darwish's painting boards that reflect his feelings about his surroundings during the Syrian war. Born in 1952 in Damascus, Darwish is a famous Syrian artist whose paintings were largely about the serenity and beauty of women and the nature. He had been adhering to this school of art for decades before the eruption of the Syrian war that has changed all aspects of life and shifted people's priorities. In his gallery in the Adawi area in Damascus, the faces of war greet the visitors once they set their foot inside the venue. It seems like the beautiful women in his paintings were the still same ones he drew before, but now struck by the calamities of the war. In pre-war era, he drew women enjoying summer on beaches or coffee on baloneys, but during the war, the women he painted have become heavy-hearted, sad and gloomy. Speaking about this shift in the painting style, Darwish told Xinhua that in the pre-war time, the colors he used were with strong poetic emotions but the colors of his paintings became monotoned during the war. "For me, the war has forced me to become extra sensitive about anything that was going on. It's like my skin has turned inside out that every whiff of air could harm me," he said. As an artist, his feelings about the war were manifested in the faces he has drawn. His first work during the war depicted a woman grieving inside her house, covering part of her face with the palm of her hand. Outside a window behind her was a boy looking through the window from a distance as if he is lamenting for the sufferings of people. Darwish's shift in art did not come immediately, as his anger kept boiling under the surface before it was manifested in 2014, three years after the eruption of the crisis. He said it took him a long time to switch from the art of peace to the art of war, adding that there will still be some way to go before he could return to his previous art form even after the ending of the war. "I think it will take us a long time to forget the tragedies happened in the war," he said. New Delhi, Jan 13 : After the opposition meet on CAA-NRC, Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged that the government has failed on economic issues and is now distracting the nation through other means. Gandhi said "Narendra Modi should have courage to tell youngsters why Indian economy has become a disaster, why unemployment is on the rise? He does not have the guts to stand in front of students. I challenge him to go to any university, stand there without police and tell people what he is going to do for this country." He said that the government is trying to suppress the voice of the youth and the demands of the youth are legitimate but government is not listening to it. Earlier the opposition met in New Delhi to chalk out a strategy on the issue of CAA and NPR. The meeting was attended by 20 political parties but two major allies gave it a miss as DMK did not take part because they are at loggerheads with the state unit of the Congress while Shiv Sena also did not turn up. Ukrainian World Congress challenges label of organization undesirable in Russia RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 13:18 13/01/2020 MOSCOW, January 13 (RAPSI) Moscows Tverskoy District Court will consider a lawsuit of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) against undesirable organization label given to it in Russia on January 30, RAPSI reports from the courtroom on Monday. Defendants in the case are Russias Prosecutor Generals Office and Justice Ministry. On July 11, 2019, Russian prosecutors declared UWC an undesirable organization claiming that its activity poses threat to the foundations of the constitutional system and safety of the country. On July 17, the Justice Ministry added the NGO to the list of international undesirable organizations. Following labeling of the organization as undesirable, banks are to stop its account maintenance. The NGO in turn must cease activities and distribution of information materials in Russia. The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is the largest public organization of Ukrainians residing in and outside Ukraine. It was founded in New York in 1967 under the name "The World Congress of Free Ukrainians". Reuters The US government is planning to permanently halt its civilian drone program due to the devices being made at least partly in China, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The Interior Department is considering halting about 1,000 drones after deciding that the risk of the drones being used by Beijing for spying was too high, FT said, citing two people briefed on the plans. Sources also told FT that Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has not signed an official policy but is planning to pull the fleet from action, with exceptions for emergencies like fighting wildfires and training. The Interior Department was not immediately available for comment. Same-sex marriage officially legal in Northern Ireland; Christian leaders express concern Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Same-sex marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland, sparking concern among religious and conservative leaders in the Christian-majority country. As of Jan. 13, same-sex couples are able to register to marry in the country, and those who are already married will have their union recognized by law, according to the BBC. Those who already have civil partnerships are not able to convert to a marriage. The move marks the implementation of legislation passed through Westminster last year, which legalized both abortion and gay marriage. The implementation of the legislation brings the province in line with the rest of the United Kingdom, where gay marriage has been legal since 2014. In July, the U.K. government declared that Northern Irelands laws on abortion and gay marriage were out of compliance with human rights regulations, and would have to change if the regions own government didnt intervene, The New York Times reported. The Northern Ireland Office is set to begin a consultation later this year about converting civil partnerships and the role of churches in same-sex marriages. The Protestant population is roughly equal to the Catholic population in the country. Last week, The Christian Institute expressed concern that the new law could get in the way of free speech and debate about gay marriage. It warned the Northern Ireland Office that it would seek legal action unless citizens receive clear protections for free speech, written into public order law, just like they were in England and Wales before gay marriage was introduced there. Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said that when same-sex marriage registration starts on 13 January another set of robust protections will be needed to protect those in Northern Irish society who disagree with same-sex marriage. In response, Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith stated that Public Order legislation is being amended to underline that mere criticism of same-sex marriage is not an offense, Irish News reported. Furthermore, equality law is also being changed, to protect religious bodies and staff from being sued for declining to take part in a blessing or other event marking a civil same-sex wedding. Smith also pointed out that religious organizations will be permitted to dismiss a staff member who enters a same-sex marriage if that is incompatible with the organizations values. Additionally, with the changes in the law, private legal instruments, such as wills, are not forced to include same-sex marriage where that was not the intention. In a statement, Simon Calvert, deputy director for Public Affairs at The Christian Institute, said the institute was grateful that the Secretary of State has recognized the validity of the issues we have raised, and has acted to address each of the areas of concern that we have. He stressed the importance of proper training and guidance for the police, to ensure respect for freedom of speech on these issues. We dont want people using the police to try to punish those who believe in traditional marriage," he said. Several churches in Northern Ireland had previously insisted they would only conduct marriages between a man and a woman despite the legal change. The Church of Ireland affirms, according to our Lord's teaching, that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and lifelong, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side," a spokesperson for the Church of Ireland told the Belfast Telegraph. The Rev. Jim Stothers, deputy clerk of the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly, explained that the church body was committed to maintaining "the scriptural basis of marriage." "In every marriage service, the minister officiating is required to read this statement: 'Since the beginning of creation God, in His gracious purpose, provided marriage as the accepted way in which a man and a woman may come together as husband and wife,'" he noted. "This is the only basis on which marriage can take place within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The introduction of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland does not change that conviction." Phoebe Waller-Bridges prolific awards season continued as she picked up the best actress in a comedy series prize for Fleabag (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Phoebe Waller-Bridges prolific awards season continued as she joined Hollywood heavyweights in winning at the Critics Choice Awards. Netflixs expensively assembled gangster epic The Irishman received a timely boost with less than a month to go until the Oscars, with stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino taking to the stage together to accept the best acting ensemble gong. Joaquin Phoenix took home best actor for his portrayal of a tortured loner in Joker while Laura Dern won the best actress award for playing a ruthless divorce lawyer in Marriage Story. Quentin Tarantino was also triumphant, winning best screenplay for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Waller-Bridge won best actress in a comedy series and had the star-studded audience inside the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica in fits of laughter after admitting her surprise at receiving so much critical adulation for writing a character who literally looks into the camera and says f*** me up the arse'. She added: Thank you for getting behind that. Waller-Bridge, who has also won Emmys and Golden Globes for Fleabags lauded second season, described working on the show as the best experience Ill probably ever have. Expand Close Phoebe Waller-Bridge was among the winners at the Critics Choice Awards (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Phoebe Waller-Bridge was among the winners at the Critics Choice Awards (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Her Fleabag co-star Andrew Scott won best supporting actor in a comedy series for playing the Hot Priest character. Video of the Day Elsewhere, Toy Story 4 won best animated feature while Eddie Murphy was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. In the TV categories, Netflixs When They See Us was named best limited series ahead of HBO and Skys Chernobyl. Show creator Ava DuVernay thanked the streaming giant for letting a black woman do her thing. He's not just any priest, he's a cool (hot) priest. Help us congratulate Andrew Scott on winning the #CriticsChoice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series! #Fleabag pic.twitter.com/C5S8FU2M9A Fleabag (@fleabag) January 13, 2020 Regina King won best actress in a drama series for Watchmen, winning ahead of The Crowns Olivia Colman and Killing Eves Jodie Comer. There was more disappointment for British stars in the male category, where Successions Jeremy Strong beat Game Of Throness Kit Harington and The Crowns Tobias Menzies. Kings Watchmen co-star Jean Smart won best supporting actress in a TV drama while the male equivalent went to Billy Crudup for The Morning Show. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie was named best movie made for TV. Alex Borstein of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel won best supporting actress in a comedy series. The prize for best foreign language film was awarded to South Korean dark comedy Parasite and Avengers: Endgame won best action film. The Critics Choice Awards are one of the final major awards shows before the Oscars and actor Taye Diggs was on hosting duties. MIDDLETOWN Firefighters are struggling to put down a blaze at the Dainty Rubbish waste management site off of Sunday morning, multiple news outlets report. Crews have had to contend with high winds Sunday morning, which pushed smoke and heat through the entrance to the building, journalists from Fox 61 and WFSB reported from the scene off Industrial Park Road. By Trend Cooperation between Italian SACE state export-credit agency and Uzbekistans Uzbekinvest national insurance company is aimed at exchanging information on transactions of mutual interest, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SME), representative of SACE told Trend in an interview. At a meeting of the Berne Union in Indian city of Hyderabad, Uzbekinvest and SACE signed a cooperation agreement, which opens up great opportunities for cooperation in providing insurance coverage to exporters of the two countries, including in the field of co-insurance and reinsurance of joint Uzbek-Italian enterprises in third countries. "Working together is a win-win approach for all involved. It makes the purchase of high-quality Italian products and services more affordable for Uzbek buyers while facilitating the realization of projects involving Italian companies and their counterparts in Uzbekistan, benefiting the economies of both countries," the representative stated. As the official noted, SACE looks forward to working with Italian and local companies in Uzbekistan in small and large deals. "Uzbekistan has good structure in automotive, hydrocarbons, electronics, chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, and strongly focuses on modernization and acquisition of high technology. For all these reasons, Italy has opportunities for improvement in commercial and export trade between the two countries, especially for plant and machinery in textile sector, agribusiness and metal processing," the representative added. SACE, which is export and internationalization hub of Cassa depositi e prestiti Group, helps Italian businesses confront such obstacles as periodic slowdowns, protectionism, geo-political crises and debt in the global trade, while also working with foreign companies. It offers a wide range of insurance and financial instruments capable of satisfying every requirement connected to activity on foreign markets. In particular, SACE and its subsidiaries offer export credit, credit insurance, foreign investment protection, financial guarantees, surety bonds and factoring and debt collection services. Outside of Italy, SACE has 11 offices, including in Moscow (opened in 2006). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 As the government revamps an agency to reshape the future of migrant labor, it is urging private placement companies to follow suit by changing the way they operate. The government recently announced that it would restructure the Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI) to focus more on protection-oriented operations, a shift in approach from a probusiness perspective as mandated by the 2017 law on migrant worker protection. The organization will be renamed the Agency for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BP2MI) and its role in worker placement will be included in three major protection tasks before, during and after people work overseas. 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 BJP on Monday distanced itself from a book, which has drawn flak from the opposition for comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maratha king ChhatrapatiShivaji, saying the party has nothing do with its publication and it represents the author's personal opinion. BJP media co-incharge Sanjay Mayukh told reporters that the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal, who is a saffron party member, has also expressed his willingness to withdraw those parts of the book which a section of society has found objectionable. Goyal told PTI that he was willing to revise those parts of the book to which opposition leaders have objected. "I only wanted to tell readers as to how Modi like Shivaji has worked to take everyone along and also been successful in doing what many considered impossible. If it has hurt sentiments of some people, I am willing to revise those parts of the book," he said. The book, titled 'Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', has drawn fire from opposition parties in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut demanded that it be banned and asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over two billion dollars lost each year by Ghana due to corruption, according to the latest figures from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Even this is relatively low compared to other African countries. Corruption in the country remains "one of the worst scourges that oppose the development of Ghana," said Nana Akufo-Addo in a speech to the nation in January 2018. "Democracy is not everything, my hope and expectations are that the creation of this office will be an important step in our collective determination to eradicate corruption from the public life of our country because corruption is a thorny problem that permeates every fabric of Ghanaian society, especially the public sector, Akufo Addo stressed. This is not far from reality since even the quality of governance in this West African country has deteriorated. According to reports published both nationally and internationally, Ghana, an example of democracy has lost points in recent years in good governance and the fight against corruption. The country, in particular, according to Transparency International, ranks 7th in African rank and 56th worldwide. Corruption in Ghana is broader than known, spreading to state officials, the police, immigration, traditional and religious leaders. In 2015, outgoing President John Dramani had to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to set up a $ 918 million ( 874 million) bailout to try to stem an economic crisis, partly caused by the explosion of public debt and a crippling electricity shortage. The economic hardships reinforced the dissatisfaction of Ghanaians due to mismanagement at the highest peak in the country. This is one of the reasons Mahama lost the 2016 elections. There is no doubt that Akufo Addo knows the problems the country faces but has no idea of how to deal with them. For example, Akufo Addo is the only Ghanaian leader who has appointed the highest number of ministers in the political history of Ghana. His wise speeches against corruption are inspiring but inactive and also the appointment of the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, didnt yield any satisfactory results. These are some of the reasons Ghanaians feel disappointed over the leadership of Nana Akufo Addo. Its wrong to give citizens that have passed through bitter-harsh political and economic hardships false hopes if he lacks the ability to solve those problems. Like Mahama, Akufo Addo has done many mistakes since becoming president. His commitments to fight corruption have been a failure. His aim to cut debt has been a failure as his government has over-borrowed. Corruption has also increased. In a country like Ghana that elites dont go to jail, Akufo Addo protects any of his officials involved in corruption scandals. In fact, nothing makes the NPP special, since they have repeated all the mistakes the NDC government did. Observing and analyzing the political situation in Ghana, quickly reveals that poor leadership is what causing hardships for the common people but this shouldn't happen since Ghana has all that it takes to be a rich and strong country economically and politically. Italys former consul general to Canada, Tullio Guma, attended Shen Yun in Mississauga on Jan. 12. His response to the classical Chinese dance performance was stellar and included insights from his career as an Italian diplomat. First of all, congratulations, he said, as a tip of the hat to New York-based Shen Yun, and keep on going like this, throughout the world. [Shen Yun artists] are the real ambassadors of the huge Chinese culture and Chinese culture abroad, and in the whole world, so they also should feel this responsibility, which is very important. Guma was consul general of Italy in Toronto from 2012 to 2014. He also served as Italys ambassador to Zambia and Ghana during his 40-year diplomatic career. Now a resident of Canada, he attended Shen Yuns performance at the Living Arts Centre on Jan. 12, 2020. The lightness of the movements, of the dancers, they are really perfect I would say. All the choreography was great. And the music of course. The orchestra is fantastic, Guma said. For the past 13 years, Shen Yun performers have toured the world sharing Chinas authentic artistic traditions, along with its values and virtues. For this, Guma applauded them. When I was ambassador, I tried to promote I mean, I understand very well what is the meaning of this show. It is very important to transmit to the young generations and also to foreign people the traditional value, the immortal, eternal value that you mentioned, 5,000 years. In 5,000 years from now, some values will still be important, and that is, I think, the goal of [Shen Yuns] initiative, Guma said. I think that there are some universal values that are, no matter if you are in the Eastern world or Western world, they are of some value for the human being. They are, of course, peace, love, determination in trying to achieve something. They get perfection, that I noticed, these dancers achieved. This is also in the human being trying to be as good as possible and trying to improve themselves every day, and Im sure that they [Shen Yun dancers] have. They are very young, but they have made a lot of sacrifices to reach this form of art. They are really excellent, Guma said. According to Shen Yuns website, the artists practice the spiritual discipline Falun Dafa, which consists of five energy-strengthening exercises and three moral principles: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. They say this ancient tradition provides inspiration and bolsters their stage presence, which Guma noticed. I think that they should have an inner concentration that brings them very close to God, performing at such a fantastic level, he said. In fact, divinity is one of the central themes in a Shen Yun performance. Traditionally, Chinese people revered heaven and believed in the Creator. I think the theme [of the Creator] is very coherent and its, its very nice to follow. I think this is perfect, he said. This show gave me a sort of serenity and happiness. It fits very well, the dance, the music, everything. I think that delicateness is the best thing that I noticed. Also, the stories are very, very moving, he added. NTD News, Canada The Congress accused the Modi government on Monday of failing to utilise a cess amount of over Rs 3 lakh crore since fiscal year 2015, saying it was a "shocking case of financial anarchy". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala's claim cited a media report saying that the unutilised balance from cesses collected between fiscal year 2015 and 2020 (budgeted number considered for FY20), and lying in the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), is a staggering Rs 3.59 lakh crore. "Shocking case of 'financial anarchy'! Between 2014-15 to 2019-20, Modi government failed to utilise 'cess amount' of a whopping Rs. 3,59,000 crore! Is it 'financial insomnia' or sheer 'financial incompetence'?" Surjewala said. "Modi government beats up, lathi charges, tear gases students demanding affordable education! Modi government refuses to roll back the fee hike in central universities! Yet it utterly failed to utilise Rs.49,101 crore of 'higher education cess' collected between 2014-15 to 2019-20," he said in a series of tweets, asking the government the reason behind this. India is choking because of air pollution, with Delhi and many cities becoming gas chambers, and pollution has emerged as the single biggest challenge in the 21st century for the country and yet, the Modi government failed to utilise Rs 38,943 crore of Clean Energy Cess between 2014-15 and 2019-20, Surjewala added. "Petrol and Diesel prices go through the roof! Farmers suffer and budget of middle class bleeds as prices skyrocket everyday! Yet Modi government fails to utilise Rs. 74,162 crore of 'cess on crude oil' between 2014-15 to 2019-20! Why?" he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It was Churchills determination to keep the war going that destroyed the British Empire. by Paul Craig Roberts The fourth chapter of John Wears book, Germanys War is now posted. The evidence is overwhelming that it was Roosevelt and Churchill who were determined to have war with Germany and not Germany who wanted war with the Anglo-Saxons. Hitler made many peace overtures to the British government both before and after he conquered France and drove the British out of Europe. On August 14, 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Hitler called his field marshalls into the Chancellery and told them that victory over Britain must not lead to the collapse of the British Empire. Hitler told them that Germay is not striving to smash Britain because the beneficiaries will not be Germany, but Japan in the east, Russia in India, Italy in the Mediterranean, and America in world trade. This is why peace is possible with Britainbut not so long as Churchill is prime minister. Thus we must see what the Luftwaffe can do, and wait a possible general election. It was Churchills determination to keep the war going that destroyed the British Empire. I have reread Viktor Suvorovs book, The Chief Culprit, published by the U.S. Naval Institute Press in 2008. Suvorov believes that Stalin is responsible for WWII by encouraging, even luring, Hitler into moves that would put Germany at war with Britain and France. Stalin had long planned to take advantage of Europe at war when his massive and fresh armies would dominate the field. In June, 1941, both Hitler and Stalin had assembled on their border large armies for invasion. Stalins army was many times larger and much better armed than Hitlers which Suvorov reports had resources for only two months of war. Stalin knew that German forces were assembled on the border. Stalin had excellent intelligence, and it was the excellence of his intelligence that resulted in the Soviet army being caught off guard. Stalin knew that Hitler had assembled troops but lacked the material resources that he needed to support an invasion of Russia. He assumed that Hitler and his generals were rational and would not attack until they were properly prepared. In contrast to Hitler, Stalin had all the resources needed to overrun Germany and all of Europe in a real blitzkrieg. Stalin had militarized the economy. Hitler had not. Stalin had prepared the Soviet Army, Navy, and Air force only for offensive operations. The army had not been trained how to retreat. The high speed Soviet tanks were designed for the roads of Western Europe, not for use in the mud, snow, and ice of Russia. Everything Suvorov has uncovered about the Soviet armed forces proves it was assembled for an invasion of Western Europe, which if the Soviets had struck first would have been successful. The forward positions of the German and Soviet armies made them vulnerable to whoever struck first. As the Germans were not prepared, Stalin was convinced the initiative would be his. In forward position, there are no defense positions. All the ammunition and weapons are on the border. There is no time to move anything or to fall back. Suvorov believes that Hitler knew Stalin was about to attack and struck first. In contrast David Irving reports that Hitler said that if he had known of the size of the Soviet army, the superiority of its weapon systems, and the Soviet ability to turn out far more and better tanks, cannon, and aircraft than Germany, he would not have attacked. My conclusion at this time is that Suvorov is correct that Stalin was on the verge of invading Western Europe which required only the defeat of Germany, whose armed forces were greatly outclassed by those of Stalin. By striking first Hitler captured the vast stockpiles of offensive weapons and entire Soviet armies prepared for offensive, not defensive war, and thereby prevented the Soviet conquest and occupation of Western Europe from which no Normandy invasion could possibly have dislodged them. Hitler attacked unprepared because he believed the war would only last 3 months, which gave him two months to come up with the resources for the third month. I dont see the evidence that Hitler knew he was about to be attacked. And it is certain that the British and Americans had no inkling of Stalins plan to conquer Western Europe. It is a paradox that it is the demonized Hitler who saved Western Europe from communism, and it is ironic that the British and Americans were so incompetent that they were focused on the German non-threat and not on the Soviet threat. It seems clear enough that both Wear and Suvorov are correct. World War II was caused by Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, not by Hitler. Democrats are still trying to convince a few moderate Republican senators to allow specific witnesses U.S. House of Representatives will send formal impeachment charges against U.S. President Donald Trump to the Senate as early as next week. It was stated by its Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Reuters reports. Democrats have demanded it include new witness testimony and evidence about the Trump's pressure put on Ukrainian authorities in order to probe ex-Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. U.S. Senate is expected to acquit Trump before the 2020 presidential election campaign heats up. As we reported earlier, on November 18, U.S. House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump in a historic vote. WASHINGTON The cash is flowing to a South Texas primary race for Congress. Jessica Cisneros, a progressive immigration attorney from Laredo whose bid to unseat moderate Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar has drawn national attention, says her fundraising haul in the last quarter of 2019 brought her nearly $1 million for her campaign to spend weeks ahead of election day. Cisneros, 26, raised more than $513,000 in the final quarter of 2019, her campaign announced on Monday. In all, Cisneros has raised more than $978,000 in her first run for office. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Since our campaign launched in June, weve proven time and time again that we have the resources we need to compete against an entrenched incumbent without having to take a dime from corporate PACs, Cisneros said in a statement. Im proud of the grassroots movement were building in South Texas after over a decade of absentee leadership. The Cisneros race will provide an early indication in 2020 of the electability of progressives in Texas, where she is one of several progressive hopefuls arguing that a key to turning the state blue will be reaching voters who have not made a habit of voting in the past especially young and minority voters, who they believe can be energized by an unflinching progressive message. The South Texas district, which stretches from San Antonio to Laredo, is solidly blue Hillary Clinton won there in 2016 by nearly 20 points and Cisneros argues Cuellar, a well-known moderate, has only held it for so long because hes never faced a serious challenge from the left. Cuellar has won his last half-dozen general elections with an average of more than 70 percent of the vote, and has reported raising $3.24 million for his 2020 re-election campaign. For subscribers: Emboldened Democrats say its a myth progressives cant take Texas Cisneros has drawn the backing of major national progressive groups, such as Emilys List and Justice Democrats, a group that backed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs insurgent bid to unseat a longtime Democratic congressman in New York in 2018. Cisneros says her campaign has also received 28,200 contributions from over 18,000 individuals who gave an average $34. In Laredo, Cisneros tweeted, the average contribution is just $26. Still, Cisneros faces an uphill battle. Cuellar, 64, has represented the district for 15 years and has the backing of the Democratic establishment, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Cuellar has already started dispatching paid canvassers into the district, as well, and is touting his work on the newly negotiated U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal among other things. Colin Strother, the lead consultant for Cuellars re-election drive, accused Cisneros of being bought and paid for by national groups. "The influence of dark money and special interest groups is very real and our opponent's campaign is a perfect example of that influence, Strother said. Congressman Cuellar only answers to the families that he represents, not outside-the-district special interest groups. This is Cuellar Country and this seat is not for sale." ben.wermund@chron.com French President Macron commits to extra 220 troops in push against fighters in the Sahel. France and five West African states agreed on Monday to combine their military forces under one command structure to fight a growing battle in the Sahel region, with Paris committing an extra 220 troops. French President Emmanuel Macron had called the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mauritania, known as the G5, to the southwestern French town of Pau to discuss the push against fighters in the Sahel, an arid region just below the Sahara desert. More: With growing anti-French sentiment in the five countries over Paris handling of an armed uprising by fighters that has seen hundreds of their soldiers killed in recent weeks, Macron had warned that he could withdraw French troops without a clear political commitment from them. France, the former colonial power, has 4,500 troops in Mali and the wider Sahel, but security has been progressively worsening. Macron said the situation had now been clarified. Fighters linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL have strengthened their foothold, making large swathes of territory ungovernable and stoking ethnic violence, especially in Mali and Burkina Faso. Today, more than ever, the fact is that the results, despite the effort, are below the expectations of the population, Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Kabore told a joint news conference. Its for this reason that we have decided to review the deployment and redefine the pillars for our future action. The new structure, named Coalition for the Sahel, brings the G5 states, French forces and any future troops under a single command. It aims to enable joint operations, greater intelligence-sharing and quicker response time in particular for French forces in the border areas linking Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, where violence is at its worst. Criticised in France for allowing French troops to get bogged down and facing growing hostility in West Africa for failing to restore stability, Macron has become increasingly frustrated, but the French leader appeared satisfied with Mondays results. Another 220 French troops will be sent to give fresh momentum to the fight with more European special forces expected to join in the coming months, he said. The priority is Islamic State in the Grand Sahara It is our priority because it is the most dangerous, Macron said. We have no choice, we need results. French troops were hailed as heroes in 2013 when their intervention helped prevent the fighters push to the Malian capital, Bamako. But their standing has slipped as the security situation deteriorated. At least 89 local soldiers were killed in a suspected attack on an army base in Niger this weekend, four security sources said. Pau, the location of the summit, is home to a helicopter regiment which saw several of its French soldiers killed in a helicopter collision in Mali in November. Macron said he was also worried of a possible withdrawal by the United States military in the area. It provides intelligence, logistical and drone support for Frances forces. There have been mixed signals from Washington that it could pull out. If the Americans were to decide to leave Africa it would be really bad news for us, Macron said. I hope to be able to convince President [Donald] Trump that the fight against terrorism also plays out in this region. DUBAI (Reuters) - World and regional leaders, many at odds with one another, met Oman's new ruler on Sunday to offer condolences for the death of Sultan Qaboos whose quiet diplomacy during five decades in power helped calm regional turbulence. The rulers of Qatar and the United Arab Emirate, which are locked in a protracted dispute, were among those who visited the royal palace in Muscat as was the foreign minister of Iran, which is an arch-foe of U.S.-allied Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Oman's new sultan, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, promised after assuming power on Saturday to uphold the foreign policy of his Western-backed predecessor under which Muscat balanced ties between larger neighbors Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as the United States. "His challenge going forward will be to quickly develop his personal relationships with foreign partners and make clear his likely stance to stay-the-course with Oman's foreign policy," said Elana DeLozier, a research fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank. Qaboos, who died on Friday aged 79, managed to maintain Oman's neutrality, not taking sides in the Gulf dispute with Qatar, and helped to mediate secret U.S.-Iran talks in 2013 that led to an international nuclear pact two years later which Washington then quit in 2018. President Donald Trump called Qaboos a true partner to the United States, working with nine different American presidents. "His unprecedented efforts to engage in dialogue and achieve peace in the region showed us the importance of listening to all viewpoints," Trump said in a statement. The British government said Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles arrived in Muscat for the condolences ceremony for the longest-serving Arab leader, who took power in a palace coup in 1970 with the help of former colonial power Britain. Among other Western dignitaries was former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Story continues Haitham assumes power at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States that could destabilize a region vital to global oil supplies. Qaboos' death leaves Kuwait's 90-year old Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who was also in Muscat on Sunday, as the last of the old guard leaders in the Gulf. The region has seen the emergence of young hawks in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi who are bent on curtailing Iran's influence. (Reporting by Tuqa Khalid in Dubai and Stephen Kalin in Riyadh; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Frances Kerry) A parachutist has been rescued after he was left dangling 656ft above the ground 'for hours' when his canopy became snagged on jagged rocks. Footage showed Johannes Grasser, 28, from Austria, clinging onto his parachute's strings while suspended in mid-air earlier this morning. He was later hauled to safety after a rescuer scaled the rocks to reach him. Mr Grasser, who suffered wounds to both legs, had leapt from the peak of Khao Ok Thalu mountain in Phatthalung, southern Thailand, with his girlfriend. Scroll down for video Johannes Grasser, 28, from Austria, got caught on the jagged rocks of Khao Ok Thalu mountain in southern Thailand while parachuting with his girlfriend. After being rescued, he was found to have sustained wounds on both his legs A rescuer scaled the cliff face to rescue Mr Grasser and bring him to safety Mr Grasser, fourth top left, was in the country with nine other Austrians to do a parachute display for national Children's Day last weekend Video shows Mr Grasser clinging onto the cliff face and looking down after getting hooked onto it. His girlfriend is also seen above him, shouting encouragement and relaying information from rescuers via a translator. Concerned for his safety, the tourist police officer said: 'He will not be able to hang on for too long.' 'He cannot hold on like that for too long, the rescue team are finding the way to help him. Did he hurt his leg? People are asking me if the blood has stopped bleeding.' Video shows him clinging to the rock face, his parachute strings, and looking for a possible way out of the situation. He was suspended above the ground 'for hours' Mr Grasser, pictured with people in Thailand, was stuck on the cliff face this morning Mr Grasser's parachute is shown here stuck on the cliff face. His girlfriend, right, is above him shouting instructions from rescuers after they have been translated Residents said earlier that they heard someone calling for help from the south side of the mountain and saw the man hanging on the cliff, tangled in ropes and canvas. One local who called the rescue team said: 'There was a man screaming for help from the hill peak around late morning. After I found him I called the rescue workers to help him as soon as possible.' Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene and have begun planning the safest way to rescue the man. If he cannot be reached through climbing, they will bring in a helicopter. The provincial governor of the province also came to the scene to view the rescue. 'We have to help him as soon as possible before he will be drained of his strength,' he said. Mr Grasser is one of nine Austrian parachutists who came to Phatthalung to perform in a sky diving show to celebrate national Children's Day on Saturday. The national flag flew half- mast atop government buildings here on Monday to mourn the death of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Al Said. Following a directive from the home ministry, the buildings of Raj Nivas, the office of the Lt Governor, the Chief Secretariat and a few other official premises saw the flags flying half-mast. The Sultan Qaboos of Oman died on Friday last at the age of 79. All official engagements slated for Monday by the office of Lieutenant Governor were put off to a later date, an official source told PTI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ISLAMABAD -- A Pakistani tribunal has ruled that the formation of a special court that has handed former military ruler Pervez Musharraf a death sentence was unconstitutional. It was not immediately clear whether the January 13 ruling by the Lahore High Court would automatically nullify Musharrafs death sentence on treason charges. Musharraf ruled Pakistan between 1999 and 2008 and is currently receiving medical treatment in the United Arab Emirates. The 76-year-old is the first military ruler to stand trial in Pakistan, where the military maintains a strong influence. He was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court in December on treason charges stemming from his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007. Musharraf has slammed the case against him as a "vendetta," while the military accused the court of ignoring legal processes and defended Musharraf's patriotism. Prime Minister Imran Khans government also questioned the fairness of the trial and said it had found "gaps and weaknesses" in the sentence. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Authorities have released the name of a 55-year-old man killed over the weekend in Grand Rapids. Police said Tracy Hunter died following a stabbing before 5:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, in the 1000 block of Bates Street SE. His death has been ruled a homicide -- the citys third of the month. On Monday, Jan. 13, police said the suspect had been arrested and booked at the Kent County Jail. Police did not name the man, pending arraignment in Grand Rapids District Court. Officers were dispatched early Sunday morning to a residence where Hunter had been stabbed. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel on scene. Investigators determined that an argument occurred between individuals prior to the assault. An Australian navy warship has set sail for the Persian Gulf as tensions grow between the United States and Iran. HMAS Toowoomba and its 190 sailors will be part of an international coalition along with the US and Britain keeping shipping safe for the next six months in the narrow Strait of Hormuz that passes by Iran. HMAS Toowoomba during a 2018 deployment. Credit:Royal Australian Navy The US and Iran have drawn back from full-blown military conflict in the wake of an American air strike that killed top Iranian general Qassim Suleimani on January 3 and Iranian missiles that hit US bases in Iraq in return. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the situation between the two countries had "stabilised that is a very relative term in the Middle East" last week. The chief executive of Maple Leaf Foods ($MFI.TO) took to Twitter on Sunday night to spout off against the United States government, in the wake of the Iranian missile strike of Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752 that killed 176 people, including the relatives of a Maple Leaf Foods employee. CEO Michael McCains emotionally-charged tweets, which were published on the Maple Leaf Foods official Twitter account on Sunday evening, have surprised many in the business community, who say its rare to see CEOs enter the political fray so directly. I cannot think of another CEO in Canada doing something like this ever before, Sylvain Charlebois, a Dalhousie University professor who has worked alongside McCain and Maple Leaf Foods, said in an interview. In the series of tweets posted Sunday, McCain expressed outrage over the deaths of those aboard Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752, saying Canadians needlessly loss their lives in the crossfire. Michael McCain, the CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. McCain lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump without directly naming him, referring to a narcissist in Washington that tears world accomplishments apart. He also alluded to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran and the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, referring to an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. Trump was impeached last month by the U.S. House of Representatives. Im Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, and these are personal reflections. I am very angry, and time isnt making me less angry. A MLF colleague of mine lost his wife and family this week to a needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran... Maple Leaf Foods (@MapleLeafFoods) January 13, 2020 U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction Maple Leaf Foods (@MapleLeafFoods) January 13, 2020 ..A narcissist in Washington tears world accomplishments apart; destabilizes region. US now unwelcomed everywhere in the area including Iraq; tensions escalated to feverish pitch. Taking out despicable military leader terrorist? There are a hundred like him, standing next in line Maple Leaf Foods (@MapleLeafFoods) January 13, 2020 The collateral damage of this irresponsible, dangerous, ill-conceived behavior? 63 Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son)! We are mourning and I am livid. Michael McCain. Maple Leaf Foods (@MapleLeafFoods) January 13, 2020 Janet Riley, the vice president of communications and public affairs at Maple Leaf Foods, confirmed the authenticity of the tweets on Sunday. In response to an interview request from Yahoo Finance Canada, Riley said that McCain would prefer to let the messages in his tweets speak for themselves. Story continues He felt the tragedy warranted his response, Riley wrote in an email. She would not confirm the identities of the victims related to a Maple Leaf Foods employee, citing the familys need for privacy. Pointedly political Chris MacDonald, a professor of business ethics at Ryerson Universitys Ted Rogers School of Management, said that while corporate engagement in political issues has been on the rise in recent years, the situation with Maple Leaf Foods is unique. This is a CEO sticking his neck out, for better or for worse, on a topic that is not central to the companys interests. There isnt some sort of big strategic goal here, MacDonald said. Im trying to think of a parallel example but I really cant because its so unique. Its both pointedly political and not right up the companys alley. MacDonald also said its notable that the comments were made on the Maple Leaf Foods official Twitter account, as opposed to a personal account, which McCain has, although the account is set to private. Ian Lee, a professor at Carleton Universitys Sprott School of Business, says it doesnt matter whether the comments were posted by McCain through a personal account or through the one belonging to the Maple Leaf Foods brand. He says McCain went way over the line with his comments. If he was a private citizen sending the tweet, it really doesnt matter, but he isnt, Lee said. He is the CEO of a publicly-traded company with public duties and public responsibilities. It is not his role to get involved in the very complex politics of the Middle East. It went far beyond an expression of sympathy. A company entering the political fray in such a way can have risks, Charlebois said, including potential backlash from both customers and suppliers. On Monday, the hashtag #BoycottMapleLeafFoods was trending in Canada on Twitter. For a publicly-traded company, the risks are real, Charlebois said. Knowing Maple Leaf Foods expansion plans in the U.S., you can only appreciate how risky a message like that is, given how it could be perceived by Americans. Last year, Maple Leaf Foods announced plans to construct a $310-million plant-based protein food processing facility in Shelbyville, Indiana. The company said the facility will be the largest investment of its kind in North America. It was last Wednesday when an Iranian missile shot down the Ukrainian airline flight and killed all 176 people on board, including 57 Canadians. It was initially thought that 63 Canadians were killed on the flight, but Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne updated that number on Friday. Of the 176 victims, 138 were headed to Canada. Iran admitted late Friday that its military unintentionally shot the plane down, and blamed human error for the strike. McCain has been CEO of Maple Leaf Foods since 1999. The company is worth approximately $3.13 billion, based on market capitalization. It company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and operates in Canada, the United States and Asia, employing approximately 12,500 people. With a file from the Canadian Press Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. A dairy co-op is suing a cold store operator for nearly 9m over damage to its butter products when racking in a refrigerated warehouse collapsed. Ornua Co-operative Ltd, which sells products on behalf of dairy processors and farmers, is suing VF Cold Stores, which stored 3,360 pallets of frozen butter when the racking collapsed on July 25, 2018, in its Jamestown Road premises in Finglas, Dublin. Ornua is also suing Capendu Ltd, of Dunboyne, Co. Meath, which VF Cold Stores says installed and maintained the racking system. In a separate but related case, four other companies in the Kepak meat processing group are suing the defendants in relation to damage to their products as a result of the collapsed racking. Kepak Group Ltd, Kepak Convenience Foods, Kepak Longford and McCarren Meats of Cavan claim 850 pallets of meat products were damaged. The case was admitted to the Commercial Court list by Mr Justice David Barniville who was told the defendants were neutral in relation to the application to admit the case. In its proceedings, Ornua says that following the incident, a difficult and complex process of sorting and segregating some 41,000 cases of product of different customers was undertaken. This included staff having to work in temperatures of minus 18 degrees celsius and ensuring traceability requirements of the product as required by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine were complied with. Colin Kelly, Ornua's head of strategy planning and risk management, said in an affidavit the final figure of losses has still not been quantified but the company considers the claim to be in the region of 8.95m and may exceed 9m. Kepak director Robert Grogan said in an affidavit while its assessment was ongoing, it was estimated the total value of the loss to Kepak and McCarren exceeds 1m. Kepak's insurer has agreed to indemnify and the proceedings are being prosecuted as a subrogated claim by the insurer. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Levine Leichtman Capital Partners ("LLCP"), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, today announced that Andrew Schwartz has been named a partner of the firm, and that Schwartz and David Wolmer, the firm's General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, have also been named to the firm's Executive Committee. Additionally, Andrew Alexander and Weston Richter have been promoted to Director, Jay Berajawala to Senior Associate, and Jamie Lee Principe to Director and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer. "Andrew Schwartz has been a deeply respected member of our team since joining the firm, consistently distinguishing himself as an exceptional investor and leader," said Lauren Leichtman, LLCP's Founding Partner and co-Chairperson of the Executive Committee. "We are excited that he and David Wolmer, who has made numerous important contributions to the firm over the past decade, will join our Executive Committee where we will continue to benefit from their exceptional insight. "We also congratulate our colleagues being promoted to the Director and Senior Associate levels. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing to support their professional development." LLCP also announced the opening of an office in Miami, its ninth location worldwide, further broadening its geographic presence. "We are pleased to announce the opening of our Miami office and are very optimistic about the opportunities for the firm in the southeast region," said Michael Weinberg, a Partner at LLCP. LLCP Miami Office Information LLCP Miami 112 NE 41st Street Miami, FL 33137 (786) 446-7366 Andrew Schwartz Bio Mr. Schwartz joined LLCP in 2011 and is a dedicated member of the U.S. investment team, responsible for leading the execution of new investments and portfolio company management. He has been actively involved in a number of successful investments, including Santa Cruz Nutritionals, Revenew International, Beef 'O' Brady's, Champion Manufacturing, Global Franchise Group, Syntron Material Handling, Hand and Stone, Trinity Consultants and GL Education. Prior to joining LLCP, Mr. Schwartz was a Vice President at Liberty Partners, a middle-market private equity fund, and an investment banking analyst at Jefferies. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a BS in Economics with a Concentration in Finance from the Wharton School and a BSE in Computer Science and Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science. David Wolmer Bio Mr. Wolmer joined LLCP in 2008 and is responsible for all legal aspects of LLCP's investment activities and business affairs. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor on transactions and a range of other vital firm matters, he has built and leads the firm's compliance function. Prior to joining LLCP, Mr. Wolmer was an associate in the global corporate group of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP. He received a BA from the University of Michigan and a JD from the Fordham School of Law. About Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm with a 36-year track record of successfully investing across various targeted sectors, including franchising, professional services, education and engineered products. LLCP utilizes a differentiated Structured Equity investment strategy, combining debt and equity capital investments in portfolio companies. This unique structure provides a less dilutive solution for management teams and entrepreneurs, while delivering growth and income with a significantly lower risk profile. LLCP's global team of dedicated investment professionals is led by seven partners who have worked together for an average of 21 years. Since inception, LLCP has managed over $10.8 billion of institutional capital across 14 investment funds and has invested in over 80 portfolio companies. LLCP currently manages $6.9 billion of assets including its most recent flagship fund, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners VI, L.P., which closed in 2018 with $2.5 billion of committed capital and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Miami, London, Stockholm and The Hague. Media Contact: Mark Semer or Ross Lovern Kekst CNC [email protected], [email protected] (212) 521-4800 SOURCE Levine Leichtman Capital Partners UPDATE: James Chance convicted of accessory after the fact, found non-guilty of one perjury charge. Jurors deadlock on second perjury charge. GRAND RAPIDS, MI A jury is struggling to reach a unanimous decision on two of three charges facing James Chance, the father of Jared Chance, who killed and dismembered Ashley Young. The jury forewoman on Monday, Jan. 13, told Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Denenfeld that jurors were unable to agree on two of the charges. The judge, who said jurors were struggling, urged them to continue deliberating in hopes they can reach unanimous decisions on all three charges. The jury forewoman did not say which charge the jurors agreed upon. Jurors have deliberated about 10 hours over the course of two days. Chance, 77, is charged with being an accessory after the fact in the mutilation of Youngs body. He allegedly drove from Grand Rapids to his Holland home, and back to Grand Rapids the next day, with the victims body parts boxed up in the back of his Honda CR-V. Chances son and Young, a Kalamazoo-area resident, were friends before he killed her Nov. 29, 2018, at his home in the 900 block of Franklin Street SE. Her torso was found days later in the basement of his rental home. Jared Chance is serving at least 100 years in prison after he was convicted last year of first-degree murder. His mother, Barbara Chance, 64, earlier pleaded no contest last week to charges of being an accessory after the fact and perjury. She faces up to one year in jail based on advisory sentencing guidelines. James Chance is a retired Rock Island, Illinois, police officer. He and his wife have lived in Holland many years. From the beginning of the Trump administration, this president has had trouble with facts. But it's sometimes forgotten how significantly that trouble has worsened. According to The Post's Fact Checker, in President Donald Trump's first year, he uttered almost 2,000 "false or misleading" claims. In 2018, he nearly tripled his total from the previous year, adding 5,689 more false or misleading claims. And his 2019 total was more than the two previous years combined - 7,725 as of mid-December. Were Trump to continue this trend, he'd have to up his falsehood rate to more than 40 per day for all of 2020 - a tough challenge even in an election year. But now the president has a way around facts: beliefs. In an interview with Fox News, Trump-friendly host Laura Ingraham asked the president what attacks Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani had been planning against U.S. citizens and facilities. "I can reveal that I believe it probably would've been four embassies," Trump said. Yes, he "believes." Not surprisingly, The Post reported Friday that there was only "vague" intelligence about an attack against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and nothing to suggest threats against multiple embassies. No warnings were issued to staff at the embassy in Iraq or any other unnamed embassies. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't even keep the administration's story straight: Briefing the media on Friday, he initially claimed that there was information about "attacks on U.S. embassies, period, full stop." After a follow-up question he changed the targets to "American embassies, military bases, American facilities throughout the region." Neither of the White House's emissaries to this week's Sunday talk shows, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and national security adviser Robert O'Brien, was able to scrounge up any further defense for the president's belief. On NBC's "Meet the Press," O'Brien first detailed troop movements to protect the embassy in Baghdad. When asked about the other embassies, though, he suddenly clammed up: "I'm not going to get into the details of those and give our playbook out to the other side." On CNN's "State of the Union," Esper conducted a similar dodge with host Jake Tapper: - - - ESPER: Well, there was evidence - there was evidence that part of the attack would be against the United States Embassy. TAPPER: In Baghdad? ESPER: In Baghdad. TAPPER: But what about the four embassies? ESPER: I'm not going to discuss intelligence. - - - So it's clear the president's belief is hot air. But, as "Meet the Press" host Chuck Todd noted later in the program, "you can't fact-check a belief." Where most of us mere mortals would have to marshal facts to justify a decision, Trump has realized another hidden power of being president - or, more accurately, being president with a supine party that backs every action and a massive media apparatus that props up every word. When you have those two assets, you don't need facts. You don't even need claims masquerading as facts. Your belief is enough. Todd referred to the belief framing as "smart" - which it is, if you follow politics more for rhetorical wins and losses and less for real-world outcomes. If you focus on the latter, Trump's new approach seems anything but smart. After all, facts care not for anyone's beliefs, even a president's. And in the gap between two lies dangerous consequences. In a major step towards police reform, the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday approved the proposal to set up police commissionerate system in Lucknow and Noida. The police commissionerate system has been implemented for the first time in the state. "Police commissioner system was being demanded in Uttar Pradesh. Our cabinet has decided to implement the proposal of police commissioner system both in the state capital Lucknow and Noida," said CM Yogi Adityanath addressing a press conference. An Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) level officer will act as police commissioner and two joint commissioners, who will be of the Inspector-General (IG) level will be associated with them. An ADGP level officer for Gautam Budh Nagar will be employed as police commissioner and two additional commissioners who will be of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) level will be working with him. Live TV Two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each, are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates, added CM Adityanath. "We have a commitment to the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh. For prevention of women crimes, one woman superintendent will be posted at both the places. There will be separate Superintendent of Police (SP) for traffic too. Two new police stations will be built in Noida and 40 police stations of Lucknow will be under the commissioner." For the past several decades, there was a demand for implementing the system in Uttar Pradesh and the Dharamvir Commission (Third National Police Commission) 1977 also recommended to implement this system. A large section of the bureaucracy was also opposed to this system but CM Adityanath bypassed every opposition and implemented a quick, transparent and public interest decision-making system. As per this new system, the police will deal directly with those who riot, cause nuisance, attack the common man and police, and ruin public properties. A single window system was also implemented in the police force. Now, police will not have to wander in magistrates' offices for speedy action against mafias. The police will also be directly authorized to cancel the licenses of the criminals, mafia and white collared. Under sections 151 and 107, 116, police will have the right to arrest and send them directly to jail. This system marks an end of bureaucratic ruckus in decisions of common man's interest. After the recommendation of the Third Police Commission, Dharamvir Commission, former CM Ram Naresh Yadav implemented the commissioner system in UP. Vasudev Panjani was made the police commissioner of Kanpur, but the decision of the commissionerate system was withdrawn before he started his work. After this, the commissioner system could never be implemented in UP and the state bureaucracy had accepted that no government in UP will take this revolutionary decision. In a total of 71 cities in 15 states in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Baroda, Hyderabad, Trivandrum etc., this system is implemented and works much better. This step was necessary for administrative excellence. This system will increase the accountability of the police, hearing of common people at the police station level will be better, and police disturbances will be curbed. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on countries participating in Cubas foreign medical programs to break off agreements with it because of alleged violations in the working conditions of Cuban doctors. As the head of American diplomacy tweeted Sunday, Cuba did not respond to a letter from UN special rapporteurs on slavery and human trafficking, which expressed extreme concern about the threats, low salaries and poor working conditions of medical programs abroad. In October 2019, the US imposed visa restrictions against Cuban officials responsible for the working conditions of Cuban doctors as part of foreign programs. The US State Department argued that physicians are forced to work for many hours without rest in unsafe conditions and with limited mobility. According to the American side, the Cuban authorities allegedly forced doctors to provide assistance as a political tool in exchange for assurances of loyalty. The willingness of CLIX to fund our appearance at their event was a validation of the importance of the problem we are solving and of the value of our product. said Patrick Hosty, Director of Business Development. HyperBorean, a Wichita based company has been selected to attend the Climate Innovations Exchange (CLIX) in Abu Dhabi. The Climate Innovations Exchange, (CLIX) supports the UAEs Ministry of Climate Change and Environment strategy to enable the sourcing and funding of climate change solutions and technologies. CLIX is a global marketplace located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, an initiative from January 13-16th and is a part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. CLIX connects entrepreneurs, innovators and investors globally to facilitate partnerships that will power climate change solutions. HyperBorean, founded in 2013 by Todd Gentry, invented an air conditioning compressor that converts waste heat into a power source for cooling. By using a heat source like concentrated solar power (CSP) the technology can be used to cool structures without the need for grid power. Refrigeration and cooling is listed as the #1 solution to fight climate change in the book Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, by Paul Hawken. This international event will propel HyperBorean into the global market. As a CLIX finalist, HyperBorean will have an exhibition at the event and the opportunity to pitch in front of an investor panel and international audience. HyperBorean has also benefitted from export program KITSAP with the Kansas Department of Commerce and advice from Director Glen Roberts from the US Department of Commerce. Global exposure can help bring resources and thought leadership back to rural Kansas. said Patrick Hosty, Director of Business Development. The willingness of CLIX to fund our appearance at their event was a validation of the importance of the problem we are solving and of the value of our product. said Hosty. In 2019, 41 finalists showcased their inventions at CLIX Marketplace in Abu Dhabi, and reported a total of $53.9 million USD of potential involvement in projects and investment intent in the region. We are very excited about our path to market in the US and also very pleased to now be making connections in the Middle East and globally through the World Future Energy Summit. Having local resources like the export assistance from KS Dept. of Commerce and US Department of Commerce was enhanced with assistance from Jeff Macon the Program manager for the Water, Energy, Technology Center at the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and HyperBoreans 2019 participation at the Blue Valley Venture Accelerator said Todd Gentry, CEO of HyperBorean. ### HyperBorean, http://www.coldfromheat.com, reduces the energy costs for air-conditioning by providing off-grid air conditioning which allows for greater resiliency at installations that have mission-critical cooling needs during grid failures. HyperBoreans technology also increases the lifespan of legacy refrigeration equipment by reducing its daily run time. One of our customers greatest pain points is losing cooling at remote sites due to grid failure or equipment failure. The second greatest pain point is the cost of energy used for cooling. HyperBoreans solution addresses both in addition to allowing for more agile deployment of refrigeration solutions. By PTI NEW DELHI: Eight eminent personalities, including former Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar and ex-Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, have appealed to people to "introspect and audit" the working of the Constitution ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Republic. "Is the Constitution a mere administrative manual which enables the elected governments to claim legitimacy for abuse of power, and allows the citizens to convert liberty into license disregarding rights of others? Is it simply another text penned by ink, or a sacred text written in the blood of innumerable martyrs who transcended the barriers of caste, religion, region, ethnicity and language?" they asked in an open letter. Their appeal has come at a time when there have been protests, some of them violent, against the new citizenship law, which critics say discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. Stressing that peaceful reconciliation of conflicting interests, healthy public discourse, and respect for dissenting views are at the heart of democracy, they urged people to "introspect whether truth and non-violence "the two values held very dear to the heart of the Father of the Nation continue to inform our actions in the public sphere." Under the title '70 years of Indian Constitution-A Defining Moment', the signatories of the letter said 70 years of the working of the Constitution provided an "opportunity to celebrate our successes, and also to introspect and resolve to overcome our shortcomings". "We appeal to all citizens to utilise this solemn occasion to celebrate our success, reflect on our current concerns, particularly about our plural, secular society, and resolve to fulfil the Constitutional goals envisaged by Dr Ambedkar and our forefathers as summed up in the Preamble," they said. Apart from Quraishi and Chelameswar, the letter has been signed by film personality Sharmila Tagore, former Army Commander Lt Gen Harcharanjit Singh Panag, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Carnatic musician and creative personality T M Krishna, former chairman of UGC and ICSSR Sukhdeo Thorat and former member of the Planning Commission Syeda Hameed. They said each generation has a "solemn duty to constantly introspect and audit the working of the Constitution". "The 70th anniversary of the Republic is an appropriate moment to celebrate and introspect by peacefully observing the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (January 23), foundation day of the Election Commission celebrated as the National Voters Day (January 25), the Republic Day (January 26) and the martyrdom of the Father of the Nation (January 30)," they said. The citizenship law notified on January 10, grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who came to India till December 31, 2014, because of religious persecution in their countries. However, the government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has defended the law, saying the minority groups from the three countries have no other option but to come to India when they face religious persecution there. C hannel Fours Catching a Killer series has always dealt with difficult material, but tonights episode offers a particularly harrowing tale of gaslighting, greed and cold-blooded murder. It tells the story of lecturer Peter Farquhar, 69, who was found dead at his home in the quiet village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire. His death in 2015 was not initially treated as suspicious. Around the time of Mr Faquhars death, his neighbour Anne Moore-Martin, 81, started seeing messages from "God" scrawled across mirrors in her home. She then tried to suddenly change her will to benefit her 26-year-old boyfriend Ben Field. During a later police investigation, officers discovered that Field had also received more than a hundred thousand pounds after Mr Farquhars death. Ben Field is serving life in prison / PA Soon the threads of a deadly and multifaceted deception began to unravel. This 90-minute documentary uses footage of the police investigation and narration from Mr Farquars painfully evocative diary to tell this stranger-than-fiction story of love and betrayal. But who is the charismatic killer Ben Field? And what were the circumstances leading up to the murder of Mr Faquhar and the messages to Ms Moore-Martin. Heres the true story behind Catching a Killer: A Diary From The Grave: The show focuses on events in Maids Moreton / PA Benjamin Field, now 29, is now serving a life sentence for the crimes outlined in the documentary. Back in 2011, Field came across Mr Farquhar at the University of Buckingham. Field took advantage of the pensioners old age loneliness to seduce him. The younger man set about a campaign of gaslighting, as well as secretly drugging the senior more than 50 times to present the picture that Mr Farquhar had a drinking problem. Field read the pensioners diary in order to stay ahead of him and know his thinking. Mr Farquhar and Field / PA Nursing home worker Field proposed to Mr Farquhar on his 68th birthday and the pair went through a betrothal ceremony. During this time Field was still involved with numerous women. Mr Farquhar changed his will to include Field. After staying in a nursing home for a few days in October 2015, the lecturer became more lucid and so Field killed him. He slipped him a drug known as Dalman and fed him whisky, before strangling him on October 25, 2015 and getting more than 100,000 from the will. At the same time, Field had started a relationship with Mr Farquhars neighbour - Anne Moore-Martin. The 81-year-old former headteacher was a devout Catholic and treated her niece, Anne-Marie Blake, like a daughter. Field seduced Ms Moore-Martin as well, filming an intimate video of the pair in case he needed to blackmail her. The trickster also scrawled messages on mirrors in Ms Moore-Martins home that he claimed were from God, convincing her to put him in her will. Field left messages he claimed were from God / PA Fields scheme fell apart when he met Ms Moore-Martins solicitor - the same person who had overseen the changes to Mr Farquhars last testament. Diana Davis smelt a rat and - working around the legal constraints of client privilege - managed to inform Ms Moore-Martin of the previous will. With love-letters and fake messages from God, Field managed to convince the octogenarian to make him a beneficiary in December 2016. Three months later, she fell ill. Field was caught by her niece, Ms Blake, returning to his victims home and the police were called. Ms Moore-Martin died in May 2017 of natural causes, but was deeply affected by what she found out had happened to her. Ian Farquhar, brother of murder victim Peter Farquhar / Channel 4 Field was found to have a number of personality disorders, including a psychopathic one but Mr Justice Sweeney found this did not diminish culpability. Field was convicted for the murder of Mr Farquhar, and fraud by false representation against Ms Moore-Martin. Iraqi officials fear economic "collapse" if Washington imposes threatened sanctions, including blocking access to a US-based account where Baghdad keeps oil revenues that feed 90 per cent of the national budget. US President Donald Trump was outraged by the Iraqi parliament voting on January 5 to oust foreign forces, including some 5,200 American troops, who have helped local soldiers beat back jihadists since 2014. If troops were asked to leave, he threatened, "we will charge them sanctions like they've never seen before." The US then delivered an extraordinary verbal message directly to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's office, two Iraqi officials told AFP. "The PMO got a call threatening that if US troops are kicked out, 'we' -- the US -- will block your account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York," one official said. Parliament's vote to oust the troops was triggered by outrage over a US drone strike on Baghdad two days earlier that killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his Iraqi right-hand-man, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The Central Bank of Iraq's account at the Fed was established in 2003 following the US-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein. Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483, which lifted the crippling global sanctions and oil embargo imposed on Iraq after Saddam's invasion of Kuwait, all revenues from Iraqi oil sales would go to the account. Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest crude producer and more than 90 per cent of the state budget, which reached USD 112 billion in 2019, derives from oil revenues. To this day, revenues are paid in dollars into the Fed account daily, with the balance now sitting at about USD 35 billion, Iraqi officials told AFP. Every month or so, Iraq flies in USD 1-USD 2 billion in cash from that account for official and commercial transactions. "We're an oil-producing country. Those accounts are in dollars. Cutting off access means totally turning off the tap," the first Iraqi official said. The second official said it would mean the government could not carry out daily functions or pay salaries and the Iraqi currency would plummet in value. "It would mean collapse for Iraq," the official said. A third senior Iraqi official confirmed the US was considering "restricting" cash access to "about a third of what they would usually send." The Federal Reserve declined to comment on Trump's threat. A US State Department Official confirmed to AFP that the possibility of restricting access to the Fed account was "raised" with Iraq following the vote. "You can imagine why, if troops were expelled, banks might be nervous about sending lots of... cash to Baghdad," this official said. But the US threat was still highly unusual as the Fed is meant to be independent of foreign policy. "The attempt to politicise dollar shipments has the Bank worried because it affects its prestige and integrity in dealing with clients," the State Department official added. "Trump is obviously willing to politicise everything." Washington has considered the measure for months, with a senior US diplomat at the Baghdad embassy telling AFP in July it was looking at "limiting the cash that comes into Iraq." "That would be the nuclear option," this diplomat added at the time. Just before Iraqi lawmakers voted on the troop ouster, Speaker Mohammad Halbusi warned the world could stop dealing with Iraq's banks in revenge for the move. Blocking the Iraqi central bank's Fed account could be done by blacklisting a government body, which would immediately restrict Baghdad's access to dollars. The US already sanctions Iraqi nationals, armed groups and even banks for links to Tehran, Washington's arch-foe in the region. It had left oil revenues untouched, with officials previously telling AFP such a move would be too damaging to a country considered a US ally. But ties worsened recently, with the US frustrated by Iraq's alliance with Iran and repeated rocket attacks on US installations blamed on Iraqi factions. Relations then took a nosedive with the January 3 US drone strike that killed Soleimani and Muhandis, a senior Iraqi paramilitary figure. Iraq slammed the killings as a violation of its sovereignty and immediately called for the vote on US troops. The US is considering other -- less inflammatory -- options too, US and Iraqi officials said. One would be declining to renew a temporary waiver that Washington granted to Iraq in 2018 that allows Baghdad to import gas from Iran to feed its gutted power grid, despite US sanctions on Tehran's energy sector. If Washington does not renew the waiver in February, then the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), which buys the gas, could face secondary sanctions for dealing with blacklisted Iranian entities. Iraqi officials said the US threat to deny access to oil revenues was met with shock, anger and near-disbelief. "The PM was pissed and insulted," one official told AFP. Another said the US would then irreversibly "lose Iraq.". "They'd push us towards Russia, China, Iran. We'd have to form a separate economy with those countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Born on January 13, 1949 in Patiala, Punjab, Rakesh Sharma attended St. Georges Grammar School, Hyderabad and graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. He was admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasla, Pune, in July 1966 and became a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970. Career Having joined the IAF as a test pilot, Rakesh Sharma flew 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 during the 1971 Bangladesh war. He went on to fly a wide range of aircraft and on September 20, 1982 was chosen to become a cosmonaut as part of a joint initiative that involved the space research bodies Interkosmos, representing the Soviet Union as well as the Indian Space Research Organisation. Destination space He along with a large number of fellow candidates went through many tests first at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bangalore and then to Moscow. The large batch was gradually reduced to a shortlist of four candidates, before a final round of medical tests left just two candidates Rakesh Sharma and Ravish Malhotra both of them being IAF pilots. It was made clear at the outset that even though only one of them would finally make the grade for the space odyssey, the other one would be a standby for any eventuality. However, the identity of who exactly would be the lucky one would be taken only towards the last stage before the actual space flight. Tough training regime AS part of the rigorous training they underwent for nearly two years at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center at Star City in the outskirts of Moscow, the duo of Sharma and Malhotra were even locked inside a closed room at an IAF facility in Bangalore for 72 hours to detect if they suffered from claustrophobia. Sharma performed yoga for 10 minutes daily to maintain better fitness in space, as well as zero gravity yoga to combat space sickness. On April 2, 1984, Sharma become the first Indian to go into space when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 that was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. The rocket docked and transferred the three member Soviet-Indian international crew which included the spaceship commander Yury Malyshev and flight engineer Gennadi Strekalov, to the Salyut 7 Orbital Station. Over the years, he rose up the ranks and, in 1984, was appointed squadron leader in the IAF. He retired as wing commander and, in 1987, joined the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) wherein he was the chief test pilot at the HAL Nashik and Bangalore divisions, respectively, until 1992. He was also associated with the project involving the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Achievements, awards The honour Hero of the Soviet Union was conferred upon Sharma on his return from space, making him the lone Indian recipient. Indias highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, was also conferred on him. Personal life Sharma with his wife Madhu has a son, Kapil who is a film director, and a daughter Kritika, who is a media artist. INTERESTING FACTS 1. Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station. He photographed India from space and the photos he took saved India two years of aerial photography to map the same area. The mission conducted scientific and technical studies, including 43 experimental sessions, but his work involved bio-medicine and remote sensing. He also observed a fire in Burma (Myanmar). 2. The crew held a television conference with Moscow officials and then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. She asked him how India looked from space, Sharma replied, Saare Jahan Se Achcha. 3. Sharmas Russian companions aboard enjoyed Indian food in space. The dishes were prepared by the Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore which included Pulao, Alu chholey and Sooji halwa. 4. Sharma carried with him portraits of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, President Zail Singh, defence minister, Venkataraman and soil from Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhis samadhi. Source: Wikipedia, gallantryawards.gov.in and britannica.com NORWALK -- Despite making gains in the face of national stagnation, the newest round of SAT test data raised concerns for some school officials. Lagging behind the national average of 1498 -- which is unchanged from last year and down from 2011 -- and the state average of 1532, the 522 Norwalk high school seniors who sat for the college admissions test had an average score of 1437 out of 2400. That number represents a 22-point jump from last year and continues the five-year rally, where scores have increased 14 points. "It's good," said district Testing Specialist Diane Filardo. "It's certainly something that's notable. We hope it continues. It certainly does look good over time." Both the city's comprehensive high schools, Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School saw increases. The average Brien McMahon student scored 1410 on the test, while the average Norwalk High students scored 1466, a 28 point increase from last year and a 23 point increase from 2009. Nationally, the College Board, the organization responsible for administering the test, called the 2013 results "a call to action." The scores, made available last week, show only 43 percent of the nation's students met the board's SAT Benchmark of 1550, an indicator of college readiness, according to the College Board. Nationwide scores are on a downward trend as well, with a seven point drop off between 2009 and 2013. "While some might see stagnant scores as no news, we at the College Board consider it a call to action," said College Board President David Coleman in a statement. "Only by transforming the daily work that students do can we achieve excellence and equity." In Norwalk, in a memo to the Board of Education Superintendent Manuel Rivera from last Friday, expressed concerns about participation rates, particularly among the district's black students. While white students still make the plurality of test takers at 41.6 percent and Hispanic students saw a 4.1 percentage point increase, the number of black students taking the SAT dropped by 2.4 points. Monday, Rivera said he would like to see more test-takers, regardless of background. "What I'd like to see is more and more students, all of our students, including the black, Latino students, taking the PSAT in preparation for the SAT and more students taking the SAT test," he said. "The more young people we have who take the test, the more that do well on that that will be an indicator of improvements system wide." Board Chairman Mike Lyons worried both about participation and performance by black and Hispanic students in reading and writing. Both groups saw jumps in math, but reading and writing scores were middling. Lyons said the long-term solution to both increasing participation and better scores is to "beef up curriculum" and increase a student's exposure to reading materials. "It's pretty clear to me, I can see it with my own kids, your scores particularly on the reading scores on the SAT are related to your knowledge base," he said. Short-term, to fix the participation, Lyons said the SAT School Day could be worth examining. The initiative allows students to take the test during the school day. The SAT School Day is already in place in Hartford and New Haven schools and the College Board found more than 50 percent of students who took the test during the school day qualified for free and reduced lunch. Rivera said he was still holding discussions with staff to increase participation. A very old video has resurfaced of former President George W Bush giving an interview. In the video from 2011, Bush seems to be talking about and denouncing the values that the current US President Donald J Trump stands for - the concepts of protectionism and immigration. A nearly decade-old interview by Bush Since his election, Trump has tried to erect a border wall with Mexico in order to stop immigration as well as pass an order to stop immigration from several Muslim countries. In addition, Trump also has irked many US allies by criticising the deals and treaties he does not fully endorse. In the video, Bush talks about immigration, isolationism, protectionism and nativism in the 1920s and America's disinterest with the happening in Europe which played a role in World War 2. Going into 2020 this is even more important given that Trump has advocated putting a stop to immigration and leaving important trade deals where he feels America is not 'winning'. The interview shown in the video was done in 2011 and Bush was interviewed by journalist Brian Lamb. During the interview, he was also asked questions by the students from Garland, Texas. Read: Australia: Rainfall Predicted In Drought And Bushfire Affected Areas Read: Plush Koalas Taped Across NYC To Raise Funds For Australia Bushfire Crisis Irrespective of his legacy, in 2011 George W. Bush warned of the return of isolationism, protectionism and nativism in the American political discourse, alluding to similarities between the country today and in the 1920s. pic.twitter.com/6ZYjeXilPF Matthew T. Jabonski (@JablonskiMT) January 11, 2020 In 2011, George W. Bush warned against isolationism, protectionism, and nativism. Stunning to watch this video today as these ideologies enjoy a revival in some corners of the left and right. (H/t @brianklaas for sharing) pic.twitter.com/op8tGQeqcS Robbie Rosamelia (@RobbieRosamelia) January 11, 2020 During the interview, the Former President was asked if there would be significant progress on the subject of immigration. In reply, George W Bush said that America was a land of immigrants. He added that America's soul is 'rejuvenated' whenever an immigrant comes to America and works hard in order to achieve their dreams. He goes on to say that immigrants come to America to do the jobs that Americans don't want to do and that it is good for the American economy. Read: Queen, Adam Lambert Confirmed To Front Bushfire Benefit Gig In Sydney Read: Ellen On Meeting George W Bush: 'I Am Friends With A Lot Of People' (With inputs from Agencies) A week after the body of a Dalit woman was found hanging from a tree in Aravalli district of Gujarat, police arrested three persons on Sunday night on rape and murder charges, officials said on Monday. The trio, Vimal Bharwad, Darshan Bharwad and Jigar Parmar, was arrested after they surrendered before the police in Modasa taluka of Aravalli district, they said, adding another accused is on the run. The 19-year-old woman had gone missing after she left for Modasa town on January 1 and she was found hanging from a tree near her native Sayra village on January 5 after which an FIR was filed on January 7, the police said. The FIR was filed following protests by the victim's relatives and other Dalits of the village demanding immediate arrest of the culprits. "We have arrested Vimal Bharwad, Darshan Bharwad and Jigar Parmar on Sunday night. A fourth accused, Satish Bharwad, is absconding and efforts are on to nab him," said Aravalli Superintendent of Police Mayur Patil. As per the FIR, the four men had abducted the woman in a car and raped her. They then killed her and hanged her body from a tree, an official said. Besides facing rape and murder charges under the IPC, the accused have also been booked under provisions of the SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. However, the police said a post-mortem conducted on the body in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has not confirmed rape or murder. "The post-mortem report says the death was due to asphyxiation from hanging. No fracture or major injury has been found on the body. We have asked forensic experts to probe further to confirm rape. We are expecting the report soon," said Patil. Meanwhile, taking suo motu cognisance of the alleged gang-rape and murder of the woman, a team of the National Commission for Women (NCW) reached Modasa on Monday and held meetings with the police over the incident. "The NCW had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and launched an inquiry. The post-mortem report has failed to prove that she was raped and murdered. "And if it was a suicide, then what were the circumstances behind it? I think the picture will be clear after the forensic report arrives in two-three days," NCW member Rajul Desai told reporters here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangkok, Jan 13 : The Thai government on Monday announced that King Maha Vajiralongkorn has directed the police to change security protocols to avoid huge traffic jams that are formed whenever members of the royal family travel through the capital in motorcades. At the behest of the royal decree issued by the King, the security forces have modified the usual procedure of cutting off entire streets through which royals are passing and instead will partially reserve only certain lanes for the motorcades, Efe news quoted government spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat as saying in a statement. "His Majesty the King was concerned that the motorcades might affect Thai people's commute. Therefore, his majesty has assigned the Royal Thai Police to set guidelines for citizens to transit regularly and to have the least impact," the statement said. "The process of adjusting the protection pattern during the royal motorcades of the King and his royal family by the Royal Thai Police is intended to provide security to His Majesty the King and royal family at the highest standard to be dignified and in accordance with the wishes of His Majesty the King." The new plans include opening lanes for the public to use at the same time as the royal motorcades, as well as allowing the use of U-turns and bridges. These measures were introduced following an unusual wave of criticism on social media focused on the traffic chaos and disruptions generated by the royal family's land travels through Bangkok, one of the world's most congested cities. The hashtag #RoyalMotorcade (in Thai) was a trending topic in October 2019, when many users complained about being stuck for hours waiting for the sovereign or his relatives to move through the capital's downtown area. In December, a bridge leading out of the metropolis was shut down to allow the monarch to pick up his new yacht. The outrage intensified at the end of the year, when many parts in southern Thailand, including the popular Phi Phi national park, were shut to the public because Princess Sirivannavari, the King's youngest daughter, was vacationing there. In Thailand, any public criticism of the monarchy is extremely rare, since it has one of the harshest lese-majeste laws in the world that imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison for offenders. Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/13/2020 -- PHILADELPHIA, PA -- As a further testament to their status in the top 1% of digital marketing firms nationwide, 1SEO.com Digital Agency was just recognized and awarded three times at the 2020 AVA Digital Awards for industry excellence in digital marketing campaigns for their clients. This year, the 1SEO team brought home 2 Platinum Awards under the Digital Marketing Campaigns category and 1 Gold Award for Content Writing. 1SEO's 2020 AVA Digital Awards Champions: PLATINUM WINNER - 1SEO.com & JG Wentworth IF YOU BUY ANNUITIES & YOU NEED LEADS NOW Category: Full Digital Marketing Campaign GOLD WINNER - 1SEO.com & Fizzics DON'T FEAR THE FOAM: THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY YOU NEED GOOD HEAD Category: Content Writing PLATINUM WINNER - 1SEO.com & AutohausAZ THE DRIVE TO SURVIVE Category: Full Digital Marketing Campaign About 2020 AVA Digital Awards: "AVA Digital Awards is in the process of announcing winners in the 2020 creative competition for digital professionals. Winners will be announced through February 1 as judges review the approximately 2,500 entries from throughout the world. AVA Digital recognizes outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Work ranges from audio and video productions- to websites and social media sites that present interactive components such as video, animation, blogs, and podcasts- to other forms of user-generated digital communication. AVA Digital Awards is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand production, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, and freelance professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs; provides judges and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession. As part of its mission, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of creative professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and charitable organizations. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. Winners were selected from over 200 categories in Audio, Video, and Web-based production. The list of Platinum and Gold Winners can be found on the AVA Digital Awards website at enter.avaawards.com/winners". SEE ALL 2020 AVA Winners About 1SEO.com Digital Agency With their headquarters located just outside of Philadelphia in Bristol, Pennsylvania, 1SEO.com Digital Agency is an industry leading digital marketing firm that provides comprehensive digital solutions, custom-tailored for each of their clients, enabling them to both grow and protect their businesses. As a Google Premier Partner (top 1% nationwide) and a Facebook Marketing Partner, their team of over 100 dedicated employees offers search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), optimized web content, social media and content marketing, web design and development, reputation management, and more to clients nationwide across every vertical. Learn More about 1SEO Representative image A volley of rockets slammed into an Iraqi airbase north of Baghdad where US forces have been based, wounding four local troops, the Iraqi military said on January 12. Its statement said eight Katyusha-type rockets landed on Al-Balad airbase, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen. Al-Balad is the main airbase for Iraq's F-16s, which it bought from the US to upgrade its air capacities. The base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors, but a majority had been evacuated following tensions between the US and Iran over the past two weeks, military sources told AFP. "About 90 per cent of the US advisers, and employees of Sallyport and Lockheed Martin who are specialised in aircraft maintenance, have withdrawn to Taji and Erbil after threats," one of the sources said. "There are no more than 15 US soldiers and a single plane at al-Balad," the source added. Military bases hosting US troops have been subject to volleys of rocket and mortar attacks in recent months that have mostly wounded Iraqi forces, but also killed one American contractor last month. That death set off a series of dramatic developments, with the US carrying out strikes against a pro-Iran paramilitary group in Iraq as well as a convoy carrying top Iranian and Iraqi commanders outside Baghdad airport. Pro-Iran factions in Iraq have vowed revenge for those raids, even as Iran said it had already responded in "proportion" by striking another western airbase where US soldiers are located. Rocket attacks against Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where the US and other embassies are based alongside international troops, are still taking place. It took the once-called 'War to end all wars' to take down Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker at the box-office. Director Sam Mendes' World War I story 1917 brought in $36.5 million in its third week in theaters but first weekend of wide release. The epic film, starring George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Richard Madden, Benedict Cumberbatch and Colin Firth, among others, easily topped the ninth and final installment in the Skywalker saga, which earned $15.1 million. #1: The WWI epic film 1917 topped Star wars: The Rise Of Skywalker at the box-office Benedict Cumberbatch is shown as Colonel Mackenzie in a scene from the movie Universal's strategy for 1917 worked beautifully, as the film went from just 11 screens in its first two weeks to more than 3,400 on the weekend after it won Golden Globes for best director and best drama film. 'I hope this means that people will turn up and see this on the big screen, the way it was intended," Mendes said at the Golden Globes ceremony. His hopes weren't unfounded: 1917 has now brought in over $60 million at the world-wide box-office. That's of course dwarfed by Disney's total domestic take of $478.2 million for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which is on the verge of reaching $1 billion globally after four weeks. Mission accomplished! 1917 earned $36.5 million, compared to Star Wars with $15.1 million; George MacKay, center, is among the ensemble cast that includes Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Richard Madden, Benedict Cumberbatch and Colin Firth, among others Bonafide hit! The Rise Of Skywalker has brought-in $478.2 million, and is on the verge of reaching $1 billion globally after four weeks; pictured is Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, left, and Daisy Ridley as Rey in a scene from the sci-fi epic Jumanji: The Next Level took third place in its fifth week of release for Sony with earnings of $14 million, and has totaled more than $257 million domestically. Like A Boss and Just Mercy tied for the fourth spot in the weekend box-office with $10 million. Rounding out the sixth through tenth spots were: Little Women ($7.65 million, $8.1 million international); Underwater ($7 million, $7.1 million international); Frozen 2 ($5.76 million $19.1 million international); Knives Out ($5.73 million $5.5 million international); and Spies in Disguise ($5.1 million $11.4 million international). End of an era: Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker is the ninth and final installment in the so-called Skywalker Saga; The film starsDaisy Ridley as Rey Shot and edited to appear as though it was done in a single take, 1917 was based in part on an account told to Mendes by his paternal grandfather Alfred Mendes, who was a message carrier during The Great War. The story follows two British corporals, Blake (Chapman) and Schofield (MacKay) who are sent on a suicide mission to warn comrades about a looming ambush by the Germans at the height of the conflict. Blake and Schofield are in a riveting race against the clock as they cut through No Man's Land in northern France and into enemy territory to deliver the message to Colonel MacKenzie (Cumberbatch) to stop the attack and prevent the slaughter of 1,600 British troops - one of them Blake's brother (Madden). Reporters surround Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae on her way to her office at the ministry building in Gwacheon, Monday. / Yonhap By Lee Suh-yoon Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae was openly criticized Monday by an incumbent senior prosecutor for her recent reshuffling of top prosecutors. Jung Hee-do, a senior prosecutor at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seoul, posted an open letter on the prosecution's intranet bulletin board denouncing Choo, calling the reassignments an attempt to make the prosecution subservient to the Moon administration's demands. "The Jan. 18 reshuffling of senior prosecutors was shocking," he wrote. "This personnel reshuffling targets the lead investigators of specific cases, turning the prosecutor general into a mere scarecrow." Jung added that the new assignments also did not take into account "legal procedures," saying Choo did not take sufficient measures to get Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's opinion before announcing her decision last week. According to Article 34 of the Prosecutors' Office Law, justice ministers must listen to and consult with the prosecutor general before reassigning prosecutors. Choo previously denied a similar accusation saying Yoon was the one who refused to give her his thoughts on the matter. "How does telling the prosecutor general to give his opinion just 30 minutes before a personnel committee meeting without him knowing the specifics of the reassignments count as listening to the prosecutor general's views?" Jung wrote. "The relevant article should be interpreted as respecting the prosecutor general's opinion to the greatest degree possible. Yet the minister claims it was the prosecutor general who disobeyed her orders." Choo, a former judge and ruling party chairwoman, was appointed by President Moon Jae-in after her predecessor Cho Kuk resigned due to a family-related corruption scandal uncovered by the prosecution. On Jan. 8, she demoted Prosecutor General Yoon's chief aides sometimes called the "Yoon Seok-yeol kids" by local media by sending them to posts at regional offices. Further personnel reassignments are also expected among lower-ranking prosecutors. Critics say Choo's actions are purely political and are aimed at forcing the resignation of Yoon. The prosecutor general was appointed by President Moon last July to lead prosecutorial reform from the inside but fell out with the administration after the launch of the investigation into former Justice Minister Cho. Raise your hands if you are one of those who can't choose between hitting the bar for a chilled beer after work or getting to the gym for a solid workout. But what if there was a way you could combine both? Well, it's time to acquaint yourself with Beer Yoga. And this is exactly what you hope for when you read these two distinct words together: participants attend a yoga class, practice all the traditional poses but they are allowed to drink up one or two bottles of beer too, creating quite an exhilarating fitness experience. Image credit: Pacific Press. Is beer healthy for you? Beer, like coffee and wine, also has a reputation for being healthier than most people envisage. According to a study analysis found in the Natural Medicine Journal found that those people who drank two bottles of beer every day had stronger bones. Another research published by Granada University asked students to refuel with beer or water after exercise or playing a sport. It was found that those who re-fueled with beer were more hydrated than those who drank beer. And since drinking beer in controlled amounts is guaranteed to yield positive results, then the conception of Beer Yoga feels legitimate. Image Credit: BierYoga. How did beer yoga come to be? We put our research skills to use and traced the humble beginnings of beer yoga and it was founded by a German organisation that calls itself BierYoga. When you check out their website their reason for giving birth to Beer Yoga is stated beautifully, "it is the marriage of two great loves: beer and yoga." Each class is focused on getting participants to perform some of the most impactful yoga poses and breathing exercises all the while sipping on their favorite beer. Some yogis even go a step ahead and balance the bottles on their heads. And before you dismiss this as another unusual fitness fad, the founders make for a compelling and striking argument as to why Beer Yoga can be used to drive results. "Both are centuries-old therapies for body, mind, and soul. The joy of drinking beer and the mindfulness of yoga complement each other and make for an energizing experience," the founders told BBC in an interview. Image credit: Shutterstock. The final verdict? We aren't doctors and the stringent critics of Beer Yoga will never agree to the fact that beer consumption while working out is a good idea let alone a healthy one. But it doesn't hurt to try. If you are traveling and you find a class of Beer Yoga, go for the experience. And that being said one thing is for sure: beer and yoga provide me with sheer joy and relaxation. And if these two different activities can be combined to give us a holistic and comprehensive work-out, I am going to give my inner-peace priority and not question the sheer existence of Beer Yoga. Facebook Image Credit: Beer Yoga Instructor Dhara Vachharajani. *Indiatimes does not endorse the consumption of alcohol. FILE PHOTO: Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, founder and chief executive of online fashion retailer Zozo, who has been chosen as the first private passenger by SpaceX, attends a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo By Sam Nussey TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa's search for a girlfriend to join him on a voyage around the moon will be the subject of a new documentary programme, in the latest attention-grabbing stunt by the entrepreneur. 44-year-old Maezawa, who sold his online fashion retailer Zozo Inc to SoftBank Group Corp, is seeking single females aged over 20 for the show, which will be shown on streaming service AbemaTV. "As feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me, there's one thing that I think about: continuing to love one woman," wrote Maezawa on a website for applicants. "I want to find a 'life partner'. With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world peace from outer space," continued Maezawa, who is due to fly around the moon in 2023 as the first private passenger with Elon Musk's SpaceX. Maezawa, who recently split up from actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki, 27, has said he plans to take artists on the flight to inspire works based on the experience, in a project he dubbed Dear Moon. The documentary, titled "Full Moon Lovers", will stream on AbemaTV, which is backed by online ad agency CyberAgent and broadcaster TV Asahi and targets a younger audience that is turning away from traditional TV. Applicants must "be interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it" and "be someone who wishes for world peace", the website states. Applications close on Jan. 17 and Maezawa will select his partner by the end of March. The documentary is the latest high-profile move by the billionaire, who is also giving away $9 million to his Twitter followers to try and spark debate in Japan about the merits of the idea of basic income. (Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) A public meeting on the future of the Chattanooga Riverfront is set for Jan. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Aquarium. Officials of the River City Company said, "Join us for the first community wide meeting of the ONE Riverfront planning process. "Have great ideas about what should happen between the Tennessee River and 4th Street? We need your input. "For the community meeting, children are welcome, and there will be free parking in three lots close to the Aquarium along with light refreshments. "What's your favorite part of Chattanooga's Riverfront? What would you like to see more of? What's missing? What keeps you and your family from going to the Riverfront more often? What is one thing you'd like to see happen in the Riverfront District between 4th Street and the Tennessee River? "Answer these questions and more along with giving your thoughts on the future of Chattanooga's Riverfront District in the first Community Visioning Workshop for ONE Riverfront, the Riverfront District Master Plan." Officials also said, "While the Riverfront has seen significant investment and is punctuated with many landmark projects, the Riverfront District has also grappled with the challenges of aging infrastructure and amenities, largely single-mode roadway design, and an imbalance of tourist and visitor activity relative to local use. "The Riverfront District also shares, along with the greater Chattanooga community, the tremendously important civic responsibility to improve social and economic equity. "The Riverfront District Master Plan will engage the Chattanooga community to: advance the activation of the riverfront park system; strengthen connectivity of the riverfront and to neighboring downtown areas; develop a greater sense of place through unique development, streetscape and public realm improvements, and branding; guide catalytic opportunities that complement greater downtown Chattanooga while improving the experience and function of the unique users of the Riverfront District; and define the role of the district, creating a place that serves all Chattanoogans, in addition to the districts strong tourism industry." BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar on Monday asserted a book at the centre of a raging row does not compare Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said some political parties are making "a mountain out of a molehill" over the issue. Mungantiwar accused parties opposing the Hindi book, including the Shiv Sena, of double-speak and said they have no objection when NCP president is called Janata Raja, a title exclusively used for Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. The book, "Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal, has created a political storm in Maharashtra, where the 17th century warrior-king is a highly revered figure. The Shiv Sena, the NCP and Congress, part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book for comparing Modi with Shivaji Maharaj, calling it "insulting". The Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has demanded a ban on the book, which was released at Delhi BJP office on Sunday. Mungantiwar, speaking to News18 Lokmat channel, defended the contents of the controversial book. The book does not compare our PM with the 17th century king. Opposition parties are unnecessarily making a mountain out of a molehill. They are OK when Sharad Pawar is praised as 'Janata Raja', an adjective used to refer Shivaji Maharaj. How can you have double standards? the former Maharashtra minister asked. Post the 1971 Bangladesh war, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was described as Goddess Durga. The slogan 'India is Indira and Indira is India' was also given. "At times, adjectives are used as a reference and not for equating a person with a historical figure, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Far-left Democrats and the partys presidential candidates have climate change plans with price tags hovering around $16 trillion. Why so much? Well, Sen. Elizabeth Warren says we face an existential threat to all life on this planet. Sen. Bernie Sanders says, we have less than 11 years left to transform our energy system away from fossil fuels. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told a conference in Europe its not ethical to have children because of climate change. They deliver their lines like actors in a Hollywood action movie; only they can save the world. Its time we toned down the hype. Lets look at the facts: Far-left Democrats dont just propose eliminating the oil and gas industry. Their demands include a massive reorganization of our economy with Washington politicians in charge. Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal calls for universal health care and a socialist-style guaranteed job program. Yet, Congress already has spent billions of tax dollars to make us greener with little success. President Barack Obamas 2009 fiscal stimulus plan included $14 billion in renewable energy loans. The House Oversight Committees investigation of that program found dysfunction, negligence and mismanagement, and no tangible progress toward cleaner energy infrastructure. In 2011, more than $530 million in taxpayer-backed loans went to a tech startup Vice President Joe Biden called the next big thing in green energy. Solyndra never produced a watt of green energy before going bankrupt and leaving U.S. taxpayers with the bill. Today, our environment and energy industry are cleaner than ever. Weve made great progress. Between 1990 and 2017, according to the EPA, air pollutants fell dramatically, 80% less lead, 77% less carbon monoxide, 88% less sulfur dioxide. Here in New Mexico, the oil-and-gas-rich Permian Basin is not just helping us build a cleaner environment, its a leading contributor to Americas energy independence making us a more secure nation. Over 70% of our nations energy comes from domestic sources and New Mexico is a key part of that accomplishment. New Mexicos energy industry is our No. 1 tax revenue-producing industry, providing sorely needed resources for our states government, infrastructure, schools and more. Which is why our states version of the Green New Deal is total insanity. The Energy Transition Act Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pushed through in March requires New Mexico to be powered by 100% carbon-free energy by 2045. This threatens the jobs of thousands of energy workers in our state and will cause our utility rates to skyrocket. Is the carbon footprint of New Mexico, a poor, rural state, so great that we need this drastic change? New Mexico is consistently ranked among the states with the highest poverty rates in the nation. Forcing New Mexicos poorest families to pay significantly higher rates to heat and light their homes is irresponsible. If we were to turn off all sources of non-renewable energy today, renewables could power 30% of our energy needs. In 10 years, we will be lucky if that rises to 50%. Are New Mexicans ready for that drastic of a change? If Democrats really thought the planet was in danger, would they still be travelling on airplanes or riding in gasoline powered cars? No. So, lets get real. Our economic future should not be linked to further empowering Washington bureaucrats. We should keep our energy independence, while exploring green energy alternatives. We should not let our politicians impose Washingtons socialist Democrats values on us. We should stand up and speak out against those policies that would devastate the poorest among us. At the same time, we should demand government continue to find new ways to protect our environment. The U.S. economy is the strongest it has been in decades. Now is a time to move forward to make our energy industry better and greener. It is not a time to adopt socialist policies that ignore the progress weve made toward a cleaner, more efficient environment for everyone. Elisa Martinez is the head of the NM Alliance for Life. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo looks on during a brief photo opportunity before a meeting with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides at the U.S. Department of State on November 18, 2019 in Washington, DC. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit the San Francisco Bay Area this week with the backdrop of uncertainty in Iran and the looming 2020 election. Pompeo was slated to arrive in the area Sunday, with his trip extending through Wednesday, according to a State Department press release. The secretary was set to meet with an undisclosed list of "technology companies and foreign counterparts from Japan and the Republic of Korea," according to the press release. Following remarks to tech-heavy public policy organization, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, at the Commonwealth Club of California, Pompeo will dine with about 15 people at a private meeting Monday, Bloomberg reported. The guest list includes Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison, Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar, venture capitalist Marc Andreesen and Silicon Valley Bank CEO Gregory Becker, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. An Oracle spokesperson declined to comment. The State Department and representatives from the other companies did not immediately return requests for comment or confirmation of Bloomberg's reporting, but Pompeo's public schedule confirms a "dinner with U.S. business leaders." Tech companies have had a cautious relationship with the Trump administration as employees at companies like Microsoft and Amazon have raised alarms about their leadership's work with government agencies, especially over defense-related projects. But many executives have tried to maintain friendly relations as scrutiny of the power and size of the largest tech firms has grown in recent years. According to the schedule, Pompeo will meet with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Palo Alto on Monday before delivering remarks to students at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Ahead of his visit to the Commonwealth Club, Pompeo will have lunch with Rice and former Secretary of State George Shultz. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. WATCH: Rep. Khanna on tech regulation and the crackdown on vaping Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 12:33:47|Editor: zh Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The international community has welcomed a ceasefire in the south of the Libyan capital Tripoli between the UN-backed government and the rebel east-based army, the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA). Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli issued a statement Sunday, expressing agreement to a ceasefire starting from Jan. 12 at midnight (2200 GMT), several hours after the LNA announced a cessation of hostilities. The rivals will sign a ceasefire deal in Moscow on Monday, according to media reports citing local officials. "The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union join the UN Support Mission for Libya in welcoming the acceptance by parties in Libya of a ceasefire on January 12 and announcement that both the GNA and LNA will halt military operations," said a joint statement. The statement called on the rival parties to "seize this fragile opportunity to address the key political, economic, and security issues underlying the conflict." "In the spirit of the upcoming Berlin conference, we remain committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya, free from undue external interferences, and are prepared to support Libyan parties in achieving a long-term cessation of hostilities and a political settlement that will enable all Libyans to enjoy a more peaceful and prosperous future," the statement said. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the ceasefire, expressing willingness to help find a peaceful solution and end the Libyan crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called on the Libyan rival parties to establish an immediate ceasefire and stop all hostilities. The GNA welcomed the Turkish-Russian call, stressing keenness to end the war and resume political process. Later Saturday, the LNA announced ceasefire and stopped all the military operations against the GNA in all western Libya. However, both rival parties later exchanged accusations of breaching the ceasefire shortly after it entered into force. The GNA on Sunday accused the LNA of breaching the ceasefire in southern Tripoli. The LNA breached ceasefire in Salah Addin and Wadi al-Rabee in southern Tripoli minutes after the ceasefire took effect, the GNA said in a statement. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday evening in which they discussed the recent developments in war-torn Libya. The Egyptian and German leaders agreed that any political solution in Libya should comprehensively deal with the political, economic, security and military aspects of the issue and stop illegitimate foreign interventions in Libya's domestic affairs, according to the statement. The LNA has been leading a military campaign since early April last year in an attempt to take over Tripoli from the GNA. Thousands of people, including immigrants, have been killed and injured in the fighting, and more than 120,000 civilians displaced. As the country witnesses widespread protests against the CAA from various sections of the public, one of the victims of the Una flogging incident has written to President Ram Nath Kovind, asking to be deported to a country 'where they won't face discrimination'. As the country witnesses widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the victims of the Una flogging incident have written to President Ram Nath Kovind asking to be deported to a country "where they wouldn't face discrimination", according to several media reports. Vasram Sarvaiya, who authored the letter on behalf of his brother, told The Quint, We oppose the CAA but if they want to implement the Act, they should also deport us to a country where Dalits would be considered equal citizens. We are not considered citizens in India. Dalits are discriminated against in the Hindu community. So we request President Ram Nath Kovind to send us to a different country where we wont face discrimination, he said, according to the report. He adding that the family had been promised land for agriculture and houses, and employment opportunities but the government had not followed through. "The Una flogging incident deprived us of our fundamental rights and employment. Now, the officials of the government have been acting as if we don't belong to this country. If we cannot be considered citizens, then our citizenship should be cancelled and we should be deported to a country where we will not face discrimination," Sarvaiya said in his letter, as per The Times of India. "Anandiben Patel, who was the then chief minister of Gujarat and is now the Uttar Pradesh governor had visited us in 2016 and had promised jobs. She had said she will visit us again in a month. But neither did she come nor did she give us any jobs," he added, as per the report. Vasram and his three brothers were thrashed and paraded by 'cow vigilantes' in the Una town of Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district in July 2016. The brothers, belonging to the Dalit community, were beaten for skinning a dead cow. The investigation by the Gujarat Police later revealed that the cow had been killed by a lion. According to a Firstpost report, the Sarvaiya family was forced to go to other places to seek employment. Ramesh, Vasram's younger brother, who was also a victim in the incident, was sent to Ahmedabad to learn sewing. "We sent him to the city because he could not find any work in the village, Vasram was quoted by the report as saying in November 2017. Vasram's other two brothers, Ashok and Bechar, also had to work with their father in the field to earn their livelihood. Their father, Balu Sarvaiya had said, "Even Rahul Gandhi came here and vowed to bring us justice. However, nothing of the sort has happened yet." Govind Sarvaiya, who lived in the same village, was quoted as saying, "The Dalits of Una have stood with the BJP for last 15 years but we feel injustice has been done to us." For more than two weeks, the impoverished US island territory of Puerto Ricopopulation 3.2 million, more than the state of Iowahas been struck repeatedly by more than 1,000 earthquakes and aftershocks of varying magnitudes. Even as the full extent of the destruction is still being determined the quakes are expected to continue. Across the island, people have begun living outside, in tents, or in their cars out of fear that their houses will collapse on top of them. Relief agencies estimate that more than 2,000 people have been displaced from their homes since the swarm of earthquakes began. The string of quakes and aftershocks began on December 28. The largest have been a 6.4 magnitude quake on Tuesday, January 7the largest quake to hit Puerto Rico in over 100 yearsand a 5.9 on Sunday morning. Earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher are considered strong and can cause severe damage in populated areas, like Puerto Ricos second largest city Ponce, population 166,000, which closed its downtown area due to the persistence of concrete debris falling from buildings onto the street. So far, thousands of homes across Puerto Rico have collapsed or been damaged, along with damage to other buildings, roads and infrastructure. Officially, one person has died, but the largest quake on January 7 knocked out electricity for most of the island and cut off some 250,000 or more people from clean water. The sudden loss of electricity puts the elderly and ill at particular risk of death, cutting off access to critical medical equipment. Service had not been fully restored by the time the 5.9 quake hit on Sunday morning. Residents of Macana, a rural community outside the city of Guayanilla, one of the worst hit areas, reported that many faced difficulties in reaching official shelters and receiving desperately needed supplies with little or no aid from the government. Were thankful, because if the cell phones werent working, nobody would get here, Diego Cruz, a 59-year-old army veteran told the Daily Beast. Through phone calls and reaching out, thats how people have gotten here. Weve had help from different people, but no help from the government. The seismic activity is centered just 10 or so miles from Ponce, off the southern coast. Most of Puerto Ricos electrical power generating stations are in this region. The largest one, the Costa Sur plant in Guayanilla, which supplies a quarter of the island, suffered destruction on a grand scale, in the words of Jose Ortiz, executive director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). He said at a press conference that the plant could take up to a year to repair. The earthquakes have compounded the social and economic crisis on the island as many Puerto Ricans are still suffering from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the criminal government indifference which followed. In that disaster, electricity, clean water and roads were also knocked out for extended periods of time. The inadequate response of the federal and territorial governments meant a general breakdown of society in which major hospitals did not function and medical care was unobtainable. A year later, the official death toll of 64 was revised to over 3,000, with some studies placing it over 5,000. Javier, a university professor in San Juan, told the WSWS about the difficulties residents now face, the response of Puerto Rican workers coming to the aid of victims and what the disaster has revealed about the state of society on the island more than two years after the disaster of Hurricane Maria. Before the earthquakes, Governor Wanda Vazquez went to all of the public schools on the island and reported that they were retrofitted for any natural disaster, but because of the earthquakes, now we know that was a lie. Because of the inadequate response by the government, many people around the island took it upon themselves to help the southern part of Puerto Rico. No one has any trust in the government anymore. People are doing the work that the government should be doing, and in the process are getting into harms way. Its a dangerous situation, and if theres another higher magnitude quake, those trying to help will be stuck in the south. We dont believe that well have any meaningful help from the US. The government in Puerto Rico is just playing politics with our lives, not helping. Theyll go to the cities and give away bags with small goods with their party logo on them. Puerto Rico remains a social powder keg after last years mass demonstrations which were driven by the desperate conditions facing the working class and resulted in the ouster of Governor Ricardo Rossello. The protests were sparked by leaked texts messages showing that Rossello had conspired to downplay the hurricane death toll and had used the disaster to push through the privatization, in the service of Wall Street, of the state-owned power authority PREPA. Governor Vazquez, like Rossello a member of the Democratic Party-aligned New Progressive Party, is continuing the hated austerity regime which prevailed under Rossello and is enforced by the Financial Oversight and Management Board established by the Obama administration. While the Trump administration declared a national emergency in Puerto Rico following the 6.4 earthquake last week, $18 billion in federal aid promised in the aftermath of Maria is still being held up by the US government. Launching a blistering attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said that those who had raised "anti-national" slogans at the JNU deserved to be put behind bars. Questioning whether Gandhi and Kejriwal are "cousin brothers" of the "tukde tukde sloganeers", Shah told a public meeting that whosoever speaks against the country will be jailed. "In JNU, some boys had raised anti-national slogans. They indulged in slogans like 'Bharat tere tukde ho ek hazar, inshallaha, inshallaha'...Should they not be put in jails?" he asked a public meeting in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has stirred the politics in the country. With people at the meeting raising slogans like "Deshke gaddaronko, jute maro salonko" (traitors should be slapped with footwear), Shah asked, "Speak loudly. Should they not be put in jails?" "...Rahul Baba and Kejriwal are saying save them, save them (the anti-national sloganeers). Are they your cousin brothers?" he questioned amid cheers from the crowd. Shah, however, didn't mention the exact timeline of the alleged sloganeering at the JNU in his speech. A case had been registered by Delhi police against then JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and several others, for being involved in an event at the university on February 9, 2016, in which anti-India slogans were raised. Shah singled out Kejriwal, who heads the AAP government in poll-bound Delhi, during his speech. "Listen Kejriwalji. Whosoever speaks against the country will find a place behind bars and nowhere else," he said. Speaking about the CAA, Shah said however much the Congress opposes the new law, the government will not rest until all the refugees from minority communities from Pakistan are given Indian citizenship. He once again challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to show him any provision in the new legislation that will snatch the citizenship of any citizen in the country. "I am saying it loudly. You Congress leaders, listen carefully...Oppose it as much as you can, but we will rest only after giving citizenship to all these people. No one can stop us from doing so. "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan have as much right over India as you and I have. They are the sons and daughters of India. The country will embrace them," he said amid chants of 'Jai Shree Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' raised by the people present at the rally. READ | 'Take back PoK, give a tight slap to Tukde Tukde Gang': Shiv Sena's challenge to Centre Shah also accused Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Kejriwal of misguiding people over the CAA. "I challenge Rahul Baba and Mamata Banerjee, tell me if there is any single provision in CAA that is meant for snatching anybody's citizenship. There is no such provision. In fact, the Act is meant for giving citizenship," the minister said. "I want to tell the human rights champions the world over that scores of people have faced atrocities in Pakistan they were raped, killed and converted. You did not see their human rights. Don't they have human rights?" he asked. "What is their fault? Recently, Nankana Sahib, a revered place for Hindus and Sikhs the world over, was brutally attacked. Nankana Sahib granthi's daughter Jagjit Kaur was kidnapped," he said. "Through this attack, Pakistan has tried to tell the world what is going on there...I ask the Congressmen to return from the wrong path. Feel the pulse of the country, desire of the country, or else the remaining of you will be wiped out," the BJP chief said. "People of this country want that refugees from Pakistan should be given refuge. I want to ask the deaf and blind Congress leaders to tell where the Hindus and Sikh brothers went missing in Pakistan. They were either killed or made to undergo religious conversion," he said. During the last Assembly election in Rajasthan, the Congress had promised in its poll manifesto that Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan would be given Indian citizenship, he added. "But now they are opposing the BJP...(Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok) Gehlotji, check your manifesto," Shah said. Shah also blasted Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath for opposing the CAA, which was notified by the Centre on Friday. Nath had led a peace march against the new law in Bhopal last month. "Kamal Nathji vociferously opposes the CAA. However, instead of opposing it, he (Nath) should focus on utilising his energy in improving Madhya Pradesh," Shah said. READ | EXPLOSIVE: These are the 'tukde tukde' slogans raised in the explosive JNU chargesheet tapes accessed by Republic Meanwhile, five Sindhi refugees from Jabalpur met the Union Home Minister on Sunday, BJP MLA (Jabalpur-Cantonment) Ashok Rohani told PTI. He said, the five persons had migrated to Jabalpur from Pakistan in the past and are awaiting Indian citizenship. The Centre had issued a gazette notification announcing that the CAA under which non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be given Indian citizenship, will come into force from January 10. The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11. The driver of a car which struck and killed a Forest Fires Management worker fighting the Victorian bushfires is set to face court after being charged over the crash. Alexandra father-of-two Mat Kavanagh, 43, and a colleague were working as part of the bushfire response when their ute collided head-on with another vehicle on the Goulburn Valley Highway at Thornton, near Mansfield, on January 3. Mat Kavanagh Mr Kavanagh, a passenger in the ute, died at the scene while the driver, a 47-year-old Narbethong man, was taken to hospital in a serious condition. The driver of the second vehicle, a 46-year-old man also from Alexandra, was flown to hospital in a critical condition. The Armenian Genocide in Azerbaijan is proof of the impossibility of peaceful coexistence within the borders of one state of Azerbaijani Turks and Artsakh Armenians, the President of the Assembly of Azerbaijani Armenians Grigory Ayvazyan told reporters today at Armenian Genocide Memorial. What happened in Baku was planned and prepared by the Azerbaijani leadership. First, they tried to free themselves from the Armenians of Baku, and then transported this genocide machine to Artsakh. At least 500 Armenians were brutally killed. And this country is now trying to offer a certain status, talking about territorial integrity, while its leadership was the initiator of violence against its own citizens in the capital of the republic. We have lost everything, but our problem can serve our country, he noted. According to him, according to official statistics, half a million Armenians lived in Azerbaijan, and over 250,000 Armenians lived in Baku. After the pogroms in Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad, about 404 thousand Armenians emigrated from Azerbaijan to Armenia. Soviet Armenia has repeatedly recognized these actions as genocide, and independent Armenia must confirm this position, he noted adding that the deprivation of Azerbaijani Armenians is a matter of moral, material, territorial damage, and should be brought to the negotiating table. We need to talk not about the so-called Azerbaijani community of Karabakh, but about the violated rights of the half-million Armenian community, the problem of which has been in the shadow of almost 30 years. This is not only a humanitarian issue, it can also help to achieve the desired result for our country, he said. Singapore-headquartered ride-hailing Grab announced the appointment of Nguyen Thai Hai Van, a former Unilever executive, as managing director in Vietnam on Monday. Van will be responsible for overseeing all of the firms business strategy and operations in the country, according to the announcement. She will official assume office under the new role on February 1. Van joined Grab on November 1, 2019 after 17 years at Unilever Vietnam, where she had most recently worked as vice-president of its beauty and personal care division. She also handled Unilever Vietnams media strategy. The businesswoman has deep commercial and customer engagement experience, having run profit-and-loss and marketing for Unilever in Vietnam and regionally across varied product lines, according to Deal Street Asia. Van is also the co-chair of the Vietnam Mobile Marketing Association. Jerry Lim, who has been country head of Grab in Vietnam from June 2016, will take up a Singapore-based role as the firms regional head of customer experience. Vans appointment is the third major change in managing positions in Vietnams ride-hailing market in recent months. Notably, Gojeks subsidiary in the country, Go-Viet, has not appointed a new CEO following the departure of Christy Le back in September 2019, while local competitor beGroups CEO Tran Thanh Hai also resigned last month. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Pro-democracy protesters attend a rally at Edinburgh Place in the Central district of Hong Kong on Jan. 12, 2020. (DALE DE LA REY/AFP via Getty Images) Hong Kong Blocks US Human Rights Groups Director at Airport The executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) was denied entry into Hong Kong on Jan. 12, just days before a planned press conference there to release the organizations annual human rights report. Kenneth Roth first sent out a video via Twitter at around 8 p.m. local time, saying that he had landed at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for the Jan. 15 event. But immigration authorities blocked him from entering the territory, illustrating the worsening problem of the Chinese regimes overreach, he said. China seeks to not simply suppress the rights of people at home, but also undermine the ability of anybody else to try to hold China to human rights standards, Roth said in the video. In deciding to release the report in Hong Kong, he had hoped to spotlight Beijings assault on human rights around the world, which will be a key subject of the annual report, Roth said. He posted on Twitter a photo of the report cover, which appears to depict a recent Hong Kong demonstration. While Roth has been able to travel to Hong Kong in the past, this time, the Chinese government decided it didnt want to let me in, he said. When he asked authorities why he was being denied entry, he said they repeatedly told him for immigration reasons, without further explanation. This disappointing action is yet another sign that Beijing is tightening its oppressive grip on Hong Kong and further restricting the limited freedom Hong Kong people enjoy under one country, two systems, Roth said in a subsequent statement released by HRW, referring to the framework by which the Chinese regime promised to rule Hong Kong upon the territorys handover of sovereignty to China from the UK in 1997. Concerned governments should take a firm stand against Chinas creeping repression that massive numbers of people have protested against for months, he said. Since June, Hongkongers have held mass protests against Beijings encroachment, accusing the Chinese regime of violating its promise to respect Hong Kongs autonomy. Initially sparked by opposition to an extradition bill that would allow the Chinese regime to transfer individuals for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts, the protests have since broadened to include demands for universal suffrage in city elections and an independent investigation into police use of force against protesters. HRW has been vocal in condemning Hong Kongs pro-China government for failing to listen to protesters demands. They have limited some protests by denying permits, targeted journalists covering the demonstrations, detained first aid providers trying to help the injured, and failed to condemn Chinese soldiers brief but unauthorized appearance on the streets of Hong Kong, read one statement published on Dec. 6. In another statement, published in August, HRW condemned Hong Kong police for using excessive force against protesters, detailing several incidents in which police action violated international standards. The group drew the ire of Beijing early last month, when in retaliation for U.S. President Donald Trumps signing of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, the regime announced it would sanction HRW and some other U.S.-based human rights organizations. Hong Kong has denied entry to several foreign visitors in recent months, drawing concerns that the territory is being pressured by Beijing to silence critics of the ruling communist party. Earlier this month, an American photographer who has been documenting the citys protests was denied entry. In September last year, U.S. academic Dan Garrett, who wrote a book about Hong Kongs history of resistance against the Chinese regime since 1997, also was denied entry. On Jan. 12, hundreds of Hongkongers again convened at Edinburgh Place for a rally calling for international sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials for human rights violations. Protester Sheung Chi said he hoped the United States would actually enforce the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act to punish Chinese officials. Ivan Chan contributed to this report. A former Scotland Yard commander has criticised a police force for suggesting Harry and Meghan should become officers. Surrey Police claimed the jobs would be perfect for the royal couple as they would still be able to 'serve the Queen' as stated in their shock announcement last week. They would also be conveniently located between their home at Frogmore Cottage in Berkshire and their title county of Sussex. Surrey Police's tweet included a link to their careers page which includes job vacancies for officers, PCSOs and Fast Track Detective Constables. It was signed off with emojis of a prince and princess and an arrow pointing towards a PC and a WPC. But former Metropolitan Police officer Chris Greany suggested the post was 'distasteful'. Former Metropolitan Police officer Chris Greany (pictured left) suggested Surrey Police's tweet about Harry and Meghan (right) was 'distasteful' Surrey Police's tweet included a link to their careers page which includes job vacancies for officers, PCSOs and Fast Track Detective Constables The tweet reads: 'Dear #HarryAndMeghan, We hear you are looking for a new role where your strong beliefs in public service, and serving the @Queen-UK could be an asset? 'We're close to Windsor, and Sussex, and we are recruiting* https://surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/careers/careers/* Megxit' But Former Met Police commander Chris Greany said: 'I'm not sure this tweet is very tasteful folks' Retired public sector worker Ian Bishop, of Bromborough, Wirral, said: 'Not even funny!! Whoever controls this site needs a slap !! 'Ffs leave them alone. You saw what the media did to his mum!!' The tweeted caused a backlash on Twitter, with some demanding it be removed and others praising the 'British sense of humour' Jason Davis, of Syston, Leicstershire, tweeted: 'Whoever is using @SurreyPolice login and posted this should be removed from post and sacked. 'Very distasteful and not at all the kind of tweets the public expect regarding the royal family. @SurreyPCC sort it out.' Another Twitter user - called Caz - added: 'Whoever runs your PR department reassign them! Appalling tweet.' Yet Rob Howland, of West London said: 'My respect for the police just shot up.' Jules, of Newcastle - said: 'Got to love our British sense of humour.' One user - called This Glorious Land - said: 'Whoever thought this up deserves a raise. Well done @SurreyPolice.' Surrey Police defended their controversial Harry and Meghan tweet. A force spokesman said: 'We used one of the biggest news stories of the day to get across our recruitment message in a very competitive market. 'While it might not have been to everyone's taste, to date it has resulted in more than 600 visits to the recruitment pages of our website. 'We always aim to be innovative on our social media channels and take on board any comments both positive and negative.' Ukraines only English-language television channel, UATV, has stopped broadcasting. Ukrainian international state broadcaster UATV will cease the production of news and satellite broadcasting, starting from January 13, 2020, UATV said in a news release. As a result, several of the English language news presenters bid farewell to their jobs and to their viewers around the world. Its last broadcast was on January 12. In the beginning of the year, the government in Kyiv decided to shut down international broadcasting and to close its Crimean-Tatar, Arabic, and English-language departments. UATV was created in 2015 amid what media analysts have called a fierce information war with Russia. In 2014, the proliferation of spurious news reports accompanied Russias seizure of Crimea from Ukraine and its backing of separatists in the two easternmost regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in a conflict that has killed nearly 14,000 people. The channel was established "to ensure access of foreign audiences to objective, up-to-date, and complete information about events in Ukraine and to maintain a positive image of Ukraine in the world, an earlier news release from the broadcaster stated. In the span of four years, UATV was connected to nearly 400 cable networks and broadcast to nearly 30 countries in Europe, North American, Asia, and Africa, including in the Middle East. The administration of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated it intends to launch a Russian-language TV channel at the state broadcaster this year specifically for audiences living in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, local media watchdog Detector Media reported in December. Torontos mayor and city staff are touting significant investments in tackling the roots of youth violence in the 2020 budget. But a close look at that budget, presented by staff on Friday, shows there are few programs set to receive new city funding that directly target youth violence through prevention or intervention programs the kind experts say are desperately needed following a year in which the number of shootings reached a record high. Meanwhile, since council approved an anti-gun violence plan in July 2018 a plan that remains largely unfunded, including in this latest budget 51 young people aged 13 to 29, the target age of the citys programs to address the root causes of violence, have been killed in Toronto. That is about one every 11 days. The category includes both victims of the citys first two homicides of 2020: 21-year-old Ahmed Yakot, who was killed in a double shooting in Regent Park late on New Years Day, and 25-year-old Paul Anthony Desouza, who was killed in a shooting at a Scarborough townhouse complex on Saturday. While the budget invests an additional $18.6 million in poverty reduction and addressing the roots of violence, I firmly believe that we must go further in investing in kids and families, especially as it relates to the threat posed by escalating gun violence, Mayor John Tory said in a statement after the budget launch Friday. In consultation with the budget chief and our council colleagues, I will be leading an effort to ensure that we find a way to make additional investments in kids and families and addressing the root causes of violence as the budget approval process proceeds. That $18.6 million quoted by the mayor comes from a staff briefing note provided to the Star that compares the $8.4 million budgeted for 180 new police officers to the total of new investments in a wide range of programs that broadly fall under the banner of poverty reduction and the root causes of violence. It follows criticism that government spending has favoured police over funding to tackle problems that lead young people toward violence. But most of the programs and spending in the categories included in the $18.6-million figure are not the direct intervention strategies experts say will best address the problem, such as the ones staff recommended to council when it approved the anti-gun violence plan in 2018, to much fanfare. In fact, about half of the total cited by the mayor can be attributed to a $9-million seniors dental care program entirely funded by the provincial government. In the briefing note, staff concluded the proposed budget would see a two-to-one ratio in spending increases for community programs versus policing. The $18.6 million is a small fraction of the citys $13.53 billion operating budget, which includes $12.1 million in new police spending as part of the Toronto Police Services proposed budget for 2020, which is more than $1 billion one of the citys single biggest line items. While I am glad to see the rhetoric change about addressing violence at its core instead of always rushing to fund more police activities, I think the accounting presented may be a bit of a stretch, said Coun. Mike Layton (Ward 11 University-Rosedale), who initially asked for staff to look at funding programs that address violence and poverty reduction at double the rate of the increase for the Toronto police. That comes after council made the anti-gun violence plan, totalling more than $50 million, entirely reliant on requests for funding from Ottawa and the province requests which have been largely denied. Despite escalating gun violence, council has never moved to fund that staff-recommended plan in the absence of outside money. A total of $26.2 million in community interventions remain unfunded. The lack of funding has led to the reduction in 11 positions in the citys social development division, budget documents showed Friday. One initiative, the TO WARDS Peace program which would see experts and community partners intervene directly with youth living in priority areas to help avoid retaliatory and other violence was put forward again by staff for $1.5 million funding this October, at the same time that Toronto police asked the city for $1.5 million to fund a 15-week anti-gang initiative called Project Community Space. But while council fully funded the police project, it committed to just $300,000 in start-up cash for TO WARDS Peace, telling staff to come back with a business case in the 2020 budget. In total, Project Community Space received $4.5 million including investment from the federal and provincial governments. Its 15-week period saw an increase in gun violence, the Stars Wendy Gillis reported. The staff-recommended budget is now asking the federal government to fund the remaining need for the TO WARDS Peace program at $1.2 million, as well as $275,000 to help the citys crisis response team keep up with ongoing violence. After already rejecting the citys earlier requests, Ottawa has not committed to either. The funding planned for expanding crisis response is now less than what was originally planned the 2018 anti-gun violence grant request was more than $1 million annually. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal party promised an additional $250 million to cities to combat gun violence if elected $50 million a year over five years. That funding is not guaranteed and its unclear how much would be available for Toronto. Senior city staff told reporters Friday the city is committed to both the TO WARDS Peace program and crisis response expansion while continuing to speak to federal partners. The mayors office said its their understanding that both programs are funded in this budget, regardless of federal contributions. Its not clear if additional city money is currently allocated to the programs in this budget. Nearly $1 million will be spent on four new, dedicated youth spaces in 2020, with a plan to build three more each in 2021 and 2022. Those dedicated spaces within existing city-run community and recreation centres provide mentorship, homework help, snacks and other programs for at-risk youth in neighbourhoods across the city. The money is largely needed for staffing. That investment comes after Coun. Josh Matlow (Ward 12 Toronto-St. Pauls) pushed to double the number of available youth spaces during last years budget in response to ongoing and escalating violence a proposal that was rejected by council last year. Matlow celebrated the funding for youth spaces on Friday. I deeply appreciate Mayor Torys willingness to understand our arguments for youth spaces and that addressing the roots of youth violence makes our communities safer and can change lives, Matlow told the Star. This budget commitment will provide supportive environments, homework help, mentoring and access to mental health services to youth across our city. The budget launch Friday is a the start of a month-long process that will see council make final spending decisions on Feb. 19. Read more about: The Maze ransomware gang has released 14GB of files that they claim were stolen from one of its victims, the Southwire cable manufacturer. The victims of the Maze Ransomware are facing another risk, after having their data encrypted now crooks are threatening to publish their data online. The Maze ransomware also implements data harvesting capabilities, operators are threatening to release the data for all those victims who refuse to pay the ransom. The operators behind the Maze ransomware have set up a website where they have published the list names of eight companies that allegedly refused to pay the ransom. The website includes data related to the infection, including the date of the attack, some stolen documents (Office, text and PDF files), the size of stolen data, and the list of IP addresses and machine names of the infected servers. In December, Maze ransomware operators have released 2GB of files that were allegedly stolen from the City of Pensacola during the recent attack. According to BleepingComputer that first confirmed the involvement of the Maze ransomware in the attack against the City of Pensacola, crooks demanded a $1 million ransom to decrypt the victims files. The Maze operators released 2GB out of 32GB of files that they claim to have stolen during the attack on the city network. The gang has now released an additional 14GB of files that they claim were stolen from one of its victims, the Southwire cable manufacturer. The attack against the company took place in December, the hackers infected 878 systems on the company network and stole 120GB of files. The Maze gang demanded $6 million worth of bitcoins to avoid the leak of Southwires stolen files, but the company refused to pay the ransom. Then Maze operators uploaded some of the companys files to its web site . Southwire filed a lawsuit against Maze in Georgia courts for illegally accessing their network, stealing data, encrypting computers, and publishing the stolen data after a ransom was not paid. The company asked the web hosting provider who was hosting the Maze site to shut down it. The Maze operators released an additional 14.1GB of stolen files belonging to Southwire on a Russian hacking forum and announced that they plan to release 10% of the data every week unless the ransom is paid. But now our website is back but not only that. Because of southwire actions, we will now start sharing their private information with you, this only 10% of their information and we will publish the next 10% of the information each week until they agree to negotiate. Use this information in any nefarious ways that you want, states the post published by the Maze operators. At this point, Southwire executives need to evaluate is it is better to pay the ransom to avoid to sustain greater costs for data being exposed. Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs Maze ransomware, cybercrime) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On GREAT EXUMA, The Bahamas Beginning with a birdie on his first hole of the 2020 season, Tommy Gainey carded a 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay. Joshua Creel and Dylan Wu sit one stroke off the lead with matching 67s on Sunday. Play was suspended due to darkness at 5:44 p.m. ET and will resume at 7:20 a.m. Its always nice to get off to a good start, said Gainey. In these conditions, I consider it a great number. I mean, 6-under out here in these conditions, its awesome. I feel great about shooting 6-under today but, you know what, this is just the first day. You cant win it on the first day but you can lose it. The oceanside course experienced sustained wind of 18-24 miles per hour on Sunday with gusts up to 30 miles per hour. While the front nine is more protected by trees lining the fairways, the back nine includes six holes on the ocean. You just have to flight your ball out here; if you dont, the wind is going to just eat it up, said Gainey. Out here, as tough as this course is with the wind blowing, you have to flight it This wind can put a lot of doubt in your mind. For instance, the short par-3 (No. 13) out there, I hit a punch 8(-iron). It was like 121 or 123 (yards) and I hit a punch 8(-iron) and thats my 180-185 club. The 44-year-old is making his 108th start on the Korn Ferry Tour to go along with 200 career starts on the PGA TOUR. Gainey has two victories on the Korn Ferry Tour (both in 2010) and won The RSM Classic on the PGA TOUR in 2012. Even with an impressive resume, Gainey entered the week looking to hang on in windy conditions. Before the round, I wouldve taken even-par and not even teed it up this week, said Gainey. If you gave me even-par for four days, I wouldnt have even teed it up. University of Central Oklahoma alum Joshua Creel posted a 5-under first round to sit T2. The 29-year-old credited growing up in the wind with preparing him for similar conditions. I grew up in windy Wyoming and live in windy Oklahoma now, said Creel. The wind is something Ive dealt with my whole life. I wouldnt call it an advantage, but I dont mind playing in it. Dylan Wu finished the morning wave with back-to-back birdies to sit T2. The Northwestern University alum is entering his first full season on the Korn Ferry Tour after playing 13 events last season. I think what kick-started my round was parring the first three holes on the back nine, said Wu. You could easily play a lot of good shots and be 3-over. I birdied No. 13 and I made about a 35-footer when it was pretty windy on that hole; that was probably the highlight of the round. For decades, Yoni has been fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, supporting progressive candidates, and serving his neighbors. We need leaders in Springfield who share our progressive values and reflect the diverse and vibrant areas they represent," Lightfoot said in a statement. "Now more than ever, we need elected officials who we can trust to fight for a transparent, accountable and ethical government that puts the needs of our neighborhoods first. I have been impressed by Yonis integrity, passion, and work ethic, and I look forward to supporting his campaign. Barker Mansion's newest Heritage Interpreter, Lillie Magers-Pershing, will give a free architecture talk this week at the historical landmark in downtown Michigan City. Magers-Pershing hails from South Bend, where she leads tours of the historic Oliver Mansion. She will give a 30-minute lecture on the architectural features of the Banker Mansion at 2 p.m. Saturday at 631 Washington Street in Michigan City. "Her talk will consist of photographic images, many historic, detailing the finer design elements of the mansion," Barker Mansion officials said in a press release. "After the program, guests are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the mansion for fee of $5 per youth/senior and $8 per adult. Reservations are not needed." The museum was originally home to John Barker, a wealthy industrialist who founded the Haskell & Barker Car Co. railroad factory after settling in Michigan City. His son, John H. Barker, inherited the company that produced 15,000 rail cars a day, implementing mass-production techniques long before Henry Ford's famed assembly line. Don't you just love a cape? Or maybe not. Possibly you don't much care for capes, or you've never thought to try one, or, like me, you once owned a cape a black regulation school uniform cape back in the mid-Seventies and you've failed to see the attraction since. However, it's a new year and the time has come, according to frontline fashion designers, to give capes a whirl, if you haven't already. Capes of all kinds have been creeping up on us the past few months. The cape coat was a feature of several 2019 autumn catwalks, notably the classic camel cape at Celine, with its fat collar and chain clasp. Capes of all kinds have been creeping up on us the past few months. The cape coat was a feature of several 2019 autumn catwalks. Pictured is Charlize Theron at the Bombshell' film screening in December Last year, there were cape-shouldered evening gowns everywhere on the red carpet, and Melania Trump chose a yellow Valentino cape coat for the First Couple's visit to London in December. Heading into spring, the cape is still going strong. Nicolas Ghesquiere popped sequin and beaded cropped capes on top of everything from blazers and skirts to satin trousers in the Louis Vuitton Resort 2020 show. There were Prince-of-Wales-check cape coats on Gucci's spring catwalk, and Hedi Slimane at Celine produced a checked tweed cape for women and, to be fair, an embroidered one for men. Capes are a tricky trend, but worth it, even if only for the change, and a cape coat (which is what we're talking about here) has a swagger about it that you can't quite get with a regular jacket. CAPE: THE NEW RULES Never pick a full-length cape, it's too Dracula. Black, navy, camel, or neutral tweed are the only acceptable colours. Avoid sleeves or hoods. Wear a cape done up for a sharp silhouette. Advertisement It's not in the 'must-have' bracket just yet, but it has firmly arrived in the 'worth a try' zone. If you need inspiration, Kate Moss is an early adopter and this time last year was pictured in Paris wearing a shiny-buttoned, priestly black cape coat in which she looked extremely chic. (Note: Kate has several capes at least five that we know of in different fabrics and lengths, but all of them are black.) A cape, by the way, no longer has to be a shoulder-draped tent of the sort favoured by Dracula. A cape can have slits for arms or sleeves; it can be short or long; it can wrap across your shoulder; it can even have buttons or a bow necktie. But since the main advantage of a cape coat is that you can sling it on over anything, including a jacket, the one you'll get the most wear out of is the single-clasp or no clasp at all below-the-knee, classic wool cape. Traditional capes are shruggable, and shruggable is cool and works with everything in your wardrobe, from jeans to long sequin dresses. The cropped cape could prove to be as useful an upper-arm cover-up as the shrug once was and far more glamorous. Last year, there were cape-shouldered evening gowns everywhere on the red carpet. Pictured is Kris Jenner in Paris One that gets top marks for elegance and wearability is the Pinko navy, below-the-knee version with gold buttons (263, pinko.com); it's a new take on the blazer. Cos does a smart, wool-mix, hooded cape in grey (45, cosstores.com), and slightly more casual, but super-easy thanks to the funnel collar, is & Other Stories' mid-thigh-length, camel, wool-blend design (87, stories.com). Marks & Spencer did a great Indigo Collection cape coat with a suggestion of military detail around the collar, and wrap cape with faux fur collar, but both sold out, so keep an eye on M&S for spring. A slightly fancier option is Zara's tiered cape (77, zara.com), more highwayman in spirit, which could look chic provided you wear it with plain black trousers. Alternatively, Zara does plain, mid-thigh capes in black and beige which fasten at the neck (49.99, zara.com). If you want a parka substitute, Joules does a reversible cape in khaki and dark blue plaid with a faux fur trim (126, joules.com). It's a little on the short side, but cute and country-weekend friendly. At the relaxed end of the spectrum are capes that think they are shawls (such as Warehouse's checked version, 29), good if you are going for all-out winter white with a polo-neck and trousers. But I can't help feeling that, if you're going to buy a cape, you might as well get one with substance and swagger and wear it with pride. 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) - Save-haven gold prices are weaker in early U.S. futures trading Monday. Upbeat trader and investor attitudes are working against the precious metals markets to start the trading week. February gold futures were last down $4.90 an ounce at 1,555.50. March Comex silver prices were last down $0.05 at $18.055 an ounce. Asian and European stock markets were mixed to firmer overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward modestly higher openings when the New York day session begins. Trader and investor risk appetite is more robust to start the trading week, as the U.S. stock indexes hover close to last weeks record highs. The U.S.-Iran conflicted has, at least for the time being, died down and the U.S. and China are this week set to sign a partial trade deal, which is likely to stimulate global economic growth in 2020. The marketplace is keeping an eye on major protesting in Iran following the admission from the Iranian government that its military mistakenly shot down a passenger airliner last week. The key outside markets today see crude oil prices near steady and trading around $59.00 a barrel. The U.S. dollar index is modestly up early today. U.S. economic data due for release Monday is light and includes the employment trends index and the monthly Treasury budget statement. Technically, the gold bulls have the firm overall near-term technical advantage, but the January spike high is strong chart resistance to overcome. A price uptrend is still in place on the daily chart. Bulls next upside price objective is to produce a close in February futures above solid resistance at $1,590.90. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $1,530.00. First resistance is seen at the overnight high of $1,563.10 and then at the September high of $1,571.70. First support is seen at the overnight low of $1,547.00 and then at last weeks low of $1,541.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.0. March silver futures bulls still have the overall near-term technical advantage but a five-week-old price uptrend is in jeopardy. Silver bulls' next upside price breakout objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the January high of $18.895 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 $18.225 and then at $18.55. Next support is seen at the January low of $17.815 and then at $17.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0. In less than two weeks from now, India will be celebrating its Republic Day in full grandeur once again. Its a special occasion when India makes a show of its strength and celebrates the virtues imbibed in its Constitution, which was adopted on this very day some seven decades ago. It is thus not extraordinary that security concerns become rife almost every year closer to January 26 and elaborate preparations are made in advance. Apart from the national capital, police bandobast is carried out in all major towns and cities of the country and security as well as intelligence units remain on their toes. But this time, the threat has come from inside and thats more worrying. A senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer, posted with a strategic department at the airport, was arrested on Saturday for the "heinous crime" of ferrying a lawyer and two terrorists who were being allegedly taken out of Kashmir valley for a possible terror strike. In a swift operation, police arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh at Mir Bazar in Kulgam district along with terrorists of the banned Hizbul Mujaideen -- Naveed Baba who was its district commander, and Altaf -- besides an unidentified lawyer who was working as overground worker for terror outfits. Davinder Singh's arrest has raised a lot of questions which can open a can of worms. I hope he's not taken to recreate the scene of crime. (@Ghair_Kanooni) January 12, 2020 Terming this as an exceptional case where a senior police officer was involved in such a crime, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar told reporters that he would be dealt as per the law and the way the police has been treating other terrorists. "It is a heinous crime and he will be treated at par with other terrorists," Kumar said, adding that all three were being subjected to intense questioning by a joint team from central security agencies as well as the police. Singh, who was in line for a promotion as superintendent of police later this month, was posted at the anti-hijacking unit at the Srinagar airport. He was under the radar of the police when the plan was being hatched for smuggling out the terrorists, an official said on the condition of anonymity. Davinder Singhs arrest in the company of Hizbul Mujahideen commander in the weekend and my thoughts as the first journalist to interview Afzal Guru from inside Tihar jail. https://t.co/cGFgyfGWU5 Davinders proximity with Hizb raises imp questions on covert operations. pic.twitter.com/DS8otEkQ2q Vinod K. Jose (@vinodjose) January 13, 2020 Singh's name had also surfaced during investigations for the 2001 Parliament attack when convict Afzal Guru had alleged his role. The probe, however, was in Singh's favour. The IGP said there was no record of the arrested police officer's involvement in the Parliament attack case as was being reported in a section of the media. "We have no such records and I have no information, but we will ask him about this," he said. To a question about whether his posting at the airport was a security breach as the officer was also seen with the envoys of various countries who visited the valley earlier last year, Kumar said the police had no information about the officer's involvement till Saturday. Good to see the IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar spell out that J&K Police Dy. SP Davinder Singh would be treated as a terrorist. Questions: 1) Who was protecting him within J&K Police? 2) Was he Afzal Gurus handler? 3) Did he supply arms/info to terrorists? pic.twitter.com/2doJHBR2Je Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 12, 2020 "He was on duty and how could we have stopped him from that as we had no information about his involvement in anything," he said. While refusing to divulge details of the probe so far, Kumar said that after the news spread about their detention on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in south Kashmir on Saturday, some militants escaped from a hideout in Shopian. One of the arrested militants Naveed Baba, who was a police constable and deserted the force in 2017 to join the Hizbul Mujahideen, has been involved in cases of killing of police personnel and civilians, the IGP told a press conference. More important, was Davinder Singh a covert operative of the central Intelligence agencies? Was he involved in Pulwama type operations? Will there now be a rearguard action by Doval & his team to protect Davinder Singh? https://t.co/uQkO3WGeVi Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) January 12, 2020 "The police officer (Singh) has worked on several anti-militancy operations. But the circumstances under which he was arrested yesterday when he was driving the car with militants towards Jammu is a heinous crime. That is why he is being treated at par with the militants," the IGP said. "He has been arrested, has been brought under remand and his interrogation is on." The investigation is at an initial stage and I cannot share anything further. The probe is on and we have got several leads which we will not like to share as the operation is on. When this news spread yesterday, some militants escaped from a hideout in Shopian which was eight feet under the ground. It had food items among other things stored there," he said. Not surprises here - the news of decorated cop Davinder Singh, named by Afzal Guru, caught along with militants - completely absent in TV media. Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) January 12, 2020 One of the most significant aspects of the Indian constitution is sovereignty, which denotes that India is beyond the control of any internal or external powers and is free to make its decisions and choices. It is because India is a sovereign state that it has stood its ground over the decades and exercised its power in doing whatever it deems fit. Republic Day is a celebration of this virtue but for those who may wish ill for India, this is also an opportunity to strike us where it would hurt the most. With the arrest of a senior officer, somebody who has been awarded and held in high esteem previously, for ferrying terrorists, of all things, the situation looks murkier than ever before. Security forces are on their toes and intelligence units have also swung into action but more remains to come out in the public domain in the next few days. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise. "No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified on it," said Kumar in the state assembly, whose JD (U) is an ally of BJP. At a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 22 last year, Modi had said that the central government had no discussions of conducting a nationwide NRC. "After I came to power in 2014, the government has held no discussions over NRC. We did carry out the NRC exercise in Assam, but it was at the orders of the Supreme Court," the Prime Minister had said. Earlier on Sunday, JD (U) vice-president Prashant Kishor thanked the Congress party and its leadership for their "formal and unequivocal rejection" of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC. He also reassured the people of Bihar that the CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state. Thanking Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kishor had tweeted, "I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi & @priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - CAA and NRC will not be implemented in Bihar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arthur Shanks II Arthur Shanks II, Executive Director of the Cypress Mandela Training Center (CMTC) passed away on December 29, 2019. A public memorial will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020. It is with great sadness that we inform you of the transition of Arthur Shanks II, Executive Director of the Cypress Mandela Training Center (CMTC) on December 29, 2019. On behalf of the board of directors and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Shanks family during this very difficult period. For more than 27 years, Art was a visionary who paved the way for developing ground breaking pre-apprenticeship green construction training and workforce development concepts for his community and beyond. Art developed lasting partnerships to help tackle complex issues, such as violence and crime associated with, poverty and literacy, with proven results across the nation. Art understood that providing quality and effective training, as well as access to high paying careers, would help to reduce crime and hopelessness while revitalizing underserved communities. After a portion of Interstate 880 collapsed during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, killing 42 people, the West Oakland communities that had been cut off from downtown businesses by the original freeway built in 1957, and who had faced decades of environmental justice issues, were determined to have a say in the re-building of the new freeway. The community looked for ways to participate in the location and design of the new freeway, but also for ways to benefit from the well-paying construction jobs that were being brought into the neighborhood. The CMTC was formed as the premier training institution for pre-apprentice construction, and to provide well trained workers to transition into jobs on the new freeway construction, and gain direct entry into the trades. Art was recognized nationally as the Godfather of the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) for piloting the first ever Brownfields Job Training program. Peralta Community College District (Laney College) also partnered with Art to provide college credits earned while attending classes at CMTC as a means for students to continue their education. He advocated for the underserved, disenfranchised, unemployed, returning citizens and young people to ensure meaningful pathways in the construction building trades, environmental, transportation and utility industries. Above all, Art was a devoted husband, father, brother, son and friend. We shall all miss him dearly in our daily lives. Art Shanks ran a good race, fought to the end and has now entered in to eternal rest. Effective immediately, the board of directors has named Eric Shanks, as interim Executive Director. The board of directors has full confidence in Eric Shanks ability to lead Cypress Mandela Training Center through this unexpected transition. A public memorial will be held on Saturday, January 18th from 11am to 1am at Cypress Mandela Training Center, located at 977 66th Ave in Oakland, CA. About Cypress Mandela Training Center The CMTC is a community based organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people it serves by providing pre-apprentice construction and life skills training along with employment assistance. Coleg Cambria and North Wales Police join forces to train future PCSOs This article is old - Published: Monday, Jan 13th, 2020 Coleg Cambria and North Wales Police have joined forces to launch a new traineeship scheme. The programme is aimed at prospective PCSOs (Police Community Support Officer) aged 18 above and will blend education at the colleges Deeside site with on-the-job training. The pilot scheme will be class-based for the first month, then the learners will buddy-up with a working PCSO on the beat in north east Wales for six weeks. At the end of the placement, successful participants will be chosen for a permanent PCSO role. Its an incredible opportunity and experience for anyone aged between 18 and 24 years old who is interested in joining the Police, said Cambrias employability mentor, Samantha Moore. Over the years a lot of students have shown an interest in the uniformed services, so Im delighted we are now able to offer them this traineeship. Those who are successful will have a foot in the door to go on and have a career with North Wales Police if they have the right attitude, are willing to work hard and are determined to progress. She added: In the classroom we will be visited by various speakers, including the Armed Response Unit and police dog handlers, and learn skills including the phonetic alphabet, teamwork, standards of behaviour and more. This is a great platform for young people who have a passion for joining North Wales Police. For those who are successful it could be the beginning an incredible career. All participants will receive support towards costs, up to 50 per week, and leave with additional qualifications including an NVQ Level 2 Emergency First Aid. A uniform will be provided, and fluency in Welsh in particular, or Polish, Romanian, Lithuanian or Bulgarian would be advantageous. Jenny Parry, head of people and organisational development for North Wales Police, said: We are committed to making a difference to our young people and neighbourhoods, especially those who may not have been fortunate enough to have had the support or educational opportunities which would allow them to apply for North Wales Police through the traditional routes. We are excited to be working with Coleg Cambria to develop this programme as it is a great opportunity to provide opportunities for young people to join us who may have thought that the door would have been closed to them. The North Wales Police PCSO Traineeship launches on Monday January 20th. For more information and to find out if youre eligible to enrol, call 01978 267472 or email traineeships@cambria.ac.uk Fianna Fail TD Declan Breathnach has denied he defamed Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald in a tweet he published in 2018. Ms McDonald has launched High Court defamation proceedings against the Co. Louth TD over a post he published on Twitter on October 11, 2018, in reply to a tweet she had posted in support of the now-retired Garda Maurice McCabe. Ms McDonald claims Mr Breathnach's tweet meant that her sympathy for Mr McCabe was "disingenuous", "insincere" and that she is a hypocrite. Represented by Tom Hogan SC, Ms McDonald also claims the tweet meant she had failed to speak out about and allegedly condoned the murders of members of An Garda Siochana by dissident republicans and criminals. She alleges the tweet defamed her, and as well as seeking damages including aggravated damages, she also seeks an injunction restraining the FF TD from further publishing the same or a similar statement about her. Mr Breathnach, represented by Darren Lehane Bl, denies the claim, and says that the Sinn Fein TD and leader's action is "misconceived". A pretrial motion in the case was briefly mentioned before Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty at the High Court today. The matter was adjourned to a date later this month. As long oil as sale proceeds pay off a joint ventures debts, they do not violate US sanctions, sources tell Reuters. Venezuela, its oil exports decimated by United States sanctions, is testing a new method of getting its crude to market: allocating cargoes to joint-venture partners including Chevron Corp, which in turn market the oil to customers in Asia and Africa. This would not violate sanctions as long as sale proceeds are used for paying off a ventures debts, according to three sources from joint ventures. They said this approach could help Venezuela overcome obstacles to producing and exporting oil. Venezuelas oil exports fell 32 percent last year as the US government blocked imports by American companies and transactions made in US dollars. PDVSA, the state-owned oil and gas company, was forced to use intermediaries for crude sales as Washington pressured Venezuelas Indian and Chinese customers to halt direct purchases. The sanctions were designed to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after most Western nations branded his 2018 re-election a sham. By acting as an intermediary for PDVSAs oil sales, Russias Rosneft in 2019 became the largest receiver of Venezuelan crude, using the sales to amortise billions of dollars in loans granted to Venezuela in the past decade. Washington has mostly allowed mechanisms to pay off debt with oil or to swap Venezuelan crude for imported fuel, but Venezuelas opposition is lobbying the US administration to punish intermediaries. PDVSA, the US Treasury Department and the State Department did not answer Reuters news agencys requests for comment. The latest tests of the policy come this month. A 1 million-barrel cargo of Venezuelan upgraded crude consigned to Chevron is scheduled to load at PDVSAs Jose port, according to internal documents from the state-run firm seen by Reuters. Chevron has a stake in the Petropiar joint venture with PDVSA to upgrade oil in the OPEC nations Orinoco belt, one of the worlds largest oil reserves. Chevrons licence to operate in Venezuela despite sanctions expires on January 22 unless the US Treasury renews it. Proceeds from these marketing activities are paid to our joint venture accounts to cover the cost of maintenance operations, in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, said Chevron spokesperson Ray Fohr. In the past, Chevron itself used to refine Venezuelan crude at its US facilities, often bought from PDVSAs joint ventures. Another cargo of 670,000 barrels of Tia Juana and Boscan crudes, chartered by Venezuelan oil firm Suelopetrol, set sail at the beginning of January, the documents showed. Suelopetrol, a minority stakeholder in joint ventures with PDVSA, said it was recently allocated a Venezuelan crude cargo under contracts signed prior to US sanctions with PDVSA and joint venture Petrocabimas to support investment and development of oilfields. Those contracts include the designation of Suelopetrol as offtaker of crude produced for compensating accounts receivable, due since 2015, for capital contributions, technical assistance, provision of services and accumulated dividends, it said in response to questions from Reuters. By Venezuelan law, state-run PDVSA is required to market all Venezuelas crude exports, except for upgraded oil, whose output was suspended in 2019 due to accumulation of stocks. Only Petropiar, one of four upgrading projects in the Orinoco, has recently resumed operations. To avoid violating Venezuelan law, the joint ventures that are not allowed to market their output for exports first sell the oil to PDVSA, which then allocates the cargoes to its joint venture partners, according to two of sources and documents. The private partners take possession of the cargoes at Venezuelan ports and transport them in chartered vessels to refineries around the world, according to the documents and tanker tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon. Proceeds from these sales to ultimate buyers are being transferred to the joint ventures trustees to fund operational expenses as well as paying debt and dividends owed to partners. It is a matter of life or death for joint ventures to achieve this so operations can restart, said a top executive from one of the joint ventures that accepted the mechanism. According to the PDVSA documents and sources, Chevron took two cargoes of Venezuelan Boscan and Merey crudes in the last quarter of 2019, before lifting a cargo of Hamaca crude in January. Suelopetrols cargo, on tanker Ace, set sail on January 5. Accumulated debt Several of PDVSAs more than 40 oil-producing joint ventures owe hundreds of millions of dollars to minority partners as PDVSA demanded from 2013 to 2017 they extend funding to the projects. Minority stakeholders put the money through credit lines and loans backed by supply contracts so sale proceeds would go to trustees for paying the projects costs while amortising the loans. But US sanctions deprived PDVSA and some joint ventures of the supply contracts used to guarantee the loans, leaving the projects without sources of cash and freezing the credit lines. The new mechanism is intended to unfreeze cash flow to continue production, the sources said. It could also make it easier to trade Venezuelan oil by using joint-venture partners as buyers or traders while sanctions are in place. Very high freight tariffs for transporting Venezuelan oil, the difficulty in finding willing buyers, and problems at oilfields and shipping terminals remain obstacles to implementing the mechanism, the sources added. Lawyers consulted by some PDVSA partners interested in lifting Venezuelan crude told them the sales are allowed under sanctions as long as proceeds paying off debts remain out of Maduros reach, which is the main intention of the measures, one of the sources said. ATLANTA(BUSINESS WIRE)#investmentThe management of UC Asset (OTCQX: UCASU) hereby report their finding and solution on a technical issue in regard to the trading of its shares. On January 02, 2020, UC Assets shares started to be quoted on OTCQX, the Best Market operated by OTC Markets Group. Since then, no shares have been traded despite there being both bids and asks of its shares. After rounds of communication, the management of UC Asset have concluded that a technical issue occurred due to miscommunications among agencies and third parties involved in the process of depositing and clearing shares through the system of DTC (Depository Trust Company), which manages book-entry securities entitlement transfers for brokerage houses. Due to this technical issue, no shares of UC Asset can be deposited or cleared through DTC, although its shares had been approved by DTC to be eligible for such transactions. The company and involved third parties have reached a solution to this technical issue caused by miscommunication. However, the involved third parties will need to reproduce certain documents to complete the entire process. Management of UC Asset anticipate that it will take a few more business days. The situation is being monitored closely and UC Asset will make announcements immediately once its shares are tradable. We are sorry for any inconveniences caused to investors and shareholders, but all can be assured the issue will be resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible, says Larry Wu, UC Asset founder. About UC Asset LP UC Asset LP is a limited partnership formed for the purpose of investing in real estate for development and redevelopment, concentrating in metropolitan areas of Atlanta, GA and Dallas, TX. For more information about UC Asset, please visit: www.ucasset.com Contacts Christal Jordan, 678-499-0297 cjordan@ucasset.com Good to brace for Fourth Industrial Revolution The National Assembly has finally passed three long-pending revisions aimed at easing regulations on the use of personal information for research and business purposes. The three were among 198 bills the Assembly approved Jan. 9. Even though it was late, the passage of the three data-related bills, which had been pending for more than a year due mainly to partisan wrangling and concerns about possible privacy violations, will hopefully lead to a better ecosystem for businesses handling personal data. The bills enable the government, companies and institutions to use personal information, which will be processed to conceal the provider's identity, for research and business purposes. Using processed personal data is already common in the United States, Japan and the European Union, and the industrial demand for such data is expected to increase rapidly in the years to come. For example, these data are crucial for the development of artificial intelligence technologies, and are also essential for financial, healthcare, e-commerce and other industries that are increasingly dependent on big data. In short, we cannot survive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution without nurturing the data industry. So after the passage of the bills, Park Yong-maan, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, posted on Facebook, "Hurray! Finally, we've got them." The importance of the legislation cannot be overemphasized for Korea Inc., which, for survival, has to adapt to new industrial trends. Of course we understand why civic groups opposed the legislation. Their concerns about possible breaches of privacy associated with the bills should not be ignored because this will remain a crucial problem. Aside from boosting industrial competitiveness, the government should pay attention to protecting personal information. The passage came about 18 months after President Moon Jae-in vowed in August 2018 to nurture the "data economy" as a driver of the country's innovative growth, promising to improve the legal system so the country can emerge as a global powerhouse in data use. It is regretful that took so long for the deregulation bills to be passed. Expectations are high that the legislation will be a cornerstone in helping South Korean firms enhance their global competitiveness and better prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. According to the International Institute for Management Development, Korea Inc. placed 10th among 63 companies in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking last year. The U.S. topped the list for the second consecutive year and Singapore was second, Hong Kong eighth, China at 22nd and Japan 23rd. Deregulation is the key to preparing for new industrial trends and increasing the country's global competitiveness. The passage of the three bills was a step in the right direction. L ondon mayoral candidate Rory Stewart today called for thousands more police on the streets after meeting families of knife crime victims. The former Tory Cabinet minister, who is running for City Hall as an independent, called the violent crime epidemic a disgrace. There were 149 homicides in the capital last year, the highest figure for 11 years, and Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan has faced questions about whether he can keep London safe. Mr Stewart, writing in todays Standard, revealed he met the mother of Jude Gayle, 30, who was killed in 2017 in West Norwood as he bought a lollipop for his daughter. On a tour of Lambeth, he also met a mother who lost her son, 24, and a teenager who lost two brothers to knife killings. Mr Stewart, who has vowed to resign as mayor if he fails to cut knife crime, said: We must put thousands more officers on the streets in community and response roles, patrolling neighbourhoods. Speaking to the Standards The Leader podcast, Mr Stewart called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver on the promise that you made to deliver 6,600 more police officers to the Met... We want them now. The Met currently has 31,079 officers. Mr Khan and Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick are in negotiations with the Government to increase this to 37,000. Listen to today's episode of The Leader: The relaunch of Today with Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon has started well for Nine, with improved ratings and positive social media feedback. Sunrise won the week at 277,000 over Todays 220,000. Thats good news for Nine which was coming off a low base. Its hard to know if thats the Karl factor or initial curiosity in a week full of news with bushfires, Harry & Meghan and US / Iran conflict. Nevertheless, Nine should be encouraged by a fresh start and by the fact nobody made any gaffes anywhere along the way (the genre is notorious for it). Sunrise Sunrise Today Today National Metro National Metro Saturday 4/1/20 505,000 312,000 332,000 231,000 Sunday 5/1/20 499,000 289,000 316,000 211,000 Monday 6/1/20 485,000 293,000 335,000 225,000 Tuesday 7/1/20 467,000 266,000 318,000 220,000 Wednesday 8/1/20 439,000 251,000 334,000 235,000 Thursday 9/1/20 479,000 275,000 315,000 219,000 Friday 10/1/20 485,000 299,000 297,000 202,000 Today won the week in Sydney at 75,000 viewers, a mere 1,000 ahead of Sunrise at 74,000. It also claimed some individual wins in Brisbane. For Nine it was their highest weekly average since December 2018. Sunrise won the week in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. By Friday Seven had widened the gap, which may suggest early figures were a curiosity factor. It also bagged the demos and a national win. Both shows are citing improved numbers for the same week in 2019, with Sunrise up 14% year on year and Today up 5%. But neither network had their anchors on air this early in 2019 and the bushfire news cannot be discounted. Last week Sunrise Executive Produce Michael Pell told news.com.au, We are the market leaders for a reason, and I mean that with humility and respect to the audience. We like to work from our own template and then often youll find other people borrowing from that. I also think one of the strengths of Sunrise is that its a family-friendly show. Today Executive Producer Steve Burling told the Daily Mail, The bushfire crisis is affecting all Australians, and Todays special coverage has been widespread, thorough and at times confronting, with our new lineup ensuring viewers are kept up-to-date with the latest news. Were happy with our new line-up and the feedback has been positive. Meanwhile News Breakfast on ABC ran a steady ship with numbers around the 175,000 mark over two channels. MBABANE The constant creeping of diseases like foot and mouth in livestock, which propel government to ban imports of hooved animal produce, has created an opportunity for farmers. There is now a need, according to Lwazi Mamba from the Farmers Union, for more abattoirs. Following the ban of animal produce imported from South Africa last year, many farmers exploited the markets which was great for the economy. However, after producing the large numbers in hooved animals, Mamba said, farmers experienced a challenge in slaughtering the animals. Last year, piggery gained momentum and farmers entered the formal market; however, they had to share abattoirs with other livestock products which then compromised the quality of their produce. Challenge He said this posed a challenge to the market and quality of the produce they could avail to the local markets and implored investors to make use of this niche. Another challenge that came about due to the increased demand of locally produced livestock was that of feed. Mamba said the amount in which livestock feed retailed at in local markets made it a challenge to present competitive prices compared to imports sourced from South Africa. He said due to the feed being imported, its price was higher and therefore added to the production costs incurred by farmers. The farmer appealed to those who had land to utilise this opportunity and venture into producing it. On the other hand, Mamba noted the third quarter report presented by the Ministry of Economic Planning was precise in identifying the drop in crop production. He said the constant changing weather patterns were scaring farmers from investing large amounts into crop production. Last year, the rains were at lengthy intervals which made farmers sceptical to plough their fields. To deal with the challenge, he said, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, they were empowering farmers with climate-smart agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help the people who manage agricultural systems respond effectively to climate change. The CSA approach pursues the triple objectives of sustainably increasing productivity and incomes, adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions where possible. He said emphasis was on acknowledging the precipitation of the area in which one was farming and seeking guidance based on that. Mamba said in dry areas, farmers should explore production of crops that needed minimal rains like beans (which have a massive market). Sabarimala temple in Kerala to open for monthly rituals from July 16; Conditions apply for devotees How to Book Sabarimala Virtual Q Tickets Online 2021? Know Date, Price and Other Details What is Sabarimala Thantri's view over use of halal jaggery to prepare prasadam: plea in Kerala HC The right to pray: SC to begin hearing Sabarimala review pleas today India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: A nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to commence today hearing a batch of pleas on the issue of allowing women of all ages to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, along with other contentious issues of alleged discrimination against Muslim and Parsi women. The nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde will hear a batch of 60 petitions. The other judges on the bench are Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan, L Nageswara Rao, M M Shantanagoudar, S A Nazeer, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant. The nine-judge bench has been set up after a five-judge bench headed by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, by a 3:2 majority verdict, referred the matter to a larger bench while examining the review petition filed against the historic September 28, 2018 judgement which had allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple. TN: Muslim protesters pause their Namaz, make way for Sabarimala pilgrims Besides Justice Gogoi, Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra (the lone woman judge on the bench) were in majority while Justices R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud had penned down a minority verdict on November 14, 2019. Of the nine-judge bench, which will hear the matter from Monday, there is no judge from the previous bench. The top court had on January 6 issued a notice informing about the listing of the batch of petitions seeking review of the 2018 judgement. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet While referring the matter to a larger bench, the five-judge bench had however said that the debate about the constitutional validity of religious practices like bar on entry of women and girls into a place of worship was not limited to the Sabarimala case. Wont pass orders on entry of two women into Sabarimala, issue is emotive says SC The top court said such restrictions are there with regard to entry of Muslim women into mosques and 'dargahs' and Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, being barred from the holy fireplace of an Agyari. It said it was time for the apex court to evolve a judicial policy to do "substantial and complete justice". LONDON Be on the lookout, the British counterterrorism police warned, for young people being radicalized by extremists like neo-Nazis, militant Islamists, Satanists, white supremacists and climate-change activists. The counterterrorism police reversed course soon after it came to light that they had published a brochure that lumped the group Extinction Rebellion, not to mention animal rights activists, together with terrorist organizations, retracting the document. But on Monday, a top government official refused to find fault with it. Everything has to be based in terms of risk to the public, security risks, security threats, and that is based on information from the police and various intelligence that we all receive, Priti Patel, the home secretary, said in an interview with LBC radio. Thats the proper thing to do, said Ms. Patel, one of the farthest-right members of Prime Minister Boris Johnsons cabinet. You develop your policing approach accordingly. In a post-Brexit world, diversifying into new markets in Europe and beyond could - and should - be a viable option for Irish companies pursuing growth. The UK has been and will remain, a very important market for many Irish firms across a range of sectors. However post-Brexit, new markets are going to be essential for export-led firms. In many cases, expansion beyond the UK may be the key, not just for growth, but for survival. It may seem daunting upon first glance for firms used to doing domestic business only, or who may have limited their international activities to date to our nearest neighbours. Expanding into markets further afield always comes with an element of risk. It is a risk that large firms can take. A move into France, for example, that doesnt work out for a large firm can be offset by other areas of the business which are over-delivering. Or, due to the scale of the organisation, the negative result can be absorbed without causing any longer-term damage. For a medium-sized business, a move into a new market European country that does not work out could cause significant damage financial, reputational, opportunity, cost, etc - and could even be fatal. That is why thorough analysis of any market into which a business is considering expanding is essential. Firms can significantly mitigate reduce the risks associated with new market entry by forensically preparing and using what is learned to hone its offering for the new market. It may have surprised some to recently read that the Netherlands is the country where Irish firms do most of their business in Continental Europe, rather than countries such as France or Germany. It shouldnt be that surprising when analysed in more depth. Transport links to the Netherlands are excellent, there is a similar geography, a cultural simpatico and a highly engaged workforce. Yet there are excellent opportunities even further afield for Irish firms post-Brexit. Poland, for instance - a country of circa 38 million people, the vast majority of whom identify more closely with the West than the East - is a market far more Irish companies should be considering. Having worked extensively in Poland, we know there is an engaged business community proactively seeking to forge stronger links with Irish industry. When coupled with the strong links forged between the two countries as a result of the sizable Polish community living in Ireland, it is surprising that more Irish companies have not sought to enter this market. Agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and tourism are major components of the Polish economy, which was an outlier in the EU during 2009 by growing 1.6% compared to a 4.5% drop across the bloc. Globally, its growth over 28 consecutive years is only surpassed by Australia. However, in carrying out the necessary due diligence, any Irish company would also need to consider geopolitical factors, and get a good understanding of the prevailing political landscape in Poland. The totality of this due diligence can then be used to assess whether the opportunities outweigh the risks. In other words, is the investment risk mitigated by the opportunities, or are the potential pitfalls too great for your firm? Thorough preparation will provide an informed answer to that question before any risk is taken. Other markets in Central and Eastern Europe, including Croatia and Serbia, are similarly attractive for Irish firms pursuing growth opportunities beyond their domestic market. Major industries in Croatia include services, shipbuilding, construction, petrochemicals, and food processing, while the Serbian economy is strong in automotive manufacturing, furniture, food processing, machinery, sugar, tyres, and pharmaceuticals. The markets mentioned here are not put forward as the panacea for all Brexit-related headaches. What we advocate is that in the course of planning growth for your organisation, while it is tempting and entirely understandable to think only of the well-worn path to certain overseas markets, do not be afraid to expand your thinking somewhat and consider some of the non-traditional international markets, where there are hugely exciting growth opportunities, across a range of sectors, for Irish businesses. Rather than the prevailing narrative that it can only be viewed as a crisis, Brexit also presents an opportunity for Irish companies to look to new markets for growth, but only for those who are willing to consider the road less travelled. Brian OBrien is a partner at business consultancy firm 3Sixty. The two parties are understood to have agreed to work together in Andhra Pradesh in view of the situation arising out of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government's proposal to shift the state capital out of Amaravati. Amaravati, Jan 13 (IANS) Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, the founder of Jana Sena Party, on Monday met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi amid talk of an alliance. The development comes close on the heels of BJP making its stand clear on the three-capital proposal. Party's core committee on January 11 demanded that Amaravati should continue as the state capital. Both Jana Sena and BJP are likely to make a joint statement on the Amaravati issue. Pawan Kalyan briefed Nadda on the developments in the state, especially the ongoing protests by Amaravati farmers over the proposal to shift administrative capital to Visakhapatnam and judicial capital to Kurnool. Following the humiliating defeat in last year's elections, Pawan Kalyan has been dropping indications that he is willing to join hands with the BJP. Pawan Kalyan had campaigned for the TDP-BJP combine in 2014 elections. He later severed ties with both the parties and conducted the previous polls in alliance with the Left parties. Jana Sena could win just one seat in the 175-member state Assembly. Pawan Kalyan himself lost the polls from both the constituencies he contested. ms/arm Call me paranoid if you must, but I am warning everyone within the sound of my voice to be on the lookout for squirrels behaving in a suspicious manner. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Call me paranoid if you must, but I am warning everyone within the sound of my voice to be on the lookout for squirrels behaving in a suspicious manner. As regular readers are already aware, over the last decade I have written literally dozens of columns warning that squirrels and I am talking about extremist squirrels here are clearly plotting the imminent downfall of humankind. David Crigger / Bristol Herald Courier The innocent-looking squirrel has quietly been wreaking havoc. Surprisingly, I have still not received a major journalism award for dozens of groundbreaking columns chronicling the fact that squirrels pose a far greater hazard to our power grid than human terrorists do. For the record, international terrorists have been blamed for zero power outages, whereas a rogue, possibly suicidal squirrel, caused a series of year-end blackouts in North Bay, Ont., that left citizens briefly in the dark. "Blame the squirrel!" is what The North Bay Nugget newspaper advised readers. "According to North Bay Hydro the outages are due to a squirrel on the line." As alarming as I found that news, the report also contained information suggesting that squirrels are no longer working alone in their quest for world domination. "This isnt the first time an animal has caused power disruptions," the North Bay Nugget reported. "In September, a power outage on Worthington St. E. was caused by a fish that had been dropped on a transformer." The paper does not say what type of fish was responsible for the blackout, but that is not the point. No, the point is it is time we humans started to take squirrel-related mayhem seriously. If you think Im merely joking around in a light-hearted manner, take a moment to check out Cyber Squirrel 1, an alarming website featuring a database of incidents wherein squirrels and other cute creatures have knocked out the power grid. The website features an official-looking map chronicling blackouts around the world dating to 1987, along with links to stories about the incidents. It lists 1,252 squirrel-related outages, 639 caused by birds, 117 involving snakes, 115 where raccoons were the culprits, 13 featuring (wait for it) jellyfish and only three in which humans took the blame, including one involving a Hannah Montana balloon. If it were only the power grid at risk, I would not be quite so alarmed, but the grim reality is that squirrels have begun to diversify their attacks and are now taking the fight to our front doorsteps, at least in Atlanta. I am referring to terrifying news reports about a young couple, Kari and Dustin Drees, who returned from a vacation to visit family over the holidays recently only to discover their suburban Atlanta home had been reduced to a shambles. The home invader and if you havent figured out its species, I am sadly disappointed was a rogue squirrel who apparently entered the home via the chimney and then caused an estimated $15,000 in damage trying to get back out. According to the Washington Post one of many prestigious news outlets waking up to the burgeoning squirrel threat the couple opened their front door and found "wood chippings littered the foyer like confetti. Soot soiled the living room and the couch. The wooden window frames had been gnawed." They heard the faucet running in the kitchen and feared a burglar was hiding somewhere in the house. According to the Post, Kari stayed outside with their baby, while Dustin went in to investigate, following a trail of soot until it dawned on him: It wasnt a trail of footprints, but of little paw prints, starting from the chimney and leading to nearly every room in the house. "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 daughters room," Dustin, 30, told the Post. "He was just trying to figure out a way out of the house." According to literally dozens of breathless online news report, the young couple will have to replace almost every window in their house after the squirrel, in his desperate escape attempts, chewed away the panelling and in some cases poked tiny holes in the glass. 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. He pooped on their beds and on the couch, where he made a nest, and on the counters and floors. He gnawed off the wood on the door and window frames and indoor shutters. Amazingly, the couple thinks, he flicked on the kitchen faucet while apparently trying to leap for the window above the sink. The good news is that the squirrel responsible was apprehended by animal control officers and is no doubt awaiting trial on a wide variety of charges. The bad news is that, when they reported the freak incident, the couple learned their insurance does not cover rodent-related damage. Still in the Deep South, comes a report from WSMV-TV in Nashville, which recently posted online a 23-second video clip of a squirrel brazenly perched on a fence and stuffing its face with a slice of purloined pizza. The TV station likened the bushy-tailed bandit to the infamous "Pizza Rat," which shot to fame after being filmed dragging a slice through the New York City subway system. One thing has become painfully obvious in their quest for world domination, squirrels have abandoned the power grid and are now openly targeting human homes along with our favourite junk foods. The time for remaining calm is past, which is why I am recommending everyone begin to panic, perspire heavily and wring their hands. Go ahead and ignore my warnings if you want, but that would make you nuts, which means youre the next one on their hit list. doug.speirs@freepress.mb.ca Popular American fast food chain In-N-Out Burger has launched a pop up stall in Australia for one day only. Diners can get their hands on the famed burgers and cheese fries at the Archive Beer Boutique in West End in Brisbane from 11am to 2pm on Monday. Hundreds of hungry burger aficionados are already waiting in a queue stretching down the road to get a taste of the famous burgers. Fans can order the Double Double burgers, Animal Style burgers and Protein Style burgers from its menu - but you'll have to be quick if you want to try it. Hundreds of In-N-Out Burger are waiting in a queue to get a taste of the famous burgers Popular U.S. chain In-N-Out Burger has launched a pop up stall in Australia for one day only 'For those who have not yet experienced In-N-Out Burger, be sure to come and check us out at this special promotional event,' the venue said. 'First come, first served. Limited quantities for sale.' The venue's kitchen will be closed all day to host the exclusive pop-up event - but the bar will reopen at 4pm. The pop-up stalls around Australia previously sold out within 30 minutes, with only 300 burgers usually served to customers in one day. In February last year, hundreds of customers lined up for hours in Sydney, with queues stretching down the road. There is no word on whether any other Australian cities will be hosting the burger pop-ups this month. Burger fans started lining up before the doors opened on Monday morning Customers entering the store were given a wristband to avoid out-of-control crowds The venue's kitchen will be closed all day to host the exclusive pop-up event in Brisbane The seven-alarm fire that decimated a pair of apartment buildings under construction in downtown Bound Brook Sunday night came dangerously close to spreading to nearby homes and will likely be under investigation for months, officials said Monday as firefighters continued to douse the smoldering wreckage. If that wouldve spread any more, it probably wouldve caught houses and we probably wouldve lost a residential block, Bound Brook Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Gullia told NJ Advance Media. The blaze could take weeks or months for a cause to be determined, said Mayor Robert P. Fazen. The builders of the properties are sending crews to demolish what remains the structures, the mayor said. About 100 to 200 people in the area were evacuated from their homes. Power was cut to most of downtown, but should be back sometime Monday, Fazen said. Kyliah Lynch, 21, was watching a movie in her Church Street home in the neighborhood threatened by the blaze when her sister began hearing the fire trucks and then saw the fire. It was so close we felt the heat. I just wanted to get away, I just wanted to be safe, Lynch told NJ Advance Media on Monday. Her family took their dog and her sisters 6-month-old baby, and escaped to the end of Church Street. They spent the night at her sisters house and still dont have power Monday. It just makes you love your family even more, said Lynchs mother, Wanda Barnett, 53. Its scary to see. It couldve been worse. God is good. The fire broke out shortly before 8 p.m. on East Main Street near Mountain Avenue. Roaring flames spread to both sides of the street in the boroughs downtown commercial district near the NJ Transit train station. The fire destroyed an unoccupied complex known as Meridia Downtown before spreading rapidly. In addition to the construction sites, Bound Brook Police Chief Vito Bet said the fire spread to two houses and an electronics store. But a quick response from fire departments in Somerset, Union and Middlesex counties spared homes and potentially lives, officials said. Firefighters continue to pour water on last nights massive fire on Main Street in Bound Brook, January, 13, 2020 Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for There was no one inside any of the affected structures when the blaze began. One firefighter suffered a sprained ankle, but no other injuries were reported, officials said. Fazen said at least 100 firefighters from about 20 agencies responded. Every town in the area sent trucks, Fazen said. Some trucks couldnt even reach the scene because traffic was a disaster. The mayor said at one point there were five hoses spraying onto one building. By morning, things had quieted as the fires were declared out, but firefighters continued to pour water on hotspots. Developers began construction on the apartment buildings about six months ago. Both complexes hoped to begin leasing apartments or retail space in the fall, the mayor said. The mayor described Bound Brook as having a history spotted by fires and cited disasters including the Hurricane Floyd flood of 1999. Going through that will help us recover, he said. We are used to disasters, well rebuild, its just a matter of time." An officer escorts a woman away as firefighters battle a 7 alarm fire on East Main Street in Bound Brook, January, 12, 2020Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for Although no one was living inside the two apartment buildings, a number of people have been displaced from nearby homes. Six families are receiving aid from the Red Cross as of Monday afternoon, a spokeswoman said. Officials also disputed reports that there were homeless people squatting in the building that caught fire, saying it was improbable. Gullia compared Sunday nights fire to a large blaze behind ShopRite in Bound Brook that firefighters fought in 2010. Jenna Wise may be reached at jwise@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennaRWise. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 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. DANBURY Two victims of a shooting over the weekend sustained non-life-threatening wounds, Chief of Police Patrick Ridenhour said Monday. This was not a random act so there is no known threat to the public at this time, Ridenhour said Monday. Police were called to the emergency room around 3:38 a.m. Saturday for two gunshot wound victims, Lt. Bryan Bishop said Sunday. Ridenhour said no arrests have been made in the shooting, the first reported in Danbury in the new year, but said the investigation is going well. Mayor Mark Boughton said he had heard there was some kind of incident at Castello, an Italian restaurant on Padanaram Road, Friday night but said he had not heard about a shooting. The restaurant regularly hosts Friday night parties with a DJ, according to its Facebook page. Calls to the restaurants owner and chef went unanswered Monday morning. The shooting is the first reported in Danbury since September, when a Danbury man allegedly shot his friend by accident while retrieving a handgun. According to police, the two were high on crack cocaine in the shooters room. In October, police also treated a Danbury man they said walked into the station after he accidentally shot himself in the leg while driving. The man told police he tried to move the gun from the cars center console to the drivers door pocket when it went off. Police said they found the handgun outside in the grass next to police headquarters. A lawsuit accuses Albuquerque police of wrongfully killing a pipe-wielding man during a 2018 encounter in a home after officers found him hiding in a closet. The lawsuit filed last week by 24-year-old Daniel Saavedras sister says police should have tried to defuse the situation before entering the apartment and cornering Saavedra. The Albuquerque Journal reports that police lapel camera video shows officers shooting as 24-year-old Daniel Saavedra leapt out into an empty bedroom, swinging a metal pipe near officers. Saavedra formerly lived in the apartment and police were called after he broke into it. The lawsuit said Saavedra was suffering from psychosis. Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said the citys lawyers would respond to the lawsuits allegations in court. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement Mexico BrightFarms produce is fresher, safer, cleaner, healthier and tastier than long-distance, field-grown produce. BrightFarms, a leader in locally grown packaged salads, has been featured in Forbes as a safer brand of salad. Paul Lightfoot, President at BrighFarms, explained to Forbes contributor Liz Engel that BrightFarms is structurally better than the product we compete with, and consumers are really going for it. Following a surge of nationwide romaine recalls in the past year, including an E.coli outbreak just ahead of Thanksgiving, there are growing concerns about the safety of long distance, field grown salad greens. Grown in local, indoor greenhouse farms, BrightFarms produce is fresher, safer, cleaner, healthier and tastier than long-distance, field-grown produce. All BrightFarms salads including its romaine lettuce, are safe to eat and were not associated with the FDA and CDCs November 2019 romaine advisory. Were replacing whats...always been a long and complex supply chain. The salad industry is very centralized from the West Coast, and for places in the Midwest, thats a long journey, continued Lightfoot. And with salads, which are two-week shelf life products, its a really big deal. With greenhouses in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Illinois, BrightFarms continues to scale. This year, BrightFarms has plans to open a greenhouse in Selinsgrove, Pa. and begin construction on a greenhouse in Henderson County, NC. To learn more about how BrightFarms grows safer, fresher salad greens, visit brightfarms.com. About BrightFarms BrightFarms is the No. 1 brand of locally grown packaged salads, serving the freshest, tastiest and most responsibly grown produce to consumers nationwide. BrightFarms operates hydroponic greenhouse farms in the communities it serves, enabling it to eliminate time, distance, and costs from the food supply chain. BrightFarms growing methods, a model for the future of scalable, sustainable local farming, use far less energy, land and water than long distance, field-grown agriculture. Forbes has recognized BrightFarms as one of the 100 Most Consumer Centric Companies and Fast Company has recognized BrightFarms as One of Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies and one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Food. BrightFarms is funded by leading investors Cox Enterprises, Catalyst Investors, WP Global Partners and NGEN Partners. For more information, please visit http://www.brightfarms.com. BON VOYAGE: Stena Lines Stena Estrid departing the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-western China last year. An artist's impression of the Sky Bar on Stena Estrid Stena Line's newest ferry began sailing the Dublin to Holyhead route on the Irish Sea today, despite the attention of Storm Brendan. The 215m (705ft) Stena Estrid is described as "one of the most advanced vessels in operation", with space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers. The ship's official maiden voyage, a 8.55am sailing from Holyhead to Dublin, was delayed due to adverse weather coinciding with Storm Brendan, but it eventually set sail at 10.55am - arriving in Dublin shortly after 2.30pm, where it received a traditional maritime water cannon salute. The RoPax vessel (Roll-on, Roll-off Passenger Ferry) will now make two daily return trips on the route, with a crossing time of three hours and 15 minutes. Fares currently start from 104 each-way for a motorist with car. "Stena Estrid will provide a more environmentally sustainable way to travel with more efficient loading and unloading operations," Stena Line CEO Niclas Martensson has said. Expand Close An artist's impression of the Sky Bar on Stena Estrid / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An artist's impression of the Sky Bar on Stena Estrid It also brings "increased freight capacity and the best Scandinavian quality, style and design in our facilities, including the Hygge Lounge and the latest upgrade of our premium area, Stena Plus, he added. Other facilities on board include the ships Sky Bar (above), two 'Happy World' childrens play areas, two movie lounges, a larger Truckers' lounge, Taste restaurant and bigger shopping experience. Stena Estrid: Fast Facts Speed: 22 kn / 41 kph / 25 mph Length: (LOA) 215 m / 705 ft Beam (width): 28 m / 92 ft Gross Tonnage: 42,400 gt Lane Metres: 3,100 Passengers: 1,000 Cars: 120 Freight vehicles: 210 Cabins: 175 Described as one of the most modern ferries in the world, Stena Estrid was built at China's AVIC Weihai Shipyard Co, and is the first of three new "next-generation" ferries Stena has commissioned for its Irish Sea routes. Sister ship Stena Edda is expected to start sailing from Liverpool to Belfast this spring, with Stena Embla to be introduced on the same route in early 2021. The largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, Stena sales from Rosslare to Cherbourg and Fishguard, Dublin to Holyhead and Belfast to Cairnryan, Liverpool and Heysham. NB: This article has been updated. A policeman has been spared jail despite conning the Met out of 80,000 in sick pay by claiming he could barely move while moonlighting as a professional dog walker. PC Richard Williams, 40, used corrector fluid to forge doctor's medical notes claiming he was unfit for work between 2015 and 2017. He made 11,500 dog-walking while claiming that a GP had said he would never be able to walk properly again due to joint pain after two on-duty car crashes. Williams gained glowing reviews from the customers of his pet care company 'Dreamy DogWalking' as he conned the force out of up to 80,000 of public funds. Letters he wrote to doctors detailing his 'fibromyalgia' bore a resemblance to the NHS website's description of the illness. PC Richard Williams, 40, arriving at court on Friday afternoon (left) and leaving Southwark Crown Court after being sentenced (right) He included every single one of the bullet-pointed symptoms listed on the page ranging from regular complaints like fatigue to tingling nerves, anxiety and depression. The officer had been involved in two road accidents, in 2014 and 2015. He was given genuine medical leave certificates while serving at Dagenham police station. The second crash was a low impact collision with a car that was reversing, Southwark Crown Court heard. Williams' claimed he had simply made 'a series of stupid mistakes'. A Southwark Crown Court jury found Williams guilty of seven of the eight fraud charges he faced after deliberating for just three hours and 17 minutes in December last year. Wearing a grey army jacket and supported by a cane, Williams sighed in relief as he was given a two-year suspended sentence. Judge Christopher Hehir, sentencing, noted the 'irony' that Williams would probably have received genuine sick pay if he had asked. The judge said today: 'You were at all times of offending an active officer although not working. A Southwark Crown Court jury found Williams guilty of seven of the eight fraud charges he faced after deliberating for just three hours and 17 minutes in December last year 'You were lightly injured in a road traffic accident in 2015, you thereafter experienced chronic pain and something similar had happened earlier accident. 'You enthusiastically diagnosed yourself of fibromyalgia which is simply a medical term for unexplained pain. 'My conclusion is that you did experience some health difficulties following a collision in early 2015 but your difficulties are essentially psychosomatic and it's also my conclusion that you exaggerated them. 'Quite apart of the exaggeration in court it was also eloquently demonstrated that during the indictment period you ran with enthusiasm and no little energy a dog walking business. 'It's clear that the Met suffered losses, at least 50,000 and it may be 80,000 and whether any of this money can be clawed back will become clear in confiscation proceedings. 'The doctor would have been prepared to sign you off as sick and you would have received most if not all of the sick pay you received. 'Doctors will sometimes sign sick notes just to get rid of a troublesome patient and it seems you were a troublesome patient. 'She had to jump through a number of hoops to get a referral to the pain clinic for you. 'You received some 20,000 in compensation and you also received money from the dog-walking business too. 'The frauds were carried out over a lengthy period and there was a huge breach of trust involved. 'Your line manager indicated that he thought he could trust his men, trust people like you to act truthfully and correctly, you've breached his trust, the trust of the Met police service and the trust of the public. 'I do bear in mind your health. 'I bear in mind that these offences weren't committed on duty in a uniform. 'You will have a very much harder time in prison than some other offenders would. 'What tips the balance is the position in regard to your son. You're his sole carer. 'This is a last chance as I'm sure you'll understand.' The court had heard that Williams first falsified the certificate out of frustration because the doctor wasn't taking his concerns about fibromyalgia seriously. Prosecutor Daniel Higgins said that Williams' dog-walking business may still be up and running. Mr Higgins said: 'The gross salary was just over 100,000 - that's the loss to the Met police, but to be fair there are tax deductions so that would mean just over 58,000, 24,000 in pension contribution and so a total of around 82,000. 'The net income was 39,210 and pension contribution just over 13,000 so just over 52,000. 'He's of previous good character and he presently looks after his 16-year-old son.' 'He officially resigned from the police service in February 2019. 'We think its still going on but certainly one of the companies is wound up.. I don't know if it's still going under a different name.' He said the Met initially paid 100,000 in sick pay as well as pension contributions and Williams was paid nearly 11,500 by dog owners. Robert Morris, defending, told the court Williams life had 'spiralled out of control' after his wife left him. The defence barrister conceded that his client's actions had been 'risky and stupid' but that he had also been genuinely ill. Mr Morris said: 'Sick notes were forged even when he had attended a doctors appointment and spoken to a GP about him being too ill, so it is a curious case in that respect, not least because he could so easily have obtained the sick notes legitimately. 'Furthermore there does appear to be an underlying medical condition here which was best explained by the road traffic collisions.' The defence barrister argued that although Williams had been dishonest he had not abused his position as a police officer. Mr Morris added: 'Although there is obviously an abuse of position, this is not a situation where the particular position of the police officer was abused with all the powers of a police officer, it was that he was like any employee who makes false representations in relation to sickness. 'His mental state does provide some explanation as to how it was he ended up taking such risky, thoughtless, stupid actions. 'His wife left him and his home life was also troubled. 'He was concerned about what would be revealed about his previous behaviour if he went back to the doctors and asked for sickness notes. That was because he was concerned about his conduct at the very start being revealed. 'He has obviously lost his good name and reputation and that is a significant matter for a man of 40 years of age who was a police officer.' Williams, of Aylesbury, Bucks, denied but was convicted of seven charges of fraud and was cleared of one further fraud charge. A further charge of fraud and one of controlling an article for use in fraud were left to lie on file. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to complete a rehabilitation requirement. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:53:04|Editor: yan Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 13 (Xinhua)-- Massmart, one of the biggest retailers in South African, on Monday announced that it is engaging the trade unions and other stakeholders to close underperforming shops, which could result in the loss of about 1,440 jobs. Massmart, majority owned by U.S. retail giant Walmart, has commenced a potential store closure consultation process with organized labor and other relevant stakeholders. "A total of 34 Dion-Wired and Masscash stores and approximately 1,440 employees are potentially affected by this process," said Massmart in a statement. The retail giant said shareholders will be advised of the outcome of the consultation process. Massmart swung to its first half-year trading loss in two decades last August, as low growth, high unemployment and a rising cost of living hurt South Africans' spending power. South African well-known retailer Edcon announced this month that they are closing its Edgars store in Rosebank Mall in Johannesburg which is underperforming. (Alliance News) - Anglo African Agriculture PLC on Monday said it is to conduct site visits with possible investors as part of its proposed Comarco Group acquisition. The site visits will take place in Mombasa, Kenya in mid-January "with a number of potential debt and equity investors". Anglo African Africulture, which also owns South African food producer Dynamic Intertrade (Pty) Ltd, has said will raise USD22 million to fund its acquisition of Kenyan marine logistics firm Comarco. This comprises a planned USD16 million in a share placing, at 10 pence each, and USD6 million in a vendor placing on behalf of certain shareholders of Comarco. According to Anglo African, it is in ongoing talks "with numerous groups", both at the asset and public equity level, in order to decide on which structure and investment partner or partners would be "most beneficial". "The board will keep shareholders appraised of developments in the weeks ahead," said Anglo African Agriculture. Shares in Anglo African Agriculture were untraded at 6.75 pence in London on Monday morning. By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com Copyright 2019 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Workers are finishing a new Downtown Albuquerque retail center, the future home to a new concept from the owner of a popular local Mexican restaurant. The new building, near 6th and Lomas NW, is expected to be completed by the end of January, according to Vanessa Valadez, leasing representative from Peterson Properties LLC, which purchased the property in 2017. The building contains 3,625 square feet of leasable space, which can be used as one contiguous space or leased by multiple tenants, Valadez wrote in an email. Peterson is still advertising the property, but German Pena-Rodriguez, the owner of Cielito Lindo, signed on to the project when it was originally announced. Cielito Lindo opened on San Pedro Drive SE in 2012, before expanding into a second location on Albuquerques West Side, at Central and 52nd NW. Pena-Rodriguez told the Journal he plans to include a mix of old favorites and new concepts at the new location. He said he plans to include Mexican dishes such as shrimp tacos and other mariscos that have been popular at Cielito Lindos first two locations, while adding traditional New Mexican dishes like sopaipillas and enchiladas. He said he is still trying to decide whether the new location will also be named Cielito Lindo. Downtown Albuquerque has long struggled to attract and retain commercial operations. Commercial real estate group CBRE reported Downtown had a commercial vacancy rate of 23% in the first half of 2019, the highest rate among the 13 subsectors included in the study. Still, Pena-Rodriguez said he is excited about the new space. He cited the developments location specifically, its proximity to a few state and municipal buildings as part of the leases appeal. I just feel like there, were gonna do good, he said. Assuming the building is completed on schedule, Pena-Rodriguez said he hopes to open the restaurant by March. Valadez wrote that the company is still seeking other retail-focused businesses, including other restaurants, to fill the rest of the space. Prospective tenants may contact Peterson Properties at 505-884-3578. Dry cleaning company bringing stores to ABQ Albuquerque will soon be home to a new national chain of dry cleaners, one that claims a business model designed to disrupt a static industry. ZIPS Dry Cleaners, which operates franchise locations in 10 states and Washington D.C., has reached a development agreement with Patel Cleaners LLC, a group of Albuquerque-based businessmen, to open at least five locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe over the next several years. Pranav Patel, one of the partners on the project, said ZIPS appealed to him because the company has addressed some of the common annoyances that go along with taking shirts and pants to the cleaners. Were frustrated by the model, Patel said. Patel said he and his partners, who own and operate several other retail franchises around the city, said the idea to establish a chain of dry cleaners occurred to them during their own experiences going to the cleaners, where they grew frustrated by some stores not posting prices online or in a convenient place in storefronts. Thats really no way to transact anything these days, Patel said. Rather than use a tiered pricing system where different items are cleaned for different prices, Patel said, ZIPS dry-cleans every garment it receives, from dress shirts to wedding dresses, for the same price: $2.49. Additionally, ZIPS offers same-day pickup for any item dropped off by 9 a.m. You need those clothes back; you cant wait a week for them, Patel said. The New Mexico stores will also feature an area where customers can drop clothes off while the store is closed. Patel declined to give specific locations for the new stores but said his group is considering space in the Northeast Heights for a full-service location and is looking to add a drop-off location along Coors. The groups first store is expected to open by the middle of the year. Longer term, Patel said he hopes to have four or five locations in Metro Albuquerque and one or two in Santa Fe in the next two or three years. We want to be in every major trade area, he said. Stephen Hamway covers retail and real estate for the Journal. You can reach him at shamway@abqjournal.com or by phone at 505-823-3919 BAY CITY, MI -- The fate of the Bay County Market is currently in limbo as the County Commission prepares to vote on the future of the property, which has a local business owner concerned. The Bay County Commissions Ways and Means Committee approved a resolution by Commissioner Michael Duranczyk on Tuesday, Jan. 7 to direct the administration to list the property, which is home to the Bay County Market and Chuckies Market Restaurant, at 108 Adams, between 11th and Columbus. Next, the Bay County Commission will vote on a final resolution that could put the property up for sale on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. in the commission chambers on the fourth floor of the Bay County Building, 515 Center. Chuckie Militello, who operates the market and adjacent restaurant, is worried about the future of his business and the impact such a sale would have on the local community. The property is currently owned by the county but Militello pays rent, taxes and the maintenance expenses. Im frustrated, Im hurt, because I dont know what my future is going to be," he said. If the resolution goes through, Militello hopes that something can be worked out to see the facilities preserved. I really believe in my heart that this is such a unique building that, whether Im here or not, I think this place should be preserved. The restaurant building was designed to be completely circular inside and was heavily influenced by 1930s art-deco architecture. Militello takes pride in the building and said that he has had numerous photographers travel to take photos inside of it. The small diner boasts an old-school menu, complete with homemade soups, breakfast foods, fish frys, ground bologna sandwiches, and more. Militello said that the food is homemade and that the recipes are passed down from his family. His mother Marylee Militello worked at the restaurant from 1961-1973 before taking it and the flea market over alongside her husband Chuck Militello Sr. Militello Jr. said that he worked alongside his parents ever since the 4th grade, when he worked on weekends, holidays, and summer vacation. Ive been here since I was born, it hurts to see it go away, bad. Its what Ive done every day of my life, always been here," he said. Marylee and Chuck Militello Sr. both died in 2019 and Chuckie Militello Jr. took over the reins of the restaurant in June, 2019. I thought I was going to take it over and rent it until I die. Thats what Im hoping anyway. The large metal pavilion next to the restaurant houses a flea-market year-round, as the weather allows, and a farmers market during the summer. Militello said that one can find a variety of goods, both new and used under the pavilion. For me, its like Christmas every weekend because I always find something I want, he said. The property is rich in blue-collar history, long serving as a means for those struggling to pull themselves up for over 80 years. It was always designed for the people," said Militello. This kind of history runs deep at the property, especially for the restaurant. The building was erected in 1937 to accompany the already existing market pavilion by the Planning Committee of the Bay County Board of Supervisor in coordination with the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was utilized during the Roosevelt administration to provide work for Americans during the Great Depression. The Bay County Market itself has operated since 1927, according to MLive/Bay City Times files. The property carried on its legacy from the Great Depression by continuing to provide opportunities for those who were struggling and looking to improve themselves. Militello said that the property has served as an incubator for numerous businesses. Sometimes, we all cant be rich, theres got to be somewhere for the poor and middle class," he said. "Theyre the ones that need help and this is a boost in their income so that they can survive. Militello acknowledged that he has received criticism for the propertys appearance and that there are some who call it an eyesore. He responded by inviting those who are critical of the place to stop by and experience what the market is like. To me, I think most of those people are driving by and they really need to stop in this restaurant and understand what we have to offer here and really come see the flea market and farmers market and understand what these people are doing here, theyre surviving," he said. The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi Abuja, has embarked on a three-day warning strike over non-payment of shortfalls in their salaries. The president of the association, Adejo Arome, confirmed this development to PREMIUM TIMES via a telephone interview on Monday. He said the strike became necessary because money meant for payment of the salary shortfall had been paid into the hospital account in December 2019 but was not disbursed. We are embarking on strike because our rights are being trampled upon. We have salary shortfall which was remitted into the hospital account but the account department has refused to release it to us. They claim that the money was not tagged for our welfare but we were given evidence that proper notification was given to them. But they have misappropriated the funds for other things which the money was not tagged for, he said. Mr Arome said in spite of the Managing Directors directive that the money be paid, the hospitals account section had yet to pay. He said the hospital makes a lot of money from patients as it is one of the most expensive in the Nigerian capital. We know this hospital is one of the most expensive and we know how much patients have to pay every time. So we know how much the hospital makes. We feel bad that they are not giving us what is due. We have responsibilities too, we have children. So this situation is necessary to drive home a point, he said. He noted that the association tried all its best to avert the strike, but the management frustrated its efforts. We would only back down on the strike if we received alert as evidence of payment for the December 2019 salary shortfall arrears, Mr Arome said. He apologized to the general public for this line of action but said it was necessary at this point. The management has taken us for granted because we have never had any strike in this centre. We have a principle of patients first but now we are solely becoming patients and so we have to take this regrettable action, he said. An actress performs "Flower Fairy", a piece of Peking Opera, during a Spring Festival gala in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Jan. 11, 2020. A grand Spring Festival gala was staged in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, Saturday night for local Chinese and Americans to join the Lunar New Year celebrations. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei) HOUSTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- A grand Spring Festival gala was staged in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, Saturday night for local Chinese and Americans to join the Lunar New Year celebrations. Performed by local artists and art lovers, the gala featured dancing, Peking Opera, traditional Chinese music and popular Chinese and American songs. More than 1,000 people watched the "2020 Embracing Spring" evening show, the largest of its kind in Houston. After joining the show for the first time last year, American vocal performer Dorceal Duckens was excited to return to this year's stage. Singing two songs, Duckens said he had a wonderful experience with Chinese artists and audience. "It's such a fabulous experience to be with the Chinese people. It's very kind of them to even want me to come back. I was excited when I got the call," he told Xinhua, sending New Year wishes to the Chinese community. Director of the show Jiajin Ji said the show has a special aim, carrying forward the traditional Chinese culture. "We chose some performances on purpose. Chinese instrument, traditional costumes, Peking Opera and ancient Chinese poems were all selected elements in this show to represent our splendid culture," he said. The show was organized by the Houston Chinese Civic Center, in cooperation with Chinese Consulate General in Houston and Chinese communities across Houston. Chinese Consul General in Houston Cai Wei and some politicians sent their greetings to Chinese communities for the upcoming Chinese New Year. The Year of the Rat will begin on Jan. 25. NEW YORKHarvey Weinsteins rape and sexual assault trial is still in the jury selection phase but its already attracting some of the worlds most famous faces. Victorias Secret model Gigi Hadid walked into Judge James Burkes 15th-floor courtroom Monday alongside 116 other New Yorkers tapped for potential jury duty in the fallen movie producers trial in Manhattan Supreme Court. Hadid, 24, was one of two people who put their hand up when Burke asked whether anybody knew a member of the defence or the prosecution. I have met the defendant, Hadid said, speaking into a microphone, before adding that she still felt she could judge the case impartially. Hadid, seated in the forepersons seat in the jury box, put her hand up again when Burke asked the jury pool whether anybody knew a person on the list of potential witnesses. I have met Salma Hayek and possibly Ryan Beatty, she said. I think Im still able to keep an open mind on the facts. As the second week of jury selection got underway, the two parties began to sift through 108 questionnaires that have already been filled out a significant percentage of which Burke anticipates will be tossed. Burke asked prosecutors to respond to the defenses Friday morning motion seeking the jury be sequestered but suggested that hell ultimately deny the motion. Overall, my response is that the multiple stage method that we have set out, he said, it just shows how well screening is working. Appeal against detention of Russian attorney accused of obstructing justice dismissed RAPSI 18:05 13/01/2020 MOSCOW, January 13 (RAPSI) Attorney Dagir Khasavov charged with obstruction of justice on Monday lost an appeal against extension of his detention until January 16, RAPSI was told in the press service of the Moscow City Court. The defendant stands charged with obstruction of justice and graft or compulsion of evidence or avoidance of giving testimony. His prosecution is connected with a criminal case against Deputy Prime Minister of Russias Republic of Dagestan Rayudin Yusufov. According to investigators, he threatened a witness of prosecution on social media inducing him to change testimony in court. Khasavov was arrested on September 17 in the building of Moscows Lefortovsky District Court. T he Prime Minister has hailed the wonderful compromise that triggered the return of powersharing in Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson praised politicians who put aside their differences, stepped up to the plate and showed leadership in reaching last weeks deal. He said healthcare would be a priority for huge investment commitments from central government. The Prime Minister met the new first and deputy first ministers, Arlene Foster and Michelle ONeill, at Stormont on Monday. He said: Never mind the hand of history on my shoulder I see the hand of the future beckoning us all forward. And I hope that with goodwill and compromise and hard work on all sides it will be a very bright future indeed. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (R) walks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson / IRISH GOVERNMENT/AFP via Getty I The parties sealed an accord restoring the devolved institutions following a three-year suspension which has seen public services like health and education suffer. I want to say how grateful I am to all the parties and everybody here in Northern Ireland for the way they have compromised and the way they have worked together to get Stormont up and running again, Mr Johnson said. Its shown a willingness to trust each other and to set aside difference and I think its absolutely commendable and wonderful to see. Now is the chance for the Government, the Executive and the Assembly of Northern Ireland to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland and to deliver on the priorities of the people, and that is, above all, improving healthcare, making sure we have fantastic schools and making sure our streets are safe. He stood by the Conservatives General Election manifesto pledge to protect armed forces veterans from the 30-year conflict from unfair prosecutions without new evidence. The Prime Minister said the Stormont parties had done a good job balancing that with giving confidence to victims of violence who are seeking answers. He said it is vital that public spending is properly monitored to ensure no repeat of the botched and overspending green energy scheme that caused the Stormont collapse three years ago. He acknowledged there could be checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea that were destined for the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit, but insisted a deal with Brussels could mean they are not necessary. Boris Johnson in talks in the Great Hall in the Stormont Parliament Buildings / REUTERS Ahead of Mr Johnsons arrival, a Stormont minister said he expected the Government to deliver at least 2 billion to support the powersharing deal. The UK Government made a series of financial promises as part of efforts to get the New Decade, New Approach agreement over the line. Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, who helped broker it, pledged major investment to alleviate problems in the regions struggling public services, but declined to confirm the sums involved. Mr Johnson said: We are, in the UK Government, making huge commitments which will be passed through, obviously, the Barnett consequentials, to Northern Ireland in healthcare. I have heard the arguments made to me this morning. We are listening very carefully and we will certainly do everything we can to support. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister had meetings with the Prime Minister and the Irish premier around the financial package needed to support the deal. First Minister, Arlene Foster of the DUP / PA Mrs Foster said the meetings were constructive and ruled out imposing water charges as a revenue-raising measure. She added: He (Boris Johnson) must deliver. We have stepped up to the plate in relation to the political agreement. He put forward an agreement, he asked us to sign up to it. We have all signed up to it and come into a multi-party executive, therefore it is now incumbent on the Prime Minister to step up to the plate in relation to financial resources. We need significant and sustained investment, not just this year but over a number of years. This is crucial in ensuring transformation in areas such as health and also our road and water infrastructures. DUP Chief Whip Gordon Lyons, First Minister Arlene Foster of the DUP and Minister for Education Peter Weir / REUTERS Ms ONeill stressed the importance of delivering the funding. She said: All Executive ministers are committed to working together to tackle some very serious issues in our society and across public services. But, quite simply, we need the money to make it happen. We have done our bit and I look forward to the fulfilment of the commitments made by the two governments to let us get to work. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Dilip Ghosh on Monday refused to back down even as his statement calling for shooting of demonstrators in their heads and praise for his partys governments in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka for killing the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA protesters like dogs provoked outrage. People speak according to their own understanding. I have spoken as per my understanding. My opinion is that our governments have done this. And if we get a chance [in Bengal], we too will do it, Ghosh said. Ghosh, who heads the BJPs West Bengal unit, remained defiant even as Union minister Babul Supriyo said their party has nothing to do with the formers comments. BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlip Ghosh may hv said. It is a figment of his imagination & BJP Govts in UP [Uttar Pradesh], Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever. Very irresponsible of Dilip Da to hv said what he said, Supriyo tweeted. Earlier on Sunday, Ghosh accused Mamata Benerjee-led state government of inaction during protests against the CAA last month. They [protester] burnt down trains and buses. Government properties worth Rs 500 to Rs 600 crore have been damaged in West Bengal. But the police neither opened fire nor baton-charged the protesters... police did not arrest anyone, he said in his address to a pro-CAA rally. He referred to Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka and said their governments in these states killed these devils with bullets. They were killed like dogs. You will come here, take a share of our food and damage properties here. We will baton-charge, open fire and smash your skulls. Mamata Banerjee has no guts. The passage of the CAA last month to fast-track the citizenship process for non-Muslims, who have entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh before 2015, have triggered protests across the country. Opponents of the law insist it is discriminatory and unconstitutional as it leaves out the Muslims and links faith to citizenship. They say it could result in the expulsion or detentions of the Muslims unable to provide the documentation if the law is seen in the context of a proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens even as the government has said there are no plans of rolling it out yet. Ruling Trinamool Congress leader and minister Partha Chatterjee reacted sharply to Ghoshs comments and said the BJP lawmaker has gone insane and needs medical attention. State Congress president Somen Mitra said it seems Dilip Ghosh is the devil we need to talk about. It is beneath ones dignity to even respond to his remarks. CPI (M) leader Md Salim wondered if Ghosh is a human being at all. In any case, if Mamata Banerjee has any sincerity in maintaining law and order, the first thing she needs to do is to ask the police to file an FIR against Ghosh for criminal intimidation. While our entire focus was on the devastating effects of the bushfires in Australia currently, we missed out on the chance to witness something spectacular coming back to life, amidst all the chaos and fire. Twitter When we thought the flora and fauna have forever ceased to exist in Australia's burnt forests, we were absolutely wrong. Murray Lowe, an Australian photographer, residing in New South Wales, shared images from Kulnara on the Central Coast of NSW, on Facebook, that show new flowers and leaves blooming in the ashes. The photographer has captured the essence of life, after forests were destroyed in the fire, and it's nothing short of beautiful. In fact, his caption on Facebook for these pictures says it all! "Went out to the fire grounds in Kulnura area again after a light rainfall the previous night, and found quite a bit of ant activity and leaves with rain drops cradled in them to provide water for insects in general. There is life out there and so marvellous to see it all once again regaining it's foot hold on this parched and scorched landscape," the caption read. Check out the images here: Murray Lowe Photography Facebook Murray Lowe Photography Facebook Murray Lowe Photography Facebook This is definitely a silver lining for the continent as it gives up hope for a brand new life. It's almost like equating Australia to the Phoenix, which is actually emerging from the ashes, ready to welcome change in the most positive way ever. Murray Lowe has actually given us a lot of relief by releasing these pictures in the public domain and here's hoping the burnt forests of the continent are restored to normalcy, with its wildlife growing in numbers, hereon. ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced that on January 1, 2020, it increased its interest in Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers LLP ("Capsicum Re") from 33% to 100%. Other terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in December 2013 by Grahame Chilton and Rupert Swallow through a strategic partnership with Gallagher, Capsicum Re has since grown to become the world's 5th largest reinsurance broker with offices in the UK, US, Bermuda and South America. Rupert Swallow will continue to lead Capsicum Re as CEO, reporting to Simon Matson, CEO of Gallagher's UK Broking & Underwriting division, while Grahame Chilton has re-joined Gallagher in a new leadership role within Gallagher's global property & casualty broking business. "We've considered Grahame and Rupert to be trusted partners ever since we embarked on our Capsicum Re co-venture six years ago," said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. "Given their excellent market reputation and strong track record, we didn't hesitate to back their business model and their vision for creating a market-leading reinsurance broker. We are delighted to now move forward to the next chapter of Capsicum Re's story as an integral part of our global brokerage operations and we welcome Grahame back into an active leadership role." Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 49 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. Investors: Ray Iardella Media: Linda J. Collins VP Investor Relations VP Corporate Communications 630-285-3661/ [email protected] 630-285-4009/ [email protected] SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Related Links http://www.ajg.com The suffrage advocates in prison at Occoquan are political prisoners, Alice Paul, author of the ERA, wrote in the Washington Times on Oct. 11, 1917, a few days before she was moved from a D.C. jail to the Virginia prison. They are not recognized as such, and they will continue to fight for recognition as political prisoners in order that they may have the liberties and privileges accorded to persons who are locked up on account of their political faith. The leader of a university political club who was filmed confronting a drag queen at a childrens reading event on the weekend has been found dead. The president of Queensland Universitys Liberal National Club, Wilson Gavin, is understood to have taken his own life on Monday morning, the ABC reported. It comes just a day after he was filmed leading a group of protesters who interrupted the Drag Queen Story Time being held at the Brisbane Square Library on Sunday. Queensland MP for the Liberal National Party, Dr Mark Robinson, confirmed the death Monday afternoon writing he was deeply saddened by the news. In footage of Sundays incident, Mr Gavin could be seen clashing with two drag queens in a heated confrontation while the group repeatedly chanted drag queens are not for kids. Johnny Valkyrie, a LGBTQIA activist who attended the event as her drag queen persona Queeny, said later on Facebook children attending the event were left crying and their parents were distressed by the incident. After the footage went viral Sunday, the UQ Liberal National Club took to Facebook Sunday to defend itself in the face of widespread condemnation. On Monday, the groups Facebook page was deactivated. Wilson Gavin was among a group of protestors who disrupted the drag queen event yesterday. Source: Twitter The Liberal National Party distanced itself from the UQLNC which was disaffiliated in December, the ABC reported. During a press conference on Monday, Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she would not comment on the reports of Mr Gavin's death. "In relation to the unconfirmed reports relating to a young man, out of respect for the family, I won't be making any comments on this matter," she said. "I think today is a day to think about a bit of compassion and respect for people." However MP Mark Robinson expressed sadness at the news on Twitter Monday afternoon, saying Mr Gavin took a principled stand for his beliefs. As current State patron of the UQ LN Club, Im deeply saddened to hear of the death of Wilson Gavin, the Queensland state MP wrote. Story continues Rainbow Families Queensland was the group who organised the reading event and released a statement Monday saying they had been informed of Mr Gavins death. "Rainbow Families Queensland were informed earlier today that the leader of yesterday's drag story time protest took his own life this morning," the statement said. "We are deeply saddened by this news and extend our sympathies to his family." I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Wilson Gavin this morning. My thoughts and deep condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time.We all need to band together at this awful, difficult time. Diamond Good-Rim (@DiamondRim) January 13, 2020 Meanwhile Mr Valkyrie who was unwillingly caught up in the incident penned an emotional post following reports of the tragic passing. I have been made aware of an extremely distressing incident following the coverage on the altercation at the library yesterday, he wrote Monday afternoon. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the affected. If the family are reading this please know that I support you, and I am here to gather support and I know you are good people. Wilson Gavin was the president of the right leaning group. Source: Sky News A very decent and kind person A friend of Mr Gavin has described him as a very decent person who had his own struggle and made mistakes. I was friends with Wilson. Away from the social media storms and headlines, he was at his core a very decent and kind person that cared for others, Drew Pavlou wrote in a public Facebook post. I had the great privilege of seeing that side of him in life. He was hilarious and a riot to be around, his fame will always remain legendary. He had his struggles and made mistakes, and it is a tragedy for us all that he ultimately succumbed to his suffering and pain. Another friend has described Mr Gavin as intelligent, witty, articulate ... with a good heart. I knew Wilson for a few years - we met through our involvement in the Australian Monarchist League, Satyajeet Marar wrote on Facebook. Despite holding opinions that some people disagree with strongly, he would defend them with conviction. Even when the two of us argued, as we did over the many things we disagreed on, he never once resorted to personal insult or vitriol. Yahoo News Australia has contacted the University of Queensland for comment. The university has urged students seeking support to contact Student Services. The University understands that the events of the past two days are very distressing for many people. Our priority is to provide support for our students and staff who have been impacted, the university said in a statement Monday afternoon. Mutual respect and diversity are core values of the University, and we hope that everyone shows consideration for those affected during the difficult days ahead. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467. Do you have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7s daily newsletter. Sign up here. Arrogant and combative have become servile and obsequious. Thats all I could think when I read Rod Blagojevichs latest mash note to Donald Trump. As most everyone knows, the former Illinois governor is locked up in a federal prison for multiple counts of corruption and wants the president to pardon him. Based on the tone of his essay this month in NewsMax, he must really, really want out. Despite holding a history degree from Northwestern, Blagojevichs composition shows him to be lacking in historical perspective and void of shame. He was always like a boxer ready to go out and fight. With Blagojevich, it was never like he was seeking a meeting of the minds to get something accomplished, said former state Sen. Denny Jacobs of East Moline. I dealt with the Blagojevich administration daily for his entire time in office. Im still amazed by what I witnessed. During a formal meeting in the governors office, Blagojevich got in a shouting match with then-Sen. Mike Jacobs in which he is alleged to have repeatedly called the senator an obscenity that inferred he was unnaturally close to his mother. During legislative sessions, he wouldnt deign to sleep in Springfield; he flew in the state jet back to Chicago each night. He called the Illinois General Assembly into special session 36 times, which is about half of the total number of special sessions called since 1970. The sessions disrupted lawmakers time off, accomplished little and Blagojevich himself refused to attend. So, are you getting the picture? He was arrogant and always at war with somebody. The tone he took in his essay last week is quite different. Writing from the federal prison in Englewood, Colorado, Illinois 40th governor finds striking similarities between our current president and Abraham Lincoln. I, like most people from my home state of Illinois, am a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, Blagojevich said. He adds his own unhappy experience, provides this interesting and unique perspective about impeachment as I sit here in prison. I suppose the unhappy experience he is referring to is being impeached and removed from the governorship. Blagojevich further pontificates, Todays Democrats would have impeached Lincoln for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power when he unilaterally issued his Emancipation Proclamation. The Chicago Democrat added todays Democrats would have impeached Lincoln for Confederate collusion, bribery and an illegal quid pro quo. Blagojevich also contends todays Democrats would demand a special counsel because Lincoln offered command of the Army to a guy who would go on to become the top military commander of the other side. My goodness, federal inmate 40892-424 would do well to remember Robert E. Lee was a colonel in the U.S. Army when Lincoln offered him the command. How can someone with a bachelors degree in history from Northwestern University spew this kind of nonsense? Did he stay awake during class? Does he have any shame? I guess he fancies himself a Lincoln scholar but hes not, said longtime statehouse observer Mike Lawrence. This is a pretty transparent effort to get Trump to pardon him. Blagojevich is serving a 14-year prison sentence for trying, as Illinois governor in 2008, to sell a U.S. Senate seat for campaign contributions. Writing for the conservative website NewsMax, Blagojevich wonders what would have happened had Nancy Pelosi been the Speaker of the House when Abraham Lincoln was president. He contends that todays Democrats would have impeached Lincoln because he didnt ask Congress for permission when he declared an end to nearly 250 years of slavery. Has the former governor never heard of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery? It was approved by Congress and ratified by state legislatures. Shouldnt a person with a law degree know this? I recall him telling me and several other reporters: I went to law school at a place called Pepperdine in Malibu, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean a lot of surfing and movie stars and all the rest. I barely knew where that law library was. There is much that Blagojevich told me during his time in office that I dont believe. But I never doubted that statement. And after his latest literary endeavor, neither should you Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist and freelance reporter. He can be reached at ScottReeder1965@gmail.com. Pretentious? It could be, sometimes. But that did little to alter the experience of encountering the music as a teenager and feeling not just transfixed, but also understood by it. At 46, I generally listen to music as a way of relaxing into my work. At 16, I was trying to figure out who I was. Though Pearts themes and inspirations ranged widely, the through-line for most of his songs was the struggle of becoming, and the anxiety and marvel of being. Too many hands on my time / Too many feelings, / Too many things on my mind. / When I leave I dont know what Im hoping to find. / And when I leave I dont know what Im leaving behind. Thats from the song The Analog Kid. As a teenager going to a school 3,000 miles from home, I felt as if it had been specifically written for me. It must have seemed the same way for thousands of other kids my age, just trying to work out our place in the world. Implicit in the lyrics was the reassurance that the songwriter had been there before us, equally befuddled and afraid. And that it would be O.K. Over years of going to Rush concerts, I always came away awed not just by the quality of the musicianship but also by the length of the shows: The band never seemed to want to give audiences anything but its full measure of appreciation. And while I was never any sort of groupie, I also watched more than a few interviews with the band on the internet. The impression was always the same: Here were three guys who had remained grounded, grateful, humble and sane. Another Rush discovery: Not every star has to be an awful person to be a great artist. For his 2013 induction speech at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Peart quoted a line he attributed to Bob Dylan: The highest purpose of art is to inspire. What else can you do for anyone but inspire them? The inspiration continues. Thanks to Neil Peart for helping so many of us find it. 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. LAS VEGAS and NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Remaro Group, Inc. (OTC:REMO) ("Company"), a Nevada corporation, announced today that it consummated an Agreement and Plan of Share Exchange ("Exchange Agreement") with Boomer Naturals Holdings Inc., holding company for the Boomer Naturals brand ("Boomer"), a health and wellness company headquartered and organized in the state of Nevada. Boomer is a leading developer and omni-channel marketer, distributor and retailer of wellness products geared toward being a substitute for CBD products. The Boomer products are infused with a proprietary and patent pending formulation called CB5, among other proprietary formulas currently progressing through R&D. Boomer partners with a multitude of key participants and stakeholders within the broader natural products, sports, health and wellness, beauty, skin care, branded consumer and retail sectors to produce and deliver safe, regulatory compliant, products with maximum efficacy, targeting both the markets for multi-generational adults and pets. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Company completed the merger via a share exchange for 40,326,913 shares of the Company's common stock with Boomer becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company's management consists of Boomer's management team and includes Chief Executive Officer Mike Quaid, Chairman and President Daniel Capri and Chief Operating Officer Tom Ziemann. The Company, which currently consists of over 40 employees and advisors, will be renamed Boomer Holdings Inc. and will imminently commence trading on the OTCQB market under a new symbol to reflect its new name. Mr. Quaid, CEO commented, "As a publicly traded company, Boomer will now have more levers to pull and allow us to more actively and intimately engage not only with our core demographic, but with a broader addressable market while capitalizing from a more global and sophisticated investor base. I'm happy to say that our pipeline across all our channels continues to grow double-digits sequentially, and our discussions with strategic partners are more than exceeding our expectations as well. Over the next 12 to 24 months, we expect to have multiple new offerings available to our existing and future customers with footholds established internationally, particularly across East Asia." Mr. Ziemann, COO added, "We believe that our unique and time-tested proprietary formulations that serve as a proven alternative to CBD, our current supply chain and the overall marketability of our products, provides Boomer with a clear alternative path towards market share gains and high double-digit revenue growth over the next 3 years. Our gross margins are higher versus the overall industry as well, which is partly due to our improving revenue mix. Based on our existing revenue run-rate forecast of $45 million for calendar year 2020, we anticipate breaking even by September of this year, and subsequently improve cash flow while still carrying out a multi-faceted expansion strategy, including a New York City flagship store. Our goal is to double revenue year over year in both calendars 2021 and 2022, while continuing to stress R&D and address key trends within the overall wellness ecosystem." Pete Rinato, outside legal counsel to Boomer and special advisor on New York market growth added, "By expansion into the largest metropolitan area in the United States combined with the ability to actively market through all mediums due to regulatory compliant products, Boomer will be well positioned to become the pre-eminent brand in the health and wellness space." Share Exchange and 8-K Pursuant to the Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2020, the Company consummated the Exchange Agreement with Boomer and Boomer became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company adopted the business plan of Boomer. The Company's Board of Directors also approved an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation to change its name to Boomer Holdings Inc. About Boomer Holdings Inc. Boomer Holdings Inc. ("Boomer"), www.boomernaturals.com, a company headquartered and organized in the state of Nevada in 2019, is a leading developer and omni-channel marketer, distributor and retailer of a proprietary line of wellness products that are infused with a proprietary and patent pending formulation called CB5, among other proprietary formulas currently progressing through R&D. Boomer partners with a multitude of participants in the sports, health and wellness, beauty, skin care, branded consumer and retail sectors to produce and deliver innovative products targeting both the baby boomer and pet markets. All products are third-party lab tested by batch run and all ingredients are Generally Recognized as Safe by the Food and Drug Administration. Forward Looking Statements Statements in this document contain certain 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, as amended. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation those set forth as "Risk Factors" in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). There may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE Boomer Naturals Related Links http://www.boomernaturals.com When we think of a vacation to Dubai, a whirlwind of thoughts cross our mind. Right from sunbathing at the Royal Mirage to experiencing the surreal Burj Khalifa, the city hosts some larger-than-life experiences. However, theres always more than meets the eye. This futuristic, multi-cultural city with a stunning coastline is a melting pot of festivities. When in Dubai, be rest assured that your bag will always be full of possibly everything from clothes to jewellery. What's more? Not only will you get to shop your heart out but also get a chance to win amazing prizes at the Dubai Shopping Festival. Yes! The Dubai Shopping Festival is back and its bigger and better this year, as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. For those of you who don't know, the Dubai Shopping Festival is an annual month-long event complete with an outdoor stage for live concerts with international superstars, dazzling fireworks displays, citywide raffles, a whole host of events for the family and, of course, unbeatable retail experiences. For its 25th edition, DSF 2020 is reigniting the love for Souks in the city as the festival is taking place at Souk Naif, Souk Al Rashidya, and Souk Al Hamriya. While the festival in itself is as extravagant as they come, this year, they are pushing the envelope even further by offering prizes that will blow your minds. If you are there between December 26th 2019 and February 1st 2020, then all you need to do is shop. Its that simple! Even if you spend as little as AED 100, shoppers can go on to win a brand new car and not just any car but a Nissan KICKS. The promotion is raffle-based so every shopper has to enter it in order to win. But, thats not all. One can also stand to win 2.5kg of gold. Thats right, pure gold. In order to stand a chance to win, a limited amount of coupons are available for purchase online for AED 750. Once you buy that coupon, its a random raffle selection where the winner of 2.5kg gold bar will be announced on February 1st, live at 10:30 pm on Sama Dubai TV. So, if you are planning a shopping trip to Dubai or are already there, then head to the Souks because this festival can be your chance to win big! Queen Elizabeth met with Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Charles for a special summit to discuss the next steps following Prince Harry and Meghan Markles bombshell announcement that they will be leaving the royal family. She released a statement following the meeting to approve the decision and the family is very supportive of the Sussexes decision to step back from their duties. Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge | Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images The queen approved Prince Harry and Markles exit Following the meeting of family members to discuss what will happen next for Prince Harry and Markle after they said they wanted to quit their roles as senior members of the royal family, the queen released a statement about their discussions. In a statement released Monday, the queen noted: Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family. She continued: Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Her statement referenced a period of transition The queen further addressed the Sussexes desire to be financially independent, explaining: Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. The queen concluded, noting there is work to be done, sharing: These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. Prince Harry and Markle announced their plans The special summit was called in response to Prince Harry and Markle publicly announcing their plans to leave their royal duties. In an Instagram post, the couple shared: 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 noted: 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 further explained some of the motivation behind their decision, sharing: 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. While denizens of the worlds wealthiest economies debate the fate and fortune of the middle class, over 800 million people worldwide have no access to electricity. And more than two billion have no clean cooking facilities, forcing them to use toxic alternatives such as animal waste as their main cooking fuel. Furthermore, per capita carbon dioxide emissions in Europe and the United States are still vastly higher than in China and India. What right do Americans, in particular, have to complain as China increases production in smokestack industries to counter the economic slowdown caused by its trade war with the US? To many in Asia, the inward-looking debate in the West often seems both tone deaf and beside the point. Even if Europe and the US deliberately stall their capitalist growth engines as some of the more radical policy proposals might do if implemented it would not be nearly enough to contain global warming if emerging economies stay on their current consumption growth trajectory. The most recent data suggest that the world has already reached a tipping point where there is little chance of limiting the increase in global temperature to what climate scientists consider the safe threshold of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. In fact, a significantly larger rise is likely. According to a recent International Monetary Fund report, limiting global warming even to 2C would require a global carbon price of at least $75-100 per tonne of CO2 more than double its current level by 2030. Any solution to the problem requires two interconnected parts. The first and more important is a global tax on CO2 emissions, which would discourage activities that exacerbate global warming and encourage innovation. Equating the price of CO2 emissions globally would eliminate distortions whereby, say, a US-based firm might choose to relocate its most carbon-intensive production to China. Moreover, a worldwide carbon tax would achieve in one fell swoop what myriad command-and-control measures cannot easily replicate. The second critical component is a mechanism that impels emerging and less-developed economies to buy in to emissions reduction, which can be very costly in terms of foregone growth. In recent years, the biggest contributor to the global increase in CO2 emissions has been fast-growing Asia, where roughly one new coal plant is being built every week. For advanced economies, where the average coal plant is 45 years old, phasing out such facilities is low-hanging fruit in terms of reducing CO2 emissions. But in Asia, where the average age of coal plants is only 12 years, the cost of taxing plants into oblivion makes doing so virtually impossible without outside aid. Yes, Europe and the US can impose carbon border taxes on developing countries that do not comply with their standards. But, beyond the associated technical challenges, this would raise issues of fairness, given profound global energy inequality. One promising idea, which I have suggested previously, would be to establish a World Carbon Bank that would specialise in energy-transition issues and provide technical and financial assistance to poor and middle-income countries. In principle, either a carbon tax or a quota system, such as the one Europe has instituted, can work. But, as the late economist Martin Weitzman showed in pathbreaking work in the early 1970s, there are important subtleties depending on the nature of uncertainty. For example (and greatly oversimplifying), if scientists have a fairly precise idea of the amount of cumulative CO2 emissions that the planet can handle between now and 2100, and if economists are not so sure what price trajectory would induce countries and firms to adhere to those limits, then the case for (tradable) quotas is strong. Under other assumptions about the nature of cost and benefit uncertainties, a carbon tax is preferable. Illustration: Ajay Mohanty One issue Weitzman did not consider is that carbon tax agreements are likely to be more transparent and easier to monitor than quotas; this is particularly important in international trade. There are good reasons why a succession of multi-country tariff-reduction agreements after World War II sought to strip away regulatory and quantity constraints, and replace them with relatively simple tariff schedules. In addition, carbon taxes could generate significant revenues to support green research, compensate low-income households within countries for transition costs (for example, by giving car owners incentives to trade in old clunkers and buy more fuel-efficient vehicles), and fund transfers from rich to poor countries through a mechanism like the World Carbon Bank. Quotas could, in principle, be auctioned to achieve the same goal; but they are often given away. In practice, almost all of the 40 countries that have established national carbon prices have done so indirectly, via quotas. European policymakers are particularly enthusiastic about this approach, arguing that it is much more politically palatable than introducing a carbon tax. But it is not at all clear that the same is true for a global system, where transparency carries a premium. As the cost of distorting taxes and quotas increases, it makes sense to align across the most efficient possible system. The scientific evidence increasingly indicates that the world may soon reach a point of no return regarding climate change. So, rather than worrying almost exclusively about economic and political inequality, rich-country citizens need to start thinking about how to deal with global energy inequality before its too late. The writer is a former chief economist of the IMF, is Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Harvard University. Project Syndicate, 2020 A Mercedes Benz worker installs wheels at the Daimler factory in Rastatt, Germany. Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters The move away from the production of cars with internal combustion engines to less complex electric vehicles will put hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk in Germany, according to a report seen by Handelsblatt newspaper. A study by the National Platform for the Future of Mobility (NPM), due for presentation to the government this week, asserts that 410,000 jobs connected with the automotive industry could be lost by the end of this decade, some 88,000 of those in engine and transmission production alone. More than 800,000 people in Germany are employed either directly or indirectly in the automotive industry. The NPM bases its estimate on job losses on the fact that electric cars contain fewer parts than ones with internal combustion engines some 200 parts in an electric car versus around 1,200 in a petrol or diesel engine motor and therefore need less workers both in production and supply chains. The dramatic prediction was hotly disputed by the car industry body on Monday. "The assumption that up to 410,000 jobs could be lost in the coming years is based on an unrealistic extreme scenario," Kurt-Christian Scheel, managing director of German Automobile Association (VDA), told Handelsblatt. The VDA said the report was basing its job-loss estimate on the assumption that domestic production of both batteries and electric cars will remain limited for 10 years, and that electric cars and batteries will still be largely imported from abroad. Scheel also said that German carmakers are expected to triple the number of electric models they produce to more than 150 by 2023. Volkswagen (VOW.DE) has said it aims to have produced 1 million EVs by 2023, and hit 1.5 million by 2025. Tesla is also targeting production of half a million units per year in Germany, once its planned Gigafactory outside Berlin is running at full capacity. While the jobs hit to one of Germanys key industries is unlikely to be as dire as predicted by the NPM study, the pressure is on volume carmakers such as Volkswagen to start churning out electric cars, and on the government to ensure the countrys charging network is drastically improved to allow people to buy these vehicles without worry. Story continues READ MORE: Tesla plans to produce 500,000 cars a year in Germany Germany took the lead as western Europes top battery-electric car (BEV) market in 2019, overtaking Norway in terms of total BEV market share. Based on registrations from January to November last year, BEVs now account for 19.2% of the total German car market, and 18.9% of the Norwegian one. Although 2019 levels continue to appear large from a historical standpoint, the current view is that the market will more than double in 2020 compared with 2019 levels in order to meet key CO2 targets, said automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt. This is set to fuel the introduction of new models and increase production output that has essentially been in limp mode up until now. New Delhi : Opposition parties have slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising issues like Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and criticising opposition parties during his at Belur Math in Kolkata on Sunday. The opposition parties said that PM Modi has forgotten to differentiate between a spiritual place and a rally out of desperation to implement the divisive new Citizenship law. The Trinamool Congress, CPI (M) and the Congress said that the prime minister should have spared the holy land of Belur Math from his divisive politics. The opposition claimed that the nationwide protests against the new Citizenship Law have cornered the Centre and this forced PM Modi to use the platform to make a political speech. He should not have turned Belur Math into a venue of a political rally. There is some decorum in politics and public life, we need to maintain it, Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. It only proves the desperation of the Centre and that it is on the backfoot after countrywide anti-CAA protests. We condemn such cheap politics at a religious place like Belur Math. The people of India will never accept CAA, said Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee. CPI(M) politburo member Mohammed Salim was hopeful that the monks of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission would condemn PM Modis political speech at Belur Math. The Ramakrishna Mission too distanced itself from PM Modi's speech. "We are above politics and cannot comment on Prime Minister's speech, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission general secretary Swami Suvirananda said. "We have responded to the call of the eternal to come to the order leaving our homes. We can't respond to ephemeral call... Our organisation has monks from Hindu, Islam, and Christian (faiths), he added. While addressing a programme in Belur Math on Sunday, the prime minister had strongly defended the CAA, saying that the dispute that has arisen over it has made the world aware of the persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. Responding to the allegations made by the opposition parties, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said the CPI(M) and Congress should stop lecturing on right and wrong. CPI(M), which is a party of atheists, is lecturing us on Belur Math? The CPI(M) and Congress have no right to lecture us on what is right and wrong, he asserted. With Agency Inputs For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Terrorists on Monday targetted a CRPF patrol party in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, they opened fire on the security forces and managed to escape from the area. Additional security forces have been rushed to sport and the area has been cordoned off. Search operations to nab the terrorists are underway. Earlier on Sunday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter security forces in Tral in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Gulshanpora area of Tral in the south Kashmir district after receiving specific intelligence about the presence of militants there. The terrorists fired at the forces triggering an encounter resulting in death of the three militants. According to ANI, the three were identified as Umar Fayaz Lone (Hizbul Mujahideen), Adil Bashir Mir (Hizbul Mujahideen) and Faizan Hameed Bhat (Jaish-e-Mohammed). According to police, arms and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists. Meanwhile, security forces have been conducting 'Operation All Out to root out terror outfits from the Valley. As many as 160 terrorists were killed and 102 arrested in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Jammu and Kashmir polices stated that 250 ultras were active in UT. Security Arrangements have been beefed up in Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370. Since the removal of the special status from J&K, Pakistan is trying to push militias via LoC. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Seeking divine intervention for repeal of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Mizoram Congress president Lal Thanhawla on Monday claimed that the legislation is more dangerous than the seven-headed beast mentioned in the Bible. Thanhawla, the former chief minister, also claimed that the Centre may scrap the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system currently protecting the Christian majority state from the provisions of the CAA at any time, as it had done in the case of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir last year. "The CAA is more dangerous than the number of the beast or 666 found in the Bible because it (the Act) deals not only with but religion and traditions of the people," he said while addressing party workers at a programme here. According to the Book of Revelation of the Bible, 666 is the number or name of a wild beast with seven heads and 10 horns that comes out of the sea. It is believed by many that the beast is a symbol of the political system. Thanhawla urged the people to seek divine intervention through prayers so that the new citizenship law is scrapped and the Uniform Civil Code which the Centre is allegedly planning to introduce, does not come into effect. The Congress leader claimed that the CAA is harmful as it seeks to grant citizenship to illegal immigrants on religious lines and will have an impact on the faith of the indigenous people of the state, though it is currently protected by the ILP. The CAA is not applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura and ILP regime states of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. The ILP is an official travel document issued by the government to grant inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. "There is nothing to believe completely about the exemption of the Inner Line Permit areas and scheduled areas of the Northeast including Mizoram from the purview of the CAA. The BJP-led NDA government can lift the ILP regime at any time," he said. The Congress leader mentioned that the Centre had scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution providing special powers to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. The CAA or the Uniform Civil Code "are nothing but the BJP's agenda to establish a Hindu Rashtra," he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Proposing that bill is Del. Jeff Bourne, D-Richmond. Bourne received $22,000 in donations from Dominion Energy, as well as a $2,500 donation from Farrell, while up for re-election last year against a Libertarian challenger, a race Bourne won with over 88% of the vote. He said those donations did not influence his decision to carry the legislation, which he has said is not an endorsement of a project he has not vetted. Opponents of the development plans questioned whether Bournes employment posed a conflict of interest. Bourne is general counsel for The Branch Group, a Roanoke-based firm that was listed as a collaborator in the initial proposal NH District Corp. sent to the city in February 2018. A spokesperson for NH District Corp. said last week that Branch is no longer involved with the plans, and hasnt been since the end of 2018. When Stoney introduced the project in August, he proposed an 80-block zone bounded by First Street, 10th Street, Interstate 95/64 and Byrd Street. The size of the zone, called a tax increment financing district, or TIF, has become a major stumbling block for some on the council. A citizen commission that reviewed the plan suggested reducing the districts size in a report issued last month. The 2020 Oscar nominations were announced Monday morning, and once again female directors were shut out of the Best Director category. Such oversights are nothing new. In the Academy Awards 92-year history, only five women have ever been nominated for Best Director, and only one Kathryn Bigelow has ever won. But the snub was particularly glaring in a year when women dominated top-10 lists and the awards conversation. Greta Gerwigs Little Women, Lulu Wangs The Farewell, Lorene Scafarias Hustlers, Celine Sciammas Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Alma Harels Honey Boy, Melina Matsoukas Queen & Slim, Marielle Hellers A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Joanna Hoggs The Souvenir, to name just a few, consistently ranked among the most critically acclaimed movies of the year. Last year also happened to be a banner year for women at the box office. According to a report from the University of Southern Californias Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, women made up 10.6% of the directors of the top 100 grossing movies from 2019. That number is up from 4.5% the year before, and the highest since the institute began tracking the data in 2007. This years Oscars could have been similarly historic. If Gerwig had been nominated, she would have made history as the first female director to get two Academy Awards nods. Instead, the Academy faces yet another backlash. Following the one-two punch of the #OscarsSoWhite and #TimesUp campaigns, the Academy has tried to diversify its ranks, inviting more than 2,000 new members to join since 2017. Last year, the organization announced that 32% of its members were women, up from 25% in 2015, and 16% were people of color, up from 8% in 2015. So why arent more women and particularly more women of color getting nominated in the directing category? There are a lot of complex factors at play, but at least one of them may be fairly simple: There just arent that many women choosing the nominees. Story continues Contrary to popular belief, the entire Academy does not vote on who will be nominated for an Oscar. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is made up of various branches the actors branch, the cinematographers branch, the writers branch, etc. Though the entire Academy votes on which nominees in all categories will win an actual Oscar, each branch votes on the nominees for its specific category. So the Academy doesnt choose the Best Director nominees. The directors branch does. Diversity may be growing in the Academy as a whole, but the directors branch hasnt necessarily reached parity. The Academy declined to share the gender breakdown of the directors branch with TIME. But the rules to join are structured in a way that might limit the number women directors who are able to gain entry. According to the Academys website, members must have at least two directorial credits, at least one of which had to premiere in theaters in the last 10 years. The films must also be deemed of a caliber which, in the opinion of the executive committee, reflect the high standards of the Academy. A director with only one credit to their name might also qualify if that film is nominated for Best Directing, Best Picture or Best Foreign Language Film, or if the executive committee decides to make an exception based on some unique distinction or special merit. (Its unclear how often that happens.) Those rules sound reasonable enough, but they present a major obstacle for female directors, who receive dramatically fewer opportunities to direct a second film than their male counterparts. According to the Annenberg Institute, women directed just 4% of the top 1200 films from 2007 to 2018. Of those female directors, only 17.4% had gotten to direct another movie beyond their debut feature (13% directed a second, 2.2% a third, and 2.2% a fourth). By contrast 45.7% of men who made a top movie in the last decade had gotten to direct more movies after their feature film debut (21% a second, 13.1% a third, 6.2% a fourth and 5.5% a fifth or more). Annenberg Inclusion Initiative breaks down the differences in career opportunities for male and female directors | USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative The study found that women not only get fewer opportunities to direct, but also that those opportunities come over a shorter period of time. Mens careers spanned seven decades (from their 20s to their 80s, making one to 17 films) whereas women worked across four decades (from their 30s through their 60s, making one to four films). There are both societal and structural reasons for this disparity of opportunity, many of which will be familiar to any working woman. Comedian Whitney Cummings highlighted one common problem after this mornings Oscar nomination announcement. I know a lot of female directors who get offered movies to direct but have to pass because theres no child care on set. I know this isnt a sexy topic but its weird nobody talks about it, Something for Joaquin to consider for his Oscar speech! Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) January 13, 2020 In addition to Hollywoods failure to address issues like childcare, studios continue to give more opportunities to men when it comes to big-budget films. Just look at the career of one of the most powerful and successful directors currently operating in Hollywood: Patty Jenkins directed Monster, a film that won Charlize Theron an Oscar, in 2003, but didnt direct a movie again until 2017s smash hit Wonder Woman. Jenkins has said part of the reason she took a step back was to prioritize her family. But she also has maintained she spent years of that decade and a half trying to get Wonder Woman to the big screen. For a long time, studios simply were not interested in a female superhero movie until, of course, they took a chance, and it became a sensation. Jenkins has spoken about battling sexism in the industry to eventually land the Wonder Woman job. Contrast her path to those of Colin Treverrow, Marc Webb or Gareth Edwards, male directors who were handed massive franchises (Jurassic World, Spider-Man and Godzilla, respectively) after making one indie film apiece. Things are starting to change: several of the most-anticipated big-budget movies next year Cathy Yans Birds of Prey, Niki Caros Mulan, Cate Shortlands Black Widow, Chloe Zhaos The Eternals and Jenkins Wonder Woman 1984 are all directed by women and center on female heroes. And to the Academys credit, the directors arm is making a concerted effort to recruit the women who do qualify to join their voting body. The organization has released the names of all the people who were invited to join the branch last year. Of those directors invited (and not everyone accepts), 23 of the 33 directors were women. In the meantime, its certainly worth pointing out that men can vote for female-directed films. But historically, they have not. Bigelow remains the only woman ever to win Best Director, and she won for Hurt Locker, a war movie that stars primarily men, delves deeply into the male psyche and fits neatly into a long line of Academy-anointed films on that particular topic. Its worth considering that many of this years most beloved female-directed films deal with relationships between women, often but not always in the domestic space between sisters (Little Women), granddaughters and grandmothers (The Farewell), friends, co-workers and schemers (Hustlers) and lovers (Portrait of a Lady on Fire). Men in these movies are ancillary to the plot. Most of the screen time belongs to the ladies. These stories stand in sharp contrast to some of the most highly acclaimed movies from male directors this year, including Once Upon a Timein Hollywood, Joker and The Irishman, all of which have come under fire for sidelining women in their stories. But theres a long tradition at the Oscars of considering male-centric war films like 1917, mob films like The Irishman and even films like Once Upon a Time, largely about two old pals hanging out for a day, as serious fare. As in real life, female relationships rarely get the same consideration. Vanity Fair reported that men in the Academy simply were not seeing Little Women: RSVPs to screenings of the film for awards voters skewed two-to-one in favor of women. I dont think that [men] came to the screenings in droves, let me put it that way, producer Amy Pascal told the magazine. And Im not sure when they got their [screener] DVDs that they watched them. Its no secret that not all Academy voters, whatever their gender, watch every film in contention. And clearly, there are many systemic issues that need to be addressed giving women the chance to direct that second movie, for example for women behind the camera to achieve parity in Hollywood and during awards season. But if wed like to hear more womens names called out on mornings like this one, the fastest route to change may be to reconsider the rules that prevent more women from joining the Academys ranks. An international team of researchers has found out how a 2,600-year-old brain was preserved until modern times in a mud pit. The study was published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. In the summer of 2008, archaeologist Rachel Cubitt was in the middle of a routine cleanup procedure when she noticed a mud-caked human skull dug up earlier that year near modern-day York, England. This turned out later to be a well-preserved piece of a 2,600-year-old brain. Later known as the Heslington brain, it yielded more questions than answers during the past decade. Two thousand six hundred years ago was about the time humans started making steel and building weapons when a man lost this head. Also known as Britain's oldest brain, it belonged to an Iron Age man who was likely bashed over the head and decapitated. A large chunk of the brain was in remarkable shape (considering its age) and had shrunk slightly over the years, but still contained its hallmark grooves and folds. University of London neurologist Axel Petzold and his colleagues said that understanding how the tissue has survived for 2,600 years may lead to new methods for extracting valuable information from ancient tissue. They found out that the two structural proteins -- which act as the "skeletons" of neurons and astrocytes -- were more tightly packed in the ancient brain. The skull had been sitting in a waterlogged pit, and even more mysteriously, no other parts of the head such as hair were in evidence. More commonly, brain matter starts to decay just moments after death due to its heavy fat content. Fatty, spongy organs such as the brain, which is about 75 percent water, are among the first to go and they usually disintegrate beyond salvage within the first few years of death. These researchers may have finally solved one of the biggest mysteries of all: how such delicate tissue survived so many centuries underground in its natural state. The pristine preservation had durable clusters that protected the rest of the tissue, a bit like clothes swaddling fragile electronics in a well-packed suitcase. The oldest preserved brain ever found in Eurasia, and likely the best-preserved ancient brain overall, it endured due to protein clumping. The brain material was dated to between 482 and 673 BC. Authors of the study noted that apart from this brain, no other brain from the Iron Age has been found preserved without deliberate human intervention. Brains, unless they're intentionally preserved, are rare to find in human remains, as are skin and hair due to the quick breakdown process known as autolysis. The first-ever detailed analysis of the brain tissue was carried out through powerful microscopes and the team scanned the brain with a focused beam of electrons. They studied at a molecular level, focusing on the presence of proteins that are harder than any other material found in the brain. The researchers found evidence of over 800 proteins in the brain sample, some of which were in such good condition they were still able to work up an immune response. The aggregated proteins were more stable than those in modern-day brains. The findings could contribute information on the treatment of protein-based neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Later studies found that no attempt had been made to preserve the brain, making its condition all the more mysterious. RELATED ARTICLE: Cryogenics: Entire Rabbit Brain Successfully Frozen and Revived For the First Time Philippines authorities have urged a total evacuation of nearly half a million people near the capital Manila, after a volcano spewed ash up to nine miles (14 kilometers) into the air Sunday prompting warnings of a possible explosive eruption. The Taal Volcano, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of the capital Manila on the island of Luzon, is one of the countrys most active. Images from the scene on Monday showed streams of lava beginning to gush out the volcanic vent, the sky above still thick and dark with ash clouds. The Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert to Level 4, meaning an explosive eruption could happen in the coming hours or days. Its highest alert is Level 5, indicating an eruption is taking place. The volcano isnt actually very bigbut its considered among the world most dangerous, owing to the number of people that live in its immediate vicinity, said Erik Klemetti, a volcanologist at Denison University. PHIVOLCS has requested a total evacuation of those within a 17-kilometer (10.6 miles) radius around the volcano. This area, considered a volcanic danger zone, is home to more than 450,000 residents, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. As of Monday, more than 16,400 people had sought shelter in evacuation centers set up by the authorities. The total number of evacuees is likely to higher, however, with many people choosing to relocate to relatives homes. Aid organizations like the Red Cross are also assisting the evacuation operation by sending rescue vehicles and supplies. Residents within the evacuation radius are most at risk from the immediate effects of an eruption, including a possible volcanic tsunami in the lake surrounding the volcano, according to PHIVOLCS. The lava now beginning to erupt is also dangerous, Klemetti saidits creating a big lava fountain that could then cause hot ash and lava to spill into nearby towns. However, ashfall from the volcano poses a threat for residents far outside the 17-kilometer area. There are 10 cities and municipalities surrounding the volcano, some lying outside that evacuation radiusand they are home to nearly 760,000 people, PHIVOLCS said on Monday. On Sunday, the volcanic ash spread as far as Quezon City north of Manila, prompting the suspension of all flights at the capitals international airport. Though the ash isnt considered toxic, it holds shards of fine glass that can contaminate air and water supplies, said Klemetti. Photos from the aftermath on Sunday show ash mixing with rain, creating that a thick black sludge that blanketed cars, streets, and homes in some towns. Ash is even heavier than snow, meaning excessive pile-ups, especially when mixed with rain, can causes roofs to collapse. More than 25 million people live within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the volcano and would be impacted by an eruption. The volcano has seen powerful eruptions beforeone eruption in 1754 lasted six months, and its deadliest eruption took 1,335 lives in 1911. It erupted again in 1965, killing 190 people, and continued to have four more minor eruptions in the decades since. Mariton Bornas, chief of volcano monitoring at PHIVOLCs, said that the agency had monitored tremors at the volcano as early as March 2019 but they were surprised by the rapid speed of the eruption on Sunday. By Alaa Elassar and Jessie Yeung The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. An Alaskan winter isn't for the faint of heart. Even with a pantry full of rations, the warmest shelter and the thickest socks, the greatest survival items can still make life a frozen hell in The Last Frontier. But what about when all those items, along with your only companion, are lost in a ball of flames? For Tyson Steele, 30, that nightmarish thought became a harrowing reality last month. "I had no logic. Nothing," Steele told Ken Marsh, a public information officer for the Alaska Department of Public Safety, through glassy eyes at a hangar in Lake Hood, Washington. "I have no words for what sorrow; it was just, just a scream. Just a visceral - not angry, not sad, just, like, that's all I could express - just scream. Felt like I tore my lung out." On the night of Dec. 17 or 18, Steele can't remember exactly which, a fire stole nearly every possession he had to his name and set off the most tumultuous three weeks of his life. Until his rescuers arrived on Jan. 9, he was forced to fight through some of the harshest conditions the country's coldest state could throw at him. Steele began his life of solo living in September 2019, sheltering up amid the vast wilderness in Susitna Valley. The region of Skwentna, located about 35 miles northwest of Anchorage, is nestled between three mountain ranges and more known for its world-record sized cabbages than its quaint living conditions. It was there where Steele, described as a homesteader, positioned himself to live among the rivers and lakes of the forest, 20 miles away from the nearest neighbor. In his shelter, he stored enough food rations to last months and even had a jalapeno plant growing. Steele, shown here in a photo posted to Facebook, enjoyed his life of isolation in the wilderness of Alaska. (Facebook/Tyson Steele) While the plant didn't produce many peppers, Steele said he managed to grow one pepper the size of his thumb that made for a nice Thanksgiving treat. Story continues But it took just one night, in his second month of solo living in Skwentna, to send his dreamy life of solitude up in smoke. One "hasty" mistake, as Steele put it, led to the three craziest weeks of his life. "I put a big piece of cardboard in the stove to start the fire," Steele told Marsh. "Which I knew was a problem, I've had woodstoves all my life. I knew that you don't do that. So it sent a spark through the chimney which landed on the roof." AccuWeather reached out to Steele for an interview but did not receive a response prior to publishing. Steele described his cabin as a plastic Quonset hut, a prefabbed structure he had purchased from a Vietnam war veteran. The tarp-made roof kept things pretty warm, Steele said. On that night of the fire, however, the roof only acted as kindling. The dripping, melted pieces of plastic roofing woke Steele from his slumber around 1 or 2 a.m., he recounted. After scrambling out of his home, all he could see was his blazing roof. "So, it starts dripping and it, it goes up into flames faster than, like, I can even imagine," Steele said. "It just, like... smoke everywhere. There's this image that keeps coming back in my mind of a swirling flame coming sideways for my face, you know?" Before his thoughts raced toward salvaging his home, Steele's focus was locked on his best friend, Phil, a 6-year-old chocolate lab. "Best dog in the world," Steele said. "So, so happy. I just can't even describe. And then, um, he was so scared of the fire and in my thinking I've gotta grab Phil and I've gotta grab some stuff to sleep in so I basically... I grabbed everything that was on my bed. You know, blankets on my bed. I just grabbed some coats some sleeping bags... and I rush outside, and I tell Phil, 'Get out of here! Get out of here!' And he jumps off the bed, and I think it's good, right? I think he's left." But just seconds later, as Steele ran to the opposite side of the cabin to grab his rifle, he heard Phil's dreaded howling. "Inside. And I thought he was not inside. And that's when there was... I was hysterical." Heartbroken, Steele escaped from the blaze's vicinity when his abundant supply of ammunition, around 500 rounds of bullets and shotgun shells, started exploding in the fire. Explosions continued once the fire reached his food storage and propane tank. "Honestly, I was grateful that all my bullets blew up, because that could have been a temptation to be like 'I'm not going to make it,' and put myself out, right? That's a very real thought that crept up almost daily, especially on real cold nights," Steele told Anchorage-based KTUU. After what he described as the longest night of his life, Steele managed to salvage all his canned goods, a jar of beans, a couple jars of peanut butter and a jar of mayonnaise. He had to begin mapping his plan for survival. "The thing was, maybe half of those cans, they've heated up and popped open and smoke's circulating inside the can," he said. "So, it tastes like my home, just burning." With a ration strategy of two cans per day, which would last him 30 days, Steele busied himself with the arduous task of survival. The first two nights were spent sleeping in a snow cave. After that came a more comfortable shelter made with scavenged tarps and lumber, built around the location and woodstove of his first shelter. "Once I got the second shelter built, I kept a fire in the woodstove perpetually," Steele said. "It's not about keeping the shelter warm, because it just basically took the edge off. One night, the 17th night, it was so cold, and I just didn't want to go outside. So I took a bucket to go pee in. And the bucket is only a couple feet away from this fireplace and it freezes, my pee freezes within a few minutes next to the fireplace. That gives you an idea." According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson, it was around that time, in the first week of January, that the cold became downright painful. The night of the fire, the temperature dipped to 15 below zero, according to Marsh's report. "From Jan. 1 to Jan. 10, the average temperature was minus 12.5 degrees Fahrenheit," Anderson said. "There were six days during that January stretch that saw the temperature drop to minus 30 or lower. There were five days during this stretch in which the temperature never got above minus 10." CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Despite lacking any official survival training and the fact that his headlamp died after 10 or 11 days and he only had about six hours of daylight to work with each day, Steele said his extensive time spent outdoors and his familiarity with equipment helped to keep him alive in the bitter cold. "I've just always liked to interface with the environment directly to survive," he said. "I had some matches. And I carried a candle with me - one candle that I found - and that can stay lit. I always had several pieces of birch bark. Birch bark is great for starting fires. And it was also my light quite often in the snow cave. I... just set a piece of birch bark on the fire and it would light up for just a minute and I would be like, 'Oh, yeah!' I could see!" Steele knew his best hope for rescue would be from the air service. Knowing that his family or friends may call for a plane to rescue him, Steele set out to pave a trail from his homestead to a nearby lake in order to give aircraft a place to land. Using ashes, Steele marked an SOS outside his shelter to help alert troopers to his needed rescue. (Facebook/Alaska State Troopers) Steele stamped out a large SOS by his shelter and used the ashes from what used to be his abode to darken the letters. Steadily falling snow forced him to redo his lettering every few days. "I figured that was going to be my best signal," he said. On Thursday, Jan. 9, a friend grew worried after not hearing from Steele and called in a wellness check. Hours later, trooper pilot Cliff Gilliland and tactical flight officer trooper Zac Johnson reached the shelter and found Steele standing by his SOS, waving his arms. Clutching a McDonald's Combo Meal No. 2, the first meal request he made of the troopers, which includes a double cheeseburger, Steele recounted his survival. He looked healthy and happy, Marsh reported, cloaked with the lingering smell of smoke. Steele declared his next destination would be Salt Lake City, back to live with his family. "They've got a dog," he said. "And that would be some therapy." But, as he told KUTV in Salt Lake City, he plans to one day return and live again in the unforgiving wilderness in Alaska. "Next time, I'll build two cabins," he told KUTV while laughing. "Just in case one burns down." Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. January 15 which is in two days time will mark the 50thyear anniversary of the Nigerian civil war which was fought between the Nigerian Federal Government and the secessionist Biafran side led by Lt-Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The war was a very bloody one as about three million people lost their lives. The images of starving children which was beamed all over the world left a heart wrenching image in the mind of Steve Jobs that he vowed never to be a Christian again as he questioned the logic of a good God who allowed his creatures to suffer in the most horrifying manner. The subject of this war is a very controversial one as it brings back tragic memories and tears from even the stone hearted. There have been different accounts about the war as a copious number of books have been written on the subject. The remote cause of the war was the first military coup in the country which occurred on January 15, 1966 spearheaded by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu of the famous five majors. The then Premier of the Northern Region, Alhaji (Sir) Ahmadu Bello was murdered in cold blood in his residence. The likes of Alhaji (Sir) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the then Prime Minister, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the Premier of the Western region, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the finance minister were killed in the most gruesome manner. Some top military officers were also sent to meet their creator on that fateful day. Brigadier-General Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun, the Commander of the first Brigade in Kaduna was killed alongside his pregnant wife, his deputy Colonel Shodeinde was also murdered. Brigadier-General Zakari Maimalari, the most senior northerner in the armed forces was killed in Lagos. The only Igbo who lost his life was the then Quarter-Master General, Lt-Col Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe who was dispatched to his ancestors because he refused to hand over the keys of the armoury to the coup plotters. With the exception of Major Wale Ademoyega, the rest of the coup plotters were Igbos which made it to be tagged as an Igbo coup. This made anti-Igbo sentiments very high especially in the north as they lost their two major leaders in the persons of Bello and Balewa and many of the top brass of their military officers. When Major-General Thomas Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi came to power, many Nigerians especially the northerners expected him to decisively punish the coup plotters for their heinous crimes. He didnt do much and he further provoked Nigerians by making the nation a unitary one. There was the fear of Igbo domination as they commanded high heights in the army. These fears led to the counter coup on July 29, 1966 when Ironsi and the then military governor of the western region, Lt-Col Francis Adekunle Fajuyi were killed. The coup was said to have been masterminded by the then Captain Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. The pogroms in the north began and the then Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, Lt-Col Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu asked all Igbos living in the north to return home and he could no longer guarantee their safety there. There was the personality and ego clash between Ojukwu and Gowon. The former said that the military hierarchy should be respected as Babafemi Ogundipe was the most senior military officer and as such should have been the Head of State and not Gowon. He therefore wouldnt recognize him as his boss. Things came to a head and the then Ghanaian Military Head of State, General Joseph Ankrah invited both men to Aburi, Ghana for a peace meeting. In that historic meeting, Ojukwu canvassed that the best form of government for the country was a Confederation which Gowon agreed to while there. When they returned home, Gowon changed his mind and broke up the four regions into twelve states to weaken the powers of Ojukwu. This didnt deter the son of Nigerias former wealthiest men from declaring a Sovereign state of Biafra which led to the brutal thirty months war. Ojukwu disappointed many of those who believed in his cause as he left them in the lurch when he and his family ran into exile in Cote divoire leaving the rank and file who viewed him as a demi god to their fate. The war was prosecuted without a single borrowing due to the sagacity of the then Federal Commissioner and Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was quoted to have said that starvation is a legitimate weapon of warfare. There were blockades which prevented food and essential supplies from entering the east. The war ended with a No victors, no vanquished slogan by Gowon but it was all on paper as only 20 pounds was given to them irrespective of the amount that they had in the bank. They are the loudest voice in the cry for secession through the formation of the Movement for the Actualization for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) led by Ralph Uwazurike and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu. The tribe lost out in the military and civil service and they only had commerce to take refuge in. There is hardly any government presence in the state as their roads is one of the worst in the country. Their cry is legitimate as they are agitating for a better deal from the government. The Igbo Presidency is the current hot potato which is dominating the discourse as the nation marches towards the 2023 elections. There is an unwritten rule of power rotation between the north and the south. The south west and south south have produced Presidents and so in the interest of justice and fair play, the south east should be supported to have a son or daughter of theirs to sit in Aso Rock. They have never produced a civilian President and so it is high time they are backed by the other zones to power. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a proud son of theirs was a key proponent for a One Nigeria. He ensured that the secession clause wasnt inserted in the 1960 Independence Constitution and gave up his ambition to be the nations first Prime Minister for peace to reign. Also during the civil war, he later defected to the Nigerian side where he still preached his never changing gospel of a One Nigeria. It is high time the Igbos are compensated for Ziks selflessness just like the Yorubas were compensated for Abiolas loss when democracy returned to the country in 1999. Anything short of this will see their agitations spiral out of control which will be highly detrimental to national interest. Tony Ademiluyi writes from Lagos and edits www.africanbard.com New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is expected to visit Uttar Pradesh from January 16 to 19 for a training camp for all district and city presidents of the state's party unit. Vadra is likely to head the camp which will be held at Raebareli Bhumeau Guest House. Out of the four days in which the camp is scheduled to be held, two days each will be dedicated to the party officials from the western and eastern UP. Vadra has taken full charge to strengthen the party in the state and begin preparations well ahead of the Assembly elections in UP. According to the sources, Priyanka Gandhi will frequently visit Uttar Pradesh to keep in touch with the ground reality. "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will spend at least 15 days in Uttar Pradesh each month to give strong direction to the party," the source added. (ANI) 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. Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg waits by his tour bus ahead of adressing his supporters at Central Machine Works in Austin, Texas on January 11, 2020. Mike Bloomberg spent more than $825,000 on Facebook ads on Saturday, well more than any other 2020 presidential candidate spent in a single day on the social media platform, according to data from Facebook. The Bloomberg total also dwarfs what several top-tier candidates have spent on Facebook ads over the course of several days. Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg spent about $652,000 on Facebook ads in 30 days. In the same time frame, former Vice President Joe Biden spent a little more than $385,000 on Facebook ads. Bloomberg, whose net worth is estimated to be around $55 billion, in the last 30 days has become the top spender on Facebook ads, beating out fellow billionaire and candidate Tom Steyer, who at one point was the top Democratic Facebook ads spender. Bloomberg is in fifth place among Democratic contenders, behind Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and Buttigieg, according to a national polling average compiled by RealClearPolitics. Steyer is in the ninth spot. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly concerned about how much Bloomberg is spending on the campaign, spent a little over $90,000 on Facebook ads on Saturday, a little more than 10% of Bloomberg's amount on the same day. The White House declined to comment. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The president commented on Bloomberg's spending in Monday morning tweets, calling the former New York City mayor "Mini Mike Bloomberg." TRUMP TWEETS Bloomberg responded on Twitter to Trump's tweets. Bloomberg tweet Trump leads the 2020 Facebook ad spend, with an outlay of $20.3 million since January 2019. Steyer follows with $18.3 million. Bloomberg, the last major candidate to enter the presidential race, quickly rose up to third place with $8.53 million. The timing of Bloomberg's large spend corresponds with a nationwide kickoff on Saturday with more than 150 events held by his campaign in more than two dozen states. The campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC asking if the timing of the large ad buy was deliberately coordinated with the kickoff. Bloomberg emerged as a financial powerhouse for his campaign just a week after declaring a run for president, spending more than $160 million on TV ads alone since the announcement of his 2020 bid. Support for Bloomberg has been rising in national polls. He has 5.8% of support, according to the latest average from RealClearPolitics. Democratic heavyweights Sanders and Warren have targeted Bloomberg, saying the billionaire has the means to buy his way into the election. The two senators, who've based their campaigns on decreasing income inequality, have been touting small-dollar donations as the chief way to support their 2020 bids. The former New York City mayor has not qualified for the first Democratic debate of the year, which will take place on Tuesday, but will appear on CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" immediately after the event. Mother Lodes new Senator for District 8, Andreas Borgeas View Photo Sacramento, CA The Mother Lodes District 8 Republican Senator Andreas Borgeas has some mixed reactions to Governor Gavin Newsoms proposed $222-billion state budget. Borgeas says, We have seen Californias $21.5 billion surplus in Fiscal Year 2019-20 drop to an estimated $4 to $7 billion surplus in FY 2020-21, according to the Legislative Analysts Office (LAO) 2020 Fiscal Outlook. Should current trends continue, California may enter a recession in the next fiscal year. Therefore, Californias fiscal approach should be prudent and responsible, remembering that investments in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, transportation, housing and water are our most immediate concerns. Borgeas gives his opinions below on some of the main points of the spending plan, including emergency preparedness, housing, homelessness, education and water. Emergency Preparedness/Fire Prevention The Governors investment in hiring more firefighters is a positive step towards reducing the threat of wildfires. However, protecting Californians from wildfire threats must also include forest management, home hardening, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) streamlining for emergency preparedness, and greater oversight of Investor Owned Utilities. The states record revenues can help communities in wildfire prone areas by offering tax credits for home hardening, forest management, and the reissuance of insurance policies. Rising Cost Of Living/Housing As the cost of living in California continues to rise, the state must address rising energy costs, taxes, fuel prices, and housing costs that are placing undue burdens on people and families. In a recent CAL Matters report, it highlighted data from the U.S. Census Bureau demonstrating middle and lower classes are leaving California at a higher rate In the Central Valley, poverty and unemployment already separate the region from wealthier coastal regions. The state should dedicate its existing and excess revenues towards solutions to reduce these rising costs. Homelessness Homelessness is plaguing our cities leaving residents and business owners to deal with the problem without the proper tools. While I appreciate the Governors efforts to address homelessness, this is an issue that requires more than just an investment of $1 billion. Collaboration across all levels of government, non-profit agencies and local stakeholders is necessary in order to get individuals on the street the help they require. Education The Governors commitment to education is critical to advance economic growth in California. The increase of $17 million in one-time General Fund dollars supports a plan to design educational pathways and improve social and economic mobility in the greater Fresno region. I also appreciate his recognition for the return-on-investment yielded by higher education. The $33 million one-time General Fund investment in the Fresno-Merced Food Innovation Corridor will stimulate research and development, commercialization, and innovation to support advanced sustainable agricultural production and jobs in the San Joaquin Valley. Water It is no secret the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) has an adverse impact on so many of our farmers. The Budget proposes $60 million to support planning, water trading pilot projects across critically over drafted basins and water efficiency improvements. Through Senate Bill 559 (2019), I remain committed that the state will provide support to restore the Friant-Kern Canal so that clean water can be delivered efficiently to families and farms in the San Joaquin Valley. DES MOINES, Iowa - Elizabeth Warren made a forceful case for a female president and stood behind her accusation suggesting sexism by progressive rival Bernie Sanders in a Democratic debate that raised gender as a key issue in the sprint to Iowas presidential caucuses. Sanders vehemently denied Warrens accusation, which threatened to split the Democratic Partys left flank -- as well as the senators longtime liberal alliance -- at a critical moment less than three weeks before voting begins. Look at the men on this stage. Collectively they have lost 10 elections, Warren exclaimed on Tuesday night. The only people on this stage who have won every single election that theyve been in are the women. An incredulous Sanders responded: Does anybody in their right mind think a woman cant be elected president? he asked. Of course a woman can win. There was a final moment of tension between Sanders and Warren after the debate ended. Having shaken the hands of her other competitors, Warren was shown in video declining to shake Sanders extended hand. With the Democratic field tightly bunched among four leading candidates, the debate offered an opportunity for separation. But none of the six candidates on stage had the kind of moment likely to reshape the race in the final weeks before voting starts. Instead, the debate was generally marked by a focus on weighty issues of foreign policy, climate change and how to provide health care for all Americans. Even when disputes emerged, most candidates quickly pivoted to note their larger differences with President Donald Trump. For his part, Trump spent Tuesday night campaigning in Wisconsin, a state that is critical to his reelection effort. He tried to encourage the feud between Sanders and Warren from afar. She said that Bernie stated strongly that a woman cant win, Trump said. I dont believe that Bernie said that, I really dont. Its not the kind of thing Bernie would say. Despite such prodding, the debate stage drama was far from the explosion some Democrats feared. Candidates moved with ease through a variety of topics, disagreeing with each other but generally avoiding personal attacks. Sanders did step up his attacks on former Vice-President Joe Biden over his past support of the Iraq War and broad free-trade agreements. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who was mired in the middle of the pack, seized on Warrens shifting positions on health care. Billionaire Tom Steyer acknowledged making money from investments in the fossil fuel industry, but highlighted his decade-long fight to combat climate change, an issue that came up repeatedly throughout the night. Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, sometimes struggled for attention in a debate that often featured points of conflict between his rivals. Perhaps his strongest moment came when he described how, as a military veteran who is vocal about his faith, he could stand up to Trump in a general election. Im ready to take on Donald Trump because when he gets to the tough talk and the chest thumping, hell have to stand next to an American war veteran and explain how he pretended bone spurs made him ineligible to serve, Buttigieg said. And if a guy like Donald Trump keeps trying to use religion to somehow recruit Christianity into the GOP, I will be standing there not afraid to talk about a different way to answer the call of faith and insist that God does not belong to a political party. Questions surrounding war and foreign policy dominated early on. Sanders drew a sharp contrast with Biden by noting his own opposition to a 2002 measure authorizing military action against Iraq. Sanders called the Iraq invasion the worst foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country. I did everything I could to prevent that war, Sanders said. Joe saw it differently. Biden acknowledged that his 2002 vote to authorize military action was a mistake, but highlighted his role in the Obama administration helping to draw down the U.S. military presence in the region. Several candidates condemned Trumps recent move to kill Irans top general and his decision to keep U.S. troops in the region. We have to get combat troops out, declared Warren, who also called for reducing the military budget. Others, including Buttigieg, Biden and Klobuchar, said they favoured maintaining a small military presence in the Middle East. I bring a different perspective, said Buttigeg. We can continue to remain engaged without having an endless commitment to ground troops. The debate featured just six candidates, the fewest of any such forum this cycle after escalating party rules prevented other candidates from participating. For the first time, not a single candidate of colour appeared on stage. Every candidate was white, and four were men. That was a stark contrast from the earlier days of the 2020 contest, which featured the most diverse field of candidates in history. The party is trying to navigate broader debates over how to reflect and embrace the crucial role women and minority voters will play in 2020. To defeat Trump this fall, Democrats need to ensure black, Latino and suburban voters are excited to vote for them against the Republican president. The debate marked one of the final moments the senators in the race will participate in a campaign-related event before returning to Washington to sit as jurors in Trumps impeachment trial. Those proceedings are likely to begin by the end of the week, making it difficult for senators running for president to spend time with voters Iowa in the contests final days. Some things are more important than politics, Warren said. I will be there because it is my responsibility. ___ Peoples and Superville reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Des Moines contributed to this report. ___ Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body An Auburn University-led study indicates that racism may result in tolls related to premature biological aging among African Americans. African Americans who reported more racial discrimination over a 10-year period showed signs of faster aging at the cellular level during the same time frame. The study, led by Dr. David H. Chae, an associate professor at Auburn, is the first to examine how changes in racial discrimination are related to changes in telomere dynamics over time. Findings from the study were recently published in Health Psychology. A common underlying risk factor across many diseases of aging is the length of telomeresthe repetitive sequences of DNA at the ends of chromosomes that protect the cell. Short telomeres increase peoples risks of developing diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and dementia. Because telomeres get progressively shorter as people get older, they are considered to be an indicator of cell aging. One of the factors that can lead to more rapid telomere shortening is high levels of stress, Chae explained. Racial discrimination is a particular type of stress experienced by African Americans that contributes to well-documented health disparities. We investigated one particular mechanism through which this occurs, namely, its impact on the telomere maintenance system. Participants in the study were 391 African Americans who were in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults, or CARDIA, Telomere Ancillary Study and from Birmingham, Alabama, Chicago, Minneapolis and Oakland, California. Baseline data were collected in 2000 when participants were on average 40 years old and follow-up data were from 2010. At both time points, participants were asked whether they had experienced discrimination in various situations. Most commonly reported were experiences of racial discrimination on the street or in a public setting, followed by at work and in getting a job. Previous studies on racial discrimination and telomere length have looked at their associations at a single time point, and findings have been mixed. A major strength of this study, according to Chae, was that the investigators were able to explicitly look at how changes in African Americans experiences of racial discrimination over time are directly related to rates of telomere shortening, thus providing more evidence for a cause and effect relationship between the two. We found that greater accumulating experiences of racial discrimination during this midlife period was associated with a faster rate of telomere shortening, said Chae. Although the study makes several advances, Chae noted its limitations. The unique characteristics of the CARDIA cohort could limit the generalizability of their findings. Furthermore, there are concerns about the accuracy of retrospective reports of racial discrimination. Chae indicated the need for additional long-term research to study the biological consequences of racial discrimination and their implications for clinical health outcomes. Despite these caveats, Chae said that their study is important because it provides compelling evidence for a particular biological pathway through which racial discrimination may drive health inequities. He indicated that findings from the study are particularly relevant to the current socio-political climate which is characterized by increasing incidents of racial discrimination. Our results point to how racial discrimination, a particular type of social toxin that disproportionately impacts African Americans, becomes embedded at the cellular level, Chae explained. Racism continues to be a pressing social and moral dilemma, as well as a public health issue. Authors of the Racial Discrimination and Telomere Shortening Among African Americans: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, are Chae, Connor D. Martz and Thomas E. Fuller-Rowell, Auburn; Nancy E. Adler, Jue Lin and Elissa S. Epel, University of California, San Francisco; Yijie Wang, Michigan State University; Natalie Slopen, University of Maryland, College Park; Tiffany Yip, Fordham University; Karen A. Matthews, University of Pittsburgh; Gene H. Brody, University of Georgia; Erica C. Spears, University of North Texas Health Science Center; and Eli Puterman, University of British ColumbiaVancouver. The study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Findings highlight the benefits of a brief interactive educational exposure as well as misperceptions that persist (Boston)-- Half of women undergoing mammography have dense breasts. Mandatory dense breast notification and educational materials have been shown to confuse women rather than empower them. Now, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) are developing a smartphone App that acts as an interactive health counselor to improve a womans' knowledge about breast density. "Many women receive letters after they have a mammogram telling them they have dense breasts, but these letters are hard to understand. Interactive, smartphone-based education can add to these letters making medical information easier to understand. The public should know about the different evidence-based materials that may be offered to help them understand complex health issues, like breast density," explained corresponding author Christine Gunn, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at BUSM. In an effort to educate women about breast density, researchers from BUSM, in partnership with the Pink & Black Education and Support Network, a Boston-based breast cancer advocacy group, designed and tested an interactive, animated health counselor to provide women with information about their breast density. Focus groups and a survey given before and after watching a demo of the program were conducted with 44 women. Participants were very satisfied with the prototype and knowledge about breast density increased for six of twelve items. The researchers hope that this prototype is the start of developing a comprehensive suite of mammography education tools that can help women understand key information throughout the entire breast cancer screening process. "There's a lot of complex information, and the medical system doesn't always do the best job of explaining things or can't answer questions quickly if you aren't in a doctor's office. We hope tools like our virtual health counselor can support women, no matter where they are, understand their own health and empower them to get the right care when they need it," added Gunn. These finding appear online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. ### Weather Alert ...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero. * WHERE...Portions of central and northeast Vermont, and the Saint Lawrence Valley and northern Adirondacks in New York. * WHEN...Until 3 PM EST today. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest wind chill values will occur through 11 AM today. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && Perched high up in the leafy branches sit some of the most magical Texas tree house retreats with breathtaking views of the Hill Country countryside below. If you want a whimsical, lofty escape far from the hectic hum of the city, weve found 10 Texas tree house rentalsfrom luxury hotels to affordable cabins. With a fresh new year underway, its a perfect getaway to recapture that childhood dream of staying in a secret, canopied tree house, hidden away from the world. Jason Reynolds wants kids to love his stories, but he wants them to love their own stories more. The award-winning author, whom the Library of Congress announced Monday will be the seventh National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, plans to use his two-year appointment to listen as kids and teens especially those in small towns share those stories. New York, Jan 13 : Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan's mother Dina Lohan, is facing a felony charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI). It was followed by an arrest on January 11, 2020, reports aceshowbiz.com. Dina, 57, was behind the wheel of her 2016 Mercedes when she reportedly crashed into another vehicle outside a restaurant in New York and reportedly fled from the scene. The other female driver began pursuing Dina, and followed her back to her home, where she was met by the police. According to tmz.com, she refused to submit to field sobriety tests, and was taken into custody for DWI. She was arraigned in court on Sunday morning, when she pleaded not guilty to the count, and was released. Dina is due to be back in court on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, according to officials in Nassau County. The charge she is facing is a felony due to her previous DWI record from 2013, when she was pulled over by cops for speeding, and was found to be more than twice over the legal limit. She pleaded guilty to that incident and during sentencing in 2014, when she was ordered to complete community service, pay a fine, and had her licence suspended, she promised the judge: "There won't be a next time." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Vinay Mishra, son of Congress leader and former MP Mahabal Mishra, and Ram Singh, Congress two-time MLA from Badarpur, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday ahead of the Assembly elections in Delhi. The move comes days after five-time Congress MLA from Matia Mahal Shoaib Iqbal joined Arvind Kejriwals AAP. Vinay Mishra had fought the Assembly elections in 2013 from the Palam constituency, but lost his security deposit to the AAPs Bhavna Gaur. In the AAP, Mishra, is likely to be projected as one of the partys faces for people from purvanchal, or eastern Uttar Pradesh. I am joining AAP because of the work it has done for the people. The development works in unauthorised colonies and making power and water free has helped a lot of purvanchalis who mostly live on rent in these colonies, said Mishra. Ram Singh Netaji (64), another Congress leader who joined the AAP on Monday, has been a senior leader of the Congress party and has been a two-term MLA from the Badarpur assembly constituency of Delhi. Singh had fought as an independent candidate from Badarpur during the legislative assembly election in Delhi in 1998 and had won. He fought on a ticket from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and won from Badarpur during the 4th legislative assembly election of Delhi (2008). Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the request by the two political leaders signalled that people love the work done by the AAP government. We hope in the coming days more and more people show support to our party which only believes in honest work, he said. A number of councillors and local Congress leaders too joined the party on Monday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 24 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Jan. 13, Trend reports. The Armenian armed forces were using large caliber machine guns. 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 Over the past month, Sambhajiraje, one of the descendants of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj has been aggressively campaigning on various issues, the latest being the book that compares Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maratha king. Sambhajiraje, who is the Rajya Sabha member of parliament from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); on Sunday demanded the party chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book titled Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi that has been written by another party leader, Jai Bhagwan Goyal. The book was published in the saffron partys Delhi office. Sena leadership should rein in Sanjay Raut as early as possible for speaking out of turn, Sambhajiraje said. Earlier this month, the otherwise low-profile Rajya Sabha MP undertook a day-long hunger strike to demand the autonomy of the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (Sarthi) and to ensure a monthly stipend is paid the students on time. The protests were called off after state Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde promised to fulfill all demands. Sambhajiraje in December 2019 met chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and informed him about alleged irregularities in the Raigad fort restoration. Sambhajirajes aggression, according to political observers, comes in the wake of another Shivaji descendant Udayanraje Bhosales defeat from Satara in the Lok Sabha bypolls. Till recently, Udayanraje, who was a Lok Sabha MP, was aggressive on various issues while being instrumental during the Maratha reservation drive. However his defeat in the Lok Sabha bypolls has created a space which another Shivaji descendant wants to usurp. His sudden aggression is indicative of this, said Chitra Lele, professor, political science, SNDT university. Industry Update Appointment 13 January 2020 Karim Irrgang Appointed General Manager At Trisara in Phuket, Thailand A luxury hospitality veteran whose international leadership role include ope ning Resident Manager at the ultra-luxe Cheval Blanc LVMH, Randheli, Maldives, and General Manager at Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Morocco, the first all-pool-villa resort in Morocco. Throughout his career, Karim played leading roles to successfully develop teams of caring hospitality professionals who exceed the highest expectations of luxury travelers daily. Montara Hospitality Group Montara Hospitality Group was established by the Pattamasaevi family, led by reputable former financier Narong Pattamasaevi. Together with our team of experienced Hoteliers and Developers, Montara Hospitality aims to spread, throughout Asia the unique warmth and service-mindedness of the renowned Thai hospitality that has continuously captured the hearts of international guests and visitors from around the world for generations. more information Recent Appointments at Montara Stephen Barrie - Executive Board 20 April 2021 Montara Hospitality Group, the Bangkok-based developer behind the award-winning luxury resort destination Trisara and Michelin-starred PRU, is developing Tri Vananda, a comprehensive health and wellness residential community in Phuket, Thailand, to be completed in 2023. read more Anthony Lark - Corporate Business Development Director 13 January 2020 During his successful 15 -year stint as Trisara's General Manager, Mr. Lark has been instrumental in positioning Trisara as one of the top luxury resorts in the world. He led the Trisara team to earn recognitions including Robb Report "Best of the Best", Conde Nast Traveler "Gold List", Gallivanter's Guide "Best Resort Worldwide". read more New Delhi, Jan 13 : After opening the road on Sunday, the Delhi police on Monday have again closed both carriageways of Baba Gang Nath Marg from Nelson Mandela Marg and Aruna Asaf Ali Marg due to demonstrations, Traffic Police informed. The Baba Gang Nath Marg, leading to JNU's main entrance gate, had been mostly closed by the police after the January 5 violence in the university campus, a Delhi Traffic Police official told IANS. The road was opened on January 10 and Sunday, but have been closed again, the official added. "Baba Gang Nath Marg is closed (both carriageways) by local police from Nelson Mandela Marg and Aruna Asaf Ali Marg due to demonstration," the Delhi Traffic Police tweeted on Monday morning. Violence swept the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus on January 5, as several masked individuals thrashed students and teachers inside the campus with wooden and metal rods. Bushfires have burned through millions of hectares of land, destroying the habitats of many native animals. Australias government has pledged at least $34m (50 million Australian dollars) to help native plants and animals recover from the countrys devastating bushfires. Some ecologists estimate that one billion animals have died and much of the damage caused by the fires may be irreparable. Al Jazeeras Jessica Washington reports from Mogo in New South Wales, one of the worst-hit areas. Scott Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to the crisis, even taking a holiday as Australia burned. A new poll shows the popularity of Australias Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declined sharply amid deepening anger at his governments handling of the bushfires that have killed 28 people, razed more than 11 million hectares (27.1 million acres) of land and destroyed 2,000 homes in the countrys east. Newspoll showed Morrisons approval rating dropped eight points to the lowest level since he took over the leadership of the Liberal Party in August 2018. He was overtaken by opposition Labor leader Anthony Albanese. Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to an unprecedented crisis, even taking a family holiday to Hawaii as the fires burned. We have heard the message loud and clear from the Australian people, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday when asked about the poll result as he announced a 50 million Australian dollar ($34.5m) wildlife protection fund. The money will be set aside for at threatened species including koalas and also be used to restore damaged animal habitats. They want to see a Federal Government adopt a very direct response to these natural and national disasters, Frydenberg said. Royal inquiry The poll was taken after Morrison announced a 2 billion Australian dollar ($1.4 bn) bushfire recovery fund and called out 3,000 army reservists to back up state emergency workers responses that were viewed as too slow. No margin of error was provided for the poll, which surveyed 1,505 people from Wednesday to Saturday, although it was about 2.5 percentage points in previous Newspolls. Morrison said on Sunday he would take a proposal to the Cabinet to hold a Royal Commission national inquiry into the bushfires, including examining the response to the crisis, the role and powers of the federal government and the effect of climate change. Satellite imagery shows fires burning south of Eden in New South Wales [Satellite image 2020 Maxar Technologies via Reuters] Officials confirmed on Monday that 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres) of land had been razed in the fires that have been burning for months, whipped up by erratic winds and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). In the worst-hit state of New South Wales, 111 fires were still burning late on Sunday, 40 of them not yet contained, but none at emergency level Conditions eased over the weekend with showers forecast for NSW over the next few days. If this BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) rainfall forecast comes to fruition then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed, the NSW Rural Fire Service said on Twitter. 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. A former U.S. Treasury official pleaded guilty Monday to illegally leaking highly confidential documents about suspicious financial transactions of ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort and others to reporters at BuzzFeed News. The official, Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards, leaked so-called suspicious activity reports, or SARS, starting in October 2017 about Manafort, his business associate and fellow Trump campaign official Rick Gates, Russian agent Maria Butina, the Russian Embassy in Washington and a suspected Russian money laundering entity. Edwards, 41, continued leaking the sensitive documents for the next year. The Quinton, Virginia, resident pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to make unauthorized disclosures of SARS during an appearance in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, a week before she was scheduled to go on trial. In the courtroom during her plea was her family, including her daughter, who is a high school student. Edwards, who had held a senior position in Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, is due to be sentenced June 9 by Judge Gregory Woods, and faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison. "We're going to push hard for" a non-jail sentence, said her lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, who noted that federal sentencing guidelines suggest a jail term of zero to six months for Edwards. Agnifilo, told reporters after the hearing that, "I think that she was movitated by things she thought was important," and "didn't trust that the government was doing the right thing." The lawyer said that Edwards had been "in contact with different subcommittees in Congress, with other people in the government" about the information she ended up leaking to BuzzFeed. A criminal complaint filed against Edwards in October 2018 says she had "hundreds of electronic communications" with a reporter, "many via an encrypted application." After Edwards began leaking the documents, the journalist wrote articles which mentioned the details of those reports, the complaint said. Carters conviction was upheld last February by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which rejected the defendants claim that her words to the victim, without any physical act on her part and even without her physical presence at the scene, could not constitute wanton or reckless conduct sufficient to support a charge of manslaughter. Historical housing disparities linked with dangerous climate impacts Extreme heat kills more people in the United States than any other type of hazardous weather and will likely become even deadlier due to climate change. However, extreme heat does not affect all people equally. Surface temperatures in different neighborhoods within a single city can vary by a whopping 20 degrees (F), making some people more at risk of experiencing dangerous temperatures. A new study by researchers at the Science Museum of Virginia and Portland State University, with assistance from a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, is one of the first to link historical housing policies across the United States to inequitable heat exposure. "We found that those urban neighborhoods that were denied municipal services and support for home ownership during the mid-20th century now contain the hottest areas in almost every one of the 108 cities we studied," said Vivek Shandas, professor of urban studies and planning at Portland State University. "Our concern is that this systemic pattern suggests a woefully negligent planning system that hyper-privileged richer and whiter communities. As climate change brings hotter, more frequent and longer heat waves, the same historically underserved neighborhoods--often where lower-income households and communities of color still live--will, as a result, face the greatest impact." Jeremy Hoffman of the Science Museum of Virginia, and Nicholas Pendleton, a former student at Virginia Commonwealth University, also contributed to the study, which was published in the journal Climate on Monday, January 13th. The researchers examined the relationship between summertime surface temperatures, which were derived from satellite imagery, and historical housing policies, specifically 'redlining,' in 108 cities in the United States. Neighborhoods with less green space and more concrete and pavement are hotter on average, creating 'heat islands.' In an earlier study of Portland, Oregon, Shandas and colleagues found that lower-income households and communities of color tend to live in heat islands. They found similar effects in other cities, and they wanted to know why. To explore this question, they looked at the relationship between 'redlining' and surface heat. Beginning in the 1930s, discriminatory housing policies categorized some neighborhoods--designated with red lines--as too hazardous for investment. Thus, residents in 'redlined' neighborhoods were denied home loans and insurance. These areas continue to be predominantly home to lower-income communities and communities of color. While the practice of redlining was banned in 1968, this study aimed to assess the legacy effects of such policies within the context of rising temperatures. The study found formerly redlined neighborhoods are hotter than all other neighborhoods in 94% of the 108 cities studied. In particular, the researchers found that redlined neighborhoods across the country are about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, on average, than non-redlined neighborhoods. However, in some cities the differences are much more stark. For example, the cities of Portland, OR, Denver, CO and Minneapolis, MN showed the largest heat differences between redlined and non-redlined areas--as much as 12.6 degrees Fahrenheit. "The patterns of the lowest temperatures in specific neighborhoods of a city do not occur because of circumstance or coincidence. They are a result of decades of intentional investment in parks, green spaces, trees, transportation and housing policies that provided 'cooling services,' which also coincide with being wealthier and whiter across the country," said Shandas. "We are now seeing how those policies are literally killing those most vulnerable to acute heat." "I think anyone living in these neighborhoods today will tell you that it's hot during a heat wave," said Hoffman. "But that's not really the point. They are not only experiencing hotter heat waves with their associated health risks but also potentially suffering from higher energy bills, limited access to green spaces that alleviate stress and limited economic mobility at the same time. Our study is just the first step in identifying a roadmap toward equitable climate resilience by addressing these systemic patterns in our cities." There are ways to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on potentially vulnerable populations through urban planning, and the researchers want this study to lead to changes in the way we design our cities and neighborhoods. "Having worked with dozens of cities to support the creation of heat mitigation plans, we want to recognize that all neighborhoods are not made equal," Shandas said. "Nevertheless, by recognizing and centering the historical blunders of the planning profession over the past century, such as the exclusionary housing policies of 'redlining,' we stand a better chance for reducing the public health and infrastructure impacts from a warming planet." ### Contact: Vivek Shandas, Portland State University: 503-725-5222, mobile: 206-334-9697, vshandas@pdx.edu Jeremy Hoffman, PhD, Science Museum of Virginia; 804-864-1506, mobile: 563-349-3407, jhoffman@smv.org About the Science Museum of Virginia (SMV): Through experiential exhibits, artifacts, interactive technologies, programs, films, live animals and lab demos, the Science Museum of Virginia inspires hundreds of thousands of guests each year to enrich their lives through science. (http://www. smv. org ) About Portland State University (PSU): Oregon's urban research university, recognized for excellence in sustainability and community engagement, is located in the heart of downtown Portland. PSU's motto is "Let Knowledge Serve the City," and it offers more than 200 degrees with opportunities to work with businesses, schools and organizations on real-world projects. (http://www. pdx. edu ) This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Ukraine plans to export 54 million tonnes of grain in the current marketing year, the press service of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine has reported. According to the ministrys estimates, this years grain harvest amounted to about 75 million tonnes, 54 million tonnes of which will be exported to foreign markets. We will receive final forecasts of grain production in March according to the State Statistics Service, Deputy Economic Development Minister Taras Vysotsky said. From the beginning of 2019/2020 marketing year [July 2019 - June 2020] as of January 10, 2020, Ukraine exported 32.078 million tonnes of grain crops, which is 7.8 million tonnes more than in the same period last year. In particular, wheat exports amounted to 15.1 million tonnes; corn exports 12.8 million tonnes; rye exports 5 thousand tonnes; barley exports 3.8 million tonnes. In addition, from the beginning of 2019/2020 MY, Ukraine has exported 197 thousand tonnes of flour, which is 68.5 thousand tonnes more than in the same period of the last marketing year. ish VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascent Industries Corp. (CSE: ASNT) (Ascent or the Company) is providing this default status report pursuant to National Policy 12-203 - Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults ("NP 12-203") and applicable policy of the British Columbia Securities Commission which applies to companies, such as Ascent, that are the subject of CCAA proceedings. On May 16, 2019, the Company announced that its audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, including the related management discussion & analysis, and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "Annual Filings") were not filed by the required filing deadline of April 30, 2019. As of the date hereof, the Company has not filed: (i) its interim financial statements for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and related management discussion & analysis and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications; (ii) its interim financial statements for the three month period ended June 30, 2019 and related management discussion & analysis and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications; and (iii) its interim financial statements for the three month period ended September 30, 2019 and related management discussion & analysis and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the Interim Filings) prior to the filing deadlines prescribed under National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (NI 51-102). As previously reported, Ascent is currently involved in proceedings under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (the CCAA Proceeding). Ascent is required to file bi-weekly default status reports in accordance with NP 12-203 until such time that the CCAA proceeding is concluded or until the defaults in filing the Annual Filings and Interim Filings are remedied. The Company reports that there have been no material changes to the information contained in its last bi-weekly default status report dated December 20, 2019. Furthermore, there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. The Company confirms that, since its last bi-weekly default status report dated December 20, 2019, there have been no failures by it in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203. The Company intends to file the Annual Filings and Interim Filings as soon as possible. Story continues About Ascent Industries Corp. The Company's operations currently include facilities in the United States. In the United States, the Company holds licenses in Oregon (for processing and for distribution of cannabis to any licensed entity in the state) and in Nevada (for cultivation and for production, processing and wholesale distribution of cannabis). THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (THE "CSE") HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. NEITHER THE CSE OR ITS MARKET REGULATOR (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CSE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the anticipated timing of the completion and filing of the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings. Forward-looking statements are 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 statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, Ascent assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. For further information: Mark Lotz ir@ascentindustries.com Rod Sherwood became the CEO of CV Check Ltd (ASX:CV1) in 2016. 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 method should give us information to assess how appropriately the company pays the CEO. Check out our latest analysis for CV Check How Does Rod Sherwood's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? According to our data, CV Check Ltd has a market capitalization of AU$42m, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth AU$361k over the year to June 2019. We think total compensation is more important but we note that the CEO salary is lower, at AU$284k. We looked at a group of companies with market capitalizations under AU$290m, and the median CEO total compensation was AU$378k. So Rod Sherwood receives a similar amount to the median CEO pay, amongst the companies we looked at. Although this fact alone doesn't tell us a great deal, it becomes more relevant when considered against the business performance. You can see a visual representation of the CEO compensation at CV Check, below. ASX:CV1 CEO Compensation, January 12th 2020 Is CV Check Ltd Growing? CV Check Ltd has increased its earnings per share (EPS) by an average of 78% a year, over the last three years (using a line of best fit). Its revenue is down 1.3% over last year. This demonstrates that the company has been improving recently. A good result. The lack of revenue growth isn't ideal, but it is the bottom line that counts most in business. Although we don't have analyst forecasts you might want to assess this data-rich visualization of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Has CV Check Ltd Been A Good Investment? Most shareholders would probably be pleased with CV Check Ltd for providing a total return of 110% over three years. As a result, some may believe the CEO should be paid more than is normal for companies of similar size. Story continues In Summary... Remuneration for Rod Sherwood is close enough to the median pay for a CEO of a similar sized company . Shareholders would surely be happy to see that shareholder returns have been great, and the earnings per share are up. Indeed, many might consider the pay rather modest, given the solid company performance! So you may want to check if insiders are buying CV Check shares with their own money (free access). Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free 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. The fund services business which oversaw Neil Woodford's doomed investment empire is under fire for failing to adequately protect savers. Link Fund Solutions, which supervised Woodford's management of his flagship Equity Income fund and smaller Income Focus fund, played a key role in the crisis when it stopped savers withdrawing their money from the funds. It did so to protect investors, as too many wanted to pull their money out and this would have forced Woodford into a fire sale of assets to raise the cash. Link Fund Solutions should have shouted much louder on behalf of investors before Woodford's funds hit crisis point, former City minister Lord Myners said But former City minister Lord Myners said Link should have shouted much louder on behalf of investors before Woodford's funds hit crisis point. He also continued to rake in fees from investors even when they were barred from pulling their money out, collecting a total of 8million during the five months from the suspension of the Equity Income fund to his dismissal in October. Myners said: 'As it is at the moment, you only have one voice around the table and that's the fund manager's. 'There's no one around the table saying 'Should you keep charging fees?' That's what Link should have done.' Myners blamed the Financial Conduct Authority for putting in place weak rules. He added: 'I think the FCA is guilty of creating a real missed opportunity.' Link said it 'continues to act in full accordance with its legal and regulatory obligations, including maintaining its strictly independent stance.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:35:02|Editor: yan Video Player Close WINDHOEK, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry on Monday banned the transportation of mangoes suspected of carrying oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) from neighbouring Zambia as well as the north eastern Zambezi region which borders that country. Public Relations Officer in the Ministry Jona Musheko said the fruits carry Bactrocera dorsalis, a destructive pest that infests fruits where it occurs, and wherever it is found it causes huge crop losses. He said the ban is meant to protect the production of export commodities such as table grapes, watermelon, butternuts and vegetables. The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated that in the past any reasonable suspicion detected in a consignment of commodities being exported to Europe resulted in that market rejecting Namibian products. "It is therefore critical for the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, to maintain the agriculture sector from any plant or animal diseases/pests, most especially those of economic importance." he said. The Namibian government said strict control measures against movement of infected fruits within their borders will continuously be monitored. Australia's east is set to receive its most significant rainfall in months this week, bringing some much-needed relief to bushfire-ravaged communities and firefighters. Rain is expected for much of New South Wales from Tuesday, including firegrounds across the Snowy Mountains, southwest of Sydney and along the south coast, and is predicted to hang around until the weekend. Sydney is forecast to receive its most significant downpour in several months, with forecasts of 2-8mm on Thursday and 5-10mm on Friday. However, the Bureau of Meteorology said it was difficult to predict exactly how much rain would fall because showers will be inconsistent. The Gospers Mountain (pictured in November) mega-blaze northwest of Sydney, which has burned over 512,000 hectares over the last two-and-a-half months, was on Sunday finally brought under control Rain forecast for most of NSW this week is set to provide relief for firefighters and bushfire-ravaged communities (stock) NSW is expected to receive its most significant rainfall in months, this week, providing much-needed relief to bushfire-ravaged communities and firefighters 'The best-case scenario, with the ongoing showers and storms from Wednesday onwards, is that they can really impact and help to extinguish some of the fires,' BoM weather forecaster Sarah Scully said. 'What's difficult to say is the exact location where the heaviest totals are going to be accumulated. 'At least with this heavy rainfall the ground will be more moist and it'll be harder to ignite.' Bega on the south coast was expected to receive between 3mm and 10mm on Thursday, when most rain is predicted to fall. However in Cooma, just 100km inland, greater falls of between 8mm and 25mm are forecast. The NSW Rural Fire Service also warned that there was no guarantee the storms would extinguish the 105 fires that were burning across the state as of Monday night. Officials said the thunderstorms could also create the risk of falling trees and landslips. Fires have destroyed 2,163 homes in NSW this bushfire season, with more than 1,200 having burned down since New Year's Eve. Crews have been working to get the Gospers Mountain fire (pictured) under control since November and have been delayed due to poor weather conditions The wet weather comes as one of the worst NSW blazes was finally brought under control on Sunday. RFS announced firefighters were able to contain the Gospers Mountain mega-blaze northwest of Sydney, which has burned over 512,000 hectares over the last two-and-a-half months. 'Containment took longer than expected due to unfavourable weather conditions, however due to our hardworking crews, we have achieved that today,' the Hawkesbury RFS said on Facebook. 'It is important to remember not to be complacent as there are still a few months of the bushfire season to go with some bushland that still has not been burnt.' BOM meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said while rain would be welcome at the fire grounds, it may also bring dangers to fire-affected landscapes. 'We are looking at a couple of days in a row of some showers and thunderstorms, some of which may produce significant accumulation over those couple of days,' she said. 'It will be quite welcome but there are some extra dangers and risks associated with it as the landscape is quite vulnerable with the fire damage. 'We've lost a lot of vegetations and there is the risk of landslips.' Across NSW on Sunday night there were 122 fires burning, but none were at emergency levels. The Department of Defence said they would use favourable conditions over the next few days to create a 70km-long, 1km-wide firebreak in the Snowy Mountains region. The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting significant rainfall for most of the state to arrive mid-week and hang around until the weekend (stock) Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday paid tribute to 19-year-old Courtney Partridge, who died on November 29 after suffering an asthma attack as a result of smoke in Glen Innes in the New England region. 'The sheer sense of loss, pain, hurt, grief, frustration, fear, particularly well away from the fires where we've seen also that terrible loss of the young girl as the result of an asthma attack,' Mr Morrison said. 'This has I think, created an environment where people for the first time have wanted to see a more direct involvement of the federal government in responding to these national disasters.' The Department of Defence said they would use favourable conditions over the next few days to create a 70km-long, 1km-wide firebreak in the Snowy Mountains region. Pictured: Fire near Lithgow RFS deputy commissioner Rob Rogers confirmed on Sunday that 2,136 NSW homes have been destroyed this fire season. More than 1,200 of those homes have burned down since New Year's Eve. The Catholic Diocese of Sydney held a special service on Sunday for bushfire victims and drought-affect communities at St Mary's Cathedral. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said many Australian priests had flocked to the south coast to assist, or were serving as army reservist By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Former Pope Benedict, in a new book written with a conservative cardinal, defends priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church in what appears to be a strategically timed appeal to Pope Francis to not change the rules. Benedict wrote the book, 'From the Depths of Our Hearts,' with Cardinal Robert Sarah, 74, a Guinean prelate who heads the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Former Pope Benedict, in a new book written with a conservative cardinal, defends priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church in what appears to be a strategically timed appeal to Pope Francis to not change the rules. Benedict wrote the book, "From the Depths of Our Hearts," with Cardinal Robert Sarah, 74, a Guinean prelate who heads the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Excerpts were published on Sunday on the website of the French newspaper Le Figaro. The Vatican had no immediate comment on the book, which is due to be published on Monday. In October, the final document of an assembly of Roman Catholic bishops, or synod, from the Amazon proposed that married men in the remote area be allowed to be ordained priests, which could lead to a landmark change in the Churchs centuries-old discipline of celibacy. Pope Francis will consider it, along with many other proposals on issues that emerged during the synod, including the environment and the role of women, in a document of his own, known as an Apostolic Exhortation. It is expected to be issued in the next few months. In 2013, when he became the first pope in 700 years to resign, Benedict, who lives in the Vatican and is now 92 and in failing health, vowed to remain "hidden from the world". But he has given interviews, written articles and contributed to books, in effect breaking that pledge and cheering conservatives, some of whom do not recognise Francis' legitimacy. Massimo Faggioli, a theologian at Villanova University in the United States, called it "a serious breach" by the former pope, who vowed "unconditional reverence and obedience" to his successor. In his part of the book, Benedict says celibacy, which became a stable tradition in the Church only about 1,000 years ago, carries "great significance" because it allows a priest to concentrate on his vocation. He says "it doesn't seem possible to realise both vocations (priesthood and marriage) simultaneously." In a joint introduction, both men say they could not remain silent about the October synod, which at times led to clashes between progressive and conservative Catholic media outlets, underscoring the polarisation in the 1.3 billion-member Church. The proposal calls for older married men who are already deacons in the Church, have a stable family relationship and are proven leaders in their communities to be ordained as priests after adequate formation. This solution to the shortage of priests, backed by many South American bishops, would allow Catholics in isolated areas to attend Mass and receive the sacraments more regularly. For his part, Sarah says making exceptions to the celibacy rule would be a "a lie" that would set a dangerous precedent. (Editing by Timothy Heritage) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. In the wake of the recent anti-Semitic shooting in Jersey City, N.J. and the machete attack at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, N.Y., news of anti-Semitism in the tri-state area has begun to pierce the mainstream-media bubble. But tensions have existed for decades in the Jewish enclaves that surround New York City. Grafton Thomas, who attacked visitors at the home of rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, has been charged by the Rockland County district attorney with six counts of attempted murder and three counts of assault. One of the victims, Rabbi Josef Neumann, was left in a coma, and his family says he will have permanent brain damage. On Thursday, Thomas was indicted on federal hate-crime charges. Im begging you . . . please stand up and stop this hatred, Neumanns daughter Nicky Kohen said at a press conference at the beginning of January. It cannot keep going on. We want our kids to go to school and feel safe, we want to go our synagogues and feel safe. While Thomass lawyer and his mother insist his attack was the product of mental illness rather than anti-Semitism, Ramapo chief of police Brad Weidel said the attack was clearly motivated by anti-Jewish animus, citing the rather compelling evidence that Thomas had searched for why did Hitler hate the Jews and Zionist temples near me on his cell phone in the days before the attack. The attack in Monsey came on the heels of the anti-Semitic shooting at a Jersey City kosher supermarket, during which the perpetrators, David Anderson and Francine Graham, killed three people. Anderson was alleged to have followed Black Hebrew Israelite theology, which claims that African Americans are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites and that Jews are essentially pretenders to the faith. Anti-Semitism has flared up periodically throughout New York City history, especially in areas such as Crown Heights with a large ultra-Orthodox population. During the Crown Heights Riots in 1991, marchers chanted Heil Hitler! and Death to the Jews! and vandalized Jewish storefronts and homes. The ultra-Orthodox, who dress in distinctive styles for both men and women, seem to be the primary targets of anti-Semitic attacks, many of them by African-American or Hispanic perpetrators. Thomass mother said he was born and raised in Crown Heights, and even acted as a Shabbos goy for Jewish residents. He was eight years old at the time of the riots, although it is not clear if he and his mother were present during the period of violence. Story continues In any case, Anderson and Graham targeted a budding community of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jersey City, who had moved to the area from Brooklyn for lower housing prices and less-crowded living conditions. Rockland County, where Monsey is located, is another area in which a large ultra-Orthodox population has settled after leaving the city. Orthodox Jews now constitute over 31 percent of the population there, the largest Jewish population by percentage of any county in the U.S. Grafton Thomas and his mother moved to Rockland County from Crown Heights. There is no indication that Anderson, Graham, and Thomas attacked Jewish targets for reasons related to outmigration from New York City to the surrounding region. Yet the attacks have rattled ultra-Orthodox in those areas nonetheless, owing in part to preexisting disputes between some ultra-Orthodox communities and the neighboring non-Jewish population in those areas. The various ultra-Orthodox denominations that have settled in towns in upstate New York and northern New Jersey have specific religious practices that affect their living habits. They generally live in close proximity to one another due to restrictions on driving during Shabbat and the necessity of the participation of ten adult males in certain prayers. Following the commandment in Genesis to be fruitful and multiply, ultra-Orthodox families can regularly reach eight or more children, leading to swift increases in population. The subsequent population explosion has increased demand for housing development in the area, worrying non-Jewish residents who say they want to keep their rural way of life intact. At the same time, the ultra-Orthodox community typically constructs developments of townhouses, ensuring that community members live within walking distance of one another and that there are enough Jews in the area to form a prayer congregation. One of the most crucial features of these communities is that ultra-Orthodox Jews vote en masse as a bloc in elections for candidates agreed upon by community leaders. This can transform the local political landscape in their favor. Rural and suburban towns have fought against what they see as development for one specific religious group out of fear that the ultra-Orthodox voting bloc will render longtime residents politically powerless. This can be seen particularly in the realm of public education: Non-Jewish residents question why ultra-Orthodox representatives may sit on a public-school board when ultra-Orthodox children generally use private yeshivas, and only use public-school funds for busing and special-education purposes. (New York state law requires the public-education budget to provide busing services for private schools.) The ultra-Orthodox population is also a heavy user of government resources such as Medicaid and food stamps. This is due to the fact that many of the men either dont work or make low salaries, choosing instead to devote their time to studying religious texts. Many in the community look at the Hasidim as locusts, who go from community to community . . . just stripping all the resources out of it, said a Jewish, but not ultra-Orthodox, resident of upstate New York. The resident, who vociferously objects to ultra-Orthodox development and asked not to be named for fear of retribution by the ultra-Orthodox community, added that nobody here doesnt like them because theyre Jews. People dont like them because of what they do. Rural, hardworking people also want to live our lives too. Because opposition to new residents is directed toward ultra-Orthodox Jews, small towns that resist development risk running afoul of anti-discrimination laws. In only the latest instance, the town of Chester in Orange County has been waging a years-long battle to prevent a development of townhouses that residents charge will be populated only by ultra-Orthodox Jews. In December, New York attorney general Letitia James filed a motion alleging that the town was engaged in discriminatory housing practices, calling the towns actions blatantly anti-Semitic. If town officials brainstorm in public about how to keep the Hasidic out and then go ahead and fabricate the text of documents to create unprecedented restrictions on a fully approved project, you dont have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out whats going on, Livy Schwartz, one of the developers of the project in Chester, told National Review. The Rockland County GOP created controversy in August after airing an ad titled A Storm is Brewing in Rockland County. Using ominous music and footage of storm clouds, the video accused ultra-Orthodox politician Aron Wieder and his supporters of plotting a takeover with a bloc vote and driving overdevelopment in the county. This video is absolutely despicable, the Republican Jewish Coalition, a nation-wide advocacy group, wrote on Twitter. It is pure anti-Semitism, and should be immediately taken down. Other instances of conflict between ultra-Orthodox and non-Jewish residents have cropped up in the past, along with accusations of anti-Semitism. Shulem Deen, a former ultra-Orthodox Jew who lived in Rockland County for a time, criticized the county GOP ad as having a flavor of classic anti-Semitism. Deen also pointed out that he had experienced anti-Semitic incidents in his former town of New Square, when teenagers would sometimes drive through the town shouting slurs at ultra-Orthodox residents. However, he said that the issue of ultra-Orthodox development can lead to legitimate concerns. Whether people have a right to say, you cannot change my environment: thats an interesting question, he said. Do others have a right to settle in a certain vicinity, in a region, and make that place their own? State assemblyman Colin Schmitt, a Republican whose district in Orange County includes Chester, argues that the allegations of anti-Semitism are unfounded and are meant to conceal the attorney generals more cynical motive for interceding in the Chester lawsuit, namely that she wants to protect politically potent special-interest groups. The attorney general, by her action here, is not representing the residents of Chester, Schmitt told National Review. All of a sudden theres an interest shown by her to benefit one private developer. Now that is what this is about. Schmitt emphasized that the town of Chester is a rural, long-time agricultural community that would be altered by the proposed development. There have been longstanding tensions within the community, in Chester and in the larger region . . . many dealing with housing issues, Schmitt went on. We have . . . a welcoming, loving community here that has for years worked on preservation efforts land preservation, natural-resource preservation, preserving the character of the community. The attacks in Jersey City and Monsey may fade from the national conversation over time. But one thing seems certain: These simmering local conflicts, which have existed now for several decades, are not going away. More from National Review 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. Days ahead of the trial of opposition chief Kem Sokha, a court in Cambodias capital has summoned a spokesman for the countrys ruling party to testify at his hearing, drawing concerns from observers who say the move is part of a bid to smear his character. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Monday called Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) spokesman Chhim Phalvorun, who has regularly made comments critical of Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) President Kem Sokha, to act as a witness at Kem Sokhas Jan. 15 trial on charges of treason, which could see him jailed for up to 30 years if convicted. I will say what I know and I will not exaggerate, Chhim Phalvorun, who worked with Kem Sokha when he founded the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) nongovernmental organization in 2002, told RFAs Khmer Service. My testimony will based on integrity, justice and truth. I will not speak based on political alignment or my role [as CPP spokesperson], but based on what I know and what I dont know. When asked about the latest witness called in his clients case, Kem Sokhas lawyer Meng Sopheary told RFA that summoning people for testimony is a normal court procedure, without providing further details. 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. 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. In addition to Chhim Phalvorun, prosecutors have called eight witnesses ahead of Kem Sokhas trial that observers say are either irrelevant to his case or part of a bid to undermine his character, including a land activist, the victim of a land dispute, activists from the CNRP, and an environmental campaigner. Last week, the court summoned a former elected official with the CNRP from Banteay Meanchey province named Leng Vibol who said he had never even spoken to the party chief. Speaking to RFA, political analyst Kim Sok said he doesnt believe that Chhim Phalvorun will be neutral in his testimony. I believe that the goal of his presence in court is to defend the CPP because he is the partys spokesman, so he will act as a lawyer for the ruling party, he said. Seoung Sen Karona, a spokesman for local human rights group Adhoc, told RFA that he doesnt understand why the court has summoned so many people who arent relevant to Kem Sokhas case. This is why we will need to watch closely as to how the trial will be conducted, he said. Security increased Chhim Phalvorun received a summons to testify at Kem Sokas trial as heads of Cambodias national and military police forces issued orders to all security forces throughout the country to take preemptive action to stop people from gathering in a bid to disrupt the proceedings, sources told RFA. The Phnom Penh Post also quoted National Police spokesperson Chhay Kim Khoeun as saying that security will be heightened across Cambodia on Wednesday, especially in the capital and around the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, in preparation for Kem Sokhas trial. We have prepared our security plans, not only in regards to where the trial is taking place, but also the whole of Phnom Penh, Chhay Kim Khoeun told the Post. It is also aimed at maintaining security across the country against any incitement by that group, he added, in an apparent reference to the CNRP. The Post also cited Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Sar Thet as saying that his officers would maintain security around the court to ensure the trial proceeds smoothly and that Kem Sokhas supporters would not be allowed near the building because they could interrupt the trial proceedings. Last week, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court announced that the courtroom for the trial can hold a maximum of 30 people, and Voice of America reported Monday that media outlets and NGOs had been notified that most of the seats were being reserved for diplomatic staff, raising concerns over how the proceedings will be covered. VOA also quoted Licadho senior investigator Am Sam Ath as saying that the trial should be more open to the general public because of the amount of interest Kem Sokhas case has garnered both domestically and within the international community. 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. The European Union will make a decision in February about whether to withdraw Cambodias tariff-free access to its marketplace under the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme for developing countries based on the state of human rights in the nation, including the openness of its political space. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. - Multiple award-winning rapper Cardi B says she wants to be a politician, adding that she really loves government - The American rapper made the disclosure on her official Twitter page on Sunday, January 12 - Cardi B's fans have reacted to the rapper's political aspiration - The American was recently in Nigeria to perform, and since she left the African country, she has been missing the latter - Cardi B is married to fellow rapper Offset, with whom she has a named Kulture American rapper Cardi B has said she wants to be a politician, saying she really loves government even though she does not agree with the government. Legit.ng gathers that the multiple award-winning rapper and mother of one made the disclosure on Twitter on Sunday, January 12. She tweeted: "I think I want to be a politician. I really love government even tho I dont agree with Government (sic)." In a follow-up tweet, the 27-year-old rapper noted that no matter how many weapons a country has, it still needs people. As expected, Cardi B's fans flooded her comment section to react to her political aspiration. Below are some of the reactions: Recall that Cardi B recently announced that she would be filing for her Nigerian citizenship when United States president Donald Trump ordered an airstrike that killed an Iranian commander, Qasem Soleiman in Iraq. Cardi B said the president was jeopardising the lives of American citizens with the crisis between the United States and Iran. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that American rapper Cardi B was taking her quest to become a citizen of Nigeria seriously. Shortly after sharing a post on the microblogging platform, Twitter, about her plans to get a Nigerian citizenship, the Bodak Yellow crooner returned with a different tweet in which she noted that she was trying to pick a tribe to identify with in the country. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Which country would you leave Nigeria for? | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng A man with an extensive history of violent sexual offending 'slipped through the cracks' before he brutally raped and murdered outback nurse Gayle Woodford, the South Australian deputy coroner has heard. Ms Woodford's husband, Keith, says safety issues were repeatedly raised with management but nurses were told 'if you don't like it, leave'. The 56-year-old's body was found buried in a crude grave three days after she went missing from her Fregon home, in South Australia's north, in 2016. Dudley Davey subsequently pleaded guilty to her rape and murder and is serving a minimum 32-year jail term. Gayle Woodford's body was found buried in a crude grave three days after she went missing from her Fregon home in SA's north Dudley Davey subsequently pleaded guilty to her rape and murder and is serving a minimum 32-year jail term It's believed Davey tricked Ms Woodford into opening a security cage around her home and overpowered her as she walked to her ambulance. Opening an inquest into her death on Monday, counsel assisting Ahura Kalali said a 'catalogue of blunders' meant Davey 'slipped through the cracks' and was left unsupervised at the time of the murder. He said Davey should have qualified for the national child offender register which would have allowed police to monitor and share information about him. The inquest will also look into whether an application was made to indefinitely detain him, under a law that locks up offenders unwilling to control their sexual instincts. Husband of Gayle Woodford, Keith Woodford, arrives at the Adelaide Coroners Court in Adelaide, Monday January 13, 2020 Other issues to be examined will be the overall safety of remote area nurses and the presence of police in such communities. An emotional Mr Woodford said his wife was 'very safety conscious', but the nurses were regularly put in situations where they went alone to visit the homes of patients. He rejected claims by a senior executive of Nganampa Health Council that Ms Woodford could have let herself out of the cage for a personal errand when she was attacked. 'That statement is disgusting,' he said. 'To think she was out there doing anything else but her job is absolutely woeful.' Colleague of Gayle Woodford, Belinda Schultz (right) arrives at the Adelaide Coroners Court in Adelaide, Monday January 13, 2020 Ms Woodford's death sparked policy changes designed to protect nurses from similar violent attacks. Mr Woodford said if the laws had been in place earlier, his wife's murder would have been prevented. The court also heard from Ms Woodford's colleague in Fregon, fellow nurse Belinda Schultz. Ms Schultz said medical staff encountered violence almost daily during their work. 'A day without an incident was a good day,' she said. She added that it was not practical or safe for nurses to make assessments from behind the cage, and that it was sometimes opened as a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The inquest is expected to run for two weeks before deputy coroner Anthony Schapel. Kenneth Kimeli, 49, was diagnosed with abnormal enlargement of the heart (Cardiomegaly) in 1997. Doctors attributed his condition to years of drinking and smoking, and now, Kimeli uses his experience to warn young people against the dangers of drug abuse. I started smoking and drinking illicit brews when I joined high school 20 years ago. I progressively began abusing drugs too. I troubled my parents a lot and was transferred to three different schools in their attempt to tame my behaviour. It worked for a while, but when I sat my KCSE five years later and moved away from my parents, I continued drinking and smoking. Two years after I left high school, I started getting weak. I was always too fatigued to perform my daily duties at a painting business I ran. I battled nausea and I was always sweating profusely even when it was cold. I visited many health facilities and received treatment that did little to help. I was worried when, months later, I started experiencing shortness of breath and severe chest pain. A doctor at a hospital in Iten suggested that I get tested for rheumatic fever. Results of the tests at another hospital in Eldoret indeed revealed that I had heart disease. Doctors found that one of my valves was destroyed and that it was interfering with the flow of blood. They also found that my heart was swollen. They said my swollen heart was the reason for my breathing difficulties since it wasnt pumping blood in my body effectively. They attributed my condition to my years of smoking and drinking. The doctors pronouncement shocked me. But I knew that I was reaping what I had sowed all those years of my waywardness. In 1997, when I was diagnosed with the heart complication, little could be done in the country to manage the condition. Only a few hospitals in Nairobi had facilities and expertise to perform open-heart surgeries. These hospitals only attended to critical patients while others were put on treatment to manage their conditions. And so, when doctors decided my condition wasnt very serious, they asked me to continue clinic visits for at least five years. During these clinics, I was given medication to prevent my already swollen heart from overworking. A random check-up at Kenyatta National Hospital, some four years later, found that my heart valve was terribly damaged and the swelling in my heart had increased. In fact, doctors said I risked heart failure. They said it would be a miracle if I lived for two more months in that condition. The noisy valve Something had to be done fast. They fitted me with a temporary metallic valve as I waited for a major surgery to correct the whole of my heart which had become defective. To date, I still cringe at the memory of the metallic valve which used to tick all day and night, giving me sleepless nights. In fact, it was loudest at night when everyone was asleep and everything was silent. I heaved a sigh of relief when doctors started exploring possibilities of open-heart surgery. They, however, made my family understand the complicated nature of the surgery and told us to be ready for any outcome. At this pronouncement, we started looking into other options and my brothers friend recommended a hospital in India. My family sold a lot of property and with additional donations from friends, I travelled to India in July 2002 for my major surgery. I stayed in a coma for five days and woke up with a more sophisticated artificial valve in my heart. Back home, I was attached to a cardiologist who continued managing my condition. I was also put on medication to manage the thickness of my blood. With the artificial valve, blood that is too thick can cause the valve to rapture. And when it is too thin, it can cause bleeding. I also have to monitor my blood pressure as it has a direct impact on the functioning of my heart. While in India, I was introduced to eating 12 meals in a day to regain my weight which had dropped from 70-plus kg to less than 60. And so, when I came back, I had to ensure that I maintained this lifestyle. This prompted me to go back to work the moment I regained my strength. In India, I was told that I would lead a normal life with the artificial valve and that is how it has been. I knew I had got a new chance in life. Though late, I also got married and started a family. Because of my experience, I grab every opportunity I get to talk to young people about the dangers of smoking and drinking. I have also talked to a number of people in Rift Valley who were scared of open-heart surgery and they got convinced that theres life after surgery. Courtesy: Sunday Magazine. Houston Methodist scientists identified a protein found in ovarian cancer that may contribute to declining brain function and Alzheimer's disease, by combining computational methods and lab research. "Our finding suggests another known protein may be coming into play here, which could help us identify a new therapeutic target one day," said Stephen T.C. Wong, Ph.D., lead author and Associate Director of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Cores at Houston Methodist Cancer Center. "These findings may suggest a different role of the protein amyloid beta in neurodegeneration. Many Alzheimer's researchers have focused on amyloid beta alone, or connections between amyloid beta and another protein, tau." In a study published online in the journal EBiomedicine, Wong and his team at the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for BRAIN of Houston Methodist, reported on a new role of OCIAD1 (ovarian cancer immune-reactive antigen domain containing 1). Originally discovered for its effect on ovarian cancer metastasis and stem cell metabolisms, Wong's group found the OCIAD1 protein in human brain cells--and determined it impairs neurons and damages synapses in the brain, contributing to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. "Our research addresses a fundamental question of Alzheimer's disease--how, or if, amyloid beta accumulation that can be seen up to two decades prior to brain function decline is involved in progressive neurodegeneration," said Wong, who is John S Dunn Sr. presidential distinguished chair in biomedical engineering and professor of computer science and bioengineering in oncology at Houston Methodist. "Examining factors that contribute to the progressive decline in people with Alzheimer's will help us develop diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutics." The scientists culled through archived bioinformatics data of brain tissue from deceased Alzheimer's patients, as well as mouse models by blending computational methods with laboratory research. They determined that OCIAD1 plays a role in the disease's progressive neurodegeneration by impairing mitochondria function. Known as the powerhouse of cells, damage to mitochondria results in the trickle-down cell death effect in the brain leading to neuron damage. "We applied a system biology strategy to see if we could find a different mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. We identified OCIAD1 as a new neurodegeneration-relevant factor, predicted its function, and demonstrated it mediates the long-term impact of amyloid beta on cells and synaptic damages by impairing mitochondria function," said Xuping Li, Ph.D., co-corresponding author and an instructor in Wong's group. Alzheimer's research has traditionally focused on a few major themes - the role of the amyloid protein on neuronal loss and how this toxic protein causes injury by interacting with tau. More recently, however, other research considers amyloid beta a bystander and questions whether it causes neuronal degeneration at all. Wong's group next intends to examine whether OCIAD1 plays a role in the interplay between two known changes in Alzheimer's - amyloid beta and tau aggregates. If so, additional research would focus on the potential of OCIAD1 as a biomarker or therapeutic target. The epidemic of Alzheimer's, a disease affecting more than 5.8 million Americans, is expected to increase as the aging population lives longer. According to the Alzheimer's Association and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in the United States, costing an estimated $290 billion in 2019. ### Other researchers collaborating on this paper include Xuping Li, Lin Wang, Matthew Cykowski, Tiancheng He, Timothy Liu, Joshua Chakranarayan, Andreana Rivera, Hong Zhao and Suzanne Powell (Houston Methodist Hospital and Houston Methodist Research Institute), and Weiming Xia (Boston University School of Medicine and Boston VA Medical Center). This study was supported in part by grants from the Ting Tsung & Wei Fong Chao Foundation, John S Dunn Research Foundation, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, and the National Institutes of Health (R01AG057635 and R01AG028928). For more information about Houston Methodist, visit houstonmethodist.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. For more information: OCIAD1 contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease by inducing mitochondria dysfunction, neuronal vulnerability and synaptic damages. EBioMedicine DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.11.030 (online Jan. 13, 2020). Xuping Li, Lin Wang, Matthew Cykowski, Tiancheng He, Timothy Liu, Joshua Chakranarayan, Andreana Rivera, Hong Zhao, Suzanne Powell, Weiming Xia, Stephen T.C. Wong. For weeks, President Donald Trumps advisers have been preparing for the eventuality of an impeachment trial in the Senate, a process that could begin as soon as Wednesday. Some aspects of how Trumps team will approach the trial have yet to be determined, including whether it will seek witnesses and how much time it will ask for to argue its case. But the basic configuration of the team defending the television-savvy president in a made-for-TV congressional event has been established. The two constants will be Pat A. Cipollone, the White House counsel, and Jay Sekulow, who has been Trumps personal lawyer since 2017. Both are expected to have speaking roles during the trial. The truth is, weve been prepared to proceed as soon as the articles were adopted, Sekulow said Sunday. Weve been prepared, we are prepared and we will be prepared for any contingencies. This will be the first outing by Trumps team during the impeachment process after the White House chose not to mount a traditional defence during the House proceedings. For Cipollone, the trial will be a high-profile appearance for the typically low-profile lawyer, who has stayed well below the radar during more than a year in the job. Sekulow, who hosts a daily radio show and is a frequent television commentator, is more accustomed to being in the public eye. There will be other lawyers involved, primarily Cipollones two top deputies, Patrick F. Philbin and Michael M. Purpura, two people familiar with the plans said. Neither was authorized to speak publicly about the formation of the presidents defence. Others may have discreet roles with the team, including famed lawyer Alan Dershowitz, whose appearances on television have impressed Trump, and other members of the White House counsels staff. It remains undetermined whether three of Trumps closest allies among House Republicans Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, Doug Collins of Georgia and John Ratcliffe of Texas will play a role. They had been expected to, at Trumps urging, until the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, advised against it, according to people close to the president. Some close to Trump say that having Ratcliffe involved would be particularly helpful. The congressman helped lead the Republican defence in the House and has told people he is familiar with all the evidence that was presented. Last week, Trumps lawyers met at the White House with Stephen R. Castor, who served as the Republican counsel in the House impeachment hearings, according to people briefed on the discussions. Castor was also at the White House before the final impeachment hearings, along with Republican members of the House, the people briefed on the discussions said. He did not meet privately with the president, but Trump wanted to thank him for his role in the hearings, they said. Trumps lawyers may also decide to expand the team, depending on how the trial unfolds. The shaping of Trumps defence team is playing out against a backdrop of contradicting signals from the president. On Sunday, Trump suggested that instead of holding a trial, the Senate should dismiss the Houses articles of impeachment that charge him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, no pressure Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have, the president wrote on Twitter. I agree! Hours earlier he seemed to endorse a trial, tweeting that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Adam B. Schiff, the Intelligence Committee chairman who led the impeachment inquiry, should be called as witnesses. Indeed, for Trump, who is eager to be cleared and is angered by the fact that the impeachment vote ever happened, there is still a desire to see witnesses called, according to people close to him. But he has also told advisers that he would follow McConnells advice on the best way to proceed. McConnell has told colleagues that witnesses can only complicate matters, and that they open up an avenue of uncertainty. Read more about: Decorating your home can be an expensive business. But these designer lookalikes prove that doesn't have to be the case. Budget retailers including Wilko and B&M offer homeware pieces that look strikingly like high-end versions that are far more expensive. This week Lidl unveiled its latest range that features cushions, candles and coffee tables that wouldn't look out of place in an interiors magazine. So, do you think you can tell the luxury designs from the bargains? Scroll down to see the items side-by-side - then check the answers at the bottom. 1. One of these cushions is high end and the other is budget... But can you tell which is which? 2. One of these tables is 103, the other is 15. So, can you tell which is the bargain? 3. Either of these pineapples would make a statement, but which is more expensive? 4. There is more than 1,500 difference between the prices of these lamps. So which is pricier? 5. These greet velvet bar chairs hit loads of trends, but which one is worth more than 200? 6. Both of these would be lovely to snuggle in, but which one is 10 times more expensive? 7. One of these inviting grey beds would set you back 900 and the other just over 200 8. A jug can add a sophisticated touch to any table... but which of these is the pricier option? 9. Both bean bags look seriously inviting but one costs 429 and the other costs 49.99 10. A rug is a finishing touch to any room, so which of these is four times the price of the other? ANSWERS 1: Right is more expensive Pictured right: Mongolian Faux Fur Cushion in Ochre from B&M (10). Pictured right: the Osia Fluffy Mongolian Wool Cushion Cover by La Redoute (72) 2. Left is more expensive Pictured left: M&S Farley Marble Hexagonal Side Table (103). Pictured right: Marble Effect Side Table by Lidl (14.99) 3. Left is more expensive Pictured left: Pols Potten Pineapple Ornament, Gold by John Lewis (60). Pictured right: Gold Ornament Pineapple by Lidl (4.99) 4. Right is more expensive Pictured left: Argos Home Ceramic Table Lamp - Cream (6). Pictured right: Late 20th White Enameled Ceramic Table Lamp from 1stDibs.com (1,529.07) 5. Left more expensive Pictured left: Liang & Eimil Arden Emerald Green Velvet Bar Stool (199). Pictured right: Dunelm Kendall Velvet Chair - Bottle Green (69) 6. Right more expensive Pictured left: Wilko Pink Supersoft Throw Soft (10). Pictured right: Debenhams Star by Julien Macdonald - Pink faux fur throw (125) 7. Bottom more expensive Pictured top: Ingleside Double (4'6) Upholstered Bed Frame by Wayfair (172.99). Pictured bottom: Loaf Double Smoke Bed in Cobble House Fabric (905) 8. Left more expensive Left: Raawii ceramic jug (100) from Selfridges. Right: Wilko Embossed Pink Tin Jug, 6 9. Right more expensive Pictured left: 49.99 Faux Fur Bean Bag by Aldi. Right: Limelace Giant Faux Fur Beanbag, 429 10. Right is more expensive Supermarket giant Woolworths has bought a majority stake in Sydney-based liquor seller Shorty's in an effort to bolster its $10 billion Endeavour Drinks division before a planned spin-off later this year. Endeavour chief executive Steve Donohue said the acquisition would develop "new growth avenues" for the beverage unit which owns bottle shops BWS and Dan Murphy's as well as hundreds of pubs and pokie operators. Woolworths has acquired a majority stake in Sydney company Shorty's to boost its corporate delivery power. Credit:Ben Rushton Shorty's, founded in 2001 by entrepreneur David Short, offers both business-to-business and traditional liquor delivery across Sydney. But it was the company's corporate customers that attracted Woolworths' interest. The company's client list includes prominent financial services, legal and advertising businesses in Sydney, and Mr Donohue said the retailer would be looking to establish a "bigger presence" in the business to business market. Otago Global Health Institute invests in research with Fiji and East Timor The Otago Global Health Institute, a flagship research centre of the University of Otago, is investing in new research initiatives in collaboration with the Fiji National University and the National University of East Timor to help address health problems in these countries. Co-director of the Otago Global Health Institute, Professor Philip Hill, says the Institute is investing $100,000 in five new research projects over the next two years. "We hope to lay the foundation for long-term research collaborations, which will lead to research that addresses the most pressing health problems in Fiji and East Timor." One of the initiatives involves a staff member from the Fiji National University, Sakiusa Cabe Baleivanualala, who has been awarded a PhD Scholarship by the University of Otago, to conduct a study into the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at the country's main hospital in Suva. His supervisor will be Associate Professor James Ussher from the Division of Health Sciences. Institute Co-director Dr Patrick Vakaoti explains the initiative is a statement of intent to work together with fellow researchers in Fiji and East Timor to build collaboration and capacity to conduct internationally-competitive research, under the Memoranda of Understanding that have been established. The other four research projects begin next year. Dr Gade Waqa from the new Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research, based at Fiji National University's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, will lead a mixed methods study to explore determinants of behaviour, along with knowledge and practice in relation to non-communicable disease in Fijian women. Dr Vakaoti will be her primary research partner at Otago. Dr Joao Martins from the National University of East Timor will lead an epidemiological study to measure the prevalence of tobacco users among adolescents aged 13 to 15 in Dili. The study will also assess factors that influence adolescents taking up smoking. His primary collaborator will be Professor Richard Edwards from the University of Otago, Wellington. People living with HIV in Fiji will be the focus of Professor Miguel E. Quinones-Mateu's research from the University of Otago's Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Professor Quinones-Mateu will use a deep sequencing-based HIV genotyping assay to fully characterise genomically, for the first time, the HIV epidemic in people living with HIV in Fiji. His primary research collaborator will be Atlesh Nand Sudhakar from the Fiji National University. The National Programme Manager for HIV/Aids for the Ministry of Health in East Timor, Dr Sheena Viegas, will lead a project to assess a new HIV testing protocol and propose a new HIV diagnostic algorithm for East Timor. Her primary research collaborator is Dr Sue McAllister who leads the AIDS Epidemiology Group at the University of Otago. Fiji National University's Associate Dean Research, Dr Donald Wilson, who is also the Director of the new Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research, welcomes the collaborative initiative with the Otago Global Health Institute. "This comes at a strategic juncture for our College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the University as a whole. The new Fiji Institute for Pacific Health Research was established to better co-ordinate all research conducted by our College staff and students. "There is no doubt that the relationship with the Otago Global Health Institue will benefit not just both countries and institutions but the greater Pacific region." Dr Martins, who is himself a graduate in public health from the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Otago University, says this initiative is more than welcome. "We are excited at UNTL to get this new research initiative underway. We will be working collaboratively with our fellow researchers from the University of Otago to conduct this proposed research in 2020. "We hope that the implementation of this seed grant will strengthen the relationship between UNTL and Otago University and that it will also contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of Timorese people through research." The Otago Global Health Institute is a research centre within the University of Otago with staff from a variety of departments and divisions working together on global health initiatives. Its main aim is to work with partners both in New Zealand and globally to help find solutions to tackle pressing global health problems. ### For further information, contact: Professor Philip Hill McAuley Professor of International Health Tel 03 479 9462 Mob 021 279 7214 Email Philip.hill@otago.ac.nz Dr Donald Wilson Associate Dean, Research Fiji National University Tel +679 805 3931 Email Donald.wilson@fnu.ac.fj Liane Topham-Kindley Senior Communications Adviser Tel 03 479 9065 Mob 021 279 9065 Email liane.topham-kindley@otago.ac.nz This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. WASHINGTON Department of Justice officials were consulted before President Donald Trump ordered a strike that killed a top Iranian general, Attorney General William Barr said on Monday. "Frankly I didn't think it was a close call," Barr told reporters. "The president clearly had the authority to act as he did. ... We had a situation where the Iranians had already embarked on a series of escalating violent actions taken against our allies, taken against the American people, our troops, with the avowed purpose of driving us out of the Middle East." Barr's comments come amid growing questions about the Trump administration's justification for killing Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who led an elite unit of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps. The president and his national security advisers have offered shifting accounts about what prompted the decision to target Soleimani as he left the Baghdad International Airport earlier this month. Barr declined to say when the Justice Department was first consulted on the operation, but he described Soleimani as a legitimate target. This was a legitimate act of self defense, Barr said in his first public comments on the strike. Attorney General William Barr In Congress, Democrats and some Republicans have questioned assertions by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials that Soleimani was plotting an "imminent" attack that would have put American lives at risk. "The briefing was incredibly thin on facts," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said after Trump administration officials gave lawmakers a classified briefing on the matter last week. To the extent facts were provided, Van Hollen said, "they did not support any claim of an imminent threat that would justify the actions they've taken with respect to eliminating Soleimani." Pompeo later seemed to back away from the claim that an attack was "imminent." He told Fox News last week, "We dont know precisely when and we dont know precisely where" the attack was supposed to occur. Story continues Then on Friday, Trump told Fox News that Soleimani was planning an attack against four U.S. embassies, including the one in Baghdad a detail his Pentagon chief did not support in a subsequent interview. I can reveal that I believe it probably wouldve been four embassies, Trump told the "Ingraham Angle." But on Sunday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he had not seen specific evidence that Iran planned an imminent attack on four U.S. embassies, as Trump claimed. Esper said he and others in the administration shared the president's belief that the embassies were potential targets. And he said intelligence suggested an attack would unfold in a "matter of days" and would hit multiple targets. "There was going to be an attack within a matter of days that would be broad in scale in other words, more than one country and that it would be bigger than previous attacks," Esper said Sunday on CBS News' "Face the Nation." Barr echoed other administration defenses of the strike as designed to disrupt imminent attacks on U.S. interests. But he declined to elaborate on the timing of those plans, saying he didn't believe there was a requirement for the U.S. to know the specific timing of a pending strike. "Our ability to deter attacks had obviously broken down," the attorney general said, referring to a series of escalating confrontations between Washington and Tehran that preceded Soleimani's killing. "The Iranians had been given a number of red lines and were crossing those lines," Barr said. "They obviously felt that they could attack us and continue these escalating attacks with impunity." On Monday, Trump again defended his decision and said the accounts he and others have given have been "totally consistent." "We killed Soleimani, the number one terrorist in the world by every account. Bad person, killed a lot of Americans, killed a lot of people," the president said. Iraqi leaders have denounced the strike as a "political assassination" and a violation of their country's sovereignty. They are now pushing for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, which Trump has rejected. Iran retaliated for Soleimani's killing by launching more than a dozen ballistic missiles at an Iraqi base that houses American troops. No one was killed in the Iranian attack. Trump vs. Tehran: Iraqis caught in the middle This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AG Barr: President Trump had clear authority to kill Iran's Soleimani U.S. military officers inspected the site of an Iranian missile attack on U.S. forces at an air base in Iraq on Monday (January 13). Iran launched 16 short-range ballistic missiles in the early hours of Wednesday morning (January 8), with at least 11 hitting Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base and one striking a facility in Erbil. Satellite pictures of Ain al-Asad base before and after the strikes showed damage, including to aircraft hangers. U.S. President Donald Trump said no Americans were harmed in the strikes, which Iran said it launched in retaliation for the killing last week in Iraq of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. WASHINGTON As the Senate prepares to try President Donald Trump in an impeachment trial over his attempts to pressure Ukraine into helping his reelection campaign, Ukrainian American businessman Lev Parnas, a key player in that effort, is sharing new documents with the House Intelligence Committee. The trove of new records includes the contents of several devices that were seized by authorities in October, when Parnas was arrested on campaign finance charges. More than 700 pages of documents authorities removed from Parnas' home have also been turned over. On Sunday, Parnas' lawyer, Joseph Bondy, tweeted that he had traveled to Washington over the weekend to deliver the contents of a cell phone directly to the Intelligence Committee, which oversaw the impeachment investigation into Trump. BONDY TWEET On Monday, the federal judge presiding over Parnas' trial on campaign finance charges in New York agreed to a request from Bondy that Parnas be permitted to share the contents of additional devices with the House committee: an Apple iPhone, a Samsung phone and an Apple iPad. It was the second such request in recent weeks the first was approved by the judge on Jan. 3. The documents pertain to Parnas' role in a multiyear effort led by Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, to dig up dirt in Ukraine on Trump's political opponents, including former Vice President Joe Biden. Parnas and Giuliani were business associates, and Parnas served as Giuliani's translator, advisor and fixer in Ukraine. As the Senate prepares to conduct a trial of the president later this month, Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has vowed to continue investigating new leads, with an eye toward strengthening the case House Democrats plan to mount against Trump in the Senate. Bondy declined to reveal to CNBC what was in the new Parnas documents, but if it is compelling enough, then it could potentially be incorporated into evidence presented at Trump's Senate trial. On Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also left the door open to potential additional articles of impeachment against the president. "Well, let's just see what the Senate does," Pelosi, a California Democrat, said in response to a question from ABC's George Stephanopoulos about whether the House might file additional charges against Trump. Pelosi added, "The ball will be in their court soon." Pelosi has so far held off on transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate, but told her colleagues Friday that she had instructed the House to move forward with the delivery of articles this week. The Parnas documents are the latest in a series of new materials about the Trump administration's policy towards Ukraine that have come to light since mid-December, when the House voted to approve two articles of impeachment against Trump. These include emails that show that U.S. military aid to Ukraine was halted on July 25, the same day Trump spoke to Ukraine's president and asked for help investigating Trump's political rivals. The records are also part of an ongoing effort by Parnas, who has pleaded not guilty in the campaign finance case, to respond to a subpoena he received from the Intelligence Committee last fall. Parnas initially refused to comply with the subpoena on the advice of his then-lawyer, John Dowd, whom he later dismissed. Dowd, a former attorney for the president, still represents Parnas' business partner, Igor Fruman. Current and former national security officials who testified last year described Parnas as a ubiquitous figure in the shadow foreign policy that Trump allegedly instructed Giuliani to carry out in Ukraine on his behalf. In the Intelligence Committee's final report of its findings, released in December, Parnas' name appeared more than 80 times. Trump was impeached on two articles stemming from his monthslong campaign to pressure Ukraine into launching investigations into Biden, the frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, and other domestic political opponents. The pressure tactics allegedly included withholding congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia-backed separatists. The first article of impeachment charges that Trump abused the power of the presidency, and the second alleges that he obstructed Congress by prohibiting top administration officials from testifying about the Ukraine scheme. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. Its hard to succeed in politics without good press. Whether its running for elected office, building support for a policy change or communicating the aims of an agency or organization, its not always easy to craft a coherent message let alone deliver it in a way that garners attention. The good news? There are plenty of communications professionals who want to help. While other PR lists feature firms representing well-known brands, multinational corporations and cultural attractions, typically with a national or even global scope, City & States first Political PR Power 50 offers something new: a ranking of the best strategic communications pros in New York politics and policy. Our list includes seasoned veterans of political campaigns, heads of mid-sized outfits with specialties in areas like tech or nonprofits, and scrappy one- or two-person shops that punch above their weight. Our list does include some heavyweights like Edelman and BCW but highlights only those executives who play a role in New York politics. In addition to assessing a firms activity and influence in Albany and New York City Hall, this ranking is based on an array of factors, including noteworthy accomplishments, especially in the past 12 months, the number of employees at a firm, and the size and portfolio of clients. 1. Jennifer Cunningham & Josh Isay SKDKnickerbocker Partners, SKDKnickerbocker SKDKnickerbocker, which is owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and longtime Clinton ally Mark Penn, is a major player in Washington, D.C., and led by executives who handled communications for the Obama campaign and administration but dont overlook the Knickerbocker part of its name, which reflects a presence in New York that is hard to overstate. Partner Jennifer Cunningham, a former political director at 1199SEIU, is one of New Yorks savviest communications strategists, helping Gov. Andrew Cuomo legalize same-sex marriage in 2011 and assisting some of the states most prominent Democratic candidates. Another partner, Josh Isay, was the campaign manager on Charles Schumers upset of then-U.S. Sen. Al DAmato in 1998 and served as his first chief of staff. Isay was among the leadership at Knickerbocker Consulting, which merged with Washington-based Squier Knapp Dunn in 2010. Over the years, the firm has represented former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, 1199SEIU and the Greater New York Hospital Association. In Albany, where Paterson administration alumnus Morgan Hook opened an office in 2011, the firm celebrated a number of policy victories for its clients last year, including sweeping climate change legislation, the Child Victims Act, congestion pricing, criminal justice reforms, drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants and the reversal of more than $1 billion in proposed health care cuts. 2. Valerie Berlin & Jonathan Rosen Thomas Hoeffgen Principals and Co-founders, BerlinRosen BerlinRosen is known for its long-standing ties to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, but its reach extends far beyond Gracie Mansion. Its real estate clients are reshaping the city skyline, from Larry Silversteins 3 World Trade Center to SL Greens One Vanderbilt to Two Trees Managements River Street Project at Domino Park. Its growing tech practice includes Alphabets Sidewalk Labs and Cornell Tech. In the nonprofit space, it spotlights foster care issues for the Fair Futures Campaign, helped Coalition for the Homeless prod the city to set aside more affordable housing units for the homeless, and is assisting the launch of the $3 billion Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. The Democratic takeover in the state Senate where Valerie Berlin and Jonathan Rosen both worked before launching their firm in 2005 has ushered in a new era in Albany that aligns with the duos progressive politics. The firm also reps MGM Resorts, which hopes to convert Yonkers Empire City Casino to a full-fledged casino, and Drug Policy Alliance in its push to legalize recreational marijuana. It also handles political candidates, including stepping in to assist Queens district attorney candidate Tiffany Caban in a hotly contested recount. BerlinRosen, which now has 182 staffers, also has offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. 3. Jon Silvan Global Strategy Group Founding Partner and CEO, Global Strategy Group Global Strategy Group has come a long way since its launch as a polling firm, capitalizing on its expertise in crunching numbers to expand into public affairs and strategic communications. Jon Silvan, who co-founded the firm a quarter century ago, has positioned it as a national player representing candidates, companies and causes at the intersection of business and politics. In New York, Global Strategy Group has advised many of the states leading Democrats, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Letitia James, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a dozen members of the House of Representatives, and other local and state elected officials. Silvan assisted Silverstein Properties as it rebuilt the World Trade Center site and has also worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Global Strategy Group, which has a half-dozen offices across the country and works with dozens of major companies, also has represented big New York players like Airbnb, 1199SEIU and 32BJ SEIU, and a handful of city and state agencies. 4. Steven Rubenstein Rubenstein President, Rubenstein Founded in 1954 by Howard Rubenstein, who remains its chairman, the firm boasts some 400 clients, including such New York City institutions as the New York Yankees, the Museum of Modern Art and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Also in its portfolio are real estate firms Tishman Speyer, Vornado Realty Trust and Douglas Elliman as well as Con Edison, Loews Corp., NewYork-Presbyterian and News Corp. Steven Rubenstein, Howards son and the firms president, handles the companys day-to-day operations and has driven expansion into new industries including tech, with giants like Netflix and Uber on board. The well-connected executive sits on the boards of the Mayors Fund to Advance New York City, Friends of the High Line and the Partnership for New York City, and chairs the Association for a Better New York. 5. Neal Kwatra & Austin Shafran Laura Jane Brett Founder and CEO; President, Metropolitan Public Strategies Since founding Metropolitan Public Strategies in 2013, Neal Kwatra has led some of the most hotly contested political and advocacy campaigns in New York, from waging battles in the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Councils war against Airbnb to driving the New York Immigration Coalitions groundbreaking campaign to legalize drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. In between helping elect prominent New York Democrats, Kwatra has helped secure major legislative achievements, including the states $15 minimum wage. Last year, the firms clients pushed lawmakers to strengthen the states tenant protections, reform its bail laws and other criminal justice policies, and pass sweeping climate change legislation. The firm was also behind the campaign that successfully championed a law allowing stop-arm cameras to be installed on school buses and is working with rsted, the developer behind the first offshore wind project near Long Islands coast. Along with the firms No. 2, Austin Shafran, who has had stints with the Working Families Party and the state Senate Democratic conference, the firm is gearing up for major election fights looming in New York primaries in 2020 and 2021. When Onondaga County residents flee to Florida, where do they go? The IRS knows. Tax returns are confidential, but the IRS releases summary data to the public that can be used to show migration from county to county across the U.S. The Empire Center, a New York state government think tank, crunched the numbers over 7 years and identified Florida as the No. 1 destination for New Yorkers leaving the state. Onondaga County lost a net 5,227 residents to Florida between 2011 and 2018. That is not a mass exodus. The countys population has only declined by about 1 percent in that time. But it is interesting to see the patterns. E.J. McMahon, research director for the Empire Center for Public Policy, speculates Onondaga County is losing two types of people: Small business owners who recently cashed out for millions and want to avoid the estate tax. Young people looking for opportunity. The following maps show the number of tax filers who moved from Onondaga County to each Florida county. Click on each star to see the number of filers, the number of exemptions (filers and children) and the total adjusted gross income they claimed for one tax year. Here are the numbers behind the above 2017-18 map: Florida County Number of tax filers Number of exemptions (typically filers and children) Average adjusted gross income Hillsborough 55 103 $45,691 Lee 55 94 $112,909 Orange 53 88 $51,302 Pinellas 49 72 $52,714 Broward 41 65 $43,878 Palm Beach 41 56 $65,854 Sarasota 40 70 $131,675 Pasco 39 55 $47,615 Volusia 36 56 $44,333 Duval 34 82 $70,206 Polk 33 58 $71,303 Brevard 28 53 $56,214 Manatee 28 43 $91,643 Miami-Dade 26 38 $36,346 Marion 24 35 $49,708 Lake 22 42 $46,773 Total 17-18 1,994 3,106 $56,810 The data data shows a pattern of families with children and low incomes moving to urban centers like Hillsborough County. Thats home to Tampa. For example, click on the Tampa-area star to see: 155 filers and dependents moved to Hillsborough County, Florida. Their average annual income was $45,557. Here are the numbers behind the above 2017-18 map: Florida County Number of tax filers Number of exemptions (typically filers and children) Average adjusted gross income Hillsborough 88 155 $43,557 Palm Beach 87 164 $82,621 Pinellas 83 142 $77,807 Lee 71 138 $137,972 Orange 60 110 $57,033 Volusia 58 89 $56,190 Pasco 51 104 $55,039 Polk 50 79 $37,360 Broward 45 55 $63,844 Brevard 44 81 $59,545 Miami-Dade 37 62 $42,270 Sarasota 34 50 $63,765 Duval 33 59 $76,394 Lake 32 56 $69,219 Manatee 28 51 $78,429 Seminole 28 54 $55,143 St. Lucie 27 49 $57,815 Sumter 23 40 $83,652 Total 16-17 3,540 5,835 $59,657 There was a noticeable spike in the 2015-16 tax year that shows either one very wealthy person or a handful of millionaires moved to two Florida counties. For example, 23 filers who moved from Onondaga County to Collier County, Florida filed federal income taxes on a combined $75 million in gross adjusted income for just one year. Collier County is home to Naples and Marco Island. (Zoom in on the maps to see which cities are near each star.) Here are the numbers behind the above 2015-16 map: Florida county Number of tax filers Number of exemptions (typically filers and children) Average adjusted gross income Hillsborough 104 183 $58,298 Palm Beach 74 134 $79,257 Lee 68 114 $60,765 Pinellas 64 105 $63,109 Orange 57 98 $45,053 Volusia 45 77 $55,378 Broward 43 69 $54,953 Polk 38 79 $29,868 Miami-Dade 35 54 $30,743 Sarasota 34 63 $1,992,088 Duval 33 60 $80,788 Manatee 32 48 $$79,156 Lake 30 58 $66,167 Brevard 28 59 $66,750 Pasco 27 42 $38,296 Collier 23 41 $3,275,870 Sumter 22 38 $83,182 Total 15-16 757 1,322 $244,024 The data was provided by the Empire Center. The IRS does not release county-to-county data when there are fewer than 10 filers. Read more: NYs declining population: Whos leaving Onondaga County and where do they go? Search residential and commercial real estate purchases each week on Syracuse.com. Records for Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego are updated each week. Contact the author: Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186. 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 (Natural News) News about President Trumps decision to take out Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani has created quite the uproar, especially on the Left. But if lost lives are such a concern to Democrats that theyre now proposing a resolution to stop Trump from taking any more of them in the Middle East, then will they also take a stand for the approximately 400,000 unborn human lives that Planned Parenthood will murder in 2020? The most recent annual report put out by the nations largest abortion provider reveals that in an average year, Planned Parenthood terminates the lives of about 400,000 babies. This means that almost half a million human lives are executed while still in the womb every year, even as liberals continue to whine about border cages and children being separated from their parents. Somehow, its no big deal to tear tiny human bodies limb from limb in the name of reproductive rights. But the minute President Trump decides to eradicate a known terrorist for committing atrocities against other humans, the patron saints of the Democratic Party come out of the woodwork to cry about human rights abuses and the desperate need to stop the orange man in the White House from doing his job as Commander-in-Chief. Today we will have a resolution on the floor put forth by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin were very proud of her experience in terms of National Security, under Democratic and Republican presidents, now a member of Congress putting forth a resolution this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stumbling through her words, announced at her weekly press conference. 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. Last week, in our view, the president and the administration conducted a provocative and disproportionate airstrike against Iran which endangered Americans, and did so without consulting Congress, Pelosi went on to stake, making no mention of the thousands of drone strikes that occurred at the direction of Barack Obama, presumably without the prior congressional consultation that Pelosi believes Trump should have had. Why does the Left hate unborn human life but adore terrorist human life? Pelosi also compared the killing of Soleimani to the killing of the second most important person in the [United States], or Vice President Mike Pence. Whether she meant this as a simple comparison of position or a comparison of actual character and status between the two men remains unknown. Nevertheless, the signaling coming from the Left is suggestive of human loss of life being a tragedy, even when the human in question was a terrorist. But this same Left completely ignores the fact that hundreds of thousands of innocent human lives are aborted every year by Planned Parenthood. In fact, the Left actually celebrates death by abortion and infanticide as some kind of virtue, even as they mope around in mourning over Soleimanis death by drone strike. The Left would rather see untold numbers of innocent babies killed than even a single terrorist, it seems, because terrorists are more valuable than the unborn to leftists. The Left would also prefer to target Trump and put American lives at risk than to let Trump do his job, which often involves putting terrorists lives at risk. This isnt to say that the president shouldnt be consulting with Congress and getting its approval before going to war the Constitution requires this, it turns out. But the way the Left is ballyhooing about Soleimani while remaining completely silent about abortion genocide in this country speaks volumes as to the misplaced priorities of Leftists. To keep up with the latest news about the genocide thats happening in womens wombs, be sure to visit Abortions.news. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com PlannedParenthood.org YouTu.be NaturalNews.com Local circumstances limit the extent to which Iran and its proxies can retaliate against the US in Lebanon and Syria. On January 3, a US drone strike killed Iranian General Qassim Soleimani, head of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), shortly after he landed in Baghdad following a visit to Lebanon and Syria. On January 8, the Iranian regime retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at military bases in Iraq housing American and Iraqi forces. While direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran remains improbable in the foreseeable future, there are questions about what implications the current escalation might have for Lebanon and Syria, especially since Soleimani was the main architect of Iranian expansion in the Levant. However, Iran might face limitations for any retaliatory actions in Lebanon and Syria it may consider. Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, who had a close relationship with Soleimani, was the first proxy leader within the Iranian orbit to speak publicly after the assassination. When officials came to offer condolences, an image of Nasrallah was seen on display at Soleimanis home, which speaks of the status he enjoys within the Iranian regime compared to leaders of other Iranian proxies. In his January 5 speech, Hezbollahs leader said it is time for US forces to leave the region and the way to accelerate that is to attack its military positions (rather than civilians). He also made it clear that members of the Iran-led axis of resistance, which includes Hezbollah, will decide themselves how to respond to the US, regardless of what Tehran does. In his second speech, on January 12, Nasrallah took this matter further by urging that it is time for the axis of resistance to start working on driving out US forces. Since 2006, Hezbollah has acquired some form of autonomy from the Iranian regime in handling issues related to Lebanon even though the Lebanese armed group became more dependent on the Iranian regime for funding as a result of US sanctions against Lebanese banks and businesses that deal with Hezbollah. It remains to be seen if that autonomy will remain in place after the killing of Soleimani as Iran would expect more from its allies. In a January 9 speech, IRGC Air Force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh made it clear that Iran expects its proxies to take action. Speaking in front of the flags of Iranian backed-armed movements, including Hezbollah, he said that the next phase of retaliation will be undertaken by what he called the resistance front. Although Hezbollah has the capabilities, experience and internal structures led by Samer Abdallah, son-in-law of former Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh, assassinated in a 2008 CIA-Mossad operation in Syria to carry out clandestine activities abroad, it stands to lose more than gain from any operation that is seen as a retaliation for Soleimanis killing. Taking military action against the US or Israel in Lebanon or on its border also seems far-fetched at this point, given the dire economic crisis in the country and the growing frustration among the Shia community which was on display during the ongoing protests. The Lebanese protests might have a lasting impact on Lebanon more than the killing of Soleimani. Political changes they triggered managed to break apart the 2016 presidential deal backed by a tacit US-Iranian understanding that led to the selection of Michel Aoun as president and Saad Hariri as prime minister. Although Hariri resigned on October 29 under public pressure, he has not cut ties with Hezbollah and appears hopeful of making a comeback at some point. It is not clear whether the latest round of US-Iranian tensions will change his calculus and force him to revert to anti-Hezbollah rhetoric, but his lack of funding and his political weakness could make him less inclined to go down that route. Saudi Arabia, supposedly the main regional backer of Hariri, does not seem invested in playing a major role in Lebanon, nor in escalating tensions with Iran in the foreseeable future. The renewed US-Iranian tensions, however, might complicate the cabinet formation process, as the country faces a looming financial crisis. Hezbollah and its allies might become keener on placing veteran politicians in key ministerial posts instead of technocrats as the protesters have demanded since emerging regional developments would require certain foreign policy positions from the Lebanese government. This might trigger political tensions in the country if Hariri or the US perceived the new cabinet as pro-Hezbollah. Meanwhile, any retaliatory action in Lebanons neighbour, Syria, might also be restrained. While Hezbollah has significantly reduced its role in Syria, partially due to increasing frustration among its constituents in Lebanon, the group could re-emerge and potentially exploit weak points of the US forces either in northeast Syria or around al-Tanf military base near the Iraqi-Jordanian-Syrian border but this might come at a cost of US retaliation through airstrikes. Iran too could take action in Syria, especially in the face of continuing airstrikes on its positions by Israeli jets most recently on January 10 in the Bukamal area on the Iraqi-Syrian border. Israels emboldened operations in Syria might prompt Tehran to reinforce deterrence by switching to an offensive posture. But both Hezbollah and Iran will be limited in what they can do by Russias dominant presence. On January 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a visit to Syria before his trip to Turkey, which was meant as a reminder that Russia will not allow the US and Iran to move their confrontation to Syria. If Iran decides to target US forces in Syria, this might complicate its coordination and competition with Russia. Even though Moscow wants to ultimately have US forces leave Syria, for now it does not want this to happen by force under its watch. Moreover, an Iranian move against the US in Syria might also antagonise Turkey given the current arrangements in northeast Syria, and this does not serve Iranian interests since Ankara was supportive of Tehran, in rhetoric at least, after the killing of Soleimani. Iranian-backed groups in Syria are also not prepared and disciplined enough (compared to Hezbollah) to carry out a major offensive. The assassination of Soleimani, who helped nurture close relationships with the leaders of Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, is a setback for Iranian influence in the region. However, his leadership of the Quds Force was not a one-man show and Iranian institutions will carry on his legacy even if the frequency and intimacy of communications with proxy leaders may no longer be the same. At the same time, despite the fiery rhetoric coming out of Tehran, a military response against the US or US interests in Lebanon and Syria seems less likely. In fact, both the US and Iran have little wiggle room to manoeuvre in these two countries where they may opt for less aggressive tactics. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. DUBAI, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The new U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran are symbolic, a sanctioned commander of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards said on Friday, after Washington imposed fresh restrictions in retaliation for Tehrans missile attack on U.S. targets in Iraq. Imposing sanctions is symbolic for America and for me because this measure will have no economic impact and will not compensate for (Irans) missile barrage (on U.S. targets) and will not bring respect for Washington, tweeted Mohsen Rezaie. It is symbolic for me ... And I am proud to be sanctioned by America. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Catherine Evans) Reuters Seattle, the Pacific Northwest city where home-grown online retailer Amazon.com has increasingly flexed its political muscle, is expected to approve on Monday legislation banning political contributions by companies with at least five percent foreign ownership. The move is likely to trigger renewed debate on the legality of corporate donations in US elections while drawing an immediate court challenge. A six-member committee of Seattle City Council has already unanimously approved the measure, making it almost certain that the full nine-member council will pass it on Monday. The bill is widely viewed as aimed at reining in political spending from companies such as Amazon.com. Amazon, Seattle's largest employer, donated a record $1.5 million to back a slate of pro-business candidates in the November council elections a campaign that was largely unsuccessful. (Also read: How Facebook, Twitter, Google are going to handle political ads, prior to US 2020 elections) At least nine percent of Amazons stock is owned by foreign investors, according to financial data provider Refinitiv. A spokesman for Amazon, which has been butting heads with the city for two years over attempts to levy more taxes on the company, declined to comment. What they are proposing is likely an unconstitutional backdoor ban on US companies speaking about local elections, Jim Manley, an attorney with the conservative Pacific Legal Foundation, told Reuters. The US Supreme Courts 2010 Citizens United ruling struck down limits on political contributions by corporations or unions. Companies and unions may not give money directly to campaigns but may spend unlimited amounts on ads and other means. The legislation before the Seattle City Council says that companies that have at least five percent of their shares held by foreigners, or one percent by a single foreigner, are subject to foreign influence and therefore cannot participate in elections. Amazon's $1.5 million political donation for Seattle's November elections represented more than half of the nearly $2.7 million raised by a Super Pac for those elections. Four years ago, Amazon donated $25,000. Super Pacs may accept unlimited contributions from any non-foreign source. Amazon began to prominently flex its political muscle in May 2018 when the Seattle council approved an employee "head tax" on the city's largest companies, in order to combat a housing crisis. Just four weeks later, the City Council repealed the tax after a coalition of businesses, with Amazon at the forefront, mounted a well-financed campaign for a referendum to repeal the tax. Seattle is not the first city to take aim at campaign spending. St. Petersburg, Florida, approved a similar ordinance on foreign-influenced corporations in 2017 that has not yet been challenged in court. A 32-year-old Houston woman was charged with murder this week in the death of an unborn child in a car crash that police say happened because she was driving drunk. Elene Lujan was charged with murder and intoxicated assault with a vehicle after getting into an argument on Jan. 7 with a pregnant passenger in her Toyota Camry, according to the Houston Police Department. ATLANTA, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual cafe concept known for both its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, announced today its significant achievements in 2019, reporting its eighth consecutive year of same-store sales growth. During 2019, the brand opened 124 cafes in key markets throughout the U.S. such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Tampa and Chicago and signed 213 franchise agreements, with more than 60% of those agreements coming from its existing franchisees. As a result of its rapid expansion and success achieved, Tropical Smoothie Cafe was recognized amongst Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers, Nation's Restaurant News' Top 200 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Chains, Franchise Times' Fast and Serious, as well as Entrepreneur's Best Franchises for Any Budget lists in 2019. "We're proud to reflect on 2019, recognizing it as a record-breaking year for Tropical Smoothie Cafe as we opened more cafes and sold more franchise agreements than any other year in our company history. To top it off, we experienced same-store sales twice the industry average, further positioning us as a standout brand in the segment and a viable investment strategy for experienced multi-unit operators or those looking to franchise for the first time," said Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. "As we enter a new decade, our goal is to continue propelling the success and profitability of our dedicated franchisees, existing and new, by investing heavily in operations execution and support, the digital guest experience and technology to support cafe operations." The brand's aggressive growth goals for the Midwest and Western United States resulted in major milestones, opening its 750th cafe in Sugar Land, Texas and its 800th cafe in Arlington Heights, Illinois. These expansion efforts have been followed by the signing of several multi-unit franchise agreements in various markets throughout the two regions. "This year we've achieved numerous development milestones for the brand that position Tropical Smoothie Cafe for even greater accomplishment in 2020," said Cheryl Fletcher, SVP of franchise development for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. "Our franchisees' unparalleled commitment to the brand and the communities they serve drive our expansion efforts and sustain the growth momentum we are experiencing. We will continue our targeted growth throughout the U.S. with the goal of having 1,500 cafes open and reaching an AUV of $1 million over the next five years." Tropical Smoothie Cafe is looking to add qualified franchisees to its growing brand and currently has franchise opportunities in markets throughout the U.S. Interested candidates should have business experience, along with $125,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $350,000. Candidates that meet these preliminary qualifications will need to make an initial investment ranging between $246,500 and $580,500. The better-for-you food franchise currently boasts an average unit volume (AUV) of more than $730,000 the highest in the company's 22-year-history with the top 50 percent reporting an AUV of more than $938,000. For more information about owning a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, please visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com or call 770-293-8377. About Tropical Smoothie Cafe Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual cafe concept inspiring healthier lifestyles with more than 830 locations nationwide. Serving better-for-you smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads, Tropical Smoothie Cafe also offers upgraded app technology and enhanced mobile ordering capabilities to further elevate the digital and dine-in cafe experience and emphasize the brand's focus on convenience. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades including rankings in QSR's Best Franchise Deals, Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and Forbes' Best Franchises, as well as Franchise Times' Top 200+. In 2019, the brand was recognized amongst Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers, Nation's Restaurant News' Top 200 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Chains, Franchise Times Fast and Serious, as well as being chosen as NRAEF's Restaurant Neighbor Award Winner. CONTACT: Fish Consulting Shana Rosenthal [email protected] 954-893-9150 SOURCE Tropical Smoothie Cafe Related Links https://tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com D etectives investigating the killing of a musician have found human remains while searching near a park in south west London. William Algar, 53, who was known as Blaise, was discovered dead at his flat in Barnes, on January 3. A post-mortem examination found he had died from a stab wound to the chest. On Saturday, police began a search seven miles away near Edgar Road, close to Hounslow Heath, where human remains were found that are believed to be parts of Mr Algars body. Detective Inspector William White of the Met Police said: This is a significant development in our investigation to establish what happened to Blaise. The location of our search is in a residential area, close to Hounslow Heath. Mr Algar was discovered in a property in Nowell Road, Barnes / Google Were you walking on the heath? Did you see anyone carrying anything? I am urging anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously to come forward and speak with us" Detective Inspector White said he is also keen to hear from anyone who had contact with Blaise during November and December 2018. He was known to visit the local shops in the Castlenau area did you notice him or speak to him?" he added. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends, and we will continue to provide them with the support they need. Mr Algar was described by his family as a "very vulnerable man". Paying tribute to the 53-year-old, who was also known as Blaise, the family said: We are utterly horrified to lose our son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend in such tragic circumstances. William Algar, also known as Blaise, was an incredibly talented musician and a gentle man. He was a brilliant jazz trumpeter and his playing brought joy to so many people. He was also a very vulnerable man. We hope that someone, anyone, can provide vital information to ensure those responsible for his death are brought to justice as swiftly as possible." A 17-year-old boy has been charged with Mr Algars murder and is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on January 16. In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, People's Daily Online Australia produced the special edition of the talk show program Aussie Talks. In the past 70 years, China has changed so much astonishing the world. Nowadays, more and more foreigners want to travel to China, including many young Australians. In this episode, three young Australians Max, Amy and Rebecca will talk about their expectations of future China. They are feeling, touching China themselves and spreading the word. It is their experiences and communication that bring China more and more friends. The first London Climate Change Festival will take place in spring 2020 with Janie Dee starring in the London transfer of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, it has been announced today. Charing Cross Theatre will host the inaugural showcase of work from the arts, science and business industries to explore ways in which we can live in better harmony with our planet. Proceeds from the events will be split between a range of climate change charities including City to Sea, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth as well as go towards further activities for future festivals. The festival will run alongside the London transfer of Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, starring Olivier Award-winner Dee as well as Rebecca Lacey and Michelle Asante. The show will be directed by Tony Award-winner Walter Bobbie and first played in the UK at Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio in summer 2019. On Monday and Tuesday evenings, there will be post-show cabaret events in the venue bar, with performers including Angus Barr (23 March), Natalie Fee (24 March), Cantabile (14 April), Joe Stilgoe (28 April), Rob Brydon (5 May), Jay Rayner (4 May), Sumudu (11 May), Guy Barker (12 May), Issy van Randwyck, Giles Terera and Alistair McGowan. On Wednesdays and Thursdays across the festival, there will also be talks with leading scientists, environmentalists, psychologists and psychotherapists including Bella Lack (30 March), Caroline Hickman from Climate Psychology Alliance, John Sauven from Greenpeace (31 March), Tessa Clarke from Olio (1 and 29 April) and Prof Martin Siegert, Dr Audrey De Nazelle, Dr Ajay Gambhir and Dr Neil Jennings from the Grantham Institute. During the day, Wild Geese Theatre Company will provide workshops for school groups, encouraging them through games and scenes to write their own one act play on the subject of the planet. The Victoria and Albert Museum has also donated some of their recent FOOD: Bigger than the Plate exhibition displays providing viewers with key information on climate change and how to individually reverse it. As one of the festival's producers, Dee comments: "The festival is to inform, inspire and bring hope. We as individuals can make a huge difference if we have help and focus. The Charing Cross Theatre is a perfect intimate venue with its cafe/restaurant, bar and gorgeous theatre a great place to safely have some possibly difficult, but always fascinating conversations and move forward with knowledge. Together - we're all responsible. Watching my son marching last year through the streets of London shouting 'Save our Planet' was all I needed to want to encourage this." The London Climate Change Festival will run from 23 March until 16 May. A full schedule of participants will be announced in due course. A street artist has unveiled a mural of a koala fighting fires with a hose. Andrew Gibbons painted the display on Melbourne's Hosier Lane, a narrow laneway renowned for graffiti art. He dedicated the mural to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and included the words 'thank you RFS' in the top left corner. Scroll down for video Andrew Gibbons painted this display on Melbourne's Hosier Lane, a narrow laneway renowned for graffiti art Mr Gibbons, from Melbourne, collected donations for the Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund while he painted Mr Gibbons, from Melbourne, collected donations for the Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund while he painted. He unveiled his mural in an Instagram post on Monday. He wrote: 'We got together to paint and raise money for bush fire recovery here in Australia. 'The support was great and what cant be done alone, maybe we can get done together. 'Shout out to all the people facing the blaze and caring for the lives affected most Rural Fire Services in this instance was meant generally and not pertaining specifically to NSW registered firies. The money raised is all being passed on to the WWF wildlife recovery fund.' Mr Gibbons (pictured) dedicated the mural to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and included the words 'thank you RFS' in the top left corner The painting received thousands of positive comments on social media. It comes after a series of murals making fun of Scott Morrison appeared on city streets to criticise his handling of the bushfire crisis. Artist Scott Marsh painted one showing Mr Morrison in a Hawaiin shirt on a wall in the inner-Sydney suburb of Chippendale - after the PM went on holiday to the US state in December. And street artist Van Thanh Rudd painted a mural on a wall on Lygon St, Melbourne showing a firefighter who told Scott Morrison to 'get f**ked'. Artist Scott Marsh painted this artwork on a wall in the inner-Sydney suburb of Chippendale There is a new president and so far he has been doing things protestors have demanded for nearly a year. Most Algerians opposed the recently replaced interim military government and its decision to hold presidential elections on December 12th. This was not an instant disaster because the candidate elected, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a former prime minister, formed his new government by appointing new government ministers that most protesters approved of, or could not criticize. None of the new ministers had opposed the weekly protests. Tebboune has also met with protest leaders and simultaneously organized an effort to create a new constitution that would make it more difficult for him, or any future president, to again become a corrupt president-for-life. The new president, as a former senior official himself, knows that there are many senior people in the government, military and business community who oppose such changes. Such opposition has to be expressed quietly but it is still there and it will be a year or more before it will be clear if a new, dictator-proof, constitution is possible or not. Most Algerians felt that rushing elections favored the election of another corrupt politician who will act like all the previous ones. In other words, there would be a few token prosecutions for corruption but the majority of the corrupt bureaucrats and business owners would return to their outlaw ways. This is seen as the reason why 70 percent of the Algerian unemployed are job-seekers in their late teens and 20s. Many have never been able to get a job. The unemployment rate is about 15 percent, up from the 12 percent is was stuck at for several years. The weekly nationwide protests have been going on since February and it is clear that Algerians could turn to violence if they feel they have exhausted peaceful options. So far there has not been any shift to violence and the new president is keeping the peace. Opposition to the presidential race was active but not violent. There were five candidates and all of them encountered lackluster crowds (including hecklers) or no people at all when a candidate would normally expect some supporters to show up. Campaign headquarters were sometimes attacked, but not in a violent way. Usually just pelted with eggs or defaced with anti-election slogans and posters. Three of the candidates (including the winner) had close ties to the disgraced FLN party that was led by deposed president-for-life Bouteflika. A fourth candidate (Abdelaziz Belaid ) was a known reformer who was willing to work with the FLN/Bouteflika government to achieve change. The fifth candidate was the head of an Islamic party that has cooperated with FLN in the past. The electoral commission disallowed 17 other candidates for various reasons. None of the five candidates had a lot of popular support and the three associated most with the FLN were thought to have the least of all. Most Algerians feared that the interim military government would declare the candidate with the most votes, no matter how few were cast, as the winner and new president. That might have required a second round of voting if none of the five candidates got a majority of the first-round vote. That would mean a new president with little popular support and facing continued weekly protests or worse. It did not work out that way. One of the former FLN loyalists did have a lot of support among those who did turn out to vote and is now the new president. Continued protests are prompted by chronic problems that are felt by the majority of Algerians. Corruption and mismanagement of the former government are seen as major reasons for the high unemployment, especially among younger Algerians. The majority of voters wanted a new president who would make a serious effort to deal with corruption and mismanagement. The newly elected president appears to be doing just that. Another incitement was how the interim government used its control over mass media to criticize the protestors at every opportunity and block any criticism of the interim government. A small but growing number of journalists were arrested for reporting what is seen and heard in the streets. This offended younger Algerians most of all because they are the most media savvy. They may be poor but most have cellphones and know how the media works. The new president quickly released most of the arrested journalists and prominent critics from jail. Further arrests have not occurred. So far so good but it will take a year or so to know for sure if the new government is the real deal or the corrupt old one repackaged to appear less threatening. There are other threats that have remained out of sight during the election crises. This includes Islamic terrorists, who continue to regard Algeria as unsafe for them and stay away or, if in the country, stay out of sight. That means more of these Islamic terrorists move north via Libya. That is still a problem for Algeria, especially because the Libyan civil war, which seemed almost over has now been extended with the intervention of Turkey to support the weaker side that relied on Islamic radical and Islamic conservative groups for its support. All this is not an immediate problem for Algeria, but will be eventually. January 10, 2020: For the 47th week there were mass protests demanding a new constitution and government that would not seek to perpetuate itself and the many corrupt practices that still exist. The crowds were noticeably smaller this week and there were several good reasons for that. President Tebboune, newly elected a month ago, had quickly acted on many of the items that had kept the protests going for nearly a year. January 9, 2020: Senior officials from Egypt and Algeria met once more and affirmed that both nations opposed any foreign intervention in the Libyan civil war. This was directed at Turkey, which was now openly intervening in Libya. Egypt also wanted to establish good relations with the new Algerian president. The new Algerian president had a good reputation in Europe and he has already been invited to visit Germany and Italy and discuss new economic and diplomatic efforts. The Algerian economy is stable but new projects have been on hold for over a year until elections were held and a new government formed. That has been done and the Europeans, who have long done a lot of business with and investing in Algeria, want to talk. Relations with neighbor Morocco are less friendly. Algeria is continuing to disagree with Morocco over how to handle the growing unrest in the Algerian refugee camps the government maintains for people who fled southern Morocco years ago because of the Moroccan separatists (Polisario) efforts to turn that part of Morocco into an independent state. In mid-2019 Algeria confirmed that these camps were becoming increasingly dangerous for residents and foreign aid workers as well as Algerians in the vicinity. There has been more crime in the camps, some of it common stuff but also more serious offenses committed by Islamic terror groups and organized criminal gangs that have established themselves. Foreign aid workers have been kidnapped, in part to persuade the foreign aid organizations to cooperate with the extortion and theft of relief supplies the various outlaw groups engage in. Before the recent presidential elections, Morocco sought to improve relations with the new Algerian government but so far, with the new president in power, the hostility between the two nations will apparently continue. Algeria has been a threat to Morocco in the past but during the last few years have been sharing concerns about growing problems with Islamic terrorists and criminal activity in these refugee camps. In early 2018 Algeria assured Morocco and the UN that it no longer had anything to do with Polisario, a group of Moroccan terrorists that Algeria helped create decades ago. But soon after that concern was expressed an Algerian Air Force transport crashed on takeoff and among the 257 dead were 26 Polisario members. The transport was taking off from a base near the Algerian capital carrying mainly military personnel. This was more than an embarrassment, it confirmed the accusations that Algeria could not be trusted when it came to Polisario, and perhaps other matters as well. For example, Algeria is one of the few Sunni majority Arab countries that supports the Syrian Assad government. Morocco hoped there might be some changes in Algerian attitudes but that does not appear to be happening when it comes to Polisario despite the threat these Moroccan separatists now pose for both Algeria and Morocco. December 28, 2019: The new president ordered the release of 70 people who had been arrested or prosecuted for demonstrating or reporting on the demonstrations. December 23, 2019: General Ahmed Salah, the military supreme commander who persuaded long-time president Bouteflika to resign last April, died of natural causes; a heart attack. Salah was thought to be in reasonably good health for a man of 79. At that age reasonably good is often not good enough. He was buried two days later and left the newly elected president with one less potential obstacle to the fundamental political changes most Algerians want. Salahs successor, Said Chengriha, was appointed by the new president and is seen as loyal to the goals of the new government. December 12, 2019: Former prime minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected president. He had served under president Bouteflika as a prime minister, for three months, in 2017. Bouteflika dismissed him because Tebboune, who had served in Bouteflika government 15-20 years ago the two had moved apart on how Algeria should be governed. This gave Tebboune enough credibility in the presidential elections to win against four other candidates and get 58 percent of the vote. Only 40 percent of potential voters participated. So far he had made the right moves, at least according to the diminishing number of weekly protestors calling for a truly democratic and just government. The protestors had dismissed the elections as an effort by the Bouteflika era establishment to retain their power and corrupt practices. That may still be true but so far Tebboune seems to be siding with the protestors. He took office on December 19th. Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed Man wants mother to pay Rs 1.5 crore for abandoning him India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Jan 13: A 40-year-old man has moved the Bombay High Court against his biological mother and sought a compensation of Rs 1.5 crore from her for abandoning him in Mumbai when he was two years' old and later refusing to accept him as her son. The petitioner, Srikant Sabnis, a make-up artist, has said he underwent a life full of agony and mental trauma after being intentionally abandoned in an unknown city, for which his mother Aarti Mhaskar and her second husband Uday Mhaskar (Sabnis's step-father) need to compensate. As per the plea, Aarti Mhaskar was earlier married to one Deepak Sabnis. The couple had a child, Srikant Sabnis, in February 1979 while residing in Pune. As per the plea, the woman was ambitious and wanted to move to Mumbai to work in the film industry. In September 1981, she took the child along with her and left for Mumbai. Received 6 lakh cheque from muslims as damage compensation: UP govt Once they reached Mumbai, the woman abandoned her son in a train and left, the plea alleged, adding that the child was found by a railway officer and sent to a children's home. In 1986, Srikant Sabnis' maternal grandmother succeeded in getting his legal custody. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet He initially lived with his grandmother but was later brought up by his maternal aunt. The plea stated that in 2017, Srikant Sabnis learnt about his biological mother. After procuring her number, he contacted her in September 2018 when she accepted he was her son and that she had to abandon him due to unavoidable circumstances, the petition said. He later met his mother and her second husband, but they asked him not to disclose his real identity in front of their children, it said. "The plaintiff, who has already undergone a dreadful life seeking shelter at relatives' place and wandering from fake parents to an observation home, was totally devastated by this unacceptable condition," the plea said. In his plea filed before the high court recently, Srikant Sabnis sought a direction to his mother to declare he is her son and that she had abandoned him when he was two years old. Cop asked to pay Re 1 compensation after 3 are acquitted in murder case "The defendants (Aarti and Uday Mhaskar) have disturbed the mental peace of the plaintiff, for which they are bound to compensate the plaintiff," the plea said. "The plaintiff has undergone a life full of agony, mental trauma, inconvenience, a mystery about his own parents and his existence. The plaintiff was forced to live like a beggar till his grandmother got his custody," it added. The petition will come up for hearing on January 13 before Justice A K Menon. St. George's : , Jan 13 (IANS) Left-handed batsman Evin Lewis scored a sizzling century after Hayden Walsh Jr. took four wickets as West Indies defeated Ireland by five wickets (DLS method) in the third and final ODI, thereby recording a clean sweep of the three-match ODI series. Lewis made 102 -- his third ton in this format as the home side powered to their revised target of 197 to win with 64 balls to spare at the Grenada National Stadium on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Walsh proved his captain's decision to bowl right as he grabbed 4/36 off his 10 overs to rip the heart out of the Ireland middle order. He extracted generous turn from the slow surface and was the perfect fillip after fast bowler Oshane Thomas rocked the top order with a fiery spell of 3/41 as the visitors managed 203 before being bowled out. Captain Andrew Balbirnie was the lone batsman for the visitors who could manage to tackle the Windies bowlers and played a gutsy knock of 71 off 93 balls. West Indies didn't have that smooth a start to their chase as Shai Hope and Sunil Ambris were dismissed early for six apiece. However, opener Lewis found serious support in the form of Brandon King. Both shared a 75-run stand before King was dismissed at his individual score of 38. However, Lewis held firm and was accompanied by Nicholas Pooran through to a brief rain delay, with the pair returning afterwards to chase a slightly reduced target. Lewis, after passing the hundred mark, holed out to long off with five runs still needed. Romario Shepherd followed suit next over having added just a single. But Pooran finished things with his sixth boundary in the following over, ending with unbeaten 43. Earlier in the series Lewis made 99 not out in Barbados so Sunday's Man of the Match performance made amends for the near-miss century in last Tuesday's victory. He ended the series with 208 runs in three innings to capture the Player of the Series award. "I'm very pleased with the overall performance. We ticked all the boxes we wanted to and we played a good all-round game today," captain Kieron Pollard told reporters after the match. "We came into the series liking to win 3-0 and we finished the job on a high. It was a hard-fought series, so credit to the team for the way they went about business and took care of business." The two teams will now face each other in the first of the three T20Is on Wednesday. Brief Scores: Ireland 203 all out (Andrew Balbirnie 71; Hayden Walsh 4/36) West Indies 199/5 (Evin Lewis 103; Andy McBrine 2/50) Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Sunday welcomed Secretary-General of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Nikai Toshihiro and over 1,000 Japanese delegates who were visiting the Southeast Asian country for economic, cultural, and tourism exchange. The welcome ceremony for Nikai, who also chairs the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, and his delegation was organized in Hoi An City, located in the central province of Quang Nam. During the event, PM Phuc stated that the diverse exchange and cooperation activities that have been held between both sides reflect the vigorous growth of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with Japanese delegates in Hoi An City, located in the central province of Quang Nam, on January 12, 2020. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre Bilateral relations have enjoyed breakthrough, comprehensive, and profound development, with Vietnam considering Japan a trustworthy and important partner, the premier continued. Phuc expressed his appreciation toward Secretary-General Nikai and other Japanese parliamentarians for their significant contributions to the Vietnam-Japan ties. He called for more parliamentarian exchanges and cooperation between localities so as to reinforce the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially among the young generation. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomes Secretary-General of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Nikai Toshihiro in Hoi An City, located in the central province of Quang Nam, on January 12, 2020. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre Replying to his host, Nikai said the Japanese delegation to Vietnam this time was the largest ever, consisting of over 1,000 parliamentarians, officials of ministries and sectors, leaders of localities and businesses, and citizens. This demonstrates Japans high consensus in the enhancement of the friendship with Vietnam, he said. Delegates take a photo at a ceremony in Hoi An City, located in the central province of Quang Nam, on January 12, 2020. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre Both sides agreed to strengthen ties at multilateral forums, especially when Vietnam is serving as the coordinator of the ASEAN-Japan relations for 2018-21, ASEAN Chair in 2020, and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-21. On the evening of the same day, PM Phuc and Secretary-General Nikai attended a cultural exchange event in the central city of Da Nang. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! John Bolton will be blocked from testifying at Donald Trumps impeachment trial, the president has indicated, despite the former national security adviser insisting he would do so if he received a subpoena. Related: Donald Trump's Iran claims on Fox News met with skepticism and complaint Trump claimed in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Friday night he would love everybody to testify, including Bolton, secretary of state Mike Pompeo and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. But he went on to say there are things that you cant do from the standpoint of executive privilege. Especially a national security adviser, Trump added. You cant have him explaining all of your statements about national security concerning Russia, China and North Korea, everything. You just cant do that. Asked if that meant he would invoke executive privilege to prevent Bolton from testifying, Trump said: I think you have to for the sake of the office. Democrats believe Bolton, ousted by Trump last September, has key insight into the presidents failed efforts to secure a so-called quid pro quo with the government of Ukraine. Trump is alleged to have demanded investigations into a conspiracy theory about election interference and unsubstantiated allegations of corruption involving Joe Biden, a possible rival in Novembers election, in return for almost $400m in crucial military aid and a White House meeting. Those efforts led to impeachment hearings in the Democrat-led House and ultimately two articles of impeachment, for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, that House speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Friday she would send to the Senate early next week. Impeachment hearings contained dramatic testimony from White House aides, including that Bolton had referred to approaches to Ukraine as a drug deal and refused to get involved. Bolton, who was ambassador to the United Nations under George W Bush, surprised the White House earlier this week by announcing he would testify at Trumps Senate trial if subpoenaed to do so. Story continues In a statement he said he had tried to resolve serious competing issues in weighing my obligations both as a citizen and as a former national security adviser and concluded that he was prepared to testify. There remains significant doubt, however, that the issue will come to a head, irrespective of Trumps pronouncement. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has joined other leading Republicans in asserting that no witnesses should be called, and claimed on Thursday to have enough votes to start the trial on that basis. Democrats need to persuade four Senate Republicans to join them in a vote on trial rules to allow witnesses. They received a glimmer of hope Friday when Susan Collins, a moderate from Maine, said she had been working with a small group of colleagues to find a compromise. Related: Trump impeachment trial to be set in motion next week, Pelosi indicates We should be completely open to calling witnesses, Collins said, according to the Bangor Daily News. Trumps removal is a long shot. A two-thirds majority of 100 senators is required for a conviction and there are few indications any Republicans are likely to break ranks. Trump also had scathing words for Pelosi in the Fox News interview, saying it was ridiculous she had held on to the articles of impeachment for several weeks. She should have sent them a long time ago, he said. It just belittles the process. Nancy Pelosi will go down as the least successful speaker of the House in the history of our nation. She has done nothing. Aligarh, Jan 13 : Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh has courted a major controversy when he said that people who raise slogans against Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath "would be buried alive". The minister said this on Sunday while addressing a rally in Aligarh to muster support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. "If you raise slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, I will bury you alive," he threatened. He was apparently referring to protests held by students of Aligarh Muslim University against the CAA during which they allegedly raised slogans against the Prime Minister and the chief minister. The minister further said: "These one per cent people are opposing the CAA. They stay in India, eat up our taxes and then raise 'murdabad' slogans against the leaders. This country belongs to people of all faiths, but slogan shouting against the Prime Minister or chief minister is unacceptable." He also launched an attack on India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. "What was Nehru's caste? He did not have a 'khaandan'," he claimed. Raghuraj Singh is minister of state in the labour ministry in Uttar Pradesh. Its all down to racism. And sexism. And bullying. And, of course, damaging to their mental health. Yes, poor downtrodden vulnerable innocent Meghan and Harry have been suffering the full gamut of victimhood issues, as befits the most woke, over-sensitive, woe-is-me couple in the world. Thats why they want to get off the royal train, were told. Except they dont want to get off it at all. They just want to get off the boring bits. They still want to be royal stars, they still want British taxpayers to fund a lot of their luxury lifestyles, and they still want to parade around the world as global celebrities trading off their royal titles. Meghan and Harry dont want to get off the royal train at all - they just want to get off the boring bits But they dont want to do any of the less glamorous hard yard stuff that goes with being a full-time working royal. Ive been watching this unedifying saga unfurl over the past few days with mounting fury. Predominantly, at the disgracefully disrespectful way the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are treating Her Majesty the Queen. How dare they try to lay down the law to our long-serving Monarch in this way? How dare they not inform her about their demands before telling the world? And how dare they so arrogantly announce theyre going to pursue a more progressive agenda for the Royal Family without having the courtesy to run it past a woman who has presided on the throne for more than six decades - and done a magnificent job of it. But Im also enraged by the specific growing narrative that the only reason Meghans been so harshly criticised by the media is because were all a bunch of racists living in a racist country. Thats just a downright lie. And a particularly nasty, disingenuous lie. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have treated Her Majesty the Queen in a disgracefully disrespectful way From the moment Meghan Markle came on the royal scene, and it was revealed she was from a mixed-race background, she was welcomed with warm open tolerant arms by a wonderfully multi-cultural and diverse modern Britain that was thrilled to finally see a non-white member of the Royal Family. She was showered with almost universal praise, especially when the engagement was announced. The media, in particular, was unanimous in its verdict that this was a great thing for the country. In fact, I havent seen a press so united in joy for anything royal since Diana first became Charless girlfriend. This extraordinary tidal wave of goodwill continued through to the big wedding in May 2018, which by common consent was a triumph. As I wrote myself in the Daily Mail the following day, it mixed the best of traditional British pomp and majesty with large dollops of Markle Sparkle and the result was a biracial, Hollywood-fused union of very different cultures that worked magnificently well. I added: Its hard to overstate the significance of this ceremony, beamed live around the world, to black people everywhere. To borrow the words of Dr King, this was a day when little black girls could watch TV and genuinely share little white girls long-held dreams of one day marrying a Prince. The extraordinary tidal wave of goodwill continued through to the couple's big wedding in May 2018 These, I would politely suggest, do not indicate the thoughts of a racist. Yet that is what I, and others working in the British media, have now been shamefully branded for daring to criticise Meghan for her erratic conduct and Harrys - since the wedding, which has been spectacularly ill-advised. Was it racist of me to criticise her and Harry for disowning Meghans father Thomas after he foolishly but naively colluded with the paparazzi? Was it racist of me to express dismay and concern when so many similar stories to my own (Meghan ghosted me after an 18-month friendship the second she met Harry, which I only repeat because it illustrates the saying, If someone shows you who they are, believe them) emerged involving her family and friends, including her ex-husband, of being ditched by Meghan when she no longer had use for them? Was it racist of me to say it was hypocritical of Meghan to have a $500,000 celebrity-fuelled baby-shower party in New York, including a lift on George Clooney's jet, on the same day she and Harry tweeted a plea for people to think of the poor? Was it racist of me to find it bizarre they went to such ridiculous lengths to hide basic details of their baby Archies birth from the public that pays for much of their lavish lives? The couple disowned Meghans father Thomas after he foolishly but naively colluded with the paparazzi Was it racist of me to feel it was appalling when Meghans bodyguards stopped members of the same public taking her photo at Wimbledon? Was it racist of me to think it was outrageous that she refused to meet President Trump during his UK state visit, despite being the only American member of the Royal Family? Was it racist of me to say it was dreadfully two-faced of her and Harry to preach about the need to watch every carbon-footprint, as they jumped on Sir Elton Johns private jet every ten minutes? Was it racist of me to find it even more absurd when she ended a tour of poverty-strewn parts of South Africa by moaning about her own struggle? Was it racist of me to find their incessant war with the media, throwing hysterical abuse-laden warnings and lawsuits out like confetti, so pathetically thin-skinned and self-defeating given how much positive press theyve also enjoyed? Finally, it is racist of me to now find the way theyre treated the Queen so deplorable and cruel, given her age (93), the fact her 98-year-old husband Philip has been so ill, and the recent enormous stress she has suffered over having to fire her own son Andrew over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal? No. None of this is racist, either overtly or subliminally. You might not agree with all or any of my criticisms, but they are all perfectly justified ones to make which is why many others have made them too. Meghan had a $500,000 celebrity-fueled baby-shower party in New York I dont have any issue with Meghan Markle because of her skin colour, or her gender. But I do have a lot of issues with the way she has behaved and treated people since marrying Harry, and with Harry too. As I have said many times, Ive sadly come to the conclusion Meghans a selfish, ruthless social climber whos spent her life using and dropping people, and is now doing it to the royals. I also think Harrys become a weak, whiny, miserable, entitled parody of the fun-loving army prince we all loved. And I dont say that because I am gingerist. Now theyre bleating about being bullied as they themselves are trying to bully the Queen into turning the Monarchy woke. And theyre bleating about sexism and racism despite the fact that other royal women like Camilla Parker-Bowles, Diana and Fergie all had ten times more criticism than Meghan, and last time I checked they all identified as white. Yet this cold hard fact hasnt stopped a Twitter-driven bandwagon developing that says criticism of Ms Markle is racist. In a disgraceful column for the New York Times headlined BLACK BRITONS KNOW WHY MEGHAN MARKLE WANTS OUT its the racism, British author Afua Hirsch attacked the racist treatment of Meghan and said the British press has succeeded in its apparent project of hounding Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, out of Britain. The Duke and Duchess went to ridiculous lengths to hide basic details of their baby Archies birth from the public that pays for much of their lavish live She cites as examples of the supposed press racism two things that appeared in the Daily Mail. The first was a headline saying she was (almost) straight outta Compton, one of the most gang-ravaged parts of America in south central Los Angeles, immortalised in a rap movie. But thats not racist; Meghan comes from Crenshaw, just a few miles from Compton, and also a place with a lot of gang-related crime. This wasnt used as a stick to racially beat her, but as simply an interesting observation about her very different upbringing to normal royal brides. Hirsch also lambasted a journalist, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons sister Rachel, for saying Meghan had exotic DNA. But again, why is that racist? By comparison to any other royal bride, a mixed-race African-American woman unarguably has exotic DNA. But no, according to Ms Hirsch, this was all evidence the British press is inherently racist and has deliberately driven out Meghan because we cant stand the fact shes only half-white. What a load of inflammatory bilge. Hirsch should be ashamed of spewing such hateful race-baiting nonsense in one of Americans most prominent newspapers. But shes not been alone. Other mainstream news outlets like CNN and the Washington Post have published similar garbage intimating its all about racism. And of course, Harry himself attacked the media soon after their romance was made public claiming non-existent racial undertones in the tabloid newspapers. I saw none then and I have seen none since - because there has been none. Its a lie. The Queen has been treated cruelly, given her age, the fact that husband Philip has been so ill, and the recent enormous stress she has suffered over having to fire her own son, Andrew And now that lie is being extended from a charge against the media to even bigger targets with sinister threats of a tell-all TV interview in which Meghan and Harry might apparently level sensational charges of sexism and racism at the door of other senior royals and their households. I refuse to believe that has happened either, and Im repulsed at this veiled attempt to blackmail the Queen into giving them what they want. The reality is that Meghan and Harry have brought this ugly situation entirely on themselves and should somehow find the strength in their faux-victim-ravaged, virtue-signalling, self-obsessed souls to admit it has nothing to do with racism and everything to do with their fragile egos and a simmering feud with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who will always be more important in the Royal Family as they will one day be King and Queen. By crying RACISTS! in the face of perfectly legitimate criticism, this petulant duo has made a mockery of true victims of racism. Shame on them, and all those who promote this grotesquely false smear. A British TV reporter was tricked into donning full body armour to hold a koala, which she thought was a vicious animal with venomous fangs, in an on-air prank in Australia. Debi Edward, ITV News Asia correspondent, has been reporting on Australia's wildfire crisis, which has destroyed natural habitats and is thought to have killed millions of animals. During a visit to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Ms Edward was offered the opportunity to hold one of the countrys supposedly dangerous drop bears a fake sub-species of koala known for attacking tourists. Drop bears are a close cousin of the koala but theyre actually really vicious so its sort of like a dingo and a normal domestic dog, Sean Mulcahy, a freelance video producer, told the reporter. Mr Mulcahy claimed the animal has longer claws than a regular koala and small fangs with a mild venom. Animals rescued during Australia fires Show all 25 1 /25 Animals rescued during Australia fires Animals rescued during Australia fires Wildlife rescuer Simon Adamczyk is seen with a koala rescued at a burning forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide AAP Image/Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighter Pat Smith pouring water onto a possum's feet with burns from fires on the outskirts of the town of Tumbarumba in New South Wales Greenpeace Australia-Pacific/AFP Animals rescued during Australia fires Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education volunteer and carer Tracy Dodd holds a kangaroo with burnt feet pads after being rescued from bushfires in Australia's Blue Mountains area Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Grey-headed Flying Fox bats prepared for a feeding at the Uralla, Australia, home of Jackie Maisey, a volunteer with Northern Tableands Wildlife Carers. The bats are swaddled in flannel wraps similar to those being made by thousands of crafters worldwide who are using their sewing, knitting and crocheting skills to make items for wildlife injured in the Australian brush fires Jackie Maisey/AP Animals rescued during Australia fires Sara Tilling takes care of a young injured Kangaroo which she and her partner Gary Henderson are nursing back to health in Cobargo EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Humane Society International Crisis Response Specialist, Kelly Donithan holds a baby Koala she just rescued on Kangaroo Island AFP via Getty Images Animals rescued during Australia fires Tracy Burgess holds a severely burnt brushtail possum Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Fire-impacted, orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joeys are seen at the property of WIRES Carers Kevin and Lorita Clapson in East Lynne, South of Sydney EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A koala receives water from a cyclist during a severe heatwave that hit the region, in Adelaide Instagram/BIKEBUG2019 via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires An orphaned Flying-Fox is fed at the property of WIRES Mid-South Coast Bat Coordinator, Janet Jones, in Tuross Head EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Humane Society International Crisis Response Specialist, Kelly Donithan checks an injured Koala she had just rescued on Kangaroo Island AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires A wallabie eating a carrot dropped by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife services over the bushfire affected areas along the South Coast for wallabies NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services Animals rescued during Australia fires A dehydrated and injured Koala receives treatment at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires Gary Henderson holds the young injured kangaroo he and his partner are nursing back to health EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A koala drinks water offered from a bottle by a firefighter during bushfires in Cudlee Creek, south Australia Oakbank Balhannah CFS via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires WIRES Mid South Coast wombat coordinator Tony De La Fosse with two orphaned pouch-rescued Wombats at his property in Malua Bay EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Qantas, an orphaned Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey whose feet were burned in recent bushfires, is held by WIRES Carer Kevin Clapson at his property in East Lynne EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires Various completed animal pouches for animals affected by Australia bushfires hang on clothing racks in Regents Park, Queensland Kim Simeon via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires An orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey hangs in a makeshift pouch at the property of WIRES EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A rescued koala injured in a bushfire in Kangaroo Island, South Australia Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park/AP Animals rescued during Australia fires WIRES Mid-South Coast Bat Coordinator Janet Jones weighs a rescued Grey-Headed Flying-Fox at her home in Tuross Head EPA Animals rescued during Australia fires A weary kangaroo shelters on a patch of green grass surrounded by burnt bushland along the Princes Highway near in Milton Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires Various animal wraps for bats affected by bushfires Simone Watts via Reuters Animals rescued during Australia fires A staff member moving a rescued koala to a temporary shelter at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney Taronga Zoo/AFP via Getty Animals rescued during Australia fires A kangaroo jumps in a field amidst smoke from a bushfire in Snowy Valley AFP via Getty Images The third most common injury we see in tourists in Australia is actually from drop bear attacks, he told Ms Edward. However, the animal he gave to the reporter to hold was merely a normal koala. Drop bears are a popular hoax in Australia, designed to scare tourists by warning them about an unusually large and vicious type of koala that attacks unsuspecting people by jumping on them from treetops. Ms Edward was given body armour and protective goggles to hold the animal, which she told the camera was a dangerous bear that is known to attack people. Everybody looks very worried about this. Im trying not to be worried because Ive been told he can sense if Im worried, the reporter said as she nervously held the koala. After a few moments, Ms Edward became increasingly anxious and the wildlife park staff intervened when she pleaded at them to take the animal off her. That was when Mr Mulcahy and the crew revealed she had been pranked and the animal was just a harmless koala. You were kidding me! F****** Aussies, Ms Edward replied as the camera crew burst out laughing. The reporter later appeared on Channel Nines Today show to explain how she was fooled by the prank. There were several points looking back, obviously, where I thought thats maybe not quite right but these guys were like you should really try this, its one thing we only do for our special visitors, Ms Edward said. I think its pretty obvious that I knew nothing about drop bears, she added, when the Today hosts asked if she knew that the drop bear is a well-known hoax in Australia. The ITV reporter has been covering the damage caused by wildfires in the country, which are thought to have killed more than half of the koalas on Kangaroo Island. Sussan Ley, Australias environment minister, has warned that the koala population has taken an extraordinary hit from the fires and could be listed as endangered due to the devastation. Mr Mulcahy has praised Ms Edwards reporting and said that anyone who enjoyed the prank should donate to the park to help treat koalas hurt by the fires. "For us, it was a case of, it's just been a miserable couple of weeks, and then we got this laugh. I'm glad I shared it because so many people have got joy out of it," he told ABC News. "I've just been with a family who lost their home on Kangaroo Island, I sat down with them and they all watched the video and were just crying with laughter." Donations to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park can be made here Libya's eastern strongman General Khalifa Haftar delayed signing a ceasefire agreement at talks in Moscow, but Russia said it was hopeful the country's warring rivals would soon conclude the deal to end nine months of fighting. Talks on the terms of a ceasefire between Haftar's forces and the UN-recognised government headed by Fayez al-Sarraj went on for seven hours on Monday without the two delegations actually meeting, though Moscow noted "certain progress". Sarraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli has been under attack since last April from forces loyal to Haftar, who is based in the east of the oil-rich North African country with his loyalist politicians. The two sides were expected to agree the terms of a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend, raising hopes of an end to the latest fighting to wrack Libya since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Western powers are keen to stabilise Libya -- home to Africa's largest proven crude reserves -- because of concerns Islamist militants and migrant smugglers, already active, will take advantage of the chaos. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sarraj and the head of High Council of State in Tripoli, Khaled al-Mechri, had signed the document. But Haftar and his ally Aguila Saleh "have asked for a bit more time until morning" to study it, he said. Turkey and Russia's foreign and defence ministers acted as mediators, but the rival delegations did not apparently come face-to-face. "We have refused any meeting with Haftar," al-Mechri was quoted as saying by Libya al-Ahrar television channel. - Calls for 'credible' truce - The ceasefire initiative was launched by President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who jointly called for a truce in Istanbul last week. A fragile ceasefire went into effect from midnight Sunday, but Erdogan on Monday reiterated the "urgent necessity" for a permanent agreement after meeting with Italy's prime minister. German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Putin on Saturday and he supported her drive to hold a peace conference sponsored by the United Nations. Berlin said Monday the summit was planned for later this month. French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a "credible, lasting and verifiable" truce. Diplomatic sources said discussions were also under way at the United Nations about establishing an observation mission in Libya to monitor the ceasefire, similar to an existing initiative in Yemen. "For the ceasefire in Libya to hold, there should be an impartial monitoring and implementation mechanism as well as confidence-building measures," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AFP. The UN is already "recording and verifying reported ceasefire violations" through its political mission in Libya, which employs around 230 people, he added. - 'Turn page on past' - Sarraj on Monday called on Libyans to "turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace". Since the start of Haftar's offensive against Tripoli, more than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans have been displaced, according to the UN. Turkey and Russia's diplomatic initiative came despite the countries being seen as supporting opposing sides. Ankara dispatched troops -- in a training capacity, it said -- to support the GNA in January in a move criticised by European powers and US President Donald Trump. The GNA has also signed agreements with Ankara assigning Turkey rights over a vast area of the eastern Mediterranean, in a deal denounced by France, Greece, Egypt and Cyprus. Russia has been accused of backing pro-Haftar forces, which are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt -- all regional rivals of Turkey. Several hundred Russian mercenaries are reported to be in Libya supporting Haftar. Putin said any Russians in the country are not in Moscow's pay. Russia supports Haftar as the stronger militarily and backed by its ally Egypt, said Russian defence analyst Alexei Malashenko. "Moscow wants to preserve its presence in Libya through Haftar, including its oil interests," he said. Russia could rekindle trade in arms and wheat and relaunch a stalled railway construction project. Europe and North Africa have also launched a diplomatic offensive to try to prevent Libya, with the increased involvement of international players in its conflict, from turning into what Berlin calls a "second Syria". King Abdullah of Jordan on Monday warned that thousands of fighters have left Syria for Libya and "that is something we in the region but also our European friends will have to address in 2020". I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star Erin Barnett has opened up about her relationship with her 43-year-old boyfriend Mick Russell's three children. The 24-year-old blonde assured fans that she is 'not a wicked stepmother' as she spoke candidly about her family life to NW magazine. Erin revealed she is more like a 'cool older aunty' to Mick's kids, and also defended her relationship with her much older partner, whom she met a year ago. 'I'm not a wicked stepmother!' I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star Erin Barnett (left) has opened up about her relationship with her 43-year-old boyfriend Mick Russell's three children 'I'm kind of like a cool older aunty rather than the wicked stepmum!' Erin said. 'When we first became a couple, people were saying stuff like he is my "sugar daddy" and that we wouldn't last. 'But I think we've shut down that talk now by being together for as long as we have.' 'They were saying he was my sugar daddy!' She also defended her relationship with her much older partner, whom she met a year ago Back in the spotlight: The former Love Island Australia star is currently in South Africa filming I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (pictured) She and Mick first met at the gym and now live together after a year of dating. The couple are both from Melton, Melbourne, which is where they are believed to have met, and went on their first holiday together in December 2018. Erin bravely discussed her fertility issues with NW last year, saying that she 'can't give birth naturally' due to the fact she has 'a small pelvic area'. Smitten: She and Mick first met at the gym and now live together after a year of dating Struggles: Erin bravely discussed her fertility issues with NW last year, saying that she 'can't give birth naturally' due to the fact she has 'a small pelvic area' She also suffers from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect a woman's fertility. Last week, Erin spoke to her I'm A Celebrity campmates about her fertility in an honest discussion. 'I had a two kilo cyst, they thought I was pregnant at 14,' Erin said. 'It was a blood cyst that popped inside of me. Having a cyst pop inside of you is the most horrific pain I've ever felt. I got my left ovary removed before I came onto the show. I had five surgeries last year.' Moldovan oligarch and former head of the Moldova's Democratic Party (PDM) Vlad Plahotniuc has been banned from entering the United States "due to his involvement in significant corruption," the U.S. State Department said in a statement on January 13. Moldovan anti-corruption prosecutors have charged Plahotniuc, who fled the country in June when the PDM-led government collapsed, with organizing a criminal network used to trade illicit goods and with laundering millions of dollars between 2013 and 2015. "In his official capacity, Plahotniuc was involved in corrupt acts that undermined the rule of law and severely compromised the independence of democratic institutions in Moldova," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in the statement. The ban also includes Plahotniuc's wife, Oxana, and their two children. Plahotniuc's critics say he once wielded overwhelming control over Moldova's politics and economy. His location is unknown, but media reports say he may have fled to the United States. Plahotniuc is also wanted by Russia on drug trafficking and homicide charges. Plahotniuc left the country after the pro-European ACUM bloc agreed to form a coalition with President Igor Dodon's pro-Russia Socialist Party (PSRM) on June 8, pushing the ruling PDM out of government. The ACUM-PSRM coalition collapsed in a no-confidence vote in November, prompting Dodon to appoint a technocrat government backed in parliament by the PDM and the PSRM. Moldova has been dogged by political instability and corruption ever since it declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and hundreds of thousands of Moldovans have left the country. The disappearance in 2014 of some $1 billion, or about one-eighth of Moldova's gross domestic product, from its banking system sparked a wave of public outrage. Plahotniuc's critics say he was involved in what came to be known as "the theft of the century." The NASCAR Hauler Parade, a fan-favorite which marks the start of racing weekend, returns to Las Vegas next month. NASCAR fans can see their favorite drivers haulers make their way up the Las Vegas Strip beginning at 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, Feb. 20, as the city and Las Vegas Motor Speedway kick off the spring 2020 NASCAR Weekend. The parade, something racing fans look forward to each year, will begin at the Las Vegas welcome sign on Las Vegas Boulevard. Approximately 40 brightly colored 18-wheeled NASCAR Cup Series haulers will receive a police escort as they drive north on the Strip before making their way west on Sahara Ave. and hitting Interstate 15 headed for the 1.5-mile speedway. The haulers will proceed to Speedway Boulevard and make their way through the LVMS tunnel under turns 1 and 2 to their garage stalls outside the Neon Garage. LVMSs spring 2020 NASCAR Weekend begins with the Strat 200 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 21, continues with the Strat qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Boyd Gaming 300 on Saturday, Feb. 22, and finishes with the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 23. That NASCAR action will be preceded the Star Nursery 150 ARCA Menards Series West race at The Bullring on Feb. 20, giving the nearly 1,000-acre facility four consecutive days of top-notch racing. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting counterparts from five Sahel countries on Monday, seeking more backing in the fight against a murderous jihadist uprising even as France's military role is being questioned. Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in the southwestern city of Pau, attended also by the heads of the UN, African Union, and EU Council. Macron insists his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad must use the occasion to express public support for France's military presence by far the largest foreign contribution to the fight against African jihadists aligned to al Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Visiting the region last month, the French president complained of a lack of "clear political condemnation of anti-French feelings" on the ground. "I see opposition movements, groups, who denounce the French presence as a neo-colonial, imperialist," Macron said in Niamey, adding he was loath to send soldiers to countries where their presence was not "clearly wanted". Jihadist fighters have recently stepped up their campaign against military and civilian targets, and earlier this month, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "terrorist groups are gaining ground". France has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting poorly-equipped, impoverished local armies that in 2017 launched a joint anti-jihadist G5 Sahel force. Despite the French presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA in Mali, the conflict that erupted in the north of that country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours, especially Burkina Faso and Niger. The Pau meeting was postponed from December after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers. And last Thursday another attack by jihadists left 89 Niger soldiers dead. Respectful relationship Story continues On Monday, Macron was joined by Mali's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Faso's Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Chad's Idriss Deby. They laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence for seven soldiers from Pau who died in action in Mali among 13 French troops killed in a helicopter crash while hunting jihadists last November. The presidents then gathered for talks, which Macron said must clarify the "political and strategic framework" of the Sahel military campaign. Speaking ahead of the summit, Mali's Keita said the talks would allow us to put on the table all the questions, all the grievances, all the solutions". But he insisted the G5 leaders would demand a "respectable and respectful relationship" with France. Kabore of Burkina Faso has described Macron's recent insistences as "lacking in tact". Issifou said the summit would "launch an appeal for international solidarity so that the Sahel and France are not alone in this fight". US withdrawal? Paris planned to use the summit to repeat its call on other Western nations to help step up the fight. Last year, only $300 million of $400 million pledged by the international community in cash and material support to the Sahel was delivered, according to the French presidency. In a worrying sign for Paris, Washingtons top military commander said the United States planned to reduce its military presence in Africa. General Mark Milley, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said resources "could be reduced and then shifted, either to increase readiness of the force in the continental US or shifted to" the Pacific. Milley said no decisions had been made yet and insisted Washington was not pulling out of Africa completely. "We're developing options for the secretary to consider, and we are developing those options in coordination with our allies and partners," Milley said, adding that "economy of forces does not mean zero. Washington has some 7,000 special forces on rotation in Africa carrying out joint operations with national forces against jihadists, particularly in Somalia. Another 2,000 soldiers conduct training missions in some 40 African countries and take part in cooperative operations, in particular with France's Operation Barkhane in Mali, to which they provide mainly logistical assistance. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) London: If the Queen ever needed a reminder of the dangers facing the monarchy before Monday's face-to-face meeting of the royal family's feuding factions, she'd only have to fetch a copy of The Sunday Times and turn to page 25. There, journalist Tom Bradby offers an exquisite insight into the thinking of Prince Harry and Meghan in the days, weeks and months leading up to last week's bombshell decision to pack their bags and walk away. He also gives warning that a bomb is primed and ready to go off underneath the House of Windsor. Britain is saturated by coverage of the royal split - some of it informed and much of it total garbage. However the Queen and her staff would know Bradby is one reporter who should be taken very seriously. Known as the "royal whisperer", Bradby is an accomplished journalist, news anchor and longtime friend of Harry and Prince William. He secured the exclusive 2010 interview in which William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement. He even went to their wedding. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The specialists of the European Commission will visit Armenia on February 3-7 to conduct an audit in the civil aviation sector, Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee Tatevik Revazyan told a press conference in Armenpress. They will visit Armenia with a serious team, which is very positive. It means that Armenia is important to them. We are ready for that audit, do everything for that inspection to pass well. Its clear that we will not manage to solve all issues before their arrival. In reality, they do not expect this from us. They expect from us to understand our problems, clarify what solutions we plan and in what timeframes, Revazyan said. She informed that they also engaged specialists, and for already a long time a Dutch specialist is working with the Armenian specialists. On December 9, 2019 the European Commission updated the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that do not meet international safety standards, and are therefore subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. The Armenian Civil Aviation Committee also appeared in the list and has been put under heightened scrutiny because of signs of a decrease in safety oversight. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan BJP Kerala unit secretary A K Nazir attacked inside mosque India oi-Madhuri Adnal Kattappana, Jan 13: BJP Kerala state secretary A K Nazir was allegedly attacked inside a mosque at Nedungandam in Idukki district on Sunday, shortly after he participated in a programme on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), police said. While the BJP alleged activists of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the pro-CPI(M) Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) were behind the attack, police have maintained that since the incident took place inside a mosque, it was not clear who had attacked Nazir. The BJP leader was obstructed by a group of people when he entered the Thookkupalam Jumah Masjid to offer prayers after the Jana Jagriti meeting. However, the Imam allowed him to perform prayers. Kerala CM Vijayan meets JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, gifts her 'Halla Bol' Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet "While performing namaz, Nazir was beaten up from behind using a chair and was also kicked," a BJP press release said. Nazir, who hails from Kochi, was rushed to a local hospital and then to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. As part of the public meeting, a rally was also taken out by the BJP where three DYFI workers had created some trouble, Kattappana Deputy Superintendent of Police N C Rajmohan told PTI. However, since the attack on Nazir took place inside the mosque it was not clear who was behind it, he said. Three juveniles and two adults were wounded in a shooting at an apartment complex in Aurora, Colo., local police said early Sunday morning. The Aurora Police Department said all five victims are in serious condition but expected to survive, adding that they are all receiving treatment after being taken to the hospital. #APDAlert (1/2) Officers are on scene near Iliff/Buckley where multiple people have been shot. All parties have been transported to the hospital and are receiving treatment. 5 total victims (3 juveniles, 2 adults), all in serious condition but expected to survive. pic.twitter.com/VorzS5Y5dz Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) January 12, 2020 A spokesman for the Aurora police department, Officer Matthew Longshore, told TIME in an emailed response that the victims included two girls, one boy and two adult men. Longshore said police had received a 911 call just before 11 p.m. on Saturday reporting that someone had been shot and that officers were on the scene in less than 90 seconds. Law enforcement said they are looking for at least one suspect and indicated that no one has been arrested yet. Longshore said that there could possibly be more suspects and the motive remained unclear as authorities were still trying to interview everyone involved. #APDAlert (2/2) The suspect(s) is described as B/M, unk. age, and was wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt. Unk. description of other possible suspects. If you witnessed this, or have any information, please contact our dispatch center at 303-627-3100. Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) January 12, 2020 Longshore said that the shooting occurred during a sort of gathering, or party, inside one of the apartments. In 2012, a mass shooting in a movie theater in Aurora left 12 dead and 70 wounded; the shooter was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Pictured: Canadian teenage backpacker Logan A Canadian backpacker who spent almost a year travelling Australia claims he was told by a tarot card reader he would 'go down a dark path' on the trip. Logan was just 19 when he arrived in Sydney in 2017 for the trip of a lifetime, but quickly learned his money wouldn't stretch as far as he hoped in the 'expensive' city. He hopped between hostels near Bondi but eventually travelled by bus to Brisbane and set up his base from there, where he could sneak into hostels without having to pay. But the aspiring musician said the worst part about his stay was how 'bad the weed was'. Logan's backpacker friends, who he met in the hostel, were able to order marijuana from Canada which was being sold at a premium cost - about $30 a gram. The teenager claimed those involved in selling the product knew it would sell at the higher price because 'people were so keen to buy Canadian weed'. 'That sh*t in Australia is not good... He would sell each gram with no discount... And he would sell it in one day every time, because people were so happy to smoke the weed from Canada. 'Its not good in Aus. Everyone smokes it all the time but its not good... They haven't figured out how to use the greenhouse or something because it just wasn't good man,' he said during an interview with the Youtube podcast, Go On Then. His adventures eventually led him to the Daintree Rainforest in North Queensland. He'd travelled there in an uninsured car, and told of his narrow escape with police officers after driving at 200km/h through the empty roads of the Northern Territory. Pictured: Logan with two of his friends as they were exploring Australia When he arrived, Logan said he was shocked to learn it was the oldest rainforest in the world. 'I don't know how they would've even figured that out but whatever,' he said. Backpacker describes Australian cities Sydney: 'Usually expensive. You can find some cheap hostels if you look around.' Brisbane: 'The best city to stay, and I found you can smoke weed in the hostels easier.' Byron Bay: 'The most chill place. Everyone is just smoking joints in the street.' Surfers Paradise: 'A town full of cookers. People move to Surfers just to party and get f**ked up.' Advertisement During his trip, he and his two companions came across a 'somewhat presentable' man who offered them a place to stay. The man was a tarot card reader and insisted on telling their futures. 'He just told me I was going to jail for the rest of my life. He said ''I see cold steel and bars and a dark future for you''. 'Then he ends up telling us: ''I murdered two Aboriginal Australians, and you're going to go down the same path I did''.' Logan said he thought the man was 'crazy' and didn't believe the tarot reading. 'We'd been drinking all night so we couldn't leave and drive anywhere. We just decided to sleep outside and as soon as morning came we dipped out of there.' After the strange encounter, Logan said he spent another week playing scrabble and getting high before finally heading back to Brisbane, visiting the world's 'second largest crocodile in Rockhampton' and hiking up the second tallest mountain in Queensland on his way down. When in Brisbane, his friend managed to offload some sales work to him to cover his hostel costs. The teenager also described his difficulty in finding work when he first arrived. Logan and his friends spent a lot of their time in Australia camping and travelling by car through much of the east coast Once he landed, he started doing 'charitable work' in Sydney, but his money quickly dwindled and he realised he'd need to find a paying job. When Logan left Sydney, he had just $50 to his name with no credit card or security blanket to support him in case of emergencies. He ride-shared his way to Brisbane because he couldn't afford the bus ticket, but was certain he'd be able to find work as soon as he arrived. 'I posted an ad about myself on Gumtree,' he said. 'I offered my services for any labouring work and made up all this experience. 'Its easy to bullsh*t your experience for labour jobs,' he said. The aspiring musician said he loved almost everything in Australia, but he wouldn't return to Surfers Paradise But weeks went by without any interest. He posted four separate ads and was getting desperate before he finally got any offers for work. 'I was living off white bread because it cost 80c a loaf and would steal some jam if I could,' he said. Logan was finally offered work in Bundaberg, a four-hour trip north. He spent about three months up there working and saving money, before finishing his tour of the east coast. Of everywhere he visited, he told Daily Mail Australia Brisbane became like a 'home away from home' but that he loved it all - aside from Surfers Paradise. He returned home to pursue his music career and write songs, but said he hopes to one day return to Australia. Sanderss emergence at the center of the clashes reflected his pivotal position in the race for the Democratic nomination. Little more than three months after suffering a heart attack that some thought would drive him from the race, he has moved to the top of the polls in Iowa, which opens the voting on Feb. 3, and remains in a strong position elsewhere, too. UW in the News State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage: The Casper Star-Tribune interviewed Matthew Kauffman, unit leader of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at UW, for an article focusing on Gov. Mark Gordons draft executive order to bolster migration corridor protections. The draft attempts to strike a balance between the environment and the energy sector. William Ruckelshaus, for whom the Ruckelshaus Institute -- a division of UWs Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources -- is named, was remembered by close associates during a special feature on Wyoming Public Radio. Ruckelshaus, former Environmental Protection Agency director, died late last semester. The Laramie Boomerang reported that UW officials asked the Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee for $12 million to fund a $22 million renovation and expansion of the College of Law. The college is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Houston Chronicle and Washington Times published similar articles. UWs release on atmospheric science Assistant Professor Zachary Lebos research on near-surface wind effects on landscape evolution was published by Environmental News Network and Phys.org. State of the Planet published a similar article. KGWN TV reported that UWs Wyoming Early Childhood Outreach Network is among partners receiving a $2 million grant to support and improve early childhood education programs in Wyoming. UW is among the governors Early Childhood State Advisory Council. UW atmospheric science Assistant Professor Jeff French discussed cloud-seeding effects with Wired. The online news website, based in the Middle East, featured an article about recent flooding in Dubais city streets and if cloud seeding in the United Arab Emirates is to blame. Chad Baldwin, UW associate vice president for communications and marketing, was interviewed for the Up and Up podcast, Undeclared, to discuss the universitys The World Needs More Cowboys marketing campaign and how UW plays a vital role in the economic future in Wyoming. Up and Up is a branding and marketing agency for higher education based in South Carolina. Sheridan Media and SweetwaterNOW published UWs release announcing the energy-related Saturday University program later this month in Pinedale and Rock Springs. UWs release announcing The World Needs More Cowboys community celebration later this month in Sweetwater County was published by The Rocket Miner and on the Wyo4News and SweetwaterNOW websites. Campus Rec Magazine featured Lena Newlin, UW Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center assistant director, who shared advice on mental health wellness. The decision is in line with Ukraine's national interests and the Euro-Atlantic course, says delegation head. A draft resolution on the Verkhovna Rada statement "On the participation of the permanent delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2020" has been submitted for consideration. Head of the Verkhovna Radas permanent delegation to PACE, MP with the Servant of the People Party Yelizaveta Yasko has submitted the draft on January 11, as stated on Parliament website. The memo to the draft recalls that on June 26, 2019, PACE adopted a resolution, which resulted in the renewal of credentials of the Russian delegation. Read alsoPACE wants to make imposition of sanctions on national delegations more complicated "This happened without fulfillment of requirements contained in a number of PACE resolutions on Ukraine, which became the basis for the introduction and extension of sanctions against Russia. Since the unconditional return of the Russian delegation to PACE, the situation with human rights and democracy in Russia, as well as in the territories it has occupied, continues to deteriorate," the memo says. Yasko notes that today Ukraine is in difficult condition, forced to refute Russian aggression. At the same time, the deputy notes, Ukraine duly complies with its obligations to the Council of Europe. "That is why the work of the Ukrainian delegation at the annual PACE 2020 session is very necessary to facilitate the fulfillment by Ukraine of its obligations as a full-fledged member of the Council of Europe, as well as to actively participate in improving the existing and creating new human rights standards of the Council of Europe," Yasko explained. In her conviction, Ukraine's participation in PACE's work is aimed to prevent the maintenance of the existing situation that has developed in Europe as a result of Russia's aggressive foreign policy, to bring objective information about Russia's unlawful actions in the occupied territories of Ukraine, and Ukraines efforts to bring to an end armed aggression waged by the country that is a member of the Council of Europe and tackle its consequences, as well as prevent the use of the PACE platform for spreading false narratives about the situation in Ukraine. "The decision on the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the work of PACE in 2020 is in line with the national interests and the Euro-Atlantic course of Ukraine," Yasko said. As UNIAN reported earlier, the PACE in April 2014 deprived the Russian delegation of the right to vote and excluded its representatives from all of the Assembly's governing bodies over the annexation of Crimea. In this regard, Russia has not paid contributions to the Council of Europe since June 2017. Many PACE members and politicians considered such actions of Russia blackmail. On June 25, 2019, the PACE adopted a resolution, abolishing the mechanism for imposing sanctions, which had been in force at the PACE before. On June 26, 2019, the PACE supported a resolution approving the credentials of the Russian delegation without imposing any sanctions. Protesting the move, delegations of Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine cut short their participation in the summer session. The new delegation of Ukraine to the PACE officially refused to participate in the organization's autumn session over the Russian Federation's return. The two women talk on the phone almost every day, and Ms. Jeffrey brings Ms. Washington home for holidays and other events. She is proud of her granddaughters success living alone, with help. Ms. Jeffrey said that when Ms. Washington was young, doctors told the family that she would not be able to live a satisfying life. As Ms. Jeffrey sat last month with Ms. Washington in her tidy apartment, filled with mementos and a colorful pink carpet, she said they had been proven wrong. When she was a year old, they said, She will not be able to do nothing, Ms. Jeffrey said. And she has come a long way. I am surprised sometimes. Ms. Washington spends several days each week handing food out to people at a senior living center in Manhattan with other people in her program. Sometimes she brings them newspapers. And she has developed friends among the older people who live at the center. They make me happy when I see them and talk to them, Ms. Washington said. On weekends, she likes to go bowling, shop or listen to music. Ms. Sauls, now a division director with Brooklyn Community Services, said that one of the most satisfying parts of the program was showing residents, and their family members, that they can accomplish more than they thought possible. We are always empowering them and building up their skills and giving them the tools that they need, Ms. Sauls said. Parvaiz Qadri, an Independent candidate, was elected as the deputy mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation on Monday, defeating the BJP's Arif Raja. Qadri got 33 votes, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate secured 24 votes. Congress nominee Nakul bagged seven votes, while four votes were rejected, officials said. The election for the post of deputy mayor was necessitated after Sheikh Imran was removed from the position in December following a no-confidence motion against him. BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma congratulated Qadri on his victory and also thanked the non-BJP corporators who voted for the saffron party's candidate. "We had only four corporators when the elections were held in 2018. Now we have 11 members and 13 others gave unconditional support during the election for deputy mayor," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Storm on the Horizon: The New Age, UFOs, and the Cosmic Christ by Sylvia McKelvey With the substantial proof surrounding the existence of extraterrestrials, our next step is to consider the best way to engage with them, McKelvey said. To determine this, we must be cognizant of their possible intentions for reaching out to Earth. Extraterrestrial researcher and investigator Sylvia McKelvey recently published a detailed, informative book that explores extraterrestrial existence titled: Storm on the Horizon: The New Age, UFOs, and the Cosmic Christ. In her book, McKelvey delves into the history of extraterrestrial and UFO appearances on Earth. The extensive research and evidence, along with her personal experiences and UFO encounter, presented in this book bring credibility to the authors claims. Storm on the Horizon informs readers about extraterrestrials and encourages them to ponder how extraterrestrials could impact the future. Although the topic of extraterrestrials tends to be discounted, McKelvey wants to bring to light how important it is for readers to accept the validity of extraterrestrials in order to prepare them for the possibility of global interactions with these beings and what the outcome of such interactions might be. With the substantial proof surrounding the existence of extraterrestrials, our next step is to consider the best way to engage with them, McKelvey said. To determine this, we must be cognizant of their possible intentions for reaching out to Earth. As a Christian, McKelvey also discusses the controversy around extraterrestrials within her own religion and argues the idea of the Cosmic Christ, who serves all beings in the Universe. Additionally, she cautions that the ideology and groundwork being laid today by many New Age networks could make it possible for the prophesied Antichrist to appear on Earth as an alien and how he would be accepted. Therefore, thought should be given to the potential consequences of making contact. This book has everything you have been asking yourself for years about aliens, UFOs, crop circles, orbs, the spirit world, and the titillating subject of the cosmic Christ, said Sheila Halterman in an Amazon review. It is an in-depth study of what may lie beyond our normal spectrum of everyday life and how what we think we know, may not be even close to the truth. The author also documents her own supernatural and personal UFO experiences. All additional facts are documented as well. It is a fascinating read, dont miss it. Storm on the Horizon: The New Age, UFOs, and the Cosmic Christ By Sylvia McKelvey ISBN: 978-1-4897-2420-5 (softcover); 978-1-4897-2421-2 (hardcover) Available at the LifeRich Publishing Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. About the author Sylvia McKelvey is an extraterrestrial researcher and investigator. As a Christian investigator for over thirty years, her research on the New Age Movement was included with other researchers contributions in the 1983 documentary: The New Age, Pathway to Paradise?, which was produced by Christian television network WCFC. Also, she has investigated for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and served as the MUFON state section director for Santa Clara County, California. McKelvey is a former petty officer of the United States Naval Reserve Hospital Corps and served on active duty during Operation Desert Storm. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband. To connect with McKelvey, please visit her website: http://www.smckelveyahighersource.com. For Interview Requests & Review Copies, Please Contact: LAVIDGE Phoenix Krista Tillman 480-648-7560 ktillman@lavidge.com YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The State Revenue Committee has collected 1 trillion 464,3 billion drams in tax revenue in 2019 (1 trillion 507 billion without taking into account the 42,8 billion in VAT debit returns to businesses) outperforming the indicator by more than 100 billion drams, according to State Revenue Committee Chairman Davit Ananyan. An indicator of 6 trillion 756 billion drams GDP was at the basis of the 2019 government budget, 20,75% or 1 trillion 401 billion 900 million of which was planned as tax revenues. This means, during 2019 it was planned for us to generate around 6,7 trillion GDP, 20,75% of which was to be re-distributed in the society in the form of taxes. The factual performance totaled 1 trillion 464,3 billion drams (absolute over-performance 62,4 billion drams), if we take into account the nearly 42,8 billion drams in returns of VAT old debts. If we dont take into account the return, the factual indicator is 1 trillion 507 billion or the over-performance totals 105,2 billion drams, Ananyan said. The tax authorities began the VAT return process to business in late October and by yearend 42,8 billion drams were returned. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Top stories for Monday, Jan. 13 DEADLY TIDES: A king tide wave swept a Portland father and his two children into the ocean on Saturday south of Cannon Beach. A 7-year-old girl died, and a 4-year-old boy is still missing. SCHOOLS SECRET: The exclusive Catlin Gabel School has been rocked by revelations some prominent teachers sexually and physically abused students. Several students told their stories for the first time to The Oregonian/OregonLive. FOOD SAFETY: The Oregonian/OregonLive is doing what the state of Oregon has not: publishing the results of thousands of grocery store food safety inspections online. Here are the 21 Oregon grocery stores that fared the worst. POLICE IN SCHOOLS: The Portland Police Bureau made its case to the City Council this week for keeping armed police officers in city schools, a program with a $1.6 million price tag. PARTY CONFESSION: A 22-year-old was arrested after he confessed during a game of Monopoly with friends to a 2017 Portland hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian, according to court documents. PUBLIC PENSIONS: As was the case for most investors, 2019 was a good year for Oregons underfunded public pension fund. It came at a welcome time. Video of the day TRUSTED FORECASTER: Every day, a one-of-a-kind, whimsical weather machine at Pioneer Courthouse Square announces the days weather with a fanfare of trumpets, a spray of mist and a cast of creatures. But most passersby have no idea what it is. The Oregonian explains. (Samantha Swindler/Staff) More news Oregon appeals court will rule again on states $135K fine of Sweet Cakes bakery for refusing to sell same-sex wedding cake Best seat in the house: Mark Mason prepares for 1,000th game as Portland Trail Blazers PA announcer As Portland waits for snow, Washington state gets hammered Oregon Insight: The 15 places where incomes are growing the fastest and 3 where theyre falling Find more at oregonlive.com Weather and traffic Chilly with periods of snow and rain. High 40, low 33. Get the latest forecast at oregonlive.com/weather Watch for weather-related closures or click road conditions, and take some common-sense precautions. Stay up to date on traffic conditions at oregonlive.com/commuting Advice Ask Amy: Woman stumbles over friendship as her lifes focus changes Dear Abby: Parents should resist urge to meddle in adult childrens lives Dear Annie: How do we stop a friend from inviting himself to stay at our place? Find more, including todays horoscope, at oregonlive.com Todays comics Click here to see today's comics Todays obituaries Click here to find area deaths reported recently Today in history In 2012: The Italian luxury liner Costa Concordia ran aground off the Tuscan island of Giglio and flipped onto its side; 32 people were killed. In 1794: President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to the original 13.) In 1837: Settlers in the Willamette Valley incorporate the Willamette Cattle Company to import cattle from California and foster competition with the entrenched Hudsons Bay Company. The new cattle helped solidify Oregons fledgling agriculture industry. Few people are as knee-deep in our work-related anxieties and sticky office politics as Alison Green, who has been fielding workplace questions for a decade now on her website Ask a Manager. In Direct Report, she spotlights themes from her inbox that help explain the modern workplace and how we could be navigating it better. I hear a lot of stories about terrible job interviewsthe interviewer who demanded to look inside a candidates purse, interviewers who are rude and hostile or even explicitly insulting, candidates who are left waiting for hours after taking time off work, and much more. One common denominator in these stories is that when job candidates are subjected to rude behavior from employers, they mostly feel obligated to stick it out until the end of the interview. They dont get up and leave. They sit politely, then walk out quietly stewing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres one persons account of feeling trapped in a bad interview: I flew to another state for a job interview with the VP of HR for an automotive parts maker. The only flight I could get was for mid-morning, and the VP couldnt meet me till after 6 pm at a restaurant. So I flew to Detroit, rented a car, and poked around in a small town for hours (turned out to be her hometownnot where the facility was located), and met her at the restaurant as instructed. She arrived with a rep from the executive recruiting firm, and they largely ignored me and smirked together as I put forth my earnest answers to the few questions she asked and sat patiently listening while she spent the majority of the time telling me about what a big shot she was. It was so bad that at one point I felt tearful and had to hide it. I felt trapped and couldnt think how to end it gracefully and just waited for her to bring it to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes the problem isnt an unpleasant interviewer but rather an interview the candidate never would have agreed to if the circumstances had been disclosed ahead of time: Advertisement The job was not entry levelit was a directorship position for which I met all qualifications listed in the job description. When I showed up at the interview, it turned out that they had the other candidate in the same interview! The panel read each question and we were instructed to answer as we see fit, but we were also told we could not agree with each other (i.e., if the other candidate said something that matched how I would have answered the question, I had to stumble and come up with something else on the spot, and vice versa). I found that we were both rushing to try to answer first to avoid our individual ideas being taken! When I was contacted about the interview, I was not warned that the other candidate would be interviewing at the same time so I didnt have the opportunity to decide on the phone whether or not I was interested. In retrospect, I wish I would have gotten up and walked out when I realized that the other candidate was there as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think thats bad? This person tried to leave but couldnt: So I take the day off work to go to this interview. I show up early, and the receptionist gives me a paper to fill out. Then, despite being led to believe that I was interviewing with my future boss, Im informed that theyve gotten so many applications that theyre going to do a group interview and then whittle it down from there. Im thinking that there will be 10 people in there, max, and am not really worried. Well, when I got to the other room, there are 45 people in there and there was a team of employees with a detailed speech and PowerPoint ready to go. I realized then that theyd had this all prepared before, and never had any intention of having a normal interview. Im thinking I want to leave, but since they took my ID to make a copy of it (this was before I saw the group of people), they said I would have to wait until after the presentation because the receptionist had gone to lunch and left the IDs locked in her office. Yeah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why dont more people walk out of bad interviews? These are just business meetings, after all; no one has been ordered to appear by subpoena. The explanation almost certainly has to do with the power dynamics inherent in most interviews, where candidates often feel they must endure whatever treatment the interviewer doles out, no matter how rude. Some of that is understandable: The interviewer has something the candidate wants (a paying job), and thats a strong incentive to be accommodating, at least up to a point. But interviews should be two-way streets. While employers are assessing candidates, those candidates should be assessing the employers right back, forming their own judgments about whether theyd want to work for this particular company and this particular manager. And just as an employer might choose to cut short an interview if a candidate clearly isnt right for the job, candidates should feel free to do the same on their side. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, not everyone has the luxury of doing that. Sometimes you just need a job, and your finances or professional context might make you more willing to put up with an awful manageror at least to want to see the terms of a job offer before you decide for sure. But even candidates with in-demand skills and plenty of options are reluctant to abort terrible interviews. They worry that its rude or that its not their place, or it doesnt even occur to them that cutting short the interview is an option. Advertisement But when an interviewer is abusive or otherwise makes it clear theyre not someone youd ever willingly work for, youre allowed to leave! You should be polite about it, of course (because you should be polite in all business dealings), so this isnt about saying something cutting and then flipping the bird on your way out. But you can say: As were talking, Im realizing that this isnt the right fit for me. I wont take up more of your time, and I wish you luck in filling the position. Thats hopefully similar to how youd handle such a situation with other types of business prospectsa prospective vendor who was being rude, for exampleand theres no reason you cant do the same with a job interview. And sure, the power dynamics are different in interviews, but theyre not so different that you need to cede all control over your own time and treatment. Telugu film actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan on Monday met BJP working president J P Nadda in the national capital amid speculation that the two parties might forge an alliance in Andhra Pradesh. Pawan, along with his senior party colleague and former assembly speaker Nadendla Manohar, met Nadda at his residence and held discussions for over an hour. Sources said they apparently discussed the political scenario in Andhra Pradesh and the need to forge an alliance in Andhra Pradesh, where the two parties had suffered defeat in both the assembly and the Lok Sabha polls. They also held discussions on the ongoing agitation by farmers of Amaravati against YSRC government's suggestion of having three capitals for the state, the sources added. Later, JSP leaders along with BJP MP from Bengaluru (South) Tejaswi Surya met BJP's Andhra Pradesh in-charge V Murleedharan and co-incharge Sunil Deodhar here. Pawan had reached the national capital on Sunday following a call from the BJP leadership and had held preliminary round of talks with BJP general secretary B L Santosh and MP Tejaswi Surya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ) has said it recorded the highest number of decisions in 2019 since inception in 2001. This was made known in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Courts Registry Department. The department said a total of 48 decisions were delivered by the ECOWAS CCJ in 2019, the highest number of decisions given in a single year by the Court since its inception in 2001. It stated that the 48 decisions comprise 38 Judgments and 10 Rulings and significantly higher than the 33 and 23 decisions given in 2018 and 2017 respectively. The statement quoted Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the Court, in reaction to the landmark achievement saying, this is the most vivid expression of the expressed commitment of the current judges. Since their assumption of duty at the end of August 2018 to expedite the handling of cases in order to reduce the number of pending cases and help strengthen the confidence of ECOWAS citizens in the Court, Mr Asante said. Mr Asante said the milestone was achieved despite the challenges confronting the Court such as the reduction of the number of judges from seven to five. The President of the Court assured that the judges will remain on this trajectory considering the trend in the number of pending cases which increased to 119 in 2019 compared to 108 in 2018 and 89 in 2017. It is widely acknowledged that justice delayed is justice denied and we want citizens who approach the Court to do so, confident that justice will be delivered. In a timely manner unlike the experience with some national courts, he added. Mr Asante said the Court has scheduled several court sessions for the first quarter of 2020 during which 55 cases will be heard while 12 Decisions comprising eight Judgments and four Rulings will be delivered. He noted that although the violation of human rights has become its defining mandate and transformed the Court into the preeminent regional court in Africa, the Community must not lose sight of its primary mandate. He explained that this mandate is related to its role in the integration process as the Court charged with the interpretation of Community instruments. Mr Asante said the statistics also showed that 441 cases were filed as at December 31, 2019 with the Court since its inception while 116 Rulings, 231 Judgments and four Advisory Opinions were delivered during the period. He said in addition, the Court issued 30 Orders, revised 18 of its decisions based on 23 applications and held 1002 Court sessions. The president equally expressed concern at the poor working conditions in the Court caused by inadequate office space. (NAN) A 29-year-old narcotic trade kingpin, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his arrest, has been held from Bihar, police said on Monday. The accused, identified as Shaidul Seikh, is a resident of Malda in West Bengal, they added. Delhi Police had announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh on him. He was arrested from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, a senior police officer said. Earlier, his suppliers, Bajlur Rahman and Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddique, both residents of West Bengal, were arrested in Delhi and 10.5 kg fine grade heroin was seized from them, the police added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The trial for the killers of Slovak investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, started in the Slovak city of Pezinok, just northeast of the capital of Bratislava, on Monday and will be broadcast on national television PRAGUE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th January, 2020) The trial for the killers of Slovak investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, started in the Slovak city of Pezinok, just northeast of the capital of Bratislava, on Monday and will be broadcast on national television. Kuciak, who was known for investigating the cooperation of senior politicians and shadow businessmen, and his fiancee were shot on February 21, 2018, in their house in Velka Maca in the country's west. The killing triggered mass demonstrations against corruption and forced the resignation of then-Prime Minister Robert Fico, who had been in office for 10 years, and other officials. Police have since arrested five people believed to have been involved in or have ordered the killing. Among them are Marian Kocner, a high-profile Slovak businessman, and his three alleged accomplices. In late December, Zoltan Andrusko, the fifth person in the case, admitted to acting as an intermediary between those who ordered the killing and those who executed it. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in a separate proceeding, based on his plea bargain deal with prosecutors. The four other suspects had a preliminary hearing at the Specialized Criminal Court in Pezinok on December 19. They are likely to face life sentences. The assassination of the Slovak journalist and his fiancee was considered to be an unprecedented event for Slovakia and a test of the country's police and judicial independence given that the probe revealed business and personal links between Kocner and some security officials. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The licenses were issued for 589 projects in Irans northern Mazandaran province during nine months (from March 21 through December 21, 2019) of this Iranian year, Chairman of the Industry, Mine and Trade Organization of the province Huseyngulu Qovanlu said. The investments worth 38.8 trillion rials (about $925 million) are expected to be made in these projects, the chairman added, Trend reports referring to the organizations website. More than 10,000 people will be employed after the implementation of these projects, Qovanlu added. The projects mainly relate to production of medical equipment and surgical instruments, equipment for mining coal and waste recycling, equipment for agriculture sector and clothing industry, the chairman said. Some 137 projects worth 10 trillion rials (about $238 million) were implemented in Mazandaran province during nine months. There are more than 3,000 industrial facilities in the province. Schools spend billions of dollars on technology with promises of personalized learning and building 21st-century skills. Wildflower Schools, a network of small, teacher-led Montessori schools founded in 2014, has a more radical idea: use sensors to track kids every movementwhere they go, what they work with, who they interact with, and how long they engage with materials in the classroom. It may sound creepy, and perhaps something that might make Maria Montessori roll over in her grave. But its backers say its an effort to make Montessori, an educational philosophy with passionate global backing, even more Montessori. In 2017, Angeline Lillard, a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Virginia, did a study comparing educational outcomes of 141 preschoolers who were randomly chosen via lottery to attend either a Montessori preschool or a traditional preschool. When the kids started the study, there were no academic differences, but by the end of a three-year period, the Montessori kids had made more academic gains, had better social skills, and reported enjoying school more. The also had more mastery skills (the desire to learn), and took on challenging tasks in order to do so. One possible reason, Lillard says, is that there are few external rewardssuch as grades, stickers, or gold starsin Montessori programs. Read the whole story: Quartz Foreign ministers of the five countries which citizens died in the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines plane in Iran on January 8 will meet in London soon, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko has stated. "In two days I will see in London, we will have a meeting of the five ministers of foreign affairs of the grieving nations, where we will work out what our nations individually, and collectively, what steps were taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and how can we repay those families which suffered," Prystaiko told British radio on Monday, CNN reports. The Ukrainian minister did not name the officials to be present at the meeting, but most likely he spoke about the ministers of Great Britain, Canada, Germany, Sweden and Ukraine. As reported, a Ukraine International Airlines plane (flight PS752), en route from Tehran to Kyiv, crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport at about 06:00 Tehran time (04:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8. There were 176 people on board the aircraft. All of them died. The crash killed 11 Ukrainians (two passengers and all nine crew), 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, ten Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of a Ukrainian airliner. ish Samsung BioLogics CEO Kim Tae-han speaks during last year's J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, Jan. 10, 2019 (KST). Kim will attend this year's conference too to assuage investors' concern on risks stemming from the company's alleged accounting fraud. Courtesy of Samsung BioLogics By Nam Hyun-woo Samsung BioLogics will attempt to convince investors of its capacity in drug contract development and manufacturing at the upcoming J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. The company said it will deliver a presentation on its performance last year, the production capacity of its plant 3 the world's-largest and unveil a mid-term plan in contract development and manufacturing as a main track company during the conference at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, Thursday (KST). The annual conference being held for the 38th time is one of the largest pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical events in the world. Unlike other exhibition-type events, host J.P. Morgan invites presenting companies and speakers to deliver key information such as the status of their pipeline and earnings trajectory to investors, thus laying the groundwork for major licensing deals. At the conference, Samsung BioLogics CEO Kim Tae-han will give the presentation, defying earlier anticipation that he could miss the prestigious conference this year, due to the ongoing investigation into the alleged accounting fraud. Samsung BioLogics has been reeling from the allegation that it intentionally violated accounting rules to inflate its corporate value in 2015, a year ahead of its initial public offering. At that time, Samsung BioLogics changed the status of its joint venture, Samsung Bioepis, from a "subsidiary" to an "affiliate," and saw Bioepis' value jump to 4.5 trillion won ($3.9 billion). The prosecution has been investigating this case under suspicion that the firm cooked the books to help Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong gain further control of Samsung Electronics and the entire Samsung Group. Since then, prosecutors have grilled a number of ranking Samsung officials, including BioLogics CEO Kim, and are expected to indict Samsung BioLogics over the accounting fraud allegation in the near future. Trials are expected to take place throughout this year. Kim's scheduled appearance is interpreted as a bid to shrug off potential investor concerns over risks with the company. "Through its recent deals with major pharmaceutical firms, Samsung BioLogics has proven its capacity and capability as a go-to contract development and manufacturing organization, but has been affected by non-business risks as it was involved in the Samsung Group's management succession issue," a ranking official at a domestic biopharmaceutical firm said. "It seems the company is trying to capitalize on the J.P. Morgan conference as a good chance to turn investors' attention back to its business by elaborating on its portfolio." Analysts also echoed a similar opinion that the accounting fraud issue remains as a risk for the company, but uncertainties will be cleared when rulings are handed down. "The remaining risk for Samsung BioLogics is the unfinished legal battle over the accounting fraud," Yuanta Securities analyst Seo Mi-hwa said. "If this issue is settled quickly, the operation rate of the company's plant 3 and winning additional manufacturing orders will be normalized quickly." More deals for 'K-bio' Not only Samsung BioLogics, but also other Korean biopharmaceutical firms will display their wares at the conference, and try to recover their reputation tarnished after a series of negative incidents, such as the ingredient error of Kolon Life Science's Invossa, the early termination of a phase three trial of SillaJen's Pexa-Vec and the placebo mix-up of Helixmith's Engensis gene therapy. Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin will present the company's pipeline and future plans, as well as promoting the firm's prowess in the field of biosimilars, including the Remsima SC autoimmune treatment which won European approval in November. Along with Samsung BioLogics, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Genexine, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Hugel and LG Chem will join the conference as presenting companies. "A number of license-out deals and approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have led the growth of the domestic pharmaceutical industry arly last year, but it all stopped after a series of negative events followed," SK Securities analyst Lee Tal-mi said. "However, pharma and bio firms logged favorable earnings since the third quarter, and such an uptrend will pick up momentum after the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference as actual deals may follow." More than 200 academicians, including vice chancellors of universities, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, blaming a "small coterie of Left-wing activists" for a deteriorating academic environment in the country. "We observe with dismay that in the name of student politics, a disruptive far-left agenda is being pursued. The recent turn of events in campuses from JNU to Jamia, from AMU to Jadavpur alarms us to the deteriorating academic environment due to the shenanigans of a small coterie of left-wing activists," they wrote to the prime minister. The signatories to the statement include Hari Singh Gour University VC R P Tiwari, Central University of South Bihar VC HCS Rathore and Sardar Patel University VC Shirish Kulkarni, among others, according to official sources. It is titled as "statement against left-wing anarchy in educational institutions". The statement by 208 academicians is being seen as part of the ruling dispensation's efforts to mobilise support in the academia after it faced flak from a section of the intelligentsia over protests in certain universities over a host of issues, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the recent violence on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus. Taking on Left-leaning groups, the statement said it had become difficult to organise public talks or speak independently due to the "censorship imposed by the left-wing politics". Strikes, dharnas and shutdowns over maximalist demands were common in Left strongholds and personal targeting, public slandering and harassment for not conforming to the Left ideology were on the rise, the academicians wrote to Modi. The worst sufferer of this kind of politics were poor students and those from marginalised communities, the statement said. "They (these students) lose out on the opportunity to learn and build a better future for themselves. They also lose out on the freedom to articulate their own views and alternative politics. They find themselves constrained to conform to the majoritarian left politics. We appeal to all democratic forces to come together and stand for academic freedom, freedom of speech and plurality of thoughts," it added. La presente informativa e resa, anche ai sensi dellart. 13 del D. Lgs. 196/2003 Codice in materia di protezione dei dati personali (Codice Privacy) e degli artt. 13 e 14 del Regolamento (UE) 2016/679 (GDPR), a coloro che si collegano alla presente edizione online del giornale Tribuna Economica di proprieta di AFC Editore Soc. Coop. Leggi di piu New Delhi [India], Jan 14 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will arrive here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India amid spiralling tension between the Middle East country and the United States. Besides addressing the Raisina Dialogue - an annual conference where dignitaries from more than 100 countries across the world will share their views on geopolitics and geoeconomics, climate change, counter-terrorism and other agendas of the next decade - the foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 15. The visiting dignitary will further deliberate on regional issues with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar over breakfast on Thursday following which he will emplane for Mumbai to interact with a group of businesses leaders. During his trip to the country's financial capital, Zarif is also scheduled to call on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He will conclude his India visit on Friday, according to an official statement. The visit by the Iranian foreign minister comes at a time when the global attention is focused on the simmering tensions in the Middle East post the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by a Pentagon-ordered drone attack in Baghdad earlier this month. India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar as it has important interests in the region. Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Soleimani's killing has led to a dramatic escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington which was already strained after from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the "Iran nuclear deal," in 2018. India has strategic interests in the Gulf region which is a key source of its energy security. (ANI) The new stores are part of the brand's plans to grow to 150 stores in the U.S. by 2023. Jollibee Pinellas Park and Jollibee Maui are the 40th and 41st stores to open in the U.S. and arrive on the heels of the brand's recent entrance into Arizona and further expansion across California. 2019 marked a record year for Jollibee in the U.S., as the company experienced unprecedented growth, outpacing the growth rate of the U.S. restaurant industry and exhibiting consistent double-digit growth in terms of same-store sales and profits. The company also opened the doors of its new North American headquarters in Los Angeles, California to accommodate its growing workforce and help meet its expansion goal in the U.S. With Florida and Hawaii ranking among the top 10 states with the highest concentration of Filipinos, opening additional locations in new key areas in these states was an obvious decision for the company. Jollibee's existing stores in Jacksonville, Florida and on Hawaii's Oahu island have enjoyed much success and fans from outside these cities are clamoring to have a store in their neighborhood. "We cannot wait to welcome Jollibee fans who have long waited for their turn to finally have Jollibee in their area, in addition to welcoming new foodies intrigued by our unique menu, which we fondly describe as a joyous mash-up of Western comfort food and Asian flavors," said Beth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Foods Corporation North America, Philippine Brands Group. Pinellas Park, which is located within the Tampa Bay area, is known for its diverse food scene with Southern and Latin American influences. Additionally, though Jollibee already has four locations on the island of Oahu, the brand is expanding to Maui to give fans and newcomers living there an easier way to get their Chickenjoy and further add to the already vibrant food scene on the island. Expect those in and around Pinellas Park and Maui to triumphantly exclaim, "It's Our Turn!" as they celebrate the arrival of Jollibee in their city. Jollibee is known as the 'Home of the Famous Chickenjoy' so a visit to the store would be incomplete without it. The restaurant's Chickenjoy is delicately hand-breaded and made with a secret marinade to make it crispylicious on the outside and juicylicious on the inside. Also widely loved is the brand's Jolly Spaghetti with its signature sweet-style sauce loaded with chunky slices of savory ham and hotdog, as well as Peach Mango Pie, craved for its delicious filling made with real Philippine mangoes enclosed in a light, crispy crust. Customers at both stores will also be able to try the U.S.-exclusive Chicken Sandwich, made with a 100% hand-breaded chicken breast fillet, a brioche bun, garlic aioli sauce, lettuce and tomatoes. In honor of the brand's arrival in Pinellas Park and Maui, Jollibee will offer an exclusive tasting for select fans at each store the day before the store opens to the public. On opening day, Jollibee will also be giving away exclusive collectible items and fan-favorite products. Fans can head to Jollibee USA's Facebook and Instagram pages for more details. Jollibee store openings in the U.S. and across the globe have been known to draw massive crowds as fans and curious newcomers alike queue up for hours and even days beforehand for a chance to be among the store's first customers. At the chain's most recent opening in Chandler, Arizona, the store welcomed thousands of customers on opening day with the first customer claiming her place in line on Christmas night, camping out for three days before the official openinga new record in Jollibee's U.S. openings. The Pinellas Park store is located at 4057 Park Boulevard North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 while the Maui store will open at 270 Dairy Road, Kahului, HI 96732. Store hours for opening day and beyond are 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, local time. Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Foods Corporation's 15 brands. JFC is one of the world's largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies with more than 5,800 stores in 35 countries. About Jollibee Jollibee is the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines, operating a Philippine network of more than 1,400 stores. A dominant market leader in the Philippines, Jollibee has embarked on an aggressive international expansion plan. Jollibee has more than 240 international branches including in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, and in the United Kingdom. In North America, Jollibee opened its first store in 1998 in Daly City, California. It now operates 48 stores across the region, in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, and Virginia of the United States, and in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Technomic has consistently cited Jollibee among its Top 500 ranking restaurants in the United States. It was also awarded as Multinational Corporation of the Year by the Asian Business League of Southern California in 2017 and Corporation of the Year by the Asian Business Association in 2019. About Jollibee Foods Corporation Jollibee Foods Corporation is one of the largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies in the world. It operates in 35 countries, with over 5,800 stores globally with branches in the Philippines, United States, Canada, People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), United Kingdom, Italy, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Panama, and Malaysia. It has 8 wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan and Smashburger), 2 franchised brands (Burger King in the Philippines and Dunkin' Donuts in certain territories in China), a 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highland Coffee and PHO24 brands. JFC has investments in Titan Dining LP, the ultimate holding entity of Tim Ho Wan Pte. Ltd. (the Master Franchisee of Tim Ho Wan in the Asia Pacific region excluding Hong Kong); and a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless to build a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States. JFC has also recently entered into a joint venture agreement to open Panda Express in the Philippines. Jollibee Foods Corporation has been named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for eight years in a row and was honored as one of 'Asia's Fab 50 Companies' by Forbes Asia Magazine. Jollibee Foods Corporation has grown brands that bring delightful dining experiences to its customers worldwide, in line with its mission of serving great tasting food and spreading the joy of eating to everyone. SOURCE Jollibee Related Links https://jollibeeusa.com Netflix The Supreme Court in Brazil has given the go ahead to Netflix to continue streaming a comedy that depicts Jesus as homosexual. "The First Temptation of Christ" was created by Brazilian comedy group Porta Does Fundos and first aired on December 3, coinciding with the Christmas season. The Netflix blurb described it as a "Christmas special so wrong". It sparked outrage across Brazil, with over 2.3 million people signing a petition demanding its removal from the streatming platform. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of conservative Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was among the outspoken critics against the satire. "We support freedom of expression, but is it worth attacking the belief of 86 per cent of the population?" Bolsonaro said. The strength of feeling among Brazilians was laid bare when the Rio de Janeiro office of Porta dos Fundos was attacked with firebombs on Christmas Eve. No one was injured in the attack. A lower court last Tuesday came down on the side of the critics and ordered Netflix to remove the comedy special. However, that decision was reversed on Thursday by the Supreme Court, with the President of Brazil's Supreme Court, Justice Jose Antonio Dias Toffoli, stating that freedom of expression is a fundamental right of democracy. "A piece of satire is not going to undermine the values of Christian faith, which has been around for more than 2,000 years," he wrote in his judgement. The village of Modlareuth in south Germany, straddles the border between the two federal states of Bavaria and Thuringia. For more than 140 years, this border, which manifests itself in the form a small stream, made little difference to the daily life of the local populace. There was just one school and one restaurant, both on Thuringia, and the villagers went to the same church in the neighboring Bavarian municipality of Topen. But after the end of World War 2, political boundaries that meant little before became the source of growing tension. Germany was divided into four occupation zones and divided between the Allies (United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union), their boundaries drawn along the territorial boundaries of 19th-century German states and provinces. Then talks between the Western Allies and the Soviets broke down, and two major regions emergedEast Germany, occupied by the Soviets, and West Germany occupied by the rest of the Allies. A new border was drawn up. Anything that came in the way was bulldozed. Modlareuth, with its community split between the two states, found themselves in a peculiar position. A 10-yard buffer zone was set up along the stream that people once walked back and forth at will. Now they had show papers each time they crossed. Nearly a decade later, the border became more tangible, more permanent and more restricting. A section of the wall at Modlareuth. Image credit: Hollyrik Photography/Shutterstock.com In 1966, East Germany started building a 1,300 kilometers-long Inner German border that ran from the Baltic Sea to Czechoslovakia, right through the middle of the small farming community. A brick wall went up, two brick walls in fact, with a no-mans zone in between. This was accompanied by watch towers, guard dogs and machine gun-toting guards. Later, mines were installed along the wall in East Modlareuth as a further deterrent. The wall through Modlareuth was 700 meters long, and with no checkpoint, it truly separated the village. Approaching the wall from the East German side meant sure death. Photographing the wall was punishable by imprisonment. Even waving at friends or family across the border could get you into trouble. We had the wall to the front and, to our rear an electric fence, recalls resident Arndt Schaffer. Families were divided, requests to go to the other side was refused, even for funerals. The relatives had to go to a piece of high land and watch the burial from afar, he said. Part of the Wall in the old East German village of Modlareuth. Image credit: Edward Haylan/Shutterstock.com While one side of the village was shut off from the world, the West German side of the village was suddenly exposed to tourism. Apart from Berlin, Modlareuth was one of only handful of communities that was slashed through by the wall. Eventually, Modlareuth earned the name Little Berlin and people came from all over West Germany and beyond to take a closer look at the wall that had so rudely divided a village. Even US vice president George H.W. Bush made a stop at Modlareuth during an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1983. One month after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1989, villagers tore down part of the wall to create a crossing to allow families from both sides to mingle. Six months later, the Modlareuth Wall was knocked down using a bulldozer. A 100-meter portion of the wall was retained as a memorial and is now the centerpiece of the Modlareuth Museum, which also includes a watchtower, metal fencing, a reconstruction of the heavily fortified barrier and other relics. Modlareuth still remains a divided village, owning to its geography. There are two mayors, one each from Bavaria and Thuringia, two sets of postcodes, car registrations and dialing codes. The stream that forms the boundary between Thuringia and Bavaria, which runs through the middle of the village. Photograph taken in 1949. Image credit: Otto Donath Villagers breach the wall in December 1989, one month after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Image credit: Google Street View Image credit: Taylor Sargeant/Flickr A model of the village at Modlareuth Museum. Image credit: Hellebardius/Flickr Image credit: Hellebardius/Flickr Image credit: Marcus Meissner/Flickr Image credit: Marcus Meissner/Flickr References: # BBC, http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20191106-the-german-village-split-by-a-wall # The Irish Times, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/united-german-village-remains-divided-1.500756 # The Irish Times, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/village-retains-walls-and-scars-of-cold-war-1.718644 # The Scotsman, https://www.scotsman.com/news/world/little-berlin-marks-40th-anniversary-of-its-own-cold-war-wall-1-1414167 Photograph: Jose Carlos Fajardo/Associated Press In 2019, millions of Californians experienced a wildfire safety blackout, some for nearly a week at a time, as the troubled utility company Pacific Gas & Electric and other investor-owned utilities grappled with replacing one devastating disaster with another, comparatively manageable one. 2019 was not an anomaly, but the beginning of a new way of life for many California residents. While de-energization for fire safety has been state policy for more than a decade, it had never before been used on such a mass scale. According to utility experts, politicians and PG&E, customers can expect many more years of blackouts to come, as fire risk in Californias hills only increases. Wildfire blackouts could be Californias new normal for the next 10 to 30 years, or even longer, the Senate energy committee chair, Lisa Murkowski, told a hearing on utility and fire safety in December. Ten or more years of blackouts ahead In stark contrast to recent years past, Californias 2019 wildfire season was relatively mild: just 732 structures destroyed, compared with the tens of thousands and dozens killed in 2017 and 2018. The crisis of 2019s fire season was less the fires themselves, and more the actions taken that were meant to prevent fires from igniting in the first place. Intended as a measure of last resort, California power utilities conducted nine public safety power shutoffs in the fall of 2019 in an effort to reduce wildfire risk in hot, windy weather conditions and to reduce liability costs to utilities. Related: PG&E: whats next for the utility at the center of Californias wildfires Those costs following deadly wildfires in 2017 and 2018 fires linked to equipment belonging to PG&E, drove the company to file for bankruptcy in 2019, and to reconsider how to manage the grid during future fire weather events. Bill Johnson, PG&Es CEO, has at different times claimed his utility the largest in the state would resort to blackouts for the next three, five or 10 years. Story continues The southern California investor-owned utility San Diego Gas and Electric is the poster child for safety, said Michael Wara, the director of the climate and energy policy program at Stanfords Woods Institute for the Environment. SDG&E has been de-energizing its lines during fire weather events for more than a decade. Why is it that PG&E thinks its going to be able to replicate what San Diegos done and do even better over a larger area in less time? Its not impossible, but its an enormously challenging task, said Wara. PG&Es post-de-energization reports to the state utilities commission showed a number of hazards after each event, from damaged lines and conductors to fallen trees. After its largest shutoff at the end of October, the utility noted more than 100 individual hazards. Would every piece of system damage that they noted have caused a fire? Probably not. But some of them probably would have, said Wara. [Public safety power shutoff policy] is so unpopular, and it impacts so many people, I worry we will be pushed to be overly optimistic about other potential avenues for creating safety. Despite the widespread shutoffs, PG&E equipment was still tied to igniting several fires in the fall of 2019, including the Kincade fire in Sonoma county, which destroyed 352 structures and burned more than 77,000 acres. Its not clear to me that the system is that much safer than 2017, Wara said. The safety that we had this season and the absence of fires during these dangerous wind events was due to the fact that the wires werent hot. Elijah Carter 11, left, and Robert Haralson, 12, shop in a darkened supermarket in Santa Rosa, California, during a blackout. Photograph: Kent Porter/Associated Press Costs and consumers Fire risk in the California hills will rise precipitously through the middle of the century, according to a 2018 report for Californias Fourth Climate Change Assessment, with big new hazards in areas where high voltage transmission lines run through the mountains and connect California to clean energy out of state. In the face of that rising danger, the public safety power shutoff is a utilitys fastest and cheapest means of reducing fire risk. I want to assure you that we do not expect an annual repeat of what we went through this fall. We are working hard now to narrow the scope and duration of future safety shutoffs and minimize their customer impact as much as possible, Johnson told the Senate hearing. But he also took credit for the less destructive 2019 fire season: PG&Es [public safety power shutoff] program achieved its singular goal: there was no loss of life during wildfires in 2019. Not everyone in California is convinced that success is PG&Es to claim. Will Abrams and his family lost their home in the 2017 Tubbs fire that destroyed more than 5,600 structures and killed 22 people. They were forced to evacuate again from the 2019 Kincade fire. The fact that our firefighters went in and did an amazing job, learned from prior fires and got these more under control shouldnt be a PG&E victory lap, said Abrams. I would argue that the shutoffs provide a disincentive for other mitigation. Because if you can just pull the power, you dont have to do the vegetation management and the microgrids and all the other stuff you need to do. All of that other stuff is enormously expensive and labor-intensive and will take years to complete. And the costs of installing stronger poles and trimming trees will not just be borne by the companys profits. CEO Johnson has said ratepayers will not be on the hook for the costs associated with the companys bankruptcy, but they will have to foot some of the bill for grid upgrades and maintenance. Customers saw their rates increase again on 1 January, though not as much as the utility would have liked. PG&E customers already pay some of the highest prices in the country for power, and those prices will only increase. PG&E expects to reinforce 7,100 miles of line in fire risky areas in the next 12 to 14 years. To date, the utility has completed just 129 miles. Pacific Gas & Electric crews work on power lines in Paradise, California. Photograph: Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press PG&E a convicted felon to hold accountable To some, PG&Es bankruptcy initially seemed like an opportunity to restructure the troubled utility in favor of creating a more reliable and resilient grid to weather future climate change one that wouldnt necessitate extensive annual blackouts. This bankruptcy represents a closing window of opportunity to change course so that not only is PG&E a proven safe and reliable provider of energy but so the state has a way forward to address wildfires and climate change, said Abrams, who has filed motions in the case advocating for more significant restructuring and transparency in the process. But the California governor, Gavin Newsom, rejected PG&Es plan to leave bankruptcy, calling it woefully short of reorganizing the company to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service to its customers. In 2018, the state legislature passed a bill aimed at heading off that bankruptcy but providing new funding sources for fire-burdened utilities and requiring new wildfire safety plans which ultimately included de-energization. In 2019, at Newsoms urging, the legislature passed new legislation that created a wildfire liabilities fund, and placed a June deadline for PG&E to leave bankruptcy. Critics argued that both bills were essentially bailouts for investor-owned utilities. I voted no on both of them I thought that they shifted financial responsibility on to Californians and neglected to raise public safety to the paramount priority, said assembly member Marc Levine. De-energization was a massive failure. While Californias fires have been orders of magnitude more destructive than the blackouts, they touch just a fraction of the millions who had their lights turned off in 2019 making de-energization a hotter problem for politicians and PG&E to solve.They have just a few months before the next fire season begins. Three new pieces of legislation introduced in the state legislatures first week back in 2020 aimed at addressing a troubled PG&E, regardless of the bankruptcys resolution. A new proposal from Levine would install a public administrator from the state regulatory commission for a period of six months to oversee all the functions of a floundering investor-owned utility. We need to stop treating PG&E like a business to keep solvent and more like a convicted felon that needs to be held accountable, said Levine. A road sign calls for PG&E to turn the power back on in Calistoga, California. Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images Assembly member Kansen Chu authored two bills directly aimed at de-energization which would authorize state regulators to determine if utilities should compensate customers after each power shutoff, and require utilities to support customers who rely on power for medical needs. Theres so much ageing infrastructure, but thats not going to be fixed very soon, Chu said. In the meantime I want them to be more responsible and more careful with their shutoffs because the first shut off was a disaster. But leaving the power on in the meantime, said Chu, is probably more devastating. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Sunday that President Donald Trump is impeached for life regardless of "any gamesmanship" by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whom she accused of orchestrating a "coverup" of Trump's actions as the Senate waits for the House to transmit the articles of impeachment. Challenging McConnell to hold a serious trial that includes testimony from witnesses, Pelosi did not rule out the possibility that the House would subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton if the Senate chooses not to. She repeatedly chastised McConnell for signaling that he is not interested in fully weighing the House's charges. "Dismissing is a coverup. Dismissing is a coverup. If they want to go that route again, the senators who are thinking now about voting for witnesses or not - they will have to be accountable for not having a fair trial," Pelosi said on ABC News' "This Week." The speaker delivered her comments only days before a Senate impeachment trial is expected to begin - the third time a U.S. president will have faced potential removal from office following impeachment by the House. Pelosi said she will meet with House Democrats on Tuesday morning to discuss the timing of a vote on impeachment managers - the half-dozen lawmakers who will prosecute the case and transmit the charges to the Senate. A trial could start as early as Wednesday, if the House acts quickly, though lawmakers and aides have speculated that it will not begin in earnest until the following week. The House passed two articles of impeachment on Dec. 18 - for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Pelosi surprised observers by not immediately transmitting the charges to the Senate, a strategy aimed at pressuring McConnell into naming fairer terms for the trial. Sunday's interview took place after Pelosi moved to end the three-week standoff, signaling in a letter to colleagues on Friday that she would transmit the articles to the Senate this week, even without any clarity from McConnell on how the trial would be conducted. The speaker on Sunday accused McConnell of a coverup for signing on to a resolution to allow the Senate to dismiss impeachment charges if the House did not transmit them within 25 days of their approval. In a Sunday afternoon tweet, Trump called for dismissal with no trial. "Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, 'no pressure' Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree!" the president said. The potential lack of witnesses and documentation in a Senate impeachment trial would be another "coverup," she said, defending her decision to withhold the articles even though it did not produce the concessions she sought from McConnell. "We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses, witnesses with firsthand knowledge of what happened, (and) documentation," she said. After "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos noted that McConnell "didn't budge on witnesses at all," Pelosi said he would be "accountable to the American people for that." "They take an oath to have a fair trial," she said. " Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay a price for not doing it." Senate Republicans have rallied behind the precedent set during President Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial, in which the case for removal was presented and rebutted before decisions were made about calling witnesses or seeking further evidence. Pelosi dismissed comparisons to 1999 for "at least six reasons the biggest one is that the witnesses (who eventually testified) were all deposed" before their public testimony. "The evidence was there," she said. "It was just a question of bringing it more to the forefront." McConnell's no-witness trial strategy has been complicated by several developments in the past two weeks. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has said that she is working with a small group of Republicans to ensure that the trial includes witnesses. And Bolton announced this month that if the Senate subpoenas him, he "is prepared to testify." In the fall, he rebuffed requests to serve as a witness during the House inquiry. Pelosi said the House hasn't "eliminated the possibility" of subpoenaing Bolton if the Senate does not but said, "We'll see what they do." The speaker also did not rule out the possibility of the House drafting further articles, saying again: "Let's just see what the Senate does." Stephanopoulos noted that just before the show began, Trump posted a tweet calling Pelosi "Crazy Nancy" and deriding House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif. "It's Sunday morning, (and) I'd like to talk about some more pleasant subjects than the erratic nature of this president," Pelosi said in response. "But he has to know that every knock from him is a boost. Everything he says is a projection. When he calls someone crazy he knows that he is. Everything he says, you can just translate it back to who he is." House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., suggested on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" that Pelosi deliberately held off sending the articles to the Senate to delay a trial that will require Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a 2020 presidential candidate, to attend in person. McCarthy argued that this would boost former vice president Joe Biden, one of Sanders' rivals, in the run-up to the Feb. 3 Iowa Democratic caucuses. "What this does is this benefits Joe Biden," McCarthy said, adding that Sanders "will be stuck in a chair." McCarthy did not mention the other Democratic senators vying for their party's presidential nomination - Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Cory Booker of New Jersey - also will have to attend the impeachment trial in person. On the same show, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said he wanted Biden's son Hunter to testify, but did not mention any other possible witnesses. When it comes to deciding which witnesses, if any, would testify, Scott said that would be decided after the trial was underway. "We're going to follow the Senate rules. We're not going to follow Nancy Pelosi's rules," Scott said. "We're going to listen to both sides, then we'll make a decision." Former Trump strategist Stephen Bannon, for his part, said Trump should allow his staffers to testify in exchange for having Joe and Hunter Biden, as well as others, such as the initial CIA whistleblower whose complaint is at the center of the impeachment inquiry, appear before senators in the trial. The House impeachment inquiry focused in part on whether the president improperly pressured Ukraine's president to investigate Hunter Biden's ties to Ukraine's largest private gas company, Burisma, and whether his father sought to protect Burisma's owner while serving as vice president. No evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the Bidens has surfaced, but Trump and other Republicans say they ought to be questioned. "I think those witnesses need to be called," Bannon said, adding that Bolton and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney could also appear during the trial. "Bring them. What do they have to show? Donald Trump did nothing wrong." Before midday, Trump tweeted: "Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did NOTHING wrong? Read the Transcripts! A totally partisan Hoax Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!" Trump claimed that three Democrats voted with Republicans to oppose impeachment. In fact, only two Democrats voted against the charge of abuse of power, while three voted against the charge of obstruction of Congress. One of the Democrats who voted against both articles, Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, has since switched parties and become a Republican. Haiti - Security : Violence after the assassination of a police officer On the morning of January 12, several houses were set on fire at Boulevard Jean Jacques Dessalines near Street Carbone, after the assassination of a police officer who was participating in a party in the area. Julien Roubens, an officer of the Haitian National Police (PNH) assigned to the Motorized Intervention Brigade (BIM), was allegedly killed by a motel security officer on the night from Saturday 11 to Sunday January 12, 2020, he received several projectiles following an altercation between the two men. To avenge the man who lived at Boulevard Jean Jacques Dessalines, individuals close to the victim arrived in the area and set fire to several houses on Grand-Rue, including Carbone Street, the area where the security guard had family. Shots were also heard at the time of revenge. At least two vehicles were also set on fire by the agent's relatives. S/ HaitiLibre At the Opposition meet in New Delhi on Monday, Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of 'misleading the public' on the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens and said their dispensation stands 'totally exposed' for its inability to govern and provide security to people. At the Opposition meet in New Delhi on Monday, Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of "misleading the public" on the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens and said their dispensation stands "totally exposed" for its inability to govern and provide security to people. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, JMM leader and Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, LJD chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, RJD leader Manoj Jha, National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among those present at the meeting. Six major parties keep away The meeting, convened by the Congress, saw chinks in the opposition ranks with leaders of about 20 political parties attending it but six major parties DMK, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Shiv Sena choosing to stay away from the meeting convened by Sonia, during which leaders of 20 parties deliberated on the political situation in the country, following widespread protests against the amended Citizenship Act and the violence on campuses. In a series of tweets Monday morning, BSP supremo Mayawati explained her reasons for skipping the meet. "As is well known that despite the BSP support to the Congress-led Rajasthan government from outside, it has been for the second time that BSP MLAs have been made to join their party which is completely wrong," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. "Under such circumstances, the BSP attending the Opposition meeting today under the leadership of the Congress will be demoralising for party workers in Rajasthan. Therefore, the BSP will not attend this meeting," she added. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, speaking to ANI, said his party would not be attending as they were not informed about it. "We have no information about any such meeting. So, makes no sense to attend a meeting we have no information about it," Singh told ANI. Mamata had last week said she would boycott the Opposition's anti-CAA meeting to protest the violence unleashed in the state allegedly by Left Front and Congress workers during a trade union strike. Mamata said "double standards" of the Left Front and Congress will not be tolerated. 'Withdraw CAA, stop NRC/NPR' The Opposition parties adopted a resolution demanding that the Act be withdrawn and the NPR process immediately stopped, claiming it is part of an "unconstitutional package" that targeted poor people, SC/STs and minorities. "The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic and religious minorities," the resolution adopted by the parties said. "The NPR is the basis for the NRC. We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR," it added. Those chief ministers who have announced that they will not implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in their states must consider to suspend the National Population Register (NPR) enumeration also as it is a prelude to the NRC, it said. Asserting that there was "unprecedented turmoil" in the country, Sonia said the government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines. "The nation has watched in horror at the BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU coming so soon after what happened in Jamia (Millia Islamia), BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Allahabad University and AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) and other institutions of higher learning in other parts of the country," she said, urging Opposition parties to work together and thwart the designs of the government. The Modi-Shah government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and to provide security to people, Sonia alleged. There have been nation-wide spontaneous protests by youths supported by citizens from all walks of life, she said. "The immediate cause is the CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan and brutal," the Congress chief said. "The prime minister and the home minister have misled people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," she said. The Constitution is being undermined and the instruments of governance are being misused, Sonia alleged. Students and the young have in particular been targeted and in several parts of the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, large sections of the population are being harassed and attacked, Sonia said. Asserting that the NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam, Sonia said the Modi-Shah government is now focusing on NPR (National Population Register) exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. "Contrary to the assertions of the home minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC," Sonia said. The real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development, affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, the Congress president said. "The prime minister and the home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive and polarizing issue after another," she alleged. 'Must have made Pakistan happy' The Opposition's resolution against the amended citizenship law must have made Pakistan happy, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here on Monday, while asserting that the legislation was a chance to expose Islamabad's "barbaric treatment" of minorities. He also said the Opposition ended up "unnecessarily" attacking the Modi government in the process. Taking a dig at the Opposition, the Union law minister said their unity stood "exposed". "Opposition unity stands exposed as major parties like SP, BSP, TMC and AAP kept away. The resolution is neither in national interest nor in the interest of security. It is also not in the interest of those minorities who fled neighbouring countries to escape persecution," Prasad told reporters. With inputs from PTI Its written in a form that will engage people, not just the choir, but people who might think differently, Cisneros said. Were always looking for the great American story, and this is the great story of the Americas, at a time in which borders are blurred. American Dirt has also generated criticism. Some authors have questioned whether Cummins, who grew up in Maryland in a working-class family and identifies as white and Latina, succeeded in her effort to write from the perspective of Mexican migrants and accurately convey their experiences. In a withering review on the site Tropics of Meta, the poet and writer Myriam Gurba wrote that American Dirt was full of cliches and stereotypes about Mexico, depicting it as a lawless, violent country overrun by drug cartels and corruption. This is like a Trumpian fantasy of what Mexico is, and we dont need any more Trumpian fantasies, Gurba said in an interview. Its even more noxious because its masquerading as a piece of progressive literature. The Mexican-American writer and translator David Bowles echoed those views and called American Dirt appropriating and inaccurate. At a time when Mexico and the Mexican-American community are reviled in this country as they havent been in decades, to elevate this inauthentic book written by someone outside our community is to slap our collective face, he said in an email. Gurba and other writers of Mexican heritage have also criticized Cummins for drawing on works about Mexico and migrants by other authors, including Sonia Nazario and Luis Alberto Urrea. In a note at the end of American Dirt, Cummins acknowledges her debt to those writers and others whose work shaped her understanding of Mexico and the issues that migrants face. Cummins researched the novel during trips to Mexico and by conducting interviews on both sides of the border. She spoke with people whose families had been torn apart by deportations, lawyers who work with unaccompanied minors, migrants in shelters in Tijuana and human-rights activists documenting abuses. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Industry Description Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Global Markets for Treatment and Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases To Its Research Database Sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic and often undiagnosed. Routinely screening and preventive measures are important for early identification, which can prevent severe complications and further transmission. An untreated STD results in several other chronic diseases including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, increased risk of HIV and other STDs. There are certain strains of HPV that are linked to cervical, penile, throat and anal cancers. Various types of STDs include: Gonorrhea. Syphilis. Herpes. Chlamydia. Hepatitis (HBV). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or genital warts). Chancroid. Trichomoniasis. Sexually transmitted infections are spread through sexual contact. These infections are primarily transmitted from one person to another via sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses and parasites. There are several STDs that can be transmitted through tissue transfer, blood products and from mother to child during childbirth or pregnancy. The disease symptoms vary from one person to another; in a few cases there might be no disease symptoms. Symptoms can be mild or acute from one individual to another. There can be severe consequences or long-term complications in individuals suffering from the disease. A significant proportion of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide is caused by eight major infections: syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and trichomoniasis. These diseases have a high prevalence, particularly in developing countries, and it can result in substantial productivity losses for individuals, and communities. In developing countries, sexually transmitted infections are among the leading causes of disability. Request for Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3379297-global-markets-for-treatment-and-diagnosis-of-sexually-transmitted-diseases Report Scope This report organizes information from diverse sources into a comprehensive report that includes sections on disease overviews, industry structure, diagnostic kits, treatment interventions, pharmaceutical products, emerging technologies, regulations, reimbursement and patents. The scope of this report includes an overview of the global market scenario for diagnosis and treatments of sexually transmitted disease with base year data of 2017, estimations for 2018 and forecast for 2019-2023 using projections of CAGR. Market data in value terms is provided at global, regional and country levels for disease areas and treatment by drug class. Market data for sexually transmitted disease diagnostics is provided for regional levels, with details on test types. The report focuses on key sectional assessments for major disease areas such as chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV and hepatitis, among others, and provides detailed analysis of epidemiology, historic and current disease incidence trends, therapeutic interventions and diagnostic overview. It forecasts the global market by drug class for treatment of STDs and discusses market data for antibiotics, antivirals/antiretrovirals and other treatments. Diagnostic test types such as enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and ELISA, PCR, rapid diagnostics and others, are detailed with market data current and forecasts. Market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and trends are discussed in the report. This report also involves regional market overviews for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. The regional overviews provide information on the epidemiology of sexually transmitted disease by country and region and also details market data for each region. The regulatory scenario is discussed for United States, Europe, Japan and China to provide an overview of the regulations for new drug launches and diagnostic kits. The reimbursement scenario is outlined for the United States, Europe, and Japan to provide an overview to our readers. Pipeline analysis and scenarios are discussed for major disease to provide details on the major pipeline developments. The competitive landscape discusses the major manufacturers involved in the sexually transmitted disease therapeutics market, key developments and product offerings. Leave a Query @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3379297-global-markets-for-treatment-and-diagnosis-of-sexually-transmitted-diseases Report Includes 45 data tables and 53 additional tables An overview of the global market for diagnosis and treatments of sexually transmitted diseases Country specific data and analysis for United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, U.K., Spain, China, India, Japan, and Middle East and Africa Coverage of major disease areas, and a detailed analysis of historic and current disease incidence trends Discussion about market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and trends Information on the regulations for new drug launches and diagnostic kits for United States, Europe, Japan and China Detailed profiles of the major market players, including Abbott Laboratories Abbvie Inc. Agilent Technologies, Inc. Becton, Dickinson And Company Biomerieux, Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Cepheid Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. Glaxosmithkline Plc. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. Hologic Inc. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Meridian Life Science Inc. Novartis Ag Pfizer Inc. Promega Corp. Qiagen N.V. Quidel Corp Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights Chapter 3 Global Market Overview and Trends Chapter 4 Disease Overview Chapter 5 STD Diagnosis and Treatment Options Chapter 6 The North American Market Breakdown Chapter 7 The European Market Breakdown Chapter 8 The Asia-Pacific Market Breakdown Chapter 9 Rest of World Market Breakdown Chapter 10 Regulatory Structure Chapter 11 Pipeline Analysis Chapter 12 Competitive Landscape and Key Developments Chapter 13 Company Profiles Chapter 14 Appendix: Abbreviations Continued Buy Now @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3379297 Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk) Representation matters. Farida Bedwei, a software engineer and entrepreneur from Ghana, is the creator behind Karmzah, a crime fighting archaeologist with Cerebral Palsy who uses assistive devices to fight bad guys. Karmzah, who is Morowa Adjei when she is not fighting crime, is the first superhero with Cerebral Palsy, which is a welcome change in a world that is full of able bodied (and mostly men) individuals. Because of an unfortunate accident during one of her archaeological projects, Morowa gains some special powers that enable her to tele transport to any location and speak any language in existence. Her crutches, though inanimate objects, also gain some really amazing capabilities of their own to assist Karmzah in her quests. The powers are not just limited to the crutches though her mask comes with built-in technology that helps her hack into electronic device and networks, and control them! The first Karmzah issue, which is available in the US on Amazon Kindle for $3.99 and on Afrocomix app on the Google Play Store, is a great start to a promising series not just because Karmzah is a super hero but also because her story encourages and promotes inclusion. For children with disabilities, these are the types of stories that excite them about using assistive technology! We hope Farida continues to write more Karmzah comics! Watch the video below to learn more about Farida and Karmzah. The racing could be "more predictable" in 2020, because teams voted against using Pirelli's newly designed and tested tyres this year. That is the claim of Pirelli's F1 boss Mario Isola, referring to the rejection of the intended 2020 tyre specification following two separate tests. "The advantage is that the teams are completely familiar with the current tyres," he is quoted as saying by De Limburger newspaper. "But that can also be a disadvantage," Isola added. "In my estimation, the races will be more predictable because the role played by the tyres will be less. "And that is precisely what made the show attractive," the Italian is quoted as saying. (GMM) Photo: CTV News The national defence minister says last week's downing of a Ukrainian jetliner is a national tragedy and the government will work tirelessly to get answers for grieving families. Speaking at a vigil at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Sunday, Harjit Sajjan said a number of those who died were people who came to Canada in search of a better life. "There is much work that has been done, but there is a lot more work that needs to be done," he said. "We will work tirelessly to make sure we get answers for the families and the families get the right support. We can get through this together." The plane was shot down by an Iranian missile a few minutes after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday. All 176 on board were killed, including 138 who were headed for Canada. Iran has admitted the plane was mistaken for a hostile target amid soaring tensions with the United States. British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said he was at the Vancouver memorial to honour those who died on the plane. "We want to honour them because they contributed so much to Canadian society," he said. "We are grateful for their contribution and we also want to pay respect to family members and friends who have lost so much in this." Nazanin Moghadami, who organized the vigil, said it's hard to believe that two weeks ago many people were with friends and family getting ready to welcome the new year. "Little did we know that in three days our world would be upside down." Many Iranian-Canadians are worried and fearful that their loved ones in Iran might face another war, she added. Snow and ice could cause problems The road has been closed. Follow the latest updates from our travel feed below The Dobbin Road in Armagh has been reopend folowing an earlier crash. Diversions are in place and traffic is being diverted onto the Vicarage Road, delays are expected. Our live updates from across Northern Ireland are compiled by @TrafficwatchNI, @BBCNITravel and @PSNITraffic. In a nutshell: Ransomware might have become hackers weapon of choice in recent years, but old fashioned phishing emails remain effective. Thats what a school district in Texas learned recently after it lost around $2.3 million through a phishing scam. The Manor Independent School District, which is located just outside of Austin, fell victim to the phishing scam in November. Manor Police Department Det. Anne Lopez told KEYE that it handed over the money in three separate transactions. The district said the local police department and FBI are investigating, and that there are strong leads in the case. It never released any further details about the incident. January 10, 2020 - Manor, TX - The Manor Police Department along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating an incident involving a phishing email scam that resulted in the loss of approximately $2.3 million to the Manor Independent School District. pic.twitter.com/KTT8IHhQrT Manor ISD (@ManorISD) 10 January 2020 CNN reports that the school district serves more than 9,600 students, according to its Facebook page. Manor is about 15 miles from Austin, Texas. Phishing scams usually involve emails in which criminals try to convince people to hand over details such as passwords and banking information. As these messages often look legitimate, many victims click on their links without realizing its a scam. The same technique was used to steal the explicit photos of celebrities in the 2014 incident known as Celebgate, aka The Fappening. The hacker in that instance sent out emails posing as an Apple or Google employee, tricking account holders into revealing their usernames and passwords. While phishing can still bring in the money for hackers, its often not as effective or damaging as ransomware. In the middle of CES last week, Las Vegas almost became the latest city to fall victim to whats suspected to have been a ransomware attack. As of October last year, there were 81 incidents of ransomware affecting local US governments. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, First Minister, Arlene Foster, centre right, deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill, centre left and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland,Julian Smith during their visit to Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) Boris Johnson has met Stormonts newly-appointed leaders for talks set to focus on how much the Government will stump up to support the return of devolution. The Prime Minister was greeted by DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill outside Stormont Castle in Belfast. As they posed for photographs Mr Johnson shook hands with Ms ONeill and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith shook hands with Ms Foster. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is also due at Stormont on Monday as he and Mr Johnson mark the resurrection of the institutions after a three-year political impasse. Ahead of Mr Johnsons arrival, a Stormont minister said he expected the Government to deliver at least 2 billion to support the powersharing deal. Expand Close First Minister Arlene Foster at Stormont on Saturday (Michael Cooper/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster at Stormont on Saturday (Michael Cooper/PA) DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots warned that the money could come with strings attached, potentially by way of a commitment from the executive to raise extra revenue through the introduction of water charges or a hike in rates bills. The UK government made a series of financial promises as part of efforts to get the New Decade, New Approach agreement over the line. Mr Smith, who helped broker the deal, pledged major investment to alleviate problems in the regions struggling public services, but declined to confirm the sums involved until devolution was restored. Ministers are now keen to get those figures nailed down. Mr Poots said he not wanted to get into precise figures but he was anticipating the quantum to be in the billions. I was with Julian Smith (during the talks) and he didnt want to be tied down to a particular figure but we were working off identified needs and they were seeking to ascertain what it was actually going to take to meet those identified needs, he told BBC Radio Ulsters Nolan Show. He said he didnt want to make any promise on a figure and I said all you have to say is billions and, of course, that would be at least two billion. The next decade will be an incredible time of opportunity for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we come together to unleash the potential of our four nationsBoris Johnson I would hope those are the ball parks we are in, that we are actually looking at billions of pounds over the course of the next number of years. They may well come with some strings attached to it. So, for example, and I dont know this, but I wouldnt be at all surprised if they do press us to raise rates at a higher level and we do something in terms of water rates and all of that those may be pressures that are applied by the Treasury and we will have to wait and see if that is the case. His comments come amid media reports that the Government could be poised to announce a 2 billion package. However, a Number 10 source described the 2bn figure as just speculation. The Irish government has also made financial pledges within the agreement to honour commitments to part-fund some north/south projects, such as the A5 dual carriageway and a redevelopment of the Ulster canal system. Stormonts new finance minister Conor Murphy said it was time for the administrations in London and Dublin to deliver their ambitious commitments. The local parties have done their part by restoring the powersharing executive, he said. The two governments must now honour their pledge and provide the funding needed to deliver on the New Decade, New Approach document. Mr Johnson said discussions at Stormont would focus on how the executive intended to take forward critical reforms to public services. Expand Close Conor Murphy said it was time for the administrations in London and Dublin to deliver their ambitious commitments (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Conor Murphy said it was time for the administrations in London and Dublin to deliver their ambitious commitments (Brian Lawless/PA) This is an historic time for the people of Northern Ireland, he said ahead of the visit. After three years, Stormont is open for business again with an executive who can now move forward with improving peoples lives and delivering for all communities in Northern Ireland. I look forward to meeting with the new executive and hearing about their plans for the future including driving forward much-needed reforms to public services and resolving the current health strike. The next decade will be an incredible time of opportunity for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we come together to unleash the potential of our four nations. Ministers will need to hit the ground running to tackle a host of acute problems facing a public sector that has been floundering amid the 36-month governance vacuum. Top of the executives in-tray is an industrial dispute in the health service that has seen nurses take strike action on three occasions in the last month. Under the terms of the deal, the new executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms; increase the number of police officers on the beat; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers. The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 over a row about a botched green energy scheme. That row subsequently widened to take in more traditional wrangles on matters such as the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles. When Hakon Torjesen and Richard Phillips heard that Dr. John Woods had died, both knew they needed to be at the funeral. The three men's lives have been intertwined since the 1930s, though they don't recall meeting until 2014. Still, Torjesen, who lives in Kenyon, and Phillips, who lives in the Twin Cities suburb of Oakdale, are connected to Woods, a former Mayo Clinic plastic surgeon who died Dec. 11 at Charter House in Rochester, not so much by time spent together but by experience shared. All three, as teenagers and children of missionaries, were held prisoner at the Weihsien Internment Camp in Shandong Province, China, during World War II. The camp, run by the Japanese, was operated as a place to hold citizens of Western countries who had been living in northern China at the outbreak of the war. But before the camp, Torjesen and Phillips along with siblings of each were students at the Chefoo School, a British boarding school in the town of Yantai for children of Westerners living in China. "The Japanese were already in Yantai, had been there for several years before Pearl Harbor Day," Phillips said. "But on Pearl Harbor Day, they came in and said this school now belongs to the emperor." ADVERTISEMENT School Turns To Prison Torjesen, who is a few years older than Phillips, said that the two didn't know one another while at the school. "You know how kids are," he said. "You know the people a year ahead of you or behind you. But that's it." But both remember how their lives changed, even as teachers at the school, which became a sort of prison, worked hard to keep things normal for the hundreds of children who suddenly found themselves captive. "Apart from being very crowded and having trouble with food, I'd say we were treated kindly," Phillips said. One Japanese officer showed concern and treated everyone kindly. Torjesen said the man was likely a Christian. A black book held secretly in the officer's pocket looked like a copy of the New Testament. But there was fear. Phillips remembers seeing soldiers doing bayonet drills, which was both exciting and concerning. News, food and mail were delivered via a Swiss consul, though there was never enough of any of them. Parents And Surrogates ADVERTISEMENT "Our school staff did things to keep things going normally," Phillips said. That meant keeping the students active with sports, learning and chores. One teacher wrote a song based on Psalm 47 and had the children sing it as they marched. "I think the teachers knew the dangers much more than the kids did, and for us kids they tried to make things as normal as possible," he said. Torjesen and his two siblings were lucky, in a way. His mother was at the school while it was occupied by the Japanese, and she stayed with them when they were later moved to the internment camp. However, his father had been killed by a Japanese bombing attack before Dec. 7, 1941. Phillips' parents were both alive, but had been in "Free China," specifically the western province of Gansu, doing missionary work when Pearl Harbor happened. One day, a Chinese doctor came through and said he could get a note out if it was written on the back of a prescription label. Phillips, then about 11 years old, wrote a note letting his parents know that he and his sister were alive. While the note eventually did reach his parents, no reply was possible. Coming Together, Going Apart Woods went to a different school, and at the start of America and Europe's involvement in the Pacific theater of the war, he was held at that school under house arrest with his parents. ADVERTISEMENT Eventually, the Japanese wanted all the Westerners rounded up in a few locations, and Woods, from his school, and Torjesen and Phillips all found themselves at the Weihsien Internment Camp. Again, the two remaining men do not believe they knew one another in the camp of maybe 2,500 people. One person at Weihsien they did remember meeting was Eric Liddell, the Scottish missionary and former gold medalist from the 1924 Olympics whose life was chronicled in the movie "Chariots of Fire." "He was absolutely everybody's friend," Torjesen said. "We all knew him and we all loved him." For the Americans Woods and Phillips; Torjesen was a Norwegian citizen at the time the stay at Weihsien did not last long. An exchange of American citizens for Japanese prisoners was made. The Americans were shipped out in 1943 on the Swedish ship MS Gripsholm. Torjesen, meanwhile, stayed behind until the camp was liberated in 1945. Lives Of Service Woods eventually graduated from Case Western Reserve University Medical School before becoming a medical missionary in Ecuador. After moving to Rochester and becoming a plastic surgeon, Woods continued a life of philanthropic work, helping found Hunger Elimination Program/Channel One Regional Food Bank and the Rochester Medical Relief Mission Group Inc. After applying for U.S. citizenship at age 17, Torjesen applied to be a foreign service officer for the United States, serving in Laos during the 1960s. Phillips and his wife, Lillian, took up missionary work like their parents before them, serving in Africa and Southeast Asia. In fact, the Communist government of Vietnam took the couple prisoner at the end of the Vietnam War, and Phillips once again found himself a missionary prisoner in Asia. Growing up the children of missionaries brought the men together, and Torjesen said their shared experience must be behind the lives of giving all three men lived. "I think missionary kids, by definition, sort of become world citizens," Torjesen said. "They grow up with the sense that there is much more going on than us and our country." Prince Harry might have admitted last year that theres been some tension between him and Prince William but, despite that confession, the brothers are not happy with the way the media has focused on their feud. In a rare joint statement, the brothers addressed one false story in particular and made it known why its not okay. Prince William and Prince Harry | Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince Harry admitted that he and Prince William have been feuding During the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, Prince Harry was asked about the rumors of a feud with Prince William and he confirmed that there was some tension between them. He told interviewer Tom Bradby at the time: Part of this role and part of this job and this family being under the pressure that its under inevitably, you know, stuff happens. He continued: But, look, were brothers. Well always be brothers. Were certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him and, as I know, he will always be there for me. Prince Harry shared that part of their rift is due to their busy lives, noting: We dont see each other as much as we used to because were so busy, but I love him dearly. The majority of stuff is created out of nothing. But as brothers, you have good days and you have bad days, he added. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced theyd be taking a step back Prince Harry and Markle kicked off 2020 with a bombshell announcement that they will be leaving their royal duties behind. They took to Instagram to share the details of their plan, noting: 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. Further, they noted they 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. 'As brothers you have good days, you have bad days' Prince Harry says the 'majority of stuff' written about his relationship with his brother William is 'created out of nothing' and adds: 'I love him dearly' #HarryAndMeghan https://t.co/GWs5KfuovM pic.twitter.com/bW7GVALZR6 ITV News (@itvnews) October 20, 2019 Was Prince Harry and Prince Williams feud caused by the Sussexes decision to quit the family? Naturally, some assumptions were made about whether Prince Harry and Prince Williams feud was in some part tied to the Sussexes desire to exit the royal family. If discussions surrounding their plan had been happening for some time, there was likely tension about the move and possible disagreements on the matter between the brothers. Among the reports after Prince Harry and Markles announcement was one that claimed Prince William was devastated, with royal expert Katie Nicholl telling ET: Im told privately that William is absolutely devastated and quite shocked by this decision for Harry to step down from the royal family. Nicholl added: I think William feels a sense of betrayal by his brother and possibly a sense of being abandoned too. While Meghan and Harry werent the top tier of royals and by that I mean they are not a future king and queen, you know their importance in the royal family is to not be underestimated. They are hugely valuable. Prince Harry and Prince William issued a statement together In the wake of the reports swirling about their relationship, the brothers issued a joint statement to shut some of the chatter down. Specifically, they appeared to address a report from The Times of London that claimed Prince William had a bullying attitude towards Markle. The statement noted: Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a U.K. newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful. The man found unresponsive in South Holyoke Friday has been identified. Police were called to the alley between South Bridge and Clemente Streets Friday morning where an unresponsive man was reported. The man was suffering an apparent fatal gunshot wound. He was identified Monday as 21-year-old Jesus Otero Marrero, of Holyoke, by Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gullunis office. Detectives from the Holyoke Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorneys Office along with the Hampden District Attorneys Office Murder Unit determined his death to be a homicide and opened an investigation. One arrest has been made in connection with the case. Merkin Andrade, 30, of Holyoke, was charged with misleading a police investigation. Hes scheduled to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court on Monday. Marreros death was the first of several violent incidents in the Western Massachusetts city through the weekend. A Springfield resident was killed in a shooting that occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday near the intersection of Sargeant and Maple streets. When police arrived, they found the victim had died at the scene. Earlier in the evening, a 17-year-old male was transported from Gerard Way to Baystate Medical Center, suffering a gunshot wound. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Police returned to Gerard Way later Saturday evening following a report of shots fired at an apartment within the Jarvis Heights complex. Anyone who may have witnessed any of the shootings or has any other information about them is asked to call the Holyoke Police criminal investigations Bureau at 413-322-6940. Police are also seeking any video or photographs of the crime scenes and are asking anyone who lives in the area to check their footage if they have any type of home security cameras, McCoy said. Hennigsdorf/Berlin, Germany, January 13, 2020 - Diagnostics company SphingoTec GmbH ("sphingotec", Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) today announced the launch of its IB10 sphingotest penKid, a CE-IVD-marked point-of-care test for Proenkephalin (penKid), the biomarker that allows real-time assessment of kidney function with a simple blood test. The test is made available on the company's rapid point-of-care platform Nexus IB10 that uses whole blood samples without any pre-processing, requires less than three minutes hands-on-time, delivers test results after 20 minutes and can be flexibly deployed in laboratories or near-patient settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and Emergency Departments (EDs). In studies on more than 30,000 patients admitted to ICUs and EDs, penKid has been demonstrated to be a real-time surrogate biomarker for glomerular filtration rate [1], the gold standard to assess kidney function. In contrast to other markers, penKid is an early predictor of worsening and improving kidney function independently from co-morbidities and inflammation [2,3]. penKid as a functional kidney biomarker has been demonstrated to provide significant clinical utility in numerous critical care settings: - penKid blood levels at admission to ICUs and EDs can identify patients at a high risk to develop acute kidney injury (AKI) as elevated blood levels of penKid indicate kidney dysfunction in critically ill patients much earlier than the current standard of care4. - penKid blood levels during hospitalization can be used for real-time monitoring of kidney function. In critical care conditions (such as sepsis, acute heart failure) or after the administration of nephrotoxic drugs, which trigger kidney damage, elevated blood levels of penKid reflect compromised kidney function. The normalization of kidney function is rapidly mirrored by decreasing levels of penKid. Hence, penKid allows for individualized dosing of medicines with nephrotoxic side-effects. - penKid blood levels at discharge identify patients who have low levels of this biomarker that can be safely discharged from the hospital while elevated biomarker levels identify patients with sublinical AKI5 that require further attention. Worldwide AKI is affecting 13 million patients and puts other 26 million at risk. In the ICUs, 1 out of 3 patients will develop AKI6. Dr. Andreas Bergmann, CEO and founder of sphingotec commented: "Testing and monitoring of blood levels of Proenkephalin with our IB10 sphingotest penKid allows not only for the stratification of patients at risk for acute kidney injury at admission to the hospital but also facilitates the monitoring of kidney function in real-time throughout the entire patient care cycle. We strongly believe that making penKid testing available on a rapid point-of-care platform has a unique potential to enable timely therapy decision by physicians at ICUs and EDs and thereby improve patient outcomes." The IB10 sphingotest penKid will be made available at the end of January 2020 to the critical care community for further clinical evaluation. The assay is commercialized in Europe and other regions that accept CE-IVD certification through sphingotec's network of distribution partners for the Nexus IB10 platform, together with a broad menu of standard tests for acute and critical care. ### References 1. Donato L. et al., (2018): Analytical performance of an immunoassay to measure proenkephalin, Clin Biochem., doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.05.010 2. Emmens JE et al. (2019): Proenkephalin, an opoid system surrogate marker, as a novel comprehensive renal marker in heart failure, Circ. Haeart Fail., doi: 10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.118.005544 3. Gayat E. et al, (2018) Back-to-back comparison of penKID with NephroCheck to predict acute kidney injury at admission in intensive care unit, Critical Care, doi: 10.1186/s13054-018-1945-9 4. Caironi P. et al. (2018): Circulating proenkephalin, acute kidney injury, and its improvement in patients with severe sepsis or shock, Clin.Chem., doi 10.1373/clinchem.2018.288068 5. Rosenqvist, M. (2019): Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) - a novel biomarker for acute kidney injury in sepsis: an observational study, doi: 10.1186/s12873-019-0283-9 6. Ponce, D. (2016): Acute kidney injury: risk factors and management challenges in developing countries, Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis., doi: 10.2147/IJNRD.S104209 About sphingotec SphingoTec GmbH ("sphingotec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) develops and markets innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for novel and proprietary biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and monitoring of acute medical conditions, such as sepsis, acute heart failure, circulatory shock, and acute kidney injury in order to support patient management and provide guidance for treatment strategies. sphingotec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM), a unique biomarker for real-time assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis or congestive heart failure, Proenkephalin (penKid), a unique biomarker for real-time assessment of kidney function, and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3), a unique biomarker for cardio-renal pathway disruptions leading to acute organ dysfunction. In addition, sphingotec develops a portfolio of novel biomarkers, which predict the risks of developing obesity, breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases. IVD tests for sphingotec's proprietary biomarkers are made available as sphingotest microtiterplate tests as well as point-of-care tests on the Nexus IB10 immunoassay platform by sphingotec's subsidiary Nexus Dx Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA) alongside a broad menu of IB10 tests for established biomarkers for acute and critical care. About Nexus Dx Inc. and the IB10 Platform Nexus Dx Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of sphingotec, headquartered in San Diego, CA, USA, is a global provider of a near patient testing system and advanced diagnostic solution. The company is improving patient care by providing the medical community with rapid and reliable information at the point of care (POC), delivering patient information when and where it is needed most. The company has invested over $160m to develop and market the IB10 analyzer system which, without the need for sample preparation, automatically separates plasma from whole blood with subsequent reliable and quantitative detection of biomarkers in the plasma by means of antibodies. With a hands-on-time of less than 3 minutes the easy-to-use system provides in only 20 minutes test results for biomarkers that are crucial in the management of critical care patients. The portfolio of IB10 assays includes tests for established critical care parameters such as Procalcitonin, Troponin I, CK-MB, Myoglobin, NT-proBNP, and D-Dimer as well as tests for sphingotec's proprietary biomarkers such as DPP3, an assay for Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3, a unique and proprietary biomarker for cardio-renal pathway disruptions leading to acute organ dysfunction, and Proenkephalin (penKid), a unique and proprietary biomarker for real-time assessment of kidney function. An IB10 assay for bioactive Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM), a unique and proprietary biomarker for endothelial function is expected to be launched by mid-2020. About penKid sphingotec's proprietary biomarker Proenkephalin (penKid) is a functional kidney biomarker that works in whole blood, is independent from comorbidities and inflammation and provides timely information about changes in kidney function. penKid is a surrogate marker for the gold standard of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and indicates two days earlier than the standard-of-care the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. These features enable physicians to predict, diagnose, and closely monitor worsening and improving kidney function in emergency departments and intensive care units. The threat of air pollution grabs our attention when we see it for example, the tendrils of smoke of Australian brush fires, now visible from space, or the poisonous soup of smog that descends on cities like New Delhi in the winter. But polluted air also harms billions of people on a continuing basis. Outdoors, we breathe in toxins delivered by car traffic, coal-fired plants and oil refineries. Indoor fires for heat and cooking taint the air for billions of people in poor countries. Over a billion people add toxins to their lungs by smoking cigarettes and more recently, by vaping. Ninety-two percent of the worlds people live in places where fine particulate matter the very small particles most dangerous to human tissues exceeds the World Health Organizations guideline for healthy air. Air pollution and tobacco together are responsible for up to 20 million premature deaths each year. Airborne toxins damage us in a staggering number of ways. Along with well-established links to lung cancer and heart disease, researchers are now finding new connections to disorders such as diabetes and Alzheimers disease. Opinion Article 13 January 2020 2020 Promises to be characterized by increasingly tech-savvy consumers with a strong appetite for optimized travel and hotel experiences. In fact, research by Hospitality Tech News shows that 83% of all trips were booked online in 2019. Headwinds from economic and political uncertainty in 2019 are also expected to impact the travel industry in 2020, but not in the way many would expect. Customers are living for the moment, booking each trip as if it was their last. 1. The Demand for Personalized Travel Search and Booking Experiences will Continue Here are the top 7 hotel industry trends to watch in 2020: Personalization is all the rage in the travel industry, and hotels are certainly not exempt from this demand. A recent report by Google and Phocuswright reveals that nearly six in 10 travelers said that brands should tailor information based on their personal preferences or past behaviors. Personalization of the traveler and guest experience has been shown to substantially improve ROI for hoteliers and associated travel businesses. If you tailor your information and overall trip experience based on personal preferences or past behavior, the same study shows that 76% of travelers may be more likely to sign up for your brand's loyalty program. In addition, 36% would pay more in return for receiving more tailored information and experiences. Many hotels have embedded personalization into their website and booking engine, delivering personalized messages in dynamic widgets and enhanced unavailability messages highlighting best offers based on the guest's previous searches and booking behaviors. In our own research of over 1,900 service users, personalized messaging in widgets has been shown to lift reduce abandonment rates and lift direct bookings by up to 60%. 2. Hotels Will Continue to Focus on Generating Direct Reservations Our research shows that 87% of hotel guests will visit a hotel website before making a reservation. This ties in with the information-hungry customer, who wants to proactively experience first-hand what they are buying into before making a full commitment. This will continue in 2020, and hoteliers will (or should) adapt to consumer behavior in this regard. There will be two things you need to ensure in order to optimize for direct: 1. A great website with visually-appealing content and clear communication of your best offers, and 2. A great booking engine with optimized load speed and listed prices that match those in the payment stage. You can find out more about optimizing your website and booking engine for direct by checking out our 5 Digital Marketing Strategies for Hotels in 2020. 3. Hoteliers Invest In Overcoming Potential Economic Headwinds in 2020 As predictions of economic recession and hotel slowdown loom over the industry, hoteliers must invest in the implementation of strategies to weather the potential headwinds. According to research by the data intelligence firm STR, the current cycle has continued virtually unabated since March 2010. However, September 2019 was the second month this year when RevPAR results turned negative, as increased supply outpaced demand. Furthermore, PWC reports deceleration in the USA, with, for example, Q3 RevPAR growth at less 1%, the lowest figure since the industry began to recover from the 2008 economic crisis. The industry has enjoyed a boom over the last 20 years, which has lead to some measure of complacency and a lack of foresight to invest in the hard times. While it is impossible to predict the future with absolute certainty, there is certainly something to be said of having a solid contingency plan in place. Below are some of the strategies which smart hoteliers will be implementing in 2020: A greater focus on focus on smart distribution changes and management More pricing flexibility The efficiency in changing business processes through the assistance of technology, and educating staff in these processes Recognizing the increased sophistication in both distribution and technology With ADR and occupancy currently at a peak, it's important that hoteliers proactively strategize and implement measures to increase GOP. The first step would be to lower distribution costs, particularly with 3rd party channels and OTAs. This can be achieved by optimizing online presence and the guests' booking process to maximize direct revenue. 4. Travelers Will Continue to Seek User-Generated Content about Destinations and Hotels With millions of travelers eager to share holiday snaps and travel experiences online, social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram have become holiday browsing hotspots to inspire travelers worldwide. Research by Global Web Index shows that user-generated content on social media significantly influences holiday-planning activities. There's no shortage of user-generated content (UGC) on social media to keep friends and family updated. According to the 2019 study, two-thirds of users say they post about their holiday on social media, with 4 in 10 posting whilst on holiday. This, in turn, is continuing to have an impact on travelers' decisions on holidays and destinations. Consumers are actually more likely to discover travel destinations through the content their peers share on social media - whether that's photos/videos (37%) or recommendations (32%) - than they are via branded travel ads (24%). Instagram naturally complements the travel industry, and the hashtag #travel has been featured in over 400 million posts and #hotel in nearly 30 million posts. Facebook, however, is still the leading social platform for the majority of travelers to share content when they are on holiday - at 58% compared to Instagram at 43%. 5. Environmental Sustainability Will Become a Top Priority for Hotels Although the global tourism boom has substantially benefited both established and emerging economies, hotspots are still struggling under the weight of 'overcrowded tourism'. This growing threat has already caused significant damage to both local environments and communities. Tourists are responsible for large quantities of single-use plastics that pollute beaches and threaten wildlife, and souvenir hunters have been known to break off pieces of endangered coral to keep as memorabilia. The current spotlight on climate change has made travelers and hotel guests increasingly aware of environmental responsibility and sustainability. Research published in the Hotel Market Travel Report reveals that 60% of travelers who are loyal to a hotel brand say that the brand's corporate responsibility is a key factor in their loyalty. We expect hotels to adapt to this shift in consumer behavior by clearly demonstrating their commitment to the environment both online and offline. Many hotels have now implemented policies where a percentage of room fees will be donated to specific environmental causes, which in turn incentivizes the environmentally-conscious consumer to book. 6. Sun and Luxury is Great, But Travellers Will Demand More Enriching Experiences in 2020 Because traveling is now far more accessible than it used to be, thanks to the rise of digital, budget airlines and other measures, hoteliers must diversify their content and services to resonate with a wide range of different travel personalities and appetites. Research by Global Web Index shows that 50% of travelers want to learn about and experience the history and culture of destinations they visit. This also means that travelers themselves will be more inclined to share content that authentically reflects the destinations they visit. 7. Google will Continue to Disrupt the OTA Market This year, Google caused quite a stir across the online travel industry, and this will only continue in 2020. Increasing customer acquisition costs from Google are bound to have a ripple effect across independent hotels globally. Bidding directly on Google will likely become difficult for independent hotels and OTA commissions are predicted to soar to pass through the extra costs. Some experts predict a massive shift where OTAs will no longer be the dominant reservation channel. Up until now, Google has predominantly operated as an ad agency, generating clicks and driving traffic which then converts into transactions for companies on the search engine. The silver lining is that in parallel with paid advertising, Google has been strengthening their Google My Business tools to give visibility to the business owners. Now more than ever, Hoteliers will need to invest in smart online solutions to both level the distribution playing field and generate the best possible return on investment. Is Your Hotel Ready to Adapt to Change in 2020? Change is inevitable, and rather than resist, the industry must adapt. This is, of course, if you want to remain competitive. You can increase the visibility of your property through a range of digital tools and engaging with customers on social channels. However, you must also ensure the overall experience is optimized to meet diverse traveler demands. From our point of view, educational support for our clients and partners will be high on the agenda in 2020. This will empower hoteliers to effectively implement smart digital marketing and merchandising strategies, develop a deeper understanding of diverse guest behaviors and trends, as well as achieve long-term organic growth independent of third party channels. Many fall into the trap of focusing on sales without enough investment toward generating demand. However, in today's ever-changing hotel landscape, hoteliers risk falling behind if they do not expand their knowledge of the customer and utilize the resources available to optimize their experiences. Therefore, learning and growing should never stop. Do you have a vision for 2020 and a strategy to achieve your goals? I would love to hear your feedback and ideas, so be sure to leave a comment in the thread below. Alternatively, you can contact us with your feedback. Balco Group AB (STO:BALCO), which is in the building business, and is based in Sweden, saw a double-digit share price rise of over 10% in the past couple of months on the OM. As a small cap stock, hardly covered by any analysts, there is generally more of an opportunity for mispricing as there is less activity to push the stock closer to fair value. Is there still an opportunity here to buy? Today I will analyse the most recent data on Balco Groups outlook and valuation to see if the opportunity still exists. View our latest analysis for Balco Group What is Balco Group worth? The stock is currently trading at kr95.60 on the share market, which means it is overvalued by 44% compared to my intrinsic value of SEK66.21. Not the best news for investors looking to buy! In addition to this, it seems like Balco Groups share price is quite stable, which could mean two things: firstly, it may take the share price a while to fall back down to an attractive buying range, and secondly, there may be less chances to buy low in the future once it reaches that value. This is because the stock is less volatile than the wider market given its low beta. What kind of growth will Balco Group generate? OM:BALCO Past and Future Earnings, January 12th 2020 Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. 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. Balco Groups earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 55%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? BALCOs optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading above its fair value. However, this brings up another question is now the right time to sell? If you believe BALCO should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed. Story continues Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on BALCO for a while, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its true value, which means theres no upside from mispricing. However, the optimistic prospect is encouraging for BALCO, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors 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 Balco Group. You can find everything you need to know about Balco Group in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Balco Group, 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. P rivate cars could be banned from Birmingham city centre in a bid to cut pollution levels. A draft plan produced by Birmingham City Council suggested that private vehicles should be denied passage through the centre. Instead a ring road would be used to let cars drive around the middle, with cyclists and pedestrians taking over the main thoroughfares. The council, which is controlled by Labour, want to action the plan this decade to help achieve the goal of making Birmingham carbon neutral by 2030. But the transport plan has been criticised by Conservative councillors in the authority, who claim it will bring the city to a standstill. Extinction Rebellion protesters disrupted Birmingham roads last summer / Jacob King/PA Wire Under the draft plans, which are subject to cabinet approval on January 21, city centre access for lorries and service vehicles could be put under daytime restrictions. Road transport currently accounts for a third of CO2 emissions in Birmingham, according to the report, published on Monday. It also includes plans for reduced parking, the introduction of 20mph speed limits on residential roads and the citys tunnels being used for public transport only. In response to the plan, Councillor Robert Alden, leader of the Conservative Group on Birmingham City Council, said it will worsen air quality and congestion in the city. In a statement, he said: Their plans to close the tunnels will bring the city to a standstill, destroying jobs and pushing more congestion and pollution to the residential areas on the edge of the ring road. He added: Their go anywhere transport plan is likely to become a go nowhere transport plan. Cars could be sent around an orbital road like London's North Circular, pictured / Michael Stephens/PA Archive Introducing the report, Councillor Waseem Zaffar said: As a city, we have been over-reliant on private cars for too long and with more people choosing to live and work in Birmingham, we need to find innovative new ways to keep the city moving in an efficient but sustainable way. Birmingham has already started to redress the balance and build a future in which the car will no longer be king. If the plans are approved by the councils cabinet, the draft plan will go to public consultation from January 28 before a final version is adopted. It comes as the city of York approved plans to ban private car journeys from its centre within three years, as it attempts to become the countrys first car-free city. Bristol previously announced plans to become the first UK city to ban diesel cars by next year. 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) - Large speculators did not hike their net-bullish positioning in gold futures during the most recent reporting week for data compiled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), but the positioning remained elevated and left the market susceptible to profit-taking, analysts said. The positioning declined but only marginally since the Dec. 31 report, which at the time was around a three-month high after rising 27% since Dec. 10, the last time the data showed a decline in net bullishness. Some profit-taking likely already set in since prices have declined from their roughly seven-year high hit early last week, observers said. During the week-long period to Jan. 7 covered by the report, Comex February gold gained $51.20 to $1,574.30 an ounce, while March silver rose 47.2 cents to $18.393. Net long or short positioning in the CFTC data reflect the difference between the total number of bullish (long) and bearish (short) contracts. Traders monitor the data to gauge the general mood of speculators, although excessively high or low numbers are viewed by many as signs of overbought or oversold markets that may be ripe for price corrections. The disaggregated report shows that in the week to Jan. 7, money managers net-long position eased marginally to 229,757 futures contracts from 232,732 the week before. The decline was due to fresh selling, as the number of total short positions increased by 5,701. This more than offset the 2,726-lot increase in bullish positions. According to the CFTCs statistics, speculative financial investors did not expand their net-long positions any further in the week to 7 January, but left them virtually unchanged at their high late-December level, said Daniel Briesemann, analyst with Commerzbank. It is precisely this high level of net-long positions that makes us see a risk of profit-taking, which could put pressure on the gold price. The situation for silver is similar, although not quite as pronounced, he said. Gold began the year by surging sharply higher, with much of the rise coming on safe-haven buying due to geopolitical tensions. The U.S. killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an air strike, and Iran retaliated by firing missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq, sending gold to its highest price in roughly seven years. But, as tensions cool and calmer heads prevail for now, prices have eased back into the $1,550/oz region and it is likely a portion of the excess length will need to be removed in the near term, said TD Securities in a research note. In the case of silver, money managers net-long position fell slightly to 57,014 futures contracts from 58,868 in the prior week. This occurred as the fresh selling (increase of 3,953 total shorts) outpaced the fresh buying (gross longs rose by 2,099). FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RV Retailer, LLC announced today that it is adding four stores in Texas and Florida. RV Retailer has signed an agreement to acquire the Camper Clinic RV business with three RV dealerships in the Austin and Corpus Christi markets in Texas, including Airstream of Austin. Upon the closing of this transaction, RV Retailer will operate 14 stores in Texas. RV Retailer also announced that is has completed the acquisition of JD Sanders RV in the Gainesville, Florida market, which sells Airstream and Forest River Rockwood products. The store was rebranded as RV One Superstores Gainesville. This is RV Retailer's 6th location in Florida. Jon Ferrando, Chief Executive Officer and President of RV Retailer, stated, "Our team is excited to kick off 2020 with our expansion to 29 RV stores in 7 states. We expect significant growth at RV Retailer in 2020. Our portfolio of stores is outstanding. I'm proud that the team accomplished this in just over two years since RV Retailer was formed." "We continue to focus on the Sun Belt and are pleased to add further scale in our key Texas and Florida markets with a strong brand mix," Jon Ferrando added. "Texas and Florida are states with excellent demographics and together account for over 16% of U.S. industry RV sales." "We welcome the associates of the three Camper Clinic stores to the RV Retailer family in Texas," added Larry Hall, President of ExploreUSA in Texas for RV Retailer. "These are stores that perform well in markets with attractive growth prospects." "These acquisitions allow us to continue to leverage our scale and financial strength as we enter 2020 with strong growth plans," said John Rizzo, Executive Vice President and CFO of RV Retailer. "We welcome our many new associates to RV One Superstores Gainesville, the 10th overall RV One Superstore. We are pleased to establish a presence in the North Central part of Florida with great products like Airstream and Forest River Rockwood. It's a great area with a lot of RV parks and campgrounds," added Don Strollo, President of the East Region of RV Retailer. "We are also adding the Airstream brand to our St. Augustine store on the northeast coast of Florida." "We thank the owner groups from both Camper Clinic and JD Sanders for allowing us to acquire the RV businesses that they built for decades," commented Raul Rodriguez, SVP, Corporate Development of RV Retailer. "We look forward to continuing to execute on our growth plans through both acquisitions and greenfields." About RV Retailer, LLC RV Retailer, LLC is a leading recreational vehicle retail company in the United States with a focus on providing an outstanding experience for recreational vehicle customers in new and used sales, service and parts, and customer financial services. RV Retailer currently owns 26 RV stores in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas with over $1 billion in annual revenue. Regional store brands include: RV One Superstores, Motor Home Specialist, ExploreUSA, Sonny's Camp N Travel, and Tom's Camperland, which sell and service a wide range of new and used RV brands with thousands of RVs in inventory. RV Retailer's capital partner is Redwood Capital Investments. RV Retailer is led by co-founders Jon Ferrando, Chief Executive Officer and President, and John Rizzo, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Jon Ferrando and John Rizzo were instrumental in building America's largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue. RV Retailer's leadership team has over 200 years of automotive and RV retail industry experience. About Redwood Capital Investments Redwood Capital Investments is the private investment company for the founders of Allegis Group. Redwood partners with founders, family-business owners and management teams to build best-in-class companies over the long-term. Redwood has a diverse portfolio of operating company investments across the consumer, transportation, distribution and telecom sectors. Contact Jon Ferrando, (954) 908-3650 SOURCE RV Retailer, LLC Related Links www.RVONe.com www.ExploreUSA.com www.MHSRV.com SOURCE RV Retailer, LLC UAE, January 12 The United Arab Emirates government says it will provide a support worth Rs 1.13 billion to Nepal for the energy sectors development in the Himalayan country. The agreement to provide the one billion dollar assistance was made during a recent meeting of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. Nepal has sent a delegation led by Energy Minister Barsha Man Pun to the annual meeting. We will work to promote renewable energy and biogas with this support, minister Pun tells Onlinekhabar after the agreement the government would launch a biogas project in 69 municipalities of the country. Nepali Ambassador to the UAE Krishna Prasad Dhakal says the support is a part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. This is the first time that Nepal has received a support from the fund. Hitting out at the Opposition parties, mainly the Congress and Communists, for spreading "misleading information" on the Citizenship Amendment Act, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said if they continue to act against national interest, they will be "wiped out." Under the CAA, no survey is going to be held, none will be asked to show any document, according to him. It only relates to six persecuted communities of three countries--Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and who are being singled out due to their faith, he said. "The Opposition parties-- Congress and communists-- have come togther on a common platform.If they continue to act against the national interest, they will be "wiped out" from the country," Singh told reporters here. Slamming the opposition, he said "since they have no agenda or issues against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the most popular leader of the world, they were making such a hue and cry (about CAA) in the country." Singh said in Pakistan the minorities, who were 23 per cent, had now been reduced to 3.71 per cent, which was a serious matter. This means interests of minorities was not being protected in the three countries. "In India, where secularism prevails, we respect minorities, he said. Many people from among the minority communities have held high posts, including that of the President, Vice President and Chief Election Commissioner, unlike in Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh where the minority community were never given high posts, Singh said. On the Kerala Assembly resoultion seeking to scrap the CAA, he said he was "surprised" that such a resolution had been passed. "They should read the Constitution. Passing such a resolution, was contrary to the Act and Rules of the Constitution," the Rajya Sabha MP said and alleged that this was being done for vote bank Kerala had become the first state to pass a joint resolution against the CAA with the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress headed UDF opposition coming together to pass it after a convening a special session of the House. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been at the forefront of opposing the law, had also written to 11 chief ministers to come together to oppose the CAA. Claiming that BJP was getting very good response for its campaign for the CAA, he said it had become necessary as some political parties, including the Congress, Communists, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi party, were circulating wrong information and rumours and were trying to confuse people. "I go across the entire country, I do not see photos or hoardings of any of the leaders of Kerala. Only in Kerala I see their posters. My advise to Kerala is that the leaders should work for the interest of the people at least to sustain in the state or else they will be wiped out. Signals are very clear. The way they are working in times to come, left parties will be wiped out from Kerala also," he said. Replying to a query on the BJP yet to finalise the name of its party president in the state, he said organisational elections are going on. Within a month, a state president would be appointed, he said. Home Minister Amit Shah would visit Kerala, but dates have not yet been decided, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "The Speaker has ruled that this is a frivolous request and therefore will not be hosted on the Parliament website," the email says. But Reddit commenters are vowing to continue to push their case. "Next try: Kina Knights, snapper sheriffs, whitebait warriors, [and] gurnard guards," one said. "Let us know what you have submitted," another wrote. "I'll submit the same. Get a ground swell going." Parliament currently has 127 petitions listed on its website. Those accepted and currently open for signatures include a petition to "give animals a bill of rights", and a petition to make all credit and debit cards have photo IDs. Petitions can be created by anyone and must be signed by at least one person, Parliament says. "Each petition submitted to Parliament is checked by the Office of the Clerk to make sure it follows the rules." A petition can only be presented to the House once it has closed for signatures and an MP agrees to present it. Newshub The contract with the US has been fulfilled. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The remaining three Black Hawk helicopters have finally arrived in Slovakia. They landed in Presov on the afternoon of January 11. The contract [with the United States] was thus fulfilled and Slovakia now has nine new multifunctional helicopters, said Danka Capakova, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Related article Related article Three remaining Black Hawks to arrive later than planned Read more The Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic ordered nine American Black Hawk helicopters for US$261 million in 2015, through the Foreign Military Sales assistance programme. Apart from the helicopters, the price includes two years of logistics support, the training of staff and costs related to the transport of helicopters to Slovakia, TASR wrote. Lakeland Dairies has set a price for December milk increasing the base price. In the Republic of Ireland, a base price of 31.31c/litre (including VAT and Lactose bonus) will be paid for milk supplied in December. The base price has been increased by 1c/l. Qualifying farmers will also receive the usual Out-Of-Season payment. In Northern Ireland, a base price of 25p/l will be paid for December supplies plus the usual Out-Of-Season payment. The base price has been increased 0.5p/l. Commenting on the price, the Co-op said the global dairy markets have shown signs of solidity in recent weeks and, as a result, Lakeland Dairies is in a position to pass on improved returns directly to its 3,200 farm families. While sentiment in the market has improved, particularly for powders, there continues to be market uncertainty around the shape of a trade deal between the UK and the EU as well as ongoing trade and geo-political tensions. Lakeland Dairies will continue to monitor the market situation closely over the coming weeks. Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Its hard enough being both good at acting and an incredibly charming talk show guest, but in the last five years, the ability to sing and dance has also become mandatory for all celebrities hoping to promote a film or simply get the chance to meet Chrissy Teigen or LL Cool J. According to NBC, Thats My Jam, the latest entry into the celebrity musical performance genre, will join the networks primetime line-up with a ten-episode order this August, debuting after the Tokyo Olympics. Jimmy Fallon will host Thats My Jam, which is based on one of his many reoccurring musical Tonight Show segments, Wheel of Musical Impressions, and will reportedly incorporate new and classic musical games. Lip Sync Battle was similarly born out of a Fallon segment, and NBC famously let it slip from their grasp before it became a huge smash on Spike, now retitled Paramount Network. Sounds like one more nightmare for famous people who cant carry a tune and are too self-conscious to humiliate themselves on-camera. But for everyone else, what a fun treat. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A high school student from Westchester, N.Y., helped discover a new planet while interning for NASA last summer, the space agency recently announced. Wolf Cukier, of Scarsdale High School, joined NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., as a summer intern. His job was to examine variations in star brightness captured by NASAs planet-hunter, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and upload the variations to the planet hunters TESS citizen science project. 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, Cukier said. About three days into my internship, I saw a signal from a system called TOI 1338. At first I thought it was a stellar eclipse, but the timing was wrong. It turned out to be a planet. TOI 1338 b, as it is now called, is TESSs first circumbinary planet, which is a world orbiting two stars, according to NASA. A paper, which Cukier co-authored along with scientists from Goddard, San Diego State University, the University of Chicago and other institutions, has been submitted to a scientific journal. The planet lies 1,300 light-years away in the constellation Pictor. The two stars orbit each other every 15 days. One is about 10% more massive than our sun, while the other star is cooler, dimmer and only one-third the suns mass. TOI 1338 b is the only known planet in the system and is around 6.9 times larger than Earth -- or between the size of Neptune and Saturn. The planet orbits in almost exactly the same plane as the stars, so it experiences regular stellar eclipses. TESS has four cameras, which each take a full-frame image of a patch of the sky every 30 minutes for 27 days. Scientists use the observations to generate graphs of how the brightness of stars change over time. When a planet crosses in front of its star from our perspective, an event called transit, its passage causes a distinct dip in the stars brightness, according to NASA. However, planets orbiting two stars are more difficult to detect than those orbiting one. The new planets transits are irregular, between every 93 and 95 days, and vary in depth and duration. These are the types of signals that algorithms really struggle with, said lead author Veselin Kostov, a research scientist at the not-for-profit research organization, 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. That explains why Cukier had to visually examine each potential transit. NASA announced in July 2018 that TESS had started its search for exoplanets -- planets outside of our solar system, including those that could support life -- around nearby stars. The mission is expected to catalog more than 200,000 candidates for exoplanets. TESS will find the most promising exoplanets orbiting relatively nearby stars for the next two years, allowing future researchers to conduct follow-up studies and examine the planets capacity to harbor life, according to NASA. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. The Duchess of Sussex's charity cookbook has seen a spike in sales as supporters rally around the royal amid the ongoing storm surrounding the decision by her and Prince Harry to step down. Sales of Together: Our Community Cookbook, which was released by Meghan to support the Grenfell community, have 'considerably increased' in recent days, Amazon UK told Harper's Bazaar. It comes after a political commentator Damon Evans urged followers to buy the 9.99 cookbook as a show of solidarity with the Duchess, 38, and her numerous charity projects. Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan paid a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen last week and released photos on Instagram shortly afterwards, including the one above putting the work and the cookbook back into the spotlight. The cookbook has since seen a sales spike Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan also paid a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen last week and released photos on Instagram shortly afterwards, putting the work and the cookbook back into the spotlight. Together: Our Community Cookbook, was released by Meghan to support the Grenfell community in September 2018 Exact sales figures are not known but the book has climbed to the top 10 of the National and International Cookery charts on Amazon UK, having been outside the top 50 at the time Mr Evans' tweet was shared last Thursday. It is the No. 1 best-seller in the website's African Cookery section. The Together cookbook, which contains 50 kitchen favourites from women from the Grenfell community, was launched in September 2018 as the Duchess's first major solo endeavour as a member of the royal family. The recipes proved popular and 38,811 copies were sold in the first two months. The couple have returned to the Hubb Community Kitchen a number of times in the year since, on both private and public engagements. Members of the community have spoken out to thank Harry and Meghan for their ongoing support. The most recent visit came on last Tuesday. The couple stopped off at the kitchen on their return from their Canadian hiatus and before their public engagement at London's Canada House. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex most recently visited the kitchen on their return from their Canadian hiatus and before their public engagement at London's Canada House, pictured Photos of the Hubb Community Kitchen visit were released in the wake of the bombshell announcement that the couple are stepping down as senior royals. Today talks will take place at between the Queen, Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry at Sandringham, Norfolk, as they work to broker an exit deal for the Sussexes. The Duchess of Sussex will 'dial in' from Canada, where she is currently staying with Archie. Prince Philip is not expected to attend. The family will discuss the significant obstacles that need to be overcome before Harry and Meghan can step down as senior royals, with the Queen reportedly keen to find a solution in a matter of days. Covert slope-inspired style from Moncler, this black popover hoody has a tonal, rubberised rooster patch on the sleeve. Its made in Italy from loopback jersey, flipped for a unique appearance, and finished with a tricolore flag tab to show the brands proud French heritage. 100% Cotton Loopback Jersey Drawstring Hood Pouch Pocket Rubberised Branding Made in Italy More than 100 countries will take part in the fifth edition of the Raisina Dialogue, an event backed by the external affairs ministry that will begin on Tuesday and will focus on geopolitics and geo-economics. There will be more than 700 international participants, including 80 from African countries, at the Raisina Dialogue, and 40% of the speakers at the various sessions of the event will be women. Irans foreign minister Javad Zarif and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov are among the foreign leaders expected to attend the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the inaugural session. Seven former heads of government and state, including, former New Zealand premier Helen Clark, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, will be present at the inaugural session to speak on topics ranging from globalisation and the role of technology to climate change and counter terrorism. The external affairs ministry said in a statement that the dialogue is Indias contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades. The secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the secretary general of the Commonwealth will also attend. The NSA of Afghanistan, the deputy NSA of the US will also present their ideas. The inaugural address was to be delivered by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison but he called off his visit in view of the bushfire crisis in his country. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In other words, support the troops and dont ask any questions. Its an appeal to the same sense of patriotic duty that welded Americans together after Sept. 11 and Dec. 7. And you might even allow yourself to be persuaded, if this president were not such an infernal liar. Center Stage: It's Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Wisconsin in the race for president On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands travel to the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and the site of the Democratic National Convention this July. Forget about Florida. This time around, the election comes down to "Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Wisconsin." Yes, presidential lying is hardly unique to Trump. But no president has ever lied as profusely, prolifically or prodigiously as this guy 15,413 falsehoods since Inauguration Day, according to a December tally in The Washington Post. Truth finds itself not simply assaulted, but also deposed by Trump followers convinced that reality is whatever their great and powerful Oz says it is from one moment to the next. They blithely parrot lies as if they were truths, and its hard to decide if they dont know the difference or just dont care. But heres the thing: a president can make no more consequential a decision than to use military force. When that happens, we need and should demand a full understanding of what makes it necessary. If we are to risk the blood, flesh and treasure of our people, we should at least know why. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other administration officials joined President Donald Trump in trying to draw attention to dissent in Iran instead of lingering questions about the scale of the threat used to justify a drone strike on Iran's top military leader. Esper added to the uncertainty over the intelligence behind last week's killing of Gen Qassem Soleimani when he said Sunday that he had seen no hard evidence that four American embassies had been under possible threat. Trump said last Friday that Soleimani had been planning such an attack. In appearances on Sunday shows, both Esper and national security adviser Robert O'Brien said they agreed that Iran might have hit more than just the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital. It is certainly consistent with the intelligence to assume that they would have hit embassies in at least four countries," O'Brien said. But Esper, when asked whether there was a specific piece of evidence, replied: I didn't see one with regard to four embassies.'' And in response to a question about whether Trump was embellishing'' the threat, Esper said, I don't believe so. In a tweet both defiant and dismissive, Trump turned his attention again to supporting Iranian protesters and warning the Iranian government not to attack them or to pursue nuclear weapons. He tweeted: National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran 'choked off', will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and 'don't kill your protesters.' O'Brien had suggested the United States sees this moment as an opportunity to further intensify pressure on Iran's leaders, with whom the US has been at odds for four decades. Iran's leaders already are under enormous strain from economic sanctions that have virtually strangled Iran's main source of income oil exports. Esper said street protests in Tehran show the Iranian people are hungry for a more accountable government after leaders denied, then admitted shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane. "You can see the Iranian people are standing up and asserting their rights, their aspirations for a better government a different regime," Esper said. Trump's order to strike at Soleimani came as he was already under pressure ahead of an impeachment trial in the Senate. Many in Congress complained that the administration did not consult them in advance and did not adequately brief members afterward. After the US killed Soleimani in Baghdad, it appeared the backlash in Iran and elsewhere had helped Tehran by shifting the focus away from its internal problems. The strike also seemed to divert attention away from domestic unrest in Iraq over government corruption, and it intensified efforts by Iraqi politicians to expel American and other foreign forces. But the shootdown of the Ukrainian plane on the night of the Soleimani strike, killing all 176 people aboard, opened a new avenue of pressure for the Trump administration. "I think the regime is having a very bad week," O'Brien said. "This was a regime that's reeling from maximum pressure, they're reeling from their incompetence in this situation and the people of Iran are just fed up with it, he said, adding that regime change is not US policy. "The people of Iran are going to hopefully have the ability at some point to elect their own government and to be governed by the leaders they choose, O'Brien said. In Tehran, Iran's security forces deployed in large numbers on Sunday. Demonstrators defied the heavy police presence to protest their country's days of denials that it shot down the Ukrainian plane. Videos posted online showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans and moving through subway stations and sidewalks. Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the Ukrainian flight and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the immediate aftermath. Later the government took the blame for the shootdown, saying it was caused by human error. Reviewing the dramatic sequence of events that preceded the downing of the Ukrainian jetliner Wednesday, Esper justified the US killing of Soleimani as an act of self defense, and he said the US foresees no more Iranian military attacks in retaliation for that. Even so, the leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is closely aligned with Iran, said Sunday that Iran's missile attacks on two bases in Iraq housing US forces last week were only the start of the retaliation. Hassan Nasrallah described Iran's military response, which caused no casualties, as a "slap" at the US. He called it the "first step down a long path" that will ensure US troops withdraw from the region. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he was concerned that "Iran has lots of ways that they can take action against us, both overt and covert, and I don't think they're done trying to seek revenge.'' Esper spoke hopefully of getting the NATO alliance more involved in Iraq to help train Iraqi security forces. He said this could allow him to reduce the number of American troops in Iraq, currently numbering more than 5,200, but he did not say any reduction was in the works yet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Participants in the Conciliation Council meeting honored the memory of the victims with a moment of silence. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov has called on parliamentary committees to prepare a draft resolution on the downing of a Ukrainian plane in Iran. "I would like to ask the committees on national security and defense and international cooperation to hold a meeting, express their position, the position of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. I am also asking our colleagues to prepare a draft resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on the event, to do this as soon as possible," he said during a Conciliation Council meeting on Monday, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Read alsoUkraine aircraft with experts probing PS752 crash to return from Iran after completion of procedures He says this must be done today, January 13, so that the parliament could vote on the draft resolution tomorrow, January 14. Preliminary information on the circumstances of the tragedy is available now, he said. Those responsible should be punished, he added. Participants in the Conciliation Council meeting honored the memory of those killed in the downing of the Ukrainian plane with a moment of silence. As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors. On January 11, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a "human error." A disability pensioner who was allegedly assaulted by police outside his home has denied he "came out swinging" and claimed the officers involved are lying. Police officers Brad McLeod, John Edney and Florian Hilgart are accused of unlawfully assaulting John at his Preston home on September 19, 2017, after the man's psychologist called police out of concern for his welfare. The three officers, who have pleaded not guilty to a combined six charges and are facing a contested hearing, were among six police who pinned John down on his front lawn after he initially refused to leave his house. John maintains he raised his hands in an attempt to "parry" away capsicum spray used by Senior Constable McLeod. TORRINGTON - Mayor Elinor Carbone is seeking residents interested in serving on the Cultural Affairs Committee. The committee serves in an advisory role to Carbone and the City Council on diversity issues. Members are tasked with developing and building a strong, vibrant and cultural alliance that celebrates our diverse culture and addresses the economic and social issues of the community. The committee meets once a month, and works with city agencies, neighborhood groups, and the community at large, striving to make Torrington a harmonious and healthy environment that is welcoming to everyone. Torringtons volunteers are the heart of the city. Our board members and commissioners are change agents, leaders and innovators who inspire us to strive to be the best of the best. Its imperative that our municipal elected and appointed boards reflect the population of our community. I am grateful to the renewed interest in reimagining this committee and look forward to filling the remaining vacant seats." said Mayor Carbone. For information, call City Hall at 860-489-2228. Access Health to hold enrollment event TORRINGTON Residents can get free, in-person help signing up for health insurance before the Access Health CT Open Enrollment deadline on Jan. 15. The event will be held Monday, Jan. 13 from 5-8 p.m. at the Torrington Elks Lodge, 70 Litchfield St., Torrington. Residents can receive one-on-one help from an Access Health CT member to complete their enrollment application, ask questions and understand the next steps that are required to obtain insurance. Certified brokers will also be available to assist in plan selection. Residents can also bring verification documents for help scanning and uploading. Registration is strongly encouraged; go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/access-health-ct-enrollment-fairs-tickets-74228789307 to sign up or for more information. Education center receives grant WINSTED In early December, the Batcheller Early Education Center received a grant from the Draper Foundation, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. These funds, along with several private individual donations, permitted the school to purchase clothing for students to play outdoors during recess. Forty-one children from preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grades benefitted from items such as snow pants and boots. Without these funds, many students would not be able to play in the snow with their friends because they lack proper winter attire. The support of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation have made it possible for many students to enjoy outdoor play this winter. Greenwoods offering scholarship opportunities The Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that manages funds from individual and corporate donors in northwest Connecticut and makes awards to recipients in the names of individual scholarship accounts. Students who are residents of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, Norfolk and Winchester, as well as students at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, are eligible to receive a Greenwoods Scholarship. High school graduates and those already matriculated in a college or university may apply. Application forms and instructions may be obtained online at www.gsfct.org or from The Gilbert School, Northwestern Regional #7, Explorations, Oliver Wolcott Technical School, the Hartland Town Hall, and the Financial Aid Office at NCCC. Last year the Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation distributed scholarships valued at $129,600 to 93 recipients. In addition, the Foundation also gave a $15,000 Allied Health Grant and a $5,000 Workforce Development Grant to Northwestern Connecticut Community College. All applications must be returned to the high school counseling office, mailed to Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 834, Winsted, CT 06098 or faxed to 860-379-0618 by Feb. 14. Adults invited to join Osher learning institute WATERBURY The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is starting its spring 2020 session, offering a diverse range of courses, such as art, history, social sciences, and exercise. OLLI at UConn is a program offering non-credit learning experiences to members age 50 and over who want to engage socially and intellectually with their peers as teachers and learners. There is no educational requirement to join OLLI. Many classes are developed and taught by members who volunteer their time to share their knowledge and experience with other members. Registration for the OLLI Spring 2020 semester will open at 9 a.m. on Jan. 22. Session dates are from Feb. 21-May 4. There are courses available Monday through Friday. More than 1,500 learners, from over 80 cities and towns, have enjoyed the unique OLLI at UConn experience since 2007. Members are passionate about its value to their lives and communities. Ira Mickenberg, M.D., the sitting OLLI President and long-time OLLI member, said, OLLI is the perfect prescription for retirement: Keep the mind stimulated by exploring new subjects, expand your social sphere beyond your career coworkers while volunteering for new endeavors, and give generously to the OLLI organization which is responsive to your needs and directly impacts your well-being. This all takes time, but you are retired. This prescription worked for me. For registration and additional information visit OLLI's website at: Olli.uconn.edu or call 203-236-9924. While Harvey Weinsteins insurers have reportedly agreed to pay $47 million to settle civil suits against the movie producer, most policyholders should prepare for an epic legal battle just to get their insurers to defend them against accusations of sexual misconduct. Insurance litigator Joan M. Cotkin, with the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman law firm in Los Angeles, said in a recent blog post that insurers are stonewalling insureds who ask for a defense against sexual harassment or assault allegations. At the same time, carriers are selling sexual abuse insurance coverage through new forms as endorsements or as optional coverage in other liability policies, she said. Yet even those cautious organizations that have purchased such coverage will not be guaranteed the insurance company will defend, she said. Often, a coverage lawsuit is the only way to secure coverage. Cotkin makes no mention of Weinstein in her essay, but he and his former employer, Disney Corp., faced exactly that situation in both civil and criminal court. More than 30 actresses and employees have filed lawsuits against Weinstein and the Manhattan district attorney has charged him with rape, predatory sexual assault and a variety of employment law violations. He was scheduled to stand trial on the criminal charges beginning Jan. 6. The New York Times reported recently that Weinstein and his bankrupt Miramax studio have reached a tentative $25 million settlement agreement with dozens of misconduct victims. That payout would be part of an overall $47 million settlement that would close out Miramaxs obligations in the bankruptcy filing, anonymous sources told the Times. Weinsteins insurers started suing him even before the New York City police arrested him on May 25, 2018. The previous March, Federal Insurance Co., Chubb Indemnity Insurance Co. Vigilant Insurance Co., Pacific Indemnity Insurance Co., Great Northern Insurance Co. filed a suit seeking a declaration that the various personal insurance policies issued to Weinstein did not cover the alleged misconduct. Chubb said in the filing that the carriers had issued multiple coverages, including homeowners, property, fine arts, auto and personal liability, from 1994 to 2018. In all 80 insurance policies had been issued to Weinstein and his family members. Chubb said all of the policies excluded liability for claims for damages as a member of a board of a corporation. Some of the policies also specifically excluded sexual molestation, misconduct, abuse or harassment. Chubb argued that Weinsteins egregious, intentional acts do not constitute an accident or an offense that would warrant coverage. Each policy also excluded damages caused by intentional acts that could have been foreseen by a reasonable person. Insurers that covered Disney filed their own lawsuits. Disney is involved because it acquired Miramax in 1993. Steadfast Insurance Co. filed a suit in July 2018 asking for a declaration that an employment practices liability policy issued to Walt Disney Co. does not cover Weinsteins actions. Steadfast paid defense costs with a reservation of rights, but argued it should be able to recoup those expenses because Weinsteins intentional actions were excluded from coverage. Axis Surplus Insurance Co. filed a similar lawsuit on Aug. 17, 2018. The company had issued a directors and officers policy to the Walt Disney Co. with a $25 million policy limit but claimed that Weinsteins actions were not covered because his conduct was not performed in his capacity as a director, officer or employee of Miramax. The New York Times article said Weinstein had reached a global settlement, but did not report on which insurers specifically are part of the deal or how they will share in the costs. Weinsteins case is widely cited as sparking the #MeToo movement after the New York Times first reported on the accusations against him in 2017. In her blog post, attorney Cotkin said there has been a rash of lawsuits claiming sexual harassment in the workplace. A rash of policyholder lawsuits seeking coverage followed. She said most insurers will seek a declaration that they owe no coverage if it looks like the case will be expensive to defend. Even the most cautious and careful insured, when faced with a high-exposure claim in a lawsuit, will likely have to fight with its insurance companies to secure the insurance benefits it has purchased, Cotkin said. Of course, providing notice to the insurance company of any lawsuit or claim made against the insured (early and often!) is essential. Topics Lawsuits Carriers Abuse Molestation New York Chubb UPDATES MONDAY MORNING: A massive fire ripped through several buildings, including a pair of apartment complexes under construction in downtown Bound Brook Sunday night, according to fire officials. Firefighters, who continued to battle the blaze past 11 p.m., said there were no serious injuries. A Bound Brook firefighter was treated for a sprained ankle. The fire broke out on East Main Street near Mountain Avenue shortly before 8 p.m. Photos and video showed roaring flames spreading to both sides of the street and consuming a building in the boroughs downtown commercial district. In addition to the construction sites, Bound Brook Police Chief Vito Bet said the fire spread to two houses and an electronics store, as well. The whole thing caught flame quickly," Bet said. The fire "was so hot it blew to the other new building under construction across the street. Were gonna be out here for awhile. It keeps rekindling. NJ Transit suspended the Raritan Valley Line between between Bridgewater and Dunellen in both directions due to the fire. Substitute bus service was being provided. The fire first erupted in a unoccupied complex known as the Meridia Downtown, which included 174 apartments plus retail space, said Bound Brook Borough Councilman Abel Gomez. Possibly aided by Sundays high winds, Gomez said the flames leapt across main Street to a second apartment complex, which was also under construction. That complex is made up of 60 residential units plus a restaurant. Gomez did not know the name of the second complex. Downtown resident Mary Savage, who lives across the street from the initial complex, said the fire started in one section of the construction site and within seconds the flames had ripped across the entire building. Its bad here, Capt. Kevin Rivenbark said, before hurrying off the phone. He said a cause of the fire had not yet been determined. Gomez, who watched the inferno spread, said it was highly likely that additional surrounding buildings would be damaged or destroyed. As firefighters attacked the flames, more than 100 people stood outside and watched the fire burn. Ariel Piere noticed smoke while driving on Route 287 around 8:30 p.m. It just keeps spreading and spreading, said Piere, 31, who lives about two blocks from the Meridia apartment. Firefighters are battling a massive blaze in downtown Bound Brook on Sunday, Jan. 12.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Buck Clarke, owner of the yet-to-open Piedmont Distilleries, which is located in a one-story building behind the apartments, was also among the onlookers. The apartment building was nothing but 100 units of framing," Clarke said. "What these fire crews have done is pretty remarkable. Im very much relieved. It could have very easily spread. Gomez said the destroyed Meridia Downtown was distinct from a similar project completed several years ago about six blocks away known as the Meridia Main, which was not damaged on Sunday. He said the fire was a huge setback for the borough, which had suffered a series of devastating floods over the past two decades but was looking forward to a rebirth following completion of a major flood control project in 2016. He said the two destroyed complexes both developed entirely with private funding were within the boroughs downtown redevelopment zone, and were to be among the initial fruits of the flood control project after construction on both complexes had begun last Spring. Bound Brook was in the process of a renaissance, Gomez said. After all the floods weve had here, and now we have this fire. Bound Brook, New Jesey(Somerset County), fully involved apartment building taking others with it. Multiple brush fires around town from embers. pic.twitter.com/DozeP3g7RM NYCFireWire (@NYCFireWire) January 13, 2020 9:15 pm: Radar animation of a large commercial fire in the Bound Brook area (loop begins at 7:52 pm). The correlation coefficient (bottom right panel) is very low, indicating the radar echoes are not precipitation. pic.twitter.com/cEC6hSS6cj NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 13, 2020 Keep all the officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel in Bound Brook tonight in your thoughts and prayers. #FirstResponders pic.twitter.com/PT3x16k4JE New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) January 13, 2020 Terrible fire in #BoundBrook. Hope everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/OEhKeORa7L chatter G (@yourwhineguy) January 13, 2020 FIRE IN N BOUND BROOK NJ Posted by Alejandrofdb Wacko on Sunday, January 12, 2020 NJ Advance Media Editor Suzanne Pavkovic contributed to this report. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AvalonZoppo. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com's newsletters. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Zarif: Foreign Ministry ready to help families of plane crash victims IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 12, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message expressed Foreign Ministry readiness to help families of the victims of the Ukrainian plane crash. "My colleagues in the foreign ministryand in embassies, missions and consulates worldwideshare the nation's grief in the aftermath of the tragedy and stand ready to offer any needed assistance to families of the victims," Zarif wrote in his Twitter account. The plane of Ukrainian airlines crashed near Tehran minutes after the take-off from Imam Khomeini Airport. All the 167 passengers and nine crew members were killed in the crash. Earlier in a separate message Iranian to diplomat offered profound regret over the deadly accident, saying: "Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations." The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces offered explanations for the crash of the Ukrainian aircraft which happened near Tehran on Wednesday. The statement further assured that the repetition of such errors will be impossible as the body will follow fundamental reforms in the process of operations and refer to those responsible for the tragedy to the Judiciary. The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces hereby extends its condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of the incident as well as those foreign nationals aboard the flight. It also offers its apology for the human error which caused the crash. 9376**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sarah Streyder is the Founder of the Secure Families Initiative and a proud Air Force spouse. She is an advocate for principled foreign policy, and passionate about elevating military spouse voices. Sarah encourages everyone she meets to get involved, organize, and vote. I am a military spouse, and my voice is missing from our countrys conversations about war and peace. Stories of trade-offs and heartache are a dime a dozen in the military community. Our country has been at war for 19 years, and that has consequences for our troops and their loved ones. Frequent moves and deployments make it difficult sometimes impossible for families to stick together. Some people talk about our militarys operational tempo as if its the way things will always be because its the way things are now and always have been. But I dont have time for that kind of fatalism! Our militarys operational tempo stems directly from our countrys foreign policy. And we have a choice in how our country engages in the world around us. We can promote aggression, or we can prioritize diplomacy as our tool of first resort and in doing so, protect our service members from unnecessary danger. My husband is an active-duty Air Force sergeant, and I am tremendously proud of his service. His job has also been hard on our family. Like many couples, our marriage has been filled with bittersweet moments. I remember the day Jason shipped off to boot camp, because it was the same day I met the president. After working as a White House intern for three months, I was finally getting to meet the boss. On my way to the West Wing, I got Jasons last goodbye phone call before hed be out of communication for two months. All I could think about for the rest of the day was how much I missed him. The same thing happened three months later, when I got offered a full-time job in the administration. I called Jason to tell him the good news, and he said, were getting stationed in Nebraska. I spent hours agonizing between a once-in-a-lifetime job and getting to live with my spouse. I chose the former, which meant we spent our second year as a married couple living halfway across the country from each other. When given the option to pursue peace or promote aggression, I know which world Id rather live in. And I know many spouses who would agree. The most important thing military spouses can do to push against wars of choice is to vote. But not all of us vote as often as we could. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), only 36% of military spouse respondents said they vote in every election, even though 69% believe voting is a civic duty. The main reasons respondents gave for not voting came down to a lack of information and motivation. Only 40% of spouses felt it was easy to get information about voting and only 27% felt actively encouraged to vote. That is why I decided to launch the Secure Families Initiative (SFI) a program to mobilize military spouses as foreign policy voters and advocates. With the help of our parent organization, Foreign Policy for America, we plan to train and organize members of our community to speak up and out about principled American engagement in the world. Why? Because I believe we are this countrys most under-utilized voices in favor of a diplomacy-first approach to foreign policy. Military spouses know better than almost anyone about the hidden costs of war. Our public discourse talks about wars in terms of blood and treasure, which are very real. But for us, theyre so much more. Wars can be measured in missed birthdays and pricey care packages; in grocery store meltdowns and emotional homecomings; in disrupted careers and constant anxiety. When our loved ones deploy overseas, were the ones left behind to keep the family operating. When the U.S. defunds our State Department, we lean more heavily on our service members to solve problems that dont have a military solution. When our country engages in forever wars, we demand an unsustainable operational tempo that makes it harder to recruit for our all-volunteer force -- now thats a national security nightmare. SFI is creating a home for people like me to take action opportunities built by mil spouses, for mil spouses. We hope to empower this community to share their stories with clarity and fearlessness. Are you a military spouse whos confused about where or how to vote? Have you thought about getting more involved in advocacy, but youre not sure where to start? From non-voters to regular policy wonks, we have something for everyone. If this sounds like a program you could use, check us out at www.SecureFamiliesInitiative.org. Its not hard to find voters who care about supporting military families, but most dont understand the reality of what our lives are really like. Too often, military service is leveraged on the political stage to push for policies that actually run counter to our best interests. If we can bridge that awareness gap, I believe we can make better decisions as a country. As military spouses, our lives are directly impacted by the foreign policy decisions made by our national leaders. We deserve a voice at the decision-making table. SACRAMENTO California should pass a constitutional amendment requiring all cities and counties to provide enough housing or shelter to put every homeless person under a roof, a task force appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday in its long-awaited report. The hurdle for passing such an amendment is daunting, and the cost of providing all those roofs would be in the many billions of dollars. But the task force said such forceful action is necessary because homelessness is a crisis of epic and increasing magnitude. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, co-chair of the 13-member task force appointed in February, said it concluded that leaving the problem to the whims of local governments hasnt been working. Californias homeless population of 156,000 up 16% in the past year is the biggest in the United States and shows no sign of declining. We are calling for a legally enforceable mandate requiring governments to bring people home, Steinberg told The Chronicle. No more of this being an option. Its past time to do what is fair, compassionate and necessary to save lives. The report by the governors Council of Regional Homeless Advisors suggests the constitutional amendment be passed this year which Steinberg said he hopes will be in the November general election. To do so, two-thirds of the Legislature would have to vote to place it on the ballot, and then a majority of voters would have to approve it. Steinberg likened the need to force government to provide for the homeless to other needs, such as providing education or mandating environmental standards in California to combat climate change. When it really matters, we require it why should this be any different? he said. The announcement came as Newsom began a weeklong tour of services for the homeless and the mentally ill throughout California. He started in Grass Valley (Nevada County) and said he intends to visit the Bay Area, among many locations. There is bound to be pushback from localities at least initially, but task force co-chair Mark Ridley-Thomas, a Los Angeles County supervisor, said the plan will be vetted vigorously at the state, county and local levels. After receiving the task force report Monday afternoon, Newsom told The Chronicle he was proud of them great work and likes the plan. This notion of accountability a mandate of sorts is a good one, he said. The question is how we socialize it and get the support of the Legislature to put it on the ballot. I accept that challenge. Thats the next step. Last week, Newsom presented his proposed budget, which would create a $750 million fund to cover rent and build housing for homeless people. He also proposed a $1.4 billion a year expansion of Medi-Cal to cover support services that could keep homeless people out of the emergency room and cut other costly care. The plan announced Monday is a step back from a proposal suggested by Steinberg over the summer that the state adopt a so-called right to shelter and require people to take it. That proposal was modeled on New York, where 75,000 people live in shelters they were compelled to move into. But Steinberg said he pulled back on that concept after controversy and a very healthy debate, and now backs the alternative pushed by his task force. The task force recommendation puts the onus on local governments to come up with the housing and shelter, but doesnt force street people to accept it. The idea is that if there are enough beds available, so many homeless people will voluntarily move inside that the situation will dramatically improve. Many California cities dont have enough shelter beds, including San Francisco, where typically about 1,000 people are on a wait list for a bed nightly. Housing or sheltering that many people will require a kaleidoscope of approaches, Steinberg said. The task force recommends that surplus state land be used for homeless facilities a move already mandated by executive order last week by Newsom and that every form of cheaper housing be explored. That would include stacked modules, in-law units and conversion of vacant buildings. We need more housing choices that dont cost $500,000 a unit and take years to approve, Steinberg said. Under the task forces proposal, Californias 58 counties and 482 cities would be required to come up with a plan for meeting the housing-shelter mandate within a year. Then, a year later, each could be required by court order to meet the mandate. Its not clear what would happen if they didnt meet a court order, and task force members said suing individual jurisdictions would be a last resort. The task forces proposal suggests that a designated public official be picked to determine whether cities and counties are meeting their goals, and if court action is necessary. The cost could be high. More than 92,000 of the states homeless people live outside, unsheltered, and the annual cost of simply supplying each one a shelter bed would come to $3.7 billion not counting the creation of those beds. The most recent state budget was about $215 billion, and the budgets of the cities and counties constitute billions more. Meeting that mandate will take creative solutions for both creating the facilities and funding them, task force members 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. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, another task force member, said existing state and federal funding, particularly Medi-Cal money, could go a long way toward paying for the shelter and housing mandate. She also cautioned that focusing on shelter alone would not be the best tactic. What excites me most about these recommendations is this legally enforceable mandate to end homelessness, she said. I believe there will be support in the state for this. And we will also see there is also a need for more resources to end this travesty of homelessness. The goal here is not to bankrupt cities and counties. I do not know of a single elected official who is not passionate about this issue. And there is no issue that Californians care more about. Philip Mangano, who is on the task force and was national homeless czar under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, said funding for those efforts should be supplemented by either re-purposed or newly allocated federal, state and philanthropic money. When he was the national homeless chief, Mangano vigorously promoted supportive housing as a fix, and de-emphasized shelters a tack Newsom adopted at the same time as mayor of San Francisco. But both have changed their tune in recent years, saying that without adequate affordable and supportive housing, shelter is necessary in an all-choices approach given the magnitude of the crisis. Mangano said the task forces recommendation to put the obligation on officials in cities and counties, not on homeless people, is an unprecedented move. Thats exactly where the problem needs to be solved. Not inside the beltway of Washington. Not in the halls of Sacramento. But in the local community. A group of homeless men gathered Monday in the square outside Sacramento City Hall to catch some sunshine after a chilly night on the streets said they would welcome any roof they can find. Some people say we dont like going into shelters, but its better than being outside, thats for sure, said Chad Paul, 40. People wouldnt go for being forced into them, but if you give us the choice yeah, we need the help. For a lot of people, thats going to mean mental help or detox. But give us a chance to get stabilized. Most of us out here want to move ahead in our lives. Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinChron Condemning violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey has alleged that the people behind the mask were 'leftists'. "Violence in JNU is condemnable. The truth is now out that people behind the mask were leftists. It is very unfortunate that they had beaten up their fellow students," Choubey told ANI on Sunday. "The students should choose the path of non-violence. It is unfortunate that some political parties are instigating violence among youth," the minister added. His comments came after more than 30 students, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, were injured after a masked mob entered the JNU campus and attacked students and teaching staff with sticks and rods on January 5. The JNU administration and political leaders, cutting across political lines, condemned the attack on students and urged the police to take action against the perpetrators. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) meets with former high-ranking officials (Photo: VNA) Reviewing the situation of the country over the past year, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed the comprehensive successes of Vietnam. On the recent incident in Dong Tam commune, the Government leader stressed the importance of the principle of taking the people as the root, and individuals and organisations who resist on-duty officials and cause particularly serious consequences must be dealt with in a serious way by the law. The PM said he is happy that over the past year, the central region and the Central Highlands recorded fine developments, and spoke highly of the local tourism development that is attracting more and more domestic and foreign visitors. The leader also expressed his hope that authorities and people of the regional localities will work harder to attract more investment for their development, thus helping build a prosperous and powerful Vietnam./. Washington is expected to expel more than a dozen Saudi military trainees from the United States, CNN reported on Sunday. The expulsions come after a security review found some trainees have alleged ties to extremist movements and others possessed child pornography. The dozens of students represent a tiny fraction of the 850 Saudi military trainees stationed in bases throughout the United States. Why it matters: The FBI launched a review of all Saudi military students in the country after one trainee, Mohammed Alshamrani, killed three and wounded eight others in a shooting at a Florida naval base last month. CNN reports that the Justice Department is expected to conclude the shooting was an act of terrorism. Whats next: The Defense Department temporarily suspended Saudi military training programs after urging from Republican lawmakers following the shooting. The pending expulsions could pave the way for the training program to continue. Know more: Read Pentagon Correspondent Jack Detschs report on Saudi Arabias role in the investigation of the Florida base shooting. New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Monday (January 13) issued notice to Facebook, Whatsapp and Google on petitions filed by three Jawaharlal Nehru University professors seeking to preserve CCTV footage and WhatsApp conversation and other evidence related to January 5 violence at the university campus. The police today told the Delhi High Court that they have already written to concerned authorities in JNU to preserve CCTV footage and WhatsApp conversation on January 5 violence, but have not received any response so far. The police added that they have also written to WhatsApp seeking details of two groups in connection with the case and are waiting for a response. On January 10, three JNU professors - Amit Parameshwaran, Atul Sood and Shukla Vinayak Sawant - urged the High Court to instruct WhatsApp Inc, Google Inc and Apple Inc to secure or collect back all the data related to WhatsApp groups- 'Unity Against Left' and 'Friends of RSS'- in the JNU violence. The data includes messages, photos, videos and phone numbers etc. They have also urged the court to give necessary directions to the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Delhi government. LIVE TV Live TV The three professors approached the High Court in the wake of several complaints filed with the Delhi Police in the JNU campus violence. Notably, as many as 14 complaints have been filed. Earlier, the Delhi Police urged more people to come out and dispose of the video of the JNU violence, following which as many as 12 people contacted police and recorded their statements. In the meantime, the nine students who were given notice by the crime branch were set to interrogated by the students at around 11 am on Monday. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2020) - Taiga Gold Corp (CSE: TGC) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #512 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 19 - Monday January 20, 2020. The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the bellwether of the junior mining market for the last twenty-five years. It is the number one source of information for investment trends and ideas, covering all aspects of the natural resource industry. Each year, the VRIC hosts over 60 keynote speakers, 350 exhibiting companies and 9000 investors. Investment thought leaders and wealth influencers provide our audiences with valuable insights. C-suite company executives covering every corner of the mineral exploration sector as well as metals, oil & gas, renewable energy, media and financial services companies are available to speak one on one. This is a must-attend for investors and stakeholders in the global mining industry. For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference. We look forward to seeing you there. For further information: Taiga Gold Corp Michael Labach 2504207188 info@taigagold.com taigagold.com BELMET 7 a local oil and gas logistics fabrication company based at the Takoradi Port has manufactured some components of the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, which got faulty in 2018 and affected its oil offloading capacity. The fabricated components, which would help rectify the turret bearing failure of the FPSO, will help to restore it to full capacity. Tullow, one of the Jubilee partners, commissioned a 23-month project to fix the problem and awarded the contract to Subsea 7, an international company at the Port of Takoradi. In December 2018, Subsea 7 in turn subcontracted the fabrication of some of the project's key components to Belmet 7. The contract involved the fabrication of seven suction piles, topside FPSO module, pigging skid and a hang off platform. The project comprised the design, fabrication, installation and integration of an oil offloading system (OOSys). Speaking to journalists, Peter Amoo Bediako, Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of Takoradi Port, noted that the hang off platform was loaded onto a barge at the Belmet 7 quayside in the port last week for transfer to the offshore project site of the FPSO. He added, The entire load-out operation will be completed by mid February 2020 and the entire project will be completed by May 2020, all things being equal, with clean oil offloading lines, including ramp up and ramp down time of 30 minutes each. The Significant Milestone He described the successful completion of the fabrication of the project components by Belmet 7 as significant milestone for local oil and gas service providing companies. The pigging skid component of the project, which regulates the flow and cleaning of the pipelines of the vessel, is the first ever topside FPSO module that has been wholly manufactured in the country. This will open the door for more FPSO modules to be fabricated locally in Ghana, he said. Theophilus Ofori, Site Manager of Subsea 7, said the initiative was a boost in the local content participation requirements of the Petroleum Commission, with the attendant revenue flow to local content providers. He mentioned that the project had provided an avenue for skills transfer and capacity building in a very strategic area of the oil and gas sector. He added that about 80 local workers and supervisors were engaged for the project. ---Daily Guide Joker is the leading nominee for the 2020 Oscars having picked up 11 nominations in a year where only one black actor and no female directors were nominated. The dark comic book tale Joker topped the Oscar nominations on Monday with Netflix's The Irishman, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and World War I odyssey 1917 following close behind after each scoring 10. They were among the nine films nominated for best picture with the others including Parasite, Little Women, Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit and Ford v Ferrari. Much of the focus so far this award season has been on the lack of women and ethnic minority filmmakers honored. Only one non-white actor, British star Cynthia Erivo, was nominated this year for her role as U.S. anti-slavery icon Harriet Tubman in Harriet. The best director category this year was also male dominated for the 87th time with Greta Gerwig missing out for Little Women. Issa Rae, who was announcing the Oscar nominees, had a dig at the Academy during the broadcast, saying 'congratulations to those men' after noticing Gerwig's snub. Scroll down for video and full list of nominations Joker is the leading nominee for the Academy Awards having picked up 11 nominations, including best actor (Joaquin Phoenix) Netflix's The Irishman picked up a number of Oscar nominations including best picture, best director and two for support actor: Al Pacino and Joe Pesci Joker is the leading nominee for the 2020 Oscars with 11 nominations Netflix secured a total of 24 nominations with The Irishman, Marriage Story and The Two Popes There were no female directors nominated for the 87th time with Greta Gerwig missing out for Little Women Only one non-white actor, British star Cynthia Erivo, was nominated this year for her role as U.S. anti-slavery icon Harriet Tubman in Harriet American Factory, the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, picked up a nomination for documentary feature Jennifer Lopez failed to pick up her first nomination for her role in Hustlers and Awkwafina also missed out despite winning a Golden Globe for The Farewell Taron Egerton who picked up the Golden Globe for playing Elton John in Rocketman was also not nominated in the best actor category LEADING OSCAR NOMINATIONS Joker: 11 Once Upon a Time In Hollywood: 10 The Irishman: 10 1917: 10 Parasite: 6 Marriage Story: 6 Little Women: 6 Bombshell: 3 Advertisement While Joker was expected to do well, the academy's overwhelming support for a movie that was far from a critical favourite was unexpected. The much-debated supervillain origin story's nominations included best actor for Joaquin Phoenix and best director for Todd Phillips, as well as adapted screenplay, film editing and sound editing. Scarlett Johansson picked up her first ever nominations in both the best actress category for Marriage Story and best supporting actress for Jojo Rabbit. That feat hasn't occurred since Cate Blanchett was nominated for both categories back in 2007. Netflix picked up a whopping 24 nominations with the likes of The Irishman, Marriage Story, The Two Popes and documentary American Factory, which is the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company. Among the glaring snubs was Jennifer Lopez who failed to pick up her first nomination for her role in Hustlers. Awkwafina also missed out despite winning a Golden Globe for The Farewell. The nominees for best actress are: Cynthia Erivo in Harriet; Scarlett Johansson in Marriage Story; Saoirse Ronan in Little Women; Charlize Theron in Bombshell; and Renee Zellweger in Judy. The nominees for best actor are: Antonio Banderas in Pain and Glory; Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; Adam Driver in Marriage Story; Jonathan Pryce in The Two Popes; and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker. Noticeable absent from the best actor list was Taron Egerton who picked up the Golden Globe for playing Elton John in Rocketman. Christian Bale (Ford v. Ferrari), Robert DeNiro (The Irishman) and Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name) were also skipped over in the category. Scarlett Johansson picked up her first ever nominations in both the best actress category for Marriage Story and best supporting actress for Jojo Rabbit (above) Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood picked up nominations in the major categories including best picture, best director, best actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and best supporting actor (Brad Pitt) The Oscars picked only one non-white actor - British star Cynthia Erivo, who plays U.S. anti-slavery icon Harriet Tubman in Harriet Charlize Theron (left) and Margot Robbie (right) picked up nominations for best actress and best supporting actress for Bombshell In the best supporting actor category, Brad Pitt for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci for The Irishman, Tom Hanks for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Anthony Hopkins for The Two Popes secured nominations. The nominees for best supporting actress are: Kathy Bates in Richard Jewell; Laura Dern in Marriage Story; Scarlett Johansson in Jojo Rabbit; Florence Pugh in Little Women; and Margot Robbie in Bombshell. The best director nominees are: Bong Joon Ho for Parasite; Sam Mendes for 1917; Todd Phillips for Joker; Martin Scorsese for The Irishman; and Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. American Factory picked up a nomination in the documentary feature category. The other nominees were The Cave, The Edge of Democracy, For Sama and Honeyland. Social satire Parasite became the first South Korean movie to be nominated in both the best picture and best international film categories. Director Bong Joon Ho also received a nod for best director. Disney blockbusters The Lion King and Frozen 2 were both omitted in the animated feature film category. Beyonce also did not get noticed for her song Spirit on The Lion King soundtrack. 'Congratulations to those men': Lack of women and ethnic minority filmmakers honored Much of the focus so far this award season has been on the lack of women and ethnic minority filmmakers honored. Gerwig's acclaimed Little Women adaptation was notably absent in several award nominations announcements despite being one of nine films nominated for the best picture Oscar. Issa Rae, who was announcing the nominations, threw shade at Academy for the all-male directors category saying 'congratulations to all those men' US star Issa Rae, who was announcing the nominations, threw shade at the all-male directors category. 'Congratulations to those men,' she said after announcing the nominees, including Martin Scorsese, Todd Phillips, Sam Mendes, Quentin Tarantino and Bong Joon Ho. Later in the broadcast, Issa also made a dig at the Academy for only nominating Gerwig in the Best Adapted Screenplay category despite the critical acclaim she has received for her take on the Louisa May Alcott classic. 'They actually let Greta in there,' she said. 'Unfortunately there are just five nominees' for best director in an 'incredibly strong year,' one Academy voter who asked not to be named said, pointing to the revered track records of the likes of Scorsese, Tarantino and Mendes. Other female directors this year that missed out on nominations included Lulu Wang, director of The Farewell, and Hustlers director Lorene Scafaria. Controversy over those omissions, in an industry criticised for its lack of diversity, was fuelled at last week's BAFTA nominations, which were also condemned for overlooking ethnic minorities. The Oscars picked only one non-white actor - British star Cynthia Erivo, who plays U.S. anti-slavery icon Harriet Tubman in Harriet. Notable snubs included Eddie Murphy for blaxploitation biopic Dolemite Is My Name, Jennifer Lopez for Hustlers, Awkwafina for The Farewell and Lupita Nyong'o for Us. Last year, three of the four acting Oscars went to non-white performers. The nominees for best actress are: Cynthia Erivo in Harriet; Scarlett Johansson in Marriage Story; Saoirse Ronan in Little Women (left); Charlize Theron in Bombshell; and Renee Zellweger in Judy (right) Both Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver were nominated for best actress and actor for the Netflix drama Marriage Story South Korean class satire Parasite from Bong Joon-ho secured a spot in the best picture and best director slot Jonathan Pryce in The Two Popes (right) picked up a nomination for best actor while Sam Mendes's World War I odyssey 1917 (left) picked up 10 nominations Obama-backed documentary earns Oscars nod The Obama-backed documentary American Factory, which is the first release from Barack and Michelle's production company Higher Ground, also earned an Oscars nod. The documentary, released in August last year, follows a Chinese billionaire coming to Ohio to offer jobs at a reopened automotive plant. Both Barack and Michelle tweeted their congratulations after American Factory's nomination was announced. 'Glad to see American Factory's Oscar nod for Best Documentary. It's the kind of story we don't see often enough and it's exactly what Michelle and I hope to achieve with Higher Ground. Congrats to the incredible filmmakers and entire team!' Barack tweeted. His wife congratulated the film's producers Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert and Jeff Reichert. 'So thrilled that Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar, and all of the incredible people behind #AmericanFactory are nominated for the Best Documentary Oscar! We're so proud of them and amazed by their talent for storytelling.' Documentary American Factory, which is the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, was nominated for documentary feature Netflix lands 24 Oscar nominations in quest for best picture trophy Streaming video service Netflix will have another chance to snatch the movie industry's top prize from Hollywood's traditional film studios after receiving 24 nominations. Two Netflix movies, Mafia epic The Irishman and divorce drama Marriage Story scored nominations for the coveted best picture trophy. The Silicon Valley giant, which reinvented television, will battle for Oscar glory against century-old Hollywood studios, including Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures, AT&T Inc's Warner Bros. and Sony Corp's Columbia Pictures. American Factory, the first release from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, picked up a nomination for documentary feature The companies behind the movies are expected to spend millions to court Oscar voters in the coming weeks on TV commercials, digital ads and special events with A-list celebrities in New York and Los Angeles. Winning best picture would burnish Netflix's reputation in the film business and give it new bragging rights in the increasingly competitive fight for streaming video viewers. The company began releasing original movies in 2015 and has been trying to build a library of prestige films alongside its dozens of comedies, thrillers and action flicks. But the digital video pioneer has irked theatre owners by insisting that its films stream at the same time, or a few weeks after, they debut in theatres. Major theatre chains have objected to the timing and refused to show Netflix films. The practice also forced members of the film academy to debate how to define a movie. Last year, Netflix's Roma competed for best picture but did not win. The streaming giant received a total of 15 nominations in 2019. During the recent Golden Globes, Netflix only secured one win: Laura Dern for best support actress in Marriage Story. Nominations for The Irishman, which tells the story of the disappearance of labor union leader Jimmy Hoffa, included best director for Martin Scorsese and supporting actor for Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Marriage Story stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, who play a show-business couple navigating a divorce and custody battle, received lead acting nominations. Among Netflix's other nominations, Klaus and I Lost My Body were named in the best animated feature category. Heres a brief history of President Trumps record on pre-existing health conditions. Did he pass the Affordable Care Act? No. The president was not in Washington and not in politics when the Affordable Care Act was written, debated and passed in 2009 and 2010. The health law established consumer protections for Americans who buy their insurance, including a rule that health insurers must offer coverage to anyone who wishes to buy it, with prices varying only by region and the age of the customer. Before Obamacare, some states protected people with pre-existing conditions in this way, but most did not. Americans with prior illnesses like cancer, asthma, even acne, often had trouble buying insurance for themselves and their families. One state that did protect people with pre-existing conditions was New York, where the media executive and presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg currently resides and where Mr. Trump did at the time. (Mr. Bloombergs recent television advertisements, which attack Mr. Trumps health care record, appear to have prompted the tweets.) The Affordable Care Act was a large and complex law, with many provisions that have proved controversial. But the protections for people with pre-existing conditions enjoy widespread public support. Has he tried to weaken pre-existing conditions protections as president? Yes. President Trumps first legislative priority after his election was to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Republicans in Congress voted on several different bills, but each of them had provisions that would have substantially eroded the current protections for Americans with prior health conditions, by weakening the regulations that make such insurance available, affordable and useful. The bills would have weakened rules that require insurance to cover a standard set of health benefits, for example, and would have established policies that would have raised prices for people with a history of health problems. Legislation to reorganise the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was passed by Parliament early last year, but it took nine months to give effect to the volume of new laws. Mr. M.A. Aitken (left), internal audit officer, and Mr. T.W. Chaplin, chief cashier, handling a bar of gold worth 6,250 in the vaults of the Reserve Bank in 1964. Credit:Martin James Brannan The Commonwealth Banking Corporation today assumes control of the policy and affairs of the Commonwealth Trading Bank, the Commonwealth Savings Bank and the new Commonwealth Development Bank. First published in The Age on January 14 , 1960 The bank, which began operations in 1911, is now divided into separate organisations. The central bank is separated from the old Commonwealth group of banking institutions and is reconstituted as the Reserve Bank of Australia. The Commonwealth Banking Corporation is established under a separate board and with a separate staff with responsibilities for the Commonwealth Trading Bank of Australia, the Commonwealth Savings Bank of Australia and a new institution the Commonwealth Development Bank of Australia. In Melbourne, the Reserve Bank will open today at a temporary office next to the Commonwealth Bank main office in Collins Street, pending the erection of a building on the site of the old Occidental Hotel at the corner of Collins and Exhibition streets. Branches of the bank will also open in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Launceston and in London. Steve McQueen (Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) Last week in an email to BAFTA voters, chief executive Amanda Berry called the lack of diversity in this year's nominees 'frustrating and deeply disappointing'. Now director Steve McQueen, a two-time BAFTA winner himself, has said that the organisation needs to change or risk irrelevance. After the BAFTA nominations were announced last week, it emerged that no non-white actors have been nominated in the acting categories. Read more: All the Brits who won at the Golden Globes Meanwhile, its Best Director category was all male for the seventh consecutive year. Speaking to The Guardian, McQueen said: After a while you get a bit fed up with it. Because if the BAFTAS are not supporting British talent, if youre not supporting the people who are making headway in the industry, then I dont understand what you are there for. Steve McQueen winning the BAFTA in 2014 for 12 Years A Slave (Credit: Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) Unless the Baftas wants to be like the Grammys, which is of no interest to anyone, and has no credibility at all, then they should continue on this path,. If not then they have to change. Fact. McQueen, who won BAFTAs for Hunger in 2009 and 12 Years A Slave in 2014, noted ommisions such as Cynthia Erivo in the biopic Harriet, Lupita Nyong'o in Us and Daniel Kaluuya in Queen & Slim as being obvious potential nominees, who have been snubbed by voters. Read more: Sienna Miller says diversity-driven casting is dangerous But not even just British talent, its talent in general, he said. Its crazy... When these films are being made to critical acclaim, theyre not even being recognised thats nonsense. Since the nominations, it's emerged that Erivo had been asked to sing at the awards ceremony on February 2, but had since turned down the invitation. Cynthia Erivo in Harriet (Credit: Focus Features) She told Extra: I felt like [the invitation] didnt represent people of color in the right light. It felt like it was calling on me as an entertainer as opposed to a person who was a part of the world of film, and I think that its important to make it known that its not something you throw in as a party trick, you know? Story continues Marc Samuelson, head of the BAFTA film committee, has said that 'change is required' and that a 'careful and detailed review within and outside the membership' is to take place. There is absolute openness to change, and the organisation made clear its position on the noms and that it was not satisfied, he said. Read more: Kathleen Kennedy will receive Bafta Fellowship Change is required what that is is complex and needs calm, careful thought. Berry added: Being totally honest we are disappointed and that is not to take anything away from the people who have been nominated. We do have 13 directors nominated who are females across other categories, so everybody from Jennifer Lee who directed Frozen 2, and this is what gives me joy and hope actually, six female directors in the shorts category and that is the category where we are really seeing talent at the start of their career and they are the industry of the future but we are going to do more, we are not going to stop pushing. The BAFTAs take place on February 2 at the Royal Albert Hall. The Supreme Court said on Monday that it would not take up the case of Michelle Carter, a woman serving a 15-month sentence for her part in her boyfriend's death by suicide. Carter had asked the justices to take up her case, arguing that her conviction three years ago for involuntary manslaughter -- based on her words alone -- violated her First Amendment rights. Carter was found guilty in 2017 of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III, who killed himself in his car in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, in 2014. After his death, investigators discovered Roy had texted Carter as he contemplated and attempted suicide, and that she'd encouraged him to do it when he had doubts. In one of the dozens of texts Carter sent to Roy before his death, she wrote: 'I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it! You can't keep living this way.' Massachusetts' highest court upheld Carter's conviction following an appeal last February. 'The United States Supreme Court not accepting Michelle Carter's petition at this time is unfortunate,' Joe Cataldo, one of Carter's defense attorneys, told CNN on Monday. 'Clearly, many legal scholars and many in the legal community understand the dangers created by the Massachusetts courts.' Carter had faced up to 20 years behind bars, but her defense attorney at the time of her conviction asked for five years of supervised probation with required mental health counseling. She ultimately received a 15-month sentence. She is scheduled to be released on January 23, the Bristol County Sheriff's office said. She hasn't had any problems in prison and has been attending programs at the Bristol County House of Corrections, Jonathan Darling confirmed to CNN. Daniel Marx, another attorney representing Carter, argued in his filing to the justices last year that his client 'did not cause Conrad Roy's tragic death and should not be held criminally responsible for his suicide.' 'This petition focuses on just two of the many flaws in the case against her that raise important federal constitutional issues for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide,' he wrote in the filing. This story has been updated with Carter's planned release date. [January 13, 2020] Introducing Spokestack-a First-of-its-Kind Service Enabling Custom Voice Assistants on Mobile Apps Spokestack today unveiled its first-of-its kind developer platform for creating custom mobile voice assistants at Project Voice, the #1 event for voice tech and artificial intelligence in America. The Spokestack platform provides mobile developers a full suite of services to integrate custom voice assistants into their mobile user experience. Spokestack is filling a void in the voice developer tool market by making it easy for developers to create voice navigation, search and brand enhancing conversational experiences for their mobile users. There are over a billion mobile devices with voice capabilities powered by Apple's (News - Alert) Siri and Google's Assistant, yet less than a handful of mobile apps have a way to have proprietary, branded conversations directly with their users. Spokestack hopes to join companies like Twilio (News - Alert), Optimizely and others who help mobile developers create smarter applications with less work through their easy to use developer tools. Video: Why you need voice for your mobile app "More people than ever are using their phones as voice assistants, yet the majority of mobile apps do not have a voice interface to answer their requests," said Mike Tatum, CEO of Spokestack. "Spokestack's mission is to provide everyone from Fortune 500 brandsto individual developers with the tools to have conversations directly with their customers through their mobile applications." "We couldn't be more thrilled to have Spokestack launch with a workshop at Project Voice this year,'' said Bradley Metrock, executive producer of Project Voice. "The timing is right for the company's technology and approach, bringing voice to mobile apps, and we're looking forward to Spokestack being part of Project Voice for many years to come." The Spokestack Platform Spokestack is a one-stop cloud platform that makes it easy for developers to integrate voice navigation, search and brand enhancing conversational experiences to their app. Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Voice Activity Detection (VAD) Easily add ASR and VAD to your app with one of our open source libraries. Spokestack ASR and VAD allow you to turn user utterances into text, which is the first step to responding to a user. Custom Wakeword Use your brand name or any keyword of your choice to put your app into listen mode, also with the help of one of the Spokestack libraries. Like "Siri", "OK Google (News - Alert)", or "Alexa", your app will respond to your wakeword while it is open. Custom Voice We can create a custom voice for your brand with as little as five minutes of recordings. We can also work with your own voice talent in a professional recording studio to produce a high quality branded voice for your app. Natural Language Understanding (NLU) Engine Use the Spokestack NLU engine to communicate the unique requests, context and pronunciations of words that matter to you and users. Combined with Spokestack TTS, Spokestack NLU helps create a voice-enabled user experience optimized for your brand. Keep your data and customer conversations in your app where it belongs. Project Voice Developer Workshop Spokestack joins Amazon, Google, Samsung, Microsoft (News - Alert), and VoiceFlow in providing workshops for developers at Project Voice. Capping a full day of insights from industry leaders in voice, the Spokestack team will host a workshop at 5:30 pm ET today at The Chattanooga Convention Center. During the workshop, the Spokestack team will teach developers and attendees how to add custom voice experiences to their mobile applications. The top three experiences created via Spokestack will be awarded more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. About Spokestack Spokestack is a mobile voice developer enabling custom AI voice assistants for any app. Spokestack's developer platform is available publicly today at https://www.spokestack.io. For updates: @spokestack. About Project Voice Project Voice is the #1 event for voice technology and AI in America, coming the week after CES. The conference takes place in Chattanooga from January 13 - 17, and is sold out. For updates, follow Project Voice's Twitter (News - Alert) @ProjectVoiceAI or visit ProjectVoice.AI. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005954/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are the stocks that are in news today: Results Today: Delta Corp, Tata Elxsi November IIP at 1.8 percent versus -3.8 percent, MoM Infosys Q3: Consolidated net profit up 10.9% at Rs 4,457 crore versus Rs 4,019 crore, rupee revenue up 2% at Rs 23,092 crore versus Rs 22,629 crore, QoQ Infosys: Co raised FY20 CC revenue guidance, Audit Committee found no evidence of financial impropriety in whistleblower case Avenue Supermarts Q3: Standalone net profit up 53.3% at Rs 394.3 crore versus Rs 257.1 crore, revenue up 23.9% at Rs 6,751.9 crore versus Rs 5,450.9 crore, YoY Vodafone Idea modified rights issue proceeds after DoT grants 2-year moratorium, to use Rs 2,826.1 crore for loan repayment, redemption of NCDs from rights issue Tata Motors Group global wholesales at 97,348 in December 2019, down 3% as compared to December 2018. Lupin - USFDA completes inspection of Nagpur facility Edelweiss: Group got communication from ED to provide info on dealings with Capstone Forex, but denied any allegations Tata Chemicals: NCLT sanctioned agreement for demerger of consumer products biz from company to Tata Global Board approves raising of funds upto Rs 10,000 crore via QIP/ GDRs/ADRs/ FCCBs/or any other methods on private placement basis Board decided not to proceed with Erwin Braich's investment offer, but to take up Citax offer Ashapura Minechem: Board nod to issue 45 lakh warrants to promoter group Co Ashapura Industrial on preferential basis Tata Steel Netherland arm announces successful refinancing of 1.75 nillion of european debt HCC lenders initiate Rs 2,100 crore debt/asset carve-out Torrent Power - CRISIL upgrades long-term credit rating NCDs & bank facilities to AA/stable from AA-/stable Supreme Infra - Approves draft scheme of compromise & arrangement between company and creditors Bank of Baroda revises one-month MCLR to 7.60% from 7.65% w.e.f January 12, 2020 Edelweiss Financial Services - No relationship with Capstone Forex and all allegations of FEMA violations are false ILandFS Engineering - request MCA for probe into a suspicious transaction Sun Pharma gets USFDA nod for Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters - CNBC-TV18 What are the lessons here? St. Paul reached out to the world. His message was controversial, but it has survived quite well until today. He was not popular for his messagebut he got the word out. He did not hesitate to go to the far corners of the world of his day. by Professor Michael R. Czinkota President Donald Trump ordered the termination of Major General Quassim Soleimani of Iran in retribution for his terrorist plans and activities. Iran retaliated with a missile strike on Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops. As the result, the President announced new economic sanctions against Tehran. Many now wonder whether this U.S.s involvement is worth it. But these exchanges are mostly imagery. Our policy planners need to have a vision of how our relationship with the world should be 20 years from now. Future generations should know that our policies, activities, efforts and investments were worth the effort. At issue is the long-term outcome of these policy measures. Today, if you ask the State Department for travel advice, you will be referred to the Travel Warnings website. On it, you will find many admonitions of where not to go and what not to do. For example, the State Department issued a global security alert on January 8, 2020 to warn U.S. citizens of heightened tension in the Middle East. Americans are advised to keep a low profile, avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, be aware of surroundings and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. The travel advisory puts Iran on a Level 4: Do Not Travel, which indicates growing risk of kidnapping, arrest and detention of US citizens. Iraq and Syria are also ranked Level 4 due to terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict. US citizens who decide to travel to Iraq or Syria are advised to draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney and to discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, funeral wishes, etc. All these measures are helpful but what is needed is continued long term thinking as to how we will achieve globally a rating of Level 1 as we have for Canada and Hungary, which encourages travel with normal precautions. Being American should eventually be a sign of safety and security, as it was for the biblical St. Paul. A brief review of the life of St. Paul, also called the 13th apostle, may provide guidance and inspiration. His birth name was Saul. He was a Jew and converted to Christianity. He was born in Tarsus of the Roman Empire, which made him a Roman citizen. He was an indefatigable traveler, an early globalist who wrote lots of letters, many of which significantly challenged the status quo, and therefore were written missives of equivalent to many missiles. He established churches in Asia Minor. He evangelized in Macedonia, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth and Malta. During his life and travels, he was often met with great hostility and persecution. The Roman emperor himself was none too pleased with Pauls preaching and traveling. In an era of multideities, Christianity was not exactly popular in the reigning circles of the day. What are the lessons here? St. Paul reached out to the world. His message was controversial, but it has survived quite well until today. He was not popular for his messagebut he got the word out. He did not hesitate to go to the far corners of the world of his day. In spite of all the controversy and hatred that he faced, the people he encountered abroad did not harm him. Even when he was a captive in the provinces, he was untouchable and treated with respect and hospitality because he was protected by his citizenship of Rome. St. Pauls circumstances can be our guide for a vision of the future. We are proud to be Americans and the world should know it. There are special conditions associated with American citizenshipand our exposure and policies should enhance rather than hide that fact. Some of that specialness is reflected in our international policies. In a statement addressing the nation the day after the strike against Major General Soleimani, President Trump stated that under my leadership, Americas policy is unambiguous to terrorists who harm or intend to harm any American. We will find you. We will eliminate you. We will always protect our diplomats, service members, all Americans and our allies. In order to find out whether the effort was worth it, we should see where we are in the next generation. By then, when requesting a travel advisory from the State Department, here is what Id like to see: As a traveler, you are advised to carry identification of being a U.S. citizen with you at all times. Wear an American flag pin to let everyone know that you are an American. This way, you will carry an umbrella of respect, safety and security. Remember, you represent your country. We wish you success in your travels. Some might think of such a vision as perhaps lacking in humility. I see it as a worthwhile goal to strive for, as a translation of a national effort onto individual well-being, and as an outcome that will truly help bring peace to the world. After all, if Americans are secure, others will be as well. Professor Michael Czinkota teaches international marketing and business at Georgetown University. His most recent book is In Search for the Soul of International Business, 2019. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Reagan and Bush Administration. Chance to Vote Boosted Uzbeks' Hopes Despite Limited Choices By Navbahor Imamova January 12, 2020 The morning of Dec. 22, dawned cold but bright in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, as a morning snowfall gave way to afternoon light. For the first time since the death in 2016 of the country's longtime strongman, Islam Karimov, voters went to the polls to choose a parliament and local councils. For the first time also, they projected the heightened expectations of a much more mobilized and aware citizenry, despite their low opinion of the current crop of candidates for the so-far toothless legislature. "Members of parliament have no trust or respect [from] the citizens because citizens don't feel their impact," said Kamil Fakhrutdinov, a blogger in the region of Kashkadarya. His Yakkabog24 focuses on once-forbidden socio-political issues. Meaningful change Three weeks after the election, it is apparent that something meaningful has changed in this Central Asian republic, even though the electoral process itself was flawed and the country remains an authoritarian regime. Even this highly circumscribed election gave citizens and the media space to ask questions that would have been unthinkable just three years ago. "We are not the same passive society we were three years ago," Fakhrutdinov told VOA. "So those who want to represent us must know that they will have been gifted [with] a trust and charged with working for the people." Since coming to power three years ago, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced a spate of reforms and changed some elements of this once brutal dictatorship. He has openly acknowledged the country's legacy of torture and human rights abuses, removed from power the feared leader of the Uzbek security services, and dismissed dozens of national and local officials, including from the country's coercive apparatus, such as the prosecutor's office. But Mirziyoyev's hopeful words and modest actions have raised expectations sky-high, not just among international observers but, more important, among Uzbek citizens themselves. Uzbekistan is no democracy, but its citizens approached their first post-Karimov opportunity to cast votes with very real expectations for change. Across the country, from Tashkent to regional cities like Namangan in the Fergana Valley, the process raised hopes that in the future Mirziyoyev might undertake bolder reforms and adopt enduring systemic changes. But the management of the Dec. 22 election also served to demonstrate the limits to the president's reform agenda. Five parties, little difference The central problem for Mirziyoyev is that he aims to preserve the core elements of Uzbekistan's political and economic system, and his own power, even as he opens greater space for rulers and ruled to interact. His government permitted five parties to contest seats, but all five were pro-presidential parties, chartered by the state and with proposed policies that varied not at all from Mirziyoyev's and very little from one another's. No opposition parties, or opposition politicians in exile, were permitted to participate. The Uzbek parliament itself has been historically weak. In interviews with members of the Mirziyoyev administration, as well as with the private sector, the most common criticism of parliamentarians was their lack of professionalism. Many fail to grasp even the basics of lawmaking and oversight. That has been much on the minds of those who showed up at polling stations on voting day. Namangan-based human rights defender Zohidjon Zakirov told VOA that voters in his region knew very little about parliamentary or local council elections, much less who was running or for what office. That sentiment was echoed in comments to VOA at polling stations. To be sure, the voters were interested in the election. But few had illusions that meaningful changes could be expected from the candidates, who often seemed confused about why they were running, or what policies they would espouse should they win a seat. Even so, the cynicism among the voters found expression in ways that, in themselves, suggested just how much has changed in Uzbekistan. For decades, the Uzbek media have been tightly controlled and a reliable mouthpiece of the state. But private journalists and bloggers found their voices in this contest. They asked tough questions of the candidates at state-organized debates. In recent weeks, a humorous fake television advertisement, "As Much As We Can," lampooned the electoral process, making fun of all five of the officially sanctioned parties by noting that they had simply promised to do "as much as we can." The video and other commentary directly addressed the lack of substance and relevance in the political parties' agendas. The Organization for Security and Cooperation's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), which monitored the election, issued an official statement emphasizing that while the vote "took place under improved legislation and with greater tolerance of independent voices," it "did not yet demonstrate genuine competition and full respect of election day procedures." Still, it added, "The contesting parties presented their political platforms and the media hosted debates, many aired live." For a country that was among the world's worst dictatorships just three years ago, that is notable progress that will raise citizen expectations all the more. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A model of Rafale jet will be showcased as part of the IAF's tableau. Newly-inducted stealth attack helicopter Apache and transport chopper Chinook will take part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time, while a model of Rafale jet will be showcased as part of the Indian Air Force's tableau, officials said on Monday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had participated in the official handover ceremony in France in October last year for the first Rafale combat jet acquired by the Indian Air Force. During the Republic Day parade, the IAF will also showcase its might and glory, with its tableau depicting scaled-down models of five systems recently added to its inventory -- Rafale aircraft, indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), surface-to-air guided weapon Aakash missile and Astra missiles. Flight Lieutenant Shrikant Sharma will lead the 144-strong IAF contingent on Rajpath for the second time in a row, while Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, an accomplished drum major, will front the IAF band, the officials said. Flt Lt Gagandeep Gill and Flt Lt Reema Rai are the two woman officers who will be fronting the contingent right behind Sharma. Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, who will be part of the IAF band for the 25th time consecutive year, said, he was 'brimming with pride and humility'. "In 2015, when the then United States President Barack Obama was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations here, First Lady Michelle Obama had appreciated the IAF band when it marched down Rajpath. "Next day, then Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha told us about this, and gave his commendation to me in appreciation. It was an unforgettable moment in my journey with the IAF," Kumar said. Flt Lt Gill and Flt Lt Rai also exuded confidence and said they were both 'full of josh' ahead of the parade. "The Republic Day flypast will comprise 41 aircraft of the IAF and four helicopters of the Army's aviation arm. The aircraft types include 16 fighters, 10 transport aircraft and 19 helicopters. The flypast will be conducted in two phases," a senior IAF official said. Leading the ceremonial parade would be the 'Ensign' formation comprising four Mi-17 V5 helicopters in an inverted 'Y' formation, also referred to as the 'wineglass formation'. They will flypast the dais, trooping the national flag and the ensigns of the three services. They will be followed by 'Dhruv' formation, comprising four Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of the Army Aviation. The second and the main phase will commence after the end of the ceremonial parade. This will be led by 'Rudra' formation of three ALH Mk-IV WSI helicopters of the IAF, flying in 'vic' formation, the officials said. The 'Chinook' formation will comprise three newly-inducted transport helicopters in 'vic' formation, a senior IAF official said. Following them will be the 'Apache' formation consisting of the latest attack helicopters of the Indian Air Force. The five attack helicopters will be flying in 'arrowhead' formation, he said. The Chinook, twin-engine, tandem rotor is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, which is used for transporting troops, artillery, equipment and fuel. The helicopter can carry out military operations not only during the day but also at night too. Four of the US-made heavy-lift helicopters were inducted into the IAF in March last year. Eight US-made Apache stealth attack helicopters were inducted into the IAF in September last year, significantly boosting the force's firepower capability at a time when India faces complex security challenges, including cross-border terrorism. Leading the fixed wing formations this year would be Dornier formation consisting of three Dornier aircraft in 'vic' formation. After this, the three C-130J Super Hercules ac will fly in 'vic' formation. This will be followed by the 'Eye in the Sky- Netra' formation, comprising a single AEW&C flanked by two Su-30 MKIs, the officials said. Thereafter, a formation of three C-17 Globemasters, in 'displaced trail vic' formation called 'Globe' formation will flypast the dais, showcasing the IAF's heavy lift capabilities. Following the Globe formation is the first fighter formation, the 'Jaguar' formation, consisting of five Jaguar aircraft in arrowhead formation. This is followed by five MiG-29 Upgrade aircraft in similar formation, 'Fulcrum', he said. Thereafter, 'Sukhoi' formation comprising three SU-30 MKI aircraft from Air Force Station Jodhpur, will execute the famous Trishul manoeuvre. In this, the lead Su-30 would execute a vertical manoeuvre on reaching in front of the dais while the flanking ac would split outwards forming a trident, he added. The end of the parade will be marked by a single SU-30 MKI aircraft Flanker of the IAF, carrying out the signature 'vertical charlie' in front of the dais. All aircraft will fly in from the Rashtrapati Bhavan side and exit towards the India Gate at height between 60 metres to 300 metres above ground level. This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up or thumbs down on the issues from the past week. Up Its good to see that oil companies like Bridger Pipeline are learning from past oil spills and working to prevent future incidents. Bridger, a subsidiary of True Companies, has developed a new leak detection system that relies on artificial intelligence. The goal is to prevent spills by detecting changes in flow rates or pressures. Meanwhile, the iPipe program housed at the University of North Dakotas Energy & Environmental Research Center is working with several industry partners on leak prevention and detection technology. Technology advancements offer exciting opportunities to do things better, and its great that industry is working to innovate. However, we also know from previous research the EERC has done that the most effective way to prevent pipeline spills is to make sure pipelines are properly installed in the first place. We hope companies dont rely too much on technology, and remember that hiring qualified contractors and inspectors is an important part of the solution as well. Down Six wind farms missed the Dec. 31 deadline to install new aircraft detection lighting systems on their turbine towers as required by North Dakota law. The new system replaces the blinking red lights, and only light up when radar detects an aircraft is in the area. The technology was required as part of the Public Service Commission permit for those wind farms. Three of the wind farms have since come into compliance. Companies could face financial penalties for failing to comply. Up A new state-of-the-art fire engine will double the amount of water that can be brought to fires in rural Bismarck. The Bismarck Rural Fire Department recently began using a new engine that can carry 3,000 gallons of water. Its an important new piece of equipment for the department that serves a territory that is 400 square miles. Employees spent more than a year designing the truck, which cost $430,000. Down Dickinson State University is planning to lay off employees to cut $2.35 million from its yearly budget. Interim President Stephen Easton plans to outline his budget proposal on Thursday in an email to campus. Some cuts have been achieved through voluntary retirements, but Easton told Prairie Public that the budget reductions will be a painful process. Universities are economic engines for our state, so it's unfortunate to see the cuts. However, it's positive to see that Easton, who is leading the campus through a challenging time, is being transparent about the cuts. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Both sides in Libya's conflict agreed to a ceasefire from Sunday to end nine months of fighting, following weeks of international diplomacy and calls for a truce by power-brokers Russia and Turkey. The oil-rich North African country has been wracked by bloody turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with multiple foreign powers now involved. The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli had been under attack since last April from forces loyal to eastern-based strongman Khalifa Haftar, which on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. Late on Saturday, Haftar's forces announced a ceasefire starting at midnight (Sunday 00:00 local time, Saturday 2200 GMT) in line with a joint call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj, who met Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday, confirmed the ceasefire had taken effect. The UN mission in Libya welcomed the announcements and called on all parties "to respect the ceasefire" and support efforts to launch an inter-Libyan dialogue. European embassies in Tripoli, in a joint statement, urged Libya's rival parties "to seize this fragile opportunity to address the key political, economic, and security issues underlaying the conflict". The Arab League likewise urged Libya's factions to "commit to stop the fighting, work on alleviating all forms of escalations and engage in good faith aimed at reaching permanent arrangements for a ceasefire". Neighbouring Algeria, at the centre of a flurry of diplomatic activity on Libya, called for a "swift return to the process of national dialogue to reach a political solution". Putin held talks on the telephone Sunday with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and French President Emmanuel Macron, who both voiced support for a planned international conference on Libya to be held in Berlin, the Kremlin said. Since the start of the offensive against Tripoli, more than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans displaced, according to the UN. - Diplomatic offensive - Sarraj stressed the GNA's "legitimate right ... to respond to any attack or aggression" that may come from the other side, while Haftar's forces warned of a "severe" response to any violation by the "opposing camp". Artillery fire could be heard shortly after midnight in the capital, before quiet settled over the southern Tripoli suburb where pro-GNA forces have been resisting Haftar's offensive. The GNA, however, stressed that "any ceasefire initiative cannot succeed without the withdrawal of the aggressor from where they came", from the country's east and south. Turkey's defence ministry said: "The belligerents have been trying to respect these truces since they came into force... and the situation has been calm apart from one or two isolated incidents." Libya analyst Wolfram Lacher said that the calm on the ground reflected a success for both Turkey and Russia. "The widespread observance of the ceasefire until now is a stunning demonstration of newfound Russian and Turkish influence in Libya," he said. The truce comes after a diplomatic offensive, led by Ankara and Moscow, which have established themselves as key players in Libya. Ankara despatched troops -- in a training capacity, it said -- to the GNA in January. And Russia has been accused of backing pro-Haftar forces, which are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, all regional rivals of Turkey. Erdogan and Putin called for a truce at a meeting last Wednesday in Istanbul, and Turkey later asked Russia to convince Haftar, who had initially vowed to fight on, to respect it. - Fears of a 'second Syria' - Europe and North Africa have also launched a diplomatic offensive to try to prevent Libya, with the increased involvement of international players in its conflict, from turning into a "second Syria". European governments, including former colonial power Italy, fear that Islamist militants and migrant smugglers, already highly active in Libya, will take further advantage of the chaos. The US embassy in Libya, in a statement Saturday, voiced its "serious concern about toxic foreign interference in the conflict". It said "Russian mercenaries" had backed Haftar's Libyan Arab Armed Forces, while "Turkish-supported Syrian fighters" had backed the GNA. "All responsible Libyan parties should end this dangerous escalation and reject the destructive involvement by foreign forces," the embassy said. On Saturday, Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at talks in Moscow threw their weight behind the Berlin conference being organised by UN special envoy Ghassan Salame that could be held in the coming weeks. Putin on Saturday again denied Russia had deployed mercenaries to Libya. Contributed photo TORRINGTON Norwalk author Bruce Mowday will give a presentation to the Connecticut Civil War Round Table in Torrington on Jan. 18, on his book, J. Howard Werts Gettysburg. The book details the largest private collection of artifacts from Gettysburg, the pivotal battle of the American Civil War. The book also details the life of J. Howard Wert, a Union spy, soldier and scout, and his family. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 10:46:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Jan. 12, 2020 shows Banu Restaurant in Pul-e-Khumri, capital of Baghlan province, Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Sahel) In patriarchal Afghanistan where radical militant groups are active and people, mostly in the countryside deeply believe in old-fashioned traditions and don't allow women to work outside home, opening a restaurant by a woman is a risky job. by Abdul Haleem PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- "It is the need of the hour to have a restaurant here in Pul-e-Khumri city to host women and their families in a restaurant established and managed by women," whispered 30-year-old Gaity Anwari, the owner of the restaurant. The beleaguered Pul-e-Khumri city is the capital of the restive Baghlan province where armed insurgents affiliated with the extremist groups are operational in areas surrounding the provincial capital city. Believing in the famous proverb that "no pain, no gain", the ambitious Anwari murmured, "Sitting idle under the excuse of continued insecurity incidents and increasing militancy can serve no one." She has dared the difficulties to open a restaurant with limited resources a couple of years ago. "I worked alone in the beginning but now 25 people including five men are working in the restaurant and all receive a reasonable income," said the determined lady with pride. Pul-e-Khumi city, 160 km north of Kabul, has witnessed militants' offensives over the past couple of years and the recent attack was in September, 2019, when many residents left their houses for safer places. "Daring the difficulties has enabled me to provide job opportunities for some 30 people and serve food for more than 150 guests daily," Gaity Anwari said. She noted that her restaurant, in addition to providing traditional dishes, also serves Western-style pizza and berger. Photo taken on Jan. 12, 2020 shows Banu Restaurant in Pul-e-Khumri, capital of Baghlan province, Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Sahel) In the patriarchal Afghanistan where militancy is rampant, opening a restaurant by a woman is a risky job, Anwari muttered. However, she said, "Strong resolve makes impossible mission possible". Recalling her maiden experiences in opening the restaurant, she said her neighbors and people living around didn't believe that a woman could own a restaurant in the conservative society where the men don't allow their female relatives to go out of home except accompanied by a male member of the family. "No doubt, it was unbelievable for many in my area that a woman could open a restaurant, doubtlessly, it was a risky job, but gradually I have overcome all the challenges and have stood on feet to support my family," Anwari said with joy. "Running a restaurant that enables women to go with their family would break up the old-fashioned traditions and gradually promote the culture of tolerance in society," the striving lady believes. In patriarchal Afghanistan where radical militant groups are active and people, mostly in the countryside deeply believe in old-fashioned traditions and don't allow women to work outside home, opening a restaurant is a surprising job for many in the country. Known as Banu Restaurant (Lady Restaurant) and frequented mostly by married couples, is among a handful women-run restaurants that have been opened in Afghanistan's major cities including Kabul over the past few years. "I often visit Banu Restaurant along with my husband and children to have lunch and enjoy being together here at lunch time," said a guest Maryam Masush. "Everything is possible and you can overcome all the challenges if you have firm resolve to succeed in your life," Anwari said. West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Sunday sparked controversy by threatening to shoot down those who damaged public property in the state. "Uttar Pradesh government had not only booked such people but also lathi-charged and shot them. Similarly, we will also shoot, lathi-charge and book whoever destroys public property in the state," Ghosh said addressing a public gathering here. He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking action against those who destroyed public property during violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act as "they are her voters". The MP from Kharagpur was attending an event in support of the newly amended citizenship law. "Who do they think the public property that they are destroying belongs to? Their father? Public property belongs to the taxpayers. You (Mamata) do not say anything because they are your voters. In Assam and Uttar Pradesh, our government has shot these people like dogs," Ghosh said. "You come here, eat our food, stay here and vandalize public property. Is it your zamindari? We will bash you with lathis, shoot you and put you in jail. Mamata Banerjee has no desire to do anything," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he will visit areas affected by Taal Volcanos eruption on Tuesday. Duterte, in his first public appearance since the volcano south of Metro Manila started spewing ash and lava on Sunday, told reporters that he will make rounds in the area on a helicopter. Senator Christopher Bong Go, Dutertes former aide who is still frequently seen by the Presidents side, said the plan for now is to head to Batangas tomorrow. He added that his doctor advised him against going to the areas affected by the eruption, which are now covered in a thick layer of ash. However, he seemed to make light of the health risks associated with inhaling volcanic ash. Kainin ko pa yang ashfall na yan. Pati Taal, ihian ko pa yan, bwisit na yan, Duterte said. [Translation: I can even eat that ash. And Taal, Ill pee on that idiot.] Duterte said all government resources have been brought to respond to the eruption of the volcano, its first since 1977. We have anticipated it and pati yung mga Marines ko, yung mga sundalo ko nandoon [my Marines and my soldiers are there.] And the resources, I said, are there. And yung mga [the] forward supplies, they were carried over there 24 hours since it first exploded, he said. He also vowed to give residents affected by Taal Volcano financial assistance, but did not specify how much. Mayroon tayong pera. Kaya huwag nating ubusin sa corruption. It is not for your pocket, it is intended for the public, he said. [Translation: We have the money. So lets not use it all up for corruption.] Duterte only made mention of Taal when asked by reporters at the sidelines of his visit to the Philippine Marine Corps. There, he handed out 50,000 to soldiers who are celebrating their birthdays this month. A total of 18,187 people are now in evacuation centers in Cavite and Batangas due to Taal Volcanos unrest, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Increased volcanic activity in Taal has prompted the government to suspend classes and government work in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon on Monday. The provincial board of Batangas, where the volcano is located, has also declared a state of calamity. CNN Philippines Ina Andolong and Pia Garcia contributed to this report. Former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida (retired) says all the efforts made to reconcile Nigerians in the aftermath of the civil war, which ended 50 years ago, have had limited impact because they were not consistently pushed by the authorities. Babangida stated this during an interview with Channels Televisions Ladi Akeredolu. The ex-military ruler who fought in the Nigerian army during the 30-month battle lauded initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the unity schools set up across the country. He, however, wants the Federal Government to do more by consistently pushing hard to achieve their objectives. For example, the NYSC, unity schools.. I think we didnt push it hard, he said. We should have pushed all those hard so that people from different parts of the country can say that we met at unity schools together. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates MUNICH, Germany, January 13, 2020 / B3C newswire / -- apceth Biopharma GmbH, a subsidiary of Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. and a leading company for the manufacturing of cell and gene therapeutics, starts the commercial manufacturing of Zynteglo , a product of bluebird bio, Inc. Today bluebird bio announced the market entry of its gene therapy Zynteglo in Germany, the first country globally where Zynteglo is commercially available. Zynteglo is conditionally approved in the EU(1) as a gene therapy for patients 12 years and older with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia (TDT) who do not have a 0/0 genotype, for whom hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is appropriate but a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related HSC donor is not available. Manufacturing this life-changing therapy for TDT patients in Europe marks a milestone for our company and the global Regenerative Medicine Business Sector at Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., commented Dr Christine Guenther, CEO of apceth Biopharma GmbH. I am very proud of the teams of apceth and bluebird bio working together to make this happen. Our trustful partnership and persistent efforts over many years have made this vision come true for the patients. We appreciate the team at apceth for all of their hard work and commitment to patients living with TDT, said Nick Leschly, chief bluebird. This is a critical step along our journey as we advance our launch and access activities in Europe. We look forward to continuing our work with our partners, the TDT community and health systems to bring Zynteglo to patients. 1 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/zynteglo This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. About apceth Biopharma GmbH apceth Biopharma, a subsidiary of Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., is a pioneering company in regenerative medicines and a leading and certified Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization for cell and gene therapeutics with a broad international customer base. apceth owns state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with Grade B/A, C and D cleanrooms (ISO 5, ISO 7, ISO 8, BSL2) and is certified according to regulatory requirements for cell and gene therapies (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, ATMPs). The company has a comprehensive expertise in GMP manufacturing of autologous and allogeneic cell types that are either native or genetically modified. It has long-standing experience with various cell products, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, cord blood derived stem cells, and has the potential to expand to CAR-T and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies. apceth has successfully obtained manufacturing licenses for multiple cell therapy products for clinical use as well as one commercial cell-based gene therapy. apceths CDMO team provides fully customized solutions in the development and production of every customer product and process. Located centrally in the heart of Europe, apceth can perform efficient and fast supply for patients all over the continent. About Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. (TSE4217), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers wide range of innovative products, such as electronic materials, automobile parts, energy storage devices and systems, in global markets. The companys consolidated revenues for fiscal 2018 (ended March 31, 2019) totaled 681 billion yen (5.5 billion euros*). *The conversion rate is 1 euro = 124 yen. About the Hitachi Chemical Regenerative Medicine Business Sector The Hitachi Chemicals Regenerative Medicine Business Sector provides contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services at current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards, including clinical manufacturing, commercial manufacturing, and manufacturing development. The global footprint of the business is over 200,000 square feet and includes operations in North America (Allendale, New Jersey and Mountain View, California), Europe (Munich, Germany), and Japan (Yokohama). The business leverages two decades of experience exclusively focused on the cell therapy industry. For more information on North America services, please visit www.pctcelltherapy.com. For more information on Europe services, please visit www.apceth.com. For more information on Japan services, please visit www.hitachi-chem.co.jp/english/ Contact apceth Biopharma GmbH Dr Christine Guenther, CEO Max-Lebsche-Platz 30 81377 Munich Germany +49 (0)89 7009608 0 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.apceth.com Keywords: Humans; Regenerative Medicine; HLA Antigens; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Climacteric; Tissue Donors; Thalassemia; Genotype; Genetic Therapy; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Germany; Europe Published by B3C newswire and shared through Newronic The Long Island Democratic state Senate delegation is taking a multi-pronged approach in its attempt to amend the states new bail reform law, proposing different alternatives and testing the waters for support. But all six especially the four freshmen still face a difficult path to even modest victory on a divisive issue. And failure could prove harmful in the November elections. The Long Island Six have been trying to change the bail reform law since it passed in April last year, long before it went into effect and conversation about amendments hit a fever pitch amid anti-Semitic attacks. The new law eliminates bail for misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges and limits what judges can consider if they set bail for violent felonies. Although some seeking amendments characterize their attempts as fixing unintended consequences of the legislation, the full impact of bail reform is still unknown, since it has only been in effect for about two weeks. Nothing significant has changed between when the law passed and now other than that more people, especially skeptics and critics of the policy, are paying attention and Republicans are highlighting examples of people released on bail getting rearrested. To make matters more complicated, much of the public doesnt necessarily understand what exactly the legal change has wrought. I think a lot of communities on Long Island dont have peace of mind because they dont understand the bill, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin from Nassau County told City & State. A lot of them are just reading what they read in the paper, or theyre reading the sensational cases or theyre reading the fear mongering. Although its too soon for any hard data about the impact bail reform actually has on public safety, Griffin said that instituting changes would make her community feel safer, like expanding judicial discretion. And thats the crux of the push to amend the law the fear that people who will cast votes in the upcoming November election feel like their safety has been compromised. That leaves Democrats on Long Island in a bind because they all voted for legislation they thought was imperfect as part of an omnibus budget bill. The vote puts them on the hook for reforming the reforms for scared constituents, lest they get blamed and voted out of office. Looming large over this current issue is the fate of two Democrats on Long Island in 2010. After wresting seats from Republicans in 2007 and 2008, state Sens. Craig Johnson and Brian Foley voted in favor of a highly unpopular payroll tax on Long Island and other New York City suburban businesses in 2009 to help fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Many Long Islanders felt that their senators bowed to pressure from their colleagues from New York City and imposed a mandate that largely would not benefit them. So they immediately replaced those Democrats with Republicans, ultimately costing Democrats their short-lived majority in the state Senate. This is a critical moment politically, and even historically, Larry Levy, executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, said. And the question is whether (leadership is) going to realize that the votes they took, particularly on bail reform, pushed the Long Island and some of the Westchester senators too far and made them vulnerable. Polling soon after the budget passed last April suggested that while eliminating bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies was largely viewed as favorable statewide, opinion was mixed in the suburbs. Since then, both Democratic countyexecutives on Long Island have called for changes to the bail reform law. News and social media is inundated with sensational-sounding stories about repeat offenders getting released without bail. Lawmakers have started hearing from their constituents who feel unsafe and want change. And Republicans are already more than ready to pounce on any perceived weakness in November. Politically, this is akin to the MTA payroll tax, Jesse Garcia, chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee, told City & State. This one is even worse it affects public safety. He expects bail and other criminal justice reform to play a central role in the 2020 elections. Its now up to the Long Island state Senate Democrats and other suburban lawmakers who may find themselves in similar positions to capitalize on the door that has been opened for them, although none that spoke with City & State said they were thinking about any political ramifications. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have both either expressed a desire for changes, or at least willingness to consider them. State Sen. James Gaughran, from Long Island's North Shore, is one of the Democrats leading the charge for amending the bail law. He said that he and his colleagues are trying to keep their options as open as possible through the introduction of multiple bills. The reason for the different sort of pathways here is because we want to see what we can get support for, Gaughran told City & State. He introduced legislation last summer that would expand the list of crimes for which bail or pretrial detention could be imposed because he thought that sticking within the established framework of what became law could gain traction. State Sen. Monica Martinez, from Suffolk County, recently introduced a new bill that goes in a different direction that would completely eliminate cash bail, but allow judges to decide case by case whether someone should be held pretrial. It would also create an appeals panel to hear challenges to any pretrial detention a judge decides on. This offers an alternative to Gaughrans legislation that ultimately achieves what they and their suburban colleagues want more discretion for judges. Martinez told City & State she wants to make sure the power (judges) once had is restored, although her legislation would also allow them to consider the physical risk a defendant may pose to a reasonably identifiable person or persons. The proposals goal is to end economic disparities in detention by doing away with bail for everyone, while allowing for pretrial detention if the judge deems it necessary based on flight risk and safety. The likelihood of major changes still remains slim, particularly since any measure would also need approval from the Assembly, and Speaker Carl Heastie remains opposed to any revisions. Returning or expanding judicial discretion is also widely opposed by criminal justice reform advocates. In particular, they reject any provision that would allow judges to consider dangerousness when setting bail or deciding on pretrial detention, which was not allowed under the old bail law either. Bail is only meant to ensure someone returns for their court date, not to jail someone for a crime they have not been convicted of yet. But the six Long Island state senators represent a strong voting bloc if united. State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, the dean of the Long Island delegation, suggested that they will also try to unify other suburban Democrats seeking changes, and anyone else who has expressed concern. State Sens. Peter Harckham of Westecheter, James Skoufis of the Hudson Valley and Diane Savino of Staten Island so far have explicitly supported reforming the reforms, bringing the potential voting bloc to at least nine. Kaminsky insisted to City & State that he doesnt expect the issue to cause fissures in the Democratic conference. But the issue of bail could pose a crucial leadership test for Stewart-Cousins as she is forced to balance the needs of vulnerable moderates in her conference with the progressive agenda other members want done. And it could also serve as a test of power for moderate Democrats within the majority. The leadership has to understand that if they want a big majority or any majority at all theyve got to at least incorporate the concerns of members that are in moderate suburban swing districts, Levy said. And the regional delegations have to realize that if they dont work together and leverage their clout, nobodys going to pay attention to them. They can basically help each other if they listen to each other and act in good faith. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2020) - Harfang Exploration Inc. (TSX: HAR) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #809 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 19 - Monday January 20, 2020. The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the bellwether of the junior mining market for the last twenty-five years. It is the number one source of information for investment trends and ideas, covering all aspects of the natural resource industry. Each year, the VRIC hosts over 60 keynote speakers, 350 exhibiting companies and 9000 investors. Investment thought leaders and wealth influencers provide our audiences with valuable insights. C-suite company executives covering every corner of the mineral exploration sector as well as metals, oil & gas, renewable energy, media and financial services companies are available to speak one on one. This is a must-attend for investors and stakeholders in the global mining industry. For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference. We look forward to seeing you there. For further information: Harfang Exploration Inc. Francois Goulet 514-627-1406 fgoulet@harfangexploration.com http://www.harfangexploration.com RFI African football chiefs on Sunday told sides competing at the Cup of Nations that they will not be able to use mass coronavirus infections in the squad as an excuse and will have to play their fixtures as long as 11 players are fit. The continents most prestigious national football team tournament starts on Sunday afternoon with hosts Cameroon taking on Burkina Faso in Group A at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.The match is followed by the second clash in the pool between Ethiopia and Cape Verde. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Euclid man died a week after he crashed his car into a pole in Clevelands Hough neighborhood. Mac Harris, 18, died Saturday, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner said. A 15-year-old passenger was treated and released from University Hospitals. The crash happened about 4:15 p.m. Jan. 4 on East 92nd Street, south of Superior Avenue. Harris was speeding at the time of the crash, lost control of his car and crashed into a utility pole, police said. Harris suffered head injuries in the crash and was taken to University Hospitals. To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page. Read more crime stories: Gunmen burst into Cleveland home and killed one man, injured another Man shot in the mouth in Cleveland arrested on drug trafficking charges Driver accused of ramming two Elyria police cruisers Berea police continue search for teen last seen Saturday The Delhi Police on Monday questioned three JNU students, including JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, in connection with the January 5 violence on campus, even as students and teachers boycotted classes on the opening day of the winter semester amid a standoff over the hostel fee hike issue. A delegation of teachers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) knocked the doors of the Human Resources Development(HRD) ministry again claiming that the situation is not conducive for conducting academic activities and that students are scared of returning to the campus. As the JNU students union(JNUSU) continued to boycott the registration for the winter semester demanding a complete roll back of the hostel fee hike, the university administration claimed that of the nearly 8,500 students more than 5,000 have registered. In a statement, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said the fee-related matter has been sorted out and that the continuation of the agitation by students was not justified. On the probe into the violence when a masked mob attacked students and teachers, a crime branch team of the Delhi Police visited the JNU and questioned Pankaj Mishra and Vasker Vijay Mech besides Ghosh. Ghosh is among the seven out of the total nine suspects, who are from Left-leaning student organisations while two suspects are from the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Mishra has, however, claimed that he is not affiliated to either sides. "They sought my version of events. They asked me about my complaint. I also asked why they did not register an FIR on the complaint filed by me," Ghosh said. Responding to a plea filed by JNU professors, the Delhi Police also informed the Delhi High Court that it has asked the university administration to preserve and hand over the CCTV footage of the violence but has not yet received any response from the university. The police said it has also written to WhatsApp to preserve data, including messages, pictures, videos and phone numbers of members, of two groups -- 'Unity Against Left' and 'Friends of RSS' -- on the social networking platform on which the attack was allegedly coordinated. According to the police, Akshat Awasthi and Rohit Shah, who featured in a sting operation conducted by a TV channel, have also been served with notices to join the investigation. The ABVP has denied that the two are their members. Hitting out at the left-leaning student organisation and the Congress' NSUI, the ABVP at a press conference alleged that they were hand-in-glove in the January 5 violence. They also said the attack was the fallout of a pre-planned conspiracy by rival unions. The ABVP also released eight videos in support of their claims and demanded a detailed investigation. The classes for winter semester in the varsity were scheduled to start on Monday. However, both students and teachers boycotted the classes amid stand-off between the administration over the fee-hike issue. They also remained firm on their demand to sack Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. The JNU administration had also issued an advisory to teachers to resume their classes in the interest of students. However, the teachers refused to heed the advice. At a meeting with the HRD ministry officials, a five-member delegation of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) said the atmosphere was not conducive to conduct academic activities and claimed students are scared of coming back to campus. "We do not feel secure on campus, atmosphere not conducive for academic activities. Students who left campus after violence scared to return, how can we resume teaching," JNUTA President D K Lobiyal told the ministry officials. Prashant Kumar, a PhD student at the varsity, said the masters and graduate course students have decided to boycott classes. "The vice-chancellor has written to various centres to frame the time-table but there has been no development. The classes did not start today but might begin in a day or two," Kumar said. A student from the School of Social Sciences, who did not wish to be named, said, "We first want the issues to be sorted, only then can we focus on our studies. Just to make a fresh beginning, we cannot forget the past". According to Professor Hari Ram Mishra of the School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies, some students attended classes but many of them are still not back in campus. "The classes should commence in a proper way in the next couple of days," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After putting in all the hard work, the highly talented Arun Vijay is finally in a great place in his career right now! He is now one of the most sought after actors, who is known for his hard work and the levels of dedication he puts in for each of his characters! Currently, Arun Vijay has many movies in hand, including Agni Siragugal, Mafia: Chapter 1, Vaa Deal, Sinam and AV31! After completing the first schedule of #AV31, Arun Vijay has now resumed shoot for his Agni Siragugal with director Naveen of Moodar Koodam fame. We now have an exciting update on this project! Arun Vijay has posted on his Twitter handle that he is currently preparing for a massive action sequence for Agni Siragugal. However, preparing for this action sequence at -9 degrees freezing cold, is what he is doing currently! Arun Vijay is working with the team that made the 2005 Kazakh historical epic movie Nomad. This movie was the official entry from Kazakhstan for Best Foreign Language Film, at the 79th Academy Awards and it also holds the record for being the most expensive Kazakh movie ever made. The Agni Siragugal unit are now preparing for this action sequence at Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan! Surrounded by snow-clad locales, Arun Vijay is seen astride a majestic stallion and one of his tweets further mentions that he is loving the connect he has with the horse! Agni Siragugal is an action thriller, being funded by T Siva under his Amma Creations banner and has music by Natarajan Sankaran with KA Batcha handling the cinematography and editing by Kripakaran Purushothaman. Vijay Antony plays another lead while Akshara Haasan plays the female lead and the cast also includes Nassar, Prakash Raj, Thalaivasal Vijay, producer JSK, Raima Sen and Sendrayan! VANCOUVER, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - KORE Mining Ltd. (TSXV: KORE |OTCQB: KOREF) ("KORE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced preparation of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the Imperial oxide gold deposit ("Deposit" or "Imperial"). Highlights PEA results expected by early Q2 2020 Simple run-of-mine heap leaching (no crushing) KORE's COO, Marc Leduc, commented, "Imperial is a rare, unmined, at surface oxide gold deposit amenable to simple run-of-mine heap leaching. I have worked closely with and have great confidence in the team KORE has selected to complete Imperial's preliminary economic assessment. Imperial will be engineered to the highest standards with full compliance to California's high standards of environmental regulation and site reclamation." KORE has engaged Global Resource Engineering (Denver) ("GRE") to lead development of a PEA of Imperial with heap leach design from Geo-Logic (Grass Valley, California). GRE offers a wide spectrum of services including geotechnical analysis, mine design, heap leach engineering and tailings facility design. GRE completed a site visit to formally kick-off the PEA project January 9, 2020 and has been working on mine design for the last several months. KORE anticipates completion of the PEA by early Q2 2020. The engineering work completed for the PEA will also be used to complete a new Plan of Operations which is a key document to re-start the permitting process for Imperial. About Imperial Deposit The current gold mineral resource estimate for Imperial is 877,000 ounces of indicated and 1,336,000 ounces of inferred from 45.7 million tonnes of 0.59 grams per tonne and 90.9 million tonnes of 0.46 grams per tonne, respectively. The mineral resource estimate was prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc with an effective date of December 30, 2019. This resource estimate will be basis for the PEA. Further details on the mineral resource estimate are available in the December 30, 2019 news release or in the technical report available at www.koremining.com and www.sedar.com. Imperial is a structurally controlled intermediate epithermal gold deposit. The oxide gold Deposit is currently 2.44 kilometers long, up to 0.75 kilometers wide and is open both along strike and downdip. More details on the deposit geology and exploration potential can be found in KORE's January 7, 2020 news release. KORE controls the 28 km Mesquite-Picacho exploration district, including 1,005 claims staked in September 2019, between Mesquite-Picacho trend that runs through Imperial. This trend remains underexplored and open to new oxide discoveries see KORE's January 7, 2020 and September 12, 2019 news releases. About KORE KORE is 100% owner of a portfolio of advanced gold exploration and development assets in California and British Columbia. KORE is supported by strategic investors Eric Sprott and Macquarie Bank who, together with the management and Board own 66% of the basic shares outstanding. On behalf of KORE Mining Ltd "Scott Trebilcock" Chief Executive Officer (888) 407-5450 Technical information with respect to Imperial deposit and project contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Marc Leduc, P.Eng., who is a qualified person for the purposes of this news release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any KORE common shares in the United States. 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 Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking Information 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, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. For further information on the Company's Imperial Project, please see the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Report dated December 30, 2019, entitled "Technical Report for the Imperial Gold Project, California, USA" filed on the Company's website and also available under the Company's issuer profile on www.sedar.com. Such factors include, among others: risks related to exploration and development activities at the Company's projects, and factors relating to whether or not mineralization extraction will be commercially viable; risks related to mining operations and the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of minerals, uncertainties regarding estimating mineral resources, which estimates may require revision (either up or down) based on actual production experience; risks relating to fluctuating metals prices and the ability to operate the Company's projects at a profit in the event of declining metals prices and the need to reassess feasibility of a particular project that estimated resources will be recovered or that they will be recovered at the rates estimated; risks related to title to the Company's properties, the ability of the Company to access necessary resources, access to suitable infrastructure, such as roads, energy and water supplies in the vicinity of the Company's properties; and risks related to the stage of the Company's development, risks regarding the ability of the Company and its management to manage growth; and potential conflicts of interest. In addition to the above summary, additional risks and uncertainties are described in the "Risks" section of the Company's management discussion and analysis for the interim period ended September 30, 2019 prepared as of November 28, 2019 available under the Company's issuer profile on www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserve. It is uncertain if further exploration will allow improving the classification of the Indicated or Inferred mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. SOURCE Kore Mining Related Links http://www.koremining.com/ Dr. Larry S. Mellen, a native of the United Kingdom whose lifelong fascination for Celtic and Druid cultures has facilitated a decades-long career lecturing on the ancient lore, has completed his new book The Last Druid Standing: Kennerlys Tale: a spellbinding tale bringing his firsthand knowledge of the tales and mysteries entwined in this unique culture to vivid life. Dr. Mellen writes, Six thousand years ago, in the time before the first megaliths and stone circles, Druids appeared in small numbers throughout Europe. They began an inexplicable migration toward the Western Isles of Scotland. Among these was a Druid prophet, Lazwin. Lazwin predicted the coming of the Beltane child. The child would reunite the rune casters, gather the Druid faithful, and set in motion a series of events that would alter the history of Druid healing magic. Sadly, Lazwins prophecies were lost to time. In 1820 a Druid child named Finn was playing near the Faerie Pools on Skye. He found a small opening behind a waterfall. Stored within this hollow were the perfectly preserved scrolls containing the prophecies of the elder Lazwin. This is the story of his prophesied Beltane child and his effect on Scottish culture. The pages describe the Beltane childs quest to many of Scotlands sacred sites and his travels around the world, meeting shamans and healers. They share his journey along the eightfold path and his understanding of herbal medicines and essential oils. You will learn of the childs discoveries on a bus trip from Kathmandu to London. In these pages, Dr. Mellen helps readers realize there should be some reason for the things that have gone into making one their own unique person. If readers have ever wondered, Why am I here? Where am I going? and How am I going to get there? Dr. Mellen provides readers with a fresh perspective and some rather surprising answers. Published by Page Publishing, Dr. Larry S. Mellens engrossing book is a captivating story of Scottish lore, prophesy, and an ancient and enduring magic that reaches into the modern era. Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase The Last Druid Standing: Kennerlys Tale at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. A new Gucci logo has sparked a series of social media reactions after the official Facebook page of the luxury fashion brand uploaded the picture. The social media frenzy is being witnessed in Vietnam, but strangely, not in other Asian markets just yet. Gucci updated its Facebook page on Friday with an unusual branding, including a brand new handwritten Gucci logo. The logo was followed by a series of messages in a similar font, including a text that read, "Fall Winter 2020 Men's Collection." Read: Ranveer Singh's Gucci Coat Comes At THIS Whopping Price That Shocked Fans New Gucci logo The new handwritten logo inspired Vietnamese Facebook users to change their own avatars in a similar style. Facebook users in Vietnam changed their profile pictures with a similar handwritten font, imitating the Italian luxury brand. Some users also took the opportunity to mock the fashion brand, while others praised the new creative promotion technique. A Facebook user named Dung Ngo wrote, "When you forgot to save your design before closing photoshop and the deadline was over!!!" Read: Georgia Louise & Gucci Westman Dish Out How To Nail The Party Makeup Look Another user named Amr Maghraby wrote, "Dude!!! We are in 2020. Regular methods in everything became boring, especially in advertising Nowadays success is by creating controversy and make the name of the brand ( post, product ..etc ) the center of conclusion, and this is not easy, especially now, after all, traditional methods have been exhausted. I see they nailed it." While Thomas Koelln said, "Looks like the logo was written by a child in calligraphy class." Read: Harry Styles' Transformation From Boy-next-door To Joining The Gucci Gang Gucci is returning with Menswear Fashion Week after presenting the mixed-gender collections during Women's Fashion Week in the past two years. Gucci's upcoming Milan's Menswear Fashion Week will be held on January 14. Gucci has been working on a new logo since July 2019 and apparently the new design is visible in the brand's current photos on social media. Read: The Shoe That Stole The Spotlight: Mayawati Is Furious About Her Nephew's Gucci Shoes Being Brought To Center Stage Portuguese motorcycle rider Paulo Goncalves died after a crash in the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, organizers said. The 40-year-old Hero Motorsports entrant, taking part in his 13th Dakar Rally since making his debut in 2006, fell after 276km of the special stage from the capital Riyadh to Wadi Al Dawasir. "The organizers received an alert at 10:08 and dispatched a medical helicopter that reached the biker at 10:16 and found him unconscious after going into cardiac arrest," organizers said in a statement. "Following resuscitation efforts in situ, the competitor was taken by helicopter to Layla Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. "The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his friends and family." Goncalves was the first competitor to die in the grueling endurance event since Polish motorcycle rider Michal Hernik in Argentina in 2015. The Portuguese finished in the top 10 at the Dakar Rally four times and was runner-up in 2015 to Spaniard Marc Coma, who is competing this year as co-driver to double Formula One champion Fernando Alonso. Goncalves suffered mechanical problems on Friday, having to change his bike's engine to stay in the race, and dropped to 46th overall after the sixth stage. "The target now is to do my best, because the result at the end ... there is no way to get a good result. Instead Ill try to do good stages every day possible and that's what I'm looking for," Goncalves said then. The experienced Portuguese had competed in the Dakar on three continents, from its origins in Africa to South America and this year's debut in the Middle East. The 2013 cross country rallies world champion was representing the Indian Hero Motorsports team, along with his brother-in-law Joaquim Rodrigues, after five years racing with Honda. Goncalves crashed out on the fifth stage in Peru last year. Rodrigues broke his back in a Dakar crash two years ago but returned after extensive surgery and was 27th after stage six. Story continues Sunday's 546km stage, the longest of the event, was ultimately won by Argentina's KTM rider Kevin Benavides who stopped to help Goncalves but had the lost time reinstated. American Ricky Brabec extended his overall lead in the category. Australian Toby Price, the defending motorcycle champion, also had lost time reinstated after assisting Goncalves and ended the day in fourth position, 28 minutes off the lead. Spaniard Carlos Sainz, a two-times Dakar winner driving a Mini buggy, took his third stage win of the event in the cars category to extend his lead over Toyota's reigning champion Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar to 10 minutes. Mini have now won six of the seven stages. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> You Might Also Like Police were called to the scene where they found two men injured A large fight that broke out outside a luxury hotel in central London has left two men in hospital. Shocking footage from the early hours of Thursday morning shows a large group of men joining in with a brawl in front the Hilton Park Lane. More than a dozen individuals can be seen throwing punches and kicking each other as a stunned onlooker captured the incident from inside a car across the road. Police were called to the scene where they found two men injured. Two people were also arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray but released without charge. A spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline: 'Officers were called at 04:34hrs on Thursday, 9 January to Park Lane, W1. 'It was reported that a group of males were fighting in the street. Shocking footage from the early hours of Thursday morning shows a large group of men joining in with a brawl in front the Hilton Park Lane Police were called to the scene where they found two men injured. Two people were also arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray but released without charge 'Two men were found injured at the location and taken to hospital. Their conditions were not life-threatening. 'Two males - aged 17 and 19 - were arrested on suspicion of affray and take into custody. They were later released with no further action.' A source at the Park Lane hotel - where the cheapest rooms are available for 330-a-night - said that the incident did not involve any of its guests. Malawi's anti-graft body said Monday it would probe alleged attempts to bribe judges tackling a case linked to a controversial election that handed President Peter Mutharika a second term. The opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the United Transformation Movement (UTM) have said the May 21 poll last year was marred by fraud. Mutharika narrowly won, beating MCP candidate Lazarus Chakwera by 159,000 votes -- a lead of just over three percentage points. Opposition leaders allege the election's tally sheets were tampered with. In August, they petitioned the top court to annul the results. It is the first time presidential election results in Malawi have been challenged in court since the country gained independence from Britain in 1964. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday said it had received a complaint from Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda alleging bribes had been offered to the five judges presiding over the case. "I can confirm that we received the complaint from the chief justice," ACB head Reyneck Matemba told AFP. He added that he could not release "names of the suspects" for the time being. Judiciary spokeswoman Agnes Patemba confirmed the case would be handled by the ACB. Mutharika has dismissed doubts on the official results, which show he won 38.57 percent of the vote to Chakwera's 35.41 percent. UTM candidate Saulos Chilima came third with 20.24 percent. Malawi's leading legal association condemned the alleged bribery and called on the ACB to "strictly execute its core duty". It also urged the public "to be patient" and "resist any temptation for mob justice". Sporadic demonstrations have broken out across the southern African country since the election, with protesters demanding the ouster of the electoral commission's head over her handling of the vote. Many rallies have faced a crackdown by security forces. Two policemen were killed in separate incidents after getting embroiled with the crowds. The next round of demonstrations is expected to take place in three cities on Thursday. "There is a clear intention by some of the parties to the case to compromise the judiciary," said Malawian law professor Danwood Chirwa. A ruling is expected by the end of January. Come to Canada, Meghan and Harry. We like you and you like us too. We know you do because you spent six weeks on Vancouver Islands Saanich Peninsula over Christmas, on the Milles Fleurs estate, which sounds pleasantly Canadian. Prime Minister Trudeau offered a welcome. Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, were all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada. Youre among friends, and always welcome here. No Postmedia tabloidists slipped through the security system (Did Taxpayers Pay for Chain-Link Fence of Tanzanian Gold?), cased the house (Splashy Island Palace for Pouty Princess), priced your dresses (Meghan Antoinette Has 350 Lululemon Pants), and invented stories about Prince Harry the Poacher (Prince Sparks Outrage, Shoots Bear, Village Pooch, Local Man). No, we left you to it. You thanked us at Canada House and sent out a photo of Archie in Canada wearing a gift tuque from a knitting club. It has the cutest little puffballs at the sides; oh, isnt Archie a pet? When a booked-up local restaurant couldnt accommodate you one night, you were fine with it. Filthy Prince Andrew would have trashed the place on TripAdvisor. Speaking of which, did Prince Charles really want you to bring your wife and child to Sandringham to spend Christmas with an alleged rapist whose daughters are married to/about to marry Eurotrash, one a property developer, the other a tequila salesman? With your wacko Aunt Sarah, who hits everyone up for cash on Christmas morning? With Charles, who destroyed your beautiful young mother and forced you, at age 12, to walk slowly behind her coffin while 2.5 billion people watched? The princes protective uncle, Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, who shared the walk, said in 2017 that Harry was a tiny boy. I was just so worried what a trauma for a little chap to walk behind his mums body. As Prince William has said, Both our parents brought us up to understand that there is this element of duty, and responsibility that you have to do things you dont want to do. In Prince Charles case, that would have meant not cheating on his wife. Princess Diana was loved. The continuing affair with Camilla began the saga that ended with Diana dying alone in a Paris tunnel. He failed you then, Harry, and he is failing you now. He hasnt publicly defended his youngest son and his biracial wife, both of whom are the only members of the royal family normal people can relate to. Charles will be a terrible king, just as he was an awful husband and now an inadequate father. The Royal Family. What a piece of work. Were stuck with King Charles but you dont have to be. As sixth in line to the throne, Harry, youre (hopefully) surplus to requirements. Why not live the life you and your family want to live, with friends who understand you? Take Kates club: the Marchioness of Cholmondeley; Lucy Lanigan-OKeeffe, engaged to Thomas van Straubenzee who was previously married to Lady Melissa Percy, daughter of the Duke of Northumberland; Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, daughter of the Marquess of Reading, and so on. The young women are hard-core aristocrats. Just like Kate, their job is pregnancy. Meghan is from California, self-made, out of talent rather than family connections. What is she to say to this menagerie of non-achievers? Ironically, the list comes from the Daily Mail whose hate campaign against Meghan is spouting blood on the page right now. Kate was photographed nude by French paparazzi in 2012. Youd think shed help Meghan endure. Instead she and William work at being bores. They succeed. Kates clothes, demure to the point of eccentricity, are an admirable protective strategy but Meghan is a free American woman. She is a feminist. She is not a relic. So it will be multicultural Toronto or Vancouver for Meghans young family in Canada. Perhaps theyll return to buy a country house so they can look out over Canadian waters and rejoice. They bring grace to the most important nation in the Commonwealth so dear to the Queens heart. Youd think shed thank them. Few details on intelligence Senior administration officials declined Sunday to confirm President Trumps assertion that four U.S. embassies had been targeted for attack by Iran, while saying that Trumps interpretation of the threat was consistent with overall intelligence that justified the killing of a senior Iranian general. I didnt see one with regard to four embassies, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said of intelligence reports. What Im saying is I share the presidents view that probably my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies, Esper told CBSs Face the Nation. The administration has offered few details and differing justifications for the Jan. 3 drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, ranging from retaliation for two decades of attacks on U.S. troops and allies by the Quds Force he led, the possibility of future actions, to Trumps claim that intelligence had confirmed imminent plans to bomb four American embassies. (Washington Post) Featured stories A woman attending a candlelight vigil Saturday to remember the victims of the Ukraine plane crash talks to a policeman at the gate of Amri Kabir University in Tehran, Iran. Security forces deployed in large numbers across the capital on Sunday, expecting more protests after its Revolutionary Guard admitted to accidentally shooting down a passenger plane at a time of soaring tensions with the United States. (Mona Hoobehfekr, ISNA via AP)AP Iran cracks down as protests over downing of airliner grow (New York Times) Iran plane downing: Canadian PM promises justice at memorial (BBC) Trump says he couldnt care less if Iran agrees to negotiate (Reuters) Pelosi says no regrets about holding onto impeachment articles, suggests Trump could face more (NBC News) Pentagon IDs two soldiers killed in Afghanistan (The Hill) National news Death toll rises to at least 11 from severe storm sweeping through the South (NBC News) Saudi service members to be expelled after investigation into Florida base shooting (CBS News) Five years after an abortion, most women say they made the right decision (Washington Post) 4 bodies recovered from plane crash site in Montana (Billings Gazette) Passenger allegedly tried to storm cockpit, attacked flight attendant and police (NBC News) A firefighter and a police officer were killed at the scene of a crash in Texas (CNN) Off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriffs detective killed after helping a person cross the street (CNN) Man rescued in Alaskan wilderness more than 20 days after fire destroys home, kills dog (USA Today) Pit bull owner accused of murder after she and dog allegedly attacked man (NBC News) World news Philippine officials warn of volcanic tsunami following eruption near Manila (ABC News) Puerto Rico earthquakes are just the latest in a string of shocks for U.S. island (The Guardian) White House has reached out to North Korea to resume talks: official (The Hill) Retired Pope Benedict warns Francis against relaxing priestly celibacy rules (BBC) 4 Iraqi servicemen hurt in rocket attack on Baghdad air base hosting American trainers (Associated Press) Head of Human Rights Watch denied entry to Hong Kong (The Guardian) Ten years after devastating quake, Haitians struggle to survive (Reuters) Warning of nuclear power incident in Canada was sent in error (NBC News) A royal showdown at Sandringham looms over Harry and Meghans decision to go it alone (CNN) Carrots falling from the sky: Australia drops 4,600 pounds of food, water from helicopters to feed hungry wallabies (USA Today) The death of Iran's top general has created a chance for Iraq to gain more independence from Tehran, the chief executive of a think tank told CNBC this week. "I think the Iraq situation...is maybe the most underestimated of all the things we're looking at," Frederick Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council, said on CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Monday. "There's actually an opening for Iraq to create more independence for itself, from Iran," he said. "That's what I'd be watching." His comments came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following an American airstrike in Iraq that killed Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani. Tehran retaliated by attacking U.S. targets in Iraq, but both sides now appear to have backed away from military actions. "If you listen to some members of the U.S. government, they believe that Iraq over time has fallen more and more under the sway of Iran," he said. America has been trying to push Iraq toward being more energy independent, but faced opposition from two individuals, he added. "One of them was named Soleimani, one of them was named Muhandis," he said, referring to Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed in the same airstrike. "They're both gone." "(The infrastructure and militia forces are) still all there, but the leadership that was so crucial is gone," he said. The prospect of Iraq shaking off Iranian influence would decrease, however, if U.S. forces leave, he predicted. Iraq's prime minister last week asked the United States to start working on withdrawing troops from the country. Kempe said that isn't want President Donald Trump would want, and would not happen "overnight" or "at all." "I do think that it would be unfortunate because that, of course, would open the way for Iran to take even more control, at a point where the deaths of these two individuals could create more independence for Iraq from Iran." HOUSTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DNAtrix, a leader in the development of oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy, announced today that Jeffrey Knapp has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors. Stephen Dilly has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We are pleased to welcome Jeff as Chief Executive Officer of DNAtrix," said Stephen Dilly, MBBS, Ph.D., Chairman of the DNAtrix Board of Directors. "We look forward to benefiting from his deep industry experience as a senior leader in the pharmaceutical industry, who has helped to develop multiple products in the clinic and bring them to market. As we prepare for Phase 3 development and the potential commercialization of our lead program, DNX-2401, Jeff's knowledge will be invaluable to us as we work to achieve our mission of delivering novel oncolytic virus therapies to patients with some of the most aggressive forms of cancer." "I am thrilled to be working with DNAtrix at this pivotal time in the company's growth," said Mr. Knapp. "The data from the Phase 2 trial (CAPTIVE) of DNX-2401 is compelling and it demonstrates the potential of DNX-2401 to transform the standard of care for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. I look forward to working with this impressive team to advance DNAtrix's pipeline of oncolytic virus candidates through clinical development and to prepare for potential commercialization." Mr. Knapp joins DNAtrix with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 20 in executive management. He has developed and executed strategies supporting clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercial launch of multiple products across a diverse array of therapeutic areas. Mr. Knapp most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Aimmune Therapeutics where he was responsible for preparing the company's first asset, AR101, for approval and commercial launch in the United States and Europe as a treatment for children and adolescents with peanut allergies. Previously, Mr. Knapp held several executive and senior management positions in biopharmaceutical companies at similar stages of growth. Mr. Knapp holds a B.A. in Biology with a Minor in Business Administration from Wittenberg University. Dr. Dilly added, "On behalf of the DNAtrix Board of Directors, I would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Frank Tufaro for his leadership over the last several years, particularly for guiding the company through several clinical trials that have brought us to this important point. We are grateful for Dr. Tufaro's hard work to grow the company and for his commitment to patients." Dr. Dilly brings over two decades of executive and senior management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry to the DNAtrix Board of Directors. He also serves as Board Chairman of Cognoa, a pediatric behavioral health company, is a Board member of Sangamo Therapeutics and Adjuvance Technologies, and is on the Industry Advisory Board of Longitude Ventures. Previously, Dr. Dilly served as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Aimmune Therapeutics, where he currently serves as Special Advisor on Clinical and Regulatory affairs. Earlier in his career, Dr. Dilly served in executive and senior management roles associated with the development and launch of marketed drugs for many therapeutic areas. Dr. Dilly holds an M.B.B.S., the equivalent of an M.D. in the U.S., from the University of London in the U.K. and a Ph.D. in Cardiac Physiology from University of London. About DNAtrix DNAtrix is a privately held, clinical stage, biopharmaceutical company developing oncolytic virus immunotherapies for cancer. Its oncolytic adenovirus platform is based on genetic modifications to the common cold virus that allow the virus to specifically infect and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The company's investors include Morningside Ventures and Mercury Fund. For more information, please visit the company website at www.DNAtrix.com. Contact DNAtrix Inc. Karen Basbaum SVP Business Development [email protected] Stern Investor Relations Daniella Funaro [email protected] 212-362-1200 SOURCE DNAtrix Related Links http://www.dnatrix.com The United States wants to reduce its military presence in Africa, Washington's top military officer said, as France hosts Sahel leaders as it seeks to bolster the fight against jihadists in the region. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said resources "could be reduced and then shifted, either to increase readiness of the force in the continental US or shifted to" the Pacific. As he flew in for talks with NATO counterparts in Brussels, Milley said Defense Secretary Mark Esper, had not made up his mind what changes to make. "We're developing options for the secretary to consider, and we are developing those options in coordination with our allies and partners," he said. The announcement follows President Donald Trump's call last week for NATO to do more in the Middle East and comes just as French President Emmanuel Macron gathers his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Mali and Mauritania. France and its five Sahel partners agreed Monday to step up military cooperation to combat the jihadist insurgency, leaders said after a summit in Pau, southwest France. The Sahel countries also said they hoped Washington would maintain its "crucial support" in combating the Islamist extremists. "If the Americans decided to leave Africa, this would be very bad news for us," Macron commented. "I hope to convince President Trump that the fight against terrorism is playing out in this region as well." After 13 French soldiers were killed in a helicopter collision in Mali last month, Macron also won public support from the Sahel leaders for France's 4,500-strong military presence, after local demonstrations against it. He pledged to send another 200 soldiers to the Sahel. The United States wants to reduce the number of its troops deployed across Africa over the next few years to focus more on responding to the threats posed by Russia and China. Washington has some 7,000 special forces on rotation in Africa carrying out joint operations with national forces against jihadists, particularly in Somalia. Another 2,000 soldiers are conducting training missions in some 40 African countries and taking part in cooperative operations, in particular with France's Operation Barkhane in Mali, to which they provide mainly logistical assistance. - French concerns - One option would be to close a drone base in Agadez, northern Niger, which gives the US a major surveillance platform in the Sahel but has been estimated to cost around $100 million. Milley said no decisions had been made yet and insisted Washington was not pulling out of Africa completely. "Economy of forces does not mean zero," he said. French officials are nevertheless alarmed, with a presidency source saying the US made "irreplaceable" contributions to Sahel operations -- particularly in surveillance and air-to-air refuelling. "We would not be able to get these from other partners, especially when it comes to intelligence," the presidency official said. Paris would be sharing its concerns with the US "at all levels", the source added. NATO military chiefs will use this week's meeting to debate the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq, suspended over security fears after the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad. The Iraqi parliament voted on January 5 to oust foreign forces, including some 5,200 American troops, who have helped local troops beat back the Islamic State group, angering Trump and throwing international operations there in doubt. "I can't guarantee anything about the future and I don't make the policy decisions," Milley said. "I can just say what our current policy is and what our current plans are. And my current guidance from the secretary of defense and the president is that we will stay in Iraq." Some 2,000 US soldiers conduct training missions 40 African countries, including here in Mali Mazda Toyota Manufacturing will start production workers at its Huntsville automobile plant at $17 per hour and require them to do physically demanding work, the two auto companies say. In exchange, the companies say, they will work to build trust and loyalty through innovation and collaboration at what they say will be a world-class auto plant. The companies listed job details as they opened the hiring process today for their new joint plant now rising in west Huntsville off Interstate 565. The plant will begin production in 2021. The jobs are full-time work in plant operations such as welding, paint, stamping, quality control and conveyance. They are physically demanding, the companies say, and involve repetitive motion, moderate lifting, use of machinery and prolonged standing. Applicants must be 18 years old at time of application and have a high school diploma or GED. They must be willing to work daily and weekly overtime and rotating shifts. "Mazda Toyota Manufacturing invests in our team members from day one, the job announcement says. We are committed to offering opportunities for growth and advancement in your area of excellence. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing offers an excellent benefits package featuring health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 401-K with company match, and a vehicle buy/lease program. US President Donald Trump on Monday morning defended his decision to order the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, contending Soleimani posed an impending threat to the United States but also saying that was not important given the military leaders history. The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners are working hard to determine whether or not the future attack by terrorist Soleimani was imminent or not, & was my team in agreement, Trump tweeted. The answer to both is a strong YES., but it doesnt really matter because of his horrible past! Trump made the comments after retweeting several accounts criticising House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. One tweet the president shared included a fake photo-shopped image of Pelosi wearing a hijab and Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, with a turban. An Iranian flag was behind the two photo-shopped figures. Since confirming that Soleimani had been killed by a US drone attack in Baghdad, administration officials have claimed they acted because of an imminent risk of attacks on American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. The administration has not publicly released evidence supporting its claim, and comments over the weekend only raised new questions about what intelligence it used to order the strike. Democrats and some Republicans in Congress have questioned the justification of the attacks and said they have not been given adequate, detailed briefings. Conflicting information Last week, Trump said in an interview that Iran had been poised to attack four American embassies before Soleimani was killed in a US drone attack on January 3. But on Sunday, the US defence secretary, Mark Esper, said he did not see specific evidence that Iran was planning an attack. What the president said was that there probably could be additional attacks against embassies. I shared that view, Esper said. The president didnt cite a specific piece of evidence. When pressed on whether intelligence officers offered concrete evidence on that point, Esper said: I didnt see one with regards to four embassies. Citing five current and former senior administration officials, NBC News reported on Monday, that Trump had authorised Soleimanis killing in June, with conditions, including that he would have final sign-off on any operation to kill the Iranian commander and the option would only be used if an American was killed by Iran. Then-White House National Security Adviser John Bolton had urged Trump to retaliate for the drone downing by signing off on an operation to kill Soleimani, NBC reported, citing officials briefed on the discussions at the time. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also supported the option, but Trump said he would only take the step if Iran killed an American, the US news outlet said. War Powers The House of Representatives and the Senate received separate briefings last week about the administrations decision to kill Soleimani. Most Republicans defended Donald Trump, saying the US president made the right call. But two Republican senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul joined Democrats in slamming the briefings, calling them insulting and demeaning. The Democratic-controlled House on Thursday passed a nonbinding resolution aimed at limiting the presidents ability to attack Iran in the future without congressional approval. The Houses War Powers resolution directs Trump to terminate military operations against Iran except for self-defence and clarifies that the president currently does not have congressional authority to engage in war with Iran. A similar version is expected to be debated in the Republican-controlled Senate, where it faces an uphill battle. According to the US Constitution, the 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 the power to use the military to defend the US. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PUS announces Kiari Kendrell Cephus, p/ka "Offset," is no stranger to the fashion scene. From sitting front row to hitting the runway, the 28 year-old Grammy nominee is rapidly making a name for himself as an emerging style icon. Offset is unlocking a new level of creativity in 2020 as he enters the world of design. Offset will debut a ready-to-wear capsule collection for LAUNDERED WORKS CORP Fall/Winter 2020 menswear in collaboration with multi-faceted creative director Chaz A. Jordan and the visionary marketer behind Beats and Founder of Brand Management Firm PUS Brand Studios, Omar Johnson. Taking place on Thursday, January 16, 2020 during Paris Fashion Week (Men's), the debut show will be styled by In Style's stylist of the year, Law Roach. Jordan is a 30 year-old Chicago native who also heads luxury streetwear brand IH NOM UH NIT, the brand that initially brought the two together. Their friendship soon turned into a business venture after Offset expressed interest in designing his own collection. PUS, the final piece of his dream team, was brought in to accelerate and amplify the concept. While luxury brands are working to embrace "urban" artists more these days, the relationship between Hip-Hop and luxury has always been an imbalanced equity equation. This unique relationship represents a re-balancing of power, bringing together an unmatched trifecta of music, design and business built to pave the road to a New Luxury. LAUNDERED WORKS CORP is a design studio that expresses its "apparel" by blending elements of luxury, contemporary and streetwear fashion. The brand was founded in Paris and products are manufactured in Los Angeles and Florence, Italy. The entire Fall/Winter menswear collection is available for purchase following the runway show on January 16th, 2020 via launderedworkscorp.com . Quote from Offset "Designing my own clothes has been a fulfilling experience to express my love for fashion. My collection represents success from scratch, meaning starting from poverty was a part of my path to luxury. Never forget where you come from." Quote from Chaz A. Jordan (Laundered Works Corp) "The F/W 2020 collection serves as a visual and tangible representation of my life's work until now. The balance of my experiences and world travels over the past 10 years expressed through what we are defining as the new luxury ready-to-wear." Quote from Omar Johnson (PUS ) "Both Offset and Chaz have unbelievable creative taste and the influence to seismically move culture. Partnering with them to build a fashion brand from the ground up is why we started PUS. They have the ability to understand what the community wants. We're here to build the business behind it." Inspiration: The inspiration behind this collection was a culmination of my travels and experiences during the past 10 years. From my time with the G.O.O.D. music team to my stints in Paris and Italy. The concepts that remained constant were simplicity and focusing on perfecting the details. This can be seen in the designs from our F/W 2020 menswear collection. Keeping to my favorite staples and silhouettes with the attention on material selection, fit and ease of styling. The collection features a neutral color palette of basics including classic t-shirts, sweatshirts and trousers to more formal two-piece suits and fur coats. We also incorporated a recycled cotton basics program into this collection. To complete the full look our team also worked closely with our Italian factories to design a line of accessories including: hats, footwear and a handbag. Contact: FTA Gallery Elizabeth Johnson T: (267)521-7640 E: [email protected] THE LEDE COMPANY Brittany Witter E: [email protected] Biz3 Kathryn Frazier E: [email protected] SOURCE PUS There are no practical grounds to discuss this matter now, Yuriy Vitrenko says Kyiv and Moscow currently do not negotiate or sign any agreements about the gas purchase. Naftogaz-Ukraine CEO Yuriy Vitrenko said so in his commentary for Radio Liberty. The reporter asked Vitrenko if Naftogaz could own an affiliate company that would buy the fuel directly from Russia's Gazprom. "Yes, it could. But there are no contracts, no such plans, no such talks or even thoughts. Theoretically, everything is possible in this world, but there are no practical grounds to discuss that now", he said. At that, Vitrenko added that there were and still are legal options to directly buy gas from Gazprom. He reiterated that the direct purchase of gas is not on the agenda now because Russia stopped the supplies to Ukraine. "So our task - that of Naftogaz and my team - was to find the alternative options to cover the requirements of Ukrainian consumers in terms of the use of gas from Europe, in the situation when we realized that the Russians would stop the gas supplies. That's what we did", Vitrenko said. As is known, Ukraine, Russia and the EU signed the new gas transit contract for five years with the opportunity to extend it by ten years. The deal guarantees minimal gas pumping in the amount of 65 billion cubic meters over the first year, and then 40 billion cubic meters annually over the next four years. Seeking to corner the government over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and build momentum against NRC, leaders of Congress and 19 other opposition parties met here to deliberate their strategy even as Trinamool Congress, BSP, SP, and DMK were among the notable absentees. The meeting, called by the Congress party, comes in the backdrop of protests against CAA in different parts of the country. Opposition parties have also expressed concern over the violence in JNU in which 30 students were injured and police action over anti-CAA protestors in different parts of the country. The meeting is being held two days after the meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC) in which it strongly opposed CAA and NRC and termed the Population Register (NPR) being carried out by the Central government as a "disguised NRC." The meeting was attended by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and leaders from both the Conference and the PDP but leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiv Sena were not present. The Congress leaders present in the meeting included party chief Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, KC Venugopal, and AK Antony. The opposition party leaders who attended the meeting were NCP's Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, JMM's Hemant Soren, RJD's Manoj Jha, CPI's D Raja, Loktantrik Janta Dal's Sharad Yadav, IUML's PK Kinhalikutty, RSP's Shatrujeet Singh, Kerala Congress-Mani's Thomas Chazhikkadan, AIUDF's Sirajuddin Ajmal and Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi of the Conference. Others present include PDP's Mir Mohd Fayaz, D Kupendra Reddy of JD-S, RLD's Ajit Singh, Hindustani Awami Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLSP's Upendra Kushwaha, Swabhiman Paksha's Raju Shetty, Forward Block's G Devarajan, and VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan. Mamata Banerjee, whose party is opposed to CAA, had stated earlier that her party will not take part in the meeting over the "violence" by Congress and Left parties during a strike last week. BSP chief Mayawati cited "betrayal" by the Congress in Rajasthan as the reason for her party not attending the meeting. Mayawati conveyed her decision in tweets on Monday and said the participation of the party would have hurt its workers in Rajasthan. "As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," she said. "Under such circumstances, the BSP attending today's Opposition meeting called by Congress will be demoralising for the people of the party in Rajasthan. So the BSP will not take part in this meeting," she added. However, she stressed her party's opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "Once again, I appeal to the Central government to take back this divisive and unconstitutional law," she said. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that his party will not attend the Opposition meeting as they were not informed about it. "We have no information about any such meeting. So makes no sense to attend a meeting we have no information about it," Singh told ANI. The meeting is being held days before the Budget Session, which is expected to begin in the last week of January. The government has said the CAA does not impact any Indian citizen and there is no link between the NPR and the NRC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dr. Tom Biernacki provides foot doctor and podiatrist care to those in need at CBC church's day of hope in Brighton Michigan. Dr. Tom Biernacki states: It is an absolute pleasure to be able to get back to the community, and especially those in need. We love to give back and help the community as they have helped us extensively over the years! Dr. Tom Biernacki of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists Provided foot care evaluation and foot screenings at the CBC Church Day of Hope. Foot & ankle problems can be especially prevalent in those in financial distress with both diabetes, poor overall health and limited access to resources. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a podiatrist and foot doctor at advanced foot and ankle specialists in Howell Michigan, Dexter Michigan and Brighton Michigan. He spent a full day working with other primary care doctors, and nurses at community Bible Church in Brighton Michigan. The medical team was able to see hundreds of patients providing foot care screenings, flu shots, diabetic screening, and other important health services. Day of hope is an event put on by community Bible Church in Brighton Michigan on a yearly basis to provide for those in need that are financially deficient. This is been a long-standing tradition where the church provides medical assistance, financial assistance, food, clothing and presence during the winter and the holidays for those in need. This year was an especially great success due to record numbers seeing hundreds and hundreds of people. Dr. Tom Biernacki states, It is an absolute pleasure to be able to get back to the community, and especially those in need. Most adults and even children have serious foot issues throughout their life that can be very easily improved and screened before something worse happens. We love to give back and help the community as they have helped us extensively over the years! Advanced foot and ankle specialists and Dr. Tom Biernacki are ready to help you if you live in Howell Michigan, Dexter Michigan or Brighton Michigan. They specialize in diabetic wound care and foot care, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus. They can also help with biomechanical issues such as big toe joint pain, bottom of the foot pain, flat feet, heel pain, plantar fasciitis and ankle pain. Podiatrists and foot doctors are hospital and surgical train. The doctors advanced foot and ankle specialists of Michigan are board qualified and board certified, they are on staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and credentialed. So, you can be sure that you are getting great foot and ankle care in Livingston County and Washtenaw County. In 2020 I will be pledging to become more conscious of the products I purchase and how they are sourced. Like most of us, I am guilty of buying unsustainable products: I use a lot of toiletries and cosmetic products like perfume, makeup and hair serums. I will try to choose products that are made purely from natural ingredients, and ones which have certifications to support their natural beauty claims. Using natural ingredients is crucial in preventing toxic chemicals found in beauty and care products, some of them carcinogenic, from seeping into our environments ecosystems and into our bodies. The beauty and personal care industry has had immense impacts on the environment but recently, with increased awareness of the issues, measures have been taken to combat these. For example, in June 2018, the UK governments ban on microbeads came into effect and a ban on cotton buds is set to follow in April 2020. Whilst this is a good start, it is not enough. Microbeads are one small part of a much larger issue: the excessive consumerism of beauty and personal care products leading to vast amounts of wastage and toxic pollution. Other damages include plastic packaging with limited recyclability, the carbon footprint of transporting cosmetic goods, harmful toxins in products that are washed down the drain into marine environments, the water wastage in manufacturing processes, and the use of palm oil. I want to buy from brands that produce sustainably from the offset, in both interior content as well as their packaging. Companies like Wearth sell glass large glass bottles to dispense bulk-bought or homemade shampoo and conditioner and LUSH offer zero-impact packaging products like shampoo bars which claim to reduce your carbon footprint: one lorry load of shampoo bars delivers the same amount of hair washes as fifteen lorries of liquid shampoo. I will try to ensure that any plastic or material packaging that I do buy is fully recyclable. The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Show all 7 1 /7 The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Jane Scrivner: Skinfoliate With active AHAs and BHAs, this gentle exfoliator helps to balance the pH acidity of the skin while revealing softer, rejuvenated skin. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Evolve: Daily Renew Facial Cream See how Hertfordshire-based brand Evolve harnesses natural ingredients with Daily Renew Facial Cream, packed with rich argan oil and hyaluronic acid. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Neom: Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist A blend of 14 essential oils make up this calming, lavender-scented spray from cult wellness brand Neom. Bedtime just got that little bit better. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Lumity: Anti-Ageing Skin Nutrients Facial Oil Beloved among celebrities, Lumity is the supplement and facial oil brand created to help your skin glow. This product boasting 32 botanical oils and extracts is designed to promote collagen synthesis. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Grown Alchemist: Travel Essentials Kit Jet set in style with this kit from certified organic brand Grown Alchemist, containing 50ml bottles of body cleanser, body cream, shampoo and conditioner. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Swiss Clinic: Teeth Whitening System Swiss Clinic has the mission to bring professional services to the home and this teeth whitening kit containing two mouth trays and three tubes of bleaching gel, worth 59 is a case in point. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here The vegan edit: Discover unsung beauty heroes Jane Scrivner: Over Oil Cream (sample) Combat dehydrated skin with Jane Scrivner's Over Oil Cream, created to be used over your oils and serums or just as a moisturiser. Showcase x The Independent: The Vegan Edit here This pledge will present some challenges for me in several ways. I have only recently started to consider what is really in the products I buy and how they affect the environment. I am not used to reading ingredient lists, let alone understanding what most of the chemicals actually are. Finding affordable alternatives (on a student budget!) that do not sacrifice sustainability or quality might prove difficult, especially as there are certain products that I use daily that I love. But homemade alternatives to products like body and lip scrubs, are a good way of saving money, whilst also using more simple and natural ingredients. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 08:19:25|Editor: ZD Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Libya's rival forces will sign a ceasefire deal in Moscow on Monday, according to media reports citing local officials. Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) Sunday agreed to a ceasefire starting from Jan. 12 at midnight (2200 GMT) in a statement, several hours after rival forces announced a cessation of hostilities. In spite of recent scandal, this daughter of Hollywood stars is eager to get out there and act in front of the camera. Sophia Macy, the 19-year-old daughter of actors Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy, has landed a role in the next season of rebooted anthology series from Jordan Peele, The Twilight Zone. Sophia, an actress with so far only two screen credits for small roles from 2017, posted a publicity image touting the cast of the new season to her Instagram account on Sunday, which features her headshot along with those of Christopher Meloni, Billy Porter, Ethan Embry, Morena Baccarin and Tony Hale. Entering the Zone: Sophia Macy, the 19-year-old daughter of actors Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy, has landed a role in the next season of The Twilight Zone 'Been wanting to talk about this for a MINUTE! Im so so grateful,' Macy captioned the image, along with a shoutout to fellow actress and Twilight Zone castmate Abbie Hern, who Sophia said she 'loves acting with'. Sophia's casting was also announced during CBS All Access Television Critics Association session in Pasadena, California, on Sunday. The news also comes a little over two months since her mother Felicity, 57, completed a two-week sentence in a federal prison in Dublin, California for her involvement in the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal, in which Huffman was found guilty of allegedly paying $15,000 to secretly boost Sophias SAT scores. The Desperate Housewives star was arrested in her home on the morning of March 12 of last year, and by May she publicly apologized and pled guilty to the crime. Following in mom's creative footsteps: The news comes a little over two months since her mother Felicity completed a two-week sentence in a prison in for her involvement in last year's college admissions scandal Doing her part: The Transamerica star was just seen on Sunday performing her community service in Los Angeles, which was also part of her sentencing Huffman was sentenced for her actions in September, which included the brief time in prison along with a $30,000 fine, one-year of supervision following her release and 250 hours of community service. 'I accept the courts decision today without reservation. I have always been prepared to accept whatever punishment Judge Talwani imposed,' she said in a statement at the time. 'I broke the law. I have admitted that and I pleaded guilty to this crime. There are no excuses or justifications for my actions. Period.' She continued, 'I would like to apologize to my daughter, my husband, my family and the educational community for my actions. And I especially want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices supporting their children.' Proud fledgling actress: Sophia, second from lower left, posted a publicity image touting the cast of the new season to her Instagram account on Sunday The Transamerica star was just seen on Sunday performing her community service, at The Teen Project in Los Angeles. Huffman also shares a younger daughter, 17-year-old Georgia, with husband Macy. It was reported last May that Sophia, meanwhile, has put her plans to attend college on hold in the wake of the cheating scandal, which undoubtedly paved the way for her to start working as an actress and pursuing roles. The other big star involved in the college admissions scandal, Full House actress Lori Loughlin, is awaiting her trial to begin, with her next date in court set for this Friday. The family in full, pre-scandal: Huffman also shares a younger daughter, 17-year-old Georgia, with husband Macy; seen all together here in 2014 Are you losing your hair? If youre over 35 and a man, its the most likely scenario. But despite male pattern baldness afflicting the majority of men of a certain age, its not something anyone wants to talk about. Thankfully, a number of new companies have launched in the last few years looking to not only destigmatize the issue of hair loss among men, but also help treat it. Telemedicine startups like Hims, Roman, Keeps, Lemonaid and Blink Health all promise to help you keep your hair via solutions you can order easily and discreetly online, whether that be prescription pills, topical drops or even gummy vitamins. The problem? The history of baldness cures is one populated mostly by snake-oil schemes, whether were talking miracle elixirs of yore or late-night infomercials of the 90s. And the advent of the internet has only increased the spread of misinformation. To determine whether or not you should trust these newer companies with solving your tonsorial woes, we got in touch with Dr. Jaime Davis, Board Certified Dermatologist, as well as the Medical Director and CEO of Minnesotas Uptown Dermatology and SkinSpa. She walked us through our questions about male pattern baldness (whats the difference between finasteride and Propecia?), the pros and cons of these online services (should you see a doctor instead?) and the most effective hair-loss solution available. But before we get to that, the first thing to understand is there are two types of hair-loss companies were dealing with: specific mens health providers and general telemedicine providers. Mens Health Hims: Offers hair-loss solutions as well as treatments for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and skincare. Roman: Offers hair-loss solutions, plus sexual-health (more comprehensive than Hims) and general-health services (from heart health to quitting smoking). Keeps: As the name suggests, Keeps focuses on hair loss only (for now). General Telemedicine Lemonaid: A self-described online doctors office and mail-order pharmacy that delivers prescriptions to your home or a local pharmacy. Blink Health: Primarily a service offering lower-cost prescription drugs, but it also provides online doctor visits. What do these companies offer? The one solution they all offer is a hair-loss pill called finasteride (in 1mg tablets), the generic version of the brand-name drug Propecia, which youre probably familiar with. Basically, the medication can stop a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from causing hair loss in men. As Dr. Davis told us, roughly 80% of men experience hair regrowth or maintenance with finasteride, so its the most effective solution available. But the mens health services offer additional solutions, too. All three offer minoxidil in topical drops or foam (the generic version of Rogaine), which Dr. Davis put around a 60% effectiveness rate. Hims and Keeps also offer hair-wash products (shampoo and/or conditioner), and Hims goes the extra mile with biotin gummy vitamins. More than that, all of these services offer some form of online doctors visit to prescribe treatment as well as home delivery, and as finasteride is now available in its generic form they also purport to offer cheaper-than-pharmacy prices. In other words, these services say theyre faster, cheaper and easier than dealing with hair loss at an in-person doctors office. But is that the whole story? What to know before ordering hair meds online Your hair loss might not be male pattern baldness The number-one concern Dr. Davis has is the effectiveness of diagnosing male pattern baldness (formally known as androgenic alopecia) in an online setting. All the services pair an online survey (which sometimes includes uploading photos of your hair) with a consultation with a licensed physician. But there are other reasons men may experience hair loss, including thyroid disease, anabolic steroid use and the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata. While the online services are thorough, they cant provide the same level of care as seeing a dermatologist in person; Dr. Davis cited the simple blood tests he does to check that there isnt an excess production of testosterone as well as checking for enlarged male breast tissue [which] could be a sign of hormone issues. The side effects of finasteride That misinformation we mentioned earlier? If you Google Propecia, one of the first links that comes up is Why Id never take the hair loss drug President Trump uses (because apparently he pops Propecia). The article is undiluted, fearmongering clickbait that has probably steered people away from a hair-loss solution that could work for them. That said, there are very real side effects of finasteride that you need to be aware of, mainly, as Dr. Davis pointed out, impotence. The risk is about 1%, and its generally reversible, but some people may not be willing to take that risk. All of these services note the potential side effects, but like the dozens of privacy policies people accept for online services, they may not be explained or understood with the proper gravity as when explained by a doctor face-to-face. You can buy some of these products at your local drug store Finasteride is the most effective FDA-approved form of hair-loss prevention, but what about the generic Rogaine, various shampoos and biotin gummies? Theyre actually all available over the counter, but most of these services wont divulge that, at least not up front. And while minoxidil is effective, as Dr. Davis notes, ketoconazole shampoo (which is offered by Keeps) is an anti-dandruff solution that is likely unnecessary in male pattern baldness and biotin (offered by Hims) cant hurt, but is more for generally for thinning of the hair and nails, and is not specific to male pattern hair loss. You dont have to start with a pill As weve already established, finasteride isnt a miracle pill, but it is the showcase solution for hair loss for each of these services, and with all the hype, men might feel pressured into taking it right off the bat. But there are other options. I often add finasteride to a Rogaine program if a 6-12 month trial of Rogaine doesnt work. If the topicals work, why add a pill? said Dr. Davis. So I go stepwise unless the patient wants to go right to the pill. Be aware of the medical training of your provider All of these online services offer, at minimum, consultations with licensed physicians. But as Dr. Davis points out, that may not mean what you think it means. Does convenience come with a price? Yes: ambiguity and transparency of provider credentials and experience, she said. Physician licensing is the most basic qualification so being a licensed physician isnt saying much about their training and competency. In other words, while some may be trained in treating hair loss specifically, others may not. And the caregivers may run the gamut from board-certified doctors to nurse practitioners to physicians assistants, and even the board-certified doctors may not be certified in dermatology specifically. The price may (or may not) be cheaper One of the big claims of these online services is that they offer finasteride for a lower price than youll find at your local pharmacy, but is that true? Not including fees for doctor consultations, the lowest prices for one month of finasteride (i.e., 30 1mg tablets), in descending order, are $30 from Lemonaid, $28.50 from Hims, $25 from Keeps, $20 from Roman and $8.33 from Blink Health. But if you look on GoodRx.com, a website that shows you the different prescription drug prices at pharmacies near you, you may be able to find one that offers it for even less. For example, near me, one month ranges from as much as $30 per month to as little as $4.67 at Costco yes, lower than any of these. Who should use online hair loss services? If you already take finasteride, use minoxidil or do both, these services are a great way to get your hair-loss solutions without having to go to an office and a pharmacy, and a great way to potentially find lower prices, especially through Blink Health. If youre interested in starting a hair-loss treatment program for the first time, Keeps and Roman are clear, streamlined platforms, but they are not without limitations. Yes, not everyone needs a Mayo-educated, board-certified dermatologist to tell them they need Rogaine, said Dr. Davis. So I am all for convenience as long as the providers are transparent about their qualifications and have enough know-how to know when to refer a patient to a conventional in-office physician. In other words, if you want to see a board-certified doctor about your hair loss, dont trust one of these companies to deliver that. For that, do things the old-fashioned way: book an appointment with your local dermatologist and get a thorough prognosis. The post The Truth About Online Hair-Loss Treatments Like Roman and Hims, According to a Dermatologist appeared first on InsideHook. Essex County Correctional Facility(NEW YORK) -- A flight attendant and several police officers were injured when a passenger reportedly became disruptive on a New Jersey-bound flight, authorities revealed over the weekend. Matthew Dingley, 28, allegedly attacked an attendant on a CommutAir flight from Washington, D.C., to Newark Thursday night and charged at responding police officers when the plane landed, authorities said Sunday. CommutAir flight 4965, operating as United Express, landed "without incident" at Newark Liberty International Airport at about 9 p.m. and was met by law enforcement on the tarmac, according to CommutAir. The airline declined to offer any details about the alleged encounter between Dingley and the flight attendant, but it confirmed that the flight did have trouble with a "disruptive passenger." "Our primary concern is always to ensure the safety of all customers and crew and we are cooperating with authorities," CommutAir told ABC News on Sunday. "We express our gratitude for the quick reaction of our passengers, crew and police officers who responded during this incident." United Express, which is a regional branch of United Airlines, did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. Officials told Washington ABC affiliate WJLA-TV that Dingley rushed at six Port Authority police officers when the plane came to a stop on the tarmac and the plane's door opened, causing them to fall down the plane's exit stairs. The officers were treated for non-life threatening injuries sustained during the altercation, according to WJLA. One of the six suffered four broken ribs, the outlet said. The officers and the attendant had each been released as of Sunday evening. Police did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. Dingley was charged with aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and interfering with transportation, court records showed. It's unclear if he has retained an attorney. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. FOLSOM, Calif., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Samuel Hale, LLC has launched a campaign to educate California employers about the workers' compensation insurance disease that is killing their businesses it's called "CLAIMITIS" and Samuel Hale has the cure. Historically, California businesses have paid an average of 300 percent more for workers' compensation insurance than employers in any other state. While the benefits are virtually identical, California claim costs are inflated by fraud, prolonged medical treatment and early and unnecessary litigation. Consider these facts: Last year, California employers paid more in frictional costs than they paid to reimburse employees for lost wages. employers paid more in frictional costs than they paid to reimburse employees for lost wages. One in four lost-time claims are reported late over one year past the date of injury. In most states, medical costs represent 70 percent of overall claim costs. In California , medical costs only represent 49 percent of overall claim costs. , medical costs only represent 49 percent of overall claim costs. The cost to adjust claims in California is roughly twice that of the cost to adjust claims in other states. In the past, some employers found relief with traditional methods of loss control, improved communications with employees, and by implementing a safety culture. However, little could be done to reduce the artificial inflammation of workers' comp claims known as CLAIMITIS. Now, there is an effective solution thanks to a new program from Samuel Hale. Samuel Hale launched its "Patriot" PEO program, which overcomes industry norms with a unique solution. The Patriot uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to combat fraud and excessive red tape in closing claims quickly. ADR can only be done through a carve-out agreement approved by the California Division of Workers' Compensation. ADR has shown that it can save over 50 percent on overall claims costs which results in lower ex-mod rates and considerable savings on workers' comp costs. "Our program is designed to get better outcomes for injured employees and to eliminate claims that have no merit quickly. The carve-out allows disputes to be resolved with little to no frictional costs using a commonsense approach and allowing for better communication and support. Injured workers get their benefits and get back to work faster and employers save a tremendous amount of money," says Samuel Hale CEO and founder, Michael A. DiManno. Samuel Hale welcomes businesses of all sizes and specifically, those suffering with high ex-mods or claims costs. It is ideal for employers in the Light Industrial Temp Staffing, Warehousing, Restaurant and exploding Last Mile Delivery industries. Employers and brokers who would like to learn more should visit samuelhale.com. About Samuel Hale SAMUEL HALE, LLC helps protect California businesses from the unpredictable and high employment cost due to fraud and litigation in workers' compensation claims. Created in 2016, the company is dedicated to eliminating fraud and unnecessary litigation in workers' compensation claims and reducing clients' workers' compensation insurance premiums. Visit samuelhale.com for more information. Contact: Ralph Kai [email protected] (855) 726-4253 SOURCE Samuel Hale Related Links http://samuelhale.com RALEIGH, N.C. - A former North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper accused of involvement in a 2018 beating and K9 attack on a homeless man has been convicted of misdemeanour charges in the case. Michael Blake pleaded guilty to two counts of wilful failure to discharge his duties, news outlets reported Monday. As part of a plea deal, he agreed to permanently surrender his law enforcement certification and serve a year on unsupervised probation. In exchange, Wake County prosecutors dismissed charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, soliciting assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Blake and two other troopers were indicted on the assault charges in May 2018 and on charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice in December of that year. The charges stemmed from the April 2018 arrest of 29-year-old Kyron Dwain Hinton. Dashboard camera video from the arrest show Hinton standing alone at an intersection, moaning and gesturing. Officers from multiple agencies then surround him and eventually a K9 lunges and gets a mouthful of his clothing. The dogs handler then tackles Hinton. While Hinton is on the ground, at least one officer can be seen punching him. At the time, Hinton told news outlets he suffered a fractured eye socket and broken nose and was bitten more than 20 times. Authorities initially said there were reports he may have had a gun. In one video, Blake can be heard ordering other officers to strike Hinton in the head with a flashlight, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman alleged. Freeman added that Blake later filed a misleading statement about the attack that didnt mention use of force. Hinton died in February 2019 of cocaine poisoning and a neck injury from being restrained, according to a state medical examiners report. He received an $83,000 settlement in the 2018 case just a day before his death, according to authorities. Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said US President Donald Trump was impeached for life regardless of "any gamesmanship" by Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Ms Pelosi accused Mr McConnell of orchestrating a "cover-up" of Mr Trump's actions as the Senate waits for the House to transmit the articles of impeachment. Challenging Mr McConnell to hold a serious trial that includes testimony from witnesses, Ms Pelosi did not rule out the possibility that the House would subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton if the Senate chooses not to. She chastised Mr McConnell for signalling that he is not interested in fully weighing the House's charges. "Dismissing is a cover-up. If they want to go that route again, the senators who are thinking now about voting for witnesses or not - they will have to be accountable for not having a fair trial," Ms Pelosi said on ABC News's 'This Week'. The speaker delivered her remarks only days before a Senate impeachment trial is expected to begin - the third time a US president will have faced potential removal from office following impeachment by the House. Ms Pelosi said she will meet with House Democrats tomorrow morning to discuss the timing of a vote on impeachment managers - the half-dozen politicians who will prosecute the case and transmit the charges to the Senate. A trial could start as early as Wednesday, if the House acts quickly, though politicians and aides have speculated that it will not begin in earnest until the following week. The House passed two articles of impeachment on December 18 - for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Ms Pelosi surprised observers by not immediately transmitting the charges to the Senate, a strategy aimed at pressuring Mr McConnell into naming fairer terms for the trial. Yesterday's interview took place after Ms Pelosi moved to end the three-week standoff, signalling in a letter to colleagues on Friday that she would transmit the articles to the Senate this week, even without any clarity from Mr McConnell on how the trial would be conducted. The speaker yesterday accused Mr McConnell of a cover-up for signing on to a resolution to allow the Senate to dismiss impeachment charges if the House did not transmit them within 25 days of their approval. The potential lack of witnesses and documentation in a Senate impeachment trial would be another "cover-up", she said, defending her decision to withhold the articles even though it did not produce the concessions she sought from Mr McConnell. "We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses, witnesses with first-hand knowledge of what happened, (and) documentation," she said. After 'This Week' host George Stephanopoulos noted that Mr McConnell "didn't budge on witnesses at all", Ms Pelosi said he would be "accountable to the American people for that". "They take an oath to have a fair trial," she said. "Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay a price for not doing it." Senate Republicans have rallied behind the precedent set during president Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial, in which the case for removal was presented and rebutted before decisions were made about calling witnesses or seeking further evidence. Ms Pelosi dismissed comparisons to 1999 for "at least six reasons the biggest one is that the witnesses (who eventually testified) were all deposed" before their public testimony. "The evidence was there," she said. "It was just a question of bringing it more to the forefront." Mr McConnell's no-witness trial strategy has been complicated by several developments in the past two weeks. Republican Senator Susan Collins has said that she is working with a small group of Republicans to ensure that the trial includes witnesses. And Mr Bolton announced this month that if the Senate subpoenas him, he "is prepared to testify". ( Washington Post) A human rights lawyer is warning landlords that asking for sex in lieu of rent is a criminal offence. Noeline Blackwell, who is also chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, warns sex-for-rent landlords that the law is not on their side. It's not a criminal offence to sell sex, but it is to buy sex. Buying sex with accommodation is the equivalent to buying it with money. The law around sexual abuse and rape is simple and comprehensive. If sexual activity occurs without free and voluntary consent, that is sexual abuse." Ms Blackwell said that the 2017 Sexual Offences Act clearly states that sexual consent must be given freely and voluntary. But if someone is consenting to sex for survival or for shelter, that sex is not free or voluntary. These people are being coerced into doing something they may not be hauled into the house but it is still coercion sex is not free and voluntary in most of these cases, consent is given for basic shelter." And someone is abusing their capacity to provide that shelter. It's not a crime to offer your body for something, the crime is on the other end. And even if people don't report it it may well be a criminal offence," she cautioned. Last week, The Echo revealed that landlords in Cork are asking for Read More: Although data on the issue is limited in Ireland, in Britain research found 140,000 incidents of people being propositioned for sex in return for accommodation over two years. Ms Blackwell said that although landlords may be committing criminal offences in the jurisdiction, the chances of the tenant reporting the crime to gardai are currently very low. People in this situation are generally very vulnerable, if they report their landlord they will lose shelter and have to deal with a court case and everything that goes with that. There will never be full reporting of sexual offences, but in these cases, where someone will lose their income, their home, their capacity to feed themselves, reporting it to gardai is highly unlikely. If someone is desperate enough to agree to this arrangement in the first place, the chances are that they need to be in a strong enough position to get out of that situation before they can report anything. She said that the phenomenon is a worry and welcomes a survey by the Residential Tennancy Board (RTB) which is due this year in which tenants will be asked about their experience of sexual harassment from landlords or in rented accommodation. The Residential Tenancy Board is going to do a survey about whether sexual favours are being sought by landlords. Trying to understand the problem better is the very next step," she said. She said that the Rape Crisis Network has been receiving calls from worried tenants about "inappropriate" behaviour from landlords. It has been happening for a while but we're starting to hear more about it. What we hear anecdotally on the helpline from time to time is about people who are abusing their position and their power. Landlords who are being too familiar with tenants, turning up unannounced and being inappropriate." She urged anyone who believes they may have suffered sexual exploitation or abuse to call the Network's 24-hour confidential freephone number on 1800 77 88 88. A spokesperson for the RTB said that it is developing a survey to examine the specific issue of sex for rent. They said: "Given the very sensitive nature of this issue and the need to ensure that the survey conducted is both ethically compliant and adheres to best research practices and protocols, there are several requirements that are in progress before fieldwork can be commenced." "The RTB are also in consultation with the Rape Crisis Centre and with our research partners to ensure that research conducted will also give an appropriate response rate in order to effectively report on the matter. These issues are in progress. "The RTB believe that any form of sexual harassment, intimidation or inappropriate behaviour in a persons home is very serious. "Aside from the RTB trying to gain a better understanding of the prevalence of this issue, it is important that tenants understand that they have certain rights. In the first instance, for any criminal matter this should be referred to the Gardai for investigation." GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- etectRx, Inc. (etectRx), a privately-held digital health company, today announced the ID-Cap System is being utilized in a clinical study of 180 patients to create a reliable record of adherence for over 20,000 doses of HIV medication. This collaborative research program will further advance the company's novel digital medicine platform for use in HIV treatment and prevention. This study, conducted at The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Principal Investigator, Dr. Jose Castillo-Mancilla, has enrolled its first group of patients. The ID-Cap System will objectively measure adherence to once-daily HIV treatment with three multi-drug combination products over an extended duration of 16 weeks. Medication adherence will be correlated with drug levels in the blood and viral load to evaluate pharmacokinetics and patient outcomes associated with these life-saving medications. The ID-Cap System was selected over other adherence monitoring approaches for its best-in-class ability to reliably confirm medication ingestion and objectively report time of dosing for researchers to accurately measure and report medication adherence. "In our study, the ID-Cap System will allow us to objectively and reliably quantify medication ingestions in HIV treatment. This will help us establish expected drug concentrations in the blood for specific adherence patterns in persons living with HIV based on real-world use," said Dr. Jose Castillo-Mancilla, MD, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases at The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. "We believe this is a very innovative way to perform pharmacokinetic studies in which adherence is critical to understanding drug concentrations and drug response." The University of Colorado study is part of a growing network of programs demonstrating the ID-Cap System's ability to measure adherence in HIV therapy. In 2019, etectRx, in partnership with the Brigham and Women's Hospital, The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, and Gilead Sciences, initiated a clinical study to understand how adherence can be increased among populations at risk for HIV infection. "We are honored and humbled that our company's ID-Cap technology continues to be chosen to assist distinguished organizations in advancing life-saving therapy for persons living with HIV and optimizing HIV preventive therapy," said Harry J. Travis, President and CEO of etectRx. "We are looking forward to seeing how our technology will shed new light on medication use and add to the body of evidence supporting improved medication adherence." The announcement of this study coincides with other notable milestones, as etectRx is also pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued the company two new patents: U.S. Patent 10,517,508 B2 for an "ingestible bio-telemetry communication network and associated systems" and U.S. Patent 10,521,561 B1 for an "electronic compliance system and associated methods." etectRx retains exclusive worldwide rights to this patented proprietary technology for its ingestible electronic system for recording, tracking, and improving a patient's adherence to medications, as well as its advanced in-body communication network. "These additional patents complement a growing portfolio of intellectual property that will help further position etectRx as the market leader in ingestion tracking technology," said Travis. "We are eager to get our ID-Cap technology in the hands of more researchers and healthcare professionals, and milestones such as these are integral to making our unique system for tracking ingestions and measuring adherence readily available to benefit patients worldwide. 2020 is already shaping up to be a monumental year for etectRx." Harry Travis will be attending and presenting at the Digital Medicine & Medtech Showcase on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Please contact Evelyn Warren [[email protected]] to discuss scheduling availability. About etectRx etectRx is a privately held digital health company seeking to advance patient medication adherence and improve ingestion tracking technology. The company's flagship product, the ID-Cap System, is an ingestible event marker comprised of a gelatin capsule containing an ingestible sensor that transmits signals to a wearable reader, which sends the data to a smartphone-based app and secure cloud-based server to enable reliable tracking of ingestion events. To learn more about etectRx, visit https://etectrx.com/ . ID-Cap System Indications for Use The FDA-cleared, ID-Cap System consists of a wearable reader for ambulatory recording of events signaled by swallowing the ID-Capsule, which contains the ID-Tag, an ingestible sensor. The ID-Cap System is intended to log, track, and trend intake times and enables unattended data collection for clinical applications. The ID-Cap System may be used in any instance where quantifiable analysis of ingestion events, including events signaled by the co-incidence with or co-ingestion with the ID-Capsule, is desirable. NIH Acknowledgement The NIH-sponsored clinical study described in this press release was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Award Number R01AI145453. The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. CONTACT: Evelyn Warren Findsome & Winmore (704) 488-7690 [email protected] SOURCE etectRx, Inc. Related Links https://etectrx.com File image Taking a swipe at the Mamata Banerjee Government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged it was not implementing central schemes as they do not help "syndicates" or involve "cut money". Addressing the 150th anniversary programme of Kolkata Port Trust, which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee skipped, Modi said people in West Bengal would not have to miss out on the benefits for long, an apparent reference to the Assembly polls next year. "When there is no syndicate or cut money involved, why would someone implement central government schemes? I don't know whether they (state government) would give approval for central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, but if they do, people of Bengal will be able to enjoy their benefits," he said. The prime minister said that he was pained to see that the poor in the state were not getting benefits of the Centre's welfare schemes. "Eight crore farmers across the country are getting benefited (due to the central schemes). But there will always be pain in my heart (about the schemes not being implemented in Bengal). "I will always pray to god for the welfare of farmers and poor patients. May God give them (Bengal government) good sense.... However, I have a feeling that the people of West Bengal will not remain deprived of central schemes for long," he said. During the 2019 general elections, Modi had consistently attacked Banerjee, accusing her of running a "syndicate raj" in the state. The BJP tally rose from two to 18 in West Bengal which has 42 Lok Sabha seats, while the ruling Trinamool Congress won 22 seats, down from 34 in 2014. The prime minister on Sunday also rechristened Kolkata Port Trust after Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The chief minister, who was scheduled to attend the port trust programme, was conspicuous by her absence. None of the Trinamool Congress ministers were also present at the event. Banerjee, one of the most bitter critics of the prime minister, met him at Raj Bhavan on Saturday, after deciding not to receive him at the airport, and was seated with him later at an event at Millennium Park. Modi had arrived here amid protests by students and other groups against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens and the National Population register exercise. "I told him that we are against CAA, NRC and NPR. I told him there should be no discrimination among masses and no citizens are left out and tortured," the chief minister had told reporters after meeting Modi at Raj Bhavan. Moments later, she was present at an anti-CAA protest nearby. Banerjee, who called her meeting with Modi a "courtesy visit", said the prime minister had asked her to come to New Delhi to discuss the vexatious issues. Banerjee, however, skipped the inauguration of renovated heritage Currency Building, founded in 1833, by the prime minister. On Sunday, Modi said his government at the Centre was making every possible effort to develop Bengal especially its poor, underprivileged and exploited sections. He also inaugurated and laid foundation of infrastructure projects for the expansion and modernisation of the Kolkata Port. Autistic mothers are more likely to report post-natal depression compared to non-autistic mothers, according to a new study of mothers of autistic children carried out by researchers at the University of Cambridge. A better understanding of the experiences of autistic mothers during pregnancy and the post-natal period is critical to improving wellbeing. The results are published in Molecular Autism. The team recruited an advisory panel of autistic mothers with whom they co-developed an anonymous, online survey. After matching, this was completed by 355 autistic and 132 non-autistic mothers, each of whom had at least one autistic child. Sixty percent of autistic mothers in the study reported they had experienced post-natal depression. By comparison, only 12% of women in the general population experience post-natal depression. In addition, autistic mothers had more difficulties in multi-tasking, coping with domestic responsibilities, and creating social opportunities for their child. The study also found that when autistic mothers disclosed their autism diagnosis to a professional, they were not believed the majority of the time. Autistic women felt misunderstood by professionals more frequently during pre- and post-natal appointments and found motherhood an isolating experience. Despite these challenges, autistic mothers reported they were able to act in the best interest of their child, putting their child's needs first and seeking opportunities to boost their child's self-confidence. Dr Alexa Pohl, who led the study, said: Autistic mothers face unique challenges during the perinatal period and parenthood. Despite these challenges, an overwhelming majority of autistic mothers reported that parenting overall was a rewarding experience. This research highlights the need for increased awareness of the experiences of motherhood for autistic women and the need for more tailored support." Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge, and part of the team, said: This worryingly high number of autistic mothers who experience post-natal depression means we are failing them and their infants at a critical point in their lives. We now need more research into why the rates are so much higher, whether they are seeking help and not getting it, or if they are not seeking help and for what reasons. A new research priority is to develop autism-relevant screening tools and interventions for post-natal depression in these mothers." Monique Blakemore, an autistic advocate and member of the team, said: This vital study was initiated by the autistic community, who collaborated as equal partners with researchers in the design, dissemination and interpretation of the survey. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved through such partnership." Bengal isnt UP: Mamata Banerjee deplores Dilip Ghoshs shot like dogs remark India pti-PTI Kolkata, Jan 13: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday deplored state BJP president Dilip Ghosh's comment that "anti-CAA protesters were shot like dogs in BJP-ruled states", asserting the state police will not resort to firing on agitators. Reacting to Ghosh's controversial remark, her party colleague Anubrata Mondal in an angry reponse said he (Ghosh) should be shot dead by the central government for the same offence. Banerjee, without naming Ghosh, said it does not become of a political leader to call for firing on the people. "There will not be any firing in Bengal," Banerjee asserted, while castigating the state BJP chief for his remarks that BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka shot these people like dogs. "Many of you (BJP leaders) want there should be firing (by the police on agitators) in Bengal and this is the reason you are doing the drama," she said. 'Mamata meeting Modi desperate attempt to split anti-TMC votes in Bengal' The chief minister said if anything untoward happens, it will be the responsibility of those instigating such incidents. Mondal, the TMC district chief of Birbhum, said "It is Dilip Ghosh who should be shot dead.If anyone has destroyed government property first, then it is he," he told newspersons at Birbhum district. "The central government should shoot Dilip Ghosh dead," the TMC leader known for making off-the-cuff remarks, said. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, was more restrained in reacting to Ghosh's controversial remarks. "Although Ghosh correctly characterised his party, his own MP refuting his stance publicly raises serious doubts over his credibility to lead BJP in Bengal. "Dilip Babu please let us ALL know if your statements are to be seen as personal opinion or views of your party," the Lok Sabha MP and nephew of the chief minister, said in a social media message. Ghosh, who is also saffron party's Lok Sabha member from Medinipur constituency in Bengal, kicked up a row with his remark while addressing a public meeting in Nadia district on Sunday. Ghosh slammed Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge" on those destroying public property during the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in the state in December. "Didi's police didn't take action against those who destroyed public property as they are her voters.Our governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka shot these people like dogs," Ghosh had said. Union minister and BJP leader Babul Supriyo termed Ghosh's comments as "irresponsible". "BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlipGhosh may hv saidIt is a figment of his imagination & BJP Govts in UP, Assam hv NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoeverVery irresponsible of DilipDa to hv said what he had," Supriyo said in a tweet. A ex-British Airways captain who has been embroiled in a 20 year divorce battle with his ex wife today blasted family courts as 'appalling' and claims his human rights have been breached. Four times married Richard Wilmot, 65, spent 16 years denying his daughter was his own and bombarded his ex Viki Maughan with emails during the two decade long legal fight. The pilot, who lives on the Isle of Man, says he has asked the European Court of Human Rights to look at his case because several hearings had been staged without him. In an interview today he complained about the way his case had been handled, after he lost court fights and was criticised by a High Court judge who oversaw the most recent stage of the litigation in October last year. Mr Wilmot said more than 30 hearings had been staged in his absence because he had not been 'served notice' and said so he did not think he had been fairly treated. He said his underlying argument was that the case should have been heard in Germany not Britain. He said Miss Maughan, who had also worked for British Airways and been a cabin services director, was German and, he said, they had spent most of their married life living in Germany. Richard Wilmot (pictured) who lives on the Isle of Man, says he has asked the European Court of Human Rights to look at his case because several hearings had been staged without him. Right: His ex wife Viki Maughan He said: 'My experience of the family courts in England has been appalling. This should have been argued in Germany. 'It has got nothing to do with the UK family courts. I have complained to the European Court of Human Rights. There have been 34 hearings in my absence. 'I feel that is a breach of my human rights. I haven't heard back from the European court yet.' After a hearing at the Family Division of the High Court in London in October, Mr Justice Mostyn barred Mr Wilmot from harassing Ms Maughan, who is in her 50s. Mr Wilmot (pictured) spent 16 years accusing his wife of being a liar and claiming that his daughter was not his Ms Maughan and Mr Wilmot had lived in idyllic 800,000 country pile (pictured) in Cranbrook, Kent, before they separated in the late 1990s He concluded that Mr Wilmot had 'grossly harassed' his ex and her lawyers and described the case as one of the worst examples of 'vexatious litigation misconduct'. The judge's order barred Mr Wilmot from 'pursuing any conduct' which amounts to harassment, and a 'general civil restraint order', which stops him making court applications without permission. He said Mr Wilmot's 'activities' had led to his ex-wife running up legal bills of more than 40,000. Mr Wilmot and Miss Maughan separated in 1997 after marrying in 1991. While together, Ms Maughan and Mr Wilmot had lived in idyllic 800,000 country pile in Cranbrook, Kent, until the marriage broke down and he branded her a 'liar' and accused her of fathering their child with another man. Mr Wilmot has flown for British Airways as well as Turkish Airlines and has been battling his ex in the courts for 20 years Divorce court proceedings began in 1999 and Mr Justice Mostyn said, in a written ruling published in October, that there had been 'dozens of hearings' before 'numerous judges'. In early 2018, Mr Justice Mostyn had ordered Mr Wilmot to pay Miss Maughan nearly 600,000. The order to pay the back maintenance and legal costs was made by a High Court judge who slammed Mr Wilmot for his 'utter folly' as he ruled he is 'beyond any doubt at all' the father of a child he has denied was his for 16 years. Mr Wilmot insisted his ex was 'a liar' and that the girl was fathered, not by him, but by a lover he claimed Ms Maughan was secretly seeing before they divorced. During the March 2018 hearing, Lord Justice Lloyd outlined Mr Wilmot's allegation that the 2001 divorce settlement was 'obtained by fraud on the part of Ms Maughan'. He said: 'In particular, he claims that she pretended...to be financially entirely dependent on him when in fact, he says, she was in a relationship with and financially supported by her new lover. 'Mr Wilmot has been contending for years that the paternity declaration in relation to this daughter was not reliable and should be set aside. 'He says two samples were switched... he has been contending that Ms Maughan has been lying and fabricating evidence and withholding material for years.' But the judge ruled that 'recorded scientific evidence', following a new DNA test carried out in Germany, has 'concluded that the probability that Captain Wilmot was the true father of the child was 99.999999 per cent.' The test 'demonstrates beyond any doubt at all that Captain Wilmot is the father,' he said, ordering him to pay almost 25,000 to put the girl through university. Mr Justice Mostyn also ordered him to pay almost 115,000 in back maintenance - and the 'astonishing figure' of more than 290,000 in legal costs. Adding in other legal bills, and the cost of a receiver working to 'recover' funds from Mr Wilmot's assets 'for the benefit of Ms Maughan,' he was ordered to pay 593,598. The judge also imposed an email ban on Mr Wilmot after his ex-wife complained about messages sent to her solicitor. But in the October hearing Mr Justice Mostyn said that Mr Wilmot had breached that email ban and sent the solicitor 'dozens of messages'. He added that he hoped that his ruling would 'bring closure' adding, 'after all, I reasoned that following the implementation of my order made on that occasion there would be nothing left to litigate about,' he said. 'That was, predictably, a hope built on sand. Since then (Mr Wilmot) has continued his campaign.' Mr Justice Mostyn added: 'He has continued to bombard the court with emails and spurious applications.' Mr Wilmot later remarried and set his new family up in another upmarket 800,000 country home in Alcombe, Somerset. Earlier hearings revealed that he also owned a 500,000 18th-century listed house in Dunster, Somerset, and had property in Kirkmichael, Isle of Man. Footage from a human rights advocacy group appeared to show police firing tear gas at protesters in Tehran. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen explains why some Iranians took to the streets after the military admitted to shooting down a passenger jet by mistake. Photo: Associated Press A complete and accurate count in 2020 is so important that the U.S. Census Bureau is hiring an estimated 500,000 temporary employees to ensure everyone is counted. I have the recruiting staff go to the student unions at least once a week (if the schools allow them to) and set up a recruiting table, said Marquette Youngblood, recruiting coordinator in the Dallas Regional Census Center. Recruiters also go to other high-traffic areas like the school gym to recruit students on campus while they are grabbing lunch or taking a break during the day to work out, he said. Students in college towns use critical local resources, including roads, public transportation and health clinics. Getting funds for those resources, however, depends on making sure students are counted in the right place each census. And in most instances, if theyre not living at their parents home, chances are the right place is in the town where they attend school. Basically, a students home is where they currently live while attending college. Young college students may be going off on their own for the first time, and when they see a postcard or a census worker and are asked to take the census, they may not understand that theyre supposed to take it where theyre living, said Evan Curtis, state planning coordinator and co-chair of the Utah Complete Count Committee. Theyre not just supposed to assume that their mom or dad will fill it in for them at home. The Utah committee is one of many such Complete Count Committees across the country working to educate their communities about the importance of responding to the 2020 Censusand how to accurately respond. People with respiratory issues have been warned to stay indoors in Melbourne as hazardous bushfire smoke blankets the city in a thick haze. The CBD recorded hazardous levels of fine particles in the air overnight as wind pushed smoke from blazes burning in Victoria's east and NSW into the city. Tradesmen and construction workers have been told to leave job sites due to the conditions. The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) said the air quality was 'making outdoor work dangerous and unhealthy'. 'It is advised to have all personnel relocated to a healthier and safer environment.' Melbourne had the second worst air quality in the world on Tuesday morning, but that has since dropped as conditions eased. Air quality forecasts for Geelong, Latrobe Valley, Melbourne, central region, all of Gippsland and the north central region are all listed as hazardous for Tuesday by the EPA. Scroll down for video A worker wears a face mask amid smoke haze from bushfires in Melbourne on Tuesday Slide me A before and after comparison shows the difference between Melbourne on a clear day (left) and Melbourne on Tuesday morning (right) People wear breathing masks to protect themselves from a thick smoke haze that hangs over Melbourne from the bushfires The air will be very poor in the northeast and poor in the state's north. Residents have been urged to stay indoors if possible, but authorities hold particular concerns for at risk people, including the young, the elderly and anybody with heart or respiration issues. Royal Melbourne Hospital respiratory service head Louis Irving said residents should avoid exercise if possible. Overnight, firefighters responded to about 200 false fire alarm call outs. The smoke triggered alarms in commercial and private buildings throughout the CBD, but emergency services must treat every incident as a potential fire. The sun is seen thought the smoke haze at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Tuesday, January 14 The Metropolitan Fire Brigade acting deputy chief officer Mark Swiney said on a standard night, crews would be called to no more than 20 false alarms. Offices are urged to reconfigure their air conditioning systems to use recycled air rather than drawing in the hazardous smoke from outside. The fires burning through Victoria's east and northeast have claimed four men's lives, 353 homes and 548 other structures. Sixteen fires are still burning and 1.4 million hectares has been destroyed across the state. Eased weather conditions are forecast over the coming days, giving firefighters the opportunity to build containment lines around the fires. A cyclist is seen wearing a breathing mask to protect himself from a thick smoke haze that hangs over Melbourne from the bushfires Kayakers were spotted going about their usual activities as authorities warn people to stay inside The rain could also ease the smoke, which is expected to last well into Wednesday afternoon. EPA Victoria air quality scientist Jason Choi told The Herald Sun he hoped the showers would 'help clear things up.' 'If we get some rain that will help wash out some of the smoke and fine particles in the air.' 'As long as we've got a source of smoke, so long as the bushfires keep going, then these sorts of days could keep coming up.' Military personnel are still working to making isolated towns which were cut off by fires accessible by road again. Australian Open tennis organisers have been forced to suspend practice and postpone the start of the qualifying tournament as heavy smoke from Victoria's bushfires blankets Melbourne Park. The new start time on the opening day of qualifying for next week's grand slam event will be 11am, after practice was temporarily halted on Tuesday morning due to the poor air quality. "Conditions onsite are improving and are being constantly monitored," a Tennis Australia statement read. "Further decisions will be made using onsite data and in consultation with our medical team, the Bureau of Meterology and scientists from the EPA. "As always the health and safety of our players, our staff and our fans is our priority." Twenty-two Australians are taking part in qualifying, including former world No.17 Bernard Tomic. Currently the world No.182, the fallen star will play American Denis Kudla later on Tuesday. Tomic recorded just seven wins at ATP level in 2019 - none at the slams - and hasn't played a tournament since a first-round loss to Dan Evans in Stockholm in October. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his greetings to people on the occasion of Lohri and wished for 'endless happiness' in everyone's lives. "Greeting to all on the auspicious occasion of Lohri, I wish you all peace, prosperity and pray that this festival will bring endless happiness to you and your loved ones," a tweet from Punjab Chief Minister read. Singh also posted a video extending his wishes in Punjabi saying, "This is one of the biggest festivals of Punjab and every family celebrates it with much fervor." Lohri is the harvest festival of north India. Bonfire and folk songs are a major part of the celebrations and a puja parikrama around the bonfire is performed, followed by the distribution of prasad. Welcoming longer days and the sun's journey to the northern hemisphere, Lohri is observed the night before Makar Sankranti or Maghi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Road to 270 is a weekly column leading up to the presidential election. Each installment is dedicated to understanding one states political landscape and how that might influence which party will win its electoral votes in 2020. Well do these roughly in order of expected competitiveness, moving toward the most intensely contested battlegrounds as election day nears. The Road to 270 will be published every Monday. The column is written by Seth Moskowitz, a 270toWin elections and politics contributor. Contact Seth at s.k.moskowitz@gmail.com or on Twitter @skmoskowitz. Idaho Pre-Statehood Through the Revolutionary War and American Independence, much of North America was still unexplored by Europeans or their descendants. This included the territory that would eventually become Idaho. Lewis and Clark first explored the region in 1805 which was, at the time, home to about 8,000 Native Americans. Quickly following the expedition, settlers began arriving in the region. Missionaries, farmers, fur traders, and miners traveled along the Oregon Trail and many settled in the territory that would later become Idaho. Ownership of the land was initially disputed, as it was claimed by both Britain and the United States. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 brought the dispute to an end. Two years later, the United States established the Oregon Territory, which comprised todays Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and eastern portions of Montana and Wyoming. In 1853, the Washington Territory took over all of the Oregon Territory except for the region we now know as Oregon. With the discovery of gold, and later the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the population of the region grew and in 1863 the United States established the Idaho Territory. It originally comprised modern day Idaho as well as nearly all of Montana and Wyoming. Soon, the territory shed most of the future Montana and Wyoming, and by 1868 Idaho had the boundaries of the modern state. The territory was divided between the north and south. The north was composed mostly of settlers who had come to the territory as miners and loggers. Meanwhile, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) settled the southern and eastern portion of the state. Many of these Mormons had migrated from Utah. Over time, the north became anti-Mormon, a divide that continued to grow through the 1880s. The antipathy led to the passage of the Idaho Test Oath Act in 1884. The Act was meant to deny Mormons, who made up about a quarter of the electorate and voted overwhelmingly Democratic, the right to vote. After the restrictions were implemented, the territory became staunchly Republican. Intent on adding a Republican leaning state to the Union, national Republicans began to push for statehood in 1888. Two years later, in 1890, Congress and Benjamin Harrison admitted Idaho as the 43rd state. The anti-Mormonism of the 1880s was nothing new for the Republican Party. In 1856, the National Republican Platform named polygamy and slavery the twin relics of barbarism. Polygamy was a relatively common practice among Mormons, and the platform, as well as the aforementioned Act, were clear messages opposing this lifestyle. The Act was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1890. Following that, the leader of the Church encouraged his followers to acquiesce to civil laws regarding marriage. The state legislature responded by repealing the anti-Mormon voting restrictions in 1893. From then on, Mormons in Idaho were free to vote and hold elected office. Presidential Election History These new voters, and a populist groundswell, upset the Republican Partys expectation that Idaho would lean Republican from the beginning. In fact, it wasnt until the states fourth election in 1904 that Idaho would vote Republican on the presidential level. The first three elections show the states populist roots and the power of the newly enfranchised Mormon population. At the time of the 1892 presidential election, Idaho was still divided between Republicans in the north and anti-Republican Mormons in the south. Voting laws would be in place for another year, greatly restricting Mormons right to vote in the south. But a populist sentiment had been growing among the silver miners and farmers who supported moving away from the gold standard. The Republican nominee, Benjamin Harrison, supported the gold standard. The Democratic nominee, Grover Cleveland, didnt run in Idaho, allowing support to coalesce around the Populist Partys candidate James Weaver. Weaver beat Harrison by 10% in Idaho, validating Cleveland's decision not to run in the state. Idaho followed a similar trend in the next two elections of 1896 and 1900. In these elections Idahos populist and Mormon voters together gave the populist Democrat, William Jennings Bryan1, resounding victories in the state. In 1896, Bryan beat William McKinley by 57% in Idaho even as he lost the national popular vote by 3%. Four years later, McKinley was coasting to a second term on a strong economy and victory in the Spanish-American War. The incumbent also had the progressive, energetic, and popular Theodore Roosevelt as a running mate. Nevertheless, Bryan won Idaho again, though with a smaller margin of 4%. Four years later, in 1904, Republicans finally carried Idaho. Theodore Roosevelt ran as a progressive Republican and won Idaho with a 40% margin. While the state would vote for Democrats in future elections, they were generally either landslide elections or unique circumstances. The only Democratic presidential nominee to win Idaho between 1904 and 1928 was Woodrow Wilson. Wilson won the state in 1912 due to Theodore Roosevelt splitting the Republican vote and again in 1916 when he ran on keeping the United States out of World War I. Otherwise, Idaho, along with most northern states, voted regularly for the Republican nominee. The states progressive and independent streak was also present throughout the first quarter of the century, as socialist candidates received 7%, 11% and 6% in 1908, 1912, and 1916. The Progressive Party candidate Robert La Follette received 37% of Idaho votes in 1924, outpacing the Democratic nominee by over 20%. In 1932, with the realigning election of Franklin Roosevelt, Idaho swung back to the Democratic Party. This was also the first election since statehood in which Idaho elected a Democratic Representative to the House. As with other farming states, Idaho had suffered during the Great Depression. The average Idahoans income dropped 49% between 1929 and 1932, placing it behind just six other states in that grim ranking. FDRs New Deal appealed to the struggling population and won him a blanket victory in the Mountain West states. These western and northern farming states generally received the most in New Deal expenditures per capita during the 1930s. While Idaho continued to vote Democratic on the presidential level through 1948, by 1940 the states rightward trend is apparent. The Democratic margins between each election from 1936 to 1948 were 30%, 9%, 3.5%, and 2.7%. In 1952, the moderate Eisenhower carried Idaho by 31%. From this election on, Idaho would vote for the Republican nominee with one exception in the Democratic landslide of 1964. Since then, no Democratic nominee has received more than 37% of the popular vote in the state. However, beginning in the 1930s and lasting through the 1970s, Idahoans were willing to split their tickets. With the exception of 1951 1956, Idaho had at least one Democratic U.S. Senator from 1933 through 1980. Similarly, Idaho elected several Democratic House members through much of the mid-century. As the parties began to sort along religious lines in the 1970s, Democrats started losing their downballot power in Idaho. Mormons, put off by the Democratic Partys embrace of socially liberal policies like abortion and gay rights, steadily shifted towards the Republican Party. The decline of the union heavy mining and timber industries also undercut Democratic power and organizing strength in the state. And while Democrats did have a brief period of electoral success from 1988 to 1990, this died off quickly and voters quickly fell back in line as Republicans. As the parties continued to sort ideologically, racially, and demographically, Idaho moved further right. Following the 1992 midterms, only one Democrat in a 2008 House race would win a federal election in Idaho. A State in-Flux Over the past 30 years, Idahos population has nearly doubled, growing from 1 million to 1.8 million. In 2019, Idaho was the fastest growing state in the nation by percentage. It grew by 2.1%, outpacing the runner up, Nevada, by 0.4%. People are moving to Idaho for jobs in the booming tech industry, an affordable cost of living, and the states natural beauty. The population boom originally worried conservatives. They believed that people moving in from neighboring states including California, Washington, and Oregon would bring west coast liberalism with them. This didnt ensue, as many of the new Idahoans were leaving their homes for cultural reasons and fit nicely into the more libertarian ethos of Idahos Republican Party. While the growth hasnt transformed Idahos politics, it has changed the character of the state. The potato-farming, religious, rural Idaho has become a center for innovation and startups. The state ranks high among various indicators of entrepreneurship and has one of the highest number of patents per capita in the country. The industry leaders in Idaho Micron, Hewlett-Packard, Simplot have helped built a techy, entrepreneurial ecosystem in the capital city, Boise. Unlike the Silicon Valley in California, Boise is not a liberal bastion. The entrepreneurs and startups were drawn to the state's less restrictive regulatory environment and low taxes, and generally support the Republican Partys mission to that end. Current Political Landscape Since the turn of the century, no presidential Democratic candidate has come within 25% of winning Idaho and its four Electoral College votes. The GOP nominee won in 2008 by 25%, in 2012 by 32%, and in 2016 by 32%. Donald Trump received 5% less of the vote in Idaho than Mitt Romney did in 2012. Most of this vote went to Evan McMullin, the third-party candidate who won 7% of the state. McMullin, who is Mormon himself, had the greatest appeal among Idahos Mormon voters who are clustered in the southeast. McMullin outran Hillary Clinton in a total of seven counties, all of which are in this region of the state. Of these counties, he ran strongest in Madison County, winning 30% of the vote to Trumps 57% and Clintons 8%. This ongoing Republican dominance is in line with national trends. Idaho's population is 63% non-college white, the core of the Republican base. Its also the 7th least densely populated state, with an average of just 22 people per square mile. The state is also 40% Evangelical Protestant or Mormon. The Idaho Republican Party reflects this religious bent, with the preamble to the partys platform beginning We are Republicans because we believe the strength of our nation lies with our faith and reliance on God our Creator. The socially conservative streak continues through the platform, which pushes legislators to protect the traditional family, opposes abortion, supports the death penalty, and encourages swift and just punishment for the lawbreaker. This Republican Party has a lock on the state legislature, holding of both chambers. From statehood through the 1960s Idaho was politically competitive. In the current era of partisanship, however, Idaho has moved steadily into the GOP camp. This trend looks likely to continue in November, making Idaho a safely Republican state from the presidential election down to the Statehouse. 1 No person has ever won more electoral votes without becoming president than William Jennings Bryan. He amassed 493 across three elections (1896, 1900 and 1908). Next Week: Vermont Washington: US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday said that he shared President Donald Trump and his national security team's view that the Iranians were planning to attack American embassies in the Gulf, even though he did not see specific intelligence suggesting that. "I didn't see one (intelligence) with regard to four embassies. What I'm saying is I share(d) the president's view," the Defense Secretary said during CBS's "Face The Nation." He was responding to a question on President Donald Trump's comment to Fox News early this week that Iran's General Qassem Soleimani was plotting against four US embassies before he was killed in American air strikes in Baghdad early in the month. "There was intelligence that there was intent to target the US Embassy in Baghdad," he told CNN in another interview. "What the president said with regard to the four embassies is what I believe as well. He (Trump) believed... they could have been targeting the embassies in the region. I believe that as well, as did other national security team members," Esper said. That is why the US deployed thousands of additional paratroopers to the region to reinforce its embassy in Baghdad and to reinforce in other locations throughout the region, said the former US Secretary of the Army. "What the president said was, he believed. All those things that I believe as well, that the national security team believes as well. The important thing is this. Soleimani orchestrated, resourced, directed the attacks, escalating up to December 1, that killed an American," Esper said. "He orchestrated the siege on the US Embassy in Baghdad, and he was planning this much broader plot in multiple countries that would be bigger in scale, and that likely would have taken us to open hostility with Iran. In fact, a very, very senior intelligence community official said to us that the risk of inaction is greater than risk of action. To me, that is very compelling," said the US Defense Secretary. In response to another question, Esper said there was evidence that part of the attack would be against the United States Embassy in Baghdad. When asked about the four other embassies, he said, "I'm not going to discuss intelligence. What the president said was, he believed it probably could have been. He didn't cite intelligence." "He was orchestrating an attack, likely, include an attack on the United States Embassy," he added. Alleging that Iran has been attacking the United States through its proxy militias for 40 years now, Esper said last summer the US had to deploy 14,000 additional soldiers to the region since May. "They shot down an armed drone. They were striking Saudi Aramco oil fields in the fall. They were seizing tankers. The scale and scope of attacks against our forces in late fall had escalated considerably," he said. Esper said the United States is safer today than it was just a few weeks ago. "Why? Because we eliminated the world's foremost terrorist, Qasem Soleimani, who had the blood of hundreds of American service members on his hands," he said. "Secondly, we restored deterrence with Iran. And we did so without American casualties. Third we reassured our friends and allies in the region that the United States will stand up and defend our interests. And I want to thank all of our brave service members who are deployed for what they did, for their brilliance in executing this very important mission," he said. It isn't easy to support a Democrat after an attachment to Republican politics that began when I watched the 1992 GOP convention at age 12. Eventually I worked on Capitol Hill as a Republican senior counsel for the House Financial Services Committee, where I helped conduct oversight of the Obama administration. I worked on the presidential campaigns of John McCain, Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio, and even worked for the Trump transition team in 2016 as an economic adviser. But I'm happy to urge my fellow Republicans to back Joe Biden for president. If you're a Republican living in an open-primary state, help him get the Democratic nomination. Once he has it, vote for him in November. Plenty of Republicans see President Donald Trump's moral and political failures clearly. About 10 percentof Republican voters believe that Trump should be removed from office. Those voters will be up for grabs in the 2020 election. They should be relieved that Biden is the Democratic front-runner right now. For one thing, Biden surely would score high on the "have a beer with the guy" electability test. Biden doesn't even drink beer, or any alcohol, but he's still able to inspire a sense of collegial good feeling. I saw as much at the November 2006Return Day ceremony, a post-election tradition in Sussex County, Delaware, when politicians from both sides gather and literally bury a hatchet to symbolize goodwill. Lots of beer is consumed on Return Day, but one of the most convivial participants I saw was the teetotal Biden. Washington could use a few more old-school politicians who understand that spirit of bipartisanship. For some Democrats, the idea of wooing dissatisfied Republicans is nauseating. Yet the best outcome for the country may require the left-of-center to find common ground with the right-of-center, especially on trade, immigration and foreign policy. The surest way for that to happen is for Biden to win the Democratic nomination and the White House. Trump has bludgeoned free-trade Republicans into temporary submission, but it's far from clear that they've forgotten basic economics. They may have lost some enthusiasm for trade deals, but the GOP wasn't the party of tariffs before Trump, and it won't be after Trump, when business interests can be expected to reassert their party influence. But Republicans weren't alone in adjusting to Trumpian trade politics: Free trade has achieved record popularity among Democrats. It's possible that the end of the Trump era will see Democrats revert to their usual trade-wariness; most of the Democratic presidential contenders don't seem to match their constituents' enthusiasm for free trade. But the beginning of a Biden presidency could present a brief, shining opportunity for trade liberalization. He's certainly no fan of Trump's tariffs. Immigration policy presents another opening. The ugliness of the Trump administration's immigration policies might appeal to some parts of the GOP, but the president appears to be losing some Republicans on the issue. Between December 2018 and July 2019, for example, Republican support for accepting refugees from Central America climbed 10 points, to 24 percent, according to Gallup. Trump's anti-immigrant message works with his base, but it cuts against overall trends: Since 1999, Gallup says, Americans' support for keeping the immigration level the same or increasing it has climbed from 51 percent to 64 percent, with the biggest jump - from 10 percent to 27 percent - in support for raising the immigration numbers. On immigration, as on trade, big business will push the Republican Party toward compromise. Biden, who released a detailed plan for immigration reform in December, would no doubt be ready to make a deal to finally modernize a dysfunctional system. Foreign policy, too, could be a strong point for Biden among disaffected Republicans. In the fall, Trump's foreign policy was finally losing Republican support. That may rebound, temporarily, in the wake of the U.S. drone strike on Iranian Maj. Gen.Qasem Soleimani in Iraq, but the past several days have made clearer than ever that there is no Trump foreign policy doctrine. There is, as ever, merely the cult of Trump. Meanwhile, Biden has been measured and thoughtful in his response to developments in the Middle East. If he continues to show strength - real moral strength, not performative macho aggression - on foreign policy, that too would appeal to Republicans. Countless Americans today are desperate for reconciliation and a semblance of normalcy. I've never voted for a Democrat, but Biden offers the possibility of just such a political recovery from the nightmare of the past few years. I invite my fellow restless Republicans to join me. After Nov. 3, the country could have a national Return Day to bury the hatchet and maybe raise a beer to toast the arrival of the post-Trump era. - - - J.W. Verret is an associate professor of law at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. The UK prime minister will use the trip to push for public service reform. The United Kingdoms prime minister, Boris Johnson, will visit Northern Ireland on Monday to meet leaders of the newly formed executive following a breakthrough that has ended years of political paralysis. But his trip comes as a new report warns that complications over implementing Johnsons Brexit plan in Northern Ireland could see the UK government taken to the European Court of Justice. Northern Irelands main parties on Saturday formed a power-sharing government, ending a three-year standoff that threatened a key part of the regions 1998 peace settlement. Johnson will press public service reform on his visit, having promised a huge cash injection to help Northern Ireland fund services if it could get its devolved administration, known as the Assembly, up and running again. This is an historic time for the people of Northern Ireland, Johnson said in a statement before his visit. The next decade will be an incredible time of opportunity for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we come together to unleash the potential of our four nations, he added. But a new computer system to handle the special arrangements necessary for post-Brexit trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as between the Republic of Ireland, an EU member, and Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, cannot possibly be delivered by the end of the year and that is just one of several obstacles to completing Brexit this year, the Institute for Government (IFG) think tank has warned. Similar systems would be expected to take up to five years to design and implement, the IfG cited a former head of the UKs tax collection agency as saying. Johnson has set a firm deadline of the end of 2020 for ending the transition period and breaking free from the worlds largest trading bloc, enshrining the date in law as part of his Brexit legislation which heads for scrutiny in the House of Lords, the UKs upper parliamentary chamber, on Monday. If the deal is not fully implemented by then, the IfG warns, the EU could take the UK government to court for non-compliance. The deal has the support of no Northern Irish political parties and it looks almost impossible to complete the practical changes, for government and business, by the end of the year, reads the report. 191025083210404 Failure to comply with the withdrawal agreement could see the European Commission begin infringement proceedings and the UK ending up at the ECJ. On Monday, Johnson will meet First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the three will also meet Johnsons Irish counterpart, Leo Varadkar, who is himself under domestic pressure to announce an election date. Before a 1998 peace deal, Northern Ireland suffered three decades of sectarian violence between Irish nationalist militants seeking a united Ireland and pro-British loyalists defending the regions place in the United Kingdom. The Good Friday Agreement established the Assembly a devolved legislature with a power-sharing leadership which has administrative responsibility for the province and can make new laws in areas such as the economy, finance and healthcare. That arrangement collapsed in 2017 when Sinn Fein, the largest Irish nationalist party, withdrew, saying it was not being treated equally by the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party. Last week, the British and Irish governments helped broker a deal to restore the Assembly. [January 13, 2020] Ahold Delhaize to Increase Store and IT Availability with NCR Digital Connected Services NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), the leading technology provider for the retail industry, and Ahold Delhaize, one of the world's largest grocery retailers, today announced a five-year services contract to transform support for the retailer's stores in the Netherlands. Ahold Delhaize, a long-time NCR customer for managed services, chose NCR to provide Digital Connected Services to increase store IT availability by reducing the number of incidents by 21 percent while increasing equipment availability by 11 percent, making the consumer experience more efficient across its Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall brands. The contract includes managed services to help the grocery retailer manage the store end-to-end. With NCR, Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall will have not only the benefit of real-time monitoring of store devices to ensure they remain always-on, but also increased uptime from those devices, promoting a better experience for their customers. "We are delighted to extend the long-term relationship we've had with NCR with the contract extension," said Andrew Brothers (CIO Europe & Indonesia, Ahold Delhaize). "NCR has been a key aspect for delivering good value to our customers, and they have consistently propelled to modernize the interaction with store associates and enhancing the custoer experience in our stores." The agreement builds on the two companies' 30+ year relationship. NCR will use its intelligent dashboard technology to monitor the devices in the stores. In doing so, NCR can perform predictive diagnostics to proactively resolve incidents - often remotely - making it easier to keep commerce running. Nearly 40 percent of troubleshooting incidents are resolved using NCR proactive monitoring technology. "We are delighted to expand our relationship with Ahold Delhaize and be its partner of choice for keeping its technology running at its best," said David Wilkinson, senior vice president and general manager of Global Retail at NCR Corporation. "Consumers want high availability in their shopping experiences. NCR Services makes it easier for Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall stores to deliver what their customers demand, giving store staff more time to spend with their customers, less time spent managing IT." About NCR Corporation NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading software- and services-led enterprise provider in the financial, retail and hospitality industries. NCR is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with 34,000 employees globally. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries. Website: www.ncr.com Twitter (News - Alert): @NCRCorporation Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/ncrcorp LinkedIn (News - Alert): www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation YouTube (News - Alert): www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation About Ahold Delhaize Ahold Delhaize is one of the world's largest food retail groups, a leader in supermarkets and e-commerce, and a company at the forefront of sustainable retailing. Our family of great local brands serves more than 50 million shoppers each week in the United States, Europe and Indonesia. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005752/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A worker who died after becoming trapped inside machinery at a mine in Central Queensland was minutes from finishing his shift when he was crushed. Donald Rabbitt, 33, has been remembered by friends and family as an 'all-round good bloke' after his death at Curragh coal mine in Blackwater at 4.30pm on Sunday. The tyre fitter's day's work was coming to an end when he became trapped under a piece of heavy machinery. He couldn't be saved despite his co-workers' desperate attempts to pull him free. Donald Rabbitt (pictured), 33, died at Curragh coal mine in Blackwater at 4.30pm on Sunday 'I work at the same mine but we never crossed paths,' one miner said. 'R.I.P champ, taken way too early. To the family I'm so feeling your pain...its never easy hearing we in the industry has lost another.' A spokesperson for Coronado Global Resources, owner of Curragh Coal Mine, told The Courier Mail operations have been suspended as Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigates the tragedy. 'Workers are being progressively briefed on the incident as they arrive on site to commence their shifts and the company has made counselling services available,' the spokesperson said. A Facebook post by the CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland president, said the incident was a 'devastating' start to the year. 'We are shocked and saddened at the death of a mineworker at Curragh coal mine,' the post read. One man described Mr Rabbitt (pictured) as a 'good man and and all-round top bloke' 'Our hearts go out to family, friends and workmates. 'Union safety inspectors are attending the site and will conduct a thorough, independent investigation.' The body's industry safety and health representative, Stephen Watts, said 'a few factors' need to be looked at in the investigation, including staff casualisation. Five mine workers in Queensland during 2019 alone, bringing the total of fatalities in the state's mining industry to eight over the past two years. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the mining company for comment. One of the most famous faces on television will be making an appearance in Troy next month. Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of My Pillow, Inc., will be one of the featured speakers at Battle Cry 2020, the Michigan Conservative Coalitions annual fundraising event. Lindell also serves as Minnesota Chair for President Trumps 2020 campaign. The event will be held Feb. 14-15 at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Rd., in Troy. You can register for the event by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/battle-cry-2020-tickets-87427886161. Lindell will speak on Saturday, Feb. 15, and discuss ways in which conservatives can help move Michigans Republican Party back to its America First principles and to keep Michigan Red. Los Angeles: In a few hours, actor-producer John Cho and actor-writer-producer Issa Rae will host a two-part live presentation to declare nominations of Oscars 2020. While Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood", which won Best Film awards at Monday's Critics' Choice Awards and at the Golden Globes earlier this month, is expected to be one of the frontrunners at Oscars, there's more to look forward to. While "Gully Boy", India's official entry for the Best Foreign Film, is out of the race, there could still be a remote chance for an Indian film to get an Oscar nomination. Chef-turned-filmmaker Vikas Khanna has submitted his debut directorial effort "The Last Color" as an entry for Best Feature Film category. On the other awards, Joaquin Phoenix is expected to be the frontrunner among nominees in the Best Actor category for "Joker", while Renee Zellweger looks like a sure shot entry for "Judy". According to bbc.com, only five women have been nominated for best director over the decades, and only one since 2010. That was Greta Gerwig for "Lady Bird" in 2018. Could she be one of the contenders this year for her acclaimed adaptation of "Little Women"? If Gerwig does get the nod, she will become the first woman to be nominated twice for best director. Popular picks for the Best Director should be Sam Mendes ("1917"), Quentin Tarantino ("Once Upon A Time In Hollywood"), Martin Scorsese ("The Irishman"), and Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite"). In fact, Joon-Ho's Korean film "Parasite" is also heavily favoured to get an easy entry in the Best Foreign Film category. The film has been winning in this category at most International awards ceremonies so far. While Cho and Rae are non-white celebrities to read out the names of nominees this year, will Oscars once again be #SoWhite, or will we see a fair representation of talent? Last year, three of the four acting statuettes were won by non-white stars (Rami Malek, Regina King and Mahershala Ali). This time, the Oscars are likely to be less diverse, reports bbc.com. At the Golden Globes, Asian-American star Awkwafina was the only non-white winner in the six movie acting categories, for "The Farewell". It is the best actress category that is likely to be the most diverse when the Oscar nominations come out. British star Cynthia Erivo missed out on a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Film Awards nod but was shortlisted for a Golden Globe for playing slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman in "Harriet". Eddie Murphy could be in the running for best actor for "Dolemite Is My Name", 13 years after his last and only nomination (for "Dreamgirls"). Zhao Shuzhen could be in the list of best-supporting actress for "The Farewell", while Song Kang-Ho has a shot at best supporting actor for his performance in "Parasite". Past Oscar favourites could be back in the list. Tom Hanks has won twice but has not been nominated since 2001 (for "Cast Away"). He's in with a chance for "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood". Al Pacino has eight career nominations - the last coming when he was up twice in 1993 (winning for "Scent of a Woman"). This time, he could return for "The Irishman". Renee Zellweger had three nominations in a row from 2002-04, but has not been listed since winning for the 2003 film "Cold Mountain". This year, she might make it to the best actress list for playing Judy Garland in "Judy". The 92nd Academy Awards ceremony will be aired live on Star Movies on February 10 morning in India. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has published a note in which he predicts that Apple will release four 5G-connected iPhone models and sell plenty of them. Previously there were speculations that Cupertino will launch sub-6GHz models first and delay the mmWave phones for early 2021. Kuo refutes these claims, saying that the two versions will launch simultaneously in September this year. Five markets, the US, Canada, the UK, Japan and Korea, will receive phones that support both the sub-6GHz and mmWave flavors of 5G. These are more complicated, which was the reason given for the alleged delay. Some carriers are getting phones that only support sub-6GHz, though (this standard is slower than mmWave, but has much better coverage). Also, it looks like the lower-end iPhones will lack a mmWave option. Countries with little to no 5G coverage will receive phones with 5G disabled to save on manufacturing costs, says Kuo. This suggests hardware omissions, so it wont be possible to enable 5G via a simple software toggle. His predictions are that Apple will sell between 80 and 85 million iPhones based on the draw of 5G connectivity and a revamped design. Thats on par with early predictions for the iPhone 11 family, though lower than the forecast of 100 million units that surfaced in November last year. Via 1 | Via 2 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) Three-fourths of Filipinos believe there have been many human rights abuses in the government's crackdown on illegal drugs although there are fewer drug users from three years ago, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. Some 76 percent of Filipino adults said there were multiple violations of basic rights in the conduct of the war on drugs, according to the December poll. Of the total, a third said there were "very many" abuses in the anti-narcotics progra, while 24 percent said violations have been few. Critics have pointed out that the drug war has been bloody, with thousands killed during police operations especially early into President Rodrigo Duterte's term. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency recorded 5,375 killed in police raids much lower than the 12,000 estimate of non-government groups like the Human Rights Watch. READ: 60% of Filipinos believe rich spared, poor killed in drug war SWS 'Fewer drug users' The same survey saw Filipinos admitting a big drop in substance abusers compared to July 2016, or when Duterte took office. The poll showed 73 percent saw a decline in the number of drug users, 28 percent of which said the number had "fallen a lot." On the flipside, 14 percent claimed there are more drug users now, while 12 percent said the tally stayed the same from three years ago. Despite Duterte's repeated verbal attacks against international agencies that have been decrying extrajudicial killings and other abuses in the drug war, 56 percent of respondents said they agreed with the United Nations Human Rights Council in deciding to investigate the Philippines' war on drugs. A fifth disagreed with the UN's involvememt, while 24 percent were undecided. A July 2019 resolution approved by 18 countries in the 47-member body requests UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet "to prepare a comprehensive written report" on the Philippines to probe what they call a "murderous" drug war. The Duterte administration responded by suspending loans and financing deals with states which backed the UN resolution, halting talks for two big-ticket projects with Germany and France. The Robredo factor The SWS survey came weeks after Vice President Leni Robredo's 18-day stint as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), which led her to conclude that the drug war is failing. She claimed that authorities only resolved 1 percent of the country's drug problem, while policies were lopsided in favor of law enforcement like police raids and buy-bust operations. Some 44 percent thought the President was "sincere" when he appointed Robredo as anti-drug czar, which came after the Vice President's critique of the government's crackdown on illegal substances. Around 29 percent of adults were undecided, while 27 percent said Duterte was insincere with that gesture. Among adults, 60 percent agreed that Robredo had the right to see the list of so-called high value targets held in confidence by authorities leading the drug war against 15 percent who said she shouldn't. She had been demanding to see the list during her time at ICAD, but she never got access. I cannot trust her: Duterte wont give Robredo full access to classified information Nearly half of respondents saw Robredo's ouster as ICAD co-chair as "an admission by the administration that its war is failing" against 21 percent who disagreed, leaving a net "moderately strong" score of +28. The Vice President later on said that the drug war has been a failure as it only targeted small-time pushers and users, but failed to quash sources of illegal substances. 'Not surprised' Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Malacanang is "unsurprised" with the survey results as the drug war has been "demonized" by critics of the administration. "These rambunctious peddlers of disinformation have associated the extra-judicial killings which are not state initiated, with the government's drug-related operations," he said in a statement sent Monday afternoon, insisting that the deaths from "Oplan Tokhang" were due to "violent resistance" by suspects involved in the drug trade. "The Filipino people are assured that even as this Administration is resolute in enforcing our laws in eliminating illegal narcotics, we are equally decisive in protecting the human rights of our citizens. We are likewise determined to punish to the fullest state agents who abuse their authority," Panelo added. The Palace official instead pointed out the survey finding that most Filipinos think the number of drug users has declined, dubbing it as "a genuine and meaningful change." In a bid to make India an attractive investment destination, the Indian government had taken a slew of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) measures. The Centre cleared FDIs in contract manufacturing, single brand retail, insurance and digital media, hoping to increase the FDI inflow in the country. Needless to say, the steps will improve the current growth situation in the country and usher in relief. But, as per experts there was room for more such announcements. In a bid to discuss the reforms and outline a vision on what more needs to be done, PwC in association with CNBC-TV18 held a discussion on FDI Reforms & Tax Incentives, during which experts Ramesh Abhishek, former Secretary, Department of Industry Policy & Promotion; Jayant Dasgupta, former DTO Ambassador; and Akash Gupt, Partner & Leader- Regulatory Services, PwC India spoke at length about FDI, corporate tax and job creation. Speaking about the favourable corporate climate and how much does India stand to gain, Abhishek said the FDI move will put things in perspective. Many of these FDI changes that have been done in last few month, they were in the works for some time and last of the FDI reforms done by the government in the last few years have been done on feedback. I think the government has been responding to many of these (suggestions), and all these put together actually create a conducive environment climate, said Abhishek. Coupled with reduction in the corporate tax, the FDI changes can be a potent weapon to improve the inflows. Talking about the changes, Dasgupta welcomed the move, saying the country had to be at par with other nations such as Vietnam to truly unlock growth opportunities. There are many things which need to be done in the domestic arena and those are the things which we need to focus on now, including labour reforms, allotment of land, less of inspection and more of self-compliance then electricity rates and logistics and clearances at customs, said Dasgupta. Meanwhile, the experts discussed about the need for FDI in the electronics sector, providing electronics packages like Vietnam does, fast policy changes, making India a hub of electronics exports, incentives for domestic production in electronics and more. Besides, they also touched upon champion sectors that needed to be addressed. Despite India having advantages to attract investment in terms of demographics, cost, right location, we need to harness the right set of incentives and guidelines as investors are still looking at India and sitting on fence actually to invest or not. We should also focus more on the component segment, if we really want the OEMs to bring in and any kind of help in components will definitely bring down the whole price in the cost segment and backward integretion of the entire supply chain, said Gupt. During the deliberations, the industry heads spoke about stable regulatory, tax environment, and how to communicate the same to attract interest. Watch the video to watch the full discussion. Actor Katrina Kaif shared a new picture with Akshay Kumar and director Rohit Shetty. The trio have worked in their upcoming film, Sooryavanshi. Sharing a picture by the beach, Katrina wrote: A perfect start to the year ....friends , laughs , smiles , onset the best crew entire team , everyday on set has been full of so much love and joy , just how films should be made... see u in cinemas March 27 th. In the picture, Katrina can be seen walking hand-in-hand with Akshay and Rohit. They both look at her as she is looking at the camera. Wearing a blue sari with a silver sleeveless blouse and hair blowing in the air, Katrina is picture perfect. While Rohit has a dark blue shirt on, Akshay is in a pale blue shirt. Sooryavanshi is the next film in Rohits cop universe. It stars Akshay as a police office, much like Ajay Devgns Singham series and Ranveer Singhs Simmba. In December last year, the films shoot was wrapped up. Sharing the news, Akshay had taken to Instagram and written, Last day, last shot, last stunt of Sooryavanshi. Its been an incredible experience to be a part of Rohit Shettys Cop Universe... Were excited for you to witness it at the cinema, its gonna blow your mind. Along with it, he posted a picture in which he and Rohit can be seen sitting underneath a helicopters tail, twinning in blue. Also read | Bigg Boss 13: Chef Vikas Khannas faith questioned after Asim Riaz feeds him, he says Im an Indian, thats my faith Major portions of Sooryavanshi have been shot in Bangkok and Hyderabad. In the film, Akshay plays the title role of Sooryavanshi, a character that was introduced as an anti-terrorist squad officer as a cameo character in the Ranveer Singh-starrer Simmba last year. Katrina, who plays a doctor in the film, will also be seen as Akshays love interest. Speaking about her role on Neha Dhupias No Filter Neha, the filmmaker said that she asked too many questions and that after a while he would simply switch off. He said, She is wearing a normal salwar kameez, she is playing a doctor in the film. And she is like, Is this right? So much theory, I cant do. After a point, I am switched off. Do you think this grey colour is nice? Arre, salwar kameez hai. Tu doctor hai. Please aa na, set pe (Its just salwar kameez, you are a doctor. Just come to the sets please). The film also features Neena Gupta, Gulshan Grover and Sikander Kher. Sooryavanshi, which is jointly produced by Rohit Shetty Picturez, Cape Of Good Films and Dharma Productions, will release in March 2020. (With IANS inputs) Follow @htshowbiz for more [January 13, 2020] RenovoRx and Parexel Biotech Reach Key Milestone in Clinical Trial for Locally-Advanced Pancreatic Cancer LOS ALTOS, Calif. and BOSTON and DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RenovoRx , Inc., an innovator in targeted cancer therapy, and Parexel Biotech, a division of Parexel, one of the worlds leading global clinical research organizations (CROs) focused on accelerating the development and delivery of innovative new therapies to improve world health, today announced the TIGeR-PaC Phase III clinical trial of Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMPTM) has reached its first patient enrolled in Europe. Overall trial enrollment is on schedule and is exceeding 20 percent worldwide. The trials goal is to determine whether delivering gemcitabine chemotherapy directly to the tumor intra-arterially via a proprietary FDA cleared device, RenovoCath , can reduce the chance of cancer spreading and extend survival while improving quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients. The study, which currently has over 30 sites active or in process in Belgium and the United States, is expected to ultimately involve approximately 200 participants in 40 sites across the US and Europe. Parexel Biotech is assisting with the management of the European arm of the TIGeR-PaC Trial, which began in March 2019. The number of pancreatic cancer cases is increasing globally. Although advances in cancer treatments continue to grow, there is still a great need for more treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, said Ramtin Agah, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, RenovoRx. Shaun Bagai, Chief Executive Officer, RenovoRx, added, We partnered with Parexel Biotech to test and refine this novel approach because of their expertise in oncology trials. Were pleased with the joint progress that we are making in improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Parexel Biotech provides tailored product development services to help biotech companies meet clinical development timelines, optimize product and pipeline value and navigate complex regulatory and reimbursement landscapes. The team provides life science companies strategic guidance based on years of industy experience combined with clinical and commercial services delivered through lean operational structures that are personalized to their needs and therapeutic specialty. In Phase II and III clinical trials, challenges in site activation and patient recruitment can lead to significant long-term delays, said Sy Pretorius, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical & Scientific Officer, Parexel. Our biotech team understands the importance of meeting these milestones, and is committed to innovative, patient-centric approaches to optimize study start-up and accelerate market access to treatments for patients who need them most. The randomized TIGeR-PaC trial is enrolling newly diagnosed, locally-advanced pancreatic cancer patients in the United States and Europe. To learn more, visit https://renovorx.com/clinical-trial/ . About Parexel Parexel is focused on supporting the development of innovative new therapies to improve patient health. We do this through a suite of services that help life science and biopharmaceutical customers across the globe transform scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients. From clinical trials to regulatory and consulting services to commercial and market access, our therapeutic, technical and functional ability is underpinned by a deep conviction in what we do. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter and Instagram . Parexel is a registered trademark of Parexel International Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. About RenovoRx, Inc. RenovoRx, headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, is developing innovative solutions for targeted delivery of fluids, including diagnostic and therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy, to specific sites in the body. Delivering these concentrated agents through the Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP) procedure with RenovoCath safely and without transmission to non-targeted areas, is the focus of RenovoRx technology. Learn more by visiting the RenovoRx website or following us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. RenovoRx and RenovoCath are registered trademarks of RenovoRx, Inc. Parexel Contact Wendy Ryan [email protected] RenovoRx Contact Kevin Knight [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Chile's SERNAPESCA presents new certification programme to optimise antimicrobial use in salmon farming The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service, SERNAPESCA presented in Puerto Varas the new Program for the Optimization of the Use of Antimicrobials in Salmon Farming, PROA / Salmon. The initiative seeks to maintain good results in the progressive decrease in the use of these treatments in Chilean salmon production. This was highlighted by the deputy director of Aquaculture of SERNAPESCA, Marcela Lara, at the seminar "Antimicrobials in National Salmoniculture: improving practices for the optimization of its use", which was attended by the main salmon producers in the country. During her presentation, she highlighted that during the first half of 2019 there was a 6% decrease in the use of antimicrobials compared to the previous year, which adds to the good results obtained in previous years. "In the last five years, we have a total decrease close to 45%," she said. Lara explained that the reduction is the result of the implementation of various measures, such as the Online System of Veterinary Medical Prescriptions, the Free Certification for the Use of Antimicrobials, the Manual of Good Practices, and especially the increase in the transparency of information, a factor that in the opinion of the authority is essential for proper management and efficient use of these products. Despite the good results, Lara indicated that there is still room to continue making these treatments more efficient, and for this the institution presented its new voluntary PROA certification programme, which was designed based on the recommendations generated by the Program for the Health Management of Aquaculture (PGSA), as well as experiences of the industry itself. PROA is an official voluntary certification that will be granted to each farming centre participating in the programme. Its objectives are to promote awareness in the use of antimicrobials, boost good practices and disseminate health management recommendations based on PGSA research. Source: www.fis.com Alice Wells expressed concern over continued detentions in occupied Kashmir WASHINGTON: The chief US diplomat for South Asian affairs, Alice Wells, has expressed concern over continued detentions and internet-shutdown in occupied Kashmir, days before her visit to New Delhi for bilateral talks. Closely following US ambassador to India and other foreign diplomats recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step, she wrote in a tweet posted on the official website of the US State Departments Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. We remain concerned by detention of political leaders and residents, and internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy, she added. Kashmir has no internet access for more than 150 days. Ms Wells will reach New Delhi on Jan 15 on a three-day visit that includes talks with senior Indian officials on bilateral and regional issues. She will then proceed to Islamabad on a similar, three-day visit that will begin on Jan 19. On Thursday, the Modi government arranged a guided tour for some New Delhi-based diplomats to the occupied valley the first after India scrapped the regions autonomous status five months ago. European Union envoys declined an invitation, apparently because the visit did not include meetings with three former chief ministers, who continue to be in detention and whose parties dominated Kashmiri politics, reported an American broadcaster, Voice of America. But US ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, accompanied the group, which met Indian military officials, politicians and journalists selected by Indian security services. India showcased the visit to support its claim that normalcy is returning to the troubled region, where a strict clampdown imposed in August paralysed life as authorities imposed a dusk to dawn curfew. Indian authorities also imposed unprecedented restrictions on both social and conventional media and disconnected cellphones. Indian security forces also arrested hundreds of Kashmiris, including senior politicians. Most of them remain in detention and the internet suspended. The diplomats from more than a dozen countries were driven in a motorcade from the airport amid tight security and the areas they visited were also selected by Indian officials. Although access for diplomats, rights activists and foreign journalists to Kashmir has always been controlled, India has further restricted travel to the region for both foreigners and Indian opposition leaders, VOA noted. The US broadcaster reported that Indian opposition parties were criticising the government for not allowing their leaders to visit the region while taking diplomats on what they called a guided tour. Essentially, the government wants to demonstrate that everything is normal in Kashmir, which is far from reality, said Congress Party leader Manish Tewari. Besides Ambassador Juster, the diplomats who visited Kashmir represented Norway, Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. Its all about trying to improve the optics, Manoj Joshi, a foreign affairs analyst at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi told VOA. Around the world, the governments handling of the domestic situation has been getting huge amount of negative attention. A month ago, British backpacker Madalyn Davis took to Instagram to tell her followers of her joy. "I am super excited for my future abroad", the 21-year-old beautician wrote. The death of Madalyn Davis, 21, will be examined by the NSW coroner. Credit:Instagram "Having the bestest time in the world." Now, police are investigating her death after she fell from a cliff in Sydney's eastern suburbs in the early hours of Sunday. A New York man has been charged with trafficking endangered African wildcats into the United States and selling them online. Christopher Casacci, 38, of Amherst, New York, has been accused of illegally importing and selling dozens of caracals and servals - wild feline breeds that are native to Africa. A serval, depicted on the left, has distinctive spots and large pointed ears, while the caracal has pointy, tufted ears. Both are endangered species Caracals, which are otherwise known as the 'desert lynx' are characterized by large tufted ears, while the servals have distinctive spots and large ears. Both species are medium-sized cats that can grow to around 40 pounds in size. Both are protected under the Endangered Species Act and therefore are not legally able to be owned, or sold in New York. The caracal, seen crawling down a tree branch in South Africa, is native to Africa. Christopher Casacci had been shipping them into the United States claiming they were domesticated breeds The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said he had managed to bring the cats into the country by 'falsely declaring the animals as domesticated breeds' on shipping records across a five-month-period in February to June 2018. In a statement the DOJ said Casacci had been attempting to pass them off as savannah or bengal cats to get them into the country, before selling them online through ExoticCubs.com during that time. It also said that Casacci had failed to comply with 'human care standards' under the Animal Welfare Act. Casacci, originally from a small town outside of Buffalo, was charged with violating the act by selling animals without a license his compliance with such standards. The 38-year-old has pleaded not guilty. He faces up to five years in jail if convicted of the charges. In 1967, at the height of the Cold War, the FBI began collecting information on thousands of Chinese scientists and students in cities across the U.S. The Scientist and the Spy, a book publishing in February, reveals the existence of this former program for the first time. Why it matters: Recent FBI indictments and investigations, targeting Chinese researchers in the U.S. and aimed at stemming the unauthorized flow of science and tech secrets to China, have raised fears among Chinese-Americans that another period of racially tinged suspicion is upon them. In The Scientist and the Spy, out Feb. 4, former China correspondent Mara Hvistendahl traces the history of China's theft of trade secrets through the case of a Chinese scientist imprisoned in 2016 for stealing corn seed from Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer. In the process, Hvistendahal exposes a classified FBI program that tracked Chinese scientists and science students in the U.S. beginning in 1967 and at least through the 1970s. A letter sent to FBI agents in 1967 "ordered agents to cull names of ethnically Chinese researchers including, implicitly, U.S. citizens from the membership records of scientific organizations," Hvistendahl writes. The result: A "rolodex of an estimated four thousand ethnically Chinese scientists under surveillance." A "rolodex of an estimated four thousand ethnically Chinese scientists under surveillance." Chinese science students were also targeted. In New York City, 200 students were surveilled; in San Francisco, up to 75. "In their haste to follow orders, some offices followed shaky leads," writes Hvistendahl. Some scientists targeted by the program had only loose ties to China; others were repeatedly interrogated by the FBI. Hvistendahl spoke with the family of one such Chinese-American scientist, Harry Sheng, who was permanently shut out of his career despite never being charged with a crime. Background: Chinese scientists in the U.S. have faced several extended periods of suspicion and surveillance. Some of their cases offer cautionary tales. In the 1950s, Qian Xuesen, a Chinese scientist who helped the U.S. develop the worlds first atomic weapon, was accused of harboring communist sympathies and spent five years under house arrest. After he was released, he fled to China, eventually helping develop Chinas nuclear weapons program. In 1999, a Taiwanese-American nuclear scientist, Wen Ho Lee, was indicted on 59 counts for alleged theft of state secrets and held in solitary confinement for 278 days until 58 of the 59 charges were dropped entirely. The federal judge responsible for the case apologized to Lee for the harsh conditions of his confinement, and President Clinton later publicly expressed regret for how the case was handled. Our thought bubble: The spate of investigations and indictments is a response to a real problem. In recent years, a massive, unlawful transfer of intellectual property from the U.S. to China has unquestionably occurred. But experts say foreign researchers benefit U.S. innovation and racial profiling can backfire by driving talented scientists away. The bottom line: If China is shaped by the dueling forces of copying and innovation, Hvistendahl writes, America is locked in its own internal struggle, between openness and security. Go deeper: The stakes of a China-U.S. decoupling Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 09:05:29|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close The Taal Volcano erupts with a massive plume of ash and steam in Batangas Province, the Philippines, Jan. 13, 2020. Nearly 50,000 people living near a volcano on an island close to the Philippine capital have heeded official warning to evacuate as fears of an eruption grew, officials said on Monday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology increased the alert level for Taal Volcano in Talisay town in Batangas, approximately 66 km south of Manila, on Sunday to 4 on a scale of 5, indicating an increased prospect of a hazardous eruption "within hours to days." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 50,000 people living near a volcano on an island close to the Philippine capital have heeded official warning to evacuate as fears of an eruption grew, officials said on Monday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology increased the alert level for Taal Volcano in Talisay town in Batangas, approximately 66 km south of Manila, on Sunday to 4 on a scale of 5, indicating an increased prospect of a hazardous eruption "within hours to days." Level 4 means a hazardous eruption is in progress. The volcanic institute declared a permanent danger zone within Taal volcano's 14-km radius as the volcano spewed lava and ashes. Volcano institute head Renato Solidum said the restive volcano spewed fountains of red-hot lava and massive ash flumes before dawn on Monday. He said the institute has recorded a total of 52 volcanic earthquakes in the Taal region as of 12:49 a.m. on Monday. "Such intense seismic activity probably signifies continuous magma intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity," Solidum said. Mayor Gerry Natanuan of Talisay town in Batangas province said 45,000 people living near Taal volcano, a popular tourist spot, were evacuated Sunday night. He said that a few villagers who stayed to watch over their homes will eventually be forced to evacuate. Batangas province Vice Governor Mark Leviste said there are 12 towns around the volcano but the towns of Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel towns are high-risk areas. The towns and Taal Volcano island is home to farmers, fishermen and tourist guides. Leviste said there was zero visibility in some areas because of the thick ashfall on Sunday night. Some roads are covered with up to two inches of mud, he added. Local television footage showed villagers covered in volcanic ash evacuated to safer ground overnight. People living in high-risk towns near the volcano donned masks for safety. The institute said explosion of fine, dense ash drifted in many areas in provinces south and north of Manila. "Fine ashfall can cause irritation and breathing problems especially among the elderly and children and it is particularly dangerous to the health," the institute warned. In addition, it said that "areas of ashfall have also experienced sulfurous smell which can also cause irritation." The institute urged the affected residents to wear facemasks or damp cloth or towel, warning of the effects of "heavy and prolonged ash fall." "Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution as ash can cause poor visibility and, when wet, can make roads slippery," the institute said. Civil aviation authorities have also advised aircraft to avoid airspace around Taal Volcano "as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft." The Manila International Airport Authorities shut down the operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday following the eruption, resulting in the cancellation of international and domestic flights. Thousands of passengers have been stranded as a result. The eruption also forced the government to cancel classes in the provinces blanketed by volcanic ash, including Metro Manila. Visits to the 2,500-hectare crater island, a major tourist draw, were banned as the institute declared the entire island a permanent danger zone and should not be settled. Taal is one of the most unstable of the country's 24 known active volcanos with 34 recorded eruptions. Advertisement Experts have resurrected a war plane that laid hidden in the Pacific Ocean for 77 years. Using multiple scans of the seafloor and sonar data, the team was able to create stunning and detailed images of the Grumman TBF Avenger that went missing off the coast of O'Ahu, Hawaii in 1942. The images show nearly intact wings, fuselage and crew positions the only area that seems degraded is the cockpit. On October 11, 1942, three U.S. TBF-Avenger aircraft from squadron VT-3 collided during a training flight off Naval Air Station Kaneohe, sending the Grumman TBF Avenger to a watery grave 300 feet below the surface. Using multiple scans of the seafloor and sonar data, the team was able to create stunning and detailed images of the Grumman TBF Avenger that went missing off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii in 1942. The images show nearly intact wings, fuselage and crew positions the only area that seems degraded is the cockpit Two of the aircraft crashed into the water immediately at the time of the incident. All six crew members of these two aircraft were killed and remain missing in action. The crew of the third plane escaped and were eventually rescued. The crash site was first discovered in 1999 while researchers from the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) were conducting a deep-water biological survey. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) filmed the plane as it swam over the area and then spotted a second site of debris about 2,000 feet away. The crash site, which sits off the coast of O'Ahu, Hawaii, was first discovered in 1999 while researchers from the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) were conducting a deep-water biological survey The scans show the engine sat about 164 feet from the plane, but the tail of the aircraft has not been located. According to records, the type of craft, location and wreckage matches with the historical data of the two VT-3 Avengers on October 11, 1942 A ship-based multibeam scan of the area was performed by Rob Kraft of R/V Petrel, and very near to where the HURL team photographed an aircraft, were the signs of man-made debris. A second survey, using an UUV collecting very high-resolution side scan sonar data, confirmed an object approximately the same size and shape of an aircraft on the ocean floor. To accurately map, record, and identify the wreckage, high-resolution video cameras deployed on R/V Petrel's Argus 6000 ROV recorded data over a two-day period. Pietruszka, the lead archeologist for Project Recover described the find: 'The unmistakable wreckage of a TBF-Avenger lying in over 330 feet of water 'appeared onscreen.' The wings looked nearly intact, as did portions of the fuselage. The cockpit area had degraded but all three crew positions were still clearly identifiable.' The scans show the engine sat about 164 feet from the plane, but the tail of the aircraft has not been located. According to records, the type of craft, location and wreckage matches with the historical data of the two VT-3 Avengers on October 11, 1942. R/V Petrel supported the project during its return voyage from Midway where its crew recently discovered two Japanese aircraft carriers, IJN Kaga and IJN Akagi. 'This project was a great bookend to our Midway Survey,' said Robert Kraft, director of subsea operations for Vulcan Inc. 'VT-3, assigned to the USS Yorktown, was one of three Torpedo Squadrons that took part in the battle of Midway.' Although no torpedo bomber scored a direct hit on the Japanese task force, their attack is credited with opening the way for US dive bombers to strike that ultimately resulted in the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers. On October 11, 1942, three U.S. TBF-Avenger aircraft from squadron VT-3 collided during a training flight off Naval Air Station Kaneohe, now Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Pictured is the Grumman TBF Avenger 'With VT-3 having suffered tremendous casualties at the Battle of Midway this site is associated with the airmen replacing those lost in that battle,' said Kraft. Site details will be shared with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to evaluate the site for the possible recovery of remains. And the DPAA will recover the plane wreckage, as well as notify the families of the men who were lost in the crash. 'Development of private-public partnerships with groups like Vulcan and the Friedkin Foundation are rapidly enabling our team to assist the U.S. Government in finding underwater MIA sites previously thought to be lost forever; and providing closure to families who have lost loved ones.' said Eric Terrill, an oceanographer at Scripps and co-founder of Project Recover. Govt to withdraw NSG from VIP duties India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: After effecting a major VIP security cut and withdrawal of SPG cover from the Gandhis, the Union government has now decided to completely remove NSG commandos from this task, official sources said. This will be after over two decades that the 'black cat' commandos of the elite counter-terror force will be taken out from VIP protection duties, a task not originally charted for it when the force was conceptualized and raised in 1984. The force provides proximate and mobile security cover - commandos armed with sophisticated assault weapons - under the top 'Z+' category to 13 'high-risk' VIPs that entails about two dozen personnel for each one of them. From Swat Commandos to NSG snipers, how Red Fort was guarded today Officials in the security establishment told PTI that the protection duties of NSG, which include giving security to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will soon be transferred to paramilitary forces. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet The other NSG protectees include ex-CMs Mayawati, Mulayam Singh, Chandrababu Naidu, Parkash Singh Badal, and Farooq Abdullah, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. Official sources said the Union Home Ministry "is of the view" that the National Security Guard (NSG) should concentrate on its original charter of handling specific tasks of counter-terrorist and anti-hijack operations and that the task of securing high-risk VIPs was proving to be a "burden" on its limited and special capabilities. "The NSG needs to go back to its original mandate of counter-terror and anti-hijack duties. That is the reason behind the latest move," a senior official in the security establishment said. The removal of VIP security duties from the NSG will result in freeing about 450 commandos, who will be used to enhance the fighting components of the force that is spread across five hubs in the country and the main garrison in Gurugram near Delhi, officials said. As per a plan being worked out, the security of the VIPs under NSG cover could be handed over to paramilitary forces such as the CRPF and the CISF which already provide security to about 130 prominent persons jointly. The CRPF was recently handed over the security of five ex-SPG protectees - former PM Manmohan Singh and his wife, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her children Priyanka and Rahul - apart from securing Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Central Reserve Police Force is well suited for handling the new task, officials said. The Central Industrial Security Force protects VIPs like NSA Ajit Doval and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat among others, they added. NSG to be deployed in anti-terror operations in J&K soon The plan to relieve NSG from VIP security tasks has been in the making since 2012 when NSG commanders foresaw an event where simultaneous terror attacks could be witnessed at one time on multiple centres in the country and the commandos will have to be rushed in different directions. "The 26/11 Mumbai attack involved some 400 NSG commandos over three days. Considering we have multiple terror hits at one go, NSG needs to have a good number of fighting commandos and some in the strike reserves to replace them," a senior official had then said. After a major security review by the Modi 2.0 government in July last year, 1,300 commandos had been freed as the Centre removed or scaled down the security cover of as many as 350 politicians and former and present lawmakers. The charter of the elite force states that it is a combat unit "specially equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is, therefore, to be used only in exceptional circumstances to thwart serious acts of terrorism." BUCKS COUNTY >> Police in Northampton, Lower Southampton and Upper Makefield townships report the following incidents and arrests: Lower Southampton THEFT >> In the early morning hours on Monday, Jan. 10 two individuals made off with the entire change machine from the Feasterville Laundromat along Bustleton Pike. The male appears to be "cracking himself up" while he hatches his scheme... WALLIX (Euronext - ALLIX), a European cyber-security software developer and expert in privileged access management (PAM), has been awarded CSPN accreditation- France's top certificate in cyber-security-for version 6.0.102 of its flagship product WALLIX Bastion. The product having been previously accredited, WALLIX has underlined the strength of its solution, now resistant to thirteen known threats. This certification from ANSSI-France's public agency for cyber-security-ensures a high level of software security and can be used to meet the demands of the most sensitive organizations. With this accreditation, WALLIX now stands out in the European PAM market and will step up sales in sectors such as public services, finance, healthcare, industry and telecoms. Security and confidentiality by design for session management WALLIX wanted to make sure its solution-developed using client cases-would perfectly handle its most common uses: saving actions, journal integrity, product-interface access, authentication, password changes, and more. With this prior work, the French software publisher has been able to offer vital added value compared to other less comprehensive PAM solutions. Contrary to other certifications that focus more on functional and document-related challenges, the ANSSI tests were conducted in an operational environment in which users tried to maliciously undermine the solution. It is a "must-have" according to Serge Adda (CTO at WALLIX), who reminds us that "the precise aim of the software is to protect its clients from ill-intentioned users". The renewal of this certification reaffirms WALLIX Bastion's strength in line with the firm's purpose of providing a product "designed to secure, from conception, privileged accounts and access to critical systems". Bastion has managed to retain its simplicity for users and administrators, as well as its low running costs. These features have made it one of the most popular solutions on the market. WALLIX has vindicated the merits of its R&D investments, thanks to which over 1,000 clients now benefit from high-level security. Always seeking progress, WALLIX's employees are especially proud to be re-awarded this certification, which guarantees a currently unrivaled level of service quality. Given the policy behind the application, almost 98% of WALLIX Bastion users recommend the solution. This figure chimes with ANSSI's decision to certify the product with CSPN accreditation, which proves its full strength. Meet WALLIX at the FIC international cyber-security forum, from January 28 to 30, 2020 Hexatrust Area - Stand A7.1 On Friday, January 30, from 12:45am to 1:30pm, WALLIX will be presenting its client feedback. ABOUT WALLIX A software company providing cyber security solutions, WALLIX Group is a European specialist in privileged account governance. In response to recent regulatory change (NIS/GDPR in Europe and OVIs in France) and the cyber security threats affecting all companies today, Bastion helps users protect their critical IT assets: data, servers, terminals and connected objects. It is the first market solution to have been awarded first-level security certification (CSPN) by France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) and thus meet all of the criteria for regulatory compliance WALLIX accompanies more than 770 companies and organizations on a day-to-day basis. Its solutions are marketed through a network of more than 160 resellers and trained and accredited integrators. Listed on Euronext under the code ALLIX, WALLIX Group is a leader on the PAM market with a strong presence throughout Europe and EMEA. Alain Afflelou, Dassault Aviation, Gulf Air, Maroc Telecom, McDonald's, Michelin, and PSA Peugeot-Citroen trust WALLIX to secure their information systems. WALLIX Bastion was a winner at the 2016 Computing Security Awards and has been rated Best Buy by SC Magazine, as well as being named among the PAM leaders in the Product and Innovation categories of the KuppingerCole 2017 Leadership Compass report. The company is a member of Bpifrance Excellence, a champion of the Pole Systematic Paris Region cluster and a founding member of the Hexatrust grouping of cyber security companies. In 2017, WALLIX Group was included in Forbes France's Futur40 ranking of fastest-growing listed companies. For more information, visit the WALLIX website at: www.wallix.com ACTUS finance & communication Investor Relations Theo Martin Tel. +33 (0)1 53 67 36 75 / wallix@actus.fr Financial Press Relations Nicolas Bouchez Tel. +33 (0)1 53 67 36 74 / nbouchez@actus.fr Agence MCC Martine Camilotti Tel. +33 (0) 6 60 38 20 02 / martine.camilotti@agencemcc.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: nGefYZdql5zKnZ9qkstlmJNjl2ljxJKblmbJl5NoZ5udZ59kl5xpbcjKZm9inGVn - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-61701-cp_-anssi-vuk.pdf With the recent developments, one view expressed by many is that the coalition government in Province No. 2 led by Samajbodi party and supported by the other Madhesi group the RJP may be in jeopardy. by Dr. S.Chandrasekharan It has been the curse of the Madhesis that there has been no unity among various political groups. Individual Political leaders have been more after positions and power and have never been sincere in getting some justice to the Madhesis who are in a majority in most of the southern districts of Nepal. Recent developments have been no exception. There are two major Madhesi political groups in Nepal. One was the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum, a party which later merged with the Baburam Bhattarai Naya Shakthi to form a new Group named as Samajbadi Party. The other that is equally strong in influence and geographic spread is a cluster of all other groups which have merged and named itself Rashtriya Janata Party. The two Groups are running the government in Province number 2 with the Chief minister coming from the Samajbadi party. So far, the coalition has continued despite strong differences among themselves both individually and collectively and it was expected that it would fight together in the elections for the vacancies in the National Assembly by the end of this month. The RJP leaders first approached the Samajbadi party to fight jointly in the National Assembly elections but were summarily rejected by the Samajbadi Party Chief Upendra Yadav. They then made a deal with the Ruling Party, the NCP to contest the elections jointly! This despite the fact that the Ruling Party had made no move at all for the constitutional amendments! It is said that they have been promised the post of the Deputy Speaker after the elections! Their move was made more to retain their constituencies for which an alliance was necessary. The leader of the Samajwadi party Upendra Yadav who had supported the Nepal Communist Party on a flimsy promise by PM Oli on two points relating to constitutional amendments, joined the Government last May. He even got the post of the Deputy Prime Minister which was done by Oli more to keep him in good humour as it was clear even then that he was never for any Constitutional amendments relating to the demands of the Madhesis. Upendra Yadav continued to stick on with the Government and with the ministerial posts despite being humiliated frequently. When his portfolio was changed without any prior consultations he weakly protested though he had no intention of quitting the Government! Despite the calls made by his Partymen and including a recent suggestion of his colleague Baburam Bhattarai, Upendra Yadav continued to be glued in his seat in the hope that Oli will somehow help him out. But why should Oli concede at all when he had an absolute majority on his own in the Government? Matters came to a head when Upendra Yadav made a proposal for a formation of a committee to study the issue of Constitutional amendment, revision, implementation et. on 24th of December. This was flatly rejected by Oli and on 25th September Upendra Yadav had no alternative but to withdraw support of his party to the Government and resign from the Ministerial posts along with his colleague Istiyak Rai. The next day Upendra Yadav along with his two other leaders Baburam Bhattarai and Rajendra Shrestha met the opposition leader and head of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba and offered an alliance in the Parliament and fight the National Assembly Elections jointly. Deubas response was non-committal. Upendra Yadav by clinging on to the chair of Deputy Prime Minister and his partys support to the Government led by NCP so long has in the words of an analyst, has lost on all three grounds as a political party- political line, public opinion and the partys ideological base. The partys statement after withdrawal of support and resignations that they will now focus on strengthening itself to provide an alternative to the Ruling Party- the NCP is only laughable. At any rate, in the near future, Oli and his party will continue to remain dominant and it looks that the Constitutional amendments the Madhesis were looking forward to, may not happen at all. With the recent developments, one view expressed by many is that the coalition government in Province No. 2 led by Samajbodi party and supported by the other Madhesi group the RJP may be in jeopardy. It is hoped that the Madhesi leaders will have some sense in continuing the partnership in running Province No 2. It is the only Government that is not run by the Ruling Party- the NCP that provides some stability and resistance to Olis Governments intrusions in matters that relate purely to the Provinces under the Constitution. WASHINGTON = About a quarter of workers at U.S. companies now dial into meetings, consult with clients and do a multitude of other tasks from their laptops at home, as employers seek to cut real estate costs and keep their staffs content in a red-hot job market. The federal government, though, is calling its employees back to the office. After a big push toward telework in the Obama administration, President Donald Trump's government is scaling it back at multiple agencies on the theory that a fanny in the seat prevents the kind of slacking off that can happen when no one's watching. The about-face began at the Agriculture Department in 2018, after Secretary Sonny Perdue was angry to discover that an employee he needed to meet with was working from home, according to three administration officials. In response, he slashed by half a robust program used by tens of thousands of employees. A USDA spokesperson, who acknowledged the program had been dialed back, said the Perdue story was "inaccurate" but would not elaborate. The Education and Interior departments and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as parts of Commerce and Health and Human Services departments, soon followed. The Department of Veterans Affairs, where telework is popular in the benefits division, is pushing for restrictions in contract talks. The Social Security Administration abruptly canceled a 6-year-old pilot program for 12,000 operations employees in November, citing "increased wait times and unacceptable delays" to customer service. Trump's war on telework represents a milestone in how his administration is changing the culture of the federal government as it seeks more accountability from employees - and moves to weaken their unions. Employees are chafing at their lost freedom, but the managers reining them in say that, in the long run, taxpayers benefit. Overall, data on productivity is inconclusive, workplace experts say. "Agencies have been digging deep to say, 'The way of work in our agency - is it achieving mission, service and stewardship objectives?' Particularly when it comes to service, we have to ask the question, 'What is the best modality for delivering service?' " Margaret Weichert, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, said in an interview. "Telework is not proving the most effective way of delivering." Employees report they are more productive at home and suspect the administration of other motives. Scaling back telework is "a subtle way of getting rid of old-timers," said Uylaine Barringer, 69, a compliance assistance coordinator for the EPA's hazardous waste program in Chicago. Barringer lives on three acres in the small town of Princeton, Illinois, 120 miles from the city, where she also cares for retired Chicago police horses. For years she worked four 10-hour days each week - home two days, trekking downtown two others and taking off Fridays, which she reserved for grooming the horses and seeing the veterinarian, as well as for her own medical appointments after surviving cancer. But last summer, the EPA scaled back telework to two days a month for employees with her schedule. She made the difficult decision to move up her planned retirement by a year, to Jan. 20. It will cost her several hundred dollars a month in pension credits. "It's a job that I really enjoy," she said. "I know the program inside and out. But it wasn't tenable." - - - The Census Bureau's American Time Use Survey found that 24 percent of private-sector employees teleworked at least some of the time in 2018, a steadily growing share despite retreats in recent years by companies such as Yahoo and IBM. Alexander Alonso, chief knowledge officer for the Society for Human Resource Management, which tracks workplace trends, said the option to work from home is a "huge" tool in recruiting and maintaining talent. In the government, though, "I think they want to discourage federal employment and make it less attractive," said Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., co-sponsor of a 2010 law that prods agencies to allow telework to save on energy and commuting costs. "It's sort of a Neanderthal move by the administration." Working from home has grown steadily in the past decade and is a go-to alternative on snow days. About 43 percent of the 2.1 million civil servants were eligible for one or more days a week of remote work in fiscal 2017, the last year for which data is available from the Office of Personnel Management. That's down from 44 percent in fiscal 2015. An OPM spokesperson said telework has remained stable in the Trump administration, but the agency's annual report to Congress notes that agencies have trouble collecting accurate data. By private-sector standards, the recent federal retreat would hinder the government's ability to participate in a knowledge-based economy in which collaboration among far-flung employees is now the norm. Some technology companies have abandoned the bricks-and-mortar office altogether. The backtrack has upended child-care schedules, raised commuting costs and led some like Barringer to quit because their office is too far to drive to daily. It also could make the government less competitive in recruiting and keeping employees. And with many federal offices redesigned to fit fewer people, it's unclear if there's room for them now. The rollback comes as the White House advances a crackdown on federal employee unions after a successful court battle last year over a series of executive orders. They give management an upper hand in collective bargaining and limit union duties on the job. Agencies are reopening and renegotiating contracts that in the Obama era had renewed automatically. Restricting telework is a high priority. "It's doctrinal. It's punitive," said David Cann, director of field services and education at the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union. "When Trump came in, federal employees understood they were the 'swamp' to this administration and it would be tough on them," Cann said. "But we have yet to hear from any agency that telework is imparting any harm." Some agencies have continued to support telework, including the Patent and Trademark Office and the Defense Department, where a third of the 366,000 civilians eligible used the option in fiscal 2017, the last year data was collected. The General Services Administration, which shrunk its Washington headquarters during a 2013 renovation, continues to shed leased office space and requires employees to reserve desks when they come in. GSA "relies on telework to attract and retain a talented workforce," a spokesperson said in an email, touting the agency's continuity of operations during a disaster or bad weather. About 85 percent of GSA employees telework multiple days a week. - - - Those on either side of the divide have little data to back up their case, workplace experts say. Most research does not account for whether employees were strong or weak performers to begin with, skewing results. Studies tend to lump multiple jobs together. The Government Accountability Office found similar obstacles in a 2016 report that found few quantifiable results from expanding telework. Agencies could not back up their claims that it benefited them. Today they do not back up claims that it's hurting them, but they appear to be changing course based on a gut feeling that productivity is suffering. At the USDA, where multiple days a week of remote work were common, employees now must show up at the office four days a week. "USDA's telework policy is designed to be responsible to the taxpayers and responsive to the customers who depend on our services," a spokesperson said in a statement, citing "longstanding concerns about the previous policy." In cases where offices do not have enough space to accommodate employees, supervisors can approve more work from home. Social Security set off a furor in the fall when Commissioner Andrew Saul canceled a popular telework pilot program that let employees work remotely up to three days a week. Spokesman Mark Hinkle said the program had "little or no controls to ensure" that it was properly evaluated and that front-line employees were needed in the office to stanch growing wait times and delays to service. "Given our current service challenges and lack of data on [the policy's] impact on public service, now is not the time to experiment with working at home," Hinkle said in an email. But employees and unions, backed by Democratic lawmakers, mounted a successful campaign on Capitol Hill to restore the program, blaming management for failing to track its effectiveness. "If you're data driven, why would you come back years later and say, 'We're not gauging if we're successful in this pilot?' " asked James Muhammad-Mason, a debt specialist in the Chicago office who worked from home one day a week. He said he was more focused that day and not distracted by "office banter." "The real reason they took it away? 'Federal employees are lazy. Why would you let them work more from home?' " Muhammad-Mason said, mocking a popular attack on government workers. "If you have a problem with certain employees, you need to address it." The pushback worked. The spending deal that Trump signed in December requires the agency to come up with a plan within 60 days to reinstate the program. The Education Department, where 94 percent of the workforce was eligible for multiple telework days a week, surveyed employees last summer, nine months after slashing telework to one day a week. The results were universally negative, according to a copy of the survey obtained by The Washington Post. Sick leave and vacation requests grew. A majority of employees reported no increased productivity, collaboration or communication with colleagues when they returned to the office - the stated reason telework was cut. And two-thirds of employees said they were considering leaving. The department acknowledged that "a significant number of employees and managers are still adjusting to the change." But Secretary Betsy DeVos decided to continue the agency's "efforts to achieve the intended outcomes of improved collaboration and productivity" and limit working from home. I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, Harry said in 2017. It has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well. BERLIN - The U.S. Air Force said Monday it is investigating the cause of death of two servicemen who died at a base in Germany last week. Airman 1st Class Xavier Leaphart and Airman 1st Class Aziess Whitehurst, both aged 20, were found unresponsive in a dormitory room at at Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany on Thursday evening and pronounced dead shortly afterward. The cause of the death is still under investigation, said Valerie Seeley, an Air Force spokeswoman. More information will be released as it becomes available. She said no other base members were in the dormitory room and neither airman had room mates. The Air Force said Leaphart, who was from Georgia, is survived by his father, Malik Muhammad, and mother, Pamela Leaphart. It said Whitehurst, from Arizona, is survived by his father and mother, Davin and Maria Whitehurst. In a statement Sunday, base commander Col. David Epperson expressed his condolences to the friends and families that have been affected by this tragedy. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Special Secretary (Internal Security) in Ministry of Home Affairs A.P. Maheshwari was on Monday appointed new Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). He would soon take over the charge from ITBP Director General S.S. Deswal who was given the "additional" charge to head the country's largest paramilitary force, CRPF, after its serving DG R.R. Bhatnagar retired last month. Maheshwari, a 1984-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer, has been appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet as the CRPF DG up to February 28, 2021, the date of his superannuation, or till further orders, a Ministry of Personnel order issued on Monday said. He would head the CRPF, which is not only India's but also the world's largest paramilitary force with over 3.25 lakh personnel. The CRPF was raised as the Crown Representatives Police (CRP) in 1939 under the British. Post-Independence, it was named CRPF in 1949. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) The entire province of Batangas is now under a state of calamity as Taal Volcano continues to spew ash and magma. The provincial board of Batangas, where the volcano is located, passed a resolution during a special session on Monday placing the province under a state of calamity. This declaration would allow the provincial government to tap into calamity funds which it can use to assist those affected by the volcanos unrest. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said 10,715 people are affected by the volcanos imminent hazardous eruption, most of whom are Batangas residents. Lorenzana also told reporters Monday afternoon that the government has enough resources to aid those affected by the volcano's unrest. The National Electrification Administration reported that 27,719 households in Tanauan City and the towns of Laurel and Talisay under the Batangas II Electric Cooperative have lost power due to ashfall. It added that the towns of San Nicolas and Agoncillo under the Batangas I Electric Cooperative also do not have power. According to the situational report of NDRRMC as of 6pm, 4,175 families or 18,187 individuals in Batangas and Cavite have already evacuated and now in 76 evacuation centers. The Office of Civil Defense-CALABARZON earlier implemented forced evacuation measures in several areas in the province as well as in nearby Tagaytay, after Alert Level 4 was raised over Taal which started showing signs of marked unrest on Sunday afternoon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of a possible hazardous explosive eruption soon, and recommended that residents within a 14-kilometer radius of the volcanos crater be evacuated. Power outage and tremors have been experienced in Batangas following the volcanos eruption. The eruptive activity has also sent ash falling in nearby provinces including parts of Metro Manila. The Batangas provincial government has since called for donations for evacuees including N95 masks, drinking water, clothes, food, and gasoline, which will be used for vehicles for evacuation and rescue operations. Photo: The Canadian Press Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker, of New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker dropped out of the presidential race Monday, ending a campaign whose message of unity and love failed to resonate in a political era marked by chaos and anxiety. His departure now leaves a field that was once the most diverse in history with just one remaining African American candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Since launching his campaign last February, Booker, a U.S. senator from New Jersey, struggled to raise the type of money required to support a White House bid. He was at the back of the pack in most surveys and failed to meet the polling requirements needed to participate in Tuesday's debate. Booker also missed last month's debate and exits the race polling in low single digits in the early primary states and nationwide. In an email to supporters, Booker said that he got into this race to win and that his failure to make the debates prevented him from raising raise the money required for victory. "Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win -- money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington," he said. Booker had warned that the looming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump would deal a big, big blow to his campaign by pulling him away from Iowa in the final weeks before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses. He hinted at the challenges facing his campaign last week in an interview on The Associated Press' Ground Game podcast. If we cant raise more money in this final stretch, we wont be able to do the things that other campaigns with more money can do to show presence," he said. In his email to supporters, Booker pledged to do everything in my power to elect the eventual Democratic nominee for president," though his campaign says he has no immediate plans to endorse a candidate in the primary. Its a humbling finish for someone who was once lauded by Oprah Winfrey as the rock star mayor who helped lead the renewal of Newark, New Jersey. During his seven years in City Hall, Booker was known for his headline-grabbing feats of local do-goodery, including running into a burning building to save a woman, and his early fluency with social media, which brought him 1.4 million followers on Twitter when the platform was little used in politics. His rhetorical skills and Ivy League background often brought comparisons to President Barack Obama, and he'd been discussed as a potential presidential contender since his arrival in the Senate in 2013. An early focus on building out a strong and seasoned campaign operation in Iowa and South Carolina may have hampered his campaign in the long run, as the resources he spent early on staff there left him working with a tight budget in the later stages of the primary, when many of his opponents were going on air with television ads. That meant that even later in the campaign, after he had collected some of the top endorsements in Iowa and visited South Carolina almost more than any other candidate, a significant portion of the electorate in both states either said they were unfamiliar with his campaign or viewed him unfavourably. Booker struggled to land on a message that would resonate with voters. He's long been seen as a progressive Democrat in the Senate, pushing for criminal justice reform and marijuana legalization. And on the campaign trail, he proposed establishing a $1,000 savings account for every child born in the U.S. to help close the racial wealth gap. Severe storms sweeping across southern portions of the U.S. and up into the Midwest were blamed Saturday in the deaths of at least 11 people, including two first responders, as high winds, tornadoes and unrelenting rain battered large swaths of the country. Storm-related fatalities were reported in Texas due to icy weather, in Alabama from a deadly tornado and in Louisiana, where winds were so strong that a trailer home was lifted off its foundation and carried several hundred feet. A man drowned in Oklahoma and the storms even touched the Midwest with at least one death on an icy highway in Iowa. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power from Texas to Ohio, parts of highways were closed in Oklahoma and Arkansas due to flooding and hundreds of flights were canceled at Chicagos international airports. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson declared a state of emergency to assist crews working to restore power around the state. Two first responders were killed and another was critically injured in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday morning after they were hit by a vehicle while working the scene of a traffic accident in icy conditions, officials said. Police Officer Nicholas Reyna, 27, who had been with the department for one year, died at the scene. Firefighter Lt. David Hill, 39, was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Firefighter Matthew Dawson, 30, was hospitalized in critical condition. Lubbock Police Chief Floyd Mitchell called it an extremely tragic day for the city. If people would respect road conditions, things like this wouldnt have to happen, said Lubbock Fire Chief Shaun Fogerson. Another person had died in Texas Friday night when a car flipped into a creek in Dallas as severe thunderstorms passed through. Lightning from Fridays stormy weather was suspected of causing fires that burned two houses but caused no injuries in the North Texas cities of Burleson and Mansfield. A man drowned near Kiowa, Oklahoma, after he was swept away in floodwaters, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Saturday. Randall Hyatt, 58, of Wardville, was overwhelmed by rushing water while getting out of his stalled truck. The Iowa State Patrol said roads were caked with ice early Saturday when a semitrailer on Interstate 80 overturned, killing a passenger in the truck east of Iowa City. In Alabama, three people were confirmed killed near Carrollton in Pickens County, the National Weather Service in Birmingham tweeted. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency said the deaths were caused by an embedded tornado within a long line of intense thunderstorms. Earlier Saturday, in northwestern Louisiana, firefighters found the bodies of Jerry W. Franks, 79, and Mary Sue Franks, 65, near their demolished trailer in Benton, the Bossier Parish Sheriffs Office said via Facebook. The winds were so strong the home of the couple, who were the in-laws of a parish deputy, was moved 200 feet (61 meters) from its foundation. Willie Davis owns a barn near where the Franks lived. He told KTBS-TV that this wasnt the first time hed seen storms like this. Four or five times that Ive known that (storms) have been through they hit, tearing down trees and the barn and stuff like that, Willie Davis said. But thats about all it normally does every time, this is the first time weve had any casualties. The National Weather Service in Shreveport said a tornado with winds of around 135 mph (217 kph) had touched down in Bossier Parish. Drone footage showed smashed buildings, a large vehicle flipped on its side, toppled trees and debris scattered over a large area. Also in Louisiana, Raymond Holden, 75, was killed in his bed when a tree fell on his home in Oil City, crushing him, according to the Caddo Parish Coroners Office. About 67,000 customers were without power in Alabama on Saturday night, according to Alabama Power. PowerOutage.us said Georgia had about 98,000 power outages Saturday evening, with tens of thousands of outages also reported in Mississippi and Louisiana. Outages occurred from Texas to Ohio. In Tennessee, damage was widespread throughout Shelby County, the states most populous county, which includes Memphis. There were numerous downed trees and power poles, some of which will need to be replaced, according to the utility. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said portions of several highways in the southeastern part of the state were closed due to flooding. The Arkansas Department of Transportation reported that portions of several state highways across the state, particularly in southeastern Arkansas, were closed due to downed trees, power lines and flooding. Many streams were already at or near flood levels because of earlier storms, and heavy rains could lead to flash flooding across the region, forecasters said. Parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana were under flash flood warnings or watches on Saturday. AP writer Rick Callahan contributed from Indianapolis. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas Auto Windstorm Louisiana Flood Oklahoma Alabama Iowa Cory Booker, the New Jersey senator who pitched himself as a candidate of hope and optimism, is suspending his presidential campaign, he said Monday. Booker, who recently announced he had surpassed his fourth-quarter fundraising goal, said his operation would not have the money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win, particularly with a Senate impeachment trial looming and because he would be absent from Tuesdays debate. So Ive chosen to suspend my campaign now, take care of my wonderful staff, and give you time to consider the other strong choices in the field, Booker wrote in a message to supporters Monday morning. On the campaign trail, Booker preached the power of empathy, saying he would beat Trump with love. In his parting message, Booker doubled down on that message. I believed to my core that the answer to the common pain Americans are feeling right now, the answer to Donald Trumps hatred and division, is to reignite our spirit of common purpose to take on our biggest challenges and build a more just and fair country for everyone, Booker wrote. Ive always believed that. I still believe that. Im proud I never compromised my faith in these principles during this campaign to score political points or tear down others. And maybe Im stubborn, but Ill never abandon my faith in what we can accomplish when we join together. Booker plans to run for re-election to the Senate, his campaign said. I will carry this fight forward I just wont be doing it as a candidate for president this year, Booker wrote. Booker is the latest candidate of colour to leave a Democratic field that had started out as historically diverse, exiting about two weeks after former HUD secretary and San Antonio mayor Julian Castro said he was suspending his campaign. Booker, 50, had been seen a potential presidential candidate for most of his career. In 2002, a documentary crew followed his upstart run for mayor of Newark, N.J. Booker won that office in a landslide four years later, and was urged by Democrats to run for higher office, which he did by winning a special Senate election in 2013. In the Senate, Booker had a liberal voting record, and took the lead on criminal justice reform legislation, like the First Step Act that passed at the end of 2018. As the only senator who lived in a struggling city a fact he would frequently point out as a presidential candidate Booker was an advocate for policies that would reduce incarceration rates and help poor families build wealth. He was also friendly with the financial industry, at a time when Democratic voters were turning against it. In 2012, Booker criticized the Obama campaigns attacks on Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romneys business career, calling it nauseating. In 2017, he opposed an amendment to a budget bill that would have supported re-importing cheaper pharmaceuticals from Canada, a move that draw protests in his state, even though the amendment was largely for show. As a presidential candidate, Booker was often stuck, unable to convince left-wing voters that he was on their side, while turning down donations and initially rejecting super PAC support that could have helped him. He suffered from bad luck, too. After Booker criticized former vice-president Joe Biden for having touted his work with segregationists, the DNCs randomized rules put the two candidates on different nights of the June debates. California Sen. Kamala Harris, who appeared alongside Biden, criticized those comments and briefly surged in the polls, as Booker stayed mired. Democrats who watched the candidates were often surprised at Bookers lack of traction. He scooped up endorsements in early-voting states, and got some of the loudest responses at early multi-candidate events. Polls taken after debates consistently found voters rating Booker highly, and his favourable ratings rose in Iowa and New Hampshire. Yet Booker, who had spent years building ties with Black leaders, struggled badly with Black voters. A hoped-for breakout in South Carolina never came, and in November, former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick entered the race, with Bookers weakness seeming to create an opening for a Black candidate with executive experience. Sagging in polls, Booker was cut from the December debate in Los Angeles, and joined other Democrats in criticizing polling thresholds that several non-white candidates couldnt meet. His campaign raised $6.6 million over the final months of the year, far less than the candidates who had made the stage. We started with one of the most diverse fields in our history, giving people pride, and its a damn shame now that the only African-American woman in this race, who has been speaking to issues that need to be brought up, is now no longer in it, Booker told MSNBC last month after Harris dropped out of the presidential race. Were spiralling towards a debate stage that potentially (c)ould have six people with no diversity whatsoever. When the DNC announced its lineup for this months debate, that was exactly what had happened. Man, 77, stabbed with screwdriver as gold necklace stolen PHUKET: Police are searching for a robber who stabbed a 77-year-old man in the hand with a screwdriver as he stole a necklace worth over B100,000 and a first edition amulet deemed priceless early this morning (Jan 13). Safetyviolencecrimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Monday 13 January 2020, 02:52PM Sathit Pongthanaphanit, 77, was stabbed twice i the hand by a screwdriver while trying to fend off the robber. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Sathit Pongthanaphanit, 77, was stabbed twice in the hand by a screwdriver while trying to fend off the robber. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Capt Rachan Panwai of the Phuket City Police was called to the scene, a small side street near the fresh market on Ong Sim Phai Rd, at 7:30am. Officers arrived to find Phuket native Sathit Pongthanaphanit, 77, standing beside his grey Toyota sedan, which still had both front doors open. Mr Sathit was still bleeding from his left hand and had a long scratch on his neck. Mr Sathit told police that he parked in the street to buy some sweets at the market. When he returned he got in and started his car, and a stranger opened the front passenger door and tried to snatch his gold necklace. The man, brandishing a screwdriver, told Mr Sathit to not fight back, otherwise he would stab him. Mr Sathit explained that he opened the drivers door to flee, but the man ran around the car and tried to stab him. Mr Sathit fended off the screwdriver the man was holding, but was stabbed twice in the hand while doing so. While Mr Sathit was doubled over in pain from the stabs to his hand, the man snatched his necklace, breaking it as he tore it from Mr Sathits neck and causing the amulet of Luang Por Chaem on the necklace to fall to the ground. With the necklace still in hand, the man grabbed the amulet and sped off toward Nimit Circle (also called the Seahorse Circle) on a black Honda Click motorbike, Mr Sathit said. Mr Sathit said the necklace by weight of gold was valued at about B113,750, and the amulet, being a first edition of Phukets most revered monk, he said was priceless. Capt Rachan said that police are now checking CCTV from the area in order to track down the robber. Dakar, Senegal (PANA) - Senegalese Head of State, Macky Sall, on Monday in Dakar called for an enlargement of the United Nations Security Council, saying there is the need for "more inclusive in its composition and more democratic in its functioning for better global governance" New Delhi, Jan 13 : With the sell off target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore increasingly looking difficult to achieve, the Disinvestment department is learnt to have drawn up a list of relatively better performing CPSEs including bluechips like Nalco, NMDC, NTPC, and Coal India to go for Offer for Sale. National Aluminium Co Ltd, Coal India Ltd, NTPC Ltd, NMDC Ltd, and NBCC (India) Ltd, Bharat Electronics Ltd, National Fertilisers Ltd and Hindustan Copper Ltd, are on the list of probables for OFS where the government's shareholding in these companies is in the range of 52-82 per cent. The market offering will be subject to the nod from the Prime Minister's Office and good market conditions to fetch high value of stake sale, said sources. The planned sale of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Air India is unlikely to happen in the current financial year ending March. These two big ticket sell-off derailments caused a Rs 87,000 crore gap as of now in the target of the government. Sources however said even in the best possible scenario only one OFS could take place. The Cabinet had in 2017 approved disinvestment of 10 per cent stake in NTPC, of which 6.75 per cent was sold earlier. In the Union Budget, the government had announced a proposal to cut its stake in some state-owned companies to below 51 per cent on a case-by-case basis. In November 2018, the offer for sale (OFS) in Coal India by the government which sought to reduce its ownership by 3 per cent, was fully subscribed with both institutional and retail buyers putting in robust bids in the divestment fetching the Centre about Rs 5,000 crore. Continuing her opposition against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and proposed nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC), Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Monday (January 13) slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah accusing them of misleading people on the CAA and the NRC. Addressing a meeting of opposition leaders at Delhi, Sonia Gandhi said, "The government has let loose a reign of oppression, it is spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines." "Nation watched in horror at BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU after what happened in Jamia, BHU, Allahabad university and AMU: Sonia Gandhi," she added. The opposition leaders held a meeting in Parliament Annexe to hold discussions over the current political situation in the country following widespread protests against the new legislation and tension in campuses The meeting was convened by Sonia Gandhi and was attended by leaders of opposition parties like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Lok Janshakti Party (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was also present. Shiv Sena, BSP, AAP, DMK and TMC, however, did not attend the meeting. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who is opposed to CAA and NRC, had stated earlier that TMC leaders will not attend the meeting over the "violence" by Congress and Left parties during a strike last week. BSP chief Mayawati decided to attend the meeting citing "betrayal" by the Congress in Rajasthan as the grand old party has poached BSP MLAs in the state. "As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," she tweeted. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that no one from his party attended the Opposition meeting as they were not informed about it."We have no information about any such meeting. So makes no sense to attend a meeting we have no information about it," Singh told ANI. By Abdul Kerimkhanov The volume of Azerbaijans daily oil production decreased by 3.6 percent to drop to 764,000 barrels year-on-year in 2019, the Ministry of Energy told local media on January 13. In 2018, the country was producing 792,600 barrels of oil per day. The reduction in oil production has to do with Azerbaijans commitment to OPEC. The 15-member OPEC cartel signed an agreement in December 2018 to reduce its output by 800,000 bpd, while non OPEC countries agreed to contribute a 400,000 bpd reduction. Following the 6th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, held in Vienna on 2 July 2019, the agreement on limiting oil production was prolonged until the end of the first quarter of 2020. After the agreements on December 6, 2019, OPEC will shoulder 372,000 bpd and non-OPEC producers an extra 131,000 bpd, OPEC announced. To meet OPEC requirements, Azerbaijan must maintain the daily production at 769,000 barrels from January 2020. Azerbaijan is one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Its history is linked to the fortunes of petroleum. It is poised to become an important oil and gas producer once again. Since gaining independence, Azerbaijan has signed 20 PSA contracts (requiring $60 billion investment) with foreign investors to develop its oil industry. In 1994, the country signed the "Contract of the Century with an investment of $13 billion. In 1995, a consortium was organized, known as the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC). Originally AIOC was composed of eleven major international companies: BP (UK), Amoco (U.S.), Lukoil (Russia), Pennzoil, (now Devon of U.S.), UNOCAL (U.S.), Statoil (now Equinor of Norway), McDermott (U.S.), Ramco (Scotland), TPAO (Turkey), Delta Nimir (now Amerada Hess of U.S.), and SOCAR (Azerbaijan). Azerbaijani extended Contract of Century until 2050 with BP-led consortium (Azerbaijan International Operating Company) based on the amended contract for extension of Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) on development of AzeriChiragGunashli block of oil and gas fields by 2050. The new contract was signed on 14 September 2017 after a letter of intent for future development of the field was signed on 23 December 2016. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A sweeping consumer privacy law went into effect in 2020 in the state of California, but it seems many businesses are still not yet ready to comply. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is one of the most significant regulations overseeing the data collection practices of U.S. companies. It gives consumers more control over their personal data, allows them to ask businesses what data they have on them, and request that businesses delete the data or stop the companies from selling the information. Although its a California state law, the resources required to verify whether somebodys really a Californian or not may make it not worthwhile for businesses to do that. And they may end up applying the rights much more broadly than they really apply, said Laura Jehl, Global Head of Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice for the law firm McDermott Will & Emery. Some retailers, including Home Depot, will allow shoppers not just in California but around the country to access such information online. According to a fact sheet (pdf) from the California state attorney generals office, the new law applies to companies with annual revenues of over 25 million dollars; those that buy, receive, or sell the personal information of over 50,000 people; and those that derive 50 percent or more of their annual revenue from selling consumers personal information. Asides from retailers, the law affects a broad swath of firms including social media platforms such as Facebook and Google, advertisers, app developers, mobile service providers, and streaming TV services, and is likely to overhaul the way companies benefit from the use of personal information. Consumers can now see a Do Not Sell My Personal Information link at the bottom of some retailers websites such as Target, Walmart, and Home Depot. But according to two privacy experts who have been helping businesses prepare for compliance, it doesnt seem like all businesses are fully ready. A lot of them are not, said Jehl, You can blame some of that on the sort of last-minute rollout of the regulations and the amendments to the law. A lot of companies were waiting to see what was going to happen. The CCPA was signed into law on June 28, 2018, and additional substantive amendments were signed into law on Oct. 11, 2019. The effective date was only two months later, on Jan. 1, 2020. The law follows Europes controversial General Data Protection Regulation, which set a new standard for how companies collect, store, and use personal data. The European law gave companies years to comply, while CCPA has only given them a few months. Besides the rushed deadline, ambiguities with the law itself also make it difficult to comply. For example, the definition of sale of information. This is really a difficult area for a lot of marketing companies, said Debbie Zaller, a privacy practice leader at Schellman & Company. Theyre really trying to figure out if this law applies to what we do. Does the sale of information mean that, if we just transfer information to another organization, does that count as a sale? I think people are trying to figure out how it applies to their business and how does it affect their business, said Zaller. The vague definition also allows some companies to push back against the new regulation. Facebook has said it is exempt from CCPA, as it does not directly sell the data, but sells ads based on the information it collects. The law wont have enforcement power until July 1. According to Jehl, from now until then, expect more confusion, continued development of the law, and a lot of legal challenges. An economic impact assessment prepared for the California Attorney Generals office by an independent research firm found compliance with the regulations will cost businesses between $467 million and $16.5 billion between 2020 and 2030. Industry estimates peg initial compliance costs at over $50 billion. Several other states are considering their own privacy laws. New York state proposed a data privacy law, but failed to pass. Some other states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, are considering their own privacy laws. Federal lawmakers are looking at California as a guide as they consider a federal privacy law. But lawmakers disagree over several issues, including preemption of state laws. Reuters contributed to the report. Even those who struggled to make the abortion decision supported it years later Five years after having an abortion, over 95 percent of the women in a landmark UC San Francisco study said it was the right decision for them. The findings, published Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Social Science & Medicine, come as many states are requiring waiting periods and counseling for women seeking abortions, based on the assumption that they may regret having them. But the researchers at UCSF's Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) found no evidence that women began to regret their decisions as years passed. On the contrary, the women reported that both their positive and negative feelings about the abortion diminished over time. At five years, the overwhelming majority (84 percent) had either positive feelings, or none at all. "Even if they had difficulty making the decision initially, or if they felt their community would not approve, our research shows that the overwhelming majority of women who obtain abortions continue to believe it was the right decision," said Corinne Rocca, PhD, MPH, associate professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and first author of the study. "This debunks the idea that most women suffer emotionally from having an abortion." The researchers analyzed data from the Turnaway Study, a five-year effort to understand the health and socioeconomic consequences for nearly 1,000 women who sought abortions in 21 states around the country. The analysis included 667 participants who had abortions at the start of the study. The women were surveyed a week after they sought care and every six months thereafter, for a total of 11 times. While women did not report regretting their decision, many did struggle initially to make it. Just over half said the decision to terminate their pregnancy was very difficult (27 percent) or somewhat difficult (27 percent), while the rest (46 percent) said it was not difficult. About 70 percent also reported feeling they would be stigmatized by their communities if people knew they had sought an abortion, with 29 percent reporting low levels and 31 percent reporting high levels of community stigma. Those who struggled with their decisions or felt stigmatized were more likely to experience sadness, guilt and anger shortly after obtaining the abortion. Over time, however, the number of women reporting these negative emotions declined dramatically, particularly in the first year after their abortion. This was also true for those who initially struggled with their decision. And relief was the most prominent emotion reported by all groups at the end of the study -- just as it was at every time point in the study. "This research goes further than previous studies, in that it follows women for longer, and was conducted on a larger sample from many different clinics throughout the U.S.," said Julia Steinberg, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of family science at the University of Maryland, College Park, who wrote an accompanying commentary on the study in Social Science & Medicine. "It shows that women remain certain in their decision to get an abortion over time. These results clearly disprove claims that regret is likely after abortion. ### Authors: Corinne Rocca, PhD, MPH, Diana Foster, PhD, Heather Gould, MPH, and Katrina Kimport, PhD, of UCSF; and Goleen Samari, PhD, MPH, of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Funding: The study was supported by research or institutional grants from the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and an anonymous foundation. Disclosures: The researchers had no competing interests to disclose. About ANSIRH: Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), based at the University of California, San Francisco, conducts rigorous scientific research on complex issues related to reproductive health in the United States and internationally. ANSIRH provides much-needed evidence for active policy debates and legal battles around reproductive health issues. Please visit http://www.ansirh.org. About UCSF: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is exclusively focused on the health sciences and is dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. UCSF Health, which serves as UCSF's primary academic medical center, includes top-ranked specialty hospitals and other clinical programs, and has affiliations throughout the Bay Area. Learn more at https://www.ucsf.edu, or see our Fact Sheet. There were signs that the government, forced onto the defensive, was pursuing a harsher crackdown on the demonstrations. Videos from Sunday night showed demonstrators fleeing from tear gas and in one case a woman bleeding from her leg a wound that protesters said was caused by live ammunition. In other videos posted on social media that could not immediately be verified, sounds of gunfire could be heard at protests in Azadi Square in the capital, as well as in the city of Shiraz. ISLAMABAD, Pakistan A Pakistani high court on Monday overturned a death sentence that was handed down to Pervez Musharraf in a treason trial last month, most likely putting an end to the legal case against the countrys former military dictator. Mondays ruling, by a three-member bench of the High Court, found that the special court that issued the sentence was unconstitutional. Several lawyers and analysts said that the current government, which includes many Musharraf loyalists, was unlikely to reconstitute the special court for a new trial. The three judges, in the eastern city of Lahore, said that the case against Mr. Musharraf was politically motivated and that the crimes he was accused of committing high treason and subverting the Constitution were a joint offense that cannot be undertaken by a single person. Mr. Musharraf, 76, was accused of subverting the countrys Constitution in 2007 when he fired much of the judiciary and imposed a state of emergency in an attempt to block a political opposition movement. The movement had greatly weakened him, and he resigned the following year under a threat of impeachment. Eminent economist Amit Bhaduri has given up emeritus professorship at Jawaharlal Nehru University, alleging mishandling of the current situation by the university administration. In his letter to the vice-chancellor of JNU, Bhaduri expressed pain at throttling of dissent by the university administration. 'It pains me but I feel it would be immoral on my part without registering my protest to remain a silent observer in this larger, sinister scheme of throttling dissent which is unfolding now at the university. '...I am giving up my emeritus professorship at JNU,' he wrote in his mail, which was made public by him. Bhaduri had joined the university as a young professor in 1973. He left it in 2001. He noted that during his years at JNU, the university passed through various phases of justified or unjustified student's unrest and even temporary shut-down of the teaching. 'What is difference now is not only incompetence of handling of situations by the authorities, but a deliberate attempt to throttle the free and lively atmosphere of debate and discussion for which JNU was known all over the country,' he asserted. Bhaduri further alleged that the current attempt by the administration to destroy that atmosphere of freedom of expression is in line with a larger and more sinister plan, of which JNU VC is 'appears to be pivotal part'. 'You seem determined on imprinting your administration's narrow-minded world view, and shut all other windows of ideas to the students,' he wrote. The eminent economist also expressed hope that his returning the honour will send the right message to the JNU administration. Last week also, eminent economist and JNU professor C P Chandrasekhar had withdrawn from the newly-constituted 28-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCES), chaired by former chief statistician Pranob Sen, citing the situation in the university. The committee was constituted last month to improve the quality of data amid criticism of the government over political interferences and is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. Violence broke out at the JNU earlier this month as a mob of masked men, armed with sticks, attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. Many sustained injuries and were admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre here. JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh suffered a head injury. The admission came after days of vehement denial from the Islamic Republic, which angered Iranians and triggered a public backlash. Videos on social media showed mass protests and people chanting: "Death to the dictator," referring to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations have spread across Iran since Saturday, after the Iranian regime admitted that its armed forces had unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane departing from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. "National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran 'choked off', will force them to negotiate," Trump said on Twitter Sunday, in both English and Farsi. "Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and 'don't kill your protesters.'" President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday that he "couldn't care less" if Iran negotiates with the U.S. or not, and again warned the Iranian regime not to "kill" its protesters. The more you give them credit, the more you give them support, the worse it will be for them, because in that case, the regime will consider it is an international plot. However, Cedomir Nestorovic, professor of geopolitics at the French ESSEC Business School in Singapore, cautioned that Trump's solidarity with protesters may not be good for them. "I don't believe that President Trump's intervention in this field would be very fruitful for the United States, because it is an internal protest," Nestorovic told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Monday. "The more you give them credit, the more you give them support, the worse it will be for them, because in that case, the regime will consider it is an international plot, that the United States are intervening in the local affairs of Iran, so I don't think it's a very good thing," he said. Earlier, Trump warned the Iranian government that the "world is watching," and told the people of Iran "I've stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you." Tensions between the U.S. and Iran reached new heights after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian military commander, Qasem Soleimani, on Jan. 3. His death triggered retaliation from Tehran which responded by firing ballistic missiles at Iraqi air bases housing American and coalition troops. There were no reported casualties in that attack. However, Iranian armed forces bracing for counter-attacks from the U.S. accidentally shot down the plane killing all aboard including Iranians, Canadians and Ukrainians, which led to public outcry and unrest. Iran has previously been accused by rights groups for clamping down on protests with brute force. Trump's Sunday tweet was referring to comments by White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien, who told Fox News on Sunday: "I think the maximum pressure campaign is working ... Iran is being choked off, and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table." O'Brien was speaking about the Trump administration's renewed sanctions on Tehran. Often referred to by Washington as the maximum pressure campaign, it is aimed at crippling the Iranian economy with sanctions that were reintroduced after the U.S. pulled out of a multi-nation nuclear deal with Iran in 2018. "What's going to cause them to negotiate is the pressure on the economy, and when you've got students out there chanting 'death to the dictator,' and when you have thousands of Iranians out protesting in the street, that's the sort of pressure that's going to bring them to the table," he told Fox News. The scale of this fire season is unprecedented, Australias Bureau of Meteorology said last week. Across the continent, 15 million acres of forest and farmland have been scorched. At least 25 people have been killed and a billion animals harmed. The fires in New South Wales are the largest in state history and have burned more area than has been ever been documented in eastern Australia. Canada getting access to black boxes from downed Ukrainian airliner - but role in investigation still unclear Officials from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada say Iran is giving Canadian investigators access to the "black box" flight data recorders from downed Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752, but Canada's role in the investigation beyond that remains unclear. "The TSB will deploy a second team of investigators with expertise in aircraft recorder download and analysis once we confirm where and when this activity will take place," said TSB's Kathy Fox today during the TSB's first public update of its efforts to participate in the crash probe. While Iran's request that Canada lend its expertise to the work of downloading and analyzing data from the flight recorders is a positive sign, Fox said, Canada remains in the dark about what else Canadian investigators might be allowed to see. "In this investigation, and I want to be clear about this, we do not yet fully know what the scope of our role will be," she said. Fox said that when a plane crash is being investigated by another country, Canada usually is entitled only to visit the accident site, receive copies of information released by the country investigating the crash and get a copy of the final investigation report. Giving Canadian investigators access to the flight data recorders is more than international law requires, Fox said. Transport Minister Marc Garneau called Iran's decision to give Canadian experts access to the recorders "very, very significant." "Yes, Iran admitted to shooting down this airplane but we want to know exactly what happened on the airplane in the last seconds," Garneau told CBC News Network's Power & Politics today. "We know that after the strike occurred, the airplane went into a turning pattern. We don't know exactly what was going on on board." Canada also is being given access to the crash site and will be allowed to examine the wreckage, which has since been moved to another location. Story continues The investigation is being overseen by Iran's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, said Fox which means that all decisions regarding access to the investigation must must be approved by Iran. "In this case, especially because 57 of the passengers on the aircraft were Canadian, it is our hope that the TSB will be allowed to bring more of its expertise to a thorough and transparent investigation," said Fox. While Canada does have expertise in analyzing flight and data recorders, Fox said, it doesn't have experts trained to investigate cases involving planes shot down by missiles. She said she is hoping Dutch officials who do have expertise in that area will be invited to consult. Lessons not learned Officials from the Netherlands participated in a multi-country investigation that included investigators from Australia, Belgium and Malaysia after a Russian missile took down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, killing 298 people, in July 2014. The plane was flying from Amsterdam to the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down near the village of Hrabove in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. More than 190 of those killed were Dutch. Fox was asked today if the world went far enough in implementing the recommendations in the Dutch report on the destruction of MH17. "If you look at the reality of the situation, the answer is no," she said. Fox cited a warning included in that report that in countries where there is "ongoing armed conflict," officials cannot be counted on to bar commercial airliners from the airspace on their own initiative. "They recognized, when this report was issued, that there were still potential gaps. And unfortunately, we're seeing the results of that." Garneau said that the decision to keep Iran's airspace open to commercial airliners after the missile launch was Iran's alone. "Obviously ... Iran decided to deploy its defence batteries at the same time aircraft were continued to be allowed to take off both before and after flight 752. It brings into question, why was the airport, why was the airspace open and why was this allowed to happen?" Garneau told Power and Politics host Vassy Kapelos. Canadian officials in Tehran Earlier today Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the first wave of TSB's team will be "fully in place in Tehran" by tonight, but Iran has yet to promise Canada the access to the evidence it has requested. The plane crashed Wednesday after it was struck by a surface-to-air missile launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an action Iran has blamed on "human error." It went down just minutes after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport, and only hours after Iran had launched a ballistic missile strike on two military bases housing U.S. and Canadian troops in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Canada has about 500 troops in Iraq; some were moved to Kuwait in recent weeks in response to the ongoing volatility on the ground. About half of those Canadians are with the NATO training mission, while the others including up to 250 special forces members are involved in the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition. Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that there were Canadian personnel present at one of the two bases targeted by the Iranians when the attack occurred. Iranian authorities initially blamed the crash on a mechanical failure. On Saturday, after Trudeau said he had intelligence suggesting the plane was shot down by Iran, officials in Iran admitted their country's military accidentally shot the plane down. Trudeau and Champagne have been pushing for full access to the crash investigation. Iran's civil aviation authority has said that it's following international rules and will allow other countries to participate in its investigation. Turkish business is interested in participating in large infrastructure projects in Ukraine, in particular in green energy and agriculture, Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Andrii Sybiha has said. "According to the appeals coming directly to us, we see the interest of Turkish business in large-scale infrastructure projects in Ukraine, namely "green energy" and agriculture. We have also become more active," Sybiha said in an interview with UATV. According to him, the number of enterprises interested in such opportunities in Ukraine has increased. At present, the Embassy of Ukraine in Turkey stepped up its activities, disseminating information about the "window of opportunity" for Turkish businessmen. "The presidents visit and speech at a business forum in Istanbul resulted in the participation of a Turkish delegation in the forum in Mariupol. Also, a Ukrainian-Turkish business forum was held in Kyiv. We also have regional trips," the diplomat said. He also noted the positive prospects for the growth of Ukrainian-Turkish business cooperation. ish The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday declared the formation of a special court -- which had handed death sentence to Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case last year -- as "unconstitutional", local media reported. A three-member full bench of the LHC, comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir, also ruled that the treason case against the former president was not prepared in accordance with the law, Dawn reported. The special court had heard the treason case against Musharraf and handed him death sentence on December 17, last year, after finding him guilty of treason. Following this, a set of petitions was filed by Musharraf in the LHC, asking the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional for violating Articles 10-A, 4, 5, 10 and 10-A of the Constitution. The applications filed by Musharraf had been returned by LHC on December 27, last year due to the unavailability of the full bench during the winter vacation. These were filed again on January 8 by a legal panel comprising Khwaja Ahmad Tariq Rahim and Azhar Siddique. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It has been reported that lifelong harness racing participant Ralph M. Torcello of Batavia, NY, has passed away at the age of 89 after a brief illness. According to a story by The Daily News, Torcello, who owned, trained and drove Standardbreds over the course of his life, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Torcellos passion was horse racing. During his college years, Torcello went to work as a part-time security guard at the newly-opened Batavia Downs, which began a lifetime of involvement with harness racing that would last almost seventy years. Torcello was an owner, trainer and driver of Standardbred racehorses, and raced almost entirely in western New York. He trained, and often drove, his small stable of racehorses in the evenings after his full-time teaching job was concluded. He raced campaigners like Gypsy Flash, Gold Piece, Outlaw Collins and Bait The Trap. His last driving win came in 1993 in a lifetime-best effort with a trotting mare named Spell Rosie, followed by his last training win in 1999 with one of his better horses, What About Bob. Torcello spread his love of the sport to many in his family, including his siblings and four nephews that later owned, trained and drove horses at the local raceway. Even in retirement, Ralph was a fixture at Batavia Downs and could be seen there often. Torcello was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, Anna Strollo (Michael), Marie Perry (Samuel), Frances, Lawrence (Madeline), Rose, Angeline, Genevieve, Michael Jr. (Patricia) and Marcella, as well as by his nephew, Anthony M. Strollo. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Ann Marie Caste (Paul) of New Jersey, Michael C. Torcello (Lynn) of Delaware and Lawrence Torcello (Katie) of East Bethany, Mary Jo Dumuhosky and Ross Perry, both of Batavia, Michael L. Torcello (Deborah) of Hamburg, Ralph P. Torcello (Diane) of Pavilion and Marirose Ethington (Larry) of East Bethany. He is also survived by numerous grand-nieces and nephews, as well as his longtime friend, Hiland Clark. For more on Torcellos passing, and information regarding arrangements, click here. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ralph Torcello. (With files from The Daily News and Batavia Downs) The United States is working closely with China to have it cut off altogether imports of Iranian crude oil, as the U.S. steps up sanctions pressure on the Iranian regime, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Despite the U.S. crackdown on Chinese tanker companies dealing with Iranian oil, China continues to import oil from the Islamic Republic, but in much smaller volumes than it used to, before the U.S. ended all waivers for all Iranian oil customers in May last year. The U.S. has already cut off probably more than 95 percent of Irans oil revenues, but China continues to be a big buyer of what Iranian oil exports are left, Mnuchin told Fox News. Referring to Chinas purchases of crude oil from Iran, the Treasury Secretary said: Theyve cut off all of the state companies from buying oil, and were working closely with them to make sure that they cease all additional oil activities. The U.S. continues to target countries and companies which continue to do business with Iran and continue to import oil from Iran, Mnuchin reiterated, noting that everyoneChinese or Europeanwould face secondary sanctions if they buy oil from Iran. We actually sanctioned some of their shipping companies that were involved in the oil, and we will continue to pursue sanctions activities against China and anybody else around the world that continues to do business with them, Mnuchin told Fox News. The United States imposed in September 2019 sanctions on a number of Chinese tanker owning firms and executives for transporting Iranian oil in violation of the U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Europe is complying with the U.S. sanctions on Iran because European firms know that they would be slapped with secondary sanctions if they dont, Mnuchin said. The reminder that the U.S. is going after anyone doing business with Iran comes after the most recent flare-up in the Middle East and the expanded sanctions on the Islamic Republic to include individuals and metals and construction companies. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will lead a delegation of Indian government officials to Muscat on Tuesday to pay India's condolences over the demise of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. India is observing a day of state mourning today as a mark of respect to Qaboos, one of the Middle East's longest-serving rulers who died on Friday at the age of 79. In a statement, the MEA described Qaboos as a true friend and well-wisher of India in guiding and elevating bilateral engagements between New Delhi and Muscat to the strategic level for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. "The Government of India is observing a day of State mourning on Monday, 13 January 2020 and flags are being flown at half-mast. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Hon'ble Minister of Minority Affairs is leading the Government of India delegation to Muscat on 14 January 2020 to pay our sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and People of India," the statement read. Naqvi will carry a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sultan Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, who was sworn in a successor of Qaboos. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The New South Wales Government is dropping thousands of pounds of carrots and sweet potato from helicopters to feed the endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies that are starving as a result of the massive bushfires across Australia. From the NSW Government: (According to Environment Minister Matt Kean,) "Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat. "The wallabies were already under stress from the ongoing drought, making survival challenging for the wallabies without assistance." In the last week almost 1000 kilograms of sweet potato and carrot have been sent to 6 different colonies in the Capertee and Wolgan valleys; 1000 kilograms across 5 sites in Yengo National Park; almost 100 kilograms of food and water in the Kangaroo Valley, with similar drops having also taken place in Jenolan, Oxley Wild Rivers and Curracubundi national parks. Mr Kean said this is the most widespread food drop we have ever done for Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies and will help maintain these colonies and allow them to recover. "At this stage, we expect to continue providing supplementary food to rock-wallaby populations until sufficient natural food resources and water become available again in the landscape, during post-fire recovery." SAN FRANCISCO and PFAFFIKON, Switzerland and LONDON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DiNAQOR AG, a global gene therapy platform company, today announced a research collaboration and exclusive license agreement with UCL to develop novel gene therapies for the treatment of monogenic cardiomyopathies, diseases of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure in children and adults. The collaboration will focus on the development of therapies targeting several genes using DiNAQOR's cardiac modular technology platform. Under the terms of the agreement, DiNAQOR and UCL will collaborate to advance DiNAQOR's two discovery cardiac gene therapy programs into clinical development. DiNAQOR will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to any therapies developed as part of the collaboration. If a product is successfully commercialized from the collaboration, UCL will be entitled to royalties on sales. The license agreement was carried out by UCL's technology commercialisation company, UCL Business Ltd (UCLB), part of UCL Innovation & Enterprise. Based on the research of Professor Thomas Voit at the UCL GOSH Institute of Child Health, the agreement aims to utilise UCL's leading expertise in gene therapy. "Early stage partnerships are critical to expedite innovation in gene therapy research and development. UCL is one of the world's leading research centers and is ideally suited to help us expand our pipeline of gene therapies for cardiomyopathies," said Dr. Valeria Ricotti, Chief Medical Officer at DiNAQOR. "This partnership represents an exceptional opportunity to accelerate development of potentially life-saving gene therapies for patients suffering from heart failure. We are excited to collaborate with the DiNAQOR team to help find a cure for monogenic cardiomyopathies," said Dr. Perry Elliott, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH). About Monogenic Cardiomyopathies Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure. Approximately 50% of all cardiomyopathies are caused by a single-gene or monogenic defect. There are 1.7 million people in the European Union and the United States currently affected by a monogenic cardiomyopathy, 300,000 of these individuals have a defect in the MYBPC3 gene. There is currently no cure for patients living with genetic cardiomyopathies. About DiNAQOR Founded in 2019, DiNAQOR AG is a global gene therapy platform company focused on advancing novel solutions for patients suffering from heart disease. The company's lead preclinical program, DiNA-001 is focused on the treatment of MYBPC3-linked cardiomyopathy. DiNAQOR is headquartered in Pfaffikon, Switzerland, with additional presence in London, England and Boston, Massachusetts (US). For more information visit www.dinaqor.com. About UCL London's Global University UCL is a diverse community with the freedom to challenge and think differently. Our community of more than 41,500 students from 150 countries and over 12,500 staff pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries and makes a positive impact on real world problems. We are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation and the broadest research impact. We have a progressive and integrated approach to our teaching and research championing innovation, creativity and cross-disciplinary working. We teach our students how to think, not what to think, and see them as partners, collaborators and contributors. For almost 200 years, we are proud to have opened higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and to change the way we create and share knowledge. We were the first in England to welcome women to university education and that courageous attitude and disruptive spirit is still alive today. We are UCL. www.ucl.ac.uk| Follow @uclnews on Twitter | Watch our YouTube channel | Listen to UCL podcasts on SoundCloud | Find out what's on at UCL Minds | #MadeAtUCL About UCL Business Ltd (UCLB) UCL Business Ltd (UCLB), part of UCL Innovation and Enterprise, is a leading technology commercialisation company that supports research and innovations arising from UCL, one of the UK's top research-led universities. UCLB has a successful track record and a strong reputation for identifying and protecting promising new technologies and innovations from UCL academics. UCLB has a strong track record in commercialising medical technologies and provides technology transfer services to UCL's associated hospitals; University College London Hospitals, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Royal Free London Hospital. It invests directly in development projects to maximise the potential of the research and manages the commercialisation process of technologies from laboratory to market. Contacts DiNAQOR: KWM Communications Kellie Walsh T: 1-914-315-6072 E: [email protected] UCL: UCL Media Relations Dr. Rebecca Caygill T: +44 (0)20 3108 3846 / +44 (0)7733 307 596 E: [email protected] SOURCE DiNAQOR Related Links http://www.dinaqor.com Real Madrid sweat on Sergio Ramos' fitness ahead of Sevilla clash Real Madrid Injured ankle against Atletico Real Madrid are sweating over the fitness of Sergio Ramos after he injured his foot during the Supercopa de Espana final. The defender hurt his foot while jumping with Alvaro Morata in the 61st minute and played on after receiving treatment. Los Blancos haven't released an update on their captain's fitness and there are serious doubts over whether he will be able to play against Sevilla on Saturday. If Ramos isn't cleared to play, Eder Militao is expected to partner Raphael Varane in defence for the encounter at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Bangladesh's Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam has cancelled his visit to India to speak at an event in New Delhi as it coincided with the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's UAE trip, the foreign office here said on Saturday, rejecting as "misleading" some media reports citing other reasons for cancellation of the visit. Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Alam was invited to speak at the Indian External Affairs Ministry-backed Raisina Dialogue to be held from January 14-16. The annual dialogue offers a platform for discussion on global issues and is attended by foreign ministers, diplomats and experts. "The (Bangladesh foreign) Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Md Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker at the Raisina Dialogue which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina," the foreign ministry said "As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it said in a statement. Dhaka has sent a regret letter to Overseas Research Foundation (ORF), the organiser of the event in collaboration with India's Ministry of External Affairs, it said. "It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the (Delhi) visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," the statement said. The foreign ministry described as "misleading" some media reports in India citing other reasons for Alam's non-participation. The cancellation of Alam's visit comes just a month after two Bangladeshi ministers - Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan - cancelled their scheduled trips to India. Momen was scheduled to join the ministerial keynote session of Delhi Dialogue and Indian Ocean Dialogue in December and was to meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. The cancellation came a day after Momen termed as "untrue" Home Minister Amit Shah's comments on the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Both Bangladesh and India at that time, however, maintained that the visit was called off as Momen had to take part in two important national events. Home Minister Khan also cancelled his private visit to Meghalaya reportedly due to disturbances over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). 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. Bangladesh was also learnt to have been upset following the rollout of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam around four months ago even though India conveyed to it that the issue was an internal matter of the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had taken up the issue of NRC with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting in New York in September. Major Gen. Parviz Aminiafshar was commander of the Imperial Guards and head of G2 Military Intelligence for Iran's Royal Army. Source: Yasmin Khorram There is another story about the killing of an Iranian general. And unlike Qasem Soleimani, he wasn't an enemy of the U.S. In fact, as one of the top ranking military officials in Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's regime, he was an important ally. He was my grandfather. Major Gen. Parviz Aminiafshar was commander of the Imperial Guards and head of G2 Military Intelligence. He was among the most senior officials in a military force which was a close ally of the U.S., protecting the country and the Shah. That all changed on Feb. 21, 1979. Iran's 2,500-year-old monarchy was overthrown by an Islamic Revolution led by Shi'a cleric Ayatollah Khomeini, who forever changed the face of the Middle East and world politics. Prior to '79, Khomeini had failed at overthrowing Iran's monarchy; he was exiled to Najaf, Iraq. Once the first anti-Shah demonstrations began, Khomeini's supporters quickly grew to millions across the country. The Shah safely left the country, but my grandfather and most military commanders chose to stay behind. On the second day of the revolution, while still very much in charge of his units and having been given public assurance of protection by the Ayatollah, he called my grandmother from his post. "He said, 'Don't worry, I'll would be home soon'" my grandmother recalls. "He didn't know something bad was going to happen." That night, the Ayatollah's revolutionary guards stormed my grandfather's office and detained him. "He went with them and never returned," my grandmother said. Four days later, my grandmother learned about his execution watching television. I wasn't even born when he was executed, but my memory is vivid thanks to my grandmother. This wasn't the end of her nightmare. They broke into her house, took her possessions and terrorized the family. General Aminiafshar (far right) meeting with President Richard Nixon in Iran. Source: Yasmin Khorram They were forced to flee Iran, leaving everything behind to start a new life in the U.S. As a child, I saw pictures of my grandfather and grew up with his legacy. He devoted his life to the military, quickly rising in the ranks with a career that took him all over the world. He met with world leaders including three U.S. presidents and was invited on Air Force One to visit President Gerald Ford with the Shah. Since then, Iranians have experienced 40 years of fanaticism, repression and foreign wars. Of course I understand the Shah's regime was accused of being harshly repressive and corrupt too. But few could have foreseen then how the new rulers would only magnify Iran's ills while becoming a constant thorn in the side of the West. Some see the killing of Soleimani as a step towards democracy for Iran. Others are afraid it could start another 40 years of the regime oppressing its people. Some may think his death represents the height of tensions between Iran and the U.S. after the hostage crisis. They'd be mistaken in that belief. Tensions were even higher in 1983 when Hezbollah - Iran's proxy - blew up the U.S. Marine base in Beirut, killing over 200 marines. The general consensus then was that the attack would provoke a huge response from the U.S. and potentially start a war between the two countries, just as many assumed that the killing of Soleimani would result in direct confrontation. But history showed us that within a year or so of that attack the Reagan administration was making secret gestures to the Iranian regime in what was ultimately exposed as Iran-Contra. Following Iran-Contra, there was a period of no contact between the two countries. This continued until President Obama put harsh sanctions on Iran. Negotiations then began, ending in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed by several nations, or what we know as the Iran Nuclear Deal, despite Republican opposition. In Iran, the deal bolstered the moderate factions but angered the hardliners. Major General Parviz Aminiafshar (right) greets the Shah at a ceremony for Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, in 1978. Source: Yasmin Khorram Nepal's aviation authority on Monday asked everyone in the Himalayan nation's only international airport to cut down on heating this winter to save power so that key equipment can run without disruption. There has been increased demand for electricity use due to the cold weather which is directly effecting the communication, navigation aids and surveillance equipment, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a notice. It said it was asking airlines offices, immigration, customs and shops inside the airport to stop using heaters and air conditioners. A spokesman for Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport, Deo Chandra Lal Karna, said the power situation was under control and the request from the aviation authority was a precautionary measure. Power outages are common in Nepal, though the situation has improved over the past two years as the government has made a priority of supplying electricity. Were there to be disruptions at the international airport it could affect what the government has dubbed Visit Nepal Year 2020 in anticipation of welcoming 2 million tourists. All the power generated in Nepal comes from hydropower plants on its fast-flowing mountain rivers. Though Nepal has the potential to generate much more power than needed from these rivers, the lack of funds, frequent changes in government, political instability, corruption and a communist insurgency that lasted a decade have slowed down building of these power plants. About a third of Nepal's power is imported from neighboring India to make up for the shortfall. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One month ago this past Saturday, Mrs. T and I were sitting on the couch in our living room in upper Manhattan, watching Gone With the Wind on TCM, when she went into a full-scale respiratory crisis arising from pulmonary hypertension, the illness for which she is awaiting a double lung transplant. I called 911 at once, and an ambulance arrived a few minutes later and rushed her to the emergency room of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, her transplant center. Twenty-four hours after that, she was moved across the street to the hospitals intensive-care unit. Shes been there ever since. Ive been posting fairly frequent updates about her condition on Twitter and Facebook, but it occurred to me over the weekend that it was time for me to write a more detailed report on how shes doing now, and to make it more widely available by posting it in this space. Here it is. * * * It would be an understatement to say that things were touch-and-go during Mrs. Ts first two weeks in the ICU. Wethe first night, and in order to save her life, she had to be put on an, a heart-lung support system. Several more days went by before the doctors were able to stabilize her vital signs and take her off the machine. By then, the transplant team feared that she had grown too frail to survive surgery, which led to serious discussions about removing her from the transplant list and putting her in comfort care, a not-very-subtle euphemism for hospice care. That was when Mrs. T knew she had to start pushing backhard. The very next morning, she started making dramatic progress in her daily physical-therapy sessions. By the beginning of her third week in the ICU, it was clear to everyone that she was well on the way to building up enough stamina to stay on the transplant list, and she continues to grow measurably stronger with each passing day. Three weeks ago, she could only walk 15 feet on her bedside treadmill; on Saturday, she walked 460 feet. This is what marriage is all about: I have never been prouder of my gallant spouse, or loved her more. Were now concentrating on the equally daunting challenge of putting weight back on Mrs. T, whos lost an alarming amount of it. This is easier said than done, for the meds that she takes have made her anorexic, on top of which she doesnt much like hospital food (as who does?). Fortunately, shes getting used to the limitations of the cuisine at New York-Presbyterian, which I augment with whatever she asks for. Above all, she understands that for now, shes got to view eating as work, not pleasure. In addition, her palliative-care doctors have persuaded her to be more sensible about taking full doses of her pain medication, which she had previously shunned out of fear of addiction but now realizes is essential so that she can continue to make progress in physical therapy. (It simply hadnt occurred to her that physical pain is debilitating in and of itself!) So far as we now know, Mrs. T will have to remain in the ICU until a pair of donor lungs finally becomes available and she is successfully transplanted and has recovered from the surgery. Until then, she will likely need high-flow supplemental oxygen around the clock, which is something she cant get at home. Shes gradually growing accustomed to the prospect, though, and were a lot more optimistic today than we were a month ago, back when things were looking grimmer by the hour. At the same time, its also true that were playing an increasingly urgent waiting game. To be sure, Mrs. T is at the very top of the transplant priority list, but she needs a pair of lungs from a donor of short stature with A-positive or O-type blood, and such folk dont come along every day, or even every month. The truth is that we havent gotten a single donor offer since last August, when we received, each of which fell through a few hours later. Since then, our cellphones have yet to ring. As for me, I came pretty close to burning out last month, but once it became clear that Mrs. Ts condition had become reasonably stable, she insisted that I get out of town for a couple of days and let the ICU nurses worry about her. I went toby the Delaware River, where the staff took loving care of me. (Weve been going there for fifteen years, and they know all about Mrs. Ts condition.) In addition, my editors atordered me to take two weeks offno shows, no deadlines, no nothingand I still have a week of down time left. Thanks to all this, Im finally starting, very gradually, to feel like myself again. Meanwhile, I visit Mrs. T in the ICU every day, bringing whatever food sounds good to hershe had a yen for cinnamon graham crackers the other dayas well as anything else she asks for. It helps that New York-Presbyterian is only a mile from our apartment, a reminder that we were smart to move to this neighborhood ten years ago in preparation for her eventual transplant. The TV in her room is hooked up to TCM, so we watch the eight oclock movie together most nights. In recent days Teachout Theater has presented Harry and Tonto, The Phenix City Story, Ride the High Country, and Written on the Wind. Except for the part where shes in a hospital bed hooked up to six IV lines, its kind of like being at home, sort of. And thats where we stand as of today. Yes, its been roughterrifyingly sobut things arent nearly as bad as they were, and Im starting to think that we might get through this, thanks in no small part to your support. Mrs. T isnt quite ready for outside visitors yet, but were hoping that will come soon. In the meantime, your kind words and good wishes continue to buoy us up as we wait, watch the clock, and hope. Ireland is ranked tenth out of 36 European countries in a global index of countries affected by terrorism. Ireland is positioned behind neighbouring countries hit hard by Islamist and, more recently, right-wing, terrorism, such as Britain, France and Germany, but is ahead of states like the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark. The Global Terrorism Index, which published the data, said that while deaths from terrorism have fallen globally, including in Europe, over the last four years, there has been a surge in right-wing terrorism, particularly in the West. The index, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, also found an increase in women being involved in terrorist attacks. Speaking at the Irish launch of the report at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Serge Stroobants of the IEP, said that while the impact of terrorism was going down the phenomenon of terrorism was spreading. He said that Mali, where Irish troops are serving under an EU training mission, was one of just four countries that recorded a substantial rise in deaths from terrorism in 2018. This included two attacks, in June and April 2018, involving the deaths of 32 and 31 people respectively. He said 103 countries recorded at least one terrorist incident in 2018, with 71 experiencing at least one fatality the second-worst year on record. He said terrorism-related deaths in Europe were down 70% to 62 in 2018, with 40 of those in Turkey. Britain was ranked second in Europe (after Turkey), with 95 incidents in 2018, involving two fatalities. It said that 80 of the 95 attacks occurred in Northern Ireland, including the two fatalities. The report said that at least six of the 12 terrorist incidents in England explicitly targeted Jews, Muslims and Sikhs. Ireland was ranked tenth in Europe, down from ninth position in 2017, out of 36 European countries. The report said Western Europe recorded its lowest number of terrorist incidents since 2012 and that the number of countries recording a death in 2018 fell from nine to five countries. It said the collapse of ISIS in Syria and Iraq was also reflected in Europe with no deaths attributed to the group in 2018, although 16 deaths were attributed to 'Jihadi-inspired extremists'. Mr Stroobants said there has been an exponential growth in far-right terrorism, increasing by 320% in the last five years. He said the trend would skyrocket in 2019, with 77 deaths recorded in the first nine months of the year. The report said the number of arrests linked to right-wing terrorism in Europe in 2019 increased for the third year in a row. The report said the rise in far-right terrorist attacks has been blamed on the political climate, with an increase in aggressive rhetoric, hate speech and empowerment of far-right figures. Also speaking at the IIEA, Milo Comerford of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, said far-right extremism was on a frightening trajectory with tactics involving mainstreaming their narratives in the media and political discourse. BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao on Monday took a jibe at India's former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, by comparing Chidambaram's intellect with Rahul Gandhi. The BJP leader's comparison of intellects came after P Chidambaram opposed the Citizenship (Amendement) Act of the central government. "Chidambaram considers himself a world-class intellectual, but by opposing CAA, he has made his level of intellect at par with that of Rahul Gandhi," BJP's Rao said while interacting with a news agency. Earlier in the day, P Chidambaram had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a televised Question and Answer session over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Alleging the Prime Minister further, Chidambaram stated that PM Modi is reluctant to take questions over CAA, which has led to nationwide protests. READ | BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao accuses Mamata of spreading 'panic' for vote-bank politics "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and P Chidambaram are telling lies about CAA and are misleading people and country," he added. "Those who are opposing CAA are speaking the language of Pakistan. When Pakistan is being exposed in the world for persecuting minorities, those opposing CAA are furthering Pakistan's point of view," the BJP leader added. READ | Chidambaram's suggestion to PM Modi over CAA: Pick 5 critics, sit across from them Chidambaram's Suggestion To PM Modi Over CAA On January 13, Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram took to Twitter and gave 'suggestions' to the Prime Minister on how to further the debate on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). He also stated that PM Modi never takes 'questions from the media on the issue.' "PM talks from high platforms to silent audiences and does not take questions. We talk through the media and are willing to take questions from media persons," Chidambaram said in his tweet. He further alleged the Prime Minister for not addressing any of his critics and that they were not even given an 'opportunity' to talk to him. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 13, 2020 READ | Chidambaram says 'JNU violence most clinching evidence that India descending into anarchy' READ | Chidambaram questions Amit Shah over CAA, slams him for challenging Rahul Gandhi (With inputs from ANI) For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 13, 2020 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Apache Corporation APA, Occidental Petroleum OXY, Chevron Corporation (CVX), Halliburton Company HAL and National Oilwell Varco, Inc. NOV. Here are highlights from Fridays Analyst Blog: Job Losses Galore Across the Energy Sector The Oil-Energy Market witnessed a massive downturn over the last few years. This lean period forced operators to cut down on costs significantly by suspending some of their major operations as well as trimming jobs while looking for innovative ways to churn out more oil and gas. While these strategic actions might improve profit levels to a certain degree, the overall sentiment surrounding the industry persists to be mostly negative. Moreover, crude might experience a short-lived surge based on unforeseen geopolitical developments but prices are unlikely to eclipse the psychologically $60-a-barrel cap on a sustainable basis. As in the aftermath of the recent U.S.-Iran standoff, prices rallied to multi-month highs, attributable to concerns that escalating tensions in the Middle East could lead to supply disruptions only to spiral downward again when normalcy resumes. This is expected to keep the oil and energy sectors profits under pressure. Moreover, there is a supply glut in the market, especially from the United States. Industry Performance Lets take a look at the price performance of the oil and gas field services as well as the exploration and production industry, which are the two biggest energy components. In the past five years, the S&P 500 Index has surged 62.8% against the oil and gas energy sectors 20.4% slump. During this period, the Zacks oil and gas field services industry dropped 37.7% while the Zacks oil and gas exploration and production plunged a whopping 54.1%. Story continues Oil-Energy Sector Jobs in Jeopardy In a bid to bounce back from the toil-effects of weak oil prices, Apache Corporation recently announced that it will slash the global headcount by nearly 500. Further, this upstream operators management stated that it plans to close its office in San Antonio, TX wherein it will eliminate 270 employees. This Texas-based independent energy player realized that in order to enhance its operating efficiency despite challenging market conditions, it should lower costs substantially. The company decided to save $150 million a year and curb its 2020 capital expenditure by 15%. The volatility in commodity price convinced explorers and producers to adopt a relatively conservative approach to capital investment programs. This organizational restructuring is anticipated to help Apache achieve its purpose of minimizing expenses and optimizing operational excellence by testing and supporting its employees. Also, the move comes just a day after Occidental Petroleums lay-off announcement. This Houston-based exploration and production company has been offering its employees a voluntary retirement option for quite some time now. It started this procedure in early August 2019 after Occidental completed a $57-billion (including debt) mega merger deal with Texas-based upstream company Anadarko Petroleum following prevalence in a bidding war with supermajor Chevron Corporation. But this new job cut announcement is in addition to those voluntary exits. For acquiring Anadarko, Occidental incurred a hefty debt and resorted to other borrowings as well. Until now, it repaid worth of $7 billion of the total debt load within five months of the deal's closure. The company will continue to lower its debt burden further in 2020 with proceeds from asset divestitures and free cash flows. So, to streamline its portfolio by containing costs and mitigating its debt woes, Occidental decided to render a portion of its workforce redundant. This vital step taken by various companies in the oil and energy market for facilitating strategic transformations to improve operational efficiencies and add shareholder value is not only limited to the oil and gas - exploration and production industries. Similar measures are also taken by a few players from to the oil and gas field services. Last month,Halliburton Company notified about curtailing staff strength by nearly 800 at its El Reno operation in Oklahoma. Further, it announced plans to close down its office in the suburbs of the same city. Also, the move comes within two months of Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) Halliburtons announcement of laying off 650 employees across four states, namely New Mexico, Wyoming, North Dakota and Colorado. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Halliburton noted that for operators in North America where oil production hit record levels, its more about returns than growth now. This Houston-based oilfield service provider perceived that to bolster its operational excellence despite a tough market landscape, it needs to check expenses by a huge margin. Further, Texas-based National Oilwell Varco, Inc. announced that it will retrench 85 personnel as it plans to shutter its equipment-making operations for offshore and onshore drilling rigs at its Galena Park facility due to the persistent drop in shale business, which in turn, induced a fall in drilling and completion activity in the United States and Canada. Moreover, Pumpco Energy Services, Inc., an affiliate of Superior Energy Services, Inc., widely known for delivering fracking services for well-digging completions, recently made 112 workers redundant at its Odessa, TX-based site. What Lies Ahead? The uncertainty around oil prices means that the commodity's future movement is anybody's guess. However, fundamentals suggest that the odds are firmly stacked against an immediate turnaround. And if theres any further price decline, especially below the $55-a-barrel level, it would leave a significant impact on small-to-mid-tier entities, triggering another spate of job losses. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. 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 National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NOV) : Free Stock Analysis Report Halliburton Company (HAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Apache Corporation (APA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Pipeline 13 January 2020 ONYX Hospitality Group, one of the region's leading hotel management companies, today announces the signing of a management agreement with Hangzhou East Bay Headquarters Base Construction Co. Ltd., introducing Amari East Bay Hangzhou, a new landmark in the Qiantang New Area of Hangzhou. This will be ONYX Hospitality Group's second Amari in China. Located along the riverbank area of the Xiasha subdistrict, Hangzhou East Bay is in close proximity to the Qiantang River, neighbouring the industrial development zone. With the start of the city's east expansion development strategy and the infrastructure of Greater Jiangdong, the area along the eastern border of Hangzhou is gradually being transformed into one of the city's major districts. As one of the key infrastructures in the development zone, East Bay Headquarters Base will be home to enterprise headquarters, creative industries, commercial buildings, conference centres, a water park and walking streets. The headquarters building, in which Amari East Bay Hangzhou will be located, is situated in the Xiasha Wetland area, encompassing the interchangeable ring entrance in the south and sitting on more than 50 hectares of wetland landscape park where the most scenic views of the river can be enjoyed. The area will also play a major role in attracting investments, leading and driving the development of the region. Scheduled to open in 2021, Amari East Bay Hangzhou will occupy levels 33 to 47 of the Hangzhou East Bay Headquarters Main Building, the tallest skyscraper in the Qiantang New Area. The lobby will be nestled on the 47th floor, approximately 200 metres from the ground, embracing a panoramic view of the Qiantang River and the riverbank wetland. Guests can enjoy an "amidst the clouds" experience in this tallest hotel in Qiantang New District. Amari East Bay Hangzhou will feature 316 rooms that include guestrooms, executive suites and deluxe suites. A wide range of facilities, including an all-day dining outlet, a Chinese restaurant, lobby bar, executive lounge, multi-function room, fitness centre, swimming pool, kids club and Thai-inspired spa will be offered, providing a wide range of experiences for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel will combine a contemporary Thai-inspired design with touches reflecting the art and culture of Hangzhou, building a magnificent life gallery for a luxury sojourn. Hangzhou East Bay Headquarters Base Construction Co., Ltd. expressed their optimism towards this deal. Upon completion, the Hangzhou East Bay Headquarters Base will become a national first-class facility, the province's leading dual-core headquarters base, as well as a base for the Zhejiang business enterprise that emphasises 'pioneer and innovation'. The firm believes that, with the exceptional brand essence and the professional hotel management expertise and experience of ONYX Hospitality Group, the new Amari East Bay Hangzhou will shine as one of the most unique high-end business hotels in the region, which will help promote East Bay headquarters base in becoming the social and business hub of the area in the decades to come. The Amari brand by ONYX Hospitality Group is a bright re-imagining of Thailand's rich cultural roots, with each hotel in its portfolio highlighting the textures and flavours of its unique setting through architecture, design, cuisine and service, complemented by touches of contemporary Thai-ness. In recognition of its brand and service excellence, Amari was awarded the "Best Asian Style Hotel" at the 2018 Golden Pillow Awards of China Hotels. The past three years have been significant for the regional expansion of Amari, with the brand being launched at multiple new locations including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China and Laos. Based in Bangkok, ONYX Hospitality Group has a growing regional portfolio of 50 operating properties across three core brands in eight markets. The Group has a robust development pipeline of 25 new properties in markets such as China, Malaysia and Laos, and has set a target of having 99 hotels open by 2024 as part of its journey towards being the best medium-sized hospitality player in the region. The famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has decided to implement a dress code for devotees before they enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Devotees who want to touch the Jyotirlinga (called sparsh darshan) in the sanctum sanctorum will now have to put on Dhoti-Kurta. Temple administration has taken a decision to this effect after holding a meeting with Kashi Vidvat Parishad (the oldest and most recognised body of citys Sanskrit Scholars and Vedic experts) on Sunday evening. Those wearing pants, shirts and jeans will only be able to worship the deity from a distance. They will not be allowed to enter the sanctum. UP Tourism and Dharmarth Karya Minister Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, who chaired the meeting, sought suggestions from the members of the Parishad for extending time for sparsh darshan so that many more devotees could touch the Jyotirlinga. Professor Ramchandra Pandey and other members of the Parishad unanimously said that the time could be extended to 11 am. He suggested that there should be a dress code for doing sparsh darshan. After discussion, Dhoti-Kurta was fixed as attire for the male devotees and Saree for the female devotees willing to do sparsh darshan. The Parishad members also gave suggestions for fixing a dress code for the archaks (the priests who offer prayers at the temple). The new dress code for the devotees want to do sparsh darshan will be effective very soon. Temple administration has been asked to ensure it as early as it is possible. A dress code will also be decided for the archaks in order that they could be identified in the crowd, said Tiwari. The minister has also announced that Vedic Centre will be set up in Vishwanath Corridor area. At the centre, there will be a sub-centre to train the priests in basics of computer, and English speaking for three months. Overmuch has been made of US claims to energy independence and how that reduced US exposure to Iran using oil infrastructure as an avenue of retaliation. The fact that US gas prices have increased after perceived or actual threat to Middle Eastern supplies shows that the US is far from decoupled from the Gulf States. Two new articles, one at Bloomberg, the other at OilPrice, explain how the US still depends on Middle Eastern oil. The OilPrice story also describes how Iran and its allies have many other Middle East targets for missile and cyber attack, such as water infrastructure and desalination and power plants. The fallacy of much of the commentary on US energy is to equate being a net energy exporter with energy independence. If you instead look at gross flows, the US still depends on Middle Eastern oil, albeit not as much as in the past, and that situation will not change soon. The Bloomberg story by Julian Lee makes no bones about its position: Trump Is Wrong. The U.S. Does Need Middle East Oil. A key observation is that oil is not all that fungible. The US is a big consumer of the light, sweet crude that is well suited for refining into gasoline. That comes out of Saudi Arabia and Iraq (if their oil infrastructure were in better shape). Even though US imports of Middle Eastern crude have fallen thanks to the shale oil boom and now account for only 5% of the oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, also making the US the #5 importer of that oil, its a misperception to think the US isnt in need of Middle Eastern oil: Lee at Bloomberg also points out that Gulf Coast refiners, who had tuned their operations to process heavy, sour crude (think Venezuela but also Iran and other Middle East exporters ex the Saudis). Since 2012 have been switching to lighter, sweet shale gas, but many still process heavier crudes. And those refiners even more than ever look to the Middle East: And with tension now flaring with Iran, the fact that there are fewer sources from which to import the heavy, sour crude (containing high concentrations of sulfur) on which Gulf coast refineries depend is coming into relief. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports in January 2019 and Mexico and Colombia are facing declining output as a result of a lack of new investment. For now, while Canada remains the biggest supplier to the U.S., the Middle East delivers most of the rest. On top of that, US gas is sensitive to oil price changes: No matter where oil from the Middle East is sold, the volume coming out of the region still has a profound impact on crude prices as well as those of gasoline and diesel fuel. Nowhere is that more true than in the U.S., where low taxes on fuels mean their prices are much more responsive to movements in global crude. The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline jumped by 10 U.S. cents a gallon the biggest two-day increase in more than two years after attacks in September on Saudi oil installations, even though the worlds biggest oil exporter was quick to reassure customers that there would be no disruption to supplies. The kingdom lived up to its promise, but it still took three months for gas prices to return to their pre-attack level. That shows just how important the flow of crude from the Persian Gulf still is to Americans and their president. For now, the killing of Irans General Qassem Soleimani and Irans responses so far have had a smaller, but still noticeable impact on U.S. gas prices even without any explicit Iranian threat to regional oil flows. Dr. Cyril Widdershoven at OilPrice adds that cheery OPEC reassurances that it could handle any supply hiccups dont align well with facts: OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo and UAEs Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei added to this bearish sentiment by saying that there is no risk of an oil shortage if hostilities do flare up. Al Mazrouei also reiterated that he doesnt see any risk that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz. This was confirmed by his Iranian colleague Zanganeh, who claimed that the crisis is profitable for Iran as oil and gas prices increased. These official statements need, however, to be taken with a truckload of salt. OPECs confidence that there is enough spare capacity in the market, and that there is ample supply, is a political statement to quell existing fears. The spare capacity of OPEC is at present almost totally in the hands of two main players, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while the rest of the members are struggling to reach even their own set targets. In case of a military confrontation between Iran (or proxies) and the US, a real possibility exists that total OPEC spare capacity is taken out. No other producer could substitute a possible loss of Saudi oil production. Dr. Widdershoven dismissed the notion that Iran might choke the Strait of Hormuz as riskier for Iran than its opponents. Some of the possibilities instead: Attacking the oil and gas installations of major Western and Arab national companies via proxies Increasing attacks on Israel via Hamas or Hezbollah Targeting energy and water infrastructure in Arab countries Dr. Widdershoven elaborates: Even if no direct war is expected, as indicated by UAE Energy Minister Suhail today at the UAE Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi, experts expect that energy and water sectors in the Arab countries could be targeted. As shown by the Abqaiq attack, all these operations are very vulnerable to drones or possibly cyberattacks. By striking critical infrastructure, Iran and proxies will be able to destabilize not only the economies of the GCC region, but deal a blow to global economies too. A real asymmetric war threat is the use of cyberattacks to bring down specific or nationwide assets, such as oil-gas assets, desalination and power plants (IWPP). Tehran already has threatened to start a cyberwar against the U.S. and its allies, but at present no actions have been reported. Saudi Aramco, ADNOC or BAPCO could be targeted. Qatars energy installations are less vulnerable, looking at the reasonably strong relations between Doha and Tehran. Qatar, however, could get caught in the crossfire because of its large U.S. and Western military presence. Dr. Widdershoven argues that Iran needs to retaliate soon despite that not being their historical pattern. Indeed, the regime may come to believe that its accidental shooting of PS 752 resulted from its rapid, targeted attack on a US airbase in Iraq. Had Iran not felt uncharacteristically pressured to strike back quickly, it would not have been on the high alert that led to the mistaken downing. The belief that the regime needs to make another show of force appears to be based on the idea that it has been severely damaged by having to make an embarrassing reversal of its claim that the plane had experienced some sort of malfunction. While Iran has certainly lost most of its moral high ground, the idea that the regime is in domestic hot water at this point looks to be exaggerated. CNN put the number of participants in fresh anti-government protests as in the thousands; BBC pegged it at mere hundreds. Needless to say, even though experts debate when and what Iran will do next, they are virtually unanimous in believing that the targeted strike was a politically necessary jab back, and not the intended retaliation. And dont forget that not only is Irans pattern to be patient, but also to retaliate disproportionately. Even though Dr. Widdershoven didnt include assassinations, that would be the most fitting response. By PTI NEW DELHI: BSP President Mayawati on Monday said her party will not attend the Congress-led opposition meeting to discuss a strategy on protests over the CAA and NRC, saying it will "demoralise" her party workers. In a series of tweets, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said her party is against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) but attending the meeting will demoralise BSP workers in Rajasthan, where the Congress has caused defections in her party. "As is well known that despite the BSP support to the Congress-led Rajasthan government from outside, it has been for the second time that BSP MLAs have been made to join their party which is completely wrong," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. "Under such circumstances, the BSP attending the opposition meeting today under the leadership of the Congress will be demoralising for party workers in Rajasthan. Therefore, the BSP will not attend this meeting," she said. However, she made it clear that the BSP is against the CAA and NRC "As it is, the BSP is against CAA/ NRC etc. It is an appeal to the central government again that it should withdraw this divisive and unconstitutional law. Also, It is very unfortunate to politicize students in JNU and other educational institutions" she added. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will also skip Monday's meeting, senior party leader Sanjay Singh said. ALSO READ | Australia may list Koalas as 'endangered' after population suffers in bushfire Singh said the AAP had no information about the meeting and so, there was no point in attending it. Sources, however, claimed that the AAP is not attending the meeting in view of the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi. The AAP had opposed the contentious law in Parliament and even participated in a meeting of opposition parties held last month. The Shiv Sena on Monday claimed it was "not aware" of the opposition parties meeting. "We are not aware of such a meeting. We have not been invited for it. So, we have not taken any decision on it so far," Shiv Sena's Group Leader in Lok Sabha Vinayak Raut told the media. In Mumbai, top Sena leaders chose to remain mum on the sensitive issue and said only the Shiv Sena Lok Sabha Party chief would decide and speak on the matter. The Shiv Sena is ruling Maharashtra in alliance with Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress since November 28. This is another instance in recent weeks that the Sena has adopted a divergent stance on certain issues which created ripples in the tri-party alliance. However, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has repeatedly made it clear that the state government will not allow injustice to any section of society if the CAA/NRC/NPR is implemented. The state Congress has held several agitations on the CAA/NRC/NPR and for the first time, NCP President Sharad Pawar will lead a rally to oppose these laws on January 24 in Mumbai. Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress has already announced its decision to stay away from the meet. On December 17 last year, when the Opposition parties had approached President Ram Nath Kovind seeking his intervention on the issue of violence in central universities against the amended Citizenship law, the BSP had not joined them. A parliamentary delegation of the BSP, however, had met Kovind on December 18 to discuss the issue. Trinamool chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on January 9 said she would not attend the meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. ALSO READ | Insurmountable woes will ensue for us, PwDs write against NRC, CAA Accusing the Congress and the Left of playing dirty politics Mamata said in Kolkata that she would fight against the CAA-NRC alone as the opposition politics in the state was against their national stand. "I have decided not to attend the meeting convened by Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi as I dont support the violence that the Left and the Congress unleashed in West Bengal yesterday (Wednesday), she said in the Assembly. If needed, I will fight alone. There were fierce clashes between Trinamool and Left workers in the state during the Bharat bandh. ALSO READ | CAA wont affect Indian Muslims: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy According to Congress sources, Mamatas decision to pull out of the opposition meeting scheduled in Parliament annexe was more because of the Left parties, keeping in mind the state politics. While other opposition parties are expected to attend, there were doubts about both BSP and Akhilesh Yadav-led SP attending. They had skipped the opposition meets in the past. We expect that the BSP will skip the meeting as Mayawati is upset over Priyankas outreach programs in UP that also includes people from Dalit and other backward classes... BSP is very unpredictable but we hope that SP will attend the meeting, said a Congress source. (With ENS and IANS Inputs) Clarifying the stand over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Microsoft India on Tuesday issued an official statement of CEO Satya Nadella expressing his view on the CAA debate. Taking to the micro-blogging site, Nadella stated that every country must define its borders in order to protect national security. He further mentioned that being an Indian immigrant he has grown up in a 'Multicultural India.' This statement of Nadella comes after his interaction with editors in Manhattan on Monday where he expressed his dismay over the passage of the new Act. In the statement, Nadella said, "Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. I'm shaped by my Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experence in the United States. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up lead a multinational corporation benefitting Indian society and the economy at large." READ | Oppn Resolution Against CAA Must Have Gladdened Pak's Heart: BJP Statement from Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft pic.twitter.com/lzsqAUHu3I Microsoft India (@MicrosoftIndia) January 13, 2020 READ | Mamata Deplores BJP WB President's 'shot Like Dogs' Comment About Anti-CAA Agitators Debate over CAA Earlier on Monday, in interaction with editors in Manhattan, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella gave his first reaction to the Citizenship Amendment Act. Talking to a foreign publication, he expressed his dismay over the passage of the new legislation. Nadella added that he would love to see an immigrant from Bangladesh come to India and become the CEO of a leading company. This view sparked off a massive debate on social media with some people contending that he had misunderstood the provisions of the CAA. Asked Microsoft CEO @satyanadella about India's new Citizenship Act. "I think what is happening is sad... It's just bad.... I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the next CEO of Infosys" cc @PranavDixit Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) January 13, 2020 READ | Muslim Women On Indefinite Protest Against CAA, NRC In Allahabad On one hand, historian Ramchandra Guha lauded Nadella for speaking his mind. He called upon leading IT giants in India to follow suit. The Microsoft CEO, however, came in for some intense scrutiny from journalist Kanchan Gupta and lawyer Kartikeya Tanna. The former clarified that the Act was meant only to expedite the citizenship procedure for persecuted minorities. Meanwhile, Tanna reminded Nadella of the Lautenberg Amendment, a law in the US that gave preference to religious minorities in the Soviet Union and Iran. READ | Satya Nadella Expresses Dismay Over CAA; Sparks Off Heated Debate On Social Media (image: AP) Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon will not run in a March parliamentary election but will keep his post until a successor is chosen, his spokesman said on Monday, Trend with reference to Reuters reports. He is not going to be a member of Knesset (parliament) ... or hold any political office. He wants to be with his family and grandchildren, the spokesman said. Kahlon, 59, will remain as finance minister until a new government is formed, which is not expected to be before April. Israel will hold its third election in less than a year on March 2. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry are dominating the headlines at the moment over their resignation. But Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William are bound to be the royals who deal with the spotlight 24/7. Prince William is duty-bound to be the future king and to forever live in the goldfish bowl of royal life just like his wife, Kate. The two have been together for well over a decade and have forged a relationship that, to many, seems solid and successful. However, theres no doubt that for Prince William and Kate, marriage will always be very different from most other couples. When did Kate Middleton and Prince William get married? Kate Middleton | Chris Jackson/Getty Images Kate and Prince William first met around 2001, when they were both students at the prestigious St. Andrews University. They became roommates in 2002 and by the year 2003, they started dating. After several years, the news of their romance became public knowledge and the two were spotted on getaways together all over the world. Kate even started meeting members of the royal family, proving that Prince William was very serious about his girlfriend. In 2007, Kate and Prince William briefly broke up, due to media pressure. After less than a year, they were back together again, and this time, it was for good. They got engaged in November 2010, with Prince William presenting her with his late mothers fabulous sapphire and diamond ring. Their royal wedding in April 2011 was watched by thousands of people all over the world. It seemed as though Kate and Prince William were truly living a fairytale. Kate Middleton and Prince William are trying to give their children a normal life In July 2013, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their first child: Prince George. They eventually welcomed two more children: Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. As parents, Prince William and Kate seem to be very hands-on, constantly holding, hugging, and reassuring their three young children. This is a marked break from royal tradition, as many royal parents have been more hands-off in their approach to parenthood. According to reports, the couple desperately wants their children to have a normal upbringing and to experience all the joys of childhood, without the pressures that come from growing up within the royal family. At home, Kate enjoys doing hands-on things such as baking and crafting with the children. While they do utilize nannies, they still do a lot of parenting duties on a daily basis on their own, just like other couples all over the world. Prince William and Kate Middleton will never have a normal marriage Even if Kate and Prince William are determined to give their children a normal life, the sad reality is that they will likely never experience that sense of normalcy in their own marriage. According to a recent report, the royal couple is discouraged from any public displays of affection, such as hand-holding or even a peck on the cheek, due to the rules of royal decorum. Although there isnt any specific rule that states how often married couples can engage in PDA, there are some guidelines, and couples are encouraged to match their behavior to the structure of the event that they are attending. Regular married couples dont have to worry about such things and are free to hold hands, hug, or affectionately touch each other whenever they choose. Prince William and Kate are forever duty-bound to live this type of life, due to the nature of Prince Williams role in the royal family. Still, the report also claims that the two do truly seem to be happy and that they are more or less used to living in the spotlight. They will certainly need all of their strength as well as their reserve as they navigate the future of the monarchy. A man who died after he got into difficulty while swimming in Co Clare yesterday had lost his teenage son in a double drowning tragedy. He was last night named locally as Tipperary native Fran Harding who was aged in his 40s. Mr Harding was the father of Shay Moloney (15), who drowned alongside his friend Jack Kenneally (15) in a disused quarry on the outskirts of Ennis in May 2018. Mr Harding was expecting a baby with his partner, Sarah Jane, later this year. She was on the beach at the time the tragedy unfolded. The alarm was raised about 10.40am yesterday after a person was reported to have disappeared beneath the surface of the water off Lahinch beach. Expand Close Fran Hardings son Shay Moloney drowned in 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fran Hardings son Shay Moloney drowned in 2018 It is understood a surfer spotted the man in difficulty but, according to onlookers, was unable to reach him. The surfer is believed to have returned to shore to seek further help and raise the alarm. Several other surfers then rushed into the sea and commenced a search for the missing man. The Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 115, carried out a search of the area and about 15 minutes later spotted a person in the water. Mr Harding was taken from the sea by the helicopter and winched onto the beach where efforts were made to resuscitate him. He was flown to University Hospital Limerick where he later died. Local councillor and family friend Mary Howard told the Irish Independent that the Ennis community was in a state of "utter disbelief and total sadness". "No one can put into words what this family has gone through. "Fran experienced an indescribable loss when Shay died and mourned for him every day," she said. "But when he found out that he was going to be a father again he was so thrilled and excited. No one can believe that this has happened. "Life can be so cruel to the nicest and most compassionate people. "My thoughts and prayers go to his poor family and especially his wife," she said. Shay was described as a hero when he died after trying to save the life of his pal Jack, who had got into difficulty at the 80ft-deep quarry on May 31, 2018. They were celebrating the final day of their school year. The pair were students from St Flannan's College, Co Clare, and both played starring roles in the Ennis under-15 rugby team. A third teen was lucky to escape with his life after diving into the water to help his friends. The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the Centre's response on a plea moved by a convict in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings case, challenging a CIC order denying his request for documents related to a 2007 notification empowering the secretaries of state governments to sanction prosecution for offences under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Justice Jayant Nath issued notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and sought its stand on the petition filed by Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddique, who was sentenced to death for his role in the serial blasts that claimed 189 lives. On July 11, 2006, seven RDX explosions ripped through as many Western line local trains in Mumbai, leading to the death of 189 people and injuring 829. Siddique, in his plea moved through advocate Arpit Bhargava, has contended that he was arrested in 2006 and the sanction for his prosecution was granted by the Maharashtra additional chief secretary in January 2007, six months before the notification was issued. Therefore, the sanction granted was null and void for want of authorisation on the date it was issued, Siddique, who is on death row at the Nagpur Central Jail, has contended in his petition. He has claimed in his plea that the "proposal and all other documents of respondent (MHA)/department's file related to the issue of notification dated June 21, 2007" will help to show that the sanction for his prosecution was granted wrongly. Siddique has said in his plea that he had requested for the information in 2017 through an RTI application to the MHA, which had denied to provide it. Thereafter, his appeal against the MHA decision was rejected on June 13, 2019 by the Central Information Commission (CIC), which said the information sought pertained to the security and sovereignty of the country and was, therefore, exempt from the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. During the arguments, the central government told the court that the information sought pertained to the security, sovereignty and integrity of India and therefore, it could not be disclosed. However, the court did not accept the argument, saying "that is a general sweeping statement". Siddique has claimed that he was falsely implicated in the blasts case and therefore, it amounts to violation of his human rights. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) America is awash in kind, caring teachers, who want their students to acquire real skills and knowledge. Collectively, though, public schools too often are rigid bureaucracies that ignore individual children. Conservative parents would add that public schools push a hard Left agenda on students captive in their classrooms. Some parents are starting to fight back. One set of parents, frustrated by public schools' inflexibility when dealing with handicapped students, is fighting fire with fire by forming a union: Keri Rodrigues and Alma Marquez said they were so appalled by the low standards of America's public school teachers unions, they formed the National Parents Union (NPU), so families could have a greater say in their children's education. Rodrigues, a mother of three from Boston, and Marquez, a mother of one from Los Angeles, are no strangers to public-sector unions. Rodrigues worked for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), while Marquez grew up in a union household and worked for Green Dot Public Schools a public charter organization. [snip] [Andy] Stern, who serves as SEIU's president emeritus, spoke with Fox News and offered his total support. "This is not about left or right. This is about what is right and wrong for our kids," he said in an email. "For far too long, the conversation around education has often excluded the biggest and most important advocates for children, their parents. That must change. NPU is helping bring together parents who alone and on their own are often the powerless, but by organizing their voices through the National Parents Union can become the powerful. NPU will give parents the voice they deserve." Stern also warned Rodrigues and Marquez about going up against an opponant [sic] with vast financial resources and a lot to lose. Teachers unions are still recovering from a 2018 Supreme Court decision that eliminated mandatory financial dues, but they still continue to enjoy a sizeable war chest. The NEA and its state affiliates took in over $1.6 billion from 20172018, according to financial disclosure reports. Given Rodrigues's and Marquez's union backgrounds, as well as SEIU's support, and contrary to the SEIU president's claims, this probably will be about "left or right." However, anything that forces public schools to treat students as individuals, not metrics, should improve education. Conservative parents have another problem: public school too often use their control over students to indoctrinate them with Leftist ideology. Glenn Reynolds, a top conservative blogger, routinely quips that sending children to public schools is a form of child abuse. As the schools get more extreme, parents are rising up at the grassroots level, many of them spurred by the aggressive intrusion of LGBT issues. In North Manchester, Indiana, one father is leading a parents' revolt against school transgender policies: North Manchester, Ind., a tiny conservative town that resides in a county that voted 72% for Donald Trump, is embroiled in the cultural battle of their lives. In December, parents of students at North Manchester Elementary found out that the school was allowing a biological boy to use the girls' bathroom without notifying parents or passing any policy that was debated in a public meeting. As a result, multiple families pulled their children out of the school at the urging of Nate Gephart, a father turned activist who had finally had enough. The superintendent, Dr. Teresa Gremaux, claims that federal law under Title IX is forcing the school to allow a tiny minority of gender-confused children to invade the privacy of everyone else. [snip] PJ Media reached out to Gephart, who pulled four of his children out of the school and has begun homeschooling them in response to the school board's lawless actions. "We had enough of the garbage," he said. "It was toxic." Gephart didn't stop with his own children, but is leading a movement to remove 100 students from the school and cause a painful financial blow to the school's federal funding. "I'd say the ones that I know about, probably 12 to 15 [kids pulled out] right now and a couple of families are on the fence but that could jump into the twenties very shortly," he said. "We are having a meeting soon...we have a lot of momentum here in this town." Gephart started a website called ProtectingOurChildren.net, where videos of contentious board meetings are posted and you can watch the parents revolt and walk out, disgusted, after listening to an "expert" tell them that doctors "assign sex" at birth and are often wrong. With all due respect to the myriad good teachers across America, it's high time that parents remind the activist teachers that they are public servants, not public masters, and that they cannot use taxpayer money and children held hostage in classrooms to advance hard Left political and social agendas. TDT/Manama UniGlobal Education Centre, a private educational services centre that assists Bahrain residents in getting admissions at reputed institutions abroad to pursue their higher education, recently teamed up with Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore and S P Jain School of Global Management. Both these Universities are well known for the quality education they provide through their courses for young aspirants seeking higher education. UniGlobal, which had a humble beginning in 2016 has spread its wings in the last three years. As of today, it is functioning from Segaya and has another centre named Coral Education Centre in Umm Al Hassam. S P Jain School of Global Management is a Higher Education provider in Singapore, Australia, Dubai and India. Their undergraduate programmes provide higher studies to obtain Bachelors Degree for a fast- paced career in business. SPJ has campuses in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney. Students will be able to complete their studies in all the campuses during the course of their study. During the course, a student can avail the opportunity to study from one or more of these campuses before completing the programmes. Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore, India has undergraduate programmes to obtain Bachelors Degree, Postgraduate Programmes to obtain Masters Degree and Research Programmes to obtain MPhil and Doctorates. The University provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving students. Quality education is provided for the holistic development of the personalities by giving attention to scholastic as well as non- scholastic activities. The University also provides residential facilities. Dr Chenraj Roychand, the Founder President and Chairman of JGI Group, is visiting Bahrain on 7th February, 2020 to address a seminar and to interact with the ambitious youngsters of Bahrain, wishing to pursue higher education in Jain (Deemed-to-be University). He will explain the facilities and courses offered, the admission process etc. and will also clear their doubts during the interactive session. Dr Sridhara Murthy, Director of Jain (Deemed-to-be University) and Ex ISRO scientist and Planning Commission of India along with Mr C G Krishna Das, Chancellor of Jain University and Ex-CEO of HAL also will attend the seminar and answer the questions of parents and students. The highlights of Jain (Deemed-to-be University) are the latest trending courses, like information technology, Data Analytics, Big Data mobile application, Cyber security, IOT, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics Process automation, Machine learning, Forensic science as a carrier and B.Com with ACCA. Chairman of UniGlobal Education Centre, Mr J P Menon said: By joining hands with quite a few globally recognised institutions, UniGlobal Education Centre is picking pace in actively involving in the development of Bahrain by helping its youth to get placements in their desired institutions in their desired country. Mr Rajkumar Jain, university representative will be available at Uniglobal till 16th February 2020, for Career Counselling and Spot Admissions. Parents of ambitious students should not miss the opportunity to interact with him. Contact 17344971/2 or 32332708/09 to book your timings. Representatives of the Phogat Khap, which wields influence over 19 villages of Dadri district, on Sunday issued instructions to solemnise marriages before 10pm, while imposing ban on DJs (disc jockeys) and consumption of liquor in wedding ceremonies after the said time. The khap also prohibited conducting kaaj in these villages. Kaaj is a ritual performed by most people in Haryana when some elderly family member dies of natural causes. The Sunday panchayat was presided over by Balwant Singh. We have also decided to impose a ban on celebratory firing in marriage functions. The decision of culminating the wedding ceremonies by 10pm has been taken as in late-night functions, baraatis consume liquor and tend to indulge in fights. Then they drive back home under the influence of alcohol, raising the possibility of fatal accidents, he added. Phogat Khap convener Ram Singh Balkra said the ban on DJ in wedding ceremonies and other functions in 19 villages has been implemented after taking into consideration the noise pollution and its harmful effects on cattle. The high volume of music does not let cows and buffaloes sleep, which adversely impacts their milk-yielding capabilities. Moreover, many people dance under the influence of alcohol and misbehave with women, he explained. He said that the DJ system and kaaj ceremonies were wastage of money, especially when rural economy was in distress. TO HONOUR TOP PERFORMERS The representatives of Phogat Khap have also decided to honour top performers in academic and sports categories. They also sought an inquiry into the 2016 Jat quota agitation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11. Mumbai: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has slammed the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government for allegedly issuing notice to a city school for organising a Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) awareness programme. Its unfortunate that the Thackeray Sarkar has issued notice to Dayanand School of Mumbai for an education programme on #CAA, CAA passed by Parliament. President gave assent. Implementation started now. We condemn Maharashtras Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government action, Mr Somaiya tweeted. The CAA was passed by Parliament and the Rashtrapati. If citizens, private/social organisations or educational institutions arrange any educational, informational, awareness programme, why should anybody object, he said. The Act, under which non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be given Indian citizenship, came into force from January 10 after a gazette notification was issued by the Centre. The BJP has strongly objected the notice issued by the education department against Dayanand School for participation of some of its students in the CAA educative, awareness programme. I will file a police complaint against such notice (officials) Tuesday. The complaint letter has already been sent to the education department, the former BJP MP said. The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11. Those opposed to the legislation are of the view that it is for the first time that India will grant citizenship on the basis of religion, which violates the basic tenets of the countrys Constitution. However, the government and ruling BJP have defended the Act, saying that minority groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have no other option but to come to India when they face religious persecution there. Harvey Weinstein entering New York City Criminal Court on Jan. 13. (Photo: Scott Heins/Getty Images) I remember right where I was when news of the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke in 2017 sitting at my desk, wrapping up a day of work as a lifestyle editor, when a colleague said, Oh, my God! and posted a link to the New York Times story in Slack, and we women, all of us devoured it immediately, with equal parts horror and recognition and schadenfreude. I will now also always remember the exact, sinking instant I realized I could possibly wind up deciding Weinsteins fate, as a trial juror. Between those two moments came days and months and then years of following the ever-unfurling narrative of allegations detailing hotel rooms and bathrobes and showers, of #MeToo and codes of silence and loyal wives (some of which I even wrote about), and oft-heated discussions about consent and sexism at work and at dinner with friends and at family gatherings. All of that baggage came along with me last week, as I clutched my red-and-white jury duty summons and arrived at New York City Criminal Court, an imposing collection of limestone art deco towers, fronted, on that morning, by a buzzing crowd of paparazzi. Though I knew the Weinstein trial had begun and understood that the crowd was awaiting his arrival and even noticed a stable of camped-out reporters and photographers in the hallway of the very floor Id been instructed to report to I felt certain Id have nothing to do with this famous high-profile trial. It would have been just too absurd. It was only after an hour and a half of waiting around in the main jury room, when a court officer led over 100 of us down the hall, past the reporters and into a courtroom, that I fully understood what was going on. Thats when I stepped through the doors, noticing a wild-haired, bespectacled courtroom sketch artist seated to my right, in the back row, adding finishing touches to the colorful, pastel closeup of a face of a human who was by now unmistakable: Harvey Weinstein. One of the courtroom sketches though not the exact one that tipped off the writer of artist Jane Rosenberg. (Sketch courtesy of Jane Rosenberg) My heart racing as I took a seat in a wooden bench just a few rows in front of her, I peered around the other potential jurors heads up toward the front of the courtroom. Story continues First, I saw the walker. And then, Weinstein himself. He was seated with his back to all of us, facing the judge, surrounded by members of his legal team. He wore a dark suit, his pate was gray and balding, his pallor gray. He looked hunched and small and unwell. Justice James Burke addressed the room from high above, thanked us for our service and told us what case this was: The People of New York v. Harvey Weinstein. People gasped. A woman seated up front said, Oh s***. The mood in the room became decidedly strange. This is crazy, I whispered to the woman on my left, who just closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. The man on my right had seemingly no reaction. I kept my eyes trained on the back of Weinsteins head as the judge continued speaking, letting us know that that wed be dismissed early and return in the morning, adding that simply having heard of the defendant did not disqualify us from service. Burke implored all of us, in fact, no matter what we knew or didnt know, to spend the night examining our conscience, and considering whether or not we could be fair and impartial jurors in this trial. He waxed poetic on the virtues of jury duty, and how positive an experience it is for the majority of people who serve. He then shared with us the specific charges against Weinstein four counts of felony predatory sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual act in the first degree and one count each of first-degree rape and third-degree rape so we could let it all sink in. Harvey Weinstein and his attorney Donna Rotunno exit New York Criminal Court after the fifth day on trial. (Photo: John Lamparski/Echoes Wire/Barcroft Media via Getty Images) I felt sick as I left the courtroom, jamming myself into an elevator with other prospective jurors. I wanted to call out, That was surreal! but everyone was so stunned and silent that I just kept quiet too. I walked to the subway, my nerves jangled. What if I got picked? What if I should get picked? Could I really be fair and impartial? That night, I followed the judges suggestion to soul-search. Which was hard, after two years of obsessing over details of the case and thinking and writing about the allegations and listening to the accusers speak and of thinking about the friends I have who have been raped or harassed and of meditating on my own experiences with sexual harassment, and of what my tween daughter will likely one day face in this world. I slept fitfully that night. But I felt sure by the morning of what Id have to do. Back at the courtroom, I wound up seated in the very front row, with nothing between Weinstein and me but the walker. He was already at the table before the judge with his legal team when we arrived, and now, at this close range, I could see that his left shoulder drooped down deeper than the right and that the white collar of his shirt was crooked, half-tucked into the back collar of his blazer and half sticking out. He was hunched over pages of what looked like a transcript, making notes in the margins, and while one word kept echoing through my brain karma, karma, karma I did almost feel sad for him. To his right was power attorney Donna Rotunno, with her angular cheekbones and chunky glasses, wearing a blood-red pussy-bow blouse under a fitted leather blazer, looking scary, making me shudder at the thought of being cross-examined by her. As the entirety of the jury pool filed in, she and the other attorneys including those on the other side, from the district attorneys office kept turning in their seats to study us, as if trying to discern who looked fair, who looked biased, who looked crazy. Some scribbled down notes. Once everyone was settled, Justice Burke repeated his spiel from the day before. Then he introduced the defendant, asking him to please rise and say hello to us all, as if we were at a party. Weinstein stood slowly, with effort, and turned around to face the courtroom. Hello, everybody, he said, forcing a smile. I noticed he looked ashen and more pockmarked than usual before he twisted back around into his seat. Burke then introduced all of the attorneys, who also rose to greet the room, and then asked if any prospective juror knew any one of those people. A few shared that they did with one woman admitting that she was friends with Rotunno and another noting that her friend had had an encounter with Weinstein. Next came the big question of the day: Who among you believes you cannot be a fair and impartial juror in this particular case? I wasnt quick enough to count, but I turned around to look, and nearly half the room raised a hand. Including me. Women inspired by the Chilean feminist group called Las Tesis protested with loud chanting in front of the New York City criminal court during Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes trial. (Photo: John Lamparski / Echoes Wire / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) Right or wrong, I had my mind made up about Weinstein. And it felt only right to admit it even if I did have to stand in my seat and hold a microphone and say and spell my name in front of everyone. I appreciated that the judge did not want reasons at that moment and that the question had been posed so directly, unlike in other, more formal voire dires Id been involved with in the past, in which admitting bias without articulating it outright (I own stock in that company, I was mugged once, My dad is a cop) was the norm. Just then, after a couple more screening questions, as the session was wrapping up for the afternoon, a thunderous wave of womens voices poured through the windows of the courtroom from the street 15 floors below. It was chanting, fierce and powerful, almost like a song, backed by the unwavering beat of a drum. Though it was nearly impossible to make out the words being shouted, I did hear one statement And the rapist is you! loud and clear. And so, it seemed, did Weinstein, whose face, which was turned toward us in profile in that incredibly chilling moment, looked stricken. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Russian lawyer Tretyakov denied reconsideration of $4.5 mln recovery ruling RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 11:43 13/01/2020 MOSCOW, January 13 (RAPSI) The Supreme Court of Russia has dismissed an application filed by Chairman of Tretyakov & Partners law firm Igor Tretyakov involved in the Roscosmos embezzlement case seeking to overturn a ruling to recover 308 million rubles from ($4.5 million) from him, according to the E-justice court case file. In late November 2018, the Moscow Regional Commercial Court ordered recovery of the money Tretyakov allegedly received in the S.A. Lavochkin Scientific Union under the pretence of legal services. The court also declared 21 contracts signed by the Scientific Union and the lawyer between July 2016 and January 2018 invalid. The court therefore granted a claim filed by the Moscow Region Prosecutors Office on behalf of the Federal Property Management Agency (Rosimushchestvo) and the state corporation Roscosmos. Prosecutors insisted that the agreements were invalid as Tretyakov had not participate in court proceedings himself. Thus, the lawyer has only created a semblance of his activity. In May and September, the Tenth Commercial Court of Appeals and the Moscow District Commercial Court upheld the ruling. Currently, Tretyakov is a defendant in the case on embezzling 330 million rubles (about $5 million) from Roscosmos. In late December, the case was returned to prosecutors, according to the lawyers attorney Stanislav Shostak. He is in detention now. Two other defendants, ex-CEO of the S.A. Lavochkin Scientific Union Sergey Lemeshevsky and chief of the Unions legal department Yekaterina Averyanova were also detained. Later, Averyanova admitted guilt and signed a deal with investigators in exchange for release from detention under house arrest. According to investigators, the defendants have stolen assets of Roscosmos by signing fraudulent contracts for provision of legal services with the law firm. All the works were allegedly performed by the corporations own specialists. The overall sum of payments to the firm reached 330 million rubles. Tretyakov pleads not guilty. The Avalon Shelton is under new ownership. The 250-unit riverfront apartment complex at 185 Canal St. was purchased by Pennsylvania-based Merion Realty Partners for an undisclosed amount, according to a Monday announcement made by CBRE. The commercial real estate agency represented the former owner, AvalonBay Communities, while also securing a buyer. We are pleased to have represented Avalon in the sale of Avalon Shelton. This is a very unique asset, said CBREs Jeff Dunne, who was part of the CBRE team that facilitated the transaction. Its location adjacent to walking paths along the Housatonic River offers residents with scenic views in a tranquil environment. The complex offers easy access to Route 8 and employment centers in New Haven, Stamford and Norwalk, he said. The Avalon was one of the first apartment complexes built as part of the Shelton Riverfront Master Plan, which called for construction of 650 units along Canal Street facing the river either by converting old industrial buildings or through new construction. The mid-rise luxury apartment was built in 2013 by Bridgeport-based developer John Guedes. The complex was followed by hundreds of other units along the strip. AvalonBay Communities still has a presence in Connecticut, with apartment complexes in Norwalk, Stamford, Wilton, New Canaan and Stratford. This is Merions first acquisition in Connecticut. The Pennsylvania investment firm, headquartered in Wynnewood, owns and manages properties nationwide with regional holdings in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Merion Realty Partners should do well with the asset as they expand their footprint in Connecticut and build on the solid operations from Avalon, Dunne said. jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com Royal Enfield made its entry in the BS VI-compliant manufacturers with the launch of the new Classic 350. The Indian automobile manufacturer has made some modern updates to the motorcycle apart from its BS VI powertrain. The company is offering two new colours with the BS VI upgrade, including Stealth Black and Chrome Black. This increases the colour options of the motorcycle to 10 variants along with the previous eight. Royal Enfield is also offering alloy wheels with the Stealth Black and Gunmetal Grey colour options. These will get 9-spoke alloy units with tubeless tyres. The BS VI Classic 350 also gets a single horn in place of the dual horn setup and a longer exhaust heat shield. Along with an updated engine, the company has also updated the motorcycles warranty. The bike will now come with a 3-year warranty with 3-year free roadside assistance as standard. This is an increment of one year of warranty and two years of roadside assistance over the previous model. Royal Enfield is also offering an option of extending the warranty to four years. For complying with the BS VI emission norms, Royal Enfield has upgraded the Classic 350s 346cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a fuel injector. The engine now makes 19.3PS of maximum power and 28Nm of peak torque. This is a decrease of 0.71PS of power over its predecessor, although it retains its torque figures. The new engine is also expected to be more fuel-efficient than its previous iteration. Thanks to its fuel injection and other upgrades, the BS VI Classic 350 now has a base price of Rs 1,65,025 (ex-showroom), while the chrome editions can cost up to Rs 1,81,727 (ex-showroom). It gets a price hike of Rs 11,122 to Rs 14,051 depending on the variant. Activist groups have vowed to escalate anti-Adani protests after German engineering giant Siemens announced it would not back out of a contract to install rail signals for the controversial Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. Dozens of Brisbane climate protests in 2019 led to more than 100 arrests and new laws passed in Queensland Parliament to outlaw lock-on devices used by activists. But 2020 is set to be an even more tumultuous year, with climate group Galilee Blockade saying it will not rest until Adani is stopped. "We can't back down, we will be escalating protests in Brisbane and elsewhere," spokesman Ben Pennings said. New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine the validity of the Centre's decision to amend an Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) provision to introduce a threshold of at least 10 per cent homebuyers in a project or 100 of the total allottees for initiating corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (IRP) against a real estate developer. A clutch of petitions challenging a provision of the IBC (Amendment) Ordinance 2019, promulgated on December 28 last year, was listed before a bench comprising Justices R.F. Nariman and S. Ravindra Bhat, which issued notice to the Centre and sought its response. As per the Ordinance, at least 100 allottees or 10 per cent of total allottees under a project, whichever is less, could move the court initiating insolvency against the realtor. The petitioners, most of whom are homebuyers, have challenged Section 3 of the Ordinance which left the buyers, who are financial creditors, remediless. Also, these buyers are prone to face discrimination by putting a pre-condition, which involves a minimum number of allottees of a particular project required for filing an application under Section 7 of the IBC for initiation of insolvency proceedings. The petitioners claimed that this Ordinance violates Articles 14 (equality before law) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution. "The NCLT shall allow an application under Section 7 of the IBC only if 100 members of such a class of individual investors or a group of individual investors that represent 10 per cent of such a class have jointly preferred the said application. "And additionally, it has also been stated that the application of Section 3 of the Impugned Ordinance shall be retrospective, thereby directly prejudicing the members of the Petitioner Association," said the petition filed by Association of Karvy Investors through advocates Ashwarya Sinha and Srijan Sinha. The petitioners also challenged the retrospective application of the Ordinance, especially with respect to the homebuyers' plea in tribunals. The petition seeks to challenge the vires of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, since Sections 3 and 10 of the Ordinance are manifestly arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. The petitioners, who had already moved the tribunal under IBC, said after these changes, their cases would be adversely affected and this could potentially lead to withdrawal of cases. The pleas largely contend that financial creditors already form a 'class' within the creditors under the IBC and debt owed to them forms a 'class' under the Code. The petitioners said the promulgation of the Ordinance is contrary to Article 123 of the Constitution and is liable to be set aside. Furious Canadians are lashing out over the $1.7 million it will potentially cost to provide security for Harry and Meghan when they move to Canada. The Queen on Monday agreed to allow her grandson and his wife to split their time between Canada and the UK while an agreement was made on their future following their shock resignation as senior royals. Concerns were raised about the possible burden on Canadian taxpayers when it first emerged Harry and Meghan were considering a move to North America. Following the Queen's statement, Twitter went into overdrive with some Canadians vowing to riot if they have to pay any money to help cover the cost of protecting the couple. 'If Canada ends up paying even a penny for Harry and Meghan when they live here I will riot,' one Twitter user wrote. Furious Canadians are lashing out over the $1.7 million it will potentially cost to provide security for Harry and Meghan when they move to Canada Another said: 'What's there to decide?! Taxpayers shouldn't have to fork out any money for these spoiled multi-millionaire brats.' 'So to get this clear. Prince Harry & Meghan with their young son get to CHOOSE to leave their home in England, they get to CHOOSE to live in Canada, even if part time, but Canadian taxpayers DO NOT get to CHOOSE to pay the security for their decisions. God bless the British way,' another tweeted. Others took direct aim at Prince Minister Justin Trudeau after reports emerged that he had already promised the Queen that Canada would cover at least some of the security costs. 'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. So again, WHY DID @JustinTrudeau think he could just use CANADIAN TAXPAYER MONEY for them??? NOT ACCEPTABLE? Then tell the PM!' a Twitter user said. '@JustinTrudeau Canadians should not pay for their security while in Canada! You make decisions on your own?! The people elected you so you should show respect and not give our tax money to the rich. We work hard for our money! They should too!!! Another said: 'This, if true is not right, @JustinTrudeau cannot unilaterally decide this, not one Canadian taxpayer dime be spent on these elite leaches! Neither are Canadian!' 'Prince Charles and Prince William are making the right call and @JustinTrudeau should follow suit. No Canadian taxpayer should pick up Harry and Meghan's security bill. They're no longer Royals.' Canada's finance minister Bill Morneau has since said the government has not yet spoken of the potential costs. 'No, we haven't spent any time thinking about this issue,' Morneau told reporters in Toronto on Monday. 'We obviously are always looking to make sure, as a member of the Commonwealth, we play a role. We have not had any discussions on that subject at this time.' Harry and Meghan 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. It is the city where the couple 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. It comes as the Queen said on Monday that she'd held 'very constructive' talks with Harry, his brother Prince William and their father Prince Charles in a bid to chart a course through the fallout of the bombshell announcement. Their effective resignation last week followed a year filled with rumors of infighting between the brothers and reports of Meghan feeling unwelcome in the highly traditional and structured royal family. 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family,' the 93-year-old monarch said in a statement after the first day of meetings at her Sandringham estate in eastern England. Harry and Meghan said they wanted to 'carve out a progressive new role within this institution'. 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,' the queen said. The monarch stressed the couple told her 'they do not want to be reliant on public funds' but did not address the issue of whether they would keep their royal titles. The Duchess of Sussex, then Meghan Markle, speaks to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the One Young World summit in Ottowa in September 2016. Prince Harry meets Justin Trudeau during a bilateral meeting in Toronto in September 2017 The Queen on Monday agreed to allow Harry and Meghan to split their time between Canada and the UK with their son Archie while an agreement was made on their future following their shock resignation as senior royals Harry and Meghan are formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Five percent of their income is from public funds. The rest comes from Prince Charles' Duchy of Cornwall, a hereditary private estate dating back to 1337, which funds the public, charitable and private activities of his family. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK,' said the queen, stressing that there were still 'complex matter' left to resolve. 'I have asked for final decisions to be reached within days,' she said. A recent poll conducted two days before the couple's shock announcement found that more than 60 per cent of Canadians would support the appointment of the Duke of Sussex as the Governor General of Canada. The mostly ceremonial role, which is to act as the Queen's representative in Canada, provides both a residence - Government House in Ottowa - and a security detail. Some 61 per cent of the Canadians polled said they would support having Harry replace current governor general Julie Payette when her term expires in two years. The poll came despite Harry never having expressed any interest in the post, which has been held by Canadians since the 1950s but was previously held by Britons. Model Amber Valletta, at the Fashion Awards in December, believes that if she didn't get sober 25 years ago, she wouldn't be alive. (Photo: Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/WireImage ) Amber Valletta is speaking out about her addiction. The 45-year-old supermodel, who soared to fame in the 90s alongside Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow, has been drug- and alcohol-free for 20-plus years. She says if she wasnt, she wouldnt be alive. In an interview with Porter magazine, Valletta talked about going public with her addiction at a 2014 MindBodyGreen event, admitting of the speech she gave at the invite-only event, I didnt think anyone would see. However, her powerful story in which the Vogue cover star revealed she would show up at photo shoots drunk and high went viral. I didnt have a problem when I was out using, if you saw me high or drunk, said Valletta, who is also an actress (on TVs Revenge as well as in films including Hitch and What Lies Beneath), of the years during which she was using. So why would I be ashamed of being clean and saying: I have a disease that I cant control? She continued, Only by being sober do I have any chance of survival. Left to my own devices, I guarantee you no matter how much I love life, my family, if I take a drink or any of my drugs of choice, Ill be dead. Ill ruin everything. So Valletta remains focused on her health and living a sober life. I want to be the person that I aspire to be, she said. I dont want to talk it, I want to live it. I want to allow myself the space to have bad days, be sad, be mad, be loving and accepting of others. Even people that I dont think are right. Its hard to do, but I want to move through the world as gently as I can. In her 2014 MindBodyGreen speech, the Oklahoma native said that at just 8 years old, she began looking for ways to get high I sniffed markers, I sniffed glue, fingernail polish, anything that could give me a buzz because she was uncomfortable being a human being. She started to use drugs that were around the culture of her family soon after, including marijuana. She was discovered at 15 and landed her first Vogue cover by 18, and the lifestyle gave her unlimited access to drugs. By 22, her addiction was at its peak, with cocaine and alcohol abuse. She sought help at 25 because she didnt want to die. Story continues Valletta was able to get sober and a year later had her son Auden, with ex-husband Chip McCaw. Valletta who is now in a relationship with hairstylist Teddy Charles told CBS News in 2014 that she worried for her son, now 19, as addiction runs in their family. "I mean, I know he's gonna experiment," Valletta said of Auden. "I mean, I kinda hope he doesn't but just because he has such he has such intense information about it, and he's seen it really up close. But I also don't want to be like that crazy parent that's like, you know, hovering and watching and not giving him his space, because I'm afraid if I don't allow him to do and make mistakes, he will also push against me." Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyles newsletter. Taron Egerton poses in the press room during the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Daniele Venturelli While "1917," "Joker," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and "The Irishman" will get to bask in the Oscars' spotlight until the awards ceremony in February, there are quite a few films and actors that didn't make Monday's nomination list. Then, there were the actors and flicks no one had expected to show up on the ballot. While some of the categories seem to have clear winners Renee Zellweger and Brad Pitt others appear to be a much tighter race. Here are 11 of the most surprising nominations and the biggest snubs. If you haven't had a chance to check out the full list of nominees for this year's Oscars, you can do so here. Snub: Taron Egerton Despite hoisting the Golden Globe for best actor in a musical or comedy last week, Taron Egerton will not be in contention for the leading actor Oscar. Egerton was praised by critics for his portrayal of Elton John in "Rocketman." He even nabbed a nomination at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, due to be announced next week. The biopic was only nominated in one category for the Academy Awards: best original song. John and Bernie Taupin won the Golden Globe for "("I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" last week. Surprise: Todd Phillips Todd Phillips attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin | Getty Images The directing category had stiff competition this year. Industry heavyweights Martin Scorsese ("The Irishman"), Sam Mendes ("1917") and Quentin Tarantino ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") were shoo-ins for spots in the category, leaving only two slots for dozens of worthy directors. Bong Joon Ho ("Parasite"), too, seemed like a lock for a nomination after the strong critical success of his foreign language film in the U.S. Noah Baumbach ("Marriage Story"), Greta Gerwig ("Little Women") and Taika Waititi ("Jojo Rabbit") were considered strong contenders for the remaining spot, with Todd Phillips ("Joker") seen as a bit of an underdog. Phillips ultimately secured the fifth spot on the ballot. Snub: Greta Gerwig Greta Gerwig photographed on the red carpet of the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Barcroft Media There's no doubt that the five directors nominated in the directing category of the Academy Awards deserved their spots on the ballot. However, many felt that Gerwig should have received a nomination for "Little Women." Gerwig was nominated in the category for 2017's "Lady Bird," but lost out to Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water"). Gerwig is one of only five women to have been nominated in the directing category in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards. Kathryn Bigelow is the only female director to win the prize, taking home the Oscar for "The Hurt Locker" in 2009. Snub: Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin | Getty Images Heading into Monday's nomination announcement, Laura Dern ("Marriage Story"), Margot Robbie ("Bombshell") and Jennifer Lopez ("Hustlers") were the suspected shoo-ins for supporting actress nominations. However, while Dern and Robbie secured their place on the ballot, Lopez was left off. Lopez had garnered nominations at both the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. She did not win at the Globes and the SAG Awards are set to be revealed on Sunday. Surprise: Kathy Bates Actress Kathy Bates attend the 2020 National Board Of Review Gala on January 08, 2020 in New York City. Mike Coppola | FilmMagic It seemed that Clint Eastwood's "Richard Jewell" would be completely shut out from Oscar contention this year after being panned by critics and audiences in December. However, on Monday, Kathy Bates nabbed a nomination in the best supporting actress category, surprising everyone. Bates, who was praised for her performance, had been overlooked in predictions in favor of Lopez ("Hustlers"), Annette Bening ("The Report"), Nicole Kidman ("Bombshell") and Zhao Shuzhen, ("The Farewell"). Despite a strong presence at The Golden Globes, "The Farewell" was largely absent from several of the major guild award nominations in the last two months. Still, many had suspected that Awkwafina would receive a nod for her acting performance in the film, but she was left off the ballot Monday. In fact, "The Farewell" did not receive a single Oscar nomination. Awkwafina accepts the award for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY for "The Farewell" onstage during the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Handout In a surprise turn of events Monday, Disney's "Frozen II" was left off the best animated feature ballot in favor of Netflix's "Klaus." Heading into the nominations, it was expected that Disney would have at least two features up for the award. Instead, "Toy Story 4" was nominated in the category alongside Golden Globe winner "Missing Link" and French fantasy drama "I Lost My Body." "Klaus" is the first original feature to be produced out of Netflix's animation unit. The Santa Claus origin story was praised for its unique style of 2D animation. Snub: Beyonce Knowles-Carter Beyonce Knowles-Carter attends the European Premiere of Disney's "The Lion King" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019 in London, England. Gareth Cattermole | Getty Images It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Beyonce Knowles-Carter would receive her first Academy Award nomination for her original song "Spirit," which was part of Disney's "The Lion King" live-action remake. However, on Monday, she was absent from the ballot. Randy Newman secured a nomination for "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" from "Toy Story 4," Elton John and Bernie Taupin scored one for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from "Rocketman," Diane Warren's "I'm Standing With You" from "Breakthrough" was nominated, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez's "Into the Unknown" from "Frozen II" earned a nod, and Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo garnered a nomination for "Stand Up" from "Harriet." While critically praised, "Ford v. Ferrari" had gone under the radar for much of the Academy Award discussions in recent weeks. The film ultimately scored four nominations achievement in sound mixing, achievement in sound editing, achievement in film editing and best picture. Christian Bale, however, was left off the acting ballot. Snub: 'Uncut Gems' and 'Dolemite is my Name' Xiaomis entry-level Mi range of fitness smart bands have been a popular choice among consumers. The latest Mi Band 4, launched in September, features a coloured AMOLED display and a host of new features. Xiaomi is now rumoured to be working on its successor, dubbed as the Mi Band 5. The Mi Band 5 will sport a bigger and better display compared to the Mi Band 4, according to a Tizen Help report. The budget fitness smart band is said to feature a 1.2-inch OLED touchscreen panel, which is notably bigger than the Mi Band 4s 0.95-inch display. The brighter screen will also have better contrast for better visibility even under direct sunlight. Another Mi Band 5 feature that would be a part of the global variant is NFC support. The feature has been present in previous Mi Band variants and is said to be made available globally with the Mi Band 5. The inclusion of NFC on global variants will pave the way for Google Pay support. Currently, Mi band 3 and Mi Band 4 support Mi Pay in China. As far as pricing is concerned, Mi Band 5 is expected to launch for Yuan 179 (roughly Rs 1,800). Xiaomi has not confirmed the launch details as yet. However, Huami, the wearable technology provider for Xiaomi has confirmed that Mi Band 5 will launch first in China in June 2020, according to the report. By Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich, Finian Cunningham January 13, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The 19-second video published by the New York Times last week showing the moment an Iranian missile hit a passenger jet has prompted much social media skepticism. Questions arise about the improbable timing and circumstances of recording the precise moment when the plane was hit. The newspaper ran the splash story on January 9, the day after a Ukrainian airliner was brought down near Tehran. It was headlined: Video Shows Ukrainian Plane Being Hit Over Iran. All 176 people onboard were killed. Two days later, the Iranian military admitted that one of its air defense units had fired at the plane in the mistaken belief that it was an incoming enemy cruise missile. A smoking gun was how NY Times journalist Christiaan Triebert described the video in a tweet. Triebert works in the visual investigations team at the paper. In the same tweet, he thanked a very big shout out to an Iranian national by the name of Nariman Gharib who provided it [the video] to the NY Times, and the videographer, who would like to remain anonymous. The footage i've got from a source - the moment the missile hit the #Flight752. I can't verify the video yet! but please let me know if you find anything. I'm in contact with the person who send this video to see if I can get a version of video which has a meta data on it pic.twitter.com/HtesW5uecB Nariman (@NarimanGharib) January 9, 2020 The anonymous videographer is the person who caught the 19-second clip which shows a missile striking Flight PS752 shortly after take-off from Tehrans Imam Khomenei airport at around 6.15 am. This person, who remains silent during the filming while smoking a cigarette (the smoke briefly wafts over the screen), is standing in the suburb of Parand looking northwest. His location was verified by the NY Times using satellite data. The rapid way the newspapers technical resources were marshaled raises a curious question about how a seemingly random video submission was afforded such punctilious attention. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter But the big question which many people on social media are asking is: why was this videographer standing in a derelict industrial area outside Tehran at around six oclock in the morning with a mobile phone camera training on a fixed angle to the darkened sky? The airliner is barely visible, yet the sky-watching person has the camera pointed and ready to film a most dramatic event, seconds before it happened. That strongly suggests, foreknowledge. Given that something awful has just been witnessed it is all the more strange that the person holding the camera remains calm and unshaken. There is no audible expression of shock or even the slightest disquiet. Turns out that Nariman Gharib, the guy who received the video and credited by the NY Times for submitting it, is a vociferous anti-Iranian government dissident who does not live in Iran. He ardently promotes regime change in his social media posts. Christiaan Triebert, the NY Times video expert, who collaborated closely with Gharib to get the story out within hours of the incident, previously worked as a senior investigator at Bellingcat. Bellingcat calls itself an independent online investigative journalism project, but numerous critics accuse it of being a media adjunct to Western military intelligence. Bellingcat has been a big proponent of media narratives smearing the Russian and Syrian governments over the MH17 shoot-down in Ukraine in 2014 and chemical weapons attacks. In the latest shoot-down of the airliner above Tehran, the tight liaison between a suspiciously placed anonymous videographer on the ground and an expatriate Iranian dissident who then gets the prompt and generous technical attention of the NY Times suggests a level of orchestration, not, as we are led to believe, a random happenstance submission. More sinisterly, the fateful incident was a setup. It seems reasonable to speculate that in the early hours of January 8 a calamitous incident was contrived to happen. The shoot-down occurred only four hours after Iran attacked two US military bases in Iraq. Those attacks were in revenge for the American drone assassination on January 3 of Irans top military commander, Maj. General Qassem Soleimani. Subsequently, Iranian air-defense systems were on high alert for a possible counter-strike by US forces. Several reports indicate that the Iranian defense radars were detecting warnings of incoming enemy warplanes and cruise missiles on the morning of 8 January. It does seem odd why the Iranian authorities did not cancel all commercial flights out of Tehran during that period. Perhaps because civilian airliners can normally be differentiated by radar and other signals from military objects. However, with the electronic warfare (EW) technology that the United States has developed in recent years it is entirely feasible for enemy military radars to be spoofed by phantom objects. One such EW developed by the Pentagon is Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) which can create deceptive signals on enemy radar systems of incoming warheads. What we contend therefore is this: the Americans exploited a brink-of-war scenario in which they anticipated Iranian air-defense systems to be on a hair-trigger. Add to this tension an assault by electronic warfare on Iranian military radars in which it would be technically feasible to distort a civilian airliners data as an offensive target. The Iranian military has claimed this was the nature of the shoot-down error. It seems plausible given the existing electronic warfare used by the Pentagon. Its a fair, albeit nefarious, bet that the flight paths out of Tehran were deliberately put in an extremely dangerous position by the malicious assault from American electronic warfare. A guy placed on the ground scoping the outward flight paths times known by publicly available schedules would be thus on hand to catch the provoked errant missile shot. The shoot-down setup would explain why Western intelligence were so quick to confidently assert what happened, contradicting Irans initial claims of a technical onboard plane failure. The disaster has gravely undermined the Iranian government, both at home and around the world. Protests have erupted in Iran denouncing the authorities and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp for lying about the crash. Most of the 176 victims were Iranian nationals. The anger on the streets is being fueled by the public comments of Western leaders like Donald Trump, who no doubt see the clamor and recriminations as an opportunity to push harder for regime change in Iran. This article was originally published by " Sputnik " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== When Joseph Amatos son came home for the Thanksgiving holiday, he decided to take care of some business with his sons car. The Kia Optimas hood latch was jammed and the car was still under warranty. It also needed a tire rotation and wheel alignment, and had two open recalls that needed to be addressed. They took the car to Sansone Kia in Avenel. There were no problems at all with the service provided or with the professionalism shown by all employees encountered, Amato said. His issue was with a mysterious $12.50 charge for hazardous waste removal. Want more personal finance news? Enter your email address to be the first to know: The charge was listed on the invoice under Job #A. There was no Job #A on the invoice nor did any of the services provided involve the removal of any waste hazardous or otherwise, Amato said. He said he asked the service advisor about the charge. I confirmed with her that there was no waste removal, Amato said. She looked away and vaguely mentioned that they have to charge this under New Jersey rules and that their charges for this are lower than most. Amato wasnt happy with the charge but he paid it anyway. But it was eating at him, so he did a little research, and he came away believing that lots of dealerships charge this fee even if there is no specific hazardous removal. I realize that $12.50 is a minor amount per individual, he said. For the dealership however, this can amount to tens of thousands of dollars on an annual basis all of it ill-gotten. If one dealership is doing it, then you can bet so are a lot of others. And yes, I want my $12.50 back! he said. He asked Bamboozled for help. A CLOSER LOOK We reviewed the invoice and set out to find what happened. We contacted Sansone, and while we waited for a call back, we wanted to learn more about what could and could not be charged. First, we reviewed the invoice with the Division of Consumer Affairs and the states Department of Environmental Protection. It was determined that one of the recalls an inhibitor switch replacement could have contained mercury, which would have required hazardous waste removal. But that was a recall. If that was the source of the waste charge, shouldnt the dealer have covered it? We reached out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see how it should be handled. The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires manufacturers to remedy recalled vehicles without charge, NHTSA said, including any waste fees. You can read more about recall rules here. Then we got an email from Anthony Juliano, a service advisor at Sansone Kia. Juliano confirmed Amato brought the car in for service, and on his estimate was an estimate for shop charges of $15.25. Ultimately, the repair invoice read hazardous waste for $12.50, he said. Juliano said shop charges would include any miscellaneous items necessary for repair that were not otherwise itemized in the estimate or bill, such as unitemized nuts, bolts, cotter pins, clips, miscellaneous hardware, gloves, rags, cleaners, degreasers, lubricants and absorbents, which he said are incurred in all services to one degree or another. He said an environmental waste or hazardous waste fee is charged when there is removal and replacement of items such as oil, coolant, antifreeze, refrigerant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, solvents and soiled materials or absorbents used during the repair. Sansone Kia, like other auto dealers and service facilities, is required to properly dispose of such materials at significant cost and expense in accordance with state and federal law, he said. In Amatos case, the estimate was for $15.25 of shop supplies but shows up as Hazardous Waste Removal, he said. This wording is simply a function of the software used by the dealership and not a function of the type of fee, he said. His fee for $12.50 was for `shop supplies as found on his estimate. In the end he paid less than the estimate for such `shop supplies. Juliano said the dealership is undertaking a technical review of the programming to insure that proper phrasing is noted on the invoice supplied to the customer. We asked if there was a hazardous fee related to a recall hypothetically and not for Amato specifically whether the customer or the dealer would be responsible for the fee. It is my understanding that shop supplies or environmental or hazardous waste disposal fees, for recalls or warranty work, are not coded to be paid by the customer, Juliano said. That jibes with NHTSA told us. We took the explanations back to Amato. He wasnt buying it. Theyre making a grey area out of it since we dont have access to any other customer invoices, he said. Amato said he was never given a written estimate for the work only the invoice when the work was done. The non-warranty work was the tire rotation and the alignment, he said. So could shop supplies show as an additional charge? Sure they could, but usually they are just included in overall cost. And, he argued, the invoice read that it was a charge for waste and not miscellaneous supplies. This is nothing more than double talk; I think they're blatantly treating us like we're not too smart, Amato said. How come the service rep told me it was disposal charges for the work being done? Was no one in the whole organization wondering about this? It's asking too much for us to believe this. The lesson here, dear readers: Whenever you take your car for service, make sure you examine the bill and understand every charge. If youre not sure about a fee, ask. Please share with us in the comments section your experiences with questionable charges. Have you been Bamboozled? Reach Karin Price Mueller at Bamboozled@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KPMueller. Find Bamboozled on Facebook. Mueller is also the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he was outraged by another missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, as neighboring Iran signalled a wish to de-escalate tensions. Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase, Pompeo tweeted. These continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sundays rocket attacks, in which the Iraqi military said eight missiles wounded two Iraqi officers and two airmen. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. The Al-Balad base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors, but most were evacuated following a sharp rise in friction between the US and Iran over the past two weeks, military sources told AFP. Al-Balad is the main airbase for Iraqs F-16s, which it bought from the US. Military bases hosting US troops have been subject in recent months to rocket and mortar attacks that have mostly wounded Iraqi forces, but also killed one American contractor last month. That death set off a series of dramatic developments, with the US carrying out deadly strikes against a pro-Iran paramilitary group in Iraq as well as a convoy carrying top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport. Pro-Iran factions in Iraq have vowed revenge for those raids. Nobel prize-winning American economist Richard Thaler on Monday said citizens across the globe should nudge governments to act responsibly where economies are threatened. Thaler, whose 'Nudge Thoery' won him the Nobel prize in 2017, said there are protests in every part of the world which have come to India and it shows that democracy is "fragile" right now. "Citizens should always be nudging their governments to act responsibly. Protests are around the world that have come to India and economies are threatened. There is nothing surprising about it," Thaler said at an event organised by IIM (Calcutta) here. The Nobel laureate's comment came amid protests across the country over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed nationwide NRC. Speaking about the United States, Thaler said there is no volatility in the American economy for a decade. "It seems that the market in US is in sleep for a decade. Did no one notice it? Not just US, Brexit was madness. Even in France, there are protests", Thaler said. "These events show democracy is fragile right now. As an investor, I am nervous. I do not know what to do about it", he added. The economist said all these countries need to figure it out, he said. Thaler said nudges are like hints. "They could be rejected or ignored but does influence the choice architects, which are the governments," he said. Also Read: Sensex, Nifty close at record highs; IT, consumer durable stocks lead gains Also Read: Retail inflation touches 7.35% in December, highest since July 2014 Also Read: Sebi extends deadline to separate roles of chairman, MDs by two years Priyanka Chopra attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is heading to Davos. The actress and activist will urge the world's billionaires and leaders to use their wealth to end extreme poverty, address climate change and reduce inequity by 2030. Chopra Jonas is partnering with Global Goal Live, a campaign led by Global Citizen and consulting firm Teneo. The campaign calls on billionaires to address the inequality gap between the world's wealthiest and poorest countries. The Global Goals campaign was agreed to by all 193 member states of the United Nations in 2015. Chopra Jonas will speak in a fireside chat on Jan. 21, coinciding with the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. In 2017, Forbes named Chopra Jonas one of Bollywood's highest paid actors, with $10 million in annual earnings. She has since married Nick Jonas of the band The Jonas Brothers. The top court on Monday issued a notice informing listing of petition filed by Indian Young Lawyers Association seeking review of its historic 2018 judgment allowing women and girls of all ages to enter Sabarimala temple New Delhi: A nine-judge constitution bench of Supreme Court will hear from 13 January, 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. The top court on Monday issued a notice informing listing of petition filed by Indian Young Lawyers Association seeking review of its historic 2018 judgment allowing women and girls of all ages to enter Sabarimala temple "Take notice that the following matters will be listed for hearing before a nine judges constitution bench commencing from Monday the 13th January, 2020", the notice said. The names of the nine judges are yet to be announced. On 14 November, a five-judge constitution bench in a 3:2 majority verdict had referred to a larger 7-judge bench, the pleas seeking review of its historic 2018 judgment allowing women and girls of all ages to enter Sabarimala temple. It had however said that the debate about the constitutional validity of religious practices like bar on entry of women and girls into a place of worship was not limited to the Sabarimala case. The top court said such restrictions are there with regard to entry of Muslim women into mosques and 'dargah' and Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, being barred from the holy fire place of an Agyari. It said that it was time for the apex court to evolve a judicial policy to do "substantial and complete justice". CAIRO - Details of an agreement which the prime minister of Libya's national-unity government, Fayez al Sarraj, and eastern Libyan strongman, General Khalifa Haftar are about to sign in Moscow include a halt to the deployment of Turkish troops in Libya, a ceasefire supervised by the United Nations and Russia, the withdrawal of militias and a political solution, according to a report broadcast by Al Arabiya, which quoted its sources. According to al Arabiya's sources, some armed militias will lay down their arms; duties and political powers will be distributed between Sarraj's national-unity government (Tripoli) on one side and the Libyan Paliament (Tobruk) and the command of Haftar's forces on the other. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), according to the broadcaster's sources, will pursue the fight against terrorism as its most important task, subsequently in coordination with Sarraj. Also, the LNA will be tasked with overseeing the security of oil and gas installations while ports will be under international supervision. Pietro Fittipaldi will remain a reserve driver at Haas in 2020. "If I continue with Haas, I want to have a bigger role," the 23-year-old, who is the grandson of F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi, said last month. Now, Denmark's BT newspaper - with sources at the American team for whom Dane Kevin Magnussen races - said Fittipaldi's new deal is done. We had reported that the Brazilian's role for 2020 may have been in doubt during Robert Kubica's negotiations with Haas. Kubica and his backer PKN Orlen have since signed up at Alfa Romeo instead. Haas raced with a black and gold livery last year due to the ill-fated title sponsorship with a now departed British energy drink. As for Haas' 2020 colours, a team spokesman said: "You'll have to wait and see." BT newspaper also said Haas' 2020 car will be officially unveiled on the morning of the first day of winter testing, in Barcelona on February 19. (GMM) Nationwide NRC needless: Nitish Kumar reiterates points to Modis clarification India oi-Madhuri Adnal Patna, Jan 13: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday asserted that nationwide implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) was needless and had no justification. He made the remarks on the floor of the state assembly while thanking the House members for unanimously approving a constitutional amendment for extending quotas to SCs and STs by another 10 years. Referring to an impassioned speech made by Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who had demanded that the chief minister, who is an ally of the BJP, come clean on the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, NRC and National Population Register (NPR), Kumar wondered from where did this talk of NRC sprung up? The country is witnessing huge turmoil on these issues (CAA, NRC and NPR), Kumar said, adding that we should keep in mind that NRC was an exercise confined to Assam as part of the accord signed by the Rajiv Gandhi government. Sonia Gandhi calls Oppn meet today on CAA, NRC; Mamata, Mayawati, AAP to skip A nationwide NRC would be needless (koi zarurat nahin hai) and has no justification (koi auchitya nahin hai). We do not think any such thing is going to take place. I think the prime minister, too, has spoken clearly on this, he added. (RNS) Marching through dark streets under torches, the mob proudly displayed their swastikas, shouting "Heil, Hitler" and chanting the chilling refrain, Blood and soil! Blood and soil! One of the marchers, captured by a photographer, wore a Johnny Cash T-shirt. This wasnt 1930s Germany. This was Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. The association of Johnny Cash with the hate-filled, white-supremacist Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville drew a sharp and public rebuke from the Cash family. Cash's daughter Rosanne posted a passionate note on her Facebook page on behalf of herself and the other Cash children. Under the heading A message from the children of Johnny Cash, Rosanne described her father as "a man whose heart beat with the rhythm of love and social justice. His pacifism and inclusive patriotism were two of his most defining characteristics. He would be horrified at even a casual use of his name or image for an idea or a cause founded in persecution and hatred. Our dad told each of us, over and over throughout our lives, Children, you can choose love or hate. I choose love. When you think of the music of the Man in Black, you mostly think of the music where Cash speaks up for the poor, the struggling and the disenfranchised, songs that beat with the rhythm of love and social justice. But Cash was an outspoken patriot and he loved America, and his patriotism often made the gospel messages found in his music vulnerable to distortion and misappropriation, in exactly the same way that patriotism and nationalism of all sorts can distort and twist the gospel. Nationalistic nostalgia can lead us into some dark, troubled waters. A neo-Nazi could end up wearing your T-shirt. No song better captures this dynamic than Ragged Old Flag. The song, from the 1974 album of the same title, recounts a narrative of loss and decay. The flag and the nation it represents has been damaged. The problem with this narrative of injury is that it conjures up feelings of resentment, causing us to peer anxiously across the political aisle, our backyard fences and our national borders as we search for the culprits who are hurting America. The image of the ragged old flag a damaged America creates suspicion and paranoia, and that fear breeds intolerance and hate. We can keep the gospel witness of Johnny Cash free from the temptations of patriotic nostalgia by focusing on how his music spoke up for the people the American Dream has left behind. The music of Johnny Cash is at its best, artistically and theologically, when he calls for an inclusive patriotism. When Cash sings These are my people in his love song to America, we keep in view his advocacy for Native Americans, the prisoners cheering in Folsom and San Quentin, the Great Depression farmers in Arkansas and the African American artists he invited on "The Johnny Cash Show" in the early 1970s. For us to avoid the trap of nostalgia, the songs we sing about America must be complicated and often critical. Such criticism is an expression of love and an act of patriotism. My favorite lyric of Cashs in this regard comes from his little-known song All Gods Children Aint Free, from the album "Orange Blossom Special": Id sing more about more of this land, but all Gods children aint free. I dont want to suggest that Cash fully reconciled the political tensions and inconsistencies we observe in his music and life. But Cashs music would be hopelessly vulnerable to patriotic nostalgia if albums like "At Folsom Prison" and "Bitter Tears," an album of Native American protest songs, didnt exist. Our capacity for prophetic critique flows out of these conflicts and tensions the gap between national aspiration and national failure, between national pride and national guilt. When this capacity for criticism erodes we lose what Walter Brueggemann has called the prophetic imagination, the ability to imagine our nation standing under the judgment of God. To be sure, this will be harder or easier depending upon how you feel about America, but cultivating a capacity for prophetic critique is the task of every Christian, especially when you live in a nation you are proud of and grateful for. As Ralph Gleason wrote of Cashs political witness during the tumultuous years of Nixon, race riots and Vietnam: Hes struggling. Hes not perfect, but hes trying. He loves this country but hes trying to keep that from meaning he hates some other. In our own troubled, polarized political climate, none of us is perfect, and most of us are struggling. Like Johnny Cash, a lot of us are trying to love our country without that meaning we have to hate somebody else. We are grateful for our freedoms, but we are also crying out for a more perfect union. In the end, I think Cash himself summed it up best: Wed sing more about more of this land, but all Gods children aint free. (Adapted from Trains, Jesus, & Murder: The Gospel According to Johnny Cash by Richard Beck. Copyright 2019 Fortress Press, an imprint of 1517 Media. Used by permission. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.) READ THIS STORY AT RELIGIONNEWS.COM. Article originally published by Religion News Service. Used with permission. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Michael Ochs/Archives/Stringer OZARK Hackers have apparently accessed the city of Ozarks website and the site was still down as of Monday evening. On Friday, the citys website displayed the words Hacked by Anonyomous Iran. In smaller print, the words We love your country but we hate your President! appeared. According to Ozark police Chief Marlos Walker, the citys IT department took the website down. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Once IT has completed what needs to be done, and it determines if the hackers affected city business, an investigation into the matter will begin, Walker said. At this time, we dont believe any city business was affected. Ozark is one of several cities whose website has been hacked since U.S. forces killed Iranian leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani earlier this month. Its not known if those web intrusions are related. Last weekend, a group claiming to have Iranian ties breached the Federal Depository Library Programs website. It is not known if those in Iran or supporters of the regime there hacked the Ozark website or if a copycat is responsible. In at least some of the other cases, teen hackers sympathetic to Iran are believed responsible. Get Breaking News Alerts Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, I-Cascade Township, remains deeply skeptical that President Donald Trump had evidence showing a top Iranian general was dangerously close to launching an attack on United States embassies in the Middle East. Trump and high ranking administration officials said Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani was planning an imminent attack, justifying the presidents authorization of a drone strike assassination without notifying Congress. However, Amash, many House Democrats and some Republicans in Congress said the White House has failed to produce sufficient evidence to back up the claim. Trump said Iran planned to attack four embassies during a Jan. 10 interview with Fox News, but did not provide specifics on where or when. U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he did not see specific evidence that Iran was planning an attack on embassies, during a Sunday interview on CBSs Face the Nation," but felt it was likely. I share the presidents view that probably my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies," Esper said. "The embassies are the most prominent display of American presence in a country. That wasnt good enough for Amash, who left the Republican Party in part due to its staunch loyalty to the president. He accused Trump of expanding war in the Middle East on false pretenses. The administration didnt present evidence to Congress regarding even one embassy, Amash wrote on Twitter. The four embassies claim seems to be totally made up. And they have never presented evidence of imminencea necessary condition to act without congressional approvalwith respect to any of this. Amashs sentiment matched the feelings of other members of Congress representing Michigan. House Democrats agreed Soleimani was a threat to American forces, but suspect Trump may be exaggerating about how quickly he needed to act. We dont know when and where. But it was real. This is about as much as they told Congress in a classified setting. https://t.co/kEakKpzkZq Justin Amash (@justinamash) January 10, 2020 U.S. Rep. Andy Levin, D-Bloomfield Township, testified on the House floor that the White House provided no evidence in classified briefings. Levin said he is entirely unconvinced an imminent threat necessitated Soleimanis death. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters on Jan. 10 that an attack on American embassies was looming. I dont know exactly which minute, he said. We dont know exactly which day it wouldve been executed. But it was very clear: Qasem Soleimani himself was plotting a broad, large-scale attack against American interests, and those attacks were imminent." The U.S. House voted last week to ensure the White House provides concrete evidence before embarking on future military action, though Republicans argue the bill is non-binding and largely symbolic. The resolution, introduced by U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military unless Congress has declared war or specifically authorized engaging in hostilities, or if such use of the Armed Forces is necessary and appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the United States. Trump said it doesnt really matter whether an attack was impending in a Monday tweet and previously said past administrations should have killed Soleimani earlier. Trump made the statement after retweeting several accounts criticizing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, including an image edited to show Pelosi wearing a hijab and Schumer wearing a turban in front of an Iranian flag. Amash has also argued Congress should repeal two authorizations of military force approved before the Iraq War. He said neither provides a valid authorization for any military engagement in Iran. Congress must repeal both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, he tweeted last week. They primarily serve as false bases for administrations to commence military engagements that Congress never approved. The American people must be heard in matters of war. Read more: House passes Slotkin resolution limiting Trump military action against Iran Michigans members of Congress express concern after Iran strikes Killing of Iranian general draws mixed reactions from Michigan members of Congress Many Democrats seem to think Republican Pat Grassleys political career was preordained. The grandson of a seven-term U.S. senator, Grassley is about to become speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives what they see as a step in his preparation to ascend to the U.S. Senate if the elder Grassley doesnt seek reelection at age 89 in 2022. Pat Grassley has heard the theories for years and finds them entertaining. If my grandpa was smart enough in 1960 when my dad was born that he would have a grandson 60 years later in the Legislature and so on ... honestly we spend more of our time talking about other things than politics, said the younger Grassley, who is expected to be formally elected Monday as speaker of the House the chambers top leader. Besides, he added, I dont see any signs Grandpa is making plans to go anywhere. That aw shucks, one-of-the-guys persona that Grassley exhibits is real, according to Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, who mentored Rep. Grassley during his first term in the House 14 years ago. He came in without any kind of attitude that because of his name he had a leg up, Kaufmann said. Ive never met anyone who used his political clout less. But hes no pushover, Kaufmann added. He has rock-solid principles and has the quality of any successful politician of being able to plant feet when thats what his caucus wants, he said. What his caucus wants will determine where he plants his feet, Grassley said. He talks about bottom-up consensus-building rather than telling his 53-member caucus what it should do. I have to be willing to take the suggestions of the members, he said during an interview in the House chambers, where he has served since 2007. For example, Grassley said he has had more conversations with his GOP colleagues on funding the Iowa Water and Land Legacy in the past two months since becoming speaker-select than in the two years before. He anticipates the House taking action on filling the fund, but I need to know where they are and where they want to go. Before acting, he said, you have to be able to get consensus within your caucus on issues that you see as priority, that they see as priorities. His philosophy comes from serving as chairman of the Agriculture and Appropriations committees. Putting together a $7 billion state budget has a lot of moving parts and there are a lot of people hoping to get their priorities included. I dont ever remember one time walking in and saying, This is how were going to do it, Grassley said. Grassley talks a lot about consensus, and Democrats find that encouraging. A speakers style and preferences are hugely impactful, said House Minority Leader Todd Prichard, D-Charles City. He has a lot of power. Prichard has worked with Grassley on the Agriculture Committee and thinks he has a pretty good idea of how the speaker will operate. My sense is that Pat wants to build consensus because thats how he ran the Ag Committee, Prichard said. Since Republicans selected Grassley to lead the House, hes reached out to Prichard and the Democratic leader believes there is a commitment to work together and to be transparent with each other. Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, who has worked with Grassley on the Appropriations Committee, is giving the new leader the benefit of the doubt at least for now. Hes been open to our suggestions and ideas at times, and I hope thats the way he continues to lead, she said. Shes encouraged by Grassleys interest in addressing child care, for example, and how committee chairs have reached out during the interim to ask minority party members about their priorities. Thats what Iowans want and deserve for us to identify things we have in common so we dont have to be in adversarial positions all of the time, Mascher said. There may be opportunities for cooperation this year, especially if Republicans want to raise the sales tax to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. They will need Democrats to pass that, so we will have a seat at the table, Mascher said. I think people want to see bipartisan support for those sorts of things. Mascher, a House member since 1995, expects Grassleys style of leadership to be different from former House Speaker Linda Upmeyer in that he has been very reluctant to put himself out there. He says he wants to know what his caucus thinks before making a decision. Upmeyer, from Clear Lake, announced last year she was stepping down as speaker and not running for reelection in 2020. That sort of bottom-up leadership may lead to more consensus on issues the House has struggled with in recent years, such as expanding access to medical cannabis, for example, she said. As speaker, Grassley said he wants to set the agenda with his caucus, not tell the caucus what the agenda will be. He sees consensus-building as a strength something he learned from his grandfather. He told me not to act like I know everything and 14 years later thats still the best advice, Grassley said. There was a time he wasnt sure if he would get his grandfathers advice or support. The first time I really expressed interest in this job, I called him to get his thoughts, Grassley said. There was a pause on the other end. I thought, Well, this is going to be the shortest political run in history. Then he laughed and said, Well I usually dont get involved in primaries, but I suppose since youre my grandson I could. I think he was 90 percent joking, but 10 percent serious. He had to calculate whether he wanted to get involved in a primary, he said. Grassley jokes about his relationship with his grandfather. Grandpa has been a U.S. senator all of his 36 years, so there wasnt a moment when everything in life became political. Its always been thats your grandpa and thats what he does, he said. Its no different from if he owned the feed store in town. Thats just who he is and what hes always done. He recalls going to Washington to see grandpa sworn into office and has appeared in campaign commercials shot at the Grassleys Butler County farm. Believe it or not, I used to be a cute kid, so they used to have me in all those, he laughed. He and Sen. Grassley farm together outside New Hartford. With Pat Grassleys dad, Robin, they farm 1,700 acres of corn and soybeans, and Pat finishes about 200 head of cattle a year. My dad is the farmer, Rep. Grassley said. No one knows who my dad is and thats the way he likes it. Hes the one that gives my grandpa and me the ability to do what we do. The two politicians spend more time talking about other things than politics. But that wasnt always the case, said Sen. Grassley, who served as the Iowa House Appropriations Committee chairman before being elected to Congress. Hes seen his grandson grow from a freshman legislator who probably wouldnt do anything without calling me up to ask me what I thought about this or that to a point where for the last five terms he probably doesnt talk to me very much about the decisions he ought to make, the senator said. Thats all right, because I dont have time to talk to him all the time. He and his wife, Barbara, are proud of Pat, the elder Grassley said last fall at a fundraiser where the speaker-select was roasted. Im very proud of him because he did it all by himself, he said about Pat being chosen to be speaker. He didnt ask me to help. Probably if he had asked me to help him his colleagues would have resented him and he wouldnt have been successful. So we did it all on his own. Neither politician thinks Pat Grassleys elevation in rank will affect their relationship. At that roast back in November, Kaufmann asked the speaker-to-be: Will you expect your grandpa to refer to you as Mr. Speaker or will you still manage with Pat? Christmas is coming up and were not quite done with harvest yet, so theres a lot of things that could go wrong depending on how I answer this question, Pat Grassley replied. But, you know, as long as I keep calling him Grandpa, I suppose he can keep calling me Pat. I think thats a pretty good arrangement. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 [January 13, 2020] Introducing Generate Life Sciences - A First-Of-Its-Kind Company Focused On Helping Grow And Protect Healthy Families LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- California Cryobank Life Sciences today announced the launch of its new company brand - Generate Life Sciences (Generate ) . The rebranding follows the joining of California Cryobank and CBR (Cord Blood Registry) in August 2018 and represents the company's mission to become a life sciences platform that helps grow and protect healthy families through reproductive, newborn stem cell, genetic testing, medical device and healthcare technology services. Generate serves families from preconception to post-birth throughout the significant and highly personalized journey of building a family and protecting their children's health. Built upon the pillars of innovation, access, and connection, Generate has already helped grow and protect nearly 1 million families around the world. Our legacy brands CBR, California Cryobank, and Donor Egg Bank USA are pioneering leaders in their respective fields and continue to set industry standards for innovation, scientific excellence, and customer focus. Generate is furthering the impact of this life sciences platform with the addition of advanced pediatric genetic testing, US distribution of reproductive medical devices and proprietary healthcare technology through the respective brands ReadyGen (pediatric genetic screening powered by Sema4), Kitazato USA (medical device distribution), and Donor Application (proprietary software for reproductive clinics). "Our brands are leaders in each of their categories; as a life sciences platform, we are uniquely positioned to give clients access to the full range of expertise and services needed to create and support healthy families," said Richard Jennings, Chief Executive Officer. "Generate helps its clients realize their dreams of having a baby and provides access to scientific innovations in stem cells and genetic services that improve the lives of families around the world." With the substantial growth in single parenting by choice and LGBTQ+ family building, as well as a trend towards having children later in life, Generate's reproductive health services have never been in higher demand. Similarly, advances in stem cell therapies and research into regenerative medicine have emphasized the importance and increased the awareness and interest in storing newborn stem cells with CBR. "Generate Life Sciences is positioned to play an increasingly important role in protecting families as regenerative medicine and new genetic testing platforms open the door to the future of personalized medical treatments," said Jaime Shamonki, MD, Chief Medical Officer. "Uniting key elements of the family-building experience under Generate will give our clients peace of mind, convenient access, and exceptional suppor throughout this significant time in their lives. This organization has collectively helped create nearly 100,000 families and provides access to invaluable long-term health benefits to almost a million more. For us, Generate represents more than just good business; it is advancing scientific innovations that help the future of humanity." "The journey to parenthood has evolved over the years, but the end goal is the same people want to have children and they want to keep them safe and healthy. In the modern age, we have advanced the science and technology available to help individuals grow their families and be more proactive in planning for their future health," said Michael J. Levy, MD, IVF Director and Co-Founder, Shady Grove Fertility. "That is where Generate Life Sciences becomes a trusted partner for clients from pre-conception through post-birth. From donor egg and donor sperm to newborn stem cell services and genetic testing, Generate is there every step of the way. And the possibilities are endless." "Generate Life Sciences made our dream of becoming parents a reality. From helping us choose our amazing California Cryobank sperm donor for our twin girls, to rushing a CBR cord blood collection kit for our son when my wife went into early labor, they have always gone above and beyond to help. We look to Generate as a trustworthy partner we can rely on for these very personal and private moments in our lives," said Sharon Kochlany & Vanessa Colimorio, customers of Generate. Generate Life Sciences Brands Generate Life Sciences is a company of established, trustworthy brands founded and grown over 40 years by experts in reproductive medicine, newborn stem cell services, and genetics. Those brands include: Newborn Stem Cell Services CBR (Cord Blood Registry) : CBR has stored newborn stem cells (stem cells collected from cord blood and cord tissue) for almost 30 years. World's largest private newborn stem cell bank 900,000 stem cell units stored 1992: Founded by Tom Moore The first private cord blood bank in the United States Reproductive Services California Cryobank Donor Sperm Bank : California Cryobank is a pioneer and industry leader in donor sperm banking, offering the most rigorously screened donors, largest selection, and scientific expertise for more than 40 years. World's largest frozen donor sperm bank 75,000 children born, 530 sperm donors on the catalog 1977: Founded by Dr. Charles Sims and Dr. Cappy Rothman and Dr. One of the original frozen donor sperm banks Donor Egg Bank USA: Donor Egg Bank is a true leader in its category, maintaining the highest clinical pregnancy rate in the industry, while growing the largest frozen donor egg program in the United States. Largest frozen donor egg bank in the US 5,000 children born, +380 egg donors on the catalog 2011: Founded by Michael Levy , MD and Heidi Hayes , MD and One of the first frozen donor egg banks in the US, and the first egg bank to successfully ship frozen eggs across the country NW Cryobank : For over 30 years, NW Cryobank has been helping couples, single women, and the LGBTQ+ community create happy, healthy families. Offers sperm donors for at-home insemination and assisted reproductive technology Highly qualified staff, rigorous screening process of potential donors Safe and secure storage Genetic Services ReadyGen : Powered by Sema4, ReadyGen is an innovative and advanced pediatric screening test that empowers parents to further protect their children by delivering clinically actionable and personalized health insights. Medical Devices and Healthcare Technology Kitazato USA : Kitazato USA by California Cryobank is the exclusive distributor of Kitazato products in the US, offering devices for human assisted reproductive medicine from the innovator of the Cryotop Method vitrification technique. After more than a decade on the market, the Cryotop Method has been applied in over 1,500,000 clinical cases in over 90 countries and 2,200 assisted reproduction centers. Hundreds of scientific publications certify the Method's impressive results. Cryotop vitrification has been proven to be the most effective method available for fertility preservation, offering the highest survival rates within the industry for both oocytes and embryos. Donor Application : Proprietary software providing donor screening and recipient matching services on a HIPAA compliant platform. In 1997, Donor application started as "FertilityNetwork.com," a referral service for fertility clinics in the US. In 2006, DonorApplication.com was developed as a clear market leader in the field of third party reproductive software for fertility clinics. About Generate Life Sciences Generate Life Sciences (Generate) is a life sciences company helping to grow and protect families through reproductive, newborn stem cell, genetic screening, medical device, and healthcare technology services. We serve families from preconception to post-birth. Our brands - CBR (Cord Blood Registry), California Cryobank Donor Sperm Bank, Donor Egg Bank USA, NW Cryobank, ReadyGen, Kitazato USA, and Donor Application are pioneering leaders, helping to grow and protect nearly 1 million families. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Generate operates facilities in Tucson, New York, Boston, Palo Alto, and Rockville, MD. Generate is a portfolio company of GI Partners , a private investment firm based in San Francisco. Media Contacts Monica Rohleder [email protected] 847-606-1973 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-generate-life-sciences--a-first-of-its-kind-company-focused-on-helping-grow-and-protect-healthy-families-300985444.html SOURCE Generate Life Sciences [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Los Angeles: Australian Toni Collette has won best supporting actress in a limited series or movie made for television for her role in Unbelievable at the Critics' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Phoebe Waller-Bridge's prolific awards season continued after Fleabag won big while Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood was named best picture. Toni Collette won for her role in the Netflix true-crime series Unbelievable. Credit:Netflix With less than a month to go until the Oscars, Tarantino's love letter to 1960s Los Angeles received a timely boost as it was named the year's best film ahead of rivals including The Irishman, 1917 and Marriage Story. The best director prize was shared between Parasite's Bong Joon Ho and 1917's Sir Sam Mendes after Broadcast Film Critics Association voters could not split them. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 28F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 26F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the latest developments in the Middle East with his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo by phone Sunday, Trend reports citing Turkish media. Pompeo reiterated the need for NATO to play a greater role in the region and stressed the U.S. commitment to the UN-facilitated peace process in Syria, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Writing on Twitter, Pompeo said: Had a good discussion on developments in the Middle East with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu today. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Minister for Prohibition and Excise V Srinivas Goud and Minister for Welfare Departments Koppula Eshwar said that the opposition parties were suffering from a dearth of candidates in municipal elections, and as result, were trying to poach rebels in the TRS party. Addressing the media here on Sunday, they alleged that the BJP and Congress parties were trying to coax TRS rebels with their B-forms. The Ministers said that the TRS working president and MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao has been working towards the all-round development of all the districts in the State and that he has formulated action plans for every town in these districts. They expect the party to bag more than 100 municipalities in the forthcoming elections. They said, "Just like the ZP elections, we will win the municipal polls. The situation of national parties in the State is pitiful as the people dont want them." The Ministers added that the party was working for the welfare of the people, and not to seek validation from opposition parties. The Ministers said that the new airports would be set up in the State soon. Ramagundam MLA Korukanti Chander and ZP chairman Putta Madhu were present at the press meet. Jordan Banjo announced his engagement to long-term girlfriend Naomi Courts on Sunday, after he popped the question on a romantic trip to the Maldives. Now more photos have emerged from the beachside proposal that show he had the words Will U Marry Me lit up in flames on a wooden structure in the ocean. The Diversity star, 27, set up the dinner for two on a beach where they dined on a table set in the middle of a glowing heart in the sand. Romantic: Jordan Banjo, 27, announced his engagement to long-term girlfriend Naomi Courts on Sunday after he popped the question on a romantic trip to the Maldives After the words were set alight, the Greatest Dancer judge got down on one knee to ask his gorgeous fiance to marry him. The brunette beauty then stood up and threw her arms around the hunk with tears in her eyes. The proposal comes six months after welcoming their second child, Mayowa Angel. In a sweet Instagram post, the Diversity star and his partner - who also share 20-month-old son Cassius - cuddled up to each other at the four-star SAii Lagoon resort as the brunette flashed her diamond engagement ring. Lovely: The Diversity star set up the dinner for two on the beach where they dined on a table set in the middle of a glowing heart in the sand Dramatic: Now more photos have emerged from the beach-side proposal that show the words 'Will U Marry Me' lit up in flames on a wooden structure in the ocean 'Well she didn't say no': Jordan Banjo announced his engagement to his girlfriend of nearly five years, Naomi Courts, in a sweet Instagram post on Sunday In another photo, Naomi put her eye-watering band on full display, which was complete with a pear-shaped stone and a sculpted swirl design. Street dancer Jordan captioned the images: 'Well she didn't say no', alongside ring and heart emojis. The pair are finally one step closer to marriage after Jordan admitted his proposal plans failed twice. Happy family: The Greatest Dancer host, 27, and his girlfriend share daughter Mayowa Angel, six months, and 20-month-old son Cassius (pictured last month) Sweet: The Diversity star revealed he popped the question to the mother-of-two in the Maldives Loved-up: The smitten couple have been holidaying at the four-star SAii Lagoon resort (pictured on Friday) He told The Sun in April 2019: 'At this rate we're going to end up with 13 kids and not going to be married. I was ready to propose when I found out she was pregnant with Cass. 'So I thought, "OK, I'll wait until he's a little older and then I'll take Naomi away and surprise her with a proposal". 'Then when I started thinking about doing it again this year I found out she was pregnant again. Now she's convinced we're not going to get married.' Happy days: Before Naomi (pictured in July) fell pregnant, the presenter said he was ready to get hitched Jordan and Naomi met at famous Essex nightclub Sugar Hut in 2013, but didn't start their relationship until two years later. In January 2018, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child together, with the Essex-based beauty admitting she took 'nine pregnancy tests' out of shock. She told OK! at the time: 'I wanted to be sure so I went out and bought eight more tests. I sat with them laid out in front of me on the bathroom floor, staring at them in disbelief. 'We always said we wanted kids together, we just didn't think it would happen this soon. We're over the moon, though!' Strength to strength: Jordan and Naomi met at famous nightclub Sugar Hut in 2013, but embarked on a relationship two years later (pictured in September 2017) Growing family: Eight months after welcoming Cass, the pair announced they were pregnant with their second baby (pictured in January 2019) Eight months after welcoming Cass, the pair announced they were pregnant with their second baby, with their daughter arriving in late July. The I'm A Celeb star was previously dated Little Mix's Jesy Nelson from mid 2012 until March 2013. Jordan rose to fame in 2009 when he won Britain's Got Talent with big brother Ashley, 31, as part of their dance troupe Diversity. Since being in the spotlight, he has hosted the 2013 edition of Got to Dance, participated in I'm A Celeb in 2016 and currently presents BBC's The Greatest Dancer with Alesha Dixon. QUEBEC - A Quebec judge will hear a request for a stay of proceedings from former deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau and her co-accused, who were charged in 2016 following a corruption investigation. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Former Quebec deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau walks to a courtroom on June 9, 2016 in Quebec City. A judge will hear a request for a stay of proceedings in March from Normandeau and her co-accused. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot QUEBEC - A Quebec judge will hear a request for a stay of proceedings from former deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau and her co-accused, who were charged in 2016 following a corruption investigation. The parties are to appear in a Quebec City courtroom in March to discuss what the defence argues are unreasonable delays in the case. The challenge invokes the Supreme Court of Canada's Jordan decision, which set strict timelines for cases to get to trial. Arguments will begin on March 16 and if successful, could spell the end of a case involving the alleged awarding of public contracts in exchange for political financing that began with several arrests in 2016. Charged are Normandeau; her former chief of staff, Bruno Lortie; a former vice-president of the Roche engineering firm, Marc-Yvan Cote; former Roche executives Mario W. Martel and France Michaud; and former Gaspe mayor Francois Roussy. "We've all joined the request made by Ms. Normandeau where she asked for a stay of proceedings because the trial was not held within a reasonable time," defence attorney Jacques Larochelle, who represents Cote, said outside the courtroom on Monday. The Jordan ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada in 2016 set a limit of 18 months for cases before provincial courts to get to trial. According to Larochelle, the delays in the current case are well beyond the high court's threshold. In a letter sent to media last Thursday, Normandeau said the delays in her case were "cruel and inhuman," affecting her personal and professional situation particularly because she claims to have been a victim of a trial in the public. The 51-year-old former provincial politician noted she'd been arrested nearly four years ago and her trial wasn't likely to proceed before the end of 2020. Normandeau was an influential minister who served as a Liberal member of the legislature from 1998 to 2011 and held key cabinet positions including municipal affairs, natural resources and Canadian intergovernmental affairs. She served as deputy premier in Jean Charest's government between 2007 and 2011. In August, the Crown announced it was dropping more than half of the charges against her. Five charges of fraud, corruption and conspiracy were withdrawn, with the Crown intending to proceed to trial on three counts, including breach of trust and fraud against the government. Quebec court Judge Andre Perreault agreed Monday to assess the delays in the case and determine which parties are responsible. Perreault dismissed a similar motion for a stay in March 26, 2018, but said at the case was "complicated." Noting that nearly two years have passed since that ruling, Perreault said it was "appropriate" for the court to look at the matter anew. "As no trial has been set, I believe it is appropriate to review the deadlines ... to verify what delays are attributable to whom," the judge said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. ZUG, Switzerland, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- pCloud, leading cloud storage service is pledging 100% of its profits from 13-14 January to support Australian bushfire relief efforts. Australia has suffered devastating bushfire crisis. The blazes continue to burn across several states of the country and has affected many people destroying hundreds of homes. The whole world is shocked. But also willing to help. The Swiss cloud storage provider pCloud joins the bushfire relief efforts and is donating 100% of its profits from 13-14 January to support all that have been affected by the horrific fire catastrophe. The cloud storage provider had decided to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. Everyone that wants to join pCloud needs to purchase one of their cloud storage plans on January 13th or January 14th. Along with its smart file security measurements and variety of file management options, the company has pioneered the industry with its Lifetime plan, which is an innovative price model that gives users the opportunity to get a lifelong account with just one payment. For its short history, the cloud storage provider has already managed to establish itself among the top 5 cloud storage solutions on the market. About pCloud pCloud is one of the most advanced and easy-to-use cloud storage on the market. With pCloud's unique client-side encryption functionality users' files are safely hidden from any unauthorized access. Along with its smart file security measurements, the company has also pioneered the industry with its Lifetime plan, which is an innovative price model that gives users the opportunity to get a lifelong account with just one payment. Media Contact: Tunio Zafer CEO [email protected] +41 43 508 59 48 SOURCE pCloud A road is blocked with containers in Dortmund, Germany, as experts prepared to defuse the bombs (Henning Kaiser/dpa via AP) Two Second World War bombs were successfully defused in the western German city of Dortmund on Sunday, hours after thousands of people were evacuated from the surrounding area, officials said. The bombs were 250kg American and British bombs. Authorities initially thought they had detected four bombs, but later clarified that only two were found. Authorities had evacuated two hospitals and opened schools for residents who had to leave their homes. Expand Close A road is closed for public traffic in Dortmund, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. Thousands of people are evacuating in the western Germany city of Dortmund as experts are getting ready to defuse up to four bombs from World War II. (Henning Kaiser/dpa via AP) AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A road is closed for public traffic in Dortmund, Germany, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. Thousands of people are evacuating in the western Germany city of Dortmund as experts are getting ready to defuse up to four bombs from World War II. (Henning Kaiser/dpa via AP) City officials had asked about 14,000 people to leave the areas where the bombs were buried. The citys train station had also been shut down and trains were rerouted. Before experts defused the two bombs, helicopters patrolled overhead to ensure everyone had evacuated. Almost 75 years after the end of the war, unexploded bombs are frequently found in Germany. Disposing of them sometimes entails large-scale evacuations as a precaution. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will lead a delegation to Oman on Tuesday to convey India's condolences over the demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, one of the longest-serving rulers of in the Gulf region and a close friend of New Delhi. India is observing a day of state mourning on Monday over the death of Qaboos. He died on Friday at the age of 79. Making the announcement of Naqvi's visit to Oman, the External Affairs Ministry said he will carry a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sultan Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, who was sworn in as successor of Qaboos. "Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of Minority Affairs is leading the government of India delegation to Muscat on January 14 to pay our sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of India," the Ministry of External Affairs said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Global sales of JLR stood at 50,001 units. Jaguar wholesale units for the month were 12,742 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesale stood at 37,259 units. New Delhi: Tata Motors on Saturday reported a 3 per cent decline in global sales, including that of Jaguar Land Rover, at 97,348 units in December. Global wholesale units of all Tata Motors' commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range last month stood at 34,526 units, down 15 per cent, from December 2018, the company said in a statement. The company's global sales of all passenger vehicles were at 62,822 units, up 5 per cent from December 2018, it added. Global sales of JLR stood at 50,001 units. Jaguar wholesale units for the month were 12,742 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesale stood at 37,259 units. The executive of a luxury suitcase start-up who quit her post last month after an online news site published allegations by employees who say she created a toxic work culture is now back at her old job. Steph Korey, the 31-year-old co-founder of Away, has returned to the company to share the newly created title of co-chief executive with former lululemon COO Stuart Haselden, according to The New York Times. The about-face is a surprise considering that Korey last month stepped down after an investigation by the news site The Verge quoted a number of former employees as saying that she put in place a cutthroat culture at the company. They revealed how the company's founders Korey and Jennifer Rubio worked them to the bone while allegedly underpaying them and asking them not to take time off. Steph Korey (left), who co-founded the travel and lifestyle brand Away with Jennifer Rubio, is back at the company. She will share chief executive duties with former lululemon executive Stuart Haselden (right) She said last month that she would have remained on the company's board of directors as executive chairman, but given up day-to-day duties of running the firm. But she now tells the Times that the companys board is reversing itself. The company also announced it has hired a lawyer, Elizabeth M. Locke, the same attorney who successfully sued Rolling Stone magazine for defamation over an errant report alleging that a group of Virginia college students gang raped a young woman. It is unclear, however, if the hiring indicates that the company plans to sue The Verge. The news sites editor-in-chief, Nilay Patel, told the Times: Steph Korey responding to our reporting by saying her behavior and comments were wrong, plain and simple and then choosing to step down as CEO speaks for itself. Korey told the Times that board reversed its earlier decision, which she says was made due to the Verge story and the backlash it generated on social media. 'Frankly, we let some inaccurate reporting influence the timeline of a transition plan that we had,' she said. Last month, Korey stepped down from her post just days after a damning report exposed the company's 'cutthroat culture'. Korey posted the above photo of her pregnant tum to Instagram about a week before the article was published Korey and her husband, Pedro Goodwin, are pictured above. They are expecting a baby girl in May 'All of us [on the board] said, "Its not right".' Korey tearfully described to the Times the inner turmoil she has experienced since the story forced her to resign. She said she has been the target of harsh comments on Twitter, including some who wish she would terminate her pregnancy. 'Its very upsetting if suddenly total strangers tell you that you should get an abortion,' Korey said. One Twitter user who reacted to The Verge story about her wrote: 'Imagine how she'll treat that baby.' Korey said that the public outrage expedited her initial plan to have Haselden, whom she recruited to serve as company president, eventually take over as chief executive after a transition period. 'I said, "I dont know if the company needs a CEO under fire right now",' she said. The company has hired Elizabeth Locke, an attorney who successfully sued Rolling Stone magazine for defamation after it published a false article claiming that a group of Virginia college students gang-raped a young woman '"Why dont we just accelerate our transition plan?"' Rubio, who is engaged to Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield, will remain the company's president and chief brand officer. 'I honestly thought that people didnt care that much about the inner workings of Away,' she said, 'Who is CEO and who is executive chairman - that wasnt something that, at a private company thats less than four years old that sells travel products, I just didnt think would be news and people would care.' She said the decision to change titles last month made it appear as if she was leaving the company. In reality, however, she was still very much a part of its operations. Jennifer Rubio, who co-founded Away with Korey, is engaged to Slack's CEO Stewart Butterfield. The couple is pictured together above Rubio and Korey were accused of creating a 'toxic' work culture that included 'Slack bullying.' Rubio is seen above with Butterfield 'The way it became perceived it was like I stepped down and like I left the company,' she said. 'I have a very external-facing role working with new vendors, working with new partners, recruiting new candidates. 'And without a change, it looks like they have a board director reaching out to them who doesnt work at the company.' Haselden told the Times that the portrayal of Korey from The Verge did not match his personal experience with her. He praised Korey for her decision to step down last month, saying she was 'was very selfless in trying to defuse the firestorm of social media.' 'But it just created a misconception that she was exiting the business, which was never the intent,' Haslden said. Elevating both Haselden and Korey to the chief executive role 'will clarify how we intended to operate from the beginning.' Korey said she still plans to eventually step aside after a transition period and that Haselden will take over as the sole chief executive. Several employees last month told The Verge about what they described as a 'toxic' environment at the brand. Korey (seen in an Instagram picture above) now says that 'inaccurate reporting' by The Verge led to her decision to step down last month, a move she regrets They revealed that Korey and Rubio banned emails between staff about work, only allowing them to communicate on Slack, a popular workplace messaging device, where they favored group discussions that were company-wide. The group chats on Slack allowed Korey and Rubio to publicly shame employees they were dissatisfied with, the article claims, leaving some so upset that they burst into tears. Rubio was less hands-on in her management of the company than Korey, they claim, who would frequently send out Slack messages after midnight, asking staff to come up with ideas for the following day. Some of the staff members interviewed were earning $40,000-a-year. Away found its niche as a direct-to-consumer travel brand (stock image) Korey's Slack messages, including one where she told a customer service team: 'I am going to help you learn the career skill of accountability', were published. Other messages that were sent by customer service director Alexandra Pasanen were also published, including one where she told the team on November 31 that they could either take New Year's Day off, as planned, and fall behind, or work and be given a month of paid time off at a later date. One employee described having to turn her car around as she made her way to the airport to take a family Thanksgiving break because she was watching one of her team members being eviscerated by Korey on Slack. Korey offered explanations for her leadership style in various statements to The Verge about specific examples. Of the New Year's Eve example, she said: 'The team decided theyd prefer to work the holiday and get a month off because the team knew this day was really important for keeping the customer experience on track.' In another she said: 'Managing people brings with it the responsibility to invest time and energy into providing thoughtful context around performance expectations and feedback.' The staff members interviewed were mostly from the customer service team. They reported being unable to keep up with the exorbitant number of inquiries they were getting from customers asking where their suitcases were. They however tell stories that were company-wide. According to them, Korey and Rubio banned staff from exchanging emails about work and enforced that all company communications happened on Slack. They say the point was so no one was excluded. 'Over the course of our careers, Jen and I observed situations where women and underrepresented groups were often excluded from key emails or meetings. Away has gained more than $30million in funding since it launched in 2016 'Slack affords levels of inclusion and transparency email simply doesnt. With email the original author gets to pick who is included in the conversation and whose voices wont be heard. Thats not the company we want,' Korey said. But the former employees say it enabled a nowhere-to-hide environment where they would routinely put staff members on display if they were dissatisfied. 'It was like having your pants pulled down in front of the company and then they just walk away,' one said of an occasion when Korey blasted a manager's strategy to communicate with customers whose luggage hadn't arrived yet. Others say they were punished for creating a thread where they aired their grievances. Some of the people on the channel were fired for it, they said. In her Slack messages, she said: 'I would understand this recommendation from an associate or senior associate but to be completely candid this is not the level of thoughtfulness we expect from a Manager.' On another occasion, Korey banned paid time off among a team of six customer experience associates until they were caught up to a standard she deemed adequate. 'I am going to help you learn the career skill of accountability...to hold you accountable, no new pto or wfh [work from home] requests will be considered from the 6 of you until we reach 5 consecutive days of all our attempts to reach cx on live platforms being successful. 'I hope everyone in this group appreciates the thoughtfulness I've put into creating this career development opportunity,' she wrote. The messages were sent at 3am. Days later, she sent another saying: 'If you all choose to utilize your empowerment to leave our customers hanging...you will have convinced me that this group does not embody Aways core values.' Korey and Rubio are seen above in a 2017 video. Rubio's job title is company president and chief brand officer On another occasion, she blasted Monte Williams, who had been hired to act as a buffer between her and the customer service team, in a string of public Slack messages which other employees said was like watching 'someone get stoned to death.' After the Verge investigation was published, Korey apologized and claimed to be 'appalled' by her behavior. She told Business Insider: 'I can imagine how people felt reading those messages from the past, because I was appalled to read them myself. I am sincerely sorry for what I said and how I said it. 'It was wrong, plain and simple.' Korey told the Times that after reading the article she acknowledges that she could have phrased her Slack messages differently. 'When I think back on ways Ive phrased feedback, there have been times where the word choice isnt as thoughtful as it should have been, or the way it was framed actually wasnt as constructive as it could have been,' she said. 'Those are not, in the eyes of our leadership and the eyes of our board, terminal, unsolvable problems.' Away found its niche as a direct-to-consumer travel brand offering consumers something unique; a stylish suitcase with functional features such as a USB charging doc which comes in an array of colors and finishes. It propelled itself to become one of a handful of millennial-adored consumer brands by marketing online, mostly on social media, and utilizing celebrity power. It is a private company which has raised more than $31million since founding in 2015. A man who sexually assaulted his flat mate while she was sleeping on a couch has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. The 29-year-old Italian man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of the woman at the flat in Dublin city on April 28, 2018. Detective Garda Anne McGowan told Fionnuala O'Sullivan BL, prosecuting, that the woman and man became friends after she began sharing a flat with him. They had an intimate relationship for a short time and when it ended the woman began a relationship with another man. The garda told the court that the woman came home one night and was sitting on the couch with the defendant. She fell asleep next to him and awoke to find the man sexually penetrating her without her consent. It took some time for her to awaken fully and for what was happening to fully sink in, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. He ejaculated on the couch and then said sorry to her. She went to bed and the following day she texted him and told she was shocked at his actions. He replied by text, saying I'm so so sorry, I'm so ashamed of myself, I haven't been able to concentrate on anything, I wish I could undo my actions. The victim went to gardai and the man later made a statement to gardai claiming the sexual activity was consensual. His counsel Orla Crowe SC submitted that her client had panicked and later admitted his actions. She handed in a number of character references, including ones from female friends of the man. A woman came to court with the man, who was out on bail, for the sentencing today. Judge Martin Nolan said that he could accept as genuine the man's expressions of shame and remorse. He said he was unlikely to re-offend but has no previous convictions. But he said the fall from grace was so severe that a jail sentence was necessary. He said the man carried out two reprehensible acts of sexual assault on the woman and these left her severely traumatised. Reading from her own victim impact statement the woman said that her life would never be the same again and that the attack took all her dignity and femininity from her. She said being subjected to the forensic medical examination left her with no privacy. She said nobody understood how badly she had been injured because the psychological damage was unmeasureable. The Greerton Hall serial noise complainant seems to have won the day. There will be no loud or amplified music from the hall in future especially the booming base sounds that led to 82 noise complaints in two years and all from the same complainant. That means some users will be excluded from using the hall like Zumba dance exercise classes. Bay Venues, which controls the Greerton Hall, has met with the complainant. We had discussions a good meeting and I think we have a better understanding of what upset him, says CEO Gary Dawson. From a discussion The Weekend Sun had with the complainant before Christmas, that noise was the bass sound which he said: literally made the walls of my house shake. He also said it was never his intention to have events shut down, the hall torn down and stop people from having a good time at the community centre. But that has effectively happened. At least three groups a Sunday church group and two Zumba classes have been forced out. Bay Events has found an alternative venue for one Zumba group and its believed the other has found its own facility outside the Bay Events network. On the other hand, the Scottish Country Dance Club which was under threat of having to relocate its 60th anniversary celebrations from the Greerton Hall in June, has suddenly had its booking confirmed. We are absolutely delighted. And we have no doubt if The Weekend Sun had not got involved in this story last month, things would have turned out differently for us. When asked if the better understanding with the complainant meant the future of the Greerton Hall as an events centre was secure, the Bay Events CEO Gary Dawson said not necessarily. We arent supposed to have loud or amplified music there so we will have to continue to work with the Tauranga City Council to define what that means. However we would like to think that in the foreseeable future we can use the hall as much as we can and come to some sort of compromise. But within the rules which mitigate the noise and which our serial complainant wanted all along. We have had a direction about no loud and amplified music and we have to abide by that direction. Its not perfect but we will keep in touch with the complainant and if theres anything he is not happy about then we hopefully we can work it through. The compromise will mean the Greerton Hall will be able to accommodate some music. However, if there are groups that depend on loud bass, then we will be encouraging them to use other facilities. The conciliatory CEO says it looks like they have a reasonable outcome that will make everyone happy. Albeit, there maybe a few groups who cant use the hall. But you are always going to have these situations with halls and recreation facilities in urbans areas. Its just one of those things going to happen. One local Greerton resident got all fired up by The Weekend Sun story on the Greerton Hall noise controversy. The complainant says he is no griper. Well, not much! he said in a phone message. Anyone who makes 80 complaints in 2 years has to be a griper. Why did he buy a house nearby if he didnt want to put up with the noise. Hes a moaner! But theres a city plan and a resource management act and the local authorities have an obligation to enforce the rules. The person making the complaints was free to do that, says Gary Dawson. He was well within his rights to do so. A disgraced influencer who left social media after allegedly scamming his fans is now being accused of giving himself a new, much younger identity in a poorly-executed attempt to stage a comeback. As the New Statesman first reported, Paul Zimmer, 24, returned to Instagram in October 2019 after nearly two years of silence to promote his doppelganger 'Troy Becker' in a series of bizarre posts that had fans scratching their heads. For many, it was glaringly obvious that the two men are one and the same, but Zimmer claimed Becker is an aspiring teen actor who just happened to look exactly like him. Say what? Influencer Paul Zimmer, 24, has been accused of taking on the identity of a teen actor named Troy Becker Confusing: In October 2019, Zimmer promoted his doppelganger 'Troy Becker' on Instagram, claiming the lookalike is a 'younger, sexier version' of himself - when it was really just him Zimmer shot to fame by sharing short lip-syncing videos on Musical.ly, which later became TikTok. By 2017, he had millions of followers, but his success blew up when he reportedly started soliciting virtual 'gifts' on Musical.ly's sister app, Live.ly. He reportedly had his fans give him money in the form of paid-for stickers in exchange for online interactions, including video shout-outs and personalized DMs. Although the practice was somewhat normal at the time, hundreds of irate people claimed he never followed up on his promises, and the hashtag #BanPaulZimmer started trending online. Amid the backlash, Zimmer erased the content on his Instagram and YouTube channel and essentially vanished from social media for 18 months until he returned late last year to introduce Becker to his fan base. Claim to fame: Zimmer earned millions of followers on Musical.ly, which later became TikTok, but he disappeared from social media following accusations the he scammed his fans Wild: Zimmer announced in December that he was giving his social media accounts and millions of followers to Becker Moving on: 'Becker' started sharing posts on Zimmer's accounts following the news He shared a side-by-side image of himself with a smattering of facial hair next to what appeared to be another picture of himself but clean-shaven, claiming it was Becker. 'This actor @TroyBeckerIG kid literally looks like a younger sexier version of me,' he wrote in the since-deleted post. 'I dont even use social media anymore but had to post this hahah' The New Statesman pointed out that Becker had a suspiciously meager social media presence for an aspiring teen actor. He only had a mere 11 posts on his Instagram account before Zimmer's social media shout-out. Zimmer shared a follow-up post a few months later on December 10, writing: 'IM TELLING YOU HE IS MY YOUNGER BRO.' Clues: Many fans pointed out that Zimmer (left) and Becker (right) have the same features and earring Obvious: Others noted that Zimmer (left) and Becker (right) have the birthmark on their left arms Fame game: Zimmer helped Becker earn millions of followers on Tik Tok. The account has since been deleted Not having it: Commenters slammed Zimmer for pretending to be someone else in order to stage a social media comeback In his third and final post about Becker, he announced that he was giving his social media accounts to his lookalike. 'Hey its Paul Zimmer,' he wrote on December 18, 'this is prolly gonna be my last social post ever I have come to a place in my life where being in the spotlight and being an entertainer is no longer my passion... although it deeply saddens me to leave so bluntly, especially that so many of you have watched me for so many years.... 'I didnt wanna leave my social media pages just sitting to die... soo I have decided to give my social media accounts to @troybeckerig because he is one of the dopest people I know and he is literally my younger twin my much younger twin I believe Troy is 15 or 16 years old hahaha' Becker's IMDB page lists him as 'an all American actor' who recently 'moved to Los Angeles to take his career to the next level.' Background: Becker's IMDB page lists him as 'an all American actor' who recently moved to Los Angeles. It previously said his nickname was 'Paul Zimmer' Hitting back: One of his longtime fans, Haylo Hayley, addressed the unbelievable situation on her YouTube channel in October, saying she is positive that Zimmer is Becker The New Statesman reported a cached version of the page from October 7 shows Becker's 'nickname' was at one time 'Paul Zimmer.' Despite Zimmer's insistence that he and Becker are two different people, critics were quick to publicly call him out for pretending to be someone else to return to social media. One of his longtime fans, Haylo Hayley, addressed the unbelievable situation on her YouTube channel in October, saying she is positive that Zimmer is Becker. 'If you listen to [Troys voice on his Instagram] it sounds exactly the same as Paul Zimmer,' she said. 'I know for 100 per cent its Paul Zimmer [because] I met him in person when I went to New York in 2017.' Public accusation: YouTube star Danny Gonzalez, who has more than 3.24 million subscribers, posted his own video accusing the former star of trying to give himself a new identity Proof? Gonzalez shared photos and videos of 'Troy Becker' taking an acting class to show that Zimmer and his doppelganger are not only identical, but they also have the same voice Following Zimmer's announcement that Becker was taking over his social media, YouTube star Danny Gonzalez, who has more than 3.24 million subscribers, posted his own video accusing the former star of trying to give himself a new identity. 'Paul Zimmer was one of Musical.lys former biggest stars. [He] disappeared, and now hes now back,' Gonzalez said in the video that was posted on December 30. 'But hes pretending that hes not. Hes pretending to be someone else. Hes pretending thats hes just a different dude. Hes really hoping nobody noticed. But guess what? I noticed and so did everyone else.' In the clip, Gonzalez shared photos and videos of 'Troy Becker' taking an acting class with Zimmer's fiance, Jamie, in June to show that Zimmer and his doppelganger are not only identical, but they also have the same voice. Seriously disturbed: People have been taking to Twitter to slam Zimmer for taking on the identity of a teen boy 'I am just so curious as to what Paul thinks he is accomplishing by doing this and why he thinks he needs to be 16 years old to do it,' he said at the end of his video. 'I find it so hard to believe that even a single person believes that this dude is not just Paul Zimmer.' People have been taking to Twitter to mock Zimmer, with one person saying: 'This is quite possible the wildest s**t I have ever seen on social media.' 'Dude this Troy Becker thing has me LOSING MY MIND,' another commented. 'The internet is stupid, but not that stupid Paul Zimmer lol.' 'Seeing 24-year-old Paul Zimmer acting like a 16-year-old boy named Troy Becker is some sick s**t I did not prepare for,' someone else tweeted. It seems Zimmer has once again responded to public backlash by disappearing. As of last week, both Zimmer and Becker's Instagram accounts have been deactivated. The comments have been also been removed from Zimmer's TikTok account, which has been renamed to 'username7265824.' The United States Government is to clip the wings of its civilian drone programme amidst continuing fears China could co-opt the tech to conduct espionage. Part of the 810-strong drone fleet used for such diverse tasks as monitoring endangered species and mapping landscapes was made by Chinese firm DJI. The move which will likely see the drones only fly in emergencies, such as to aid firefighting efforts builds on the temporary ban that began in October 2019. Scroll down for video The United States Government is to clip the wings of its civilian drone programme amidst continuing fears China could co-opt the tech to conduct espionage (stock image) WHAT IS DJI? DJI Sciences and Technologies Ltd is a Chinese tech firm based out of Shenzhen, Guangdong province. The acronym DJI is short for 'Da-Jiang Innovations'. DJI has factories globally. The firm is the world leader in the civilian drone industry, accounting for around 70 per cent of the total market. DJI has been accused by the US Department of Homeland Security of transferring US data to Chinese authorities. Advertisement According to the Financial Times, the risk is simply too high that the Chinese government will use the drones to gather intelligence on the US. 'Secretary Bernhardt is reviewing the Department of the Interiors drone program, said Department of the Interior spokesperson Melissa Brown. 'Until this review is completed, the Secretary has directed that drones manufactured in China or made from Chinese components be grounded unless they are currently being utilised for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue, and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property.' With the drones grounded, US authorities will need either to turn to American-made drones, abandon aspects of projects that relied on drone support or alternatively rely on the costlier and riskier application of crewed aircraft where suitable. According to Engadget, Shenzhen-based DJI Sciences and Technologies Ltd which built 121 of the drones in the civilian fleet is eager to examine the US Government's review of the drone programme. There is, they have reportedly said, 'a lack of credible evidence' to support the grounding of the Chinese-made drones. Staff at the US Department of the Interior are reportedly also disappointed by the plans to ground the drones, which are undertaking various beneficial tasks. The Fish and Wildlife service have already had to cancel drone flights which would have assisted in the counting of animals and the monitoring of controlled forest burns, the Financial Times reported. The US Geological Survey, meanwhile, has been putting drones to service in agricultural monitoring, earthquake preparation and flood response activities. The Department of Homeland Security claimed in 2017 with 'moderate confidence' that DJI 'is providing US critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government,' Engadget reported at the time The US' mothballing of the civilian drone fleet would not be without precedent. In 2017, for example, the US Army ceased all use of DJI drones and associated technology. 'Due to increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products, it is directed that the US Army halt use of all DJI products,' a memo leaked to sUAS news declared. 'Cease all use, uninstall all DJI applications, remove all batteries/storage media from devices and secure equipment for follow on direction,' the memo added. The Department of Homeland Security also claimed with 'moderate confidence' that DJI 'is providing US critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government,' Engadget reported later that year. There has, however, not been any public evidence showing that China has been obtaining data from such drones. Lemon-Ups arent just the new Girl Scout cookie. In Pennsylvania, they have local appeal. Philadephia-based Girl Scout Serena Pisacano is the covergirl of the 2020 boxes of both Lemon-Ups and Lemonades. The cookies are two slightly different takes on citrusy shortbread cookies, which officially go on sale Jan. 16 and cost $4 a box. Lemonades are a favorite in the Girl Scout areas that use ABC Bakers (such as Philadelphia), while Lemon-Ups are a new variety available in areas that use Little Brownie Bakers (such as Harrisburg). Pisacano, 20, is currently a sophomore at Earlham College in Indiana where she studies chemistry, geology and music and works part time as an EMT. But back in the summer of 2018, she could Girl Scout model to that list. Pisacano was one of a few Girl Scouts chosen to represent scouting on the new cookie boxes. The scouts were all selected after filling out an application where they explained their cookie selling techniques, leadership goals and experiences in scouts. She submitted her application the night it was due (homework had been prioritized, she said). It was months later that she heard back -- and then she was sworn to secrecy. It was super crazy and I couldnt tell anyone, she said. But it was still really awesome. Of course, now that the boxes are out and cookies are about to be sold, theres no need to keep the secret anymore. Pisacanos application shined because she exemplified the Girl Scout Cookie program, which is, in part, about helping young women finance their own adventures using their business skills. Along the way, theyre encouraged to set goals, manage money, perfect people skills and get a grasp of business ethics -- helping them think like an entrepreneur. Pisacano wrote about she focuses on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based goals -- such as 600 cookies during the several week long cookie season. Then she employs her ultimate sales tool: being cheerful My biggest trick is to look like youre enjoying what youre doing and smile, she said. Pisacano also wrote about her own experience in Scouts, including how she works at a local Girl Scout summer camp where she has a chance to work with the next generation of scouts -- not only helping them learn new skills to earn badges, but also, hopefully, encouraging them to take a few risks and achieve a dream or two. My favorite thing about Girl Scouts is that its a girl empowering organization, Pisacano said. Its the only one I know that really strongly exists. That empowerment theme continued with the prize. Not only did cookie box models get a trip to New York City to participate in a photo shoot, but they also had a chance to meet and talk with female CEOs. As for the cookies -- Pisacano didnt get to choose which cookie she would model for, but shes happen with the Lemonades result. Ive always been a big fan of Lemonades, she said. Theyre not my favorite -- honestly, peanut butter patties are my favorite cookie. But the Lemonades are definitely good. You can learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including where to buy the cookies, at gsep.org/cookies. 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. 13 Jan Taiwanese actor William Hsieh has recently been named Best Actor at the 24th Asian Television Awards. As reported on Epoch Times, the actor, who attended the event held in Manila recently, bested other contenders like China's Deng Lun and Thailand's Korapat Kirdpan to win the said award for his performance in the TVBS' drama, "First Love". Speaking to the media about the victory, William humbly stated that he was just lucky to win, though happy to accept it. "I can't take all the credits. This is the effort of all the cast and crew," he added. In his speech, the actor also expressed similar notion, saying modestly, "I am not better, I am just luckier." However, aside from Michael, none of the other nominees from Taiwan succeeded in bringing home any accolades, Liang Shu-han, who won the Golden Bell Awards for Best New Actress last year through "Girl's Power". (Photo Source: UDN.com) You have to hand it to the Chinese, they really know how to stage a global climate change hoax. I wonder how they convinced Australia to set fire to the entire continent like that? It must be tough to be a climate change skeptic these days, unless youre Meatloaf. The skeptics scoffed years ago when dire predictions of historic droughts and catastrophic wildfires were released by climate scientists with increasing regularity. Well, those predictions are our new reality, and it aint pretty. Here in the U.S. wildfire season has been growing stronger and stronger over the past few years. In California 2019 was bad, 2018 was worse. Australia dwarfs both. Millions and millions of acres have burned, countless homes and wildlife have been lost and still we whistle past the graveyard. Conservatives would rather hurl pervy insults at teenage climate activists than pay attention to the evidence. The scariest part of the global calamity of climate change is that, according to projections, this isnt even bad yet. According to the U.N. climate report we have the next decade to mitigate the most serious effects of climate change, after that were supremely hosed. Individuals continue to step up and change their behaviors like swearing off single use plastic, driving electric cars, etc. That stuff is vital and welcomed, but nothing of substance is going to happen until governments take the problem seriously. 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. After a whirlwind year, the KC native indie-pop band Greeting Committee returned home for a show at Uptown Theater. We spoke with Addie Sartino, which you can read here, before checking out Saturday's packed performance. Snow and ice couldn't stop Greeting Committee fans. Two persons, including a cleric, were arrested for suspected terror links in Gundlupet in Chamarajanagara district on Sunday, police said. We have arrested two persons including a maulavi for suspected links with a terror group active in Kerala, a top police officer in the district told PTI. Refusing to divulge the names of the suspects, the officer said the two were being questioned. The arrests were made by the State Anti Terror Squad, Karnataka Internal Security Division and the district police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Russian 'Orbital Spy Satellite' Has Broken Up in Space Harvard Astronomer Sputnik News 15:20 12.01.2020(updated 15:42 12.01.2020) Russia launched the Kosmos-2491 military satellite into orbit in 2013, with few details made available regarding its capabilities and mission, leading to speculation about its true purpose. Russia's Kosmos-2491 military satellite may has disintegrated in space, either by accident or after deliberately self-destructing, Harvard-Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell believes. Earlier, the US Air Force's Project Space Track reported that ten fragments thought to be the remnants of the Kosmos-2491 military satellite, assigned the numbers 44912-44913 and 44987-44994, were observed orbiting at altitudes between 1,329 to 1,699 km. "At about 1321 UTC on 2019 Dec 23, the satellite made a 1.5m/s orbit change and 10 debris objects have now been catalogued. The inference is that Kosmos-2491 may have disintegrated, either through deliberate destruction, accidental battery or prop event, or through an accidental debris collision. I lean to accident since it is my guess the sat has been dead for several years, but it's not certain," McDowell wrote on his Twitter page. McDowell recalled that the satellite was launched in December 2013, along with three other military communications satellites. Kosmos-2491 was believed to have been part of the 'Nivelir' project, thought to be capable of manouevring and secretly inspecting other satellites while in orbit. Janes has even speculated that Nivelir was part of a Russian attempt to improve its anti-satellite warfare capabilities. US observers believe Russia has launched several more satellites from the Nivelir series, including the Kosmos-2499, Kosmos-2504 and Kosmos-2519. However, McDowell noted that unlike some of the latter, "Kosmos-2491 did not change its orbit," and appeared to have ended its mission in 2014, continuing to float in the same orbit before December's sudden change in trajectory. US Concerned by Russian Space Capabilities Last year, the US National Air and Space Intelligence Center issued a report indicating that Russia and China were working on advanced space-based technologies aimed at "challenging US superiority" in the potential war-fighting domain. The US Air Force-affiliated think tank cited Russian and Chinese developments in missile technology, as well as directed-energy radio frequency and laser weaponry, which it said could pose a threat to US efforts in this area. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said a tweet by President Trump of an Islamophobic image mocking Islam and Muslims will further endanger members of the American Muslim and Sikh communities. [MEDIA AVAILABILITY: CAIR representatives will be available for media interviews on this issue between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. today (Jan. 13) at CAIR's Capitol Hill Headquarters, 453 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]] This morning, Trump retweeted a photoshopped image of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), with Pelosi wearing an Islamic headscarf (hijab) and Schumer wearing a turban. SEE: Trump Retweets Doctored Photo of Nancy Pelosi Wearing Hijab in Front of Iranian Flag to His 70 Million Followers https://www.newsweek.com/trump-retweets-doctored-photo-nancy-pelosi-wearing-hijab-front-iranian-flag-his-70-million-1481921 CAIR noted that Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims. SEE: CAIR-SFBA Expresses Solidarity with Sikh Community After Man Attacked, Calls for Probe of Bias Motive for Assault https://www.cair.com/cair_sfba_expresses_solidarity_with_sikh_community_after_man_attacked_calls_for_probe_of_bias_motive_for_assault After 200 Percent Increase in Anti-Sikh Hate Crimes Reported by FBI, Sikh Coalition Calls for Action https://www.sikhcoalition.org/press-release/200-percent-increase-anti-sikh-hate-crimes-reported-fbi-sikh-coalition-calls-action/ In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said: "Today's childish, undignified and offensive retweet of an Islamophobic photoshopped image of Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer further endangers American Muslims, Sikhs and members of other faiths who wear recognizable religious attire and are increasingly targeted by bigots nationwide. "President Trump has repeatedly targeted Islam and Muslims with bigoted rhetoric and Islamophobic appointments and policies such as the Muslim Ban, which media reports say is soon to be extended to other nations. "Americans of all faiths and backgrounds must speak out against this promotion of religious hatred by the occupant of the Oval Office. Such bigotry is not normal and must never become acceptable." SEE: CAIR, CAIR-NY Express Solidarity with Jewish Community After Hanukkah Stabbings https://www.cair.com/cair_cair_ny_express_solidarity_with_jewish_community_after_hanukkah_stabbings Oregon Woman Accused of Hate Crime After Grabbing Hijab from Student's Head https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/oregon-woman-accused-hate-crime-after-grabbing-hijab-students-head/O5KBGZZB7RA4HPDRL7KXAJUPVM/ CAIR-DFW Expresses Concerns, Offers Diversity Training for Fast Food Outlet That Sent Worker Home for Wearing Hijab https://www.cair.com/cair_dfw_expresses_concerns_offers_diversity_training_for_fast_food_outlet_that_sent_worker_home_for_wearing_hijab San Diego Man Charged with Racial Attack on 3 Women in Hijabs, Yells 'Go Back to Your Country' https://www.newsweek.com/san-diego-man-charged-racial-attack-3-women-hijabs-1464165 Awad noted that CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president. SEE: CAIR Condemns White Supremacist Fire-Bombing in Delaware, Racist Road Rage in Utah, Distribution of KKK Materials in Indiana https://www.cair.com/cair_condemns_white_supremacist_fire_bombing_in_delaware_racist_road_rage_in_utah_distribution_of_kkk_materials_in_indiana | CAIR Calls for Probe of KKK Hate Materials Distributed in Illinois https://www.cair.com/cair_calls_for_probe_of_kkk_hate_materials_distributed_in_illinois In April of last year, CAIR-LA received an anonymous bomb threat to its office made shortly after its annual Valley Banquet fundraiser, which featured Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). The bomb threat came after Trump tweeted a video attacking Rep. Omar for the way she phrased a reference to the 9/11 terror attacks during a speech at the CAIR-LA event. SEE: Bomb Threat Called Into CAIR-LA Building in Anaheim https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-bomb-threat-cair-la-20190417-story.html CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. La mision de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen, [email protected] SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Related Links http://www.cair.com The Merriam-Webster Dictionary site is an epicurean and sometimes mercurial presentation of language that tantalizes even the most Draconian and martinet-ish of word lovers. A case in point: The delightful Eponym Quiz, which tests your knowledge of many of the words in the previous sentence that are based on the names of people. Youll have to take the quiz to discover who gave their names to those words, because we dont want to give you an unfair advantage. Well offer others instead. ICYMI: Merriam-Webster announced its pick for word of the year In traditional usage an eponym is something that has loaned its name to something else. By extension, in everyday usage and many dictionaries, the eponym is also the thing that borrowed the name. Some eponyms have retained the capitalization of their namesakes, such as Bakelite (1909), a trademark for the first synthetic plastic, created by Leo Baekeland. Most have lost their capitalization, though some are recognizable as deriving from names. For example, bechamel sauce, named for the Marquis Louis de Bechamel, a steward to Louis XIV of France in the late 17th century. The sauce had probably been brought to France at least a hundred years earlier, but the Marquis got naming rights. (The Oxford English Dictionary says it first appeared in English in 1789 spelled bishemel.) If you drive a truck, thank Rudolf Diesel. Raised mostly in France and England, Diesel later moved to Germany, where in 1892 he obtained the first patent for the technology that later became the diesel engine. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Owners of fish tanks might have schools of a tiny fish called a guppy. R.J. Lechmere Guppy was a British engineer with an interest in flora and fauna who worked on the island of Trinidad. In 1866, he sent a sample of a small Trinidadian fish to the British Museum, which named it Girardinus guppii in his honor. As in the case of bechamel sauce, however, he was not the original source: that same fish had been described years earlier by a naturalist in Venezuela. The fish was later formally renamed Lebistes reticulatus, but kept its nickname. Smokers, chawers, and vapers can thank (or blame) Jean Nicot. In the late 16th century, he was the French ambassador to Portugal, where a botanist friend explained the healing powers of a tobacco plant. He sent news of this wonder to France, and supposedly sent tobacco snuff to the queen, Catherine de Medici, to treat her headaches. Nicotiana was the name of the plant; nicotine, the substance derived from it, did not appear in English until 1817, the OED says. (Of course, this ignores the fact that tobacco had been in use in the Americas long before the Europeans had even heard of it.) Last, one elegant artform owes its name to a skinflint. Etienne de Silhouette was a finance minister under Louis XV, who was known for trying to squeeze as much out of taxpayers and budgets as he could. As Merriam-Webster says, he liked to make cut-paper shadow portraits. The phrase a la Silhouette came to mean on the cheap, and portraits like the ones he produced were (satirically) bestowed with his name as well. He has been shadowed by his eponym since 1798. ICYMI: A language column that will bust your chops Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Merrill Perlman managed copy desks across the newsroom at the New York Times, where she worked for twenty-five years. Follow her on Twitter at @meperl. In many ways, the enterprise architect is one of the most pivotal IT positions at an organization, and especially for a company that is embarking on a digital transformation. Enterprise architects are involved in conducting analysis, design, planning and implementation of any technology and process changes needed to help meet the goals of an organization. Andy Wang Andy Wang, principal enterprise architect at Pharmacyclics. Degree: Bachelor of arts degree in psychology, University of California, Berkeley. Years of experience: 27 Advice for others: "Never stop learning, work on your communication and storytelling skills, and deliver value to your stakeholders however you can." These professionals are responsible for performing the analysis of existing business structures and processes, and based on that determining what the goals of enterprise architecture should be. For example, increased effectiveness, greater business agility and a higher level of efficiency can all be potential goals. Gartner defines enterprise architecture as a discipline for proactively and holistically leading enterprise responses to disruptive forces, by identifying and analyzing the execution of change toward desired business vision and outcomes. It delivers value by presenting business and IT leaders with recommendations for adjusting policies and projects to achieve business outcomes that capitalize on relevant business disruptions. I realized part of the role of an enterprise architect is to be an organizational and technology cartographer and storyteller. Typical responsibilities of an enterprise architect might include integrating IT strategy and planning with the organization's business goals; promoting the sharing of technology resources to reduce expenses and improve the flow of data; and helping to address risks related to cybersecurity and privacy. [ Tech careers: IT certifications and training center ] An enterprise architect needs to have skills such as knowledge of the business and how it relates to architecture; the ability to communicate and collaborate with others in IT and on the business side, and to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical executives; knowledge of IT governance and operation; and expertise in hardware, software and systems engineering. What does it take to become an enterprise architect? To find out, we spoke with Andy Wang, principal enterprise architect at Pharmacyclics, a biopharmaceutical company. Education/early life: From psychology to enterprise architect Back in his college days, Wang had no intention of pursuing a career in technology or even in business. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992 with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. Originally I wanted to be a doctor, but an introductory class in chemistry completely cured me of that, Wang said. Ive always been interested in technology, but did not want to go down the programming route. There were not any IT courses or majors at the time, so he selected psychology as a focus because he thought it was an interesting subject. But Wang did get a taste of the IT world early on. In his senior year of high school he landed a summer job at a local computer store building and selling personal computers. Having to assemble a computer from scratch and then installing all the software a customer ordered really got me interested in learning how computer hardware and software worked, and the amazing things people can do with technology, he said. Wang's IT job history And despite the lack of a formal education in technology-related subjects, Wangs initial jobs were indeed in the IT domain. He began working as a system administrator at Grammatik, a small software startup, while attending college. His responsibilities included supporting a local-area network, email system, accounting applications, phone system and PCs. Among the highlights was learning what it takes to support a network of computers. Next Wang joined professional services firm Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), where he worked in the IT organization as a system administrator supporting Novell networks, Lotus Notes, IBMs OS2 operating system and wide area networks (WANs). The experience expanded on everything he had learned at Grammatik, but at a much larger scale. In 1995, Wang went to work for retailer The Gap as a system engineer in the IT engineering department, supporting networks and email for the first two and a half years of his time there. Then he was offered an opportunity to move into the international IT function to support Gaps accelerated expansion globally for retail, distribution and sourcing. Wangs major accomplishments included setting up the companys first retail and distribution presence in Japan and its sourcing partners in Asia/Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, and Latin America. The effort in expanding Gaps presence internationally, along with all the necessary technology infrastructure, taught me the need to [create templates for] deployment packages and processes, he says. He developed what became known as the Office/Site in a Box template as Gap aggressively expanded across 16 countries. [ Online training: Earn your IoT security certification ] In 2000, Wang left the retailer to work for various dot.coms that eventually went out of business, because thats what everyone else in IT was doing, he said. Then in 2003 he took on a consulting role for Weil, Gotshal and Manges, a patent litigation law firm, helping with its IT infrastructure. Eventually I took on designing and supporting the technology infrastructure needed for a digital war room as attorneys and paralegals go to trial, Wang said. He created a repeatable process for setup, support and breakdown of the war room in a hotel near the courthouse as cases went to trial. Wang joined the enterprise architecture team at biotechnology company Genentech in 2015, because his wife, who was working at Gap at the time as a member of its enterprise architecture team, said it was something he should look into to progress his career. He started as a senior enterprise architect focusing on infrastructure and disaster recovery and was promoted to principal enterprise architect focusing on communication, collaboration, content management and social technologies. Other members of the architecture team focused on different aspects of IT technologies such as network, application, middleware, data management and architecture processes/governance. Wangs key accomplishments during his time at Genentech included moving the company from on-premises email systems (supporting 100,000 users) to Google Mail; working on the integration initiatives when Roche acquired Genentech in 2009; and building and maintaining technology roadmaps and standards. After 10 years at Genentech and too many trips to Europe, Wang decided to look for a job with less travel and a different focus. A recruiter reached out and said security company Symantec was rebuilding its enterprise architecture practice under a new IT leader, and asked if he would be interested in a position. [ Security ebook: Guide to top security certification ] Wang spent two years at Symantec maturing its enterprise architecture processes, including building roadmaps, documenting current states and technology standards, and running the architecture review board. He also supported various merger and acquisition activities from an architecture perspective. One of his most notable accomplishments was building the current business processes and technology landscape for Symantecs consumer business. In 2018, Wang joined his current employer. After spending time at an internet security company he realized how much he missed the life science field. The new post gave him an opportunity to build an enterprise architecture practice for Pharmacyclics as its principal enterprise architect. To date Wangs most notable accomplishment at the company is helping to integrate Pharmacyclics into AbbVie, which acquired the company in 2015. His focus has been on human resources systems and identity and access management systems. Memorable IT career moments Moving Genentech and Roche and its 100,000 employees to a cloud-based email system when everyone was still super skeptical about software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology and consumer-focused solutions was probably one of the most memorable moments of my career, Wang said. Thats because of the amount of researching, idea selling, risk remediation and moving parts involved in taking the project from an idea to execution, he said. Another memorable moment was building the enterprise landscape for Symantecs consumer business unit, which taught me how much more I can learn beyond just technology, Wang said. It was the first time I realized part of the role of an enterprise architect is to be an organizational and technology cartographer and storyteller. The ability to see and document the end-to-end processes of an organizations functions help architects ensure the solution they deliver meets all the requirements and accounts for any upstream/downstream impact. Biggest inspirations One of Wangs biggest inspirations is the former CEO of Genentech, Art Levinson. His maniacal focus on science and patients is extremely inspiring, he said. Another person that inspires me is Nancy Duarte. Her class and book on how to tell stories and present in a corporate setting completely changed how I view communications and the impact effective storytelling can do for enterprise architects. Lastly, I have to thank my wife for pushing me toward enterprise architecture as a career. Short-term and long-term goals Now that the first phase of the Pharmacyclics-to-AbbVie integration is completed, Wangs goal is to focus on building a current state capability map for some of Pharmacyclics core business functions, and plan for phase two of the integration. He also is gearing up to help move Pharmacyclics to its new headquarters in San Francisco in 2021. Advice for others seeking an enterprise architect role Never stop learning, Wang said. Work on your communication and storytelling skills. As an enterprise architect, your ability to simply and clearly convey complex ideas will be key to your success. Always seek to break the stereotype that enterprise architects live in the ivory tower. And, deliver value to your stakeholders however you can. AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump reportedly authorised the killing of Irans top general seven months before he was hit in a drone strike. The US president said he would sign off on the operation to kill Qassem Soleimani if Iran crossed his red line of killing an American, NBC News reported, citing five current and former senior administration officials. The officials told the network the decision explains why an airstrike on Soleimani was one of the options the military presented to Mr Trump as a response to an attack by Iranian proxy forces on a military base in Iraq, which caused the death of a US civilian contractor. There have been a number of options presented to the president over the course of time, one senior administration official told NBC News. They said the presidents aides put killing Soleimani on the list of potential responses to Iranian aggression some time ago. The presidential directive, from June, could undermine Mr Trumps assertion that the attack was carried out because Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corpss elite Quds Force, was planning to attack four US embassies. Several Democrats and a few Republicans in Congress have questioned the justification behind the attack, and said they have not been given adequate, detailed briefings. Since the strike on Soleimani on 3 January, administration officials have claimed they acted because of an imminent risk of attacks on American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. On Friday, Mr Trump said Iran had targeted the US embassy in Baghdad and claimed it was aiming to attack four US embassies before Soleimani was killed. We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad, Mr Trump said in an interview on Fox News. I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies. However, Mark Esper, the US defence secretary, has said while additional attacks against US embassies were likely, Mr Trumps remarks were not based on specific evidence. Story continues What the president said was that there probably could be additional attacks against embassies. I shared that view, Mr Esper said on CBSs Face the Nation. The president didnt cite a specific piece of evidence. When pressed on whether intelligence officers offered concrete evidence on that point he said: I didnt see one with regards to four embassies. The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners are working hard to determine whether or not the future attack by terrorist Soleimani was eminent or not, & was my team in agreement. The answer to both is a strong YES., but it doesnt really matter because of his horrible past! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2020 In a separate interview on CNNs State of the Union, Mr Esper said the administration had exquisite intelligence saying a broader attack against multiple embassies was likely, but it could only be shared with the Gang of Eight, a group of top congressional leaders who get briefed on sensitive information the rest of Congress does not have access to. But House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and member of the Gang of Eight, said on Sunday that the group was not informed about possible attacks on four embassies. There was no discussion in the Gang of Eight briefings that these are the four embassies that are being targeted and we have exquisite intelligence that shows these are the specific targets, he said. Republican Senator Mike Lee said on Sunday he was worried about the integrity of information the president and security briefers have provided Congress about Iran. We were given somewhat general statements, and I believe that the briefers and the president believe they had a basis for concluding there was an imminent attack. I dont doubt that. It is just frustrating to be told that and to not get the details behind it, he said on CNN. On Monday, Trump reiterated that the war general posed an imminent threat, but said that it did not matter either way because of his horrible past. Additional reporting by agencies This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com The wife of a Portuguese motorcycle rider who died after a crash in the Dakar Rally had described her grave fears over the event four years ago when he suffered another accident. Paulo 'Speedy' Goncalves, 40, was making his 13th appearance at the event in Saudi Arabia when he fell off in the seventh stage and was later pronounced dead in hospital. Wife Sofia, mother of their children Erica, nine, and Reuben, seven, had described her anxiety over the rally in 2016 after Goncalves lost consciousness and had to be evacuated by helicopter. 'This Dakar was very stressful for me due to the two serious accidents he suffered,' Sofia told the local paper on his safe return home. 'We never know what is going to happen.' Scroll down for video. Wife Sofia, mother of their children Erica, nine, and Reuben, seven, had described her anxiety over the rally just four years ago after Goncalves lost consciousness and had to be evacuated by helicopter (pictured: Paulo Goncalves with his wife and children) Paulo Goncalves in a recent photo with his two young children, he has been remembered as a 'hero' of motorsport Goncalvez is attended to by medical staff after the crash during the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Sunday On Sunday, Goncalves was airlifted away from the Dakar Rally for another time after he lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest. The Hero Motorsports entrant fell after 170miles of the special stage from the capital Riyadh to Wadi Al Dawasir. 'The organisers received an alert at 10:08 and dispatched a medical helicopter that reached the biker at 10:16 and found him unconscious after going into cardiac arrest,' organisers said in a statement. 'Following resuscitation efforts in situ, the competitor was taken by helicopter to Layla Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. 'The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his friends and family.' Goncalves was the first competitor to die in the gruelling endurance event since Polish motorcycle rider Michal Hernik in Argentina in 2015. The Portuguese finished in the top 10 at the Dakar Rally four times and was runner-up in 2015 to Spaniard Marc Coma, who is competing this year as co-driver to double Formula One champion Fernando Alonso. Portuguese motorbike rider Paulo Goncalves (pictured) has died following a crash in the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Goncalves, 40, who is a Hero Motorsports racer taking part in his 13th Dakar Rally since 2006, suffered fatal injuries after a fall 170miles into Sunday's special stage from Riyadh to Wadi Al Dawasir (pictured) Goncalves suffered mechanical problems on Friday, having to change his bike's engine to stay in the race, and dropped to 46th overall after the sixth stage. 'The target now is to do my best, because the result at the end...there is no way to get a good result. Instead Iall try to do good stages every day possible and that's what I'm looking for,' Goncalves said then. The experienced Portuguese had competed in the Dakar on three continents, from its origins in Africa to South America and this year's debut in the Middle East. The 2013 cross country rallies world champion was representing the Indian Hero Motorsports team, along with his brother-in-law Joaquim Rodrigues, after five years racing with Honda. Goncalves crashed out on the fifth stage in Peru last year. Rodrigues broke his back in a Dakar crash two years ago but returned after extensive surgery and was 27th after stage six. Sunday's 546km stage, the longest of the event, was won by Spaniard Joan Barreda with American Ricky Brabec extending his overall lead in the category. Portuguese Joaquim Rodrigues reacts after the death of his team member Goncalves on Sunday Australian Toby Price, the defending champion, finished an hour and 20 minutes behind Barreda but organisers said he stopped to try to help Goncalves and will have his position recalculated. Spaniard Carlos Sainz, a two-times Dakar winner driving a Mini buggy, took his third stage win of the event in the cars category to extend his lead over Toyota's reigning champion Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar to 10 minutes. Mini have now won six of the seven stages. 'Following resuscitation efforts in situ, the competitor was taken by helicopter to Layla Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. Hero Motosports Team Rally's Goncalves is pictured during stage 5 of the race on Thursday 'The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his friends and family.' Goncalves finished in the top 10 at the Dakar Rally four times and was runner-up to Marc Coma in 2015. He was 46th overall after the sixth stage on Friday. India's flagship global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics Raisina Dialogue will begin on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the inaugural session at which seven former heads of state or government will share their views on important challenges facing the world. The fifth edition of the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation, will bring together 700 international participants from over a 100 countries, in one of the largest gathering of its kind. The three-day conference will see participation of 12 foreign ministers, including from Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the EU. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will take the stage at the Dialogue for a conversation on The India Way: Preparing for a Century of Growth & Contest' on January 15, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Iran foreign minister Javed Zarif's participation assumes significance as it comes following the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. Zarif and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will both arrive here on Tuesday night and deliver their address for the dialogue the next day. Zarif will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold talks with Jaishankar during his visit. Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces, General Koji Yamazaki, Vice Chief of Australian Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston and Chief of Naval Staff of UK, Admiral Tony Radakin will also speak at the conference. The valedictory address will be delivered by Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Union, Josep Borrell. The Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth will also attend the conference, the MEA said in a statement. The NSA of Afghanistan, Deputy NSA of the United States and several ministers of state, including from Germany, will also present their ideas at the conference, the MEA said. Forty per cent of the speakers at the Dailogue are women, it said. The Heads of over 30 think-tanks from around the world will also moderate or present their views across different sessions, it said. The inaugural session on Tuesday will be attended by Prime Minister Modi and seven former heads of state or government, with high international stature and rich experience in governance, will share their views during the inaugural session on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, role of technology in modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism. The former heads of government who will engage in a discussion are former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, former Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen, former Bhutanese premier Tshering Tobgay and former South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo. Over the course of two days intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, debate on the global trading architecture, role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace. The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India's deliberative ethos as well as its international credibility and convening power, the MEA said. The 2020 Oscars nominations have been announced, bringing with them their annual lot of snubs and surprises. Female filmmakers once again were overlooked in the Best Director category with Greta Gerwig getting notably snubbed for her lauded adaptation of Little Women. The Farewell, Taron Egerton and Jennifer Lopez also failed to secure nominations in their respective categories. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks has scored his first Academy Award nomination in years for his turn as Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Please read on for an overview of the most high-profile surprises and snubs of the 2020 Oscars nominations: 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 Netflix is having a great year The streaming platform missed out on Best Picture last year, despite a rather successful awards campaign for Alfonso Cuarons Roma. Its certainly not giving up this year, with Martin Scorseses The Irishman and Noah Baumbachs Marriage Story landing in several key categories. Both films are now in competition for Best Picture and the cast of Marriage Story has scored nominations in the Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories, while The Irishman is up for Best Director as well as Best Supporting Actor (times two, with Joe Pesci and Al Pacino competing against each other). (CM) Tom Hanks scores his first Oscar nomination in nearly 20 years It might be hard to believe, given that hes barely ever put a foot wrong, but this is Tom Hankss first Oscar nomination in almost two decades. Despite stellar work in the likes of Catch Me If You Can (2002), The Terminal (2004), Captain Phillips (2013), Saving Mr Banks (2013) and The Post (2017), the 63-year-old international treasure hasnt been recognised by the academy since 2001s Cast Away. (AP) Parasite makes history Parasite, Bong Joon-hos razor-sharp social satire, is the first South Korean film ever to be nominated for Best Picture. Its swept the board elsewhere, too, with Bong getting a Best Director nod (the only non-white person in an all-male category). It would have been nice to see some of the actors getting recognised particularly Song Kang-ho, who gave one of the best performances of his already-illustrious career as the wiley patriarch but it seems that was a dream too big. (AP) Greta Gerwig gets overlooked for Best Director Gerwigs acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts classic novel is up for Best Picture, but Gerwig herself was entirely deserving of a nomination in the Best Director category. Besides, including her would have been a wonderful way to infuse some diversity into the overwhelmingly male list of nominees. Which brings us to (CM) Where are the female filmmakers? At the risk of sounding like a broken record, once again, a major awards ceremony has only put forward male filmmakers in the race for Best Director. This is unforgivable at any given time, but it seems especially unfair given that female filmmakers put out some of the best releases of the past 12 months just look at Greta Gerwigs Little Women, Lorene Scafarias Hustlers, Alma Har'els Honey Boy, Marielle Heller's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Lulu Wang's The Farewell. (CM) Jennifer Lopez deserved a shot at Best Actress In order to prepare for her role in Hustlers, Lopez learnt an entire new skill (pole dancing, which, in case youre wondering, is far from easy) and thats just the cherry on top of her very strong acting performance as veteran stripper Ramona Vega. She certainly deserved a prime spot on the list of Best Actress nominees, but alas, the Academy decided otherwise. (CM) Will Brad Pitt finally get an Oscar? The actor has been a favourite as Best Supporting Actor this awards season, and now hes officially got a shot at an Oscar in that category. His performance as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood could earn the 56-year-old the first Academy Award of his career, after being nominated for Best Actor in Moneyball (2012) and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2009), and for Best Supporting Actor in 12 Monkeys (1996). (CM) There's still some hope for Little Women While Gerwig was snubbed for Best Director, her film is officially up for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score. Saoirse Ronan is up for Best Actress for her turn as Jo March, while Florence Pugh is in the running for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Amy. (CM) Taron Egerton misses out on a slot for Best Actor The English actor took home a Golden Globe in the Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his performance as Elton John, but didnt secure a similar nomination on the Oscars side. In fact, Rocketman is nominated in just one category: Best Original Song for Im Gonna Love Me Again. (CM) Recommended The 2020 Oscar nominations in full Antonio Banderas scores his first Oscar nomination The 59-year-old actor is in the running for Best Actor for his celebrated performance in Pain and Glory. This is the first Academy Award nomination of his career, and it puts him in competition with Leonardo DiCaprio, Adam Driver, Jonathan Pryce and Joaquin Phoenix. (CM) No love for Uncut Gems Adam Sandler was considered a strong contender for a Best Actor nomination after his acclaimed performance in Uncut Gems, but the Academy has expressed different views by keeping him out of the category. Fans are furious. (CM) What happened to The Farewell? Lulu Wangs film has distinguished itself on several occasions this awards season including when Awkwafina won Best Actress Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. Nevertheless, The Farewell as well as its stars (Zhao Shuzhen and Awkwafina had both generated some Oscar chatter) werent recognised by the Academy. (CM) The 2020 Oscars will take place on 9 February. You can see a full list of nominations here. Telugu film actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan on Monday met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president J P Nadda in New Delhi amid speculation that the two parties might forge an alliance in Andhra Pradesh where both were mauled in last years assembly and Lok Sabha elections. According to a JSP leader familiar with the development, Pawan left for New Delhi on Sunday following a call from the BJP leadership and had held preliminary round of talks with BJP MP from Bengaluru (South) Tejaswi Surya and general secretary B L Santosh. On Monday, Pawan, along with his senior party colleague and former assembly speaker Nadendla Manohar, met Nadda at his residence and held discussions for over an hour. Though there has been pressure from the BJP leadership for a merger of Jana Sena with the BJP, Pawan wants to sustain his party at least for now and build it up as a potential alternative to the YSR Congress party in Andhra Pradesh. He, however, is willing to associate with the BJP in the state in chalking out joint action plan against the YSRC government, the leader quoted above said. The JSP chief explained in detail the ongoing agitation by farmers of Amaravati against the three capitals plan envisaged by chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. He requested Nadda to nudge the Centre to intervene in the matter and ensure that the capital was retained at Amaravati. Pawan reminded to the BJP leadership that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid foundation stone for the capital city at Amaravati. The Centre had also released Rs 2500 crore for the capital city. This had created some sort of security for the farmers, he said. But now, the Jagan government is trying to shift the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam, leaving the farmers of Amaravati in the lurch. The Centre cannot escape from its responsibility on the pretext that the capital is a state subject, he said. Farmers in Amravati have been protesting for almost a month now against the proposal to shift the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam. In December, Pawan had hinted at forging an alliance with the BJP soon. He had told reporters at Tirupati then that he had never distanced himself from the BJP but was very much associated with it. Political equations keep changing with time in the interests of the people. One should look at the change only in spirit of the Constitution, Pawan had said. Both the JSP and the BJP have been reduced to the margins in Andhra Pradesh. The actor, who is the youngest brother of popular film star and former Union minister K Chiranjeevi, launched the Jana Sena Party before 2014 general elections and supported the BJP-Telugu Desam Party combine in Andhra Pradesh, but did not contest the elections. In 2019, Pawan differed with the BJP and the TDP and contested the elections in alliance with the CPI, CPI (M) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The alliance fared badly in the elections with the JSP winning just one seat in the 175-member assembly. Pawan himself failed to win either of the two seats he had contested Bhimavaram in West Godavari and Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam. The party registered a meagre vote share of 6.78 per cent and lost deposits in as many as 120 assembly seats. In the Lok Sabha elections for 25 seats in the state, it drew a blank. The BJP could not win a single seat either in the assembly or the Lok Sabha. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ahead of the Delhi Assembly election, Congress leader and former MLA Ram Singh Netaji on Monday joined the AAP in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Netaji said he was impressed by the work done by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and "that is the reason I decided to leave Congress". He won from the Badarpur Assembly constituency twice -- once as a BSP candidate and second time as an Independent. Election to the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 8. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CLEVELAND, Ohio Akron and the agencies tasked with holding the city accountable as it works on a $1 billion underground sewer project wrote Friday that its unnecessary for the court to appoint a monitor to keep the city on track, despite the judges concerns about delays. The city, U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies said the legal mechanisms in place are enough to ensure the city stays on track with a years-old consent decree to fix the citys underground sewage system by 2028 and to stop sewers from overflowing into the Cuyahoga River. U.S. District Judge John Adams, who oversees the consent decree, said in December that he would consider appointing a monitor because the city missed a deadline to finish the mile-long Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel. He appeared unhappy that neither the U.S. nor Ohio EPA imposed any penalties against the city for missing the deadline. The tunnel is the most significant project agreed to in the consent decree and construction was supposed to finish by the end of 2018. The city has attributed delays to the complexity of the project, which included the construction of a large tunnel-boring machine. It now expects to finish the project by the end of June. Adams also expressed concern that hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated sewage flowed into the river because of the citys delays. While the judge said the state and federal EPAs have not taken action, the U.S. EPAs attorneys in the Justice Department wrote in a filing that it is still evaluating whether to fine the city. It said it has not given up its ability to enforce the consent decree agreement and called the delay a matter of serious concern. Since the consent decree gives both EPAs enforcement power, an outside monitor whose duties are to supervise Akrons compliance with the Decree would duplicate the oversight efforts already undertaken by the Governments, Justice Department attorney Bonnie Cosgrove wrote. Attorneys for the city also wrote that Adams does not have the ability to appoint a monitor and that the city met most of its deadlines and requirements. This includes five sewer separation projects, building four storage basins and projects that allow the city to treat more sewage before discharging it, according to its brief. The city is also ahead of schedule on other projects, which meant it has treated an additional 863 million gallons of sewage it was not yet required to address under the consent decree. This additional layer of oversight will not provide any additional environmental benefit, but will result in additional and unnecessary cost and expense to the parties, the citys brief says, citing a decision officials made to raise sewer rates to pay for the project. In lieu of appointing a monitor, the Justice Department wrote that the city and other agencies could provide more information to the judge. While the city currently provides semi-annual report, the parties could also provide reports afterward with more information about compliance and potential violations, the brief states. This story was updated to correct references in several places to sewer overflows. Read more: Federal judge over delayed Akron sewer project mulls appointing monitor to ensure city meets deadlines Akron months behind on sewage project mandated by consent decree, court filings say STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Robyn Almodovars mom made a two-hour commute each way from Eltingville to her job in Manhattan. And that exhausting daily journey, one familiar to many Staten Island families, inspired the young teen to pull dinner together. This humble start set Almodovars path into the food world, which has so far taken her through kitchens around the world, her own food truck, various Food Network challenges and, now, as author of her first cookbook -- "New cookbook Low & Slow Cooking: 60 Hands-Off Recipes That Are Worth the Wait (Page Street Publishing) due out on Tuesday. I always cooked growing up, said Almodovar, a graduate of PS 42, Eltingville, and Bernstein Intermediate School (I.S. 7), Huguenot. She admitted that kitchen work started as a chore -- until she realized what a huge help it was at home. The cooking journey for this now 40-year-old professional chef began at Buono Bakery in Grasmere making $5.25 an hour. She attended Curtis High School for the nursing program. Then I moved to Georgia with my mom and worked in restaurants -- as a hostess, bartender, manager, said Almovodar. Down South, she went the cosmetology route with school, as there were no nursing programs like those in New York. Suddenly, one late night, she saw a bunch of late-night commercials. There was one for Cordon Bleu cooking school. I thought it was a sign from the universe. So I dropped out of cosmetology school, and a week later started in culinary, recalled Almovodar. Thats my little story right there, she added. Then came a world of reality TV challenges -- Food Networks Hells Kitchen, Food Truck Face Off, Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Chopped Impossible. She won on both Chopped" and Cutthroat Kitchen, and came in fifth on Hells Kitchen Season 10. Chef Gordon Ramsay called her personally to ask her to be a contestant on Hells Kitchen All Stars Season 17. Chopped taught me a lot about myself -- anxiety, weakness -- and I can overcome anything when it comes to cooking, said Almodovar. I loved Hells Kitchen. I would go on there for the third time because I have some unfinished business, she said. If you have anxiety or thoughts of suicide like I did at 22 or 22 -- sometimes you get into that dark spot. And you have get into the light, said the celeb chef. I would never think I was going to be on television, let alone write a cookbook, said Almovodar, who confessed that as a woman in the kitchen you have a lot more to prove. Reprinted with permission from Low & Slow Cooking by Robyn Almodovar, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Photo credit: Jennifer Blume While she now lives in Fort Lauderdale and chefs at the Sands Harbor Marina Resort, Almovodar has fond memories of Staten Island -- the woods, riding her bicycle to New Dorp Lane, the first time it snowed each winter and playing manhunt. Thats the Staten Island I remember, she said fondly. She said shes loving her food career and the places it takes her. Cooking is always going to be the same. Its never going to change wherever you go, she said. Low and Slow Cooking features family recipes and dishes from her acclaimed food truck, Palate Party, the first female-owned, non-dessert food truck in South Florida. Here is a taste of her new book with the recipe of Ropa Vieja, a Cuban dish that translates to old clothes." Thats a reference to its preparation of shredding or tearing the meat in its super tender state. Why go to a Cuban restaurant when you can have your own personal restaurant at home? asks Almodovar in a preface to the recipe. She promises the easiest and tastiest ropa vieja that you will ever eat. Reprinted with permission from Low & Slow Cooking by Robyn Almodovar, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Photo credit: Jennifer Blume RECIPE: ROPA VIEJA (Serves 4 to 6) INGREDIENTS: 1 12 pounds flank steak, London broil or chuck 1 tablespoon salt 2 (8-ounce cans tomato sauce) 1 red bell pepper, seeded and julienned 1 green bell pepper, seeded and julienned 1 onion, julienned 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 14 cup red cooking wine 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 bay leaf f14 cup olive brine 8 olives (optional) 3 red potatoes, large diced 2 tablespoons olive oil DIRECTIONS: This can be prepared in the oven or a slow cooker. Oven method: Preheat your oven to 275 degrees. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat on your stovetop. Season the meat with the salt on both sides, then sear on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add all the remaining ingredientsthats right, you read correctlywere one-pot cooking here! Cover, place in the oven and forget about it for 5 hours. Check at the 5-hour mark to see whether the meat is tender. If it needs more time, cook for another 15 minutes. The meat should pull apart with just a fork. Slow cooker method: Season and sear the meat on all sides in a large saute pan, then transfer to a 6-to 8-quart (5.7-to 7.6-L) slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook for 5 hours on the low setting, or until fork-tender. Goes well with rice and Cuban black beans. -- Reprinted with permission from Low & Slow Cooking by Robyn Almodovar, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Carrie Lam says months of pro-democracy protests have not undermined Hong Kongs financial stability. Hong Kongs strengths as a global financial hub have not been undermined by months of pro-democracy protests, the Chinese-ruled citys chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday. Protests in Hong Kong escalated in June over a now-withdrawn bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party. They have since broadened to include demands such as universal suffrage. Speaking at the opening of a regional financial forum, Lam said the citys financial system remained stable, thanks to lessons learned since the Asian financial crisis. She cited the listing of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd as a boon for other listings by mainland companies. The citys strengths and resilience, just like our financial systems, have not been undermined despite (the fact) that we experienced considerable social unrest and challenges, Lam said. She added she was confident the city will bridge divisions, and realise its goals of a reunited community and flourishing economy. Hong Kongs economy sank into a recession for the first time in 10 years in the third quarter of 2019, as the protests kept tourists away, dealing a severe blow to the semi-autonomous territorys shops and restaurants. Many protests involved violent clashes between protesters and the police on central streets lined by the citys tallest towers hosting top finance companies. Some financial firms have been caught in the middle, with branches of mainland banks repeatedly vandalised as protesters vented their anger at what they perceive as Beijing meddling in the citys affairs, an accusation denied by Beijing which blames the West for fomenting unrest. HSBC has also drawn the ire of some protesters who accuse it of being complicit in action by the authorities against activists trying to raise money to support their campaign. HSBC strongly denies any connection. Hurt by a tariff war between Washington and Beijing, and with protests hurting tourism and retail sales, Hong Kongs economy has fallen into recession and relies on its finance industry to prevent a deeper downturn. The majority of vets who have registered to work in Ireland last year completed their training outside the country. Of the 197 new practitioners to have joined the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) register in 2019, only 71 were graduates of UCD, with 118 from other EU countries and eight from outside the EU. Of these 118 EU entrants, 35 came from Budapest, with 13 from Warsaw and 15 from the UK. This trend has been steadily increasing, with overseas institutes offering full-length courses through English. Demand for the 82 CAO places available at UCD each year remains high, with entry points increasing from 555 points in 2018 to 567 in 2019 - making it one of the most difficult courses to get into. Any graduate wishing to practise in Ireland must apply to the VCI, and the council's Niamh Muldoon stresses that there is no prejudice against those who have studied abroad, saying: "All EU-graduated veterinary practitioners are treated the same way." The VCI checks "the course details undertaken and syllabus" and takes steps to ensure "English language competency". 'We Irish help each other if anyone is feeling down' Colman Kelliher: studying in Lithuania Colman Kelliher's first year at the Lithuanian University of Health Science (LUHS) brought six months of sub-zero temperatures. The Kerryman, in the fourth year of his six-year course, always wanted to be a vet. But, like so many Irish students each year, he failed to secure a place to study veterinary medicine in UCD. Undeterred, he did a BSc in Veterinary Nursing at Dundalk IT and worked for 15 months at the Ark Veterinary Hospital in Killarney. He scoured the internet, looking for non-traditional ways to reach his goal. He applied to five European universities and, after being accepted to LUHS in Kaunas, he quickly discovered that a winter in south Lithuania is very different from a winter in west Kerry. "For the first month everything was brand new, exciting and fun. But in my first winter it snowed from the start of October to April," he says. "It hasn't been that bad since, it doesn't snow until December. "In winter the days get shorter and shorter and then you could start getting lonely. But there are loads of us in the same boat and we all help each other if anyone is feeling down. "You are so far away that it's not easy just to pop home for the weekend. The first semester was the toughest but after that you get over it." Cost Colman is one of four Irish students studying veterinary at LUHS. The cost of living in the Baltic country was a factor in his decision. "I'm in a shared apartment, there are two of us in it, and I pay 185 per month for rent. You can get a place in the university dorms for around 125 per month," he says. "There have been some negative bits. The buildings [on campus] are quite old overall the facilities could be a little bit better. "You are given all the basics of what you need to know and then it is up to you to go further than that. We don't have a CT machine for example, or an MRI machine, which they have in UCD. "I'm happy that I went for it overall. I've gotten to live in a different country, experience a new culture, and meet different nationalities. There are about 15 different nationalities on the course." Colman plans to work abroad for a number of years. "When I am qualified I'll probably end up in Ireland eventually but I'd like to travel around," he says. "What I'd love to do really is get into poultry. It's a real growth area. I like chickens and I like the public health aspect of it as well. "There is a big market for fish vets coming up as well. There are so many options." The LUHS holds entrance exams in Dublin every year. 'I'd guess I was saving 25,000 or 30,000 a year studying in Warsaw rather than Dublin' Expand Close In it together: Paddy Thompson says, We formed a family away from home in Warsaw. We set up a GAA club. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In it together: Paddy Thompson says, We formed a family away from home in Warsaw. We set up a GAA club. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Paddy Thompson was up a ladder in a nursing home, paintbrush in hand, when he first heard about the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Having missed out on qualification for veterinary medicine in UCD, the Limerick man did a degree in zoology in UCC. He was never quite able to shake the urge to become a vet. The only information available about studying in Eastern Europe came through word of mouth. "I was doing a summer job, painting in a nursing home, and I met a girl who was studying veterinary in Slovakia," he said. "Through her I got talking to a few people who were studying in Warsaw and I decided that I would give it a gamble. "It was a bit daunting in the beginning. I was only after doing a primary degree and was being funded by my parents. I applied to Budapest as well as Warsaw, and when I looked into it, Poland was such a cheaper country to live in." Paddy was in his early 20s when he went to Poland but many Irish teenagers are going abroad to study. "I was more mature. I don't think I could have studied in Warsaw as an 18-year-old. I wasn't mentally mature enough for it," he says. "I remember arriving on a train at 5.30am, not knowing anybody. It was daunting. "There was five or six [Irish] in the year ahead of me. Once I got chatting to them and recognised my own I got more comfortable. "We formed a family away from home. We set up a GAA club and the year revolved around playing tournaments across Europe. " One of the biggest attractions of the European colleges is the cost of living. "I'd guess I was saving 25,000 or 30,000 a year studying in Warsaw," says Paddy. "You are sacrificing the comforts of home and being able to go home on the weekend but it was worth it. "It is crazy how many Irish people are studying veterinary abroad now, and it all started by word of mouth. It just took a few people who were willing to take a chance and it grew from there. There was five or six in my year in Warsaw and it seems to be growing all the time." Paddy grew up on a farm in Limerick with a mixture of suckler cattle, horses and sheep. He now works at the Blackwater Veterinary Clinic in Mallow, with "a very mixed practice". Mary O'Connor: Studied in Budapest Expand Close Roundabout route: Vets Mary O'Connor and Paddy Thompson at Blackwater Veterinary Clinic in Mallow, Co Cork. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Roundabout route: Vets Mary O'Connor and Paddy Thompson at Blackwater Veterinary Clinic in Mallow, Co Cork. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Growing up on a dairy farm in Kilnamartyra in West Cork, Mary O'Connor felt the call of the land from a young age. She studied hard through her teenage years, hoping to do veterinary in UCD. Growing up on a dairy farm in Kilnamartyra in West Cork, Mary O'Connor felt the call of the land from a young age. She studied hard through her teenage years, hoping to do veterinary in UCD. But it was not to be. So Mary took a different path. She spent five years studying and working in nursing before she reignited her hopes of becoming a vet. She decided to go east. "It was always in the back of my mind to do veterinary," she says. "I was always massively interested in animals. I love science and I love medicine so it was a great fit for me. I loved nursing too, even though I don't do it any more. "At that time there was really no information about going to the European colleges but I knew someone who had gone to Budapest, so I decided to try there. "There are 30 or 40 Irish students starting in Budapest each year. I'd say about 70pc already have a degree. "In my class there was someone with a law degree, a zoologist and an engineer. I thought I would be unusual, going back for a second degree, but most people were in the same boat, and we all had wanted to do veterinary from a very young age. "About 30pc of the Irish students were coming directly from the Leaving Cert. The Leaving Certs in our class were amazing. They were 18 or 19-year-olds and they were head and shoulders ahead of the rest of us. "There is a brilliant Irish community over there, a brilliant international community. The biggest community over there are Irish and the Scandinavians. A lot of my friends were Swedish and Norwegian." One of the main attractions of studying in Eastern Europe is the cost. While the courses are fee-paying, accommodation, travel and food are so much cheaper than in Dublin. "It was much more accessible and more affordable for me to go to Budapest," says Mary. "Rent could be 200 to 300 a month for a massive apartment and bills wouldn't come to much more than 50 or 60 a month. So it's a massive difference. It's not just the college fees, it's transport, food, it's everything. "Even with that I had my parents to support me. There is no way I would have been able to support myself over there without them." Mary qualified in 2017 and had no difficulty finding work in Ireland. "I think I was treated the same as anyone else looking for a job in Ireland. People were very open about it. Maybe long ago it wouldn't have been the same but everyone seems happy with the qualification," she says. "There was absolutely no prejudice against it at all. They know that there are a lot of Irish vets training in places outside Ireland. "It was a very positive experience, I've no regrets at all about doing it over there. That said, it was a very tough course but it would have been tough if I'd done it in Antartica or if I'd done it in UCD. "We did work very hard but when I came home I was able to switch off completely." Mary now works in the Blackwater Veterinary Clinic in Mallow. "I work with five other vets and three of us studied abroad," she says. Press Release January 13, 2020 Villanueva asks DOLE to issue labor advisory for workers following Taal eruption, ash fall Senator Joel Villanueva has called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue an advisory on work in the areas of Region 4-A, especially in Batangas, to ensure the health and safety of workers as a result of Taal Volcano's eruption. The Senator also encouraged employers and its designated safety officers to assess whether there is imminent danger in their workplace and prioritize to safeguard the health and safety of their workers. "Given the heightened concerns of workers in Batangas, parts of Laguna and Cavite, as well as nearby areas including Metro Manila, the DOLE must help ease the tension by issuing a relevant labor advisory which can guide the private sector in deciding whether to run their operations or offices in the light of Taal's eruptions," Villanueva said in a statement. "Employers and company-designated safety officers should also determine on their own whether it is safe for their workers to report today in their workplace. Safety officers are empowered to issue a work-stoppage order in their workplaces without threat or reprisal from employers as enshrined in the law and implementing rules," continued the senator, chair of the Senate labor committee. Villanueva, principal author and sponsor of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) Act, however, clarified that the the workers right to refuse to work on account of imminent danger must be supported by a finding from the Department of Labor and Employment that an imminent danger to their health and safety exists hence the need for a DOLE Advisory. Section 6 of the OSHS law, or Republic Act No. 11058, states: "The worker has the right of refusal to work without threat or reprisal from the employer if, as determined by the DOLE, an imminent danger situation exists in the workplace that may result to illness, injury or death, and corrective actions to eliminate the danger have not been undertaken by the employer." The law's implementing rules and regulations extend the similar protection against employers' threat or reprisal to safety officers who issue work stoppage orders, he added. If workers are exposed outdoors, they should be provided with adequate personal protective equipment, which includes appropriate dust masks, Villanueva pointed out. Villanueva urged the DOLE to immediately release the advisory because of potential health hazards for workers who are exposed outdoors. The Iraqi ambassador to Iran said on Monday that the country is in negotiations to purchase the Russian S-300 missile defense system. Iraq has sought to purchase such a system from Russia since 2017, but has been held back by pressure from the U.S. Turkey has purchased the S-400 system from Russia, a move that caused considerable tension between the country and the Trump administration. Itas possible that Iraq will buy the [S-300] system, said Iraqs ambassador Saad Jawad Qandil, adding that it was part of a push to diversify the countrys military. The killing of Soleimani clearly shows the need for Iraq to improve its air defenses, said Igor Kurushchenko, a member of the Russian defense ministry general council, in comments to The National, a Dubai-based outlet. Iraq must be able to protect itself from missiles fired from the US and Iran. The negotiations continue after the U.S. airstrike at Baghdad International Airport on January 2 that killed senior Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. The strike came just days after Soleimani orchestrated a violent riot outside the American embassy in Baghdad and, according to administration officials, was timed to prevent an imminent attack on U.S. forces in the region. In response to the strike, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has repeatedly called for U.S. forces to leave the country. The U.S. State Department has dismissed Mahdis proposal. The Iraqi Parliament passed a non-binding resolution on January 5 calling for all foreign troops to leave Iraq, but almost half of the bodys lawmakers didnt show up to the vote, including representatives of Sunni Arab and Kurdish voters. The Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, signed by President Trump in 2017, allows the U.S. to impose sanctions on countries that complete significant transaction[s] with Russian defense bodies. Iraq is currently bound by a strategic agreement to the U.S. that allows the American military to maintain a significant presence in the country. More from National Review A judge granted a preliminary injunction Monday to keep Belinda Shvetzs name off the primary ballot for state Senate District 19, after another candidate claimed Shvetz does not meet the residency requirements. Xochil Rodriguez, in a lawsuit against Shvetz and the Texas Democratic Party, claimed the party wrongly allowed Shvetz to run for the seat in the Democratic primary, which is set for March 3. Luis Roberto Vera Jr. and Robert Woody Wilson, Rodriguezs attorneys, applied for a temporary restraining order Jan. 2, and state District Judge Cathleen M. Stryker granted it Wednesday. At a hearing Monday, Civil District Court Judge Rosie Alvarado granted Rodriguezs request for a preliminary injunction and set a trial date of Jan. 23 for a decision on a permanent injunction. Rodriguez is a former city attorney and daughter of Justice of the Peace Ciro Rodriguez, a former congressman. Vera declined to comment on Mondays proceedings. Reached Monday evening, Shvetz, who said she has lived in Atkins since September 2019, said she would continue trying to keep her name on the ballot. This about the voters right to choose who they want as an elected official, she said. I will continue to fight for injustice and civil rights for the people of District 19. Rodriguez filed the suit in December in civil district court, claiming the party violated state law by including Shvetz on the ballot. It also alleged she is neither registered to vote in the district she is running for, nor does she live in the area she would represent. The party did not challenge the lawsuit. On ExpressNews.com: State senator candidate sues opponent, alleging residency requirement violation Specifically, Shvetz has not been a resident of Senate District 19 for a full year preceding her election, the lawsuit states. According to the lawsuit, Shvetz provided two addresses one for an apartment in Balcones Heights on Gentleman Road, which is in SD 26, the other for a South Side tire shop on Roosevelt Avenue that rests in SD 19. The document also alleges Shvetz committed voter fraud by casting a ballot in the San Antonio mayoral election last May while her voter registration was suspended. At the time, the suit claims, Shvetz said she was living in SD 26. Shvetz cannot now claim or be permitted to claim she was a resident of Senate District 19 in May 2019, which is less than the one year requirement to be a resident of the position for which she seeks election and opposite of the fabricated claim on her application of living the past one year and one month in Senate District 19, the suit states. Election fraud is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, according to the Texas Election Code. According to state law, a candidate running for the Texas Senate must have lived in Texas for the previous five years and in the district he or she is seeking to represent for the previous year. SD 19 covers 15 counties, including portions of Bexar and Atascosa counties, and currently is represented by Sen. Pete Flores. The Republican defeated Democrat Pete Gallego in 2018 in a special election prompted by the resignation of disgraced Sen. Carlos Uresti, a Democrat who held the seat for almost 12 years. Uresti had to relinquish his seat after a felony conviction on charges including money laundering and fraud. He is serving time in federal prison. Lawyers Roland Gutierrez and Freddy Ramirez also are running in the Democratic primary for SD 19. The winner will face Flores in the November election. He is unopposed in the Republican primary. Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863 I have often written about how the developing world is leap-frogging the developed world. The reason is that the developing world had no infrastructure in place whilst the developed world implemented their infrastructure in the last century. The developed world has become a legacy world. The developing world is a world fit for today. First thing I should qualify is what I mean by the developing world. I dont mean what most economists talk about. I mean countries that at the end of the last century were emerging economies. Those economies were the BRICs, as Goldman Sachs called it. Brazil, Russia, India and China. Twenty years ago the term BRICs was coined by Jim ONeill at Goldman Sachs, in a paper titled: Building Better Global Economic BRICs. Since then, China and India have both transformed into major leading global economies. They are no longer developing but have developed and leap frogged. I wrote about this back in 2006: In the case of China, Ive written loads about the impact of Tencent and Alibaba on payments and finance, and continue to do so. Maybe I was more predictive than I imagined when I wrote in 2006: China will be teaching us how to deploy bank infrastructures ten years from now And see a headline: ICBC, Alibaba and Ant Financial strengthen fintech partnership We can learn a lot from them. In the case of India, I wrote back in 2006: One of the biggest impacts India will have on world banking will not stem from todays domestic challenges, but from its ability to adapt and develop new services tomorrow. And the transformation since 2006 in the country has been a phenomenon. It started with the Aadhaar digital identity program which led to the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) as part of IndiaStack which now leads to IndiaChain, a distributed identity ledger project. Again, we can learn a lot from them. Part of the reason why these thoughts come back to me now is because we are not learning a lot from them. We languish in legacy infrastructures and the chains of last century systems in Europe and America, because a refresh is too costly and too difficult. Like banks changing core systems, we are stuck in our own 21st century Catch 22: refresh core country infrastructures at high risk or maintain old infrastructures at high cost. Its a lose-lose situation. Nevertheless, a report caught my attention the other day. Written by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS, the guys who do Basels), it highlights the massive transformation in India thanks to the IndiaStack: The design of digital financial infrastructure: lessons from India The paper shows a remarkable change in financial inclusion in just a half a decade. In 2011, two thirds of Indian citizens were unbanked; by 2017, only a fifth were. Putting it better, India went from 35% banked to 80% in just six years. This is due, according to the BIS papers author Siddharth Tiwari, to the visionary action of the Indian government. The Financial Times writes a decent summation of the report and is well worth a read. In my own case, I am conflicted when writing about India these days. Whilst UPI, Aadhaar and IndiaStack may be a success, I see regular commentary about it being used to track and trace citizens, act as a Big Brother and being unsafe due to regular hacks. Maybe IndiaChain will solve the hacking issues a bit but, even so, the introduction of facial recognition is possibly unnerving for many, as is the case in China. In other words, it is for the State to track and trace citizens and wipe out any behaviours that dont support government programmes. NRC is needed so that fascists can selectively exclude Indian citizens with Aadhar/PAN/passports/voter cards and then call them illegal infiltrators before stripping them of rights, robbing, jailing & doing worse to them. Sanghis have always admired the Nazis. https://t.co/Bdcvc6T9O2 Geet V (@geetv79) December 16, 2019 Nevertheless, both China and India are technologically leap-frogging in financial services and in state monitoring. A positive and negative story but, either way, Europe and America can learn a lot from the developments in these countries. We need to watch them and learn. And thats exactly what some are doing, such as Google. Google have grown to be one of the most successful payments firms in India and, in a letter written by Mark Isakowitz, the company said it worked closely with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to build Google Pay for the Indian market. The letter was sent to the US Federal Reserve Financial Services Committee on November 9, 2019, and states: The approach in India attained amazing results for banks, consumers, other players within the payment ecosystem and Indias central bank. Adoption of the system was rapid, growing from 100,000 monthly transactions, to 77 million, to 480 million, to 1.15 billion monthly transactions in the first four years. After just three years, the annual run rate of transactions flowing through UPI is about 10 percent of Indias GDP, including 800 million transactions valued at approximately $19 billion. The letter further added that: UPI was thoughtfully planned and critical aspects of its design led to its success. First, UPI is an interbank transfer system (there are now over 140 member banks, after initially launching with 9 participating banks). Second, it is a real time system. Third, it is open meaning technology companies can build applications that help users directly manage transfers into and out of their accounts held at banks. I guess we are learning something from India and China. In fact, maybe we should change our terminology and call these economies the developed ones and call Europe and America the legacy world. Posted on: January 13, 2020 Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:42:54|Editor: yan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Avocado trees have been grown in Kenya by many smallholder farmers, but not for commercial purposes. The trees would be grown mainly to provide shed and beautify homes and once a year, they would yield fruits that would be consumed or sold locally. But not anymore, thanks to the 2019 signing of a trade deal between Kenya and China, with the Asian nation opening up more market for the fruits from east Africa's biggest economy. The opening up of the Chinese market has spurred an avocado boom in many villages across Kenya, in particular in Murang'a, central Kenya. Some farmers, who have more trees or larger farms, sell their fruits to the nearby Kakuzi firm, which is one of the exporters to the Chinese and European markets. "These days avocados are a very important crop here because of the new market. As long as you have the Hass variety, then you will make money," Stephen Kingori, a farmer in Murang'a county, said on Sunday. The farmer has five avocado trees at his home and has planted more. Over the years, he never cared about the trees as he would leave them to grow taller and spread to have many branches. And wherever they produced fruits, he would harvest and sell at a local market. This changed last year when word spread Kenya and China had signed a deal, and he started seeing buyers come looking for fruits. He prunes his trees and sprays them when they flower with foliar fertilizer to curb flower abortion and diseases. "I would never care initially when the fruits dropped but now it hurts me the reason why I take care of the trees because I know I am losing money," he said. At the local markets, Kingori would sell each fruit at 5 shillings (0.05 U.S. dollars) to consumers and at 0.01 dollars to brokers. "The prices were so low but I had no choice because it was better than letting the fruits rot on the farm. But the new buyers are now offering between 0.15 dollars and 0.20 dollars per kilo of fruits," he said. Caroline Karimi, another small farmer in Murang'a, said avocado has become a money crop thanks to the growing market. She sells her produce to a buyer from a company in Nakuru, northwest of the capital Nairobi, who buys for the Chinese market. "The company processes and freezes them for the Chinese market. Initially, the only major market was Kakuzi firm which exported them to Europe, but we are now happy with the new development," she said. The two farmers have planted more Hass avocado trees for the production of more fruits as the market expands. Beatrice Macharia of GrowthPoint, an agro-consultancy, noted that there are two varieties of avocados, the Fuerte and Hass variety but the latter is the most sought after because of its high nutrients. "Avocados for years have been ignored by the small farmer and in many villages, some of them would be fed to cattle but things have changed following the new market. It is now a very high-value crop," she said, adding that the grafted trees yield more, over 1,000 fruits in a season. Kenya signed a deal with China in April 2019 to export frozen avocados to the Asian nation. The Prime Minister has been urged to keep his word and deliver a multibillion pound funding windfall to support the restoration of powersharing in Northern Ireland. Stormonts DUP First Minister Arlene Foster, and Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill, pressed Boris Johnson to make good on commitments that accompanied the landmark deal to revive devolution, as they held talks in Belfast. Mr Johnson, who was joined by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as they marked the return of the institutions, insisted the Government had made huge commitments to the new executive, but would not be drawn on the amount. Expand Close Boris Johnson, Arlene Foster, Michelle ONeill and Julian Smith (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Boris Johnson, Arlene Foster, Michelle ONeill and Julian Smith (Liam McBurney/PA) But he added: Yes of course were going to be supportive, but the point I want to make is that its not just about money, its about leadership, and whats so great about today is, as I say, that Northern Ireland politicians have put aside their differences, stepped up to the plate and shown leadership, and that is a fine thing and the right thing. The executive ministers are expecting billions of pounds to be stumped up by the Treasury to finance the ambitious plans outlined in the New Decade, New Approach agreement an accord tabled jointly by the UK and Irish governments. Much of it will be used to address the multiple problems that have beset public services in the region during the three-year powersharing impasse. Top of the list is a high-profile pay dispute involving health care workers, and action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists. Deal is done - funding must follow: Foster and ONeillhttps://t.co/QtjsjmYGZa pic.twitter.com/zGPqZJVvdw NI Executive (@niexecutive) January 13, 2020 On Monday, Mr Johnson indicated funding for healthcare would be delivered through Barnett consequentials the formula for distributing money to the devolved regions but did not make clear whether there would be any additional cash. Ms Foster said the Prime Minister had to keep his word on funding commitments made during the negotiations. He must deliver, she said. We have stepped up to the plate in relation to the political agreement. He put forward an agreement, he asked us to sign up to it. We have all signed up to it and come into a multi-party executive, therefore it is now incumbent on the Prime Minister to step up to the plate in relation to financial resources. Stormont ministers are wary the Government may make funding dependent on commitments from the executive to raise extra revenue. Ms Foster said ministers would look at options to raise money locally, but she ruled out the introduction of water charges in the region. Later, after the five parties met Secretary of State Julian Smith, Stormonts Finance Minister Conor Murphy said a verbal figure offered had fallen way short. I have to say my initial take on this is it falls way short of what was expected, and in that sense there is much more work to be done to try and secure a financial package which accurately reflects the commitments given by the British Government as part of this document that they produced that they told us to take or leave. They need to ante up, he said. Its all very well for Boris Johnson to come over here and tell us we have all done very well and leave again. They need to honour their commitment that they gave as part of this agreement. The political part of it has been delivered by the five parties in the Executive, the financial part has to be delivered by the Government. Earlier Ms ONeill stressed the importance of securing the Treasury funding. She said: All executive ministers are committed to working together to tackle some very serious issues in our society and across public services. But, quite simply, we need the money to make it happen. We have done our bit and I look forward to the fulfilment of the commitments made by the two governments to let us get to work. During his visit, Mr Johnson hailed the wonderful compromise that triggered the return of powersharing. Never mind the hand of history on my shoulder I see the hand of the future beckoning us all forward, he said. And I hope that with goodwill and compromise and hard work on all sides it will be a very bright future indeed. The Taoiseach said it was a really good day for Ireland and the UK. The Good Friday Agreement is visionary and the Good Friday Agreement is working again, he said. Powersharing here in Northern Ireland, North South co-operation, is going to resume, and were going to beef up and deepen co-operation between Britain and Ireland in the interests of everyone who lives on these islands. The parties sealed an accord restoring the devolved institutions following a three-year suspension which has seen public services like health and education suffer. I want to say how grateful I am to all the parties, and everybody here in Northern Ireland, for the way they have compromised and the way they have worked together to get Stormont up and running again, Mr Johnson said. Maidin mhaith, at my desk and ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. pic.twitter.com/xfqqYo5MY2 Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) January 13, 2020 Its shown a willingness to trust each other and to set aside difference, and I think its absolutely commendable and wonderful to see. Stalled legacy mechanisms related to Troubles killings, agreed by the regions parties as part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, are finally set to be implemented as part of the deal to restore powersharing. They include an independent investigation unit to establish if any prosecutorial opportunities remain, and a truth recovery body to help families find out more details about the deaths of their loved ones in cases where prosecutions are unlikely. Mr Johnson was asked about the prospect of more veterans being prosecuted. He stood by the Conservatives general election manifesto pledge to protect armed forces veterans from the 30-year conflict from unfair prosecutions without new evidence. The Prime Minister said the Stormont parties had done a good job balancing that with giving confidence to victims of violence who are seeking answers. He said it is vital that public spending is properly monitored to ensure no repeat of the botched and overspending green energy scheme that caused the Stormont collapse three years ago. He acknowledged there could be checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea that were destined for the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit, but insisted a deal with Brussels could mean they are not necessary. They use it to call it "voting with their feet" or something like that. Indeed, people are voting with their feet by trading in their old blue shoes for shining red shoes. This is from Merrill Matthews, a resident scholar with the Institute for Policy Innovation in Dallas, Texas: According to an Election Data Services analysis of the Census Bureau report, "The population projections point toward a ten [congressional] seat change over 17 states across the nation by year 2020." Seven states are projected to gain one or more congressional seats after the 2020 election; 10 states are projected lose one seat. The red-state leader is Texas, with a projected pickup of three congressional seats following the 2020 census and that after gaining four congressional seats after the 2010 election. Florida will pick up two seats, and Arizona, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon will each gain one, according to the analysis. All 10 losing states Alabama, California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia lose only one seat. Of the seven states gaining seats, five voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Of the 10 states losing seats, five voted for Trump and five for Hillary Clinton. It's not clear how all of this will play out after 2020. My guess is that it will hurt blue districts more. In other words, blue-state legislatures will have to eliminate a member of Congress or a Democrat. On the other hand, red-state legislatures will have a chance of adding a new Republican. Beyond politics, it makes it clear that real people would rather live in "a low-tax state." I wonder what reporter will ask one of the presidential candidates about this. It's clear that voters are rejecting the "more government" policies that the candidates are calling for. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. A number of Iranian lawmakers called on the Foreign Ministry to take decisive action and expel the British ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, for participating in a protest rally in Tehran, Mehr reported. Macaire was briefly detained during a protest rally over a plane crash in front of the one of the Tehran universities last Saturday. An ambassador who interferes in internal affairs of the host country contrary to diplomatic regulations, must be expelled, said Naghavi Hossieni, Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, at Mondays open session. Our question is what happens that the UK ambassador attends there [the rally] and personally starts to take photos and videos? Hassan Hosseini Shahroudi, a member of Velaie Faction, told Mehr News Agency. Certainly this has not been accidental and detailed investigations are needed to determine the role of UK, US and other enemies of the Islamic Republic in illegal gatherings, he said, adding, Many of the lawmakers are calling for the expulsion of the UK ambassador and its necessary to adopt this measure. MP Mohammadreza Pourebrahimi called on the Foreign Ministry to make a decision on this issue. Foreign Minister [Zarif] should give a decisive response to the issue and it is necessary to hold an emergency meeting in the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee on the issue and to expel the UK envoy as soon as possible. LOS ANGELES - An off-duty sheriffs detective was struck and killed by a car after she helped an elderly woman cross a street in Los Angeles, authorities said. The accident occurred Sunday in the Valley Village neighbourhood as Detective Amber Leist was returning to her car after assisting the woman, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Leist, 41, dies at a hospital, Villanueva said. She was an outstanding detective, he said at a press conference. She would lead by example through her act of kindness. Leist, a 12-year veteran of the department, was assigned to the West Hollywood station. She is survived by her parents and two sons. Leist was at a red light waiting to make a left turn when she saw the elderly woman fall to the ground, Villanueva said. She parked her car and ran to help the woman cross the street. On her way back, Leist was struck by a vehicle, he said. The driver stopped and tried to help the deputy, Villanueva said. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating. No further details were immediately released. The head of a Canadian food giant appeared to blame US President Donald Trump for the deaths of Canadians, including an employee's wife and child, in the downing of a jetliner in Iran. The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 was shot down by a missile shortly after taking off from Tehran before dawn last Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Fifty-seven of the victims were Canadian. Maple Leaf Foods chief executive Michael McCain said late Sunday in a Twitter message that a colleague lost his wife and child to a "needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran." "US government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes," he said. Without naming Trump, the head of Canada's largest meat packing company pointed the finger at "a narcissist in Washington" for destabilizing the Middle East region. "The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction," McCain said. By Monday morning, the message had been shared by more than 14,000 Twitter users. Long-standing US-Iran tensions have soared since January 3 when missiles fired from a US drone killed a top Iranian commander, Qasem Soleimani, near Baghdad's airport. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at two US bases in Iraq, inflicting no casualties in what was seen as an attempt to prevent a spiral of escalation. But hours later, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard unit mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet, in what Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called a "human error". While some members, including BJP's state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose, have been vocal against the legislation, others have been silently questioning the laws merit and its impact on the partys electoral prospects in the state, reports Avishek Rakshit. IMAGE: People in large numbers came out over the weekend as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Kolkata. The agitators held anti-CAA, 'Go Back Modi' placards and shouted slogans against the legislation. Photograph: ANI Photo Amid the ongoing nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Bharatiya Janata Party is not only the target of various sections of civil society and opposition parties but also its own mid-tier leadership in West Bengal. The state witnessed violent protests against the amended citizenship Act; Mamata Banerjee, chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief, has vowed to oppose the CAA and the National Register of Citizens tooth and nail. She is also coordinating with other parties across India for a spirited opposition to the CAA. On the other hand, BJP leaders in the state are either lying low or criticising the CAA move in hushed tones. Chandra Kumar Bose, vice-president of the BJPs state unit, is most vocal with his opposition to the Act in the current form. The country is above petty party politics. How can I keep quiet when I see that something is happening which is wrong in its current form? According to Bose, a descendant of Subhas Chandra Bose (Netaji), the CAA in its current form is against the secular principles of the nation. I am not opposed to the concept of the CAA. But in its current form, it is discriminatory against the Muslims. I think this community, which is also a crucial part of Indias history and heritage, should be included. Netaji would never have allowed this Act to be passed, he said. Some other party leaders arent as vocal as Bose but clandestinely have been questioning the merit of the CAA and its impact on the BJPs prospects in the state. In fact, at a time when the BJP started making deep inroads in the state, the fear of the CAA and the NRC appears to be ruining its prospects. In the general election last year, the BJP posted its best-ever tally in the state, bagging 18 of the 42 seats and catching up fast with the TMC with a 40.25 per cent vote share. The TMC won 22 seats with a 43.28 per cent vote share. However, in the assembly by-elections, the BJP suffered a heavy defeat. It not only lost its stronghold, Kharagpur Sadar, but also couldnt match the TMC in any of the two other seats. Some of the losing candidates, as well as the partys mid-tier leadership, blamed the hysteria around the CAA and the NRC for the poor showing. Bose is of the view that if the assembly polls are to be held in West Bengal now, the BJP faces a big defeat. Political observer Sabyasachi Basu Roy Chaudhury said: The BJPs leadership is not univocal about the CAA, which is harming its prospects. Mid-tier party leaders are wary of party losing all Muslim votes in the wake of the opposition to the CAA and fear that without the support of this community, which is 30 per cent of the electorate, it is impossible for it to come to power in the state. Political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said: Hindus in West Bengal, too, are worried after 1.2 million Hindus in Assam were kept out the NRC. Besides, dissenting party leaders are of the view that the CAA cannot be implemented unless the state government cooperates with the Centre, no matter whatever Act is passed. There are many Acts passed in Parliament, but are all successfully implemented? In a federal structure, the cooperation of the state government is essential for any Act to actually work, said a dissenting BJP leader from the state. Despite fissures within the party, the BJP has decided to opt for a counter-opposition strategy and is reaching out to the masses upholding the benefits of the CAA. Christened Abhinandan Yatra or thanksgiving march, in a show of strength, the party is organising such rallies across the state. Its West Bengal president, Dilip Ghosh, on the other hand, has been attacking Banerjee, her administration and the TMC over their alleged involvement in violence and chaos, and for toeing an extremist line, which is against the interests of India. According to the BJP, Indian citizens need not worry about the CAA as the list of documents to prove ones nationality would include common official documents. An acceptable list is yet to be finalised. Sometimes the D.C. press focuses more on the horse race, said David Kochel, a longtime Republican operative who was a strategist for Jeb Bush last time around. At local outlets The Des Moines Register, specifically its usually easy to get policy and issues covered in a way that is away from the typical political-process angles. The Registers endorsement will receive national coverage when it appears in the coming weeks. And its Iowa Poll, done in collaboration with CNN and Mediacom for the 2020 campaign, is the talk of the political cognoscenti whenever a new edition drops, as one did on Friday. They winnow the field, Carol Hunter, the papers executive editor, said of the local citizens, and I think they feel like theyre playing a role in the destiny of the nation. Our job is to serve Iowans, she added. If its that important to Iowa, its got to be that important to The Des Moines Register. Register reporters have gone on to cover politics at national outlets including The Associated Press, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Jeff Zeleny, the senior White House correspondent at CNN and a former Times reporter, covered the 2000 caucuses for The Register. The people you met stayed on as sources, Mr. Zeleny said. And The Registers coverage is read all around the country not just on the internet, where its site is available through a special subscription geared to politics junkies, but in the print editions of other Gannett papers, a category that doubled to more than 260 dailies across 47 states in November when Gannett merged with the parent company of GateHouse Media. Such consolidation, along with the industry trends prompting it, has caused worry at Gannett publications such as The Register, which has its roots in a paper that was started in an abandoned log cabin in 1849. The daily, which was sold to Gannett for $165 million in 1985, has won more than a dozen Pulitzer Prizes in its history. Srinagar, Jan 13 : The nexus between a decorated Jammu and Kashmir Police officer and the terrorists is likely to ruffle many a feather as the past of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Devinder Singh is going to haunt the intelligence agencies for long. Following his arrest on Saturday, the Jammu and Ksahmir Police has apprised the Ministry of Home Affairs about the arrest, and the Home Secretary has been briefed on the Kulgam encounter. Singh, who had joined the counter-insurgency Special Operations Group (SoG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police as a sub-inspector and he rose quickly to the rank of a DSP in addition to earning the prestigious police medal for gallantry ostensibly for his anti-militancy duties, will now be interrogated by Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing and Military Intelligence teams. There are chances that Singh will be stripped off of his Presidents Gallantry Medal award, sources said, adding that the process was under consideration. Singh's name first appeared in the grey zone after Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru levelled serious allegation against him during his defence in the trial court. But back then both the state police and the intelligence agencies had dismissed those allegations as a figment of a terrorist's mind. Guru had alleged in his defence that Singh tortured him and threatened to kill his family unless he carried out his directions. Guru alleged in a written affidavit and through statements carried in the local media that Singh had forced him to carry the Parliament attack terrorists to Delhi, hire a flat there and also buy a second hand white ambassador car for the use of the terrorists. It was this white ambassador car that the terrorists used during the Parliament attack in 2001. After his disgraceful arrest on Saturday, while he was carrying a dreaded terrorist Naveed Baba of Kashmir's Shopian district to Jammu in his private car, Singh has told interrogators that he had harboured the terrorist in his Srinagar residence before the travel. Naveed Baba was wanted by the police for the murder of 11 civilians, who included non local labourers, truck drivers and fruit merchants, after the abrogation of Article 370. Police told IANS that Devinder Singh had been harbouring terrorists in his home in Jammu and also in his ancestral home in Tral town of Kashmir's Pulwama district. The operation is being seen as a huge success for J&K Police, DGP Dilbagh Singh, IGP Vijay Kumar and DIG Atul Kumar Goel. "For the heinous crime of carrying the terrorist to Jammu, he had taken Rs 12 lakh from the terrorist. He has been booked as a terrorist and he will be dealt as such," Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone told reporters on Sunday. Davinder Singh was taking the two militants -- Naveed Babu alias Babar Azam, a resident of Nazneenpora in South Kashmir's Shopian district and his associate Asif Ahmad -- to Chandigarh for providing them accommodation there for a couple of months. Sources said that a civilian Irfan Ahmad Mir was driving the vehicle when they were caught by the police at Al-Stop on National Highway in Kulgam district yesterday. "Mir has travelled to Pakistan five times on passport and police is now investigating whether Singh and Mir were helping the two militants in ex-filtration or planning an attack somewhere in mainland," sources said. They said that besides recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and two grenades from Singh's residence, lakhs of rupees were also recovered. They said that militants had struck a deal of Rs 12 lakh with Singh for transportation, providing them accommodation and other related issues. Sources further said that Singh was providing hideout to militants in Jammu during winters for last several years for which he was getting handsome amount of money. They said that police was tracking DSP Davinder Singh when he reached Shopian few days back to pick up Naveed and Asif. "The trio including Mir stayed at Singh's house in Srinagar for the night and police had laid nakas at Airport and NH-44," sources said. Given the high security sensitive nature of Devinder Singh's activities in mind, the National Investigative Agency (NIA) has decided that after being interrogated by the state police and the intelligence agencies, it will take custody of both Singh and Naveed to find out their links with the terror funding cases being investigated by it. For how long has Devinder Singh been hunting with the hound and running with the deer? This is going to be the most embarrassing question for his seniors in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. JNU fee hike issue 'sorted', continuing protests not justified: Nishank India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jan 13: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday said the continuation of agitation by JNU students is not justified as their main issue of hostel fee hike has been "sorted". As decided during consultations with students, he said, the utility and service charge is not being levied on them and will be borne by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The students have stuck to their demand for a complete rollback of the fee hike. "The fee-related matter of JNU has been sorted out following several rounds of discussions with representatives of university students and teachers. The Ministry had constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to restore the normal functioning of JNU through dialogue with all stakeholders and to advise the university administration for resolution of contentious issues. "The students are not being asked to bear the cost of service and utility charges proposed for the winter session, which was their basic demand. Therefore, the JNU fee hike issue stands resolved and continuation of agitation by the students is no longer justified," the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry statement quoted Nishank as saying. The minister said universities should not be converted into political arenas and appealed to the students to call off their agitation. He added that over 5,000 of JNU's nearly 8,500 students have registered for the next semester. "Various meetings were held by HRD secretary with representatives of students, teachers and JNU administration on December 10-11, 2019, certain mutually agreeable agreements were arrived (at). As agreed in the meetings, the revised hostel room charges will remain applicable with 50 per cent concession for BPL students," Nishank said. Earlier in the day, a five-member delegation of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) had also met HRD Ministry officials. "We do not feel secure on campus, the atmosphere is not conducive for academic activities. Students who left the campus after violence are scared to return, how can we resume teaching," JNUTA president D K Lobiyal told the ministry officials. Last week the ministry had held a series of meetings with JNU Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, students' union and UGC on the JNU fee hike issue. It had ruled out the removal of Kumar amid demands from students and a section of teachers, saying sacking him is not the solution and the government's focus is to address the main issues that have cropped up on campus. Observing that the police action against peaceful protesters over shifting of capital Amaravati was violative of fundamental and human rights, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday directed officers concerned to conduct an inquiry against police officials who violated relevant Supreme Court guidelines. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice J K Maheshwari and Justice M Satyanarayana Murthy, passed the remarks on a batch of writ petitions, including one the court took on its own, on police 'high-handedness' on people protesting against the government's move to shift the capital from Amaravati. The court questioned the state Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home), Principal Secretary (GAD) and Director General of Police on why action was notinitiated against their subordinates for not maintaining the rule of law. It directed them to apprise it of the reasons therefor. The Court also sought an explanation from Collectors of Guntur and Krishna districts, Vijayawada Police Commissioner and SPs of Guntur Rural and Urban on invocation of prohibitory orders when the "villagers were peacefully agitating" against the state action. It posted the petitions for further hearing on January 17 and asked Advocate General S Sriram to file a counter affidavit. It directed the state government to permit the public to demonstrate peacefully and ordered the Vijayawada Commissioner of Police and Superintendents of Guntur Rural and Urban Police to strictly adhere to the procedure prescribed under Section 46 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The High Court also restrained police from entering the houses of villagers to conduct searches and said they should strictly adhere to the procedure stipulated in the Cr P C. "As seen from the number of photographs published in newspapers and filed along with the writ petitions, the way in which police are treating the public, including women, is violative of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India so also human rights. Enforcing orders under Section 144 Cr P C, restricting movement of public, not allowing people in various villages to attend their daily avocation for livelihood, not allowing them to perform traditional and customary rituals...is nothing but prima facie violation of right to peacefully agitate on any issue as guaranteed under Article 19 (1)(b) of the Constitution," the Bench observed. Restricting the movement of individuals also amounts to violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, the court said. "Dragging women when they are protesting against the government, as appeared in newspapers and video clippings, is prima facie violative of Section 46 of CrPC and the guidelines issued by courts from time to time," the judges noted. They directed the Vijayawada Police Commissioner and SPs of Guntur Rural and Urban to conduct an inquiry against the police officials, who violated the apex court guidelines and failed to adhere to the procedure prescribed under the Cr P C. The judges asked the unit heads to take action against the guilty police officials as per law. The Court, however, said it was expected from the "galaxy of executive officials" to maintain rule of law in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hong Kong immigration authorities on refused entry to the head of a New York-based rights group ahead of the release of a major human rights report, prompting renewed concerns over deteriorating civil rights and freedoms in the city. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), was turned away by immigration staff at Hong Kong's International Airport, after traveling to the city to launch the group's annual global rights report, HRW said in a statement. "I had hoped to spotlight Beijings deepening assault on international efforts to uphold human rights," Roth said of the report, which is to be released on . "The refusal to let me enter Hong Kong vividly illustrates the problem." In the report, Roth warns that the Chinese government is carrying out an intensive attack on the global system for enforcing human rights. "My denial of entry pales in comparison to the harassment that Chinese activists routinely endure - jail, torture, and enforced disappearance simply for trying to secure basic rights for their fellow citizens," Roth, who has traveled to Hong Kong many times before, including to launch a HRW report, said in a statement on HRW's website. "This disappointing action is yet another sign that Beijing is tightening its oppressive grip on Hong Kong and further restricting the limited freedom Hong Kong people enjoy, he said, calling on the international community to "take a firm stand against China's creeping repression" that had been the target of the Hong Kong protest movement for months. The move came after China's foreign ministry said on Dec. 2 that it would impose sanctions on HRW and other U.S.-based pro-democracy groups. Roth isn't the first visitor to be denied access to Hong Kong for political reasons. U.S.-based rights activist and veteran of the 1989 Tiananmen democracy movement Feng Congde was refused entry in , as was Benedict Rogers, who founded the U.K.-based group Hong Kong Watch, in October 2017. Not in line with 'one country, two systems' The Financial Times' Asia news editor Victor Mallet was also turned away at the airport in after the authorities refused to renew his work visa because he hosted a lunchtime talk at Hong Kong's Foreign Correspondents' Club featuring a pro-independence speaker. "These things should not have happened," Man-Kei Tam, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, told RFA on . Tam said the barring of entry for political reasons was out of keeping with Beijing's promises that Hong Kong could maintain its existing freedoms under the "one country, two systems" framework agreed before the 1997 handover of the former British colony to Chinese rule. "The international community should continue to keep a close eye on what is going on in Hong Kong, and continue to support the people of Hong Kong in their right to freedom of express and peaceful assembly," Tam said. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said HRW was regarded as hostile because of its support for the Hong Kong protest movement. "Whether someone is allowed in or not is a matter of China's sovereignty," Geng told a regular news briefing on . "There was a large amount of facts and evidence to show that the non government organization in question had used various means to support those who would wreak havoc in Hong Kong." "They aggressively incited [the protesters] to become involved in violent crime, separatist activities and activities in support of Hong Kong independence," Geng said. "Such organizations deserve to be sanctioned and should pay the price accordingly." His comments came after Hong Kong pro-democracy group Demosisto said its members had voted to remove reference to "self-determination" as a political goal for Hong Kong, changing it to "promoting Hong Kong's democratic and progressive values." Beijing sees rioters, foreign interference Demosisto's leader and former 2014 student protest leader Joshua Wong was disqualified in November for standing in District Council elections on the grounds that a referendum on the city's future was part of Demosisto's core political aims. Demosisto member Agnes Chow was also disqualified from running in a by-election for the Legislative Council in 2018 for similar reasons. 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. On Jan. 8, Hong Kong security chief John Lee claimed that protesters in the city had been "receiving training from overseas groups," but gave no evidence of any training. 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. While Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has formally withdrawn widely hated plans to allow extradition to mainland China, 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. There are growing 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, with dozens of civil servants suspended and teachers threatened with sanctions for supporting the protest movement. Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Here, we will look at Maryam Rajavis speech, focusing on her conclusions that this uprising was a way for the Iranian people to confront the regime in its entirety, not just the supposed hardliners or moderates and that it represents an irreversible turning point in the struggle for freedom and democracy; a struggle that will be won by the people. Maryam Rajavi explained that the November uprising was a showdown between protesters, mainly made up of young people and resistance units, and the whole of the regime, including both the suppressive forces and the government. She said that the regime declared a red alert at 2 pm on Saturday, November 16, one day after protests began after fuel prices were hiked overnight, which directed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to take control over the suppression of the protests and meant that all suppressive forces acted under the IRGC. This failed to bring the protests under control. So, Maryam Rajavi recounted, at 6:45 am on Sunday, November 17, Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei rushed to the scene of the strongest protests to declare his public support for the price hike and issue the order for the all-out suppression of the uprising. (Make no mistake though, Khamenei is the puppet master in Iran and no decision is made without his say so. Hed private order the price hike and the suppression long before this.) After that, the regime deployed armored personnel carriers, tanks, and helicopters in some cities, including Khorramshahr, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Mahshahr. Maryam Rajavi explained that the regimes officials are still failing to admit the true extent of the protests, with the Interior Minister claiming that only 600,000 people took part in the uprising and that there were instigators roaming the country to start up the protests. She said: Obviously, the regime understates the actual numbers and admits to just a small fraction of the reality. Nevertheless, in these limited accounts, they admit that an anti-regime fighting force in the scale of several hundred thousand rose up to fight and overthrow the religious dictatorship. This fighting force forms the backbone of the war of liberation to overthrow the regime. She further explained that the regimes hollow invincibility is shattering as the people realize their strength. Maryam Rajavi said: Now, it is the regime which is permanently overwhelmed by fear. And this is the significant political and strategic conclusion drawn from the November uprising. The Iranian people and Resistance paid a heavy and bloody price to achieve this enormous and irreversible leap forward. Both the regime and its suppressive forces and also the people, protesters, youth, and resistance units passed a watershed moment. Now, a return to the conditions prevailing prior to the November 2019 is impossible. In our next piece, we will look at Maryam Rajavis conclusions that the situation in Iran is explosive, that the resistance units have led the protest, and that the regime has previously tried to massacre Iranian freedom fighters. CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- If youve ever wished that an art opening was held at lunchtime instead of in the evening, you are in luck. The Valley Art Center watercolor class at Hamlet Hills invites you to a winter exhibit of landscapes, still life paintings and photography at 11:30 a.m. Friday (Jan. 17) at Hamlet Atrium, 200 Hamlet Hills Drive in Chagrin Falls. Instructors Darlene Jackson and Kathy Vencl join with photographer Michael Steinberg for a discussion of the exhibit during lunch. Steinberg photographed the resident artists as they worked on the exhibit over the past several months. In a long-standing partnership, VAC has held watercolor classes at the senior living facility for many years. The classes help older adults increase self-esteem, social engagement, motor skills and memory function. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Explore your identity: If an evening art show opening is more to your liking, check out Valley Art Centers Identity: Things show from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at 155 Bell St. in Chagrin Falls. It will remain on exhibit through March 4. The show explores our affinity with inanimate objects, such as fairy tales and cartoons showing toys, animals and other things with language skills and human traits. The call to entry was open to any media and any style, offering the potential for a broad stroke of work. Let it snow: Geauga Park District is hosting its annual Frozen Fest with a blizzard of activities to celebrate all things winter from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 19) at The West Woods park, Kinsman Road in Russell Township. See live reindeer and meet a herder and ice princesses, along with a famous winter snowman. There will be face painting, crafts, live music, ice sculptures and refreshments. Weather permitting, you can borrow snowshoes; regardless, you can meet sled dogs. There will be a winter wildlife display, and you can take your crew on a hike to a wild bird feeding stand, where generally they will eat out of your hand. The event is free and family friendly, but you must register to attend; contact geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516. See an Israeli pop star: Rami Kleinstein is one of Israels renowned musical superstars, and you can see him at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Maltz Performing Arts Center in Cleveland. The concert is sponsored by Case Western Reserve Universitys Siegal Lifelong Learning center, located in Beachwood. Known for his beautiful love songs, soothing voice and delicate piano playing, Kleinstein weaves his music with anecdotes and humor, giving insight into Israeli history. Student tickets are $15 with discount code STU. Contact case.edu/lifelonglearning/rami. Experience the power of music: The Brotherhood of Temple Emanu El is hosting two programs celebrating music, musicians and venues. The brotherhoods annual member dinner is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, and features Michael Olszewsi, who will talk about his book, Smokey, Sweaty, Rowdy and Loud: Tales of Clevelands Legendary Rock & Roll Landmarks that he co-wrote with his wife, Janice. The Jerry Kaplan Mensch of the Year award will be presented at the dinner to a member who significantly contributed to the group and the temple community. The dinner will be held at the temple, 4545 Brainard Road, Orange. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for guests. RSVP by Thursday (Jan. 16) or contact Len Gold at gonzo11@roadrunner.com. The brotherhood is also hosting a guided tour of Bernstein: The Power of Music at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors 60 and older. RSVP with payment to Temple Emanu El by Jan. 19. Contact Len Gold at gonzo11@roadrunner.com. Gain Insight into print journalism: Plain Dealer editor George Rodrigue will speak at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, as part of the South Franklin Circle Dialogues series in The Chautauqua Room, 1660 Warren Court, Chagrin Falls. Before joining The Plain Dealer in 2015, Rodrigue was managing editor at The Dallas Morning News. He also held positions with The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., and the Washington Bureau of Belo Corp. The event is free of charge. Reserve your seat at judsonsmartliving.org or by calling 440-220-6716. To post your news and events, contact Rusek at jcooperrusek@gmail.com. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. Oil well pump jacks located in Almond Orchard located over the Monterey Shale in San Joaquin Valley. Citizens of the Planet | Getty Images There could be a recalibration of oil market expectations regarding an "ample" global oil supply, Bahrain's oil minister said Monday, despite expectations that U.S. shale oil production could be hurtling towards 14 million barrels per day in the next few years. Speaking at a CNBC-moderated panel at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain's Oil Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said that an abundant supply of oil, currently seen amid rampant U.S. shale production, might not be so reliable as we progress through 2020. "Going forward, all eyes are on U.S. production again, if there's going to be an extra million barrels (of production a day), yes, this will suppress oil prices but the current indicators of rig counts ... are telling you that maybe that is going to be a challenge," he told CNBC's Hadley Gamble, speaking on the panel in Dhahran. "So, my recommendation is all eyes on U.S. production, if they can hit 14 million (barrels) then yes oil prices will extend a bit further but, eventually, this sentiment that there is ample supply will have to shift, there will be a scarcity impulse in supply and when that happens in the next few years, definitely, it could be as early as the end of this year, we will have to see." Al Khalifa cautioned that there had been few major oil discoveries recently and investment was ebbing; "So we are challenged, I think the future is challenged in terms of supply, more than people expect today." "We can see that investments are not as bold as they once were, then perhaps that inflection point isn't that far away," he added. At that point, he said the challenge would be making sure that other producers "can meet the demand that keeps rising." The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects American oil production to average 13.2 million barrels a day (b/d) in 2020, an increase of 0.9 million b/d from the 2019 level. However, growth in supply is slowing from the last few years with 2018 growth of 1.6 million b/d and 2019 growth of 1.3 million b/d. In September 2019, the U.S. exported exported 90,000 b/d more total crude oil and petroleum products than it imported, the first month recorded in U.S. data where it had exported more than it had imported. But in its latest short-term energy outlook released in January, the IEA noted that slowing crude oil production growth will result from a decline in drilling rigs over the past year and that it expected this trend to continue into 2020. "Despite the decline in rigs, EIA forecasts (oil) production will continue to grow as rig efficiency and well-level productivity rises, offsetting the decline in the number of rigs," it noted. Shale's place in the ecosystem Benchmark Brent crude is trading around the $65 dollar mark while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is trading just below the $60 per barrel level. Prices have been more or less stable since oil producer group OPEC, along with Russia and several other producers, curbed their own production to limit supply and rebalance global oil prices. They have done this in the face of (and pressure from) massive U.S. shale oil production, however. There are concerns, especially among the OPEC+ alliance as it is now known, that efforts to stabilize prices are being hampered by growing U.S. supply and a shaky outlook for demand. Jason Bordoff, professor and director at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, characterized U.S. shale oil as a "new dynamic of shale in the global market not just how much of it there is, but how short-cycle it is and how quickly it can respond to market changes," when speaking on the same energy panel on Monday. Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said that while OPEC kept a close eye on U.S. shale oil inventories, he was more concerned that producers worked together so the energy market ecosystem was not undermined. "We're not focused on shale oil particularly. I'd hate to see our endeavor and work in OPEC being challenged by any producer, because at the end of the day we are supporting the industry and we are supporting all producers and we're welcoming everybody, as long as they are efficient producers," he said. Burma Auditor-General Raises Concerns That Yangon MPs Cant Properly Debate Govt Spending Without Her Full Report Yangon Auditor-General Daw Khin Than Hla. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe auditor-general of Yangon has voiced displeasure at only being allowed to submit a partial report on the Yangon governments spending to the regional parliament, rather than the full one, raising concerns about whether lawmakers are being denied the information they need to properly scrutinize the governments spending. Daw Khin Than Hla delivered a summary of her findings on the governments expenditure for fiscal 2017-18 to the Yangon regional parliament last week. Annually, her office prepares the report and submits its full findings to the Yangon parliament as required by the Union Auditor-General Law. Its also customary to send copies of the report to each regional lawmaker in advance so they can study it before joining parliamentary debates on the governments spending. According to Section 25(d) of the Union Auditor-General Law updated in 2018, regional auditors-general must submit their reports to the chief minister of their region or state and to the regional or state Hluttaw (parliament) simultaneously. However, the Yangon regional government last year intervened to limit distribution of the auditor-generals full report on the regional administrations spending in fiscal 2017-18 to just Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein and Yangon Parliament Speaker U Tin Muang Tunnot to lawmakers, who collectively comprise the Yangon parliament. The chief minister and speaker assigned the parliaments Public Accounts Committee to review the report, rather than delivering copies to every lawmaker for their prior review, as was the case in previous years. As the current Yangon government took office in 2016, the auditor-generals report for fiscal 2017-18 is an assessment of the U Phyo Min Thein administrations management of public funds in its second year in office. The Public Accounts Committee said the 2017-18 audit report was blocked in order to bring the regional parliaments procedures in line with those of the Union Lower House, which does not allow prior review by lawmakers of audit reports. But there has been speculation that the restriction reflects the governments desire to avoid a repeat of regional lawmakers fiery debate over irregularities in government spending found in the fiscal 2016-17 report. Based on the contents of the full report, lawmakers in the Yangon parliament in 2018 raised questions about the loss of US$2.3 million (3.5 billion kyats) of public funds spent on the city bus service, and the regional governments borrowing of 13.5 billion kyats from two private banks for school buses without the parliaments knowledge. To the governments embarrassment, a lawmaker even said the Yangon government had abused its power by investing 10 billion kyats in a controversial new city project without the parliaments approval. On Wednesday, with the parliament Speakers approval, Auditor-General Daw Khin Than Hla read out the summary of her findings to the parliament for nearly two hours, covering such issues as the Yangon governments failure to fine private businesses for overdue lease payments and tax evasion, as well as the purchase of a costly generator, among others. In previous years, she only needed to provide a verbal summary of her findings to lawmakers because copies of the full report had already been distributed to them. But this year, the Yangon government only allowed copies of a summary of the report to be distributed to lawmakers, leaving them in the dark in terms of the reports details, according to the auditor-general. We have detailed our findings in the original [full] report. How could you call a summary a complete one? she said. The auditor-general told The Irrawaddy she felt that her offices yearlong effort was wasted, because distribution of the full report was blocked. She said she was worried about lawmakers ability to raise questions in the parliament about irregularities in the governments spending. Im afraid it will be difficult for them [to prepare] for their discussions, she added, because lawmakers will have to rely on the summary this time, rather than the full report they received in previous years. Daw Khin Than Hla said when the reports for fiscal 2015-16 and 2016-17 were submitted, full versions were delivered to every lawmaker in the Yangon parliament in line with Section 25(d) of the Union Auditor-General Law. For this year, its quite different, she said. National League for Democracy lawmaker U Kyaw Zay Ya said the auditor-general seemed to be under pressure from upstairs, despite having done her work dutifully. He shared Daw Khin Than Hlas concerns that lawmakers will lack detailed information with which to discuss the reports findings. Of course, it could weaken our debates, as we dont know the details, he said. It will be seen as a "massive failure" for Boris Johnson's leadership if he cannot secure a trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020, Tanaiste Simon Coveney has said. With the UK having finally come on board with the Withdrawal Agreement, the focus will shift in the coming weeks to what Irish negotiators believe will be an even more difficult phase of Brexit. The two sides must come to arrangements on their future relationship in a string of complex areas including fisheries, data and aviation. "I think it's going to be really difficult to get it all done in 11 months but that's what we move into from the first of February," Mr Coveney said. In an interview with the Irish Independent, the Tanaiste revealed he wants to continue as Foreign Affairs Minister after the next election - provided Fine Gael is still in power. He notes that "in many ways" the past two years have seen him become "the Brexit Minister, as opposed to the Foreign Minister". "And so there's a lot I'd like to do in the Foreign Affairs brief and in Northern Ireland if given the opportunity." Mr Coveney recalled a "long discussion" he had with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar after losing the Fine Gael leadership contest in 2017. "First of all, we agreed to avoid a split in the party which often happens after the leadership contest. And, you know, he effectively asked me what did I want to focus on. He recognised that after a leadership contest like that, a change in portfolio made sense. "I could see that Brexit was going to become a huge issue. I didn't realise it was going to become quite as big a negotiation as it turned out to be. But certainly it excited me. I saw huge risks to the country." He said he wanted to continue working on Brexit and that even with the Northern Ireland Assembly back at work there would be "unfinished business". New EC President Ursula von der Leyen is to be welcomed to Dublin on Wednesday with a State reception. In recent days, she cautioned that striking a comprehensive EU-UK trade deal before the end of the year was "impossible" without serious compromises. Already, EU leaders are wary that we will find ourselves at a cliff-edge situation in the run up to next Christmas - but Mr Coveney does not believe that the UK will crash out. The alternative to a comprehensive deal is that the EU and UK interact based on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which would be a major blow to the Irish economy. "I think it's very unlikely by the way to happen because I think the UK needs a trade deal," Mr Coveney said. "The EU would certainly like to have a trade deal but I think the consequences to the UK of not getting a trade deal with the EU would be very severely felt in the UK, and in Ireland for that matter, but particularly in the UK. "And I think a new prime minister with a big majority is going to want to get a deal done here, rather than be responsible for no structured trading arrangements, and having to fall back to WTO rules I think that would be seen as a massive failure for Boris Johnson," he said. Mr Coveney warned earlier yesterday that the EU would not be rushed into a trade deal with the UK despite the House of Commons passing a law that sets the end of 2020 as a deadline for an agreement. "I know that Prime Minister Johnson has set a very ambitious timetable to get this done. He's even put it into British law. "The EU will not be rushed on this just because Britain passes a law," he told the BBC. A man who lost the love of his life in a 'tragic accident' has been dealt another devastating blow, with his house flattened by bushfires ravaging Australia. Anthony Beau Boller, 30, was still grieving the death of his partner Elle Lockhart when fires tore through the New South Wales south coast in December. He was one of thousands to be evacuated from the far south of the state. When he returned this week to his home in Pericoe, west of Eden, he found everything had been destroyed. Anthony Beau Boller, 30, was still grieving the death of his partner Elle Lockhart (pictured together) when fires ravaged the New South Wales South Coast in December In November Ms Lockhart died in a 'freak accident' on their property at just 29 years old. At the time, Mr Boller was still grieving the death of his father who died in June. He had been staying with Ms Lockhart's family to grieve and did not know the extent of the damage until he returned to Pericoe. When he returned to the property he found the house and all of his possessions were destroyed, including his work ute and all of his carpentry tools. The property was not insured and the deeds to the house were also lost in the fire, with the NSW Government refusing to assist with helping him rebuild his life. The house was owned by Mr Boller's father, Tony, and was in a company name. Elle's cousin, Kim Lowe, created a GoFundMe to help Mr Boller restart his life. He returned to his home in Pericoe, west of Eden, this week to find everything had been destroyed when the fires tore through He had been staying with Ms Lockhart's family to grieve and did not know the extent of the damage until he returned to Pericoe 'The property was not insured, and he has lost precious family memorabilia of his late father and Elle,' Ms Lowe wrote. 'In the space of less than a month, Beau has lost both his soulmate and everything that he owns.' Despite losing everything Mr Boller had continued to selflessly help other members of the community in Merimbula in trying to save their homes. 'What Beau has been through is truly heartbreaking and something that no one should have to ever experience, let alone a young 30-year-old man,' Ms Lowe said. 'I know there are lots of very sad stories out there but it is just heartbreaking for this young man.' 'He is totally broken. We just want to help Beau rebuild his life.' By Express News Service BHOPAL: Harping on the saffron partys prime poll planks of Hindutva and Nationalism ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah reiterated on Sunday to build grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya within four months and made it clear those raising anti-national slogans will be placed behind bars. Addressing a public rally as part of the BJPs public outreach program on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at the Garrison Ground in Jabalpur town of Madhya Pradesh, Shah reiterated that a grand temple will be built in Ayodhya in four months. While you all want a grand Ram Temple to be built at Ram Janmbhoomi (birthplace of Lord Ram) in Ayodhya, the Congresss advocate-turned-politician Kapil Sibal said Ram Temple shouldnt be built. Listen clearly Sibal Bhai, put as much strength and power as you can to stop the construction of the temple, but the grand sky-high Ram Temple will be built within four months in Ayodhya, said Shah. The rally in support of CAA at Jabalpur assumed significance as the town was the epicenter of the recent anti-CAA/NRC violence in Madhya Pradesh. Curfew was clamped in four police station areas of the town following large scale violence which resulted in injuries to over 10 cops on December 20, 2019. Raking up the issue of anti-national slogans at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Shah said, Some youth raised anti-national slogans, Bharat tere tukde honge ek hazar, insha allah insha allah. Shouldn't they be put behind bars? But Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal want to save them. But why do they want to save those youth who raised anti-nationals, are they their (Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwals) cousins?, questioned Shah. He added in the same vein, Listen Kejriwal (Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal), whoever raises anti-national slogans will only find place behind bars and nowhere else. Taking on the opposition parties for opposing the CAA, Shah accused leaders like former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for misleading minority community over the amended law. Ill make it clear once again, this law will grant Indian citizenship to religious minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains and Christians who have been living in our country as refugees due to religious persecution in those three nations. But that in no way means taking away the existing citizenship of any Indian national. I dare the opposition leaders to show me one provision of the amended law which will take away the citizenship of any Indian. Accusing the opposition parties for inciting violence in the country by misleading people over the CAA, Shah said by opposing the CAA and misleading people over it, ex-Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his party have not only belied the wishes and promises of Mahatma Gandhi and Congresss past leaders, including countrys first PM Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Acharya Kriplani, but have also gone against its poll promise of rendering citizenship rights to Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan who are settled in Rajasthan. In its poll manifesto in Rajasthan, the Congress had promised citizenship rights to Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan, but the same party is now opposing the CAA. He also questioned why the Human Rights lobbies across the world have been silent over atrocities on religious minorities in Pakistan, where the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib was attacked recently by a mob led by the boy who abducted and converted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur (the daughter of the Gurdwara granthi). Blaming the Congress for countrys partition in 1947 on religious lines, Shahs questioned the Congresss silence on how and why the Hindu population in East Pakistan (modern Bangladesh) fell from 30% to 7% and from 25% to just 3% in West Pakistan (modern Pakistan). The union home minister also questioned West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees opposition to CAA, particularly when 75% of refugees from Bangladesh and Pakistan settled there, including the Matua community are Dalits. The BJP president also slammed the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh for its latest decision to allow existing licensed liquor contractors to open sub shops on paying more. Expansion and extension of factories is understandable, but extension/expansion of liquor vends is hard to comprehend. 80 Youth Congress and NSUI activists trying to black flag Shah detained As many as 80 Youth Congress and National Students Union of India (NSUI) activists trying to proceed to Garrison Ground to show black flags to the home minister during hour and half visit to Jabalpur were taken in preventive custody under Section 151 of CrPc and released later on filling personal bonds, confirmed SP of Jabalpur district Amit Singh. Citing "betrayal" by Congress in Rajasthan, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday said that her party will not attend the meeting of opposition parties, scheduled to take place later in the day, over the current political situation in the country. "As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," Mayawati said in a tweet. "Under such circumstances, BSP attending today's Opposition meeting called by Congress will be demoralising for people of the party in Rajasthan. So BSP will not take part in this meeting," she added. Stressing that her party opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she said, "Once again, I appeal to the Central government to take back this divisive and unconstitutional law." Opposition parties will meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country. Discussions will be held on several issues including the amended Citizenship Act, Population Register (NPR), Register of Citizens (NRC), and the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during the meeting scheduled to be held in Parliament annexe at 2 pm. Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Aam Aadmi Party will not be taking part in the meeting. In December last year, Opposition leaders had met President Ram Nath Kovind and lodged their protest over police action against students over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bernie Sanders picks up backing of influential New Hampshire union Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders hosts a climate rally in Iowa City By Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders gained the support on Sunday of a large and influential labor union in New Hampshire, an important early-voting state Democratic presidential nomination contest. The union, SEA/SEIU Local 1984, has more than 10,000 members in New Hampshire, including both public and private sector employees. It has frequently used its political organization to help propel candidates to victory in the state. "For decades, Senator Sanders has represented the interests of workers all across this country, and during these past few months, he has taken the time to support SEA/SEIU Local 1984 specifically," Rich Gulla, president of the union, said in a statement. New Hampshire will hold the second primary contest in February and victory in the state has historically helped fuel candidate momentum. Sanders, who represents neighboring Vermont in the U.S. Senate, was an early favorite to win the New Hampshire primary. But polls continue to show him in a tight race with rivals U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Warren represents Massachusetts, also a New Hampshire neighbor. The sane union backed Sanders in 2016 when he ran against Hillary Clinton and was credited with helping him secure victory in the state's primary. Ultimately, however, Sanders' strong showing in New Hampshire and Iowa, which holds the first primary, were not enough to push him past Clinton, who won the nomination. (Reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by David Gregorio) WASHINGTON Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is suspending his presidential campaign, he announced in an email to supporters on Monday. Booker said multiple factors had contributed to his conclusion that he had no chance to win the Democratic nomination. It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and Ive always said I wouldnt continue if there was no longer a path to victory, Booker wrote. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington. Booker is the first candidate to leave the race who specifically cited the impending impeachment trial as an issue. In recent weeks, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held back the articles of impeachment from the Senate, delaying the start of the trial, it has become apparent that the senators in the Democratic race would be handicapped by the need to attend the proceedings in Washington during the crucial final days of campaigning before the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3. Sen. Cory Booker at a campaign event in New York City in November. (Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Like some of the other candidates, Booker faced hurdles imposed by the Democratic National Committees debate qualification rules, which set minimum requirements for polling and fundraising. He was not onstage for the most recent debate in December and did not qualify for the one on Tuesday evening in Iowa. Bookers departure leaves just three candidates of color in the Democratic field: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and businessman Andrew Yang. Booker came into the race with a high profile and was widely expected to be a leading candidate. As the former mayor of Newark, N.J., he earned national attention for hands-on heroics that were amplified by his pioneering use of social media. Booker was elected to the Senate in 2013 and described his role as a civil rights activist in the halls of Congress. He has focused on issues of justice including economic inequality, disparate environmental conditions in poorer parts of the country, and criminal justice reform. He was a prominent supporter of the bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation that was signed into law in late 2018. Story continues In his letter to supporters, Booker said he will run for reelection to the Senate this year. I will be doing everything in my power to elect the eventual Democratic nominee for president, whomever that may be, and to elect great Democrats to the Senate and up and down the ballot, he wrote. Booker at an event in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Dec. 20. (Photo: Brenna Norman/Reuters) Bookers campaign focused on a positive message of rising above differences and addressing the common pain shared by many Americans. He unveiled a suite of policies including an ambitious environmental justice agenda and a baby bonds program that would reduce the racial wealth gap by providing grants to Americans at birth. In the letter announcing his decision to suspend his White House bid, he expressed pride in the policies he pushed for on the trail, and in the tenor of his campaign. Im proud of the ideas we brought to this Democratic primary and, more importantly, the values we championed throughout that the only way we make progress is by bringing people together even when we were told that our approach couldnt win, Booker wrote. However, despite the initial buzz and a strong ground game, Booker and his positive message failed to gain traction in a primary race that seems to have been defined by larger ideological debates within the Democratic Party. During the final weeks of his campaign, Booker and his team focused on Iowa, and there were some indications in recent polls that he had the potential to have a surprisingly strong finish there. However, missing the debates and the prospect of being stuck in Washington for the impeachment trial made the prospect of a Hawkeye State shocker increasingly unlikely. In his letter, Booker indicated he didnt regret his positive approach. Im proud I never compromised my faith in these principles during this campaign to score political points or tear down others. And maybe Im stubborn, but Ill never abandon my faith in what we can accomplish when we join together, he wrote. Booker concluded his letter to supporters calling this race the most important election of our lifetimes, and he issued a final call for Democrats to take the high road as they seek to defeat President Trump. We have to beat Donald Trump ... but beating Trump is the floor, not the ceiling, he wrote, adding, We may have not reached our ultimate goal, but over the last year Ive had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible, inspiring, engaged people all over this country, and I am more confident now than ever that together we will rise. Read more from Yahoo News: The kits, he said, not only help children on the spectrum, but can help with adults on the spectrum and children patients in general. While first responders usually have stuffed animals on the ambulance to help comfort children, Kodicek said they don't always work for everyone. "It's (a stuffed animal) not always going to calm them down ... or they're just going to toss it," Kodicek said. "Sometimes it's this distraction of a fidget spinner or just squeezing this or even the marble thing just back and forth is enough to calm them down." Not only does the bag help calm children down, it allows emergency medical technicians to provide better services, he said. "We can provide better patient care because we're not so focused on just calming them down," he said. As a parent, it brings him comfort knowing first responders are adapting their care and becoming aware of patients with autism. How Northern Ireland deals with its troubled past "is not going to go away", a former Police Ombudsman has said. Michael Maguire, who held the role for seven years, also said at times his job felt like "trench warfare". He said he feels his former office, and also the PSNI, should be dealing with the present rather than the past, as he expressed his desire to hand over historic cases to a separate body. "The way we in Northern Ireland are dealing with the past is broken," he told the Irish Times. "The past is not going to go away. There needs to be a better way on how to deal with it. I would have a serious concern: there are second and third generations families now asking, say, what happened to their father or grandfather. That will continue, so we need a different way of dealing with it. "Let not the perfect be the enemy of the good. It will never be perfect but it will be better than what we have. That means a better funded and more comprehensive approach and a more consistent approach across the board to dealing with the past." Mr Maguire retired from his role as the independent investigator of complaints against the PSNI last summer. He was replaced by Marie Anderson, the former Northern Ireland Ombudsman who dealt with complaints about public services, local government standards and judicial appointments. The former Police Ombudsman said he had an overall staff of 120 investigating 2,500-3,000 cases each year and an annual budget of 9m. Between 23-28% of those complaints against police were upheld. He had 40 staff investigating 170 historic cases in 2012 but that had reduced to fewer than 30 staff dealing with 430 historic cases on an annual budget of 2m before his retirement. "That means that families have to wait much longer for results," Mr Maguire said. "That can't be right. "There needs to be a better way of doing it." He also challenged the allegation that the RUC was rotten to the core. "Some people concoct that narrative, but I don't agree with it," he said. "Not everything the RUC did was right, and there were things not even RUC officers would stand over. Clearly that is the case. That does not mean that everybody is tarred with the same brush; it clearly doesn't." Asked if he enjoyed his seven years in the job, Mr Maguire said he wasn't "sure if 'enjoy' was the right word". "It is a job the like of which I have never done before and the like of which I will probably never do again. It carried its challenges. I think it has been rewarding as a job, and that is probably the better answer. It has been rewarding." When asked if he had any advice for his successor, Mr Maguire said Ms Anderson must "do the right thing, however difficult that is". "There are occasions when you have to be critical of the police, and there are occasions when you have to say to the families that the narrative they accepted down the generations is simply not true. Anchor yourself in the evidence," he added. File image The Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University, Najma Akhtar, on January 13 said even though they are government employees, they have sent a letter to the government in support of the students, according to reports. "We will also go to court," Akhtar said. Earlier in the day, hundreds of students had gheraoed the VC's office demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with last month's violence on the campus. The campus had witnessed violence on December 15 last year when students of Jamia were injured when the police entered the campus and lathi-charged them. This happened after the students protest against the amended Citizenship Act there turned violent. Addressing the students, Akhtar said the process of filing an FIR will start from tomorrow, and stated that the administration has also doubled the security in the campus. Among other demands, they also want the university to reschedule examinations and ensure security of students. On December 16, Akhtar had demanded an inquiry against polices December 15 entry into the campus and "vandalism". After entering the university, police had detained many students. All of them were released around 3.30 am on December 16. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) announced today that comparable sales, including both stores and direct sales, increased 2% for the quarter-to-date period ended January 9, 2020. Same store sales decreased 1% and sales for the Company's e-commerce businesses increased 21% on a comparable basis for that period. Comparable sales changes for each retail business for the period were as follows: Quarter-to-Date (January 9, 2020) Comparable Sales (Stores and Direct) Journeys Group 3% Schuh Group 2% Johnston & Murphy Group (2)% Total Comparable Sales 2% Same Store Sales (1)% Comparable Direct Sales 21% The Company also announced that it expects adjusted earnings per diluted share for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2020 to be above the midpoint of its guidance range of $4.10 to $4.40. Robert J. Dennis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesco, said, "Overall, we enjoyed a solid Holiday selling season, with sales results at the higher end of our expectations. Journeys once again led the way, and we were pleased that Schuh delivered better than expected results. January is off to a good start as we look to deliver our 11th consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales for our footwear businesses. Although, the start of the month was strong, we expect that to moderate through the course of the month. We now expect that adjusted earnings per share will be above the midpoint of our guidance range." Genesco to Present at the 2020 ICR Conference Genesco also announced that management will present at the 2020 ICR Conference on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). The audio portion of the presentation will be webcast live and may be accessed through the Company's internet website, http://www.genesco.com . To listen, please go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary software. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding the performance outlook for the Company and its individual businesses (including, without limitation, sales, expenses, margins and earnings) and all other statements not addressing solely historical facts or present conditions. Actual results could vary materially from the expectations reflected in these statements. A number of factors could cause differences. These include adjustments to estimates and projections reflected in forward-looking statements, including the level and timing of promotional activity necessary to maintain inventories at appropriate levels; the timing and amount of any share repurchases by the Company; the imposition of tariffs on imported products by the Company or its vendors as well as the ability and costs to move production of products to countries from which imported goods are not subject to tariffs; potential disruption to the flow of goods in the ports due to reactions made by companies to the potential imposition of tariffs; the Company's ability to obtain from suppliers products that are in-demand on a timely basis and effectively manage disruptions in product supply or distribution; unfavorable trends in fuel costs, foreign exchange rates, foreign labor and material costs, and other factors affecting the cost of products; the effects of the British decision to exit the European Union and other sources of weakness in the U.K. market, including potential effects on consumer demand, currency exchange rates, and the supply chain; the effectiveness of the Company's omnichannel initiatives; costs associated with changes in minimum wage and overtime requirements; cost associated with wage pressure associated with a full employment environment in the U.S. and the U.K. and competitor wage decisions; weakness in the consumer economy and retail industry for the products we sell; competition in the Company's markets, including online and including competition from the Company's vendors in the branded footwear market; fashion trends, including the lack of new fashion trends or products, that affect the sales or product margins of the Company's retail product offerings; weakness in shopping mall traffic and challenges to the viability of malls where the Company operates stores, related to planned closings of department stores and other stores or other factors and the extent and pace of growth of online shopping; risks related to the potential for terrorist events, especially in malls and shopping districts; changes in buying patterns by significant wholesale customers; bankruptcies or deterioration in financial condition of significant wholesale customers or the inability of wholesale customers or consumers to obtain credit; the Company's ability to continue to complete and integrate acquisitions, expand its business and diversify its product base; retained liabilities associated with divestitures of businesses including potential liabilities under leases as the prior tenant or as a guarantor of certain leases; and changes in the timing of holidays or in the onset of seasonal weather affecting period-to-period sales comparisons. Additional factors that could affect the Company's prospects and cause differences from expectations include the ability to build, open, staff and support additional retail stores and to renew leases in existing stores and control or lower occupancy costs, and to conduct required remodeling or refurbishment on schedule and at expected expense levels; the Company's ability to eliminate stranded costs associated with dispositions, including the sale of the Lids Sport Group business; the Company's ability to realize anticipated cost savings, including rent savings; deterioration in the performance of individual businesses or of the Company's market value relative to its book value, resulting in impairments of fixed assets, operating lease right of use assets or intangible assets or other adverse financial consequences and the timing and amount of such impairments or other consequences; unexpected changes to the market for the Company's shares or for the retail sector in general; costs and reputational harm as a result of disruptions in the Company's business or information technology systems either by security breaches and incidents or by potential problems associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems; and the cost and outcome of litigation, investigations and environmental matters involving the Company. Additional factors are cited in the "Risk Factors," "Legal Proceedings" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of, and elsewhere in, our SEC filings, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC website, www.sec.gov, or by contacting the investor relations department of Genesco via our website, www.genesco.com. Many of the factors that will determine the outcome of the subject matter of this release are beyond Genesco's ability to control or predict. Genesco undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of the Company at the time they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements. About Genesco Inc. Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer, sells footwear and accessories in more than 1,490 retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Schuh, Schuh Kids, Little Burgundy, Johnston & Murphy, and on internet websites www.journeys.com , www.journeyskidz.com , www.journeys.ca , www.schuh.co.uk , www.littleburgundyshoes.com , www.johnstonmurphy.com , www.johnstonmurphy.ca , www.trask.com , and www.dockersshoes.com . In addition, Genesco sells wholesale footwear under its Johnston & Murphy brand, the Trask brand, the licensed Dockers brand, the licensed Levi's brand, the licensed Bass brand, and other brands. For more information on Genesco and its operating divisions, please visit www.genesco.com . SOURCE Genesco Inc. Related Links http://www.genesco.com Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday blocked a proposal that would have allowed dozens of New Jersey school districts to raise more from property taxes to compensate for state funding cuts. His veto of the bill (S4289), pushed by the Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester was expected, as the governor said previously the state should be raising taxes on the wealthy to fund schools, rather than asking middle-class taxpayers to again take it on the chin. The measure would have applied to districts that have lost aid as the state shakes up its school funding formula, allowing them to make up for their losses by exceeding a 2-percent cap on property tax increases. I cannot support creating an additional avenue to exceed the 2-percent cap that both disenfranchises voters and increases their property tax burden, Murphy said in a message accompanying the veto. New Jerseys school funding formula tells the state exactly how much each district should spend, how much of a districts funding should come from the state and how much the district should generate in local property tax revenue. The state is in the midst of a controversial, years-long overhaul of that funding formula, undertaken by Sweeney, to shift state aid from districts considered overfunded according to the funding formula to those considered underfunded. At the same time, the state is putting hundreds of millions of dollars more into schools each year, and in the end, every district should get 100 percent of what is owed. The 172 districts losing state aid have been receiving more than the formula says they need. And officials in those districts losing money over seven years have warned of steep budget cuts, massive layoffs and program reductions. Sweeneys bill would allow some of those districts to exceed the 2-percent cap passed under former Gov. Chris Christie that limits how much local districts can raise their tax levies each year. The Senate Majority Office said 40 local districts would have qualified to for an exemption, including Toms River, Old Bridge and South Brunswick. The state Senate voted 24-15 and the Assembly, 41-26 with four abstentions, last month. Based on that vote tally, the Legislature wouldnt appear to have enough votes to override the governor. In his veto message, Murphy criticized the Legislature for rushing the bill through. Decisions that will result in New Jersey families paying more in property taxes cannot be made lightly. I strongly believe that issues as important to New Jersey residents as property taxes and education funding warrant more deliberation than this bill was given, he said. Sweeney, meanwhile, said Murphys offer of a tax on millionaires to drum up more money is hollow "when he knows or should know that not one penny from the millionaires tax could legally go to any of the Adjustment Aid districts that would have been helped by this legislation. The New Jersey School Board Association also accused Murphy of misstating the effects of the bill. We strongly disagree with the governors interpretation of the proposal and its impact on local property taxpayers, Executive Director Lawrence Feinsod said in a statement, adding the bill "was well-thought-out legislation that would have enabled school districts to maintain educational programming. It would not have resulted in wide-scale, unbridled property tax increases as inferred by the governor. NJ Advance Media staff writer Adam Clark contributed to this report. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. ED attaches assets of former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar in loan fraud case The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets of former Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank, Chanda Kochhar, and her family, reported to be worth around Rs78 crore, in the loan fraud case. The ED today attached properties including her Chanda Kochhhrs in Mumbai and some properties of the company of his husband, in connection with the alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case, according to reports. The ED order will be valid within 180 days of the attachment being issued or when a court confirms it and allows it to make a final confiscation on the basis that properties were made out of the proceeds of money laundering. In ED had, in 2019, registered a criminal case under the PMLA against Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar, Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon Group and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning Rs3,250-crore loans by the ICICI Bank to the Videocon Group. Kochhar had challenged her ouster from ICIC Bank, which was given a green-light by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines plans to add 56 flights on seven domestic routes between HCM City and Hai Phong/Hue/Thanh Hoa/Vinh/Da Nang/Quang Nam/Phu Quoc, with a total of about 11,000 seats(Photo: VNA) The CAAV urged the addition of flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi/Vinh/Thanh Hoa/Da Nang during the holiday, especially from January 20-31, or from the 26th day of the last lunar month to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. In response to the request, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines decided to add 56 flights on seven domestic routes between HCM City and Hai Phong/Hue/Thanh Hoa/Vinh/Da Nang/Quang Nam/Phu Quoc, with a total of about 11,000 seats. Specifically, there will be 10 more flights between HCM City and Hai Phong, six on the HCM City-Thanh Hoa route, two for the HCM City-Da Nang route, 16 for the HCM City-Vinh route, 14 for the HCM City-Hue route, six for the HCM City-Quang Nam route, and two on the HCM City-Phu Quoc route. Earlier, Vietnam Airlines Group, comprising Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and Vasco, announced that they will offer 2.23 million seats on all domestic flights during the countrys longest holiday. Meanwhile, budget carrier Vietjet Air plans to add nearly 1,200 flights on this occasion. From January 11 to February 9, the carrier will launch nearly 2.5 million seats on all domestic and foreign flights. It has put into service two new A321 aircraft on major routes between North and South Vietnam. The newest airline Bamboo Airways also said it will launch an additional 3,600 fights with nearly 1 million seats on domestic flights. (CNN) A volcano near the capital of the Philippines erupted Sunday, forcing residents to evacuate as experts warned that another "hazardous explosive eruption" is possible. The Taal Volcano, about 37 miles south of Manila on the island of Luzon, erupted in the afternoon. Authorities ordered evacuations for three towns, according to CNN Philippines. The Manila International Airport Authority suspended arrivals and departures. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the volcano exhibited a "fast escalation" in volcanic activity. Continuous eruption generated ash plumes 6 to 9 miles above the crater, spewing ashes "as far as Quezon City." The agency raised its alert status to indicate the possibility of a hazardous eruption with lava within hours to days. The state-run Philippines News Agency reported minor earthquakes. Ma-an de Ocampo-Ignacio was on a plane approaching Manila when she captured a photo. "It was fascinating to watch it," Ocampo-Ignacio told CNN. "But now we're getting to the business of finding out what the communities there need." This story was first published on CNN.com 'Philippines warns of 'explosive eruption' after Taal Volcano spews ash near Manila' Lightning streak over Batangas as Taal Volcano continues its eruption on Sunday evening. - https://www.alamy.com The Philippines is preparing to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people in the path of an active volcano amid warnings of an explosive eruption that could also trigger a deadly tsunami. More than 24,000 people have already been forced to flee their homes and take shelter in 75 evacuation centres since the Taal volcano suddenly spewed a plume of ash from its crater half a mile into the air on Sunday. The volcano continued erupting throughout Monday as desperate residents left their homes and possessions behind. Ash blew across Manila, the capital city, closing down schools and offices as traffic came to a halt and hundreds of flights were grounded at the main international airport. Lightning streak over Batangas as Taal Volcano continues its eruption on Sunday evening. Credit: Alamy The lightning is caused by volcanic ash sparking static electricity Credit: Ezra Acayan/Getty Although one of the worlds smallest volcanoes, Taal, a tourist attraction that sits in a picturesque lake, is considered to be one of the most dangerous because of its high activity and its location in a densely populated area some 45 miles south of central Manila. The eruption began with an explosion of superheated steam and rock but as lava and broad columns of ash continued to belch out of the crater, they were illuminated by stunning lightning shows, in a little-understood phenomenon that has been attributed to static electricity. Plantlife, buildings and cars in the immediate dangerzone were left covered in layers of ashen dust several centimetres thick and local roads were transformed into sludge as it mixed with rain. Among the evacuees was Thomas Barba, 53, who was eating lunch with his brother overlooking the volcano when they suddenly noticed mushroom-shaped smoke, followed by muddy rain. Hundreds of thousands of people may have to be evacuated from the surrounding area Credit: TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images They rushed through heavy traffic to warn their families to leave their home in the nearby village of Talisay. Around 8pm, we felt a 10-second tremor. The entire place was pitch black and the only lights visible were from the thunderstorm coming from the volcano. It was the kind of lightning that Id only ever seen in an alien movie, he said. Story continues I heard a sound like pebbles were falling on the roof. Terrified, the men fled on foot. There were tree branches all over the streets, and mud everywhere. I felt like it was the end of the world, said Mr Barba. Residents look on as Taal volcano erupts Credit: Ezra Acayan Authorities raised the volcano alert level to four on Sunday, its second-highest level, saying an "explosive eruption" could happen in "hours to days, but experts fear the volcano could keep erupting for months to come. This graphic explains why the volcano is so dangerous: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had recorded a total of 144 volcanic earthquakes in the Taal region between 1pm on Sunday and 4pm on Monday. In a statement, it said that the volcano continued to erupt with weak sporadic lava fountaining and hydrovolcanic activity in the main crater that generated steam-laden plumes approximately 2km tall. The institute said that short 500-metre lava fountains were emerging on the northern flank of the volcano, and reported heavy ashfall to the southwest. As well as the total evacuation of the volcano island and a 9-mile radius, it urged the public to take precautions against fine ashfall that could cause respiratory problems. In Manila, masks sold out quickly and the public were urged to report overcharging. Some wore handkerchiefs across their faces as they breathed air tainted by the smell of sulfur. The army and aid agencies sent vehicles and personnel to the worst-affected areas as the defence minister urged residents not to hesitate to leave. However, some residents could not move out of ash-blanketed villages due to a lack of transport and poor visibility immediately. We have a problem, our people are panicking due to the volcano because they want to save their livelihood, their pigs and herds of cows," Mayor Wilson Maralit of Balete town told DZMM radio. "We're trying to stop them from returning and warning that the volcano can explode again anytime and hit them." People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal rights organisation, also called for items needed for relief operations for animals and said it was sending in teams. Residents in the town of Lemery attempt to carry on with everyday life as ash carpets the streets Credit: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images Experts have warned that if the volcano erupts, ash carrying microscopic shards of glass, rather than lava flows, could create the biggest health hazard. It could potentially contaminate the air and water within a radius of more than 60 miles. One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, Taal has erupted more than 30 times in the past five centuries, most recently in 1977. An eruption in 1911 killed 1,500 people and one in 1754 lasted for a few months. The Philippines sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface. The climate emergency of epic proportions in Australia, which has necessitated the evacuation of a whopping 2.5 lakh people from their homes and the culling of 10,000 camels as they drink too much water, is a wake-up call for India and other major world economies. This comes barely a month after the UNs climate change negotiations ended in Chile without any concrete agreements. Interestingly, Australia itself was criticised heavily for trying to evade its emissions targets. It wanted to use the carbon credits assigned to it under the Kyoto Protocol, which is a precursor to the climate accord, to meet its targets under the Paris Accord. Essentially, this would mean that Australia, the worlds largest coal exporter, took no new action to combat climate change. Its not just about Australia. Almost all developed countries have fallen short in meeting the promises they made in Copenhagen, Cancun and Kyoto. Not just that, while they promised USD 1 trillion as climate finance to developing nations to cut carbon emissions, not even 2 per cent of that money has been delivered in the last decade. That does not mean the developing world, India included, can remain complacent. Just last week, the IMD said that 2010-19 was Indias hottest decade since records started in 1901. The consequences of this warming for India will not be different from what Australia is currently facing. The pressure on water resources, which are already facing severe strain, will grow multifold. This will have a direct impact on food production, hygiene, and thereby, public health. According to a NITI Aayog report, 21 major cities will reach zero groundwater levels this year. While there are doubts about this claim, the water crisis is real: 12% of our population lives in day zero scenario, where theres no piped water supply. Climate catastrophes that could lead us to an economic and human rights crisis have been pushed to the sidelines of the national debate. Its time they are given due attention. U.S. President Donald Trump added to the controversy over his administrations justification for the killing of an Iranian general, saying Monday that it doesnt really matter whether it was in response to an imminent threat to the United States. In a tweet, Trump criticized Democrats for trying to determine whether Iranian attacks the administration has said were planned by Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani against U.S. targets were imminent. It doesnt really matter because of his horrible past, Trump wrote. The administration has held Soleimani, as head of Irans Quds Force, responsible for orchestrating Irans use of proxy forces in terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East, and the deaths of hundreds of U.S. soldiers over the years, long before the threat it has said justified the Jan. 3 U.S. drone strike that killed him. In a separate tweet, Trump emphasized Soleimanis past actions rather than the threat of future attacks. The Democrats and Fake News are trying to make terrorist Soleimani into a wonderful guy, only because I did what should have been done for 20 years, he wrote. Trump said last week that Soleimani had been planning attacks on four U.S. embassies. Senior administration officials have declined to confirm that assertion, while saying there was intelligence that Iran was plotting imminent strikes against a series of U.S. targets, including the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Many Democratic lawmakers and a number of Republicans have the questioned administrations claims about the immediacy of the threat and the targets and charged that it has failed to provide full and accurate information about an action that brought the United States and Iran to the brink of war. Last week, in what Iran said was retaliation for Soleimanis killing, Iran launched a barrage of missile strikes against two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops, although no casualties resulted. Several hours later, Iranian missile defence shot down a Ukrainian airliner that had just taken off from Tehran, killing all 176 aboard. Tehrans admission of what it said was a mistake, following days of denial of the shootdown, has led to large anti-government demonstrations in Iran and a crackdown by security forces. In an apparent reference to reported deaths of some protesters, Trump retweeted posts critical of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. One, saying Who in America supports this mullahs crime? Answer: Nancy Pelosi, included a photograph of a body hanging from barbed wire strung over a fence. Another included a doctored photograph of Pelosi wearing a head scarf and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in a turban, standing in front of an Iranian flag. Read more about: Piers Morgan has claimed that Harry and Meghan have 'bullied' the Queen into getting their way after crisis talks today at Sandringham over the Sussexes' future. Wading into the row following the Queen's historic confirmation that the pair would step down, Mr Morgan tweeted: 'Harry/Meghan have successfully bullied the Queen into letting them have their cake & eat it.' He also claimed that the couple were 'having their cake and eating it with all the royal trimmings'. The Queen said Meghan and Harry would step back as senior royals and split their time between Canada and the UK, but clouded how they would achieve their notion of financial independence. The statement came after a summit at Sandringham between the Queen and Princes Charles, William and Harry. Mr Morgan's suggestion that the couple 'bullied' the Queen follows claims published on Monday that it was in fact the elder brother William who had bullied Harry and Meghan. Scroll down for video Wading into the row following the Queen's historic confirmation today that the pair would step down, Piers Morgan tweeted: 'Harry/Meghan have successfully bullied the Queen into letting them have their cake & eat it' Mr Morgan, who has made plain his views on the Duchess of Sussex in recent days, did not mince his words this evening, accusing Meghan and Harry of bullying the monarch The Times claimed that Meghan told Harry she must step away from the Royal Family just 20 months after marrying into it, partly blaming William's 'bullying attitude' and told her husband over Christmas: 'It's not working for me'. But hitting back before the Sandringham talks Harry and William slammed the 'false story', adding: 'For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful'. Mr Morgan made plain his views on the Sussexes this morning on ITV, saying: 'The Queen's just had to fire her middle son, her 98-year-old husband is very sick and these two little spoiled brats are holding her to ransom at the worst moment. 'If they want to leave after 18 months then that's fine,' he said before speaking directly to Meghan: 'I always thought you'd do this anyway. You quit your friends, you quit your dad, and you quit your jobs.' He added: 'She disowned her entire family apart from her mother. Harry's never met his father-in-law, she's ditched her old friends who got cut dead. She's split up those boys, Harry from his brother.' Speaking on Australian TV, he added that Meghan was 'pretty ruthless', as he highlighted her 'ghosting him'. 'It really cemented in me a feeling that Meghan Markle is not quite what she seems,' he told the show on Tuesday morning. Piers Morgan (pictured) told Australian show Sunrise he feared for the history of the royal family and claimed Meghan was driving a wedge between them Prince Harry stands with his then-fiance Meghan Markle (pictured) outside Kensington Palace after making their engagement announcement back in November 2017 'That she's actually somebody who I think is a pretty ruthless social climber who has spent her life using people, and moving on and ditching them. 'And it's an unpleasant trait.' He also added that the Duchess had received praise before the wedding and he even admitted that he believed she would 'be good' for the royal family. He cited Meghan's pleading letter to her father and also mentioned how she was supposedly meant to have 'mailed her rings back' to her ex husband. 'But what makes it more serious now, is that having basically got rid of her own family, she now appears to be trying to get rid of Harry from his family and I think that is a dangerous moment for the royal family and for the monarchy,' he said. 'There's a difference in the way the criticism of the two of them is treated. 'My issue with Harry is that he's so weak over all this. 'I quite predicted and understand why Meghan Markle finds royal duties stifling and boring and wants to be a global Hollywood superstar. 'But Harry was born into this and he should know better than most people that in return of all the servants and palaces and luxury life, that actually you have to perform what's called duty.' 'That is what the royal family do, that's why they exist. They perform public duty. 'And it seems to me that what these two now want, is they want their cake and all the royal trimmings, but they don't want to work for it in the way all the other royals do.' In her statement this afternoon, the Queen expressed deep disappointment at the couple's decision to quit their Royal duties and said there would be 'a transition period' while the final settlement is thrashed out. The monarch said: 'Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. The Queen (pictured attending church at Sandringham on Sunday), who was left deeply hurt by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge, has summoned Princes Charles, William and Harry for a crisis meeting to resolve the Sussexes future The Queen's statement in full this evening after a day of showdown talks to decide the futures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. 'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. 'These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.' After spending the afternoon bunkered down in crunch talks inside the grand house's Long Library, Charles, William and Harry left the Norfolk estate in separate cars. The Queen, who is desperate to chart a way out of the crisis raging through the Family ranks, has ordered courtiers to double down on developing a blueprint for the Sussexes future to be completed within days. In a hint Harry and Meghan will completely sever ties with the Family, Her Majesty broke with protocol to refer to the couple by their first names rather than the 'Duke and Duchess of Sussex', suggesting they are poised to be stripped of their HRH titles. A source told The Times that Harry and Meghan felt pushed out of the royal family by his older brother William, who will see his younger sibling face-to-face at Sandringham later (pictured together on July 10, 2018) Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter said the move was likely to be telling, tweeting: 'I do think it was very striking, particularly in a statement from the Queen.' And Reacting to the statement, Queen Elizabeth biographer and royal historian Robert Lacey said the language was an immensely personal intervention uncharacteristic of typical Palace communiques. He told BBC Radio 4: 'It is remarkably hands-on. I mean it may have been processed through officials but this is the Queen, speaking to her people and speaking about her family, and I think coming right through it is the concern she feels.' Hong Kong: HK financial market stable Financial Secretary Paul Chan The challenges, for Hong Kong, are as much local as they are global. I know many of you are concerned about the recent social unrest here in Hong Kong, about whether it is affecting our financial market and whether there has been outflow of funds. First of all, there's the obvious: Hong Kong is undergoing a time of unprecedented turbulence. Dissension has gripped our community for months now. That said, we are working to address and respond to those concerns, determined to find a path to peace, harmony and renewed prosperity in 2020. We have been making progress. But there is still much to be done before we can put this testing time behind us. Competitive advantages What I can tell is that the advantages Hong Kong has long been recognised for are still very much with us, and they are not going anywhere anytime soon. They begin with our enviable location, at the heart of Asia. Which means that Hong Kong is fully plugged into the round-the-clock global financial trading cycle. We provide certain and seamless connectivity with the financial hubs of Europe and North America, as well as those in the Middle East and across Asia. Hong Kong is blessed with the dual advantages of "one country, two systems". The rule of law, an independent judiciary and an unshakable adherence to free enterprise are among Hong Kong's core values. We offer businesses from the Mainland and all over the world - more than 9,000 at last count - a level-playing field, a competitive market, whatever their businesses, whatever their investments. Our linked exchange rate system remains solid, our currency fully convertible and capital flowing in and out freely, as enshrined in Article 112 of the Basic Law. Our capital markets are deep and liquid. Despite our external and domestic challenges, Hong Kong's financial market remains stable. Our banking system continues to run smoothly and with ample liquidity. The figures speak for themselves. In 2019, Hong Kong again topped the world in funds raised through IPOs - some US$40 billion worth. This is the seventh time we have come first in the past 11 years. Our stock market's capitalisation is about US$4.9 trillion. That's more than 13 times Hong Kong's GDP. As at end November 2019, bank deposits in both Hong Kong dollars and foreign currencies continued to increase over the same period last year, totalling US$1.8 trillion. Our exchange rate remains stable. These and other measures reflect the integrity of Hong Kong's financial and legal system, the confidence it conveys, even as we face formidable external and domestic shocks. In September last year, the Global Financial Centres Index once again ranked Hong Kong among the world's top three financial centres, behind only New York and bearing in on London. Last October, the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report ranked our financial system top in the world, while the World Bank rated Hong Kong the third-easiest place to do business. Hong Kong is still very much the largest offshore renminbi business hub in the world. We are, as well, the premier asset and wealth management centre. Apart from exempting onshore and offshore funds from profits tax, we are considering introducing a more competitive tax arrangement to attract private equity funds to domicile in Hong Kong. The insurance industry is equally important. We have, after all, the highest concentration of insurers in Asia - more than 160 at the end of September. And we will enable the issuance of insurance-linked securities, expanding the insurable risks of captive insurers in Hong Kong. On the taxes front, we already have the world's most business-friendly tax system, according to Paying Taxes 2020, a report produced by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and the World Bank. Still, we plan to provide tax relief to promote the development of marine insurance and the underwriting of specialty risks in Hong Kong. Green finance is our policy priority going forward. Green bonds issued and arranged in Hong Kong increased over 200% to US$11 billion in 2018 as compared to the previous year. That was followed by our inaugural government green bond issuance of US$1 billion last May. And we plan to issue more, and encourage more entities to arrange financing for their green projects right here in Hong Kong. Fintech is another area where we strive to excel. Looking at the big picture, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s latest projection of global economic growth this year has been adjusted downward to 3.4%. Growth in Asia, however, will continue to outperform the rest of the world. The IMF forecasts the Mainland economy to grow by 5.8% in 2020, down slightly but still far and away leading most other jurisdictions. Robust financial system As for Hong Kong, the IMF Staff Report last month commended the resilience of our financial system and linked exchange rate, despite its slowing economy. The IMF's Hong Kong report noted, and I quote, that "robust policy frameworks and ample buffers will help the economy weather the challenges ahead". The IMF also expressed approval for the Government's wide-ranging policies to support the economy and safeguard financial stability. While we welcome the IMF's confidence in Hong Kong, I am prepared to roll out further relief measures as necessary. We will also step up efforts to capitalise on emerging opportunities - not only from green finance and fintech but from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt & Road Initiative, which demonstrates Hong Kong's uniqueness and irreplaceable position in the Mainland's national and economic development strategy. Hong Kong is, and will remain, the business bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world. Count on Hong Kong, as always, to be your partner, to help you build your business in the Mainland, throughout the Asian region and around the world. Count on Hong Kong to connect you with abundant capital and continuing opportunities. Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the 13th Asian Financial Forum keynote luncheon on January 13. This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A white-tailed deer, its neck bulging with huge, ugly, wart-like growths, has made startling headlines out of Alabama. But many hunters were already familiar with the grotesque growths on the buck, and many other strange things they find on and in their deer. Deer warts From Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division The growths on that deer are deer warts, or cutaneous fibromas, caused by the animals immune system reacting to virus transmitted by biting insects. The leathery, hairless, gray or black masses, ranging from a half-inch to more than eight inches in diameter, grow individually or together in clumps. Some deer have been found with more than 200 fibromas. If their locations do not severely interfere with the deers vision, breathing, eating of ability to move, the animal usually will survive the fibromas. Venison from a deer with fibromas, which are growths on the skin, is generally considered safe to eat. Chronic wasting disease Example of deer afflicted with Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin. (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources photo).al.com While fibromas captured the most recent headlines, chronic wasting disease has been in the news much more regularly over the past several years. The always fatal, prion-based disease of deer, elk and related cervids does not present itself as obviously as do fibromas. CWD can take months, even years, to present symptoms of extreme weight loss, lack of coordination, excessive salivation and more. While the disease has not been documented to spread to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that venison from infected deer not be eaten and testing is offered by the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System. Ticks A deer ticke on an adult thumb, for size comparison. (Stuart Meek, Wikimedia Commons image)Third-Party-Submitted Ticks are another well-known companion of deer throughout Pennsylvania, and beyond. Its the rare deer that does not have some ticks and plenty of deer have hundreds on them. And, hunters come in close contact with the deer they kill, presenting themselves as prime new hosts for the tiny arachnids. Deer do not contract Lyme disease, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. And, ticks presence on a deer present no danger to those eating the venison. Old wounds An abscess formed at a wound on a deer Hunters regularly find wounds on the deer they kill. Not wounds that they inflicted in killing the animals, but previous wounds from misplaced bullets or arrows from other hunters, battles with other deer, collisions with motor vehicles and attacks by predators. Some wounds simply heal, even around a bullet, arrow or bone fragment. Others develop abscesses filled with yellow, green or even black pus. Other parts of the deer are safe for consumption, if the infected area is safely cut away. But if the infected area or fluids from it come into contact with other areas, the venison there always will not be safe to eat. Lumps Chest cavity of a deer with tuberculosis. In processing the deer they harvest, hunters regularly find blood clots in the muscle tissue, green or black discharge from organs and even bad smells, all of which can be signs of disease. In addition, yellow or tan lumps on the lungs or the inside surface of the rib cage may indicate that the deer has tuberculosis. Some hunters choose to overlook some diseases but eating venison from a deer with tuberculosis likely could lead to humans contracting the disease. Deer keds Deer keds, which are parasitic flies, are more widespread than previously thought. Parasitic deer keds flat-bodied flies with grabbing forelegs and deciduous wings are usually found on deer, elk and moose, but occasionally bite humans and domestic mammals. Although several tick-borne pathogens have been detected in deer keds, including the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, cat scratch fever and anaplasmosis, its unknown whether they can be transmitted through the insects bite. Deer hunters are most likely to come into contact with deer keds, as they process deer they kill. "Deer keds can run up your arm while you're field dressing a deer and bite you, said Michael Skvarla, extension educator and director of the Insect Identification Lab in the Department of Entomology at Penn State. If these insects are picking up pathogens from deer, they could transmit them to hunters. We don't want to scare people, but people should be aware there is the potential for deer keds to transmit pathogens that can cause disease." There is no evidence that keds cause venison from the deer to be unsafe for human consumption. Nasal bots Cross-section of a deer skull infested with nasal bots. Nasal bots are another parasitic insect regularly found on deer, as well as rabbits and squirrels. They are more specialized than the hide-roaming keds. Nasal bot flies lay eggs in the nose of the animal. Larvae hatch from the eggs, feed on tissue inside the nose and grow until they are large enough to cause discomfort to the animal, which sneezes them out to further develop into the next generation of winged adults. The insects have no impact on the deer meat. Lung worms Lung worms in a deer Lung worms are another common parasite of deer, spread in their feces and the vegetation touched by their feces. In hunter-killed deer, they are most obvious as spaghetti-like clusters slithering around the animals windpipe or lungs. The larvae of the nematode begin life in the intestinal tract of the deer. They eventually pass out in the scat of the animal, mature in the soil, climb up onto vegetation, where they are eaten by other deer. Once inside the animal they migrate from the stomach to the lungs. In low numbers the lung worms have little impact on the deer they inhabit. But in large concentrations in deer already compromised by other parasites or disease, they can contribute to the animals death. Blue tongue Deer with swollen tongue Blue tongue is a virus contracted by deer through the bite of a biting midge in the genus Culicoides. The most notable symptoms are a swollen tongue with a blue color to it and sloughed or deformed hooves. Other symptoms include swollen neck and eyelids, reduced activity, weigh loss, excessive salivation, and fever. The virus that causes blue tongue has not been shown to spread to humans who eat the meat of the animal, but the deer often have additional infections that can make the meat unfit for human consumption. Arterial worms Arterial worms in a deer Horsefly bites can infect deer with tiny, white, parasitic roundworms that live in the arteries of the animal. Their presence is most commonly detected through bone deformities, particularly the jaw. When the jaw is deformed it can lead to food being stuck under the tongue, tooth loss and secondary infection. Venison from deer infected with arterial worms is generally considered safe to eat. Mange Hunter-killed deer with mange. Mange, typically displayed as hair thinning and loss, leaving thickened, wrinkled, dark skin covered in scabs and foul-smelling crust, is a highly contagious skin disease of mammals caused by mites. There are several categories of mange affecting wild mammals caused by different species of mites that are very similar in appearance, according to the Northeast Wildlife Disease Cooperative. The three major categories of mange are sarcoptic mange, which is caused by Sacroptes scabiei, notoedric mange, which is caused by Notoedres centrifera, and demodectic mange, which is caused by two species of mites from the genus Demodex. Sarcoptic mange is the most common and most studied in wildlife and will thus be the focus of this disease description. Demodectic mange has been reported in many mammalian species including white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk. A new larger species of Demodex mites affecting white-tailed deer was described in 2007. Many affected animals will resolve their mange without intervention if their immune systems begin to function normally. The Pennsylvania Game Commission suggests that people handling mangy animals should wear gloves and should wash thoroughly immediately after handling. Infected carcasses should be frozen prior to examination, because sufficient freezing will kill the mites. 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. Folio: is tremendously proud of our Top Women in Media Awards. For the past seven years, we continue to be blown away and inspired by the impact so many women have on our industry, their companies and peers. Folio:, the publishing industrys go-to source for news, business intelligence and peer-to-peer recognition, has opened the call for nominations for the 2020 Top Women in Media Awards. Each year, the awards program honors 80+ leaders who have made a lasting impact on their brands, organizations and marketsspotlighting the diversity and progress of the industry. The early deadline for nominations is February 21, 2020 with a final deadline of February 28, 2020. More Information Folio: is tremendously proud of our Top Women in Media Awards," says content director, Caysey Welton. And for the past seven years, we continue to be blown away and inspired by the impact so many women have on our industry, their companies and peers." 2020 Nomination Categories Include: Corporate Champions Change-Makers Entrepreneurs Industry Trailblazers Motivators Up and Comers Catalyst Award (Special Recognition) Lifetime Empowerment & Achievement Award (Special Recognition) For complete entry details, click here. Past Folio: Top Women in Media honorees include, Myrna Blyth of AARP, Sarah McConville of Harvard Business Review, Alison Overholt of ESPN, Bonnie Kintzer of Trusted Media Brands, Martha Stewart of Martha Stewart Living & Martha Stewart Weddings and more. Honorees will be profiled on foliomag.com and spotlighted on June 4, 2020 during an awards luncheon in New York City. If you or someone you know deserves to be one of the Folio: 2020 Top Women in Media, submit your nominations at http://www.foliomag.com/awards. Entries are due February 21 with a final entry deadline of February 28. Questions? Contact Jessica Dombrowski at jdombrowski@accessintel.com or (203) 899-8436. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Danielle Sikes at dsikes@accessintel.com or (203) 899-8433. About Folio: Folio: is a multi-channel resource for the publishing industry. Our primary mission is to help media companies generate revenue and increase audience engagement. For more information, please visit http://www.FolioMag.com. An association of criminal defence lawyers has opted not to strike this week despite 100 per cent of its membership in support of taking job action over frozen Legal Aid Manitoba wages. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An association of criminal defence lawyers has opted not to strike this week despite 100 per cent of its membership in support of taking job action over frozen Legal Aid Manitoba wages. The Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba confirmed Monday Justice Minister Cliff Cullens office reached out to the group over the weekend to organize a meeting at the end of the month. A meeting between officials wasnt a condition to suspend action, but association president Gerri Wiebe said the decision was made "in good faith" and hopes the province takes a similar tack Jan. 27. "We take the impact of job action very seriously, on both our clients and the justice system as a whole and we will explore every viable option to be treated fairly," said Wiebe, a defence lawyer at Bueti Wasyliw Wiebe Law. The $80-per-hour rate hasnt been adjusted to account for the cost of living since their last strike prompted one in 2008. In an effort to negotiate a pay increase with the province, about 150 defence lawyers had planned to stop appearing at bail hearings this week; compensation rates for lawyers in private practice, who handle the majority of Legal Aid court cases in Manitoba, haven't increased in 12 years. Lawyers represented by CDLAM are contracted to represent defendants who qualify for legal aid support. Although, Wiebe said they arent compensated for all of their duties including consent releases, in which lawyers must prepare evidence to prove their client should be let out on bail. In 2018, the association recommended the province compensate lawyers for work on consent releases. Wiebe noted the province didnt comply then, nor has it complied with any suggestions put forward to improve the model for years. Provincial legislation currently requires that at least once every two years, tariffs paid to lawyers contracted by Legal Aid Manitoba be reviewed. The process for setting rates for such services will be on the agenda during the meeting with CDLAM, a provincial spokesperson said in a statement Monday. Cullen was not immediately made available for an interview. The spokesperson added that Manitoba Justice is committed to working with its partners "to ensure timely access to justice." Meanwhile, Wiebe said the association wants a seat at the table if the province plans to alter the current model. "We deliver between 60 to 70 per cent of legal aid services in this province and we want to have a say in how that looks," Wiebe 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. Defence lawyer Christopher Gamby said Monday that funding Legal Aid is critical in order to provide marginalized defendants representation and prevent wrongful convictions. Gamby said that some private-practice lawyers have been pivoting to the public sector due to the financial discrepancy between staff pay rates and compensation for lawyers who do contract work. "We need to be properly funded in order to properly do our jobs," added Gamby, who practises with Pinx and Company. In 2018-19, private lawyers closed 24,718 legal matters 69 per cent of the total Legal Aid Manitoba cases closed during that period. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie More than 300 manufacturers, distributors and 700 brands from 35 countries across the world are displaying their products and solutions at the 16th SteelFab 2020, which opened today (January 13) at the Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE. The event is presenting the regions largest showcase of machinery, equipment, tools and accessories for the metal working and forming industry. It serves as a one-stop sourcing and reference point for the entire spectrum of products and services relating to welding and cutting technology, machine tools, fasteners and allied industries. SteelFab was inaugurated by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of the Department of Seaports and Customs. The event will run until January 16. Every international brand worth its name is available at the stalls that are spread across nearly 20,000 sq m. The opening ceremony was attended by Abdalla Sultan Mohamed Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah, Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, SCCIs director general, Saif Mohammad Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (Saif Zone), and Sultan Shattaf, sales and marketing director, Expo Centre Sharjah and as well as other board members from SCCI and Expo Centre. Also present were members of diplomatic corps, dignitaries and representatives of the manufacturing sector, as well as a large crowd of businessmen and investors. After cutting the ribbon, which marked the official opening of the show, Sheikh Khalid toured the show, and was briefed by exhibiters about their latest their latest products, technologies and innovative solutions in the metal working industry. Sheikh Khalid affirmed that SteelFab offers something new every edition, which explains the growing number of participants and its increasing importance for local, regional and international companies looking forward to expanding their business and enhancing their presence in the UAEs and regions markets. It is especially important as it gives a unique access to the latest innovations, advanced techniques and high-end products in the steel and metal industry. This event does indeed reflect Sharjahs great interest in promoting its reputation, competitive edge and status being a leading hub for business and investments, he added. Sheikh Khalid continued: Thanks to the wise vision of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah has become a top regional destination for investors interested in the advanced steel and metal industry. A number of officials from participating companies praised Expo Centres support and well organisation of the event, stressing their keenness to attend such an annual event, which is one of the most important trade gatherings for the steel and metal industry in the region. SteelFab has been the flagbearer of the manufacturing industry for the past one and a half decades. Underpinned by bold reforms and stimulus measures, the manufacturing industry in the country has been expanding fast, and has become the base for the push to diversify the UAE economy. With every key regional player set to take advantage of the show, I am sure that SteelFab will continue to play a key role in strengthening the industrial base of the country, said Al Owais. The presence of a large number of prominent local and international companies and brands who are leaders in their fields of expertise would also help establish crucial connections in supply chain across various segments of the manufacturing industry in the country, added Al Owais. The regional manufacturing industry has always been on the leading edge of technology and innovation, and as the world moves into the fourth industrial revolution, the industry, of which metal fabrication is an integral part, is changing fast. The push is for faster machines, but the focus is also on connectivity and automation. And, new trends, including additive manufacturing, tube laser technology and artificial intelligence, will be the focus across the stalls at SteelFab, its special focus areas, national pavilions, live displays, and technical seminars, added Al Midfa. From fibre laser cutting machine to magnetic drilling and robotic assembling lines to abrasives, visitors can find everything, including machines, laser, automation, and software and services, from a single or multiple sources. Since SteelFab is the largest showcase of welding and cutting in the region, and welding and cutting products account for nearly one-third of all the exhibits, a competition aiming to promote excellence in workmanship has been launched during the 16th SteelFab 2020. The Best Welder competition, held in association with Lincoln Electric and Middle East Industrial Training Institute, will be held during the show and winners awarded a slew of prizes, including a portable welding machine and full Lincoln Electric safety gear. National Pavilions are a regular feature at SteelFab and this year exhibitors who represent Italy, China, India and Turkey have put up an impressive display. The 5th Fasteners World Middle East, held concurrently with SteelFab, is featuring companies such as SJS, Bolt Master, Petrofast, Technical Metal etc, providing visitors with fastener and fixing systems and related products and services. Besides being a supportive partner to the event, the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) is also participating in SteelFab with a full-fledged pavilion. The authority is showcasing its unique services and investment opportunities as well as the advantages of setting up businesses at Hamriyah Free Zone. The pavilion has also been dedicated to promote HFZAs position, being an ideal hub for steel fabrication and metal companies and to attract major regional and international companies operating in this field through highlighting its unparalleled services, which were carefully developed to meet the needs of all investors, add value to their business and enhance their efficiency. Currently, more than 180 regional and international steel fabrication and metal companies are now operating at HFZA. Scores of industry executives and professionals have already signed up for technical seminars that will be organised in multiple sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday and will take up topics like material handling, welding, grinding and metal cutting by industry leaders, it added. TradeArabia News Service MANCHESTER, N.H. - President Donald Trump has an impeachment trial looming, and rising tensions with Iran have captured headlines. But standing in the back of a New Hampshire brewery with three varieties of IPA on tap, Janie Shaklee said the political basics are much more likely to decide her vote. The economy is much realer to me, said the 69-year-old retired professor who was attending a campaign event for businessman Andrew Yang ahead of her states Feb. 11 primary. The world can blow apart at any point, no matter what. Its always been that way ... anything can happen. Less than two weeks old, 2020 has been characterized by a striking amount of political turmoil at home and abroad. But for many in the states that will soon begin choosing the Democratic presidential nominee, the same bread-and-butter issues that have long dominated the primary -- health care, higher wages, student debt, climate change -- remain top of mind. Many Americans, for their own mental health, have taken Trump and his presidency and put it into a box and are doing their best to believe that its some sort of aberration thats happening during our time and still staying focused on their own family, said Raymond Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party. The unpredictability of Trump, his unhinged decision-making, hes made it very difficult and a challenge to the average voter that overwhelms them. That sentiment is also playing out in Iowa, home to the Feb. 3 caucuses that usher in the Democratic contest. Farah Jorgensen, a nurse from Waukee, said she doesnt see Iran remaining an issue over the long term. I think its just going to fade off, said Jorgensen, who was planning to back New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker before he dropped out of the race on Monday. I dont think the world is ready for another war. Andrew Feldman, a Democratic strategist in Washington, agreed that Iran in recent days, just like impeachment in recent weeks, is still not the main focus of voters. They may have an opinion on it, they may know about it, but it doesnt one-up the challenges theyre having with health care, the challenges theyre having with hundreds of thousands of dollars of student debt, Feldman said of voters. The issues that we think are important here in the Beltway dont actually make it to the kitchen table as issues that voters are talking about. The war in Iraq and other major foreign policy issues cast long shadows over past Democratic primaries, including in 2004 and 2008. But domestic policy has dominated the 2020 contest for more than a year, as the candidates spent large chunks of their first debates arguing over whether the country was ready to fully scrap private insurance for a universal, government-run health care system under a Medicare for All program. Foreign policy came up in a more substantial way during the December debate, but many Democratic voters say that the situation in Iran and impeachment have just increased their dislike for the president. All this does is make it that much more important to get him out of there, said Michael Ginsberg, a 68-year-old New Hampshire resident who identified himself as an independent voter. Im still not 100% convinced about who is the most likely person to do that. Polls in the early states, as well as nationally, show no clear front-runner emerging between Vice-President Joe Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden has lately talked up his foreign policy experience, while Sanders is reminding voters that he opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq at a time when few others, including Biden, did. Buttigieg is a combat veteran who has subtly questioned Bidens judgment on the Iraq War, telling a recent New Hampshire crowd, As a military intelligence officer on the ground in Afghanistan, I was trained to ask these questions before a decision was made. Warren spent the summer rising in the polls on the strength of her sweeping plans to tackle top domestic issues, including imposing a wealth tax on fortunes worth more than $50 million, creating universal child and health care systems and wiping out student debt. She hasnt focused as much on impeachment or Iran while facing campaign audiences but was forced to do so by a protester last week, during a stop in the riverside town of Dover, New Hampshire. Why are you siding with Iran? a man yelled, calling Warren a fraud. After hed been escorted out, the senator questioned the timing of the president increasing tensions with Iran. Does this have anything to do with the fact that Donald Trump is right on the eve of an impeachment hearing? she asked. This man is an embarrassment. He is now clearly a danger to the United States and the world. We need to get him out. But then Warren pivoted back to her usual, heavily biographical stump speech. And when a voter asked if her litany of domestic plans was a blueprint for the American dream, Warren exclaimed: Oh, yes! Lets make this a country with long-term vision, she added. Not just short-term vision. ___ Associated Press writer Sara Burnett contributed to this report from Des Moines, Iowa. ___ Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game. Chitrahandicrafts.com scored 48 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 27 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. chitrahandicrafts.com is very popular in Stumble Upon. It is liked by 9 people on Facebook and it has 3 twitter shares. The total number of people who shared the chitrahandicrafts homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the chitrahandicrafts homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the chitrahandicrafts homepage on Twitter + the total number of chitrahandicrafts followers (if chitrahandicrafts has a Twitter account). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the chitrahandicrafts homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if chitrahandicrafts has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the chitrahandicrafts homepage on Delicious. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Home Temple|Rosewood Furniture|Wooden Carved|Puja Mandir|Teak Wood Statue DESCRIPTION Temple For Home,Rosewood furniture and wooden carved from chitra handicrafts. We are the manufacturers of teak wood pooja mandir, goddess statue, and indian furniture.Custom handmade furniture includes of wooden furniture,wooden mandir, teak wood statues, KEYWORDS Temple For Home, Rosewood furniture, wooden carved, pooja mandir, goddess statue, indian furniture, teak wood statues, wooden sculptures OTHER KEYWORDS 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 keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE ISO-8859-1 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2.0.63 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.0.63 OpenSSL/0.9.8e-fips-rhel5 mod_auth_passthrough/2.1 mod_bwlimited/1.4 FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux The language of chitrahandicrafts.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. Operative System running on the server. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for chitrahandicrafts.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 The type of Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. 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 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. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Boeing employees raised doubts among themselves about the safety of the 737 Max. They hid problems from federal regulators and ridiculed those responsible for designing and overseeing the jetliner, according to a damning batch of emails and text messages released nearly a year after the aircraft was grounded over two catastrophic crashes. The documents, made public Thursday by Boeing at the urging of Congress, fueled allegations the vaunted aircraft manufacturer put speed and cost savings ahead of safety in rolling out the Max. Boeing has been wracked by turmoil since the twin disasters and is still struggling to get the plane back in the air. Last month, it fired its CEO. In the 117 pages of internal messages, Boeing employees talked about misleading regulators about problems with the companys flight simulators, which are used to develop aircraft and then train pilots on the new equipment. In one exchange, an employee told a colleague he or she wouldnt let family members ride on a Max. The colleague agreed. In a message chain from May 2018, an employee wrote: I still havent been forgiven by God for covering up (what) I did last year. It was not apparent exactly what the cover-up involved. The documents contain redactions and are full of Boeing jargon. The employees names were removed. Employees also groused about Boeings senior management, the companys selection of low-cost suppliers, wasting money, and the Max. This airplane is designed by clowns who, in turn, are supervised by monkeys, one employee wrote. In response, Boeing said that it is confident the flight simulators work properly but that the conversations raise questions about the companys dealings with the Federal Aviation Administration in getting the machines certified. It said it is considering disciplinary action against some employees: These communications do not reflect the company we are and need to be, and they are completely unacceptable. FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the simulator mentioned in the conversations had been checked three times in the past six months, and any potential safety deficiencies identified in the documents have been addressed. The Max has been grounded worldwide since March, after two crashes five months apartone involving Indonesias Lion Air, the other an Ethiopian Airlines flightkilled 346 people. Investigators believe the crashes were caused when the jetliners brand-new automated flight-control system mistakenly pushed the planes noses down. Boeing is still working to fix the flight-control software and other systems on the Max and persuade regulators to let it fly again. The work has taken much longer than Boeing expected, and it is unclear when the plane will return to the skies. Federal prosecutors, in the meantime, have opened a criminal investigation into the development and approval of the Max. A lawmaker leading one of the congressional investigations into Boeing called the batch of messages incredibly damning. They paint a deeply disturbing picture of the lengths Boeing was apparently willing to go to in order to evade scrutiny from regulators, flight crews and the flying public, even as its own employees were sounding alarms internally, said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Transportation Committee. DeFazio said the documents detail some of the earliest and most fundamental errors in the decisions that went into the fatally flawed aircraft. In one email message, an employee, believed to be a test pilot, wrote that he crashed the first few times he flew the Max in simulator testing. The email was written in May 2015, nearly two years before the FAA approved the Max for flight in March 2017. You get decent at it after 3-4 tries, but the first few are ugly, the employee wrote. In a 2015 message, a chief technical pilot said Boeing would push back hard against requirements that pilots undergo simulator training before flying the Max. One of the planes biggest selling points, as Boeing saw it, was that 737 pilots could easily switch to the new jet with only a small amount of computer-based training, saving airlines money. Critics have said the FAA should have required simulator training, so pilots knew how to handle malfunctions with the new flight-control software, known as MCAS. Initially, Boeing didnt disclose to airlines and pilots that the software was on the planes. I want to stress the importance of holding firm that there will not be any type of simulator training required to transition from NG (existing 737s) to MAX. Boeing will not allow that to happen. Well go face to face with any regulator who tries to make that a requirement, the chief technical pilot wrote in a March 2017 message. Another employee, in November 2014, made clear that the plane did things that pilots didnt expect, and it was hidden from the FAA. We dont want to indicate to the FAA that our design conflicts with pilot expectations (esp. since the pilot responses are naive and our design has been vetted in a number of demos), one employee wrote. The emails add to the growing body of evidence that Boeing misled the FAA and its airline customers. In October, Boeing turned over messages in which a former senior test pilot, Mark Forkner, told a co-worker in 2016 that the MCAS was egregious and running rampant when he tested it in a flight simulator. So I basically lied to the regulators (unknowingly), wrote Forkner, then Boeings chief technical pilot for the 737. The grounding of the Max will cost the company billions in compensation to the families of those killed in the crashes and to airlines that canceled thousands of flights. Last month, Boeing decided to suspend production of the plane in mid-January, a decision that is rippling out through its vast network of suppliers. CEO Dennis Muilenburg was ousted after alienating regulators, Boeings airline customers, and the crash victims families with his handling of the disaster and his overly optimistic predictions of when the plane might fly again. Boeings current chairman, David Calhoun, will try to right the company when he takes over as CEO on Monday. By David Koenig And Tom Krisher Photo: RCMP Warning: The contents of this story may be disturbing to some readers. A former lifeguard at the Summerland Aquatic Centre who used a spy camera in the change room to record an entire generation of underage boys was sentenced to six years in prison Monday. Edward Casavant, 55, was also sentenced for sexually abusing an eight-year-old boy with autism who was in his care between 2011 and 2014 abuse that he also recorded. It is difficult to accurately express the horror or depravity of these offences without viewing the videos, Judge Monica McParland said in Penticton court. McParland was bound somewhat by a joint submission, or plea deal, presented by Crown and defence. That joint submission was initially for five years, but was bumped up to six on Monday after the judge raised concerns. In Canada, judges must respect the deals reached by Crown and defence unless the sentence would be viewed by reasonable and informed persons as a breakdown in the proper functioning of the justice system. McParland noted that the Crown wanted, at all costs, to avoid having the sexual abuse victim and his mother testify in open court something the guilty plea allowed. The Crown also admitted to frailties in its case, particularly with how the initial investigation into Casavant began. He was caught after he purchased a computer from the Penticton Staples in November 2018. Casavant, who was also known locally as Eddie Spaghetti, utilized a service offered by the store to transfer all of the data from his old computer to his new one. While a Staples employee was monitoring the transfer process, the employee spotted a file folder titled Fun with Boys that included thumbnails of what appeared to be child pornography. The police were called, who came and seized the devices. Defence counsel Don Skogstad suggested Staples had broken a verbal contract to not look at his clients data, and a defence could have been mounted that argued the RCMP improperly took advantage of that which if successful would have jeopardized the entire case against Casavant. In the days after his computer was seized, Casavant admitted to a friend that he had sexually abused a boy with autism who he provided overnight respite care for between 2011 and 2014. RCMP had previously investigated an allegation of sexual abuse from the boys mother involving Casavant in 2014, but the eight-year-old boy refused to admit anything happened when interviewed by police. Photos and videos of the abuse were then found on Casavants computer when it was seized at Staples in 2018. At that point, the RCMP re-interviewed the boy, then 12, who confirmed the abuse occurred. It is quite simply, difficult to imagine any more vulnerable a victim, McParland said Monday, noting the victim became violent in the years after the sexual exploitation and refused to take a bath, where the abuse occurred, for over a year. Casavant also admitted that he had used a spy camera attached to his clipboard to record underage boys in the locker room of the Summerland Aquatic Centre for 10 to 15 years. Because the voyeurism went on for some 10-15 years, it's very likely an entire generation of children was potentially exposed to this activity, Judge McParland said Monday. Casavant had been employed at the aquatic centre since 1986, quitting once the police investigation opened in 2018. In all, 275 unique downloaded child porn videos involving infants up to young boys aged 12 years old were found on Casavants computers. Thirty voyeurism videos of nude boys in the change room, dating back as far as 2008, were also found in addition to the videos Casavant made of the abuse of the young boy with autism. He has clearly and unequivocally been diagnosed as a pedophile, McParland said Monday, noting he was a higher-than-average risk of reoffending. At the end of her hour-long decision, McParland concluded she would respect the plea bargain reached by Crown and defence. With credit for time already served, Casavant has another five years left on his sentence. He will also be placed on the sex offender registry for life and be banned from parks, beaches and other places frequented by kids for a decade. He will, however, get to continue to collect his municipal pension. Washington US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he was "outraged" by another missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, as neighbouring Iran signalled a wish to de-escalate regional tensions. "Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase," Pompeo tweeted. "These continued violations of Iraq's sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end." There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's rocket attacks. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Syracuse, NY -- Two defense lawyers asked a judge Monday to take them off a murder case, noting theyd spent more time in court defending themselves from attacks by their assigned client then defending him. At the same time, Amir Williams Jr., 26, of Jamesville, was telling a jail deputy that he wanted to represent himself. The messy divorce between Williams and his lawyers, Nicholas DeMartino and Nikki Platenik, was finalized moments later by Judge Matthew Doran. Its the third time Williams has had a falling out with his lawyer: the last time, lawyer Ben Coffin accused Williams of threatening him. And his first lawyer, Patrick Hennessy, didnt make it past arraignment. Williams is accused of shooting to death Zyree McMullen, 26, on Sept. 15, 2017 outside a Near West Side market. The long inquiry that a judge must make before allowing someone to represent himself includes the old adage: Its said that even a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. Thats because a lawyer is aware that being too emotionally attached to a case can be a detriment in court. Williams said he understood and continued to demand his right to represent himself. Because his lawyers were removed from the case, it appears hell have no legal help in preparing for trial. And Doran refused to delay the trial, which is scheduled to start in two weeks. (Williams trial had been delayed last year after the divorce with his last lawyer.) Williams is the latest in an occasional string of murder defendants who have sought to go it alone before a jury. Two -- Derrick Wilson and Dwight DeLee -- convinced juries to find them not guilty in separate homicides. But another man, James Everson, demanded to go to trial without a lawyer -- only to regret his decision days later and beg a judge to allow his lawyer back on the case. In Williams case, any reconciling with his lawyers appears a lost cause. Williams has spent the bulk of recent court appearances accusing his lawyers of hiding information and colluding with prosecutors. But Doran ruled that the lawyers had actually be aggressively advocating on his behalf. After all, the judge noted, discussing the case with a prosecutor was part of a defense lawyers job. And the judge had ordered the defense lawyers not to share all of the information with their client, due to fears of witness intimidation. (In fact, DeMartino has repeatedly protested the restrictions set by the court.) Doran noted that Williams had already had a falling out with two prior lawyers. He refused to assign Williams yet another lawyer. It seemed both sides would have to work through their differences. But as court ended, DeMartino and Platenik spoke in private, then approached the bench and asked the judge to take them off the case. Meanwhile, Williams had been taken back to a holding cell. Thats when he told a deputy that he wanted to represent himself. The deputy informed the judge. Everyone was brought back into the courtroom, and the judge took the lawyers off the case. Williams won a minor victory after becoming his own lawyer: the judge agreed to lift all restrictions concerning Williams access to evidence in his case. Before now, he could only see certain evidence in the presence of his lawyers. Doran had ordered such restrictions to keep sensitive evidence from being copied and passed around the jail. But with trial in two weeks, anyway, the judge would have likely lifted such restrictions soon, so Williams could help his lawyers prepare for trial. Williams has had a long history of vocally protesting his treatment in court. Doran noted that, now Williams is his own lawyer, hell be required to behave like one in front of the jury. If Williams acts out of line, hell be removed from his own trial. Its unclear who -- if anyone -- would act in court on his behalf at that point. Williams remains jailed on the murder charge before his Jan. 27 trial date. With the latest events in the Middle East, an essential argument is whether or not Iran gets nuclear weapons. Someday this argument could lead to war. Does Iran have a right to have nuclear weapons? If we want peace, we may have to acknowledge that it does. Iran is not so much a threat to Americas vital interests that it justifies sanctions that harm the interests and rights of Iranian citizens. Most Americans do not want another war in the Middle East. Our post-9/11 invasion of Iraq cost us much in blood and money. If we got into a war with Iran, even if we were victorious, it wouldnt be worth the price. The Iran nuclear deal was working. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran was complying with development limits before President Donald Trump took America out of the deal in May 2018. Actually, I think Trump doesnt want war with Iran. But he might think that being tough will get him support among Senate Republicans. On a moral level, it is outrageous to humiliate Iran. Israel has nuclear weapons, so why cant Iran? Every people has a right to live on their land the way they want. If Iran got nuclear weapons, there would be a balance of power in the Middle East. In world politics, peace can only happen if opposing forces are balanced. Our sanctions are hurting the people of Iran. They have a right to food, clothing and shelter. They should be able to sell their oil so they can buy these things. We should end the sanctions and make peace with Iran. And, we should have U.S. troops leave Iraq, because we should have never invaded in the first place. Our statesmen should respect the rights of the people of Iraq and Iran. Lee Lucas, Gibbstown U.S. cant send cowards message to Mideast The repeated media coverage of the U.S. militarys killing of the Iranian senior official, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, only adds fuel to the fire in the Middle East. Soleimani was nothing more than a serial killer for the Iranian leadership and, as such, should not be afforded celebrity status. Meanwhile, the Democrats once again are attempting to find fault with President Donald Trumps decision to kill Soleimani by claiming Trumps action is highly likely to prompt reprisal attacks by Iran, and perhaps a war. Such Democratic statements demonstrate to the Iranians that Americans are cowards, and that killers of Americans should be protected. Larry Lueder, Mantua Township What do cops know about building codes? In an op-ed article (Code enforcement could become gentrification tool, South Jersey Times print edition, Jan. 11), Amir Kahn writes about plans to turn over Camden City construction code enforcement from the city to the Camden County Metro Police. In one paragraph, Kahn refers to the housing code, and another paragraph mentions the building code. The writer seems to imply that these terms are interchangeable, but they not. The building code is a very technical group of documents. Turning the enforcement of this code over to people who are not trained as construction officials is a really bad idea. The housing code is another matter. This code regulates such things as how many people can live in a dwelling unit, and what sort of bathing and sanitary facilities must be available. This is more a matter of counting noses and flushing toilets than the technical matters addressed by the building code. If building code enforcement is turned over to the metro police (who patrol the city), they would have to add people in order to do all of the inspection that the law requires. Its more likely, though, that police would only do housing inspections even if they were called to a dwelling unit for some other reason. That brings me to a final thought: Kahn, who heads a development firm and is a community activist, is worried most about gentrification. What I would worry about is another matter. How many people who are forced to live in a too- crowded home would fear to call the police about a domestic dispute or other criminal matter if the police investigation could include a housing inspection that might put them out on the street? Howard Leroy Davis, Pitman Note: Davis is an architect. Kahns article opposed the inspection takeover. Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. File photo showing school buses in a parking lot in Fairfax, Va., on June 24, 2008. (Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images) Phishing Scam Robs Texas School District of $2.3 Million Authorities are investigating an email scam that cheated a Texas school district out of millions of dollars, a spokesperson said. Angel Vidal Jr., Director of Communications of the Manor Independent School District, said in a news release that the district had fallen prey to phishinga fraudulent practice of using email or other messaging systems to get sensitive information that can be exploited for financial gain. The Manor Police Department along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating an incident involving a phishing email scam that resulted in the loss of approximately $2.3 million to the Manor Independent School District, Vidal said. The spokesperson added that the investigation was ongoing and that there were strong leads in the case. The scam involved three separate transactions dating back to November of last year, Manor Police Department Det. Anne Lopez told KEYE. Scams are unbiased, they reach anyone anywhere any time, Lopez told the news outlet. The affected school district serves over 9,600 students, according to its Facebook page. One person wrote in the comments section that the stolen money was for our technology and upgrading computers, adding that this is our children who are being stolen from. We recognize the importance of serving others, celebrating success, and preparing our students for life, the district says. The FBI says internet crimes like phishing steal millions of dollars each year from victims. Phishing, also referred to as vishing, smishing, or pharming, is often used in conjunction with a spoofed email, the FBI says, explaining that in their fraudulent correspondence, perpetrators often pose as a representative of a legitimate business or institution in order to gain the victims trust. Besides email, criminals also use text messages to try and get users to divulge sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information. Special Agent Jake Frith of the Alabama Attorney Generals Office discussed a case involving around half a million cell phone numbers that were targeted by a phishing scam in Alabama. The fraudster sent a raft of identical text messages asking users to click a link to verify their bank account information, which took unsuspecting users to a fake website. It was a fairly legitimate-looking website, other than the information it was asking for, Frith said. People were requested to submit personal financial information. Dozens of victims submitted their data, allowing the perpetrator to steal thousands of dollars. Within an hour, the fraudster had made himself debit cards with the victims account information. He then began to withdraw money from various ATMs, stealing whatever the daily ATM maximum was from each account, the FBI explained. The Federal Trade Commission says that to protect themselves against a phishing attack, people should install security software on their computers and run software updates on their phones when prompted. The agency also urges people to protect their accounts by using multi-factor authentication and regularly back up their data to guard it against loss. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders residing in developments operated by the New York City Housing Authority filed nearly 2,000 bedbug and roach complaints in the first nine months of last year. NYCHA data obtained by the Legal Aid Society shows nearly 60,000 such complaints across the city in the same time period. On average, those complaints were closed within 10 days -- something the Legal Aid Societys Attorney-In-Charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit Judith Goldiner pointed to as good news. The high number of work orders filed by NYCHA residents to remediate insect infestation within their homes is indeed troubling, she said. But it is telling that NYCHA has been able to fully close the majority of these complaints without significant delay. This is a clear byproduct of more staff on the ground and resources. To continue addressing the issue and others facing NYCHA tenants, Goldiner called for more funding for the authority, particularly on the state level. Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn) has advocated for tenants with both city and federal officials. In March, she was accompanied by the regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lynn Patton, for a tour of the New Lane Area and South Beach NYCHA developments. In the 2018-2019 State Budget, we invested $250 million to improve conditions at NYCHA including mold, lead, bug infestation," Malliotakis wrote in an email Monday. "The real question is what is NYCHA doing with the money because we cant keep throwing more money into a blackhole. Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore-Staten Island) and Lynn Patton, regional head of Housing and Urban Development, visited the New Lane Senior Center in Rosebank on Friday, March 22, 2019. (Staten Island Advance/ Kristin Dalton) State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) echoed Malliotakis concerns about NYCHA management. Neither elected official said whether they would heed the call for more state funding to the housing authority. My colleagues and I, year after year, led the charge for increased funding for NYCHA, Savino said. This is a continuous management problem -- just like with mold and faulty pipes. NYCHA needs to take these quality of life and health issues more seriously. Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) said he believes the insect infestations are emblematic of decades-old challenges facing the housing complexes. While I am encouraged that NYCHA has decreased the time it takes to address these infestations, I will continue to support increased funding and accountability for NYCHA in Albany, he said. Up until Sept. 4, Staten Islanders residing in NYCHA developments filed 1,839 complaints, and had average wait times of about eight days. Of those complaints, 143 were for bedbugs, according to the data. The 693-apartment Stapleton Houses, the boroughs largest development, had the most complaints logged with 504, 15 of which were for bedbugs, according to the data shared by the Legal Aid Society. Geraldine Parker, the president of the Stapleton Houses Tenant Association, declined comment. Both the Cassidy-Lafayette and South Beach NYCHA developments had high levels of bedbug complaints. Of the 119 complaints at Cassidy-Lafayette, 40 were for bedbugs. Of the 188 complaints at South Beach, 35 were for bedbugs. The remainder of the boroughs NYCHA developments had the following numbers: Berry -- 169 complaints, 9 for bedbugs Mariners Harbor -- 176 complaints, 11 for bedbugs New Lane Area -- 102 complaints, 11 for bedbugs Richmond Terrace -- 187 complaints, one for bedbugs Todt Hill -- 189 complaints, 10 for bedbugs West Brighton I & II -- 205 complaints, 11 for bedbugs State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) said he would consider increased state funding, but that NYCHA would first need to prove that management of its facilities is on the right track. A NYCHA spokeswoman said their internal numbers show improvements to closed bedbug and roach work orders, and the time it takes to close bedbug orders, something she attributed to its new Integrated Pest Management system. However, that system has also contributed to the increased wait time for roach complaints. Visits take longer, but result in fewer complaints due to increased prevention efforts, according to NYCHA. Instead of simply spraying for roaches, exterminators are taking more care at developments by looking for holes, caulking and vacuuming. Bedbug wait times were not affected by these changes, because NYCHA treats them and rats as emergencies. NYCHA is working closely with the Federal Monitor on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and a Pest Action Plan, as per the January 2019 agreement, NYCHA spokeswoman Rochel Leah Goldblatt said. NYCHA lacked the resources to adequately address many issues in its aging housing portfolio, including pests, due to years of federal disinvestment." In January 2019, the city reached a deal with HUD that allowed the department to install a monitor overseeing NYCHAs management and required the city to make an additional investment of $2 billion over five years. City estimates have put NYCHAs capital need just over $30 billion. Assemblyman Charles Fall (D-North Shore) said financial support is needed from all levels of government. No one wants their mother, brother, or child living in the horrendous conditions that are described by NYCHA residents; nor should we as elected officials want this for our constituents," Fall said. Furthermore, we must ensure that NYCHA is held accountable; meaning all funds must be allocated sensibly and utilized to dramatically transform the shameful living conditions residents continue to describe. UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel on Monday dismissed suggestions that some of the country's media coverage of Meghan Markle had racist connotations, ahead of crisis talks to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to chalk out the future roles for Prince Harry and his wife. The UK's senior-most Indian-origin Cabinet member will oversee the final security arrangements for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they step back from the royal frontline and divide their time between the UK and North America in the future. I'm not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the royal family At this moment in time, right now, the royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that they're dealing with, she told the BBC. Asked if she believes there has been an element of racism in the press coverage against Markle, she noted: I'm not in that category at all where I believe there's racism at all. I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life. Markle, 38, an American, spent a lot of her working life in Canada as an actress. I certainly haven't seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature. In a Buckingham Palace statement back in 2016, Prince Harry had condemned the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls against his then fiancee Meghan Markle. Some media commentators have raised the issue again in the past few days after the couple went public with their intention to step back as senior royals, apparently without consulting the Queen. The bombshell announcement last week triggered an unprecedented crisis within the royal household, with the 93-year-old monarch set for her first face-to-face discussion with grandson Harry on Monday. Her son and heir, Prince Charles, has flown back from Oman to join the so-called Sandringham Summit at her estate in Norfolk along with his older son and the second in line to the throne Prince William. Markle, who had left for Canada last week to be with the couple's eight-month-old son Archie, is expected to join over the telephone. They are set to review a range of possibilities for the couple, taking into account plans they themselves have laid out. Only a broad outline is likely to be agreed at the crisis talks, leaving the implementation details to be thrashed out over time. Some of the issues to be discussed during what has been dubbed as a royal showdown would include how much official royal work Harry and Meghan will do in the UK and overseas on behalf of the royal family and the government; Harry and Meghan's His and Her Royal Highness titles, and how they will be styled. Also on the agenda would be how much money they might receive from the Queen and Prince Charles once their Sovereign Grant public funding is cut; and what commercial deals the couple might be allowed to strike. Meanwhile, some UK media reports indicate that Harry, who has always been close to his grandmother the Queen, is in turmoil over the crisis. He is under intense pressure to choose. It is sad, The Times' quoted a source as saying. There are also some fears that the couple might resort to a kind of tell-all interview unless an acceptable solution is found. This would result in further embarrassment for the royal household, which is said to be hurt by Harry and Meghan's move. On their official Sussex Royal website, the couple have laid out their intention to assume a more financially independent role while supporting the Queen and the monarchy from a distance. However, this half-in, half-out combination has never been tested by the royal family before and poses a range of complications for a traditionally conservative and stiff upper-lipped monarchy. There is unlikely to be much official information released to the public after Monday's Sandringham Summit, with the expected outcome being an announcement that talks will continue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The effort to destroy bail reform was underway even before the law went into effect. Prosecutors and police unions issued ominous warnings about its imagined impact. One district attorney was even recorded training prosecutors in how to subvert the law. Opinion Debate Will the Democrats face a midterm wipeout? Mark Penn and Andrew Stein write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. Matthew Continetti writes that time and again, the biggest obstacle to a red wave hasnt been the Democratic Party. Its been the Republican Party. writes that time and again, the biggest obstacle to a red wave hasnt been the Democratic Party. Its been the Republican Party. Ezra Klein speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. Michelle Cottle examines two primary contests that will shake the parties well beyond the states in play. It wasnt until a spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes though, that the campaign really began to pick up steam. Some in the Hasidic community, an important voting bloc in New York, called on lawmakers to revisit the bail law. The New York Post, true to character, helped things along by telling the story of Tiffany Harris, a Brooklyn woman who allegedly slapped three Orthodox women and shouted an anti-Semitic slur, then was released without bail, only to be arrested the following day for allegedly punching a woman. On Jan. 1, a judge ordered Ms. Harris held at a hospital to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. If anything, high-profile cases like this one should prompt calls for increased funding of the states supervised release programs, to ensure they are equipped to serve defendants fighting mental health or substance abuse issues. Roughly 40 percent of those locked up on Rikers Island are known to be suffering from mental illness evidence of how New York has used its jails until now. But amid a deeply troubling rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes, the pressure is on to punish instead. So the Harris case, aided greatly by The New York Post, has led to calls for more incarceration. We need to make sure that habitual criminals stay behind bars not on the streets, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein wrote on Twitter on Dec. 30, two days before the bail law went into effect. Never mind that bail is assessed in New York according to flight risk, not public safety. Never mind that Ms. Harris hadnt been convicted of the crime. It really is a vigilante mentality, said Lisa Schreibersdorf, the executive director of Brooklyn Defender Services, which represents Ms. Harris. A man tried to steal an ambulance at Altnagelvin Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department only days after he was released from prison, Derry Magistrate's Court heard today. Kenneth Hazlett (51) admitted the offence that occurred on Saturday last. He also admitted assaulting a member of hospital staff, assaulting a police officer, resisting police and being disorderly in the hospital on the same date. The court heard police were called to the hospital after reports of a man trying to steal an ambulance. The vehicle was parked in the emergency bay and there was a system whereby the engine could run after the key was removed. The court was told Hazlett jumped into the vehicle and tried to drive away but the engine cut out. The court heard Hazlett swung a number of punches a a member of staff who tried to get him ot the ambulance and when staff member moved back he was struck on the back of the head. The court was told police located Hazlett in the hospital grounds and he struggled with them leading to handcuffs and limb restraints having to be used. Defence solicitor, Seamus Quigley, said his client had no recollection of the incident due to the alcohol he had consumed. He said he had accepted it was him when shown CCTV but had no memory. The solicitor saidt Hazlett had been released from prison a matter of days and had been living rough. He added Hazlett had ben extremely drunk and said it was a wonder he could even try and drive the ambulance and it was 'terrifying' to think what would have happened had be been able to drive the vehicle. Mr Quigley said while all hospital cases were serious this was one of the more serious. District Judge Barney McElholm said it was an absolutely outrageous incident trying to steal an ambulance then assaulting a member of hospital staff.' He sentenced Hazlett to five months in prison. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is in the United Arab Emirates on a working visit, today met with Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as reported the official website of the President of Armenia. President Sarkissian expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the invitation to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week conference and stated the following: The cordial relations established between our countries and nations are very precious for us, and we are ready to maximally enhance and expand them. President Sarkissian attached importance to the signing of the agreement on joint development between Masdar and the State Interests Fund of Armenia during his visit to the UAE in December of last year which is a major step for diversification of Armenias energy system and will help make Armenia greener. President Armen Sarkissian and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan touched upon the entire spectrum of the cooperation between Armenia and the UAE and considered cooperation in the fields of innovation and information and high technologies prospective. In this context, the President presented the ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) presidential initiative for the development of science and technology in Armenia and stated that this multi-component project envisages the opening of the first Disneyland for artificial intelligence, as well as the introduction of large technology companies in Armenia. The interlocutors also mentioned the great potential for beneficial cooperation in the fields of food safety and agriculture and exchanged views on nuclear energy, nuclear fuel and nuclear waste management. Tourism was also mentioned as a sphere of mutual interest. President Sarkissian attached importance to the establishment of direct air communication between Yerevan and Abu Dhabi from the perspective of tourism and intensification of business relations, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan assigned the head of the relevant organization to hold a discussion and provide a specific solution to the issue. Tensions flared over the weekend between Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the leading candidates in the approaching Iowa caucuses whove steered clear from negative campaigning for the better part of a year. In an email to supporters Sunday, Warrens campaign manager Roger Lau said that the Sanders campaign had recently instructed volunteers to dismiss our broad-based inclusive campaign by saying the 'people who support (Elizabeth) are highly-educated, more affluent people." I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me," Warren told reporters on Saturday. "Bernie knows me and has known me for a long time ... I hope Bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction. Warren hits back: I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me. Bernie knows me and has known me for a long time...I hope bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction. Also notes the factionalism caused by 2016 https://t.co/ER0Vm6sgJS pic.twitter.com/N8prZdeZk9 Alex Thompson (@AlxThomp) January 12, 2020 The language Warren took exception to came from a Sanders campaign call script, reported by Politico, in which volunteers told voters that Warren supporters would vote Democratic no matter what. Shes bringing no new bases into the Democratic Party. This type of attack isnt about disagreeing on issues its about dismissing the potency of our grassroots movement," Lau wrote Sunday. "Lets be clear: As a party, and as a country, we cant afford to repeat the factionalism of the 2016 primary. To win in November, we need a nominee who can unite a broad coalition of Democrats who will excite every part of the Democratic party and inspires more people to join the fight. Sanders told reporters after a weekend event that the media had overblown the tension between the campaigns, the New York Times reported. He noted that each campaign employs hundreds and people sometimes say things they shouldnt. Have I ever said one negative word about Elizabeth Warren? Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine, Sanders said. We have worked together in the Senate for years. No one is going to trash Elizabeth Warren." The back-and-forth between the progressive senators comes a few days after a Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll showed 20% of likely Democratic caucusgoers in Iowa would name Sanders as their top choice for the presidential nomination. But its an increasingly tight race, with Warren, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden at 17%, 16% and 15%, respectively. The Iowa caucus is set for Monday, Feb. 3. A man on death row has filed a lawsuit in an effort to have himself executed by firing squad, rather than lethal injection. Michael Wade Nance, who shot and killed a man during a botched bank robbery in 1993, is due to be killed shortly. Georgia, the US state where he is incarcerated, uses lethal injection for the death penalty but Nance has argued this would cause prolonged suffering for him. The murderer has severely compromised veins which are hard to locate and could burst during the injection process, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. This could mean a lengthy and excruciating execution, the lawsuit states. 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 Nance also has been taking a particular medication to treat back pain which would minimise the effectiveness of the pentobarbital the drug used in lethal injections. Put together, the lawsuit claims these circumstances mean lethal injection would amount to cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited by the constitution Instead, his lawsuit asks for him to shot dead in a firing squad instead, a method of execution which is significantly more reliable than lethal injection. Execution by firing squad is both swift and virtually painless, the filing states. Recommended Trump losing support for death penalty despite vows to revive it Georgia previously used hanging as its method of execution until the 1920s when it switched to the electric chair. This was itself deemed to be cruel and unusual punishment in 2001, when lethal injection was introduced instead. Georgia, along with many other states, used to use a cocktail of other drugs alongside pentobarbital to induce a coma but in 2011 it became difficult to source these as the manufacturers increasingly forbade their sale to prisons. Now the lethal injection procedure solely uses pentobarbital, which in high doses causes death by respiratory arrest. The local district attorney Danny Porter, said he did not mind how Nance was executed. If he needs a firing squad, then let him have it, Porter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Its certainly a unique request. Some states do still permit death by firing squad, including Utah which carried the most recent such execution in the United States in 2010. Utah had abolished the firing squad in 2004 but this does not apply retrospectively to people given the death penalty before the law changed. However in 2015, amid a crisis in obtaining the drugs needed for lethal injection, the state passed another law allowing firing squad executions to resume as a back up option. Several other states have considered or begun to re-legalise the firing squad also. A previous Georgia death row inmate who made a similar request to Nance in 2017 was denied by the courts before being killed by lethal injection. The George State Department of Corrections has been contacted for comment. Modi, Shah misled people on CAA, NRC; govt's inability to provide security exposed: Sonia India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jan 13: In a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday accused them of misleading people on the amended Citizenship Act and the NRC, and claimed that their government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and provide security to people. Asserting that there was "unprecedented turmoil" in the country, Gandhi said the government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines. "The nation has watched in horror at the BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU coming so soon after what happened in Jamia (Millia Islamia), BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Allahabad University and AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) and other institutions of higher learning in other parts of the country," she said addressing a meeting of the Opposition attended by leaders of 20 parties. She urged the opposition parties to work together and thwart the designs of the government. The Modi-Shah government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and to provide security to people, Gandhi alleged. There have been nation-wide spontaneous protests by youths supported by citizens from all walks of life, she said. Congress-led Opposition parties discuss anti-CAA protests, violence on campuses "The immediate cause is the CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan and brutal," the Congress chief said. "The prime minister and the home minister have misled people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," she said. The Constitution is being undermined and the instruments of governance are being misused, Gandhi alleged. Students and the young have in particular been targeted and in several parts of the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, large sections of the population are being harassed and attacked, Gandhi said. Asserting that the NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam, Gandhi said the Modi-Shah government is now focusing on NPR (National Population Register) exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. "Contrary to the assertions of the home minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC," Gandhi said. The real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development, affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, the Congress president said. "The prime minister and the home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation''s attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive and polarizing issue after another," she alleged. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, LJD chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, RJD leader Manoj Jha, National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were among those present at the meeting. The BSP, TMC and AAP stayed away from the opposition meet. Rebel ruling Congress legislator N Dhanavelou on Monday met Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and complained to her about Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and other ministers allegedly stalling implementation of schemes evolved for his Bahoor constituency. Bedi told the MLA, who had levelled allegations of corruption in the Congress rule in the union territory, to approach the CBI office here directly for investigation into his charges, a release from her office said. The development came on a day when Narayanasamy and PWD Minister and Puducherry Congress president A.Namassivayam rushed to Delhi to brief party chief Sonia Gandhi on the 'violation of party discipline' by Dhanavelou. The MLA had raised a banner of revolt and alleged at a press meet last week that Puducherry government was steeped in corruption and malpractices. Emerging from the Raj Nivas after meeting the Lt Governor, Dhanavelou told reporters he had informed Bedi of several important schemes evolved for his Bahoor constituency that were allegedly stalled by the Chief Minister and other Ministers. The MLA said he stood by his allegation that the government was "steeped in corruption" and would seek a CBI probe into it. "I apprised her of the interference by the Chief Minister and other Ministers who have been stalling implementation of schemes meant for my constituency," he said. The release from the Lt Governor's office said the legislator informed Bedi that there was "blatant corruption in land deals committed by Chief Minister along with his son." Dhanavelou said he would also meet Sonia Gandhi a few days after Pongal festival (falling on Wednesday) and present to her a 'detailed memorandum' on alleged corrupt practices in several departments in Puducherry. Sources close to Narayanasamy said the Chief Minister would meet Gandhi and brief her about the "anti-party" activities of the MLA. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) These protests began after regime officials admitted to downing a civilian plane en-route to Kyiv, Ukraine, and killing all 176 passengers and crew, most of whom were Iranian. Students and others gathered at universities to mourn the victims, but these soon turned into anti-regime protests, where the crowd began to chant slogans against the Iranian regimes incompetence and call for the overthrow of the regime and its supreme leader Ali Khamenei. In Tehran, protesters tore down a poster of the regimes chief terrorist Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike last week, and yelled slogans like Khamenei have shame, let go of the country! and The stupid leader is our disgrace. On Sunday, in Shiraz, protesters chanted Death to the dictator! and called for Khamenei to resign. In Tabriz, outside of the Medical Sciences University, protesters chanted, So many years of crime, death to the mullahs regime! and Be afraid, we are all together! when the suppressive forces tried to crack down on the protesters. On the same day in Mashhad, which was a major area of protest, the demonstrators expressed their hatred for the Revolutionary Guards and chanted: The mullahs must get lost They killed our geniuses and gave us mullahs instead Death to the dictator You are our ISIS Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian opposition hailed the brave protesters who are seeking to overthrow the regime and called on the international community to support the Iranian people in their desire for regime change. She said: The time has come for the world community to acknowledge this truth that the ruling religious fascism does not represent the people of Iran and to recognize the Iranian peoples desire for the downfall of the clerical regime. Shahin Gobadi, a spokesperson of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), said on Sunday: The protest by thousands of Iranians in Tehran and a number of other cities last night and today makes it palpably clear that the Iranian people demand the mullahs overthrow They condemned the shooting down of the Ukrainian airliner and lashed out at the regime for lying about it. Other protests took place in Amol, Qazvin, Zanjan, Yazd, Kermanshah, Babol, Karaj, Damghan, and Isfahan. US lawmakers came out in support of the protesters, calling for more to be done to protect them from the Iranian regime. Job Title: Finance and Administration Manager Organisation: Street Child of Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Reports to: Street Child Uganda Country Representative, but with a dotted line technical reporting responsibilities to the Street Child, Africa-Finance manager. About Street Child: Street Child of Uganda works in the refugee and development contexts, supporting children to access education. Currently, our major projects are based in Palabek refugee settlement and Kyaka II refugee settlement providing primary education to refugee and host community children. In addition to this Street Child is supporting children across Uganda with primary, secondary and tertiary education scholarships. Job Summary: The Finance and Administration Manager will form part of the Senior Management Team of Street Child Uganda. The Finance and Administration Manager will be responsible for the financial and administration operation of the organisation and ensure timely and accurate financial reports and practices including cash management, payroll, financial disbursement, ledgers, receipts, cash requisition forms, budget and budget management etc. You will be stationed in the Kampala head office in Muyenga, with occasional travel to the field locations. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Establish and implement financial procedures in line with Street Childs requirements This involves submitting monthly requisitions, establishing budgets, documenting expenditure monthly and ensuring that the necessary records of expenditure are stored safely Monitoring petty cash and bank balances to ensure that sufficient funds are available for program needs. Ensuring monthly updates are sent to SCUK head offices Timely and accurate recording of all financial transactions in line with organizational and donor needs. Establish and prepare accurate information for budget monitoring and progress reporting of programs Provide support and advice on budget preparation and revisions to the programmes team Work with the programmes team in order to ensure that budgets illustrate the appropriate costs Provide support and advice on all elements of the procurement and logistic processes Work with the programmes manager to ensure that all goods and services are procured in line with Street Childs Procurement Policy Provide support with all aspects of the procurement process Support internal staff and staff at partner organisations on the development and implementation of financial systems Provide capacity building for staff to ensure that their financial skills are sufficient Work with implementing partners and local partners in order to ensure that they possess the necessary financial skills and provide support where necessary Manage the daily rates and costs associated with the international volunteers Collect their daily rate and ensure that all associated costs are paid for e.g. accommodation, airport transfer Ensure that surplus daily rate is available for ongoing work expenses Control of payroll and responsibility for adhering to all local laws including tax payments Manage the organizations annual external statutory audit process Manage and lead the finance staff, fix objectives and assess the staff he/she line-manages NB: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other related tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant must be a qualified accountant. At least 3 years of senior financial management experience, with preference given to those having worked in a NGO setting. Proven financial analysis and forecasting ability. Experience managing a large annual budget Demonstrable experience in training and leading a team. Experience in managing multiple projects. Proven experience in donor reporting. Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office and large datasets Core Values: Commitment to Street Child mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm Street Childs role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity; High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information; Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value. Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal, stressful and unstable environment. A resource and budget-sensitive approach mindful of the need to balance high standards with the imperative stretching resource envelopes as far as possible, so as to benefit as many as possible of the hundreds of thousands of children in Uganda who presently lack, and are unlikely to acquire, these core life skills. Ability to prioritise with good time management skills. Strong management and inter-personal skills. Strong awareness of key development issues and trends at national level. Ability to represent the organisation externally, including with partners and donors; Ability to work easily with national and international colleagues alike; Entrepreneurial and business spirited Knowledge of donor compliance How to Apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment.uganda@street-child.co.uk Deadline: 31st 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 - Ghanaian humanitarian and entrepreneur, Stacy Amewoyi, has raised an alarm about the abuse of children - According to her, the issue has reached an alarming level and people trusted to cater for them end up doing the opposite - She has therefore launched a campaign to ensure that children, especially, girls, are protected from harm Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Ghanaian entrepreneur and humanitarian, Stacy Amewoyi, has launched a campaign to save female children from abusive guardians. Dubbed Save The Girl Child Campaign, it is aimed at identifying the challenges children go through when in the care of helpers. According to her, it is important to constantly remind children that there is hope for them. Source: Stacy Amewoyi Source: UGC READ ALSO: Fella Makafui mercilessly blasts new lover who approached her after split with Medikal She added that child abuse is a global challenge and there are numerous stories about incidents involving close relations such as uncles, aunts, bosses, fathers and step-fathers. Stacy went on to say that it is often common to see such children on the streets and wonder if they have no homes. She argues that most of them are enduring one form of abuse or the other and some of them often plan to deal with those who hurt them. From interactions with some of them, she learned that most of the children in such situations often believe there is nothing good to benefit from in life. Very few people, she goes on, are ready to open up about their experiences as abused children. In other news, On January 13, 1972, Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong overthrew the government of Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia. YEN.com.gh understands that it was a bloodless coup detat against the Progress Party that brought Busia to power. Information available shows that the coup occurred during a time when Dr. Busia travelled to London for medical treatment. Condemning the coup, Busia said I believe the people of Ghana will resist this selfish and senseless coup detat, and overthrow it. The people of Ghana know how sincerely we are trying to establish democracy and human dignity, as well as coping with our grave economic problems in order to raise our standard of living. READ ALSO: Madman 'arrests'another mad man; drags him to police station for stealing his radio Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Playstore now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos Source: YEN.com.gh Israels left-wing parties said they would join forces ahead of a March 2 national election to regain dwindling influence in parliament. Labour, which dominated Israeli politics for decades and spearheaded peace efforts with the Palestinians, will join with the veteran party Meretz after seeing their combined seats in the 120-seat Knesset diminish from 29 to 11 after two inconclusive elections this year. Many of their voters have defected to the upstart centrist party Blue and White, led by former general Benny Gantz which is the main challenger to Netanyahus right-wing Likud, Reuters reported. The new left-wing alliance will be headed by Labours Amir Peretz, a former defence minister who called the merger a partnership of change and hope. Under leaders like Yitzhak Rabin, Labour was a driving force in Israels efforts to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 13 Jan 2020, 2:16 PM Budget 2020: Auto industry seeks bold fiscal measures to revive growth In middle of a prolonged slowdown, the automobile industry has asked the government to take bold fiscal measures to revive the sector that has reported its worst-ever sales decline in two decades during 2019, industry sources said.In the upcoming Union Budget, the auto industry has sought measures, such as reduction in GST rates on vehicles and abolition of duty on import of lithium-ion battery cells, to encourage electric mobility. Rs 43,000 crore transferred to farmers' accounts directly so far,' says PM Modi in Kolkata Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Rs 43,000 crore have been directly transferred into accounts of farmers so far. Addressing the 150th celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, PM Modi said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not implemented several schemes in the state. He accused her of stalling the schemes since the middlemen don't get the money. STEM-related job profiles grew 44% in 3 years: report Science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM)-related job roles have been increasing steadily in the country and have increased 44 per cent between November 2016 and November 2019, according to a report. According to data from job site Indeed, STEM-related job roles in India are among the most promising for job seekers, as these job openings have seen consistent growth in the past three years. Mercedes maintains the top spot in luxury car segment for 5th year in a row German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz India emerged as the largest selling luxury car brand in India in 2019 even as its sales skidded by 11.3 per cent, the steepest ever in a year in well over a decade. With this, Mercedes has held on to the number one position for the fifth consecutive year bettering the four-year reign of arch rival BMW between 2009 and 2012. 'Modi govt's aim of $5 trillion economy by 2024 'unimaginably ambitious',' says economist R Nagaraj India would need to grow at 9 per cent to achieve the target of USD 5 trillion economy by 2024, which currently looks "unimaginably ambitious", eminent economist R Nagaraj said on Sunday. Soon after assuming office for the second term in May 2019, the Narendra Modi-led government set a target of taking the economy to USD 5 trillion over the next five years. But there have been several clouds over the economy since then, leading many to question the maintainability of the target. India's GDP is currently estimated at around USD 2.8 trillion. Iran-US conflict: Protests, condemnation after Iran admits downing Ukrainian plane Iran's admission that it shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 aboard, has provoked international outrage and triggered growing protests against Iranian authorities in Tehran and other cities including one in which Britain's ambassador was detained. In what President Hassan Rouhani called a "disastrous mistake", Iran said on Saturday that a missile fired in error on Wednesday by its air defences while on alert after Iranian missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq brought down the plane. Also read: Walmart India lays off top executives across divisions at Gurugram headquarters: report Also read: Why YES Bank share price fell over 8% in early trade White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien told Axios in an interview published Sunday that President Trump wants to resume diplomacy with North Korea, and has made overtures. "We've reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October," O'Brien said. Those working-level nuclear talks were called off before anything was agreed upon, with North Korea's chief nuclear negotiator, Kim Myong Gil, saying the United States would "not give up their old viewpoint and attitude." In December, Kim warned the United States that his country would send a "Christmas gift," which many experts thought referred to a missile test. "All we know is we were told we were going to get a Christmas gift and the Christmas gift didn't come," O'Brien said. "And so I think that was an encouraging sign. But, again, that doesn't mean we won't see some sort of test in the future." More stories from theweek.com Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Jimmy Kimmel contextualize the queen's royal 'Megxit' summit 10-year-old scout in England becomes one of the 1st to earn every possible badge Bernie Sanders fires back on CNN report saying he told Elizabeth Warren a woman can't be president: 'Ludicrous' WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP is the next stop in the distinguished career of Kyle R. Freeny, former federal prosecutor for the Special Counsel's Office and former member of the United States Department of Justice's (DOJ) Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. "I am proud of my service to the DOJ and excited to begin this new phase of my career at Greenberg Traurig," Freeny said. "I was drawn to the firm's reputation and the strong white collar practice. As the government continues to expand its jurisdictional reach, Greenberg Traurig is laser focused on preparing companies and individuals for this new regulatory climate." Freeny was one of 19 prosecutors selected by Robert Mueller to conduct the high-profile investigation into alleged Russian election interference. Freeny, a skilled trial attorney who focuses her practice on white collar criminal defense, government and internal investigations, and anti-money laundering matters, will be a shareholder in the firm's expanding White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice . As assistant Special Counsel, Freeny played a lead role in federal tax and bank fraud investigations, as well as a money laundering investigation into the funding of Russian intelligence cyber intrusions during the 2016 Presidential elections using cryptocurrency. At DOJ, Freeny was involved in investigations relating to major international money laundering and corruption matters, including matters involving the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and foreign banking and corruption laws designated as predicates to U.S. money laundering charges. Freeny has considerable experience handling cross-border issues and coordinating with foreign law enforcement authorities and U.S. and foreign regulators on complex transnational financial cases. Freeny has also represented dozens of federal agencies in high-profile litigation, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Department of Defense, and the Federal Financing Bank. Freeny has appeared before federal trial courts across the United States. Freeny received a J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. She received an A.B., cum laude, from Harvard University, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Freeny is admitted in California. Her practice in the District of Columbia limited to matters and proceedings before Federal courts and Agencies. Also joining in Washington, D.C. as a shareholder is Daniel Pulecio-Boek from Quinn Emanuel's Washington, D.C. office. His practice focuses on cross border white collar matters, internal investigations, and complex commercial disputes. "Greenberg Traurig's reputation in Latin America and robust white collar team led me to the firm. The platform offers many exciting synergies with my background," said Pulecio-Boek, who has unique experience as a litigator in the U.S. and Colombia, is bilingual, and represents clients in matters involving multiple jurisdictions and legal systems. From 2010 to 2012, Pulecio-Boek was a Criminal Procedure Professor in Colombia and served as a lecturer and speaker at several symposiums. He received an LL.M. with honors from Harvard Law School; a Law Degree with honors and an M.A. from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia; and a Law Degree from Universidad del Pais Vasco in Spain. He is admitted to practice in New York, the District of Columbia Bar, and the Republic of Colombia. "We have built a cutting-edge practice with strategic additions around the firm. Kyle follows on the heels of former prosecutors David Miller in New York and Benjamin Greenberg in Miami. We are attracting top practitioners to continue to grow the team as we move into new areas with a solid, single vision to be the number one white collar practice on a global scale," said Washington, D.C. Shareholder Nathan J. Muyskens, who is co-chair of Greenberg Traurig's Global White Collar Criminal Defense Practice along with shareholder Barry Vitou in the firm's London office. Laura Metcoff Klaus and Robert Mangas, the co-managing shareholders of the firm's Washington, D.C. office, added, "We are excited to welcome Kyle and Daniel to our expanding Washington, D.C. office as we address our clients' ever-changing and increasingly global needs regarding investigations. Kyle is well-known and highly respected, not only in Washington, D.C., but throughout the United States; and Daniel is an emerging force in the white collar arena." The firm recently expanded its White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice with the addition of shareholders Benjamin G. Greenberg, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, David I. Miller, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, and Robert Long, a former federal prosecutor and senior attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority; and of counsel Todd A. Pickles, previously an assistant U.S. attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. Its Mexico City office recently received the 2019 Law Firm of the Year - White Collar Crime Award at The Latin American Lawyer Energy & Infrastructure Awards. About Greenberg Traurig's White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice: Greenberg Traurig's White Collar Defense & Special Investigations Practice protects companies and individuals under government scrutiny. GT's creative defense lawyers in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific are at the forefront of white collar defense, with wide-ranging experience in structuring internal investigations, developing guidelines, implementing compliance programs, and addressing issues of voluntary disclosure. Their representations involve alleged securities and commodities fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, health care/pharmaceutical fraud, environmental crimes, money laundering, financial services fraud, public corruption/campaign finance, tax corruption, defense contracting, and bankruptcy fraud. In addition, the majority of GT's litigation shareholders and counsel have first-chair trial experience. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2100 attorneys in 41 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. Media Contact: Lourdes Brezo-Martinez 212-801-2131 [email protected] SOURCE Greenberg Traurig Related Links http://www.gtlaw.com A devastated pet owner whose bulldog died in the hold of a Qantas flight has questioned why the airline did not warn him about the dangers of flying with pets. Anthony Balletta, 42, took his bulldog Frank on QF405 from Sydney home to Melbourne on December 21. When he landed, Mr Balletta - who was flying with his 24-year-old daughter - was told by crew that his dog had not survived the journey. Anthony Balletta, 42, took his bulldog Frank on QF405 from Sydney home to Melbourne on December 21 The devastated pet owner questioned why the airline did not warn of the dangers of flying with pets When he landed, Mr Balletta (pictured) was told by crew that his dog had not survived the journey Mr Balletta told Daily Mail Australia he tried to make sure it was safe for him to fly with his pet. 'Frank is a snub-nosed breed so I wanted to make sure it was safe for him because they can't breathe as well as other dogs,' he said. 'I asked flight staff if they'd had any dog deaths in transit and they said none in the last five years.' But when he arrived back in Melbourne and went to pick Frank up, he was told by a member of staff they were sorry but 'Frank did not make it'. Due to the breed's flat-nosed face, their respiratory system is more restricted and they find it harder to cool down in hot temperatures. 'I just dropped to the ground, I felt like someone had plunged a sword right through me,' he said. Mr Balletta told Daily Mail Australia he tried to make sure it was safe for him to fly with his pet Mr Balletta posted this montage of his dog to Facebook after the pet died on a flight 'A woman wrapped him up, put him on ice and I took him home to have a funeral.' The airline refunded Mr Balletta the cost for transport but he said he did not care about the money. He also questioned why the dangers were not raised earlier. 'Why was I not warned that airline transport could be dangerous? I don't think they should accept snub-nosed breeds anymore.' The airline refunded Mr Balletta the cost for transport but he said he did not care about the money Qantas reviewed the flight and found the dog was not mishandled. Thousands of pets fly in plane holds each year with no problems. Qantas does not allow pets in the plane cabin. A spokesman told Daily mail Australia the investigation found all procedures were followed. 'We can understand for Mr Balletta and his family that what's occurred is very distressing,' he said. More than one million Britons are illegally using cannabis to treat illnesses from arthritis to anxiety, a survey has revealed. Around half of the 1.4million users are partaking in the drug every day, with the total black market spend estimated to be 2.6billion a year. The landmark YouGov poll of 10,000 people suggests almost three per cent of adult Britons use cannabis to treat a medical condition. Users range across all ages, social classes and genders. Many also say they suffer from multiple illnesses. The landmark YouGov poll of 10,000 people suggests almost three per cent of adult Britons use cannabis to treat a medical condition Almost half of these users suffer from depression, with 650,000 self-medicating using the substance, while more than 586,000 claim they have anxiety. Other frequent buyers include nearly a quarter of a million people with arthritis and 100,000 cancer patients. Other illnesses people said they treated included cancer, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. IS MEDICINAL CANNABIS LEGAL IN BRITAIN? Despite a law change to legalise medical cannabis last November, there have reportedly only been two NHS prescriptions written. A lack of clear guidance on how to prescribe it and issues over funding for the drugs has prevented many patients from getting the drugs they are desperate for. This means many who are battling severe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain are using costly private clinics to get hold of the drug. Others have ventured abroad in search of medicines, with some bringing them into the UK illegally and risking jail. Medicines derived from cannabis are not routinely available on the NHS because of concerns not enough research has been done into the benefits of THC. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, which advocates claim is what helps the medicines combat crippling pain and seizures. Advertisement Medical cannabis has been legal in Britain since November 2018, though it has been strictly regulated meaning prescriptions are rare. The survey shows that 40 percent of those with Huntington's disease take the drug, as do a third of those with Parkinson's and a fifth with MS. The results are published today in 'Left Behind - The Scale of Illegal Cannabis Use for Medicinal Intent', a report from the Centre of Medicinal Cannabis. Director Steve Moore said: 'These shocking findings quantify what we long suspected: almost three per cent of the UK adult population are choosing to use cannabis rather than traditional pharmaceutical products to treat their chronic medical conditions.' The report states that the use of cannabis 'unnecessarily exposes' users to significant personal risk, and calls on the government to review policies that block suffers from accessing cannabis medicines legally. The Department of Health said: 'We sympathise with those dealing with challenging conditions and have changed the law to allow patient access to cannabis-based products for medicinal use where clinically appropriate. 'There is a clear need for more evidence to support clinical prescribing.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:28:28|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's auto sales continued to decline last year as demand retreated in the world's biggest auto market, data from an industry association showed Monday. About 25.77 million automobiles were sold in 2019, a year-on-year decrease of 8.2 percent, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The drop widened from the 2.8-percent fall in 2018 as trade tensions, tighter emission standards and retreating subsidies for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) combined to weigh on the industry. But seen on a monthly basis, the auto market is gradually recovering, the CAAM noted. The country's vehicle output stood at 25.72 million units last year, down 7.5 percent year on year. Sales of passenger vehicles fell 9.6 percent year on year to 21.44 million units, while those of NEVs decreased 4 percent to 1.2 million. After a three-month transition period that ended on June 25 last year, local governments stopped subsidizing purchases of NEVs other than new energy buses and fuel cell vehicles, resulting in sharper declines of NEVs sales in the latter half of 2019. In 2020, the subsidy policy for the NEVs sector will remain largely stable, Xinhua learned from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, adding there will be no big subsidy retreats. The country has vowed to take various measures to boost auto consumption, especially NEV sales. A key document published by the State Council in September last year has suggested local authorities ease restrictions on car purchases. U S President Donald Trump retweeted a graphic image of what appears to be a dead body during an online rant about Nancy Pelosi. The horrific picture, which the Standard has blurred, shows a bloodied and unconscious male figure hanging over a barbed wire fence. The post, reshared by Mr Trump on Twitter, read: "Question: Who in America supports this mullahs' crime? Answer: Nancy Pelosi." 'Mullah' is a slang word for Muslim and the tweet appears to be suggesting the dead body is an anti-government protester killed in Iran. The post Mr Trump retweeted today despite it appearing to show a dead body It claims to have been taken on January 8, 2020, but has not been verified. Mr Trump shared the picture on his Twitter page just after midday on Monday among a slew of posts criticising the US House of Representatives speaker. The President appears to have now deleted the tweet after several hours of it remaining on his page and receiving thousands of likes, retweets and comments. Many have also reacted to a widely-shared clip of Ms Pelosi from when she appeared on ABC's This Week to discuss the anti-government protests in Iran. The video was posted by the Republican National Committee and only showed a small part of the conversation. Furious commentators erupted accusing Ms Pelosi of downplaying the significance of the protests and supporting Tehran's leaders Nancy Pelosi has become the target of criticism by Trump and his supporters / REUTERS Ms Pelosi has been the target of many of Mr Trump's tweets over the past 24 hours. And Mr Trump and the Republican party have claimed Ms Pelosi and the Democratic Party want to "come to Ayatollah's rescue". The President even retweeted an edited image that showed Ms Pelosi alongside Chuck Schumer - Senate minority leader - mocked up to look like they are wearing a burkha and turban, while an Iranian flag is displayed in the background. Mr Trump has urged Iran's leaders not to use violence against protesters, saying on Sunday: "The World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching." He has also advocated for journalists in the country and around the Middle East, pushing Tehran to "let the reporters roam free!" 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 Hollywood loves sequels, remakes and spinoffs, and the industry's obsession over the same thing in a different package revealed itself in embarrassing fashion with Monday's Academy Award nominations, where no women were selected for directing and only one person of color was among the 20 acting nominees. Following one of the strongest years for female filmmakers in recent memory, Oscar voters failed to nominate Little Women's Greta Gerwig -- or any other woman -- for directing, and the sole non-white actor up for a trophy is Cynthia Erivo, who played the abolitionist Harriet Tubman in Harriet. Overall, the nominations for the 92nd Oscars favored a variety of older white men -- like directors Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino -- while largely ignoring some of the most acclaimed and diverse productions, such as the American-Chinese comedy The Farewell, which was neither nominated for best picture nor for any of its actors, including star Awkwafina. The film with the most Oscar selections at 11 was Joker, which was directed by Todd Phillips and starred Joaquin Phoenix, who was nominated for best actor. The next three top films, all with 10 nominations each, also were made by and starred white men: Scorsese's The Irishman, Tarantino's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood and Sam Mendes' 1917. Following a 2012 report in the Los Angeles Times showing that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences looked like a 1950s country club (94% Caucasian, median age 62, 77% male), and several years of nominees and winners so monochromatic the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite became fitting, the Academy aggressively expanded its membership to include hundreds of younger voters from more diverse backgrounds. But the impact of that demographic shift is largely invisible in this year's Academy Award shortlist, outside of strong support for the Korean class warfare drama, Parasite, which was nominated for best picture and director Bong Joon Ho. Tellingly, not a single member of the cast of Parasite or The Farewell was named in any acting category, even though many Oscar prognosticators had guessed several would be. Among the other non-white actors who were expected to -- but ultimately did not receive -- a nomination: Jennifer Lopez from Hustlers, Jamie Foxx from Just Mercy, and Lupita Nyong'o from Jordan Peele's Us. Even Beyonce was left out of the Oscars for the song, "Spirit," from The Lion King. The nine best picture selections (there can be as many as 10) were The Irishman, Ford v Ferrari, JoJo Rabbit, Joker, Little Women, Marriage Story, 1917, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood and Parasite. If it wins the best picture award, Parasite will become the first foreign language movie to do so. Netflix continued to build its influence in Hollywood with 24 nominations, including best picture nominees The Irishman (10) and Marriage Story (six), and even a best documentary feature nomination for American Factory, from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company. The Oscars will be presented Feb. 9. (Natural News) China critics the Epoch Times and conservative outlet the Gateway Pundit have been banned from use as reliable sources on Wikipedia in the latest cases of news outlets that support President Trump being banned from the online encyclopedia. The Epoch Times ban proposal cited NBCs hit piece on the site over its coverage of improprieties in the Russia investigation, commonly called Spygate, which prompted smear efforts against the outlet on Wikipedia. Gateway Pundit was proposed for a ban shortly after Epoch Times. (Article by T.D. Adler republished from Breitbart.com) The Epoch Times Wikipedia ban proposal was apparently prompted by one of its articles being cited on the Wikipedia page for Joseph Mifsud, a key controversial figure in the origins of the discredited Russia investigation. Gateway Pundits ban was in response to the outlet being cited for past media silence over Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election Over the past year, Wikipedia editors have been on a banning spree targeting conservative news sources. Having previously banned the Daily Mail as a source, the following year marked the beginning of an acceleration of the process. Since then, editors have imposed similar bans on fifteen other sites aside from Epoch Times and Gateway Pundit. While some data-focused sites and state-owned outlets in Venezuela and Iran have also been banned, the bulk of the sites banned have been conservative-leaning news outlets. Breitbart News was blacklisted as a reliable source on Wikipedia in 2018. Epoch Times was banned following a proposal by editor Bender235 in early October. Part of the ban argument was an NBC News article smearing the outlet for its coverage of the Spygate controversy regarding the conduct of the Russia investigation, which major news outlets have dismissed as conspiracy theories even after the Justice Department Inspector General recently found serious misconduct and use of false information in surveillance warrant applications. NBCs article was previously the impetus for editors to smear Epoch Times on Wikipedia. Bender also claimed the outlet used alt-right buzzwords in ads, identifying phrases such as mainstream media, hidden agendas, and Russia hoax as examples and suggested they could have well come from a Trump campaign spokesperson. As in previous cases, while a number of editors argued for allowing Epoch Times in some cases, left-wing and anti-Trump editors calling for a ban significantly outnumbered them in the discussion. Of those supporting a ban, editor Simonm223 notably has a history of editing favorable to China. Simon, a self-proclaimed socialist, has downplayed the re-education camps for Muslims, particularly Uyghurs, in Xinjiang province and repeatedly removed details about pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong associating with members of the Triad criminal organization. He also regularly defends the violent Antifa group and praised Antifa terrorist Wilhem van Spronsens attack on an ICE detention facility. Gateway Pundits ban came from a proposal soon after the proposed ban for Epoch Times. The ban proposal came in response to editor BullRangifer removing a 2017 piece criticizing media silence on Ukraine colluding with Democrats to influence the 2016 election. The article was originally added to frame Gateway Pundit as fueling conspiracy theories related to the impeachment inquiry over Trumps call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In fact, the piece correctly noted Politicos coverage of DNC contractor Alexandra Chalupa soliciting Ukrainian interference and then-Democratic minority leader of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff expressing concerns about the reported interference. Criticism of Gateway Pundit was harsher during the ban discussion, though still predominantly from left-wing editors. Some regarded the outlet as unreliable, but argued against a full sourcing ban as they believed some legitimate uses may exist. In addition to Simonm223, who also voted for the ban, editors advocating a ban included Snooganssnoogans and Volunteer Marek who each have a history of smearing the outlet on Wikipedia. Read more at: Breitbart.com At a time when the world was expected to enter 2020 with new hopes and resolutions, we are facing some of the darkest times in humanity as the first month has not even ended. Australia bushfires and tensions in Iraq are shaking the world and in India, we are protesting the government-imposed CAA and NRC. In case you were not aware, the area of Shaheen Bagh in Delhi has been hosting peaceful protests for over a month now and has garnered a lot of positive support from people all over the city, who now come together every day in solidarity. Last night, however, was special in terms of what one might call an example of what India truly means. The crowd swelled to a large number and people of all faiths came together to not just protest but have an inter-faith ceremony of singing prayers. A traditional Hindu 'hawan' to a proper 'kirtan', Shaheen Bagh and its people truly touched the hearts of everyone on social media. The biggest gathering yet got a lot of support from people who even travelled to Delhi to just be a part of the protest and show their support. Close to one month since the protest began, Shaheen Bagh sees its biggest gathering yet. #CAA_NRC_Protests #CAAProtests https://t.co/LaX7r8Ca1h Somesh Jha (@someshjha7) January 12, 2020 This will haunt BJP/RSS for long! #MyINDIA Shaheen bagh right now #ShaheenBaghProtest pic.twitter.com/iNCsAqw32w CAA / NRC Protest Info. (@NrcProtest) January 12, 2020 Gaya's Shanti Bagh = Delhi's Shaheen Bagh 4000-5000 women have been continuously 24*7 protesting against CAA-NRC since Dec 28 This truly is a movement led by women not only morally but also in the numbers protesting. Let's make Shanti Bagh famous :)pic.twitter.com/KHois7Df6Z Srivatsa (@srivatsayb) January 12, 2020 The protest also saw Dr. Shashi Tharoor extend his support and join the protest. He spoke about how it was the first time that a religious test was being introduced to define the meaning of Indian citizenship. Since the 3 January drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, Irans most important general, the Trump administration has offered shifting rationales for the attack. Here are some of the administrations evolving justifications Since the 3 January drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, Irans most important general, the Donald Trump administration has offered shifting rationales for the attack. Here are some of the administrations evolving justifications. On 3 January The decision to eliminate Soleimani was in response to imminent threats to American lives. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Twitter Soleimani, the head of Irans elite security and intelligence forces, was deemed responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops in Iraq. Neither former presidents George W Bush nor Barack Obama ordered him killed, judging that such a move could lead to war in Iran. Later in the morning, appearing on CNN, Pompeo elaborated on the administrations justification for the strike, saying that Soleimani was actively plotting in the region to take actions, a big action as he described it, that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk. This action would have taken place not just in Iraq, he added. It was throughout the region. The question facing the Trump administration was, what was different now about Soleimanis plans that necessitated risking war with Iran? Since the strike against the Iranian general, administration officials have struggled to answer that question. Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act. President Donald Trump, in remarks to reporters The president joined in the description of the attack as imminent, and against the backdrop of a public worried about an imminent shooting war with Iran, he insisted: We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war. But launching a drone strike against a military commander of a sovereign state is a lot different than launching a strike against a stateless terrorist leader. The administration took the action without consulting Congress. Now Democrats in the House and the Senate, along with some Republicans, demanded a justification for the strike, and a description of the imminent attack. On 5 January Its never one thing. Its a collective. Its a full situational awareness of risk and analysis. Pompeo, on Meet the Press Pompeo played down the importance of an imminent attack in the decision to kill Soleimani, despite the fact that the Trump administration had been highlighting a specific threat for days since the strike on Soleimani. Days, weeks. General Mark A Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in remarks to reporters Milley was more specific than other administration officials when pressed on what imminent attacks meant. But other military and intelligence officials disputed his timeline and said Soleimani had not yet received permission from Irans supreme leader to carry out an attack. On 7 January 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, in a news conference Pompeo, referring to a rocket attack by an Iranian-backed militia that led to the death of an American contractor in Iraq, further emphasised previous actions connected to Soleimani in justifying the strike, conflating them with the imminent threats he presented. The administration continued to make emphatic but vague assertions of intelligence indicating an imminent threat by Soleimani. Milley would later tell reporters that not taking forceful action to stop the imminent attack would be a dereliction of duty. But officials still did not describe the threat in detail. On 9 January We caught a total monster and we took him out. We did it because they were looking to blow up our embassy. Trump, in a news conference Trump made his first remarks identifying a specific threat against a specific target in the region: US Embassy in Baghdad. But later in the news conference, Trump appeared to conflate the suggested threat of bombing the embassy with protesters who had broken into the embassy compound at the time. If you look at those protesters, they were rough warriors. They were Iranian-backed, Trump said. Had they gotten through, I believe we would have either had a hostage situation or we wouldve had a, worse, we wouldve had a lot of people killed. Trumps assertions came on the same day that his own officials were still refusing to go into detail with members of Congress during briefings on Capitol Hill. Defence officials say that their hands were tied because the intelligence was classified. Disclosing it, they said, could compromise intelligence sources. There were a series of imminent attacks that were being plotted by Qassem Soleimani. We dont know precisely when and we dont know precisely where. Pompeo, on Fox News Pompeo raised further questions about the imminent attack Soleimani was planning when he said the US did not have specific intelligence on where or when an attack would take place. On 10 January Those are completely consistent thoughts. This was going to happen. And American lives were at risk. Pompeo, in a news conference Pompeo was insisting that the attacks were still imminent even though the US did not know specifically where or when they would take place. There appeared to be a disconnect at this point between Trump administration officials and skeptics. The officials insisted that the threats were imminent but gave no specifics. Sceptics pointed to the Iraq War, when the Bush administrations claim that Saddam Hussein was harbouring weapons of mass destruction turned out to be untrue. I think it would have been four embassies. Could have been military bases, could have been a lot of other things too. But it was imminent. Trump, on Fox News Trump asserted without evidence that four US embassies, not just the one in Baghdad, had been targeted by Soleimani. On 12 January I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. I share the presidents view that probably my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. Defence Secretary Mark T Esper on CBS's Face the Nation Esper appeared to contradict Trump, saying that he never saw any specific piece of evidence that Iran was planning an attack on four U.S. embassies. In another interview on CNN's State of the Union, Esper declined to answer the same question, saying that he was not going to discuss intelligence matters here on the show. This was the second time in a week that the Pentagon contradicted Trump on Iran. The first time was when Trump threatened to target Iranian cultural sites if Tehran attacked the US. Esper later said that the US military would follow international laws governing armed conflict, which make targeting cultural sites a war crime. Chris Cameron and Helene Cooper c.2020 The New York Times Company One of Harvey Weinstein's spies, hired to investigate those readying to make allegations of sexual assault against the producer, has defended secretly trailing 91 Hollywood figures, including accuser Rose McGowan. Seth Freedman worked for private intelligence agency Black Cube but has denied silencing alleged victims in an interview with the BBC - despite reporting back to the producer on his 75 minute chat with the actress. The former Guardian journalist used the cover story of being a reporter working on an article about Hollywood to convince McGowan's literary agent to encourage the star to speak to him. McGowan was one of the first women to make public allegations about Weinstein's abuse, triggering his downfall in 2017 and the emergence of the #MeToo movement that brought down many other public figures. Freedman, who was unmasked by journalist Ronan Farrow, said: 'I don't feel guilty about anything I did for Black Cube. I mean, as far as I'm concerned if you're an actress who works in Hollywood and a reporter calls you and you decide to talk to them, that's pretty run of the mill. 'I think the problem with how toxic this debate is over the Weinstein case is that if you say anything that sounds like you're dissenting from the #MeToo narrative, therefore you're on his side and you support him. I don't know the guy, I couldn't really care less one way or the other what happens to him.' Scroll down for video Seth Freedman, pictured, has defended secretly trailing 91 Hollywood figures, including accuser Rose McGowan, after being hired to investigate those readying to make allegations of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein McGowan was one of the first women to make public allegations about Weinstein's abuse, triggering his downfall in 2017 and the emergence of the #MeToo movement that brought down many other public figures. She is pictured with Weinstein in 2007 He spoke out as jury selection in Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial entered its second week Monday with potential jurors being pre-screened for possible bias. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. He had tasked Black Cube with two primary objectives in July 2017; to 'provide intelligence which will help the Client's efforts to completely stop the publication of a new, negative article in a leading NY newspaper', and to 'obtain additional content of a book which is currently being written and which includes harmful negative information on and about the Client'. To achieve this, Black Cube promised a dedicated team, including Freedman, after ex-Israeli premier Ehud Barak put Weinstein's lawyers in touch with the firm. The former head of Miramax went on to spend more than 1million ($1.3million) with Black Cube to protect his reputation. Freedman no longer works for Mossad-linked Israeli intelligence company Black Cube but says he will not say he is sorry or guilty over his previous work 'because he is not'. He added: 'My job is to get a piece of information that isn't freely available and as long as I stay within the letter of the law I'm not worried about your ethics when you judge me.' In a recording of the call, actress McGowan can be heard telling Freedman how her book will address an assault from someone in the industry. She tells him about 'a document' she signed 'for a very small settlement'. When asked what would make her 'call it quits' McGowan replies: 'Nothing.' Freedman says: 'The list of people that Harvey wanted us to go after grew bigger. It culminated in 91 names. You know, actors and actresses who'd worked for him in the past and who didn't seem like they would be involved in a current plot against him but again you're just doing your job. 'I'm not asking "are they relevant?" I'm just told that's who you are going after today. The list was updated by Harvey and it had Rose McGowan's name on, the actress. 'Literally we were talking about her entire career. At no point do I mention Weinstein because that's not what I'm there to do. I don't even know what the allegations are necessarily at this point. And she brought it up.' Harvey Weinstein arrives at court for his ongoing sexual assault trial in Manhattan Monday Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault Freedman says he spoke with McGowan about Weinstein for a total of two minutes 'max' in a 75-minute call. 'Obviously I give that recording to Black Cube, it's shared with Harvey Weinstein and his legal team and they can see, ok that might be what's she planning to do with her book', he adds. Freedman says he is 'totally neutral about the whole thing', telling the BBC: 'Now again, I don't care if people want to sit here and sermonize and say 'o that's so awful, she was a survivor', so on and so forth. None of this is attested in court as far as I am concerned. 'This is not a case of Harvey Weinstein calls Black Cube and says "such and such number of people are accusing me of sexual assault, can you help me". That just didn't happen.' Actress Rose McGowan, who accused Weinstein of raping her and destroying her career, joins other accusers and protesters outside of court on the first day of his trial McGowan filed a lawsuit in October last year against Weinstein, his ex-attorneys and Black Cube, alleging they conspired to discredit her when she accused the disgraced movie mogul of rape. She alleges that when Weinstein learned in 2016 that she planned to write about the alleged rape said to have taken place in 1997, he unleashed a team of fixers to ensure her story 'never saw the light of day, and, if it did, that no one would believe her.' Freedman denies any 'intimidation, silencing and harassing', adding: 'All those things would be illegal and none of those things happened.' The Queen has sanctioned the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs new independent life away from full-time royal duties and said they will now begin a transition period living in the UK and Canada. In her first public comments since Meghan and Harry released their bombshell statement last week the head of state also expressed her regret at the Sussexes wish to step back as senior royals. But she said her family respect and understand their wishes for more independence while still remaining a valued part of the monarchy. The move has raised questions over whether Canadian taxpayers would have to pay for the couples security costs during during their time in North America but the countrys prime minister Justin Trudeau said no discussions had taken place on the matter. Speaking to Global News on Monday, he said: There will be many discussions to come on how that works. But theres still a lot of decisions to be taken by the Royal Family and by the Sussexs themselves as to what level of engagement they choose to have and these are things that we are supportive of. Expand Close Media at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Media at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk (Steve Parsons/PA) Royal biographer Penny Junor described the Queens comments which featured the word family eight times as warm and friendly and supportive. In a highly unusual move Harry and Meghan were not referred to as the duke and duchess in the statement, only as the Sussexes and by their first names, raising questions about whether they will retain their titles in the future. The Queen was joined by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge for the face-to-face talks with Harry at her private Norfolk estate, described as very constructive, and it is thought Meghan joined the discussions by telephone from Canada after the monarch made reference to comments by the duchess and her husband. It is unusual for the Queen to issue a statement in her own name when not paying condolences following a natural disaster or the death of a world leader and is symbolic of the sovereign taking charge of the crisis that threatens to cause lasting damage to the monarchy. Ms Junor said about the monarch: I think what shes done quite cleverly is take the pressure off Harry and Meghan. I think they are in a very vulnerable, fragile state at the moment. I think theyre feeling unhappy, isolated, unloved, unappreciated and theyre lashing out in the only way they know how to kind of walk away from the whole thing. It looks as though the Queen has calmed the situation a bit, giving them a bit of time to think about it go across to Canada, theres no pressure on them to do anything it looks to me as though shes not allowing anyone to burn any bridges. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new livesThe Queen The head of state also expressed the support of herself and the rest of the family for the couples aspiration to create a new life together with their eight-month-old son Archie. But she stressed the discussions were complex matters for her family to resolve but she wanted final decisions in the coming days. Harry and Meghan made clear in their statement last week they want to step back from being senior royals, become financially independent and split their time between North America and the UK. Expand Close The Queen held talks with Harry, William and Charles (Joe Giddens/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Queen held talks with Harry, William and Charles (Joe Giddens/PA) The head of state said: Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. In another development, William and Harry made a joint show of strength by issuing a statement denying a newspaper claim about their relationship which they branded offensive and potentially harmful. The statement did not name the newspaper but the Times has a front page story about the crisis, and says a source told the publication that Harry and Meghan regarded themselves as having been pushed away by what they saw as a bullying attitude from the Duke of Cambridge. A number of questions remain unanswered, with the central issue being how will the Sussexes fund their future lives and whether any future deals will have to be scrutinised by the palace. Every name on the BrandBucket marketplace is exclusively listed with BrandBucket. That means that all of our sellers are very responsive, making for quick domain transfers. A dedicated BrandBucket agent will manage your domain transfer from beginning to end, ensuring a secure and easy transaction. They will manage the receipt of the domain into one of BrandBuckets secure registrar accounts and then complete the transfer to you. 1. Verification and registrar choice After we receive the payment and verify it, we will reach out via email to confirm which registrar you want the domain transferred to. We also provide a link to our tracking system, where you can communicate with us, check on the status of your transfer, view your invoice, and download your logo files. In most cases, if a domain is moved between accounts at a single registrar, the transfer is quick and usually completes within 48 hours. If a domain changes registrars (in other words, you would like to move it away from where it is currently registered), the transfer is slower. The total transfer time can then be anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days. BrandBucket has vetted and supports the following registrars: GoDaddy Namesilo Uniregistry NameCheap Google Domains Network Solutions Name.com Dynadot Amazon Route 53 123 Reg Gandi 2. We request the name from the seller. Once we know where you would like the domain transferred, BrandBucket will request the domain from the seller. All of our sellers are very responsive, making for a quick process. 3. Transfer the name into your account As soon as we receive the name from the seller, we start the transfer into your account and guide you through the whole process. 4. Verify with the buyer that the transfer is complete Once we confirm that you have received the name, we consider the escrow process to be complete. Only then do we release payment to the domain seller. A photographer captured the moment a couple said I do as a volcano erupted in the background of their wedding. On Sunday 12 January, Chino and Kat Vaflor were married in the Philippines. The venue for their wedding was 10 miles away from the Taal volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Over the weekend, clouds of ash began spewing from the volcano, resulting in the evacuation of around 8,000 people and warnings of an imminent hazardous explosive eruption. Wedding photographer Randolf Evan said that the wedding party were worried the volcanic activity would prevent the ceremony from taking place. (Randolf Evan Photography (Randolf Evan Photography) We were actually nervous because while working we kept on checking social media for updates on the volcanic eruption, the photographer told CNN. So we were actually aware of the warnings and escalating levels that was being announced real time. Evan added that they discussed discreetly what they would do when worst comes to worst. (Randolf Evan Photography (Randolf Evan Photography) In one of the pictures, the married couple smile at one another as an enormous plume of volcanic smoke looms behind them. In another photograph, the wedding marquee is pictured adorned with fairy lights below dark, menacing-looking clouds. According to authorities in the Philippines, hundreds of thousands of people will be evacuated from areas surrounding the volcano. On Sunday, the volcano blasted steam, ash and pebbles between six and nine miles into the sky, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Show all 44 1 /44 Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes as a column of ash surrounds the crater of Taal Volcano as it erupts in Tagaytay, Philippines Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Pacific Press via Sipa/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Local authorities have begun evacuating residents near Taal Volcano as it began spewing ash up to a kilometer high Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Pacific Press via Sipa/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos People take photos of a phreatic explosion from the Taal volcano as seen from the town of Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of Manila AFP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Billows of smoke with lightning is seen from the eruption Pacific Press via Zuma Wire/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents stand lakeside as the volcano erupts behind them Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A family rides their motorcycle through clouds of ash as they evacuate to safer grounds AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning streak over Batangas Pacific Press via Sipa/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos The tiny volcano near the Philippine capital draws many tourists for its picturesque setting, however as it belched steam, ash and rocks in a huge plume thousands were forced to flee and officials to temporarily suspend flights AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Ashfall after the eruption of the Taal volcano Jerome Austria Abuan via Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Villagers evacuate EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning flashes as Taal Volcano erupts The Philippine Institute of of Volcanology and Seismology has raised the alert level to four out of five, warning that a hazardous eruption could take place anytime AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A dog left in a garage covered with ashes barks nearby the erupting Taal Volcano Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A volcanic lightning caused by eruption @DERRICKQUIBAEL via REUTERS Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Ash from the Taal volcano in the air, with a church in the foreground Renz Lejarso Guevara/AFP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A column of ash surrounds the crater of Taal Volcano Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents stand lakeside as the volcano erupts behind them Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents walk along a road covered in ash mixed with rainwater Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Villagers take shelter inside a church during the eruption EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A volcanic lightning caused by eruption @DERRICKQUIBAEL via Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts AFP via Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A policeman walks past a police vehicle covered in ash Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A fishing boat sails along a lake as Taal Volcano erupts Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A vehicle covered in ash Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos An ash column from erupting Taal Volcano looms over Tagaytay city EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A resident splashes water on a vehicle covered in ash Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano spews ash and smoke AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A person on a canoe while the volcano spews ash AFP via Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents walk along a road covered in ash mixed with rainwater Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts JPL YEN via Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Lightning strikes over Taal Volcano EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A worker hoses down plants covered with mud and ash AFP via Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents evacuate Reuters Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal volcano erupts AP Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Taal Volcano erupts with a massive plume of ash and steam Xinhua/Rex Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos Residents fleeing wait for a ride on the side of a highway Getty Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos People travel along a road covered in ash EPA Philippines Taal volcano: Eruption in photos A massive plume of ash and steam erupts AP To keep up to date with the latest news regarding the Taal volcano, follow The Independents live blog here. New evidence is surfacing which further suggests the impeachment trial is just an effort to pressure President Trump to go to war with Iran. From Salon, "Trump privately admits he killed Soleimani 'under pressure' from upcoming impeachment trial: report": President Donald Trump privately told associates that his upcoming impeachment trial factored heavily into his decision to kill top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, The Wall Street Journal reports. "Trump, after the strike, told associates he was under pressure to deal with Gen. Soleimani from GOP senators he views as important supporters in his coming impeachment trial in the Senate," associates of the president told the outlet. The revelation, buried deep into a lengthy piece about the strike, follows a similar report from The New York Times. "Trump pointed out to one person who spoke to him on the phone last week that he had been pressured to take a harder line on Iran by some Republican senators whose support he needs now more than ever amid an impeachment battle," The Times reported Tuesday. The two GOP senators he allegedly sought to appease according to reports were Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham -- two of the most fanatical pro-Israel war hawks on Iran. Senator Tom Cotton Received Nearly $1 Mil To Oppose Iran Deal https://t.co/RF3M9QPKdE Peter R. Quinones (@PeterRQuinones) August 26, 2019 More from The New York Times, "Seven Days in January: How Trump Pushed U.S. and Iran to the Brink of War": The president was initially upbeat, expecting the operation to be greeted with applause much like the raid in October that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State. Indeed, Mr. Trump opened his first statement to reporters on the mission that Friday by describing General Suleimani as the "No. 1 terrorist anywhere in the world," much as he had opened his statement a couple of months ago calling Mr. al-Baghdadi the "world's No. 1 terrorist leader." But as the president watched television over the weekend, he grew angry that critics were accusing him of reckless escalation. He sought validation from guests at his Florida clubs, recounting details of the Baghdad Embassy protests and drinking in their praise for his decisiveness. He told some associates that he wanted to preserve the support of Republican hawks in the Senate in the coming impeachment trial, naming Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas as an example, even though they had not spoken about Iran since before Christmas. While Mr. Trump tipped off another hawk, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, who was visiting in Florida, his administration gave no advance warning to its European allies or Persian Gulf partners in advance of the strike. The only foreign leader who appeared in the know was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who had spoken with Mr. Pompeo before the attack and later offered a cryptic public hint hours before it took place. "We know that our region is stormy; very, very dramatic things are happening in it," Mr. Netanyahu told reporters, unprompted, on the tarmac in Tel Aviv before departing for a visit to Athens. He went on to offer support for the United States "and to its full right to defend itself and its citizens." Israeli leaders were later pleased by the death of General Suleimani, one of their deadliest enemies, but remained silent lest they provoke retaliation, even as shelter supplies were checked and a ski resort near the Syrian frontier was briefly closed. Netanyahu said last week that the strike was entirely done by the US and Israel had no involvement. As Axios reported: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Security Cabinet ministers Monday that the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani was carried out solely by the U.S. and that Israel was not involved in any way and must not be dragged into the escalating conflict, two ministers who attended the meeting told me. I guess that was a lie. Graham has been out defending the questionable "intelligence" used to justify the strike: Do you believe the Chairman and CIA Director are incompetent? Lying? Im beyond disgusted by the suggestion the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and CIA Director got it wrong when it comes to the actions of General Soleimani. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 11, 2020 In this instance, Democrats unending efforts to trash President Trump are instead trashing the professional assessment of the CIA Director and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. It's beyond disgusting. Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 11, 2020 As Ive been saying for a while now, I suspect Israel/Jeffrey Epstein got blackmail on Trump just like they got blackmail on Bill Clinton. It was revealed in September that Israel got caught spying on the White House with expensive, high tech Stingray devices and yet he did nothing in response other than deny it even happened. Trump on reports that Israel tried to spy on him: "I don't believe that. No, I don't think the Israelis were spying on us. I really would find that hard to believe. My relationship with Israel has been great." pic.twitter.com/lmgQzfxbYW Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 12, 2019 Read this story from 2014 about Israel blackmailing Bill Clinton and tell me it doesn't sound plausible similar is happening today. From The Times of Israel, 23 July 2014, "Netanyahu said to have offered Lewinsky tapes for Pollard," subheadline, "New critical book on the Clinton family claims that Israel tapped White House phones, blackmailed president with recordings of intern": Israel attempted to use tapes of former US president Bill Clinton's steamy conversations with intern Monica Lewinsky to leverage the release of Jonathan Pollard, a new book on the Clinton family's political enterprises has claimed. In the book, titled "Clinton Inc: The Audacious Rebuilding of a Political Machine," author Daniel Halper relies on on-the-record interviews with former officials together with a close analysis of documents termed "the Monica Files" to paint a salacious and uncomplimentary picture of one of the most prominent political families in the United States. Halper reviewed hundreds of pages of documents compiled as a contingency to use in case the former intern ever was involved in legal action against Clinton. According to the author, the documents indicate that during the Wye Plantation talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, held in Maryland in 1998, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pulled Bill Clinton aside to press for Pollard's release. Halper said that Israel had found new leverage to push for Pollard's release. "The Israelis present at Wye River had a new tactic for their negotiationsthey'd overheard Clinton and Monica and had it on tape. Not wanting to directly threaten the powerful American president, a crucial Israeli ally, Clinton was told that the Israeli government had thrown the tapes away. But the very mention of them was enough to constitute a form of blackmail," Halper wrote, adding that "according to information provided by a CIA source, a stricken Clinton appeared to buckle." Halper noted that "intelligence officials in the United States or Israel will of course not confirm on the record the extent or substance of Israeli eavesdropping," but also cited an article published in 2000 by the magazine Insight, that claimed that Israel had "penetrated four White House telephone lines and was able to relay real-time conversations on those lines from a remote site outside the White House directly to Israel for listening and recording." Israel has denied such claims in the past as "outrageous." Pollard, a former US naval analyst, was found guilty of passing sensitive documents to Israel, and sentenced to a life sentence in prison for the offense. He remains a cause celebre in Israel, and there have been repeated efforts throughout the past twenty years to secure his release. Halper cites seemingly corroborating information, including a contemporary New York Times article from November 1998 which reported that the two leaders had discussed Pollard's release during the ill-fated conference and that "the Israelis had told the president something that opened up the possibility of Pollard's release, something Clinton had explicitly ruled out during the first six years of his presidency." The Times article noted that a White House spokesman told a reporter that Clinton was simply "newly impressed by the force of Mr. Netanyahu's arguments." [...] Netanyahu's threat, according to Halper, spurred Clinton to consider action. Halper claims that Clinton brought the request before CIA director George Tenet. Tenet, however, threatened to resign his position if Pollard was released, and Clinton backpedalled on the idea. Halper is not the first to claim that Israel illicitly taped the steamy conversations between Clinton and Lewinsky and tried to leverage it to its advantage. In 1999, UK author Gordon Thomas claimed that the Mossad had collected some 30 hours' worth of phone sex conversations between Lewinsky and Clinton and was using them to blackmail the US or to protect a deeply-embedded mole in the White House. Are we ever going to get a congressional investigation into this foreign meddling? Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab and Minds. - Thomas Moorehead is the CEO of Sterling Motorcars, an automobile company that deals in Lamborghini and McLaren cars - In 2018, Moorehead made history as the first African-American to own an ultra-modern-luxury Rolls-Royce dealership in America - Rising from an economically challenged background, YEN.com.gh, features Moorehead's journey to becoming a titan in the automobile industry Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Despite growing up economically disadvantaged in Monroe, Louisiana, Thomas Moorehead, overcame his childhood struggles, making history as a phenomenal Black achiever in 2018. Moorehead's journey started in 2001 when he decided to take a risk in the automotive industry which turned out to be worth it as his company, Sterling Motorcars is now a brand to reckon with. Sterling Motorcars fast became the first African-American Rolls Royce dealer in the world and first African-American Lamborghini and McLaren dealer in the United States. Moorehead started out learning about the automotive industry from his mentor and fraternity brother James Bradley, who owns the Bradley Automotive Group. Bradley encouraged him to pursue the opportunity and said that he could be a millionaire through it. READ ALSO: DJ Switch jets off to India to chill and cool off in first 2020 photo Moorehead climbed up the ladder of success as he entered several dealer training programmes using his own savings until he opened his first dealership in 1988 and eventually launched Sterling Motorcars in 2001. With his good reputation and dedication to customer service, Moorehead caught the attention of Rolls Royce and became its first-ever African-American dealer in the world. Since then, they have added the Mini Cooper, McLaren, and Lamborghini to their lineup. It has become the largest and leading luxury car retailer in Delaware, Southern Pennsylvania, and the Washington Metropolitan area. In 2019, Sterling Motorcars reportedly generated $632.2 million in revenue, which is the second highest for a minority-owned company in Greater Washington. Moorehead, who grew up economically disadvantaged, gives back to the community by sponsoring needy students to the university. Since 2004, under the auspices of Joyce and Thomas Moorehead Foundation, he provided about $400,000 in scholarships to hundreds of high school students. Moorehead, also regularly donates to HBCUs such as Grambling University, Bethune Cookman, and Howard University, among others. In other stories, YEN.com.gh reported that in the spirit of motivating others and expressing gratitude, Jonathan Ampratwum, a young man who recently graduated from Sketch World Professional Radio Academy, shared inspiring images after acquiring tertiary education. The young graduate shared admirable images in his graduation gown accompanied by a short write up about the struggles of his parents while noting that he did not allow their hard work to go waste. READ ALSO: Video of historic fighter jet Rawlings used to fly under Adomi Bridge pops up Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting this Monday the presidents of the five countries forming the G5-Sahel, namely Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, to discuss the future of French military presence in the region. President Macron last Month called for the meeting, taking place in the southwestern French city of Pau, in the wake of the killing of 13 French soldiers in Mali. The French soldiers died when two helicopters collided on the night of November 26. I cant, nor do I want French soldiers on the ground while there is anti-French sentiment that is sometimes held by the leaders (of the African countries), Bloomberg then quoted the French president as saying. Macron insists his African counterparts must use this week meeting to express public support for Frances military presenceby far the largest foreign contribution to the fight against African jihadists aligned to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group. France has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting poorly equipped, impoverished local armies that in 2017 launched the joint anti-jihadist G5 Sahel force. The Pau meeting, initially scheduled in December, was postponed after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers. And last Thursday another attack by jihadists left 89 Niger soldiers dead. Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in Pau, to be attended also by the heads of the UN, African Union Commission, and EU Council. Malis Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has said the Pau summit will be decisive and will allow us to put on the table all the questions, all the grievances, all the solutions. However, he insisted, the G5 leaders would demand a respectable and respectful relationship with France. President Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso has described Macrons recent insistences as lacking in tact. Nigers Mahamadou Issoufou said the summit would launch an appeal for international solidarity so that the Sahel and France are not alone in this fight. The other presidents expected at the Pau meeting are Chadian Idriss Deby, and Mauritanian Mohamed Ahmed Ould Ghazouani. The sub-region is one of the most unstable, with UN reports calling for attention to humanitarian challenges as well. Jihadist fighters have recently stepped up their campaign against military and civilian targets. Earlier this month, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that terrorist groups are gaining ground. MOSCOW Talks in Moscow about bringing an end to Libyas long-running civil war were adjourned for the night Monday after the countrys rival governments considered ceasefire proposals from Russia and Turkey. Fayez Sarraj, head of Libyas U.N.-recognized government in Tripoli, and his rival, Khalifa Hifter, met with top diplomats and military officials from Russia and Turkey for the talks that lasted about seven hours. The negotiations were held behind closed doors, and Sarraj and Hifter didnt meet directly. A tentative truce came into force on Sunday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said that Sarraj signed the draft agreement, but that Hifter requested more time to consider it. They have a positive view of the document and asked for extra time until the next morning to decide, Lavrov said of Hifter and his delegation. I hope they will make a positive decision. Russian and Turkish representatives will continue to offer their assistance. The truce marks the first break in fighting in months. There were immediate reports of violations by both sides, however, raising concerns it might not hold. The civil war had been on the brink of a major escalation. Various foreign players back Libyas rival governments, and they have recently been stepping up their involvement in the oil-rich nations conflict. Libya plunged into turmoil after the 2011 civil war that ousted and killed long-time dictator Moammar Khadafy. The eastern government is supported by France, Russia and key Arab countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Italy and Qatar support the Tripoli government. It has faced an offensive by Hifters forces, which have closed in on the capital. Russia has maintained contacts with both conflicting parties in Libya, but the government in Tripoli has recently charged that Russian military contractors were fighting alongside Hifter. Asked Saturday about Russian private security companies in Libya, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded that if there are Russian citizens there, they do not represent the interests of the Russian state and do not receive any money from the Russian state. Putin noted that mercenaries were sent to Libya from Syrias rebel-held province of Idlib, voicing hope that a lasting truce will help end the deployment of foreign fighters to Libya. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier this month that his country was sending military personnel to Libya to support Sarrajs government. Vladimir Isachenkov is an Associated Press writer. Mona Singh celebrates her first Lohri with husband Shyam after marriage | FilmiBeat Lohri, the harvest festival, is celebrated today (January 13) in India. On this occasion, Choti Sarrdaarni actors - Nimrit Kaur, Avinesh Rekhi, Anita Raj, Naagin 4's Jasmin Bhasin and Shaleen Bhanot revealed their festival plans. Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, who plays Mehar in Choti Sarrdaarni, says, "Every year I visit Gurudwara first thing in the morning and will visit even this year, depending on my shoot schedule. I'll be celebrating the festival with the cast and crew of my show Choti Sarrdaarni. We also have a major Lohri sequence on the show which made me feel like it was the real celebration." Choti Sarrdaarni's Sarabjit Gill aka Avinesh Rekhi says, "The best thing about Lohri is that it falls in winter which is my favourite season of the year. I always make sure that I celebrate this festival in Chandigarh with my family and close friends, but this year due to my work commitments I will be in Mumbai. I love gorging on food, sweets and most importantly the Lohri special groundnuts. I will celebrate the festival with my wife and kids once I am back home. It feels good to be sitting around the bonfire with all your near and dear ones close to you." Anita Raj, who portrays the role of Kulwant Kaur in Choti Sarrdaarni said, "Being a Punjabi myself, I always look forward to celebrating the festival. This year I am shooting, but will celebrate with my family and close friends after the shoot. Fortunately, even on our show, we are shooting for a Lohri sequence so we will have a perfect pre-lohri celebration on the sets itself with my Choti Sarrdaarni family. I love sitting around the bonfire eating gazak mithai and most importantly enjoy doing Bhangra all night." Jasmin Bhasin, who is seen as Nayantara in Naagin Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel (Naagin 4), revealed, "The most fun part for me about Lohri is the lip-smacking traditional sweets. I am a big-time foodie, and especially on Lohri, I binge on phulle, revadi, sarson da saag and makke di rotti. The best memory I've had about the festival is celebrating it in the chilly atmosphere in Rajasthan with all the tradition, I will always cherish that time. Naagin 4's Shaleen Bhanot said, "Lohri has been one of my most beloved festivals since childhood and I have many memories attached with it. We Punjabis celebrate it with great pomp and show. Amongst all the rituals, sitting around the bonfire and the Punjabi Dhol is my favourite part. This year is going to be special because my parents are in town and I will be celebrating Lohri with them after a very long time." Also Read: TRP Toppers (Online): Bigg Boss 13 Retains First Place; Choti Sarrdaarni & Naagin 4 Witness Jump Girl, 4, loses vision after getting the flu. Now her mom is urging parents to vaccinate their kids. originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com The mother of a 4-year-old girl is urging parents to get their children vaccinated after her daughter lost her vision and nearly died after getting sick with the flu last month. Amanda Phillips, a mother of two from Iowa, said her daughter, Jade, who did not get a flu shot this season, started showing signs of illness before Christmas, but she thought it was just a bug. However, Jade became unresponsive on Christmas Eve and her parents rushed her to the hospital. PHOTO: Jade, a 4-year-old girl from Iowa, lost her vision after getting the flu. (Amanda Phillips) "Just a normal bug, the flu, for a couple days," Phillips told "Good Morning America." "And all of a sudden, you know, five days later, she was unresponsive and it was the drop of a dime that she was sick." MORE: 2 apps to help you stay healthy this flu season Jade was diagnosed with influenza B and placed on a ventilator. The 4-year-old was also diagnosed with acute necrotizing encephalopathy, an extremely rare disease usually preceded by a viral infection, after an MRI revealed abnormalities in her brain. "We think that what has happened in this case is there was an infection with influenza and then the body sort of overcompensates when it is fighting the infection," Dr. Alex Bassuk, division director of Pediatric Neurology at the University of Iowa's Stead Family Childrens Hospital, told "GMA." "Sometimes instead of fighting the infection, it starts fighting itself, and in this case, it can fight the brain." For nearly two weeks, Jade was bedridden and couldnt open her eyes. But when she finally did, Phillips noticed that something wasnt right. "She wouldnt look at you when we were talking to her," said Phillips. "She couldnt focus. You would hand something, or try to give her a toy, and she wouldnt grab it." Jades doctor ended up finding inflammation in her brain, which ended up affecting her vision and leaving her blind. Story continues MORE: The severity of this year's flu virus and what to expect from the vaccine While doctors say that Jades case is rare, they remain hopeful. "Many of the children, especially when it happens in younger children, can recover significantly and we definitely have hope in this case there will be significant recovery," said Bassuk. "But there can be permanent outcome from this process." Now, Phillips is urging other parents to get their children vaccinated, which can not only prevent them from getting the flu, but can also offer protection from extreme outcomes like Jades if they do get sick. "Its your child. You know, you want them to live a long and healthy life, to do whatever you can to make that happen," said Phillips. "Any preventive measure that you could take, take it." HADDAM The efforts of first responders from surrounding towns helped save many of the historic features of the 133-year-old former church that caught fire in the center of town Sunday afternoon. No one was injured in the blaze, which touched off at around 2:30 p.m. at the former St. Peters Roman Catholic Church at 396 Saybrook Road, Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. officials said on Facebook. Long lines greeted visitorsand legislatorsat the state capitol Monday morning as metal detector security checks were implemented following Fridays vote by Democrats to ban guns in capitol buildings and legislative offices. Thousands of gun rights activists descended on Richmond hoping to deter more restrictions as the new Democratic majority took up and passed gun control bills for the first time. Firearms are currently prohibited in all executive office buildingsfor the safety of all who work in and visit the Capitol, we're glad the legislature has followed suit, said the Governors Office. Local Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper, got caught up in the line Monday, even though the gun ban will not be enforced with lawmakers, who will not be required to pass through metal detectors. If youre wondering why the Democrats are willing to put up with this mess, its because they exempted legislators from having to go through this ..., Freitas posted on Facebook Monday morning. And that is part of the problem. When they exempt themselves from the difficulties they create, it become less likely they will make the changes they need to. A thrifty homeowner has told how she transformed her husband's former tool cupboard into a modern beauty room for her daughters. Kirsty Davies Powell, from the UK, took to Facebook group DIY Official On A Budget to share impressive before and after photos of her handiwork, and penned: 'My cupboard on the stairs transformed from my husband's work tools storage to a beauty room for my three daughters. All done on a budget.' And many were quick to take to the comments section, praising the mum for her creativity and for making the most of the space available. 'Oh wow what a brilliant makeover and great use of that space..Well done, your girls must love it,' enthused one, while a second agreed: 'That's so lovely, what a beautiful use of the space.' Kirsty Davies Powell, from the UK, told how she transformed her husband's tool cupboard into a beauty haven for her three daughters. Pictured, before the transformation The thrifty mum shared the before and after photos to Facebook group DIY On a Budget Official. Pictured, after the renovation Alongside the snaps of her project, Kirsty penned: 'My cupboard on the stairs transformed from my husbands work tools storage to a beauty room for my three daughters (pictured) A third penned: 'Wow! Great transformation! Lucky girls,' while a fourth added: 'Three very lucky girls. Wow, thats brilliant.' In the before snaps, the tired-looking room can be seen with nothing more than a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling and marks all over the wall. But following Kirsty's efforts, its since been given a new lease of life - with a lick of paint, a simple mirror, a couple of shelves and storage baskets for accessories and products. The savvy homeowner went on to explain how she bought the holder for her hairdryer and straighteners for 3 from eBay, while the lino tiles were spares her husband - a floor layer - had leftover from work. Before the renovation (pictured), the room featured a single bulb light and looked completely run down Kirsty explained how she prepared the walls for painting before washing them down and re-plastering them. She then added features including a bean bag and pillows Many took to social media to praise Kirsty's efforts, with one writing: 'Three very lucky girls' (pictured) To achieve the finished look, Kirsty told how she prepared the walls for painting before washing them down and re-plastering them. She then decorated by adding a stylish grey stool and a bean bag. Many were left in awe of the homeowner's DIY skills, and joked the transformation is so stunning, they fear the girls will be fighting over it. 'I can imagine the fighting that will happen with 3 sharing such a beautiful space!' joked one, while a second agreed: 'Fab use of space!! Looks amazing! Cant help but think of the fights when they all wanna get ready maybe a long mirror on the back wall and one on the window sill.' Morning routines are different for everyone -- some are early risers, some are not so early risers and some go to sleep in the mornings. Everyone has their way of starting the day, and over the years it becomes an indispensable habit. Reuters When we think of successful people, we often think what would their start of the day be like? Well, Sundar Pichai told about this to the world, in a Recode interview, and surprisingly, it's not very different from ours. He starts his day at 6:30-7:00 AM, while he also mentions the fact that he isn't an early riser. And, just like many of us, he cannot start his day without a cup of tea. He prefers having an English tea followed by a hearty breakfast. His breakfast is really important to him and he often eats eggs and some toast along with it Another thing that he dedicatedly does is read a physical newspaper. You would think the CEO of the world's largest internet brand would prefer reading his news online, but he instead likes it old school. His newspaper of choice is the Wall Street Journal. However, if he ever has to read news online, he prefers the New York Times. Reading physical books or paper is good While it might seem a little odd that the CEO of an online company reads an old school print format, it really isnt. Research in the past has suggested the benefits of reading from a physical format -- it helps in better retention of the information, for a longer period of time in our minds, as opposed to reading content on the screen. Getty Images In case you were wondering if he works out in the morning, he doesn't, but that's due to time constraints. He although manages to take time out for workouts in the evening instead. Pichai was recently handed over the reins of Google's parent company Alphabet, along with a very handsome pay raise. Alphabet includes other brands like self-driving car technology business Waymo, health care software company Verily, high-speed gigabit internet connection network Google Fiber, advanced AI firm DeepMind, and more. BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have expressed their regards to the national ethical role models before the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year. Officials have visited 48 national ethical role models, passing on the greetings of the central leaders and sending aid funds and best wishes for the Spring Festival. The teams were dispatched to 26 provincial-level regions by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the office of the Central Commission for Guiding Ethics and Cultural Progress. In September 2019, a total of 58 people were honored as China's national ethical role models. They were recognized for their outstanding contributions to society, their good reputation among the public and being exemplary role models. Conducted every two years, the campaign has selected 408 national ethical models and 1,740 nominees. According to a statement from the authorities, the two offices have offered more than 24 million yuan (about 3.47 million U.S. dollars) as aid funds to help national ethical role models over the past few years. Visits to ethical role models have been widely carried out across the country in recent years, said the statement. Policy and financial support, social donations and voluntary services are offered to the role models, noted the authorities. A meeting of Opposition parties convened by Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday deliberated on the current political situation following widespread protests against the amended Citizenship Act and the violence on campuses. Significantly, the BSP, the AAP and the Mamata Banerjee-led BSP TMC, stayed away from the meeting attended by representatives of 20 parties in all. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, LJD chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, RJD leader Manoj Jha, National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among those present. Sources said top opposition leaders have already held discussions among themselves and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad is leading the efforts. The opposition is seeking to win over the youth and the students by supporting their protests against the amended citizenship law and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The sources said the Congress and other parties are seeking to take the students' movement forward and have lent support to their cause. Last week, Sonia Gandhi had termed the CAA as a "discriminatory and divisive" law whose "sinister" purpose was to divide people on religious lines, and asserted that the NPR (National Population Register) in form and content was "disguised NRC (National Register of Citizens)". The joint opposition move also assumes significance as it comes soon after Delhi election dates have been announced. Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 8 and results will be declared on February 11. The last time a majority of opposition leaders got together was at the swearing-in of Hemant Soren as Jharkhand chief minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minors in Armenia will be interviewed under video surveillance and with the participation of a psychologist, and if the court is satisfied with the previously held interview in terms of the information received, the minor wont be summoned to another interview. This is what deputy of the My Step faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Nikolay Baghdasaryan declared during a discussion on the bill on making amendments and supplements to the Penitentiary Code held as part of the session of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs of the National Assembly today. According to him, the aim is to protect the mental health of a child since, in his opinion, children are exposed to stress to a certain extent. After long discussions, the Committee approved the bill. A man that federal authorities said was distributing child pornography from a coffee shop in Tracy, Calif., has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by a Chattanooga judge. Matthew John Jurado, 52, appeared before Judge Travis McDonough. He pleaded guilty to causing another person to possess child pornography. Authorities said the case was heard here because the defendants activities and identity were discovered by a member of the Chattanooga Crimes Against Children Task Force, when the defendant distributed child pornography to an undercover Task Force officer. Jurado is a registered sex offender with a prior conviction for child pornography. Authorities said members of the Chattanooga Task Force arrested a second individual who had traveled to Chattanooga with the intent to engage in sex with a minor. Law enforcement agents seized the cell phone belonging to that individual, and found that it contained child pornography that had been sent by Jurado. U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey said, Information sharing among local and federal agencies across the country can bring dangerous criminals to justice. Every child deserves to grow up without the fear, humiliation, and trauma of being the victim of sexual exploitation. If you engage in production of child pornography or dissemination of child pornography in the Eastern District of Tennessee, you will be caught and serve significant time in prison. The U.S. Attorneys Office will continue to aggressively pursue the predators in this world who seek to abuse the most innocent among us. FBIs Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico said, "Those who prey on children, whether they live in Tennessee or around the world, will be found, will be investigated and will be prosecuted. The FBI along with our local, state, and federal partners remain committed to protect our community and hold those accountable whose desire is to harm, abuse, and victimize our most precious resource, our children. The criminal indictment and plea agreement are the result of an ongoing investigation by the Chattanooga Crimes Against Children Task Force, which consists of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department, and the Chattanooga Police Department. This investigation was led by Special Agent Samuel Moore with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James T. Brooks represented the United States The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will pay UAH 200,000 to families of victims of the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) air crash in Iran and will monitor the proper payoff of insurance payments, the press service of Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk has reported in its Telegram channel. "The government will pay UAH 200,000 of assistance to the families of those who were killed in the plane crash in Iran and will monitor the proper payoff of insurance payments in accordance with the Montreal Convention," the press service said. The state will provide comprehensive support and assistance, including legal and financial. In addition, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) will pay compensation to the families of crew members in accordance with a collective agreement. "Our diplomats are already working on all the methods that are in the international legal field in order to obtain compensation from the Iranian side," the government's press service said. L abour has now suffered four election defeats in a row and our worst result since 1935. Were on life support in Scotland. Were on a final warning in Wales and large parts of the North and Midlands of England. Were an irrelevance in the South outside of London and major university towns and cities. We went into the election with a manifesto that people didnt believe in, a world view that people reviled and a culture that people feared. Leadership matters. Losing isnt radical. When Labour loses, the country loses. To recover we need to be bold. To say that Jess Phillips would be a bold choice for leader would be an understatement. She would be unlike any leader weve ever had and not just because shes a woman. Shell be setting out bold ideas. It will take boldness to beat Boris Johnson. Thats why Im backing her. Wes Streeting, Labour MP, Ilford North Editor's reply Dear Wes, Your candour about Labours dire situation is admirable. Your fellow MPs have a clear responsibility today to the whole Labour movement: they should only nominate candidates who have a chance of convincing the country to be their prime minister. In my personal view that would produce a shortlist of three: Jess Phillips, Emily Thornberry and Keir Starmer although Ms Thornberry may not make it through. For what its worth, the only opponent that the Conservative high command really fears is Sir Keir. Thats because, although he can seem stiff in public, he does, from day one, look like an alternative premier. Sir Keir Starmer / PA Ms Phillips is forthright and engaging, as her interview with us last week showed [News in Focus, January 10]. The question is: can she be more than a maverick, and also organise and lead a team? Im sure we agree that any of these three candidates would be a vast improvement on what Labour offers the country today. Best wishes, George Osborne, Editor of the Evening Standard The glory of Londons food Its great to see Londons restaurant scene get an early 2020 boost with a five-star review of Davies and Brook at Claridges from Fay Maschler. It couldnt be a more London story: a Grande Dame hotel sees the return of Swiss chef Daniel Humm, who first worked in its kitchens 25 years ago and now is a hit in New York. The mix of countries and cultures is a key ingredient in giving Londoners a great selection of world-class places to eat out. And theres so much more to come with Nigerian, Turkish, Indian and Mexican and British restaurants opening this year. Londoners are lucky to have such delights on their doorsteps. Catherine Hanly, Editor, hot-dinners.com Busking cannot be for everyone Re your article [January 8] on licences for buskers, might an actual busker (albeit now retired) be allowed to express an opinion? A busker plays the violin in central London / AFP/Getty Images Busking is not something anyone can do. Yes, if licensers can be kept at bay, anyone is free to try it but it takes a long experimentation period before a busker finds his act. And in reply to Westminsters claim that in their scheme they have engaged with the busking community, I would have to protest that there is not a majority of buskers in favour of licensing schemes. Jeremy Helm Next Brexit phase needs to be open With the withdrawal agreement certain to pass Parliament, it is surely time government and Brexit supporters stopped their campaigning and acknowledged difficult choices ahead, instead of calling those who raise any issues remoaners. The UK must now find a future path outside the EU, one based on realism. Large parts of the UKs car industry are threatened by adding costs through regulatory divergence. Londons flourishing services sector relies on openness to European talent. Trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland look certain, their impact unknown. We need to find solutions that assuage business concerns and encourage private sector investment. When Mike Burke says he brings real history into the classroom, he means it. Ive got a piece of the White House that my grandfather received when he was working in Washington during the 1950 White House restoration. It is the original building material of the White House, and I pass it around the classroom and get students to try and guess what it is, because it looks just like a gray stone,Burke said. Then I tell them its a piece of the White House and they say wow, thats really cool. The unit that I do it in is about slavery, and I say that this brick was probably put into place by a slave, Burke said. Once that happens, students really start to make a connection to that. The 33-year-old Burke is in his second year of teaching American history and civics at Jacksonville High School following a career of working at various historic sites in Springfield and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He recently came to class dressed in a Civil War soldiers uniform, and brought authentic period gear that the students could touch as a way to bring them closer to the daily lives of the young people who fought in the war. Burke also has a way of getting students interested in those most antithetical of items in todays digital age old, handwritten pieces of paper. I delve into the actual documents as much as possible, to get history out of the horses mouth, so to speak, Burke said. When a student is reading a historic document, theres nobody between them and the historical figure. I like them actually getting to hold a real document and analyze it. Burkes approach isnt new to the teaching profession, but its refreshing to see him transfer what he learned working at historic sites to a group of teenagers who might not be history fans when the semester begins. The greatest thing that I got out of working in public history that applies to the classroom is all of the experience I have in historical interpretation, Burke said. So much of the training for that is about making connections with people. I try to get students to make tangible connections with history. Burke is a Springfield native, attended Glenwood High School, and majored in history at Illinois College with renowned history professor James Davis. Burke was a seasonal interpreter at Lincolns New Salem State Historic Site in high school, and while a student at Illinois College was privileged to spend a semester studying at Gettysburg College. While there, he had an internship at the Gettysburg National Battlefield. I grew up watching the History Channel, and one of the talking heads who was on many of them was Scott Hartwig, who is the chief historian at Gettysburg National Military Park, Burke said. He was my boss for my internship, which I thought was just incredible. Burke created a tour of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, pointing out the men who had interesting stories who were killed in the battle. He also helped to develop an exhibit for the sites new visitor center, a huge collage of Gettysburg casualties that allows visitors to click on a photograph to get more information about particular soldiers. That display, which opened in 2007, is similar to one in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, which opened in 2005. As fate would have it, Burkes first job out of college was at the Springfield museum, followed by two years as assistant manager of living history at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. Burkes position was eliminated during the summer of 2013 as part of state budget cuts, so he decided to immediately go back to Illinois College and pursue a teaching license. Burke was a substitute teacher at Routt Catholic High School until he was hired full-time by Jacksonville High School during the 2017-2018 school year. I dont live under the misconception that everybody is going to love what I do or that everybody is going to love history, Burke said. But what I hope that students get out of my lessons more than anything is to think like a historian, the ability to look at multiple perspectives, multiple sides of an issue, to question authority. To question the way that history has often been presented to them. I want them to be able to do what Thomas Jefferson said, to question with boldness. That bold questioning philosophy also holds sway in the civics classes that Burke teaches, where he encourages students to pay closer attention to issues and to delve much more deeply into what lies beneath them, rather than depending on social media headlines for information. Abraham Lincoln is one of Burkes historical heroes, as are the countrys founding fathers such as George Washington and John Adams. Hes also a fan of another Illinoisan, Ulysses S. Grant. He was just so unlucky, down and out throughout his life, and then all of a sudden the Civil War starts and hes important, Burke said. He goes off to war, and seven years later hes elected President of the United States. Its an amazing story. Burkes advanced placement U.S. history classes have picked up on his enthusiasm. The students are designing an exhibit to go into the main entryway at Jacksonville High School that will focus on local history and bring awareness about the Jacksonville Area Museum, which is scheduled to open in the old Post Office building in 2020. Burke is a member of the local board that is developing the museum. Burke and his wife live in Springfield, where she is a first-grade teacher, but he doesnt mind the daily commute to work at JHS. The Burkes have an 18-month-old son, whom Mike hopes is a chip off the old historic block. I already bought him a George Washington board book, Burke said. T.G.I. Fridays, which is known for being the original singles bar, is planning to revamp its bar business as the company prepares to be publicly traded again for the first time in decades. "For us, this year, we're finishing up a pilot of tests that are showing very encouraging results to relaunch the T.G.I. Fridays bar," CEO Ray Blanchette said at the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Monday. About 30% of Fridays' $2.1 billion in systemwide sales come from its bar. But like many in the casual dining industry, the chain has seen fewer customers frequent its restaurants and buy its food and drinks. Instead, many consumers are opting to order food delivery or dine at fast-casual chains that offer more convenient options. In the 12 months through November, company-owned Fridays locations in the U.S. saw same-store sales shrink 6.7%, while domestic franchised locations' same-store sales declined 8.1%. In November, the chain announced a merger with Allegro Merger, a special purpose acquisition company with ties to investment firm Crescendo Partners. Special purpose acquisition companies have no assets but use the proceeds from an IPO, combined with bank financing, to buy and take privately held companies public. Besides bringing the chain back to its roots, revamping its bar business also means sales with higher profit margins. Among the planned changes is an effort to better meet customer requests. As an example, Blanchette cited a company policy that did not allow serving a beer and a shot at the same time, even though the combo is popular with the happy hour customers. T.G.I. Fridays has also partnered with actor Ryan Reynolds' gin company, Aviation Gin. But Blanchette said the changes will go further than just reshaping its drink menu. The company is also looking to improve its restaurants' music and lighting and use seating that encourages customers to socialize with each other. As the chain plots a turnaround, Fridays has rehired senior alumni. Blanchette, who spent the first 18 years of his career at Fridays, has experience leading comebacks at Au Bon Pain and Ruby Tuesday. After 12 years away, he returned to T.G.I. Fridays in late 2018. "When I returned, the thing that was most striking to me was that we were sort of out of the bar business," he said. SHANGHAI, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO) ("ZTO" or the "Company"), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China, today held its 2019 year-end network partner convention at Company headquarters in Shanghai. At the convention, the management team reviewed operational performance for the year. In 2019, ZTO delivered 12.1 billion parcels, growth of 42.2%. The Company achieved its volume target while maintaining its leadership position in service quality and overall customer satisfaction. ZTO's results reflect its sound strategy and effective execution, which is the result of joint effort by everyone under the ZTO brand, including network partners. At the convention, ZTO Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Meisong Lai commented, "Reflecting on 2019, we accelerated volume growth to 15 percentage points faster than the industry average. We introduced and implemented network-wide volume-incentive metric and regulatory mechanism of pick-up and delivery fee schedule between the major pick-up regions and the corresponding delivery regions. We achieved a milestone in establishing and operating low-cost and value-added last-mile posts, improving network partners' cost competitiveness and enhancing the last-mile delivery capacity. We further enhanced our operating productivity by continuously expanding our infrastructure across our network as well as thoroughly implementing technology innovations. In addition, each arm of the ecosystem is growing steadily, including cross-border shipments, LTL business, ZTO commerce, ZTO warehousing, aviation, financing, marketing and advertising." Lai continued, "Looking forward, we believe that the domestic consumption needs and China's express delivery market are expected to maintain steady growth in the near term. Our goals for 2020 are to further expand market share and again achieve parcel volume growth 15 percentage points higher than the industry average. We'll solidify our leadership position while maintaining the service quality and a healthy profit growth. "To achieve our goal, we will focus on empowering our network partners to build more comprehensive capabilities, including strong last mile capacities. We will further leverage our advantages in scale, infrastructure productivity, financial resources, stability and sustainability of the network in order to seize market opportunities and widen competitive barriers. In addition, we'll further develop our ecosystem so as to actively explore new ways to enhance our value proposition in comprehensive logistic and supply chain management services. We are confident that we can achieve long-term success by knowing and leveraging our existing strengths, treasuring our partners, making transformations and pursuing continuous improvement in our key advantages." About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain. For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com/ Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confidence" and similar statements. ZTO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about ZTO's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and ZTO undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For More Information: ZTO Ms. Sophie Li Capital Markets Department E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +86 (21) 6978-7037 SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Related Links http://zto.investorroom.com/ Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and Finland have handed over the humanitarian aid to the residents of Donbas, according to the information and internal policy department of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. "A solemn ceremony of transferring the humanitarian cargo from volunteer organizations of Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and Finland to the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions has taken place today in Kramatorsk," reads the report. The event was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikans, Ambassador of Estonia to Ukraine Kaimo Kuusk, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ukraine Bartosz Cichocki, Chief Chaplain of the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Latvia Elmars Plavins, as well as representatives of the military joint forces. The humanitarian aid consists of various clothes for adults and children, shoes, textiles, bedclothes. A separate cargo, consisting of medical products and equipment, is intended for Slaviansk Central District Hospital. On behalf of the local authorities and residents of the region, Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration Vadym Filashkin thanked the ambassadors for their support and continuous assistance. iy Brazzaville, Congo (PANA) - The National Development Fund of Congo (FNDC) will fund an industrial bamboo project in the country to make the plant a pillar of the country's green economy, its CEO, Huo Kouyin, announced at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for partnership with the Congolese Ministry of Forest Economy There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day. Russia's hybrid military forces on Sunday mounted four attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Read alsoUkraine reports four enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 11 "The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire four times on January 12," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 13, 2020. The enemy opened fire from proscribed 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms near the villages of Vodiane, Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, and Travneve. There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day. From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Monday, January 13, Russian-led forces were observing the ceasefire. The Delhi High Court Monday agreed to hear on Tuesday a PIL seeking to open Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch which has been closed since December 15, due to ongoing protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The plea was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar which listed it for hearing on Tuesday. The road closure is causing huge inconvenience/ hardship to lakhs of commuters everyday and they are compelled to take different routes for last one month, it said. The petition, filed advocate and social activist Amit Sahni, sought direction to the Delhi Police Commissioner to withdraw the closure of Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh Stretch and Okhla underpass, which were closed on December 15, 2019 for ongoing protests against CAA and National Register of Citizen (NRC). It was a temporary measure but has been extended from time to time. The Kalindi Kunj stretch is quite crucial as it connects Delhi, Faridabad (Haryana) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and commuters who use these roads are forced to take alternative routes Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) Expressway and Ashram, which is causing hours of traffic jams and wastage of time and fuel, it said. The plea said children, who take that route, are compelled to leave home two hours prior to school timing. It claimed that the authorities have failed to take appropriate action to give relief to the residents of the locality and lakhs of commuters of Delhi, UP and Haryana. Sahni said he has given representation to the authorities on January 3 but no action has been taken till date. Besides Delhi Police, the plea has made the Centre and the Delhi government as parties, seeking from them requisite assistance to the police in addressing the issue. Due to the heavy traffic on alternative routes, it takes 15-20 minutes for people to cross just one traffic signal at Ashram, it said. Citing several reports, it said that on an average, Ashram Chowk is used by around 30,000 vehicles every day. With the Kalindi Kunj road closure, an additional 1 lakh vehicles are flowing through the intersection. The high court, on January 10, had refused to entertain another plea seeking directions for removal of demonstrators protesting the CAA at Shaheen Bagh here in order to clear road blockages that are causing traffic congestions at the DND route. In December, 2019, a plea was filed in the high court by advocate Bajrang Vats seeking to remove physically challenged protesters from the periphery of Mandi House and direction to open roads affected by their demonstrations for general traffic. The court had directed that the petition be treated as representation by the authorities and to be decided in accordance with law, keeping in mind the permissions given by the police to the protestors, effect on the traffic and inconvenience caused to the public at large. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The demonstrations that erupted after Iran admitted to accidentally shooting down a passenger plane during a tense standoff with the United States last week are the latest of several waves of protest going back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution all of which have been violently suppressed. Iranians were shocked and appalled by the shootdown of the Ukrainian jetliner, which killed all 176 people on board, mostly Iranians. Many are also angry at the governments misleading statements in the wake of the tragedy, which it initially blamed on a technical problem. Iranians are also suffering from an economic crisis exacerbated by severe sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump after he withdrew the U.S. from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Trump has encouraged the protests even as he has long embraced other autocrats who smother dissent. His administration hopes that the demonstrations, along with crippling U.S. sanctions, will bring about fundamental change in a longtime adversary. But large numbers of Iranians still support the clerically led government, as seen by the massive turnout for the funeral of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans top general, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad. Even many critics of the government saw him as a war hero who had helped defeat the Islamic State group and resisted Western hegemony in the Middle East. Irans security forces have shown in the past that they will use deadly force against anyone threatening the Islamic Republic, most recently in November, when rights groups say hundreds of people were killed in demonstrations sparked by a hike in gasoline prices. Here is a look at past protests in Iran, and how its theocracy prevailed. ___ THE ISLAMIC REVOLUTION The 1979 Islamic Revolution began with broad-based mass protests that eventually forced the Western-backed monarchy from power. But in the resulting chaos, hard-line followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini quickly moved to sideline left-wing and moderate opposition groups, forcing many Iranians into prison or exile and establishing a firm foundation for clerical rule. Iran also suppressed a rebellion from among its Kurdish minority in a yearslong military campaign. In 1988, at the close of the disastrous Iran-Iraq war, Iran is believed to have executed thousands of political prisoners, something authorities have yet to publicly acknowledge. ___ A STUDENT UPRISING The closure of a reformist newspaper in 1999 ignited a week of student protests. On July 9, security forces and hard-line vigilantes stormed a student dormitory at Tehran University. At least three people were killed and 1,200 were arrested in the unrest, which spread to other cities. The protests unfolded amid a power struggle between President Mohammad Khatami, a popular reformist, and hard-liners who dominate the Revolutionary Guard and the security apparatus. The hard-liners eventually prevailed, and the resulting crackdown set back reform efforts for a decade. ___ THE GREEN MOVEMENT The largest and most sustained protests since the Islamic Revolution erupted in the summer of 2009, after the reformist opposition disputed the re-election of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Millions of Iranians took part in months of protests in several major cities. Green Movement leaders did not call for the overthrow of the system, but for the reversal of the allegedly rigged election, greater social freedoms and the reining in of the security forces. Authorities nevertheless responded with a massive crackdown. The Revolutionary Guard and its volunteer force, the Basij militia, opened fire on protesters and launched a wave of arrests. Opposition leaders were placed under house arrest and silenced in the largely state-run media. Among those killed was Neda Agha Soltan, a 27-year-old woman who became an icon of the protest movement after she was shot and bled to death in a video seen by millions on social media. President Barack Obama came under criticism for not offering a full-throated endorsement of the protests. But its unclear if that would have made a difference, and it might have fed into hard-liners allegations that the protests were part of a Western plot. ___ ECONOMIC PROTESTS Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, Trump has imposed maximum sanctions on Iran that he says are aimed at countering its nuclear program and its support for armed groups across the region. The sanctions, including those targeting the vital oil industry, have eviscerated Irans economy, wiping away many peoples life savings and fueling high unemployment. In the 18 months since the U.S. began restoring sanctions, Iran has seen waves of sporadic, leaderless protests initially focused on economic grievances and perceived corruption among the clerical elite and the Revolutionary Guard. Each time, the protests rapidly escalated into chants against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and calls for the end of clerical rule. The protests have often turned violent and security forces have responded with deadly force. In the most recent and deadly wave of protests, in November, authorities shut down the internet for several days, making it difficult to discern the scale of the protests and the resulting crackdown. Amnesty International estimates that more than 300 people were killed. ___ Follow Joseph Krauss on Twitter at www.twitter.com/josephkrauss . Phoenix, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/13/2020 -- SCOTTSDALE, AZArizona residents who are in the market to upgrade their current heating and cooling system would be wise to check in with Larson Air Conditioning. In honor of the many cozy celebrations that January provides, including National Cuddle Up Day, National Hot Toddy Day and National Winnie the Pooh Day, the HVAC company, which is known for its premier heating repair in Phoenix, is revealing a secret to obtaining perfect warmth during Phoenix's winter chill. It's called the heat pump. According to Larson Air Conditioning, the heat pump is growing in popularity among homeowners in the Arizona regionfor many reasons. The versatility of the heat pump is the No. 1 reason customers are upgrading from traditional furnaces to the dual-system heat pump. Rather than generating heat like a traditional furnace does, a heat pump transfers heat from one space to another. So, in summer it keeps a home cool, while in winter it keeps a home warm! Perfection! Homeowners who install a heat pump will benefit from the following advantages: High SEER value for superior efficiency Lower year-round utility bills Reduced carbon footprint Seamless pairing with indoor air filters & purifiers Low maintenance design Long lifespan Single & multi-zone options Experts at Larson Air Conditioning are available for heat pump installation in the Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix area. Call Larson today for more information. About Larson Air Conditioning Established in 2012, Larson Air Conditioning is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Jared and Jamie Larson. The family-owned Scottsdale-based HVAC company integrates family values in all servicefrom insulation services in Phoenix to AC maintenance in Tempeand vows to provide total satisfaction, reliability and comfort to every customer it serves in the Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix area. With Larson, customers are guaranteed a trusted company that provides best-in-class HVAC practices, skilled craftsmanship and incredible customer service. Its a new year, a new decade and a new phase of the 2020 Democratic presidential contest. Thats right were entering primary voting season, and that can only mean one thing: tonight brings another Democratic debate. The Democratic National Committees (DNC) seventh Democratic debate of this cycle and the first of the election year will take place Tuesday night at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. CNN will co-host the debate with The Des Moines Register and broadcast the event live from 9 to 11 p.m. EST. Follow along with TIMEs live coverage here. Why Iowa? The first nominating contest of the primary, the Iowa caucuses, will take place across the state just a few weeks later on Feb. 3. The debate stage has shrunk remarkably in the past few months. Only six candidates qualified this time: former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, billionaire executive Tom Steyer and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The stage has also grown remarkably less diverse. The January Democratic debate will be the first of the cycle without a single person of color on stage. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and entrepreneur Andrew Yang hit the debates donor requirement but didnt quite make the polling threshold. The only Latino candidate in the field, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, dropped out of the race on Jan. 2 and endorsed Warren on Jan. 6. Booker, one of the few remaining prominent African Americans in the field, dropped out on Monday. Its with a full heart that I share this newsIm suspending my campaign for president. To my team, supporters, and everyone who gave me a shotthank you. I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together. pic.twitter.com/Fxvc549vlJ Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 13, 2020 Meanwhile, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had the needed polling numbers but lacked the donors; the billionaire has pledged to self-fund his campaign. Story continues A lot has happened around the world in the few weeks since the last debate. Bushfires in Australia have grown to catastrophic levels and at least 66 people have died from devastating flooding in Indonesia; both disasters are exacerbated by climate change. Tensions between the United States and Iran spiked on Jan. 3 when the U.S. assassinated Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Last but not least, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said just hours before the debate that the House plans to vote on Wednesday to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, opening the door for a Senate trial on President Donald Trumps removal from office. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell later said he expects the Senate trial to begin next Tuesday. The smaller debate size will likely give each candidate more time to speak to these current events. Other crucial Democratic topics like healthcare, economic inequality and education will almost definitely come up. Also likely to come up: the recent dispute between Warren and Sanders, two progressive candidates (and friends) who have so far avoided a major feud. Warren said in a statement Monday evening that Sanders told her in 2018 that a woman couldnt win the White House, publicly confirming reports about the private meeting that emerged earlier in the day. Sanders has denied he made the comments. Were down to the end here. That means theres pressure on everybody to try to show off, to be smart, to point out their opponents weaknesses, Stuart Rothenberg, a political analyst and senior editor of Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales, tells TIME. But you dont want to go too nasty right at the end here. You dont want to look mean spirited. Thats not Midwestern nice. Heres what to expect from the January Democratic Debate. When is the debate? The debate will take place tonight on the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa, and run from 9 to 11 p.m. EST. It will air live on CNN and stream on CNNs homepage without requiring a cable login. Viewers can also watch the debate on CNNs apps for iOS and Android as well as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast and Android TV. It will also stream on DesMoinesRegister.com. Tuesdays debate will be the first of four planned for the next two months, each taking place in a different early voting state. The eighth debate will be on Feb. 7 in New Hampshire, the ninth will be on Feb. 19 in Nevada, and the 10th will be on Feb. 25 in South Carolina. The DNC narrowly avoided a possible conflict with the Presidents impeachment trial. Pelosi said Tuesday the House would vote Wednesday on House managers and sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he believes he has the votes to start an impeachment trial, which he expects will begin next Tuesday. Were a trial to begin, every senator would have to return to Congress to act as jurors, including the three set to appear on stage. DNC chairman Tom Perez addressed this possibility on Jan. 7. Democrats and our senators can walk and chew gum, Perez told MSNBC. Obviously, if theres a trial on the 14th, then well move the debate. If theres not, then were going to have the debate. At the moment, all systems are go, and so were going to move forward. Which candidates have qualified for the January Democratic debate? Biden and Sanders shake hands after the Democratic presidential debate at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 20, 2019. | Alex WongGetty Images The DNC raised the debate qualifications once again, shrinking the stage down to just six candidates (Decembers debate had seven). To qualify, they had until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 10 to get at least 5% in four DNC-approved polls or at least 7% in two early-state polls (Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and/or Nevada). They also needed at least 225,000 unique donors with a minimum of 1,000 unique donors in at least 20 states, U.S. territories or Washington D.C. Januarys Democratic debate will be the smallest of the election cycle thus far. Heres who made the cut: Former Vice President Joe Biden, 77 Biden served as President Barack Obamas Vice President from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the Senate from 1973 to 2009. He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008 and 1988. Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 37 Buttigieg served eight years as the mayor of South Bend, Ind., from 2012 to Jan. 1, 2020. Were he to win the Democratic nomination, he would be the first openly gay presidential nominee for a major political party. Buttigieg was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve between 2009 and 2017. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 59 Klobuchar was the first woman to be elected senator from Minnesota in 2006. She previously served as the county attorney for Minnesotas most populous county, Hennepin County, from 1999 to 2007. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 78 Sanders served as Vermonts sole congressional representative from 1991 to 2007 and has represented Vermont in the Senate since 2007. The self-described democratic socialist ran for the 2016 Democratic nomination and lost to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Billionaire executive Tom Steyer, 62 Steyer founded the hedge fund Farallon Capital in the 1980s, and also launched the political groups NextGen America and Need to Impeach, and has poured millions of his own money into campaigns calling for President Trumps impeachment. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 70 In 2012, Warren became the first woman elected to the Senate from Massachusetts. She previously taught law, specializing in bankruptcy, and proposed the original idea for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2007 while still teaching at Harvard Law School. Klobuchar speaks during a campaign stop at Millers Sports Bar and Restaurant on December 27, 2019 in Algona, Iowa. | Joe RaedleGetty Images The candidates will stand on stage based on an average of qualifying polls released in January, with the highest polling candidates standing in the middle. Theyll stand in the following order from left to right: Steyer, Warren, Biden, Sanders, Buttigieg and Klobuchar. Biden and Sanders will be center stage. Klobuchars campaign has made it farther than some other candidates who had buzz at the start of the race but have since dropped out, such as California Sen. Kamala Harris or former Texas Rep. Beto ORourke. Shes also gaining steam in Iowa, polling at 7% according to ReadClearPolitics polling average on Jan. 9 compared to 2.8% nationally. Shes always had one advantage over the rest of the field, and that was the Midwestern moderate progressive, a midwestern progressive who can appeal to swing voters, women voters, maybe blue collar working class voters even, Rothenberg tells TIME. Shes also spent a lot of time campaigning in Iowa. Klobuchar has been touring the state for a long time. She also touts herself as a neighbor. She says shes the senator from next door, and thats sort of like literally true, Mack Shelley, the chair of the political science department at Iowa State University, tells TIME, laughing. She speaks fluent [Midwestern] and you know, basically if youre in northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, you really cant tell the difference. Who didnt qualify? Cory Booker and Andrew Yang each met the donor requirements but didnt quite hit the polling threshold. Yang who qualified for every previous debate came within striking distance of the poll requirement but fell short in two polls. Booker announced that he would drop out of the race on Monday. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, meanwhile, hit the polling requirements but not the fundraising threshold. The 77-year-old billionaire announced hell self-fund his campaign, meaning he wont qualify for any of the official DNC debates. But that doesnt mean hes off the airways; according to The New York Times, Bloomberg has already spent more than $170 million on television and digital advertising. Four other Democratic candidates met none of the requirements: Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, Former Maryland Rep. John Delaney, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro the only Latino candidate in the field dropped out of the race on Jan. 2. But he might not be off the trail for long; pundits have floated Castros name as a possible vice presidential pick. On Jan. 6, Castro announced his endorsement of Warren, heightening rumors about a possible ticket. On Friday, self-help author Marianne Williamson also dropped out of the race. Fourteen other candidates have dropped out: Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Miramar, Fla., Mayor Wayne Messam, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton, former West Virginia state senator Richard Ojeda, former Texas Rep. Beto ORourke, Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, former Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak and California Rep. Eric Swalwell. Whos moderating? CNN and The Des Moines Register have announced three moderators: CNN political anchor Wolf Blitzer, CNN political correspondent Abby Phillip, and The Registers chief political correspondent Brianne Pfannenstiel. All three moderators covered the previous presidential cycle. Pfannenstiel covered then-candidate Donald Trump and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in the 2016 Iowa caucuses and Phillip covered the Clinton campaign. Blitzer, who has worked in political journalism for decades, moderated two Republican debates and one Democratic debate. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer speaks before the first round of the CNN Republican presidential debate on December 15, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Justin SullivanGetty Images Will the debate influence voters in the primaries? Tuesdays debate is the last one before nominating contests begin on Feb. 3 with the Iowa caucuses. Because its first, the result of the caucuses is usually seen as a crucial indicator of the frontrunners in the race. Since 2000, every Democratic presidential nominee has come in first in the Iowa caucuses, including former President Barack Obama in 2008. Some critics have argued that Iowa a state that is over 85% white is not the best forecaster of which candidates can mobilize the Democratic Partys racially diverse base. Regardless, the caucuses drive attention from the media and powerful donors. While the candidates have been campaigning in the state for quite a while, not all Iowa caucus-goers have made up their minds. Recent polling suggests a majority of people planning to caucus have indicated they could switch candidates, Iowa States Shelley explains, adding the polls show theres still a lot of volatility. In Iowa [theres] a long tradition of candidates surging or declining very quickly in the final weeks before the caucus, Rachel Paine Caufield, a professor of political science at Drake University, tells TIME. Caufield leads the political visitor team on campus and is helping organize the debate. She pointed to the 2004 caucuses as an example, when then-Senator John Kerry rapidly skyrocketed in the polls in the last few weeks and ultimately won, reviving his campaign. [In Iowa] we expect to wait a while before we make our decision, she says. This debate is the last time theyll see the candidates on a national stage before they walk into the caucuses, so I expect theres some room for candidates to make a big final impression that could be positive or negative. But as Inside Elections Rothenberg points out, the candidates will continue to campaign throughout the state in the following weeks, so its not the last time Iowa voters will hear from them. What are the big issues that will likely come up? Given recent tensions with Iran, foreign policy will almost definitely be discussed. I can guarantee you that right now each of the candidates is really honing their message on the Middle East, [and] on Iran and Iraq in particular, Caufield says. Jaime Dominguez, a professor of political science at Northwestern, predicts that Sanders will come out swinging at Biden for voting for the Iraq War and Biden in turn will play up his foreign policy experience as Vice President. Because Iowa has a large agricultural industry, the topic of trade might get more attention than it has in previous debates. But Caufield says she thinks the debates location wont have a major impact on whats discussed. I think the candidates are going to be aiming their comments at a national audience as well as an Iowa audience, she explains, adding that national questions are the same as the questions raised in Iowa town halls: concerns about health care, economic inequality, energy, student loans, etc. The bushfires in Australia and flooding in Indonesia could also spark a larger discussion around climate change, and Steyer may take the chance to highlight his environmental advocacy nonprofit NextGen Climate (now NextGen America). And what about impeachment? It could come up again, given that three of the candidates may have to stop campaigning to participate in the trial, but they probably wont linger on the topic. I have not heard a lot of talk about impeachment. Its not top of mind for a lot of Iowa voters, Caufield shares. Given that Steyer is in the debate and Bloomberg and his million-dollar ad buys are something of an elephant in the room Rothenberg says he wouldnt be surprised if theres a question about money in politics and Warren or Sanders takes the chance to call out Bloomberg by name. The bread and butter issue of healthcare will almost definitely come up. Warren seems to have dialed back her support for Medicare for All after taking some hits on that issue, Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of political forecaster Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, writes in an email. Warren might try to clarify her stance. Sanders will likely face more heat than he has in previous debates, given his recent surge with polls and donations. I think theres a lot of nervousness, much like in 2016, about the Sanders campaign. I think a lot of party regulars are just scared to death of Sanders maybe getting the nomination, Shelley says, adding that more moderate candidates like Klobuchar, Buttigieg, and Biden might have decided they have to go after Sanders at this point to try and stem his momentum. Buttigieg could also face attacks like he did in the December debate, given hes doing especially well in Iowa polls. And dont write off Klobuchar. I think we should expect [her] to really, really be aiming to make a big splash, Caufield says. Shes somebody whos invested heavily in Iowa over the past month a lot of people have identified her as a potential surge candidate. Where do the candidates stand in the polls? Dont underestimate Bernie Sanders. On Jan. 2 his campaign released massive fundraising numbers, raising more than $34.5 million in the last three months of 2019 millions more than any other candidate without taking any high dollar donations. Hes steadily risen in Iowa polls to be neck-in-neck with Buttigieg and Biden, and demonstrated staying power both in early states and nationally. You cant translate money dollar-to-dollar for votes. The important thing is who can expand their appeal, Rothenberg explains. But that expansion doesnt always happen along ideological lines. In the national narrative this is a battle between the progressive wing and the moderate wing, [and] I think on a macro level that is absolutely true, Caufield says. Having said that, on an individual level, I dont think voters are thinking in those terms. For example, we see a lot of cross over with people who are considering Warren and Buttigieg, or Biden and Sanders. And a lot of could change in the few weeks leading up to the caucuses. Heres how the candidates in the debate stand in both Iowa and national polls, according to RealClearPolitics polling averages on Jan. 10: Iowa Democratic Presidential Caucus: Sanders 22% Buttigieg 21.7% Biden 20.3% Warren 15.3% Klobuchar 7.0% Steyer 2.3% 2020 Democratic Presidential Nomination: TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.13 Trend: The commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has explained the attack on US base and human mistake that lead to tragic crash of Ukraine plane at a parliament session in Tehran, Hossein Salami said, Trend reports via IRINN. "We were on our highest alert, following the reported threats of US missile attacks. Our anti-missile system was ready for hitting enemy's cruise missiles," Salami said. "The operator was informed of a cruise missile flying and for second his communication was cut and with the conception that the plane on the radar is a serious threat, the shot was fired, supposedly at a cruise missile," he said. "Our extended reviews increased the possibility that the missile hit the Ukrainian plane, but even then we weren't sure, so we sent in a team of experts to assess the situation," Salami said. Salami went on to add that there was also pressure following the assassination of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani by the US. "The US has martyred our commander and warned that it would hit 52 targets in Iran, if we react," he said. "We were under pressure." "Our aim wasn't targeted towards human casualties, or killing enemy soldiers. We reacted towards a US threat," Salami said. "I wish I was in the (Ukrainian) plane and crashed and wouldn't witness such a tragic incident," said Hossein Salami. A Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane with 167 passengers (including Iranian and foreign citizens) and 9 crew members on board crashed Jan. 8, after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. The plane was heading for Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. The plane took off at 06:12 (GMT+3:30), and at 06:18, it lost connection with the dispatcher center. The plane crashed at 6:22. Following the investigation, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran released a statement saying that the Ukrainian aircraft was unintentionally shot down by Iran, due to a human error. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani expressed regret over the tragic incident. "Iran's armed forces were on alert after the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and the US threats, so an unfortunate human error led to huge tragedy and innocent people have died," said Rouhani. China has denounced the election victory of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen saying, reunification across the Taiwan Strait is a historical inevitability. Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, won reelection Saturday with a 57 percent majority with more than 8.1 million votes. The DPP also won 61 of 113 seats in the legislature. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency accused Tsai and the DPP of cheating and using repression and intimidation to get votes. It said the result was "a development that deeply worries people who hope for peace." China had used similar language to describe Tsais first election victory in 2016. Speaking in Africa, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said the one China principle will not change because of a local election on Taiwan. He added that it will not be shaken because of the wrong words and actions of certain Western politicians. While claiming victory, Tsai said that Taiwan would not give in to threats and intimidation from China and that only Taiwans people had the right to decide their own future. The United States' top diplomat Mike Pompeo praised Tsai for seeking stability with China in the face of unrelenting pressure. China considers Taiwan a rebel province and threatens to use force bring the island under its rule. It has periodically sent military planes and ships through the Taiwan Strait separating the sides as a show of force. Tsai has rejected Chinas condition for negotiations which states that Taiwan must accept that both sides belong under one flag. The two sides have been separated since 1949 when the Communists took control of mainland China at the end of the countrys civil war. Tsai told reporters after the election that, Pressure from China will continue to exist and could even become heavier. Will relations change Some experts, however, believe that China will have calm relations with Taiwan because Tsai no longer needs to show her strong opposition to the mainland. Tsais presidential campaign brought attention to mainland Chinas efforts against protestors in Hong Kong. Mainland China would seek to rule Taiwan the same way, Tsai said. I dont think China will ever back off, said Yun Sun, who is with the East Asia Program at the Stimson Center, a research group in Washington D.C. She said Chinese officials hope to start talks at some time. She added that, it is in the mainlands interest not to overplay it. Wang Ching-Hsing is an assistant political science professor at National Cheng Kung University. He said Chinas reaction so far is verbal, or is only in words. But he said it is unlikely that Tsai will hold any talks with Chinese officials during her second term. Wang noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping would insist on his goal of ruling Taiwan. Last year, Xi gave a speech calling for China to rule Taiwan under the one country, two systems model. That term describes Chinas policy toward Hong Kong since 1997 which was supposed to permit Hong Kong to keep its local laws and government systems. But huge protests against Chinese rule in Hong Kong through much of 2019 have tested that model. Public opinion studies have shown that a majority of Taiwanese reject that idea. Tsai suggested that the two sides may establish communications if China respects the will of the Taiwanese people. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted this for VOA Learning English based on VOA and Reuters news reports. Hai Do was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story inevitability n. something that is sure to happen repression n. using force to control someone or something intimidation n. to make someone afraid unrelenting adj. not slowing down or stopping overplay v. to give too much attention to something parity n. a state of being equal A 32-year-old Cork man who got engaged over Christmas appeared in court today charged with assaulting his fiancee on New Years Day. Jason Collins of 1 Pinehurst, Clash Road, Little Island, County Cork, is charged with assault causing harm to the young woman on January 1. Garda Peter Kelleher testified in a state objection to bail being granted to the accused that it was alleged that the defendant used his elbow to strike the woman in the face and that there was a lot of blood at the scene of the alleged crime. Collins applied for bail and said he was anxious to start a residential treatment programme through Arbour House. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said to the defendant that he should not have gone to his fiancees house in the circumstances even though she had invited him down. Mr Buttimer asked what he would do if he got bail and she asked him down again. Collins replied: I wont go. Garda Kelleher said gardai were concerned about the possibility that the accused would return to the young womans house if granted bail. Judge Mary Cashin said that the accused man was innocent until proven guilty but that it was a very serious matter. She said she would remand the accused in custody for a very short period to see if the complainant wished to come to court to give evidence and also to see what the position was about the accused entering a residential treatment facility. She remanded Cashin in custody until Wednesday. Mr Buttimer said of the defendant and complainant during the bail application: Even though they are at loggerheads they are engaged to be married. Jason Collins said they were engaged since Christmas. Mr Buttimer asked: When will the big day be?. Collins replied, I am not sure. PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consumer products company RB has re-launched its product transparency website, www.rbnainfo.com, which discloses ingredients for its products sold in the US. RB initially created the site in 2009 to proactively offer consumers greater visibility into the products they were buying. The upgraded site takes RB's commitment to ingredient transparency even further by offering additional technical details, including fragrance information, and enhanced consumer-friendly functionality for searching its popular consumer brands including Lysol, Mucinex, Air Wick, and Finish, among others. "RB has a long and proud history of being a leader in ingredient transparency because we firmly believe consumers have both a right to know, as well as a right to understand, what is included in our products," said Hal Ambuter, Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs for RB's Hygiene Home brands in North America. "To truly create a cleaner world, we need to start with providing our consumers with the information they need to make informed choices and to reinforce their trust and confidence in our products." RB has spent over a decade working collaboratively with leading NGOs, policymakers and other consumer product companies towards standardizing disclosure requirements across product lines. To that end, RB was an active leader in developing and supporting the California Cleaning Product Right to Know Act of 2017, a landmark law that requires precedent-setting ingredient and fragrance disclosure. The upgraded RB website meets all the requirements of the California regulation with some significant additions. "It's great to see a company like RB put so much thought and effort into creating an online format to disclose ingredients that is user friendly and, in some cases, goes above and beyond what is currently required by law," said Amber Garcia, executive director of Women's Voices for the Earth. "We thank RB for the leadership it has shown on the public's right to know. They truly listened to their customers who were asking for more information about what products are made of, and they delivered." Consumers who visit the enhanced www.rbnainfo.com website can search by product name or UPC barcode to easily find ingredient information. The site offers three different ways to view the information, including via the new SmartLabel format. Visitors can also download Safety Data Sheets for each product, in either English or Spanish, and learn the latest information on RB's responsibility standards and policies. RB will continue its mission of providing consumers with the information they need through on-label ingredient statements. This will enable even greater point of purchase information. Some of the labels have already been launched with the remainder slated by the end of 2020, including a Lysol ingredient statement. About RB RB* is a leading global health, hygiene and home company inspired by a vision of the world where people are healthier and live better. Its purpose is to make a difference by giving people innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes. Through its two business units, Health and Hygiene Home, RB has operations in over 60 countries and its products reach millions of people globally every day. Its trusted household brands include names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Mucinex, Delsym, Durex, K-Y, Clearasil, Airborne, Digestive Advantage, MegaRed, Move Free, Neuriva, Lysol, Finish, Woolite and Air Wick. RB's drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence is manifested in the work of over 40,000 diverse, talented entrepreneurs worldwide. For more information visit www.rb.com/US. *RB is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies. SOURCE RB Related Links http://www.rbnainfo.com The United Nations said killings, rapes and other barbaric violence committed by an ethnic armed group in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo against a rival group may amount to crimes against humanity and possibly even genocide. The widespread nature of the organization, the systematic nature, is certainly characteristic of crimes against humanity, UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told the media over the weekend. The burden of proof of genocide, the intent to destroy a whole part of a population, is far more difficult to prove. The FARDC army and police have failed to stop the violence and have themselves carried out executions, rapes and arbitrary arrests, the UN human rights office said in a report. Congolese authorities must deploy more security forces and investigate abuses, it added. At least 701 people have been killed and 168 injured during inter-ethnic violence between the Hema and Lendu communities in Djugu and Mahagi territories from December 2017 to September 2019, the report said. At least 142 people have suffered acts of sexual violence, it added. Schools and health clinics have been attacked and destroyed. The report said that most attacks occurred in June around the harvest period, and in December during the sowing season. This makes it more difficult for the Hema to cultivate their fields and exacerbates their lack of food. Nearly 57,000 Congolese have fled to Uganda while more than half a million have been displaced internally. Heavy snowfall and incessant rain have left at least 14 people, including women and children, dead and over a dozen injured in several parts of Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, a media report said on Monday. The inclement weather has affected road and air traffic and disconnected Balochistan with rest of the world. Continuous snowfall in the provincial capital Quetta has led to the collapse of a large number of mud houses, claiming lives in the border towns of Chaman, Barshor and Bostan area of Pishin district. Six people, including three women and as many children, died and two others were injured when the roof of their house collapsed in Shahabzai area of Zhob district due to heavy snowfall, the Dawn newspaper reported. In Killi Luqman area near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman, five members of a family, including women and children, died and six others were injured when the roof of their mud house collapsed during an engagement ceremony late on Sunday. Two children died and as many suffered injuries when the roof of their room caved-in in Killi Chukal area of Pishin district, while another woman lost her life in a similar incident, the report quoted Met officials as saying. Sources in Civil Hospital Quetta said that over a dozen people injured in snowfall-related accidents were brought to the hospital for treatment. The Met officials said the heavy snowfall in Quetta had already broken the 20-year-old record. "In Qilla Saifullah, the Met Office recorded three to four feet snow, which was more than double the usual 1.5 feet snow," said Chief Meteorologist Azmat Hayat Khan. An aircraft that had arrived from Saudi Arabia with passengers on Saturday night could not fly back, as Quetta airport runway remained covered with heavy snow, sources said. Hundreds of passengers were stranded on different highways linking Balochistan. Official said traffic was also suspended at Quetta-Chaman highway as the Khozak-Pass linking Pakistan with Afghanistan also received heavy snowfall, bringing to halt the Afghan transit trade with hundreds of trucks and other goods vehicles remaining standard on both sides of the border. "Several people with their vehicles are still waiting for help but unfortunately those areas cannot be reached without helicopter. I have made a request for provision of the helicopter to the provincial disaster management authority. Hopefully, it would be provided to us as soon as possible," said Chagai Deputy Commissioner Fateh Khan Khajjak. Around two dozen passengers, including women and children, remain trapped in the far-flung Kaachar area close to Pakistan-Iran border. Official said the army and the personnel of Frontier Corps were making efforts to rescue them. The regional transport authorities and deputy commissioners of various districts have warned people against travelling on the Quetta-Karachi highway. They said the roads were blocked at various points due to heavy snowfall in Kalat, Mastung, Surab, Zehri and many other areas. The new spell of heavy snowfall that started on Saturday night in Quetta continued with small intervals in many other areas of northern Balochistan, according to the Met Office. Water level in the Dashat and Nehag rivers as well as other small rivers has risen after their catchment areas received heavy showers. "There is no sign of danger," senior official of the irrigation department Sher Jan Baloch said. Snowfall is also expected in different parts of the country, besides heavy showers in Islamabad from Monday till Tuesday morning, according to the meteorological department. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lucknow: The state government has started the process to identify refugees for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, said UP minister Shrikant Sharma here on Monday. "The notification for the CAA (by the Centre) has been issued and all district magistrates in UP have been asked to collect data," Sharma told PTI. In the first list, over 32,000 refugees have been identified in 21 districts of the state and the exercise is going on in the entire state as per information I have from the state Home Department, Sharma added. There are 75 districts in the state. When asked about the countries they belong to, Sharma said,"They are from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh." The districts from where the first list has arrived included Sahranpur, Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Rampur, Pratapgarh, Pilibhit, Lucknow, Varnaasi, Bahraich, Lakhimpur, Rampur, Meerut, Agra. Sources said Pilibhit has the maximum number of refugees. However, the exact number is yet to be disclosed by the state government. "The exercise is going on and as the data comes, we will update figures," Sharma said. An NGO, Nagrik Adhikar Manch, has also prepared a 116-page report, "Uttar Pradesh Mein Aaye Pakistan, Afghanistan Evam Bangladesh ke Sharnarthiyon ki Aapbeeti (Unke Utpeedan ki Kahani)" and sent it to the state and the Centre. The state government has not confirmed whether it was taking the report into account or not. "We have got the report of the Nagrik Adhikar Manch," a senior Home Department official said, who refused to elaborate. The Centre last week had issued a gazette notification announcing that the CAA has come into effect from January 10, 2020. The Act grants citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (47 of 2019), the Central government hereby appoints the 10th day of January, 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force," the notification said. The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11. According to the legislation, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. There have been widespread protests against the Act in different parts of the country. In UP, at least 19 persons were killed in anti-CAA protests. - Africa women, especially Ghanaian women, are blessed with very beautiful curvy women who can not help but flaunt their beautiful figure on social - One of the Ghanaian ladies causing a stir on social media with a beautiful curvaceous body on social media is Abidivabroni - YEN.com.gh brings you 5 powerful pictures of Abidivabroni and the wonders she is doing with her curvy body on social media Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Abidivabroni is a popular Ghanaian entrepreneur who is widely known for her waist trainer products which help ladies accomplish their desired body shape. READ ALSO: Juliet Ibrahim puts her beautiful natural curves on display; throws jabs at ladies with artificial curves The beautiful Abidivabroni is endowed with curves, hips, and a huge backside. READ ALSO: Lydia Forson exposes fake people claiming to be living better lives on social media With her outstanding body shape, Abidivabroni is a proud mother of four beautiful children. READ ALSO: Joyce Blessing shows off handsome husband; pens romantic message to celebrate his birthday She also has a lot of following on accounts across all social media platforms. And it was through her efforts to stay in shape after giving birth that her research led to the discovery of the wraps. READ ALSO: Fella Makafui flaunts her thick thighs; throws subtle jabs at Medikal YEN.com.gh earlier reported Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim, recently took to social media to flaunt her beautiful curves. The film star also used the opportunity to shade ladies who have undergone surgery to enhance their curves. The actress advised them not to stand too close to the heater because plastic has a high tendency to melt. Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Source: YEN.com.gh Mohit Suri's upcoming film, Malang is touted to be one of the most anticipated films of this year. Ever since the trailer dropped, Aditya Roy Kapur and Disha Patani's sizzling chemistry is the talk of the town. Even the recently-released first track titled 'Chal Ghar Chalen' has received a thumbs up from the audience. Meanwhile recently, there were reports floating in the media that Kriti Sanon was the original choice to play the leading lady in this romantic thriller. However, she walked out of this film and picked up some other projects. The makers then roped in Disha Patani in her place. In a recent interview with Bombay Times, director Mohit Suri dismissed these rumours and clarified, "We had approached Kriti. She had even read the script and we were planning out the dates, but it didn't work out." He further added, "As a director, my job was to reach out to an actor. I did that, but then she also received offers for Housefull 4 and Panipat. She would have had to waste six months to be a part of my film, as I was figuring out the dates with other actors. Kriti really wanted to do Malang, but she had to let go of it and choose other films instead. It is as simple as that, and nothing as sensational as the news reports claimed that, 'she has walked out of the project." Speaking about Malang, Mohit earlier shared in a statement, "With Malang, I am essentially returning to genre I enjoy the most. It will be intense, edgy and mad. I hope Malang is as thrilling and exciting an experience for the audience to see as much as it has already been for me." The revenge drama also has a cameo by actor Vatsal Seth. The actor was quoted as saying by Bollywoodlife, "Yes, it's a cameo and I am happy to be a part of Malang. A friend of mine and the producer of the film contacted me for the part. I am just glad to be a part of this big project." Starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani, Anil Kapoor and Kunal Kemmu, the Mohit Suri directorial is slated to release on February 7, 2020. Malang Song Chal Ghar Chalen: Aditya Roy Kapur-Disha Patani's Love Ballad Is Soothing To The Ears Leave Everything! These Hilarious Malang Memes Will Shoo Away Your Monday Blues An obituary about an Iowa man went viral this month, not only because of its whimsical-yet-serious style but also because it was authored by the deceased man himself. Ken Fuson, who worked as a journalist for several newspapers, died Jan. 3 of liver cirrhosis at the age of 63. He wrote his own obit before he passed away. The obituary is filled with facts about Fusons life, set in a self-deprecating and humorous tone. Mainstream websites across the U.S. wrote about it, as did the BBC in the United Kingdom. He was diagnosed with liver disease at the beginning of 2019, which is pretty ironic given how little he drank. Eat your fruits and vegetables, kids, the obit says. Of his death, Fuson wrote that he is stunned to learn that the world is somehow able to go on without him. On his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, he joked: He attended the university's famous School of Journalism, which is a clever way of saying, almost graduated but didn't. Fuson wrote for the Columbia Daily Tribune, the Des Moines Register and the Baltimore Sun. He also won several writing awards. No, he didn't win a Pulitzer Prize, but he's dead now, so get off his back, the obit reads. The obituary also discusses Fusons spiritual beliefs. He suffered from a compulsive gambling addiction that nearly destroyed him, the obit notes, but his church friends, and the loving people at Gamblers Anonymous, never gave up on him. He last placed a bet in 2009. He died clean. He hopes that anyone who needs help will seek it, which is hard, and accept it, which is even harder. Miracles abound, the obituary encouraged. Ken's pastor says God can work miracles for you and through you. Skepticism may be cool, and for too many years Ken embraced it, but it was faith in Jesus Christ that transformed his life. That was the one thing he never regretted. It changed everything, Fuson wrote. For many years Ken was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Indianola (Iowa) and sang in the choir, which was a neat trick considering he couldn't read a note of music, the obit continued. The choir members will never know how much they helped him. He then joined Lutheran Church of Hope. If you want to know what God's love feels like, Fuson asserted, just walk in those doors. Seriously, right now. We'll wait. Ken's not going anywhere. The obit concludes with a vote of encouragement as Fuson shared, God is good. Embrace every moment, even the bad ones. See you in heaven. Ken promises to let you cut in line. Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com. Photo courtesy: Des Moines Register 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. By Rasana Gasimova The 5th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Italian Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation will be held in Rome on January 14. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Perviz Shahbazov and Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Manlio Di Stefano will meet in Rome to discuss expansion of cooperation in trade, economy, energy, logistics and infrastructure sectors, as well as in the field of agriculture, culture and tourism, the Ministry of Energy told local media. A session will also be held to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation prospects of the two countries. Representatives of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Fund (AZPROMO), the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Businesses (SMEs), Azerbaijans State Oil Fund of and relevant Italian structures will participate at the session. The final protocol will be signed following the meeting. As part of the event, Parviz Shahbazov will hold meetings with Italian Minister of Economic Development Stefano Patuanelli, as well as representatives of Ansaldo Energia, Maire Tecnimont, Technip FMC, DBA Group and Alstom Italia companies. Italy and Azerbaijan are strategic partners in the energy sector. Italy is one of the main buyers of Azerbaijani oil. Italian company Eni has been involved in several projects on the operation of oil and gas fields in Azerbaijan since 1995, which laid the foundation for economic cooperation between countries. Since 1999, Italy has been receiving a large part of Azerbaijani oil exported through the Baku-Supsa pipeline and through the Baku-Ceyhan. In 2004, the countries signed a Joint Declaration for the establishment of an Italian-Azerbaijani Council for Economic, Industrial and Financial cooperation. In 2006, the first meeting of Azerbaijani-Italian Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation was convened. Italy is an important economic and trade partner of Azerbaijan. Italy accounts for about 20 percent of our trade turnover with foreign countries. Azerbaijan will also supply gas to Italy through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is the main part of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC). Azerbaijan exports mainly oil and oil products to Italy, as well as chemical industry products, while Italy supplies products, light and food industry products to Azerbaijan. As many as 95 Italian companies, which participate in 41 contracting projects under interstate agreements, have been registered in Azerbaijan. In total, the investments of Italian companies in Azerbaijan have amounted to about $530 million, and the volume of Azerbaijani investments in Italy is estimated at $135 million. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise are aimed at "dividing" the country on communal lines, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha said on Monday. He claimed Mahatma Gandhi, if he were alive today, would have led an agitation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking "communal" decisions. Sinha, who was in the city as part of his Gandhi Shanti Yatra, demanded scrapping of the CAA, which aims to give Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. "Several state governments want the CAA repealed and the NRC exercise dropped. The CAA should be repealed as it is aimed at dividing the country on communal lines. We do not want another division of the country," he said. "We remained silent despite the Modi government destroying the cabinet system, ordering demonetisation, introducing GST hurriedly. "But after the CAA and NRC, there is need for the youth to raise their anger on issues that will weaken the country," the former BJP leader claimed. "If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, he would have led an agitation against Modi because the government is taking decisionson communal lines," he said. "Members of the Muslim community are proud of holding the tricolour in their hands. And it was Babasaheb Ambedkar who drafted the Constitution and made India a secular country. "We will not allow the hidden agenda of Modi behind the CAA and NRC to succeed," the bureaucrat-turned-politician asserted. Speaking on other issues, Sinha questioned Modi for not inviting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a pre-budget meeting. Former Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha and ex-Gujarat chief minister Suresh Mehta were present on the occasion. The 3,000-km-long yatra, which started in Mumbai on January 9, will cover Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before before culminating at Raj Ghat in Delhi on January 30, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary. The march has been organised to demand repeal of the CAA, a judicial inquiry into "state-sponsored violence" such as the January 5 attack on JNU students and assurance from the Centre in Parliament that there will be no nationwide NRC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assad send his condolences to Oman, reinforcements reach Aleppo province, resolutions for aid delivery is extended and shepherds slaughtered. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend. 1. On Saturday, President Bashar al-Assad sent a cable of condolence to the new Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariqh al-Said, expressing, on behalf of the Syrian people and on his own behalf, heartfelt condolences over the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, wishing Oman Sultanate and its brotherly people more progress and prosperity. According to SANA, Assad said that the late Sultan may now rest in peace. 2. With a ceasefire announced in Idleb provonce, the Syrian Arab Army has shifted their attention to Aleppo, where their forces have been deploying reinforcements day-after-day. According to a military source in Aleppo, the Syrian Arab Army sent a large convoy of reinforcements to Aleppo on Sunday morning. Many of these troops were previously deployed on the southeastern front-lines of Idleb. The source told Al-Masdar that the reinforcements arrived in the southern countryside of Aleppo province with heavy armor, including several tanks and BMPs. 3. On Friday, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to extend authority of its resolution related to the movement of humanitarian aid into Syria for another six months, allowing humanitarian convoys heading for Syria to cross borders. SANA reported that Syrias permanent representative to the UN, Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari said in a statement following a vote on the draft resolution that since the terrorist war, Syria has exerted its best efforts to guarantee the continuation of basic services and offer humanitarian aid and support to all its citizens without any discrimination. He affirmed that improving the humanitarian situation in Syria requires supporting the States efforts and the lifting of economic coercive measures imposed on its people. 4. Pro-Iran militants have slaughtered six shepherds in northern Aleppo province, committing the second crime against shepherds in four days, after the Raqqa massacre that left 27 dead, local activists said. The Shiite militias, according to Zaman Al Wasl, beheaded the victims near the village of al-Khefiya. Activists said the gruesome crime was in retaliation to the death of Qassem Soleimani, the former leader of the Quds Force and all Shiite militias in Syria, who was killed last Friday in a US airstrike near Baghdads airport along with top Shiite militants. 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. BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministry on Sunday urged the international community to continue abiding by the one-China principle after the Taiwan leadership election. "We hope and believe that the international community will continue adhering to the one-China principle, understand and support the just cause of Chinese people to oppose the secessionist activities for 'Taiwan independence' and realize national reunification," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said when responding to queries about Taiwan-related diplomatic situation in the future. Tsai Ing-wen, candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and her running mate Lai Ching-te won Taiwan's leadership election Saturday, according to the island's election commission. Geng said the spokesperson for the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council had already released a statement on the result. The Taiwan question is China's internal affairs, said Geng. No matter what happens in Taiwan, the fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change, said the spokesperson. The Chinese government will not change its stance that it sticks to the one-China principle and opposes "Taiwan independence," "two Chinas," and "one China, one Taiwan," he said, adding that the universal consensus of the international community adhering to the one-China principle will not change either. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may announce second-round capital infusion for public sector general insurance companies in the upcoming Budget to improve their financial health New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may announce second-round capital infusion for public sector general insurance companies in the upcoming Budget to improve their financial health. The government infused Rs 2,500 crore in the three insurers -- National Insurance, Oriental Insurance and United India Insurance -- through first supplementary demands for grants for 2019-20 last month. However, these companies would require additional Rs 10,000-12,000 crore capital dose to meet the prescribed solvency margin, sources said. The sources further said that announcement to this effect can be made in the Budget 2020-21 that is scheduled on 1 February. The infusion will not only improve their financial health but facilitate merger announced in the Budget 2018-19. In the Budget 2018-19 speech, then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced that the three companies would be merged into a single insurance entity. However, the process of merger could not be completed due to various reasons, including the poor financial health of these companies. According to the sources, after the merger, the combined entity will be listed on the bourses. Initial estimates suggest that the combined entity formed by merging the three insurers will be the largest non-life insurance company in India, valued at Rs 1.2-1.5 lakh crore. As on 31 March, 2017, the three companies together had more than 200 insurance products with a total premium of Rs 41,461 crore and a market share of around 35 percent. Their combined net worth was Rs 9,243 crore, with total employee strength of around 44,000 spread over 6,000 offices. In 2017, state-owned New India Assurance Company and General Insurance Corporation of India were listed on the bourses. Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2020-21 here ALBANY After a minor setback, the state Education Department (SED) and Board of Regents are moving forward with an inquiry into the state's graduation requirements. Education officials, who last week confirmed that the department dropped the education consulting group Achieve from the project citing concerns from stakeholders, on Monday announced a series of regional hearings to be held across the state to gather feedback on New York's graduation standards and "what a state diploma should signify." State education officials have partnered with WestEd to help gather feedback and conduct a literature review. It will continue its partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has provided $10,000 to hire a part-time project manager to support this initiative. The timeline for the review has been amended to allow more time for these meetings and to conduct the literature review. "I want the public to know that this is one of the most important pieces in terms of our work... We will ensure there is ample time for the commission to complete its work," Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said at the Board of Regents' monthly meeting on Monday. At least one meeting will be held in each judicial district through April 2020. The meeting will be led by the local Board of Regents Member, the BOCES District Superintendent or Big Five district staff. Parents, educators, students, community members, and business leaders will have the opportunity to break into small groups and discuss five guiding questions: What do we want students to know and to be able to do before they graduate? How do we want students to demonstrate such knowledge and skills? How do you measure learning and achievement to ensure they are indicators of high school completion? How can measures of achievement accurately reflect the skills and knowledge of our special populations, such as students with disabilities and English language learners? What course requirements or examinations will ensure that students are prepared for college and careers or civic engagement? So far, two hearings have been scheduled for the greater Capital Region, one in Wilton on Jan. 30, and on March 11, in New Paltz. Those who cannot attend a meeting can provide feedback through a survey and SED's webpage. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Rosa committed to rethinking New Yorks graduation measures in February 2019, then in July 2019 the Board of Regents announced it will create a Blue Ribbon Commission to review the States high school graduation measures and reaffirm what it means to obtain a diploma in New York. SED had initially partnered with Achieve, a national organization tied to the deeply unpopular Common Core initiative and associated with test-based accountability for students and teachers, to conduct the literature review and information gathering phase. Education officials switched consulting groups over perceptions that Achieve's ideological leanings would impact the neutrality of the study. Central to the inquiry is the efficacy of the state's Regents exams to assess students' readiness for college. New York is among 11 states that require students to pass an exit exam to graduate although New York's is among the most rigorous, requiring students to pass tests in five subjects. Many educators question the practice, arguing that such exams amplify educational inequities and should not be the sole measure of proficiency. We are undertaking the exciting initiative of reviewing New Yorks graduation measures with a flexible timeline that ensures a thoughtful and deliberative process that fosters a statewide dialogue about how we can best provide avenues for students to demonstrate theyre ready to graduate with a meaningful diploma, Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe said. We first learned that it was a missile that took down a Ukrainian airliner over Iran because of this video showing the moment of impact. All 176 people on board were killed. To find out what happened to Flight 752 after it left Tehran airport on Jan. 8, we collected flight data, analyzed witness videos and images of the crash site, to paint the clearest picture yet of that disastrous seven-minute flight. Well walk you through the evidence, minute by minute, from the planes takeoff to the moment it crashed. Its the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 8. Iran has just launched ballistic missiles at U.S. military targets in Iraq in retaliation for an American drone strike that killed Iranian military leader Qassim Suleimani. Iranian defenses are on high alert, on guard for a possible U.S. attack. Four hours later, at Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport, Flight 752, operated by Ukraine International Airlines, is getting ready for departure. At 6:12 a.m., the plane takes off. It flies northwest, and climbs to almost 8,000 feet in around three minutes, according to flight tracker data. Its following its regular route. Up ahead are several military sites. Until now, the planes transponder has been signaling normally. But just before 6:15 a.m., it stops. This is where the first missile hits the plane. Footage from a security camera near one of the military sites shows the missile launch. It hits the plane, and knocks out the transponder. But the airliner keeps flying. A security camera, directly beneath, shows what happens next. A second missile launches 30 seconds after the first, and it explodes, moments later. A third video shows the impact. Lets watch it again, and slow it down. Here is the missile, and here is the plane. An Iranian military commander said a defense system operator mistook the passenger jet for a cruise missile. The plane is now on fire. We dont know its precise path after 6:15 a.m., but we do know that it turns back in the direction of the airport. It continues flying for several minutes, engulfed by flames. Around 6:19 a.m., a bystander films the plane slowly going down. There appears to be second explosion before the jetliner plummets outside Tehran about 10 miles from where the last signal was sent. A security camera captures that moment as the plane crashes toward it. Here we see the immediate aftermath of the crash. As day breaks, another witness films the smoldering wreckage. Debris is spread out over 1,500 feet along a small park, orchards and a soccer field, narrowly missing a nearby village. A large section of the plane looks badly charred. More jet parts are found here, and the planes tail and wheels land over 500 feet away. It is a gruesome scene. The passengers personal items toys, clothes, photo albums are scattered around. After days of denials, Iran took responsibility for the crash, blaming human error at a moment of heightened tensions. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have both spoken positively after a day of talks at Stormont. Mr Johnson described it as "a day of real hope" for Northern Ireland and its people, while Mr Varadkar said it was "a really good day for Ireland and the UK" as the Good Friday Agreement was back up and running with power-sharing in place. They were speaking after a meeting at Stormont, which also included the Northern Ireland First and Deputy Ministers. During his visit, Mr Johnson hailed the "wonderful" compromise that triggered the return of powersharing. "Never mind the hand of history on my shoulder... I see the hand of the future beckoning us all forward," he said. "And I hope that with goodwill and compromise and hard work on all sides it will be a very bright future indeed." The Taoiseach said it was a "really good day for Ireland and the UK". "The Good Friday Agreement is visionary and the Good Friday Agreement is working again," he said. Powersharing here in Northern Ireland, North South co-operation, is going to resume, and we're going to beef up and deepen co-operation between Britain and Ireland in the interests of everyone who lives on these islands. The parties sealed an accord restoring the devolved institutions following a three-year suspension which has seen public services like health and education suffer. "I want to say how grateful I am to all the parties, and everybody here in Northern Ireland, for the way they have compromised and the way they have worked together to get Stormont up and running again," Mr Johnson said. "It's shown a willingness to trust each other and to set aside difference, and I think it's absolutely commendable and wonderful to see." Stalled legacy mechanisms related to Troubles killings, agreed by the region's parties as part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, are finally set to be implemented as part of the deal to restore powersharing. They include an independent investigation unit to establish if any prosecutorial opportunities remain, and a truth recovery body to help families find out more details about the deaths of their loved ones in cases where prosecutions are unlikely. Mr Johnson was asked about the prospect of more veterans being prosecuted. He stood by the Conservatives' general election manifesto pledge to protect armed forces veterans from the 30-year conflict from unfair prosecutions without new evidence. The Prime Minister said the Stormont parties had done a good job balancing that with giving confidence to victims of violence who are seeking answers. He said it is vital that public spending is properly monitored to ensure no repeat of the botched and overspending green energy scheme that caused the Stormont collapse three years ago. He acknowledged there could be checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea that were destined for the Republic of Ireland as a result of Brexit, but insisted a deal with Brussels could mean they are not necessary. Congratulations, pantrymothspray.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Pantrymothspray.com scored 70 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 3.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 2 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. pantrymothspray.com is very popular in Facebook. Furthermore its facebook page has 604 likes. Add a widget like this on your site: click here This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the pantrymothspray homepage on Twitter + the total number of pantrymothspray followers (if pantrymothspray has a Twitter account). 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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 A Kentucky woman has been charged with murder after allegedly commanding a pitbull to attack a neighbor who died after a dog mauled him. Melissa Wolke allegedly jumped up and down on the man and assaulted him before giving commands for a large dog to attack. Donald Abner, 55, died at the scene in Conway on Friday morning after officers arrived and found the animal behaving aggressively, Kentucky State Police said. Wolke told officers at the scene that she was 'going ''redneck'' on the male subject and she released her pit bull on the male', a police report stated. Officers said they saw the 38-year-old woman on top of the victim on the floor, punching him in the face as the pitbull mauled him. Melissa Wolke was arrested and charged with murder after her neighbor died in a dog attack The home in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, where Donald Abner, 55, was killed by a pitbull A man who called authorities said he heard Wolke give the pitbull, which was named Denali, 'commands to attack', according to the report. The dog was near the victim and behaving aggressively when a responding trooper arrived, and he couldn't help the victim, according to the report. The officer 'had no option but to eliminate the dog' by opening fire and Tasering Wolke. She was was said to be 'belligerent and aggressive' at the scene, police wrote in their report. It added: 'She appeared to have blood on her hands and feet, and had a large clump of hair in her hands that was consistent with the victim's hair.' Trooper Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police told Lex18: 'Troopers and deputies advised the lady to halt and quit attacking the male subject who was on the ground. 'She refused and also she was giving commands to the pitbull to attack the victim. 'In the interest of their safety and everyone in the neighborhood, they put the animal down.' Police said officers arrived at the scene in Conway, Kentucky, and found Melissa Wolke attacking her neighbor Donald Abner According to Pennington, the victim had dog bites on his face and head, but it has yet to be ascertained if he was killed by wounds. He added that early inquiries indicated the pair were actually friends before the altercation broke out. Residents across the street for where the attack took place said in the past few weeks they had heard several gunshots in the area. Jerry Merritt told WKYT: 'At night time, I've been hearing several gunshots going up and down this road over here. I don't know what they're shooting at or for the fun of it or what.' Wolke was arrested and taken to the Rockcastle County Jail, charged with murder as well as other charges. The investigation continues, including looking into a motive for the attack, according to Kentucky State Police. An autopsy is scheduled on Saturday to determine Abner's cause of death. PHILIPSBURG:--- Long-time, the childrens librarian from Brooklyn New York visited the Philipsburg Jubilee Library during her short visit to Sint Maarten. Mrs. Vikki Hill is the granddaughter of the late Mrs. Victoria Ellis, who used to live in Middle Region. Mrs. Vikki Hill lived her whole life in the States and comes since 1973 on a regular base to Sint Maarten to visit her family and to come back to her roots. After 33 years of working as a librarian, she is retired now. This time she came with a special mission; to support the library. She was impressed with the effects Hurricane Irma had on the librarys building and functioning and applauded the staff for its strength to continue delivering services even on such a limited scale. While walking through the library, she immediately scanned the need of the library for a more up-dated youth encyclopedia. The present one is from 2008! When leaving, she promised to continue to support the library from her hometown New York. The library feels honored to have ambassadors like her around the world. Cronkite News WASHINGTON The Trump administration waived environmental and other regulations on nearly one-quarter of Arizonas border with Mexico last year to ease the way for border wall construction, a review of government documents shows. The Department of Homeland Security issued three separate section 102 waivers this year covering 90.2 miles of border in Yuma, Pima and Cochise counties. While there was some overlap, the new waivers followed exemptions issued under the administration of President George W. Bush that covered 242 miles of Arizona border. The section 102 waiver , created as part of the 2005 Real ID Act, gives the Homeland Security secretary the power to waive all legal requirements such Secretary determines necessary to ensure expeditious construction of the barriers and roads. That includes environmental as well as historic, cultural, archaeological and other protections. All of the laws that are supposed to be protecting these incredible landscapes on the border have been cast aside to rush wall construction, said Laiken Jordahl, a spokesman for the Center for Biological Diversity. Army Corps of Engineers contractors pour concrete in August for the base of a new section of border wall near Yuma. The Department of Homeland Security waived environmental and other regulations on 90 miles of Arizonas border last year to smooth the way for border wall construction projects. Photo by Vincent Mouzon / Army Corps of Engineers But a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official said the agency is careful to protect building sites, even where it has a waiver. CBPs environmental planning process includes analysis of potential environmental impacts from each border infrastructure project. We identify best construction management practices to minimize impacts on the environment to the greatest extent possible, the spokesperson said in an email. The 2019 waivers include sections of Yuma County along the Colorado River near San Luis ; stretches of border in Cochise County west of Naco and across the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge; and a strip in Pima County on the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument , running right up to the border of the Tohono Oodham Nation. Most of the waivers issued this year affect ecologically sensitive parts of the Arizona-Mexico border, Jordahl said. But its not just the environment that critics say is at stake: Section 102 also allows waiver of laws like the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act that affect tribal communities. Cronkite News Map by Harrison Mantas: Border Wall Section 102 Waivers In 2008, when a waiver was issued for the 75 miles of U.S.-Mexico border that bisects the Tohono Oodham Nation , tribe Chairman Ned Norris Jr. told a House committee that the ensuing border fence construction was like a bulldozer parking in your family graveyard, turning up bones. The CBP spokesperson said last month that the section 102 waivers from 2008 are still in effect on the Tohono Oodham Nation, which is currently lined with vehicle barriers stretching the entire 75 miles. But she also said the agency does not currently have plans for new border wall construction on the Tohono Oodham reservation. Border wall construction is going on in the neighboring Organ Pipe Cactus Monument, over the objections of the Hia-Ced Oodham, a separate tribe that calls itself the Sand People. Every time I see it (the wall), it pains my heart, said Hia-Ced Oodham Chairwoman Christina Andrews. She said the waiver includes the area near the Quitobaquito Springs, which is home to Al Arivaipia, the tribes ancestral cemetery. Others have raised concerns about the impact construction is having on the areas scarce water resources. But without federal recognition, the Hia-Ced are limited in what they can do legally to protect their heritage. The pain that we feel its hard to even describe, Andrews said. For Cochise County, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Tucson, wrote Acting CBP Chief Mark Morgan in November asking how wall construction will impact the county, particularly the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge. As you may know, I am not supportive of a border wall, Kirkpatricks letter read. However, I would like to work together to ensure that the construction that is happening is done thoughtfully and with care to protect border communities and the environment. But Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, said through a spokesman that the waivers are needed Donald Trump promised the American people he would build a wall to secure the southern border, and Congressman Gosar is pleased to see him keeping this promise, the statement read. The CBP spokesperson said new wall construction has already shifted illegal drug and human smuggling activities to areas with inferior legacy barriers. Thats why replacing existing vehicle barriers with the newer, more effective border wall is critical, she said. But Jordahl called the rush to build a wall misplaced when there are other ways to secure the border that would not risk damage to sensitive areas. We know it can be done with technology in a much cheaper and less destructive way, he said. He said the waivers simply skirt public oversight and obscure border wall alternatives and the biodiversity and natural wonder of Arizonas borderlands get lost in debates over walls and border security. I think so few people actually know whats at stake and know just how spectacular the land, wildlife and ecosystem is on the border, Jordahl said. 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 Top 8 for Toyota Gazoo Racing crews on Dakar stage 6 11.01.2020: All four TOYOTA GAZOO Racing crews finished in the Top 8 on Stage 6 at the 2020 Dakar Rally. The foursome was again spearheaded by Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel who brought their Toyota Hilux home 3min 22sec behind the stage winners in th All four TOYOTA GAZOO Racing crews finished in the Top 8 on Stage 6 at the 2020 Dakar Rally. The foursome was again spearheaded by Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel who brought their Toyota Hilux home 3min 22sec behind the stage winners in third place overall. The pair lost 1min 30sec following a puncture in the middle of the 477-kilometre stage between the city of Hail and the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. All eyes were on Dakar rookie Fernando Alonso and his more experienced rally raid campaigner and navigator Marc Coma, however, who delivered their strongest performance yet at their first-ever Dakar Rally together. The crew came home just 7min 56sec off the pace in sixth fastest place. The pairs trouble-free run placed them second-fastest of all four-wheel drive cars, giving them a welcomed confidence boost going into the Rest Day before tackling the second half of the gruelling event. Taking advantage of a number of setup adjustments on their Hilux, Bernhard ten Brinke and navigator Tom Colsoul maintained their eighth place overall and limited their time loss to the leaders to just 9min 37sec, completing the stage in seventh. The pair are now 1hr 12min 58sec behind the overall leaders. Giniel de Villiers and navigator Alex Haro lost 10min 48sec today despite pushing hard on the stage. The pair were frustrated with their performance and struggled to match the pace of the leading pack, coming home eighth fastest on the stage. Nevertheless, they arrived at the Rest Day in sixth place overall, with a gap to the lead of 55min 41sec. With six demanding stages completed, all crews can now look forward to the traditional Rest Day which marks the mid-point of the Dakar Rally. This is also an opportunity for the technical crews to go through the cars with a fine-tooth comb, checking every system thoroughly in preparation for the final week of the 42nd edition of the Dakar Rally. Glyn Hall, Team Principal: Were here at the Rest Day with all four cars and weve had no technical issues on any of the cars thus far. Were in second place overall with Nasser and we had all four cars inside the top 10 today. Fernando put in an incredible performance to finish second-fastest of the Toyota Hilux crews. Unfortunately, today was a very high-speed stage, despite the small dunes in the middle. We had hoped for more dunes, but in the end it was a largely flat-out stage and not the best for us in terms of top speed. Nasser Al-Attiyah (No. 300): It was a really good day. The stage was a long one and not easy. We tried to push as hard as we could, but we had one flat tyre which cost us about 1min 30sec. The stage was fast, with some dune crossings, but were happy to reach the Rest Day. I think next week there will be lots more sand which will suit us. Giniel de Villiers (No. 304): It was pretty much flat out from the start today; a very fast stage with some dune crossings in between. We lost some time again today, because we just werent prepared to take the risks that the guys at the front were taking. Even today, we had a couple of big moments and its a bit frustrating to be so far off the leaders. Well have to see what we can do, but at least were still here, and theres still a week to go. So, well keep our chins up and keep on fighting. Bernhard ten Brinke (No. 307): Today was a very good day. We started with some very fast track; but then we entered the dunes and it was immediately clear that the car was more at home than during the previous five stages. We made some big changes in the setup for today, including lowering the rear of the car. The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team did a great job to give me a better car for todays stage, which allowed us to attack more. I think we spent more time in the air than on the ground and we had some really good pace. Fernando Alonso (No. 310): Today was another good stage for us. We had no issues today; no punctures and good visibility. We got into a good rhythm again, especially in the dunes. Marc was especially good today in the dunes, because he is good at reading the lines. Thanks to all of that, we managed a good stage, and we arrive at the Rest Day with good confidence. 2020 Dakar Rally Day 6 Results: 3rd No. 300 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Mathieu Baumel, +3min 22sec 6th No. 310 Fernando Alonso/Marc Coma, +7min 56sec 7th No. 307 Bernhard ten Brinke/Tom Colsoul, +9min 37sec 8th No. 304 Giniel de Villiers/Alex Haro, +10min 48sec 2020 Dakar Rally Overall Results After Day 6: 2nd No. 300 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Mathieu Baumel, +7min 48sec 7th No. 304 Giniel de Villiers/Alex Haro, +55min 41sec 8th No. 307 Bernhard ten Brinke/Tom Colsoul, +1hr 12min 58sec 16th No. 310 Fernando Alonso/Marc Coma, +3hrs 18min 13sec - Stephan Lesuisse - photos TGR A Japanese carmaker announced the release of its latest modified SUV and appeared to deliberately give it a rude title. Subaru unveiled its new Forester GT model last weekend - naming it the F.U.*.K.S edition. The SUV's official name is the Forester Ultimate Customized Kit Special edition, but as pictures from the event show, some strategic capitalisation makes it hard for the company to claim the acronym was done by accident. With blacked out lights, bigger wheels and a powerful audio system, it seemed the moniker was used on purpose during its unveiling at the Singapore Motorshow. The Subaru F.U.*.K.S edition was unveiled at the Singapore Motorshow last weekend Subaru's newly redesigned Forester GT SUV already made its world at the Taipei International Auto Show last month. But the carmarker wanted to give the Singapore show an extra-special Forester GT, so appeared to slip a profanity into the title. The car's interior is covered in suede and leather with low-profile tyres plus striking blue body paint highlighted by red lines down the side. After the unveiling of the vehicle was seen worldwide, Subaru of America apologised to a dealer over the name of the model and said it would not be sold in the US market. In a letter sent to sent to dealerships on Friday, it was described as an 'unfortunate situation' and blamed the company's local distributor in Singapore, who apparently created the special model for the auto show. Due to the capital letters selected it appeared the acronym deliberately spelt out a profanity Subaru of America distanced itself from the name, saying it 'had nothing to do with this...it goes without saying that this car will not be available in the United States market'. The letter, which was anonymously posted on Twitter, read: 'We work very hard to build a strong brand image for this company and the naming of this vehicle in no way reflects the values and standards we hold true. Furthermore, we will always do our best to protect our brand's integrity.' Many on social media found the vehicle's name hilarious and the branding caused a stir in the auto trade industry. One Twitter user wrote: 'The new Subaru Forester F.U.*.K.S edition is...something.' Another joked: 'You'll get plenty of F.U.*.K.S. in the new Subaru Forester!' A member of the industry speculated: 'Is this a gaff or marketing genius from Subaru.' Police in Virginia responded Monday to a report of an active shooter in the area of a Henrico County middle school but did not immediately find evidence of a shooting. Police got a 911 text indicating there was an active shooter in the same block as Moody Middle School, Henrico County Police spokesman Lt. Matt Pecka said during a conference. Authorities responded but found found no evidence of a shooter or of any gunfire, Pecka said. Officers were clearing the scene as a precaution but there were no injuries reported. "Obviously if you have a student in the school system this is very traumatic," Pecka said. He officers were available to speak to concerned parents. There is no evidence that students were in danger, a Henrico County Public Schools release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Tennessee has long been considered politically moderate and relatively racially progressive, compared to other southern states. But researchers say the Volunteer State has become considerably more conservative -- and racially polarized -- since the turn of the 21st century. In a new book co-authored by a Penn State researcher, the authors explored how racial dynamics, policy changes and political party shifts -- combined with the history and legacy of the state -- contributed to Tennessee transitioning from a swing state to one that is now strongly Republican from 2000 to 2012. The book -- Losing Power: African Americans and Racial Polarization in Tennessee Politics - will be published Jan. 15 by the University of Georgia Press. Ray Block Jr., associate professor of political science and African American studies at Penn State, said because Tennessee represents U.S. politics on a smaller scale, their findings offer insight into race and politics across the country. "As Tennessee has become more politically polarized, it has also become more racially polarized, which is both one of the causes and one of the consequences of black Tennesseans' recent loss of political power," Block said. "This has contributed to anti-minority rhetoric, racially regressive policy making, and an increasing number of barriers facing African Americans who are able to win political office." According to Block, Tennessee has traditionally had a reputation for being more racially progressive than other Confederate States. While Tennessee was the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, it was also the first state to join the Union and the only southern state to ratify the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal civil and legal rights to African Americans. Prior to the turn of the 21st century, Block said, Tennessee was a swing state that did not guarantee victory for either Republican or democratic candidates. But, since 2010, the state has become increasingly more conservative, much like the greater U.S. "We've started to see a reddening of the country, and often in places where there isn't a legacy or tradition of Republican candidates winning consistently," Block said. "So we were wondering, how does a purple place go red? How does a blue place, like Pennsylvania or Wisconsin, go red? We wanted to explore what's going on that makes it so that some of these places that were up for grabs politically are no longer up for grabs." Block said the transition was partly due to party shifts within the state legislature. While democrats kicked off 2000 with majorities in both Tennessee's state Senate and House of Representatives, they lost dozens of seats throughout the remainder of the decade. By 2012, Republicans had supermajority in both chambers for the first time in more than a century. According to the researchers, as democrats lost power in Tennessee, so did African Americans. By 2016, no committees or subcommittees were chaired by Black lawmakers. Additionally, the book details how certain hot-button issues helped politically and racially polarize the state, including debates over taxes, immigration, health care, and criminal justice policy. According to the researchers, a 2004 decision to cut more than 300,000 people from the state's managed health care program -- TennCare, which many considered to be a precursor to the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act -- and reduce the benefits of 400,000 more drew swift criticism from health care advocates and civil rights groups. The state legislature eventually approved a plan to disenroll 226,000 beneficiaries and reduce the benefits for hundreds of thousands of others. While the state government rationalized these choices with political rhetoric, the researchers found there was a divide between those who bought into the rhetoric and those who did not. Tennesseans with high incomes were more likely to believe the political rhetoric than the economically disadvantaged. They also found that Whites were more likely to support TennCare reforms than African Americans. "In addition to deepening racial polarization in residents' viewpoints about the implementation and administration of health care and related services," Block said, "the TennCare decisions also contributed to increased racial disparities in health outcomes in the state." Block said that while these subjects are complex, they are essential for understanding the political landscape in the U.S. -- in the past, present, and moving forward. "It's not just party, or race, or regional idiosyncrasies," Block said. "These things exist in a very rich tapestry. And I do believe that, as the country continues down the path that it's currently on, it will become more difficult to have these conversations, because you're thinking about state politics, and race, and partisanship. These conversations are difficult, but they're important to have." ### Sekou M. Franklin, associate professor of political science at Middle Tennessee State University, was a co-writer on the book. Chris Hemsworth may be a Hollywood superstar, but his favourite role is that of a doting father to his three children. And on Friday, the Thor: Ragnarok actor, 36, was seen teaching his seven-year-old daughter, India Rose, how to surf in Byron Bay. The pair had a blast while catching waves on matching blue surfboards. Just like dad! Chris Hemsworth taught his seven-year-old daughter, India Rose, how to surf in Byron Bay on Friday Chris showed off his muscular physique in a pair of boardshorts, and protected himself from the sun with an Akubra hat and shades. He carried the blue surfboards under his arms after spending time in the ocean with his daughter. Chris smiled as he spoke to his little girl, who walked alongside him down the beach. Twinning! The pair appeared to have a blast while catching waves on matching blue surfboards Packing up: After spending an hour or so catching waves, Chris took off his rash vest and placed it in his backpack with his towel India wrapped a leopard print towel around herself, and appeared to be warming up after hitting the surf in a colourful wetsuit. Chris is married to Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, with whom he shares three children: daughter India and five-year-old twin sons, Tristan and Sasha. He has been teaching his kids to surf from a young age, just like his father had taught him and his brothers. Bonding: Chris smiled as he spoke to his little girl, who walked alongside him down the beach After spending an hour or so catching waves, Chris took off his rash vest and placed it in his backpack with his towel. While heading back to his car, he was stopped by eager fans asking for selfies. One bikini-clad woman requested a photo, which encouraged more tourists to flock towards Chris for a group shot. Selfie, please! While heading back to his car, he was stopped by eager fans asking for photos Brr! India wrapped a leopard print towel around herself, and appeared to be warming up after hitting the surf in a colourful wetsuit Family tradition: Chris has been teaching his kids to surf from a young age, just like his father had taught him and his brothers Chris, Elsa, and their three children relocated to Australia from Los Angeles in 2014. The Hollywood couple recently moved into their $20million 'mega mansion' in Broken Head, near Byron Bay. Last month, Chris revealed he would be taking a break from the spotlight for 'six to eight months' to stay at home with his family. A 34-year-old earth mover operator was killed when the vehicle overturned while removing snow in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, police said. Lal Chand died on the spot after the earth mover toppled near Bran village in Manikaran valley on Sunday evening, Kullu Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh said. With this, the death toll of snow-related mishaps has risen to four in the state since widespread snowfall last Wednesday. Earlier, three persons had died in Shimla district. On Saturday, 32-year-old Sunil Kumar passed away and driver Ram Kumar sustained injuries while removing snow as their earth moving machine hired by the public works department (PWD) fell into a gorge at Singla Nullah near Shattal falling under Shimla's Nerwa police station, police said. Besides, two elderly persons - Mahipal and Kanchowk - died after slipping on snow-covered roads in various parts of Shimla city on Sunday and Friday, respectively. Also, a number of people have suffered injuries after falling on slippery roads since Wednesday and have been treated at IGMC and Deen Dayal Upadhyay hospitals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese fashion mogul Yusaku Maezawa, who recently gave away $9,000 to each of his 1,000 Twitter followers, has made the headlines once again. This time, the billionaire is looking for a 'life partner' who would travel with him to the Moon in 2023. Maezawa plans to be a part of Elon Musks SpaceX's maiden trip to the Moon. The 44-year-old is slated to become the first 'tourist' to travel onboard the Starship rocket. Whoever joins the billionaire in this celestial journey will become the 'first woman to travel to the Moon'. [WANTED!!!] Why not be the first woman to travel to the moon?#MZ_looking_for_love https://t.co/R5VEMXwggl pic.twitter.com/mK6fIJDeiv Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuck2020) January 12 Taking to Twitter, he wrote: The 'single' entrepreneur has appealed to women across the world to apply for the 'planned match-making event' that is listed on his website. It reads: He has a long-held dream of going to space and wants to visit the special place with a special someone. The appeal goes on to state he has begun feeling lonely and empty and has been seriously considering continuing to love one woman. In the January 9 declaration, he said that though finding love is something people take for granted, he has not been able to find himself a life partner yet. The Japanese tycoon added: When I got the offer to go on this programme, I was first taken over by emotions of embarrassment and pride, and I thought about refusing the offer. The more I thought about it, the more I started to think a chance like this might not come around again. I want to find a life partner. He concluded his emotional appeal on a romantic note, saying how he would like to shout about their love and world peace from space, along with his 'future partner'. Maezawa recently parted ways with his actor girlfriend Ayame Goriki. The two had announced their relationship online in 2018, with Maezawa declaring that he had long been a fan of his 27-year-old beau. The Japanese tycoons website has shared a list of conditions with details of the month-long application process. The criteria that takes precedence over others are: 1) The applicant must be single and aged above 20, and 2) An enthusiasm for space travel. The last date for application is January 17 and Maezawa would announce his partner by March-end. The billionaire got worldwide recognition after Musk named him as the first private passenger to be flying to the Moon. He is reportedly paid a huge sum for the ticket, which remains undisclosed. Two former chairmen of the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang have been handed jail terms totaling 29 years for serious violations in the management of state-owned assets and land. The Hanoi Peoples Court on Monday tried Tran Van Minh, Van Huu Chien, Phan Van Anh Vu, and 18 other defendants. Minh, 65, who was chairman of the Da Nang Peoples Committee for the 2006-11 tenure, was slapped with 12 years in prison for violating regulations on management and use of state assets, resulting in serious losses and another five years for violating regulations on land management. Minhs combined sentence is 17 years. Chien, 66, chairman of the Da Nang administration in 2011-15, received a total of 12 years for similar offenses. Vu, a business tycoon known for owning different companies and multiple pieces of prime real estate in Da Nang, got a combined 25-year jail term for similar crimes. Phan Van Anh Vu stands trial at a court in Hanoi on January 13, 2020. Photo: Danh Trong / Tuoi Tre As Vu was previously sentenced to 30 years in a separate case, he will receive a joint sentence of 30 years behind bars. The other 18 defendants were jailed for 18 months to six years for their roles in the case. According to the indictment, Vu took advantage of his close relationship with local leaders and officials, who were authorized to make decisions in the assignment and transfer of public real estate, to claim most of the properties without having to join a bidding process as per regulations. Minh, Chien, and their accomplices intentionally violated regulations on the management and use of state assets and rules on land management from 2006 to 2014 in order to help Vu obtain an enormous amount of illicit profit. Vu was given the rights to manage and use 15 state-owned houses and land plots, and six real estate projects, resulting in damage worth VND22 trillion (US$951.6 million). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Trial of ex-accountant of theater director Serebrennikov to continue on January 21 RIA Novosti, Valery Melnikov 17:26 13/01/2020 MOSCOW, January 13 (RAPSI) Moscows Meshchansky District Court on Monday postponed hearing of embezzlement case against Nina Maslyayeva, ex-chief accountant of the Seventh Studio stage company created by the Gogol Center theater director Kirill Serebrennikov, until January 21, RAPSI reports from the courtroom. The hearing was adjourned because of the witnesses default in appearance. Earlier, the court held that the case would be considered on general terms despite the defendants plea deal. Maslyayeva pleaded guilty and signed a deal with investigators but doubts about fulfillment by the defendant of all plea deal terms arose in a judges mind. Prosecutors and defense sought for trial under a special procedure without examining evidence. Maslyayeva is one of the defendants of a high-profile case involving theater director Kirill Serebrennikov. She earlier confirmed that she was involved in monthly embezzlement and cash out of money at the direction of Serebrennikov, ex-Seventh Studio head Yury Itin and other defendants. In April, the case against Maslyayeva was returned to prosecutors. Moscows Meshchansky District Court held that the indictment did not detail Maslyayevas role in the crime she was charged with. Prosecutors were therefore ordered to rectify the violation. In May, the Moscow City Court on Tuesday upheld the ruling. On November 1, Moscows Meshchansky District Court began new proceedings in the Seventh Studio stage company embezzlement case against Serebrennikov and others. In early October, the Moscow City Court overturned return of the to a prosecutors office and remanded it for a new proceeding. All defendants in this case along with Serebrennikov are producer Alexey Malobrodsky, ex-head of Seventh Studio stage company Yury Itin, ex-official of Russias Culture Ministry and current director of the Russian Academic Youth Theater Sophia Apfelbaum. They pleaded not guilty calling charges against them pointless and absurd. Moreover, Serebrennikov and Malobrodsky lay the blame on Maslyayeva. One more defendant, producer Yekaterina Voronova has been put on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia. According to investigators, defendants in the case stole 133 of 214 million rubles ($3.3 million) of budget funds allocated to the Seventh Studio company in 2011-2014 for development and popularization of contemporary art in Russia as part of the project Platforma. Serebrennikov was arrested in late August 2017 and then placed under house arrest. In early November, Moscows Basmanny District Court seized assets belonging to Serebrennikov including apartment, car, and money in the amount of more than 360,000 rubles ($5,300), over 60,000, and $4,000. Investigators believe that he was an organizer of the budget money embezzlement. He allegedly created Seventh Studio stage company to actualize Platforma project for promotion of art and called alleged accomplices into the organization. Tullamores new community counselling centre Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT) would like to invite members of the general public to attend its Grand Opening on Monday, January 20 from 3pm 7pm. ACT has been founded as a not-for-profit community-based counselling centre and will provide people in Tullamore and the greater Offaly area with accessible and affordable counselling and psychotherapy services. The centre has been set up by local businessman and See Change ambassador James O'Connor along with his partner Lisa Guing. The couple who own fititout.ie are also behind the local Green Ribbon campaign Tullamore Goes Green which runs for the month of May and aims to reduce mental health stigma by encouraging people to talk. It was through the couple's work with the Tullamore Goes Green campaign that they saw the need for a sustainable model of community-based counselling services that will be accessible and affordable to all. The past 18 months has been spent working with outside consultants and key stakeholders on governance, policies and procedures and all legal and regulatory requirements. This has been a laborious and time-consuming process but one that is essential to the success and longevity of the organisation. The couple has brought together an experienced and dedicated Board of Trustees with the necessary skills and commitment required to oversee the running of the organisation and a team of qualified counsellors/psychotherapists who are dedicated to providing accessible counselling to all. Seamus Sheedy is the centres clinical director. Seamus is a counsellor and supervisor and is the former President of the EAC - European Association of Counselling and former Chair of IACP The Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy. Dympna Summerville has been appointed as the centres co-ordinator and will manage the day to day operation of the centre. Dympna has a wealth of experience in the education sector through her work as a maths teacher for many years and later as co-ordinator of VTOS. Dympna is also a qualified in counselling and psychotherapy. "Mental health is something that affects us all throughout our lives. There are times when we may feel overwhelmed and may find ourselves in need of help addressing problems that are causing us emotional distress. At ACT our team of qualified, professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists will offer a supportive environment where clients can talk about their issues without fear of judgement. "We believe our service will address a huge need in our community and will provide a safe space where a client will be enabled to explore their issues in a confidential setting. Our accessible and timely service will mean that our clients will have the best chance of getting back to a positive frame of mind sooner and with lasting results. "We hope to positively impact the lives of those suffering with mental health issues, along with their families and the community as a whole "Our Grand Opening will be an opportunity to explore our facilities here at ACT, to meet the team and enjoy some light refreshments. "The opening will take place at ACTs new purpose-built premises First floor, Millennium House, Main Street, Tullamore on Monday, January 20 from 3pm 7pm with ribbon cutting ceremony at 6pm and all are welcome to attend. For more information on ACT or to book an appointment phone Dympna on 083 3555951. This Panamanian woman is all smiles after getting her painful right knee replaced by the 3B Orthopaedics team. Read more My staff and I have spent much of our careers traveling to developing countries to provide knee replacements. After a nine year hiatus from visiting Panama, our team from 3B Orthopedic Group at Jefferson Northeast returned this fall. These trips are always emotional. And they also offer lessons about how people from different cultures cope with illness and disability. Most notable, the Panamanian patients we saw, as well as those we have treated in other Central American countries, dont want to take narcotics. These drugs are traditionally reserved for those with cancer or other extremely painful conditions much as they once were in this country. Supplies of opioids are short. Some patients choose not to take these drugs so they are available to those who need them more, while others want to avoid the stigma of being in a condition to even need them. Pain is tolerated much differently in these patients than in those we see in this country, often because the people in countries such as Panama have no other choice. Access to medical care is limited, especially in contrast to Philadelphia with urgent cares, pharmacies, doctor offices, and hospitals on almost every block. After bilateral total knee replacements, patients in Panama take two Tylenol, perhaps two the next morning, and then prepare to walk home or ride in a car on unpaved roads for hours. Their pain and disability have been so great for so long that it is as if their thermostat for pain is set at another level. Though we dont have anything like our urban surgical facilities, we have never had a patient treated on a mission trip suffer a post-surgical infection. While I like to believe that is due to our extremely careful approach to surgery, another factor is the lack of antibiotic dependence in these cultures. Patients natural immunities are stronger when they dont receive antibiotics for every sniffle. A 74-year-old woman traveled more than four hours with her family to Panama City, Panama, for the chance to have a knee replacement. She had been living with her son for several years because she could no longer take care of herself, her right knee was so painful. Before surgery, she told us in Spanish that she prayed to God that she would be chosen for the surgery, she so wanted her independence back. She was full of smiles and good cheer after the surgery, happily posing for a photo. She even asked us to return in the spring to do her other knee. Panama has made great progress in the decade since our last trip, both in surgical technique and also in social systems. Several of the surgeons we first met now have children who are themselves orthopedists, even heads of hospital departments. Interestingly, the majority of these surgeons are women. In the U.S., though more women than men enrolled in medical school last year, only 4 percent of members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) are female and only 30 percent are actively practicing five years after graduation. International medicine is an extremely gratifying experience, though it also comes with great challenges: language barriers, infection risks, operating facilities, supply logistics and geography. None of that seems to matter when we are rewarded with the smiles and gratitude of our patients. Robert E. Booth, Jr., M.D. is the medical director of 3B Orthopaedics at Jefferson Health The merit of the Supreme Court judgment on Friday on the plea by Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kashmir Times executive editor Anuradha Bhasin to lift Internet restrictions in the Kashmir Valley, which have been in place since August 5 last year when the status of the erstwhile state of J&K was constitutionally reduced, is that it is long on explicating provisions of the law, including Article 19 which deals with the freedom of speech, expression and the freedom to practise a trade. But it is noteworthy that the court gave no direction to the state government/authorities to immediately lift these restrictions, even partially. This is what might have been reasonably expected after more than 150 days have passed since the closure of the Internet in Kashmir. In todays interconnected world, can a society be left to stew, bereft of the Internet? Is that not the equivalent of being willfully deprived of electricity by a government in pursuit of a disturbing political agenda? The question will, therefore, remain as to whether justice has been done to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by the court, or whether the judgment was only about the expectation of justice in the future. Since the three-judge bench of Justices N.V. Ramana, R. Subhash Reddy and B.R. Gavai has ruled that suspending Internet services indefinitely is impermissible and that the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to practise any profession or carry on trade, business or occupation over the medium of Internet enjoys constitutional protection under Article 19(1) (a) and Article 19 (1) (g), the court directed the J&K administration to review all orders suspending Internet services forthwith. The court might have been conducting a citizens seminar. A government that had terminated even mobile phone services, which it fully restored barely a week ago as a response to an international hue and cry, and thought nothing of picking up nine-year-old children from their homes and clamping them in custody, to say nothing of the blanket imposition of Section 144 CrPC across Kashmir, is not reasonably expected to be liberal in conducting a review ordered by the Supreme Court. The wise counsel tendered to our rulers by the Supreme Court bears a general tone. It might have been considering a plea on removing restrictions not in the specific setting of Kashmir, whose circumstances flowed from unique historical circumstances, but from any part of the country, so all-encompassing and devoid of context the judgment appears to be. We may only hope that the government is alive to the international pressures building up over the Kashmir issue. Recently, foreign minister S. Jaishankar gave the impression of being not quite ready to meet members of the US Congress keen to discuss Kashmir with him. It is to be hoped that the circumstances, if not its own good sense, will lead the government to dismantle Internet restrictions in general, retaining only such aspects of this draconian measure that are aimed at directly checking terrorism. Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court in December last year on treason charges. A court in Pakistan has ruled that the formation of a special court that handed former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf a death sentence was unconstitutional, casting into doubt the legitimacy of last months verdict. Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court in December on treason charges stemming from his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007. At the time, Musharraf who is in self-imposed exile in Dubai denounced the ruling it as a vendetta and the military expressed its disappointment. It was not immediately clear if Mondays ruling by the High Court in Lahore would automatically nullify the death sentence, but Musharrafs side was confident. The Lahore High Court has nullified the decision about Pervez Musharraf, Azhar Siddique, Musharrafs lawyer, told Reuters news agency on Monday. The original ruling marked the first time a former leader of the armed forces had faced such a sentence for treason in Pakistan, where the military maintains strong influence and senior officers are often considered immune from prosecution. US key ally The treason trial which began in 2013 and is just one of several involving Musharraf centred on his decision to suspend the constitution and impose emergency rule in 2007. Musharraf first took power after overthrowing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999. His rule faced no serious challenges until he tried to sack the Supreme Court chief justice in March 2007, sparking nationwide protests and months of turmoil that led to the imposition of emergency rule. After the December 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the national mood plunged further and Musharraf was left increasingly isolated by the crushing losses suffered by his allies in February 2008 elections. He finally resigned in August 2008 in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition and went into exile. Musharraf returned to Pakistan in 2013 in an attempt to contest elections, but was barred from taking part in the polls and from leaving the country as a barrage of legal cases mounted. The travel ban against him was finally lifted in 2016, and he travelled to Dubai for medical treatment, where he has been ever since. The treason case against him was first launched by his old foe Sharif in 2013. It went on for years with repeated delays until last years surprise announcement. By Trend Energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU) goes beyond the Southern Gas Corridor, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Kestutis Jankauskas told Trend. There are other, smaller, but very important ongoing projects, he noted. Returning to the Southern Gas Corridor project, Jankauskas said it will physically connect Azerbaijan and the European Union. "It is a landmark project bringing mutual benefits for Azerbaijan and the EU: for Azerbaijan it will mean predictable and stable income from European customers; for the European Union, it means a new supply route from a new source, which leads to diversification and more choices, thus more competition and affordable prices for the consumers," he said. Jankauskas recalled that in 2019, the crucial connection of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) was inaugurated at the Turkish-Greek border. "In 2020, we expect to see TAP fully completed. The year 2020 will mark the beginning of the SGC, not the end. There are prospects for further strengthening our energy cooperation with IGB (Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria) and a possible extension of the pipeline to the West Balkans. More demand would mean more supply for SGC which could come from the Caspian fields in Azerbaijan and possibly Turkmenistan," he said. The Southern Gas Corridor project aims to increase and diversify European energy supply by bringing gas resources from the Caspian Sea to markets in Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor comprises the following four projects: (i) operation of Shah Deniz natural gas-condensate field ("SD1" project) and its full-field development ("SD2'" project), (ii) the operation of the South Caucasus Pipeline ("SCP" project) and its expansion ("SCPX" project), (iii) the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline ("TANAP" project) and (iv) the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline ("TAP" project) (SD2, SCPX, TANAP and TAP collectively, the "Projects"). The Projects have an estimated investment cost of approximately $40 billion. Upon completion, the SD2 project will add a further 16 bcm of natural gas per annum to 10.9 bcma (maximum production capacity) already produced under SD1 project. Total length of the newly constructed SCPX, TANAP and TAP pipelines will be more than 3,200 kilometres. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Equipment for screening body temperatures of people arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City was installed to prevent MERS infections in 2015. Photo by VnExpress/Le Phuong. Vietnams Health Ministry has listed several steps for people to protect themselves from a new pneumonia virus that had killed one in China. In a statement released Saturday, the ministry advised residents to keep their distance from people with acute respiratory infections and wear a mask when talking to them. Keeping bodies warm, maintaining personal hygiene, especially cleaning hands regularly with soap and gargling with antiseptic rinse are other steps to take against the virus, it said. People should also cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing so as to avoid spreading their respiratory tract fluid, and avoid staying close to animal farms or wild animals, it added. Those returning from Chinas Wuhan City, where the outbreak has been raging since the beginning of the year, should have their health checked immediately if they catch a fever, cough or have difficulties in breathing, the ministry said. So far, 41 Chinese people in Wuhan have been infected with the virus, which has been identified as a new type of coronavirus by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission. One 61-year-old man has died. The man, the first victim of the outbreak, was a regular customer at a seafood market in the city, had been previously diagnosed with abdominal tumors and chronic liver disease, local health authorities said. It also noted that the infected people were mainly vendors and buyers at the seafood market. To date, no medical staff had been infected, nor had clear evidence of human-to-human transmission been found. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that a newly emerging member of the family of viruses that caused the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreaks, could be the cause of the present outbreak. While no infection has been recorded to date in Vietnam, Vietnamese health authorities have begun to check those coming in from China through the border gates. Any person found with noticeable symptoms should be quarantined, they have said. Soldiers attend an Armed Forces Day event at Daegu air base, Oct. 1, 2019. / Joint Press Corps By Lee Suh-yoon The nation's human rights watchdog recommended the Korean Air Force to stop making new trainees shave their heads, Monday, saying the practice is an excessive restriction of the soldiers' rights. Unlike their counterparts in the Korean army and navy, air force recruits are required to completely shave their heads during the month-long training period. Army or navy trainees, on the other hand, are allowed to keep a crew cut up to 5 cm length at the front. The complaint was brought to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) last April. The complainant the parent of an Air Force trainee at the time claimed the head-shaving practice was an encroachment on soldiers' human rights. The Air Force rebutted the complaint saying the head-shaving measure was necessary to "effectively turn new recruits from civilians into serviceman". It also said the measure helped prevent the spread of hygiene-related maladies and make up for the shortage of barbers on Air Force camps. Taking the complainant's side, the human rights group recommended the Air Force scrap the head-shaving regulation, calling it an unnecessary and excessive measure. "Shaving trainees' head is considered as a rite of passage for trainees," NHRCK Commissioner Choi Hye-ri said in a written recommendation to the Air Force. "However, the NHRCK survey results show that it is a practice imposed against the will of the organization's weakest members and does not play any function in creating a sense of unity or pride within the Air Force. The claim that it instills a soldier mentality in the trainees is also questionable." The fact the army and the navy did not require their trainees to completely shave their head also eroded the Air Force's argument that the practice was necessary to properly manage new recruits, Choi added. The NHRCK's decision was backed by a survey conducted last October of 70 air force trainees. According to the survey, 65.7 percent of trainees said they were against the head-shaving regulation and 71.5 percent said they were more than capable of going through the training process with a crew cut. Some also responded that the head-shaving led to various skin problems on the scalp because of germs and other contaminants. President Donald Trump has from his earliest days in office raised the possibility of killing Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the powerful Iranian military commander who died this month in a U.S. military drone strike. As a presidential candidate in 2015, Trump in an interview didnt seem to have heard of Soleimani or the paramilitary Iranian Quds Force he led. But within five months of taking office, Trump was raising the possibility of killing him an idea he would bring up several times again in the months and years to follow. The presidents decision to act now was a response to increased Iranian aggression in the Middle East and an imminent threat that the administration has struggled to consistently describe. But the attack also reflects Trumps growing comfort in his job and the presence of a new group of top national security advisers who are more hawkish on Iran, more willing to provide him with aggressive options and less inclined to check his instincts. Trump initially floated the possibility of killing Soleimani in the spring of 2017 when Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen fired a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabias capital just before Trumps arrival, according to one current and one former U.S. official. But then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resisted any action. Its an idea thats been batted around for a while, said a former senior Pentagon official who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Its not a hard or particularly complicated idea to come up with. Former White House officials who supported the killing of Soleimani this month viewed Mattis absence as one of the reasons the strike proceeded, surmising that Mattis either wouldnt have supported such a strike or wouldnt have presented the option to the president. Mattis declined to comment on the strike or advice he would have provided. His caution was often backed up by former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., and former White House Chief of staff John Kelly, according to former administration officials. The trio for decades served together in the Marines and were focused on the possible ramifications of escalation in the Middle East. Despite his reputation as an Iran hawk, Mattis prioritized defeating the Islamic State. More broadly, he was focused on preparing the military for possible conflicts with great powers, such as China and Russia, during his time in the top civilian post at the Pentagon. Today, Defense Secretary Mark Esper is filling Mattis role; theres a new chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and a new commander at U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The diminished threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has given Trumps national security team license to shift its focus more toward Iran. Gen. Joseph Votel, who retired at Central Command, had been a chief architect of the Trump administrations plan to destroy the Islamic State and a staunch advocate of keeping U.S. troops in northern Syria to support Kurdish forces and ensure the remnants of the Islamic State did not return. Last year, Trump withdrew some of those troops, and has declared the Islamic State defeated. Votels successor, Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., has made Iran the top focus for his command. Theres been a change in circumstances, priorities and personality from Votel to McKenzie, said the former senior Pentagon official. Another shift taking place was in the role of the presidents top military adviser. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has taken over for Dunford, who carved out a conservative role and was deliberately measured when publicly defending administration policy. Milley, who is more comfortable in the spotlight, has been a vocal defender of the presidents decision to strike Soleimani, saying those on the presidents national security team who saw the intelligence about future attacks would have been culpably negligent to the American people had we not made the decision we made. Esper initially faced questions about whether he was taking a back seat to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the administrations public response to the attack on Soleimani. But in the days since, the former Army officer and defence industry lobbyist has become an increasingly vocal surrogate for Trump, appearing on television multiple times and giving remarks to the press at the Pentagon. In his appearances, Esper has walked a fine line, defending the presidents decision to kill Soleimani while also rolling back or clarifying some of Trumps more questionable statements. After Trump threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites in a message on Twitter, Esper said the U.S. military would follow the laws of armed conflict, which would prohibit such an attack. Trumps confidence is further bolstered by three years of White House experience and a feeling that the expert predictions of dire consequences, especially in the Middle East, dont always come true. Top officials warned Trump that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would lead to increased attacks on U.S. troops throughout the Middle East, but the attacks never came. The decision to kill Soleimani at the Baghdad airport on Jan. 3, came in response to an attack by an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq that killed an American contractor and a subsequent siege of the U.S. Embassy. It was another instance where a lot of folks were advising him not to do it and Trump believed the consequences werent nearly as bad as predicted, said a former White House official. Trump is also surrounded by a group of advisers who appear more unified, especially in their view of Iran. The result is less introspection, less debate and faster action, said a second former senior Pentagon official. Its a smaller team, more like-minded, capable of coming to agreement quicker. The longest serving and most influential of the group is Pompeo, who long has pushed for a more hawkish posture toward Iran. Esper closely co-ordinates with Pompeo, his former West Point classmate, and regularly talks to the president but came into the job with more of a defence industry background and without his own agenda, a senior Defense official said. The Soleimani strike reflected Trumps preference for quick strikes designed to dissuade adversaries over longer and costlier deployments, such as the U.S. troop presence in Syria. National security adviser Robert OBrien also operates differently from his predecessor, John Bolton, who regularly injected his own policy views into the decision-making process and rankled Cabinet members by keeping them out of the loop, according to one former National Security Council official. OBrien, officials said, sees his role as co-ordinator and facilitator. A former California lawyer and hostage negotiator, he has not gotten into arguments with Trump as Bolton and former national security adviser H.R. McMaster did. Trump regularly complained McMaster talked down to him or tried to convince him he was wrong. Acting White House Chief of staff Mick Mulvaney similarly has shied away from clashing with or trying to constrain the presidents impulses, particularly on national security decisions, where Mulvaney, a lawyer and former congressman, has limited experience. Kelly, his predecessor, regularly told military officials that he wanted to talk to Trump before they actually carried out one of his orders and sometimes told them to hold off. For example, when Trump ordered the United States to leave NATO, or U.S. troops to leave the Middle East in late 2017, senior intelligence and military officials were brought in to change his mind. Hed get spun up, and if you bought some time, you could get him calmed down, and then explain to him what his decision might do, said a former senior administration official. When Trump decided to pull U.S. troops out of Syria last year, aides did not attempt to block a statement that he had generated, officials said. Instead, it was circulated for others to be aware, in the words of the senior administration official. Previously, Kelly and other aides, including former press secretary Sarah Sanders, had blocked such statements. Those who support a hawkish Iran policy have cheered the new group of advisers around the president along with Trumps more aggressive posture toward Tehran. Democratic lawmakers, however, have expressed fear that the president could inadvertently stumble into larger war with Iran. The revolving door in the national security cabinet is a real danger. There is no consistency of communication with any of our allies, said Sen. Chris Murphy in an interview. For all of Mattis reputation as an Iran hawk, he ended up being one of the most sober-minded people in the Cabinet, Murphy said, noting that few people on Trumps current national security team have any real diplomatic experience. 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Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f04825fc560)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04835eaaa0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f04825fc560)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04835eaaa0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f04826405c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04835eaaa0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04835eaaa0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0481b66370)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f04835e62e0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f04835e62e0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Some 300 vomiting, defecating vultures have made a United States Customs and Border Protection radio tower in South Texas their home, coating the tower and buildings beneath it with potentially hazardous excrement as besieged border officials try to stem the deteriorating situation. In a notice on Thursday, the agency said it was looking for advice on how to attach some sort of net on the 320-foot tower in Kingsville to keep the vultures from roosting and nesting on its railings, catwalks, supports, and on rails and conduit throughout. Droppings mixed with urine are on all of these surfaces and throughout the interior of the tower where workers are in contact with it, as well as on areas below, the agency said. Since the presence of birds attract more birds, this rural tower will be a frequent and constant target for vultures. The agency said it hoped to have the net system, which would cut off access for the birds, in place by August, before the natural heavy vulture roosting period during the fall months. TAIPEI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Han Kuo-yu, the Kuomintang (KMT) candidate, on Saturday evening acknowledged his defeat in Taiwan's leadership election. This means the reelection of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Tsai Ing-wen as Taiwan leader, who won the most votes in Saturday's election, followed by Han. Wu Den-yih announced resignation from the post of KMT chairman following Han's defeat. Joe Coulombe started Trader Joe's out of a nondescript location in Pasadena, California, in 1958. Noting that more Americans were traveling and enjoying the good life, Coulombe created his stores with a tropical theme in a South Seas motif. Little did he know that the chain would grow to more than 500 stores and revolutionize the U.S. food business. In 1979, a German named Theo Albrecht bought Trader Joe's with ambitions to grow the chain nationwide. And that's where this story really begins. Albrecht's family is known for its ownership of Aldi, a discount grocery chain with 10,000 stores in 20 countries. Aldi's format is about scale and low prices, and its stores lack much in the way of branding and identity. So, it's unusual that the Albrechts would grow Trader Joe's into one of America's most trusted brands. It has a cult following because of its quirky products, low prices, and adventurous customer experience. So how did Trader Joe's build such a following? At the root of its success is a unique culture. Glassdoor rates Trader Joe's 70th in the Best Places to Work report in 2018, which is remarkable given the competition: a glut of notable technology companies and consulting firms such as Google and McKinsey. What's stunning about the story of Trader Joe's is that one would think the mother ship (Aldi) would mold the company in its image, but nothing could be further from the truth. These six keys can help you scale a business while maintaining its culture: 1. Get the ownership structure right. Trader Joe's has remained privately held. In many cases, chasing cheaper capital in public markets accelerates growth, but with it come compliance and unwanted bureaucracy. For Trader Joe's, maintaining local control and a steady and reasonable growth rate have been integral to its success. 2. Establish customs and symbols that resonate with employees. Each Trader Joe's has a "captain" supported by "mates, merchants, and a crew." This symbolism carries forward a theme that is engaging, spontaneous, and rich in tradition. Creating customs and symbols provides texture to the employee experience. These themes are also repeatable across the enterprise. 3. Reinforce your culture every day. Trader Joe's has seven values that govern employee behavior and are deeply rooted within the daily operations. For example, the value "We are a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores" is evidenced by the autonomy that store managers are given to be part of their community and satisfy local tastes. Trader Joe's practices "decentralized command" in which each location has a unique style (including employing local artists to create chalk sketches in the store). Unlike larger chains depending on slotting fees and the influence of big brands, Trader Joe's stands alone as a merchant focused on the happiness of its customers. The company translates its values into expectations for employees such as committing to "every customer experience being rewarding, eventful, and fun." Many companies are realizing the importance of converting values into behaviors, and some are even using them as the basis of performance reviews and feedback loops. 4. Don't take yourself too seriously. Famously, Trader Joe's was a pioneer in the wine category. The company made waves with the brand Charles Shaw, a low-end brand of California wine. While other retailers tried to expand selections and offer more expensive vintages, Trader Joe's mocked itself with the tag "Two-Buck Chuck." According to Wikipedia, Trader Joe's sold 800 million bottles of Charles Shaw between 2002 and 2013. The playfulness in the way Trader Joe's depicts its products is part of the allure. 5. Be consistent. Trader Joe's has had only three CEOs in the past 60 years. One of the company's values is Kaizen (continuous improvement). While Kaizen is popular in manufacturing environments, it's unusual for a grocery chain to institute it (I was in this business for 20 years). The proof is in the pudding--literally. The company has high stock conditions and control over pricing, delivering the highest level of satisfaction in the grocery business. 6. Ensure your brand stands for something. Joe Coulombe once said, "We are not a conventional grocery store. We're closer to the fashion business than the supermarket business." This form of showmanship is on display daily as the company provides samples, changes its displays, and provides opportunities for customers to "try something new." Every holiday season, customers stalk their local store waiting for seasonal items such as sea salt caramels to hit the store. White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the United States had reached out to North Korea seeking to resume talks, according to an interview published on Sunday by Axios. O'Brien also said it was a "positive" sign that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had not delivered on a warning of a "Christmas gift." Some analysts had said that might be a sign Pyongyang was preparing a long-range missile test, while U.S. President Donald Trump said last month the gift "might be a beautiful vase." "We've reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October," O'Brien told the online news site on Friday. "We've been letting them know, through various channels, that we would like to get those back on track." A spokesman for the National Security Council did not immediately comment on Sunday. On Saturday, North Korea said it had received birthday greetings for Kim from Trump, but their personal relationship was not enough for a return to talks, according to a statement published by state news agency KCNA. Trump relied on his personal rapport with Kim to push for denuclearization in talks in 2018 and 2019, but those efforts have largely failed at the working level and sparked new concerns about Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities. North Korea will not discuss proposals such as those Trump made at his last summit with Kim in Hanoi in February 2019, a Foreign Ministry adviser said Saturday. Kim said recently there were no longer grounds for Pyongyang to be bound by a self-declared moratorium on intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear bomb testing and that a "new strategic weapon" would be introduced in the near future. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said recently there was an urgent need for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea, adding he was ready to meet its leader in North Korea. For the first time, India will host the annual meeting of council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the grouping's Secretary General Vladimir Norov said on Monday. Norov, who arrived here on Sunday on a four-day trip, made the announcement on the sidelines of an event. Earlier, he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on a range of issues. "Received Secretary General #ShanghaiCooperation Organization Vladimir Norov. Reviewed the progress in our cooperation as India prepares to take up the responsibility of chairing the Council of #SCO Heads of Government," Jaishankar tweeted. Usually, the heads of government meeting of the SCO is represented by foreign ministers while a number of countries send their prime ministers also. India has always been represented by the external affairs minister in the heads of government meeting while the SCO heads of state summit is attended by the prime minister. Pakistan is a member of the SCO and it will be interesting to see who represents the country in the meeting in India. All member countries are very glad that India is hosting the SCO heads of government meeting later this year. India is an important country in the region and has huge potential for fuelling economic growth in the region, Norov said. India became a full member of the the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry into it increased the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of SCO in 2017. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The Prime Minister has stated that he looks forward to participating in the Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries in Russia this year, and welcoming President Putin in India for the 21st bilateral Annual Summit. Norov also spoke at a think tank on evolving situation in the region and how important India's role has been to regional peace and stability. He said it was important to involve Afghanistan in the SCO transport corridor which will help the country's economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of students of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) university protested on Monday outside the office of Vice-Chancellor Najma Akhtar putting forward several demands. The students sought rescheduling of exam dates, registration of FIR against the Delhi Police and ensuring safety to students and compensation for the students who were injured during the violence on December 15. The varsity was closed on December 16 after protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) turned violent on December 15. It had also cancelled the examinations and declared vacation till January 5, 2020. Live TV Speaking to students on December 15 incident, Vice-Chancellor Akhtar said, "Delhi Police entered the campus without permission and the process of filing an FIR against Delhi Police will begin from tomorrow (Tuesday)." "We will get the FIR done. If you want to listen then be quiet. You all know what we did. We have done what we could before. We are government employees, despite this, we have sent the objections. Delhi Police came inside our campus without taking permission and the students were beaten up, we will not tolerate it. The FIR will definitely be done," added Akhtar. Replying to the protesting students, the VC replied that security and FIR don't go together. She added that the administration is taking all the steps, adding that security has been doubled. "I am not going anywhere leaving you people here. I never ordered to vacate the hostel. I said that children who came from outside, lock them from outside and do not let them go out." Speaking on the students that were taken away by the police she said, "We brought all the children back who were taken by the police. No FIR has been filed against them. We are trying...give us time to try." The students have been advised to regularly visit the official websites to avoid any confusion arising due to rumours and wrong communication on social media. Students can also call `Jamia Help Desk` number 011-26981717 with extension 1408 and 7647989611 from 10 am to 5 pm for any query related to the exam schedule, the university said. In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday asserted that the duo is "obsessed" about Pakistan. He also said that the two leaders sleep at night "dreaming about Pakistan" and keep on talking about the neighbouring country the entire day. Sibal was reacting to the BJP levelling allegations on Congress speaking in the language of Pakistan over CAA and NRC. "Who is speaking the language of (Pakistan Prime Minister) Imran Khan? It is the PM and the Home Minister. The divisive agendas of Pakistan are being perpetrated in this country. So, they are the ones who are speaking in Pakistan's language," Kapil Sibal said. READ | Chidambaram's Suggestion To PM Modi Over CAA: Pick 5 Critics, Sit Across From Them Modi-Shah dreaming of Pakistan The senior Supreme Court advocate added, "Both of them sleep at night dreaming of Pakistan, thinking of Pakistan when they get up in the morning and talking about Pakistan. They should be rather dreaming about India, thinking of India when they get up in the morning and talking about India the entire day. They are obsessed with Pakistan." READ | Congress Calls PM Modi 'arrogant', Terms BJP As 'Bhartiya Anti-Janata Party' People don't trust PM's statements Kapil Sibal also took an aim on PM Modi over his statements on demonetisation in 2016 and said that the PM had said that everything will be fine in 50 days but questioned whether that happened. "There will be no terrorism, no black money and no fake currency said PM. Did it happen?" Sibal noted this while asserting that people no longer believe in the PM's statements and will launch a struggle against the "divisive agenda" of the central government. READ | PM Modi Hails KPT Centenarians, Says They Made The Port A 'powerful Symbol Of New India' No to CAA Talking about the amended citizenship law, Kapil Sibal said, "Kerala Assembly passed a resolution. What was the intent of the resolution? It is to tell the Centre to not take the CAA forward and withdraw it...There is growing support among the people of the country and within opposition states including those who were their allies, who have said that they will not implement the CAA." (With ANI inputs) READ | Kapil Sibal Demands Resignation Of Home Minister & JNU VC Amid Brutal Campus Violence Key indices were trading higher with both Sensex and Nifty scaling record high on strong buying in index stocks. At 9:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 275.76 points or 0.66% at 41,875.48. The Nifty 50 index was up 72.85 points or 0.59% at 12,329.65. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.56%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.50%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 889 shares rose and 238 shares fell. A total of 64 shares were unchanged. Among stocks, Infosys rose 2.58%. Infosys, after market hours on Friday, announced its Q3 results. On a consolidated basis, net profit rose 10.9% to Rs 4,457 crore on 2% increase in revenues to Rs 23,092 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q2 September 2019. The Q3 numbers are as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Operating margin was 21.9% in Q3 December 2019 as against 21.7% in Q2 September 2019. The company increased FY20 revenue guidance. The revised guidance is 10.0%-10.5% in constant currency higher than 9-10% estimated earlier. It maintained FY20 operating margin guidance range of 21%-23%. Torrent Power advanced 1.02%. Torrent Power informed that CRISIL has upgraded the long term credit rating of non-convertible debentures and long term bank facilities of the company to CRISIL AA/Stable from CRISIL AA-/Stable. CRISIL has reaffirmed its rating on the short-term bank facilities and commercial paper at CRISIL A1+. CRISIL believes Torrent Power will maintain its strong business risk profile, driven by stable cash flows from its regulated businesses over the medium term. Also, financial risk profile expected to remain healthy. Avenue Supermarts jumped 3.11%. Avenue Supermarts, on Saturday, reported 55.32% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 384.04 crore on 24.31% rise in total income to Rs 6815.00 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q3 December 2018. The company added seven stores in Q3 and 20 stores during the 9 months. Tata Steel gained 1.11%. Tata Steel said that Tata Steel Netherlands Holdings B.V. (TSNHBV), a 100% subsidiary of Tata Steel, has executed agreements for the refinancing of its bank debt. TSNBHV has raised term loan facilities of EUR 1.75 billion from 19 banks. This represents a reduction of EUR 500 million versus the external debt outstanding in Tata Steel Europe as of March 2019, enabling the standalone European business to have a more robust balance sheet while it is also putting in significant efforts at restructuring and improving its operating performance. Lupin fell 0.80%. Lupin said the completion of a PAI (Prior Approval Inspection) carried out by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) at its Nagpur oral solid dosage manufacturing facility. The inspection was carried out between 6 January 2020 and 10 January 2020. The inspection closed with two 483 observations. Yes Bank was down 5.36%. Yes Bank said the Board of Directors of the Bank, have approved raising of funds upto Rs 10,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt and decided not to proceed with the offer from Erwin Singh Braich-SPGP Holdings. The bank will hold extra-ordinary general meeting to obtain shareholders' approval for fund raising. India's industrial production (base year 2011-12=100) rebounded 1.8% in November 2019, while snapping consistent decline for last three straight months. As per the revised data for industrial production of October 2019, the pace of decline in industrial production is raised to 4.0% compared with 3.8% reported provisionally. Overseas, Asian stocks were trading mixed on Monday after a decline in US shares following Friday's lacklustre employment report. In US, stocks ended lower on Friday, after the Dow briefly topped the 29,000 milestone, with investor euphoria over recent record highs deflated by data showing slower-than-expected US jobs and wage growth in December. All three major benchmarks indexes set new intraday highs on Friday. The US Labor Department said the US economy added 145,000 new jobs in December less than the 266,000 gain in the prior month. The unemployment rate, meanwhile, held near a 50-year low at 3.5%. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Philippines' Taal Volcano in Batangas province continued to spew a cloud of ash on Monday, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and forcing airports to shut down. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, but authorities scrambled to evacuate more than 6,000 villagers from an island in the middle of a lake, where the volcano lies, and tens of thousands more from nearby coastal towns, officials said. About 300,000 people were targeted to be moved to safety in Batangas in the next few days. The volcanology institute raised the danger level around Taal three notches on Sunday to level 4, indicating "a hazardous eruption may happen within hours or days," said Renato Solidum, who heads the volcanology institute. Level 5, the highest, means a hazardous eruption is underway and could affect a larger area. Fallen ash covered the runways at Manila's international airport Sunday night. All departing and arriving international and domestic flights were suspended "due to volcanic ash in the vicinity of the airport" and nearby air routes, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said. Aviation officials also ordered the closure of Clark International Airport north of the capital after ash fell in the area. Authorities said they were considering diverting flights to unaffected airports outside Manila. Bushfires flared in southern Australia on Thursday as a heatwave expected to bring renewed misery set in, and officials warned some areas are just at the beginning of the devastating crisis. Soldiers went door-to-door advising residents to leave the South Australian town of Parndana on Kangaroo Island after a large blaze bore down on the area, with temperatures there soaring to 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). That came less than 24 hours after police evacuated the picturesque islands Vivonne Bay community, which by Thursday afternoon was also being threatened by fires that were expected to burn for days to come. The conditions are such that it is continuing to present a significant risk to the firefighters who are working hard to control the fires, and to anyone else in the vicinity, Country Fire Service chief Mark Jones said. In neighboring Victoria state, officials extended a state of disaster declaration for a further 48 hours ahead of scorching temperatures that were due to set in Friday, further stoking massive fires. Its a very dangerous and dynamic situation that will confront us over the next 12, 24 and 36 hours, Victoria Emergency Management commissioner Andrew Crisp said. The catastrophic bushfires have killed at least 26 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and scorched some 80,000 square kilometers an area the size of the island of Ireland. Scientists say the drought-fueled blazes are being worsened by climate change, which is increasing the length and intensity of Australias fire season. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews warned residents to brace for further devastation in what has already been a months-long crisis. Were just at the beginning of what will be a really, really challenging summer, he said. Despite cooler weather and rainfall providing some relief in some bushfire-affected areas this week, almost 150 fires were still burning in worst-hit New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, the huge continents most populated regions. Vast tracts of the states are facing severe fire danger Friday, with some areas expected to experience extreme conditions. Dont get complacent with the rain that weve seen, Victoria police minister Lisa Neville said. These fires are absolutely still moving, still growing in our landscape and they pose significant risk to communities. Firefighters have been taking advantage of this weeks milder weather as they race to contain bushfires ahead of Friday. They have been clearing vegetation and carrying out controlled burns in an effort to protect areas like the coastal town of Eden, where a large bushfire is burning to the south. It only takes a spark to get a fire burning, and thats our concern for tomorrow, Rural Fire Service superintendent John Cullen told a local council briefing. The Rural Fire Service said a helicopter pilot who had been waterbombing a fire in the area ditched his aircraft into a dam Thursday afternoon, managing to free himself and swim to shore. In some burnt-out areas people have turned to the painful task of rebuilding their homes and lives, with the process expected to take years. NSW announced Thursday it would spend A$1.2 billion ($680 million) on restoring infrastructure in fire-ravaged areas. That comes on top of a separate A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) national recovery fund earmarked to help devastated communities. We are always standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who have been impacted by the devastating fires, this catastrophe which has come to New South Wales and we are stepping up to make sure we provide that support, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. The bushfire toll has not been limited to human losses the blazes have also wreaked wide-ranging environmental damage. 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. Bushfire smoke has shrouded Australias major cities in toxic haze for weeks, causing major public health concerns. The smoke has also traveled more than 12,000 kilometers to Brazil and Argentina, according to weather authorities there. Australia experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 Celsius recorded in mid-December. BEIJING - China said Monday it barred the head of the internationally renowned organization Human Rights Watch from entering Hong Kong due to the groups support for the territorys ongoing protest movement. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Human Rights Watch had instigated anti-China activists to engage in radical violent crimes, and incite separatist activities hyping Hong Kong independence. Groups such as Human Rights Watch were responsible for the current unrest in Hong Kong, and deserve sanctions and must pay a price, Geng told reporters at a daily briefing. Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watchs executive director, had planned to launch the organizations annual world report in Hong Kong this week but was barred from entering on Sunday and put on a flight back to the United States. Roth said in video posted to his Twitter account that the reports focus is Chinas efforts to deliberately undermine the international human rights system. China pledged last month to sanction organizations that it said performed badly in relation to anti-government protests that have roiled Hong Kong for more than seven months. The National Endowment for Democracy and Freedom House were among the other groups cited for sanctions. Mass demonstrations underpinned by distrust of Chinas ruling Communist Party began in Hong Kong in June. Protesters rallied initially against a bill that could have seen criminal suspects sent to face trial on the mainland. Although the legislation was later withdrawn, protestersdemands expanded to include calls for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality. A former British colony, Hong Kong was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997 with a guarantee that it could retain its own political, legal, economic and social freedoms under the rubric of one country, two systems. But protesters say their liberties have been steadily eroding under Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has increasingly tightened one-party authoritarian communist rule on the mainland. Roth has visited Hong Kong numerous times and he said this is the first time he has been denied entry. The last time he visited the city was in April 2018 to hold a press conference about Human Rights Watchs report on gender discrimination in the Chinese job market. Young people in the Japanese city of Osaka have marked a rite of passage by climbing steps to the top of the country's tallest building. Monday is Coming of Age Day, a national holiday that honors people reaching age 20, the legal start of adulthood in Japan. Ceremonies were held across the country, but the event in Osaka was one of the more adventurous. A group reached the top of the 300-meter Abeno Harukas skyscraper under the motto "Let's Step to Adulthood." More than 100 participants wrote down their hopes for the future on a white sash and ascended the 1,637 steps, wearing kimonos or new suits. They made it to the top of the 60-story building in about an hour. At an event that followed, two participants said the climb to the top floor boosted their self-confidence. They expressed hope that they will recall the scenic outlook as they move on with their lives. The municipality that is home to Tokyo Disneyland honored a tradition of hosting its Coming of Age ceremony at the theme park. Nearly 2,200 new adults were invited. One of the young women who took part spoke about her experience visiting areas devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. She said the program, sponsored by Urayasu City, taught her some valuable lessons. She said she wanted to get involved in efforts to create links within her local community. Disney characters put on a special show for the attendees. Yusaku Maezawa, entrepreneur and CEO of ZOZOTOWN and SpaceX BFR's first private passenger, poses with a miniature rocket and space helmet prior to start of a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on October 9, 2018. Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is looking for a "life partner" to accompany him on a trip to the moon as SpaceX's first private tourist passenger. Maezawa tweeted a link to a website on Sunday, advertising his "serious matchmaking documentary" called "Full Moon Lovers," where women could apply to join him on a voyage around the moon on SpaceX's Starship rocket in 2023. Maezawa, 44, said he was "restarting" his life having acquired his fortune as founder of Japan's largest fashion retail website, Zozotown. "As feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me, there's one thing that I think about: continuing to love one woman," he continued. Entrants to the "one-on-one planned matchmaking event" would be able to apply from 10 a.m. Tokyo time on January 17, with the final decision being made at the end of March. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed in 2018 that Maezawa would SpaceX's first civilian passenger. Maezawa said he initially felt both "embarrassment and pride" and actually considered rejecting Musk's offer but decided to accept after realizing the opportunity might not come around again. He said the decision prompted him to "seriously face up to the idea of continuing to love one woman," something he had previously only had a "hazy image" about. The retail mogul added that he wanted to "shout our love and world peace from outer space" with his future partner. Applicants have to be single women aged 20 or over, to be considered. They also need to have a "bright personality and always (be) positive," be interested in going to space and be able to take part in the preparation for the trip, to "want to enjoy life to the fullest" and be someone who "wishes for world peace." Maezawa recently split from his girlfriend, 27-year-old actress Ayame Goriki and is reported to be divorced. The entrepreneur started out as a drummer for a rock band "Switch Style" and sold CDs by mail from his home before setting up Zozotown in 1998, which gained a market worth of $15 billion. Maezawa sold the company to Japanese conglomerate Softbank Group last year, stepping down as CEO but his net worth stands at $2 billion. He recently launched a giveaway over Twitter for a second time, offering to share $1 billion Japanese yen ($9 million) between 1,000 people, as part of a social experiment to test whether the money would make recipients happier. Maezawa is due to announce the winners over Twitter this week. Rebranding 13 January 2020 Accor has signed an agreement to manage the 571-room Star Convention Centre in Thailand. The Star Convention Hotel will be rebranded as the Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre later this year. Located in the city centre of Rayong province, the hotel will undergo a major renovation of its public areas, dining outlets and 235 guestrooms in the first phase followed by another 336 guest-rooms in the second phase over the next two years. The hotel is situated in the hub of one of Thailand's major agricultural and industrial provinces. Also a popular beach destination for locals, the hotel is approximately 2.5-hour drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 1-hour drive from U-Tapao International Airport in Pattaya. KATHMANDU, Nepal - Nepals aviation authority on Monday asked everyone in the Himalayan nations only international airport to cut down on heating this winter to save power so that key equipment can run without disruption. There has been increased demand for electricity use due to the cold weather which is directly effecting the communication, navigation aids and surveillance equipment, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a notice. It said it was asking airlines offices, immigration, customs and shops inside the airport to stop using heaters and air conditioners. A spokesman for Kathmandus Tribhuwan International Airport, Deo Chandra Lal Karna, said the power situation was under control and the request from the aviation authority was a precautionary measure. Power outages are common in Nepal, though the situation has improved over the past two years as the government has made a priority of supplying electricity. Were there to be disruptions at the international airport it could affect what the government has dubbed Visit Nepal Year 2020 in anticipation of welcoming 2 million tourists. All the power generated in Nepal comes from hydropower plants on its fast-flowing mountain rivers. Though Nepal has the potential to generate much more power than needed from these rivers, the lack of funds, frequent changes in government, political instability, corruption and a communist insurgency that lasted a decade have slowed down building of these power plants. About a third of Nepals power is imported from neighbouring India to make up for the shortfall. The government of Niger declared three days of mourning after 89 soldiers were killed in an attack by suspected terrorists on a base located in the countrys west, a spokesman said. Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou also announced he has replaced the head of the countrys army, Ahmed Mohamed, who led the military for two years, Reuters reported on Monday. Major General Salifou Modi was appointed Mohameds successor on the same day. The government initially said that 25 people died in the attack. Days later, the government said the death toll was revised to 89, The Associated Press reported. The government calls on the population to be more vigilant, more serene and united, and reaffirms its determination to continue the fight against terrorism until the final victory, a government statement said. According to CNN, three days of mourning were announced by a government spokesman. Days before, Issoufou wrote that on behalf of the people of Niger, I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. He also wrote to salute the courage and bravery of the military forces who lost their lives and repelled the attack in Chinagodrar. Troops in Niger and Mali are fighting to suppress an insurgency. Both countries have been assaulted by Islamic extremists in recent months, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the special representative and head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, told the bodys Security Council last week that attacks in the region have increased at a rapid pace in recent years. He said more than 4,000 deaths were reported last year. But in 2016, only 770 deaths were recorded in the same area, which encompasses Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, Fox News reported. Most significantly, the geographic focus of terrorist attacks has shifted eastwards from Mali to Burkina Faso and is increasingly threatening West African coastal states, Chambas said at the U.N. Security Council meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with President Issoufou and other West African leaders in the coming days, Fox News reported. The latest attack comes about a month after around 70 soldiers were killed in Niger near the Mali border in an assault blamed on Islamic terrorists. In early December, the president of Burkina Faso also said that more than a dozen people were killed during a suspected terrorist attack on a Protestant church in Hantoukoura, located in the east of the West African country. Since July, hundreds of people have fled the area for Nigers capital, Niamey, or other nearby towns, the sources said, leaving their cattle and houses untended and unguarded. The region has been in crisis since 2012, when ethnic Tuareg rebels and loosely-aligned Islamic jihadists seized the northern two-thirds of Mali, forcing France to intervene the following year to beat them back. Reuters contributed to this report. From The Epoch Times Raul Khajimba, leader of the self-proclaimed breakaway Georgian republic of Abkhazia, who resigned following four days of protests in the regional capital, Sukhumi, does not plan to take part in a new election. Separatist Vice President Aslan Bartsits told lawmakers, who accepted the resignation on January 13, that Khajimba "will continue to take part in political life" but "is not going to run in the election." Afterward, the breakaway region's parliament named de facto Prime Minister Valery Bganba as acting president and announced that the current staff of the separatist cabinet will continue until a new president is elected. Bganba issued a statement addressing the residents of the breakaway region, saying that he will do "everything to establish internal stability in order to secure the decent organization and execution of presidential elections in accordance with the terms defined by the constitution." The leader of the Bloc of the Opposition Forces, lawmaker Aslan Bzhania, said on January 13, that he plans to put himself forward as a presidential candidate in the election. A day earlier, former Abkhaz Prime Minister Sergei Shamba read Khajimba's resignation statement to protesters near the presidential residence. Parliamentary speaker Valery Kvarchia confirmed the resignation, telling Russia's TASS news agency that "the issue of who will act [as president] has not yet been decided." "It may be the prime minister," he added, referring to Prime Minister Valery Bganba. Kvarchia added the region's de facto legislature would take up the issue in a session later on January 13. The announcement came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide, Vladislav Surkov, arrived in Sukhumi, joining a Russian delegation headed by Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Rashid Nurgaliyev. The crisis in the breakaway Georgian region erupted on January 9 when demonstrators stormed the Sukhumi building housing Khajimba's administration, asserting the September election that he won was fraudulent. The legislature later called on Khajimba to step down. The Abkhaz Supreme Court on January 10 reversed an earlier decision and declared the September results void, following a petition by opposition leader Alkhas Kvitsinia. Khajimba and his supporters had resisted calls for his resignation and planned to launch legal appeals before his January 12 about-face. The head of the region's self-proclaimed Central Election Commission, Tamaz Gogia, said on January 12 that he did not agree with the Supreme Court ruling, but that he would abide by it. The commission set March 22 as the date for a new election. The Black Sea region has had de facto independence from Georgia since a war against Tbilisi in 1992-93. After Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war in August 2008, Moscow unilaterally recognized Abkhazia and another breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, as independent states. Both regions have since been largely propped up by Moscow and host Russian military forces. Georgia and most of the international community consider both regions to be occupied territories. With reporting by TASS, Sputnik, Interfax, and Kavkazsky Uzel It has been one year since the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) opened its public hearings, on January 7, 2019. And it would be hard to choose which of the many spectacular events that have punctuated the ten three-week sessions over the past year should be most remembered. From the testimonies of victims of torture and rape to the stunning confessions of perpetrators among them most of the senior members of the former military junta that ruled the country from 1994 to 2017 the TRRC has stood out as the event of the year in the field of transitional justice. As the Commission prepares to begin its second year of public hearings on January 20, a total of 188 witnesses have appeared so far, including 51 women. Twenty-three of the victims who testified were Gambians living abroad who were heard through live video link. Two protected witnesses testified in closed session. And a total of 35 alleged perpetrators provided a remarkable amount of information previously unknown on serious human rights violations committed during the 22-year rule of Yahya Jammeh. The evidence that has come out of witness testimonies since January 7, 2019 shows that there were widespread human rights violations in The Gambia under the Jammeh regime. From both victims and perpetrators, we have learnt of arbitrary arrests, detentions, horrible prison conditions, tortures, killings, sexual abuses, and the incomprehensible practice of accusing innocent people of witch craft, subjecting them to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, forcing them to drink health-destroying concoctions, and subjecting them and their families to a life of stigma and public ridicule, said Dr Baba Galleh Jallow, the executive secretary of the TRRC, at a press conference last December. The extent of the human rights violations that occurred in this country defy comprehension and, we are confident, has cemented a determination in Gambians to never again allow their rights and dignities to be trampled with impunity by the state. Solving decades-old mysteries Among the important historical events covered by last years hearings were the circumstances surrounding the July 22, 1994 military coup that brought Jammeh to power; the following execution of about a dozen soldiers; the killings of West African migrants in 2005; the murder of journalist Deyda Hydara in 2004 and of former Finance minister Ousman Koro Ceesay in 2005; the crackdown on the media and journalists; the activities of the Junglers, a hit-squad; cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women, including by former president Jammeh himself; the killing of students in the April 2000 demonstrations; arbitrary arrests, detentions and tortures; and the 2009 Jammeh-led witch-hunt in which hundreds of people were forced to drink dangerous or lethal concoctions. According to a 2018 survey by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, 34% of the population expected the TRRC to deliver national peace, reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. About 30% believed it should create an accurate record of human rights abuses of the past regime and 28% believed that it will prosecute and punish persons found guilty of crimes against humanity. This showed the diversity of peoples expectations in a country where, according to the same survey, 28% reported that they or a member of their family had suffered one form of human rights violations under Jammehs rule. A leading participant in this research was Sait Matty Jaw, a lecturer at the University of the Gambia. Jaw thinks that in its first year of public hearings the Commission has done well in exposing past crimes. I have lived in this country all my life and some of these atrocities were just stories until they were being exposed before the TRRC, he said. Sait Matty Jow: Some of these atrocities were just stories until they were being exposed before the TRRC. Mustapha K. Darboe Low female participation The Commission has so far registered 941 victims, an overwhelming majority of them were male. The Commission has had to grapple with many challenges, including the difficulty of convincing some witnesses, especially female victims, to come forward and give statements or testify, admitted Dr Jallow. The TRRC is also having to deal with the challenge of female witness shaming and threatening. Some women who have publicly testified before the Commission have been objects of ridicule, insults and even threats from some members of the public. This unfortunate situation has the effect of discouraging all but the most courageous female victims from coming forward and sharing their stories with the Gambian public or even submitting statements to the Commission. Nyima Camara, a researcher and lecturer at the University of the Gambia, thinks the patriarchal nature of the Gambian society has everything to do with it. Unfortunately, in our society, they are sensitive matters that we do not discuss or talk about often. Women understand, as it is rooted in the structures of our patriarchal traditions and values, that disclosing their abuse is being made a taboo and so when it happens, it is the victim rather than the perpetrator that gets vilified and condemned, she said. Officially, the Commission has a witness protection mechanism in place. And it is a crime to threaten or interfere with a TRRC witness. Women need to be encouraged further to come forward openly about their abuse and understand that the shame is not theirs but the perpetrators. Their strength is what is required to break through the barriers and change the current status quo and narrative, added Camara. In December 2019, a number of women leaders came together to compile a report on women experiences under the dictatorship and submit it to the Commission. This followed the Commissions hearing on sexual violence in October. The report presented stories and viewpoints of women who are not comfortable giving public testimony because of numerous risk factors. These women stress that these voices are too important in understanding the dictatorship for them to be ignored. The release of the Junglers Didier Gbery, Gambias representative for the International Center for Transitional Justice, noted that in other countries truth commissions collect statements, conduct wider public outreach and then start public hearings. In the Gambia, however, the TRRC collects statements as it conducts hearings. As a result it has often looked like a live investigation. Gbery thinks that the most efficient method may have been to organize statement-taking first and then public hearings. A counterargument, though, is that it is precisely this live process that has made Gambias Truth Commission such a national happening. Throughout the year, the TRRC has maintained keen public interest. One of the most controversial issues the TRRC had to face was the release of four confessed killers from state custody last July. Prior to their release, these four Junglers had confessed to dozens of killings on the orders of Jammeh. The decision to release them did not sit well with victims. On a visit to the Gambia last November, Fabian Salvioli, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, stated that the release of Junglers after confessing of gross human rights violations before the TRRC shocked Gambian society and has eroded peoples trust in the TRRC process and in the governments will to conduct an effective transitional justice. Salvioli said the release represented a form of re-victimisation. Over the course of my visit, virtually every person with whom I met has strongly criticised and expressed concern about this decision, he added. From the onset, however, the TRRC attempted to shake this off its back: the release was not their decision, as Dr Jallow repeated in a press conference last month. It was instead the decision of the Justice Minister Aboubacarr Tambadou. Tambadou argued that he could not hold them forever in jail without charge. He has long cried about the lack of capacity of his ministry to handle several cases. The problem with the release of the Junglers is the lack of public understanding of the basis of the Ministers decision. Nothing was done to prepare the public ahead, said Didier Gbery. Amidst controversy, Tambadou sought to clarify that the Junglers release was not necessarily an amnesty. Managing peoples expectations Other decisions taken by the TRRC or the Justice Ministry have divided the Commissions followers and observers. In the most recent one, on October 23, the TRRC held a reconciliation meeting between Sanna Sabally and Edward Singhatey, two key players in the 1994 military coup, who both testified before the Commission. The two men have allegedly committed serious crimes, including killings, for which they took full or partial responsibility during their public testimonies. Singhatey was seen by many as not being truthful during his hearing. While he seemed largely linked to the killing of former Finance minister Ousman Koro Ceesay he denied any involvement. Many people thought the Commission should not facilitate what they consider a charade between two perpetrators posing as victims. The Commissions chair Dr Lamin Sise said they did not stage the reconciliation meeting. It was requested by Sabally and Singhatey and, based on its mandate, the TRRC was required to facilitate it. Sait Jaw observed that there was inadequate sensitization on how voluntary truth-telling works within the context of truth commissions. After people are accused before the Commission, there is often already someone calling for their heads. I think they need to constantly talk to the people on what the mandate of the TRRC is, their procedures and others. This is important. The truth commission process is very new to us, he said. According to Jaw, the occasional public outburst has to do with the suspicion people have developed about the governments commitment to resolving past atrocities. But he said the Justice Ministry should stick to the concept of voluntary truth and wait for the Commissions findings when its work is completed in December 2020. If you want to establish the truth, you cannot just hear one story or the other; you need to hear from every side. If someone comes and you want to determine that they are lying, what will that be based on? said Jaw. Gambias truth commission is trying to make its role clearer to the population. Mustapha K. Darboe Big needs, limited funds Two other things are at the heart of the TRRCs work: amnesties and reparations. Didier Gbery says the Commission needs to intensify its work to ensure that people know what is reparation and who qualifies for it as well as what is amnesty and who qualifies for it. The operational budget of Gambias TRRC is 130 million dalasis (about 2,3 million euros), a significant amount of money for a poor little country. A large part of this funding comes from partners such as the United Nations, the European Union and Qatar. The TRRC has also been given powers to grant its own reparations without consulting any authority. Aside from its regular budget, it can issue interim reparations as it holds its public sessions. The Commission has already been facing such interim reparations needs while its reparations policy is still being finalized. For instance, during its last session which focused on witch-hunting, several witnesses have complained of ill-health as a result of drinking the so-called witch doctors concoctions. The Commission contributed to the treatment of four victims in December. It also played a part in sending four other people for treatment in Turkey and pay for their stay. While the Gambia government has contributed 50 million dalasis [about 880 000 euros] to the TRRCs reparations fund, this is far from enough to cover the Commissions reparations obligations, said Dr Jallow. It is anticipated that more victims will benefit from both local and overseas medical treatment in the coming year. The pros and cons of tough questioning The TRRC main public face has been its lead legal counsel Essa Faal, a criminal lawyer with strong experience at international tribunals. He has become something like a reality TV star in the country. His prosecutorial style, however, has been criticized by some. Faal has defended his tough questioning method as necessary to extract the truth out of people who had served the regime. But according to Sait Jaw, Faals strategy focuses more on criminal culpability than truth-telling. As a result, he said, important facts and context may sometimes be missed. Focusing on criminal culpability will only help us get one individual but it will not help us get to know what went wrong, where it went wrong, among other things, Jaw argued. When the former vice-president [Isatou Njie Saidy] came [to testify], the focus was on her role in the student killings. Sometimes, we need to understand how institutions were operating and so far, I have not seen that, he said. I would like to see the commissioners play a leading role. The public knows the lead counsel more than they know the chairman, Jaw noted. The danger is that the lead counsel becomes the TRRC when the power of the Commission is the commissioners. A related criticism is that the Commission and its lead counsel is generating much hype around the appearance of perpetrators rather than that of victims, when the TRRC needs to be a victim-centered process, said Jaw. Yet, several victims were happy to see the lead counsel going for the throat of alleged perpetrators. It is important to make sure that what the perpetrator said is the truth. The purpose of the Commission is to expose the truth. So, if the evidence is strong, [Faal] has no choice but ask tough questions, said Didier Gbery. The changing political landscape Late December, the European Union delegation to the Gambia has issued a statement expressing concern over attacks on the Truth Commission from political figures and individuals in the country. The EU said the threatening remarks against the Commission have the potential to hamper the healing and reconciliation process in the country. The statement did not mention any names. However, it came after the leadership of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), the party of former president Yahya Jammeh, launched attacks on the Commission at their rally in Abuko on November 23. And many worried that Gambias government said nothing about those attacks. The Truth Commission was an idea of the seven-party coalition that backed Adama Barrow to the presidency. This coalition has now disintegrated and Barrow has formed his own political party, seeking a new political constituency. Many of his critics said the countrys president has been softening his position on Jammeh as a way of attracting the former rulers support base. Barrow has dismissed claims that he was contemplating forming an alliance with the APRC. However, Sait Jaw and others believe politics could affect the Commission. This is a project that was started by a group of people. Now, who is championing it? The other aspect is seeing the APRC constantly and continuously criticizing the process as a witch-hunt against Jammeh, explained Jaw. Those two elements are very important because at the end of the day, we expect that the TRRCs report will be implemented by political authorities. So far the government has in many instances shown strong commitment in defending the TRRC. But Sait Jaw believes that with the changing political environment, there are already signs that the goodwill could wane. NORWALK Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz on Monday discussed state and local efforts to ensure high levels of participation in the 2020 census. Bysiewicz was joined by Mayor Harry Rilling and other city officials, state legislators, and representatives from Norwalk Public Library, the Fairfield Countys Community Foundation and the U.S. Census Bureau. We know how critically important it is to get a complete count, for a variety of reasons, Rilling said. For dollars from the federal government, for representation in Congress. These are critical things and we need to make sure very person residing in this area, the state of Connecticut, is counted. According to Bysiewicz, the state began its efforts to ensure a complete count last February. Already, there are more than 125 statewide Complete Count Committees, which are local bodies charged with ensuring a high response rate. The count has serious implications, both in terms of the states legislative representation and in federal funding. Funding for more than 55 federal programs is based on the census count, Bysiewicz said. As the mayor alluded to, a complete count is critical to Connecticut because almost $11 billion in federal funding comes to our state as a result of how many people are living here, Bysiewicz said. And this is an important effort. For every person that we under-count, we lose $2,900. In Norwalk, a 23-member Complete Count Committee was formed last spring and first met in summer 2019. The group began reaching out to health centers, school programs and other community partners in an effort to engage hard-to-reach groups that are often under-counted. Part of the work is also to educate people that the information collected by the Census Bureau is protected under Title XIII of the U.S. Code, which prohibits the sharing and publication of individuals information. Norwalk Public Library Executive Director Christine Bradley said a designated area would be set up at the library where residents can fill out the census form. There will also be a banner hung to remind people to participate and census bookmarks placed in every book thats checked out. Juanita James, president and CEO of Fairfield Countys Community Foundation, said her nonprofit had funded and produced a census-themed podcast and had made civic engagement grants available around Fairfield County that will help provide access to hard-to-reach communities. In addition, $10,000 has been dedicated specifically to Norwalk that will be used for marketing and advertising in English and Spanish. According to Eva Bunnell, a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureaus New York Regional Office, residents can respond to the census starting March 12, either online or via a toll-free number. Translation into 12 languages will be available. By April 8, those who havent responded will receive a paper survey in the mail. Between May and June, census takers will go in-person to the homes of people who have still not responded. Throughout the process, guides in video and print format will be available in 59 languages. Connecticut is way ahead in its efforts to ensure a complete count and do outreach thats necessary, Bunnell said. Norwalk is incredible in the work its doing already. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 Specials Six BRI Projects in Myanmar to Monitor During Chinese President Xis Trip Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 24, 2019. / Reuters Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar categorically ruled out nationwide implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) on Monday, saying it had no justification. Speaking during a one-day special session of the legislative assembly, Kumar, while thanking the members for supporting the extension of reservation for SC and ST communities for the next 10 years, said: The NRC was brought in the context of Assam only. I dont see any justification for its nationwide implementation. The Prime Minister has already made his stance clear on it. He, however, added, We are ready for discussions on whatever information has been sought through the NPR, while advocating a caste census, which he said had not been done since 1930. Asked by the leader of Opposition Tejashawi Yadav to come out with an official statement on the NRC, the CAA and the NPR, Kumar said: A nationwide NRC, I think, would be needles. I reiterate, there is no justification for it. We did not even have any inkling that an NRC would be proposed for the whole country. Nitishs statement came a day after JD(U) national vice- president Prashant Kishor asserted that NRC would not be implemented in Bihar. On Sunday, Kishor also tweeted to thank Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi for their unequivocal rejection of NRC, CAA and NPR. Meanwhile, BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav said the people will expose those in the opposition trying to instigate them against the said legislative measures. Hitting out at Tejashawi, BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said the Centre had not yet taken any initiative on the NRC but Twitter-boy is raising illogical hue and cry...to befool the Muslims. Oppn unity exposed: BJP takes a dig at absence of major parties NEW DELHI: Claiming that the oppositions resolution would delight Pakistan, Union minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said the absence of major political parties except the Congress had exposed opposition unity. Parties like BSP, SP, Trinamool and AAP didnt attend the meeting. The claims of the so called Opposition unity have gone in thin air, he said. Accusing the Congress of stoking violence against the CAA Prasad said, The Congress has shown the desperation to go to any length to oppose PM Modi. The Congress now stands with the urban Maoists and divisive forces. Its our direct allegation that the Congress is encouraging violent protests against CAA. Phuket Immigration re-confirms embassy income verification letters not required after American expat given 30 days to leave Thailand PHUKET: A year after the policy change was formally confirmed, Phuket Immigration today (Jan 13) again reconfirmed that letters from embassies are no longer required in order to confirm a foreigners income when applying for an extension to a non-immigrant permit to stay as long as the relevant embassy no longer issues the income verification letters. immigration By The Phuket News Monday 13 January 2020, 04:46PM A foreigner has the stamps in his passport explained to him at the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town. Photo: The Phuket News / file The news follows an American expat contacting The Phuket News late last week to explain that he had been refused a 12-month permit to stay on the basis of being married to a Thai because he could not provide an income verification letter from the US embassy. With his application refused, the man had been given until the end of his current permit to stay effectively less than 30 days to leave the country. That is after years of staying in the country on 12-month permits to stay as he is married to a Thai. The man pointed out that the letter is no longer noted on the list of documentary requirements for family visas as posted on the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau website (See here.) The letters were not even included on a second checklist he was handed at the Phuket Immigration Office when he went to file his perm-to-stay application. (See photos.) After months of warnings, the US embassy stopped issuing such letters on Jan 1 last year. (See story here.) Even by Nov 2018, Lt Col Archeep Jaroensuntisuk, Deputy Chief at Phuket Immigration at the time, confirmed to The Phuket News, Of course this letter is no longer needed if the embassy no longer issues it." (See story here.) The Australian Embassy in Bangkok followed suit, effective Jan 7 last year (see here), and the Danish Embassy in Bangkok also ceased issued such statements with immediate effect (See here.) A letter confirming income previously served as a supporting document for obtaining a Thai retirement or marriage visa (permit-to-stay), the British Embassy noted in its release announcing the news that it too will cease issuing such letters. The British Embassy Bangkok is stopping the certification of income letters because it is unable to fulfil the Thai authorities requirements to verify the income of British Nationals, the statement said. (See story here.) Lt Col Udom Thongchin, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, today said he had no idea why the foreigner would have been refused his application on the basis of not having an income verification letter from the US embassy. These letters from embassies are not needed if the relevant embassy no longer issues them, he said plainly. I dont know what happened. I am not sure who is concerned with this case, but please come to the second floor of the Phuket Immigration Office to discuss this directly with the correct immigration officers, Lt Col Udom said. Lt Col Udom assured that officers at Phuket Immigration have been reminded that the income verification letters are no longer needed for some nationalities. I told them today to be careful about the details of this part, he said. As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this. Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application]. This is fine to prove your income, Lt Col Udom said. Regarding the second checklist handed to the American man at the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, Lt Col Udom admitted, This document is an English version [of the full list in Thai] that is handed out to foreigners, but it is just a brief version. This document is used only by volunteers here to explain to foreigners what is required. It is not an official document. It is just only a brief translation, he repeated. This [English version] can easily lead to misunderstandings. We will find better translation soon, Lt Col Udom assured. The English version does not include any extra requirements not included in the full list in Thai, Lt Col Udom also assured. We cant change or add anything new to the requirements for visa extensions, he said. You are here: Business China's auto sales continued to decline last year as demand retreated in the world's biggest auto market, data from an industry association showed Monday. About 25.77 million automobiles were sold in 2019, a year-on-year decrease of 8.2 percent, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The drop widened from the 2.8-percent fall in 2018 as trade tensions, tighter emission standards and retreating subsidies for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) combined to weigh on the industry. But seen on a monthly basis, the auto market is gradually recovering, the CAAM noted. The country's vehicle output stood at 25.72 million units last year, down 7.5 percent year on year. Sales of passenger vehicles fell 9.6 percent year on year to 21.44 million units, while those of NEVs decreased 4 percent to 1.2 million. After a three-month transition period that ended on June 25 last year, local governments stopped subsidizing purchases of NEVs other than new energy buses and fuel cell vehicles, resulting in sharper declines of NEVs sales in the latter half of 2019. In 2020, the subsidy policy for the NEVs sector will remain largely stable, Xinhua learned from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, adding there will be no big subsidy retreats. The country has vowed to take various measures to boost auto consumption, especially NEV sales. A key document published by the State Council in September last year has suggested local authorities ease restrictions on car purchases. Anaheim Police Department (ANAHEIM, Calif.) -- The weeks-long search for a missing 29-year-old Southern California woman took a grisly twist when her body was discovered wrapped in plastic and cardboard in the back of an abandoned U-Haul truck, police said. Ashley Manning's remains were found on Wednesday when workers for U-Haul took the truck to a storage facility in Fullerton, California, and began taking an inventory of its contents, Sgt. Shane Carringer, a spokesman for the Anaheim Police Department, told ABC News on Sunday. Despite the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body, the case is being handled as a "suspicious death," pending a toxicology report by the Orange County Medical Examiner, Carringer said. Carringer said police are investigating the death as a potential homicide. "Even if we don't have a homicide, we still may have potential crimes here we're investigating," Carringer said. He said no suspects or persons of interest have been identified in the case. He said the U-Haul truck was rented in Fullerton. When the renter failed to return the vehicle, U-Haul workers went searching for it and found it abandoned three miles away in Anaheim, Carringer said. He said U-Haul workers called police when they discovered the body wrapped in plastic and cardboard. Carringer declined to say if investigators have interviewed the person who rented the truck, but said, "All circumstances are on the table and under investigation." Manning, of Costa Mesa, California, was last seen alive on Nov. 13 boarding a flight bound for Los Angeles at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, her sister, Taylor Manning, wrote in a Dec. 9 Facebook post. Taylor Manning said the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that her sister made it to Los Angeles International Airport and that investigators were working to pull security video footage to see what car she got into, she wrote in the Facebook post. Taylor Manning could not be reached on Sunday for comment. She posted an update on Friday on Facebook saying that her family's worst nightmare has been realized. "As a family, we are trying to navigate this tragedy and this extremely hard time," she wrote. "We are thankful to everyone who shared the missing person post and has helped over the last two months. We are asking for privacy in this time of grief. We will update everyone of arrangements when we have that information. Hug your family members a little closer today, and please say a prayer for mine." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. New Chief Executive David Calhoun told employees Monday the company must strengthen its culture, focus on "integrity" and be "transparent," according to an email sent to staff. Calhoun, a longtime board member, officially took over Monday as chief executive, replacing Dennis Muilenburg. He takes the reins four days after the release of a trove of embarrassing employee emails, including one saying the 737 MAX was "designed by clowns." The top-selling aircraft has been grounded since March following two deadly crashes. (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.) Four people were wounded yesterday in an attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq which houses U.S. personnel. The Iraqi military said in a statement that eight Katyusha rockets had been fired at the base, about 80 km north of Baghdad, and that the four wounded included two officers. Military sources identified the wounded as Iraqi soldiers. They said seven mortar bombs had hit the bases runway, Reuters reported. There was no word of any U.S. casualties among the U.S. forces at the base. The Iraqi military statement did not say who was behind the attack and made no mention of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which last Wednesday fired missiles at two military bases in Iraq which house U.S. forces. Eminent economist Amit Bhaduri has given up emeritus professorship at Jawaharlal Nehru University, alleging mishandling of the current situation by the university administration. In his letter to the vice-chancellor of JNU, Bhaduri expressed pain at throttling of dissent by the university administration. "It pains me but I feel it would be immoral on my part without registering my protest to remain a silent observer in this larger, sinister scheme of throttling dissent which is unfolding now at the university. "...I am giving up my emeritus professorship at JNU," he wrote in his mail, which was made public by him. Bhaduri had joined the university as a young professor in 1973. He left it in 2001. He noted that during his years at JNU, the university passed through various phases of justified or unjustified student's unrest and even temporary shut-down of the teaching. "What is difference now is not only incompetence of handling of situations by the authorities, but a deliberate attempt to throttle the free and lively atmosphere of debate and discussion for which was known all over the country," he asserted. Bhaduri further alleged that the current attempt by the administration to destroy that atmosphere of freedom of expression is in line with a larger and more sinister plan, of which VC is 'appears to be pivotal part'. " You seem determined on imprinting your administration's narrow-minded world view, and shut all other windows of ideas to the students," he wrote. The eminent economist also expressed hope that his returning the honour will send the right message to the administration Last week also, eminent economist and JNU professor C P Chandrasekhar had withdrawn from the newly-constituted 28-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCES), chaired by former chief statistician Pranob Sen, citing the situation in the university. The committee was constituted last month to improve the quality of data amid criticism of the government over political interferences and is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. Violence broke out at the (JNU) earlier this month as a mob of masked men, armed with sticks, attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. Many sustained injuries and were admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre here. JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh suffered a head injury. (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.) Themed Parliamentary partnerships to 2020 and beyond, this years meeting has gathered delegations from 19 APPF member parliaments and 10 observer parliaments. It consists of a woman parliamentarians meeting and three plenary sessions on political and security matters, economic and trade issues, and regional cooperation. Addressing the opening ceremony on January 13, Cambodian NA President Samdech Heng Samrin, President of APPF-27, highlighted the outcomes of APPF-27 hosted by Cambodia in Siem Reap last year, which has contributed to developing parliamentary diplomacy; building trust; promoting peace, stability and security; and fostering an open, free and fair trade system in Asia-Pacific. The forum has also promoted efforts to respond to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission, heighten womens role, improve gender equality and empower women and children for peace and sustainable development in the region, he said. Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Tony Smith, who is President of APPF-28, underlined the importance of the forum to regional and global peace, security, trade and investment, particularly in the wake of multiple security challenges, such as terrorism, extremism, cyber security issues and other non-traditional security matters. He noted that the APPF-28 forms part of the Australian Parliaments International Programme, which helps to promote understanding, sharing of knowledge and democratic develoment with other fellow parliaments around the world. A minutes silence was also held at the opening in memory of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who was one of the events founders and died in late 2019. NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong will deliver a speech at the first plenary session on political and security matters and hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the meeting on January 14. (Bloomberg) -- Australia is set for its second-largest private equity deal of the past year with Macquarie Group Ltd.s infrastructure arm agreeing to buy most of the $2.1 billion data-center firm AirTrunk. Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets finalized an agreement late last week to take control of AirTrunk, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The investment values the business at about A$3 billion ($2.1 billion), the people said. Its a price just shy of the A$3.2 billion KKR & Co. paid to take over biscuit brand Arnotts last August, and is close to the next largest deal, BGH Capitals A$2.1 billion acquisition of education group Navitas Ltd. last March, according to Bloomberg data. AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda will keep a minority stake after the transaction, the people said. AirTrunk is currently owned by investors including Goldman Sachs Group Inc.s special situations arm and TPG Sixth Street Partners. Bloomberg News reported earlier this month that MIRA had entered advanced discussions on a deal after being named the preferred bidder. Representatives for Macquarie, Goldman Sachs and TSSP declined to comment. AirTrunk operates data centers in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore and has announced plans to open a facility in Hong Kong this year. Infrastructure investors have been flocking toward data centers and other telecommunications assets such as towers and fiber that promise stable, growing earnings. Last year, a fund managed by MIRA acquired a majority stake in Netrality Data Centers, which owns and operates data centers in St. Louis, Kansas City, Houston, Philadelphia and Chicago. TSSP, which manages $33 billion, was co-founded by Alan Waxman, who was formerly the chairman of the investment committee for Goldman Sachss special situations group in the Americas, which has since been folded into its merchant bank. To contact the reporters on this story: Gillian Tan in New York at gtan129@bloomberg.net;Harry Brumpton in Sydney at hbrumpton@bloomberg.net Story continues To contact the editors responsible for this story: Fion Li at fli59@bloomberg.net, ;Alan Goldstein at agoldstein5@bloomberg.net, Angus Whitley, Edward Johnson 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 Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday made it clear she will not attend the opposition parties meeting called by the Congress, dealing a blow to attempts to showcase a united front against the BJP on the citizenship act. Mayawati is angry with the Congress after all six MLAs of her party in Rajasthan joined the ruling Congress. And on Monday, she cited it as her reason for not attending the opposition meeting. In such a situation, the BSP attending the meeting called by the opposition today under the leadership of the Congress will be demoralising to the partys workers in Rajasthan. Thats why the BSP will not attend this meeting, Mayawati tweeted in Hindi in the morning. The BSP is away against CAA/NRC etc. We again appeal to the central government to withdraw this divisive and unconstitutional law. At the same time, the politicisation of students in JNU and other educational institutions is very unfortunate, she added. West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has already announced she will not be a part of the meeting, called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Leader of the Left parties, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), among others, will hold talks in the afternoon to plan out strategies to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government on two key issues the economy and the debate over citizenship. The Samajwadi Party is also expected to attend the meeting. Protests have erupted across the country over CAA, which fast-tracks Indian citizenship for persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, as critics have called the act divisive and against the Constitution. [January 13, 2020] Texas Students to Speak with NASA Astronauts Aboard Space Station WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Texas will have an opportunity this week to talk with three NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Jessica Meir and Drew Morgan will answer questions from students from Fort Worth Academy at 10:25 a.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 16. The downlink will be the highlight of the school's space week, where students engage in interactive learning experiences focusing on the InternationalSpace Station. The event will be held at Fort Worth Academy, 7301 Dutch Branch Road, Fort Worth. Media interested in covering the event should contact Laura Rivera at [email protected] or 817-370-1191. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites. For almost 20 years, astronauts have continuously lived and work on the space station, testing technologies, performing science and developing the skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Through NASA's Artemis program, the agency will send the first woman and the next man to the Moon by 2024, with eventual human exploration of Mars. Inspiring the next generation of explorers the Artemis Generation ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery. Follow America's Moon to Mars exploration at: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars Follow NASA astronauts on social media at: https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-students-to-speak-with-nasa-astronauts-aboard-space-station-300985802.html SOURCE NASA The opposition CPI(M) in Tripura Monday demanded a judicial probe into the custodial death of Sushanta Ghosh, even as Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb announced a magisterial enquiry. The 38-year-old man, arrested in ATM hacking cases, allegedly committed suicide at a police station in West Tripura district on Sunday. Leader of Opposition Manik Sarkar visited Ghosh's house at Lankamura here and spoke to his family. He termed the death "unnatural" and demanded a judicial enquiry into it. Ghosh, who was in police remand since Saturday, committed suicide inside the lavatory of the West Agartala Police Station, according to police. He was arrested from his residence at Lankamura on Saturday by sleuths of the cybercrime team and produced before a local court, which remanded him to two days' police custody. The chief minister said he has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the death. "A magisterial enquiry has been ordered. The district magistrate will probe the incident. If anyone is found guilty would face appropriate action as per the law," Deb told reporters late on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ghosh's family has filed a complaint, accusing the police of torturing and killing him in police lockup. "I have no doubt that my son was tortured in the police lockup and killed. There was no reason to commit suicide. "I demand a fair investigation for the punishment of the police persons who are involved in the death of my son," his father Parimal Ghosh said in the complaint. Besides Sarkar, BJP's Dilip Das, Sudip Roy Barman and Ashish Kumar Saha visited Ghosh's house. "It is a case of unnatural death. Those, who had custody of Ghosh are responsible for his death. I demand a judicial enquiry into the incident," Sarkar said. He further alleged that law and order has collapsed in the state. BJP MLA Sudip Roy Barman said, "The incident is a clear case of human rights violation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The origin of the famous hand heart sign, the overly synchronized dancing and of course the home of our beloved Oppas like LEE MIN HO. South Korea is not only beautiful on the outside, but the inside as well. It has become a place of daydreams and fairy-tale romance and the perfect getaway for the hopeless romantic or a girls-only trip! So it can only mean one thing, visiting certain places in this country will give you a chance to relieve swooning moments in your most favorite Korean drama and fill your social media photo albums with Korean Drama poses. Let us give you a list of places in South Korea to visit to make you feel like you're in a k-drama episode. 1. NAMI ISLAND (NAMISEOM) This resort island was placed on the map after it was the film set of one of the most famous beloved Korean dramas like the "Winter Sonata", which started the Korean wave and set many hearts on fire. Drama aside, Nami Island is considered attractive in all seasons. Summer is illustrated luxuriously green, and fall is painted a warm auburn and gold. Riding a cable car while wandering around the island is actually an enjoyable activity. Plus you will get a chance to see adorable rabbits, squirrels, and other animals roaming freely. 2. PETITE FRANCE Koreans and French just know how to sweep girls off their feet! The beloved k-drama "My Love From the Stars" is filmed in Petite France. This place is a small colorful brightly painted village. It is a theme park that is created in dedication to Antoine de Saint-Exupery's celebrated French novel, Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). There are 16 colorful buildings that are created following the French architecture, each with a different French-like theme. 3. SEONGSU DONG The streets in this area were formerly lined with shoe factories and other small factories. Seongsu Dong is a place where you can find some hipster restaurants, cafes, and stores. Today, Seongsu-dong is described as Seoul's Brooklyn. 4. AMORE SEONGSU We all girls love to look and feel beautiful, who doesn't? Following our K drama leading ladies who are always up for a good makeover. It feels empowering to be at our best. The best way to feel good is to look pretty. Amore Pacific Art Museum is a place to doll up yourself. It is a concept showroom where you can try a lot of products from the most famous Korean cosmetic brands namely Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Etude House and Innisfree. Your makeover will not be complete without a hairdo. So they put the popular Dyson hair for you to complete your makeover. AMORE SEONGSU is considered as the woman's playground. 5. ONION CAFE - GWANGJANG MARKET - CHANG HWA DANG Let's admit it, to be able to look your best you need a lot of effort to do so. The effort requires energy and energy requires food, snacks or even coffee! So, the famished and fashionable find their way to Onion Cafe, a chain restaurant that is very famous. The interior decor of the resto is an industrial-chic, maintaining the rustic appeal from the metal factory it once was. Another place to be to feel like you are part of your favorite Korean Drama sipping a cup of coffee with your leading man! So what are you waiting for? Save up now so you can visit these Korean Drama dream destination! Local Cllr John McGahon has welcomed funding of 14,000 which has been allocated to Mens Sheds across the county. Cllr. John McGahon said: My colleague Minister Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today confirmed that 372 Mens & Womens Sheds have been allocated a total of 500,000 from his Department in order to support the important community work done by these groups. I am delighted to confirm that funding has been allocated locally to the following Men's Sheds: "Tullyallen Men's Shed in Tullyallen Village 1583 allocated to connect electricity To Tullyallen Shed Mid-Louth Men's Shed in Collon Village 1583 allocated to the Potters Wheel and Insulation The Cooley Peninsula Men's Shed in the Cooley Area 1583 allocated for Tools for the shed including the table saw Drogheda Men's Shed in Drogheda Town 1583 for the update of the security system of the new building Dundalk Men's Shed in Dundalk Town 1583 allocated for facilities improvements including a Dust Extractor and Air Cleaner Dunleer Men's Shed in Dunleer Village 1249 for a Small Lathe for woodturning and a Projector" Cllr McGahon added: This funding will support these excellent local projects in the contribution they make to our local area. This capital funding will enable individual Men's Sheds to purchase equipment or to carry out minor works to improve their premises through the provision of small grants." Commenting on the fact that the Women's Sheds in counties across Ireland received funding for the first time the local Cllr added: I am delighted to see that Womens Sheds have also received funding from the Government for the first time. I hope the number of Womens Sheds continues to grow in the coming years. Mens and Womens sheds have become a vital element in the fabric of our communities and have done so much to tackle social isolation." Minister Ring said: I introduced funding for Mens Sheds in 2018 in recognition of the great support that they provide to men in communities across Ireland. Since its establishment less than ten years ago, the impact of the Mens Sheds movement has been phenomenal. I have decided to extend this funding to Womens Sheds. Having witnessed the exceptionally positive impact of Mens Sheds in recent years, Ive no doubt that the emergence of Womens Sheds can only be a good thing for community life in Ireland. Im delighted that 33 Womens Shed Groups have availed of the funding on offer and I hope to see this number grow in coming years. By Express News Service KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday reiterated his stand that the state government would not implement the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizen (NRC) in the state. He was inaugurating the Constitution Protection Rally organised by Keluvettan Padana Gaveshana Kendram at Kozhikode beach. Minorities including Muslims neednt have any uncertainty over their citizenship as the state government would not take any step related to neither CAA nor NPR and NRC in the state. The state government is willing to initiate activities in connection with the Census, he said. ALSO READ | JNU attack: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan meets Aishe Ghosh in Delhi He said: It is not the state governments responsibility to implement RSS agenda and we are bound to protect the Constitution and secularism. It is clear that NPR and NRC are traps prior to the implementation of CAA which clearly targets the Muslim community. However, people from the minority community neednt fear the Union governments move as the state is a safe zone for them. RSS threat would not affect the state in any way. Pinarayi further called the people to continue to protest with unity and spirit to save the constitution and secularism of the country, leaving out fundamentalists and extremists. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary K Ali Kutty Musliyar presided over the meet. Writer Ramanunni read the Preamble of the Constitution. Minister K T Jaleel, Mayor Thottathil Raveendran, Elamaram Kareem, MP, A Pradeep Kumar, MLA, K Dasan, MLA, V K C Mammad Koya, MLA, MES president P A Fazal Gafoor also spoke on the occasion. Each of these journeys is defined by the tipping point event that caused major change, Beck said in reference to the two Chicago scandals as well as the 1991 LAPD beating of motorist Rodney King and a scandal in the late 1990s that uncovered dozens of officers had physically abused suspects and tampered with evidence. They both resulted in the same thing. They resulted in a huge loss of trust and confidence by the community in their police departments. ... And I think even more dramatically, theres a human cost. Both agencies, both cities suffered their most violent years following these tipping point events. With all the incredible news that has recently come our way, few people may have noticed an important bill that passed in late 2019. This new bill will have a considerable impact on the retirement of many Americans. On Dec. 20, 2019, Congress quietly passed the SECURE Act. The SECURE part of the SECURE Act is an acronym that stands for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. The SECURE Act was passed with bi-partisan support to update several outdated laws regarding retirement. People are living and working longer. More people are also working part-time as a choice or out of necessity. Before the SECURE Act, individuals with IRAs were generally required to begin taking the required minimum distributions the year they turned 70 and a half. The new law now moves the required minimum distributions age to 72. Americans can also now contribute to their IRAs passed age 70 1/2 as long as they have earned income. The IRS allows very few reasons to pull money from an IRA early penalty-free, but the SECURE Act creates another. There is now a qualified birth or adoption distribution. This distribution allows new parents to take up to $5,000 from an IRA penalty-free. This new provision will help new parents offset some of the costs associated with growing their families. Many Americans are being crushed under the burden of student loans. The Secure Act also contains a provision that may help alleviate that burden. Starting in 2020, those with money in a 529 plan can now use up to $10,000 to pay down student debt. Some retirement plans are available only to those who work full time, which no longer fits. Many Americans work part-time out of necessity or choice, and some of those would like to participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, but dont qualify. The SECURE Act now requires some employers to open up retirement benefits to some part-time employees. Until now, only employees that worked more than 1,000 hours were eligible to participate in a 401(k). Now, employees that work 500 hours annually over three consecutive years are eligible to participate in 401(k)s. This may be a great help to some part-time employees. Before 2020, non-spousal beneficiaries of retirement accounts were required to take annual distributions from those accounts. Those distributions could be stretched out over the entire life of the beneficiary. The new law will force non-spousal beneficiaries to empty the inherited IRA within 10 years. This part of the law will potentially cause the most significant change in planning for retirees. The SECURE Act has much more in it than can be written here. I encourage all to look into it. I especially encourage small business owners to take a closer look. There are quite a few benefits and credits available to employers who start retirement plans. Tom and John Mills are registered investment advisers and certified financial planners. Reach them at 254-0155. MillsWealth.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Strategic Wealth Advisors Group (SWAG), a registered investment adviser. In a rare gesture, outgoing Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla called on President Donald Trump and thanked him for his "steadfast" support for strengthening the strategic bilateral ties before returning to India to take up his new assignment as Foreign Secretary, the Indian embassy here has said. It is probably the first time that a US President has met an outgoing Indian Ambassador, which experts say is a reflection of the significance Trump attaches to the India-US partnership. "Amb Harsh Shringla, who is proceeding to New Delhi to take up his assignment as Foreign Secretary, called on Trump at Oval Office of the White House and thanked him for his steadfast support for strengthening the India-US strategic partnership," the Indian embassy in Washington DC said in a tweet on Sunday. Shringla, 57, is scheduled to take up the next assignment as India's Foreign Secretary on January 29. Shringla, who arrived in the US on January 9, 2019, and presented his credentials to Trump at the White House two days later, played a key role in bringing the India-US relationship back on track, especially in the second half of the year. "I give Harsh Shringla great credit for his tireless pursuit in taking the India-US relations to a new dimension by prudently navigating the highly partisan and complicated US political arena called the US Congress. That's what I would call a real Champion Diplomat," New York-based Al Mason, who is an expert on global real estate investment and education, said after attending the farewell that Shringla hosted at his India House on Friday. "He has been one of the most charismatic, persuasive and result-oriented diplomat representing India in the US. He has spent each hour of his tenure in pursuit of building the most solid bridge between India and the US," Mason said. Before taking Dubai-bound Emirates flight from Dallas International Airport on Sunday morning, Shringla tweeted, "A final goodbye", along with his pictures, one in the lawns of India House the official residence and another at the entrance of the Indian Embassy in downtown Washington DC. "All the best to my colleague," tweeted Emily Haber, the German Ambassador to the US. In a lighter tone, she said her counterpart in New Delhi, Walter J Lindner, "is looking forward to meeting you and to giving you a ride in his bright red Hindustan Ambassador!". Haber posted a picture of the Red Ambassador too. "Dare say this red Ambassador looks better than the iconic Volkswagen Beatle," commented India's Deputy Ambassador to the US Amit Kumar. "Bon Voyage & best wishes to Amb Shringla as he moves to Delhi for his next imp (ortant) assignment. It has been a privilege to work closely with him these past few months to advance & consolidate the India-US Strategic Partnership," Kumar tweeted. "Bitter sweet moments in Washington this evening wishing. Ambassador Shringla adieu from the US but knowing that he will be shepherding us from Delhi," tweeted Sandeep Chakravorty, the Indian Consul General in New York. Envoys of several diplomatic missions, including those from neighbouring nations and African countries, had attended Shringla's farewell, reflecting his popularity in the Washington's diplomatic community. Before leaving the country, Shringla met top US Congressional leaders, including House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and thanked him "for his understanding and support" for the India-US relations. He also called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "Saying farewell isn't easy, especially when it's to a valued partner & friend," tweeted Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells. "It's been a pleasure working with you to make US India relationship the strongest it's ever been. Congrats on FS appointment & looking forward to continuing our partnership," she said on the eve of Shringla's departure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The demise of Qasem Soleimani, commander of Irans Quds Force, in a U.S. drone strike on Jan. 2 has provoked a firestorm of commentary. Make no mistake: Soleimani was a lethal adversary of the United States who long fixed America in the crosshairs and had recently intensified his activity in this regard. He possessed substantial skill, demonstrated effectiveness, exercised deadly leadership, and evinced charisma. Removing a military leader of his caliber and stature from the battlefield is significant even if not determinative. How things unfold from here on in is largely up to Iran. The threat of kinetic retaliation in the physical world is certainly top of mind for officials charged with protecting U.S. interests. The biggest concerns are U.S. military, diplomatic and economic entities in and around the Persian Gulf. Bear in mind, though, that Soleimani led Iran into the cyber domain, just as he led troops on the physical battlefield. Cyber domain is unique: It affords the ability to touch your adversary without setting foot on their soil. If you want to hit the U.S. homeland directly, without encountering the challenges that come with trying to enter the country in real life, then cyber means offer a tempting tool. To be clear, Iran has long recognized this and has invested heavily in its cyber capability. At the same time, the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which Soleimani led has deepened its involvement in cyber operations, manifesting a solid grip on offensive cyber operations. Indeed, Iran has a history of flexing its cyber muscles including against the U.S. homeland. And in the physical world, Iran has been brazen in its efforts: recall the 2011 plot to assassinate on U.S. soil Saudi Arabias ambassador to the United States. In the Gulf region, Iran has honed its craft in the cyber domain by using neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as practice fields. While engaging in such activity, Iran has focused on energy sector targets such as Saudi Aramco, and on industrial control systems that are the linchpin of critical infrastructure operations. Irans past practice in relation to the United States is set out in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Alert released on Jan 6. This activity includes distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on the U.S. financial services sector; unauthorized access to a dam in New York State; and a massive cyber theft campaign directed at academic and intellectual property data as well as email account credentials. Moreover, in a Bulletin issued on Jan. 4 under the National Terrorism Advisory System, DHS noted, Iranian leadership and several affiliated violent extremist organizations have publicly stated they intend to retaliate against the United States. The document described Irans cyber program as robust, stating that, Iran is capable, at a minimum, of carrying out attacks with temporary disruptive effects against critical infrastructure in the United States. Cyber capability, motivation and intent. Iran has had all three, for some time and now, more than ever. Notably, Iran has long used proxy forces in both the physical and virtual worlds in order to amplify its indigenous capabilities. Proxies are a significant concern insofar as some such as Hezbollah are highly capable and possess global reach. There are also regime sympathizers (hacktivists). The latter appear to have been responsible for some low-level activity, roughly 20 website defacements, that occurred in the days immediately following Soleimanis death. While not sophisticated, these types of incidents can nevertheless cause disruption. More importantly, sympathizers that occupy a position as an insider could also pose a threat-from-within to critical U.S. infrastructure. Bottom line: Cyber tactics, techniques and procedures have allowed Iran to achieve asymmetric gains out of proportion to its conventional military power. Moving ahead, we would do well to remain on guard and attuned to the threat. To this end, on Jan. 6, the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published guidance for both cyber and physical protection. Iran may choose patience, so vigilance should guide us not just today but into the future. Frank J. Cilluffo is director of Auburn Universitys McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, and Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. Sharon L. Cardash is deputy director of Auburns Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his indignation at an attack of the Balad air base in Iraq and called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. He posted the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday, Trend reports citing TASS. "Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi air base," he tweeted calling on the Iraqi government "to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable." "These continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end," he added. Earlier, an official representative of the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) told TASS that the US personnel are not present at Balad Air Base. OIR is carried out both in in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led by the United States. Earlier Reuters reported that at least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday. Reuters referred to military sources saying that seven mortar bombs had hit the bases runway. The agency noted that the US forces were also at the base. It has not been reported yet about who was behind the attack. G Janardhana Rao By Express News Service VISAKHAPATNAM: In the event the State government goes ahead with its proposal to set up the executive capital in Visakhapatnam, there will be a sudden surge in demand for dwellings for people who choose to migrate to the city. The possibility has further strengthened with the government deciding to host the Republic Day parade in the city. According to sources, officials are reportedly scouting for space for housing various government offices in the city. Millennium Tower and Sunrise Towers in Rushikonda are most likely to house Secretariat. If Secretariat and heads of department offices are shifted, nearly 15,000 employees, including 5,000 secretariat staff, are likely to shift to the city. Although no final decision has been taken (executive capital), officials have reportedly begun search for houses and villas in the city close to Rushikonda. There are as many as 20,000 flats and villas ready for occupation in the city, according to Real Estate Developers of India (CREDAI) president B Srinivasa Rao. He said flats and villas of plinth area of 3,000 square feet, 2,000 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft are available. He said there will be absolutely no problem in finding suitable accommodation for the staff. The city is ready to absorb the influx and thanks to the proposed mass rapid transit system, Vizag will grow beyond the existing areas, he said. Also, 10,000 dwellings are ready for occupation in Midhilapuri, GITAM, Rushikonda and Madhurawada areas; many will choose to occupy these apartments due to their close proximity to the IT Valley. There are also many apartments available in Pendurty, Gajuwaka, Paradesipalem, Kommadi, Marikavalasa and Anandapuram areas. There are vacant apartments in VMRDA Haritha and other projects in Kapuluppada. These apart, there are 500 villas in MK Gold Coast, 500 in MVV City, 500 in Vysakshi Sky Park and a number of houses in Shriram Properties. House rents, which are already on the higher side, may go up further. However, currently, there is no immediate impact as people are waiting for the official announcement, owner of a rental agency in Seethammadhara said. Rentals were high in posh areas such as Beach Road, Seetammadhara and MVP Colony where rents of 2BHK aparments are between Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000 and 3BHK from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. Bag of goodies for govt employees? VISAKHAPATNAM: A slew of attractive offers are being reportedly offered to those government employees ready to shift from Amaravati to Vizag. Speculation is rife in city official circles that the employees will be assured among other things allotment of house sites on nominal rates, exemption of stamp duty and sanction of special housing loans worth Rs 25 lakh. They will also be given additional TCA allowance, shifting allowance, free bachelor accommodation, subsidised 2BHK apartments, bus passes, introduction of special trains from Vizag to Hyderabad with limited halts, admission for their children in Vizag schools, provision of canteen facility on Secretariat premises in Vizag and new medical dispensary with ambulance facility Britain has summoned the Iranian ambassador to the country to convey its strong objections to the brief arrest of Londons envoy to Tehran, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. "This was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna Convention and it needs to be investigated," the spokesman said. "We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian government that this will never happen again.The FCO has summoned the Iranian ambassador today to convey our strong objections," Reuters cites him as saying. British ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire was briefly detained on Saturday after attending a vigil for the victims of the Ukraine International Airlines disaster. He left the vigil when people began to demonstrate, but was later accused of helping to organize the protest. Microsoft will not release any games exclusively for its new Xbox Series X, it has said. The new console is set to arrive later this year, but there will not be any first-party games that can only be played on it, Microsoft revealed. Instead, those new first-party games will be playable on the PC and the old Xbox One, Microsoft Studios head Matt Booty said in an interview with gaming website MCV. The strategy is in keeping with Microsoft's "Play Anywhere" strategy, which has seen it aim to make the process of moving between different platforms more seamless. It is also in line with Microsoft's indications that the new console will be seen as more of an evolution from previous versions, rather than an entirely new break with what has come before. 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 As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices, he said. We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that were committed to them with content. That does not mean that first-party games that are coming at the launch of the new Xbox will not take full advantage of the consoles' abilities, he said. Our approach is to pick one or two IP that were going to focus on and make sure that theyre there at the launch of the console, taking advantage of all the features. And for us thats going to be Halo Infinite, which is a big opportunity," he told MCV. Its the first time in over 15 years that well have a Halo title launching in sync with a new console. And that team is definitely going to be doing things to take advantage of [Series X]. Sony has not said whether the new PlayStation 5, which is also set to be launched towards the end of this year, will have games that can only be played on that platform. It has promised that it will be backwards compatible with PlayStation 4 games, but not whether the same compatibility will extend the other way. Today, Chipper, the free study organizer app for college students, and the International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, the oldest legal organization in continuous existence in the United States, announced a new partnership. In the partnership, Chipper is sponsoring a contest in which Phi Delta Phi chapters have the opportunity to compete against one another for a study break with free food and drinks. The chapter with the most Chipper study app registrations will win a sponsored refreshment break at the end of the spring semester. Were excited to work with the respected Phi Delta Phi organization to help law and pre-law students use the Chipper study app to improve their homework organization, time management, and study planning, said Amit Mathew, the CEO of Cram Fighter, the company behind Chipper. Were thrilled to have the opportunity to ultimately reward these students with a much-needed break before finals. Tyler Kocak, Director of Membership & Development at Phi Delta Phi, said, Phi Delta Phis partnership with Chipper supports one of our core tenets - high standards of scholarship. With the challenging workloads law and pre-law students experience, good time management is essential. We are excited to provide our student members with another benefit in the form of the sponsored study break, and we expect Chipper to help them develop the organizational habits that will help them succeed academically. Chipper is a highly-rated, free study planner and organizer app. It was built by the team behind Cram Fighter, a successful study schedule builder which has been used by over 100,000 medical students to date to prepare for crucial board exams. Chipper is available on the App Store or the Play Store for U.S. students to organize their college life. It combines a to-do list, calendar, and planner, and sends push notification reminders, so students always know what to do and when. The International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, established in the year 1869 to promote a higher standard of professional ethics, is among the oldest of legal organizations in North America. Phi Delta Phi was established only six months after the Columbus, Ohio Bar Association and nine years before the American Bar Association. It holds a unique position in the history of the North American bench, bar and the law schools. Over time Phi Delta Phi has truly become an International Society. Phi Delta Phi's reputation as an organization devoted to legal excellence has spread throughout the world, with many successful chapters in Mexico and Europe. Phi Delta Phi has one hundred and thirty-one active chapters -- called Inns and Halls -- and the number increases yearly. Phi Delta Phi has initiated in excess of 200,000 members. For more information on Chipper, please visit http://www.getchipper.com For more information on Phi Delta Phi, please visit https://www.phideltaphi.org/ Infosys, after market hours on Friday, announced its Q3 results. On a consolidated basis, net profit rose 10.9% to Rs 4,457 crore on 2% increase in revenues to Rs 23,092 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q2 September 2019. The Q3 numbers are as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Operating margin was 21.9% in Q3 December 2019 as against 21.7% in Q2 September 2019. The company increased FY20 revenue guidance. The revised guidance is 10.0%-10.5% in constant currency higher than 9-10% estimated earlier. It maintained FY20 operating margin guidance range of 21%-23%. Avenue Supermarts, on Saturday, reported 55.32% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 384.04 crore on 24.31% rise in total income to Rs 6815.00 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q3 December 2018. The company added seven stores in Q3 and 20 stores during the 9 months. Torrent Power informed that CRISIL has upgraded the long term credit rating of non-convertible debentures and long term bank facilities of the company to CRISIL AA/Stable from CRISIL AA-/Stable. CRISIL has reaffirmed its rating on the short-term bank facilities and commercial paper at CRISIL A1+. CRISIL believes Torrent Power will maintain its strong business risk profile, driven by stable cash flows from its regulated businesses over the medium term. Also, financial risk profile expected to remain healthy. Tata Steel said that Tata Steel Netherlands Holdings B.V. (TSNHBV), a 100% subsidiary of Tata Steel, has executed agreements for the refinancing of its bank debt. TSNBHV has raised term loan facilities of EUR 1.75 billion from 19 banks. This represents a reduction of EUR 500 million versus the external debt outstanding in Tata Steel Europe as of March 2019, enabling the standalone European business to have a more robust balance sheet while it is also putting in significant efforts at restructuring and improving its operating performance. Yes Bank said the Board of Directors of the Bank, have approved raising of funds upto Rs 10,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt and decided not to proceed with the offer from Erwin Singh Braich-SPGP Holdings. The bank will hold extra-ordinary general meeting to obtain shareholders' approval for fund raising. Lupin said the completion of a PAI (Prior Approval Inspection) carried out by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) at its Nagpur oral solid dosage manufacturing facility. The inspection was carried out between 6 January 2020 and 10 January 2020. The inspection closed with two 483 observations. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Press Release January 11, 2020 Bong Go files bill creating more Court of Appeals divisions; seeks for faster and improved justice system Amid cases piling up and dockets getting clogged, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go recently filed a bill that would provide for the creation of additional divisions of the Court of Appeals and appointment of additional justices to help the Judiciary in providing a more reliable, unbiased and swift delivery of justice in the country. Amending the Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, the bill states that from the current sixty-nine Court of Appeals justices, an additional nine more magistrates will be appointed by the President. This proposal totals to seventy eight justices. "There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which shall consist of a Presiding Justice and seventy-seven (77) Associate Justices who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines," according to Senate Bill 1253 or the "Act Creating Additional Divisions in the Court of Appeals, Increasing the Number of Court of Appeals Justices from Sixty-Nine (69) to Seventy-Eight (78), Amending for the Purpose Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes." In his explanatory note, Go said that in order to enforce and protect fundamental rights, "a strong and efficient Judiciary is essential." The senator also mentioned that the Judiciary must be steadfast in fulfilling its role in administering justice. Yet with the current situation the Court of Appeals is facing, such as delays in decisions and resolution of cases because of clogged dockets caused by a great number of cases being handled by current number of justices, the appellate court is in need of restructuring. Go said that this current dilemma of the Court of Appeals jeopardizes the fulfillment of the court's mandate resulting to fixing the problem internally instead of addressing it through a legislative act. "These problems cause inevitable delays in deciding and resolving cases, diluting the public's confidence and trust in the country's justice system. In this regard, the Court of Appeals, as the country's foremost appellate court, has been instituting internal measures to alleviate the problem," the senator emphasized. "The Legislative must not leave it to the Judiciary to fix the problem, as it takes an inter-departmental effort to properly address it. These additional members and divisions will enable the Court of Appeals to handle its case load in a more efficient manner," Go said in the note. The filing of the bill comes after the senator lamented the snail-paced judicial system in the country on which he aired in an interview last month after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court handed down the ruling on the decade-old Maguindanao massacre. In past interviews, the senator expressed that the Maguindanao massacre case took 10 long years before victims were given justice after finding Andal Ampatuan Jr. and together with several of his relatives and primary suspects, guilty of multiple accounts of murder, and were sentenced to reclusion perpetua without parole. "Finally, after ten long years, nabigyan na ng hustisya, hindi lamang ang pamilya Mangudadatu kundi ang pamilya ng mga media at bystanders na nadamay sa krimen. Gayunpaman, ako'y nalulungkot sa napakatagal na justice system sa ating bansa. Bakit kailangang umabot ng sampung taon para bigyan ng hustisya kung kaya naman na dalawang taon," Go said adding that in crimes like these, justice must be given immediately. The senator also said in previous statements that because of the slow justice system in the country, Filipinos are left with no choice but to seek help from the President. "Hindi ko masisisi ang mga Pilipino na tumatakbo sa Pangulo para humingi ng hustisya. Dahil minsan ay nawawalan sila ng pag-asa sa napakabagal na justice system natin sa bansa," Go said. With the proposed measure, the bill seeks to add three more divisions of the Court of Appeals, each with three members. The bill also listed down the proposed permanent stations of the courts. The first seventeen divisions will be stationed in Manila for cases coming from the Third to the Fifth Judicial Regions, while the next three divisions will be stationed in Cebu for cases coming from the Sixth to Eighth Judicial Regions. Divisions Twenty-First to Twenty-Third will be posted in Cagayan de Oro City for cases coming from the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Regions, and the Twenty-Fourth Division will be in Vigan City which will deal cases from the First and Second Judicial Regions. Lastly, the Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Sixth Divisions will be positioned in Davao City for cases coming from the Eleventh and Twelfth Judicial Regions. In addition to these proposed provisions, the bill also states that the Court of Appeals must hold continuous trials and hearings and, "must be completed within three (3) months unless extended by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court." The senator hopes for a faster and more efficient judiciary system in the country. With the filed bill, he looks forward to many cases being resolved promptly and that justice will be served especially to the Filipinos who seek it the most. After Back to the Future 2 was released in 1989, moviegoers could observe Marty McFly as he traveled to his version of 2015 where fingerprints were used to identify a person, to unlock the front door of a house and to pay a taxi. Thirty years later, the use of biometric identifiers isnt something only imagined on the big screen. A biometric identifier is any body part that is unique to a person, such as a face, a handprint or a voice, and these identification methods have become increasingly popular instead of traditional username and password systems, explained Claudia Oliveri, assistant vice president for EPL Claims at Starr Adjustment Services. Oliveri was speaking on a panel at the 2019 Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) Conference, held in November in National Harbor, Md. Many proponents of biometric data usage today tout its reliability in place of ID cards or passwords, which can be easily lost or stolen, she said. However, one issue Back to the Future 2 didnt touch on during its foreshadowing is the insurance challenge presented by biometrics. Biometric information is going to be the number one new claim in 2020? moderator Kevin OHagan, founding partner of OHagan Meyer, asked panelists. Yes, Oliveri replied. This is because the use of biometric information has brought concerns regarding privacy issues in the workplace, and with that, EPL exposures, she explained. Opponents [of biometric identifiers] are more concerned and worried about the threat of identity theft and data breaches, she said. If you lose your fingerprint, theres no way youre going to be able to replace it. With this in mind, concerned states have been passing privacy statutes. In 2008, Illinois was the first state to pass BIPA, or the Biometric Information Privacy Act. While the act doesnt prohibit the use or collection of biometric information, it sets out key requirements. For example, if private companies or employers want to use biometrics for things like timekeeping, Oliveri said, they will need to give notice to employees about the intention to collect their fingerprints. They will also need to obtain employees written consent and have a retention policy in place regarding how the data will be used, stored and destroyed when it is no longer needed. If there are any sort of violations, you have penalties imposed, she said. $1,000 for negligent violations or $5,000 for intentional violations. For the insurance industry, BIPA actions have begun to crop up particularly in the EPL realm because employees are bringing many of these actions, Oliveri said. Depending on the wording of the policy, particularly if an invasion of privacy is an enumerated peril, theres usually a trigger there, she explained. Then theres cyber liability, which everyone I hope has, and that would apply as well depending on the [policys] definition of privacy and wrongful act. Biometric information is going to be the number one new claim in 2020? Yes. In addition, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which requires companies to report to customers upon their request what personal data theyve collected, why it was collected and what third-parties have received it, is set to begin January 2020. The CCPA not only applies to biometric information, but also gives consumers the right to pursue a private right of action regarding other personal information such as social security numbers or bank account numbers. I can envision seeing some claims coming on the horizon, Oliveri said. Although Oliveri labeled biometric information as the top claim area to watch for in 2020, she and other panelists discussed additional areas of concern in the EPL space next year as well, namely cannabis legalization, Cannabis Legalization Although the legalization of cannabis has been gaining traction at the state level, the fact that it is still a federal crime to possess, sell or use marijuana has presented some conflicts in the workplace and elsewhere, said Laurie Mandell, assistant vice president and claims manager in Chubbs Professional Lines group. When I first presented this topic about five years ago, 25 states and Washington D.C. had legalized the use of marijuana in some form, she said. Today, it would be easier to go through a list of states that had no legalization than to mention the ones who legalized. Despite cannabis legalization being a hot topic among the insurance industry, particularly at conferences, Mandell said the industry has not seen it evolve as a driving source of claims in the EPL world just yet. She said she believes this is because cannabis legalization is relatively new, so the background law hasnt been fully developed and states havent found their footing in terms of building a cohesive caseload as a precedent. Why do we view this as being something thats a hot topic now? she asked. Well, first of all, you would assume the more states that legalize, the more pressure that will be put on the federal government as a whole to take some kind of action. This, coupled with the fact that states with laws in place have had an increase in employee friendly judgments, means more cases are likely to be seen, Mandell said. She pointed to some examples of cases that have already popped up involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits disability discrimination and requires a reasonable accommodation, she said. However, the ADA also expressly excludes any employee accommodation leading to the use of medical marijuana in the workplace. And that sets off a conflict. Additionally, an intersection has been observed between disability claims and family medical leave claims, in which employees returning from approved medical leave test positive for marijuana and are terminated from their employment, Mandell explained. Cannabis is still the number one drug that pops up in employee drug testing, she said. You can see where there is a concern on that level. Concerns around testing positive have also arisen because there is no consensus among states about how legalized medical marijuana is handled in the workplace, she added. You also have almost two sets of different forms of legalization related to medical marijuana, Mandell said. You have employers in certain states allowed to enforce the zero-tolerance policy and set their own rules. And then you have states where they tell the employers, No, you cannot terminate your employee if they test positive.' Another likely issue going forward for states that have legalized cannabis is how to measure if somebody is high when they come into the office, she added. If someone comes in tired, or someones clothes smell like weed, is that enough for [an employer] to say youre intoxicated? she said. Sexual Harassment Issues in the Workplace While cannabis legalization has been a hot topic in the insurance industry, another workplace issue that has garnered increased awareness is sexual harassment. Barry Postman, board certified civil trial attorney at CSK Legal, explained that although Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges in general are down, sexual harassment in the workplace is one area where these charges have risen slightly. What were seeing is the EEOCs role in these investigations is much more significant than its ever been, he said. We have moved on because the plaintiffs bar has found a larger location that we all love to visit and stay in, which is the internet world. Postman stated the reasons for this could be increased awareness and pressure to pursue these actions, as well as the EEOC having more time as overall charges are down. Its not just the investigations; its also the enforcement, he said. Theyre filing more lawsuits than they have ever filed. In fact, just last year, the EEOC filed 66 lawsuits, with 44 of those being related to sexual harassment a more than 50% increase from 2017, according to EEOCs Preliminary Fiscal Year 2018 Sexual Harassment Data report. The EEOC also collected $70 million for victims of sexual harassment in 2018, which was up from $47.5 million in 2017, the report stated. Another issue that has arisen on the back of sexual harassment in the workplace is co-employment relationships, Postman added. I dont think its a new thing, he said. I just think theres more awareness of co-employment relationships post-Me Too. People are aware of the perhaps impropriety of it. Its something thats talked about. Its something thats reported on, and its an issue we have to deal with, Postman said. ADA and the Internet Outside of the office, another area to watch in the EPL space is third-party claims regarding ADA website cases, panelists said. These are the same claims that we used to see with the brick-and-mortar stores where a person went from restaurant to restaurant to restaurant and claimed they could not gain access because there were no ramps, Mandell said. We have moved on because the plaintiffs bar has found a larger location that we all love to visit and stay in, which is the internet world. Overall, ADA lawsuits have nearly tripled over the past five years, Mandell said. The first half of 2019 is 12% higher than the number of suits that we saw in 2018, she explained. But more interestingly, there were more website access suits filed in the first half of 2018 than in all of 2017. OHagan pointed to one trend that could be contributing to the amount of lawsuits in which the same company is sued multiple times, even after reaching a settlement to remediate its website. Once they remediate it, because the guidelines are so loose and its impossible to enforce, another blind person can come to court and claim that the new version doesnt quite meet the standards, he said. Ive represented people who have had four or five claims for the same website. Part of the problem is the current approach used to attack these claims by companies and insurers isnt working, Mandell said. [Theyre saying], Were going to dive in, were going to either resolve the problem or make a de minimis settlement to get rid of this claim, and lets hope that nobody else brings a suit, she said. This doesnt put the activity to bed. Instead, the best way to handle these issues is to have website experts review and approve of the current system, as well as to make sure employers are savvy about job application forms on their websites, Mandell said. Some people come in and claim, Im an applicant, and I was affected or disadvantaged by your website not being compliant for me,' she said. Other top sources of EPL claims mentioned during the panel discussion related to transgender employee discrimination, employers exercising religious objections, the gender pay gap and gig economy employees unable to claim independent contractor status. As panelists discussed how these areas are creating new exposures in EPL insurance, they urged the industry to pay close attention to these topics heading into 2020. All of the topics covered today are new exposures for EPL insurance that I would say didnt exist five or 10 years ago, OHagan said, and that were paying claims on. Topics Lawsuits Claims Cannabis Market Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad moved Delhi court Monday seeking bail in connection with violence during anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in old Delhi's Daryaganj area. Azad, currently under arrest, has said that there was no evidence against him in the FIR which states that he had instigated the crowd to march to Delhi gate from Jama Masjid and indulge in violence. The matter will be heard tomorrow. The Bhim Army chief was sent to judicial custody on December 21 by a Delhi court. Azad's outfit had organised a march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the amended Citizenship Act on December 20, without police permission. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Fine Gael by-election Verona Murphy is to announce on Tuesday whether she will run as an Independent candidate in Wexford in the upcoming General Election. Ms Murphy said last month that she was taking time out over the Christmas and new year period, to consider her options ahead of the imminent announcement by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the exact date of when the nation will go to the polls. Sources close to Ms Murphy are indicating that the popular Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) president has still to finally decide" her next move but will make her decision known for sure on Tuesday. She has not been active on social media since December 20 however her official Facebook page declares her as a Dail candidate. In December, Ms Murphy said on South East radio that she was silenced by the Fine Gael party as a result of controversial remarks in which she claimed that asylum seekers as young as three may have been infiltrated by terrorists Islamic State (IS) and need to be deprogrammed. The Taoiseach previously said he decided to drop Ms Murphy as an election candidate as her apology over her comments about migrants wasnt sincere and that he was glad she wasnt elected. Ms Murphy came second on first preference or 23.8% of the votes in last Novembers by-election to Fianna Fails Malcolm Byrne. The election was held due to a seat vacated by Mick Wallace on his election to the European Parliament in May 2019. Wallace received 11.1% of the votes in the 2016 General Election. Local newspaper reports in the New Ross Standard suggest that Councillors Bridin Murphy and John Hegarty are being considered as options in terms of replacing Ms Murphy on the Fine Gael party ticket for Wexford. Her closest opponent in the south of the county is Fianna Fail chairman of Wexford County Council Michael Sheehan and is seen to have a solid chance of being elected. The Wexford constituency is a five seater. The current TDs fighting to reclaim there seats will be Fianna Fails Malcolm Byrne and James Browne, Fine Gaels Michael Darcy and Paul Kehoe, Labours Brendan Howlin. There are currently four TDs in the northern half of the county and one in the southern half - there are none south of the N25. In other words 40% of the countys population has 80% of the TDs. Other candidates expected to run in the constituency are Fianna Fails Cllr Lisa McDonald, Sinn Feins Johnny Mythen, Renuas Ger ODonoghue, Susan Green for People Before Profit and Independent Ger Carthy who ran in the 2016 General Election. The Green Partys Karin Dubsky, Cllr Jim Codd of Aontu, David Lloyd representing Direct Democracy Ireland may also run. BALTIMORE, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Drug company Hoffmann-La Roche (OTCMKTS: RHHBY) bilked U.S. federal and state governments out of $1.5 billion by misrepresenting clinical studies and falsely claiming that its well-known influenza medicine Tamiflu was effective at containing potential pandemics, according to a recently unsealed whistleblower lawsuit. The lawsuit claims the drugmaker's scheme involved publishing misleading articles falsely stating that Tamiflu reduces complications, severity, hospitalizations, mortality and transmission of influenza. The company then used those articles to aggressively market the drug to the government for pandemic use. Relying on the supposed truthfulness of Roche's claims, federal and state governments spent about $1.5 billion to stockpile Tamiflu to combat influenza pandemics, according to the complaint. "As alleged in the complaint Tamiflu does not do what Roche promised," said attorney Mark Lanier of the Houston-based Lanier Law Firm. "Roche hid this fact for many years by selectively citing its studies and suppressing the data about Tamiflu. The company utilized lobbyists, key opinion leaders and ghostwriters to promote Tamiflu with a deceptive promise to governments fearful of an influenza pandemic." The lawsuit brings claims under the False Claims Act, which allows individuals to bring claims on behalf of the government. Unsealed on September 10, the lawsuit seeks reimbursement of taxpayer funds spent to purchase tens of millions of courses of Tamiflu for the Strategic National Stockpile. Roche is vulnerable to a judgment in excess of $4.5 billion because the False Claims Act mandates payment of triple damages, plus civil penalties. Whistleblower Dr. Thomas Jefferson, a physician and public health researcher affiliated with the respected global Cochrane Collaboration research network, has researched neuraminidase inhibitors like Tamiflu for more than two decades. He began questioning Tamiflu's efficacy in 2009 and spearheaded efforts to have the company release the underlying clinical study data. When he finally received the data in 2013, Dr. Jefferson analyzed it and concluded that the clinical data does not support Roche's claims about Tamiflu's effectiveness for use in an influenza pandemic, the lawsuit states. According to the data as analyzed by the Food and Drug Administration, Tamiflu's effectiveness is limited to a small benefit of reducing the duration of flu symptoms and preventing onset of symptoms but not transmission or infection. In addition, as early as 2000, the FDA had warned Roche that data did not support its broader efficacy claims and that such statements were misleading. "The lawsuit alleges that Roche was well aware that Tamiflu is an ineffective product for fighting influenza pandemics," said attorney Clayton Halunen of Minneapolis-based whistleblower law firm Halunen Law. "Yet Roche masterfully marketed this drug to fill Roche's coffers at taxpayer expense. This is precisely the type of corporate behavior the False Claims Act is designed to stop." The case is United States of America, ex rel. Thomas Jefferson, et al. v Roche Holding AG, Hoffman-La Roche Inc., and Genentech Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Case No. 14-CV-03665. About the Lanier Law Firm For more than 30 years, the men and women at the Lanier Law Firm have worked tirelessly, throughout the United States, to find unique and effective solutions for their clients. More than 60 skilled attorneys practice law in a broad array of areas, including business litigation, pharmaceutical litigation, asbestos exposure, oil and gas litigation, personal injury, and defective and dangerous products, among others. Named an Elite Trial Law Firm by The National Law Journal, the Lanier Law Firm has offices in Houston, New York, Los Angeles and Oklahoma City. To learn more about Mark Lanier and the Lanier Law Firm, visit http://www.lanierlawfirm.com. About Halunen Law With offices in Minneapolis, Chicago and Phoenix, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation to employees and whistleblowers across the country. Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious and successful plaintiffs' law firm, with a laser focus on achieving justice for its clients as well as meaningful social change. The firm's qui tam / whistleblower practice group specializes in actions under the federal and state False Claims Acts and other whistleblower laws. For more information, visit http://www.halunenlaw.com Media Contact: J.D. Cargill 713-659-5200 [email protected]. SOURCE Lanier Law Firm Related Links http://www.lanierlawfirm.com Read what is in the news today: Politics -- Senior economic officials from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam gathered in Hanoi on Sunday for their 18th meeting hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade. Society -- A 42-year-old Vietnamese Facebook user who goes by the name of Chuong May Man (Lucky Chuong) on the social network was detained by police officers in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Sunday for spreading distorted information concerning a recent incident in Hanoi where three officers were killed by attackers while guarding a project to build security walls around a military airfield. -- Unseasonal rains are in the forecast in southern Vietnam in the afternoon this week due to an east wind turbulence, lowering temperatures in the region to around 20-33 degrees Celsius, according to the Southern Region Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Center. -- Authorities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City have issued a notice calling on travelers to pay close attention to their belongings after a pickpocket was caught on Sunday stealing from a passenger at the airdromes domestic terminal. -- Over 100 people, most of whom are middle school students, were hospitalized for suspected food poisoning in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday after eating sticky rice with chicken during a school trip. Business -- Budget carrier Vietjet Air on Sunday launched two new air routes linking Vietnams Can Tho City with Taipei of Taiwan and Seoul of South Korea, running four and three round trips per week, respectively. -- While there are few, if any, signs of the real estate bubble bursting in 2020, the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction said that land prices could increase in some areas such as the planned special economic zones and new urban areas with developed technical and social infrastructures. -- Vietnams tax authorities are implementing measures to crack down on a common tax avoidance practice among house sellers, who declare the value of their property much lower than how much they actually sell it for in order to avoid paying a hefty tax for the transaction. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! CleanHarbors Inc, a leading US environmental services company, formally inaugurated its new 'Global Capability Centre' here on Monday The company operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico and now in India. It serves a diverse customer base, including most of the Fortune 500 companies, a press release said. With over USD 3.3 billion in annual sales,CleanHarbors provides hazardous waste transportation and disposal, laboratory chemical packing, 24-hour emergency response, partscleaning, and field, energy and industrial services, it said. CleanHarbors India was 'strategically established' as the parent companys Global Capability Centre (GCC) beginning in December 2017, the release said. Today, it has been relocated to the state-of-the-art Skyview SEZ building at heart of Hyderabads Hitech City area in aspace of nearly 70,000 square feet with considerable seating capacity, it said. The facility houses 24/7 operations across variousCleanHarbors functions, including information technology, finance, human resources and legal, it said. Under the direction of its president (India) Avinash Samrit, the GCC has onboarded more than 300 full-time employees with plans for further expansion as it continues to play a critical role inCleanHarbors ongoing growth, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 18:50:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's strengths and resilience have not been undermined in the face of social unrest and challenges in recent months, Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said on Monday. While opening the 13th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in Hong Kong, Lam said Hong Kong's core competitiveness and status as one of the world's premier financial centers continue to be internationally recognized. Hong Kong was ranked third in the world in the Global Financial Centers Index last September, just behind New York and London. In December 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reaffirmed Hong Kong's position as a global financial center and regional trading hub, and one of the most open economies in the world. The chief executive spoke highly of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, saying the Greater Bay Area, with a population of about 70 million and a combined GDP equivalent of around 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars, and its huge market potential, presented boundless promise for Hong Kong, particularly the financial services sector. "Coupled with the Belt and Road Initiative, the Greater Bay Area development will ensure long-term prospects for Hong Kong's economy," she said, adding that through the two national policies, Hong Kong will enhance its role as a business bridge between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world. Lam said she is "confident that we will bridge our divide, that we will realize the common goal of a re-united community and a flourishing economy" through the concerted efforts of the HKSAR government and the people of Hong Kong. The two-day event, themed with "Redefining Growth: Innovation Breakthrough Inclusiveness", touches on a wide range of issues including global economic outlook and opportunities, fintech, sustainable and inclusive development, green finance and financial inclusion, offering participants a head start in identifying new economic challenges and opportunities in 2020. (Alliance News) - US Solar Fund PLC on Monday said it has completed the acquisition of three solar power projects in the US state of North Carolina, the last of a 39 megawatt portfolio of eight units which it agreed to purchase for USD36 million in December. The three projects alone generate a total of 11 megawatts of power, the energy investor said. Earlier in January, it completed the acquisition of the five other projects in the portfolio. US Solar agreed to buy the portfolio of eight projects from Greenbacker Renewable Energy Corp in December, after entering into an exclusivity agreement with the New York City-based firm in October. Shares in London-based US Solar, which also has offices in New York City and Sydney, were untraded in London on Monday morning, last quoted at USD1.06 each. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. B rits are bracing for gales of up to 80mph today as Storm Brendan begins its wet, windy and icy onslaught of the UK. The storm is expected to spark travel delays and power failures across swathes of the country, with coastal routes and communities particularly affected by large crashing waves. The Met Office has warned the UK and Ireland will turn increasingly windy throughout the day as the storm barrels across Britain. It warned disruption to travel is "likely", with snow and ice expected on Scottish roads and paths. Yellow weather warnings have been issued across large parts of England and Scotland from 10am this morning, while the Republic of Ireland is set to be the area strongest hit. High winds are expected across western parts of the UK and northeast Scotland / Met Office Irish forecaster Met Eireann, which named the storm, has issued an orange wind warning for the entire country, with Brendan expected to batter the country until 9pm tonight. Meanwhile, all schools and nurseries across Scotlands Western Isles have been shut for the day as a precaution, as the towns on the west coast prepare for gusts of between 60 and 70mph. Snow and ice are also expected in the north-west, with bus and train services likely to be disrupted. The Met Office issued a yellow warning around Inverness for the early hours of Tuesday morning, saying icy patches and wintery showers could worsen road conditions. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has also issued three flood warnings and 16 flood alerts around the country, with exposed communities on the coast particularly at risk. However, the east coast of the UK will not escape the impact of the storm, with winds of 40-50mph possible, according to Met Office meteorologists. The windy weather will persist for England and Wales on Tuesday as the storm continues to move east. Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "As it pushes though, pretty much every part of the UK will feel the influence." The whole of Britain will see rain on Monday at some point, he said, adding that the storm will move through pretty quickly. Forecasters are warning that coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities may be affected by spray or large waves. Part of Ukrainian expert team, on a par with the rescuers, who have been working in Iran at the crash site of the Boeing 737 of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) from the first day, are returning to Ukraine, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov told Radio Liberty online edition. "The major part of the experts remain in Tehran," Danilov said. According to Danilov, Ukrainian party is waiting for arrival of the representative of Iranian investigation team. Danilov met with U.S. Charge d'Affaires a.i. in Ukraine Kristina Kvien, during which they discussed the current state of investigation of the Boeing plane crash. Kvien, for her part, presented condolence from the U.S. embassy over the tragedy and said the U.S. party was prepared to provide all necessary aid and information in a course of the investigation. In turn, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Zayats emphasized that the expert and rescue group of Ukraine working in Iran has an official status and the results of its work are procedurally significant. "It has an absolutely legal status. All that it is doing is not amateur initiative and all the actions that are taken by our experts in Tehran are procedurally significant," he told reporters on Monday. Zayats has recalled that the expert search group includes more than 40 representatives of 12 state bodies of Ukraine. "Today, some of them, who fulfilled their function, are returning to Kyiv. There are forensic experts and other colleagues who are still needed there," said Zayats. On January 12, Oleksiy Danilov said that the plane of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry that airlifted a group of Ukrainian experts to Tehran on January 8 for investigating the crash of the Ukraine International Airlines flight will return to Ukraine upon the completion of all procedures and with bodies with the deceased Ukrainians onboard. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the group of Ukrainian experts that arrived in Iran included 15 rescuers, four investigators and three experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, an international team of researchers examined the feelings evoked by 2,168 music excerpts in the U.S. and China. Using large-scale statistical tools, the scientists uncovered 13 distinct types of subjective experience associated with music in both cultures: amusement, joy, eroticism, beauty, relaxation, sadness, dreaminess, triumph, anxiety, scariness, annoyance, defiance, and feeling pumped up. Central to the meaning of music are the subjective experiences that it evokes. Performers across cultures can convey intense feelings with songs and instruments of different kinds and often do so by relying on acoustic features and associated percepts such as pitch, loudness, pace characteristic of the human vocal expression of emotion and of speech. What is not well understood is how music evokes feelings in listeners Music is a universal language, but we dont always pay enough attention to what its saying and how its being understood, said Alan Cowen, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. We wanted to take an important first step toward solving the mystery of how music can evoke so many nuanced emotions. We have rigorously documented the largest array of emotions that are universally felt through the language of music, said University of California, Berkeleys Professor Dacher Keltner. The study involved more than 2,500 people in the U.S. and China recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk and a multi-institutional participant pool. First, 111 U.S. participants scanned thousands of videos on YouTube for music evoking a variety of emotions. From those, the researchers built a diverse library of 1,841 music samples. Next, 1,011 participants from the U.S. and 895 from China each rated some 40 music samples based on 28 different categories of emotion, as well as on a scale of positivity and negativity, and for levels of arousal. Using statistical analyses, the scientists arrived at 13 overall categories of experience that were preserved across cultures and found to correspond to specific feelings. To ensure the accuracy of these findings, the team recruited 580 new participants from the U.S. and 363 from China. The volunteers rated 138 additional Western and 189 traditional Chinese music samples that were specifically intended to evoke variations in valence and arousal. Their responses validated the 13 categories. Vivaldis Four Seasons made people feel energized. The Clashs Rock the Casbah pumped them up. Al Greens Lets Stay Together evoked sensuality and Israel Kamakawiwooles Somewhere over the Rainbow elicited joy. Meanwhile, heavy metal was widely viewed as defiant and, just as its composer intended, the shower scene score from the movie Psycho triggered fear. While both U.S. and Chinese study participants identified similar emotions, they differed on whether those emotions made them feel good or bad. People from different cultures can agree that a song is angry, but can differ on whether that feeling is positive or negative, Cowen said. Positive and negative values, known in psychology parlance as valence, are more culture-specific. The study authors also translated the data into an interactive audio map, where visitors can move their cursors to listen to any of thousands of music snippets to find out, among other things, if their emotional reactions match how people from different cultures respond to the music. _____ Alan S. Cowen et al. What music makes us feel: At least 13 dimensions organize subjective experiences associated with music across different cultures. PNAS, published online January 6, 2020; doi: 10.1073/pnas.1910704117 A Utah-based man Tyson Steele was rescued by Alaska State Troopers after spending a little over three weeks in the Alaskan wilderness. Steele was rescued by officials after they spotted the large SOS he had written in the snow. According to reports, the 30-year-old was stranded in an area that could not be reached by road. The Alaska state troopers had released a 36 seconds video that showed Steele waving his hands as the helicopter descended to rescue him. Recalling his harrowing ordeal, Tyson Steele said that his hut had gone up in flames in the month of December after a sudden spark from the wood fire stove inside his cabin. He said that he made a snow cave that enabled him to sleep inside of it for the first two days after the accident. Steele said snow caves provide great insulation as compared to freezing temperatures outside. The 30-year-old said that he just went inside the cave and slept for a long time. He further mentioned that he tried to trek towards a lake in close proximity with a hope that officials could easily find him. The American said that he survived on a limited amount of foods that he salvaged before his cabin completely burnt down. In order to survive, he had to eat a fruit that he was allergic to i.e. pineapple. Read: Volcano Briefly Erupts On Alaska Island, Sends Up Ash Cloud Read: Small-town Alaskan Newspaper Seeking New Owner For $0, Here's The Catch Steele recalls heartbreaking moment While talking to an international media outlet, Steele described the heartbreaking moment when he lost his 6-year-old chocolate-coloured Labrador. He said that before running out of the cabin he grabbed all that he could such as coats, sleeping bags before telling his dog to run out of the cabin. However, the six-year-old dog was trapped inside the burning cabin as his rifles and live rounds began to explode. Steele said that he tried to survive in the freezing temperatures by writing a big SOS in the snow with a hope of being spotted by the emergency services. He went on to build another tent-like shelter for himself with the help of scraps and tarps. The 30-year-old said that the tent was nowhere close to a comfortable place to live in but at least he wasn't suffering and made it out alive. Read: 84-year-old Canadian Becomes Oldest Person To Complete Antarctic Marathon Read: Australian Research Stations On Antarctica Need Around 150 People For Jobs (Newser) The Democratic field got smaller again on Monday: Cory Booker is out. The New Jersey senator, who has struggled in the polls and with fundraising, told supporters that he's suspending his campaign, reports Politico. Booker said his campaign just didn't have the money to "scale up and continue building a campaign that can win," per the Washington Post. Booker's exit means the Democratic field has lost another person of color. Tuesday's debate in Iowa, for example, will feature six candidates, all of them white. story continues below "I believed to my core that the answer to the common pain Americans are feeling right now, the answer to Donald Trump's hatred and division, is to reignite our spirit of common purpose to take on our biggest challenges and build a more just and fair country for everyone," Booker wrote in his email to supporters. "I still believe that," he added. "I will carry this fight forwardI just won't be doing it as a candidate for president this year." (Read more Cory Booker 2020 stories.) Nigerias vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, said Nigeria has the highest prevalence rate of cancer cases in West Africa. He said about 72,000 of over 100,000 cancer patients reported annually, lost their lives. Mr Osinbajo disclosed this on Monday when he laid the foundation stone of Kano Cancer Centre at Muhammad Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu. The new centre is planned to be a replica of the World Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. WHO reports that in 2018, four per cent of deaths in Nigeria were caused by cancer. Nigerias cancer cases are about 15 per cent of cases in West Africa. In the whole of West Africa, we take 15 per cent. So, there is a major problem with cancer in Nigeria. This is why the federal government decided on the national cancer control plan, 2018-2022. Each state is meant to have its own facility and cancer control plan and key into federal governments plan. I must say that we have a situation where Kano Sate has made way, by plugging into overall plan of the federal government, the vice president revealed. Mr Osinbajo commended the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, for his foresight in establishing the cancer control facility in Kano. Kano State is leading the way in this direction, with cutting-edge facilities, as we have just heard from the governor and the experts managing the facility. Also as I laid the foundation, I was made to understand that Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is very serious about it, he said. The vice president said, This centre is not meant for Kano alone, but it is for the whole nation. We commend you, the governor, for your foresighted-ness, dedication and patriotism. This is a great work you are doing. You are about to put in place the best cancer treatment centre in the country. In his remarks, the governor, Mr Ganduje, recalled how he conceived the idea of establishing the centre. We studied that cancer is becoming prevalent, with prostate cancer affecting men and cervical and breast cancer disturbing women. So, we decided to come up with a workable solution to it. We visited Melbourne, Australia World Cancer Treatment Centre. What I saw there moved my administration to work towards making something identically similar to that, in our dear state, Kano. READ ALSO: So we invited experts on cancer from across the world. We deliberated upon finding effective ways to put this facility you are laying its foundation, Sir. We came to a conclusion that the type we are having today can take care of 90 per cent cancer problem of our people, he said. Mr Ganduje assured that a concrete arrangement was made for sustaining the centre, emphasising that, Business will not be as usual. For us to keep sustainability in sight, we decided that Public Private Partnership would be used in managing the facility. It will be managed by global experts. During his visit to the state, the vice president visited the Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and had an interactive session at Gidan Makama National Museum, adjacent the emirs palace. He also commissioned a two-kilometre long Aminu Dantata flyover at Murtala Mohammed way and laid foundation stone for the construction of Karibullah Nasiru-Kabara flyover, Shahuci. The Indian Air Forces (IAF) Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift choppers will make their debut on January 26 at this years Republic Day fly-past, which is one of the most popular elements of the annual parade at New Delhis Rajpath. The air force said on Monday that the fly-past will consist of 45 aircraft 16 fighter jets, 10 transport planes, and 19 helicopters. All aircraft will fly in from the Rashtrapati Bhawan side and exit towards the India Gate at heights between 60 metres and 300 metres above ground level, an IAF spokesperson said. The fighter jets taking part in the fly-past are Sukhoi-30s and upgraded MiG-29s. Other planes in the display include C-17 Globemaster III heavy lifters, C-130J Super Hercules special operations aircraft, Mi-17 V5 helicopters, Rudra advanced light helicopter (ALH) Mk IV WSI, and the armys Dhruv ALH. Five US-made AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and three CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters the IAFs latest acquisitions will be the highlights of the parade this year. In September 2015, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government placed a $3.1-billion order for 22 Apaches and 15 Chinooks to scale up the air forces capabilities. Both helicopters are manufactured by US defence giant, Boeing. Apart from the fly-past, the IAF participates in the Republic Day parade with a band, a marching contingent, and a tableau. This year, the IAF tableau will have mock-ups of the Rafale fighter, the locally built Tejas light combat aircraft, a light combat helicopter, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile. The first batch of four Rafale fighters is expected to arrive in India from France this April-May. France formally handed over to IAF its first Rafale fighter jet at a formal induction ceremony in Merignac last October. India ordered 36 Rafale jets from France in a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore on September 23, 2016. All 36 fighter planes will arrive by September 2022, a small step on the long road towards building a stronger air force. The Rafale deal was an emergency purchase to arrest the worrying slide in IAFs combat capabilities. The count of the IAFs fighter squadrons has reduced to around 30 compared to an optimum strength of 42-plus units required to fight a two-front war with China and Pakistan. The IAF marching contingent will consist of four officers and 144 air warriors. 01/13/2020 Photo (c) slobo - Getty Images Many consumers might want to take a nice cruise to the Bahamas, but far fewer would want to be targeted for this type of vacation with relentless spam phone calls. Thats what the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says happened in the case of Grand Bahama Cruise Line LLC (GBCL). The agency is fining the company and six other defendants for allegedly placing millions of robocalls hocking free trips between Florida and the Bahamas. The FTCs complaint states that GBCL hired telemarketers to place calls to consumers across the U.S. between 2014 and 2017. The company allegedly bought call lists from lead generators and conducted illegal surveys to single out potential customers. While these types of calls are already problematic, the FTC says the company never exempted consumers who were signed up on the National Do Not Call Registry. It also purportedly transmitted inaccurate caller ID information in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). Substantial civil penalties The FTCs proposed settlement would include fines totalling $7.8 million from the defendants and would ban them from violating the TSR in the future. While the fine is expected to be suspended due to an inability to pay, the defendants have not agreed to the settlement thus far. This case shows the FTCs sustained effort to tackle illegal robocall operations that bombard consumers with unsolicited calls. It also demonstrates that anyone who provides substantial assistance to illegal robocall operations may be liable for substantial civil penalties, said Andrew Smith, the FTCs director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. A copy of the FTCs full complaint can be viewed here. If the consumption-demand doesn't improve over the next few quarters, then there could be risks to earnings estimates, which can derail the market momentum in 2020, Sanjeev Jain, VP Equity Research, Sunness Capital India, said in an interview to Moneycontrols Kshitij Anand. Edited excerpts: Q) Last week was a roller-coaster for Indian markets but the Nifty managed to recoup losses and hit a record high on January 13. Can we say the worst is over and all eyes are on the Budget and earnings? A) In the week gone by, the Nifty50 hit a lifetime high of 12,311.20. The primary reason for this buoyant rally were large investments by foreign funds together with steady participation of domestic funds. FPIs and DIIs have remained net buyers of around Rs 738 crore and Rs 446 crore, respectively, in the equity cash segment, so far, in January. High expectations from upcoming Union Budget as well as steady quarter earnings of Indian corporates made the market sentiment buoyant. I strongly believe that the government may come out with a number of reforms and initiatives to boost the economy. The slowdown in the economy may be at the bottom and we may see revival in the economic activities, possibly from early FY21. The good thing is that the government is now more focused on boosting consumption and demand, which was a nagging issue throughout 2019. Q) Any crucial events that investors should take note of that can impact D-Street sentiment? A) The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) number came on Friday evening. After contracting for three consecutive months, it grew at 1.8 percent in November on the back of improving manufacturing sector. It is a good sign for the economy, as IIP has turned positive now. On the other hand, the US-China Phase-1 trade deal is to be signed on January 15. If done, it will boost the market sentiment further. Any adverse/delay may dent the sentiment. Indian corporates have started reporting their Q3FY20 results. Market participants are keenly waiting to see the earnings for getting the indication on whether sentiment among corporates has actually improved or not. Also, on February 1, 2020, our finance minister will present the Union Budget for the year 2020-21, a balanced budget announcement is expected this time. But, yes, it will largely clear the picture that how the government is ready to handle the ongoing tough situation and boost the economy by way of generating demand and consumption. On the flip side, if the consumption-demand doesn't improve over the next few quarters, then there could be downward risks to earnings estimates, which can derail the market momentum in 2020. Other global factors like Brexit deal, presidential election in the US and the onset of another round of asset purchases by the Bank of Japan, European Central Bank, and the US Federal Reserve will be in focus as well. Q) What are your views on Infosys results? What do you recommendbuy, sell or hold? A) Infosys reported a mixed set of Q3FY20 numbers. Its topline and bottomline growth was broadly along expected lines, while the operating margin was below expectations. The company has raised its revenue outlook for FY20 in constant currency to 10-10.5%, from guidance of 9-10% given in October. The company also said that its board's audit committee has completed the independent probe into the anonymous whistleblower allegations and found "no evidence" of financial impropriety or executive misconduct. The favourable outcome of the internal audit committee regarding the whistleblower allegations and raising of revenue outlook may be positive for the stock. Hence, the investor should hold the stock. Q) Three stocks that you think are good breakout buys, given the sharp recovery seen in the week gone by. A) From the investment perspective, we recommend the following stocks for a 9-12 month time frame: Federal Bank Ltd: LTP: Rs.88.90|Target Price: Rs 105| Upside 18 percent In Q2FY20, the banks advances and deposits grew by ~15 percent and 18 percent on a YoY basis to Rs 117545.42 crore and Rs 13,9521.39 crore, respectively. The banks healthy business growth has helped it to improve its Net Interest Income (NII) by 10 percent YoY to Rs 1,123.78 crore, which led to boost its bottomline by ~57 percent YoY to Rs.416.70 crore over the same period. Consistent strong growth in its total business increased the banks market share. Its advances and deposits market share has gone up by 4bps and 7bps YoY to 1.16% and 1.07%, respectively. The bank is well capitalised to support its growth trajectory with 13.98 percent of its Basel III-Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), which is 290bps higher than the regulators stipulated norm. The banks continued focus on the retail banking front has helped it to improve its low-cost deposits base ie CASA ratio by 11bps QoQ to 31.55 percent. In Q2FY20, its return on assets (RoA) and return on equity (RoE) improved by 27bps and 356bps YoY to 1.03 percent and 12.06 percent, respectively. Improving balance sheet, strong capital base, healthy return ratios coupled with managements confidence on the asset-quality front as well as business growth, positively impacting Federal Bank Ltd. Marico Ltd: LTP: Rs.338|Target Price: Rs 388| Upside 15 percent The company is a market leader in most of its product categories and continues to gain share. As on September 30, 2019, the market share of its flagship products like coconut oil, Saffolasuper-premium refined oils, value-added hair oil, serums stood healthy at 60%, 75%, 35%, and 64%, respectively, in terms of volume. Its India business contributes 78 percent of the consolidated sales, with the domestic hair oil portfolio (Parachute coconut and value-added hair oils) contributing ~63 percent of overall sales. Marico is financially robust in the face of the volatile markets as the cash position of the company is within a healthy range and more than sufficient to cover other upcoming liabilities and business expansion. As per the company, Marico is open to strategic acquisitions as the leverage ratios are comfortable. In the absence of any strategic acquisitions, the company will continue to maintain a healthy dividend payout. Strong growth in financials and debt-free balance sheet helped the company to improve its return ratios. For the last several years, the company has maintained its RoE and return on capital employed (ROCE) above 30 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Ashok Leyland Ltd: LTP: Rs 81.25|Target Price: Rs 98| Upside 20 percent In FY19, the company sold 131936 M&HCVs out of which 1,15,613 units were of M&HCV trucks, registered a growth of ~13 percent on a YoY basis. A significant growth had seen in its LCV domestic sales, the company reported robust 25.5 percent YoY growth in LCV sales. As a part of the power solution business, its engines sale grew by 16.6 percent YoY to 21,859 engines over the same period. Recently, the transport ministry issued draft guidelines for setting up authorised vehicle scrapping facilities. We believe the policy, if implemented, may help reverse the current cyclical downturn and Ashok Leyland will be the biggest beneficiary as the companys revenue and profits accrue mainly from trucks. The positive impact of replacement demand can be significant. With new product launches set for the next financial year, the governments efforts on demand revival coupled with there is an expected pre-buy in FY20 due to the introduction of BS-VI norms from the next financial year and other demand impetus such as discounts, festive season buying, positively impacting Ashok Leyland Ltd. Q) Why have small & midcaps stocks started performing recently? Is it the FII flows or pre-Budget euphoria catching up? A) It is a combination of both. The last couple of years were a difficult phase for the Indian equity markets, especially for midcap and smallcap investors. We believe the year 2020 will be the year of quality midcap and selective largecap companies. Investors should keep the focus on stock-specific and it is the right time to invest in quality midcaps and selective largecaps stocks, where valuations are inexpensive. 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. Wadi Al-dawasir : Jan 13 (IANS) The eighth stage of the 2020 Dakar Rally in the bikes and quads categories initially scheduled for Monday has been cancelled after the death of Portuguese motorcycle racer Paulo Goncalves in an accident during stage seven. "After meeting the riders and making a decision together with the entire motorbike family, the organisers have decided to cancel stage 8 for the motorbikes and quads category, which was supposed to take place on a loop course around Wadi Al-Dawasir, in order to give the riders time to mourn their friend," Dakar Rally organisers said in a statement on Sunday, reports Efe news. The 40-year-old racer went off his bike at a high speed at the 263-kilometre mark between Riyadh and Wadi Al Dawasir in what was the longest stage in this year's edition of the off-road race. Paramedics arrived at the scene of the crash and tried to resuscitate the racer before he was airlifted to Lalya Hospital, near the capital, where he was pronounced dead. Dakar Rally organisers said he died from cardiac arrest. This marked the first death of a Dakar Rally participant in five years. The last fatality was Polish motorcyclist Michal Hernik, who died of dehydration. The Portuguese racer was making his 13th appearance in what is often regarded as the toughest rally in the world, but it was the first time he competed with Indian motorcycle brand Hero, having previously competed on Honda motorcycles, a Japanese brand. Many bike and quad racers said they were unable to concentrate during the 250 kilometers remaining in the seventh stage after seeing Goncalves lying on the ground. Only car, SSV and truck races will be held on Monday. Monday's 716-kilometre stage consists of a loop starting and ending in Wadi al-Dawasir, an enclave within Saudi Arabia's Empty Quarter, a desert that sprawls over 650,000 sq. kilometers in the southern part of the country and is virtually uninhabited. Credit: Tim SaccentiColdplay has announced an intimate concert at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, taking place next Monday, January 20. The show will benefit the prison reform organization Reform L.A. Jails, and will feature guest speakers Patrisse Cullors, founder of Reform L.A. Jails and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Global Network, and actress and activist America Ferrera. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, January 17 at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster's Verified Fan program. You can register for a chance to purchase tickets now through Wednesday, January 15 at 10 pm. PT. Coldplay had previously announced a concert at the Palladium on Tuesday, January 21 as part of the Citi Sound Vault series. That show, which is already sold out, will also benefit a charity organization: A New Way of Life, which supports women in "rebuilding their lives after prison." A New Way of Life founder Susan Burton will speak at the January 21 show, as will actress and activist Natalie Portman. If you can't go to either show, you can also watch Coldplay perform on this Wednesday's episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Coldplay released their new, double album Everyday Life last November. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. South Sudan's government and opposition groups who had snubbed an earlier peace deal said they had agreed to a ceasefire from Wednesday, after peace talks in Rome. Members of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOMA) and an envoy of the government in Juba said they had signed a document on Sunday committing to a December 2017 peace deal to "avoid any further armed confrontation across the country". South Sudan, the world's youngest country, descended into civil war in 2013, when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy and fellow former rebel leader Riek Machar of plotting a coup. About 380,000 people have died in the conflict and some four million have fled their homes. Fears have grown in recent weeks that a fragile peace deal will not hold after delays in implementing a unity government and ongoing disagreements. While peace has largely held across the country, fighting has continued in the Central Equatoria region between government troops and the National Salvation Front, whose leader Thomas Cirillo Swaka signed the agreement in Rome. 'We are ashamed' "We are ashamed this peace has eluded us," Pa'Gan Amum Okiech, a member of SSOMA's leadership council and interim chairman of another rebel group, the Real-APLM group, said Monday. "We agree to begin this process of dialogue to reach comprehensive solutions to the crisis," Amum Okiech told journalists, stressing that those solutions would be "inclusive." Progress on a more recent agreement in September 2018 calling for Kiir to form a transitional unity government with Machar has been delayed over a host of unresolved issues. Rebel groups within the SSOMA refused to sign it because it did not address "root causes" of the war, Amum Okiech said. Sticking points include the return of refugees, the integration of rebel forces into the army, and land issues, such as compensation for the destruction of property during the conflict. Machar is due in Juba on Tuesday for another round of talks with Kiir. The ceasefire signed on Sunday was mediated by the Community of Sant'Egidio, a lay Catholic organisation with ties to the Vatican. It engages in diplomatic and peace efforts, including organising the safe passage to Europe of refugees from war-torn areas like Syria. Both Amum Okiech and the head of the government delegation, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, praised Pope Francis for his efforts in pushing for a diplomatic solution to South Sudan's conflict. "This credit goes to his Holiness Pope Francis," said Marial Benjamin, who cited the pontiff's organisation of a meeting between Kiir and Machar in April at the Vatican, in which Francis knelt to kiss their feet, imploring for peace. "Your kneeling in front of our leaders has brought peace to South Sudan," he said. Pope Francis has expressed an interest in travelling to South Sudan and a trip could be announced soon. During a Papal Mass in November, he exhorted the faithful to pray for the country, and in his Christmas address, sent wishes of "peace and prosperity" to South Sudan. Bihar School Examination Board has released the final admit cards for BSEB annual secondary (Class 10th board) examination 2020. Students can download their final BSEB 10th board exam admit cards online by visiting Bihar School Examination Board website at https://biharboard.online/. Heres the direct link to download final admit card for Bihar Board annual secondary (Class 10th) exam 2020. Steps to download BSEB 10th board exam admit cards: Visit the official website of BSEB Click on the link for view/print final admit cards for annual secondary exam 2020 Key in your school code, registration number and date of birth and click on search Your BSEB 10th board exam final admit card will appear on the screen Download and take its print out of the same. Students must carry the admit card to the examination Centre. The Bihar board had earlier released the dummy admit card for Class 10 board exams that allows candidates to check any error in the same. They are given chance to get the corrections done in the admit card before the final admit card is released. The closing date has been extended for returned emigrants to apply for the highly-successful Back for Business programme which will support them start or develop businesses in Ireland. The closing date, which was to be January 7, has been extended for two weeks to January 22 to allow people who might have heard about the programme while home for Christmas to prepare their applications. Applications now close on January 22, 2020. This is the third year of Back for Business, which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The initiative was established to support entrepreneurial activity among returned emigrants who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned in the last three years. Those planning to return in the near future will also be considered. The 2020 programme will run from January to July 2020. There is no charge for those selected to participate. Those interested in learning more can download a brochure and register their interest in receiving an application form from www.backforbusiness.com Last year, the 38 participants on the second year of the programme reported positive results. Launching the call for applicants, Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development, Ciaran Cannon T.D. said: Global Irish Irelands Diaspora Policy, supports the successful return to Ireland of our Diaspora. Back for Business is a practical measure to implement this commitment. This programme can make a real difference to returned and returning emigrants, who want to establish new businesses in Ireland. The successful delivery of this programme will enable these entrepreneurs to build new businesses and contribute to our economy and society. Back for Business has been designed and is being implemented by Fitzsimons Consulting, specialists in areas related to entrepreneurship and growth. West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh courted controversy on Sunday by threatening to shoot and kill those involved in damaging public property "like the same way in Uttar Pradesh". Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal's Nadia district, Ghosh came down heavily on chief minister Mamata Banerjee "for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge" on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in the state in December last year. "Is it the father's property of those who are setting public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on tax payers' money!" Ghosh said. He said, "The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements (during anti-CAA protests)." The BJP leader said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot "like the same way in Uttar Pradesh". "They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy country's property. Is it their zamindari!" he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those "sabotaging the interests" of Hindu Bengalis. He claimed that there are two crore "Muslim infiltrators" in the country. "One crore alone is in West Bengal and Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them," he alleged. UN committed to helping Haiti build better future, says Guterres, marking 10-year anniversary of devastating earthquake 12 January 2020 - On 12 January 2010, a 7.0 magnitude quake struck the Haiti, devastating its capital, Port-au-Prince. About 220,00 people were reportedly killed, among them, 102 UN staff who lost their lives when the stabilization mission there, known as MINUSTAH, collapsed. Some 300,000 people were injured and 1.5 million become homeless during the 35-second-long tremor. Marking the 10-year anniversary of the tragedy, Secretary General Antonio Guterres renewed the commitment of the United Nations to helping the country and its people build a better future. "On this day, we remember the hundreds of thousands of Haitians who lost their lives and the millions gravely affected by the devastating earthquake that struck their country ten years ago," Mr. Guterres said in a video statement, also honouring the memory of the UN colleagues lost on that same day. "My heart goes out to all those who lost family, friends and loved ones., the Secretary-General Said, adding: "I will never forget the shock and sadness across the United Nations as we became aware of the scale of the tragedy." The UN chief said that over the past decade, Haiti has drawn on the resilience of its people and the support of its many friends to overcome this disaster. "With the continued support of the international community, Haiti is striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including through strengthening the institutions that are so crucial to the wellbeing and prosperity of its people," Mr. Guterres said. Sombre Commemorations On Friday, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that in Port-au-Prince on Sunday, all UN staff have been invited to attend a commemorative ceremony to be held at the site of the Christopher Hotel, which housed the UN peacekeeping mission's headquarters, and which collapsed during the earthquake. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca will be the senior official from New York representing the UN at this ceremony and other commemorative events organized by the Haitian Government. Next week, there will be several other events to mark the anniversary. On Monday, in Tunis, the UN will inaugurate the Hedi Annabi Hall, honouring the memory of the head of the UN peacekeeping mission, Hedi Annabi, who died in the collapse of the Christopher Hotel. Mr. Annabi was also a long-time Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations in New York. And in Geneva, on Wednesday, there will be another commemoration at the Palais des Nations, with, among other participants, Haiti's Minister of Foreign Affairs. And lastly, on Friday next week, 17 January, the Secretary-General will take part in a ceremony here which will include representatives of the countries who lost [citizens] their lives in the earthquake. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Many C-Suite executives are looking to serve on public or private companies board of directors, and two well-versed Greater Houston Womens Chamber of Commerce members are able to offer helpful tips to get a seat at that table. When a board has a need for a board member with certain skills, such as an attorney, CPA, etc., they ask present board members if they know someone who matches that need. Yet, if the board does not know someone with the skill set, the board obtains a head hunter. I went to a head hunter and went through interviews. I was offered a board seat at Lazy Boy. I flew to Detroit for the meetings, said Janet Gurwitch, operating partner of Castanea Partners in Boston, Massachusetts, and Houston resident. Public and private board membership roles are paid positions, often including stock. However, board members sought for these corporate boards hold high-ranking corporate positions. For Gurwitch, the Lazy Boy board was looking for woman with a background in a prestigious retail company. Gurwitch had held the executive vice president at Neiman Marcus, which gave her the corporate experience the board was seeking. She also had founded a successful cosmetic company, which she later sold. I suggest those looking to be on a board to first look at the proxies and annual reports of companies you are interested in, said Mary Bass, partner at Spencer Stuart, an executive search company providing board services and other company leadership services. Then consider their discussions, strategy, and board agendas. Then, step back and assess what you would bring to that board. Bass said if you dont have the skills to fit their board, you should develop them. If you have the skills, fine tune them, deepen the experience, and communicate your interest to current board members and executive recruiters who place board members, Bass said. The good news is boards today are seeking candidates with diverse talent, perspectives, and ideas. Here is Bass a step-by-step process to board service: 1. After accessing what you will get out of serving on a board, the work, and personal commitment of time and energy, package yourself. Develop a board bio with a picture. This document will highlight your background and value you will bring to a board. 2) If you are currently working, ensure you have permission to serve on an outside board. 3) Raise your profile and let it be known that you are interested in board service. 4) Study industries and companies and decide where you would make the greatest contribution. Then look at the boards of the companies and activate your network. 5) Be patient, as this is not a quick process. 6) Educate yourself at director education events, which will introduce you to board members and expand your network. 7) The journey for board service can be educational, broadening, and rewarding. If you are offered a board seat, take it, even if it is not the one you were most interested. It is easier to get on a board if you have experience, said Gurwitch. Also, often a good place to start for board service is with a non-profit, which will provide you with experience of being on a board and will help you recognize your contributions for boards. As a growing gap between North Koreas rich and poor continues to get wider, more and more of the countrys poor are trying to find work as servants of the better off. North Korea provides each of its citizens with a monthly salary. For much of the countrys history, this was enough to live on, but these days, the salary, which amounts to about U.S. $5 is nowhere near sufficient. Now, in order to survive, people have had to go into business for themselves, and livings are made through a flourishing black market. But there are those who are left by the wayside who have only their labor to offer. They now find themselves in an overcrowded labor market of poor people who want to be housekeepers for North Koreas wealthy and elite, even when the government says that hiring personal servants goes against socialist ideals. The high-rollers have been hiring housekeepers to do all the housework for ages, a source from North Pyongan province told RFAs Korean Service Thursday. The Central Committee [of the Korean Workers Party] has publicly stated that the practice of hiring personal employees is in direct conflict with socialism, but they have made no effort to control the social issues created by the gap between the rich and poor, the source said. A second source provided examples of how the rich live it up when everyone else is struggling, all while touting the socialist party line. High-ranking officials and the rich spend hundreds of dollars on meals at a restaurants, the second source said, adding, [They] outwardly pretend to protect socialism, but privately, they are in collusion with the rich, the source said. For this reason, the structure of the gap between the rich and the poor is worse than feudalism, where landowners lorded over serfs, the source said. The source said the rich have no trouble hiring temporary workers as needed. On important days, such as New Years Day or childrens birthdays, rich families will hire two or three housekeepers. They pay 10,000 North Korean won ($1.25) to do all the daily chores in the home, and about 50,000 won ($6.25) for cooking, the second source said. The second source said that such low wages are only made possible because there is an increasing number of poor women that wish to be hired by the rich to make a living. Pyongyang Laundry Another source, a resident of Pyongyang who had traveled to Dandong, a city on the Chinese side of the Sino-Korean border, described that there are entire classes of people living on the outskirts of the city hoping to find jobs doing laundry for the rich. As we enter the winter season, the number of laundry workers knocking on the doors of apartments in Pyongyang suddenly increased, the second source said. They themselves are living hand-to-mouth, so they are offering hand-washing services to take care of the laundry for the wives of senior officials and the rich, the second source said. In the winter, the downtown areas of Pyongyang [where all the elites live] is not properly supplied with electricity and water, so even washing machine owners cannot do their laundry, said the second source. This is why senior officials and rich women are hiring women to do their laundry by hand, the second source added. The second source said that the laundry women must be perfect, because they can be easily replaced, as there are so many people willing to do the job. [They] regularly visit the house and collect the laundry, wash and iron it, then they must deliver it on time, because if the laundry is not clean enough or is not delivered on time, the [customers] can easily fire the laundry service providers and hire another one. This is making it very difficult for the poor women who have to work in very cold weather to make a living, said the second source. Depending on the amount of care and attention each type of clothing is being washed, there are premium and regular rates, according to the second source. White dress shirts requiring bleach and fine suits that need to be ironed are priced at $3 to $5 per kilogram, but regular laundry costs $1-$2, said the second source. While most of the people living within the Pyongyang city center are considered part of the countrys elite class, many ordinary residents live in the outer areas of the capital. The gap between these two classes has created a steady supply of people who need money and are willing to serve those who have it. According to a 2018 report by the Korea Joongang Daily, the basic income in North Korea was uniform at 4,000 won per month ($ 0.50). A pack of cigarettes at that time was 5,000 won ($0.62). The report noted that some workers receive bonuses on top of the basic income, with some earning as high as 400,000 won per month ($50) or as low as about 30,000 won ($3.75), necessitating a side hustle. Reported by Hyemin Son for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. FISA Court Not Apolitical in Addressing Spying Abuses Against Trump Campaign Commentary The news of whom the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court has just appointed to oversee FBI fixes is nothing short of breathtaking. On Jan. 10, the FISA court posted an order naming anti-Trump lawyer David Kris to assist the court in assessing the FBIs response to the court-ordered cleanup of lapses and abuses identified by Department of Justice Inspector General (IG) Michael Horowitz. In a report released in December 2019, the IG found that FBI officials violated rules, policies, and law in their applications to wiretap Trump 2016 presidential campaign volunteer Carter Page. Horowitz testified that the FISA surveillance process needs to be fixed from top to bottom. To some, the appointment of Kris to help with the job is as mysterious as to why the FISA courts judges failed to flag the FBI abuses on their own. It would seem more important than ever to have an apolitical person, or a balanced group of people, conducting oversight of these politically sensitive matters. Kriss vocal criticisms of President Donald Trump present numerous, obvious conflicts of interest. On Twitter, Kris called Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) a politicized, dishonest [Intelligence Community] overseer who attempts to mislead, and wrote that Trump and his advisers should be worried that the walls are closing in regarding the Mueller probe. Kris also bought into the now-disproven conspiracy theory about Trump colluding with Russia and Putin. But even more importantly, since that time, Kris has advocated for Trumps removal. Do we want to be a country in which elected officials can use their governmental power to attack political opponents? If not, its pretty simple: Trump has to go, Kris wrote on Twitter in October 2019. Specifically, Kris criticized what he said was Trump using government powers against political opponents, seeming to dismiss the possibility that the government had used its powers improperly against Trump. In addition, Kris writes for the blog Lawfare and has called Lawfares Editor-in-Chief Benjamin Wittes incisive. Wittes is the man who wrote of the need for an insurance policy against Trump prior to Trumps election: Our democracy needs a health insurance policy. The courts have a few obvious advantages, starting with hundreds of independent judges of both parties whom Trump cannot remove from office and who dont have to face his supporters in forthcoming elections. The goal will be to offer a systematic defense of the values the Coalition of All Democratic Forces holds in common and to have the ability to respond rapidly to actions that threaten those values: to forestall such actions in court as long as possible, to whittle them down, and to block those that can be blocked. The goal is to use the courts to render Trumps antidemocratic instincts as ineffectual as possible. Wittes also is a friend of former FBI Director James Comey, who was referred for criminal charges for mishandling and leaking government information in his anti-Trump efforts. (The Justice Department declined to prosecute, with officials stating they didnt believe Comey meant any harm.) Regardless, however, America is now faced with a very stark choice: do we want to be a country in which elected officials can use their governmental power to attack political opponents? If not, its pretty simple: Trump has to go. 5/5 David Kris (@DavidKris) October 3, 2019 Horowitz flagged 17 mistakes in the FBIs surveillance applications against Page and testified, I think its fair for people to look at all these 17 events and wonder how it could be purely incompetence. Likewise, one could look at the FISA courts appointment of Kris to help fix things and wonder whether it could be purely incompetence. The latest FISA court action could be construed as a moment of chilling clarity in the ongoing questions about how these abuses could have occurred, and the challenges with fixing them. Sharyl Attkisson is The New York Times bestselling author of Stonewalled, a five-time Emmy Award winner, and the host of Sinclairs national investigative television program Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson. She is a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting and has reported nationally for CBS News, PBS, and CNN. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 17:59 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321fd6aa 1 National Papua,regent,PDI-P,boven-digoel Free Benediktus Tambonop, the regent of Boven Digoel, Papua, was found dead in his hotel room in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Monday morning. The 44-year-old Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician was in the capital to attend the party's national working meeting. Central Jakarta police chief Sr. Comr. Heru Novianto said that Benediktus's body was found at around 5 a.m. on Monday morning and that the regent was suspected to have died of illness. "We found medicine in his hotel room," Heru said, as quoted by tribunnews.com. "We will provide more information when the investigation is concluded." Papua regional secretary Hery Dosinaen confirmed the news and expressed his surprise at hearing of Benediktus' passing. "We received a phone call from the Home Affairs Ministry one hour ago that the deceased was brought to a hospital for an autopsy," Hery said on Monday, as quoted by Antara News Agency. "As for the administration of Boven Digoel regency, it will continue according the prevailing regulations," he said. "What's clear is that for now [Benediktus] will be replaced by the deputy regent." Hery added that the provincial administration was still waiting for the autopsy results and would later arrange for the body to be sent back to Papua. (kmt) A photo exhibition on Vietnam recently opened in Budapest capital of Hungary as the first of the events commemorating the 70th founding anniversary of the Vietnam-Hungary diplomatic ties this year. Visitors at the exhibition (Source: VNA) The exhibition was jointly organised by the Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary and the Vietnamese community in the country. It featured photos captured by Hungarian film director and photographer Bela Bernolak when he shot a film in Vietnam in 2019. Bernolak noted that even though that was the first time he has travelled to Vietnam, he received a warm welcome and felt a sense of familiarity. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Tien Thuc spoke highly of the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries over the past 70 years. Especially, the bilateral relations have been recently elevated to the level of comprehensive partnership, he noted. The exhibition will be opened to the public free of charge until February 1. The film on Vietnam directed by Bernolak and his partners is set to be screened on Hungarys TV channels about two months later. VNA A school teacher, 45, died after getting shot here on Monday. According to police, the victim died of bullet wounds at her house. The victim used to teach at a private school in Gulmohar Nagar area of Khanna city. Police are yet to determine if it was a suicide or a murder. An investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Recovery experts from the Rescue Service of Ukraine have been sifting through the wreckage of the Ukraine International Airline that crashed last Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board, mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians. The jetliner, a Boeing 737 en route to Kyiv, went down on the outskirts of Tehran shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport. After pointing to a technical failure and insisting for three days that the Iranian armed forces were not to blame, Iranian authorities on Saturday admitted accidentally shooting it down in the face of mounting evidence and accusations by Western leaders. Over the weekend Ukraine demanded full access to the crash wreckage for 45 Ukrainian experts. It also wants Iran to punish those responsible for the crash and pay compensation to relatives of the dead. The military said it mistook the plane for a hostile target after launching a ballistic missile attack on two bases housing US troops in Iraq. Kate Middleton was seen leaving Kensington Palace on the school run earlier today before her husband held crunch talks with Prince Harry at Sandringham. The Duchess of Cambridge remained in London and Prince William faced his brother at the Norfolk estate earlier today after he and Meghan Markle announced they were quitting as senior royals. Kate appeared sombre as she was photographed leaving her home in the company of her royal protection officers to pick up her children from school at around 3pm earlier today. She stayed away from the crisis meeting at Sandringham to look after the young Cambridge children George, six, Charlotte, four, and Louis, just one. Kate has barely seen Harry in the last year, and she and William are said to be bereft that the Sussexes have quit as senior royals 'without a thought' for them or Harry's nieces and nephews. When it was put to Harry last week that he needed to discuss his plans with William at least before 'pressing the nuclear button', he made clear he hadn't any intention of doing so. The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured this afternoon) stayed in London and Prince William faced his brother at the Norfolk estate after he and Meghan Markle announced they were quitting as senior royals Kate appeared sombre as she was photographed leaving her home in the company of her royal protection officers earlier today Kate (pictured this afternoon) has barely seen Harry in the last year, and she and William are said to be bereft that the Sussexes have quit as senior royals 'without a thought' for them or Harry's nieces and nephews Neither had it occurred to him that there would also be ramifications for the young Cambridge children. The siblings have only seen their cousin Archie, eight months, once or twice since he was born. 'He is so caught up with his own problems and just hadn't thought through how it would affect everyone else,' said a source with intimate knowledge of the week's events. This morning Prince Harry was photographed arriving at Sandringham where he faced the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William for the first time since quitting as a senior royal with Meghan 'dialling in' to support her husband from Canada. The Duke of Sussex wants his 93-year-old grandmother, father and brother to let him and his wife keep their royal titles while living abroad and grabbing 'financial independence' to earn their own money using the Sussex brand, which experts say could be worth 400 million. This morning Harry drove into Sandringham via its rear entrance in a blacked-out Range Rover Evoque at 11.20am - after he and his older brother released their first joint statement since the abdication crisis broke blasting claims William has been bullying the Sussexes. A Range Rover which had been carrying Prince Harry entered Sandringham via a back entrance today Harry is understood to be in turmoil over his decision to 'abdicate' which was the subject of crisis talks held by the Queen at Sandringham today (pictured: the Sussexes and the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in 2018) William arrived from nearby Anmer Hall at 1.45pm - 15 minutes before the 2pm meeting started - suggesting he chose to miss lunch with his brother and the Queen, who has been there since Christmas, as well as Charles, who arrived by helicopter yesterday. Her Majesty has been supported by Prince Philip throughout the abdication crisis and her husband of 72 years has acted as her sounding board for finding a solution. The Duke of Edinburgh ducked out of the palace before the mega-summit started, leaving his wife to broker the deal, but was said to be furious with his grandson and his Californian-born wife. The Times claimed today that Meghan told Harry she must step away from the royal family just 20 months after marrying into it, partly blaming his older brother and told him over Christmas: 'It's not working for me'. A grim-faced Prince Philip was pictured leavinhg Sandringham today with a female companion driving Prince pictured with Meghan Markle at Canada House in London on Tuesday But hitting back Harry and William said today it was a 'false story', adding: 'For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful'. Royal aides believed the meeting started at 2pm so Meghan was able to 'dial in' at around 6am after fleeing across the Atlantic hours after the couple quit last Wednesday. Harry is believed to have been warned that there will be formidable obstacles that will take months to overcome before he can stand down as a senior royal - but the Queen says the family must come up with a 'direction of travel' for the prince and Meghan, who is in Vancouver with Archie. A grim-faced Prince Philip was seen at Sandringham this morning but left it to his wife, Prince Charles and Prince William to broker an exit deal. Earlier today Kate looked serious as she left Kensington Palace before her husband came face to face with his want-away brother in Norfolk The Duchess of Cambridge and her husband are said to have become distant from the Sussexes and did not get together privately often as they had in the past The Queen has been leaning heavily on her husband for support - and Philip, who has lived in a cottage of the Sandringham estate since retiring from public life in 2017, has been staying in the main house with the Queen since the crisis broke. Philip was reportedly 'spitting blood' with anger when he found out last Wednesday and yelled at his aides: 'What the hell are they playing at?' Aides have been working around the clock to come up with a range of options for the couple since they issued their bombshell statement saying they planned to step back from frontline duties and divide their time between the UK and North America, while retaining their royal privileges and titles. The Queen who was left 'deeply hurt' by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge made clear to courtiers she wanted the problem sorted 'within days' to prevent further damage to the monarchy. Privately, William and Harry have always felt the public perception of them as Dianas boys wedded together for the rest of their lives by tragedy was an anachronism. Pictured together at Thorpe Park in 1993 Prince William accompanies his brother on his wedding day in May 2018 (left). It was reported yesterday that the Duke of Cambridge had spoken of his sadness at the broken bond with Harry (right) Her Majesty is said to want guarantees that Harry and Meghan's business empire built around their Sussex title doesn't damage the royal family. William and Charles are expected to reject the couple's demands for taxpayer-funded police bodyguards while in the UK and reportedly unhappy about the environmental impact of criss-crossing the Atlantic to carry out royal duties in Britain. The monarch is under more pressure to find a way forward because the Sussexes could give a tell-all interview to their friend Oprah Winfrey and 'sound off' about the royal family's 'racism and sexism' if they do not get their way at Sandringham, palace aides fear. The couple are said to see their long-term future in the US but not while President Donald Trump is President - with friends claiming while the couple plan to live in Canada at first their ultimate aim is to have a home and business in Los Angeles. Friends say the rift between the two is so deep now that it is unlikely to be repaired for the foreseeable future. Harry is understood to be in turmoil over his decision to 'abdicate' It was reported on Saturday that the Duke of Cambridge had spoken of his sadness at the broken bond with Harry. 'I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more; we're separate entities,' he told a friend according to the Sunday Times. 'I'm sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope the time comes when we're all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the same team.' While sources close to William say he 'does not recognise' the quote in the Sunday Times, it is widely acknowledged it is 'fairly close' to what he is thinking. 'Sadness, I'd say is the overwhelming emotion,' said one source. Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step down as senior royals on Wednesday 'This is his brother, for God's sake. He loves him. And he is desperately sad and worried that it has come to this. There's an acknowledgement that things are very estranged at the moment. But maybe time and a little distance will heal that.' While understandably concerned for his brother, William is also said to be worried about the increased workload Harry's stepping down will bring for other family members. Although now seventh in line to the throne, Harry and Meghan would still have undertaken more than 200 public engagements each year. And even in the slimmed-down monarchy their father is hoping for, the Sussexes would have had a significant role. Privately, William and Harry have always felt the public perception of them as Diana's 'boys' wedded together for the rest of their lives by tragedy was an anachronism. They have always had each other's back, but have always had different ways of handling things and different paths. One source said the rot began after Harry left the military in 2015 and began to feel frustrated at his rather rootless existence compared to William's clearly defined career path. Prince Harry decided to pull the plug on his royal role without a thought for William and his family, according to insiders. Pictured arriving together for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in 2017 It was Kate who brought the brothers together, particularly as they collaborated on their mental health campaign, Heads Together. But others say it was just a plaster on a long-festering wound that was ripped off when Meghan came on the scene and Harry had his own family to defend. The Mail understands while William feels both he and his brother have been deeply affected by Diana's death, Harry seems unable to move on with his life. Mike Pompeo outrage by the rocket attack targeting Al-Balad WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo early Monday morning said he wasoutraged by the rocket attack targeting Al-Balad, an airbase just north of Baghdad where US forces have been stationed, which wounded two Iraqi officers and two airmen. Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase, he tweeted. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured and call on the Government of Iraq to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable. These continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end, he added. A volley of rockets slammed into the Iraqi airbase north of Baghdad where US forces have been based, sources in the Iraqi military had said on Sunday. Its statement said eight Katyusha-type rockets landed on Al-Balad airbase, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen. Reuters, quoting military officials, identified the wounded as Iraqi soldiers. The attack by at least six rockets on Sunday came just days after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq that house US forces, causing no casualties. In a briefing to parliament, Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said the missiles it fired last Wednesday on Iraqi bases hosting US troops were not aimed at killing American personnel. No group claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack, according to Associated Press. The US and Iran recently stepped back from escalating tensions following the killing of Genernal Qassem Soleimani, Irans top general, in a US airstrike in Baghdad. A senior Iraqi leader was also killed. By PTI NEW DELHI: Eminent economist Amit Bhaduri has given up emeritus professorship at Jawaharlal Nehru University, alleging mishandling of the current situation by the university administration. In his letter to the vice-chancellor of JNU, Bhaduri expressed pain at throttling of dissent by the university administration. "It pains me but I feel it would be immoral on my part without registering my protest to remain a silent observer in this larger, sinister scheme of throttling dissent which is unfolding now at the university. "I am giving up my emeritus professorship at JNU," he wrote in his mail, which was made public by him. Reacting to this, JNU Vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar said, "I have not yet seen such a letter in my office. We appreciate the contributions made by our emeritus professors which is a honorary position. However, I would not like to comment on the merits of their decision. Our best wishes always remain with them." Bhaduri had joined the university as a young professor in 1973. He left it in 2001. He noted that during his years at JNU, the university passed through various phases of justified or unjustified student's unrest and even temporary shut-down of the teaching. "What is difference now is not only incompetence of handling of situations by the authorities, but a deliberate attempt to throttle the free and lively atmosphere of debate and discussion for which JNU was known all over the country," he asserted. Bhaduri further alleged that the current attempt by the administration to destroy that atmosphere of freedom of expression is in line with a larger and more sinister plan, of which JNU VC is 'appears to be pivotal part'. "You seem determined on imprinting your administration's narrow-minded world view, and shut all other windows of ideas to the students," he wrote. The eminent economist also expressed hope that his returning the honour will send the right message to the JNU administration Last week also, eminent economist and JNU professor C P Chandrasekhar had withdrawn from the newly-constituted 28-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCES), chaired by former chief statistician Pranob Sen, citing the situation in the university. The committee was constituted last month to improve the quality of data amid criticism of the government over political interferences and is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. Violence broke out at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) earlier this month as a mob of masked men, armed with sticks, attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. Many sustained injuries and were admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre here. JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh suffered a head injury. DURING Tuesdays press conference, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said the Government has enjoyed much success in its three years. Achievements, in her own words, include: 1) The Home Owners Policy came into effect and to date we continue to see uptake. 2) The critical work with CDB to look at the provision of capital access for businesses progressed and the tender was released to complete these works 3) We introduced a critical and successful Amnesty Programme for tourism related businesses that allowed over 20 businesses to restart on a fresh page and that yielded good revenues for TCIG. 4) We purchased a building for a trade school. 5) We were able to organise and facilitate mission of Cartac to discuss TCIGs revenues in an effort to revamp our revenue collections system. 6) For those who had goods in government storage, we provided relief by waiving all fees for a period. 7) We were able to re-establish the critical Trade Department which has already to begin critical programmes for trade and businesses. 8) We were represented at ministerial level for the first time since before the interim administration at the Social Security Annual General Meeting in Belgium; and there was ministerial attendance among the delegation at the critical meeting of the Global Forum. 9) We prioritised work on the Concessions Policy for Businesses and Airbnb Policy 10) We completed the Regulations and Standards for the Consumer Protection Ordinance and the Regulations for the Credit Union Ordinance. Both were brought into effect last year. 11) We completed the Vision Document and secured quotes for its critical roll out. 12) We funded the reintroduction of increments for the civil service which were suspended for the previous nine years and amended so as to allow the police to participate. This saw back pay and salary increases for hundreds of police officers and civil servants. We also funded new space for critical relocation of offices to facilitate repairs, funded the interest free Christmas advance for civil servants, we funded the consultancy review of the TCI pension and terminal benefits and funded critical repairs for police stations. 13) We were able to secure an actuarial review of all of Government pensions which included for the first time pensions under the Retiring Allowance Ordinance (Politicians Pensions). We were also able to secure actuarial reviews for NIB and NHIB. 14) We were able to open Grand Turks airport and approve critical projects for the TCIAA which included Salt Cay Airport redevelopment, new fire trucks, South Caicos terminal (out to tender), fire hall for Grand Turk (under construction), combined services building and fire services building for Provo (out to tender) and office building for Provo (currently being evaluated). 15) We were able to move forward critical projects at the port in our plan to redevelop all the ports in TCI recognising that they are critical lifelines: security gate house and RoRo ramp on Grand Turk was completed; temporary port of entry was approved for Salt Cay; tender for the dredging off North Caicos and clean-up of the scrap metal at Belle Field Landing were released; approval was granted to begin works for a terminal at Belle Field Landing; South Caicos lighting and fencing progressed; Provos redevelopment plan was completed and costed. 16) At Invest TC, we continue to facilitate developers and manage our MSME Programme. The agency enjoys an active pipeline and we have been able to secure several key developments for around the Islands this past year: ground breaking for The Rock House in Provo; approval of development agreements for a hotel on North Caicos, Grand Turk and three in Providenciales with one located in the Lower Bight and two in the Long Bay area and a cruise port on an island not yet announced. 17) In 2019 funds were invested with the agency to provide further support in keeping with the Governments commitment to develop the financial services sector. We supported and participated in the ITCIs Conference on the Financial Services Sector. 18) We appointed a new CEO and deputy CEO for the Civil Aviation Authority in the persons of Peter Forbes and Arthur Bassett. Harold Burson, once a 14-cents-per-column-inch stringer for a Memphis newspaper, who reported the Nuremberg Trial for the Army radio network in Europe and whose one-man consultancy became by 1983 the worlds largest public relations firm, died on January 10, 2020. He was 98. Burson played a leading role in transforming the practice of public relations from a cottage industry to a global business that engaged thousands of employees. He stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Burson-Marsteller in 1988 but continued in an active capacity for more than a quarter century and came to work nearly every day well into his 90s. In 1999, a survey by PRWeek, a leading public relations industry trade publication, named Burson as the centurys most influential PR figure. This recognition reflected his role as counselor to and confidant of corporate chief executive officers, government leaders and heads of public sector institutions. His PRWeek citation read: The architect of the largest public relations agency in the world today (1999), Burson-Marsteller Chairman Harold Bursons contribution is immense in many other ways besides. He started practicing the concept of integrated marketing decades before the term was even invented. He brought PR into the advertising business at Young & Rubicam as an equal (its arguably never been achieved again). His development of training programs set the benchmark that other agencies have only recently caught up with. He has personally sponsored and supported programs, industry bodies, universities and charities to improve the profession. His mentoring of talent has spawned a whole wave of ex-Burson PR agency start-ups. He created a unique Burson culture that still unites former employees. And, last but not least, his personal counsel has enlightened the thinking of boardrooms at many Fortune 100 companies and across the globe. He was a strong proponent of the corporations role in society as a social entity, insisting that the mission of a corporation was to deliver a good product at a fair price, treat its employees fairly in terms of compensation and retirement, deal fairly with suppliers, support essential community activities in areas where it operated, and reward its stockholders with a fair return on their investment. But he warned that the principal objective of the corporation was to make a profit that enabled it to fund its responsibilities as a social entity. Born February 15, 1921, in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of emigrants from Leeds, Yorkshire, England, he started school in the third grade and graduated from high school at age 15. He enrolled at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) knowing that his campus correspondent stringer job for the Memphis Commercial Appeal would cover his college tuition and expenses. Six months after graduation, he accepted a public relations position at a large engineering and architectural firm when, as he said, they doubled my salary from $25 to $50 per week and gave me the use of a car. Burson enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and became part of an engineer combat group in Europe. In 1945, he was transferred to the news staff of the American Forces Network a month before the war ended in Europe. Later in 1945, he was assigned to report on the Nuremberg Trial and was the only reporter to obtain an interview during the trial with Associate Justice Robert H. Jackson, the chief American prosecutor. Although Justice Jackson had vowed not to grant interviews, Burson argued that his audience, the American GIs who fought the war, were entitled to hear firsthand from the chief American prosecutor. Only 24-years-old when the Nuremberg Trial began, Burson was believed to have been the last living reporter who covered the historic trial. Following his discharge from the Army in 1946, Burson opened a public relations firm in New York in a tiny nook in a clients office next to the desk of a part-time executive assistant. Never having heard the word differentiation used in a competitive sense, he described his firm as specializing in business-to-business clients. The firm he worked for before his Army service was in that category and he quickly learned that few business-to-business companies employed public relations consultants. In 1952, Bursons firm had a staff of five when a friend at The New York Times, responding to a query from the owner of a Chicago advertising agency, recommended Burson for a Pittsburgh-based project. Through this opportunity, he came to meet William A. (Bill) Marsteller, with whom his name was linked by a hyphen for 65 years. The Burson firm was hired for the project to publicize the purchase by Rockwell Manufacturing Company of the first helicopter to be used for executive travel. Rockwell subsequently became a full-fledged client. Shortly thereafter, Marsteller introduced Burson to the chief executive officer of another client, Clark Equipment Company, which led to still more business. The affiliation with Marsteller worked so well that Burson proposed establishing a new company jointly owned by the two parties. It took the name Burson-Marsteller and opened March 2, 1953 with offices in New York and Chicago and offered integrated communications services to business-to-business clients, believed to be the first to do so. In speeches and articles, Burson has cited two defining moments that accounted for the companys rapid growth. The first was the creation of the European Common Market in the late 1950s. Bursons firm was the second to establish an office in Europe in Geneva, Switzerland in early 1961 and announced its intention to become a global operation over the next quarter century. Though still a speck on the public relations spectrum in the U.S., Burson-Marsteller became known as the other international public relations firm. During the 1960s, its annual revenues surged tenfold, from $410,000 to $4.4 million. The firms second defining moment was its selection in 1970 by General Motors (GM) to be its sole public relations counsel, a response to allegations that GM hired private investigators to follow the self-appointed public watchdog, Ralph Nader, after his scathing book questioning the safety of GMs highly touted Chevrolet Corvair. After GMs CEO was called to testify before a Congressional committee, the company, on instructions from its board of directors, hired an outside public relations firm to consult with management. Competing against the two largest U.S. firms, Burson-Marsteller was chosen for the assignment, which continued for more than a decade. During the 1970s, the firms revenues increased from $5.2 million to $28.3 million. It added about a dozen new offices in Europe, including London, Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt, and in Asia, in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. Its clients included both American multinationals and local businesses. In 1979, Burson engineered the merger of Burson-Marsteller and Marsteller Advertising with the global advertising giant Young & Rubicam, becoming a member of its seven-person executive committee. At the time of the merger, Burson-Marsteller had revenues of $28.3 million and 16 offices. Four years later, when Burson-Marsteller became the worlds largest public relations firm, it had revenues of $63.8 million and 30 offices, including branches in Latin America, Australia and the Middle East. One of the firms specialties was crisis management, ranging from the major Tylenol recalls in 1982 and 1985, which were often referred to as models for corporate management in times of crisis, to the celebrated introduction of New Coke and the reintroduction of Coca-Cola Classic in 1985, an undertaking in which Burson himself was a prime participant. After the New Coke debacle and the re-introduction of Coca-Cola Classic, he summarized the exercise as [w]e got a hole-in-one after the ball hit the tree. The firm also represented Union Carbide in the aftermath of the discharge of toxic chemicals at its plant in Bhopal, India; Pan Am Airways after the Lockerbie (Scotland) crash; and Dow Corning following the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations decision to ban silicone breast implants. Burson-Marsteller also had a long-time active role in representing the Olympic Games and its corporate sponsors. Burson received numerous awards from public relations organizations including Hall of Fame designations by the Public Relations Society of America, the Arthur W. Page Society, PRWeek, PR News, the Institute of Public Relations, the Alan Campbell Johnson Award (England), as well as numerous citations by colleges and universities in the United States, Europe and China. He was awarded an honorary degree by Boston University in 1988, and a chair in public relations was established in his name in 1995. He is also in the Hall of Fame at his alma mater, Ole Miss, and shares a place in the Humes High School Hall of Fame in Memphis with Elvis Presley. He was active in numerous public service organizations, principally the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As a board member of Kennedy Center Productions, he negotiated Japans $3 million bicentennial gift in 1976 to construct the Terrace Theater. He also was instrumental in establishing the Kennedy Center Corporate Fund in 1977. Another of his interests was economic education. He was chairman of the Council on Economic Education in the early 1990s and was an active member of the Economic Club of New York since 1979, including serving as chairman of the organizations centennial dinner in 2007. In conjunction with the dinner, he proposed the creation of a Centennial Society composed of members who contribute at least $10,000 to the establishment of a club endowment fund. He was a Presidential appointee to the Commission of Fine Arts in Washington and was a member during the deliberations that led to building the Vietnam War Memorial and the redevelopment of Pennsylvania Avenue in the 1980s. He also chaired the Public Relations Advisory Committee of the U.S. Information Agency during the second Reagan administration and under President George H.W. Bush. In more recent years, he was a member of the board of trustees of the Museum of the American Revolution, which is the first museum that relates the entire history of the American Revolution. He was also a member of the Eisenhower Memorial Commissions Advisory Committee. Although never engaged in partisan politics, he served as public relations advisor to President Ronald Reagan after he left the White House. He did so on the basis that his services were offered pro bono. In 2017, at the age of 96, he published his memoir, THE BUSINESS OF PERSUASION: Harold Burson on Public Relations (RosettaBooks). Burson was married to Bette Foster Burson for one month short of 63 years. He is survived by two sons, Scott F. Burson (Wendy Liebow Burson) of Lexington, Massachusetts and Mark Burson (Ellen Jones Burson) of Westlake Village, Calif., and five grandchildren: Allison Burson, Esther Burson, Wynn F. Burson (Steven Cateron), Holly Burson and Kelly Burson. Donations may be made to the Boston University College of Communication. About BCW BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe), one of the worlds largest full-service global communications agencies, is in the business of moving people on behalf of clients. Founded by the merger of Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe, BCW delivers digitally and data-driven creative content and integrated communications programs grounded in earned media and scaled across all channels for clients in the B2B, consumer, corporate, crisis management, CSR, healthcare, public affairs and technology sectors. BCW is a part of WPP (NYSE: WPP), a creative transformation company. For more information, visit www.bcw-global.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200110005550/en/ In the January 13 episode of In The News podcast, host Anvita Bansal talks to Nachiket Deuskar, Siddhesh Raut and Shraddha Sharma from the Moneycontrol newsroom to find out the top developments of the day. Deuskar talks about opposition parties meeting in protest of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA). He highlights the Shaheen Bagh protest where numerous communities came together to offer prayers in solidarity. Next, Raut discusses rockets launched from Iran targeting US-bases in Iraq troops and the reaction of the White House. Raut goes on to talk about a defamation case by Nusli Wadia against Ratan Tata in 2016, which now has been withdrawn by the former. Lastly, Sharma discusses a crucial meeting between Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and MP Anurag Thakur for the revival of the scam-hit PMC Bank. Flash Four Chinese nationals abducted by pirates during a late December attack in waters off Owendo port in Libreville, Gabon's capital were rescued recently in Nigeria, the Chinese Consulate to Lagos confirmed on Sunday. An official from the consulate told Xinhua the consulate has been working closely with Nigerian police and navy in the rescue efforts since the consulate was aware that the four Chinese nationals had been taken to Nigeria. The four Chinese nationals were rescued safe and sound on Thursday and departed for China on Sunday, the official said. Four Chinese nationals working for the fishing company Sigapeche were abducted by pirates who robbed two company vessels in waters off Owendo port in Gabon's capital on December 22. Martha Kalifatidis has paid tribute to her long-suffering mother, Mary, on her 55th birthday. The 31-year-old former Married At First Sight star took to Instagram Stories on Monday to share a series of throwback photos of her mum. And proving the genes run strong, there's no missing the undeniable similarities between the two women. Happy birthday: Martha Kalifatidis has paid tribute to her long-suffering mother, Mary, on her 55th birthday. Pictured, Mary (left) and Martha (right) Posting a series of photos of Mary in her younger days, Martha shares the same almond-shaped dark brown eyes and full face shape as her mum. She shared a series of photos of her mum on her wedding day back in the '80s, referring to her as 'the blushing bride' and 'quite stunning'. But she couldn't resist teasing her either, posting a picture of Mary belly dancing, and claiming the photo was taken before her mother 'discovered Iggy's bakery'. Here comes the bride: She shared a series of photos of her mum on her wedding day back in the '80s, referring to her as 'the blushing bride' and 'quite stunning'. Pictured, Mary (left) and Martha (right) Shaking it: She couldn't resist teasing her, posting a picture of Mary belly dancing, and claiming the photo was taken before her mother 'discovered Iggy's bakery' She also joked about her mum now needing 'fillers' and 'thread lifts', a cosmetic procedure where temporary sutures give the skin a subtle lift. In another photo, Martha playfully referred to her stern-faced mother as 'the Grim Reaper'. Among the many photos shared was one of Mary at the beach during a holiday to Greece in 1988. Death becomes her: In another photo, Martha playfully referred to her stern-faced mother as 'the Grim Reaper' Beach babe: Among the many photos shared was one of Mary at the beach during a holiday to Greece in 1988 Martha also included throwback photos of herself, including one of her at the age of 11, and baby photos. 'Mary as a new mum. Cute for her,' she captioned one photo. Mary is an often unwilling participant on Martha's Instagram page, and is regularly seen complaining about her reality star daughter in videos. Harsh: She also joked about her mum now needing 'fillers' and 'thread lifts', a cosmetic procedure where temporary sutures give the skin a subtle lift Keeping it clean: One photo shows Martha at the age of 11, leaning over a bathtub with her mum In June, Martha raised eyebrows after sneaking into the bathroom to film her mum in the shower, before uploading the footage to Instagram Stories. 'I swear to God! F**k off, Martha!' Mary screamed after realising her daughter had turned the camera on her during the private moment. The furious woman added: 'I swear, I don't know what I'll do! I'm going to break your phone!' It's the last Saturday of the year in the heart of Accra, Ghana's capital. The air is thick with the anticipation of the thousands of revelers who have swarmed the gates of El Wak Stadium to take part in an annual celebration of African culture known as Afrochella . Inside it's a sea of diversity. Austrian, Ivorian and Nigerian men pose for cameras before inviting an American woman to join. Nearby, two French women draped in the traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth dance to a mix of reggae and afrobeats. At the bar, four British men chat with locals while scanning the crowd bathed in neon lights. Festival attendees in matching Kente at Afrochella. Tarimobowei Egule They all have one thing in common: they answered Ghana's call to come home. A new Harlem Renaissance Ghana is having a moment and some describe it as akin to the Harlem Renaissance , the 1920s movement in the United States that's credited with revolutionizing African-American arts and culture. Ana Lucia Araujo, Professor of History at Howard University, says what's happening in Africa now correlates almost identically with the Harlem experience. "The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African culture and arts were finally being valued during a period when segregation and racism ran rampant in America," Araujo told CNN. "We are finding now that the diaspora wants to experience their culture and feel accepted in a place where racism is not so engrained as in many parts of the West," she says of Ghana's appeal. Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, a 35-year-old Ghanaian citizen who serves as the head of marketing for an insurance company, agrees. "We are getting to a point where the dichotomy between Africans and the diaspora is slowly fading away," she says. "We are all starting to see that we are all African. What is happening here is a celebration of culture and it has helped me to see that being African is so cool." The Pan-African movement This is not the first time that African-Americans and the diaspora have heeded the call to come home to Africa. Araujo says that shortly after the US abolition of slavery in the 19th century, influential leaders such as Marcus Garvey pleaded with African-Americans to return to Africa, some staying for good, including the Pan-Africanist intellectual, W.E.B. Dubois. In 2019, Ghana ran a hugely popular Year of Return campaign to attract international visitors of Ghanaian descent. In Accra, people from all walks of life arrived in the thousands in the last few days of 2019. Among them was the mother of megastar Beyonce, Tina Lawson, who was visiting Ghana for the first time. "This experience has been eye-opening," she told CNN in Accra. "I understand now why everyone is talking about coming here. This place makes me want to heal." Felix Darko, 26, a German-Ghanaian computer engineer who moved to Ghana when he was eight, says the Year of Return is significant."It was the year that Ghana jumped into the global and diaspora consciousness," he says. "This place is incredibly rich in culture and is also one of the more culturally relevant places to visit for the diaspora as most slaves that were taken from the continent were done so from our shores." 'A spiritual and birthright journey' The Year of Return marked 400 years since the first arrival of African slaves stepped on American soil. The Ghana Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture spearheaded the campaign , inviting the "global African family, home and abroad" to make the "landmark spiritual and birthright journey." Two hours west of the capital, in the Cape Coast, comedian Steve Harvey, actors Boris Kodjoe, Danny Glover and musicians T.I. and Ludacris all visited the Elmina Castle, a life-changing trip for most, who come to tour the major hub that served as the final destination in Africa for millions of slaves before being shipped overseas. Ghana attracted a number of high profile guests in 2019, particularly in the latter part of the year in the lead up to the Year of Return festivities. In November, talkshow host Conan O'Brien traveled to Ghana where he danced with locals, Naomi Campbell took part in Jack Ma's entrepreneur summit and Cardi B performed for fans in a December concert. Ghana Tourism Authority's CEO, Akwasi Agyemang, told CNN that the social, economic and media impact from Year of Return has been a "phenomenal awakening." A rival to Ibiza or Cape Cod? The World Bank also notes that compared to 2018, Ghana's economy expanded with a GDP growth rate at 6.7% in the first quarter alone, its private sector grew stronger and local businesses have seen a significant improvement, said Agyemang. Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo said last December that the diaspora has positively impacted countries "through increased trade activities, investments and the transfer of skills." Ghana made 126 African-Americans and Caribbeans its citizens part of Year of Return celebrations Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo/Facebook Asante Berko, owner of two restaurants, AM&PM and Fat Fish, at Accra's upscale community, the Villagio, described how his businesses have been impacted in one word: "Phenomenal." "Sales practically tripled," he said, adding that demand was so high that he was forced to turn people away. But the reason behind this was more important than the business revenue, he insists. "To be a part of this movement has taught me the strength in numbers. [The diaspora] can normalize this and make this a place akin to Ibiza or Cape Cod." The country's tourism authority agrees. "This is a very important time for this country," CEO Agyemang says. "People are now starting to make the pilgrimage here just like Jerusalem or Mecca, and we are here to welcome them if they decide to return." Ghanaian-American Kojo Terry Oppong, the owner of a Ghanaian lifestyle concierge service, doesn't need any further convincing to return. "As many of us in the diaspora experience our "moment of clarity," he says. "I trust that others will join me in agreeing that it is not malaria, poor infrastructure, etc... that you need to be concerned about. It is the "Ghana Bug," which once bitten, makes you hold her dear in your heart. "You will find yourself coming back again, and again, and again," he says. ---CNN California lawmakers are considering a first-of-its-kind ban on medically unnecessary surgeries for children born with ambiguous or conflicting genitalia until they are at least 6 during a Monday hearing. The measure refers to intersex people who are born with genitalia, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don't fit typical definitions for males or females. Examples include people born with both ovaries and male genitals or incompletely formed genitals that can be ambiguous. Between one and two percent of the population are born with intersex traits, according to the measure's author, state Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat. The proposal would make California the first state in the US to ban some of the procedures on infants, and lawmakers were scheduled to vote on it in a committee hearing Monday and it must pass the state Senate by January 1 to have a chance at becoming law this year. The bill would ban all intersex procedures on children six and under, unless they are deemed medically necessary by the Medical Board of California. California lawmakers were slated to debate a bill on Monday that would require patients, not parents, to give informed consent to surgeries to alter intersex genitalia, effectively banning the procedures on infants and young children unless they are medically necessary (file) Wiener said an example of a medically necessary procedure would be correcting a dangerous condition that prevents some intersex infants from urinating. The California Medical Association opposes the measure, saying clinical evidence for the risks of such surgeries 'are still inconclusive to allow for legislating of the practice.' Wiener calls it a civil rights issue. He said the surgeries can have life-altering consequences, which could include sterilization and the loss of sexual sensation. 'These are dangerous medical procedures with, in many cases, largely psychosocial benefits that cannot be considered in the context of an infant, who has yet to develop their sex or gender identity,' Wiener said. Very similar legislation was also proposed by New York state Senator Brad Holyman last year. Surgeries to modify the bodies of these children risk leaving them sterile, scarred, without sensation, incontinent and psychologically traumatizing, according to a Human Rights Watch report published in 2017. The proposed bans have gained support from much of the intersex community, but California's Medical Association and Urological Association oppose the state's proposed legislature, saying it's an overreach that interferes with parent's rights to make decisions about their children. Intersex people make up about 1.7 percent of the population - roughly the same proportion as red heads - according to the advocacy group InterAct, which backs the legislation proposed in both California and New York. It's a catch all term for people with wide variety of sex-related traits that, by traditional definitions of male and female, might be described as a combination of the two sexes or not falling into either category. Often, their genitalia outwardly appear different from these traditional definitions of either binary gender. Pinpointing the number of these individuals who undergo so-called 'genital-normalizing' surgery is trickier than estimating how many intersex are in the overall population, but the Intersex Campaign for Equality estimates it to be around one to to people per every 1,000 live births. All of these operations come with risks, many of them profound. Removing gonads 'can amount to sterilization without the patients consent and require lifelong hormone replacement therapy,' wrote the Human Rights Watch report authors. When performed on infants, these surgeries may damage genitalia and nerves that are not fully formed, and the later realization that they've been altered from the form they were born in can be deeply traumatizing to intersex children and adults. As pointed out by a trio of former US Surgeons in a 2017 report, in most cases there is no reason that these surgeries can't be deferred - if, that is, children or adults decide they want them at all. United Nations representatives even included 'involuntary genital normalizing surgery' performed on children in a report condemning forms of torture performed in other countries. Yet the US medical community remains divided. In response to state Senator Wiener's proposal, a representative of the California Medical Association said: 'Based on the available data, neither total postponement of surgery to the age of consent nor performing surgery early is free of risk, and clinical evidence for the methods of risk assessment at this stage are still inconclusive to allow for legislating of the practice of medicine between the options,' according to the Bay Area Reporter. But some members of the intersex community could not be more clear about their perspective of the surgeries. 'Genital normalizing surgeries such as clitoral 'reductions' and vaginoplasties instill deep shame and sexual trauma in young children when they cannot make a decision for themselves,' Kimberly Zieselman, an intersex woman and executive director of InterACT, which backs the bill, told CNN in November when Senator Holyman introduced 'That these abuses of intersex youth continue after decades of advocacy proves the intensity of the shame and anti-LGBTQ bias at play. The California legislature was originally supposed to be heard last year, but was pushed to 2020's agenda. Demands for justice are growing after Iran admits shooting down Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 people on board. Three days after denying any involvement in the deadly Ukrainian jetliner crash near Irans capital, Tehran, the countrys elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) admitted to shooting down the passenger plane. Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh on Saturday blamed heightened tensions in the region following the United Statess assassination of a top Iranian commander for the tragedy and said the passenger plane had been mistaken for a cruise missile. Hours before the plane crashed on January 8, the elite force had fired a volley of missiles at Iraq bases hosting US troops in retaliation for Qassem Soleimanis assassination and Hajizadeh said his forces were in a state of preparation for all-out-war. The 176 people killed included 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians. For many, the downing of the jet evoked grim memories of the USs downing of an Iranian passenger plane on July 3 1988, towards the end of Irans eight-year war with Iraq. At the time, a US Navy warship, which was engaged in a battle with Iranian forces in the Gulf, fired two missiles at flight IR655, which had just taken off from Bandar Abbas for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The attack killed all 290 people on board. Most of the victims were Iranians. The US Navy called it a tragic and regrettable incident, saying its warship had misidentified IR655 as a fighter jet. Ronald Reagan, the US President at the time, apologised to Iran for the downing of the plane, but Washington never admitted legal liability for the incident. Iran went on to sue the US in the International Court of Justice, but later dropped the suit after Washington agreed to pay $61.8 million to the victims families. IR655 Many in Iran believe the US attack in 1988 had been deliberate and cite the tragedy as among the top incidents fuelling their distrust of Washington. Just last week, Irans President Hassan Rouhani noted the attack in a tweet criticising a threat by US President Donald Trump to destroy 52 Iranian cultural sites. Those who refer to the number 52 should also remember the number 290. #IR655. Never threaten the Iranian nation, he said. In a markedly different tweet on Friday, Rouhani called Irans downing of the flight PS752 a disastrous mistake. Irans admission after three days of denial prompted protests in the country, and the leaders of Canada and Ukraine, while welcoming Irans admission of full responsibility, continued to call for justice. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday called for accountability, justice and closure. Families of the victims want answers and must be supported in any way deemed appropriate and desired by the families, including through restitution, he said. For his part, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he wants a full admission of guilt from Iran. We expect from Iran assurances of their readiness for a full and open investigation, bringing those responsible to justice, the return of the bodies of the dead, the payment of compensation and official apologies through diplomatic channels, he said. So, what are the steps Iran can take to compensate families of the victims of the PS752 crash? Under international law, victims and the families of victims of human rights violations have three main rights: the right to truth, the right to justice and the right to reparation. The first priority for Canada, according to Canadian legislator Sean Fraser, was to establish the facts of what happened. While Iran has allowed Ukrainian investigators access to the crash site, it is yet to do the same for Canada, with one factor being that the two countries do not have diplomatic ties. The focus right now is on ensuring that our investigators are able to take part in a full and independent investigation. Questions about the law and compensation will likely be addressed when we have a clearer picture of what specifically took place, said Fraser. Meanwhile, despite accepting responsibility for downing the Ukrainian jetliner, Iran has offered conflicting explanations for what happened. In its initial statement, the Iranian military said the passenger plane was mistaken for a hostile target after it flew close to a sensitive military site. But later, Hajizadeh said the plane made no mistake and was on its flight path. Reparations Still, Iran has promised a credible investigation as well as justice, with Rouhani promising to prosecute this great tragedy and the General Staff of the Armed Forces promising to hand over culprits for prosecution. Many observers welcomed Irans admission as a positive step, and have called for reparations for victims. Iran has already admitted that its officials were responsible for this incident. That is an admission of fault. To be more specific, it is a manifest case of gross negligence, said Payam Akhavan, professor of international law at McGill University in Montreal. Iran is under an obligation to compensate the victims. In international law the duty of reparations is owed to the Ukraine and Canada and other states whose nationals were killed, he said. Hassan Razaeifar, an official from the Iran Civil Aviation Organization, said on Sunday that such compensation would depend on a settlement between Tehran and the Kyiv. Normally the contractors pay reparation, but taking into consideration the fact that this crash was not normal, the two countries need to reach a settlement, he said. Kamran Matin, a senior lecturer at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, said Irans embarrassment over the mistake meant it was likely to make reparations. He added: Shortly after the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian government allocated an additional 200 million euros to the Quds Force of the IRGC. So for the families of the victims there should be no question that Iran can afford to pay compensation. Human rights experts said reparation could also take a non-monetary form, including a formal apology, repatriation of remains of the dead, guarantees of non-repetition as well as diplomatic gestures such as restoration of ties between Iran and Canada. The Canadian prime minister has vowed to work for justice. At a sombre memorial for victims in Canadas Edmonton on Sunday, Trudeau said: We will not rest until there are answers. We will not rest until there is justice and accountability. BANGKOK - A Chinese visitor to Thailand has been confirmed to be infected with a new strain of coronavirus that has been linked to a pneumonia outbreak in central China, health officials said Monday. The U.N.s World Health Organization said Thai officials have reported that a traveller from the Chinese city of Wuhan has been hospitalized in Thailand with the virus. The outbreak of the virus has been traced to Wuhan, where it affected several dozen people who had been to a major meat and seafood market. Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said it appears to be the first confirmed case of the virus found outside China, the Bangkok Post newspaper and other Thai media reported. He identified the infected tourist as a 61-year-old woman whose symptoms were detected on arrival at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport last Wednesday. Her coronavirus was confirmed Sunday by a laboratory test, Anutin said. She has been treated at an isolation ward at a state health facility outside of Bangkok, and no longer has any fever or respiratory symptoms, he said. Eight other people with possible symptoms have also been held at the facility, he said, but none has been confirmed to have the virus. A statement issued Monday by the Geneva-based World Health Organization said it is working with officials in Thailand and China following the report of the confirmed case outside China. The agency says its director-general is consulting with the agencys emergency committee, which generally decides whether viral outbreaks merit an expanded response from health authorities. The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected, and reinforces why WHO calls for ongoing active monitoring and preparedness in other countries, the agency said. WHO reiterates that it is essential that investigations continue in China to identify the source of this outbreak and any animal reservoirs or intermediate hosts. The virus is not believed to be spread by human-to-human contact. Officials in Wuhan said over the weekend that a total of 41 people were suffering from pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus and a 61-year-old man had died Chinas first known death from the virus. China says the cause of the Wuhan outbreak remains unknown but has sought to play down speculation that it could be a reappearance of the SARS epidemic, which killed hundreds in 2002 and 2003. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which cause the common cold. Others found in bats, camels and other animals have evolved to cause more severe illnesses. Common symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough and fever. Shortness of breath, chills and body aches are associated with more dangerous kinds of coronaviruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bob Seely: Why the Government should listen to our allies and say: no way, Huawei Bob Seely is the MP for the Isle of Wight. He is standing to be Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. I am delighted that this Government is both unashamedly patriotic and positive about Britains future and our alliances. Yet Huawei presents a threat to those alliances, as is being reported this weekend. Huawei involvement in the roll-out of UKs 5G network is an extraordinarily important issue. Sadly, there has been little public or Parliamentary scrutiny. US officials are in town this week in a last-ditch attempt to win UK support for their position on Huawei. They want us to say no to it. The Fifth Generation Cellular Communications network 5G will be a key part of our critical national infrastructure. The US is concerned that, amongst other issues, Chinese involvement in our 5G network will damage security relationships with our closest allies, especially the so-called Five Eyes network: US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In this instance, the US is absolutely right. We need to listen to them and other allies such as Australia. Both have banned Chinese high-tech from their 5G networks. We need to do the same to support our Western alliances and to protect our security, our people and our values. The blunt reality is that China is a cyber risk and will remain so for years. It has a dreadful reputation for cyberattacks and intellectual property theft against Western and global institutions and firms. Huawei itself has been the subject of a US investigation for fraud and commercial espionage. In general, China is becoming more adversarial internationally and less tolerant of dissent domestically. Sadly, the debate over Huawei is marked by dangerous levels of misunderstanding. For example, Huawei argues that it is a private firm. In no meaningful sense is this correct. Huawei is to all intents and purposes part of the Chinese state. Allowing Huawei to build a significant role in our 5G network is effectively allowing China and the Chinese agencies access to it. To say otherwise is simply false. Its argued that Huawei will enable wider market provision. In reality, its the opposite. China openly seeks to dominate global comms. The risk is that in the next ten-to-20 years almost all Western providers such as Ericsson and Nokia will be put out of business by Chinese high-tech firms backed by tens of billions in state credit. Its also claimed that Huawei will be limited to the fringe of the 5G network. Untrue, say many experts. The difference between core and non-core does not exist in 5G to anything like the same extent as 4G. Antennas, for example, will not be dumb bits of kit but an advanced combination of hardware and software. To be in the 5G system anywhere will be to be in the system. The assessment of technical experts from the US and other states is that the risks of allowing Chinese telecommunications equipment anywhere in 5G networks cannot be fully mitigated, despite laughable no-spy pledges. Rob Strayer, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, has said any role for Huawei in 5G infrastructure poses an unacceptable risk. He has said: If countries put unsecure and untrusted vendors into their 5G networks, in any place, were letting countries know that were going to have to consider the risk that that produces to our information-sharing arrangements with them. We need to build up alliances, not risk them. There are powerful moral and ethical arguments against the use of Chinese firms. Huawei has an intimate relationship with the Chinese military and security services. China is using big data and Artificial Intelligence to build a surveillance state. In Xinjiang province, China has built the most advanced human monitoring system that the world has ever known; an actual, virtual Orwellian state. We need public debate. The Australian Government did just that, initiating months of discussion before deciding de facto to exclude Chinese firms in its 5G network despite pressure from Beijing and a far greater dependency on trade with their Pacific neighbour than we will ever have. There is still time for the UK. Some members of the Cabinet and backbench MPs are privately concerned. But this issue is so new and the risks not yet fully understood that I fear we are sleepwalking into a decision we will regret in the years and decades to come. We need to pause, and then decide to work with our Five Eyes and European and international partners to initiate new rules on privacy, high-tech co-operation and cyber laws that protect our citizens and our societies. We need to follow Australias example and have a wide-ranging public consultation. We need international agreement on a common trusted vendor status and agree that only those vendors can become primary contractors for our 5G and for our critical national infrastructure in general. Trusted vendors would be defined as those coming from states that respect the rule of law, individual human rights, privacy and intellectual property. This rules out, de facto, high-tech from one-party states whose legal and political systems are very different from our own. Whoever becomes chair of the Foreign or Intelligence and Security Select Committees needs to pledge to open immediate investigations into the suitability of Huawei and whether it can be seen in any sense as a trusted vendor. We need good relations with China; there is no question about this. It is going to be a very significant voice in the next century. But we do not need to be making the world safe for its brand of surveillance authoritarianism or risking our collective and individual security. And with Chinese firms, there is risk. We have a right and a responsibility to protect our nation, our people and our values. This Government is intent on putting our national interest first. Agreed; lets do it. Lets listen to Australia, the US and say no way, Huawei. Photo: iStock You can leave your umbrella at home through Wednesday, but light rainfall is in the forecast for Phoenix later in the week, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone. The highest chance of rain is forecast on Thursday at 50 percent, with the potential for light rainfall of 0.07 inches. The coming days will also bring warm temperatures, lasting through Wednesday. The weather will bring a high temperature of 73 degrees on Wednesday, then turn milder on Thursday. Skies will be clear today and cloudy on Tuesday. Winds will stay fairly calm through the week, with the highest speeds on Thursday at just 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. The act requires the District to give the right of first offer to purchase, lease, or otherwise use an excess school facility to an eligible entity. The act establishes a general order of preferences for the offers of certain charter schools over the offers of others. However, once a right of first offer has been made, there is no requirement that the District offer the property for a school purpose. In 2018, Attorney General Karl A. Racine (D) said the School Reform Act had been satisfied by the release and non-determination of the 2014 RFO. Iranian mourners gather for the burial of Qasem Soleimani. Photo: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images President Trump has been close to ordering the killing of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani since June of last year, according to an NBC News report that further undermines the White House argument that Soleimani was killed for posing an imminent threat. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former national security adviser John Bolton both reportedly urged Trump to order Soleimanis killing in June, after Irans Revolutionary Guard shot down a U.S. drone. NBC News reports that Trump resisted and set a red line. If Iran killed an American, then hed give the go-ahead for an operation against Soleimani. Iran crossed that line in December when Nawres Hamid, a 33-year-old defense contractor, was killed in rocket fire from Iranian-backed militias. But it was only after protests at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, and at the urging of Defense Secretary Mark Esper, that Trump gave the order to strike Soleimani. This new report calls into question the notion that Trump surprised those around him with his decision to assassinate Soleimani. The New York Times reported two weeks ago that Pentagon officials were stunned Trump gave the order to kill Soleimani. We now know that the idea was being kicked around the White House for months. And according to the Washington Post, Trump has been casually talking about killing Soleimani for years. This new reporting raises even more questions about the White Houses most commonly deployed, dubious justification for killing Soleimani: that he was about to launch catastrophic new attacks against Americans. The argument suggests Soleimani was planning a new attack within days, or maybe months, that would have killed dozens, or maybe hundreds. Killing Soleimani was not, the Trump administration insisted, an act of retribution for Hamids killing or a strategic maneuver meant to deter future attacks or retribution against Soleimanis lifetime of violence. Trump is clearly uncomfortable admitting the true rationale for killing Soleimani. On Friday, he invented a new one. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said that four embassies were under threat from Soleimani prior to his killing. Asked about the claim on CBSs Face the Nation over the weekend, Esper said he never saw anything suggesting that. Kyiv [Ukraine], Jan 13 (ANI): A Ukrainian defence jet will bring the remains of the 11 nationals killed in a plane crash in Iran, said the country's Secretary of National Security and Defence Council Oleksiy Danilov. "The Ukrainian Defence Ministry's plane will return from Tehran only after completing all the procedures and when we are able to pick up the bodies of all 11 Ukrainian citizens who died in a plane crash," Sputnik quoted Danilov as saying. The Boeing 737 jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines took off on early Wednesday from Tehran for Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Minutes after taking off, it disappeared from radar. Eighty-two Iranians, 63 Canadians, and 11 Ukrainians died in the crash, which took place between the cities of Parand and Shahriar. There were also 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three British nationals among the victims. Days later, Iran had admitted that the jetliner was "accidentally" shot down by missiles. (ANI) The Shiv Sena has a suggestion for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre on how to tackle the tukde-tukde gang, which it says wants to divide the country. The Sena, in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana on Monday, said the government should give a tight slap those who are talking about the countrys division by including Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in India. Tukde-tukde gang is a Hindi term used by detractors of the students of Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to level accusations against them of being linked to efforts to divide the country. The government is angry with JNUs tukde-tukde gang but instead of making a counter declaration against them, it should give them a tight slap and make them remember the map of an undivided India. We call that nationalism, it said. Also Watch l If we get orders from Parliament...: Army Chief Gen Naravane on PoK The comments by the Sena comes at a time when the Congress, its ally in the Mahavikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, is extending support to JNU students protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and after the January 5 violence on the campus. The editorial also referred to new Indian Army chief General Manoj Naravane, who recently said PoK is a part of India and that the army will take over the region if the central government gave an order. General Naravane is seeking orders in taking steps for it... The army chief has sought orders to implement the decision taken by Parliament. The central government should not step back now, as this is the best way to teach this tukde tukde gang a lesson, it said. It also talked about the decision taken in February 1994 by Parliament that PoK along with entire Jammu and Kashmir are a part of India and, therefore, Pakistan should give up the illegal control of Kashmir. Its ally Congress, on the other hand, had asked Gen Naravane to talk less, work more after his PoK comments. @New Army Chief, Parliament already had adopted unanimous resolution on #POK in 1994, Govt is at liberty to take action and may give direction. If you are so inclined to take action on POK, I would suggest you to confabulate with CDS, and @PMOIndia. Talk Less, Work More (sic), Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Adhir Chowdhury had tweeted. The Shiv Sena, however, seemed to back the army chief. The general didnt say anything wrong that Pakistan has the largest number of terrorist training camps in an unauthorised Kashmir and these terrorists have a free run with the support of the Pakistani army and the ISI, it said. It also brought up the armys surgical strike on terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK in 2016 using ground forces, which it had said had inflicted significant casualties on terrorists. But we can see even after the surgical strike, their hardships have not reduced and even today the blood of our soldiers is being shed, which is why PoK should be freed from the clutches of Pakistan, it said. The Sena also took another swipe at its former ally, the BJP. It said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all BJP leaders, while campaigning in every election after the surgical strike, have said that their next target is PoK and they will act on it. [Union home minister] Amit Shah created a revolution by freeing Kashmir from Article 370. Now, General Manoj Naravane will immediately act after Modi-Shahs orders through which the reality of an undivided India will be a fitting tribute to [VD] Savarkar, the editorial said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Tamil Nadu government has sought from the Union power ministry an assistance of Rs 1,200 crore to bring down the average "transmission and commercial loss" in power lines, state Electricity Minister P Thangamani said here on Monday. Talking to mediapersons after meeting Union Minister of State for Power R P Singh, he said Tamil Nadu has brought down the line loss to 14 per cent through various measures. To bring it down further, a project has been initiated for fixing meters in distribution transformers. "A total of 4 lakh such transformer meters are required throughout the state, and a request for release of Rs 1,200 crore to Tamil Nadu was made to Singh in this regard", Thangamani said. The Tamil Nadu government also requested the Union power ministry to release the state's entire quota of 6,000 MW per day from the central pool to help it meet the anticipated increased demand during the upcoming summer season, he said. Presently, Tamil Nadu gets only 4,000 MW from the central quota, he said. To a question, Thangamani said to enable accurate calculation of power consumption, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has planned, as a pilot project, to install 1.4 lakh smart meters in Chennai. Depending on the project's success, other parts of the state will be covered, he said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar, who was honoured at a function here for bringing down the number of road accidents and fatalities in 2018, said the government is planning to rework the penalties levied under the newly amended Motor Vehicles Act, which came into force from September 1, 2019. To a question, he said the number of violations under the mandatory helmet rule has come down due to strict enforcement of the law. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hyderabad: Despite Secunderabad Cantonment being at the rock bottom of the ranking in a recent Swachh Survekshan survey, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) has remained unmoved and is doing nothing about the several colonies that are in a deplorable condition. Leaking drainage pipes, patched roads and mosquito menace continue to haunt people here. Due to the narrow pipelines, drainage is overflowing into peoples homes in several locations in Vasavi nagar, one of the largest colonies in the SCB. The stagnant drainage water has become a breeding ground of mosquitoes. There is a new born child in our home, said A. Arunavathi, a senior citizen living in Vasavi nagar colony, explaining the fear residents feel about their health. Infants and senior citizens have become vulnerable to health issues because of the drainage overflowing into homes. Despite several complaints to the SCB, no one has repaired it. At the end of the day, residents have to burn a hole in their own pockets for all these repairs, she said. Even to get a garbage bin, residents have had to run from pillar to post for the last three years in Trimulgherry. Only after continuous follow up was one bin installed to serve five colonies, on October 1, 2019. Even that is not being cleared now, and it is situated right beside a childrens park, said local resident N. Venkata Ramana. Mr Ramana went to the SCB two days after the shameful ranking came out and asked for the garbage bin to be cleaned up, but no one was sent and the complaint was not attended to. Several residents said that their complaints are falling on deaf ears. With no garbage container in place, the garbage is thrown out on open ground. The garbage could include animal waste, food waste from hotels, and plastic items spreading germs and an unbearable stench. Many open plots that were meant to be parks, and which were even inaugurated as such by public representatives with their name plates, are havens for layabouts and drunkards. People come and drink here at midnight and get into fights after boozing and start shouting loudly, disturbing our sleep. All the park areas need to be fenced properly and developed, fumed Sita Ratna Kumari from Brookebond colony. There is no accountability or transparency in the SCB; officials dont respond to our problems and they dont take the lowly ranking seriously and work towards improving matters. We regret being sincere taxpayers as no work is being done to improve our locality, said Telukunta Sathish Gupta, another resident of Vasavi nagar. Efforts were made to contact SCB officials, but they were unavailable for comment. Hindus linked to ruling BJP rally against planned statue that will rival Rio de Janeiros Christ The Redeemer for size. Hundreds of hardline Hindus affiliated to Indias ruling party have rallied to protest against planned Jesus statue that will rival Rio de Janeiros Christ The Redeemer for size. The protests in the southern state of Karnatakas Ramanagara district on Monday were led by far-right Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), with its members clutching saffron flags as around 1,000 police stood by. The RSS, which draws its inspiration from the German Nazis, is the parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which also governs Karnataka and other Hindu groups, together known as the Sangh Parivar (or RSS family). We want to stop [the statue], since it goes against the spirit of communal harmony and encourages religious conversions which is rampantly carried out by Christian missionaries, Prabhakar Bhat, a top RSS functionary, told Indian media. They boast they will give citizenship to all the religiously persecuted Christians from the neighbor countries at the same time they claim that they will not allow a statue of Jesus Christ in Banglore . Wow !! Makes perfect sense Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) January 13, 2020 Construction of the white granite statue 114 feet (34.7 metres) high slightly shorter than the Rio monolith although the base will be bigger stopped soon after it started last month after objections. Many Hindus believe the hill where the statue is set to stand in the Christian-dominated village of Harobele is the abode of a Hindu deity, although no temple exists there. The BJP-run state government accused the previous administration of the main opposition Congress party of illegally allotting the plot of land. Wave of attacks Fewer than 1 percent of Karnatakas 65 million people are Christian, compared with around 2 percent in Hindu-majority India as a whole. The state witnessed a wave of attacks on Christians and churches by Hindu radicals in 2008 over allegations of seeking to convert Hindus, including with cash. Last year, six members of a Hindu group were arrested for attacking a group of Christian pilgrims in the state. The state government has been routinely accused of discrimination. It banned a festival to commemorate a Muslim king who fought the British East India Company. Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP has long been accused of intolerance towards other religions and of wanting to remould officially secular India as a Hindu nation, which it denies. 200111163032503 India has witnessed a surge in crimes against its religious minorities and shrinking of religious freedoms since Modi swept to power in 2014. Last year, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom said that religious freedom was on a downward trend, with a campaign of violence, intimidation, and harassment against non-Hindu and lower-caste Hindu minorities. The government rejected the report. Over the past month, India has been rocked by protests against a new law making it easier for persecuted religious minorities to obtain citizenship, but not if they are Muslim. Combined with a mooted national register of citizens, it has stoked fears that Indias 200 million Muslims will be marginalised. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Millions of schools across the United States, including some on Staten Island, will participate in a program that combats social isolation this Valentines Day. It is hoped that students will feel the love when they eat, chat and play interactive games during lunch on Feb. 14 when their school celebrates National No One Eats Alone Day -- a lunchtime program created by the non-profit Beyond Differences. The program encourages students to sit with classmates they dont know, and spot others who might feel left out and include them. No One Eats Alone includes a pledge by students to end social isolation and make their school more inclusive for everyone all year long. Several Staten Island have already signed up to participate in the celebration, including: PS 6, Tottenville; South Richmond High School I.S./PS 25, Pleasant Plains; PS 4, Arden Heights; PS 41, New Dorp; Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School, New Springville; PS 30, Westerleigh; PS 68, Port Richmond Center; PS 21, Port Richmond; PS 20, Port Richmond; PS 19, West Brighton; PS 45, West Brighton; Dreyfus Intermediate School (I.S. 49), Stapleton; PS 13, Rosebank. No One Eats Alone was launched in 2012 at a handful of schools in northern California to address social isolation, an issue that affects students all over the country. The program has now expanded to more than 2,500 schools. No One Eats Alone Day touched a nerve in middle schools and became a fast-growing movement, because, as we all realize, social isolation is a public health problem for millions of children and their families, said Laura Talmus, co-founder and executive director. No One Eats Alone is changing the culture in middle schools to be a more welcoming place for everyone regardless of their differences. Beyond Differences provides a backpack -- at no cost -- to schools filled with everything needed to hold a No One Eats Alone event, including: original curriculum for teachers for in-class discussions; icebreaker games to engage students; balloons; armbands; posters and materials for a schoolwide art project, in which students pledge to end social isolation. Schools can sign up to participate in the event by visiting the website nooneeatsalone.org. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Deputy head of the Council of the Russian Diplomats Association Andrei Baklanov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, told about possible developments in Libya after signing a ceasefire deal and introducing a ceasefire. "There may be a number of scenarios in Libya. These are a split of the country, a settlement and a situation with no peace nor war. Naturally, we would like to somehow help reunite the country's unity and come up with some kind of formula, apparently, a very complicated one, which would suit all parties, who used to make decisions on their own in recent years," he noted. According to the diplomat, "achieving a ceasefire is an important event, but much will depend on the further actions." "Working out a compromise by the parties in the current conditions is extremely difficult. In addition, there is an external influence, unfortunately. Everybody speaks in favor of the country's unity, but in reality, different countries have certain preferences. And when recruiting the national authorities, I think these factors can play a negative role. Therefore, the situation is still extremely tense and difficult. But its good that some attempts to move in the right direction are being made. We will help this in every way," the deputy head of the Council of the Russian Diplomats Association explained. He also spoke about Russia's role in the process of resolving the situation in Libya. "We are open to dialogue, but we do not impose our role on the Libyans. In previous years, we tried to maintain a dialogue in one form or another. We have a lot of experience in Middle East affairs in matters of settlement, therefore, if the parties consider it necessary to use our mediation efforts broadly, I think we will be ready to do it. But I think we will not take any deliberate steps. We will wait for clearer appeals," Andrei Baklanov concluded. Leaders of two conflicting sides in Libya - Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar and Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj - are expected to sign ceasefire deal in Moscow today. Libya's High Council of State said the signing of the agreement in Moscow would pave the way for the revival of the political process. The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu government to finalise and bring into life the TN Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Engineering and Subordinate Service Rules within three months. Justice R Mahadevan gave the direction on a petition by D V Murugan seeking an order to the government toappoint the Stapathy degree holders of the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture in the post meant for assistant engineer in the Zonal office of Joint Commissioners. The Judge said the renovation and conservation wing of the HR and CE should implement the objects for which it was constituted in order to preserve and restoration of temple and its sculptures. The posts of engineers, draftsman and sthapathis in the wing should be filled strictly in accordance with the required qualifications and special knowledge and experience, he said. Priority should be given to graduates from the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture. The government should also take steps to constitute the advisory committee,or in absentia,the committee already constituted to give opinion on the renovation of the temples resurrection of idols among others, the Judge said. Allowing the petition, he said the committee should consider and give suggestions to include the study of designing through advanced and latest technologies in the college. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic presidential hopeful former Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) participate in the sixth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 19, 2019. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) Kerry Defends Biden After Sanders Campaign Targets Former VP Over Iraq War Vote Former Secretary of State John Kerry defended Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden after the campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) attacked the former vice president over his support for the Iraq War. Sanders, 78, has regularly attacked Biden, 77, over his support as a senator for invading Iraq in 2003. Kerry, who served in the Obama administration with Biden, defended Biden while campaigning in Iowa on Friday. I think he knows full well, as a lot of other people do, that there was a difference in people who felt they needed to give a president the leverage to be able to get Saddam Hussein back to the table, without having to go to war, and that that vote was unfortunately structured in a way that it was sort of either-or, Kerry said. The statement prompted David Sirota, a former journalist who is now Sanderss speechwriter, to attack Biden in a series of posts on Twitter. Biden, he said at one point, isnt getting away with rewriting history about how he helped lead America into the Iraq War. Jeff Weaver, a senior campaign adviser to Sanders, later said in a statement that Biden voted for war. It is appalling that after 18 years Joe Biden still refuses to admit he was dead wrong on the Iraq War, the worst foreign policy blunder in modern American history, Weaver said. Kerry, during an appearance on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday, again defended Biden. I think that Bernie, regrettably, is distorting Joes record, Kerry said. Biden was listening to a president who made a pledge that he was going to do diplomacy; that he was going to exhaust diplomacy, build a coalition. And, ultimately, we learned, as Joe did and I did, that the intelligence was distorted. So Joe spoke out and criticized. Joe was against what they were doing, Kerry said. The vote was not a vote, specifically, to go to war. It was a vote for the president to have leverage with respect to getting Saddam Hussein back to the negotiating table, back to the inspections, excuse me. And I think we were let down and Joe has said many times that it was a mistake, obviously, to trust the words of the administration who didnt follow through on what they said they were going to do. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden (R) campaigns with former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry (L) in Elkader, Iowa, on Dec. 6, 2019. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Iraq Vote Biden, a U.S. senator at the time, voted in 2002 in favor of a resolution that authorized Bush to use military force against Iraq. Speaking to lawmakers before the vote, Biden said that failure to overwhelmingly support the resolution was likely to enhance the prospects that war will occur. The point of the resolution was to make Iraq destroy weapons of mass destruction it held, Biden said. He also said that Bush would make a case to the American people if he did decide to go to war. The United States invaded Iraq the next year and never found weapons of mass destruction. Biden told CNN on March 19, 2003, a day before Iraq was invaded: I support the president. I support the troops. We should make no distinction. We should have one voice going out to the whole world that were together. Theres plenty to criticize this president for. Lets get this war done. When that first tank crosses that line, we should be on the floor of the United States Senate and every capital in the world hear one voice from both parties, saying we support the troops. We support the president. And this is the single most important thing we do, and show it by our actions, he said. Months after the invasion, he said he would have voted for the resolution again. He also said he felt we went to war too soon. He later said, for the first time in a 2005 interview, that the vote was a mistake. U.S. troops in Iraq in a 2007 file photograph. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images) Biden told NPR in September 2019 that he opposed President George W. Bushs Iraq invasion from the start. [Bush] looked me in the eye in the Oval Office. He said he needed the vote to be able to get inspectors into Iraq to determine whether or not Saddam Hussein was engaged in dealing with a nuclear program, he said. He got them in, and before we know it, we had a shock and awe. Immediately, the moment it started, I came out against the war, Biden claimed. Bushs office told NPR that Bidens recollection was flat wrong. Bidens campaign later said that he misspoke. I said something that was not meant the way I said it, Biden said during the debate about a week later. I should have never voted to give Bush the authority to go in and do what he said he was going to do. The AUMF was designed, he said, to go in and get the Security Council to vote 15-0 to allow inspectors to go in to determine whether or not anything was being done with chemical weapons or nuclear weapons. And when that happened, he went ahead and went anyway without any of that proof, he added about the authorization for the use of military force. I saidfrom that point onwhat I was arguing against in the beginning, once he started to put the troops in, was that in fact we were doing it the wrong way; there was no plan; we should not be engaged; we didnt have the people with us; we didnt have ourwe didnt have allies with us etc. Sanders challenged Biden at the time, saying: You talked about the big mistake in Iraq and the surge. The truth is, the big mistake, the huge mistake, and one of the big differences between you and me, I never believed what Cheney and Bush said about Iraq. Youre right, Biden responded. A man who was left stranded in the snowy Alaskan wilderness some 20 miles from civilisation after the roof of his cabin caught fire has been rescued by state troopers after 23 days of total isolation. Tyson Steele was left to survive on salvaged cans of food while attempting to fend off sub-zero temperatures after the plastic roof of his cabin set alight. The 30-year-old had placed a piece of cardboard in his stove to quickly start up the heating on the cold December morning but the material had sent sparks up the chimney causing his home to ignite. Feeling the plastic of his ceiling drip down, he scrambled out of bed and stepped outside in pyjamas, a woollen jumper and boots without socks clothes he would spend the next month wearing with along with overalls stiff with mildew that he was able to later pull from his shed. In the panic of those initial moments he was able to also rescue tins of food and a rifle but was unable to save his dog, a chocolate Labrador called Phil. 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 He told State Troopers, who published his comments shortly after he was rescued: I stepped outside and everythings on fire. Ive got to think of what to do next. I go grab my rifle around the other side of the cabin .338. And, and, and my dog starts howling, right? Inside. And I thought he was not inside. And thats when there was I was hysterical. Right? I had no logic. Nothing. I have no words for what sorrow; it was just, just a scream. Just a visceral not angry, not sad, just, like, thats all I could express just scream. Felt like I tore my lung out. Once the fire was out and his cabin was completely destroyed, he was able to consolidate cans of food into 30 days of rations many of which had popped open in the fire and become contaminated by the burnt plastic of his cabin. However he was left without a phone having left it behind. To compound his crisis, his device had been so unreliable he had been unable to make regular phone calls to his family before the blaze, meaning it would be a number of days before anyone would notice something was wrong. On top of that, the heavy snowfall and poor equipment left to the 30-year-old meant he could only travel short distances with Mr Steele saying it took him days to go just a quarter mile from the cabin, while the nearest town was the 37-population Skwentna some 20 miles away. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events He added: I didnt have a map and I knew I didnt have enough knowledge of the whereabouts. I could have said oh, that direction. But I have no idea what waterways stay frozen enough for me to walk through I could fall through the ice. Recommended Cat who broke into prison rescued by RSPCA Building a snow fort and eventually a makeshift shelter, he was able to hold out until a police helicopter was sent to his homestead finding him on 9 December waving his arms next to a sign marked in the snow with ashes to read SOS. Greeted with a McDonalds Combo Meal No. 2. at the Alaska State Troopers Aircraft Section Hangar at Lake Hood, he said he would stay with his family in Utah before returning to Alaska. He added: Im probably going to go back home to Salt Lake City. Not back home, because this is my home, but to my family. Theyve got a dog, and that would be some therapy. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- #OscarsSoWhite and #OscarsSoMale again. The Academy Award nominations once again followed two disturbing, yet familiar trends when they were announced Monday. Only one person of color was recognized in the acting categories and no women were nominated for directing. While the Academy has made a concerted effort in recent years to address the Oscars lack of diversity, clearly, there is still a ways to go. Here are the biggest surprises and snubs: SNUB: Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers J-Lo gave the performance of her career, yet voters opted to nominate Oscar veteran Kathy Bates for the problematic Richard Jewell in what can only be explained as force of habit. SNUB: Awkwafina, The Farewell The actress/hip hop artist/YouTube star became the first Asian-American woman to win Best Actress in a motion picture at last weeks Golden Globes, making her Oscar snub particularly confounding. SNUB: Greta Gerwig, Little Women Gerwig, nominated two years ago for Lady Bird, seemingly pulled off the impossible by breathing new life into the Louisa May Alcott classic and making grown men weep in the process. Yet, like other worthy women directors -- Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim), Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers), Lulu Wang (The Farewell) and Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood), to name a few -- she was shut out. SNUB: Queen & Slim With its weighty subjects of racism and social injustice, this Bonnie and Clyde of its time felt like the most important movie of the year and the opposite of last years feel-good Best Picture winner, Green Book. Yet, it couldnt even nab one of the ten Best Picture slots. SNUB: Frozen II How does the highest earning animated movie in history not get nominated? Sorry, I cant let it go. SNUB: Robert De Niro, The Irishman The pairing of De Niro and Martin Scorsese is usually a sure bet. Not this time as Jonathan Pryce snuck in for The Two Popes. Bad news: Sandman gets no love from the Academy. Good news: Sandman can stop wearing suits. Congrats to all my friends who got nominated, especially Mama. pic.twitter.com/o1Ep3E7GRB Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) January 13, 2020 SNUBS: SNL actors The Academy played it safe in the Best Actor category, leaving Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name) and Adam Sandler (Uncut Gems), both of whom delivered excellent, career defying performances, out in the cold. Speaking of Uncut Gems, the film was shut out completely. If only there was an award for the movie that gives you the most anxiety. SNUB: Song Kang Ho, Parasite Performances in foreign language films traditionally dont fare well in acting categories especially when theyre up against Hollywood heavyweights like Hanks, Hopkins, Pacino, Pesci and Pitt. Still, with Roma's breakthrough last year, youd think Parasite would have a chance this year. SURPRISE: Parasite Bong Joon Hos film, which scored 9 nominations, made history by becoming the first South Korean feature to be nominated for either Best Picture or Best International Feature Film. SURPRISE: Cynthia Erivo, Harriet / SNUB: Lupita Nyongo (Us) Erivo, the only person of color nominated, was considered somewhat of a long shot in a movie that some critics called formulaic. The fact the only nomination by a black actor came in a movie about slavery -- one of the rare genres of black cinema the Academy has shown an affinity for -- was less of a surprise. Nyongos snub, while noteworty, wasnt that much of a shocker considering she had to overcome the added stigma of being in a horror film. SURPRISE: Florence Pugh, Little Women Pugh, who also starred in Midsommar, had quite a year. Turning the youngest and historically most insufferable March sister into a likable, even sympathetic character is a tribute to the young actress. SURPRISE: Scarlett Johansson Johanssons two nominations -- best supporting actress for Jojo Rabbit and best actress for Marriage Story -- are the first Oscar nominations of her career. Its the first time an actor has been nominated in multiple categories since 2007. SURPRISE: Joker Todd Phillips anti-comic book movie received the most nominations with 11-- the most ever by a comic book movie. SURPRISE: Netflix With The Irishman, Marriage Story and The Two Popes leading the way, the streaming service led all studios with 24 nods. The 92nd annual Academy Awards will be handed out February 9 on ABC. Read more stories: Free Popeyes chicken sandwiches offered for a week Stout It Out Loud set to return at Butcher and the Brewer Ales on Rails, Thirsty Dog barrel-aged beer dinner, Bells Hopslam night, more - beer calendar ESPNs Stephen A. Smith congratulates Kevin Stefanski, but chides NFL for lack of black coaches One of the rarest cars in the world has been donated to the National Museum by Irelands biggest collector of Rolls Royces. The armoured Silver Ghost, which has a mounted machine gun in the back seat, was used by the IRA in both the War of Independence and Civil War. The bright yellow Rolls Royce, which was dubbed the Moon Car because of its colour and the fact that it largely operated at night, came into IRA possession at some point prior to 1924. But before it was eventually bought by classic car collector Pat McSweeney, it had spent much of the next 70 years buried in a bog in a remote hilly area near Donoughmore. On March 24, 1924, the IRA disillusioned that the British still ran the ports decided to attack a contingent of British troops disembarking on the quayside at Cobh. The troops had been due to arrive on Spike Island, which had remained under British ownership as part of the Treaty terms. The Moon Car came into Irish Republican Army possession around 1921. It was involved in the attack on British forces in Cobh on March 21, 1924. Picture: Paul Sherwood Five men pulled up in the car, which was once owned by Oliver St John Gogarty, with two mounted Lewis guns and opened fire, killing a soldier, a civilian, and wounding many others. Speeding away, the vehicle stopped briefly to fire on the Royal Navy warship, HMS Scythe, which was spared any damage. The attack was, in fact, carried out by senior officers of the Cork No 1 Brigade, who intended to spark violence between the Free State and British forces, and thus deepen the crisis within the National Army. An embarrassed Free State government put up a 10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the IRA unit. The car had been used in a number of previous attacks and the IRA decided that it was becoming too hot to handle. They set it on fire and subsequently buried it. It was discovered 85 years later by a man with a metal detector. Andrew Daly, who found the chassis of the car in a scrapyard in Cork. The historic car was only the fifth Silver Ghost to be built after the First World War. Picture: Paul Sherwood He kept what remained of the car in a scrap yard for about 20 years before it was bought and then lovingly restored by James Black Restorations, a company based in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Pat McSweeney, from Ballineen in West Cork, was the main driver behind the restoration project. The vehicle was only the fifth Silver Ghost built after the First World War and it was originally sold to the Adamson family in Co Galway. Their home was burned by the IRA in 1921 and it is believed that is when the IRA acquired the vehicle. Mr McSweeney handed the car, believed to be worth over 2m, over last week at Collins Barracks, Dublin. Russia and Turkey reported progress in talks to persuade Libya's feuding leaders to sign a more lasting truce agreement, even as the key opponent of the United Nations-backed government asked for more time. The country's U.N.-recognized prime minister, Fayez al-Sarraj, signed the deal after a day of negotiations in Moscow brokered by Russia and Turkey, which have seized the initiative from the west in attempting to end nine months of fighting around the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Libya's eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar has "a positive attitude toward" the agreement but asked until Tuesday to consider the document, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in a brief statement. "We hope this decision will be positive," Lavrov said. Turkey and Russia, which back rival forces, pushed the two parties to accept a cease-fire that took hold shakily over the weekend. "We have worked with our Russian partners all day long for the factions in Libya to sign a ceasefire letter and we drafted a text," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said alongside Lavrov. "We have taken into account suggestions, especially from the Haftar side, to reach a mutual understanding." An end to the battle over Tripoli would spare Libya further fighting after years of upheaval that has left thousands dead and allowed Islamist extremists to dig in. It would also remove a key uncertainty for the oil market. Crude production in Libya, home to Africa's largest proven reserves, has fluctuated as the warring sides fought over some of the country's largest fields. Libya has been enduring its worst violence since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of Moammar Gadhafi, which ushered in years of instability that divided the country between rival administrations and turned Libya into a hub for migrants destined for Europe. Haftar had launched the offensive on Tripoli, which has killed more than 2,000 people and displaced tens of thousands, as the U.N. was laying the ground for a political conference to unite the country. With Europe's traditional influence eclipsed by Russia and Turkey, and the U.S. largely disengaged as the Trump administration focuses on Iran, Libya risked becoming a pawn in a proxy conflict between powers vying for dominance in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan assumed increasingly assertive roles in the conflict in recent months as they jockey for influence in the Mediterranean, with Russian mercenaries backing Haftar's forces. Turkey has sent three dozen soldiers to Libya to help train forces loyal to Sarraj and coordinate the defense of his government, according to a senior Turkish official. Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have already joined the fray. But last week Moscow and Ankara agreed the conflict was becoming increasingly costly for them and used their leverage to press Libya's warring leaders to accept a truce. "Russia simply told Haftar it will stop all military assistance and he suddenly became more amenable to the Russian cease-fire initiative," said Kirill Semenyov, a Moscow-based Libya expert. "Russia from the very beginning didn't back Haftar to allow him to take Tripoli with the help of mercenaries, the idea was to make him more dependent on Russia's decisions." Turkey's aim is to "turn the cease-fire into a permanent cessation of hostilities and find a realistic political solution," Emrullah Isler, Erdogan's special envoy to Tripoli, told Hurriyet newspaper on Monday. If a truce is reached, the next stop could be an international summit in Berlin on Jan. 19 meant to secure an agreement from foreign powers to stop intervening in Libya, two officials familiar with the matter said. At a press conference in Ankara on Monday with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Erdogan said the two leaders and Putin were determined to be in Berlin for a summit "at the weekend." Having a formal truce trickle down to the field will be a tricky achievement. The frontlines are a patchwork of fighters on both sides, some of them only nominally under a central command, and some strongly opposed to a cease-fire. Both sides have accused the other of violating the truce that went into effect on Saturday, and serious questions remain over the ability to monitor forces and get ragtag fighters to all put down guns. "I think the cease-fire is a very fragile thing," the U.N. envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, said in an interview on Sunday. Russia and Turkey plan to set up a joint monitoring force to oversee the implementation of any truce, a senior Western diplomat briefed on the proposed agreement told Bloomberg. Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, backers of Haftar, may also play a role, according to an Arab official. Both asked not to be identified because the information isn't public. The brittle truce can also founder over Haftar's demand to disarm Sarraj's allied militias, and the prime minister's demand that his rival retreat to lines he held before launching his offensive on Tripoli in April. The fight over oil reserves will also complicate efforts to bring peace. Haftar is a former Gadhafi-era military officer who later fell out with the autocratic leader and went into exile in the U.S. He returned to Libya after the start of the uprising and in 2014 launched a military campaign with the declared aim of routing Islamist extremists in the country's east. His Libyan National Army, which is backed by an administration rivaling Sarraj's, then moved on to take control of key oil facilities and gained an upper hand in Libya's south before moving on Tripoli seeking to oust the prime minister, whose government has struggled to project itself over much of the country. The European Union is desperate for a settlement in Libya to help ease political tensions across the bloc over rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Conte, whose own attempts to broker talks last week between the two Libyan leaders ended in embarrassing failure, met Erdogan a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks with Putin in Moscow and won his support for the Libya conference in Berlin. - - - Bloomberg's Mohammed Abdusamee, Salma El Wardany, Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov contributed to this report. The devastating scene of the plane crash site in Iran, where 177 passengers died - via REUTERS Three minutes after its departure from Imam Khomeini International Airport, on the outskirts of Tehran, Flight PS752 lost all radio contact. The 176 passengers and crew onboard would never make it to their destination in Kyiv, Ukraine. After days of denials, the Iranian regime admitted it unintentionally destroyed the airliner and said air defence operators mistook the civilian aircraft for an incoming American cruise missile. Here we look at the timeline of events as they unfolded. What happened? Villagers in Shahedshahr on the outskirts of Tehran were just waking up and switching on their televisions to the morning news. In the night, the Iranian military had fired 22 missiles at US bases in neighbouring Iraq in retaliation for the drone strike that killed their general Qassim Soleimani. The pictures of rockets lighting up the night sky blazed across TV news channels: Then just after 6.15am local time, with Tehran still plunged in darkness, all hell broke loose. Din Mohammad Qassemi, a local villager watching the TV, heard an almighty explosion. 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. It wasnt, however, a US strike; but a passenger aircraft, fully loaded with fuel, that had crashed into fields and a canal nearby. According to FlightRadar24, the plane that had been delayed in taking off by an hour, was heading north west after take-off but never reached higher than 8,000 feet: Mobile phone footage shows the aircraft against the night sky seemingly on fire. A distant orange glow can be seen moving across the sky, arcing downwards for 30 seconds before the aircraft erupts in a massive ball of flame that lights up the whole neighbourhood: How did it happen? A military statement said the plane was mistaken for a "hostile target" after it turned toward a "sensitive military centre" of the Revolutionary Guard. The military was at its "highest level of readiness," it said, amid the attacks on the US. Story continues Ukrainian investigators have disputed the claim that it turned out of its flight path, however, and air safety officials have said it turned north in an apparent attempt to return to the airport only after it was 1hit. The culprit appears to be a Russian-made SA-15 Tor M-1 SAM system based near the Mehrabad Airbase on the outskirts of Tehran. Photographs from the morning of January 9, which claimed to be from the crash site, showed the distinctive tail section and nose cone of the 9K331 missile fired by the SA-15. A short-range mobile defence SAM, the SA-15 is designed to be effective without being linked up to a wider national air defence radar picture. The most likely scenario is that a badly-trained or inexperienced crew of an SA-15, scared of being hit as part of a retaliatory US strike following the ballistic missile attacks on bases in Iraq, made a series of tragic and incorrect assumptions when PS752 appeared on their radar screen. Perhaps operating with many communications systems switched off to avoid being detected and targeted by the US, they might have had a reduced situational awareness picture. The crash site Where did the aircraft come down? Journalists who reached the crash site saw a wide field of field of debris scattered across farmland, the dead lying among shattered pieces of the aircraft. Their possessions, that included a childs cartoon-covered electric toothbrush and a stuffed animal, as well as luggage and electronics, were strewn everywhere. An official inspects a piece of the downed plane where 167 passengers were killed What happened next? Initially Iranian officials denied shooting down the aircraft, insisting that all their missiles were accounted for. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, finally released a statement on Saturday - four days after the incident - admitting Iran's military was to blame for shooting down the plane, but insisting he was not involved in misleading the world. As soon as the supreme leader was informed of the catastrophic mistake he ordered the truth to be made known to the people explicitly and honestly, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. In an official statement on his website, he ordered the military to address shortcomings and expressed "sincere condolences to families of the victim. But it did not quell the public's anger and hundreds took to the streets in protest against the regime. Crowds of students gathered outside a central Tehran university to denounce the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite military force answerable directly to the supreme leader. Shame on you, they shouted. End your rule over the country. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Tehran's Amirkabir University on Saturday to vent their anger at the regime Iran Britain's Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire, was arrested and held for several hours for attending the vigil for the victims. Authorities claimed Mr Macaire had been inciting the protesters against the Iranian government. But video from the event shows the ambassador looking anxious and British officials said he left the campus shortly after it was filmed. Two female protesters were reportedly shot and wounded as protests continued on Sunday. Video circulating on social media appeared to show they had been shot in the legs. Security forces fire on this woman in Tehrans Azadi Ave. Her crime? Being furious with the regime for downing a civilian aircraft and mourning in the street for 176 Iranian-Canadians who got killed in #UkrainianPlane#IranProtests2020pic.twitter.com/nGcFpb1hEC Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) January 12, 2020 "Oh my God, she's bleeding nonstop!" one person shouts. Another shouts: "Bandage it!" Photos and video after the incident show pools of blood on the sidewalk. The fresh protests come weeks after Iranian forces killed hundreds, and possibly more than a thousand, civilian demonstrators who took to the streets across the country in November in protest against the Islamic Republic. The latest reporting I've seen is that the Senate will take up President Trump's impeachment trial this week. What's wrong with that, you ask? I've already said what's wrong: the Schiff-Nadler Star Chamber violated President Trump's Fifth Amendment rights to procedural due process, rendering the resulting impeachment articles null and void as "poisoned fruit." The GOP leadership should do what the Founders would have done: challenge the legal legitimacy of the impeachment articles. The logic blueprint I will present below Mr. Jefferson knew logic will help make the case in court. As we know, protecting the rights of the accused is of fundamental importance in a just legal system and is a key motivation behind the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which asserts that "[no person shall] be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." The Supreme Court has interpreted due process broadly to include: procedural due process rights, substantive due process rights, and prohibition against vague laws as the vehicle for the incorporation of the Bill of Rights. Of concern here are only procedural due process rights (PDPRs), which include: An unbiased tribunal. Notice of the proposed action and the grounds asserted for it. The opportunity to present reasons for the proposed action not to be taken. The right to present evidence, including the right to call witnesses. The right to know the opposing evidence. The right to cross-examine adverse witnesses. A decision based only on the evidence presented. Opportunity to be represented by counsel. A requirement that the tribunal prepare a record of the evidence presented. A requirement that the tribunal prepare written findings of fact and the reasons for its decision. Now, consider legal proceedings that do not, by themselves, result in deprivation of rights. To review the relevant basics: Just because, for example, a case has been referred to a grand jury for deliberation, that does not mean that the accused is ipso facto deprived of rights. Even if a grand jury takes the further step of issuing an indictment against the accused, a true bill, this also does not mean that the accused is ipso facto deprived of rights. A grand jury indictment means only that a majority of jury members believe there is probable cause that the accused has committed a violation of law and that, as a result, the prosecution is justified in proceeding to trial. A grand jury referral for action to the prosecution also does not mean that the accused is ipso facto deprived of rights. The prosecution must still decide whether to go to trial and may well decline to do so for one reason or another. Deprivation of rights can occur only after a guilty verdict in court, with specifics to be decided at sentencing. Years may elapse between the time a case is referred to a grand jury and the time a guilty verdict is issued in court, during which time some or all constitutional rights are retained, depending on the specifics of the case. The option of appealing a verdict can also impact rights deprivation. So are a person's PDPRs protected under the Fifth Amendment in legal proceedings of any kind whose outcome is not ipso facto deprivation of rights? Intuitively, the answer should be "yes." Surely, the Framers did not intend to imply that a person's PDPRs are not protected under the Fifth Amendment during grand jury deliberations and other such proceedings that do not, by themselves, result in deprivation of rights. That is, the Framers surely did not intend to imply when they drafted the Fifth Amendment that grand juries have a free hand while deliberating because deprivation of rights would not be the outcome if an indictment is issued that grand juries may proceed capriciously by, for example, (a) considering only some of the available evidence; (b) disregarding exculpatory evidence; (c) arbitrarily ranking evidence in order of credibility; (d) indicting based on no evidence at all, as in "indicting a ham sandwich"; and so on. The Framers would have found propositions I, II, III, V and VI below unobjectionable though this article is not the place to argue the point. Propositions IV and VII are derived by logic to repeat, Mr. Jefferson knew logic. Proposition I : The accused retains PDPRs during grand jury proceedings. Proposition II : Impeachment proceedings are sufficiently similar in relevant legal respects to grand jury proceedings. (In Federalist 65, Alexander Hamilton noted "the judicial character of the Senate ... as a court for the trial of impeachments.") Proposition III : If legal proceedings A and B are sufficiently similar in relevant legal respects and PDPRs are retained during A, then they are retained during B. Proposition IV : Therefore, the accused retains PDPRs during impeachment proceedings. Proposition V : If the accused retains PDPRs during impeachment proceedings, then violations of PDPRs during impeachment proceedings are legally objectionable. Proposition VI : If violations of PDPRs during impeachment proceedings are legally objectionable, then a verdict resulting from legally objectionable impeachment proceedings is legally objectionable as "poisoned fruit." Proposition VII : Therefore, a verdict resulting from legally objectionable impeachment proceedings is legally objectionable as "poisoned fruit. By my count, at least four PDPRs were violated during impeachment proceedings in the House Intelligence Committee (Schiff) and the House Judiciary Committee (Nadler). PDPR #1: "An unbiased tribunal." Schiff, Nadler, and their Democrat colleagues effectively formed a cabal, stacking the deck against President Trump at every turn. They ran their committees with an iron fist. What we saw on television night after night was nothing more than show trials reminiscent of what happened in the Soviet Union under Stalin in the 1930s. Sycophantic media pundits colluded with Democrats, taking advantage of the slightest opportunity to spin mere opinions as facts. PDPR #4: "The right to present evidence, including the right to call witnesses." Ranking GOP member Devin Nunes repeatedly appeared on Fox to express frustration at Schiff's high-handed management of Intelligence Committee proceedings. Schiff refused GOP requests time after time to allow testimony by witnesses showing that President Trump's Ukraine phone call was perfectly within his rights as president, that "there was no quid pro quo." Indeed, because foreign government corruption potentially involved a former vice president of the United States, President Trump had an obligation to seek the relevant facts even though Joe Biden might be facing him in 2020. PDPR #6: "The right to cross-examine adverse witnesses." The so-called whistleblower, whose hearsay allegations launched the impeachment process, never appeared to testify. This is outrageous. Ranking member Devin Nunes and his GOP colleagues on the Intelligence Committee never had an opportunity to question the person who, under normal circumstances, would have been the star witness for the prosecution. Moreover, Schiff lied and got away with lying that he never met this person. Surreptitious contact with any potential grand jury witness by a prosecutor would normally be grounds for indictment dismissal and may even lead to disbarment of the prosecutor. PDPR #10: "A requirement that the tribunal prepare written findings of fact and the reasons for its decision." This is perhaps the most egregious violation of all. Findings of fact were nonexistent in both committees. The witnesses Democrats called to testify expressed mere opinions that boiled down to disagreements with President Trump over his policies or were based on personal animosity toward the president. Nevertheless, Schiff and Nadler proceeded as if mere beliefs and allegations were findings of fact. The above considerations lead to the following results: PDPRs #1, #4, #6, and #10 and Propositions IV and V together logically imply that the Schiff-Nadler proceedings were legally objectionable. This result and Proposition VI together logically imply that the House impeachment vote is legally objectionable as "poisoned fruit." QED. Why am I urging that the two impeachment articles be challenged in court? At the current toll of 3,066 Trinidad and Tobago now has the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the Caricom region, both numerically and number of deaths per million people. This unenviable standing could quickly change, depending on when new variants take hold and the impact they have on any given country. One man was shot and killed in Guinea's capital Conakry on Monday at the start of open-ended protests against President Alpha Conde. The West African country has been wracked by demonstrations since mid-October over concerns Conde intends to use a planned constitutional reform to extend his mandate. At least 20 civilians and one gendarme have been killed since the start of protests, which have drawn hundreds of thousands of people while scores have been arrested. Scuffles broke out on Monday between young people and the police, an AFP journalist said. A student Elhadj Mamadou Sow, 21, was killed in the unrest, according to his uncle, who declined to be named. The uncle said he was shot by a security officer who was chasing a group of young people. "We heard gun fire -- pah, pah, pah, -- and suddenly we heard screams and all the young people gathered around my nephew who was on the ground, wounded in the chest," he added. A doctor confirmed that Mamadou Sow had died and told AFP he was shot at close range. Amadou Camara, the spokesperson for Guinea's national police, said the police would investigate. After months of organising mass protests, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), an alliance of opposition groups, raised the stakes last week and called for "huge" and "open-ended" demonstrations. The political opposition is convinced that Conde put forward a draft constitution last month intending to keep himself in office for a third term. Conde, 81, has neither confirmed nor denied that claim but has argued that the colonial-era constitution needs to be changed. The current constitution in the former French colony stipulates two presidential terms. The government on Sunday accused opposition leaders of seeking to plunge Guinea into disorder. The FNDC had called for a peaceful protest. Guinea's Security Minister Albert Damantang Camara also said on Monday that he has "the manpower, methods and capabilities" to intervene whenever necessary. Shops and schools were shut across Conakry on Monday, an AFP journalist said, while streets were mostly empty of traffic. "The FNDC's call for resistance is being widely followed in several cities in Guinea," the opposition group said in a statement. "This has resulted in a total paralysis of the main roads, the closure of shops and businesses," it added. The FNDC also confirmed that there had been clashes in Conakry, and in the cities Boffa and N'Zerekore. Abdourahmane Sanoh, the group's spokesman, told AFP the start of the protest had been "a success". [January 13, 2020] Salesforce Executive to Participate in Upcoming Investor Meeting SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced that Simon Parmett, CEO & General Manager, MuleSoft, will participate in an investor meeting hosted by Jefferies, LLC on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. (PT) / 5:30 p.m. (ET) in San Francisco, CA. An audiocast will be available on Salesforce's website at www.salesforce.com/investor. About Salesforce Salesforce is the global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), bringing companies closer to their customers in the digital age. Founded in 1999, Salesforce enables companies of every size and industry to take advantage of powerful technologiescloud, mobile, social, internet of things, artificial intelligence, voice and blockchainto create a 360-degree view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforce-executive-to-participate-in-upcoming-investor-meeting-300985825.html SOURCE Salesforce Israel is bolstering its defence preparedness and as part of the same, the country has held several trials of an advanced version of the famed Iron Dome anti-missile defence system. The first Iron Dome anti-missile defence system was established almost 10 years ago on January 6, 2010. Israeli news portal The Jerusalem Post reported that the trials were carried out jointly by Rafael Advanced Systems and the Israel Missile Defense Organization, which comes under the Directorate of Defense Research and Development of the country's Defense Ministry. According to the ministry, the tests were successful and reveal the advanced capabilities of the Iron Dome in defending Israel against a barrage of missiles. Rafael executive vice president and head of its Air and Missile Defense Division Brigadier-General (res.) Pini Yungman asserted that the tests had a 100% success rate. "Following the test series, we can confidently say that the State of Israel is highly defended, more than ever before," he was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post. Israel Missile Defense Organisation director Moshe Patel added that Iron Dome has in the last 10 years successfully carried out over 2,000 operational interceptions. "When we deliver it to the Israel Defense Forces, the air force will be equipped to confront evolving threats in the region," Patel was quoted by another news website The Times of Israel. The mobile all-weather air defence system has been primarily developed by Rafael while the MMR radar used in the Iron Dome is a product by ELTA, which is a subsidiary of the Israel Aerospace Industries. The command and control system of the defence system is by mPrest. Iron Dome consists of a detection and tracking radar, battle management and weapon control system (BMC), and a missile-firing unit (MFU) to counter very short-range rockets and artillery shell threats with a 4-70 kilometres range. Rafael claims WASHINGTON They had to kill him because he was planning an imminent attack. But how imminent, they could not say. Where, they could not say. When, they could not say. And really, it was more about what he had already done. Or actually, it was to stop him from hitting a U.S. embassy. Or four embassies. Or not. For 10 days, President Donald Trump and his team have struggled to describe the reasoning behind the decision to launch a drone strike against Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of Irans elite security forces, propelling the two nations to the brink of war. Officials agree they had intelligence indicating danger, but public explanations have shifted by the day and sometimes by the hour. On Sunday came the latest twist. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he was never shown any specific piece of evidence that Iran was planning an attack on four U.S. embassies as Trump had claimed just two days earlier. I didnt see one with regard to four embassies, Esper said on CBS Face the Nation. But he added, I share the presidents view that probably my expectation was, they were going to go after our embassies. The embassies are the most prominent display of American presence in a country. The sharp disparity between the president and his defense secretary only added to the public debate over the Jan. 3 strike that killed Irans most important general and whether there was sufficient justification for an operation that escalated tensions with Iran, aggravated relations with European allies and prompted Iraq to threaten to expel U.S. forces. Soleimani was deemed responsible for killing hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Iraq War more than a decade ago, but it was not clear whether he had specific plans for a mass-casualty attack in the near future. While agreeing that Soleimani was generally a threat, Democrats in Congress, as well as some Republicans, have said the administration has not provided evidence even in classified briefings to back up the claim of an imminent attack, nor has it mentioned that four embassies were targeted. Even some Pentagon officials have said privately that they were unaware of any intelligence suggesting that a large-scale attack was in the offing. But senior government officials with the best access to intelligence have insisted there was ample cause for concern, even if it has not been communicated clearly to the public. Gina Haspel, director of the CIA, and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who were both appointed by Trump but are career officials without a political history have said privately and forcefully that the intelligence was compelling and that they were convinced a major attack was coming. The challenge for the Trump administration is persuading the public, which has been skeptical about intelligence used to justify military action since President George W. Bush invaded Iraq in 2003 based on what turned out to be inaccurate intelligence indicating that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Trump himself has made clear in other circumstances that he does not trust the intelligence agencies that he is now citing to justify his decision to eliminate Soleimani. Moreover, given his long history of falsehoods and distortions, Trump has his own credibility issues that further cloud the picture all of which means the administrations failure to provide a consistent explanation has sown doubts and exposed it to criticism. If indeed the strike was taken to disrupt an imminent threat to U.S. persons and that picture seems to be getting murkier by the minute the case should be made to Congress and to the public, consistent with national security, said Lisa Monaco, a former senior FBI official and homeland security adviser to President Barack Obama. Failure to do so hurts our credibility and deterrence going forward. Intelligence officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive data collection, have said there was no single definitive piece of information about a coming attack. Instead, CIA officers described a mosaic effect, multiple scraps of information that came together, indicating that Soleimani was organizing proxy forces around the region including in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to attack U.S. embassies and bases. Several officials said they did not have enough concrete information to describe such a threat as imminent, despite the administrations assertion, but they did see a worrying pattern. A State Department official privately said it was a mistake for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to use the word imminent because it suggested a level of specificity that was not borne out by the intelligence. I have not seen the intelligence, just to be clear, but it is sometimes possible for the reporting of planned attacks to be very compelling even without specificity of time, target or method, said John McLaughlin, a former acting CIA director. In a sense, that is the story of 9/11. Our reporting gave us high confidence that a big attack was coming and we so warned but we were unable to nail down key details. McLaughlin said that the administration may well have had intelligence adequate to compel action but that it was a separate question whether killing Soleimani was the most effective response, as opposed to hardening targets or choosing a less provocative option. Claims about an imminent attack that could take hundreds of American lives, as Pompeo put it right after the drone strike, have also generated doubts because no attack in the Middle East over the past two decades, even at the height of the Iraq War, has ever resulted in so many American casualties at once, in part because embassies and bases have become so fortified. The contrast in descriptions of what the administration knew and what it did not came in quick succession on a single Fox News show last week. On Thursday night, Pompeo, while sticking by his description of an imminent attack, acknowledged that the information was not concrete. We dont know precisely when, and we dont know precisely where, but it was real, he told host Laura Ingraham. The next day, in a separate interview, Trump told Ingraham that in fact he did know where. I can reveal that I believe it probably wouldve been four embassies, he said. That left administration officials like Esper in an awkward position when they hit the talk show circuit Sunday. While the defense secretary revealed on CBS that he had not seen intelligence indicating four embassies were targeted, he sounded more supportive of Trumps claim on CNNs State of the Union. What the president said in regard to the four embassies is what I believe as well, he said, seeming to make a distinction between belief and specific intelligence. And he said he believed that they probably that they could have been targeting the embassies in the region. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Robert OBrien, the presidents national security adviser, played down Trumps claim of specific, imminent threats to four U.S. embassies in the region. Look, its always difficult, even with the exquisite intelligence that we have, to know exactly what the targets are, OBrien said. We knew there were threats to American facilities. Now, whether they were bases, embassies you know, its always hard until the attack happens. But, he added, we had very strong intelligence. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah and one of the administrations most outspoken Republican critics after the strike, said on CNN that he worried about the quality of the information that national security officials were sharing with Congress and had not been able to yet ascertain specific details of the imminence of the attack. I believe that the briefers and the president believed that they had a basis for concluding that there was an imminent attack I dont doubt that but it is frustrating to be told that and not get the details behind it, he said. Speaker Nancy Pelosi struck a similar tone, telling ABCs This Week that I dont think the administration has been straight with the Congress of the United States about the reasons for killing Soleimani. On Face the Nation, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, accused the president and his top aides of fudging the intelligence. Frankly, I think what they are doing is overstating and exaggerating what the intelligence shows, Schiff said. Officials briefing the so-called Gang of Eight top congressional leaders never said that four embassies were targeted, he added. In the view of the briefers, there was plotting, there was an effort to escalate being planned, but they didnt have specificity. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. April Martha helps student Nick Blood, left, prepare a ball made of potters clay and dirt as students at Rutgers University in Camden make "seed balls" for an Earth Day celebration. Camden County College and Rutgers University-Camden plan to announce a new dual admission agreement that will allow students studying in five areas to go on for their bachelors degree at a lower tuition cost. Read more Camden County College and Rutgers-Camden on Monday announced a new dual admission agreement that will allow students studying in five areas to go on for their bachelors degree at a lower tuition cost. Under the plan, students studying business administration, criminal justice, liberal studies, political science, and psychology will be able to earn both their associates degree and their bachelors degree at the community colleges Blackwood campus. Rutgers-Camden will offer students a scholarship in the third year that will keep their tuition at the same level as the community colleges $4,320. Rutgers tuition exceeds $15,000. Students will pay the Rutgers tuition in the fourth year. This innovative partnership makes higher education more affordable for Camden County College graduates by providing a direct, cohesive route to a Rutgers-Camden bachelors degree on our Blackwood campus for under $30,000, Camden County College president Donald A. Borden said. The schools announced details of the partnership during a news conference Monday. READ MORE: Online education in Pennsylvania could get more competitive, thanks to community colleges More community colleges are striking deals with universities to help students continue on for their bachelors at lower costs and less hassle. Last week, the 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania announced a transfer agreement with Southern New Hampshire University that will allow their graduates to obtain a bachelors online at a rate lower than nearly every other public option in the state. READ MORE: As colleges compete for fewer students, the pressure rises to meet enrollment targets Rowan University has robust transfer agreements with community colleges. The bond is so strong that the colleges in Gloucester and Burlington Counties use Rowans name, though they are independent. One is known as Rowan College of South Jersey and the other as Rowan College at Burlington County. Affordability is something we all have to be so sensitive to right now, and I think this certainly does that, said Borden, the Camden County College president. Under the new deal, the institutions will offer seamless transfer of associate-level credits and joint advisement by Rutgers and Camden County staff. Students will receive Rutgers-Camden identification cards and email accounts, and have access to the universitys student organizations, library, and fitness center. (Camden County College students who arent in the five fields of study eligible for the tuition scholarship will get these benefits, too, college officials said.) Applications will be accepted this spring for the fall semester. Rutgers-Camden Chancellor Phoebe A. Haddon said she anticipates that 150 students will enroll in the program the first year. She points out that the deal is an extension of a long-standing agreement between the schools. Camden County College is our premier partner, she said. Borden said Rutgers-Camden, Rowan, and Stockton are the top three schools that the colleges graduates attend. Camden County College enrolls 10,500 full- and part-time students. ASUS VivoBook 15 An ideal laptop for those on a budget but don't want to sacrifice quality. The VivoBook 15 has a full HD LED display and a frameless Nano edge screen so you can see everything clearly. Internally, it's powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, with 8GB of Ram and 256GB of storage. Battery life could be better however, as it only offers up to 6 hours on a full charge. 479, currys.co.uk HP Pavilion This 23.8 inch desktop computer has a full HD display and a sleek white monitor, whilst inside it is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, handy for using complex editing software, along with 8GB of Ram and 1TB of storage. Don't forget the inbuilt B&O speakers which make it ideal for watching videos or streaming Netflix. 599, currys.co.uk Lenovo IdeaCentre A340-24IWL An all-rounder for the family, this Lenovo desktop has a rather contemporary appearance with its 23.8-inch full HD screen. The computer is made up of an 8th generation Intel Core i3 Processor with 8GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage plenty for all those family photos. 599, johnlewis.com Microsoft Surface 3 Laptop Heralded as the best laptop Microsoft has made yet. Ideal for the on the move, it weighs a mere 1.25kg and boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as standard. The battery is amazing too, which Microsoft claims can last nearly a full day when charged. 899, microsoft.com HP Envy 13 The HP Envy is a serious contender against Apple's Macbook. With a 13.3-inch gorilla glass touchscreen to protect from scratches, it also has a fingerprint reader so there's no need to worry about passwords. Inside the laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, along with 8GB of Ram and 512GB of storage at its disposal. 929, currys.co.uk By Jack Prescott U.S. President Donald Trump said that he doesnt care whether Tehran will negotiate with Washington. According to him what is really important is that Iran has no nuclear weapons and there is no violence against the protesters in the country. "National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions and protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate," he wrote on Twitter. "Actually, I couldnt care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "dont kill your protesters," Trump added. Earlier, U.S. national security advisor Robert OBrien said chances that Tehran would negotiate with Washington are higher after the death of Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- "I saw women patting their heads to stop their scalp from itching while wearing hair pieces," said an inventor from Baltimore, Maryland. "This inspired me to develop a device that could relieve itching and provide user's with added comfort." She developed the PRETTY PIXS to offer an efficient and beneficial means of scratching the scalp that would eliminate having to scratch employing the fingernails or patting the head. This invention could provide a time- and energy-saving means to provide relief from a dry, itchy scalp. It does not disrupt hair braids, wigs, weaves, cornrows, dreadlocks and natural hair styles. It is great for men with hair systems. Additionally, it would feature a convenient, discreet and easy to use design. The original design was submitted to the Baltimore sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 18-BTM-2667, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Related Links http://www.inventhelp.com With political parties throwing their weight behind the cash-strapped Wadia hospitals in Mumbai, city Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Monday said the civic body would pay the "pending amount" of around Rs 20 crore to them. However, the Wadia Hospital claimed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is supposed to pay the "pending dues" of several crores to Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, both based in Parel. Earlier in the day, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS held a protest outside the hospitals demanding that the Maharashtra government and the BMC provide funds for proper running of the cash-strapped facilities which have been discharging patients due to lack of resources. The protest was led by MNS chief Raj Thackeray's wife Sharmila Thackeray. Former MLA Bala Nandgaokar and other party workers also participated in the protest. "The hospitals have not received dues of Rs 229 crore from the BMC and the state government. The employees also did not receive the salary for the last month. We won't let the hospitals shut under any circumstances," Sharmila Thackeray told reporters. As the issue gathered steam, a labour union also held a demonstration demanding immediate release of the salary to the employees of the hospitals. Apart from ruling Shiv Sena and Congress, the agitation was also supported by the opposition BJP and the MNS. "I have met the CEO of Wadia Hospital and also called on deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The BJP will not let the facilities shut down," said Pravind Darekar, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. State unit Congress president and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said he would raise the issue in the Cabinet meeting scheduled on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Mayor Pednekar said the Shiv Sena-ruled civic body did not want the hospitals to be shut. "The pending amount of around Rs 20 crore will be paid to the hospitals. We want the hospitals to operate and continue providing medical facilities to Mumbaikars," she said. The mayor further said the BMC would hold a meeting with Wadia Hospital authorities to discuss the future course of action on Tuesday. According to sources in the BMC, the land was provided to the Wadia Trust in 1926 for running a 120-bed hospital on condition that it will have "50 per cent" of the total beds reserved for the poor and kin of mill workers. "The BMC has found that around 10 employees were getting pensions from Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children and Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital while six staffers were drawing salaries from both the hospitals," a BMC official said. Meanwhile, the Wadia Hospital on Monday said the outstanding dues from the BMC runs into several crores to both the hospitals. "As on date as per the GR (Government Resolution) dated 2010 and adopted by the BMC, the civic body is yet to pay the outstanding dues of Rs 31.44 crore to the Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Rs 105.85 crore to the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children," it said in a statement. The Wadia Hospital declined further comment saying the matter is pending before the Bombay High Court. "As per the Trust deeds of the hospitals, there are four members from the BMC on the Board of Management for both hospitals along with that of government of Maharashtra on the Board of Management. It is up to the BMC who they want to appoint on the Board," it said. It further stated that the BMC, through its representatives on the board of management of both the hospitals, is party to all the decisions of the hospitals as per the provisions of the Trust Deed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Republicans and Democrats voice doubt over Trump statement that Iran attack on US embassies imminent. US President Donald Trump says he ordered the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani because he received word that Iran was about to attack four US embassies. But Defense Secretary Mark Esper contradicted the president, saying he had not seen any specific intelligence that such attacks were imminent. Republicans and Democrats have voiced concerns about the basis for the Soleimani attack and the US House of Representatives has approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting future military action against Iran by the Trump administration. Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher reports from Washington, DC. BOON TOWNSHIP, MI Michigan State Police have identified a Michigan man killed in a snowmobile crash over the weekend. According to the MSP Cadillac Post, 28-year-old Matthew Stephen Gardner of Grand Rapids was killed when he lost control while turning and struck a tree near Trail 3715 in Wexford Countys Boon Township at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. Gardner was wearing a helmet and alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash, police said. Troopers were assisted at the scene by Boone Township Fire Department, Selma Township Fire Department, North Flight EMS and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Blood remains on the street in front of a home (center) where a woman was fatally stabbed by a man in the early morning in the 5600 block of Mascher Street in Philadelphia's Olney section on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019. Read more A man accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend in front of her children on Christmas morning in Olney has been charged with illegally reentering the country after having been deported twice, according to unsealed court documents. Josue Osorio-Quino, 33, is facing charges of murder and other offenses in the death of Juana Us-Perez, 35, and the stabbing of her 14-year-old son. U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain said he expects the federal case in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to proceed after the local charges are settled. McSwain has long decried Philadelphias sanctuary city status, and is pointing at Osorio-Quino as an example of why the policy should be eliminated. The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said it could not comment on the case because it was ongoing, but said domestic-violence crimes show that it is important for anyone, including those who are undocumented, to feel comfortable dialing 911. It was not clear whether the victim was undocumented at the time of her death. McSwain and District Attorney Larry Krasner have been in open conflict when it comes to immigration. Dozens of places across the country, such as Philadelphia, have declared themselves sanctuary jurisdictions, where local governments limit their cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Although leaders in those cities say the policy makes undocumented residents more willing to report crime and work with police, critics such McSwain say the policy is against the law. These disagreements are playing out in legal battles, with courts in Philadelphia and as far away as California restricting the extent to which the federal government can force local officials to help ICE. This case is a microcosm, an example of the consequences of being a sanctuary jurisdiction, McSwain said. Even one crime committed by an illegal alien is a crime that can be prevented. READ MORE: In era of politicized prosecutors, Trumps U.S. attorney in Philly isnt out to change the system There is no evidence, according to an analysis in the Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization that covers the criminal justice system, that the undocumented population commits more crimes, or more violent crimes, than other people. Osorio-Quino does not have any prior criminal convictions in Philadelphia. Jane Roh, a spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office, wrote that the office wants "people of all statuses to report crime, cooperate in investigations, come to court as witnesses, and to seek help when they are threatened by a stalker or domestic abuser. Us-Perez was also undocumented as of October 2017, when her husband was arrested in an ICE operation targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, according to a WHYY article. It was was not clear whether she remained undocumented. Us-Perez turned to the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, an immigrant advocacy group, for help, said Maria Turcios, an accompaniment coordinator who became her friend. The group said her husband was eventually deported. At the time, WHYY reported Us-Perez had lived in Philadelphia for 13 years and was working as a house cleaner. We feel powerless, Us-Perez told WHYY. They are separating families. Us-Perez continued to stay involved in the immigrant community and was an active member of New Sanctuary, said Peter Pedemonti, the groups codirector. Juana was someone who worked and fought for immigrant justice, who fought to get more people out of detention, Pedemonti said. To use her death to attack sanctuary cities is like spitting on her grave. Us-Perezs sister and brother-in-law will take care of her five children in their three-bedroom North Jersey home, where they already were raising six children between the ages of 5 and 15, according to a GoFundMe page. The fund-raiser asks for donations because the family wants to keep the siblings together but does not have enough income to support them all. Juana Us-Perez was a kindhearted, hardworking single mother, the fund-raising page reads. She did absolutely everything for her kids, who emulate all of their mothers best qualities theyre happy, hardworking, respectful, caring, loving, and as close to each other as siblings can be. The children are grieving and do not want to speak publicly about their mother, according to a family friend. Police said the killing began to unfold when Osorio-Quino started fighting with guests during a Christmas party. He had been drinking heavily and eventually directed his anger toward Us-Perez. Her son moved to help his mother, and Osorio-Quino stabbed him in a thigh, police said. Osorio-Quino then allegedly got another knife, stabbed Us-Perez, and chased her outside, where police found him standing over her body. This is not about sanctuary cities," Pedemonti said. "This is about alcohol abuse. This is about masculinity. This is about gender-based violence. And that is something we all need to look at. It has nothing to do with someones immigration status. When Philadelphia police arrested Osorio-Quino and scanned his fingerprints, ICE received an electronic notification alerting it the fingerprints matched someone in the agencys records, according to court documents. Those records showed ICE had twice deported Osorio-Quino to Guatemala. He was first deported in May 2009 through El Paso, Texas, according to the court documents. Two months later, he was deported again, through Phoenix. ICE spokesperson Mary Houtmann said the agency didnt know how Osorio-Quino entered a third time. The agency learned he was in Philadelphia when he was arrested in the case. Osorio-Quinos lawyer did not respond to interview requests. A preliminary hearing in the homicide case is scheduled for Wednesday. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange complained his prison van journey to court was uncomfortable during his latest US extradition hearing - as his supporters, including rapper MIA, shouted 'defend democracy' outside. The 48-year-old is wanted in the US for allegedly conspiring with army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to expose military secrets between January and May 2010. White haired and bespectacled Assange appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court wearing a black suit with glasses, defiantly saluting his supporters by raising his fist above his head. Backed by dozens of supporters including performer MIA, he spoke only to confirm his name, his date of birth, and to briefly state he did not understand an element of proceedings, during the 12-minute hearing. WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange leaves Westminster Magistrates Court in London this afternoon Supporters of WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange gather outside Westminster Magistrates Court today The 48-year-old is wanted in the US for allegedly conspiring with army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to expose military secrets between January and May 2010 The Australian is due to speak to his lawyers this afternoon following a two-hour conference last Friday. The Wikileaks editor is being held at maximum-security Belmarsh jail and was transported from his cell at 7am this morning in what was described as an uncomfortable journey by his lawyer. Gareth Pierce, representing him, said she needed to discuss volumes of documents and exhibits for his case. She complained that Assange's rights have been breached because she has not been given enough time with him. Ms Pierce was told she could only spend an hour with Assange. She said: 'I am here with colleagues with a substantial amount of evidence which only Mr Assange can sign off on. 'Since we last contacted the court, there was another day of family visits. We had two hours on Friday morning with Mr Assange. The Wikileaks editor is being held at maximum-security Belmarsh jail and was transported from his cell at 7am this morning (pictured) Wikileaks founder Julian Assange arrives in a prison van at Westminster Magistrates Court, this morning Rapper M.I.A. speaks to the media outside Westminster Magistrates Court, London where Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is appearing for an administrative hearing relating to his extradition to the United States 'That is when we made some progress. We did not book a visit for tomorrow because we thought it was a court day, so we have lost the opportunity for that. If it were made available, we would take it'. The lawyer added: 'The substantial material is one report to do with prison conditions and that should be able to be finalised and served tomorrow.' District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said: 'He will remain in custody in the cells until you have indicated to this court that you have concluded such matters as you were able to manage.' Outside court, Assange's supporters shouted: 'Free Julian Assange, Defend Democracy, Defend Journalism,' as a queue to enter the building snaked along the pavement. Ms Pierce said Assange's lawyers have served significant documents on the court. The district judge agreed to adjourn the hearing until the end of the day, in order to allow Assange and Ms Peirce a chance to sign off papers and go over their case together at court, rather than have Assange sent back to prison. About 15 protesters maintained a vigil outside court, chanting Assange's name and calling for him to be freed. Supporters of Mr Assange held up a number of signs this morning, including one saying 'Don't Extradite Assange' Such was the clamour for a seat in court that supporters queued for 30 minutes to get into the building, then filed in a line outside the first floor court number one, long before the case opened. Rapper and singer MIA, real name Mathangi Arulpragasam, was among more than 40 people allowed inside the packed public gallery, all of whom were required to show security they had switched their phones off before entering. Speaking outside court, the performer said: 'I think it was important to follow this case. 'I am off to get a medal at Buckingham Palace tomorrow (an MBE for services to music) and I think today is just as important. 'To give somebody an hour to put their case together is not right.' Assange briefly re-appeared in court room one later on Monday afternoon, after spending an hour discussing his case with his lawyer. Supporters in the public gallery stood and raised their fists as Assange returned to the court room, which he acknowledged with a salute. Protesters hold banners outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London, where Julian Assange appeared this morning Before proceedings were adjourned for the day, a case management hearing date was fixed for January 23 at the same court, with Assange due to appear via videolink. Assange's full extradition hearing will be heard at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court on 24 February and will last up to four weeks. He will next appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 23 January via video link from HMP Belmarsh. Assange was jailed for 50 weeks last May for breaching his bail conditions after going into hiding in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations, which he has always denied. In November Swedish authorities dropped the rape allegations made in 2010. Assange has been in custody since he was dramatically removed from Ecuador's embassy building last April. Since the Jan. 3 drone strike that killed Qassim Suleimani, Irans most important general, the Trump administration has offered shifting rationales for the attack. Here are some of the administrations evolving justifications. Jan. 3 The decision to eliminate Soleimani was in response to imminent threats to American lives. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Twitter General Suleimani, the head of Irans elite security and intelligence forces, was deemed responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops in Iraq. Neither President George W. Bush nor President Barack Obama ordered him killed, judging that such a move could lead to war in Iran. Later in the morning, appearing on CNN, Mr. Pompeo elaborated on the administrations justification for the strike, saying that General Suleimani was actively plotting in the region to take actions, a big action as he described it, that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk. For a country so often called mysterious and secretive, you could fill a bookcase with tomes on North Korea without breaking a sweat but you might break the bank. Not everyone has hundreds of dollars and thousands of hours to spend, so what to do for those who are curious about the equally fascinating and terrifying nuclear threat known as the Hermit Kingdom? How to choose between titles that all seem to offer unprecedented access behind the bamboo curtain and promise insights to the totalitarian playground of the Kim family dynasty? North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Credit:AP Of the recent additions to the bookshelf, Anna Fifield's The Great Successor has won the most praise for unpicking the life of Kim Jong-un and his brief but eventful time in power since his father's death in late 2011. From a schoolboy in Switzerland to the rogue basketball-loving friend of Dennis Rodman, the former Washington Post Beijing bureau chief has mined the public record and private sources to put together a compelling portrait of a man with a firm hand on a dangerous state. From international assassinations (his half-brother) to writing letters to US President Donald Trump during nuclear negotiations, Kim is a man reshaping his country's place in the world and Fifield's work goes a long way to understanding him. For the more historically minded, a typical place to start is with Barbara Demicks Nothing to Envy, which remains the definitive account of the North Korean famine of the 1990s, when somewhere between one and three million people died. Something of a time capsule and a little dated in parts, Demick stitches the stories of six escapees into a broad tapestry of the suffering citizens endured, and the cruelty of those in power. A Samuel Johnson Prize winner, it is a powerful and at times harrowing read; there are newer accounts from defectors, but few better. A former bylaw officer for the Town of Erin has filed a defamation suit against an Aurora man after he made alleged personal attacks on her character while she was working there. Mandie Eddie, who worked as an Erin bylaw enforcement officer in 2018, held a similar role at the Town of Aurora from 2015 to 2018. It was during her time there that she gave Aurora blogger Robert Lepp a ticket for letting his dogs run free at a park in June 2017, after the two dogs leashes got wrapped around her. In the following months, Eddie said, she was the victim of a series of personal attacks made online and in correspondence sent to Aurora staff and council. Eddie is seeking $950,000 in damages. The allegations contained in Eddies statement of claim have not been proven in court. According to court documents, Lepp has filed a statement of defence in which he denies all allegations. The bylaw enforcement officer claims the attacks didnt stop when she left her job in Aurora and came to Erin. Lepp defended his position, arguing that this was a SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) lawsuit, which is considered a form of legal action where a person in a position of power is trying to silence his freedom of speech. Lepp argues that his communications were expressions about the public interest, said Judge Lorne Sossin in a decision made on Nov. 15, 2019. He asserts that as soon as she no longer had a public position in either Aurora or Erin, his posts about her ceased. Eddie has since left her position at the Town of Erin. Sossin ruled that the case was not a SLAPP suit, dismissing the defendants argument and made no order on costs. In November 2019, the judge dismissed the argument on the basis that Lepps attacks on Eddies character, honesty and mental health were personal in nature. The attempt out of the gate to shut down the litigation has failed, said Gwendolyn Adrian, Eddies lawyer, adding that Lepp faces two other convictions for breach of recognizance and breach of probation for referencing Eddie in his blog. Lepp alleged that Eddie called the police on him and had him arrested. He also claimed she lied about items on her resume and said she was soliciting bribes in her position at the Town of Erin. I find that they do not relate to matters of public interest, Sossin ruled. This litigation has all the hallmarks of a private dispute about alleged, private wrongs. The case is ongoing and will continue Friday in the Toronto courthouse at 393 University Ave. Six teenagers have been charged after a group of males allegedly robbed a bottle shop with a machete and a store attendant was assaulted in Melbourne's west. Police say a group of teenage males entered a Durham Street business near Sunshine railway station about 10.30pm on Sunday and attempted to purchase alcohol but were asked to leave because of their age. A police spokeswoman said one teenager then "took a slab of beer and walked out of the store without paying", while some of the teens remained in the store. Police allege one teenager jumped onto the store counter and produced a machete while the others stole more alcohol before leaving. Chinese plant-based meat substitute start-up Zhenmeat is looking to raise around $2 million of funding this year as it expands across the world's second-largest economy and fends off a potential challenge from U.S. rivals. Zhenmeat founder Vince Lu told CNBC on Monday that the company is "talking aggressively" with investors from Europe, the U.S. and China about the funding round. The less than one-year old start-up has already raised around 5 million yuan ($723,181). The company's main product is plant-based mince meat made mainly from pea protein in both pork and beef flavors. But it also did a trial mooncake a popular snack eaten during China's Mid-Autumn Festival last year. China is a huge market opportunity for plant-based meat alternatives. The industry in China was worth about 6.1 billion yuan ($883.8 million) in 2018, reflecting 14.2% year-on-year growth, according to The Good Food Institute, a nonprofit that promotes plant-based alternatives to meat. The U.S. market stood at $684 million in 2018. But Zhenmeat and other Chinese food tech start-ups will have to face challenges from larger, more established U.S. rivals, who have expressed their intentions to jump into the Chinese market. Impossible Foods CEO Pat Brown told CNBC last year that China is a "huge opportunity" for the company. It recently launched a pork alternative. China is the world's largest consumer of pork. Meanwhile Beyond Meat aims to start producing its plant-based alternative in China by the end of 2020. Lu believes Zhenmeat will be competitive because its meat alternatives will cater to Chinese tastes. "And another thing to make us unique is we tailored to our product to Chinese cuisine. So Chinese chefs and Chinese customers can make a lot of Chinese dishes out of this meat mince like dumplings," Lu said. He added that the entrance of U.S. rivals will be good for increasing the exposure of plant-based foods. A Democratic presidential campaign field that was once touted as the most diverse in history has been whittled down to six candidates on its debate stage, all of them white. For Oakland Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee, thats a problem. Lee says the Democratic National Committees rules for determining who can participate in its presidential debates is systematically discriminatory against people of color. To qualify for Tuesdays debate in Iowa, a candidate had to receive contributions from 225,000 donors nationally and receive at least 7% support in two polls from the early-voting states Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina or 5% support in four national or early-state surveys. The six white candidates who qualified for Tuesday nights debate, being televised on CNN at 6 p.m., are Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer and Elizabeth Warren. The only nonwhite candidate to make the stage last time, Andrew Yang, missed the cut. And on Monday, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who was going to miss a second consecutive debate, ended his campaign. Im not a happy camper, Lee, D-Oakland, told The Chronicles Its All Political podcast. When you establish rules that become systemically discriminatory against people of color, then youve got to question your party and how theyre making all these decisions. I dont like the message its sending. Lee, who is a member of the DNC, said she didnt think the party consciously set up the system to deny people of color the right to participate throughout the primary, but I think this is the unintended consequence. How many people of color get polled? How many low-income people get polled? Lee asked. While white middle-income people can afford to make campaign contributions, she said, many people of color cant. Youve got a wealth gap, a racial wealth gap, Lee said. Its huge. Both Booker and New York entrepreneur Andrew Yang met the donor qualification requirement for Tuesdays debate, but neither hit the polling threshold. Some candidates of color including the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1988, the Rev. Al Sharpton in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2008 have met similar national polling thresholds at this point in the race. Lee didnt offer different criteria to replace the current rules, other than saying the party should de-emphasize the importance of fundraising. We have to level the playing field so that everybody has a shot at this, Lee said. Right now they dont. Xochitl Hinojosa, communications director of the Democratic National Committee, said Monday that this has been the most inclusive debate process with more women and candidates of color participating in more debates than billionaires. We are proud of this historic and diverse field with 20 candidates participating in the first two debates and at least 10 candidates in each debate after that, Hinojosa said. While we are legally required to have objective criteria for each debate, our qualifying criteria has stayed extremely low throughout this entire process. Historically, Hinojosa said, nobody who has failed to reach 5% at this point in the race has gone on to be the nominee, and our debate criteria reflects that. Meanwhile, even though Californians start early voting in three weeks, Lee still hasnt endorsed any of the remaining candidates. Her first choice, California Sen. Kamala Harris, dropped out of the race last month. While many political endorsements are met with a collective shrug, Lees nod carries weight among progressives trying to decide between Sanders and Warren. She is the chair emeriti of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and an icon to antiwar activists for being the the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization to go to war in the days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. I am not endorsing at this point, Lee said. I am listening to all of them. Lee never did endorse before Californias 2016 primary, even though her politics were much more aligned with those of Sanders than Hillary Clintons. She and Rep. Nancy Pelosi were the only members of the Bay Areas congressional delegation to sit it out. Lees silence then was strategic. She wanted to be part of the team that created the Democratic Partys platform, and she doubted that would happen if she picked sides. She was on friendly terms with both camps, even though, as she told New York magazine, she agreed with Sanders 97% of the time. Lee ended up on the Democratic drafting committee, and helped craft what she called one of the most progressive platforms in the partys history. That was the right decision for me then, Lee said. If I had endorsed anyone in the primary, the likelihood of my being on that platform drafting committee would have been very low and we would not have had a Democratic Party platform as progressive as it was. As for endorsing now, Lee said that as an African American progressive woman ... I have to do this in a strategic way that really furthers the progressive agenda. Sanders could be forgiven for hoping he has the inside track for Lees backing. In 2018, the Vermont senator appeared with Lee at a rally in Berkeley to endorse her for re-election. Not that she really needed the help she won with 88% of the vote. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Iranas Revolutionary Guards said Sunday they did not aim to kill US troops when firing a wave of missiles. (Photo Credit: File Photo) New Delhi: Irans Revolutionary Guards said Sunday they did not aim to kill US troops when firing a wave of missiles last week at Iraqi bases hosting American forces. A volley of rockets hit an airbase in Iraq hosting US troops on Sunday injuring four Iraqi soldiers. The missile attack targeted the Al-Balad airbase in north of Baghdad that also hosts American soldiers. The Iraqi military confirmed the reports saying eight Katyusha-type rockets landed on Al-Balad airbase, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen. Our aim was not really to kill enemy soldiers. That was not important, the Guards commander, Hossein Salami, told parliament, referring to Wednesdays missile operation launched to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general. The physical destruction (caused by the missiles) was just because we wanted to say that we are so much more superior to the enemy (and) that we can hit any point we choose, " he added, in a speech aired on state television. Iran's Revolutionary Guards had on Wednesday had launched 22 ballistic missiles at two US targets in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani. However, US President Donald Trump had confirmed there were no casualties from attack. He had also said that "Iran appears to be standing down" after that attack. Meanwhile, riot police were deployed in parts of Tehran after tear gas was used to clear the streets of protesters. Dozens of people have taken to the streets after government admitted it had mistakenly shot down a passenger jet killing all 176 people on board. Social media was flooded with images of demonstrators taking to the streets in the capital and other cities. Iran has invited experts from Canada, France, Ukraine and the United States to take part in the investigation into the air disaster. On the other hand, pro-regime protesters gathered outside the UK embassy calling for its closure after the British ambassador to Iran was briefly detained on Saturday evening after leaving the site of a demonstration. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Premier Doug Ford is extending the life of the Pickering nuclear station beyond its planned 2024 closure, the Star has learned. The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) facility in the news after provincial emergency officials accidentally sent out a false alarm during a test of the alert system Sunday will operate until at least 2025. Opened in 1971, it employs 4,500 people and generates 14 per cent of Ontarios electricity from six nuclear reactors. Two other reactors there have been shut down for 22 years. The previous Liberal government, which had reopened two of the four reactors shut down by its Progressive Conservative predecessor in 1998, announced four years ago the station would go offline by 2024. Sources confide Fords cabinet quietly approved the extension just before Christmas. This is great news for the community and for the province, said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the government had not planned to make an official announcement until later this month. Energy Minister Greg Rickfords office would only say in a statement that the province is consistently reviewing Ontarios various energy assets. Announcements regarding the decommissioning of any of our nuclear facilities will first undergo thorough consultation with local leadership, stakeholders and community members, the office said. Any decisions regarding nuclear assets in Ontario must first be approved and receive licensing through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The plants operating licence was renewed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in August 2018 after about $75 million was invested in maintenance. Environmentalists have long called for the facilitys closure because its at the end of its lifespan. But actually shuttering Pickering will take decades. OPG said it would be 40 years before the plant is fully decommissioned, starting with a safe storage period beginning three years after it stops generating electricity. All the used fuel will be moved into dry storage within 13 years and removed from the site within 30 years. It will take another decade to dismantle everything. OPGs approach is designed to minimize the total radiation dose received by workers during dismantling and will ensure all the dismantled materials and equipment meet CNSC transport regulations for low radioactivity materials, the Crown utility said. This also allows for the implementation of the facilities required for the long-term storage of both fuel and decommissioning wastes which aligns with the timelines indicated above. Premier Doug Ford is extending the life of the Pickering nuclear station Ontarios Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, meanwhile, said an investigation into the erroneous alert Sunday is being conducted and will be made public. It is definitely unacceptable. I want to know exactly what happened on Sunday morning, Jones told reporters Monday at Queens Park. I do not anticipate that this will be a long, drawn-out investigation, she said, adding the findings from emergency management officials will be shared with Ontarians. OPG had nothing to do with the routine training exercise conducted by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. This has never happened in the history of the tests that they do every day twice a day but I do want to know exactly all of the issues related to it, whether it was one human error or whether there were a series of things, I dont want to guess. Thousands of Ontarians awoke to the 7:30 a.m. emergency alert on their cellphones along with their radios and televisions warning of an unspecified incident at Pickering. The mass alert said emergency staff were responding to a situation at the plant but said there has been NO abnormal release of radioactivity. About two hours later, a followup alert clarified there was no active emergency at the plant and that the previous message was issued in error. Mayor John Tory told reporters Monday he has asked the province to include city of Toronto officials in its review of the provinces poor showing. The probe should include how anybody could possibly accidentally push the button to send out something like this that can cause great fear in people through to the wording of the notice that did go out, said Tory. As usual, communication between provincial officials and city officials wasnt what it should be, the mayor said, adding in case of a real disaster the governments need immediate communication. Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy, the local MPP for the area, emphasized the Pickering station has a good safety record and moved to assure Ontarians there was never any danger to the public. The safety record is the best in the world. Its important to get that message out, said Bethlenfalvy (Pickering-Uxbridge). The first alert said it applied to people living within 10 kilometres of the station, which is five kilometres from Torontos eastern city limits on the north shore of Lake Ontario. NDP MPP Peter Tabuns said Ontarians were needlessly left anxious and worried fearing a nuclear incident without knowing what to do next after the government sent out this false emergency alert. Liberal MPP Mitzie Hunter (Scarborough-Guildwood) said Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dube should probe what happened. With files from David Rider Senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ambika Soni will arrive here on Thursday to take stock of the political and security situation in the new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the party said on Monday. During their two-day visit, the leaders will attend a meeting of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) executive on January 17 to discuss current political developments and the future road map for the party, the Congress said in a statement here. The PCC executive meeting will be the first since the nullification of Article 370 provisions and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- in August last year. The new UTs came into existence on October 31. Azad, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and Congress General Secretary in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir party affairs Soni will interact with senior party functionaries, including former ministers and legislators, "to take stock of current political and security scenario," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A community leader killed last week during a violent clash over a land dispute in Hanois Dong Tam commune was laid to rest on Monday, surrounded by mourning villagers, state and social media said on Jan. 13. Le Dinh Kinh, 84, was killed on Jan. 9 as farmers at Dong Tam threw grenades and petrol bombs at police in the latest flare-up of the long-running dispute over a military airport construction site near the capital. Three police officers were also killed during the clash, and another person injured, state media said last week. Kinhs cause of death has not been confirmed, though a woman who escaped last weeks clash told RFAs Vietnamese Service that police had destroyed Kinhs house after deploying explosive charges and pepper spray, and had arrested several of the 20 or so people found inside. Security forces have now surrounded Dong Tam commune, controlling access and cutting off internet service to the area, social media sources said. In a video clip distributed widely on social media, Le Dinh Kinhs wife Du Thi Thanh said on Monday that she had been beaten by police during questioning, and had been forced to admit that villagers had used grenades during their clash with police. Meanwhile, she has received no information on the condition or whereabouts of her four sons Le Dinh Uy, Le Dinh Cong, Le Dinh Doanh, and Le Dinh Chuc, she said. Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service on Monday, local activist La Viet Dung said there were two reasons for authorities harsh treatment of Du Thi Thanh. First, the government wanted to establish that Le Dinh Kinhs family really had used grenades, petrol bombs, and other weapons to attack the police, he said. And second, they wanted to take revenge by beating her so savagely. Long-running dispute Tensions over the Mieu Mon military airport in Dong Tam, 25 miles south of Hanoi, have simmered for nearly three years. In April 2017, police arrested several farmers for allegedly causing social unrest during a clash between authorities and Dong Tam residents over the 47 hectares of commune land taken by the government for military use. Other farmers responded to the arrests by detaining 38 police officers and local officials, threatening to kill them if police moved against them, While all land in Vietnam is ultimately held by the state, land confiscations have become a flashpoint as residents accuse the government of pushing small landholders aside in favor of lucrative real estate projects, and of paying too little in compensation to those whose land is taken. Separately, a Facebook user in Can Tho City named Chung Hoang Chuongalso known as Lucky Chuongwas arrested on Jan. 10 for posting news of the Dong Tam clash, with police sources saying he had previously posted 16 stories online since 2018 with content causing severe harm to the interests of the State. Reporting blocked In another sign of the sensitivity of the Dong Tam dispute, YouTube issued a strike against the RFA Vietnamese channel on the social media platform on Saturday, citing unspecified violations of community guidelines, meaning that it would be unable to upload or livestream material for seven days. The strike was against a playlist that carries a daily news webcast that had included news last week about the unrest related to the Dong Tam dispute. RFA appealed that decision and by Monday it was able to upload content again on YouTube. Google, of which YouTube is a subsidiary, did not respond to a request Sunday for comment from RFA on whether the strike issued against RFA was in response to demands from the government of Vietnam to take down content it viewed as unfavorable. A state-run newspaper, Hanoi Moi, on Saturday had cited a Ministry of Information official saying that Google and YouTube had been responsive to its requests to take down fake and inciteful content in the past two weeks. The Hanoi Moi story was taken down by Sunday, without explanation. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huynh Le. Written in English by Richard Finney. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment She needs to hear it from you, not from someone else those words from my wife lingered all day. The movie "Unplanned" was just released while I was at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) conference, and my wife, daughter, and son went to see it. Our church, Westside Christian Fellowship, reserved two theaters that evening for the opening. Ironically, as I was leaving the NRB event, I saw Abby Johnson a few feet away being interviewed about the movie. On the way home, I decided to tell my daughter about my past. The guilt and shame returned, as it often does. Even though I speak tirelessly about Gods grace and unending love, its not always easy to embrace it myself. As I wrote in a past op-ed that you can read here, as a prodigal, I conceded to my girlfriend's request to abort our child around the fifth week of conception many years ago. The pain of that decision still haunts me. What would the child look like today? Was it a boy or a girl? I can picture walking and talking with my childwatching his or her first stepsholding them when they cry and rejoicing with them when they succeed. But these are just dreams in my mind, dreams that often leave me heartbroken. Regret is one of the hardest pains to deal with because it is a constant reminder that we failed failed God, others, and the aborted child. Groups such as Planned Parenthood say there are little if any emotional scars for those involved, that the baby is just tissue. This is very deceptive the emotional scars can last a lifetime. And its not just women who feel the pain; men often carry tremendous guilt as well. But thank God there is hope; watch this short clip we put together a few years ago that Focus on the Family featured on their website. All throughout the day, I was dreading this discussion. Then, standing in the kitchen talking about the movie, I quickly blurted out, I supported my girlfriend's request to abort many years ago. I was hoping my daughter wouldnt catch it. I was hoping that it wouldnt affect me or her, but I was wrong. I will never forget the look of disappointment and confusion that flashed across her face. It seemed to cry, Wait! What did you say? Dad, are you kidding? A mountain of tears welled up inside me as she realized I had agreed to end the life of her half-brother or sister; it was too much to bear. Even though she gave me a hug, I felt shallow and empty inside. I could tell that I let her down in a big way. I made small talk but quickly left the room. Then it really hit home: I have four more kids to tell at some point. Many of you may never tell your children about your past, but because mine is out in the open for the world to see Im compelled to share it with my kids. On one hand, its extremely difficult and humiliating, but on the other hand, its a wonderful opportunity to share Gods amazing love to a broken world. Its also a good opportunity to show our children that we need forgiveness too, and it opens the door for them to come to us when faced with tough decisions. Knowing that weve also gone through many challenges eases the performance mentality that many Christian kids develop (e.g., I must be good to be accepted). Although we strive for purity and desire godly character in our home, our kids and yours need to be showered with grace, love, and understanding. A legalistic church is just as dangerous as a carnal one. See my wifes blog for more about raising PKs (Preachers Kids). As Hollywood cries pro-choice, we must cry, Life is Gods choice. We must not only lead our children but protect them as well. As many legislators embrace infanticide, we must lovingly challenge them. Pastors, make no mistake about it, we play an enormous role in shaping the direction of the country. We can no longer remain silent while silent screams go unheard. Deep repentance must take place at the individual and national level because our consciences have been seared. Our job is to preach the totality of Gods Word, including those hard-to-hear things so that both conviction and comfort take place. When human life is devalued, atrocities such as the Holocaust, slavery, sex-trafficking, and abortion occur. God help us when we ignore our calling to confront evil. The silent pulpit is not Gods pulpit. Pastors are to be pillars who support Gods absolute and unchanging truth. When was the last time you discussed this controversial topic from the pulpit? Change will not occur until we confront sin rather than hide from it. We need more prophets in our pulpits and less puppets (Leonard Ravenhill). For those who say, I dont want to get involved, we must remember that were already involved by saying nothing, we say something. Our government is a government of the people, by the people, for the people. This means that a believer should be involved in running for office, voting, and monitoring those in office to ensure they perform their duties. The welfare of society often falls in the hands of the Christian community. For those who believe we should remain passive and silent, I challenge you to read the writings of the Old Testament prophets. They lamented, shed tears, and pleaded with the people and the leaders to turn from their sins and turn back to God they spoke the truth in love. We should do the same. If a person has only 12 hours to spare in Amsterdam, one can still find themselves enjoying it fully. The city is pretty small if compared to other European capitals, but it has many attractive places all around. Many of its main attractions are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These places are easily accessible from the Centraal station. Here is a list of things to do in half a day that will make the stay more wonderful. Take a canal cruise Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdams UNESCO protected canal belt is amongst the best places to have a good view of Amsterdam. During the night when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights, it makes the whole area seem magical. There are a variety of canal cruises to choose from- sightseeing tours to incredible candlelit night cruises with food and wine. Also Read | Things to do in Lakshadweep for a memorable trip with friends or family Visit the Anne Frank House The place reflects the cruelties against the Jewish people during World War II at the Prinsengracht house. The diarist Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years after the persecution in Germany. The house is now a museum filled with a deeper learning experience, especially the back of the house preserves the idea of what life was for Anne Frank and the families she was hiding with. Also Read | Things to do in Melbourne within 12 hours in order to explore the best place Come face to face with originals of Van Gogh Trips to Amsterdam are not complete without visiting the Dutch impressionist Vincent Van Gogh. The modern building on Museumplein is now home to more than thousands of the artists paintings, drawings and letters. It offers visitors the chance to not only to see the works but also to understand his development and learn more about the artists. Also Read | Things to do in Mumbai for enjoying a thrilling weekend getaway Also Read | Things to do near Changi Airport when on a long transit layover in Singapore Two lucky Australians could be flown to a major European capital city and paid to party all night. Swedish beverage company 'Gnista Spirits' is seeking two enthusiastic party animals to road-test their new drink range. But there's a catch- the winners will have to do the whole thing sober. STOCK: The role of 'Professional Party Animal ' is up for grabs in Stockholm, Sweden Gnista wants to fly two people to the Swedish capital where they'll hook them up with lavish accommodation, a fancy meal and free drinks all night. They'll also feed them with a full fry-up breakfast before sending the winners home with a complimentary bottle of Gnista. The job listing reads like a standard advertisement, with a position description, qualifications, primary responsibilities, essential duties and required education level. PICTURED: Swedish beverage company 'Gnista Spirits' is seeking two enthusiastic party animals to road-test their new drink range But beyond the headings it's far from standard- as the only real responsibility is to 'party like theres no tomorrow.' The company says its product development department is looking to find out if people who drink the non-alcohol beverage fall prey to the same pitfalls as those who drink. STOCK: Two lucky Australians could be flown to a major European capital city and paid to party all night 'The Gnista product development department needs first-hand intelligence on how Gnista consumption affects the desire to dance until dawn, inspire you to let loose (using your tie as a headband?) and if it gives you that pizza-craving netflix bingeing (placebo) hangover,' the ad reads. 'People who prefer to snuggle up with a good book shouldnt bother: This position is for you who more or less live for the weekends.' The shift lasts between 7pm and 3am, and it pays 5 000 SEK, or $760 AUD. The best part is no resume or cover letter are required- all you have to do is fill out one easy form before February 29, 2020. The 7-year-old girl who died after being swept into the ocean near Cannon Beach over the weekend was a student at Northeast Portlands Vestal Elementary School. Portland Public Schools spokeswoman Karen Werstein told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the districts crisis recovery team is on campus to provide students with emotional support, as are officials with the Portland office of the Trauma Intervention Program for students, staff and families mourning the death of Lola Stiles. Those teams are providing additional support for Vestals school counselor. Theyre there all day and theyre there for students, teachers and families, she said. Jeremy Stiles, 47, was swept out into the ocean along with his two children, Lola and 4-year-old William, Saturday. A Manzanita police officer recovered Jeremy and Lola Stiles, the latter of whom was pronounced dead at Providence Seaside Hospital. William remains missing. Vestal Principal Sabrina Flemoe, in a note to parents, said school staff were devastated to hear about the Stiles family, and we will be here to support each other. There are truly no words for such a tragedy, we love the Stiles family so much and keep them all in our hearts, Flemoe wrote. Oregon State Police said Jeremy Stiles was holding both children when the three were struck by a wave at about 1 p.m. near Cape Falcon between Cannon Beach and Manzanita. A member of the family said the three were walking on an off-beach trail when they were caught by a sneaker wave. The police officer arrived to find Stiles struggling and his daughter farther out in the surf. Coast Guard rescuers searched for the boy for nearly five hours Saturday afternoon, calling off their efforts after dark. U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier said Sunday the search for William Stiles has been suspended indefinitely. The family has set up a GoFundMe to cover expenses related to the tragedy. Australia must aim for zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible otherwise bushfire conditions will deteriorate significantly, economist Ross Garnaut says. Professor Garnaut undertook a review for the then-Labor government in 2008, which concluded climate change would make bushfires worse in Australia by 2020. 'Things will keep getting more challenging, hotter conditions will be worse for bushfires,' he told ABC radio on Monday. Professor Garnaut undertook a review for the then-Labor government in 2008, which concluded climate change would make bushfires worse in Australia by 2020 'That will continue to be the case until the world has zero net emissions. It's in Australia's national interest that we're part of the global effort to get to zero net emissions as soon as possible.' Australia has pledged to cut emissions by 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under pressure for his handling of the bushfire crisis as well as his government's attitude towards the link between climate change and carbon emissions. Mr Morrison says he accepts climate change is driving longer, hotter and drier summer seasons and the government's emissions targets need to 'evolve'. But he says this won't include introducing a carbon tax or shutting down industries. Prof Garnaut says the government could ensure the coal and natural gas industries buy carbon credits to offset their future emissions, which continue to grow. A kangaroo escapes as the fire front approaches a propert in Colo Heights in New South Wales 'It's really important that Australia be part of the international community that's seeking more ambitious outcomes, rather than a drag on the global effort,' he said. 'We've been a drag in recent years.' But Prof Garnaut, an economic adviser to late prime minister Bob Hawke, concedes a higher target is unlikely until Australians next head to the polls. 'Prime Minister Howard went to the 1996 election saying there would never ever be a GST, and he won the 1998 election promising a GST,' he said. 'Let's hope we see much stronger commitments after this electoral term.' Natural Disaster Minister David Littleproud has continued to stand by the government's plan to use carryover credits towards achieving the Paris target. Australia is the only country which plans to use the accounting technique. The information was revealed by Assoc. Prof., Dr. Tran Thanh Duong - Director of the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, as quoted from the Peoples Army Newspaper. For many years, during the implementation of the national malaria prevention programme, Vietnam has gradually deployed appropriate strategies to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. As a result, from over 1 million cases of malaria, with 4,646 deaths from malaria in 1991, the figures were significantly cut down to just 5,930 infected cases without a single fatality in 2019. Many provinces and cities have no longer witnessed the outbreak of malaria at all. In 2019, Vietnam recognised malaria elimination in 25 provinces and cities, including 16 northern provinces, one central locale and eight southern provinces, namely Son La, Yen Bai, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, An Giang, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Can Tho and Hau Giang. Assoc. Prof., Dr. Duong said that the success was due to the attention and investment from the Party and State, as well as the participation of the governments and the community at all levels, combined with the devotion and efforts from medical staff under the meaningful support from international organisations. Along with that, Vietnam has applied scientific advancements in malaria detection, diagnosis and treatment, as well as implementing active preventive measures, such as using artemisinin and its derivatives to treat plasmodium falciparum malaria in the 1990s, applying indoor residual spraying (IRS) and using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) as of recently. To realise the goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, Dr. Duong emphasised that the local health and preventive medicine agencies need to strengthen timely surveillance, detection, diagnosis and treatment for malaria patients, while promoting communication to raise awareness regarding measures to prevent and combat malaria, especially for those who often work and sleep in forests. He also affirmed the need to organise investigations in infected cases strictly in line with the set regulations, as well as zoning area with malaria parasites to thoroughly treat the source of the disease and supplying sufficient quantities of malaria medicines to the concerned health facilities. La Barra, with its white-washed homes draped in bougainvilleas, is the next resort as I continue eastward. Thirty years ago, this coastline had little more than a few humble fishing villages. Now, thanks to new bridges that leapfrog its myriad lagoons, development has crept ever farther from Montevideo with investors (mostly from Argentina and Brazil) capitalizing on Uruguays perennial stability in a rocky region. Nowhere is this development more apparent than Jose Ignacio, where beachfront properties sell in the millions of dollars. Queen Elizabeth has given her blessing to her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghans wish for a more independent future after an urgent meeting on Monday to resolve the rift in the British royal family. Harry and his American actress wife Meghan triggered the crisis by announcing last week that they wished to step back from royal duties and spend more time in North America. After a meeting at the queen's rural Sandringham estate in eastern England also attended by Harry's father and heir to the throne, Prince Charles, and his elder brother, Prince William, the ... [January 13, 2020] CropX Acquires CropMetrics to Expand U.S. Market Presence LINCOLN, Nebraska, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CropX, a leading global soil sensing and agricultural analytics company, today announced the acquisition of Nebraska-based CropMetrics, a prominent provider of cloud-based, precision-irrigation tools. Current CropMetrics and CropX partners and customers will now have access to an unmatched combination of in-soil data, advanced farm management analytics and decision-support tools. "We intend to lead the market for on-farm irrigation and nutrient management tools in the years ahead and the acquisition of CropMetrics completes a critical step towards that goal. By strengthening our partner network, growing our U.S. sales footprint and expanding our product offering, the acquisition will help us continue to provide affordable, scalable solutions for farmers dealing with mounting profitability challenges, resource limitations and sustainability demands," said CropX CEO Tomer Tzach. "The digital ag arena is on the verge of a shakeout, and we plan to maintain and grow our leadership position by providing best-in-class real-time, in-soil insights that will set the new performance standard for irrigation and nutrient management." CropMetrics adds more than 500,000 acres under management and over 10 years of in-depth U.S. farm data to the CropX farm management platform. With a vast distribution network, best-practice service model, user-friendly decision support platform and a patented Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) platform for pivot systems, ropMetrics has earned a reputation for providing exceptional quality, service and irrigation results. "Adding CropMetrics's solutions, extensive dealer network and experienced support team furthers CropX's mission to become the global leader for in-soil IoT solutions for today's producers," said John Vikupitz, president, CropX. "Combining the power of CropX and CropMetrics will help us deliver the most advanced in-soil data analytics, decision-support tools and data-driven irrigation prescriptions to growers worldwide." A proven internet of things (IoT) pioneer in the grower community, CropX provides highly accurate, proprietary soil sensing technology and an award-winning, feature-rich, decision-support platform built by in-house agronomic, data science and software teams. By analyzing soil data and integrating it with crop models, satellite imagery and weather forecasts, the CropX farm management platform helps farmers around the globe cut crop-input costs and increase profitability by driving water, fertilizer, energy and labor savings. "Since its founding, CropMetrics has become a trusted irrigation advisor for farmers looking to use soil health and moisture data to deliver higher yields and boost profits by improving water, nutrient and energy efficiency. Farmers and our network of CropMetrics partners will benefit from the addition of CropX's real-time, in-soil analytics and IoT solutions," said CropMetrics CEO Lee Addams. "We are looking forward to working with the CropX executive team to evolve the platform with the addition of our solutions so more farmers can realize the massive, untapped profitability lever in managing water." Effective immediately, the CropMetrics team will join CropX, adding valuable on-farm agronomy and irrigation management expertise. About CropX CropX gives farmers an unmatched connection to their soil, offering proprietary soil sensor technology and cloud-based Ag analytics that integrate with irrigation systems. The affordable, easy-to-install CropX system helps farmers increase crop yield and quality and reduce water, fertilization and energy costs. Founded in 2015, CropX is backed by world-leading strategic partners and investors, such as Finistere Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, OurCrowd, Greensoil Investment, Germin8 Ventures, Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited, Bosch, Armada Investment, Tal Capital and others. Learn more at www.cropx.com. Contact: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cropx-acquires-cropmetrics-to-expand-us-market-presence-300985649.html SOURCE CropX [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] An expert group meeting to review the Economic Commission for Africas (ECA) flagship Economic Report on Africa (ERA2020) has been scheduled for 16 - 17 January 2020 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The report is titled, Innovation for Private Sector Development in Africa. It looks at current knowledge on innovations in finance, including financial technologies (fintech) and how such innovations can make a clear breakthrough in financing business sector development in Africa. The Economic Report on Africa is ECAs main flagship publication. Each edition appraises recent economic and social developments in Africa and delves into a key policy issue facing the continent. The 2020 report builds on previous editions of ERA and various analytical work undertaken by ECA, as well as research by other research institutions, on financing Africas development. It provides evidence-based reference material for policymakers, business sector decision-makers and other stakeholders on harnessing private sector finance for Africas sustainable development. Another important consideration in the report is on how African countries can adopt industrial policy and investment policy to support digital development. The overall aim of the report is to articulate how innovative sources of finance can be utilized to finance Africas business sector development, taking into account both potential innovations in the financial services sector and innovations in businesses (such as start-ups, micro-enterprises, large corporates, and private-public enterprises). These are integral components of achieving sustainable economic development. ERA2020 is an interdivisional collaborative work led by ECAs Private Sector Development and Finance Division (PSDFD) and the Macroeconomic and Governance Division (MGD), with appropriate contributions from all substantive divisions. The report is scheduled for launch during ECAs Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in March 2020. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops called Governor Greg Abbotts Friday decision to veto the resettlement of refugees in Texas simply misguided. As Catholics, an essential aspect of our faith is to welcome the stranger and care for the alien. We use this occasion to commit ourselves even more ardently to work with all people of good will, including our federal, state and local governments, to help refugees integrate and become productive members of our communities, a statement from the bishops read. Texas became the first state to reject refugees after President Trump signed an executive order giving local governments the power to bar refugee resettlement. Since 2010, Texas has resettled more refugees than any other state. In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Abbott, who is Catholic, explained the decision as one motivated by struggles to handle the crisis at the southern border. Texas has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system, Abbotts letter reads. At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants and the homeless indeed, all Texans. Ashley Feasley, director of policy for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Migration and Refugee Services office, told Crux that the decision would mostly result in refugees not being able to reunite with family in Texas. Along with the official statement, individual bishops also voiced their concerns with Abbotts decision. Bishop of Fort Worth Michael Olson said in a statement that not only were refugees vetted and approved by Trumps stringent system, but also that many of these are Christians fleeing religious persecution. Bishop Edward Burns of Dallas wrote that he hoped Abbott would join the 41 other U.S. governors, including 18 Republican governors, who have provided written consent to continue refugee resettlement in their states. Story continues Both Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio and Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas wrote on Twitter that they were opposed to Abbotts decision. People are suffering, hoping the US is a safe place to live, to breathe. Gov. Abbot has expressed that Texas will not welcome refugees. US has approved their coming. Where are they going to land? We oppose Abbot position. Lets have hope. Were ready to help those in need. Pray! Archbishop Gustavo (@ABishopGustavo) January 11, 2020 The Governors decision not to allow the Federal refugee resettlement program to operate in Texas affects refugees vetted by the current administration. They flee violence & persecution, and seek a chance to live, work & contribute in peace. The Governor should reconsider. Amigo de Frodo (@bpdflores) January 11, 2020 More from National Review A Dartmouth economist has pegged what he claims is the most miserable age: 47.2 years old. A new study by David Blanchflower, collecting data about well-being and age from 132 countries, suggests that for people in developed nations, the happiness curve reaches its perigee at precisely 47.2 years. Those are the doldrums of middle age. For someone like me who feels plenty of middle-aged misery but is not yet 47.2, this statistic is daunting! Im not gonna see an upswing for another 2.14 years? I decided to talk to some actual 47.2-year-olds to find out what it is about 47.2-hood thats so miserable, and how I can escape their horrible fate. Advertisement First of all, for the record, some 47.2-year-olds are perfectly happy, thank you. Darcy, 47.15, is worried about the state of the world, but her own life in New York City is fantastic. Im enjoying the fruits of my labor (both personally and professionally). Geoff, a 47.28-year-old from Edmonton, says, Im loving 47.2, so many great things happening! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I heard from plenty of 47.2-year-olds as to why that specific age might be so tough. For many women, 47.2 puts you right in the middle of peri-menopause, which was cited as a cause of migraines, sleep deprivation, an other misery-inducing symptoms. The number of funerals of people important to me has been kind of disturbing over the last decade, notes Doug, 47.24, from Louisville, KY. Elizabeth, 47.25, from Washington, DC, speculates that most people have close friends a couple of years older, and so now at 47 were seeing them all starting to turn 50, and so that milestone suddenly seems imminent. And what about kids? The average age when Americans have their first children is 26.3, which means at 47.2 those kids are just about to turn 21. Maybe its extra depressing that your kid is about to be able to drink without you. Advertisement Advertisement Geoff, a 47.28-year-old from Edmonton, says, "Im loving 47.2, so many great things happening!" And of course theres the simple fact that at 47.2, your body is becoming more and more decrepit, and death is on its way. One has passed the tipping point beyond which one is unlikely to live longer than one has already lived, says Tom, 47.19, from London. Suddenly the ticking of the clock grows that much louder. Also, hemorrhoids. Advertisement Im heartened, though, that hardly anyone I spoke to at the dread age of 47.2 thought they are actually peak miserable. Darcy (47.15) and Tom (47.19) both identified their 20s as way more miserable. Tina from Cleveland may be 47.10 years old, but she was way more miserable back when she was 46, before she switched jobs. Advertisement The figure of 47.2 is of course simply a quirk of statistical analysis, but several people I spoke to cited that precise age as a kind of turning point in their lives. Chicagoan Scott, 48.4, tells me he started therapy at 47.2, nearly to the day. And Jenna, who lives in Boston and just turned 47.5, recalls that way back at 47.2 she had a come-to-Jesus moment. It was like a light switch, she says. I made some decisions to take a different approach and am slowly getting there. On the other hand, for some, 47.2 flew by without them ever noticing how unhappy they truly were. Denver resident Holly is now 49.41, but she went back through her social media to see how she was feeling the day she turned 47.2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Chipotle Mexican Grill, I was so excited to try your genuine queso. Im sorry to tell you that it is not edible. Even with added tomatoes. #bummer #howdoyouruincheese Pretty miserable! The good news for all of us is how much Blanchflowers research suggests things improve after 47.2. Really ready for that happiness curve to start working its magic in the other direction, says Jill, a 47.46-year-old from Cincinnati. Maybe as you approach 50, acceptance begins to set in. Thats what Im hoping for. We get used to things, and learn to appreciate what weve got. Or we go full grumpy and stop answering surveys. Representative image People of different faiths came together on January 12, to participate in a 'sarva dharma sambhava' ceremony at New Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, where anti-citizenship law protesters have been demonstrating for nearly a month now. Congress leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor also joined the protest as thousands of people descended at the site in solidarity with those opposing the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and a proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC). "Heartwarming to meet and address the courageous women of Shaheen Bagh whose resistance is now legendary. 'Aap is sheher ki shaan hain, Bharat desh ki jaan hain' I told them in my address (sic)," Tharoor later tweeted. Also read: Shashi Tharoor visits Jamia, JNU, Shaheen Bagh; says CAA against Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of unity The interfaith ceremony, where there was a traditional Hindu-style 'hawan' and chants of Sikh 'kirtan', saw participants also reading out the Preamble of the Constitution and taking oath to preserve its "socialist, secular" values. "Scriptures from the Geeta, the Bible, the Quran were read and Gurbani held. Then the Preamble of the Constitution was also read out by people from varying faiths who are supporting this movement," Syed Taseer Ahmed, one of the initial organisers of the protest, said. Being a Sunday and the weather being relatively warmer, more people could join the protest, he added. The crowd swelled from hundreds in the morning to thousands by evening. The concept of sarv dharm sambhav (equal respect for all religions or peaceful co-existence of all religions) was popularised by Mahatma Gandhi during India's freedom struggle against the British rule, to promote interfaith harmony. Hundreds of protesters, including women and children, stayed put at Shaheen Bagh on January 12, as their movement for withdrawal of CAA and NRC was set to complete a month on January 13. Zainul Abidin (44) of Ghaffar Manzil had started a hunger strike on December 16 to press the demand for repealing the CAA, and after a fortnight was joined by Mehrunissa (40) of Sarita Vihar. Three elderly women, now popular as the 'Dabang Dadis' of Shaheen Bagh, have also been a constant sight at the centre stage of the protest venue. A replica of the India Gate has been erected near the protest site with names of those who have lost their lives during anti-CAA protests across the country written on it. Over two dozen such names are written on the replica including those from states like Assam, Karnataka, Bihar and most of them from Uttar Pradesh. People have been protesting at Shaheen Bagh and nearby Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi to oppose CAA and NRC. Besides New Delhi, protests have unfolded in several parts of the country over the contentious law since it was passed on December 11 and have led to clashes at several places including Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 20 people have died. According to the amended law, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. The law excludes Muslims. Those opposing the law contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Indian Constitution. They also allege that the CAA along with NRC is intended to target Indias Muslim community. However, the Centre has dismissed these allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone. (With inputs from PTI) Volley of rockets hit Iraqi airbase hosting US forces, wound several local troops: Iraq's military Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 6:51 PM A rocket barrage has hit an Iraqi airbase hosting US forces north of the capital Baghdad, Iraq's military says. In a brief statement released on Sunday evening, the Arab country's military said that eight Katyusha-type rockets landed on al-Balad airbase, some 80 kilometers north of Baghdad, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen. A number of shells landed on the runway of the airbase while another shell hit the gate, said Colonel Mohammed Khalil, a local police officer. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the rocket attack. The airbase is home to most of Iraqi's F-16 fighter jets, which it had purchased from the US to upgrade its air defense capabilities. Al-Balad is also home to a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors. According to what an unnamed military sources told AFP, a majority of American forces had been evacuated from the airbase after tensions escalated between the US and Iran over the past two weeks. "About 90 percent of the US advisers, and employees of Sallyport and Lockheed Martin who are specialized in aircraft maintenance, have withdrawn to Taji and Erbil after threats," one of the sources said. "There are no more than 15 US soldiers and a single plane at al-Balad," the source added. Back on January 4, at least two rockets, suspected to be of Katyusha type, also fell in the airbase, which is in the vicinity of the city of Samara in Salahuddin province. The rocket attack on Sunday occurred four days after the Iranian defense units poured more than a dozen ballistic missiles on two military bases housing US troops in Iraq, in retaliation for the US assassination of Iran's top military commander, Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3. The strike also assassinated Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy chief of the Iraqi pro-government Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). Four other Iranians and four more Iraqis in their company were also martyred. In recent months, the military bases in the Arab country that are home to US troops have been subject to volleys of rockets and mortar attacks, which have mostly wounded Iraqi forces, but also killed an American contractor last month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prince William expressed his sadness about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's choice to separate from the royal family. The whole situation has been tough on the Duke of Cambridge, according to an unidentified friend who talked to The Sunday Times about the broken bond of the siblings and Prince William's voiced sorrow about the royal family being no longer a "team." "I've put my arm around my brother all our lives, and I can't do it anymore. We're separate entities. I'm sad about that," the Duke reportedly told his friend. The Duke of Sussex has been open about his mental health struggles recently, especially after their ITV documentary. Moreover, his family became increasingly worried about how his duties were affecting him. While he and his older brother have grown apart, Prince William is still hoping their relationship can be mended. "All we can do, and all I can do is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we're all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team," Prince William added. Borthers in Rift Previously, Prince Harry told Tom Bradby in their ITV documentary that he and his elder brother are clearly on "different paths." Prince William's reported comments on their growing distance reflect those made by his younger brother in the documentary. The comments are a sharp contrast from reports that the other royal family members are furious about the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' decision, which has been dubbed as #Megxit by the U.K. media. The report comes after tensions at the heart of the royal household. It was announced that Queen Elizabeth II has called for a crisis meeting on Monday with Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry at "Sandringham Summit" to fix their differences. The Duchess of Sussex will also attend but via a conference call since she is in Canada, where she traveled on Friday. Monday's meeting will be a chance for them to review the offers drawn up after a string of discussions between palace officials and courtiers of the U.K. and Canadian government about how Meghan and Harry can attain their goal of creating new progressive duties as hybrid royals. It will be the first time the family will meet since Prince Harry and Meghan's blow last week that they would be stepping down as senior royals to become financially independent and manage their time between the U.K. and North America. What's Next After #Megxit? According to a royal source, there is a range of possibilities for the family to review, which take into account the thinking the Sussexes outlined earlier in the week. The insider also added that making changes to the working life and responsibility in the monarchy of the couple need delicate and careful considerations. Royal sources also insisted there is now a "genuine understanding" from all involved that any changes to the Sussexes' roles would "take time to implement." The possible changes include how much official work the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will do in Britain and overseas in behalf of the royal family and the government; their "HRH" titles and how they will be styled; how much money they will receive from the Queen and Prince Charles once their sovereign grant fund is cut, and; what commercial deals are they allowed to strike. Puerto Ricans standing on faith amid fear of deadly aftershocks Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Puerto Ricans have been praying under a massive cloud of uncertainty about the future since suffering yet another 5.9-magnitude tremor after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocked the island last Tuesday, leaving one person dead and significant damage to buildings. A prayer circle in Ponce, Puerto Rico with a rainbow above at a time when earthquakes aftershocks are causing damage & fear - here, there's a refusal to be mentally defeated, and for many people, a faith fueled belief that things will be better, CBS This Morning lead correspondent, David Begnaud shared in a tweet from Puerto Rico Sunday amid reports of thousands sleeping outdoors to escape calamity. A prayer circle in Ponce, Puerto Rico with a rainbow above at a time when earthquakes aftershocks are causing damage & fear - here, there's a refusal to be mentally defeated, and for many people, a faith fueled belief that things will be better pic.twitter.com/fQrCDMuyyM David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 13, 2020 The tremor on Saturday was about 8 miles south of Indios in the Caribbean Sea, the US Geological Survey said, at a depth of 6.2 miles. On Sunday, the USGS also highlighted three likely scenarios that could play out for the earthquake-battered island over the next 30 days, including a 3% chance of an earthquake significantly larger than the M6.4 that occurred on the 7 January. A much less likely scenario than the previous two scenarios is that recent earthquakes could trigger an earthquake significantly larger than the M6.4 that occurred on the 7 January (i.e., M7.0 and above). While this is a very small probability, if such an earthquake were to occur, it would have serious impacts on communities nearby. This size earthquake would also trigger its own aftershock sequence, so the rate of small and moderate earthquakes would increase again, the agency stated. The USGS noted that the most likely scenario they expect to unfold based on the current seismic activity is that aftershocks will continue to decrease in frequency and will be significantly lower in magnitude than the M6.4 that occurred on the 7 January. It was also noted that an earthquake occurring of similar size as the magnitude 6.4 tremor last Tuesday could also occur in an event called a doublet. A doublet emerges when two large earthquakes of similar size occur closely in time and location. If this happens, additional damage as well as increased aftershocks is likely. Only one of these scenarios will occur within the next month. These scenarios will change over time, like our forecast. The earthquakes in these scenarios would occur in the areas where aftershocks are happening now. Earthquakes in this sequence will continue to occur for days, months, or potentially years to come. It is very unlikely the aftershocks will cease completely within the next month, the USGS said. Too much, Israel Velez Irizarry, 49, told The New York Times as he sought shelter in his car outside his aunts house. He, his wife and their three children have already spent several nights outdoors waiting for the tremors to end. Puerto Ricos largest newspaper, El Nuevo Dia, reported 73-year-old Nelson Martinez Guillen as the first casualty of last Tuesdays earthquake. A wall from his home in Ponce collapsed on him as he slept. Many Puerto Ricans are trying to avoid a similar fate by staying outdoors. We havent been able to shower or anything, Velez told The New York Times. It shakes and it shakes and it looks like it wants to keep going. He and his wife, Desiree Rodriguez, 33, along with their children planned to fly on Sunday to Kentucky to stay with his oldest son. More than 50 members of the Church of the Immaculate Conception that was destroyed in Guayanilla during last Tuesdays quake gathered on Sunday under white tents by the side of the church for their first mass since the tremor. We are fine physically, but emotionally, we are not, Luz Torres, 52, told the Times ahead of the Mass. This has changed our lives. Daniel Amici who witnessed the damage caused by the tremors in Puerto Rico first hand said his prayers are with the residents after returning from the island on Saturday. We lose power, we lose it for a maximum of a week. You know, over there, they lost power for months at a time. Its not really done around here so just prayers out to them, Amici of Waterbury, Connecticut, told Fox61. Noonday Association, a diverse network of 125 churches in Greater Atlanta, said three of their churches in Puerto Rico are now being used as shelters by about 1,500 people. PUERTO RICO NEEDS YOUR HELP! 3 of our churches have now become emergency shelters housing about 500 people at each. Our partners are serving 3 meals a day & are helping people/families all across the affected region (Southwest PR). So many families have been displaced. So many are sleeping outdoors because they are understandably fearful of their homes collapsing, the network said in a statement on Instagram. Earthquakes/tremors are happening almost hourly. Even those who are physically okay are emotionally and mentally distraught. The ministry noted that several pastors will be going to Puerto Rico on Thursday to assist with relief work. Last Tuesdays earthquake alone wreaked an estimated $110 million in damage. The islands Gov. Wanda Vazquez asked the federal government on Saturday to approve a major disaster declaration to clear the way for additional federal assistance, including funds for temporary housing, the Times reported. An initial emergency declaration was approved by President Donald Trump last week. A Tory MP has been accused of fuelling racism after appearing to blame crime in his constituency on minority groups. Tom Hunt, the MP for Ipswich, claimed that a disproportionate number of offences in the town were committed by individuals from certain communities. The claim drew fire from a local racial equality group, which accused him of an ill judged piece of dogwhistling. Mr Hunt, who won the Ipswich seat from Labour at the general election, stood by his comments, although it remains unclear which communities he was referring to. The row erupted when the MP used a local newspaper column to raise concerns about theft and antisocial behaviour in Ipswich. Writing in the East Anglian Daily Times, he said: It is impossible to start thinking about remedies to these issues without also being ready to confront the possibility that a disproportionate number of crimes are committed by individuals from certain communities. This is something we should be open and honest about. Brushing it under the carpet will not get us closer to solving the issue. Unfortunately, calling things how they are has not been a quality which we have come to expect from many in positions of responsibility on these matters. People who should know better are too quick to spout to politically correct mantras and too slow to call out problems in certain communities, hindering our ability to get to the bottom of the issue and leaving many residents and victims feeling like they dont have a voice. Continuing to link crime to immigrant communities, he criticised people who say we should be eternally tolerant of bad behaviour, which may be rife in other countries but is not traditionally in ours and said integration must include learning English, respecting women and obeying our laws. Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) condemned the article as entirely evidence-free. They said: The recent article on the topic of crime in the EADT by the newly elected MP for Ipswich is at best disappointing and at worst an ill judged piece of dogwhistling. Tom Hunt refers to certain communities and the need for action ... based on the facts as we see them, in relation to crime in our county town. Yet his article is entirely evidence-free, which raises all sorts of uncomfortable questions about his purpose in writing it. They added: We believe that the people of Ipswich are way better than how Mr Hunt portrays them. He seems to have rather shot from the hip on this issue and misjudged us without making real effort to understand the town and its communities first. The best way to tackle crime is to invest in our communities, courts, the CPS, legal aid, etc, and not pit communities against each other. Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Show all 10 1 /10 Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Dennis Skinner - Labour Labour MP of 49 years Dennis Skinner lost his Bolsover seat to Conservative Mark Fletcher, losing 16% of the vote share PA Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Jo Swinson - Liberal Democrat Leader of the Liberal Democrats lost her Dunbartonshire East seat in a 6.8% swing to the SNP PA Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Anna Soubry - The Independent Group for Change Leader of The Independent Group for Change, formerly Conservative MP, Anna Soubry lost her Broxtowe seat, coming third behind the winning Conservatives and Labour PA Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Dominic Grieve - Independent Prominent Remain-backing MP Grieve lost the contest for Beaconsfield, coming second to the Conservatives, his former party AFP/Getty Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Luciana Berger - Liberal Democrat Luciana Berger lost the contest for Finchley and Golders Green, coming second to Conservative Mike Freer PA Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Laura Pidcock - Labour Prominent Corbyn ally Laura Pidcock lost her Durham North West seat to Conservative Richard Holden PA Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Chukka Umunna - Liberal Democrat Prominent anti-Brexit MP Chukka Umunna lost the contest for the Cities of London & Westminster, coming second to Conservative Nickie Aiken Getty Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Zac Goldsmith - Conservative Former candidate for Mayor of London Zac Goldsmith lost his Richmond Park seat to Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney PA Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Nigel Dodds - DUP Former leader of the DUP Nigel Dodds lost his Belfast North seat to Sinn Fein AFP/Getty Big beasts lose their seats: Prominent MPs gone after election Gareth Snell - Labour Labour MP Gareth Snell lost his Stoke-on-Trent central seat to the Conservatives PA In response to criticism, Mr Hunt said he would be meeting with the ISCRE but doubled down on his comments. He told one Twitter user that the claims in his column align with the views of the vast majority of people I spoke to on the doorsteps during the election campaign and insisted that if there is an issue with one community and there is evidence of it, then it should be looked into. In a statement, the MP said his article was a direct result of the conversations I have had with tens of thousands of Ipswich residents over the past few months. He said: The number one issue raised with me on the doorstep were concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, particularly in the town centre. The vast majority of Ipswich residents I spoke to believe that if it is the case that certain crimes and negative behaviours are disproportionately committed by one community, then this should be looked at and the problem tackled. The problem shouldnt be brushed under the carpet. We should not shy away from tackling crimes and bad behaviour if the people responsible happen to come from a certain community. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Using data analytics, the revenue department has identified 931 cases of suspected GST fraud and has started scanning all their pending refund claims for inverted duty structure. As many as 27,000 taxpayers have filed refund claims of over Rs 28,000 crore on account of inverted duty structure across the country in the current fiscal. "The identified taxpayers who have purchased goods from tax-evading non-filers would face verification and scrutiny as necessary," said a Finance Ministry source. The revenue department has been tough with tax evasion and leakage in its bid to augment GST revenues, which have not grown on expected lines. In various cases, the central GST authorities last month summoned suspected business firms with 12 key documents pertaining to FY18. The GST authorities found 6,641 cases involving 7,164 entities till November last year and booked them for allegedly gaming the system. Sources said the maximum number of such cases for ITC frauds have been booked in Kolkata zone followed by Delhi, Jaipur and Panchkula (Haryana). Official sources said that investigators in Delhi have busted through data analytics a significant fraud case, where fraudsters created a network of over 500 entities comprising fake billers, intermediary dealers, distributors and bogus manufacturers of hawai chappals for availing and encashing fake ITC credits. Another important case was that of IGST fraud from Surat in which preliminary investigations revealed that 19 firms fraudulently claimed ITC to the tune of Rs 55 crore against fake invoices received by these firms valued at Rs 679 crore. "During the search at the premises of two kingpin firms, it was revealed that 17 other firms were registered with GST by misusing the identity/documents of daily wagers, casual workers etc.," the official quoted above said. The data analytics wing of GST authority has been able to identify dozens of cases involving fake invoicing and fraudulent tax credits which have been encashed through the facility of IGST refunds. Trump won because he was willing to say loudly what his supporters believed deeply; because, in his disdain for what politicians are supposed to be and do, he exuded authenticity; because he was hated by the people his supporters found hateful; because he had an opponent who, in the minds of his supporters, epitomized corruption and self-dealing; and because he offered radical cures for a country he diagnosed as desperately ill. Despite being the oldest man ever elected president, he seemed (to his voters) fresh, true, bold, and sorely needed. DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend of two years and I recently moved in together. When we first met, he let me know he had lost his father to cancer a few years prior. While I know a little about his father, it is mostly superficial. As our relationship has progressed -- moving in, talking about our future -- I long to know more about his dad. What kind of a father and husband was he? What special memories does my boyfriend have of spending time with him? However, when I ask questions, I get succinct answers with no elaboration. If I ask more than one question at a time, I feel like I'm pulling teeth, so I just drop it. When I asked if he's uncomfortable talking about it, he says it's fine, but I still know next to nothing. The only time he brings up his dad is around the time of his dad's birthday, the anniversary of his death or the time when they found out about his prognosis. At those times he is clearly grieving. I don't want to cause my boyfriend more pain, and I worry that I'm being insensitive by asking him to talk about it. Yet, if we are going to start a life together and be a family one day, I want to know about his father. -- CURIOUS IN NEW YORK DEAR CURIOUS: Your boyfriend may not want to discuss his relationship with his father because the subject is painful, either because of his death or because they were not close. If you want more details, you might have better luck asking your boyfriend's mother or his siblings, if he has any. Because the subject clearly makes him uncomfortable, back off. DEAR ABBY: I don't smoke, but my mother and fiancee are chain smokers. This is particularly annoying when the three of us eat together because they always light up during the meal. For example, they'll almost always have a cigarette after the salad, another before the dessert and then two or three cigarettes afterward. It ruins the meal for me. I'm really disappointed in my fiancee, who seems to have forgotten her promise to quit smoking before our wedding day. Is there anything I can do about their smoking at the dinner table? And should I remind my fiancee about her promise to give up cigarettes and be a smoke-free bride? -- ANNOYED IN ALABAMA DEAR ANNOYED: Your mother and your fiancee are nicotine addicts. That they cannot get through a meal without lighting at least three cigarettes is alarming. No rule of etiquette dictates that you must tolerate secondhand smoke while you are trying to enjoy your dinner. If they need a fix, they should be considerate enough to excuse themselves from the table to indulge. On a slightly different, but equally important, subject, your fiancee has not "forgotten" her promise to give up cigarettes before your wedding. She's ignoring it, and you haven't called her on it. Please do. If you marry her, you will be living in a tobacco haze for the rest of her life, which could have a negative effect on your -- and your children's -- health in the future. Don't say you weren't warned. DEAR ABBY: My 30-plus-year-old brother struggles with substance abuse. It has been going on for years. After countless trips to rehab, inpatient, outpatient and all the step programs, he still uses. Periodically he'll be sober for a short time, but it never lasts. For a long time, I have been torn between total disassociation or the sporadic run-in at family events. Seven months ago, his baby boy was born with narcotics in his system. Birds of a feather flock together, I guess. Since then he hasn't been invited to my home or any event I have hosted. My mother and the rest of my siblings still invite him into their homes and act as if his lifestyle choices are OK. Am I supposed to boycott family functions (holiday gatherings, summer BBQs, birthday parties for my kids, nieces and nephews) because they all continue allowing him to attend? I honestly don't know what is right here. Please help. -- HAD ENOUGH IN NEW YORK DEAR HAD ENOUGH: Your brother has an addiction he cannot seem to shake. It is a disease that, in spite of treatment, persists. If you prefer not to include him at events you host or invite him into your home, that is your right. But for you to forgo family events in an attempt to punish him is isolating only yourself, and I see nothing positive to be gained by it. Because your feelings about this situation are so strong, the ultimate decision is yours. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have had the same roommate, "Milo," for four years. Two years ago, he started dating my husband's ex-girlfriend. It was no big deal, my husband was fine with it, and Milo never brings her over. In the time they've been seeing each other Milo has refused to fully commit to her. He doesn't see other people, but he doesn't call her his girlfriend. Today my husband told me Milo won't commit to her because he thinks it would bother me if she were around our house all the time. He's right. It would. I'm not in love with the idea of my husband's drop-dead gorgeous ex hanging out at our house. Abby, I see in her everything I'm not. Am I being selfish? I want our roommate to be happy, and I'm not sure how to proceed. Must I just suck it up? I mean, I'm married for heaven's sake. -- SELFISH ROOMMATE DEAR ROOMMATE: I don't think you should acquiesce to anything that makes you uncomfortable. You're making a mistake by assuming responsibility for the fact that Milo won't commit. He's a grown man and responsible for his own choices. The current arrangement is working for all of you, and you should stay out of it. DEAR ABBY: What do you think of barbers or beauticians who take phone calls and continue to talk to the callers while doing a client's hair? I haven't said anything because I don't want an angry person cutting my hair. It's almost like having a doctor talk on the phone while doing surgery. What do you think? -- HAIR-RAISING IN ILLINOIS DEAR HAIR-RAISING: A short conversation to book an appointment is one thing, but what you have described is just plain rude. The first time the beautician did it you should have spoken up. Because you didn't, she/he thinks you don't mind. Hairdressing is a service business, and the client in the chair should take priority. If you are really afraid your stylist would butcher your haircut in retaliation if you complain (talk about passive aggressive!), find someone else to provide this service. DEAR ABBY: I have been a widow for three years. Sixteen years ago, my husband and I built a modest -- but nice -- home and worked very hard to pay off the mortgage early. I am constantly asked if I am going to stay in my home or if I plan to sell it. I have no intention of moving at this time or in the near future, if at all. Is there a good answer to give people when they keep asking this question? Do they think I am not capable of living in a house by myself? Any suggestions will be appreciated. -- HAPPY AT HOME DEAR HAPPY: When someone asks that question, rather than become defensive, say, "Why do you ask?" Then let the person explain the reason behind it. Instead of implying that you are no longer capable of living alone, the questioner may be considering making an offer to buy it from you. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 35 years. For the last seven years, we have been separated. He treated me badly, and finally, I refused to take it, so I left him. I moved out, bought a car and bought a home, all on my own. I'm proud of myself. We have tried marriage counseling, but I felt like we were just going through the motions. He has pressured me in the past about getting back together, but I know he will go right back to his old behavior. My question is, when is it time to get a divorce? I'm confused about just being separated because it makes me feel I'm in limbo. -- IN-BETWEEN IN COLORADO DEAR IN-BETWEEN: You ARE in limbo. You tried marriage counseling; it didn't help you trust that your husband wouldn't continue to abuse you. Call a lawyer. After seven years (!) of separation, the time to formally untie the knot is now. DEAR ABBY: I have been trying to deal with this on my own for a long time. I have been "crushing" on a man of my faith for a couple of years, and it never seems to subside. We are both married to others, seemingly happily. I like his wife very much, and I would never want to hurt her. I think he is a wonderful human being, and he has said as much to me. We would never entertain the idea of an affair. From my standpoint, I don't know what to do. Do you have any suggestions? I try to give my own husband lots of love. -- TORN BETWEEN TWO IN MONTANA DEAR TORN: Do nothing about this crush. Continue giving your husband lots of love, attention and appreciation. Crushes are normal. Sometimes they serve as reminders that we are still alive. As long as they remain "unfertilized romances," they harm no one. You have a mutual admiration society because you both deserve it and have nothing to feel guilty about. DEAR ABBY: Is there any way to stop charities from sending all of this "free stuff"? When I donate to charity, I intend for my contribution to be used to help someone in need. Instead, I am subjected to all kinds of things in my mailbox. I have received money, postage stamps, greeting cards, notepads and enough mailing labels to far outlast me! I have now decided that any charity that sends me merchandise or any other "freebie" will be taken off my donation list. I hate to write bona fide charities off my list, but it has become ridiculous. -- WASTEFUL IN WASHINGTON DEAR WASTEFUL: You are not the only person to complain about this. I receive many letters from equally frustrated readers about it. Before donating to any charity, go online and check out charitynavigator.org. If you do, it will give you insight into where your money goes -- including how much of their revenue is spent on salaries and "overhead." Just because you receive notepads, mailing labels and calendars does NOT mean you are obligated to send money. Please remember that. DEAR ABBY: At 18, I married my high school sweetheart. After 20 years of marriage and four wonderful children, my husband decided the grass was greener elsewhere, and we divorced. He paid no attention to my children or my grandchildren when they were young. He has since remarried, has a child with his current wife and acts like he's Father of the Year. Last weekend one of my grandchildren got married. My blowhard of an ex brought a picture of himself, my son, my grandson and my great-granddaughter saying he'd had this picture taken of four generations of the family. He never mentioned that if it hadn't been for ME giving birth to our children, none of them would have even been there. Am I overly sensitive to feel like a second-class citizen when we attend a family function? Must I continue to say nothing, or speak up? How do others handle this situation? -- CLUELESS IN THE EAST DEAR CLUELESS: They handle it by choosing their battles carefully. I think it's important that you ask yourself why anything your ex says would make you feel like a second-class citizen. He appears to have moved on with his life more quickly than you have moved on with yours. Concentrate your efforts on expanding your horizons -- your interests and friendships -- and you will find anything he might say will be far less important to you. Trust me on that. DEAR ABBY: I'm a public school teacher with a word of advice to parents who wonder why their children misbehave, argue with them and act out with attention-getting behaviors: PUT DOWN YOUR CELLPHONES AND PAY ATTENTION TO THEM! I just finished a parent-teacher conference with a mother whose children argue, pout and scream when she tells them to do something at home. Her children are not disabled, nor do they demonstrate these behaviors in my classroom. Abby, during the entire meeting, that woman texted on her phone. How rude! The next time I meet with someone who pulls that, I'll ask if she (or he) would like to suspend the meeting until their pressing business (pun intended) is finished. Maybe the parent needs to be embarrassed in order to realize how inappropriate texting or talking on the phone is when she (or he) is face-to-face with another person unless the other person says it's OK. -- HAS TO VENT DEAR VENT: Vent away. I agree that what the mother did was disrespectful. It prevented you from effectively giving her information about her child that she needed to know. As great a benefit as technology has been to society, it appears to also be a double-edged sword. By that I mean, while it fosters communication, it has kept parents from bonding with their toddlers and young people from learning to effectively communicate with each other face-to-face. The ultimate result of this is yet to be determined, but I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of people finding a balance so they can form healthy relationships. I hope your letter will serve as a wake-up call to someone who needs a reminder. DEAR ABBY: My 40-year-old son has been in a volatile on-again, off-again relationship with a woman who has physically and emotionally abused him repeatedly. He's an Iraq War veteran with issues of his own, including a previous marriage and messy divorce from a narcissistic woman. They share custody of two grade school-age children. The current woman has grown children, plus a pre-teen boy (with issues also). The last time they split up, my husband made it clear that she would never be welcome in our home again because of her violent temper. We don't condone that behavior. Our son has now decided he thinks he "loves her." He wants us to give our blessing, including having her in our home and being one big happy family. We are sure this "reunion" will come with her assurances that she has changed, and it will never happen again. Abby, we want our son to be happy, but we recognize that a leopard doesn't change her spots. We also don't want our young grandchildren in a toxic environment again. What should we do? Please don't tell me he needs to go to counseling because he says he is. Help! -- SEEING CLEARLY IN NEW YORK DEAR SEEING: When you stated that your son is asking you for your blessing, including having this woman in your home and being one big happy family, did he mean LIVING there with you? If that's not the case, you can bless it, but your answer should be no if it means they will live under your roof. It would be healthier for all of you if they have living arrangements of their own. That way, you can see her only when she is on her good behavior, and if she backslides, the drama won't be in your home. The added bonus is that your son will have a refuge if he needs it. (I'd give anything to know how his therapist views this.) DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been together for 30 years, married for 20. We have two sons living at home, a 20-year-old who works full-time and a 17-year-old who is graduating from high school in the spring. I have been offered a transfer to Australia by my employer -- a transfer I had asked for. When we discussed it in the past, everyone was all for it. My oldest can likely stay with the multinational hotel chain he works for now, and I can get my youngest a decent career in my field of work as there is a tremendous shortage of skilled labor in Australia. Now my wife tells me she can't leave her family, especially her father, who has Parkinson's. I have told her she can expect to return every summer to our condo on the beach and an additional two trips per year. Abby, I thought our vows meant we would be together forever, wherever. My employer will soon begin the process of opening the Australian office, a process I will be part of and likely train the new hire. I am bitter and resentful toward my wife, and it is affecting my attitude toward her. I love her, but I am struggling to get over the fact she is denying me a very lucrative opportunity. Advice? -- LOSING OUT IN CANADA DEAR LOSING OUT: It's time for you and your wife to put your heads together and work out a solution. By that I mean you should accept the lucrative business opportunity you have been offered, AND your wife can take care of her father as long as she needs to. Unless his condition is critical, she can visit you and your sons periodically so it shouldn't put too much strain on your marriage. I hope you will consider it because the kind of resentment you are feeling now can destroy a marriage. DEAR ABBY: I moved in with my boyfriend, "Greg," three years ago into the tiny but very economical house he rents. It's cheaper than all other rentals in our area and allows us to save for a home of our own one day. However, after many months, I have discovered to my dismay that our landlord is the mother of his ex-girlfriend. And the ex is acting manager of the property we live on! This means that, for as long as I've lived here, Greg's ex and her mom have been in frequent contact with him and are an inescapable part of our lives. Greg gets along fine with them and doesn't want to move because of high rents elsewhere, but I'm very uncomfortable with the awkwardness of our living situation. Am I being too sensitive, or should my boyfriend never have lived there in the first place? -- UNCOMFORTABLE IN MICHIGAN DEAR UNCOMFORTABLE: Now, now ... let's keep our eye on the goal line. Your boyfriend's objective (and yours) is to save enough money to eventually own a place of your own. His ex and her mother are a means to an end. It would be a big mistake not to recognize that they could be charging far more for your lodgings. Concentrate on that and stop looking a gift horse in the mouth. DEAR ABBY: I recently hosted a large family for a week in our home. On our last day together, the mother asked if she could run "a quick load" of laundry. I said OK, figuring she might be running low on unmentionables. Abby, she did FIVE large loads of laundry and spent half of our last day together folding everything up and packing their bags for home. I wouldn't deny anyone a quick load, but I think she took advantage of me. I was very disappointed that our last day together was wasted doing laundry. Is this a "thing" now? Your thoughts, please. -- HUNG OUT TO DRY IN ARIZONA DEAR HUNG OUT: You were trying to be helpful, and the woman did take advantage of your generosity by mischaracterizing her intentions. If, however, you had other plans for the last morning of the visit, when you saw her start her second (or third) load, you should have spoken up and drawn the line. DEAR ABBY: I am in a 14-year marriage, but there has always been another woman, "Emily," I have thought about almost daily the whole time. My wife and I have just turned 40. We have no kids, but we have a dog. I always thought I would want kids, and we tried half-heartedly, but there is no real intimacy to this day. I kiss her goodbye in the morning and, for years, that's been it. Emily is all in on a relationship with me still to this day. We had a great relationship with great sex, and I miss all of that. I'm struggling about the right thing to do, partly because I know the pain this will cause. My wife and I still have good times together with friends, but when we're home, it's like we're just best friends with no benefits. One of the last times we had sex, she ended it abruptly. The flame I felt for her is gone. I feel like I should go the other direction because she wants kids and still loves me deeply after all these years. Please advise. -- WRESTLING WITH IT IN WISCONSIN DEAR WRESTLING: Clearly you have never stopped talking to Emily. Quit "wrestling" and talk with your WIFE. She may have ended your last sexual encounter because it was physically painful or because she no longer feels emotionally connected to you. The person who can help you determine what to do next is the woman to whom you are married. Whether this marriage is salvageable is debatable, but this I do know: A healthy marriage takes TWO committed individuals, and in this case, one of them (you) has been missing in action. DEAR ABBY: I am an older woman who finally got fed up with my husband's cellphone addiction. Since he would no longer speak to me but spent all his time scrolling on his device, I went out and bought a realistic-looking baby doll. When he pulled out his cell, I pulled out my doll. I talked to it, fiddled with its buttons and carried it everywhere. He finally yelled at me, "It's not real!" to which I replied, "It's real; it's just not alive. LIKE YOUR CELLPHONE." This final scene was played out in the dining room of our country club, which was filled with members. The phone and "baby" stayed in the car after that. We laugh about it now, and she's resting comfortably in her carrier, just in case she's ever needed again. -- THOUGHT I'D SHARE THIS DEAR THOUGHT: I hesitate to endorse implied threats in marital disagreements, but your solution worked -- brilliantly. So who am I to argue with success? Congratulations! DEAR ABBY: What is your opinion about elderly parents who no longer drive having to pay their children to drive them to appointments, grocery, etc.? Think of all the times parents drove them when they were growing up. -- RETURNING THE FAVOR DEAR RETURNING THE FAVOR: Most adult children with a memory would never dream of asking to be paid for driving their elderly parents. A child who would do this must be desperate for money. In my opinion, because they are paying for it anyway, the parents should make other arrangements for transportation. DEAR ABBY: My husband loaned a "dear friend" some money a year ago. She has yet to pay back a penny. When I ask him about it, he gets mad and tells me it's none of my business. I have hinted to her about some large bills that we have to pay, to no avail. Other than that, my husband and I have a great marriage and love each other very much. I just don't like her taking advantage of his generosity. I know taking care of his friends gives him pleasure, but he has been burned before and I can see it happening again. I find it hard to ignore. What do I do? -- SICK OF IT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEAR SICK OF IT: I wish you had mentioned whether you work and the money your soft-touch hubby gave his friend was partly earned by you. If that's the case, I don't blame you for being upset. While I'm not sure you can prevent your husband from doing this, I do think you are within your rights to insist that before he does it he discuss it with you. If he will do that, perhaps the two of you can find an alternative for the person other than giving out money. DEAR ABBY: My son passed away unexpectedly a little over eight years ago. He was 21. At the time, he had been dating a very nice young lady. We kept in touch for a while after the funeral -- letters and emails mostly, as I had moved out of state -- but things gradually tapered off. I have been able to keep somewhat informed about her life because of the magic of social media and mutual friends she shared with my son who still contact me occasionally. I recently learned she's being married within the next two weeks. I am wondering if it would be wrong or weird of me to send a congratulatory card to the happy couple. I wish only continued happiness for her and her future husband. -- WISHING HAPPINESS DEAR WISHING: I see nothing wrong or weird about sending her a nice card, and when you do, be sure to tell her not only that you wish her a happy future, but also that she will always have a special place in your heart. DEAR ABBY: Would it be appropriate for someone to tell someone else's children to stop doing something dangerous if the parent is not around? I'm talking about kids holding scissors the wrong way or running with them, pushing others, etc. My children are in their teens now and know that such behavior is wrong. If it were the other way around, I would be grateful if someone cared enough to tell my kids that a behavior is wrong and/or dangerous. -- GLAD IN THE MIDWEST DEAR GLAD: How else would the children know if they weren't warned? To speak up would be an act of kindness, particularly if they were doing something that could cause harm to themselves or others. DEAR ABBY: What is the etiquette when eating at a restaurant where a piano player is performing? I don't mean the "bar scene"-type piano player who wants the crowd to sing along, but more of a mid- to upscale type of place. There's a restaurant like this in my town -- the only one with a piano. On one special occasion when we were there, the piano player was playing "Misty" and a woman sitting nearby with her party wanted to make herself heard over him. She began talking very loudly to her group while he was playing the song. I thought it was tacky, and if I had been sitting near her, I would have shushed her up. Isn't it polite to wait until the piano player is finished before talking loudly at your table? Whatever happened to behaving with a little class in restaurants? -- DEANNA IN OKLAHOMA DEAR DEANNA: The musician in that restaurant was there to provide mood music for the diners. If they chose to talk while he was playing, it was their privilege. The woman may have raised her voice because someone in her party had a hearing problem. For you to have taken it upon yourself to "shush her up" would have been rude, and for your sake, I'm glad you refrained from doing it. DEAR ABBY: Am I overreacting to my husband's request that I take down photos of my mom and grandparents when his mom visits? They are displayed in our guest bedroom. I think his request was rude. I wonder if his mother even cares or if he just feels guilty. It's my house, too. -- RELUCTANT IN TEXAS DEAR RELUCTANT: Rather than remove your family photos, why not compromise by adding a couple of pictures of your husband's mother, too? I'm sure she would be pleased to see them. Problem solved. DEAR ABBY: I have a crush on a guy I work with. I'm 19, and he's 26. He has a kid, which actually doesn't bother me. I love kids and have taken care of them most of my life. My problem is he has this ex who wants to get back together with him. They broke up because she was staying out all night and cheating. He used to flirt with me and text me all the time and offer me his hoodie. Now she's sort of back in the picture and he ignores me and doesn't return my texts. But when we see each other he starts flirting again, and we just click. We make sense. I guess my question is, should I tell him how I feel before it's too late or just keep it to myself? Should I risk everything and go for it? -- UNCERTAIN IN NEW YORK DEAR UNCERTAIN: Announce your feelings for the guy if you wish, but do not expect him to drop everything and rush to you. If he were interested in more than a workplace flirtation, he would be paying the same kind of attention to you that he did before. Because he isn't, you need to understand that he and his ex obviously have some unfinished business together, regardless of her history of infidelity. Set your sights on someone else. DEAR ABBY: All my mom does is talk about work. If we are having a conversation, she links every topic to her work and her co-workers. It is alienating my sister and me. When we tell her things about our kids -- her grandkids -- she still relates it to work. Another thing: She's constantly on her tablet for work or on Facebook. I live seven hours away from her. When we make the drive down, I don't want to watch her on her tablet. If we try to confront her on anything, all she does is cry. Mom and I had a good relationship before she took that job. Now she's so negative that it's difficult to want to talk to her. Where do I even start? -- MISSING HER WHILE SHE'S HERE DEAR MISSING: Rather than "confront" your mother, ask her what may have changed in her life since she took that job. Her focus may have shifted because that's the center of her activity. Conversations are two-way, and this may be all she feels she has to contribute on her end. As to her "hiding" behind Facebook rather than carry on a conversation with you, like many people, she may have become addicted to it and unable to tear herself away. However, you will never know unless you ask her calmly. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Dycom Industries, Inc. (NYSE:DY), which is in the construction business, and is based in United States, saw significant share price movement during recent months on the NYSE, rising to highs of US$54.36 and falling to the lows of US$45.13. 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 Dycom Industries's current trading price of US$45.13 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 Dycom Industriess outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. See our latest analysis for Dycom Industries What's the opportunity in Dycom Industries? According to my valuation model, Dycom Industries seems to be fairly priced at around 17% below my intrinsic value, which means if you buy Dycom Industries today, youd be paying a reasonable price for it. And if you believe that the stock is really worth $54.16, then theres not much of an upside to gain from mispricing. Is there another opportunity to buy low in the future? Since Dycom Industriess 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. Can we expect growth from Dycom Industries? NYSE:DY Past and Future Earnings, January 12th 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 more than double over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for Dycom Industries. 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? DYs 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 the stock? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuates below the true value? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on DY, 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 the company, 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 Dycom Industries. You can find everything you need to know about Dycom Industries in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Dycom Industries, 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. MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa - Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign has suddenly gone on the attack as he seeks to secure an opening victory in the early February caucuses, engaging in a rare dispute with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, tussling with former vice president Joe Biden and drawing an insult from President Donald Trump. Although Sanders, I-Vt., mostly had resisted comparing himself with other candidates, over the weekend, his surrogates and aides intensified their attacks on Biden, targeting his past positions on racial issues and his vote to sanction the Iraq War. At the same time, his campaign went after Warren, D-Mass., with whom Sanders has shared a nonaggression pact for much of the primary season. A script first reported by Politico told Sanders' volunteers to tell voters they called on Sanders' behalf who had indicated support for her that Warren's popularity was limited to the rich and educated - effectively denigrating her electability. Both candidates struck back either personally or through their own surrogates on Sunday. Warren told reporters in Iowa that she was "disappointed" with Sanders' campaign script painting her as an elitist. She used the opportunity to warn about "factionalism" that led to Democrats losing the White House in 2016, a reference to the belief by many Democrats that Sanders and his supporters failed to sufficiently support Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump. "I hope Bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction," Warren added. Trump put an exclamation point on the Democratic infighting, calling the senator "Crazy Bernie Sanders" in a tweet and telling his followers to "stay tuned." A Trump campaign aide said to expect the president to mount a full-throttle attack on Sanders in the coming days. Sanders' emergence at the center of the clashes reflected his pivotal position in the race for the Democratic nomination. Little more than three months after suffering a heart attack that some thought would drive him from the race, he has moved to the top of the polls in Iowa, which opens the voting on Feb. 3, and remains in strong position elsewhere, too. His more aggressive moves - and the countering blows by other candidates who previously treated him as an unthreatening holdover - ushered in a final three weeks of campaigning here with myriad possible outcomes. Voters have been averse so far to most candidates who launched broadsides against their rivals, and Sanders as much as any candidate has tried to craft a positive image. His continued prominence also stands to draw fire not only from Trump - who has sought to paint all potential nominees in Sanders' democratic socialist colors - but also from moderate Democrats who fear his nomination would doom the party in November. The weekend outbreak of hostilities reflects changes in strategy by Sanders and his opponents. Sanders' campaign events largely focus on his unstinting liberal proposals and the contrasts he repeatedly draws with Trump. He has long claimed, as he did in a recent town hall, that "you have not heard me disparage any of the candidates, have you? I don't." But in media interviews and other settings, Sanders over time has issued increasingly blistering critiques of Biden, expanding from attacks on his vote for the Iraq War and sweeping trade deals to criticizing Biden's past calls for curbing entitlements. For months, Sanders' rivals declined to attack him, viewing little to be gained from taking on a candidate with a famously loyal following who was struggling in the polls. Even as Sanders was on the rise in December - raising vast sums of cash and climbing in the early states - they mostly focused their attacks on one another. Sanders' top aides have long encouraged him to be more aggressive with Biden, and for much of last year, he did not heed their advice. That posture changed in recent weeks, and dramatically so over the weekend, when Nina Turner, a national co-chair of the Sanders campaign, wrote an op-ed published Sunday in a South Carolina newspaper claiming that Biden "has repeatedly betrayed black voters to side with Republican lawmakers and undermine our progress." "We are going to be talking about the record" when asked about Biden's record on black America, she wrote. Sanders' campaign also ramped up attacks against Biden's foreign policy experience. Jeff Weaver, a top Sanders adviser, on Saturday night issued a statement saying it was "appalling" that Biden, a longtime U.S. senator representing Delaware before assuming the vice presidency, has "refused to admit he was dead wrong on the Iraq War, the worst foreign policy blunder in modern American history." Weaver added: "Unlike 23 of his Senate colleagues who got it right, Biden made explicitly clear that he was voting for war, and even after the war started, he boasted that he didn't regret it." Sanders has long touted his vote against the authorization of the war in Iraq, wielding it against Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primaries. On Sunday, he also took aim at former secretary of state John Kerry, who had defended Biden's 2003 vote, arguing that President George W. Bush did not live up to his word. "I think it's a weak defense," Sanders said. "We knew they were lying. We knew that they were altering intelligence information. You don't have to be a genius to figure that out." Asked whether he felt Biden was misrepresenting his own record on Iraq, Sanders replied: "You can make that decision. All I know is I knew what that vote was about." A Biden spokesman declined to comment on Turner's op-ed and Sanders' comments about Kerry and Biden. The increasingly intense fight between Sanders and Biden reflects their ideological disagreements and a sharp political reality: Sanders' top staffers have argued for months that they compete for many of the same working-class voters and that Biden is the only candidate who performs better than Sanders among minorities. The new dispute with Warren operates on another plane, as the two have been allies on some of the more contested proposals of the campaign, including Medicare-for-all, until she tweaked her proposal after sustained criticism. Recently, Sanders has not shied away from contrasting their positions, portraying his Medicare-for-all proposal as superior to her approach. Warren has largely avoided a full confrontation with Sanders. Her comments Sunday were the sharpest to date about her liberal rival, suggesting the end of a peace pact between them. In her remarks, Warren characterized Sanders as "sending out volunteers to trash me." The Politico report said Sanders' campaign instructed volunteers to say that she was favored by the elite and would not bring new supporters to the party. "Bernie knows me, and he's known me for a long time," Warren said to reporters after a town hall in Marshalltown, Iowa. "He knows who I am, where I come from, what I have worked on and fought for and the coalition and grass-roots movement I'm trying to build." She broadened her critique of Sanders to include his behavior in 2016, which he has always defended. "We all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016, and we can't have a repeat of that," Warren said. Warren's team also unveiled a new contrast between herself and the other top candidates. As he was introducing Warren on Sunday, former housing secretary Julian Castro, a Warren surrogate, said that roughly a quarter of the Democratic Party would be "unhappy" if Sanders is the nominee. Castro also noted that about a quarter of the party would be "unhappy" if Biden is picked. Only Warren, he said, "can bring this party together." Sanders sought Sunday to distance himself from the controversy. "We have hundreds of employees. Elizabeth Warren has hundreds of employees. And people sometimes say things that they shouldn't," Sanders said. Sanders also tried to paper over any dispute between the camps, calling the flap a "media blow up" and focusing on his long relationship with her. "Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine," Sanders said. "No one is going to trash Elizabeth Warren." On Sunday, Sanders took on some other targets, including Jim Messina, an outspoken critic and a former campaign manager for Barack Obama. "Last I heard, he was over in England working for the Conservative Party," Sanders said of Messina. There was one attack that Sanders didn't personally respond to on Sunday: the looming fusillade previewed by Trump. - - - Sullivan reported from Iowa City. The Washington Post's Josh Dawsey contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:14:50|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Arab League (AL) Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas discussed Monday the recent developments in Libya, AL said in a statement. The two officials reviewed the diplomatic efforts exerted for fixing the ongoing cease-fire between the UN-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar and political path for settling the war-torn country, the statement said. Gheit and Maas also touched upon the preparations for Berlin conference to be held later in January for reaching a comprehensive political settlement in Libya. Libya has been engaged in a civil war since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Both the GNA and the LNA accepted the cease-fire called for by the Turkish and Russian presidents on Jan. 8. Hafter and head of the GNA Fayez al-Serraj are scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Monday to sign the cease-fire deal and reach a peaceful settlement. Tullio Guma (R), Italy's former consul general in Toronto, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts with his wife, Dana, at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre, on Jan. 12, 2020. (NTD Television) MISSISSAUGA, CanadaItalys former consul general to Canada, Tullio Guma, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts in Mississauga today. His response to the classical Chinese dance performance was stellar and included insights from his career as an Italian diplomat. First of all, congratulations, he said, as a tip of the hat to New York-based Shen Yun, and keep on going like this, throughout the world. [Shen Yun artists] are the real ambassadors of the huge Chinese culture, and Chinese culture abroad, and in the whole world, so they also should feel this responsibility, which is very important. Guma was consul general of Italy in Toronto from 2012 to 2014. He also served as Italys ambassador to Zambia and Ghana during his 40-year diplomatic career. Now a resident of Canada, he attended Shen Yuns performance at the Living Arts Centre on Jan. 12, 2020. The lightness of the movements, of the dancers, they are really perfect I would say. All the choreography was great. And the music of course. The orchestra is fantastic, Guma said. For the past 13 years, Shen Yun performers have toured the world sharing Chinas authentic artistic traditions, along with its values and virtues. For this, Guma applauded them. When I was ambassador, I tried to promote, I mean, I understand very well what is the meaning of this show. It is very important to transmit to the young generations and also to foreign people the traditional value, the immortal, eternal value that you mentioned, 5,000 years. In 5,000 years from now, some values will still be important, and that is, I think, the goal of [Shen Yuns] initiative, Guma said. I think that there are some universal values that are, no matter if you are in the Eastern world or Western world, they are of some value for the human being. They are, of course, peace, love, determination in trying to achieve something. They get perfection, that I noticed, these dancers achieved. This is also in the human being trying to be as good as possible and try to improve themselves every day, and Im sure that they [Shen Yun dancers] have. They are very young, but they have made a lot of sacrifice to reach this form of art. They are really excellent, Guma said. According to Shen Yuns website, the artists practice a spiritual discipline called Falun Dafa, which consists of five energy-strengthening exercises and three moral principles: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. They say this ancient tradition provides inspiration and bolsters their unparalleled stage presence, which Guma noticed. I think that they should have an inner concentration that brings them very close to God, performing at such a fantastic level, he said. In fact, divinity is one of the central themes in a Shen Yun performance. Traditionally, Chinese people revered heaven and believed in the Creator, both of which appeared on stage before Guma today. I think the theme [of the Creator] is very coherent and its, its very nice to follow. I think this is perfect, he said. This show gave me a sort of serenity and happiness. It fits very well, the dance, the music, everything. I think that the delicateness is the best thing that I noticed. Also, the stories are very, very moving, he added. Shen Yun Performing Arts curtain call at Mississaugas Living Arts Centre, on Jan. 12, 2020. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times) Guma attended the show with his wife, Dana. I hope that we have other opportunities to see this show, he said, suggesting a permanent billing in Shen Yuns home state, New York, where he said hed love to attend when in the area. With reporting by NTD Television 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. Police in California are investigating the suspicious death of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing Saturday. Roman Anthony Lopez was last seen alive at his Placerville home Saturday morning. The following day, police announced he was dead. At this time, were conducting an investigation into his suspicious death, Sgt. John Meuser of the Placerville Police Department said during a press conference Sunday, calling Romans death tragic. Police declined to reveal any additional information during the press conference. Hours after Roman was last seen alive, neighbors were made aware of his disappearance, KCRA 3 and the Mountain Democrat report Last night, right after the sun went down, some of the employees that work with the dad thats involved brought a flyer by, telling us about the missing 11-year-old boy, a neighbor said, according to the paper. That was followed up by a visit from some of the officers with the Placerville Police Department. 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. Roman and his family had moved into the neighborhood a little over a month ago. They have little kids, too, Jordyn Gilmore, who lives next door to Romans family, told KCRA 3. Completely normal. They play out in the front yard. There was nothing weird going on. Police have not said who found Romans body. Authorities also did not discuss how, when and where he died. Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Luke Gadow of Placerville police at 530-642-5210 ext. 116. A meeting between former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray amid speculations over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and MNS coming together has become a talking point over the past few days. Both the leaders denied that such a meeting took place, though there were reports that they met at a common friends house in central Mumbai. However, Fadnavis did not rule out any formal or informal alliance with the MNS, and said the BJP would consider any association with the party only if it mends its ways. MNS chief Raj Thackeray has so far maintained silence on the issue. The MNS says Thackeray will reveal his plan on January 23 at a conclave in Mumbai. The two parties have two options either forge an alliance or work out a tacit understanding. In case of the BJP, forging a formal alliance with the MNS would mean it may have to give up its north Indian votes as MNSs violent agitation against north Indian migrants is still a sticking point for any national party, be it the BJP or Congress. On the other hand, an informal alliance or a tacit understanding takes place during polls. Since there is no major election immediately, the two sides still have time to decide. The BJP would want the MNS to cut into Senas vote share and damage the prospects of the three-party ruling alliance, Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), in the Mumbai metropolitan area as well as other major cities like Pune and Nashik. Since the ruling coalition has planned to contest both the civic body and district council elections together, the BJP would need ways to counter them. Presence of smaller but strong players such as the MNS or Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi could work to the advantage of the party. As far as the MNS is concerned, it has no option but to look for an ally since it is passing through a difficult time and its survival is at stake. The party is in bad shape, with winning only one seat in state Assembly polls. It has miniscule presence in the civic bodies of major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Nashik. A significant number of its party leaders and prominent workers have deserted the party. As such, the party would need a helping hand to stand again. And that hand could be of the BJP, say the partys leaders in private. However, at the same time, Thackerays close aides are wary of working on the script prepared by the BJP. They say the BJP had betrayed them in 2014. The MNS, formed by Thackeray in 2006, had won 13 Assembly seats in 2019 following its anti-north Indian agitation. It was a major political entity when Narendra Modi announced his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and Thackeray was one of the first to support him. With a section of BJP in favour of him, Thackeray was under the impression (or was given an impression) that the BJP would dump the Sena and pick the MNS as ally for 2014 Assembly polls. However, following the huge mandate in Lok Sabha polls, the BJP contested the polls on its own, which came as a shock to the MNS. The next five years saw Raj Thackeray bitterly criticising PM Modi and the BJP. He chose not to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and supported the Congress-NCP. His rallies became a huge talking point during the elections, though it did not damage the BJP much. With the Congress unwilling to take him on-board, Thackeray again contested on his own in the Assembly elections. In the meanwhile, he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in connection with a deal involving the purchase of land of a defunct textiles mill in Dadar. Thackeray scaled down his attack on Modi-Shah during the Assembly polls. The party could win only one seat. With the anti-climax in the political drama that saw the Sena ditching the BJP to form a government with the Congress and NCP, the MNS is left without friends and sympathisers. As such, Thackeray is now warming up to the BJP for the second time. He is also likely to tilt towards Hindutva something he had not done since he launched the party. There are speculations that he may announce his support to National Register of Citizens (NRC), which could come in handy if the two parties have to find common ground in the future to come together. Will Raj Thackeray take this gamble? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi: One terrorist killed in an encounter with security forces in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, according to news agency ANI. The terrorist has been identified as Adil Gulzar Ganie of Dalvan Budgam. As per police records, he is affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and is involved in several terror crimes & civilian atrocities. This is the second encounter the occurred in last two days. On Sunday, an encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Gulshanpora area of Tral in the south Kashmir district Sunday morning after receiving specific intelligence about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said as the forces were conducting the searches, the militants fired at them, triggering an encounter. FORT MYERS, Fla. - The man who shot several people, killing one, at a zombie-themed festival in Florida more than four years ago was sentenced on Monday to 30 years in prison. Jose Raul Bonilla, 24, was sentenced after pleading no contest to second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a delinquent as part of a deal with Lee County prosecutors. Zombicon was one of the most popular celebrations in southwest Florida, attracting about 20,000 people in October 2015. Investigators said the event was winding down when Bonilla began shooting into the downtown Fort Myers crowd. Expavious Tyrell Taylor, 20, died at the scene, while David Perez, Tyree Hunter, Isaiah Knight, Kyle Roberts and John Parsons were wounded. The city paid $40,000 to settle a lawsuit with Taylors estate. Roberts and Tyree received $7,499 each from the city. The FBI began helping Fort Myers police shortly after the deadly event. No motive was ever reported, but Bonillas arrest followed interviews with hundreds of witnesses, as well as reviewing surveillance video and collecting tips through the regions Crime Stoppers program. The city cut ties with Zombicon organizers shortly after the shooting, ending the events nine-year run. The landslide reelection of Taiwan's leader underscores the population's embrace of an identity distinct from China a shift that the communist leaders of China refuse to accept. It's a contradiction that will keep the island of 23 million people at odds with its much larger neighbour for the foreseeable future and put increasing strains on the one-China principle, which holds that and China are part of one country. President Tsai Ing-wen swept to a second four-year term Saturday with 57 per cent of the vote. Her opponent, Han Kuo-yu, tallied 39 per cent. The results soundly rejected the China-friendly views of his Nationalist Party, which has struggled to adapt to the emergence and evolution of a Taiwanese identity. The question for the next four years is whether the governments on both sides of the 160-kilometer-wide Strait will stay the course or escalate their battle of wills. China may step up its campaign to try to isolate both diplomatically and economically, though it may also be rethinking that approach after efforts to do so during Tsai's first term only seemed to build support for her at home. Her big win could embolden some in her Democratic Progressive Party to look for ways to nudge Taiwan toward formal independence from China, the party's official goal. But even symbolic steps would anger China and could invite retaliation, and Tsai herself has shown no signs of going down that path. Modern Taiwan is an outgrowth of a civil war between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong's Communists for control of China after World War II. The communists triumphed in 1949, and Chiang' retreated to Taiwan, where he set up a rival government that he ran with an iron fist while harboring hopes of taking back the entire country from the communists. That is no longer a realistic goal, and with each passing decade, Chiang's dream has been replaced by a growing sense that Taiwan is not a part of China, particularly among the younger generations. They see their home as a separate entity with its own democratic ideals and don't want to be subsumed by China and its ruling Communist Party. The long-running and at times violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that started last June reinforced that sentiment. Early in 2019, Chinese leader Xi Jinping proposed talks with Taiwan on joining China under a "one-country, two-systems" framework similar to the one that governs Hong Kong, the former British colony returned to China in 1997. Most Taiwanese oppose the idea, and Tsai capitalised politically on the Hong Kong protests, saying they illustrate why one-country, two-systems doesn't work. Taiwan largely functions as an independent nation, with its own laws, military and foreign minister, though technically it and mainland China belong to one country with rival governments, the People's Republic of China in Beijing and the Republic of China in Taipei, the Taiwanese capital. Tsai, though, has refused to endorse that one-China policy and sought to build unofficial ties with the United States, which does not recognize Taiwan but is its main supplier of military equipment to defend itself against China. Signals of support from the Trump administration have given voters confidence in Tsai's approach of pushing back against China's threats. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Tsai in a statement released soon after the election results came out and applauded "her commitment to maintaining cross-Strait stability in the face of unrelenting pressure". Lin Fei-fan, the Democratic Progressive Party's deputy secretary general, said last month that discussion on constitutional change could start in a second Tsai term, such as changing the flag or the definition of the Republic of China's territory to include just Taiwan, rather than both the island and the mainland. China, though, has threatened to use military force if needed against what it calls any "secessionist" moves toward independence. The official Xinhua News Agency said in a commentary on the election that China has a full policy toolbox to curb Taiwan independence activities and benefit Taiwanese compatriots. Tsai, in line with public opinion, focused in her campaign on preserving Taiwan's democracy rather than any fundamental change to the island's political status. That approach pleases Dong Yu-hsin, a 23-year-old nonprofit worker. "Although we can say in hard terms Taiwan is Taiwan and China is China...of course we don't want a war or anything worse than now," he said. "I hope Tsai Ing-wen can keep her perspective on autonomy and uphold today's status quo." Like many Taiwanese, he likes things the way they are and doesn't want to rock the boat with China. Istanbul: Iranians staged protests on Monday for the third straight day after Iran's military admitted it shot down a Ukrainian airliner it mistook for a hostile aircraft amid heightened tensions with the United States last week, killing all 176 people onboard. A man stands in front of a fire set amid demonstrations in Tehran, Iran, to remember victims of a Ukrainian airplane shot down by an Iranian missile. Credit:AP Videos from Sunday night showed demonstrators fleeing from tear gas and in one case a woman bleeding from the leg - a wound that protesters said was caused by live ammunition. "Is this the blood of our people?" one demonstrator said as he filmed a pool of blood on the street in Tehran. In other videos posted on social media, which could not immediately be verified, sounds of gunfire could be heard at protests in Azadi Square in the capital, as well as in the city of Shiraz. Maude Dixon has faced court charged with causing a multi-million-dollar fire at the historic Broome Primary School after escaping from detention in the town A woman has faced court charged with causing a multi-million-dollar fire at the historic Broome Primary School after escaping from detention in the town. Police allege Maude Dixon, 22, also set fire to a cell at the Broome Regional Prison in Western Australia's northwest on Sunday before escaping. Damage there was contained to property items and furniture. About two hours later a fire broke out at the primary school, parts of which date back to 1901, causing between $3 million and $5 million damage. The nearby Broome Hospital was also evacuated due to risks associated with smoke from the blaze. At about 8.20pm, Dixon was found at a caravan park and taken into custody. Dixon faced Broome Magistrates Court on Monday charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire and escaping lawful custody. She was remanded in custody to return to court on March 9. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 20:34:07|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close A large colored lantern is seen at a factory in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 13, 2020. The county's lantern producers are now busy making large colored lanterns to greet the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25 this year. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) There will be no racing in Ireland today, with Punchestown called off following a 7.45am inspection. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board tweeted: Following a course inspection and having consulted with Met Eireann, Punchestown today is cancelled. Baghdad: Four members of Iraq's military have been wounded in a rocket attack targeting an air base just north of Baghdad where American trainers are present, Iraqi security officials said. The attack by at least six rockets came just days after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq that house US forces, causing no casualties. Recent heightened tensions between the US and Iran were sparked last month when a rocket attack killed an American contractor at a base in Iraq. The US has blamed that attack and others on Iran-backed militias. F-16 fighter aircraft are maintained at the Balad airbase north of Baghdad. Credit:AP The latest attack, on Sunday (Iraq time) wounded an Iraqi air force officer and three enlisted men, Iraqi security officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. In a war situation, the policy of 'what is not mine is enemy' tends to hold sway. It is high time professional militaries took air defence seriously, notes Group Captain Murli Menon (retd). IMAGE: Passengers's belongings seen after the Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed after take-off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport on the outskirts of Tehran, January 08, 2020. Photograph: Nazanin Tabatabaee/West Asia News Agency via Reuters Iran's admission that it had accidentally shot down an Ukranian passenger Boeing 737 plane Flight PS 752 in the fog of war over Tehran international airport, sad as it may be as an event, only shows the infallibility of the modern military - human interface combine. A similar fiasco occurred in 1988 when an American warship shot down an Iranian passenger jet, killing 290 passengers. In 2014, a Russian missile brought down a Malaysian civil airliner over Ukraine, killing 298 people. It is unfortunate that the Indian Air Force recently joined this dubious bandwagon of wrongdoers by its 'blue on blue' downing of its MI-17 chopper over Srinagar during the aerial standoff with Pakistan in February 2019. This may not be the last such incident, unfortunately! It is high time professional militaries took air defence seriously. A weapon solution in air defence parlance is achieved through a combination of available defensive weapons over an intended target, such as shoulder fired and surface to air missiles, anti-aircraft guns and fighter interceptor aircraft. These form an array of radar sensors, Identification Friend or Foe systems (normally integrated with the weapon platform) and even ground based Combat Air Patrol controllers which are then superimposed with some procedural methods such as Gun Fire Areas (where friendly aircraft are banned from flying, for security considerations). In the Tehran instance, apparently the GFA would have been the Iranian Revolutionary Guard location in the vicinity of Khomeini airport, whose integral air defence weapons, possibly a short range SAM, were freed to engage any target deemed hostile. There has to be a well trained air defence commander to orchestrate all these sensors and weapons and procedures to ensure that no friendly fire instance takes place. This then is the weak link. As also evident in the IAF's Srinagar instance wherein the air defence Spyder missile controller was apparently blame worthy. Iranian air defence commanders clearly lack in operational on the job experience given the American sanctions on their country and consequently paucity in training fighter flying and other sensor integration effort which translates to availability of abundant spares for the entire Iranian Air Force. This was an accident waiting to happen. In case of defensive organisations such as perhaps the Iranian Revolutionary Guard air defence network or the shooting down of the Malaysian plane over Ukraine in a war situation, the policy of 'what is not mine is enemy' also tends to hold sway. Put a poorly trained air defence crew and a trigger happy air defence commander into the equation and you have the necessary heady mix for a miscalculated friendly fire incident. Fog of war situations does lead to some friendly fire incidents all over the world. But even in comparatively controlled situations the Peter Principle tends to operate (If something somewhere has to go wrong, it will!) and you have these kind of operational tragedies. The Iranians's initial intransigence, blaming the incident on American adventurism, has already been proved wrong by the embarrassed admission by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, offering to bring the guilty to book. The admission of culpability by Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the 's aerospace commander may serve to de-escalate the prevailing situation in the Middle East somewhat. The expected inquiry into the 'accident', comprising Canadians, Americans and Ukranian agencies would only put a QED on the episode. But who pray can bring back the innocent lives lost?! San Antonio police said it arrested a man with the help of a K-9 unit after he allegedly threatened to kill people and then ran from officers. Police responded to the 13000 block of Babcock Road around 9:30 p.m. Sunday for a man threatening to shoot his girlfriend and others. The complainant said she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her and she told him she wanted to break up, police said. Bamako, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2020 ) :Three armed groups in war-torn northern Mali have said they intend to form a political alliance, according to a document seen by AFP. During a meeting held near the northern city of Timbuktu on Sunday, a group named the Arab Movement of Azawad agreed to join two other armed factions which had earlier agreed to unite. The three groups together make up the Coordination of Movements of Azawad, a coalition of armed groups that signed a peace accord with Bamako in 2015. Mali has been struggling to contain violence that erupted in 2012, when separatists rebelled in the north of the country -- in a region they name Azawad. The conflict has since been overtaken by jihadists, who have spread the violence to the centre of Mali as well as to neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso. The 2015 peace accord was meant to offer more decentralisation and respond better to the needs of people in the West African country's north. The deal has barely been implemented, however. Last year 44 people were shot and killed in Toronto. We know every single one of their names. The same can not be said of the 42 pedestrians who were struck and killed by drivers in the city last year. We know that cars, SUVs, pickups, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, transport trucks and a TTC bus were involved. But, as for the victims themselves, the Toronto police formally identified just a single one. Why the difference in how these tragic deaths are treated? Even Toronto police dont seem to have a good grasp of the rationale behind it. They should, and so should we all. In fact it may be time for Toronto to adopt a new policy of identifying the victims of traffic deaths after their families have been notified, just as is done for homicide victims. Thats what the Ontario Provincial Police does. And the NYPD in New York, a city that Toronto has already followed in adopting its Vision Zero plan, which aims to eventually eliminate pedestrian and cyclist deaths. We should move past this attitude of oh well, accidents happen that weve somehow adopted for deaths that involve vehicles. They arent natural occurrences and, for the most part, theyre preventable. Thats why the city, as part of Vision Zero, is redesigning roads, adding midblock crossings, reducing some speed limits, moving to photo radar in school and community zones, and increasing the number of red light cameras. On top of that, the city is ponying up $1 million to pay for a handful of police officers to actually focus on traffic enforcement. Thats something the Toronto force hasnt bothered to do on its own since 2013 when it disbanded its dedicated traffic enforcement unit. Vision Zero initiatives could be enhanced and sped up. City council already knows that. Now its time for the police to look more closely at their role in making our roads safer. The police departments casual treatment of traffic enforcement as a supplemental role to be done when the supposed real policing is finished isnt working. Toronto police need to put more resources into traffic enforcement, given the increasing dangers on the streets and tragic death toll that now rivals gun deaths. And identifying victims of road deaths, just as the police do for homicide victims, is one more way to raise the profile of Torontos dangerous driving problem. It helps to humanize the victims. Without names (or faces and the stories of their lives that follow) the public knows these victims as anonymous statistics, not as people who tragically lost their lives. That does nothing to spur further political action or help change driving behaviour. Police in Peel Region, like Toronto, generally dont identify road victims. They do it when it suits their needs, as they did last week in the case of 16-year-old Dianna Manan who was left to die in a hit-and-run in Brampton on Jan 5. The police released her name to help with their investigation. Knowing who she was increases public awareness and makes it more real, a Peel police spokesperson said. Indeed, Manan is no longer just a statistic. Along with a name and a face we know the Grade 11 student loved music and art and hoped to become a pediatrician. All road victims deserve to be made real. But of the 65-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run on Jarvis St. in Toronto, the day before Manans death, we still know nothing. He should be remembered for more than the brown loafers that were knocked off his feet when he was hit and left behind in the street. That man Torontos first pedestrian death of 2020 along with all the others that, tragically, are sure to come are people, not statistics. Its time we treated them that way. Advertisement A Filipino couple did not let their wedding get foiled by nature as they went ahead with tying the knot, against the backdrop of the ash-spewing Taal volcano on Sunday. Despite the threat posed by one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes, Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar went ahead with their wedding ceremony - as steam and ash rose high into the sky behind them. Wedding photographer Randolf Evan told the BBC there was 'no prior notice at all' that the volcano was stirring. The happy couple as they got married at the Savannah Farm, Alfonso, in the Philippines. Large plumes of ash from the Taal volcano can be seen clearly spewing into the skies above the couple Randolf Evan, a photographer at the wedding ceremony, said despite the clearly restless volcano it did not feel unsafe 'We noticed white smoke coming out of Taal during preparations around 2pm and from then on we knew something unusual was already going on with the volcano,' he said. Later in the afternoon Filipino authorities raised the alert to the second-highest level as they warned an 'explosive eruption' could take place in as little as a few hours. The estimated 450,000 people living within the nine mile radius of the volcano were told to leave. But despite the warning, the wedding celebrations took place at its planned venue - at the Savannah Farm, Alfonso, only six miles from the volcano. Mr Evan said everyone felt safe to stay as the venue was on higher ground. 'Surprisingly everyone was calm and relaxed. It was an intimate wedding so guests were mostly the couple's family and close friends, and thus nobody really left,' he said. 'We could feel the ash raining on our clothes,' Mr Evan said. 'But it didn't feel alarming until night time came when it became a bit heavier and mud-like.' Guests stayed late into the evening to celebrate the couple tying the knot as ash continued to fill the sky and lightning could be seen striking in the air above the spewing volcanic cone The happy couple can be seen shortly after their wedding, in a happy family portrait with their two young children What is volcanic lightning? Lightning sometimes forms during volcanic eruptions, creating spectacular scenes such as those in the Philippines last night. The phenomenon was observed as long ago as AD 79 during the eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii. Why this happens is less clear, and even scientists have described it as 'mysterious'. The lightning does not originate from a thunderstorm, nor does it come from inside the volcano. A 2016 study suggested that ash particles split apart and scrape against each other during an eruption, creating friction and a build-up of electric charge. Eventually the electricity is discharged to the ground in the form of lightning. The development of ice crystals - which can happen at the top of the ash plume during a volcanic eruption - is also believed to contribute to the lightning strikes. Scientists say the lightning strikes are usually confined to the cloud of ash, so are unlikely to threaten humans, but have been known to start forest fires. Advertisement Guests shared photos on social media of the festive event against the dramatic backdrop of the ever-restless volcanic cone and its growing cloud of steam and ash. Other images showed lightning striking inside the vast plume of steam that loomed into the skies above the venue. However, on Monday, the volcano appeared to get more volatile with fountains of lava seen gushing from it; and clouds of ash blowing more than 60 miles north of it, into the nation's capital, shutting down its international airport. The photographer said the wedding party and guests were all now safely out of the danger zone. Today authorities raised the danger of an eruption to level 4 - meaning an imminent hazardous eruption is expected. Lightning crackled in the smoke while a series of earthquakes rattled the area and authorities have warned of a further 'explosive eruption' which could even trigger a tsunami surging across the lake. Stunning lightning shows have also periodically played out above the volcano in a little-understood phenomenon that is attributed to static electricity. Images coming out of the Philippines shows the landscape in the Batangas region where the volcano is located completely covered in ash The Taal volcano is one of the most active volcanoes on the south-east Asian archipelago Scientists recorded magma moving towards the crater of Taal, which is located 45 miles south of Manila, but were unable to say how long it would continue to rumble. There have been no reported casualties, but authorities have also been scrambling to evacuate more than 6,000 villagers from the volcanic island which is located in the middle of a lake - a popular tourist spot. Taal sits in a picturesque lake and is one of the most active volcanoes in a nation where earthquakes and eruptions are a frightening and destructive part of life. The country's volcanology institute says the small island where the volcano lies is a 'permanent danger zone,' although fishing villages have existed there for years. It asked nearby coastal communities 'to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lake water disturbances related to the ongoing unrest.' The volcano is located in a lake on the country's island of Luzon, where the capital of Manila is also located A family can be seen covering their heads and faces in towels as ash continues to fall in Lemery, Batangas. So far more than 13,000 villagers have moved into evacuation centers Police reported that more than 13,000 villagers have so far moved to evacuation centers in the hard-hit province of Batangas and nearby Cavite province. The current evacuation numbers are likely higher and officials expect the number to swell with hundreds of thousands more being brought out of harm's way. Limited flight operations resumed mid-Monday at Manila's main international airport, nearly a day after authorities halted them due to the safety risk volcanic ash poses to planes. Taal's last eruption was in 1977. The most powerful explosion in recent years was the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, about 100 kilometres northwest of Manila, which killed more than 800 people. The death sentence of former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been annulled. A Pakistan court ruled today that the special court which had found him guilty of treason last year was unconstitutional. Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court in December last year on treason charges stemming from his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007. The death sentence of former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf (pictured in 2013) has been annulled Demonstrators carry pictures of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, during a protest following a special court's verdict, in Karachi on December 24, 2019 He seized power during a coup in 1999 and later ruled as president until 2008. The original ruling had marked the first time a former leader of the armed forces had faced such a sentence for treason in Pakistan, where the military maintains strong influence and senior officers are often considered immune from prosecution. It caused a wave of controversy, with Musharraf - exiled in Dubai - slamming it as a 'vendetta' and the military expressing its disappointment. A High Court in the eastern city of Lahore ruled it 'illegal' on Monday. Supporters of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf protest against the sentencing of Musharraf to death on January 1. The original ruling caused a wave of controversy, with Musharraf - exiled in Dubai - slamming it as a 'vendetta' and the military expressing its disappointment Youth protest in support of former Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf in Karachi on December 30 'The filing of the complaint, the constitution of the court, the selection of the prosecution team are illegal, declared to be illegal... And at the end of the day the full judgment has been set aside,' the prosecutor representing the government, Ishtiaq A. Khan, told AFP. 'Yes, he is a free man. Right now there is no judgment against him any longer,' Khan added. The prosecution now has the option to file a new case against Musharraf with the approval of the federal Cabinet. Pervez Musharraf pictured in 2007. A cigar-smoking, whisky-drinking moderate, the general became a key US ally in the 'war on terror' after the September 11 attacks and escaped at least three Al-Qaeda assassination attempts during his nine years in office The treason trial - which began in 2013 and is just one of several involving Musharraf - centred on his decision to suspend the constitution and impose emergency rule in 2007. The case went on for years amid repeated delays until the surprise announcement last year. The imposition of emergency had sparked widespread protests against Musharraf, ultimately leading to his resignation in the face of impeachment proceedings. Musharraf first took power after ousting prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup in 1999. A cigar-smoking, whisky-drinking moderate, the general became a key US ally in the 'war on terror' after the September 11 attacks and escaped at least three Al-Qaeda assassination attempts during his nine years in office. "We can see this burgeoning growth (in spiritual tourism)," said Daniel Olsen, a professor of geography at Brigham Young University who researches religious tourism. "People have always traveled for spiritual reasons but it's been tied to religion. Today people are seeking purpose in life, but not always within that religious structure." That analysis resonated with what I learned from seekers I met during my New Mexico stay. "I've always taken care of other people, now I need to find out about myself," explained a woman I met at my resort, Sunrise Springs Spa Resort. "What's my next step in life? Where do I go from here?" As a religion reporter, I was curious about this trend. But where to go? I'm wary of New Age wu wu such as crystal or aura readings. I'm incapable of countless hours of meditation or yoga. And I needed to stay in the United States for budget reasons. (Although "Monk for a Month" in Thailand was tempting.) So I scouted online for "best spiritual retreats" and boom. Options galore. The Sunrise Springs Spa caught my eye. The tranquil 70-acre resort outside Santa Fe is described online as a "sacred, nurturing destination spa where you define the experience you want." ISLAMABAD -- Authorities in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan have declared a state of emergency in seven districts after snowstorms and heavy rains killed at least 15 people over the past two days. Local officials say the 15 victims died when the roofs of their homes collapsed. Thick layers of snow led to the closure of highways connecting the provincial capital, Quetta, with other cities, local rescue chief Imran Zarkoon told RFE/RL. A number of passenger vehicle and trucks carrying goods were stranded in remote mountainous areas due to the blockages, Zarkoon said. On January 12, authorities in neighboring Afghanistan said at least 19 people had been killed as a result of heavy snowfall and low temperatures, bringing to 24 the overall death toll from this year's cold snap. With reporting by RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan 20 Oppn parties pass resolution asking states opposed to NRC to also drop NPR. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi with party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Gulam Nabi Azad and Randeep Surjewala, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader D. Raja and other leaders after an Opposition leaders meet in New Delhi. (Photo: Pritam Bandyopadhyay) New Delhi: A block of 20 Opposition parties led by the Congress on Monday appealed to the 13 states who have said no to the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) to say no to the National Population Register (NRP) as well, as it is a prelude to the NRC. The BJP was quick to hit back saying the resolution adopted by the Opposition parties must have made Pakistan happy. The resolution was adopted at the meeting of Opposition parties in the capital, which had been called to evolve a joint strategy on CAA-NRC. Six major Opposition parties, however, skipped the meet. The SP, BSP, AAP, Trinamul Congress, Shiv Sena and DMK were conspicuous by their absence. But Congress sources said there was some communication gap with parties like Shiv Sena and Samajwadi Party, others said the parties were absent mostly because of local issues. The resolution passed by the parties in attendance said: Those chief ministers who have announced that they will not implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in their states must consider to suspend the National Population Register (NPR) enumeration also as it is a prelude to the NRC. It further said: The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic and religious minorities. The NPR is the basis for the NRC. We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR. Congress president Sonia Gandhi said the BJP-led government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines and asserted that there was unprecedented turmoil in the country,. Accusing the Prime Minister and home minister of misleading the nation on CAA and NRC, Mrs Gandhi said, They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace. Talking about the nation-wide spontaneous protests by youth supported by citizens from all walks of life, she said, The immediate cause is the CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan and brutal. She also said at the meeting that the real issue facing India was the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, Opposition resolution must have made Pakistan happy. The CAA is a chance to expose barbaric treatment of minorities in Pakistan. He also pointed out that six parties skipping the meet exposed the myth of Opposition unity. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, while briefing the media after the meeting, said that the NRC and CAA are not the real issues and are being used by the government to divert attention from the economic slowdown and lack of jobs. PM Modi has failed to address the economic slowdown and is trying to divert attention to other issues. We are busy discussing everything except the main issue, which is joblessness and our economic strength. This is being destroyed by Narendra Modi Demonetization part-I and part-II. Instead of addressing this, instead of going to the students of India and saying, Listen! This is what I am going to do, this is how I am going to give you jobs, this is how I am going to set the economy right. He is doing the biggest disservice to this nation by dividing this nation and distracting the attention of people, he said. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury told the media that the leaders felt that the BJP was trying to polarise the country on deeply communal lines and therefore the appeal was to all state government who have said no to NRC to say no to NPR as well. Sources though maintained that the legality of boycotting the NPR by states was not clear and the resolution adopted was a political one with the hope that the pressure works on the government and it withdraws the CAA. The Opposition parties also decided to mark three dates this month January 23, 26 and 30 as part of the its anti-CAA and NRC protests. While Jan. 23 is Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses birthday, Jan. 26 is Republic Day and Jan. 30 is Mahatma Gandhis death anniversary. BSP, SP, AAP, TMC, DMK and Shiv Sena stayed away from the Opposition meet. While BSP chief Mayawati said the meeting would demoralise her party workers, AAP and Sena said they had not received an invitation. Taking to Twitter, Ms Mayawati said her party workers were upset after the Congress in Rajasthan indulged in horse-trading by getting BSP MLAs to join their party, following the election results. She, however, made it clear that the BSP was opposed to the CAA and demanded that the government withdraw it. An international consortium led by researchers in Sweden and Switzerland has conducted a genome-wide study that the team is calling a medical breakthrough in malaria research. Image Credit: Christoph Burgstedt/Shutterstock.com The researchers have identified metabolic genes essential to the development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium that could be targeted with new drugs or vaccines for malaria control. Challenges faced in malaria research Despite great efforts, attention, and funding in medicine and science, malaria remains a major public health threat, still killing around half a million people globally every year. Furthermore, the pathogens combined resistance to drugs and insecticides is slowing progress in developing approaches to combat this deadly disease. Malaria is transmitted when a Plasmodium-infected mosquito bites a host and injects millions of sporozoites (the spore-like stage of the parasites life cycle) into the bloodstream. A proportion of these sporozoites reach the liver, where they invade hepatocytes, increase in size and eventually produce thousands of daughter merozoites. This massive expansion in population requires the parasite to be highly active metabolically. Plasmodium gene functions in mosquito and liver stages remain poorly characterized due to limitations in the throughput of phenotyping at these stages, Volker Heussler, University of Bern What did this new study involve? The parasites genome is relatively small, only consisting of around 5,000 genes and, unlike human cells, the parasites cells only possess one copy of each of those genes. This means that removing one gene from the parasites genome would lead directly to a change in phenotype. Now, in a genome-wide deletion study led by Heussler and Oliver Billker from the Umea University in Sweden (formerly at the Sanger Institute in the UK,) researchers have removed 1300 individual genes from the parasite and observed the effects across its entire life cycle. In a mouse model of malaria developed at Berns Institute of Cell Biology (ICB), the researchers replaced each of the deleted genes with an individual genetic code, enabling them to monitor the effects of removing each gene among a large population of parasites simultaneously. After three years of research, the team managed to systematically screen the parasites genome throughout all the stages of its life cycle. Rebecca Stanway from the ICB, says: The deletion screen carried out jointly with the Sanger Institute enabled us to identify hundreds of targets, particularly in the parasites metabolism. To analyze many metabolic genes identified, the Bern researchers teamed up with Vassily Hatzimanikatis from the Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Dominique Soldati-Favre from the University of Geneva to form the MalarX consortium. The EPFL group used data from the malaria genome deletion study, to create models that revealed metabolic pathways essential to the parasites development. Predicting unexplored genes that are suitable targets for malaria control Thanks to these models, it is now possible to predict which of the previously unexplored genes are vital for the parasite and are therefore suitable targets for malaria control, says model expert Anush Chiappino-Pepe from the EPFL. Working in close collaboration with Chris Janse at the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, the Bern researchers were able to confirm some of the models predictions. Bern researcher Magali Roques says the genome-wide screen with the corresponding metabolic models represents a breakthrough in malaria research. Former Sanger Institute scientist Ellen Bushel, says: Our results will support many malaria researchers worldwide. They can now concentrate on essential parasite genes and thus develop efficient drugs and vaccines against various stages of the parasites life. Excellent infrastructure and collaboration at an international level led to success Heussler says the approach taken in this research was only made possible by a combination of the enormous sequencing and cloning capacities at the Sanger Institute and the extraordinary infrastructure at the ICB in Bern, where the entire life cycle of the malaria parasite has been established. The ICB is also home to an outstanding range of high-performance microscopes that enable top-quality studies into all the stages of Plasmodiums life cycle. Commenting on the international collaboration, which involved the contribution of 22 scientists from various fields including parasitology, molecular biology, mathematical modeling and statistics, Heussler says: This illustrates the effort in conducting this study, analyzing the data and model the experimental findings to bring them in a meaningful context. The combined experimental and computational analysis of pre-erythrocytic development and liver-stage metabolism has led us to identify seven additional metabolic subsystems that become essential compared with the blood stage, which provides a rational basis for the future design of antimalarial therapies targeting metabolic proteins, concludes the team. Inlaks Ghana has been recognised by the Nobel International Business School (NiBS) as the Digital Innovation Company of the year. The company swept the award on the back of its innovative ATMs it has introduced in the country which offer more than just dispensing cash. The ATMs offer solutions which include accepting cash and cheques where customers can even have direct interaction with the customer service person via video and telephone. Receiving the award on behalf of Inlaks, Head of Business Operations, Isabella Boettey-Kplivi said her outfit is excited to win the award as it is an assurance that the company is addressing the needs of clients and serving the public well. She added that Inlaks will not relent in its efforts in churning out innovative products that create convenient banking and other related services to its customers. She further thanked all clients for the trust they have showed in the company over the years, saying, the award would be impossible without their support and relationship. About Inlaks Inlaks was established in 1982 as an Information Technology Systems Integrator specialised in the deployment of dynamic and highly scalable ICT Infrastructure Solutions. Our customers cut across various segments including Banking, Telecommunication, Oil/Gas, Power, Utilities and the Distribution sectors of the economy. INLAKS also deploys Commercial/Resource Planning Software and Services to many multinational companies. Inlaks is a leading system integrator in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company partners with leading OEMs in the technology industry to provide world-class information technology solutions that exceed the needs of its customers. Over the years, Inlaks has built a reputation as the foremost ICT and Infrastructure Solutions Provider, helping customers effectively seize new market and service opportunities. With an impressive customer base that includes six Central Banks in West Africa, 18 of the 24 banks in Nigeria and other major customers in the West African region, Inlaks has become the dominant Information Technology Company in Africa. Inlaks' customers cut across various segments including Banking, Telecommunication, Oil/Gas, Power, Utilities and She's starting off 2020 with a trip to Mexico. And Behati Prinsloo was taking advantage of the sunshine as she splashed around in a pool during her trip to Cabo San Lucas on Sunday. The model, 31, was seen in a leopard print bikini bottom and black top as she made her way into the soothing water. Soaking up the sun: Behati Prinsloo was making the most of her time in the sunshine as she splashed around in a pool during her trip to Cabo San Lucas on Sunday In addition to her bathing suit, Behati wore a black cap and array of boho chic jewelry for her dip in the sunshine. At one point the model switched her black cap out for a chicer straw hat. The star wore her long wavy locks down, allowing them to cascade freely for her relaxing day with pals. Behati has traveled to Cabo to celebrate her husband's half brother Sam Levine's birthday. Cheeky! Behati rocked a pair of leopard print bikini bottoms Making a splash: In addition to her bathing suit, Behati wore a black cap and array of boho chic jewelry for her dip in the sunshine It's not entirely clear if Adam Levine had tagged along, though he did share a clip of himself looking like a 'cyborg' while appearing to walk on a treadmill. Adam and Behati tied the knot in Mexico in July 2014 after two years of dating, and have since welcomed daughters Dusty Rose, three, and Gio Grace, who turns two next month. Adam has been the frontman of the indie rock band Maroon 5 since 1994, releasing hits like She Will Be Loved and What Lovers Do. Robot Adam: It's not entirely clear if Adam Levine had tagged along, though he did share a clip of himself looking like a 'cyborg' while appearing to walk on a treadmill Behati is a Namibian model who's walked in several Victoria's Secret shows and even released a Behati Loves Pink swimsuit capsule collection with the brand in 2010. Over the summer, Behati raved about the joys and challenges of motherhood in a gushing post featuring her daughters. 'Here's to the sleepless nights, bleeding nipples, crying, laughing, the highest of highs and lowest of lows and everything in between, i won't change a single thing, being mom to Dusty and Gio keeps me strong, motivated and empowered. This is my #sharestrong thanks @kateupton for starting this.' (Natural News) Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that plays a vital role in bone and heart health. It is one of the main vitamins responsible for blood coagulation and bone mineralization and also helps maintain brain function, boost metabolism, and protect against certain cancers. While vitamin K deficiency is rare, a lower-than-average intake of this important vitamin could lead to negative health effects in the future. In fact, recent research suggests that not getting enough vitamin K could even leave a lasting effect on the mobility of the elderly. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences found that low levels of vitamin K circulating the body is associated with an increased risk of disability and mobility limitation in older adults. This study is the first to evaluate the link between the onset of mobility limitation and disability in older adults and the biomarkers of vitamin K status. Because of our growing population of older people, its important for us to understand the variety of risk factors for mobility disability, said Kyla Shea, first and corresponding author of the study. Low vitamin K status has been associated with the onset of chronic diseases that lead to disability, but the work to understand this connection is in its infancy. Here, were building on previous studies that found that low levels of circulating vitamin K are associated with slower gait speed and a higher risk of osteoarthritis. The link between vitamin K and mobility In this new study, researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University focused on examining two particular biomarkers of vitamin K status: the circulating levels of vitamin K (phylloquinone) and the functional measure of vitamin K (plasma ucMGP). The researchers used multivariate Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the link between vitamin K status and mobility limitation and disability. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook: Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes everything you need to know about preventing heart disease, reversing hypertension, and nurturing your cardiac health without medication. Learn More. The researchers define mobility limitation as two consecutive semi-annual reports of having difficulty walking a quarter of a mile or climbing 10 steps of stairs without resting. Mobility disability, on the other hand, is defined as two consecutive instances of having significant difficulty or even inability to walk or climb the same amount. (Related: Vitamin K deficiency found to promote osteoporosis in women.) Using participant data gathered from 635 men and 688 women aged 70 to 79 enrolled in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study or Health ABC, the researchers discovered that participants with low levels of plasma phylloquinone were more likely to develop both mobility limitation and disability. The other biomarker, however, was found to not have any association with incident mobility limitation and disability. To be specific, the researchers found that older adults with lower circulating vitamin K levels were 1.5 times more likely to develop mobility limitations and twice as likely to develop disability compared to participants with sufficient levels of circulating vitamin K. This factor was true for both older men and older women. The connection we saw with low levels of circulating vitamin K further supports vitamin Ks association with mobility disability, said senior author Sarah Booth, a vitamin K and nutrition researcher. Although the two biomarkers we looked at are known to reflect vitamin K status, biomarker levels can also be affected by additional known or unknown factors. Further experiments to understand the mechanisms of biomarkers and vitamin K and their role in mobility are needed. From the results, the study findings suggest that vitamin K may be involved in the disabled process in older age. However, the researchers stress that future studies are required to confirm their findings and search for more clarification on the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon. Learn more about the importance of vitamin K and where to get more of it at Nutrients.news. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Academic.OUP.com Investigators have been trying to access the two devices an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 5 but have been unable to access them because the phones are locked and encrypted, according to a letter from the FBIs general counsel, Dana Boente. The FBI has received a court authorization to search the phones and the devices have been sent to the bureaus lab in Quantico, Virginia, he said. NEW DELHI (PTI): Army Chief Gen M M Naravane has hailed the Defence Ministry's decision to set up an Air Defence Command, saying its formation would help in preventing incidents like the IAF shooting down its own helicopter in Kashmir and Iran downing an Ukrainian passenger jet. Last week, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat issued directions to all stakeholders to prepare a roadmap by June 30 to create an Air Defence Command to enhance security of India's skies. Formation of an Air Defence Command is a step in the right direction to ensure that such incidents do not occur, he said on Saturday at a press conference on the eve of Army Day. "I am sure that if we put all our efforts, I can say with reasonable degree of confidence that such incidents will not happen as far as we are concerned," he said. On Wednesday, Iran shot down a Ukrainian aircraft, killing all 176 people on board. The downing of the plane came hours after Iran launched missile attacks on two US airbases in Iraq in retaliation to killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. Iran Saturday said it "unintentionally" shot down the aircraft. On February 27, the IAF shot down one of its helicopter in Kashmir when Indian and Pakistani air forces were engaged in a dogfight. A surface-to-air missile of the Indian Air Force brought down the Mi-17 aircraft in Budgam in the Kashmir Valley, killing six IAF personnel on board the chopper and a civilian on the ground. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal had described the incident as a "big mistake". To a separate question, the Army Chief said the six Apache attack helicopters being procured by the Army would be deployed in formations guarding the border with Pakistan. He said the chopper would be deployed at locations where there is a threat of armoured columns. "Six Apache choppers would be given to an Army unit on the western borders," he said. The two countries take turns of six month each to use their rakes for the Samjhauta Express. Pakistan rakes are used from January to June while Indian rakes are used from July to December. New Delhi: With no hope for Samjhauta Express starting any time soon, India has asked Pakistan to return its rake of the train that remains stationed in Wagah for the last five months now. In a Note Verbale issued on December 17 to Pakistan, the ministry of external affairs has reminded them that now that the train has stopped running between Attari and Wagah since August 8, 2019, Pakistan should return the rake back to India. Sources in Pakistan government told this newspaper that the Note Verbale has been sent to Islamabad for response. We have conveyed to Islamabad and have sought response from our government. It was a letter having lot of technicalities, hence, it needs to be responded appropriately addressing those technicalities, said an official of the Pakistani government. The two countries take turns of six month each to use their rakes for the Samjhauta Express. Pakistan rakes are used from January to June while Indian rakes are used from July to December. Earlier, the rakes were returned to the home country the same day or at the most on a delay of overnight, and this is the first time rake remains unreturned for five months. The Indian rake remains stranded in Pakistan after Islamabad cancelled the Samjhauta Express on August 8, three days after India announced abrogation of Article 370 scrapping special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Samjhauta Express, which started in July 1976 to improve people-to-people connect between the two countries after the Simla Agreement, has stopped whenever relations between India and Pakistan got strained. The Samjhauta Express operates from Attari twice a week Mondays and Thursdays. Trains from Delhi terminate at Attari from where the passengers change trains. The Delhi-bound passengers from Pakistani side take the Indian train at Attari (on Sundays and Wednesdays) while those going to Pakistan shift to the Pakistan Railways train that is taken back by its crew through Wagah. Prior to August 2019, the train services were suspended in February 2019 following Indias airstrike in Balakot. On August 8, Pakistan stopped the Samjhauta Express at the Wagah border leaving nearly 117 passengers (76 Indians, 41 Pakistani) stranded. Citing security reasons, the Pakistani side refused to cross over to Attari. The train, that was scheduled to reach Attari at 12.30 pm finally arrived on the Indian side at 5.15 pm after Indian Railways sent its engine, crew and security to bring Samjhauta Express and passengers to Attari. Monday, January 13th, 2020 (2:53 pm) - Score 2,054 Once again the National Farmers Union has published the results from its annual online and telephone based survey of several hundred members, which found that just 17% of farmers had access to superfast broadband (24Mbps+) speeds (up from 16% last year and 4% in 2015) and 15% have no indoor mobile signal at all. Admittedly farmers tend to work in some of the United Kingdoms most sparse and remote rural areas, which often end up being last on the list to be upgraded (if theyre improved at all) due to the economic challenges of building expensive networks to cater for so few users over a wide area. As such the fact that they suffer a greater proportion of connectivity problems will come as no surprise. At present 96.5% of premises can access a superfast broadband connection (here), which is thanks in no small part to the state aid funded Building Digital UK scheme and earlier commercial deployments. Meanwhile Ofcoms recent Connected Nations 2019 report found that the outdoor geographic coverage of 4G services across the UK is still painfully low at 66% from all four mobile operators combined (80% indoor) or 91% from any one of those four operators. The coverage of both mobile and fixed broadband services has of course improved a lot over the past few years, but this wont mean much to those who have been left waiting for better connectivity to arrive. Admittedly in some areas its also possible that a better service could already exist but the locals may not have realised yet (awareness remains a common issue), although sadly this survey isnt detailed enough to show that. Key Findings from the 2019 NFU Survey Broadband * 30% have download speeds of 2Mbps or less (down from 42% last year). * 17% have access to superfast download speeds of 24Mbps+ (up from 16% last year). * 90% believe broadband is essential for their business (up from 89% last year). * 36% believe their broadband speed is sufficient for the needs of their business (up from 23% in 2015). * 26% said slow broadband speeds / poor broadband was a barrier to further use of digital technology (down from 37% last year). Mobile * 15% of respondents have no indoor signal at all (better than 16% in 2015). * 84% of smartphone users have access to 4G (up from 83% last year). * 41% believe the signal they receive is sufficient for the needs of their business (up from 38% last year). * 47% of mobile phones owned are internet enabled. The survey also noted how 38% believe that the government should provide the same service / infrastructure for rural communities as urban ones. Stuart Roberts, NFU Vice President, said: It really is completely unacceptable that in this high-tech digital age we appear to have a two-tier system of haves and have nots. British farming is first and foremost a business which relies on having fast and reliable access to the internet, yet as our new survey shows more than 4 in 10 of our members feel they still dont have adequate access to broadband services needed to run a modern-day farming business. And its not just the farming business thats impacted. A lack of mobile signal can have potentially serious consequences if you need to call for help in an emergency while working alone, and issues of mental wellbeing from feeling isolated can also be affected without having someone to talk to on the other end of a phone. The current pace of broadband change and mobile connectivity in rural Britain is unacceptably too slow. The introduction of 5G and fibre broadband technology in cities means that, without action, the gap between urban and rural areas will continue to widen. That is why we are urging government and the telecommunications industry to make tackling the lack of rural connectivity a priority. We will continue to campaign for investment in the countrys digital infrastructure so farming businesses and the rural economy can continue to meet their huge potential not only as food producers but in helping to tackle climate change and deliver on our net zero ambitions. The Government would no doubt argue that theyve already made improving national broadband and mobile connectivity a priority. For example, from March 2020 those in areas of poor broadband connectivity will be able to request a minimum download speed of at least 10Mbps via the new Universal Service Obligation (here), although most of that is likely to be tackled by using 4G based mobile broadband services. Otherwise the new Government supported, but industry-led, 1bn Shared Rural Network (SRN) aims to extend geographic 4G mobile coverage to 95% of the UK but this wont complete until 2025. Separately the Government has also committed 5bn to help gigabit-capable broadband reach every home by 2025 (here), which has a focus on the final 20% of rural areas; on the other hand this time-scale is very optimistic. Lest we also forget that the Building Digital UK projects, including various voucher schemes, still hope to extend the coverage of superfast broadband to around 98%, although its difficult to know quite how close theyll get to that and when (probably within the next couple of years or so). At present most such projects and contracts today are focused upon fostering full fibre technology. We should add that Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own projects to improve superfast broadband and full fibre coverage (here, here and here). Ltd on Monday said the US health regulator has cautioned that its Tarapur manufacturing facility may be subject to regulatory actions. "The company has received a communication from the US FDA classifying the inspection conducted at its Tarapur manufacturing (API) facility between September 16 to September 20, 2019 as Official Action Indicated (OAI)," Ltd said in a filing to BSE. According to FDA's definitions, Official Action Indicated means "objectionable conditions were found and regulatory administrative sanctions by FDA are indicated" during inspections. The inspection at the Tarapur facility had closed with three observations. The company, however, said that it does not believe this inspection classification will have an impact on disruption of supplies or the existing revenues from operations of this facility. "The company is in the process of sending further updates of its corrective actions to the US FDA and is hopeful of a positive outcome," the filing said. The shares of were trading at Rs 750.60, down 1.11 per cent on BSE in morning trade. Chinese shoppers wait in a long line outside a duty free shop in downtown Seoul, in this April 24, 2018 file photo. More than 4,000 customers from China visited the nation's largest duty-free shops in Seoul during the last weekend. /Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Chinese tourists forming long lines and clutching shopping lists at local duty free shops have started to reappear after a year-long diplomatic rift between Beijing and Seoul, the nation's largest operator of such stores said Monday. According to Lotte Duty Free, more than 4,000 customers from China visited its duty-free outlets in Seoul over the weekend. They were employees of Chinese health food company, Yi Yong Tang, who visited Korea on an incentive trip. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said they were the largest incentive travel group to come here since 2017. Package tours from China had long been absent due to a tourism boycott enforced by Beijing in retaliation against Seoul's decision to allow the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in 2016. The Chinese tourists' visit to Lotte Duty Free shop has a symbolic significance. Since the advent of the THAAD "crisis," the Chinese government allegedly banned its citizens from using any store affiliated with Lotte Group, after ther conglomerate "provided" the land to Seoul for the THAAD system. As a result, few if any Chinese tourists could be spotted at Lotte Duty Free, department stores and Lotte World over the past three years. With signs of a rebound in visitor numbers, especially since visa restrictions were eased during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February 2018, duty free officials said the outlook for their future performance is looking rosier. "The outlook is rather bright since the number of inbound Chinese tourists is growing, with the expectation that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Korea in the first half of 2020," said an official at Lotte Duty Free. "So we don't believe this is a worrisome situation anymore." The official said although two or three package tours from China had visited recently, this hadn't boosted the industry significantly yet. However, Beijing is expected to lift the tour ban around Xi's visit to Korea early this year, which will boost duty-free sales. Meanwhile, more than 3,500 students in school excursion groups from China arrived in Korea for a winter vacation, the KTO said Monday. Seven groups from various regions including Huadong, East China, will visit various tourist attraction in Seoul, Incheon and Daegu until next month. The KTO said the groups were the largest school excursions seen during the winter season. Group members are mainly elementary and middle school students, most of whom are on their first overseas trip, it added. Opposition parties on Monday held a protest outside the Bihar Legislative Assembly against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Register of Citizens (NRC) and Population Register (NPR). The Opposition MLAs, including RJD and CPI (ML) MLAs, held placards that read, "A resolution must be passed against NRC, NPR and CAA in the state Assembly." Earlier today, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had said in the Assembly that there is no question of implementing the NRC in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise. "No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified on it," said Kumar in the state assembly, whose JD(U) is an ally of the BJP. At a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 22 last year, Modi had said that the central government has held no discussions about conducting a nationwide NRC. "After I came to power in 2014, the government has held no discussions over NRC. We did carry out the NRC exercise in Assam, but it was at the orders of the Supreme Court," the Prime Minister had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ST. LOUIS Cara Spencer, a progressive who has served on the Board of Aldermen since 2015, said Monday she will run for mayor, hoping to dislodge incumbent Lyda Krewson in the March 2021 Democratic primary. For the last five years Ive had a birds-eye view of city government, and we are failing our citizens in basic fundamental ways, Spencer, 41, told the Post-Dispatch. I believe St. Louis is uniquely positioned to be the next fastest-growing city in the nation. It takes leadership and vision to get us there. Im running for mayor to provide that vision and to fix this great city that we have that is currently broken. In announcing her candidacy, Spencer pointed to opposition to the citys bid to privatize operations at St. Louis Lambert International Airport as a path forward for the city. The effort drew together different groups including community activists, some unions and business leaders, said Spencer, a staunch airport privatization critic who co-sponsored a bill to require a public vote on leasing major city assets. "Clarice", a TV series centred on FBI agent Clarice Starling of "The Silence of the Lambs", is in development at CBS. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network announced the project during Television Critics Association's winter press tour. The series hails from writers and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. It will be set in 1993, a year after the events of "The Silence of the Lambs", and focus on the untold personal story of Starling as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high stakes political world of Washington DC. "After more than 20 years of silence, we're privileged to give voice to one of America's most enduring heroes Clarice Starling. Clarice's bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always," said Kurtzman and Lumet in a joint statement. Kurtzman will executive produce via his Secret Hideout banner, which is currently under a five-year deal at CBS Television Studios. Jodie Foster played Clarice in the adaptation of "The Silence of the Lambs", while in the "Hannibal" movie, the role was essayed by Julianne Moore. The films were based on Thomas Harris' psychological horror novels of the same name. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FAIRFIELD, Conn., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Foundation Source, the nation's largest provider of support services to private foundations, announces its appointment of Charlie Tallard as Managing Director for its North Central Region, including Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. In this role, Mr. Tallard works with financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs, single- and multi-family offices, corporations, existing foundations, and philanthropically inclined individuals regarding the benefits of a private foundation. He has extensive experience in both financial services and business development. Katherine Holbrook Biotti, National Sales Executive for Foundation Source, said: "Charlie brings a wealth of expertise to our client advisory and business development efforts. We are very pleased to welcome him to our team. He will be a tremendous asset to our North Central Region." Before Foundation Source, Mr. Tallard spent more than 24 years at FactSet Research Systems, a company that provides financial data and analytic tools. In his last role, he served as a senior member of the Institutional Sales Hedge Funds team. Prior to that, he was a Senior Vice President and Sales Manager for FactSet's Midwest Region. Mr. Tallard graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Business with a bachelor's degree in finance and real estate and is a CFA charterholder. He and his family reside in Hinsdale, Ill. About Foundation Source (www.foundationsource.com) Foundation Source is the nation's largest provider of comprehensive support services for private foundations. Our complete outsourced solution includes foundation creation (as needed), administrative support, active compliance monitoring, philanthropic advisory, tax and legal expertise, and online foundation management tools. Now in our second decade, Foundation Source provides its services to more than 1,600 family, corporate, and professionally staffed foundations, of all sizes, nationwide. We work in partnership with wealth management firms, law firms, accounting firms, and family offices as well as directly with individuals and families. Foundation Source is headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut. SOURCE Foundation Source Related Links www.foundationsource.com By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Syrian Ambassador to India Riad Abbas on Tuesday criticised American interference in the affairs of the Middle East countries and said, Where there is US there is trouble. Talking to media persons after a meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Lokseva Bhavan here, Abbas questioned American intervention in Middle East and asked, Who has invited them. In response to a question on the growing tension in the region following the killing of a top Iranian general in US air strike, Abbas said Iran has now become a super power and can defeat the Americans. I believe Iran can force US to vacate the Middle East as announced by it, he said and added that American policy and programmes in the regional have completely failed. Talking about his meeting with the Odisha Chief Minister, Riad said, I am feeling honoured. Stating that the Chief Minister has launched many welfare programmes for the poor people, Abbas said he also visited Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) where 30,000 tribal students are studying. He said possible trade activities between Odisha and Syria were also discussed at the meeting. Abbas also visited the SOA Deemed to be University here on Monday and interacted with SOA officials and the 134 Syrian students studying in the University. New report reveals details of US assassination of Iran's Gen. Soleimani, exposes Israel's role Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 10:26 AM NBC News has revealed details of Washington's assassination of prominent Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, saying the terrorist operation used Israeli intelligence and was run from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Qatar. According to the report, informants at the Damascus airport tipped off the CIA about the time the plane carrying the head of Iran's Quds Force took off for Baghdad, where he was scheduled to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. The report quoted two people with direct knowledge of the assassination and other American officials briefed on it as saying that "intelligence from Israel helped confirm the details" about General Soleimani's flight on January 3. "Once the Cham Wings Airlines Airbus A320 landed, American spies at Iraq's main airport, which houses US military personnel, confirmed its exact whereabouts," it said. "Three American drones moved into position overhead, with no fear of challenge in an Iraqi airspace completely dominated by the US military. Each was armed with four Hellfire missiles." Various US officials watched as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), walked up a set of stairs to greet General Soleimani as he emerged from the airplane. "CIA Director Gina Haspel was observing from agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was watching from another location. Another feed was on view in the White House, but President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time," it added. The imagery, NBC News reported, showed the two commanders getting into a sedan and the rest of the entourage climbing into a minivan. The US drones followed as the vehicles began moving to exit the airport while signals intelligence specialists sought to hone in on the cellphones of the occupants to confirm their identities, the report said. "At US Central Command forward headquarters in Qatar, from where the operation was being run, there were no significant doubts about who was inside those vehicles," it continued. "Those watching could see the missiles strike, a manmade bolt from the sky. The vehicles were engulfed in a fireball. In total, four missiles were fired," the report said. Officials told NBC News that the drones, which followed the convoy, are not silent, but their sound is not easily discernible in an urban environment like Baghdad. The officials said that they had been closely tracking the Iranian commander's movements across the region for days. On January 9, two Iraqi security officials told Reuters that they are investigating the role of suspected US informants at the Baghdad airport. Syrian intelligence, it added, is investigating two employees of Cham Wings Airlines, a private commercial airline headquartered in Damascus. General Soleimani is viewed by the world's freedom-seeking people as the key figure in defeating Daesh, the world's most notorious terror group, in the Middle East battles. Several million people attended the funeral processions held for the commanders in the Iraqi cities of Kadhimiya, Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf as well as the Iranian cities of Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran, Qom and Kerman. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two soldiers serving in the regiment that conducts ceremonial duties for the Queen carried out a string of armed robberies across south London in just three days, a court has heard. Grenadier Guards Kristopher James-Merrill, 20, and Dillon Sharpe, 23, are alleged to have raided seven convenience stores with their friend Marlon Wright, 25, between July 24 and 26 2018. The regiment is one of the most senior in the British Army with soldiers recognised by the scarlet tunic and bearskin uniforms they wear while on ceremonial duty at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Sharpe, disguised in black clothing, a hood and a mask, 'threatened the shopkeepers with a handgun', demanding they hand over cash, the prosecution said. Grenadier Guards Kristopher James-Merrill, 20, (pictured right) and Dillon Sharpe, 23, are alleged to have raided seven convenience stores with their friend Marlon Wright, 25, (pictured left outside Kingston Crown Court today) between July 24 and 26 2018 It is said that he travelled by car to carry out the robbery spree and jurors heard James-Merrill's Mercedes was linked to the crimes, while Wright was caught on CCTV. James-Merrill, a serving soldier from Brixton, south-west London, arrived at Kingston Crown Court on Monday with a military medal pinned to his dark blue suit, which he wore with a white shirt, striped tie and glasses. He and Wright, from Mitcham, also in south-west London, deny four attempted robberies, three robberies and seven counts of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Sharpe, from Dulwich, south-east London, has previously pleaded guilty to all of the 14 charges and is not standing trial, the jury was told. Prosecutor Fraser Coxhill said: 'He therefore admits being the male who entered the shops wielding a handgun. 'There is no dispute these defendants are known to each other. The court heard that Sharpe, pictured, disguised in black clothing, a hood and a mask, threatened the shopkeepers with a handgun, demanding they hand over cash 'Mr Sharpe and Mr James-Merrill were at the time serving guardsmen in the British Army and Mr James-Merrill is a serving Grenadier Guard. 'Marlon Wright was good friends with them both.' The court heard four shops were targeted between around 11pm on July 24 2018 and the early hours of the following day. Another three robberies or attempted robberies were carried out within just an hour on July 26. Mr Coxhill said: 'Over a three-day period between July 24 and 26 2018, the same hooded and masked man entered seven small convenience shops and robbed, or attempted to rob, the shopkeepers of cash. 'On each occasion, he threatened those who worked there with what appeared to be a firearm. 'It is the prosecution case that these defendants, together with another male Dillon Sharpe, each played a role in these offences.' The court heard Sharpe entered the first shop in Croydon wearing a mask and black clothing, demanding the shopkeeper open the safe before pointing a handgun at him. He made off with around 1,000 from the till after a scuffle which left the victim with injuries to his face and head, while police later recovered a magazine for a pistol nearby. But Sharpe was thwarted as he tried to carry out a second raid nearby just five minutes later, Mr Coxhill said. The prosecutor told jurors the shopkeeper was carrying a large wooden stick used to close the shutters when he saw the robber. 'He instinctively ran towards him in an attempt to chase him off and Mr Sharpe ran out of the shop,' he said. The trial continues The ministry claimed the early morning hours could be the reason the error occurred. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs admits that the Ukrainian Embassy in Iran made a mistake in its initial report about the plane crash near Tehran, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andriy Zayats told journalists Monday. In the first hours after the UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff, the embassy issued a statement claiming that the plane went down as a result of engine failure, adding that the version of terrorist attack and a missile hit were "ruled out." However, the statement was edited shortly. The paragraph ruling out a terror attack and a missile hit has been cut out. Instead, the updated report said: "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." "Of course, the embassy made a mistake, and it was a big mistake," the official said. After learning about the plane crash, the ambassador and consul both rushed to the Tehran Airport, where they requested information from the Iranian authorities, Zayats told reporters in Kyiv. Amid numerous requests from journalists and authorities, the embassy was supposed to note in the beginning of the statement that the information had been provided by the Iranian authorities, since the Ukrainian embassy and the Ukrainian authorities had no other data at that moment. Read alsoPS752 downing: Ukraine says had evidence of missile hit ahead of Iran's statement "Once the bodies of the victims are repatriated to Ukraine, on which the embassy is working 24/7, we will analyze why this happened, and measures will be taken to train staff if we see there was a lack of expertise and experience, and to punish if we conclude that diplomats were well-trained, but contrary to the established instructions, they failed to do what they had been trained to do," the official said. Only after all circumstances of the tragedy are established will it be possible to return to probing into the statement released on the embassy website, Zayats added. When asked about the opposition's allegations that the embassy made such a statement upon the instruction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Presidents Office, Zayats replied: "Whenever something happens, the first thing they say is some conspiracy theories. At 5 o'clock In the morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs works only in the format of operational duty, while the officer on duty does not coordinate statements or comments ..." "Therefore, this is what the embassy did during non-working hours, because working hours had not yet begun everyone got up and, while half-awake, someone did something wrong diplomats are also human beings," the official summed up. With a suicide incidence of 18 per one lakh population in India, there is a need to look into various reasons that are driving individual to suicides. Hyderabad: Medicines that are used to treat illnesses like epilepsy, depression, obesity and other mental health issues too are found to increase the risk of suicidal tendencies among patients. A recent study on anti-epileptic drugs has shown heightened risk of suicide suggesting that such patients must be monitored on a regular basis. While neurologists check epilepsy, it is important that they ask patients if they are depressed or low or having extremely negative thoughts about themselves. This is imperative because presently other doctors are brought on the table only when there is an adverse incidence by which time the patient would have undergone a terrible time. There is a growing consensus that taking preventive steps was paramount. Dr Sai Kumar Katam, president of Doctor of Pharmacy Association explained, It is known that anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs increase the risk of suicides in children, teenagers and young adults in the first few months of treatment. That they incite violent or self-destructive actions is the subject of continuing controversy. In 2004, the FDA first initiated a Black Box Warning on these drugs. It clearly mentions risk of suicidal thoughts, hostility and agitated behaviour. Since 1990, there has been a steady rise in prescribing anti-depressant medicines to teenage and young-adult patients. It has been found that the medicines are being abused and there is extensive counselling carried out. The incidence of prescription abuse is also on a rise in India but due to lack of data this remains a grey area. Medicinal drugs are mostly used by drug addicts and they have a network and chain of suppliers to cater to their demands. Telangana Pharmacist Association President Dr Sanjay Reddy explained, The police busts such rackets from time to time and there is also a regulation by the drug controller. However, drug abuse remains rampant. The biggest problem is being noted in opiates and benzodiazepines as they contain addictive chemicals. These are given for a range of mental disorders and are a major part of the treatment. Over a period of time, patients get addicted to those drugs. With a suicide incidence of 18 per one lakh population in India, there is a need to look into various reasons that are driving individual to suicides. A senior psychiatrist, working with a de-addiction centre on condition of anonymity, explained, We are seeing people who recover after the first round of treatment only to realise later that they have not got addicted to medicines. These cases are because there is no support from the family. Hence when they go back to their social environs they are not able to cope up. Medicines are easily available as it was a part of the treatment hence is not suspected till it is too late. In order to keep a vigil on such patients, there is a need for counselling during and after the treatment. This requires trained manpower and support systems at the ground level, which, unfortunately, are not developed to the required levels. Youve Got Mail is an iconic Nora Ephron rom-com. Starring none other than chemistry icons Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, the Ephron-directed film was first released in 1998. Watching the movie brings waves of nostalgia: the AOL dial-up tone alone is a blast from the past. Ephrons writing and lovely soundtrack choices sweep you back to the bygone era of email, when the best words one could hear when opening up your computer were: youve got mail. Below weve collected some of our favorite tidbits about the film and its cast members. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in a scene from Youve Got Mail | Getty Images Youve Got Mail: its all about the timing According to IMDb, the moment Kathleen Kelly (played by actress Meg Ryan) arrives at Riverside Park to meet Joe Fox (a.k.a. Tom Hanks), it is exactly one hour and fifty-two minutes into the movie. Foxs screenname in Youve Got Mail is NY152. Cast member Tom Hanks has something in common with the character of Frank Frank, Kathleens boyfriend in the movie, is a huge typewriter aficionado. He collects them and writes about them in his Observer column. Tom Hanks attends the Youve Got Mail New York City Premiere | Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images The actor Tom Hanks collects typewriters in real life, and even wrote a book of short stories about them. Nora Ephron does more than just reference Pride and Prejudice in the movie Kathleens favorite book in Youve Got Mail is Pride and Prejudice. She encourages Joe to read it, and its what on the table when she plans to meet him in person the first time. The film itself could arguably be a modern re-telling of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, according to IMDb. With Joe as Mr. Darcy and Kathleen as Elizabeth; the couple starts off disliking each other, with completely opposite viewpoints. Kathleen is determined to hate Joe Fox, much like Elizabeth is Mr. Darcy, because of his pride. But as they continue to meet up, they fall in love. Hanks has a thing for caviar In a memorable scene of Youve Got Mail, Tom Hanks character scoops up a bunch of caviar. That caviar is a garnish! Kathleen remarks. He follows that up by scooping the remaining caviar off the plate. In Hanks 1988 movie Big, his character tries caviar at a party. However, in Big, he spits it out, clearly hating it. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan attend the Youve Got Mail New York City Premiere in 1998 Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images One of Hanks funniest quotes was not in the original Youve Got Mail script In the scene where Joe and his family visit Kathleens bookstore, he leaves and accidentally closes the door on the balloons hes carrying. This was a real mistake that Hanks made, and his next line was improvised. Good thing it wasnt the fish, he jokes, unscripted. Ephron liked it enough to keep it in Youve Got Mail. Ephrons use of soundtrack is incredible Ephrons use of song is what makes her movies so great and unique to her voice. She often used the soundtrack to emphasize different plot points and self-reference. When Kathleen and Joe meet at the end, we hear the song Over the Rainbow playing over the happy reunion. Ryan and Hanks share a scene with the same song in 1993s Sleepless in Seattle. Meg Ryan worked at a real shop around the corner to prepare for Youve Got Mail Meg Ryan | EVAN AGOSTINI / GAMMA LIAISON Before the start of filming, the director had Youve Got Mail stars Meg Ryan and Heather Burns work as cashiers for a short time period in a real New York City bookstore. Books of Wonder in Manhattan employed the actresses so they could better prepare for their roles. Youve Got Mail is actually a remake of a 1940 movie The Ephron film is actually a remake of the 1940 movie The Shop Around the Corner, which starred James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. The main characters in that film were employees at a leather shop in Budapest, Hungary. Inventus is well-established in Asia, the UK, and continental Europe as well as in complementary North American markets which will combine with Legilitys strength in North America where it has 1,000 lawyers, engineers, consultants, technology and data specialists, and operational experts serving more than one-third of the Fortune 100 and one-quarter of the Am Law 200. Although Legility is the acquiring company, we see the end result as a merger between two market leaders. We look forward to leveraging our combined platform to drive future innovation and revolutionize the legal operations industry, added Dark, who will remain as CEO of the merged firm. The Legility brand will be adopted across the combined firm which will be headquartered in Nashville but with a significant presence retained in Inventus London and Chicago dual-bases. French lawyers on strike over pension delay Lawyers in France are protesting against government plans to delay the age they can claim their pension from 62 to 64. Those who work in the countrys legal services are currently covered by a special retirement system but President Macron wants to reform it as part of a wider pension reform. If you are 100% certain that Jeffrey Epstein killed himself, then you will be delighted by the appointment of David Kris to oversee a review of the FBI's practices in seeking FISA Court approval of its applications to spy on American citizens. The rest of us must conclude that the fix, once again, as so often with the Deep State, is in. David Kris is the last person in the world to fairly investigate mis- and malfeasance in the safeguarding of the rights of citizens when secret courts are asked to approve secret spying on them. Mollie Hemingway calls him a "FISA abuse denier." Kris, who served as assistant attorney general for the DOJ's National Security Division, recently claimed the IG report that catalogued egregious abuse of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) powers actually vindicated the FBI. He also smeared Rep. Devin Nunes in 2018, saying his initial sounding of the alarm about those abuses was incorrect, threatened national security, and should be harshly punished. Kris appeared in locations that pushed the false Russia collusion narrative, such as Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show, the Lawfare blog, and Twitter, to defend the FBI and attack President Trump and other critics of the harmful surveillance campaign. He once wrote that Trump "should be worried" that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into treasonous collusion with Russia meant "the walls are closing in." Here is Kris boasting about an appearance with Maddow a year and a half ago: With @Maddow discussing asymmetric political warfare as Trump & Co. push for further releases of Page FISAs knowing FBI cant do so without risking compromising investigation, sources and methods. https://t.co/qItZC5WgKD David Kris (@DavidKris) July 24, 2018 And here he is claiming that the Mueller investigation would indict President Trump: I suspect that POTUS and his closest advisors are and should be worried that, depending on the evidence, Muellers next steps will make it feel like the walls are closing in. 6/6 David Kris (@DavidKris) July 13, 2018 There is plenty more demonstrating that Kris is highly partisan; a Trump-hater; and, as part of the Lawfare blog, a strategist for the efforts to remove Trump from office. D.C. super-lawyer and deep student of Deep State corruption Joe DiGenova called the appointment of Kris "spitting in the face of President Trump" this morning in an appearance on WMAL radio's Morning on the Mall show. So what kind of federal judge would appoint such a partisan hack to "spit in the face" of President Trump? You might well guess that the judge in question is an Obama appointee. If so, pat yourself on the back, and take a look at Judge James Emanuel ("Jeb") Boasberg, appointed to the D.C. Federal District Court in 2010 by Obama, and then appointed to the FISA Court by Chief Justice Roberts in 2014. On January 1, 2020, Judge Boasberg became the presiding judge for the FISA Court, and he appointed Kris to this ultra-sensitive post a week and half later. President Trump expressed his dismay: You cant make this up! David Kris, a highly controversial former DOJ official, was just appointed by the FISA Court to oversee reforms to the FBIs surveillance procedures. Zero credibility. THE SWAMP! @DevinNunes @MariaBartiromo @FoxNews Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 Judge Boasberg is no stranger to politically connected elites. He graduated from Yale University, where he was a member of the secret society Skull & Bones, which boasts many politically prominent alumni, including both major presidential candidates in 2004, George W. Bush and John F. Kerry. He went on to Oxford University and Yale Law School. Joe DiGenova suggests that Senator Lindsey Graham call Judge Boasberg to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee to explain this outrage. Now, I'd call that must-see TV. Photo credit: United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Notice of the voluntary separation offer was sent to all Tribune Publishing employees Monday, but only those employed for eight or more years are eligible. Details of the scope and terms of the buyout were not immediately disclosed, but participation is designed to avoid turning to company-wide reductions of the workforce as a last resort, Tribune Publishing CEO Tim Knight said in an email to employees. FLINT, MI -- Rain and melting snow are being blamed for triggering a series of weekend discharges of partially treated sewage into area rivers, including a 2.5-million-gallon spill from the city of Lapeer into the south branch of the Flint River. The cities of Lapeer, Flint, Saginaw and Owosso each reported overflows to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy that occurred Saturday, Jan. 11, a time when the region was saturated with rain, sleet and snow. Although Flint and Saginaws reports to the state did not indicate the volume of their spills, Lapeers report said rain and melting snow resulted in its overflow, which was partially treated with screening, grit removal, settling and chlorination, its report says. Flint officials said it discharged wet weather flows, consisting of a mixture of stormwater and partially treated sewage, from its wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant has a retention and treatment basin to contain excess flows, but it must discharge its disinfected wastewater into the Flint River whenever its capacity and the plants treatment capacity are exceeded, the city said in a news release. The same statement says the Genesee County Health Department advises against any contact with the Flint River, particularly downstream of the release, west of the Mill Road Bridge at Flushing Road. Owosso reported discharging 138,000 gallons of partially treated sewage to the Shiawassee River. The citys wastewater treatment plant has equipment scheduled for replacement this summer, which will return the influent pumping to its original design capacity, lessening future backup amounts, Owosso officials reported to the state. Saginaw officials did not report a volume of discharge into the Saginaw River but reported it treated the discharge , which had floatable and settleable solids removed and were disinfected with chlorine prior to discharge. Rohit Shetty's upcoming film 'Sooryavanshi' is the new talk among movie enthusiasts, and on Monday actor Katrina Kaif added to the excitement of the fans as she shared a picture with the lead actor of the film Akshay Kumar and with the director. The 'Zero' actor, Katrina, never missed a chance to treat the moviegoers by dropping glimpses from the forthcoming movie on her social media handle, ever since the news of the outing came into light. She hopped on to Instagram and posted the photo along with a caption that read, "A perfect start to the year ....friends, laughs, smiles, onset ....... the best crew entire team, every day on set has been full of so much love and joy, just how films should be made .... see u in cinemas March 27th #sooryavanshi @itsrohitshetty @akshaykumar." The still which is set in the backdrop of a beach saw the 36-year-old actor donned in a sky blue saree smiling for the camera while holding hands of Akshay and Rohit who are standing either side of hers. The entire team of the cop thriller was quite active throughout the shooting days in updating their fans by sharing multiple pictures on social media. The shooting of the multi-starrer had begun in May and is set to hit the big screens on March 27th. The movie has been creating a buzz among the moviegoers not solely because of the ensemble cast but because it is likely to feature the remake of the iconic 90s song 'Tip Tip Barsa Paani' which will reportedly feature Katrina Kaif opposite Akshay. The movie cast also includes Gulshan Grover and Sikander Kher among others playing significant roles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Some of the executives were sacked last week and more could be let go on Monday, two sources said. New Delhi: Walmart Inc, the worlds largest retailer, has fired around 50 of its India executives as part of its restructuring in the country, three sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. The move underscores the struggles Walmart has faced in expanding its wholesale business in India. The Bentonville, Ark. based company currently operates 28 wholesale stores where it sells goods to small shopkeepers, and not to retail consumers. The firings mostly affected executives in the companys real estate division because the growth in the wholesale model has not been that robust, two of the sources said. Its happening because focus is shifting to e-commerce rather than physical (stores), said one source, who declined to be identified as the decision is not public. Walmart did not respond to a request for comment. Walmart has placed bold bets on Indias e-commerce sector. In 2018, it paid $16 billion to acquire a majority stake in Indias online marketplace Flipkart, in its biggest global acquisition. The second source added that while Walmart could slow down the pace of opening new wholesale stores, the focus will increasingly be on boosting sales through business-to-business and retail e-commerce. Some of the executives were sacked last week and more could be let go on Monday, two sources said. In a statement to Indias Economic Times newspaper, which first reported the news, Walmart said it was always looking for ways to operate more effectively and that this requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organised in the right way to best meet the needs of our members. Walmart has around 600 staff in its India head office out of a total of around 5,300 nationally, one of the sources said. Cardi B says she wants to be a politician. The rapper made the announcement via tweet on Sunday. The 27-year-old told her followers: 'I think I want to be a politician.I really love government even tho I dont agree with Goverment (sic).' New direction? Rapper Cardi B tweeted on Sunday that she wants to be a politician Outspoken: The 27-year-old rapper said: 'I really love government even tho I dont agree with Goverment (sic)' Support: Her fans immediately responded to her posts with a variety of memes and mocked up signs reading 'Cardi B For President' In a follow-up tweet, she explained: 'Like I was watching War documentaries.No matter how many weapons a country have you need people ! How are you trying to go against a country and possibly start a war when this country lacks patriotism? I barely see people claiming they LOVE being American.' An hour later, the Bodak Yellow rapper returned to Twitter to add: 'I will have to explain a lot so I will have to do a video or a live talking about it ...So imma come back to my last two tweets another day.Imma talk about it another day.' Her fans immediately responded to her posts with a variety of memes and mocked up signs reading 'Cardi B For President'. Hours later, Cardi again returned to the subject, indicating she is perfectly serious about her political aspirations. 'I do feel like if I go back to school and focus up I can be part of Congress,' she tweeted. 'I deadass have sooo much ideas that make sense.I just need a couple of years of school and I can shake the table . ' (sic) Issues: Cardi seemed to be concerned about war as tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high following Donald Trump's decision to assassinate Iranian general Qasem Soleimani More to come: She said in a follow-up tweet that she plans to talk in more detail about her political aspirations either in a video or live chat Couldn't stop talking about it: Hours later, Cardi again returned to the subject, indicating she is perfectly serious about her political aspirations On January 3, Cardi B said she is filing for Nigerian citizenship after taking a jab at Donald Trump for the increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran. '[It's] sad this man is putting Americans [lives] in danger,' she tweeted. 'Dumbest move Trump did till date ...I'm filing for my Nigerian citizenship.' In December, the hitmaker performed at concerts in Nigeria and Ghana, sharing highlights from her trip on her Instagram Stories. She said that while in Nigeria, she adopted the Nigerian name Chioma, which translates to 'Good God' in Igbom dialect. Celebrity: Cardi B first found fame on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015 and had her first Billboard Hot 100 number one with Bodak Yellow in 2017 Politics: Last summer, Cardi B filmed a 2020 presidential campaign video with Bernie Sanders , 77, aimed at young voters. It was shot in a nail salon owned by two black women in Detroit Last summer, Cardi B filmed a 2020 presidential campaign video with Bernie Sanders , 77, aimed at young voters. Sanders told CNN the pair had discussed a variety of issues including canceling student debt, climate change and raising the minimum wage. The video was filmed at the TEN Nail Bar in Detroit, a nail salon owned by two black women. She's been a Bernie supporter since the 2016 election campaign, speaking out about then candidate Trump's views on immigration. In September 2018, the rapper endorsed former Sex & The City star Cynthia Nixon for Governor of New York. She also sounded off on social media about Trump's government shutdown that began in December 2018 and became the longest in US history. She also turned down an invitation to perform at the Super Bowl Half Time Show as a way to show support for Colin Kaepernick and the Black Lives Matter movement. The recording artist is married to fellow rapper Offset, 28, and the couple share a daughter Kulture, born in July 2018. The viral fever of Bong Joon Ho's "Parasite" has now gripped the Academy Awards with the South Korean class satire scripting history by becoming the first film from the country to bag a best picture nomination. Interestingly, the six nods, including best international feature, best director for Bong and best original screenplay, come in the 100th year of Korean cinema. This year's most talked about foreign language film, "Parasite" is tipped to not only win the best international feature, but may also surprise by walking away with the best director, original screenplay and the top award of the best picture at Oscars. Bong, who has been active in both South Korean and Hollywood spheres, first burst onto the international scene with "Memories of Murder" and is known for flirting with genres with his signature love for chaos, drama and flawed characters in films such as "Snowpiercer", "Okja", "The Host" and "Mother". A festival favourite since it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival last May, "Parasite" is one of those rare foreign films to be embraced by audiences across cultures, a feat similar what Alfonso Cuaron achieved with his Spanish language drama "Roma". "Parasite" recently won the Golden Globe for best foreign-language film but Bong took a swipe at the self-absorbed Hollywood shows with his short acceptance address. "Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films. I think we use just one language the cinema," said the director via his translator, though he is reasonably fluent in English. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The best thing the US can do for the world is to continue its maximum pressure campaign on Iran's regime to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon, a top US official said. "The best thing we can do for the Iranian people and for the world is to continue our maximum pressure campaign to ensure that the Iranian regime never obtains a nuclear weapon, stops their terrorist activities in the region and cuts back on their ballistic missile program, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said. The US has imposed new sanctions on Iran following missile strikes by it on bases housing US troops in Iraq. Iran said the attacks were in revenge for the killing of the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike last week, which was ordered by President Donald Trump. O'Brien said it has never been the policy of the US to change the regime in Iran, but the people of Iran are going to hopefully have the ability at some point to elect their own government. "It's never been our policy to change the regime in Iran, but the people of Iran are going to hopefully have the ability at some point to elect their own government and to be governed by the leaders they choose. I mean we hope that around the world. But that's not our policy. And we're going to support human rights, he said during an interview to a private American channel. O'Brien said the US will work with its allies against Iran and soon the European powers would also join. "We're going to keep doing that. We're going to work with our allies. I think we're going to see some additional assistance on that front coming out of Europe that has not been forthcoming in the past. But I think you're going to see the Europeans getting onboard in the coming weeks as well," he said. Stating that the past one week has been a very bad for the Iranian regime, O'Brien said : "They shot down Ukrainian International Airline 752. And the president's condolences and sympathy goes out to the passengers, their families, and their friends and loved ones". "The Iranians then denied shooting the aircraft down, then give a different story about the aircraft coming close to sensitive military installations, changed it again and said it was because of the United States, he said. Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Saturday acknowledged that it accidentally shot down the Ukrainian jetliner that crashed earlier this week, killing all 176 aboard, after the government had repeatedly denied Western accusations that it was responsible. "This was a regime that's reeling from maximum pressure. They're reeling from their incompetence in this situation. And the people of Iran are just fed up with it, he added. While the stock market has boomed, energy stocks have not. Indeed, they have been the worst-performing sector over the last decade. Moreover, energy has dropped from 15% in 1990 to only 5% of the S&P 500 sector weightings in 2019. This is particularly ironic, since U.S. oil and gas production has boomed over the same period, making the United States the world's largest producer of oil and gas and making the country virtually self-sufficient. Why the retreat from the energy sector? Is it because of poor economic performance by companies themselves, compared to the overall market and other sectors, such as Big Tech? After all, this 10-year period encompasses the 20142016 oil price collapse. Or is it because of the growing impact and scale of ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing? To answer the "why," IHS Markit Corporate Solutions' Investment Perception group recently completed in-depth interviews with institutional and private equity investors with a total of $98 billion of energy assets under management, a population that encompasses focused energy investors, generalist portfolio managers and large multinational PE firms. The methodology is that which IHS Markit applies for companies to assess sentiment among investors. The results come to the clear conclusion that economic performance is significantly more important than ESG considerations at this time. But the survey also finds that ESG and climate are weighing on overall investment attractiveness of the energy sector and will continue to grow in importance. The investors identify commodity price volatility, low return on invested capital and long-term supply-demand imbalances as the main factors that lead to investment underperformance historically. As one of the respondents puts it, "There is a general apathy towards the sector as a result of not having made money over a one-, three- or five-year period. Investors have really pushed for a conversion into a more returns-based model, where they can get real visibility over what kind of cash flow they can look at." Still, 67% of respondents believe that there is potential for the industry to experience a cyclical reversion in the stock market and come back into favor with equity investors. They believe that a rotation back into the energy sector is contingent on the supply-demand balance, conservative capital strategies and an improving outlook for the global macro and trade tensions. Sixty-three percent of respondents agree that the oil and gas sector is currently undervalued. A minor portion of respondents, who are less optimistic, believe that current valuations are fair when considering their outlook for commodity prices and long-term uncertainty around terminal values. Four alleged cattle thieves, who were carrying five buffaloes in a mini truck, have been arrested after they opened fire at police in a checkpost on the highway here, officials said on Monday. The mini truck was intercepted at the Vibala checkpost on the Meerut-Karnal highway under Budhana police station range on Sunday evening, Circle Officer Girja Shanker Tripathi told newsmen here. He said one of the accused opened fire at the police when they tried to stop the vehicle but were later contained. The officer added that they have seized the buffaloes, mini truck and pistol used in the firing. The accused men have confessed to have stolen 36 cattle at different places in the past, Tripathi claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) T-64 tank Reuters Key point: Kyiv found a way to give its aging tanks much better armor. With the war in eastern Ukraine dragging into its sixth year, the government in Kiev is buying upgraded models of a Cold War tank in an effort to outmatch Russia-backed rebels. The Ukrainian army has acquired around 150 T-64 2017s since 2018, Radio Free Europe reported. The T-64 is unique among Soviet-style tanks. A departure and major advancement compared to existing tanks when it first appeared in the early 1960s, the T-64 actually is more Ukrainian than it is Russian. The Lviv Tank Plant factory that builds the T-64 is in Ukraine. And today the Ukrainian army is the major user of the type. Another major user is the rebel army in eastern Ukraine. The T-64 introduced a number of advancements, including a new diesel engine. It also replaces the human loader with an automatic device for ramming shells into the breech, reducing the overall crew to just three people and saving weight. The T-64 was the first Soviet tanks with the now-standard 125-millimeter smooth-bore cannon, which in upgraded T-64Bs can fire a guided missile through its tube. The Soviets never exported the T-64, preferring to sell cheaper, simpler T-55s, T-62s and T-72s. Throughout the later decades of the Cold War, thousands of T-64s equipped Soviet armies, primed to wage apocalyptic tank war with American M-1s, German Leopards and British Challengers. The T-64 was more than adequate to the task. This particular tank was provided with certain capabilities that were more advanced than NATO tanks that would not appear for an additional 15 or 16 years, U.S. Army major James Warford concluded in a 1992 thesis. When the Soviet Union broke up, Ukraine inherited hundreds of T-64s and the factory that built the tanks. The rebuilt T-64BM Bulat introduced new armor and a so-called active defense system than shoots projectiles in order to intercept incoming rockets. The current T-64 2017 adds modern thermal imagers, secure digital communications and satellite navigation. When eastern separatistsarmed, supplied and reinforced by Russian agentsrose up in April 2014, demanding to split away from Kiev and join Moscow, Ukraine sent T-64s into combat. And thanks to Russia, so did at least one rebel group. In June 2014, NATO published satellite imagery supposedly showing unmarked T-64s crossing from Russia into Ukraine. Six days later, Twitter user @mstyslav9 posted a photo they claimed depicted a T-64 belonging to the Donetsk Peoples Republic separatist army. Its possible Moscow sent T-64s because it could then convincingly argue that the rebels had gotten the tanks from Kievs armories, rather than from Russia. To clarify that the T-64s are not stolen Ukrainian examples, the Ukrainian government showed off a captured rebel T-64. T-64BV under this serial number was issued in October 1987 at the Kharkov Tank Factory and sent to a military unit, which at that time [was] stationed in Russia, Kiev asserted, according to Janes. The Ukrainian government added that it had traced newly-built components on the tank to a factory in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Janes concluded that the rebels possessed at least three, and as many as double figures T-64sbut cautioned against alarm. The presence of [main battle tanks] operating in rebel hands is undoubtedly a highly unwelcome development for the Ukrainian military, however their practical utility may be limited. Unless supported by combined arms forces, [main battle tanks] can prove highly vulnerable to attack from air power, infantry armed with anti-tank guided weapons and other MBTs, Janes stated. Additionally, they require a significant supply chain to maintain in the field. In light of tanks huge appetite for fuel, parts and repairs, it makes sense that Russia would supply T-64s to its rebel proxies instead of other tank models. The T-64 is, more than anything else, a Ukrainian tankhaving been manufactured in that country. Rebels shouldnt have too much trouble finding local people who can help maintain the vehicles. But with recent upgrades, Kievs T-64s are much more sophisticated, and possibly more reliable, than the rebels own T-64s are. Read the original article here. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 02:25:17|Editor: yan Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday reiterated commitment to supporting Sudan's development projects. The remarks were made by visiting UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash during a series of meetings in Sudan's capital Khartoum with a number of officials in the transitional government of the African country. "The UAE is fully committed to the success of Sudan and to an economic and regional take-off of Sudan so that it would play its natural role as one of the biggest and most important Arab countries," Gargash told reporters. Meanwhile, Sudanese Finance Minister Ibrahim Elbadawi expressed Sudan's "high appreciation for the continuous support" from the UAE. "We are now looking forward to bolstering the relationship and developing it within a context of an integrated cooperation in different fields, including economy," he said. Gargash arrived in Khartoum on Monday for a two-day visit to Sudan. Kobe the pug was left horrified after his owner asked his Google Home Mini to make a chimp noise. Saam Rahim, from Vancouver, Canada, asked the smart speaker to 'make a chimpanzee noise'. The speaker replies 'this is a chimpanzee' as the sound begins. A pug was left horrified after owner Saam Rahim, from Vancouver, Canada, asked his Google Home Mini to make a chimp noise The camera pans to show Kobe looking at the device. He then stares straight ahead with wide eyes, appearing perturbed by the animal sound. Mr Rahim's video has already amassed more than one million views on app TikTok since it was posted on January 7. This is not the first time a pet has been spooked by a smart speaker. In 2018, a dog was left utterly baffled when an Amazon Echo started making cat noises. Mr Rahim asked the smart speaker to 'make a chimpanzee noise'. The speaker replies 'this is a chimpanzee' as the sound begins The perplexed pooch tilts its head and tries to paw the gizmo as it makes an assortment of meowing sounds. The dog, a two-year-old basenji, was filmed by its owner at her Inverness home. The video was posted to social media with the caption: 'So who knew Alexa had a "meow" function?' In the video, the owner can be heard saying 'meow' and a few seconds later the Echo responds. The dog cranes his neck, with his ears bolt upright, as he tries to get a better angle to hear the cat noises. Niger's president has fired the army's chief of staff after attacks against security forces have killed at least 174 security force members since December. President Issoufou Mahamadou's action on Monday came after the death toll from an attack by Islamic extremists on Niger's military last week rose to at least 89, making it the most deadly attack of its kind in years in the West African nation. The fatalities from the attack Thursday rose dramatically from the 25 soldiers that the government initially said were killed last week. In addition to the soldiers killed in that attack on the Chinagrodrar Advanced Military post near the border with Mali, at least 77 extremists were killed by Niger's army and its foreign allies, most notably France and the United States, according to a statement issued Sunday by the government. The military's response, which included air support, pushed the extremists from Niger, the government said. There will be three days of national mourning beginning Monday, the government announced. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Mohamed will be replaced by Brig-Gen. Salifou Modi, who was the military attache for Niger in Germany, the presidential statement said Monday. He also dismissed the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defense and the Chief of Land Staff. No group has yet claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, but the attack bore the hallmarks of an Islamic State-linked group that said it was behind the December ambush near the town of Inates that killed 71 soldiers and was previously the most deadly attack of its kind in Niger in years. The government calls on the population to be more vigilant, more serene and united, and reaffirms its determination to continue the fight against terrorism until the final victory, the government statement said. The increase in the death toll as a summit opens in Pau, France, that is to be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger Mauritania. Those countries make up the G5 Sahel group that are working with France against the threat of extremists in the region. The crisis of extremist violence across the Sahel is deepening, particularly in Burkina Faso and Mali. Islamic extremists also targeted and killed 14 Niger security force members who were escorting election officials on Dec. 25 near Sanam, about 200 kilometers (124.27 miles) from the capital of Niamey. Officials from the national electoral commission were in the area to conduct a census before next year's vote. Niger's military has received training for years from both American and French forces, but these attacks underscore the threat extremists still pose. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Citizenship Amendment Act comes into force The union government on Friday (10 January) announced the coming into force of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act that empowers refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh fleeing religious persecution in these countries with citizenship rights. In a gazette notification, the union home ministry said the Act under which mostly Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be given Indian citizenship, will come into force from 10 January. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of the section 1 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (47 of 2019), the central government hereby appoints the 10th day of January 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force," the notification said. The CAA will ensure that members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till 31 December 2014 facing religious persecution there are not treated as illegal immigrants and given Indian citizenship. The CAA, which was passed by Parliament on 11 December, has been facing opposition ire saying it left out Muslim refugees, which amounted to violation of basic tenets of the constitution. The government has been arguing that the Act does not discriminate and only trying to help minority groups from the three countries with religious bias as they have no other option but to come India and that their plight is not of their choice. The home ministry, however, is yet to frame the rules for the Act. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:46:38|Editor: yan Video Player Close SAO PAULO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo, declared war on plastic utensils on Monday, enacting a city ordinance that bans hotels, restaurants, bars and other businesses from providing them to clients. Sao Paulo Mayor Bruno Covas enacted the regulation to reduce the use of disposable plastics, from cups to plates and mixer sticks. Biodegradable or reusable substitutes must be used instead. "This is our environmental commitment to future generations: to stop generating tons of plastics and adopt other healthier habits for the planet," Covas said during the signing of the regulation. Businesses have until January 2021 to comply or be subject to fines ranging from 1,000 reals to 8,000 reals (241 U.S. dollars to 1,929 U.S. dollars). Repeat offenders could face closure. "We believe the people will give up some individual comfort, because they understand we are making a commitment to the environment," said Covas. The ordinance also applies to mobile food or beverage carts, and even plastic sticks tied to balloons. Bar owner Celso Costa told Xinhua he was on board with the regulation, but somewhat concerned about the cost of substituting single-use plastics. "We have to find out what the price of using other products will be, but I think it is a good measure. Like everything, it is a question of habit and it will be acquired gradually," said Costa. Plastics accounts for more than 16 percent of the waste at landfills and garbage dumps, according to the city of Sao Paulo. Each year, residents generate some 635,000 tons of plastic waste, the city government estimates. Rain, snowfall wreak havoc in Pakistan, 14 killed in Balochistan International oi-PTI Islamabad, Jan 13: Heavy snowfall and incessant rain have left at least 14 people, including women and children, dead and over a dozen injured in several parts of Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, a media report said on Monday. The inclement weather has affected road and air traffic and disconnected Balochistan with rest of the world. Continuous snowfall in the provincial capital Quetta has led to the collapse of a large number of mud houses, claiming lives in the border towns of Chaman, Barshor and Bostan area of Pishin district. Tourists advised not to travel to Shimla, Manali as heavy snowfall led to over 250 roads block Six people, including three women and as many children, died and two others were injured when the roof of their house collapsed in Shahabzai area of Zhob district due to heavy snowfall, the Dawn newspaper reported. In Killi Luqman area near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman, five members of a family, including women and children, died and six others were injured when the roof of their mud house collapsed during an engagement ceremony late on Sunday. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet Two children died and as many suffered injuries when the roof of their room caved-in in Killi Chukal area of Pishin district, while another woman lost her life in a similar incident, the report quoted Met officials as saying. Sources in Civil Hospital Quetta said that over a dozen people injured in snowfall-related accidents were brought to the hospital for treatment. The Met officials said the heavy snowfall in Quetta had already broken the 20-year-old record. "In Qilla Saifullah, the Met Office recorded three to four feet snow, which was more than double the usual 1.5 feet snow," said Chief Meteorologist Azmat Hayat Khan. An aircraft that had arrived from Saudi Arabia with passengers on Saturday night could not fly back, as Quetta airport runway remained covered with heavy snow, sources said. Hundreds of passengers were stranded on different highways linking Balochistan. Official said traffic was also suspended at Quetta-Chaman highway as the Khozak-Pass linking Pakistan with Afghanistan also received heavy snowfall, bringing to halt the Afghan transit trade with hundreds of trucks and other goods vehicles remaining standard on both sides of the border. Fresh snowfall at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, chopper service suspended "Several people with their vehicles are still waiting for help but unfortunately those areas cannot be reached without helicopter. I have made a request for provision of the helicopter to the provincial disaster management authority. Hopefully, it would be provided to us as soon as possible," said Chagai Deputy Commissioner Fateh Khan Khajjak. Around two dozen passengers, including women and children, remain trapped in the far-flung Kaachar area close to Pakistan-Iran border. Official said the army and the personnel of Frontier Corps were making efforts to rescue them. The regional transport authorities and deputy commissioners of various districts have warned people against travelling on the Quetta-Karachi highway. They said the roads were blocked at various points due to heavy snowfall in Kalat, Mastung, Surab, Zehri and many other areas. The new spell of heavy snowfall that started on Saturday night in Quetta continued with small intervals in many other areas of northern Balochistan, according to the Met Office. Water level in the Dashat and Nehag rivers as well as other small rivers has risen after their catchment areas received heavy showers. "There is no sign of danger," senior official of the irrigation department Sher Jan Baloch said. Snowfall is also expected in different parts of the country, besides heavy showers in Islamabad from Monday till Tuesday morning, according to the meteorological department. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, January 13, 2020, 12:33 [IST] The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite acquired natural-color observations of burned land and thick smoke covering Australias Kangaroo Island on 9 January 2020. According to news reports, at least 156,000 hectares (600 square miles, nearly one-third of the land area) have burned and 50 homes have been destroyed on the island of 4,700 people. Photo: Lauren Dauphin / NASA Earth Observatory By Andrew Freedman 10 January 2020 (The Washington Post) Australias bushfire crisis worsened Thursday night into Friday as hot, dry and windy conditions redeveloped across the countrys hard-hit southeast, causing two large blazes to merge into one. The new megafire measures about 1.5 million acres, about the size of the state of Delaware or roughly eight times as large as New York City. What were really seeing with a number of these fires merging is a number of small fires started by lightning strikes, across the landscape, New South Wales Rural Fire Service spokesman Anthony Clark told the Sydney Morning Herald. And as they grow, we see fires merging, Clark said. Separately, an emergency warning was issued for a blaze in the Southern Highlands region, known as the Morton Fire, that threatened populated areas. [] The strong winds were reaching speeds of up to 55 mph, lofting embers out ahead of fires to start new spot fires, and propelling the front edges of fires forward at high rates of speed, breaching containment lines. As many fires are still burning in Australia, a regular GLOBE Observer (Glenn Evans in Coogee, New South Wales, about 10 km/6 miles southeast of Sydney), has been taking consistent clouds observations from the same location over the last few weeks, sometimes multiple observations on the same day. In this short video, you can see a compilation of their ground observations in November and December 2019, facing west and south alongside satellite imagery from the same day taken by the MODIS instrument on the Aqua satellite. Notice the sky coloration when heavy smoke plumes are visible in the satellite image, as well as the days when there is both haze and other types of clouds in the sky. Video: NASA GLOBE Observer The emergency warning issued for the Morton Fire near Bundanoon advised residents to seek shelter, noting, It is too late to leave. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire, the Rural Fire Service said. Emergency warnings were also issued for fires in parts of Victoria. Conditions were so extreme Friday morning that weather forecasters issued a severe thunderstorm warning for a fire-generated thunderstorm in northeastern Victoria, specifically for damaging winds. [] This is not the first megafire to form during Australias nightmarish bushfire season. The Gospers Mountain Fire near Sydney is also the result of multiple fires merging into one, and it has repeatedly sent thick, hazardous smoke into highly populated areas. Scientists have published numerous studies showing that Australias climate is becoming hotter and drier because of human-caused climate change, and these trends are dramatically amplifying the risk of bushfires and lengthening the fire season. [more] A megafire measuring 1.5 million acres forms in Australia as bushfires merge (Newser) The latest escalating tensions between the US and Iran involves the people of Iran themselves. Per Reuters, protesters gathered for a third day Monday in Iran, after a violent weekend that pitted the demonstrators against riot police. Video circulating on social media showed the latter beating protesters with batons, security forces running with rifles, and injured people being carried from the scene in Tehran's Azadi Square; the sounds of gunfire could also be heard in some footage. CNN also cites videos that show the protesters being doused with tear gas by police in Tehran. The protests had started Saturday as pushback against the Iranian government, including Ayatollah Khamenei, after Iran "unintentionally" shot down a Ukrainian plane on Wednesday, which killed 176 people on board. story continues below President Trump responded on Twitter to the reports of the bloody protests. "To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS," he tweeted. "Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching." He added: "Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!" Iranian police, however, deny any such shootings took place. "At protests, police absolutely did not shoot, because the capital's police officers have been given orders to show restraint," the chief of Tehran's police said in a statement via state media, per Reuters. CNN notes the protests are in stark contrast to the images of a unified Iranian populace that emerged after the Trump-authorized assassination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani earlier this month. (Read more Iran stories.) WASHINGTON Senior administration officials declined Sunday to confirm President Donald Trump's assertion that four U.S. embassies had been targeted for attack by Iran, while saying that Trump's "interpretation" of the threat was consistent with overall intelligence that justified the killing of a senior Iranian general. I didnt see one with regard to four embassies, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said of intelligence reports. What Im saying is I share the presidents view that probably my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies Esper told CBSs Face the Nation. What the president said is consistent with what weve been saying, National Security Adviser Robert OBrien said on Fox News Sunday. We had very strong intelligence that they were looking to kill and maim Americans in American facilities in the region. Even with the United States' "exquisite intelligence," it is difficult "to know exactly what the targets are," O'Brien said. He added that it was fair to anticipate a future Iranian attack "would have hit embassies in at least four countries." The administration has offered few details and differing justifications for the Jan. 3 drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, ranging from retaliation for two decades of attacks on American troops and allies by the Quds Force he led, the possibility of future actions, to Trump's claim that intelligence had confirmed imminent plans to bomb four American embassies. "We did it because they were looking to blow up our embassy . . . not just the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said Friday. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies." Those remarks, and attempts by senior administration officials to explain them, have fueled charges by Democratic lawmakers, and some Republicans, that the administration has dissembled in its justification for the killing. The attack last week brought the two countries to the brink of open warfare with a retaliatory Iranian attack on military bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq. Four members of Iraq's military were wounded Sunday in a rocket attack targeting an air base just north of Baghdad where American trainers are present, Iraqi security officials said. Outrage began when the administration failed to inform senior congressional leaders or U.S. allies that also have troops in Iraq of the killing before it took place. A high-level intelligence briefing for the senior congressional leaders known as the Gang of Eight took place four days afterward, followed by a closed-door session for all of Congress that left many lawmakers protesting. "I didn't hear anything about that," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who has been sharply critical of the explanation, said of the threat to embassies. "Several of my colleagues have said the same," Lee said on CNN on Sunday. "So, that was news to me, and it certainly is not something that I recall being raised in the classified briefing." Esper, also on CNN, said "there was intelligence that they had a there was an intent to target the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad." That information, he said, had been shared with the Gang of Eight the leaders of the two parties in the House and Senate, and the chairmen and ranking members of the two intelligence committees. But Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, disagreed. "I think it's just plain wrong," Schiff said on CNN of the four embassies claim. "I don't recall, frankly, in that briefing there being a specific discussion about bombing the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad." He noted that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday that "we don't know precisely when, and we don't know precisely where" attacks were being planned. Pompeo said, however, that "we had specific information on an imminent threat, and those threats included attacks on U.S. embassies, period, full stop." Schiff said that "in the view of the briefers, there was plotting. There was an effort to escalate being planned, but they didn't have specificity." Trump and Pompeo, he said, were "fudging the intelligence." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who last week led the House to a sharply divided vote to force Trump to seek congressional authorization before taking further military action against Iran, said on ABC's "This Week" that "I don't think the administration has been straight with the Congress of the United States." When Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley called to tell her about the Soleimani action, Pelosi said, she told them they should have informed the leadership ahead of time. The administration "had to keep it close," she said they told her, "because we didn't want it to get out." "What you're saying is you don't trust the Congress of the United States with sources and methods and timing?" she said she replied. While Democratic presidential candidates have agreed on Soleimani's malevolence and none have mourned his killing, all have questioned the strike and the administration's justification. In an ABC/Ipsos poll conducted Friday and Saturday, 56 percent of respondents said they disapproved of the way Trump was handling the current situation in Iraq, while 52 percent said the strike that killed Soleimani had made the United States less safe. At total of 73 percent said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about the possibility of U.S. involvement in a full-scale war with Iran. O'Brien, speaking on ABC, said he "would love to release the intelligence in light of this." Calling it "kind of a Washington story," he said that "rather than have a short-term political win release the intelligence and say I told you so we want to keep Americans safe." "So we're going to be circumspect," he said. "But everything the president has said is consistent with and interpretation is very consistent with the intelligence, which showed that Soleimani was plotting to kill Americans soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and our diplomats. And so, you know, we feel very good about it and we feel good about the explanation that's been given to Congress." Asked why the Baghdad Embassy was not informed of an imminent threat against it, O'Brien told NBC's "Meet the Press" that "this was a very fast moving situation. As soon as it looked like there was going to be some sort of action against a U.S. Embassy, the president was decisive and bold in his action," including dispatching additional troops to the region. "We made it very clear this was not going to be Tehran 1979, this was not going to be Benghazi," he said. The Washington Posts Joseph Marks, Juliet Eilperin and Drew Harwill contributed to this article. Tibet government first in China to legislate ethnic unity guarantee Global Times By Hu Yuwei Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/12 20:48:40 The government of Southwest China's Tibet legislated to guarantee ethnic unity for the first time at the ongoing 3rd Session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet on Saturday, reflecting the significant role of ethnic unity in the region's economic and social development, said experts. The law, which will take effect on May 1, makes it clear that Tibet has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times, and it is the common responsibility for the people of all ethnic groups to safeguard national reunification, strengthen ethnic unity and take a clear-cut stand against separatism. The document stressed that Tibetan ethnic cultures are an integral part of Chinese culture, demanding all ethnic groups to protect, inherit and develop the traditional cultures such as Tibetan opera and thangka painting, local legislators suggested at the session. According to the law, September is the publicity month for ethnic unity and progress in Tibet. Setting model area for ethnic unity is an innovative practice that different levels of government should adopt. "This is the first legislation on ethnic unity at the autonomous region level across China," Penpa Lhamo, a deputy head of the Contemporary Studies Institute at the Tibet Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday. "As far as I know, the legislation work started early last year, and it collected opinions from all aspects of the society." A member of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region People's Congress said that under a series of central government's preferential policies, Tibet saw socialist ethnic relations featuring equality, unity, mutual assistance and harmony. The legal move is to consolidate these practices and achievements in the form of local regulations. "The legislation considers local ethnic characteristics of Tibet. Ethnic unity is an important goal of stable social governance in the region. The move is also in line with the Constitution's provisions on ethnic unity," Penpa Lhamo said. There are more than 40 ethnic minorities account for 95 percent of Tibet's 3 million population, the Xinhua News Agency reported in September 2019. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi: In the last few days, 2 to 3 terrorists of IS affected Tamil Nadu module are present in Delhi-NCR. At the same time, weapons were given to the arrested terrorists in Delhi itself. Where the terrorists of Tamil Nadu module, who are in the custody of Delhi Police, have disclosed this. At the same time it is also being said that the Delhi Police is now raiding to arrest the terrorists present in the NCR. According to the police, the arrested terrorists had come to Delhi to kill a Hindu leader. They wanted to target targeting. They fled to Nepal after killing in Delhi. But for this reason he made his base in Nepal. The police will present the arrested terrorists in court on Monday and seek their remand again. According to information received from sources, it has been learned that after the encounter, three terrorists of the IS-affected Tamil Nadu module Khwaja Muideen, Syed Ali Nawaz and Abdul Samad alias Noor were arrested from the Wazirabad area after the encounter. . At the same time, a senior officer of the special cell said that during interrogation of the arrested terrorists, it has come to light that two to three companions are present in Delhi and NCR. Three 9 mm pistols and 14 cartridges were recovered from the three arrested terrorists. In the meeting it was decided who to go to: For your information let us tell you that there are more than 12 terrorists in the Tamil Nadu module. 3 have been arrested from Delhi, one from Gujarat and two from South India. More than 6 terrorists are absconding. At the same time, it is being told that 2 to 3 of these are present in Delhi-NCR. But according to the police officials, in the Tamil Nadu module meeting held in Bangalore, it was decided that which member of the module should go where and what to do there. Also Read: North Korea demands this to resume the Nuclear discussion with the US Today Saryu Rai can meet Subramanian Swamy, big decision can be taken Manoj Tiwari sent a defamation notice to Kejriwal before Delhi elections, demands 500 crores Big meeting of Amit Shah regarding candidates names in Delhi assembly elections The Australian government has pledged 50 million dollars (approx. 34 million US dollars) to help restore and protect the country's wildlife which has been devastated by wildfires. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday that the fires have been an "ecological disaster". He spoke as he visited a koala hospital in the New South Wales state town of Port Macquarie. The conservation group WWF-Australia estimates that 1.25 billion wild animals have died during the fires. The majority of estimated losses were reptiles, followed by birds, then mammals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and wombats. WWF estimates there were between 100,000 and 200,000 koalas across Australia before the fire season. Estimated koala losses in the current emergency include 25,000 on Kangaroo Island off southern Australia and 8,000 in northwest New South Wales. Nagasaki priest says over-tourism, vandalism and theft of amulets led to his controversial decision. In Japan, a lot of importance is placed on behaving well and respecting traditions and etiquette, and nowhere are these virtues more valued than at a holy place of worship, such as a temple or shrine. For one shrine priest in Nagasaki Prefecture, however, the lack of respect displayed by visiting worshippers has become such a problem that heas now decided to take issues into his own hands, announcing on Twitter that he would be banning all foreign tourists. The tweet, from the head priest of Watatsumi Shrine, which lies on the island of Tsushima, says the blanket ban on all foreign tourists is due to bad behaviour by Korean visitors, involving abusive language and aggressive conduct from tour guides and theft of talismans by tourists. Tsushimaas location, in between the Korea Strait and the Tsushima Strait, roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean peninsula, means the shrine receives a large number of Korean tourists. The priest says the shrine is currently suffering from over-tourism, with up to 30-40 tour buses dropping people off on the grounds on a busy day so they can take photos on the picturesque grounds. While the ban covers all foreign tourists, the priest has specifically taken issue with visitors from Korea, one of whom was a YouTuber who filmed the grounds and people at the shrine without permission. Heas also been dismayed by tourists sitting on the side of the road eating food, as the land past the white line is said to be part of the shrine grounds. Thereas also the issue of vandalism by Korean visitors, whoave etched their names into a wooden board dedicated to the hanging of ema votive plaques. The priest says heas also had a problem with the conduct of tour guides, who stand on the steps at the front of the haiden, a hall of worship, despite him asking them not to do so. On a busy day, heas cautioned up to 40 guides, which is something he says he does from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from spring through to summer. Bhopal, Jan 13 : Wing Commander Kuldeep Waghela and dentist Chandresh Shukla, who were nabbed for posing as Home Minister Amit Shah and his assistant and calling up Governor Lalji Tandon to seek help for Shukla's appointment as vice-chancellor, were on Monday remanded in police custody for three more days. Meanwhile, Indian Air Force officials have arrived in Bhopal to make enquiries about Wing Commander Waghela's involvement in the case. The STF is maintaining a discreet silence on the issue. The two are being grilled in police custody, said Superintendent of Police Special Task Force (STF) Rajesh Bhadoria. Waghela impersonated as Amit Shah and recommended Shukla's name to the Governor for the post of vice-chancellor of the Jabalpur-based Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU), he said. Both the accused were in the age group of 35 to 40 years, he said, adding that Baghela worked as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to former MP Governor Ramnaresh Yadav for three years. Other crimes of facilitating work fraudulently have so far not been revealed in the investigations. But nothing could be ruled out at the moment, said Bhadoria. He said Chandresh became friends with Kuldeep Waghela during his visits at the Governor house when Waghela was posted as ADC. Waghela was later posted at Air Force Headquarters. After Chandresh applied for the post of Vice Chancellor he contacted Waghela and they hatched the plan to contact to contact Governor Tandon. The Facebook of Chandresh is filled with photographs with leaders of political parties and he is currently working as professor with a private dental college. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police O P Singh on Monday welcomed the state Cabinet decision to implement commissionerate system of policing in Lucknow and Noida. "Till now police have to depend on the district administration for its work. The way in which urbanisation has increased and scenario has changed, the need was felt for quick decision," Singh told reporters here. "That's why we felt that commissionerate system is needed. It will help in smart and sensitive policing," the DGP said. It will also be helpful in totaly integrated policing, he added. The UP police chief was reacting on the state Cabinet decision to implement the commissionerate system of policing in Lucknow and Noida. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One of Trump attorney Rudolph Giuliani's Ukrainian-American allies has handed the House Intelligence Committee a trove of information that could shed more light on alleged efforts by the president to influence US foreign policy to his own political benefit. Lev Parnas, one of two Giuliani associates who was arrested for alleged campaign finance violations in October, has given the committee a cache of "WhatsApp messages, text messages and images" which detail "interactions with a number of individuals relevant to the impeachment inquiry," his attorney Joseph Bondy said on Twitter Monday morning. In addition, Mr Bondy said he and his client have also turned over the contents of one of his iPhones and another Samsung phone to the committee, though the information contained in them remains under a judge's protective order prohibiting its public disclosure. He added that he and Mr Parnas "will be working to provide the other materials" -- the contents of two more iPhones -- to the committee "as soon as possible". The Florida-based former stockbroker is also seeking a court's permission to turn over "additional materials" from three more electronic devices to the committee, he added. Federal agents arrested Mr Parnas and his business partner, Igor Fruman, on 9 October as the pair prepared to leave the country on one-way tickets to Vienna, Austria. Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff later identified as diplomat David Holmes overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS Prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York charged Mr Parnas and Mr Fruman, along with two associates, with conspiring to "circumvent the federal laws against foreign influence by engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office so that the defendants could buy potential influence with the candidates, campaigns, and the candidates governments". According to campaign finance records, one of the committees the pair supported was the main political action committee supporting President Donald Trump's re-election effort. Lev Parnas , right, claims he pressured Ukraine to investigate the Bidens on Rudy Giuliani's orders (REUTERS/Aram Roston/File Photo) William Sweeney, the head of the FBI's New York Field Office, said the allegations against the men which arose out of an investigation which is also examining the affairs of Mr Giuliani, a former US Attorney who ran the SDNY in the 1980s is about "corrupt behaviour" and "deliberate lawbreaking" rather than "some technicality, a civil violation or an error on a form". Mr Giuliani is alleged to have retained Mr Parnas and his business partner in late 2018 for the purpose of having them seek out information which could be used to undermine the investigation then being conducted by former FBI Director Robert Mueller, as well as information which could damage the reputation of former Vice President Joe Biden, who was then considering a bid to challenge Mr Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Mr Parnas and Mr Fruman were allegedly central players in Mr Giulani's scheme to force the removal of Marie Yovanovitch, then the top US diplomat in Kyiv, because Mr Giuliani reportedly believed she was an impediment to his goal of having Ukraine's government announce investigations into Mr Biden and his son Hunter, as well as a debunked conspiracy which posits that Ukraine not Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election. John Dowd, a criminal defence attorney who once represented Mr Trump during early stages of Mr Mueller's probe, said in a statement to Congress at the time of the two men's arrest that the pair had been assisting Mr Giuliani in his work on Mr Trump's behalf. Lindsey Graham says he will invite Rudy Giuliani to testify to his Senate committee But one of Mr Trump's current attorneys, Jay Sekulow, said in a statement at the time that neither Mr Trump nor his campaign were aware of the campaign finance scheme detailed in the indictment against Mr Parnas and Mr Fruman. Neither Mr Sekulow, Mr Giuliani or his spokesperson immediately responded to requests for comment from The Independent. (Support Free Thought) - Because government is the antithesis to freedom, industrial hemp has been banned nationwide since 1937 ostensibly due to the plants similarities to marijuana. Many have speculated that this move was also due to the fact that cannabis is in direct competition with the pharmaceutical industry by providing far safer alternative treatments as well as directly competing with the petrochemical industry. However, all this changed in December 2018 after President Donald Trump signed the Agriculture Improvement act of 2018, legalizing industrial hemp on a national scale. Despite this move, law enforcement across the country continue to go after entirely legal businesses for selling this THC-free version of the cannabis plant. However, they are quickly being exposed for the tyrants that they are. Even the mainstream mediawho have long suppressed and ignored the benefits of the hemp plantare now forced to cover its benefits. In spite of knowingly forging a name for themselves on the wrong side of history by prosecuting innocent farmers, tyrants in the enforcement class wage on. A struggling farmer in South Carolina just learned this the hard way when dozens of cops raided his farm and bulldozed his entire hemp crop, he says was worth several million dollars. After hemp was legalized with the farm bill, John Pendarvis got to work plowing it into his fields last year. Unfortunately, his crop was in the path of hurricane Dorian last year and took a massive hit. The plants were flattened and the land was flooded so he was then forced to use land that wasnt officially permitted for hemp by the state agriculture department. According to WaPo, he called the agency to ask whether he should hire a crew to manually prop up the 25,000 plants. They said, Keep doing what youre doing, he remembers. Days later a platoon of militarized police showed up and raided his farm, handcuffing and arresting him for illegal hemp cultivation on his own property. These hero public servants then bulldozed his crop. It must have been 30 of them coming from everywhere, Pendarvis said. Now its just all rotted up. As WaPo reports: Pendarvis first ran into trouble after raising a first round of seedlings in a greenhouse in May and realizing that the water supply for his permitted field was insufficient. With a limited planting window, he utilized an adjacent field and another two acres in a field owned by a colleague 100 miles north. He says he called the state agriculture department and was told to submit an amendment form. According to agency spokeswoman Eva Moore, he did not complete the form until after officials inspected his property. Weeks before the hurricane hit, they reported him to the law enforcement division that handles state-level drug crimes for willfully planting on an unpermitted field. His attorney, state Sen. Brad Hutto (D), contends that Pendarvis was treated like a drug trafficker by the officers who showed up and that his crop was destroyed despite the South Carolina attorney general saying judicial review should first be sought in such cases. Citing pending litigation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division declined to comment on the case or its execution of hemp law. Because cops still kidnap, cage, or even kill people for marijuana and because marijuana smells like hemp, the state is still very addicted to eradicating the plant and people who dare grow it without flawlessly jumping through every single hoop. For this reason, states across the country have moved to ban the consumption of the hemp flower and only allow the oils and subsequent health products. Otherwise, officer weed hater wouldnt be able distinguish between someone smoking entirely legal hemp, or its cousin, the devils lettuce. South Carolina is making a name for itself when it comes to tyrannical hemp enforcement. Earlier this month, police in South Carolina seized a 183-pound shipment of hemp they thought was marijuana. Despite the paperwork clearly showing it was hemp, Wellfords police chief, David Green stands by his decision to seize the product, going so far as to give out his cell phone number saying, I will talk to any one who questions what we did and why. In New York, TFTP has reported on similar tyranny in which a companys legal hemp was seized by cops who then took to social media to brag about it. It took the company several months and an intense legal battle to finally get back their product that was stolen from them by people claiming to protect us. This is the state of the land of the free. Citizens cannot even grow a plant which our forefathers cultivated for a century because government claims the authority to kidnap and cage people who use the psychoactive version of that same plant. Freedom! Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 01:27:12|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senator Cory Booker dropped out of the 2020 presidential race on Monday, acknowledging that he has failed to build the support needed to win the Democratic nomination. "It's with a full heart that I share this news -- I've made the decision to suspend my campaign for president," Booker wrote in a Medium post published on Monday morning. "Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win -- money we don't have, and money that is harder to raise because I won't be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington," the senator from New Jersey wrote. Booker launched his campaign in February 2019 and has consistently lagged behind his competitors in fundraising. He also did not qualify for Tuesday's debate in Iowa, which will be the first to feature only white candidates. Booker wrote that he believes the best way to beat President Donald Trump at the ballot box in 2020 is "to reignite our spirit of common purpose to take on our biggest challenges and build a more just and fair country for everyone." The senator's campaign message of peace and unity failed to resonate with voters eager for a more aggressive posture against Trump, The New York Times said in a report. This is the last picture of a British model who fell to her death when posing for a photograph on the top of a cliff in Australia. Madalyn Davis, 21, fell 30 metres (100ft) at Diamond Bay after she and her friends went to watch the sunrise at about 6.30am on Sunday. The young tourist arrived in Australia late last year from Lincoln, England, and was planning on starting a new life there. In the last picture - taken two days before she died - the model can be seen smiling and surrounded by friends in a bar on Bondi Beach. In the last picture - taken two days before she died - the model (front left) can be seen smiling and surrounded by friends in a bar on Bondi Beach Madalyn Davis, 21, (pictured) was posing for a photograph on the edge of the cliff in Australia when she fell to her death, a close family friend has claimed Madalyn Davis was at a party in Vaucluse on Saturday night and went to the nearby 100ft Diamond Bay cliffs with seven friends about 6.30am Close family friend Lydia Woodward said: 'Maddy had been at a party and then they all went to this cliff to take pictures. 'It appears that Maddy was sitting on the cliff edge to have her picture taken when she fell. It's such a tragedy.' Madalyn 'Maddy' Davis was having 'the time of her life' in Australia in the lead up to the fatal accident. Mrs Woodward told MailOnline: 'Maddy was having the time of her life. She wanted to see everything and do everything and was having a good time. 'She was the life and soul of the party. And she was doing her best to have a good time.' Maddy's family are distraught by news of her death, Mrs Woodward, a close friend of the 21-year-old's mother Rebecca 'Becky' Smith revealed. She said: 'They (Maddy's parents) are beside themselves. One moment they are laughing when they remember funny things about Maddy, the next moment they are in floods of tears. They are all over the place. 'They are still talking about who will go to Australia to identify the body. It's very early stages. It has only been 24 hours since she died.' The young tourist was at a party in Vaucluse on Saturday night and went to the nearby 30-metre (100ft) Diamond Bay cliffs with seven friends about 6.30am. Madalyn Davis, 21, (pictured in Bondi days before her death) fell to her death from a cliff at a popular selfie spot in Sydney They are believed to have climbed over a fence to sit on the edge of the cliff to watch the sunrise and take photographs before she fell. The Diamond Bay cliffs are a notorious magnet for tourists taking Instagram shots dangerously close to the edge, with a 27-year-old woman falling in August. Ms Davis was mourned in dozens of tributes by shattered friends online, remembered as a 'free spirit' who was 'beautiful inside and out'. Her mother Rebecca Smith desperately tried to get hold of her on Sunday afternoon and begged friends to help track her down. 'Anyone seen Maddie? Not been able to get hold of her please get in touch if you were out with her last night,' she posted online. However, by Monday morning her family confirmed Ms Davis had died and thanked her friends for their kind words. 'Thank you for all your beautiful condolences for Madalyn Davis and her family - it is an absolute tragedy to which nothing has been confirmed,' another family member wrote. Ms Davis was mourned in dozens of tributes by shattered friends online, remembered as a 'free spirit' who was 'beautiful inside and out CCTV from early on Sunday morning showed a person looking over the edge of the cliffs Heartbroken friends in Britain and Australia posted tributes to Ms Davis on social media on Monday morning as new of her death spread. 'I really don't know how to process this Maddie, last time we saw each other was three years ago and now you are gone,' one wrote. 'I will never ever forget the times we shared together the giggle fits we had in town. I will forever miss you, angel.' Another friend wrote: 'You were an incredibly beautiful model and talented artist giving so much colour to the world. 'You were so fun to be with that so many people have so many great stories and memories they tell about you, you will be so very sorely missed. 'I hope all the koalas and kangaroos are looking after you.' A third added: 'It was a pleasure knowing you Maddie, you were beautiful inside as well as outside.' Ms Davis on December 14 told her friends she was having the 'best time' travelling and had no plans to return to Britain, in a post next to this photo of her at Thailand's Full Moon party Heartbroken friends in Britain and Australia posted tributes to Ms Davis on social media on Monday morning as new of her death spread A friend in Newcastle, NSW, said he was planning a trip to Sydney to visit Ms Davis and her friends, but now it was too late. 'I'm utterly destroyed... I would never have thought it would happen. She has such a gorgeous soul,' he wrote. Ms Davis on December 14 told her friends she was having the 'best time' travelling and had no plans to return to Britain. 'Can't believe I've been travelling for a whole month now!' she wrote next to a photo of her at the Full Moon Party in Thailand in November. 'Not looked back at my old life once (miss my job though) and I am super excited for my future abroad,' she wrote. Ms Davis was supporting her stay in Australia by styling eyelashes for $50 a set, and occasional modelling work. NSW Police said emergency services were called to Diamond Bay Reserve after reports a woman had fallen off a cliff. 'Emergency services were alerted after a group of people taking photos inside the fence early this morning regathered and could not find the woman,' it said. They commenced an air and water search and retrieved her body about 10.30am on Saturday. Police commenced an air and water search and retrieved her body about 10.30am on Saturday In August last year, a 27-year-old woman fell to her death while posing for photos on the cliff face. A witness told The Daily Telegraph at the time vigilant bystanders tried to resuscitate the woman while others helped her distressed friend, who had taken the photo. 'The friend needed a couple of men to help her all the way up (the path),' they said. Diamond Bay is a popular location for selfies, with numerous photos tagged #diamondbay on Instagram snapped from the cliff edge. The Waverley Council said last year it would crack down on visitors risking their lives at Diamond Bay for the perfect picture. Mayor Paula Masselos told The Daily Telegraph council was devastated to learn about the latest death. Further talks will begin on Monday on how to keep people away from the spot. Diamond Bay is a popular location for selfies, with numerous photos tagged #diamondbay on Instagram snapped from the cliff edge 'I've already asked the general manager and we're having a meeting tomorrow to discuss it. It depends in part on what the police investigation reveals,' Ms Masselos said. Security was increased around the lookout in August following the 27-year-old's death. 'Extra patrols, more signs, the fencing we increased as well when the rangers tell people not to go over boundary fences they don't listen, they go further down and go over boundary fences further down,' Ms Masselos said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Waverley Council for additional comment. Overseas Vietnamese in the US, Australia and Thailand have organised a wide range of activities to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival. The Vietnamese Embassy in the US hosts a New Year programme with the participation of about 250 Vietnamese and international friends. (Photo: vietnamembassy-usa.org) The Vietnamese Embassy in the US on January 10 hosted a New Year programme with theparticipation of about 250 Vietnamese and international friends. Inhis remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc lauded contributions of theVietnamese community in the US to the host country, as well as to theirhomelands development and national sovereignty protection, and the Vietnam-UScomprehensive partnership. Hetook the occasion to thank international friends for their support andsentiments towards Vietnams national construction and defence, and relationsbetween Vietnam and the US and international organisations. Gueststo the event were treated to special art performances, along with traditionaldishes from different regions of Vietnam. Asimilar event was held by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Australias NewSouth Wales, Queensland and South Australia on January 11. Addressingoverseas Vietnamese and foreign friends, Vietnamese Consul General Trinh DucHai highlighted the development of the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnershipin 2019, saying the two countries have become trustworthy partners and have sharedlong-term and strategic interests. Hesaid in early 2020 when many Australian areas have been ravaged by wildfires, overseasVietnamese in the country have promptly raised funds to support affectedresidents. Meanwhile,the association of Vietnamese-Thai people in Bangkok coordinated with theVietnamese Embassy in Thailand to organise a get-together on January 11 tocelebrate the Tet festival. At the New Year programme in Thailand (Photo: VNA) Prominentamong the guests at the event was Thai Deputy Prime Minister and CommerceMinister Jurin Laksanawisit. VietnameseAmbassador Nguyen Hai Bang reviewed the fruitful cooperation between Vietnamand Thailand in 2019, saying the two countries have become leading partners intrade and investment. Heattributed the thriving relations to contributions of Thai people of Vietnameseorigin. Theambassador thanked local authorities for their incentives to Vietnamese,helping them work and live stably in the host country./.VNA PHOENIX, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Busloads of striking mine workers rallied at the opening day of the Arizona Legislature today to call on Gov. Doug Ducey, state legislators, and the Arizona congressional delegation to intervene in the ongoing unfair labor practice strike at Asarco, the Arizona-based mining subsidiary of the giant Mexican conglomerate Grupo Mexico. The striking workers were joined by several Arizona state legislators including Richard C. Andrade (AZ District 29), Domingo DeGrazia (AZ District 10), Pamela Powers Hannley (AZ District 9) and Athena Salman (AZ District 26). For almost 100 days, nearly 2,000 mine workers in Arizona and Texas, represented by the Teamsters, USW, IBEW, IAM, UA, IUOE and the Boilermakers, have been on strike to demand that Asarco stop violating federal labor laws and breaking international labor standards. "We know that in the past many Arizona lawmakers have supported Grupo Mexico, but today the Arizona Legislature, our congressional delegation and the governor's office have a choice to make," said Karla Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters' state-wide local union in Arizona, Teamsters Local 104. "Will they choose to stand with working families in Arizona, with the many veterans that work at Asarco, and with the Arizona communities that depend on the mining industry? Or will they stand with a rogue Mexican oligarch hell-bent on exporting excessive greed, worker abuse and environmental devastation across the border?" Grupo Mexico, ranked as one of the least ethical companies in the world, is owned by the Mexican oligarch, German Larrea, one of the wealthiest men in Mexico, second only to telecom magnate Carlos Slim. Examples of Grupo's unscrupulous behavior include creating the worst ecological disaster in Mexico's history by releasing over 10 million gallons of copper sulfate into a major watershed and refusing to recover the bodies of 63 mine workers killed in an explosion at a Grupo mine or adequately compensate the families for their loss. Larrea owns Asarco and several other mining companies in Latin America and Spain, along with the largest railroad in Mexico, energy companies, port shipping terminals and one of the world's largest movie theater chains, with locations across Mexico and the United States. Grupo Mexico has a long history of abusing Mexican workers and their communities, but records show that Grupo Mexico is also targeting Americans. According to the Good Jobs First "violations tracker," Grupo Mexico's Asarco subsidiary has racked up 16 environmental violations since 2000 totaling $387,640,097 in penalties, and 112 workplace health or safety violations totaling $1,418,227. Mine workers at Asarco have gone 10 years without a pay raise and Asarco's most recent contract offer would freeze workers' pension plans, leave two-thirds of hourly workers without a raise, and more than double workers' out-of-pocket employee-paid health care. On December 2, 2019, Asarco illegally imposed its most recent offer on workers. "Copper mining has been a major source of economic growth in Arizona since the 19th century, but Grupo Mexico's gross history of worker abuse has cast a cloud over the future of copper mining in the state and could force major automotive, technology and construction companies to blacklist Arizona copper," Schumann said. "Not only that, but Grupo Mexico's unethical conduct will likely strain Arizona's relationship with Mexico and become a major issue during the upcoming elections." Contact: Dawn Schumann, (602) 300-5650 SOURCE Teamsters Local Union 104 No, wombats have not been inviting other animals into their burrows to avoid bushfires, experts say. Instead, the animals probably invited themselves. Amid the general talk about the ongoing bushfire crisis on social media over the weekend, "reports" of wombats "not only allowing other animals to take shelter in their deep, fire-resistant burrows but are actively herding fleeing animals into them" were mentioned by several users. One heartwarming tweet has received more than 255,000 likes and has been reweeted more than 65,000 times since it was posted on Sunday, with many users expressing admiration for wombats altruism. The reports of wombat behaviour was even shared by Greenpeace New Zealand, which said "countless" small animals had been spared from the bushfires because of wombats. Dilip Ghosh said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot alike the same way in Uttar Pradesha. (Photo Credit: File Photo) New Delhi: BJP state president Dilip Ghosh courted controversy on Sunday by threatening to shoot and kill those involved in damaging public property like the same way in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a public meeting in West Bengals Nadia district, Ghosh came down heavily on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in the state in December last year. Is it the fathers property of those who are setting public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on tax payers money! Ghosh said. He said, The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements (during anti-CAA protests). The BJP leader said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot like the same way in Uttar Pradesh. They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy countrys property. Is it their zamindari! he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those sabotaging the interests of Hindu Bengalis. He claimed that there are two crore Muslim infiltrators in the country. One crore alone is in West Bengal and Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them, he alleged. What PM Modi said on CAA in Kolkata On Sunday, strongly defending the new citizenship law, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the dispute that has arisen over it has made the world aware of persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. He, however, deplored that a section of the youth is being misguided over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which is aimed at giving and not taking away anybodys citizenship rights. CAA is not about taking away citizenship, it is about giving citizenship. Today, on National Youth Day, I would like to tell this to the youngsters of India, West Bengal, North East that this is not an overnight law for giving citizenship. We must all know that any person of any religion from any country of the world who believes in India and its Constitution can apply for Indian citizenship through due process. Theres no problem in that, he told a gathering at Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. PM Modi said that some people with political interests are deliberately spreading rumours about the new citizenship law. Lauding the youth for speaking against religious persecution of minorities, the prime minister said the energy of the countrys young will form the basis of change in the 21st century. (PTI Inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Monday extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Bhogali Bihu. The governor, in his message, said Bhogali Bihu is a festival of community feasting which symbolises affection and mutual respect. "The spontaneous celebrations of the Bhogali Bihu by people transcending all social barriers signify the spirit of unity amidst diversity," he said. The governor also appealed to the people of Assam to strengthen their bond of unity and bonhomie by spreading the message of love and mutual reverence throughout the state. The chief minister, in a statement, said that Bhogali Bihu was the embodiment of abundance and mirth as the harvest festival provides an opportunity to the people of the state to strengthen the bond of harmony and brotherhood cutting across all divides. "May all negative forces be driven away and everlasting peace and prosperity is added to everyone's life," he said. Celebrations of Bhogali Bihu, which starts on Tuesday, would bring the people of Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, plains and hills closer, and "hope this festival of merrymaking and joyousness will be able to cement the age-old ties between different communities of the state," Sonowal added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The proportion of unemployed people aged 25-29 in South Korea has ranked the highest among member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a report showed Monday. According to the report by the Bank of Korea (BOK), the 25-29 age bracket accounted for 21.6 percent of unemployed people in South Korea in 2018, marking the highest ratio among OECD members. It marked the seventh consecutive year that the proportion of unemployed people aged 25-29 in South Korea ranked highest among OECD members, the report said. The 25-29 age range accounted for 19.4 percent of unemployed people in Denmark in 2018, followed by Mexico with 18.2 percent. For the United States and Japan, the ratio was 13 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively. South Korea has seen its youth unemployment rate rise since 2013, along with Austria, Switzerland, Finland, France and Turkey. Experts noted that amid the global economic downturn, South Korea's relatively tight job market dealt a hard blow to young job seekers. Professor Sung Tae-yoon from Yonsei University said companies are reluctant to increase hiring of young people because the starting salary for new employees in South Korea is relatively high compared to other nations. South Korea's jobless rate fell by 0.1 percentage point to 3.1 percent in November last year. The number of employed people reached 27.5 million in November last year, government data showed. The unemployment rate for young adults those aged between 15 and 29 also fell to 7 percent in November last year from 7.9 percent tallied a year earlier. (Yonhap) Infosys, SBI and Reliance Industries top traded stock The Nifty January 2020 were at 12,362, a premium of 32.45 points compared with the Nifty's closing of 12,329.55 in the cash market. In the cash market, the Nifty 50 index gained 72.75 points or 0.59% to 12,329.55. Turnover on the National Stock Exchange's & options (F&O) segment was Rs 8.74 lakh crore compared with Rs 10.43 lakh crore reported in the previous session. The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, rose 1.61% to 14.035. On the options front, the Nifty option chain for 30 January 2020 expiry showed maximum call open interest (OI) of 27.02 lakh contracts at the 12,500 strike price. Maximum put OI of 45.90 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 (down 5.81%) was banned from trading in NSE's F&O segment after the security crossed 95% of market wide position limit. Infosys, SBI and Reliance Industries were the top traded individual stock futures contracts in F&O segment of NSE for January expiry. Infosys January 2020 futures were at 774.10, compared with spot closing price of 772.50. SBI January 2020 futures were at 332, compared with spot closing price of 330.6. Reliance Industries January 2020 futures were at 1,546.70, compared with spot closing price of 1539.85. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [January 13, 2020] American Lending Center Celebrates the Successful Opening of Front Street Village American Lending Center (ALC), a leading EB-5 regional center, recently celebrated the full opening of The Beaufort Hotel and its restaurant, 34 North, both fixtures of the Front Street Village community. This marks another successful investment in North Carolina for ALC, a boon to their growing footprint in the state. The Beaufort Hotel occupies the former grounds of Beaufort Fisheries, Inc., which, until its decline in the 1970s, remained emblematic of Beaufort's identity, having provided generations of workers with a dependable livelihood. Today, the 133-room hotel pays tribute with a nautical theme. Additionally, both The Beaufort Hotel and 34 North are staunch advocates of social responsibility, using green technologies and environmentally-friendly products, cementing its leadership among all hotels within the North Carolina Green Initiative. "We are thrilled to expand our support of entrepreneurs in North Carolina, especially by investing in projects like this, which will bost local tourism and stimulate economic growth," said John Shen, ALC's chief executive officer. "It is exciting to see the potential that foreign investment has to reinvigorate these historic towns." The Front Street Village Community has already brought in waves of tourists, indicating widespread interest in witnessing the views and architectural style of historic Beaufort. ALC's predominant focus on placing EB-5 investments exclusively in the senior loan structure has created optimal capital protection for investors throughout the EB-5 process. Its rigorous construction management system led by highly successful third parties, in coordination with the senior loan operation, has driven the consistent success of its investments. ALC has successfully provided over 350 million dollars to American ventures while achieving a 100 percent construction success rate, and has created over 10,000 full-time jobs throughout the US. About American Lending Center American Lending Center (ALC) is a licensed finance lender and US Citizenship & Immigration Service designated regional center held by Regional Centers Holding Group. ALC offers senior loan investment opportunities to immigrant investors interested in obtaining permanent resident status in the United States through the employment-based fifth preference visa (EB-5) program. ALC has completed funding 75 EB-5 projects in 19 states to date and is committed to senior loan participation in support of growing credit worthy small-to-medium sized businesses in rural and underserved areas. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005009/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] PITTSBURGH--Complete the following sentence: Rohingya refugees should go to -- A. Pakistan. B. Bangladesh. C. Hell. These aren't good choices, but all are sentiments that have been expressed repeatedly on social media. The Rohingyas, who began fleeing Myanamar in 2017 to avoid ethnic cleansing, are ill-equipped to defend themselves from these online attacks, but innovations from Carnegie Mellon University's Language Technologies Institute (LTI) could help counter the hate speech directed at them and other voiceless groups. The LTI researchers have developed a system that leverages artificial intelligence to rapidly analyze hundreds of thousands of comments on social media and identify the fraction that defend or sympathize with disenfranchised minorities such as the Rohingya community. Human social media moderators, who couldn't possibly manually sift through so many comments, would then have the option to highlight this "help speech" in comment sections. "Even if there's lots of hateful content, we can still find positive comments," said Ashiqur R. KhudaBukhsh, a post-doctoral researcher in the LTI who conducted the research with alumnus Shriphani Palakodety. Finding and highlighting these positive comments, they suggest, might do as much to make the internet a safer, healthier place as would detecting and eliminating hostile content or banning the trolls responsible. Left to themselves, the Rohingyas are largely defenseless against online hate speech. Many of them have limited proficiency in global languages such as English, and they have little access to the internet. Most are too busy trying to stay alive to spend much time posting their own content, KhudaBukhsh said. To find relevant help speech, the researchers used their technique to search more than a quarter of a million comments from YouTube in what they believe is the first AI-focused analysis of the Rohingya refugee crisis. They will present their findings at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence annual conference, Feb. 7-12, in New York City. Similarly, in an as-yet unpublished study, they used the technology to search for antiwar "hope speech" among almost a million YouTube comments surrounding the February 2019 Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir, which enflamed the longstanding India-Pakistan dispute over the region. The ability to analyze such large quantities of text for content and opinion is possible because of recent major improvements in language models, said Jaime Carbonell, LTI director and a co-author on the study. These models learn from examples so they can predict what words are likely to occur in a given sequence and help machines understand what speakers and writers are trying to say. But the CMU researchers developed a further innovation that made it possible to apply these models to short social media texts in South Asia, he added. Short bits of text, often with spelling and grammar mistakes, are difficult for machines to interpret. It's even harder in South Asian countries, where people may speak several languages and tend to "code switch," combining bits of different languages and even different writing systems in the same statement. Existing machine learning methods create representations of words, or word embeddings, so that all words with a similar meaning are represented in the same way. This technique makes it possible to compute the proximity of a word to others in a comment or post. To extend this technique to the challenging texts of South Asia, the CMU team obtained new embeddings that revealed language groupings or clusters. This language identification technique worked as well or better than commercially available solutions. This innovation has become an enabling technology for computational analyses of social media in that region, Carbonell noted. Samplings of the YouTube comments showed about 10% of the comments were positive. When the researchers used their method to search for help speech in the larger dataset, the results were 88% positive, indicating that the method could substantially reduce the manual effort necessary to find them, KhudaBukhsh said. "No country is too small to take on refugees," said one text, while another argued "all the countries should take a stand for these people." But detecting pro-Rohingya texts can be a double-edged sword: some texts can contain language that could be considered hate speech against their alleged persecutors, he added. Antagonists of the Rohingya are "really kind of like animals not like human beings so that's why they genocide innocent people," said one such text. Though the method reduces manual efforts, comments such as this indicate the continuing need for human judgment and for further research, the scientists concluded. ### Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 20:37:37|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Monday listed the first corporate green bond in east and central Africa, an official said. Geoffrey Odundo, chief executive officer of Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE), told journalists in Nairobi that the 4.3 billion shillings (about 42 million U.S. dollars) debt instrument issued by Nairobi-based Acorn Holdings will now be available to the public. "The corporate green bond is expected to attract both retail and institutional investors that are keen to have green assets as part of their portfolios," Odundo said. The medium-term note will be used to finance the construction of up to six green-certified properties developed by Acorn to create clean, safe and affordable accommodation for 5,000 students in Nairobi. According to the NSE, the last corporate bond was issued in Kenya was in 2016. "We expect the new corporate listing to reignite interest for corporates to use the capital markets to raise funds for their expansion activities," he added. Patrick Njoroge, the governor of Central Bank of Kenya, said that Kenya is prioritizing the use of green finance in order to fund projects that will mitigate the negative impact of climate change. Njoroge added that African countries continue to bear the brunt of extreme weather patterns such as floods and drought. Sam Kimani, chairman NSE said that stock exchanges have a pivotal role to play in supporting green finance so as to help solve the climate challenge by meeting the growing demand for low carbon projects in Kenya. Kimani added that financial tools like green bonds are helping drive more capital towards sustainable development projects. Arizona News Benson, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced former doctor Glenn Gary Robertson pleaded guilty to Attempted First Degree Murder, Illegally Conducting an Enterprise and Illegal Administration of a Narcotic Drug. With two pending cases against him in Cochise County Superior Court, Robertson resolved both by entering a plea agreement. Robertson was an internal medicine doctor practicing medicine in Benson, Arizona, since 2004. His license to practice medicine was summarily suspended by the Arizona Medical Board effective June 25, 2018, and ultimately revoked effective December 14, 2018, for prescribing methylphenidate (Ritalin) to a woman he did not examine. Believing an acquaintance reported him to the Arizona Medical Board, Robertson began plotting to have her murdered. In early 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was already investigating Robertson and discovered the murder-for-hire plot. A joint undercover operation was subsequently launched with the FBIs Sierra Vista Office and the Arizona Attorney Generals Office Special Investigations Section. Robertson eventually bartered with an undercover officer to have the woman murdered by providing a rifle. Law enforcements investigation into Robertson uncovered that Robertson used his medical license to sell OxyContin prescriptions in Cochise County between February 20, 2017, and November 9, 2018. Robertson, while still practicing medicine, partnered with an alleged local drug dealer to illegally distribute OxyContin. As stipulated in the plea agreement, Robertson will serve 12.5 years in prison for Attempted First Degree Murder, along with a concurrent prison term of 8.75 years for Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, with both followed by a consecutive term of 7.0 years of probation for Illegal Administration of a Narcotic Drug. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Special Agents with the Arizona Attorney General's Office. Assistant Attorneys General Sterling Struckmeyer and Jordan Emerson are prosecuting this case. Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics on Monday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi. Rinkevics is undertaking a visit to India to attend Raisina Dialogue 2020, the fifth edition of the annual geo-political summit, which is set to begin here on January 13. He is among the 13 Foreign Ministers participating in the three-day mega event. Rinkevics is scheduled to attend a roundtable meeting with members of the Doctor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Foundation at the Constitution Club of India and hold a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar before participating in the inaugural session of the Dialogue tomorrow. On Wednesday, Rinkevics will participate in the penal debate on Competing Nationalism Universal Norms: Street Power in 21st Century Diplomacy and attend a meeting with the Chairman of Lok Sabha External Affairs Committee. He will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Modi before departing for his country on Thursday. Hosted by think-tank Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media, and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Certainly, to have a clear view of the drivers of a country such as Ghana, (under) development or unsteady trajectories of its socioeconomic progress means we cannot afford to lose sight of the citizens' general expectations, core ideas, worldviews, cultures and the institutions upon which the nation is run. Indeed, considering all the foregoing factors provides us with a solid understanding of the state of affairs of that country, because all the preceding elements influence and reinforce each other in many profound ways. Actually, the yen ky ni way of thinking is one of the major problems holding back Ghana's smooth progress. It is worth stressing here that the English translation of the Akan phrase yen ky ni that forms the basis of this present discussion may be loosely expressed as let's create/loot, or share selfishly what we get now for our instant gratification and forget about the needs of the next generation. In other words, one of the enduring but self-centred cultural mindsets of Ghanaians based on yen ky ni or let's share/eat all we have today and tomorrow will take care of itself attitudes is the reason why Ghana is struggling to make any meaningful economic advancement. That is to say, unless these retrogressive and self-serving frames of mind are completely suppressed or eradicated from our political, socio-cultural psyches, the boundaries or the possibilities of our national expectations, perceptions, thoughts, and reactions to crucial national developmental initiatives will always be limited and mediocre, to say the least. Ironically, the cold truth stares us right in our faces every day but the average Ghanaian prefers buck passing to self-introspection vis-a-vis why many of our law enforcement agencies and other state institutions are festered with corruption. Literally, throughout history, the primary objective(s) of every government has been the maintenance of law/order but as societies started expanding and becoming more complex, the provision of public goods which include the construction of railways, roads, water pipelines, electricity, public schools and other infrastructures arguably became part of the contemporary government's functions. Unfortunately, however, because a large number of Ghanaians have entrenched culture of instant gratification, any government that comes into power with foresight, creativity and good intentions of laying down the basic socioeconomic structures as the current Nana Addo regime is doing to help put the nation on the sustainable path for development, may likely face cynical resistance. As a result, many of these forward-thinking leaders will be denied the relatively long incubation period needed to nurture their policies in that the yen ky ni tendencies have been limiting our perceptions and critical thinking abilities to the fundamental realities of life. In fact, this nation's economic progress has always been cruising at a snail's pace, because our culture or mentality usually revolves on the axis of yen ky ni today or what the government of the day can hand out to the people rather than what the citizens can patriotically do for the dear country, Ghana. Many of our values, in terms of our sense of patriotism, morality, prudence, building Ghana today for better tomorrow, obviously are not the most important priority for millions of Ghanaians, including a host of the media talking heads who think their views are the most sacrosanct to the national discourse. Our self-seeking habits reflect on our interpretations of what passes for genuine expectations and supreme national interests. The point is, what makes anyone thinks he or she can eat Emma's waakye and have it back at the same time? Ghanaians, including some politicians and the media, pretentiously talk about their hatred for public corruption and quickly turn around screaming witch-hunting as soon as the government shows honest commitment to prosecute the corrupt public officials. Any wonder JDM and co. are walking around freely and acting like saints? On subconscious level, it's likely countless Ghanaians are attracted to the government of yen ky ni and this cultural mindset explains the so-called nostalgic sentiments some Ghanaians are expressing for the erstwhile Mahama-led NDC administration. Other than that how can any altruistic-minded person resists a government that introduces free senior high school education as the mighty United States has, puts the nation's hitherto dysfunctional balance sheet in sound order, makes Ghana the toast of the globe owing to the Year of Return concept, dumps the irregular electric power flow (dumsor) to the ashes of history, makes staple food prices reach their lowest level in recent memory, and still complains about times are hard? Clearly, some of us will not be surprised to see Jesus Christ come today and Ghanaians will not even realize he is here with us. Many Ghanaians remind me of the ancient Roman mobs: they hail Emperor Caesar this hour and the next minute they ask for his head because the Romans at the time were not only impressionable but also they didn't have a good appreciation of what decisive leadership entailed. Ghanaians can change the NPP government today, but times will always be hard until majority of us change our phony and inward-looking attitudes. Let's sacrifice today for better days ahead. As the late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew widely regarded as the chief architect of his country's socioeconomic development milestone rightly observed, Getting the (economic) fundamentals right would help, butIf you have a culture that doesn't place much value in learning and scholarship and hard work and thrift and deferment of present enjoyment for future gain, the going will be much slower. Ghanaians need to be real with themselves and cut the blatant contradictions and hypocrisies! Bernard Asubonteng is a US-based writer, and a Ph.D. student. ByBernard Asubonteng For weeks, President Trumps advisers have been preparing for the eventuality of an impeachment trial in the Senate, a process that could begin as soon as Wednesday. Some aspects of how Mr. Trumps team will approach the trial have yet to be determined, including whether it will seek witnesses and how much time it will ask for to argue its case. But the basic configuration of the team defending the television-savvy president in a made-for-TV congressional event has been established. The two constants will be Pat A. Cipollone, the White House counsel, and Jay Sekulow, who has been Mr. Trumps personal lawyer since 2017. Both are expected to have speaking roles during the trial. The truth is, weve been prepared to proceed as soon as the articles were adopted, Mr. Sekulow said on Sunday. Weve been prepared, we are prepared and we will be prepared for any contingencies. MSU arctic researcher earns presidential fellowship from Chinese Academy of Sciences BOZEMAN -- Montana State University professor John Priscu was recently awarded a prestigious, yearlong fellowship from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, an honor that will facilitate further research into polar ecology in the Himalaya and other extreme terrains. Priscu, a Montana University System Regents Professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences in the MSU College of Agriculture, first visited China in the 1990s to lecture about his work in Antarctica. He is one of the nation's leading researchers in Arctic biogeochemistry and his 36-year career includes publications in magazines such as Time and Scientific American and academic journals such as Science and Nature, among dozens of others. "You think of Antarctica and you typically think of this giant, lifeless iceberg," said Priscu. "It's pretty hard living on the surface, but underneath it's not so bad. Beneath the Antarctic ice sheet lies our planet's largest wetland. It might not have the red-winged blackbirds and the cattails, but it's permanent water overlying water-saturated sediments, and it's got bacteria that drive reactions such as methane production, all of which are defining elements of a wetland." About a decade ago, Priscu began receiving academic manuscripts from colleagues in China that focused on research similar to his own. He formed a partnership of editing and reviewing those manuscripts for publication. Then in 2011, he received an email from Yongqin Liu at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Tibetan Research Institute who was interested in pursuing her sabbatical in Priscu's MSU lab. Liu spent the 2012-2013 academic year in Bozeman where she and Priscu studied data collected from Himalayan glaciers, examining the climate record contained in ice cores extracted from a depth of about 300 feet. "The cores act like a time machine," Priscu said, "or like the rings of a tree." Those 300-foot cores held insights into what those environments were like dating back to around 1959. DNA sequences of bacteria showed that before 1990, bacteria in the northern Himalaya had origins from windblown soils in eastern Europe, whereas those in the southern Himalaya originated from the marine waters of the Bay of Bengal and were carried to the mountains via Asian monsoons. To Priscu's and Liu's surprise, after 1990 the bacteria in the southern Himalaya began to look more similar to those from the soils of eastern Europe, a trend that was related to increases in soot, or black carbon, deposited on the glacial surfaces, drawing a connection between the industrialization of western China and the dynamics of Himalayan glaciers. "Glaciers in the Himalaya represent the third largest reservoir of ice on our planet," said Priscu. "Glacier-fed rivers originating from the Himalayan mountain ranges influence the lives of about 40% of the world's population. These glaciers are melting faster than the polar ice sheets due to factors like industrialization and climate warming." His work with Liu is providing important new insights into the fate of Himalayan glaciers. After publishing a series of papers with Liu and further collaboration with other members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Priscu began traveling to Xinjaing in northwest China and to Tibet to conduct research on mountain glaciers and give lectures. He recently hosted a doctoral student from the Tibetan Research Institute and continues to collaborate with Liu, head of her own laboratory back in China. They have recently worked together on Priscu's field teams to study icy systems in Antarctica and Alaska. This winter, Priscu was awarded the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Presidential Fellowship for Distinguished Scientists for 2020. The fellowship will take Priscu, who routinely visits five or six continents each year, on an extended trip through China this summer. He will give a series of lectures in Beijing, Nanjing and Lanzhou in northwestern China, followed by conducting hands-on research on glaciers around 18,000 feet above sea level in the Tangula Mountains in Tibet. The study will focus on microbial communities that live in sediments on the surface of those glaciers and examine the roles that these microbes play in glacial chemistry and the absorption of solar radiation, the latter of which can enhance surface melting. For Priscu, it will be the continuation of more than 36 years of international teamwork, discovery and scientific advancement. "I have been lucky to have received funding from the National Science Foundation and NASA to study the geobiology of ice in Greenland, Antarctica, Alaska and the icy worlds in the outer solar system," Priscu said. "I have been equally lucky to work with Dr. Liu and other scientists from the Chinese Academies. Working with my Chinese colleagues is inspiring. Science is clearly an international language that has few intellectual boundaries." ### This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) of Bangladesh to support a solar power plant of 35-50 megawatt capacity in Kushtia district. The pilot project, which will be developed through competitive bidding under a public-private partnership model, is aimed at demonstrating a viable model for a solar power plant in Bangladesh, drawing in the private sector. At present, around 90 percent of Bangladeshis have access to electricity. In addition to increasing access, Bangladesh aims to boost the share of renewable sources in its energy mix from less than 3 percent to 10 percent of generation by 2021 and double that by 2030. Currently, over 90 percent of the power generation is dependent on fossil fuels. The country also faces challenges with renewable energy projects due to limitations of land. "This is a unique concept as it will support the government in creating a viable and sustainable renewable energy model in Bangladesh, using marginal low-lying land to produce solar energy. This model can be repeated across the country," said Wendy Werner, IFC Country Manager for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. "By engaging the private sector, we aim to promote more investment in renewable energy projects in Bangladesh and reduce reliance on thermal energy." As the lead transaction advisor to SREDA, IFC is helping with structuring and tendering of the project to attract a credible private sector developer through a transparent and competitive process. Meanwhile, the European Commission's Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development, Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership are supporting the funding for consultants. "This plan to bring in a solar independent power producer through a competitive bidding process will play a pivotal role in developing the country's renewable energy program by providing increased electricity access and clean energy, which will have positive impact on businesses and households in Bangladesh," said Mohammad Helal Uddin, Chairman, SREDA. IFC has a committed global portfolio of over $8.2 billion in power and energy sectors, half of which is in renewables. About IFC IFC a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. In Dhaka: Shehzeen Choudhury Phone: (880)1730373798 E-mail: schoudhury2@ifc.org AP Hundreds of thousands of people remain without electrical power after weekend storms ravaged parts of the southeast and Midwest United States, causing 11 deaths, overturning cars, uprooting trees and reducing buildings to rubble. The PowerOutage.US website, which tracks outages, reported over 100,000 outages across the country on Sunday afternoon, with 40,000 in New York alone. More than 28,000 were without electricity in South and North Carolina on Sunday morning. Nearly 1,000 flights were cancelled at Chicagos two main airports over the weekend, as the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory, flood watch and lakeshore flood warning for the metropolitan area. The weather service also said a tornado packing winds of at least 134 mph (215 kph) hit Alabama's Pickens County on Saturday, killing three people. The state's governor Kay Ivey praised first responders in a statement expressing grief over the loss of life. "This morning, I have reached out to both the county leadership as well as the legislative delegation to offer my deepest condolences in this terrible loss of life, she said. In northwestern Louisiana, three deaths were blamed on high winds. A man was crushed to death in his bed in Oil City by a tree that fell on his home early Saturday. A couple in nearby Bossier Parish were also killed when the storms demolished their mobile home. The National Weather Service said a tornado with 135 mph winds had hit the area during the weekend. High winds and icy weather were factors in power outages affecting tens of thousands of people in the south and the northeast US. Icy road conditions were blamed for Saturday deaths in Lubbock, Texas, where two first responders were killed when they were hit by a vehicle at the scene of a traffic accident. A winter storm will move into the Pacific Northwest bringing widespread snow or rain/snow mix, and heavy mountain snow. Heavy snow and freezing rain continue across northern New England. Winter driving can be hazardous. Remember, Ice and snow, take it slow. pic.twitter.com/rxaPYTOnLe National Weather Service (@NWS) January 12, 2020 Entergy Corporation said its subsidiaries serving Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi had more than 30,000 customers without power on Sunday morning, most in Mississippi and Arkansas. Story continues That was down from a peak of 134,000 outages in the entire Entergy system. While most were expected to be restored later in the day, some in areas of Arkansas and Mississippi with extensive damage might take longer, according to spokeswoman Lee Sabatini. She said the two states had suffered "extensive infrastructure damage". On Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service said winter storms were expected to move towards the Pacific Northwest and bring heavy snow and freezing rain towards northern New England. "Winter driving can be hazardous", the weather service warned in a tweet, adding: "Remember, 'Ice and snow, take it slow." Additional reporting by Associated Press Read more Eleven dead and hundreds of thousands lose power as storms sweep US Chinese expansionism doesnt always involve reviving, or inventing, territorial claims along their borders. Chinese efforts to annex the South China Sea and large areas on their Indian border get a lot of diplomatic, military and media attention but there is another kind of Chinese expansion that, while less noticed, is becoming a serious economic and political problem for the countries the Chinese have been allowed to invade economically. There are a growing number of countries that allow Chinese investment on a large, multi-billion dollar, scale. Such large investments come with conditions, and thats where the trouble begins. The Chinese insist that they must bring their own Chinese workforce. This includes demands that these new visitors can establish their own Chinese settlements and then stay when the project is over. The new visitors must be allowed to start businesses. This sort of thing results in the Chinese establishing a permanent economic presence and control over a growing percentage of the local economy. This does not always end well, with the Chinese being driven out of the country along with any more Chinese investment. One reason for building a large navy and military air transport fleet is to provide armed escorts for Chinese bill collectors and diplomats. Many Chinese neighbors are actively resisting these terms because these nations know what it means; eventual annexation of some or all their territory because it is now Chinese. Even Russia and North Korea are threatened by this. Former Soviet Union provinces in Central Asia, independent since 1991, are seeking closer ties with nuclear-armed Russia for defense against these Chinese moves. China would be all over North Korea if it werent for the fiercely nationalistic North Korean dictatorship. All Koreans know that the historical Greater Korea used to include large portions of northeast China that once had majority Korean population. These areas now have large Korean minority populations but are indisputably Chinese. The same thing is happening in northwest China where Xinjiang province was once known as East Turkestan with a majority Uighur Moslem population. Centuries of Chinese efforts to turn Xinjiang from a conquered province into a Han (ethnic Chinese) majority region have succeeded in many respects. A similar effort is underway in Tibet, where the local population are distant cousins to the Han but have for over a thousand years resisted Chinese occupation and domination. Tibet is losing that battle. There is a similar situation in Chinese Outer Mongolia, a portion of neighboring Mongolia where centuries of Chinese trade and Han migration turned a large portion of Mongolia into what is now the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia. China started its Hanification of the area in the 14th century, after the Mongol dynasty in China was overthrown and China sought to eliminate any future Mongol threats by gradually absorbing Mongolia. Currently the rest of Mongolia is called Outer Mongolia by the Chinese and is independent only because of alliances with Russia. In time the Chinese will make all of Mongolia Chinese. Considering their past experience, China is trying something different in Africa. Here China is sending in attractive trade deals first, followed by offers of huge development loans, but only if the locals accept Chinese terms. This is changing Africa and more and more Africans are wondering how far the Chinese will go. Since 2000 Chinese use of these invasion tactics has become increasingly obvious in the African nations involved. The most troublesome (for all concerned) side effect is the growth of intense anti-Chinese attitudes by resentful and still unemployed locals. The bad relations began when Africans realized that the Chinese bring their own workers and employ few locals for construction projects China was paying for. Over time fewer and fewer locals were used. This gave the Chinese greater control over projects, usually related to construction (buildings, roads, and the like) or mining. Currently, Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia are the major targets for these Chinese tactics. Similar efforts in North Africa have been less successful because local opposition developed quickly and were quite violent. So China now concentrates on sub-Saharan Africa. The Chinese point out that using their own workforce ensures that the project will get done on time and on budget. But there is a downside to the use of imported workers. It is easier for the Chinese to ignore local advice, which leads to construction practices that work back in China but not in various parts of Africa. Also the locals have different attitudes towards the use and maintenance of the new facilities. Often, after a decade or less, the Chinese projects are falling apart. No problem, because there are now plenty of Chinese (about two million now, throughout Africa) and Chinese companies (about 10,000 so far) to rebuild and maintain this infrastructure that has now become a vital part of the local economy The Chinese workers are kept in separate camps initially and eventually in newly built towns and city neighborhoods. The Chinese rarely mix with locals, giving rise to suspicions that they are Chinese convict labor. Theres no evidence of that, and Chinese managers everywhere tend to be very intent on tightly controlling work they are responsible for and seek to maintain, and profit from it, in perpetuity. Many of these Chinese workers stay after the project is completed and go into business locally. These Chinese construction projects please the local African officials because the Chinese get the job done quickly and with minimal problems from locals. Neither the local politicians nor the Chinese are concerned with long-term problems. China has been generous with business deals in Africa, and sent millions of Chinese to work, invest, or settle in Africa. The local tyrants are treated well as partners. That's because these thugs are shunned by Western nations and businesses. Because of this, China is increasingly seen as a supporter of evil governments and that has generated widespread African hostility towards all things Chinese. This has led to anti-Chinese riots in some countries and general animosity towards the Chinese at the grassroots level. Thus, when these countries go through their next rebellion, the Chinese are likely to be a popular target and a major loser if the rebels win. Despite the risks, China has been at this in a big way since 2002. This really kicked into high gear when China declared 2006 was officially "The Year of Africa." China went all out to make a favorable impression on African governments and increase Chinese economic and diplomatic activity in Africa that year. To that end, about a billion dollars worth of debts, of African nations to the Chinese government, were forgiven. The year before, Chinese commercial and government organizations invested over $20 billion in Africa. This was less than one percent of China's GDP but by African standards, it was a huge investment. However, there was some blowback. The Chinese were mainly after raw materials, especially oil. A lot of the billions invested were bribes for local officials. As usual, the average African was getting screwed by these deals. For example, a lot of the investment was for infrastructure (roads, bridges, structures), and a lot of those deals stipulated the use of Chinese labor for most of the work despite public promises of jobs for locals. There was never any intention of employing many Africans and the people signing these deals knew it. The Chinese pay such low wages that they could afford to fly in Chinese for many jobs. China is also flooding African markets with inexpensive goods. Both of these tactics are hurting local businesses and cause unrest among African business owners and workers. As a result, it's become common for opposition parties in Africa to accuse China of "neo-colonial exploitation." The accusation fits, and the Chinese will pay for it down the road, as will peacekeepers brought in to help clean up the mess. Russia, Central Asian and other Asian nations are seeing the same tactics being used on them and are demanding restrictions on these practices. Thailand turned down billions in Chinese investments because the Chinese would not limit the use of Chinese labor doing the work in Thailand. China is now more willing to negotiate because a growing number of nations are willing to do without Chinese investment if the terms include an influx of Chinese workers, many of whom want to stay for good. The overseas Chinese have been a presence in Asia for thousands of years. But until now the Chinese government was never much concerned with them. China was never, until the late 20th century, a major international trading power. Now China is and it is spending heavily to finance the migration of more Chinese to settle in foreign lands and never forget where they came from. For those who do, when the motherland calls, the Chinese government will remind the unwilling that they still have kin or other links back in China and how shameful would it be if this lack of cooperation became known. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker announced Monday morning that he was suspending his presidential campaign. Our campaign, Booker wrote in a letter to supporters, has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can winmoney we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington. With Bookers announcement, the Most Diverse Field in Primary History is now down to a single black candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.* Advertisement With Booker officially out, the prognosticators who placed bets on Booker having a moment at some pointany pointare officially poorer. Despite checking nearly every box for a would-be consensus candidate who should get consideration once the scrutiny sank in on those polling above him, Booker never got a second look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He never got anything, really. His trajectory wasnt like that of Kamala Harris, who had an early surge that flamed out, or Amy Klobuchar, who is grinding out Iowa a quarter-percentage-point at a time. He never went anywhere, even for a minute, having achieved 4 percent in a national poll only one time, and rarely ever rising out of low single digits in the early state he was prioritizing, South Carolina. Advertisement In the early stages of the campaign, Booker, who has been treated as future-president material for more than a decade, was crowded out by fresher prospects. He tried to occupy a middle ground of being progressive enough to not be immediately run out by the left, but not really threatening to those with money. Its roughly the same middle ground that Beto ORourke, Harris, and Pete Buttigieg also staked out. Bookers high pointpick whatever day or month you want, its just a flat linenever matched the high points of the others. (Yes, all of them.) Like Harris, Booker saw his plan to emphasize South Carolina hit a wall that remains intact: Joe Bidens dominance among black voters, which proved resilient even when Bidens 50-year baggage on issues of race and crime was unpacked and strewn about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booker went hard on Biden over race issues during the summer, leaping on Bidens fond remembrances of getting stuff done with segregationist senators in the 1970s. You dont joke about calling black men boys, Booker said during the controversy, while calling on Biden to apologize. This led to a good old-fashioned campaign apology-off, with Biden saying that it was Booker, not he, who should apologize. The two also argued during a summer debate about Bidens authorship of the 1994 crime bill, and later in the year about Bidens position against marijuana legalization. None of these attacks on Bidens record even dented the former vice presidents support among black voters, and even if they had, there was no indication those voters wouldve broken to Booker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the race turned to the fall, the Democratic establishment entered a traditional midcycle panic about its prospects. Biden had a series of poor debate performances that brought into question concerns about his age and ability, while a left-wing candidate, Elizabeth Warren, had climbed her way into co-front-runner status. On paper, this should have presented Bookera smart, sharp debater, a happy warrior, a good communicator with substantial executive and legislative experiencewith his second look. Booker tried to clear the space for an audition, raising worries about Joe Biden fumbling in a general election against Trump while attacking Elizabeth Warren from the center over her wealth tax proposal. But Biden never collapsed. Warrens slump only benefited Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders. And instead of just donating a billion dollars to Booker, Michael Bloomberg entered the race himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booker ran out of time and money before he had the opportunity to become anyones first choice. And though he had no meaningful polling support in Iowa, he did have a substantial number of Iowa endorsees whom other candidates will be inundating with phone calls today. The entire New Jersey Democratic congressional delegation, which endorsed Booker with the lockstep efficiency of a charmingly anachronistic political machine, is also now up for grabs. As for Bookers future? Hell run for, and win, another Senate term this yearthough it could be a term for which hell never be sworn in, if hes offered a Cabinet position. At age 50, hell have more opportunities to run for president too. And why wouldnt he? Hes great on paper. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Days after a BB gun shot cracked the back window of an ambulance in Syracuse, city police say another BB gun shot struck a Centro bus window. A Centro bus driver called Onondaga County 911 at 10:17 p.m. Saturday to say someone had shot out the window of the bus, police and dispatchers said. Someone shot a BB gun at the Centro bus -- striking a window on the bus -- near Colemans Irish Pub on Tipperary Hill, Syracuse police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Malinowski said. The bus driver then drove to the Centro Transit Hub on South Salina Street, between West Onondaga and West Adams streets, to report what had happened, officials said. This was the second time in less than a week that someone shot a BB gun at a vehicle. An American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance was driving in the 600 block of South Geddes Street last Sunday evening, Jan. 5, when the crew heard two shots, Malinowski said. The ambulance crew drove to Upstate University Hospital, where they met with police. There were no reports of injuries in either case. Syracuse police are asking anyone with information about either BB gun shooting case to call them at (315) 442-5222. 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. Mr Rai said AAP will reach the masses with its work of five years while the Opposition is busy with their internal politics. NEW DELHI: Terming the five-year rule of the AAP-led Delhi government an unprecedented success, senior AAP leader and city cabinet minister Gopal Rai said his party was going to sweep the Assembly election as both the Opposition parties the BJP and the Congress were lacking vision as well as state leadership. Talking to The Asian Age, he claimed that his party would break its own record by winning more than 67 seats in the Assembly elections. The AAP had won 67 of the 70 seats in the last state elections. Mr Rai said AAP will reach the masses with its work of five years while the Opposition is busy with their internal politics. We have delivered beyond our capacity such as people are getting zero electricity bill, free bus ride for women, better infrastructure for schools, and have improved conditions of hospitals. In 2015, we promised and in 2020, it's a reality. People will judge us by our work, we have done better job than any other government in India. When asked that their opponents are raising question over roping Prashant Kishor-led political consultancy firm I-PAC for the campaigning of AAP, Mr Rai said, We do not take any fight lightly. People who are happy with our work can join us as this is a mission and all are welcome here to contribute and change the politics for good. In the case of Mr Kishore, he was quite overwhelmed with our work and he extended his support to us. Reacting to the student agitation, Mr Rai said, Whatever happening with the students and inside the universities campus is highly condemnable. This is the adorable moment a feisty pooch called Stink battles it out with a crab on the beach. The Jack Russell terrier mix was surprised by the crab who pinched him as he explored the beach in Fort Pierce, Florida. In the clip, Stink runs along the beach heading straight for the crab that lies waiting on the sand. Jack Russell terrier mix Stink battles it out with a crab after it surprised him on the beach in Fort Pierce, Florida The crab's claw is just visible in the first clip, defiantly batting at the hound. Stink barks at the crustacean that continues to wave its claw around. The stubborn pooch doesn't give in when waves lap at his paws. The footage then cuts to show a close-up of the dog walking back towards the crab, who continues to swing its claw. As the water gets deeper, Stink still doesn't give in and even tries to hit the crab with his paw. Stink barks at the crustacean that continues to wave its claw around. The stubborn pooch doesn't give in when waves lap at his paws As the water gets deeper, Stink still doesn't give in and even tries to hit the crab with his paw Stink then appears to loose sight of his foe as another dog comes over to investigate. Stink's owner said: 'This is My Dog Stink, a Jack Russell terrier mix who loves the beach, encountering a crab while on his beach adventures. 'Stink was walking around exploring the beach, when a hidden crab surprised him with a sneak attack, snapping away with his crab claws.' January 12, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The U.S. assassination of General Qassem Soleimani has not yet plunged us into a full-scale war with Iran thanks to the Iranian governments measured response, which demonstrated its capabilities without actually harming U.S. troops or escalating the conflict. But the danger of a full-blown war still exists, and Donald Trumps actions are already wreaking havoc. The tragic attack on the Ukrainian passenger jet, which left 176 innocent people dead, is the first example of this. Iranian anti-aircraft defenses, on high alert and jittery after Trumps irresponsible threats of devastating retaliation against 52 sites in Iran, mistook the civilian airliner for an attacking U.S. cruise missile and shot it out of the sky. As we wait for the next unintended consequences of Trumps reckless actions in Iraq, here are ten important ways they have left the American people, the region and the world in greater danger. 1. The first result of Trumps blunders may be an increase in U.S. war deaths across the greater Middle East. While this was avoided in Irans initial retaliation, Iraqi militias and Hezbollah in Lebanon have already vowed to seek revenge for the deaths of Soleimani and the Iraqi militia. US military bases, warships and nearly 80,000 U.S. troops in the region are sitting ducks for retaliation by Iran, its allies and any other group that is angered by U.S. actions or simply decides to exploit this U.S.-manufactured crisis. The first U.S. war deaths after the U.S. airstrikes and assassinations in Iraq were three Americans killed by Al-Shabab in Kenya on January 5th. Further escalation by the U.S. in response to Iranian and other attacks on Americans will only exacerbate this cycle of violence. 2. U.S. acts of war in Iraq have injected even more volatility and instability into an already war-torn and explosive region. The U.S. close ally, Saudi Arabia, is seeing its efforts to solve its conflicts with Qatar and Kuwait thrown into jeopardy, and it will now be harder to find a diplomatic solution to the catastrophic war in Yemenwhere the Saudis and Iranians are on different sides of the conflict. Soleimanis murder is also likely to sabotage the peace process with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Shiite Iran has historically opposed the Sunni Taliban, and Soleimani even worked with the United States in the aftermath of the U.S. overthrow of the Taliban in 2001. Now the terrain has shifted. Just as the United States has been engaging in peace talks with the Taliban, so has Iran. The Iranians are now more apt to ally with the Taliban against the United States. The complicated situation in Afghanistan is likely to draw in Pakistan, another important player in the region with a large Shiite population. Both the Afghan and Pakistani governments have already expressed their fears that the US-Iran conflict could unleash uncontrollable violence on their soil. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Like other short-sighted and destructive U.S. interventions in the Middle East, Trumps blunders may have explosive unintended consequences in places most Americans have not yet even heard of, spawning a new string of U.S. foreign policy crises. 3. Trumps attacks on Iran may actually embolden a common enemy, the Islamic State, which can take advantage of the chaos created in Iraq. Thanks to the leadership of Irans General Soleimani, Iran played a significant role in the fight against ISIS, which was almost entirely crushed in 2018 after a four-year war. Soleimanis murder may be a boon to the ISIS remnants by stoking anger among Iraqis against the groups nemesis, the Americans, and creating new divisions among the forcesincluding Iran and the United Statesthat have been fighting ISIS. In addition, the U.S.-led coalition that has been pursuing ISIS has paused its campaign against the Islamic State in order to get prepared for potential Iranian attacks on the Iraqi bases that host coalition troops, giving another strategic opening to the Islamic State. 4. Iran has announced it is withdrawing from all the restrictions on enriching uranium that were part of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement. Iran has not formally withdrawn from the JCPOA, nor rejected international supervision of its nuclear program, but this is one more step in the unraveling of the nuclear agreement that the world community supported. Trump was determined to undermine the JCPOA by pulling the U.S. out in 2018, and each U.S. escalation of sanctions, threats and uses of force against Iran further weakens the JCPOA and makes its complete collapse more likely. 5. Trumps blunders have destroyed what little influence the U.S. had with the Iraqi government. This is clear from the recent Parliamentary vote to expel the U.S. military. While the U.S. military is unlikely to leave without long, drawn-out negotiations, the 170-0 votes (the Sunnis and Kurds didnt show up), along with the huge crowds that came out for Soleimanis funeral procession, show how the generals assassination has rekindled enormous anti-American sentiment in Iraq. The assassination has also eclipsed Iraqs burgeoning democracy movement. Despite savage repression that killed more than 400 protesters, young Iraqis mobilized in 2019 to demand a new government free of corruption and of manipulation by foreign powers. They succeeded in forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, but they want to fully reclaim Iraqi sovereignty from the corrupt U.S. and Iranian puppets who have ruled Iraq since 2003. Now their task is complicated by U.S. actions that have only strengthened pro-Iranian politicians and parties. 6. Another inevitable consequence of Trumps failed Iran policy is that it strengthens conservative, hard-line factions in Iran. Like the U.S. and other countries, Iran has its own internal politics, with distinct points of view. President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif, who negotiated the JCPOA, are from the reform wing of Iranian politics that believes Iran can and should reach out diplomatically to the rest of the world and try to resolve its long-standing differences with the U.S. But there is also a powerful conservative wing that believes the U.S. is committed to destroying Iran and will therefore never fulfill any commitments it makes. Guess which side Trump is validating and strengthening by his brutal policy of assassinations, sanctions and threats? Even if the next U.S. president is genuinely committed to peace with Iran, he or she may end up sitting across the table from conservative Iranian leaders who, with good reason, will not trust anything U.S. leaders commit to. The killing of Soleimani has also stopped the popular mass demonstrations against the Iranian government that began in November 2019 and were brutally repressed. Instead, people now express their opposition toward the U.S. 7. Trumps blunders may be the last straw for U.S. friends and allies who have stuck with the U.S. through 20 years of inflammatory and destructive U.S. foreign policy. European allies have disagreed with Trumps withdrawal from the nuclear deal and have tried, albeit weakly, to save it. When Trump tried to assemble an international naval task force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in 2019, only the U.K., Australia and some Persian Gulf states wanted any part of it, and now 10 European and other countries are joining an alternative operation led by France. At a January 8 press conference, Trump called on NATO to play a greater role in the Middle East, but Trump has been blowing hot and cold on NATOat times calling it obsolete and threatening to withdraw. After Trumps assassination of Irans top general, NATO allies began withdrawing forces from Iraq, signaling that they do not want to be caught in the crossfire of Trumps war on Iran. With the economic rise of China, and Russias renewed international diplomacy, the tides of history are shifting and a multipolar world is emerging. More and more of the world, especially in the global south, sees U.S. militarism as the gambit of a fading great power to try to preserve its dominant position in the world. How many chances does the U.S. have to finally get this right and find a legitimate place for itself in a new world that it has tried and failed to smother at birth? 8. U.S. actions in Iraq violate international, domestic and Iraqi law, setting the stage for a world of ever greater lawlessness. The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) has drafted a statement explaining why the U.S. attacks and assassinations in Iraq do not qualify as acts of self-defense and are in fact crimes of aggression that violate the UN Charter. Trump also tweeted that the U.S. was ready to hit 52 sites in Iran, including cultural targets, which would also violate international law. Members of Congress are incensed that Trumps military attacks violated the U.S. Constitution, since Article I requires congressional approval for such military actions. Congressional leaders were not even made aware of the strike on Soleimani before it occurred, let alone asked to authorize it. Members of Congress are now trying to restrain Trump from going to war with Iran. Trumps actions in Iraq also violated the Iraqi constitution, which the U.S. helped to write and which forbids using the countrys territory to harm its neighbors. 9. Trumps aggressive moves strengthen the weapons makers. One U.S. interest group has a bipartisan blank check to raid the U.S. Treasuryat will and profits from every U.S. war and military expansion: the military-industrial complex that President Eisenhower warned Americans against in 1960. Far from heeding his warning, we have allowed this behemoth to steadily increase its power and control over U.S. policy. The stock prices of U.S. weapons companies have already risen since the U.S. assassinations and airstrikes in Iraq and the CEOs of the weapons companies have already become significantly richer. U.S. corporate media have been trotting out the usual line-up of weapons company lobbyists and board members to beat the war drums and praise Trumps warmongering while keeping quiet about how they are personally profiting from it. If we let the military-industrial complex get its war on Iran, it will drain billions, maybe trillions, more from the resources we so desperately need for healthcare, education and public services, and only to make the world an even more dangerous place. 10. Any further escalation between the U.S. and Iran could be catastrophic for the world economy, which is already riding a roller-coaster due to Trumps trade wars. Asia is especially vulnerable to any disruption in Iraqi oil exports, which it has come to depend on as Iraqs production has risen. The larger Persian Gulf region is home to the greatest concentration of oil and gas wells, refineries and tankers in the world. One attack already shut down half of Saudi Arabias oil production in September, and that was only a small taste of what we should expect if the U.S. keeps escalating its war on Iran. Conclusion Trumps blunders have placed us back on the path to a truly catastrophic war, with barricades of lies blocking every off-ramp. The Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have cost millions of lives, left the U.S.s international moral authority in the gutter and exposed it as a warlike and dangerous imperial power in the eyes of much of the world. If we fail to haul our deluded leaders back from the brink, an American war on Iran may mark the ignominious end of our countrys imperial moment and seal our countrys place among the ranks of failed aggressors whom the world remembers primarily as the villains of human history. Alternatively, we, the American people, can rise up to overcome the power of the military-industrial complex and take charge of our countrys destiny. The anti-war demonstrations that are taking place around the country are a positive manifestation of public sentiment. This is a critical moment for the people of this nation to rise up in a very visible, bold and determined groundswell to stop the madman in the White House and demand, in one loud voice: NO. MORE. WAR. Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Global Exchange and CODEPINK: Women for Peace, is the author of the new book, Clearing GST Council voting is getting harder for the government as BJP is losing grip over states. The party, which controls 15 states, falls short of the 75% vote share needed to pass a decision. And it doesn't have an Arun Jaitley to broker a consensus on contentious matters. The GST Council never ever had to resort to voting to decide an issue before its December 2019 meeting. In fact, the provision for voting under GST law was more a matter of an academic interest prior to that meeting. The controversial issue of the GST rate on lotteries was decided by voting when the Council met on December 18 last year. Most of the votes were in favour of a uniform tax rate of 28 per cent on both state and private lotteries, with effect from March 1, 2020. The move was a partial defeat for the proposal by Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, on whose insistence the voting was conducted. Currently, there are dual rates for lotteries - 12 per cent tax on state-run lotteries and 28 per cent on state-authorised private lotteries. Voting happened twice on the issue. The first time it was a toss up between a uniform rate and a dual rate. Seventeen states and the Centre are learnt to have voted for a single rate and seven for a dual rate. Maharashtra, which was earlier for a uniform rate, voted for a dual rate this time. Then there was voting on whether the rate should be 18 per cent or 28 per cent on lotteries. All voted for 28 per cent. Kerala had favoured a dual rate for the two kinds of lotteries. Isaac had said if it came to a uniform rate, then the rate for private lotteries should not be lowered to 18 per cent, but the rate for government-run lotteries should be raised to 28 per cent. Union finance minister and the chair of the Council, Nirmala Sitharaman, tried to play down the voting or differences in the Council. It (voting) was not imposed by the Council. It was not imposed by me as the chair. It was on the insistence of one member, she asserted. How the voting math works As stated earlier, 17 states and the Centre voted for uniform rates and seven for dual. This means five states had abstained from voting. Any decision has to be passed with 75 per cent of those present and voting. Under normal circumstances, when each of the states and the Centre vote on an issue, the union government can block the decision of the majority on its own. But it will take as many as 12 states to do the same. On the other hand, even if all the states combine, the do not have the power to pass a decision, as 75 per cent of the vote is required to ratify the decision. This is so because the Centre has a third of the total vote, and the states combined together have two-thirds. Given that there are 30 states and union territories with legislature, each state has 2.22 per cent of the voting power, irrespective of size. Which means Uttar Pradesh and Goa enjoy the same percentage of voting power. The Centre, on the other hand, will need the support of 19 states to get it through. The BJP's dilemma Now, juxtapose this voting structure to the reducing number of states that BJP or its allies rule. The NDA is still ruling in 15 states out of 29 with one - Jammu and Kashmir - under Presidents rule. If one considers parties friendly to the BJP, such as YSR Congress, TRS, BJD and AIADMK, the BJP will have 21 states with it. This means that it can pass any decision, if it is able to cajole its 'friends' to support it. It isn't as if all decisions sailed through smoothly in the earlier GST Council meetings. Before the GST was introduced from July 1, 2017, there were huge differences within the Council over the rate structure, powers of the state and the Central officials, among other things. These got accentuated after demonetisation in November 2016, those in the know of the inside happenings in the Council said. However, the personality of former finance minister Arun Jaitley and his style of evolving consensus on contentious matters ironed out the differences. This might be tricky now, particularly if contentious issues such as lowering the revenue growth for the purpose of compensation to loss-making states come to the Council. Once, the voting option has been exercised, there appears to be much more chances of voting getting repeated for controversial issues such as reduced rate of compensation to states, said Abhishek Rastogi, partner at Khaitan & Co. M S Mani, partner at Deloitte India, said it will be better if decisions in the Council meetings are taken with the consensus of all states, as has been the practice in the past. There is no Jaitley now to broker a consensus and the BJP has been losing control over the states, a development that can prove detrimental in the passage of any vote-based decision. U S defence secretary Mark Esper has admitted he has not seen concrete evidence that slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was targeting four American embassies, as claimed by Donald Trump. The US President last week said he had been privy to "specific information on an imminent threat" to US consulates, ahead of ordering the strike which killed Soleimani. However, in an interview on Sunday, Mr Esper said he had not seen solid information pointing towards such a specific threat. Mark Esper said he did not see specific evidence of four embassy attacks / divids via AP Asked by CBS about a specific piece of evidence, he said: "I didn't see one with regards to the four embassies." He defended Mr Trump's comments by stating he "didn't cite a specific piece of evidence". Donald Trump says Qasem Soleimani was looking to blow up a US embassy Mr Esper said he shared the US President's view that they "were going to go after our embassies". He said other members of the US security team shared that view. Last week, Mr Trump said: "We had specific information on an imminent threat and that threat stream included attacks on US embassies. Period. Full stop." Aerial images of Iran missile strike 1 /6 Aerial images of Iran missile strike What appears to be new damage at Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite picture via REUTERS What appears to be new damage at Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite picture via REUTERS What appears to be new damage at Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite picture via REUTERS Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite picture taken is seen in December, before the missile strike via REUTERS What appears to be new damage at Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite picture via REUTERS The comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, as the US and Iran clash following the death of Soleimani. The Iranian military leader was killed in a US-ordered strike in Baghdad earlier this month, which later prompted Iran to target an Iraqi base which is home to American and British. Political leaders have said nobody was injured in the retaliatory 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 In the wake of this, Iran mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, claiming to have believed it was a missile fired as part of disputes, killing 176 people on board. It initially denied this, with protests taking place across the nation since the revelation. A major topic that you probably see in the news repeatedly is the unattainable costs of post-secondary education or training. Wherever students talents lead them --whether it be a traditional four-year university, community college, vocational and technical training, or other educational expenses such as computers or books -- they are looking at an uphill financial battle. And this can be daunting. For many years, the Commonwealth has been looking at the growing need for financial education and programs that help support families saving for their childrens future. In response, the city of Springfield in cooperation with State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, launched the SoarMA pilot program in December 2017 to encourage parents of middle school children to save for higher education. This pilot empowered Springfield families at South End Middle School to start saving and has served as a critical learning experience for the Treasurer to scale up SoarMA into a statewide program. On Jan. 1, State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg launched the BabySteps Savings Plan. This new program expands on the pilot by giving every baby born or adopted after Jan. 1, 2020 in Massachusetts a free $50 deposit into a 529 college savings account. In addition to the seeded savings account, this program will provide free comprehensive financial education for families across the state. These BabySteps resources will equip Springfield families with the tools they need to save. Although $50 doesnt seem like a lot of money, every bit helps and research shows that children with any college savings plan are more likely to attain some form of higher education than those without any plan or savings. Funding for the program is provided by private donors through the states Economic Empowerment Trust Fund. This is a great partnership between private industry, the Commonwealth, and families, to invest in our children. The plan is to reach every family in Massachusetts with information about this great opportunity and encourage forward-thinking investments and savings. As part of that plan, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, I will join Treasurer Goldberg at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield to introduce the new program to new parents and the wonderful staff that supports them in the first days of their babys life. We can all agree that its an overwhelming time when a baby or adopted child enters a family, and post-high school education is often nowhere near the top of the to-do list. However, the Treasurer has made the process as easy as checking a box on a birth certificate form to get started. This is a simple way to help families plan and ensure every kid feels that they have options for postsecondary education. Please spread the word about this program so every child can start their life with a strong first step. State Sen. James Welch, D-West Springfield, is chairman of the Joint Financial Services Committee. Theres a time-honored tradition of turning celebrated movies into television series. A lot of them have ended up as sitcoms: The Odd Couple, M*A*S*H, Alice (spun out of Martin Scorseses 1974 landmark Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore). But not all of them. Did you know that Casablanca was turned into two different TV series, one in 1955 and one in 1983? (The latter starred David Soul as Rick Blaine!) In 1976, they tried it with Serpico. Sometimes, a series can seem a true extension of the movie its adapted from thats what happened with Fargo and Dear White People. Sometimes, the movie that spawned a series will come to seem a mere footnote to the show thats what happened with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday Night Lights. And in the case of Parenthood (though it took two tries to get it right), a movie can be turned into an ideal show because it was always TV at heart. But even given the vast history of movies-into-television, the announcement last week that Parasite, Bong Joon Hos deliriously ambitious, wildly acclaimed, staggeringly popular South Korean sociological thriller, may now be converted into a limited series for HBO, with Bong and Adam McKay in talks to team up as executive producers, has to count as a total eyebrow-raiser. And part of whats eyebrow-raising about it is that the news didnt raise more eyebrows. It barely raised a shrug. More from Variety One of the headiest, most lavishly praised foreign-language films of its era remade, just like that, into a miniseries. (And we dont even know yet how it will fare at the Oscars!) Parasite, as a movie, has only begun to carve out its place in the culture, yet the idea that its story, its substance, its themes, its metaphors, its very form is already an utterly malleable thing is a very 21st-century concept. Theres a refreshing lack of pretension to the idea. This isnt about Bong Joon Ho sweating whether his film gets etched onto a monument of canonical reverence. Its about Bong, even at the moment hes being saluted around the world as a newly preeminent maestro, stepping off the pedestal and going with the media flow. Story continues I say more power to him. But to ask a genuinely unprecedented question: What would the HBO version of a movie like Parasite look like? More to the point: What does it portend for the future? Given the rarefied atmosphere of prestige that a film like Parasite occupies (the Palme dOr at Cannes; the rave reviews, top spots on 10 Best lists, and bevy of year-end critics-group awards; the Golden Globes kudo; the slew of Oscar nominations that will surely greet it tomorrow morning; the rising number of people who think that it has a genuine shot to win best picture), its hard to consider the potential HBO version of Parasite without cracking a few obligatory dislocating jokes. As inwhats next? A 12-chapter Netflix soap opera entitled Roma: Another Year, which traces the further adventures of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) and the Mexico City family she works for, though Cleo herself utters only three lines of dialogue per episode? Life Is BeautifulEverywhere, in which Robert Benigni stars as a rotating series of international bumpkins, each one imprisoned by the forces of his homeland (Bosnia, Iran, Brazil, China), and by the end of each episode youll be smiling through your tears of political outrage? Or how about Two Days, One Night: Marxist Apprentice, in which the Dardenne brothers adapt their celebrated 2014 drama into a highly austere reality series, where contestants have just 36 hours to bring social justice to their workplaces? Okay, Ill stop. But the point is: How often has a film as singular and as deadly serious as Parasite been wedged into the small screen? All but never, if you consider that a sitcom like M*A*S*H didnt pretend to be the subversive comic hand grenade that Robert Altmans movie was (Altman, aghast at the idea, claimed to have never watched the show). That said, theres a galaxy of difference between a network series and an HBO miniseries, which really can feel like a movie. I assume that an HBO version of Parasite, though the details of the series have yet to be released or even nailed down, would tell the same essential story the movie tells, probably now set in an American city (San Francisco? Boston? Portland?), and would expand and enrich the narrative. If I shared the opinion of many of my critical colleagues that Parasite is, quite simply, the movie of the year, then Id probably, on a basic level, object to this project. After all, why mess with perfection? But Im personally attracted to the prospect of an HBO Parasite precisely because I thought the film was good rather than great. I had an issue with it, one that many viewers Ive spoken to share. The first half, in which the members of the down-and-out Kim family in Seoul infiltrate the much wealthier home of the Park family, pretending to be tutors and servants, all so that they can revel in the luxury of living in that posh enclave, is devious Hitchcockian bliss. Its a suspense tale thats also a highly sensualized parable of vengeful class envy. But as I watch Parasite, Im disappointed, on some primal childlike level, when the ingenious deception the Kim family has orchestrated begins to fall apart. It happens too quickly; I want it to go on! As soon as the film moves into that basement bunker, where the Parks former housekeepers husband lives, I feel like the movies dirty joy starts to seep out of it. It becomes what it probably, in a sense, always was a dark didactic illustration of the competing rage of the haves and the have-nots. In the HBO version, Bong, I suspect, will have greater freedom to revel in the sheer playacting fantasy that gives Parasite its charge. I could definitely use another hour or two of that. The best description Ive read of Parasite comes from the director Paul Schrader, who in a Facebook post said that the movie starts off as Bunuel and ends up as Tarantino (weapons, blood, life gone gonzo). Maybe thats the trend this year. (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood starts as Tarantino and ends as Herschell Gordon Lewis.) And maybe an HBO Parasite would just be a more padded, less essential cover version of the same thing. In our binge-watching era, when too many people glibly sanctify the superiority of series television, I always say: There isnt a single great movie of the last 100 years that needed to be a minute longer. So why make Parasite several hours longer? Because, just maybe, its an experiment that can poke at the possibilities of the new synergy of movies and television. And can do something gripping with them. And can demonstrate that what we once thought of as a foreign film may not be a foreign film at all. The tagline for the new Parasite could almost be: Its not cinema. Its HBO. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Job-seekers may want to consider applying to fast food joint Taco Bell, after it announced it will be offering managers a competitive six-figure salary. Last week, the chains owner, Yum! Brands Inc, revealed that it will be testing an annual salary of $100,000 for managers of select restaurants in the midwest and northeast US. According to the company, which will be offering the salary to managers at some point this year, the hope is to analyse what effects salary increase has on morale. We hope we can evaluate the effect of increased salaries on manager and team morale, restaurant performance, recruitment and retention, and customer experience," Ferril Onyett, Taco Bells senior director of global training and international HR told MarketWatch. We are constantly exploring new ways to invest in our people, enhance morale and boost recruitment and retention. Previously, Taco Bell managers made $50,000 to $80,000, according to a spokesperson, while cooks make an estimated $8 to $13 per hour. Fast-foodies rank the best in fast food Show all 2 1 /2 Fast-foodies rank the best in fast food Fast-foodies rank the best in fast food 434362.bin All rights reserved Fast-foodies rank the best in fast food 434363.bin All rights reserved Comparatively, figures from the Bureau of Labour Statistics show that food service industry managers made an average of $54,240 in 2018. Employees of the taco chain will also be eligible to receive at least 24 hours of paid sick time per calendar year as part of the updated employee benefits. The decision to offer the six-figure salary and employee benefits comes amid a 50-year low for unemployment in the US, which has seen other companies increase salaries in an effort to attract workers. While Taco Bells announcement puts its manager salaries above those of most fast-food chains, it is still behind In-N-Out, which revealed in 2018 that the average manager makes $160,000 per year. In addition to competitive salaries, factors such as social media have also played a part in the public perception of fast-food companies. Last week, Popeyes purchased positive attention for the brand when it announced it would be awarding $10,000 worth of Popeyes chicken to a Family Feud contestant who went viral for a wrong answer. The moment in question saw contestant Eve Dubois wrongly answer chicken when asked what Popeyes favourite food was during the Canadian show. I thought you meant Popeyes Chicken, Dubois said before returning back to her family's podium. The Independent has contacted Taco Bell for comment. She's becoming a star in her own right after shooting her first magazine cover for WWD aged just five-years-old last year. And Kim Kardashian's daughter North stole the show once again as she joined her famous father Kanye West on stage to close his iconic Sunday Service over the weekend in Los Angeles, California. Dressed in a matching grey ensemble to her rapper dad, 42, the six-year-old danced in front of hundreds of spectators as Kanye performed Closed On Sunday from his latest album Jesus Is Born. Scroll down for video Starlet: Kim Kardashian's daughter North stole the show once again as she joined her famous father Kanye West on stage to close his iconic Sunday Service over the weekend in Los Angeles, California And North, who has a starring role in the music video for the latest hit, made sure she delivered her part in the track as she screamed her line 'Chick-fil-A' down the microphone at the end. Chick-fil-A is a recurring mention in Closed On Sunday, as the lyrics sing: 'Closed on Sunday, you're my Chick-fil-A,' it's in reference to the popular fast food restaurant being closed on the seventh day of the week. Closed On Sunday is said to be about Kanye's beliefs and his family's religious traditions on a Sunday, the lyrics include 'hold the selfies, put the 'Gram away' and 'stand up for my home, even if I take this walk alone.' Sweet: Dressed in a matching grey ensemble to her rapper dad, 42, the six-year-old danced in front of hundreds of spectators as Kanye performed Closed On Sunday from his latest album Jesus Is Born (pictured together with North's BFF) Sunday Service: Kim has previously called Kanye's weekly Sunday Service 'just a very spiritual Christian experience' (pictured together at a previous Sunday Service) Kim was bursting with pride as she recorded the performance to her Instagram Story, she later shared a picture to her Twitter, adding: 'Closed On Sunday with North,' followed by a shooting star emoji. Also during Sunday Service, which was held in an indoor venue compared to its favoured outdoor scenic Californian backdrops, Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman performed. Celebrities who have attended Kanye's weekly services in the past include Brad Pitt, Idris Elba, Teyana Taylor, Justin Bieber and Travis Scott, among others. Go for it! And North, who has a starring role in the music video for the latest hit, made sure she delivered her part in the track as she screamed her line 'Chick-fil-A' down the microphone at the end Reference: Chick-fil-A is a recurring mention in Closed On Sunday, as the lyrics sing: 'Closed on Sunday, you're my Chick-fil-A,' it's in reference to the popular fast food restaurant being closed on the seventh day of the week North wasn't the only star to feature in Kanye's Closed On Sunday music video, which took place in the Kardashian-West's beloved Wyoming. Kim herself, alongside their other three children - Saint, four, Chicago, nearly two, and Psalm, eight months, also made debuts. With momager Kris Jenner, sister Kourtney and her children Mason, 10, Penelope, seven, and Reign Disick, five, also making cameos. Starring role: North has a starring role in the music video for Closed On Sunday, which is said to be about Kanye's beliefs and his family's religious traditions on a Sunday (pictured) Lost in the wilds: Kim herself, alongside their other three children - Saint, four, Chicago, nearly two, and Psalm, eight months, also made debuts (pictured) It comes after Kim called Kanye's weekly Sunday Service 'just a very spiritual Christian experience' in a chat with Elle in April. 'It's honestly more like a healing experience for my husband,' she said. 'It's just music; there's no sermon. 'It's definitely something he believes in - Jesus - and there's a Christian vibe. But there's no preaching.' Famous family: Momager Kris Jenner, sister Kourtney and her children Mason, 10, Penelope, seven, and Reign Disick, five, also making cameos (pictured) Meanwhile Kim previously gushed about Wyoming to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. She said: 'We love Wyoming. It's always been such an amazing place. My husband did just buy a ranch there. His dream and his vision is to move there. 'I love LA, so I envision summers. I envision some weekends. But yeah, we love it. Even my sisters, everyone we've had this dream of getting a ranch and just spending our summers there and getting away.' An American burger bar has come under fire after advertising kangaroo meat as part of its 'exotic meat' menu for the month of January amid Australia's bushfire crisis. Burger Bar in Utah was slammed by customers after unveiling its kangaroo burger, with hundreds taking to social media to accuse the restaurant of being 'insensitive'. 'How tacky considering all the devastation happening to Australias wildlife, land and people right now,' one angered person wrote. 'Kinda in poor taste right now,' another added. 'Is next month's exotic meat going to be koala?' a third wrote. American fast food restaurant Burger Bar in Utah (pictured) has been slammed for selling kangaroo meat as bushfires ravage Australia The business hit back at its critics, saying their menu was created a year in advance and the meat would have gone to waste if they chose not to use it. 'Unfortunately, with the recent wildfires in Australia, we understand that this post could come across as insensitive,' Burger Bar wrote. 'We can assure you this was not planned in any way and is an unfortunate coincidence. In order to provide a variety of exotic meats each month, we must plan at least a year in advance. 'Regrettably, our kangaroo burger was scheduled and this travesty occurred, but we dont want to let this meat go to waste.' Despite the wave of criticism, hundreds of others were quick to offer words of support to the restaurant. 'I just read about the Burger of the Month story from Australia. It just goes to show that no matter what you do, theres always people that will find a reason to have a sook!' one supporter wrote. 'Yes, weve tragically lost hundreds of millions of animals in these fires which is epic, not just kangaroos, but I guarantee you thousands of Aussies still enjoyed a BBQ this weekend.' 'Going to go show this local business some support and laugh at all these people who are so offended,' another added. The restaurant hit back at claims it was being 'insensitive', saying the meat would go to waste if they didn't sell it Each month the restaurant offers 'exotic meat' including shark and llama. Kangaroo meat has been a commercial industry in Australia since 1959 and is considered one of the 'worlds best wild harvest operations'. More than 3,000 tonnes of kangaroo meat is exported to over 55 countries worldwide. It's estimated three per cent of Australias harvestable kangaroo population is used for meat production each year. There are an estimated 50million kangaroos in Australia, while there are about 24.6million people. Right now, the government often does the opposite. Many programs are hidden in the tax code, as Suzanne Mettler of Cornell explained in her book The Submerged State. Upper-middle-class families receive thousands of dollars from the mortgage-interest deduction without thinking of it as a government benefit. Lower-income families sign up for the earned-income tax credit by visiting a tax preparation company, which can make the benefit appear to come from H&R Block, rather than Uncle Sam. W2O Group has acquired New York-based healthcare advertising firm 21GRAMS. Financial terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed. 21GRAMS was founded by CEO Robert Blink in 2018. The full-service agency bills itself as a strategic and creative marketing, advertising and patient/medical education shop dedicated to making healthcare more human. (L to R): Jim Weiss, CEO/Founder, W2O; and Bob (Robert) Blink, CEO/Founder, 21GRAMS. W2O, in a statement, said the acquisition would bolster the independent marketing and communications networks position in medical and scientific communications as well as strengthen its capabilities in direct-to-consumer, direct-to-provider and business-to-business advertising and marketing. "This acquisition follows a strategy by W2O to accelerate its vision of becoming the premier analytics-driven, technology-enabled healthcare marketing and communications company of the future," W2O founder and CEO Jim Weiss told ODwyers. 21GRAMS will retain its name in light of the acquisition. No forthcoming changes were reported to the agencys leadership team or staff, and the agency will remain in its current Midtown Manhattan office. The deal accounts for only the latest wave in a continuing series of agency acquisitions for W2O. The healthcare and tech-focused network in November acquired London-based scientific and medical communications firm ISO.Health as well as Montclair, NJ-based scientific visualization company Radius Digital Science. Those deals followed W2Os October acquisition of Philadelphia-based medical and scientific communications shop Arcus Medica. San Francisco-headquartered W2O was the No. 1 healthcare company in ODwyers 2018 rankings, posting $177.5 million in a total net fees last year, which accounts for a 23 percent gain from the year prior. German engineering group Siemens said it would fulfil its contractual obligations to a controversial coal mining project in Australia's outback, attracting criticism from environmental groups on January 13. Siemens was awarded a contract last year to provide signalling technology for a railway line to transport coal from a remote coal mine run by India's Adani Group in northern Queensland state. The German company had said it would decide by January 13 on its involvement in the project. On January 11, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg called for Siemens to review its role in the project. "There is practically no legally and economically responsible way to unwind the contract without neglecting fiduciary duties," Siemens Chief Executive Joe Kaeser said in a statement. Local and federal governments approved the project based on the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as well as hundreds of pages of environmental impact statements, Siemens said. "While I do have a lot of empathy for environmental matters, I do need to balance different interests of different stakeholders, as long as they have lawful legitimation for what they do," Kaeser said. "We should have been wiser about this project beforehand. Now, we need to be a supplier who sticks to its commitments as long as the customer stays on legal grounds, too. Because being a company which is not a reliable source for its customers is simply not an option." Adani said it was pleased to be working with Siemens and that it would not be "intimidated or deterred" from delivering on its promises of jobs for locals and coal for developing nations. Environmental activists slammed the decision and pledged to continue their protests, concerned the continued use of coal will lead to higher emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas which is linked to global warming. "If Siemens' board thinks this is the end of the conversation, they're kidding themselves," said Julien Vincent, executive director of environmental advocacy group Market Forces in Melbourne. "Siemens will face huge public opposition at its AGM on the 5th of February and will have to explain to its shareholders why becoming part of the most reputationally risky projects in the world is in the company's best interests," he said in a statement. Siemens said it had pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and it fundamentally shares the goal of making fossil fuels redundant over time. A protest group that has disrupted the operations of companies linked to Adani's mine said they would target Siemens. Siemens' expertise is vital to the Adani coal railway and there is too much at stake to give up," said Galilee Blockade spokesperson Ben Penning. "Citizens will escalate their protests until Siemens listen to the science and choose the right side of history." Contempt for regulators, airlines and their own colleagues coupled with a casual approach to safety: a series of emails by Boeing employees paint an unflattering portrait of a company culture of arrogance imbued with a fixation on cost-cutting. The emails underscore the task awaiting incoming CEO David Calhoun when he takes the companys reins on Monday, under intense pressure to restore public confidence -- and that of aviation regulators worldwide -- after two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX aircraft. The emails were contained in some 100 pages of documents dated between 2013 and 2018 and transmitted to US lawmakers by the Seattle-based aviation giant. The messages were seen by AFP after their release Thursday. Often cutting, dismissive, mocking or cavalier, the messages show that Boeings current difficulties reach far beyond the 737 MAX, shining a light on a level of dysfunction that seems almost unimaginable for a company that helped democratize air travel -- and which builds the US presidents iconic Air Force One airplane. The emails show that Boeing tried to play down the role of its MCAS flight-control system in order both to avoid the costs involved in having to train pilots on the system in flight simulators and to speed the federal green-lighting of the MAX plane. Investigators singled out the role of the MCAS (the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) in the fatal crashes of MAX planes flown by Indonesias Lion Air (October 29, 2018) and Ethiopian Airlines (March 10, 2019). Those crashes claimed 346 lives and led to the planes worldwide grounding last March. I want to stress the importance of holding firm that there will not be any type of simulator training required, one Boeing employee messaged a colleague on March 28, 2017, a few months before the MAX received federal certification. The message went on: Boeing will not allow that to happen. Well go face-to-face with any regulator who tries to make that a requirement. A few months later, the same employee -- a test pilot -- bragged about having save(d) this company a sick amount of $$$$. The names of most of the employees who sent the messages were blacked out. I wouldnt In 2018, several employees working on the MAX simulators complained of encountering numerous technical difficulties. Would you put your family on a MAX simulator-trained aircraft? I wouldnt, said a message sent in February 2018, eight months before the first crash. No, a colleague agreed. Two other employees said they were concerned about the impact on Boeings image at a time, they said, when the companys leaders seemed obsessed with the idea of gaining ground on Airbuss narrow-body A320neo. All the messages are about meeting schedule, not delivering quality, one employee said. A colleague replied: We put ourselves in this position by picking the lowest-cost supplier and signing up to impossible schedules. Why did the lowest-ranking and most unproven supplier receive the contract? Solely because of the bottom dollar. Robert Clifford, a US lawyer representing victims families from the Ethiopian Airlines crash, said the Boeing culture led to unnecessary and preventable deaths. Excuses will not be heard, he said in a statement on his law firms website. Ridiculous The documents also show Boeing employees questioning the competence of the companys engineers. This is a joke, an employee wrote in September 2016, in a reference to the MAX. This airplane is ridiculous. Piss poor design, said another, in April 2017. And yet for decades Boeing was seen as representing the very best in aerospace engineering and design. It developed the 747, nicknamed the queen of the skies, and contributed to the Apollo program that sent man to the moon. The aerospace company and its huge network of suppliers are goliaths of the US economy. In June 2018, one employee messaged his own analysis of the problem: Its systemic. Its culture. Its the fact that we have a senior leadership team that understands very little about the business and yet are driving us to certain objectives while not being accountable. Michel Merluzeau, an analyst with Air Insight Research, said, Boeing needs to re-examine an operational culture from another era. Greg Smith, Boeings interim chief executive officer, insisted that these documents do not represent the best of Boeing. In a message to staff sent Friday and seen by AFP, he added, The tone and language of the messages are inappropriate, particularly when used in discussion of such important matters. Some emails are dismissive of federal regulators, starting with those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who approved the MAX. There is no confidence that the FAA is understanding what they are accepting, an employee wrote in February 2016. Nor were airlines spared. Now friggin Lion Air might need a sim(ulator) to fly the MAX, and maybe because of their own stupidity, an employee wrote in June 2017, more than a year before a 737 MAX crashed near Jakarta. Idiots! Yet another employee, this one more somberly, wrote in February 2018: Our arrogance is (our) pure demise. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Furious over YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's apathy towards the protestors who have been agitating over three capital proposal of the government, Telangana convenor of Republican Party of India (Athawale) P Siva Nageswar Rao said that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is sleeping like a buffalo without responding to the protests. "The behaviour of Jagan and other YSRCP leaders are such that they are sleeping like a buffalo and that's why we are giving representation to a buffalo," Rao said on Sunday. Condemning the Chief Minister's silence over the ongoing protests of farmers and women across the state, RPI(A) leader challenged the Chief Minister Reddy to resign and seek a fresh mandate of the people. Rao asked: "How can Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy take a decision to shift the capital without announcing it in the election manifesto?" Protests are taking place all across Andhra Pradesh including at Mandadam, Tulluru, Velagapudi village. Police forces have been deployed in these areas. There were reports of women farmers being brutally beaten up by the police during their protest against the state government's proposal of shifting the state capital to Vizag. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Mercer County woman who took in more than $344,000 in donations for what she described as a horse rescue charity put the money in her personal bank account and never properly registered the organization, officials said. Dina Alborano, of Hamilton, used the internet and social media to promote her I Care I Help thoroughbred rescue organization, authorities said. She accepted more than $330,000 in donations via PayPal and personal checks in 2018 after reeling in more than $12,000 the previous year, the state Attorney Generals office said in a statement Monday. She then deposited the money in personal accounts controlled by her and a man with whom she lives after telling donors it would be used to keep thoroughbreds from the slaughterhouse, officials said. Though Alborano has not been charged criminally, she agreed to $5,000 in civil penalties, according to a copy of the the settlement provided the the Attorney Generals office. The first half of the payment was due Dec. 3 with another $2,500 due on Feb. 3. Alborano told officials she donated the $17,000 left in the I Care I Help" account to a registered charity when it was shut down. She is also barred from holding a leadership position for a charity or soliciting money for a charity, according to the settlement. Charitable organizations are required to register with the states Division of Consumer Affairs, per the New Jersey Charitable Registration and Investigation Act Donors were led to believe that the money they contributed to I Care I Help would be used to purchase thoroughbred horses bound for the slaughterhouse and pay for the animals care while they awaited adoption into permanent homes, said Division of Consumer Affairs acting Director Howard Pine. Instead, donor funds were funneled into bank accounts controlled by Alborano and an acquaintance and its unclear from the records kept just how much of that money was actually used for rescuing horses. Alborano couldnt immediately be reached for comment by NJ Advance Media. Her attorney, West Orange-based Frank Arleo, also didnt immediately return a message from NJ Advance Media. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Away from what's happening the country currently, we have something rather strange to bring to your attention. An AirAsia Mumbai-bound flight from Kolkata was forced to return back to the airport after a woman threatened to blow it up, claiming to be a human bomb. Yes, you read that right! After 40 mins of take off, when the flight was in the air, the 25-year-old woman from Salt Lake, Kolkata, handed over a note to the cabin crew, which said she had a bomb strapped to her and she was unable to dispose it off and that it could detonate at any moment. Now, one can only imagine the panic that hit the cabin crew and other officials on the aircraft. The note was brought to the pilot who alerted the Air Traffic Controller (ATC), which directed him to return to Subash Chandra Bose International Airport for an emergency landing. Twitter "The ATC had declared full emergency at that time. As soon as the aircraft landed at the airport, it was taken to the isolation bay at 11.46pm," the pilot stated in an interview with a popular publication. But fortunately for everyone on board, no bombs were found on the woman after a thorough check up and it turned out she was in an inebriated state and had made up the bomb story, to maybe scare people. Who knows what her intentions were, as long as they didn't see the light of day, right? Obviously, the passenger was taken into custody by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the aircraft was also searched thoroughly with no bombs to be found anywhere. Seems like the woman let loose her imaginative streak and had a really dark trip altogether, in her inebriation. The woman in question has been identified as Mohini Mondol and she's still in custody. "An investigation has been initiated and we are also talking to her family members to find out why she was going to Mumbai," a police officer informed various publications. The officer also added that the woman wanted to return to Kolkata so she made up the story for the plane to return. Well, if she hadn't put 114 passengers and the cabin crew in a state of distress, I would say she should definitely join politics! BCCL "AirAsia India operations coordinated with Kolkata ATC to initiate an immediate landing in Kolkata. Post landing, the aircraft was secured with the assistance of airport security staff and all the protocols were followed by the concerned agencies and the individual in question was detained," an AirAsia spokesperson made a statement to the press, after the incident took place. We're really glad nothing 'explosive' happened and everyone onboard was safe and sound after all. Well, everyone except the woman who created the panic and we hope airlines are a little more strict with their protocols and procedures to ensure passengers who're under any form of intoxication shouldn't be allowed to board, in the first place. The Special Investigation Service of Armenia today summoned President of the Constitutional Court Hrayr Tovmasyan to an interview. In an interview with Tert.am, he refused to provide details about the reason why he had been summoned. A part of the preliminary investigation is confidential, while another partI shouldnt say anything in this stage. I would like to know who told you about these investigative actions because all this has to remain confidential, he said. President of the Constitutional Court Hrayr Tovmasyan is charged with misuse of official powers that has negligently caused grave consequences. Donald Trump reportedly authorised the killing of Irans top general seven months before he was hit in a drone strike. The US president said he would sign off on the operation to kill Qassem Soleimani if Iran crossed his red line of killing an American, NBC News reported, citing five current and former senior administration officials. The officials told the network the decision explains why an airstrike on Soleimani was one of the options the military presented to Mr Trump as a response to an attack by Iranian proxy forces on a military base in Iraq, which caused the death of a US civilian contractor. There have been a number of options presented to the president over the course of time, one senior administration official told NBC News. They said the presidents aides put killing Soleimani on the list of potential responses to Iranian aggression some time ago. The presidential directive, from June, could undermine Mr Trumps assertion that the attack was carried out because Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corpss elite Quds Force, was planning to attack four US embassies. 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 Several Democrats and a few Republicans in Congress have questioned the justification behind the attack, and said they have not been given adequate, detailed briefings. Since the strike on Soleimani on 3 January, administration officials have claimed they acted because of an imminent risk of attacks on American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. On Friday, Mr Trump said Iran had targeted the US embassy in Baghdad and claimed it was aiming to attack four US embassies before Soleimani was killed. We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad, Mr Trump said in an interview on Fox News. I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies. Trump's defence secretary Mark Esper admits he 'didn't see' evidence of imminent threat from Iran However, Mark Esper, the US defence secretary, has said while additional attacks against US embassies were likely, Mr Trumps remarks were not based on specific evidence. What the president said was that there probably could be additional attacks against embassies. I shared that view, Mr Esper said on CBSs Face the Nation. The president didnt cite a specific piece of evidence. When pressed on whether intelligence officers offered concrete evidence on that point he said: I didnt see one with regards to four embassies. In a separate interview on CNNs State of the Union, Mr Esper said the administration had exquisite intelligence saying a broader attack against multiple embassies was likely, but it could only be shared with the Gang of Eight, a group of top congressional leaders who get briefed on sensitive information the rest of Congress does not have access to. But House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and member of the Gang of Eight, said on Sunday that the group was not informed about possible attacks on four embassies. There was no discussion in the Gang of Eight briefings that these are the four embassies that are being targeted and we have exquisite intelligence that shows these are the specific targets, he said. Republican Senator Mike Lee said on Sunday he was worried about the integrity of information the president and security briefers have provided Congress about Iran. We were given somewhat general statements, and I believe that the briefers and the president believe they had a basis for concluding there was an imminent attack. I dont doubt that. It is just frustrating to be told that and to not get the details behind it, he said on CNN. On Monday, Trump reiterated that the war general posed an imminent threat, but said that it did not matter either way because of his horrible past. Additional reporting by agencies A disability pensioner allegedly assaulted by police during a welfare check says he shouldn't have been bashed, even if he'd been murderer and cult leader Charles Manson. The Preston man has admitted he has made mistakes in the past and paid the price, when questioned in court about his prior assault convictions. Half a dozen officers went to his home in September 2017 to check on the man who was withdrawing 'cold turkey' from opioids. Half a dozen officers went to his home in September 2017 to check on the man who was withdrawing 'cold turkey' from opioids Among the group were Senior Constables Brad McLeod and Florian Hilgart plus Constable John Edney, who are all facing unlawful assault charges. It is alleged they used capsicum spray on him, punched him and soaked him with a hose. The man told Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Monday that he had never had a problem with police before the incident and they had never had an issue with him. When asked about prior assault convictions he said that 'doesn't matter'. 'I could have been Charles Manson. Their job is to handcuff me and bring me before the courts,' he said. The man admitted being verbally aggressive toward the officers, telling them to 'f*** off', but has rejected suggestions he was physically aggressive. 'I'm guilty of using obscene language to police officers so charge me with that,' he said. It is alleged they used capsicum spray on him, punched him and soaked him with a hose. The man told Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Monday that he had never had a problem with police before the incident and they had never had an issue with him 'I thought if you put your hands on police you'd get charged ... why wasn't I charged? Am I special?' Watching video of the incident the man denied he was lunging at officers, but was putting out his hands to protect himself because he could see McLeod had capsicum spray. He said McLeod had promised to talk to him, not spray him. 'I was trying to protect myself from whatever they were spraying me with, and trying to push his hands away,' he said. The pensioner said he had experienced 'excruciating' bone pain from cancer and needed to be close to home while recovering from the pain medication use. The man admitted being verbally aggressive toward the officers, telling them to 'f*** off', but has rejected suggestions he was physically aggressive 'I was heavily addicted to morphine. I don't get angry or violent, I just get frustrated and get sick, and need more and more,' he said, 'And that's why I made the decision to go cold turkey.' When asked about suggestions he wanted police to shoot him, or act on a threat of 'suicide by cop' he described it as saying 'stupid things' to get the police off his property because he was in fear. The man said he had a high pain threshold and denied claims he had faked pain to access opioids. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Sam Burgess has shared a touching tribute to his brothers, after the gang spent quality time together at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. The retired NRL star, 31, put his highly-publicised split from his wife, Phoebe Burgess, to one side as he bonded with his siblings, all of whom play rugby league. He shared a photo to Instagram of the four Burgesses - including George, 27, Luke, 32, and Tom, 27 - alongside the caption: 'A Brothers Bond. Unbreakable. Love you.' 'A Brothers Bond. Unbreakable': Sam Burgess (second from left) has shared a touching tribute to his brothers, after the gang spent quality time together at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. Pictured with George (far left), Tom (second from right) and Luke (far right) The photo showed the genetically-blessed lads walking towards the ocean in the blazing Sydney heat, with both Luke and George going shirtless. Over the weekend, it was reported that Sam and Phoebe had sold their family home in Maroubra for $5million, just three months after their separation. According to The Sunday Telegraph, the property sold on December 24. Personal troubles: The retired NRL star, 31, put his highly-publicised split from his wife, Phoebe Burgess (right), to one side as he bonded with his siblings, all of whom play rugby league The former couple purchased the home for $3.8million in 2016, a year before welcoming their first child, Poppy Alice, in January 2017. They welcomed their second child, son Billy, in December 2018. The Burgesses ended their marriage in October 2019, following a brief split earlier that year which had resulted in a reconciliation. Since the break-up, Phoebe has been staying at her parents' country home near Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands. Meanwhile, Sam is believed to be renting in Coogee. Happier times: Over the weekend, it was reported that Sam and Phoebe had sold their family home in Maroubra (pictured) for $5million, just three months after their separation Moving on: Since the break-up, Phoebe has been staying at her parents' country home near Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands. Pictured with the couple's children, Billy and Poppy While Sam might be hoping to forget the dramas of 2019, his siblings have had cause to celebrate. On New Year's Day, his younger brother Tom announced his engagement to his partner, Tahlia Giumelli. The South Sydney Rabbitohs prop proposed to Tahlia on their three-year anniversary, at the same farm where they'd had their first holiday together. 'And our 2019 ended just perfectly!' Tahlia wrote on Instagram. 'Where it all begin in 2016. Our first holiday at the farm and three years later he's down on one knee at the same place!' She said yes! While Sam might be hoping to forget the dramas of 2019, his siblings have had cause to celebrate. On New Year's Day, younger brother Tom (left) announced his engagement to his partner, Tahlia Giumelli (right) Meanwhile, George bid farewell to Australia in November. He has moved back to the UK with his wife, Joanna, and their three children after signing a three-year deal with Wigan Warriors. Eldest brother, Luke, ended his relationship with Yolanda Hodgson - the mother of his child - in January last year. But since then, he has found love again with product developer Arianna Vidgen. 'Bye Sydney!' Meanwhile, George bid farewell to Australia in November. He has moved back to the UK with his wife, Joanna, and their kids after signing a three-year deal with Wigan Warriors Now that they are no longer considered senior members of the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be spending a lot more time away from the spotlight. Not only will they be taking on fewer responsibilities moving forward, but they are also planning on splitting their time between the U.K. and North America. While the couple will still be a part of the monarchy, there is one thing they wont be able to do now that they are not senior members of the royal family. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Chris Jackson WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are giving this up Taking to Instagram, Harry and Meghan just announced that they no longer want to be a part of the senior group of royals. It is a bit murky as to who comprises this exclusive group, though it is generally accepted that the senior members of the royal family are those who hold top positions in the line of succession. According to Town and Country, senior royals work full-time for the monarchy, representing Queen Elizabeth at various engagements, and acting as the face of the monarchy both at home and overseas. This group also includes spouses. As sixth in line to the throne, Prince Harry was considered a senior member of the royal family prior to his recent announcement. Other members include Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton. Since stepping away from their roles as senior members, the one thing Harry and Meghan can no longer do is carry out the duties of the monarchy in Queen Elizabeths absence. But considering all the struggles they faced in 2019, it is a safe bet that Harry and Meghan are looking forward to being relieved of that duty. Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quitting the royal family altogether? Although their announcement was a major setback for the royals, Harry and Meghan are not ditching the family altogether. The two are no longer a part of the inner circle and are looking to establish financial independence, but they are still going to work alongside members of the monarchy. In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle insisted that they will continue to work on projects with Queen Elizabeth, Charles, and William in the years to come. Friends say Meghan is 'determined to leave' royal family but Harry is 'heartbroken' over severing links https://t.co/pHMoI2m0Ji Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) January 13, 2020 It is unclear what this really means, but there is a good chance that Harry and Meghan will continue to support various collaborations with his side of the family. That said, the couple is also looking to expand their charitable endeavors to North America and are reportedly thinking about moving to Canada. If that happens, then a lot of the couples time will be taken up. And living thousands of miles away from the rest of the royals will make future projects difficult to schedule. How did the royals react to the news? Shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped the big announcement, Buckingham Palace released a statement through a spokesperson. Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage, the statement read. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through. Based on the statement, it sounds like Harry and Meghan did not inform other members of the royal family about their plan. It also means that their exit is not finalized and there is a chance that they retain some of their duties. But considering how Harry and Meghan are looking to obtain financial independence, there is a good chance that their ultimate goal is to separate completely from the royal life. Whatever happens, it is clear that the drama is far from over. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to their royal duties While we wait to hear more, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already returned to their royal duties. The couple paid a visit to Canada House at the start of 2020 and thanked the High Commission for the countrys hospitality. The Sussexes spent the holidays with Meghans mother, Doria Ragland, at a luxurious home on Vancouver Island. They stayed out of the spotlight for the majority of their trip, though sources say that they enjoyed their break. Meghan Markle has now returned to Canada to reunite with son Archie while Prince Harry stays behind in the U.K. to attend Queen Elizabeth II's urgent meeting. https://t.co/7urU4QC0fC pic.twitter.com/8Wo9JOtY0d E! News (@enews) January 10, 2020 Speaking of Meghans mom, there has been a lot of talk about them moving to Los Angeles so that she can be closer to Ragland. Queen Elizabeth has called an emergency meeting with Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Charles to discuss what the future holds for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Hospitals and medical practitioners who are still communicating with their patients in a time warp of phone calls and letters could achieve very significant savings by entering the digital age. Thats according to Sonia Neary the co-founder of Wellola, a startup that has launched in both the UK and Ireland with a practice management and patient portal designed to bring medical facility communications into the 21st century. Given that digital communication is cheaper, faster and more efficient, Ms Neary says that the continuing use of older means of communication results in the waste of both human and financial resources by healthcare facilities. Poor communications are a major factor in missed appointments this happens when patients are unable to contact their health provider by phone to reschedule, or because they receive appointment letters too late, said Ms Neary, pointing out that, in the UK, missed appointments cost the NHS 1.2bn last year. And in Ireland, over half-a-million people missed out-patient medical appointments in 2017, she said, adding that every missed appointment has an estimated cost of 100. In addition, hospitals and medical professionals are spending 1 per appointment letter, which Ms Neary says could be substantially educed by the use of secure digital mail. In the UK, the NHS spent 100m on letters last year, she says. To reduce costs and improve communications, Wellola is offering a patient management portal and a complimentary patient smartphone app. This portal can be used by patients to make and reschedule appointments, receive reminders and educational material, fill forms, receive and pay bills, where appropriate, Ms Neary says, of a system that is designed to organise all patient communication and correspondence in one place and facilitate secure video consultations between patients. A physiotherapist, Ms Neary set up the company in 2016 with Greg Martin. Their aim was to develop an appointment-booking engine for physiotherapists. Signing up for Enterprise Irelands New Frontiers startup programme, they researched the market and discovered an unmet need for patient portals for clinics and hospitals. They were joined by a third co-founder, Criostoir O Codlatain Lachta. In late 2017, we launched a basic version, which could take a booking, send an appointment reminder, store medical notes, and accept online payments, Ms Neary says. Feedback They used the feedback from clinics to further develop the technology. Securing 50,000 in Competitive Start Funding from Enterprise Ireland, in early 2018, allowed the founders to add functionality and the patient app. They also began exploring export opportunities to the UK and Italy. In 2019, Wellola opted to crowdfund the company. We set out to raise 100,000, but secured 180,000, and we received an additional 150,000 in High Potential Start Up funding from Enterprise Ireland, Ms Neary says. This allowed Wellola to hire an additional staff member and to actively go after customers in the UK. Now, we are targeting hospitals and networks of healthcare professionals in both Ireland and the UK and are one of the first to provide a patient portal, which can be used by small sole traders as well as large enterprises, says Ms Neary. Wellola is currently in discussions with a number of NHS Trusts. In Ireland, Wellolas technology is used in 150 clinics, including by a large number of mental healthcare professionals and physiotherapists and other clinicians. This year, the company plans to target GP clinics and to sign its first Irish hospitals. Our target is to secure 1,500 community-based clinics by the end of the year, in both the UK and Ireland, which will include a wide range of medical practitioners, Ms Neary says. By Bahk Eun-ji A Canadian English teacher has been arrested and indicted for showing a YouTube video clip of a man eating human flesh to preschool children, police said Monday. A Canadian English teacher has been indicted for allegedly showing a controversial video to schoolchildren. /Korea Times file Ozark police Chief Marlos Walker confirmed Beasley lived in Ozark at the time of the murder, and still resided in Ozark at the time he was arrested this weekend. According to court records, Beasley pleaded guilty in 1991 to third-degree burglary and was sentenced to 15 years. The amount of time Beasley served from the burglary sentence is unknown. Walker said, Everyone has worked very hard in this case. A lot of hours have spent performing interviews with the witness as well as Beasley. Adams and Walker both confirmed Beasley was friends with the Harris couple at the time of Tracy Harriss murder. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I think this arrest shows we never give up on getting the truth and serving justice, Adams said. The Harriss daughter, Carolyn Aznavour, said, It is a relief to know my father did not do this. I was only 4 when this happened, and I dont remember my mother or my father. I only knew them through pictures. If anyone doubts that cases can be solved, this shows they can. This case was continued so many times and I believe by the case being continued so much led to the latest arrest in my mothers case. It was all in the Lords timing. Amateur Radio Satellite talk in Basingstoke Noel Matthews G8GTZ will give an introduction to the geostationary satellite QO-100 at the Makerspace in Basingstoke at 7pm on Tuesday, Jan 14, this is a free open evening all are welcome He will give an introduction to the amateur radio transponders on the satellite that enable a small Sky mini dish to be used to receive stations from Malaysia to Brazil and South Africa to Norway. The talk will include ways to receive the satellite using equipment bought for less than 25. Venue: Maritime House, 65 New Rd, Basingstoke RG21 7PW, map at https://www.basingstokemakerspace.org.uk/ Full meeting details at https://www.basingstokemakerspace.org.uk/tuesday-talks-amateur-satellites/ OTTAWA - The clock's now officially ticking down on the race to replace Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, with the release of rules and deadlines for the contest likely to winnow down the field of contenders. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - The clock's now officially ticking down on the race to replace Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, with the release of rules and deadlines for the contest likely to winnow down the field of contenders. Nominations formally opened Monday and the dozen or so people who've thrown their names into the mix for the contest including a former Quebec premier, a former cabinet minister and at least three current MPs have begun the task of trying to mount campaigns in earnest. Leader of the Opposition Andrew Scheer announces he will step down as leader of the Conservatives, Thursday December 12, 2019 in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Conservative leadership hopefuls are spinning up their organizations Monday with the official start of the federal party's leadership race. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Veteran Conservative organizer Georganne Burke, who is managing current MP Marilyn Gladu's effort to enter the race, said she's confident Gladu will make the cut, though it won't be simple. "We know it is going to be an uphill climb for everybody," she said. "They have made it purposely more difficult." Candidates will have three hurdles to jump over to get their names on the ballot. To be approved as an applicant, they have until Feb. 27 to pay the first instalment of the $200,000 entry fee, plus gather 1,000 signatures from party members from 30 ridings spread over seven provinces or territories. After that deadline, candidates need another 1,000 signatures and must pay a $100,000 compliance deposit and one more instalment of the entry fee to get access to the party's membership list and spots in any debates. On top of those requirements, they still need a further 1,000 signatures, and to pay the rest of the entry fee, and get that done by March 25. The three steps up the ante over what had been in place for the last leadership contest, won by Scheer. In 2017, the cost was $100,000, divided between a refundable compliance deposit and a non-refundable segment. Only 300 members' signatures were needed, though they had to come from 30 ridings in seven different provinces or territories then as well. The race spooled out for over a year. The rules were published in March 2016, the deadline to enter was Feb. 24, 2017 and party members elected the new leader on May 27. This one will have launched and ended in a fraction of the time the new leader is to be announced June 27. The 2017 campaign had 14 names on the ballot, creating some grumbling about the impossibility of having substantive policy debates. Pressure was placed on the leadership race organizers this time to see if the rules could be structured to narrow the field. In most leadership races, there are two tiers of candidates, said Jamie Ellerton, a conservative strategist with the firm Conaptus. One group is considered to have at winning; the second tier is seen as people seeking to increase their profiles for some other political purpose. But the rules this time, including the number of signatures and various deadlines, mean whomever enters already has to have a plan in place, he said. "What I think these rules do is exclude the ability of a totally unserious candidate like Kevin O'Leary coming in, creating headlines for several weeks, and then getting out, because the barriers are so high," he said. O'Leary the business mogul and reality-TV star briefly joined the race in 2017 but dropped out after a few months after failing to get enough support in Quebec. Aron Seal, a former Conservative staffer who intends to run, said the rules could be interpreted as shutting out candidates. But he thinks they are necessary, as politics requires people who can prove they can lead. "I've been talking a big game for months," he wrote in a message circulated on social media. "The establishment has responded with an elegant, 'Prove it, kid.' Challenge accepted." This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 13, 2020. The California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF) will host its 36th annual Hall of Fame at the Westin St. Francis on Union Square in San Francisco on the evening of June 9, 2020. Since 1985, CHF has annually honored outstanding individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation and philanthropy in the homebuilding industry. Each inductee is a trailblazer in their chosen field and is passionately dedicated to continuing CHFs mission of forging a bright future for the next generation building workforce. This years Hall of Fame will celebrate the lifetime achievements of four remarkable professionals with a black-tie dinner and formal induction ceremony. Please join the Foundation in congratulating our 2020 inductees: Kent Aden (HomeFed Communities), Steve Kalmbach (PulteGroup, Inc.), Steven Kellenberg (Kellenberg Studio) and Jeffrey Roos (Lennar Corporation). For more information on the 2020 Hall of Fame gala and full biographies of current and past honorees, visit the webpage http://www.mychf.org. Kent Aden: President of HomeFed Communities in Carlsbad, CA. Kent Aden has over 35 years of experience in planning, entitlement, land development and homebuilding for more than 25,000 homes in Southern California. He previously served as Executive Vice President of The Otay Ranch Company for 18 years and Vice President of Community Development for EastLake Development Company for 11 years. Aden is the former President of the San Diego Building Industry Association (BIA) and chaired the 2008 Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). He has an MBA from California State University, Fullerton, and a BA degree in Architecture from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. For Kent Adens full biography, visit https://www.mychf.org/aden-kent/. Steve Kalmbach: President of PulteGroup, Inc.s Northern California Division in Pleasanton, CA. Steve Kalmbach started at PulteGroup in 2000 and has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, including residential, industrial, retail and mixed-use development. He is responsible for delivering over $10 billion in revenue and overseeing the sale and construction of almost 12,000 homes at PulteGroup. Kalmbach previously served as Vice President for Catellus Development (now Prologis) and Jones Lang Wooten (now JLL). He received his MBA in Finance from the Anderson School at UCLA and his undergraduate degree in Political Science from UCLA. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for CBIA and HomeAid of Northern California. For Steve Kalmbachs full biography, visit https://www.mychf.org/kalmbach-steve/. Steven Kellenberg: Founder of Kellenberg Studio in Laguna Beach, CA. Steven Kellenberg is an urban planner and designer with over 40 years of experience in new communities, mixed-use town centers, business parks and redevelopment. Prior to serving as a Senior Vice President at the Irvine Company, he worked 16 years at Phillips, Brandt and Reddick (PBR) and 15 years at EDAW/AECOM, where in addition to planning multiple projects around the globe, his team developed integrated models for economic-based sustainability. Steve received his BS in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State and Masters in Urban Design from Harvard Graduate School of Design. He is on his 20th year teaching at the USC Master of Real Estate Development program. For Steven Kellenbergs full biography, visit https://www.mychf.org/kellenberg-steven/. Jeffrey Roos: Regional President (West Region) of Lennar Corporation in Orange County, CA. Jeff helped establish Lennar in California in 1995 through the financial restructuring of Bramalea California, where he served as President. Jeff managed the Lennar Orange County Division start-up until becoming the Western Regional President in 2000. Subsequently, he has overseen the sale and construction of over 60,000 homes and $20 billion in revenue throughout California, Arizona and Nevada. Jeff helped establish and has served as President of the Homeful Foundation and its predecessor, Lennar Charitable Housing Foundation, since its inception. The organization has funded over $10 million to homeless organizations throughout California with plans to expand nationwide. For Jeff Roos full biography, visit https://www.mychf.org/roos-jeffrey/. About the CHF Hall of Fame The homebuilding Hall of Fame is an annual awards gala presented by the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization advancing the homebuilding industry through scholarships, research and education. CHF is committed to preserving the history of exemplary homebuilding professionals and celebrating builders, architects, developers and associates recognized for excellence and success in their careers. To learn more, visit http://www.mychf.org. File image In a shocking statement, BJP leader Raghuraj Singh has said people raising slogans against Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath "will be buried alive". Singh made the shocking threat on Sunday while addressing a rally in Aligarh to create awareness about the Citizenship Amendment Act. Warning "these handful of people -- one per cent criminal and corrupt people against saying murdabad to Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minster Adityanath, he said, I will bury you alive." "Yogi and Modi are not the ones who will get perturbed. Yogi-Modi will run the country and run it like this only," Singh said. "Those taking money from Dawood Ibrahim and troubling our officers, and Muslims will be beaten up badly," he said. Singh, who hails from Aligarh, was apparently referring to protests held by students of Aligarh Muslim University against the CAA recently. The BJP immediately distanced itself from Singh's controversial remarks, with party spokesperson Chandramohan saying "Raghuraj Singh is neither a minister nor an MLA." Labour Welfare Council chairman Sunil Bharala said Raghuraj Singh is an advisor in a unit of Labour Department. What happened Shares of leading Canadian marijuana grower Canopy Growth (NASDAQ:CGC) declined 21.5% in 2019, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. That might not sound so terrible, but when you consider that the S&P 500 returned 31.5% last year, that means Canopy stock underperformed the market by 53%. In 2020, shares are down 2.6% through Jan. 10, compared with the S&P 500's 1.1% return. So what Canopy Growth stock started 2019 on an incredibly strong note. By the end of April, it was up a whopping 88%, or almost five times the S&P 500's 18.3% return. Along with general bullishness in the cannabis space, here are the main company-specific catalysts that lit a fire under Canopy stock in the first four months of last year: January: Shares soared 82.3% in January, with the biggest company-specific catalyst being Canopy's announcement early in the month that it planned to enter the U.S. hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) market. This market opened up on Jan. 1, 2019 when the United States legalized industrial hemp. Shares also got a boost mid-month when the company announced that it received a license from New York State to process hemp and produce products derived from it. April: After gaining just 3.2% in February and falling 8.5% in March, Canopy stock jumped 16.5% in April. This rise was driven largely by the company's announcement that it was buying the rights to acquire Acreage Holdings (OTC:ACRGF), a U.S.-based cannabis producer. The "deal involves Canopy paying $300 million up front for the right to acquire Acreage for $3.4 billion, if and when the U.S. federal government legalizes marijuana," as I previously wrote. Canopy stock began its big 2019 slide in May. The drop was due to some company-specific news, along with market sentiment turning bearish in the cannabis realm. The negative sentiment is largely being driven by the Canadian legal marijuana market -- which opened (for dried flower and oils) in October 2018 -- growing more slowly than expected. There have been numerous kinks in the province-distribution system. Throughout the year, Canopy disappointed investors with its quarterly revenue coming in lighter than expected and losses coming in larger than anticipated. Whether the company has been investing wisely for growth or spending like a drunken sailor is a matter of opinion. Canopy's partner, alcoholic beverage giant Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ), which owns a 38% stake in Canopy, wasn't happy with the losses. In July, the company's co-founder Bruce Linton was fired from his position as co-CEO. That left Mark Zekulin as sole CEO, while Canopy searched for a new leader. In early December, Canopy announced that Zekulin would step down on Dec. 20 and David Klein, currently CFO of Constellation Brands, would take the reigns on January 14. Now what Tomorrow starts the Klein era at Canopy Growth. Investors should get to hear from him next month. While Canopy hasn't yet set a date for the release of its third-quarter results for fiscal 2020, it should be about mid-February. Wall Street is expecting revenue growth of 24.6% year over year and the loss per share to widen by 26.3%. Investors should expect early demand for "Cannabis 2.0" products to be discussed on the call. In October, Canada legalized products derived from marijuana, such as edibles, beverages, and vapes, and these products became available in December. A Shiv Sena worker on Monday filed a police compliant in Solapur in Maharashtra against Delhi BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal for "hurting sentiments" of people by comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through his book. A protest was also held in Solapur, around 250 kms from here, against Goyal over his book- "Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", which has created a political storm in Maharashtra where the 17th Century king enjoys a reverential status. Solapur police officer confirmed to PTI the receipt of the complaint application from the Sena worker, Dinkar Jagdale. "We have received the complaint application but the case has not been registered as a legal opinion is being sought," said the Faujdar Chawadi police station officer. Jagdale demanded ban on the book and "strong action" against Goyal. "While comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Prime Minister Modi, the author has insulted the great Maratha king and hurt sentiments of all the 'Shiv Premis' and 'Shiv Bhakts'," he said. Jagdale alleged that the book has generated "a lot of discontent" in Maharashtra. On Sunday, a Maharashtra Congress spokesperson lodged a complaint against Goyal with Nagpur Police for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people through the book. The ruling Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress have criticised the book, deprecating the "insulting comparison" between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the PM. As the controversy escalated with the Sena taking an aggressive stand, the BJP in Delhi on Monday distanced itself from the book, saying the party has nothing do with its publication and it represents the author's personal opinion. The author Goyal told PTI that he was willing to revise those parts of the book to which opposition leaders have objected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said protocol dictates he must delay the announcement (PA) Irelands premier has made a decision on the date of the countrys general election, but says protocol means he cannot yet announce it. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he had to complete some outstanding business on European and British/Irish affairs and inform cabinet colleagues and rival politicians in the Dail parliament before making the announcement. Amid mounting speculation that Ireland will go to the polls in February, Mr Varadkar said: I have made a decision but there is unfinished business to do which I want to get done and also there is some respect and protocol around this and I would like to speak to the cabinet and to leaders of the opposition. He said the Dail would reconvene on Wednesday as scheduled. Mr Varadkars minority Fine Gael-led administration is facing potential defeat in a vote of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris in the first week of next month. Expand Close Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has been propping up Mr Varadkars minority government through a confidence and supply arrangement (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has been propping up Mr Varadkars minority government through a confidence and supply arrangement (Brian Lawless/PA) The Taoiseach, who is holding a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, looks set to avert that eventuality by calling an election. Mr Varadkars personal preference was for a poll in the early summer but, in an interview on RTE Radio Ones This Week programme on Sunday, he acknowledged circumstances have changed. We have a deal on Brexit, in many ways that was the big job of this government, our magnum opus to secure a deal on Brexit, he explained. We have the institutions up and running in Northern Ireland which the Tanaiste (Simon Coveney) and I have put a huge amount of work in to, particularly the Tanaiste. And also the arithmetic in the Dail has changed and thats the reality of that. He later appeared to hint of an imminent campaign when he referenced that parties would be making claims about his governments fiscal record in the next couple of weeks. Mr Varadkars administration has faced intense criticism from rival parties for its handling of problems in housing and health care. Fine Gaels landmark confidence and supply arrangement with arch rivals Fianna Fail, which has sustained the Government since 2016, has also come under growing pressure amid rows over expenses and voting practices in the Dail. Last month, the Government narrowly avoided defeat in a no-confidence motion against Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, by only three votes. But the numbers in the Dail do not look like stacking up in favour of Mr Harris in February, with a crucial handful of TDs indicating they intend to change how they will vote this time around. Hours after the Taoiseachs remarks, Fianna Fail made clear it was already on campaign footing by announcing deputy leader Dara Calleary as its director of elections. We have a very strong team of candidates, a solid message and we are ready to fight and win the next General Election, whenever it may be, he said. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald criticised both main parties for their insistence that they would not countenance her party as potential coalition parties in a future government. She tweeted: We appointed ministers to the Executive in Belfast, a move welcomed by same parties that want to exclude Sinn Fein from govt in Dublin. They are hypocrites, Leo Varadkar & Micheal Martin will not dictate that we and our voters are not good enough for govt. We will not be excluded. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP Donald Trump hailed footage of Tehran students refusing to walk over a US flag as big progress, but there is little sign his administration is prepared to offer more than verbal encouragement to what the US president called wonderful Iranian protesters. Amid the furious popular backlash to the shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, students at Shahid Beheshti University took pains to walk around the big US and Israeli flags painted on a concrete campus thoroughfare, a gesture of defiance to all-pervasive state propaganda. The general revulsion that Irans rulers shot down a plane with 176 passengers and then attempted to lie to the world about it has triggered a crisis of legitimacy for the government on top of economic protests that have spread across the country since November. In another striking sign of the change in mood, a former anchor for Iranian state television said she would never return to the role, writing in an Instagram post: Forgive me for the 13 years I told you lies. Related: Journalists quit Iranian state broadcaster over crash cover-up The dramatic crisis for Tehran may present an opportunity for Washington, but it is not clear the Trump administration is ready to seize it by adapting any of its own policies. In his triumphant tweet on Monday, Trump did not mention that Beheshti University, and by extension the students he was lionising, were subject to US sanctions as part of the US campaign of economic suffocation of the country. Or that those students or any other ordinary Iranians are prevented from visiting the US under Trumps travel ban, a prohibition that has split many Iranian families. A US policy of maximum pressure has dramatically increased the hardships of ordinary Iranians. The blanket sanctions are supposed to have loopholes for basic foodstuffs and medicines, but the threat of secondary measures against banks have made them skittish about any kind of transactions with Iran. Story continues Maximum pressure has also contributed to the state of near-war between the US and Iran. NBC News reported on Monday that Trump had given preliminary assent to the assassination of Revolutionary Guard general Qassem Suleimani in June last year. That followed Irans downing of a US drone as Tehran lashed out against the US oil embargo and sought to disrupt the flow of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The assassination order, according to NBC, was urged on the president by administration hawks, secretary of state Mike Pompeo and then national security adviser, John Bolton, but Trump said he would only carry out an attack if the Iranians killed Americans. That threshold was crossed at the end of December when a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack on an Iraqi base by an Iranian-backed Shia militia. The revelation further undermines administration claims that the killing of Suleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad was carried out to prevent imminent attacks on US embassies. The defence secretary, Mark Esper, admitted over the weekend that he had not been aware of intelligence to underpin Trumps claims that four embassies were to be targeted, and US officials have been seeking in recent days to water down the meaning of the word imminent. Trump insisted on Monday that a attack driven by Suleimani was imminent but that it doesnt really matter because of his horrible past, reflecting growing suspicions that the drone strike was more about what the general had done rather than what he was planning to do, which raises questions about its legality under international law and the US constitution. There were also questions over whether it helped or hindered the Trump administrations objectives. The killing of an icon of the Islamic revolution initially galvanised support for the government, bringing millions of Iranians out on to the streets. But that burst of enthusiasm was extinguished by the feckless behaviour of Iranian officials over the downing of PS752, redirecting public ire at the incompetence and callousness of the system overseen by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Bolton, now out of the White House, tweeted: The Khamenei regime has never been under more stress. Regime change is in the air. Most analysts pointed out that the Islamic Republic has withstood extreme stress and popular dissatisfaction before and survived, usually by stepping up its own brutality. Many also believe the most likely consequence of a fall of the current system would be some kind of military government in which the Revolutionary Guard would play a dominant role. Dina Esfandiary, a fellow at the Century Foundation, said the best Washington could do would be to relax sanctions and the travel ban and then stay out of the way. She said: At the risk of sounding brutal I think the best way of capitalising on that opportunity would be for the US and everybody else to butt out and let the Iranians figure out what it is that they want and how to bring about the change that they want. Both sides have undoubtedly been weakened in the region. Iran has lost credibility and also the services of Suleimani, who had a unique aptitude to work the complex world of rival militias in Iraq and Syria to Irans advantage. The US has become an unwelcome guest in Iraq, a strategic foothold that is critical for it to fend off the threat of Islamic State and other extremist groups from a distance. It has ignored repeated Iraqi invitations to withdraw its troops, but that seems an unlikely recipe for long-term influence. Both sides would benefit from a negotiated compromise at this point. Trump has repeatedly signalled that he would be ready for negotiations, and even in the fury that followed the Suleimani killing, Iranian officials kept the door open to talks. The barriers to such negotiations are largely domestic and political on both sides. Dennis Ross, who served as a diplomat in the Middle East for several previous administrations, suggested that Vladimir Putin, who is looking for opportunities to expand Russian influence could seize the moment to become a mediator. What an irony it would be, indeed, if Trumps attraction to Putin could offer a pathway to defusing the Iranian threat, Ross wrote in the Washington Post. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Politics But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51 They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune Here is a second counter for the Iowa Caucus, which is obviously just around the corner: * * * 2020 Alert reader dk (not to be confused with DK) is in the process of developing the following interactive chart. We have a new national poll today from IDB/TIPP, albeit with a very small sample, as of 1/13/2020, 11:00 AM EST. On the average, the pattern of Biden first, Sanders strong second, then Warren and Buttigeig is stable, but Bloomberg is closing on Buttigieg, which is interesting or concerning. NOTE: If we take out the averaging, Warren is in second, and Sanders is in third. The last week has been volatile. Of course, these are national polls, about to be massively thrown into confusion by IA, NH, SC, and NV and then CA. And the numbers: Cory Booker (see below) has dropped out, so I take this opportunity to see what all the bottom feeders are doing: The numbers: And here are the campaigns as small multiples: You can see how Booker basically flatlined from Day One, unlike Yang, Klobuchar, and Steyer (also plugging along buying his way in). Gabbard pretty flat too, but her message and campaign are very different from Bookers. CAVEAT I think we have to track the polls because so much of the horse-race coverage is generated by them; and at least with these charts were insulating ourselves against getting excited about any one poll. That said, we should remember that the polling in 2016, as it turned out, was more about narrative than about sampling, and that this year is, if anything, even more so. In fact, one is entitled to ask, with the latest Buttigieg boomlet (bubble? (bezzle?)) which came first: The narrative, or the poll? One hears of push polling, to be sure, but not of collective push polling by herding pollsters. We should also worry about state polls with very small sample sizes and big gaps in coverage. And thats before we get to the issues with cellphones (as well as whether voters in very small, very early states game their answers). So we are indeed following a horse-race, but the horses dont stay in their lanes, some of the horses are not in it to win but to interfere with the others, the track is very muddy, and the mud has splattered our binoculars, such that its very hard to see whats going on from the stands. Also, the track owners are crooked and the stewards are on the take. Everythings fine. I think dk has started a really neat project, and in the near future well seek your feedback (within reason) for the tool live. * * * Readers, I will have a bonus post in a short while about Politicos story on the putative Sanders campaign script trashing the Warren campaign (on which Warren is already fundraising (!). * * * Biden (D)(1): If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog: I'm not sure I have any purpose here anymore. Actual email from Joe Biden. pic.twitter.com/lKO9PtUiEn Nate's Liver Commentary (@SilERabbit) January 12, 2020 Biden (D)(2): Joe Bidens Vote for War [New York Times]. On Oct. 11, he was one of 77 senators to authorize the use of military force in Iraq. Twenty-three colleagues, some of whom harbored grave doubts about the danger Iraq posed at the time, refused to back the presidents request. [T]he Iraq war vote is part of the extensive record he cites, and he has struggled to accurately account for it on the campaign trail, repeatedly suggesting he opposed the war and Mr. Bushs conduct from the beginning, claims that detailed fact checks have deemed wrong or misleading. Those of us who were alive and paying attention in 2003 would be extremely surprised to learn that Biden opposed the war. Booker (D)(1): Senator Cory Booker Ends Presidential Campaign [HuffPo]. Booker often found himself in a political never-never land of sorts, stuck in the middle of ideological war between Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on the left and Biden and host of other candidates in the center. He tried to focus his campaign on love and unity, a message that was sometimes out of sync with the fighting approach many Democrats hope a nominee would bring to a general election battle with Trump. Sanders (D)(1): Bernie Sanders leads the Iowa Poll for the first time, just weeks before the Iowa caucuses [Des Moines Register]. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders leads the Democratic field three weeks ahead of Caucus Day in Iowa narrowly overtaking his closest competitors, who remain locked in a tight contest just behind him. After a surge of enthusiasm that pushed Pete Buttigieg to the top of the field in November, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor has faded, falling 9 percentage points to land behind both Sanders and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Warren is at 17%; Buttigieg, 16%; and former Vice President Joe Biden, 15%. Theres no denying that this is a good poll for Bernie Sanders. He leads, but its not an uncontested lead, said pollster J. Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co., which conducted the poll. Hes got a firmer grip on his supporters than the rest of his compatriots.' A prestigious poll. More below. Sanders (D)(2) Iowa caucuses: Very close and never more important [Bleeding Heartland]. Before looking at the numbers, a reminder: a 5-point gap between first and fourth isnt statistically significant. The Selzer poll is widely regarded for a good reason, but the first thing to know about Iowa is we really dont know who is ahead. There are really two fights going on at once. The first is an ideological fight between Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders for the left and Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, and Amy Klobuchar for the right. The second fight is among those who think Democrats need new leadership (and have therefore ruled out Biden and Sanders). This dispute is not really ideological and is primarily between Warren, Buttigieg, and Klobuchar. People may be surprised to hear this, but I hear from staff working for Warren and Buttigieg that a fair number of voters are trying to decide among those three candidates. Other less likely but possible contenders for this group are Andrew Yang and Cory Booker. The polling suggests that this second fight is the most unsettled and the most volatile. History tells us this later fight will not break evenly. One of Warren, Buttigieg, or Klobuchar will likely win that vote decisively, and if that happens, that person will probably win Iowa. This writer certainly knows the Iowa electorate better than I do. But classifying Sanders as old leadership seems odd. And the concept does come from Warren and Buttigieg staffers. Sanders (D)(3): Sanders makes Trump look like the straight man feeding him a line: It means youre going to lose. https://t.co/CVBKoKq8DT Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 12, 2020 [rimshot, laughter] Sanders (D)(4): While Bernie Sanders has always stood up for African Americans, Joe Biden has repeatedly let us down [Nina Turner, The State]. In South Carolina: Biden has repeatedly worked with Republicans to try to slash Social Security even though almost three-fourths of African American beneficiaries rely on Social Security for at least half their income, according to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Sanders, on the other hand, has fought to block those cuts and has proposed expanding Social Security. An appeal to older black voters as is the whole piece, really, since an older voter is more likely to be familiar with Bidens entire record. Sanders (D)(5): Democrats voice concerns over Sanders [The Hill]. Bernie Sanders is the Democratic Partys version of Donald Trump. Thank god we are smart enough to stop him, said Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo, who served as an aide to Clinton. They werent smart enough to stop Trump, but are smart enough to stop Sanders? UPDATE Sanders (D)(6): Bernie Sanders told Elizabeth Warren in private 2018 meeting that a woman cant win, sources say [CNN]. Seems to be a bit of a pile-on right now. The sourcing: The description of that meeting is based on the accounts of four people: two people Warren spoke with directly soon after the encounter, and two people familiar with the meeting. That evening, Sanders expressed frustration at what he saw as a growing focus among Democrats on identity politics, according to one of the people familiar with the conversation. Warren told Sanders she disagreed with his assessment that a woman could not win, three of the four sources said. Sanders denied the characterization of the meeting in a statement to CNN. It is ludicrous to believe that at the same meeting where Elizabeth Warren told me she was going to run for president, I would tell her that a woman couldnt win, Sanders said. Its sad that, three weeks before the Iowa caucus and a year after that private conversation, staff who werent in the room are lying about what happened. What I did say that night was that Donald Trump is a sexist, a racist and a liar who would weaponize whatever he could. Do I believe a woman can win in 2020? Of course! After all, Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in 2016. Warrens communications director Kristen Orthman declined to comment. So, the source is the Warren campaign, then. Seems not in character for Sanders: In my view a woman could be elected president of the United States. Bernie Sanders, 1988 pic.twitter.com/WJd847DdmA Meagan Day (@meaganmday) January 13, 2020 It also seems odd that if Sanders really believed that, he would be stupid enough to tell Warren. * * * IA: How Local Dems Plan To Win Back Obama/Trump Counties In 2020 [Iowa Starting Line]. In all, Iowa has 31 counties that voted twice for Obama before for going for Trump, the most of any state in the nation. Thats made for an attractive campaign target for the Democratic presidential candidates here over the past year. On nearly every trip a candidate makes in Iowa, their campaign is sure to point out how many Obama-to-Trump counties theyre visiting. With a Democratic base concerned about electability, the message is simple from the White House hopefuls: theyre the one who can win those Iowa pivot counties back. More: The dislike of Trump has been a motivating factor for many Iowa Democrats since 2016. As soon as he was elected, we saw an increase of a huge number of people who showed up at our events and meetings, [JoAnn Hardy, in Cerro Gordo County] said. There are more people involved in politics. We found out we cant sit back and just expect things to be OK, so I expect a lot better participation in this election cycle.' This is the revulsion of which Thomas Ferguson, Paul Jorgensen, and Jie Chen recently wrote; its real. A fascinating report from the trenches and well worth a read. Endangered Democrats sound the alarm on Bernie and Warren [Politico]. A slate of endangered House Democrats is coalescing behind Joe Biden for president as the Iowa caucuses approach a surge of support triggered by fears that Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren at the top of the ticket would cost them their seats. More than a dozen swing-seat freshmen have taken part in at least one private call session with Biden, Amy Klobuchar or Pete Buttigieg in recent weeks. A handful have already gravitated toward the former vice president, and more are expected to follow before Democrats start voting on Feb. 3, according to interviews with 15 lawmakers, aides and campaign strategists. Meanwhile, Obama lost a thousand seats, and none of em turned a hair. Theyll all do fine on K Street. So whats the real issue, here? Impeachment Pelosi warns senators will pay a price if impeachment witnesses are blocked [MarketWatch]. The Democratic-run House is set to vote this week to send over the articles of impeachment after Pelosi ended a more than three-week delay. The date is not yet certain and Pelosi will meet behind closed doors with House Democrats to decide next steps on Tuesday morning ahead of the partys presidential primary debate that evening, the last before the Iowa caucus Feb. 3. Fortunately Cory Booker will have more time to join the deliberations. RussiaGate Impressive: Liberal xenophobia proudly displayed along the Highline pic.twitter.com/nd1SA7yIMw Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) January 12, 2020 Stats Watch Shipping: Bigger trends show hiring in the logistics sector slowed sharply last year as an industrial downturn took a toll on some business and even operations tied to the e-commerce seeming to pull back [Wall Street Journal]. Some of that may be a matter of how the jobs are countedthe government counts holiday-season warehouse staff brought on through staffing agencies as temporary workers. But truckers added just 2,200 jobs overall last year, down from more than 44,000 in 2018, while rail employment fell by about 20,000 last year under efficiency initiatives at the freight railroads. Infrastructure: Highway construction is kicking into higher gear across the U.S. even if lawmakers in Washington arent taking any new steps to help. State transportation departments are pumping more money into projects to clear up traffic-clogged highways and modernize aging infrastructure with budgets buoyed by a recovering economy and increases in tax revenues [Wall Street Journal]. The 50 states collectively spent $113.2 billion on transportation in fiscal year 2019, a 9% jump from the previous year and the biggest jump since 2015. Transportation industry trackers say they expect spending to continue to grow this year. Tech: Skype audio graded by workers in China with no security measures' [Guardian]. Cool, cool. Jaw-dropping: A Microsoft programme to transcribe and vet audio from Skype and Cortana, its voice assistant, ran for years with no security measures, according to a former contractor who says he reviewed thousands of potentially sensitive recordings on his personal laptop from his home in Beijing over the two years he worked for the company. The recordings, both deliberate and accidentally invoked activations of the voice assistant, as well as some Skype phone calls, were simply accessed by Microsoft workers through a web app running in Googles Chrome browser, on their personal laptops, over the Chinese internet, according to the contractor. Workers had no cybersecurity help to protect the data from criminal or state interference, and were even instructed to do the work using new Microsoft accounts all with the same password, for ease of management, the former contractor said. Employee vetting was practically nonexistent, he added. There were no security measures, I dont even remember them doing proper KYC [know your customer] on me. I think they just took my Chinese bank account details , he told the Guardian. Tech: San Diegos massive, 7-year experiment with facial recognition technology appears to be a flop [Fast Company]. Since 2012, the citys law enforcement agencies have compiled over 65,000 face scans and tried to match them against a massive mugshot database. But its almost completely unclear how effective the initiative was, with one spokesperson saying theyre unaware of a single arrest or prosecution that stemmed from the program. Tech: Dark Patterns after the GDPR: Scraping Consent Pop-ups and Demonstrating their Influence (PDF) [arXive.org]. New consent management platforms (CMPs) have been introduced to the web to conform with the EUs General Data Protection Regulation, particularly its requirements for consent when companies collect and process users personal data. This work analyses how the most prevalent CMP designs affect peoples consent choices. We scraped the designs of the five most popular CMPs on the top 10,000 websites in the UK (n=680). We found that dark patterns and implied consent are ubiquitous; only 11.8% meet the minimal requirements that we set based on European law This study provides an empirical basis for the necessary regulatory action to enforce the GDPR, in particular the possibility of focusing on the centralised, third-party CMP services as an effective way to increase compliance. For more on dark patterns, see NC here. * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 89 Extreme Greed (previous close: 91 Extreme Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 93 (Extreme Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jan 13 at 12:07pm. Rapture Index: Closes up one on Earthquakes. Puerto Rico shocked by a series of massive quakes [Rapture Ready]. Record High, October 10, 2016: 189. Current: 18t4. Remember that bringing on the rapture is a good thing. I would expect the Rapture Index to jump if evangelicals thought impeachment was likely to hurt Trump. So it looks to me like this index is delivering a verdict on impeachment as well. The Biosphere Australia is promising $2 billion for the fires. I estimate recovery will cost $100 billion [John Quiggin, CNN]. Perhaps largest of all, but impossible to measure, is the destruction of natural ecosystems. It has been estimated that 480 million native animals have died, and whole species have almost certainly been wiped out. The results of billions of dollars spent on preserving these ecosystems have been wiped out in just a few weeks. To prevent this type of massive destruction in the future, we will need a fully-fledged national organization, capable of mounting a rapid response to disasters requiring evacuations, relief efforts and the rapid mobilization of large numbers of personnel. A budget of $1 billion a year (or $4 billion over the four-year budgeting period used in Australia) would be conservative at best. Sounds like a job for public-private partnerships! The tragedy of the climate dildos [Heated]. On Thursday, an Australia-based company called Geeky Sex Toys unveiled The Down-Under Donation Dildo, the proceeds from which will go toward relief for the countrys devastating climate-fueled wildfires the Down-Under Donation Dildo story is downright tragic. The first reasonand I cant believe Im writing thisis that we shouldnt have to sell silicone penises to pay for the effects of climate change. OK, the headline is clickbait (though kudos for the Garett Hardin reference). Still a good wrap-up. Though consumerism is hardly the driver of climate change, IMNSHO. News you can use: READ: What to do before, during and after an ash fall. | @phivolcs_dost pic.twitter.com/YOTZb7dIOJ Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) January 12, 2020 But shouldnt the radio in your emergency kit be a wind-up radio, not a battery-powered one? Health Care Op-Ed: Using artificial intelligence to diagnose cancer could mean unnecessary treatments [Los Angeles Times]. Thats not a bug. Its a feature. The Carceral State This True Crime Podcast Is Brought To You By The Prison Industrial Complex [McSweeneys Internet Tendency]. But first, a word from our sponsors. GEO Group is a full-source incarcerator that brings people together. With state-of-the-art turnkey facilities in 28 states and numerous complementary public-private partnerships, like the state of Louisiana and the Chicago Public School System, GEO Group is the disruptive, evergreen investment to round out your portfolio. LAffiaire Joffrey Epstein Jeffrey Epstein Gave MIT $850,000, and Senior Staff Kept Quiet [Bloomberg]. Senior Massachusetts Institute of Technology administrators knew for years they were accepting donations from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein but decided to keep it quiet, and one professor even took money personally, a report by an outside law firm found. Epstein, a financier, gave a total of $850,000 and visited the Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus nine times between 2013 and 2017, according to the report, published Friday. At times, Epstein arrived with one or two female assistants who appeared to be in their twenties, something that made observers uncomfortable, witnesses told the investigators. Seth Lloyd, a professor of mechanical engineering, was placed on paid administrative leave because he didnt disclose that Epstein was the source of two donations to support his research in 2012, and he received a personal gift of $60,000 from Epstein in 2005 or 2006, the university said. Did all Lloyds personal gifts take the form of money, or were some, er, in kind? Groves of Academe Nixed CCSF Classes for Older Adults Diverted to Nonprofits [SF Weekly]. Mayor London Breed and several supervisors stepped in Monday to save some community classes for older and aging adults threatened by class cuts at City College of San Francisco. When the college suddenly cut 288 spring classes in November, it wiped out nearly all the classes in its Older Adults Program serving seniors and adults with disabilities. Breed and supervisors Norman Yee, Catherine Stefani, Ahsha Safai, Aaron Peskin and Rafael Mandelman on Monday announced a funding plan to restore some of those classes. The City will use $216,000 annually from the Dignity Fund, which voters passed in 2016 to support older adults and adults with disabilities, to fund 17 of the 50 classes cut in the program. Nonprofits like the Jewish Community Center, Self-Help for the Elderly, and YMCA Stonestown will take over the administration of the classes, which are expected to serve about 1,000 people. The announcement from the mayor today is certainly concerning, because it suggests [The City will] allow the defunding of a public institution and give city funding to private institutions, said Jenny Worley, president of the colleges faculty union AFT 2121. We have created these programs, we have the infrastructure and the experience to run them.' So, very progressive [x] black [x] woman Mayor London Breed is busting a union and giving their programs to some NGOs? Thats what this is about? How unexpected. Class Warfare Thanks, Obama! The net worth of the typical American family is about 30% below what it was before the Great Recession 2007 $146,600 2016 $101,800 (most recent year available) https://t.co/PzGQXnrVcU pic.twitter.com/nF4ztDp5OB John Gramlich (@johngramlich) January 13, 2020 Strikes Are Hard Work [Labor Notes]. Some kind of movement is developing. Perhaps, after decades of lethargy, workers across industries are ready to once again leverage our power to disruptby withholding our laborand win. Certainly, workers are learning from each other, and the strikes are opening up a renewed understanding of whats possible when we activate the full force of our power. In a recent conversation we hosted about the educators strike in Chicago, some listeners wanted to know when we would talk about a national strike. Big wins in tough times can inspire us to think bigger. But when we hear about successful strikes, we dont always fully listen to the work it took to get there. Members of the Chicago Teachers and school employees in SEIU Local 73 developed contract action teams and community coalitions to confront a powerful mayor. It took years to build the relationships, trust, and collective power that sustained them through a difficult fight. A national strike will involve a protracted struggle. It will take serious preparation. It will take serious power. Its something to build towardsone step at a time. One-day strikes that flex our muscles will bring new people into the struggle. Thats great. But we want more than participation; we want transformation. And what transforms us isnt the highs of excitement and inspiration. Its keeping on when the struggle gets toughdiscovering within ourselves the reservoirs of courage, fortitude, commitment, and rock-solid solidarity. Its sharing the work of organizing each day, and the next day, and the next. So, we are far away from being able to do what France has done? American Deaths of Despair Arent the Whole Story [Noah Smith, Bloomberg]. At the American Economic Associations big annual conference last week, one of the most-attended sessions was a panel entitled Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism. The panelists included economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton. Quite the time lag, there, given that Case Deatons have been publishing on this topic since 2015. Smith writes: But the narrative that U.S. society is coming apart needs some perspective. Some trends are bad, but others are positive. For example, the U.S. is much less violent than it used to be A modest increase in homicides in 2015 and 2016 turned out to be a temporary blip. Domestic violence has fallen significantly Meanwhile, young Americans are engaging in less risky sexual behavior Thus, a broader look at U.S. trends show a society that is coming apart in some ways but has knit itself back together in others. Labor Department replaces Obama-era joint employer standard [MarketWatch]. The new rule, which will take effect March 16, provides a four-part test to determine whether a company is a joint employer. The tests are: Whether or not it can hire or fire the employee; whether it supervises the employees work schedule; whether it sets their pay; and if it maintains their employment records.The Economic Policy Institute, a pro-labor group, has argued that the new rule dramatically narrows the likelihood that a company can be considered liable for overtime or minimum wage violations. It provides an incentive for companies to outsource more jobs and avoid that responsibility, the EPI said. Oy, they could outsource the employment record-keeping? News of the Wired Evolving meme: quantum state h/t Fipi Lele pic.twitter.com/kpBc1zHvnk Bernie Beats Trump (@doctorow) January 13, 2020 Excited Park Rangers Announce Lincoln Memorial Actually A Girl After Statue Gives Birth To Litter Of Tiny Marble Abraham Lincolns [The Onion]. And were only two weeks into 2020 * * * Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (LR): LR writes: Ive seen a lot of plants, but Ive never seen this one before. Its springtime here in Uruguay and this is a small tree of about 15 feet high. What is it? Readers? * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated. If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! LONDON, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ferroglobe PLC (GSM) (Ferroglobe or the Company), announced today that Dr. Marco Levi has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Dr. Levi will be based with the Companys management team in Madrid, Spain. Dr. Levi has over thirty years of executive management and board level experience spanning the chemicals, plastic, rubber and paper industries. Dr. Levi is recognized for his track record in turning around multinational companies and transforming business units. He has held board director roles at a number of companies, and currently serves as a director of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. (SWM). Dr. Levi served as President and CEO of Alhstrom-Munksjo Oyj, a global fiber materials company listed in Finland, where he led a successful transformation of the business by refocusing its product portfolio towards value-added specialty products. Prior to Alhstrom, Dr. Levi was Senior Vice President and Business President of the $3 billion emulsion polymers division of chemicals manufacturer Styron, including during the period in which Styron was acquired by Bain Capital from Dow Chemical Company. Dr. Levi previously had spent over twenty-two years at Dow in various departments and roles, ultimately serving as general manager of the emulsion polymers business. Dr. Levi succeeds Pedro Larrea Paguaga, who has stepped down from the Company to pursue other opportunities, having served as CEO of Ferroglobe since its inception in 2015 and formerly as CEO of Grupo FerroAtlantica since 2011. Javier Lopez Madrid, the Companys Executive Chairman, commented, Following a rigorous selection process, the Board and I are pleased to announce the appointment of Marco Levi as Ferroglobes CEO. Throughout his career, Marco has demonstrated the ability to effectively lead global, asset rich materials technology companies facing many of the same dynamics and challenges we encounter. By drawing on his vast experience across the industrials sector and strong leadership, we are confident that Marco will successfully navigate Ferroglobe through the current cyclical downturn, and we look forward to working with him in the development of a new strategy for the Company centered on sustainable growth and profitability. Mr. Lopez Madrid added, I would like to thank Pedro Larrea for his contributions throughout the past eight years. He played an important role in the successful integration of the two businesses from which Ferroglobe was formed and has been instrumental in establishing the Company as a true multi-national, competing in all major global markets. Recently, he has driven the completion of a number of critical transactions, including complex divestitures of non-core assets and the refinancing of our revolving credit facility. The Board thanks Pedro for his dedication, professionalism and leadership and wishes him the best in his future endeavours. Story continues Dr. Levi commented, Ferroglobe is a global leader in its industry and has significant value which is currently unrealized by the market. I am excited to leverage my prior experiences to implement rapid change to return the Company to profitability. For several decades I have been reorienting industrial companies by taking a fresh look at the underlying business and transforming the platform to enhance competiveness and drive sustainable growth. Working with the Companys Board and management team, I am confident we can unlock tremendous value for all stakeholders. Mr. Larrea commented, I am grateful to Ferroglobe and its Board for the opportunity it has given me to lead this dynamic organization. I thank my colleagues for all their hard work and dedication, particularly through what have been very challenging periods. I wish Marco Levi every success in his new role. About Ferroglobe Ferroglobe PLC is one of the worlds leading suppliers of silicon metal, silicon- and manganese- based specialty alloys and ferroalloys, serving a customer base across the globe in dynamic and fast-growing end markets, such as solar, automotive, consumer products, construction and energy. The Company is based in London. For more information, visit http://investor.ferroglobe.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are based on certain assumptions of management and describe Ferroglobes future plans, strategies and expectations. Forward-looking statements often use forward-looking terminology, including words such as anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, forecast, guidance, intends, likely, may, plan, potential, predicts, seek, will and words of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on information currently available to Ferroglobe and assumptions that management believe to be reasonable, but are inherently uncertain. As a result, Ferroglobes actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond Ferroglobes control. Forward-looking financial information and other metrics presented herein represent Ferroglobes goals and are not intended as guidance or projections for the periods referenced herein or any future periods. All information in this press release is as of the date of its release. Ferroglobe does not undertake any obligation to update publicly any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect new information, events or circumstances arising after the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. CONTACT: Gaurav Mehta EVP Investor Relations Email: investor.relations@ferroglobe.com A select group of Facebook users have been given access to companys ambitious new redesign, codenamed FB5. Users chosen to try out the new design will see an invitation in their notifications tab when they sign in to the service, asking them if theyd like to try The New Facebook. Those who make the switch will still have the option of returning to the old design if they're unsatisfied with the change, and everyone will be asked to complete a survey sharing their initial thoughts on the new design. Facebook's new design has moved to become more 'modern' and fresh, with a circular logo instead of a square, as well as the removal of the blue bar, to make way for more white space The overhaul was originally announced last April at Facebooks annual developers conference in San Francisco, where the company explained some of the changes it that would be coming. Mark Zuckerberg promised the new layout would be fresher and more modern, downplaying the famous blue frame that was once a prominent part of the site. 'This isn't just about building features, we need to change a lot of the ways we run this company today,' he said last year. The new layout features larger font and fewer icons to help cut down on clutter and create a more consistent overall experience regardless of whether users are browsing on desktop, smartphone, or a tablet. It also lets users switch between a light and dark background similar to iPhone and iPads Dark Mode. Zuckerberg promises the new Facebook will offer a new focus on user privacy with features like 'Close Friends,' an ability to label a small group of people from your friends lists as especially important to you The new update will also see the widespread release of Facebook Dating, an anticipated new feature that will let users combine elements from their Facebook and Instagram profiles for a separate dating profile. The Dating feature will let users create a list of Secret Crushes, and when two people match theyll be prompted to message each other, similar to any other dating app. Facebook still hasnt announced a date for when the new design will be accessible to everyone, but the company promises it will be sometime this year. WHAT IS FACEBOOK'S NEW SECRET CRUSH FEATURE? Facebook is making it easier than ever to find your next true love. The company is launching its long-awaited Facebook Dating app, first teased last year, for users in the U.S. before the end of the year, after launching it in 19 countries so far. As part of the move, Facebook is debuting a feature called 'Secret Crush,' which lets users match with any friends they may have their eye on. Users can choose up to nine friends they're interested in dating. If a friend has opted into Facebook Dating, they'll then get a notification saying they've been selected as a 'Secret Crush.' 'People have told us that they believe there is an opportunity to explore potential romantic relationships within their own extended circle of friends,' the company said. 'So now, if you choose to use Secret Crush, you can select up to nine of your Facebook friends who you want to express interest in.' Should your crush select you as a crush as well, you'll get a notification saying you've matched - not unlike the way Tinder or Bumble works. If the person you choose as a Secret Crush never returns the favor, the person will never get notified they've been selected. Advertisement The company has also promised a number of improvements to its services beyond just the site redesign, including dramatically improved speed in sending messages through Messenger. The standalone Messenger app itself has also been shrunken down to just 30 megabytes, less than one-third the size of WhatsApp. The company says the new smaller app will boot just two seconds. The company will also release standalone versions of Messenger for macOS and Windows. The new version of Messenger will also let users label certain people as Close Friends to more easily start group threads to share news or photos without broadcasting them to ones entire friends list. Zuckerberg also announced that Messenger would switch to end-to-end encryption to ensure its users privacy was protected. 'Overall this is the biggest change to the Facebook app and website in the last five years,' Zuckerberg said of the new redesign. A store in Dublin is celebrating today after they sold a winning 1m EuroMillions ticket in Friday's draw. The Quick Pick ticket scooped the prize by having the winning code in the Ireland Only Raffle. The ticket was sold at the Centra store on Main Street in Blackrock last Friday, the day of the draw. The Ireland Only Raffle winning code found on the winning EuroMillions ticket is IHNR69611. Store owner Jim Kenny said he plans to celebrate the win by sharing his winning bonus with all of the staff members. "There is a massive buzz about the store this morning and we certainly sent chins wagging when we popped open the bubbly on the main street this morning," he said. "Its a very community orientated store so were getting a lot of customers coming into us today to enquire about the 1m prize. "Weve been in business in the centre of the town since 1997 and this is our biggest National Lottery prize to date." A National Lottery spokesperson added: "If you are the winner of the Ireland Only Raffle prize of 1 million, be sure to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe and contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 01 836 4444 and we will make arrangements for you to come to the Winners Room and collect your prize." There was no winner of the 84m jackpot on Friday, which now rolls to 90m this Tuesday. [January 13, 2020] Smartsheet Strengthens Global Presence with New Sydney Office Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR), the platform for enterprise achievement, today announced the opening of its new Sydney office to better serve customers and partners across the Asia Pacific region and builds on its growing global market presence. This is the company's third international location with offices in London and Edinburgh. "Sydney offers a rich talent pool and growing tech industry making it a compelling location for Smartsheet's continued global expansion," said Mark Mader, CEO of Smartsheet. "We're committed to investing in this region to better serve new and existing customers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the greater Asia Pacific geography." To support this expansion, the company hired experienced enterprise business leader, Nigel Mendonca, as Vice President, Asia Pacific. Mendonca previously spent five years as Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand for Tableau Software where he was responsible for regional operations and building out the company's market presence. He also has extensive Asia experience, having lived in Hong Kong from 2005 to 2011 and worked across all major Asian markets. "Smartsheet is an innovative company that offers tremendous value to organizations in any industry and its growth opportunity is immense," said Mendonca. "I look forward to being a part of the company at this exciting time, working with a best in class team to build and expand the Smartsheet brand across the APAC region." Located in Sydney's central business district, the new office has capacity for 60 employees and initially includes sales, channel development, customer success, marketing, finance and human resources roles. Visit our careers page at www.smartsheet.com/careers to see all current job openings. Smartsheet's office opens while devastating Australian bushfires remain uncontained. The company and its team members are supporting The Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief. The organization aids and supports evacuation centers and relief hubs, emergency assistance, and long-term recovery programs for the most affected communities. Donations can be made here. About Smartsheet Smartsheet (NYSE: SMAR) is the platform for enterprise achievement. By aligning people and technology so organizations can move faster and drive innovation, Smartsheet enables its 83,000 customers and millions of users to achieve more. Visit www.smartsheet.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking" statements that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Smartsheet's expectations regarding possible or assumed business strategies, channel and partner strategies, potential growth and innovation opportunities, new products, and potential market opportunities. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as "believe," "continue," "could," "potential," "remain," "will," "would" or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: our ability to achieve future growth and sustain our growth rate, our ability to attract and retain talent, our ability to attract and retain customers (including government customers) and increase sales to our customers, our ability to develop and release new products and services and to scale our platform, our ability to increase adoption of our platform through our self-service model, our ability to maintain and grow our relationships with strategic partners, the highly competitive and rapidly evolving market in which we participate, our ability to identify targets for, execute on, or realize the benefits of, potential acquisitions, and our international expansion strategies. Further information on risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from forecasted results is included in our filings with the SEC (News - Alert), including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on December 11, 2019. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005160/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: Journalist and television anchor Rajdeep Sardesai along with others submitted an unconditional apology in a Hyderabad court for airing a show on the alleged encounter killing case of Sohrabuddin Sheikh almost 12 years ago. The Hyderabad court delivered the verdict in November 2019, after Rajdeep and others apologied. In May 2007, Rajdeep Sardesai, then Editor-in-Chief of CNN-IBN, had run a programme on the Sohrabuddin case titled '30 Minutes - Sohrabuddin, The Inside Story. The news channel had claimed that IPS officer Rajiv Trivedi, who was then part of the Hyderabad Special Investigation Team probing the Sohrabuddin case, had provided cars with fake number plates to transport Sohrabuddin and his wife Kausar Bi to Ahmedabad, where they were killed in an encounter. The news channel had reported that Police sources say Vanjara and Pandian nabbed Sohrabuddin and Kausar Bi in Bidar with the help from SP Rajiv Trivedi of the Hyderabad Special Investigation UnitRajiv Trivedi provided cars with fake number plates in which Sohrabuddin was brought to Ahmadabad and then killed in a fake encounter. Subsequently, a complaint was filed against Sardesai and ten other reporters of the news channel before a court in Hyderabad, alleging that the report had tarnished the reputation of Rajiv Trivedi, and it was false, fabricated, and defamatory. According to reports, the respondents had sought a direction from the Hyderabad High Court to quash the case against them, but the plea was dismissed in April 2011. The Supreme Court had also dismissed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed against this order in May 2015. Meanwhile, a plea to transfer the trial in the case to Noida was also dismissed. Rajdeep Sardesai later filed an affidavit submitting his unconditional apology to IPS officer Rajiv Trivedi on November 27, 2019, stating I realise that there is nothing to substantiate the allegation that Vanzara and Pandian nabbed Sohrabuddin and Kauserbi in Bidar with the help from SP Rajiv Trivedi of Hyderabad, Special Investigation Unit, and hence it was a false news telecast about Shri Rajiv Trivedi, IPS. I further submit that I also realise that there is nothing to substantiate the allegation that Rajiv Trivedi provided cars with fake number plates in which Sohrabuddin was brought to Ahmedabad and then killed in a fake encounter which news telecast by us about Shri Rajiv Trivedi, IPS was also false. After taking Rajdeep Sardesai's apology on record, Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Hyderabad D Hemanth Kumar, passed the order of acquittal on the very same day. The order said, A1, A2, A5, A10 to A17 filed affidavits by tendering an unconditional apology to the complainant and he accepted the same. The same is recorded. Crl.MP.No. 1782/2019 U/sec. 320(1) of Cr.P.C heard and allowed. Hence, A.1 A.2 A.5 and A10 to A11 are found not guilty for the offence U/sec. 500 of IPC and they are acquitted for the same U/sec. 320(8) of Cr.P.C. The bail bonds if any, shall stand cancelled. Earlier in December 2018, a Special CBI Court had acquitted all the accused in the Sohrabuddin encounter case. Judge SJ Sharma had observed that there was no substantial evidence to prove the charges of conspiracy and alleged fake encounter killings of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati and the murder of Sheikhs wife Kausar Bi. Notably, an appeal against this verdict is pending before the Bombay High Court. The State of Illinois is increasing the minimum wage, he said. The state law applies to all businesses in Illinois and gives our businesses an even playing field in which to operateWithout our businesses there are no jobs. The amount of the minimum wage becomes an empty exercise if businesses close down or if employees are laid off. After jumping in front of a train, Kadyr Yusupov, who suffers from mental illness, said he was spying for the West. Tashkent, Uzbekistan On December 3, 2018, a man in his 60s wearing a dark blue coat and jeans walked onto the platform of Pushkinskaya metro station in Tashkent. It was a cold morning in Uzbekistans capital. As the train approached, the man jumped on the tracks. The train hit him and he fell beneath the rails. Onlookers dragged him out onto the platform. In a state that his family later described as a psychotic episode, the man claimed that since 2015 he had been spying for the West in return for $1,000 a month. One year after his suicide attempt, on January 9, Kadyr Yusupov, 68, a retired career diplomat, was charged with five and a half years imprisonment for treason. The prosecutor had asked for eight years. In determining the measure of punishment for the defendant, the decision was also based on the principles of humanism and justice enshrined in the Constitution and criminal code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, reads a message from the courts press service. Foreign service and undiagnosed mental illness Kadyr Yusupov had served his country since Soviet times, first in the embassy in Sudan and then in Austria, in the United Kingdom, and as the head of the mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In 2009, he retired from the diplomatic service and began to work as an adviser to various NGOs promoting business standards in Uzbekistan. {articleGUID} Since his departure from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yusupov has had no access to state secrets. But Yusupov has had a history of mental illness. While he has never been properly diagnosed, over the years, he has periodically experienced psychotic episodes. In 2011, he tried to commit suicide. Ninety-five percent of the time he is okay, but if a cocktail of factors from heart issues to chronic insomnia and stress prevail, he falls into bouts of hypomania, delusions and hallucinations. These psychotic episodes could last several weeks, during which he would be outwardly functional, Babur Yusupov, Kadyrs son, told Al Jazeera. One of the symptoms of this unstable behaviour is delusions of grandeur in that he would often exaggerate his role in society. The other is memory confusion: events that happened 10 years ago would replay in his head as if they happened today. According to his family, when he turned 60, Yusupov began to meditate, practice yoga and take regular medication. He separated from his wife in 2017, and his mental state was deteriorating. No one from his family and friends saw the episode on December 3 coming. On that day, he sent a message to his children saying he loved them, but that he was tired and had to bid them farewell. Scant evidence Until the end of the trial, the only evidence of Yusupovs crime was his own story. During his first weeks in prison, Yusupov was denied access to medication. Until April, his family lawyer was denied access to him, as Yusupov allegedly refused the attorneys legal representation. When the access was granted, Yusupov denied that he had ever been a spy. While in detention, Yusupov was allegedly subject to psychological torture. They threatened to put him in jail until the end of his days. The torture was conducted from December until the beginning of April. Just before we finally got access back. It was held repeatedly, Temur Yusupov, another one Kadyrs sons, says. They said they would rape his daughter and wife and put us all in prison. Security services also threatened Yusupovs sons, saying they should stop talking to the media. The court heard that Kadyr Yusupov was sane. The prosecutor also denied allegations of torture. In November, the United Nations Committee Against Torture mentioned the case four times in their final country report for Uzbekistan. By the time of publication, Al Jazeeras request for comment from the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan had not been answered. The courts are not independent Since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, Uzbekistan has been on a reform path. After years of isolation and oppression, the country has begun to open up politically and economically. Many political prisoners were freed after the presidents election, and the reform of the justice system was about to begin. But according to a local lawyer, who requested anonymity, change has never come. The courts are not independent. They listen to the defence but not to the facts. Examples of acquittal are few and the opinion of courts is rarely different from the prosecution, the lawyer said. This is because the security services have to show the authorities that they are needed. Tomorrow someone can ask what their purpose is, maybe their staff will be reduced, the financing cut. They have to show they are effective. The trial and verdict in Yusupovs case have alarmed the international human rights community. Yusupovs conviction to a lengthy prison term following a closed, flawed trial and a lack of access to counsel leave a gaping hole in Uzbekistans reform narrative and are a sign that the old methods of the security services are still alive and well, said Steve Swerdlow, a human rights lawyer and Central Asia expert. We believe that our father is innocent, Temur Yusupov said. We will continue to fight for his justice, we will appeal and continue to raise media awareness of the case to show that the government hasnt fulfilled its obligations, especially those of the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Author Matt Haig has defended Meghan Markle amid the storm that followed her announcement with Prince Harry, which revealed that they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family to focus on charity work and their family. The writer, whose poem on mental health was featured in the Duchess of Sussex's guest-edited Vogue issue in September, shared a thank you note he received from Meghan, 38, showcasing her flawless writing. Revealing that he was keen to counterbalance the backlash the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had received, he described Meghan as 'kind' and joked that she had the 'world's best handwriting'. In the September issue of British Vogue, Meghan hailed his poem, which is an ode from a beach telling swimmers not to be body-conscious. Author Matt Haig has defended Meghan Markle (seen at Canada House last week) amid the storm that followed her announcement with Prince Harry that they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family to focus on charity work and their family Revealling that he was keen to counterbalance the backlash the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had received, he described Meghan as 'kind' and joked that she had the 'world's best handwriting', sharing a snap of the thank you note she sent him last year Sharing a picture of the note, Matt tweeted: 'There is a lot of negative coverage of Meghan Markle today so can I counterbalance this by saying she is not only kind, but also has the world's best handwriting.' In the note, written in calligraphy on a monogrammed 'M' card, Meghan praised his book 'A note from the beach' as a 'household favourite'. The note reads: 'Dear Matt, since reading 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' last fall, it instantly became a household favourite. 'When I knew I would be guest editing the September issue of British Vogue I knew you had to be a part of it. 'Thank you for being a force for change. The world needs more of you!' The writer, whose poem on mental health was featured in the Duchess of Sussex's guest-edited Vogue issue in September, shared a thank you note he received from Meghan, 38, showcasing her flawless writing Meghan Markle has revealed her favourite poem is 'A note from the beach' by Matt Haig which tells swimmers not to be so body-conscious In the September issue of British Vogue, Meghan hailed his poem, which is an ode from a beach telling swimmers not to be body-conscious Matt's defence comes a week after Meghan and Prince Harry, 35, revealed they would be stepping back from royal duties. Taking to their Sussex Royal Instagram account on Thursday, 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. A note from the beach by Matt Haig Hello. I am the beach. I am created by waves and currents. I am made of eroded rocks. I exist next to the sea. I have been around for millions of years. I was around at the dawn of life itself. And I have to tell you something. I don't care about your body. I am a beach. I literally don't give a f***. I am entirely indifferent to your body mass index. I am not impressed that your abdominal muscles are visible to the naked eye. I am oblivious. You are one of 200,000 generations of human beings. I have seen them all. I will see all the generations that come after you, too. It won't be as many. I'm sorry. I hear the whispers the sea tells me. (The sea hates you. The poisoners. That's what it calls you. A bit melodramatic, I know. But that's the sea for you. All drama.) And I have to tell you something else. Even the other people on the beach don't care about your body. They don't. They are staring at the sea, or they are obsessed with their own appearance. And if they are thinking about you, why do you care? Why do humans worry so much about a stranger's opinion? Why don't you do what I do. Let it wash all over you. Allow yourself just to be as you are. Just be. Just beach. A note from the beach first appeared in Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig. Advertisement '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 announcement was met with a mixed response, with some expressing their disappointment at seeing less of the couple, while others admitted they 'weren't surprised' at the move. Reacting to the news at the time, Matt defended the couple, writing: 'Meghan and Harry [are told that if they] dont like the attention they should take a back seat. [Then] Meghan and Harry: *take a back seat* [and are told] How dare they take a back seat!'. Elsewhere another follower wrote: 'Best decision you can make for your family Harry, good on you'. 'Good for them', another said. 'If Princess Diana had done the same thing she'd still be alive. Harry has always been the black sheep of that family, and has always wanted to leave. Well done!'. Writing in Vogue last year, Meghan introduced Matt's piece by saying: 'A personal favourite and the best reminder during the summer season... or any season, as a matter of fact.' Haig is a prominent mental health advocate who has been open with his struggles in a bid to help others going through the same thing. In his mid-20s, he struggled with depression and anxiety, and nearly took his own life. He added that Meghan's choice to include his piece is a 'surreal honour' and that he is glad she 'digs my stupid humour.' 'This whole year feels like an impossible dream to be honest. Probably means I'm about to have a piano land on my head.' After fighting his way back from the brink, Haig turned his experiences into a best-selling memoir - Reasons To Stay Alive. His follow-up book, Notes on a Nervous Planet, deals with how technological advances and social media can exacerbate underlying mental health issues. The piece the duchess chose comes from Notes on a Nervous Planet, and comes from the perspective of the beach itself. It reads: 'I literally don't give a f***. I am entirely indifferent to your body mass index.' It continues: 'Even the other people on the beach don't care about your body. They don't. They are staring at the sea, or they are obsessed with their own appearance.' New Delhi, Jan 13 : The West Bengal BJP chief came in for severe criticism for comments on CAA protesters from his own party's union minister. Babul Supriyo on Monday slammed Dilip Ghosh for his statement over violence in UP and Assam during NRC, CAA protests. Supriyo shunned the statement made by Ghosh about actions taken by the police against anti-CAA protesters in BJP-led states like UP and Assam and said his party has nothing to do with his statement. "BJP as a party has nothing to do with what Dilip Ghosh may have said. It is a figment of his imagination and BJP Governments in UP, Assam have NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever," he said on Twitter. He said that the statement made by Ghosh was highly irresponsible. "Very irresponsible of Dilip Da to have said what he said," he tweeted. On Sunday, while addressing a rally in Nadia, West Bengal, Ghosh had sparked a controversy when he said that the police in BJP-led states shot the protesters dead like dogs. He criticised West Bengal police for not taking action against people who had damaged public properties like railway tracks, buses etc during the protests. He said no FIR was registered against such people by Mamata Banerjee's police while on the other hand police in BJP-led states like UP, Karnataka and Assam shot people for damaging public property because "it was not their father's property," he had said. CONWAY, Ky. - A Kentucky woman who authorities say released her pit bull on a man has pleaded not guilty to murder in his death. Melissa Wolke, 38, pleaded not guilty Monday to all charges including murder, alcohol intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, news outlets reported. Rockcastle County Coroner Marvin Owens has told news outlets he was called to a Conway home Friday for a reported fatal dog attack. Wolke was found on top of 55-year-old Donald Abner punching him and telling her pit bull to attack him, Kentucky State Police said. Police told Wolke to stand down but she refused. An arrest document said a stunned gun was used on the woman and her dog. But when the pit bull ran toward one of the officers, the dog was fatally shot, police said. Trooper Scottie Pennington previously said Abner had dog bites on his face and head. Owens said Abner was dead on the scene. An autopsy is being performed on the man to confirm a cause of death. The dogs remains also will be examiend to determine if the animal had rabies. Bail was denied Monday because the coroners report was not finished. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 22. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday decided to act in a spirit of give and take on all issues concerning the two states. Importantly, both the leaders have reached a consensus on transferring Godavari river water to the irrigated area served under Krishna river. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Rao had a meeting for about six hours at the latters camp office-cum-official residence here and discussed issues concerning the two states and also local and national political situation, a press release from Raos office said on Monday night. The Chief Ministers also decided to soon resolve issues mentioned in the 9th and 10th schedule of the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act (concerning division of government corporations, institutes and others). The two said they felt that farmers of Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana's Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda districts, whose irrigation needs are served under the Krishna river, are facing shortage of water in view of inconsistent availability of water in Krishna, it said. They decided that the irrigation needs of these farmers can be met by transferring Godavari river water to the irrigated area served under Krishna. They decided to discuss in detail on the modalities for transfer of Godavari water in their next meeting, it said. The two Chief Ministers spoke to their respective Chief Secretaries and asked them to meet soon towards resolving the issues concerning 9th and 10th schedules of the AP Reorganisation Act. These issues remained unresolved since the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Rao and Jagan Mohan Reddy, in their previous meetings after the latter became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, had decided to work on sharing river waters for the benefit of both the states. It was expected that political issues, including ongoing debate on CAA, and the YSR Congress governments thinking on decentralising administration by developing Visakhapatnam as executive capital, might also figure in the talks. There was, however, no official word immediately on, whether these specific issues figured in the talks or not. Farmers in the Andhra Pradesh capital region of Amaravati have been protesting, demanding that the capital city should not be shifted anywhere else as they have donated lands during the previous TDP regime for development of capital city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Who is Saurabh Kirpal? Indias likely to get its first openly gay judge of Delhi high court JNU violence:Delhi HC notice to Google, Apple and WhatsApp on plea to preserve data on campus attack India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 13: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to internet companies Apple, Google and WhatsApp on petitions of three Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professors seeking to preserve CCTV footage, WhatsApp conversations and other evidence related to January 5 violence at the campus. The matter, which was heard by Justice Brijesh Sethi, is now listed for hearing on Tuesday. The professors had approached the court on Friday seeking directions to preserve data, CCTV footage and other evidence relating to the January 5 violence on JNU campus. JNU violence: SIT identifies masked woman seen in viral videos as DU student, to serve notice The petition filed by Ameet Parameswaran, Atul Sood and Shukla Vinayak Sawant also sought directions for preservation and retrieval of all material/evidences available with the three companies pertaining to relevant data of WhatsApp groups 'Unity Against Left' and 'Friends of RSS' including messages, pictures, videos and phone numbers of the members. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet The Delhi Police, which is investigating the case, told the court that it has written to WhatsApp, asking it to preserve data, including messages, pictures and videos and phone numbers of members, of two groups -- "Unity Against Left" and "Friends of RSS" -- on which JNU violence was planned. The police also said that it has already sought CCTV footage, however, there is no response from JNU. On January 5, a mob of masked men stormed the university campus and attacked students and teachers with sticks, stones and iron rods and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. More than 30 students, including JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the attack. S upermodel Gigi Hadid could be selected as a juror in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial after telling a judge she would be able to "keep an open mind on the facts". Hadid, who lives in Manhattan, turned heads as part of the latest pool of 120 potential jurors summoned for the case. The 27-year-old said she has met Weinstein and actress Salma Hayek, a potential witness, but she could remain impartial. She was asked to return on Thursday for additional questioning. Surrounded by photographers as she left the court, Hadid said: "I'm not allowed to talk about jury duty. I'm sorry." Weinstein, 67, is accused of raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting another in 2006. Model Gigi Hadid leaves New York Criminal Court on Monday, January 13 / AP Hadid was questioned during an initial screening process, now on its fifth day, that has been hampered by a host of challenges and distractions. They include defence requests for the judge to step aside and for jury selection to be held in secret, both of which were denied, and a noisy protest outside the courthouse. Both sides hope to deliver opening statements before the end of the month. If convicted at a trial expected to last into March, Weinstein could face life in prison. The former studio boss behind Oscar winners such as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare In Love has said any sexual activity was consensual. Weinstein could face life in prison is convicted / REUTERS About 120 prospective jurors are being summoned to court each day. Last Tuesday, they were introduced as a group to Weinstein and were read a list of names that could come up at trial, including actresses Hayek, Charlize Theron and Rosie Perez. As his New York trial was getting underway a week ago, Los Angeles prosecutors announced new charges in a separate case against Weinstein. Those charges accuse him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another on consecutive nights in 2013, days before he walked the Oscars red carpet with his then-wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, who was pregnant at the time. Sara Ali Khan often shares her adorable childhood pictures on her social media account and went on to post yet another unseen picture of herself from her growing up years. However, her fans cant stop talking about her uncanny resemblance with her step-brother, Tairmu Ali Khan. Treating her fans with an unseen picture, Sara captioned it, Loved the sun, for many suns. The daughter of actor Saif Ali Khan and ex wife Amrita Singh is seen dressed in a frock and posing alongside a big camera. The photoshopped picture is superimposed on a picture of a sunset. Sara, who looks adorable as a three-year-old, was compared to Taimur by many of her fans. A fan asked, Taimuar hai ye ? while another called her Taimur ki behen (Taimurs sister). One went on to call her Taimurs female version.One more fan commented, Awwww such a cutipe... genes ha.. Taimur bhi itna hi dikhta hai abhi... Sara was too kaduuu. Meanwhile, Taimur returned with his parents Saif and Kareena Kapoor from London. Saif just saw the release of his latest film, Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior on Friday. It opened to a good response with weekend collections of around Rs 61 crore. Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan with Taimur at Mumbai airport. (Varinder Chawla) Sara has recently returned from her family holiday in Maldives where she was seen chilling in swimming pool, riding water scooter with mother Amrita and going underwater for deep-sea diving with her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan. She had posted several stunning pictures of herself from the dreamy vacation on Instagram. Also read: Tanhaji vs Chhapaak box office day 3: Ajay Devgn film crosses Rs 60 crore in first weekend, Deepika Padukone-starrer makes Rs 19 cr On the work front, she has two films in a loop this year, one of them being the comedy remake of 1995 fame Coolie No. 1 along with Varun Dhawan. Another is the untitled sequel of Imtiaz Alis Love Aaj Kal and stars Kartik Aaryan opposite her. It is scheduled to hit theatres next month on Valentines Day, February 14. Follow @htshowbiz for more Beijing (Gasgoo)- China will not further cut subsidies for New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in July, 2020, said Miao Wei, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, at the China EV100 Forum, an annual event to gather representatives from relevant governmental departments, industry organizations and leading enterprises to share insights on the transformation and innovation of automotive industry, enterprises and policies. The ministry is expected to complete the formulation and release of the NEV Development Plan (2021-2035) in the first half of this year, added the minster. After soliciting public opinions last July and September, the ministry is due to release, in the near future, the amendment to the Measures for the Parallel Administration of Corporate Average Fuel Consumption and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Credits for China's Passenger Car enterprises known as the dual-credit policy. The minister confirmed that there is no change in the sound and long-term development of the segment. China's auto market has bottomed out and stabilized gradually with further development. As China's auto production has achieved positive growth since last November, a bottoming and stabilized market is expected to arrive in 2020 and 2021. According to the minister, the annual sales and production of NEVs exceeded 1.2 million units in 2019, representing a decrease of 4% year on year. The market recorded sales of 105,000 and 126,000 units in November and December respectively. - Some officers of the Ghana Military Police have provided free warm meals and donated to street kids and deprived people - The officers, under the auspices of Bless My Community Foundation in collaboration with Bempi Foundation made the kind donations - They also visited Dzorwulu Special School and Trinity Home Academy in Eastern region Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Kind-hearted officers of the Ghana Military Police have provided free warm meals and made remarkable donations to some deprived people on the streets of under-served communities in Accra and some selected orphanages. The military officers made the donation under the auspices of Bless My Community Foundation in collaboration with Bempi Foundation. The joint benevolent gesture saw the two foundations donate food and clothes to some needy persons in poor communities. Some reports confirm the team has been undertaking the exercise of donating to homes for the past six years, giving out free warm, healthy foods and clothes to people in the villages. READ ALSO: DJ Switch jets off to India to chill and cool off in first 2020 photo However, the two foundations decided to expand to reach out to persons as they visited Dzorwulu Special School and Trinity Home Academy in Eastern Region to make appreciable donations on December, 2. 2019. Subsequently, on December 25, the group organised a food festival to feed people on the street, starting from Achimota overhead and moving across major streets in Accra. They also visited Osu to donate bags to school kids and other learning essentials they can use to study. Inspiring images of their work have been shared and YEN.com.gh has sighted the admirable photos shared by Crabbita Media Consult. In other stories, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanas former head of state and the first president of the 4th Republic, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, made history and won the hearts of many when he reportedly soloed and flew a jet under the Adomi Bridge in 1979. Prior to attaining that feat, Flt. Jerry John Rawlings graduated as the best cadet in flying and airmanship in 1969, winning the coveted Speed Bird Trophy as the best cadet in flying the Su-7 ground attack supersonic jet aircraft for his year group. READ ALSO: DJ Switch jets off to India to chill and cool off in first 2020 photo Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh A group of non-resident Indians carried out a rally in Milpitas, California, in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act on Monday. In the video accessed by Republic TV, some people are seen chanting slogans in this regard. Moreover, the participants in the rally carried placards such as NRIs support CAA, CAA is all about human rights, CAA wont impact Indian citizens, CAA provides protection to persecuted minorities, etc. This comes amid the Indian governments campaign to solicit support for the CAA. Read: BJP Leader Hits Out At Maha Govt For Issuing Notice To School Organising CAA Event 'Indian diaspora overwhelmingly supporting Prime Minister Modi' Speaking exclusively to Republic TV on January 12, BJP Foreign Affairs Cell head Vijay Chauthaiwale highlighted that the Indian diaspora was overwhelmingly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was reacting to Congress leader Udit Rajs attempt to internationalise the attack on students in JNU. Chauthaiwale contended that the activities of the Indian Overseas Congress were unlikely to have any impact on the Indians settled abroad. Read: Satya Nadella Expresses Dismay Over CAA; Sparks Off Heated Debate On Social Media Vijay Chauthaiwale remarked, Along with Pakistani people, they (Indian Overseas Congress) are doing demonstrations outside Indian High Commission. In literal terms, they are doing demonstrations against the Indian state. So, all these things are very important to note that their overseas activities are not always in favour of India. But they are not likely to have any more impact on the Indian diaspora because Indian diaspora is overwhelmingly supporting Prime Minister Modi and his initiatives. Read: WB BJP Chief Kicks Up Row With "shot Like Dogs" Comment About Anti-CAA Protesters What is CAA? The CAA seeks to provide citizenship to the minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This will be applicable to the members of these communities having arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Moreover, they will not be considered as illegal migrants. Additionally, the mandatory residence period for naturalised citizenship for these communities would be reduced to five years. The opposition contends that the Bill discriminates on the basis of religion, which might go against Article 14, which guarantees the right to equality. Read: CAA Protest Good For BJP, Kejriwal Will Lose If They Continue: Subramanian Swamy's Claim RTHK: Canadian executive slams 'narcissist' Trump for Iran The head of a Canadian food giant has blamed US President Donald Trump for creating the conditions that led to Iran accidentally shooting down an airliner. Many Canadians were killed in the tragedy. The Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 was shot down by a missile shortly after taking off from Tehran before dawn last Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Maple Leaf Foods chief executive Michael McCain said in a Twitter message that a colleague lost his wife and child to a "needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran". "US government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes," he said. Without explicitly naming Trump, the head of Canada's largest meat packing company pointed the finger at "a narcissist in Washington" for destabilising the Middle East region. "The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction," McCain said. The message quickly went viral. Long-standing US-Iran tensions have soared since January 3 when missiles fired from a US drone killed a top Iranian commander, Qasem Soleimani, near Baghdad's airport. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at two US bases in Iraq, inflicting no casualties in what was seen as an attempt to prevent a spiral of escalation. But hours later, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard unit mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet, due to what Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called "human error". (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. To many, Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers a welcome vacation from school or work. But to three local teenagers, MLK Day offers more than that -- an opportunity to embody the ideals set forth by Dr. King and engage the community. In 2017, three Hopewell Valley Central High School students, Sarah Cleveland, Gavin Fowler, and Samuel Fowler, were looking for a special way to celebrate MLK Day in their community. With community service having been hardwired into them through years of scouting, they knew they wanted to find a fun way to connect community members of all ages with the many nonprofits in the area. For the past two years, they have reached out to several nonprofits to ask if they would like to participate in a community-wide event at Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Then, they began spreading the word to local schools, churches, scouts and through their Facebook page, Hopewell Gives Back. Last year they welcomed over 100 volunteers, double the previous year, of all ages to spend three hours rotating between six activity stations: making 300 bags of chocolate chip cookies for Mercer Street Friends, nineteen fleece blankets for The Rescue Mission of Trenton, and over 1,000 seed bombs for the Sourland Conservancy. The group organized 830 bags sewn by women in Kenya and decorated over 300 gift bags for Seeds to Sew, created 24 cat blankets for SAVE, and 195 period packs for I Support the Girls. In addition to working at the stations, volunteers also donated $180 and many winter coats for the Rescue Mission of Trenton. This year they are hoping for a large turnout like last, and they excited about their expansion of the event by adding another station. I very excited about this new station for it is such a large expansion and it is really cool to see how we will be turning a very common item into something that will help so many people, Sam says. This years event is made possible, in part, by a donation from Cream King. The 2020 MLK Day of Service will be held on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church 80 West Broad St., Hopewell, NJ 08525. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Advance registration is required: www.tiny.cc/MLK2020 A $5 suggested donation at the door to help cover expenses. Valli Arunachalam, the eldest daughter of former Murugappa group chairman, late MV Murugappan, wants to exit the holding company by selling her immediate family's 8.15 per cent stake to her uncles, but wants a board position if they don't agree with her proposal. She has consulted legal advisers in Mumbai but will take action only after hearing the family's response to her proposal. Valli Arunachalam has also demanded a board position in the holding company, Ambadi Investments Ltd (AIL), if her uncles are unwilling to buy the stake held by her mother, sister and herself together. MV Murugappan, who was the patriarch of the group for 20 years, passed away in September 2017, bequeathing everything for his wife Valli Murugappan and daughters. According to his will, the Murugappa family business spanned over five generations. The family holds 91 per cent stake in the public unlisted company. "They have been delaying the matter for the last two years and didn't give any definite answer for our offer. In August 2019, we asked for a board position. I have been repeatedly following up with them and asked them for meeting, but it has fallen on deaf ears. Every branch of the third generation has a representation on the Ambadi board, except ours," Arunachalam told Business Today. By law, she said, they could appoint an additional director with the shareholders' nod. Arunachalam had also tabled a proposal with valuation. "We expected that they would come back with a counter valuation. But they didn't," she said. There are six families of inheritors in the third generation of the Murugappa family. "If the family purchases the shares at a fair value, we could exit from the company," she added. Rating agency CRISIL had recently said the aggregate market value of Ambadi Investments' direct shareholding in the listed group companies stood at Rs 9,484 crore as on October 14, 2019. The Rs 37,000 crore Chennai-based Murugappa group was founded in 1900, and is one of India's leading business conglomerates. The group has 28 businesses including nine listed companies. The major companies associated with the group are Carborundum Universal, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company, Coromandel International, Coromandel Engineering Company, EID Parry (India), Parry Agro Industries, Shanthi Gears and Tube Investments of India and Wendt (India) Ltd. Arunachalam said: "I am a nuclear scientist by training. But my work experience has been in the semiconductor technologies. At present, I am a freelance independent technology consultant based out of New York. My mother lives in Chennai and sister is in Bangalore. My mother, sister and I are in agreement, but the uncles and their families have delayed the matter by not responding to our request," she said. Arunachalam said she had sought legal advice on the matter, but hoped the matter would be resolved within the family only. "Recently, the family circulated some internal memo that they sent to the management a week back. They said they hoped to settle the matter amicably. So, I wrote to them and asked to come up with a concrete offer. But I haven't heard from them yet," she said. "I hope there will be action behind words. Not just empty words. I will wait for the solution, before taking legal action," she said. She said if they were unwilling to buy the shares at fair value, she would ask for the board representation. Arunachalam said the board position would give her visibility into the operations of the holding company. "At present, we have no visibility whatsoever. Just like every other families in the group, I want to know about the operations. I will execute my duties as a board member and ensure the stakeholders' interests are protected," she said. It's for the first time that a male member has passed away without a male heir in the Murugappa family. Also, it would be first time that a family branch would exit from the Murugappa family business if Arunachalam and her family sell their stake. Gender Inequality Arunachalam said the Murugappa group was following "archaic practices" like keeping women out of business. "Women are making inroads in all walks of corporate life and heading big institutions. In this day, I am finding it difficult to imagine that one of the leading business houses in the south (India) is still following archaic practices. It is important to change with the time," she said. In a public forum, she said, the present patriarch MV Subbiah was asked about the group practice of not allowing family women in managerial position in the businesses. "He endorsed that policy. To add salt to the wound, he went on to sigh that there are 11 boys and just one girl in the current generation. The corporate leaders speaking in this manner is insensitive to the millions of women in the workforce," she added. In another incident, present Chairman A Vellayan said the group kept women out of the family business, she alleged. With a doctorate in nuclear engineering, Arunachalam has over 23 years of experience in multinational companies. Her sister Vellachi Murugappan has a decade-long experience in IT companies and is an electronic engineer. "Our skills are readily transferable to any family business and we are ready to take on any professional challenge," she said. Also read: Eldest daughter of Murugappa family fights for board position in male-dominated group Business leaders have described the unfolding bushfire crisis as a "Port Arthur moment", urging the Morrison government to adopt a co-ordinated national strategy to confront climate change and aggressively reduce carbon emissions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week signalled his government would take stronger action on climate change and support new renewable technologies, although he ruled out lifting emissions targets and introducing a "tax" on carbon. But the mooted policy shift has not quelled concerns within the business community. The politics of climate change are again sharply back in focus. Credit:Getty "I hope the tragedy of the past few months is our generations Port Arthur moment," Paul Bassat, a prominent investor and co-founder of employment website SEEK said, referring to the 1996 massacre that prompted the Howard government to drastically tighten gun laws. "The government and all Australians must take much more aggressive measures to reduce emissions," he said. "For those that are sceptical, the simple question I ask is: 'What if you are wrong? Are you prepared to gamble the planet on your non-scientific hunch?' LAS VEGAS, N.M. Anthropology students from New Mexico Highlands University were the first to document a site and analyze artifacts of a prehistoric Anasazi Pueblo on the banks of the San Juan River on the Navajo Nation in northwest New Mexico. The three students were participating last summer in a three-week Highlands anthropology program field school on the Navajo Nation. Our anthropology students gained some impressive skills in site documentation, learned about pre-Columbian history, and perhaps even more importantly, learned a great deal about Navajo traditions and beliefs, said Vick Evans, the Highlands anthropology faculty member who led the field school. One of the most crucial things the students learned is that this is a living culture and the Navajo have a connection to their ancient past. Evans said many of the Navajos sacred ceremonies are tied to the sites and landmarks. The site is an Anasazi Pueblo dating approximately from the 5th to 14th centuries based upon the pottery sherds we found. The site has a mixture of Anasazi pottery typical to Mesa Verde in southwest Colorado and Chaco in northwest New Mexico. There were also signs of agricultural field houses and a large ceremonial kiva on a hillside, Evans said. The idea to be the first to survey the prehistoric site came about when Jeremy Begay, a Navajo who has been a cultural resource management archaeologist for 15 years, made the suggestion to Evans. Begay is also an environmental science management graduate student at Highlands. Any work that deals with cultural resources has to be first reviewed and approved by the Navajo Nation Heritage and Historic Preservation Department, Begay said. Vick Evans, myself and the Navajo representatives from the department met in March and the field school was approved. I think the Navajo leaders saw the benefits of a partnership with the Highlands anthropology program because it allows the Navajo to help up-and-coming archaeologists better understand Navajo viewpoints on archaeology. Begay, who was the required Navajo Nation representative at the archaeology field school, said it was an outstanding way to give the Highlands students hands-on experience with the world-class resources of the Navajo Nation. The Highlands University field school went extremely well. I think there is great potential for this partnership with Highlands to be continued for years to come, said Begay, who is from the Haashkahadzoho clan of the Navajo Nation. Lily Ewing and Victoria Bibb, both anthropology graduate students with an emphasis on Southwest studies, participated in the field school. The students also earned their bachelor degrees in anthropology from Highlands. Ewing said the field school on the Navajo Nation was transformative because it was so different from what can be learned in a textbook. The field school opened my eyes to the different perspectives of how the Navajo peoples ancestors lived, and it was an honor to collaborate with the Navajo Nation, Ewing, 26, said. It was incredibly informative to identify different artifacts and wall features of the structures. Gaining the hands-on experience was very beneficial. Bibb said the most valuable aspect of the field school was working with other archaeologists and applying technology to the site work. I got some really good mapping experience identifying different archaeological architectural features like kivas and plaza areas, Bibb, 21, said. I used the knowledge I gained in a geographic information systems class at Highlands to accurately pinpoint different areas of interest at the site. It was exciting to be the first to do this kind of documentation. Begay, Evans and her students presented their findings at the August Pecos Conference, the largest Southwestern archaeology conference. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar By Online Desk KOLKATA: Chances of hearing Bismil Azimabadi's lines rending the air on a regular day in Kolkata are rare. But then again these are not regular days in West Bengal's capital city. Over the last one week, the cries of Sarfaroshi ki tamanna have been reverberating across the Park Circus Maidan where hundreds of women have been staging a sit-in demonstration against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Drawing inspiration from the women of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, who have been protesting for almost a month now, these women, mostly from the minority community in Kolkata, have been staging a round-the-clock protest under the winter sky. A majority of them are homemakers who have never stepped out of their houses to participate in rallies. They are also singing Iqbal's Sare jahaan se acha and Faiz's Hum dekhenge and raising slogans of Inquilab Zindabad in unison. On Sunday, accompanied by their husbands and children, they read the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. ALSO READ | The rise of India's angry young women "Hum Samwidhan badalne nehi denge (We will not let them - the BJP government - change the Constitution of India)," says Asmat Jamil, the founder of Azumar, a Kolkata-based NGO. Jamil along with her NGO members had taken the initiative to mobilise the women and bring them together under the Indian flag. "Governments come and go but the Constitution remains. We will not let them tear the secular fabric of India. We want the government to revoke the (CAA) law. This is a fight for our rights and we will not bow down," she adds. The protesters range from college students to greying grandmothers well into their 70s. They have all vowed to continue this protest till January 22 when the Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearings on the constitutional validity of the controversial Act that provides citizenship rights to persecuted refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan - with the exception of those who are Muslims. Kolkata witnessed multiple protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit, but the sit-in protest led by the women stood out. The vigour and courage shown by them in stepping out of their houses in a bid to reclaim public space and make themselves heard was significant. In fact, across the country, many such women are leading the protests against the controversial Act, which they claim is unjust and proof of the government's hyper-nationalist machismo. Not just resolve, but clarity is also on show at the Park Circus Maidan protests. "We won't allow politics here, we have not invited any political leader. The only banner present is the Indian flag and underneath the tricolour, we will continue our resistance," Jamil asserts. "This is perhaps history in the making where women are braving the cold of January to save the country," says Aatreyee Ghosh, a class 12 student. She has been a part of the protests all along. "Although my final exams are nearing, this protest is important for me. We are the youth of this country and if we don't question the government, who will," she asks. With piping hot tea and periodical cries of Halla Bol and Azadi fortifying them, the young college women among the protesters have been holding the fort throughout the night with alacrity. ALSO READ - The TJS George Column | Never has a government been so anti-people in India And it's not just Muslims, support has been pouring in from women of all faiths for the Park Circus protests. "I have been travelling here every day ever since my sisters started this dharna. As a Hindu woman, it is my duty to stand by my Muslim sisters in the time of need. This is the idea of India," said Sudipta Pal, a mother of two. "We have received a lot of support from our husbands and neighbours who have been kind enough to bring us food and water. Initially, it started with 30 people and now there are at least 200-300 women at any given time. We shall resist," pledged Nilufa Khatoon, from the protest site at 2 am. The two teenage pals who were crowned BT Young Scientist winners would like to see their resource pack for tackling gender stereotypes introduced into schools around the country. Cork students Cormac Harris and Alan O'Sullivan, both 16, said it would be great to pilot their resource pack in some schools first, test its effectiveness, with a view to rolling it out on a wider scale. The pair, who've been friends since attending primary school in Ovens NS in Co Cork, were speaking before receiving a heroes' welcome back to school today at Colaiste Choilm, in Ballincollig, where they are both in Transition Year. It is the second time in three years the school has taken the top prize at the prestigious competition. The 2018 winner, Simon Meehan, looked on as Cormac and Alan said they were delighted their win was helping to "shine a light on this important topic". "The project investigated the prevalence of gender stereotype in 5 to 7 year olds and then based on the results we got from that, we created some resource packs," Cormac said. For the second time in three years, @colaistechoilm welcomes home the winners of the #BTYSTE2020 Cormac Harris and Alan OSullivan #Cork pic.twitter.com/Sc9mxwPmFh Eoin English (@EoinBearla) January 13, 2020 They conducted workshops with 376 5-7 year olds from a range of school settings with a number of different tasks including choosing between gender-specific and gender-neutral toys; drawing and naming an engineer, and rating male and female competency at a number of gender-specific roles. One of the most striking findings from the research was that 96% of boys drew a male engineer while just over 50% of girls drew a female engineer. Their findings indicated that gender stereotypes emerge in young children and that they are particularly strong among boys. Alan said they hit upon the idea when they were choosing subjects for their Leaving Cert. "We realised that more girls were choosing subjects like home economics and art and more boys were choosing subjects like construction so we were wondering where did this gender divide come from. So we thought it would be a good idea to look at it in more details," Alan said. They both said they hope to assess the impact of their resource pack in some schools, before contacting key figures in education to discuss taking it further. BT Young Scientist winners Cormac Harris and Alan OSullivan with 2018 winner Simon Meehan, principal Michelle Sliney and teacher Karina Lyne as they arrive back at @colaistechoilm today #Cork #BTYSTE2020 pic.twitter.com/vPgwUB88VA Eoin English (@EoinBearla) January 13, 2020 Their science teacher, Karina Lyne, who has been overseeing students' Young Scientist projects since 2003, said it's all about picking the right students. "They are such hard workers," she said. "They had a number of ideas at the start of the year which were ruled out. "I said no a number of times and then they came with this idea and I knew it was novel. "It has great potential and this is the year that they can take it further. There is lots of scope. There is room to bring this further." The pair will now represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, which takes place in Santander, Spain in September. They will also get to attend the 62nd Annual London International Youth Science Forum later in the year. The sound of war I hear the drumbeats again. I am old enough to remember the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964; in fact, I voluntarily joined the armed services in 1963. I also remember the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq that were never found. Both these events led to escalation or new war; both involved poor intelligence, misrepresentation and, perhaps, lying. This administration must clarify, in detail, the imminent threats it has responded to and what diplomacy was attempted. It must provide detailed, accurate, thoughtful information in writing to we, the people, so there is no doubt this is not a pre-election campaign ploy or just another folly that could cost lives and treasure. Richard Albanese On ExpressNews.com: The Latest: Turkish Air cancels all flights to Iran, Iraq Quick civics lesson Re: Now GOP cares? Your Turn, Dec. 25: Yet another citizen who still doesnt understand why Hillary Clinton isnt president. The founders of the U.S. chose the electoral vote system over the popular vote system for national elections. Had they not, the three giant metropolises Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City would determine who becomes president. The rest of us would truly be irrelevant in flyover country. Donald Trump won 30 states to Clintons 20. Trump won 2,626 counties over Clintons 487 counties. Donna Howington Feed the children Over the last year or so, we have often heard stories about kids whose lunch accounts were in arrears by some amount. At that point, rather than a hot meal, the child is given a cheese sandwich. While the sandwich is an OK meal, it may be the only thing the child gets to eat that day, and it is certainly embarrassing to be singled out for not having money for lunch. I contacted a local school district to ask how this was handled in that district. I discovered that a fair number of schools in the district qualify for free hot meals for every student. The remaining schools either depend on the district or have some other way to accomplish this. One school had a PTA project to fund these kids. I contributed to that PTA fund and have contacted the state PTA to encourage more school PTAs to organize comparable projects. We all need to encourage some solution for these children. No matter where you live, you can have financial problems. Please, look at the school near you and see what you can do to help. Susanne OBrien A protein called Sestrin might be responsible for many of the benefits of a good workout Whether it be a brisk walk around the park or high intensity training at the gym, exercise does a body good. But what if you could harness the benefits of a good workout without ever moving a muscle? Michigan Medicine researchers studying a class of naturally occurring protein called Sestrin have found that it can mimic many of exercise's effects in flies and mice. The findings could eventually help scientists combat muscle wasting due to aging and other causes. "Researchers have previously observed that Sestrin accumulates in muscle following exercise," said Myungjin Kim, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology. Kim, working with professor Jun Hee Lee, Ph.D. and a team of researchers wanted to know more about the protein's apparent link to exercise. Their first step was to encourage a bunch of flies to work out. Taking advantage of Drosophila flies' normal instinct to climb up and out of a test tube, their collaborators Robert Wessells, Ph.D. and Alyson Sujkowski of Wayne State University in Detroit developed a type of fly treadmill. Using it, the team trained the flies for three weeks and compared the running and flying ability of normal flies with that of flies bred to lack the ability to make Sestrin. "Flies can usually run around four to six hours at this point and the normal flies' abilities improved over that period," says Lee. "The flies without Sestrin did not improve with exercise." What's more, when they overexpressed Sestrin in the muscles of normal flies, essentially maxing out their Sestrin levels, they found those flies had abilities above and beyond the trained flies, even without exercise. In fact, flies with overexpressed Sestrin didn't develop more endurance when exercised. The beneficial effects of Sestrin include more than just improved endurance. Mice without Sestrin lacked the improved aerobic capacity, improved respiration and fat burning typically associated with exercise. "We propose that Sestrin can coordinate these biological activities by turning on or off different metabolic pathways," says Lee. "This kind of combined effect is important for producing exercise's effects." Lee also helped another collaborator, Pura Munoz-Canoves, Ph.D., of Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, to demonstrate that muscle-specific Sestrin can also help prevent atrophy in a muscle that's immobilized, such as the type that occurs when a limb is in a cast for a long period of time. "This independent study again highlights that Sestrin alone is sufficient to produce many benefits of physical movement and exercise," says Lee. Could Sestrin supplements be on the horizon? Not quite, says Lee. "Sestrins are not small molecules, but we are working to find small molecule modulators of Sestrin." Additionally, adds Kim, scientists still don't know how exercise produces Sestrin in the body. "This is very critical for future study and could lead to a treatment for people who cannot exercise." ### A man has been hospitalised with a 'three-day' erection after taking a sexual stimulant 'used for breeding bulls' in Mexico. The individual, who has not been named, received urgent surgery at Specialist Hospital 270 in the US-Mexico border city of Reynosa after checking in with the persistent condition. He took the drugs as he was planning to have sex with a 30-year-old woman, reports Peruvian newspaper La Republica. The individual, who has not been named, received urgent surgery at Specialist Hospital 270 in the US-Mexico border city of Reynosa after checking in with the condition 'He was hospitalised in the Specialised Hospital 270 of the city of Reynosa', Doctors told the newspaper. 'He had taken a sexual stimulant which he had bought in Veracruz, used by farmers in that region to invigorate bulls for insemination.' The man is reported to have travelled to Veracruz, in east Mexico, to purchase the stimulant used for cattle. There have been no updates on his condition following the surgery. Specialist Hospital 270, Reynosa, pictured on Google in 2008. There has been no update on the man's condition after surgery A British backpacker is reported to have died after falling off a cliff in Sydney early on Sunday morning. Emergency services were called to the Diamond Bay clifftops in Sydney's eastern suburbs at about 6.30am following reports that a woman had fallen off the cliff. Police, Fire & Rescue New South Wales and NSW Ambulance paramedics searched with the assistance of PolAir and the Marine Area Command, and the body of a woman was retrieved from the water about four hours later. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the woman was 21-year-old Madalyn Davis, a make-up artist from Lincolnshire who had only been in Australia for a few weeks. Police are investigating the circumstances. On Sunday, her mother Rebecca Smith posted to Facebook appealing to friends to help track down Ms Davis. "Anyone seen Madalyn Davis not been able to get hold of her please get in touch if you were out with her last night x at Bondi Beach," she wrote. But on Sunday night, another family member thanked friends for their condolences. Jessica Smith wrote: "Thank you for all your beautiful condolences for Madalyn Davis and her family - it is an absolute tragedy to which nothing has been confirmed. "We ask, in this very difficult time and for the respect of her mummy, daddy, sister, brother and loved ones, that you only post comments of respect and not speculation from reporters etc. "Thank you for your kindness." Dozens of friends paid tribute to the model online. One wrote: "Grew up seeing you flourish, cant believe it. RIP girl." Another said: "It was a pleasure knowing you Maddie, you were beautiful inside as well as outside. RIP". One person said Ms Davis would be "forever missed". New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which the two leaders underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and Russia for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability. The two leaders expressed happiness at the significant landmarks the Special Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia had covered in the recent past, particularly in the year 2019, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. "The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues and underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and Russia for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability," it said. The two countries agreed to continue consulting closely and "working assiduously" to further strengthen India-Russia ties in all spheres the year 2020, the release added. Recalling that the Russian Federation had celebrated Christmas recently as per the tradition in Russia, the Prime Minister conveyed season's greetings to President Putin and the Russian people. Putin warmly reciprocated the greetings and wished PM Modi and the people of India prosperity, progress, peace and happiness. The Prime Minister stressed that the year 2020 would be of special significance for Russia and recalled with gratitude the invitation extended by President Putin to him to participate in the 75th Victory Day Celebration in Moscow in May this year. PM Modi said that he looked forward to participating in the Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries in Russia this year and welcoming President Putin in India for the 21st bilateral Annual Summit. (ANI) Federal authorities said that the shooting by a Saudi military trainee at a U.S. naval base that killed three people was an act of terrorism motivated by jihadist ideology. Attorney General William Barr and other senior law enforcement officials announced findings of a criminal investigation on Monday about a month after the Dec. 6 shootings at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, which killed three U.S. sailors and wounded eight other Americans. The gunman, Royal Saudi Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, 21, open-fired at the naval base in an attack that lasted for about 15 minutes before he was fatally shot by police. Alshamrani was a flight student at Pensacola, where members of foreign militaries are routinely trained by the United States. Federal officials said investigators found evidence that Alshamrani was motivated by jihadist ideology, including a social media message posted on Sept. 11 last year, stating, The countdown has begun, and other anti-American, anti-Israel, and jihadi messages on social media, as recent as two hours before his attack. Alshamrani also visited the 911 Memorial in New York City during the Thanksgiving weekend. Social media attributed to the shooter suggests that harbored anti-US military and anti-Israel sentiments and that he thought violence was necessary to defend Muslim countries, FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich said. Bowdich said that during the attack Alshamrani shot at pictures of President Donald Trump and a former U.S. president, adding that a witness at the scene recounted that he made statements criticizing American military actions overseas. During the probe, investigators found a glock 9mm handgun with an extended magazine along with several ammunition magazines and approximately 180 rounds of ammunition at the crime scene, federal authorities said. Authorities previously said Alshamrani had lawfully purchased the firearm under a state hunting license exception, which allowed non-immigrants to purchase firearms and ammunition with a valid hunting license. The officials also disputed early reports that indicated the shooter had arrived at the naval base with other Saudi cadets who took videos during the attack. The attorney general said Alshamrani arrived at the base by himself and that the other Saudi cadets only began filming the resulting commotion around the building after the attack had begun. He added those cadets fully cooperated with investigators during the probe. Barr added that during the course of the investigation, they found 21 members of the Saudi military training in the United States who were in possession of derogatory material, including jihadist or anti-American content, or had contact with child pornography on social media. The U.S. Attorneys Office has independently reviewed the 21 cases and determined that none of them would in the normal course result in federal prosecution. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he said, had determined that the possession of such material was unbecoming an officer in the Royal Saudi Air Force and in the Royal Navy and has unenrolled the 21 Saudi military trainees from their training curriculum in the United States. They will also be returning to Saudi Arabia later on Monday. The Kingdom has assured me that it will review each of these cases under their Code of Military Justice and their criminal code, Barr said. Barr also said that investigators are still trying to unlock two of Alshamranis iPhones, both of which are damaged, in an effort to figure out who the shooter had been communicating with prior to the attacks. He added that investigators have asked Apple for help in unlocking the devices but added the company has not provided any substantive assistance. The attorney general also singled out several U.S. servicemen for their courage during the attack, including Navy Airman Ryan Blackwell who managed to jump on top of a fellow sailor to keep her from being shot and, despite being shot five times, proceeded to assist other students to escape. Federal authorities also said that there is currently no evidence of any co-conspirators in the United States, but they are still investigating to determine whether there are any in Saudi Arabia. Screening of Foreign Students The Pensacola shooting raised many questions about how well foreign students are screened before they participate in military training in the United States. In response to the incident, the Pentagon ordered a broad review of the screening procedures, according to a memo on Dec. 10. The memo, which was signed by Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist, also suspended flight and other operational training for all Saudi Arabian students in U.S. military programs. Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirmed on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday that the department was taking steps to strengthen the screening process. Ive signed out directives that address enhanced screening of all of our foreign students that address credentialing going forward, weapons policies, etc., Esper said. The United States has long had a robust training program for the Saudi military, providing assistance at home and in the kingdom. There are currently about 850 Saudis participating U.S. military training programs, according to the Pentagon. There are about 5,000 international military students overall in U.S. programs. These students go through background and biometric checksprocesses set up by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Securityto determine whether they are security risks. For the most part, military installation commanders have the authority to set their own security procedures, including base entry screenings and carry permits for guns. There is a baseline level of security that must be met, but commanders can make any of their procedures more stringent if they believe its necessary. The Associated Press contributed to this report. From The Epoch Times Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:28:37|Editor: yan Video Player Close CHICAGO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Although the values of haute couture designer handbags and clean drinking water campaigns would seem to clash, "value instantiation," which promotes the integration of disparate values, can help luxury brands thread the needle and counteract the adverse effects of value incompatibility, according to a study posted on the website of the University of Illinois (UI) on Monday. In two studies, the researchers employed different approaches for value instantiation. In the first study, they exposed participants to the philanthropic activities of self-enhancement-driven celebrities. In the second, the researchers encouraged participants to visualize themselves engaging in philanthropic activities while pursuing self-enhancement values. The results of both studies point to value instantiation as an effective tool in offsetting the harmful effects of integrating social responsibility appeals while selling luxury goods. "It's a way for luxury brands to cope with trying to be more pro-social but not backfiring because of the incompatibility that the two things bring about," said Carlos Torelli, a professor of business administration at UI. The effect was particularly evident among the core consumer segment of luxury brands, who strongly pursue self-enhancement values, and thus would normally respond most negatively to social responsibility appeals, according to the researchers. "It may seem disingenuous for a luxury brand to tout its altruism through its corporate social responsibility activities, but in marketing and branding, the trend for social responsibility has been growing dramatically over the last 20 years," Torelli said. "It used to be that a corporation was a profit-maximizing entity that didn't worry about anything else. But eventually, that's not optimal because firms have a responsibility and an interest in not behaving badly - in not contributing to pollution or damaging the environment, and not exploiting labor." The research ultimately provides strategic guidance for luxury brands that wish to incorporate corporate social responsibility initiatives into their brand platform, Torelli said. The research has been published in the journal Marketing Letters. A man has been injured following the latest gun attack in Dublin. The shooting happened at around 9.30pm last night in the Kilbarrack area of the city. The victim suffered wounds to an arm and leg. Gardai were alerted to reports of shots being fired in St Berach's Place and armed units were deployed to the scene. The victim, believed to be in his mid-30s, was taken to Beaumont Hospital where his injuries have been described as non-life threatening. Detectives are attempting to establish a motive for the gun attack and are investigating if it is linked to the recent violence in the Coolock area. The scene was sealed-off for a technical examination and investigators are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, gardai seized a loaded handgun and arrested a 44-year-old man in a Dublin city centre hotel when they raided the suspect's room. The incident happened at around 6pm yesterday at a hotel on Parnell Street. A senior source told the Herald officers from Mountjoy Garda Station were called due to "serious concerns" about the suspect's well-being. Agitated Gardai entered the hotel room and discovered the "agitated" suspect, who is originally from the Coolock area of the capital's northside. A search of his room yielded a lethal fully loaded semi-automatic handgun, and the man was brought to Mountjoy Garda Station, where he was being detained last night. Detectives are trying to establish what exactly the gun was to be used for and have not yet established what gang the suspect is linked to. Although originally from Coolock, the 44-year-old spent a number of years living in Northern Ireland. The man is said to have no current address in this State. "It is too early to say what he was up to - it is being investigated whether he had been enlisted to kill someone or had been holding the handgun for a gang," a senior source said. "There are no obvious links at the moment between him and the gangs operating at the moment in the city, but everything is being explored and his movements will be tracked through CCTV. "The reason gardai arrived at the hotel was because of concerns about his welfare, and they had not expected to find a loaded gun there. "It is all a bit of a mystery at the moment," the source continued. The deepening slowdown has had its impact on the deal market in 2019 with (M&As) plummeting over 34 per cent to $67.1 billion but still making it the second best, on the back of the $6-billion ArcelorMittal takeover of Essar Steel, according to a report. As per the report by Mergermarket, in 2019 was the second highest in value despite declining 34.4 per cent in 2018, which was the best-ever. But, the report is positive about 2020 as the government has eased foreign investment restrictions and plans to divest state-owned companies. The report attributes the optimism to the relaxation in the foreign direct investment policy in August, loosening the restriction on coal and lignite mining, contract manufacturing, single-brand retail, and digital media, which may bring more opportunities to foreign investors. "Overall touched $67.1 billion across 422 deals, down 34.4 per cent in value and 3.4 per cent in volume compared to 2018 when the street saw 437 deals worth $102.2 billion," Mergermarket said in a note on Monday. At $67.1 billion, India accounted for 10.4 per cent of the deals in the Asia-Pacific region, said the report. Of the total, inbound activities remained strong with $37.9 billion across 221 deals, while outbound deal value plunged 84.8 per cent to a low of $2 billion across 54 deals, the lowest since 2014, when it was printed at $1.7 billion. The numbers would have much worse had it not been for the Essar Steel-ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel deal worth $6 billion at the end of 2019. The second biggest was the $3.65-billion deal involving a consortium led by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners taking over Tower Infrastructure Trust in July followed by the Bandhan Bank-Gruh Finance deal of $3 billion in January. The fourth-biggest deal was Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd takeover by JSW Steel for $2.74 billion in September, and the fifth was Reliance Industries' $2.45-billion deal with Pipeline Infrastructure Trust in March. Private equity players continued to lead the deal street with buyouts reached record levels for two years in a row at $19.6 billion across 123 deals, surpassing the $17.6 billion involving 123 deals in the previous year. Private equity exits, on the other hand, returned to a much more modest level at $7.9 million across 48 deals in 2019, following the all-time high in 2018 at $35.9 billion involving 59 deals. With $8.3 billion deals across 79 activities, the US remained the dominant foreign investor both in terms of deal value as well as deal count, followed by Canada at $7.9 billion across 12 transactions, on the back of two infra-related deals: Brookfield's $3.7 billion investment in Tower Infrastructure Trust and India Infrastructure Trust's $2.4 billion investment in Pipeline Infrastructure. Meanwhile, deals from Japan jumped a whopping 189 per cent to $3.5 billion across 23 deals in 2019 from $1.2 billion across 16 deals in 2018 and the Japanese investors are bullish on the country's logistic industry given the e-commerce boom. "Over the past several years that you've been running blood drives, you have collected 671 units of blood, and that has saved 2,013 lives. Please, take a round of applause for yourselves, because that has been a tremendous support," said... Advertisement Gigi Hadid was called as a potential juror in the rape and sexual assault trial of Harvey Weinstein on Monday, telling a judge that she thinks she would be able to 'keep an open mind on the facts'. The supermodel, 24, who lives in Manhattan, was part of the latest pool of 120 people summoned for jury service in the case in New York. She said she has met Weinstein and actress Salma Hayek, a potential witness, but could remain impartial. Hadid, who studied criminal psychology at The New School, was asked to return Thursday for additional questioning. Surrounded by photographers as she left the courthouse, Gigi said: 'I'm not allowed to talk about jury duty. I'm sorry.' Judge James Burke had already warned potential jurors not to take to social media about the case, explaining that those who already have done so 'may be held in contempt of court and face serious consequences up to and including 30 days in jail and a significant fine'. He added: 'So, dont do that.' Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. His trial began January 6 and could last up to two months. Supermodel Gigi Hadid is in the running to be a juror in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial after telling a judge Monday that she thinks she would be able to 'keep an open mind on the facts'. She is pictured leaving court Hadid, who lives in Manhattan, turned heads as part of the latest pool of 120 potential jurors summoned for the case Harvey Weinstein struggles with the stairs as he leaves New York City Criminal Court on Monday Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. His trial began January 6 and could last up to two months Hadid, who is friends with fellow model and Weinstein accuser Cara Delevingne, was seen in the hallway of the Manhattan court. She was questioned during an initial screening process, now on its fifth day, that has been stymied by a host of challenges and distractions including defense requests for the judge to step aside and for jury selection to be held in secret, both of which were denied, and a noisy protest outside the courthouse. A more intensive phase of jury selection is expected to begin Thursday in which lawyers will ask more detailed questions about jurors' backgrounds. Out of 360 potential jurors summoned last week, 106 passed pre-screening, with many excused after saying they could not be impartial. Weinstein, 67, once one of Hollywood's most powerful producers, made his mark with critically acclaimed films such as 'The English Patient' and 'Shakespeare in Love.' He arrived back in court, hobbling and with his walker Monday - the day the 2020 Oscar nominations were announced. Potential jurors were each given questionnaires featuring 72 questions and will report back for further questioning on January 16. The questionnaire asks if they could ignore media coverage and decide the case based only on evidence heard in court. They were also told the trial will last six weeks, which could weed out many parents, college students and others with pressing day-to-day obligations. One potential juror told the court last week that she could not be impartial because a friend had had an 'encounter' with the embattled movie mogul in his hotel room. Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused him of sexual misconduct dating back decades. Weinstein has denied the allegations, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual. Weinstein, pictured leaving court Monday, has denied the allegations, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual Weinstein makes his way towards his walker on Monday. He has been pictured hobbling in court everyday since his trial began Allegations against Weinstein, pictured Monday, helped fuel the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men in business and politics Weinstein struggles as he makes his way into the courthouse on Monday. If convicted Weinstein could face life in prison As his New York trial was getting underway a week ago, Los Angeles prosecutors announced new charges in a separate case against Weinstein. Those charges accuse him of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another woman in 2013 Jury selection in Weinstein's case is in its first phase, with potential jurors being pre-screened for possible bias Allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men in business and politics. Friday's jury selection proceedings were punctuated by a protest, with about 100 women carrying pots and pans dancing across the street from the courthouse. 'The rapist is you. Patriarchy is our judge,' the women chanted, first in English and then in Spanish. The chants were heard in the 15th floor courtroom, prompting Weinstein's lawyers to ask that all the potential jurors present be dismissed. Defense attorney Damon Cheronis complained to the judge: 'It's this type of atmosphere that makes it impossible for Mr. Weinstein to get a fair trial.' Harvey Weinstein arrives at New York Criminal Court for his ongoing sexual assault trial in Manhattan on Monday Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. His trial began January 6 and could last up to two months Justice James Burke denied the request, noting that he expected the protest would not be the last. Burke last week refused to take himself off the case, after the defense team accused him of bias when he dressed down Weinstein for repeatedly defying an order to stop texting in the courtroom. The judge also tried to calm nerves after hearing someone gasp when he told jury candidates it was their sacred duty to serve. In picking a jury, defense lawyers typically want jurors who can 'think outside of the box' and look skeptically at a prosecution case, while prosecutors seek people with a linear and methodical mindset, said Thaddeus Hoffmeister, a jury consultant and University of Dayton law professor. For insight into prospective jurors' thinking, lawyers have taken to scouring their public social media postings, Hoffmeister said, which is fine under court rules as long as the lawyers don't follow or friend them or send them messages. Opening statements shouldn't be expected before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 20, the judge said. Why the jury selection process will take up to two weeks and how they will be selected Selecting the jury for the Hollywood mogul's rape and sexual assault trial is likely to be a painstaking, weeks-long process, made complicated by the high stakes, heavy publicity and public revulsion toward him. Jury selection is expected to stretch on for at least two weeks, far longer than for a non-celebrity trial, with lawyers delving into each potential juror's knowledge and opinions about the case. Opening statements shouldn't be expected before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 20, the judge said. The prospective jurors were given questionnaires asking, among other things, if they could ignore media coverage and decide the case based only on evidence heard in court. They were also told the trial will last six weeks, which could weed out many parents, college students and others with pressing day-to-day obligations. Jury questionnaires are commonly used to identify subject areas like their knowledge of and potential links to the case or any prior experiences with law enforcement that can then allow follow-up questions back in the courtroom before selection. Potential jurors raise their hands and explain why they can't serve on the jury of film producer Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial 'The defense team is concerned about widespread media coverage of sexual assault and harassment claims against Weinstein, and of jurors prejudging the case,' said Cornell University law professor Valerie Hans. On the other side of the case, 'prosecutors are wary of prospective jurors who might reveal a predisposition to blame the victims, even in this age of #MeToo.' Prospective jurors were introduced as a group to Weinstein and were read a list of names that could come up at trial, including actresses Salma Hayek, Charlize Theron and Rosie Perez. 120 potential jurors appeared before the court Tuesday - 36 advanced to the next stage of the process. A further 120 appeared Wednesday with 30 being selected to continue. New pools of prospective jurors will be summoned to court each morning in the coming days - around 120 per day will be called. A jury summons was sent to 2,000 New Yorkers - five times the number for a typical trial. Experts said lawyers for Weinstein and the prosecution would need to be wary of jurors who may try to mask their bias in order to serve on a headline-grabbing trial. Some jurors may seek to use the trial as a means of advancing a personal cause, a concern in a case that has become a flashpoint for ending sexual harassment. Weinstein in October lost a bid to move the trial to suburban Long Island or to Albany, New York state's capital. He said intense media scrutiny made it impossible for jurors to give him a fair trial in Manhattan. The defense asked at Monday's hearing that the jury be sequestered, a request the judge denied. Advertisement Harvey Weinstein spy says he's not sorry for secretly trailing 91 Hollywood figures, including Rose McGowan Seth Freedman, pictured, has defended secretly trailing 91 Hollywood figures, including accuser Rose McGowan One of Harvey Weinstein's spies, hired to investigate those readying to make allegations of sexual assault against the producer, has defended secretly trailing 91 Hollywood figures, including accuser Rose McGowan. Seth Freedman worked for private intelligence agency Black Cube but has denied silencing alleged victims in an interview with the BBC - despite reporting back to the producer on his 75 minute chat with the actress. The former Guardian journalist used the cover story of being a reporter working on an article about Hollywood to convince McGowan's literary agent to encourage the star to speak to him. McGowan was one of the first women to make public allegations about Weinstein's abuse, triggering his downfall in 2017 and the emergence of the #MeToo movement that brought down many other public figures. Weinstein had tasked Black Cube with two primary objectives in July 2017; to 'provide intelligence which will help the Client's efforts to completely stop the publication of a new, negative article in a leading NY newspaper', and to 'obtain additional content of a book which is currently being written and which includes harmful negative information on and about the Client'. To achieve this, Black Cube promised a dedicated team, including Freedman, after ex-Israeli premier Ehud Barak put Weinstein's lawyers in touch with the firm. Freedman no longer works for Mossad-linked Israeli intelligence company Black Cube but says he will not say he is sorry or guilty over his previous work 'because he is not'. He added: 'My job is to get a piece of information that isn't freely available and as long as I stay within the letter of the law I'm not worried about your ethics when you judge me.' Advertisement Gettyimagesbank By Bae Sung-eun and David Tizzard WATERLOO The Cedar Valley Honor Flight is looking for veterans and chaperones interested in participating in the two scheduled trips to Washington, D.C., this year. The flights, which are free to participants, take veterans to the national World War II, Korea and Vietnam memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery and several other stops. Craig White, co-chair of the nonprofit organization, said this years flights out of the Waterloo Regional Airport are scheduled for May 27 and Sept. 29. The May flight is nearly full but veterans are needed to fill the September flight. Cedar Valley Honor Flight has transported more than 2,200 veterans to Washington on 25 flights since it began. Applicants must have served in the U.S. armed forces between Dec. 7, 1941, and May 7, 1975, covering World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War, but are not required to have served in-country during the conflicts. Veterans from Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Grundy and the northern half of Tama counties are eligible for flights from the Waterloo hub. But applications from other counties are reviewed too. Eligible veterans interested in the program can get applications at Hy-Vee grocery stores in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Waverly, or they can be downloaded from the organizations website at cedarvalleyhonorflights.org. Organizers are also noting they need more chaperones to escort veterans this year. Over the years we have had family members wanting to travel with their dad, uncle, etc. and we didnt have as great a need for (chaperones), White said. Chaperones can get applications at Hy-Vees and online too. White said those who have filled out chaperone applications in the past need to fill out a new application to be considered for this years flights. Photos from the May 2019 Cedar Valley Honor Flight: Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 [January 13, 2020] Peeks Social Ltd. Announces Closing of Private Placement TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peeks Social Ltd. (TSX.V: PEEK) (OTCQB: PKSLF) is pleased to announce that the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement. The Company issued an aggregate of 37,141,340 units at a price of $0.05 per units to Mark Itwaru, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company for gross proceeds of $1,857,067. The Company is relying upon available exemptions from Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions in connection with the subscription for securities by its CEO as the transactions constitute related party transactions. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant of the Company. Each warrant is exercisable to purchase one half of one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.075 per share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance. The common shares and warrants will be subject to a four month hold period. The private placement is subject to the Company obtaining final acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange upon the filing of required materials in due course. Following the closing, Mark Itwaru, Chief Executive Officer, together with Riavera Corporation (Riavera) beneficially owns or has control and direction over an aggregate of 184,756,517 common shares of the Company or 58.5% of the Issuers outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis. Mark Itwaru, the President and CEO of the Company, is the sole director and officer of Riavera (but does not eneficially own Riavera) and accordingly has control and direction over the common shares of the Company held by Riavera. The total holdings are comprised of: (a) Mark Itwarus beneficial holdings of 122,797,657 common shares, warrants to purchase 22,325,940 common shares at $0.10 per share, warrants to purchase 18,570,670 common shares at $0.075 per share, and options to purchase 350,000 common shares at $0.30 per share and options to purchase 150,000 common shares at $2.00 per share and options to purchase 14,492,800 at $0.05 per share; and (b) 61,958,860 common shares of the Company and options to purchase 300,000 common shares at a price of $1.12 held by Riavera (64.7% on a partially diluted basis, after giving effect to the conversion of all convertible securities held by the two parties). Neither the Company, nor to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, Mr. Itwaru, have knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed. The private placement proceeds will be used for ongoing for general corporate purposes. The Company has been approved by the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) to seek up to a total of $5,000,000 under the same terms as those described above. The Company also announced that it has granted an aggregate of 33,992,800 options to certain directors and officers; advisors and contractors of the Company in accordance with the Company's Stock Option Plan, of which 26,492,800 were granted to directors and senior officers. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.05 for a period of 5 years from the date of grant and expire on January 30, 2025 The options vest over a period of 1 year in equal installments of 1/3 of options granted every 4 months from the date of the grant. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. For further information, please contact: Peeks Social Ltd. Mark Itwaru Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 647-992-7727 [email protected] David Vinokurov Investor Relations 416-716-9281 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Pacemaker Belfast. 12/7/08. The Rev Ian Paisley speaks to the field at the independents Orange parade in Portglenone. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker The full story of former First Minister Ian Paisley's split with the Orange Order has been revealed in a new book. Dating back more than 60 years, the division centred on an issue which still dogs the organisation today - Orange members going to Catholic church services. Firebrand Paisley accused a former lord mayor of Belfast of "breaking a man's heart" by forcing him to attend a Mass. But he had also learned there were concerns about clergy from his breakaway Free Presbyterian Church seeking out roles as chaplains within the institution. The late Mr Paisley finally left the organisation himself, in 1962, after complaining about senior Orange leaders attending Catholic services. The Orangeism: A Historical Profile book's author, Kevin Haddick-Flynn, said: "All the material on Paisley's background and the Free Presbyterian church is fresh. "Apart from Drumcree, he was hardly mentioned in the first edition of my study." The book discloses: "(Mr Paisley's) relationship with the Order had long been problematic (though) his activities struck a chord with the more raucous sections of Orangeism. Since his initiation in 1949 he had ruffled numerous feathers and many found him difficult to deal with. "Clergymen within the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland disliked him and urged a vetting of 'Free P' clergy who applied to become lodge chaplains. "By 1952, realising that his clergy were being disfavoured, he became hostile and in 1958 Rev Warren Porter, a senior chaplain, brought a charge of 'unbrotherly conduct' against him. "He finally quit in 1962, raising objections to Orangemen attending Catholic services." One complaint was that the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Robert (Robin) Kinahan, had attended the funeral Mass of an alderman "without incurring sanction". He complained that Kinahan had taken his mace-bearer, a member of the Order, "to the Mass against his will and thus broke the poor man's heart." Businessman Sir Robin was later chairman of the Ulster Bank and was Lord Lieutenant from 1985 to 1991. He died in 1997. The establishment of Mr Paisley's second congregation, in Crossgar, is also detailed in the just published study, Orangeism: A Historical Profile, which is an update of an earlier book written two decades ago. The man who was rebuffed by the Free Presbyterian church he had created after his decision to go into a power-sharing government at Stormont with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said elders from the main Presbyterian church had no choice but to join him. "They decided to leave a denomination that had no difficulty permitting dances and parties of various kinds in its church halls..." Mr Paisley wrote. The Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) student wing on Monday demanded registration of a criminal case against the author of the Hindi book that compares Prime Minister Narendra Modi with 17th century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi" - written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal - has triggered a huge controversy in Maharashtra with the ruling Shiv Sena demanding a ban on it and its allies objecting to the comparison. The book was released on Sunday in Delhi BJP office. A group of Nationalist Student Congress (NSC) workers, led by its state unit vice-president Akshay Patil, submitted an application at the CIDCO police station here in central Maharashtra demanding registration of a criminal case against Goyal. "Shivaji Maharaj is our idol and comparing him with any leader of today is his insult," said the student outfit in its application. "This has hurt our sentiments and a demand has been made to the police here to file a case against the writer, Jay Bhagwan Goyal," Patil said. An officer of the CIDCO police station confirmed receipt of the application and said it has been forwarded to senior officials for appropriate action. The Shiv Sena, the NCP and the Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book. "Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A beauty queen was still crowned Miss Belgium 2020 after she fell onstage and lost her strapless bra during the pageant over the weekend. Celine Van Ouytsel, 23, from Herentals, conquered the hearts of fans when she picked herself up after an embarrassing fall during the live beauty pageant, and gracefully walked off, leaving her strapless bra - which she had lost during the awkward stumble - on the floor behind her. The law graduate, who was wearing a white and blue glittery gown, dusted herself rapidly after tripping on the last set of stairs leading to the stage after her introduction. She gave the crowd a cheerful smile throughout the remainder of her time onstage, and still went on to win the contest, proving you can always recover from a topple. Since then, the video has been making the rounds on social media, where it's been watched thousands of time around the world. Celine Van Ouytsel, 23, from Antwerp, was crowned Miss Belgium 2020 after suffering an embarrassing fall during the live event and losing her strapless bra in the process Celine lost the strapless bra she wore underneath her white and blue shimmery gown in the fall The beauty queen quickly picked herself up and continued with her walk around the stage after her tumble In the clip, poor Celine can be seen tripping on a step and landing on her knees, but springs back up in an instant, composing herself. As she walks off, arms opened and a defiant smile on her face, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Celine's white padded bra had slipped from her bust to the floor during the fall. After winning the show and later told a VTM News reporter covering the pageant: 'I just had to get up again, as you so often do in life.' Celine's fans praised her resilience on social media after the pageant aired over the weekend. Celine went on to win the competition, which aired over the weekend, and will compete in this year's Miss World contest The Miss Belgium contender managed to smile and carry herself graceful after the embarrassing tipple 'Win every situation, rise when u fall,' said one, sharing a video of the fall. 'She is a fighter,' said another, while another said they admired her 'confidence'. Celine is now a contender for Miss World, and will take part in the international pageant, which is in its 70th anniversary year. She also won Miss Antwerp 2020 before her Miss Belgium stint, where she succeeded last year's winner's Elena Castro Suarez, who crowned her during the programme. Miss World 2020 will be held in Thailand this year, after it was hosted at London's ExCel centre last year. Even as a relentless protests over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) are happening across India and numerous universities around the world, home minister yesterday revealed that 5.5 lakh residents of Ahmedabad in Gujarat wrote to PM Narendra Modi extending support to the legislation. Recently, a group of academicians, filmmakers, actors, artists, and other professionals from West Bengal have written to PM Modi, extending their support to the CAA, which grants citizenship to persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. "We the people of West Bengal express our sincerest gratitude and unreserved admiration from the deepest core of our heart to you for enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and through for finally settling this excruciating episode, which has been tormenting and afflicting the Bengali psyche and soul for the last seventy years, since time of partition," reads the letter, a copy of which was accessed by ANI. Nine signatories Anjana Basu, Prof Debashish Chowdhury, Arindam Chakraborty, Advocate Joydip Sen, Supriyo Bandyopadhyay, Anindya Pulak Banerjee, Milan Bhowmik, Sanjay Som, and Rantidev Sengupta have confirmed to ANI that they have signed the letter along with others addressed to the Prime Minister, extending support to CAA. afp "History bears witness to the fact that partition has caused more pain and penury to the Bengali people than any other. A few far-sighted Bengali leaders and thought-leaders in the past had foreseen the calamitous consequences of partition. Their wholehearted efforts resulted in the creation of West Bengal. The long list of these sagacious personalities includes Sir Jadunath Sarkar, historian RC Majumdar, Prof Suniti Kumar Chattopadhyay,Dr Meghnad Saha and last but not the least, Dr Syama Prasad Mukhopadhyay," the letter adds. They have praised the Prime Minister for the "humane and historic step" taken with regard to the CAA and said it was a "watershed moment" in the history of Bengal. bccl "This painful episode of our history of partition and its continuing suffering in aftermath of partition, especially on the Bengal front would have remained suppressed and the victims neglected and marginalised through relentless propaganda of the combined opposition, had it not for this humane and historic step of yours, making this a watershed moment of our history," the letter states. They said that the issue of CAA was "finally realised" under the Prime Minister's leadership and asserted that it could not be fulfilled earlier due to "parochial politics of vote bank." "Respected Prime Minister Sir, as you have yourself stated a number of times, the demand for citizenship, for the people persecuted on religious ground, in neighbouring countries, is neither new nor recent. As a matter of fact, it started at the very dawn of independence. Due to some reason or the other, this demand was not being fulfilled, especially by those who were profuse in their promises then," adds the letter. bccl "Upon introspection, it is evident that parochial politics of vote bank which till recently triumphed over all other considerations delayed the granting of citizenship to these hapless people. Leaders came in and went out doing nothing more than making promises on this issue. But today that promise has been finally realised under your leadership," says the letter. "It took seventy-two long years to confer a life of dignity in West Bengal to those people, whose right on this soil is second to none. We stand with folded hands and in gratefulness before you since you have relieved us from this ignominy and this promise that you have fulfilled will now empower and impart a life of dignity to lakhs and lakhs of people in West Bengal," the letter continues. afp "CAA is finally a gazetted law with a full constitutional sanction in responses to the hopes and aspiration of these persecuted people. The collective blessings of millions of destitute people, whose tears you have wiped away by this epochal act, has immortalised you in the pages of history and in the hearts of Bengalis. We consider ourselves fortunate to have you beside us," says the letter. The CAA or the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. If youre still low-key obsessed with Hilary Duffs wedding to Matthew Koma (and those two stunning dresses she wore for the big day) youre in for a treat. The newlyweds have been sharing photos from their romantic safari honeymoon in South Africa, and their trip looks beyond dreamy. The pair tied the knot last month in a front-yard ceremony, surrounded by close loved ones. Shortly thereafter, they jetted off to South Africa for their first trip as husband and wife. And lucky for us, they both shared a slew of jaw-dropping shots from their journey along the way. Leon Bennett / Stringer, Getty Images First, the Younger star shared a photo where the couple can be seen enjoying the views at Kruger National Park, a game reserve where they saw plenty of wild animals, including the big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. Were already jealous, to be honest. She also wrote in her caption that theyd had so many naps, and we fully agree that every newlywed deserves plenty of nap time. Koma also shared a few photos from their safari, including a sweet selfie, a picture of their ride vehicle, and a couple pictures of the animals they saw along the way. We cannot even deal with the elephant casually walking along with some deer right in front of them. Duff then shared some photos with Koma, showing off those gorgeous backdrops and giving us so much FOMO. They truly look like theyre having an incredible time in every picture, especially in those waterside selfies. The music producer shared another gallery of their adventures in South Africa and beyond, sharing a bit about what they were up to and writing the cutest caption about his new wife. He revealed that they climbed Table Mountain in Cape Town, played bananagrams (a word game) in Mozambique, read a book with a disappointing ending together on our flights, experienced a dream safari in Sabi Sands, and had the best meal of our lives at Test Kitchen. Story continues He added that he got to bask in the high of doing it all with my best friend turned wife. I truly am the luckiest. OK, now were fully swooning. Duff then wrapped up their journey by posting the saddest airport selfie, captioning the shot, Long journey home after the most insane trip of my life! We cant wait to squeeze the babbbbies and rub their skin offffffffff. Of course, while the end to any vacation is bittersweet, were sure the mom-of-two was thrilled to return home to her little ones, Banks and Luca. As for us, were already looking at flights to South Africa, because it looks too beautiful for words based on the couples pics. Grab your passportwell meet you at the airport! Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the deadline set for low-cost carrier IndiGo to replace all 135 unmodified Pratt and Whitney (PW) engines from January 31 to May 31. The budget carrier was earlier asked to present a "complete action plan" on how it would procure and replace PW engines on all its aircraft by January 31. However, the deadline has now been extended by four months. On November last year, the aviation regulator had directed IndiGo to modify Pratt & Whitney engines in all Airbus A320neo aircraft at "all costs" or get grounded. "Kindly note that after that none of these 23 aircraft, which does not have at least one LPT (low-pressure turbine) modified engine on its wings, shall be allowed for commercial operation and their schedule will suitably be curtailed till this is accomplished," the DGCA said. The DGCA warning had come after the airline reported four-engine malfunctions in A320neo planes in a month, which caused serious concern and resultant disruption. A320neo -- which is an upgraded, more fuel-efficient model of the extremely popular Airbus A320 family -- has been posing problems for many airlines due to its snag-prone Pratt & Whitney engines. On October 29, IndiGo had announced that it would buy 300 "Airbus 320neo family" planes, which comprised A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft. However, the budget carrier made it clear that the choice of engine manufacturer for this order would be made at a later date. With a fleet of around 247 planes and a share of around 47 per cent of the domestic air passenger market, IndiGo is India's largest airline. Also Read: IndiGo drops Pratt & Whitney; may sign deal for 280 aircraft with rival CFM: report Edited by Manoj Sharma Silver Investors Big Trend Analysis for Part I Everyone seems to be focused on Gold recently and seems to be ignoring the real upside potential in Silver. With all the global economic issues, military tensions, geopolitical issues, and other items continually pushed into the news cycles, it is easy to understand why traders and investors may be ignoring Silver. Silver has really not started to move like the other precious metals. Gold is up over 45% since 2016. Palladium is up over 350% since 2016. Silver is up only 29% since 2016. The Gold to Silver ratio is currently at 86.7 very near to the highest level on record going back over 25 years. Historically, Silver rallies 6 to 12+ months after Gold begins a price rally. The big break in the Gold to Silver ratio comes at a time when Gold rallies by more than 30% to 60% faster than the price of Silver. In other words, when a major disparity sets up in the price of Gold compared to the price of Silver, then Silver explodes higher which results in a drop in the Gold to Silver ratio. Currently, the relative price of Gold to Silver is over 200%. Considering this fact and considering the under-performance of Silver recently, our researchers believe Silver is setting up a massive basing pattern in preparation for an explosive upside move. Our research team put together this chart to help illustrate the real upside potential in Silver. This Monthly chart highlights the Gold to the Silver ratio (Darker BLUE), the price of Gold (Gold) and the price of Silver (light BLUE) over the past 20 years. Every time Gold broke a sideways Flag formation and began to rally substantially higher, Silver followed Gold higher 5 to 12 months after with an incredible upside price rally. In 2005, Silver rallied over 100%. In 2009, Silver rallied almost 400%. Now, in 2020, could Silver rally 100%, 200%, 300% or more? In the recent past, weve authored numerous articles about Gold, Silver and precious metals highlighting our expectations going forward. Our incredible research from October 8, 2018, floored many institutional traders and researchers because we were able to accurately predict the future price moves in Gold 9+ months into the future. Take a little time to read some of our earlier research posts Metals & Miners Prepare for 2020 Liftoff https://www.thetechnicaltraders.com/metals-miners-prepare-for-an-early-2020-liftoff/ ADL Trading System Confirms Gold Targets https://www.thetechnicaltraders.com/adl-gold-prediction-confirms-targets/ VIX Is Set to Spike And What It Means for Gold https://www.thetechnicaltraders.com/metals-vix-are-set-to-launch-dramatically-higher/ We believe the current setup in Gold and Silver is almost identical to previous setups where Gold rallied on economic or global concerns, prompting a massive disparity ratio between Gold and Silver. We believe Silver is setting up in a massive basing pattern that may be an incredible opportunity for skilled traders. In Part II of this research post, well highlight why we believe all skilled traders and investors should be paying very close attention to the metals markets, Miners and, in particular, Silver. As a technical analysis and trader since 1997 I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles, I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for both short-term swing trading and long-term investment capital. The opportunities are massive/life-changing if handled properly. I urge you visit my Wealth Building Newsletter and if you like what I offer, join me with the 1 or 2-year subscription to lock in the lowest rate possible and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own. Chris Vermeulen www.TheTechnicalTraders.com Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better. His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility. He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Chris Vermeulen Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. The Show Must Go On: Remembering a beloved thespian View(s): January 16, will mark the first death anniversary of well known thespian Vinodh Senadeera and to celebrate his memory, a tribute show will be held at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on that date. The Show Must Go On Vinodh Senadeeras Best Loved Memories will consist of a series of short performances by students and friends who have been a part of his journey in the performing arts and literature. The tribute is an invitees-only show with performances from 140 participants featuring extracts from music, drama and novels that Vinodh loved, performed by students from S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, Colombo International School, Visakha Vidyalaya, Nuovo Vita, the De Lanerolle Brothers and friends who worked with him closely in his productions. Vinodh played many roles: he was the Head of Performing Arts at the Colombo International School and was the Precentor of the Chapel of the Transfiguration, the Choral Director and the Drama Director at S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia. He played an integral role in Thomian Drama for over two decades. In 2003, Vinodh founded his own theatre company, the Combined Theatre Company that enabled him to explore other directorial avenues and work with thespians old and young. While a schoolboy, he bagged several awards at inter-school competitions and went on to dedicate his life to education. As a teacher of English Literature, he was passionate about honing young thespians and choristers. He was loved and appreciated by all those he taught and is remembered today for his contribution to the performing arts in this country. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA -- The key to the Star Trek universe, says Patrick Stewart, is hope. Thats the dominant emotion behind everything we did on Next Generation, he says, and its a tradition Stewart predicts will continue with Star Trek: Picard, the hotly anticipated new series in which Stewart again plays Jean-Luc Picard, the role he made famous in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Stewart was on hand to discuss Star Trek: Picard, which premieres on the CBS All Access streaming service on Jan. 23, during the Television Critics Association 2020 winter press tour. The show has already excited fans of the Star Trek universe, and In a vote of confidence, it was announced at todays press tour that the series has been renewed for a second season, even before its premiere. Stewart and his fellow panel members emphasized that the new show will honor Trek traditions, without being a retread of the Next Generation." Though playing Picard for nearly a decade has left Stewart feeling like he and the character have melded, it was important, Stewart said, to put some distance between The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard. As the shows description says, Star Trek: Picard is set at the end of the 24th century, 14 years after Picards retirement from Starfleet. When the series begins, Picard is living on his vineyard, with the help of staff members and the company of his pet pit bull dog, named Number One. Asked about including the pit bull in the new series, Stewart alluded to his own passionate advocacy for pit bulls, and suggested he might have had a role in giving Picard a pet pit bull in the series When viewers meet Picard in the new show, Stewart said, hes troubled and disturbed" and lonely," with feelings of strange, unnatural guilt. Joining Stewart on the panel were executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman, Heather Kadin and Kirsten Beyer, along with cast members Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Evan Evagora, Michelle Hurd, and Santiago Cabrera. Stewart said that he was absolutely thrilled to continue playing the role of Picard, a character who has become so close to him that hes always been there. That made resuming the role easier than he anticipated, Stewart said. Though the Trek universe, with its futuristic vision and technology can be complicated, Chabon said that Star Trek: Picard is "very much character-based, and character-driven." With storylines that touch on such subjects as refugees, aliens and questioning government, Star Trek: Picard continues in the franchise tradition to reflecting whats going on in the present day, but filtering it through the Star Trek lens, which emphasizes trying to build a better world. The first season of Star Trek: Picard will include guest appearances by some Next Generation cast members, including Brent Spiner (Data), Jonathan Frakes (William Riker) and Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi). Stewart said that by the time two seasons of the show are completed, every principal actor from "The Next Generation cast will appear on Star Trek: Picard. Theyre all very, very close, Stewart said. When asked how he felt about becoming the face of the Star Trek universe, Stewart got a laugh when he said that theres someone else -- whose initials are Bill Shatner -- who might disagree with Stewart being described that way. Im very content to stand on Bills shoulders, Stewart said. The first season of Star Trek: Picard will premiere on CBS All Access on Jan. 23. Following the premiere, new episodes of the 10-episode first season will be available weekly on Thursdays, for CBS All Access subscribers. Check Oregonlive.com for more news and coverage of the TCA Winter 2020 press tour. -- Kristi Turnquist kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. On Sunday afternoon, inside the H-E-B on Wurzbach Road and I-10, an elderly woman wearing a light blue hijab sat on a bench near a checkout line and waited for her family to complete their purchase. Aside from walking through the store or parking lot, her vantage point offered the best view of the diverse cultural vibrancy that enriches San Antonio and Texas, a diverse cultural vibrancy that has defined the United States for centuries. That H-E-B is in the center of San Antonios refugee community, near the Center for Refugee Services, which helps new arrivals blend into their new home, their new country. On any day, especially a Sunday, the aisles are filled with families from the Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Congo or several other countries from which theyve fled because of war, famine, persecution or violence. People like these easily fall within sight of the woman wearing the light blue hijab, but they land outside the concern of the man who has decided that Texas will no longer offer refuge to others like them. On Friday afternoon, Gov. Greg Abbott wrote a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declaring that Texas would opt out of the refugee resettlement program. Last September, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring states and local governments to consent to refugees being settled within their borders. San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin were among the Texas cities whose mayors wrote letters opting in to continue participating in the program. As of now, 42 states, including 17 with Republican governors, have opted in. Abbotts decision overrules those made by Texas municipalities and gives him the dubious distinction of being the first and, so far, only governor to opt out of the program. This is an embarrassment to Texas and a retreat from the states long tradition of offering shelter and new opportunities to those whose lives are threatened. Noting that since 2010 Texas has taken in more refugees than any other state, Abbott wrote to Pompeo, Texas is one of the most welcoming states for refugees seeking to escape dangers abroad. Regardless of what youve done in the past, you dont get to call yours one of the most welcoming states for refugees seeking to escape from dangers when you are no longer welcoming refugees seeking to escape from dangers. Abbott offered no compelling, principled reason for opting out. He suggested Texas cant afford to divert available resources toward new refugees, but the resettlement programs are funded with federal money. Also, given that Trump has slashed the number of refugees allowed into the United States, in 2020 Texas would have been asked to take in less than the approximate 2,500 who were settled in 2019. He is especially dishonest in mixing the refugee program with border issues. While never expressing security concerns in his letter, he writes, In addition to accepting refugees all these years, Texas has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system. Abbott knows those are two different issues. Refugees are legal asylum-seekers who have been rigorously vetted in a process that can take three years. Nonprofit agencies can continue to resettle refugees in Texas, and refugees in other states can still move to Texas, but experts have said this could create a difficult choice of being close to family but without the aid they qualify for. The Scriptures, with which Abbott is well-acquainted, are filled with passages instructing to treat strangers and foreigners with compassion and love. For generations, people of all faiths in Texas and the United States have honored these ancient and transcendent obligations by taking in strangers from other lands who then become members of our American family. For reasons only he knows, Abbott is in flight from those values. Former Married At First Sight star Nic Jovanovic has paid tribute to his beloved grandmother on social media after she passed away from cancer. The 29-year-old revealed the tragic news in a teary post, saying he was 'heart broken' and labelled her as an 'amazing woman that will be missed'. 'To my beautiful Baba. May you rest in peace now,' he started off his tribute. Scroll down for video 'May you rest in peace': Former Married At First Sight star Nic Jovanovic (pictured) has paid tribute to his beloved grandmother on social media after she passed away from cancer 'No more suffering from the cancer. You are pain free now and with family watching over us. Thank you for always being hard on me and wanting the best for me. 'Thank you for always feeding me way too much. Thank you for putting a roof over my head when times were tough.' He went on to add: 'You are such an amazing woman and will always be missed, but never forgotten. My heart is so broken right now. Watch over the family and I forever. I love you so much!' His former co-stars including Cameron Merchant, Ines Basic and Dino Hira sent their well wishes under the post's comments. 'No more suffering from cancer': The 'heart-broken' 29-year-old shared a number of photos and two videos to his Instagram page thanking her for everything she has done Reaching out: His former co-stars including Ines Basic (left) and Dino Hira (right) sent their well wishes via his Instagram comments Sending love: Messages from Cameron Merchant, Ines Basic and Dino Hira were just some of the hundreds of well wishes he received on his post 'Oh bro! Baba will always watch over you and the fam from heaven feeling so proud to have been part of an amazing and loving family!' Dino wrote. 'So much love to you,' Ines added. In August, Nic opened up about his own personal battle with testicular cancer after his 'wife' Cyrelle Paule made insensitive comments during the show. Touchy subject: In August, Nic opened up about his own personal battle with testicular cancer after his 'wife' Cyrelle Paule (pictured) made insensitive comments during the show During a candid interview with 9Now, the former reality TV star described the uncertainty of his second diagnosis as crippling and 'horrific'. 'I got diagnosed with another form of cancer. I had to have a testis removed and surgery and chemo,' he said. 'You have so many mixed thoughts about cancer in your head. Has it spread? Is the chemo working? Will the surgery be enough?' he added. Nick explained that the experience was not just horrific for him, but also affected his entire family, who 'had to beat it all together'. The Supreme Court on Monday suspended the hearing of the governorship appeals from six states of the federation, due to sudden illness of one of the judges hearing it. The appeals are from the governorship elections in Imo, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kano, Plateau and Benue states. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared governors Emeka Ihedioha of Imo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Simon Lalong of Plateau and Samuel Ortom of Benue as winners of governorship elections in their respective states. The apex court which started sitting at exactly 9:02 a.m. could not proceed due to the noise level in the courtroom. This prompted the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, to give an order following the inability of the security operatives to control the crowd of politicians and their supporters, who had besieged the courtroom to witness the days proceedings. The seven-member panel rose and said it would reconvene if the noise inside the court is reduced. Justice Mohammed, before the court rose, directed lawyers representing the parties in each appeal not to appear with more than five lawyers, in order to decongest the courtroom. READ ALSO: Thereafter, lawyers in each of the cases were limited to five and politicians who were not parties in any of the appeals were asked to leave the courtroom as the police deployed a dog to assist in the decongestion process. After carrying out the directive of the CJN to decongest the courtroom, about ten minutes later, the court reconvened and lawyers involved in the Kano State appeal announced appearance. When the lead counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Joseph Daudu, stood up to make his argument, the CJN announced that one of the justices hearing the case is critically sick. The CJN told the crowded court that due to unforeseen circumstances beyond control, the court will abruptly rise because one of us is sick. Consequently, Justice Mohammed led the other justices out of the court to their chamber to enable them to attend to the ailing judge whose name was not disclosed. At about 40 minutes later, one of the registrars of the court announced that all appeals in the case have been adjourned to January 14. The six appeals before the apex court were brought by various aggrieved candidates in the March 9 election in the affected states. The apex court will hear the appeals filed by the governorship candidates and is expected to deliver judgement promptly or announce a date for the judgement. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWS AGENCIES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation (CSE:ASE/ FRANKFURT:1A9) (Asante or the "Company") announces a best efforts private placement to accredited and exempt investors (Private Placement), of up to 3,000,000 units at $0.05 per unit (each a *Unit), for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $150,000. Proceeds from the private placement will be used to complete a trenching program on newly outlined IP targets on our Kubi Gold project and for general working capital purposes. Douglas MacQuarrie, President and CEO states, At Kubi, the tenor of the gold mineralization is directly related to the sulfide content. Geophysical IP highs are often indicative of sulfide mineralization. The discovery of numerous IP high anomalies, brownfields to our **Kubi Main gold resource, opens up extensive opportunities for resource expansion. The Company also announces that the field program to expose the gold mineralization in the north face of the Kubi pit has been successfully completed. Work consisted of: cleaning debris and some vegetation from the first two benches of the pit to expose fresh rock; the establishment of local survey control points in order to accurately locate collars for the proposed ***SMD pilot hole; and the taking of grab samples (5.93g/t Au over 3.0 metre true width), to confirm the boundaries of the gold mineralized zone. For further information on SMD, please see our Asante Gold press release dated March 11, 2019 at: http://www.asantegold.com/news/asante-gold-explores-new-mining-technology-for-kubi-gold-project-ghana . A map of the high priority near pit IP target and the other high potential IP trends is available at: http://www.asantegold.com/assets/docs/KubiEIPTrendsN12imgSEMSResourceDDHGoogleImg.pdf and on our Kubi Gold Mine Project page at: http://www.asantegold.com/projects/kubi-gold-mine . On behalf of the Board, "Douglas R. MacQuarrie" President and CEO Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Douglas R. MacQuarrie, P.Geo. (B.C.) Geology & Geophysics, the President and CEO of the Company, who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. Approximate 4kg grab samples were taken at 1.0m intervals and analyzed for gold by fire assay AA on a 50 gram sample charge at ALS Ghana Limited laboratory in Kumasi, Ghana. Each *Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a Common Share), and one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.06 at any time during the 24 months following the initial closing date. Each Warrant will be subject to forced conversion which comes into effect once the shares trade at a volume weighted average price of $0.20, for 20 consecutive trading days. The expiry date of the Warrants will be 30 days from the date of issue of a news release announcing the forced conversion. The Company is relying on exemptions from the prospectus requirements and applicable securities laws to issue the shares. All securities purchased under this offering will be subject to a four month and one day hold period. Directors and officers of the Company may participate in the private placement. Any such participation would be considered to be a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (MI 61-101). The transaction would be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any units issued to or the consideration paid by such persons would not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. **Kubi Main Zone has a current NI 43-101 resource estimate, completed by SEMS Exploration Services Ltd. of Accra, Ghana: Measured Resources 0.66 million tonnes @ 5.30g/t for 112,000 ounces; Indicated Resources 0.66 million tonnes @ 5.65g/t for 121,000 ounces; and Inferred Resources 0.67 million tonnes @ 5.31g/t for 115,000 ounces, which is filed on SEDAR. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. ***SMD is a large bore precision drilling method that enables direct mining of narrow deposits. The SMD method is being developed and commercialized by Anaconda Mining Inc. (Anaconda), in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland and utilizes technology proven in other industries. This news release may contain forward-looking information and statements concerning, among other things, the size and the growth of the Companys mineral resources and the timing of further exploration, the development of the SMD mining technique, and of the Companys projects. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which these forward-looking statements and information are based will occur, and are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Some of the factors which could affect future results and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information and statements contained herein include: commodity and market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market, business or governmental conditions. Forward-looking information is based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to change without notice. Investors are cautioned that final closing of the Kubi Mining Lease purchase, Betenase and Keyhole options are dependent on additional governmental renewals, approvals, consents and financings, which though reasonably expected, may not be ultimately obtained. About Asante Gold Corporation Asante is continuing to source funding to expand and develop its Kubi Gold project to production, and is exploring the Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase concessions/options for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghanas Golden Triangle. For further information please contact: Douglas MacQuarrie, President and CEO, tel: +1 604-558-1134; E-mail: douglas@asantegold.com Valentina Gvozdeva, Business Development, E-mail: valentina@asantegold.com Florian Riedl-Riedenstein, Director; European Investor Relations, E-mail: frram@aon.net Doreen Kent, Shareholder Communications, tel: +1 604-948-9450; E-mail: d.kent@eastlink.ca Additional information is available on our web site at: www.asantegold.com LEI Number: 529900F9PV1G9S5YD446. Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. President Trump is not letting Iran's mullahs off easy. Following the spectacular rubout of Iranian terrorist chieftain Qassem Soleimani and the blunderous events in Iran that followed, Trump is now cheering, hard, for Iran's student protestors. To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 The demise of the terrorist mastermind, and then the series of wretched events -- funeral stampede, passenger jet full of Iranians and Iranian exiles shot down, pretty well sent out one message: That the mullahs are losing their grip. Sure, they can probably find some terrorist to replace Soleimani, but they picked an old guy, not a vicious young fanatic out to prove himself, and they're paranoid as heck among themselves, given that someone on the inside ratted out Soleimani's positions so the U.S hellfires could get a bead on him. Bottom line, the mullahs are out their evil genius. They're also exposed as losing control, what with the funeral mess and the airline shootdown. In that scenario, people inside Iran know they can probably get away with stuff. Hence the protests. I took a trip to my old friend and classmate Borzou Daragahi's Twitter feed for a glimpse of how strongly the winds are blowing and he had a huge array of videos - a sampling: Wow: [Qassem] Soleimani is a murderer; his leader (Khamenei) is a traitor, they chant at Sharif University in Tehran, Iran pic.twitter.com/aqPJJcqJva Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 11, 2020 Extraordinary footage, posted by famed film director Jafar Panahi, captures confrontation between regime enforcers and students in Tehran tonight pic.twitter.com/e8SVF2b6md Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 11, 2020 Breaking: Video purports to show small gathering of protesters gathering in Tehrans iconic Azadi Square, chanting slogans against Rahbar supreme leader Ali Khamenei: Our shame, our decrepit leader. pic.twitter.com/iZHKBGHMQG Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 12, 2020 Small protest seen in Iranian city of Qazvins Sabze Square pic.twitter.com/DiVMlfB2H4 Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 12, 2020 Video protests to show protest tonight in Iranian eastern city of Mashhad. Numbers still too small to pose a threat to regime pic.twitter.com/WSN6aaIAPS Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 12, 2020 Protest tonight in Iran city of Shiraz. Impressive to see so many women, but without greater numbers regime can easily handle them pic.twitter.com/w48A2CSmuz Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 12, 2020 His own point of view is on the left, so I can't agree with his anti-Trump take on things, but he's on target at noticing what's important in the Iranian protests - women, sizes, unusual cities etc. The real game changer, though, is in this tweet. Student protesters at Tehrans Beheshti University take pains to avoid trampling on US and Israeli flags painted on entrance walkway pic.twitter.com/mqqzT0D9gK Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) January 12, 2020 The mullah minions tried to entice the students to stomp on the U.S. and Israeli flags, scribbled out on the asphalt and they wouldn't bite. It sounds like they're pretty darn happy with Trump standing up for them, in stark contrast with President Obama, who, in 2009, resolutely refused to do what Trump did. This is no Eurotrash hate-America crowd. When your back's to the wall, you embrace those who stand up for you. In this regard, Obama failed to understand the times he was living in. He just wanted his treaty and the claps and praise from Europe as a result. Trump is different. He may or may not have an effect on the mullah behavior, as the mullahs know full well what a threat to their grip on power these protests are, but the students are going to notice and they're going to feel courage. As for the mullahs, Soleimani's killing was a game changer for them. They're now on notice that the usual rules don't apply. That leaves them sailing a narrow passage betweet the Scylla of student protests that threaten their regime, and displeasing Trump, who has a funny way of raining some devastating death on them when they least expect it. He's not bothered by the fetters of the left wherever it may be. Hot pursuit, they call it. All good generals do it. Right now, Trump's trapped the mullahs into a weak spot and instead of pull back, he's pushing down even harder. And he may just get results. Leadership, they call it. Image credit: Twitter screen shot The bank invited the depositors to assemble at the auditorium at 6 p.m. on Monday to update them on the bank's status, following a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directive restricting the bank from doing business with immediate effect. Bengaluru, Jan 13 (IANS) Thousands of Sri Guru Raghvendra Sahakara Bank depositors on Monday thronged the Sri Guru Narasimha Kalyanamandira auditorium to seek clarification and assurance on the safety of their deposits. "The bank is telling that I cannot withdraw more than Rs 35,000. In case our fixed deposit matures, we have to renew it as we cannot encash it," said Nagaraj M (49), an account holder with the bank for the past six years. At the auditorium in Basavanagudi, near the Ramakrishna Ashram on Bull Road, thousands of depositors demanded the bank's chairman to appear and explain the situation. Pandemonium ruled the gathering, as no senior employee of the bank was present to assuage and assure the customers. "We want the directors of the bank here," shouted a depositor from the stage, addressing fellow depositors. A handful of policemen were trying to control the crowd and bring order to the assembly. Many old people and retired employees arrived at the gathering to know the fate of their savings. "Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank was a good bank with only 0.5 per cent non-performing assets. Nowadays we cannot trust any bank. See what happened with the PMC Bank," lamented another customer. sth/arm Autoclave seized on Chinese ship by India could have been for nukes in Pakistan The Afzal Guru link to the decorated cop arrested by J&K police India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: The Jammu and Kashmir police who detained a Deputy Superintendent of Police will question the officer for his alleged links with Afzal Guru. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar while confirming the arrest of Davinder Singh said that the officer would be treated like any other terrorist. He would be questioned for his links with Afzal Guru, Kumar said. He also said that another person, a lawyer by profession had also bee caught. Singh on the other hand is a decorated police officer who had served in the Special Operations Group and had earned a President's medal. In the year 2004, Afzal Guru, who was lodged in the Tihar jail had written a letter to his lawyer. In the letter he had said that Singh then posted with the J&K Police's Special Operations Group had asked him take Mohammad, a Pakistani national identified as one of those who carried out the Parliament attack to Delhi, rent a flat and purchase a car for him. Decorated cop arrested on terror charges, being probed for links with Afzal Guru Afzal had also named another officer Shanty Singh, who along with Singh allegedly tortured him at the STF camp. He further mentioned that the name of Altaf Hussain the brother in law of SSP Ashaq Hussain, who first brokered his release with Davinder Singh and took him to the DySP. Kumar said that the officer had worked in many anti-terrorist operations. He had however committed a heinous crime and hence was arrested, Vijay Kumar also said. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet Sources tell OneIndia that the the terrorists along with the DSP were arrested in a joint operation of the police and Army on the national highway near Mirbazar. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered in a raid at the officer's residence, the source also added. This is the first instance in which such a senior officer has been arrested along with terrorists. Afzal Guru's son says he is a proud Indian while holding his Aadhaar card The arrested terrorist, Syed Naveed Baba was wanted in several cases. He was an IED expert and was wanted in the killing and attacks on truckers and locals, security officials said. Meanwhile, a high alert has been declared after the Intelligence Bureau has warned of fresh attempts to spruce up violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Top Home Ministry officials familiar with the development confirmed that there would be an attempt to send in battle hardened terrorists from both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The source also said that infiltration attempts of these terrorists would not just be made in Jammu and Kashmir, but in Punjab as well. The input is a very credible one and actionable. In the wake of this Grade A alert, it has been decided not to pull out troops from Jammu and Kashmir for now. There would be a spurt in terror related activity from March onwards, the Home Ministry official also said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a security review meeting along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. The focus of the meeting was on the ongoing protests at the universities and also those against the new citizenship law. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the north eastern states were also discussed at the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Intelligence Bureau chief, Arvind Kumar. The source said that while the overall scenario was discussed in general, the major part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the security ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. During the discussion on Jammu and Kashmir, it was decided that the restoration of broadband and internet connectivity be put on hold for sometime. There should be no hurried decision on this as it could lead to violence, it was also decided at the meeting. On the deployment of troops at the Valley, it was decided that no further withdrawal shall take place immediately. Any decision in this regard would be taken in the summer after a through review, it was also decided at the meeting. Pakistan on Monday summoned Indian Charge d'Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia and lodged a protest over the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops along the Line of Control that killed a civilian. The Foreign Office said that Director General (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri summoned Ahluwalia and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" in Kotkotera and Karela Sectors on January 11. Chaudhry said that a 24-year-old man of Chowki village was killed "due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing" along LoC. He said that such acts "are a threat to regional peace and security." Chaudhry said that by raising tensions along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB), India cannot divert attention from Kashmir, according to FO. He also called upon the Indian side to respect the ceasefire understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations and maintain peace on the LoC and the WB. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terming the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "insulting", senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded that it be banned and asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said comparison of Shivaji Maharaj with anyone was "not acceptable", and the book seemed to be the handiwork of some "bootlickers" to appease the prime minister. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party should declare that it has no link with the book, titled Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi, written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal. The Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book. "A BJP leader has written the book titled Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi, which we find insulting. The party should clarify whether it considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as great as Shivaji Maharaj," Raut said. "We respect Prime Minister Modi. But comparing Shivaji Maharaj with anyone is not acceptable," he said. Without taking any names, Raut targeted the warrior king's descendants -- BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Bhosale, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the NCP. "Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," the Sena leader said. He said it looks like some "bootlickers" have published the book to appease the prime minister. "They are the ones who are creating trouble for him (Modi). The BJP should get rid of them," he said. Demanding that the book be banned, Raut said he has spoken to Shiv Sena president and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray over the issue. "He (Thackeray) told me that Sena has taken the right stand and we are going to stick to it. This book should be banned and the BJP should officially distance itself from such a book and the narrative it is pushing forward," he added. Raut said the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal was once with the Shiv Sena, but was removed from the party after he allegedly attacked the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. "BJP leaders are quite active when it comes to some issues such as (pertaining to Hindutva ideologue) V D Savarkar. I hope they will demonstrate similar efficiency in this case also. The BJP should declare that it has no link with the book," the Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member said. The descendants of Shivaji Maharaj from Satara and Kolhapur are affiliated with the BJP. They should speak out their views on the issue, he said. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Shivendraraje Bhosale, who is also a descendant of the Maratha warrior king and is the cousin of Udayanraje Bhosale, said it was unfortunate that some "bootlickers" were creating a problem for the party's image. "I request my party leaders to put a check on such bootlickers who, for their personal gain, are ready to stoop to any level. I am totally against such comparison between Shivaji Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the MLA from Satara said. NCP's state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Jitendra Awhad, and senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde also expressed their disappointment earlier over such a book being published by a BJP leader. Sambhaji Raje on Sunday demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book, which was published in the saffron party's Delhi office. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Sunday lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book. In his complaint, the Congress leader sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book and its distributor. A 13-year-old girl in Berhampur city of Odishas Ganjam district was allegedly gang-raped by three men, including one she knew, for close to 36 hours after being abducted, police said on Monday. The Class 8 student had gone out to relieve herself late on January 10 when she was approached by a local man, Danara, who asked her to come with him. Even though the girl knew Danara, a college-going guy, she refused to accompany him. When she refused, he called his two friends who abducted her and took her to an isolated house. They reportedly offered her a cold drink. Later, the three took turns to sexually assault her, Berhampurs superintendent of police Pinak Mishra said quoting the first information report (FIR). The girl told us that she was held hostage for close to 36 hours in Chikiti area of Ganjam district. The accused dumped her near her house yesterday (Sunday) in a critical condition, Mishra added. Acting on a complaint by her maternal uncle, Sunapur Marine police lodged a case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, as well relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case has now been transferred to a womens police station. Police said three men, including Danara, have been detained in this connection. They will be arrested after police get reports of the medical examination of the victim. She was rushed her to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur in a critical condition on Sunday evening by her family. A doctor who attended to her said the girl is stable now. The survivors statement has been recorded and she would be presented before a local magistrate soon, officials said. She lives with her grandparents as after her fathers death, her mother moved away for work. Melvin Ocampo washes ash from his horse, Princess, as smoke spews from the Taal Volcano, in Balete town, Philippines, Jan. 13, 2020. The Taal Volcano south of Manila could erupt again in coming days, officials warned Monday after a weekend blast sent ash into the sky, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and authorities to close schools and government offices in around the Philippine capital. Emissions from the volcano in Batangas province, about 100 km (62 miles) south of Manila, blanketed many areas in ash on Sunday, causing Manilas main airport to cancel flights. More than 10,000 families have been evacuated from surrounding towns, according to officials. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the volcano status to Alert Level 4 of a 5-level system and advised residents across the lakeshore communities fronting it to evacuate immediately. The volcano is an island near the middle of Taal Lake. This means that hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days, Phivolcs said on its webpage, announcing the raising of the alert level. Maria Antonia Bornas, the chief of the Phivolcs monitoring division, described Taals activity to reporters. The closest we can compare a hazardous eruption of Taal Volcano is with an atomic bomb explosion the appearance of it, not the energy, Bornas said Monday. You have a towering eruption column and a ring surrounding its base. This ring is called the base surge, it crosses the lake and can affect surrounding towns. The base surge is the primary hazard, she said. San Nicolas town resident Ricardo Barrion returned home on Monday to find devastation. Our house was covered with mud while our farm animals died. We have spent years in building our home, and now its gone. We have nothing left, he told reporters. The Philippine branch of Save the Children reported that authorities continued to evacuate people living within the 14-km (9-mile) danger zone over the last 24 hours. We are deeply concerned for the health and safety of the families in that area, especially children who are most vulnerable to health risk from the volcanic ash and ash fall rain, said Alberto Muyot, the NGOs chief executive officer. A convoy of motorcycles heads away from Agoncillo town in Batangas province to escape the ash from the Taal Volcano eruption, Jan. 13, 2020. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews] Volcanos history Taal has displayed a state of unrest with a series of mild earthquakes over the last year. As of Monday night, the Philippine Seismic Network had recorded more than 140 volcanic earthquakes since Sunday, according to Phivolcs. While video footage showed the Taal crater spewing a fountain of lava, government chief volcanologist Renato Solidum explained it did not mean that the active volcano was in the midst of a hazardous explosive eruption. These kinds of hazards have happened during major eruption events, such as in the 1960s and 1911 eruptions. Its not that high compared to typical earthquake tsunami in open seas, but this can damage and impact people if they are on the shore, Solidum told reporters in Manila. We havent yet seen the hazards of the 1965, 1911 and 1754 eruptions manifested in the Taal Volcano. If it is a hazardous eruption, we will see flows of ash, rocks and gas at speeds of more than 60 kph (37 mph) horizontally and that can move across the lake, he said. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo Jr. said government agencies had been directed to work with local officials to ensure the safety of the people in affected areas. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already given instructions to undertake measures necessary to place the people within the perimeter of Taal out of the danger zone, Panelo said in a statement Sunday. The palace is closely monitoring the situation of the Taal Volcano. We advise the public to continue to remain vigilant, he said. The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where continental plates collide causing seismic and volcanic activity. In January 2018, the same alert level was raised for the Mayon Volcano in Albay province when it erupted. The worst volcano tragedy in recent years occurred in 1991 when Mount Pinatubo in the northern Philippines main island of Luzon erupted, killing 800 people. Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton praised Donald Trump's military strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, calling him a 'sadistic mastermind' who was plotting an imminent attack on the US. Cotton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, said he saw firsthand intelligence that proved Soleimani was plotting 'something large and very dangerous' in the future. 'There is no doubt. I have seen the intelligence that he was plotting something large, something very dangerous, whether it took place in a matter of weeks or a matter of days,' Cotton said in a Sunday interview on Fox's Life, Liberty & Levin. Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton praised Donald Trump's military strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani on January 3, saying he's seen intelligence that proves Soleimani was plotting 'something large and dangerous' in an interview with Fox's Life, Liberty & Levin Dont miss Life, Liberty & Levin tonight at 8 PM eastern on Fox where my terrific guest is Sen. Tom Cotton! You can join us Live or DVR the show, but dont miss it! pic.twitter.com/tyNHU8do7J Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 12, 2020 Cotton then slammed Democrats for objecting to Trump's attack on the 62-year-old general. 'The question of whether an attack is imminent or not, I got to say it looks very different if you're a solider sitting in Iraq or if you're a senator sitting behind armed guards in Washington DC,' he said. 'So I was very disappointed in all my Democratic colleagues in the Senate over the last few weeks... because if you got a chance to take a mastermind like Qassem Soleimani off the battlefield, you take it, and I commend the president for doing so. We should have done it a long time ago,' he added. Cotton described Soleimani's hand in the Middle East, saying he inflicted suffering in every country in the region. 'You mentioned in Syria, he's largely responsible for Bashar al-Assad still being in power and killing hundreds and thousands of Syrians. Just at the end of last year more than a thousand Iranians were killed by their own security forces as they protested against their government, Qassem Soleimani was responsible for those as well,' he said. 'The question of whether an attack is imminent or not, I got to say it looks very different if you're a solider sitting in Iraq or if you're a senator sitting behind armed guards in Washington DC,' Cotton said. General Qassem Soleimani pictured above The image shows one of the smoldering vehicles struck in a US drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani on January 3 at the Baghdad International Airport Iranian Revolution supreme leader Ali Khamenei (center) and President Hassan Rouhani (2nd from L) pictured at the funeral of General Qassem Soleimani The US killed General Soleimani in a drone strike on January 3, 2020 after he landed in Baghdad. The attack triggered a week of escalating military action between the US and Iran. Soleimani was known as a 62-year-old high-flying general and leader of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps who was behind proxy wars in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. He was one of the most ruthless commanders in the region who for years worked in the shadows but emerged in the spotlight following the Arab Spring and the war with the Islamic State. He's seen as the mastermind behind Iran's fight for regional dominance. MUMBAI, India Amazons founder and chief executive, Jeff Bezos, is visiting India this week for the first time in over five years. Instead of garlands, Indias government is welcoming him with a new antitrust case. The Competition Commission of India, the countrys antitrust regulator, opened a formal investigation on Monday into the practices of Amazon and Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce giant mostly owned by Walmart. The inquiry was prompted by complaints from an association of small traders, after several rounds of regulations failed to curb the market power of the two e-commerce platforms, particularly in the online sales of mobile phones. Indian merchants have lobbied Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take tougher action against the companies. India requires foreign-owned e-commerce firms to be neutral marketplaces, much like eBay, to protect local retailers and distributors from deep-pocketed competition. In the United States, Amazon both operates a marketplace and sells many products including diapers, batteries and books like a traditional retailer, buying them wholesale and then reselling them to consumers. Under Indian law, the site is supposed to rely on independent sellers who post their products on Amazon. Comedian Jim Gaffigan performed at Rochesters Blue Cross Arena on Saturday night. While he was in town, he wanted to try the citys signature dish: The Garbage Plate. He put out a call to fans on Twitter: Rochester NY. Where do I get the best Garbage plate? Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) January 6, 2020 They responded in droves, suggesting everywhere from Dinosaur BBQ to Hungrys in Pittsford, but in the end, Gaffigan went with the original: Nick Tahou Hots. Gaffigan shared this photo of his visit to Nick Tahou Hots on Instagram: He also noted that Nick Tahou himself, the legendary inventor of the dish, passed away 10 years ago that day. Before his visit, Nick Tahou Hots even responded to Gaffigans tweet, noting that they were the only place to get a legit garbage plate. Tahou actually has the trademark on the Garbage Plate name, which is described as a base of any combination of home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, or french fries topped by your choice of meats and dressed to your liking with spicy mustard, chopped onions, and the signature Nick Tahous hot sauce. Well...... we are the ONLY place to get a legit #Garbageplate. Just sayin......... Nick Tahou Hots (@Nick_Tahou_Hots) January 6, 2020 Fan response to the photo was ... mixed at best. Locals were excited to see Gaffigan consuming the regional delicacy. But, as one person put it, Alpo over fries didnt look quite that appealing to everyone. Rochesterians are proud and protective of the dish. When a New York Magazine article claimed the Garbage Plate came from Buffalo, they fired back loudly on social media. Me, having lived in Rochester, Home of the garbage plate, for 25 years, reading an article about how garbage plates are from Buffalo. Cmon @NewYorker - get your facts straight. Just cause you think were neighbors with Westchester doesnt mean we cant be friends. pic.twitter.com/FZquPxpsxM Sarah (@wingsofcolor) April 1, 2018 Gaffigan brought the Pale Tourist tour and his brand of parenthood comedy to Blue Cross Arena at the Community War Memorial at 8 p.m. Saturday. Want to check out the original garbage plate for yourself? Head to Nick Tahou Hots at 320 W. Main St., Rochester, N.Y. Talkin trash: The great (and unusual) garbage plates of Upstate NY Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Hongqi, the premium car brand of FAW group, officially unveiled the H9, a new flagship model of the H series, on January 9, 2020. The Hongqi H9 gets all-new iconic design language for its exterior. Hongqis logo, an integral part of the models front face, and the waterfall grille give this car luxurious and imposing manner. The car offers a similar two-tone body painting to that of Maybach model, showing off its high-end feature. At the minimalist rear part, the vertical taillights on two sides and a horizontal chrome-plated light bar connecting them get the design style of the Tian'anmen Rostrum as a whole. The H9 adopts a new design concept called "oriental artistic conception" for its interior. It is adorned with a lot of wood grain, leather and chrome-plated materials, creating an impressive atmosphere. The full LCD (liquid crystal display) instrument clusters and large center console screen lend futuristic sense along with the 12-inch head-up display (HUD) and video-streaming rearview mirror. Besides, the new model comes with Hongqis Smile 1.0 intelligent in-vehicle system and supports L2.5 driver assistance. Its luxurious features include four-seater design and "zero-gravity" seat in the back row. Noise reduction and fragrance system are likewise among them. The H9 is expected to carry 3.0T V6 engine paired with DCT 400 (dual-clutch transmission). The model can sprint from 0 to 100km/h within 8s. In addition, it boasts a rear-drive chassis based on a longitudinal engine and air suspension system. The marque announced on January 8 its 2019 sales hiked over 200% year on year to more than 100,000 units and it targets 200,000-unit sales in 2020, 400,000 units in 2022, 600,000 units in 2025, and 800,000-1000,000 units in 2030. It plans to roll out 21 new models, covering L, S, H, Q series, 18 of which will be new energy vehicles (photo source: FAW's Hongqi). OLD SAYBROOK Priscilla Allen doesnt stay in one place for too long. The name of her new business, Wanderlust Nature Travel, says it all. This world traveler has crisscrossed the U.S. in a vintage camper that she trails behind her car. And while her solo travel business is based in Old Saybrook, Allen is happy to admit she leads a nomadic lifestyle. Im very transient, so I move around about every six weeks, she said. A self-professed free spirit, Allen looks the part. No towering heels for her, but comfortable walking shoes and loose-fitting clothes. She appears to wear very little makeup and wears her long blonde hair down. In her travel photos, she wears a wide-brimmed sun hat and a pair of binoculars as her only adornment. It was two-and-a-half years ago that Allen realized she needed a change from her corporate travel job, when she traded her office for the open road. She purchased a 13-foot vintage 1983 Burro camper, which she completely restored and named Pearl. It is Allens home when she is not trekking to parts unknown. I always wanted to be minimalist and my whole life was not going at all in that direction, living simply, reducing my carbon footprint and minimalizing everything I had and everything I needed, she recalls. After a year of planning, Allen left Connecticut on April 15, 2018, and traveled to Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, California, Seattle, Washington state, Alberta, British Columbia, and Banff National Park in Canada, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Lake Michigan, Montreal and back to Connecticut in September. It was during this six-month, 20,000-mile adventure that Allen realized that she wanted to permanently leave her job, which she had held for 12 years, and start out on her own as Wanderlust Nature Travel. Kind of half-way through the trip I really loved being on the open road, she recalls. I loved being alone and that was a whole new concept for me because I typically dont dig being by myself, but now I really crave it because I realize, it was a very introspective adventure and it gave so more back than I thought it would. The skills required for this trip are exactly what Allen needs to run her own travel organization. It was just being smart and being well organized and having a lot of travel experience and feeling comfortable I can handle situations that could have come up that were very difficult, she says. In addition to her trip across the country, Allens journeys have taken her to England, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Spain. She designs itineraries, recruits local guides, makes travel and culinary reservations and schedules local activities. I really love doing that, she says. Its something very exciting. Allen also delights in offering personalized travel experiences to make her customers trip memorable. Newlyweds Joyce and John Johnson experienced Allens personal touch firsthand. Immediately after eloping, the couple embarked on a 12-day journey to Tanzania, via Wanderlust. Making it remarkable was an extra-special trip to the airport and a surprise honeymoon suite in Arusha, Tanzania. Allen also personally drove the couple to the airport: I had a Just Married sign, white Christmas lights and a bottle of champagne for them. They had just gotten married three hours earlier. That was just the beginning of the surprises. Upon arrival, the newlyweds settled in to a suite, complete with a veranda and a bottle of champagne. The upgrade was compliments of Johnsons friends who Allen knew wanted to be part of the couples nuptials. I had a card made out and everybody signed it, so when I presented the honeymoon suite and when I presented the champagne the card from their friends back home went along with it, says Allen. It was just a little extra touch that I did. These touches are what make Allens new, solo venture as a travel agent so appealing to travelers. One of the most appealing features about her trips, believes Allen, is that the groups are small ranging from four to eight individuals. They cost anywhere from $3,000-$6,000 all inclusive, excluding air fare. Every trip abroad includes a local guide who assists Allen in navigating the foreign terrain. From driving the group to teaching the travelers local history, the guides are an integral part of the trip. Allens trips are an immersion into local culture. My major focus is being outside, exploring nature, says Allen. I add a cultural element to that, cuisine, history, art, the people of whatever country were in. ... Im trying to make it a little more of a consciousness-raising effort. This includes traveling with school supplies for a local educational institution or delivering needed supplies to an orphanage. Theyre grateful to see us come and bring in tourism dollars, which keeps their country going, but lets go a little bit deeper into who lives there and what they need, how can we help in whatever it is that (theyre) looking for, says Allen. This was just the case when Joyce Johnson, a paraprofessional at Colchester Elementary School, traveled to Tanzania. She, along with Allen and the other vacationers, visited an elementary school and delivered school supplies. While the children only knew how to communicate in Swahili, they sang songs that were videotaped and sent back to Connecticut. It was just very moving, there was a bit of teary eyes going on, recalls Allen. She wanted to make this a sister visit, so that that school and the school in Colchester can become sister schools and Skype each other and learn from each other, Allen recalls. For Joyce Johnson this was a highlight of the trip. That was really special, she says. She went over and above setting that up and that was just a really unique and special experience for me. And this personal attention seems all in a days work for Allen. For Mary Patricia and Richard Stone, prior to embarking on a 10-day trip with Allen, they were asked what they most wanted to do while in Ireland. Mary Patricia Stones request was to visit her grandmothers half-sisters grave. Even though there were two other individuals traveling with them, their trip was catered specifically to those wishes. While the Stones had done online research about the gravesite, they were unable to locate it. The local guide was, however, and they were able to visit it. He took us right to it, she recalls. It was amazing. It just was amazing. I was like, Oh, my goodness, I dont believe it. Mary Patricia Stone says she felt connected to her familial roots while on the trip. I got a good look at what the countryside was like where she grew up, too, she says. So, that was interesting to me. I saw every place that I wanted to see and the guide was wonderful. Allen enjoys travelling with others who share her joy of travel. Adventure in its own self is enticing, says Allen. I think most people have a sense of adventure inside themselves. There are places they want to go. They have their bucket lists and their dream vacations and being outdoors. She will be hosting a a travel talk at the Griswold Inn wine bar at 6 p.m. Jan. 22. To RSVP, contact Priscilla Allen, Wanderlust Nature Travel, P.O. Box 245. Phone: 860-510-3683, email pallenwood@yahoo.com. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 13 (ANI): The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the proposal to set up police commissioner system in the cities of Lucknow and Noida, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday. "The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our government today. Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved proposal to setup police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida," Adityanath told reporters at a press conference here. He also said that two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates. The Chief Minister asserted that the new system will help in improving law and order situation in the state. "Lucknow has a total of 40 police stations after the extension of municipal corporation limits. All these 40 stations will come under the police commissioner system," he said. Adityanath also announced that two new police stations will come up in Noida. (ANI) Charred earth and twisted metal. This is what Iranian retribution looks like. Tehran fired at least 22 ballistic missiles at the the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, which houses U.S. forces, in retaliation for an American airstrike that took out a top Iranian military commander. One rocket knocked down more than a dozen heavy concrete blast walls and incinerated shipping containers used as living space by U.S. soldiers. Another destroyed two hangars that normally house Blackhawk helicopters, ripping through offices nearby and causing a fuel fire that lasted hours. But the damage could have been much worse. During a media walk-through, Iraqi officers station at at the base told Reuters staff began moving personnel and weaponry into fortified bunkers hours before the attack. By midnight, not as single helicopter or jet remained out in the open. And there was no loss of life. An intelligence source told Reuters that U.S. troops even seemed quote "totally aware" that the base would be hit before midnight. Early on, U.S. officials said the attack had been little more than a warning shot, allowing Iran to satisfy calls for revenge at home. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected that notion and said there was quote "no doubt" that Iran had the "full intention" of killing U.S. personnel. Speaking at Stanford on Monday, Pompeo warned Iran that the U.S. would respond if provoked. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MIKE POMPEO SAYING: "Judging from the type and intensity of the strike, the regime must certainly understand must now understand what we will do if they ever pose risks to American lives. If Iran escalates, we will end it on our terms." Here at Ain al-Asad, coalition troops said the attacks did not strike them as a display of Iranian restraint. As one U.S. Air Force officer put it: "If you fire missiles at an air base where people are maintaining aircraft 24/7, you're probably going to kill people." Fires in Australia are increasingly under control as cooler temperatures and light winds stay consistent, according to fire fighting officials. Teams near the town of Bodalla in New South Wales, the state most affected by weeks of bushfires, said Sunday that they were able to move from defense to offense, working to ensure a fire would not reach a major highway, the Associated Press reported. The Gospers Mountain fire northwest of Sydney, which has been burning since October, is under control as of Sunday thanks to light rain, the Sydney Morning Herald reported Sunday. As of Sunday evening, 111 fires were still burning across the state of New South Wales -- 40 of them still uncontrolled, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service. OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making his cabinet brave a Winnipeg winter, bringing his ministers next week to a city still likely to provide a warmer reception than anywhere else in the Prairies. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a press conference in Ottawa on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. Trudeau says Iran must take full responsibility for mistakenly shooting down a Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 civilians on board, including 57 Canadians. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making his cabinet brave a Winnipeg winter, bringing his ministers next week to a city still likely to provide a warmer reception than anywhere else in the Prairies. "Choosing Winnipeg is interesting it's not Calgary, it's not Edmonton, or Saskatchewan, for that matter," said Jared Wesley, a political scientist at the University of Alberta. "It's in, I would say, friendlier territory for a Liberal government. But it does demonstrate that they're willing to get out of Ottawa and listen to Canadians in those regions." Voters from across the Prairies gave Trudeau's Liberals the cold shoulder in last fall's election. The party failed to win a single seat in either Alberta or Saskatchewan, and lost three of its seven Winnipeg seats. Trudeau and the ministers will meet Sunday to Tuesday, to brainstorm and set priorities ahead of the House of Commons sitting for most of the next five months. "I look forward to a productive cabinet meeting in Winnipeg, a fantastic city and an important economic and cultural centre for the Prairies," the prime minister wrote in a statement. Premier Brian Pallisters office said Monday he hopes to meet with the prime minister during the visit and the two had a productive discussion late last week. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) His office said the agenda will include climate change, measures aimed at helping "the middle class," reconciliation, safety, and global affairs. The choice of Winnipeg comes at a time where Trudeau is boosting minister visits and attention for the Prairies, after last autumns setback that reduced the Liberal government from a strong majority to a minority government. Wesley said putting the meeting in Winnipeg can help "heal the rifts of national unity" if ministers actually interact with their local counterparts. "It's a rather low-risk, high-reward move. Whether they build on it, and actually try to engage directly with governments while they're on the road, remains to be seen." At the retreat, Trudeau plans to emphasize finding common ground across all regions of Canada. Wesley said cabinet meetings outside Ottawa give ministers "a sense of what's happening in the rest of the country," which is now particularly important for Western Canada. Cabinet retreats often include meetings between ministers and local officials, as well as briefings from ambassadors on major foreign-policy issues. A January 2017 retreat in Calgary included that citys mayor paying a visit to the cabinet, as well as an American official linked to the NAFTA trade negotiations. In January 2018, Trudeaus ministers met with some provincial counterparts about ongoing issues such as sheltering asylum seekers, ahead of a retreat in London, Ont. This past January, a retreat in Quebec included a visit from that provinces premier, as well as a briefing from Canadas ambassador to China on the rocky relationship between the countries. Wesley said hed prefer if federal ministers held joint retreats with provincial cabinets, to help inform each of their perspectives. British Columbia and Alberta held such meetings in the 2000s, including once with Saskatchewan. "Its a great opportunity for politicians to meet with one another and break bread, and develop trust in a way that we dont see very often in Canadian politics," he said. "It's a good first step; there are ways to do this a bit better." 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. Wesley also questioned whether Trudeau has given enough notice to Manitoba officials about the looming meeting. Premier Brian Pallisters office said Monday he hopes to meet with the prime minister during the visit, and the two "had a productive discussion" late last week. The prime ministers youth council has met alongside previous cabinet retreats, but will not be doing so this time. Winnipeg forecasts call for temperatures to dip early next week to -27 C, before the windchill. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and Bulgarian Ambassador Nikolay Yankov have discussed military cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the parties also discussed expansion of relations in the military-technical, military-educational spheres, organization of mutual visits, as well as other regional issues of mutual interest, according to the information published on Defense Ministrys official website. Speaking about the military-political situation in the region, Hasanov emphasized the continuation of the aggressive policy of Armenia. He stressed that deliberately dragging out the negotiation process by Yerevan has a negative impact on the situation in the region. In turn, Yankov noted that his country is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in all areas. He emphasized that Bulgaria considers Azerbaijan a friendly country. Earlier, Chief of the International Military Cooperation Department of the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan, Major General Huseyn Makhmudov met with a delegation headed by the Chief of the Department for bilateral cooperation and regional initiatives of the Defense Ministry of Bulgaria, Daniela Grigorova on 13 September 2019. During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of regional security, the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral military cooperation, as well as joint activities to be carried out in the sphere of expanding relations. It should be noted that First Deputy Defense Minister of Azerbaijan Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel General Najmeddin Sadikov visited Bulgaria on 11 March 2019 and met with Bulgarian counterpart, General Andrey Botsev. Botsev noted that Bulgaria attaches great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan in all areas, in particular in the military field, while Sadikov pointed to the importance of holding such meetings and expanding mutual ties in strengthening military relations between the two countries. During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in the military, military-technical, military-educational spheres, as well as regional security issues. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Assistant Attorney General David Kris (L) of the Justice Department's National Security Division testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington on July 7, 2009. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) FISA Court Picks Critic of Nuness FISA Memo to Help Oversee FBI Reform Former Department of Justice (DOJ) official David Kris was picked by the FISA surveillance court to help evaluate FBI surveillance reforms initiated after the DOJs inspector general revealed numerous issues with a FISA warrant secured against former Trump 2016 presidential campaign aide Carter Page. Kris served in the Obama administration as the head of the DOJs National Security Division, which oversees intelligence collection under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Hes been an outspoken supporter of impeaching President Donald Trump and repeatedly criticized Rep. Devin Nunes (R-N.C.) for a 2018 memo that alleged FISA abuse by the FBI in connection with the Page warrant. In response to the report by IG Michael Horowitz, the FISA court ordered the FBI on Dec. 17, 2019, to explain what the bureau has done or will do to ensure the accuracy and completeness of its FISA applications. The FBI provided false information and withheld material information from the DOJ, the report stated, adding that when FBI personnel do so, they equally mislead the FISA court (pdf). FBI Director Christopher Wray responded on Jan. 10 (pdf), expressing regret over the problems with the Page warrant, and committed to a series of process changes. That day, presiding FISA Judge James Boasberg appointed Kris to serve as amicus curiae to assist the Court in assessing the governments response to the December 17, 2019, Order. Boasberg said, The amicus curiae is invited to submit written views regarding the governments submission by January 31, 2020. Nunes Memo Criticism Several issues with the Page FISA warrant were highlighted by Nunes in his Jan. 18, 2018, memo, including that the warrant relied heavily on the Steele dossier, a collection of unsubstantiated claims about Trump-Russia collusion put together by former British spy Christopher Steele. Nunes pointed out that the FBI mostly didnt or couldnt corroborate the dossier and the warrant didnt mention that Steele was paid for his work, through intermediaries, by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the campaign of Trumps then-opponent for the presidency, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (pdf). Kris called the Nunes memo dishonest in a March 1, 2018, essay on Lawfare, a blog operated by the Brookings Institute, where Kris serves as a contributing editor and one of the directors. He noted that the FISA application disclosed in a lengthy footnote that Steele was paid by a known U.S. person (Glenn Simpson, co-founder of opposition research firm Fusion GPS), who was, in turn, paid by a U.S. law firm (Perkins Coie). The application also stated: The FBI speculates that [Simpson] was likely looking for information that could be used to discredit [Trumps] campaign. The Nunes memo left out that the FBI had mentioned this. Had the FBI done in its FISA applications what Nunes did in his memo, heads would have rolled on Pennsylvania Avenue, Kris wrote, calling for consequences for Nunes. Kris argued that what the warrant disclosed amply satisfies the requirements and enabled the court to take Steeles information with a grain of salt. He didnt address why the warrant omitted the fact that Perkins Coie was paid by the Clinton campaign and the DNC or at least the fact that Perkins Coie has been known for being closely intertwined with the Democratic Party. The fact that the warrant omitted that Steeles reporting was going to Clintons presidential campaign was listed by the IG report as part of one of the significant errors in the warrant. In his Dec. 23, 2019, Lawfare essay, Kris doubled down on his criticism of what he called Nuness central claim, but acknowledged that Nunes was correct on some of his other points. In the essay, while acknowledging that the problems with the Page warrant were serious, he focused on the fact that the IG didnt find documentary or testimonial evidence that the FBI initiated its investigation of the Trump campaign and the subsequent surveillance of Page and others out of bias. In his congressional testimony, Horowitz made clear that he didnt rule out bias, when questioned by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Crapo: If someone were to characterize what you are telling us to bethat youre telling us there is no bias herethats not what youre telling us? Horowitz: That is notas to the operation of these FISAswhat Im telling you. Kris didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment that was sent to his law firm, Culper Partners. The 2020 Davos World Economic Forum for Ukraine's State Property Fund (SPF) will be the beginning of large-scale investment attraction and a roadshow where potential investors will be shown opportunities to invest in Ukraine, as well as the most promising investment projects, according to the official website of the fund. "The Davos forum is one of the most important top-level international events where world leaders and top representatives of the business community coordinate their positions in determining the future prospects of the world economy and set the trends of the year," the report reads. It notes that this year will be the 50th forum, which determines the high level of international representation. In particular, the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who skipped the Davos Forum in 2019, is expected. "For Ukraine, the Davos Forum will be an important and symbolic start of the new year, the year of great investment," SPF Chairman Dmytro Sennichenko said. The State Property Fund draws attention to the fact that in 2019, the foreign business has taken a wait-and-see attitude towards Ukraine until the formation of a new government. The 2020 World Economic Forum, in turn, should be the starting point for the arrival of strategic investors in Ukraine in the coming years. Since the beginning of the functioning of the new Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the appointment of the head of the State Property Fund in September 2019, the principles of state property management, as well as approaches to attracting investments and conducting privatization, have been transformed. "We must confirm with real actions the high confidence and correspondingly high expectations of Ukrainian society. The year 2020 should be a breakthrough for attracting investment in Ukraine. We have changed approaches: no selective preferences for any influence groups, rules are uniform for all. The end of the corruption era, the beginning of the investment era. It is only necessary to repeat the words of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who earlier urged investors not to 'oversleep' Ukraine," Sennychenko said. He confirmed his participation in the World Economic Forum. The SPF head is to deliver a speech at the forum and hold a number of bilateral meetings with international investors who have expressed interest in Ukraine. op A doctor who treated the Unnao rape victim's father when he was thrashed in police custody died on Monday after complaining of uneasiness here, official sources said. Prashant Upadhyaya, 45, was rushed to the hospital after complaining of uneasiness where he died during treatment, they said. Upadhyay had treated the victim's father in April 2018 after he was brutally thrashed in police custody, they said. The doctor was posted in emergency ward of the district hospital and was suspended during a CBI inquiry into the matter. He was presently posted in Fatehpur. BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar was convicted of raping the minor girl from Unnao and is in jail in connection with the case. Police said that Upadhyay was a diabetic and his body was sent for post-mortem. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hong Kong anti-government protesters attend a rally in support of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen outside the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters in Taipei, Jan. 11, 2020. Reuters The landslide reelection of Taiwan's leader underscores the population's embrace of an identity distinct from China _ a shift that the communist leaders of China refuse to accept. It's a contradiction that will keep the island of 23 million people at odds with its much larger neighbor for the foreseeable future and put increasing strains on the one-China principle, which holds that Taiwan and China are part of one country. President Tsai Ing-wen swept to a second four-year term Saturday with 57% of the vote. Her opponent, Han Kuo-yu, tallied 39%. The results soundly rejected the China-friendly views of his Nationalist Party, which has struggled to adapt to the emergence and evolution of a Taiwanese identity. The question for the next four years is whether the governments on both sides of the 160-kilometer- (100-mile-) wide Taiwan Strait will stay the course or escalate their battle of wills. China may step up its campaign to try to isolate Taiwan both diplomatically and economically, though it may also be rethinking that approach after efforts to do so during Tsai's first term only seemed to build support for her at home. Her big win could embolden some in her Democratic Progressive Party to look for ways to nudge Taiwan toward formal independence from China, the party's official goal. But even symbolic steps would anger China and could invite retaliation, and Tsai herself has shown no signs of going down that path. Modern Taiwan is an outgrowth of a civil war between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong's Communists for control of China after World War II. The communists triumphed in 1949, and Chiang' retreated to Taiwan, where he set up a rival government that he ran with an iron fist while harboring hopes of taking back the entire country from the communists. That is no longer a realistic goal, and with each passing decade, Chiang's dream has been replaced by a growing sense that Taiwan is not a part of China, particularly among the younger generations. They see their home as a separate entity with its own democratic ideals and don't want to be subsumed by China and its ruling Communist Party. A 12-year-old boy who was wounded in a gangland drive-by shooting outside a Sheffield sandwich shop was an innocent bystander, police have revealed. The child, who is in a stable condition, is to have surgery on his left thigh after he was shot on Northern Avenue, in the Arbourthorne area of the city on Sunday afternoon. South Yorkshire Police previously described how the boy and others were standing in the street when a white hatchback, believed to be a Ford Focus, drove past and opened fire at around 3.45pm. The boy and his three friends, aged 13, 15 and 16, were 'caught in the line of fire,' according to Chief Constable Tim Forber, between two warring gangs. The gunman, in a white car, fired shots at a group of children and adults before driving away from the scene in Sheffield on Sunday afternoon Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Chief Constable Forber said it was an 'horrendous' incident and that he believed another local male had been the target. 'This is a shocking incident,' he said. 'It's impossible for anyone who's a parent - I'm a parent of a 12-year-old myself - not to imagine quite how horrific this is, and how the young boy's parents must be feeling at this stage. 'What we know so far is that the victim was standing outside the shop with three of his mates. 'They were aged 13, 15 and 16. It appears that they have been caught in the line of fire of a targeted attack.' He added: 'It's really important to say that we do not believe that the victim or his friends were the target, and they are entirely innocent bystanders to this incident.' The officer added that the boy's injuries were not life-threatening and that he was set to undergo surgery later on Monday. 'We suspect this is about a dispute between two organised crime groups and it is linked to a number of incidents that have taken place since mid-November,' Mr Forber added. But he also said that police are keeping an 'open mind' as to how the shooting came about. He reassured local residents that 'enhanced and visible patrols' will continue in the area as the incident is investigated. Mr Forber said: 'This was a horrendous crime. A 12-year-old innocent boy has suffered a gunshot injury. He was a young lad, looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon with his mates. 'The answer to this lies within the community. We know, I know, that an incident like this strikes absolute fear in the heart of the community, that's obvious. 'But I also know that the people who perpetrate this kind of violence rely on that fear, they rely on people not coming forward, they rely on people being scared, that's how they carry on their business.' He renewed a call for any witnesses or anybody with information on the incident to come forward to police. Two years after the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (OAU) suspended the activities of its Students Union, some students and groups have urged the school to reinstate the union. The institution in November 2017, argued that frequent internal crises in the union led to its decision. Following security reports of incessant fighting and unruly behaviour during the Congress of the Students Union and the recalcitrant attitude of their leadership, it has become inevitable for the University administration to suspend the activities of the Students Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University, read the statement signed by the then registrar, Dotun Awoyemi. Many students have urged the Eyitope Ogunbode-led administration to rescind its decisions, a plea that has been ignored by the authorities. Meanwhile, the vice-chancellor of the university, in 2018 said the union would be reinstated but not anytime soon. He did not give a definite timeline. Since then, nothing much has been heard about the matter despite incessant robbery on campus and poor welfare of students. The students union of the university has a history of defending and protecting the rights of students. Appeal Some students, who spoke with this reporter on Monday, asked the school to reinstate the union. Dunsi Olowolafe, a student studying Civil Engineering told PREMIUM TIMES that the suspension is condemnable. He explained that while the suspension was not right in the first place, it has caused more problems to students denied of proper welfarism and voice. Read also: Other students shared similar views but asked not to be mentioned for fear of victimisation. Groups kick A group, the Amilcar Cabral Ideological School Movement (ACIS-M), in a statement signed by its coordinator, Godspower Afereno, said the refusal of the authority to reinstate the union is unjustifiable. It is worthy to note that the Nigeria constitution allows for freedom of association and peaceful assembly and as such gives students of OAU the right to have a union that can protect and preserve their collective interest and rights in the university. The group further said that the OAU students union is not a terrorist group that foments trouble and violence on campus, and as such must not be treated like such a group but as a peace-promoting Union ready and equipped to contribute its quota to the University and societal development. Another group, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), OAU branch, in a statement by Adetola Yusuf, its pro-tem coordinator, said it is sad that OAU authority, violate the rules that govern the university and the Nigerian society such as the University Act and the Nigerian constitution as it were. The proscription of students union activities by the management of the school is a telling example of this retrogressive behaviour which is just a testimony to the truth that the university has not been run democratically for quite some time now approximately two years that the Students Union has been illegally banned. The group also condemned the accommodation policy of the institution. School silent Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to get the university spokesperson, Abiodun Olanrewaju, to comment were unsuccessful as he could not be reached on his known telephone number. Meanwhile, at a recent meeting with some campus news agencies, under the aegis of the Association of Campus Journalists, which held at the Senate building in late 2019, the vice-chancellor said the unworthy precedence left behind by the past students union leaders was the reason why the school may not be rescinding its decisions anytime soon. He also urged the campus journalists to assist the management in devising a means for the students union to have worthy leaders. CAIRO - Libyas rival leaders meeting for rare peace talks on Monday with Russian and Turkish officials in Moscow was a stark reminder of how the Libyan civil war has shape-shifted in recent months. Russia and Turkey, which support opposing sides in the long-running conflict, have emerged as major players in Libya, largely outmanoeuvring European powers that pressed for peace as violence in the strategic, oil-rich country accelerated. Heres a look at the primary players on Libyas complex battlefield. ___ LIBYAN ARAB ARMED FORCES Field Marshal Khalifa Hifters self-styled Libyan Arab Armed Forces control much of eastern and southern Libya. His forces draw on Libyan army units, local militias and tribesmen. Since April, they have been trying to capture the capital, Tripoli, from Libyas weak U.N.-supported government. The escalating campaign has threatened to plunge Libya into violence rivaling the 2011 conflict that ousted and killed its longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. A former general and Gadhafi ally, Hifter positions himself as a strongman who can restore order to the country and rid it of extremists. Despite his repeated calls for a final offensive against rival militias defending the capital, a chaotic stalemate reigns. Hifters east-based government, headquartered in the city of Benghazi, has gained the support of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Russia and France. ___ UN-SUPPORTED LIBYAN GOVERNMENT The Tripoli government, named the Government of National Accord, controls the capital and some of western Libya. It was set up in 2015 by the United Nations under the leadership of technocrat Fayez Sarraj. While officially backed by the U.S. and other Western countries, the GNA now largely counts on Turkey for military assistance in its struggle to repel Hifters forces. It also receives aid from Qatar and Italy. For its protection, Sarrajs government has courted local armed militias, which also staff and control many of its institutions. ___ RUSSIA Russia has stepped onto Libyas battlefield and into the political vacuum left by Western powers. It allegedly dispatched late last year hundreds of mercenaries to boost Hifters halting campaign to take Tripoli. Libyan and U.S. officials accuse Russia of deploying fighters through a private security contractor, the Wagner Group. Russias intervention in crucial oil-producing Libya raises comparisons to its role in Syria, where the Kremlin has shored up the government of President Bashar Assad as it seeks to expand its influence across the Middle East. ___ TURKEY Turkey has propped up the embattled GNA, becoming increasingly involved in a proxy war against regional rivals Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, which support Hifters forces. Turkey is seeking to safeguard its interests in the eastern Mediterranean as part of a broader competition for oil and gas drilling rights with other regional players. These include Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Ankara recently signed contentious maritime and military co-operation deals with the U.N.-supported government to create an exclusive economic zone across the Mediterranean, raising the financial stakes of its support for the GNA. Last week, Turkish Parliament authorized a troop deployment to Tripoli, where it is already sending weapons and military experts. ___ ITALY As Libyas former colonial ruler, Italy has for decades cultivated close economic and political ties with the North African country located just across the Mediterranean from the Italian peninsula. Recent Turkish and Russian involvement has raised concerns in Italy over its waning influence. When the war broke out, Italy bet on the Tripoli-based government to protect its stakes in Libyas vital oil facilities, including a natural gas pipeline, and to help stem the flow of migrants from Libyas Mediterranean coastline, which is a major conduit for thousands making perilous journeys to Europe. Italys policy of training and equipping the Libyan coast guard to intercept and divert Europe-bound smuggler boats to Libya has raised alarm among human rights activists. Traffickers in Libya run illegal detention centres notorious for abuse. ___ FRANCE Frances relationship with Hifter has put it at odds with other European countries that have professed support for the Tripoli government. Although it officially denies backing Hifters forces, France views the general as a key political player and military chief whose control over most of Libya cannot be ignored. France, which once colonized much of West Africa and still wields influence there, seeks to prevent Islamic extremists from gaining a foothold in the Sahel region, a potential powder keg it sees as threatening other North African countries and the Mediterranean. The revelation last summer that French-owned missiles had been captured from Hifters forces compelled the country to acknowledge its presence in Libya, although it denied violating a U.N. arms embargo. Europes division over Libya policy has hindered collective attempts to create a political solution. ___ EGYPT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The United Arab Emirates and Egypt are longtime patrons of General Hifter, who they see as the best hope of stabilizing the troubled country and combating the Islamist threat on Egypts porous western border. Despite a U.N. arms embargo, both countries deliver military aid to the LAAF, including powerful missiles and armed drones that have spurred Hifters advances. ___ GERMANY Germany, in the middle of a two-year stint on the U.N. Security Council, has taken a central role in trying to kick-start a diplomatic drive to end the conflict in Libya. As Germany scrambles to curb the flow of asylum-seekers after a large influx in 2015, it sees a stable Libya as crucial to dealing with the migration crisis at the source. It has repeatedly offered to host a peace summit in Berlin for Libyas warring parties and their foreign backers. The goal is to find an end the 7-year civil war, halt foreign military interference and possibly move toward nationwide elections. But the diplomatic push has so far failed to yield results on the ground, and an exact date for the conference has not been announced. ___ Associated Press writers Frances DEmilio in Rome, Geir Moulson in Berlin and Elaine Ganley in Paris contributed to this report. Nine members of a family were killed when a fire broke out in a van in Pakistan's Karachi city. Police investigators said the fire broke out as the driver had kept a bottle filled with petrol near the engine and there was a short circuit. The family was on way to attend a marriage ceremony in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of the city when the vehicle caught fire. Six members of the family, including three children, died on the spot due to burns while five were admitted to a hospital where three of them died on Sunday. SHO of the area police Fardad Sheikh said the family had rented the vehicle, which caught fire near New Karachi. All the deceased had suffered 100 per cent burns, police said. The driver of the van who survived the blaze as he got out quickly said his vehicle had also hit an auto-rickshaw which also caught fire. Karachi police have started a drive to penalize drivers of auto-rickshaws and public vehicles who keep petrol in bottles to deal with the shortage of CNG in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When you think of getting ready for your close-up before posting it on social media, Im sure you dont think of capturing a conventionally unflattering angle. Well, 28-year-old Ashley Dockter, a business owner and influencer from Wisconsin, is here to encourage us to be more accepting of our bodies this year. She completely earns the title of Chicks We Love this week for her brave post on Instagram. Ashley posted a photo of herself in a swimsuit, and you can visibly see the cellulite on her thighs. Lets stop making cellulite a flaw on women, Ashley started her post by saying. She went on to reveal that she did everything she could to try to hide her cellulite. Instagram; pictured above is Ashley in her swimsuit Id used to do everything to hide my thighs, I hated shorts and swimsuits, I would cry about my legs thinking they were not attractive. Ashley also went on to point out that no matter what her weight was, her cellulite was still there. Sure now being pregnant has increased my cellulite and made it more noticeable but even when I was at an unhealthy low weight I still had cellulite, it doesnt matter. Cellulite doesnt mean youre fat and out of shape. Stop being insecure about it, its NORMAL. Ashley is right; cellulite affects pretty much all of us. According to this study, 80 to 90 percent of women have cellulite. One woman commented on Ashleys post, saying, Love this! My sister is much thinner and has it worse than me. My weight goes to my hips. Always something! Another commented, Such an internal battle that SO many other women feel! Thank you for sharing! You can follow Ashley on Instagram here. We all have insecurities, but lets take a page from Ashley and make this the year we are more accepting of our own bodies! Bre is a female millennial go getter residing in New York. One part entrepreneur, one part geek, she obtained her degree in Textile/Surface Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology. She has held some exciting roles in both fashion as a designer working for brands like Victorias Secret and Henri Bendel, as well as in ad tech working for publishers like Ziff Davis. Today she operates Chip Chick Media which reaches millions of women each month. Bre is passionate about teaching women how to build a business and be an entrepreneur, in addition to keeping her readers informed of the latest technology trends and exciting products to improve their lifestyles. You can send Bre a message here. In a big relief for Pakistan's self-exiled former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday (January 13) quashed Musharraf's death sentence, saying the special tribunal which found him guilty of high treason was "unconstitutional". The LHC bench also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law, reported Dawn. The verdict was delivered unanimously by a three-member full bench of the LHC, comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir. It may be recalled that Musharraf was awarded death sentence on December 17, 2019 by a special court in Islamabad. The trial in this case filed by the PML-N government against Musharraf for suspending the Constitution on November 3, 2007 had started six years ago. According to both the federal government and Musharraf's lawyer, the verdict issued by the special court holds no meaning any more after the LHC's ruling. In his petition, Musharraf had urged the LHC to declare the special courts verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional for violating Articles 10-A, 4, 5, 10 and 10-A of the Pakistan Constitution. The former military dictator had also sought suspension of the verdict delivered by the special court till the LHC passes a ruling on his plea. Earlier, Additional Attorney-General Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan had told the LHC the formation of the special court to try Musharraf was not part of the agenda of federal cabinet meetings of the government of then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. "The special court was constituted without the formal approval of the cabinet," Khan said in court. Musharraf is currently in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and is not in good health. He was recently admitted to a hospital following the deterioration of his health. Finance Minister Conor Murphy has said the financial package being offered to the Stormont Executive "falls way short" of what was expected. It follows meetings with Secretary of State Julian Smith. The figures given to us by the British Secretary of State in relation to the financial package falls short of what was expected. The political parties have fulfilled their responsibilities, now it is time for the British government to do the same - @conormurphysf tells media pic.twitter.com/yzQPfJ3oSF Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) January 13, 2020 The Sinn Fein politician said the new Executive will not be sustainable without resources. "My initial read of them is they fall way short. I wouldn't intend to accept that. The British government made commitments here as part of all the rest of us, they can't come today and congratulate us for living up to our commitments and then not live up to their own," he said. It comes after DUP leader Arlene Foster has said she will hold Prime Minister Boris Johnson to his word on providing enough financial assistance to Northern Ireland. There has been much speculation as to precisely how much extra funding will be provided to Northern Ireland as part of the New Decade, New Approach deal. Read More Mr Johnson would not give an exact figure, however he said his government was making "huge commitments" financially to Northern Ireland. It has been suggested that at least 2 billion would been needed to fulfill the commitments detailed in the agreement. Mrs Foster said it is up to Boris Johnson to "step up to the plate" and deliver financially. "We've heard from the Prime Minister that he wants to support devolution and wants to make sure we have the resources available to do that," she said. "I very much want to hold him to his word and make sure that we do have enough finances to deal with the resource pressures, particularly around public sector pay and other matters. But we also have a great deal of investment to put in in relation to infrastructure, and it's important that we do that as well. Useful discussions today. We want to work together with Health Minister Robin Swann to fix our hospitals. The NHS is unique to the UK but in NI its struggling. We need to help our frontline staff by reforming the system so its fit for the next generation. pic.twitter.com/CXVQlWX9CV Arlene Foster #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) January 13, 2020 "Some of the figures may sound big, but some of it is over a period of years, so those are the issues we finally need to settle with the Secretary of State, and that's what we are going to do. "[Boris Johnson] must deliver. Because we have stepped up to the plate in relation to the political agreement. He put forward an agreement, he asked us to sign up to it - we all signed up to it to come into a multi-party executive - so therefore it is incumbent on the Prime Minister to step up to the plate in terms of finances." Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show on Monday morning, DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots suggested that domestic rates may have to be increased to provide additional money and the introduction of a water charge could be possible. The First Minister, however, dismissed this idea, stating that the introduction of a water charge "will not be on the table" as it would not have the support of the executive. Stormont's Finance Minister Conor Murphy said the UK government needs to live up to its promises. "They need to ante up basically, we had the political agreement which got the parties into the Executive again, the document that was produced was the two governments' document, promises of significant investment in services here was their promises, significant investment in infrastructure was their promise, so we have now costed most of that, I have put the figures directly to Boris Johnson this morning, I am going to put them to Julian Smith later on this afternoon and we'll be in touch with the Treasury as well, I hope before the week is out to talk to the minister for finance in Dublin as well," he said. "My primary focus in the next days ahead is to secure the finances that are necessary. If we're to have good government here, it has to be one which delivers in terms of people's rights and one which delivers progressive politics but also has to be one which can actually deliver good public services and if we don't have the finances then the government can't function properly." When pressed what that figure is, he responded: "We have worked out a figure, a ballpark figure, because some of the things are uncosted, some of them involve strategies which yet have to be developed. But we know what the figure is, the Prime Minister knows what the figure is but we need to go down, hammer that out and get the money." Boris Johnson cautioned that the future of the institutions is "not just about money", but also about political leadership. "I want to make it absolutely clear that we in the UK Government will now work with this revived government to ensure we deliver on that potential through better infrastructure, better education and technology," Mr Johnson told a press conference at Stormont. Read More "Using those three things to bring our whole UK together so all four nations benefit from the prosperity and growth we intend to deliver." Mr Johnson also rejected the suggestion that his visit was simply a "photo opportunity or publicity stunt" and said he wanted to mark the historic return of devolution to Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court Monday asked four senior lawyers to convene a meeting on January 17 to decide on the issues to be deliberated by it in the matter relating to discrimination against women in various religions and at religious places including Kerala's Sabarimala Temple. The top court however made it clear at the outset that it was not considering review pleas in the Sabarimala case. "We are not hearing review pleas of Sabarimala case. We are considering issues referred to by a 5-judge bench earlier," said a 9-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde. The bench said it will consider listing the petitions related to entry of Muslim women into mosques, female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community and barring of Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, from the holy fire place at Agiary. It said the apex court Secretary General will coordinate with the four senior advocates, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and A M Singhvi, in thrashing out issues to be dealt by it. The lawyers will decide whether the several issues referred to it by an earlier bench on November 14 last year needed to be reframed, it said. The meeting should also deal with the time to be allotted to each lawyer for advancing arguments in the case, it added. The bench said the lawyers should decide as to who will address which issue and fixed the matter for further hearing after three weeks. "We will grant three weeks time for this (deciding the issues) and we will put this matter after that for hearing," it further said. The bench said it will not go into the specific details of each case like Sabarimala temple matter and would strictly go by the reference order of November 14 in deciding the scope of judicial intervention in matters of religious issues. While referring the matter to a larger bench, the five-judge bench had said that the debate about the constitutional validity of religious practices like bar on entry of women and girls into a place of worship was not limited to the Sabarimala case. It had said such restrictions are there with regard to entry of Muslim women into mosques and 'dargahs' and Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, being barred from the holy fire place of an Agiary. It set out seven questions of law to be examined by the larger bench. They included -- interplay between freedom of religion under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution; need to delineate the expression 'constitutional morality'; the extent to which courts can enquire into particular religious practices; meaning of sections of Hindus under Article 25 and whether 'essential religious practices' of denomination or a section thereof are protected under Article 26. While the five-judge bench unanimously agreed to refer religious issues to a larger bench, it gave a 3:2 split decision on petitions seeking a review of the apex court's September 2018 decision allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala. A majority verdict by then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra decided to keep pending pleas seeking a review of its decision regarding entry of women into the shrine, and said restrictions on women in religious places was not restricted to Sabarimala alone and was prevalent in other religions as well. The minority verdict by Justices R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud gave a dissenting view by dismissing all review pleas and directing compliance of its September 28 decision. The split decision came on 65 petitions -- 56 review petitions, four fresh writ petitions and five transfer pleas -- which were filed after the apex court verdict of September 28, 2018 sparked violent protests in Kerala. By a majority 4:1 verdict, the apex court had lifted the ban that prevented women and girls between the age of 10 and 50 from entering the famous Ayyappa shrine in Kerala and held that the centuries-old Hindu religious practice was illegal and unconstitutional. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drivers for Uber Black, the ride-sharing giants chauffeur service, have filed an application to unionize at the Ontario labour board seeking better pay, protection from unjust dismissal and recognition as employees rather than independent contractors. The move follows months of organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, part of a growing effort across the continent to mobilize gig economy workers. The union hopes to hold a vote for more than 300 Uber Black drivers in the GTA this week. We are very happy and waiting for the day of voting because limousine drivers suffer too much, said Ejaz Butt, a driver who has helped spearhead the union drive. I am one-hundred-and-one per cent sure we will win the vote. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, a category of worker that has no protection under provincial employment legislation and cannot unionize. (UFCW will challenge that designation as part of its unionization efforts). Our platform enables drivers to earn money on their own terms; they control where and when they work, and are free to use other apps at the same time as theyre on Uber, said an Uber spokesperson in an emailed statement to the Star. Thats why the vast majority of drivers say that flexibility is their number one reason for driving with Uber. We are constantly working to get feedback from drivers and improve their experience while maintaining the main thing they love about it, having flexible work. Pablo Godoy, a spokesperson for UFCW, said he expected the union effort to be a fight. (Uber) has fought tooth and nail to avoid having to label or accept that their drivers are in fact their employees. The debate over app-based workers employment status is attracting increasing scrutiny. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is currently challenging Foodoras claim that its Toronto-based couriers are independent contractors, arguing that the food delivery company exercises significant control over their daily working conditions and that the workers should be allowed to unionize. Its important as a union that we set precedent and we dont let these app employers get away with circumventing labour law, said Godoy. There has to be some level of accountability. Worker advocates have long called employee misclassification, which allows employers to evade minimum wage rates and other obligations by categorizing workers as contractors, an important feature of precarious work. In 2017, an extensive report by two independent experts to the Ontario Ministry of Labour described employee misclassification as having a significant adverse impact on workers and recommended that the problem become a priority enforcement issue for government. Uber Black drivers also face a unique challenge because the companys employment contract requires them to travel to the Netherlands for mandatory arbitration over workplace disputes. The Ontario Court of Appeal has already ruled Ubers arbitration clause was an unfair bargain for workers and improperly denied drivers the protection of provincial employment laws. Uber has appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, where UFCW is an intervener in the ongoing case. The union drive is really about creating a due process for drivers to have access to some level of recourse, some level of respect, Godoy said. There are roughly 90,400 drivers working for ride-hailing services in Toronto, although some drive occasionally or for limited periods of time, according to a city report released last year. Of those, around 13,300 are taxi and limousine drivers. UFCW says its also launching an effort to unionize Uber Black drivers in British Columbia. Our main goal is that Uber recognize us, Butt said. And (that) they accept our union, and we get our rights. Read more about: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Monday said that his party will not attend the Opposition meeting as they were not informed about it. "We have no information about any such meeting. So, makes no sense to attend a meeting we have no information about it," Singh told ANI when asked if AAP will attend today's Opposition meeting. Besides AAP, Trinamool Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party will not be taking part in the Congress-led opposition meeting scheduled to take place at 2 pm in Parliament annexe. Opposition parties will meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country. Discussions will be held on several issues including the amended Citizenship Act, Population Register (NPR), Register of Citizens (NRC), and the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during the meeting. When asked about defamation notice to AAP by BJP, Singh said: "Those who spread hate on social media should look into its own deeds. They released an objectionable video against Arvind Kejriwal on January 12. We will also file a complaint with the Election Commission." The BJP has served defamation notice to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on his party's theme song "Lage Raho Kejriwal", in which the AAP has used the clippings of the songs of Bhojpuri films featuring Delhi BJP President and MP Manoj Tiwari. The Legal and Legislative Department of BJP has also made a complaint to the Election Commission in this context and demanded damages of Rs 500 crore from AAP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The disaster has turned into a domestic political crisis that has for now overshadowed Irans struggle with the United States. In one sign of public anger, a moderate Iranian newspaper declared in a banner headline on Sunday: Apologize and resign. Iran admitted responsibility for downing the plane, after denying it for days, and the countrys president, Hassan Rouhani, called the error an unforgivable mistake. But Ukrainian officials said the admission came only because its own investigators had found evidence of a missile strike at the crash site. Related: President Trumps defense secretary, Mark Esper, said on Sunday that he never saw specific evidence of the presidents claim that the U.S. killed a top Iranian general in part because Tehran was planning attacks on four American embassies. Go deeper: Our reporters pieced together the story of how American officials secretly planned the attack on the general and why the two countries came close to open war. Video: Heres what we know about the doomed jets seven-minute flight. Looking back: The downing of the Ukrainian jet has an eerie echo of a crash in 1988, when the U.S. Navy accidentally shot down a Dubai-bound Iranian passenger jet in the waning days of the Iran-Iraq war. Members of the 'Stand With Us' group hold a rally calling for the rejection of the proposed Iran nuclear deal outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles, on July 26, 2015. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images) UK, France, Germany Urge Iran to Comply With Nuclear Deal The leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France said they will stand by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and have called on Tehran to fully comply in the wake of back-and-forth strikes between Iran and the United States. Despite increasingly difficult circumstances, we have worked hard to preserve the agreement, the leaders said in a joint statement, noting that the United States pulled out of the agreement and placed more sanctions on the regime. It is essential that Iran return to full compliance with its commitments under the agreement. We have expressed our deep concern at the actions taken by Iran in violation of its commitments since July 2019. These actions must be reversed. We reserve recourse to all the provisions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) to preserve it and to resolve the issues related to Irans implementation of its JCPoA commitments within its framework, the statement read. Their statement comes after Iran said it would scale back its commitments under the nuclear deal following the U.S. airstrike to kill Iranian general Qassem Soleimani earlier in January. Amid heightened tensions, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at two Iraqi airbases with American soldiers, injuring no one, before downing a Ukrainian International Airlines plane, leaving 176 people dead. President Donald Trump and his administration have argued that the 2015 nuclear deal, in which Iran was supposed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, gave the regime more financing and ability to increase terrorism in the Middle East. Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both said Soleimani was planning imminent attacks on U.S. assets in the region before his death was ordered. We must addressthrough diplomacy and in a meaningful wayshared concerns about Irans destabilizing regional activities, including those linked to its missile programme, the European leaders statement said. But on Jan. 10, the Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced a bevy of new sanctions on eight Iranian officials and Irans manufacturing sector. Todays sanctions are part of our commitment to stop the Iranian regimes global terrorist activities, the White House said in announcing the new sanctions, adding that they would continue until the regime stops the funding of global terrorism and commits to never having nuclear weapons. The United States will continue to counter the Iranian regimes destructive and destabilizing behavior. Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. These punishing economic sanctions will remain until the Iranian regime changes its behavior. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it, Trump said in a statement of his own. Newsfrom Japan London, Jan. 13 (Jiji Press)--Senior officials at Japan's Nissan Motor Co. <7201> have accelerated "secret contingency planning" for a potential split from its French partner, Renault SA, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The plans include war-gaming a total divide in engineering and manufacturing, and changes to Nissan's board, the British business daily quoted sources as saying. The plans have been ramped up since disgraced former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn's escape to Lebanon from Japan late last month, it said. In the coming weeks, Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard is due to unveil several projects designed to demonstrate that the Retault-Nissan alliance can still function, the FT said, adding that Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Makoto Uchida, who assumed the positions in December, is working closely with Senard to launch the projects. Even during Ghosn's tenure as Nissan leader, when the alliance was functioning more smoothly, discontent was growing among some Nissan engineers about his push to combine engineering and manufacturing, the paper quoted some people close to the Japanese firm as saying. A full split would probably force both Nissan and Renault to seek new partners, the paper said. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] The Bachelor stars Matty 'J' Johnson and Laura Byrne welcomed their first child, daughter Marlie-Mae, in June last year. And on Thursday, Laura, 33, admitted that she wants to put the spark back into her relationship. Speaking on her Life Uncut podcast on Thursday, the accessories designer said that her New Year's resolution is to 'have more sex' with Matty. 'I'm getting back on that bandwagon!' The Bachelor's Laura Byrne revealed this week her racy plans to put the spark back into her relationship with fiance Matty J... after welcoming their first child (the pair are pictured together) 'I'm getting back on that bandwagon,' Laura told podcast co-host Brittany Hockley. 'The less of it you have, the less of it you need,' Laura said. She added: 'But I know that when I do it, I will like it.' Racy! Speaking on her Life Uncut podcast on Thursday, the 33-year-old accessories designer said that her New Year's resolution is to 'have more sex' with Matty Putting their girl first: Laura added that the 'full-time consuming nature' of parenthood had gotten the better of her and Matt. They are pictured with daughter Marlie-Mae Laura added that the 'full-time consuming nature' of parenthood had gotten the better of her and Matt. 'As much as we absolutely love each, there are aspects of our relationship that have been massively put on the back-burner,' she said. 'I just want to reshuffle my life and put our relationship back up the pile.' It's normal! Co-host Brittany (pictured), who dated Nick 'Honeybadger' Cummins on 2018's controversial season of The Bachelor, reassured the busy new mother that this was nothing unusual Reality star Brittany, who dated Nick 'Honeybadger' Cummins on 2018's controversial season of The Bachelor, reassured the busy new mother that this was nothing unusual. 'You have to keep a child alive and you have a business to run, so sex is probably the last thing you want to do,' Brittany assured Laura. Laura and Matt fell in love on the 2017 season of the Bachelor. The pair became engaged while on vacation in Fiji in April 2018, two months before they welcomed their daughter. They plan to marry later this year. France and its five partner nations in the Sahel region of West Africa pledged Monday to bolster their efforts against jihadists waging an increasingly deadly insurgency, while urging the United States to keep its troops engaged in the region's anti-terror fight. President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad lauded Washington's "crucial support", after a top US general confirmed the Pentagon was weighing a drastic troop reduction in Africa. "If the Americans decided to leave Africa, this would be very bad news for us," Macron said after the high-stakes summit meeting in Pau, southwest France. "I hope to convince President Trump that the fight against terrorism is playing out in this region as well," he said. Macron said he would send 220 more soldiers to reinforce France's 4,500-strong Barkhane operation, tasked with training and assisting under-equipped local forces, and called on other allies to step up their participation in a new "Sahel Coalition." "The heads of state... underscored the need for greater cooperation in implementing the current initiatives in the Sahel and a stronger international commitment," the leaders said in a joint statement after the talks. In particular a new "Takuba Task Force" consisting of European special forces will be set up to track down insurgents in the mostly lawless border area linking Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. No details were given on which countries might contribute, but the leaders said the Takuba forces would focus initially on fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, known by its French abbreviation EIGS. - 'Terrorists gaining ground' - Despite the French presence and a 13,000-member UN peacekeeping force in Mali dubbed MINUSMA, the conflict that erupted in the north of that country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours, especially Burkina Faso and Niger. The Sahel fight has taken on greater urgency after a series of deadly attacks on military and civilian targets in recent months, underscoring the loss of government control of large swathes of a semi-desert region the size of Western Europe. A brutal attack that killed dozens in Niger prompted Macron to call the summit with Mali's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Faso's Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Chad's Idriss Deby. On Thursday, 89 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military camp at Chinegodar near Niger's border with Mali, the worst jihadist attack in the country's history. UN chief Antonio Guterres, who was to attend a dinner with Macron and the G5 leaders, warned this month that "terrorist groups are gaining ground." The leaders warned in particular on the need to quickly resolve the civil war in Libya, "which continues to foster instability in the Sahel," according to their statement. They also called on allies to fulfil their pledges of financial aid to deal with a crisis that has seen thousands of civilians killed and more than a million displaced. Last year, only $300 million (269 million euros) of $400 million pledged by the international community in cash and material support to the Sahel was delivered, according to the French presidency. Across the region, schools and health clinics have been forced to shut because of the Islamist threat. France and the G5 leaders said they would meet again in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott in June to evaluate their progress. - 'Shameful' - The summit came as France's military presence, which began in Mali in 2012, is being questioned by many in the region who chafe at the increasingly prominent role played by a former colonial power. On Friday, hundreds of people gathered in the Malian capital Bamako to protest the presence of the 4,500 soldiers in France's Barkhane operation, carrying posters reading "Down with France, Barkhane must leave" and "France is a brake on our development". Such criticism had riled French officials, not least after 13 soldiers were killed in a helicopter collision in Mali last month while pursuing jihadist fighters, the deadliest toll for the French military in nearly four decades. Macron denounced "foreign powers" for stirring up the anti-French sentiment, amid reports that Russian paramilitary fighters from the Wagner group were increasingly active in the Sahel. "The statements I've heard these past weeks are shameful... because they serve other interests, either those of terrorist groups.. or foreign powers who want to push out Europeans because they have their own agenda -- a mercenary agenda," he said, without citing any particular groups. French President Emmanuel Macron (3-R), flanked by Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (2-L), Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore (R), Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou (2-R), Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani (L) and Chad's President Idriss Deby (3-R), at a press conference after their summit meeting on fighting the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region. With insurgent attacks mounting, hostility towards France is growing in the region, including in Mali where the French were acclaimed as liberators in 2013 Tunis Tunisia (PANA) - Tunis will from 20-26 January host the festival on resistance and liberation films, sources close to the event organisers told PANA on Monday Plateau State Government has earmarked N1 billion for the conduct of elections in four Local Government Areas of the state in its 2020 budget. The state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Sylvester Wallangko, disclosed during the breakdown of the budget on Monday in Jos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the state had in October 2018 conducted elections in 13 out of the 17 local government areas of the state. Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Jos North local government areas were exempted from the earlier election. READ ALSO: Government cited security challenge as rationale for exempting the fours councils and appointed Management Committee Chairmen who are currently manning the councils. The commissioner who did not give date for the conduct of the polls, said the money allotted would be for the purchase of election materials. As you all know, the government is yet to conduct election in four local government areas, so it has earmarked N1 billion to enable the state Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to get election materials, he said Governor Simon Lalong had in October 2019 appointed Chairmanship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to head the affected councils. The move was widely criticised but the appointments were renewed for six months in December 2019 by the state House of Assembly. (NAN) COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a rapidly-changing business environment and competitive job market, businesses are looking to attract and retain talent to help them deliver on their mission, and workers are looking for a company that is values-based and values them. Workers are also seeking employers who will partner with them in preparing for their futures. To address these dynamics, Nationwide is investing in its people and announcing a new five-year, $160 million investment to reskill and upskill its workforce and increase bonus incentive targets. In addition, the company is enhancing benefits and introducing a Summer Fridays pilot in 2020. Nationwide employs 28,000 associates across the country. "We must attract, develop and retain the best and brightest talent to deliver on our mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care," said Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Kirt Walker. "I'm proud that we are able to make key investments in our associates, try some new things to elevate Nationwide as the desired destination for top talent and prepare our workforce for the future. In so doing we will have talent that will deliver extraordinary care to our members and will innovate for our future." With major employment hubs in Columbus, Ohio, Des Moines, Iowa, and Scottsdale, Ariz., Nationwide is one of the largest insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. "Our people are our competitive advantage. We have and will continue to invest in them," said Gale King, Nationwide's Chief Administrative Officer. "Our commitment to them has to be holistic and must include helping them prepare for the future. The advancements in technology, the speed of change, competitive forces and the resulting impact of automation requires that we be proactive in preparing our associates for a very different future of work one that is heavily technology enabled." Future of Work investment The Future of Work program is a five-year program to reskill and upskill associates. The investment will equip associates in digital literacy and future capabilities training. It includes the launch of an online Future of Work Center next month. Annually, every associate will be provided a personalized learning curriculum focused on the skills for the future. Associates will have applied learning opportunities that assist with their development and provide additional exposure to other career opportunities. Reskilling opportunities will be business-unit specific and will include targeted career paths. "We've already had great success in reskilling within our IT organization through our partnership with Columbus State Community College in central Ohio," said King. "We've also had success through apprenticeship programs across our business unit functions. We are aware of the roles in our organization that will be impacted by automation and the ones that are evolving and growing. We feel a strong obligation to equip our associates for these changes." "Nationwide's leadership team has demonstrated great forethought and long-term vision to prepare its workers with future-ready skills and quality resources," said Dr. David Harrison, president of Columbus State. "Columbus State has successfully partnered with Nationwide and other employers to offer workers the resources they will need as technology and consumer needs quickly evolve. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Nationwide as they plan additional investments in their workforce." Future of Work Associate incentive enhancements All front-line associates will receive an increase in their incentive targets in response to market data. Summer Friday pilot Nationwide has robust, flexible work options and recognizes the importance of flexibility for its people. In 2020, the company is piloting a new program that provides summer flexibility. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Nationwide associates who choose to participate will have the ability twice per month to condense five standard work days into four twice per month, giving them two Fridays off each month during the summer. Comprehensive Benefits Nationwide offers comprehensive benefits and makes enhancements in response to associate feedback and competitive data. This includes competitive compensation and benefits at all levels, including a $17 per-hour minimum wage across the company, a 401(k) company match of 50% on the first 8% of personal contributions and a pension plan. The company also offers robust development opportunities, flextime and educational assistance, all making Nationwide an attractive career destination for the best talent. Through Nationwide's Maternity Assistance Program, associates are assigned a professional nurse who can provide guidance through each trimester of pregnancy as well as post-pregnancy support. Additionally, for nursing mothers who travel we provide an overnight delivery service. The company recently added two weeks to the paternity, maternity and adoption leave benefit, bringing it to up to 14 weeks of paid time off for new moms and 30 days of bonding time for fathers, domestic partners and adoptive parents. The company consistently ranks on top workplace award lists. About Nationwide Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 2019 Contact: Joe Case (614) 249-6349 [email protected] SOURCE Nationwide Related Links http://www.nationwide.com Maharashtra school education department has instructed all schools not to use their premises for political purposes after a visit by a few BJP leaders to a school in Mumbai last week to canvas support for the Citizenship Amendment Act raised a storm. The visit of the BJP leaders prompted the government to send a show cause notice to the school for allowing a campaign in their premises supporting CAA, state school education minister Varsha Gaikwad said on Monday. We have sent a show cause notice to the school where campaign supporting CAA was organised, Gaikwad said. The government has also asked all the schools across the state not to organise any such political events. We want schools to talk about education and health related issues. Schools need to discuss the subject in which students are facing difficulties. For politics, there are many platforms available. Do not play with the delicate minds of the students, she said. On Friday, the BJP had organised a talk on CAA at Dayanand Balak Vidyalaya in Matunga area. Students were given information about CAA, said an organiser of the programme from BJP. Sumita Singh, a leader of the Uttar Bharatiya Morcha and a trustee of the school, who had organised the programme, said, Students were given postcards addressed to the PM and were encouraged to post them, after writing what they feel about CAA. The initiative received a lot of flak from the ruling Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies in the state. On Saturday, Maharashtra tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray criticized the BJPs initiative as ridiculous and that politicisation of schools mustnt be tolerated. The BJP has launched a mass outreach programme following protests at various places in the country against the law. The CAA fast tracks citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The Opposition says the amended law is divisive and discriminatory because it makes religion a test of citizenship. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A man accused of taking part in the gang-rape of a Queensland woman on her 21st birthday more than two decades ago will finally face justice. Yusuf Mohamed Abdi, 44, appeared in a closed court session of Brisbane Magistrate Court on Monday. He was committed to stand trial for allegedly raping the woman on November 26, 1995, in West End. Scroll down for video Yusuf Mohamed Abdi (pictured outside court), 44, appeared in a closed court session of Brisbane Magistrate Court on Monday Two other men, who are also accused of attacking the woman, will face the same court on January 20. A Brisbane man is charged with rape and a Sydney man is charged with rape, depravation of liberty, attempted indecent assault with an object and another sexual assault charge. Abdi, who was extradited from Adelaide in June 2019 to begin court proceedings for the historical rape case, was granted bail until his trial. The woman has previously accused Queensland Police of destroying important DNA evidence from the night of the attack. In April 2019 she told the ABC two detectives had privately told her the dress and underwear she was wearing on the night of the attack, along with the rape kit samples, had been destroyed. In 1940 Britain desperately needed a submachine gun that could be made for about $10. The Sten gun fit the bill. ON JUNE 5, 1940, THE SMOLDERING BEACHES AT DUNKIRK, ON THE WEST COAST OF FRANCE, were largely silent. German soldiers, having stormed across Western Europe in less than a month, now milled about the bomb-blackened sands. Over 10 frenetic days, the British Royal Navy and a vast fleet of auxiliary civilian vessels had managed to evacuate more than 330,000 soldiersall that was left for a fragile but continued resistance to the German juggernaut. Yet the physical evidence of a massive British defeat lay all around. In the last-gasp scramble to escape enemy clutches, British forces had abandoned nearly 2,500 artillery pieces, 85,000 vehicles (including 445 tanks), 75,000 tons of ammunition, 416,000 tons of supplies, 11,000 machine guns, and tens of thousands of other small arms. Great Britain now faced an industrial as well as a military emergency, compounded by accelerating casualties from the German U-boat campaign, the ongoing neutrality of the United States (its Lend-Lease program would not begin for another year), the expansion of its armed forces through national conscription, and the looming specter of a German invasion. A particularly pressing problem was how to arm Britains newly constituted Home Guard, which by July 1940 numbered 1.5 million men. The guards, embarrassingly short of weapons, were sometimes forced to drill with broomsticks, eliciting nervous laughter from the British public. If the country was to survive, its fighting men had to be properly armed. Fortunately, an unlikelyand unlovelysolution was about to appear. It would officially be known as the Sten gun, though some soldiers would come to call it the Plumbers Nightmare or the Stench Gun. By any name, it would prove to be one of the most unusual and ubiquitous weapons of World War II. BRITAINS DISASTROUS CAMPAIGNS OF 1939 AND 1940 MADE AT LEAST ONE THING CLEAR: Its armed forces needed submachine guns. During numerous close-range scraps in Norway and France, British soldiersalmost exclusively armed with .303-inch bolt-action Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifleshad come off worse against German troops armed with 9mm MP 38 and MP 40 submachine guns, which delivered blistering fire at 500 rounds per minute over an effective range of 200 yards. Besides increasing British firepower, submachine guns would also be also ideal weapons for the expanding ranks of auxiliary troops and tank crews who needed compact, easily accessible weapons they could store inside their vehicles. Through most of the 1930s, the Small Arms Committee of Britains Ordnance Board had dallied over acquiring submachine guns, testing several foreign-made types but opting for none. When World War II broke out in 1939, the British government hastily acquired limited numbers of submachine guns by importing Thompson M1928s from the United States and by commissioning the Sterling Armament Company in East London to manufacture its own 9mm Lanchester for issuance to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Neither weapon, unacceptably expensive for a wartime economy, solved the problem. What Britain really needed was a homegrown submachine gun that could be produced rapidly and inexpensively and that would tick off all the core tactical and functional boxes. The most important consideration at the moment, a member of the ordnance board noted, seems to be to get some form of machine carbine acceptable to all three services into production as quickly as possible. The solution came in December 1940, almost six months after Dunkirk. Harold John Turpin, a senior draftsman at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, produced a drawing for a simplified trigger mechanism that had only two moving parts. He then worked closely with Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Vernon Shepherd, the inspector of armaments in the design department of the Ministry of Supply at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, to develop a prototype street fighting machine carbine that could be produced with minimal machine tools by unskilled laborers. In just 39 days Shepherds designers came up with two working prototypes. After performing well in function and endurance tests, the winning prototype was adopted, on March 7, 1941, as the Carbine, Sten, Mk I. The name Sten, the popular story goes, was derived from the initials of Shepherd and Turpins surnames, plus the first two letters of Enfield. Workers at ROF (Royal Ordnance Factory) Fazakerley in Liverpool, England, assemble breech blocks for the Sten. (Imperial War Museums) The Sten gun broke all the rules. Basically, it was little more than a steel tube fitted with a barrel, bolt, magazine, recoil spring, and trigger; most of its parts could be made with ultra cheap and fast stamping and welding processes. Only the guns barrel and bolt required precision machining. As a bonus, it used readily available ammunition: the 9 x 19mm Parabellum. The simple blowback mechanism fired at a cyclical rate of 550 rpm and was fed from a side-mounted magazinea direct copy of the Germans MP 38/MP 40to aid prone firing. Weighing seven pounds without the magazine and nine pounds with it, there was no wood anywhere on the gun. With just 59 metal parts, the Sten was purposely designed to be churned out by the tens of thousands. The Mk I initially had some frillsa spoonbill flash hider, wooden handguard, and vertical folding foregripbut these were quickly jettisoned to produce the guns in ever larger numbers. Still, the new weapon proved too complicated, requiring up to 12 man-hours to produce, and by the late spring of 1941 a new prototype, the Mk II, was adopted. British prime minister Winston Churchill visited the test facility at Shoeburyness, Essex, on June 13, 1941, and personally test fired the Mk II. THE MK II WAS AN UGLY GUN, MORE AKIN TO JUNKYARD OFFCUTS THAN A MILITARY-GRADE WEAPON, with a tubular profile, blobs of welding, and a simple skeleton stock. But that was the point: It was the perfect gun for emergency wartime production. And it was stunningly cheap: each gun cost about $10 to manufacture as opposed to $70 for a Thompson. From start to finish, the Mk II took just five and a half hours to make. The challenge now was to mass-produce it. Given the shortage of precision machine tools in Britain at the time, plus the continuing stress on British manufacturing companies, the Sten was designed for stamping and pressing processes that could be performed in the humblest of workshops. Stables, lofts, even hen houses or the garrets of private homes became improvised Sten gun factories. Various Sten subassemblies were also farmed out to hundreds of small industrial operations scattered across the United Kingdom, often to companies with no experience in weapons manufacturing. Nor was production just a British affair. The huge Small Arms Ltd. production plant in Toronto, Canada, manufactured 104,553 Mk IIs; it also made 1.1 million Sten magazines. New Zealand chipped in with another 1,000 Stens. Australia, always stubbornly independent, preferred to develop its own variationthe Owen submachine gun, which was heavier, had a wooden stock, and was rated far superior to the Mk II. Innovations streamed in from all corners of the United Kingdom. One of the most important of them came from Walter W. Hackett, the joint managing director of Accles & Pollock, a tube-making firm in Birmingham. The War Ministry had asked Hackett how Sten barrels could be produced more efficiently. He pioneered a method in which cold hammer-forged barrels were manufactured using hardened steel mandrels, obviating the need for expensive boring and rifling machines. Hacketts process prevented delays of up to a year in Sten production and saved 1.4 million feet of metal tubing at a time when resources were precious. Using Hacketts method, one Sten barrel could be made every 10 seconds. Sir Claude Gibb, an engineer who oversaw British weapons manufacturing during World War II, said later that Hackett made the greatest contribution to the production of small arms during the whole of the war: in all, an astonishing number of Sten gunssome 4.5 million in allwere manufactured. In the second half of 1941, soldiers began using the Sten gun in combat. Some of the early recipients had less than encouraging responses to their new weaponsfirst impressions not helped by its industrial crudity, especially when compared with the polished wood and high-grade steel of the long-serving Lee-Enfield rifle. They were said to cost thirty shillings each and I do not doubt it, one officer of the Home Guard remarked. It is inaccurate over fifty yards and apt to be dangerous in the hands of an untrained man. But British parachutist Alan Lee gave the Sten a qualified endorsement: When you went into a village or went into a house, whatever it was, it was a reliable weapon. It wasnt a reliable instrument for anything over 100 yards, but for anything close-quarters it was very reliable. One of the first recipients of the Mk IIand certainly the most prominentwas King George VI of Britain, who as honorary colonel in chief of the Home Guard carried his weapon around with him in a custom-built wooden briefcase. (Every night, when he and Queen Elizabeth made the 25-mile trip in a bulletproof vehicle from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle, the Sten gun went with them.) The king even had a shooting range installed in the gardens at Buckingham Palace and in 1940 arranged for Princess Elizabeth, age 14, and Princess Margaret, age 10, to be given shooting lessons there. Like the British, many European resistance groups produced their own Sten guns but often, necessarily, in furtive and frequently interrupted turns in clandestine workshops. The Danish resistance made 1,000 or so Stens, adding to the 3,500 air dropped to them by the British and the 1,000 brought in by boat from Sweden. The Norwegians made about 800 Stens in basement workshops and secret rooms in Oslo. Polish resistance groups manufactured 1,300 Stens, many of them virtually handmade by local blacksmiths, machinists, and other skilled craftsmen. The Sten became the weapon of choice of numerous resistance operations throughout Europe, from shock ambushes in narrow French lanes to heavier use in the Warsaw uprising of AugustOctober 1944. It could be disassembled in a matter of seconds, the pieces then packed conveniently into a parachute drop box or quickly hidden behind a false wall or under floorboards. It took almost no formal training to use a Sten; once a resistance fighter learned the basic loading and unloading procedure, he had only to point it in the right direction and pull the trigger. The Sten offered the additional advantage of firing the same 9mm Parabellum bullets the Germans used, so resistance fighters could supplement their own precious supply of bullets with ammunition captured from the enemy. For the Germans in the occupied territories, finding a Sten, or parts of a Sten, was a clear signal of organized British-supported resistance, and their retribution was swift. In 1942 the discovery of a parachute-dropped Sten hanging from a tree in Norway led Reichskommissar Josef Terboven to decree that anyone found in possession of a Sten would be summarily executed. Sometimes even less evidence brought doom. British special operations teams in France, for example, had to take utmost caution not to leave any evidence of their passing in French farmhouses, where they often made overnight stops. In one instance, German troops inspecting a haystack found a single British-made round for a Sten gun, and on the basis of that flimsy evidence killed the French family living there and burned the farm to the ground. ONE OF THE STEN GUNS FIRST MAJOR TESTS CAME ON AUGUST 19, 1942, when 6,000 Allied (mostly Canadian) infantry launched an exploratory amphibious operation against the German-occupied port of Dieppe, France. The operation was a fairly emphatic disaster, with some 60 percent of the attacking force killed, wounded, or captured, and the Sten proved unwieldy and inaccurate on the battlefield. Many reports from surviving Canadians spoke of Stens jamming at the worst possible moments. The problems were not entirely with the Stens design. The weapons had been issued immediately before the raid, and many were still clogged with packing grease when they were taken into action. Shortages of ammunition also meant that many of the Canadian soldiers had not had the chance to conduct live-fire training with the Sten before going into combat. The failures at Dieppe gave Allied planners some much-needed lessons as they began preparing for the D-Day landings, but it was not a promising early combat trial for the new gun. Nor would the Stens failures at Dieppe be isolated instances. The gun was generally regarded as unpredictable, to use one of the more charitable terms British soldiers applied. Sometimes when an uncocked Sten was inadvertently knocked or dropped, its bolt bounced backward just enough to clear the magazine well, at which point the recoil spring would drive the bolt forward, chamber a round, and fire. This issue was particularly serious for paratroops, whose very method of deployment was an exercise in bumps and jolts. During a jump by the 1st Parachute Battalion near Tunis on November 16, 1942, four parachutists were wounded by a single runaway Sten; the 3rd Parachute Battalion suffered its only fatality when a trooper accidentally shot himself with his Sten. The failures were mainly attributable to the Stens magazine, whose double-stack-to-single-feed configuration was prone to jamming, a problem that was never entirely resolved. There are numerous reports of British or Commonwealth soldiers taking a bead on enemy troops, pulling the Stens trigger, and hearing nothing more than the bolt slapping the back of the breech with a metallic clang. Little wonder that the Sten gun earned a variety of wry nicknames. One of the Stens most famous malfunctions occurred on May 27, 1942, when Jozef Gabcik, a commando in the Czechoslovak army, stepped in front of SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Reinhard Heydrichs open-topped Mercedes-Benz touring car near Bulovka Hospital in Prague. Gabcik was to fire the opening rounds in a two-man assassination attempt on the much-hated Nazi officer, one of the key architects of the Holocaust. When Gabcik pulled the trigger, nothing happenedthe Sten had jammed. Gabciks partner, Jan Kubis, stepped into the breach, tossing a modified antitank grenade at Heydrichs vehicle. The subsequent explosion severely wounded Heydrich, peppering his side with shrapnel and bits of upholstery that ultimately led to a case of fatal blood poisoning. The SS hunted down Gabcik and Kubis, killing them and several compatriots in a six-hour gun battle at a Prague cathedral. (They remain Czech heroes to this day.) Workers at ROF (Royal Ordnance Factory) Fazakerley in Liverpool, England inspect the finished guns. (Imperial War Musuems) British airborne troops spearheading the invasion of Italy in September 1943 had their own misadventures with the balky weapon. Trooper Ron Kent of the 21st Independent Parachute Company recalled that the Sten often proved more dangerous to its users than to the enemy. Men in Kents company suffered several injuries because of the old model Stens instability. Sid Humphries sustained a nasty nick below the knee cap, Kent said, when his section sergeant, rounding some rocks, accidentally caught the toe of his boot against the butt of a Sten leaning against a stone and pointing straight at where Sid was busy cooking for his section. The miserable weapon fired a nine millimeter bullet at Sids leg. British parachutists and glider-borne troops carried Stens into combat during the D-Day invasion, where the bitter hand-to-hand fighting in the hedgerows and small-town streets of Normandy was precisely the sort of close-in action for which the Sten was designed. British sergeant major Stanley Hollis, who landed at Gold Beach on D-Day, rushed to suppress a German battery at Mont Fleury. His company commander pointed out an enemy pillbox. It was very well camouflaged, Hollis said, and I saw these guns moving around in the slits and I got my Sten gun and I rushed at it, spraying it hosepipe fashion. They fired back at me and they missed. I dont know whether they were more panic-stricken than me, but they must have been. Hollis went around to the rear of the pillbox, where he found two soldiers dead and several who were quite willing to forget all about the war. For his gallantry in silencing the Mont Fleury battery, Hollis received a Victoria Cross, the only one awarded for a D-Day exploit. During the subsequent Normandy campaign British paratroops carried Stens along with rifles. The Stens went to platoon commanders and their batmen, as well as signalers, pioneers, and other auxiliary troops. In the fighting to seize and hold the vital Orne River bridge and canal bridges, Lieutenant Richard Sandy Smith of No. 14 Platoon, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, was leading his men across the bridge when a German threw a grenade at him. I was very lucky, Smith recalled. I dont really know what happened. I just felt this smack. I didnt see him throw the stick grenade. I saw him climbing over the wall to get to the other side and I shot him as he was going overI made certain too. I gave him quite a lot of rounds, firing from the hipit was very close range. Smith received the Military Cross for his role in the mission. Private John Butler of the 7th Parachute Battalion was not impressed with the Stens lack of stopping power. I was kneeling back looking at the top of the slope with my Sten gun pointing, Butler later recalled. Suddenly, a Jerry came in view with his rifle pointing towards me and I pressed the trigger of my Sten, but to my horror the man didnt fall down as I expected and just stood there looking at me, and I was in absolute terror. Then the magazine ran out, it had been about half full, twelve to fourteen rounds, and probably took about two to two and a half seconds to fire off. And then the man came at me, collapsing on top of me and his bayonet pierced my left thigh, hit the bone and flipped out again, and the left side of my smock was covered in blood. To Butlers relief, he quickly saw that the German was deadthe thud of the bullets in his chest had held him for those few seconds, though at the time I did not realize this. The men in the British 1st Airborne Division received new Mk V Stens before the ill-starred Market Garden operation at Arnhem, in the Netherlands, in September 1944. Though the operation was an unmitigated catastrophe for the Allies, the Mk V performed better than the Mk II. Lieutenant Jimmy Cleminson of No. 5 Platoon, B Company, 3rd Parachute Battalion, encountered a German armored vehicle on the first day of the operation. I got up into a house and found myself behind the German vehicle, he later recalled. I was joined by [Major] Peter Waddy. I shot a German soldier in the garden below me with my Sten and wondered what I could do to get rid of our armored visitor. Cleminson was wounded and captured and was later awarded the Military Cross for his service at Arnhem. Major Erick Mackay of the 1st Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers, took shelter in a two-story schoolhouse close to the bridge at Arnhem, only to discover that the building was surrounded by 60 German soldiers unaware the British troops were hiding only yards away. On a signal, [grenades] were dropped on the heads below, followed instantly by bursts from all our six Brens and fourteen Stens, Mackay later recalled. Disdaining cover, the boys stood up on the window-sills, firing from the hip. The night dissolved into a hideous din as the heavy crash of the Brens mixed with the high-pitched rattle of the Stens, the cries of wounded men, and the sharp explosions of grenades. When the Sten worked, which it did more often than not, it could be a fearsome weapon. Lance Corporal Dennis Longmate of the 4th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, recalled using his Sten following a brutal combat crossing of the Rhine in late 1944: We were debating what we were going to do when a German patrol appeared, about a dozen men coming in our direction. Are we going to kill or be killed? Its them or us. It was pretty poor odds with a dozen of them and three of us. But I told the other two to hold their fire and when the patrol came in range I fired the Sten. Id never killed at such close quarters before, literally seeing the whites of the eyes. I saw the bullets hit, saw them go down, all of them. Such accounts demonstrate that the Sten was every bit as lethal as the German MP 40, and it largely corrected the imbalance between German and British forces in the struggle of fire superiority under 100 yards. The reported problems with the Sten also must be weighed against the vast scale of its production and distribution. Hundreds of thousands of troops took the Sten into action. Many units found that, as with most weapons, proper training and maintenance were the most significant factors in keeping the Stens functional. DESPITE ITS DRAWBACKS, THE STEN GUN WOULD HAVE A LONG LIFE IN THE POSTWAR WORLD. British troops continued to use the Sten Mk V until the late 1950s in Cyprus, Korea, Malaya, Kenya, and Suez, before the Sterling SMG (submachine gun) replaced it. Surplus World War II Stens were a standard weapon in both pre- and post-independence Israel, providing Israeli insurgents and later the fledgling Israel Defense Forces with an SMG until the indigenous arms industry produced the Uzi. Stens also cropped up in the Vietnam War, with U.S. Special Operations Group forces using the Mk II(S) for quiet ambushes or prisoner snatches. The Irish Republican Army once raided the largest British Army barracks in Northern Ireland and made off with 50 Sten guns, among other weapons. Even today, Stens occasionally make an unwelcome appearance in terrorist or criminal hands in the Middle East or the Balkans. In 1949 Reginald Shepherd, who had retired from the military with the rank of major, went before Britains Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors to seek remuneration for having invented parts of the Sten gun. (He and Turpin had been denied British patents for their work on the weapon.) Though Shepherd told members of the commission that the en in Sten stood for England, not Enfield, the mythology surrounding the guns name persists to this day. The Sten was not a perfect gun, but it was the right gun for its time and place. For all its shortcomings, the Sten had two crowning strengths: It worked (for the most part), and it was available. Those might not sound like the most superior of virtues, but in a country that was facing a clear and present threat to its very survival, they were the most important virtues of all. As Canadian soldier S. N. Teed apostrophized poetically: You wicked piece of vicious tin! / Call you a gun? Dont make me grin. / Youre just a bloated piece of pipe. / You couldnt hit a hunk of tripe. / But when youre with me in the night, / Ill tell you, pal, youre just alright! MHQ Chris McNab is a military historian based in the United Kingdom. His most recent book is The Samurai Warrior Operations Manual (Haynes Publishing, 2019). This article appears in the Autumn 2019 issue (Vol. 32, No. 1) of MHQThe Quarterly Journal of Military History with the headline: Cheap Shot Want to have the lavishly illustrated, premium-quality print edition of MHQ delivered directly to you four times a year? Subscribe now at special savings! Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 05:46:33|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Around five people were injured on Monday in clashes between protesters and the Lebanese army during demonstrations in the southern city of Sidon, the National News Agency reported. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in different areas of the country including the capital Beirut and Tripoli to insist on their demands "which were totally neglected by the political ruling class." People blocked roads while chanting slogans against politicians and the central bank, holding them responsible for the financial and economic deterioration in the country. Nationwide protests started on Oct. 17, 2019 against Lebanon's ruling class, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the appointment of Hassan Diab as successor. However, Diab has so far failed to form a new cabinet because of the intervention of different political parties and their bickering about shares in the new government. Meanwhile, protesters have been demanding an independent government capable of fighting against corruption and implementing serious structural reforms to save the country's financial system from an imminent collapse. This week on Mom, Tammy discovers family she never knew she had, but everything's not as it seems. Tammy comes bursting into the Plunkett-Janakowski house, and oh boy, does she have news! She got a call from a woman who's apparently her long lost Aunt Cookie (And no, that's not short for anything.) Cookie just recently found out Tammy existed since she cut ties with the family before Tammy was born, and Tammy had no knowledge of her either. And she wants to meet! Tammy's ecstatic! The girls and Tammy gather to meet Cookie, and turns out, she's just as larger than life (and eager to wrap someone in a hug) as Tammy! The two get along great, but Cookie quickly admits she went looking for Tammy's part of the family for a reason. She needs a kidney! Tammy (and the rest of the girls) are torn as to what she should do. Bonnie and Christy debate whether they would give each other organs (It's a yes for Bonnie, and a little bit more of an IDK for Christy.). Jill laments that she won't become an organ donor solely because she doesn't want to have to visit the DMV to register as one. Marjorie and Wendy discuss the importance of helping other people. After hearing everyone else's thoughts, Tammy decides to go ahead and get tested to find out if she even is a match to Aunt Cookie. Cookie's thrilled and the two head to the doctor. Bonnie goes with, probably to keep Cookie from cutting out Tammy's kidney right then and there. While Tammy's back getting tested, Cookie and Bonnie get to discussing their respective families and Cookie accidentally lets it slip that she's known about Tammy ever since her mother got pregnant with her. Bonnie barges back into the doctor's office and tells Tammy the truth before the test is even done. Tammy's devastated that Cookie let her go into the foster care system just because she didn't want the responsibility of caring for her, and even more devastated that Cookie lied about it. Tammy and Bonnie take off, and back at Marjorie's, Tammy struggles to process what her aunt's done. She's angry and doesn't think she'll ever be able to forgive her. Bonnie assures her that one day she will, the same way Bonnie was able to forgive her mother for dumping her at a fire station. The anger is just part of the healing process, and Tammy has one big advantage that Bonnie didn't have when going through the process - she's sober. And it turns out Tammy is more forgiving than most. She meets her Cookie for lunch and tells her that although she has no desire to have a relationship with after learning the truth, she's still going to get tested and donate her kidney if she's a match. Tammy's realized that in the end, it comes down to saving a life, and she's decided she's going to do what she can to save Cookie's. And it looks like Cookie's life will indeed be saved because Tammy ends up being a match! Guess Tammy will be down a kidney soon! While Tammy deals with giving away her own organ, Christy convinces Jill to go down to the DMV and register as an organ donor with her. When Jill voices a crazy last-minute concern about the possibility of medics letting people who are organ donors die, so "they can fill up their organ cooler," Christy actually gets un-nerved, and secretly throws her paperwork in the trash! Random Thoughts: -Best line goes to Bonnie when reading the celebrity magazine - "Oh Miley. Will you ever settle down...if you do, don't have children." Were you surprised at Tammy's decision? Let me know below! The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved the commissionerate system of policing for state capital Lucknow and Noida. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who presided over the cabinet meeting, told reporters that an ADG-level officer will be the police commissioner of Lucknow and Noida, Lucknow and Noida will have an SP-level woman officer to deal with cases of crimes related to women, he said. The system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to IPS officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) rank posted as commissioners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AQUA, a global brand of Haier which was officially launched in Indonesia in 2015, passes down Haier's philosophy and attaches much importance to public welfare undertakings. Last year, it positively responded to the activity of "Snapshot Haier", sending TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, stationery and books to children in the local orphanage to pass on care and warmth to them. In the Philippines, Haier also actively participated in public welfare undertaking. Last year the company donated a batch of much-needed home appliances as well as teaching aids to the local welfare house. The company has a localized approach to meet demands of global users with customized products. Haier has gained a strong foothold in Thailand. The secret of Haier's success in Thailand is localized marketing, actively communicating with users, analyzing market trends, and creating differentiated products. The company continuously identifies the needs of users in an attempt to develop customized products for Thai users. In Russia, Haier launched last year a laundry appliances plant, which is the first Chinese-built intelligent manufacturing factory based on COSMOPlat platform in Europe. The company hired local R&D talents, factory workers and sales staffs in a bid to better adapt to the local market and create competitive edges. By now, the plant has created over 800 jobs directly for the local market and provided a stimulus to local economic growth. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/310485.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road Information Service i dont like the producers for this but im glad its not from bryan fuller. hannibal was too self-indulgent and i dont trust him to tell his version of this story of clarice Reply Thread Link i like mads mikkelsen just fine, but the hype around him and this show was overblown. i hated how it treated its women characters. what a waste of gillian anderson, too. Reply Parent Thread Link I actually really enjoyed the first 2 seasons of Hannibal, but I had to dip out by mid season 3 because the quality fell immensely imo Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I was a huge fan of the first 2 seasons and about halfway through S3 and once it was cancelled, I stopped watching immediately. Still haven't finished the series either. Reply Parent Thread Link Same, lmao. I never went back to finish! Insane to me considering how hooked I was on seasons 1 & 2! Reply Parent Thread Link Yeahhhhhhhhhh I was so disappointed in s3 too. Reply Parent Thread Link Mte. I did enjoy a lot of his early choices, but it turned into a shitshow real fast. Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO it's Alex Kurtzman and CBS. Reply Parent Thread Link I watch Silence of the Lambs whenever I see it online. Id love a show or another movie about Clarice but in the hands of this guy? Fuck no. Id prefer the Hannibal version continuing as long as they dont minimize or destroy Clarice in the process. I hope she gets a gf or a confirmed sexuality. Reply Thread Link Clarice deserves so much love and care. Shes one of my favorite characters in film and it would suck to see her pushed to the side. After all this time I would hope that Bryan would do his best to honor her character and story. But youre so right about the shippers omg theyd lose it but screw them. Id want Clarice taking them BOTH down! Reply Parent Thread Link I know that Bryan Fuller originally wanted to do his version of SOTL with Clarice, but he couldnt get the rights to her character, so hes said that this new show wont affect the campaign to get Hannibal back as season 4 of his show would have been its own storyline with Hannibal and Will anyway. Reply Parent Thread Link Alex Kurtzman? No. Reply Thread Link It sounds like Law and Order with Harris' characters :T Reply Thread Link With him at the helm, it won't last a full season. Clarice needs women behind the camera and at the writers table, in a heavy ratio. Otherwise she'll be flat and a slightly southern Olivia Benson 2.0. But then as I hated what Harris did with Clarice, I'm not sure I trust anyone but Jodie Foster to go near her. Reply Thread Link Hannibal at least had every book except for Silence to draw from. I don't know how much you can do without making this Clarice in name only. The funny thing is Bryan Fuller offered to let them use Hannibal in exchange for letting them use Clarice but the producers for this said no. Edited at 2020-01-13 04:11 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link This could be good, but ugh at Kurtzman...I dont hold out much hope, but am ready to be pleasantly surprised Reply Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link The Blank Check Podcast is covering Demme right now & this week's episode is on The Silence of the Lambs for anyone interested! https://open.spotify.com/show/4zmVd1CGeUCxAAMwGAwsFD Reply Thread Link We should turn the Hannibal tv show into a Silence of the Lambs/Clarice Starling tag too. Reply Thread Link A leading aesthetic doctor has called for an end to unregulated 'Wild West' lip filler jabs performed by non-medics, in order to prevent a 'public health disaster'. Dr Nestor Demosthenous, who owns Dr Nestor's Medical Cosmetic Centre in Edinburgh's New Town, has written to Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman to urge her to clamp down on the industry. The Scottish Government is planning to launch a consultation on the regulation of treatments such as Botox and lip fillers, which are performed by non-healthcare professionals within non-regulated sites. Several practitioners authorised by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) say most their work involves repairing damage caused by non-medical workers who can legally inject clients with dermal filler. Dr Nestor Demosthenous, pictured, who owns Dr Nestor's Medical Cosmetic Centre in Edinburgh's New Town, has written to Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman to urge her to clamp down on the industry In the worst cases, patients have suffered tissue death after blood vessels were injected, but burst and bleeding lips are common and there are warnings that more serious injuries could occur. MailOnline has covered a number of stories regarding people whose lip fillers have caused them pain or gone wrong. In one case, Sarah Najjar, 34, of Bristol, decided to have fillers after she turned 30 and worried her lips were becoming deflated. But after forking out on the treatment, Ms Najjar was left with swollen, lumpy lips and forced to pay a further 700 to have the filler dissolved after the terrible reaction. She said: 'My lips swelled up after I had the filler injected, which I initially thought was normal but after a week you could see all these huge blue lumps and they felt rock hard. Sarah Najjar, 34, of Bristol, decided to have fillers after she turned 30 and saw the 'pillowed pouts' the treatment had produced on other people. But Ms Najjar was left with swollen, lumpy lips and forced to pay a further 700 to have the filler dissolved after a terrible reaction A dentist who had 'cheap' 300 lip fillers was left with 'rock hard blue lumps' instead of the 'pillowed pout' she desired after the treatment went horribly wrong 'You could see them when I was talking. I was so self-conscious. I was in shock at what I ended up going through for what I'd thought was a simple procedure. 'As a result, I decided to train in facial aesthetics to understand what had gone wrong but now, I also want to help other people looking to get fillers done to make sure they understand the risks. 'I get so many women coming in for corrective work after getting botched fillers, and they always say the same thing, 'I went somewhere cheap.' But you have to think, it's cheap for a reason, and it ends up costing you far more to fix it.' She also expressed concern about the rise in people with no medical training injecting filler into their clients. More than 430 independent clinics are registered with HIS to provide non-surgical treatments, but only those run by a doctor, nurse, midwife, dentist or dental technician are obliged to join the scheme. This snap in particular caused fans to speculate on whether Beyonce has had lip fillers - but Dr Nestor Demosthenous previously told FEMAIL he believes Beyonce's pout is the result of fluid retention Other providers such are beauticians and hairdressers are not regulated, despite a promise by the Scottish Government in 2016. In his letter, Dr Demosthenous said at least once a week he receives inquiries about having a correction from patients who have had work done elsewhere. Dr Demosthenous wrote: 'I find it's usually the youngest and most vulnerable patients that are attracted to the cheap deals. It's the Wild West out there.' He added: 'Almost four years later, we are no further forward. 'We need to act immediately; legislation must be put in place that protects the public above all else. 'It is too late for many, but if we act now, we can prevent a public health disaster.' Figures suggest that most issues are caused by non-medical workers. Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners, reported that more than 80 per cent of complaints reported to it in 2018 were about treatments carried out by lay people, including hairdressers and beauticians. HIS said it had received 23 complaints about members since 2017. Last year, Save Face received more than 200 complaints from patients in Scotland. Ashton Collins, a director of Save Face, said: 'The regulation of independent clinics in Scotland has led to a two-tier system whereby a limited group of healthcare professionals are required to register but lay people are not.' A Scottish Government spokesman said a public consultation on the options for regulation would be launched 'shortly'. He said: 'It will focus on cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, that are provided by non-healthcare professionals within non-regulated sites, principally, although not exclusively, administered by beauty therapists or hairdressers.' [January 13, 2020] Transoft Solutions Acquires Brisk Synergies to Leverage Machine Learning and Vision Analytics for Safer Cities RICHMOND, BC, Jan. 13, 2020 /CNW/ - Transoft Solutions Inc., ("Transoft") a global leader in transportation engineering design and analysis software, today announced its acquisition of Brisk Synergies ("Brisk") the leader in automated road safety analysis headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario. Brisk Synergies' BriskVANTAGE and BriskLUMINA software platforms apply continuous deep learning analytics on traffic video to help assist transportation professionals reach their Vision Zero goals to prevent vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist collisions, and improve road safety. The secure, cloud-based Brisk dashboard reports on actionable, predictive data on near-miss collisions and traffic flow in near real-time from video-monitored intersections on roadways. Brisk's platforms are already being used worldwide in cities including New York State, Atlanta, Toronto, Bellevue, Montreal, Denver, Bogota, Zurich, The Hague, Nantes, Karlsruhe and Mumbai. "We are impressed with the advanced technologies Brisk has developed and its highly skilled team of researchers and developers," said Milton Carrasco, Transoft Solutions President and CEO. "Through our continuous investments in talent, and technology and innovation, we can help engineers, city planners, and transportation departments design and plan safer cities driven by machine learning and video analytics." "We are delighted to welcome Brisk's employees into the Transoft family. A special warm welcome to Charles Chung, CEO of Brisk Synergies, and Luis Miranda-Moreno, Chief Scientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at McGill University in Mntreal." "We are very excited to be part of Transoft," said Charles Chung, CEO of Brisk Synergies who will join Transoft Solutions as Vice President, Transportation Safety. "By teaming with the highly seasoned team at Transoft, I strongly believe Brisk will strengthen its product line and deliver higher-value innovative road safety solutions to our existing and new clients." Transoft looks forward to bringing the best of both companies together to accelerate its strategy as the preeminent specialized software provider in the transportation sector. The combined organization will allow us to deliver transformative technologies to address our customers' complex planning and design challenges and to help create safer and more efficient transportation infrastructure. About Transoft Solutions Transoft Solutions develops innovative and highly specialized software for aviation, civil infrastructure, and transportation professionals. Since 1991, Transoft has remained focused on safety-oriented solutions that enable transportation professionals to work effectively and confidently. Our portfolio of planning, simulation, modeling, and design solutions are used in over 130 countries serving more than 50,000 customers across local and federal agencies, consulting firms, airport authorities, and ports. We take pride in providing the highest quality of customer support from our headquarters in Canada, and through our 10 offices in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, India, Belgium, and China. For more information on Transoft's range of aviation, civil design, and vehicle simulation solutions, visit transoftsolutions.com. About Brisk Synergies Brisk Synergies is the leader in automated road safety analysis. Applying surrogate safety analysis on traffic video cameras, we help transportation engineers and planners to better understand their road safety problems and identify solutions without waiting for collisions to occur. Our software platform provides automated video analysis of traffic flow for effective and immediate road safety diagnosis and evaluation of interventions. This enables urban transportation engineers and planners to make better, more knowledgeable decisions on how to improve traffic flow and reduce collisions. For more information about Brisk Synergies, visit brisksynergies.com. SOURCE Transoft Solutions Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Australian shares pulled back from the record highs hit on Friday, weighed down by a soft lead from Wall Street, geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and lingering concerns over the impact of the bushfires on the economy. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 lost 25.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, to close at 6903.7, dragged lower by weakness across all sectors except for information technology and real estate. ASX stock figures light up on electronic displays at the ASX foyer in the Sydney CBD. Credit:James Alcock "Against a background of significant unrest in the Middle East and the aftermath of the ongoing bushfire disaster at home, the market is hoisting up the white flag today," James McGlew, executive director of corporate stockbroking at Argonaut Securities told Reuters. Mondays losses were led by healthcare the strongest performing sector last week which skidded 1.1 per cent, hit by a rally in the Australian dollar following the release of a soft US jobs report on Friday and strength in the Chinese yuan ahead of the signing of the phase one trade agreement reached between China and the United States later in the week. India: Everything is lost: Life on the edge of the Indias Brahmaputra January 13,2020 | Source: Gulf News Once a vast river island in the heart of the Brahmaputra, now Majulis days are numbered: Experts warn it may disappear entirely by 2040 as ever more violent flooding swells the river, wreaking havoc on the lives of those that live along its banks. Millions rely on the vast waterway, which rises in Tibet and runs some 2,900 kilometres through the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, for their livelihoods but climate change means the deluge from the annual monsoon is increasingly extreme. Human mismanagement is exacerbating the problem and for Majulis 170,000 islanders the future looks bleak: the flood waters are submerging more and more areas of the island and for longer periods, wrecking crops and rendering land infertile. The inhabitants mostly indigenous Mishings tribespeople who follow a unique offshoot of Hinduism move to higher ground with their animals when the rains come, but soon there may be no place for them to migrate up to. We love the river but we know it will one day devour all our land. We can only pray that Brahmaputra relents and we can live in harmony like generations before us, says Sunil Mili, a farmer who grows mustard and rice. India is grappling with a water crisis on all fronts as global warming creates more extreme weather and poor environmental planning puts millions at risk. The nation is struggling to cope with multiple crises from severe drought as well as heavy flooding and rising sea and river levels all leading to chronic water shortages. The water crisis is expected to worsen as the countrys population is set to grow to about 1.6 billion by 2050, says Pradeep Purandare, a former professor with the Water and Land Management Institute. Swept away Majuli, famed for its historic 16th century monasteries, was 1,250 square kilometres (480 square miles) in 1890 but the Brahmaputras fast-flowing waters have eaten away at it. Now just 515 sq km remain and the island could disappear entirely in the next 15-20 years, according to the Majuli Island Protection and Development Council, a local non-profit agency. It is a reality that Nandiram Payeng knows only too well his entire village was swept away by the Brahmaputra. We had our houses, farms and cattle in our village. We were content and happy. But in 2007 the river came and took everything away, the widower recalls. Now we do cultivation in other peoples fields and we need to give them half the harvest, the 55-year-old tells AFP, the creases on his weather-beaten forehead deepening. Islanders began to leave in the mid-20th century but recently it has become an exodus some 10,000 families have been displaced in the past 12 years, according to local officials. Named after the son of the Hindu deity Brahma the river is considered sacred and people place offerings of earthen lamps and flowers to appease it. Every year the Brahmaputra is getting bigger. It is losing it depth and is getting wider. It is attacking the banks and eroding our land continually, said Mitu Khatamiar, a local journalist. Experts say fast melting Himalayan glaciers two-thirds of which could disappear by 2100 according to a major report in February caused by global warming are a major culprit for the heavy flooding. The Brahmaputra and many of Indias other major rivers are reliant on snow and ice from the mountains, and while an increase in melting means more water in the short term, its arrival is uncontrolled and intense. Catastrophe Climate change has made the monsoons more unpredictable: they come later, the deluges are heavier, but overall total rainfall has dropped. There are sudden showers of high intensity which the region is not used to which has led to catastrophe, says Suruchi Bhadwal, senior fellow, Earth Science and Climate Change at The Energy and Resources Institute. Such occurrences may increase in the coming years, she explains adding that glacier melt will initially lead to fuller rivers and a surplus of water. But there are few provisions in place to harness or conserve water when theres an abundance, and a lack of proper management when theres too little leaving people still facing water shortages. Water management, governance and regulation is lacking at the national level. Once water is available it should be used efficiently and in an equitable manner, Purandare says. He adds that while harvesting rainwater is one solution its vital that industry, agriculture, and communities look at the way they use and can conserve water now. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently created the Ministry of Jal Shakti, dedicated to looking at ways to better manage water resources and tackles everything from access to clean drinking water to flood management. Human encroachment along the river has also added to the problem more people live in the Brahmaputra valley than ever before and protective wetlands have been destroyed making way for homes and villages. Environmental expert Himanshu Thakkar says hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent building concrete river embankments in a bid to mitigate flooding along the Indus. But this has instead exacerbated the situation by inadvertently speeding up the flow of the river making it more dangerous when water levels are high. Thakkar: The Brahmaputra is a flood-prone river but we are worsening the situation. Get the local news in these turbulent times straight to your inbox at 3 p.m. daily Get the local news straight to your inbox at 3 p.m. daily Sign up now> Dublin City Council is set to launch a fresh bid to charge a hotel bed tax or visitor levy on tourists to the capital. The council intends to begin a consultation with stakeholders including Failte Ireland and accommodation providers about the possibility of introducing some form of visitor levy to raise funds for the citys authorities. Any new tax on tourists would need legislation to be passed by the Oireachtas. The introduction of a tourist tax or visitor levy is included in the work programme of the councils finance strategic policy committee. It said its previous requests to the Government to bring in a form of tourist tax had proven unsuccessful. Its head of finance, Kathy Quinn, pointed out that tourism makes an important contribution to Dublin's economy with almost six million overseas visitors spending 2bn in 2017. In addition around 1.8m domestic visitors from the Republic and Northern Ireland contributed another 434m to businesses in the city. The council argues that further growth in tourism to Dublin will require additional resources to support sustainable future investment as well as to manage the impact of Dublins success as a tourism destination on the city and its residents. "Tourism allows for the enjoyment of local amenities by visitors who do not contribute to the costs of services for those amenities, said Ms Quinn. She claimed there was an accepted rationale for imposing a tax on visitors to reflect the cost of providing tourism-related services such as additional street cleaning, maintenance, investment in public facilities, staging of public events and the management of cultural and historic sites. Ms Quinn acknowledged that the Irish Hotels Federation has in the past expressed concern about the potential negative impact which the introduction of a visitor levy could have on tourist numbers to Dublin and consequent job losses in the sector as well as the administrative burden of collecting any taxes. She claimed the introduction of a visitor levy would need to ensure that any charge was reasonable. OTTAWA - Federal opposition parties are divided over whether Canada should press ahead with its five-year-old mission in Iraq or start bringing home its soldiers, some of whom were forced to take cover last week from Iranian ballistic missiles as tensions in the region escalated. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this Feb. 20, 2017 file photo, Canadian special forces soldiers, left and right, speak with Kurdish Peshmerga fighters at an observation post, in northern Iraq. Federal opposition parties are divided over whether Canada should press ahead with its five-year-old mission in Iraq or start bringing home its soldiers, some of whom were forced to take cover last week from Iranian ballistic missiles. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz OTTAWA - Federal opposition parties are divided over whether Canada should press ahead with its five-year-old mission in Iraq or start bringing home its soldiers, some of whom were forced to take cover last week from Iranian ballistic missiles as tensions in the region escalated. The Conservatives have indicated they support Canada's ongoing involvement in Iraq and the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, saying the group continues to pose a threat to the West despite having lost much of its territory and strength over the past five years. "The work's not done and we need to make sure that we rid the region of (ISIL) permanently," Conservative defence critic James Bezan said. "If we pull out early, the same thing could happen in Iraq as last time, in that it becomes a safe haven for (ISIL) and other terrorist organizations." The Liberal government says it plans to resume the entire mission once the security situation improves. The New Democrats say they support Canada's efforts to train Iraqi forces through the NATO military alliance, but they want the Liberal government to withdraw the estimated 200 special-forces soldiers who have been working in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition since 2014. The secrecy that has surrounded the special-forces mission is one of the reasons for the demand, said NDP foreign affairs critic Jack Harris, noting long-standing questions about what the troops are actually doing, including whether they are or have been involved in combat remain unanswered. "But also the situation in terms of what we're dealing with here. If you look at (U.S. President Donald) Trump's moves in Iran in the last 10 days, we now have a very unpredictable partner in Mr. Trump and the Americans ... and we think that's a dangerous place for Canadians to be." The divergent views follow not only an extremely explosive and unpredictable week, which saw the U.S. and Iran come to the brink of war, but also mixed assessments in recent months of the progress in training the Iraqi military and eradicating ISIL. The Pentagon's top watchdog painted a gloomy picture in November about the five-year-old fight against ISIL, warning the U.S. withdrawal from Syria and subsequent Turkish offensive had let the organization regroup and strengthened its ability to plan attacks against the West. Yet the report by the U.S. Defense Department's Office of the Inspector General also warned that Iraqi security forces continue to rely heavily on American and other allies when taking the fight to ISIL, raising questions about the effectiveness of military-training efforts. Canada's mission in Iraq has two main elements, the first of which involves about 200 troops who have been training local forces through NATO since October 2018 to fight ISIL. Canada is leading that mission, which is based largely in the south of the country around the capital Baghdad. A similar number of Canadian special-forces soldiers have been working in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition since 2014. Officials have said their most recent focus has been on helping Iraqi counter-terror units root out any remaining ISIL cells in the north. Both elements saw their missions suspended last week, with orders for the troops to hunker down on military bases or, in some cases, relocated to Kuwait, over fears Iran or its proxies would retaliate for the U.S. having killed Iranian Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Those fears proved to be founded as Iran launched ballistic missile attacks against two military bases in Iraq last Tuesday, including one outside the northern city of Irbil where Canadian special forces have been operating for the past five years. No one was injured in the attacks, but the Iranian military later shot down a commercial airliner that same night that was carrying 176 people, including 57 Canadians and dozens of others who were flying to Canada. Iran has apologized and an investigation is underway. While the threat of conflict appeared to have lessened as Iran and the West dealt with that tragedy, Canadian troops remained on lock down Monday, one day after rockets hit an Iraqi base north of Baghdad. It wasn't clear who fired the rockets, which are different from Iran's missiles. Complicating matters is a resolution that was passed by the Iraqi parliament last week calling for all foreign troops to leave the country. Many Iraqi parliamentarians boycotted the vote, but outgoing Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has voiced his support for it. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was scheduled to travel to Brussels on Tuesday to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Sajjan's Danish counterpart, whose country is taking over the NATO training mission in Iraq later this year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. Demolition of four flat complexes in Kochi for flouting coastal regulation zone norms was carried out with clockwork precision but local residents complain that they have been left high and dry amid the rubble. Angry residents have gheraoed Maradu municipal chairperson T H Nadira for hours on Monday over severe dust pollution from the debris. Local residents said they were promised that the rubble would be watered frequently to control dust pollution but many suffered breathing problem as watering was not done properly. They also said water and electricity supplies were severed two days ago and were not restored which added to their woes. The residents withdrew after district authorities gave an assurance that their grievances will be addressed soon. Special officer Snehil Kumar Singh said their concerns will be addressed immediately. The two-day demolition has left at least 80,000 tonne of debris and it will take at last 70 days to remove them. Dust is everywhere. A breeze aggravates the situation. Two persons with breathing complaints were rushed to the hospital. Once their mission was over, authorities have conveniently forgotten local residents, said M Manju, who has been staying in the area for nearly two decades. Keralas Minister for Local Self Government Departments A C Moideen later said damages to local dwelling units will be compensated properly. We will solve their concerns. Their co-operation helped us to carry out a smooth operation. Even minors damages will be addressed, he said. Another concern of local residents is that the firms which carried out demolition have right over iron and steel from the debris. They fear extracting of metal from debris will aggravate pollution in the area. Prompt Enterprises, a company which took the contract to clear debris, has given 70 days to clean up and trucks will be allowed only in the night, said municipal authorities. Banks worried Banks and financial institutions are facing a liability of at least 200 crore following the demolition of four apartment complexes. Out of 350 flats, at least 300 had availed housing loans ranging from 40 lakh to one crore, bankers said. And many banks have complained that majority of them have stopped paying their EMIs since last month. And some of them who got their flats insured have approached insurance firms for compensation. Many flat owners said since their property was lost they were not liable to pay but banks insist that they cannot shirk their responsibility like this. Some of the banks have announced their plan to withhold the compensation amount transferred to bank accounts of flat owners. In September the Supreme Court had ordered 25 lakh compensation to each flats owners. Some banks have already said they are ready for one-time settlement but legal experts said a bunch of litigations are in the offing. There is also a question that how banks sanctioned loans to purchase flats which were constructed illegally flouting all norms. Another question is about the ownership of four acres of prime land that will now be vacant after the demolition. Many flat owners said they have undivided share in the land and they will approach the top court for it. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai: Days after she faced flak for stating that newly-sworn in ministers in the Maharashtra government had not yet started making money, Congress leader and state minister Yashomati Thakur on Sunday courted controversy again by claiming that touching a cow drives away negativity. The women and child welfare minister was speaking at a function organised at Sarshi village of Teosa taluka in Amravati to mark the death anniversary of a cow, which the villagers used to worship believing her to be a goddess. While addressing the gathering in the function, she said, Our culture says if you touch a cow, all negativity will go away. Further, she said, I believe that the work is religion. What we think, that becomes religion. If we worship Vitthal (Hindu God) with full devotion, our wishes will come true. She also advised young people to work hard towards their careers and said, They want to become independent but want to achieve this by only falling on Vitthals feet. That is, however, not enough. We also need to chant the name of Lord Vitthal. While slamming personality development courses, the minister said that such costly classes have led to people losing their culture. This leads to negativity in people. But taking the darshan of the holy cow can lead to negative energy declining. This is a miracle that even our culture clearly states, he said. The ministers comments have led to people criticising her for spreading superstition. But the minister defended herself, adding that she stands by her statement. Cow is a sacred animal. Moreover, be it a cow or any other animal, touching them brings a feeling of love to us. What is wrong in what I said? she said. Earlier, campaigning during the Washim Zilla Parishad (ZP) polls, Ms Thakur, an MLA from Teosa in Amravati since 2009 and a senior Congress leader, had said, We have just come to power, our pockets are not warm enough yet. The minister had also said that voters may accept money from the Opposition but must vote for the Indian National Congress. Today, January 13, 2020 marks the 90th birthday of Ghanas first female police officer, Rosemond Nkansah. Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Ghanaians on social media were full of praise for the Madam Rosemond Nkansah. They showed praise on her and wish her Gods blessings. Seyiram says Madam Rosemond Nkansah never took bribe Dzifa asked the Madam Nkansah the best of the day PW1 rtd Rosamond Asiama Nkansah is 90-years-old. Source: Original READ ALSO: Kan Dapaahs video: NPP Loyal Ladies issue disclaimer Professional policing was introduced to the Gold Coast by the British Colonial Authorities in 1821. Prior to this, law and order in Ghana was handled by the traditional authority. In 1894, the Institution of Police was formalized with the passing of the Police Ordinance which gave legal authority for the formation of a civil police force. ATTENTION: Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana The women branch of the service was then established, to be responsible for Juvenile crimes and offences committed by women. READ ALSO: John Dumelo embarks on a late night door-to-door campaign In 1958, the first Ghanaian Police Commissioner, Mr. E. R. T. Madjitey was appointed to head the service. YEN.com.gh earlier reported a corps member, the equivalent of a national service person in Ghana, from Nigeria's Kogi state, Bolufemi Princess Motunrayo, has taken his own life. She was reported to have died after drinking two bottles of sniper, a dangerous insecticide. The lady, who hailed from Ijumu in Kogi state, was also a graduate of Banking and Finance from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Daily Trust reports. Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh A cafe owner has been bombarded with death threats after sharing a 'racist' post on his business's social media account. Bart Mahat, co-owner of Threepence Cafe and Bakery in Perth's south, shared an image showing African slaves on a boat to Facebook and Instagram on Saturday. He captioned the post: 'New shipment of workers coming to serve you @Threepence Cafe Bakery. Hope you appreciate us!' A Perth cafe has come under fire for a post (pictured) satirising slavery on their business social media account But many did not appreciate Mr Mahat's 'joke' featuring a historical depiction of emaciated naked African men and women huddled on a slave trafficking ship in 1860. Furious social media users accused Mr Mahat of racism and sent him complaints, while others re-posted screenshots of the image online. 'Racism at its best! This picture the cafe owner posted is very malicious!' a woman wrote on a Threepence cafe business page. 'Not so casual racism served on social media. Leaves quite a bitter taste in the mouth and definite nausea,' another person added. 'The picture speaks for itself. I cannot imagine how anyone in their right mind would think that this would be okay or funny. What a way to begin the new year,' wrote a third. People have flocked to Threepence Cafe and Bakery's business pages to call out its 'racist' post Amid the torrents of abuse, the father posted a public apology and sent personal messages - but he said all efforts were met with more hostility. 'I dont know what to do. Ive had death threats on my phone. Im scared,' he told The West. 'It was poorly considered and I regret what I did. There is no excuse and I sincerely and unreservedly apologise.' 'When I did it at 7 oclock in the morning, I didnt think about racism. It was a picture of people on a boat. I thought it would be funny.' Mr Mahat said he quickly realised the post was distasteful and deleted it before he received any complaints. But the post had already begun circulating online. Mr Mahat responded to angry criticism by posting a public apology saying the upload was not meant to be 'malicious' Mr Mahat responded to angry commentators by explaining that the picture and words were not meant to be 'malicious'. 'This is getting out of control. For those that don't actually know me, I have dark skin myself!,' he wrote. The business owner pleaded for forgiveness after acknowledging the picture was inappropriate 'No need to troll... I'm sorry. That's not intended to be malicious. Bad choice of pic at 7am. That is my fault.' Bur some felt it was too late for forgiveness. 'I had their racism and it was tasteless and stale. I was tempted by their apology for dessert but it was also bland and unappealing,' one woman wrote. The Western Australian business has since shut down its business pages. The Africans of the slave bark 'Wildfire' is an engraving of the moment 510 slaves were brought to Key West, Florida, to be freed after the ship was intercepted off the coast of Cuba by the US Navy in April 1860. Wildfire, a New York-owned vessel, had violated U.S. law enacted in 1808, banning the importation of slaves from overseas. 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Party chief Sonia Gandhi in a meeting with senior leaders of the Delhi unit on Monday asked those active in electoral to contest the assembly elections, said a Delhi Congress leader present in the meeting. Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra, who was not present in the meeting, said the party will field "strongest and best" candidates in the polls. Rajesh Lilothia, working president of the Delhi Congress, said Gandhi asked senior and experienced party leaders active in electoral to contest the polls. Party sources claimed Lilothia was also asked to contest the elections at which he offered himself to be fielded against AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The screening committee of the party has so far discussed names of candidates on 70 assembly seats in two rounds. The committee is due to meet again on Tuesday, party leaders said. "The party chief has asked senior leaders, including former MPs, MLAs and those who unsuccessfully contested the previous elections, to fight the elections to enable the party regain its earlier footprint in Delhi," said another senior Delhi Congress leader present in the meeting. Party sources said the selection of the candidates for the Delhi assembly elections is expected to be finalised by Wednesday. However, the announcement of names may take some time as the AAP and the BJP are yet to declare their candidates. Delhi Congress chief spokesperson in a statement said the party has received 683 applications from party workers for the ticket to contest the elections. The Congress will field only those candidates who are acceptable to people in their constituencies and have winning chances, he said, adding that the first list of the party candidates will be released in a day or two. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A funeral is held for village administrator Nyan Thein and a female resident who were killed by gunfire from Myanmar soldiers in Satetaya village, Minbya township, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, December 2019. UPDATED at 11:38 A.M. ET on 2020-01-14 Dozens of village administrators in western Myanmars war-torn Rakhine state have threatened to resign if Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi does not order an investigation into the death of one of their colleagues killed by government troops in December, the community heads said Monday. The 68 village chiefs from Minbya township sent a written appeal to the state counselor to look into the death of Nyan Thein, head of Satetaya village in Minbya township, and to seek justice for him. They also sent copies to military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and deputy parliamentary speaker Aye Thar Aung. The village heads said they sent their appeal directly to Aung San Suu Kyi because they trust her. With regard to the murder of village head Nyan Thein, we believe that Mother Suu can resolve this problem, said a village administrator who declined to be named out of fear for his safety. We trust her. If she cannot bring justice to this case, all 68 village heads will be at the risk of succumbing to the same fate, he added. We are trapped between two armed forces, so we have agreed to resign if things do not go well. Nyan Thein along with Kyaw Aye Maung, an official from neighboring Kyaukmaw village, and a 39-year-old female civilian were killed by gunfire from Myanmar soldiers on Dec. 11, witnesses and relatives of the deceased told RFAs Myanmar Service late that month. At the time of the incident, government forces claimed that the two men were already dead from handgun wounds when they arrived on scene in Satetaya village, where Kyaw Aye Maung was visiting. An army brigade on security patrol near the townships Yarmaung Bridge arrived near Satetaya village the same day, according to a statement issued by the office of military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Dec. 13. Soldiers from the rebel Arakan Army (AA) fired at them with light artillery from a house in the village, but they ran away to an area south of Satetaya village when Myanmar troops returned fire, the militarys account said. As government soldiers inspected the house from where the AA fired shots, they found Nyan Thein and Kyaw Aye Maung, dead of gunshot wounds, the announcement said, adding that Myanmar troops detained seven people near the site who were behaving strangely, the statement said. But residents said a Myanmar soldier reportedly arrested Nyan Thein at his home while he was meeting with a Buddhist monk to discuss recent shelling from the armed conflict, while more than 20 villagers chatted by a bonfire at the compound. Nyan Theins relatives and the witnesses said the village administrator died of injuries after being beaten with a gunstock, while Kyaw Aye Maung was later shot and died after Myanmar soldiers detained him along with nine other villagers and took them away. The woman from the village was also shot and killed in the same incident. Terrorizing the population Dozens of civilians, including village administrators, have died in an escalated conflict between Myanmar forces and the AA, which is fighting for greater autonomy in northern Rakhine state. Both sides have detained and interrogated villagers who they believe may be assisting the enemy, and have blamed the other side for any killings. RFA could not reach Presidents Office spokesman Zaw Htay for comment on the village administrators appeal letter. AA spokesman Khine Thukha pointed to repeated incidents where village heads and civilians were killed by Myanmar soldiers in the state and said that Aung San Suu Kyi should do something to stop them. The Myanmar military has been terrorizing the civilian population, he said. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate like Daw [honorific] Aung San Suu Kyi and her government should be able to prevent that. We want to send a clear message that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her government are responsible for all the atrocities and war crimes committed by the Myanmar military. Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said that the army conducts investigations of killings whenever it receives an appeal letter. I dont know if we have received that letter or not, he said. We have made announcements with regard to these incidents. These village heads should be more honest, he added. What I mean is they need to tell the truth. As for us, we conduct investigations upon the receipt of appeal letters. Village administrators are government employees assigned to their posts by the General Administration Department, the countrys administrative backbone that acts as the civil service for Myanmars 14 state and regional governments and provides the administration for its districts and townships. The department was under the Ministry of Home Affairs until December 2018, but then was transferred to the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government under the administration of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) administration. Myanmar ethnic rebel leader General Gun Maw (L) from the Kachin Independence Army walks with Chinese special envoy Sun Guoxiang (R) as representatives of various Myanmar ethnic rebel groups arrive for the opening of a conference in Mai Ja Yang, northern Myanmar's Kachin state. July 26, 2016. Credit: AFP Envoy meets with ethnic armies Meanwhile, a Chinese special envoy has pressed leaders of the AA and another ethnic armies in Myanmar to reduce their offensives and engage in peace talks with government forces, as Beijing continues to try to influence the direction of armed conflict in war-torn Rakhine and Kachin states ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Sun Guoxiang, special envoy for Asian affairs from Chinas foreign ministry, met on Jan. 10 with the commanders of the AA and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) at KIA headquarters in the town of Laiza in northern Myanmars Kachin state to try to persuade the armies to take measures to end instability in the border regions. Both ethnic armies are members of the Northern Alliance of four rebel militaries that have joined forces to launch coordinated attacks against government soldiers. China has been increasingly concerned about armed conflicts in western and northern Myanmar disrupting various infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asia nation under Xis massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and wants to ensure they are not jeopardized. Sun has expressed Beijings official displeasure with the fighting and encouraged ethnic armies fighting in border areas to meet with peace negotiators and agree to bilateral cease-fires with the government military. His latest effort comes before Xis state visit to Myanmar on Jan. 17-18. When our leaders met with Sun Guoxiang in Laiza, he said that the Chinese government is assisting the Myanmar government with the peace talks, AA spokesman Khine Thukha told RFAs Myanmar Service. So, he has encouraged all parties to resolve the issue at the negotiation table in a peaceful way. But Khine Thukha stressed that the ruling civilian government and the national military need to do more on their end to stop the fighting and initiate the next moves in the countrys faltering peace process to ends decades of civil wars and forge a democratic federal union. In order to keep holding the peace talks, the Myanmar government and the military should change their hostile attitudes, he Thukha said. Especially, both the government and the military should give up the belief that they can win by any means with the excessive use of force. They should find a common ground by settling differences in a peaceful manner. RFA could not reach Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun or Colonel Win Zaw Oo, spokesman for the Myanmars militarys Western Command, for comment. Reported by Moe Myint, Phyu Phyu Khine, and Nayrein Kyaw for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 13, 2020 Siding against Booking.com, the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation is urging the Supreme Court to rule that the online reservation company is not entitled to trademark its name. The organization argues in a friend-of-the-court brief filed Monday that companies aren't entitled to trademark generic words like booking by combining them with generic top-level domains like .com. The watchdog adds that allowing terms like booking.com to be trademarked contravenes the purposes of trademark law to the detriment of consumer rights and competition. The EFF is weighing in on a battle between the Patent and Trademark Office and Booking.com dating to 2016, when the web company sued over the agency's refusal to issue a trademark on the grounds that Booking.com was too generic. advertisement advertisement U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia sided with Booking.com -- ruling that although the word "booking" is generic, adding the top-level domain ".com" entitled the company to trademark protection. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision in February, writing that the agency had not proven that consumers view the term booking.com as referring in general to online hotel reservation services. The agency is now appealing that decision to the Supreme Court. The EFF argues that the 4th Circuit's decision in favor of Booking.com sets a dangerous precedent that will undermine competition, impede efficient trademark review, and create new litigation risks for small businesses that can ill-afford them. The organization adds that the lower court ruling exposes other companies that currently use variations of the word booking will face new threats. "There are already a number of other companies with domain names incorporating the same generic root as 'booking.com,' such as 'ebooking.com,' 'bookit.com,' and 'simplybook.com'," the group writes. These companies would face considerably more risk of liability under the Fourth Circuits approach. And they face this risk even though their domain names are not identical to the registered mark; for purposes of trademark liability, all that is required is a likelihood of confusion." To begin with, I must congratulate the thousands of young men and women who have come out to the streets to uphold our democracy. A healthy debate is the first and foremost sign of a healthy democracy. But unless these conflicting strands get reconciled, we invite chaos. While I have great respect for the students movement, disagreement and anger, I would like to urge them not to take it so far that it affects their future. If our students, justifiably annoyed, do not attend classes, and do not let examinations take place, they will harm themselves and the future of young people of the country. Todays generation may want to look back at some key moments in our history of protests. It was in 1967 that the angrezi hatao! (remove English) movement started by Ram Manohar Lohia was at its peak. It was only two decades after we got Independence. The young were influenced by developments in France, Soviet Russia, Germany and even the United States, which was all in ferment. Back home, English was projected as the language of the oppressor, a language of discrimination that perpetuated inequality. The supporters of the movement argued that if many European countries had succeeded in achieving growth and development without English, why could India not do so? On Ram Manohar Lohias call, thousands of the students from the Hindi belt came out to the streets to protest. I remember in the civil lines area of Allahabad (now, Prayagraj), boards in English on the shops were painted overnight. Nameplates in English outside houses were smeared with black. The entrances and doors of many houses were damaged. We were then in primary school. Our parents were inspired by the same sentiment. As a result, subsequently, people of my generation faced difficulties in our own country because of the lack of familiarity with English. Interestingly, Lohias colleagues and followers, who ousted the Congress from power in seven states in assembly elections in 1967, forgot all about the students movement in Tamil Nadu that had taken place just two years earlier. Why did this happen? In 1965, that the Official Language Act, 1963, was implemented in Tamil Nadu. Under this law, learning Hindi was made mandatory. Students, joined by others, protested against this vehemently. Many students even lost their lives. The movement only ended when Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri assured the students that the government would honour Jawaharlal Nehrus promise and Hindi would not be imposed on them. As a result of this movement, the Congress was wiped out in the state in 1967 and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came to power. Not even a decade had passed after this uproar when Jayaprakash (JP) Narayan became the face of a significant movement that altered national politics. Under his leadership, student agitations, which had started over a fee hike in Gujarat and Bihar ,took a new shape. At that time, the one slogan that reverberated in every household was: Sampurna kranti ab naara hai, bhavi itihas hamara hai (Total revolution is our slogan, history now belongs to us). Several of todays leaders joined politics around that time. It took a new form of resistance as the Indira Gandhi government imposed Emergency. At the end of the 1970s, a new students movement began in Assam. This movement focused on the Assamese language and identity, and it rocked the foundation of the political power in the state. In the next assembly election, the Asom Gana Parishad, which was formed under the leadership of students, won a majority and came to power. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta was the first person who reached the chief ministers residence straight from the students hostel. When in power, he realised that the issues that shaped his struggle were driven largely by emotion. They had no real legislative impact. There are various other examples that I can give to young people today, but here is a piece of advice to them instead. They should never forget the reality that politics is ultimately all about securing power, and this often excludes human sentiments. For it is not just people who accumulate resources through illegal means who are corrupt. Those who compromise on their principles and ideology are even more dangerous. In this intensely competitive world of today, our young will have to establish greater harmony between their struggle and their aim. I must add an appeal to the government too. The feelings of the youth cannot be suppressed by using force only. Securing an agreement with them is not only the ruling governments responsibility, but is also the biggest necessity of our times. It would be in the interest of all concerned if this fire is contained before it spreads further. Shashi Shekhar is the editor-in-chief, Hindustan The views expressed are personal (Newser) Police in Colorado say eight people were stabbed in a string of apparently random attacks overnight in Colorado Springs. All eight were taken to hospitals, and there's no word yet on the severity of their injuries, reports KDVR. The suspect was being held by victims when officers arrived, police say. At least three different attacks took place downtown, starting about 1:30am. Police found two victims at the first site, then more at a second site by a local park. Officers arrested the suspect at the site of yet another stabbing, around 2:10am. "The attacks appeared [to] be random and there is no known relationship between the suspect and the victims," says a police report, per CNN. The suspect hasn't been identified yet. (Read more Colorado Springs stories.) sunilch BHPian Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Thane - MH04 Posts: 383 Thanked: 1,474 Times Re: A Kiss of Death in Magical Himachal While cursing on the TB500 at legal speeds, a Baleno with temp numbers came suddenly on the highway from the left and the driver, without any thought or indication decided to do a sharp U-turn. I was on the second lane having my 'Always On' headlight on. But this idiot just decided to change direction without checking for anything. I pressed both breaks and honked. The idiot panicked and instead of changing direction to make the car strait or stopping all-together, he did some stupid steering movement and the car started going in diagonal direction. I tried to steer to right as I had noticed that there was no on coming vehicle in the opposite direction but could not do so to the expected extent and ended up hitting the car and the the bike fell. Now, because I had full gear including Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Double pants and special shoes for riding I had zero external injury. Not even a single scratch. But the impact was sudden and I had banged my head on the road in the fall. As a result my neck received a major shock. I passed out for about 5 mins and when I woke up, I realized I was lying on the road side. My helmet, glasses, gloves and backpack - everything was taken off my body by passersby who picked me and kept me lying on the side of the road. I was not able to move, lift up my body or head. My arms were paralyzed and so was one of my leg (partially). I immediately realized something major has happened and started shouting. I had to shout as people were trying to life me. I know that doing so could have further damaged my spine or neck and hence I asked them no not to touch me until an ambulance arrives. I am actually not sure if my damage could have be reduced or lesser if no one would have lifted me initially or tried to remove my helmet. But I know they all were trying to help me and trying to wake me up to see if I was still alive. The driver was held by the crowd and he was helping too to get me to a hospital. My friend came back after noticing that I wasn't in his rear view after some time (he was ahead of me when the accident happened). Fortunately the accident happened within 200-300 meters of a good private hospital at Mandi and immediately people got a stretcher for me. I told them to lift me carefully and also hold my neck as by now I understood that it is my neck that is broken. The hospital had a resident Orthopedic Surgeon and so I was in luck despite not being in luck. He quickly diagnosed the condition properly and advised MRI. We left for MRI center, about 6 kms away in ambulance with my friend, and one person who was helping us. Turns out the car was a Nexa showroom Demo car and the driver had missed buying sweets for some ceremonial that they were having at the showroom. So in a hurry he was trying to change direction to go to a sweets shop on the other side. The guy helping us in the ambulance was a showroom employee. I was waiting for my turn at the MRI machine and suddenly another guy comes up and starts sweet talking to me. He was a sales rep or some manager at the showroom and was trying to know my background, my residency status, etc. Starts telling me that I will be ok within a day as it is only pain and nothing else and I should actually leave tomorrow morning itself to take rest of the treatment at home. His exact words: 'Ghar pe jo treatment hoti hai na, woh best hoti hai. Mera ek dost tha usko bhi yehi hua tha aur woh 2-3 din mein theek ho gaya.' (You will get best treatment at home only. A fried of mine had same injury as you and he got back to normal in 2-3 days). Imagine, I was lying in severe pain on the stretcher, unable to move my arms or neck and he starts doing his job there itself. I understood something is fishy and asked him to talk to me the next day. Meanwhile, another team of folks from the showroom visited the hospital owner while we were at the MRI center and told them that they will take care of everything. Post MRI and other scans, I am back at hospital and the report tells us that I have: Fracture in one vertebra of my C-Spine. Edema in multiple vertebrae of C-Spine Disk bulge in couple of vertebra of C-Spine The Orthopedic surgeon knew what to do and he started the treatment. Come day three of the accident and the real face of those Nexa guys is revealed. My friend/family was asked for money for all pending bills, tests and reports. Now in normal case it is not a surprise but here it was because the Nexa guys went back on their word to the hospital. They refused to help us in any way because an FIR was filled against them and it can't be cancelled. You see while I was being diagnosed and treated on the first day, local police came in and took both vehicles in custody. They had taken statements from multiple eyewitnesses, me and the driver. And all eyewitnesses clearly told the cops that it was the car driver who was at fault. Some of them in-fact are formal witnesses in the FIR. So what the Nexa guys were trying to get away with, was already done. So by now, during this unfortunate event, I met: Some kind hearted people who helped me despite being strangers Some good citizens who went out of their way to do the right thing and stand witness in the FIR Some professionals who were good at their craft and gave me the right treatment at the right time Some ugly/immoral folks who were just doing their job (but wait their even more uglier face is still only half reveled) My family members came in next day and after knowing all this, they were of the opinion to not to pursue the matter legally and immediately move to Mumbai for further treatment ASAP. So my family members, who were being nagged by the showroom guys with their sweet talk, agreed to have the the FIR withdrawn. My family understood that they are showing fake sympathy due to the FIR but still, my treatment was a higher priority for everyone at that point. To get this done, they traveled all the way to Sundarnagar on day three to meet the higher ups, along with the showroom employees. But even the higher ups were clear that this can be done only by the courts. On day three, my family arranged all discharge documents and we decided to move on day four early morning at 4:00 am. This is how the conversation went between Nexa (N) guys, Hospital owner (Dr) and my family (F): Dr to N: Here is the total bill, please send across the money. These guys are leaving tomorrow. N: But Sir, our Maalik (Employer) has now refused to pay. Dr to N: You said you will pay and hence I have not asked for any money from F. Why has the Employer changed his mind? F to N: When were you planning to inform me of this? Were you planning to pay from your pocket earlier and now suddenly your boss has come into picture? Why are you revealing this now? N: Sir, FIR is already filled and it didn't get cancelled so we can't do anything. F to N: We didn't ask you for any money to begin with, so you can leave. We will leave tomorrow so you don't have to worry about us for now. F to Dr: Never mind them, we will pay and leave tomorrow at 4 am. But will need help in doing so. Dr to F: Thank-you. It is good that it got settled today as I didn't know that Nexa will go back on their word. I will arrange for boys to help you tomorrow morning. Later in evening, my friend leaves for CH to return his bike and papers for mine. Bike rental guy was ok to get the bike released by himself later from Mandi. But now another turn was yet to happen. The ambulance was a third party service provider who showed up his ugly face. He agreed at XXX Rs when we booked the ambulance during the day. But later at night, he turned up at the hospital saying that he doesn't have the ambulance that we had booked but now has another one - not a bigger one, just another vehicle of same type/size, but will cost XXX + 2000 Rs more. Why? Because the driver is asking for more. Despite telling him that he is being unprofessional and unethical, we agreed to the revised cost and he assured us that he will provide stretcher, blankets and pillow for me, helpers at CH to unload me and that the ambulance will not leave us until we board into the train. We were coming by train as I was not in a position to travel to Delhi from Mandi by road, the journey was too long. There were no direct flights from CH to BOM available with a stretcher on immediate basis. You see, if you want to arrange for a stretcher in a flight to carry a patient, you need to book the same a minimum 48 hours in advance and it will have to be a specific flight that the airlines will tell you. You can't choose the flight and you can't change it post booking. Of-course this is applicable for normal folks like you and me. If you have some good connections (specially political connections) then none of these things will matter. I know because one of my friend's brother had gone through this earlier and they are well connected. That guy got airlifted from Ladakh on urgent basis and was in Mumbai hospital in under 24 hours. Next morning, only a single driver turns up with nothing with him. Not even blankets or a pillow. This driver is totally rude and refuses to help us in lifting me to get into the ambulance. Says his job is only to drive to CH and come back and he won't wait for our train. He will just drop and leave. The ambulance agency guy wouldn't pick up the phone at 4 am obviously. So we borrow blankets and pillows from hospital and start. After a lot of hard talk later, with the driver and the agency, he finally agrees to wait with us until the train comes in. Again there were no helpers at CH. Agency guys says that he was not able to arrange the same. So finally at CH station we get coolies and railway stretcher (as the Ambulance was not carrying its own). All this pain because I was not allowed to move at all. You see, the injury or the body pain isn't as hurtful, as is seeing your family members go thorough this agony for basic services that we were paying for. People going back on their word while providing emergency services is the last thing that we would expect. And all because someone had an urgency to buy some sweets. Next day we reach Mumbai where things were pre-arranged by my wife for my further treatment at Jaslok Hospital. I got the required further treatment at Jaslok by qualified doctors and the services were great. Being from Mumbai, we know the best hospitals in Mumbai and know what to expect. I can confidently say that Mumbai has one of the best, if not the best, healthcare facilities in India. So we did meet another group of people who knew how to fleece others while they are in need. Post discharge, I was on strict bed rest for 2 months with a cervical collar around my neck all the time - 24x7. But I have a supportive family who cares for everyone in it to such an extent that I thank my starts everyday that I was born into such a family. It was wonderful to see my 2 year old son after a long time. It was wonderful to hear how his first words and his initial broken lines, asking me to give him his color crayons while he paints our walls with them My office folks have been supportive too and fortunately I had some accumulated leaves that I was able to utilize for this emergency. I have now started working from home and hope to resume my work schedule in a couple of weeks or in Feb 2020 for sure. I used to run for 70 mins and cover 10Kms before the accident. Post the accident, I was not able to get up from my bed without help, not able to move my neck in any direction and not able to balance properly while standing. But now, I have started walking and can walk for 40 mins slowly. I have a long way to get back to my normal as I am still in recovery mode and it will be slow. But with my family's support, I am sure I will be back to my 70 mins runs one day. So on the second last day we came across a group of five folks who came all the way from Surat and were headed back home. We connected over our journey and negotiated rooms at same hotel in Mandi. Discussed life, bikes, and many other things. Next morning, all set to return to CH. After about 30 mins from leaving the hotel, the unexpected happened.While cursing on the TB500 at legal speeds, a Baleno with temp numbers came suddenly on the highway from the left and the driver, without any thought or indication decided to do a sharp U-turn. I was on the second lane having my 'Always On' headlight on. But this idiot just decided to change direction without checking for anything. I pressed both breaks and honked. The idiot panicked and instead of changing direction to make the car strait or stopping all-together, he did some stupid steering movement and the car started going in diagonal direction. I tried to steer to right as I had noticed that there was no on coming vehicle in the opposite direction but could not do so to the expected extent and ended up hitting the car and the the bike fell.Now, because I had full gear including Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Double pants and special shoes for riding I had zero external injury. Not even a single scratch.But the impact was sudden and I had banged my head on the road in the fall.I passed out for about 5 mins and when I woke up, I realized I was lying on the road side.My helmet, glasses, gloves and backpack - everything was taken off my body by passersby who picked me and kept me lying on the side of the road. I was not able to move, lift up my body or head. My arms were paralyzed and so was one of my leg (partially). I immediately realized something major has happened and started shouting. I had to shout as people were trying to life me. I know that doing so could have further damaged my spine or neck and hence I asked them no not to touch me until an ambulance arrives.I am actually not sure if my damage could have be reduced or lesser if no one would have lifted me initially or tried to remove my helmet. But I know they all were trying to help me and trying to wake me up to see if I was still alive.The driver was held by the crowd and he was helping too to get me to a hospital. My friend came back after noticing that I wasn't in his rear view after some time (he was ahead of me when the accident happened).Fortunately the accident happened within 200-300 meters of a good private hospital at Mandi and immediately people got a stretcher for me. I told them to lift me carefully and also hold my neck as by now I understood that it is my neck that is broken.The hospital had a resident Orthopedic Surgeon and so I was in luck despite not being in luck. He quickly diagnosed the condition properly and advised MRI. We left for MRI center, about 6 kms away in ambulance with my friend, and one person who was helping us.Turns out the car was a Nexa showroom Demo car and the driver had missed buying sweets for some ceremonial that they were having at the showroom. So in a hurry he was trying to change direction to go to a sweets shop on the other side. The guy helping us in the ambulance was a showroom employee. I was waiting for my turn at the MRI machine and suddenly another guy comes up and starts sweet talking to me. He was a sales rep or some manager at the showroom and was trying to know my background, my residency status, etc. Starts telling me that I will be ok within a day as it is only pain and nothing else and I should actually leave tomorrow morning itself to take rest of the treatment at home. His exact words:(You will get best treatment at home only. A fried of mine had same injury as you and he got back to normal in 2-3 days).Imagine, I was lying in severe pain on the stretcher, unable to move my arms or neck and he starts doing his job there itself. I understood something is fishy and asked him to talk to me the next day. Meanwhile, another team of folks from the showroom visited the hospital owner while we were at the MRI center and told them that they will take care of everything.Post MRI and other scans, I am back at hospital and the report tells us that I have:The Orthopedic surgeon knew what to do and he started the treatment. Come day three of the accident and the real face of those Nexa guys is revealed. My friend/family was asked for money for all pending bills, tests and reports. Now in normal case it is not a surprise but here it was because the Nexa guys went back on their word to the hospital. They refused to help us in any way becauseYou see while I was being diagnosed and treated on the first day, local police came in and took both vehicles in custody. They had taken statements from multiple eyewitnesses, me and the driver. And all eyewitnesses clearly told the cops that it was the car driver who was at fault. Some of them in-fact are formal witnesses in the FIR. So what the Nexa guys were trying to get away with, was already done.So by now, during this unfortunate event, I met:My family members came in next day and after knowing all this, they were of the opinion to not to pursue the matter legally and immediately move to Mumbai for further treatment ASAP. So my family members, who were being nagged by the showroom guys with their sweet talk, agreed to have the the FIR withdrawn. My family understood that they are showing fake sympathy due to the FIR but still, my treatment was a higher priority for everyone at that point. To get this done, they traveled all the way to Sundarnagar on day three to meet the higher ups, along with the showroom employees. But even the higher ups were clear that this can be done only by the courts.On day three, my family arranged all discharge documents and we decided to move on day four early morning at 4:00 am. This is how the conversation went between Nexa (N) guys, Hospital owner (Dr) and my family (F):: Here is the total bill, please send across the money. These guys are leaving tomorrow.: But Sir, our Maalik (Employer) has now refused to pay.: You said you will pay and hence I have not asked for any money from F. Why has the Employer changed his mind?: When were you planning to inform me of this? Were you planning to pay from your pocket earlier and now suddenly your boss has come into picture? Why are you revealing this now?: Sir, FIR is already filled and it didn't get cancelled so we can't do anything.: We didn't ask you for any money to begin with, so you can leave. We will leave tomorrow so you don't have to worry about us for now.: Never mind them, we will pay and leave tomorrow at 4 am. But will need help in doing so.: Thank-you. It is good that it got settled today as I didn't know that Nexa will go back on their word. I will arrange for boys to help you tomorrow morning.Later in evening, my friend leaves for CH to return his bike and papers for mine. Bike rental guy was ok to get the bike released by himself later from Mandi. But now another turn was yet to happen. The ambulance was a third party service provider who showed up his ugly face. He agreed at XXX Rs when we booked the ambulance during the day. But later at night, he turned up at the hospital saying that he doesn't have the ambulance that we had booked but now has another one - not a bigger one, just another vehicle of same type/size, but will cost XXX + 2000 Rs more. Why? Because the driver is asking for more. Despite telling him that he is being unprofessional and unethical, we agreed to the revised cost and he assured us that he will provide stretcher, blankets and pillow for me, helpers at CH to unload me and that the ambulance will not leave us until we board into the train.We were coming by train as I was not in a position to travel to Delhi from Mandi by road, the journey was too long. There were no direct flights from CH to BOM available with a stretcher on immediate basis. You see, if you want to arrange for a stretcher in a flight to carry a patient, you need to book the same a minimum 48 hours in advance and it will have to be a specific flight that the airlines will tell you. You can't choose the flight and you can't change it post booking. Of-course this is applicable for normal folks like you and me. If you have some good connections (specially political connections) then none of these things will matter. I know because one of my friend's brother had gone through this earlier and they are well connected. That guy got airlifted from Ladakh on urgent basis and was in Mumbai hospital in under 24 hours.Next morning, only a single driver turns up with nothing with him. Not even blankets or a pillow. This driver is totally rude and refuses to help us in lifting me to get into the ambulance. Says his job is only to drive to CH and come back and he won't wait for our train. He will just drop and leave. The ambulance agency guy wouldn't pick up the phone at 4 am obviously.So we borrow blankets and pillows from hospital and start. After a lot of hard talk later, with the driver and the agency, he finally agrees to wait with us until the train comes in. Again there were no helpers at CH. Agency guys says that he was not able to arrange the same. So finally at CH station we get coolies and railway stretcher (as the Ambulance was not carrying its own).All this pain because I was not allowed to move at all. You see, the injury or the body pain isn't as hurtful, as is seeing your family members go thorough this agony for basic services that we were paying for. People going back on their word while providing emergency services is the last thing that we would expect. And all because someone had an urgency to buy some sweets.Next day we reach Mumbai where things were pre-arranged by my wife for my further treatment at Jaslok Hospital. I got the required further treatment at Jaslok by qualified doctors and the services were great. Being from Mumbai, we know the best hospitals in Mumbai and know what to expect. I can confidently say that Mumbai has one of the best, if not the best, healthcare facilities in India.So we did meet another group of people who knew how to fleece others while they are in need.Post discharge, I was on strict bed rest for 2 months with a cervical collar around my neck all the time - 24x7. But I have a supportive family who cares for everyone in it to such an extent that I thank my starts everyday that I was born into such a family. It was wonderful to see my 2 year old son after a long time. It was wonderful to hear how his first words and his initial broken lines, asking me to give him his color crayons while he paints our walls with themMy office folks have been supportive too and fortunately I had some accumulated leaves that I was able to utilize for this emergency. I have now started working from home and hope to resume my work schedule in a couple of weeks or in Feb 2020 for sure.I used to run for 70 mins and cover 10Kms before the accident. Post the accident, I was not able to get up from my bed without help, not able to move my neck in any direction and not able to balance properly while standing. But now, I have started walking and can walk for 40 mins slowly. I have a long way to get back to my normal as I am still in recovery mode and it will be slow. But with my family's support, I am sure I will be back to my 70 mins runs one day. Last edited by sunilch : 13th January 2020 at 08:47 . Mitsubishi Motors has said it will not be associating itself with the controversial Channel 4 documentary 'How To Steal Pigs' following pressure from UK farm groups. The National Pig Association (NPA) called on the car manufacturer to act as criticism grows over the programme 'How to Steal Pigs and Influence People', due to be broadcast on Tuesday 14 January. According to a teaser trailer, the show looks at 'a unique community of vegan and ex-vegan influencers' who go on 'farmyard heists'. Some embark on farmyard heists, others are devoted to back-bedroom chicken sanctuaries, it states. Now Mitsubishi Motors has sought to distance themselves from the programme as the 'subject matter can cause upset'. Amanda Gibson, press public relations manager, said: Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is a proud sponsor of documentaries on Channel 4 but occasionally the subject matter can cause upset. We try to remain neutral on emotive topics. However, the upcoming documentary has the potential to cause distress therefore we will not be associating ourselves with this documentary. Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is a proud sponsor of Documentaries on C4 but occasionally the subject matter can cause upset. How to Steal Pigs and Influence People has the potential to cause distress therefore we will not be associated with it. Please see our statement below: pic.twitter.com/MU7uaIWmfn Mitsubishi Motors UK (@MitsubishiUK) January 10, 2020 Mitsubishi Motors in the UK does not condone criminality or illegal and irresponsible activity in any form. We have no contact whatsoever with any of the participants of this documentary and do not support their actions. The programme has already prompted a major industry backlash, including multiple comments on social media, with much of the focus turning on Mitsubishi. NPA policy services officer Lizzie Wilson has described the programme as a disgrace. She has written to Channel 4 expressing concern that it could be televising and potentially glamourising acts of criminality, such as the theft of pigs, burglary and the movement of pigs without the necessary licence. She also warned that the footage could encourage others to follow suit. Ms Wilson said: This is an extremely irresponsible programme that appears to be promoting and glamourising criminal activity. Our members have already suffered enough from the actions of activists that can bring despair to farming families who have done nothing wrong, while also posing health and welfare risks to the pigs this feels like a further kick in the teeth. A Channel 4 spokesperson said: This is an observational documentary on a relevant and topical subject which is widely discussed. The programme complies with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and does not condone or encourage criminal activity. The National Book Critics Circle has announced 30 finalists in six categoriesautobiography, biography, criticism, fiction, nonfiction, and poetryfor the annual National Book Critic Circle Awards. The honorees of three additional prizes have also been announced. The recipient of the $1,000 Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing, recognizing outstanding work by a member of the NBCC, is the New Yorker's Katy Waldman. The recipient of the Ivan Sandrof Award for Lifetime Achievement, given to a person or institution who has made significant contributions to book culture, is poet, novelist, and songwriter Naomi Shihab Nye. The 2019 John Leonard Prize for Best First Book, which is selected by the organizations membership, goes to Sarah M. Broom for The Yellow House: A Memoir (Grove). The NBCC awards will be presented March 12 at the New School in New York City. The ceremony is free and open to the public. A reading by the finalists will take place the evening before the awards, on March 11, also for free at the New School. The NBCC also hosts a fundraising reception following the March 12 awards ceremony. The tickets, $60 for NBCC members when purchased in advance and $85 to the general public, benefit the NBCC, the awards, and the work that the NBCC does year round to promote books, critics, and writers nationwide. The finalists are as follows: Autobiography Biography Criticism Go Ahead in the Rain by Hanif Abdurraqib (University of Texas Press) Essays One by Lydia Davis (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments: Intimate Histories of Social Upheaval by Saidiya Hartman (W.W. Norton) Hot, Cold, Heavy, Light, 100 Art Writings 1988-2018 by Peter Schjeldahl (Abrams) Axiomatic by Maria Tumarkin (Transit Books) Fiction Nonfiction Poetry The Constitution of India grants its citizens the right to protest and express their dissent just as it celebrates freedom of speech and expression. The lawmakers and politicians are expected to adhere to these values and uphold the rights of the citizens but things have gone terribly wrong over the past couple of weeks. As protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act mount, several prominent members of the ruling dispensation have taken refuge in name-calling and defaming the agitators. Some have called them anti-nationals, and parts of the so called tukde-tukde gang. bccl The act has already been dubbed as divisive by several prominent citizens of the country and a massive civil disobedience movement against it is gaining ground. Taking things to the next level, and in utter disregard for the law of the land, Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh courted a major controversy by stating that people who raise slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath "would be buried alive". The minister said this on Sunday while addressing a rally in Aligarh to muster support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, reported news agency IANS. AFP "If you raise slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, I will bury you alive," he was quoted as threatening by IANS. #Breaking | U.P Minister Raghuraj Singh warns those people raising anti-Modi & anti-Yogi slogans; says hell bury those people alive. TIMES NOWs Amir Haque with details. pic.twitter.com/jUhjMqysXh TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 12, 2020 He was apparently referring to protests held by students of Aligarh Muslim University against the CAA during which they allegedly raised slogans against the Prime Minister and the chief minister. The minister further said: "These one per cent people are opposing the CAA. They stay in India, eat up our taxes and then raise 'murdabad' slogans against the leaders. This country belongs to people of all faiths, but the slogan-shouting against the Prime Minister or chief minister is unacceptable." He also launched an attack on India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. "What was Nehru's caste? He did not have a 'khaandan'," he claimed. Raghuraj Singh is minister of state in the labour ministry in Uttar Pradesh. But he is not the first one to do something of the kind. Leading members of his party have relished in name-calling and defaming the demonstrators previously too. Guinea-Bissau's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the losing candidate in last month's second round presidential vote, and ordered the final results published, according to a court ruling seen on Sunday. Opposition leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo won the December ballot with 53.55 percent of the votes, but ruling PAIGC party candidate Domingos Simoes Pereira had challenged the result as full of irregularities. Neighbouring countries have watched closely for a smooth transition in Guinea-Bissau, which has seen more than a dozen coups, coup plots or attempted military rebellions since independence from Portugal in 1974. The Supreme Court rejected Pereira's challenge and authorised electoral authorities to "publish the definitive results", the ruling said. It did not say when the final results would be published. The National Electoral Council had said Pereira won 46.45 percent of the second round votes. The small West African state wedged between Senegal, Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean has long struggled with poverty and corruption and it has became a transit route for South American cocaine heading to Europe. Embalo, 47, takes over from Jose Mario Vaz, who came to power in 2014 with hopes of stabilising the country. But his tenure was hampered by a paralysing faceoff with parliament under the country's semi-presidential political system. The PAIGC -- the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) -- is rooted in a Marxist-Leninist movement that fought to end Portuguese rule. Embalo is nicknamed "The General," a reference to his rank as a reserve brigadier general. He quit the army in the 1990s. Like Pereira, he is also a former prime minister, serving under Vaz between 2016 and 2018, before representing Madem, a party formed by PAIGC rebels. He fought to overcome his first-round vote deficit by portraying himself as a unifier and by gaining the backing of eliminated candidates, including Vaz. [January 13, 2020] Fifth Annual Women Transforming Technology Conference -- Registration Now Open PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW) today announced that registration is open for the fifth annual Women Transforming Technology (WT2) Conference. Taking place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, this exceptional event is designed to continue the important conversation on championing and advancing women across the tech industry. It will host attendees spanning high-school and college students to executives from the tech industry, academia and nonprofit organizations. Featuring inspiring speakers who overcame adversity in male-dominated industries, the fifth annual WT2 Conference has a theme of We Rise and will continue to cultivate a supportive environment for women, underrepresented minorities and allies in the technology industry. This years keynote speakers include Laura Dern, actress, producer, director and activist, and Kathryn Finney, CEO of digitalundivided, a social enterprise that leads high potential Black and Latinx women founders through the startup pipeline. Additional breakout sessions will focus on invigorating topics, including ways that women can support their career aspirations as well as those of their peers, how women can contribute to the success of others in their daily interactions and in longer-term policies and practices, and how women can influence theindustry as leaders and as individual contributors. Sessions will be broken down into five tracks based on technical and experience level including: Emerging Leadership for the professional who would like to focus on developing their personal brand and gaining insight into their individual leadership style Executive Leadership for the more seasoned professional who is already in the managerial track and wanting to advance to the next level Technical for professionals who want to discuss specific products or tools or trends in tech today VP+ Breakout (Invite only) for VPs and above, content-specific for current executives Diversity & Inclusion for professionals wanting to learn and share best D&I practices and commit to cross industry collaboration As we kick off the fifth year of the WT2 Conference, we are looking forward to advancing the dialogue on how women can empower themselves, and each other, to rise to new heights in their careers and encourage each others success, said Betsy Sutter, corporate senior vice president and chief people officer, VMware. In addition to ensuring equitable progression within its own walls, VMware is inspiring the broader community and engaging the next generation of women in determining how we can influence the technology industry as both leaders, and individual contributors. Registration is now open to the community. For more information about the WT2 Conference, please visit: http://www.womentransformingtechnology.com/ . About VMware VMware software powers the worlds complex digital infrastructure. The companys cloud, networking and security, and digital workspace offerings provide a dynamic and efficient digital foundation to customers globally, aided by an extensive ecosystem of partners. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough innovations to its global impact. For more information, please visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html . Media Contact: Ellen Healy VMware Global Communications [email protected] 415-654-2940 VMware is a registered trademark or trademark of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other administration officials joined President Donald Trump in trying to draw attention to dissent in Iran instead of lingering questions about the scale of the threat used to justify a drone strike on Irans top military leader. Esper added to the uncertainty over the intelligence behind this months killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani when he said Sunday that he had seen no hard evidence that four American embassies had been under possible threat. Trump said last Friday that Soleimani had been planning such an attack. In appearances on Sunday news shows, both Esper and national security adviser Robert OBrien said they agreed that Iran might have hit more than just the U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital. It is certainly consistent with the intelligence to assume that they would have hit embassies in at least four countries, OBrien said. But Esper, when asked whether there was a specific piece of evidence, replied: I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. And in response to a question about whether Trump was embellishing the threat, Esper said, I dont believe so. In a tweet both defiant and dismissive, Trump turned his attention again to supporting Iranian protesters and warning the Iranian government not to attack them or to pursue nuclear weapons. He tweeted: National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran choked off, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldnt care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and dont kill your protesters. OBrien had suggested the United States sees this moment as an opportunity to further intensify pressure on Irans leaders, with whom the U.S. has been at odds for four decades. Irans leaders already are under enormous strain from economic sanctions that have virtually strangled Irans main source of income oil exports. Esper said street protests in Tehran show the Iranian people are hungry for a more accountable government after leaders denied, then admitted shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane. You can see the Iranian people are standing up and asserting their rights, their aspirations for a better government a different regime, Esper said. Trumps order to strike at Soleimani came as he was already under pressure ahead of an impeachment trial in the Senate. Many in Congress complained that the administration did not consult them in advance and did not adequately brief members afterward. After the U.S. killed Soleimani in Baghdad, it appeared the backlash in Iran and elsewhere had helped Tehran by shifting the focus away from its internal problems. The strike also seemed to divert attention away from domestic unrest in Iraq over government corruption, and it intensified efforts by Iraqi politicians to expel American and other foreign forces. But the shootdown of the Ukrainian plane on the night of the Soleimani strike, killing all 176 people aboard, opened a new avenue of pressure for the Trump administration. I think the regime is having a very bad week, OBrien said. This was a regime thats reeling from maximum pressure, theyre reeling from their incompetence in this situation and the people of Iran are just fed up with it, he said, adding that regime change is not U.S. policy. The people of Iran are going to hopefully have the ability at some point to elect their own government and to be governed by the leaders they choose, OBrien said. In Tehran, Irans security forces deployed in large numbers on Sunday. Demonstrators defied the heavy police presence to protest their countrys days of denials that it shot down the Ukrainian plane. Videos posted online showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans and moving through subway stations and sidewalks. Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the Ukrainian flight and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the immediate aftermath. Later the government took the blame for the shootdown, saying it was caused by human error. Reviewing the dramatic sequence of events that preceded the downing of the Ukrainian jetliner Wednesday, Esper justified the U.S. killing of Soleimani as an act of self defense, and he said the U.S. foresees no more Iranian military attacks in retaliation for that. Even so, the leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is closely aligned with Iran, said Sunday that Irans missile attacks on two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces last week were only the start of the retaliation. Hassan Nasrallah described Irans military response, which caused no casualties, as a slap at the U.S. He called it the first step down a long path that will ensure U.S. troops withdraw from the region. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he was concerned that Iran has lots of ways that they can take action against us, both overt and covert, and I dont think theyre done trying to seek revenge. Esper spoke hopefully of getting the NATO alliance more involved in Iraq to help train Iraqi security forces. He said this could allow him to reduce the number of American troops in Iraq, currently numbering more than 5,200, but he did not say any reduction was in the works yet. Esper appeared on CBS Face the Nation and CNNs State of the Union. OBrien appeared on ABCs This Week, Fox News Sunday and NBCs Meet the Press. Coon was on Fox. ___ This story has been corrected to show the generals killing was this month, not last week. When Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste thinks about longtime Hummelstown Mayor Bradley Miller, he remembers a steadfast public servant and community leader. But more than that, Miller was a warmhearted friend and family man," who cared deeply about his hometown, according to the commissioner. Miller, who served as the boroughs mayor for 12 years beginning in 2006, died early Sunday. According to Hummelstowns The Sun Newspaper, Miller had been battling kidney disease. A call-taker for Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home in Hummelstown confirmed that theyd be handling Millers funeral arrangements, but obituary information was not immediately available Sunday evening. On Sunday, Hummelstown Fire Chief Steve Kienzle called Miller a tremendous person, who did a lot for the borough. However, Kienzle said he was not yet ready to discuss Millers work in greater detail so soon after his death. The Sun described Miller a successful businessman and influential community leader, pointing out that he worked toward advancing the interests of both the borough and the surrounding communities. Miller was a good friend of The Sun, but we were not alone. He loved everyone who loved Hummelstown, and he will be missed, Sun officials posted to social media. That love for Hummelstown was expressed when Miller spoke to The Patriot-News while seeking public office in 2005. At that time, he had already served as a borough councilman. Then, he told reporters he wanted to promote affordability in his community so that others could stay there and raise their families just as he and his wife did. I feel for the community better than my opponents; I have a better feel for what needs to be done. From a businessman standpoint, I think I can do the job, he said at that time. Millers leadership had an impact on Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick III, who said he tries to follow the former mayors example. Bradley was a true friend who was fiercely loyal, committed to his family and stopped at nothing to give all he had to the people and town he loved, Hartwick said. He told it the way he saw it and always expressed what you needed to hear not what you wanted to hear, Hartwick said. I am truly grateful and honored to know and have loved him. Commissioner Mike Pries offered similar accolades, calling Miller "a great man, whom we were blessed to have known. He put his heart and soul into his role as mayor of Hummelstown. His passion for his hometown and the Lower Dauphin Falcons was unsurpassed," Pries said. He wore his love of family, friends and the town on his sleeve. 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. Twenty-one Saudi military cadets undergoing US training will be ousted following an investigation into the fatal shooting of three Americans by a Saudi officer at a Florida naval base that US Attorney General William Barr on Monday branded an act of terrorism. The Dec. 6 attack brought fresh complications to US-Saudi relations at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, Saudi Arabias regional rival. A deputy sheriff shot dead the gunman, Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, in the Pensacola, Florida, incident. Barr said 21 Saudi cadets were disenrolled from their training curriculum in the US military and would leave the United States later on Monday after an investigation showed they either had child pornography or social media accounts containing Islamic extremist or anti-American content. During a news conference, Barr - the top US law enforcement official - said there was no evidence of assistance by other Saudi trainees or that any of them had knowledge in advance of the attack. This was an act of terrorism, Barr said. The evidence showed that the shooter was motivated by jihadist ideology. During the course of the investigation, we learned that the shooter posted a message on Sept. 11 of this year stating, The countdown has begun. Barr added that Alshamrani also visited the New York City memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and posted anti-American, anti-Israeli and jihadi messages on social media, including two hours before the attack. Saudi Arabia provided complete and total support to the American investigation of the incident, Barr said. Barr said one Saudi individual had a significant number of such images, while 14 others had one or two images, in most cases posted in a chat room by someone else or received over social media. The derogatory information fell short of the standard for triggering US criminal charges, Barr said. However, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia determined that this material demonstrated conduct unbecoming an officer in the Royal Saudi Air Force and in the Royal Navy, Barr said, adding that the 21 cadets have been disenrolled from their training curriculum in the US military and will be returning to Saudi Arabia later today. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called for "maximum restraint" and emphasised on talks to resolve the latest flare-up in the Iran-US relations during his meetings with the top Iranian leadership, the Foreign Office said here on Monday. Qureshi on Sunday embarked on a two-day visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on Prime Minister Imran Khan's direction as part of Pakistan's efforts to defuse the tensions in the Gulf region following the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. Khan has said that Pakistan, which shares its border with Iran, will not be party to any regional conflict and rather play the role of a peacemaker. Pakistan's powerful military has also said it will not allow its soil to be used against anyone. ALSO READ| Pakistan foreign minister to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia to discuss developments in Middle East Qureshi met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif separately during which the leaders discussed the recent developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Pakistan-Iran relations were also discussed, the Foreign Office said in a statement. He "emphasised the importance of maximum restraint and immediate steps for de-escalation by all sides", saying that "war was in nobody's interest and it was imperative to resolve the issues through dialogue and diplomacy", it said. President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif expressed appreciation for Qureshi's visit and stressed the importance Iran attached to its brotherly relations with Pakistan, the statement said. The leaders stressed that Iran also preferred de-escalation of tensions and preservation of peace and stability in the region, it said. ALSO READ| Iran agrees de-escalation 'only solution' to solve crisis with US All sides have responsibilities towards this, the Iranian leaders were quoted as saying by the Foreign Office. The unexpected US strike, ordered by President Donald Trump, that killed Iran's most powerful military commander Soleimani on January 3 brought the entire Gulf region closer to a full-blown conflict. Regional tensions remain high after Iran on Wednesday last fired missiles at two bases in Iraq used by US forces in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. The ongoing crisis turned a tragic toll when Iran, just after attacking the Iraqi bases, accidentally shot down an Ukraine International Airlines plane, killing all 176 people aboard. After days of denial, Tehran on Saturday admitted to "human error" in bringing down the Boeing 737. The Guards' aerospace commander General Amirali Hajizadeh also accepted full responsibility for the tragedy. - Nigerian senators are allegedly protesting the N2 million Christmas allowance given to them by the Senate leadership - Some of the senators who spoke anonymously said the allowance was not enough for them to meet their needs and that of their constituencies - The lawmakers said they would make their position known to the Senate leadership and they also threatened to call the leaders out if their concerns were not addressed Nigerian senators are reportedly fuming over the alleged N2 million Christmas allowance given to them in December 2019 by the Senate leadership. Some of the senators who reportedly spoke to Premium Times complained that the money was too small, threatening to cause some headache when plenary resumes. One of the senators was quoted to have said: It was not enough to meet our Christmas needs. In fact, some of us are already coming together to formally complain to our president. Another senator, who also spoke under the condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment over the Christmas allowance saying the allowance which was allegedly meant to take care of their families and constituents was not enough. They said we should use the money to take care of our families and constituents. I was just standing there without knowing what to say for many minutes, he said. The lawmaker accused the Senate leadership under Ahmad Lawan of failing to understand the responsibilities senators face in their constituencies. He said: There are many local government areas under my district. How do I tell them that I only came back home with N2 million? Even when I am travelling for an event or just to visit my constituency, I usually hold at least N50 million." Another senator who spoke to the newspaper said efforts are already ongoing to meet with the Senate leadership to make their position known. Two former senators, who served in seventh and eighth assemblies, told Premium Times that the Christmas allowances they got were well over N2 million. Another senator who spoke on the development that many former lawmakers who served in the Senate left the Red Chamber as billionaires, lamenting that the situation has changed. He predicted that if the situation persists, fewer people will be showing interest in the upper legislature. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, the president of the Senate, Lawan, said on Tuesday, December 31, that Nigeria will experience what he called robust peace and economic growth in 2020. Lawan said this as part of his New Year message to Nigerians. Congratulating the citizens, who are alive to see the end of 2019 and the beginning of the year 2020, Lawan commended Nigerians for their resilience and passion to ensure the unity and prosperity of the country. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) - Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Primate Ayodele releases new year prophesy, speaks on Buhari actualizing vision 2020| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng Professor Jim Dornan is a former consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with the Belfast trust (1986 to 2012), Professor of Foetal Medicine at Queen's University Belfast (1995 to 2012) and senior vice-president of the Royal College of Gynaecologists (2004 to 2006). He is currently chair of Health and Life Sciences at Ulster University and head of department with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain. Q Can you tell us something about yourself? A I am the only son and the middle child of Clare and Jim Dornan. They provided us with a happy, albeit fairly strict, home and environment in Bangor, which was near the, in retrospect unfortunately named, Cripples Institutes (CI), where dad was the general manager. The institutes have now been renamed Harmoni. Q What did you learn from your parents? A Dad was a very comprehensively certified and decorated accountant, who, driven by a Methodist Christian belief structure, used his professional skills in the charitable sector, rather than the commercial one. Mum was an innovative, self-taught occupational therapist in the same environment. They devoted their working lives to doing good and giving Carole, Debbie and myself whatever time and materials they could muster. Dad loved his involvement with the Methodist laymen, a huge collection of earnest, kind, intelligent, caring men who met at regular intervals, talked, sang and prayed together for the common good. I was often brought along, and their meetings gave me some of the best spiritual times I ever experienced. Methodists did - and I am sure still do - practise good, honest, no-strings-attached, living Christianity. But where did those laymen go? Did they dissolve around the same time the British Labour Party fatefully withdrew from our country? There could be a link. Q Did those experiences have a lasting effect? A Yes, the experiences I gained from being in and out of the various residential homes and workshops on the CI campus coloured my first two decades and left me with very warm feelings about the work of which people of good intent are capable. The work of the Lord was there for all to see at every turn. I had the classical happy childhood, had amazingly influential teachers and made lifelong friends through Bangor Grammar School and Queen's University, where I studied medicine. Having observed my first birth, I fell in love with that world while still a medical student and then regularly remembered the words of one of my consultants, Mr John O'Sullivan: "Jim, change direction every decade, or you'll get stale." I have done just that, concentrating at different times on academic, private, international and political aspects of my chosen speciality. It was a great time. The NHS was getting on its feet and all those clinically involved, including the doctors and nurses and ancillary staff, thought of the NHS as 'ours'. With the perhaps inevitable changes in emphasis to the role of management, many of us now see it as 'theirs'. Not necessarily a criticism, but factual. Q What about your personal life? A Fate blessed me with two fantastic wives. Lorna, a fabulously beautiful nurse, and I were married for 28 years and had, eventually, three great children, Liesa, Jessica and Jamie, who have, so far, provided seven totally perfect grandchildren who are now an intricate part of my spiritual baggage. Lorna tragically died of pancreatic cancer aged 50, gone too soon by far, but had written on her headstone: "A full life, well lived". I hope to write the same on my own. After her death, I was very fortunate to be introduced to Samina, a beautiful doctor with a Persian/Afghan Muslim background. We have been married 18 years and she is driven to make sure that all on this planet have their rights respected. I think we've both influenced each other and continue to do so. Q How have your faith views developed? A My spiritual outlook was heavily influenced earlier (in life) by the Crusaders Bible Class and the Plymouth Brethren. The latter, no doubt with the best of possible intentions, centred around Christianity's value as the ultimate afterlife insurance policy and, as such, it certainly provided me with loads of guilt options. By the time I entered Queen's to study medicine, in 1967, on reflection, I think I certainly had fully studied the syllabus of the Christian faith but was still confused by the visible general lack of widespread faith in action apparent in Northern Ireland. Fifty years later, strangely, I do see faith in action in many areas in this country, but not necessarily where one would expect. Read into that what you will. I certainly can't provide a better label for my belief system today than 'spiritual'. I don't want to be labelled otherwise. My professional work has enabled me to travel far and wide. I've been fortunate to meet people of all religions and of none, and their goodness and kindness is 100% not determined by their faith label. It suits some people to regularly attend the same church every Sunday, and they get huge comfort from that. Great. When I do find myself in any place of worship - a church, a chapel, a temple, a mosque, a living room or a clearing in a forest - I can feel a connection with something greater than myself. Perhaps it's even my inner self? Who cares? It's a good, empowering and calming feeling. Q What has influenced you most? A Two influences in adulthood have been very important to me. Firstly, my work internationally as an obstetrician and gynaecologist has clearly shown me a very, very unequal world when it comes to women's health and welfare. And that's not just in Africa and Asia but also exactly where you are reading this right now. Sadly, I must report that my conclusion is not that religion is to blame but that 100% it is the men who mostly control religions and make the rules and have done from the beginning until right now and have a vested interest in keeping the reins of power. It's not a pretty sight. Q Is there one person who has influenced you particularly? A The second big influence was Derick Bingham, a highly educated Belfast Bible teacher who sadly passed away almost 10 years ago. He was hugely helpful in helping my wife Lorna in her 18-month final battle. He, along with Fr Paul, the Royal Victoria Hospital chaplain around 1998, were spirituality in action for Lorna, in particular, and for us as a family. Lorna's parents were Plymouth Brethren and she was, therefore, not baptised as a baby. Fr Paul administered baptism into the Christian faith and wrote her name into the cradle roll of St Peter's on the Falls Road. Derick was a simple giant of a man who guided her through the final steps of life's journey. Q What happened subsequently? A Ten years later, in 2009, Derick developed leukaemia. He had heard that I, too, had developed the same thing in 2005 and, knowing I was having great results from the treatment provided, he made contact with me. This led to the two of us meeting regularly for the last 12 months of his life. Derick's amazing wife, Margaret, says he enjoyed our chats as much as I did. I was able to share all my anger with the established Churches with him, and their treatment of women, and I relished sharing my reflections on the alternative faiths that I'd encountered along my international journey. Derick did two things for me. He confirmed that Christ himself was a huge supporter of women and their rights, while informing me that men had airbrushed them out of the story of the early Church for their own selfish reasons. Secondly, he taught me to pray. Amazing. Yes, there is a system that doesn't involve 'crying in the wind'. There will be those reading this asking, "Okay, but praying to whom?" Well, those who want me to describe that, in earthly terms, are going to be disappointed. I have a problem with demands that any deity is worshipped, and I just can't accept that a living being has to be sacrificed before its time in order to display a greater love. I know that may hurt. Let's say that my prayer attempts certainly fit in under the umbrella of exercising mindfulness. Q What about death? Are you afraid of it? A I don't want to die, but not because I fear a Dante hellfire-and-damnation scenario, but because I enjoy life far too much. Q Where do you feel closest to God? A When I am with those I love and when I am close to the natural world. Q What is your favourite film and music? A My favourite film is The Shawshank Redemption. Also, a hymn, which I will explain. I met with Margaret Bingham before Christmas. We reflected and reminisced together. We agreed that the sentiments of a deep south spiritual hymn, sung so perfectly by Mahalia Jackson, which was much loved and gave strength to my dad and to her husband and to us both, brought us all huge strength and belief. It went: "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living has not been in vain." This helped them and us to do the work of the Lord. Think about it. Rotunda Rumblings Getting to work: Gov. Mike DeWine will sign House Bill 2, the tech cred legislation, later this morning at a ceremony in Bluffton. The bill will codify a governors office program that seeks to make it easier for companies to provide recognized training credentials to their workers. Party favor: The Ohio Republican Partys state central committee voted Friday on the state partys 2020 primary endorsements. And while many of the endorsements were expected (e.g., President Donald Trump), some high-profile candidates were noticeably absent from the list such as ex-state Rep. Christina Hagan for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryans congressional seat and ex-U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt for state representative. Cleveland.coms Jeremy Pelzer has more on who was and wasnt endorsed, and why its important. Say what? When Trump boasted in Toledo last week that "Ohio just had the best year economically in the history of your state, it begged for a review of the facts (which Ohio reporters duly noted in their coverage). Heres a quick take from cleveland.com numbers guy Rich Exner, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ohios unemployment rate, in the 4% to 4.2% range since April, isnt the lowest ever, but it hasnt been lower since the final months of Bill Clinton in 2000 and the first few of George W. Bush in 2001. As for jobs growth, Ohio is having its worst year since the recession that ended in mid-2009. From January through November, Ohio has lost 4,400 jobs. Some people prefer to look at the end of 2018 (December) as the starting point. Since then Ohio has gained 14,700 jobs. In either case, every year since the recession was significantly better for jobs numbers than 2019. Speaking of the economy: M.L. Schultze of WKSU took a look at the Mahoning Valley and its prospects for an economic transformation. "For a century, the Mahoning Valley has ebbed and flowed with the fortunes of traditional manufacturing, Schultze reports. Now, its looking toward a new economy: one defined by distribution centers and autonomous and electric vehicles. Water works: The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate so-called PFAS forever chemicals linked to numerous diseases as hazardous substances, writes cleveland.coms Sabrina Eaton. It also calls for the EPA to set safety standards for the presence of the chemicals in drinking water, and to give grants that would help water companies remove them. According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS chemicals have been found in drinking water in Ohio communities including Cleveland Heights and Struthers, and on military bases including Camp Ravenna and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Take a seat: Ten people have applied for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio seat held by Democrat Lawrence Friedeman, the PUCO announced Friday. Besides Friedeman himself, who is seeking another term, applicants include telecommunications worker Jeffrey Campbell; Michael Hines, who works in the PUCOs transportation department; retired theologian Dick Rolwing; attorney Ronald Russo; Stephen Serraino, general counsel and corporate secretary for Upper Peninsula Power Company; Gerry Torres, finance manager for the city of Cincinnatis IT department; Linda Umbayemake of Franklin County; Simone Walton, an educational consultant; and attorney Robert Weise. A PUCO nominating council is set to interview selected candidates on Jan. 23, then pick four finalists for Gov. Mike DeWine to select from. Incremental victory: Hills and Dales, the wealthy Stark County village that got state law changed to help them in their quest to switch school districts, won a victory before the Ohio Supreme Court. As Kelli Weir reports for the Canton Repository, state justices ordered the Plain Local School District to forward to the Stark County Board of Elections a petition from Hills and Dales residents that seeks to hold a vote on switching to a different nearby school district. Plain schools state lawsuit continues though, as does a parallel federal lawsuit that challenges the law change, contained in last years state budget bill. Tracking progress: A state panel is reviewing a report that takes a deep dive into GPS monitoring of convicted criminals recently released from prison, Andy Chow reports for Ohio public radio. The report from researchers at the University of Cincinnati said theres limited evidence that expanding the use of GPS monitoring will lead to reduced recidivism and improved public safety, Chow reports. Upon further review: The State Medical Board of Ohio has approved spending up to $150,000 more on a review of about 2,000 closed cases of alleged sexual misconduct or impropriety by doctors, the Associated Press reports. The review is the result of evidence that was ignored during the 1990s in the case of Richard Strauss, the late Ohio State University team doctor accused of abusing hundreds of male athletes. Trust me: A bipartisan Ohio House bill would update several areas of probate law dealing with trusts and estates. A statement from Reps. John Rogers, a Democrat, and Bob Cupp, a Republican, said that House Bill 464 is the result of conversations with Ohio probate law experts and aims to improve the legal tools available to Ohio families in difficult circumstances. Down to 13: The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services sent a request Friday to the federal government that it thinks will comply with Trumps stricter food aid work requirements that go into effect April 1. Currently, many childless adults in 42 of Ohios 88 counties have been exempted from work requirements, based on a 24-month average unemployment rate, including urban areas such as Cuyahoga County. But under Trumps new criteria, just 13 counties all Appalachian except for Ottawa -- will get the exemption for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Lobbying Lineup Five groups that are lobbying on House Bill 30, which would prohibit pet food from containing animals euthanized by injection. State lobbying forms dont require people to disclose which side theyre on. The bill has been introduced and assigned a committee in February, but there have been no hearings yet. 1. The Ohio Department of Agriculture 2. Ohio Agribusiness Association 3. Ohio Veterinary Medical Association 4. Humane Society of the United States 5. Cleveland Animal Protective League Birthdays State Sen. Nathan Manning Salmon P. Chase, Ohios 23rd governor, U.S. treasury secretary, chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1808-1873) Straight from the Source The only time you see female characters portrayed is as mythological creatures." -Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a member of the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission, which is proposing a memorial to the womens suffrage movement for the Statehouse grounds, per the Associated Press. All of the current monuments to historical figures on the grounds honor men. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is poised to call an early election this week in a bid to capitalise on the success of Brexit negotiations. Senior Fine Gael figures have predicted Mr Varadkar will dissolve the Dail by Thursday at the latest, with a view to going to the polls as early as February 7. It comes as Mr Varadkar strongly signalled he is holding off on calling the election until after his meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today and the visit to Dublin of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. The Government's record on Brexit - and Mr Varadkar's part in securing a deal - is set to be a key pillar of Mr Varadkar's pitch for re-election. Mr Varadkar emphasised his relationship with key European leaders while refusing to be drawn on the date of the election last night. Meanwhile, the Irish Independent has learned visits by former senior EU officials Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk may be on the cards as part of Mr Varadkar's efforts to win the election. Expand Close Support: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will visit Dublin on Wednesday to meet Leo Varadkar. Photo: REUTERS/Johanna Geron / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Support: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will visit Dublin on Wednesday to meet Leo Varadkar. Photo: REUTERS/Johanna Geron The Taoiseach emphasised the importance of Brexit to the campaign when he addressed a private Fine Gael meeting on Friday, saying it's only "half-time" in the process. He added: "We're about 1-0 up" and it's "definitely not the time to switch the team". Fine Gael has already started attacks on Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and his front bench team's ability to tackle Brexit. Fianna Fail's Brexit spokesperson responded by branding such attacks as "cheap mudslinging" and arguing the public won't be impressed by such tactics. Mr Varadkar fuelled speculation he would dissolve the Dail this week by confirming he had made the decision on the timing of the election but was refusing to name the date. A series of senior Fine Gael sources pointed to Friday, February 7 - just a week after the UK is due to leave the EU - as the most likely date for voters to cast their ballots. One source predicted the Dail "will definitely be dissolved by Thursday" - the day after the State dinner for Ms Von der Leyen - while another suggested the election date may be announced that day. There is a growing consensus among ministers that Mr Varadkar plans to go to the country on February 7, although the Taoiseach is keeping his intentions close to his chest. He told RTE it was always his view the election should be in the summer of 2020 but "the circumstances have changed". He said there was now a deal on Brexit and the Northern Ireland institutions were up and running but also there was the "reality" of the change to the arithmetic in the Dail. It was confirmed at the weekend Mr Varadkar's Government no longer had the numbers to survive a no-confidence vote. Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness said he would defy his party and vote in favour of a threatened no-confidence motion in Health Minister Simon Harris. Meanwhile, it is understood Independent TD Noel Grealish, on whom the Government relies for support, would abstain, meaning the Government would be defeated. Mr Varadkar said there was "unfinished business" he wanted to get done before the election. This is understood to include Ms von der Leyen's visit and the meeting with Mr Johnson at Stormont this morning. Mr Varadkar also wants to speak to the Cabinet and the leaders of the Opposition and is due to meet Mr Martin as early as tomorrow. It is believed the visit of Ms Von der Leyen will help remind voters of the successful role of the Taoiseach and Tanaiste Simon Coveney in the Brexit negotiations. And while she is constrained from direct political involvement in Ireland, other key EU figures who have left office are expected to lend election support. A senior source suggested there may well be visits from Mr Juncker and Mr Tusk, both of whom are aligned with the European People's Party (EPP), which includes Fine Gael. Mr Varadkar highlighted his contacts in Europe, saying: "I've built up enormous relationships over the past couple of years. I think they're a value to the country and I hope the country will think so too." Aggressively targeting Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin and his alternative Brexit team will form a key line of attack for Fine Gael. Last night, one minister questioned if voters would believe Mr Martin could "field a better team" than Mr Varadkar and said: "We'll be linking everything back to this." A Fianna Fail spokesman hit back, claiming: "With absolute chaos in our health system and their complete failure on housing, it is perhaps not surprising that straight out of the traps they want to launch personal attacks." Fianna Fail moved to appoint its deputy leader Dara Calleary as the party's director of elections just hours after Mr Varadkar's interview. Mr Calleary said last night his party was "ready to fight and win the next general election, whenever it may be". An army captain surprised his four children by hiding behind a Welcome Home banner in an airport. Michael, 15, Ashton, 13, Xavier, 10, and Jolie Minnich, nine, were reunited with their father Captain Patrick Minnich, 39 - who had been deployed in Afghanistan - in Columbus Airport. The children had flown to visit their aunt and uncle in Columbus, Ohio, from Oklahoma City when their father - who had been serving with the U.S. Army for the last seven months - pulled off the surprise. Captain Patrick Minnich surprises his four children by hiding behind a 'welcome home' banner in Columbus Airport Until hours before it happened, the children's aunt and uncle Marcia and Jeff Kish, had now idea Captain Minnich would be there. Michael, 15, Ashton, 13, Xavier, 10, and Jolie Minnich, nine, are reunited with their father - who had been deployed in Afghanistan In the clip, the excited children can't wait to get down the escalator to see their waiting family. Someone shouts: 'Michael, wait no, Michael come here!' Waiting by the baggage claim area are family members who cheer as the children arrive. The banner - that reads 'welcome home' - is then quickly dropped and Captain Minnich can be seen standing behind it. Xavier and Michael quickly run to their father as one exclaims: 'Daddy!' They jump on their father and are quickly joined by Ashton and Jolie. Onlookers erupt into cheers as Captain Minnich clings to his children. Xavier jumps up and down in the air with excitement cheekily declared to his father, who had been away since April, 'Youre home? What took you so long?' As Captain Minnich bends down to embrace the two younger children, Xavier adds: 'Why couldn't it have been sooner?' Waiting by the baggage claim area are family members who cheer as the children arrive. The banner - that reads 'welcome home' - is then quickly dropped and Captain Minnich can be seen standing behind it. Xavier and Michael quickly run to their father as one exclaims: 'Daddy!' They jump on their father and are quickly joined by Ashton and Jolie Captain Minnich had returned from Kabul for a four-week training course in Fort Lee, Virginia. He was granted time off to visit his family before return to his military commitments. He first surprised Mr and Mrs Kish before planning their big surprise for the children. Captain Minnich stayed with his family for a week after the surprise, but has since returned to Kabul to continue his deployment until May 2020. Taking into consideration the significant of state awards of the Republic of Armenia, in my opinion, it is necessary to regulate the relations pertaining to state awards by law and grant the Prime Minister powers to grant a state award to this or that person. This is what First Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia Rafik Grigoryan declared during a discussion on the bill On state awards held as part of the session of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport of the National Assembly of Armenia today. There are ten awards set under the bill, including awards in literature and social-political journalism, music and performing arts, fine arts, theatrical art, cinema, architecture and urban development, exact and natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, astrophysics (including in the fields of physics and mathematics), as well as for international contributions to the field of high technology. In addition, as the deputy minister mentioned, the government shall be entitled to set other types of awards of the Republic of Armenia, and the procedure for conferring and handing the awards shall be established by the government. Several people were wounded on Sunday in an attack on the Balad airbase in northern Iraq that houses U.S. personnel, according to the Iraqi military. The incident was decried by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hours later. Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured and call on the Government of Iraq to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable, wrote Pompeo on Twitter. These continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end. The Iraqi military said that Katyusha rockets were fired at the base, located 50 miles north of Baghdad, in a statement, Reuters reported. Four people, including two officers, were injured. It didnt appear any U.S. soldiers or citizens were injured in the attack. Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured and call on the Government of #Iraq to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 12, 2020 The Iraqi military didnt reveal who was behind the attack, and made no mention of the tensions between Iran and the United States, Reuters reported. Last week, Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops, saying it was in retaliation to a U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soliemani. The Pentagon stated, after it carried out the fatal airstrike, that it targeted the general, who was in charge of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force because he was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. The strike intended to reduce the chances of an armed conflict with Iran President Donald Trump, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. On Sunday, Esper and national security adviser, Robert OBrien, said on nationally televised TV that Iran may have struck more than just the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. What the president said was, he believed that it probably and couldve been attacks against additional embassies, Esper told CBS News Face the Nation. I shared that view, I know other members of the national security team shared that view, thats why I deployed thousands of American paratroopers to the Middle East to reinforce our embassy in Baghdad and other sites throughout the region. Speaking to Meet the Press, OBrien echoed Espers remarks and said the Pentagon received significant intelligence reports that Tehran was aiming to attack American facilities in the Middle East. The presidents interpretation of that intelligence is very consistent with it, he said. So I think this has been a Washington thingwhen we tell the American people there was exquisite intelligence and there was going to be an attack on Americans, we had to stop that. From The Epoch Times After the separation of BJP and Shiv Sena post the Maharashtra assembly election due to sharing of seats and post of Chief Minister, Shiv Sena in its party mouthpiece Saamana has backed the Center and said that the government should take back PoK which will be a fitting answer to the 'Tukde-Tukde Gang' and those who make slogans towards the destruction of our nation. READ | Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Raut Hurls Yet Another Attack On BJP, Quotes Thomas Gomes 'Sena reiterating Army Chief's statement' Speaking over a range of issues such as PoK, Abrogation of Article 370 and 'Tukde-Tukde Gang' in JNU, Shiv Sena via Saamana editorial has said that PoK can be taken over if the Indian government allows the Army to take action. Speaking over the issue of PoK. Sena said, "New Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has stated in unambiguous terms in New Delhi that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir belongs to us, we will take over PoK if the central government orders. The General didnt say anything wrong that Pakistan has the largest number of terrorist training camps in an unauthorized Kashmir and these terrorists have a free run with the support of the Pakistani Army and the ISI. The Surgical strike which was done by us in the intervening period was in the same terror infested region, but we can see even after the Surgical strike, their hardships have not reduced and even today the blood of our soldiers is being shed, which is why the PoK should be freed from the clutches of the Pakistan". READ | Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Raut: 'Wrong To Boycott Deepika Padukone Or Her Film Chhapaak' Shiv Sena surprisingly praised the center in a bid to challenge the center over PoK, "During the campaign meeting in every election after the surgical strike, PM Modi and all BJP leaders said that their next target is PoK and they will act on it. After Amit Shah created a revolution by freeing Kashmir from article 370. Now General Manoj Naravane will immediately act after Modi-Shah's orders through which, the reality of a United India will be a fitting tribute to Savarkar", read the Saamana editorial. Earlier, the Congress had challenged the Army Chief's statement of declaration over PoK, writing 'talk less, work more.' @ New Army Chief, Parliament already had adopted unanimous resolution on #POK in 1994, Govt is at liberty to take action and may give direction. If you are so inclined to take action on POK, I would suggest you to confabulate with CDS, and @PMOIndia. Talk Less, Work More Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) January 12, 2020 READ | 'PoK Houses Terror Outfits Targeting India, Military Action Is Required': Ramdas Athawale 'Tight slap to Tukde-Tukde Gang' Shiv Sena's stand on various issues has been sought anew following its separation from the BJP and joining up with erstwhile opponents NCP and Congress. However, in a statement in Saamana, the Sena supported the government against those who raise anti-national slogans and challenged the government to take back PoK. "The government is angry with JNUs 'Tukde Tukde Gang' but instead of making a counter declaration against them, the government should hold a tight slap against those who are talking and making slogans for the destruction of our country by taking back PoK which rightly belongs to us. The Central Government should not step back now, as this is the best way to teach this 'Tukde-Tukde Gang' a lesson", said Sena indirectly urging the center to issue orders to the Indian Army to attack Pakistan on PoK. READ | Congress Runs Down Indian Army Again Over COAS Naravane's PoK Statement IMEE: MORE DIPLOMACY, LESS MILITARY IN OFW RESCUE OPS Senator Imee Marcos has cautioned the government about involving Philippine military personnel and transport in evacuating and repatriating OFWs in the Middle East, amid ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran. Marcos said diplomatic hitches, logistical delays, or worse may arise if host governments at transit and exit points see OFW rescue operations as military in character, while Filipinos maintain a Mutual Defense Treaty with US. "Bakit napako na lang si Secretary Locsin sa Twitter? Naiintindihan ko ang tiwala ng Presidente sa ating mga sundalo para gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin, pero diplomasya ang dapat na nangunguna sa ganitong mga sitwasyon," Marcos said. "Sanay at trabaho talaga ng DFA ang makitungo sa mga bansa, at ang pag-evacuate ng mga OFW ay tungkulin ng DFA, DOLE at ng mga pulis na sinanay ng DFA," Marcos added. The government plans to deploy Filipino soldiers and military air and naval assets to assist in bringing OFWs home and has sent Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who was recently appointed by President Duterte as Envoy to the Middle East, to Qatar. Marcos wondered why not a word has been said about asking the United Nations for help when it can provide its site camps in the Middle East as temporary shelters for OFWs. "Dapat makipag-ugnayan si Secretary Cimatu sa UN na may maraming mga tauhan sa Middle East, kabilang ang mga Pilipino,"" Marcos pointed out. The problems of providing transit shelters for Filipino migrants and of reducing the number of undocumented OFWs may now complicate rescue operations could have been solved if a National Overseas Employment Authority had already been created, Marcos said. Marcos filed Senate Bill 407 last July, seeking to merge DFA and DOLE expertise on OFW issues into a Cabinet-level agency, upgrading the functions of the present Philippine Overseas Employment Authority. Worldwide oil and gas discoveries reached new heights last year, marking a successful milestone for hydrocarbon explorers. Per Rystad Energy, upstream energy companies discovered 12.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) reserves last year, marking the highest since 2015s 20-billion BOE. Most of these new findings are located in offshore regions. Of the total discoveries, 26 have more than 100 million BOE deposits. ExxonMobil Leads the Way Energy behemoth Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM led the discoveries with four new findings offshore Guyana in 2019. The company, along with is partners Hess Corporation HES and CNOOC Limited CEO, made a total of 15 discoveries in the Stabroek Block in the country. In the past few months, the largest publicly-traded energy mammoth has increased reserve estimates in the block to more than 6 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Notably, London-based Tullow Oil PLC TUWOY had also made discoveries in the region last year. Moreover, ExxonMobil found natural gas in the Glaucus-1 well, located off the coast of Cyprus. The companys initial interpretation of well data suggested that the discovery might comprise 5-8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resource. Markedly, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company constitutes 9% of global hydrocarbon finds last year. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Other Significant Findings The single largest and deepest discovery of 2019 was made by energy major BP plc BP in the Orca gas field, offshore Mauritania. It is expected to hold recoverable resources of around 1.3 billion BOE. The company is expected to build another LNG hub in the region. Markedly, Russian Gazprom made two discoveries, namely Dinkov and Nyarmeyskoye, in the Kara Sea. The Dinkov discovery is ranked as 2019s second-largest global discovery. The companys discoveries of 2019 are expected to hold a total of 1.5 billion BOE of recoverable resources. Story continues Tread With Caution While so many significant discoveries were reported last year, some of the wells failed to deliver. Notably, more than 10 billion barrels of estimated pre-drill volumes were supposed to come from high-profile wells, which failed. Moreover, the current capital spending is much lower than 2014 price crash levels, which can work as a barrier for upstream companies. However, this does not shift the focus from the new hydrocarbon encounters. Markedly, the higher discovered volumes on a global level minimize threats to supply levels. This will likely improve the reserve replacement ratio for oil and gas companies. At the same time, the success of global upstream players to build up the resource base for future demand will set the tone for a new round of oil and gas price weakness. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> 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 Tullow Oil PLC (TUWOY) : Free Stock Analysis Report CNOOC Limited (CEO) : Free Stock Analysis Report BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hess Corporation (HES) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A mysterious virus discovered in Wuhan, China, is believed to have played a role in the death of a patient, while another case has been reported by a person who traveled from Wuhan to Thailand, the World Health Organization confirmed Monday. The latest: Chinese officials said Sunday that one out of 41 confirmed patients has died, but cautioned that they had underlying health issues. A public health official said the U.S. is not overly concerned the virus might spread here. The good news is that this new coronavirus doesn't appear to transmit easily between people, says Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. No health care workers have been infected yet. "We don't want to get overconfident, but we aren't seeing the international spread we saw in SARS" a coronavirus that quickly infected 8,098 and killed 774 people globally in 2013, Fauci says. The U.S. is monitoring the situation, he adds. What's next: China continues to seek the source of the outbreak, looking for animal reservoirs or intermediate hosts. "The evidence is highly suggestive that the outbreak is associated with exposures in one seafood market in Wuhan," per WHO. That market was closed by Chinese health officials on Jan. 1. Go deeper: China hunts cause of mysterious pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan Chocolate lovers will soon be able to get their hands on a new variation of KitKat when it hits UK stores next month. Nestle is launching KitKat Gold in the UK next month, a white chocolate and caramel version of its famous snack. The four-finger chocolate treat will keep its traditional wafer and base made from milk chocolate, but it's topped with caramel a layer of white chocolate. A limited edition version of KitKat Gold flew off the shelves when it was launched in Australia in 2018, and UK fans will no doubt be rushing to try the sweet snack. However, it is likely to set them back 25p more than a regular KitKat, which costs 60p. Nestle are launching KitKat Gold in the UK next month, a white chocolate and caramel version of their famous snack It launches on February 3 in Co-Op and Nisa stores and then is rolled out to retailers nationwide on March 31, just in time for people to indulge in chocolate over Easter. Nestle says the KitKat's RRP is 85p, but stores may set different prices. The bar is slightly more calorific than a regular KitKat, at 219 calories per four-finger bar, which is 10 more than the 209 calories in regular KitKats. Alex Gonnella, Nestle's marketing director, confectionery for the UK and Ireland, said: 'We've had an amazing response to the new KitKat experiences that we've introduced over the last few years. The 25 KitKat wafer biscuit is covered in dark chocolate, edible gold leaf, cocoa nibs and dried raspberries (pictured) 'I am certain that KitKat Gold is going to be just as big a hit on these shores as it has been down under.' It comes after Nestle launched a green tea matcha and ruby cocoa KitKats early last year. They also released a dark chocolate KitKat, exclusively at John Lewis, that was coated with real gold and set customers back 25. Thus, better to do nothing, as Boz wrote with a rather dramatic flourish, noting with faux-agony that he too was bereft that Facebook helped President Trump achieve victory in 2016. But rather than acknowledge any manipulation of the platform by Russians, Boz argued which is also now the gospel at Facebook that Mr. Trumps success was all due to his campaigns unbelievable work in using digital ad tools like a boss. Awe and then shock, I guess. 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? wrote Boz, as if he were yielding Gandalfs Glamdring sword. I find myself thinking of The Lord of the Rings at this moment specifically, he said, when Frodo offers the ring to Galadriel 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 what we fear. Except that what most people fear is a Facebook that continues to take a hands-off approach to a platform that always seems to be running amok somewhere, well beyond whatever microtargeted ads Mr. Trumps brilliant campaign staff runs. Facebooks lack of significant action to police political ads is in contrast to recent moves by the two other important platforms, which are either outright banning those ads (Twitter) or severely restricting how they are presented (Google). Facebook is the only platform that really counts in this space, so what it has decided is what will be the oxygen of the 2020 race. There is a fair debate to have on the issue of microtargeting which essentially allows for the slicing and dicing of a message into the tiniest bits, for potentially very narrow groups of users. Some feel microtargeting lets small and more marginalized political voices find their audience in a cost-effective way, since they cannot afford pricier mediums like television ads. Others think that microtargeting allows the powerful to plant millions of lies in the specific ears of the those who are easy to manipulate. Both are true, but by not better policing the practice, Facebook certainly creates an atmosphere of chaos, especially for those interested in more transparent and truthful debate. Honesty may never be possible, according to Facebook, since the company has opted to keep allowing our elected officials to lie like a rug online. This is an astonishing abrogation of responsibility by the company, although if you have watched it do this same kind buck-passing over the years, it is no surprise. In a post defending Facebooks policy, Rob Leathern, the director of product management overseeing the advertising integrity division, rehashed the approach to political ads: In the absence of regulation, Facebook and other companies are left to design their own policies. We have based ours on the principle that people should be able to hear from those who wish to lead them, warts and all, and that what they say should be scrutinized and debated in public. Regarding the issue of Joo Jin Mo's phone being hacked, his agency Huayi Brothers has released a second statement about the said issue. Sometime earlier this week it was reported by Joo Jin Mo's agency that the actor's personal cell phone had been hacked and that the hacker was giving the actor threats that he would reveal his personal information stored on his phone unless the actor will pay the hacker. The next day, there was information or news that other celebrities were being hacked and blackmailed as well. What happened next is Joo Jin Mo did not pay the hacker, when the hacker did not receive any payment; the hacker then released the actor's Kakao Talk messages to various media outlets. And even though the agency of the actor had tried to ask the reporters, the fans and netizens to refrain from spreading news and rumors that violated the privacy of Joo Jin Mo. The hacked message has been getting a lot of attention from different online communities. The following stated is Huayi Brothers' new statement regarding the issue: "Hi. This is Huayi Brothers. We call everyone's attention about our artist Joo Jin Mo. His personal information is currently being spread online through various SNS and applications. Please stop spreading these posts. We plan to take strong legal action and request a formal investigation into various situations, including the spread of certain information. Therefore, the agency is requesting that everyone should refrain from behavior such as spreading information. Uploading it on social media and spreading this information is under the banner of 'rumors' and are all behaviors that can be punished by the law. As such, the agency will take strong legal action through a legal system and hold people accountable for redistribution, fabrication, and distribution of content, regardless of the channel of expression that is currently being spread carelessly." Upon investigating, dispatch stated in their report that the hacking was done trough the Samsung Cloud. This application is a storage service that is associated with the cell phone company SAMSUNG. Responding to the allegations, Samsung Electronics released a statement on January 10 through its user community "Samsung Members." The statement of Samsung states that unlike what it says in a recent report, neither the Samsung Galaxy phone nor the Samsung Cloud service was hacked. They speculate that this incident happened after the specific users' account information was revealed through an external leak. The Samsung Company said that as long as your user ID and password remain undisclosed, your personal information saved to Samsung Cloud will be protected according to the privacy agreement. The police are also involved in investigating the case. And with the Cyber Security department of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency claiming that they are currently investigating the smartphone hacking and blackmail of various celebrities. And In order to protect the privacy of the victims, they cannot give divulge details. We just all hope that the suspect will pay the price for what he has done. And the victims will gain the justice they deserve. Retired Workers at Chinas Top Aircraft Firm Demand to Get Their Pensions; Senior Director Embezzled Over $100 Million Retired employees from Chinas top aircraft company took to the streets to demand the authorities to help them reclaim their pensions and to protest against corruption. Netizens allege that the missing retirement funds could be linked to a senior director of the parent company who committed suicide last month after authorities suspected he embezzled a huge amount of money. A video which was posted online on Jan. 8 and later obtained by Radio Free Asia (RFA) shows a group of people protesting in Xian City, Shaanxi Province. Some were seen holding up two banners. One of them read, Say no to exploitation, say no to deception; the other read, We need pensions to feed ourselves. Social media users and netizens claimed that the demonstrators are a group of retired employees of Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation, and they were protesting because they have not yet received their pension payments, according to the RFA report. Engineers at Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation were the main team responsible for the development of Chinas JH-7 fighter aircraft, also known as the flying leopard. The company, based in Shaanxi Province, develops medium- and large-sized aircraft. The video got a lot of attention on Chinese social media because it is well-known in the mainland that the countrys researchers and scientists of military technology earn high salaries and can easily enjoy an affluent retirementbut this is not the case for the retired employees of Xian Aircraft. Some netizens pointed out that Li Shouze, the deputy general manager of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)the parent company of Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporationwas involved in corruption, according to RFA. Li passed away on Dec. 6 of last year at the age of 58, but major state media did not announce his death until Dec. 16, nor did they reveal the cause of his death. Lis mysterious death and the obscure reports thereafter prompt some netizens and social media users to suspect that Li was involved in embezzling funds. A Dec. 13 report from VEWAS Chinese, an overseas news website, claimed that Li embezzled 800 million yuan ($115.6 million) during the development of the Xian Y-20 aircraft, a type of large military transport aircraft. Li committed suicide by jumping off a high-rise building when he learned that he would be investigated, the report said. According to public data, Li has taken several leading positions at AVIC and its subsidiary companies, including Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation. For example, Li had served as deputy director of Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation, the head of First Aircraft Design Institute, and the board director and deputy general manager of AVIC. He has also been involved in many key military research projects, including JH-7 series, KJ-2000, SAIC Eaglet 500, and Y-20 aircraft. Li was the chief responsible person for the development of KJ-2000, a Chinese airborne early warning and control system. Siemens said it intends to honor a controversial contract to supply signaling systems to an Australian coal mine, defying the demands of activists and triggering more protests across Germany on Monday. The company will establish a sustainability committee that will have the power to stop or escalate projects, but the company will ultimately continue with the Adani contract, Chief Executive Officer Joe Kaeser said in a statement on Sunday. "I do realize, most of you would have hoped for more," Kaeser said in the statement. "While I do have a lot of empathy for environmental matters, I do need to balance different interests of different stakeholders." Fridays for Future activists, including Greta Thunberg, put pressure on Siemens to renounce the contract and not work with Adani Power Ltd. on the planned Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. "Siemens' announcement that it will continue working on Adani's coal mine while bushfires rage in Australia is nothing short of shameful," environmental lobby group Australian Conservation Foundation said in a statement. "The company has shown its true colors with this decision. It has a climate change policy, but it is hollow and empty." Kaeser had met with German activist Luisa Neubauer on Friday, and in private talks offered the 23-year-old a seat on the supervisory board of Siemens Energy, which she turned down. Siemens Energy creates gas turbines and wind turbines, while the Adani contract will be supplied by Siemens Mobility, a different division. Protesters staged demonstrations at 15 Siemens locations in Germany on Monday, after large-scale protests on Friday. "I'm unbelievably angry," Matylda Bobnis, a Fridays for Future activist, said in an interview outside the company's headquarters in Munich. "I want to stand in front of Siemens today and show them that I'm not going to let this pass unnoticed." Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Fridays for Future has not yet decided on next steps, but Bobnis said she and others intend to maintain pressure on the company. Australian Resources Minister Matt Canavan had urged Kaeser last month "not to be intimidated by the noisy anti-coal minority." "If the protesters achieve their goals of ending coal mining by bullying companies into submission, the result would be millions more people without a home, without access to electricity and without as much hope as they otherwise could have," Canavan said. A tradie who was busted ordering a meal in a KFC drive-thru despite being banned from using his car outside of work has lost his licence for three months. Ipswich man Jason Warwick, 47, pleaded guilty to comply with court orders when on a restricted licence and using a mobile phone when driving on October 8 last year. The home maintenance tradesman copped a $750 fine and his licence has been disqualified for three months starting from January 12. Jason Warwick (left) has been disqualified for driving for three months and fined $750 after being busted driving through a KFC drive-thru on a work-restricted licence Ipswich Magistrates Court heard on Friday that Warwick had been placed on a court-issued restricted licence last August because of a previous offence. He was only permitted to drive between work sites and his home. Prosecutor Sergeant Chris O'Neill said Warwick was first stopped in a Redbank Plains shopping village for using a mobile phone while driving. Warwick then admitted to officers he should not have been driving under the conditions of his restricted licence. Warwick admitted to Magistrate Kurt Fowler he had committed an offence. 'I need the licence but I broke the law sir. It is what it is,' he said, the Queensland Times reported. Daily Mail Australia contacted Warwicks small home maintenance business for comment but Warwick refused to comment on the case. A restricted licence allows people to continue driving if they have lost their licence or are disqualified from driving only for activities directly with connected with earning an income. Restrictions can include the type of vehicle driven, the time of day it is used, the reasons for which it can be driven and who can be carried as a passenger. DALLAS A subtle design feature of the AR-15 rifle has raised a technical legal question that is derailing cases against people who are charged with illegally buying and selling the guns parts or building the weapon. At issue is whether a key piece of one of Americas most popular firearms meets the definition of a gun that prosecutors have long relied on. For decades, the federal government has treated a mechanism called the lower receiver as the essential piece of the semiautomatic rifle, which has been used in some of the nations deadliest mass shootings. Prosecutors regularly bring charges based on that specific part. But some defense attorneys have recently argued that the part alone does not meet the definition in the law. Federal law enforcement officials, who have long been concerned about the discrepancy, are increasingly worried that it could hinder some criminal prosecutions and undermine firearms regulations nationwide. Now the cat is out of the bag, so I think youll see more of this going on, said Stephen Halbrook, an attorney who has written books on gun law and history. Basically, the government has gotten away with this for a long time. Cases involving lower receivers represent a small fraction of the thousands of federal gun charges filed each year. But the loophole has allowed some people accused of illegally selling or possessing the parts, including convicted felons, to escape prosecution. The issue also complicates efforts to address so-called ghost guns, which are largely untraceable because they are assembled from parts. Since 2016, at least five defendants have challenged the government and succeeded in getting some charges dropped, avoiding prison or seeing their cases dismissed entirely. Three judges have rejected the governments interpretation of the law, despite dire warnings from prosecutors. Federal regulations define a firearms frame or receiver as the piece considered to be the gun itself. But in an AR-15, the receiver is split into upper and lower parts and some of the components listed in the definition are contained in the upper half. That has led judges to rule that a lower receiver alone cannot be considered a gun. The lower receiver sits above the pistol grip, holds the trigger and hammer, and has a slot for the magazine. By itself, it cannot fire a bullet. But by treating the piece as a firearm, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is able to regulate who can obtain it. Because authorities consider the part to be a gun, people prohibited from having firearms have been charged for possessing them. In 2018, prosecutors said a ruling against the government would seriously undermine the ATFs ability to trace and regulate firearms nationwide. CNN first reported the case and its implications. Last month, a federal judge in Ohio dealt the latest blow, dismissing charges against two men accused of making false statements to buy lower receivers. Any public citizen would be concerned about this loophole that we exploited, said attorney Thomas Kurt, who represented defendant Richard Rowold. As a citizen, I hope the ATF corrects this. As Mr. Rowolds attorney, Im grateful the judge followed the law in getting to the correct result. The gun industry estimates there are more than 17 million AR-15-style rifles in circulation, and the National Rifle Association once dubbed it Americas rifle. AR-15-style weapons were used in attacks in Newtown, Connecticut, Las Vegas and Parkland, Florida. In the case of Rowold, who is prohibited from buying or possessing firearms because of felony convictions, the government claimed that he used another man as a proxy to purchase 50 lower receivers. The 2018 indictment also charged him with having 15 lower receivers. Kurt declined to comment on why his client had the parts. The case rested on the ATFs claim that the components were legally firearms. Judge James Carr called that a plainly erroneous reading of the law and said the agency has a duty to fix the problem. Misapplying the law for a long time provides no immunity from scrutiny, Carr wrote in his order to dismiss. Federal prosecutors in Rowolds case and several others declined to comment. An ATF spokeswoman would not answer questions posed by The Associated Press but said the agency is keenly assessing Carrs decision. The problem has attracted attention at the highest levels of law enforcement. In 2016, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch wrote a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan after a judge dismissed a case in Northern California involving a man with a felony record who was accused of buying an unmarked AR-15 lower receiver from an undercover agent. Prosecutors argued that the case against Alejandro Jimenez should proceed even if the part does not perfectly fit the legal definition. The judge dismissed the charges. The decision prompted Lynch to write that if the ATF wants an AR-15 lower receiver to be considered a firearm under the law, then it should pursue regulatory or administrative action. But theres no public record of the ATF taking such a step. I cant imagine why no one has taken the initiative to correct this, said Dan OKelly, a former senior ATF agent and director of a gun-training company known as International Firearm Specialist Academy. His testimony has guided several defense attorneys. Since Lynchs letter, such prosecutions have continued to secure prison sentences. In April, for instance, an Oklahoma man was charged with illegally possessing a firearm after police who pulled him over found loaded high-capacity magazines and the lower receiver of an AR-15-style rifle in his truck. Jason Scott Pedro, a 37-year-old with a felony record for domestic violence, was sentenced in November to seven years in prison. Theres no evidence in court records that Pedros lawyer challenged whether the lower receiver was rightly considered a gun. The attorney did not respond to requests for comment but has filed a notice of appeal. I think the criminal defense bar has kind of let their clients down for letting this go on for all these years, Halbrook said. In one case, an ATF expert testified that the same principle could apply to many other firearms. Prosecutors worry that more rulings against the government could allow people prohibited from having guns to purchase weapons piece by piece with no regulation or background check. Franklin Zimring, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, is skeptical of that claim and said the same behavior could often be prosecuted under state laws. The AR-15 is a popular model for gun enthusiasts to legally build at home. The rifles are sometimes constructed out of partially machined receivers, often called 80% receivers, which can be bought and sold without background checks and need not have serial numbers because they are unfinished. If federal officials want to maintain control in this growing do-it-yourself gun market they need to first establish functional regulation of lower receivers, said Kristen Rand, legislative director at the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center. From a public safety standpoint, she said, this is very important and isnt just an in-the-weeds legal definitional problem. ___ Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press Writer Lisa Marie Pane in Boise, Idaho, and researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York City contributed to this report. The deltas sinking islands The Nature Conservancy is accused of gross mismanagement in bitter court case that could influence farming and conservation in delta for decades. The deltas sinking islands The Nature Conservancy is accused of gross mismanagement in bitter court case that could influence farming and conservation in delta for decades. A fight over the management of a diked island in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is shining a light on a growing conundrum for California water managers, farmers and environmentalists over the best way to restore natural habitat on cropland created more than a century ago by draining marshes. The courtroom battle over 9,000-acre Staten Island is the latest conflict in the delta over farming, wetlands and the aging levees that, besides preventing flooding, preserve a way of life on the man-made islands. The suit, filed in 2018 by a group called the Wetlands Preservation Foundation, accuses the California Department of Water Resources and the Nature Conservancy of failing to adequately protect wildlife or employ sustainable agricultural practices on the property, one of the largest of 57 reclaimed islands and tracts in the delta. The case was argued in San Joaquin Superior Court last month and a ruling isnt expected until next month, but the arguments are familiar to those with stakes in California agriculture, drinking water and fisheries. Staten Island has problems that are quite common for the rest of the delta it has subsidence, said Jay Lund, the director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis. I think down at the southern end, its 20 to 25 feet below (mean high tide), and there are other places in the delta that are similarly deep. The island, which the state purchased in 2001, was turned over to the Nature Conservancy in exchange for a conservation easement that required restoration of sandhill crane habitat, sustainable farming and maintenance of the levees. It is sinking because the heavily farmed peat soils have decomposed as a result of oxidation. The lawsuit claims the Nature Conservancy failed to halt, and even exacerbated, the situation by allowing damaging corn crops to be grown and failing to adequately bolster the levees. It alleges that conservancy officials used $14.5 million in farming profits that were supposed to be spent on conservation and levee maintenance on the island for general operations at their headquarters in Arlington, Va. The gross mismanagement of Staten Island ... poses serious risk that the entire island will be permanently flooded, John Keker, the plaintiffs lawyer, said in a statement. He is demanding that the two agencies immediately start strengthening and extending levees, replacing lost soil and converting Staten Island to more sustainable farming practices, like rice, alfalfa and other crops that do not ruin the soil. The case is important because it could influence farming practices and management of other delta islands, many of which are now little more than bowls protected by dirt levees. The levees, some of which have been around for 150 years, are a major source of concern for geologists, who have warned that an earthquake, heavy storm or even a large gopher colony could cause a breach. The fear is that if one island floods, the pressure created by the extra water would undermine neighboring levees and cause a cascade of flooding. Thats why the Department of Water Resources spends a fair amount of money maintaining those levees, said Jonas Minton, a former state water resources deputy director who is now with the Planning and Conservation League, a group that has worked since 1965 on legislation and policies to protect the California environment. Minton said it took five months and cost $90 million to repair and pump out the Jones Tract when a levee failed in June 2004 and sent a cascade of water over 12,000 acres of farmland. The stakes are high because the channels, islands and marshes that make up the delta are a catch basin for most of Californias drinking water. The 1,300-square-mile network, where the Sacramento, San Joaquin and Mokelumne rivers come together, was once a vast tule marsh teeming with salmon, grizzly bears and other wildlife that provided ample food for American Indians. Settlers began transforming the swampland in the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s, creating a levee system that formed many of the islands. The State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project later designed a system of pumps, aqueducts and concrete bypasses to prevent flooding and funnel snowmelt water from the Sierra Nevada to 25 million people in the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California. Staten Island, between the north and south forks of the Mokelumne, is the wintering ground for many migratory birds and the primary roosting area for thousands of sandhill cranes. The state transferred to the Nature Conservancy $35 million in bond money from two ballot measures approved by voters 19 years ago to restore the delta and other waterways. The money was used by the conservancy to acquire title to Staten Island. A conservation easement was established on the island as part of the deal, requiring the conservancy to preserve natural resources, protect cranes and migratory birds, and act as public steward of the land, according to the suit. The plaintiffs are accusing the state of failing to enforce what is known as the Staten Perpetual Conservation Easement. Department of Water Resources officials claim its specifics are discretionary. The Nature Conservancy argued that it has fulfilled its obligations, investing more than $27 million in science and conservation projects. The Nature Conservancys work at Staten Island centers on creating and testing wildlife-friendly agricultural practices, Dawit Zeleke, the associate director of conservation, farms and ranches for the conservancy, said in a statement. Our Staten Island work has led to the recovery and protection of sandhill crane habitat, serving as one of the most important sites in California for wintering sandhill cranes. The problem, according to the lawsuit, is that the conservancy has continued to allow corn to be harvested, which destroys the sensitive peat soil. Corn requires sub-irrigation, meaning it is watered at the root level, and that causes the oxidation that damages the soil. The plaintiffs estimate that 20 million cubic yards of soil has oxidized since the conservancy took over management of the island, lowering field elevations and increasing water pressure on the levees. Photo: Blanchard; John Photo: Blanchard; John Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close The deltas sinking islands: A way of life hangs in the balance 1 / 1 Back to Gallery Unless Staten Island subsidence is stopped, Statens levees will fail, the island will flood, with dire outcomes for the local agricultural economy, sandhill crane habitat, adjacent islands, and indeed for the entire delta, said Dino Cortopassi, the chief executive officer of the Wetlands Preservation Foundation, in a statement. Cortopassi, who grows rice on a neighboring island, claimed in the lawsuit that the conservancy refused to take his advice and switch to crops like rice and alfalfa, which are watered from above and leave stubble after the harvest that helps soils build up over time. Studies have shown that crops that are flooded, like rice, act much like tule wetlands and reverse subsidence in peat soils. The Nature Conservancy and Department of Water Resources deny the problems on Staten Island were caused by or worsened by their actions. Water management has long been a universal problem in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Zeleke said, and we are proactive in measures to protect and maintain levees both on our property and to help neighboring islands. Lund said the issues mentioned in the lawsuit are, in fact, widespread. In the subsided parts of the delta you tend to have more corn and irrigated pasture because thats the most money you can make using that type of soil, Lund said. He admitted that there arent many good solutions short of bringing millions of dump truck loads of soil into the area. Abandoning crops would be taking money out of the pockets of farmers, he said, and switching to rice wont resolve the subsidence problem because it would take hundreds of years for that kind of crop to accumulate enough soil to bring the land up to sea level. Clearly, large investments in levees will have to be made and more incentives will have to be given to farmers to make their land ecologically sustainable like planting riparian vegetation and flooding rice fields to create floodplains for birds and fish. The Department of Water Resources and other state agencies are obligated under a 2010 agreement to restore 8,000 acres of inter-tidal and sub-tidal habitat for fish and wildlife in the delta, the Suisun Marsh and the Yolo Bypass. Whats certain is that the problems facing delta farmers are getting more dire every year. Climate scientists are projecting crop losses of up to 40% by 2050 in the state, particularly in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, where rising seas could push salt water into the delta and swamp the levees. Certainly the sea level is rising, Lund said, and for the islands that have peat soil the land level is falling, so we kind of know how this story is going to end. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite A BJP office was gutted in West Bengal's Paschim Burdwan district, following which the saffron party activists accused the TMC of being behind the incident. A party office of the BJP at Salanpur area in Asansol was reduced to ashes in a blaze on Sunday night and an investigation is on to ascertain the cause of the fire, a senior police officer said. The BJP has put the blame on TMC, which the ruling party in West Bengal has denied, terming the incident a result of a brawl between "goons" of the saffron party. "As part of an initiative by union minister and local MP Babul Supriyo, BJP workers distributed blankets to tribals in the area on Sunday morning, following which TMC activists set fire to our party office. "Several other BJP offices in the area have been set ablaze in the past by the TMC. As the popularity of our party is on the rise, TMC is using these tactics to terrorise the people," BJP leader Abhijit Roy said. Dismissing the allegations, Salanpur's TMC MLA Bidhan Upadhyay said the incident was a result of a brawl between "goons" of the BJP. "Lottery tickets used to be sold at the entrance of the BJP party office and goons affiliated to the saffron party used to consume liquor there. This incident is a result of a brawl between them," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Millennial Lithium Corp. Granted REMSA Licenses at its Pastos Grandes Project, Salta, Argentina Posted by Publisher Internet Millennial Lithium Corp. (ML: TSX.V) (A3N2:GR: Frankfurt) (MLNLF: OTCQB) (?Millennial? or the ?Company? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O98zS5jTbFg&t=2s) is pleased to announce that the Mining Court of Salta has granted Millennial?s Argentine subsidiary, Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A., four of the five mining licenses that comprised the original REMSA Properties. Farhad Abasov, President and CEO commented \Millennial is pleased to have received four of the mining licenses which comprise approximately 97% of the REMSA Properties area of our Pastos Grandes Project.? The licenses granted total approximately 6,447 hectares (ha). Millennial expects the fifth license to be granted in the near future.? The Company continues to advance its 3 tonne-per-month lithium carbonate plant and pilot evaporation ponds in addition to completion of the community water well construction and sustainable business development and indoor recreation centre in Pastos Grandes. ?On corporate matters, Millennial continues to advance financing, offtake and other strategic talks with large industry players.? Late in 2019 the Mining Court of Salta granted Millennial?s Argentine subsidiary, Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A., four mining licenses (Ignacio, Ignacio IV, Daniel Ramon, and Aguamarga 10) which comprise 6,447 ha and the majority of the REMSA Properties.? This area is a significant increase from the original REMSA Property (2,492 ha) as Millennial was granted the full areas of vacant licenses to which Millennial had the right to claim within and extending beyond the original REMSA investigation area.? Millennial previously was granted the right to earn 100% of the REMSA Properties by making cash payments to REMSA and meeting a work commitment (see News Release dated August 24, 2017).? REMSA has reviewed and approved these expenditures and subsequently the Mining Court approved the transfer of the mining licenses to Millennial?s wholly-owned subsidiary in Argentina, Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A.? A fifth license, Nueva Sijesyta at 204 ha is located at the far eastern limit of the Company?s land position at Pastos Grandes. Approval for this license is expected in the near future.? This news release has been reviewed by Iain Scarr, AIPG CPG., Chief Operating Officer of the Company and a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. To find out more about Millennial Lithium Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email info@millenniallithium.com. MILLENNIAL LITHIUM CORP. ?Farhad Abasov? President, CEO and Director In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch 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.? This news release may contain certain ?Forward-Looking Statements? within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words ?anticipate?, ?believe?, ?estimate?, ?expect?, ?target, ?plan?, ?forecast?, ?may?, ?schedule? and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Argentina which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$, fluctuations in the market for lithium, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Argentina and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company?s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], Jan 13 (ANI): The Uttarakhand cabinet on Sunday gave the approval to increase the circle rates of land in the state. The Circle rates of the land have been increased by 15 percent. The Cabinet has approved the hike in circle rates for agriculture, non-agriculture and commercial land of the state. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was held on Sunday evening. The Cabinet approved the proposal put forth by Stamp and Registration Department (ANI) New Delhi, Jan 13 : Seeking to boost Indian tourist inflow, especially of millennials, to the Southeast Asian country, Singapore's One Faber Group has initiated talks with banks, credit card firms and airlines to offer lucrative deals. Instead of relying solely on travel agents and intermediaries, the group has appointed an India representative tasked with increasing its tourist volume. The company has appointed ISA Tourism as its India market representative. Maintaining that Singapore continues to be an important destination for Indian tourists in Southeast Asia, One Faber Group senior executive Patrick Lee said that India figures among the top three markets for Singapore. He agreed that following the shutdown of Jet Airways, traffic on the India-Singapore route had seen some impact, but said that this drop was being fast compensated by new flights launched by IndiGo, GoAir and Vistara. The leisure and lifestyle services firm said that Singapore saw as many as 1.5 million Indian tourists visiting the island nation in 2018, and in the January-October period of 2019 the total figure stood 1.19 million. In the last 2-3 years destinations like Vietnam and Cambodia have also become popular among Indian tourists and this may have prompted some of travellers to choose these new countries over the traditional destinations. "The decline in number (2019 against 2018) is not because Singapore is losing its appeal among Indian tourists," said Lee who is Director of Sales and Business Development at Mount Faber Leisure Group. He noted that there was a significant jump in tourist numbers from India in 2018, compared to 2017. One Faber Group's portfolio of products and services include the Singapore Cable Car, Wings of Time, Faber Peak Singapore, Arbora, Dusk Restaurant and Bar, Good Old Days and 100M Private Dining, among others. "India continues to be one of our priority markets and the appointment of ISA Tourism as market representative will allow more Indian tourists to discover our variety of memorable lifestyle experiences and embark on a delightful escapade with us," said One Faber Group Managing Director Buhdy Bok. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13 2020 The Jakarta administration seeks to rebuild the capital citys reputation for safety to revitalize its tourism amid a downturn of foreign tourists visiting in the past few months. According to the Jakarta office of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the number of foreign tourists visiting Jakarta in 2019 has been on a decline since August and that continued until November. Data from December is not yet available. In 2019, the city welcomed the highest number of foreign visitors in July with a total of 268,258 and that number declined to 184,521 in November. 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 Marlon Wright, right, and Kristopher James-Merrill, centre, with a photo of a guardsman, left. (PA Images/Facebook) A pair of soldiers who served in a famous regiment that carries out ceremonial duties for the Queen attempted a string of robberies in South London, a court heard today, Grenadier Guard Kristopher James-Merrill, 20, is accused of carrying out seven raids with friend Marlon Wright, 25, between July 24 and July 26 2018. James-Merrill, from Brixton, arrived at Kingston Crown Court on Monday with a military medal pinned to his dark blue suit. He and Wright, also from south-west London, deny four attempted robberies, three robberies and seven counts of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Grenadier Guards perform duties at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. (PA Images) Sharpe, from Dulwich, who has served in the Grenadier Guards, has pleaded guilty to all 14 charges and is not standing trial, the jury has been told. He threatened shopkeepers with a handgun, demanding they hand him cash while he was disguised in black clothing, a hood and a mask. Prosecutor Fraser Coxhill said: He therefore admits being the male who entered the shops wielding a handgun. There is no dispute these defendants are known to each other. Mr Sharpe and Mr James-Merrill were at the time serving guardsmen in the British Army and Mr James-Merrill is a serving Grenadier Guard. Marlon Wright was good friends with them both. Four shops were raided between 11pm on July 24 and the early hours of July 25, and a further three took place within an hour on July 26, the court heard. Mr Coxhill said: Over a three-day period between July 24 and 26 2018, the same hooded and masked man entered seven small convenience shops and robbed, or attempted to rob, the shopkeepers of cash. The famous regiment is often involved in ceremonial events. (PA Images) On each occasion, he threatened those who worked there with what appeared to be a firearm. It is the prosecution case that these defendants, together with another male, Dillon Sharpe, each played a role in these offences. Sharpe had entered the first shop in Croydon and stole 1,000 from the till after threatening the shopkeeper with a handgun, the court heard. Story continues He left after a scuffle which left the victim with face and head injuries. Police found a magazine for a pistol nearby. Five minutes later, in the second targeted shop, Sharpe was fought off by a shopkeeper carrying a large wooden stick used to close the business shutters, Mr Coxhill said. He instinctively ran towards him in an attempt to chase him off and Mr Sharpe ran out of the shop, he added. The Grenadier Guards is one of the most senior in the British Army. Soldiers wear a scarlet tunic and bearskin uniforms while on ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The trial continues. ---Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK--- Americas chief killer claimed nearly 1,700 lives today. And yesterday. And the day before that. If four Boeing jumbo jets full of passengers crashed in a single day, wed ban planes from the sky within hours. But we largely shrug when its heart disease thats killing almost 1,700 people every day. Indeed, deaths from heart disease garner only one-tenth the media coverage of deaths from terrorism, according to an analysis by researchers at UC San Diego. Terrorist attacks accounted for less than 0.008% of U.S. deaths from 1999 to 2016. That period includes, of course, the tragic terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But the UC San Diego audit found that the New York Times devoted more than 30% of its coverage of death to terrorism over those 17 years. Homicide claimed 22% of the Times death coverage between 1999 and 2016. Yet homicide accounts for less than 1% of annual deaths in both the United States and worldwide. Now take heart disease. Its the leading cause of death in the United States, killing roughly 1 in 4 Americans. Yet just over 3% of the Times coverage of death dealt with heart disease. Heart disease deserves every bit as much public attention as more sensational causes of death. Reorienting our thoughts toward whats actually killing us could save millions of lives. The press can justifiably say its responding to public demand. From 2004 to 2016, searches for heart disease made up less than 3% of Google searches on causes of death. But the media can shape how we perceive threats to our health and well-being. More information about whats actually killing us has the potential to shape our behavior for the better. Consider the very real impact that some public health education campaigns have had. Researchers in Missoula, Mont., conducted a 20-week effort to share information on warning signs of stroke across local newspapers, radio and television. After the campaign, the share of adult residents who correctly identified two stroke warning signs increased nearly 15%. In Ontario, researchers found an advertising campaign for stroke warning signs correlated with a spike in people visiting the emergency room for stroke treatment. Georgetown University Hospital in Washington launched a two-month mass media campaign aimed at increasing mammograms among African American women. The campaign included screening information in newspapers that served the African American community as well as a local television news website. As a result, there were nearly 1,500 new visits to the mammography centers website compared with just 24 before the effort started. Efforts like these are important. After all, cancer kills nearly 600,000 Americans every year over 3,000 times more than terrorism. More coverage of and conversation about heart health would be especially beneficial for low-income Americans. They tend to engage in the behaviors that lead to heart disease at greater rates things like smoking, eating less fruit and vegetables and leading sedentary lifestyles. Statistically, very few people will die in a terrorist attack. But over the next two weeks, heart disease will take nearly 24,000 lives. Thats almost seven times as many Americans as terrorism claimed in the two decades between 1995 and 2016. The way we talk about what is killing us misrepresents reality. And it could be costing unwitting Americans their lives. David Kopp is CEO of Healthline Media, headquartered in San Francisco. Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisian security authorities on Sunday arrested a Takfiri element classified as "dangerous" who is wanted by the Tunis court of first instance for his involvement in a "terrorist" case, a press release from the Tunisian Interior Ministry indicated on Monday Following last weeks Golden Globe Awards, Hollywoods elite continued to put their best foot forward when they attended last nights Critics Choice Awards. The event, which took place in Santa Monica, California, is hosted annually by the American-Canadian Broadcast Film Critics Association. The lavish affair saw actors including Renee Zellweger and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, both of whom were dressed in elegant Dior gowns, come away with the nights top prizes. Other stars in attendance included Euphoria star Zendaya, who made a bold statement in a futuristic, fuchsia Tom Ford design; Little Women actor Florence Pugh, who dazzled in custom Prada; and Harriet lead Cynthia Erivo, who looked regal in a geometric Fendi creation. Click through the gallery above to see all the best-dressed stars in attendance at the glamorous awards ceremony. 'There's no such thing as 'just the wife'' Claire Foy's gives acceptance speech at Critics Choice Awards 2019 To read the full list of winners at the Critics Choice Awards, click here. To take a look at the best-dressed attendees at this years Golden Globes, which took place earlier this month, click here. LANESBORO -- Andrzej Zalasinski, executive director of the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a National Institute Scholarship and has recently completed his first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz. Given to professionals across the country, the National Institute Scholarships recognize each recipient for their involvement in industry professional organizations, community service, and professional background. "Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations," said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundations vice president of Institute for Organization Management. "These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries." KSMQ producer selected for national cohort AUSTIN -- KSMQ Public Television Producer Annie Krenik is one of 15 media professionals nationwide selected to participate in the 2020 PBS Digital Immersion Scholarship Program. ADVERTISEMENT Digital Immersion was created by PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help stations improve their digital efforts, while offering an opportunity for station staff to connect to a greater public media community of professionals. Digital Immersion is a professional development opportunity for PBS station personnel that mixes in-depth virtual trainings, immersive experiences, hands-on workshops, and collaborative mentorship to improve overall expertise in digital strategies and tactics. The 10-month professional development experience focuses on developing strategic and organizational tactics, with the selected participants being able to draw on the projects teachings and a national network of public media contacts to further digital success at their station and at the local level. A native of rural Mankato, Krenik is a graduate of Minnesota State University Mankato and holds a degree in Film & Media Studies. As part of her academic work while at MSU, Krenik completed an internship at KSMQ during the 2018 school year and joined the television station full time in 2019. Grand Meadow will cut ribbon on new solar array GRAND MEADOW -- The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting and open house for the new Solar Array system and the newly expanded GM Gym at the Grand Meadow Business Center on Jan. 18. With expanded space and added equipment, the GM Gym will celebrate with a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. and an open house following. Immediately following the GM Gym ribbon cutting, a second ribbon cutting will highlight the new solar system at the Grand Meadow Business Center. Engineered and built by Novel Energy Solutions, the 30 kW solar system is a major energy and technology upgrade for the Business Center. ADVERTISEMENT The Grand Meadow Business Center is located two blocks south of Minnesota State Highway 16. OTTAWA - The Trudeau government has accepted a court ruling that Canadians should not have to be near death to qualify for medical assistance to end their lives but it is now considering whether other hurdles should be imposed to guard against abuse. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a press conference in Ottawa on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA - The Trudeau government has accepted a court ruling that Canadians should not have to be near death to qualify for medical assistance to end their lives but it is now considering whether other hurdles should be imposed to guard against abuse. The possibility of new eligibility requirements was revealed Monday as the government launched a two-week public consultation on how best to respond to a September court ruling that concluded it's unconstitutional to limit the right to assisted death to those whose natural deaths are "reasonably foreseeable." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to appeal the ruling from the Superior Court of Quebec, which gave the government until March 11 to amend the law. Once the consultations conclude on Jan. 27, the government will have only about six weeks in which to introduce legislation and pass it through both the House of Commons and Senate. Justice Minister David Lametti said Monday he might have to seek an extension. But he suggested that public opinion has evolved so much since the law went into effect in June 2016, it may be possible to achieve agreement quickly. "It's possible under perfect circumstances," he said in an interview. "It may be that we have the consensus for it, depending on what we do, and then it slides through. If not, we haven't ruled out asking for an extension." The government's online questionnaire, launched Monday, suggests the coming amendments won't be as simple as just removing the foreseeable-death provision. It asks Canadians to consider whether other restrictions should be implemented to ensure a balance between a person's right to choose to end their life and protecting vulnerable people who could be pressured into early deaths. Among other things, it asks respondents to consider whether amendments should: Increase the current 10-day minimum wait between requesting and receiving a medically assisted death. Require that both the medical practitioner and patient agree that other reasonable treatment options have been tried without success. Require psychological or psychiatric assessments to determine capacity to consent. Require consultation with an expert in a person's medical condition, in addition to the current mandatory two medical assessments. "We do have to strike an appropriate balance," Lametti said, noting that there is "a sector of the population that sees itself as being vulnerable to being influenced." "Is that easy? No, but we have to do it if we're going to move forward in a sensitive way." But Cory Ruf, spokesperson for Dying with Dignity Canada, warned politicians against applying more safeguards that could wind up unfairly depriving people of their right to an assisted death and being shot down again by the courts. Requiring consultation with medical specialists, for instance, could create real barriers to access, especially for people living outside big cities. "This is a major concern," Ruf said. "We strongly caution lawmakers against imposing safeguards for the sake of imposing safeguards." Some of the issues canvassed in the questionnaire were debated extensively when the federal assisted-dying law was introduced in 2015. But Lametti predicted the debate will be different this time. "There's a level of acceptance across Canada ... that wasn't there before and so I'm really confident that the discussion that some people may want us to have on safeguards will be done in an entirely different context than it was in 2015 when there was a lot of fear that quite frankly just hasn't been borne out." Lametti, then a backbencher, was one of only four Liberal MPs to vote against the initial law, fearing it was too restrictive and would be struck down. While the public consultations now are aimed primarily responding to the Quebec court ruling, they also dip into broader issues which must be considered as part of a parliamentary review of the law that is to begin this summer: whether mature minors and those suffering strictly from mental illnesses should be eligible and whether people should be able to make advance requests for medical assistance in dying. The questionnaire asks people to decide if a person who has been approved for an assisted death should be denied if they lose the mental capacity to give consent prior to the procedure. That was the dilemma that faced Audrey Parker, a Halifax woman with terminal breast cancer that had spread to her brain. She chose to die with medical assistance in the fall of 2018, earlier than she wanted, rather than risk losing the capacity to give last-minute consent. If there's "sufficient consensus" on that issue, Lametti said it could be dealt with in the coming round of amendments, rather than waiting for the parliamentary review. The questionnaire also asks people to consider whether someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease should be able to prepare an advance directive to apply later. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian addressed a message today on the 30th anniversary of the anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. The message runs as follows: Dear Compatriots, Today, we pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the pogroms in Baku. Thirty years ago, in January of 1990, purges of the Armenians were ordered in Baku, claiming the lives of hundreds of Armenians; many were injured, subjected to tortures, were expelled, some were lost without a trace. After the pogroms, Baku, which had had the Armenian population of 250,000, was totally purged of Armenians. Mass murders of the citizens of the Armenian origin, organized by the Azerbaijani authorities in January 1990 in Baku, had been a result of the state policies of Armenophobia and forced expulsion of the Armenians. Through the wide-spread carnage and violence, which had lasted for over a week, the Azerbaijani authorities were able to achieve their goal: the Armenian community of Baku, which had survived the Azerbaijani atrocities in 1905 and 1918, in January of 1990 ceased to exist; the people, who considered Baku their native town and which they had enriched with their work and talent, lost their birthplace. Despite the entreaties of the international community, the Azerbaijani authorities until today have not been held responsible for the ethnically motivated murder of hundreds of people, for torture, forced exile, grabbing of the Armenians property and estate. Today too, through the impunity of the crime, a continuous hate propaganda against Armenia and the Armenian people, they continue to encourage similar crimes, put in peril the regional peace and security. There is no period of limitation for the crimes against humanity. Today we bow to the memory of our martyrs. We also must realize more than ever that through our unity and togetherness, through our joint efforts we have to do everything to preclude the repetition of such crimes in the future. One of the osprey offspring siblings born last May at a nest next to the historic SS Red Oak Victory ship in Richmond has died, the Golden Gate Audubon Society announced on social media Friday. Peace-up, the oldest of three osprey fledglings born this year to parents Rosie and Richmond, was seen falling from a tree in Corte Madera on Oct. 1 and died a short time later, according to observers. "There were no other obvious injuries that could clue us in to cause of death," wrote Teresa Ely, banding manager of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. "Today we are in mourning," the Audubon chapter said in sharing the news on its Facebook page for the nest (www.facebook.com/bayospreys/). "By the time we received this information, the bird had been buried and it is too decomposed to do a necropsy to find out any more information," Ely wrote. Peace-up was identified after being banded on the nest by the GGRO. Banding is used to track raptors to learn more about their movements, habits, lifespan and other aspects. Peace-up, a male, and sister Kiskasit were the latest set of fledglings raised by parents Rosie and Richmond. A third offspring this year died shortly after birth, likely due to hypothermia, according to the Golden Gate Audubon Society. Police are investigating the death of a man run over by a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency light rail train early Sunday morning say it appears the victim had been sitting on couplers between two cars. San Francisco Fire Department paramedics responding to Bayshore Boulevard and Sunnydale Avenue at 1:32 a.m. pronounced the man dead at the scene. "Preliminary information indicates that the deceased sat on the couplers between two LRV cars while the train was stopped," police said in a news release. "He fell underneath the second car of the train once it started moving again." The coroner's office will make the official determination of the cause of death. Hayward saw its first homicide of the year on Sunday morning when a man found shot about 5:23 a.m. in the 1800 block of Osage Avenue was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The identity of the victim is being withheld until his family can be notified, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Hayward Police Department at (510) 293-7176 The Oakland Department of Transportation and shared-vehicle company Reveal launched the placement of 1,000 mopeds on Friday as another form of mobility around the city. Oakland officials said the city will be Reveal's first market on the West Coast and the company's service area will cover the entire city. Reveal stated that it will take considerable measures to make sure riders are safe and responsible while riding around on the mopeds. A possible user would need to download the Reveal mobile app and upload their driver's license that confirms that the user is 21 or older to drive. The user also should not have a history of reckless driving, as they won't be accepted into Reveal's program. Once approved by the app, riders can find, reserve and unlock any moped using their phone. Each vehicle comes with two certified helmets and can carry a maximum of two riders. Each ride will cost $1 per person to start and follows with 29 cents per minute. As the mopeds will be a part of the city's car share program, riders can unlock and park in any legal parking space within the Oakland service area. Police on Sunday released the description of a possible vehicle used by unidentified persons in the fatal shooting last November of two youths outside a Union City elementary school. The vehicle is described as a silver sedan similar to a mid- to late-2000s model Toyota Camry or Corolla. Investigators hope the description will lead to more clues in the unsolved shooting reported about 1:30 a.m. Nov. 23 in the parking lot at Searles Elementary School in a residential neighborhood in the 1800 block of Sherman Drive. The boys, age 14 and 11, had been sitting in a van in the parking lot when they were confronted by suspects who shot into their vehicle multiple times, according to police. The 14-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and the 11-year-old died en route to a hospital, police said. Funding extensions for emergency road repair projects in Santa Cruz County have been secured from the Federal Highway Administration, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced. The funding was originally approved for infrastructure repair from storm damage in the county in 2016 and 2017, with a two-year spending window. "Similar projects have often been granted multiple one-year extensions due to the complex nature of reconstruction projects in California," the congressional representatives said in a joint announcement, noting that "Last year, the FHWA rejected multiple extension requests to California projects." Santa Cruz County sustained more than $120 million in damage at over 200 locations from the storms, more than any other part of California, officials said. Caltrain riders who use the system's mobile app to buy tickets can now use it to pay for daily parking, as well. The new feature, which had a soft launch in mid-December, allows riders to bypass ticket vending machines by using their mobile device to select the station they parked at, input their parking space number and pay for the ticket. "This is the first feature of its kind in the Bay Area, and was one of the most requested updates by Caltrain Mobile users," according to Caltrain. Since the Caltrain Mobile app was released two years ago it has been downloaded nearly 300,000 times and used to purchase more than 1.1 million tickets, officials said in a release. Ticket prices are the same as paper tickets and there are no additional fees. 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. After making a successful Delhi debut in 2018, the much famed Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA) Art Mela will now make its foray in Mumbai starting January 23, announced the organisers. Traditionally held in Kolkata, the four-day annual art event, now in its 13th edition, will take place at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai. Known for showcasing genuine, quality art by artists -- senior, young and emerging -- at affordable prices, the festival this time too aims to merge the boundaries between the high and low art by displaying an entire spectrum from the "pop to sublime". Over 80 artists from across India would be participating in the event, including the likes of Padma Bhushan-awardee figurative artist Arpita Singh, renowned painters Jogen Chowdhury, Manu Parekh, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Paresh Maity and Madhvi Parekh. "It was on the occasion of CIMA's 25th anniversary in 2018, that we thought of taking the project nationwide. First to Delhi and now to Mumbai. "This is a special gift for young Mumbaikars on behalf of the veteran and award winning artists from across the country. From the mighty centres of art to the quiet realms of the patachitra artisans and traditional artists of rural India. All selected meticulously and with a sense of humor and fun," said Rakhi Sarkar, director, CIMA. Inspired by the famous 'Nandan mela', the Santiniketan's annual art fair conceived in 1973, according to Sarkar, the collection here is presented in a "salon style", the one where the work is simply mounted, and not framed. "The collection is inclusive and involves traditional artists along with renowned veterans, modern and contemporary artists of India. It is designed to mae art more enjoyable and approachable," she added. Also, talking about the concept of CIMA Art Mela, which was first initiated in 2008 in Kolkata, Sarkar said it came into being to make "quality art accessible to the middle class". "If people who are passionate about art stop talking about it, it gets forgotten. We felt that could happen if the discussion was restricted to how expensive a piece of art is. "The moment they couldn't buy, their interest started flagging. We felt we had to do something to bring the middle class and the upper middle class back into the fold of art," she explained. The art mela comes to a close on January 26. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Monday alleged that the Maharashtra government has issued a 'notice' to a city school for organising an awareness programme on the Citizenship Amendment Act, and criticised the move as "unfortunate". The BJP leader took to Twitter to condemn the government's action, saying the Citizenship Amendment Act has been passed by Parliament and its implementation has begun. The Act, under which non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be given Indian citizenship, came into force from January 10 after a gazette notification was issued by the Centre. "Its unfortunate Thackeray Sarkar issued Notice to Dayanand School of Mumbai for education program on #CAA, CAA passed by Parliament. President gave assent. Implementation started now. We condemn Maharashtra's Shivsena NCP Congress Govt action," Somaiya tweeted. The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11. There have been widespread protests against the CAA in different parts of the country. Those opposed to the legislation are saying it is for the first time that India will grant citizenship on the basis of religion, which violates the basic tenets of the country's Constitution. However, the government and ruling BJP have been defending the Act, saying minority groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have no other option but to come India when they face religious persecution there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Renowned poet, Professor Wole Soyinka, has hailed governors of the South West for initiating and launching the security outfit codenamed, Operation Amotekun. Soyinka stated also that the launch of the security outfit should be commended. Read Also: Amotekun: OPC Knocks Northern Group Over Inciting Comment The Nobel laureate said this on Monday, although he had earlier expressed his disappointment on the governors in the country. Soyinka said that the governors should be commended for listening to the yearnings of the people. Operation Amotekun was launched in Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday and according to the governors, the initiative which was put together by governors of the south-west as a means to tackle issues of insecurity in the region. By Express News Service MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to permit Pastor Gideon Jacob, accused in the Mose Ministries case, to visit his ailing wife in Germany. Justice S S Sundar passed the order on condition that Gideon should appear before the CBI Inspector (Special Crime Branch) in Chennai within two days and offer an immovable property worth at least Rs 2 crore as security and surety from any of his blood relative. However, he cannot stay abroad for more than three weeks, the judge added. The case has been adjourned for three weeks. The order came in response to a petition filed by Jacob challenging the seizure of his passport. According to Jacob, a case was registered against him by Tiruchy police for non-registration of the Home, Mose Ministries, founded and run by him, and a similar case was registered by the CBI as well. He said that when he attempted to go to Germany to visit his wife, his passport was seized and he was orally informed that his passport has been impounded citing pendency of the said cases. Jacob prayed the court seeking direction to the authorities to return his passport. Since the Assistant Solicitor General appearing for the Passport Officer expressed that the department would not have any objection if the CBI permitted the petitioner to travel abroad and the CBI counsel also submitted that they are ready to accord permission if the above conditions were fulfilled, the judge passed the said order. ST. LOUIS, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to financial services firm Edward Jones' survey, Relationship with Money, while 81% of Americans say they feel in control over their current financial situation, they admit a mix of emotions when it comes to their money. Only 21% of respondents reported that they feel happy when thinking about saving money while feeling overwhelmed, anxious and, ironically, confident tied as the second-highest emotions, all at 16%. The survey also found a gap between respondents' intentions and their actions when it comes to short-term vs. long-term saving and investing. When asked what they would do if someone gave them $1,000, 72% of respondents said they would allocate it to short-term goals (that which can be accomplished in less than five years). Yet, one in four respondents also reported that retirement was a top savings priority (26%). "Whether you are strapped with student debt, saving to buy a home or trying to build an emergency fund, there are trade-offs that must be made in balancing these short-term goals and your long-term financial future, such as investing for retirement," said Edward Jones Investment Strategist Nela Richardson. "Without a sound financial strategy, most people tend to be reactive rather than proactive and feel like their money is controlling them." When it comes to spending behavior, 48% of millennials considered themselves to be savers, not spenders, compared to Gen Xers (46%) and baby boomers (56%), debunking the myth that millennials aren't as financially focused as other generations. In fact, 75% of all millennials reported having emergency savings, compared to only 66% of Gen Xers. Concerningly, of Americans who do have emergency savings, roughly one-third (30%) do not have enough saved to cover a month's expenses. Nearly all Americans (92%) recognized that there is room for improvement in their financial health. One in four Americans savers and spenders alike expect to reduce or improve their spending habits in order to improve their financial health in the future. Richardson said an important part of feeling confident and empowered with finances is having an accountability partner such as a family member, a friend or a financial advisor. An encouraging 74% of Americans said they are open with their family in regard to finances, with younger generations slightly more likely to talk about money compared to older generations. Still, one in 10 Americans reported they never discuss finances with their family "For generations, many families didn't discuss money openly, leaving people feeling like they were doing it alone. Understanding that you can improve upon your financial health and communicating your goals and plans to your family is an important step toward financial well-being," said Richardson. "Having more open discussions with yourself and your family and your financial advisor about your overall financial goals can help relieve many of the negative emotions that Americans face when it comes to money." Richardson offers these tips when it comes to managing your relationship with money: Recognize what emotions you feel when it comes to saving and investing your money. For example, how does spending make you feel? How does saving make you feel? Being honest with yourself about these emotions can help you from making emotional money decisions. Develop a sound financial strategy that can help reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel empowered. Ask yourself if you need an accountability partner such as a family member or financial advisor who can keep you on track to reaching your short- and long-term goals. For more information and helpful tips visit: www.edwardjones.com/relationship Methodology The Edward Jones Relationship with Money Survey was conducted by Engine's Online CARAVAN Omnibus among a national sample of 2,007 adults comprising 1,003 men and 1,004 women 18 years of age and older from November 7-13, 2019. About Edward Jones Edward Jones, a FORTUNE 500 firm headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of its branch offices caters to individual investors. The firm's 18,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1.3 trillion in assets under management. The Edward Jones website is at www.edwardjones.com , and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com . Member SIPC. SOURCE Edward Jones Related Links http://www.edwardjones.com DALLAS Mike Bloomberg isnt going to be the loudest campaigner in the Democratic primary contest, and hes not planning to spend time talking about his rivals. With the first votes just weeks away, he acts more like hes running in a general election than a primary. While the top Democratic candidates campaigned in Iowa and Nevada this weekend, Bloomberg was on a five-stop bus tour Saturday of reliably Republican Texas, which doesnt vote until March 3. The only rival he spoke about was President Donald Trump, and he talked about Texas as a battleground in November rather than a soon-to-be-voting primary state. The Texas tour was an early touch-the-flesh foray for Bloomberg, who is trying to reach voters with hundreds of millions of dollars in television and digital advertising as he tries to rewrite the playbook of running for president. While other candidates have sought to prove themselves in the quaint retail politics of traditional starting states, Bloombergs approach is decidedly wholesale, with a focus on large states with far more delegates at stake. As for his fellow Democrats, Bloomberg said he welcomes any criticism they want to throw his way. He didnt mention anyone by name, but Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in particular have hit him for being a billionaire he has an estimated worth of more than $50 billion who can self-fund his campaign with essentially an unlimited budget. Why are they giving me free publicity? Bloomberg said in an Associated Press interview on his campaign bus. Theyre making the public think that Im a real candidate, that theyre really worried about it and Im a real threat. And the public says, Oh, if hes that good, maybe we should think about him, too. Thank you very much. That droll demeanor is not the stuff of the Iowa State Fair soapbox, but few things about Bloombergs campaign are typical. He entered the race in late November, months after saying he wouldnt run. He figured it was too late to mount serious campaigns in the first four voting states Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina so hes skipping them entirely to focus on the 14 states that vote on Super Tuesday, including delegate-rich Texas and California, when about a third of Democratic delegates will be awarded. The former mayor of New York, whose fortune flows from his financial data and media company, is not accepting campaign contributions, which means he cant participate in the Democratic debates. He is not holding town-hall style events where voters can ask him questions or hosting large rallies with thousands of adoring fans, as some of his rivals have been doing for months. Im not Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren and yelling and screaming with 25,000 people in front of me. Im just not comfortable doing that, thats not my strength, Bloomberg told the AP, adding that he would do so as the campaign goes on. Today was a decent-sized crowd. I can look, and I can see the people, and I can relate to them. Do I connect with them? Well, thats what youre going to find out when the primary hits. Bloomberg and his campaign bus drew plenty of buzz and voters eager to take selfies mobbed him. At his first stop of the day, a Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, he appeared almost on auto-pilot, moving through the crowd quickly. But as the day went on, he appeared to grow more comfortable, engaging more with voters, who were several hundred in number and racially diverse. Some said they were committed Democrats. A group of women in their 70s at the Dallas event said they had seen Bloombergs ads on television and wanted to learn more about him. In San Antonio, Kyle Gish, 60, who said he leans center-right, said Bloomberg is the only candidate hes considering in the Democratic field. Gemma Kleinsmith, a 55-year-old technical writer who was with Gish, said she leans Democratic but is conservative on fiscal issues. She thinks Bloomberg would be a stable force in the White House. Hes super smart, hes a proven businessman, hes moderate in my eyes, she said. Hes everything that Trump is not. While Bloomberg isnt offering specific criticism of other Democrats, hes said he entered the race because he didnt believe anyone had the ability to beat Trump, a fellow New Yorker. Judy Sheindlin, TVs Judge Judy, who has endorsed Bloomberg, offered a more direct criticism of Sanders as she joined Bloomberg in Texas. America needs a little tweaking, but America does not need a revolution, she said. Bloombergs blitz through Texas aboard the Get It Done Express went from San Antonio to Dallas, along the Interstate 35 corridor where Democrats have been making gains. He stopped in between in San Marcos, Austin and Waco. His speeches were short on personal details, and instead focused on his record as mayor of New York and the money hes invested in fighting climate change and expanding gun control, two key issues for Democratic voters. The campaigns ample resources were also on display. Aides handed out T-shirts and tote bags reading I like Mike. The bags also had an unofficial Bloomberg campaign slogan: In God we trust, everyone else bring data. Bloomberg peppered his speech with statistics meant to show his record: How much New Yorks crime rates fell during his tenure, and how much high school graduation rates went up. As the 77-year old Bloomberg shook hands in San Antonio, one voter was able to hold his attention for more than 30 seconds, gripping his arm and telling him that his slogan mirrored Dwight Eisenhowers I Like Ike campaign of the 1950s. Were probably the only two that remember, Bloomberg said. In Dallas, at the last event of the day, he approached voter Dennis Tenley after noticing his Johns Hopkins University sweatshirt, Bloombergs alma mater. Tenley told Bloomberg theyd been freshman classmates, and they briefly discussed a shared professor. In San Marcos, Bloomberg and Sheindlin ordered lunch at a local barbecue joint about a pound of brisket, coleslaw and baked beans. Bloomberg pulled two $20 bills out of his wallet to pay the cashier. Bloomberg takes the criticism of his wealth head-on in his speeches, telling voters hes not beholden to any special interests. Its a message that resonated with several people. Hes not running for the money. That actually gives me confidence, said CJ Zhao, an Austin voter who works for a nonprofit that helps Asian and Pacific Islander candidates participate in politics. The Texas blitz was the kick-off of a nationwide organizing day in 27 states meant to flex his campaigns strength. Bloomberg has said he plans to keep campaign offices open in several key battleground states all the way through November to help defeat Trump even if Bloomberg doesnt become the Democratic nominee. The day after the Get It Done Express came to Dallas, voters enjoying a local dog park on Sunday morning offered mixed opinions of the former mayor. Among a group of four in their 20s, only one had even heard of Bloomberg. Across the park, 27-year-old Aaron Krage said he knew of Bloombergs background as a businessman and mayor and that he wasnt taking campaign donations. Krage, who plans to vote for Pete Buttigieg, said he doesnt think Bloomberg is effectively communicating his message through his TV ads in Texas. But Danny Jerina and Staci Lee, both in their 40s, said they think Bloomberg is exactly the type of candidate appeals to fiscally conservative and socially liberal voters like them and their friends. Hes got kind of a nice mix of business experience as well as political experience, Jerina said. If were lucky it might be able to persuade some of the Republicans on the fence. __ This story has been updated to correctly spell a last name as Kleinsmith, not Kleinsworth. The British government has summoned Irans ambassador to London over the unacceptable arrest of the British ambassador to Tehran, who attended what was advertised as a vigil for last weeks Ukrainian plane tragedy. I would say this was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna Convention and it needs to be investigated. We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian Government that this will never happen again, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday as reported by the Press Association.. Irans Foreign Ministry summoned British Ambassador Rob Macaire on Sunday, accusing him of attending an illegal demonstration in Tehran on the evening prior. Mr Macaire had defended his conduct, insisting he had attended what he thought would be a vigil for the 176 victims of last weeks downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight outside of Tehran. He said he left the event as soon as it became a protest but was then briefly arrested. (dpa/NAN) The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says the region is suffering its worst invasion for decades. Kenya says it is facing an "unprecedented threat" from desert locusts in its worst invasion for 70 years. Swarms of the insects have spread from Ethiopia and Somalia and are threatening food production and grazing land, said Kenya's agriculture minister, Mwangi Kiunjuri. Swarms of the insects have spread from Ethiopia and Somalia and are threatening food production and grazing land, said Kenya's agriculture minister, Mwangi Kiunjuri. Because much of Somalia is engulfed in conflict, spraying pesticides from the air has become impossible, the agency added. There is a risk that the swarms could move into Kenya's neighbours Uganda and South Sudan, the FAO said. The locusts crossed into Kenya a few days after Christmas and have spread to the counties of Garissa, Isiolo and Samburu to the south and west, Mr Kiunjuri said. "We recognise that the pest invasion, and the potential to spread rapidly to other counties poses an unprecedented threat to food security and livelihood in the country," he commented. The FAO said that while locusts are expected to breed in Somalia this month, there is less chance of that happening in Kenya. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:48:39|Editor: yan Video Player Close ROME, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Naples' Federico II University will launch Italy's first-ever 5G Academy, the university announced Monday. The pilot project, which will get underway later this year, will include 30 students for a six-month course that will guide them through the fast-developing digital economy and entrepreneurship, including a two-month field study working with local partners. According to the university, the aim of the new program is to develop local talents and help establish Naples -- Italy's third-largest city in terms of population, behind only Rome and Milan -- as one of the country's main digital hubs, attracting companies eager to use the new 5G technologies that will allow super high-speed and high-density digital communications. For the academy, Federico II University will team up with Telecom Italia, French consultancy Capgemini, and the Parametric Technology Corporation, a Boston-based technology services company. Each partner will play a key role in developing the skills of the students enrolled in the program. Italy is in the midst of a rollout of 5G technologies nationwide, and the announcement comes as the Italian government announced plans to allocate around 5 million euros (5.5 million U.S. dollars) in grant money for new 5G technology initiatives -- the latest in a series of government-sponsored initiatives, according to local media. Nancy Pelosi has been declared the most powerful woman in America by the New York Times, The Economist, her hometown San Francisco Chronicle, CBS and dozens of other media outlets. Mrs. Pelosi has read, viewed, been seduced by her fawning press coverage and reached some faulty conclusions. For one, Pelosi is on record as having made the equally ignorant and arrogant claim that the Constitution considers her to be an American presidents equal. Really? Lets review: Mrs. Pelosi, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives a body constituting one-half of one-third of the government has never been popularly-elected as anything more significant than the representative from, arguably, Americas most liberal congressional district. Some 434 other members, a few more than half of whom made Pelosi Speaker, were similarly elected. The president oversees the entire Executive Branch of government where, incidentally, Pelosi has never served and is the commander-in-chief of Americas military. The U.S. Vice President, Attorney General and cabinet secretaries, including Defense, State, Treasury, Labor, and Commerce, among others, all report to the president. In contrast, Pelosi, alone, cannot even command the U.S. Capitol Police force. But one can be certain that, if the late Iranian terror-master, Qasem Soleimani, were known to be planning an attack there, Pelosi would demand that the American military wipe him out pronto. Our military did deal with Soleimani, only in Iraq where he had already organized an assault on the U.S. Embassy and was plotting more deadly violence there and elsewhere. So how did Mrs. Pelosi react? She called Soleimanis demise provocative and disproportionate, and complained that the action was taken without the consultation of the Congress. Speaker Pelosi ignored that, under an authorization of military force (AUMF) passed by Congress in 2001, the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons. Members of Congress, including the Speaker, are not in the military chain of command, nonetheless, Pelosis delusions of grandeur allowed her to think she is or should be. Mrs. Pelosi imagined her power concerning presidential impeachment to be greater than her actual power, too. After weeks of delay intended to coerce Senate leadership into letting her dictate how the Senate would conduct a trial, Pelosi finally agreed to send the hyper-partisan House-passed articles of impeachment to the Senate, but only after being schooled by its Majority Leader on the Senates role. Her delay stopped the Houses momentum and destroyed its claim of urgency, even for sectarian zealots who take impeachment seriously. Mrs. Pelosis impeachment psychodrama was ridiculous from the outset. Withholding the articles and then caving made her look silly and weak. The most powerful woman in America may not be all that powerful after all, and, next year, she may not be Speaker, either. Contact columnist Jerry Shenk at jshenk2010@gmail.com Prince Harry may have been the one to nab Meghan Markle her reported Disney deal. After reports surfaced that the Duchess of Sussex secretly did voiceover work for an upcoming Disney project ahead of her six-week holiday with Harry and their son Archie, a video began circulating that seemingly shows Harry touting Meghan's voiceover skills to Disney CEO Bob Iger at the London premiere of "The Lion King" in July. The footage, which was recorded about three months before Meghan reportedly recorded vocals for the unnamed Disney project, shows Harry and Iger chatting on the film premiere's red carpet as Meghan hugged Beyonce and chatted with Jay-Z. Prince Harry inquires about a voice-over job for his wife Meghan Markle to Disney CEO Bob Iger at the Lion King premiere in Leicester Square last July. pic.twitter.com/bRHd1YoebH Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) January 13, 2020 "You know she does voice-overs?" Harry can be heard saying in the resurfaced clip. "Oh, really?" Iger responds. "Did you know that?" Harry says before Iger confirms that he "did not know that." "You seemed surprised," the British royal adds. "But, yeah, she's really interested." "Sure," Iger says back. "We'd love to try." The Times UK was the first to report news of Meghan's alleged deal with the Walt Disney Company, revealing that Disney will make a donation to Elephants Without Borders on Meghan's behalf in lieu of a direct payment, as members of the British royal family are prohibited from working for money. Meghan's work with Disney came before her and Harry's stunning announcement last week that they're stepping down aa senior members of the royal family, partly because they don't want to be constricted with the various work they're seeking out. Story continues "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," the couple said in a statement released on Instagram. "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," they went on. "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." In the days since Meghan and Harry's announcement, countless reports have emerged claiming that the rest of the royal family was blindsided by their big reveal, with Queen Elizabeth reportedly holding an emergency meeting the following day in order to figure out how to proceed. Trump Reaches Out to North Korea to Resume Talks - Report Sputnik News 02:43 13.01.2020(updated 06:04 13.01.2020) Relations between the two states seemed to have thawed in 2018 after the meeting between Trump and Kim, but reverted back to hostility in February 2019. In October, tensions intensified when Pyongyang set a year-end deadline for the US to change its nuclear policy. The Trump administration has contacted North Korea's government to indicate that the US wants to resume nuclear talks, Axios reported on Sunday. "We've reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October", White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Axios. O'Brien also expressed optimism over the fact that Pyongyang has not yet delivered a "Christmas gift" that Kim promised for the United States. "Kim promised' to send a Christmas present. The president suggested he send him a vase. We didn't get a vase or any other sort of Christmas gift. That appears to be positive", he said. After reports about the gist, presumably some sort of military action or test, President Trump joked that the present could be "a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test". The denuclearisation talks have been stalled after abruptly wrapping up in Hanoi earlier this year. The meeting in the Vietnamese capital promised progress in negotiating for a normalisation of ties, the prospect of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula and lifting sanctions on the DPRK. However, the talks cut short and ended prematurely without a deal on 28 February, as Trump walked away after they hit an impasse on proposed US sanctions relief and how much of its weapons program Pyongyang was willing to shutter. Recently, Pyongyang has conducted several test launches of its short and medium-range missiles, which it had suspended while it was negotiating with Washington. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Delhi court is likely to pronounce on Tuesday its judgment in the case of alleged sexual and physical assault of several girls at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur, which was run by former Bihar People's Party (BPP) MLA Brajesh Thakur. The court had earlier deferred the order by a month till January 14 as Judge Saurabh Kulshrestha, who had conducted the trial, was on leave. Prior to that, in November, it had deferred the verdict by a month as 20 accused, who are currently lodged in Tihar central jail, could not be brought to court premises due to the lawyers' strike in all six district courts in the national capital. The court on March 20, 2018 had framed charges against the accused, including Thakur, for offences of criminal conspiracy to commit rape and penetrative sexual assault against minors. The accused included eight females and 12 males. The court had held trial for the offences of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugging of minors and criminal intimidation among other charges. Key accused Thakur and employees of his shelter home as well as officials in the Bihar department of social welfare were charged with criminal conspiracy, neglect of duty and failure to report assault on the girls. The charges also included offence of cruelty to child under their authority, punishable under the Juvenile Justice Act. All the accused, who appeared before the court, pleaded innocence and claimed trial. The offences entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. The court had reserved order on September 30 after final arguments by the CBI counsel and 20 accused in the case in which former Bihar Social Welfare Minister and then JD(U) leader Manju Verma also faced flak as allegations surfaced that Thakur had links with her husband. She had resigned from her post on August 8, 2018. The CBI had told a special court that there was enough evidence against all the accused in the case. However, those accused have claimed that the CBI had not conduct a "fair investigation" into the case, which has been registered under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and entails life imprisonment as the maximum punishment. Additional Sessions Judge Kulshreshtha, during the in-camera trial, concluded the arguments in the case which had begun on February 25 last year. The case was transferred on February 7 from a local court in Muzaffarpur in Bihar to a POCSO court at Saket district court complex in Delhi on the Supreme Court's directions. During the trial, counsel for the CBI told the court that the statements of minor girls, who were allegedly sexually assaulted, point to the fact that there was enough evidence against all the accused and they should be convicted. The matter had come to light after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) submitted a report to the Bihar government on May 26, 2018, highlighting the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls in the shelter home for the first time. On May 29, 2018, the state government shifted the girls from the shelter home to other protection homes. An FIR was lodged against the 11 accused in the case on May 31, 2018. The top court on August 2 had taken cognisance of the alleged sexual assaults of about 30 minor girls in Muzaffarpur's shelter home and transferred the probe to the CBI on November 28. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IAG has been forced to deny its veteran boss is leaving because he was having a relationship with a colleague. Willie Walsh, who was paid 3 million last year, announced last week that he would be leaving the British Airways owner in June. But it has since emerged the 58-year-old chief executive was having an office romance, The Sunday Times reported, with a woman who worked in IAGs finance department. Willie Walsh announced last week that he would be leaving the British Airways owner in June An IAG spokesman said: There is absolutely no truth in rumours that Willies personal life had any impact on the timing of his retirement. Walsh is divorced from former wife Caragh, and sold 3.5 million worth of shares last year to help cover the settlement. The Mail understands the relationship was widely known about within IAG, and the woman was moved out of the finance department so the two were not working as closely. But even so, it could raise concerns about governance at the company. McDonalds sacked boss Steve Easterbrook last year after it emerged that he had been having a relationship with a subordinate. And a married executive at investment giant Blackrock, Mark Wiseman, was fired last month for failing to report his relationship with a colleague. ST. PAUL At a time when nursing homes and assisted living facilities are scrambling to find employees who can balance a strong work ethic with sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable adults, Jane Graupman believes she has just the solution. In a word? Refugees. She wants more of them, and she wants to make more room for them and other immigrants in her crowded classrooms. Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota, is able to place almost all the graduates of her 8- to 11-week medical assistance training program. Down the street from her Como Avenue headquarters, some 75 percent of the nursing assistants at the St. Anthony Park Home transitional and hospice care facility are institute graduates, as are many of the registered nurses. In fact, Graupman said, many of the 145 students who will graduate from the program this year will return for further training on the path to become RNs. That likeliness is one of several reasons the St. Paul-based institute is taking on a $12 million capital campaign to expand its teaching space. "They were the ones who helped me start my career, told me where to go, who to talk to," said Gladys Mann, who began taking classes with the institute when she arrived in the U.S. with her family in early 2000. Mann, a Liberian immigrant, is a registered nurse as well as an adjunct instructor of nursing at St. Paul College. "They were my first line of contact when I entered America." ADVERTISEMENT The institute which celebrated its 100th anniversary in December serves immigrants from more than 100 countries through wide-ranging case management, social service, job training and advocacy programs. Refugees will make up at least 20 to 25 percent of the 4,100 clients it will work with this year. Thats a record number of clients for the institute, which operates out of two adjoining buildings that date to the 1950s and early 1970s. Refugees, however, have been dropping in number. The institute resettled 282 refugees last year about half as many as it found housing for in 2016. The decrease is a direct impact of recent federal policies aimed at curbing refugee resettlements, Graupman said. The Minnesota Department of Human Services reports 663 refugees were resettled across the state in 2018, down from a recent high of more than 5,000 in 2005. Is the welcome mat still out? President Donald Trump has asked counties across the nation to vote on whether to accept new refugees defined as people forced to flee their homes because of war, violence or persecution. Last week in northern Minnesota, Beltrami County officials made national headlines by voting 3-2 to not accept new refugee placements. Hennepin County, though, recently joined a dozen other Minnesota counties in voting "Yes" to new refugee placements. The Ramsey County Board is scheduled to take up the issue Tuesday. Graupman said a key piece of information missing from many discussions about refugees is the positive economic impact that immigrants and refugees in particular have on the economy, especially at a time of national labor shortages. Most of the growth in the Minnesota labor force the past few years has been foreign-born workers, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Without them, the workforce would be shrinking dramatically. "At least over the last decade, the growth in Minnesota has been due to immigration, either from other states or other countries," said Shannon Watson, director of public affairs for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. "If that doesnt continue, its going to have a negative impact on our economy. Were already hearing from businesses that they cant get enough workers." ADVERTISEMENT Institute seeks $12 million expansion Refugees who gravitate to the institute arrive with a ready-to-work attitude cultivated from years of having to seize every opportunity they can, Graupman said. "More than ever in the history of our program, people come with more education and more English skills," Graupman said. "Theyre incredibly resourceful. Some people have walked miles to get to school every day. Theyve started micro-businesses in the camps." Of the 30 programs run through the institute, Graupman is especially proud of its track record of graduating nursing assistants from a Medical Careers Pathway program that walks students through 57 technical skills. Graduates have a strong track record of passing certification exams, finding work in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and then returning for a free college-prep course that puts them on a path toward a nursing degree, she said. One of the biggest challenges? Physical space. Program administrators work out of converted closets and maintain desks in narrow hallways. Social workers meet with labor and sex trafficking victims at a round table behind the mail cubbies, which offers virtually no privacy. Some 70 years ago, Graupmans office was part of a small apartment. The restroom has a bathtub in it. In 2017, the institute started a capital campaign to fund a $12 million expansion for new classroom and meeting room space. Theyve raised $5 million from foundations and private donors and expect to be able to access another $2 million that way. Institute officials are hoping Gov. Tim Walz includes $5 million for the campaign in his state bonding proposal and that state lawmakers smile on the recommendation. "Short term, were helping people adapt to How are you going to pay the rent? " said Micaela Schuneman, director of Refugee Services with the institute. "Long term, we try to help people start thinking about what options might be available so they know how to start that process." Slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were wanted for complicity in terrorist acts India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: Three "most wanted" Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said. The terrorists -- Umer Fayaz Lone alias "Hamad Khan" of Seer village, Faizan Hamid of Mandoora and Adil Bashir Mir alias "Abu Dujana" of Monghama -- were wanted for their complicity in terror crimes, including attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities, a police spokesman said. He said that the trio was affiliated with the proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit and was trapped during a cordon-and-search operation jointly launched by police and security forces on a specific intelligence input in the Gujar Basti Gulshanpora area of Tral. J&K: Terrorist killed by security forces in Awantipora As the forces were conducting searches, the militants fired at them, triggering an encounter, resulting in their killing, the spokesman said. According to police records, the spokesman said, Lone had a long history of terror crimes since 2016 and was involved in planning and executing several terror attacks in the area. "He was part of groups responsible for carrying out a series of terror attacks and many other civilian atrocities besides killing of policeman Haleem Kohli of Gutroo Bangdar Tral and killing of civilian Mehraj Din Zarger of Tral," he said, adding he was wanted in 16 cases registered at Tral police station and two cases at Awantipora police station. Similarly, the spokesman said, Adil Bashir Mir and Faizan Hamid had a history of terror crimes and were also involved in carrying out several terror attacks in the area. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet Top police officer, two terrorists detained in J&K "They were also part of the group involved in the killing of civilian Mehraj Din Zarger near Tral Bus Stand and were responsible for several other terror crimes. Terror crime cases were registered against both of them including three cases at Tral Police Station. "Incriminating material, arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of the encounter," the spokesman said. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. A vulnerable alleged rape victim is to be awarded 15,000 for failings in the police investigation into her complaint, a High Court judge in Belfast has ruled. Mr Justice McAlinden held that the Northern Ireland woman's human rights were breached by the operational and systemic shortcomings identified. He said: "I have no hesitation in concluding that an award of damages in this case is necessary to afford the plaintiff just satisfaction." The woman, who is in her thirties and has Asperger's syndrome, reported being raped by a man during a night out in June 2007. A decision was subsequently taken not to prosecute the alleged assailant, who maintained that any activity was consensual. But in the first lawsuit of its kind in Northern Ireland, the woman sued the PSNI over its handling of the investigation. Referred to as C, she claimed the flawed probe violated her entitlement to freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Her lawyers argued that she went on to suffer distress, psychiatric injuries, depression, psychotic symptoms and an eating disorder. The court heard police only interviewed C six months after the date of the alleged attack. Following the no-prosecution decision, her family lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman. In 2009 the watchdog recommended at least two police officers be subjected to disciplinary sanctions over the handling of the case. The Ombudsman concluded that the PSNI probe was neither full nor proper, and did not meet the basic principles of investigation. He also found: Officers initially visited the location of the suspected sex attack, but did not seize any possible CCTV footage or conduct house to house inquiries for further witnesses. Although C's mother said her diary may contain information relevant to the alleged rape, no attempt was made to retrieve the book. Police failed to follow up claims that C may have received text messages asking her not to proceed with her allegations. No initial statements were taken from those who were with the woman on the night in question, or from anyone in the taxi firm she used to get home. The Chief Constable at the time, Sir Hugh Orde, wrote to the woman's family stating that she had suffered an "horrendous attack". His letter went on to say: "In this case I believe it is only right that I offer an apology, not only to C, but also to the wider family for any distress which may have been caused." Since then new guidelines have been produced and a specialist rape crime unit introduced. Ruling on the action, Mr Justice McAlinden found the woman had been the victim of a serious sexual assault where no consent was given. He identified a delay in conducting an achieving best evidence interview, adding that a number of the Ombudsman's criticisms of the police investigation were justified. "The operational failings in this case cannot be described as minor or insignificant," the judge said. "These failings occurred against a background of systemic shortcomings in relation to training." He went on: "I have no hesitation in making a declaration that the plaintiff's Article 3 rights were breached by reason of the failings in the defendant's investigation into her complaint of rape." Turning to the appropriate remedy, Mr Justice McAlinden held that C would have experienced some upset and frustration at the shortcomings. But he concluded that her severe psychiatric and psychological deterioration would still have occurred even if the police probe had been flawless. He confirmed: "I consider that the appropriate award of damages in this case is the sum of 15,000." CHICAGO The Illinois Courts Commission has removed a St. Clair County judge after concluding he lied to police during a 2016 murder investigation. The commission's Friday decision to remove Ronald Duebbert from office took effect immediately, according to The (Belleville) News-Democrat. The Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board filed a complaint in 2018 with the commission accusing Duebbert of lying to its members and authorities about contact with his former roommate, David Fields of East St. Louis, who was later acquitted in the death of Carl Z. Silas. Among other things, Duebbert told investigators he hadn't heard from his roommate in the days surrounding the murder but cellphone records obtained by the newspaper showed otherwise. The newspaper's efforts to reach Duebbert were unsuccessful. A listed phone number for Duebbert couldn't be located Sunday. The commission, which includes an Illinois Supreme Court judge, two appellate court judges and two circuit judges, said Duebbert demonstrated an utter disregard for the integrity and respect of the judiciary.'' The commission said Duebbert had lied throughout the investigation and his misconduct wasn't an isolated incident. The commission concluded Duebbert violated the judicial conduct code. Duebbert was elected in November 2016, but after the connection to Fields became known, the Republican was limited to administrative duties in January 2017. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A new paper quantifying small levels of iodine in Earth's stratosphere could help explain why some of the planet's protective ozone layer isn't healing as fast as expected. The paper posits a set of connections that link air pollution near Earth's surface to ozone destruction much higher in the atmosphere. That higher-level ozone protects the planet's surface from radiation that can cause skin cancer and damage crops. "The impact is maybe 1.5 to 2 percent less ozone," said lead author Theodore Koenig, a postdoctoral researcher at CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder, referring to ozone in the lower part of the ozone layer, around Earth's tropics and temperate zones. "That may sound small, but it's important," he said. A slightly thinner ozone layer means more UVB radiation can get through to Earth's surface. Koenig's paper, the first "quantitative detection" of iodine in the stratosphere, is published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, with co-authors from CIRES, CU Boulder and other institutions. Chemicals once used widely in refrigeration, spray cans and solvents can eat away at Earth's ozone layer. After scientists discovered the stratospheric "ozone hole" in the 1980s, nations around the world signed the international Montreal Protocol agreement to protect the ozone layer, limiting the emission of ozone-depleting chemicals. "The ozone layer is starting to show early signs of recovery in the upper stratosphere, but ozone in the lower stratosphere continues to decline for unclear reasons," said Rainer Volkamer, a CIRES Fellow, CU Boulder professor of chemistry and corresponding author of the new assessment. "Before now, the decline was thought to be due to changes in how air mixes between the troposphere and stratosphere. Our measurements show there is also a chemical explanation, due to iodine from oceans. What I find exciting is that iodine changes ozone by just enough to provide a plausible explanation for why ozone in the lower stratosphere continues to decline." For the new work, Volkamer and his colleagues pored through data from several recent atmospheric research campaigns involving U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA research aircraft, and which included instruments that could pick up tiny amounts of iodine and other so-called halogens in the lower stratosphere during the daytime. Halogens, which also include chlorine and bromine, are key to ozone destruction. It's been tricky to get data from this part of the atmosphere, Koenig said. "We knew there was some iodine there, but we couldn't pin numbers on it until now... This is a result of technological advancement: Our instruments just kept getting a little bit better and eventually, it was enough to make measurements." The amount of iodine they picked up in the lower stratosphere is tiny, similar to adding a few bottles of water to the Great Salt Lake. But iodine is extremely effective at destroying ozone, and, generally speaking, the amount the scientists measured is enough to explain the level of ozone destruction in the lower stratosphere. So where did the iodine come from? Strangely it seems to be a result of air pollution down here at the surface of the planet, the new assessment reports. Ozone at Earth's surface is a pollutant, one that is regulated in the United States and elsewhere because it can harm people's lungs. And when ozone pollution interacts chemically with the surface of oceans, it can "pull" naturally occurring iodine up into the atmosphere. Other studies have shown that in the lower atmosphere, iodine levels have roughly tripled in concentration since 1950. Some of that iodine is apparently making it up into the stratosphere, where it can trigger ozone depletion, Koenig said. "This should not diminish the success story of the Montreal Protocol, but still, it is important. The lower stratosphere should have improved already, not gotten worse." "There's something going on resulting in deterioration. Our hypothesis is that ozone at the surface is destroying ozone in the stratosphere," Koenig added. It will be important to study the hypothesis in greater detail, Koenig and his coauthors said. If ozone pollution at Earth's surface increases, for example, could it trigger even more lower-stratosphere ozone layer destruction? Coauthor Pedro Campuzano-Jost, a CIRES research associate, said the success of the research project is partly due to the unique scope of NASA's ATom (Atmospheric Tomography) mission, which flew a research aircraft across the globe; and NSF's CONTRAST (Convective Transport of Active Species in the Tropics) mission, which detected iodine oxide radicals in the stratosphere. "Half of the places we went had never been sampled before for aerosols," Campuzano-Jost said, and that is the kind of opportunity that leads to new discoveries. Volkamer and his colleagues hope to successfully pitch a new mission to study iodine chemistry in greater detail, to better understand the future of Earth's protective ozone layer. ### Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue speaks at the ceremony that kicks of a series of event between Vietnam and Japan in Da Nang city on January 13 (Photo: VNA) Addressing about 800 delegates of both countries at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue welcomed the largest-ever Japanese delegation attending an exchange programme so far, noting that this times programme takes place amid the thriving Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership. He held that the two countries now have great opportunities to further enhance cooperation, including in development strategy, production capacity and human resource training. The Vietnamese Government has been making unceasing efforts to improve the investment and business climate and create favourable conditions for Japanese firms to invest in Vietnam, he noted. Hue also stressed that the workshops and forums held this time are occasions for relevant agencies, localities, organisations and businesses to seek concrete measures for boosting the two economies connectivity, thereby opening up new cooperation chances and fostering substantive links. The Deputy PM expressed his belief that in the time ahead, the two sides will jointly tighten their cohesion and connectivity; beef up economic, investment and trade partnerships so that Japan will become the leading investor in Vietnam; and foster labour cooperation. Besides, they will also increase people-to-people exchange, tourism connections and locality-to-locality ties to strengthen the two peoples mutual understanding. For his part, Nikai Toshihiro, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, said bilateral relations have been increasingly tightened in recent years, especially in the fields of investment, labour and tourism. As the Japanese delegation consists of nearly 1,000 members from many prefectures and cities, he said he hopes through this series of events, localities and businesses of the countries will form many partnerships, and participants will better understand the two Governments policies, regulations and incentives so as to boost cooperation in the future. Also on January 13, Deputy PM Hue and Nikai attended the launching ceremony of Vietjet Airs new routes to Japan. In 2020, the low-cost carrier will open five new routes from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city to Nagoya, Fukuoka and Kagoshima of Japan, raising the number of its routes linking the two countries to 10. Northamptons first public discussion about plans for an approximately $8.8 million redesign of Main Street aimed at improving pedestrian access and driver safety will be held Monday evening. The project, which will alter the heart of the citys downtown, has five main goals: to improve driving safety; support alternative modes of transportation; enhance the aesthetics in the areas; add more trees and better drainage systems; and support people with mobility, cognitive, or other disabilities, according to the citys website about the redesign. The reconstruction is at its beginning stages, according to the website. Officials are expected to develop design concepts early this year, hear public feedback in late 2020, provide detailed specifications on the reconstruction from 2021 to 2022 and finalize a design from 2023 to 2024. Construction will not start until 2025, officials estimate. The project is necessary to improve safety at crosswalks and intersections, make the street into a complete street with improved pedestrian facilities and new bicycle accommodation, and in the process rehabilitate the roadway and improve the functioning of four signalized intersections, Wayne Feiden, Northamptons director of planning and sustainability, wrote in a preliminary information form to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in 2018. The reconstruction is estimated to cost $8,812,070. The cost is a guesstimate, though, Feiden told MassLive, and it may change as the project continues. We want to see if there are ways to improve the experience and safety, Mayor David Narkewicz told MassLive. Main Street has intersections at Routes 5, 9, 10 and 66, and it is the largest urban center in Hampshire County, according to Feiden. The redesign is expected to impacted Main Street from the gates of Smith College to Market Street. With the reconstruction, officials are aiming to increase bike access and connect the north and south sides of Main Street for pedestrians, Feiden wrote. For motorists and businesses, its about connecting the traffic, which should be the lifeblood of downtown but often isnt because of a hostile streetscape, with the economic engine of the city, he wrote. The city is also hoping to fill vacant storefronts and offices on Main Street to rebuild the downtowns streetscape, according to Feiden. Mondays discussion will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor of Northamptons city hall. Related Content: Tehran, Jan 13 : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday signed an amended law that expands Tehrans designation of American terrorist organizations to include the Pentagon and all its subsidiaries. Iran's Parliament passed the initial version of the law in April 2019, which designated the US Central Command (CENTCOM) as a terrorist organization after Washington blacklisted the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), reports Press TV. On January 7, Iran's Parliament expanded it to include the Pentagon in retaliation to the January 3 killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was the chief of IRGC's elite Quds Force, in an American drone attack near the Baghdad airport. Rouhani signed the amended version, thus making its implementation imperative upon all the country's related bodies. The new version blacklists all staff members of the Pentagon and subsidiary companies and institutions, "in addition to those who commanded and perpetrated General Soleimani's assassination", Press TV said in the report. All the 233 lawmakers of arliament unanimously adopted the triple-urgency motion. The law has been endorsed by the Guardian Council of Constitution as the high legislative body of Iran. Mis felicitaciones a @AranchaGlezLaya por su designacion en @MAECgob como nueva Ministra de Asuntos Exteriores, Union Europea y Cooperacion de Espana. Seguiremos aunando esfuerzos para fortalecer los lazos de amistad y cooperacion que caracterizan la relacion bilateral. Deji Adeyanju is back to Nigeria after he flew to Dubai for medical treatment. Recall the activist was attacked during a protest in Abuja and sustained various injuries. Deji announced his return this afternoon on Twitter a social media site he mostly uses to pass his messages across to Nigerians. He simply wrote; Good to be back. Aluta continua Then in another tweet, he shared photos of himself, with respected lawyer, Femi Falana and Sowore. He tagged the photos; With Femi Falana SAN & Sowore strategizing. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Reliance Housing Finance Ltd's (RHFL's) forensic auditor Grant Thornton has not recorded any adverse findings on 11 parameters, including any diversion or siphoning of funds, embezzlement, falsification of accounts and fraudulent transactions by promoter, company, employees or any associates. As part of the debt resolution process, the company's lenders had appointed Grant Thornton for the audit in August 2019 as required by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. "The forensic report has confirmed the potential group entities exposure through several intermediate unlisted entities at Rs 7,984 crore (including interest). The company had voluntarily and publicly disclosed even before the commencement of forensic audit to its auditors, regulators, lenders and also in the latest annual financial statements which were duly approved by the shareholders," RHFL said in a statement. The National Housing Bank (NHB), to whom all the facts have been provided before the commencement of the forensic audit, has already taken due note of the same, said RHFL late on Sunday. The NHB has taken actions like the imposition of penalty and directions regarding the alleged regulatory anomalies, including concentration of credit, related party transactions. NHB also directed it to increase the housing loan disbursements and reduce corporate exposure. "Based on completion of the forensic audit, the company has now requested its bankers to proceed on a fast-track basis with the debt resolution plan under change of management and control in the overall interests of all lenders, including over 20,000 retail non-convertible debenture holders and over eight lakh shareholders," said RHFL. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kansas City Transportation Options Are Increasingly Futuristic And Free To Access In 2020 The KCUR news staff presents the State of Kansas City series as a look ahead to 2020 on topics of importance to the region. Find the State of Kansas City report on other topics in the series as they are published each weekday, Jan. 6-Jan. 20. In fact, the freebie transit efforts are mostly just a tactic used to rebrand initiatives that would otherwise meet with overwhelming voter rebuke.Taxpayers would balk at raising costs to subsidize bus farethe promise of "free transit" sounds wonderful. The streetcar has yet to live up to biz development promises but the "free" rides negate so much funding clandestinely philandered from the general fund to sustain the project whilst supporters wait for their big payday from the Feds.Here's a more optimistic bit of cheerleading from public radio: Tihars ghosts: Have those who have been hanged come back to haunt the inmates Nirbhaya: Tihar authorities carry out dummy execution ahead of hanging India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: The authorities of Tihar jail conducted a dummy execution ahead of the hanging of Nirbhaya's killers. A black warrant was issued for the hanging of the four convicts for January 22 at 7 am. The jail authorities have written to the Uttar Pradesh government seeking the services of a hangman from Meerut to execute the four killers. The hangman was however not called for the dummy execution. Officials said that the dummy was created in sacks that were filled with stones and debris. The weight of the convicts was considered while creating the dummy, officials also said. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet SC to hear curative pleas of Nirbhaya convicts Mukesh, Vinay on January 14 The four convicts would be hanged in the Jail 3 of Tihar. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear the curative plea filed by the convicts tomorrow. Press Release January 12, 2020 De Lima thanks US Senate for unanimous consent of reso for her release, sanctions vs her jailers & EJK perpetrators Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed gratitude to the US Senate for the passage of a bipartisan resolution calling for her immediate release from wrongful imprisonment and invoking Global Magnitsky sanctions against her persecutors. De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte administration, defined the unanimous approval of US Senate Resolution (SR) 142 as a historic moment for democracy and human rights accountability in the Philippines. "The approval, in unanimous consent, of US Senate Resolution 142 is a watershed in the history of keeping democracy and human rights accountability in the country and the role the US play in ensuring it," De Lima said in a handwritten statement. SR 142, which has passed last Jan. 8, calls on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act-such as revocation of US visas and freezing of assets-against Philippine officials and security forces responsible for "orchestrating the arrest and prolonged detention of Senator De Lima." The Global Magnitsky Act, which was amended in 2016, grants power to the US President to invoke visa and travel restrictions, financial sanctions and criminal charges, if necessary, to serious human rights violators from anywhere in the world. "The case against me, apart from being fake and invented, has no internal legal consistency or integrity altogether and has been fueled by tyrannical powers and alignment of greed and political opportunism in the Philippine politics," she said. "That is clear since day [one]," De Lima, who has been a prisoner of conscience since 2016, stressed. SR 142 not only condemns the Philippine government for De Lima's wrongful imprisonment but also seeks the imposition of same sanctions against "members of security forces and Philippine officials responsible for extrajudicial killings." In addition, it also calls out the harassment of the Duterte administration against the media and journalists, in particular, against Rappler and its chief executive officer Maria Ressa. De Lima thanked Senators Edward Markey, Dick Durbin, Marco Rubio, Marsha Blackburn, Chris Coons, Patrick Leahy, and Ben Cardin and other US lawmakers who supported the passage of SR 142, for their united and bipartisan efforts in advocating for her release. "I sincerely thank the granite resolve of Senators Durbin, Markey, Rubio, Blackburn, Coons, Leahy and Cardin, and the rest of the US Senate for standing strong and firm for the larger truths behind my persecution," De Lima said. For their part, the US Senators hailed the passage of SR 142 and reiterated calls for the end of both extrajudicial killings in the Philippines and human rights violations against critics of the Duterte administration. "The United States Senate makes clear that the Duterte government must end its human rights abuses," Markey said in a statement. "No arbitrary detention or illegitimate charge can obscure the fact that Senator De Lima, Maria Ressa, and all those who speak truth to power exemplify the highest democratic ideals," the US Senator from Massachusetts added. Durbin, for his part, noted that the "honorable" way forward for the Duterte regime is to ensure a "quick and credible trial for Senator de Lima or by simply do the right thing and release her." "In the end, these will be important tests of whether cherished democratic norms we share with our long-standing Filipino allies will be respected by President Duterte," he added. Last Dec. 20, Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima's "wrongful imprisonment." That provision from the US Appropriations bill also sought, among others, the same prohibition on the entry of certain "officials of the governments of Turkey, Egypt or Saudi Arabia, relative to Mustafa Kassem, an American citizen imprisoned by the government of Egypt, and other cases of wrongful detention of a locally employed staff of a U.S. diplomatic mission or a U.S. citizen national." DES MOINES, Iowa - President Donald Trump will be holding a rally in Iowa just days before the state holds its election kickoff caucuses. Trumps reelection campaign announced Monday that he will be rallying supporters in Des Moines on Jan. 30, four days before the contest for the Democratic nomination formally gets underway. President Trump looks forward to celebrating the good news of the Trump economy and the vast accomplishments of his administration with the Hawkeye State, Michael Glassner, the campaigns chief operating officer, said in a statement. Trumps campaign has scheduled a series of events in states across the country to keep him in the spotlight and give him a platform to make his case directly to voters as the impeachment case against him heads toward the Senate. Hell be speaking in Milwaukee on Tuesday at a rally that will serve as counterprogramming to the next Democratic primary debate. And hell be in Wildwood, New Jersey, later this month to celebrate Rep. Jeff Van Drews decision to switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party following Trumps impeachment by the House. ___ Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game. Supplier News 13 January 2020 Shanghai - CWT, the global B2B4E travel management specialist, announces the launch of its flagship platform, myCWT, in China - marking the latest milestone in its journey to simplify business travel for companies and their employees around the world. The launch makes CWT the first global travel management provider to deploy an omni-channel, open API-based platform that has been tailored for the specific needs of the China market. "Our focus globally is to deliver the leading employee-grade business travel experience, and we have made significant investments in our myCWT platform to create a best-in-class proposition," said Kurt Ekert, CWT's President and CEO. "Given China's high-tech, mobile-oriented pace of life, we are excited to launch a digitally-driven customer experience here that helps clients and employees in this dynamic market achieve their true potential." Working with several specialized Chinese travel, technology and e-commerce partners, CWT has specifically adapted myCWT for deployment in China. It addresses the unique needs and nuances of the market - from content, to payments and integration capabilities - while maintaining a consistent user experience with CWT's global offer. Its open API architecture facilitates easy integration with third party applications and clients' internal systems, allowing CWT to provide a broad selection of products, services and content. "The myCWT platform in China has been purpose-built for this market, keeping in mind the priorities and expectations of our customers and their employees," said Albert Zhong, General Manager, China, CWT. "We want to ensure that we're offering a digital experience that is second to none. Combined with the deep expertise and servicing capabilities we have around the world, it makes us the perfect partner for fast-growing Chinese companies who are expanding their footprint overseas, and for global multinationals who need help managing their travel in China." "In 1996, CAS and CWT worked together to introduce the concept of managed corporate travel in China," said Qu Li, Board Chairman at China Air Service (CAS), CWT's joint venture partner in China. "Since then, we have continued to pioneer together, delivering several 'industry firsts'. The launch of the myCWT platform in China further reinforces our partnership and our commitment to elevating the business travel experience in this market." Highlights of myCWT in China include: (1) A truly omni-channel experience - In China, travelers and travel arrangers will be able to connect with CWT through multiple channels, including an H5 website [1], a mobile app, messaging (i.e. live chat), email and phone calls. They can initiate a booking through one touchpoint, and then pick up where they left off on another. They can also manage all aspects of their trip - from re-booking or making changes to cancelations and refunds, online check-in, seat selection for trains and flights, hotel room preferences and visa consultation services - or reach out for support, through any channel. In particular, special focus has been placed on creating an industry-leading digital experience, as a significant and growing percentage of bookings by CWT's customers in China are made using online and mobile channels. (2) More choices for travelers - The platform will offer extensive domestic and international travel content including flights, rail, hotels and ground transportation. In addition to using the global distribution systems (GDSs) like TravelSky, it will incorporate content from other sources such as aggregators by using API connections, giving travelers far more choices than was previously possible. For example, travelers will be able to book low-cost carriers (LCCs), ride-hailing services such as Didi, and even amenities like security fast-tracking and lounge access in airports and train stations. They will also have more than 800,000 business-appropriate accommodation options in 73,000 locations around the world, including 100,000 properties in China, via RoomIt, CWT's hotel distribution division. (3) A simplified booking process, from search to approvals and payments - The rapid expansion of China's high-speed rail network is making it an attractive option for business travelers. myCWT will allow travelers to compare flight and rail options for domestic journeys in a single view, including the cost and travel time, to make more informed decisions. Travel approvals, a common requirement by companies in China, can be requested via email, SMS, the mobile app or through API integration with companies' own internal approval systems. Multiple payment methods will be supported including WeChat Pay and AliPay, the two third-party payment providers which account for over 90% of mobile payments in the market, as well as credit cards and UATP lodge cards. (4) Integration with companies' internal systems - Using API connections, myCWT can be integrated with organizations' own internal management systems including expense and approvals, office automation (OA), business process management, HR and finance, and intranet, for greater efficiency and automatic synchronization. CWT is currently piloting myCWT with a few clients in China. A full roll-out will commence in Q2 2020, progressively replacing CWT Online, the current online booking tool and mobile app used by CWT's customers in China since 2012. [1] An H5 - or HTML 5 - website is one that is mobile-friendly and enables myCWT to be integrated into applications like WeChat, as well as clients' internal systems. About CWT CWT is a Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform. Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected - anywhere, anytime, anyhow - and across six continents, we provide their employees with innovative technology and an efficient, safe and secure travel experience. Every single day, we look after enough travelers to fill more than 100,000 hotel rooms, while our meetings and events division handles more than 100 events every 24 hours. CWT first entered China in 1996, with China Air Service (CAS) as its appointed partner. In 2003, CWT and CAS established a joint venture - CWT China - with 27 employees in Beijing. Today, CWT China employs more than 700 people in Beijing, Guangzhou, Meishan, Shanghai and Tianjin. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and WeChat (ID: CWTChina). Architects and builders know plenty of ways to construct homes and businesses to withstand storms, floods, fires and climate change, but that doesnt mean they will use them. Preparing for a predictable natural disaster is not that hard. In hurricane zones, buildings should be elevated above anticipated flood levels; attics should have special vents to deal with wind, roof beams should have metal straps. Homes that incorporate the right features survive virtually unscathed. Despite the ferocity of California firestorms, homes built from fire-resistant materials and surrounded by minimal vegetation did not burn like their neighbors. In tornadic areas, the right design can keep a home from turning into kindling. We have choices we can make where we can try to optimize strategies for resilience and high performance, Sam Rashkin, an architect and author specializing in sustainable housing, told the Hive for Housing conference last month. If we have that as part of our criteria. Thats a big if. Design criteria can come from many sources, including building codes, the architects design, the developers specifications, the mortgage lenders covenants or the insurance industrys requirements. More Tomlinson: Another real estate firm passing itself off as a tech startup And yet, despite such a chorus of voices, rarely does new construction incorporate the best technology to build a safer structure. Resilient features cost more, and no one wants to pay for them. More importantly, many buyers dont want to talk about them. Resilience is a party-pooper kind of concept, said Rashkin, the former chief architect for the Department of Energys Building Technologies Office, where his primary role was deployment of innovations for high-performance homes. Im buying a new house in that special space, I cant wait to fulfill my dreams, and the sales process has to bring up this whole fear concept that I am taking on all of this liability. The Hive conference brings together architects, developers and builders to discuss the industrys most significant issues. Resilience to natural disasters was the central theme for 2019. Natural disasters cost the United States $377 billion between 1996 and 2014, Rashkin said. Disasters since 2017 have cost Americans $220 billion, a dramatic increase due to more massive fires and stronger storms, like Hurricane Harvey. Complicating matters, 70 percent of Americans live in 11 large metropolitan areas, occupying only 20 percent of the U.S. landmass. Most of these sprawling population centers are along coasts, in forests or near rivers. If we take where we live and superimpose that on where disaster is a really high risk, generally, we like to live where there is a lot of disaster risk, Rashkin said. And a higher percentage of the population is moving into these mega-cities every year. Natural disasters, particularly oceanic storms, are becoming more destructive because ocean and air temperatures are 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the historical average. Warmer water and air allow storms to concentrate more water vapor and energy. Nationally, more than $6.6 trillion in home value is at risk of predictable natural disasters. The insurance industry is raising rates, canceling coverage and offering discounts for homes with resilient features. Rashkin asked architects, developers and builders if insurance savings would be enough to convince the industry to spend more on resiliency. To allow a frank discussion, I did not ask speakers for their names. From a marketing and sales perspective, unless the risk is extremely real its really challenging to sell something like that, a real estate broker said. Youre saying fire is likely to burn down their house, or its likely the house will fill up with water. Youre opening up this whole conversation that buyers do not want to hear. More Tomlinson: Millennials pose challenge to real estate values Another complained that appraisers do not value resilient features, and real estate listing services do not allow buyers to search for them. I think it comes down to code because if you take a step back, a single-family builder is not going to want to put that added expense on the buyer, a builder said. What happens is it drives up the average selling price, and they dont want to do that. Developers and builders, though, are not innocent. They fight proposed codes changes for precisely that reason. Codes tend to remain the same, even while risk grows. Over time, the added cost of resiliency can be recouped through lower insurance rates and a buildings longer lifespan, but thats also a hard sell to someone trying to negotiate the best price and who may not own the property that long. While its difficult to argue for higher housing costs when home buying is out of reach for so many, that cannot be an excuse for selling homes we know nature will destroy. As long as the market does not reward resiliency, the government must require it. Passing the buck for why we dont build better homes must end. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com More than 100 employees of Synchrony, a Stamford-based consumer financial services company, participated in the fifth annual Doubles Dive by plunging into the chilly waters at Compo Beach on Friday to raise money for charity. The event, an idea conceived by Synchrony president Brian Doubles, raises funds for the SeriousFun Childrens Network, a group offering camps and programs for children living with serious illnesses. 13.01.2020 LISTEN There were various reports of operatives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) jubilating as the winners of the recently held District Assembly and Unit Committee Elections held on December 2019, across various media outlets. Although the local elections were not organized on a partisan basis, the opposition NDC professed themselves as winners even without any shred of evidence to back such claims. More so, after damaging the national consensus on political party involvement in District Assembly Elections, what legitimacy does the NDC have to claim victory in an election they did not partake in? How can the NDC shamelessly say they are involved in Assembly Elections whilst denying Ghanaians our right to vote for party representatives of our choice in a decentralized democracy? When did the NDC see the benefit in winning assembly elections and so are rushing to claim Victory? How did they know they have won? Contrary to their speculations, available documents suggest otherwise. The research, which is backed by facts categorizes the winners of the just-ended local into groups based on their partisan affiliation. It is revealed that out of the 6,106 electoral areas that were considered, candidates affiliated to the ruling NPP won a total of 3,343 electoral areas. This represents an increase from the 2,518 of the total 5,057 that was recorded in the previous elections held in 2015. This represents an increment of 825 seats. In percentages terms, NPP candidates won approximately 54.7% of the just ended District Assembly Elections as compared to the 48.8% it had in 2015. This is a sharp increase of 6%. The opposition NDC, on the other hand, recorded a win of 2,714 seats out of the total 6,106. This represents 44.4% of the total seats declared. Out of the 5,057 candidates that won in the 2015 polls, 2,539 elected Assembly members which represent 50.2% were affiliates of the NDC. Comparing the performance of the NDC in the 2015 District Assembly elections to that of 2019, the NDC lost 5.8% of their seats while the ruling NPP gained an additional 5.9%. On a regional basis, the NPP won 9 out of the 16 regions as opposed to the NDCs 7. While the NPP won the Ashanti, Eastern, Central, North East, Bono, Western, Northern, Ahafo and Upper West Regions, the NDC won the Volta, Oti, Upper East, Greater Accra, Bono East, Western North, and the Savanna Regions. These continuous attempts by the opposition NDC to always thwart developmental efforts by the Akufo-Addo government is very disturbing and if not checked would further derail our collective success. From the arguments above, it is factually inaccurate for the NDC to claim victors of the District Assembly and Unit Committee Elections held in December 2019. Rather, the evidence available puts the NPP ahead of the NDC with regards to elected Assembly Members. Lake Como is a hugely popular destination - Getty Images The small medieval village of Corenno Plinio, a hidden gem overlooking Italys Lake Como, is set to charge visitors a daily entrance fee in a bid to make it a tourist hub, dividing opinion among the tiny local population. Every year, thousands of tourists explore the tiny streets of this hamlet built in the rocks, climbing thousand steps to reach the picturesque centre. But the newly elected mayor plans to charge a 5 entrance fee for day-trippers, in a move aimed at raising additional resources to develop the area. The initiative, however, has split the villages 16 residents, with some worried that the scheme could discourage visitors. Mayor Stefano Cassinelli wants to transform this small hamlet, built around a former Roman settlement, into an open-air museum and fully exploit its beauties. Currently, 60 per cent of visitors are foreign tourists, with two busses filled with British tourists arriving twice a week. Venice has introduced turnstiles and entrance fees to manage high tourist numbers Credit: ANDREA PATTARO/AFP/Getty Images The entrance fee will come into force on March 29 and will include virtual tours. Critics include some of the oldest inhabitants of Corenno, notably the descendants of the Andreani Counts, the family that owned the castle overlooking the village and the lake. Im perplexed by this idea of an entrance ticket, said Angelantonio Marietti Andreani, who still lives in the remains of the old castle. Im afraid that the number of visitors will fall. Plus, people who come here are looking for something different. I dont believe this is a place suitable for mass tourism. Imposing entrance fees to day-trippers has been at the centre of a long-running debate surrounding Italys most visited popular tourist spots. Venice announced that daily visitors will have to pay an entry fee of up to 8, in an attempt to stem the huge numbers of tourists that flood the Unesco World Heritage city. Farmers could fall foul of tax compliance measures under a proposed new anti-tax evasion unit, rural accountant Old Mill has warned. Set out in the Conservative Party manifesto are a series of measures aimed at taking control of the 35bn UK tax gap. The proposals would create a single beefed-up anti-tax evasion unit in HRMC that would be responsible for all duties and taxes - from individual errors to deliberate non-compliance. It would double the current maximum prison sentence to 14 years for the most serious cases of tax fraud and consolidate the existing anti-evasion and avoidance measures and powers. A new package of anti-evasion measures to end tax abuse would also be implemented, the party's manifesto highlighted. Ben Carter, rural business development manager at Old Mill, says: The manifesto is seemingly light on the finer details surrounding tax and the proposed changes, but the shape of the pledges warrants concern for farm business accounting. Legally, individuals must make sure that they are paying the right amount of tax, regardless of who is advising them. So with HRMC now having much improved visibility, and easier access to financial information, is now the time to take a belt and braces approach to book keeping? Mr Carter thinks so. While most farmers use an accountant to submit their accounts they often rely on their own book keeping; without the assistance of a qualified book keeper, for the submission of VAT. While this has sufficed for a duration, the introduction of new laws with greater implications and with the mandatory date for Making Tax Digital (MTD) looming improving visibility for HRMC coupled with the time demands of the physical farm, leaves many highly susceptible to unintentional VAT and tax errors, he says. Although tax evasion is illegal, tax avoidance while unacceptable - is not, and it is concerning that innocent taxpayers will be treated under the same system, he adds. While we applaud focus on criminal activity, the prospect that unintentional tax errors will be dealt with in line with tax evasion under this single part of HRMC is not a demonstration of fairness under an increasingly complex tax system. Most farmers are hard-working and tax compliant and treating people who have made innocent errors as if they were tax evaders is the not the way to retain the respect of the tax-paying agricultural community, explains Mr Carter. We advise all farmers to review their tax schemes and accounting methods to ensure they are compliant, before HMRC review it for them. This community is mourning the passing of Lilija Grumulaitis, a founding member of two local Republican Womens groups. She passed away on Friday surrounded by family members. Grumulaitis was 6 years old and living with her family in a refugee camp in Germany when she met an American soldier and she uttered the first words in English her father had taught her, Thank you for my freedom. In a Courier column by Kris Nordstrom McBride, Grumulaitis said she has said those words over and over throughout her lifetime. Her family was unable to immigrate to the USA immediately after the war, settling instead in Australia. Many years later she married Leonas Grumulaitis. Her new husband had an aunt in America, who agreed to sponsor them. They arrived at Ellis Island in 1958, living in various places around the country before settling in Conroe in 1979. She became a proud American citizen in 1972. She was a lifelong supporter of veterans causes and was a guardian on two of the Lone Star Honor Flights several years ago. She was an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Lake Conroe and a founding member of The Lake Conroe Area Republican Womens Club and of the Montgomery County Republican Womens club. A celebration of Lilija Grumulaitis life will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Plantersville. Prior to the service a brunch reception will be held at the church at 11:30. All are welcome and encouraged to wear red, white and blue, in honor of Lilijas love for veterans. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lilijas honor to: To the RCLC (Rotary Club Lake Conroe) Foundation - Memory Park, P. O. Box 1252, Montgomery, TX 775356-1252 https://www.lakeconroerotary.org/sitepage/make-a-donation. Arts San Antonio has shut down mid-season. The board for the arts presenter sent a letter to patrons on Jan. 6 letting them know that it was ending operations and cancelling all upcoming performances. Ticket-holders will not be reimbursed because the organization is insolvent. Unfortunately, events have made it impossible to continue our operations, the letter states. The abrupt departure of our Executive Director, a significant shift in charitable funding and increased competition in the city for arts dollars has caused us irreversible financial hardships and we can no longer continue to exist. The groups most high-profile recent offering was last years appearance by Yo-Yo Ma as part of his Bach Project, a series of performances of Bachs cello suites across the globe. He performed at Trinity Universitys Laurie Auditorium in April, a concert that was simulcast at Mission Marquee Plaza, the community space on the former site of Mission Drive-In; and at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. The following day, Ma trekked to Laredo and Nuevo Laredo to perform and meet with people. The canceled performances in Arts San Antonios 2019-20 season are concerts by cellist Gabriel Royal, pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist Yekwon Sunwoo and the Hot Sardines, as well as offerings from the Peking Acrobats, the traditional Japanese drumming group Yamato and magician Vitaly. dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Preservatives Market estimated to grow at a higher CAGR by the completion of the prediction period. Growing demand for treated foodstuff owing to hectic way of life and growing number of employed women is expected to motivate the development of the Preservatives Market during the period of forecast. Furthermore, increasing business of retail trading in developing nations and acceptance of treated foodstuff between the younger age group is too increasing the demand for treated foodstuff. This sequentially is estimated to motivate the development of the market. The preservatives are utilized in treated foodstuff to increase its general test, shelf life and the quality. The situation of strict monitoring concerning the usage of preservatives bearing in mind their adverse influence on health is likely to obstruct the development of the global market for it. A number of experts, all over the world, standardize practice of preservatives. In spite of their practice in a number of end-use businesses for example medicines and foodstuff the preservatives are related to a numeral of fitness problems for example heart problems, cancer, and hyperactivity. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) applied definite strategies for the practice of preservatives in medicines and foodstuff products. Also, the nation state like France, Austria, Finland, the U.K., and Norway have disqualified usage of synthetic food colorings, whereas Canada and the U.K. have barred practice of Olestra which is a fat ancillary preservative. Such guidelines forced on the practice of preservatives are estimated to prevent the development of the global market for it to a definite range. Download PDF to know more details about "Preservatives Market" report 2025. The global Preservatives Market can be classified by End User, Purpose, Source and Region. By End User, it can be classified as Construction, Cosmetics, Medicines, Foodstuff & Beverages and others. By Purpose, it can be classified as Antioxidants, Antimicrobials. By Source, Preservatives Market can be classified as Synthetic, Natural. By Region the Preservatives Market can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa. Due to the growing demand for ready to ingest foodstuff items and increasing business of the retail trade within the region, the Asia Pacific is projected to be the speedily developing market for it during the period of forecast. North America is the biggest Market. It is tracked by Europe. These places are likely to observe substantial development, due to the existence of great totality of retail openings and hectic way of life of customers causing in the growing preference for ready to consume foodstuff products. The available markets which are huge in size, for example Mexico, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, South Africa, and India are expected to offer profitable development openings, which will be profitable for the preservative manufacturing companies during the approaching years. The important companies of the Preservatives Market are implementing several business approaches for example merger & acquisition, so as to increase economical advantage in the global market. The food ingredients supplier Kerry Group, picked up Ariake USA. This is the North American business wing of Japanese company Ariake, in natural food flavorings, in December 2018.The attainment will reinforce Kerry's ingredients group, which consist of food flavors, coloring and preservatives. The important companies are involved in numerous development plans for example advertisement and promotion, so as to increase existence in global market. Such as the U.S.A based food processing company, Archer Daniels Midland, exhibited its wide-ranging collection of high quality sweetener constituent and preservatives at 2018 Supply Side West Show, at Las Vegas, U.S.A, in November 2018. The most important companies are concentrating on numerous approaches for example presentation of the new product, so as to increase their range of the product and increase reasonable advantage. For example, Symrise AG, a manufacturer of fragrances and flavors, presented first benzyl alcohol centered preservative with extra power of SymOcide BHO, SymSave H for personal care and cosmetics products, in January 2019. Access 117 page research report with TOC on "Preservatives Market" available with Radiant Insights, Inc. @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-preservatives-market Some of the important companies for Preservatives Market are: Celanese Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland Company, BASF SE, Cargill Incorporated, E. I. du Pont de Nemours, Chr. Hansen A/S, Kerry Group, and Corbion N.V. Market Segmentation: Geographically, global Preservatives market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including Archer Daniels Midland BASF SE Brenntag AG Cargill In Celanese Corp Chr. Hansen A/S Corbion NV Danisco DSM Food Specialties BV DuPont Galactic SA Hawkins Watts Kemin Industries Kerry group Tate And Lyle PLC Univar On the basis of product, we research the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate, primarily split into Organic Solvent Preservatives Inorganic Preservatives Natural Antiseptic Ester-Type Preservatives 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 Preservatives for each application, including Drinks Pastry Meat Other Production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate are the key targets for Preservatives 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.: 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: [email protected] Web: https://www.radiantinsights.com/ Blog: https://radiantinsightsinc.blogspot.com/ SOURCE Radiant Insights, Inc. The performance of students in this cohort is comparable to the performance of the 2018 cohort, said MOE. (PHOTO: Getty Images) SINGAPORE Out of the 24,409 candidates who sat the GCE O-Level Examination last year, 85.2 per cent or 20,805 had five or more passes in the subjects they took. Of the cohort, 99.9 per cent (24,377) of candidates had one or more passes, while 96.5 per cent (23,550) had two or more passes, said the Ministry of Education in a news release on Monday (13 January). The performance of students in this cohort is comparable to the performance of the 2018 cohort, the ministry added. Students looking to use their results to apply for admissions to junior colleges, polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) or Millennia Institute, can do via the Joint Admissions Exercise that opens at 3pm on Monday and closes at 4pm on Friday. Those looking for guidance on their education options can approach their teachers or the Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counsellors supporting their schools, said MOE. They can also log on to the MySkillsFuture portal (https://go.gov.sg/mysfsec) for more information on career options or make an appointment with an ECG counsellor at the MOE ECG Centre @ Grange Road from 6 to 24 January via their e-appointment system (http://bit.ly/moe_ecg). More Singapore stories: 'I don't recognise Singapore law': Man on trial for funding ISIS Bill provides right to medical care without payment in medical institutions of Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine, Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, State Special Communication Service and Ministry of Internal Affairs President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 431-IX on the right of people with disabilities due to participation in Anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in Donbas, Joint Forces Operation or military conflicts in other countries, as well as volunteers to receive assistance in medical facilities of the Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine, foreign intelligence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc. Presidents website reported this on January 13. The bill grants the right to medical care without payment from the recipient in medical institutions of the Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine, Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, State Special Communication Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs of persons with disabilities due to war from among: participants in hostilities in other countries who were injured there and as a result became people with disabilities; military personnel of various structures who defended the independence of Ukraine during the ATO or Joint Forces Operation received injuries or shell shock there, as a result of which they became people with disabilities; people who became persons with disabilities due to injury, contusion, injury or illness received during their participation in the Joint Forces Operation; Joint Forces Operation participants as part of volunteer units that collaborated with or joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units; volunteers who were injured in the area of the ATO or Joint Forces Operation. The law will enter into force the day after its official publication. As we reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 1198 on the right of people with disabilities due to participation in Anti-terrorist operation in Donbas, Joint Forces Operation or military conflicts in other countries, as well as volunteers to receive assistance in medical institutions of the Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc. 323 MPs supported the bill. By IANS OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to seek "justice" for those killed on board the Ukrainian passenger plane which was downed by Iran after its military mistook it for a cruise missile, the media reported on Monday. "This tragedy should have never occurred, and I want to assure you that you have my full support during this extraordinarily difficult time... You give us purpose to pursue justice and accountability for you," the BBC quoted Trudeau as saying on Sunday while addressing a vigil Edmonton, Alberta for the 57 Canadians killed in January 8 disaster. ALSO READ: Pakistan urges top Iranian leaders for 'maximum restraint' to resolve crisis with US "We will not rest until there are answers," he added. Trudeau attended the memorial on Sunday, as a second day of anti-government protests against Iran's leaders erupted in Canada and abroad. On Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps admitted that one of its missiles had downed the Kiev-bound Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS75 on January 8, killing all the 176 people on board. ALSO READ | Iran plane crash: Maybe a grim echo of US downing of Iran flight in 1988 It said Iran was on "high alert" that day because of the US threats of possibly hitting 52 spots in the country, the operator of the missile launch site was concerned about a possible "US cruise missile". The crash occurred on the same day Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two US military bases in Iraq, in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in an American drone attack in Baghdad on January 3. Following Iran's admission on Saturday, Trudeau had said that there must be a full investigation with "full clarity on how such a horrific tragedy could have occurred". After rumors, Samsung has officially introduced the Galaxy XCover Pro, the companys latest rugged smartphone in the XCover series. It packs a 6.3-inch FHD+ Infinity Display with an enhanced touchscreen able to work in any condition, including rain or snow. Glove mode allows for gloves-on use and the new voice to text message feature provides real-time dictation and messaging for simple, convenient communication. Powered by Exynos 9611, it has 4GB RAM and runs Android 10 with One UI 2.0. The smartphone is IP68 water and dust resistant, capable of withstanding drops of up to 1.5m, even without a case, and is MIL-STD 810G certified for reliable protection against extreme altitude, humidity, and other severe environmental conditions. It has Pogo pin charging support and is compatible with third-party charging docks, and a 4,050mAh battery promises long battery life, which is also replaceable. Targeted at enterprise customers, it features two programmable keys to create custom actions with one click. This functionality makes complicated workflows simple letting users open the scanner, turn on the flashlight or launch a CRM app all without swiping through apps, scrolling through menus, or even looking at the screen, said the company. It is push-to-talk ready, enabling instant communication between the shop floor and the back office. Microsoft is the first partner to leverage the XCover Pros push-to-talk feature, through an integration for the device with Microsoft Teams that provides direct access to Teams new Walkie Talkie capability from a programmable key on the side of the device. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro specifications 6.3-inch (2400 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ Infinity-O LCD screen, Wet Touch, Glove Mode Octa-Core (Quad 2.3GHz + Quad 1.7GHz) Exynos 9611 10nm processor with Mali-G72 GPU 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, expandable up to 512GB via micro SD card Android 10 with Samsung One UI 2.0 Dual / Single SIM 25MP rear camera with LED flash, f/1.7 aperture, 8MP ultra-wide angle camera with f/2.2 aperture 13MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Programmable push To Talk button Dimensions: 159.9 X 76.7 X 9.94mm; Weight: 218g Water and dust resistant (IP68), US Military Standard MIL-STD 810G Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5, GPS + GLONASS, USB Type-C, NFC 4050mAh removable battery with 15W fast charging The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro comes in Black color, is priced at $499.99 (Rs. 35,430 approx.) and will roll out starting from the first half of 2020 in the U.S. Being darker makes being a migrant much harder Research in India and South Africa shows life is considerably harder if migrants have a darker skin and come from a poorer country. South Africa is becoming infamous on the world stage for its violent, even deadly, xenophobia. Attacks periodically erupt. Often the targets are African foreign nationals as well as Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. Similarly, in India, xenophobic sentiment is aimed at Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and African migrants, some of whom have even lost their lives. Yet, in my research on migration to India and South Africa, I found that migrants experiences vary greatly: while many experienced xenophobia, many did not. In fact, there were migrants in both societies who were warmly received and enjoyed xenophilia the love of foreigners. The aim of my research was to try to find out why some foreigners are welcomed with open arms while others are denigrated, or even murdered. I found that socio-economic status was extremely significant. Two additional characteristics also determined what daily life in a new country was like for a person: their skin colour and their country of origin. Local people assign values to these characteristics. Wealthier, lighter-skinned migrants were often the most warmly greeted, especially those from developed countries with First World cultural capital. In a skewed, unequal global economy, it is important to understand how the experiences of white or light-skinned migrants compare to darker-skinned migrants. This comparison enables an analysis of how prejudice and privilege affect daily life. In South Africa, as in India, whiteness or lightness often denotes power and prestige. There are many stereotypes associated with skin colour. For example, the label yellow-bone is often used in South Africa as a compliment to women with light brown skin. The term is associated with US slavery. In South Africa, dark skin is often used as a way to identify foreigners during xenophobic attacks. (Stereotype holds that South Africans are light but this is not true as they can have any skin tone.) In India, dark skin is often associated with poverty, partially due to the hierarchichal caste system. When a migrant enters the new society, the local population tends to read the migrants skin tone and then assign it positive or negative associations. Thus to understand the migrant experience, we must understand these associations and stereotypes. Colour matters Skin colour dictates what opportunities and challenges occur in a migrants daily life. For example, previous research found that darker-skinned migrants to the US received significantly lower wages than migrants with the same qualifications who had fairer complexions. My research, which involved collecting data through interviews, focused on middle-class professionals who had left more industrialised countries such as Japan, South Korea and those in the West to live in industrialising countries like India and South Africa. In India, white men told me how their white privilege enabled them to get ahead in their business and social lives. For their part, dark-skinned African migrants told me that they were sometimes called derogatory names like monkey. In South Africa, racial hierarchies affected the experiences of migrants. An American woman living in Johannesburg explained to me that being Caucausian in a highly-racialised South Africa where white people wielded a great deal of economic power afforded her a lot of clout. If anything, I think Im surprised by how often as a white American, people are still afraid to confront or challenge me in some way. I think there are times in which probably the colour of my skin gives me power in their eyes But white privilege and prejudice against dark skin are not just about a migrants skin colour. The reception of a migrant is also related to local attitudes about the migrants country of origin. Developed country advantage People in emerging markets like South Africa and India view migrants from more developed nations as adding value because they see them as a benefit to their own countrys development. This belief is based on the perceived relative difference in modernity and developmental levels between different countries. For example, in South Africa and India, the local populations tended to view their economic development as more advanced than that of countries like Zimbabwe or Nigeria. Hence when South Africans and Indians encounter African migrants they associate them with the negative stereotype of being from less developed countries. The inverse perception becomes a benefit for migrants from First World countries. Researchers in international politics illustrate how status attribution benefits powerful countries because their perceived status gives them even more power. This is true for migrants from powerful countries too. Many of the middle-class professionals I studied were actually economic migrants seeking out better opportunities by moving to developing countries. But they were not perceived in the same way as economic migrants from poorer countries because of the admiration local people had for their country of origin. A white American man who moved from New York to Johannesburg told me that South Africans would ask him: Why would you choose to be here as opposed to the USA I think the States in general, Europe in general, people look up to it. A white Dutch woman who had moved to Cape Town told me, Many people think of Europe as this wonderful place of opportunity and of education I think thats why many people are quite open to having me. Developed-country advantage is not only enjoyed by white migrants. I found that skin colour, like gender, was a dependent variable that was interpreted in relation to other factors. African American, black British, and Afro-German migrants I interviewed in South Africa also reported experiencing the developed country advantage. When a migrant benefits from positive stereotypes of being wealthier, fairer or coming from a developed country, xenophilia can result. The converse is that being perceived as darker, poorer and coming from an inferior country can factor into xenophobia. Melissa Tandiwe Myambo, Research Associate, Centre for Indian Studies, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Retardants coat vegetation in a chemical residue that prevents or slows down ignition, until it is removed by rain or erosion. They are sprayed strategically to create a barrier to slow a fire's spread, working for up to 18 hours or more. Firefighting foams - known as Class A foams - are also deployed by the Rural Fire Service to smother bushfires that are already alight. They are considered much safer than some of the Class B foams used on fuel and chemical fires, which have historically contained toxic PFAS compounds. An air tanker drops pink fire retardant over properties in South Australia. Credit:Nine News One of the main fire retardants used by the NSW Rural Fire Service is Phos-Chek, known for its characteristic red pigment, which is used by pilots to track where it has been sprayed. Loading While the RFS would not confirm the volumes nor the formulations of the products it has used this season, sources told the Herald that Phos-Chek has been sprayed liberally around the state. "Unfortunately, very little research has been done in Australia on the immediate and longer term effects of fire retardants on plant and animal communities," Dr Bell said. "Most of it has been done in the US and Canada where the ecosystems are quite different." The Phos-Chek brand was pioneered by chemical giant Monsanto in the 1960s but since 2018 has been owned by US-based Perimeter Solutions. The general manager of Phos-Chek Australia, Darren Webb, said the product was an important tool in the arsenal for firefighters. "The retardant is like putting a bulldozer through the vegetation ... without those harsh environmental effects," he said. "You can construct that [containment] line a lot quicker and get in there early enough before it's got time to spread." Mr Webb stressed that Phos-Chek had been through an exhaustive approval process by the US Forest Service deeming it safe for use, relied on by Australian firefighting authorities. "It's absolutely been closely examined," he said. A resident walks in front of South Turramurra homes which were bombed by fire retardant in November. Credit:Getty Mr Webb said the manufacturer endorsed a policy among both Australian and US fire authorities to avoid applying Phos-Chek in close proximity to waterways. But he said that it was a matter of "weighing up the risk and benefit" when it came to using retardants in water catchment areas, because allowing the total incineration of vegetation posed its own risks. "The ash, the sludge can come down the side of the catchment area into the waterway and create its own issues - as compared to trying to stop it coming into a catchment area [with the retardant]," Mr Webb said. Of additional concern have been performance-enhancing additives in Phos-Chek retardants that are trade secret and exempt from public disclosure. Mr Webb said the additives had been fully disclosed to US regulatory authorities. Loading Dr Bell's study found that Phos-Chek did not have a large impact on vegetation in the area tested, but did result in the death of some individual plants. "This is not an environmentally-friendly product but if you look at it from the point of view of using it as a tool to help ground crews manage fire containment lines, there are certainly good reasons for it to be used at certain times, " she said. About 120 tonnes of a Phos-Chek formulation known as D75R was dropped on the devastating Caledonia fires in Victoria's Alpine National Park in 1998. At the time The Age reported that residents had observed an unusual oily sludge coming down a river catchment supplying 9000 people. TOWAMENCIN A zoning change meant to allow more uses on several parcels near Reiff Road in Towamencin has gotten a key go-ahead. The board voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve a change in the townships zoning map, while warning the developer still has plenty of concerns to address. I dont want anybody to think were not listening and were not addressing those concerns, said supervisors Chairman Chuck Wilson. Were making note of them, but this is a zoning ordinance. An amendment to a zoning ordinance is not the appropriate time to get into the details of what can be developed here which is still to be determined, he said. Talks at the supervisors level have been ongoing since summer on a request from developer Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation to allow new uses in the current overlay area, a 20-acre parcel surrounding Forty Foot Road and Sumneytown Pike. The townships planning commission began talks on updating the overlay in early 2018, and those talks have continued before the township supervisors since July, with continuing updates in September and again in December. Attorney Carl Weiner and engineer John Anderson showed the board the latest changes theyve made, based on feedback from residents, the board, and township consultants over the past several months. Its important to keep in mind that the Towamencin Village Overlay district has been in place for over 20 years, said Weiner. The purpose of these amendments to the ordinance, and amendments to the sector map, is not to introduce development to a new section of the township. That has already been provided for, by the zoning ordinance, for the past 20 years, he said. The zoning map in question divides the area into four sub-sectors, labelled 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, with different levels of buffering based on their proximity to residential houses running along Reiff Road. The major change since the earlier version, Weiner and Anderson said, is the addition of a 25-foot buffer along the north and east property lines, roughly parallel to Reiff, meant to require plantings and berms between the houses and the developed area. The purpose of these amendments is to better define the type of developments that may occur, and essentially give the township better control over what is proposed to go in this area, Weiner said. The buffering would be consistent with the townships current land use and design manual requirements, according to the engineer, which specifies the types of shrubs, hedges, and evergreen and deciduous trees that could be planted on the three- to four-foot-tall buffer along that side of the area. Also included with the overall ordinance would be a restrictive covenant for section 3D of the proposed map, which would limit the use there to a parking lot with landscape buffering. We have agreed that this restrictive covenant will be recorded as a permanent restriction against this property, within seven days after the appeal period expires, should the board of supervisors pass this ordinance, said Weiner. We are backing up our plans with our words, and our deeds literally and restrictions, to minimize as much as possible, and to mitigate, the impact on the surrounding neighborhood, he said. Several Reiff Road residents then spoke out against the proposed overlay, including resident Joe Silverman, who objected to comparisons made with mixed-use town center developments in King of Prussia, Lehigh County, and Warrington. His examples are town centers that are not impacting any residential areas, because there are none nearby. We have to consider the residents of this community, Silverman said. Resident Tina Gallagher said she thought traffic and stormwater management concerns still had yet to be addressed, and said she thought residents would rather have open space nearby than the parking lot. I kind of feel like this is an attempt to sway residents to like the plan, but who wants a parking lot in their backyard, or next to their property? she said. It may affect property values, but I dont think anyone here would really like that, if that were your home, Gallagher said. Carla Trongone, whose father Arthur lives on Reiff next to the proposed overlay, said she thought the buffering berms were not tall enough. Four feet high, as short as I am, is actually shorter than me, so four feet doesnt seem like a sufficient enough buffer zone, for light and for noise and for other things, she said. The neighbors are also worried about underground contamination, from chemicals that could be left over when an auto part business was located on the parcels, and asbestos or other hazards when houses there are demolished, Trongone said. I presume, if there was going to be asbestos, you will do something to make sure that it is not in the atmosphere for everyone else, she said. Dave Hildebrand, also of Reiff, asked what impact the proposed development would have on those who use private water wells along Reiff, and Phil Schanz of Reiff said that was among his concerns, as was water runoff. If we get some heavy rains, like weve had in the past, the water goes down on Reiff Road, which is now a slope down to Sumneytown Pike. If we have quick freezing, Im concerned about the safety of anybody whos driving in this area, Schanz said. Weiner said in response to the resident comments that the berm in early renderings was likely taller, six to eight feet tall, than the three to four feet estimated by residents. Silverman countered that he though the buffering would only be effective in spring and summer, when fully grown, and not in fall or winter once leaves disappear. It takes many years to grow to that height that was shown in the exhibit. In the winter, the deciduous trees lose their leaves, and then all you have is evergreen. Ill be dead and gone, but Art (Trongone) might live to be 120 he might see it fully grown, Silverman said. After the neighbor testimony, Weiner said most of their specific concerns would be addressed during the land development process, when plans are finalized. Before we do anything further, we must come back before the planning commission and this board, as with any particular development plan, which will address issues like traffic, and stormwater, and berms, and all of the concerns we heard the neighbors raise, Weiner said. This is really just an initial step in laying this framework, and each step along the way, everything will be done in a public forum, with the opportunity for neighbors to participate, he said. The board then unanimously passed the ordinance update and zoning map amendment, and Wilson said he had a long list of resident concerns to be brought up later. We have the notes, and well make sure these things are addressed as we continue to move through the process, Wilson said. Towamencins supervisors next meet at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the township administration building, 1090 Troxel Road. For more information visit www.Towamencin.org. Actor Tiger Shroff, who is busy shooting for Baaghi 3, has shared a new picture on Instagram. Among those who have reacted to it is Disha Patani. In the picture, Tiger poses by the beach in a pair of pink and black printed shorts. His toned body, particularly his abs, are in full view. While many of his Bollywood buddies like filmmaker Sabbir Khan, who made Heropanti and Munna Michael with Tiger; actor Vijay Varma of Gully Boy and Pink fame and Canadian chef Kelvin Cheung (who spends a lot of time in Mumbai and is popular with Bollywood stars) were among the many who reacted to the picture, it was rumoured ex-girlfriend Disha Patanis fire emojis that stood out. Tiger and Disha have been rumoured to be in a relationship ever since they first appeared in Baaghi in 2016. Neither of the two have confirmed anything but are often spotted at lunch and dinner dates together. In 2019, however, there were many reports of their reported break up. Later, Tigers sister Krishna confirmed that her brother was 100% single. Appearing in a chat show By Invite Only, she had said, You know that I dont lie and how straight Im about everything. Tiger is 100% single. Earlier, during an online Q&A, Tiger was asked about his relationship with Disha. He has said, Meri aukaat nhi hai (I am not worthy of it). Disha by comparison has been more forthcoming with her comments. During the promotions of her film Bharat last year, on the question of dating Tiger, Disha had said, He is too slow motion, man. Im been trying to impress him and I keep telling him that. I have learnt gymnastics and Ive done a film where Im taking a flip through a fire ring. Hes still not impressed. What more can I do? They remain friends as was evident when they attended Hrithik Roshans birthday party recently. Also read | Bigg Boss 13 Weekend ka Vaar episode 30 written update January 12: Deepika Padukone greets Salman Khan with namaste, claims she learnt it from Sara Ali Khan On their respective work fronts, while Disha will see the release of her next film Malang on February 7, Tiger has been busy with Baaghi 3. Through November and December, the team of Baaghi 3 had been stationed in Serbia. In January 2020, the team moved to Jaipur for the shoot as his latest location pictures inform. Follow @htshowbiz for more Star Wars fans are impossible to please, according to a study from Ohio State University. This fact makes it very difficult to be a star in the movie on social media. Both Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey, and Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico) left social media entirely after harassment from fans. To this day, John Boyega, who plays Finn, remains one of the only stars from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, to stay active on social media. Lets take a look at how he is navigating the constant negative remarks from fans. His clap-back set fans off again, but this time against each other. John Boyega | Ethan Miller/FilmMagic What brought about John Boyegas recent Instagram video? The controversy on social media began for Boyega when the star responded to a fan on Instagram who suggested the door was now open for Finn with the death of Ben Solo (Adam Driver) in The Rise of Skywalker. Its not about who she kisses but who eventually lays the pipe, Boyega commented. You are a genius. The response soon went viral, with fans calling Boyega everything from gross to sexist and countless other negative things. The star defended himself and told fans he was not referring to women, but a fictional character. His responses did not seem to appease fans, so he recently posted a video clapping back against the harassment. In the video, Boyega kicks, punches, and destroys offensive comments from fans with everything from his fists to a lightsaber. Fans are enraged even more by Boyegas video Ive got that out of my system. Whats next? Boyega finishes his video. He needed to get that off of his chest. Instead of removing himself from social media, the 27-year-old English actor claps back at fans. Daisy would be disgusted in him for treating fans this way, commented one fan on Boyegas video. She left social media due to harassment. Many fans are offended by the stars video. Adam Driver is online right now posting about Arts in the Armed Forces, added another Instagram user. John Boyega is online right now, using his platform as a widely known celebrity to post about this. Fans are disgruntled that the Rise of Skywalker actor is using his social media account to fight back about the harassment. Driver also does not have a social media account but created a short video clip to thank those who started a charity in his name. You really left everyones usernames in like that, wrote another Star Wars fan on Instagram. Still, others are upset that he did not black out the commenters names when creating his video. Boyegas fan base fights back against the negative commenters The Reylo shippers harassed John, argued one fan. Hes just having a good time with it. Many other fans believe that it was a good move for Boyega to poke fun at the fans who harassed him. Do you realize that what hes doing is valid? questioned another fan in the comments of the video. He received hate for years and now is taking back control. If KMT [Kelly Marie Tran] did this too, it would be valid as well. They both have experienced harassment and extreme levels of racism. They shouldnt have to be forced to stray away from social media. It seems like just as many fans support Boyegas video as hate it. He has many commenters coming to his defense. John can post what he wants, added another Instagram user. His posting this doesnt mean he doesnt care about charities. The fans defended Boyega, saying that he was right to fight back and that he shouldnt have to blackout users names. If they werent prepared for the world to see it, they shouldnt have said it, wrote another fan. Boyegas video is inundated with comments and over 400,000 views just one day later. However, whether it helped or hurt the situation remains to be seen. At the very least, Boyega spoke his mind about the negative comments made against him, and has many coming to his defense. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks at town hall at the National Motorcycle Museum on January 3, 2020 in Anamosa, Iowa. Presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders said in an interview published Monday that he will consider releasing a shortlist of his potential nominees to the Supreme Court prior to the election, a tactic that President Donald Trump used to bolster his bid last cycle. "It's a reasonable idea," Sanders told The New York Times' editorial board. "My wife agrees with you. Yeah. I'll take that into consideration. Nothing wrong with that." A transcript of the complete 90-minute interview was published in full on Monday morning. The interview was conducted last month. Sanders said in the Times interview that, at that point, it was too early to release such a list. "Got to kind of win the nomination first," he said. "I'm kind of struggling to do that." Sanders is polling in second place in national surveys, behind former Vice President Joe Biden. He holds a slight lead in polls of Iowa and New Hampshire, the first caucus and primary states. Iowa hosts the first contest of the Democratic primary on Feb. 3. Trump took the unusual step of releasing his own Supreme Court shortlist ahead of the 2016 election, saying it would serve as a "guide." That maneuver, carried out after Trump was already the presumptive GOP nominee, was seen at the time as an attempt to curry favor with Republicans who were skeptical that Trump, who had never before run for elected office and had at times been a registered Democrat, would nominate sufficiently conservative justices. Neither of Trump's two eventual nominees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, were on the first shortlist that Trump unveiled in May of 2016, though they were added to subsequent lists. Trump's two picks have solidified a 5-4 conservative majority on the nine-judge panel. Sanders, like Trump was, is viewed skeptically by some party establishment figures. Sanders is one of two independents in the Senate who caucus with Democrats, and identifies as a democratic socialist. During the interview with the Times, he repeated his pledge to only nominate justices who are "100% Roe v. Wade," citing the landmark abortion ruling. "The person that I would appoint would not only be 100% Roe v. Wade, would be somebody who understands plight of the working class in this country, who is prepared to stand up to the power of corporate interests," Sanders said. Republicans have pressed Democrats to release their potential picks. In June, the Judicial Crisis Network, a conservative group, launched a $1.1 million ad campaign calling on Democratic presidential contenders to disclose a short list of potential nominees that a Democratic president could select that had been compiled by a liberal group. It was not clear at the time that any Democratic presidential contenders had seen the list, and they avoided discussing it. None of the top Democrats running for the nomination have committed to releasing their own shortlists ahead of the November election. But Democrats have put a greater focus on judicial nominations during the primary than in past cycles, partially in response to Trump's successful efforts, facilitated by a Republican-held Senate, to stack the federal bench with young conservative jurists. Trump has nominated about one in four judges currently sitting on U.S. circuit courts, or double the number that Obama had confirmed at the same point in his presidency, according to a tracker maintained by conservative The Heritage Foundation. Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, made Supreme Court reform a central element of his bid during the early days of his campaign. In December, he told The Washington Post that he would not release the names of his potential nominees. Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. did not respond to requests for comment on whether they intend to release Supreme Court shortlists. A Buttigieg spokesperson referred CNBC to his past comments. BJP working president J P Nadda appears set to take charge as the party president next week, succeeding Union Home Minister Amit Shah, sources said on Monday. Nadda may take the helm on January 20 as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources believe that he is likely to be elected unopposed, in line with the convention in the saffron organisation. The party panel headed by senior leader Radha Mohan Singh, which is overseeing the ongoing organisational polls, is likely to come out with the schedule for its president's election soon. The elevation of 59-year-old Nadda, a former Union minister with decades of organisational experience, is being seen as a near certainty after he was made the BJP working president in July last year, following Shah's induction into the Union cabinet after the saffron party's massive victory in the Lok Sabha election. The BJP council, the biggest organisational body of the party, is expected to meet after the February 8 Delhi Assembly polls to ratify the election of the new party president. In the run-up to the 2019 general election, Nadda was in charge of the BJP's campaign in Uttar Pradesh, politically the most important state where the saffron party convincingly defeated the formidable alliance of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) by winning 62 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Nadda was a cabinet minister in the first Modi government between 2014 and 2019. He has also been a member of the BJP's parliamentary board, the top decision-making body of the party. Shah had taken over as the party president in 2014 after Narendra Modi led it to power. File image West Bengal BJP on Monday termed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city and her decision to "back out" of the opposition meeting in New Delhi as "desperate attempts" to divide anti-TMC votes in the state. According to senior state BJP leaders, Banerjee giving the opposition meeting convened by interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi a miss was a "well-calculated move to give oxygen to the Congress and CPI(M) in Bengal, which are on their political death beds". "She (Banerjee) deliberately wants to send out a message that something is cooking between the BJP and the TMC. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, we emerged as the main opposition in West Bengal. "Now, this is being done in a desperate attempt to split anti-TMC votes between us, the CPI(M) and Congress," a state BJP leader said. He said this "trick" has, however, been exposed and will not yield any result as "people of the state have already decided to oust the TMC government in 2021 and bring the BJP to power in the state". The BJP had secured 18 of the 42 seats in West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, just four less than the ruling TMC. The BJP had bagged 41 per cent of the polled votes while the TMC clinched 43 per cent, relegating the Congress and the Left to the third and fourth positions respectively. "As the Congress and the Left had failed to hold on to their respective electors base, many of whom voted for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee is trying to project these two parties as the main opposition instead of the saffron party," another senior BJP leader said. The state BJP's views come after the chief minister met the prime minister and they shared the dais at a state government event. Protesting incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Congress and the Left workers in the state during a trade union strike on January 8, Banerjee had boycotted an opposition meeting called by Sonia Gandhi on January 13 over CAA, NRC, violence on JNU campus and "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Trinamool Congress leaders, however, dismissed the BJP's allegations, asserting that the saffron party should "stop reading too much between the lines". "It is the TMC that has been at the forefront of anti-CAA protest in the country. We were the first to oppose the amended Citizenship Act. "So they (BJP) should think twice before making any baseless comment. It is the BJP that has a tacit understanding with Congress and CPI(M) in the state," senior TMC leader Tapas Roy said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said the "political match-fixing" between the TMC and the BJP is now out in the open. "The double standards of the TMC and BJP are now exposed. The political match-fixing between the two parties has come out in open. The TMC and the BJP can never fight each other as they are two sides of a coin. Only the Left and the Congress can contest them," he said. [January 13, 2020] Digi-Key Electronics Helps Companies Innovate Faster at Embedded World 2020 THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi-Key Electronics, the leading global electronic components distributor, is excited to return to Embedded World 2020, the trade fair for embedded-system technologies, Feb. 25-27, 2020, in Nuremberg, Germany. Digi-Key plans to have interactive and unique technical demonstrations in their booth area, as well as more traditional games and giveaways. The company is also an official sponsor of Student Day on Feb. 27, when 1,000 final-year engineering students from around the world gather to meet potential employers. Digi-Key's demonstrations will feature Digi-Key's IoT Studio, IoT sensor technology, infrared devices, board level solutions, value-added design tools and augmented reality. Some of the themes will include: Systems and solutions created by the Digi-Key applications engineering team to demonstrate the latest trends in IoT-based design Project-based solutions that highlight how using the DK IoT Studio has evolved rapid prototyping with both ease and speed of design How to leverage free, world-class design tools to reduce design time and accelerate time to revenue. This will include all types of solutions, from Scheme-it Digi-Key's back-of-the-napkin design editor to leveraging the Digi-Key product portfolio in KiCad the leading open source EDA design environment. Understanding how Digi-Key's engineering design support is leading the way in innovative customer assistance, including: TechForum Digi-Key's online community with a direct pipeline to our technical support team eeWiki a broad source of technical knowledge that is driven and supported by Digi-Key's application engineering team Maker.io project-based solutions to help designers get a jump start on rapid prototyping of their ideas Telephone and chat support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week "From ideation to enablement, we are thrilled to help our customers rapidly prototype faster than ever, which means bringing solutions to market faste," says David Sandys, director, business ecosystem development for Digi-Key. "Everything we bring to Embedded World speaks to the ecosystem of Digi-Key, from our IoT Studio and maker.io to complex design and our design tools." Attendees should plan to visit Digi-Key at Embedded World in Hall 4A, booth 633. To learn more about Embedded World, please visit https://www.embedded-world.de/en. About Digi-Key Electronics Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than 10 million products, with over 2.2 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 800 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also offers a wide variety of online resources such as EDA and design tools, datasheets, reference designs, instructional articles and videos, multimedia libraries, and much more. Technical support is available 24/7 via email, phone and webchat. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering can be found by visiting www.digikey.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Editorial Contact Shelli Lissick Bellmont Partners +1 651 276 6922 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digi-key-electronics-helps-companies-innovate-faster-at-embedded-world-2020-300985900.html SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Military exchange to stop selling 'Jesus' Scripture Candy after secular group complains Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Army & Air Force Exchange Service said it will stop selling Jesus-themed candy in response to a complaint filed by a secular legal organization warning that selling the treats at commissary and exchange stores is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation announced Friday that it received a response to a letter it sent recently to the AAFES objecting to the sale of Jesus Candy at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. AAFES is the retailor found on U.S. Army and Air Force installations worldwide. The package of candy comes in mini stockings that have the words Jesus Sweetest Name I Know written on the top. The product is produced by a company called Scripture Candy, which carries the motto: Reaching the World One Piece at a Time! The New Mexico-based MRFF accused the candy package of being more of a Christian proselytizing kit than a package of candy and argued that the sale of the product violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The clause prevents the establishment of a state religion. MRFF demanded that the product be removed from store shelves. In an op-ed Friday, MRFF senior research director Chris Rodda said MRFF attorneys received a response from the AAFES on Thursday. AAFES reportedly agreed to stop selling the candies, but did not say it agreed with MRFF's claim that selling the product was a violation of the Constitution. Instead, AAFES said it would stop selling the candies due to limited historical demand." Upon exhaustion of the very small quantity of inventory we have remaining in stock, AAFES will discontinue the stocking and sale of the products from this vendor due to limited historical demand, the AAFES letter reads, according to MRFF. Rodda wrote that MRFF assumes that the AAFES discontinuation of Scripture Candy products will apply to Scripture Candys products for other holidays as well. An AAFES spokesperson confirmed to The Christian Post that the service "discontinued the sale of Scripture Candy because of low demand." CP also reached out to the First Liberty Institute, a leading legal nonprofit organization that has experience litigating military religious freedom cases. In an emailed statement, Michael Berry, chief of staff for First Liberty, said, We commend AAFES for not giving in to the demands of a radical activist. As usual, the MRFFs claims are meritless. It goes without saying that selling candy canes is perfectly legal in America, no matter how badly the MRFF wishes to the contrary. In a previous interview with Fox News, Berry, a Marine Corps combat veteran, defended the candy company, adding, This is just the latest publicity stunt by a bunch of activists. A real constitutional expert or any first-year law student knows that selling candy canes at Christmas is perfectly legal. Berry also accused MRFF of having its own version of the Constitution. "Sadly, the MRFF has duped its so-called 'thousands' of alleged clients into believing its dubious legal fairy tales, Berry argued. In its complaint to AAFES, MRFF claimed that selling the candy is an illegal promotion of religion and offensive to people of other religions who shop at the exchanges stores. MRFF cited an Air Force code requiring leaders to ensure their actions cant reasonably be construed to be an endorsement or preferential treatment for any religion. MRFF regularly pressures military entities to end any perceived endorsement of religion. Late last year, the U.S. Armys licensing office banned a faith-based company called Shields of Strength from engraving Bible verses on Army-licensed dog tags. The decision came after MRFF sent a letter to all branches of the military objecting to Shields of Strength products. MRFF claimed that Shields of Strengths products violated a Department of Defense rule stating that DoD marks may not be licensed for any purposed intended to promote religious beliefs. In December, First Liberty Institutes Berry sent a letter to the director of the Army Trademark Licensing Program arguing that the action was unlawful. Your directive that SoS remove all biblical references from its products demonstrates precisely the type of government hostility toward religion that the Establishment Clause forbids, Berry wrote. The First Amendments Free Exercise Clause also protects private entities from impermissible government interference with religious exercise. This includes the prohibition against government censorship of religious expression by a private, for-profit corporation, such as SoS. Firefighters struggle against the strong wind in an effort to secure houses from bushfires near the town of Nowra, New South Wales, on Dec. 31, 2019. (SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images) Veteran Firefighter Killed While Tackling Blaze in Victoria A veteran Australian firefighter has been killed while tackling a blaze in Victorias Alpine region, authorities have said. Father of two Bill Slade was working as part of a task force to contain a fire in the Anglers Rest area near Omeo on Jan.11 when he was struck by a falling tree. Bill has been a long-serving member of Parks Victoria, Chris Hardman, chief fire officer at Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV), said. This is a significant loss for the Forest Fire Management Victoria family and for the Victorian community as a whole. Hardman said that working on the fire ground in a forest environment is a dynamic, high-risk environment and it carries with it a significant risk, before praising the firefighters for their continued efforts. Fire crews put out spot fires in Sarsfield, Australia, on Jan. 4, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Its been a really difficult and challenging experience for everybody, our forest firefighters, our men and women in green are out there day in and day out, working in our forests and endeavouring to protect our community and the environment they work in. We will continue to offer and provide all of the support necessary to Bills family, his work colleagues and friends and this has been a particularly challenging and difficult period for all of the emergency services, he added. A tired firefighter rests outside a cafe in Cann River, Australia, on Jan. 6, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Police will investigate the death with the states health and safety regulator and prepare a report for the coroner. The 60-year-old from Wonthaggi is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Steph and son Ethan. Parks Victoria CEO Matthew Jackson said that Slade was a much loved colleague, friend, and member of the Wonthaggi who will be sorely missed by Parks Victoria. Bill contributed over 40 years to firefighting and caring for National Parks in South Gippsland, and I pay tribute to his incredible service in land management and fire management over many yearsand acknowledge the profound loss many in the community will be feeling today and in coming days. We are committed to supporting our teams in South and East Gippsland at this difficult time and have arranged counselling and additional support to our team members who have been fighting fires and working in Incident Control Centres in East Gippsland over several weeks. Bushfires burn between the townships of Bemm River and Cann River in eastern Gippsland, Australia, on Jan, 2, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Parks Victoria, as a partner in the firefighting efforts with Forest Fire Management Victoria, is committed to the safety of our team. We are doing everything we can to keep our teams safe during this unprecedented fire season, he added. Slades death takes the states death toll to four this bushfire season after another Forest Fires Management worker, Mat Kavanagh, 43, died on duty when his vehicle crashed on the Goulburn Valley Highway on Jan. 3, local media reported. Timber worker Mick Roberts from Buchan and 67-year-old great-grandfather Fred Becker were also killed in the fires that devastated East Gippsland on New Years Day. Numerous bush and grass fires have ravaged Australia in recent months, killing at least 27 people and destroying over 2,000 homes, while burning through an estimated 10.7 million hectares (25 million acres) of landan area the size of South Korea. On Jan. 9, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) announced that the very strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which was a big driver behind the countrys hot, dry conditions last year, has eased into a neutral phase, with monsoon rains now forecast to reach northern Australia. Related Coverage Indian Ocean Dipole Contributing to Australias Catastrophic Bushfire Conditions to Phase Out BOM said the positive IOD had likely been responsible for the month-long delay in the onset of monsoon season in the north. Likewise, a climate phenomenon called the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is also shifting from a negative to neutral phase, which is expected to favour more humid conditions on the east coast. However, BOM said that the hot climatic conditions sustained by both the climate drivers are likely to linger in the first quarter of 2020, with days likely to be warmer than average, and night times also likely to be warmer than average. According to BOM forecasts, there is most likely going to be a continuation of that elevated risk of bushfire and heatwaves. In terms of rainfall, BOM said there is a neutral outlook for most of Australia and no strong indication either way of it being particularly wet or particularly dry. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 09:17 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321e0aa2 1 Editorial #Editorial,politics,Jokowi-administration,international-relations,diplomacy,economic-diplomacy,diplomatic-missions,diplomatic-relations,geopolitics,Susilo-Bambang-Yudhoyono,multilateral-relations Free Mere months into his second term, President Joko Jokowi Widodo has finally defined Indonesian foreign policy on his own terms: that diplomacy and international relations shall be exercised primarily in service of bolstering the Indonesian economy and economic resilience. Last week, Jokowi instructed more than 130 Indonesian heads of overseas missions to funnel from 70 to 80 percent of all diplomatic resources into economic diplomacy activities, largely because of the gloomy global economic outlook and the need to make Indonesia more competitive. Experts and observers have welcomed the clarity of Jokowis policy directive, given his apparent lack of interest in global affairs and aversion to extensive travel early on in his first term. The President has kept his knack for inclusive national development intact this time around and has even pushed for a legacy moving the capital city away from Java that looks largely irreversible. However, Jokowi still has more to prove in the geopolitical sphere especially when compared to his immediate predecessor. Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made a name for himself as Indonesias foreign policy president, having put in significant effort toward increasing Indonesias global standing, at a time when the nation was looking to cement its status as a nascent but legitimate democracy. Known for his grand foreign policy ideas, Yudhoyono lapped up the international attention and continues to do so, most recently in a public statement urging world leaders to act on the tensions between Iran and the United States that spiked following Washingtons assassination of top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. One of Yudhoyonos flagship initiatives was the Bali Democracy Forum, initiated in 2008 as an intergovernmental forum to share how nations practice democracy, just 10 years after the Reformasi movement put an end to the authoritarian rule of Soeharto in 1998. But now, Jokowi looks likely to do for foreign policy what Yudhoyono was unable to do even as president, which is to make it more relevant to the realities of people on the ground. Detractors of Yudhoyono late in his second term had pointed out how his lofty ideas had been a disservice to the national development agenda. Under Jokowi, Indonesia is finally catching up in terms of economic potential and infrastructure and his insistence on strengthening the nations economic foundations has proven quite popular. If Yudhoyono helped introduce foreign policy to the wider population, Jokowi is likely to be the one to tell people why they should care about it. Even so, many questions about foreign policys place in Jokowis national vision remain. How will it affect Indonesias approach to multilateral diplomacy? Will we see the dawn of an Indonesia First approach to foreign policy? Can Jokowi depend on Vice President Maruf Amin as he did on Jusuf Kalla on matters pertaining to foreign policy? Will he finally be forced to attend the United Nations General Assembly? These are some of the questions that will inevitably need to be answered by the President, but for now we can revel in the knowledge that our diplomats know exactly what he wants. Four children, including a newborn baby, have been left orphaned after their parents died in a horror crash on a highway on Western Australia's southwest coast. Three of the children were badly injured and their father Eduardo Hernandes Pereira Rodrigues, 41, and mother Danielle Bileski de Mello Pimental, 37, were killed when the Brazillian family's four-wheel drive overturned on the Forrest Highway in Binningup on Sunday afternoon. Three-month-old Rafael, three-year-old Anthony and six-year-old Andre remain in a stable condition at Perth Children's Hospital. Eduardo Hernandes Pereira Rodrigues and Danielle Bileski de Mello Pimental (front) were killed in a car crash on Sunday. Source: Facebook Mr Rodrigues and Ms Pimental have a 15-year-old son, Joao Miguel, who was not involved in the crash. Mr Rodrigues' parents were also injured in the crash and are believed to be in a stable condition. The family had been returning to Perth from a holiday in Margaret River, and a friend of the couple was driving ahead of the family when the crash happened. Mr Rodrigues was feeling tired earlier that day, family friend Mariana Queiroz told 7NEWS. I remember my husband yelling, 'please Mariana, it's them', but I couldn't think much, she said. And when I saw through the mirror, I saw the car rolling over, I don't know how many times but it was a lot. Mariana Queiroz witnessed the horrific crash as she and her husband were driving ahead of the family. Source: 7 News A GoFundMe page created on Monday is aiming to raise $50,000 to help with funeral expenses and travel costs for grieving family members in Brazil. We kindly ask your help with all the costs they will need to bring family from Brazil, visas and funeral expenses, the GoFundMe says. Please any donation will help this family and make it less painful. More than $60,000 has so far been donated. Police say the 4WD was heading north on the Forrest Highway near Binningup, just before 4pm when it rolled a number of times. Mr Rodrigues had been driving and his wife was a rear passenger. Both died at the scene. The family were travelling home from a trip down south in Western Australia. Source: 7 News A number of comments have been left by donors on the GoFundMe page. I'm very sorry for what happened! No one should grow up without parents, and no parent should lose their child so early," one donor wrote. Story continues "Know that the Brazilian community is here to give you all the necessary support at this very difficult and sad time." Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the crash or can provide dash cam footage. 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. The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) is struggling to repay the loan acquired from the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) to upgrade the Plumtree-Bulawayo -Mutare Highway due to prevailing foreign currency shortages. This has resulted in a series of defaults, which will see the country paying much more. This also comes at a time when the national road administrator has appointed an advisor to assess this contract entered into under Public Private Partnerships to evaluate the impact. Zimbabwe awarded Group Five, a South African firm to rehabilitate the 882 kilometre highway, which began in 2012 and funded to the tune of US$206 million. The scope of works on the rehabilitation of the highway, which started during the inclusive Government era between Zanu-PF and two MDC formations, involved 50 percent resealing, 29 percent shoulder widening and surfacing (7m to 10m), 21 percent reconstruction in some sections and 9 percent state-of-the-art toll gates installation. The Plumtree-Bulawayo-Mutare Highway upgrade is probably one of the huge road investments undertaken by the Government since independence nearly 40 years ago. Under the deal, the money for loan repayment should come from toll gate fees collections. But the prevailing foreign currency shortages has seen ZINARA struggling to repay. It is a 10-year loan, which should be fully repaid in the next two years, but due to a series of defaults, Zimbabwe will need more years to settle the debt. More so, the country is left to pay huge penalties arising from failure to timely settle its obligations. The adoption of mono-currency has also made the situation even more complicated as ZINARA now needs more local dollars to butt the US dollars. The deal was entered during the multi-currency regime dominated by the US dollar. Critics, however, say this might not be peculiar to ZINARA as some State-owned entities, which borrowed money from foreign financiers to fund their projects may also be struggling to settle their debts in light of forex shortages. For instance, ZESA received a US$533 million from China to expand its Kariba hydroelectric plant but has been facing forex challenges even to import power to narrow the supply gap. ZINARA chairman Michel Madanha told The Sunday Mail Business that the only source of foreign currency are transit fees, not sufficient to meet its monthly obligations. As such, the national road administrator was looking at re-negotiating repayment terms. The assessment of the deal is still being undertaken by the transactional advisor contracted by ZINARA and it is coming at a time when the sourcing of foreign currency to pay the DBSA loan has become difficult given foreign currency challenges in the economy, Mr Madanha said in an interview. Loan repayment is currently coming from the transit fees, which is the only source of foreign currency. Asked whether the arrangement was yielding impressive dividends for the country, Madanha said: The assessment on whether the PPP is yielding dividends to the country is what the new ZINARA board and new management team are seized with . ZINARA has engaged the transactional advisor to assess all contracts that gave rise to the PPP and evaluate whether it has achieved the intended purpose that was there at the inception of the contract. The United States is removing nearly two dozen Saudi military students from a training program and sending them back to Saudi Arabia following an investigation into a deadly shooting by a Saudi aviation student at a Florida navy base last month, Attorney General William Barr said Monday. Many of the 21 cadets had contact with child pornography and possessed jihadist or anti-American material, Barr said. None is accused of having advanced knowledge of the shooting, which Barr said was motivated by jihadist ideology and which he classified as an act of terrorism. The Justice Department reviewed whether any of the trainees should face charges, but concluded that it did not meet the standards for federal prosecution. The 21-year-old Saudi Air Force officer, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, opened fire at the base in Pensacola, killing three U.S. sailors and injuring eight other people. Prior to the shooting, Alshamrani visited a memorial to the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City, made statements online critical of American military action overseas and professed a belief that violence was necessary to defend Muslim countries, law enforcement officials said in revealing new details about the motive of a shooting that focused attention on the presence of foreign trainees on American bases and the quality of vetting. Officials had said earlier Alshamrani hosted a party before the shooting, where he and others watched videos of mass shootings. The gunman had also apparently taken to Twitter before the shooting to criticize U.S. support of Israel and accuse America of being anti-Muslim, another U.S. official told the Associated Press last month. Alshamrani, who was killed by a sheriffs deputy during the rampage at a classroom building, was undergoing flight training at Pensacola, where foreign military members routinely receive instruction. The December shooting raised questions about how well international military students are screened before they attend training at American bases. Some lawmakers have called for Saudi Arabia to be suspended from an American military training program. Eric Tucker and Michael Balsamo are Associated Press writers. Opposition parties have called for a meeting on Monday to discuss the current political situation of India in the backdrop of the student protests against the contentious citizenship law, National Register of Citizens and National Population Register The Congress has called for a meeting of Opposition parties on Monday to discuss the current political situation of India in the backdrop of the student protests against the contentious citizenship law, National Register of Citizens and National Population Register. The meeting, expected to signal Opposition unity, will however not be attended by Bahujan Samajwadi Party supremo Mayawati, Aam Aadmi Party and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The meeting is to be chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. BSP president Mayawati on Monday said her party will not attend the Congress-led opposition meeting to discuss a strategy on protests over the CAA and NRC, saying it will "demoralise" her party workers. In a series of tweets, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said her party is against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) but attending the meeting will demoralise BSP workers in Rajasthan, where the Congress has caused defections in her party. "As is well known that despite the BSP support to the Congress-led Rajasthan government from outside, it has been for the second time that BSP MLAs have been made to join their party which is completely wrong," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. "Under such circumstances, the BSP attending the opposition meeting today under the leadership of the Congress will be demoralising for party workers in Rajasthan. Therefore, the BSP will not attend this meeting," she said. However, she made it clear that the BSP is against the CAA and NRC. "As it is, the BSP is against CAA/ NRC etc. It is an appeal to the central government again that it should withdraw this divisive and unconstitutional law. Also, It is very unfortunate to politicize students in JNU and other educational institutions" she added. 3. CAA/NRC , JNU - 3/3 Mayawati (@Mayawati) January 13, 2020 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also likely to skip the meeting of Opposition parties called by the Congress to discuss the situation arising out of violence on various university campuses and protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, sources told PTI. The AAP is not attending the meeting in view of the upcoming Assembly polls in Delhi, they said. Meanwhile, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told ANI that his party will not attend the Opposition meeting as they were not informed about it. "We have no information about any such meeting. So, makes no sense to attend a meeting we have no information about it," Singh told ANI when asked if AAP will attend today's Opposition meeting. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee last week had said she will boycott the Opposition's anti-CAA meeting 13 January to protest the violence unleashed in the state allegedly by Left Front and Congress workers during a trade union strike. Mamata said "double standards" of the Left Front and Congress will not be tolerated. "I have decided to boycott the meeting convened by Sonia Gandhi on 13 January in New Delhi as I don't support the violence that the Left and Congress unleashed in West Bengal yesterday (Wednesday)," the chief minister said at the state Assembly. With inputs from PTI by Sumon Corraya The Ama Achik Rosong Museum seeks to preserve the Garo culture and the memory of the missionaries who brought them the Christian faith. The diocese has about 90,000 members and 16 parishes. Young people know little about the original culture and roots. Admission is free and the museum is open to all. Mymensingh (AsiaNews) Bangladeshs first Catholic museum, the Ama Achik Rosong Museum (Proud Garo Mother Museum), was inaugurated last Friday in Mymensingh. The building is located near St Patrick's Cathedral, and is meant to preserve Garo culture and commemorate the contribution made by missionaries to the local Church. Apurbo Mrong, a member of the museum committee, said that the museum also seeks to encourage young people to rediscover their culture, language, customs and food. The inauguration ceremony followed a prayer and blessing by Bishop Ponen Paul Kubi of Mymensingh, a member of the Order of Holy Cross. Some 300 Garo Catholics were present. The Diocese is home to 90,000 Catholics in 16 parishes. In the past, Garos venerated nature, Apurbo explained. Then came the Catholic missionaries who started preaching Gods message. Now almost 100 per cent are Christian. We want to remember their contribution with this museum. The two-storey museum also has an auditorium named after Fr Eugene Eduard Homrich, a Holy Cross missionary who worked for 60 years in the area. Admission is free and the facility is open to all. Its collections include traditional garments, photos of the missionaries, food and Garo rituals. The diocese was keen on highlighting Garo culture. Finally, my desire to have the museum comes true, said Bishop Kubi. I am very happy to be able to open it. Due to globalisation, our culture, language and tools have almost completely disappeared, he lamented. Two years ago, we began this initiative, so that new generations can be inspired by their traditions and roots. To build the museum, the diocese filed an application with the Bangladesh National Museum Authority. Church officials held talks with the Authoritys president and visited several Bangladeshi and foreign museums. For the young Prodip Rema, being able to visit the Ama Achik Rosong Museum is a great joy. I learnt many things about our culture and about the missionaries who are legendary around here. I am really grateful to the bishop for this initiative. Meghan Markle has the full support of her mother Doria Ragland as she and Prince Harry quit as senior royals, while a friend of Markle's exclusively reveals to DailyMail.com that she has no 'intention' of ever returning to the UK to live. Last Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped the bombshell news that they were quitting, dividing their time between North America and the UK and would work to become financially independent, catching the royal family and the rest of the world off guard. But Meghan has the backing of her Los Angeles-based 63-year-old mother, who 'was really worried about Meghan... and is relieved that her daughter is putting her mental health and well being first,' the insider said. Meghan, 38, herself admitted to struggling after the birth of Archie, as the friend explained Meghan was 'miserable in the UK' and 'wasnt sleeping well and started having anxiety attacks about her future.' Now across the pond and last spotted in Canada, the friend said of Meghan: 'This was her plan all along, to eventually leave the UK and build her own empire with Harry.' Doria Ragland (pictured in Los Angeles on Monday) has given her full support to daughter Meghan's plans to split time between the UK and Canada, after worrying for her health Meghan Markle has the full support of her mother Doria Ragland as she and Prince Harry quit as senior royals, while a friend of Markle's exclusively reveals to DailyMail.com that she has no 'intention' to return to live permanently in the UK Meghan herself admitted to struggling after the birth of the couple's son Archie, as the friend explained Meghan was 'miserable in the UK' and ' wasnt sleeping well and started having anxiety attacks about her future' Meghan admitted to struggling with media scrutiny in an ITV interview that aired in October, saying: 'Not many people have asked if I'm okay... It's a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.' She added: 'Look, any woman especially when they are pregnant you're really vulnerable and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn you know' When asked if things had been a struggle for her, an upset Meghan replies: 'Yes.' The friend added: 'Doria is very much about being true to oneself and so of course she will continue to encourage Meghan to take the road less traveled.' Ragland was seen walking her two dogs on Thursday afternoon and pictured chatting on her phone as she clutched her dogs' leashes. At another point during the day, the former social worker and yoga instructor was spotted jumping into her SUV and driving off. Her outing came the same day Meghan flew back to Canada where she had left eight-month-old Archie with his nanny, leaving Harry to deal with the fallout from their royal family crisis. Harry is set to follow Meghan later this week, but with no clue of when he will be returning. Meghan was reportedly spotted at the Sidney Pier in British Columbia on Friday before heading to Victoria International airport, which confirmed it had a 'VIP arrival', according to the Vancouver Sun. Meghan's friend revealed that she has no 'intention' to return to the UK to live permanently, saying: 'She doesnt want to raise Archie there and she doesnt want to schlep back and forth. Shell make extended visits but thats it. 'They are looking for a permanent residence in Canada. She said she wants a country house in Whistler outside of Vancouver and a home in Toronto.' The friend added: 'Doria is very much about being true to oneself and so of course she will continue to encourage Meghan to take the road less traveled' And as far as the rest of the Royal family is concerned, Meghan feels the good they can create with their own fortune far outweighs any hurt feelings. The friend added: 'Meghan says their announcement was not a surprise to the royal family, they knew all along' The insider added: 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets. This was her plan all along, to eventually leave the UK and build her own empire with Harry. 'Meghan wants to make millions and this was never going to happen if she didnt make a drastic change with Harry. She wants to be up there with [Jeff] Bezos and [Warren] Buffet. 'Some of her friends thought she would eventually divorce Prince Harry and marry a billionaire. She always talked about marrying a billionaire before she met Harry. 'Now she doesnt have to because together they will make their own billion dollar empire. This is what she has wanted all along.' And as far as the rest of the royal family is concerned, Meghan feels the good she and Harry can create with their own fortune, far outweighs any hurt feelings. The friend added: 'Meghan says their announcement was not a surprise to the royal family, they knew all along.' On Monday morning, a grim-faced Prince Philip was seen driving away from Sandringham, as he leaves it to his wife Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William to broker an exit deal with the Sussexes. Hours later, the Queen said the royals had 'very constructive discussions' and it was agreed that Harry and Meghan will split their time between the UK and Canada. It was reported over the weekend that Meghan had told Harry she must step away from the royal family, partly blaming William and telling Harry over Christmas: 'It's not working for me', according to the Times. But on Monday, Harry and William denied there is a rift between them in a joint statement. On Monday morning, a grim-faced Prince Philip was seen driving away from Sandringham, as he leaves it to his wife Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William to broker an exit deal with the Sussexes. He was reportedly 'spitting blood' with rage when news broke of their shock announcement, yelling: 'What the hell are they playing at?' Hours later, the Queen said the royals had 'very constructive discussions' and it was agreed that Prince Harry and Meghan will split their time between the UK and Canada It was reported over the weekend that Meghan had told Harry she must step away from the royal family, partly blaming William and telling Harry over Christmas: 'It's not working for me', according to the Times. But on Monday, Harry and William denied there is a rift between them in a joint statement It read in part: 'Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge. 'For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful'. The Queen who was left 'deeply hurt' by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge made clear to courtiers she wanted the problem sorted 'within days' to prevent further damage to the monarchy. Her Majesty is said to want guarantees that Harry and Meghan's business empire built around their Sussex title doesn't damage the royal family. The monarch was under pressure to find a way forward because the Sussexes could give a tell-all interview to their friend Oprah Winfrey and 'sound off' about the royal family's 'racism and sexism' if they do not get their way at Sandringham, palace aides fear. The couple are said to see their long-term future in the United States but not while President Trump is President - with friends claiming while the couple plan to live in Canada at first their ultimate aim is to have a home and business in Los Angeles. A n Australian man has died of his injuries in hospital following last months catastrophic eruption of New Zealands White Island volcano, police have confirmed. The death toll now stands at 20, with two people whose bodies have not been found presumed dead and more than 20 still in hospital. Paul Browitt and his two daughters were visiting the island when the disaster unfolded. His wife Maria Browitt, also the mother of the two women, had remained on a ship while her family took a day trip there. His younger daughter, veterinary student Krystal, 21, was among the first victims to be named after her body was recovered from the island in the days following the eruption. New Zealand Volcano eruption: White Island - In pictures 1 /30 New Zealand Volcano eruption: White Island - In pictures @allesaabdrokauffmann via Reuters Chris Firkin/AFP via Getty Images Michael Schade/AFP via Getty Images AP Getty Images Smoke billows into the sky above the White Island @allesaabdrokauffmann via Reuters Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Michael Schade/AFP via Getty Images Getty Images GNS Science via Reuters AP Chris Firkin/AFP via Getty Images Institute of Geological and NuclChris Firkin/AFP via Getty Images @Sch via Reuters GNS Science via AP GNS Science via Reuters New Zealand Police Superintendent Bruce Bird (L) with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern speak to the media about the eruption of Whakaari/White Island during a press conference in Whakatane AFP via Getty Images People are seen grieving and comforting one another on the Whakatane Wharf Getty Images A flag flys at half mast at a Marae in respect for the victims of the White Island volcanic eruption AFP via Getty Images Makeshift memorial is seen in front of cruise ship Ovation of the Seas, in Tauranga, New Zealand AP A woman is consoled after laying flowers at fence on the waterfront in Whakatane AP A man places a bouquet to a fence on the waterfront in Whakatane, New Zealand AP New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (R) hugs a first responder from the St John's ambulance team that helped those injured in the White Island volcano eruption AFP via Getty Images Mr Browitt and his other daughter Stephanie, 23, survived the catastrophe and were transferred to Alfred Hospital in their hometown of Melbourne three days later. A police statement confirmed Mr Browitt succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night. The hospital said he had been critically ill. At least five of the 23 victims who remain in New Zealand and Australian hospitals are listed as in critical condition. Authorities wont comment on the conditions of two victims in Sydney at the request of relatives. Alfred Hospital said it was continuing to give specialised burn care to two volcano victims transferred there, including Stephanie Browitt. The other has been named as Lisa Dallow, 48, of Adelaide. The hospital said one of the patients was in critical condition and the other was stable. It would not confirm which of the women was in the more serious condition. Ms Dallows husband Gavin Dallow, 53, and daughter Zoe Hosking, 25, were killed on the island. White Island, also known by its Maori name, Whakaari, is the tip of an undersea volcano about 50 kilometres off New Zealands North Island and was a popular tourist destination before the eruption. Many of those killed and injured were from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas. A number of people have questioned why tourists were still allowed on the island after New Zealands GeoNet seismic monitoring agency raised the volcanos alert level more than two weeks before the disaster. The agency raised the alert on November 18 from one to two - on a scale where 5 represents a major eruption - noting an increase in sulfur dioxide gas, which originates from magma. New Zealand authorities are investigating the circumstances around the disaster. Jamie Willis takes Christmas trees that are headed for the landfill and turns them into sturdy canes for veterans in need. Willis served in the U.S. Army for eight years, and a back injury he sustained during his time in the military left him disabled. In 2016, after receiving a cane from Veterans Affairs that didn't work for him, he asked the Free Canes for Veterans organization if they could help with a new one. They didn't have any canes available, but the group's leader, Oscar Morris, told Willis he would be happy to show him how to carve his own cane. Encouraged by his success, Willis decided to make more canes for other veterans, and launched a Free Canes for Veterans chapter in central Texas. He uses pieces of scrap wood to make the canes, and this holiday season, received 1,500 donated Christmas trees. He now has a team of 60 volunteers, and their goal for 2020 is to produce 1,000 canes. Veterans can request designs and words on their canes, and passing them out is "a great feeling," Willis told CBS News. "It's like they stand prouder. It brings an overwhelming joy back to them and to me." More stories from theweek.com Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Jimmy Kimmel contextualize the queen's royal 'Megxit' summit 10-year-old scout in England becomes one of the 1st to earn every possible badge Bernie Sanders fires back on CNN report saying he told Elizabeth Warren a woman can't be president: 'Ludicrous' Hispanics and Latinos are the largest minority group in the country and after them comes the African-American/Black community. Meanwhile, the growing number of Hispanics and Latinos in the country does not exempt them from racial discrimination and hate crimes. There was a rise in hate crime cases across the country in 2019. It is therefore very important for every Hispanic and Latino to be familiar with the different groups and organizations that help them in terms of education, healthcare, social services, and more. If you think that you are in a conflict right now in any form, you can ask for help in any of the following organizations according to Every Action: This is an award-winning nonprofit foundation that identifies, inspires, prepares, and positions Latino leaders in different fields. The Hispanic Heritage Foundation helped thousands of students and young professionals become connected through mentoring. NALEO educational fund was founded in 1981 and its mission is to increase the effectiveness of Latino policymakers, mobilize the Latino community by increasing their participation in civic life, and promote policies that advance the Latino community in political engagement. Moreover, NALEO educational fund is the leading non-profit and non-partisan organization that facilitates the transition of Latinos from citizenship to public service. They help the community in hopes of prison profiteering, mass incarceration and deportation, and criminalization, especially for the underrepresented groups, become things of the past. The group has organized groups in certain communities to help fight back against deportation and detention. The group is a pioneering civic media organization that seeks to transform America by acknowledging Latinos' innate leadership that can help grow the country's economy. They empower the community by focusing on civic engagement, issue advocacy, and leadership development. They also provide programs that engage Latinos as agents of change. The group is a political action committee that helps increase Latinos' representation at every level of government. They help Latinos in the school board, senate, white house and develop candidates for public office. A Latino Victory is also a group that develops leaders who fight for issues that matter. The group is formerly known as La Raza and was established since 1968. They serve the Hispanic and Latino community through research, policy analysis, state, and national advocacy efforts, and the program works in different communities across the country. Moreover, they have served Latinos in the areas of civic engagement, civil rights and immigration, education, workforce, economy, health, and housing. The group was established in 1969 by Cesar Chavez to fight the oppression faced by Latinos in Phoenix, Arizona. At present, they are one of the largest Hispanic groups that promote stronger and healthier communities throughout the southwestern United States. The group helps undocumented immigrants who are facing discrimination and are living in fear. They work to empower every immigrant to develop their leadership skills, organizing skills, and develop campaigns in different levels of government to fight for justice and dignity most especially for immigrants and undocumented people across the country. The group is the country's largest non-profit organization that helps Latino families the knowledge and provide the resources they need to complete higher education. They also provide scholarships and support services. In general, they help their scholars in course work, enter a profession, help lead the nation, and mentor more scholars in the upcoming generation. The group provides an effective education forum for an informed and empowered Hispanic America. They also manage ongoing projects, the study of Hispanic contribution, media monitoring, and more. These are just a few of the non-profit organizations that help the Hispanic and Latino communities every day. If you think that you need support, you can visit their website by clicking the name of the organization. Dearborn Police Department(DEARBORN, Mich.) -- Authorities in Michigan are searching for a 14-year-old girl who was last seen Saturday leaving her home with an unknown person. Video shows Reem Alsaidi getting into someone's white or grey sedan which pulled up in front of her residence in Dearborn, Michigan, on Saturday at around 5:15 a.m. local time. Detectives believe the teenager appears to "willingly" leave her home and enter the car, according to a press release from the Dearborn Police Department. Alsaidi is described as an Arab-American girl with long dark hair and brown eyes. She is 5 foot 3 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds, police said. It was unknown what clothing Alsaidi might be wearing, but police say she was last seen with a backpack. Anyone with information on Alsaidi's whereabouts or the case is asked to contact the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2241. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. New Delhi: Senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh, who was arrested along with two terrorists -- self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, Naveed Baba, and Altaf and an overground worker at a checkpoint on a national highway by a team of policemen, has been suspended on Monday. It has emerged that Singh had sheltered three terrorists, arrested along with him, at his residence in Srinagar right next to the Army's XV corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment. Singh, who was decorated with President Police Medal about four months ago, continued to be grilled by a team of police and intelligence investigators. His office at Srinagar airport, where he was posted as deputy superintendent of police in the anti-hijacking squad, was sealed, they said. Piecing together the chain of events, the officials said the two terrorists -- self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, Naveed Baba, and Altaf -- were taken to the officer's home on Friday by a lawyer Irfan, who the police said was an overground worker for terror groups. Singh reported absent from duty on Saturday, the day he was apprehended by a team of policemen along with the other three at Mir Bazar on the national highway. The DySP had applied for leave from Sunday till Thursday, they said. Police had carried out searches at his residence here and seized two pistols and an AK rifle beside a large quantity of ammunition. Singh, whose name had been cleared for promotion as superintendent of police, is also likely to lose the gallantry medal that was awarded to him last year, the officials said. The DySP is deemed to have been suspended after having completed 48 hours in police custody, they said quoting service rules. On Sunday evening, his office at the Srinagar airport, where he was posted as DySP in the anti-hijacking unit, was sealed so that no evidence could be tampered with, the officials said. Singh was arrested at a checkpoint on a national highway by a team of policemen, who were following the case after intelligence inputs suggested that Naveed Baba was being moved out of the valley. Caught on the wrong side of the law, all excuses by Singh failed to enthuse police officers who effected his arrest and carried out a search at his residence in Srinagar where he had kept Naveed and his associate Altaf, a recent joinee in the banned terror outfit, the officials said. Initially, he repeatedly claimed that he was trying to win the confidence of the terrorists to catch a 'bigger fish' but could not substantiate the reasons for not following due protocol. Singh's arrest may have affected the image of Jammu and Kashmir Police but former director general of police Kuldeep Khoda lauded the police force for not hesitating even once in arresting their senior officer. "It is the JKP which has caught its own officer. They laid the trap as they do for other terrorists and managed to arrest the DySp. No one can cast any doubt on the police force which has been rendering service to the nation especially during the last 30 years of militancy in the valley," Khoda said. Another former police chief AK Suri said though the incident is an unfortunate one, what is more important that the culprit has been arrested. "This is not the only case. In the past also some policemen were under suspicion and were arrested," he said. This is not the first time that Singh has been in the news for the wrong reasons. In a letter written in 2013, Afzal Guru, who was executed after being convicted for the Parliament attack, explained how "DSP Davinder Singh", the then deputy superintendent of police of Special Operations Group, had asked him to "take Mohammad", a co-accused in the Parliament attack case, "to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him". However, the angle was probed and could not be substantiated with any evidence, the officials said. The entire operation was monitored by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Atul Goyal who himself stood at an intersection to intercept the vehicle. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bihar Chief Minister on Monday asserted that a nationwide implementation of Register of Citizens (NRC) was needless and had no justification. He made the remarks on the floor of the state assembly while thanking the House members for unanimously approving a constitutional amendment for extending quotas to SCs and STs by another 10 years. Referring to an impassioned speech made by Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, who had demanded that the chief minister, who is an ally of the BJP, come clean on the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, NRC and Population Register (NPR), Kumar wondered from where did this talk of NRC sprung up? The country is witnessing huge turmoil on these issues (CAA, NRC and NPR), Kumar said, adding that we should keep in mind that NRC was an exercise confined to Assam as part of the accord signed by the Rajiv Gandhi government. A natiowide NRC would be needless (koi zarurat nahin hai) and has no justification (koi auchitya nahin hai). We do not think any such thing is going to take place. I think the prime minister, too, has spoken clearly on this, he added. This weeks guest is Stephen F. Knott of the Naval War College, discussing his terrific new book, The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal, just out from University Press of Kansas. Knott, one of the nations pre-eminent scholars of Alexander Hamilton, thinks the American presidency has slipped from the modest republican design of the Founders almost from the very beginning, starting with Thomas Jefferson. (I have a full-blown case of Jefferson Derangement Syndrome, Knott admits early in our conversation.) The point is, presidents and presidential candidates have been promising the moon, the stars, and the planets for a very long timeit didnt start with Obama and Trump!and this has contributed significantly to our polarized politics and dysfunctional government. The prospects for restoring the republican simplicity of the office are not very good, but we do best to try out a couple of thoughtsincluding the thought experiment of why it would have been better for the country if the Clinton impeachment 20 years ago had succeeded in removing Clinton from office. But it was not to be! You know what to do: listen here or download from our hosts at Ricochet. Also buy the book: it is very readable and not too long. And subscribe to Power Line in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!). It helps, and every little bit helps spread goodness and cheer throughout the Deep State TUNIS - Tunisian President Kais Saied has decided to pardon 2,391 detainees for the ninth anniversary of the revolution of January 14, 2011 when an uprising ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The decision was taken after a meeting with Justice Minister Mohamed Karim Jamoussi. The measure provides for the immediate release of 502 detainees and for a reduction of jail terms of the others. The pardon was examined by a special commission, following the principles of equality, the nature of the crime committed by detainees, the length of the time served in jail and the prisoners' good conduct, officials said. Detainees who are serving time for serious charges including terrorism and incitement to hatred have not been included in the measure. The Pune police anti-corruption bureau officials, on Sunday, arrested Balasaheb Bhimrao Jadhav, 54, a sub-inspector, and Ajinkya Lahu Kadam, a constable, both of the Baramati police station, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. According to anti-corruption bureau officials, Jadhav and Kadam accepted the money from an accuseds brother in order to facilitate pre-arrest bail. The duo convinced the accused that they will facilitate the pre-arrest bail and sought a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. Post-negotiations, the amount came down to Rs 50,000. The complainant, who is the accuseds brother, approached the anti-corruption bureaus office, and a trap was laid. Rajesh Bansode, superintendent of police, anti-corruption bureau, assisted by Jyoti Patil, police inspector; Sunil Kshirsagar, conducted the sting operation. SP Bansode said that the citizens must contact anti-corruption bureau office fearlessly if there is a demand of bribery from any government official and promised that strict action will be taken against the culprits as per the law. The BSPas differences with the Congress are said to be the reason behind the move. (Photo Credit: PTI) New Delhi: The Bahujan Samaj Party is likely to skip a meeting of opposition parties convened on Monday to discuss the situation arising out of violence in various university campuses and protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act. Sources in the BSP said the party may not send a representative at the meet. The BSPs differences with the Congress are said to be the reason behind the move, the sources said. Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress has already announced its decision to stay away from the meet. When the opposition members had approached the President against the amended Citizenship law, the BSP had not joined them. It had met the President on the issue later. Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP's women wing took out a march in Lutyens' Delhi on Sunday in support of the amended Citizenship Act. Carrying cut-outs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, party volunteers participated in the march from the Delhi BJP's office on Pandit Pant Marg to Central Park in Connaught Place. The march was organised by the women's wing of the party and led by the party's New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi. "Our youth are being misled by creation of an atmosphere of confusion. It is our responsibility to apprise them about this law because they are related to our family," Lekhi said. She also alleged that students were being misled by some political parties for their own gain. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. International Maritime Industries (IMI) has invited maritime suppliers to a Mega Yard, Mega Opportunity: IMI Supplier Workshop on the first day of Saudi Maritime Congress. IMI, which aims to become one of the largest full-service maritime facilities, capable of competing against the worlds biggest shipyards, is a strategic partner of the two-day event which takes place at Dhahran Expo in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from March 22 to 23, 2020. By invitation only, the session will serve as a global gathering for suppliers of ship equipment and services, shipowners and operators who want to do business in Saudi Arabia and who are seeking to develop a relationship with IMI. This workshop is a unique opportunity for international companies to build mutually beneficial alliances with this major $5.2 billion mega shipyard facility, which is located at Ras Al Khair in the kingdom. Julian Panter, vice president; Business Development (International Maritime Industries), said: IMI is very proud to be part of the 3rd Annual Saudi Maritime Congress in Dhahran (hosted by Seatrade). The event was a great success last year in Riyadh; IMI is looking forward to working with Seatrade in 2020 to build on that success. As a strategic partner IMI sees this event as the perfect platform to promote the ever-developing maritime industry in Saudi Arabia; bringing together as many key industry stakeholders as possible for networking, market insights, Q&As, presentations and the promotion of organisational services, Panter said. Chris Hayman, chairman, Seatrade organisers of Saudi Maritime Congress, said: As the Saudi Vision 2030 programme unfolds, this Congress is set to become the largest and most important event in the kingdom for international and local maritime professionals. As a global venue for all stakeholders to meet, network, and uncover leading business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the gathering will help attract new investments to the kingdoms maritime and logistics sectors, he said. We are delighted that IMI will be playing a major part in this event as Strategic Partner. As an important player in achieving the Vision 2030 objectives, the IMI Workshop will highlight the growth prospects of the company and enable stakeholders, both national and international, to understand better the opportunities for doing business in the kingdom, he added. Set to become fully operational in 2022, IMI is expected to generate 80,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030 and is likely to make a $17 billion economic impact. The nearly 12 million sq-m facility can manufacture four offshore oil and gas rigs and over 40 vessels annually including three very large crude carriers (VLCCs). It can also service over 260 maritime products. The largest combined drydock area in Middle East and North Africa (Mena), which has a combined lift capability of 2,150 tonnes, IMI provides an opportunity for new suppliers and international businesses to invest in the yards operations. This makes it a significant contributor to the fulfilment of Vision 2030s objectives and the socio-economic progress of Saudi Arabia as a whole. In the recent World Bank Groups Doing Business 2020 report, Saudi Arabias accelerated business climate reforms were highlighted. Saudi Arabias impressive reforms in doing business show its commitment to fulfilling a main pillar of its National Vision 2030: a thriving economy, added Issam Abousleiman, World Bank regional director of the GCC. Easing the business climate for local entrepreneurs to thrive as well as foreign investors to work in the kingdom shows a forward path to creating more jobs for Saudi youth and women, and creating sustainable, inclusive growth, he added. Saudi Maritime Congress will put the spotlight on Saudi Arabias maritime accomplishments over the years. Held in partnership with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Bahri, the 2020 edition of the Congress will host key maritime suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers from all over the world. TradeArabia News Service Stormont is expecting the Government to stump up at least 2 billion to support the deal that delivered a return to powersharing, a new minister has said. DUP agriculture minister Edwin Poots warned that the money could come with strings attached, potentially by way of a commitment from the Executive to raise extra revenue through the introduction of water charges or a hike in rates bills. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be pressed for firm financial commitments on a visit to meet Northern Irelands DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill on Monday morning. Expand Close First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill lead the new coalition Executive in Belfast (Press Eye/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill lead the new coalition Executive in Belfast (Press Eye/PA) Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is also travelling to Belfast as he and Mr Johnson mark the resurrection of the institutions after a three-year political impasse. The UK Government made a series of financial promises as part of efforts to get the New Decade, New Approach agreement over the line. Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, who helped broker the deal, pledged major investment to alleviate problems in the regions struggling public services, but declined to confirm the sums involved until devolution was restored. Ministers are now keen to get those figures nailed down. Mr Poots said he did not want to get into precise figures but he was anticipating the quantum to be in the billions. I was with Julian Smith (during the talks) and he didnt want to be tied down to a particular figure but we were working off identified needs and they were seeking to ascertain what it was actually going to take to meet those identified needs, he told BBC Radio Ulsters Nolan Show. He said he didnt want to make any promise on a figure and I said all you have to say is billions and, of course, that would be at least two billion. I would hope those are the ball parks we are in, that we are actually looking at billions of pounds over the course of the next number of years. They may well come with some strings attached to it. So, for example, and I dont know this, but I wouldnt be at all surprised if they do press us to raise rates at a higher level and we do something in terms of water rates and all of that those may be pressures that are applied by the Treasury and we will have to wait and see if that is the case. Expand Close Edwin Poots said potentially the Executive may have to commit to raise extra revenue through the introduction of water charges or a hike in rates bills (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Edwin Poots said potentially the Executive may have to commit to raise extra revenue through the introduction of water charges or a hike in rates bills (Liam McBurney/PA) His comments came amid media reports that the Government could be poised to announce a 2 billion package. However, a Number 10 source described the figure as just speculation. The Irish Government has also made financial pledges within the agreement to honour commitments to part-fund some north/south projects, such as the A5 dual carriageway and a redevelopment of the Ulster canal system. Stormonts new finance minister, Conor Murphy, said it was time for the administrations in London and Dublin to deliver their ambitious commitments. The local parties have done their part by restoring the powersharing Executive, he said. The two Governments must now honour their pledge and provide the funding needed to deliver on the New Decade, New Approach document. Mr Johnson said discussions at Stormont would focus on how the Executive intended to take forward critical reforms to public services. This is an historic time for the people of Northern Ireland, he said ahead of the visit. After three years, Stormont is open for business again with an Executive who can now move forward with improving peoples lives and delivering for all communities in Northern Ireland. I look forward to meeting with the new Executive and hearing about their plans for the future including driving forward much-needed reforms to public services and resolving the current health strike. The next decade will be an incredible time of opportunity for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we come together to unleash the potential of our four nations. Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is also travelling to Belfast as he and Boris Johnson mark the resurrection of the institutions after a three-year political impasse (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is also travelling to Belfast as he and Boris Johnson mark the resurrection of the institutions after a three-year political impasse (Niall Carson/PA) Ministers will need to hit the ground running to tackle a host of acute problems facing a public sector that has been floundering amid the 36-month governance vacuum. Top of the Executives in-tray is an industrial dispute in the health service that has seen nurses take strike action on three occasions in the last month. Under the terms of the deal, the new Executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms; increase the number of police officers on the beat; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers. The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 over a row about a botched green energy scheme. That row subsequently widened to take in more traditional wrangles on matters such as the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles. File image: JD(U) chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Reiterating his stance on implementing the contentious National Register of Citizens, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has stated once again that theres no question of an NRC in his state. Addressing the state Assembly on January 13, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally clarified that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that all discussions on NRC were done only in the context of Assam, where it was long due, as per a settlement with the Centre and the Supreme Court. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in state assembly: No question of NRC in Bihar, it was in discussions only in context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified on it. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mpQecGaVMW ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 The Bihar CM also said any talks on the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, should be done separately, and not read along with the NRC. Last month, in December 2019, he became the first CM from the NDA camp to shun any chances of the implementation of NRC. His announcement had come within days of his assuring that no member of the minority community would be mistreated under his watch. So far, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy, and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have spoken out against nationwide NRC. The CMs of all Congress-ruled states have also publicly announced they would not implement NRC in their respective states, over concerns that it would disenfranchise the Muslims of India. Meanwhile, Bihars Janata Dal (United) leader Prashant Kishor has had the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party fuming for thanking Congress leader Rahul Gandhis unequivocal rejection of the NRC. He also assured the people of Bihar that they would not allow the implementation of either CAA or NRC in the state. Also would like to reassure to all - CAA-NRC Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) January 12, 2020 I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC . Both @rahulgandhi @priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. 'The day I took charge, the PM told me you do the following -- stop imports, talk to all stakeholders and involve them to make mining more industry-friendly without affecting the environment.' Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters Days after the government eased the entry of domestic and foreign players in the coal mining sector, Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, bottom, said he wants an open market with no policy restrictions. Joshi, in his first interview since taking charge, tells Shreya Jai that State-owned Coal India will remain the primary player in the mining space. What was the motive behind opening up the coal sector now? We thought this is the best time to do it (coal reforms). Till 2015, it was a different era, and since then we have streamlined things without hampering demand. After gaining experience of auctioning captive mines, we decided to remove all restrictions, including end-use of coal from these mines. We have opened it under the direct route of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). There is no point in keeping such restrictions otherwise the FDI policy becomes useless. Prime Minister Narendra (Damodardas) Modi felt now is the time to do it. Having the fifth-largest coal resource in the world, we are importing 235 million tonnes. Of that, 100 to 135 million is substitutable. What about forest and environment clearance? We are bringing many changes without compromising on environment. The policies are being made keeping environment clearance in mind. We have requested the ministry concerned to have a look at it so that our natural resources are used in India only. There was a time when you would go to the environment ministry and you had to do multiple things. That has changed now. In some cases, we upload the mining plan on a public portal, Parivesh. It is then available for all the ministries concerned to access. All departments -- including the Central Mines Planning & Design Institute, which approves mine plan -- are linked there. So, any successful bidder can directly apply there for clearances. All central-level clearances are integrated. These reforms are reducing corruption at the highest level. In the past, there used to be an 'X-tax', which I don't wish to name. Now you even don't have to go to any ministry. Would states be able to join the Parivesh portal? We are ready to open it for them. It will benefit the country and the state. If the states stall mining, I am not losing anything. Industry is losing, but the biggest loser is the state, which will miss on the revenue coming from these mines. How much time, on an average, would it take to get forest and environment clearance under this new policy? That I cannot say. That is the prerogative for the ministry concerned, especially the ministry of environment and forests. Of the 20 clearances that a company needs after winning a mine, only nine are from the central government. So, I want to appeal to the state governments to keep party politics and political rivalry aside. They should not think that just because the PM has initiated this reform, they will not cooperate. The Union of India will not get a penny from these coal and mineral mines. Whatever revenue comes will go to the state governments. I appeal to the state governments to expedite the clearances at their level, make it a single-window system, which is time-bound. The minerals available in the country, including coal, should not be imported. This is the advice I got from the PM. I am new to this field. The day I took charge, he told me you do the following -- stop imports, talk to all stakeholders and involve them to make mining more industry-friendly without affecting the environment. One should have a system that is transparent and simple -- that's the PM's vision. From 'X tax' to no-human interference to advance clearance, we have progressed. What is the estimated revenue expected from these mines? In another four-five years, this prior approval will save eight-nine months for the companies. Calculating the benefit is difficult at this time, but import of substitutable coal will almost stop. What would be the revenue-sharing formula for these mines between companies and the state? It will be different for partially explored and fully explored. The rules will be framed. We will talk to the stakeholders and make it a win-win situation. The coal sector is opening up at a time when all sectors are facing slowdown in demand and consumption. Will there be bidders for mines and buyers for so much coal? Demand from the power sector this year was low because of the monsoon and more hydropower. The PM has said demand will pick up, we are very confident about it as the government has taken many measures. Even if we imagine there is a slowdown, we have to plan for the future. We have to be prepared. There have been repeated concerns about coal shortfall, be it under the fuel supply agreement with Coal India or for stressed assets under the SHAKTI scheme. Your take? There is a shortfall and that is why we have opened up the sector. About the Shakti Policy, my predecessor Piyush Goyal has done well. It is a good policy. But why are all these policies needed for the sake of coal supply? I think there should not be any policy. One should be able to source coal with ease and from various sources. As far as the power sector is concerned, coal stock at power plants has been rising for three months and stands at 32 million tonnes now. So there is no issue on supply side. What are your plans to overhaul the coal supply system? Coal India is already supplying to power and other industries. But every industry should have access to coal in an open market. If I have a mine, one should mine and sell, if possible. Will you be changing the long-term fuel supply agreement under which Coal India supplies? Commercial mining by private companies will take three-four years, so we will think about it. But, Coal India would remain our prime supplier, even after these reforms may be in the ratio of 60:40. We want to strengthen Coal India. They should produce a minimum of 1 billion tonnes by 2023-2024. We have allocated 16 blocks to them. We cannot depend on the private sector. But the private sector should meet the shortfall. Did this decision face any resistance from Coal India workers unions? There has been no such thing. We have always duly communicated to Coal India. It already has mining capacity enough to operate for the coming 30, 40 years. We are now giving them new blocks too. How do you plan to improve the physical and financial situation of Coal India? Coal India is the most economical miner in the world. To make it more efficient as far as mining and economic activity is concerned,we will work out some strategy. I want to see India producing 1,400 to 1,500 million tonnes by 2023-24. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- King & Spalding today announced that Paul Mezzina has returned to the firm as a Washington, D.C.-based partner in its Trial and Global Disputes Practice Group. Mezzinas practice focuses on appeals, critical motions and strategic counseling in connection with complex litigation. He is one of few attorneys in the country to have clerked for three U.S. Supreme Court justicesJustice Brett Kavanaugh, the late Justice Antonin Scalia and, most recently, Justice Neil Gorsuch. Were delighted that Paul is bringing his outstanding appellate talents back to the firm, said Andy Bayman, head of King & Spaldings Trial and Global Disputes practice. He is a brilliant thinker, writer and oral advocate. His deep knowledge of the False Claims Act, drug and device law, intellectual property law, and so many other key areas will make him extremely valuable to our clients. Mezzina first joined King & Spalding as an associate following a clerkship with then-Judge Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He then left the firm to clerk for Justice Scalia in 2013-14. After returning to the firm, he became a partner in 2017 before leaving in 2018 to clerk for Justice Gorsuch. Paul is a unique talent and fits perfectly with our D.C. office and the firm strategy of expanding our world-class trial, regulatory and transactional practices, said Mark Jensen, managing partner of King & Spaldings Washington, D.C. office. Paul is also a great person, with a skillset to match; he could have gone anywhere, and his decision to return to the D.C. office speaks volumes about our collaborative spirit, both in helping our clients through their hardest problems and in supporting each other. Mezzina earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and his JD from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude. Im so pleased to return to a truly outstanding Trial and Global Disputes practice, said Mezzina. I look forward to working with this exceptional team of lawyers, including new and familiar colleagues, to achieve successful outcomes in critical litigation matters for our clients. 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 over 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: Luis Mocete 212-827-4008 lmocete@kslaw.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/968944dd-5f56-497a-8db5-f13a737b9e7d Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 16:55:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close In NW China's Xinjiang, a local Tuwa folk music band blends ancient throat singing with modern elements. Check out their aspiration. More than 100 stranded people have been escorted out of Mallacoota in recent days, allowing evacuees to leave the isolated township by road for the first time since devastating bushfires blocked off the community two weeks ago. Full access to the fire-ravaged community in East Gippsland is expected to be weeks away, with authorities saying it is still too dangerous because of the risk of falling trees. Large sections of the Princes Highway in East Gippsland have been cut off by the bushfires. Credit:Darrian Traynor, Getty Images Emergency services and the Australian Defence Force have been working to clear fallen trees from the Princes Highway, which is the only road out of Mallacoota and was badly damaged in the bushfires. The Australian Defence Force on Monday afternoon suggested it was using armoured vehicles to lead people out on the winding two-lane road. In a major relief for Pakistan's self-exiled former military dictator, a top court here on Monday quashed Pervez Musharraf's death sentence and termed as "unconstitutional" the formation of a special tribunal that tried him for high treason. The special court of Islamabad on December 17 last handed down the death penalty to 74-year-old Musharraf after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. The case was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government in 2013. A three-member full bench of the Lahore High Court comprising Justices Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Chaudhry Masood Jahangir unanimously declared the formation of the special court against Musharraf as "unconstitutional". The court also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law. After Monday's ruling, the special court's verdict stands void, Dawn reported, quoting both the government and Musharraf's lawyers as saying. The decision came in response to a petition filed by Musharraf challenging the formation of the special court for the high treason case against him. In his petition, Musharraf had asked the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional, while also seeking suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition was made. Additional Attorney-General Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan earlier told the court that the formation of the special court to try Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution was not part of the agenda of federal cabinet meetings of the government of then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. "The special court was constituted without the formal approval of the cabinet," Khan said in court. He also maintained that the charges filed against the former president were flimsy since, under the emergency powers of the executive, fundamental rights could be suspended. Justice Naqvi had asked the federal government on Friday to submit a summary on the formation of the special court and had directed the government's lawyer to present arguments on Monday. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008 and lives in Dubai in self-imposed exile. The PML-N government had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. In August 2008, he finally resigned in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition, going into exile until his ill-starred homecoming in 2013, exiling himself once more three years later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WeWorks fall led to questions about other start-ups that SoftBank had financed and whether those young firms could make money. Last month, the dog-walking service Wag underwent several rounds of layoffs before SoftBank sold its shares at a loss. The construction start-up Katerra, another SoftBank-funded company, also cut its staff. This month, layoffs have gathered momentum at start-ups that SoftBank had invested in. The South American delivery service Rappi and the San Francisco car-sharing start-up Getaround said they were laying off employees. Zume, a company that used robots to make pizzas and had been valued at $2 billion, cut more than half of its work force. It also stopped making pizzas. Some investors and start-ups said they were now approaching SoftBanks Vision Fund cautiously or, in some cases, avoiding it altogether. We have advised almost all of our companies to steer clear, said Josh Wolfe, an investor at the venture capital firm Lux Capital who has been critical of SoftBanks strategy. Everyone else was fearful to say the emperor had no clothes. SoftBank declined to comment on Oyo and other start-ups in which it has invested. Mr. Agarwal founded Oyo in 2013 to organize Indias small independent hotels into a chain. The company markets rooms online and takes a cut of each stay. Mr. Agarwal, who has become a business star in India, has said he aspired to make Oyo the worlds largest hotel chain by 2023, displacing Marriott. But as Oyo tried to expand globally, in part pushed by SoftBank, it spent heavily on incentives to attract hotel owners and customers to its site. That resulted in losses in India, where Oyo has said it will lose money through at least 2021. Masayoshi Son, SoftBanks chief executive, began investing in Oyo in 2015. SoftBank and its Vision Fund now own half its stock. While Mr. Son has called Oyo a jewel of his fund and urged it to grow quickly, he has since changed his stance. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Parma father avoided a possible death sentence when he admitted to stabbing his infant son to death amid a custody dispute with the boys mother. Jason Shorter, 42, pleaded guilty Jan. 3 to aggravated murder and kidnapping charges in the death of his 1-year-old son Nicholas. The plea was part of a deal that saw Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalleys office drop charges that would have made Shorter eligible for the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors and Shorters defense attorneys agreed to a recommended sentence of life in prison with first chance at parole after 41 years. Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Shaughnessy is set to impose a sentence on March 16. Shorter drove to the Parma Police Department May 12, 2018 and said he wanted to turn himself in for attempted murder and suicide, according to prosecutors. He was bleeding from cuts on his wrists. He also told officers he had hurt his son, who was outside in his car, prosecutors said. Officers searched the inside the car but did not find the boy, prosecutors said. Shorter told them the boy was in the trunk. Police found Nicholass body with two stab wounds to his chest, prosecutors said. The incident came five days after Shorter and the boys mother reached a custody agreement in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley said last summer that Shorter stabbed the boy apparently to spite his mother. A Westlake-based forensic psychologist found Shorter was competent to stand trial in May. OMalleys office in August went back to the grand jury, which handed up a second indictment that included charges that carried a potential death sentence. Read recent stories Prosecutors pursue death penalty in case of Parma father accused of stabbing infant son to death to spite boys mother Prosecutor: Parma father killed infant son to spite mother Bond set at $1 million for Parma man accused of killing 1-year-old son Parma man accused of killing 1-year-old son reached custody agreement with mother days earlier, records say Parma father arrested in connection with toddlers death, police say [January 13, 2020] Vesta Healthcare Announces $30 Million Series A Led by Oak HC/FT and Deerfield to Engage and Support Caregivers Vesta Healthcare, a 24/7 technology and clinical services organization dedicated to supporting caregivers and connecting their insights to the rest of the care team, announced the close of a $30 million Series A. The round was co-led by Oak HC/FT and Deerfield Management Company and includes investment from existing investors, Lux Capital and Kaiser Permanente Ventures as well as new investors Generator Ventures, CareCentrix, Epstein Partners and Nationwide Ventures. The capital will be used to expand product development, engineering, and sales and marketing as well as to support new market expansion. Bharath Ganesan, Principal at Deerfield, joined the Board of Directors, while Julian Harris, M.D., Partner at Deerfield, and Russell Hirsch, Managing Director at Generator Ventures, were added as Board Observers. The Company also announced its renaming, from HT Health to Vesta Healthcare. HT Health developed the Hometeam Program to improve health outcomes by connecting in-home caregiver insights, advanced analytics and 24/7 telehealth with the patient's surrounding care team. "Caregivers are in the home supporting patients with high needs every day. They are on the front lines and the first to notice changes in the health of their loved ones or care recipients, but too often, their insights are not connected back to the care team to take timely action that could prevent unnecessary ED visits, hospitalizations, and readmissions," said Randy Klein, Chief Executive Officer at Vesta Healthcare. "We are delighted to have such an exprienced, passionate and dedicated group of investors who see the potential for Vesta to make a meaningful impact on people's daily health by creating engaging and supportive tools for caregivers." "Deerfield is thrilled to invest in Vesta's efforts to connect in-home care to at-home care. As we looked across the industry, Vesta Healthcare stood out in terms of their passion for supporting caregivers and enabling seniors to age at home," said Dr. Harris. "We are excited to support their vision for connecting the home to the clinical environment through easy-to-use technology and leveraging the platform to provide proactive clinical support when, where and how high-need care recipients want help.". "We believe strongly that caregivers are currently under-supported and disconnected from the healthcare system, but have an outsized ability to impact the daily health of those who they support," said Annie Lamont, Managing Partner at Oak HC/FT. "By actively engaging caregivers, be they professional, informal or family members, Vesta Healthcare is helping people age safely at home, providing peace of mind that someone is there to answer questions and give guidance at moments of need. We need more solutions like this in our healthcare system." Vesta is currently growing in Massachusetts, with live programs with Commonwealth Care Alliance and Element Care PACE and plans for 2020 growth into new markets. These programs emphasize quality and outcomes metrics, aligned with the Company's goal to accelerate market participation in value-based programs that are inclusive of home care. About Vesta Healthcare Vesta Healthcare is an industry-leading technology and clinical services organization, dedicated to connecting caregiver insights to the rest of the care team. Vesta Healthcare proactively identifies the need for additional resources in the home and provides 24/7 telehealth support for caregivers and care recipients, with a focus on high-need, frail senior populations. Vesta partners with home care agencies, health plans and providers to create value-based population health programs that emphasize clinical quality, improved health outcomes and personalized engagement. Vesta Healthcare is headquartered in New York, NY. To learn more visit www.vestahealthcare.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Oak HC/FT Founded in 2014, Oak HC/FT is the premier venture growth-equity fund investing in Healthcare Information & Services ("HC") and Financial Services Technology ("FT"). With $1.9 billion in assets under management, we are focused on driving transformation in these industries by providing entrepreneurs and companies with strategic counsel, board-level participation, business plan execution and access to our extensive network of industry leaders. Oak HC/FT is headquartered in Greenwich, CT, with offices in Boston and San Francisco. About Deerfield Management Company Deerfield is a healthcare investment management firm committed to advancing healthcare through investment, information and philanthropy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005645/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NEW YORK White evangelical support for President Donald Trump has sparked debate for years particularly this winter, with his impeachment trial looming. But for all the focus it commands, uncertainty continues to surround Trumps bond with a religious constituency that has long leaned GOP. Trump won a clear majority of white evangelical Protestant votes in 2016, and about 8 in 10 of that group approved of his job performance in an AP-NORC poll conducted last month. But those evangelicals alignment with the Republican Party predated Trump and has risen steadily since 2009, according to data from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Given that Trump has not greatly outperformed his GOP predecessors with white evangelicals, why has his presidency drawn outsize attention to a relatively small religious bloc? Its partly because conservative evangelical leaders have amassed notable influence in Trumps administration. But another reason the relationship is scrutinized is that Trumps political vulnerability could grow if more white evangelicals sour on him over perceived moral missteps. Their support for Trump just doesnt match the story theyve been telling about themselves since their evolution as a kind of active political group among conservatives, said Robert Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, an independent Washington-based nonprofit. The prospect of white evangelicals defecting from Trump in greater numbers is an appealing one to his critics, including the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump Republican group that last week tried to undercut his evangelical appeal in a video that asked whether he is the best American Christians can do. Democrats also have grounded some arguments against Trump in moral values as they court voters of faith, including evangelicals. Mike Madrid, a California-based adviser to the Lincoln Project, said that white evangelicals have been the strongest element of Trumps base but are starting to show signs of weakness. Thats literally the only voter segment that he is holding onto, Madrid said. Were going right at it. But challenging Trumps hold on white evangelicals who have proven stalwart conservatives since the Reagan era may require flawed assumptions about their decision-making. Evangelicals are generally defined by several traits, including a born again connection to their faith, an emphasis on sharing the gospel through evangelism or other activity, a view of the Bible as an essentially authoritative text, and a belief in the centrality of Jesus Christs sacrifice through crucifixion. A majority of self-described white evangelicals have leaned GOP since Pew began its surveys in 1994, with about 6 in 10 identifying with or leaning toward the Republican Party starting with President Bill Clintons administration. That proportion grew from 63% in 2009 to 77% in 2017. Some who have bolstered the twice-divorced, occasionally profane Trumps credentials with white evangelicals warn against underestimating the current presidents connection with those born-again Christian voters. Conservative strategist Ralph Reed, among Trumps most prominent evangelical allies, said those who argue erroneously and unconvincingly that the presidents support from that bloc somehow represents a contradiction and hypocrisy are missing the keys to his appeal. Evangelical voters look for a candidate who aligns with their approach to key policies, Reed said, noting that Trump was solid on the issues and remains so. Reed also singled out one quality that might appear to be a liability with religious voters Trumps counter-puncher persona as valuable in a bitterly partisan political environment. Does he occasionally say or tweet something evangelicals prefer he would not? Yes, he does, Reed said. But in an overarching way, they believed many of the other people who ran against him werent tough enough to withstand what they were going to get from the media and the Democrats. Andrew Whitehead, an associate professor at Clemson University who studies Christian nationalism, said that Trump has achieved a lot of evangelical priorities, no matter what hes done personally or whether he fits in line with their religious beliefs. Hes privileged Christ in the public sphere and provided them access to those levers of power theyve sought for decades. Among the most frequently touted areas where Trump has made progress on evangelicals goals are restricting funding for abortion access and installing new conservative judges on the federal bench. Trump is already reminding his evangelical supporters of his record ahead of his reelection bid, an effort that took on new urgency following last months Christianity Today editorial calling for his removal. At this months launch of an Evangelicals for Trump coalition, the president cast himself as a peacemaker in the federal governments war on religion. Whats harder to gauge, though, is whether the same criticisms of Trumps moral compass that have shown scant signs of fraying his popularity among self-described white evangelicals could bear fruit with other devout voters. White evangelical Protestants account for just 16% of U.S. adults, according to Pews data. But as that groups affinity for Trump propels more activism on the religious left and makes the evangelical label itself more politically polarizing some other voters of faith may be receptive to a case that Trump-era conservatives are not governing in accordance with Christian values. Are we evangelistic? Yes. Are we motivated by a political agenda that has come to define the word evangelical? No, said Mark Wingfield, associate pastor at the Dallas-area Wilshire Baptist Church, which made news in November 2016 by voting to allow full membership by LGBTQ people. What were all casting about now is, whats a new word for those of us who want to call people into a saved relationship with God but dont want that to be associated with a political agenda, Wingfield added. Christianity Todays president said the evangelical magazine saw a significant net gain in subscribers following its anti-Trump editorial, which focused on his impeachment by the House of Representatives last month. The anti-Trump Lincoln Project also sees room for its new religion-focused digital ad to pick off more than just evangelical voters. Madrid, the groups adviser, said that the ads messaging can also move college-educated white suburban women who helped Democrats take back the House in the 2018 midterm elections. Pews study shows that while evangelicals continue to comprise a majority of white Protestants, their share of the nations total population has fallen amid lower affiliation with Christianity in general. Black evangelicals have typically leaned heavily toward the Democratic Party, while Latino evangelicals whom Trumps team is courting ahead of the general election made up about one-quarter of the total Latino vote in 2018, according to APs VoteCast data, and have split between the parties. Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne contributed from Sacramento, Calif., and Associated Press writer Hannah Fingerhut contributed from Washington. __ Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content. The BJPs West Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh triggered yet another controversy on Sunday evening with his comments that those damaging government properties will be shot like dogs as they were in states ruled by his party. Ghosh made the comments while addressing a gathering of party supporters at Ranaghat in Nadia district after leading a rally in support of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). They burnt down trains and buses. Government properties worth Rs 500 to Rs 600 crore have been damaged in West Bengal. But the police neither opened fire nor baton-charged the protesters or file FIRs against them. Didis police didnt arrest anyone. Why? This is a waste of public money. This is your money and my money, Ghosh said. Just look at Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Our governments there killed these devils with bullets. They were killed like dogs, he added. The Indian Railways have, however, said they lost property worth Rs 90 crore, with Eastern Railwaysmostly spread across West Bengalalone accounting for 80% of those losses alone accounting for 80% of those losses pegged at Rs 72.19 crore during the country-wide protests in the past 10 days. You people will come here, take a share of our food and damage properties here? We will baton-charge, we will open fire and will smash your skulls. Mamata Banerjee has no guts, he added. His remarks triggered a major political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Left and the Congress taking digs at him. He has gone insane. He needs medical attention, said TMC secretary-general and state education minister Partha Chatterjee. It seems like Dilip Ghosh is the devil we need to talk about. It is below ones taste to even respond to his remarks, state Congress president Somen Mitra said. I wonder if Dilip Ghosh is a human being at all. In any case, if Mamata Banerjee has any sincerity against the BJPs politics and in maintaining law and order in the state, the first thing she needs to do is to ask the police to file an FIR against Ghosh for criminal intimidation, said Md Salim, a politburo member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). Even BJP leaders distanced themselves from Ghoshs remarks. BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a DIlip Ghosh may have said. It is a figment of his imagination & BJP Govts in UP, Assam have NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever. Very irresponsible of Dilip Da to have said what he said (sic), Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Babul Supriyo tweeted. Incidentally, the Bengal unit of the BJP is slated to elect the new president on January 17 and Dilip Ghosh is all set to take charge for a second term, according to senior leaders of the partys state unit. Banerjee has staunchly criticised CAA, which fast-tracks the process of granting of Indian citizenship to religious minorities from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The chief minister has led protests against the amended law and while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the states capital over the weekend, she even attended a demonstration against CAA by the TMCs students wing. She reiterated her party Trinamool Congress stand that the state government will not implement the new citizenship law or the proposed National Register for Citizens (NRC) in the state. More than 20 have died in protest-related violence across the country since the legislation was passed by Parliament in December last year. Amaravati, Jan 13 : Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, the founder of Jana Sena Party, on Monday met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi amid talk of an alliance. The two parties are understood to have agreed to work together in Andhra Pradesh in view of the situation arising out of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government's proposal to shift the state capital out of Amaravati. The development comes close on the heels of BJP making its stand clear on the three-capital proposal. Party's core committee on January 11 demanded that Amaravati should continue as the state capital. Both Jana Sena and BJP are likely to make a joint statement on the Amaravati issue. Pawan Kalyan briefed Nadda on the developments in the state, especially the ongoing protests by Amaravati farmers over the proposal to shift administrative capital to Visakhapatnam and judicial capital to Kurnool. Following the humiliating defeat in last year's elections, Pawan Kalyan has been dropping indications that he is willing to join hands with the BJP. Pawan Kalyan had campaigned for the TDP-BJP combine in 2014 elections. He later severed ties with both the parties and conducted the previous polls in alliance with the Left parties. Jana Sena could win just one seat in the 175-member state Assembly. Pawan Kalyan himself lost the polls from both the constituencies he contested. UK summons Iran's envoy over Tehran's arrest British Ambassador Rob Macaire was briefly detained Saturday during demonstrations in Tehran over the shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner by Iranian forces. Britain summoned Irans ambassador to the U.K. on Monday for explanation on its ambassadors brief arrest in Iran by security services at the weekend. "WE ARE SEEKING FULL ASSURANCES FROM IRAN" In relation to the arrest of the U.K.s ambassador over the weekend, I would say this was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna convention and it needs to be investigated, a statement by a Downing Street spokesman said. He said: We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian government that this will never happen again. The FCO [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] has summoned the Iranian ambassador today to convey our strong objections. The arrest of UKs ambassador to Iran is a flagrant violation of international law, British foreign secretary said Saturday. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) President Rodrigo Duterte said he would talk to Health officials about setting a price cap for face masks, amid reports of overpricing. Speaking to media in Taguig Monday, Duterte said he would not be surprised if prices of face masks go up following the eruption of Taal Volcano on Sunday, but sellers should not take advantage of the situation. "I am not surprsed kasi itong mga negosyante, if the demand is high then magkakaroon tayo ng medyo magkulang [ I am not surprised because, with sellers, if the demand is high and if stocks run low], then the prices go up. Or the worst thing that they can do, if they have enough supplies and yet they're selling it at prohibitive prices already. So I'm setting the limit," he said. Duterte said he would take up the matter with Health Secretary Franciso Duque III on Tuesday. "Mura naman 'yan bakit... do not hoard it. Pag tinago niyo then I will be forced to order na pasukin ka," he said. [Translation: It's so cheap...do not hoard it. If you kept them, then I will be forced to order to raid your store.] The President also said the government would distribute face masks to those who could not afford it. "Those who cannot afford masks, we will give it free [...] in times of crisis talaga all I can do to manage the situation is [to ask] the military and police," said Duterte. With ash reaching nearby areas, health officials have advised using an N95 respirator face mask, which protects against 95 percent of airborne particles such as those spewed by the Taal Volcano in Batangas. But there are several reports that some businesses are hiking prices. Manila City Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said her office has received complaints that N95 masks were being sold for 200, from the previous 30. "Those found to have unreasonably increased their prices for gas masks, face masks and other similar items, which act is tantamount to profiteering, shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law," the Department of Trade and Industry said on Monday. DTI said it has sent out teams to monitor prices. "DTI will not hesitate to file administrative and criminal charges against unscrupulous business entities and individuals who capitalize on the consumers urgent need for their own profit," it said in a statement. Hesai Raises $173M in Series C Led by Bosch and Lightspeed Hesai, a Chinese LiDAR technology manufacturer, closed its series C funding totaling USD173M. The round was led by Robert Bosch GmBH and Lightspeed with participation from ON Semiconductor, Qiming Venture Partners, DT Capital Partners, and Axiom Asia Private Capital. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. Hesai is a LiDAR manufacturer with a suite of innovative sensor solutions that combine performance, manufacturability, and reliability. By now, the company has launched a series of multi-channel automotive LiDARs, including Pandar40, Pandar64, and PandarGT 3.0, all meeting rigorous safety standards. So far, they have produced 200+ patents and won customers spanning 42 cities in 18 countries and regions. FinSMEs 13/01/2020 There was a halfhearted attempt Sunday to maintain the mystery. Casper kicked off the ride outside LEnfant Plaza with an entreaty to act normal. It did not take; as the group got on the Orange Line to Metro Center there were Woos! and laughs and many, many selfies. Mitchell wondered loudly whether, as at a strip club, someone should rub the poles down with alcohol. BCI Market Overview: According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), Brain Computer Interface Market information by Type, by Components, by Application and Region forecast to 2027 the market was valued at USD 1,129.9 Million in 2018 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.1%. BCI Market Scope: The development in cutting edge human technology is being pursued so as to optimize the quality of life that can be accomplished. The insights into the information and communication technology industry are advanced by Market Research Future, which concentrates on reports on industry verticals that review the market options for growth. Dominant Key Players on Brain Computer Interface Market Covered Are: Neuroelectrics MindMaze BrainCo Inc. Advanced Brain Monitoring Inc. Brain Products GmbH Compumedics Limited G.tec NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION NeuroSky Inc EMOTIV Natus Medical Incorporated Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/8412 Market USP Exclusively Encompassed: BCI Market Drivers Various factors are propelling the global brain computer interface market share. According to the recent MRFR report, such factors include constant technological advances in neuroimaging techniques, bio-signal processing, nanotechnology, and bio-sensing, and growing investments in research and development to integrate technology that supports brain computer interface devices with real-life applications of brain computer interface. Additional factors adding market growth include increasing use of BCI technology in military communication, home control systems, and virtual gaming, growing technological development to facilitate movement and communication in paralytic patients, rising geriatric population, and growing prevalence of neuroprosthetic conditions. On the contrary, technological challenges associated with brain-computer interface (BCI), lack of awareness, a poor information transfer rate of brain-computer interface, and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic are factors that may impede the global brain computer interface market growth over the forecast period. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (126 Pages) on Brain Computer Interface Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/brain-computer-interface-market-8412 Good and Bad Side of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Although we already understand the basic principles behind BCIs, its necessary to know the advancements and drawbacks pertaining to the integration of BCI. Lets focus on the plus points first. The neural signals are constantly focusing on creating technology to restore speech for disabled individuals. An implant in a part of the brain linked with speech (Brocas area) would emit signals to a computer and subsequently to a speaker. Proper training would help the subject to think each of the 39 phonemes present within the English language and make them speak through speaker linked with the computer. NASA has come up with a similar framework, although it reads electric signals from the nerves in the throat and mouth area, rather than reading them from the brain directly. They succeeded in conducting a web search by typing the term NASA mentally into Google. Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems is endorsing the BrainGate, a neural interface framework that enables the paralyzed individual to administer robotic prosthesis, computer cursor or a wheelchair. The Japanese researchers have found a basic BCI arrangement that enables the user to handle their avatar in the online world. On the other hand, the brain is an incredibly complicated system. The actions or thoughts taking place inside the brain are the outcomes of simple electric signals, would be an absolute understatement. There are almost 100 billion neurons functioning within a human brain. Neurons are constantly receiving and sending signals by means of a complex web of network. Chemical reactions are also involved in the process which are not to be ignored. Those reactions are hard to read for the electroencephalogram (EEG). The signal in EEG is weak and have chances of interference. EEGs gauge the smallest voltage capacities. Something as insignificant as the blinking eyelids of the user can create much stronger signals. Refinements in implants and EEGs are estimated to win over this issue to some extent in the future, but presently, decoding brain signals is similar to listening to a congested phone network due to the presence of a large amount of static. In addition to the aforementioned drawbacks, the lack of portability of the device is also considered a major flaw of BCI. Share your Queries: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/8412 Applications of Brain Computer Interface Market Brain computer interface technologies are gaining traction of the healthcare industry. Imaging technologies such as electroencephalography and NRI has been integrated with brain computer interface for diagnosing and curing disorders such as Alzheimers, paralysis, cerebral palsy, dementia, vision impairment, hearing impairment, etc. Brain computer interface application is not restricted to this one particular industry. It has already found applications in other industry domains such as defense & aerospace and education & research. The devices used in the process are sensors and electrodes that are placed in the grey matter of the brain. Thus, the developments of the sensor technology are also supposed to play a crucial role in widening the application base of brain-machine interface. Also, the technological innovations in end-user industries are supposed to open avenues of BCI adoption in the years to come. Also, increasing prevalence of brain disorders is anticipated to catalyze the investments in research & development. Future Prognosis of Brain Computer Interface Market Some of the core brain computer interface companies are Emotiv, NeuroSky, Inc, MindMaze, Natus Medical Incorporated, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Brain Products GmbH, Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc, Compumedics Limited, g.tec, BrainCo, Inc., and Neuroelectrics. With the development of the technology, which is inevitable, new players are supposed to enter the market. Geographically, North America holds around 50% of the Brain Computer Interface market share. The advancements in technology of the region have facilitated the growth of the market. The infrastructure of the end-user verticals in the region is quite developed to support the adoption of BCI and its developments. Thus, the region is expected to continue growing at a fast pace over the next couple of years. Europe, in terms of technological infrastructure, exhibits developments too. It is also anticipated to experience considerable rate of growth in the coming years. According to MRFRs observations, the Europe market was valued at USD 265.4 Mn in 2017. It is assessed to trail North America market closely. Asia Pacific, too, is expected to grow substantially. The regional BCI market is observing a rise in inflow of investments. To Buy: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=8412 Brain Computer Interface Market Future & Present Brain computer interface market 2020 is expected to gain a quick mileage. The communication pathway paved between a wired brain and an external device is referred to as brain computer interface. It is also commonly known as neural-control interface (NCI), direct neural interface (DNI), mind-machine interface (MMI), or brain-machine interface (BMI). The electrodes that help in reading the signals of a human brain are studied in this process. Well, the technology has been witnessing numerous research & development activities and has the potential to revolutionize the technology sector entirely. At present, there are three kinds of BCI invasive type, partially invasive type, and non-invasive type. The developments in human machine interface technologies are supposed to experience a rise in applications over the next couple of years. Brain Computer Interface Market Competitive Analysis: The demographic profile of the Brain Computer Interface market gives an impression of being acquiescent, which is enabling the manufacturers to experiment with the product features, to offer a more streamlined and rewarding user experience. The regulations being enforced by government and trade authorities on the global scale are proving to be conducive to the overall market growth. The ability to build a strong delivery chain in the global market is expected to benefit the consumer base in the market. The target market is expected to show defined growth in terms of future projections and trends. The barriers to entry in the market are anticipated do not pose a major hindrance to the development of the overall BCI market. The investors in the market are also sentient of the needs that may arise in the future and are thus allocating their resources in a discernible manner. The enhancement in product quality is expected to aid the market players in the expansion of the user base to gain increased profitability in the coming years. About Market Research Future: Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis regarding diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Contact Market Research Future +1 628 258 0071(US) +44 2035 002 764(UK) Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com Starting this year, Prime Minister NIkol Pashinyan has been irresponsibly making inaccurate statements regarding the number of deaths of soldiers throughout Armenias history and the GDP. Georgias economy minister pointed out that the Prime Minister had lied, and even Saakashvili sort of mocked Armenia for those statements. This is what psychologist Mihrdat Madatyan told reporters today, touching upon the notes that former director of the National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan and Pashinyans daughter, Mariam Pashinyan have been addressing to each other over the past couple of days. According to him, there was gossip to shift the focus. Armenians like intrigues and like to see the focus be shifted from what is said at the highest level. This was simply a way of shifting the peoples focus. It is like a big balloon that is about to pop, and the only way to save it from popping is to create a family soap opera. As far as I remember, Pashinyans daughter, Mariam wasnt on Facebook anymore, Mihrdat Madatyan said. According to him, the balloon is going to pop slowly. The historical facts that Mr. Pashinyan presents to the people every time are like a fog that is going to clear. After all, the people have the ability to think, and thanks to that ability, they will understand that what they are told is wrong and inaccurate. After a couple of times, they will come back to reality and stop believing him. Lexington, Mass., Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new review article published in Nature Climate Change evaluates the contentious topic of whether severe winter weather in the United States, Europe, and Asia is sensitive to Arctic temperatures. The lead author is Dr. Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting at AER, a Verisk (VRSK) business. Despite a warming planet, winter weather has remained surprisingly resilient across the midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere; and the winter weather headlines have often been about severe cold, heavy snowfalls, and the polar vortex. The unexpected frequency of severe winter weather was not projected by global climate models used to study climate change. It has been challenging for climate scientists to attribute the recent streak of cold, snowy winters to a particular cause. One relatively novel idea has been to attribute severe winter weather across the United States, Europe, and Asia to Arctic amplification, the accelerated warming of the Arctic region at a rate 2 to 3 times faster than the rest of the globe. This accelerated Arctic warming was thought to be mostly due to rapidly melting Arctic sea ice. By contrast, the review article discusses why Arctic warmingwhich is faster than warming in all other regionsis complicated and not solely due to melting sea ice or snow cover. Increasing water vapor and clouds as well as the transport of heat and moisture from lower latitudes are all contributing to accelerated Arctic warming. Much of the study discusses whether Arctic amplification, including decreasing Arctic sea ice and increasing Eurasian snow cover extent in the fall, is contributing to more severe winter weather across the midlatitudes. The idea is strongly debated among climate scientists and is considered controversial; therefore, until now, the topic has been considered lacking consensus. But the authors of the review article argue there are actually two divergent camps of consensus. Story continues One camp of consensus represents the observational studies that strongly argue that Arctic amplification is contributing to more severe winter weather. Low Arctic sea ice coupled with high Eurasian snow cover extent in the fall is ideally located for amplifying naturally occurring waves in the atmosphere that are most favorable for disrupting the polar vortex. Following polar vortex disruptions, the probability of severe winter weather in the United States, Europe, and Asia is greater for up to two months. During the past two winters, polar vortex disruptions unleashed record cold, the bomb cyclone, the Beast from the East, and other notable severe winter weather events across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The other camp of consensus cites studies based on simulations of low Arctic sea ice using global climate models. The majority of those studies conclude that any observed increase in recent severe winter weather is likely due to chance and not Arctic amplification. In the simulations, sea ice loss does not result in more polar vortex disruptions and contributes to milder winter weather (not severe winter weather) across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Therefore, as the Arctic continues to experience profound changes, it will only contribute to milder winters across the Northern Hemisphere, according to these simulations. The publication of the paper is especially timely given the extreme winters of 2017/18 and 2018/19 in the U.S., including Alaska and Canada, with a record-warm Arctic and low sea ice especially near Alaska; record-breaking polar vortex disruptions; record-breaking cold; disruptive snowfalls, including severe bomb cyclones; and costly noreasters, said Cohen. Correctly attributing these disruptive weather events to Arctic change or not should help society better anticipate these events and make the appropriate preparations. Also, properly contextualizing severe winter weather vis-a-vis Arctic change will better educate society to understand the full impacts of climate change. Cohen adds, Realizing the dichotomy between observational and modeling studies will possibly break the impasse the climate community is experiencing in trying to understand the linkages between the Arctic and midlatitude weather. The research is funded by the National Science Foundations Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences and Office of Polar Programs. The study can be viewed here . About Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER) Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER) provides science-based solutions to global environmental challenges. AERs internationally renowned scientists and software engineers collaborate to transform state-of-the-art predictive science and analytical tools into practical systems that address both civilian government and defense needs for geophysical understanding, computer simulation, and forecasting. AER customers include government agencies and national laboratories, aerospace and defense contractors, and academia. Areas of expertise comprise atmospheric and environmental science, air quality, remote sensing, meteorology, oceanography, space science, climate change, and software engineering. A Verisk (VRSK) business, AER was established in 1977 and is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. Visit www.aer.com . Contact: Brett Garrison Edelman (for AER) 917-639-4903 Brett.Garrison@edelman.com The success of Peter Rivas Mbuno & Pero series, the author says, can be attributed to the chemistry between the books unique protagonists. The backbone to the Mbuno and Pero stories is that Mbuno understands the nature of all wildlife and Pero understands the complexities of the modern world, Riva says. They are yin and yang, each complementingnever competing withthe other. Kidnapped on Safari, the third book in the series, following Murder on Safari (2015) and The Berlin Package (2016), publishes January 21 from Skyhorse. In this installment, Mbuno, a safari guide, and Pero Baltazar, a wildlife television producer with a few clandestine associations, are embroiled in a new set of fraught circumstances: Mbunos son Ube has been abducted while on safari in Tanzania. Mbuno and Pero go on a dangerous mission to find Ube, only to discover that Boko Haram took him captive and kidnapped an innocent group of schoolgirls. With aspects of international thriller and adventure, not to mention a strong focus on African wildlife, the series defies easy categorization. Riva concentrates less on genre conventions and more on connecting with readers. Imagine you are sitting around a campfireman, woman, teenagerand a favorite storyteller tells you a fantastic tale that resonates with values you understand, action that thrills, and above all humor to offset momentary terror, Riva says. The lasting impression should be a cozy feeling of a story well shared, a campfire memory to cherish, and an increased love of wildlife. Readers will likely be surprised by the many plot twists in Kidnapped on Safari. And Riva believes its these unexpected eventsand the way his resourceful protagonists face themthat make his books such page-turners. In fact, Riva isnt always sure whats going to happen to Mbuno and Pero when he sits down to write. The premise for me is always a simple beginning where something planned suddenly goes horribly wrong or horribly threatening, he says. So I plot only the beginning of an adventure that could remain ordinary and peacefulthen all hell breaks loose. The books East African setting is also integral to the series. Riva spent a great deal of time in Africa, where he had the opportunity to learn from local hunting guides. Like Pero, Riva developed a television series about African wildlife called Wild Things. And Rivas passion for animals shines through his writing. I knew the real Mbuno in the 1980s and he and I shared that affinity for nature, an understanding that we are animals too, says Riva, who currently lives in southwest New Mexico. In the wild, I respect, observe, and generally stay away from some larger animals that I see as equals lions, bears, snakes. I am never afraid. Wary? Sure. Feel part of nature? Always. While Rivas professional and personal backgrounds provide ample inspiration for his writing, the author also knows the industry. He works as a literary agent with the New Yorkbased International Transactions. And while it can be difficult to make the transition from gatekeeper to creative writer and back again, Riva says its helped him succeed as an author. Tuning out the inner critic? Impossible, he says. But reality is a strength. I am not a literary master and do not pretend to be. Im a storyteller, sharing my experiences and knowledge for the pleasure of doing so and to give pleasure. Perhaps it is a primordial need to impart what I know and have seen to future generations. Thats the fun. Self-critique? Like any micromanager, Im hardest on myself. And while Riva sees writing as a source of joy, he holds himself to a high standard. The advice he gives writers is the same advice he takes to heart. As Hemingway said, writing is rewriting, Riva says. Each of my manuscripts is probably rewritten 10 times. Riva also applies what he calls the five-page rule to his work. You have five pages to hook your reader on the who, what, where, and why, he says. Get on with it. A tiny volcano near the Philippine capital that draws many tourists for its picturesque setting in a lake belched steam, ash and rocks - AP A volcano near the Philippine capital Manila spewed a massive cloud of ash into the sky on Sunday, forcing the precautionary evacuation of thousands of residents and the suspension of flights. Government seismologists recorded magma moving towards the crater of Taal, one of the country's most active volcanoes located 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila. That increases the chances of an eruption that could happen "within days to within weeks" if such activity continues, Renato Solidum, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told AFP. Taal's last eruption was in 1977, he added. A kilometer-high column of ash was visible and several volcanic tremors were felt within the vicinity of the volcano, which is popular among tourists for its scenic view. People watch as Taal Volcano spews ash near Manila Credit: AP Photo/Aaron Favila The local disaster office said it had evacuated over 2,000 residents living on the volcanic island, which lies inside a bigger lake formed by previous volcanic activity. Mr Solidum said officials will also order the evacuation of people living on another island nearby if the situation worsens. The Philippine airport authority on Sunday suspended flights at Manila's international airport. "Flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the volcanic ash from the eruption of Taal Volcano," the Manila International Airport Authority tweeted. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are not uncommon in the Philippines due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface. In January 2018, Mount Mayon displaced tens of thousands of people after spewing millions of tonnes of ash, rocks, and lava in the central Bicol region. Britain's Princes William and Harry on Monday issued their first joint statement since the royal crisis, dismissing as "false" a media report alleging bullying by the elder brother as one of the reasons behind the bombshell announcement by Harry and Meghan Markle to "step back" from the royal frontline. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the announcement on Wednesday that they intend to "step back" from being frontline royals, split their time between the UK and North America, and work towards becoming "financially independent". The brothers spoke out to deny a false media report, which had alleged bullying by William, the Duke of Cambridge, to be among the factors behind the royal split. "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today (Monday) speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge, the joint statement notes. "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful," it notes. While the statement does not name the UK newspaper or the specific report in question, it is believed to be referring to a story in The Times' on Monday with the headline: Princes fell out because William wasn't friendly towards Meghan'. It alleges that Harry and Meghan felt pushed away from the royal family by the bullying' attitude of Prince William. The newspaper referred to a source close to Harry and Meghan as saying that Prince William had been insufficiently welcoming towards 38-year-old Meghan when she first started dating Harry and that the brothers' relationship suffered a blow due to that. The report, however, admits that the analysis is contested by sources close to both Princes William, 37, and Harry, 35. The statement comes ahead of a crucial Sandringham Summit at Queen Elizabeth II's Norfolk estate where the brothers are set to meet face-to-face alongside the 93-year-old monarch and their father, Prince Charles, for crisis talks over Harry and Meghan's future roles as semi-independent royals. Prince William has previously spoken of his "sadness" at the broken bond with his younger brother and expressed the hope that they would play on the team again in the future. The brothers were seen as being close until a split emerged months after Harry's wedding to Meghan, an American actress, in May 2017 when they decided to divide up their joint charitable foundation. The rare joint statement indicates their unhappiness at the continuing UK media speculation over their relationship. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Of all the stories that have been flooding into our small store in Ulladulla, as customers from fire ravaged communities arrive for supplies, this was one of the more unusual. Having run out of water to defend his home in Lake Conjola, a resident resorted to smothering spot fires with milk. Properties destroyed in Conjola Park on the NSW South Coast. Credit:James Brickwood And when the insulation in his shed caught alight, he tapped into his supply of home-brewed beer, spraying it liberally and saving the shed. His verandah caught alight when he was out of water, milk and home brew so, like a surgeon, he took to it with a chainsaw, severing the infected parts, saving his home from total destruction which was unfortunately the fate of his neighbours as the wall of flames rushed through their community on New Year's Eve. A 36-year-old Chinese woman here who came down with pneumonia is free of the virus that has caused an outbreak of the mystery illness in the Chinese city of Wuhan and elsewhere. The news came just as Chinese health authorities on Saturday reported the first death from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-like illness that is most likely caused by a new strain of coronavirus. A man in his 60s died two days earlier from complications from the illness. But the Chinese patient here, who visited Wuhan last month, has tested negative for multiple strains of coronavirus, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Sunday. The KCDC suggested that the woman's infection has nothing to do with the Wuhan outbreak. She has recovered and been discharged from quarantine at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Wuhan confirmed 41 cases of viral pneumonia among suspected patients as of Saturday. Gene expression analysis by an international group of experts shows that the new strain bears 80 percent similarity to SARS, the South China Morning Post reported Sunday. The experts suspect that the new strain is transmitted by bats, as was the case with SARS. A growing number of startups designed to track extreme weather events such as bushfires are pushing for growth in 2020 but warn commercialising technologies in Australia remains challenging. "We are dealing with a 21st century existential threat and addressing it with 20th century tools," says Chris Boden, who runs Peregian Digital Hub in Noosa and is working to develop Australia's first 'Firetech' startup incubator program. Startups are working to commercialise technology that could assist in tracking bushfires. Credit:Wolter Peeters The program, to be called FireTech2020, is asking for expressions of interest ahead of a planned launch in September. It brings a group of Australian startups working on "extreme weather technologies" together to prepare their pitches for investors and further commercialise their ideas. For Boden, whose startup hub came close to burning down last year when fires hit the Noosa region, it's clear that Australian businesses hold a unique edge when it comes to creating startups for extreme climates. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Indian generic drug companies may have to prepare for a major change in the US market as California is looking to to sell generic prescription drugs under its own brand. "The Administration will negotiate partnerships to establish the state's own generic drug label," the Budget 2020-21 proposals of California Governor Gavin Newsom said. "The state would contract with one or more generic drug manufacturers to manufacture certain generic drugs on behalf of the state and participating entities," Newsom added. Newsom, a member of Democratic Party, is also proposing another unconventional measure to establish a single market for drug pricing by bringing all purchasers such as the public and private medical coverage providers under one umbrella. Drug manufacturers would have to bid to sell their drugs at a uniform price in the California market. California would invoke a most-favoured nation clause in the manufacturer price bid, which would require manufacturers to offer prices at or below the price offered to any other state, nation, or global purchaser if they wish to sell their products in California, the budget proposal said. Newsom expects the proposal will increase competition in the generic market, resulting in lower generic prices for all purchasers. Newsom is making efforts to lower healthcare costs to the state's 40 million residents, of which around 33 percent are Medicaid enrollees. California spends about $100 billion on Medicaid. Last year, he brought in a law that barred branded drug makers from entering into "pay-to-delay" deals with generic drug makers, the first such one in the US. Drug prices have become a major issue in both California and else where in US, as six out of 10 Americans take a prescription and 79 percent say the cost is unreasonable, according to a survey by Kaiser Family Foundation. Mixed bag The details of the proposals are yet to be made public. But if the proposals see the light of the day, California would become a tender-based market for generic drugs, where companies will have to compete to win supply contracts. "Every government will like to bring down the cost of medication. Currently the US market is fed through intermediaries. So, understandably they (California) want to cut back on the intermediaries, which have a hefty margins upwards of 10-20 percent," said Dinesh Dua, Chairman of Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) the agency under Department of Commerce for promotion of pharmaceutical exports and CEO of Nectar Lifesciences. The three distributors - AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson - and other intermediaries control the around 80 percent of US market. Dua said the impact on margins will not be huge, as American contract prices can't be compared with other countries. "The volumes will increase substantially because the per unit cost to the ultimate users and the state insurance companies and state funding agencies will be much lower," Dua added. Another executive of pharmaceutical company who didn't want to be named said they are still waiting for more details of the proposals. "There could be some impact on prices of generic drugs sourced from Medicaid programme if California goes ahead with the move," said Surya Patra, Vice President, Research at PhillipCapital. The world's oceans were warmer in 2019 than at any other time in human history, according to a new study, amid fears that climate change is speeding up. Average global temperatures of the oceans in 2019 soared to 0.075C (0.135F) above the average temperature from between 1981 and 2010. To warm the world's water by this much requires a huge amount of energy, an estimated 228 sextillion joules of heat. Academics claim this is equivalent to 3.6 billion Hiroshima atom-bomb explosions. Scroll down for video The ocean absorbs most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, leading to rising ocean temperatures 'The Hiroshima atom-bomb exploded with an energy of about 63,000,000,000,000 joules,' said Lijing Cheng, lead paper author and associate professor with the International Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 'The amount of heat we have put in the world's oceans in the past 25 years equals to 3.6 billion Hiroshima atom-bomb explosions. 'This measured ocean warming is irrefutable and is further proof of global warming. 'There are no reasonable alternatives aside from the human emissions of heat trapping gases to explain this heating.' Researchers from 11 different institutions from China and the US collaborated on the research, published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. 'It is critical to understand how fast things are changing,' said John Abraham, co-author and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of St. Thomas in the US. 'The key to answering this question is in the oceans that's where the vast majority of heat ends up. 'If you want to understand global warming, you have to measure ocean warming.' Global heat change in the upper 6,500 feet (2,000 metres) of the ocean by years as measured in zettajoules (zettajoule is equal to one sextillion (10 followed by 21 ) joules) The Atlantic Ocean and the Southern Ocean warmed more compared to most of the other basins, with most warming felt between the surface and 6,500 feet down. Researchers also compared the temperature changes from 1955 to 1986 with the period 1987 to 2019 with the most recent period of time 450 per cent warmer. Since 1970, more than 90 per cent of global warming heat went into the ocean, while less than 4 per cent warmed the atmosphere and land where humans live. Heat accumulates in the ocean because of its large heat capacity, but the remaining 4 per cent manifests as atmospheric warming, a drying a warming land mass and melting of land and sea ice. 'Even with that small fraction affecting the atmosphere and land, the global heating has led to an increase in catastrophic fires in the Amazon, California and Australia in 2019, and we're seeing that continue into 2020,' said Professor Cheng. 'The global ocean warming has caused marine heat waves in Tasman Sea and other regions.' Increases in ocean temperature reduce dissolved oxygen in the ocean because oxygen is less soluble in warmer water. This affects sea life, particular corals and other temperature-sensitive marine organisms. The surging temperatures are sparking marine heat waves, with one notorious example in the North Pacific dubbed 'the blob'. Oceans cover 70 percent of the Earth's surface and make up 95 percent of all space available to life Scientists believe it decimated marine life ranging from plankton to whales and killed 100 million cod. A 2017 hot spot in the Gulf of Mexico also spawned Hurricane Harvey, which the Rice Kinder Institute said led to 82 deaths and caused about 83 billion ($108 billion) in damages. Not for the first time, scientists are calling on humanity to reverse climate change in the face of disastrous effects. 'Global warming is real, and it's getting worse,' Abraham said. 'And this is just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. 'Fortunately, we can do something about it we can use energy more wisely and we can diversify our energy sources. 'We have the power to reduce this problem.' The study uses an analysis method developed by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and includes ocean temperature changes recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US. Newton, Mass. (January 13, 2020) -- Before sharing human research data, scientists routinely strip it of personal information such as name, address, and birthdate in order to protect the privacy of their study participants. However, reporting in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers at Silent Spring Institute and their colleagues show that for environmental health studies, that might not be enough--even anonymized data can sometimes be traced back to individuals. The new study highlights the need for greater protections for participants in human research studies. It also has implications for a proposed federal rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would require scientists to make their data public in order for their research to be used as a basis for environmental regulations. "Researchers promise to protect the privacy of their study participants--a routine practice in nearly all scientific studies involving people," says lead author Katherine Boronow, a staff scientist at Silent Spring. "Our research shows that making data publicly available from environmental health studies, even after obvious identifiers are removed, could violate these pledges." In a previous study, Silent Spring researchers conducted an experiment in which they shared anonymized data from the Institute's Household Exposure Study in California with a team of Harvard researchers skilled in re-identification techniques. By linking housing and demographic data from the study to publicly-available data such as tax assessor records, and using other information described in the study such as the location of the housing developments and the levels of indoor air pollutants measured, the team successfully re-identified 25 percent of participants from one housing development by name. Now, in this latest investigation, the researchers show that vulnerability to re-identification is a common aspect of environmental health data. They reviewed a dozen environmental health studies and identified five different types of data (location, medical, genetic, occupation, and housing) that overlap with outside databases and could contribute to the risk of re-identification. The researchers found that all 12 studies included at least two out of the five data types, and three studies included all five. "Having multiple data types provides more opportunities for someone to match research data against existing commercial or public databases," says Boronow. Measurements of pollutants in people's bodies or in their homes are also a characteristic data type of many environmental health studies. Currently, however, these measurements alone are less vulnerable to data linkage because there are few databases that include chemical measurements that could be used for matching. To explore a different way that chemical exposure data might be used in re-identification, the team conducted a cluster analysis using data from Silent Spring's Household Exposure Study in California and in Massachusetts and from the Centers for Disease Control's Green Housing Study in Boston and Cincinnati. They fed the raw chemical measurements to an algorithm that sorted the data within each study into two groups. The groups created by the algorithm corresponded to geographic location with 80 to 98 percent accuracy. If the data cluster into groups by location, says Boronow, then each group can be matched to data narrowed to that location, making it more likely for a re-identification attack to produce correct matches. This shows how someone could use chemical data to infer a characteristic of people in a study even if that characteristic is excluded when the study data are shared. Data sharing has many benefits. By pooling data, researchers can create larger, more diverse datasets that could lead to advances in knowledge. It can also give researchers access to data that are difficult or expensive to obtain, such as data from biological or environmental samples collected after an environmental disaster. However, as the new study shows, it also has its risks. Dr. Julia Brody, executive director at Silent Spring and a co-author of the study, says the implications of privacy risks are not trivial. Loss of privacy could result in stigma for individuals and communities. It could affect property values, insurance, or a person's chances of employment. It could also damage trust in research. In 2018, EPA released a proposed rule called "Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science," that would require researchers to disclose their raw data as a precondition for the agency using a study to support regulatory decisions. Because the requirement could jeopardize confidential information about study participants, it could disqualify critical environmental health studies that form the basis of existing regulations, such as current limits on air pollutants. EPA is expected to release a revised version of the proposed rule early this year. "Thousands of Americans have contributed personal data to scientific research with the goal of improving health for all," says Brody. "We must not take advantage of their generosity with rules that threaten their privacy and discourage future participation in research." With growing pressure on scientists to share their data, and with more consumer data available online, Brody says it is important to fully characterize the risks of data sharing and identify solutions. Results from their research, she says, could help scientists develop informed consent documents that are more forthcoming about the risks and could help determine what types of data should be excluded from public sharing. It could also lay the groundwork for legal and policy protections for participants should they fall victim to re-identification. ### Funding for this project was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. Reference: Boronow, K.E., L.J. Perovich, L. Sweeney, J.S. Yoo, R.A. Rudel, P. Brown, J.G. Brody. 2020. Privacy Risks of Sharing Data from Environmental Health Studies. Environmental Health Perspectives. 128(1): 17008. DOI:10.1289/EHP4817 About Silent Spring Institute: Silent Spring Institute, located in Newton, Mass., is the leading scientific research organization dedicated to uncovering the link between chemicals in our everyday environments and women's health, with a focus on breast cancer prevention. Founded in 1994, the institute is developing innovative tools to accelerate the transition to safer chemicals, while translating its science into policies that protect health. Visit us at http://www.silentspring.org and follow us on Twitter @SilentSpringIns. 2020-01-13 20:20:57 Explanation: A good place to see a ring-of-fire eclipse, it seemed, would be from a desert. In a desert, there should be relatively few obscuring clouds and trees. Therefore late last December a group of photographers traveled to the United Arab Emirates and Rub al-Khali, the largest continuous sand desert in world, to capture clear images of an unusual eclipse that would be passing over. A ring-of-fire eclipse is an annular eclipse that occurs when the Moon is far enough away on its elliptical orbit around the Earth so that it appears too small, angularly, to cover the entire Sun. At the maximum of an annular eclipse, the edges of the Sun can be seen all around the edges of the Moon, so that the Moon appears to be a dark spot that covers most -- but not all -- of the Sun. This particular eclipse, they knew, would peak soon after sunrise. After seeking out such a dry and barren place, it turned out that some of the most interesting eclipse images actually included a tree in the foreground, because, in addition to the sand dunes, the tree gave the surreal background a contrasting sense of normalcy, scale, and texture. via olalathos A few days after former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg said hed be willing to fork over $1 billion on advertising to bolster Democratic efforts to oust President Donald Trump, the president took to Twitter to blast the billionaire businessman and media mogul as a huckster. Responding to recent health care TV ads, Trump said Monday morning that Mini Mike Bloomberg is spending a lot of money on false advertising. Trump credited himself for saving health care coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions which is actually one of the most popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, a law much maligned by Trump and his administration. Multiple outlets have reported that the Department of Justice under Trump has pushed to scrap the law entirely. Trump tweeted that he won the fight "to rid you of the expensive, unfair and very unpopular individual mandate. If Republicans win in court and take back the House of (Representatives), your healthcare, that I have now brought to the best place in many years, will become the best ever, by far. I will always protect your Pre-Existing Conditions, the Dems will not! Mini Mike Bloomberg is spending a lot of money on False Advertising. I was the person who saved Pre-Existing Conditions in your Healthcare, you have it now, while at the same time winning the fight to rid you of the expensive, unfair and very unpopular Individual Mandate..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2020 In Bloomberg campaign TV spots this month, Trump is quoted as urging the government to let Obamacare implode. A New York City nurse who supports Bloomberg then tells viewers that Trumps wild attacks on health care hurt the people I care for. The ad then touts Bloombergs health care record: lowering the number of uninsured by 40%, covering 700,000 more New Yorkers including 200,000 more children; increased life expectancy and reduced infant mortality rates; and always championing reproductive health for women. This is America. We can certainly afford to make sure that everybody that needs to see a doctor can see a doctor, everyone that needs medicines to stay healthy can get those medicines," Bloomberg tells a group in the ad. Bloomberg, who responded to Trumps tweet Monday by saying @ us next time, said hed be willing to spend $1 billion of his own money in 2020 to defeat Trump, whose campaign is flush with unprecedented amounts of cash and donations. Bloomberg said hed even financially back the more progressive Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont or Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts if they beat him in the Democratic primary, the New York Times reported Saturday. @ us next time https://t.co/RpRxsp2IFe Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 13, 2020 Bloomberg has already spent more than $200 million on advertising, with the Times reporting that hes on pace to spend by early March what President Barack Obama spent during his entire 2012 general election campaign against Republican Mitt Romney. 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 Two fully-electric buses have been introduced to the streets of Glasgow, Scotland, representing the city's first use of such transport on a commercial route in almost 53 years. It is the first time electric buses for commercial use have run in Scotland's biggest city since electric trolley buses were taken offline in 1967. In an announcement at the end of last week, operator First Glasgow said funding for the buses came through a 20 million ($25.97 million) Green Economy Fund from SP Energy Networks. First Glasgow will also use the money to install 22 charging points at its Glasgow Caledonia Depot, which the firm said would enable it to introduce more electric buses to its fleet. The introduction of the buses comes at the start of a year which will see Glasgow host the COP26 climate summit in November. Glaswegian authorities want the city to be carbon neutral by the year 2030. At the launch, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said: "Scotland was one of the first countries to acknowledge that we are facing a global climate emergency and we have legislated for the most ambitious carbon reduction target of any country in the world." A woman walks past the closed meat and seafood market in Wuhan City, China, that has been linked to a new contravirus outbreak that has spread to Thailand, Jan. 12, 2020. A Chinese woman traveling to Thailand from Wuhan City was confirmed to be infected with a new strain of coronavirus and treated near Bangkok in the first reported case outside China, the Thai public health minister said Monday. From Jan. 3 to 12, Thai authorities screened more than 9,000 passengers from Wuhan, the center of the mystery outbreak, Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters in Bangkok. Authorities found that a dozen of the travelers had developed flu-like symptoms while the woman was the only one diagnosed with coronavirus, he said. One of them had a high temperature, according to a scanner at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and was quarantined at the Bamrasnaradura Institute on Jan. 8, Anutin said. The lab results showed it is the first case of the new strain of coronavirus found in Thailand and the first found outside of China. She was treated and is ready to travel back to her country. We found no more patients suffering from coronavirus, Anutin said, adding the others suffered from seasonal flu and eight had been treated and released. Anutin urged the public to not panic because the patient, identified as a 61-year-old woman, was being quarantined until she returned to China. Several dozen people in Chinas Wuhan City have suffered from coronavirus and one man has died, according to news reports. A meat and seafood market in the city has been closed after it was linked to the outbreak. Chinese officials said they had not identified the cause of the outbreak and played down speculation that it could be a repeat of the coronavirus blamed for the SARS epidemic, which killed hundreds of people in 2003. After Thailand reported its first case of a person being diagnosed with the coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday it was working with Thai and Chinese officials. The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected and reinforces why WHO calls for on-going active monitoring and preparedness in other countries, the U.N. agency said in a statement. WHO has issued guidance on how to detect and treat persons who are ill with the new virus. The genetic sequencing shared by China enables more countries to rapidly diagnose patients. Earlier this month, WHO reported that patients who have been infected suffer from fever, shortness of breath and have an accumulation of fluid in their lungs as detected by x-rays. Accordign to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronaviruses are common in different species of animals, including camels and bats. In rare cases, the viruses can evolve and infect humans and then spread between humans, the agency said. Xenons Proprietary Programs Continue to Advance with Multiple Mid to Late Stage Clinical Trials Anticipated to be Underway in 2020 Xenon Eligible for Milestone Payments Based on the Advancement of Partnered Programs Experienced Biotech Executive, Dr. Clarissa Desjardins, Joins Xenons Board of Directors BURNABY, British Columbia, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (XENE), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, today provided a corporate update and outlined its key milestone opportunities for 2020. Dr. Simon Pimstone, Xenons Chief Executive Officer, said, Xenon is entering 2020 in a very strong position with an exciting portfolio of proprietary neurology-focused candidates in clinical development, a healthy balance sheet, and valued collaborators advancing partnered programs. We expect to have multiple mid to late stage clinical trials underway in 2020 putting us in a position to generate important clinical data in 2020. Dr. Pimstone continued, We anticipate a number of important milestone events in 2020, including the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial with XEN496 in patients with KCNQ2-DEE, a severe and rare form of pediatric epilepsy. In addition to the ongoing XEN1101 Phase 2b clinical trial in adult focal epilepsy, where we anticipate top-line data later this year, we are also seeking to expand the clinical development of XEN1101 in 2020 as we evaluate additional potential clinical indications for this novel Kv7 potassium channel modulator. Additionally, we look forward to the results from a physician-led Phase 2 study examining XEN007 in treatment-resistant childhood absence epilepsy. Dr. Pimstone added, We are also fortunate to work with great collaborators who continue to advance our partnered programs. Neurocrine has guided that it expects to file an IND in mid-2020 in order to start a Phase 2 clinical trial for XEN901 (now known as NBI-921352) in SCN8A-DEE pediatric patients. Flexion continues to develop its pre-clinical FX301 program focused on peripheral nerve block for control of post-operative pain, and anticipates initiating FX301 clinical trials in 2021. Story continues Anticipated Milestones Proprietary Programs XEN1101 is a differentiated Kv7 potassium channel modulator being developed for the treatment of epilepsy and potentially other neurological disorders. A Phase 2b double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial (called the X-TOLE study) is underway to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of XEN1101 administered as adjunctive treatment in approximately 300 adult patients with focal epilepsy. The primary endpoint is the median percent change in monthly focal seizure frequency from baseline compared to treatment period of active versus placebo. Patient enrollment for this XEN1101 Phase 2b clinical trial is ongoing in the United States, Canada and Europe. Long term six-and nine-month toxicology studies have now been completed, providing support for the 12-month open label extension for patients enrolled in the Phase 2b clinical trial. Depending upon the rate of enrollment, top-line results are anticipated in the second half of 2020. Xenon continues to explore the development of XEN1101 in other neurological indications. XEN496 (active ingredient ezogabine) is a Kv7 potassium channel modulator being developed by Xenon. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for XEN496 as a treatment of KCNQ2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (KCNQ2-DEE). A pharmacokinetic (PK) study testing Xenons proprietary pediatric formulation of ezogabine (XEN496) in healthy adult volunteers is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2020. The FDA previously indicated that it is acceptable to study XEN496 in infants and children up to four years old, and that a single, small pivotal trial may be considered adequate in order to demonstrate XEN496s efficacy in KCNQ2-DEE, provided the study shows evidence of a clinically meaningful benefit in patients with the intended indication. After completion of the XEN496 PK study and discussions with the FDA on a Phase 3 clinical trial design in the first quarter of 2020, Xenon expects to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial in KCNQ2-DEE. XEN007 (active ingredient flunarizine) is a CNS-acting calcium channel modulator that modulates Cav2.1 and T-type calcium channels. Other reported mechanisms include dopamine, histamine and serotonin inhibition. A physician-led, Phase 2 proof-of-concept study has recently been initiated to examine the potential clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of XEN007 as an adjunctive treatment in pediatric patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant childhood absence epilepsy. Results from this Phase 2 investigator-led proof-of-concept study are expected in 2020. Depending on the results from the study, CAE may represent a potential orphan indication for future development of XEN007. Partnered Programs In December 2019, Xenon entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NBIX) to develop first-in-class treatments for epilepsy. Neurocrine Biosciences has an exclusive license to XEN901, now known as NBI-921352, a clinical stage selective Nav1.6 sodium channel inhibitor for epilepsy. In addition, Neurocrine Biosciences gained an exclusive license to pre-clinical compounds for development, including selective Nav1.6 inhibitors and dual Nav1.2/1.6 inhibitors. The agreement also included a multi-year research collaboration to discover, identify and develop additional novel Nav1.6 and Nav1.2/1.6 inhibitors. Neurocrine Biosciences anticipates filing an IND application with the FDA in mid-2020 in order to start a Phase 2 clinical trial in SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy patients in the second half of 2020. Xenon is eligible to receive up to $25 million upon the FDA acceptance of an IND for NBI-921352, with 55% of the amount in the form of an equity investment in Xenon at a 15% premium to Xenon's 30-day trailing volume weighted average price at that time. In September 2019, Xenon entered into an agreement with Flexion Therapeutics, Inc. (FLXN) that provides Flexion with the global rights to develop and commercialize XEN402, a Nav1.7 inhibitor. Flexions pre-clinical program, known as FX301, consists of XEN402 formulated for extended release from a thermosensitive hydrogel. The initial development of FX301 is intended to support administration as a peripheral nerve block for control of post-operative pain. Flexion has indicated that it anticipates initiating FX301 clinical trials in 2021. Corporate Updates Effective immediately, Dr. Clarissa Desjardins has been appointed to Xenons Board of Directors and will also serve on the Compensation Committee. An award-winning entrepreneur with over 25 years of biotechnology experience, Dr. Desjardins has a doctorate in neurology and neurosurgery from McGill Universitys Faculty of Medicine. In 2011, Dr. Desjardins founded Clementia Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on rare bone disorders that was acquired by Ipsen S.A. in 2019 for up to $1.3 billion. Dr. Richard Scheller will resign from Xenons Board effective January 14, 2020 after serving as an independent director since 2015. Dr. Pimstone stated, I am pleased to welcome Clarissa Desjardins to our Board of Directors. With her extensive biotechnology, entrepreneurial, and neuroscience background, Clarissa is a superb addition to Xenons Board. I expect her contributions will be invaluable as we continue to advance our clinical programs and strive to develop new therapeutics for patients in need. I also wish to thank Richard for his esteemed counsel and service on our Board of Directors. The Xenon team wishes him well in all of his future endeavors. About Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with neurological disorders, including rare central nervous system (CNS) conditions. We are advancing a novel product pipeline of neurology therapies to address areas of high unmet medical need, with a focus on epilepsy. For more information, please visit www.xenon-pharma.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains 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 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements and supporting assumptions are not based on historical fact, and include statements regarding the timing of and results from clinical trials and pre-clinical development activities, including those related to XEN496, XEN1101, XEN007, and other proprietary products, and those related to NBI-921352, FX-301, and other partnered product candidates; the potential efficacy, safety profile, future development plans, addressable market, regulatory success and commercial potential of XEN496, XEN1101, XEN007 and other proprietary and partnered product candidates; the anticipated timing of IND, or IND equivalent, submissions and the initiation of future clinical trials for XEN496, XEN1101, XEN007, and other proprietary products, and those related to NBI-921352, FX-301, and other partnered candidates; the efficacy of our clinical trial designs; our ability to successfully develop and achieve milestones in the XEN496, XEN1101, XEN007 and other proprietary development programs; the timing and results of our interactions with regulators; the potential to advance certain of our product candidates directly into Phase 2 or later stage clinical trials; anticipated enrollment in our clinical trials and the timing thereof; the progress and potential of our other ongoing development programs; the potential receipt of milestone payments and royalties from our collaborators and the timing of potential publication or presentation of future clinical data. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include, but are not limited to: clinical trials may not demonstrate safety and efficacy of any of our or our collaborators' product candidates; our assumptions regarding our planned expenditures and sufficiency of our cash to fund operations may be incorrect; our ongoing discovery and pre-clinical efforts may not yield additional product candidates; any of our or our collaborators' product candidates may fail in development, may not receive required regulatory approvals, or may be delayed to a point where they are not commercially viable; we may not achieve additional milestones in our proprietary or partnered programs; regulatory agencies may not permit certain of our product candidates to advance directly into a Phase 2 or later clinical trials, may impose additional requirements or delay the initiation of clinical trials; the impact of competition; the impact of expanded product development and clinical activities on operating expenses; adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets; as well as the other risks identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the securities commissions in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Xenon and the Xenon logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. in various jurisdictions. All other trademarks belong to their respective owner. More than anyone, Klobuchar needs to upend the dynamic of the contest. Her survival as the fifth option is not a trivial accomplishment given how many other candidates have already fallen by the wayside. But her candidacy is unlikely to continue past Iowa unless she can cut deeply into Buttigiegs and Bidens vote shares. This gives her an interest in provoking dramatic moments on Tuesday while hoping that her two immediate rivals falter. PINEDALE Prosecutors are now making a second challenge to a Circuit Court judges order that upholds a magistrates decision that state brand-inspection stops are unconstitutional without probable cause. That decision a potential precedent is leading law enforcement, judges and the public to question proper procedures for carrying and checking livestock permits between counties, not to mention the judges assignment of the case to an unqualified part-time magistrate. On Jan. 6, Sublette County Deputy Attorney Stan Cannon filed a petition for a writ of review in 9th District Court. This follows the prosecutions earlier motion of Dec. 17 asking Sublette County Circuit Court Judge Curt Haws to review and reverse Magistrate Clay Kainers ruling that a deputys stop of Rex F. Rammell to search his livestock trailer and request brand inspections were unreasonable. On Dec. 23, Judge Haws upheld Magistrate Kainers legal analysis and order as sound and appropriate. He canceled the Jan. 14 trial and transferred the motion and Rammells case to Albany County Circuit Court Judge Robert Castor. Judge Haws had recused himself and assigned Kainer to Rammells misdemeanor case. Rock Springs veterinarian Rammell is charged with five violations of the state brand inspection law on June 27 when he trailered five horses from Sweetwater County to Sublette County without proper paperwork. Cannon is prosecuting the case; Rammell chose to represent himself. The case centers on Wyoming statutes 11-21-103(a) and 11-21-204 that give any inspector, game warden or peace officer authority to stop any vehicle carrying livestock, poultry or carcasses to examine the owners permit and the contents. In November, Magistrate Kainer heard arguments from Cannon and Rammell about whether or not the June 27 incident report relating the stop and search of the horse trailer should be suppressed as evidence. Kainer wrote that as a regulatory stop under the law, prosecution had to show Rammells vehicle was commercial property, involved in a closely regulated industry whose operation poses a clear and significant risk to public welfare. Without those conditions, the magistrate said the June 27 stop was unconstitutional and ordered the deputys report to be suppressed. In his Dec. 23 ruling, Judge Haws wrote, The state failed in its burden to establish that law enforcements contact with Mr. Rammell complied with constitutional requirements. Then court and county officials realized that Kainer was not properly appointed and approved as a part-time magistrate. Sublette County commissioners amended their Dec. 17 meeting agenda for a 3-2 vote. Judge Haws addressed commissioners before the vote, saying he too was unaware of the statutory terms to appoint full-time and part-time magistrates and their roles. The prosecutions petition for writ of review was initially assigned to 9th District Judge Marv Tyler. It asks him or another District Court judge to reverse or modify Judge Haws order upholding the magistrates decision. It also questions if the state brand-inspection law requires reasonable suspicion of a crime and if a regulatory stop is limited to some commercial purpose. The prosecution argues that Wyomings agriculture is a necessary and closely regulated industry, which includes the use of brands and branding irons that Wyoming uses to regulate livestock, including horses. It continues, Certainly, by plain language of the statute the legislature intended that all livestock, including those horses owned for recreation or pleasure be subject to brand inspections. On Thursday, Jan. 8, Judge Tyler reassigned the petition for writ of review to Fourth District Court Judge John G. Fenn of Sheridan County. The petition also asks if proving a state laws constitutionality is the prosecutions burden. The state repeatedly asserted during the (evidence suppression) hearing that WS 11-21-103 on its face allows peace officers to stop livestock carriers without probable cause or reasonable suspicion and that the issue before the court was the constitutionality of the statute, it says. The Wyoming Supreme Court has not yet addressed the state laws constitutionality so there are no precedents, the petition states. Cannon cited numerous California Supreme Court decisions that have upheld warrantless or suspicionless searches and inspections, using the example of a game warden asking for hunting and fishing permits. Upon conclusion of the (Rammell) suppression hearing it was clear and indisputable that (Rammell) did not believe the statute as written was constitutional, and his arguments during hearing did not deviate from this stance, the petition reads. Based upon the court improperly shifting the burden from the defendant to the state regarding statutory constitutionality, (Magistrate Kainers) Order Granting Defendants Motion to Suppress and (Judge Haws) Order Approving Magistrates Decision should be vacated. It also asks the District Court to reverse, vacate, remand or modify the magistrates order, saying Kainer exceeded his authority. First, he was not properly appointed as a part-time magistrate and second, in that role he exceeded his authority to hear and rule on evidence, according to the petition. The appointment is not a mere formality and to be taken seriously, and it is unfathomable that a magistrate, prior to assuming a judicial role, would neglect to read readily available and easily located statutes governing lawful appointment, it states. On Dec. 23 Judge Haws defended Kainers authority, saying, At all relevant times (he) and Magistrate Kainer acted in a good faith belief that the magistrates appointment was properly conducted. The new petition compares Kainers acting as a magistrate before county approval to that of public officials wrong actions before they are qualified. Kainer served in the Sublette County Attorneys Office before being elected for four years and then defeated by Mike Crosson. Allowing an unqualified magistrate to escape consequence for serving without authority due to negligently failing to peruse a short statutory section directly related to the appointment and role of magistrates would undermine the publics confidence in the judiciary and establish that judicial officers are above the law, the petition says. The appropriate remedy is to vacate all orders that were rendered in this matter by Clayton Kainer in his role as an unqualified part-time magistrate. The ruling of the Circuit Court has caused understandable and predictable confusion within the law enforcement community, both locally and statewide, the petition continues. The Circuit Courts order establishes precedent that probable cause and reasonable suspicion of a crime are necessary prior to conducting a stop under (WSS 11-21-103). Also, citizens should expect those in judicial roles to be duly appointed and qualified to serve and to honor the Wyoming Constitution and state laws, the petition says. In the meantime, nothing more was filed this week related to the reassigned Circuit Court motion or the District Court petition. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANDRINGHAM, England - Britains pragmatic queen brokered a deal Monday to secure the future of the monarchy, charting a course for Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, that allows them to live part time in Canada while still remaining firmly tied to the House of Windsor. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. SANDRINGHAM, England - Britains pragmatic queen brokered a deal Monday to secure the future of the monarchy, charting a course for Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, that allows them to live part time in Canada while still remaining firmly tied to the House of Windsor. The decision followed a summit at Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham estate in eastern England that sought to resolve the conundrum of what to do with royals who only want the job part time. The British monarch said in a statement that the summit of senior royals was "constructive," and that it had been "agreed that there will be a period of transition'' to sort things out during which Meghan and Harry will spend time in both Canada and the U.K. "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family,'' the queen said in a statement that offered a demonstrably soft tone. "Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.'' Royal statements are usually sticklers for protocol, but the queen referred to "my grandson and his family" and "Harry and Meghan" rather than using the couples formal title, Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor are striking out on their own. (Toby Melville/Getty Images/TNS) The summit marked the first face-to-face talks with Harry since he and Meghan unveiled their controversial wish last week to step back from their royal roles, become financially independent and split their time between Britain and North America. The meeting reflected the queen's desire to contain the fallout from the independence announcement, which prompted hurt feelings among senior family members not told in advance of the decision. But by midday Monday, the House of Windsor showed signs of pulling together. Princes William and Harry issued a joint statement slamming a newspaper report describing a severe strain in their relationship, calling the story offensive and potentially harmful. Though the statement did not name the newspaper, the Times of London has a front page story about the crisis in which a source alleged that Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by the "bullying attitude" from William. The joint statement insisted that the story was "false.'' "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful," the statement said. The queen said after Monday's meeting that these were "complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days." FILE - In this Tuesday, July 10, 2018 file photo, members of the royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, with (from left) Prince Charles, Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge. Queen Elizabeth II says she has agreed to grant Prince Harry and Meghan their wish for a more independent life that will see them move part-time to Canada. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) One of the trickier questions that needs to be worked out is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent and what activities can be undertaken to make money. Other royals who have ventured into the world of commerce have found it complicated. Sophie, the countess of Wessex, sought to keep her public relations firm going after her marriage to the queen's third son, Prince Edward, only to find herself embroiled in controversy when she was tricked by the "Fake Sheikh" an undercover reporter offering a lucrative contract for her firm. Sophie hinted that if the "sheikh" paid for the firm's services he would get greater publicity because of her royal role. In the end, both Sophie and Edward, who ran a television company, gave up their businesses to become full-time royals in 2002. Prince Andrew, who was a UK trade envoy, has faced heated questions about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender and financier, Jeffrey Epstein, whom Andrew has said was beneficial to making useful contacts. The queen's second son has relinquished royal duties and patronages after being accused by a woman who says she was an Epstein trafficking victim who slept with the prince. Harry and Meghan also face questions about paying for security, which is currently taxpayer-funded. Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment, but said safety was a priority and added that "royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that they're dealing with." Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives to attend a morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Sunday Jan. 12, 2020. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have declared they will work to become financially independent as part of a surprise announcement saying they wish "to step back" as senior members of the royal family. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP) Meghan, who is American, has longstanding ties to Canada, having lived in Toronto while filming the popular TV series, "Suits." On Friday, she returned to Canada, where the couple and 8-month-old Archie spent a six-week holiday break out of the public eye. Bob Morris, honorary senior research associate at University College London's Constitution Unit, said that the crux of the matter lies in the difference between being a celebrity and having royal status. "Royal status sets you apart, it gives you special role in our society,'' he said. "It is very difficult for you to put the hat on and take it off. You cannot be half royal or royal part of the time. You can switch it off and on, and it seems to me the royal identity would always be the dominant one." Some of the challenges are enshrined in the law devised some 20 years ago after an inquiry that followed Sophie's, brush with the fake sheikh. The rules are aimed at ensuring working royals do not exploit their status to profit in business. Under the guidelines, the royals must consult the most senior member of the royal household before taking on a business activity a measure that would encroach on Harry and Meghan's independence. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and Meghan the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London on Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Queen agrees to let Harry and Meghan move part-time to Canada after 'constructive' royal summit. She says she would have preferred Harry and Meghan to remain full-time royals but respects wish for an independent life. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Matt Dunham Last week's statement by the couple, who are also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pushed the issue out into the open and touched off a royal crisis. Tom Bradby, a TV journalist who is close to Harry and Meghan, warned in the Sunday Times that the royal family badly needed a peace deal to prevent "a protracted war" that could damage the monarchy. "I have some idea of what might be aired in a full, no-holds-barred, sit-down interview (by Harry and Meghan) and I dont think it would be pretty," he wrote in the Sunday Times. 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. With much at stake, the queen's decision safeguarded the peace for now. Royal expert Penny Junor said it was vital for the stability of the royal family to keep Meghan and Harry happy. "What is absolutely imperative, in my view, is that Harry and Meghan do not go away feeling angry and hurt and rejected, because an angry, hurt, rejected Harry and Meghan could cause absolute havoc for the royal family,'' she said. "If they don't care anymore, if they want to show them, if they want to get their own back, it could get very nasty. They could go completely rogue." __ Kirka and Lawless reported from London. Associated Press writer Helena Alves contributed to this report. __ Follow full AP coverage at https://www.apnews.com/PrinceHarry As he continued to struggle for air into adulthood, art became a way for him to process and explore his disease. He uses patterns and shapes inspired by the structure of the lungs and cells of his body. His artwork feels whimsical all that glitter makes it glow yet each piece holds the weight of Mortimers pain. Several hundred Encinitas homeowners have been targeted by a city crackdown on unregistered vacation rentals that are advertised on websites like Airbnb. A view of the playground at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, a popular spot with tourists and visitors. (Sean M. Haffey / San Diego Union-Tribune) In the last three months, the city has sent letters to 305 homeowners stating that an ordinance passed in 2006 requires a permit and tax payment on short-term rentals, which are private homes rented for 30 consecutive days or less. Roughly 165 letters are still to be mailed. Encinitas officials said a high number of unregistered vacation rentals prompted the enforcement push. According to a city analysis last year, only about one-fourth of the 688 short-term rentals in Encinitas that are listed on various home-sharing websites had city permits. Advertisement Lance Hetherington, a property owner who received a letter, said he didnt realize hes required under city law to pay a 10 percent tax on rental revenue and obtain a permit that costs $140 annually. I wasnt up to speed on permitting, but I am now, Hetherington said. The two-bedroom house hes rented to travelers for roughly the past year is on the same lot as his small home. Hetherington, who was unemployed for three years, said he listed it through HomeAway.com to help pay the bills. When it isnt booked, its a place friends and family can stay, he said. The citys letter gives homeowners 14 days to apply for a permit and start paying taxes or cease renting and advertising their short-term vacation rental. Hetherington plans on pursuing the former option, even though hes not exactly thrilled by the 10 percent tax, part of which is earmarked for beach replenishment projects. Im OK with paying taxes to the city. I see why its necessary. I just think theyre a little high, he said, adding that hell either have to raise rates or absorb the loss. The city passed its short-term rental ordinance more than a decade ago well before the boom in online rental websites due to complaints over rowdy out-of-towners. The ordinance was enforced on a complaint basis until last year when the city hired a temporary employee to track unregistered rentals. Mayor Catherine Blakespear said enforcing the ordinance is important for the sake of neighborhoods. A key component of the law, she said, is a requirement that landlords display a sign outside their home with a name and telephone number in case of any problems. Systems work best when neighbors are able to communicate with each other directly, follow the rules in place, and not involve city code enforcement, Blakespear said. Coastal cities like Encinitas described on websites like Airbnb and VRBO.com as a charming seaside community, close to golden beaches and good surf have seen vacation rentals explode in popularity over the past several years. Del Mar and several other cities are still wrestling with how to regulate rentals, some of which have been operating for decades. Some residents argue the rentals result in a revolving door of strangers with little regard for neighborhoods. Others say theyre an important source of income for owners and also boost the local economy. Blakespear said while she periodically hears concerns about short-term vacation rentals in Encinitas, the city hasnt discussed strengthening its rules. It doesnt seem like weve reached a fever pitch around this issue, and I do think that its because weve had an ordinance in place for some time, she said. Since beginning proactive enforcement on Oct. 24, Encinitas hasnt issued any fines, which start at $250 and reach $1,000 upon fourth and subsequent violations. Once we go through this initial effort, I think there wouldnt be as much leniency, because people should be on notice now, said City Finance Director Tim Nash. The unlicensed rentals were identified after a temporary city employee armed with the online listings determined the general area of each rental and then matched the online photos to images on Google Street View. Those pictures are included with the letters. Helen Jones said she was surprised to receive a letter because her property hasnt been offered as a short-term rental since the summer of 2015. Still, she said, she complied with the tax and permit requirements. She also sent a response to the city clarifying that, though her listing was still online, it was done only as a matter of convenience, in case she decides to one day rent it out again. Just to make sure Im OK with the city, Ill take the listing down, she said. Nash said most of the homeowners hes spoken with so far said they simply werent aware of the citys ordinance. Others like Jones have sent responses saying their units are no longer being rented, and a few were landlords who didnt realize their long-term tenants were renting to vacationers. The citys initial attempt to enforce the registration rules hit a snag months ago when the first batch of 40 letters went out and half went to property owners not hosting vacation rentals. Nash attributed the error to bad data from a consultant that the city ultimately scrapped in favor of the temporary employee. When we sent out those letters that werent accurate, yes there were some folks that were upset. But since then, I would have to say most people understand why were doing this, Nash said. He said the city budgeted $15,000 for the temporary employee, and paid the consultant $4,188 some of which it might recoup. Whitlock is a freelance writer. Its not that white guys are running the entire table this year. For the first time, a film from South Korea Bong Joon-hos wealth-inequality parable Parasite has a credible shot at winning best picture, and Bong could very well take home the award for best director. Like Romas showing last year, thats a progressive development, acknowledging film as a global medium. But, as imaginative and richly realized as his film is, its still more of a piece than not with the American films hes competing against: Like Todd Phillipss Joker, Martin Scorseses The Irishman and Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it relies on familiar tropes of explosive, stylized violence for its most visceral thrills. Sam Mendes, nominated for his direction of 1917, has been duly recognized for his audacious decision to film the World War I action-adventure seemingly in one continuous shot, a muscular cinematic flex if ever there was one. But as a war picture about men of courage going into battle, 1917 epitomizes the kind of movie Hollywood has always deemed important and canonical enough to deserve its highest honors. Uber passenger arrested for trying to kidnap driver, police say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com An Uber passenger was arrested after pulling a gun on a driver in an attempt to kidnap her, police said. The suspect, 23-year-old Adam Salaz, was picked up in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Sunday on charges related to the incident that occurred in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Uber driver had picked up a male passenger on Friday, Jan. 10, police said. As she was driving, the passenger pulled a gun on her, demanding she drive him to the desert, according to a statement posted on the Grand Junction Police Departments website. MORE: Uber establishes $4.4M fund for female employees who faced sexual harassment, retaliation The driver jumped from the vehicle while it was still in motion and escaped. The suspect drove off in the vehicle -- a white 2019 Toyota C-HR. The victim suffered minor injuries, according to the polices statement. The vehicle has yet to be recovered. PHOTO: Adam Salaz in a police booking photo. (Grand Junction Police Department ) Through an investigation, police identified the suspect as Salaz. He is currently being held in the Eddy County Detention Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico. MORE: Uber reveals nearly 6,000 incidents of sexual assaults in new safety report Salazs current charges in New Mexico include resisting, evading or obstructing an officer (arrest) and concealing identity. He will be extradited to Colorado at an unknown date, according to Grand Junction police. This is the latest in a troubling number of crimes and assaults involving Uber drivers and passengers. Concerns have been raised over the ride-sharing service's safety, after an 84-page report released last December, revealed there were nearly 6,000 reports of sexual assault from both riders and drivers across the United States in 2017 and 2018. Overall, riders accounted for 45% of the accused parties. The report noted that some assaults occurred between riders. A clash occurred between BJP leader AK Nazeer and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) workers outside a mosque near Nedumkandam in Idukki district, police said. The clash took place on Sunday. Nazeer was going to a mosque after attending a public meeting in favour of the Citizenship Act when the clash erupted. Further details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) EDWARDSVILLE Federal prosecution and, potentially, death penalties are being sought in three recent murder cases. On Monday, Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons officially requested that U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois review the cases for prosecution under the Federal First Degree Murder Statute 18 USC 1111 or other applicable statutes that would allow application of the federal death penalty upon the individuals who committed these brutal, interstate murders. Specifically, the letter seeks federal prosecution for the Dec. 19 slayings of Shari Yates, Andrew AJ Brooks and John McMillan in Bethalto; the Jan. 4 slaying of Randy Gori in Edwardsville; and the Jan. 8 slaying of James Thomas in Granite City. In 2011, former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn abolished the death penalty in Illinois. Since 2011, I no longer have available to me the ultimate punishment for the most brutal and heinous crimes, Gibbons writes in his letter. The United States Department of Justice, however, still has the power to seek a sentence of death for such crimes. For that reason, and for the safety and security of the citizens of Madison County, I implore you to take up the charge and seek the ultimate justice which is so truly deserved by the victims of these horrible crimes and by all the good people of Madison County, Gibbons letter states. Gibbons letter to Weinhoeft states that Madison County residents have long suffered from an invasion of criminals traveling to the county to commit crimes. More recently, he states, such crimes have turned deadly. Since December 19th, we have endured three cases of homicide one including multiple victims which were the result of perpetrators traveling across state lines to commit their crimes, each time with deadly results, his letter states. On Dec. 19, Yates, 59; Brooks, 30; and McMillian, 32, were shot to death in a Bethalto home. Brady Kane Witcher, 41, and Brittany McMillan, 28 both of Birmingham, Alabama been charged with first degree murder, armed robbery and aggravated vehicular hijacking in their deaths. Witcher also has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. According to court documents, Witcher and Brittany McMillan also are accused of killing a woman in Alabama on Dec. 13 as well as kidnapping a couple, stabbing one of them and taking their car in Nashville, Tennessee on Dec. 14. They were arrested at a motel in Hazelwood, Missouri, allegedly in possession of Yates vehicle, on Dec. 19. On Jan. 4, Gori, 47, a prominent attorney, was killed in an unincorporated area of Madison County outside of Edwardsville. Timothy Banowetz, 28, of Wentzville, Missouri, has been charged with first degree murder, armed robbery, auto theft and aggravated unlawful restraint in connection to his death. Court documents allege Banowetz travelled by automobile from Missouri to a secluded location near Goris home where he threatened Gori and two minor children with a deadly weapon and restrained them. The victims allegedly were taken into the home by Banowetz, who also is accused of stabbing Gori to death. Court documents state the crime was interrupted by an individual who had arrived at the house, prompting Banowetz to flee. On Jan. 9, Kadeem Noland, 27, of St. Louis, and Christine Mills, 34, of Granite City, allegedly were staying in St. Louis and travelled to Thomas home in Granite City. Court documents allege they fatally shot Thomas just inside the front door of his home before fleeing back to St. Louis. Noland and Mills both have been charged with first degree murder. Noland also has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Survival improvement of over 150% seen in MDNA55 subjects compared to a Synthetic Control Arm TORONTO and HOUSTON, Jan 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. ("Medicenna" or "the Company") (TSX: MDNA,OTCQB: MDNAF), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company, today announced that it has completed a retrospective study on subjects with recurrent Glioblastoma (rGBM) who matched eligibility requirements of subjects enrolled in the MDNA55-05 clinical trial. This study was conducted to compare the survival of subjects treated with MDNA55, an interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R) targeted therapy, in the Phase 2b rGBM clinical trial versus matched patients (Synthetic Control Arm or SCA) recently treated using other approved therapies. The SCA comprised of 81 rGBM patients receiving approved therapies including Avastin, Lomustine and Temozolomide with similar baseline features as patients treated in the MDNA55 trial such as age, tumor size, ineligibility for surgery, interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R) expression and other parameters known to affect survival. "This first true apples-to-apples comparison of the data shows that a single treatment with MDNA55 has the ability to more than double the survival rates in patients with the most aggressive form of rGBM," said Dr. Fahar Merchant, President and CEO of Medicenna Therapeutics. "We hope that these results are a watershed moment in the battle against this aggressive and fatal disease, and are particularly meaningful considering that an even modest improvement in survival of 25% has not been demonstrated by any of the approved treatments of rGBM in more than two decades." Key data from the study are summarized below and have been computed from the date of relapse rather than from the date of treatment in results previously reported by the Company: When comparing IL4R High groups across the two populations, a 150% survival advantage is seen in patients who received MDNA55. IL4R High subjects treated with MDNA55 (n=21) had a median Overall Survival (mOS) of 15.8 months versus 6.2 months in the SCA (n=17), a survival advantage of an impressive 9.6 months. The 12 month Overall Survival (OS-12) was 62% in the MDNA55 arm versus 24% in the SCA. Regardless of IL4R status, subjects treated with MDNA55 (n=44 subjects comprising the complete per protocol analysis population) demonstrated 112% increase in OS-12 than subjects in the SCA (n=81). OS-12 for the MDNA55 arm was 53% versus 25% in the SCA. mOS in the MDNA55 arm was 12.4 versus 7.7 months in the SCA. "When compared to real-world data, our results show a considerable increase in survival benefit particularly in patients with high expression of the IL4R who are known to have very poor prognosis, " adds Dr. Merchant. "We are thrilled with the results from this new study which further solidifies our belief that MDNA55 could be breakthrough therapy for patients with rGBM and other types of brain cancer. The results of this analysis will be included in the End of Phase 2 meeting package which will be submitted to the USFDA in the first quarter of 2020. The purpose of the new study was to obtain more reliable survival results from a matched Synthetic Control Arm (SCA). As the patient population in the MDNA55 clinical trial consisted of rGBM tumors with the most aggressive disease and worse potential outcomes which are not generally the subject of published literature, results from the SCA more accurately reflects the patient population that would have been enrolled in a control arm setting. Furthermore, none of the published studies provide a sub-analysis based on IL4R status. The SCA study allowed Medicenna to use the same methods for IL4R analysis as was used in the MDNA55 clinical trial. About the MDNA55 Synthetic Control Arm Subjects in the Synthetic Control Arm (SCA) were identified from patient registries at neurosurgery tissue banks under IRB-approved protocols. Subjects were selected based on key eligibility criteria of the MDNA55 trial: male or female subjects 18 years of age with de novo WHO grade IV GBM at 1st or 2nd relapse following standard first-line treatment(s) with surgery and radio-chemotherapy; subjects must have tumor size no smaller than 1cm x 1cm and no larger than 4cm x 4cm, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) of 70, must not be candidates for surgery/resection at relapse, and must have no known mutation in either the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and/or the IDH2 gene. Demographic and clinical information were extracted from clinical records. Archived GBM tumor tissue sample from initial diagnosis was collected where available and analyzed for IL4R expression using the same validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay that was used in the MDNA55-05 trial. Survival time was computed from date of relapse to the date of death. Median overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test was used for between-group comparisons. In order to avoid potential bias, Medicenna remained blinded to the survival data throughout the project. The blind on survival analysis was lifted only after the IL4R results were reported in order to avoid selection bias. 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 SCA is a true apples-to-apples comparison, that the disclosed results are a watershed moment in the battle against an aggressive and fatal disease, that the results from this new study further solidifies that MDNA55 could be breakthrough therapy for patients with rGBM and other types of brain cancer, that the End of Phase 2 meeting package will be submitted to the USFDA in the first quarter of 2020 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 AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump has retweeted what appears to be an image of a dead body and a meme of senior Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer dressed as Muslims as he continues to lash out over the Iran crisis and his upcoming Senate impeachment trial. The president reportedly first approved the assassination of Quds commander Qassem Soleimani back in June 2019, according to a new report, further clouding the administrations claim that it faced an imminent threat against four of its embassies in the Middle East from the late general. Mr Trump spent his weekend tweeting angrily about his impeachment, declaring he does not deserve the stigma of the reprimand and calling for the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against him to be dismissed outright as Speaker Pelosi prepares to finally pass them over to the upper chamber for trial. As a trial begins to take shape, a trove of new evidence from one of Rudy Giuliani's associates could shed more light on the president's alleged efforts to dig up dirt on his political opponents. Lev Parnas have the House Intelligence Committee a cache of evidence, including WhatsApp messages and texts, detailing his "interactions with a number of individuals relevant to the impeachment inquiry". The White House has also clashed with the House Speaker after she accurately explained that there are "different reasons" why protesters are demonstrating in Iran, following outrage over the killing of General Soleimani and the regime's admission of shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane. Republicans attacked Ms Pelosi and intentionally misrepresented her statement as a dismissal of Iranian protests, while the president encouraged residents in that country to speak out against the government to bolster defence of his attacks. He also said it doesn't matter whether the administration determined Iran was planning "imminent" attacks because Mr Trump believes the general's history warranted the attack against him. Meanwhile, the president has flown to New Orleans to watch the college football national championship, where he expects a warm reception. Follow coverage as it happened: Read more Trump retweets image showing Nancy Pelosi in Muslim dress US coal shuts down at near-record rate, despite Trump's promises Trump says he 'couldn't care less' if Iran negotiates with US Trump obsesses over impeachment as new Iran details emerge House gets texts and images that could expose Trump's Ukraine dealings Stating that the "spirit of resistance has awoken", opposition parties on Monday called for repealing the Citizenship Amendment Act and "immediate stoppage of the NRC/NPR" on grounds that the "package" is unconstitutional and targets the poor and downtrodden. The meeting, convened by the Congress, saw chinks in the opposition ranks with leaders of about 20 political parties attending it but six major parties -- DMK, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Shiv Sena -- choosing to stay away. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the JMM and LJD chief Sharad Yadav were among those who attended the meeting. While Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the protests against the CAA and the NRC reflect widespread frustration and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of diverting attention from real issues such as the economy, her son Rahul Gandhi challenged the prime minister to visit any of the troubled campuses and speak on what he is going to do for the country. "The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic and religious minorities. The NPR is the basis for the NRC. We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR," stated the joint resolution adopted at the meeting. It said all chief ministers who have announced they will not implement the National Register of Citizens in their state must also consider suspend the National Population Register enumeration which was a prelude. The resolution also listed three dates -- Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary on January 23, Republic Day on January 26 and Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day on January 30 -- on which to peacefully and appropriately defend the Constitution and safeguard the secular democratic republic. "A spirit of resistance has awoken. We urgent every fellow Indian to strengthen this spirit by joining in solidarity to observe January 23 is the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose," the resolution said. On Republic Day, people should read the Preamble of the Constitution and take oath to safeguard it. And on January 30, highlight Mahatma Gandhi's relentless campaigns in pursuit of communal harmony. The BJP, it said, has embarked on a "dangerous course of sharpening communal polarization and attacking democratic rights and Constitutional guarantees of the people affecting millions of people and marginalized communities". Addressing the meeting, Sonia Gandhi said the nationwide spontaneous protests by youth supported by citizens reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger She also alleged that the response of police in UP and Delhi has been "shockingly partisan and brutal". "The prime minister and home minister have misled the people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," the Congress chief said. She said the real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged. "The prime minister and home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive, polarizing issue after another. It is for us to work together and thwart the designs of this government," she said. After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi echoed her and said Modi was doing the biggest disservice to the nation by dividing it and distracting the attention of people. He said the prime minister should stand up and have the courage to speak to the youth on why the Indian economy has become a disaster and why there is highest unemployment in 50 years. "Unfortunately, the prime minister does not have the guts to stand in front of the students of this country and tell them so he crushes them using the police... I challenge the prime minister right now, to go to any of the universities, stand over there without his police, without his infrastructure and tell the people what he is going to do for this country," he said. Rahul Gandhi said the discussion at the meeting centred on the mood in the country with students and people of all religions and communities coming out. "There is a feeling of anger and fear in our students, in the weaker sections, in the farmers... The opportunity that India had has been lost, let me tell you. We are busy discussing everything except the main issue, which is joblessness and our economic strength. This is being destroyed by Mr. Narendra Modi," he alleged. The opposition meeting also expressed their solidarity with the protesting students in their bid to win over the youth and students. Sources said the opposition is seeking to take the students' movement forward and have lent support to their cause. Asked to comment on the parties which skipped the meeting, his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad said the opposition is together. "They may or may not attend the meeting, but we are all together and united on the subject and purposes of CAA, NPR and NRC. There is no question of any division," he said. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury agreed and said some parties had not come but had expressed their support. "The question is not individual political parties, but to save the Constitution," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lizzie Upchurch strode up to the doughnut shop and peered through the front window. Inside, contractors were busy putting the finishing touches on the new shop, installing white stone countertops, fixing the linoleum floor and installing a buffalo head on the back wall. Upchurch, 20, was about to walk away disappointed when a store manager rushed to the door, holding out a pink box filled with a dozen fresh doughnuts. The Houston residents eyes lit up, and she broke out smiling. Im so excited, Upchurch said. Ive never been, but they do the craziest things. It just caught my eye. Voodoo Doughnut, a Portland, Ore., institution known for its zany confections and cult-like following, will open its first Houston store on Wednesday, entering a crowded doughnut market long dominated by hometown favorite Shipley Do-Nuts. If Voodoos 2015 debut in Austin is any indication, throngs of local doughnut fans are expected to swarm the Buffalo Heights store this week to try the companys signature doughnuts, such as the Maple Bacon Bar and Portland Cream. Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox The 2,400-square-foot shop, at 3715 Washington, marks Voodoos first market expansion since San Francisco private equity firm Fundamental Capital acquired a majority stake in the company in 2017 and laid plans for major expansion. The chain, aided by new leadership and capital infusion, has targeted Houston as its launchpad to take a bigger bite out of the $8.3 billion U.S. doughnut market. Were in growth mode right now, Voodoo CEO Chris Schultz said. Were excited about coming to Houston and starting our growth here. Slow grow Voodoo was founded in 2003 by Kenneth Cat Daddy Pogson and Tres Shannon who saw a need for a doughnut shop in downtown Portland. The two longtime friends rented a hole-in-the-wall storefront between two nightclubs, and began making and selling unconventional confections using unusual ingredients such crispy bacon, Tang and Capn Crunch and Fruit Loops cereals. Voodoo once even offered Nyquil, Pepto-Bismol and Tums-topped doughnuts before local health officials forced the company to take them off the menu. The late Anthony Bourdain put Voodoo on the culinary map in 2007 when he featured the shop and its iconic Bacon Maple Bar a raised yeast doughnut topped with maple frosting and bacon on his popular Travel Channel show, No Reservations. Since then, Voodoo has been all over the media from Today to The Tonight Show, and has become one of Portlands top tourist destinations. Despite its popularity, Voodoo has grown slowly, expanding to Eugene, Ore., in 2010; Denver in 2013; and Austin in 2015. The company in 2017 and 2018 partnered with Universal Studios to open shops in its Citywalk tourist attractions in Hollywood and Orlando. The company will have nine locations nationally after opening its Houston shop Wednesday. By comparison, Krispy Kreme has more than 1,200 locations worldwide, and Dunkin Donuts has more than 11,300 locations globally. Shipley, the Houston-based company in operation for more than 80 years, has 325 stores in nine states, including 120 locations in the Houston area. Texas is home to about 5.6 percent of the nearly 10,000 doughnut shops nationally, the third highest after California and New York, according to IBISWorld, a market research firm. On HoustonChronicle.com: In-N-Out Burgers Houston launch receives rabid reception David Littwitz, a Houston restaurant consultant and broker who has not worked with Shipley or Voodoo, said Houston is a large enough market for several doughnut companies to compete. He said Shipleys should have little to worry about Voodoo. Shipley wont lose any sleep, Littwitz said. Shipley is ubiquitous. Theyre in every neighborhood. At the end of the day, Voodoo isnt going to change the market much. Schultz, who was recruited by Fundamental Capital two years ago to helm Voodoo, has been tasked with growing the doughnut shop into a national brand. The California native, who started his career as a dishwasher at a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, has plenty of experience. He spent 14 years at Starbucks, helping to grow the Seattle-based coffee giant from 300 stores to 20,000 during his time there. He was seniot vice president for operations at Seattle-based MOD Pizza for about a decade, helping grow the company from one store to 325. Thats all Ive ever done: growth, Schultz said. If youre not growing, youre not giving your people an opportunity to develop into managers and district supervisors and be the best they can be. Hole in the market Voodoo is poised for growth. Surging consumer confidence amid the economic boom has boosted spending on small luxuries, such as premium coffee and pastries. As a result, the U.S. doughnut market has grown 3.1 percent annually between 2014 and 2019, according to IBISWorld. Industry growth in recent years has been propelled by the rise of wildly popular innovations to the staid doughnut, such as the cronut, a doughnut-shaped pastry made from a croissant-like dough. These and other high-end offerings made with ingredients such as smores, peanut butter and jelly and even alcohol have helped push profit margins to an average of 7.7 percent, according to IBISWorld. Voodoo, which invented the bacon maple bar and helped popularize cereal-topped doughnuts, serves more than 50 varieties of handmade yeast and cake doughnuts, including new offerings such as the Cannolo, a cannoli-shaped doughnut, and Hi Tea, a doughnut with an Earl Grey tea frosting and hibiscus drizzle. Doughnuts are handmade three times a day. Breaking News: Get email alerts from Chron.com sent directly to your inbox Voodoos doughnuts start at 95 cents for a plain cake doughnut to as much as $5 for a more elaborate one. A box containing a bakers dozen, which includes Bacon Maple Bar, costs about $20. Voodoo also sells drip coffee, bottled beverages and branded merchandise such as T-shirts and hoodies. These new offerings have pushed doughnuts beyond the domain of breakfast. Doughnuts are now served as dessert at restaurants and at wedding parties. Voodoos shops, which operate 24/7 and are closed only for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, are a popular late-night hangout for the bar crowd. Most of Voodoos business occurs between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Its a misnomer that you can only get doughnuts in the morning, Schultz said. Were the traditional doughnut in the morning, a midday snack to treat the kids and were also this crazy late night event. Food town Schultz, who brought MOD Pizza to Houston in 2014, said he chose the city to launch Voodoos national expansion because of its large population, diversity and growing reputation as a food destination. Although Houston may not be as weird as Portland or Austin, its got an electric, cool vibe, he added. Were not bringing hip to Houston, Schultz said. Were here to magnify whats already here. Indeed, Voodoo brings an eclectic aesthetic to Houstons doughnut scene. The pink, yellow and brown-colored shop features tables wrapped in newspaper obituaries, crystal chandeliers from New Orleans and a buffalo head on a wall, a nod to nearby Buffalo Park. Music, curated by store employees, will play overhead. The shop, which features Voodoos first drive-thru, employs 70 workers whose pay will start at $11.50 an hour with health insurance, paid time off, pet insurance and a flexible work schedule. On HoustonChronicle.com: FOMO Factory to reopen for limited run at Galleria mall The store manager is an ordained minister, and can officiate weddings both real and fake inside the shop. Sales will be halted for about five minutes while couples get married under a spirit channeler painting of Houston native Patrick Swayze hung in the corner. Voodoo conducted 100 wedding ceremonies last year, Schultz said. When you come to Voodoo, its not just coming to a doughnut shop, Schultz said. Its truly an experience. Voodoo plans to open as many as five shops nationwide this year, nearly doubling its store footprint. Ultimately, Schultz said he could see 15 Voodoo shops in Houston, where the company will have a bigger presence than in its hometown of Portland. It is planning stores in Montrose, Rice Village and the Heights, and eventually envisions stores in Katy, Sugar Land and The Woodlands. However, Schultz is adamant he is not building a doughnut chain with stores on every street corner. Voodoo, he maintains, is a specialty shop and has to remain exclusive and authentic to its quirky Portland roots, where the original shop conducted legal weddings, hosting concerts and held weekly Swahili lessons. Sometimes brands grow so fast, they lose what made them special, Schultz said. We dont want to lose that. Its important for me to be respectful of what the brand is as we grow, and not become this ubiquitous brand with name tags. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi Maria Fuertes, 92, was found in the middle of a street in Queens early Monday. A 21-year-old man has now been charged with her murder The New York man charged over the sexual assault and murder of an elderly woman says there was no need to rape her as he already has a girlfriend. Reeaz Khan 21, made the claim just days after his arrest over the death of Maria Fuertes, 92. 'Why would I touch a 92 year old woman?' he told the New York Daily News. 'I have a girlfriend and have had sex with other women.' In the same interview, the 21-year-old said he would never hurt an elderly woman and had just been trying to help her. 'I had a grandma that I took care of,' he said. 'I'd wipe her eyes, carry her, and take her to doctors appointments.' However, despite the young man's denials, most, including his own father do not believe him. 'You make your kids, but you don't make their minds,' father Afraz Khan said. 'We're very sorry for what happened. Our sympathies go out to that woman's family.' Reeaz Khan's latest comments come after he earlier told detectives he was just trying to help the elderly woman, before his pants fell down and his genitals came into contact with hers. On Friday, investigators charged Khan with sexual abuse and murder in the second-degree, allegedly following a tip-off from his own brother. He is seen after his arrest Fuertes was discovered lying 'incoherent' on a street near her home in Queens around 2am on Monday January 6, with a broken spine, rib fractures and bruising on her chest and neck. The much-loved local - whom neighbors referred to as 'grandma' - later died in hospital. The elderly woman's two sons also said they did not believe the 21-year-old's claims. 'Honestly he better not act like he don't know what he did. He killed her, he killed my mother,' said Hugo Fuertes, 69. 'Now he's scared because he knows what's coming, he knows what's waiting for him.' 'He knows what he did and the community is angry,' added the victim's younger son, Ray Fuertes, 52. ' I bet he just didn't know there were cameras.' Khan has told detectives that he was simply walking by when he came across Fuertes lying on the pavement and tried to help her Khan was pictured walking out of the police precinct flanked by two officer on Friday following his arrest. On Friday last week, investigators charged Khan with sexual abuse and murder in the second-degree, with reports saying a tip-off came from his own brother. Investigators also claim they were able to retrieve significant surveillance footage from the area that proves Khan committed the crime. They believe Khan approached Fuertes from behind while she was walking home from a deli where she went to buy cat food late at night. Police assert Khan then attacked her, before the pair became involved in a scuffle and fell to the ground. However, The New York Post reports that Khan has told detectives that he was simply walking through the area when he came across Fuertes lying on the pavement. He claims he was trying to help her up when 'he fell down, his belt broke, his pants fell down and his penis fell near her vagina'. According to The Post, Khan told detectives that at that moment 'something came over him' and he 'lifted up Fuertes' skirt and try to put his penis inside of her'. Khan reportedly admitted to suffering 'uncontrollable urges,' and decided to act upon them. He is being held without bond and will appear in court on January 15. The attack has rocked the Queens community. The popular local often go out late at night to a local deli to buy tins of tuna and cat food. Officers combed through surveillance footage trying to find the person responsible for the horrific attack The attack happened close to the intersection of 127th Street and Liberty Avenue in Queens She would then return home, open the tins and leave them near the front of her house for her own pets and other local cats to eat. Hugo Fuertes, Maria's son, said she was 'a very nice, very good lady' who never caused harm to anyone. Aneil Ram, who lived nearby, told ABC News: 'She was a sweet lady. 'We all knew her since we were small and it's sickening to even hear something like that happening to her.' 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 Citizenship Act: 40,000 refugees identified in UP; Maximum in Pilibhit India oi-Deepika S Lucknow, Jan 13: Uttar Pradesh, which became the first state to begin process for implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act has reportedly sent a list of largely Hindu refugees living across 19 districts in the state to the Union home ministry. The data reveals 40,000 non-Muslim illegal immigrants live in UP. Of these, 30,000 to 35,000 are in Pilibhit district alone. Wont rest until every refugee from Pak is given citizenship: Shah "The notification for the CAA (by the Centre) has been issued and all district magistrates in UP have been asked to collect data," Sharma told PTI. "This is an ongoing process, will keep on updating the figures. All District Magistrates have been asked to carry out surveys and keep on updating list. We are in process of sharing this list with the Union home ministry too," the report said. The districts from where the first list has arrived included Sahranpur, Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Rampur, Pratapgarh, Pilibhit, Lucknow, Varnaasi, Bahraich, Lakhimpur, Rampur, Meerut, Agra. An NGO, Nagrik Adhikar Manch, has also prepared a 116-page report, "Uttar Pradesh Mein Aaye Pakistan, Afghanistan Evam Bangladesh ke Sharnarthiyon ki Aapbeeti (Unke Utpeedan ki Kahani)" and sent it to the state and the Centre. However, the state government has not confirmed whether it was taking the report into account or not. "We have got the report of the Nagrik Adhikar Manch," a senior Home Department official said, who refused to elaborate. The Centre last week had issued a gazette notification announcing that the CAA has come into effect from January 10, 2020. The state, it may be recalled had witnessed large scale protests against the law that grants citizenship to the religiously persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. UP had witnessed large scale violence against the law and 20 persons had died. The government has also issued over 100 notices to persons part of the violence and sought to know why the damage caused to the public property could not be recovered from them. The Minister of Information and Culture as well as his Interior counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, to honour him on his 49th coronation anniversary. The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the ministers in company with Babafemi Ojudu, the Special Adviser to the Vice President on Political Matters, arrived the monarchs palace in Oyo town on Monday. NAN also reports that the monarch, as part of activities marking his 49th coronation anniversary, also installed renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as Mayegun of Yorubaland. Mr Adeyemi, one of Africas most powerful and influential traditional rulers, was crowned on January 14, 1971. The ministers, in separate interviews after a closed door meeting with the Alaafin, told journalists that they were in Oyo to honour both the monarch and Mr Ayinde. Mr Mohammed, in particular, said he was in Oyo on a combined mission of honouring the duo of the Alaafin and Mr Ayinde as well as to promote the cultural values of the country. We are here to honour the Alaafin and an icon in Nigerian music. As you know, I am the minister in-charge of culture, I have another role to play. I am here to honour a friend and to beam the light on the cultural values of our country, he said. Mr Aregbesola, on his part, said that he was in Oyo to be part of the 49th ascension anniversary of the Alaafin and to rejoice with his friend, Mr Ayinde. I am here to be part of the 49th anniversary of Alaafins ascension to the throne and equally rejoice with my friend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, he said. Mr Ojudu, a former senator, said he was in Oyo to honour the monarch and Mr Ayinde on the instruction of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. You know what Kabiyesi is doing today is honouring Yoruba culture. The musicians and theatre practitioners, as custodians of culture, tells the stories of yesterday, today and project that of today. Nobody has honoured any harbinger of culture in our society. Today is the first, somebody who upholds our culture and takes it around the world is being honoured. It is very important. That is why the vice president asked me to be here, he said. NAN reports that the event was attended by traditional rulers from Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States, theatre practitioners and other dignitaries. (NAN) Scientists from University Hospital Zurich, ETH Zurich, Wyss Zurich and the University of Zurich have managed to keep human livers alive for a week outside the body using machines. If successful on large scale trials, this could be a breakthrough for organ transplants and donor organs could be stored outside the body for longer, speculate researchers. The new study was published today in the latest issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology. The study was titled, An integrated perfusion machine preserves injured human livers for one week. A surgeon connects the donor liver to the perfusion machine. Image Credit: USZ They collectively made a machine that can help repair the injured and damaged livers and also keeps the liver tissues alive outside the body. At present livers from donors could be preserved once removed from the body for only a few hours. The team wrote, Current approaches for normothermic perfusion can preserve human livers for only 24 h. This means that recipients of the transplants would have only a precious time window before they could receive the liver. With the help of this new perfusion machine, not only healthy donated livers, but also injured and damaged livers could be stored outside the body. Experts in transplantation medicine have hailed this new study. Persons with severe liver disease and liver cancers would benefit greatly from this research the team of scientists add. In addition the machine that perfuses the organs outside the body could be used to bring to life injured livers from cadavers after perfusing them for several days. Researchers have added that the machine mimics the physiological perfusion system of the body. They write that they developed the machine that, integrates multiple core physiological functions, including automated management of glucose levels and oxygenation, waste-product removal and hematocrit control. The machine was developed with a series of pig livers. The team moved on to human livers after successful survival of the pig livers outside the body with the help of the machine. Prof. Pierre-Alain Clavien, Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Transplantation at the University Hospital Zurich and leader of this project said that this project began in 2015 when donated livers or injured livers could be preserved for only 12 hours using this machine. He said, The success of this unique perfusion system - developed over a four-year period by a group of surgeons, biologists and engineers - paves the way for many new applications in transplantation and cancer medicine helping patients with no liver grafts available. Now the donated as well as damaged livers could be preserved for a seven day period. This can help repair them of injuries as well as clean up fatty deposits before transplanting them into recipients. Liver as an organ is capable of regeneration. This means that if part of the organ is removed, the rest grows to fulfil its functions. This new machine could also help regeneration of the injured and resected livers, explain the researchers. Wyss Zurich institute led a project called the Liver4Life project. Under this project researchers from University Hospital Zurich, ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich came under a single roof to bring about this machine. Prof. Philipp Rudolf von Rohr, Professor of Process Engineering at ETH Zurich and co-leader of the project said, The biggest challenge in the initial phase of our project was to find a common language that would allow communication between the clinicians and engineers. For this study the team came together and used ten poor quality human donated livers. These livers had been refused by all centres across Europe because of their poor functional qualities. The team put all the ten livers onto the perfusion machine. They noted that six of the livers, by the end of the week were fully functional and ready for transplant onto recipients. The team found that these livers could now produce bile and coagulation factors (that is normally produced by the liver). These livers now maintained cell energy or ATP and also showed an intact structure and anatomy of the liver. As a next step the team plans on transplanting these six livers onto various recipients and see if they are actually functional after transplantation. As of now the success of the machine made by surgeons, biologists and engineers in collaboration is commendable and would allow many on the waiting line for donated livers to benefit, say researchers. The team writes in conclusion, With further testing to demonstrate its use with injured livers and long-term transplantation success, this machine may provide an avenue for providing more patients with liver grafts. Question: I woke at 3am with a nasty pain in my left arm and a spider in my bed. I threw it out of the window, but the next day I was still in pain and my wife saw a bump on my skin which she thought could have been a black widow bite. I was unaware spiders in the UK had such a harmful bite. Allen Togwell, Blackheath, London. Answer: Only around 12 of the 600 or more species of spider found in the UK are known to bite, and none is a major health risk. A black widow bite, however, is extremely dangerous but they are not native to the UK. False widow spiders (so-called because of their resemblance to black widows) arrived here in cargo in the 1870s and are the most venomous in this country, though no deaths have been recorded from their bites. The main concern is an infection at the site of the bite as with any penetrative wound, there is a risk that bacteria are introduced. The false widows (there are six types) have distinctive cream markings on a brown body with reddish-brown legs and most of them are about the size of a 50p coin. False widow spiders (pictured) (so-called because of their resemblance to black widows) arrived here in cargo in the 1870s and are the most venomous in this country, though no deaths have been recorded from their bites I became aware of them five years ago when one of my patients sustained a false widow bite confirmed as he had taken a photo of the spider with his phone. The area around the bite was red and swollen, several centimetres across, with a centre of black, dead tissue the size of a fingernail. Over the following days he developed infected boils at different sites on his body; bacterial cultures in a lab confirmed infection with an aggressive Staphylococcus organism, most likely from the bite. The infections were treated with a prolonged course of flucloxacillin, the only antibiotic to which the bacteria were sensitive. This was my first experience of an infected spider bite in more than four decades as a GP in other words, these kinds of infections are not common. More typically, a bite from a false widow spider is about as painful as a bee sting; there will be redness and swelling caused by the injected venom with intense itching. The wound may be slow to heal, but there is no further complication. Question: My son-in-law suffers with what appears to be repetitive strain injury through his work as a picture framer, with pain from his right shoulder all the way to his hand. Neither physiotherapy nor tramadol have helped. Write to Dr Scurr To contact Dr Scurr with a health query, write to him at Good Health Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or email drmartin@dailymail.co.uk including contact details. Dr Scurr cannot enter into personal correspondence. Replies should be taken in a general context and always consult a GP with any health worries. Advertisement Name and address supplied. Answer: Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is pain that occurs due to tendons thickening following a history of repeated tendon loading or movement. Another name for it is overuse tendinopathy. It typically involves the forearm and wrist. In general, the tendons are obviously sensitive on examination. But this doesnt seem to be so in your son-in-laws case, as he has not officially been told its RSI, and the pain starts higher up. Your description makes me think of cervical spondylosis, a condition caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine, the bones of the neck. These can irritate the nerve roots that form the nerve supply of the entire arm, causing nagging pain, as you describe. Twice in the past month I have seen patients with similar symptoms: one runs a dry cleaning business and laundry, a relentless, demanding physical task; the other, running a huge boatyard, is engaged in heavy manual work. In both these middle-aged men the dominant symptom is a dull pain down the length of much of the arm and few if any symptoms in the neck, despite that being where the problem originated. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is pain that occurs due to tendons thickening following a history of repeated tendon loading or movement (file image) Your son-in-law must push for a diagnosis. He needs to be examined by a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist who can decide on a course of treatment. Both of the cases I described above have made an almost complete recovery with the advice of a musculoskeletal physiotherapist adopting a holistic approach, covering everything from their pillows to exercise and the way in which they conduct their work, with very little in the way of medication. In my view...Part-timers aren't the answer for the NHS I am dumbfounded that taxpayers money in a NHS critically short of resources is being squandered on new bureaucracy to encourage employees to work part-time. Certainly, there is a severe shortage of both clinical and nonclinical healthcare professionals, with 100,000 vacancies across the hospital and GP sectors. Yes, we need to retain staff, but Im not convinced that more working part-time is the right approach. All within medicine accept the need for flexible working arrangements for some of our colleagues for instance, parents but it must not become a central theme, for, if it does, the care of patients will suffer from even less continuity of care than there is already. Where does it end? If we start from the basis of offering part-time positions to, say, junior doctors, Id fear we are misleading the new recruits about the level of commitment needed for the job, starving the NHS of the hours it needs and, of course, leaving patients without the care they require. We need the best of the best in medicine: that means recruiting and retaining those with drive, energy and enthusiasm. Given that we may never have the resources needed for our healthcare system to catch up with the standards set in other countries, should we really waste any on extra bureaucracy to promote part-time working? Make the NHS a better place to work, where staff feel they can deliver the care that is needed, when it is needed, rather than being a daily battle against limited resources, growing patient demand and chasing targets and I think the recruitment crisis will begin to solve itself. Washington: The US Army will expand efforts to counter China by deploying a specialised task force to the Pacific capable of conducting information, electronic, cyber and missile operations against Beijing. The US wants to be able to punch holes in any China advance in the Pacific. Credit:Bloomberg The unit, which Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy is expected to detail at an event in Washington on Friday, would also be equipped to hit land- and sea-based targets with long-range precision weapons such as hypersonic missiles, possibly clearing the way for Navy vessels in the event of conflict. The Army task force would help neutralise some capabilities China and Russia already possess and are intended to keep US carrier groups away from the Asian mainland, McCarthy said in an interview. It's not clear how quickly the unit, which would likely be based on islands east of Taiwan and the Philippines, can be deployed. The move is designed to "neutralise all the investments China and Russia have made," McCarthy said. It would be bolstered by a new agreement with the National Reconnaissance Office that develops and manages US spy satellites, he said. Under that accord, Army tactical units will be better able to tap information gleaned from existing and future low Earth orbit satellites, he said. Inner-city and northern suburbs topped the list of hottest markets in which to sell a house according to Real Estate Institute of WA data for 2019. Last year it took 39 days on average for a house to sell in Wembley, the quickest in the Perth metro area. Other inner-city suburbs such as West Leederville, Nedlands, Shenton Park and Mount Claremont also featured on the list, taking less than 50 days. Perth's best selling suburbs have been revealed. Credit:Arsineh Houspian Northern suburbs close to the beach also featured heavily in the top 10 with Heathridge coming in at second spot, taking 41 days to sell compared to the overall Perth average of 84 days. Scroll down for a full list of Perth's best selling suburbs. PUNE, India, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Food Packaging Market size is set to touch USD 606.3 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Rising demand and consumption of natural foodstuffs will be the prime factor driving the growth of this market in the approaching decade. Natural foods have a high comparative advantage over their processed counterparts. For instance, the Natural Institutes of Health recommend increasing the intake of eggs and liver as they are rich in choline, a substance vital for the healthy functioning of the brain. Further, fruits contain natural sugars that are essential for the body and do not put one at risk of diabetes and obesity, unlike artificial sugars contained in processed foods. Owing to these benefits, there is a growing inclination towards naturally available food items, which is being fueled even more by an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, high pollution levels, and lack of exercise. Food Packaging Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2015-2026 As per the new Fortune Business Insights report, titled "Food Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Materials (Glass, Metal, Paper & Paperboard, Wood, and Plastics {Polypropylene, Polyethylene, PET, and Others}), By Product (Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible) By Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery & Confectionery, Dairy Products, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Sauces, Dressings and Condiments, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026", the value of this market stood at USD 393.6 billion in 2018. To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, Click Here: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/food-packaging-market-101941 List of Top Players Covered in the Food Packaging Market Report: ExxonMobil Chemical Tetra Pak International S.A. Constantia Flexibles BALL CORPORATION Amcor plc DS Smith Plastipak Stora Enso Berry Global Inc. Mondi Group Increasing Popularity of Active Packaging Mechanisms to Fuel the Market Active packaging has emerged as an innovative solution for improving efficiency of food packaging. This technique prolongs the shelf-life of foodstuffs whilst maintaining their quality, making it one of the leading Food Packaging Market trends during the forecast period. Active packaging systems involve two methods for preserving the quality of packaged food: active scavenging (absorption) and active releasing (emission) methods. The scavenging system allows for the elimination of unnecessary and undesirable compounds and elements from the packaged food item. The releasing system adds beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and carbon dioxide into the food item, maintaining its freshness. These advantages will bode well for the market, according to the Food Packaging Market research. Get Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/food-packaging-market-101941 Asia-Pacific to Hold Largest Share; Europe to Experience Considerable Growth Although the market size in North America stood at USD 109.7 billion in 2018, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to dominate the Food Packaging Market share in the forthcoming years. This can be attributable to the increasing urban population and high rate of development of retail infrastructure, which have heightened the demand for packed foods. The region is also witnessing a steady rise in the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and owing to growing disposable income. Europe is set to experience a high growth period on account of substantially high incomes in the region along with increasing demand for packaged food from western European countries. In North America, the market will be driven by the mushrooming number of fast food outlets and growing health consciousness among Americans. High demand for canned food will propel the market in Latin America, while the market in the Middle East and Africa will grow as a result of increasing demand for dairy and meat products. Trend in Philipines Country: Metro Manila, Davao Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Bicol, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Caraga, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA, Zamboanga Peninsula, Region XII, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and more Innovative Product Offerings to Stimulate Competitive Spirits of Players According to the Food Packaging Market analysis, major players in this market are implementing measures such as increased R&D spending and the launch of novel products, to strengthen their presence. The report additionally provides the following information: Careful analysis of the share and growth patterns of different market segments; In-depth evaluation of the leading factors, drivers, and restraints impacting the market; Detailed assessment of the regional and competitive developments; and Comprehensive research into the upcoming trends and future prospects of the market. Speak to Analyst https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/food-packaging-market-101941 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 Key Emerging Trends in Global Market Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc. Latest Technological Advancements Insights on Regulatory Scenario Porters Five Forces Analysis Food Packaging Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Material Key Findings Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Material Glass Metal Paper & Paperboard Wood Plastics Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene (PE) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Others TOC Continued! Request for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/food-packaging-market-101941 Key Industry Developments: August 2019 : Amcor plc developed lightweight PET bottles in Brazil to serve pasteurized beer. The product will also provide the company with a platform to cater to a wider spectrum of consumers in Latin America . Amcor plc developed lightweight PET bottles in to serve pasteurized beer. The product will also provide the company with a platform to cater to a wider spectrum of consumers in . April 2019 : Tetra Pak unveiled its Industry 4.0-based connected packaging platform, designed to provide interactive health information about dairy and juice products on the company's cartons. Producers will also be able to use the platform to improve their production processes as well as streamline their supply chain logistics. Have a Look at Related Reports Bioplastics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable), By Application (Rigid Packaging, Flexible Packaging, Textiles, Automotive & Transportation, Agriculture & Horticulture, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Polyethylene (PE) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE), By End User (Packaging, Automotive, Infrastructure & Construction, Consumer Goods/Lifestyle, Healthcare & Pharmaceutical, Electrical & Electronics, Agriculture, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Polypropylene (PP) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Homopolymer, Copolymer), By End User (Packaging, Automotive, Infrastructure & Construction, Consumer Goods/Lifestyle, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Electrical & Electronics, Agriculture, Others), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Polymer Foam Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Polyurethane (PU), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Others), By Application (Automotive, Building & Construction, Packaging, Furniture, Appliances, Apparel and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Polyurethane (PU) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Rigid Foam, Flexible Foam, Molded Foam, Elastomers, Adhesives & Sealants, Coatings, and Others), By Application (Furniture, Construction, Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, Packaging, Footwear, and Others), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Blow Molded Plastics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Resin (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), and Others), By Molding Method (Extrusion Blow Molding, Injection Blow Molding, Stretch Blow Molding, Rotational Blow Molding), By Application (Transportation, Packaging, Building & Construction, Electrical & Electronics), and Regional Forecast 2019-2026 Paints and Coatings Additives Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Dispersing Agent, Rheology Agent, Leveling Agent, Anti-foaming Agent, Adhesion Promoting Agent, and Others), By Application (Automotive, Architectural, Wood, Industrial, and Others), 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. 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Read Press Release: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/press-release/food-packaging-market-9500 Top Trends Covered: packaging for food, packaging of food, plastic food packaging, plastic packaging, food box packaging, what is food packaging, food packaging design, food packaging materials, packaging materials, packaging food products, food packaging products, food packaging containers, packaging design, food packaging companies, food packaging machine, food packaging boxes, food packaging bags, packaging machine, food boxes, plastic packaging for food, food packaging uk, food packaging company, packaging supplies, food packaging material, food product packaging. Related Queries: castaway food packaging alpha food packaging food packing machine sustainable packaging compostable food packaging food packaging machines eco friendly packaging innovative food packaging eco food packaging grace food processing & packaging machinery food packaging jobs near me food box packaging 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: [email protected] Fortune Business Insights Linkedin | Twitter | Blogs SOURCE Fortune Business Insights BNP Paribas' ClimateSeed is one of the six accepted carbon offsets programs in IFC's Zero Carbon Green Buildings certificate under the IFC Edge program. To certify their buildings Zero Carbon, real estate developers first reduce their buildings' emissions through green building practices and can then offset any remaining emissions through ClimateSeed. Building developers can choose from over 30 projects available on the ClimateSeed platform by project location, type or SDGs targeted. Until human-induced net greenhouse gas emissions are eliminated altogether, the concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere will continue to rise, making it impossible to halt global warming. Buildings and construction are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world. Carbon neutrality is a prerequisite to stabilizing global temperatures and cities will have to accelerate their efforts to be able to meet their Paris targets and even exceed them to limit warming to 1.5C. Designing and managing urban areas has become one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century. Globally, about 60% of the area to be urban by 2030 remains to be built. According to the UN, Cities consume over 2/3 of the world's energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. IFC (World Bank Group) estimates a cumulative investment opportunity of $29.4 trillion by 2030 in emerging market cities. IFC has expanded its Edge certification program to include Zero Carbon buildings, enhancing the positive impact on the climate, where building developers reduce building emissions as much as possible through energy efficiency and sourcing renewable energy, and then offset the remaining unavoidable emissions by contributing to sustainable projects. ClimateSeed provides building developers with a variety of carbon-reduction projects to offset their unavoidable emissions. These projects have gone through a three-step due diligence process to ensure high quality. The projects have been certified by international standards such as VCS or Gold Standard, the project developers have undergone a strict banking due diligence and lastly, the projects have been reviewed and validated by a sustainability committee, comprised of industry experts. All the projects on ClimateSeed avoid or capture CO2, and also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. About IFC IFC a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 72 countries, with more than 202,000 employees, of which more than 154,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. https://group.bnpparibas/en/ About ClimateSeed ClimateSeed is the first Social Business launched by BNP Paribas and supported by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Yunus - reinvesting 100% of its profits in environmental projects. ClimateSeed offers a "climate-action" digital platform that allows organizations to offset their CO2 emissions by supporting sustainable projects globally. All projects preserve the planet and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. ClimateSeed provides a wide range of internationally certified projects including reforestation, energy efficiency, renewables, household devices, water and waste management in more than 20 countries. It has digital tools to engage stakeholders and mobilize business decision-makers in contributing to the ecological transition. ClimateSeed provides a simple, transparent, and secure solution for organizations to take climate action for the unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions of their business activity, products and services, buildings, trips and events. https://www.climateseed.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/climateseed/ IFC: Elizabeth M. Lewis emlewis@ifc.org +1 202-458-4049 BNP Paribas Arnaud Fraboul arnaud.fraboul@bnpparibas.com +33 1 42 98 23 75 Keely Gispan keely.gispan@us.bnpparibas.com +1 332-323-3705 Sarisher Mann Sarisher.MANN@uk.bnpparibas.com +447469403542 ClimateSeed Edoardo Bertin edoardo.bertin@climateseed.com +33 6 72 13 98 27 The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness needs volunteers statewide for the upcoming annual counts of people experiencing homelessness in Connecticut. The Point-in-Time Count will take place from the evening of Jan. 21 into the morning of Jan. 22. The Youth Outreach and Count will take place from Jan. 22 through Jan. 28. Each year, the Point-in-Time Count surveys adults and families with children-a single night. The Youth Outreach and Count is a week-long count of youth. These counts provide data used to measure the extent of homelessness in the state and enable a comparison of how homelessness is trending from year-to-year. Connecticut is also required to report this data to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, who use it to compile the Annual Assessment of Homelessness Report to Congress. The 2019 Point-in-Time Count estimated that 3,033 people in Connecticut were experiencing homelessness, 577 of them children. The 2019 Youth Outreach and Count identified 337 unaccompanied youth under age 25 who reported having been homeless the night of the Point-in-Time Count and 674 unaccompanied youth who reported being unstably housed that night. The full 2019 PIT and Youth Count Report can be found at www.cceh.org/pit/data-and-reports. As CCEH and our partners across Connecticut work to bring an end to homelessness for all individuals, families, and youth in our state, we rely heavily on these counts to help us measure whether and how well our strategies are working, said Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness CEO Richard Cho in a news relase. This year, we will need more volunteers than ever to ensure an accurate count, and we hope that congregations, businesses, college students, municipalities, and any individual interested in engaging in efforts to end homelessness will join us for this important effort. Connecticut has been a national leader in ending homelessness, having reduced the number of people experiencing homelessness by 25 percent since 2007, according to the coalition. Volunteers attend a brief training before hitting the streets in teams led by members of Connecticuts homeless service-provider community. Visit http://www.cceh.org/volunteer to sign up. Amber Valletta has discussed her past addiction to drugs and alcohol as she celebrates 25 years of sobriety. In an interview with NET-A-PORTER's digital title, Porter, the model and actress, 45, credited ditching her abuse with substance to saving her life. The Revenge star candidly told the publication: 'Left to my own devices, I guarantee you no matter how much I love life, my family, if I take a drink or any of my drugs of choice, I'll be dead. I'll ruin everything.' Candid: Amber Valletta has discussed her past addiction to drugs and alcohol in a new interview with NET-A-PORTER's digital title, Porter, as she celebrates 25 years of sobriety Catwalk queen Amber first opened up about her dependency issues in July 2014, when she revealed she was introduced to drugs at the tender age of 10, and started using cocaine at 18. On being proud to be clean, the former face of Giorgio Armani admitted: 'I didn't have a problem when I was out using, if you saw me high or drunk. 'So why would I be ashamed of being clean and saying, 'I have a disease that I can't control'? Only by being sober do I have any chance of survival.' The supermodel rose to prominence in the 90s, with the beauty gracing 16 American Vogue covers, serving as an ambassador for Versace, and securing multi-million contracts with Calvin Klein and Elizabeth Arden. 'If I take a drink or any of my drugs of choice, I'll be dead': The model and actress, 45, credited ditching her abuse with substance to saving her life On adapting a 'sisterhood' with the likes of Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow, the TV and film star recalled: 'Nobody was thinking about whether we were making a statement. 'You'd fight with each other, cry with each other, support each other, lose jobs to each other, all of it.' The media personality went on to highlight the differences within the fashion industry in today's age, admitting she loathes the current 'selfie' era. Amber explained: 'You would never have taken your Polaroid camera and turned it around on yourself. You would never have talked about how you were flying around in a private jet. 'Being sober do I have any chance of survival': The catwalk queen previously revealed she was introduced to drugs at the tender age of 10, and started using cocaine at 18 (pictured in 1990) 'That's why when Linda [Evangelista] made that one statement ['I never get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day'], it was huge. People talk like that all the time on Instagram now. People who don't even do anything! '[Selfies] make me painfully uncomfortable. I want things to change that's all I care about now.' On the early beginnings of her career, she admitted she felt 'disconnected' from the world, but now makes it her mission to live her truth. The Blood & Oil actress shared: 'I started modeling at 15. I started feeling a big disconnect. I couldn't quite work out what it was. I vacillated from being melancholy to being overwhelmed with anxiety to partying. 'You support each other': The TV and film star spoke about adapting a 'sisterhood' with the likes of Kate Moss (pictured in 2018) and Shalom Harlow 'I want to be the person that I aspire to be. I don't want to talk it, I want to live it. I want to allow myself the space to have bad days, be sad, be mad, be loving and accepting of others. 'Even people that I don't think are right. It's hard to do, but I want to move through the world as gently as I can.' Since her time in the spotlight, Amber has become somewhat of an activist, serving as the spokesperson for Oceana's Seafood Contamination Campaign. In November, she was arrested by Capitol police and charged with blocking traffic while demonstrating alongside Jane Fonda during her weekly climate change protest in Washington, DC. Sticking by her actions, the blonde explained: 'I chose to get arrested. I've been feeling this need to get loud, to step into my own. I don't care what anyone thinks. 'I can't sit on the sidelines, I need to physically put myself on the line. I chose to get arrested as a symbol. My life is worth putting out there, in order to show that all our lives are worth fighting for.' On putting her beliefs in the forefront, the mother-of-one elaborated: 'I believe in this. I will risk public opinion, being in jail. It was profound. 'This is the most important crisis we're facing. I'm not diminishing cancer or Aids, diabetes or addiction, but there won't be anything left to fight for. Nothing else matters.' Emotional: Amber - who shares son Auden, 20, with ex Chip McCaw - admitted she 'wants to cry' whenever she thinks about the future of our planet (pictured in October) Amber - who shares son Auden, 20, with ex husband Chip McCaw - admitted she 'wants to cry' whenever she thinks about climate change and the future of our planet. She added: 'I'll be dead, but my great-grandkids? To live in a world where they wouldn't experience this. Where they couldn't see elephants or a whale. 'The ocean could be disgusting and full of plastic; you can't eat fish, go to a beach, see coral; you can't have the opportunity to be doctors or scientists or creators. We take it for granted. It's overwhelmingly ridiculous.' To see the full interview with Amber Valletta, read Porter here. You can download the NET-A-PORTER app for iPhone, iPad and Android. A man has been sentenced to 25 to 60 years in state prison in the slaying of a teenager shot in the bedroom of his Lehigh Valley home 7 1/2 years ago. The (Allentown) Morning Call reports that Quante Cruz, 29, pleaded guilty Monday in Lehigh County Court to third-degree murder and burglary. Authorities said 17-year-old Kareem Fedd, who was to start his senior year at William Allen High School, was shot at his Allentown home in August 2012. Officials said the victim's mother found him dead in his bed when she came home from work. Investigators said Cruz acknowledged having climbed a fire escape and pushed in an air conditioner in the bedroom before shooting the teen as he slept. Authorities have said the slaying was in retaliation for the shooting of a member of a rival gang. The victims mother, Jeani Haskins, shouted You killed the wrong kid" at the defendant, who showed no reaction. Dear Heloise: How do I put a stop to this parade of co-workers and friends who keep asking me if I'm okay now that my divorce is final? We parted as friends and get along better now than we did when we were married. There were no children, and we split everything down the middle and went our separate ways. The only disagreement we had at the end was over the dogs (I got them). Still, people won't believe me when I say I'm fine and not unhappy. Everyone is certain that I'm stuffing my feelings deep inside. Believe me, I feel liberated. TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PsychedeliTech, a new and ground-breaking conference, incubator and discovery platform for psychedelic medicine is proud to announce that Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) will be the keynote speaker at the first-ever PsyTech Summit, a forum for psychedelic science, innovation and investment conference in Israel. The inaugural PsyTech conference will take place March 29-30, 2020 at the Hilton Hotel, on the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv, Israel. PsyTech is a division of iCAN: Israel-Cannabis, which together with CannaTech, its medical cannabis events platform, has been a force in education and innovation for the best cannabis therapeutics and products around the world. Saul Kaye, iCAN founder and CEO, said, "Rick Doblin is an early pioneer and extremely effective advocate for the potential of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health disease and symptoms, including depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. We are thrilled he will join us at our first PsyTech Summit in Tel Aviv to share his enlightened vision and vast knowledge of the fast-developing therapeutic ecosystem that is about to explode as a wave of new information, research and consumer interest about psychedelics floods the market." Psychedelics have the chance to impact mental health with the global market for mental health medications worth $88.3 billion in 2015, according to BCC Research. "For the first 30 years of MAPS' work, there were virtually no for-profit psychedelic business opportunities, apart from a few ibogaine and ayahuasca clinics and mushroom sales in countries where the substances were not illegal. The new for-profit entities now emerging in the field of psychedelics, due to the success of non-profit psychedelic therapy research and advocacy, will need to focus on public benefit as well as profit in order to avoid a cultural backlash against these historically misunderstood substances. I am looking forward to discussing these important issues at PsyTech, Israel's first summit focusing on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics," said Doblin. Similar to the cannabis industry, psychedelics and medicinal mushrooms will require an ecosystem to effectively drive education, regulation, safety, investment, research and development. These key issues, as well as personal stories of treatment, will be explored at PsyTech. About PsyTech PsyTech, a division of iCAN: Israel-Cannabis is a global events platform and innovation scout for psychedelic medicine. For the PsyTech website click here . About iCAN: Israel-Cannabis iCAN: Israel-Cannabis is building the Global Cannabis Ecosystem. iCAN is committed to accelerate Israel's Canna-Technology industry, capitalizing on Israeli innovation and a leading cannabis regulatory environment to bring premier products to market. iCAN is powered by CannaTech, the premier international cannabis summit held annually in Tel Aviv, and around the world, including London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Panama and Cape Town, to date. Click here for more information about iCAN. About CannaTech CannaTech is the only Medical Cannabis event of its kind with a global focus that offers senior industry leaders, medical and scientific experts, and new ventures the platform to come together, drive innovation, form partnerships and promote knowledge exchange. For more information about CannaTech events worldwide click here . The 5th annual CannaTech Tel Aviv Summit will take place in conjunction with PsyTech from March 30-31. To learn how to attend both events click here. For more details and to apply for sponsorship or speaking opportunities or if you are interested in investing in this industry, please contact [email protected] Media Contact: Laura Kam [email protected] +972-54-806-8613 SOURCE PsyTech Related Links https://www.israel-cannabis.com/ By James M. Dorsey Iranians play chess, Americans play backgammon when it comes to warfare, military strategy and conflict management. That is becoming increasingly obvious in the U.S.-Iranian tit-for-tat on an Iraqi game board. Hobbled by harsh U.S. economic sanctions and a weak military hand, Iran has perfected the art of asymmetric warfare and carefully calibrated operations as well as acts of political violence, an approach that the United States 40 years after the 1979 Iranian revolution has yet to come to grips with. Iran's firing of missiles at two U.S. bases in Iraq in its initial military response to the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani deftly served multiple purposes while leaving the door open to de-escalation. The Iranian missiles targeting the bases, part of what Iran dubbed Operation Harsh Revenge, were launched as millions crowded the streets of the city of Kerman for the funeral of Soleimani, the third day of a mass outpouring of mourning, public anger and calls for revenge. Using guided precision missiles, Iran was careful to demonstrate its capability while not causing further U.S. and/or Iraqi casualties that almost certainly would have provoked a harsh U.S. response. Driving the point home, Iran's spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the missile attacks as a "slap in the face" of the United States. Khamenei went on to say that Iran's real revenge would be the expulsion of U.S. forces from the Middle East. "Military actions in this form are not sufficient for that issue. What is important is that America's corrupt presence must come to an end in this region," he said. In a televised address, Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several members of the military top brass, appeared to respond positively to the Iranian overture, cloaking it as Iran "standing down." Amid the bluster justifying the killing of Soleimani, Trump promises to impose additional sanctions against Iran, vows that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and extolling American military and economic might. He insisted that "the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." He noted that the U.S. and Iran had a common interest in fighting the Islamic State, one reason why Soleimani was a popular figure in Iran, and went on to say that "we should work together on this and other shared priorities." Determined not to get embroiled in another Middle East war, Trump's acknowledgement of the Iranian gesture hardly comes as a surprise. Trump has in the past nine months exercised in military terms the kind of strategic patience that Iran adopted in the first 18 months after the United States withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran's nuclear program and imposed its economic sanctions. Iran in May/June of last year switched its posture to one of calibrated escalation after Europe, Russia and China proved unwilling and/or incapable of salvaging the nuclear accord in a way that Iran would be at least partially compensated for the severe impact of the sanctions. Trump refrained from responding militarily to numerous attacks, including last year's Iranian downing of a U.S. drone, attacks on tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and two key Saudi oil facilities. Those attacks were the ones that caught the most international attention, but were, according to U.S. officials, only the tip of the iceberg. The officials said there had been some 90 attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq since May 2019 carried out by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, including Kataeb Hezbollah, whose leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed alongside Soleimani. The attacks were intended not only to force the U.S. to escalate tensions by provoking a military response in the hope that it would lead to a return to the negotiating table but also an environment conducive to a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq at the behest of the Iraqi government and/or public pressure. "The nearly eight months in which the United States did not respond forcefully to a series of military provocations and attacks almost certainly contributed to the increasingly assertive and audacious actions by Iran and its proxies," said Michael Eisenstadt, an expert on the military and strategy at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Trump's apparent, so far disproven, belief that bluster and intimidation will force his adversaries coupled with television images of the besieged U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is likely what persuaded him to respond disproportionately to the killing of a U.S. contractor by assassinating Soleimani. Iran hopes that the scare of an escalating tit-for-tat that gets out of control will energize efforts to bring the United States and the Islamic republic back to the negotiating table. To do so, a third party with leverage on both sides of the divide like Oman would have to bridge a gap on the terms of reviving negotiations aimed at reinstituting the nuclear accord that has been widened by Soleimani's killing. Revival of the agreement would have to involve revised terms that include Iran's controversial ballistic missiles program and support for proxies across the Middle East, the core of its defense strategy. Timing is of the essence. Dialing down tension at best buys the United States and Iran time. It does not solve anything. Pompeo insisted last week that the Trump administration's goal was to "contain and confront" Iran. Iran retains a vested interest in strategic escalation. It may hope that the current crisis is the monkey wrench that breaks the logjam but will seek to again push things to the brink if it is disappointed. The Washington Post said in an editorial prior to Trump's latest remarks: "The way to avoid these outcomes is to work with allies and other intermediaries to offer Iran a diplomatic solution, before the slide toward war becomes irreversible. In short, what's needed is Mr. Pompeo's de-escalation, not Mr. Trump's reckless threats." Trump has proven that he can go either way. Dr. James M. Dorsey (jmd@jmdonline.org) is a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, an adjunct senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg's Institute of Fan Culture Managed Uzbek Election Exposes Mix of Reform and Inertia By Navbahor Imamova January 12, 2020 The Dec. 22 parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan highlighted the complex mix of change and inertia that characterizes this Central Asian country today. In Almalyk, an industrial town in the Tashkent region, leading journalist Dilfuza Ruziyeva said corruption is still deeply rooted, even so close to the country's capital. "There is very little accountability and transparency despite reform efforts and bold statements from Tashkent," said Ruziyeva, the chief editor of the local newspaper. Yet modest changes abound. Uzbekistan's politicians, however befuddled they sometimes seem by the new need to respond to voters, were compelled to acknowledge and then commit to address citizens' growing demands. Indeed, Uzbekistan's political class, which has long had a sense of insulation and impunity, now seems to recognize, sometimes quite explicitly, that it owes the public real answers to real problems. Take Senator Rahmatulla Nazarov, who is shifting jobs to manage a think tank. In an impromptu interview with VOA at his suburban Tashkent polling station, he acknowledged that "distrust in the system is the biggest problem." Such an acknowledgement an admission that the system has simply not been responsive to citizen concerns has become common here, and it is changing the political discourse. Alisher Qodirov, who leads Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival Party), told VOA that "for the longest time, we punished those who wanted change and pushed for progress. We tortured them, we killed them ... we kicked them out. We must learn to honor the human being, ideas and human rights. Only then can Uzbekistan move forward as a society and state." His party claims to be the most critical of the government among the five parties that were permitted to contest the election. In fact, none of the state-sanctioned parties really opposes the policies of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev; what has changed is that the lack of real opposition can now be openly discussed. At a pre-election debate Dec. 19, VOA asked party leaders whether they should place a higher value on security or freedom. All five leaders replied that both were important and made sure to claim to be against torture and the abuse of human rights. Yet they offered few, if any, specific policy proposals for achieving a more balanced system. Indeed, all five struggled to explain more specific policy positions, much less differences, perhaps because so little sets them apart, and because the president, not the parties or the legislature, sets the agenda for the country. Reforms happen when Mirziyoyev wants them. Adolat (Justice Party) leader and former presidential candidate Narimon Umarov bluntly says the political elite "did what we had to do" during the rule of the late dictator Islam Karimov, and urges citizens to "focus on the present and future now." He says Uzbek politicians should feel "challenged in every way" by public expectations, while adding that he is personally "hopeful and energized." Aktam Haitov, leader of Mirziyoyev's own Liberal Democratic Party (O'zLiDep), argues that the party deserves credit for the progress so far. O'zLiDep says it is pushing for deeper reforms in agriculture and to empower the private sector, precisely reflecting Mirziyoyev's stated policy goals. Ulugbek Inoyatov is a teacher who became education minister and has been widely criticized for not being effective in that role. Now, he leads Uzbekistan's People's Democratic Party and acknowledges that "the election campaign was a learning process for me." Inoyatov's party did not have prescriptions for every problem, and its program still lacks substance. But he stresses the benefits of the improved process: "This campaign and our engagement with the people around the country is helping us to strengthen our focus," he said. It is easy to dismiss the electoral process, as many international observers have. Uzbekistan is neither a constitutional democracy nor on the way to becoming one. But by creating an opening for social mobilization, for citizens to question authorities, and by forcing the politicians to respond to public expectations and demands, the process marked a step toward more diverse politics. More questions on more issues were openly aired than at any time in recent memory, including by the media. At live debates, the press corps was aggressive. And not surprisingly, the party representatives on stage seemed nervous, confused and at times forgot why they were even there. It was long forbidden to discuss the government's refusal to allow visits to Uzbekistan by thousands of overseas Uzbek natives, citizens and non-citizens alike. Some fear they are on blacklists, while others are simply denied entry. But during the election debate, the leaders of all five parties felt compelled to say that the country is or should be open to these compatriots. The next challenge will be to see whether the newly elected parliament can exercise more meaningful oversight of the administration. Akmal Burhanov, a reelected MP, is calling for an end to the practice whereby legislators also operate businesses or even serve simultaneously as regional governors. Those who are elected today should work as lawmakers only if they are to provide an effective check on the government, he said. That is why the biggest tests are yet to come. The parliament is more representative than ever before for instance, nearly one-third of its members are women, the most in its history. But as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe noted the day after the contest, "The elections showed that the ongoing reforms need to continue and be accompanied by more opportunities for grassroot civic initiatives." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The perpetrators of an anti-Semitic shooting in Jersey City had a bomb in their van with the ability to kill people almost half a mile away, federal investigators revealed on Monday. David Anderson and Francine Graham opened fire at the JC Koshoper Supermarket on December 10, killing three inside the store and setting off an hours-long gun battle with police. Shortly before the attack on the supermarket, Anderson and Graham killed New Jersey Detective Joseph Seals in a standoff at a cemetery in Jersey City. Seals was investigating the perpetrators U-Haul van, which had been linked to an earlier shooting. We believe [Seals] threw off a broader plan, said U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito at a press conference with the local head of the FBI. Carpentino added that the detectives actions probably saved dozens if not more lives. Authorities could not reveal if they had any additional information on a plan by the perpetrators to target other locations, except that they had researched a Jewish community center in Bayonne, not far from Jersey City. The investigators said Anderson and Graham had enough material stashed in their van to make a second bomb as well. Following the Jersey City attack, a suspect attacked ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered at a home in Monsey, N.Y. on the seventh night of Hanukkah. The suspect, Grafton Thomas, was caught several hours later while driving through the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Thomas, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, assaulted victims with a machete, leaving one critically injured. Federal authorities have charged Thomas with anti-Jewish hate crimes, while his family and attorney argue Thomas is not anti-Semitic and requires better treatment for his mental illness. More from National Review Officials say Iran has indicated Canadian investigators will be more involved than required by intl law. Iran has signalled that Canadas Transportation Safety Board (TSB) will play a more active role than international rules require in the investigation of the Iranian militarys shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week, according to the agencys head, Kathy Fox. A missile fired by Iran brought down the Ukrainian airlines plane on January 8 killing all 176 on board, including 57 Canadians. The incident, which Tehran has said was unintentional, came just hours after Iran fired missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US soldiers in retaliation for the US drone-strike killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last week. In this investigation and I want to be clear about this we do not yet fully know what the scope of our role will be, Fox said in a news conference on Monday in Ottowa. She added that there have been early signs that Iran is allowing the TSB to play a more active role than normally permitted, including by inviting its investigators to participate in downloading and analysing the data in the cockpit voice and flight data recorders whenever and wherever that takes place. Canada has been invited to participate in the probe because a large number of its citizens were involved, but according to international rules, Iran leads the investigation. Fox added that Canadas investigation will pose questions that will be very uncomfortable for Iran. One of the central questions is why Iran did not shut down the airspace around Tehran given the tensions created by Irans missile attack on the Iraqi bases earlier in the day, the TSBs director of investigations, Natacha Van Themsche, said during the press briefing. On Sunday, the TSB said it had obtained visas for two of its investigators to travel to Iran. A second team of investigators who specialise in aircraft recorder download and analysis will be deployed once TSB confirms where and when that activity would take place, the agency said. Van Themsche added that Iran has said it will allow the Canadian investigators to examine the remains of the wreckage. The phansi kotha (hanging courtyard) inside Delhis Tihar jail, which had a provision to hang only two persons at a time, has now been redone to accommodate four hangings simultaneously, a prison officer privy to the development, who did not wish to be named, said. Prison officers made the changes a few days ago as part of the preparations for the hanging of the four convicts of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape and murder case, who are set to be executed on January 22 following a city courts order. This will be the first time in the jails history when four death row convicts will be hanged at the same time. On Sunday, officials also held mock hanging sessions using sandbags with new ropes that they had bought last month. Before this, the prison administration noted the weights of the four convicts and prepared the sandbags based on their weight. The ropes were prepared by prisoners of Buxar jail in Bihar. Also Watch l Delhi gangrape convicts to hang: Victims parents react to court decision A city court had issued a death warrant for the execution of the four convicts Mukesh Singh, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Akshay Thakur and Vinay Sharma to be held on January 22. The execution will take place inside jail number 3, where the prisons hanging courtyard is located. The four men lodged in two different jails inside Tihar are likely to be shifted to jail number 3 where they will be hanged on January 22, senior prison officers said. The four convicts are currently lodged in jail numbers 2 and 4. Depending on the verdict of the Supreme Court on January 14, which will hear a curative petition by the two men, they will be shifted together to jail number 3, the prison officer quoted above said.The prison officer added that after the Supreme Court verdict, the convicts will be allowed to meet their families one last time, before they are sent to the gallows. As of now, the four men are lodged alone but separately in high-risk cells. Each of them is virtually monitored by two CCTV cameras. In addition two to three jail guards watch over them round-the-clock. A second prison officer, who did not wish to be named, said, We explained the process to them and told them the prison administration will help them prepare their will or meet their families. As of now, they get to meet their families twice a week like other prisoners but once the Supreme Court takes a decision, this will change; they will be allowed to meet their families only one last time, the second officer said. The officer quoted above said that the four are behaving normally and have not done anything that may seem unusual. Maybe it is yet to sink in or maybe they still believe their hanging will be stalled, the second officer said. A third officer, also requesting anonymity, said that the Uttar Pradesh prisons department has confirmed that they can send the Meerut hangman, Pawan Kumar, for the execution. A few days before the hanging, Kumar will visit Tihar jail and inspect the preparations. We have requested them to send two hangmen so that we are better prepared but we were told that the other hangman will not make it. For now, it is the Meerut hangman who will hang them, the third officer said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jamia Millia Islamia VC Najma Akhtar on Monday said the varsity administration will explore the possibility of moving court for registration of an FIR against the "police brutality" on campus last month after hundreds of angry students gheraoed her office demanding action against the Delhi Police. The vice chancellor said the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has already begun the inquiry into the police action against the students. An NHRC team has already visited the university and another team is scheduled to come on Tuesday to record the statement of the "victims", she said. On Monday, the students barged into the office premises after breaking the lock on the main gate and raised slogans against the vice-chancellor and demanded an FIR against the Delhi Police. On December 15, as violence over the anti-citizenship amendment act flared up, the Delhi Police entered the campus and cracked down on students. According to students, police laid seige to the campus and those injured were not even allowed to get medical attention. Students said windows of the library were smashed and around 50-60 students were inside when policemen gheraoed it. Akhtar tried to pacify the students who were unwilling to relent. Students said if police are not ready to register the FIR, then they are ready to march till a cognizance of their complaint is taken. In a statement, the university said the administration will take all possible measures to address the concerns of students. "A decision has also been taken that the administration will explore the possibility of moving court for registration of FIR in the December 15, 2019 police brutality in the university library case at the earliest. "The university has already followed all possible steps for the registration of FIR. It has given its complaint to SHO Jamia Nagar and it's copy to CP Delhi and DCP South East. University has also written letters to Joint CP Southern Range and DCP Crime for the registration of FIR earlier," the statement said. Among other demands, the students also want the university to reschedule examinations and ensure security of students. "On the demand of the protesting students, the vice-chancellor, in consultation with the Deans, Heads of Departments and other officials, announced that the ongoing semester exams stands cancelled till further notice. New schedule will be declared later," the statement added. Angry students claimed that notices were given to vacate the hostel post the violence, a charge denied by Akhtar. Saeed Fahad, an architecture student, said FIRs have been registered against those who were demanding their rights during protest. The real accused are still at large, he said referring to the police crackdown. Adil, an engineering student, said not even a single FIR has been filed in connection with last month's violence. Ragiv Naushad, a law student, said they are not assured with the vice-chancellor's assurances. "The FIR has to be registered as soon as possible. The vice chancellor should give us safety assurance that no police will enter the campus again," Naushad said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two teenagers are in a critical condition in hospital after the hatchback they were passengers in smashed into a traffic light pole at a Brisbane intersection. Emergency services were called to the junction of Samford Road and Upper Kedron Road in Keperra in Brisbane's north-west just after 2am on Monday. Critical care paramedics treated the injured trio at the scene before rushing two to hospital. Credit:Queensland Ambulance Service Police said the two male passengers, aged 18 and 19, were badly injured and the driver of the Honda Jazz, an 18-year-old man, was not seriously injured. Queensland Ambulance Service medical director Dr Stephen Rashford said one of the occupants was trapped in the car and specialist equipment was used to treat the injured at the scene. Bengaluru, Jan 13 : The global software major was absolutely right in concealing the whistleblowers' complaints from the regulators and the media, Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani has said. "It is not the job of companies to take a whistleblower's complaint coming every morning and issue a media release on it. "That is going to create a new set of issues. So, we did absolutely the right thing," Nilekani told IANS, which red-flagged the complaints in October and the co-founder acknowledged it later. Admitting that a company was duty-bound to take on record a whistleblower's complaint, Nilekani said a report was made on it (plaint) after due diligence and investigation by an audit committee, set up to probe the charges against its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salil Parikh and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nilanjan Roy. Based on the findings of the audit committee, Nilekani claimed on Friday (January 10) that there was no wrongdoing by Parikh or Roy in the financial dealings with its global clients. Infosys' audit committee arrived at this conclusion after investigating 77 people, including some employees, through 128 interviews on the myriad allegations. The company entrusted 46 custodians to collect relevant documents and electronic data which ran into 2,10,000 documents, amounting to 8 tera bytes data. In the audit committee key findings, explaining an unnamed large deal, the report said the reasons for choosing Percentage of Completion (POC) cost method were neither discussed nor disclosed to the audit committee. It said no evidence was found to say that POC method was forced for recognition of application maintenance revenue. "The company notes that it has historically applied the straight line method (SLM) of revenue recognition for substantial majority of its fixed price maintenance contracts," said the audit committee report. It also said that POC method adheres to the company's accounting policy, therefore, no specific disclosure was required to be made to the audit committee. "Revenues from such maintenance contracts where this method has been applied are not material and hence, a separate disclosure in the financial statements was not considered necessary," claimed the report. Before briefing the media on the company's third quarterly results, Nilekani absolved Parikh and Roy of all the charges as the audit panel gave a clean chit to them on the grounds that they (allegations) were unsubstantiated or not backed by evidence by the whistleblowers. "I am pleased that after rigorous investigation, the audit committee has found no wrongdoing by the company or its executives," reiterated Nilekani. The audit committee roped in legal counsel Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co and PricewaterhouseCoopers to inquire into the charges. Nilekani also asked the media what evidence it had to know that the whistleblowers were the company's employees, as claimed by one of them working in the company's finance department. When asked about the safety of the employees who raised the concerns over the lack of transparency in deals with the clients, Nilekeni said the company had no plans to identify the whistleblowers or the unethical employees. "That will vitiate the purpose; we are not going around looking for whistleblowers. We have no intention of finding them or doing anything about that," added Nilekani. On October 21, 2019 a complaint to the company board purportedly from unidentified 'ethical employees' came to light, accusing Parikh and Roy of serious misconduct and unethical practices. Nilekani's defence for not informing the regulators (SEBI and SEC) about the plaints forced the whistleblowers to share them with the media that resulted in its blue-chip scrip of Rs 5 face value (per share) plunge 17 per cent on October 22, wiping off a whopping Rs 50,000 crore of its market capitalization in a single day. The gravity of charges also made Nilekani step into the imbroglio and admit to the media that an unnamed board member received two anonymous complaints on September 30 and another on September 20 titled 'Disturbing unethical practices' and the second undated with the title, "Whistleblower complaint'. The BSE sought a clarification on October 23 from the $11-billion IT behemoth over the non-disclosure of the complaint. "We work with a large number of regulators and stock exchanges. We are in constant touch with all the regulators and other agencies. We are giving them full cooperation, we are keeping them fully up to date and we will take those discussions to the logical conclusion," said Nilekani. In spite of knowing about the charges, especially far more serious against the CEO, the outsourcing firm chose to keep them under wraps till the whistleblower raised the alarm, making it file a slew of clarifications on the BSE. "It is observed that Infosys has not made disclosures under regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, w.r.t. receipt of whistleblower complaint mentioned in the announcement," said the BSE to the company on October 23. Similarly, the US regulator SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) on October 24 initiated an inquiry into the charge of unethical business practices by Parikh and Roy. "We have been in touch with the SEC on the anonymous whistleblower complaints and has learnt that the SEC has initiated an investigation into this matter," said the beleaguered company in a statement on October 24. On November 12, IANS reported on the second whistleblower's letter to the board detailing Parikh's alleged misdeeds and urging the Chairman (Nilekani) and the Directors to act against the CEO. Claiming to be an employee in the company's finance department, the second whistleblower complained that he was unable to disclose his identity fearing retaliation for the damning disclosures he was making against Parikh. "Though it is a year and 8 months since Parikh joined the company, he operates from Mumbai in violation of the condition that the CEO has to be based in Bengaluru and not Mumbai. What is stopping the board to insist on his movement to Bengaluru," said the second whistleblower in the unsigned and undated letter to Nilekani and the Independent Directors. On December 12, the Schall Law Firm, a shareholder rights litigation firm based in Los Angeles, announced the filing of a class action lawsuit against Infosys. The Schall Law Firm said Infosys made false and misleading statements to the market and used improper recognition of revenue to boost short-term profits. It encouraged investors with losses in excess of $100,000 to contact the firm. The class action lawsuit against Infosys was for violation of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated there under by SEC, said the law firm. The SEBI, SEC and American law firms' probe results are awaited. (Sharon Thambala can be contacted atAthambalasharon@gmail.com) BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on his succession as the new sultan of Oman. In the message, Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, bilateral relations have made significant progress and the two sides have become strategic partners with mutual trust. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Oman relations and stands ready to work with Sultan Haitham to take bilateral strategic partnership to a new level. Cory Booker ended his presidential campaign Monday and will seek reelection to the U.S. Senate from New Jersey instead, after his message of healing and uplift failed to catch fire in the Democratic primary campaign. The announcement, just weeks before Iowa holds the first formal contest in the partys nominating battle, comes after Booker struggled for months to break through in polls or keep pace with the top candidates fund-raising. His lofty calls for love and togetherness frequently won cheers and warm feelings from voters who saw him, but didnt resonate enough in a time of upheaval and political strife. While many said they liked what they heard, Booker never established a firm base of support or set himself apart in the crowded field a rare struggle for a senator who has long been a political celebrity. It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and Ive always said I wouldnt continue if there was no longer a path to victory, Booker wrote in a post on Medium and a text message to supporters. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up ... money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington. So Ive chosen to suspend my campaign now, take care of my wonderful staff, and give you time to consider the other strong choices in the field. Bookers departure leaves what was once a historically diverse Democratic field with just three nonwhite candidates, all on the fringes of the race: businessman Andrew Yang, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. Booker was stuck in the low single digits in polling and failed to qualify for two consecutive Democratic debates, one in December and another set for Tuesday night. He hasnt been able to pull in significant support from the black voters his campaign strategy relied on. He was also one of several Democratic senators contending for the nomination likely to be pulled off the campaign trail for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, expected to begin soon. Booker was a finalist to be Hillary Clintons vice-presidential pick in 2016. Speculation among political analysts immediately began about whether Booker could be considered again for that role when this years Democratic nominee emerges. As the party battles over whether to challenge Trump with a trusted moderate like Joe Biden or a rousing liberal such as Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, Booker argued he could re-create the coalition that propelled Barack Obama into the White House. He had admirers in the partys business and donor class, including on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, and argued that he could inspire black voters, critical to his party. Booker frequently emphasized his work as mayor of the largely minority and low-income city of Newark, N.J. His uplifting appeal, built around his personal story as someone whose parents overcame housing discrimination with the help of a white lawyer inspired by the civil rights movement, consistently won cheers at major Democratic events, and many voters said they liked Booker. He frequently spoke of developing a more courageous empathy in the country and restoring civic grace. But few seemed to see his message as right for the moment, or Booker as a figure singularly qualified to beat Trump. His numbers never budged despite several well-received debate performances. One pollster from New Jersey, Monmouth Universitys Patrick Murray, frequently described Booker as stuck in the friend zone. Booker has long been seen as a potential presidential contender, covered for years in the national media and frequently featured not just on news programs, but also sitcoms and late-night comedy shows. His first run for mayor of Newark was turned into a heralded documentary, Street Fight, and he recently began dating the actress Rosario Dawson. Yet in this race, for one of the first times in his political career, Booker struggled to stand out. His major policy ideas, including a baby bonds program to create government-funded savings accounts for all newborns, failed to excite Democrats in the same way as proposals from rivals such as Sanders and Warren. He wasnt the only black senator in the race until Sen. Kamala Harris of California dropped out. And Pete Buttigieg emerged as another mayor with sterling speaking skills and a gleaming resume. Booker stood behind his unifying themes in his message Monday morning. I got in the race for president because I believed to my core that the answer to the common pain Americans are feeling right now, the answer to Donald Trumps hatred and division, is to reignite our spirit of common purpose to take on our biggest challenges and build a more just and fair country for everyone, he wrote. Ive always believed that, he added. I still believe that. Im proud I never compromised my faith in these principles during this campaign to score political points or tear down others. Trump tweeted mockingly, Booker, who was in zero polling territory, just dropped out of the Democrat Presidential Primary Race. Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him! Booker had hoped he could perform well enough in the early states to rally in South Carolina, the fourth state in the nominating contest, where roughly 60% of the Democratic primary electorate is black. But African American voters have largely lined up behind Biden, the former vice president. Booker will now seek a second full term as a senator from a strongly Democratic state where he is unlikely to face significant challenges in the primary or general elections this year. SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LISI, Inc. (LISI), company, the premier General Agency (GA) in California, serving the broker community for more than 30 years has announced the appointment of Jack Lyons as Director of Sales of LISI. "Jack's expertise and dedication is highly valued in our industry. His approach to sales strategy and relationship development will be invaluable as we move on a significant expansion plan in 2020," said President and CEO of LISI, Becky Patel. Jack Lyons brings over fifteen years of industry experience in both the small and large group insurance segments. He has been responsible for direct broker sales and key account management. Working closely with brokers and employee benefits general agency partners, he uses his expertise to increase business growth. "I have had the honor to work closely with the LISI team for over two decades and I have always been impressed with their vision and leadership in a highly dynamic marketplace. Their commitment to the development and support of the broker community is second to none. I couldn't be more excited to join the LISI team on their journey to transform the healthcare marketplace," said LISI Director of Sales, Jack Lyons. About LISI LISI, an AmWINS company, has offices in San Mateo, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, and has serviced the needs of health insurance brokers since 1977. One of the state's largest general agencies, LISI enables more than 8,000 affiliated brokers to offer Medical, Dental, Vision and Specialty coverage for large and small employers from over two dozen carriers. For more information on LISI, please visit http://www.lisibroker.com. Media Contact Jeff Grocky, Marketing Director of LISI, Inc., [email protected], 818-431-0474 SOURCE LISI Related Links www.lisibroker.com Felix Lee is the 37th President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). An economic geologist with over 30 years of experience, Felix is a Director and Principal Consultant with CSA Global Canada, an international mining and geological consulting firm, where he manages the day-to-day operations of the firms Toronto office in conjunction with the firms twelve other offices worldwide. Prior to his current position, Felix was owner and president of Toronto-based mining and geological consultancy, A.C.A. Howe International Limited. Felix is a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in the province of Ontario and a member of the Society of Economic Geologists. He received his B.Sc. in Geology from McMaster University, and earned his MBA at York University and Northwestern University. In this interview, Felix Lee shares his insights on the state of the mineral exploration industry and why mining investors should attend this years PDAC Convention. The Convention is the worlds largest mining conference and is held in downtown Toronto March 1-4th, 2020. To learn more go to: https://www.pdac.ca/convention 0:15 Attend PDAC to develop your network 3:20 Felix background and path to 37th PDAC President 5:40 Key trends mining investors should know 8:21 Positive mining trends and laws 9:20 Discussing challenges women in mining face 12:10 Advocating for more mining-friendly laws 15:32 Discussing mining jurisdictions 19:23 Why attend the PDAC Convention Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) Government agencies and private companies have initiated relief efforts to aid residents affected by ashfall from Taal volcano's eruption, officials said Monday. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Delfin Lorenzana said there have been food supplies coming in from the Social Welfare Department to feed thousands of evacuees. "Palagay ko naman hindi magkaka-shortage [I think there will not be a shortage]. We have some supplies and food items to be given to these evacuees...[Department of Social Welfare and Development], they have already disturbuted mga food items," he said in a press briefing. Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon said they are serving 20,000 people in evacuation centers. The Batangas local government said about 16,000 residents from the danger zone have fled their homes and moved to evacuation centers such as those in Bauan, San Pascual, Padre Garcia and Lipa. The province is now under a state of calamity. The most affected towns are Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo and San Nicolas. Taal started rumbling and belching ash plumes on Sunday in a steam-driven eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has since raised the alert for Taal to level 4 which means a "hazardous eruption" is possible within days or hours. On Monday, the volcano had a magmatic eruption, spewing a "weak" lava fountain for an hour and a half. Lorenzana said there are 10,751 affected persons in their list that are seen to evacuate ashfall-stricken areas namely Batangas (all 24 municipalities) and Cavite province, including Tagaytay City. There are currently four helicopters on standby to evacuate more people, he added. Provincial disaster management officials said there are 45 evacuation centers in Batangas that can accommodate the evacuees. The National Food Authority also assured there are enough rice stocks in the affected areas. For Region 4 about 1,930,000 bags of rice are available while Metro Manila has 197,000 bags and Region 3 has 1,963,000 bags. Some NFA employees are also working in its central and field offices and warehouses to aid local government units and agencies. NFA Administrator Judy Dansal assured that the rice is properly stored in warehouses and is safe for consumption. Davao City also sent out 5,000 food packs which local officials hope would arrive by Friday. Task Force Davao Commander Colonel Consolito Yecla said they are focusing on providing aid to the towns of Sto. Tomas, Tanauan and Calaca. The Ayala Group of Companies has also started deploying 30 water tankers from concessionaire Manila Water to evacuation centers in Batangas and 2,000 five-gallon units of bottled water on Monday. Ayala Malls Solenad and Ayala Malls Nuvali also opened its cinema building ground floor to customers that need shelter and charging stations. Gordon said PRC is focusing on providing hot meals and water supply to the evacuees. Red Cross volunteers are also offering psychosocial support to traumatized victims. We will have to put minders in the evacuation centers so that they can check if somebody is in trouble and they can immediately react to them, he told CNN Philippines. He added that some ambulances equipped with defibrillators and oxygen tanks are also available. Gordon also ordered for toilets for the evacuees to use and said he is seeing if there is a need for a big tent with additional beds. Among the ailments observed from the victims were respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses as well as children suffering from asthma and allergies. However, Lorenzana said there is a need for more face masks. He said the Department of Trade and Industry is monitoring price hikes in stores that sell the masks. Gordon said they are distributing 2,000 masks to evacuees and ordered 20,000 more. However, he urged those from provinces other than Batangas to buy masks for themselves. Its not only just in Batangas, if this happened some more, Cavite, Tagaytay, Manila will be affected and people should help themselves acquire masks, he said. The N95 mask -- the recommended mask to prevent inhaling tiny ash particles -- has been sold out in most retail stores. The PRC suggested to wear surgical masks with layers of tissue underneath or use damp towels as an alternative. The Bicol Regional Police Command has sent at least two and a half boxes of N95 masks the recommended face mask to prevent inhaling particles of ash. These will be transported by bus to officers on the field in Calabarzon. Aside from masks, an augmentation team of 193 personnel composed of Search and Rescue, Security Force and Disaster Incident Management Task Group will be sent out upon call or order. These teams have been trained and skilled in disaster and incident management in past emergencies in the Bicol region. The Bicol region experienced a similar ashfall event when Mayon volcano erupted in 2018. The Communist Party of the Philippines has also instructed revolutionary mass organizations and civic organizations to assist affected families. Digital Producer Janine Peralta and Albay-based journalist Rosas Olarte contributed to this report. Fifty years ago today we were visited by a corrupt US businessman named Spiro Agnew who just happened to be the vice-president of the United States. The only reason I remember the visit of Spiro Who? is because I was arrested at the National War Memorial in Canberra and charged with "assault police" an arrest which has affected my travel arrangements ever since. Others arrested with me were charged with the extraordinary offence of "fighting in the grounds of the War Memorial". Just think about that as a charge. Meredith Burgmann is arrested in 1970 for protesting at the arrival of US vice-president Spiro Agnew. Because I was found guilty of a felony at the Agnew demonstration, I have found it difficult to travel to the United States. I have to undergo an interview with the US consulate in Sydney before obtaining a visa. On these occasions there have been strange conversations where I point out that Spiro Agnew was in fact a crook. The US officials always respond with officialese for, "Yes, but he was our crook." Agnews visit occurred at the height of the Vietnam War and at the peak of discussion about Australias non-questioning support role. Few days after Spanish media recount the horrors suffered by a young lady who managed miraculously to escape to Barcelona after she was sold like a slave by her father to an older man in the Polisario-run Tindouf camps, Italian media turn the spotlight to the prevailing slavery practices in the camps that have been abandoned by Algeria to the mercy of a separatist militia. Human Rights groups have repeatedly warned of the rampant slavery practices in the camp. Their calls are now echoed in Italian media agcnews.eu, which told the story of the 18-year old Sahraoui in Barcelona saying that she is not the only young lady sold for forced marriage to an older man. The Italian media outlet deplored the lack of monitoring of human rights in the camps within the Algerian territory. The website also shed light on other cases of torture and slavery such as that of Hija Maloma, 21, who was kidnapped within the camps in 2016 after paying a visit to her parents. In 2009, two Australian journalists with the Sydney Morning Herald were invited to the camps by the Polisario representative in Australia with the aim to carry out a propaganda coverage in favor of the polisario leadership. While in the camps the two journalists noticed slavery practices and decided to secretly film a documentary on the ordeal of black people in the camps. The film, dubbed Stolen, exposes modern-day slavery in the refugee camps of Tindouf through telling the story of a Sahrawi girl called Fatim Sellami, herself a slave, who was reunited with her mother after 35 years of separation with the help of the United Nations. The film, which also tackles several cases other than Fatims, was not initially meant to deal with slavery. Ayala and Fallshaw wanted to make a documentary on the living conditions in the Tindouf camps, but when they arrived there, they found out about the slave trade and decided to shift focus. The film shows that those Sahrawi girls offered for sale are persecuted and are frequently beaten. Their names are also changed and they are not allowed to marry except with the permission of their masters who have to provide them with a document stating that they have been granted freedom. In its annual reports on the human rights conditions in the Tindouf camps, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has repeatedly condemned the persistence of slavery practices. Practices of slavery that centuries ago were a basic feature of traditional nomadic culture in the Western Sahara appear all but nonexistent among the Sahrawi refugees today, HRW said. The persistence of certain forms of slavery highlights the need for continuous, on-the-ground human rights monitoring, it said. Rome solo concert by Liam Gallagher on 15 February. Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher performs at the Palazzo dello Sport in the EUR area of Rome on 15 February. Alongside his brother Noel, Gallagher achieved international stardom in the 1990s with the hugely popular rock band Oasis. Following the group's acrimonious split in 2009, Gallagher formed Beady Eye which was disbanded in 2014, before launching his solo career. For tickets for Rome concert see TicketOne website. On Monday, Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II will come together for a face-to-face meeting to work things out with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back as senior royals. They will be coming up with a fast and workable solution for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their new roles. However, the damaged relationships within the family, particularly Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II, may never be fixed. It was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their branching out without even consulting The Firm. Because of that, Prince Harry's actions offended his grandmother. The other senior royals felt betrayal and fury as well. While the entire world watches what the royal family does next, the Queen is keen to find a resolution before irreparable damage is done to the most well-known family in the world. According to a royal insider, "Perhaps it's a generational thing, or the way she was brought up, but duty is everything to the Queen, and she will find this the most upsetting part of all." Moreover, according to Vanity Fair, the Queen and the other senior members kned about Prince Harry and Meghan's plans to review their roles and move to another country. However, the Queen hoped that they would not step away from royal life completely. "After everything she has done for Harry, she feels monumentally let down. All she has done is to accommodate him and Meghan from the start. The family is all troubled at how the Sussexes have behaved," says Vanity Fair's source. The source added that Prince Harry is behaving like a "bolshie teenager," dropping a bombshell and leaving the Queen to "pick up the pieces." It is also reported that their relationship has been strained, as what was once a very warm and "jokey grandmother-grandson" rapport has dissipated. A source close to the royals told Vanity Fair that the Queen was very upset by some of the Prince's demands for his wedding and the way he went about certain things, including not wanting to use the Queen's staff for the wedding, appointing his and Meghan's florist and cake makers and asking the Archbishop of Canterbury to marry them before discussing with the Queen and the Dean of Windsor. The "Megxit" announcement also made the Queen angrier than Prince Andrew's car-crash interview last year, according to Page Six. According to former royal spokesperson Dickie Arbiter, "The Epstein thing and Andrew has been going on for ages. This is a bombshell that just dropped." On the other hand, 37-year-old Prince William and Duchess Kate has also reportedly done everything in their power to help his brother over the years. The Duke of Cambridge feels let down by Prince Harry's "reckless" and "selfish" actions, according to a source. The insider added that the way Prince William sees it is his younger brother is throwing all the good advice he gave him "back in his face." French President Emmanuel Macron has opened a summit on Monday with the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mauritania aimed at boosting the fight against extremism in West Africa. Macron hopes to counter anti-French sentiment that has bubbled up amid frustration over the extremist attacks that killed thousands of people last year alone. France, which once colonized much of West Africa, has some 4,500 troops in the sprawling Sahel region and has been accused by some residents of failing to stabilize it. Some in Mali, which has struggled for close to a decade with extremism, have protested the French presence. Macron wants the summit in the French southern city of Pau to help re-legitimize the French operation in the Sahel by sending a strong joint message. A declaration is expected in which France and the African nations vow to fight extremism by military and political means. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will attend the summit's dinner, along with European Council President Charles Michel, European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell and African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat. Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger Mauritania make up the G5 Sahel group that are working with France against the threat of extremists in the region. Yusaku Maezawa, entrepreneur and CEO of Zozotown, will be SpaceX BFR's first private passenger. Photo: Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP via Getty Images Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has set up a website to search for a female "life partner" to accompany him on Space X's first ever tourist voyage to the moon. Maezawa, who launched Japans largest online fashion retail website Zozotown in 2004, recently split up from actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki. He now says he wants to share the experience of being the first civilian passenger to fly around the moon with a "special" woman. I have lived exactly as I've wanted to up until now. For 21 years, I've been working running around as a company president, causing lots of people to worry along the way, but also receiving a lot of love and support from people, too. In the end, I've been able to put a temporary end to that brilliant life as company president, he said on the website. I'm sure I've been able to acquire my share of money, social status, and fame along the way. But now I'm restarting my life. I'm 44 now. As feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me, there's one thing that I think about: Continuing to love one woman. Maezawa is believed to have a personal wealth of $2bn (1.5bn). READ MORE: The global space business is worth $415 billion In 2018, it was announced that he would be the first civilian to fly around the moon on the Starship rocket, which is planned for 2023. It will be the first journey to the moon by humans since 1972. Earlier this month, Maezawa promised to share his wealth with his Twitter audience pledging to share 100 million yen ($925,000, 725,000) between 100 randomly selected people who shared one of his tweets. Applications to be his female life partner close on 17 January 10am local time and after a mapped out process, he will make his final decision by the end of March this year. Candidates have also been set a number of conditions: Single women aged 20 or over Bright personality and always positive Interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it Want to enjoy life to the fullest Be someone who wishes for world peace I started to think that this was a good chance to seriously face up to the idea of "continuing to love one woman" which I'd only really had a hazy image about. I made my decision and finally decided to go on the program.I want to find a "life partner". With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world peace from outer space, said Maezawa. A Virginia couple who say they were threatened with eviction for holding Bible studies in their apartment has settled their lawsuit with the apartment complex. According to Faithwire, Kenneth and Liv Hauge can now host Bible studies in the community room or in their apartment in their Virginia senior living community. As Christian Headlines previously reported, the couple said their apartment had threatened to evict them for hosting the Bible studies in 2018. First Liberty filed a lawsuit on behalf of the couple, saying such a ban violated their right to freedom of religion. The couple signed a new lease as part of the settlement. The settlement provides that the policy that prohibited any religious activities from occurring in the community room is rescinded so that means anyone, not just the Bible study, that wants to have an event has equal access regardless of the religious content, the couples lawyer, Lea Patterson, told reporters. The apartment complex did not comment on the settlement, but previously a released statement said the eviction was no way based on [the couples] religious beliefs and/or practices. In a notice to the couple, the apartment said the Hauges breached the terms of your lease by engaging in conduct which has caused, and continues to cause, serious and substantial disturbances with other residents of the community...." The notice calls on the Hauges to "cease conducting any business operations" in their home and the community, including Bible study class, religious movie screenings and "counseling" sessions as banned "business operations. In July, Kenneth said he was disappointed that the company would develop such a discriminatory policy against the community of especially Christian faith. But this week, Kenneth, who is a former minister, said he is pleased with the settlement. Its just a great relief to have this behind us and be able to move forward, he said. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Monkey Business Images 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. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is revealing the surprising inspiration behind her popular Hot Priest character from Fleabag. The actress and writer, 34, won the Critics Choice Award for best comedy series on Sunday for her Amazon Prime series Fleabag and she thanked Jennifer Lopez for inspiring her work. This means such a massive amount especially after seeing who we are nominated with, Waller-Bridge said while accepting the award. There is bad acting on my part. You have no idea how much you can accidentally inspire someone by your work. She continued, And someone inspired this show and thats J. Lo. I decided that the priests favorite song was Jenny from the Block and it opened the whole character up for me. Lopez was also in attendance at the ceremony, nominated for her performance in Hustlers. RELATED: Phoebe Waller-Bridge Auctioning Off Her Golden Globes Suit on eBay to Aid Australian Fire Relief Phoebe Waller-Bridge; Jennifer Lopez | Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Steve Granitz/WireImage) Waller-Bridge also thanked her sister, composer Isobel Waller-Bridge. I dedicate this award to Isobel who composed the music for the show, the actress said. There are slightly mediocre bits in Fleabag that are elevated by her score. Waller-Bridges win comes a week after she won the Golden Globe for best performance by an actress in a television series musical or comedy. She then auctioned off the Ralph & Russo tuxedo she wore to the event on eBay as a way to raise funds benefitting Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund, WIRES Wildlife Rescue Emergency Fund and Wildlife Victoria three charities close to her heart that are helping to combat the disaster. RELATED VIDEO: Fleabags Phoebe Waller-Bridge Says Shes Added Little Spices to New James Bond Film Script Im very excited that this stunning, one-of-a-kind, couture tuxedo created by Australian geniuses Ralph & Russo will continue its journey by contributing to this urgent cause. If money raised by its auction can help raise funds to fight the disaster in Australia, the future impact of this suit will be far greater than the luck it brought me and the Fleabag team at the Golden Globes last weekend, she said in a statement. Story continues To add to its allure I spent most of the night brushing it past and rubbing it up against all the sparkly people I could find, the actress continued. These threads are laced with legends! The auction will last a total of 10 days, ending at 11:00 AEDT on January 20, 2020. The starting bid currently stands at $77,000 AUD (roughly $54,000 U.S.) and includes global shipping and insurance fees. Colombo, Jan 13 : Sri Lankan immigration officials nabbed seven Indians who were working as labourers for overstaying after their visas had expired, a media report on Monday. The arrests took place last week when officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration launched a raid at a construction site in Wattala, the Daily Mirror newspaper said in the report. According to Immigration sources, the Indian nationals reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka on a 30-day business visa and had engaged in employment violating its conditions and also overstayed the designated visa period. They were taken into Immigration custody and were to be transferred to its detention centre in Mirihana. Their passports were seized by the authorities. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the seven men had arrived in the country from Southern India state, having applied for their visas online. Image Source: public domain pictures For the first time, a judge has denied a request to take away a mans guns under Colorados new red flag law. A Limon woman claimed a man who she had a relationship with threatened her with a gun and filed the request. Since the law took effect, the red flag law has had many gun owners seeing red. At least four requests have been filed since the first of 2020; CBS4 is aware of them being filed in Denver, in Larimer County and this one in Lincoln County. Many gun owners, like Jak Gruenberg, despise it. Red flag laws just allow for harassment of legal gun owners, he said. A Toyota Innova on display at a showroom in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nhan. An abundant supply of imports, introduction of new models and stiffer competition have pulled car prices down, industry insiders say. Toyota Innova, among the most popular multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in Vietnam, saw its price go down 13 percent year-on-year last month to VND771 million ($33,360). Industry insiders said the drop of VND100 million ($4,330) was unprecedented for this model. Innova only reflected a general trend, they added. Prices of the Toyota Vios sedan and the hatchback Kia Morning fell 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively. In the high-end segment, prices of BMW cars fell 18.5 percent. Abundant supply is said to be one of the main factors behind the falling prices. Car imports in the first 11 months of last year doubled year-on-year to almost 133,700 units, most of them from Thailand and Indonesia. Models with the biggest sales, MPV Mitsubishi Xpander and SUV Toyota Fortuner, were all imported. Tightening credit from banks last year had made it more difficult for buyers, leading to an increase in inventory that had to be reduced by lowering prices. The introduction of new models was another factor. Vietnams newest car manufacturer VinFast also intensified competition in the market with its SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. Auto sales in Vietnam last year rose 11.6 percent from 2018 to 322,322 units, with 58.8 percent of them locally-assembled, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association. France and its five Sahel partners in Western Africa agreed Monday to step up their military cooperation to combat the jihadist insurgency threatening the region, agreeing to place their forces under one umbrella, known as the Coalition for the Sahel. In a joint statement following talks in the French city of Pau, the leaders of France, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania said they would concentrate their efforts on battling the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. The six leaders also said they hoped the United States would maintain its "crucial support" in combating the Islamist extremists, after a top US general confirmed Monday that the Pentagon was weighing a troop reduction in Africa. Hosting the summit, President Emmanuel Macron said France would commit an extra 220 soldiers to the anti-jihadist fight, after agreeing to create a joint command structure with regional states. "We have no choice. We need results," the French president told a press conference after the summit. In their statement, Macron's West African counterparts "expressed their desire for France's continued engagement in the Sahel, and urged a greater international presence at their side." Macron had insisted the Sahel leaders use the occasion to express public support for France's military presence by far the largest foreign contribution to the fight against African jihadists aligned to al Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Visiting the region last month, Macron complained of a lack of "clear political condemnation of anti-French feelings" on the ground. France already has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting poorly-equipped, impoverished local armies that in 2017 launched a joint anti-jihadist G5 Sahel force. Despite the French presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA in Mali, the conflict that erupted in the north of that country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours, especially Burkina Faso and Niger. Jihadist fighters have recently stepped up their campaign against military and civilian targets, and earlier this month, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "terrorist groups are gaining ground". The Pau meeting was postponed from December after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers. And last Thursday another attack by jihadists left 89 Niger soldiers dead. Earlier on Monday, Macron was joined by Mali's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Faso's Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Chad's Idriss Deby in observing a minute of silence for seven soldiers from Pau who died in action in Mali among 13 French troops killed in a helicopter crash while hunting jihadists last November. Story continues Paris planned to use the summit to repeat its call on other Western nations to help step up the fight. But in a worrying sign for Paris, Washingtons top military commander said the United States planned to reduce its military presence in Africa. General Mark Milley, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said resources "could be reduced and then shifted, either to increase readiness of the force in the continental US or shifted to" the Pacific. Milley said no decisions had been made yet and insisted Washington was not pulling out of Africa completely. "We're developing options for the secretary to consider, and we are developing those options in coordination with our allies and partners," Milley said, adding that "economy of forces does not mean zero. Washington has some 7,000 special forces on rotation in Africa carrying out joint operations with national forces against jihadists, particularly in Somalia. Another 2,000 soldiers conduct training missions in some 40 African countries and take part in cooperative operations, in particular with France's Operation Barkhane in Mali, to which they provide mainly logistical assistance. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) She's no stranger to Australian shores but English reality star Charlotte Crosby seems confused by some of the local lingo. Appearing on Monday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, the former Geordie Shore star was baffled when capsicum was served for dinner. Capsicum is what Australians call a bell pepper - commonly referred to as a 'pepper' in the United Kingdom. Confused: On Monday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, Charlotte Crosby (pictured) was baffled by the word 'capsicum' 'What's a capsicum?' she asked her campmates, before it was explained to her a capsicum is what Aussies call a pepper. 'What the hell is that about? We have got yellow peppers and everyone's calling them capsicums!' she said in a piece to camera. Speaking to her campmates, Charlotte stated emphatically: 'What a horrible word for a pepper, it sounds like a foreign word!' Delicious! Capsicum is what Australians call a bell pepper - commonly referred to as a 'pepper' in the United Kingdom. Pictured: Capsicums, aka peppers What? The former Geordie Shore star was confused when capsicum was served for dinner No idea! 'What the hell is that about? We have got yellow peppers and everyone's calling them capsicums!' she said in a piece to camera Charlotte said: 'What a horrible word for a pepper, it sound like a foreign word!' The reality star's love interest Ryan Gallagher (pictured) answered: 'It is foreign, it's Australian!' The reality star's jungle love interest, former Married At First Sight contestant Ryan Gallagher, answered her, joking: 'It is foreign, it's Australian!' Charlotte continued to be confused and said in distaste: 'Sounds like some sort of foot infection!' Fans on Twitter were amused by the exchange, with one person writing: 'I'm with Charlotte on this one, Aussies. It's a pepper'. Fans on Twitter were amused by the exchange, with one person writing: 'I'm with Charlotte on this one, Aussies. It's a pepper' Someone else was sympathetic, Tweeting: 'To be fair to her, we don't call it that in the UK so she might not of known. Nothing to make her look silly about.' Another person watching at home was also baffled, writing: 'I thought they only called them peppers in the USA but do they call them peppers in the UK too?' One fan wondered how another bit of Aussie lingo went by unnoticed, writing: 'Can't believe Charlotte didn't arc up at a courgette being called a zucchini.' HYDERABAD: The protests of women against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) suddenly created an atmosphere of mild tension at Toli Chowki on Sunday night. While dodging the police, some women suddenly started protesting under the echelon flyover on Sunday. Women sat on the street to protest against the tricolor in their hands and slogans against CAA. Afghanistan: Two US soldiers killed, Taliban claims attack On seeing this, the number of protesters increased. The youths shouted slogans like 'Modi your dictatorship, won't run, won't do', 'What we ask for, freedom' and 'Take back the black law'. This performance caused mild tension and traffic at the busy intersection was also adversely affected. When the police reached the spot and tried to forcefully remove them, the protesters peacefully demanded to continue their protest. 11 people lost their lives in US, more than 1,200 flights canceled The protesters accused the police of stopping their democratic right and not allowing them to protest. Senior police officers tried to convince women and youth to end the protest. This stalemate continued till three in the morning. The police forced them into a police vehicle after the protesters refused to leave the place. He was taken to Goshamahal and Golconda police station. 14 opposition parties show unity against CAA-NRC, these four parties did not join even after invitation By PTI NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday described the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as a "discriminatory and divisive" law whose "sinister" purpose was to divide people on religious lines, and asserted that the NPR in form and content was "disguised NRC". Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting here, Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the citizenship law, accusing them of making provocative statements. The Congress demands that a comprehensive high-powered commission be constituted to enquire into the incidents connected with anti-CAA protests, she said. The Congress leader said thousands of young men and women, especially students, have realised the "grave harm" that implementation of the new citizenship law will cause. They have taken to the streets braving the cold as well as police brutalities, Gandhi said, adding that it is clear the government is "digging in its heels" as the students' protests gain momentum. "Not a day passes without the Home Minister and on some days the Prime Minister himself making provocative statements," the Congress president said. "The situation in some states is alarming, turning the states into police states, notably in Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territory of Delhi," she said. Apart from Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, top party leaders P Chidambaram, Anand Sharma, A K Antony, KC Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia were among those present. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was not present at the meeting. Coming down hard on the National Population Register (NPR), Gandhi asked the Congress top brass to not be under any illusion that it was a "benign exercise". She said the government at first thought the NRC exercise could be carried out throughout the country, but after the disastrous results in Assam it has hit upon the idea of NPR. "In form and content, NPR 2020 is a disguised NRC. As a party in government in several states, we must take a wise and uniform decision," Gandhi said. The New Year has just begun, bringing in more disturbing news of conflict, authoritarianism, economic woes, crime and soured relation, she said. In a take down of the CAA, she said the law was passed amidst strong protests in the winter session of Parliament, and was a "big issue" before the CWC. ALSO READ | 'Won't allow Citizenship Act in Bengal': Mamata joins protest minutes after meeting Modi "The CAA is a discriminatory and divisive law. The sinister purpose of the law is clear to every patriotic, tolerant and secular Indian: it is to divide the Indian people on religious lines," Gandhi said. The CWC must categorically declare that millions of Congress workers will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of India in their struggle for equality, equal protection of the laws, justice and dignity, she told the top Congress leaders. "We are appalled by the police excesses and use of brute force in many towns of UP, in Jamia Millia, in the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Allahabad University, Delhi University, Gujarat University, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru," she said. "We have no faith that either the UP state government or the LG of Delhi will bring the culprits to justice. We, therefore, demand that a comprehensive high-powered commission should be constituted to enquire into the incidents connected with the anti-CAA protests and justice to the affected persons," she said. Gandhi also hit out at the government over the state of the economy and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has neither the wisdom nor the will to take measures to stop the downslide in the economy which is causing untold misery to practically all sections of society, she alleged. It is a matter of anguish and concern that the people in Jammu and Kashmir continue to be denied their fundamental rights while the government makes farcical claims of normalcy and arranges guided tours for diplomats, she said, referring to the visit of 15 envoys including the US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster to Jammu and Kashmir. Former chief ministers and senior leaders of mainstream parties continue to be in detention and the shut down in the Valley is now in its fifth month, she said, adding that it is important that the fundamental rights of citizens are respected and restrictions are lifted. The Congress chief also expressed grave concern over the recent developments in the Gulf region where tensions have spiralled between the US and Iran over the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. "For India, much is at stake -- our energy security and the welfare of large Indian diaspora. Any escalation of the conflict will have serious consequences for the region and the world. We hope that the current situation will be diffused," she said. ASTRAVETS, Belarus -- Mikalay Ulasevich was running in municipal elections in July 2016 when a local resident alerted him to a major accident at a nuclear power plant under construction close to this town in northwestern Belarus. Workers had dropped a 330-ton reactor vessel from a height of several meters while attempting to install it, he was told, and officials were trying to keep the incident under wraps. "Everybody knew about it, or almost everybody, but no one dared reveal it publicly," Ulasevich recalled recently at his house in the nearby village of Varnyany, with the plant's gargantuan cooling towers visible on the horizon. "They'd be putting themselves in the firing line." As a member of the opposition United Civic Party and an outspoken critic of authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, Ulasevich was campaigning on a promise to thwart the controversial project funded by a subsidiary of Russian state nuclear energy monopoly Rosatom. But it wasn't until two weeks after he learned of the incident that he decided to share the news. In a Facebook post questioning the project's safety record, he asked whether Belarusian officials had notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the accident or told neighboring Lithuania, whose capital, Vilnius, lies a mere 40 kilometers from the Astravets plant. It's likely the small Baltic country was already aware. Since the project was announced by presidential decree in 2008, backed by a $10 billion loan from Moscow, Lithuanian officials have waited with trepidation for Minsk to declare construction complete. Now, with its delayed launch slated to take place within months, their campaign to scupper those plans has shifted into high gear. "This is a threat to our national security, public health, and environment," Lithuanian Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas told RFE/RL in an interview in Vilnius. "The key question is the site selection, which was done politically -- geopolitically." Lessons Learned? Eastern Europe knows that nuclear power can be both a blessing and a curse. The April 1986 explosion of Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl plant, just south of Belarus in Ukraine, reverberated with catastrophic consequences as tainted clouds spread deadly radioactive particles across the region. The Soviet leadership restricted information about the accident and acted sluggishly, holding off evacuation of the local population for 36 hours. Another nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan, in 2011, the deadliest since Chernobyl, exacerbated global fears over the double-edged sword of atomic energy. Because of its location downwind from Chernobyl, Belarus bore the brunt of that fallout. Its own plans for a nuclear power plant, announced in the 1980s, were shelved as the Soviet leadership and society at large grappled with the consequences of the tragedy. Now, critics say Belarus's decision to forge ahead with the plant near Astravets is a testament to the country's failure to draw conclusions from its past. "The lessons that were given 30 years ago in Chernobyl have not been learned," Vaiciunas said. Three years before the disaster in Ukraine, the Soviet Union opened a nuclear plant in Lithuania, near the Belarusian border, with the same RBMK-type reactors that served Chernobyl. It was there that parts of HBO's five-part series on the nuclear disaster were filmed. Lithuania agreed to close it as a condition for its accession to the European Union in 2004, with the final reactor decommissioned in December 2009. But in the past decade, nuclear-reactor design has advanced markedly, with an increased focus on accident prevention and a substantial improvement in safety records worldwide. And the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, as the project is officially known, is no copy of Chernobyl or Fukushima. The site near Astravets will run third-generation pressurized-water reactors distinct from earlier models used in Japan and Ukraine and equipped with safety measures aimed at precluding the kind of accidents that happened there: from so-called passive safety systems capable of triggering an automatic shutdown to a "core catcher" device installed in a concrete pit beneath the reactor that would trap molten fuel in case of overheating and make it nearly impossible for radiation to infiltrate the environment. The same Russian-made VVER-type reactors that will be used near Astravets are slated for installation in a range of other countries including Finland, where Rosatom -- which has emerged as the world's leading nuclear reactor supplier -- is building another power plant amid a global push to install more than 30 of its reactors in deals worth over $100 billion. Geopolitics In Play? But while the Finnish regulator has imposed strict safety criteria pending approval of the project, Lithuania says, Belarus is launching its first reactor without completing all stages of a "stress test" -- an EU risk-and-safety assessment of a plant's ability to withstand damage from hazards. But supporters of the project say that since Belarus is not an EU member, it is not obliged to complete the stress test, and the checks it did carry out were done voluntarily. The Astravets plant has also hosted visits from experts at international bodies, including the IAEA. Although it's up in arms over what it says is Minsk's secrecy over the project, Lithuania doesn't so much dispute the technology used. It's the proximity to its population centers, and a history of seismic activity in the area, that rankles officials in Vilnius. In a 2017 resolution, the Council of Europe called on Belarus to suspend construction of the power station, citing a "lack of respect for international standards for nuclear safety" and "major incidents during the construction of this plant," which it asserted was being built on "an unsustainable site." "Safety depends not only on the design -- it depends also on the site," said Darius Lukauskas, deputy head for radiation safety at Lithuania's nuclear energy regulator. "You have to answer three questions: where the plant is, what kind of facility it is, and how it is constructed." The plant lies 140 kilometers from Minsk on Belarus's border with the European Union, and Vilnius suspects its location is part of a Kremlin push to retain a foothold on the European energy market and ensure the region's continued reliance on Russian hydrocarbon supplies. As Russia accelerates its push for closer integration with Belarus on Moscow's terms, neighbors also fear that Minsk will be beholden to Russia's geopolitical whims once the plant goes online. The administration of the Astravets power plant denies that. "Any talk of Belarus building a nuclear plant here to spite or harm someone -- be it Lithuania, the EU, or anyone else -- is wrong, and has always been," said Eduard Svirid, a spokesman for the nuclear plant. He said the site near the Lithuanian border was chosen after preliminary excavations at several locations in the country's east exposed a layer of chalkstone that rendered the ground unsafe for a power plant, and said past seismic activity in the region is exaggerated. On a recent afternoon, Svirid showed an RFE/RL reporter around the project's visitor center in Astravets, some 15 kilometers from the plant itself, where he uses touchscreens and model reactors to outline the precautions the administration promises to have in place. He said the plant organizes four or five press tours of the site each year and was "unprecedentedly open toward the media and the general public." In e-mailed comments to RFE/RL, Rosatom said that "it is practically impossible to conceal any event on the site, as key works are being regularly inspected by watchdogs." "We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and have always provided the national regulator, international watchdogs, and all other stakeholders with any and all information they require on the design and progress of the project," it said. 'A Bone In The Throat' But access to the plant itself and the surrounding area are strictly controlled, with a dedicated security detail stopping people who take photos and occasionally detaining journalists. Two Belarusian journalists said they were followed by plainclothes officers and taken to a police station for questioning when they tried to visit the site in 2013 along with Ulasevich and other opposition politicians. During a recent visit, an RFE/RL reporter was detained by the plant's security service, whose officers demanded that he delete all photos of the plant. Svirid defended the actions, warning that photos can be used by terrorists. Lukashenka, meanwhile, has vehemently defended the project and smeared its opponents. In a speech before university students in the provincial capital, Hrodna, in 2013, the strongman president suggested that critics of the plant were "a fifth column" that had been "paid off." He called the Astravets plant and one under construction in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad "a bone in the throat of the European Union and the Baltic states," adding, "They'll be forced to buy electricity from us and from Russia." Lithuania has sought to upend those plans. In April 2017, it announced a boycott on the import and transfer of electricity from Belarus, in an apparent bid to dim the Astravets plant's economic prospects. But Lithuania's electricity grid links up with Belarus and Russia, and while it plans to reorient to the EU's network, it acknowledges that process will take several more years. In the meantime, its government is already preparing for a potential disaster. It has bought up 900,000 euros ($1 million) worth of iodine tablets in the event of a radiation leak, which Vilnius says could affect a third of Lithuania's population of 2.8 million. And it's holding drills across the country to test its readiness and ability to evacuate citizens should the unthinkable happen. "It depends on the speed of the wind, [but] we could have only a couple of hours after a release to make decisions -- for example, to evacuate," said Lukauskas of the nuclear-safety regulator, one of the many state institutions involved in the drills. "And until the release reaches the Lithuanian border." A Suspicious Secrecy Back across the border, official opinion polls suggest that Belarusians are divided over the benefits of harnessing nuclear power in their country and over the construction of the Astravets plant. According to a December 2018 poll by the state Sociology Institute, support for the plant was at its highest in the Astravets district itself, with more than 71 percent in favor -- though the accuracy of such surveys is hard to gauge in the tightly controlled country. A continuing influx of workers from Russia and other parts of Belarus is expected to almost double the town's population within the next five years, to over 22,000, with new housing blocks springing up on the outskirts. An active outreach campaign by authorities in Astravets since 2008 has also helped sway local opinion in favor. But for Ulasevich, a geologist by training and one of the project's few outspoken critics in Belarus, it is the apparent secrecy around it that is most jarring. When the reactor vessel was dropped in July 2016, it wasn't until after his Facebook post that Belarusian officials confirmed publicly that the accident had taken place and pledged to replace the damaged vessel. (Svirid contended that the reactor shell was not dropped, but rather tilted during transportation in a way that caused one end to hit the ground.) After five seasons of being the first face that an average 13 million Americans see when they tune into Downton Abbey, Darlene Shiley is still struck by how many people recognize her from a 10-second introductory spot. They come up to her in airports and on cruise ships to thank her for her financial support of the public television cultural phenomenon. A friend attending a convention sent her a video of strangers exclaiming, Louisiana loves Darlene Shiley! Shes been approached in restaurants, at her hair salon in Valley Center, and was greeted a few weeks ago with Hi Darlene, Im such a fan! as she was leaving the doctors office. Now Shiley is bracing for a different kind of onslaught. Tonights episode of Downton Abbey on PBS Masterpiece marks the beginning of the end for the British costume drama, which enters its sixth and final season. Im scared to death, Shiley, 69, said only half kidding, predicting those same admirers will turn on the benefactor as fast as the Dowager Countess can say What is a weekend?. Im going to take the hit for it going off the air. Im going to get nasty, terrible letters saying, Why did you stop supporting it? For decades as one of San Diegos most high-profile and prolific philanthropists, Shiley with her late husband, heart-valve inventor Donald Shiley has given away upward of $100 million to science, educational and arts organizations. The Shiley name is everywhere including the UCSD Shiley Eye Center, the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe Theatre, the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimers Disease Research Center, San Diego State Universitys Donald P. Shiley BioScience Center, and as of last month, The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre (MFA) Program. But its been the one-time actress record-breaking gifts to the fundraising Masterpiece Trust, more than $5.2 million to date, that have made Shiley nearly as famous as a Crawley family member. Along with other major local contributors, notably Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner, about $8 million of the $12 million-plus that Masterpiece has raised since it was created in 2011, has come from here, making San Diego a virtual sister city with the fictional Downton country estate in Yorkshire, England. Darlene Shiley Born: Aug. 23, 1946 Education: San Jose State University, theatre arts and humanities Work experience: Acting, semiconductor industry, television public service director, accounting firm, public relations., President, Shiley Foundation Family: Married Donald Shiley, who died in 2010, in 1978; four children from his previous marriage. Civic involvement: Founding donor of the County of San Diegos Alzheimers Project. Past service on boards of national Alzheimers Association, National Corporate Theatre Fund, Old Globe Theatre, Scripps Clinic, KPBS, UC San Diego, Salk Institute, and San Diegos Arts and Culture Commission. Current member of University of San Diego Board of Trustees (past board chair emeritus), and a regent for University of Portland. And in that rarefied, aristocratic world, Shiley, who has traveled to the set, mingled with the cast and is contributing to the preservation of one of the buildings used as a location, would be San Diegos unofficial Duchess of Downton. Darlene is a wonderful ambassadress for the show. People recognize her everywhere and she handles it with such warmth and grace, said Rebecca Eaton, executive producer of Masterpiece and one of Downtons executive producers. Its television and millions of people see her image every week, which is a very powerful thing. As many people go past the Shiley Eye Center or the Old Globe in San Diego every day, its exponential. Thats exactly why former University of San Diego President Mary Lyons said she hopes Shileys generosity that extends beyond the TV screen isnt overshadowed. The fact that shes become so well known for her philanthropy because of Downton Abbey, she (Shiley) kind of shakes her head. But shes had such a long history in our region for philanthropy if that were only the thing she was known for, it would really miss the point of her and Donalds focus, Lyons said. In recent years, its been very much in the national media, the pledges for giving wealth away, with Bill Gates and others. Donald and Darlene did it before it was quote unquote the thing to do. Long before, just a handful of people had already begun a long history of generosity, without attention. Irwin and Joan Jacobs come into that category, she said. The example that these folks have shown for many years shouldnt be lost. Hes still everywhere Darlene and Donald Shiley were married for 32 years, until his death in 2010 from vascular dementia. She was almost 30 years younger than him when they met after a performance in Berkeley of The Lion in Winter, in which she played the role of the wealthy and powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine. This 2006 photo of Darlene and Donald Shiley, taken on the terrace of their San Diego penthouse, is the first image guests see when they visit the home. Crissy Pascual San Diego Union-Tibune file photo She was just acting. While Donald Shiley was already a successful engineer and self-made businessman with a Ferrari and a private plane, Darlene grew up in working class Alameda County and considered her five-year-old yellow Karmann Ghia to be the epitome of luxury. It wasnt only their income levels that differed. A widower, he was reserved, quiet, deeply religious and not particularly happy. She was the show-woman, gregarious, funny and outspoken. But they clicked and after a false start when he didnt call for six months between their first and second dates (he was afraid shed say no), the couple was all but inseparable for the decades to come. Darlene Shiley, as well as several of her longtime friends, say theirs was a love story that not even Downton creator Julian Fellowes could have concocted. Everyone could see what a great relationship we had, Shiley said, sitting in the living room of a two-story San Diego penthouse apartment she shared with her husband. Hes still everywhere for me. Whether in casual conversation, delivering testimony at a government meeting or addressing a group of Alzheimers researchers, Shiley is quick to tear up when talking about my Donald. People say, Look, you had 32 years. You should be happy about that. No. I wanted more. I didnt want to lose it. Its crushing. Everybody talks about wanting that one great love I got it, she said, her voice cracking. I dont know how it happened. We were on such different paths. ... We were so different. But we shared the same philosophies and values. About six months after they were married, Donald Shiley, creator of the groundbreaking Bjork-Shiley heart valve, sold his company to the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, netting the newlyweds a sizable, but undisclosed, fortune. The joke at the time was that Shiley couldnt handle both the company and Darlene at the same time and he was going to have to get rid of one of them. And he kept me! she cracked. The Shileys enjoyed traveling, particularly cruises, that took them to all corners of the globe. (Today, when she goes on a cruise, she wont get off the ship in cities the couple visited together so as not to tarnish the memory, she said.) Bucking the fineries of their lifestyle his luxury cars, her Steinway grand piano chosen by the Old Globes Jack OBrien himself it was decided early in their marriage that their riches would all be given away. Darlene Shiley, with the Steinway piano chosen for her by The Old Globes Jack OBrien. Eduardo Contreras And it was Darlene, whose mother instilled in her an ethic of giving back, who suggested they not wait until after they were gone to bequeath their wealth. He agreed, as long as she would be the one to research and vet their philanthropic causes. It was at their Queen Anne Victorian ranch house in Julian where the couple shared their simplest moments and made some of their biggest decisions. Those quiet times, when it would be snowing out, we would sit by the fireplace, where we loved to laugh and read and have our coffee, and we decided as a team where the money should go, she said, her voice disappearing into a whisper. We were a great team. Former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, who became close to Shiley through his wife, Rana Sampson, described her as a down-to-earth, self-deprecating, master raconteur, whose life continues to be committed to her relationship to her husband. Shes still very passionate; I can tell she misses him incredibly, Sanders said. It informs a lot with her giving, whether to caregivers, or to Alzheimers, or biotech, he said. She thinks its her job to live up to the standards that he set that they set as a couple and I just find that really heartwarming. Steely steward Sanders and Sampson have Shiley over for dinner about once a month and one of the things they like to rib Shiley about when they make the occasional visit to her in the Pauma Valley is how she doesnt even know where her kitchen gadgets are. We love to tease her, Hey, did you find your spatula yet? Sanders said. In fact, she did find her spatula. And she used it just a few weeks back as a fireplace poker. Local PBS affiliate KPBS, which shares in the largess Shiley donates to Masterpiece, was there to shoot some promos. They wanted a fire in the fireplace. I bought this house three years ago and had never used the fireplace and I had to use a spatula to move the logs around, Shiley said. Yep, thats me. A self-described goofball who is quick with a one-liner but who also has a penchant for dissolving into tears wouldnt appear on the surface like a steely steward of donated millions. Philanthropist Darlene Shiley (right), talking with USD president Jim Harris at a recent USD Trustee Dinner, is a boardroom powerhouse with a deceptively gregarious persona. Eduardo Contreras Underestimate me at your own peril, Shiley says with eyebrows raised. It fools people into thinking Im fluff because Im approachable. It makes some people think Im not strong because Im very outgoing. Thats a very, very bad thing to think. In the boardroom, shes not afraid to be the lone no vote. Shell go up against organizations who keep coming to her with their hand outstretched even though they didnt hold up their end of the donation deal. If you say, If you give me this, Ill do X, you better do X, said Shiley, with frustration. And dont get her started on people trying to pitch her. I worked in charitable organizations before, so Im hell and a half for some poor development director to come after because theres nothing they can say to me that I havent said to somebody, Shiley said. Im a nightmare when it comes to being a donor. Generally speaking, youve only made it through the front door because Ive already decided to give you the money. Nobodys ever worked me for a donation. Im either going to do it or not do it and you wont be talking to me unless Im going to do it. Masterpieces Eaton learned that one night at dinner with Shiley at the San Diegans favorite restaurant, Mr. As. Shiley had already given the public television station $250,000 because she loved such programming as Prime Suspect, with Helen Mirren. The Cosmos were flowing and Eaton broached the topic of Shiley renewing her pledge and upping it to a $1 million donation to help finance PBS costly Edwardian drama Downton Abbey (which producers decided to end after six seasons). Thats a lot of money, Eaton recalled Shiley responding. Well, that didnt go well, the TV producer thought. Then, using a phrase that would surely make the irascible, high-brow Dowager Countess shudder, Shiley simply answered, Lets do it. Spains far-right party, Vox, on Sunday called demonstrations across the country at which the newly confirmed prime minister, Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE), was described as a traitor to the nation. The party said that its rallies attracted 100,000 people. The biggest protest took place in Madrid, where around 4,000 demonstrators marched in defense of the Constitution. In Barcelona, there were moments of tension as protesters bearing Francoist symbols coincided with anti-fascist and pro-independence demonstrators participating in another rally. The protests were officially called by a group called Espana Existe (Spain Exists), which has ties to Vox. The overarching message was the rejection of the Sanchez government, which was facilitated in part through an abstention by the Catalan Republican Left (ERC) at last weeks investiture vote. In exchange for its support, the separatist party has secured a pledge that the central and Catalan governments will sit down for talks on the political conflict in the northeastern region a deal Vox has described as treason and fraud. Protesters carry a banner with the message: Long live the unity of Spain at a demonstration in Oviedo in the northern region of Asturias. Alberto Morante (EFE) At Sundays demonstrations, protesters marched for national unity and for equality among all Spaniards. Neither the mainstream conservatives of the Popular Party (PP) nor the right-of-center Ciudadanos (Citizens) sent any representatives to these marches. Vox first entered Spanish governing institutions at the Andalusian elections of December 2018, when it gained 12 seats in the regional parliament. The ultranationalists went on to secure 24 seats inside the national Congress at the April 28 election, taking 10.3% of the vote. And the party surged at the repeat election of November 10, when it became the third-largest force in the lower house with 52 lawmakers. While Sanchez won the election, he fell short of a parliamentary majority and was forced to seek additional support for his proposed coalition government with the anti-austerity Unidas Podemos. Both the PP and Ciudadanos refused to endorse Sanchez, who turned instead to several smaller regional parties, including the ERC, whose leader Oriol Junqueras is serving a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted by the Supreme Court last year over his role in the 2017 failed secession attempt. Marchers held up signs reading Sanchez go away, Spain does not want you According to Vox, these negotiations were a betrayal of Spain. On Sunday, the president of the far-right party, Santiago Abascal, read out a manifesto outside Madrid City Hall to the tune of the national anthem, while some demonstrators held up signs reading Sanchez go away, Spain does not want you. In his speech, Abascal told the new coalition government to respect Spanish sovereignty and the Spanish Constitution. Voxs leader made additional demands: for Sanchez to bring back under arrest the coup plotter Carles Puigdemont and to arrest the convict [Catalan premier] Quim Torra. Puigdemont is a former Catalan premier who fled Spain in late 2017 after leading the failed breakaway bid, and who is currently residing in Belgium. Puigdemont was elected a member of European Parliament (MEP) at the May election last year, and after a lengthy legal wrangle regarding his eligibility to sit in the EU Parliament, considering that there have been European and Spanish arrest warrants against him, recently picked up his MEP credentials. Quim Torra, the current leader of Catalonias pro-independence government, was recently found guilty of disobedience over his refusal to remove separatist symbols from public buildings during an election campaign, and has been barred from office for 18 months. He has appealed the sentence, which is still under review. According to Vox, approximately 2,500 people turned up for the protests in Malaga, Sevilla, Alicante, Murcia, Palma de Mallorca and Santander; and around 1,500 in Zaragoza, Oviedo, Valladolid, Granada, Gijon and Badajoz. English version by Susana Urra. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to consider PFAS a harmful substance, but that doesnt solve Flyover states water quality concerns. Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering changing their system for redistricting. And economic figures showed some mixed results for the Midwest in 2019. Check-in House rules: The U.S. House of Representatives voted to designate PFAS, the forever chemicals linked with myriad health issues, as a harmful substance, cleveland.coms Sabrina Eaton writes. The bill had bipartisan support and a companion bill in the Senate has 52 co-sponsors, though it is unlikely to become law. Republican President Donald Trump has said hell likely veto it if it comes to his desk. Its not easy being green: Federal regulators are considering designating the Michigan site where toxic green ooze spilled onto a highway as a Superfund site, the Associated Press reports. To add insult to injury, Michigan officials said along with the cyanide and hexavalent chromium they found, a water sump on site also tested positive for PFAS. Is Milwaukees water worse than Flint? That was the claim by a Wisconsin state senator that received a rating of Half True from PolitiFact. While the presence of lead tested higher in Milwaukee homes, the causes of the problems are different. Most notably, in Flint the problem was with the water source itself, whereas the problems in Milwaukee are downline, often between the municipal main lines and the homes themselves. On the map: The Pennsylvania legislature is back this week, and among one of the top issues some lawmakers will try to tackle is one thats plagued Flyover states: redistricting. As public radio station WITFs Katie Meyer reports, there is some bipartisan support for a nonpartisan, independent commission. Whether a plan with any significant change can get through the Republican-controlled legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, is the biggest question, though the two sides were able to come together on some election reform proposals last year. Lawmakers and activists in other states, like Indiana just this month, have been calling for changes like nonpartisan commissions, but to no avail. Dont forget: Pennsylvania has arguably been ground zero for redistricting reform in the Midwest. The state supreme court redrew the congressional maps that were gerrymandered to favor Republicans in 2018, leading to a split delegation. Slow your role: The Illinois economy grew in the 3rd quarter of last year at a slower pace than its neighbors and the national average, Capitol News Illinois Peter Hancock reports. Interestingly, unlike in other states, Illinois manufacturing sector remained mostly healthy, with losses coming from declines in the finance and insurance sector. Against the grain: Corn and soybean production in Illinois fell by around 20% in 2019, a result of the wetter-than-normal season, Capitol News Illinois Ben Orner reports. Thats in line with the nationwide decline, but marks the worst year for corn in the state since 2012 and the worst for soybeans since 2013. The good news nationally, and in several Flyover states, is that farmers were able to yield more crops than expected, per The Wall Street Journals Kirk Maltais. Make me: The manufacturing sector had its second-slowest year of growth since the recession, the Washington Posts Philip Bump reports. The density of manufacturing jobs in the country has been flat since the end of the recession, indicating the sector is not growing at pace with the rest of the economy. Follow the leader: The latest Iowa Poll from the Des Moines Register shows Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has usurped the top spot in the Democratic primary field, the Des Moines Registers Brianne Pfannensteil reports. Sanders was atop the pack, with 20% of Iowans saying he was their preferred candidate, followed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts at 17%, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg who dropped 9 percentage points at 16%, and former Vice President Joe Biden at 15%. Heres a handy visualization of the poll over time. Split decision: Iowans are also split on whether they support impeaching Republican President Donald Trump, the Des Moines Registers Stephen Gruber-Miller and Barbara Rodriguez report. Thats roughly in line with other states, but with one key factor. Forty-five percent of respondents support impeachment while 43% oppose. In other states, polling has shown more voters not supporting impeachment, including in Michigan where a majority say so. Safe space: It shouldnt come as any surprise that Trump chose to kick his new year off with a rally in Ohio. As cleveland.com columnist Tom Suddes points out, the state is a safe space for him amid a sea of uncertainty with Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania nearby. Trump won the state and its 18 electoral votes by nearly 450,000 votes, which breaks down to Democrats needing to convince 50 people in each of Ohios 8,939 precincts to switch their allegiance for a chance at winning. Suburban spoils: Bump, of the Washington Post, is out with an analysis of just how important the suburban vote is this time around in 2020 and, as an example, he uses the majority of Flyover states. As Bump and his handy maps point out, there were more closely contested elections in the suburbs than anywhere in America. Its an illustration of the political shift both in the Midwest and across the country. Time is a flat circle: While facing impeachment, the president embarked on a tour of quite a few Flyover states, saying the tyrannical Congress has undertaken to poison the minds of the American people. If you havent caught on by now, its definitely not the president youre thinking of, but President Andrew Johnson, who went on a multi-state tour in 1866 to rally support, per the Washington Posts Ronald G. Shafer. Johnsons tour did not end well. Arrivals/Departures Author Marianne Williamson has dropped out of the presidential race, per the Associated Press. Former Rep. John Delaney of Maryland was in Boone and Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, per the campaign. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota was in Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa, Iowa, on Friday, per the Des Moines Register. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was in Mason City, Iowa, on Saturday, per the Boston Globe. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was in Newton and Davenport, Iowa, on Saturday, per the Washington Examiner. Former Rep. Joe Walsh was in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, per the Des Moines Registers candidate tracker. Klobuchar was in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Saturday, per WHO-TV. Sanders was in Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa, on Sunday, per the campaign. Klobuchar was in Perry, Iowa, on Sunday, per the campaign. Warren was in Marshalltown, Iowa, on Sunday, per the campaign. Delaney was in Davenport and Muscatine, Iowa, on Sunday, per the campaign. Former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg was in Des Moines on Sunday, per the campaign. Delaney will be in Cumberland, Iowa, on Monday, per the campaign. Buttigieg will be in Winterset and Ames, Iowa, on Monday, per the campaign. Billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer will be in West Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, per the Des Moines Registers candidate tracker. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang will be in Newton and Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, per the campaign. Six candidates will be on stage in Des Moines on Tuesday for the final debate before the Iowa caucus, per the Des Moines Register. The list includes former Vice President Joe Biden, Steyer, Sanders, Warren, Klobuchar and Buttigieg. CNNs Wolf Blitzer and Abby Phillip and the Des Moines Registers Brianne Pfannenstiel will moderate. President Donald Trump will be in Milwaukee on Tuesday to hold a competing rally, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Yang will be in Ames, Iowa, on Tuesday, per the campaign. Delaney will be in Humeston, Liberty and Osceola, Iowa, on Tuesday, per the campaign. Trump is expected to hold a re-election event in Iowa before the Feb. 3 caucus, per The Wall Street Journal. Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, a Republican battling sexual misconduct allegations, has another primary challenger, per The Journal Gazette. A California high schooler keeps scooping everyone on the Iowa Poll, per the New York Times. Very good boy Griff the bulldog has probably met more presidential candidates than you, per the Des Moines Register. This Is Your Captain Speaking Im not going to dignify that with a response. I left parts of my body in Iraq fighting terrorists. I dont need to justify myself to anyone. -Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, on Georgia GOP Rep. Doug Collins statement that Democrats are in love with terrorists. Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who lost both of her legs after the helicopter she was co-piloting in 2006 was shot down by an RPG from insurgents. Collins later apologized. Enjoying The Flyover? Be sure and subscribe here. Email Seth at SRichardson@cleveland.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SethARichardson. Serious questions are being raised in educational institutions over a flurry of controversial decisions taken in the last week of November 2019 in the UT education department, just before education secretary BL Sharmas retirement, it has been learnt. Arjun Dev, deputy director, administration (officiating), was granted extension despite three complaints, including that of fraud, against him. Rama Arora was given ad hoc promotion as principal, Post Graduate Government College (PGGC), Sector-11, in spite of objections from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) over her PhD. Transferred back despite allegations Preeti Garg was transferred back as officiating principal, Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 23, even after allegations of financial irregularities, misbehaviour and corporal punishment against her. JBT (junior basic trained) teacher Parvinder Singh Sabharwal, was reinstated at GMSSS, Sector 21, after being suspended for his involvement in an alleged cheating case of 1.67 crore. Devs extension was cleared by the dealing assistant to Sharma and within a day on November 28, 2019. This happened despite a November 25 vigilance communication pointing to three complaints, including obtaining of a caste certificate fraudulently, against him. A series of applications under the Right to Information Act (RTI) revealed interesting responses. Complaint under consideration The education department said that Dev had been given a clean chit and that the vigilance department found complaints against him devoid of any merit in July 2017. However vigilance communication stated that one complaint was under consideration and two others were sent to the education secretary for reports on the matter. When contacted, Dev said he could not be denied extension if there was no chargesheet and FIR against him (according to 2015 instructions of the Punjab government adopted by UT). However, rules adopted by UT in 2018 barred extension in case of pending probes. Sanction for the post by the HRD ministry also expired in 2019. In his response to a query by HT, BL Sharma said Dev was already on extension and complaints against him were closed by former education secretaries. Clarifications on PhD degree Arora was granted ad hoc promotion as principal of PGGC-11 on November 29, 2019, in spite of UPSC asking for a clarification on her PhD degree on November 27. Arora got her PhD from Punjabi University for physics even though her course work was in mathematics. Issues were also raised over her attendance then. The university response to RTI plea said it could not locate any document indicating she had received special permission for her course work. To HT queries, director, higher education, Rubinderjit Brar, said UPSC was approached four times for holding departmental promotion committee and that under 2013 government of India instructions on ad hoc promotions, such promotions in exceptional circumstances were permissible. Retiring on August 31 this year, Arora refused to comment, saying she had responded to the department. Sharma, on the other hand, said the competent authority for the approval of promotion in this case was the UT administrator, not him. Back as officiating principal In the case of GMSSS-23, Preeti Garg was transferred back as officiating principal on November 22 after being moved out on September 25 after allegations by staff members of financial irregularities, misbehaviour and corporal punishment.To this the education department said Garg had been brought back as the then district education officer (DEO) Anujit Kaur had probed the cases without seeking clarifications from her (Garg) within two days and without due application of mind. Did not respond to allegations twice The inquiry report obtained through RTI, however, confirmed that Garg was asked twice to respond to the allegations, but had refused to cooperate. Later, Brar intervened and allowed her a personal hearing, after which she was brought back. Garg, when contacted, said, the DEO had not associated her with the probe and the DSE had later sought her comments on the allegations.Sharma said that he was not aware of all the facts of the case and that he went by what director and principal had told him. Teacher confessed to cheating Sabharwal was reinstated as JBT teacher at GMSSS, Sector 21, within two months after being suspended on September 26, 2019, for his alleged involvement in a cheating case of 1.67 crore, even though he had confessed to the offence in a letter to the education secretary. The maximum period of suspension, pending inquiry, was six months. It is for the police to take an action, not the department, was Sharmas response to HTs query. The education department, meanwhile said the case of cheating was a personal and not official matter and that a police report was awaited as Sabharwal had not been given a clean chit. However, police in December last year accused Sabharwal of making false allegations against another man involved in the case to escape from his liabilities. Sabharwal did not respond to calls and messages. BL Sharma, when contacted, refuted all allegations, saying these were baseless and that he was working as an honest officer till his last working day, discharging his duties. The Ramakrishna Math and Mission on Sunday distanced itself from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, contending that it was a strictly apolitical body which did not respond to 'ephemeral' calls Belur: The Ramakrishna Math and Mission on Sunday distanced itself from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, contending that it was a strictly apolitical body which did not respond to "ephemeral" calls. The prime minister, during his address at Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission -- said that the new law would not take away anybody's citizenship, and a section of the youth was being misguided about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA. Addressing a press meet, Swami Suvirananda, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission general secretary, said, "The organisation will not comment on the prime minister's speech on CAA. We are a strictly apolitical body. We have come here after leaving our homes to answer eternal calls. We do not respond to ephemeral calls." He said Modi was a guest and the onus was on him on what he had spoken at the Math. The thoughts of Sri Ramakrishna emphasise on furthering harmony and compassion. He believed that a great way to serve God is to serve people, especially the poor and downtrodden. At the Belur Math this morning, I paid tributes to Sri Ramakrishna. pic.twitter.com/Es9vPSH80q Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2020 "But when you have a guest... Atithi Devo Bhava is the Indian culture. And you must extend all kinds of courtesies, decencies to him. And if something you feel ought not have been told, the onus lies on the person who tells it but not on the host, by no logic," he added. Swami Suvirananda further said that both Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are not politicians but leaders holding constitutional posts. "They represent the Constitution of India as they have a statutory post. Mamata Banerjee is the leader of West Bengal and Modi is the leader of India," he noted. Asked whether Modi's speech on the CAA was an attempt to 'saffronise' the Mission, Swami Suvirananda said, "We are already saffron but that doesn't mean that we are saffron in the sense that is being interpreted in politics today." He said the Mission believes in inclusivity and is the only order in the world where the monks do not cast their votes. "We are apolitical to that extent that our monks do not cast votes. The only order in the world which does not cast votes. "We are inclusive as an organisation, only order in the world which has monks from Hindus sects and from even Islam... Islamic people from Iran and Iraq. Ours is the only organisation which has Christian monks, hundreds in numbers, Buddhist monks and we live like brothers, more brotherly than the brother born to same parents... What more inclusiveness do you want?" he said. Modi, who came to the city on Saturday evening on a two-day trip to attend 150 years celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, spent a night at the Math here. The prime minister described his visit to the Math as a "homecoming". Irans ambassador to the UK has been given a dressing down over the arrest of Britains representative in Tehran. The UKs ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, was arrested by police on Saturday as demonstrations broke out over the downing of a Ukrainian airliner by Tehrans military. In response to the arrest, Hamid Baeidinejad was summoned by the Foreign Office for a meeting with Middle East Minister Andrew Murrison. Dr Murrison said: The arrest of our ambassador to Iran was a flagrant violation of international law and it is important that Iran understands how seriously we take this matter. It must not be allowed to happen again. I made that clear to the Iranian ambassador this afternoon. In the Commons, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit out at the illegal treatment of Mr Macaire, who was held for about three hours after attending a vigil for those killed on Ukraine International Airlines flight 752. Thanks for the many goodwill messages. Can confirm I wasnt taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects- some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting. Rob Macaire (@RobMacaire) January 12, 2020 Footage previously published by Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency appeared to show Mr Macaire at what it called an illegal gathering. But Mr Raab said: He was not attending or recording a political protest or demonstration. Mr Macaire said that he went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of the tragedy to pay his respects to the four Britons killed when the aircraft was shot down, but left after five mins when some started chanting. Mr Raab said that given the treatment of the ambassador, security measures at the embassy in Tehran were being kept under review. He told MPs that Iran now faced a choice about its future direction. The regime in Tehran is at a crossroads, Mr Raab said. It can slip further and further into political and economic isolation. But there is an alternative and the regime does have a choice: the diplomatic door remains open, now is the time for Iran to engage in diplomacy and chart a peaceful way forwards. Irans Revolutionary Guard admitted accidentally shooting down the Ukrainian jet with the loss of all 176 people on board, including four Britons. Families of the victims could seek compensation from the Iranian government, Downing Street indicated. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: As a first step we need a comprehensive, transparent and independent investigation to know exactly what happened. Of course the families of the four British victims deserve justice and closure and we will continue to do everything we can to support them in getting that, including options for compensation. To ensure all citizens in Ghana enjoy social equality, the drafters of our fourth republican constitution and all who contributed to its drafting emphasized on the importance of building strong democratic institutions. In today's Ghana, those democratic institutions are under systematic assault. Look at the state of our judiciary, the electoral commission, our police etc. With 2020 election fast approaching, this does not bode well for our democratic practices that have a root over years with sacrifices. When institutions become cheerleaders, political leaders themselves become institutions and that is what we witnessing in Ghana today. Undoubtedly, Ghana is going through extraordinary times. Never in the history of our fourth republic has institutions of state surrendered without a fight, as we seeing today. In the past three years, there has been a radical break from the past working style of apolitical institutions, such as the central bank, the Bureau of National Investigation, the Electoral Commission, the police service. These institutions have become appendages and conduits of government and fighting within and alongside the incumbent. To the disbelief of Ghanaians, the Electoral Commission is no exception to this. There are enough empirical grounds to lend support to the argument that the Electoral Commission is not only failing the test of being vital to electoral democracy, but is also dashing the hopes of millions of Ghanaians who trust it to conduct free and fair elections, as constitutionally mandated. Will the EC's integrity be intact when stakeholders are not allowed to express dissent? The EC must learn that the freeness and fairness of elections are measured by electoral rules, regulations, and their fair application as well as the impeccability, autonomy and effectiveness of the institutions conducting the elections. This is not only be claimed but publicly reflected. Free and fair elections are not only the foundation stone of constitutional philosophy but also a basic structure of the constitution, as our noble justices reiterated during the election petition trial. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the credibility and integrity of the Electoral Commission can be compromised. That is why all stakeholders, civil society organizations, the Christian council, our Imams, social commentators, the academia must courageously condemn any nefarious act by the EC or the incumbent to give the latter undue advantage over its competitors. Elections experts, civil society organizations and some stakeholders have expressed their anguish that the electoral commission which has had a long and honourable record of holding free and fair elections despite the enormous challenges of scale and complexities, is suffering from a crisis of credibility today. The Electoral Commission's independence, fairness, impartiality and efficiency are perceived to be compromised under the current leadership, thereby endangering the integrity of the electoral process which is the very foundation of our democracy. What Jean Mensah and her subordinates should know is that, any erosion in the people's confidence in the fairness of the EC has very grave consequences for the future of our democracy and I hope the gravity of the situation will be appreciated by Jean and her team. Jean Mensah and her collaborators should read Ecowas protocol on Democracy and Good Governance which Ghana is a signatory to. Article 2(1) States; "No substantial modification shall be made to the Electoral law in the last six (6) months before elections, except with the consent of majority of political actors". Yes, LAW was mentioned but this particular article encompasses all core principles guiding elections including registration of voters. Article 3 states- " The bodies responsible for organising the elections shall be independent or neutral and shall have the confidence of all the political actors. Where necessary, appropriate national consultation shall be organised to determine the nature and the structure of the bodies". This article rubbishes the argument being pushed by the ruling party and it's propagandists that the EC is an independent body so reserves the right to implement its policies and decisions even if they are not popular Article 5 states that - "The voters list shall be prepared in a transparent and reliable manner, with the collaboration of the political parties and voters who may have access to them whenever the need arises". This article also support the minority parties, civil society organizations and individuals challenging the decision to compile a new register. Article 8 states that- " Member States shall use the services of civil society organizations involved in electoral matters to educate and enlighten the public on the need for peaceful elections devoid of all acts of violence". This is exactly what the CDD, and other CSO's are doing- advising the EC to reconsider its decision to compile new register. Efforts to detect and prevent fraud might address one area of malpractice, but perpetrators are constantly shifting tactics hence the need to be extra vigilant and making sure that implementation of negative plans are curbed. I am still struggling to understand why our pastors and other opinion leaders are quiet over these wide range of illegal, illicit and dangerous practices and plans designed to influence the outcome of the 2020 election. The only thing which can destroy beyond repairs this beautiful democracy is election rigging. The President has promoted some Judges, packed the supreme court, promoted some service (police) personnel and all that- yes, it is his constitutional right to do that but we know what leaders can so with compromised state institutions. The police, armed forces and all other State institutions must be apolitical and it is captured in Ecowas's protocol. Author: Andrews Krow [email protected] 'I was never a politically active student throughout my life. But now I have to do it because they (those in power) are not listening.' IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a pro-CAA rally in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar. Photograph: Amit Shah/Twitter When advocate Surya Rajappan (pictured, below) and her flatmate in New Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area unfurled a banner and shouted 'We reject CAA', little did they think about the amount of attention this would bring them. Living their lives, going about their chores, the two young women -- Surya declines to divulge her flatmate's name for safety reasons -- have made a mark as Indians who took on Union Home Minister Amit Anilchandra Shah. Surya, who was not politically active before this incident, says what she did was her duty as a citizen of a free and democratic country, that she holds abiding faith in the Constitution and has no regret about doing what she did. Surya tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com about her ordeal since Sunday, January 5, when she was hounded by a mob who threatened the two women with violence. This is something I would have never imagined that I would do in my life. We had been protesting against the CAA (Citizenship (Amendment) Act) when we found that morning that Mr Amit Shah was coming to our neighbourhood (Lajpat Nagar in Delhi). When we saw the security deployment we decided it was a never again chance and we had to register our protest against the CAA. We weren't planning to raise slogans. It wasn't part of our plan. We just thought of unfurling the banner and let it be there. We wanted him (Amit Anilchandra Shah) to see the banner, but nobody (from the group accompanying the home minister) was looking up. We wanted to draw Amit (Anilchandra) Shah's attention to the banner. Nobody gets an opportunity like this and we had that opportunity. The thought that it was just the two of us doing this did not even cross my mind. We have been going to different protests in Delhi against the CAA and NRC (National Register of Citizens), so it was not like we were the only ones protesting on that day. After the incident, so many people from Lajpat Nagar messaged me, saying they were grateful to us for what we did. The amount of overwhelming support that we have received since then from across Delhi and India -- but not so much from the same locality because it is a BJP stronghold -- is very heartwarming. Mr Shah visited like eight houses that day in the area and all of them were pre-determined houses (supporters of CAA), obviously for security concerns. But they were pre-determined to prove that people support CAA. They wanted to create this narrative that logon ko problem nahi hai (that people support the CAA) and the protesters are a misinformed bunch of students who are waylaid by politicians for their own gains. Nobody would have given much importance to what happened, but for the media that was covering the march and the reaction of the mob that threatened to assault us. On Minister Shah's reaction after their sloganeering He did not react at all or look up at us. He just kept walking forward. We were shouting slogans from the third floor balcony of our house. I can say for sure that Mr Shah heard our sloganeering. He was right below our house and I was really loud. Everyone else heard us. I don't think he was expecting a protest like this and was caught unawares. Any regrets? Of course not! We didn't even regret it when we were being attacked and there was a mob outside our house. The abuses they heaped on us, the language they used while talking to us didn't scare us at all or make us regret what we did. I wanted to engage with Mr Shah -- who went the same way on his return journey -- but since he walked away and a part of the crowd started abusing us angrily we engaged into a conversation with them. I was replying to their questions. I saw Mr Shah walking away and then the mob was at our door. On Minister Shah being a responsible leader, holding Constitutional office I don't consider him a 'responsible' leader even though he holds Constitutional office. As India's home minister he should have discouraged the mob from doing what they did. All one has to do as the home minister or as prime minister -- and not just them, but all the functionaries of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the government -- all they have to do is engage in dialogue (with the protesters). Tum humse aake baat karo yaar agar tumko lagta hai ke hum misinformed hai; agar hum bachche hai toh humse baat karo na (If you think we are misinformed and are just kids who have no idea about the CAA, then come and talk to us). We shouted the slogans to attract their attention to the fact that they must strike a dialogue with us. We also knew for sure that Mr Shah will not hold a dialogue with us at that point of time, but the message that I wanted was that if you think we are wrong, then engage with us in a dialogue. We are common citizen of India and we have a right to protest peacefully. If they believe that students are being instigated by their political opponents or the Congress party, then they are wrong to perceive students as stupid and so impressionable that they will fall prey to the designs of politicians. And even if you think that other Opposition parties are doing it, then please counter them; you spread your own information, but engage in dialogue. It's a democracy. And if a certain population -- even if it's not like 50% of the population, it doesn't have to be 50% of the population -- even if it's 1% or 2% of India's population, you must engage in a dialogue with them. Look at what is happening around the country; these are not isolated protests. These protests have been on for more than one month and will continue for many more. Even then you don't think it is important to have a dialogue with the students, then what can we say? On protesting the same way again I don't think I have to protest in the exact way again, but if you are asking me if I will protest, then the answer is yes, I will continue to protest. On feeling secure in Delhi as a woman after being intimidated by a mob Delhi is my home. I've lived in Delhi all my life and I will continue to live here until the time that I decide I no longer want to live here. Delhi is infamous for a lot of things, but I have always felt safe in Delhi because I'm privileged, because I know my rights, because I know that I am not alone. I know what recourse I can take, so I know I can be safe in Delhi. However, I will take all the precautions after the incident has become so viral. I don't feel insecure, but we are concerned and that's why we taking precautions. On the precautions they are taking People don't know where we are living. This incident happened last Sunday and immediately the media wanted to talk to us. But we refused to talk to them because we didn't want to do anything at the spur of the moment then. We did what we had to do. Now, we have to take care of ourselves. So, we didn't give out our names; people don't have our names and numbers. JNU happened that evening, which obviously was a much bigger issue and needed to be covered. So that gave us some breathing space to prepare our entire statement (external link). I didn't do it on my own. About six lawyers, including myself, worked on our statement. It was a very well-thought out statement, which is why I want people to read that statement and then ask me any further questions that they have. It was a conscious decision to let my flatmate remain anonymous. Whatever information people are sharing on social media about her is incorrect. It is necessary to take these kinds of precautions now. On being courageous... On expecting trouble I don't need courage to do what I did. I am a citizen of a free and democratic country. You can't call what we did as being courageous to stand up to Amit (Anilchandra) Shah. I had made arrangements that if something goes wrong we had contacts who could come to help us. Obviously, given the times we are living in, we were expecting trouble. But we didn't expect it to blow up this way. I never expected I would have the opportunity to have my voice heard by so many people across the country. Now, protests are more of a responsibility for me. I know I have that platform and I have to use that platform judiciously. In all my interviews, I have categorically said that I don't care about the BJP or the government or Mr Shah; I don't care about them. They can't shake my faith in our country's Constitution. I was never a politically active student throughout my life. But now I have to do it because they (those in power) are not listening. Wrapping up the year in style, we're delighted to announce CANALS a personal passion project, celebrating the iconic Amsterdam canals by Marcus Brown & Aristide Benoist wins SOTM December, thanks for all your votes, find the winner of the Pro Plan at the end of the article. As an expat from New Zealand who had been living amongst the Amsterdam canals for five years, I had always been fascinated by the history. I was intrigued by how the city was built on water, how its circular shape came about and that incredible homes remain from the 17th century. Being very inspired by my surroundings, I decided to create a personal project which combined storytelling with a strong typographic art direction, wrapped in a smooth editorial-style experience. Teaming up with Aristide Benoist early in 2019 to develop the website, we both set the goal of releasing CANALS before the end of the year. Layouts Inspired by magazines and their attention to typography, the layouts were designed much like a double page spread. A page was designed to fit within a standard viewport ratio with each of them sitting one after another forming a long looping scroll from left to right. Inspired by magazines and their attention to typography, the layouts were designed much like a double page spread. Canals - Layout The intention from the beginning was always to do a horizontal navigation, the most fluid way to move through the magazine-like designs. The smooth sideways motion heightened the editorial feeling and was a point of difference to encourage users to engage with the content. Content In parallel to design explorations for the page layouts, writing the copy and sourcing related images became a considerable task and a key focus. As the typography was such a core part of the site, it was important that the copy was written early in the process. Canals - Content After months of research from book sources and online, the content was narrowed to three main sections. They take the user through a top level overview of the canals, to information about the construction on reclaimed land and to the citys expansions. The fourth section showcases a number of historical images laid out in a horizontal timeline. Canals - Content Art Direction Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a rich Dutch history, a strong identity and one that revolves around water. I wanted to represent the iconic nature of the canals with an art direction to match. One of the primary means was the use of a striking colour palette of red, black and white drawn from the Amsterdam flag. Canals - Art Direction Inspired by 1800s typographic poster designs, CANALS features a variety of different typefaces, something not commonly seen in web design but popular many years ago. Inspired by 1800s typographic poster designs, CANALS features a variety of different typefaces, something not commonly seen in web design but popular many years ago. Each typeface in the website serves a different purpose such as Maelstrom Sans mimicking the shape of canals and flow of water, Graphik for copy readability or Grifinito to give an old historical feel. Canals - Art Direction Motion Very special attention was paid to the motion and overall feeling of the website. We wanted to elevate the designs through movement but not distract from the visual design and editorial approach. Careful decisions were made on how the imagery was treated during scrolling such as added parallax and scaling, which typography had transitions and where we added interaction. Technical Server architecture To deliver the website, we use an OVH web hosting based on an Apache HTTP server (version 2.4). Technologies The languages we exploit on CANALS are HTML, CSS, JS and PHP version 7.2 on the server side. The entire website is built from scratch, which means that no libraries or frameworks are used. This allowed us for example to only have 74 Ko of scripts before gzipping on the whole project. Technical features Because of the horizontal scroll, we had to render pictures in WebGL to prevent any janks on scroll when an image comes into view. The WebGL also permitted us to use parallaxes and scales on full screen pictures without impact on performance. The main difficulties were to manage the horizontal scroll with the significant content (DOM), and also to deal with the different layers: html elements behind the WebGL canvas, elements over it and WebGL layers between themselves. We did a dedicated version for the mobile devices with a classic vertical scroll. In this way, we didn't need to use WebGL, so neither a preloader which makes the website really more reactive, which is the most important thing for us on a mobile experience. Thanks to everyone in the web design community who took the time to vote and tweet: @marioecg, you've won a free year's Pro Plan in our directory for designers, DM us on Twitter to receive your prize! PACT Pharma, a SouthSan Francisco, Calif.-based advancing personalized NeoTCR-T cell therapies to eradicate solid tumors, closed a $75m Series C financing. The round was led by Vida Ventures with participation from current investors. As part of the round, Helen S. Kim, Managing Director at Vida Ventures, will join PACT Pharmas Board of Directors. The company intends to use the funds to expand the scope of its clinical plan to investigate NeoTCR-T cell products targeting multiple neoantigens for a spectrum of solid tumor types and open a GMP manufacturing facility in South San Francisco to support the production and supply chain for the engineering of personalized neoantigen-targeted autologous T cells. Co-founded by David Baltimore (Nobel Laureate), Antoni Ribas, Jim Heath, Terry Rosen and Juan Jaen in early 2017 and led by Alex Franzusoff, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, and Tim Moore, President and Chief Technology Officer, PACT Pharma is a clinical stage company, developing transformational personalized neoTCR-T cell therapies for the eradication of solid tumors. The companys technology is designed to individually program tumor-exclusive targeting into each patients own immune system cells to eradicate their own cancer. The process, which is currently in Phase 1 clinical testing, involves taking a biopsy of a persons cancer tissue to assess the tumor-exclusive mutations with predictive algorithms, then to biologically verify the optimal targets by capturing T cells from blood that already recognize the mutations. Using the T cell receptor information from the captured T cells, together with proprietary (non-viral) precision genome engineering technologies, fresh patient T cells are edited in one step to craft tumor-specific neoTCR-P1 cells. These private designer T cells have been shown to immediately kill mutation-expressing tumors in pre-clinical studies, and to create a deep reservoir of ready-to-go neoTCR-P1 cells with the potential for long term persistence to prevent future cancer recurrence. The company is now enrolling patients in its first-in-human Phase 1 clinical studies at several key academic centers of the CIRM-funded Alpha Clinic network, in California. Pact is also backed by GV (formerly Google Ventures), Canaan, Casdin Capital, Droia, Foresite Capital, Invus Opportunities, Pontifax and Wu Capital, AbbVie Ventures and Taiho Ventures. FinSMEs 13/01/2020 Nearly every state, as well as more than 2,500 cities, counties, Native American tribes and other groups, have sued parts of the drug industry in state and federal courts. They are seeking billions of dollars to help them cope with the costs of an epidemic that has taken more than 400,000 lives over the past two decades. White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the United States had reached out to North Korea seeking to resume talks White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the United States had reached out to North Korea seeking to resume talks, according to an interview published on Sunday by Axios. O'Brien also said it was a 'positive' sign that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had not delivered on a warning of a 'Christmas gift.' Some analysts had said that might be a sign Pyongyang was preparing a long-range missile test, while U.S. President Donald Trump said last month the gift 'might be a beautiful vase.' 'We've reached out to the North Koreans and let them know that we would like to continue the negotiations in Stockholm that were last undertaken in early October,' O'Brien told the online news site on Friday. 'We've been letting them know, through various channels, that we would like to get those back on track.' A spokesman for the National Security Council did not immediately comment on Sunday. On Saturday, North Korea said it had received birthday greetings for Kim from Trump, but their personal relationship was not enough for a return to talks On Saturday, North Korea said it had received birthday greetings for Kim from Trump, but their personal relationship was not enough for a return to talks, according to a statement published by state news agency KCNA. Trump relied on his personal rapport with Kim to push for denuclearization in talks in 2018 and 2019, but those efforts have largely failed at the working level and sparked new concerns about Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities. North Korea will not discuss proposals such as those Trump made at his last summit with Kim in Hanoi in February 2019, a Foreign Ministry adviser said Saturday. Kim said recently there were no longer grounds for Pyongyang to be bound by a self-declared moratorium on intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear bomb testing and that a new strategic weapon would be introduced in the near future. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said recently there was an urgent need for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea, adding he was ready to meet its leader in North Korea. A group of writers, theatre persons and environmentalists, dressed in the attire of kings, gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Shivamogga and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Speaking to ANI an economist BM Kumara Swamy said, "The CAA passed by the parliament has become an act and the state government cannot pass any act which is against it." They also accused the opposition parties of misleading people on the Act. "The Opposition parties are misleading the people about Muslims losing their citizenship. The CAA act is only about giving citizenship to religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan," he said. "I request people to understand the act before protesting against it. For strengthening the country we have to support the CAA and we thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the courage to enact this act," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BOSTON - A former executive for a drug company was sentenced Monday to 33 months in federal prison in a bribery and kickbacks scheme that Massachusetts prosecutors say helped fuel the national opioid epidemic. Michael Gurry, a former vice-president at Insys Therapeutics, was also sentenced to three months of probation and ordered to forfeit about $3.6 million and pay restitution, which will be determined later. The 56-year-old Scottsdale, Arizona, resident is the first of seven former leaders at the Arizona-based company being sentenced this month in Boston federal court. Prosecutors say Insys Therapeutics employees paid millions of dollars in bribes to doctors nationwide to overprescribe Subsys, a powerful, addictive fentanyl-based painkiller for cancer patients. Prosecutors had sought 11 years in prison for Gurry, arguing he was instrumental in the companys scheme, even if he didnt actively engage in bribery. They said Gurry, as head of the companys reimbursement centre, came up with strategies to mislead insurers so that theyd cover the costs of the medication that could approach $19,000 a month. Prosecutors said Gurry authorized workers to use a set of talking points meant to convince insurers that Subsys had been prescribed to the patient for cancer pain. Gurrys lawyers had argued for less than a year in prison, noting hed served with distinction in the military. In court, Gurry apologized to people who had become addicted to Subsys and suggested he wasnt aware it was being overprescribed or abused. Three victims spoke in court Monday about how theyd been prescribed the drug even though they didnt have cancer and detailed how their lives were ruined by addiction. Gurrys lawyers said theyll appeal the sentence. A couple in the Philippines went ahead with their wedding Sunday despite the eruption of a volcano spewing ash into the sky behind them. Chino and Kat Vaflor were tying the knot at a venue 10 miles from the Taal Volcano when wedding photographer Randolf Evan captured dramatic shots of the couple with the ash plume seemingly overhead. The Taal Volcano, about 37 miles south of Manila on the island of Luzon, erupted in the afternoon, forcing residents to evacuate as experts warned that another hazardous explosive eruption is possible. We were actually nervous because while working we kept on checking social media for updates on the volcanic eruption. So we were actually aware of the warnings and escalating levels that was being announced real time, Evan told CNN. We also discussed discreetly among ourselves what we should do when worst comes to worst. Evan said everyone at the wedding at Savanna Farm Tagaytay by Solange stayed calm as the couple said I do. The venue later posted a picture of the couple at the altar, swirling clouds in the distance, and wrote, The wedding continues! The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the volcano exhibited a fast escalation in volcanic activity. Continuous eruption generated ash plumes 6 to 9 miles above the crater, it said. The institute urged the evacuation of Taal Volcano island and several nearby towns. The agency raised its alert status to indicate the possibility of a hazardous eruption with lava within hours to days. By Alaa Elassar and Amanda Jackson The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Scientists have found new evidence supporting Italian explorer Christopher Columbus' accounts of the Caribbean that include harrowing descriptions of fierce raiders who abducted women and cannibalised men. Using the equivalent of facial recognition technology, the researchers from Florida Museum of Natural History in the US analysed the skulls of early Caribbean inhabitants, uncovering relationships between groups and upending longstanding hypotheses about how the islands were first colonised. One surprising finding was that the Caribs, marauders from South America and rumoured cannibals, invaded Jamaica, Hispaniola and the Bahamas, researchers said. The finding, published in the journal Scientific Reports, overturns half a century of assumptions that they never made it farther north than Guadeloupe, an island group in the southern Caribbean Sea. "I've spent years trying to prove Columbus wrong when he was right: There were Caribs in the northern Caribbean when he arrived," said William Keegan, Florida Museum of Natural History curator of Caribbean archaeology. "We're going to have to reinterpret everything we thought we knew," Keegan said in a statement. Columbus had recounted how peaceful Arawaks in modern-day Bahamas were terrorised by pillagers he mistakenly described as "Caniba," the Asiatic subjects of the Grand Khan, the researchers said. His Spanish successors corrected the name to "Caribe" a few decades later, but the similar-sounding names led most archaeologists to chalk up the references to a mix-up. They wondered how Caribs could have been in the Bahamas when their closest outpost was nearly 1,000 miles to the south, according to the researchers. However, skulls reveal the Carib presence in the Caribbean was far more prominent than previously thought, giving credence to Columbus' claims, they said. The researchers noted that previous studies relied on artifacts such as tools and pottery to trace the geographical origin and movement of people through the Caribbean over time. Adding a biological component brings the region's history into sharper focus, said Ann Ross, a professor at North Carolina State University in the US, and the study's lead author. Ross used 3D facial "landmarks," such as the size of an eye socket or length of a nose, to analyse more than 100 skulls dating from about A.D. 800 to 1542. These landmarks can act as a genetic proxy for determining how closely people are related to one another. The analysis not only revealed three distinct Caribbean people groups, but also their migration routes, which was "really stunning," Ross said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rescue workers were in a race against time on Monday (Jan 13) to save an Austrian parachutist stuck on a cliff. Johannes Grasser, 28, leapt from from the peak of Khao Ok Thalu, a mountain in Phatthalung, southern Thailand, with his girlfriend this morning. But his parachute snagged on the sharp cliff edge and he was left dangling precariously 820ft from the ground. Footage filmed today shows him stranded on the steep cliff face, tangled in ropes and his parachute, while his girlfriend stands at the top, shouting encouragement to his partner and relaying the information to rescuers on the ground. Johannes was still stranded at 2pm local time. Police, paramedics and rescue workers are currently at the scene trying to help Johannes, from the city of Feldbach, while his partner communicates with a translator. She said said that Johannes's leg was injured in the collision and suffered wounds. A tourist police officer, who is relaying the information from Johannes girlfriend to those on the ground, said ''he will not be able to hang on for too long''. She said: "He cannot hold on like that for too long, the rescue team are finding a way to help him. Did he hurt his leg? People are asking me if the blood has stopped bleeding.'' Residents said that they heard someone calling for help from the south side of the mountain and saw the man hanging on the cliff, tangled in ropes and canvas. One local who called the rescue team said: "There was a man screaming for help from the hill peak around late morning. After I found him I called the rescue workers to help him as soon as possible." Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene while planning for the safest way to rescue the parachutist. If they cannot reach him, they will bring in a helicopter. The Provincial Governor of Phatthalung Kukiat Wongkraphan rushed to the scene to arrange the rescue plan with the team. He said: "We have to help him as soon as possible before he will be drained of his strength." Johannes Grasser, one person from a team of nine Austrian parachutists, has been in Phatthalung for the last few days where they were performing a sky diving show at a national Children's Day celebration, which took place on Saturday (Jan 11). He was parachuting for leisure when the crash happened. Advertisement The Duke of Edinburgh kept a low profile today as he stayed away from the top-level summit being held at Sandringham House to decide the future for Prince Harry and Megan in the Royal Family. Prince Philip, 98, was seen being driven through the Queen's estate in Norfolk in the front passenger seat of a Land Rover this morning by his close friend Penelope Brabourne, Countess Mountbatten of Burma. It was the first time Philip had been seen in public since Christmas Eve after spending four nights at King Edward VII Hospital in London for what was described as 'observation and treatment' to a pre-existing condition. But he was pictured just before 10am today after nearly three weeks indoors when he was spotted leaving the House in the car, which was originally seen heading out of driveway which leads to the Sandringham estate office. It comes on the day that the Queen called a summit at Sandringham for senior royals to discuss face to face for the first time the Sussexes' bombshell plans to step down and forge a new role for themselves. The Duke of Edinburgh is pictured being driven through the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk in the front passenger seat of a Land Rover this morning being driven by his close friend Penelope Brabourne, Countess Mountbatten of Burma Prince Philip was pictured just before 10am today after nearly three weeks indoors when he was spotted leaving Sandringham House in the car, which was originally seen heading out of driveway which leads to the estate office It is believed that Philip was being driven around the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate, possibly checking on the progress of his personal truffle plantation, before heading to his retreat at Wood Farm However it was then said to have made a U-turn after Philip spotted a gathering of photographers. The car instead seemed to head out of a little-used side entrance beside West Newton and Sandringham primary school. It is believed that Philip was driven around the 20,000 acre estate, possibly checking on the progress of his personal truffle plantation, before heading to his retreat at Wood Farm. Philip has spent most of time at Wood Farm on the estate, two miles from Sandringham House, since retiring from royal duties in 2017. But since Christmas Eve he has been staying full time with the Queen at the House. Harry is believed to have arrived at Sandringham at 11.20am, while Prince William - who had been staying at his home at nearby Anmer Hall - arrived at 1.45pm, just 15 minutes before the reported start of the summit at 2pm. The car seemed to head out of a little-used side entrance beside West Newton and Sandringham primary school this morning Last month, Philip spent four nights in hospital after being flown from Sandringham to King Edward VII on the Friday before Christmas. He left on Christmas Eve and was flown back in the Queen's Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. Philip's return to Sandringham had added significance for his family because while most people open presents on Christmas Day, the royal family still keep to the German practice of unwrapping their gifts on Christmas Eve. Traditionally the Queen, duke and other royals congregate in the White Drawing Room at Sandringham around a 20ft tree, cut from the estate, for the exchange of presents displayed on a white linen-covered trestle table. His planned admittance on December 20 to the private hospital in London, which has been treating members of the royal family for decades, was described as a 'precautionary measure' by Buckingham Palace. Prince Philip leaves King Edward VII Hospital in London on Christmas Eve last year following a four-night stay for treatment Philip spent four nights at King Edward VII Hospital last month for 'observation and treatment' to a pre-existing condition The Duke, who turned 98 in June, has generally enjoyed good health, appearing to recover well from a planned hip replacement operation in April 2018, although he was battling a flu-like condition before Christmas. Philip escaped with minor injuries after a dramatic car crash near Sandringham in January 2019, but in the past decade has been admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery. Penelope, 66, the wife of Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma, is a close friend and carriage-driving companion of the Duke of Edinburgh who has run the Mountbatten estate Broadlands in recent years. She took over the Hampshire estate - where Philip and then-Princess Elizabeth honeymooned - after her husband left her for Bahamas-based fashion designer Jeannie McWeeny in 2010, after three decades of marriage. Penelope Knatchbull (right, with Philip in Windsor in May 2009), the wife of Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma, is a close friend and carriage-driving companion of Philip who has run the Broadlands estate in recent years Norton, himself a godson of Philip and friend of Prince Charles, returned to the 6,000-acre estate in 2014 after his affair ended, but he moved into a converted barn while Penelope, or Lady Brabourne, stayed in the main house. The Queen has become a close friend of Lady Brabourne - whose father Reg Eastwood founded the Angus Steakhouse restaurants - as well and is said to have huge respect for the fortitude she has shown over the years. She also faced the trauma of her daughter Leonora dying at the age of just five from kidney cancer in 1991. She is buried at Broadlands and is said to be one of the reasons Lady Brabourne has vowed never to leave. Lady Brabourne - who is the Queen's cousin - is also linked through her husband Norton's grandfather being Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma - Philip's uncle who was killed in an IRA attack in 1979. Throughout New Jersey, there were 569 incidents of bias and hate in 2018. That number far exceeded 700 in only the first nine months of 2019, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal told a room of Jewish community members Sunday evening in Bergen County. The total tally will be released in the coming days, he said. We need to do everything in our power to make sure no one is attacked or harassed because of the way they look, where they come from, how they worship or who they love, Grewal said to more than 500 people who filled the Bergen County Academies auditorium for the non-profit Jewish Federation of Northern New Jerseys Safety and Security Summit. Law enforcement officials and politicians spoke at the event about ways to prevent hate crimes, just one month after a man and woman linked to the Hebrew Israelite group opened fire on a Jersey City kosher grocery store, killing three civilians and a detective. The shooting took place next to a Jewish school where dozens of children were being taught. Grewal said police stopped a horrible tragedy from becoming something unimaginable. When bias incidents against Jews become everyday news, thats when we must act, said Roberta Abrams, president of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, which sponsored the event. U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker joined more than half a dozen other elected officials at the event who spoke of pending legislation aimed at better preparing communities vulnerable to targeted attacks. U.S. Senator Cory Booker spoke at an even hosted by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey on Jan. 12, 2020.Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey A bill that passed the House of Representatives the Domestic and International Terrorism DATA Act would require the federal government to produce annual reports on domestic terrorist incidents and research such incidents. And on Monday, the state legislature will vote on bills to increase funding for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program by $1 million. The program offers money to protect places of worship and other vulnerable organizations from violence by funding security measures, said state Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Bergen), who is sponsoring the bill in the assembly. We have to take official actions, Booker said of legislative efforts to combat anti-Semitism. As Martin Luther King said, I cant legislate you to love me, but I can pass legislation to stop you from lynching me. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said his offices risk mitigation planner conducted 69 security assessments at houses of worship last year, including synagogues and Jewish community centers. He said the risk assessments are required to apply for grants from the Department of Homeland Security, which gives funds to groups at high risk of being targeted to install security equipment like CCTV and card access readers. Last year, DHS gave millions to New Jersey. He also urged worshippers to contact police when they see suspicious activity. Law enforcement is not just reactive, we are proactive, he said. There is no substitute for your eyes and your ears. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. PRESS RELEASE, 13th JANUARY 2020, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Effective early July 2020, Mikko Keto will join FLSmidth as President, Mining Industry and member of Group Executive Management. The appointment comes following Manfred Schaffers decision to retire in 2020. Mikko Keto joins FLSmidth from Metso, where he has worked for 10 years of which the last two years as President, Minerals Services and Pumps, where he delivered growth in Services along with profitability improvement. He also served as a member of the companys Executive Team. His prior roles for Metso include Senior Vice President, Spare Parts, Senior Vice President of Performance Services business line, President of Automation Services, Vice President of Flow Control Services, and various line management positions. Before joining Metso, he was Head of Sales for the Maintenance business unit at KONE Corporation and held senior management and sales positions in at Nokia Networks, with assignments in multiple countries. CEO Thomas Schulz: Mikko Keto will lead the FLSmidth Mining organisation in capturing profitable business opportunities. He comes with an extensive experience in Service Line Management, Spare Parts and lifecycle offerings. He brings a strong commitment to customer partnerships, and believes strongly in delivering significant enhancements in performance, sustainability and asset optimisation. Mikko Keto: I am excited to join FLSmidth and help drive profitable growth in the mining business and further develop FLSmidths portfolio of solutions towards zero emissions. FLSmidth has close to 140 years experience, excellent technologies and outstanding competencies in its global workforce. Mikko is a Finnish citizen. He earned a M.Sc. (Econ) from Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration (1994), Finland. He will relocate to Copenhagen. Thomas Schulz: Since joining FLSmidth in 2014, Manfred Schaffer helped navigate an extended mining industry downturn and led the Mining organisation through the transition to a new way of working. In the face of market headwinds, Manfred travelled extensively in order to meet with as many customers as possible and support sales opportunities. I am very thankful for Manfreds strong contribution to our Mining business over the last five years. Contacts Media Relations Rasmus Windfeld, +45 40 44 60 60, rwin@flsmidth.com Investor Relations Nicolai Mauritzen, +45 30 93 18 51, nicm@flsmidth.com FLSmidth delivers sustainable productivity to the global mining and cement industries. We deliver market-leading engineering, equipment and service solutions to our customers enabling them to improve performance, drive down costs and reduce environmental impact. Our operations span the globe and our 11,400 employees are present in more than 60 countries. In 2018, FLSmidth generated revenue of DKK 18.8 billion. www.flsmidth.com Attachment Ensemble Theatre, January 9 "I like the idea of a room full of white people, all looking at me, all listening to what I say," says Johnny Mullagh. "I would say, 'Listen to my story. Listen to my people. And listen to your hearts'." The real Mullagh may have thought no such thing, but the dramatised character has his wish come true, even as he says the words put in his mouth by playwright Geoffrey Atherden words that encapsulate the sentiment at the heart of Black Cockatoo. Aaron McGrath as Johnny Mullagh in Black Cockatoo. Credit:Steven Siewert Mullagh, or Unaarrimin, a Wotjobaluk man from western Victoria, was the star of an Aboriginal cricket team that in 1868 was the first Australian XI to tour England. Atherden's play, about the broader issues of racism, oppression, reconciliation, shared history, divisive history, distorted history and the search for truth, ensures we do listen to Mullagh's extraordinary story. President Trumps escalation of hostilities with Iran has been so alarming as to jolt Congress from its long slumber at the switch of its war powers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis Democrats were even joined by three Republicans, including one of the presidents foremost sycophants, in passing a resolution against further military action against Iran last week. The Senate, which also saw vigorous Republican dissent on the subject, should join the lower chamber in reasserting the legislative branchs constitutional power to declare war. The nonbinding House resolution, passed 224-194, calls on the president to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran unless authorized by Congress or to defend against an imminent armed attack. The Trump administration has sought to justify the targeted killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani on the grounds that he was planning imminent attacks on U.S. assets but has failed to provide any convincing evidence to the public or lawmakers. Even as Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz reiterated his servile devotion to Trump on the House floor I take a back seat to no member of this body when it comes to defending the president, he said he argued eloquently for Congress largely forgotten authority over warfare. I represent more troops than any other member of this body; I buried one of them earlier today at Arlington, said Gaetz, whose district includes major naval and air bases. If the members of our armed forces have the courage to go and fight and die in these wars, as Congress, we ought to have the courage to vote for them or against them. And I think its ludicrous to suggest that we are impairing the troops from doing their job by ... doing our job articulated in the Constitution to speak to these matters of war and peace. Senior administration officials had the audacity and ignorance to make that argument during briefings the day before, suggesting any debate about war would embolden the enemy an insidiously antidemocratic notion that has been shamefully reiterated within and beyond Congress over the past week. That, along with the officials inability to explain their rationale for the strike on Soleimani or to acknowledge any meaningful role for Congress in such hostilities, outraged Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah, who called it probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years Ive served in the United States Senate. Lee and Paul said they would vote for a similar Senate resolution against further attacks on Iran believed to have more legal force than the House measure but, unlike the latter, subject to a presidential veto. Pelosi, D-San Francisco, also said there would be additional action on the authorizations for use of military force that Congress passed following the 9/11 attacks, which succeeding administrations have characterized as justifying an absurd array of hostilities up to and including the latest. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, who cast the lone vote against the first of those authorizations, has made a principled case against them ever since. The recent bipartisan resistance to the Iran hostilities is fitting given that presidents of both parties have engaged in military adventures without consulting Congress. The presidents reckless conduct brought us to the brink of another war of choice in the Middle East and, according to preliminary reports, may have helped precipitate the horrific downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet near Tehran. It shouldnt have taken that much to provoke a symbolic objection from Congress, and it shouldnt take more to bring about a more substantial correction to its long-standing abdication of duty. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. A 54-year-old man charged in connection with a knife attack on a family that resulted in one woman having to undergo nine hours of emergency surgery just before Christmas is planning to apply to be released on bail at the High Court. Thomas OSullivan of Silvercourt, Silversprings, Cork, was back in Cork District Court charged with three separate counts of assault causing harm to a 47-year-old woman, her 20-year-old daughter and her 10-year-old son. OSullivan is charged with assault causing harm to all three at an address at Middle Glanmire Road in Montenotte in Cork on December 23, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Judge Mary Dorgan made an order at the first court hearing at Christmas prohibiting the naming of the injured parties on foot of an application by Inspector Sean McCarthy who said gardai were anxious to protect the anonymity of the child. OSullivan was refused bail last month and brought before Cork District Court in continuing custody. Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said: Thomas OSullivan appears before the court on certain assault matters. I understand the DPP will not be ready (to give directions in the case). Sergeant John Kelleher agreed and said that ideally it should be put back for one month. Mr Buttimer said that having failed to get bail at Cork District Court there was now a bail application pending before the High Court in Dublin and that the defence did not object to the case being adjourned for the four weeks. Judge Mary Cashin put the case back until February 10. OSullivan was remanded in custody until then. Detective Garda Dermot Crowley gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr OSullivan made no reply to the first two charges of assaulting the woman and her 20-year-old daughter. To the charge of assaulting the 10-year-old, he replied: I didnt think I assaulted him I know its six of one, half a dozen of the other but I didnt think I assaulted him. Det. Garda Crowley said the State would allege that the older woman suffered a number of stab wounds to her torso while the younger woman suffered a stab wound to the back of her neck and the boy suffered a stab wound to his side. He said all three had to be treated for their injuries at Cork University Hospital where the older woman had to undergo emergency surgery, lasting nine hours to treat the injuries she had suffered in the attack. A mother says she may have to declare her model son non-binary so he can keep his famous long locks at secondary school. Eight-year-old Farouk James has more than 260,000 followers on Instagram thanks to his incredible hair. He has already travelled to New York and Florence to show off his incredible mane of curls on the catwalk and has also worked for children's brands including Guess. But his mother, Bonnie Miller, is furious because his three target secondary schools ban boys from having long hair. Bonnie began investigating different schools' rules, after planning ahead for Farouk's applications in Year 5. Eight-year-old Farouk James has more than 260,000 followers on Instagram thanks to his incredible hair Many secondary schools across the country force boys to keep their hair cut short. Single mum Bonnie says it is discriminatory because girls can have long hair and admits she may be forced to say Farouk is gender fluid so he can keep his mane. The 41-year-old has launched a petition demanding the government stops schools from prohibiting boys from growing long locks. 'We are told we are supposed to be tolerant, and embrace diversity,' Bonnie, of Fulham, west London, said. 'However this policy teaches children that they cannot be different.' She said: 'Why are we teaching - at such a young age - that long hair means there is something wrong with these children? 'I thought 'I have to do something about this, children's mental health is more important.' Bonnie's petition calls on the government to ban the 'outdated practice' of hair rules. 'Applying for a mixed school, I may just put him down as non-binary,' she said. 'I have been trying to think of loopholes, and think how can I get him in. 'The mixed schools I have been looking at have policies which clearly differentiate between boys and girls.' Eight-year-old Farouk James with mum Bonnie. The 41-year-old (pictured left) has launched a petition demanding the government stops schools from prohibiting boys from growing long locks Bonnie believes equal hair rules will also allow transgender people to be more comfortable. At his primary school he is allowed to grow his hair as long as he wants, provided it does not cover his eyes. Photographer Bonnie says Farouk is terrified about having to cut his beautiful locks for secondary school. 'Parents have shown me they have had to chop their child's hair off, and the devastation it has caused,' she explained. 'It's a part of their identity. 'You are asking someone to take away a huge part of themselves, to fit in to what is socially expected.' She says people often call Farouk a girl, but he just brushes it off. His hair currently goes down below his bottom, when it's straight. He has to use almost half a bottle of conditioner to achieve his voluminous bouffant and even washes it with Evian mineral water. Bonnie set up Farouk's Instagram page when he was two years old, after another influencer had used a photo of her son without her permission. The page immediately exploded, gaining tens of thousands of followers. She explained she would get messages from other parents saying Farouk inspired their children to grow their locks. 'He's become a role model for children, for boys with long hair,' the mum-of-three said. 'Parents say they refer to Farouk's page to give their child confidence. 'I've cried numerous times because, just from me allowing him to be himself, he has changed other children's lives. 'Farouk globally can be himself, and be appreciated for who he is through Instagram. 'But locally he is not accepted. 'When he goes to secondary school, he is going to be told he has to change. 'He will be told, he is going to have to take a piece of himself away.' She explained Farouk's phrase about hair cuts is: 'Scissors are for paper.' Bonnie's petition, which is just days old, already has almost 1,000 signatures. Elanor Jemison said: 'My boy, 10, also has long hair. 'This case represents the prejudice boys face when they have long hair.' Emma Gerbino added: 'Anyone should have the right to wear their hair however they choose. 'It doesn't make the slightest bit of difference in their ability to learn.' Angel Cooper wrote: 'Freedom of expression through one's hair is essential to happiness.' Candidates in the race to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader have criticised the partys decision to ignore parts of the so-called red wall for its hustings. Frontrunner Sir Keir Starmer said he was disappointed debates would not be held in the South East, east of England or Yorkshire where Labour lost several key seats. Wakefield, Don Valley, Great Grimsby and Rother Valley were among long-held Labour constituencies to fall to the Tories in December as the previously impregnable red wall of seats in the North and Midlands collapsed. I have written to the Party asking that it makes a firm commitment to hold leadership and deputy leadership hustings in each region and nation we seek to represent. I am inviting the other contenders in both contests to sign up to this letter. pic.twitter.com/3gYVHs2AZt Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 13, 2020 Hustings for the leader and deputy leader elections kick off on Saturday in Liverpool, with events planned each weekend in cities including Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow and London. There will also be hustings in the West Midlands and Bedford. The shadow Brexit secretary, who has 75 nominations from the parliamentary party, has written to Labours general secretary Jennie Formby and the chair of the National Executive Committee Andi Fox calling for hustings in every region. He said: I am disappointed that the party has chosen not to organise leadership and deputy leadership hustings in every Labour Party region and nation. I am concerned that this decision does not reflect well on the party and will be a step backwards in the whole movements determination to take the argument for a radical Labour government back to the country. As I have repeatedly said, the Labour Party has lost seats for the first time in our history in areas like Bolsover, Wrexham and Stoke. The failure to debate the future of our party in communities like these shows that we are part of the problem. https://t.co/8bMhyYyezf Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) January 13, 2020 Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, who has 28 nominations, said: As I have repeatedly said, the Labour Party has lost seats for the first time in our history in areas like Bolsover, Wrexham and Stoke. The failure to debate the future of our party in communities like these shows that we are part of the problem. EPA The US defence secretary has revealed he didnt see any specific evidence indicating an imminent threat from Iran before Donald Trump ordered an airstrike which killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani earlier this month. Mark Esper said on Sunday he had not reviewed evidence indicating Soleimani posed an imminent threat to Americans, despite the Pentagon previously saying the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards elite Quds force was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. He appeared to cast doubt on Mr Trump's claim that the Iranian general had been working on plans to attack four US embassies at the time of his death. What the president said was he believed that there probably and could have been attacks against additional embassies, the defence secretary said in an interview with CBS Face the Nation. He added: I shared that view, I know other members of [the] national security team shared that view, thats why I deployed thousands of American paratroopers to the Middle East to reinforce our embassy in Baghdad and other sites throughout the region. Mr Esper was referring to comments made by Mr Trump the night before in an interview with Fox News, in which the president said there probably wouldve been four embassies targeted in upcoming attacks from Iran, after the administration linked Tehran to a New Years Eve attack on the US embassy in Baghdad. White House officials have also echoed those claims, without providing specific indications as to which embassies or US sites may have been targeted in additional attacks organised by Soleimani. I dont know exactly which minute, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters last week. We dont know exactly which day it wouldve been executed. But it was very clear: Qassem Soleimani himself was plotting a broad, large-scale attack against American interests, he added. And those attacks were imminent. Story continues CBS News host Margaret Brennan responded to Mr Esper by reciting the presidents own words, adding: Probably and could have been that sounds more like an assessment than a specific tangible threat with a decisive piece of intelligence. Mr Esper said the president never claimed there was a specific, tangible threat and noted he didnt cite a specific piece of evidence. Are you saying there wasnt one? Ms Brennan asked the defence secretary. On CNN, Mark Esper makes it absolutely clear that the Trump administration is making it up as they go when they claim Soleimani posed an imminent threat to 4 different US embassies pic.twitter.com/Cm16XkOrlo Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 12, 2020 Mr Esper replied: I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. What I'm saying is I share the president's view that probably- my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. The embassies are the most prominent display of American presence in a country. In another interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, the defence secretary also suggested he had not seen any specific evidence of an imminent threat, adding only that there was "an intent" to target the US embassy in Baghdad. Read more Majority of Americans feel less safe under Trump after Iran, poll says Open source While Ukrainian politicians, both previous and current ones, warmed up their sit-upons at the beaches in Oman, Seychelles or somewhere northward, other leaders built new strategic constructs and literally canalized our transit potential as a hub country, capable of earning up to 15% of GDP on logistic margin, stubbornly giving away and squandering this potential in favor of more efficient neighbors. I am talking about the official opening of the TurkStream, which Russia uses to bypass Ukraine when transporting its gas. The official celebrations were attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the leaders of Serbia, Bulgaria. The latter looked sad. Looking at Turkish President Erdogan, he seemed to be thinking: "I should have been in his place." The story with the southern, Black Sea bypass route began before 2014, and the planned South Stream was supposed to go through the bottom of the Black Sea to Bulgaria. But due to the annexation of the Crimea and Donbas war, Europe decided to demonstrate its solidarity with Ukraine in the form of freezing this project. Bulgaria had to refuse to become a South European gas hub, and Turkey safely took its place, and South Stream smoothly transformed into TurkStream. Our authorities had an unsuccessful fight against Nord Stream-2, failing to notice (or pretending not to notice) the same transit threat in the south. Erdogan very elegantly exchanged the religious theme, which the Ukrainian authorities were concerned about, for the more vital in the form of the status of a hub country. The new gas pipeline has a design capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters per year and consists of two threads: the first design capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters, which is designed to supply gas to Turkey itself, and the second with the same capacity parameters for gas supplies to the countries of southern and southeastern Europe, in particular to Greece, Bulgaria, and the Balkans. In subsequent years, the energy carrier will also go to Hungary and Slovakia along this route. Turkish President Erdogan has already announced that his country will soon turn into a new gas hub for southern Europe. Turkey consumes about 50-55 billion cubic meters of gas annually with a growth prospect of up to 60 billion and ranks fourth in Europe in energy consumption. Part of the existing deficit in the energy balance will be closed by the Turkish Stream under construction with a planned capacity of more than 30 billion cubic meters. This is in addition to the Blue Stream (16 billion cubic meters). Turkey carefully monitors the diversification of energy risks, which is why the share of pipe gas in imports is decreasing, while LNG is growing, and the share of the Russian Federation in total deliveries is in the range of 50% (+/-). In the near future, the Turkish economy and population will consume up to 30 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas. Thus, in 2020, Turkey will have a transit surplus of up to 15-20 billion cubic meters in the energy balance. And this does not take into account the prospects of launching a new Caspian gas route, the so-called Southern Gas Corridor from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijan. After the construction of the TANAP South European gas pipeline is completed, EU countries will be able to receive an additional 10 billion cubic meters of Caspian gas. In this context, the participation of our delegation in 2018 in the celebrations marking the opening of the first stage of TANAP is surprising. For Turkey, this is another step towards building its transnational gas hub and an additional source of withdrawing transit margins, for Azerbaijan - new markets, for the Balkan countries - alternative directions for energy supplies. And what will this project bring to our country? Even taking into account the prospects of expanding the capacity of this alternative direction to 30 billion cubic meter all its volumes have already been divided between the European countries, and Ukraine is out of this list. The only thing we are hoping for is to reduce gas consumption in the EU and on warm winters. In the bottom line, the opening of southern transit routes (TurkStream + TANAP) will result in a loss of transit revenues of the Ukrainian GTS in the amount of 300 million to 1 billion dollars per year. While Russians and Europeans are looking for opportunities to earn extra money or hedge the energy risks of their countries through Turkey, we are still busy proving a mechanical scheme for pulling ourselves out of a swamp, justifying the profitability of transit of 40 billion cubic meters of gas via our gas transportation system instead of 95-100 billion per year. The key problem here is that our officials pretend that they do not understand the logistics strategy, for us, any transit corridor is a loss of transit margin and a decrease in logistics potential. In monetary terms, it means minus billions of dollars received for gas transit or a few percent of GDP. And it doesnt matter where the gas comes from (bypassing Ukraine) - from the Russian Federation or Azerbaijan. If the entry points to the European GTS are in another country, this is another minus to our transit karma. At one time, Ukraine voiced several arguments that turned it from an object of geopolitical manipulation into a serious player on the world chessboard. This is a missile strategic shield, nuclear weapons, and a gas transportation system. The latter was especially worrying for the United States, which repeatedly tried to impose its sanctions policy on the Soviet Union to Europeans and block the construction of the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod gas pipeline, as well as the Druzhba pipeline. No one was able to exchange a strategic missile shield and nuclear weapons for investments and trade preferences that would ensure a prosperous future for more than one generation of Ukrainians. And the domestic gas transportation system smoothly switched to a mode of soft euthanasia. Damages sustained after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Puerto Rico on January 7. Photo: Alejandro Granadillo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Six days after a devastating 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Puerto Rico, the island is still reeling from aftershocks, including a 5.9-magnitude quake that hit Saturday. As the island prepares for more quakes in the coming days, heres what we know about the latest disaster to devastate the U.S. territory. The earthquakes A series of small earthquakes began hitting Puerto Rico on December 28, with the first major quake, at 5.8 magnitude, coming Monday, January 6. The next morning, before dawn, a 6.4 quake hit, damaging hundreds of buildings, leaving thousands without shelter, and killing one person. Puerto Rico has seen more than 1,400 earthquakes, primarily in its southwest region, since December 28, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Twenty-six have been a magnitude of 4.5 or higher. In a projection released Monday, the agency said there is a small chance of another major quake, and a certain chance of many more small aftershocks. According to our forecast, over the next 1 Week there is a 4 % chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 6.4. It is likely that there will be smaller earthquakes over the next 1 Week, with 40 to 230 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks. Magnitude 3 and above are large enough to be felt near the epicenter. The damage The bulk of the damage from the quakes lies in the coastal towns between Ponce and Guanica. Images shared by reporters and citizens on social media show buildings reduced to rubble and people suffering without electricity and water. At least one person is dead after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico early Tuesday, one day after a 5.8-magnitude quake damaged homes and caused landslides; the mayor of the southern city of Ponce says eight people have been injured https://t.co/76XdQZuXfz pic.twitter.com/33OZZiXBBT CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 7, 2020 When we arrived to a home in Guanica Puerto Rico, it was clear something needed to be done. A 71yo grandmother, with Alzheimers, was in a bed in the front yard, sunburned, & sweating. She'd been there all week. The family had no power, no water & couldn't find an ambulance. pic.twitter.com/Gex78ihYg8 David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 12, 2020 At least one natural wonder was destroyed in the quake. The Miami Herald reported that Punta Ventana, a popular tourist attraction, was toppled last week. Puerto Rican natural wonder, Punta Ventana, collapses amid 5.8 magnitude earthquakehttps://t.co/zXdU3eJvsC Bianca Padro Ocasio (@BiancaJoanie) January 6, 2020 According to Reuters, 5,000 people are sleeping in shelters following the quakes, and many more are sleeping outside of their homes. Reporter David Begnaud tweeted that camps set up by the Puerto Rico National Guard, which will house upwards of 500 evacuees each, are going up in five affected cities. The Puerto Rico National Guard is just about finished setting up tents to shelter 500+ earthquake evacuees in Guanica. They have showers, laundry & kitchen facilities. Similar sets up are happening in Yauco, Penuelas, Guayanilla, & Ponce. Nothing is ready to go, just yet. pic.twitter.com/wL6dn7xUBL David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 13, 2020 Across the island, public schools are closed and will not reopen until inspections take place. This has led one expert to label the infrastructure problem an educational crisis. The federal response On Wednesday, January 8, one day after the strongest quake to hit Puerto Rico during the recent stretch, President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster-relief efforts on the island. The declaration also means $5 million in federal funds could be spent on disaster relief. On Saturday, following the second powerful quake, Governor Wanda Vazquez Garced said the island has seen $110 million in damage from the earthquakes. A newspaper on the island put the figure at $460 million. The governor also asked the federal government for more money to assist in the recovery effort, but Trump has not yet signed the major disaster declaration. The earthquakes have brought renewed attention to squabbling over the $18 billion in federal funds that Congress designated after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. Just under half of that money was supposed to be released to Puerto Rico last fall, but it wasnt. Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the Trump administrations withholding of the funds is illegal. Trump himself has also been criticized for not making any public comments about the earthquakes. Despite tweeting dozens of times in the past week, he hasnt mentioned the thousands of Americans suffering in Puerto Rico. A regional councillor says he purposefully didnt attend some of York regional meetings in 2019 to help a new alternate regional member in Richmond Hill learn the ropes. Richmond Hill Regional Coun. Carmine Perrelli missed almost half the regional council meetings last year, according to records compiled from the regions official website york.ca. The records show Perrelli attended seven out of 12 meetings at the regional level last year, with an attendance rate of 58 per cent, significantly lower than his two peers in the city. Mayor Dave Barrow attended all 12 council meetings, while Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola missed one. Richmond Hill Council Accountability Group (CAG) posted the regional council meeting attendance records at the end of 2019 it has been verified by The Liberal newspaper which have since generated great public interest. A number of residents raised questions over Perrellis low attendance rate in response to the post Who earned their York Regional Council salaries in 2019? Perrelli told The Liberal that he was absent for a simple reason, which was to give Greg Beros, regional alternate councillor, sufficient opportunities to attend the regional councillor meetings. To me, it makes no sense to send someone once a year or every two years and expect them to make a meaningful contribution or to adequately represent the interests of Richmond Hill, Perrelli wrote in an email. Beros was appointed as regional alternate councillor earlier in 2019 and is designated to attend regional council meetings in the absence of the regional councillors or the mayor. In fact, Beros attended three council meetings last year at the regional level, two of them in the absence of Perrelli and one of them acting in place of DiPaola. On May 16, June 20, and Oct. 17, both Perrelli and Beros were absent at council meetings at the regional level. Explaining his absence, Beros noted that he could not attend those three meetings in place of Perrelli because the regional councillor has become sick and did not have sufficient time to authorize his attendance. In order for an alternate regional councillor to participate in a regional council meeting, the non-attending member is required to give the clerks department 24 hours notice, he added. Richmond Hill, King and Whitchurch-Stouffville are the three municipalities in York Region that have appointed an alternate member for the regional council. While the alternate members are not paid for this role, regional councillors and mayors earn a big chunk of their annual income by representing their residents at the regional level. To be specific, Perrelli and other regional council members are currently each paid a total of $57,923 a year for serving on the regional council, according to York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey. Most of councils work is done through the committee of the whole meetings, where the 21 members get public input, review policies and consider staff reports before they meet at council meetings. Records show Perrelli also had the lowest attendance rate at the committee of the whole meetings in 2019 in comparison with Barrow and DiPaola. A total of 18 committee of the whole meetings took place at the regional level last year where Barrow missed three and DiPaola missed one. Perrelli was absent at seven of these meetings where topics such as housing and homelessness plan, operation of Rapidways in Richmond Hill, and 2020-22 budget were on the regional agenda. A regional alternate member is not authorized to participate in regional committee of the whole meetings, Beros wrote. SW Sheila Wang is a municipal politics and general assignment reporter for YorkRegion.com and its sister papers. Reach her via email: swang@metroland.com Read more about: When there is so much public concern about these wars, including among veterans, it becomes that much more important for people to know what the financial connections are, she said. News organizations should absolutely disclose this. It could change the conversation around war if people were aware of who was profiting from it. A week ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had taken everybody by surprise after announcing that they have decided to step down as senior members of the Royal Family. Part of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's statement in their official Instagram account is to "work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen." Now, it looks like the Sussex matriarch started her hustle even before the infamous "Megxit," as rumor has it that Meghan has already signed a deal to work with Disney. According to the Deadline report, the 38-year-old actress-turned-royalty signed a voiceover deal with Disney in exchange for a donation to a charity. The report added that Meghan's partnership aims to help the Elephant Without Borders organization. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a real-life Royalty voicing over the next Disney Princess? The kids and adults will surely love it. Move over, Elsa, because it looks like Meghan Markle is about to conquer Disney. The same report claims that Meghan has signed the deal with Disney even before her and Prince Harry's controversial royal exit, as the Duke of Sussex has also slowly laid out his plans to pursue other opportunities even before cutting ties with Buckingham Palace. Deadline added that the royal couple has already built a relationship even before this deal. It could be recalled that the company gave Prince Harry and Meghan's seven-month-old baby Archie a watercolored Winnie the Pooh animation to celebrate his birth. Because of the Meghan for Disney rumors, a video of Prince Harry talking to Disney CEO has recently resurfaced, proving that the Duke is really working their way out of the Royal Family even months before their holiday break in Canada. It was in July 2019 when Meghan and Prince Harry attended the premiere of Disney's remake of the 1994 animation file, "The Lion King." It was held in support of the African Parks, an organization that Prince Harry supports. During the premiere in London, Meghan could be seen greeting the Queen of all pop stars, Beyonce and her husband, Jay-Z. Beside them is Prince Harry exchanging some small talk with Disney CEO Bob Iger. Although Beyonce greeting Meghan "My princess" immediately went viral, some eavesdropping people could not help but overheard Prince Harry and Iger's conversation that hinted a possible future work for the former Suits actress. Twitter removed this video of Prince Harry pitching Meghan Markle to Disney CEO Bob Iger for a voice-over gig Wouldnt it be a shame if it went viral again? pic.twitter.com/N9oIgKneA5 Jewish Deplorable (@TrumpJew) January 12, 2020 In the resurfaced clip, the Duke could be heard saying: "You know she does voiceovers," which obviously took Iger by surprise. "Did you know that? You seem surprised," Prince Harry added. He then gestured towards Meghan, who is making speaking with Beyonce and Jay-Z and said: "She's really interested." To which Iger replied with: "Sure. We'd love to try." According to reports, Disney is set to release 23 movies this year, including "Mulan," "Jungle Cruise," "Onward," "Woman in the Window" and more. So let us just wait and see which Disney movie we will hear Meghan's voice, although fans are secretly hoping she will be the voice behind a new Disney princess. To the Editor: In the 1920s, famed entertainer Will Rogers got audiences laughing with: I make mistakes, and you make mistakes, but when Congress makes a mistake, its the law. That still goes for the New York state Legislature, only this time its not so funny. The new catch and release," No Bail Reform" bill, by contrast, gives malefactors a get-out-of-jail-free citation, ignoring possible commitment of further crimes, while offering no incentives, whatsoever, to actually show up for trial. Its extraordinarily pro-criminal and manifestly anti-public safety. Exhibit A: Tiffany Harris, of Brooklyn. After committing a vicious anti-Semitic assault on three women on a Friday, she was booked and released on Saturday. On Sunday morning, she assaulted another woman. Released on Monday, she later assaulted yet another woman. Moreover, she has a long record of not showing up for court appearances. What revolving door injustice for her unfortunate victims! No one wants those accused to be jailed for long periods due to lack of funds. But there are surely solutions short of total permissiveness. Such incarceration time should certainly never exceed usual time served for the charge. No one is totally penniless. Bail could be set at a level below serious financial hardship, but above an amount where forfeiture would represent real financial loss. Absolutely essential would be giving judges discretion to consider the accused's likelihood of committing further crimes, as well as showing up for trial. The No Bail Reform bill utterly ignores the realities of the criminal justice system, and would enormously erode public safety. Its revision absolutely demands immediate attention. Richard D. Wilkins Syracuse See also: Fact-checking the NY bail uproar: 5 CNY crimes that help you understand whats a real issue Bail reform causes a big drop - 100 inmates - in Syracuse jail Bail reform sets free Navy vet accused of shooting, killing girlfriend Commentary: NYs coming bail, discovery reforms support rule of law Jan 13 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index declined to its lowest in nine months on Monday, weighed down by shrinking demand across all vessel categories. * The Baltic index , which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels that ferry dry bulk commodities, decreased 9 points, or 1.2%, to 765 points. * The Baltic index has fallen for 22 out of the previous 23 sessions, declining to its lowest since mid-April. * The capesize index fell 62 points, or 5.8%, to 1,004 - its lowest since April 29. * Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000-180,000 tonne cargoes including iron ore and coal, slipped $116 to $9,322. * The panamax index fell 12 points, or 1.6%, to 759 points, its lowest since end-February. * Average daily earnings for panamaxes, which usually carry coal or grain cargoes of about 60,000 tonnes to 70,000 tonnes, dipped $105 to $6,834. * The supramax index eased 4 points to 566. (Reporting by Anjishnu Mondal in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) 8780; Outside U.S. +91 80 6749 7773 ; Reuters Messaging: anjishnu.mondal.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) 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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The Salinas Valley Energy Forum will be held at the Taylor Farms Curious Classroom on January 27, 2020, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. The Forum will provide insights into how the region's agricultural industry can overcome the instability in energy availability, reliability and pricing currently threatening California and beyond. The Forum will feature a panel of experts representing energy developers, government agencies and solution providers including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Monterey County Farm Bureau, the City of Gonzales, Schneider Electric and Concentric Power. "Energy is a huge part of farming. In fact, everything done after harvest requires power," said Dennis Donohue, director of the WGCIT. "Our members provide over half the nation's fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, so it's critically important we help them navigate the energy challenges currently facing the state." Following historic fire seasons that have bankrupted California's largest energy utility and led to widespread Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) last Fall, unreliable and unstable energy is a major disruption to the agriculture industry. The cost of energy for ag companies is also unpredictable, having risen nearly 20 percent since the beginning of 2018 within the PG&E service territory. "Technological advancements, business models, regulation changes and the low cost of capital have made energy independence a viable option," said Brian Curtis, Concentric Power's founder and CEO. "Many organizations simply don't know that it can pencil out both economically and technically. With power shutoffs now happening year-round and utility rates continuing to rise, ag and other fresh food producers are finding that status quo is no longer an option." The Forum will be led by moderator Matthew Willis, vice president of product and business development at Concentric Power, and will feature Concentric Power's Curtis along with Rick Sturtevant, state energy coordinator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Norm Groot, executive director at the Monterey County Farm Bureau; Rene Mendez, city manager for the City of Gonzales; and Gregg Morasca, vice president of strategic customers at Schneider Electric. Forum attendees will learn: What is happening across the state from an energy perspective Local power options and solutions How to execute energy projects at little to no upfront cost How to invest in sustainable infrastructure How Salinas Valley cities are improving and promoting economic development About Concentric Power Inc. With offices in Salinas and Campbell, CA, Concentric Power Inc. is a vertically integrated intelligent microgrid developer with a proven track record in agricultural, industrial, and community applications. A licensed Class A General Engineering Contractor, the company is focused on solving modern grid problems through its engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance services. Concentric Power also employs O&M field technicians and works closely with their supply chain to bring world-class expertise, reliability and responsiveness to every project. www.concentricpower.com About Western Growers Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation's fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America's fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook. SOURCE Concentric Power Related Links https://www.concentricpower.com As the British royal family meet at Sandringham today for a crunch summit to decide the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' future, the couple's tax affairs will be under discussion along with their royal titles, their Met Police bodyguards and Frogmore Cottage, their Windsor home. Aides are understood to have drawn up a potential blueprint for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle's new life in North America, but with "complicated issues" still to be resolved, his grandmother Queen Elizabeth's desire for a swift resolution is by no means guaranteed. While the 93-year-old monarch wants the situation to be sorted by close of play tomorrow, sources close to the Sussexes said they "are not going to quickly sign off their future and their lives". Later today, the queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry will be presented with "a range of possibilities for the family to review". Meghan, who is in Canada with baby Archie, hopes to take part in the meeting by phone, time zones permitting. Titles Indicating that any master plan "will take into account the thinking the Sussexes outlined earlier in the week", it seems highly unlikely that the couple will be stripped of their 'HRH' (his/her royal highness) status, although according to Tom Bradby, their friend and ITV News anchor: "They appear philosophical about the prospect of losing their titles and becoming, in the end, entirely self-funded." Funding Stressing that "any decision will take time to be implemented", aides have hinted that they could come up with a "phased" agreement that sees the Sussexes "transition" to recalibrated roles outside of the royal family once they become fully self-funding. This would see them come up with an interim "costing" for Duchy of Cornwall funding, which could be reduced over time. Video of the Day Tax Insiders say a solution that is "compatible with taxpayers, compatible with reality and compatible with the queen" is being sought. Should the couple decide to split their time between Britain and overseas and retain full, active royal roles then they could face a potential "double tax" on any commercial income. Canada requires anyone who spends 183 days or more in the country to pay income tax on their global earnings. Similar rules apply in the UK, but the limit is 90 days. As an American citizen, Meghan already has to pay tax in the US on any global earnings regardless of where she lives. Discussions are likely to include whether the former actress wants to continue with her application for dual citizenship, the status of which is currently unknown. Future royal role Mark Sedwill, the head of the UK Civil Service, has been drawing up plans to offer Harry and Meghan a high profile Commonwealth role, which would allow them to live in Canada and travel abroad on a certain number of official trips each year - allowing them to be "quasi" royals. Harry is already the president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust while last year Meghan was made vice-president. A source warned this "half-in half-out option", in which the couple would promote their charitable endeavours as well as their commercial interests, was "very difficult to pull off". It remains to be seen whether they would attend major royal events such as Trooping the Colour or need to seek permission for commercial endeavours. Patrick Jephson, the former private secretary to Harry's late mother Princess Diana, questioned whether British embassies would be instructed to support the couple and what level of co-operation would be offered by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Frogmore Cottage A full relocation to North America and the relinquishing of royal roles would avoid the double taxation but may land the couple with a large bill to repay the 2.4m (2.8m) of taxpayers' money that was spent on Frogmore Cottage. If the couple want to retain the Grade II-listed property as their UK base then the Crown Estate, which owns the freehold, could offer to lease it back for an agreed annual sum. Security Dai Davies, the former head of royalty protection, said an idea to downgrade the couple's armed protection to officers carrying Tasers was "nonsensical". Another option would be to cut the number of taxpayer-funded officers and top them up with private bodyguards, paid for by the couple. ( Daily Telegraph London) Thousands of residents evacuated and Manila airport closed amid fears of hazardous eruption of Taal volcano. Tagaytay, Philippines The Philippine government is on full alert, bracing itself for the possible eruption of the Taal volcano, the second most active in the Southeast Asian nation. Forced evacuations took place on Sunday and about 8,000 people were moved to safer ground or housed in evacuation centres. Roads to an evacuation centre in Talisay town on Monday were blocked with police saying that the volcanic ash had made the roads too dangerous to cross. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage but there was no power in affected areas and water was in short supply. We have to be very cautious, said Pong Mercado, the mayor of Taal town. The roads are slippery and dangerous. I myself am making plans to move to safer ground. Volcanology and Seismology Department (PhilVocs) has been monitoring Taal since March last year. On Sunday, it raised the alert level to 4 out of a 5-point scale and warned of a possible hazardous volcanic eruption within hours or days. The area around the Taal volcano has been cloaked in volcanic ash, which also forced the closure of Manilas international airport to shut down [Aaron Favila/AP Photo] Rained mud and stone Bong Agustin was busy tending to the usual crowd of weekend tourists when he first saw smoke coming out of Taal volcano about 6 miles (10km) away from the hotel where he works. I didnt think anything of it but around 2pm [06:00 GMT], I looked out the window and saw the clouds coming from the volcano were red, Agustin said. Then my friends living close to the volcano sent me text messages saying they were feeling tremors. Then, he says, it started to rain mud and stones. Winds carried volcanic ash from Taal to coat Tagaytay and neighbouring towns in grey dust. Large swathes of pineapple fields and farm animals were cloaked with fine volcanic ash, and leaves and tree branches bent beneath its weight. The ash fall could be felt from as far as the Philippine capital of Manila, about 70km (45 miles) north, and the citys airport had to be closed. It [ashfall] wasnt enough to be painful but it had pebbles. It was more scary than painful, said Charina Palacios, a fruit vendor. Ash and steam rise into the air behind a church in the town of Taal south of Manila [Courtesy of Renz Lejarso Guevara via AFP] Palacios said she was unable to sleep on Sunday night because of continuous tremors that were felt every 30 minutes to one hour. I dont know what to wish for. Should I hope that it rains so it could wash away the ash and we can save our fruit plantations? But I heard that the ash contained sulphur so I dont [know] if that will damage our fruits, she added. Tourist attraction still PhilVocs said more frequent and stronger tremors and increased water temperatures around the volcano were possible signs of an imminent eruption. Authorities are on the watch for possible volcanic tsunamis when volcanic eruption filled with rock fragments crash into the water and flood neighbouring towns. They also warned of possible base surges where rocks shooting out of the volcano at up to 80km an hour (50mph) can burn or bury anything they touch. The risk of an impending eruption and mass evacuations did not keep visitors away from the area a favoured weekend getaway for city dwellers. Scary, but terrifyingly beautiful: Honey Rose Isturias and her partner have previously climbed Taal and came to watch the latest volcanic activity [Ana Santos/Al Jazeera] Honey Rose Isturias and her partner came from nearby Cavite to celebrate his birthday and specifically to witness Taals volcanic activity. We climbed Taal last year and saw its crater up close, she said, taking selfies with the volcano in the background. We thought it would be nice to come back. Its a bit scary, but also terrifyingly beautiful, she said, watching the volcano as it spewed out clouds of smoke. BOZEMAN -- Montana State University professor John Priscu was recently awarded a prestigious, yearlong fellowship from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, an honor that will facilitate further research into polar ecology in the Himalaya and other extreme terrains. Priscu, a Montana University System Regents Professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences in the MSU College of Agriculture, first visited China in the 1990s to lecture about his work in Antarctica. He is one of the nation's leading researchers in Arctic biogeochemistry and his 36-year career includes publications in magazines such as Time and Scientific American and academic journals such as Science and Nature, among dozens of others. "You think of Antarctica and you typically think of this giant, lifeless iceberg," said Priscu. "It's pretty hard living on the surface, but underneath it's not so bad. Beneath the Antarctic ice sheet lies our planet's largest wetland. It might not have the red-winged blackbirds and the cattails, but it's permanent water overlying water-saturated sediments, and it's got bacteria that drive reactions such as methane production, all of which are defining elements of a wetland." About a decade ago, Priscu began receiving academic manuscripts from colleagues in China that focused on research similar to his own. He formed a partnership of editing and reviewing those manuscripts for publication. Then in 2011, he received an email from Yongqin Liu at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Tibetan Research Institute who was interested in pursuing her sabbatical in Priscu's MSU lab. Liu spent the 2012-2013 academic year in Bozeman where she and Priscu studied data collected from Himalayan glaciers, examining the climate record contained in ice cores extracted from a depth of about 300 feet. "The cores act like a time machine," Priscu said, "or like the rings of a tree." Those 300-foot cores held insights into what those environments were like dating back to around 1959. DNA sequences of bacteria showed that before 1990, bacteria in the northern Himalaya had origins from windblown soils in eastern Europe, whereas those in the southern Himalaya originated from the marine waters of the Bay of Bengal and were carried to the mountains via Asian monsoons. To Priscu's and Liu's surprise, after 1990 the bacteria in the southern Himalaya began to look more similar to those from the soils of eastern Europe, a trend that was related to increases in soot, or black carbon, deposited on the glacial surfaces, drawing a connection between the industrialization of western China and the dynamics of Himalayan glaciers. "Glaciers in the Himalaya represent the third largest reservoir of ice on our planet," said Priscu. "Glacier-fed rivers originating from the Himalayan mountain ranges influence the lives of about 40% of the world's population. These glaciers are melting faster than the polar ice sheets due to factors like industrialization and climate warming." His work with Liu is providing important new insights into the fate of Himalayan glaciers. After publishing a series of papers with Liu and further collaboration with other members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Priscu began traveling to Xinjaing in northwest China and to Tibet to conduct research on mountain glaciers and give lectures. He recently hosted a doctoral student from the Tibetan Research Institute and continues to collaborate with Liu, head of her own laboratory back in China. They have recently worked together on Priscu's field teams to study icy systems in Antarctica and Alaska. This winter, Priscu was awarded the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Presidential Fellowship for Distinguished Scientists for 2020. The fellowship will take Priscu, who routinely visits five or six continents each year, on an extended trip through China this summer. He will give a series of lectures in Beijing, Nanjing and Lanzhou in northwestern China, followed by conducting hands-on research on glaciers around 18,000 feet above sea level in the Tangula Mountains in Tibet. The study will focus on microbial communities that live in sediments on the surface of those glaciers and examine the roles that these microbes play in glacial chemistry and the absorption of solar radiation, the latter of which can enhance surface melting. For Priscu, it will be the continuation of more than 36 years of international teamwork, discovery and scientific advancement. "I have been lucky to have received funding from the National Science Foundation and NASA to study the geobiology of ice in Greenland, Antarctica, Alaska and the icy worlds in the outer solar system," Priscu said. "I have been equally lucky to work with Dr. Liu and other scientists from the Chinese Academies. Working with my Chinese colleagues is inspiring. Science is clearly an international language that has few intellectual boundaries." ### Bollywood star Ajay Devgn says he stays away from social media because as an actor one should be known for their work, not for what they post online. Devgn, who is basking in the success of his latest release "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior", believes social media has washed away the mystery around stardom. "The stardom era has been washed (away) by social media now and by actors themselves, who constantly keep sharing information about their lives. Earlier, we would imagine how they lived, what they did but now people think they (stars) are just like them. "I am not too much (active) on social media. I believe an actor should be known for their work and not for social media activity. Wherever I go, I get respect and that makes you feel good. I have always done my own thing," the actor told PTI in an interview here. "Tanhaji..." is Devgn's 100th film and the actor, who began his career in 1991 with "Phool Aur Kante", considers himself lucky to have stayed relevant for audiences thanks to his varied film choices. "I have been lucky to be doing different kind of roles and they have worked too because so many actors struggle to do different things. "At that time nobody was doing a film like Raincoat'. I just wanted to try out different things, hence I did it. There was no fear whether it will work or not. I am glad my risk paid off. A lot of people advised me against such films but today almost everyone is doing such films and they are working." Of all the 100 films that he has acted in his 29 year-long career, historical films like "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" and "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" have touched him the most. "Something like 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior' or 'Legend of Bhagat Singh' makes you think that how is it possible that such sacrifices are made by people? We can't even think of (it). They must be different people, what they think and how they function. Country came first for them." "Tanhaji...", also featuring Saif Ali Khan, Kajol and Sharad Kelkar, has earned Rs 61.93 crore in its first weekend. The actor will next be seen in "Maidaan", "Bhuj: The Pride of India", "Chanakya" and a film with Luv Ranjan. In "Maidaan", there won't be any romantic angle, said the actor. "It is a fabulous story, director Amit Sharma has done a great job. Times have changed, storytelling has changed. There are no deliberate commercial elements added to a film today, be it a song or the romantic angle. 'Maidaan' has been very moving and emotional journey for me." Ajay said there is still some time for "Chanakya" to go on floors. "I will finish work on 'Maidaan' and 'Bhuj' in three to four months. These two films will release in 2020. 'Chanakya' we will start later in the year," he said. About Luv Ranjan's film, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay said it will also start shooting by the end of the year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, January 13, 2020 More than a third of industry executives say their view of the advertising and media business currently is "negative," and has grown worse in recent years, according to interviews with more than 300 advertisers and agency executives conducted by Advertiser Perceptions late last year for Research Intelligencer. Detailed breaks on advertisers vs. agencies, as well as complete tabulations of the respondent data, can be accessed by subscribers in today's edition of Research Intelligencer, but the studies were conducted as part of a broader mission of benchmarking the industry's current sentiment about itself, as well as the major factors that contribute to it. Watch for those findings, which will be published over the next few days. A parliamentary panel on Monday questioned Delhi Police officials over the use of force against protesting students and suggested that it should have dealt with the students in a mature manner, sources said. The panel also questioned the Delhi police about the frequent imposition of restrictions in the national capital which it said causes trouble for the common man. Top officials of Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police chief Amulya Patnaik appeared on Monday before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs chaired by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma to discuss rising crimes in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). Without mentioning the recent incidents of violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia, members of the panel questioned the way in which police dealt with the protesting students and the frequent imposition of Section 144 in the national capital which causes trouble for the common man. Members also asked about the action taken by police against the protesting students especially the use of force on them and underlined that the police should have dealt with students in a mature manner, sources said. Delhi Police's role came under scanner following the violence at Jamia University in which many students got injured. There were also allegations that the force remained standing at the gates of the JNU campus while a mob attacked students and faculty members inside. Besides Delhi Police Commissioner, DGP Haryana Manoj Yadav and senior officials of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan police also briefed the panel on the issue of crimes in NCR coming under their jurisdiction. As per the Rajya Sabha bulletin, the agenda of the meeting was, "To have a briefing by the Home Secretary along with Delhi Police and other stakeholders and organizations on the 'Rising Crime in Delhi and National Capital Region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi [India], Jan 13 (ANI): Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics on Monday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi. Rinkevics is undertaking a visit to India to attend Raisina Dialogue 2020, the fifth edition of the annual geo-political summit, which is set to begin here on January 13. He is among the 13 Foreign Ministers participating in the three-day mega event. Rinkevics is scheduled to attend a roundtable meeting with members of the Doctor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Foundation at the Constitution Club of India and hold a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar before participating in the inaugural session of the Dialogue tomorrow. On Wednesday, Rinkevics will participate in the penal debate on Competing Nationalism Universal Norms: Street Power in 21st Century Diplomacy and attend a meeting with the Chairman of Lok Sabha External Affairs Committee. He will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Modi before departing for his country on Thursday. Hosted by think-tank Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media, and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. (ANI) BANJUL, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Gambia inaugurated on Saturday a Chinese-built international conference center. Occupying a gross floor area of 14,000 square meters, the conference center has a 1,000-seat major conference hall, four 200-seat themed meeting rooms, one lounge, four pressrooms and news centers, 14 meeting rooms, office sections, Banquet halls and other accessory rooms. "We strongly believe this project will elevate the already cordial bilateral relations between China and The Gambia to a new height," said Ma Jianchun, Chinese ambassador to The Gambia. He said The Gambia's need for infrastructural development is in line with the Chinese leader's promise of creating more development projects in Africa. "It's a new relationship rooted in a mutually beneficial cooperation formula for Africa and China," Gambian President Adama Barrow stated. Barrow expressed the belief that the center will give The Gambia the opportunity to attract and host meetings, travels, conventions, and exhibition. "The center will provide an opportunity for employment, open up the tourism industry market, enhance transport services and expose our diversities and cultures to the world," he said. According to Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Bai Lamin Jobe, 20 Gambians were recently trained in China to manage the center named after the first president of The Gambia Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. This is the first project China supported in The Gambia following the resumption of bilateral ties in 2016. Farming unions continue to press the government for the need to find solutions to the ongoing biofuel problem. Both the NFU and NFU Scotland have received hundreds of reports of filter blocking issues in agricultural vehicles and machinery. The issues began in August 2019 and are suspected to be related to the quality and possible composition of red diesel. The reports are of fuel filters in farm machinery blocking up unusually quickly, needing to be replaced far more frequently than expected, the NFU explains. The substance found to be blocking the filters varies between reports but commonly consists of a black slime or a clear wax. Affected machinery includes a range of makes and models, costing members both time and money. In an update released on Friday 10 January, NFU Scotland said it is currently pursuing 'high level solutions'. Last month, the union wrote to Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP that was shared with Scottish government. Meanwhile, fuel manufacturer Petroineos announced at the end of last year to reduce biofuel content as a short-term solution. Now the government has been urged to broker a fuel replacement scheme to enable farmers who have problematic fuel on farm to receive a fuel uplift and refill of alternative fuel suitable for their needs. A review of the specification and testing protocols is also needed, according to NFU Scotland, as this will ensure fuel produced within the UK is fit for purpose and reliable. Further research into the behaviour of recycled oil and animal fats within diesel is required, and to assess if specific fats should be excluded from diesel, the group added. NFU Scotland Policy Adviser, Zoe Meldrum said: Fuel problems remain a top priority for our members and resources continue to be dedicated towards finding practical solutions and apply lessons from this event to ensure fuel issues such as this cannot impact agriculture again. Members evidence has been fundamental in understanding the problem and more than 400 contacted NFUS in November and December and we thank them for the invaluable information. We are asking members who are continuing to have problems to complete the survey (available here) when they experience a problem. It comes as representatives from the NFU and NFU Scotland attended a meeting with industry experts in December to discuss the specifications, standards and testing protocol of fuel. A commitment was made to create a dedicated taskforce which will assess filter blocking within agricultural vehicles. The photo shows an impressive elephant walk of an eye-popping 52 F-35 fighters in a row down a runway at the Hill Air Force Base in Utah. By Hu Xiaodao The US Department of Defense (DoD) announced the USAFs F-35 combat exercise on January 6, during which all 52 F-35 jet fighters of USAFs 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at the Hill Air Force Base in the State of Utah took off at the same time. It is concluded by the DoD that the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base has achieved full war-fighting capability. As the US-Iran conflict keeps escalating, the US military has been flexing its muscles intensely to release strong signals of deterrence, which has captured extensive attention. Given the recent movements in the international community and the progress on F-35s commissioning, the US militarys muscle-flexing moves are based on three considerations. First, the US military tries to change the negative image of F-35. The F-35 jet fighter has been widely criticized for its high price, poor performance and the possibility of information leak since it was debuted. The US claiming on such a high profile the full combat capability of its first F-35 Fighter Wing aimed to enhance peoples confidence in the fighters performance and save its reputation to some extent. Second, the US military attempts to advance the global deployments of F-35. Lately Turkey has almost abandoned the agreement to buy 100 F-35 jet fighters from the US, which lent a blow to the latters global deployments of the F-35 combat system. By demonstrating the fighter jets conditions, ground support capability, commanding and combat capability, the US military wants to show its allies F-35s outstanding system and advance its global combat system. Third, the US wants to intensify the strategic deterrence against Iran. The official announcement from the Pentagon came at a tricky moment considering the all-round tension between the US and Iran, and the photo of so many F-35 fighters in elephant walkthe term for military planes taxiing in close formation just before takeoff- at the Hill Air Force Base was obviously aimed to intensify the strategic deterrence against Iran. Some of the air, ground, commanding and supportive personnel at the air force base were deployed to the Middle East last year, and the fully war-ready fighter squadron has been deployed to UAEs al-Dhafra Air Base, ready to carry out emergency tasks in the region anytime. However, although the first F-35 Fighter Wing has achieved full war-fighting capability, its path of development remains a long and hard journey strewn with various tests. There is the test of realistic combat. If the Trump administration decided to launch military attacks on Iran, the USAFs F-35 fighters stationed at UAEs al-Dhafra Air Base might be mobilized as vanguards, and their performance would be the basis to evaluate their combat capability. There is the test of multi-purpose performance. The US military has high hopes for F-35 and plans to assign it with more new-type combat tasks in addition to the regular combined air battle, surface battle and ground assault. It even plans to equip the fighter jet with anti-missile capability before 2025, but whether F-35 will be able to carry out these new tasks effectively remains to be observed. Last but not least, there is the test of integration. According to the plan, the US military will strongly promote the F-35 global combat system by way of frontline deployments, selling the fighter jet to other countries, joint exercise and training, and real combats. But there are concerns that the F-35 is not compatible with the combat systems of American allies yet, and sustained explorations and efforts have to be made in order to integrate them seamlessly in the future. Israeli officials are seeking to expedite an extradition hearing for a woman facing dozens of sexual-abuse charges in Australia after a psychiatric panel concluded she had lied about suffering from mental illness, the Justice Ministry announced Monday. The panel's decision last week that found Malka Leifer fit to stand trial marked a major breakthrough in a years-old case that has strained relations between Israel and Australia and antagonized members of Australia's Jewish community. In its announcement, the Justice Ministry said the psychiatric panel had unanimously and unequivocally concluded that Leifer had faked mental illness in order to avoid extradition. The prosecution believes that the psychiatric panel's definitive conclusions have removed the obstacles that stood in the way of any significant progress in this case, the ministry said. The psychiatric panel's findings lead to the inevitable conclusion that over the past five years, the court and the mental health system have fallen victim to a fraud perpetrated by Leifer and her supporters. Leifer faces 74 counts of sexual assault related to accusations brought forward by three sisters who say they were abused while she was a teacher and principal at the ultra-Orthodox religious school they attended in Melbourne. In 2008, as the allegations surfaced, the Israeli-born Leifer left the school in Australia and returned to Israel. After Australia filed an extradition request, Leifer was put under house arrest in 2014 and underwent the beginnings of an extradition process. But that ended in 2016 when a mental health evaluation determined she wasn't fit to stand trial. Leifer was again arrested in early 2018 after police found evidence that she had faked her mental incompetence. The court asked for another psychological review, whose findings were announced last week. In a statement, Leifer's lawyers accused the government of rushing forward with a decision before the legal process runs its course and said her human rights are being trampled because of diplomatic considerations. The repeated delays in the case have strained relations with Australia, one of Israel's closest allies. Leaders of Australia's pro-Israel Jewish community have also expressed frustration. Those frustrations have been amplified by the alleged involvement in the case of Israel's ultra-Orthodox health minister, Yaacov Litzman. Israeli police have recommended charges of fraud and breach of trust against him for suspicions that he pressure ministry employees to skew Leifer's psychiatric evaluations in her favor. Litzman denies wrongdoing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing from his home in Northern California on Saturday. Roman Anthony Lopez was found dead in Placerville hours after police put out a statement asking for the public's help in locating the boy, who was last seen at his home on Saturday morning. Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in an extensive search of the community 44 miles east of Sacramento. Few details about the circumstances of Roman's death have been released but the Placerville Police Department confirmed that it was being investigated as suspicious. Scroll down for video Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of 11-year-old Roman Anthony Lopez (pictured), who was reported missing from his home in Northern California on Saturday The Mountain Democrat reported that authorities had taped off a home on Coloma Street believed to belong to Roman's family. Two vehicles parked outside the home - a white Chevy truck with Indiana plates and a silver truck with Michigan plates - were marked with multiple yellow evidence flags. People passing the scene told the outlet that rumors were circulating around the neighborhood about the manner of Roman's death - but those rumors were not disclosed. Police have asked anyone with information about the case to contact Det Luke Gadow at (530) 642-5210, ext 116. Authorities taped off a home (pictured) on Coloma Street believed to belong to Roman's family after the boy's body was found Police said Roman's death was being treated as suspicious but declined to provide additional details. They've asked anyone with information about the case to contact investigators A neighbor said that some of Roman's father's coworkers came by his home on Saturday night with a flyer about the missing child. 'That was followed up by a visit from some of the officers with the Placerville Police Department,' the neighbor, who only provided his first name, Ed, told KRCA. Ed said he helped investigators search the father's property, which is right next to his, for the missing boy. The officers then returned a few hours later to search the father's property again. Neighbors watched from their yards as investigators collected evidence from the apparent crime scene on Sunday. 'It's so sad,' Jordyn Gilmore, who lives next door, told KRCA. 'Who would've thought your next-door neighbor. Things happen and it's just crazy.' Gilmore said Roman's family had moved in to the home about a month ago. 'They have little kids, too,' she said. 'Completely normal. They play out in the front yard. There was nothing weird going on.' Investigators are seen collecting evidence from the apparent crime scene on Sunday West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for a meeting of all party leaders of the state on January 17 at Raj Bhavan. The meeting has been convened to seek guidance and inputs from the leaders for a way forward on two Bills -- The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 and The West Bengal State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Bill, 2019. "These Bills are pending consideration with the Governor on account of there being no inputs available from the West Bengal Legislative Assembly as also the state government in spite of repeated serious efforts," Manab Bandyopadhyay, Press Secretary to the Governor, said in a statement. "The Governor has called for this meeting as on one hand the inputs are not being made available and on the other hand, total factually untenable information is being put in public domain both at the level of the Assembly as also the state government," the statement said. Dhankhar has sent the request to eight leaders of the legislature parties in state Assembly including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan (Congress) and Dr Sujan Chakraborty from Communist Party of India (Marxist). "In his communication to these eight leaders the Governor has given relevant details as regards the stalemate that has been occasioned for consideration of the Bills at his end," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There are notes of both Catch-22 and 1984 in Zed, although where the first two focus on government control and endless war, the latter centers on government control and a technocratic corporation called Beetle. By 2023, Beetle, founded by Guy Matthias, has become so integral to the smooth running of Western society that its basically taken over, using predictive algorithms not only to help people shop for the right things but also to arrest them for future crimes. The Custodians Program tracks everyone through their BeetleBands obligatory smartwatches without which people are unverified and thus uninsurable and virtually unemployable as well as various smart appliances, self-driving taxi fleets and ubiquitous cameras. Beetle is, of course, committed to maintaining a fair and free democratic society with plenty of choices for everyone. In fact, when meeting with Beetles Chinese counterpart, Baoguan, Guy Matthias becomes upset about how far ahead Baoguans AI predictive technology is, especially because the Chinese intended, with these sorts of protocols, to control their populations, rather than merely inspiring them to make more fulfilling choices, for themselves and wider society. Mumbai, Jan 13 : Despite the Shiv Sena reportedly skipping two meetings in a fortnight over the CAA/NRC convened by Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, leaders from all the three parties, including Nationalist Congress Party, insist that "all's well" with the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance government in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena Lok Sabha Parliamentary Party leader Vinayak Raut earlier said that it was "not aware" of the opposition parties meeting convened by Gandhi in the capital on Monday evening. "We are not aware of such a meeting. We have not been invited for it. So, we have not taken any decision on it so far," Shiv Sena' Group Leader in Lok Sabha Vinayak Raut told IANS. On the other hand, leaders in both Congress and NCP in Mumbai also said nothing is "amiss" if their third MVA ally, Shiv Sena, did not attend the meet. "It was never part of the Common Minimum Programme the three parties have agreed to in November 2019. Besides, the three parties have also decided not to raise any contentious issues without mutual consultations," a Congress leader, requesting anonymity, said. An NCP leader, preferring not to be identified, said the three allies respect and trust each other and no attempts are being made to foist decisions if they could create friction of any kind. "Contrary to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's tall claims, our government is absolutely stable, functioning smoothly and there are no differences whatsoever," state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said. Kishore Tiwari, advisor to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, also said that "the Opposition is jittery over the efficient performance of the government for the past nearly six weeks and is resorting to false speculation to keep its own flock intact". He said contrary to expectations, the Sena has not made any statements that directly or indirectly support the stand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP on any issue, including CAA. "On the contrary, the CM has repeatedly assured that nobody from any community would face any problem even if the CAA/NRC is implemented. The Sena is also committed to secularism as decided in the CMP and all three parties are bound by it," Tiwari told IANS. Leaders from Congress-NCP also said that as per their information, the Sena was not invited to the meeting today in New Delhi, so there's no question of "avoiding" it, as suggested in media circles. Ex-minister Ashish Shelar targeted the MVA government for giving selective permission for the anti-CAA/NRC protests while refusing permission to those who want to express support to the laws. "While anti-CAA/NRC protests are allowed, those who want to show solidarity with CAA/NRC are denied permission," Shelar said on Monday. For nearly a month, there have been non-stop protests all over Maharashtra and there have been some rallies and marches in support of the CAA/NRC. For the first time, NCP President Sharad Pawar will personally lead a protest against CAA/NRC in Mumbai on January 24. Last week, top Congress-NCP leaders were present when Pawar flagged off former BJP's Union Finance Minister Yeshwant Sinha's 3000-km, 21-day-long 'Gandhi Shanti Yatra' from Mumbai to Delhi. ALBANY A gun-rights group based in Western New York is pushing for all New York public schools to beef up their Second Amendment curricula. Activists behind 2AWNY.com have sent state education officials an "e-book" draft by Libertarian attorney James Ostrowski, who has made a career of battling New York's stiff gun laws, particularly the controversial Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act. Ostrowski, joined Monday by 2AWNY activist Steve Felano and Libertarian NY-27 congressional candidate Duane Whitmer in downtown Albany's Hampton Inn & Suites, argued that schoolchildren should know the role guns played in the formation of the United States as a democracy. The e-book, billed "a primer on how to defend our most important right," warns that throughout history, gun rights have formed a barrier against tyranny, sparing American citizens of the types of atrocities that occurred under Nazi Germany, Mao's China and the Soviet Union. "It's a bad time to be disarmed," Ostrowski writes in his politically charged manifesto. "The left is resurgent and more radical than ever. They are undeterred by the fact that every leftist regime that ever got power, inflicted, through state gun violence, widespread misery, poverty, strife and often mass murder." Felano, who claims gun owners are vilified in New York classrooms, said that the group is not trying to impose a curriculum on the Board of Regents and the state Education Department. Rather, he hopes to influence the way schools teach the Second Amendment. "We are saying 'here is some source material to be incorporated into lesson plans,'" Felano said. Ostrowski said that AP social studies textbooks used in New York have omitted the Second Amendment from the Bill of Rights. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. He was not able to cite a specific textbook to support this claim, but the New York Times recently highlighted how popular social studies textbooks in different states tend to be colored by partisan politics depending on the state even when released by the same publisher. While the book may cite the same original sources, they feature customized text on topics like immigration, gun rights and economic issues. The Times illustrated the discrepancies with a side-by-side comparison of textbooks used by schools in California and Texas. A California textbook explains in its annotations on the Bill of Rights that rulings on the Second Amendment have allowed for some gun regulations, while the Texas book leaves the same blank spot. State Education Department officials in a statement noted that New York is not a curriculum-setting state. "We establish standards and make optional curricular materials available to districts to use as they see fit. State law requires schools to teach a number of specific topics (HIV, Human Rights issues such as genocide and slavery, Child Abduction Prevention, and Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Misuse, among others)," the department's statement said. LONDON - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange made a brief court appearance Monday in his bid to prevent extradition to the United States to face serious espionage charges. He and his lawyers complained they werent being given enough time to meet to plan their battle against U.S. prosecutors seeking to put him on trial for WikiLeaks publication of hundreds of thousands of confidential documents. The 48-year-old was brought to court from Belmarsh Prison on the outskirts of London. He saluted the public gallery, which was packed with ardent supporters including the musician MIA, when he entered the courtroom. He later raised his right fist in defiance when he was taken to holding cells to meet with lawyer Gareth Peirce. Peirce said officials at Belmarsh Prison are making it extremely difficult for her to meet with Assange. We have pushed Belmarsh in every way - it is a breach of a defendants rights, she said. Assange refrained from making political statements. He confirmed his name and date of birth, and at one point said he didnt understand all of the proceedings against him during the brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court. He faces 18 charges in the U.S., including conspiring to hack into a Pentagon computer. He has denied wrongdoing, claiming he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. Many advocacy groups have supported Assanges claim that the charges would have a chilling effect on freedom of the press. A five-day extradition hearing is scheduled for late February. Assanges legal team has tried to delay the hearing so there is more time to prepare, but these requests have been denied. Assange has already served a 50-week prison sentence in Britain for jumping bail. A rape investigation launched against him in Sweden has been dropped, so he would likely be freed from prison if extradition is denied. Guinea has been hit by mass demonstrations over constitutional reform since mid-October. Guineas government said it will respond strongly to any violence at an opposition rally scheduled for Monday, accusing the organisers of wanting to plunge the country into disorder. The West African nation has been hit by rolling anti-government demonstrations since mid-October over constitutional reform amid opposition fears that President Alpha Conde will seek to extend his constitutional mandate. State powers will be exercised in all their rigour against those who seek to upset public order and to deny other Guineans the free exercise of their fundamental rights, the government said in a statement on Sunday. Opposition groups have said they will continue marching promising to hold a huge and open-ended protest on Monday, heightening fears of a fresh round of violence. President Alpha Conde has not confirmed or denied claims that he will seek a third term in office [File: Tessier/Reuters] Why are Guineans protesting? Condes second and final five-year term in office is coming to an end this year. Opposition and civil rights groups are concerned the 81-year-old will stay in office and seek a third term. Conde last month published a draft constitution, arguing that the countrys colonial-era laws need to be changed. But critics are convinced he plans to use the reform to stay in office beyond the two presidential terms currently stipulated in the constitution. Conde, a former opposition leader and the countrys first democratically elected president, has neither confirmed nor denied that claim. Legislative elections are due in February and a presidential election is scheduled sometime this year, as well as a possible referendum on the constitution. Have the protests been violent? At least 20 people and one gendarme have been killed in clashes with security forces since the mass protests begun in October last year. In a demonstration last week in the capital, Conakry, at least 12 people were wounded. Hundreds have also been jailed. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), six civil society leaders are among those detained. Guineas government simply should not be denying people their right to express opposition to a new constitution, Corinne Dufka, West Africa director at HRW, said. A blanket protest ban, the arbitrary arrest of civil society leaders, and the violent dispersal of demonstrators shows that the government is prepared to trample on human rights to suppress dissent, Dufka added. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional body, has called on all parties to show restraint and hold a constructive dialogue to resolve their differences. Will the opposition take part in polls? The mineral-rich country of some 13 million is scheduled to hold a parliamentary election on February 16. Polls were first scheduled to be held in late 2018 but the electoral commission delayed the vote for technical reasons. To complicate the situation, opposition parties have said they will not be taking part in the vote, with some threatening to stop the poll from taking place. Its not just a question of boycotting the elections and standing idly by. We will prevent these elections from taking place, Cellou Dalein Diallo, opposition leader, said last month. Why are the polls important? Under Guineas current constitution, in order for a leader to amend the constitution to allow him or her to seek a third term in office, they require a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass the amendment. Currently, Condes ruling Rassemblement du peuple de Guinee (The Rally for the Guinean People) only holds a slim majority. Conde needs a bigger mandate in parliament if he is to seek a third term through parliament. Critics have said Conde wants to push through the constitutional amendments through a referendum, bypassing the parliament. Condes election victory in 2010 raised hopes for democratic progress in Guinea after decades of authoritarian rule. But his critics accuse him of cracking down on dissent and violently repressing protests charges he denies. A n 18-year-old girl with a severe nut allergy died following a combination of human and system error, a coroner has ruled. Shante Turay-Thomas, 18, died after eating hazelnut at her family home in Wood Green, north London, in September last year. On Monday, an inquest into her death heard a combination of human and system error resulted in the student not being seen by ambulance crews until more than 40 minutes after her mum Emma Turay dialled the NHSs 111 non-emergency number. The ambulance sent to her home was initially diverted away due a miscategorisation by NHS staff, the inquest heard. A coroner also found that Ms Turay-Thomas would have survived if she had received the proper training for a device that replaced her EpiPen. St Pancras Coroner's Court, where the inquest took place / Nick Ansell/PA Archive The inquest into her death heard how NHS 111 staff failed to appreciate how Ms Turay-Thomass worsening condition was typical of suffering a severe allergic reaction to nuts. A recording of the call at 11.01pm on September 14 revealed how the 18-year-old could be heard in the background struggling for breath. She said: My chest hurts, my throat is closing and I feel like Im going to pass out. Ms Turay-Thomas then asked her mother to check how long the ambulance would be, before adding: Im going to die. It is believed the teenager had eaten food containing hazelnuts, a product she had declined to be tested for as a child. The inquest heard Ms Turay-Thomas tried to use her auto-injector adrenaline pen, but said it did not work, and her condition worsened. The 18-year-old is thought to have died after eating hazelnut (file image) / Georges Gobet/AFP via Getty Images It later emerged she had not received medical training after moving from the EpiPen to a new Emerade device, and had not been prescribed a larger dose. The inquest heard how an ambulance was originally dispatched to the patient, but was re-routed because the call was wrongly categorised as requiring only a category two response, rather than the more serious category one. An ambulance eventually arrived more than 40 minutes after Ms Turay first contacted the 111 service. She died later in hospital, with a post-mortem examination identifying acute anaphylaxis as the cause of death. Recording a narrative verdict at St Pancras Coroners Court, coroner Mary Hassell said: Shante suffered a cardiac arrest. An ambulance arrived six minutes later too late for her. The coroner said that Ms Turay-Thomas would have survived had she been given appropriately robust training about treating her condition, administered the correct dose, the 111 call handler responded correctly to her condition, and if NHS Digital had categorised anaphylaxis as requiring a category one response. Ms Hassell said: Then 111 would have sought a category one ambulance and Shante would have been advised to administer her first pen at least by 11.08pm, she would have been advised to administer the second (pen) five minutes later, the ambulance would have reached Shante by 11.15pm, by which time she would have had a total of 1,000 micrograms of adrenaline, and she would still have been retrievable. If paramedics had then treated her appropriately, Shante Turay-Thomas would not have died from acute anaphylaxis. Ms Turay broke down and left the court room as details of her daughters death were revisited on Monday. The coroner said she intended to make a prevention of future deaths report. Over 8 million votes; about 2.5 million more than her main rival. Her party maintains a majority in parliament. The outcome of the elections gives the president a mandate to continue her current policy towards China. "I hope Beijing understands that Taiwan will not give in to threats and intimidation." Taipei (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has won her second term at the helm of the country, thanks to an overwhelming victory in an electoral race dominated by themes such as national sovereignty, democracy and future relations between Taipei and Beijing. In the elections two days ago, Tsai of the Democratic Progressive Party (Dpp), obtained over 8 million preferences; about 2.5 million more than her main rival, Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang of China (Kmt), who proposed closer relations with mainland China. The third candidate, James Soong Chu-yu of the People First Party (Pfp), received less than 600,000 votes. In 2016, her first presidential victory, the Taiwanese leader had been voted by 6.9 million citizens. The day before yesterday, they were also called to determine the composition of the parliament: the DPP achieved a great victory in the legislative elections, winning 61 seats compared to the KMT's 38 . The result means that the ruling party will retain a majority in the legislative Yuan. According to analysts, this outcome gives Ms Tsai a mandate to continue her current policy towards China, despite the differences with the KMT and the strong opposition from Beijing. The president rejects the Chinese government's idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". Since her first term, Beijing has tightened the screw; cut off official communications with the Taiwanese government and increased economic and military pressure. China also snatched seven of the few remaining diplomatic allies from Taiwan, hoping that this would persuade Taiwanese voters to punish Tsai at the polls. "Peace means that China must abandon threats of force against Taiwan, Tsai said as she declared victory in Taipei. I also hope that the Beijing authorities understand that democratic Taiwan, and our democratically elected government, will not concede to threats and intimidation, Tsai added. She continued that cross-strait relations should be based on peace, equality, democracy and dialogue". Promising that in the next four years she will avoid provoking Beijing, Tsai then said that Taiwan would like to become "partner" and not "a problem" for her neighbors. Finally, the Taiwanese head of state declined to comment on the Hong Kong protests, but said he believed that "friends from Hong Kong will also be happy [with the election result]". Among the supporters who flocked outside Tsai Ing-wen's headquarters to celebrate its success, there were dozens of Hong Kongers who waved flags and sang pro-democracy slogans. Since the protests began in the former British colony, around 200 protesters have fled to Taiwan for fear of arrest. Taiwan's Continental Affairs Council says that around 30 delegations, for a total of 700 people, have visited the island in an official capacity to follow and express support for Tsai during the elections. The visitors came from political parties, civil groups and associations. About 100 of them were district councilors. The day after her re-election, Tsai met with the de facto ambassadors of the United States and Japan. In her meeting with William Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Tsai asked to deepen cooperation between Taipei and Washington on security and economic issues. The president then spoke to Mitsuo Ohashi, telling the president of the Japan-Taiwan Trade Association that Taipei managed cross-strait relations "by refusing to bow to pressure." Beijing's reactions to the election results were not long in coming. Already on Saturday evening, the Chinese Office for Taiwan Affairs reiterated that the government will continue to promote the "one country, two systems" model for the island. The following day, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "regardless of changes in Taiwan's internal situation, the fundamental fact that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of it will not change." The note states that Beijing will not change its position by sticking to the "one China" principle and opposing Taiwan's independence. China, concludes the ministry, hopes that the world will understand and support the "just cause" of the Chinese people in opposing secessionist activities and "bring about national reunification". YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan on January 13th to pay tribute to the memory of the Baku Pogrom victims on the 30th anniversary of the atrocity. The PM was joined by Catholicos Garegin II and Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan and other officials for the wreath laying ceremony at the memorial dedicated to the memory of the victims. Thirty years ago on this day, Azerbaijanis began a state-sponsored massacre of the Armenian population in Baku, which became known as the Bako Pogroms. Tens of thousands of Armenians fell victim to the cruel atrocities or forced displacement. The Baku Pogrom began in 1990 January 13th and lasted until January 19th. It was a state-sanctioned pogrom organized by the Azerbaijani Popular Front. After the six days of atrocities, Baku the city once having an Armenian population of 250,000 had no Armenian left. The anti-Armenian hysteria in Azerbaijan had risen back in late 1988 and early 1989. On January 13, 1990 a mass rally took place with the attendance of thousands. Afterwards, the crowd separated into smaller groups and started attacking and murdering Armenians in their homes with extreme cruelty. The perpetrators had the addresses of their would-be victims. The mob would defenestrate their victims from their apartments, kill them with metal pipes and knives, women were raped, and many were burnt alive. Only six days later, when the Soviet authority was jeopardized in Baku, Mikhail Gorbachev ordered a state of emergency in the Azerbaijani capital to restore public order. More than a dozen militants were killed during an armed resistance with the troops, and many were arrested. Since evidence and facts were concealed and covered up, the exact number of Armenians who were killed during the pogroms was impossible to be revealed, but according to various estimated at least 500-600 were murdered from 1988 to 1990. The anti-Armenian pogroms went on even after 1990 January, leading to a complete and forced exodus of Armenians. Despite the Azerbaijani denialist policy, the Baku Pogroms, and the preceding Sumgait Pogrom of 1988, as well as in Kirovabad (Gyanja), have been condemned by a number of international organizations. The pogroms against the Armenians were condemned by the European Parliament in resolutions adopted in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Eyewitness accounts, as well as the above-mentioned resolutions, indicate that the anti-Armenian actions in Baku and Sumgait were of organized nature or at least were carried out at the permission of the then-Azerbaijani authorities. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan A man waving with the distress signal SOS outside Susitna Valley, Alaska (Alaska State Troopers via AP) An Alaskan man whose remote cabin burned down was rescued weeks later by state troopers who found him near a makeshift shelter with an SOS signal stamped in the snow. Tyson Steele, 30, was picked up on Thursday in what appeared to be good health at his remote home 20 miles outside of Skwentna, troopers said in a dispatch. A fire in mid-December killed Mr Steeles dog and left him with no means of communication, he told troopers. After his family members and friends had not heard from him for several weeks, they requested a welfare check. The trooper helicopter crew reached the home at about 11am and saw Mr Steele waving his arms near the makeshift shelter. Skwentna, with a population of 35, is 70 miles north west of Anchorage. The trooper helicopter transported Mr Steele to Anchorage. WSWS reporters spoke to attendees at Saturdays demonstrations in the UK against the danger of war in Iran. The thought of us fighting against Iran is terrible, said Carol, who attended the London protest with her friend, Titch. Exposing lies is very important I believe Dr David Kelly [UN weapons inspector in Iraq] was murdered, but our government will never admit that. He said there were no weapons of destruction. Carol Carol had planned to protest at Belmarsh prison in support of imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, but decided to attend the Iran war protest in London at the last minute. Its very dangerous, she said. Youve got the Iranians on the other hand who have come out and said that they did shoot down the passenger plane and that it was a mistake. But either way, the blood is still on Trumps hands. This was all because of Trump. It was started long before him, but he has kicked it to another level. Titch referred to the regime change operation orchestrated by the US and UK in Iran. It all began in 1953 when we overthrew the Iranian government to strengthen the Shah. In 1979 the Iranian people overthrew him. Ever since then, America and the UK have had it in for Iran. Theyre going to do whatever they can to get in there and tear up that country. Everyone knows it. Titch was critical of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was speaking at his first Stop the War protest in five years. I used to be a massive supporter of Jeremy Corbyn. But something happened to him a couple of years ago. He started to back pedal and he offered a second referendum [on EU membership]. And then there was the anti-Semitism campaign against him. He has long been pro-Palestine, but instead of saying no, and drawing attention to the situation with Israel and Palestine, hes merely been saying, I dont accept any racism in the party and confirmed their narrative. I was screaming at him, saying, What are you doing? We know youre not an anti-Semite! Why are you backing up their lies? Why couldnt he just get rid of the Blairites? Didnt Boris Johnson do something similar in the Conservative Party by expelling 20 rebel MPs over Brexit? He said to them that theyre either on board with this or youre out of here. Why couldnt Corbyn do the same? Everybody wouldve stood behind him. There wouldve been an ocean of people absolutely behind him. So, what happened? He had this support. Didnt he trust us? And if he cant trust us, should we trust him? I think Labour is finished. Now that Corbyn has gone, all of these anti-Semitism slurs have just disappeared. Its a smear campaign. Its the same situation with [imprisoned WikiLeaks founder] Julian Assange This is about free press. This is about human rights. If they can take these rights off Julian Assange today, you can waive your rights away tomorrow. As long as one of us doesnt have these rights, none of us do. People should be petrified about this. Asked her opinion on Labours manifesto supporting Trident nuclear weapons, Titch said, Wasnt Jeremy Corbyn against that? He just did a 180 degree turn and changed his mind on so many things that so many people supported him on. I dont think Labour has any future with any of the people theyre going to put in charge. I think we need a whole new system. This whole system needs to be taken down and we need to think of another way. Tia (left) and Maddy Maddy, who attended the protest with her friend Tia, noted, Weve seen this all happen before, with the Iraq war. We saw how that went. It was a complete tragedy. Tia said, The thought of there being more destruction in an area which has just been decimated over and over is really heartbreaking. Theres no chance of any resources being put into recovery, or into making positive change, when war mongering is the only option that our leaders seem to go for. Im on the demonstration to highlight the persecution of Julian Assange, Jane noted. Julian is locked up in Belmarsh prison because he spoke out against war crimes, and the fight to save him is the fight against war as well. I think all the terrible political and environmental issues were facing are connected. A consciousness is starting to emerge in the world, where people know there is something terribly wrong and its getting to the point where its either do or die. Dianne I think all our problems are caused by a system that sits above and beyond the government, which is about money and power and oppression, with a few very rich and very powerful people in charge. Labour Party member Diane noted, Donald Trump is being impeached and it is a perfect diversion to start a war; historically that is what they do. [Former US President Bill] Clinton did it. Asked her opinion of the US Democratic Party, she said, I think ideologically they are the same [as the Republicans]. I think big corporations, big business, is behind whats going on in the world. It is terrifying how far it has gone to the right. John Kelsey stated, Im here today to stop war and because its been a US strategy for the last 30 years to dominate the Middle East. Lucia from Spain Lucia, a student visiting the UK from Spain, said, I dont believe in war with anybody. People need to come together to solve all our problems, including climate change. Trump caused the problem, to create division between other countries to impose American imperialism. Deanna remarked, I am definitely against what Trump is doing. People dont understand whats going on, but they need to know. About 100 people demonstrated on the steps of a bombed-out church in Liverpool, St Lukes, which is preserved in memory of the devastation inflicted during World War Two. Deanna David and Stephen, 16-year-old school students attended to express their opposition to war on Iran. I am here because Im against war, Im against violence, David explained. Suleimani was visiting Iraq to sort out peace so it wasnt good that he was murdered. Most people dont want war. I saw on the media that Iranian people like people in America, they just dont like the president I imagine they dont want to go to war with America. America would probably use nuclear weapons [against Iran], like in World War Two, in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. They didnt need to drop the bomb. Japan were already on the verge of surrender. America killed Suleimani to prove they have the power to destroy. They want the oil. With how advanced weapons are today, theres no future if war breaks out. Its my first rally, Stephen noted. I agree with stopping tension and war. It will affect the higher up people, but it affects the working class more and future generations, and ruins things for everyone. They wont listen to us, what we want. Jennifer Jennifer, a qualified social worker at a mental health charity said, I feel strongly that the Iran war is detrimental and I think were going into it blindly with America. We cant just sit back. We all need to get out there and say no. About 60 protesters gathered in Bradford City centre on Sunday. Performing arts student Carol brought her own banner reading, Dont Attack Iran. She said, Ever since the news first appeared, I was thinking, What do we expect from a president whos got a mindset for war? There are lots of tensions between lots of places which could get out of hand. A lot of the attacks in the Middle East are based on lies. They are trying to find excuses to get more power and more money as thats all that matters to them. Talking to my friends on social media, we are all opposed to whats happening but feel a bit helpless about what to do. 2020 ELECTIONS / International community congratulates Tsai on re-election ROC Central News Agency 01/12/2020 01:24 AM Taipei, Jan. 12 (CNA) The United States and members of the international community on Saturday congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen () on her re-election in Taiwan's 2020 presidential election. Tsai, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was elected to a second four-year term, winning by a wide margin over her main competitors -- Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu () of the Kuomintang (KMT) and James Soong () of the People First Party (PFP). "The United States congratulates Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on her re-election in Taiwan's presidential election," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement after the election result was known. "We also congratulate Taiwan for once again demonstrating the strength of its robust democratic system, which -- coupled with a free market economy and a vibrant civil society -- makes it a model for the Indo-Pacific region and a force for good in the world," he said. Pompeo said the U.S. applauded Tsai for her commitment to maintaining cross-Taiwan Strait stability in the face of unrelenting pressure. He hoped that under Tsai's leadership, Taiwan will continue to serve as a "shining example" for countries that strive for democracy, prosperity, and a better path for their people. Virginie Battu-Henriksson, a spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), congratulated Taiwan for the high turnout in its elections, which was around 75 percent. "Our respective systems of governance are founded on a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights," the statement said, adding that the European Union closely follows cross-Strait developments and encouraged dialogue and constructive engagement between the two sides. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Taiwan's elections on Saturday were a "testament to Taiwan's vibrant democracy," and he expressed hope that Taiwan and China will renew dialogue to resolve differences and build constructive relations across the Strait. Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's foreign minister, said Japan hoped to maintain its pragmatic relations with Taiwan and deepen bilateral cooperation as both Japan and Taiwan share common basic values and enjoy a close economic relationship. He, too, urged the parties involved in the Taiwan issue to resolve their differences through "peaceful direct dialogue" and to promote peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, U.S. Representatives Steve Chabot, Albio Sires, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Gerald Connolly, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, said the elections "demonstrate once again that democracy manifests the will of the people in a way that promotes peace, freedom, and prosperity." The U.S. legislators vowed to work with Tsai's administration to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations, and seek to ensure that the U.S. fulfills its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, the Six Assurances, and the Taiwan Travel Act. The EP-Taiwan Friendship group in the European Parliament said in a statement that the smooth and successful election once again testified to the strength of Taiwan's vibrant democracy and showed the determination of Taiwanese people to uphold their democratic way of life, free from foreign intimidation and interference. Angelito T. Banayo, chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, the de facto Philippines embassy in Taiwan, also congratulated Tsai on her re-election. "We congratulate Pres. Tsai Ing-wen on her re-election and strong mandate. We also commend the people of Taiwan for their faith in the democratic process of free elections. This is also a re-affirmation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy that augurs well for closer relations with the Philippines and ASEAN." (By Emerson Lim) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Advertisement Storm Brendan has battered the British Isles with huge waves crashing into the Irish coast as well as heavy rain and 88mph gales whipping across the west of the UK. Shocking footage shows a man taking a dip in the sea at Salthill as the water surged around him, while elsewhere in the Republic a brisk shower appeared to be falling sideways in the powerful wind. In England strong gusts brought heavy rain and travel chaos to western parts of the country as weather warnings were put in place. Northern Ireland also had a terrible outlook today, and one group of plane passengers had a rough ride as their aircraft was forced to abort landing at Belfast City Airport. Storm Brendan hits Strangford Lough in County Down with waves carrying sea debris onto the coastal Portaferry Road today Yellow weather warnings, which signal potential disruption to everyday life, are in place for the country , much of the West of the UK and the North East of Scotland from 12pm today to midnight tomorrow. The top wind speeds recorded today were 88mph at South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, 73mph on the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides and 71mph at Machrihanish in Argyll. All schools in the Western Isles of Scotland were closed to pupils, while about 21,000 homes and businesses were without power in the Republic of Ireland as a result of the storm with the south-west the worst-affected area. Met Office meteorologist Frank Saunders told how the severe conditions would likely cause travel problems and said those in affected areas should take extra care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads. He said: 'It's going to be windy across the western UK, with gusts reaching 60-70mph along Irish Sea coastlines, the west of Scotland and perhaps some English Channel coasts - maybe even 80mph in a few exposed places. 'It looks like it's going to stay very unsettled with the potential for further disruptive weather in places. As well as strong winds, there will be large coastal waves in western areas so bear this in mind before heading out.' Strong winds from Storm Brendan hit Scotland this morning and blew over a lorry on the A704 near Breich Crossroads Gales will batter Britain this week as Storm Brendan sweeps across the country with winds of up to 80mph Strong gusts will bring heavy rain and travel chaos to western parts of the country today as Storm Brendan arrives Yellow warnings, which signal potential disruption to everyday life, are in place from 12pm today to midnight tomorrow The storm is the result of a strong jet stream caused by extreme temperature differences across North America. The jet is set to be near or over the UK this week and direct the low pressure systems towards the country. Despite the gale force winds temperatures are expected to remain mild for the time of year, caused by a south-westerly air flow bringing in warm, moist air from the South. Over the weekend the country already began to experience the effects of the oncoming storm. On Saturday, strong winds and heavy rain battered parts of Scotland, causing road closures and rail disruption. The main A1 road from the English border up to the Edinburgh area was closed to high-sided vehicles for several hours. The Environment Agency has imposed two flood warnings (in red) and 58 alerts (in orange) across England today Strong waves batter a pier in Salthill on the northern shore of Galway Bay in Ireland today as Storm Brendan sweeps in Drivers negotiate a coastal road between Amroth and Pendine as Storm Brendan hits the South West coastline of Wales today A dog walker makes their way along the promenade near Blackpool today as gusts of up to 80mph could hit parts of the UK A telephone pole falling halfway onto a road in Cloghane in West Kerry today, as the storm sweeps across the British Isles Recovery teams work to get a lorry back on the road today after it was blown over on the A704 near Breich Crossroads Flights were also affected, as planes were diverted and pilots struggled to touch down in high winds. An Easyjet flight from Malaga trying to land at Newcastle Airport had to pull up at the last minute as a gust threatened to destabilise its landing. After four attempts the flight was diverted to Edinburgh. Ferry operator CalMac began confining its ships to port last night. The crossing from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, to Brodick on Arran will stop running after this morning's 9.45 sailing and services may not resume until Wednesday. All ferry sailings in the Western Isles are cancelled and schools there are closed today. Many parts of Scotland experienced wild conditions on Saturday. In Condorrat, Lanarkshire, a 12-year-old boy had to be rescued from an overflowing burn after falling in just after 5pm. He was pulled from the Luggie Water by firefighters around an hour later. In Argyll, a lifeboat had to be launched after a 1,300-ton coaster began drifting at the north entrance to Oban Bay. The vessel was towed to a safer location. Motorists drive along the coastal road at Amroth in Carmarthenshire this morning before Storm Brendan sweeps in The sun rises over Tynemouth lighthouse in Northumberland this morning Companies, universities, and other institutions that conduct clinical trials are required to record the results of most of them in a federal database, so that doctors and patients can see whether new treatments are safe and effective. But a Science investigation has found that many persist in not reporting those results, and FDA and NIH are doing little to nothing to enforce the reporting requirement despite recent promises to the contrary. While many pharma companies have improved their reporting of trial results over the last few years, a large number of universities and academic medical centers continue to have bad records. Ironically, NIH itself is part of the problem--its top institutes for clinical trials have a poor record of reporting results of those trials for which they are responsible. Science checked all 4,768 trials whose results have come due under legal requirements finalized by NIH and FDA three years ago. Overall, sponsors violated the reporting law more than 55% of the time. Yet FDA has never fined a trial sponsor for non-compliance and NIH has never publicly named or withdrawn a grant from violators, although such actions were vowed in 2016 when ClinicalTrials.gov's requirements were clarified. ### A British backpacker has reportedly died after falling from a cliff at a popular tourist spot in Sydney. Emergency services were called to Diamond Bay Reserve, in Vaucluse, at about 6am on Sunday following reports of a woman falling off the clifftops. The body of a woman was pulled from the water after a four-hour search involving a police helicopter and marine unit, and fire and ambulance crews. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the woman was Madalyn Davis a 21-year-old make-up artist and model from Lincolnshire who had only arrived in Australia weeks earlier. Police are investigating the circumstances involving her death. 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 The backpackers concerned mother, Rebecca Smith, posted to Facebook on Sunday asking if anyone had seen her daughter. She wrote: Anyone seen Madalyn Davis not been able to get hold of her please get in touch if you were out with her last night. However, another relative later posted thanking people for their condolences and asking for people not to speculate about Ms Davis death. Jessica Smith wrote: Thank you for all your beautiful condolences for Madalyn Davis and her family it is an absolute tragedy to which nothing has been confirmed. We ask, in this very difficult time and for the respect of her mummy, daddy, sister, brother and loved ones, that you only post comments of respect and not speculation from reporters, etc. Thank you for your kindness. Walmart India is in the process of sacking more than 50 of their employees based at the Gurugram headquarters. The layoffs also include eight top executives including vice presidents across divisions such as sourcing, agri-business and the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). According to reports, Walmart India plans to shut the Mumbai fulfilment centre, which is its largest warehouse in India. It will also halt all new-store expansions in the country. The real estate team that is responsible for new store locations has also been disbanded. Most of the layoffs announced at a townhall on Friday are from the company's real estate vertical. The company is focussing on its B2B e-commerce segment, which is likely making the real estate segment roles redundant. "Walmart remains committed to growing its B2B Cash & Carry business in India. We opened 6 new Best Price modern wholesale stores, one Fulfilment Center and our sales grew 22 per cent in 2019," said Krish Iyer, President & CEO, Walmart India. The move has come as Walmart India is faced with slow sales and elusive profits, even a decade after its entry into the Indian market. Walmart had partnered with Bharti Group in 2007 for the wholesale business. It finally bought Bharti's 50 per cent stake in 2013 to go solo. Walmart India said that the company has laid off 56 employees, out of which eight are in senior management and 48 are in middle to low management. The company said that it is looking to operate more efficiently, which is why they are required to review their corporate structure. "We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organized in the right way. As part of this review, we have let go 56 of our associates across levels at the corporate office. All of the 56 impacted associates (8 in the senior management and 48 in the middleor lower management) have been offered enhanced severance benefits and outplacement services to support their transition. A report appearing in the section of the Press speculating second round of layoffs in April is baseless and incorrect," said Iyer. "We have recently made significant investments to serve our members better and will continue to do so. This includes investments in our brick and mortar stores as well as e-commerce. Our members are increasingly becoming omni-channel shoppers. We are thus investing heavily in technology and have a healthy pipeline of Best Price stores. This will provide our members a true omni-channel and convenient shopping experience in the future," said Iyer. As per reports, Walmart India might end up selling it or consolidating operations with Flipkart's backend. Walmart bought Flipkart in 2018. Also read: Walmart India appoints Sameer Aggarwal as Deputy CEO Also read: Flipkart former CEO Sachin Bansal acquires DHFL General Insurance for Rs 100 crore President Donald Trump on January 13 morning defended his decision to kill Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, contending Soleimani posed an impending threat to the United States but also saying that was not important given the military leader's history. "The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners are working hard to determine whether or not the future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'eminent' or not, & was my team in agreement." Trump wrote, presumably misspelling "imminent." "The answer to both is a strong YES., but it doesn't really matter because of his horrible past!" TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (17,293.42, up 58.93 points.) Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB). Health care. Up seven cents, or 3.26 per cent, to $2.22 on 18.1 million shares. Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB). Energy. Up 36 cents, or 0.69 per cent, to $52.53 on 9.4 million shares. The Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Financials. Up 14 cents, or 0.19 per cent, to $73.14 on 7.9 million shares. Corridor Resources Inc. (TSX:CDH). Energy. Up 41 cents, or 46.59 per cent, to $1.29 on 7.7 million shares. Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE). Energy. Down nine cents, or 4.81 per cent, to $1.78 on 6.8 million shares. Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA). Energy. Unchanged at $5.68 on 6.7 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. Companies in the news: Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX:MFI). Down 24 cents to $24.84. Angry comments from the CEO of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. about the circumstances surrounding the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran are unprecedented, experts say. Michael McCain tweeted from the company's Twitter account Sunday night, saying he's "very angry" after a colleague lost his wife and child when Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 was shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport on Jan. 8, in what Iranian officials have described as an accident. He says the 63 Canadians on board are "collateral damage" from the behaviour of "a narcissist in Washington." Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN). Down $2.37 or 3.8 per cent to $60.34. Brookfield Renewable Partners says it has proposed a deal to fully take over TerraForm Power Inc. in an all-share deal that values the wind and solar company at about US$4 billion. Toronto-based Brookfield, which already owns 62 per cent of TerraForm shares, has proposed to take over the rest of outstanding shares at a value of US$17.31 a share. It says the deal would help simplify the corporate structure and strengthen Brookfield's position in the renewable sector with US$50 billion in total power assets. Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B). Down 10 cents to $26.40. Shaw Communications Inc. says intense competition in the wireless space is having an impact on subscriber numbers but it continues to see revenue growth in the segment. The Calgary-based telecom company had a net loss of 9,000 prepaid subscribers, and saw postpaid turnover, or churn, rise by 0.22 percentage points in the last quarter even as it had net addition of 67,000 subscribers in the segment. Subscriber numbers were in flux as major telecoms rolled out a series of aggressive promotions starting on Black Friday and continuing through the holiday season, including "desperate" programs to win back customers, said Paul McAleese, president of wireless. Cott Corp. (TSX:BCB). Down 70 cents or 3.8 per cent to $17.77. Cott Corp. has made one of its biggest moves yet as part of its shift towards the water business with the acquisition of Primo Water Corp. The beverage company says it will rebrand under the Primo Water Corp. name to reflect its move away from its coffee and tea division as part of a plan to focus on water. The Primo deal, expected to close in March, has Cott paying US$14 per share in a combination of cash and Cott shares. Cott says the deal values Primo, a provider of water dispensers, purified bottled water and self-service refillable drinking water in the U.S. and Canada, at about US$775 million. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. D r Kris Naudts prefers to sit facing the room. There are two yellow swivel chairs in the shrink-turned-entrepreneurs new offices in Mayfair and I had picked the wrong one. We swap, and the 46-year-old resettles, crossing his legs and tilting his head. I wonder if it is a psychological power play from the former psychiatrist whose management style has been criticised, but maybe thats reading too much into it. He is the founder and chief executive of travel site Culture Trip, which offers insider guides to the best places to stay, eat, drink, and see culture around the world. The site is written by around 600 local freelancers, edited by an in-house team of over 300 and gets nearly 20 million visitors a month. Targeted at millennials, it claims to have more online readers than Lonely Planet and Time Out. With no experience or backing, Naudts, originally from Belgium, has managed to transform an online travel business idea launched in his living room in Elephant and Castle in 2011 into a global business with offices in New York, Tel Aviv and Shanghai. He has secured $102 million (78 million) investment inside three years from Czech fund PPF. The founder admits his switch to become a start-up boss felt like doing a second PhD. I never quite felt like a psychiatrist becoming an entrepreneur, I always felt I was an entrepreneur somewhat hiding in psychiatry, he says. His idea was hipster heaven, offering travellers an easy way to find an index of novels and films written by locals about more unusual travel destinations. Think visiting Algeria inspired by Gillo Pontecorvos film The Battle of Algiers. Then I thought, why dont we write something about these books and films? The first two articles one was on potatoes from Peru, and the other on Heineken in Ethiopia were totally random but still got a decent amount of traffic. We realised that people want to read things like that, and its that simple A lot of that content exists on small bloggy websites I feel nobody has really seized the space. He adds: Both food and travel rank very high up in young peoples sense of identity, more than ever before. They value experiences over material possessions. From an industry perspective, experiences are the 21st-century travel economy. Hes lured executives from the BBC and Google and believes his science background goes down well in Silicon Valley. You can see that something very exciting is happening here. There are very few companies where technology and creativity meet with the user growth, the funding and the ambition this thing has. Culture Trip is using a ton of data gathered since 2011 to diversify. So far it has relied on advertising and video partnerships for revenues, but it will soon launch an online booking system (so readers will no longer have to be referred to Booking.com or local sites), as it tries to become the millennials go-to travel agent. The step from reading something to booking it should be very intuitive, says Naudts. A new app is also in the offing. In its last public figures, revenues were 515,000 in the year to September 30 2018 and the company says turnover this year will be multimillion pounds. Culture Trip pursued a rapid expansion in recent years: Staff numbers have grown from fewer than 30 in 2018 to over 300, with more than 150 based in London. But this year several staff quit and publicly criticised the founders leadership style. Whats his response? When in the last year the headcount started to increase so fast, it was suddenly really hard How do you lead if someone doesnt know what youre about, if they never get a one to one with you? "Weve tried to do a really wholesale tackling of some of the challenges that come with hyper-growth. There was some very acute learning to be had, and thats what we did we learned and we moved on. With that, hes off to speak at a start-up conference, doubtless well informed on the nearest hipster hotspots. CULTURE TRIP Founded: 2011 Staff: 300 (150 in London) Turnover: Multimillion in 2020 New Delhi: In a stern message to the Congress party and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders who have been expressing their dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution in last months' cabinet expansion by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, former Maharashtra Congress MP Yashwantrao Gadakh said that the party leaders should behave properly or Uddhav Thackeray will resign. The statement came after several Congress leaders expressed disappointment over allocation of portfolios and cabinet berths. Gadakh further added that Uddhav Thackeray is "not a regular politician" and "he has the mentality of an artist". Leaders of the Congress and NCP - two allies of Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra - "should stop complaining about portfolios", he advised. The Shiv Sena earlier admitted that there was a tussle among senior leaders of the three ruling alliance parties in Maharashtra for key Cabinet berths, and said some MLAs could not be inducted as ministers because the list of probables was huge. It also took a dim view of some people vandalising the Congress office in Pune to protest against non-inclusion of party MLA Sangram Thopte in the ministry. The Congress used to call Shiv Senas protests as rada culture (hooliganism), but what Thoptes alleged supporters did was exactly the same, it said. Also Read: JNU Violence Reminded Me Of 26/11 Mumbai Attack, Says Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray This does not suit the Congress culture, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana said. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expanded his month-old ministry on Monday by inducting 36 ministers. The Cabinet expansion was, indeed, delayed but it finally happened. There were some sparks of disappointment from those who could not make the cut, but the list of probables was huge, the Shiv Sena said. It said the opposition (BJP) may be bubbling over such developments, but even the previous Devendra Fadnavis government was no exception to such discontent during its Cabinet expansions. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also said it kept its word by inducting three Independents, who extended support to the Shiv Sena, unlike the Congress and NCP. A strong and experienced Cabinet is in power, it should be allowed to function, the Sena said. On Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav expressing shock over his exclusion from the ministry, the Marathi daily said Cabinet berth was not promised to anyone, including Jadhav, who joined the Thackeray-led party after quitting the NCP. Jadhav claimed Thackeray promised to make him Cabinet minister. As per our information, no such promise was made to him. Thackeray must have asked him to join the Sena ahead of the Assembly polls and be part of the government, it said. The Shiv Sena joined hands with the Congress and NCP, its traditional adversaries, after its alliance with the BJP collapsed over the issue of sharing the chief ministerial post following the state Assembly polls held in October last year. Noting that there was a tussle over portfolio distribution, the Shiv Sena said senior Congress leader and former chief minister Ashok Chavan, who has been inducted into the state Cabinet, needs a ministry like revenue. But the ministry is currently with another Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, it pointed out. Also Read: 'Have Not Quit': Abdul Sattar On Rumours Of Resignation, Says Will Speak After Meeting CM Uddhav Thackeray Expressing displeasure over vandalisation of Congress office in Pune, the Sena said though Sangram Thopte distanced himself from the protest, the way such discontent has come out does not suit the Congress culture. The Congress used to call Shiv Senas protests as rada culture, but what Thoptes alleged supporters did in the Pune Congress office was exactly the same, it said. Another Congress hopeful was three-time MLA Praniti Shinde, whose supporter wrote a letter in blood to party chief Sonia Gandhi, claiming that Shinde and her father worked hard for the party and always remained loyal to the leadership. Praniti Shinde, the MLA from Solapur, is the daughter of veteran Congressman and former Maharashtra chief minister and Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde. Her father could become chief minister and Union home minister because of the Gandhi family and the Congress, the Sena claimed. Hundreds of workers and volunteers of the BJP, Hindu Jagran Vedike, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Rashtirya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) took out a rally on Monday in protest against the proposed installation of a 114-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ at Kapala Betta in Karnatakas Kanakapura which Congress strongman D K Shivakumar represents in the state assembly. The BJP, RSS and HJV workers say that they will not allow the statue at Kapala Hills as the place has an ancient association with Munieshwara (a form of Lord Shiva) and have questioned how Shivakumar acquired the 10 acres of land which he donated for the installation of a statue of Christ. Earlier, Karnatakas revenue minister R Ashoka had said a probe was underway on how gomala (village pasture land) of the government was transferred at a pittance by the previous administration to Shivakumar and his brother who in turn donated it for the construction of the statue. Shivakumar was dismissive of the protest by the right wing and claimed that the idea to erect the statue was that of local Christians and insisted that the land deal was completely legal. Let them (BJP, RSS) come, shout and go. We are not bothered. Being the local MLA my job is to help all constituents and Christians have been worshipping there for nearly 400 years, he told the media. RSS leader Kalladaka Prabhakar Bhat who spoke at the rally hit out at Shivakumar and said under no circumstance would they allow conversion activities nor construction of a Christ statue on the Kapala hills. If at all if a statue needs to be built let it be that of Tilak or even Gandhi or thousands of saints of India. Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader Deve Gowda came out in support of Shivakumar. This country belongs to all. Ambedkar wrote law which says we should protect all religions. BJP should have no expectations from me. Whatever D K Shivakumar is trying to do, there is no fault in that. They might have taken a decision to build a statue of Jesus on top of a hill, we dont have any objection to it. Why are people from Mangalore and Bangalore going to protest in Kanakapura? he told reporters in Bengaluru. No timeline has been announced for the installation of the statue which is proposed to be carved out of a single rock. Mondays protest which came amid demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in various parts of the country including Karnataka, also drew a sharp response from political activist, poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. They boast they will give citizenship to all the religiously persecuted Christians from the neighbor countries at the same time they claim that they will not allow a statue of Jesus Christ in Banglore. Wow!! Makes perfect sense, Akhtar, who is a vocal critic of the CAA, tweeted. The CAA facilitates Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees including Christians from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) on Monday staged a protest outside the Legislative Assembly here against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The party leaders said that the government did not accept their demand for a special session on CAA. "We had demanded a special session and a one-day extension. The people of Assam do not agree with CAA. We have blocked the gates of Vidhan Sabha," AIUDF MLA Rafikul Islam told ANI. Protests erupted across the country after the CAA was passed by Parliament in December last year. The Act grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. "There are protests across Assam against CAA. That's why we were demanding a special session. But the government and the Speaker did not allow us to speak on CAA. There should be a one-day discussion on CAA. The Assamese people have rejected CAA," AIUDF MLA Aninul Islam said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed a package of bills into law that will change the way the state government handles sexual assault claims in New Jersey. The bills were introduced after administration official Katie Brennan said she was raped by a former Murphy staffer. The new laws will, among other things, give gubernatorial transition teams additional funds to conduct more in-depth background checks on potential employees, require detailed written records be made when a complaint surfaces and would amend state law to make equal employment and affirmative action rules apply to transition workers. But in signing the new measures into law, Murphy, a Democrat, issued a blistering attack against the Democratic-controlled state Legislature for playing political games by not extending the same rules beyond the executive branch. I am signing these bills to reform our employment and reporting procedures in the executive branch, but I will not accept the notion that employees in the Legislature the Judiciary should not receive these protections as a matter of law, Murphy wrote in a statement. I regret that the Legislature has to be publicly pressured into doing the right thing, but I am as committed as ever to fighting Trentons broken political culture, he added. The residents of New Jersey deserve better. Brennan alleges she was raped by a top Murphy aide during the 2017 campaign for governor. She has testified that she confided in officials on the campaign and transition team but her pleas went unanswered. The measures are the result of the Legislatures months-long inquiry into the Murphy administration, which concluded last year with a scathing report on how top Murphy officials handled Brennans claims. Many of the new measures are meant to protect campaign and gubernatorial transition workers in New Jersey who technically arent afforded all the same protections as regular state employees. Brennan volunteered for the campaign and the transition team. One new law (A5624) will designate somebody to serve as an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action office for transition teams in the state. Another (A5625) will give transitions additional funds to conduct more in-depth background checks on potential employees. Murphy also signed a measure (A5631) that will require detailed written records be made when a complaint surfaces, another (A5628) that establishes standardize record keeping and retention requirements for certain state workers, and another (A5632) that requires that certain public workers receive additional harassment and discrimination training. Last year, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin had said he planned to amend some of the bills Murphy signed into law to include oversight over the Legislature. We will apply them to the Legislature as well, Coughlin said during a radio interview. That, however, never came to pass. Instead, Coughlin later announced mandatory sexual harassment training along with a battery of other changes to the legislative bodys anti-sexual harassment and discrimination policy in the wake of the #metoo movement. 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. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Pacific industrial boilers market is estimated to account US$ 4.76 Bn in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2019 - 2027. The Asia Pacific region is exponentially growing in terms of economy as a result of tremendous growth in industrialization and urbanization. The region houses some of the economically fastest-growing countries such as China, India, Australia, Japan, and Singapore, among others. The inclination curve of energy and electricity generation industry, food processing industry, and pulp and paper industry are continuously experiencing a positive trend. The countries in the Asia Pacific region are demanding an increased amount of electricity, and owing to this; the power generation sector is growing their production tremendously. The growth in electricity production requires an increased quantity of industrial boilers, which are used to produce steam, which is then utilized to generate power. Boilers are vital in the power generation industry, which determines energy efficiency. China and India are the two largest producers of electricity through thermal power plants in the Asia Pacific region. Both countries are investing substantial amounts in coal-fired power plants to cater to the increasing demand for electricity. This is propelling the business of industrial boilers market players operating in the Asia Pacific industrial boilers market players operating in the region. The Asia Pacific industrial boilers market is expected to reach US$ 7.77 Bn by 2027. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05833587/?utm_source=PRN The price of energy is dramatically rising for the last few years, and it is one of the key concerns for increasing interest in energy management.Efficient energy management can be achieved by adding new power transmission or generation capacity. Energy-efficient industrial boilers are one of the signification examples of efficient energy management.With the growing trend of increasing energy prices and the increasing concern for global warming, industries are highly focused on improving the efficiency of the plants. In this scenario, the implementation of the energy-efficient industrial process is witnessing high adoption. With the increasing energy prices and the increasing focus on efficient energy management, it is expected that the Asia Paciic industrial boilers market will witness high growth during the forecast period. China is home to several industries, such as mining and ore processing; iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals; petroleum; cement; chemicals; and fertilizer; among others. With the population of ~1.4 Bn, the country is one of the largest consumers and importers of food and beverage across the globe. According to the data provided by the World Bank, food, beverages, and tobacco industry in China added 11.8% to the manufacturing industry in 2016. Also, the food & beverages market is competitive in China, and the companies focus on the adoption of advanced industrial boilers to improve efficiency and productivity. Therefore, a strong food & beverages industry in the region and increasing focus of companies toward the adoption of advanced boiler technologies is expected to drive the growth of the industrial boilers market in the country. The Asia Pacfiic industrial boilers market consists of several well-established players as well as emerging companies that contribute significant revenues shares and propel the growth of Asia Pacific industrial boilers market revenue year on year. Some of the key industrial boilers market players include; AC Boilers S.p.A, Babcock and Wilcox, Bharat Heavy Electricals, Dongfang Electric Corporation, GE Company, Harbin Electric Company, IHI Corp, Thermax Global, Woods Group, and Siemens among others. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05833587/?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 WASHINGTON If you're trying to avoid 2020 politics, you can screen your phone calls, delete your emails without reading them and avoid answering the door when a canvasser knocks. But campaigns have figured out one form of communication you are unlikely to ignore: texting. Democrats and Republicans alike are spending millions and deploying thousands of staffers and volunteers focused on texting with committed and potential supporters in the 2020 election. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, an early adopter of the tactic, has already sent nearly nine times as many text messages to voters as it did during the entire 2016 primary. "Everyone reads their text messages," said Daniel Souweine, who ran Sanders' text message program in the 2016 race and went on to create a text messaging app for campaigns. "It's quickly moved from, 'hey, what is this thing?' to the point where you can't run a modern political campaign without it." Tracking open rates on text messages for campaign and marketing purposes is difficult, but self-reports in surveys put the figure at between 80% to 90%. The research firm Gartner cites studies that put the rate as high as 98%. By contrast, email open rate estimates range from 10% to 20%. It's about as easy for a campaign to text you as your friends and family. Since many Americans' cell phone numbers are now recorded in voter files, campaigns can send texts even if you've never signed up to hear from them. Combined with new software that enables campaign staff and volunteers to send out text messages at a rapid clip _ and respond on a personalized basis _ the practice of co-called "peer-to-peer" texting is becoming more and more popular. Sanders' two presidential campaigns offer a case study. The Vermont senator was one of the first major politicians to adopt peer-to-peer texting as a core part of his campaign's outreach strategy four years ago, and his team sent roughly 10 million texts before conceding the nomination to Hillary Clinton that summer. Thus far in the 2020 cycle, the Sanders campaign says it has sent over 88 million texts, powered by a team of between 6,000 and 7,000 volunteers. It also has a paid team of six who work on the texting program, led by a national texting director. Sanders and, to a lesser extent, Clinton were two of just a handful of federal candidates to incorporate text messages into their digital strategies in 2016. In 2020, every major presidential candidate, all of the national party committees and dozens of congressional and Senate candidates have spent tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on peer-to-peer texting technology, campaign finance reports show. Through the third quarter of 2019, campaigns, parties and political groups reported spending nearly $7 million on texting programs, led by the Republican National Committee. Kamala Harris reported spending nearly $800,000 on text message platforms and services before dropping out of the race, while Beto O'Rourke spent roughly $500,000 before ending his campaign. Warren reported $419,000 in spending, compared to $163,000 for Biden. And that likely only captures a fraction of the activity. Some groups and campaigns, like Sanders', now operate their own peer-to-peer software systems, built and operated by campaign staff, so their spending on text messaging is not broken out in public financial records. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, for example, has already spent seven figures on texting programs in 2019, not all of which shows up in its spending reports. And an aide says it is planning to expand that investment in 2020 for the purpose of fundraising and voter turnout. Most of the presidential campaigns, party committees and outside groups that McClatchy spoke with said they are primarily using texting as a way to mobilize people they have already identified as supporters _ those who have donated, attended an event, signed up to receive emails or volunteered. Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for President Donald Trump's campaign, said in a statement that "texting is an effective way for us to communicate directly with supporters without going through the bias of social media." Murtaugh highlighted how the campaign encourages people to text the campaign to secure their tickets to campaign rallies, which enables campaign operatives to gather cell phone numbers for future messaging. Michael Joyce, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee said the party sends texts messages to people they've connected with at Trump rallies or online to try to "get them plugged into our operation." The texts are "very micro-targeted," said Joyce, enabled by software programs that can generate a cell phone list based off specific demographic characteristics or interests. Souweine, who co-founded the texting platform GetThru after leaving the Sanders campaign, says that "cold texting" _ sending texts to people who have yet to connect with the campaign _ is also on the rise. It's "probably the biggest shift at the macro level ... over the last couple years and into now," he said. Before 2016, no one in politics was using texting to connect with voters in this way. Campaigns in 2012 and 2014 sent out mass messages to supporters' cell phones, like the one announcing then Barack Obama's vice presidential pick in 2008. But the kind of targeted messaging that campaigns and outside groups are doing now is a different animal, enabling people working with the campaign to engage in an actual back-and-forth with the recipient. The response, political operatives say, has been eye-opening. For Souweine, the "Eureka moment," as he put it, came when Sanders' digital director asked if they could "send a text message to everyone in the states surrounding Iowa and get them to come knock on doors," ahead of the 2016 Iowa caucuses. The Sanders campaign trained a group of people how to use the software app Hustle, then the only peer-to-peer texting app available, to send out the texts and have conversations with supporters who replied. "We got an unbelievable response," Souweine recalled. "I think we got a 5% 'yes' rate on that ask and this is a really high-bar ask." He said the campaign would have been thrilled just getting 5% of people to even read that message, let alone say 'yes' to it. Even more powerful than the read rate, political operatives say, is the ability to engage with people on the other end of the phone. In that sense, peer-to-peer texting replicates what field organizers do when they call volunteer prospects or knock on doors, but with a whole new level of efficiency. But that's not to say campaigns will stop phone banking, canvassing or clogging your inbox with fundraising emails. "We still do a lot of calling and calling is a massive success, but this is another tool," Sanders' campaign spokesman Joe Calvello said. It can be "a much easier way to talk to people, especially younger voters." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 As violence breaks out following a kidnapping, Russia has moved into Daraa province to aid with negotiations and restore control writes Enab Baladi. The eastern part of Daraa province has seen a security escalation between residents in the area and Syrian regime forces after the kidnapping of a number of regime fighters by militants, in a notable escalation in the province, which is under a Russian-sponsored settlement agreement. Enab Baladis correspondent in Daraa said that on Saturday night militants from Nahtah east of Daraa had attacked regime military checkpoints and kidnapped a number of fighters along with their weapons in response to the arrest of a town resident. The correspondent quoted military and local sources connected with the incident as saying that Russian police entered to release regime fighters and to resolve the dispute. The militants demanded that an imprisoned young man be released before handing over the kidnapped fighters, which led to the collapse of negotiations and a return to a state of tension in the areas towns. Motives of the crisis The incident began with regime forces arresting a resident of Nahtah, in the eastern Daraa countryside, which pushed militants from the town to attack military checkpoints between Nahtah and al-Karak and kidnap fighters there as a means of pressuring for the release of the prisoner, according to a local source from Nahtah. After that, the towns in the area saw an escalation in terms of skirmishes and clashes at checkpoints between militants and regime forces, as well as solidarity campaigns from the villages around Nahtah and Karak, most prominently in Miarbah, Sanamayn, and Sheikh Saad, according to images published by the Media Office in al-Musayfrah. Residents in the area fear an escalation after the failure of the negotiations, along with the security tension which is prevailing and the state of fear over any response. The Syrian regime has not yet officially commented on the incident. A correspondent for the Sama satellite channel, Firas al-Ahmed, said on Facebook that militants had attacked a number of military checkpoints in Sanamayn and Nahtah, Karak, Inkhal, al-Ghariyeh al-Sharqiyeh, Tasil and Sheikh Saad, without any injuries. Ahmed added that, to clarify some media reports about the kidnapping of 28 members of the army and security forces and contact with them being lost, whats correct is that unknown militants kidnapped six fighters from checkpoints in Karak and Nahtah in the eastern Daraa countryside. He added that, the relevant agencies intervened directly in cooperation with residents and liberated three fighters, and negotiations are currently ongoing to return the three others. The policy of kidnapping regime fighters is a new phenomenon which militant have resorted to in Daraa over the last few days to put pressure on the Syrian regime to release prisoners. It is a notable development of the political and military events in the region, which has been under Moscows supervision since the settlement agreement in July 2018. Ongoing escalation The area east of Daraa saw an escalation on Saturday with separate attacked by militants on military checkpoints between the towns of Saida and al-Ghariyeh al-Sharqiyeh, and near the Saida bridge on the al-Ghariyeh al-Gharbiyeh side, which killed three fighters and wounded another from the regimes ranks, leading to their weapons being taken, according to the Sama channel correspondent. Regime forces with Russian backing took the Daraa and Quneitra provinces in July 2018 in accordance with a settlement deal after days of bombardment and military reinforcements pushed the opposition to leave for northern Syria and Russian military forces deployed in the area as a guarantor and to monitor the agreement, which has seen daily violations, according to rights groups. Daraa residents complain about the escalating security grip by the regime, with the repeated arrests of residents at security checkpoints, which contradicts the Russian promises guaranteeing the settlement agreement in July 2018, which stipulates stopping arrests and security prosecutions and to release prisoners from regime prisons. The province has seen repeated attacks on regime military bases and security agencies and daily assassinations against figures accused of cooperating with regime security. The latest of these attacks was on Jan. 5, 2020, with an attack by unknown militants on the National Hospital in Daraa with RPG rockets and light machine guns, with the attack transforming into clashes between the two sides, with the extent of the losses unknown. Before that a colonel, Majdi Zein al-Deen, and four other fighters in the regime Fourth Division were killed during an attack carried out by militants in December, according to Sama. The biggest escalation came in November when unknown attackers killed four regime security figures, including two officersa first lieutenant and a warrant officer first classaccording to the Sama channel. This article was translated and 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. Minister of State for Disability issues, Finian McGrath has described the motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health Simon Harris as a political stunt. The Independent TD said the motion was scandalous especially when there was still so much work to do. I accept the reality on the numbers issue - let me be quite clear, we're having an early election because of the political stunt by certain TDs in Dail Eireann," said Deputy McGrath. "Most sensible people would prefer to have an April-May election to give us an opportunity to finish off, for example the 56,000 medical cards for the over 70s, the Climate Change Bill, the Patient Safety Bill for the cervical people. "I'm at committee stage with the Disability Bill in the Dail and I would like to have brought that to conclusion. Put the blame where the blame is, Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar wanted to have an April election, that's what sensible people wanted. The political stunt was bringing the vote of no confidence in Minister Simon Harris by the likes of Mattie McGrath, and Michael Collins and John McGuinness. "I think this is scandalous behaviour for these representatives particularly when we had a lot of work to do over the next 35-36 days. We could have easily waited until April-May that's what the sensible people in the Dail wanted to do. That's what the general public wanted them to do. There's a difference between political stunts and opposing the government and holding the government to account. "The reality is these people are blocking 56,000 medical cards, they're stopping me getting the Disability Bill through Dail Eireann and it's absolutely scandalous behaviour by them when we can do this all 35-40 days time. By Federico Fubini ROME Voter suppression first emerged in the United States between 1885 and 1908, when 11 southern states enacted laws designed to discourage or hinder former slaves and their descendants from voting. Since then, similar strategies have been tried in Canada, Australia, and Israel. And now, electoral discrimination may be coming to Europe, with several European Union member states exploring ways to block or discourage key constituents from voting. Officially, there are around 17 million EU citizens living and working in another EU country (the actual tally of intra-European migrants is surely higher). Most of these intra-EU migrants are younger and more educated than the European average, and hail from economically weaker countries that are more prone to populist jingoism. In fact, many have emigrated precisely because they have more pro-EU, cosmopolitan leanings. Nonetheless, their voices are rarely heard. That is no accident. Voting patterns in Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Greece show the extent to which EU expatriates' political rights have been eroded. Illiberal ruling parties know that these diaspora groups could hurt them electorally, and avoid encouraging, or have taken steps actively to discourage, their political participation. Consider Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made voting more cumbersome for the Hungarian migrants in Western Europe who are more likely to oppose his Fidesz party, but easier for Fidesz-leaning Hungarians elsewhere. After Fidesz came to power in 2010, Romanian- and Serbian-born ethnic Hungarians many of whom have never resided in Hungary were granted citizenship and suffrage, whereas so-called Western Hungarians have been barred from voting by mail, and must instead go to an embassy or consulate. Hungary's expats account for over 4 percent of its electorate, but fewer than 15 percent of them voted in the last general election. The simple reason is that there were too few available voting stations. Orban's government provides just four in Germany, three in the United Kingdom, two each in Italy and France, and just one in Ireland, where there are 9,000 Hungarian citizens. Many potential expat voters cannot or will not travel hundreds of miles and wait in line for hours to cast a ballot. As Robert Laszlo of the Political Capital Institute in Budapest observes, "Given the [Orban] government's stubborn resolve in keeping the voting discrimination between different groups of nationals abroad, we can assume decision-makers are aware that making voting procedures easier for migrants in Western Europe would be beneficial to the opposition." This assessment seems accurate. In the 2019 European Parliament election, Momentum, a pro-European centrist movement, accounted for 9.9 percent of the Hungarian national tally but 29 percent of the diaspora vote. Likewise, Fidesz's result among the diaspora was 11 points below its national count. The data for Italy reveal similar trends. In last year's EU election, the pro-EU Democratic Party's support among Italians living in the U.K. was almost twice that of Italians living at home. At the same time, the right-wing nationalist League party commanded just 11.6 percent of the vote among Italians in the U.K., far below its nationwide tally of 34.3 percent. And a similar pattern is visible among the Italian diaspora in Germany, France, and Spain. The problem is that few Italians abroad actually vote. In Italy's 2018 general election, expat voter turnout across the top five host countries was roughly 30 percent, compared to 73 percent for Italian voters generally. And in the EU election, just 7 percent of Italy's 1.6 million eligible expats voted, compared to 54 percent of Italians overall. Hence, if expat turnout had been the same as domestic turnout (assuming the same distribution of votes), the right-wing nationalist parties (the League and Brothers of Italy) still would have received the most votes in aggregate, but their lead over progressive pro-EU parties would have been 1.5 percentage points smaller. Something similar would have happened in Poland in its October 2019 general election. There, the Euroskeptic ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), won 43.6 percent of the Sejm, and the pro-EU coalition followed with 27.4 percent. But these shares were inverted among the Polish diaspora, where the pro-EU parties beat out PiS by 38.95 percent to 24.9 percent. But just one in seven eligible Polish expats actually voted. Had expat and domestic turnout been the same (and assuming the same distribution of votes), PiS's lead would have shrunk by 1.2 percentage points. These electoral dynamics have become even more visible in Greece, following the exodus of almost a half-million people (5 percent of the population) during the country's prolonged debt crisis. In early 2019, there was a fierce debate over how to ease voting for this "brain-drain generation," but the then-ruling party, Syriza, ultimately opposed reform. In the event, just 2.9 percent of eligible expat voters turned out for the European Parliament election, and only slightly more participated in the country's general election in July. Syriza lost, but its electoral calculus had been correct: its support was significantly lower among the diaspora. To be sure, not all intra-EU migrants are Europhiles; nor do their votes always go missing. Latvians in the London area tend to be more liberal than Latvians living in the British periphery. And in 2014, Romanian expats actually mobilized en masse to hand victory to Klaus Iohannis of the Liberal Party in a presidential election run-off, bucking the trend of low turnout. But this exception merely proves the rule: as the number of intra-EU migrants grows, expats' votes will become increasingly important in national and EU-level elections. For illiberal leaders like Orban, the exodus of more liberal-minded voters has hitherto been seen as a safety valve. Under economist Albert O. Hirschman's classic model of political engagement, populists would tell us that these voters have opted for "exit" instead of "voice" or "loyalty." With awareness of the voter-suppression threat only now taking hold, populists will continue to exploit an outdated system to their advantage. In the meantime, civic associations could do more to help expats register and vote, such as by providing transportation to polling stations and arranging systems for taking turns waiting in line. But in the longer term, EU countries will need to cooperate more in guaranteeing all eligible Europeans the ability to vote. That means not only, say, making public facilities available for voting, but also making it clear that they are taking such steps to uphold democratic principles more generally. Federico Fubini, an economics journalist and editor-at-large at Corriere della Sera, is the author, most recently, of "Per amor proprio." His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). By Laman Ismayilova "My Little Prince" animated film by Azanfilm studio will be screened at 13th International Children's Film Festival. The festival will take place in Bangladesh on January 24-31. The animated film was inspired by the works of young artist Maryam Alakbarli, dedicated to the same name novel. Maryam Alakbarli has nearly 30 works inspired by the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exuperys work "The Little Prince". These paintings were demonstrated in a number of prestigious exhibition halls. The animated film was created under the influence of these works. A very talented creative team worked on the animated film, including director Arif Maharramov, scriptwriter Iman Ismayil, art director Elchin Efendiyev, designer Amil Guliyev, composer Azer Hajiaskarli and producer Mushfig Khatamov. "The Little Prince" has captured the hearts of readers around the world since 1943. The novella is the most famous work of the French aristocrat, writer, poet, and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The tale was inspired by his experiences in the French Air Force. After the outbreak of the World War II, Saint-Exupery escaped to North America. Despite personal upheavals and failing health, he produced almost half of the writings for which he would be remembered, including a tender tale of loneliness, friendship, love and loss in the form of a young prince visiting Earth. Since its first publication, the novella was adapted to numerous art forms and media, including audio recordings, radio plays, live stage, film, television, ballet, and opera. International Childrens Film Festival Bangladesh is an annual week-long film festival held countrywide, which showcases full-length features, shorts, experimental films made for and by children from around the world. Started in 2008, the festival is one of the biggest film events in Bangladesh and also the only international film festival for children and young adults of the country. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Beth Moore, Christine Caine march around Dallas hospital in prayer during Priscilla Shirer surgery Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Popular faith leaders Beth Moore and Christine Caine awoke early Monday morning to join in prayer for their peer, Priscilla Shirer, as she underwent lung surgery. Shirer, who recently lost her mother, Lois Evans, to a rare form of cancer, revealed on Facebook last week that doctors will be removing an entire lobe of her left lung after discovering a nodule that contained some dangerous irregularities. The surgery was delayed but I cannot put it off any longer without jeopardizing my own health, the Christian speaker and actress said. The morning of her surgery, Moore and Caine shared on Instagram that they were headed to the hospital at 6 a.m. armed and dangerous with anointing oil and the Bible to cover the mom of three in prayer. In the cab on the way to the hospital where our friend is having surgery. Armed and dangerous. And yes we will no doubt march around the hospital 7 times like its Jericho, Moore wrote on Instagram along with a video of the two ministers in a cab on the way to an undisclosed hospital in Dallas. We may stop short of praise dancing with banners in the waiting room, she added. Caine also shared the video and wrote, Sometimes you need a double barreled approach when you are going into active intercessory prayer for your friend who is having surgery. The two shared that the anointing oil and the Bible they carried were a perfect representation of the Holy Spirit and the Word of truth. They went to the hospital ready to rally around their sister in Christ. This is real sisterhood. No woman left alone. Whether she wants to be or not! Spirit and Truth working together, Caine continued. The day before surgery, Shirer shared a video on Instagram showing Moore at her house cleaning up for the War Room star after a family gathering. When youve had a few really tough weeks and youre on the eve of a few more tough ones but then your people show up - cooking and cleaning and making a celebration out of thin air, Shirer gratefully shared. Shirer decided to openly share about the procedure after word began to spread on social media. On Tuesday, the women in my home church surrounded me in prayer regarding an upcoming surgery that I have scheduled, she explained. Since then, news of this procedure began to spread on the inter webs by concerned individuals so I wanted to take a moment to address it personally. This past summer, it was clear that something surgical needed to be done as the nodule had begun to grow and show signs of dangerous irregularities, she said. Libyan Rivals Agree To Cease-Fire Call By Russia, Turkey By RFE/RL January 12, 2020 Forces loyal to eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar and the UN-backed Tripoli government both say they have agreed to a cease-fire, potentially bringing a truce in the fierce battle to control the war-ravaged North African country. Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) said the truce, set to go into effect in the early hours of January 12, was conditional on acceptance by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which is based in Tripoli. "Any breach will be met with a harsh response," LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari said in a video statement. In a statement posted online early on January 12, the GNA said, "In response to the Turkish president and the Russian president's call for a cease-fire, the head of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord announces a cease-fire." The GNA had previously welcomed the call for a cease-fire but said its responsibility was to protect its citizens. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it welcomed the truce and called on all sides "to strictly abide by the cease-fire and make room for peaceful efforts to address all disputes through a Libyan-Libyan dialogue." The day before, Haftar's LNA had said it would not halt its campaign to drive the UN-backed government from Tripoli amid calls from Russia and Turkey for a cease-fire. Many observers say a truce will be hard to maintain, given the fractious, unsteady nature of Libya's military alliances. Libya has been torn by violence since longtime ruler Muammar Qaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011. The country has two rival administrations, the UN-backed GNA in Tripoli and Haftar's in the city of Tobruk. The GNA is supported by NATO-member Turkey and its ally Qatar. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that he dispatched military elements to Libya to ensure stability for the GNA. UN experts and diplomats say that Russian military contractors in recent months have deployed alongside Haftar's LNA, which has also received air support from the United Arab Emirates and backing from Jordan and Egypt. Turkey and Russia have both been criticized by UN and Western officials, who say their efforts to arm their allies have led to an intensification of the violence. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on January 11, said earlier in the day that Libyan peace talks would be held in Berlin and that Libya's warring parties would need to play a major role to help forge a resolution. Merkel said she hoped the "Turkish-Russian [cease-fire] efforts will be successful." Berlin and Moscow are acting as mediators in the conflict, which Germany has warned could become a "second Syria." Putin said that "I am really counting on the opposing sides in Libya ceasing fire, ceasing armed combat...within a few hours." "It's important to bring an end to the armed confrontation." With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/libya-lna-gna- agree-ceasefire-russia-turkey-haftar- putin-merkel/30372598.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 by Larissa Faw , January 13, 2020 Starcom USA is rejiggering its leadership and is bringing on Chris Williams as President/Chief Investment Officer. Williams succeeds Kristina Lutz who will work on consulting projects within the broader Publicis Media network. Most recently, Williams served across the pond as the CEO of PMX UK, though he has been with the Group for nearly 25 years. As part of the reorganization, Maureen Glure is elevated to Chief Client Officer to oversee client relationships across the U.S. market. She will also continue her previous responsibilities overseeing Starcoms Culture practice as well as serving as the executive sponsor of the agencys internal Citizens of Starcom program. Willie Jackson is promoted to senior vice president/director of solutions architects to recognize his contribution since the groups creation three years ago. In the past year, SAs team has nearly doubled and Jackson helped the practice develop partnerships with sister agency Sapient for clients including Lowes, Best Buy and US Cellular, as well as collaborating with Epsilon on both the Samsung and Lionsgate businesses. advertisement advertisement Meghan OKeefe is upped to senior vice president/Group Director to oversee the agencys search, social and programmatic teams, as well as the agencys Detroit Bootcamp. Additionally, as part of her duties OKeefe will be responsible for developing the agencys overall bidding strategy to ensure connectivity and consistency for all bidding channels for all teams. Most recently OKeefe worked on the solutions architects team servicing the Lowes business. Al Hawes returns to Starcom U.S. after a 10-plus year hiatus working at Omnicom Media Group. Hawes will serve as senior vice president/director of Content. He replaces Lorenzo de Guttadauro who is returning to Los Angeles to pursue new opportunities. Chinese President Xi Jinping stands by national flags. Johannes Eisele | AFP | Getty Images Beijing has been forthcoming about its long-term goals and is the "most serious threat" to the U.S., according to a former U.S. national security advisor. "China has been very clear about what its long-term goals are strategically," James Jones, who served as NSA under former President Barack Obama, told CNBC's Hadley Gamble. "We need to take that very seriously." One Chinese goal is "total control of their own people using technology," he said at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. "They're making astonishing progress to control every single citizen, whatever he or she does." "They're giving grades for citizenship, which will affect their jobs you're going to hold, the travel you can do and everything else," he added, seeming to refer to China's social credit system. "Where they're moving is scary," he said. "They obviously want to export that to other countries." 'Trojan horse effect' He said Beijing is using a "Trojan horse" strategy to gain influence in "many parts of the world." "They penetrate the economies, they buy up everything they can, pay off everybody they can...get a chokehold on the economy as much as they can and then make demands for the behavior of the government," he said. That's something the U.S. should address, said Jones. "One of the things that concerns me a little bit is that we've stopped talking about values in the world...even in the democratic countries. We should talk about human rights," he said. Asked if the U.S. should support protesters in Hong Kong even if it puts trade talks with China at risk, Jones said: "Is trade more important than human values?" He noted that the U.S. didn't trade with the Soviet Union during the Cold War until the Berlin Wall came down and the regime collapsed. "But in China's case, we were asleep at the switch," he said. "They were making astonishing progress, and all of a sudden they're pure competitors." "I'm not sure that we really understand the degree to which China is strategically intent on replacing the United States as the most dominant culture in the world," he said. Tech competition Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has approved the appointment of minimum wage implementation committee to work out modalities for the new salary increment in the state. The Acting Head of Service, Muhammad B. Nura is to head the committee while Permanent Secretary Establishment in the office of the Head of Service is to serve as the Secretary. Other members include Chairman and Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress, Chairmen of Trade Union Congress and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council. The Permanent Secretaries Administration and General Services, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Budget and Planning and ministry for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs are to also serve as members. WESTCLIFFE, Colo. - Authorities in Colorado searched Monday for two inmates, including one suspected of attempted murder, who escaped from a jail in a small town after overpowering a guard and locking her in a cell. Jerry Williams, 39, of La Junta, who is suspected of attempted murder and other crimes, and Bryan Webb, 30, of Walsenburg, who was being held on drug charges and suspicion of assaulting a police officer, took the deputys radio and the keys to a 2017 Toyota Sienna minivan belonging to the Rotary Club in Westcliffe on Sunday night, the Custer County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. The van has stickers with the clubs name on both sides and back of the vehicle. The club keeps keys stored at the jail in the town of about 570 people, Undersheriff Chris Barr told The Denver Post. The deputy had been conducting rounds of the six-cell jail when Williams and Webb hit her, threw her in a cell and closed the doors that automatically locked, Barr said. The deputy kicked at the door and another inmate alerted another deputy, Barr said. The deputy who was attacked was not seriously injured. She got an elbow in the face, but shes fine, Barr said. Sally Clarke, 65, owns Clarke's, a restaurant in West London. This spawned a bakery which supplies John Lewis, Selfridges and Eurostar. She lives in Chelsea and has a 20-year-old son. I started cooking as a young child and was only 14 when I envisioned the restaurant I'd one day open. Eating out with my parents, I couldn't understand how places offered such long menus it was impossible that all those dishes could be fresh and perfect. I studied hotel and restaurant management at Croydon Technical College and learned a bit of everything from pastry work to cooking for 500 then went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. I worked for Prue Leith at her catering firm and cookery school, then in restaurants in California for five years. Sally Clarke, 65, owns Clarke's, a restaurant in West London. This spawned a bakery which supplies John Lewis, Selfridges and Eurostar. She lives in Chelsea and has a 20-year-old son I returned to London age 29 and determined to open my own restaurant offering a single, four-course menu that changed daily to reflect the best in the market. People told me not to do it or to offer some choice, but I was adamant. I had a little money to invest and the bank lent more, with help from my father. I wanted success or failure on my own shoulders. We opened in December 1984, with no advertising. I hired five staff, opened the doors and hoped for the best. Thankfully, the idea was a hit. We got glowing reviews and business snowballed. The seed for the bakery now the biggest part of my business was sown that launch night, as I had forgotten to order bread. I decided the next day we'd bake our own. Customers kept asking to take bread home and we desperately needed more restaurant space, so when, five years later, the building next door came up for sale, I bought it and created a 90-seat restaurant and a shop selling breads, truffles and pastries. Now we supply not only bread but sweet and savoury tarts (pictured), pastries and biscuits we made more than 60,000 mince pies this Christmas. We have 120 wholesale customers including Eurostar, to whom we supply every croissant and pain au chocolat it sells. Companies such as Neal's Yard and Monmouth Coffee started buying our breads wholesale and, after a couple of moves, we upscaled and invested in huge ovens. Now we supply not only bread but sweet and savoury tarts, pastries and biscuits we made more than 60,000 mince pies this Christmas. We have 120 wholesale customers including Eurostar, to whom we supply every croissant and pain au chocolat it sells. I now have 120 staff across the business. It's vast, and if I thought about it properly I'd never sleep. I stopped working daily in the kitchen a few years ago, though I'm still in and out of the dining room, writing menus and answering the phone. I love being around food and being part of the art of hospitality. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:13:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor Zhao Kezhi, also chief of the National Narcotics Control Commission, meets with Eskandar Momeni, secretary general of Iran's drug control headquarters, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Zhao Kezhi met with Eskandar Momeni, secretary general of Iran's drug control headquarters, Monday in Beijing. Zhao, also chief of the National Narcotics Control Commission, said that China and Iran have a long history of friendship. The bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has developed steadily under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries. He said that China is ready to work with the Iranian side to implement the consensus reach by leaders of the two countries, strengthen consultation and exchange in anti-narcotics and deepen practical cooperation in drug control to better benefit the two countries and their people. Momeni said that Iran is willing to further cooperation in various fields including anti-narcotics and push forward bilateral ties. France-cuisine.fr scored 41 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 10 Feb 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the france-cuisine homepage on Twitter + the total number of france-cuisine followers (if france-cuisine has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the france-cuisine homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the france-cuisine homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the france-cuisine homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if france-cuisine has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the france-cuisine homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. Basic Information PAGE TITLE France Cuisine - Recettes de cuisine francaise DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS france cuisine, recette de cuisine francaise, cuisine francaise, recettes francaise, recette de cuisine francaise, cuisine france OTHER KEYWORDS cuisine, de cuisine, recettes de cuisine, recettes de, de mer, recettes, recettes de cuisine franaise The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. 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. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. Domain and Server DOCTYPE HTML 4.01 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE French ISO-8859-1French DETECTED LANGUAGE French French SERVER Apache (PHP/4.4.9) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Operative System running on the server. Character set and language of the site. 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Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The absence of Russia was quite glaring, given that Moscow has continued to strongly back India after New Delhi revoked Art 370 last year. New Delhi: Russia is understood to have been reluctant to join the 15-member foreign envoys delegation that had visited J&K on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of the Indian government, but there are indications that Moscow may consider a stand-alone invitation for its envoy to visit the Kashmir Valley at a future date. The absence of Russia was quite glaring, given that Moscow has continued to strongly back India after New Delhi revoked Article 370 in August last year. According to sources, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) had held informal preliminary consultations with Russia which was reluctant to join the delegation. Therefore, no formal invitation was eventually sent by New Delhi. Sources indicated that since Russia does not consider the Kashmir issue to be part of the Indo-Russia bilateral ties, Moscow apparently felt there was therefore no need for the Russian ambassador to be part of the delegation. But observers feel this may be only part of the story. Significantly, the United States was represented in the delegation by its ambassador Kenneth Juster. Its no secret that the United States does not currently enjoy a cordial relation with Russia and the US has been threatening to impose sanctions on countries buying Russian weaponry and armaments. Observers also point out that Russia may be somewhat uneasy over the recent two plus two dialogue between India and the US at the foreign and defence ministerial level. Moscow does not want the Indo-US proximity to have any impact on the Indo-Russian bilateral relationship, especially in the defence sector. When asked specifically why Russia was not part of the foreign envoys delegation, the MEA had indicated recently that there may be more such visits in the future to J&K in which countries not represented in this delegation may be represented. Russia has been Indias time-tested friend for more than seven decades and is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Envoys of 15 countriesthe United States, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Fiji, Maldives, Norway, Philippines, Morocco, Argentina, Peru, Niger, Nigeria, Guyana and Togo-had comprised the group that had been taken by the Indian Government to J&K on the two-day visit on January 9 and 10. The foreign envoys had met security officials, members of civil society, political leaders and the local media there. The MEA had said the envoys had been taken there to see the efforts being made by the Government to bring the situation to normal. The Star Observer reports: The president of the University of Queensland branch of the Liberal National Club (UQLNC), Wilson Gavin, who led a protest yesterday against a Drag Queen story reading, has died by suicide. Gavin was found dead at Chelmer Railway Station this morning at 7:07am. Ambulance officers who attended say he died from critical injuries, but have provided no further details. Gavin and a group of protesters from the UQ LNC interrupted a Drag Queen Story Time event yesterday morning in a Brisbane Library. Video of the incident went viral. (See our earlier story) He also caused controversy when he opposed Same Sex Marriage in 2017. The then 19-year old openly gay Gavin led a You Can Say No rally and appeared on national television. I thought the protest against the drag queens was very ill judged. You dont disrupt an event with children present (whose families had decided to attend) as part of a political protest. It was quite legitimate to criticise the actions of those who took part, including Gavin. But that backlash on social media from some was basically a virtual lynch mob, with many saying Wilson Gavin was homophobic etc, probably unaware he was openly gay himself. They called for his ostracism. And he killed himself. It should serve as a reminder (as should Charlotte Dawson) that social media pile ons occur to actual real people who have different levels of mental health. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr A cult-like group was raided by police in an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem in which dozens of women and children were being held and abused, Israeli officers said today. The group have been accused of keeping up to 50 women as well as children as young as one under 'slavery' conditions. Police say a 60-year-old rabbi was arrested on suspicion of heading the group and 'committing severe offences' against those under his influence. A police undercover investigation learned the details from women who had escaped the organisation that authorities described as a 'cult'. He and nine female accomplices are suspected of isolating some 50 women in the complex, along with children between the ages of one to five, and keeping them out of contact with their families and the outside world. A rabbi was arrested on suspicion of holding 50 women 'as slaves' in a Jerusalem commune. Pictured (above) are police photos of the compound Police said the victims of the cult were held in 'very cramped conditions and difficult sanitary conditions'. Pictured (above) are the sleeping areas discovered is the police search The prime suspect, who was not named, is also suspected of stealing money and delving out various forms of punishment. He was detained on suspicion of running a 'closed community' where women and children 'worked under conditions of slavery', police said in a statement. A police video of the raid, in a central ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem, showed cramped living quarters with bunk beds as well as piles of cash. 'The suspect also punished the women in different ways and stole money from them', police said. Investigators believe the women of the alleged Haredi cult were sexually exploited and had their hands burned to learn 'what hell feels like', local media reported. Complaints of the women and children's treatment at the compound go back to 2011, when relatives of those living there complained to police, according to the Haaretz newspaper. But authorities were reportedly powerless to intervene as the women were adults and insisted to authorities they were there of their own free will. Complaints about their treatment at the compound goes back to 2011, but authorities were reportedly powerless to intervene as the women insisted they were there of their own free will Police in Jerusalem (pictured in a file image) raided a cult-like group in an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of the city Police also alleged the suspect was punishing the women and keeping money they earned at their jobs. Ten people were arrested in the raid on the cult's compound this morning, including rabbi who ran the school on the premises who was held on suspicion of slavery, and nine female suspects. Authorities suspect the school, which operated as a separate and tightly knit-community, was in practice a cult which used coercion and abuse to force dozens of women and children to remain there against their will. Superintendent Isaac Simon said victims of the cult were held in 'very cramped conditions and difficult sanitary conditions'. Investigators believe the women of the alleged Haredi cult were sexually exploited and had their hands burned to learn 'what hell feels like' When all ten suspects were brought before a judge for an extension of their remand, the leader of group denied all the allegations as 'nonsense', Walla reports. The raid was led by police, but also included social workers, cult experts, medical staff, firefighters and city engineers who began a detailed safety assessment of the dilapidated compound where the group lived. The police raid was carried out in coordination with the Israeli Center for Victims of Cults. The arrests come after ultra-Orthodox women launched a campaign in November urging those in their community to speak up about domestic abuse. Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up around 10 per cent of Israel's population and live in close-knit communities often closed off from wider society. The director of Human Rights Watch was barred from entering Hong Kong to present a key report, because of what China called his organisations role in supporting the months-long protests in the city. Kenneth Roth posted a video on Twitter from Hong Kongs international airport late on Sunday, saying he was being put back on a flight to the US because of an unspecified immigration problem, with officials refusing to provide further information. But at a news conference on Monday, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang lashed out at Mr Roths New York-based organisation, accusing Human Rights Watch of instigating anti-China activists to engage in radical violent crimes, and incite separatist activities hyping Hong Kong independence. Hong Kong citizens have been taking to the streets, sometimes in their millions, in mass demonstrations since June last year. The movement began in protest against a new extradition law, which was eventually dropped, but snowballed into an expression of broader anger at Beijings rule. According to Mr Geng, however, it was in fact groups such as Human Rights Watch who were to blame for the crisis. International NGOs, he said, deserve sanctions and must pay a price. Mr Roth had been travelling to Hong Kong to launch his organisations annual World Report, which he said was going to focus particularly on Chinas efforts to deliberately undermine the international human rights system not simply suppress[ing] rights of people at home but also undermin[ing] the ability of anybody else to hold China to human rights standards. Experts had previously called the choice to launch the report in Hong Kong itself significant. It will now be unveiled at a press conference in New York instead, Mr Roth said. In a series of tweets upon his return to the US, Mr Roth said he had previously travelled freely to Hong Kong, including as recently as April 2018 when he released a report on gender discrimination in the Chinese job market. Sadly this episode is just the latest evidence that the Chinese government is doing everything it can to undermine the enforcement of international human rights standards, he said. Sophie Richardson, director of Human Rights Watchs China programme, told The Independent, that Beijings statement on Monday raises questions about whether Hong Kong actually has any autonomy on these matters. She described blaming foreign interference as one of the authoritarians favourite dodges. These remarks are especially insulting to the millions of people across Hong Kong who have - of their own volition - come out week after week, in the heat and the pouring rain, to peacefully demonstrate for their rights, she said. Meanwhile, an incident involving graffiti and Denmarks iconic Little Mermaid statue on Monday demonstrated once again the extent to which the Hong Kong protest crisis is playing out on the international stage. Police in Copenhagen were searching for clues after the countrys most famous landmark was adorned with red writing that read: Free Hong Kong. The bronze statue is said to be especially popular with Chinese visitors to Denmark. It depicts the little mermaid from 19th-century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen's tale of the same name, perched on a rock by a waterside promenade. More than one million tourists visit the Little Mermaid every year, and it has been defaced and damaged several times, twice suffering decapitation. It is not the first time an incident involving Hong Kong-related vandalism has played out far from the city where the unrest is taking place. Late last month, authorities in Lithuania said they were hunting for a suspected Chinese tourist who removed a message of support for Hong Kong protesters from the Hill of Crosses, the Baltic countrys most visited and revered religious site. TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IncrediBuild, a company pioneering build and software development acceleration around the world, has announced the appointment of Tami Mazel Shachar as its new Chief Executive Officer. The former NSO Co-President will be replacing longtime CEO Eyal Maor, who has been at the helm since October 2011. With over 20 years of senior executive management experience in fast-paced and high-growth environments, Mazel Shachar is a firm believer in promoting innovation and excellence. Prior to joining IncrediBuild, Mazel Shachar served as Co-President at NSO, where she managed all commercial activities including Global Sales, Marketing, PR, and Customer Success. This was a period of immense growth and scale for the company. She has formerly served as President of 3M Electronic Monitoring (a high-profile 3M acquisition in the law enforcement space), VP global sales and operations at Elmo-Tech, and at ShellCase, where she orchestrated business and growth strategy. Mazel Shachar was instrumental in leading the company's massive expansion through the various channels in multiple markets. She is a Hebrew University graduate, holds an MBA from Ono Academic College, and is an IDC-certified Director. "I am thrilled to be joining the IncrediBuild family. This company has a unique work culture with a group of highly experienced professionals," said Mazel Shachar. "I am also a firm believer in IncrediBuild's distributed processing technology and its innovative solutions. The company's diversified product portfolio is helping companies speed up their development cycle and optimize the quality of their offerings. I am confident that we can maintain continued global growth." IncrediBuild is revolutionizing the development space with its innovative software development acceleration technology. Its advanced solutions are helping organizations drive innovation, reduce their time to market, and boost customer satisfaction. IncrediBuild is already being used by leading companies like Amazon, Nintendo, Adobe, and Epic Games. They release products faster, while adopting the latest development best-practices and innovations. IncrediBuild is one of the most promising prospects that Fortissimo Capital, a leading private equity fund, currently holds in its portfolio. Fortissimo Capital's investments largely consist of tech and industrial companies, with an impressive string of success stories and exits such as SodaStream and Kornit Digital. About IncrediBuild Software IncrediBuild, the market leader in software development acceleration, reduces build, testing, code analysis, graphics and other development task times for faster time to market and better product quality. With its innovative distributed processing acceleration technology, IncrediBuild is the only commercial tool bundled into Visual Studio. IncrediBuild currently supports more than 250,000 users from over 2,500 organizations, including twenty Fortune 100 companies. For more information about IncrediBuild, please visit the IncrediBuild Website Media Contact Emilia Dariel Head of Marketing at IncrediBuild [email protected] For details and enquires: [email protected] SOURCE IncrediBuild An NGO has moved the Supreme Court seeking that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the government notification on the exercise for preparing National Population Register (NPR) be declared "unconstitutional". The plea filed by 'Minority Front' has sought striking down of the provision of NPR as "unconstitutional" which says that a child born before July 1, 1987 will not get citizenship by birth. The plea, filed through lawyer Ejaz Maqbool, said that the NPR is a list of "usual residents" of the country and a "usual resident" is defined for the purposes of NPR as a person who has resided in a local area for the past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months or more. The plea alleged that the CAA grants citizenship based on religion, makes "unreasonable classifications" and is against constitutional morality and basic structure of the Constitution. The said that though CAA states that the government's objective is to protect minorities facing religious persecution in countries with a state religion and which were a part of undivided India, it still excludes Sri Lanka and Bhutan which have Buddhism as its state religion. It also questioned the inclusion of only three neighbouring countries in the purview of the Act and the exclusion of Jews, Muslims, and atheists from the list of communities being given protection under CAA. "It is submitted that the inclusion of the six communities and the discrimination against Jews and Muslims in the Impugned Act is based on religion which is based on the intrinsic choice of an individual and hence, an impermissible classification," the plea said. The petition said the CAA cannot be seen in isolation but will have to be seen "chronologically with the government's notification to prepare the NPR followed by an eventual nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC)". "The Act has to be read comprehensively with the other provisions of law particularly the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003 which provide for the identification of illegal migrants from citizens through the preparation of a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC popularly known as 'NRC')," the petition said. The plea said that the government is required to comply with the Global Human Rights Regime and the International Covenants while drafting municipal laws. "The court has already approved the interpretation which abides by India's international obligations especially on issues of human rights. In this regard, the principles of Customary International Law assume special importance," the petition said. The top court had on December 18 issued notice to the Centre and sought its response by the second week of January on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA's legality. The CAA, which was notified on January 10, grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities migrated to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh till December 31, 2014, following persecution over their faith. The apex court had fixed January 22 for hearing a total of 59 anti-CAA petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. The petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, before the court include those filed by RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Other anti-CAA 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. Several law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan today issued a statement on the 30th anniversary of anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku. Dear Compatriots, Today we commemorate the victims of pogroms, ethnic cleansings and mass deportations of the Armenians in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Thirty years ago, the international community witnessed and condemned the massacres committed against the Armenian population in Baku. In 1990, as a result of the policy of repression and ethnic cleansing started by the Sumgait massacre, only 35-40,000 out of some 250,000 Armenians remained in Baku, mostly elderly and helpless people. Their fate was even more tragic: hundreds were killed, maimed and went missing; tens of thousands became refugees. This was the outcome of the anti-Armenian pogroms that raged in Baku for about a week. The Armenians living in Baku were not a threat to Azerbaijan, to its authorities or political forces. All they wanted was to continue living in their hometown where their ancestors had lived. However, they were viewed as a threat by Azerbaijan because of their ethnic origin. The Armenians used to live in Baku for centuries, giving the city a genuine trait of multiculturalism. In the 19th century, they made a major contribution to the development of oil industry in Baku. The Armenians played an invaluable role in the development of the city during the Soviet times. 30 years after the aforementioned tragic events, there is no respect or compassion for the victims of Bakus anti-Armenian massacres. Those few people who had courage to even refer in their literary works the tragedy of the Armenians went through in Baku, were publicly shamed and officially declared traitors. Even today, perpetrators who committed atrocities against helpless people are regarded as heroes of Azerbaijan, while their crimes are considered a glorious chapter in the fight for Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. Regretfully, the past three decades failed to be a time of reflection, repentance and reconciliation in Azerbaijan. In the meantime, we have witnessed attempts to exterminate the population of Artsakh, we have witnessed the release and glorification of the convicted murderer Ramil Safarov, in April 2016 we witnessed tortures and brutal killings of elderly and helpless people in Artsakhs border settlements. Armenophobia has become a state policy and creed in Azerbaijan. Dear Compatriots, Today, we express our gratitude to all those international organizations and parliamentary bodies which responded and documented these events by condemning and exposing them to the world. By paying tribute to the memory of our innocent victims, I declare with all responsibility that we will not allow new attempts to exterminate or deport Armenians. The Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Artsakh and all Armenians around the world will use their full potential to ensure the right of existence and peaceful development of the Armenian people in their historical motherland, including in Artsakh, the statement reads. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a credible and lasting ceasefire in Libya, his office said on Monday, as the main players in the conflict prepare to sign a truce. "The president emphasised the necessity that the ceasefire that is to be announced is credible, lasting and verifiable," Macron's office said, following telephone talks between the president and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday. The head of Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and his rival, strongman Khalifa Haftar, are due to confirm a ceasefire later on Monday in Moscow. The GNA in Tripoli had been under attack since last April from forces loyal to eastern-based Haftar, which on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. More than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans displaced since Haftar launched his assault, according to the UN. The North African country has been wracked by chaos since a 2011 revolt -- backed by France and other European countries -- toppled longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi. During his call with Putin, Macron expressed hope that a conference to be held in Berlin would relaunch a peace process for Libya under the aegis of the United Nations. The ceasefire followed a joint call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- who backs Sarraj and has sent troops to help the GNA -- and Putin who analysts have long seen as supporting Haftar. Pro-Haftar forces are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, all regional rivals of Turkey. Sarraj has also accused Paris of supporting Haftar and tacitly backing his assault on Tripoli, claims denied by French officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lobbyists for Libyan strongman Khalifa Hifters self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) met with Republican lawmakers and US officials in charge of energy policy last summer, a newly disclosed lobbying filing reveals. The filing sheds light on Hifters targeting of key US decision-makers even as the United States recognizes the rival UN-backed government in Tripoli as the countrys legitimate authority. Hifters LNA hired Texas-based Linden Government Solutions in May for $2 million per year to advocate for the group in its conflict with Tripoli over control of the countrys vast oil wealth. Lobbying records show that Linden lobbyists Stephen Payne and Joe Fleming met with Joe Uddo, the deputy assistant secretary of energy innovation and market development, and Vincent Trovato, a senior adviser in the departments Office of International Affairs, in late July during a visit to Washington by a delegation from the Hifter-aligned House of Representatives in Tobruk. Around the same time, the pair also met with Landon Derentz, then the director of energy at the National Security Council (hes now at the Energy Department), and Elizabeth Litchfield, deputy director of the Office of Maghreb Affairs at the State Department. The National Security Council declined to comment. The State Department and Energy Department did not respond to requests for comment. Hifter himself met US officials in November in an undisclosed Middle East country, including deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates, US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland and Brig. Gen. Steven deMilliano of US Africa Command. Matthew Zais, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Energy Departments Office of International Affairs, was also present at the meeting, during which the US officials say they asked Hifter to suspend his monthslong assault on the government in Tripoli. At the time, the Department of Energy wrote on Twitter that it encouraged a competitive and transparent Libyan energy sector for all Libyans and that Libyans must focus on countering Russian efforts to control Libyas energy resources. Zais tweeted that the US looks to partner with Libya to ensure it emerges from civil conflict able to effectively administer Libyan energy resources for the benefit of all Libyans. Linden lobbyists Payne and Fleming also met with five US lawmakers during the July visit by Libyan officials: Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Reps. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., Kevin Hern, R-Okla., and Richard Hudson, R-N.C., as well as staffers for another five, including Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas. In a Facebook post of a photo with Burchett, one of the visiting Libyans wrote that the trip had been successful but that they still hoped to convince Donald Trump to visit their headquarters in eastern Libya. In addition to US officials, the LNAs lobbyists have engaged closely with right-wing think tank experts and pundits sympathetic to Hifters argument that he is fighting a radical Islamist-dominated cabal in Tripoli. Walid Phares, a foreign policy adviser to Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, met the visiting delegation in July to discuss the issue of migrants, the Islamic State and extremist ideologies. Earlier in May, LNA lobbyists met with experts from the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Hudson Institute. Hifter launched his assault on the capital in April after receiving what he perceived to be a green light from Trump in a phone call with the president. Since then the Libyan factions have engaged in a multimillion-dollar lobbying war, with the Tripoli government hiring Mercury Public Affairs for $2 million a year in April to lobby Congress to condemn all actors undermining stability and perpetuating violence. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed in the monthslong battle. In June, nine Libyans filed a lawsuit against Hifter in US federal court, claiming that their family members were killed when Hifter engaged in indiscriminate bombing of civilians. The UN has accused Tripoli ally Turkey of violating the international arms embargo on Libya, along with Jordan, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, which back Hifter. Turkey and Russia have since brokered a cease-fire, which Tripoli accepted Monday in Moscow but Hifter has so far declined to sign. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Star/Asia News Network) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Mon, January 13, 2020 09:28 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321e4bc8 2 Sports #Malaysia,#badminton,kento-momota,car-accident Free A van driver, who was ferrying badminton players, was killed while several top international badminton players were hurt in a crash, including World Number One Kento Momota . It is learnt that the van had crashed into a lorry at KM13.7 of the MEX Expressway on Monday (Jan 13) morning. The other international players hurt were Britain's William Thomas and Japanese players - Hirayama Yu and Morimoto Arkifumi. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Hafisham Mohd Noor said the department received a call on the accident at 4.57am. "We believe the accident occurred when the van driver had crashed the vehicle into the back of the lorry. "The badminton players suffered minor injuries and they have been sent to Putrajaya Hospital for treatment. "The van driver has been identified as N. Bavan," he said. A total of 10 firemen were involved in the operation, he added. On the left, right and center of the political spectrum, nearly everyone wants good schools. Most of us hate poverty, war and injustice. We wa [January 13, 2020] Rappi Announces Partnership With Linx to Enhance Its Platform Rappi has just announced a partnership with Linx (NYSE: LINX), leader and retail technology specialist, to further expand its product offering. With the partnership, Rappi will allow its users to make purchases from physical stores of different categories and receive the products at home. From now on, clients of Linx Omni OMS from various segments will be able to use Rappi to sell their products available in physical stores, offering yet another purchasing channel to consumers. This is possible due to omnichannel tools that integrate the inventory of these retailers' physical stores with the super app. "This is another case that shows the revolution that Linx is making in Brazilian retail. The partnership is totally disruptive because no other app in the world has the variety of products that we will help Rappi deliver to its users," explains Jean Klaumann, vice-president of Linx Digital. "Retailers supported by us will have access to this channel that combines convenience and speed of delivery," adds the executive. "Linx surprised us with its omnichannel solution, both for its technology and scalability, as well as for the main Brazilian brands already connected to it. Through this partnership, we want to further enhance our platform by providing an even better user experience and an increasingly complete portfolio," says Eduardo Sodero, Rappi's director in Brail. All in your hands With Rappi, consumers can concentrate their purchases on a single app as they find everything they need there in real time. That is, instead of navigating store by store to be able to purchase the desired items, users will do so in a few clicks, with the ability to make a single transaction and receive the products with convenience and agility. "Rappi's growth in the Brazilian market was surprising and this news will certainly contribute to this path of success," concludes Klaumann. About Rappi Rappi is the first super app in Latin America and solves the lives of its users by offering them a unique platform for their daily needs and desires. The Colombian startup and Latin American unicorn, created in 2015, arrived in Brazil in July 2017 and is already present in more than 30 Brazilian cities. Through the application you can buy products and services of different categories, including restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, manicure, dogwalker, among others. Besides that, the platform has a virtual wallet, RappiPay, with which it is possible to make transfers between users and payments at partner establishments, offering financial inclusion solutions for the unbanked population. In addition to Brazil, Rappi is present in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. About Linx Linx is a Brazilian company specialized in retail technology. Leader in the management software market, with 42.2% of retail market share, as IDC (News - Alert) attests. All of Linx's shopping journey expertise is transformed into key insights to achieve what retailers expect most: build customer loyalty and achieve tangible, relevant results. Publicly traded at B3 since 2013, Linx also became the first Brazilian publicly traded software company at NYSE in 2019. The company has more than 3,500 employees distributed among its headquarters in Sao Paulo, 15 branches throughout Brazil. and 5 countries in America. To learn more, visit www.linx.com.br/imprensa. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005492/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Prashant Upadhyaya had treated the Unnao rape victim's father in April 2018 after he had been brutally thrashed in police custody. The doctor was posted in the emergency ward of the district hospital. He had discharged the rape victim's father after first aid and the latter died in custody a few hours later. Unnao (Uttar Pradesh) Jan 13 (IANS) The doctor who treated the father of the Unnao rape victim has died in mysterious circumstances here on Monday. Upadhaya was later suspended during the CBI inquiry into the matter. He had later been reinstated and was presently posted in Fatehpur. The case related to the murder of the rape victim's father is scheduled to come up in court on Tuesday. According to his family members, Upadhaya complained of difficulty in breathing on Monday morning but refused to go to the hospital. Later when he was taken to the hospital, the doctors declared him brought dead. The family members said that he was a diabetic patient. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar, who has been convicted for the rape of the Unnao victim, is serving a life sentence in Tihar jail while his brother Atul Sengar is also in jail for the murder of the girl's father. amita/arm Residential property prices should rise by 2pc this year or more if subsiding Brexit fears stimulate greater spending on high-end homes, according to Davy Stockbrokers. Davy's 2020 forecast is bullish on Irish prospects, driven by its core views that export growth at high-tech multinationals will roar ahead and the UK's avoidance for now of a Brexit "cliff edge" will spur domestic investment. Its report published today sees 2020 economic output growing by 5.5pc in gross domestic product (GDP), a major hike from its previous forecast of 4.1pc growth. It sees higher growth "on the back of strong foreign direct investment, exceptional export performance and expansion in the multinational sector". Davy's forecast runs well ahead of recent 2020 GDP projections by the Central Bank of Ireland (4.3pc), the Department of Finance (3.9pc) and the Economic & Social Research Institute (3.3pc). Davy defends its rosier outlook, in part, by noting virtually all authorities have been underestimating the growth of FDI exports since 2017. Davy says average home prices should rise 2pc this year and could rise further "if the top end of the market benefits from reduced Brexit uncertainty". Home price increases last year slowed to a trickle in much of the country, particularly in Dublin, where the priciest homes have faced slack demand and price discounts. Davy chief economist Conall Mac Coille said home prices experienced "a more aggressive slowdown than we would have thought" in 2019 amid Brexit uncertainty. The UK's move to enter a transitional Brexit deal with the EU at the end of January, he said, could spur "the top end of the market to move up more aggressively in price". He added: "Brexit isn't going away as an issue, but at least we've got 12 months before there's the threat of another cliff edge." Davy expects construction and sales of homes to grow, with mortgage lending set to rise to 10.7bn from 9.6bn in 2019. It foresees 25,000 housing completions this year, up from 21,800 in 2019. Davy sees exports rising 11pc last year and 7pc this year - led by 8pc growth among the 1,550 multi-national firms based here. Consumer spending is seen growing 3.2pc in 2020, Government spending by 3.2pc and investment by 5.3pc, including a 7pc gain in building and construction. The workforce is projected to grow by 2.5pc while unemployment would fall from the current rate of 4.8pc - already a 13-year low - to just 4.4pc. Davy says fears of a crash-out Brexit drove indigenous firms to be exceptionally cautious as around half of companies delayed investment decisions. "Now that a 'no-deal' Brexit cannot occur in 2020, we expect output in indigenous sectors to grow by 3.5pc in 2020, slightly faster than the 3pc in 2019," its report says. J ohn Lewis & Partners has become the first high street store to launch a make-up counter dedicated to male make-up. The department store is currently stocking a selection of foundations, concealers, bronzer and brushes in the menswear section of its Oxford Street flagship as part of a four-week pop-up. The brand behind it is male make-up brand Warpaint, which aims to break down the misconceptions surrounding male make-up. Sales in the first week have been described as "amazing." John Lewis now stocks Warpaint's foundation, bronzer, concealer and a range of brushes / Warpaint The concession is scheduled to finish at the end of January, but John Lewis has indicated it would consider rolling out the concept if there is a demand for it. Warpaint was launched by Daniel Grey in November 2018 after his appearance on BBC's Dragons' Den saw him gain a 70,000 investment from Peter Jones and Tej Lalvani. Allied Market Research forecasts the global mens personal care market will advance at an annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent to reach $166 billion by 2022. Amelia Kendrick, the Beauty Buyer for John Lewis & Partners, commented on the launch saying: "Male skincare has significantly developed in the past 10 years and make up is the next natural step on from that. We know that men have used make-up for some time now so it made sense to position this brand in our menswear department alongside other male grooming products like hair styling." Some of the other male make-up brands to keep an eye out for are BEYL Made for Men Skincare, Shakeup Cosmetics, Mr. Carter's Essentialsm, as well as YSL and Clinique, which both have ranges of concealers, bronzers and brow definers for men. According to Chairman of the Ukrainian delegation, Ukrainian delegation should go to Strasbourg to fight for Ukraine there The Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation adopted a resolution on the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the January session in PACE. Chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE Yelyzaveta Yasko stated this on Facebook. "The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation reviewed my draft Statement of the Parliament of Ukraine" On the participation of the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2020 "and supported this document, recommending that it be considered in the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada," she wrote. According to her, the Ukrainian delegation should go to Strasbourg to fight there for Ukraine and European values for the Council of Europe itself. We understand that it will not be easy there. But the new delegation has a new strategy and a constructive program of action for the PACE winter session, Yasko said. As we reported, the Ukrainian delegation officially refused from participation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe autumn session due to Russias return. A young conservative student who led a controversial 'drag queens are not for kids' protest at a library reading session has died in a suspected suicide. Wilson Gavin, the president of the University of Queensland's (UQ) Liberal National Club, was found dead in Brisbane's south on Monday. Queensland police and ambulance services were called to an incident at Chelmer about 7.07am. A state ambulance spokeswoman said the patient was found with critical injuries. Mr Gavin was 21. Protester Wilson Gavin and friends stormed a drag queen story-time event for children at a library in Brisbane's CBD (left and right). He confronts Diamond Good-rim above Mr Gavin was one of about 15 to 20 students who protested at the Drag Storytime event held at the Brisbane Square Library on Sunday afternoon. Drag queens read stories to children and their parents to teach kids about the fluidity of gender identity and provide them with queer role models. Footage of the protest shows the demonstrators chanting loudly while one of two performers Diamond Good-Rim tries to get them to stop. The Veronicas' star Jessica Origliasso, who is engaged to transgender bartender Kai Carlton said she was furious at the protest and called the group bigoted The video featuring Mr Gavin went viral and was slammed by The Veronicas star Jessica Origliasso, who is engaged to transgender bartender Kai Carlton. Before the tragedy emerged, Origliasso described the demonstration as a 'tone deaf 'protest' and fueled by bigotry.' In the wake of the tragedy, drag queen Diamond Good-Rim issued a statement saying he was deeply saddened by the news. 'My thoughts and deep condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time,' he said. 'We all need to band together at this awful, difficult time. Please, if any of you are feeling affected in any way by these recent events, reach out for support.' Johnny Valkyrie, the second drag queen at the event, said: 'If the family (of Mr Gavin) are reading this please know that I support you, and I am here to gather support and I know you are good people.' University of Queensland senator Drew Pavlou, a friend of Mr Gavin's, said his mate was 'at his core a very kind person that cared for others. 'I had the great privilege of seeing that side of him in life. 'He was hilarious and a riot to be around, his fame will always remain legendary.' Wilson Gavin during a media appearance on Sky News as a spokesman for the Australian Monarchist League 'MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY': DRAG QUEENS RESPONDS Johnny Valkyrie Johnny Valkyrie, one of two drag queens involved in the Brisbane library incident, said his heart goes out to Wilson Gavin's family and friends. 'If the family are reading this please know that I support you, and I am here to gather support and I know you are good people,' he said. 'To those of you who follow me, if you require support please reach out to community services and hotlines which are freely available to the community. 'I cannot say anymore at this stage. I have to reflect on the events, heal and extend my love to the community.' Diamond Good-rim, another library performer, said: 'I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Wilson Gavin this morning. My thoughts and deep condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. 'We all need to band together at this awful, difficult time.' Advertisement Mr Gavin, a gay man, previously made the news in 2017 for opposing same sex marriage. The then 19-year-old fronted a 'You Can Say No' rally, saying: 'I support what marriage really is and I'm gay.' He also made media appearances as a spokesman for the Australian Monarchist League. Writer Satyajeet Marar said: 'Wilson Gavin was an intelligent, witty, articulate and outspoken young man with a good heart. 'Despite holding opinions that some people disagree with strongly, he would defend them with conviction. 'Brave and admirable traits while most of us in this generation spend years obsessing over what others think of us and worrying about whether expressing our opinions will cause people to dislike us.' The University of Queensland Liberal National Club deactivated its Facebook page on Monday afternoon. Despite its name, the club is no longer formally associated with the political party. State Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington declined to comment on the 'unconfirmed reports' at a press conference earlier today. 'I think today is a day to think about a bit of compassion and respect for people,' Ms Frecklington said. A spokeswoman for the University of Queensland said the institution will provide support for staff and students, and said they hope 'everyone shows consideration for those affected during the difficult days ahead'. For 24/7 confidential crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids' Helpline 1800 551 800 Most people are familiar with turbulence in aviation: certain wind conditions cause a bumpy passenger flight. But even within human blood vessels, blood flow can be turbulent. Turbulence can appear when blood flows along vessel bends or edges, causing an abrupt change in flow velocity. Turbulent blood flow generates extra forces which increase the odds of blood clots to form. These clots grow slowly until they may be carried along by the bloodstream and cause stroke by blocking an artery in the brain. Mechanical heart valves produce turbulent blood flows Patients with artificial heart valves are at a higher risk of clot formation. The elevated risk is known from the observation of patients after the implantation of an artificial valve. The clotting risk factor is particularly severe for the recipients of mechanical heart valves, where the patients must receive blood thinners every day to combat the risk of stroke. So far, it is unclear why mechanical heart valves promote clot formation far more than other valve types, e.g. biological heart valves. A team of engineers from the Cardiovascular Engineering Group at the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of Bern has now successfully identified a mechanism that can significantly contribute to clot formation. They used complex mathematical methods of hydrodynamic stability theory, a subfield of fluid mechanics, which has been used successfully for many decades to develop fuel-efficient aircrafts. This is the first translation of these methods, which combine physics and applied mathematics, into medicine. Using complex computer simulations on flagship supercomputers at the Centro Svizzero di Calcolo Scientifico in Lugano, the research team was able to show that the current shape of the flow-regulating flaps of the heart valve leads to strong turbulence in the blood flow. "By navigating through the simulation data, we found how the blood impinges at the front edge of the valve flaps, and how the blood flow quickly becomes unstable and forms turbulent vortices," explains Hadi Zolfaghari, first author of the study. "The strong forces generated in this process could activate the blood coagulation and cause clots to form immediately behind the valve. Supercomputers helped us to capture one root cause of turbulence in these valves, and hydrodynamic stability theory helped us to find an engineering fix for it." The mechanical heart valves which were used in the study consist of a metal ring and two flaps rotating on hinges; the flaps open and close in each heartbeat to allow blood to flow out of the heart but not back in again. In the study, the team also investigated how the heart valve could be improved. It showed that even a slightly modified design of the valve flaps allowed the blood to flow without generating instabilities which lead to turbulence - more like a healthy heart. Such a blood flow without turbulence would significantly reduce the chance of clot formation and stroke. Life without blood thinners? More than 100,000 people per year receive a mechanical heart valve. Because of the high risk of clotting, all these people must take blood thinners, every day, and for the rest of their lives. If the design of the heart valves is improved from a fluid mechanics point of view, it is conceivable that recipients of these valves would no longer need blood thinners. This could lead to a normal life - without the lasting burden of receiving blood thinner medication. "The design of mechanical heart valves has hardly been adapted since their development in the 1970s," says Dominik Obrist, head of the research group at the ARTORG Center. "By contrast, a lot of research and development has been conducted in other engineering areas, such as aircraft design. Considering how many people have an artificial heart valve, it is time to talk about design optimizations also in this area in order to give these people a better life." Research group Cardiovascular Engineering The ARTORGs Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) group studies cardiovascular flows and diseases, such as valvular heart disease and heart attack. Its research aims to improve the long-term durability and biocompatibility of therapeutic devices and implants and to develop novel diagnostic tools for clinical practice. CVE translational research projects address immediate clinical needs that were identified together with clinical partners in Angiology, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery at Inselspital, who are closely integrated in the project teams from start to finish. The team operates an experimental flow lab with modern measurement technology and a computational lab to model flows in the heart and blood vessels. Its experimental facilities include high-speed cameras and laser-based methods for three-dimensional flow quantification. The group develops and uses custom-tailored computer models and supercomputers to study biomedical flow systems with fluid-structure interaction. ### Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Akira Chiba (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 16:16 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321f7db9 3 Opinion opinions,ambassador,ASEAN,Japan,cooperation Free Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi delivered his first policy speech on ASEAN at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday as he concluded his visit to the region, which also took him to Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. In his speech, Minister Motegi reiterated Japans intention to mobilize US$3 billion from the public and private sectors over the next three years between 2020 and 2022, including a total of $1.2 billion overseas loans and investments for ASEAN from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This initiative on overseas loans and investments aims to meet the significant demand for infrastructure development in the ASEAN region, while at the same time redressing economic inequality and realizing stable development. The initiative has three targeted fields: (1) quality infrastructure development, (2) improving financial access and supporting women and (3) green investment. Concrete projects under this new initiative will follow soon. Let me introduce some projects undertaken so far through JICAs overseas loans and investments that offer an image of the outlook of possible projects under the new initiative in the future. A good example of the first pillar, quality infrastructure, is the geothermal power project in Muara Laboh in West Sumatra. The project is supported through Leading Asias Private Infrastructure Fund, which is funded by JICA and managed by the Asia Development Bank under the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure, and Japanese financial institutes. With construction having been completed on Dec. 16, 2019, the power plant started commercial operations with a generation capacity of 85 megawatts, equivalent to the power usage of 420,000 households on Sumatra Island, and contributed to the Indonesian governments target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 29 percent by 2030. The project satisfies key principles of quality infrastructure, such as economic efficiency and integration of environmental considerations. The Japan ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund is a good illustration of the second pillar. The fund provides financing for small businesses, so far to seven countries throughout the region, particularly those operated by women through investments and/or loans to microfinance institutes (MFI). The concrete examples of such small businesses are the opening of retail stores for rice, snack foods and sweets and the purchase of crossbreed cows that can produce high value-added milk. Since its launch in 2016, the fund has supported approximately 230,000 female micro entrepreneurs by financing 21 MFIs in these seven recipient countries. Providing a loan to PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance (IIF) is an example of the third pillar, which is green investment. The project aims to mobilize private finance into infrastructure development in Indonesia by investing mainly in renewable energy projects through IIF. The project is also expected to create infrastructure projects, including renewable energy, through matching local and Japanese companies that have interest in infrastructure business. In the face of enormous infrastructure demand in the region, Japan will not limit its efforts to government-to-government economic cooperation alone. Private sector funding will be the key and that is exactly what this new overseas loans and investment initiative is aiming for. I believe that this initiative will contribute to promoting the synergy between Japans vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. In his policy speech, Minister Motegi cited Indonesias founding president Sukarnos notion of gotong royong, to work ourselves to the bone together, to perspire together and to struggle together, as the keyword elaborating Japans unswerving attitude toward ASEAN. With this spirit in mind, we are ready to collaborate with ASEAN so that this initiative could further contribute to the enhancement of ASEAN-Japanese cooperation. *** Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Topics : opinions ambassador ASEAN Japan cooperation We're definitely into long term investing, but some companies are simply bad investments over any time frame. It hits us in the gut when we see fellow investors suffer a loss. For example, we sympathize with anyone who was caught holding China Saite Group Company Limited (HKG:153) during the five years that saw its share price drop a whopping 77%. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 64% in the last year. There was little comfort for shareholders in the last week as the price declined a further 1.3%. View our latest analysis for China Saite Group While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). Looking back five years, both China Saite Group's share price and EPS declined; the latter at a rate of 24% per year. This change in EPS is reasonably close to the 26% average annual decrease in the share price. That suggests that the market sentiment around the company hasn't changed much over that time. Rather, the share price has approximately tracked EPS growth. The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). SEHK:153 Past and Future Earnings, January 13th 2020 It's probably worth noting that the CEO is paid less than the median at similar sized companies. But while CEO remuneration is always worth checking, the really important question is whether the company can grow earnings going forward. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on China Saite Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow. A Different Perspective China Saite Group shareholders are down 64% for the year, but the market itself is up 9.9%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 25% over the last half decade. We realise that Buffett has said investors should 'buy when there is blood on the streets', but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality businesses. You could get a better understanding of China Saite Group's growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Story continues For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., a major chipmaker to Apple Inc. and Huawei Technologies Co., has recruited rival Intel Corp.s former top lobbyist Peter Cleveland to spearhead an unprecedented effort in Washington to mitigate impact from U.S.-Chinese trade tensions. The worlds biggest contract chipmaker joins a growing number of companies with Chinese business interests that are stepping up U.S. lobbying, aiming to gauge and lessen the fallout from Washingtons ongoing dispute with Beijing. The Taiwanese company indicated in July it was considering starting government relations operations in the U.S. Cleveland, who headed Intels lobbying effort for over a decade, updated his LinkedIn profile this month to reflect new responsibilities including representing TSMC on policy, legislative and regulatory matters. Theres been speculation U.S. sanctions may affect TSMCs shipments to Huawei. But the Taiwanese chipmaker has publicly quashed talk of U.S. pressure for it to stop supplying its No. 2 customer, which Washington blacklisted and views as a national security threat. Read more: TSMC to Keep Supplying Huawei, Quashes Talk of U.S. Pressure Peter Cleveland is helping TSMC enhance communications with stakeholders including government officials at a global level, TSMC spokeswoman Nina Kao told Bloomberg News by phone, adding Cleveland is based in Washington D.C. While there have been TSMC staffers tasked with similar responsibilities previously, Clevelands arrival coalesces the effort under one independent position, according to Kao. TSMC plays an indispensable role in the global semiconductor industry, commanding more than 50% of the global foundry market. U.S. and Chinese tech companies from Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to Nvidia Corp. rely on it for the production of their most advanced chips. It joins a wave of companies that in recent months have begun to play a more active role in lobbying Washington. Huawei spent a company-record $1.8 million on federal lobbying in the past quarter as it struggled against U.S. sanctions that deprived it of key components or software from American suppliers like Intel, Xilinx Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. TikTok, the popular music-video app owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Inc., is also expanding its U.S. lobbying operations. Story continues Huawei is TSMCs largest customer after Apple, according to Bloomberg supply chain data, contributing roughly 10% of the chipmakers revenue. Cleveland managed 200 attorneys and policy professionals while at Intel, and his areas of expertise include antitrust reviews, 5G spectrum allocations, and global IP enforcement and protection, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before Intel, he served as California Senator Dianne Feinsteins chief of staff. Read more: Trumps Blacklisting of Huawei Is Failing to Halt Its Growth --With assistance from Ian King and Vlad Savov. To contact the reporter on this story: Debby Wu in Taipei at dwu278@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Edwin Chan at echan273@bloomberg.net, Colum Murphy 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. 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. With a single social media post, shared now more than 1,700 times on Facebook, the owner of Little Caesars in Winona made clear his policy on helping those in need. If you see or know a homeless person in Winona, please let them know they are welcome in my store and that if I have any additional pizzas on hand (not matching an order, for instance) they are welcome to take it at no charge, owner Paul van Eijl wrote Saturday. He also shared his awareness that many businesses around the country, including within the community, tend to throw away food that is left over every day. I do believe very strongly that good food should not be wasted, especially when there are homeless people in Winona who could benefit from it, van Eijl said Monday. I also believe that our society could improve on the amount of food waste that is transported to our landfills. And I do want to acknowledge all of the great businesses in Winona that have stepped up and donated food locally, but I would love to see our community be a leader in Minnesota, he said. He said that every day, Little Caesars in Winona now throws away up to 15 pizzas. We are more than willing to donate them to the homeless that are going through a tough time, van Eifl said. People will be turned away, though, if there are not enough pizzas that day. In that case, staff will inform visitors about other resources in the community, such as the Winona Volunteer Services food shelf. He said that the invitation does not stop at individuals who need help, but also charities and nonprofits that help feed those in need. These organizations are welcome to come get the leftover pizzas to help those in need. He acknowledged that some people, who are not truly in need of food, may attempt to abuse this opportunity. I am willing to take a risk to help more people that need it, he said. He believes that if people simply try to get free food for their own enjoyment when they dont truly need this option, then they will have to live with their own conscious as punishment for the decision. This policy isnt exactly a new one for the Winona business. Before it was simply more private, Van Eifl said. Now, he hopes it can be more widely known so that more people can take the opportunity. Amanda Steine, membership development and programs manager with the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, said that the Little Caesars Winona Facebook post spotlighted that the business cares about the people in Winona, not simply about money. The chamber shared the post with the policy on its Facebook page, showing support for the policy and the business. I was hoping that with sharing it, other businesses would jump on, Steine said. She said she knows many business in the community throw away a lot of food also, so she hopes the Little Caesars policy could create a trend. Van Eifl said that the positive response to his post has been overwhelming. Society, in general, I think is looking for creative answers like this. Theres no reason really why anybody in this county, or the world for that matter, should ever go to bed hungry, he said. Little Caesars is located at 940 Frontenac Drive, Winona. Love 16 Funny 3 Wow 2 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. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Burari, one of the most populated and a Purvanchali-dominated Assembly constituency, has several illegal colonies and is often discussed by Delhi residents for crime, bad roads and lack of water and sewerage system. Of the 3,57,331 voters, only 1,58,218 are females and the constituency has a sex ratio of 795, below the state's gender ratio of 824. Purvanchalis -- people from the eastern UP and the western Bihar -- account for around 44 per cent of the population and thus play a crucial role in elections. Since the Burari Assembly seats's formation through the delimitation process in 2008, it has elected Sanjeev Jha, a Purvanchali, of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2013 and 2015. In 2013, when the AAP contested elections the first time, Jha won by 10,000 votes and in 2015 he defeated Gopal Jha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by 68,000 votes. In 2008, Sri Krishan of the BJP had won the seat. According to the AAP, the BJP government at the Centre and the North Municipal Corporation of Delhi (NMCD) have failed to meet their responsibilities in terms of law and order and garbage maintenance. According to Jha, Burari residents have been deprived of basic necessities for decades. "The Burari Assembly constituency has several problems, like lack of good education infrastructure, water supply system, sewer lines, healthcare facilities, as well as women's security," said Jha. Stating his resolve to solve these problems, Jha said, "Why should the taxpaying residents of the constituency tolerate these harsh living conditions." Listing his works, the two-time AAP legislator said he ensured creation of around 200 modern classrooms and construction of 380 more was in progress. "The AAP gave an 800-bed hospital, 14 mohalla clinics (10 more are in the process) and 72 km water pipeline. We got 30 km sewer lines built and 270 km more sewer lines are under various stages of construction. Over 2,000 CCTV cameras have been installed to ensure safety of residents," he said. "Using taxpayers' money for taxpayers' benefit with honesty and transparency is the responsibility of every government," he said. Burari Assembly constituency comprises Ibrahimpur, Jahangirpuri Resettlement Colony and Nathupura and rural settlements like Mukandpur, Nangli Poona, Jagatpur, Kadipur and Mukhmelpur. The area hit the headlines in July 2018 when 11 members of a family were found dead in their house, which the police termed a case of mass suicide. The area is also known for Khandeswar Mandir, considered a Mahabharat-era temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to folklore, it's the place where Arjun prayed to Lord Shiva before setting afire the Khandavprastha (forest of Khandva). While the AAP and the BJP are likely to leave no stone unturned to capture the seat, the Congress is also said to be in the race. But the opposition parties are in search of candidates who could give a contest to the AAP's Purvanchali leader. However, it's just a matter of three-four weeks -- Delhi will go to polls on February 8 and votes will be counted on February 11 -- when the preference of Burari voters will be out in open. (Nivedita Singh can be contacted at nivedita.singh@ians.in) Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of fraudulent blood-testing startup Theranos arrived in court Monday morning for a motions hearing involving her upcoming trial. Holmes, who ran Theranos until its 2018 collapse, wore an all-grey ensemble that consisted of a $495 Boss sleeveless dress with a $495 Boss jacket to match. She was seen rounding a corner with her attorneys as they approached the US District Court House inside the Robert F. Peckham Federal Building in San Jose, California. Holmes, 35, a former Stanford University student, started Theranos in Palo Alto on the promise it had developed a way to perform complex blood analysis with a finger prick. But federal authorities asserted that Theranos' technology didn't work as advertised, duping both the company's investors and customers. Elizabeth Holmes (pictured with her lawyers), the founder of scandalized blood-testing startup Theranos arrived in court Monday morning for a motions hearing involving her upcoming fraud trial Holmes (center), who ran Theranos until its 2018 collapse, wore an all-grey ensemble that consisted of a $495 Boss sleeveless dress with a $495 Boss jacket to match Holmes arrived at her court date in San Jose flanked by her legal team and wearing a grey dress and jacket combo Holmes, her ex-boyfriend and former Theranos president Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani face 11 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges of conspiracy and fraud in the case. Holmes' trial is scheduled for August 2020, in San Jose, California. If convicted, they could each face a maximum of 20 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine for each wire fraud and conspiracy count. Separately, Holmes appeared in court in November to face accusations stemming from an October 2019 complaint that she hadn't paid her lawyers. According to documents filed in Phoenix federal court, Holmes hadn't paid her Palo Alto, California, attorney John Dwyer and his colleagues for a year. Holmes (left) and her ex-boyfriend and former Theranos president Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani (right) face 11 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud Holmes (in June 2019) pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of conspiracy and fraud in a case due to go to trial in August 2020 The lawyers said at the time that they wanted to quit the case because they don't ever expect to be paid. The documents cited Holmes 'current financial situation'. 'Ms. Holmes has not paid Cooley for any of its work as her counsel of record in this action for more than a year,' the lawyers said. 'Given Ms. Holmes's current financial situation Cooley has no expectation that Ms. Holmes will ever pay it for its services as her counsel,' they added. The lawyers were representing Holmes in a separate class-action civil lawsuit filed in US District Court in Phoenix. A trial date hasn't been set for the civil lawsuit filed against Holmes, Theranos and Walgreens, which offered Theranos' blood-testing technology in Arizona and California. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers who paid for Theranos blood testing service. Holmes' is scheduled to appear in court on February 10 at 10am for a pretrial motions hearing. Iran's government spokesperson told a news conference in Tehran Monday that President Hassan Rouhani's administration was assured by "relevant authorities" no one shot down a Ukrainian airliner that had crashed near Tehran. "We were accused of lying and concealing the truth but it really was not like that," Ali Rabiee said and added: "What I said on Thursday night was based on observations about the extensive psychological war waged against the Iranian nation by the United States, and the information available to the administration [assuring us] that the accident was not caused by a missile." Rabiee suggested that despite inquiries until midnight on Thursday the armed forces had refused to reveal the truth to the administration of President Rouhani. Rabiee said the President was kept in the dark until Friday afternoon when he called a meeting of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) which resulted in the Armed Forces General Headquarters accepting the responsibility for the tragedy on Saturday morning by issuing a statement. Iranian officials have come under strong criticism for three days of denials the plane was brought down by a missile. Thousands of Iranians have gone out to protest what they say is the incompetence leading to the tragedy and also government "deception". The Cabinet Spokesman also said he welcomed the "honesty and accountability" of the Armed Forces General Headquarters "which will definitely continue to the end with transparency". "Sadly, the delay and failure in the dissemination of information about the accident in a timely manner inflicted irreparable damages to our social capital", Rabiee said. He also repeated an argument voiced by other Iranian officials that what happened to the Ukrainian plane was a consequence of the killing of the Qods Force Commander General Qassem Soleimani by the United States and added that what happened should not be used as an "excuse to disparage and belittle the country's armed forces which are the guardians of our lives, property and honor". USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall says the company looks forward to new partnership in Atlanta. Dr. Joyce Lee is one of the finest oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Atlanta were honored to partner with them. U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) a specialty management services company headquartered in Irving, Texas, that exclusively serves premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons has formed a new partnership with Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Joyce Lee is one of the finest oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Atlanta. She and her staff pride themselves on providing patients with the highest level of technical care, respect, courtesy and compassion. Were honored to partner with them, says Richard Hall, USOSM president and CEO. Last year, we announced our first partnership in the Atlanta area and our intention to continue cultivating relationships in this important market. Now we have several partner practices in this major metropolitan area. We will continue building partnerships with premier OMS practices in Atlanta and throughout the southeast. The practice is located at 1175 Peachtree Street North East, Suite 1202, 100 Colony Square Building in Atlanta. Under the leadership of Dr. Lee DDS, MD, FACS, Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates provides patients with a full scope of dental procedures from dental implants to corrective jaw surgery, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting and more. In addition, Dr. Lee offers cosmetic products and treatments, such as rejuvenation services, chin reshaping, scar revisions and eyelid surgery. We always strive to provide our patients with the ultimate care in oral and maxillofacial surgery. That includes state-of-the-art surgical care, compassion and individualized treatment plans for each patient, says Dr. Lee. She explains that Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates will retain full clinical autonomy throughout the partnership. How we treat patients as well as the name of our practice and our location will stay the same. USOSM provides behind-the-scenes support. They provide operational, marketing, administrative and financial expertise, helping the practice to run as smoothly as possible and freeing up more of our time so that we can focus on patient care. Currently, USOSM has partner practices spanning six states: Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, Minnesota and Alabama. A shared services organization, USOSM collaborates with premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons to offer a partnership solution for continued and accelerated practice success. USOSM provides operational, marketing and administrative support services, reinvests resources, and applies best practices to improve clinical and financial performance and produce steadier, more profitable growth for all. (Alliance News) - AIM-listed Cadence Minerals PLC on Monday said Macarthur Minerals reported "very positive" results across its iron ore, gold, nickel and cobalt projects in Western Australia. Cadence holds about a 7% stake in Macarthur, and Australian miner and exploration company. The UK-based investment firm said Macarthur is progressing on its feasibility study at Lake Giles iron project following the completion of infill drilling programme in December. Several drill holes from this programme intersected a zone of high-grade magnetite mineralisation, the company noted. Turning to the Hillside project in the Pilbara region, Cadence said Macarthur has completed a drilling programme, testing potential supergene and hypogene mineralisation. This programme also tested outcropping quartz vein mineralisation. Looking ahead, Macarthur will work closely with its partner, Fe Ltd, to advance exploration of its lithium, gold and base metal tenements in the Pilbara region. In the meantime, infill drilling of the Moonshine Magnetite deposit has been completed with samples submitted to the laboratory, Cadence noted. "Macarthur's focus remains on delivering a high-quality, low-impurity magnetite fines product which will target Asian steel mills that are focused on producing quality steel products, enhanced furnace efficiencies, reduced consumption of coking coal and improved environment emissions standards," said Macarthur Executive Chair Cameron McCall. Cadence shares were trading 0.9% lower in London on Monday at 6.56 pence each. By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 17:41:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A total of 212 million passenger trips were made from Jan. 10 to 12, the first three days of the Spring Festival travel rush, said China's Ministry of Transport Monday. The number increased by 3.7 percent year on year, according to the ministry. A total of 71.37 million passenger trips were made Sunday, the third day of the travel rush, including train trips, road trips, air passenger trips and waterway trips, a 3.2-percent increase from the previous year. The Spring Festival travel rush, also known as "chunyun," lasts for 40 days from Jan. 10 to Feb. 18, and the total number of trips is likely to hit 3 billion during the period, slightly up from the travel rush last year. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 18:07:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his visiting Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday urged close cooperation between the two neighbors. In a meeting on Monday, Zarif and Qureshi discussed bilateral ties as well as the latest regional and international developments, according to Iran's state TV. They emphasized close cooperation of Tehran and Islamabad to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf. On Sunday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed his country's readiness to promote amicable ties with all regional countries. Rouhani called for collective efforts to ensure peace and relieve tensions in the region. "We believe that division in the Islamic community is not beneficial to anyone and we completely welcome Pakistan's efforts for promoting regional peace and stability in this regard," he said in a meeting with Qureshi. For his part, the Pakistan's foreign minister assured that his country will not be used for posing a threat to other countries, including Iran. "We believe that the borders of Pakistan and Iran are the borders of peace and friendship and should remain the same," he noted. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 11:29 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321ea90b 1 Business erick-thohir,SOEMinistry,insurance,loss,Asabri,Jiwasraya,mahfud-md,Sri-Mulyani-Indrawati,TNI,Indonesian-Military,National-Police,BPK,AGO,Supreme-Audit-Agency Free State-owned insurance company Asuransi Sosial Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia (Asabri) has been implicated in a corruption case after its stock portfolio plunged, prompting scrutiny from high-ranking officials. Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD said he would summon Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and State-Owned Minister Erick Thohir to discuss the allegation and the potential state losses. "I got word of allegations involving Asabri with [state losses] amounting up to Rp 10 trillion (US$728.9 million)," he said at his office in Jakarta over the weekend as quoted by kompas.com. Another state-owned insurer, Asuransi Jiwasraya, is facing a corruption investigation by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). Jiwasraya failed to pay Rp 12.4 trillion in matured policies due in December 2019, leading to allegations of investment mismanagement. Meanwhile, Asabri, which manages social insurance and pension funds of personnel of the National Police, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and employees of the Defense Ministry, reportedly lost Rp 10 trillion as several stocks in its portfolio endured losses of more than 95 percent last year. Some of the stocks in Asabris portfolio were similar to those of ailing Jiwasraya that were deemed low quality stocks by the BPK. The stocks include PT Hanson International, the share price of which plunged 57.98 percent last year, and PT Alfa Energi Investama, which saw its share price nosedive by 95.79 percent in the same period. Separately, Erick said he would wait for the results of the BPKs audit before determining the next step in the Asabri case. We dont want to jump to conclusions, he said in Jakarta on Friday. Since the case came to light on Friday, Asabri has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter. Corporate secretary Meirizal C. said he would publish an explanation on its investment strategy after confirming the matter with relevant stakeholders, as reported by Kontan. Denise Richards is torn over the loss of her pup, Louie. On Sunday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 48, shared on Instagram that she recently said goodbye to the dog, which she adopted a decade ago. Richards honored Louie with a collection of photos, including one of the actress kissing the adorable dog. Heartbroken, she began her tribute caption. Came home from Spain to say goodbye to our Louie. did everything to keep him here. Sadly for us, it was his time to cross the rainbow bridge. Richards continued on to say that her family rescued Louie 10 years ago and that he was one of the funniest & most animated furry babies. Im so grateful he waited until I got home so I could be with him, she wrote. I know hes now with some of his siblings & his nana (my mom) but it still hurts. Richards concluded: Louie you are so loved & will be missed terribly. Thank you for blessing us with your unconditional love & effervescent beautiful spirit my .. RELATED: Remembering the Celebrity Pets We Lost in 2019 News of the death comes one week after the RHOBH star posted about Louies health, hoping for positive updates to come. Praying for our #louie I love this guy so much, she wrote on Instagram at the time. He had a rough life when he was younger.. we rescued him 9 yrs ago & hes just one of the funniest dogs weve ever adopted. Story continues She added, Its so hard when they enter their senior years. Hes so loved by all of us & hopefully hell make a positive recovery Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLEs free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Denise Richards | Jon Kopaloff/Getty RELATED: From Tattoos to Teary Selfies: The Sweetest Ways Celebs Have Paid Tribute to Their Late Pets In 2010, Richards told PEOPLE that due to her great love for animals, her close friends bestowed her with the clever nickname, Dr. Dolittle. I swear, if theres a dog stranded somewhere, he finds my car, and he finds me, she said. If anyone is looking to get a dog, they ask, Can you help me? While growing up in Illinois, Richards said she nurtured an intense love of animals, bringing home every stray dog she could. The actress said she would especially gravitate toward the ones that were homeless and had problems. Its so heartbreaking to walk away from the shelter after seeing the ones that arent going to be adopted, Richards said at the time. Theyve had a rough life. Police here on Monday detained YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) legislator Alla Ramakrishna Reddy and his supporter for organising a rally in favour of government's proposal of three capitals in the state. Earlier, police had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the area, which prohibits an assembly of four or more people. A rally that started from Penumaka village was scheduled to end at Tadepalli. YSRCP cadre and people carried placard and raised slogans in favour of decentralisation of power. The police did not allow the rally to proceed and held Reddy. He was later released. Along with Reddy, several party leaders and women who came to attend the rally were also detained at Mangalagiri police station. Meanwhile, YSRCP activists and local people had gathered outside the police station, demanding the immediate release of the party leader. Tensions have been rising in the state since Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had mooted the idea of three capitals, Vishakhapatnam and Kurnool along with Amaravati for the purpose of 'decentralised development. Opposition parties are protesting against the three capital announcement. Protests are happening all across the state including at Mandadam, Tulluru, Velagapudi village. On Saturday, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu was held at the Renigunta airport as several TDP members were detained after section 144 was imposed at the airport ahead of Naidu's arrival. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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Were extremely proud to be a partner in this work, said Liberty Mutual Insurance chairman and CEO David Long in a ceremony held last Friday announcing the first wave of recipients. Ending youth homelessness in the City of Boston requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, added Boston mayor Martin Walsh. Im grateful for Liberty Mutuals partnership and commitment to this important issue. By working together we can take urgent action to make a difference in the lives of our citys young people. According to Liberty Mutual Foundation president Melissa MacDonnell, the organizations the insurer has selected to support exemplify the dedication, innovation and strategic thinking necessary to create meaningful change on this vitally important issue. 1 of 2 Black Shark 3 5G become the worlds first smartphone with 16GB RAM Xiaomis Black Shark 3, which is reported to feature a whopping 16GB of RAM. It is now out in the open that Black Shark is planning to launch the Black Shark 3 5G. The phone with model number SHARK KLE-A0 has been certified by a Chinese certification website MIIT which reveals that the successor to Black Shark 2 will come with 16GB of RAM. If the listing is true, it would make the Black Shark 3 as the worlds first phone with such high RAM capacity. The listing, spotted by Twitter user Sudhanshu, does not reveal other information about the upcoming device but it does tell that the phone will come with 5G connectivity. We can expect the Black Shark 3 to be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and backed by a 4,000mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM with 256GB and 512GB storage options. Asus ROG Phone 2 is the first phone to feature the Snapdragon 855+ processor and it comes with 12GB RAM option. Read More... Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Reports On South Africa Provides the Trending Market Research Report On South Africa Retail Market, Size, Share, Outlook and Growth Opportunities 2020-2026 Under Consumer Goods Category. The Report offers a collection of South Africa Market Trends, South Africa Market Analysis, South Africa Business Trends, And South Africa Market Size And Growth. south africa Retail Market New store openings, acquisitions, and e-commerce drive will drive South Africa retail industry outlook to 2026. Further, strong M&A activity coupled with the expansion of distribution channels will benefit the companies operating in the South Africa retail markets. On the other hand, growing consumer awareness, increasing competition, costs involved in the deployment of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and emerging non-traditional resellers will challenge the market growth. Retail companies across South Africa focus on improving economies of scale, boosting operational efficiency and diversifying revenue through e-commerce channels. Request a free sample copy of Retail Market Report@ http://www.marketreportsonsouthafrica.com/marketreports/sample/reports/1873406 On the global front, the retail market size is estimated to be around $4.8 billion with North America dominating the retail sales, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific. Further, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are expanding rapidly. Expansion into new markets remains the core strategy of global leading companies with average operations per company spanning across 10 countries. Among products, fast-moving consumer goods topped the sales during 2019, followed by hard and leisure goods, apparel and accessories, and others. Growing South Africa e-commerce distribution channels are encouraging the foray of new entrants into the market. Recovering economy coupled with increasing buyer purchasing power, high disposable incomes of middle-class families and ease of access are driving the retail industry in South Africa. The South Africa Retail Market, Size, Share, Outlook and Growth Opportunities 2020-2026 presents a comprehensive analysis of the countrys retail market. Key trends and critical insights into South Africa Retail markets along with key drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities are presented in the report. South Africa household spending, expenditure outlook on essentials and non-essentials are forecast to 2026. Further, South Africa spending on food, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, tobacco spending, and others are forecast and analyzed in the report. On the South Africa clothing and footwear expenditure front, the total spending on South Africa population on clothing, footwear including repair spending is forecast to 2026. Besides, key trends, drivers and market outlook of South Africa household goods, tourism expenditure are also included in the research. South Africa Retail market is compared against five of its competitive markets in the region to analyze the role of South Africa on the regional front and benchmark its operations. Global Retail, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East Africa, North America, and Latin America Retail market outlook is also presented in the report to provide a global perspective of the industry. South Africa population and economic outlook are also presented in the report to provide insights and forecasts of macroeconomic factors shaping the future of South Africa Retail markets. Further, business and SWOT profiles of three of the leading Retail companies in South Africa are detailed in the report along with recent developments and their impact on overall market growth Scope of the report- Market-by-market analysis and outlook, 2017- 2026 Potential growth opportunities and areas of focus Key forecast drivers, challenges and their sensitivity Retail Industry- Market trends, the market attractiveness index The outlook of Retail segments, applications, and spending Competitive landscape including profiles, Business description, financial analysis Retail sector Market News and Deals Table Of Content 1. Introduction 1.1 Market Scope and Definition 1.2 Study Assumptions 1.3 Research Methodology 2. Global Retail Market size Outlook and Opportunities to 2026 2.1 Global Retail Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.2 Global Food and Beverages Spending Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.3 Global Clothing and footwear Spending Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.4 Global Retail Household Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.5 Global Tourism Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.6 Global Retail Market Outlook by Region, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.6.1 Asia Pacific Retail Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.6.2 Europe Retail Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.6.3 North America Retail Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.6.4 South and Central America Retail Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 2.6.5 Middle East and Africa Retail Market Outlook, $ Billion, 2019- 2026 3. South Africa Retail Market Insights 3.1 Industry Overview, 2019 3.2 South Africa Total Retail Market Value Outlook, 2019- 2026 3.3 South Africa Retail Market Trends and Insights 3.4 Key strategies Planned by Market Leaders 3.5 SWOT Analysis 3.5.1 Key Strengths 3.5.2 Key Weaknesses 3.5.3 Potential Opportunities 3.5.4 Potential Threats Browse our full report with Table of Content: http://www.marketreportsonsouthafrica.com/marketreports/south-africa-retail-market-size-share-outlook-and-growth-opportunities-2020-2026/1873406 About Market Reports on South Africa: Market Reports on South Africa is thus the one-stop solution for theen Retail market research requirements with regards to South Africa, We provide you with insight and analysis on the countrys economic outlook at the national, regional and city level, presenting a deep understanding of disparities and evolutionary paths. Get a complete, consistent and concise view of your markets with comprehensive industry reports. Our latest regional data-banks, forecasts, and detailed risk ratings will help you to identify risk and opportunities in every industry and develop strategic plans to deal with the competitiveness in South Africas market. Contact us at: Market Reports On South Africa Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonsouthafrica.com Website: http://www.marketreportsonsouthafrica.com Arable farmers have a new tool available this spring to combat tough populations of grass weeds and broad-leaved weeds. Pacifica Plus is a herbicide from Bayer and is used against broad-leaved weeds, including cleavers, common chickweed, mayweeds and charlock. The product is a development of the widely-used Pacifica which has been a vital post-emergence grass weed herbicide for many years. The new product has 30g/kg mesosulfuron and 10g/kg iodosulfuron which provide the grass weed control. Ben Coombs, Bayers combinable crop herbicide campaign manager, said: Growers have changed their approach to spring weed control in recent seasons. Specific black-grass control is focused at the pre-emergence timing in autumn. By spring, growers are now often looking to control broader range of grasses and broad-leaved weeds rather than target a contact-acting herbicide just at black-grass or rye-grass. Mr Coombs said: Pacifica Plus will do as good a job as anything against the difficult grass weeds, but its wide spectrum of activity means that growers only have to use one product and spray once to complete the spring weed control programme. This will help free up time for the fungicide programme and spring crop establishment which both compete for attention at this time of year. Mr Coombs thinks that Pacifica Plus could be particularly valuable this spring following the difficult autumn. Lots of wheat went in late, lots didnt get a pre-em and the ground has stayed wet so crops will need a lot of help this spring. Thin poorly established crops are always vulnerable to weeds of any type, so the broad-spectrum control of Pacifica Plus is likely to be helpful on many farms. In situations where the target is only grass weeds, growers have the option of using Monolith (mesosulfuron + propoxycarbazone) which has good grass weed activity but with a narrower broad-leaved weed spectrum of Pacifica Plus. Pacifica Plus can be used from 1 February in winter wheat crops and has the same application requirements as other products in the mesosulfuron family. A dry leaf, active growth and calm conditions are needed so that the active substance lands on the leaf and is taken in by the plant. Senior economic officials from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) gathered in Hanoi on January 12 for their 18th meeting hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT). Heads of delegations and GIZ representatives at the meeting This was an important meeting of the CLMV economic cooperation mechanism within theeconomic cooperation channel of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) in 2020. Thebiannual event focused on the plan to realize the outcomes of the 11th CLMV Economic Ministers Meeting that took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 5, 2019; the implementation of the 2019-2020 CLMV action plan; andnecessary procedures for the submission of the CLMV development frameworkadopted by CLMV economic ministers last September, to the upcoming CLMV Summit,according to the MoITs Asian-African Market Department. Theofficials also had a discussion with the ASEAN Secretariat on the deployment ofthe plan regarding the third phase of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration(AIA) and other relevant issues. Theysuggested the ASEAN Secretariat further support the four countries in connectingwith their development partners, and mapping out a plan to implement the CLMVdevelopment framework after it is approved at the CLMV Summit. TheCLMV development framework provides strategic orientations for economiccollaboration between the four countries, and it is the first of its kind thathas been formed since the establishment of the CLMV cooperation mechanism, theAsian-African Market Department said, adding that it looks towards a developedand competitive CLMV region by 2030. Theofficials also spent time reviewing the implementation of some projects fundedby development partners like Japan, India and Germany. Accordingto the department, the annual CLMV Economic Ministers Meeting on the sidelinesof the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting will approve annual action programmesof the member countries and map out orientations for their cooperation in thenext year. Suchaction programmes focus on economy-trade, human resources development andcoordination mechanism. TheCLMV Economic Ministers Meeting aims to enhance economic, trade and investmentties between the four countries, step up regional integration, improve the roleof CLMV in regional and international production chains, and narrow thedevelopment gap between CLMV and other ASEAN member countries, the departmentsaid./.VNA Actor Deepika Padukone's decision to visit JNU to express solidarity with students who had been attacked was a "personal" one, "Chhapaak" director Meghna Gulzar said on Monday while stressing the need to separate the personal from the professional. The fimmaker also urged the audience to "divert the lens" and to look at the reason behind making the film based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. "Chhapaak", which stars Deepika in the main role, catapulted to national headlines after the Bollywood A-lister showed up at a public meeting in the campus three days before the release of the film. She did not speak but stook silently behind student leaders. The actor, who also turned producer with the film, was both lauded and trolled for her visit to the varsity. "We have to be able to separate betweenthe personal and professional. What somebody does in their personal life and what they have done as a professional in a film needs to be looked at separately," Meghna told PTI in a telephonic interview when asked to comment on Deepika's much discussed visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University. "While they are trying to separate the lens of personal and professional, if one can slightly divert the lens back to the reason why we made the film and what we are trying to talk about and bring to light... I think it is important," she added. "Chhapaak" released on January 10 along with Ajay Devgn-starrer period drama "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior". "This is a distribution decision that was taken by the film's distributor and I think they believed that both films are very different and will find their audience. I think that also came from a place of faith in the film. "Considering how populated our film release calendar is, it is extremely difficult to find a solo release," Meghna added. "Chhapaak" also features Vikrant Massey and Madhurjeet Sarghi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Asa Winstanley January 12, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - A prominent Israel lobbyist in the UK has claimed credit for last months electoral defeat of the British Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn. The beast is slain, Joe Glasman delighted Corbyn has been slaughtered. He rejoiced that we defeated him in the election. They tried to kill us, he ranted, but we won. Glasman leads the political investigations team at the Campaign Against Antisemitism, or CAA an influential anti-Palestinian lobby group. He made his comments in a bizarre video rant addressed to his team of supporters that he posted online during the holiday break. The video was soon set to private. But left-wing Labour activists managed to download a copy and posted it on the Barnet Momentum Facebook page. This video is posted here for news reporting purposes. In the video Glasman claimed he and his supporters beat Corbyn through a coordinated campaign using methods including our spies and intel. But he said his group were not secret Mossad spies, theyre just ordinary people. The video swiftly became an embarrassment. Other copies posted online have been taken down following copyright claims by Glasman. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The Electronic Intifada is reposting the full video for news reporting purposes. Partisan charity After he was subjected to a four-year witch hunt targeting the left and Palestine solidarity activists over alleged Labour anti-Semitism, Corbyn lost last months general election. The Campaign Against Antisemitism was founded in 2014 during Israels war against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, to counter rising criticism of Israel. It did so primarily by smearing critics as anti-Semitic. It has been one of the most active right-wing Zionist groups promoting the false notion that Labour became an anti-Semitic party after Jeremy Corbyn won the leadership in 2015. But as anti-Zionist Palestine solidarity campaigner Tony Greenstein recently put it, The one thing that the Campaign Against Antisemitism doesnt do is to campaign against anti-Semitism. In fact, Greenstein argued on his blog, anti-Semitism of the traditional kind is all but ignored by it, but [fake] anti-Semitism of the anti-Zionist or pro-Palestinian variety is very much its concern. Despite being a registered charity, and thus supposedly non-partisan, the CAA openly campaigned against Labour and against Corbyn. It organised demonstrations against Labour, including one day before last months general election. Greenstein has complained to the Charity Commission, calling for the regulator to remove the groups tax-exempt status. Anti-Palestinian agenda The Campaign Against Antisemitism habitually smears Palestinians and their supporters. In 2017, it attacked Malaka Shwaikh, a Palestinian from Gaza then running in student elections in Exeter. The attacks sparked a barrage of threats and harassment against her. Now a lecturer at the University of Leeds, Shwaikh told The Electronic Intifada at the time, The right of free speech on campus has been threatened. This article was originally published by "Palestine Post" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== In the first of a four-part series looking at the finalists for the Cork Company of the Year Awards, Munster Business Hub editor Alan Healy casts an eye over the contenders in the Emerging category. Getvisibility helps companies classify their sensitive data The accumulation of data has become a major issue for companies worldwide and how that is classified and structured is often a major headache. Enter the Getvisibility software platform who are disrupting the document data industry. They are introducing the first scalable machine learning solution that solves the problem of finding and accurately classifying documents in large corporate networks. Ronan Murphy, the founder of Smarttech247, heads up Getvisability based in the Cork Airport Business Park alongside CTO Derek Coetzee and VP product, Artem Kalaitan. Their team is helping companies to build effective and accountable data processes in line with the UN sustainable development goals. The storage of personal data is a concern for many companies. Getvisibility highlights where customers personal identifiable information is held and alerts them to data at risk. This allows customers to be more accountable regarding their collection and processing of data, and ensure the rights of the consumer are being protected. Until now, there have been no effective tools on the market for accurately discovering and classifying documents with a high degree of trust. Also, due to the complexity of this challenge, the cost of data classification is exceptionally high, where only large companies can afford data classification. Getvisibility brings artificial intelligence and natural language processing for automation of this task, with the benefit of better classification accuracy. They also support customers to use the results of the data classification in other security initiatives such as helping with Government, risk and compliance, enabling cloud migration, data loss prevention systems and helping to deal with data clean-ups to remove duplicates, outdated and trivial data. The company currently has a staff of more than 30 from a wide variety of countries including South Africa, Mexico, Russia, Belgium, India and the UK, and currently have 40% female hires with the aim of increasing to 50% in 2020. They plan to more than double this over the next four years. Getvisibility has a number of customers in various industries such as insurance, government and the financial sector. They acquired customers within the first eight months of starting the company in 2017. FBD Insurance and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are some of their large local customers in Ireland. They are currently closing additional customers in manufacturing, food R&D, healthcare and the legal industries. Derek Coetzee said Getvisibility has gone from strength to strength in the last 12 months, gaining traction throughout Europe, the Middle East and America. However, to be recognised locally by such a prestigious organisation as the Cork Chamber gives us great belief in the future of our business. As a Cork-based company, growing locally is of utmost importance to us and we view this award as a seal approval from our Cork peers. Glavlocs Lego-style approach to building new homes and units Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing Irish society today. The demands for private, affordable and social homes has placed huge demands on Irelands construction industry. Cork company Glavloc is playing their part in addressing this need through a range of products that they believe will fundamentally change the building industry both nationally and internationally. The Glavloc system is targeted at both builders and developers. Their primary products are timber structural frames and insulated passive foundation systems for the construction industry. Glavloc CEO Paul Glavin. His company currently has capacity to produce components for 150 strong and thermally efficient timber-framed buildings per year. These products currently have over 100 international patent claims in seven tranches across the EEA countries, China, Russia, Canada, America, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, and are used to construct strong and thermally efficient timber-framed buildings. The company is led by Paul Glavin, who has 18 years of experience in the civil engineering and construction industries. Based on Corks northside, they currently have eight houses/commercial units in the planning stage and another 10 in the design or costing stage. They are also in talks for several multi-unit developments. Their current target is to deliver 42 houses in 2020. Glavloc is building towards 40 employees within the next five years. Using a small number of generic interchangeable components, Glavloc can build housing that it says is indistinguishable from traditionally-built units, in a quarter of the time. An average-sized three-bed semi-detached house can be developed in six to eight weeks using the Glavloc system. These components are flat-packed, which allows them to be easily transportable and exportable. Glavloc, using one machine, currently has the capacity to produce components for 150 buildings per year, with the aim to reach circa 450 buildings in the next five years through the addition of other production lines. Their long-term objective is to become a leading producer of innovative building products for the global construction market. They envisage growing their market base outside Ireland which will deliver further jobs not only in Ireland but also abroad. While the expertise required to produce this product is currently within Cork, it is a model they can replicate abroad and in other potential facilities. The delivery of a few multi-unit developments in 2020 will accelerate jobs in Ireland and overseas. Paul Glavin said that they are delighted to be selected as a finalist in the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2020. We have strived to bring innovative technologies to the construction industry and to be recognised for this in the Emerging Company category validates the work we have done to date, he said. We endeavour to continue to bring disruptive technology to the construction industry and look forward to where this will take us all. Bringing outside communication into the business world Internal communications have become an increasingly important element of good office management. Workvivo is a Cork-based technology company that has designed a communication platform using ways people are familiar with outside the workplace and brought that into a business context. Using Workvivo, employees can read and post content to an activity feed, like, share and comment in the same way they do outside of the working environment, but they can also recognise others through shout-outs, link posts to company goals and values, create community spaces and publish company articles and events. CEO John Goulding and chief technical officer Joe Lennon, co-founders of technology company Workvivo. The result is a communications experience that employees actually want to use, and a powerful way for businesses to align employees to company goals and cultural values. Workvivo was founded in 2017 by CEO John Goulding and chief technology officer Joe Lennon, formerly of CoreHR. This combination of commercial and technical experience was instrumental in getting the company off the ground in the very early stages. With their extensive first-hand experience in creating successful HR technology, they had come to see the challenge and opportunities evident in employee engagement. In the two years since they founded the company, Workvivo has increased its user base to more than 100,000 in 38 countries and employs 13 people in its Douglas offices. The plan is to hit one million users on the platform by 2022, with a revenue goal of 9m by 2021 with the headcount increasing to accommodate this growth The company hopes to have an additional 100 people, mostly Cork-based, added to the workforce in the next three years. This aggressive growth expectation is indicated by some recent significant milestones for the business, including the securing of a global customer with 40,000 users, and the securing of investment from Eric S Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom Video Communications Inc. The fact that Mr Yuan decided to personally invest in Workvivo is a strong testament to how well the company is differentiated and tracking to a potential high-profile international technology company. As a Cork-based and Cork-founded business, Workvivo sees not only an opportunity to disrupt a large and active market but to support the association of Cork with high-growth tech companies nationally and internationally. Pete Rawlinson, chief marketing officer of Workvivo said they are delighted to be a finalist for the Cork Chamber Awards. 2019 has been a pivotal year for Workvivo. Weve grown faster than planned, secured some great international business, and had a lot of fun working with our customers and their employees. Were looking forward to the same in 2020, continuing our great momentum and helping increase Corks profile internationally. San Francisco police arrested two teenagers they believe were responsible for the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old woman this month in the Tenderloin district, officials said Monday. Officers from the departments narcotics detail arrested Kevin Lopez-Figueroa, an 18-year-old San Francisco resident, on Friday morning in connection with the Jan. 5 killing of Emma Hunt, officials said. He was jailed on suspicion of murder and conspiracy. Hours later, officers executed a search warrant at an apartment in Mission Bay and arrested a 17-year-old boy. He was booked into the Juvenile Justice Center on suspicion of murder and conspiracy. In a statement, police said the investigation was ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed many details about the slaying but told Hunts family they were investigating a dispute between Hunt and a man she hit with a plastic crate in the early hours of Jan. 5 in the area of Larkin and OFarrell streets. Police believe the man took out a gun and shot her, her family told The Chronicle. Paramedics took Hunt to San Francisco General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Relatives and friends remembered Hunt as a strong woman and a mother of two children who lived on the streets of Ethiopia for a year, taking care of her younger sister after their mother died. She was recently battling a drug addiction, loved ones said. The announcement of the arrests came on the same day that San Francisco officials and community activists gathered at the place Hunt was killed to to mourn her death and the killings of two other black women in San Francisco over the last 30 days. At a news conference Monday morning, Supervisors Shamann Walton and Matt Haney called on the public to take heed of the plight of black women in San Francisco, who they said do not grab headlines when they become victims of violence. Their deaths left a combined 11 children without mothers. 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. Despite recent drops in violent crime in the city, there is much more work to do, Walton said. Shakirah Simley, who started work Monday as the citys first director of the newly created Office of Racial Equity, lamented the fact that her first offiical act is to mourn the murder of black women and the trauma of 11 black children. Chronicle staff writer Dominic Fracassa contributed to this report. Alejandro Serrano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alejandro.serrano@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @serrano_alej Niko Tavernise /Warner Bros. LOS ANGELES The 92nd Academy Awards will be a showdown between old and new Hollywood: Netflix amassed a leading 24 nominations Monday, including best picture honors for The Irishman and Marriage Story, but traditional studios were only a heartbeat behind. Despite a plethora of diverse films competing for Oscar love this year, the Academy largely maintained its traditional point of view, handing out the most nominations to four very male, very white films. Joker (Warner Bros.) led all films with 11 nominations, including ones for best picture, director (Todd Phillips), actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and score (Hildur Gunadottir). The visually dazzling World War I epic 1917 (Universal) and Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Sony) each received 10, including best picture recognition. The Irishman also garnered 10. One of the four contract workers, who was injured after a fire broke out at the Mathura refinery in Uttar Pradesh last week, succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Delhi on Monday, an official said. Pop Singh, Giriraj, Geetam and Omprakash sustained burn injuries after a fire broke out in a sump when they were working on an effluent treatment plant last week, Renu Pathak, assistant manager of corporate communications at Mathura Refinery, said. Singh, along with Giriraj and Geetam, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on January 7, Pathak said, adding that he succumbed to injuries on Monday. The condition of Giriraj and Geetam was stated to be stable, Pathak said. Omprakash had sustained a minor injury and was discharged from hospital on January 9, she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Impeachment and health care, too: Affordable health care and trade policy will take top billing, too, but I dont think you can avoid impeachment, Mixon said. Candidates have to be careful about messaging here as they try to reach undecided Democratic voters and swing voters. What youre trying to do is position yourself. If youre Biden, Buttigieg, Warren and Sanders, you want to make the case that youre the one to beat Trump in a general election and thats why you should be the partys nominee. An off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's detective was struck and killed by a car after helping an elderly pedestrian who had fallen while crossing the street on Sunday. The fatal crash took place at around 11am at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Whitsett Avenue in the Valley Village neighborhood as West Hollywood Station Detective Amber Leist, 41, was returning to her vehicle. Leist, a 12-year veteran of the department, was rushed to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at a press conference on Sunday evening. Scroll down for video La County Sheriff's Detective Amber Leist, 41, was killed in a traffic accident Sunday morning after assisting a woman who had taken a fall at an intersection The crash took place on Sunday the intersection of Riverside Drive and Whitsett Avenue in the Valley Village neighborhood A bouquet of roses and candles mark the spot where Detective Leist was killed as she walked back to her car The driver of the car that claimed Leist's life reportedly remained at the scene and attempted to render aid. Leist, a 12-year veteran, leaves behind a 20-year-old son who's in the US Navy and a 17-year-old boy 'Today, the LASD is grieving. We are shocked and stunned by the sudden loss of a family member,' Villanueva told reporters. 'God had a better plan for her and she was called home.' According to the sheriff, the detective leaves behind two sons: a 20-year-old who is currently on active duty in the US Navy and his 17-year-old brother. The sheriff said during the press conference that Leist was waiting at a red light to make a left turn when she noticed two people crossing the street, and one of them stumbled and fell. She put her vehicle in park, walked over to the crosswalk, helped the senior citizen up and led her across the intersection to the sidewalk. As the detective was making her way back to her vehicle, Villanueva said a car traveling eastbound on Riverside Drive hit her when the light turned green. LAPD Commander Marc Reina said the driver is cooperating with the investigation, which is ongoing. So far, no charges have been filed. Video shows deputies line up to salute Detective Leist's flag-draped body as it was loaded into a coroner's van Leist's body was transported from Cedar Sinai Hospital to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner Video released by the sheriff's office on Twitter showed deputies line up to salute Detective Leist's flag-draped body as it was loaded into a coroner's van to be transported from Cedar Sinai Hospital to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Villanueva said Leist began her career in law enforcement at the North County Correctional Facility, then moved to Lancaster Station, and five years ago she transferred to the West Hollywood Station, where she rose to the rank of detective after working as a patrolwoman and a school resource officer. 'She was an outstanding detective who would lead by example, and she definitely led by example through an act of kindness,' he said. New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Lohri is widely celebrated in the country on January 13 every year. The festival holds a greater significance in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Therefore, the Punjabi diaspora, settled abroad celebrates Lohri there with equal zest and zeal. But have you ever thought about why we celebrate this festival? Well, it is said that Lohri marks the winter solstice, welcoming the beautiful summer sunshine with open arms. Lohri is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi on January 13 every year. Significance and Legends There are various legends associated with the festival and its origin. There are various Lohri folk songs associated with the festival and in them, Surya Dev or Sun God finds a mention where people thank him for providing with the heat on earth. Also, in other songs Agni - the Lohri Goddess is revered. It is believed that by performing the circumambulation of the Lohri fire with utmost faith and optimism, one can expect miracles to happen. The festival ushers in a new dawn for a great harvest season as it bids goodbye to the cold and bone-chilling winters. Also, many look forward to celebrating the festival of Lohri in order to wish for the well-being of loved ones, to pray for childrens marriage, the childless seek an offspring while praying to the Lohri goddess (Agni). Lohri Prasad: Various kinds of food items are offered to the Lohri fire to seek blessings, prosperity and happiness from the almighty. The Lohri Prasad consists of five food items which include the Til (Sesame), the Gajak (a sweet preparation), Gud (Jaggery), Moongphali (Peanuts) and Phuliya (Popcorn). These are offered to the fire Goddess (Agni) to seek her blessings for the wellbeing for the family. Here's wishing our readers a very happy Lohri! A woman has described the unthinkable moment she pulled a child from the wreckage of a crash that killed both his parents as he screamed 'my mum's dead!' Eduardo Rodrigues, 41, and his wife Danielle, 37, were killed when their seven-seater Nissan Pathfinder rolled 'five or six times' on the Forest Highway near Bunbury, south of Perth, on Sunday. Two-month-old Rafael, three-year-old Anthony, six-year-old Andre and Mr Rodrigues' parents, in their 60s, were also inside the car. Friend Mariana Queiroz, who was driving ahead of the family, described the moment she helplessly watched the fatal crash in her rear-view mirror. Eduardo Rodrigues, 41, and his wife Danielle, 37, were killed when their car rolled 'five or six times' 'I remember my husband yelling ''please Mariana, it's them'', but I couldn't think much,' she told 7 News. 'And when I saw through the mirror, I saw the car rolling over, I don't know how many times but it was a lot.' The couple pulled over and rushed to the mangled car. 'There was a lot of help there, one lady went inside the car to get the baby and another got Anthony,' she said. 'The older one was screaming a lot, saying "my mum's dead, my mum's dead," and I was like, "No, you have to look at me, stay with me".' The couple had three children - two-month-old Rafael, three-year-old Anthony, six-year-old Andre Friend Mariana Queiroz described the moment she helplessly watched the fatal crash Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan was one of the first on the scene. 'I've never seen anything like it,' he said. 'It flipped about five or six times sideways. Just obliterated. It was unbelievable.' Ms Queiroz said Mr Rodrigues, who was driving, felt tired 20-minutes before the accident. Andre was screaming after the car flipped, saying 'my mum's dead, my mum's dead'. Pictured: Andres's mum Danielle The couple were driving back from a day trip to Margaret River. They moved to Perth from Brazil ten years ago The couple were driving back from a day trip to Margaret River. Western Australian police told Daily Mail Australia Ms Rodrigues was sitting in the rear passenger seat when she died. The children and their grandparents, who were visiting from Brazil, were flown to a Perth hospital with minor injuries. Family friends created a Go Fund Me campaign to help pay for funeral costs and to care for their three children, along with Ms Rodrigues' son from a previous relationship. Mr and Mr Rodrigues moved to Perth from Brazil ten years ago. Now we can get to the bottom of whether she still hears those interminable lambs. CBS has given a series commitment to Clarice, a new drama written and executive produced by Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek: Picard) and Jenny Lumet (Star Trek: Discovery). The action takes place in 1993, a year after the events of The Silence of the Lambs. The series will delve in Clarices personal as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high stakes political world of Washington, D.C., according to CBS. No casting news has been announced. After more than 20 years of silence, were privileged to give voice to one of Americas most enduring heroes Clarice Starling, according to a joint statement from Kurtzman and Lumt. Clarices bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always. Kurtzman and Lumet are currently the co-creators and co-showrunners of the CBS All Access series The Man Who Fell to Earth. The Silence of the Lambs was not only a bestselling novel but the 1991 feature film that starred Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins earned five Academy Awards, including for Best Picture. Related content: Following the deal, RMS managing director Christian Low and his team will continue to operate from their current location under the leadership of Gallagher Caribbean group CEO Matthew Pragnell. Our Caribbean brokerage operations have worked on regional accounts with RMS since the mid-'90s, commented Gallagher chairman, president, and CEO J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr. We have been very impressed with their integrity, knowledge of the business and high-quality service, and we are delighted to further solidify that partnership. Read more: Gallagher starts the year with insurance agency acquisition in NY Earlier this month, Gallagher welcomed the new year with its first acquisition of 2020 the company snapped up Walsdorf Agency in New York, which is a commercial and personal lines agency with strong real estate expertise. Marie Gallagher, 72, of Cherry Hill, a Catholic-school teacher and principal best known for keeping Little Flower High School for Girls open when it was on the verge of closing in 1992, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, of a brain hemorrhage at Jeanes Hospital. Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Miss Gallagher attended St. Bernards School and St. Huberts Catholic High School for Girls, where she taught many years later. She graduated from Neumann College, and earned a masters degree in education from Villanova University and a masters degree in administration from what is now Rider University. Miss Gallagher began her teaching career at St. Huberts and moved to Little Flower, in Hunting Park, where she served from 1986 to 1995 as a teacher, dean of students, and principal. She is the only lay principal the school has had. It was that role of principal that she made her biggest mark. In 1992, as the Philadelphia Archdiocese adopted an open-enrollment policy, allowing students to attend schools outside their neighborhoods, there was doubt among diocesan officials that Little Flower and nine other schools could attract enough students and funds to keep operating. The officials moved to shut them down. On Oct. 9, 1992, Miss Gallagher announced to the student body in the auditorium that the school would close. When they heard the announcement, everyone was in tears, Miss Gallagher told the Northeast Times. There was crying, people were upset. I said, We dont have time to cry, we have to work, we have a lot to do. For the next eight weeks, she led a flurry of activity to keep Little Flower in the public eye and raise money from alumnae to prove the schools commitment to staying open. Miss Gallagher and other Little Flower officials drafted a sustainability plan. Meanwhile, the donations rolled in. Small bills and checks amounted to $90,000. The school recruited 244 freshmen for the following year. At one point, in a meeting at Archbishop Ryan High School, Little Flowers students and officials made a pitch to Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua. Miss Gallagher joked that they literally stalked him with entreaties to save the school, the Northeast Times reported. It worked. On Dec. 14, 1992, with all the major Philadelphia news outlets present, Miss Gallagher announced to the student body that the school would stay open. There was a lot of tears and cheers, said Miss Gallaghers sister, Eileen Smith. Though Miss Gallagher moved on in her career, she continued to be a significant presence at Little Flower events. She was there at the 80th anniversary Mass and celebration in September 2019 to enjoy the fruits of her tremendous efforts, the school said. After moving to South Jersey in 1994, she served in the Runnemede School District as principal of Bingham and Downing Elementary Schools. She retired in 2013. As news of Miss Gallaghers death circulated, there was an outpouring of online tributes from colleagues and former students. She was my English teacher freshman year at St. Huberts, wrote Patricia DiJulio of Cherry Hill. Miss Gallagher was a wonderful teacher, my personal favorite from high school. She made learning fun. I ran into her seven years ago in Runnemede. I couldnt believe she remembered me, my sisters, and cousins from St. Huberts. Marie was a beautiful soul, wrote Alyssa Ziff of Frankford, Del. It was a privilege to have worked with her and shared friendship professionally. My prayers are with her family as they grieve. She is survived by her parents, James J. and Mary Leonard Gallagher; three brothers; two sisters; and a large extended family. A viewing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, and again Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Holy Eucharist Roman Catholic Church, 344 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11. Burial is private. Memorial donations may be made to St. Huberts Catholic High School for Girls, 7320 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19136, or Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, c/o Sister Joan M. Ames, Director of Advancement, 1000 W. Lycoming St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19140. A frequent flyer claims he ended up in a Mexican jail at the hands of corrupt police officers during a trip he took to reach a special loyalty status with an airline. TV and internet producer Andrew Kimmel, from Los Angeles, tells of his extraordinarily rotten luck on his Twitter account a tale so dramatic that some liken it to a real-life version of movie The Hangover. The gripping thread begins with Kimmel explaining that he learned he was just a $275 spend short of achieving Executive Platinum status with American Airlines. A frequent flyer claims he ended up in a jail at the hands of corrupt police officers during a trip he took to Cabo San Lucas, pictured, to reach a special loyalty status with an airline He asked the carrier if he could just pay them the cash, rather than buy a plane ticket. Yes, was the answer, but it would have to be $1,875. Not willing to fork out the lump sum, Kimmel bought a $400 return ticket to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for 24 hours instead. But rather than enjoying a whirlwind visit full of sunshine and laughter, he alleges he quickly found himself at the mercy of conmen. Mr Kimmel summed up his escapade with this January 1 tweet He explains that he found a cheap hotel to stay in, rented a car then decided to hit some bars. He says: At the last bar of the evening, I was presented with a bill for over $300. I had two beers. The bar manager said I needed to pay or hed call the police. I give him my credit card and it was declined due to fraud protection. He continues: The bar manager was now threatening me. He grabbed me and brought me to an ATM outside. I refused to take out cash. So he called the police. Surely the Mexican police would understand the situation. Unfortunately, that wasnt the case, because according to Mr Kimmel, the police officers were working with the manager of the bar on the alleged con. Mr Kimmel has tweeted an allegation that he was the victim of a swindle perpetrated by a bar and police officers He alleges he was handcuffed as the bar manager stole his debit card and passport. Kimmel was then put in a jail somewhere outside of Cabo. He was told he would be released after 30 minutes. Several hours later, he was still locked up. It was a desperately grim situation. But he had a guardian angel. Kimmel explains that a Kenyan woman arrived and paid his bail after hearing what happened to him. It really will make the perfect rom-com movie. Netflix should start working on this' A Kenyan woman who he then admitted he was attracted to. In the end, he was able to return to Los Angeles after the African crush lent him money for an immigration form that officials at Cabo San Lucas International Airport said he needed for a passport-less flight back to the U.S. Mr Kimmel's yarn quickly went viral, with one Twitter user, Trinity Resists, saying it had shades of The Hangover (pictured) After a kiss goodbye, he boarded an LA-bound plane and landed on New Year's Day, relieved to be home. The yarn quickly went viral, with one Twitter user, Trinity Resists, saying it had shades of The Hangover. Another, Steven Cravis, says: It really will make the perfect rom-com movie. Netflix should start working on this. American Airlines eventually got wind of the escapade and tweeted: Reaching Executive Platinum status isnt easy. For those who make it, the benefits are amazing. Were happy youll make your goal. The benefits of Executive Platinum status include complimentary upgrades within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Caribbean and upgrades for companions in certain instances. US threatens to cut off Iraq's access to oil account in New York if troops expelled: Paper Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 7:15 AM Iraqi officials say the administration of US President Donald Trump has threatened to shut off Iraq's access to a key central banking account if Baghdad expels American troops from the Arab country. Washington would shut down Baghdad's access to its main account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, used to collect revenues from Iraq's overseas oil sales, The Wall Street Journal quoted the officials as saying. According to the most recent financial statement from the Central Bank of Iraq, the bank held almost $3 billion in overnight deposits at the close of 2018. The report came a day after Trump implicitly threatened to seize $35 billion of Iraqi money held in US banks if the country insists on having American forces withdrawn from Iraq. Trump said he had told Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi that Iraq "should pay back the United States for its investments in the country over the past several years or the American military will stay there," Fox News reported. "I said, 'If we leave, you got to pay us,'" Trump told the news network in the White House. "If we leave ... you have to pay us for the money we put in." Asked how he planned to collect money from Iraq, Trump said: "Well, we have a lot of their money right now. We have a lot of their money. We have $35 billion of their money right now sitting in an account. "And I think they'll agree to pay. I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," he added. Last week, Trump claimed that the United States had paid Iraq billions of dollars a year for many years. Asked about the claim on Friday, Trump told Fox News, "We built one of the world's most expensive airport facilities, anywhere in the world" in Iraq. Baghdad International Airport houses US military personnel. On Saturday, NBC News revealed that CIA agents at the airport were waiting for a jet carrying Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani from Damascus. Once the flight landed, American spies at the airport confirmed its exact whereabouts as three American drones moved into position overhead and targeted two vehicles carrying Soleimani and Iraq's anti-terror commander Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis and their companions. The US military also controls several airbases in Iraq, including Ain al-Asad which is said to be the largest of the American bases in the Middle East. On Wednesday, Iran pounded the airbases with a volley of ballistic missiles in response to General Soleimani's assassination. About 5,300 American forces are deployed across Iraq. After the assassination, the Iraqi parliament approved a motion, calling for the withdrawal of all American forces. On Thursday, Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi asked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision." However, the State Department said in a statement on Friday that Washington would not hold discussions with Baghdad regarding US troop withdrawal. The US, backed by the UK, invaded Iraq in 2003 under the pretext that the former regime of Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons were ever found in the country. The invasion, however, plunged Iraq into chaos and led to the rise of terrorist groups across the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thousands flee Taal volcano in Philippines as ash shuts Manila airport January 13,2020 | Source: AP A small volcano in a lake in the Philippines erupted with a massive plume of ash and steam Sunday, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and forcing Manila's international airport to close. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal volcano in Batangas province south of Manila blasted steam, ash and pebbles up to 9 miles into the sky. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, but authorities scrambled to evacuate more than 6,000 villagers from an island in the middle of the lake and tens of thousands more from nearby coastal towns, officials said. About 300,000 people were identified to be moved to safety in Batangas overnight and in the next few days. We have asked people in high-risk areas, including the volcano island, to evacuate now ahead of a possible hazardous eruption, Solidum said. Renelyn Bautista, a 38-year-old housewife who was among thousands of residents who fled from Batangas provinces Laurel town, said she hitched a ride to safety from her home with her two children, including a 4-month-old baby, after Taal erupted and the ground shook mildly. We hurriedly evacuated when the air turned muddy because of the ashfall and it started to smell like gunpowder, Bautista said by phone. Fallen ash covered the runways at Manilas international airport Sunday night. All departing and arriving international and domestic flights were suspended due to volcanic ash in the vicinity of the airport and nearby air routes, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said. Taal lies around 37 miles south of Manila. The volcanology institute said the small island where the volcano lies is a permanent danger zone, although fishing villages have existed there for years. It asked nearby coastal communities to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lake water disturbances related to the ongoing unrest. euronews 2020 Theme(s): Others. Yoga guru Ramdev on Monday said Deepika Padukone should get herself acquainted with socio-political issues in the country before taking any "big decisions" and should appoint people like him as her advisors, who will give her a "fair insight" into vital issues. Padukone has been drawing flak from right wing leaders and trolls for expressing solidarity with the students on the JNU campus in New Delhi who were protesting against the January 5 violence. "Deepika's efficiency as an actor is a different ball game. However, she should first study social, political and cultural issues and understand more about our country. After acquiring this knowledge, she should take big decisions," Ramdev told reporters in Indore in Madhya Pradesh. I feel that Deepika Padukone should have persons like Swami Ramdev for the right piece of advice, he quipped. Strongly supporting the new citizenship act, Ramdev said that even those people who do not even know the full form of the CAA are using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The prime minister and the home minister have said that the law was not meant to snatch citizenship but rather to grant it, but people are still igniting fires over it," he said. Ramdev said some people are creating chaos over the National Register of Citizens (NRC). "They are even raising slogans for 'Jinnah Wali Azadi'. Where did this slogan come from? Such protests are tarnishing the image of the country and its institutions," he alleged. Ramdev claimed two crore people are living in India illegally. "No country can be permitted to be used as a dumping yard. No illegal citizen should be allowed to live in India. If protesters opposing the proposed NRC have any alternative proposal, they should come forward with it," he said. Hailing Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, Ramdev said the Indian freedom struggle was incomplete without the former. "To tarnish the whole character of a person for just one or two things is an extremely shallow act," he said. When asked about Congress leaders terming Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Indira Gandhi, he said, "If a grandchild emerges like her grandmother, then that trait fetches glory to the entire clan, and we will welcome it". He said the Opposition should be as strong as the ruling party for making democracy robust. Ramdev demanded the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) should be annexed to India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From Yakub Memon to Afzal Guru: Here is what their last wish was before they were hanged Decorated cop arrested on terror charges, being probed for links with Afzal Guru India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 13: The Jammu and Kashmir police who detained a Deputy Superintendent of Police will question the officer for his alleged links with Afzal Guru. Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar while confirming the arrest of Davinder Singh said that the officer would be treated like any other terrorist. He would be questioned for his links with Afzal Guru, Kumar said. He also said that another person, a lawyer by profession had also been caught. Singh, on the other hand, is a decorated police officer who had served in the Special Operations Group and had earned a President's medal. 3 ISIS terrorists arrested in Delhi were conspiring terror attack in UP, NCR Kumar said that the officer had worked in many anti-terrorist operations. He had, however, committed a heinous crime and hence was arrested, Vijay Kumar also said. Sources tell OneIndia that the terrorists along with the DSP were arrested in a joint operation of the police and Army on the national highway near Mirbazar. Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet Two AK-47 rifles were recovered in a raid at the officer's residence, the source also added. This is the first instance in which such a senior officer has been arrested along with terrorists. The arrested terrorist, Syed Naveed Baba was wanted in several cases. He was an IED expert and was wanted in the killing and attacks on truckers and locals, security officials said. Meanwhile, a high alert has been declared after the Intelligence Bureau has warned of fresh attempts to spruce up violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Top Home Ministry officials familiar with the development confirmed that there would be an attempt to send in battle-hardened terrorists from both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The source also said that infiltration attempts of these terrorists would not just be made in Jammu and Kashmir, but in Punjab as well. The input is a very credible one and actionable. In the wake of this Grade A alert, it has been decided not to pull out troops from Jammu and Kashmir for now. There would be a spurt in terror-related activity from March onwards, the Home Ministry official also said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a security review meeting along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. The focus of the meeting was on the ongoing protests at the universities and also those against the new citizenship law. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the northeastern states, were also discussed at the meeting. Top police officer, two terrorists detained in J&K The meeting was also attended by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Intelligence Bureau chief, Arvind Kumar. The source said that while the overall scenario was discussed in general, the major part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the security ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. During the discussion on Jammu and Kashmir, it was decided that the restoration of broadband and internet connectivity be put on hold for some time. There should be no hurried decision on this as it could lead to violence, it was also decided at the meeting. On the deployment of troops at the Valley, it was decided that no further withdrawal shall take place immediately. Any decision in this regard would be taken in the summer after a thorough review, it was also decided at the meeting. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un before a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the south side of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, in the Joint Security Area of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone on June 30, 2019. The United States is said to have reached out to North Korea to restart diplomatic talks that stalled last October, news website Axios reported. Washington wants to get negotiations with Pyongyang "back on track" and implement leader Kim Jong Un's "commitment" to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Axios. O'Brien expressed cautious optimism about the fact that Kim hasn't yet delivered his promised "Christmas gift" that many expected to be a nuclear weapons test, Axios said. Both countries have made little progress in their talks to dismantle North Korea's nuclear and missile program. Kim said in December he will continue developing his country's nuclear deterrent and introduce a new strategic weapon in the near future, according to state-run media KCNA. His threat came after he said the U.S. did not respond to North Korea's repeated calls for concessions to reopen negotiations before the end of 2019. The North Korean leader said in April he would wait until the end of 2019 for Washington to change its approach to denuclearization talks with Pyongyang but it has been status quo since then and analysts warned that Kim could stay "true to his pledges." U.S. President Donald Trump sent birthday greetings to the North Korean leader last week, but the country's foreign ministry advisor said Kim's personal feelings were insufficient to return to past diplomacy, NBC News reported. In November, North Korea fired two short-range projectiles into the sea off its east coast. Under Kim, the reclusive state has conducted its most powerful nuclear test, launched its first-ever intercontinental ballistic missile and threatened to send missiles to the waters near Guam. Read Axios report about U.S. plans to restart talks with North Korea here. CNBC's Amanda Macias contributed to this report. We have a lot of theft in Northern California, said Travis Clifford (pictured), commercial property supervisor at Effective Claims Management Inc. and a speaker at the Cannabis Cover Masterclass, but its not theft of the plants themselves its theft of the growing equipment. A lot of growing facilities are also brand new only six months to a year old so theres a huge subrogation potential for all of the claims that Effective Claims Management sees, added Clifford. On the dispensary side, there have been some claims related to water damage and, again, fire losses. However, Clifford noted that losses havent been particularly bad on the dispensary side because most locations arent allowed to have too much product out on the showroom floor at one time maybe around $25,000 in stock and the vaults that stock is stored in offer protection from fire and water. Nonetheless, Clifford says he could speak for five hours about where policies have fallen short for cannabis clients. Your normal CP forms, theyre not going to have coverage for living plant material, so you have to go find your own form, he explained, adding that one issue comes up when determining how to repair or replace the damaged property, which in this case would be the plants. How do you repair a plant? If theres smoke damage to a plant, theres not one grower or cultivator of marijuana in this country, or probably the world, thats going to just say, Im just going to dust the soot off of this, repair the plant over the next two weeks, and then were going to put it back in the dirt. Growers want to get their product out to suppliers and to their markets as soon as possible, so, instead, theyre going to throw out damaged plants and theyre going to put a new batch right back in once theyve cleaned that room out. So, how do you then address the replacing of the damaged property? Does that mean growing new plants and whats the cost to grow a plant? Well, thats significantly less than the cost to actually go out and buy a plant from another supplier and stick it in the dirt, said Clifford. Lets say you have a plant thats two weeks from harvest are you going to go out and buy another plant from another supplier thats two weeks from harvest? What if you dont like that supplier? What if they have a lower rate product than you have? How are you going to fix the situation and how are you going to even value that plant? These are just a few examples of how the policy shortfalls are tremendous and endless when it comes to cannabis. Helping insureds through the claims process when losses do occur is no picnic either. Getting information from any of these insureds is the hardest part of this claim type because theyre making money hand over foot like crazy and losing a couple million dollars right now, thats not their biggest concern, said Clifford. Their biggest concern is getting out to the market and getting a product out there, so if theyre down for 13 days, they want to get back up and moving as fast as possible. Theyll get you the documentation, but what they dont know is exactly what you need. Clifford recommends getting a forensic accountant and meeting face-to-face with the client to outline all of the documents that the claims adjuster might require. [These businesses] dont want to provide what they really do on the books because everything is so proprietary, explained Clifford. Its such a fragile industry right now and they dont want a competitor getting knowledge of what theyre doing. So, the best thing to do is say, Look, I want to pay you, I want to get this limit or whatever we have, but you have to give me something. Clifford and other experts will provide more tips on dealing with cannabis claims during the Cannabis Cover Masterclass, but his key takeaway for now is to stay on top of the policy shortfalls and be clear with clients. Be wary of the policy pitfalls before you ever get to a loss. Work with your underwriters on these policies because theyre so brand new, theyre going to be flawed. Let them know, We need a per plant limit in our policy, we need a sub-limit for living plant material, we need to determine the difference between selling price and cost, because business income and replacing of the plant are two intertwined coverages that bring up problems, said Clifford. As far as an adjuster is concerned, as far as an agent is concerned, really make sure that if there any policy pitfalls, theyre addressed upfront. To learn more about handling cannabis claims and dealing with cannabis-related policy shortfalls, register for the Cannabis Cover Masterclass in Denver on March 17 and Los Angeles on March 26. An individual health insurance policy is a standard health insurance product that only covers a single person (the policyholder) for expenses on medical exigencies. If you get hospitalised due to a sudden illness or accident, the policy will cover the expensive medical treatment (pre and post hospitalisation), ambulance charges, diagnostic tests, room rent, medicines and daily cash benefits, etc. against the maximum sum insured defined in the policy. There could be sub limits on some expenses, though. Some health policies also cover domiciliary treatment, that is, treatment at home under medical supervision. Individual health insurance is a must-have product for young people who are yet to start their families. Coverage to other family members can be extended in the following years. A family person with serious health risks should prefer individual health policy over family floater because of higher coverage requirement. Individual health insurance assures substantial sum rather than floating sum assured in a family floater plan. When it comes to buying a health policy, most people may do it as a formality focussing more on tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act than on details of the policy. The main purpose of buying a health policy, however, should always be to get a sufficient health cover lest you opt for a wrong policy having insufficient coverage. Sum Assured A health cover of at least Rs 3-5 lakh is must for individuals looking for a health plan. Naval Goel, CEO & Founder of PolicyX.com says since there are low chances of you registering a claim at an early age, you are highly probable to enjoy the no-claim bonus or cumulative bonuses. "It means your sum insured may rise year-on-year up to 200 per cent," he says. All health policies come with a waiting period of two-four years for pre-existing illnesses and certain ailments such as cataract, hernia, sinusitis may not be covered under first year of the policy. If you buy an individual policy at a young age, it will help you pass through the waiting period during which you are unlikely to claim for any such illnesses. Besides, if you are only relying on corporate health policy provided by your employer, you must consider buying a separate plan. "Even if you are covered in a group mediclaim policy by your employer, it is always a good idea to go for a separate policy as the employer-provided policy will no longer be effective when you will leave the job and when you will retire in the future," says Amit Chhabra, Head- Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com. How to select a policy You must know that low premium should not be the only criterion to zero in on a policy. Reputation of the insurer and its claim settlement ratio are much more important because you are in it for a long haul. Besides, it is important to check the renewability of the plan. You must choose a plan that offers lifetime renewability because buying a new policy in old age is difficult than renewing the existing one. Among other features, you must run a comparison on available health policies on the basis of value of cover, hospitals included/excluded in cover, limit on hospital ward rent, cashless facilities, waiting period, pre-existing diseases, ambulance cover, genetic related diseases coverage, mental health coverage and outpatient coverage et al, says Varun Gera, CEO & Founder, HealthAssure. "OPD coverage, hospital ward rent, mental health inclusions and genetic diseases are some of the lesser known features that insurers offer," he adds. A few health insurance plans offer cover against allopathic treatments such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), says Goel of PolicyX.com. He adds that some health insurers may pay you a lumpsum to cover additional costs - such as loss in income or compassionate visits by family members - resulting from prolonged hospitalisation, as defined in the policy document. Earlier this month, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) mandated general and health insurers to offer a standard individual health insurance product 'Arogya Sanjeevani' with a maximum sum insured of up to Rs 5 lakh. Insurers are supposed to make it available from April 1, 2020. Popular individual health insurance plans: Mistakes to avoid If you are a person living in tier-II or tier-III cities, the premium should comparatively be lower than that for a person living in a metro city on the same policy. This is because many health insurers price their policies according to city zones. "City-specific health insurance makes sense if insured have restricted income and if their city of residence has reputed hospitals, well-equipped for treating the majority of ailments and diseases," says Indraneel Chatterjee, Principal Officer & Co-Fouder, RenewBuy.com. "What they must keep in mind is that some insurers restrict coverage if a policyholder from a lower zone moves to zone-one city for advanced treatments," he cautions. Secondly, you must always disclose lifestyle habits that you might have such as smoking and drinking and also your medical history while buying a policy. Non-disclosure of existing medical conditions or lifestyle habits may lead to the rejection of the insurance claim at the time of need. Gera of HeathAssure advises that cashless claim is the best option to get your claim settled. "For a reimbursement claim one has to source all documents from the hospital and submit to the insurer or third-party administrator. It might cause delays and require additional documents along with answering to many queries," he says. How to earn discounts on health policies There are three ways through which you may earn discounts or additional benefits on the policy: Opting for multi-year policy: Usually, a health insurance policy is for a year, but there are many insurers who provide health plan for a policy term of two-three years. "Buying a policy for longer policy term will allow the insured to avail discount on the premium along with being insured for a wider span," says Sekhar of Renewbuy.com. Opting for voluntary co-payment: There is a compulsory and voluntary co-payment clause under various health insurance policies. "On opting for a voluntary co-payment, the insurer offers discount on premium. Higher the co-payment share, higher will be the discount offered on the premium," Sekhar says. Wellness benefits: Most insurers now offer discounts on premium if you achieve a set number of steps in a year. Some insurers provide a fixed sum of money annually for wellness or fitness services such as a gym membership. In fact, Irda recently came up with 'Exposure Draft on Guidelines on Wellness and Preventive Features/Benefits'. It says that insures will provide the policy holders redeemable vouchers for yoga centre, gym memberships and even for buying protein supplements. Also Read: Sensex, Nifty close at record highs; IT, consumer durable stocks lead gains Also Read: Retail inflation touches 7.35% in December, highest since July 2014 Also Read: Sebi extends deadline to separate roles of chairman, MDs by two years A teenage boy is fighting for life after being found lying in a pool of blood outside a block of flats in east London. Residents rushed to assist the 16-year-old victim after being woken by desperate cries for help in the early hours yesterday. Police were called to Upper North Street, Poplar, at 3.30am. The victim, a relative of model and social media influencer Sarah Lewis, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. Ms Lewis, who has 23,000 Instagram followers, shared a police appeal and wrote: This is my little cousin. Hes fighting for his life right now, anyone whos religious please please pray for him today. Shanara Choudhury, whose husband gave the teenager first aid, said: We heard lots of screams and shouting coming from downstairs. It was really early, and my husband went down to see what was happening. The boy was just lying on the floor outside the flat, there was a pool of blood, and his friends were shouting for help. Im not sure where he had been stabbed. I think his friends said there was a fight in the park. She added: My husband went to help him and was putting pressure on his wound. He said he had been stabbed in the chest. His friends were in hysterics, they didnt know what to do. The incident came as figures revealed that almost half of those charged with knife killings in London over the past three years had previous weapons convictions. Of the 379 suspects charged with fatal stabbings to November last year, 46 per cent (173) had previously committed a knife offence. Detectives are also appealing for information after a man in his fifties was stabbed outside Victoria train station yesterday afternoon. Paramedics took him to hospital after the attack just before 3.40pm. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. Less than 30 minutes later, a boy believed to be in his mid-teens was found with stab injuries in Galahad Road, Edmonton. Meanwhile, a man in his thirties was knifed in the hand and shoulder after trying to intervene in a suspected street robbery in South Norwood. Police were called to Clifton Road at 8pm. A man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and grievous bodily harm. Pakistan called upon the Indian side to respect the ceasefire understanding. (Photo Credit: File photo) Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday summoned Indian Charge dAffaires Gaurav Ahluwalia and lodged a protest over the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops along the Line of Control that killed a civilian. The Foreign Office said that Director General (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri summoned Ahluwalia and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations in Kotkotera and Karela Sectors on January 11. Pakistan Director General (South Asia& SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri today summoned Indian Charge dAffaires Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violation by India along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kotkotera & Karela Sectors on 11 January. ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 Chaudhry said that a 24-year-old man of Chowki village was killed due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing along LoC. He said that such acts are a threat to regional peace and security. Chaudhry said that by raising tensions along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB), India cannot divert attention from Kashmir, according to FO. He also called upon the Indian side to respect the ceasefire understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations and maintain peace on the LoC and the WB. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering one of Britain's worst paedophiles. Richard Huckle died at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire on October 13 last year, two years after he was given 22 life sentences for an unprecedented number of offences against children. He was reportedly stabbed in his prison cell with a makeshift blade. On Monday, Humberside Police said officers had arrested a 29-year-old man and had passed a file to prosecutors for consideration. The statement said: "A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man at HMP Full Sutton on October 13 2019. A file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and we are awaiting their decision regarding charges. Huckle was given 22 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for an unprecedented number of offences against children aged between six months and 12 years. The freelance photographer, from Ashford in Kent, awarded himself Pedopoints for different acts of abuse against 191 youngsters, and sold images of his depravity on the dark web. In online posts, Huckle bragged that it was easier to target impoverished children in Malaysia than those from wealthy Western backgrounds. He was arrested when he was stopped at Gatwick Airport en route to spend Christmas with his family in 2014, after Australian authorities tipped off the UKs National Crime Agency. At the time of his arrest, he was writing a guide to teach fellow paedophiles how to abuse children and avoid detection. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise are aimed at "dividing" the country on communal lines, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha said on Monday. He claimed Mahatma Gandhi, if he were alive today, would have led an agitation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking "communal" decisions. Sinha, who was in the city as part of his Gandhi Shanti Yatra, demanded scrapping of the CAA, which aims to give Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. "Several state governments want the CAA repealed and the NRC exercise dropped. The CAA should be repealed as it is aimed at dividing the country on communal lines. We do not want another division of the country," he said. "We remained silent despite the Modi government destroying the cabinet system, ordering demonetisation,introducing GST hurriedly. "But after the CAA and NRC, there is need for the youth to raise their anger on issues that will weaken the country," the former BJP leader claimed. "If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, he would have led an agitation against Modi because the government is taking decisions on communal lines," he said. "Members of the Muslim community are proud of holding the tricolour in their hands. And it was Babasaheb Ambedkar who drafted the Constitution and made India a secular country. "We will not allow the hidden agenda of Modi behind the CAA and NRC to succeed," the bureaucrat-turned-politician asserted. Speaking on other issues, Sinha questioned Modi for not inviting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a pre-budget meeting. Former Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha and ex-Gujarat chief minister Suresh Mehta were present on the occasion. The 3,000-km-long yatra, which started in Mumbai on January 9, will cover Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before before culminating at Raj Ghat in Delhi on January 30, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary. The march has been organised to demand repeal of the CAA, a judicial inquiry into "state-sponsored violence" such as the January 5 attack on JNU students and assurance from the Centre in Parliament that there will be no nationwide NRC. (image: PTI) US tried 2nd strike in Yemen to kill another Iran commander after Soleimani assassination Iran Press TV Sunday, 12 January 2020 2:39 AM American military forces reportedly carried out a failed terror attack against another Iranian commander in Yemen the same day they assassinated Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and other Iranian and Iraqi military officers in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Quoting anonymous American officials, Washington Post and other US-based news outlets reported Friday that the unsuccessful US terror attack in Yemen targeted Abdul Reza Shahlai, identifying him as a "top military commander for Iran's Quds Force" based in Yemen and active in helping Yemeni forces defend against persisting military aggression by US-backed Saudi kingdom. A New York Times report further pointed out that the Trump administration had offered a $15 million reward for information about Shahlai, also accusing him of involvement in a shadowy and unsubstantiated plot in 2011 to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington. According to the reports, the second terror mission by American forces if true -- would raise questions on whether the assassination of Soleimani was part of Trump administration's bid to take down the leadership of Iran's Quds Forces of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) or prevent what the White House has claimed as "an imminent attack on Americans" by Iranian. The report came as US lawmakers from both dominating political parties have harshly criticized the rationale offered by Trump administration official for launching the terror attack against the senior Iranian military official. This is while hawkish US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to dodge question on Friday morning inquiring about the specifics of the "imminent attack" claim and other contradictory official statements, which American legislators have dismissed as "insufficient" and unconvincing. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Thursday passed a resolution to limit Trump from ordering further military action against Iran, though the vote was largely symbolic and done mostly along party lines. On January 3, US assassination drones killed Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), among others, after targeting their vehicles in Baghdad. The terror attack took place under the direction of Trump, with the US Department of Defense taking responsibility for the strike. Both commanders were admired by Muslim nations for eliminating the US-sponsored Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Soon after the assassination, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said Washington was to face a "harsh revenge" for the atrocity. Early on Wednesday, the IRGC fired volleys of ballistic missiles at the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq's Anbar Province, and another outpost in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which housed US forces. Iraqi lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill that calls for the withdrawal of all US led foreign troops from the Arab country following the US assassination of the two top commanders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Kerala government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it has complied with its order and demolished four apartment complexes in Kochi's Maradu which were built in violation of coastal regulation zone norms. A bench of justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah directed the state government to file a report with regard to removal of debris, which also fell in the backwaters. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on February 10. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Germany is planning to host a peace summit on Libya this month, a government spokesman said Monday. "The preparation for such a conference is ongoing, it should in any case take place in January here in Berlin," said Steffen Seibert. The spokesman said he could not provide a firm date as yet, but confirmed that Sunday January 19 was a possible option. The heads of Libya's warring sides were to meet in Moscow later Monday to sign a ceasefire deal ending nine months of heavy fighting. The two sides are expected to sign an agreement on the terms of a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend, raising hopes of an end to the fighting that has wracked the oil-rich North African country since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US reportedly relied on Israeli intelligence in the assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, was killed in a US airstrike as he left Baghdad International Airport after flying in from Damascus on January 3rd. Informants in Damascus tipped the CIA off about which flight Soleimani would be on and Israeli intelligence verified and confirmed that information, NBC News and Reuters reported Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be the only foreign leader who knew of the planned assassination, having spoken to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo beforehand, according to the New York Times. Scroll down for video New reports claim Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) was the only foreign leader who knew of the United States' plans to assassinate top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, and that Israeli intelligence helped carry out the strike Soleimani (pictured), the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, was killed in a US airstrike as he left Baghdad International Airport after flying in from Damascus on January 3rd An unnamed official told Reuters that Iraqi investigators believe the US was aided by two security officials at the Baghdad airport and two employees for Cham Wings - the airline Soleimani used to fly to Iraq. One of the Cham Wings employees was a spy at the Damascus airport and another was working on board the plane, the Reuters source said. The source said Iraqi investigators believe the four suspected informants - who have not been arrested - were working with a larger group of people feeding information to the US military. Two sources 'directly familiar' with the operation and other American officials briefed on it described the events to NBC News. Various US military officials stationed around the world watched the strike on livestreamed black and white infrared video. CIA Director Gina Haspel reportedly watched from agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper watched from another undisclosed location and other officials watched from the White House. It is unclear whether President Donald Trump tuned in to the broadcast as he was at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida at the time. The video reportedly showed Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of an Iraqi anti-American militia who greeted the Iranian leader when he got off the plane, getting into a sedan to leave the airport while the rest of their security detail followed in a minivan. Meanwhile, three US drones each armed with four Hellfire missiles tracked the vehicles while intelligence specialists running the mission from US Central Command in Qatar used cellphone data to confirm who was in them. As soon as the passengers were confirmed, the drones launched four missiles that could be seen in the broadcast streaking across the sky before striking the vehicles, killing everyone inside. While the strike was successful, sources said it received a somber reaction from officials who worried about what the wider response would be. Video appeared to show the moment a US missile struck a convoy of cars carrying Soleimani, with two Islamic Revolutionary Guards generals, a colonel and a captain - killing all five The twisted remains of one of the vehicle's Soleimani's entourage was traveling in Four precision missiles fired from a US drone struck the two cars carrying Soleimani and his entourage, according to U.S. officials. The cars were struck on an access road near the Baghdad airport in the early hours of Friday. Soleimani had reportedly just arrived to Baghdad on a flight from Syria. Airport logs show a Cham Wings flight arriving from Damascus at 12.34am Friday Baghdad time, but it's unclear whether Soleimani was on that commercial flight or a private charter Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement about the attack the following day, saying that the US had the right to defend itself by killing Soleimani. 'Just as Israel has the right of self-defense, the United States has exactly the same right,' he said. 'Qassem Soleimani is responsible for the death of American citizens and many other innocent people. He was planning more such attacks. Netanyahu expanded on his comments when he spoke to reporters before boarding a flight back to Israel from Greece. 'President Trump deserves all the credit for acting swiftly, forcefully and decisively. Israel stands with the United States in its just struggle for peace, security and self-defense,' he said. Netanyahu reportedly spoke to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (pictured) before the Soleimani assassination was carried out In an in-depth retelling of the strike published Saturday, the Times reported that Netanyahu was made aware of the plans beforehand. Avigdor Liberman, the head of Israel's secular nationalist political party Yisrael Beytenu, questioned the Times report because he said it was poor judgment to rely on Israeli sources. 'I suggest you check who they are,' Liberman, a former defense minister, said of the sources in a radio interview Sunday. 'We need to distance ourselves from it,' he added in reference to the Times report. 'Ambiguity and silence are the best thing for us.' US Secretary of State Pompeo confirmed that he had spoken with Netanyahu about Iran, Israel's arch enemy, after the Soleimani strike in a tweet on January 4. '@IsraeliPM @Netanyahu I just spoke and underscored the importance of countering Iran's malign influence and threats to the region,' Pompeo wrote. 'I am always grateful for Israel's steadfast support in defeating terrorism. The bond between Israel and the United States is unbreakable.' Israeli officials sought to distance themselves from the conflict between the US and Iran days later amid concern over Iranian retaliation for the Soleimani assassination. 'There is tension between Iran and the United States and we're not involved, so I don't want to relate to it,' Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, one of Netanyahu's closest lieutenants and a member of the security cabinet, said on January 7. 'We're standing on the sidelines and observing events,' he added. Pompeo confirmed on Twitter that he discussed the assassination with Netanyahu afterward Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported that Israel and the West had launched a failed assassination attempt on Soleimani in September. In an October television interview, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps head Hossein Ta'eb claimed that three suspects had been arrested in an alleged plot to kill Soleimani at a memorial service during the Muslim month of Muharram. If Ta-eb's claims are true, they could indicate that the successful Soleimani assassination was part of a years-long campaign by Israel and the West to kill the leader. The Trump administration has insisted that the Soleimani strike was prompted by an 'imminent threat' against four US embassies, but refused to provide any evidence. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday said he did not see specific evidence from intelligence officials that Iran was planning to attack the embassies. Iran vowed to seek revenge for Soleimani's death and promptly abandoned the 2015 Obama-era agreement that muzzled its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. On January, Iran launched missile strikes on US military bases in Iraq that failed to kill any US troops. Iranian officials said they would not retaliate any further and President Trump declared the crisis over. However, US officials told NBC News that they do not believe that's the case. 'If I were a US ambassador, I wouldn't be starting my own car for the foreseeable future,' one official said. Terming the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "insulting", senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. (Photo: File) Mumbai: Terming the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "insulting", senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday asked the warrior king's descendants to clarify their stand over the issue. Talking to reporters here, Raut said the BJP should declare that it has no link with the book comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji. The book, titled "Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi", has been written by BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which are part of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, have criticised the book. "A BJP leader has written the book titled 'Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi', which we find insulting. The party should clarify whether it considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as great as Shivaji Maharaj," Raut said. Without taking any names, Raut targeted the warrior king's descendants - BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, Bhosale, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the NCP. "Chhatrapati Shivaji's descendants should clarify if they like Modi being compared to him. They should quit the BJP over the book," the Sena leader said. Raut said the book's author Jay Bhagwan Goyal was once with the Shiv Sena, but was removed from the party after he allegedly attacked the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. "BJP leaders are quite active when it comes to some issues such as (pertaining to Hindutva ideologue) V D Savarkar. I hope they will demonstrate similar efficiency in this case also. The BJP should declare that it has no link with the book," the Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member said. The descendants of Shivaji Maharaj from Satara and Kolhapur are affiliated with the BJP. They should speak out their views on the issue, he said. Sambhaji Raje on Sunday demanded that BJP chief Amit Shah immediately ban the book, which was published in the saffron party's Delhi office. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Sunday lodged a complaint with Nagpur Police against Goyal for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people by comparing Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his book. In his complaint, the Congress leader sought action against Goyal, the publisher of the book and its distributor. Love Island's Curtis Pritchard supported his girlfriend Maura Higgins in the audience during her Dancing On Ice debut - after the pair were hit by 'cheating' claims. The professional dancer, 23, grinned from the sidelines as Maura, 29, glided across the ice to the tune of Lizzo's Juice during Sunday night's show. Curtis was ever the doting boyfriend as he watched on in amazement as Maura, who started skating as a complete novice just months ago, completed twists and various other impressive moves. On the sidelines: Love Island's Curtis Pritchard supported his girlfriend Maura Higgins in the audience during her Dancing On Ice debut on Sunday But The Greatest Dancer star's outing came as he was hit by claims he cosied up to a woman behind Maura's back during a night out on New Year's Eve. Curtis was apparently caught in a 'passionate clinch' with a mystery woman on the dance floor of a night club in High Wycombe, Bucks. According to The Sun, the pair were seen getting close during a night out at O'Neill's bar as they celebrated the end of the decade. Elegance: The professional dancer, 23, grinned from the sidelines as Maura, 29, glided across the ice to the tune of Lizzo's Juice In the clip obtained by the publication Curtis appeared to have his arms around the unknown woman. A source told the paper: 'He started embracing her, in the full view of the entire club. It was quite shocking given we all knew he had a girlfriend.' Maura and Curtis' representatives have been contacted by MailOnline. First performance: Maura wowed the judges as she kicked-off Dancing On Ice with her professional skating partner Alexander Demetriou, 28, on Sunday night A source close to Curtis denied allegations to The Sun that he had cheated on Maura. Maura wowed the judges on Sunday, when she kicked off Dancing On Ice with her professional skating partner Alexander Demetriou, 28. The Love Island star, who has built up a fierce rivalry with Joe Swah, jumped for joy as Holly Willoughby told her she had beaten him by half a point, while Curtis cheered from the audience. Unknown woman: Curtis was apparently caught in a 'passionate clinch' on the dance floor of a night club in High Wycombe, Bucks (pictured with Maura in September) In her video tape, Maura told the camera: 'I want to do well. I don't want to be booted out on week one or two. I'm shocking at skating.' Speaking of her rivalry with fellow contestant Joe, 37, who performed last week, she said: 'I'm trying to knock Joe's confidence down and I feel like it's working.' After meeting her partner Alexander, Maura confessed: 'He's probably really disappointed. He calls me T-rex,' in a nod to the way she positions her arms. But Alexander said he 'couldn't be prouder' of the television personality after they took to the ice to perform their first ever routine. Love Island themed dance: Alexandra said he 'couldn't be prouder' of the television personality after they took to the ice to perform their first ever routine to Lizzo's Juice Clad in a silver sparkly costume, Maura paid homage to Love Island as she started off on a sun lounger. Despite some nerves, the Irish reality star looked graceful as she performed a roll-up into attitude lift, a back walkover as well as a twirling spinning lift. Heading over to the judges, Maura told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: 'It was nerve wracking, I'm still shaking.' The judges - Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill, John Barrowman and Christopher Dean - each awarded her 5.5 points, giving her a total score of 22 points of 40. Thrilled: The Love Island star, 29, who has built up a fierce rivalry with fellow contestant Joe Swash, jumped for joy as Holly Willoughby told her she had beat him by half a point From tropical island to iceberg: Clad in a silver sparkly costume, Maura paid homage to Love Island as she started off on a sun lounger Holly told Maura: 'I think that means you beat Joe Swash by a point'. The Love Island beauty punched her hands in the air and looked over at Joe, who was watching on from the balcony. Jayne, 62, said: 'Maura you look beautiful and like you're enjoying it, I think you have to have the confidence now. You are better than you think you are. Keep working.' Ashley, 31, critiqued: 'I know how nervous you were before you came out, it did show. You should believe in yourself. Be proud.' There she goes! Despite some nerves, the Irish reality star looked graceful as she performed a roll up into attitude lift, a back walkover as well as a twirling spinning lift 'You've come from a tropical island to a iceberg in here. I think you've acclimatized well,' Christopher said. Upon hearing the feedback, Maura said: 'It's amazing, unbelievable. I never thought I could have skated. I was really bad.' Ahead of the live show, Maura took to Instagram to show fans her injuries sustained from weeks of rehearsals. Number one fan: Maura's boyfriend Curtis proudly watched on in the audience and cheered her on The Irish beauty was bruised from her thigh down to her ankle, while she wrote: 'No pain no gain right?', alongside the post. Later in the show, Curtis told Holly and Phil: 'I'm sweating. She's been so nervous she did incredible,' and when asked if he was tempted to learn some moves on the ice, the reality star replied: 'I would love to have a go, yeah'. It comes after Maura insisted she and her beau will not be hit by the Dancing On Ice curse on Loose Women earlier this week. The Irish beauty, who is set to made her show debut on Sunday, said Curtis has no qualms about her partnership with Alexander Demetriou. She said: 'I dont think hes worried. Curtis is a dancer, he knows you have to have chemistry with your partner. The brunette beauty also declared that Curtis still gives her 'f***y flutters' six months into their romance, in a nod to her signature phrase while in the Mallorcan villa. On how their romance has stayed strong in the outside world, Maura said the pair "support one another" but, due to the nature of their work, are unable to see each other very regularly. She said: 'We dont see each other as much as we hoped. But were both in the same line of work now so we understand each other. So when we do see each other its nice.' Competitive: Maura joked with Joe, (pictured with Perri and Matt above) after beating him by half a point Impressed: Head judge Jayne Torvill, 62, said: 'Maura you look beautiful and like you're enjoying it, I think you have to have the confidence now. You are better than you think you are. Keep working' Thrilled: Upon hearing the feedback, Maura said: 'It's amazing, unbelievable. I never thought I could have skated. I was really bad' Smitten: It comes after Maura insisted she and her beau will not be hit by the Dancing On Ice curse during a candid interview on Loose Women earlier this week Curtis and grid girl Maura coupled up on last summer's series of Love Island but only made their relationship official two months after the show ended. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline in October, Curtis admitted he was worried about making things official with his other half. He confessed: 'I was nervous. Im not a person who sleeps around a lot or had a lot of girlfriends. 'I've only ever really had one [girlfriend] before that and then what happened in the villa happened. I was nervous to ask because I didn't really know how to do that stuff.' (Alliance News) - Lekoil Ltd has requested shares be suspended in London on Monday after the validity of a loan was questioned. At the start of January, Lekoil agreed a USD184.0 million loan from the Qatar Investment Authority for drilling and development at the Ogo field off the coast of Nigeria. However, Lekoil said Monday representatives from the QIA have questioned the validity of the loan agreement. The company said: "Lekoil is urgently seeking to establish, alongside its legal counsel and nominated adviser, the full facts of this matter, and pending this clarification, the company has requested that its ordinary shares be suspended from trading on AIM with immediate effect." Lekoil's nomad is Strand Hanson Ltd. Shares in London last closed at a price of 9.40 pence each. Lekoil confirmed its exposure to the facility agreement stands at USD600,000, which is the amount it paid to Seawave Investment Ltd, which acted as an introducer to those "purporting to be the QIA". By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com Copyright 2019 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Prefilled Syringes Market by Material (Glass, Plastic), by Design (Single-Chamber, Dual-Chamber, Customized), by Application (Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anaphylaxis), by Geography (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, U.S., Canada, Japan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia) - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023 Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04402315/?utm_source=PRN Prefilled syringes market is expected to attain a size of $7.5 billion by 2023, increasing demand for injectable pharmaceutical products, advanced applications of combination therapies for the management of diseases, rising prevalence of chronic and lifestyle associated diseases, benefits of prefilled syringes over traditional vial and syringe packaging systems, and technological advancements in syringes are the major factors driving the growth of the prefilled syringes market globally. On the basis of material, the prefilled syringes market has been categorized into glass and plastic material. In 2017, glass syringes held a larger share, of 53.4%, in the global prefilled syringes market. This is characterized by minimal risk of infections with the use of glass-based drug delivery syringes. Based on design, these products are classified into single-chamber, dual-chamber, and customized syringes. Single-chamber prefilled syringes held the largest share in the global prefilled syringes market, accounting for 77.1% market share in 2017. Wider availability and increasing use of single-chamber syringes are significant factors for the growth of this category, globally. Prefilled syringe drug delivery systems are frequently used in the treatment of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, anaphylaxis, and other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, anemia, and psoriasis. The application of prefilled syringes for diabetes is expected to lead the global market, advancing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. Increasing prevalence of diabetes across the world is the key factor contributing in the growth of the prefilled syringes market. This is substantiated by the fact that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014, globally. During the forecast period, the prefilled syringes market is forecasted to witness the fastest growth in APAC, at a CAGR of 9.6%. This growth is attributed to the rising geriatric population, and surge in the prevalence of different chronic diseases in the region. According to the UN publication, World Population Aging Report 2017, the population aged 60 years and above is expected to increase from 10.0% in 2010 to approximately 25.0% by 2050. This increase in the aging population is expected to create high demand for prefilled syringes, to eliminate the occurrence of various chronic diseases among the aged population. Moreover, China is expected to observe significant growth in the APAC prefilled syringes market, owing to the presence of large number of local players and growing geriatric population in the country. Moreover, various immunization programs implemented by the Chinese government is also contributing to the growth of market. For instance, the Chinese government implemented Polio Endgame Strategic Plan 20132018 to eliminate measles, and minimize hepatitis B cases in the country. Due to increasing immunization programs implemented by the government officials in China, there is a high demand for syringes in the country. The companies operating in the prefilled syringes industry are getting government approvals for various drugs used in syringes to increase their market share. For instance, in August 2018, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company received United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approval for Opdivo (nivolumab), as the first and only Immuno-Oncology treatment option for patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC), whose cancer has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. In the same month, AbbVie Inc. also received USFDA approval for IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) plus rituximab (RITUXAN) for the treatment of adult patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), a rare and incurable type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Some of the other key players operating in the prefilled syringes industry are Becton, Dickinson and Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Amgen Inc., Baxter International Inc., Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., F. Hoffman-La Roche AG, and Novartis AG. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04402315/?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 Fox and Friends host Pete Hegseth says his Twitter account has been completely shut down by 'tech-tyrants' a month after he was banned for sharing an anti-American manifesto said to have been written by the Pensacola shooter. Hegseth took to Instagram on Monday to say Twitter had 'fully blocked' his account after he appealed his one month suspension. The 39-year-old TV host, who is an Army veteran, said he was initially banned in December after sharing the motivations of mass shooter Mohammed Alshamrani who targeted a Florida naval station in a deadly attack. He appealed the ban recently and claims Twitter responded by blocking his account entirely. Fox and Friends host Pete Hegseth took to Instagram on Monday to say Twitter had 'fully blocked' his account after he appealed his one month suspension Hegseth says his Twitter account has been completely shut down by 'tech-tyrants' a month after he was banned for sharing an anti-American manifesto said to have been written by the Pensacola shooter 'Now the tech-tyrants at @twitter have FULLY BLOCKED my account,' he posted on Instagram. 'After being suspended for a month, I appealed again. Their response - a full block. My account is shut down. 'Let's get this straight: Iranian 'leaders' - state sponsors of terrorism - can tweet. Anti-Semite Linda Sarsour can tweet. The Islamists at the Muslim Brotherhood can tweet. Anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan can tweet. But.. I can't. Got it. Hegseth said he was initially banned in December after sharing the motivations of mass shooter Mohammed Alshamrani (above) who targeted a Florida naval station in a deadly attack 'As I've said before, if they can ban me for this (@foxnews host sharing Pensacola terrorist's motivations), they can ban anyone for anything.' Hegseth shared a screenshot of a message from Twitter telling him his account had been locked for violating the social media site's rules. Twitter notified him in the message that he should delete the tweet that violated the rules to have his account unblocked. The tweet that got him banned in the first place came after Alshamrani, a 21-year-old Saudi military student, killed three people and injured 12 when he opened fire in a classroom at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida on December 6. Hegseth shared a grab from the shooter's Twitter account, which has since been taken down, saying: 'Here's the (now blocked) tweet from Saudi Islamist Mohammed Alshamrani, who murder 3 brave Americans in Florida. 'The coward posted it just hours before his terrorist attack. This is Islamist terror. No reason to ever mince words. Saudi Arabia must be held to account.' Alshamrani's social media appeared to show a variety of anti-Israel postings and a quote from deceased al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. It was sharing a screengrab of Alshamrani's posts that Hegseth said led to his ban on Twitter Hegseth followed up with a picture of his appeal regarding the decision, above The shooter's social media was also said to include a lengthy manifesto posted less than two hours before the shooting. The manifesto read in part: 'I'm against evil, and America as a whole has turned into a nation of evil. 'I'm not against you for just being American, I don't hate you because (of) your freedoms, I hate you because every day you (are) supporting, funding and committing crimes not only against Muslims, but also humanity.' It was sharing a screengrab of this post that Hegseth said led to his ban on Twitter. At the time, Hegseth said on Instagram: 'I was BANNED from @twitter - because I posted a screen shot of the terrorist from Florida tweeting his Islamist motivations. 'That's it, a screen shot of a terrorist in his own words. If they can ban me, they will ban anyone. We need to fight back. 'Heck, I posted the terrorist screen shot on this post too, so stay tune for @instagram banning me too. 'Big tech does the bidding of the Left, especially to include anyone who speaks truth about the threat of radical Islam.' It comes as U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced on Monday that the shooting was an act of terrorism. Barr said during a press conference that Alshamrani was motivated by 'jihadist ideology'. The attorney general said there was no evidence of assistance by other Saudi trainees or that any of them had knowledge in advance of the attack. Three sailors were killed in the shooting: Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham (left); Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson (center); and Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters (right) The December shooting raised questions about how well international military students are screened before they attend training at American bases (Pensacola, Florida, base) Barr (pictured Monday) said during a press conference that Alshamrani was motivated by 'jihadist ideology'. The attorney general said there was no evidence of assistance by other Saudi trainees or that any of them had knowledge in advance of the attack 'This was an act of terrorism,' Barr said. 'The evidence showed that the shooter was motivated by jihadist ideology. 'During the course of the investigation, we learned that the shooter posted a message on September 11 of last year stating, 'The countdown has begun.'' Barr added that Alshamrani also visited the New York City memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US and posted anti-American, anti-Israeli and jihadi messages on social media, two hours before the attack. The attack brought fresh complications to US-Saudi relations at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival. But according to Barr, Saudi Arabia provided 'complete and total support' to the American investigation of the incident. Barr also announced that the United States is removing 21 Saudi military students from a training program and sending them back to Saudi Arabia following the investigation. Fifteen of the 21 cadets had contact with child pornography and possessed jihadist or anti-American material, Barr said. Of the 21 cadets, 17 had social media profiles containing jihadi or anti-American content. None of the cadets are accused of having advanced knowledge of the shooting. Ive had wood stoves all my life; I knew that you dont do that, he said. So, it sent a spark out through the chimney, which landed on the roof. Hours later, Mr. Steele awoke in the early morning to a cold cabin on Dec. 17 or 18 (hes not entirely certain, the report said), and theres a drip, drip, drip theres fiery drips of plastic coming through the roof above me. So, I go outside to pick up some snow, he said and I just see that the whole roofs on fire. At that point, Mr. Steele said all he had on were boots with no socks, long johns and a heavy wool sweater. The fire spread quickly, according to the report, and Mr. Steele had no time to pause. His dog, a 6-year-old chocolate Labrador named Phil, was still in the cabin. Mr. Steele said he grabbed everything that was on his bed, some coats, some sleeping bags, and rushed outside. He called for his dog, and Phil jumped off the bed. I think its good, right? I think hes left, he said. From the outside, Mr. Steele said the whole cabin was on fire. As he went to grab his rifle on the other side of the cabin, Mr. Steele said he heard howling. I have no words for what sorrow, he said. It was just, just a scream. Just a visceral not angry, not sad, just, like, thats all I could express just scream. Felt like I tore my lung out. Citing safety reasons, an Armenian airline cancelled a regular flight from Yerevan to Tehran that was scheduled for Sunday. The private carrier, Armenia Airways, announced the decision one day after Iran admitted that its military accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane on January 8, killing all 176 people aboard. Armenia Airways did not stop flying to and from the Iranian capital in the immediate aftermath of the plane crash which Tehran initially blamed a technical malfunction. By contrast, Iraqs UR Airlines was quick to cancel its next flight from the northern Iraqi city of Erbil to Yerevan also scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, Armenia Airways said the Yerevan-Tehran flight is cancelled due to safety reasons. Please accept our sincere apologies for inconvenience caused, it appealed to ticket holders. We consider our passengers' safety first. The small airline did not say when it might resume the flight service launched by it in June. Later on Sunday, Armenias Civil Aviation Committee said it has advised local airlines to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace for the time being given the new circumstances of the air disaster. The government agency said such a measure is recommended by the European Unions Aviation Safety Agency. We would not have made such a statement if there had been no dangers, the head of the committee, Tatevik Revazian, told reporters on Monday. We are closely cooperating with international bodies, and the recommendations that flying over Iran is not a good idea now come from international bodies. Revazian stressed at the same that it is ultimately up to Armenia Airways and other local carriers to decide whether to fly to Iran or Iraq. The January 8 air disaster came hours after Iran targeted two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops with missiles in response to a January 3 U.S. air strike that killed Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. That led many experts to suspect Iranian antiaircraft batteries mistook the airliner for a U.S. warplane on a retaliatory mission over Tehran. As a Senator and Democratic presidential candidate, Elizabeth Warren is outspoken about women's rights, from the pay gap for women of color to protecting abortion rights. But when Warren was young, she struggled with what the world expected of women. And it made her feel like a "failure," she told Vogue in a story published Tuesday. Warren, who grew up with three older brothers in Oklahoma in the 1950s and '60s, was taught that women stayed home to tend to family. But Warren was different; she was born "contrary," to the rest, her mother told her. "As a young woman I wanted what I'd been taught to want, and I tried really hard to succeed at that," she says. "I just wasn't cut out to stay home and build my life around my husband. I understood that many women did, and for a long time I felt like a failure," she told Vogue. In 1966 Warren graduated (a year early) from Northwest Classen High School where she was on the pep squad and the debate team and won a debate scholarship to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. But after she got married at age 19, Warren quit school followed her husband, Jim Warren, to Texas. There, she became the first person in her family to graduate college, completing her degree at University of Houston in 1970. The couple moved to New Jersey when Warren's husband got a job there and she got her first teaching job. But Warren said she was not asked to return the following year because she was visibly pregnant with her daughter, Amelia, who was born in 1971. (That account has been challenged, though Warren sticks by it.) The transition to stay-at-home mom wasn't perfect for Warren. "I had a baby and stayed home for a couple years, and I was really casting about thinking, 'What am I gonna do?'" she said in a 2007 interview at University of California, Berkeley. Warren says her husband's "view of it was, 'Stay home. We'll have more children. You'll love this.'" However, "I was very restless about it," she said. Warren enrolled at Rutgers Law School, had a second child in 1976, Alexander, and after graduating that year, taught classes there and later at the University of Houston. Warren divorced Jim in 1979 and remarried in 1980. But her marriage to Bruce Mann was less traditional: She popped the question and they had a long-distance relationship while Warren taught at various schools, including University of Texas, University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania, and he taught American legal history at University of Connecticut. In 1995 both Warren and Mann got teaching jobs at Harvard. "With each one of those steps, I built a more independent life," Warren told Vogue. "Not purposefully to take me away from the vision of marriage I'd grown up with, but because I needed to do more." In 2008, Warren entered politics when she was appointed as an expert to a congressional oversight panel, and two years later, former president Barack Obama appointed Warren to serve as special adviser to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In 2012, Warren became the first woman elected to the Senate from Massachusetts. "Did I think I was going to be one of those 'women's libbers'? Heavens no," she said at UC Berkeley. "I wanted children. I wanted family. And somehow, I thought those were either-or choices. And yet I wanted to do things." Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook. Don't miss: Barack Obama: 'If every nation on earth was run by women' for 2 years, things would be better Emtelle launches New Fibre Termination Facility to meet global demand for FTTH Posted by Publisher Telecommunication Hawick, Scotland, 13 January, 2020 ? Emtelle, the leading global manufacturer of pre-connectorised, blown fibre cable and ducted network solutions, today launched its brand-new Fibre Termination Facility in response to the rising demand for pre-connectorised fibre solutions globally ? enabling operators to deploy Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) faster and more efficiently. The opening of the Fibre Termination Facility, which is located at Emtelle?s Centre of Excellence in Hawick, Scotland, comes as homes and businesses demand to be connected quicker and more effectively than ever before. The role of the facility will be to cut and polish the fibre, so that it is readily available for operators to connect directly to customers? homes. This specialised process is the first of its kind to be implemented inhouse within a European fibre cabling and microduct manufacturing facility providing a unique and enhanced offering to operators across the globe. ?As the demand for fibre broadband continues to grow at an exponential rate in many countries, operators are under increasing pressure to lay fibre straight to the doors of end-users faster than ever before,? said Colin Kirkpatrick, Solutions Director at Emtelle. ?The launch of our brand-new Fibre Termination Facility is pivotal in satisfying this increased need, providing our customers and operators with not only a high-quality product but also a highly efficient turnaround. We place a high value on customer service at Emtelle, and the opening of the facility further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of today?s pre-connectorised solution market. It was also a privilege to have Jamie Hepburn open the facility. At Emtelle, we pride ourselves on innovation, and it was great to have this recognised by such a well-respected individual within Scottish Government.? The Fibre Termination Facility was opened by Jamie Hepburn, the Minister for Business, Fair Work & Skills. Hepburn is visiting businesses across the region who are showing innovative manufacturing techniques and have plans for further development. Emtelle has extensive experience in the development of innovative pre-connectorised fibre cabling solutions that allow for a more straightforward, quicker installation, meaning more premises can be connected more efficiently worldwide. For more information about Emtelle, please go to: http://www.emtelle.com/. New Delhi, Jan 13 : With the police naming Aishe Ghosh among the suspects behind the January 5 JNU campus violence, parallels are being drawn between former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and the present president. The current situation in JNU is the latest in a series of controversial incidents or developments that have accorded the university with a notoriety of sorts. It was the anti-national sloganeering of 2016 that forever stamped the campus' reputation as a crucible of anti-national sentiment, in the public eye. When Delhi Police recently announced the details of nine suspects involved in the campus violence, it included JNUSU president Ghosh -- the development had startling resemblance to events of 2016. It all began on February 9, 2016, when some JNU students organised a protest on campus to mark the third anniversary of Afzal Guru, who was hanged in connection with the 2001 Parliament attack. Despite a last-minute withdrawal of permission by the varsity authorities, the protesters went ahead. Matters took a turn for the worse, when anti-national slogans were raised at the protest meet. The incident propelled the then JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar to the national stage. He contested and lost the parliamentary elections from Bihar in 2019. With the Delhi Police naming Aishe Ghosh as a suspect in the January violence on campus, the spotlight has turned on her. But the youngster appears unfazed by the development. "Yes, I was in the video. But I was not inciting violence or leading the mob. Rather I was trying to pacify them," she said. "As a leader of the JNUSU, it's my duty to be at such spots to make sure peace and harmony remains in the campus," she added. The statement echoes the stand taken by Kanhaiya three years ago when he accepted his presence in the controversial video, but had claimed that his slogans were taken out of context. I just got out of a classified briefing about the elimination of known terrorist Soleimani. We already knew that President Trump acted decisively, but this briefing made it clear that he had to act to keep Americans safe at home and abroad. Mullin' It Over Who Is General Soleimani? Following President Donald Trumps decisive action to order a drone strike that killed General Qasem Soleimani, many in the mainstream media are downplaying the fact that he was the architect of Irans expanded influence across the Middle East. General Qasem Soleimani became the head of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF) in 1998, wreaking havoc with his actions in he Middle East for over 20 years In 2005, he was designated a terrorist by the United States. In 2007, the UN Security Council barred him from leaving Iran following his alleged role in illicit arms trafficking and smuggling of nuclear materials. Soleimani blatantly disregarded that ban and was traveling from Libya to Iraq on the day of the strike that killed him. He was responsible for the deaths of more than 600 U.S. service members in Iraq. Soleimani masterminded military operations, bombings, and assassinations that resulted in at least 17 percent of all U.S. personnel deaths throughout Iraq from 2003 to 2011. He also was responsible for killing thousands of civilians throughout the Middle East, including many in his own country. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, and helped them launch attacks on innocent civilians. Soleimani helped Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad wage attacks on the Syrian people after they demanded freedom. The elite Quds Force he led has worked with the supreme leader to suppress freedom in Iran, kill protestors, and jail those who disagree. The U.S. Treasury Department linked him to a failed plot to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S. at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. in October 2011. He planned attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months including the attack on December 27th which resulted in the death and wounding of additional American and Iraqi personnel. He approved the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that took place the first week of January. In response, President Trump authorized an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq that killed Soleimani. There are people reporting that taking out Soleimani is comparable to taking out a general in the U.S. military. Hardly. Lets remember that Soleimani wasnt the kind of general that we know; he was a terrorist. A true general would never purposely attack civilians like Soleimani did. Soleimani was not only a threat to the American people, he was also a threat to democracy across the globe. His influence wreaked havoc across the Middle East and eliminating this threat was crucial to fighting our war on terror. President Trump has sent a clear message the U.S. will not allow terrorists to threaten the lives of American citizens. Markwayne Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, was first elected to serve the people of Oklahomas Second Congressional District in November 2012. He is currently serving his fourth term in office. Mullin and his wife Christie have six children. The Mullin family currently resides in Westville, Oklahoma, on the same family farm where Markwayne was raised. Join the Conversation Chandigarh: Due to intelligence agencies, big news related to Khalistan supported group is coming in Punjab. It is reported that after the Khalistan supported faction 'Sikh for Justice' ie SFJ is banned, SFJ has now formed a new gang named 'SJF International'. Some foreign journalists have also been included in the SJF International faction to give impetus to the activities of 'Refrendrum-2020' against India. Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI is providing large-scale funds to SJF. It is reported that ISI has set up centers in Spain, Canada and Thailand to fund SJF International. Khalistani supporters are being funded extensively with the help of SJF International. A few days ago, intelligence agencies had told in an alert sent to the government that for the terrorist attack in Punjab, Pakistan's efforts to supply weapons through drones have been stepped up. The activities of Khalistan-backed groups have also been seen in Rajasthan and Haryana in an attempt to smuggle weapons into Punjab through terrorist organizations Babbar Khalsa and Khalistan Zindabad Forces Pakistani handlers. Following the intelligence input, the government has asked the BSF, NIA, RAW and IB to monitor the movement of Khalistan-backed terrorists. Also Read: All Assam Students Union announced to make a political party to contest in elections Chidambaram's challenge on CAA, 'PM Modi should give interviews to critics' Shiva Sena slams Maratha king's descendants for comparing Shivaji with PM Modi North Korea demands this to resume the Nuclear discussion with the US SAN DIEGO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Armstrong of EZ Mold Inspections returned to Southern California after a few years away. Along with his expertise, Mr. Armstrong is known for genuinely caring for his customers, honest answers, and ethical business practices. Furthermore, Mr. Armstrong can accurately interpret mold testing results while many San Diego mold inspectors cannot. "I'm happy to return to Southern California, and my previous clients will be happy to know that I'm back providing mold inspections in San Diego," stated Robert Armstrong, owner of EZ Mold Inspections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies." The CDC also states: "If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present." Mold can grow out of control when homes retain too much moisture for too long without drying out. Consumer Reports states: "Excessive mold can also damage your home by weakening floors, walls, and ceilings as it feasts on decaying wood and wallboard, ceiling tiles, caulk, cellulose insulation, and other organic materials." If you suspect a hidden mold problem, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests hiring an experienced professional who will take precautions at potential sites of mold growth. The EPA also recommends hiring professionals like EZ Mold Inspections who have "specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results" to perform mold testing. EZ Mold Inspections is an independent, third party company, offering only inspection and testing services. San Diego residents can gain peace of mind knowing they will receive truthful, honest answers to determine whether their home has a mold problem. Contact info: Contact Person: Robert Armstrong Organization: EZ Mold Inspections Address: 39252 Winchester Rd, Ste 107-196, Murrieta, CA 92563 Phone: (951) 401-0565 For more information, visit the company website at https://www.ezmoldinspections.com About EZ Mold Inspections Located in Murrieta, EZ Mold Inspections provides mold inspections, mold testing and asbestos testing services and serves communities in San Diego and Riverside Counties. The company specializes in inspecting and testing residential properties including single family homes, town houses, condos and apartments buildings. The company has worked with homeowners, tenants, renters, landlords, property managers, real estate agents and realtors, giving them peace of mind through honest answers about potential mold problems. The company was established by Robert Armstrong who has more than two decades of experience as a real estate and mold inspector in Southern California. Robert Armstrong Owner and Inspector EZ Mold Inspections (951) 401-0565 [email protected] This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com. SOURCE EZ Mold Inspections Related Links https://www.ezmoldinspections.com (Newser) It's not often a million-dollar donation is called paltry. But such is the case when the person giving it is Jeff Bezosand when the million is in Australian dollars, making it worth $690,000 American. The controversy started after the Amazon CEO announced the donation on Instagram, reports HuffPost. Our hearts go out to all Australians as they cope with these devastating bushfires, Bezos wrote. Amazon is donating 1 million AU dollars in needed provisions and services. And then the backlash began, with critics comparing the amount unfavorably to sums donated by Metallica, Chris Hemsworth, Pink, Kylie Jenner, and others. story continues below As Business Insider points out, $690,000 is the amount Bezosthe world's richest human, with an estimated worth of $110 billionmakes every five minutes or so. Lots of people were picking up on that as part of the charity shaming. Maybe the most unusual suggestion came from a post at Gizmodo, which notes that an Instagram model made $1 million for the cause by giving donors nude images. Given Bezos' own controversy involving nude photos, notes Alyse Stanley, maybe Bezos could do the same? (Australia is air-dropping food to save animals.) Opposition parties will meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country. Discussions will be held on several issues including the amended Citizenship Act, Population Register (NPR), Register of Citizens (NRC), and the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during the meeting scheduled to be held in Parliament annexe at 2 pm. Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Aam Aadmi Party will not be taking part in the meeting. In December last year, Opposition leaders had met President Ram Nath Kovind and lodged their protest over police action against students over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After police denied them permission to take out a rally, activists of West Bengal BJP women's wing on Monday demonstrated in the city demanding maximum punishment for the perpetrators of the "gang-rape" and murder of a minor girl at Kumarganj in South Dinajpur district last week. As the BJP Mohila Morcha workers switched on flash light of their mobile phones during the start of the proposed rally, police objected to it saying they had not sought permission for any procession with candlelight forcing the protesters not to proceed further. They then demonstrated before the party office for some time. "We had no intention to take out a rally with torches or candles. The flashlight on mobile phones was symbolic asking people to be aware of the rising atrocities against women in Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal," Mohila Morcha office-bearer Sanghamitra Choudhury said later. She said the rally, which was to be led by state BJP women's wing president Locket Chatterjee "in a peaceful manner", was slated to cover less than one kilometre of distance from the party office to Indian Airlines crossing along Chitta Ranjan Avenue. "But this government wants to crush any protest by the opposition. We will take out another rally soon," Choudhury said. The BJP had on January 10 taken out a protest rally here after securing permission for the march through a court order in protest against "continuing incidents of rape in the state." The charred body of a teenager was recovered under a culvert at Kumarganj on January 5 and three persons were arrested following a complaint lodged by her family members. It was alleged that she was gang-raped and then burnt alive. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This article is reprinted with permission from Geopolitical Futures. Turkey and Greece, two of the Mediterraneans greatest rivals, have long sparred over dominance of the region. The center of gravity of this competition has been Cyprus, an island split between its Greek and Turkish occupants. The island has immense geostrategic value, sitting at the crossing of the Eastern Mediterraneans main sea lanes, regional energy markets and trade routes. Control of Cyprus would give a country access to the islands valuable natural gas reserves and exploratory drilling rights, helping it project itself as the dominant Eastern Mediterranean power. Its for this reason that Turkey and Greece have accelerated their push to defend their maritime claims in the region. They have done so by employing two competing concepts that attempt to revive their imperial pasts: the Blue Homeland, a notion that harkens back to the Ottoman Empires glory days and that Turkey has used to justify expanding its reach farther into the Mediterranean Sea; and the Megali Idea, which implies Greek reestablishment of the old contours of the Byzantine Empire. These concepts are not just rhetorical; they are part of one of the most complex, entangled geopolitical rivalries today. But the dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean are also complicated by other factors. Russia, Syria, Iran and Libya all have interests there. And the growing competition in the region has increased paranoia among Mediterranean powers over sea lanes, navigation and energy resources. The end result has been a rush to delimit exclusive economic zones (regardless of legal parameters), formation of tighter alliances, escalation of the crisis in Libya and an emerging risk of military confrontation. The last time the Eastern Mediterranean was under such strain was in 1967, when the Soviet Union formed the 5th Mediterranean Squadron, causing an escalation in tensions between the Soviets and NATO member navies. With such significant geopolitical shifts emerging in the region, its necessary to take stock of its naval landscape: the players involved, their capabilities, their restraints and, most important, their intentions. An Emerging Naval Power With competition over offshore gas resources intensifying, Turkey has found it increasingly necessary to bolster its naval capabilities. The Turkish navy is considered one of the four strongest navies in the Eastern Mediterranean. (Greece, Israel and Egypt have the regions other dominant maritime forces, and the U.S. Sixth Fleet and Russias Mediterranean Naval Force also have a commanding presence.) But over the past two decades, Turkey has pushed to expand its naval capabilities, particularly since tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have escalated, indicating an increasingly ambitious Turkish naval agenda in the years to come. For much of the 20th century, naval development was not a priority for Turkey. The inward-looking foreign policy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his successors, in addition to Turkeys accession into NATO, led to a more limited naval strategy. Ankara didnt feel the need to enhance its maritime capabilities beyond the ability to defend the Turkish Straits, the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea. One of Ataturks key principles was peace at home, peace in the world, an isolationist motto that allowed Ankara to focus on domestic infrastructural and social reforms. The current government has attempted to change this, beefing up the countrys naval capabilities with an accompanying neo-Ottoman narrative led by the Blue Homeland concept, in an attempt to revive what it believes is Turkeys rightful place as a key naval power in the region. Geography, however, remains a key constraint in its naval development. The Turkish coastline is long, and the countrys access to the wider Mediterranean is restricted by a series of Greek islands, some located less than 45 miles (72 kilometers) from Turkish territory. The limited breathing room between Turkey and Greece makes it difficult for Turkey to focus on conventional naval capabilities, particularly since its primary imperative remains defense of its littoral waters. The Turkish navy therefore has mostly been geared toward coastal defense with a narrow set of operational capabilities. Still, Turkey has an interest in pushing its buffer zone farther out into the Eastern Mediterranean. Since 2014, it has used gunboat diplomacy the pursuit of strategic objectives through acts of intimidation at sea to protect its seismic and exploratory drilling activities across the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as its maritime trade routes. (Turkey conducts 87 percent of its trade through its ports.) In fact, Turkey has been eyeing greater control of the Mediterranean since the 1970s. Its invasion of Cyprus in 1974, when it annexed 40 percent of the island in its first venture back into the Mediterranean since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, was a pivotal moment. Since then, several geopolitical openings have given Turkey room to flex its muscle in the sea. Greeces financial crisis and inability to keep up naval defense spending opened the door for Turkish expansion in the region, while Ankaras frustration with its dependence on foreign energy suppliers drove it to seek new sources of natural gas. Turkeys naval buildup has accelerated markedly in recent years. Its domestic industrial capacity has increased and its navy has been upgraded with retrofittings and new equipment, including cutting-edge propulsion, detection and navigation systems. Since 2007, the country has tripled its military research and development spending, which totaled $1.2 billion in 2018. Its defense budget totaled $19 billion in 2019, an increase of 24 percent over the previous year. In addition, Ankara has introduced the MILGEM program, an ambitious project to domestically produce frigates and corvettes for the Turkish navy. As an indication of just how ambitious this project is, the country plans to build 24 new ships frigates, aircraft carriers (some compatible with the F-35B) and amphibious assault ships and most are expected to be dispatched by 2023. The country is also developing six new, slightly longer-range submarines and a series of destroyers for larger, sustained campaigns in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its acquisition of these types of vessels indicates a continuing need for convoy escort missions, as they can accompany Turkish seismic drilling ships in contested continental shelves where there is a risk of conflict between Eastern Mediterranean adversaries. Turkey has also begun to promote its domestically manufactured equipment abroad in an effort to establish itself as a global arms exporter, which would give the country an economic boost and help it position itself as a Mediterranean industrial power. The expansion of Turkeys defense industry is perhaps the single biggest development in Turkeys naval advancement, which could pay dividends economically and strategically for years to come. Ankara also hopes to begin adding more forward bases, including a naval base in Northern Cyprus, likely in the city of Famagusta close to the Iskele Strait. This base is the centerpiece of Turkeys emerging maritime strategy, as it will allow Turkey to expand its naval logistics and drilling capabilities and conduct longer-range, long-term deployments deep into the Mediterranean. In addition, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is renovating the abandoned Maras port in Famagusta at a cost of $10 billion, likely with Turkish support. The tempo of naval exercises has also increased. In early 2019, the Turkish navy hosted its second-largest drills, aptly named Blue Homeland, and conducted live-fire exercises in the Greek Cypriot exclusive economic zone. And in May, Turkey will host its largest naval drills, dubbed the Sea Wolf exercises, in the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean seas. These developments all serve a symbolic as well as a strategic purpose: They send a clear message to Turkeys rivals namely, Greece, Israel, Greek Cyprus and Egypt that it is a force to be reckoned with. The Bigger Picture While all of these moves to boost Turkeys naval power may indicate that Ankara is increasingly considering the risks of a large-scale conventional conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean, its important to keep in mind that Ankaras primary focus remains closer to home, especially the defense of its own coastline and Cyprus from threats posed by Greece and its allies. Its also worth noting that because of the naval limitations of Turkeys main rivals in the Mediterranean, a full-blown conflict is extremely unlikely. Greeces armed forces are estimated to total 360,500 personnel, half of Turkeys roughly 735,000. The two countries possess a similar range of submarines, patrol vessels, frigates and sea mine equipment, though Greeces naval capabilities are more limited than Turkeys, as many vessels have been decommissioned and are technologically obsolete. And since Greeces financial crisis, naval modernization efforts have been sluggish. Athens, however, has the advantage of having regional allies. Greece is a member of the recently launched East Mediterranean Gas Forum, which also includes Egypt, Israel, Greek Cyprus, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian territories. While the consortiums primary focus is energy resources, its members have increased naval cooperation and joint training. Meanwhile, Egypts armed forces are larger than Turkeys, and its naval assets are superior in both quantity and quality, since it boasts a greater number of helicopter aircraft carriers and patrol vessels. But only a few of its surface vessels and Type 033 Romeo-class submarines are serviceable, and the country has fallen behind with updates and refittings as its economy lags. (click to enlarge) Turkey also has its own limitations, which should cast at least some doubt on its prospects to be the undisputed naval power in the Mediterranean. It has nearly 200 naval assets, including frigates, submarines and patrol vessels, but most of them date back to the 1990s, some to the late 1970s, and require updating. Moreover, Turkeys possession of numerous short-range, fast-attack craft indicates a limited ability to engage in a distant, sustained campaign in the Eastern Mediterranean including, for example, a mission to support Libyas Government of National Accord, which Ankara agreed to assist with a troop deployment back in December. Still, Turkeys increased production of conventional naval equipment complimentary to the F-35 and drone capabilities, as well as its plans to bolster its forward bases in Somalia and Qatar and build a naval base in Northern Cyprus, reflects its growing intentions in the region. Ultimately, to achieve greater power projection, what Turkey really needs is aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and improved aerial defense to sustain supply lines and amphibious operations. So while it has made some ambitious moves and daring declarations of intent, it still has a long way to go. For now, Turkey will continue to posture, posing as a dominant naval power while taking minor steps toward expanding its footprint in the Mediterranean. Dina Lohan, mother of actress Lindsay Lohan, was arrested Saturday night for driving while intoxicated near her home in Long Island, the Nassau County Police confirmed to Yahoo. The arrest took place at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday after 57-year-old Lohan reportedly rear-ended another driver and left the scene. The police would neither confirm nor deny the details of the arrest to Yahoo. According to the Miami Herald, the Celebrity Big Brother star was driving with a suspended license when she hit another driver and failed to stop. The hit driver followed Lohan to her home and called the police. Lohan then allegedly refused to take a sobriety test and was arrested on a felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Lohan was previously convicted of a DWI less than 10 years ago, which is the reason for the felony charge. She was arrested in September 2013 for driving 22 mph over the speed limit with a blood-alcohol level of 0.2 percent, which is more than twice the legal limit. She forfeited her license for a year after that incident and served 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty. Today reports that Lohan is currently being held for arraignment in the First District Court in Hempstead, N.Y. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : OCEANA SAMUI LIMOUSINES LAUNCHES CUSTOM TOURS AND LUXURY AIRPORT TRANSFERS Industry: Transport (TRAVPR.COM) THAILAND - January 13th, 2020 - The leading speed boat charter providers in Koh Samui, Oceana Samui, announce new luxury transport company serving Koh Samui Airport (USM) and Koh Samui Island. OCEANA SAMUI LIMOUSINE presents a new luxury transport service in Samui. The exclusive limousine partner of Conrad Koh Samui, Oceana Samui Limousines, will serve guests with the latest from their luxurious fleets of world-class vehicles including Mercedes E Class, Mercedes E Cabriolet, Mercedes S Class, BMW Series 5, Toyota Alphard, and Toyota Majesty. Oceana Samui Limousines provides Executive Airport Transfers and Custom Koh Samui Tours to bring enjoyment while on Koh Samui island. Private tours of Koh Samui offer an experience of the natural beauty of Koh Samui. Samui is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, local sea-food restaurants, luxury resorts, and tranquil southern interior. Oceana Samui Limousine is the sister company of OCEANA SAMUI, a leading luxury speed boat and yacht service in Koh Samui, Thailand. The co-founder of Oceana Samui explained that the company takes exceptional pride in their friendly, English speaking team and service. Our guest satisfaction is our priority, we provide luxury cars in Samui complete with all the amenities, including a custom itinerary tailored to individuals' interests, travel insurance, cold towels, drinking water and importantly a knowledgeable local driver Oceana Samui Limousines provide luxury transportation services, including executive airport transfers in Samui. Guests can use the Oceana Samui Limousine service and be picked up by one of their luxury vehicles such as Mercedes S Class, Mercedes E Cabriolet and BMW 5 Series. When arriving at Koh Samui Airport, family or business groups of guests can take our larger vehicles such as the Toyota Alphard or Toyota Majesty. First-timers in Samui can explore the island and arrange a custom tour. Oceana Samui Limousines offers various Koh Samui private tours including half-day, and 8-hour luxury tours (an English speaking or Chinese speaking guide is optional). About Oceana Samui Limousines Oceana Samui Limousines is a sister company OCEANA SAMUI, a leading luxury speed boat and yacht service on Koh Samui island. The company provides luxury vehicles and guests can arrange a memorable private tour to explore the wonderful Thai island. To book or make a tour reservation, please visit https://www.oceanalimo.com/. ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: support Company: Oceana Samui Limousines Phone: +66 (0) 83 503 5088 Email: bookings@oceanalimo.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Since the core business field is facing difficulties, rubber companies are now gathering strength on developing industrial zones (IZs). Both Dong Phu Rubber (DPR) and Phuoc Hoa Rubber (PHR) are long-standing companies in the rubber industry. In Vietnam, DPR is managing 9,221 hectares of rubber plantations, while the total rubber growing area PHR owns is 15,000 hectares. However, due to the adverse rubber price fluctuations in recent years, both of them plan to convert their rubber plantations into different projects in the future to take advantage of the available advantages to further diversify sources of profits. Meanwhile, their plantations in Cambodia will be taken care and put into exploitation in the future which will replace the existing plantations in Vietnam. DPR is exploiting 5,500 hectares of rubber in Kratie. Rong Viet Securities predicted that 2023 would be the time when DPRs rubber plantations enter the high exploitation phase. Since the core business field is facing difficulties, rubber companies are now gathering strength on developing industrial zones (IZs). As for PHR, the company is harvesting 5,775 hectares of rubber in Kampongthom, and the rubber latex harvesting in all the area is expected to be implemented between 2021 and 2039. According to Rong Viet Securities, both DPR and PHR are taking losses in rubber farming in Cambodia. However, the revenue and profit of the two companies will improve in the next five years. Rubber growers shift to IZs With abundant human resources, low labor costs and stable politics, Vietnam proves to be the ideal destination point for multi-national manufacturing groups. This can be seen in the steady increase in FDI in Vietnam. According to Bui Huy Hoang from Rong Viet Securities, industrial real estate, or industrial zones, is getting the biggest benefits from the strong FDI wave. Hoang said both DPR and PHR are taking full advantage of their abundant land to accelerate their business in leasing industrial land. Binh Duong province, with an advantageous geographical position (it is adjacent to HCM City) and developed infrastructure, has been attracting FDI more than other areas. Therefore, PHR, which has large land plots in the province, is moving ahead to convert rubber farming land into industrial production land. PHR has begun transferring its 1,016 hectares of land to VSIP and Nam Tan Uyen. The company plans to receive VND600 billion in 2019. In the long term, PHR plans to expand Tan Binh IZ and develop Tan Lap IZ which would specialize in serving wooden furniture manufacturers. Meanwhile, DPR takes a cautious move in developing IZ real estate as its land plots are located in Binh Phuoc, far from HCM City. After leasing Bac Dong Phu and Nam Dong Phu IZs, it plans to expand Bac Dong Phu by 317 hectares. Mai Lan State-run Vietnam Rubber Group gets green light to list on HoSE Once completed listing on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, Vietnam Rubber Group would be the second largest firm in terms of registered capital, behind BIDV. The agreement between the towns of Saldus (Latvia) and Bakhmut (Donetsk region, Ukraine) was signed, and EUR 25,000 donation was made to the hospital in Slovyansk. Today, we have talked not only about the humanitarian cargo but about other areas of possible cooperation as well. We sign an agreement between the towns of Saldus and Bakhmut. This is a very important political step. We are working closely with the Slovyansk Town Hospital and our Government has decided to donate EUR 25,000 for the needs of this hospital, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikans said during the transfer of humanitarian aid to the resident of Donbas in the town of Kramatorsk on January 13, the website of the Donetsk Regional State Administration reports. As reported, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and Finland handed over the humanitarian aid to the residents of Donbas, including medical equipment for hospitals, on January 13. The event was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikans, Ambassador of Estonia to Ukraine Kaimo Kuusk, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ukraine Bartosz Cichocki, Chief Chaplain of the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Latvia Elmars Plavins, as well as representatives of the military joint forces. ol Indian Army Havildar Rajendra Singh Negi's family was reportedly left tensed and in tears, after he allegedly slipped while on duty at Gulmarg, Jammu, and Kashmir, and reached on the other side of the border in Pakistan on Tuesday, January 7. Earlier On January 8, Rajendra Singh Negi's wife Rajeshwari received a phone call from his unit, saying Negi had gone missing. The officials later discovered that Negi had slipped in the snow and had crossed the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir. The tensed family asked the government to ensure Negi's safe and early return from Pakistan to India. READ | General Bipin Rawat was destined to lead the Indian Army and now the Indian Armed forces As per sources, the search and rescue operation of Negi was underway and all efforts were being taken to bring him back safely from Pakistan. Negi, a resident of Ambiwala Sainik Colony in Dehradun, joined the 11 Garhwal Rifles regiment in 2002. He had arrived in Dehradun in October for a month's vacation and was posted to the snowy area of Gulmarg in November. READ | Indian Army chief's remark of 'preemptively strike' right 'irresponsible': Pakistan Foreign Office 'Rescue operation being hampered many times due to poor weather'- Indian Army Earlier in the day, the Indian Army had put out a tweet saying rescue operations were hampered many times due to heavy snow levels and inclement weather. Army Sources: Rescue efforts are underway in Gulmarg Sector to locate Havildar Rajinder Singh Negi of Garhwal Regiment, who had slipped into snow. Intensive search operations are going on. Rescue operations have been hampered many times due to heavy snow level & inclement weather ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2020 Earlier on January 8, an Indian Army porter died and three others were rescued after they were struck by an avalanche along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. READ | Indian Army Chief Naravane announces that 100 female jawans are being trained for the Army READ | Fully prepared to respond to any act of Indian aggression: Pak Army (With Inputs from ANI) Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admitted to him that he wasnt confident of the vote of some members of Fine Gael, such as Maria Bailey, in the event of a vote of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris. Losing three TDs in recent times had really put the Taoiseach in some difficulty Mr Martin told RTE radios Today with Sean ORourke show. He said to us that he wasnt sure of some of his own people. Mr Martin said that in the last four years Fianna Fail had honoured the Confidence and Supply Agreement and that no one can question Fianna Fails bona fides. The current government was more concerned with its own image and there was no doubt that it had failed on health and housing, he said. In this election were saying we need a change in government. In the last nine years Fianna Fail had supported the fiscal treaty and had been responsible and had facilitated responsible budgeting. We didnt prevent them (the government) from delivering on health and housing. Mr Martin defended his own and his partys record in health and said that by any metric Fine Gael had failed. James Reilly did damage when he got rid of the National Treatment Purchase Fund. Simon Harris hasnt delivered 1,000 beds, the real issue here is three Ministers James Reilly, Leo Varadkar and Simon Harris were more interested in sound bites than in getting out of the health crisis. Leo Varadkars performance in health was very poor, he couldnt wait to get out. Mr Martin said that Fine Gael had presided over the escalating cost of the childrens hospital from 0.5bn to 2bn. Seven years ago Fine Gael said the bad times are over. Since then Fianna Fail had called them out over every Budget which did not meet reality and required a surplus. The core of the trolley crisis was the lack of beds because of delayed discharges. Fine Gael should have addressed that, he said. The government had also failed to provide affordable housing. Not one affordable house was facilitated by this government. I believe thats indicative of their ability to get anything done. Their inability to get on top of it. Fianna Fail in the sixties, seventies and eighties had built social housing. We built housing, I have no problem building council housing estates, I dont hold my nose at that like Fine Gael. Mr Martin said he believed Fianna Fail is stronger now than going into the 2016 general election. Its not about Micheal Martin, its about issues like health and housing. I dont have much patience or tolerance for whos in and whos out. Were not going to fail in this election. Were going to win more seats. Its about a new government which can bring a new focus to health and housing. Im pushing myself and the party to increase our number of seats. He said that he would be prepared to talk to other parties to form a government. Our focus is on bringing about a change of government. When asked about the possibility of forming a government with Sinn Fein, Mr Martin replied: Let me make it clear. I dont trust Sinn Fein. He said he had a problem with people outside the elected representatives contributing to what happens. You dont get over that. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that she has made it clear that after the next election she will talk to and listen to everybody because that's what adults do. Speaking on RTE radios Today with Sean ORourke show, she said she is not surprised that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin do not want Sinn Fein about the place because they know full well that we will bring about change. Ms McDonald added that if Sinn Fein was capable of governing with the DUP in the north, then they would be capable of governing with parties in the south. If Sinn Fein can govern in partnership with the DUP - people we have profound political differences with - how on earth is it logical to then say that Sinn Fein isn't good enough to be in government in the south? Ms McDonald said that if Sinn Fein can land at a space where we have a republican programme for government then Sinn Fein will be in the business of entering government. Irish reunification is on its way" and whoever becomes Taoiseach after the election must start planning for that, she added. Cold Chisel, Paul Kelly, Birds of Tokyo, Magic Dirt A Day On The Green Mt Duneed Winery, Waurn Ponds Saturday, January 11 Over 20,000 people enjoyed far cooler, calmer summer conditions than vast swathes of the country has experienced of late, filing into Mt Duneed Estate all too aware of the significance of the surroundings. All eyes on Cold Chisel's Ian Moss (left) and Jimmy Barnes, on stage at A Day On the Green, on Saturday, January 11. Credit:Shotz By Jackson Only four days earlier Cold Chisel's enormous Blood Moon show in Rutherglen's picturesque wine region had to be cancelled due to thick smoke haze caused by bushfires. The bush surrounding the Waurn Ponds venue, near Geelong, sits far from the stage but the thousands of fans knew just how lucky they were to be watching one of Australia's greatest ever bands in full flight. As 2019 closed, the annual Falls Musical Festival in Lorne was also cancelled, so these huge outdoor concerts are no guarantee going forward. Even as Victorian stalwarts Magic Dirt blasted the opening chords of their raucous, high voltage rock 'n' roll the atmosphere in the crowd was palpable. Rain bucketed down on fans the night before in the Yarra Valley, which failed to dampen spirits but highlighted Victoria's extreme weather conditions going into 2020. There's been a lot happening at Genworth Financial (NYSE:GNW), but investors may be wondering just where the company is headed amid all the activity. The Richmond-based company, which provides mortgage and long-term care insurance products, is currently involved in a major acquisition that has dragged on for years. In October 2016, China Oceanwide Holdings Group struck a deal to acquire Genworth for $2.7 billion. Genworth would be a stand-alone subsidiary, and the deal was slated to close in mid-2017. More than two years later, it still hasn't. Last month, the two parties agreed to a 13th waiver that extends the time in which they can agree upon a closing date after receiving all the required regulatory approvals. The previous waiver expired Dec. 31; the new one gives the parties until March 31. The extension gives regulators additional time to review the deal, including Genworth's recent sale of Genworth Canada. The company announced last August that it agreed to sell its Genworth MI Canada subsidiary to Brookfield Business Partners. Oceanwide signed off on the sale. But now, some regulatory bodies -- including the New York Department of Financial Services, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- must reapprove it as past approvals expired. Other regulators need to review it in light of the Genworth Canada disposition. The waiver agreement with China Oceanwide also gives either party the opportunity to terminate the acquisition if regulators impose "materially adverse conditions on the transaction." Both sides say they are committed to the merger, but obviously, nothing has gone smoothly thus far. So, what does this mean for the stock? Is Genworth Financial a buy? Premium increases will help earnings Genworth is one of the largest long-term care insurance providers in the country, but it has struggled in the past year. The stock price has dropped about 7% over the past year, but it is cheap, trading at about $4.42 per share. However, the company reported pretty good adjusted operating earnings of $123 million in the third quarter, or $0.24 per share. That's up from $0.20 per share in the third quarter of 2018. Revenues for the quarter totaled $2.02 billion, up from $1.95 billion in the prior-year quarter. Operating income for the U.S. mortgage insurance segment was $137 million, up from $118 million in the third quarter of 2018. The long-term care insurance segment posted operating income of $21 million in the quarter, down from $24 million the previous year's quarter. But this should be an area of growth, as the company's multiyear rate action plan calls for premium increases. Genworth has already been approved for significant premium increases in many states, so that should help buoy earnings into 2020 and beyond. The company will continue to apply for additional premium increases going forward. Outlook is cloudy While Genworth has shown improved earnings growth, and is undervalued, the acquisition hangs over the company. At this point, the long delays in getting this deal done, complicated by the sale of Genworth Canada, have cast doubt for investors. It's a company worth keeping an eye on, particularly for value investors, but it's probably wise to wait until there's more visibility on whether or not the deal finally goes through. If it does, it might be worth another look. If not, the uncertainty will persist. Jerusalem: Israeli officials are seeking to expedite an extradition hearing for a woman facing dozens of sexual abuse charges in Australia after a psychiatric panel concluded she had lied about suffering from mental illness, the Justice Ministry announced on Monday. The panel's decision last week that found Malka Leifer fit to stand trial marked a major breakthrough in a years-old case that has strained relations between Israel and Australia and antagonised members of Australia's Jewish community. Australian Malka Leifer, right, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem in 2018. Credit:AP In its announcement, the Justice Ministry said the psychiatric panel had "unanimously and unequivocally" concluded that the former Melbourne school principal had faked mental illness in order to avoid extradition. "The prosecution believes that the psychiatric panel's definitive conclusions have removed the obstacles that stood in the way of any significant progress in this case," the ministry said. - Many Filipinos are concerned due to the possible eruption of Taal Volcano, which is already spewing ash, smoke, and lava - Famous Pinoy celebrities also expressed their concern about the said natural crisis - Among them are Kapamilya stars Kim Chiu, Piolo Pascual, Lea Salonga, and Ogie Alcasid - Kapuso stars such as Ai-Ai delas Alas and Dingdong Dantes also posted on social media about the volcano PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed The Filipino people are on alert due to the possible eruption of Taal Volcano, which is already spewing ash, smoke, and lava. KAMI learned that famous Pinoy celebrities expressed their concerned reaction to the said natural crisis. Among them are Kapamilya stars Kim Chiu, Piolo Pascual, and Ogie Alcasid as well as Kapuso stars such as Ai-Ai delas Alas and Dingdong Dantes. All of them expressed their hope that everyone will be kept safe from danger during the volcanic activity. Kim Chiu: #TaalVolcano stay safe everyone especially those living near Taal! ash fall has already reached QC. Lets all be alert and be updated. Piolo Pascual: My birthday wish right now is for everyone to be safe. Ai-Ai delas Alas: At sa mga taong nasa labas po ngayun mag ingat po tayo and mag mask dahil may ashfall po .. GOD will take care of us ... GOD BLESS everyone amen. ipanalangin din naten ang mga nasa karatig lugar ng taal .. salamat po Lea Salonga: Photo by @coffee_dante taken from @mommymaricels IG feed. Ive never seen Taal Volcano like this. Mother Nature seems pissed off. Dingdong Dantes: Indang, Cavite. 7kms from Tagaytay road. Ogie Alcasid: Taal volcano earlier. Ingat po ang lahat. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! KAMI previously reported that Ai-Ai shared her thoughts on a controversy in the Philippines. Ai-Ai delas Alas is an award-winning actress and comedienne who gained more popularity after starring in Ang Tanging Ina as Ina Montecillo. She is now married to a non-showbiz guy named Gerald Sibayan, a pilot. 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 Asheen Phansey called it a "bad attempt at humour", but the US college professor has been fired for his Facebook post encouraging Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets. The remarks made by the professor at Babson College in Massachusetts were in response to US President Donald Trump's recent tweet saying the US had earmarked 52 Iranian cultural sites for destruction, warning Tehran not to strike back after an American drone killed Iran's top general Qassem Suleimani. Phansey, an adjunct professor and the director of sustainability, suggested that Iran's supreme leader might want to do the same ? and get specific. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should tweet a list of 52 sites of cultural American heritage that he would bomb ... Um Mall of America? Kardashian residence?" he wrote on his Facebook page earlier this week. The post, which has since been deleted, was subject to a "prompt and thorough investigation" by Babson College, also Phansey's alma mater. The college said Phansey was fired because the post on his "personal Facebook page does not represent the values and culture of the College". "Based on the results of the investigation, the staff member is no longer a Babson College employee. As we have previously stated, Babson College condemns any type of threatening words and/or actions condoning violence and/or hate," Boston-based outlet WBZ television reported. Phansey released a statement on Thursday, saying he was "disappointed and saddened" that the college had decided to abruptly terminate his 15-year relationship with it "just because people willfully misinterpreted a joke". He called his post, which appeared to encourage Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets, "a bad attempt at humour". "I am really concerned about what this portends for our ability as Americans to engage in political discourse without presuming the worst about each other," he said. Phansey has also apologised through his attorney, insisting his post was simply a bad joke. "I am sorry that my sloppy humour was read as a threat," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RTHK: Queens agrees to Harry and Meghan 'stepping back' Britain's Queen Elizabeth has to grant Prince Harry and and his wife Meghan their wish for a more independent life, allowing them to move part-time to Canada while remaining firmly in the House of Windsor. The British monarch said that a summit of senior royals on Monday was constructive, and that it had been agreed that there will be a period of transition' in which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend time in Canada and the UK." The meeting at the queen's Sandringham estate in eastern England marked the first face-to-face talks with Harry since he and Meghan unveiled their plan to step back from their royal roles. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family,'' the queen said in a statement. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.'' Buckingham Palace said a range of possibilities would be discussed, but the queen was determined to resolve the situation within days, not weeks." Buckingham Palace stressed, however, that any decision will take time to be implemented." A key issue is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent, and what they can do to make money. Other royals who have ventured into the world of commerce have found it complicated. Prince Andrew, for example, has come under intense scrutiny over his relationship with the late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew relinquished royal duties and patronages after a woman said Epstein trafficked her into having sex with the prince when she was just 17. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also face questions on paying for taxpayer-funded security. Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment, but said safety was a priority. There were signs earlier in the day that the House of Windsor had moved to unite. Princes William and Harry issued a joint statement criticising a newspaper article on the severe strain in their relationship, calling the story offensive and potentially harmful as they embark on talks regarding the future of the British monarchy. Though the statement didn't name the newspaper, the Times of London had a front page story about the crisis in which a source alleged that Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by the bullying attitude from" William. The joint statement insisted that the story was false.' For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful, the statement said. (AP) This story has been published on: 2020-01-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:44:29|Editor: yhy Video Player Close KUNMING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Myanmar have started shooting a documentary on the ecological environment of the two countries. The film, "Drink From the Same River," will record the harmonious coexistence of the residents and wild animals along the Grand Yingjiang, Ruili and Irrawaddy rivers, according to the publicity department of the Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The Grand Yingjiang and the Ruili in the province are upstream tributaries of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. Shooting started in Mandalay of Myanmar on Saturday. The film will display the cultural and landscape character of the regions along the rivers, and via the film, the audience will see the solid friendship between the people of China and Myanmar, according to the department. The documentary is co-produced by Dehong publicity department, Shwe Than Lwin Media Company (Sky Net) of Myanmar and Yunnan Media Group. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Myanmar. A 1700s-era drill, made solely of wood and steel. Axes, saws and antique revolvers. Binoculars. A hoof knife and rasp, once used to shod horses. To Allen Mack, the instruments displayed on the tables before him are more than just objects of the past: They are the tools that, in the hands of the Buffalo Soldiers, helped shape the American West about 150 years ago. Although the soldiers are most revered for their fierceness in battle, Mack spent the day educating San Antonians about the mens role in expanding the U.S. governments control of the West. The soldiers built forts, installed telegram lines, constructed roads and mapped early Texas. As the first African American soldiers allowed to serve during peacetime, the Buffalo Soldiers protected the frontier communities they were ordered to serve, despite the racism they encountered. We still have those prejudices today, Mack told a crowd of people. And this is 150 years later. Dozens of San Antonio families flocked to the Institute of Texan Cultures on Sunday for Buffalo Soldiers Day, part of DreamWeek San Antonio. They listened to Mack and other storytellers speak about the African American legacy that changed the course of U.S. history which hasnt always been included in Texas textbooks. While dressed in a replica of an 1858-style uniform, Mack explained to a crowd of onlookers that the men that became known as the Buffalo Soldiers were among the first to enlist after Congress passed a law in 1866 that allowed African Americans to join the countrys regular peacetime military. On Sunday, Mack didnt introduce himself as Allen Mack instead, he was Pvt. Mack, of the U.S. Armys 9th Cavalry, one of the original six regiments set aside for African American men. Mack explained that many of them had been enslaved and entered the military as a way to fight for their own freedom and place in the nation. The Buffalo soldiers did more than fighting, he said. They helped build the nation. At other tents and booths set up across the Institute of Texan Cultures, children learned about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers through songs, games and crafts. Landon Phoenix Escobedo, 7, spent the morning playing with stilts, wooden guns and replicas of Native American tools. But the highlight of his day, the boy said, was creating a puppet in the shape of a buffalos head. He grinned as he held it on his hand the body made it from a brown paper bag, and the face and eyes were built with construction paper. What did you learn about the buffaloes? his mother, Natalie Escobedo, asked. She said she brings her sons, 6 and 7, to the Institute of Texan Cultures every month for the free family day, although this was the first Buffalo Soldier Day theyd been able to attend. Her son paused, then responded: That people hunt them, and they were used for food and clothing. He handed the puppet to his mother to hold, then began fidgeting with a paper medal tied around his neck. In its center was the symbol of the buffalo. And how did the Buffalo Soldiers earn the medal? the mother asked. The little boy paused, then replied: For bravery. Marina Starleaf Riker is an investigative reporter for the San Antonio Express-News with extensive experience covering affordable housing, inequality and disaster recovery. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | marina.riker@express-news.net | Twitter: @MarinaStarleaf Fifty one years ago today, the first incarnation of the prog rock band, King Crimson, gathered in a cramped basement space below the Fulham Palace Cafe in London. One of the instruments the band would use that would come to distinguish their early sound was that strange, iconic 60s instrument, the Mellotron. Keyboardist Ian McDonald was taken by the sound of this instrument as it was employed by the Moody Blues (and on The Beatles' Strawberry Fields) and thought it would work well with the type of lush and orchestral sound the band was looking to create. Later in the year, in the summer of 1969, the instrument would again appear on David Bowie's Space Oddity (played by future Yes man, Rick Wakeman). Of all of the strange instruments that've worked the edges of popular music (the Theremin also comes to mind), the Mellotron is probably the oddest. Basically an upright organ cabinet filled with tape heads and recorded tape strips that you trigger through the keyboard, the Mellotron is like some crazy one-off contraption that caught on and actually got manufactured. In this video, Allison Stout, of Bell Tone Synth Works, a synthesizer repair shop in Philadelphia, PA, takes us under the hood of a Mellotron MK1 and how it works. One can only imagine how finicky and prone to breakage touring versions of these things must have been. And here's one of King Crimson's Mellotrons in action during a performance in 1974 at the ORTFTV Studios in Paris. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 17:14:11|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday issued an order to implement a law blacklisting the U.S. Department of Defense as "terrorist organization," Tasnim news agency reported. In a statement, Rouhani called on relevant Iranian organizations to implement the law which was passed by Iran's parliament. According to Iran's parliament vote on Jan. 7, "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), were blacklisted. The law has been endorsed by the Guardian Council of Constitution as the high legislative body of Iran. 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 U.S. designation of the IRGC as "a foreign terrorist organization." MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI A woman previously accused of lying about her presence at a homicide has now been charged with assaulting a witness to the crime. Dezonique Hunter, 22, is facing two felonies related to the June 5, 2019, shooting death of Derek Wade Peterson in Muskegon Heights. Two men, Rodney Neal and Dareese Sanders, have been charged with open murder in Petersons death. Its alleged that they shot at the 18-year-old while he sat in his car because they thought he had a cell phone related to a drug dealing business, according to earlier testimony. The Muskegon County Prosecutors Office has struggled with scared and hesitant witnesses whose apprehensions led to closures of court proceedings and a judges order to the media regarding coverage of the case. Now its alleged that Hunter physically assaulted one of those witnesses, Roberts said. The retaliating against a witness charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. 8 Rodney Neal preliminary exam on murder charge Its been alleged that Neal also made threats against witnesses. A jail inmate reported hearing Neal say that one of the witnesses would be out of the way soon, Matt Roberts, chief trial attorney for the prosecutors office, said in court earlier. Roberts also said there was money on his head," referring to a different witness. Peterson died of a single gunshot wound to the head around 1 p.m. as he sat in a vehicle in the 2700 block of Sixth Street near Broadway Avenue. A man who was mowing a lawn at a nearby business reluctantly testified to seeing a man -- police said the witness identifed him as Neal -- shoot the driver of the car. The witness told Muskegon County District Judge Harold Closz that he did not want to testify and that he had been labeled a rat for cooperating with the prosecution. Another witness was so reluctant to testify Closz threatened her with being in contempt of court to compel her yes-and-no answers during Neals preliminary examination. Her failure to show up at Sanders preliminary exam prompted Closz to issue a bench warrant for her arrest. Hunter earlier was charged with perjury, a 10-year felony, for allegedly lying about being at the homicide scene. We believe she was present at the scene, Roberts told MLive. 8 Darese Sanders preliminary examination Muskegon Heights Police Detective Steven Winston testified that evidence indicated that Petersons car had been shot at from behind and from the drivers side. Two shell casings were found outside the car one on the drivers side and one at the rear of the car and a third was found inside the vehicle near the drivers side door handle, he said. The vehicles rear window had been shattered by a bullet, the detective said. The reluctance of witnesses prompted Closz to close the courtroom for Neals Nov. 25 preliminary examination and Sanders Dec. 9 preliminary exam continuation to all spectators except for Petersons mother and an MLive/Muskegon Chronicle reporter. The judge also ordered the reporter to not take photographs of civilian witnesses, and to not name those who testified at the Dec. 9 proceedings. Read more: Murder case weakened by witness intimidation, judge says Murder preliminary exam halted after reluctant witness is no-show Judge closes Muskegon courtroom during emotional murder hearing Suspect charged with murder in shooting of Muskegon Heights teen The reauthorization of the cross-border U.N. aid operation, which had lasted six years, was put to a vote in December. It was vetoed by Russia and China, another supporter of Assads government. On Friday, the reauthorization resolution was put to a vote again, with amendments. Only two of four designated border crossings, both lying on the Turkish-Syrian border, were reauthorized, and only for six months. The two other crossings, on the Iraqi and Jordanian borders, were dropped. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is going to visit India on a three-day trip starting January 15. The tour will include meeting with not just top executives of Amazon India, but also leading industrialists and politicians in the country. Reuters The e-commerce mogul is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other government officials. At this meeting, he plans to discuss regulatory issues with the government official. Meeting with the PM, however, isnt confirmed as of now. Bezos will also be attending SMBhav -- an event that focuses on small and medium businesses in India which is scheduled for January 15-16. This event will enable discussion for the adoption of technology that can help small businesses in India to flourish. This event is expected to host other industry experts like Kishore Biyani (CEO of Future Group) and Piyush Pandey -- CEO of Ogilvy. Amazon is also going to address small business owners to help them collaborate with the online retailers products, services and platforms in order to help their business flourish. On this trip, Jeff Bezos is also expected to meet a bunch of Bollywood celebrities at a fireplace chat hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. The event is being dubbed as a Prime Video event, according to anonymous sources. This will be Jeffs second visit to India, the first one being in 2014, when Amazon entered the Indian market. It isnt going to be all fun, as more than 500, 000 traders, part of a traders association are going to stage protests in the country on January 15 over hefty discounts that e-retailers give, causing the offline shops to suffer. The protest is expected to be staged across 300 locations in the nation to make international brands adhere to stipulated FDI policies. SAN FRANCISCO and CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- VillageMD, a leading national provider of primary care, today announced Tim Barry, CEO and co-founder, will speak at the 38th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. The conference is the largest and most informative healthcare investment symposium in the industry. Barry will present on his company and its value-based healthcare model at 5 5:25 p.m. PST on Monday, January 13, 2020. The event will be held at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. "I'm excited to share VillageMD's view on the future of healthcare with other thought leaders and innovators in our healthcare industry," said Barry. "The U.S. healthcare industry continues to face significant challenges and I believe VillageMD's approach is a great step forward in helping solve them." Barry will be available for comment and interviews leading up to and following his presentation. VillageMD's unique value-based model provides practice infrastructure, technology and population health tools to primary care physicians. About VillageMD VillageMD is a leading provider of healthcare for organizations moving toward a primary care-led, high-value clinical model. The VillageMD solution provides the tools, technology, operations, and staffing support needed for physicians to drive the highest quality clinical results across a population. VillageMD works with physician groups, independent practice associations, and health systems to improve quality, deliver a first-rate patient experience, and lower costs in the communities they serve. VillageMD will continue to grow its Village Medical brand and scale its Village Medical at Home offering. VillageMD has grown to include more than 2,500 physicians across eight markets and is responsible for approximately 500,000 lives and $3 billion in total medical spend in value-based contracts. To learn more, please visit www.villageMD.com. SOURCE VillageMD Related Links http://www.villageMD.com Getting a visa to come over to America is getting harder and harder these days, especially if you are from certain countries. The couples on 90 Day Fiance are all using the K-1 Visa in order to remain together in the United States until they get married. But because its so hard to get that visa, some of the couples are also featured on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, which showcases the struggle of the application process. We first met Michael Ilesanmi and Angela Deem on Before the 90 Days when Deem went to Nigeria to visit Ilesanmi in his homeland. The two went through a number of trials, including Ilesanmis constant lying and rumors of cheating. Now, on this season of 90 Day Fiance, the couple was finally ready for Ilesanmi to come over to the U.S. Unfortunately, his visa got denied. Michael and Angelas relationship Deem and Ilesanmi met online. They eventually decided that the relationship was something that they wanted to pursue in real life so Deem headed to Nigeria. Deems first visit was very rocky as she didnt understand the cultural norms in Nigeria, nor did she like how much Ilesanmi liked to go out and hang out with his friends. The two barely made it through that first trip as a couple. Deem later returned to Nigeria to give her and Ilesanmis relationship another shot, but tha trip didnt go any more smoothly. Deem caught Ilesanmi in a number of lies but still forgave him and eventually applied for a K-1 visa. Why did Ilesanmis visa get denied? A lot of factors go into approving or denying a visa. When the government is deciding whether or not to grant this type of document, the criminal records of both parties are reviewed. As we know, Deem had a DUI last year, but that alone should not have stopped Ilesanmis visa from being approved. But, according to Soap Dirt, that was Deems second DUI, which might not have looked good to the government. In addition to checking your criminal background, the applicant must prove that they can support the person coming over on the visa. Because of the number of people living in Deems home, her daugther, her grandchildren, Deems mother, and Scottie Deems children, Deem would need to make between $50,000 and $60,000 to meet the K-1 visa requirement. Deem raking in that kind of cash doesnt seem very plausible. In addition to those reasons, Ilesanmi being from Nigeria doesnt help the situation at all. A visa officer told the outlet that the government is on high alert when they receive Nigerian applications because the area is known for fraud. The officer recommended that the two apply for a spousal visa rather than a K-1 visa in order to raise their chances of actually getting Ilesanmi over to the U.S. So, though Ilesanmis visa was denied, all is not lost for the couple. Deem could try to move to Nigeria to be with her beau or they could try and apply for a new visa to bring him to the states. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/13/2020 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Jay Smith has confirmed he has a new girlfriend but says she's not expecting his first child."No, nobody's pregnant," Jay, 22, told Us Weekly after rumors swirled last week that his new girlfriend, who is named Selena Miller, is pregnant and he's going to be a father. "Not that I know of."Jay continued, "Selena is my girlfriend right now, but no one is pregnant. She didn't give no information to nobody that she was pregnant."When the rumors circulated Jay and Selena were going to have a baby together, his estranged wife Ashley Martson was reportedly "flipping out," according to a source."I've got another big thing coming out right now, like a show and stuff, so that's not what I want to have right now," Jay explained to Us of his current priorities."So [having a baby] is something I would not do right now. Just like a clothing line [I'm working on], a show and modeling. I can't really say what show I'm doing."Jay and Ashley, who got married in 2018, starred on Season 6 of TLC's before appearing on a season of : Happily Ever After?.Jay and Ashley are in the process of divorcing, but Ashley revealed last week their divorce is not official yet due to a paperwork error.Ashley revealed in an Instagram video, "Yes, technically I am [still married] because the paper was dated wrong... So, if we can resign real quick with the right date then we wouldn't be married. So, let's get on [with it]."Jay suggested to Us that he's annoyed to still be legally married to Ashley."I was the one who announced that we were divorced and then she texted me and said, 'Just a heads up, we're still married.' She didn't go through with the paperwork and stuff like that," Jay told the magazine."Everything that was supposed to be signed was signed. I signed everything because my attorney told me at the time, 'Send the papers over to her to review it.' I thought we were done. She told me that some time in the last month. I'm going to have to file myself."But in the meantime, Jay said he's trying to move on with his life, and that includes leaving Pennsylvania, where he lived with Ashley and still resides."I'm trying to move because I don't want to live in Pennsylvania. I don't really want to give that information out until I move," Jay shared. "Sooner than later."This isn't the first time rumors spread about Jay getting a woman pregnant.Rumors swirled in September 2019 Ashley had decided to give Jay another shot although he had a history of cheating on her, but then one month later, Ashley announced in her Instagram Stories their relationship was over -- because of an alleged pregnancy."Stop making girls get abortions because you're a whore," Ashley wrote of Jay in her Instagram Stories in October 2019. "Saddened to reveal we got back together AGAIN and now have split AGAIN.""After officially getting back together again," she added, "I heard Jay got ANOTHER girl PREGNANT."Jay's now ex-girlfriend Kayla O'Brien -- who allegedly began dating Jay in January 2019 -- was rumored to be pregnant with Jay's child in August of last year. Kayla, however, told RadarOnline in September 2019 she and Jay had broken up and were no longer together.Ashley first filed for divorce from Jay in January 2019 because she had caught him flirting with other women on a dating app, however, she later decided to take him back.Ashley filed for divorce for a second time in April 2019 after allegedly catching Jay cheating on her.Although Ashley had set the divorce papers in motion on April 23 after 11 months of marriage, Jay apparently refused to sign the papers and so their divorce was never finalized.Following their brief reconciliation, Ashley announced in late November she was divorcing Jay once and for all after he had finally agreed to sign the divorce papers.When Ashley made her "official" divorce announcement in November 2019, she also confirmed she's "a single woman" again on Instagram.Jay admitted on the Tell-All special of : Happily Ever After?'s fourth season, which aired in July 2019, he had cheated on Ashley with two women.However, rumors circulated for months prior to Jay's confession about his alleged numerous affairs and flings.is currently airing its seventh season on Sunday nights at 8PM ET/PT on TLC.Want spoilers? Click here to visit our Spoilers webpage! P riti Patel has rejected suggestions that the Duchess of Sussex has been subjected to racist press coverage in the UK media, saying people of any background can "get on in life" in Britain. The Home Secretary said she had not seen any debates or commentary about Meghan which she thought were racist amid claims that racism has driven negative media reports. She also refused to comment on future security arrangements for Harry and Meghan after their bombshell announcement that they would step back as senior royals but still support the Queen. Asked on BBC Radio 5 if the media had been in any way racist, she replied: I dont think so, no I certainly havent seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature. She added: Im not in that category at all where I believe theres racism at all. I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life. Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she does not believe Meghan has faced racist media coverage / PA Overseas media have condemned the press coverage of Meghan in the UK, saying the duchess has been subjected to racism due to her mixed-race heritage. Harry and Meghan have also been critical of the media attention. In November 2016, Harry lashed out at the "wave of abuse and harassment" the US actress had faced from the media - citing the "racial undertones of comment pieces" among his concerns. He has also compared treatment of Meghan in the press to coverage of Harry's mother Princess Diana. Last year, Meghan launched legal action against the publishers of the Mail on Sunday, while Harry launched action against the owners of the Sun and Daily Mirror. TODO: define component type apester As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepared for a face to face meeting with the Queen and other royals to discuss their future royal within the monarchy, Ms Patel refused to comment on their future security arrangements. Im not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the royal family or for any protected individuals thats thoroughly inappropriate for me to do so, she told BBC Radio 5 Live. At this moment in time, right now, the royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that theyre dealing with. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty After the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, announced they would be stepping back from their roles as senior royals, my mom had this to say: Im proud of her. The her was Meghan Markle, whose chilly reception by the British press seems to have played a role in the couples decision. As our conversation continued, it became clear that my mothers words were not simply rooted in the idea that she (like a lot of women of color) sees this move as the duchesss way of standing up for herself in the face of an inherently classist and occasionally racist and anti-American press. She was even more impressed to see Markle take a stand as a modern feminist stifled by an institution that has ended up proving in its treatment of her just how increasingly irrelevant it is. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Felt Totally Unwelcome in the Royal FamilySo They Quit Since Prince Harrys courtship of Markle began, one narrative has defined most coverage of their union: Its Cinderella come true; a real-life fairy tale. How lucky that a woman from a humble backgrounda racial minority to boot!could snag one of the worlds most eligible bachelors from one of the worlds most powerful families, and get to live every little girls dream by literally becoming a princess, with a fabulous wardrobe, a lot of smiling and waving, and your very own collection of tiaras. The only thing missing from this narrative is the fact that its actually not the dream of most little girls and educated women today. In America at least, more women are earning college degrees than men and also outnumber men in law school. Sure, its plausible that some of these women secretly just want to fill their time shopping, socializing, and wearing tiaras. But its clearly more plausible that women are finally getting to fulfill the academic and professional potential our mothers and grandmothers never could. That means that the idea of permanently giving up a career youve worked hard to build and are passionate about to fulfill a more traditional image of womanhood isnt actually a fairy tale for plenty of modern women but a nightmare. Story continues I couldnt help feeling empathy for the Countess of Wessex, Prince Harrys aunt, upon learning that she was forced to give up her impressive career as a public relations executive because of the conflict it created with her role as a member of the royal family. I believe the fact that Meghan Markle may have given up her acting career, but declined to give up being Meghan Markle, activist, feminist and her own woman, is the real reason she made so many fans of the royal family uncomfortable from the very beginning. Its similar to the chilly reception Hillary Clinton received as first lady. Sure, she was rough around the edges, in comparison to some of her more polished predecessors, but the real reason Hillary was despised by some from Day 1 was that she was a first lady who felt White House bake sales or safe, lady-like issues were a waste of her position when she could be pushing health care reform. So in the same way that Hillary Clinton was a threat simply because she wasnt a Barbara Bush and didnt aspire to be, Meghan Markle was similarly despised because she wasnt a Kate Middletonand didnt aspire to be. Of course thats why women like me admire and like her, and why so many others never will. Its worth noting that despite some of the classism she battled in the early days, Kate Middleton fits fairly seamlessly into the royal family because she doesnt actually embody any of the feminist hallmarks that make traditionalists uncomfortable. She never pursued a real career, instead doing what many women raised by class-conscious parents do, which is focus instead on finding a high-powered mate and then devoting most of her time and energy to keeping him and his high-powered family happy. And therein lies Meghan Markles biggest sin. Here is a woman from an even more humble background than Kate Middletons, who is clearly not concerned with keeping her husbands fancy family happy. Shes focused on her, her husbands and their childs happiness. For those who would kill to rub elbows with royalty and to land a husband in the 1 percent (or lets be honest, the .0001 percent), the idea that Meghan Markle doesnt see being a member of the royal family as the ultimate brass ring worth keeping is like giving the middle finger to every aspiring socialite out there. There are more than a few of them working in media, and if Markles ease at ascending the ultimate ladder of power had already fueled envy (and bullying press coverage), walking away from it all is likely to leave those who know they will never be in the same room with a prince, let alone marry one, downright apoplectic. Nothing unnerves someone trying to keep you out of a place more than you telling him you have no interest in being there, and dont understand why anyone else would either. By stepping back from being a senior royal, thats just what Markle has done. She penetrated the royal walls, looked around, and decided: Eh, I can do better. A half-black, American divorcee from a humble background is not supposed to tell the Queen of England she believes she can create a better life for herself and her son, without her, her family, or their pomp and circumstance. And yet thats just what Markle did. My mother describes Meghan as just the type of role model girls need in a world in which they are inundated with images of female celebrities either twerking, trying to land a man on reality TV, or flossing their bling on Instagram. Instead, Meghan Markle is showing little girls how a modern Cinderella rolls. When the prince shows up with the glass slipper, this princess says, We dont actually need a palace, and I can buy my own shoes. 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. Three members of the street gang behind the murder of Jaden Moodie have today been jailed for a total of 67 years for shooting dead an innocent man in a bungled revenge hit. Victim Joseph William Torres, 20, was blasted in the chest at point blank range by killers motivated by 'cruelty and stupidity', the Old Bailey heard. The victim was sitting in a van in Essex Close, Walthamstow, with his friend when he was ambushed by three men associated with the feared east London street gang known as the Mali Boys. Hamza Ul Haq, 21, Loic Nengese, 19, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, all denied his murder but were convicted by an Old Bailey jury. Victim Joseph William Torres, 20, was blasted in the chest at point blank range by killers motivated by 'cruelty and stupidity', the Old Bailey heard County Lines drug dealer Ayoub Majdouline, 19, groomed from the age of 16 by Mali Boys olders was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years last month after he was convicted of murdering Jaden Moodie in a drug related feud. Majdouline had jumped out of the black Mercedes that knocked the 14-year-old off his moped on January 8 last year. As he lay helpless on the ground Majdouline and at least two others stabbed him nine times. Jaden had been dealing drugs for the Beaumont Crew - AKA Let's Get Rich - in Leytonstone and the attackers were members of the rival Mali Boys. Friends and family sobbed in the public gallery as Ul-Haq, 21, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years. Hamza Ul Haq, 21, (left), Loic Nengese, 19, (right) and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, all denied his murder but were convicted by an Old Bailey jury The victim was sitting in a van in Essex Close, Walthamstow, with his friend when he was ambushed by three men Nengese, 19, and the 16-year-old were detained for 21 and 18 years respectively. A fourth man, Wayne Russell, 21, admitted possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and was jailed for 16 years. Mr William Torres was shot dead in an ongoing gang war between the Mali Boys and rivals Priory Court on March 14, 2018. When a Mali Boys member, Elijah Dornelly, was murdered in May 2017, the group had been 'increasingly confrontational'. Jurors were told Ul-Haq had been squirted with acid in November 2017 and his friend was stabbed by a masked youth in the Subway shop in St James Street, Walthamstow. They took this to be an attack by Priory Court. Mr William Torres was shot dead with this gun, in an ongoing gang war between the Mali Boys and rivals Priory Court on March 14, 2018 Alison Hunter, QC, prosecuting, said : 'This clearly provided additional fuel to their anger and lent a particularly personal quality to the revenge motive for their actions on 14 March 2018. 'Joseph William Torres however, was murdered by mistake. It was undoubtedly a ruthless and planned attack on a rival group member, but he was not the intended target. 'They had, it would appear, mistakenly identified him for another.' Defending Nengese, Paul Mendelle, said: 'Young men of that age do not think about the consequences of their actions. Jaden Moodie, 14, was murdered in East London on January 8 by Ayoub Majdouline (right), 19 'He came under pressure from his peer group - the pressure not to grass on them, the pressure to try and gain the respect of his peers. 'He has shown some growth and some understanding of the pain he has inflicted. He was undergoing some kind of courses in prison.' And defending the 16-year-old, Derek Barry said: 'He is an extremely young and damaged boy. 'This is somebody who had three years of effectively no real proper home at all. He, as a child, was going from one premises to another at a time where there were issues involving his mother. He never had a father. Jaden, pictured with boxer Anthony Joshua, suffered nine stab wounds and bled to death Jaden, pictured with cash, was said to be the youngest member of the Let's Get Rich gang 'He was four days beyond 15. He is someone of talent.' He added that 'nobody dragged him to the scene, nobody forced him to it' but urged the judge not to 'have his future extinguished by a sentence that would potentially break him'. In an impact statement, the victim's family said they lost a 'much-loved' family member 'only two weeks before he should have celebrated his 21st birthday'. They added: 'Joseph's life was taken from him because of cruelty and stupidity.' Judge Anthony Leonard told the gang members: 'Your offending arose from gang territorial rivalry between your gang, the Mali Boys, and the Priory Court gang. 'The situation was such that neither gang looked for the police for assistance when there was trouble. A wall of silence surrounded your activities. 'On March 14 William Torres was shot in the chest as he sat in his van. Other shots were fired as he got out of the van, or after he had got out. 'He was hit again in the leg. Five shots were fired in all. This was a planned expedition to kill a man. 'I reject the 16-year-old's explanation you went there to rob a drug dealer.. That was a story you made up. 'The target of the attack was a person you all thought was connected to the attack in Subway, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Torres. 'This was a murder committed for revenge and using a firearm. You attacked as a group. There was a significant degree of planning. The victim was murdered in a case of mistaken identity.' Addressing mechanic Russell, he said: 'I accept you were suffering from grief at the time. It led to a period of madness on your part. 'You have shown remorse. You have used your time constructively in prison.' To the 16-year-old, he said: ' You have potential to make something of yourself. 'The letter you wrote to me is well written. You apologised in that letter to the family of the deceased.' Turning to Nengese, he continued: 'I take into account the significant trauma you underwent by seeing, at 16, the murder of your close friend Elijah. 'You are still a young man with the chance for greater maturity. You understand what suffering you have inflicted.' He said Ul-Haq is 'immature for your age', but has 'responsibility for a young daughter'. Ul-Haq, of Manor Park, east London; Nengese of Walthamstow; and the 16-year-old, of Upper Clapton, had denied murder but were convicted. The 16-year-old boy was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years, including the time spent already in custody. Negese will serve a minimum of 21 years. Ul-Haq, the leader of the group, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 28 years. He will serve a concurrent sentence of seven years for burglary. Russell was sentenced to 16 years for possession of a firearm. He was given a further six years and three months for aggravated burglary, and two more sentences of six and five months for breaching suspended sentences given to him for driving offences, to be served concurrently. Devi Kharran, from the CPS, said: 'This was a targeted hit by three ruthless gang members who sought out the wrong victim. 'These killers were seeking revenge on a man who Joseph resembled, but Joseph was an innocent person caught in the middle of an east London gang feud. 'The prosecution case included CCTV evidence that unveiled the identities of the defendants after they ran away. The youth killer dropped his phone at the scene, allowing police to easily trace him. The firearm used in the murder was also linked back to the gang the killers were affiliated to.' Labor has accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of using a "fake number" to mislead Australians about cuts to greenhouse gas emissions amid a growing debate within government ranks over stronger action on climate change. The dispute centres on the Prime Minister's key claim that annual emissions are "50 million tonnes less on average" under the Coalition when experts say the fall has been marginal. Australia's carbon emissions have flat-lined since the Coalition came to power in 2013, after dropping heavily under Labor. Credit:Bloomberg The government's own figures under the Kyoto Protocol show emissions were 533 million tonnes in 2014, the first full year of the Coalition government, and were 530 million tonnes in 2019. The focus on the data intensified after Mr Morrison declared on Sunday he could go "further" on emissions over time, prompting some Liberals to welcome a debate on new policy measures. A baby boy has been fitted with a heart valve taken from a cow in a mammoth six-hour operation to save his life. Ten-month-old Bradley Harrison was born with a complex set of five heart defects which restrict blood flow through his body. Born with a deformed pulmonary valve, he underwent grueling surgery at just nine days old to give him an artificial one. But it failed after just four months, which doctors spotted when his mother rushed him to hospital when he turned blue while crying. Bradley needed another valve to keep him alive and doctors suggested he got one from a cow a thought that initially 'sickened' his mother, Amber, 24. Bradley's heart was stopped for six hours while a machine took over its role, allowing doctors to operate. Bradley, five months old at the time of the surgery in July 2019, is now 'doing well'. He spent Christmas and New Year at home. Bradley Harrison's life has been saved after he was fitted with a heart valve taken from a cow in a six hour operation. He is pictured with his scar on his chest after surgery Bradley Harrison, now ten months old, was diagnosed with a complex set of five heart defects which cause a lack of sufficient blood flow to his body Bradley underwent an operation to reconstruct his heart at just nine days old, and was fitted with an artificial valve. He is pictured in hospital as a newborn (pictured with his mother Amber) Miss Griffiths and her fiance Ryan Harrison, both 24, were advised to abort Bradley, their third baby, in June 2018. Medics had spotted a problem with Bradley's heart WHY DO DOCTORS USE HEART VALVES FROM ANIMALS? Tissue valves from an animal are strong and flexible. They can last 10-20 years, but are considered to wear out quicker than a mechanical/artificial valve. The advantage of tissue valves is that a patient does not need life-long blood thinning medication like mechanical valves do. Mechanical valves can lead to blood clots which can be fatal if they cause a heart attack or stroke. Because the body can tell that a mechanical valve is not made of natural tissue, blood is more likely to clot on the surface of the valve. The hard surface can also tear blood cells as they pass through the valve, causing clots to form. Tissue valves may be recommended to patients over 70 or those who do not want to take blood thinning medication. Advertisement Miss Griffiths, who is engaged to Ryan Harrison, 24, said: 'At first I felt sick hearing that Bradley was going to have part of an animal put in him. 'But his chances of survival with the calf valve were high and it ended up saving his life. We are all over the moon that he's now doing so well.' Bradley suffers with five heart defects Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a combination of four heart defects, and pulmonary atresia. It was during his 20-week scan that doctors saw he had pulmonary atresia when the pulmonary valve, which regulates blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, does not form properly. Miss Griffiths and Mr Harrison, of South Shields, were advised to abort Bradley, their third baby, in June 2018. But they followed through with the pregnancy and Bradley was born via C-section, weighing 6lbs 2oz, at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne. He was immediately taken to Freeman Hospital, where Miss Griffiths rushed to his side when she was discharged after 24 hours. Bradley was given a CT scan not long after birth where his parents were also told he had Tetralogy of Fallot. The four defects pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, over-riding aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy limit the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. Bradley was given a nine-hour operation to reconstruct his heart at just nine days old, and was fitted with an artificial valve, also known as a mechanical valve, made from material like carbon. Miss Griffiths rushed Bradley to hospital at four months old because he was turning blue when he cried. He is pictured as baby with breathing tubes because his lungs were not receiving enough oxygen Speaking of the operation, Miss Griffiths said: 'Even now we can't believe it' WHAT FIVE HEART DEFECTS DOES BRADLEY HAVE? Bradley suffers with five heart defects - Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a combination of four heart defects, and pulmonary atresia. Pulmonary atresia, which was discovered during Bradley's 20-week scan, is when the pulmonary valve, which regulates blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, does not form properly. Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects: Pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing at or below the pulmonary valve. This means that blood has difficulty getting from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, which takes blood to the lungs. Ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the right and left ventricles of the heart. It means blood can leak from one side to the other. Over-riding aorta is when the entrance to the aorta, which should only take red oxygenated blood around the body, lies over the hole (ventricular septal defect). This allows the right ventricle to pump some deoxygenated blood directly into the aorta. Right ventricular hypertrophy is when the right ventricle becomes thickened as it forces blood into the narrowed pulmonary artery. Advertisement However, four months later, Bradley was turning blue every time he cried because his heart was still struggling to pump blood to his lungs. It's a telltale symptom of Tetralogy of Fallot in babies, which terrified Miss Griffiths and Mr Harrison, who are also parents to Riley, three, and Lucas, two. Miss Griffiths said: 'It was terrifying watching his body turn blue. We rushed him to hospital, where they said his heart was starving his lungs of oxygen.' Miss Griffiths was shocked when she was told her youngest son's heart was going to be repaired with tissue from a calf, but knew it would save her son's life. Bradley's new valve is made of tissue from the calf's hear, not the actual valve itself as this would be too large. Tissue valves from an animal are strong and flexible. They can last 10-20 years, but are considered to wear out quicker than a mechanical valve. The advantage of tissue valves is that a patient does not need life-long blood thinning medication like mechanical valves do. Mechanical valves can lead to blood clots which can be fatal. During the operation, doctors repaired a hole in Bradley's heart with animal tissue and removed hardened muscle. They replaced the artificial valve from his reconstructive surgery with one made from a cow. Bradley, who has a large, vertical scar running down the centre of his chest, spent his first Christmas at home with his brothers. Miss Griffiths said: 'It's so rare we'd never even heard of it. Even now we can't believe it. 'Bradley has been through so much in his life already. He's such a fighter, there was no question about me not continuing with the pregnancy, I knew he would survive.' For a young person with a tissue valve replacement, the need for additional surgery or another valve replacement later in life is highly likely. Bradley already has his next open heart surgery planned for when he is two-and-a-half years old because valves from animals degenerate over time. Speaking about her son's surgery-filled future, Miss Griffiths said: 'I've come to terms with it now. During the operation, doctors repaired a hole in Bradley's heart with animal tissue and removed hardened muscle. They replaced the artificial valve from his reconstructive surgery with one made from the cow. His scar is pictured Bradley was able to go home for Christmas and New Year after the operation to spend time with his brother Riley, three, and Lucas, two 'At first I was devastated for him and I had mum guilt from leaving my other boys, but this is what is going to keep Bradley alive.' Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'Patients born with congenital heart disease may need human or animal tissue to replace leaky or narrow heart valves. 'This is a common reason why people born with their heart defect may need surgery. 'A patient born with Tetralogy of Fallot without a pulmonary valve will need a valve implanted when they have their condition repaired. Because the operation is done when the baby is small, the valve may become outgrown. 'Sixty years ago, the majority of babies born in the UK with a heart defect did not survive their first birthday. 'Today, thanks to research, eight out of 10 survive to adulthood. If we continue to fund more ground breaking research, who knows what else can be achieved to save and improve more lives.' New Delhi: 'Today's Shivaji Narendra Modi' - a book released by BJP leader Jai Bhagwan Goyal in the national capital on Sunday (January 13) has kicked up a political storm in Maharashtra and has been sharply criticised by the three ruling parties in the state - Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP. The parties termed it an 'insult' to the ideals of the great Maratha warrior. In Pune, workers of NCP and Sambhaji Brigade held a protest against the book for drawing comparisons between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shivaji. The protest was held outside the Lalmahal area here. While NCP condemned the comparison and said it was a move to erase the glorious history of the Maratha emperor, Sambhaji Brigade asked to withdraw the book in 48 hours, failing which more agitations would follow. On Sunday, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticized the book and its author by alleging that Goyal had earlier 'abused Maharashtra and Marathi people. "Writer of this book which was released in BJP office, Jai Bhagwan Goyal, who is he? This Jay Bhagwan Goyal is the same person who had attacked Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi and had abused Shivaji Maharaj`s Maharashtra and Marathi people. Well done BJP !!!" NCP leader and Cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government, Dhananjay Munde also put out a tweet criticising the book, in which he said that 'nobody can match the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj'. Congress leader Sachin Sawant said, "We condemn the attempt to equate Narendra Modiji with Shivaji Maharaj by the Delhi office of the BJP. Shivaji Maharaj was known for his values and ideology which kept everyone together and established Swarajya. All those ideals are being threatened here and the status of Shivaji Maharaj is being brought down." Speaking of the author of the book, Goyal is a former Shiv Sena leader who had quit the party in 2008 to protest against its anti-north Indian stance and joined BJP in 2014. He is based in New Delhi. Houston Methodist scientists identified a protein found in ovarian cancer that may contribute to declining brain function and Alzheimer's disease, by combining computational methods and lab research. Our finding suggests another known protein may be coming into play here, which could help us identify a new therapeutic target one day. These findings may suggest a different role of the protein amyloid beta in neurodegeneration. Many Alzheimer's researchers have focused on amyloid beta alone, or connections between amyloid beta and another protein, tau." Stephen T.C. Wong, Ph.D., lead author and Associate Director of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Cores at Houston Methodist Cancer Center In a study published online in the journal EBiomedicine, Wong and his team at the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for BRAIN of Houston Methodist, reported on a new role of OCIAD1 (ovarian cancer immune-reactive antigen domain containing 1). Originally discovered for its effect on ovarian cancer metastasis and stem cell metabolisms, Wong's group found the OCIAD1 protein in human brain cells--and determined it impairs neurons and damages synapses in the brain, contributing to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. "Our research addresses a fundamental question of Alzheimer's disease-;how, or if, amyloid beta accumulation that can be seen up to two decades prior to brain function decline is involved in progressive neurodegeneration," said Wong, who is John S Dunn Sr. presidential distinguished chair in biomedical engineering and professor of computer science and bioengineering in oncology at Houston Methodist. "Examining factors that contribute to the progressive decline in people with Alzheimer's will help us develop diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutics." The scientists culled through archived bioinformatics data of brain tissue from deceased Alzheimer's patients, as well as mouse models by blending computational methods with laboratory research. They determined that OCIAD1 plays a role in the disease's progressive neurodegeneration by impairing mitochondria function. Known as the powerhouse of cells, damage to mitochondria results in the trickle-down cell death effect in the brain leading to neuron damage. "We applied a system biology strategy to see if we could find a different mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. We identified OCIAD1 as a new neurodegeneration-relevant factor, predicted its function, and demonstrated it mediates the long-term impact of amyloid beta on cells and synaptic damages by impairing mitochondria function," said Xuping Li, Ph.D., co-corresponding author and an instructor in Wong's group. Alzheimer's research has traditionally focused on a few major themes - the role of the amyloid protein on neuronal loss and how this toxic protein causes injury by interacting with tau. More recently, however, other research considers amyloid beta a bystander and questions whether it causes neuronal degeneration at all. The epidemic of Alzheimer's, a disease affecting more than 5.8 million Americans, is expected to increase as the aging population lives longer. According to the Alzheimer's Association and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in the United States, costing an estimated $290 billion in 2019. On January 11, Iran admitted that it had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner. During an open session of Iran's parliament in Tehran today, Hossein Salami, the chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), apologized for the mistake committed by the country's defense system for shooting down a Ukrainian passenger plane. "We did made a mistake. Some of our compatriots were martyred because of our mistake but it was unintentional," Salami said about Iran admitting it unintentionally shot down the Ukrainian plane, according to CNN. Read alsoMehr News Agency: Iranian lawmakers back IRGC against enemies' abuse of recent incidents The IRGC commander added: "In my all lifetime I haven't been as sorry as much as now. Never." "I wish I had been on board and burned with them," Salami said. "May God forgive us and then after than Iranian people and the family of the victims forgive us. And we for this incident, we were determined all the more to make it up." As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors. On January 11, Iran admitted that it had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner that it mistook for a threat during hostilities with the U.S., marking a dramatic reversal after insisting that the deadly crash was caused by mechanical failure. South Sudans political leaders vow to recommit to a truce agreement, to avoid further armed conflict, and to pursue dialogue in the quest for peace in the worlds newest country. Their promise comes following a meeting hosted and mediated by the Rome-based Saint Egidio Community. By Linda Bordoni With a solemn promise to push forward with the countrys failing peace process, leaders of the Government and of the Opposition Movements of South Sudan on Monday committed to a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement which will come into effect on January 15th. Popes spiritual and moral appeal In their 10-point statement the parties involved say they are humbled by the relentless spiritual and moral appeal for peace, reconciliation and fraternity by Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury and by other Church leaders. Capping a year of failed attempts to reach an accord, and a meeting hosted by Pope Francis himself in the Vatican in April, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar in December agreed to form a transitional unity government by a February deadline, even if key political disputes had not been fully resolved by that time. Todays declaration is an important and inclusive step forward. In it, the parties reaffirm their will to foster dialogue in order to facilitate further reconciliation and stabilization by addressing the root causes of the conflict in South Sudan. They say they are mindful of the unprecedented suffering of the people, caused by the devastating civil war and the urgent need to cease hostilities. Request for mediation and support They express their belief that the conflict requires a comprehensive political engagement and they agree dialogue shall continue under the auspices of Saint Egidio in consultation and with the support of regional organizations and the international community. The signatories of the statement conclude asking Saint Egidio to convene a meeting with IGAD a Horn of Africa intergovernmental authority as soon as possible, and they reaffirm their readiness to allow continued and uninterrupted humanitarian access to local and international organisations, including non-governmental organisations, to alleviate the suffering of the population, as consequence of years of conflict and natural disasters. The Nigeria Export-Import bank (NEXIM) is one of Nigerias specialized financial institutions dedicated to promoting exports and imports through the provision of credits to small and medium enterprises to grow the economy. Its managing director, Abba Bello, says the bank is fully positioned to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to move exporters up the value chain, promote intra-African trade, create jobs, and enhance export revenues. He spoke with BUSINESS & ECONOMY EDITOR, BASSEY UDO, in Abuja. PT: The African Continental Free Trade Area holds a lot of prospects for Africa. But, how would NEXIM ensure Nigeria makes the best of the opportunities available? BELLO: Absolutely! The potentials and benefits of the AfCFTA cannot be over emphasized, particularly with the high level of poverty and unemployment in spite of the continents rich resource endowment. Over time, Africas development efforts have been constrained by the dominance of the primary sectors, mainly agriculture and solid minerals, which account for a larger proportion of the continents production capacity and trade potentials. The implication of this is that Africa, in spite of accounting for about 15 per cent of global population, accounts for only about 3 pre cent of global trade potential and 2.8 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP). The corollary to this problem is the low level of intra-regional trade, which, according to World Trade Organization (WTO), currently stands at about 16 per cent in Africa, compared to about 69 per cent in Asia, 59 per cent in Europe and about 50 per cent in North America. The expectation, therefore, is that the introduction of AfCFTA will help to increase Africas production capacity, particularly value-added production, apart from boosting trade, which will help to mitigate the problem of unemployment and poverty. Given the continents young population, with 60 per cent falling below 25 years, an improvement in Africas operating environment is becoming increasingly attractive as an investment destination, particularly for the production of light manufacturing products, which rely more on labour-intensive production processes. Like you noted, the AfCFTA offers huge potentials we can tap from. In terms of market, Africa has about 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.5 trillion. This is a massive added incentive for investment by prospective investors in the African region. On the benefit to national economies, Nigeria is actually one of those countries expected to benefit more from the AfCFTA, being the biggest economy and the most populous in Africa. The investment environment is also improving, particularly with the activities of Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which has led to significant improvement in Nigerias Ease of Doing Business ranking published recently by the World Bank. To answer your question directly, what I will say is that given the enormous opportunities and potentials in the AfCFTA, NEXIM has seen the need to promote regional trade. But, long before the AfCFTA, we had the foresight that the promotion of regional trade was the way to grow the African economy. That is why in our strategic plan 2018-2022, we allocated 60 per cent of our intervention to intra-African trade promotion. Beyond this strategic initiative, NEXIM is also promoting some key initiatives, targeted at facilitating intra-African trade. Few years back, we launched the ECOWAS Trade Support Facility designed to support small traders operating in the regional market to further the regional protocol under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) trade liberalization scheme. The objective of the scheme is also to increase the level of formal trade in the continent. Also, NEXIM is the national guarantor under the Inter-state Road Transit Scheme, designed to prevent diversion of goods transported by road to other ECOWAS countries, to prevent revenue leakages in member countries. Another initiative by NEXIM is the Sealink project, under which the bank is facilitating the establishment of a regional shipping company through a public private partnership (PPP) arrangement, to promote trade as well as mitigate the transport and logistics challenges that have increased the cost of trade. Let me also talk about factoring, which is a financial instrument designed to promote trade, particularly among small, medium enterprises (SMEs), which usually find it difficult to borrow from the banking system for reasons of collateral, amongst others. Factoring enables businesses to sell their receivables to a factor, thus providing them the cash required to continue in business. We are also promoting an export trading company, called NEXPORTRADE Houses Limited, in partnership with the export group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). NEXPORTRADE provides a platform for SMEs to trade in the regional market. The company has established warehouses in other African countries where SMEs can display their goods to enhance their access to the regional market. Advertisements PT: The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) account for almost 90 per cent of the services that make up the countrys GDP. How much supportive is NEXIM, as one of the key development finance institutions, providing to this critical sector of the economy to enable them to create wealth and generate jobs? BELLO: As I said earlier, NEXIM is quite supportive of SMEs. Apart from the key initiatives mentioned above, one of the major steps we took in response to the dwindling crude oil revenues some few years back was to introduce a State Export Development Programme. Through this programme, we expected every state of the federation to develop at least one exportable commodity towards promoting regional industrialization and poverty alleviation. Under the scheme, we earmarked at least N1billion under favourable terms and conditions to each state of the federation for offer to the target beneficiaries, which are mostly SMEs. We are also a major partner of the Nationwide MSME clinic, being conducted by the Presidency under the office of the Vice President. Under this initiative, we have reached out to many SMEs and have also contributed towards the provision of common facility centres towards assisting SMEs to upscale their products, thus increasing their domestic and international competitiveness. PT: One of the major drawbacks to intra-regional trade and export is the logistics of transportation of goods and services. The Regional Sealink project was supposed to have bridged that gap. But, it appears that is not the case now. Where are we now on that? BELLO: Yes, the regional Sealink Project as earlier observed was conceived to promote maritime transportation and bridge the logistics infrastructure gap in Africa. NEXIM funded the study that led to the decision to commence the project and since then we have been engaging with many stakeholders, both in the public and private sector, across the West and Central African regions. Of recent, we signed a tripartite memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NEXIM, Sealink and NIWA (Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority) towards the operation of the Sealink project in the Nigerian inland waterways to facilitate movement of bulk cargoes, particularly in the solid minerals sector, thus unlocking the opportunities in the sector. We have also met with the Nigerian Navy and the two institutions that have agreed to jointly carry out a cadastral survey towards the charting of the countrys inland waterways for navigational purposes. The implementation of the Sealink project has reached a critical stage, with the receipt of the approval from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to use the Ajaokuta River Port and Jetty. The project is now scheduled to commence in this first quarter, and engagements are ongoing with potential customers for the offtake agreement of bulk cargo within the West and Central Africa regions. PT: In December 2018, the bank signed a tripartite agreement with AFREXIMBANK and Nigerian Export Promotion Council for a partnership to provide about $1 billion financing for the promotion of Nigeria-Africa trade and investment in Africa. How is that arrangement coming up? BELLO: That agreement signed with AFREXIMBANK and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council under the Nigerian African Trade and Investment Promotion Programme in which $1billion line of credit was provided by AFREXIMBANK for disbursement by NEXIM in support of Nigerias trade and investment in the African region. Again, it is a key initiative to support regional integration and trade, and being a new programme, we were working with AFREXIMBANK to develop the guidelines towards facilitating access to the funds by the target beneficiaries. But that had since been concluded and applications are currently being considered under the scheme, following which disbursements will commence. PT: The MASS (manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals and services) agenda captures the main thrust of the NEXIM mandate to diversify the economy. How much impact has this recorded so far? BELLO: Yes, as you rightly observed, the MASS Agenda represents our target sectors and that stands for Manufacturing, Agriculture, Solid Minerals and Services. These are the main sectors of our focus and under each sector, we have our priority subsectors. We are also currently emphasizing value addition, under our Produce, Add Value and Export (PAVE) philosophy, to enable us move our exporters up the value chain. This will help to create more jobs, enhance export revenues and in general internalize the benefits of production. For instance, Nigeria is the largest producer of shea in the world. But, the country has no major footprint in the export of shea products. However, through our banks intervention, one of the companies we funded did the first major export of shea butter out of Nigeria in 2018. Two other NEXIM bank clients are set to achieve similar feat. We have also engaged in similar interventions in the leather industry, where we intend to support our local producers to produce leather products (i.e, shoes, belts, bags, etc), as against export of processed leather. PT: Recently, the Federal Government ordered the closure of the countrys border with its neighbours. How does this affect NEXIMs ECOWAS Trade Support Facility (ETSF) arrangement? BELLO: Government in its wisdom has decided to close the land borders to resolve some bi-lateral issues with the neighboring countries. As expected, opinions are divided on this. For us at NEXIM, what is important is that this is only a temporary measure and ultimately the beneficiaries will be the Nigerian traders, who will be able to do their business under a more conducive environment. We will continue to do all we can within our mandate to support the government realize its objective. Our conviction is that it will be in the larger interest of the people and the countrys economy. With respect to the conflict between Iran and the United States, it is now possible to talk about tactical easing of tension, German journalist Jurgen Todenhofer, known for his harsh criticism of U.S. Middle East policy, told Deutschlandfunk. Todenhofer praised Irans actions, while convicting U.S. President Donald Trump of the lack of a reasonable strategy. According to the expert, the current easing is due to the fact that both sides understood that if their attacks continue, a huge fire will erupt. "I think when the Iranians threatened to strike Haifa if the Americans attack again, it became clear to everyone that this would mean a start of big war," Jurgen Todenhofer explained. According to the journalist, Tehrans missile attack at the U.S. air base in Iraq as an answer to Iran's top general Qasem Soleimani was smart move. "I think its good that Iran did not kill American soldiers. This gave Trump a chance to cancel his own threat to attack 52 Iranian sites," he said. Answering a question about the motives that prompted the U.S. president to kill General Soleimani, Todenhofer doubted that the decision was the result of Trump's clear strategy, since he doesn't have it. "The killing of the second most important person in the second most important country in the Middle East by a drone strike - this cannot be a strategy," the expert emphasized. "Soleimani was a tough military man, but he was very popular and would win all presidential elections - so if you kill such a person, you risk that the opponent goes crazy, you risk a terrible conflict," Jurgen Todenhofer concluded. Congratulations, studiogeisha.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Studiogeisha.com scored 62 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 3/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 8 Nov 2014, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the studiogeisha homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if studiogeisha has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the studiogeisha homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the studiogeisha homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the studiogeisha homepage on Twitter + the total number of studiogeisha followers (if studiogeisha has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the studiogeisha homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. 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Referring domains for studiogeisha.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 The URL of the found Facebook page. 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. 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 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 Cydnie Deed-King is a visual artist, mother, teacher and gallery curator. She grabbed a coffee with Dayton Artists United to talk about art and being an artist. DAUHow long have you been an artist? CDKMy whole life. My entire family are artists. Both my parents and my sister Taylor are artists. DAU: How is that? I mean, artists work to express an individual point of view. That seems like it would be harder in a family of artists. CDKI dont know, it hasnt seemed harder. In some ways its easier. We had an exhibition recently, at Tend and Flourish, all of us together. That was really empowering, watching people react, placing our works together. They are really quite different. My sister does portraits. I do nature inspired scenes. Our works are unique but placed together they showed our bond. DAUIn other artist interviews, the artists have expressed the difficulty in claiming the title artist, some say they feel like an imposter. Did growing up in a family artists make it easier to claim the title artist? CDKI have always felt like an artist, but I struggle with the business of art. I have sold work. Thats hard, its like giving away a baby, and I know what I am talking about, now that I am a mother. Each work is unique, an original. I wont have that experience again, even if I paint the same subject. So, its hard to let them go, but I hug and kiss them goodbye and put on a happy face. They are going to a good home. Sometimes, people send me a picture of where they have put the work. I can see where it lives. Sometimes they write and tell me how much they love it, how people always admire it. That is nice. My work in someones house. DAUHave you sold a lot of work? CDKI have let go about 100 pieces. My husband reminds me that there are very famous, revered artists that never sold a work, or only one work in their lifetime. Being an artist has all these things attached to it. When you tell people, you are an artist you can see them thinking You wont be famous until you die. DAU Thats a scary thought. CDKFor me its not about being famous. Its about living in art, about being inspired. DAUWhat inspires you? CDKNature. Human connections to nature. No matter how much we try to separate ourselves from it, were connected. Were meant to be one. In my imagination people are botanicals, and I show that in my work. Although, just lately I have been working more with digital images, blending nature and technology. DAUWhat artists do you admire? CDKLiving artists? Local Artists? DAUAnywho do you admire and why? CDKI really admire Jes McMillan, the mosaic artist. She has helped me so much. Shes mentored me on how to put a show together. Shes given me opportunities and continues to invite me to participate. On January 11, the exhibition Women Strong Soul Session opens at Tend and Flourish., I have a work in that show. DAUThis article doesnt go online until after Jan 11thhow long will the works be on view? CDKUntil the end of February. Its a great exhibition. There are talented women in Dayton. DAUOther artists you admire? CDKJulie Mehretu. Shes a New York artist that does these larger than life drawings. She shares her process in the work, its amazing. And my sister, Taylor Deed. Her work is so bold. She uses herself as a model, her face appears in the works. I admire her versatility, the emotion she portrays on the faces. Shes powerful. When it comes to dead artists, Leonardo DaVinci. He never stopped. He didnt limit himself to one thing but followed his curiosity. I find him so interesting. He was a vegetarian, and ambidextrous. Someone recently interpreted his notebooks, they copied and flipped thembecause he wrote backwardsand I love reading them they are so detailed and so random. On one page he wrote learn to draw the muscles of the shoulder and make soup right next to each other. He never stopped learning. DAULets talk about Dayton. CDK-I have only lived here about 5 years. I came from St. Louis. Its interesting to move from a large city to a smaller one. Everything is so close. And I love the park system. The Metroparks are great. I havent visited them all, but I want to. Other things about Dayton.I love Youngs Dairy. And I love the art scene. There is a lot happening here. DAUTalk to me about the art scene. CDKThe Contemporary showed me the art scene in Dayton. I started there as a volunteer, and now I am a curatorial assistant. DAUWhat does that involve? CDKA little bit of everything. I help marketing events, hanging works, I write up materials: I help everybody. Ive learned so much working there. Eva has a great curatorial eye, so working with her Ive learned how to look at art not just for its own sake, but also for how it fits a show idea or its marketability. Theres a lot to think about in that respect. If you want to sell your art, you have to have saleable art. How big is it? Huge works are hard to sell to an individual. DAULets change direction a bitif you could add anything to the Dayton art communityif price were no objectwhat would you add? CDKAn amusement park for artists! A big workspace with all kinds of cool equipment. Something large. That would be fun! What we need, though, really need is something to teach young artists about the business of art. There is more to being an artist than creating pictures. You have to be an entrepreneur. We need to be taught to mount our work. We need to learn how to respond to a call for artistsdoes my work fit the show? The Contemporary did something like thatit was called the ArtSource Fellows program. It engaged about 25 artists in a business of art program. I enjoyed it and learned a ton. Eva talks about bringing it back, she wants to foster artists. Unlimited funds would help that! And since were dreaming, we need a massive art store with good pricing. There is an art supplycoming, I read about it. Hue House. Its going to be near the Catfe. We need that. DAUWhat would you like people to know about art? CDKI live by this mantra: Support living artists, the dead dont need it. Were out here trying to make a living. DAUTime for another subject shift. If your life was made into a movie, who would you want to play you? CDKLupita Nyongo or Michonne from The Walking Dead, you know, Danai Gurira. Yeah, either one of those would be good. DAUTell me one scene from your life that would have to be included in the movie. CDKMeeting my husband, Alex. We met on the 1st day of college at freshman move in. The RA made us play a getting-to-know-you game of musical roommates. He called out things like back to back or head to head and you had to stand with a different partner each time with those parts of you touching. Alex and I were paired for head to butt. Weve been together for eleven years, married for five. DAUAnd what would our movie be called? CDKOh, thats hard. If my life were a movie, itd be called Art of Madness because I feel that a lot of artists go crazy on some level, such as internalizing everything around them, questioning their abilities, their decision to become an artistand some even go so far as to take their own lives unfortunately. However, even out of all that inner turmoil or madness if you will, something beautiful comes from it, and its something that will make someone else stop in their tracks to take a second look. All artists (the ones that I know anyway) have a method to their own kind of craziness and use it to fuel their art. I definitely went through several moments where I questioned everything about myself as artist and whether or not I did the right things at the right time. I felt like I was going crazy, but I worked through my mental roadblocks and created art that was better than ever! DAUI believe it. Ive seen your work. Cydnie Deed-King, Thank you so much! CDKThank you. DAU-Cydnie Deed- King is showing at Tend and Flourish until the end of February and also atArt at the Trace https://www.centervilleohio.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2304/ starting February 1. She will be artists of the month for the City of Centerville in August. Her website is www.artisticspyder.wix.com/cydnie-deed Instagram: @cydnie_ld_king Email artisticspyder@aol.com To read about other Dayton United artists, click here. Support Hedged for Trump Claim Iranian Commander Wanted to Blow Up 4 US Embassies By Ken Bredemeier January 12, 2020 Key U.S. officials hedged Sunday in detailing President Donald Trump's claim that Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani intended to blow up four U.S. embassies before Trump ordered a drone strike to kill him. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told CBS News' "Face the Nation" show, "I didn't see the intelligence about Iran posing an imminent threat to four U.S. embassies, but I believe President Trump when he says there was one." The Pentagon chief added, "What I'm saying is I share the president's view that probably- my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies." Esper, in another interview, told CNN's "State of the Union" show, that he believed Soleimani was "days away" from launching an attack on U.S. facilities when the drone attack killed him Jan. 3. Iran, in response, fired 16 ballistic missiles at bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed, although the U.S. says it knew of the attacks hours ahead of time, allowing forces to bunker in safety. There were no reports of U.S. casualties. In extensive Capitol Hill briefings on the Soleimani killing, lawmakers, including House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, said Trump administration officials never mentioned the potential for attacks on the four embassies. But U.S. national security adviser Robert O'Brien told the Fox News Sunday show, "They can trust us on this intelligence" about the threat posed by Soleimani. But he said it was "always difficult to know the specifics" of threats, saying they came from Soleimani and the Quds Force. He said there were "very significant threats to American facilities in the region," without acknowledging any specific threat to four embassies. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, "I don't think the administration has been straight with the Congress of the United States." After Tehran fired the missiles at the U.S. forces in Iraq, Trump backed off earlier threats of further military attacks against Iran, instead imposing more economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. O'Brien said the U.S.'s "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran is working. "Iran is being choked off," he said, making it difficult for Tehran to "get the money" for continued funding for its Quds Force military operations in the Mideast. The U.S. has expressed the view that its economic sanctions against Tehran will eventually force it to renegotiate the 2015 international treaty restraining Iran's nuclear program, the deal Trump withdrew the U.S. from. In addition, O'Brien said student protests in Tehran on Saturday, after Iran admitted that it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all 176 aboard, in the hours after its attacks on the Iraqi bases, will also pressure Iranian leaders to renegotiate the nuclear treaty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Pittsburgh-area man shot and killed an armed intruder who broke into his apartment Sunday night. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at Rosewood Court in Baldwin, WTAE is reporting. Thats when the 25-year-old who lived there opened fire and shot the 22-year-old intruder, who was pronounced dead at the scene, WPXI is reporting. The man was home with his 24-year-old fiancee and their 10-month-old child, according to KDKA. According to reports, the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office identified the man who was shot as Joshua Long, 22, of West Mifflin, who went into the apartment with a handgun to rob the man, who had his own handgun. Once the investigation is complete, police will consult with the district attorneys office to determine whether or not charges will be filed. Its not clear yet if its related, but shortly after arriving at the scene, police took into custody a 19-year-old on drug-related charges, according to reports. 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. BANGALORE, India, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GLOBAL AEROSPACE FASTENERS MARKET ANALYSIS The global market of Aerospace Fasteners has grown steadily over the past few years, with an average growth rate of 7%. Aerospace Fasteners' global revenue in 2016 is close to 5 Billion USD; the actual production is about 590 K MT. Aerospace Fastener global average price is on the declining trend from $9,100/MT in 2012 to $8,600/MT in 2016. With the global economy's condition, prices will be on a downward trend in the next five years. Threaded fasteners and non-threaded fasteners are included in the Aerospace Fasteners group. The proportion of Threaded Fasteners is around 79% in 2016, and the proportion of Non-Threaded Fasteners is around 21% in 2016. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-N253/global-aerospace-fasteners-market TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GLOBAL AEROSPACE FASTENERS MARKET Advent of 3D printing in aerospace manufacturing will generate new growth Increasing production rate of aircraft Increasing investment by airlines in cabin interior products Get Free Sample Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-N253/Global_Aerospace_Fasteners_Market REGION WISE GLOBAL AEROSPACE FASTENER MARKET ANALYSIS Due to high demand from the United States, North America has accounted for the largest market share. The Asia-pacific market is expected to expand during the forecast period, showing the highest growth rate. Due to the rising demand for new generation aircraft, the increasing number of aircraft orders and deliveries in the area is currently driving the growth of the industry. AEROSPACE FASTENERS MARKET PRODUCTION BY REGION United States Europe China Japan Other Regions. Inquire for Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-N253/Global_Aerospace_Fasteners_Market THE FOLLOWING MANUFACTURERS ARE COVERED IN AEROSPACE FASTENERS MARKET: PCC Alcoa LISI Aerospace NAFCO Trimas MS Aerospace Others. AEROSPACE FASTENERS BREAKDOWN DATA BY TYPE Threaded Fasteners Non-Threaded Fasteners. AEROSPACE FASTENERS BREAKDOWN DATA BY APPLICATION Civil Military. THE STUDY OBJECTIVES ARE: To analyze and research the global Aerospace Fasteners status and future forecastinvolving, production, revenue, consumption, historical and forecast. To present the key Aerospace Fasteners manufacturers, production, revenue, market share, and recent development. To split the breakdown data by regions, type, manufacturers and applications. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regions. 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-Auto-N253 TABLE OF CONTENTS: Study Coverage Executive Summary Market Size by Manufacturers Aerospace Fasteners Production by Regions Aerospace Fasteners Consumption by Regions Aerospace Fasteners Market Size by Type Aerospace Fasteners Market by Application Manufacturers Profiles Production Forecasts Consumption Forecast Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Market Opportunities & Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Key Findings in the Global Aerospace Fasteners Study Appendix Click Here to View Full Table of Content: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-N253/global-aerospace-fasteners-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 analysts 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 National carrier Vietnam Airlines last weekend returned diamond jewelry and expensive fashion items to a Cambodian passenger after she had left them on their plane at an airport in China earlier this month, according to local media. A Vietnam Airlines flight attendant gave a bag containing diamond jewelry, a Rolex wristwatch, and other pricey fashionable accessories back to its owner, a Cambodian, when she was checking in for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Saturday, VnExpress reported. The passenger extended her heartfelt thanks to the cabin crew of the flight VN522 for contacting her and returning the bag to her, as the items are not only expensive but they are also her memorable souvenirs. The passenger had left the bag in the drawer of her seat in the business class cabin of her flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai on January 4. She came to another city in China after disembarking from the plane. Vietnam Airlines found it hard to contact her as she had left no phone number behind. But the carrier managed to contact her after several days. Last year, the chief flight attendant of Vietnam Airlines gave a bag containing US$13,000 in cash to a passenger after they had left it on a flight. In 2018, another Vietnam Airlines steward returned personal papers, Vietnamese cash, and foreign currencies worth over VND30 million ($1,298) in total to a passenger as well, VietNamNet reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities are asking for the publics help in finding a woman who has been missing from Tallapoosa County since last week. Judy Jackson Kennebrew, 65, may be suffering from a condition that could impair her judgement, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. She was last seen in the area of Jackson Lane in Tallassee about 6 p.m. on Jan. 8. Kennebrew has a small scar on the bridge of her nose, a square scar on her upper right thigh and a burn/skin graft on the top of her right hand. She could be wearing gray or black dress slacks. She is described as a black female, 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Tallapoosa County Sheriffs Office at 256-825-4264 or 911. Despite denials about their presence in Libya, reports have emerged about the death of four Syrian fighters from the Syrian National Army reports Zaman Al Wasl. A well-informed source said four fighters operating as part of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) had been killed in Libya, fighting along with the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. According to a rebel commander, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the bodies of the fighters were buried on Friday in the towns of al-Bab and Marea. The fighters were from the Sultan Murad Brigade and al-Mutasim Division. Sources told Zaman al-Wasl that tens of Turkish-backed rebels have been deployed in Libya along with Turkish forces, as Ankara presses to implement a military cooperation agreement with the GNA in Tripoli reached in November. The Turkish Military Intelligence met with commanders of the SNA in December in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, where they agreed to open a recruitment office. The Turkish intelligence offered a number of incentives to attract the largest possible number from the National Army to register, including a monthly salary estimated at 3,000 dollars for officers and 2,000 dolars for other elements, in addition to providing weapons and ammunition as well as food, in exchange for at least a three-month combat mission in the Libyan territory. Sultan Murad and al-Mutasim opened the door for voluntary registration, according to the source. Two weeks ago, the opposition Syrian Interim Government denied it would be sending any troops to Libya amid reports confirming the beginning of training and deployment. We categorically deny sending any of our forces and military formations to Libya. Our priority in the Syrian National Army is to protect our Syrian people from the regimes militias and its Russian and Iranian supporters, it said in a statement. The Syrian National Army is an umbrella group in northern Syria consisting of an assortment of rebel forces. Many of the groups factions, made up largely of Syrian Arab fighters, had already fought at Turkeys behest in two previous military operations over the past three years, Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he expects that a cease-fire in Libya would take effect in line with the recommendation jointly put forward by Russia and Turkey. Speaking at a press conference, following a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin said the conflict in Libya undermines the situation in the region and has a negative impact on Europe. On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Putin urged a cease-fire in Libya following their meeting in Istanbul. Since the ouster of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and the other in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition. Turning to Iran, Putin called on the EU to fulfil its obligations under the nuclear deal, saying it is necessary to preserve the agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms. 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. Same-sex marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland. From Monday 13 January, same-sex couples will be able to register to marry in the country, and those who are already married will have their union recognised by law. This brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. Same-sex marriages have been legal in England, Scotland and Wales since 2014. The first same-sex weddings are expected to take place in February as couples have to indicate their intention to marry 28 days before doing so. The discrepancy was able to continue for six years because same-sex marriage was an issue devolved to Stormont, the Northern Ireland Assembly. Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland Show all 5 1 /5 Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland Revellers celebrate equal marriage at Belfast's Maverick Bar Martha Brown and her partner Louise McCullough and equal marriage supporters at Maverick Bar, Belfast, celebrate the change to abortion and same sex marriage laws in Northern Ireland at 00:01. The law passed by Westminster MPs will decriminalise abortion and pave the way for the introduction of same sex marriage in Northern Ireland Liam McBurney/PA Wire Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland Celebration time for same-sex couples and campaigners Same-sex couples and campaigners in Northern Ireland had an early celebration at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast on Monday to mark the historic change Rebecca Black/PA Wire Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland Christopher and Henry Flanagan-Kane in Belfast Christopher and Henry Flanagan-Kane in Belfast on Monday. The pair were one of the first same-sex couples in the UK to have a civil union in 2005. Now they are looking forward to changing their civil union to a marriage over a decade later Rebecca Black/PA Wire Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland Drag Queen, Titty Von Tramp, at Belfast's Maverick Bar Drag queen Titty Von Tramp at Maverick Bar, Belfast, counts down the clock to midnight as a change in the law passed by Westminster MPs will decriminalise abortion and pave the way for the introduction of same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. Liam McBurney/PA Wire Marriage equality celebrations in Northern Ireland A landmark day for equal rights in Northern Ireland Martha Brown with her partner Louise McCullough and equal marriage supporters at Maverick Bar, Belfast, celebrate the change to abortion and same sex marriage laws in Northern Ireland at 00:01. The law passed by Westminster MPs will decriminalise abortion and pave the way for the introduction of same sex marriage in Northern Ireland Liam McBurney/PA Wire Those who already have civil partnerships are not able to convert to a marriage at this stage in the process, although the Northern Ireland Office is set to begin a consultation later this year. Today also marks the day that heterosexual couples are able to enter into civil partnerships, as happened in England and Wales in December 2019. The change has come about as a result of campaigners turning their attention to Westminster, rather than Stormont. A power-sharing coalition between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein collapsed at the Northern Irish assembly in January 2017, and three years of political deadlock in the country followed. As a result, marriage equality campaigners in Northern Ireland began campaigning MPs in the Houses of Parliament instead. In July 2019, MPs backed amendments which would require same-sex marriage to be extended to Northern Ireland if devolution was not restored by 21 October. On Friday the UK and Irish governments published a draft deal to restore a devolved government in Northern Ireland. The move comes without the DUP or Sinn Fein having publicly signalled a willingness to agree to the terms of the deal. Today Boris Johnson will meet first minister Arlene Foster of the DUP and Sinn Fein deputy first minister Michelle ONeill. The legalisation of same-sex marriage in other European countries has seen dramatic reduction in the number of suicides. A study in Denmark and Sweden showed that there had been a fall of 46 per cent from 1989 to 2002, and 2003 to 2016. Being married is protective against suicide, said Annette Erlangsen of the Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention. Legalising same-sex marriage and other supportive legislative measures they might actually reduce stigma around sexual minorities. Same-sex marriage was made legal in 2009 in Sweden and 2012 in Denmark. The unions are now legal in 27 countries, 16 of them in Europe. Ecuador became the latest nation to permit them, in June last year. Slovakia is set to become the latest European country to come under the influence of the far right, with polls predicting major gains for neo-Nazis in next months election. Kotlebovci-LSNS has been polling a solid second place since the start of December, up from fifth place in 2016 with a general election scheduled for 29 February this year. The partys policies include establishing militias to fight against an imagined gypsy terror, the reintroduction of conscription, and the celebration of the Slovak Nazi client state established during the Second World War. Party leader Marian Kotleba has said Jews living in Slovakia are intrinsically bothered by everything that is Slovak and that they live on our territory solely by the mercy of the Slovak nation. The partys programme pledges to close Slovakias borders to stop hordes of Muslim immigrants, says the country is committing national suicide with open frontiers, and that it is no longer an independent and sovereign state because of its membership of the EU. In April last year the countrys Supreme Court rejected a bid by the countrys public prosecutor to have party dissolved on the basis that it was an extremist party with fascist tendencies, which would make it incompatible with Slovakias constitution. The court said that there was no grounds for dissolving the party because democracy was not imminently endangered by its existence. A party can be dissolved only if it actually fights against democracy and rule of law, which has not been proven in this case, chief judge Jana Zemkova said at the time. The court had no other option but to deny the motion. But Justice Minister Gabor Gal said: LSNS is a fascist party. Fascism has no place in Slovakia. The failed court case appears to have done no harm to LSNS, whose leader Mr Kotleba said after the ruling: After today, there is no reason to be afraid to vote for our party. The party has also attempted to modernise its image in recent years, with its politicians ditching their paramilitary-style uniforms for suits. Its leaders have also broadened the rhetorical focus of their hatred beyond Jews and onto Roma and Muslims. The partys relative outsider status, its supposed anti-corruption stance, and its pledges to spend money on welfare and health services have also helped win it support. 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 Slovakia has a highly fragmented political landscape. The latest survey by pollster AKO conducted 7-9 January has the left-wing populist Smer party on 18 per cent, the neo-Nazi LSNS on 12 per cent, and a liberal alliance on 9 per cent. Pro-EU conservatives Ordinary People are in fourth place on 8 per cent with another right-wing populist party Sme Rodina also on 8 per cent. Libertarian party SaS is polling 7 per cent, while right-wing nationalist party SNS are polling 6 per cent. A centre-right Christian Democratic party is also polling 6 per cent. Parties must win a least five per cent of the vote to win seats in parliament under the threshold system. The current government is expected to lose its majority in parliament, but it is unclear who will be able to form a new one. This browser is no longer supported at MarketWatch. For the best MarketWatch.com experience, please update to a modern browser. Press Release January 12, 2020 De Lima dares Duterte to prove readiness to accept Rohingya refugees Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has dared Mr. Duterte to follow through his recent pronouncement of accepting Rohingya Muslims who are facing grave situations in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, despite his contradicting statements in the past. De Lima, who once chaired the Commission on Human Rights, said Duterte should redeem himself from his previous policies regarding the welfare of the Rohingya Muslims, which contradict his most recent pronouncement in Cotabato City last month. "Kung talagang may malasakit si Ginoong Duterte sa mga Rohingya refugees, totohanin nya ang sinabi niyang pagkupkop at pagtulong sa kanila. Hindi salita at pangako kundi ang agarang pagkupkop sa kanila ang dapat katuparan," she said. "If not, these statements will just be another empty rhetoric which cannot redeem him and his administration from past policy decisions detrimental to the Rohingyas, including the tragic 'No' vote of the Philippines against a UN resolution condemning human rights violations against them," she added. During its 42nd regular session in Switzerland last Sept. 26, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution supporting justice and accountability for Rohingya Muslims and other minorities who have fled Myanmar's Rakhine State to escape atrocities committed by state security forces. Of the 46 member states that voted, only Philippines and China rejected the UNHRC resolution with 37 countries voting in favor and seven others abstaining. It was the third time that the Duterte administration rejected a UN measure on the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya. "His only concern then is not to offend his friends in Beijing, which, not surprisingly, is also facing ethnic cleansing allegations against their Muslim minorities," the former justice secretary pointed out. "Huwag nating paasahin ang mga lubos na nangangailangan at pagkatapos ay kabaligtaran ang gagawin natin. Hindi biro ang kanilang pinagdaanan at pagdurusa, kaya mas kailangan nila ang tulong sa lalong madaling panahon," she added. Last October, De Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 158 urging the Philippine government to reconsider its position opposing the UNHRC resolution. As of this writing, the resolution has been languishing at the committee level. When she was then justice secretary, De Lima proposed that the Philippines, along with fellow ASEAN member-states, should send rescue ships to help the Rohingya Muslims or "boat people" still stranded in the seas, and save their lives. Since 2017, almost 800,000 people of Myanmar's Muslim minority had fled to neighboring Bangladesh from the Rakhine State to escape brutal persecution instigated by Myanmar military forces. : Singapore Consul-General to Chennai Pong Kok Tian on Monday visited Sri City special economic zone with an aim to strengthen ties between the two countries. Tian accompanied by Vice-Consul Ivan Tan arrived at the business centre near here and held a brief interaction with officials of Sri City, including its managing director Ravindra Sannareddy. Following his visit, the diplomat was informed about the available investment options in different sectors, financial incentives offered by the state and central governments to set up office in Sri City. "It has been a pleasure of visiting Sri City and observing the impressive development that has come up over the last 10 years", Tian said in a press release. The Consul-General went around the industrial park and had a glimpse of the production facility of Singapore-based company Vital Paper, among others. "The visit (of Consul General) assumes significance at the backdrop of Singapore emerging as largest source of foreign direct investments into India and also growing business links between the two countries", Sannareddy said. "We are confident his visit will facilitate some more business investments from Singapore", he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghanistans government is pushing for a comprehensive cease-fire in the wake of a looming agreement between the Taliban and the United States that will pave way for the withdrawal of American troops and kickstart direct talks between Kabul and the insurgents. The results of the [peace] efforts by the Afghan government and the United States should result in a cease-fire, Afghan Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told Radio Free Afghanistan. We want a cease-fire that has a clear definition and results in ending the violence and war. The demand presents a new challenge to negotiations between Washington and the Taliban. The two sides are reportedly discussing modalities of reducing violence levels following the resumption of talks last month. In September, U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly called off negotiations over a Taliban attack in Kabul. But the Taliban have outrightly rejected a cease-fire. "The Islamic Emirate has no intention of declaring a cease-fire, a December 30 statement by the group said while referring to itself by its formal name. The United States has asked for a reduction in the scale and intensity of violence, and discussions being held by the Islamic Emirate are revolving solely around this specific issue." More recently, a Taliban spokesman alluded to the groups inflexibility on the issue. "The [U.S.-Taliban] peace agreement is finalized and only remains to be signed [by the two sides]," Suhail Shaheen told VOA last week. Authorities in Kabul, however, are pushing for more specific cease-fire commitments. We hope that the Taliban will respect the desire of the Afghan people for peace and accept the proposals by the Afghan and U.S. governments for a cease-fire and an end to the war in the country, Seddiqi said. For the Afghan people and government, a reduction in violence is a vague term. It is not practical and cannot be implemented. British diplomat Nicolas Kay, NATOs senior civilian representative to Afghanistan, said that while efforts to reduce violence will have an impact on the lives of all Afghans, the parties involved need to work out the specifics of an agreement. We must be patient as these trust-building measures are worked out, he wrote on Twitter. We look forward to firm and credible guarantees from the Taliban for peace. The Taliban and Afghan government engaged in a three-day armistice during the Eid Al Fitr holidays in June 2018. The brief lull in fighting was widely welcomed across Afghanistan, with Taliban fighters flocking to cities across the country. Negotiations between the Taliban and the United States have mostly revolved around American troop withdrawal in return for Taliban counterterrorism guarantees, a cease-fire, and commitments to seek a permanent settlement though negotiations among Afghans. Beijings iconic Summer Palace tourist resort is the home of a huge new ice rink thats opened just ahead of the Winter Olympics. The rink measures 300,000 square meters and consists of two areas designed for different types of activities. The city has opened seven municipal ice rinks and four snow resorts to the public. Since 2014, ice and snow activities in municipal parks have attracted nearly 2 million visitors, according to the Beijing Municipal Administration Center for Parks Jan 11, 2022 07:26 PM PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 22:46:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 333 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Black Tusk Resources Inc. ("Black Tusk" or the "Company) (CNSX:TUSK)(OTC PINK:BTKRF)(Frankfurt:0NB) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Chalice Gold Exploration Corp., the 100% owner of the South Rim Project (the "Property") located in central British Columbia. The Property is subject to a 2% net smelter royalty.The acquisition of the property is to be completed via share purchase agreement between the Company, Chalice Gold Exploration Corp., and its shareholders. The Company is required to issue 10,000,000 common shares to the shareholders of Chalice in exchange for 100% of the common shares of Chalice."We are extremely excited to expand the Company's portfolio of properties with this acquisition", said Richard Penn, CEO of the Company.Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. 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. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to obtaining regulatory approvals including that of the Canadian Securities Exchange, exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com . 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. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsRichard PennCEO(778) 384-8923SOURCE: Black Tusk Resources Inc. The most interesting sight of Taganai Park, in the southern Ural Mountains, Big Stone River consists of thousands of large stone boulders cutting a path through a thick forest of pine trees. Stone rivers, also known as stone runs, can be found all over the world, from Bulgarias Vitosha Mountains, to the Falkland Islands, but none are as impressive-looking as the Big Stone River, in Russias Chelyabinsk Oblast region. Spanning 6 km long, this gigantic conglomeration of boulders starts off as several small streams with and average width of 20 meters that later join to form a large stone river with an average width of 200 meters (in some places up to 700 meters). Big Stone River is considered the most interesting sight of Taganai Park, and one of the most impressive in all of Russia. Photo: Alexander Petrov Legends and stories of how Big Stone River came to be abound in the southern Urals, but scientists believe that it is the result of a glacier breaking off from the higher peaks of the Taganai over 10,000 years ago and flowing down into the valleys, leaving a trail of aventurine a type of quartz in its wake. The thing that sets Big Stone River apart from other stone run around the world and makes it live up to its name, is the way it cuts through a thick pine forest like a real river, only one that hasnt moved an inch for thousands of years. The layer of boulders, some of which weigh up to 10 tonnes, is between 4 and 6 meters deep, which makes it almost impossible for vegetation other than lichens to grow in the river. The only notable exceptions are two old pine trees near the Otkliknoy Crest. Photo: Mountainsfoto While seeing the aventurine boulders that make up Bigs Stone River is a memorable experience, the best way to experience this natural wonder is from above. When Wind Sweeps into Communities Open Dialogue, Perceptions of Fairness Help Welcome Wind Neighbors Jan. 13, 2020 Wind farm development in the United States often takes place in rural areas with land that is largely the property of farmers and ranchers who lease their land to developers. By the end of 2018, wind energy contributed 6.5% of the nations electricity supply, with more than 30% in three statesIowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma. With wind power capacity additions projected to continue growing, rural residents often wonder how wind energy will impact their communities. More to the point, they are interested to know if wind will be a good neighbor. To help answer this question, researchers conduct community outreach and research to understand how wind energy development affects those living nearby. In a recent article co-authored by NREL researcher Eric Lantz titled, Attitudes of U.S. Wind Turbine Neighbors: Analysis of a Nationwide Survey, researchers gathered a nationally representative, random sample of 1,705 U.S. wind project neighbors. Survey findings reveal that positive attitudes toward local turbines outweigh the negative by a 7:1 ratiogood news for both wind energy developers and those living near wind energy facilities. Research like this nationwide survey is critical, because it helps decision makers and wind developers better understand the complicated dynamics at play when wind sweeps into communities, Lantz said. Radfords Run Wind Farm in Macon County, Illinois, provides clean energy to the region and has spurred significant local business activity while bolstering the regions tax revenue. Photo by Ruth Baranowski, NREL Anecdotes Mirror Survey Results According to findings from the nationwide survey, residents near wind turbines have a complex, but generally favorable relationship with their large wind turbine neighbors. These can translate into strong opinions, as NREL staffer Ruth Baranowski learned when she attended the 2019 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. Almost everyone here at the Farm Progress Show has an opinion on wind power, she said. For example, Baranowski said that some show attendees expressed frustration with so-called absentee farmersindividuals outside the local community who may profit from leasing land to wind developers. These landowners are perceived to be putting their neighbors in the shadow of these structures without offering compensation for the impacts. Often at the crux of these types of concerns are worries regarding fairness and trust, both in terms of impacts and processes, said Lantz. To most effectively integrate with the local community, wind energy developers would do well to consider these values. While some show attendees lamented absentee farmers, others spoke to how leasing their land allowed them to save their family farms by providing a financial buffer against years when harvests or profits are marginal. Show attendees also remarked on how their children are returning to the area to purchase homes as a result of the increased economic opportunity brought about by wind energy in the region. Many attendees praised projects like the nearby Radfords Run, highlighting its positive socioeconomic impact on the community. Aside from providing readily available clean energy to the region, the wind plant has supported local business and tax revenue. Show attendees told Baranowski that the increased revenue from Radfords Run helped local counties in the area pool their resources into a brand-new, centralized school district that provides improved facilities and educational resources. These anecdotes are consistent with empirical NREL research about wind energys economic impact at the Rush Creek Wind Farm in Colorado. In this specific case, researchers found that the project will support 180 long-term jobs and $20 million in gross domestic product in Colorado annually throughout the operation and maintenance phase of its anticipated 25-year lifespan. In addition, Rush Creek will provide an estimated $45 million in landowner lease payments and approximately $62.5 million in property taxes during its lifespan. Economic benefits like these can support a more diversified local economy and attract people to a community that includes wind as one of its neighbors. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:58:32|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MOSCOW, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is hosting Monday peace talks between the Libyan parties fighting against each other, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "In accordance with the agreements reached between the presidents of Russia and Turkey, a Russian-Turkish meeting at the level of the heads of the foreign and defense ministries has started in Moscow," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Facebook. "Representatives of the Libyan parties have arrived and will soon join the talks," she added. Earlier on Monday, Russian news agencies quoted an unnamed source in the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying that Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), and the head of the Libyan Government of National Accord, Fayez al-Seraj, are expected to take part in the talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday issued a joint statement after a series of meetings in Istanbul. The two leaders called on all parties in Libya to declare a ceasefire from Sunday, Jan. 12, to stop all hostilities and to start immediate negotiations with the aim of establishing peace in the country. The LNA on Saturday announced a ceasefire and stopped all military operations against the UN-backed government across western Libya, while the Tripoli-based UN-backed government did the same several hours later. Libya has been locked in a civil war since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. While Spejewski didn't include specifics from the report in her letter, she urged the new Town Council, incoming town manager, the safety board and recently appointed Police Chief Steve Flores to make changes. Those changes include reevaluating missing person investigation protocol; training personnel to be aware of the needs of families of missing people; providing prompt and routine updates to the family during an investigation; enacting sensitivity training; providing support services; and listening to the gut feelings of family members. "Empathy and compassion is needed within our police force. If your child, grandchild or family member were missing, I believe you would want your town to go above and beyond to find your missing loved one, not just follow subpar protocol," Spejewski said. "I knew my daughter, and I knew her disappearance was totally out of character." Although Flores wasn't chief during the investigation, he told The Times that Kveton told officers involved with the investigation they did everything they could and went "above and beyond" the scope of what they should've done, which included entering Lanham and Grill into a national database as soon as they went missing. Harry and Meghan at the forum of the Royal Foundation, which they later split from (Chris Jackson/PA) The Duke of Sussex has always struggled with his royal role. Happier in the Army when he was plain Captain Harry Wales, he once confessed he wanted out of the Windsors, but said then he had decided to stay and work out his place. Both Harry and Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, pledged their commitment to royal duty ahead of their wedding. Expand Close Harry and Meghan with the royals on the balcony at Buckingham Palace ( Victoria Jones/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghan with the royals on the balcony at Buckingham Palace ( Victoria Jones/PA) Now the couple plan to quit as senior royals. As the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Harry gather for a summit on the crisis, heres a look at what Harry and Meghan have said about their royal roles and their experiences as members of one of the worlds most famous families. Harry I felt I wanted out but then decided to stay in and work out a role for myself. in 2017 to Newsweek magazine about considering leaving the royal family. We are not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people. Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I dont think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time. again in 2017. Expand Close The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on royal duty during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on royal duty during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey (Steve Parsons/PA) Youll be glad to know, probably not. when asked by a schoolboy if he would ever be king. Great! when it was suggested to him when Kate was pregnant with Princess Charlotte that this further reduced his chances of being king. There are three mes. One in the Army, one socially in my own private time, and then one with the family and stuff like that. So there is a switch and I flick it when necessary. on the different sides to his character, speaking on his return from Afghanistan in 2013. Expand Close Harry cleans the dust from a machine gun on his Spartan armoured vehicle in the desert in Helmand province in Afghanistan (John Stillwell/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry cleans the dust from a machine gun on his Spartan armoured vehicle in the desert in Helmand province in Afghanistan (John Stillwell/PA) Definitely. Ive always been like that. asked whether he was more comfortable being Captain Wales rather than Prince Harry in 2013. My fathers always trying to remind me about who I am and stuff like that. But its very easy to forget about who I am when I am in the Army. in 2013. Theres a lot of times that both myself and my brother wish, obviously, that we were just completely normal. in 2012. I dont get any satisfaction from sitting at home on my arse. on looking for the right role after leaving the Army. She had more guts than anybody else. I want to carry on the things that she didnt quite finish. on his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Expand Close Diana, Princess of Wales with her sons, William and Harry, in 1995 (Martin Keene/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Diana, Princess of Wales with her sons, William and Harry, in 1995 (Martin Keene/PA) Id probably live in Africa. Id like to spend all my time out there As a job, it would probably be a safari guide. on what he would do if he were not a prince. I still view her more as the Queen than my grandmother. You have this huge amount of respect for your boss and I always view her as my boss but occasionally as a grandmother. to the BBC about the Queen to mark her 90th birthday. Its amazing how close weve become. I mean ever since our mother died, obviously we were close, but he is the one person on this earth who I can actually really we can talk about anything. to the PA news agency about William in his 21st birthday interview in 2005. I am who I am. Im not going to change because Im being criticised in the press. 21st birthday interview with PA. We are certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him as I know he will always be there for me. We dont see each other as much as we used to because we are so busy but I love him dearly. about the Duke of Cambridge in 2019 in an ITV documentary on the Africa tour. Expand Close William and Harry in 2018 (Toby Melville/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp William and Harry in 2018 (Toby Melville/PA) The majority of the stuff is created out of nothing but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days. about William in 2019. Working as family does have its challenges, of course it does the fact everyone is laughing means you know exactly (what I mean) but were stuck together for the rest of our lives. at the 2018 forum for the Royal Foundation which Harry and Meghan later split from. I think probably a wound that festers. I think being part of this family, in this role, in this job, every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash, it takes me straight back, so in that respect, its the worst reminder of her life, as opposed to the best. on the pressures of royal life and memories of his mothers relationship with the press in 2019. Expand Close Harry sitting alone beneath the Diana Tree in Huambo, Angola (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry sitting alone beneath the Diana Tree in Huambo, Angola (Dominic Lipinski/PA) 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 Sussexes bombshell statement on January 8 2020. 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. the decision to quit as senior royals. Harry on Meghans role Im not so much searching for someone to fulfil the role, but obviously, you know, finding someone that would be willing to take it on. on looking for love in 2012, prior to meeting Meghan. For me, its an added member of the family. Its another team player as part of the bigger team, and for all of us, all we want to do is be able to carry out the right engagements. on Meghan joining the royal family. Expand Close The couples engagement in 2017 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The couples engagement in 2017 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) I still had to have some pretty frank conversations with her to say, you know what youre letting yourself in for, is its a big deal and its not its not easy for anybody. on preparing Meghan for royal life. At the moment for us, its going to be making sure our relationship is always put first. on their priorities for the future. But both of us have passions for wanting to make change, change for good, and with lots of young people running around the Commonwealth, thats where were going to spend most of our time hopefully. on their priorities in the engagement interview. 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. in a statement in 2019. Meghan Im excited to just really get to know more about the different communities here, smaller organisations who are working on the same causes that Ive always been passionate about under this umbrella, and also being able to go round the Commonwealth, I think its just the beginning. in her engagement interview about life in the UK. Expand Close Harry and Meghan in Nottingham on first official engagement together (Joe Giddens/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghan in Nottingham on first official engagement together (Joe Giddens/PA) I dont see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change. on quitting acting to become a full-time royal. The family has been great, and over the past year and a half weve just had a really nice time getting to know them and progressively helping me feel a part of, not just the institution, but also part of the family which has been really special. on getting to know the royals in 2017. For me, its very important to want to hit the ground running. Meghan setting on her goals at the first and only Royal Foundation forum. Expand Close Meghan on her wedding day (Mike Egerton/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan on her wedding day (Mike Egerton/PA) When I first met my now-husband, my friends were really happy because I was so happy, but my British friends said to me, Im sure hes great but you shouldnt do it because the British tabloids will destroy your life. in the ITV documentary in Africa 2019. I think I really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a stiff upper lip but I think what that does internally is probably really damaging. in Africa. Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if Im OK. in Africa. Ive said for a long time to H thats what I call him its not enough to just survive something, right? Thats not the point of life. Youve got to thrive, youve got to feel happy. in Africa. Several senators went on the Sunday talk show circuit and said the first time they heard about a supposed Iranian plot to attack four U.S. embassies was during President Donald Trumps interview with Fox News Laura Ingraham on Friday night. The classified briefing that was given to senators last week had already been the subject of much controversy as even a few Republicans joined Democrats in criticizing how little information they received regarding the rationale for killing Gen. Qassem Soleimani. But to add insult to injury, many senators were dumbfounded when they heard Trump share some information with Ingraham that they had never heard before. Advertisement Sen. Christopher Coons straight out said it and complained about the differences between what senators were told and what Trump said on Fox News. Frankly, in the classified briefing that lasted 75 minutes and had virtually the entire Senate there, we got less detailed information than President Trump shared with Laura Ingraham, Coons said on Fox News Sunday. So we were told repeatedly that there was reliable intelligence of an imminent threat. Thats it. There was no more detail than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Coons reacts to President Trump's strategy in Iran: "Some skepticism on the part of Congress about whether or not there really is a thorough and deliberate strategy I think is justified." Check your local listings. Only on FOX News Sunday! #FNS pic.twitter.com/bDdtW0DayY FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) January 12, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia also said he was unaware of the embassy threats. I was at the classified briefing because Im both an Armed Services and Foreign Relations member, that wasnt told to us in the classified briefing, nor was there a suggestion that multiple embassies were threatened, Kaine said on CBS Face the Nation. Kaine said that at the briefing the evidence was far short of an imminent threat. .@TimKaine tells @margbrennan he was unaware of threats to the Baghdad Embassy and that Senate members of the Gang of Eight were unhappy with the intelligence they received this week. pic.twitter.com/3pNr3BlSSD Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) January 12, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt just Democrats who spoke up. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah also said he had not been told anything about any imminent threats to U.S. embassies. I didnt hear anything about that, he said on CNN. Several of my colleagues have said the same. So, that was news to me, and it is certainly not something that I recall being raised in the classified briefing. Lee had previously called the briefing that lawmakers received insulting and demeaning and when he was asked whether he had a problem learning about the alleged threats against U.S. embassies on television he tried to shift the blame away from Trump. Yes, but the problem there is not with the president the problem is with those who were briefing us, Lee said on CBS Face the Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple wrecks reported amid dense fog Monday morning Dense fog and slick streets are causing traffic headaches across the metro to start the day.On the Missouri side, the southbound lanes of I-435 were closed just before I-70 due to a semi-truck that jackknifed in the construction zone. Suburbanites are coming back to the urban core that has yet to see much snow removal off the main thoroughfares . . . The morning fog is already causing multiple crashes. Newsies keep telling viewers to drive safely given the litany of crash reports. Read more: Visa Korea Country Manager Patrick Yoon speaks during a press conference marking the New Year, at the Plaza Hotel in central Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of Visa Korea By Kim Bo-eun Visa Korea said Monday it will strengthen consulting services based on its capabilities in analyzing and processing information built on its global network. Visa's global consulting and analytics team is composed of 500 data analysis experts and consultants. The team offers consulting services in 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region including Korea. Visa Korea plans to offer consulting services on analyzing and utilizing big data to local card issuers, fintech firms, and online banks and merchants this year. "We plan to expand consulting services for partners so that they can boost their data analysis capabilities," Visa Korea's Country Manager Patrick Yoon said at a press conference held at the Plaza Hotel in central Seoul. "We will strengthen existing capabilities such as credit scoring and debt management of partner companies and assist them with big data-based hyper personalization marketing," he said. Hyper personalization goes a step further from personalized marketing leveraging artificial intelligence and real-time data to offer more relevant content, product and service information to customers. Visa's network processes more than 65,000 transactions every second, exhibiting the scale of big data it holds. Analyzing and utilizing data has become increasingly important for local financial firms after a set of revised data bills were passed at the National Assembly last week. The revisions enable the commercial use or provision of data of unidentified individuals without seeking their consent. Visa Korea plans to more than double the scale of consulting services offered this year. Visa Korea's pool of local experts is small but it is in the process of recruiting new members. In addition, Visa Korea will expand its Visa Token Service-based app card business launched last year in collaboration with Hana Card. Yoon said Visa Korea will roll out "Visa Direct," a P2P overseas remittance service, for the first time in Korea. Finally, he said Visa Korea will seek to boost digital partnerships with fintech and big tech firms, so that they lead to more generation of business. Yoon said Visa Korea's "innovation station" within its new office is expected to play a role in strengthening collaboration with the companies. Yoon said Visa is focusing its attention on Korea, as the country with the largest scale of electronic transactions, globally. In Korea, over 90 percent of all financial transactions are processed electronically. Accordingly, Visa Korea has increased the number of its staff by more than 30 percent since Yoon assumed his position in March 2018. [January 13, 2020] Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, Health and Technology District partner to accelerate Canadian health tech innovations for seniors SURREY, BC, Jan. 13, 2020 /CNW/ - The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, and the Health and Technology District announced today a new partnership to advance Canadian digital healthcare solutions for seniors. Innovation in the longevity sector is vital to address the needs of an ever-increasing number of Canadian seniors, especially those living with dementia. CABHI, the Toronto-based global solution accelerator, and the Health and Technology District, an innovation ecosystem based in Surrey, BC, are working together to develop a pan-Canadian network of innovators and test sites to strengthen the national aging, brain health, and neuroscience ecosystem. The collaboration aims to accelerate the scale-up of promising health tech companies, supporting them to commercialize and become adopted into the Canadian healthcare system. These include opportunities to support innovation activities and initiatives that address challenges associated with healthy aging, cognitive health, including dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership will benefit older adults, their caregivers, and families across Canada by promoting solutions that improve health outcomes, and will brin economic value to the Canadian healthcare system by advancing novel digital health innovations to market. "CABHI accelerates the best and brightest solutions in aging and brain health to the Canadian public, enhancing the lives of thousands of older adults and their caregivers," said Dr. Allison Sekuler, Managing Director of CABHI, Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, and Vice-President of Research at Baycrest. "We are excited to work with Health and Technology District to improve health outcomes, increase the effectiveness of our healthcare systems, and grow Canadian innovation in British Columbia, nationally, and internationally." "The Health and Technology District is a vibrant hub where a number of innovators and entrepreneurs work alongside scientists, clinicians and healthcare providers to develop healthcare innovations, and bring them directly to consumers," said Rowena Rizzotti, Vice President of Healthcare & Innovations at the Health and Technology District. "Our pan-Canadian partnership with CABHI will strengthen the research, science and innovation activities to advance leading-edge healthcare solutions focused on making impactful health advances in areas of aging and brain health." CABHI gratefully acknowledges the support of its funders, the Government of Canada through the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the Baycrest Foundation. To learn more about CABHI's partnership network, visit www.cabhi.com/news. About the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) A Toronto-based solution accelerator for the aging and brain health sector, CABHI provides funding and support to innovators for the development, testing, and dissemination of new ideas and technologies that address unmet brain health and seniors' care needs. Established in 2015, it is the result of the largest investment in brain health and aging in Canadian history. CABHI is a unique collaboration of health care, science, industry, not-for-profit and government partners whose aim is to help improve quality of life for the world's aging population, allowing older adults to age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. About Health and Technology District The Health and Technology District in Surrey, BC, is a rapidly expanding ecosystem of innovators and entrepreneurs collaborating with tech companies, scientists, educators and health professionals; each representing a range of business, technologies and research fields. The series of high-tech buildings located and under expansion strategically across from Surrey Memorial Hospital, offers a dynamic community where disruptive impacts are generated through the translation of research, science and technology into global innovations. SOURCE Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SEATTLE, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LumiThera Inc., a commercial stage medical device company delivering photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment for ocular disorders and diseases, today announced it has closed the 2nd tranche of its Series C round of financing. The proceeds of the financing are being used to support further clinical testing and commercialization of its Valeda Light Delivery System for the treatment of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). "We are pleased with the investor interest in the company and have raised over $10M in the current C round," stated Clark Tedford, Ph.D., President and CEO. "The capital raised will allow us to execute on our European and US multi-center clinical trials." WaterStar Capital, an Atlanta, Georgia based venture capital fund, led the round. "WaterStar is very excited at the progress of LumiThera in 2019 and looks forward to helping in the global commercialization of the PBM technology for ocular disease," stated Yigang Yang, WaterStar's co-founder and managing partner. LumiThera and Optos announced a distribution agreement in 4Q of 2018 to sell the Valeda in 12 countries in Europe. Optos, a division of Nikon Corporation, has the only ultra-widefield retinal imaging company for eye care. Nikon participated in the current C round as a LumiThera investor. The company is currently conducting prospective, randomized, double masked, clinical trials in dry AMD subjects. The company's LIGHTSITE II study is a European multi-center post-marketing study, and its LIGHTSITE III study is an FDA-approved IDE, multi-center study in the U.S. utilizing the LumiThera Valeda system. Visit the Company's website at www.lumithera.com. About LumiThera Inc. LumiThera is a commercial-stage medical device company focused on treating people affected by ocular disorders and diseases including dry AMD, a leading cause of blindness in adults over 65. The company is a leader in the use of PBM for treatment of acute and chronic ocular diseases and disorders. The company is developing the office based Valeda Light Delivery System to be used by eye care specialists for medical treatment. The Valeda Light Delivery System has been granted authorization to use the CE Mark by an EU Notified Body as required for commercial use in the European Economic Area only. Valeda is not approved for use by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. 2020 LumiThera, Inc., All rights reserved. SOURCE LumiThera Inc. Related Links http://www.lumithera.com A Florida man says he's spent most of his life feeling as though he is 'walking on glass' due to a genetic mutation that has left him with large masses on the soles of his feet. Jeffrey Ortega, 30, from Deerfield Beach, Florida was born with Proteus syndrome, a rare condition that causes bone, tissues and skin to overgrow. The growths have mainly affected Ortega's feet - his left foot measures at least 17 inches in circumference while his right foot is about 14.5 inches in circumference - about twice the size of a regular foot. Oretga says he is in constant agony and often uses a wheelchair. When he does walk around, it's typically barefoot because no shoes fit him. He was recently saw renowned podiatrist Dr Brad Schaeffer on an episode of TLC's My Feet Are Killing Me in hopes of getting custom-made shoes that will relieve him of his pain. Jeffrey Ortega, 30, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, appeared on Thursday's episode of TLC's My Feet Are Killing Me with his mother, Alicia. Pictured: Ortega, left, with his mother Ortega was born with a rare condition called Proteus syndrome, which causes bone, tissues and skin to overgrow. Pictured: Ortega's affected feet In a 2015 interview with BarcroftTV, Ortega said his mother first noticed that he had a swollen right index finger at nine months old but assumed it was from a mosquito bite. At age one, his father noticed his left leg was longer than his right leg. Soon enough, growths started to develop at the bottom and on the sides of his feet and he was soon diagnosed with Proteus syndrome. It is a very rare condition in which the bones, skin and other tissues overgrow out of proportion to the rest of the body. This overgrowth is usually asymmetrical, so corresponding body parts are not affected in the same way. The syndrome is usually caused by a mutation to the ATK1 gene, which helps regulate cell growth, cell division and death. Some people with Proteus syndrome have neurological abnormalities, including intellectual disability, seizures, and vision loss. The condition is so rare that it occurs in less than one in one million people worldwide, according to the National Institutes of Health. Treatment varies but it usually involves several procedures to control the overgrowth. Ortega stopped being able to wear kids' shoes at age 11 and would either wear his father's shoes or just socks. 'I was bullied a lot in school, kids would spit on me and said I wore my dad's shoes,' he told BarcroftTV. 'I also fell a lot and was eventually pulled out of school because the principal didn't want to take any chances with me. It was nerve-wracking for my family.' Huge masses have grown on the soles of Ortega's feet, which measure between 14.5 and 17 inches in circumference. Ortega says no shoes fit him and he often walks around in socks or bare feet. Pictured: Ortega as a kid, left, and right in 2015 Dr Brad Schaeffer, a podiatrist, at his office in New Jersey, who took molds of Ortega's feet in the hopes of creating a custom shoot that will allow him to walk without being in pain. Pictured: Dr Schaeffer examining Ortega's feet In 2015, Ortega said he wanted his left foot amputated. Doctors agreed to perform the surgery if Ortega paid for the procedure in full, which would have cost about $40,000 for the actual operation, prosthetics and physical therapy. He raised $45,700 on a GoFundMe page but the amputation never occurred for reasons that are unclear. In TLC's episode that aired on Thursday, Ortega visited Dr Schaeffer, a podiatrist, at his office in New Jersey with his mother, Alicia. 'There's excessive growth with the bones and the tissues, so what we need to do just make Jeff comfortable, and answer all his questions and try to help him out,' Dr Schaeffer said. The doctor discovered that Ortega's left foot is still growing, and stated that he cannot walk around barefoot anymore because he could get serious infections. Ortega said he doesn't move around too much and the he can walk but when he does 'it feels like I'm walking on glass. It's very unpleasant.' Dr Schaeffer rejected the idea of an amputation because he believes there could be additional bone growth after the surgery. Instead, he took molds of Ortega's feet in the hopes of creating a custom shoe that will allow him to walk without being in pain. There is a risk of damage because of high winds caused by Storm Brendan which is lashing the county and the south east. An Orange Weather alert remains inp lace until 3pm. A number of events have been cancelled today including a Teagasc event on the farm of Brendan Joyce, Urlingford. Southerly winds veering southwesterly will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts of 110 to 130km/h, highest in coastal areas. There is a significant risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of high spring tides and storm surge. This is a high energy storm system, that will give rise to very stormy conditions from early Monday morning in all coastal areas. The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management Crisis Management Team have been in continuous contact with Met Eireann regarding Storm Brendan, with the latest update received this morning. Storm Brendan is expected to affect the west coast early on Monday morning and then track across the country bringing stormy conditions and heavy rainfall countrywide, with localised flooding possible. There is a significant risk to the northwest, west and south coasts with an moderate risk for all eastern coastal areas due to the high tides and the projected storm surge forecast. The OPW have issued a high tide advisory. There will be a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides approaching Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) in all coastal areas which commenced on Saturday 11th January and valid until Wednesday 15th January 2020. Astronomical tides during this notice period will be highest from Sunday 12th to Tuesday 14th January. All coastal areas could experience coastal flooding during this period, especially during Monday 13th January due to the high tides and projected storm surge. Kilkenny County Council has activated its Local Co-ordination and Crisis Management arrangements. Local authorities are advising coastal communities that there is a significant risk of coastal flooding from early morning Monday 13th January. The Irish Coast Guard and An Garda Siochana are communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Eireann. All road users should be aware that road conditions will be hazardous throughout the country tomorrow and motorists should slow down and exercise extreme caution. People are advised to stay away from exposed coastal areas for the duration of Storm Brendan. NDFEM Crisis Management Team continue to actively monitor this evolving situation working with Met Eireann, OPW and all local authorities. 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. (@FahadShabbir) Moscow expects that by July 2020, UN agencies and Damascus will work out humanitarian aid delivery routes throughout Syria to all Syrians without discrimination, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th January, 2020) Moscow expects that by July 2020, UN agencies and Damascus will work out humanitarian aid delivery routes throughout Syria to all Syrians without discrimination, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday. "We are pleased to note that thereby the movement has begun to wind down the mechanism that violates the sovereignty of Syria and does not correspond to the real situation in the country. The reduction of checkpoints from four to two is due to the fact that the Jordanian and Iraqi... points are no longer being used, while there is every opportunity to deliver aid to the northeastern and southern areas, including those not under the control of Damascus," it said. The ministry was commenting on the adoption by the UN Security Council on January 10 of Resolution 2504 on a six-month extension of the mechanism for the cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria through two border crossings near Idlib. "We hope that in the next 6 months the UN specialized structures will study and work out in coordination with the Syrian government alternative routes for delivering humanitarian supplies to all Syrians in need throughout the country without any discrimination," the ministry said. Emily Thornberry secured 23 nominations to make it through to the last stage of the contest (Yui Mok/PA) Five candidates will battle it out to become the next Labour leader after a dramatic late show of support saw Emily Thornberry scrape through to the next stage of the contest. The shadow foreign secretary was short of the 22 nominations required to make it through to the last stage of the contest until shortly before the 2.30pm deadline, but finally managed to secure 23. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer led the way with 89 nominations, while Rebecca Long-Bailey had 33, Lisa Nandy 31 and Jess Phillips 23. Shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis abandoned his own leadership bid on Monday afternoon after acknowledging he stood no chance of making the next round, giving his supporters time to back other candidates. The candidates to replace Jeremy Corbyn will take part in a series of hustings starting on January 18 although the party has been criticised by some of the contenders for ignoring parts of the country where Labour support crumbled at the general election. Sir Keir said he was disappointed debates would not be held in the South East, east of England or Yorkshire where Labour lost several key seats. Ms Nandy said Labour had lost seats in Bolsover, Wrexham and Stoke and the failure to debate the future of our party in communities like these shows that we are part of the problem. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Hustings for the leader and deputy leader elections kick off in Liverpool, with events planned each weekend in cities including Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow and London. There will also be hustings in the West Midlands and Bedford. In the race for deputy leader, which is running in parallel with the contest for the top job, three more candidates successfully went through on Monday. Rosena Allin-Khan, Richard Burgon and Dawn Butler reached the magic number of 22 with only hours to spare before the deadline. They join shadow education secretary Angela Rayner and Ian Murray in progressing to the next round. Candidates in both races now need to get the nominations of 33 local constituency parties or three Labour affiliates, including at least two trade unions, to enter the final postal ballot of party members and registered supporters. Over the weekend, the left-wing activist group Momentum, which helped propel Mr Corbyn to the leadership in 2015, said it was recommending support for Ms Long-Bailey and Ms Rayner. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 12:39 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321eb952 1 Business Jiwasraya,Asabri,audit,MPR,peoples-consultative-assembly,Bambang-Soesatyo Free Peoples Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Bambang Soesatyo has called on the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to conduct a large-scale audit on every state-owned insurance and pension fund firm in the country. The move is expected to map out a more feasible investment scheme and prevent liquidity issues. Bambang said last years fiasco involving state-owned insurer Asuransi Jiwasraya, which saw the government experience up to Rp 13.7 trillion (US$998 million) in losses, as well as the recently emerged case surrounding another state-owned insurance firm, Asuransi Sosial Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia (Asabri), which has reportedly caused an estimated Rp 10 trillion in state losses, had prompted him to call for such a measure. The BPK must immediately conduct a thorough audit on various state insurers. We wouldnt want Jiwasraya and Asabris problems to befall other state insurers, Bambang said in a statement on Monday as quoted by kompas.com. Jiwasraya and Asabri are among seven state insurers in operation alongside PT Jasa Raharja, PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia, PT Asuransi Kredit Indonesia, PT Asuransi Ekspor Indonesia, and PT Reasuransi Indonesia Utama. State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir previously announced a plan to merge all pension funds from state-owned firms under a single state-owned insurance holding company for safe pension fund distribution. Jiwasraya is being investigated by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the BPK after the firm failed to pay Rp 12.4 trillion in matured policies due in December 2019, leading to allegations of investment mismanagement. The government announced last year that it did not intend to bail out Jiwasraya, which recorded Rp 15.89 trillion in losses in 2018 and losses of Rp 13.74 trillion in the first nine months of 2019, due to the insurer failing to fulfill its payment obligations for policies that had matured. Meanwhile, Asabri, which manages social insurance and pension funds of personnel of the National Police, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and employees of the Defense Ministry, reportedly lost Rp 10 trillion as several stocks in its portfolio endured losses of more than 95 percent last year. Bambang went on to say that the BPK should also conduct a similar audit on the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagajakerjaan), considering that the agency was responsible for handling massive public funds. BPJS Ketenagakerjaan managed Rp 412 trillion of last September, according to him. Such a considerable amount of funds must be managed carefully and under strict supervision, he said. (rfa) Cocaine possession charges against Patrick Chung were dismissed by the State of New Hampshire on Monday afternoon. In June, police officers found the drug at Chungs Meredith, N.H. home as they responded to an alarm that was tripped. The two sides agreed to conditional nolle prosequi of the charges. In laymans terms, Chung wont be prosecuted as long as he meets the States requirements. There were four conditions to the dismissal: 1. Chung must maintain good behavior no arrests of any kind for two years. 2. Chung will submit to drug testing once a month. 3. Chung will perform 40 hours of community service. 4. Chung waives his right to a trial, and if he violates any of the above stipulations, the state of New Hampshire can press charges against him again. In New Hampshire, cocaine possession is a Class B felony. It carries a potential prison term of three-and-a-half to seven years. However, the State explained they were willing to agree to this dismissal because Chung has no criminal record, was cooperative, the drug amount was small, and the safety has provided proof that he doesnt need substance abuse treatment. You can read the full statement first obtained by WPRI 12s Yianni Kourakis here. Chung has been a staple of the Patriots secondary, winning three Super Bowls during his 10 seasons in New England. State Rep. Barb Gleim on Monday announced she is seeking a second term as representative of the 199th Legislative District. The 199th district covers Carlisle Borough, North Middleton Township, Middlesex Township, Dickinson Township, West Pennsboro Township, Newville Borough, Upper and Lower Frankford townships and Upper and Lower Mifflin townships, as well as a part of Silver Spring Township (precincts 5, 6, 8 and 9). Gleim, a Republican who lives in Middlesex Township, said she found her first year as representative rewarding and busy, and she hopes to have the honor of serving again. She said she plans to continue to advocate for business growth, lowering corporate tax rates, reducing liability for farmers and pushing for property tax relief solutions. Gleim won election to the seat in 2018 when then state Rep. Stephen Bloom opted to run for a state Senate seat. When I first announced my candidacy for the open seat of state representative two years ago, I pledged to continue representing all people of the 199th district with the conservative ideals that support and improve our lives and help our families and businesses grow and prosper, she said in a news release. This year, I was proud to support the first state budget that made a significant deposit in the states Rainy Day Fund in over a decade, and I am hopeful that as a legislature, we can continue to advocate for the fiscal responsibility that so many of our constituents expect. In her campaign announcement, Gleim touted her work sponsoring several bills that covered increasing apprenticeship opportunities, promoting agritourism, restructuring the state budget process and putting technical education certifications on high school transcripts. The primary will be held on April 28. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Britain summoned the Iranian ambassador on Monday to protest the detention of London's envoy to Tehran at the weekend, the government said. London wanted to convey its "strong objections" about the "unacceptable breach" of diplomatic protocol, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said. Ambassador Rob Macaire was arrested on Saturday after a demonstration that broke out at a memorial for 176 people killed when Iran's armed forces mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian plane last week. Iranian authorities confirmed his arrest as a foreigner at "an illegal gathering" but said he was released soon after being identified. Macaire said he went to an event advertised as a vigil and left after five minutes when some people started shouting. He was arrested half an hour later. "This was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna Convention and it needs to be investigated," the Downing Street spokesman said, referring to a 1961 international treaty that sets out protections from harassment for foreign diplomats. "We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian government that this will never happen again. "The Foreign Office has summoned the Iranian ambassador today to convey our strong objections." Tensions are running high in Iran and across the wider region after the US killing of a top Iranian commander and a retaliatory strike on coalition bases in neighbouring Iraq. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Conte in Ankara to meet with Erdogan, focus on Libya Sources say Turkey is strategic partner, continuity of dialogue (ANSAmed) - ANKARA, JANUARY 13 - Sources within the Italian prime minister's office said there is a "continuity of dialogue" between Italy and Turkey that forms the basis of a visit to Turkey on Monday by Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte, who will meet in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The sources recalled that Conte met with Erdogan four months ago on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and spoke with Erdogan by phone just prior to Christmas. Erdogan is an Italian partner of "absolute geostrategic relevance in the region", the sources said. Conte will meet with Erdogan at 2 p.m. local time (noon in Italy) at the presidential palace in Ankara. On Tuesday, Conte will travel to Egypt to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Egyptian presidential palace in Cairo at 9:30 a.m. local time. The focus of both meetings is the current situation in Libya. The sources said Turkey, a member of NATO, is an "essential interlocutor" for security questions, migratory flows, and regional policy in the Middle East, as well as an important actor in the Balkans and Libya. Turkey is also a top partner for Italy in bilateral economic cooperation, given that Turkey is the top market for Italian exports in the region and 12th on a global level. There are about 1,400 Italian-owned businesses in Turkey, with significant collaborations in the automotive, food, infrastructure, and banking sectors. Turkish investments in Italy are also consistent. The defence sector has traditionally played an important role in Italy's economic relationship with Turkey.(ANSAmed). Researchers from the University Hospital Zurich, ETH Zurich, Wyss Zurich and the University of Zurich have developed a machine that repairs injured human livers and keeps them alive outside the body for one week. This breakthrough may increase the number of available organs for transplantation saving many lives of patients with severe liver diseases or cancer. Until now, livers could be stored safely outside the body for only a few hours. With the novel perfusion technology, livers - and even injured livers - can now be kept alive outside of the body for an entire week. This is a major breakthrough in transplantation medicine, which may increase the number of available organs for transplantation and save many lives of patients suffering from severe liver disease or a variety of cancers. Injured cadaveric livers, initially not suitable for use in transplantation, may regain full function while perfused in the new machine for several days. The basis for this technology is a complex perfusion system, mimicking most core body functions close to physiology. The corresponding study was published on January 13 in the scientific journal Nature Biotechnology. Offering what other machines cannot "The success of this unique perfusion system - developed over a four-year period by a group of surgeons, biologists and engineers - paves the way for many new applications in transplantation and cancer medicine helping patients with no liver grafts available" explains Prof. Pierre-Alain Clavien, Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Transplantation at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ). When the project started in 2015, livers could only be kept on the machine for 12 hours. The seven-day successful perfusion of poor-quality livers now allows for a wide range of strategies, e.g. repair of preexisting injury, cleaning of fat deposits in the liver or even regeneration of partial livers. Liver4Life: A project from Wyss Zurich The Liver4Life project was developed under the umbrella of Wyss Zurich institute, which brought together the highly specialized technical know-how and biomedical knowledge of experts from the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich (UZH). "The biggest challenge in the initial phase of our project was to find a common language that would allow communication between the clinicians and engineers," explains Prof. Philipp Rudolf von Rohr, Professor of Process Engineering at ETH Zurich and co-leader with Professor Clavien of the study now published in Nature Biotechnology. Technology with great potential The inaugural study shows that six of ten perfused poor-quality human livers, declined for transplantation by all centers in Europe, recovered to full function within one week of perfusion on the machine. The next step will be to use these organs for transplantation. The proposed technology opens a large avenue for many applications offering a new life for many patients with end stage liver disease or cancer. ### ETH Zurich - Where the future begins Freedom and individual responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit and open-mindedness: ETH Zurich stands on a bedrock of true Swiss values. Our university for science and technology dates back to the year 1855, when the founders of modern-day Switzerland created it as a centre of innovation and knowledge. At ETH Zurich, students discover an ideal environment for independent thinking, researchers a climate which inspires top performance. Situated in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, ETH Zurich is pioneering effective solutions to the global challenges of today and tomorrow. University of Zurich The University of Zurich (UZH) is a member of the League of European Research Universities and numbers among Europe's most prestigious research institutions. UZH's international standing is reflected in the many renowned academic distinctions conferred upon its members, including twelve Nobel Prizes. As Switzerland's largest university, UZH has a current enrollment of over 25,000 students and offers the most comprehensive academic program in the country. Nearly 6,000 excellent members of staff teach and perform research at one of the University's 140 departments, including 675 professors. UZH also looks back on a rich history, having been founded in 1833 as Europe's first university to be established by a democratic political system. University Hospital Zurich University Hospital Zurich is one of Switzerland's largest hospitals. 8,400 employees in 43 clinics and institutes ensure comprehensive and top-quality care. Each year we treat over 42,000 inpatients and perform over 620,000 outpatient consultations. Thanks to our close collaboration with the University of Zurich and ETH, the hospital plays a leading international role in various fields of medical research. We focus on transferring the latest research results to clinical applications. Wyss Zurich The Wyss Zurich is a joint accelerator of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), which was made possible by a generous donation from the Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. h.c. mult. Hansjorg Wyss. It was established to foster translational research focused on developing treatment protocols and clinical therapies, as well as novel technologies and intelligent systems, in the emerging fields of Regenerative Medicine and Robotics, and hybrid technologies thereof. Wyss Zurich unites world-leading experts from both institutions in multidisciplinary teams, pooling their knowledge and expertise. Our mission is to drive the translation of outstanding scientific discoveries into new therapies for patients and breakthrough innovations in the fields of Regenerative Medicine and Robotics. http://www.wysszurich.uzh.ch. The appeals court, acting in the shadow of Mr. Trumps impeachment, has put the case on a fast track. After it rules, a Supreme Court appeal seems close to inevitable. The case may not be resolved in time to matter in the impeachment trial, but it may nonetheless yield a foundational ruling on the structure of the Constitution. In its appeals court brief, the administration said the issues in the case were both momentous and novel. For only the second time in our nations history, the administration told the appeals court, a court has ordered a close presidential adviser to appear and testify before Congress. (The first decision, from a trial judge in 2008, concerned a subpoena to Harriet Miers, Mr. Bushs former White House counsel. The two sides settled before the appeals court could rule.) At the argument in the McGahn case, Mr. Mooppan, the administrations lawyer, made two basic arguments, both sweeping. Mr. Trump and his close advisers, Mr. Mooppan said, have absolute immunity from congressional subpoenas, meaning they cannot be made to appear to be questioned about anything at all, whether or not executive privilege or some other protection might apply to particular inquiries. But Mr. Mooppan said there was no need for the appeals court to decide that issue, as federal courts have no role in adjudicating disputes between the other branches. In 1997, he noted, the Supreme Court rejected a suit against executive branch officials from six individual lawmakers, saying they had not suffered the sort of direct injury that gave them standing to sue. The D.C. Circuit, however, has said that the mere fact that there is a conflict between the legislative and executive branches over a congressional subpoena does not preclude judicial resolution of the conflict. It drew support from United States v. Nixon, the 1974 Supreme Court decision requiring President Richard M. Nixon to turn over tapes of conversations with aides, calling that an analogous conflict between the executive and judicial branches. But the Nixon case arose in the context of a criminal trial, and the Supreme Court went out of its way to say that it was not concerned here with the balance between the presidents generalized interest in confidentiality and congressional demands for information. Congress may have ways other than lawsuits to persuade or force the administration to comply, Judge Griffith said at the appeals court argument. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI breaks his Silence on the Church Abuse Crisis in Unprecedented New Book Co-authored with Cardinal Robert Sarah, the two Bishops appeal for reform and renewal NEWS PROVIDED BY Ignatius Press Jan. 12, 2020 SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 12, 2020 / Christian Newswire / -- Many Catholics thought that Feb. 28, 2013, would be the last we would hear from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. And most assumed that the Pope Emeritus would never author another book. Over the past seven years, as the Church has descended into more and more of a crisis, the former Supreme Pontiff has largely remained silent. The release of From the Depths of Our Hearts, published in English by Ignatius Press, comes as a shock to anyone who knows him, and the content of the book should incline everyone to take notice of what he has to say. The book is a serious and unflinching look at the crisis in the Catholic Church and it pinpoints the heart of the turmoil priestly ministry. "The priesthood is going through a dark time," writes Pope Emeritus Benedict, along with his co-author, Cardinal Robert Sarah. "Wounded by the revelation of so many scandals, disconcerted by the constant questioning of their consecrated celibacy, many priests are tempted by the thought of giving up and abandoning everything." In this book, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah give their brother priests and the whole Church a message of hope. They honestly address the spiritual challenges faced by priests today, including struggles of celibacy. They point to deeper conversion to Jesus Christ as the key to faithful and fruitful priestly ministry and church reform. Responding to calls for refashioning the priesthood, including proposals from the Amazonian Synod, two wise, trusted and spiritually astute pastors explain the biblical and spiritual role of the priesthood, celibacy and genuine priestly ministry. Drawing on Vatican II, they present priestly celibacy as more than "a mere precept of ecclesiastical law." They insist that renewal of the Church is bound to a renewed understanding of priestly vocation as sharing in Jesus' priestly identity as Bridegroom of the Church. And they affirm that optional celibacy for priests is not actually optional for an authentic priesthood. This book is a crucial message for clergy and laity alike, and will likely become a catalyst for renewal and restoration for a hurting Church. "Their book is not just about priestly celibacy, important as that is in itself," says Ignatius Press founder and editor Father Joseph Fessio. "It is about, as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI describes it in his first paragraph: 'the lasting crisis that the priesthood has been going through for many years.' But it is about more than that; it is about the nature of the Church and of Christian discipleship. This is a book that all should read. It is powerful and personal from the depths of their hearts." From the Depths of Our Hearts is available for preorder now and ships on Feb. 20. For more information, please contact Lisa Wheeler (404-519-1987 or LWheeler@CarmelCommunications.com ) or Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunicatiosn.com ) of Carmel Communications. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) was Pope from 2005-2013. A world-renowned theologian, biblical scholar, and theological expert at Vatican II, he is the author of numerous works, including the trilogy on Jesus of Nazareth, Introduction to Christianity, and The Spirit of the Liturgy. He resides in Vatican City. Robert Cardinal Sarah, born in Guinea, West Africa, was appointed prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments by Pope Francis. He is the author of the bestselling books God or Nothing, The Power of Silence, and The Day is Now Far Spent. SOURCE Ignatius Press Related Links HARARE, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Sunday that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which marks the 20th anniversary of establishment this year, has maintained a leading position in international cooperation with Africa. Wang said the FOCAC has become an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism for practical cooperation between China and Africa over the past 20 years. Wang made the remarks when answering questions from journalists on the achievements made since the establishment of the FOCAC and its role in promoting the development of China-Africa relations, at a joint press conference with the Zimbabwe Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Sibusiso Moyo in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe. "The 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit was a great success, as Chinese and African leaders unanimously decided to build a closer China-Africa community with shared future, which defined the general direction of joint efforts," Wang said. According to him, the results of the Forum can be seen across Africa. In terms of infrastructure, China has built more than 6,000 kilometers of railways and roads, respectively, as well as nearly 20 ports and more than 80 large power plants. These have boosted the process of industrialization in Africa and enhanced Africa's ability for independent development. In the field of people's livelihood, China has so far assisted in the construction of more than 130 medical facilities, 45 gymnasiums and more than 170 schools. In the past five years, China has also trained more than 200,000 personnel in various professions in Africa, which made important contributions to promoting the vital interests and welfare of the African people, Wang said. In terms of trade and investment, the volume of trade between China and Africa exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, and China has become Africa's largest trading partner for 11 years in a row. China's stock of direct investment in Africa has reached 110 billion U.S. dollars, and more than 3,700 Chinese enterprises have invested and started businesses in various parts of Africa, providing a strong driving force for the sustained economic growth in Africa, Wang added. "Driven by China-Africa cooperation, other foreign countries have also paid more attention to Africa, bringing more opportunities for Africa's development," Wang said. The Chinese official noted that over the past 20 years, China has maintained consistency in cooperation with Africa, and is committed to mutually beneficial cooperation and common development. "We have always insisted on non-interference in Africa's internal affairs," Wang said, adding that China has always respected Africa's will, and never imposed its will on African countries or attached political strings. Wang also emphasized China's medical assistance to Africa, saying that China has sent a total of 21,000 Chinese doctors and nurses over the years, who have so far treated 220 million patients in African countries. "These are what those countries that intend to discredit China-Africa cooperation cannot do at all and what they are unwilling to do. This is also why China-Africa cooperation is welcomed by African countries and appreciated by the African people," he said. Wang said a new session of the Forum will be held in Africa next year. Together with Senegal, the co-chair of the Forum, China will conscientiously listen to the views and suggestions of all the FOCAC's African members, so as to further improve the Forum and benefit Africa and the world. aFalse storya was rebuffed in a joint press conference on the behalf of Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ kensingtonroyal) New Delhi: Prince Harry and Prince William on Monday dismissed the media reports about their relationship, calling it 'offensive and potentially harmful'. The false story of a UK newspaper, which speculated about the relationship, was rebuffed in a joint press conference on the behalf of Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge. The statement in the joint press conference reads, Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful. The statement appeared to be referring to a story in the Times which was run with the title Princes fell out because William wasnt friendly towards Meghan. The article says that Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been regarding themselves as having been pushed away from the royal family by the bullying attitude of the Duke of Cambridge. Times claimed, quoting a source close to the royal family, that William was not welcoming towards Meghan when she first started dating Harry as a result of the competitive nature of Williams relationship with his younger brother, reports The Guardian. Earlier in a shocking announcement, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle had said that they want to step back from Britains royal duties. Also Read: Queen Calls Emergency Meeting Over Harry-Meghan Crisis Moreover, Queen Elizabeth II has summoned her grandson Prince Harry for face-to-face talks on Monday to discuss the future roles for him and Meghan Markle. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, his brother William, the Duke of Cambridge, and their father Charles, the Prince of Wales, have all been invited to the meeting at the Queens Sandringham estate in Norfolk, while Meghan, who is in Canada with the couples eight-month-old son Archie, is expected to join the discussion over phone. Also Read: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle To Step Back As 'Senior Members' Of Royal Family In Shocking Move The meeting will be the first time the 93-year-old monarch has come face-to-face with Harry since the Sussex crisis exploded. It will determine the couples future roles and decide if they will retain their royal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. CORVALLIS, Ore. - Marijuana use among college students has been trending upward for years, but in states that have legalized recreational marijuana, use has jumped even higher. An Oregon State University study published today in Addiction shows that in states where marijuana was legalized by 2018, both occasional and frequent use among college students has continued to rise beyond the first year of legalization, suggesting an ongoing trend rather than a brief period of experimentation. Overall, students in states with legal marijuana were 18% more likely to have used marijuana in the past 30 days than students in states that had not legalized the drug. They were also 17% more likely to have engaged in frequent use, defined as using marijuana on at least 20 of the past 30 days. The differences between states with and without legalization escalated over time: Six years after legalization in early-adopting states, students were 46% more likely to have used marijuana than their peers in non-legalized states. Between 2012 and 2018, overall usage rates increased from 14% to 17% in non-legalized states, but shot up from 21% to 34% in the earliest states to legalize the drug. Similar trends appeared in states that legalized marijuana more recently. Conducted by Harold Bae from OSU's College of Public Health and Human Sciences and David Kerr from OSU's College of Liberal Arts, this is the first study of college students to look broadly at multiple states that have legalized recreational marijuana and to go beyond the first year following legalization. It includes data from seven states and 135 colleges where marijuana was legalized by 2018 and from 41 states and 454 colleges where recreational use was not legal. That scope allowed Bae and Kerr to examine trends in the earliest adopting states as well as more recent adopters - though, the data for the study is stripped of state- and college-identifying information, so does not speak specifically to any one state or institution. The data comes from the National College Health Assessment survey from 2008 to 2018, which asks about a wide range of health behaviors including drug and alcohol use and is administered anonymously to encourage students to respond more honestly. More than 850,000 students participated. Looking at specific demographics, researchers found that the effect was stronger among older students ages 21-26 than minors ages 18-20; older students were 23% more likely to report having used marijuana than their peers in non-legalized states. The effect was also stronger among female students and among students living in off-campus housing, possibly because universities adhere to federal drug laws that still classify marijuana as an illegal substance. "It's easy to look at the findings and think, 'Yeah, of course rates would increase,'" Kerr said. "But we need to quantify the effects these policy changes are having." Furthermore, he said, researchers are not finding increases in adolescents' marijuana use following legalization. "So it is surprising and important that these young adults are sensitive to this law. And it's not explained by legal age, because minors changed too." A recent companion study published in Addictive Behaviors in November by OSU doctoral candidate Zoe Alley along with Kerr and Bae examined the relationship between recreational marijuana legalization and college students' use of other substances. Using the same dataset, they found that after legalization, students ages 21 and older showed a greater drop in binge drinking than their peers in states where marijuana was not legal. Binge drinking was defined as having five or more drinks in a single sitting within the previous two weeks. Researchers have not yet tested any hypotheses as to why binge drinking fell, but they have some ideas. An outside study previously found that illegal marijuana use decreases sharply when people hit 21 - where there is a sharp increase in alcohol use. "When you're under 21, all substances are equally illegal," Alley said. "In most states, once you reach 21, a barrier that was in the way of using alcohol is gone, while it's intact for marijuana use. But when marijuana is legal, this dynamic is changed." Binge drinking has been on the decline among college students in recent years, but dropped more in states that legalized marijuana than in states that did not. "So in these two studies we saw changes after legalization that really differed by substance," Kerr said. "For marijuana we saw state-specific increases that went beyond the nationwide increases, whereas binge drinking was the opposite: a greater decrease in the context of nationwide decreases." The magnitude of effect was much larger with marijuana than with any of the other substances, Bae added. "So the changes following recreational marijuana legalization were quite specific to cannabis use." Future research is needed to see how those trends hold up over time, as additional states legalize marijuana and existing states continue to tweak their current policies, the researchers said. ### OTTAWAStephen Harper is supportive of some early contenders for the leadership of the federal Conservative party, but is staying neutral in the race at least for now. The former prime minister still has significant influence within the Conservative Party, both as its co-founder and as a member of the board that controls the partys finances. An associate told the Star that Harper is supportive of a number of those seen as contenders for the leadership, including his former parliamentary secretary Pierre Poilievre and former cabinet ministers Peter MacKay and Erin OToole. Hes supportive behind the scenes, but not exclusively or to the exclusion of other candidates, said Rachel Curran, who served as Harpers director of policy and now works with his consulting firm. These are all people hes worked with for many years, Curran said. He has a lot of respect for them. He has his own thoughts on how successful they might be, but those are the type of predictions we all try to make. Curran said one candidate Harper will not support behind the scenes, however, is Jean Charest. The former Quebec premier, who has not responded to multiple interview requests, is widely expected to enter the race after a decades-long absence from federal politics. Its unlikely that Harper will openly endorse a candidate, since he is expected to stay officially neutral as a member of the Conservative Funds board. But with the race to replace Andrew Scheer about to begin in earnest, neutrality is about to become in short supply in Conservative circles. The Star reported Monday that Poilievre will enter the race backed by John Baird, an influential former cabinet minister, and Jenni Byrne, a skilled organizer who held senior positions in the Prime Ministers Office under Harper. Two Conservative sources confirmed a National Post report that MacKay, who was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada when it merged with Harpers Canadian Alliance to form the current Conservative party, is committed to running for leader. Durham MP and former cabinet minister Erin OToole has also put together a formidable campaign team and has been aggressively working the phones to drum up support. Only two contenders have officially declared their intentions to run: Bryan Brulotte, an Ottawa-area businessman, and Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu, who was first elected in 2015. But Poilievre, MacKay and OToole are all expected to formally announce their bids in the coming days. The big question, however, remains whether Rona Ambrose will enter the race. The Harper-era cabinet minister served as interim leader after Harper stepped down and is regarded as an automatic front-runner should she decide to seek the leadership. A source close to Ambrose told the Star that she has yet to make up her mind. Ambroses entry into the race would complicate Poilievres expected play to portray himself as the partys Western standard bearer. Poilievre has represented an Ottawa-area riding since he was first elected in his mid-20s, but grew up in Calgary. Conservative insiders also expect a socially conservative candidate to emerge to push the conversation towards issues like abortion. Most campaigns are expected to appeal to the partys social-conservative constituency, which makes up a significant portion of the partys base. The party announced Saturday that leadership contestants will be expected to raise $300,000 and obtain 3,000 signatures from supporters in seven provinces. The partys leadership election committee said the high bar for entry is meant to test candidates organizational abilities. Now that the rules are public, several of the so-far rumoured candidates are expected to officially declare in short order. The Conservatives will select their next leader at a convention in Toronto on June 27. Read more about: Indian Police Service officers Sujit Pandey and Alok Singh were on Monday named as Lucknow and Noidas police commissioners after the Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved implementation of the commissioner system of policing for the two cities that will give magisterial powers to their top police officers. Pandey and Singhs names were announced shortly after chief minister Yogi Adityanath told reporters after chairing the cabinet meeting that Noida and Lucknow will now have additional director general-level officers as police commissioners. Delhi is among the cities where the commissioner system is in place to give top police officers more powers. For the last 50 years, there was a demand for the strengthening of law and order and smart policing. But due to lack of political will, this work could not be done for so many years, Adityanath said. We have taken the biggest step towards the reform of the police department. Naveen Arora and Neelabja Chaudhary have been posted as joint commissioner of police in Lucknow. Akhilesh Kumar and Sriparna Ganguli will be assistant commissioners of police in Noida. A woman police officer each of the superintendent-rank has been posted in Lucknow and Noida to deal with cases of crime against women. Two new police stations each have also been approved for the two cities and more police stations are likely to be set up. The state cabinet has also decided to divide Lucknow into two police districts and put 40 police stations in the metropolitan area under police commissioners jurisdiction. A superintendent of police would be posted to manage the remaining five police stations in Lucknow rural area. Adityanath said the commissioner system was being implemented in accordance with provisions of the Indian Police Act. He added the Act provides for a police commissioner system in areas having a population of over one million. According to the 2011 census, Lucknow had a population of around 2.9 million and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) 1.6 million. Adityanath said the proposal to implement the system was pending in the state for nearly 50 years and recommendations in this regard had been given by experts. Adityanath said the state government faced scrutiny from the judiciary for delaying the decision over the years. Then Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik wrote a letter to Adityanath last year suggesting the implementation of the commissioner system. There are 19 cities across the country where the population is over 20 lakh [2 million] and three of them [Lucknow, Kanpur, and Ghaziabad] are in the stateThe police commissioner system is presently operational in 71 cities across the country, he wrote. Uttar Pradesh police chief O P Singh welcomed the move, saying under the earlier system, the police had to depend on the district administration. (With PTI inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A campaign to fund continued operation of Rochesters new warming center has received a big boost. Rochester residents Ron and Dianne Yanish have pledged $100,000 to kick off the 2020 Rochester Cares Campaign, according to Mary Alessio, director of advancement for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. "Ron and Dianne have been longtime supporters of Catholic Charities and the vulnerable served in our community," Alessio said in a statement announcing the gift. "Their name is synonymous with compassionate generosity on behalf of those living on the margins." Catholic Charities began operating the new Rochester Community Warming Center, 200 Fourth St. SE, last month. Operations were established in a Olmsted County owned building with financial support of the county, the city of Rochester and local business entities, including the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayo Clinic. ADVERTISEMENT Early estimates indicated operational costs at $180,000 for the first season, which will run through March 31. With plans to offer five months of nightly operation, the second season for the warming center is set to start in November. The center offers people facing homelessness a safe and warm place to sleep, along with access to a shower, laundry facilities, healthy snacks and beverages and fellowship. Center staff are also able to provide referrals for additional help and assistance. Michael Gwanjaye, the centers coordinator, said use of the facility has fluctuated since opening, but currently 20 to 24 homeless residents are seeking shelter each night. So far, the need has not topped the 30 beds at the site, he added. If the center sees an increase in numbers, Catholic Charities has arranged to use the citys Soldiers Field Clubhouse as a backup location. Alessio indicated such efforts are not possible without community support. "For many in Rochester, the experience of homelessness is not something they envision; it is their reality," she said. A recent, three-day count found 123 people without shelter in November. ADVERTISEMENT On Friday, Olmsted County Commissioner Stephanie Podulke said 30 of the people counted in November have since been connected with permanent housing. At the same time, advocates for the homeless note hundreds more, including families with young children, continue to face housing uncertainties on a daily basis. Alessio said that is why Catholic Charities is encouraging local residents to consider the need in the same way the Yanishes do. "Ron and Dianne believe there are two key beliefs that guide their commitment to giving back: Over and over, it has been made crystal clear the basics of life are important love of God, family and friends, a commitment to integrity and a commitment to leadership," she wrote of the couple. "The second belief is that the secret to happiness in life is being generous with time, talent and treasure." Anyone interested in contributing to the Rochester Cares effort can visit the Chatholic Charities website at www.ccsomn.org. In addition to financial contributions, the center is seeking volunteers to work with its paid overnight staff. Volunteers are needed throughout the night but typically work in shifts, with the first starting at 8:30 p.m. and running until 2 a.m., when the second shift starts, The second shift runs until 7 a.m.. Guests start arriving at the center at 9 p.m. and are required to leave by 7 a.m. ADVERTISEMENT Potential volunteers can contact Gwanjaye at 507-287-2047 ext. 33. Volunteers prepare as warming center nears opening night Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile Russia/Africa: Upping Its Stake in Multi-Player Field AfricaFocus Bulletin January 13, 2020 (2020-01-13) (Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note The Russia-Africa summit in Sochi, Russia in late October 2019 prompted a flurry of news coverage, highlighting such headline figures as sales agreements amounting to more than $12 billion. But it was not clear how much this was a real sign of significant expansion of Russian influence or primarily a public relations gloss on more limited involvement. Among the more analytical articles covering the summit was a well-informed article by Joe Penney in Passblue on October 28, which noted that While many memorandums were signed, actual contracts were few and far between, inviting speculation as to whether the summit was more about power projection than real business. While this article and other sources cited below focus on Russia in particular, it is important to keep Russian involvement in Africa in context. Whatever may be the case going forward, its base for influence on African affairs is far less than that of the European Union, the United States, or China. And any serious analysis would have to focus on particular countries, regions, or issue areas rather than generalizing about the entire continent. Russias comparative advantage is significant only in arms sales, and those are primarily to Algeria and other North African countries. In economic terms, the European Union, China, and the United States far outpace Russias less than 1% share of Africas external trade, whether exports or imports. France and the United States are the principal bilateral military actors in West Africa. In the strategic Horn of Africa, Russian military presence is minimal in comparison to the United States, France, China, and a host of regional actors, including Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The Russian private military company the Wagner Group, reportedly linked to the Kremlin, has been active in the Central African Republic and Libya, as well as potential ties. But this is small in scale, compared to U.S. military training missions, special operations forces, and bases which are spread around the continent, under the aegis of Africom . This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains the full text of the Passblue article, reposted with permission, as well as brief excerpts from a Carnegie Endowment report on the failure of Russian efforts to push through a nuclear power project in South Africa, initiated during the Jacob Zuma. administration, and from the latest report on international arms sales to Africa from SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). Additional recent sources on Russia and Africa are available in press reports from The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and the Washington Post; and blog posts from the Brookings Institution and the Carnegie Endowment. On current Russian and other external powers now actively involved in Libya, see recent articles from the United States Institute for Peace and National Public Radio. According to recent report in the New York Times, Russia and Turkey, on opposite sides of the conflict in Libya, are offering their services as mediators. Also of interest, with reference to Libya in particular, is Stephen Weissmans strong critique of conventional U.S. analyses of the role of Russia, which ignore the critical decisions under President Obama to opt for military action rather than diplomatic alternatives in Libya and Syria in 2011-2012. ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ Of Oil and Kalashnikovs: At the First Russia-Africa Summit, Putin Makes Power Plays by Joe Penney Passblue, October 28, 2019 [Article is slightly condensed for length. For full text see original at https://www.passblue.com/2019/10/28/of-oil-and-kalashnikovs-at-the-first-russia-africa-summit-putin-makes-power-plays/ Sochi, Russia As the Turkish presidential plane carried President Recep Tayyip Erdogan across the Black Sea from Sochi, Russia, back to Ankara last week, dozens of African heads of state arrived in this resort city for the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit the next morning. During two days at a convention center in the Olympic Village in Sochi, President Vladimir Putin and his administration signed $12.5 billion worth of memorandums with more than 40 African governments for mining, oil and exploitation, nuclear energy, military cooperation and more, according to Russian statistics. Having wrapped up a deal on Monday, Oct. 21, with Erdogan to take over parts of northeastern Syria after American forces beat a hasty and confused retreat there by the end of last week, Putin had made major plays for power across two continents. An anti-colonial narrative Amid balmy temperatures in Sochi, Putin set the tone early for the narrative that echoed throughout the summit. Building on the Soviet legacy of funding anti-apartheid and anti-colonial struggles in Africa, Russia pitched itself as offering a second independence for African countries reliant on the West or on China. The Soviet Union was a major power in Africa for decades, helping prop up political entities against the West, including Patrice Lumumba in the Congo, Sekou Toure in Guinea, Jose Eduardo dos Santos in Angola and Mengistu Haile Mariam in Ethiopia. Putins rhetoric was well received at the summit, especially by countries that collaborated with the Soviet Union in the past. In his bilateral meeting with Putin, Namibian President Hage Geingob, whose political party SWAPO received training and arms from the Soviet Union during Namibias independence war against the South African apartheid regime, told Putin: During the difficult times, we were together. Now is the time that our old friends can come, and well see how we can cooperate to what we call our second liberation struggle: that of economic emancipation. Ayanda Dlodlo, the South Africa minister of state security, was similarly enthusiastic about Russias return, brushing off concerns that the relationship could be potentially dangerous. Russia will never dictate to South Africa what South Africa needs to do, she told PassBlue. If anything, its one of those countries that never had an appetite to colonize or even bully any other nation. Were happy with our relationship to Russia. True intentions or power projection? Russia began taking Africa more seriously in 2014, when the United States and the European Union placed debilitating sanctions against Russia for its illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea in Ukraine, forcing Russia to find new trading partners. In the last decade, it has tripled its annual trade with Africa to nearly $20 billion, and Putin announced that he wanted to double that amount in the next five years. ... Top members of the Russian cabinet and officials from state nuclear, oil, mining and military export firms were present and signed numerous memorandums worth billions of dollars. Russias major oil company, Lukoil, inked deals for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Rwanda. The Russian mining firm Rosgeologia signed sweeping deals with South Sudan, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and others. Summit attendees spoke highly of the economic potential that Putins interest in Africa could deliver. There are a lot of ways African countries can work with Russia to develop key infrastructure, create industries and bring themselves to middle income, Pravin Gordhan, South Africas public investment minister, told PassBlue. Sierra Leones mines minister, Fodat Rado Yokie, encouraged such Russian investment in his mineral-rich country, saying on a panel that the Russian state mining firm is known for sharing its data, which would help Sierra Leone leverage its resources against Western companies. We have always negotiated from a position of weakness because we dont know what we have, Yokie said. While many memorandums were signed, actual contracts were few and far between, inviting speculation as to whether the summit was more about power projection than real business. Russian and Nigerian officials announced an ambitious memorandum to build a railway from Lagos, Nigerias commercial capital, to Calabar, in the southeast of the country. Despite the fanfare coming from this memorandum, its implementation is muddled: the Nigerian transport ministrys own website announced an agreement for the railway in 2016, in partnership with a Chinese firm. A top Nigerian official told PassBlue that maybe the deal with Russia is just to send a message to [the Chinese] that youve got competition. Likewise, skepticism surrounds the biggest announced deals in the nuclear energy sector. Although Russias state nuclear firm, Rosatom, has signed MOUs with 18 African countries, its chief executive, Alexey Likhachev, told reporters that only Egypt, Rwanda and Zambia have shown they are serious about getting started. Officials from Rwanda and Zambia, however, said they first needed to conduct feasibility reports. They estimate they are two decades away from developing nuclear energy. Nigeria signed an MOU with Rosatom in 2017 to develop two nuclear power plants, but no progress has been made because Nigerian officials were never serious about such projects, according to a Nigerian energy consultant who asked not to be named. It is also hard to assess the exact results of the MOUs because the vast majority of them were signed behind closed doors. Moreover, few heads of state offered press appearances to outlets other than Russian media or their own state-run media. Few American media made the trip to Sochi other than PassBlue, and only a handful of French journalists were present. Most leaders and other top officials rebuffed reporters questions. The deputy head of analytics and forward planning of Russias state arms exporter, Rosonbornexports Andrey Kryukov; Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; Guinean President Alpha Conde; and Burkina Fasos President Roch Marc Christian Kabore all refused to answer questions from PassBlue, giving no reason other than I am not doing interviews. Russia, of course, is not known as a haven for free press, and the suspicious killing of three Russian journalists who were investigating Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic in 2018 does not bode well for public accountability of its increased engagement in Africa. Military encroachment and consequences Russia is perhaps most serious about exporting arms to the continent. It is now Africas largest arms supplier, although 80 percent of the weapons go to one country, Algeria, according to Pentagon officials quoted in The New York Times. African countries have been eager to develop defense ties with Russia, much to the chagrin of the American military. Namibian President Hage Geingob told Putin, Our military people say they want to go back to the olden days and have Russian military advisers, while Russia flew two nuclear bomber aircraft to South Africa for a military visit right before the summit. ... A lack of American interest in Africa and Trumps racist comments about the continent (calling it a shithole,) have helped opened the path for Russia to return to the fold. John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, said in his December 2018 outline of Trumps Africa strategy that Russia continues to sell arms and energy in exchange for votes at the United Nations votes that keep strongmen in power, undermine peace and security, and run counter to the best interests of the African people. ... Nearly 2,000 businesses were present at the summit, according to official figures, and though visitors were intrigued by stands selling Russian vodka, agricultural products, health care technology and other goods, the Russian weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov had probably the most popular stands. Delegates from African countries and Russia stopped to try out models of the latest assault rifles and admire rocket launchers, model tanks and helicopters on display. They tried out a virtual-reality shooting range. A booth featuring Kalashnikovs, one of the more popular items displayed at the summit. Credit: Joe Penney Across from the Kalashnikov stand, the Ivory Coast delegation advertised coffee and cocoa to potential Russian suitors. One delegate told PassBlue that while many people were admiring the guns and posing for selfies with them, military diplomacy is an old way of doing business, and I think we in Africa are past that point. Other leaders disagreed. Central African Republics President Faustin Archange-Touadera talked up the idea of a permanent Russian military base in his beleaguered country, while South Sudans embattled President Salva Kiir, who flew to Russia on a RwandAir jet because South Sudan doesnt have a presidential plane, attended the conference with big hopes. The United Nations has placed an arms embargo on South Sudan, which will be angling for an exemption similar to the one that the Central African Republic got in 2017. (Days earlier, Kiir met with the UN Security Council in its trip to Juba, the capital of South Sudan.) Nigeria has shown a clear intent on collaborating with Russia in the defense sector, especially after American human-rights concerns held up a contract to sell Nigeria some American fighter jets. The Russian news agency RIA reported that Nigeria bought 12 attack helicopters at the summit, but this has yet to be confirmed by Nigeria. France has the most to lose At the request of France, in 2013 the UN Security Council restricted the sale of arms to the Central African Republic without UN approval. In 2017, Russia sought and was granted a controversial exemption to sell arms to the Central African Republic government by the Council. Russia then doubled down on its commitment by sanctioning the deployment of Kremlin-linked mercenaries from the Wagner Group to assure the personal security of Central African Republics president and his administration, as well as training its armed forces. In exchange, the Wagner Group gained access to diamonds and other lucrative mineral deposits. The move angered France, whose troops have been based in the country on and off since it colonized the territory in the late 1800s. In 2016, France withdrew its most recent military peacekeeping mission, Operation Sangaris, after accusations that it was not protecting civilians and that some of its soldiers had sexually abused children. While disturbed by the speed and efficiency with which Russia upended Frances control over the Central African Republic, the Quai dOrsay Frances foreign ministry is much more concerned now about a possible Russian military foray into an area vital to its interests: the Sahel region of West Africa. With 5,000 troops stationed there and billions of dollars committed to Operations Serval and Barkhane for more than half a decade, France regards the Sahel and West Africa generally as an integral zone to secure resources, win important votes at the UN, prevent a dangerous jihadist takeover of friendly countries and stop migration from Africa to France and elsewhere in Europe. France guards these interests through military means by securing the stability of the countries under its sphere of influence: Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal, to name a few of the Francophone nations. If Russia were to make a similar push to establish military ties in any of these countries, as it did in the Central African Republic, it would upset a political balance and threaten French hegemony. Some West African countries like Burkina Faso have already signed military cooperation memorandums with the Russians, and Niger has made favorable moves toward one as well. Burkina Fasos foreign minister, Alpha Barry, tweeted that Burkinas president asked Russia to help the Sahel and Ecowas countries in the fight against terrorism. [Ecowas is the Economic Community of West African States.] Barry said that Putin responded, We will help the Sahel. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali said, It is clear we need your help in defense matters. (The UN has one of its largest peacekeeping missions in Mali.) Even the Ivory Coast president, Alassane Ouattara whose friend Nicolas Sarkozy ordered the French helicopter strikes that tipped the balance against Ouattaras rival Laurent Gbagbo after he tried to annul the 2010 election results was open to the idea of Russian influence in the region. Ouattara told Russian media at the summit: Were all aware of the important role Putin plays internationally. Thanks to him, peace reigns in multiple regions of the world. Ouattara also pointed out the importance of collaboration at the UN, noting, Cote dIvoire is on the Security Council right now, and we have an excellent collaboration with the Russian ambassador. Russian officials at the summit were clear that they were counting on resistance from Western nations in their continent-wide push. The countries that always thought of Africa as their own territory will try to hinder our economic partnerships, said Mikhail Anichkin, the head of Peacemaker International Security Center, a program of the Russian government. Russias renewed interest in the continent could be characterized as a simple power projection designed to irk China, the US and France. Or it could be viewed as a real, concerted effort to overturn Africas economic and political alliances. Either way, everyone is now watching Putins next move in Africa. That alone may count as a Russian victory. ******************************************************************* Nuclear Enrichment: Russias Ill-Fated Influence Campaign in South Africa by Andrew S. Weiss, Eugene Rumer Carnegie Endowment, December 16, 2019 [Summary and introduction only] Full text available here. Summary Amid the widespread attention the Kremlins recent inroads in Africa have attracted, there has been surprisingly little discussion of South Africa, a country which, for nearly a decade, unquestionably represented Russias biggest foreign policy success story on the continent. As relations soared during the ill-starred presidency of Jacob Zuma (20092018), the Kremlin sought to wrest a geopolitically significant state out of the Wests orbit and to create a partnership that could serve as a springboard for expanded influence elsewhere in Africa. Moscows strategy was multifaceted, capitalizing on well- established close ties with Zuma, a former African National Congress senior intelligence official with extensive Soviet bloc connections. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials pursued a series of initiatives, such as the inclusion of South Africa in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) grouping and the launch of ambitious forms of cooperation between state-backed energy interests primarily in the nuclear sector. Yet relations were undermined by the Kremlins propensity to overreach, to lean too heavily on the legacy of Cold Warera relationships forged with leaders of national liberation movements, and to take advantage of cultures of corruption. The controversy arising from a massive $76 billion nuclear power plant construction deal triggered strong pushback and legal challenges from South Africas institutional checks and balances, civil society groups, and independent media. Key parts of the Russian national security establishment view civil nuclear power exports as an important tool for projecting influence overseas while creating revenue streams for sustaining intellectual and technical capabilities and vital programs inside Russia itself. Yet such cooperation is often a two-edged sword. On the one hand, costly projects such as the one pushed by Zuma typically make little economic sense for the purchasing country, spurring uncomfortable questions about who stands to benefit. On the other hand, heavily subsidized projects pursued mainly for geopolitical reasons risk saddling Russias nuclear power monopoly Rosatom with burdens it can ill afford. Ongoing investigations of high-level corruption during the period of so-called state capture under Zuma shed remarkable light on how the Kremlin operates in Africa and other parts of the world. In retrospect, the sustainability of Moscows embrace of South Africa was highly questionable due to its paltry tool kit. Russian involvement in the South African economy is miniscule compared to that of other trading partners such as the EU, China, the United States, India, and the UK, accounting for a mere 0.4 percent of South Africas foreign trade. While the Soviet Union was an important patron during the anti-apartheid struggle, modern-day Russia offers little in the way of practical assistance for helping South Africa deal with its deep-set economic and societal challenges. Introduction Over the past eighteen months, the Kremlins gains in Africa have attracted widespread attention. Curiously, South Africa seldom features in these accounts. Yet, for nearly a decade, it was one of Russias biggest foreign policy success stories. Why are Russias recent inroads in South Africa (and the dramatic reversals that followed) being overlooked, and what do they reveal about the effectiveness of Moscows broader strategy and overall tool kit on the continent? The Kremlin often takes advantage of cultures of corruption, and, to a certain extent, its efforts in South Africa fit this broader pattern. The high-water mark for RussiaSouth Africa relations occurred during Jacob Zumas presidency (20092018), which was marred by a series of corruption scandals commonly described by South Africans as the period of state capture. Yet Russian engagement with South Africa during the Zuma era was more deeply rooted. It relied on a web of relationships at the highest levels of both governments, the promotion of multi-billion-dollar projects involving state-owned companies particularly in the energy sector, and the leveraging of Cold Warera ties forged during South Africas period of national liberation. President Cyril Ramaphosa leads South African delegation to the first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in the Russian Federation. Picture: GCIS. In the end, much of what went wrong for Russia was a testament to South Africas remarkably robust system of institutional checks and balances. Zumas excesses, which led to his resignation under pressure in February 2018, generated a strong pushback from various quarters. South Africas competitive political system, civil society, judiciary, and news media served as dogged champions of accountability and transparency. South Africans, from vantage points inside and outside of government, closely scrutinized Russian activities, meticulously documented them, and launched a series of political and legal challenges in response. Their ability to challenge a controversial head of state stands as a powerful example for policymakers elsewhere on the continent and in other parts of the world who are contending with Russian malign activities. As Carnegies Paul Stronski has written, Russia is decidedly late to the party in Africa. Its gains have been mostly in pariah states ostracized by the international community, such as Zimbabwe, and strategically less important ones, like the Central African Republic, from which other major powers have largely disengaged. Moscow has devoted relatively few resources to expanding its influence in Africa compared to other major external actors such as the European Union (EU), the United States, and China. But it has repeatedly demonstrated a knack for spreading narratives about Moscows resurgence as a leading power and fostering the impression that its accomplishments on the continent have come at the expense of the United States and its allies. Yet it is quite striking how, time and again, the Russian leadership has opted for imagery over substance and a consistent reluctance to tackle any of the issues atop the agendas of many African countriesissues like economic development, quality of governance, the rule of law, communal violence, conflict resolution, and public health concerns including infectious diseases. The Kremlins modest ability to project military power and low appetite for risk in Africa have meant that its security activities have been mostly parceled out to a rogues gallery of shadowy mercenaries and contractors such as the Wagner Group. Moscows attempt to secure a foothold in South Africa was somewhat of a departure from its usual approach to the continent. In recent years, Russian inroads in Africa have been largely a product of opportunism rather than strategic vision. Unlike some other African states with a markedly increased Russian presence in recent years, South Africa represented a strategic opportunity for the Kremlin to wrest a geopolitically significant state out of the Wests orbit and to create a partnership that could serve as a springboard for expanded influence elsewhere in Africa. Russia carefully cultivated ties with Zuma from the beginning of his presidency, and the warm relationship was largely free of the erratic ups and downs that had plagued relations between Moscow and Pretoria since the second half of the 1980s. Zuma himself served as a dogged promoter of Russian interests, behaving in ways that mystified even some of his closest aides. Why, then, did RussianSouth African relations soar to such heights during Zumas presidency only to trigger his political implosion? The pervasiveness of state capture tells a large part of the story, though not all of it. It is also important to take stock of extensive historical ties between Russia and South Africa, which provide a glimpse of how modern-day Russia seeks to leverage the legacy of the Soviet Unions extensive support for revolutionary movements and postcolonial governments throughout Africa. In a similar vein, a close evaluation of Russian ties to South Africa can generate insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the tool kit that the Kremlin brings to bear on the continent. This account has benefited from extensive investigations of the Zuma presidency undertaken by South African governmental and legal bodies, civil society groups, environmental activists, and independent media outlets. By far the most important source has been an impartial legal inquiry into state capture, the so-called Zondo Commission. The commission is an impressive illustration of the strength of South Africas institutional checks and balances and the countrys remarkable capacity for self-examination and accountability. The commission is similar to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which documented crimes and abuses on both sides of the armed struggle to end apartheid. The Zondo Commissions public hearings and sworn statements provide extensive detail on how the Zuma government operated and how the interests of Zumas inner circle and the Kremlin became intertwined. ************************************************************* Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2018 SIPRI Fact Sheet, March 2019 Excerpt on Africa: full fact sheet available at https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2019-03/fs_1903_at_2018.p df Supplier competition in Africa In 201418 Russia accounted for 49 per cent of total arms imports to North Africa, the USA for 15 per cent, China for 10 per cent, France for 7.8 per cent and Germany for 7.7 per cent. Russia accounted for 66 per cent of Algerian arms imports in 201418, compared with 90 per cent in 200913. Algerias other chief arms suppliers in 201418 were China (13 per cent) and Germany (10 per cent). The USA (62 per cent) and France (36 per cent) were the main suppliers of arms to Morocco in 201418. Russia accounted for 28 per cent of arms exports to sub-Saharan Africa in 201418, China for 24 per cent, Ukraine for 8.3 per cent, the USA for 7.1 per cent and France for 6.1 per cent. In 200913 Ukraine was the largest supplier to sub-Saharan Africa; however, its arms exports to the region fell by 79 per cent between 200913 and 201418. Nigeria, the largest arms importer in sub-Saharan Africa in 201418, received 35 per cent of its arms imports from Russia, 21 per cent from China and 15 per cent from the USA. AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal The lesser prairie chicken is an icon of the flat grasslands of eastern New Mexico. But the birds habitat is dwindling, thanks to overgrazing, drought and energy development. Now, Lost Draw Ranch, a cattle operation south of Portales, will adopt practices to protect the prairie chicken. State wildlife and conservation agencies worked with Lost Draw owner Mack Kizer to create a conservation bank on his large ranch for the sensitive bird. The property is meant to offset the wildlife impact of a massive wind farm that just broke ground in Roosevelt County. Prairie chickens wont nest near wind turbines, trees, power lines or other tall structures because predatory raptors perch on them. Xcel Energy began construction in December on the 100,000-acre, 240 turbine Sagamore Wind Project. The utility company, along with Common Ground Capital and Tomahawk CB, bought credits in the conservation bank to pay for prairie chicken monitoring and habitat improvements on the ranch. Scott Wilber, executive director of the New Mexico Land Conservancy, said the initial conservation easement will protect 2,000 acres, but the goal is to have the entire 10,500-acre ranch under an easement. The Land Conservancy manages the easement and a long-term endowment fund for the property. Industry investment and interest from the endowment fund will pay for work to strike a balance between conservation and ranching on Lost Draw. It will remain a cattle ranch, but theyre creating a grazing plan, Wilber said. The idea is to avoid intense, short-duration grazing so the property has the best grass and shrub habitat during the birds nesting and brooding season. In addition to monitoring prairie chicken populations, there will also be prescribed burns, and tall mesquite trees and non-native vegetation on the ranch will be removed. Crews have already conducted biological surveys and removed barbed wire fencing and tall structures. Male lesser prairie chickens make a bubbling booming noise to attract a mate. Loud noise from highways, oil drilling rigs and wind turbines may drive the birds away from their mating grounds, known as leks, according to the Bureau of Land Management. The birds status under the Endangered Species Act is up in the air as populations have declined and then spiked in recent years. Wildlife agencies in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma have a conservation agreement to restore the birds habitat. Aerial surveys by state wildlife agencies in 2018 saw populations increase by 30% in one year. The biggest resurgence was in eastern New Mexico, thanks to mild weather and more conservation partnerships. Fish and Wildlife approved the Lost Draw conservation property because it meets the minimum size requirements, and biological surveys showed that lesser prairie chickens already live on the ranch. Conservation efforts for the bird that are funded by industry or private landowners are voluntary, which makes them rare, as money for those efforts comes out of the energy companies bottom line. But if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decides to relist the bird, conservation will be a whole different ball game, according to Adam Riggsbee, founder of RiverBank Conservation, which helped initiate and secure the Lost Draw easement. A conservation bank is like a three-legged stool, with the conservation easement, management practices and the long-term endowment fund, Riggsbee said. All three work together to create forever protections for the prairie chicken. Other restrictions on the Lost Draw easement mean no wind towers and no large solar panels. Any ranching and hunting cannot conflict with sensitive prairie chicken habitat. The property will build on existing habitat protections for the bird in eastern New Mexico and West Texas. Neighboring Weaver Ranch, which sprawls over 15,000 acres, has protected prairie chicken habitat for more than 20 years. The Nature Conservancys nearby Milnesand Prairie Preserve protects 28,000 acres just west of Lost Draw Ranch. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish owns 23,000 acres of prairie chicken conservation land, and the BLM set aside 57,000 acres with restrictions on oil and gas operations in lesser prairie chicken habitat during mating and nesting seasons. Riggsbee and Wilber both applauded the investment from Xcel Energy and Lost Draw rancher Kizer. We see this as a real model for future mitigation, especially as wind and solar developments increase in our state, Wilber said. We want to make landowners aware of this opportunity, because they can receive payments on their land while maintaining habitat for this special bird. Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal. The Illinois Poison Center has fielded questions about 11 cases involving marijuana between Jan. 1 and Jan. 12, compared with calls about four cases during the same period last year, said spokesman Danny Chun. Three of the cases this year involved small children who accidentally ingested edibles, and the rest were related to adolescents or adults, he said. The multinational joint task force (MNJTF) has announced that it has killed a high ranking commander in the Islamic State, West African Province (ISWAP), named Khalifa Umar. A statement from the Task Force said the influential commander of the terror group was eliminated during an airborne attack on one of the insurgents hideout on a Lake Chad community known as Tunbums Sabo. A statement signed by Timothy Antigha, who is the spokesperson of the MNJTF, indicated that Khalifa Umar was killed during an ongoing offensive operations against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other purveyors of violence and instability in the Lake Chad Basin. Mr Antigha, a colonel, said the Air Task Force of the MNJTF neutralized Amir Khalifa Umar who was the third-ranking commander in ISWAP leadership. He was neutralized in an air interdiction conducted yesterday in Tunbum Sabon. Khalifa Umar was a High-Value Target considering that he was also the Chief Judge of ISWAP, Mr Antigha said. In another different airstrike, carried out in the Kwalaram axis, the MNJTF spokesman said, three other senior commanders of ISWAP were also neutralized. Mr Antigha said he would be providing more details on the full Battle Damage Assessment later. Last week, MNJTF said it carried out airstrikes on ISWAP training camp and mustering area in Tumbun Madayi during which several terrorists and their commanders who gathered for training or an attack were neutralized or maimed. He said an assessment carried out after the airstrike indicated that a sizeable ISWAP terror infrastructure was destroyed. The MNJTF has not published the photograph of the body of the ISWAP commander. But the death of the number three ISWAP, if confirmed, would be a significant achievement in the counterinsurgency war. Its well known that after his previous film, Naa Peru Surya, bombed at the box-office, hero Allu Arjun took a long gap before signing Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. The Stylish Star spent enough time listening to scripts. Fans were both frustrated and patient with Bunny taking his own sweet time to announce his next film. Meanwhile, in a latest media interaction after Ala Vaikunthapurramuloos successful release, the films co-producer Allu Aravind said that its him who is responsible for the long gap in Bunnys career. Geetha Arts had Bunnys callsheets, but I didnt find the right script or director for his next project. In fact, its not me who should be upset with Bunny for the delay, its the opposite in this case, Allu Aravind quipped. Articles that might interest you: British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, speaking in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, whilst on a visit to meet the leaders of the restored powersharing government. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Politics. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says there could be checks on goods coming into Northern Ireland if they are coming south of the border after Brexit. Mr Johnson is in Belfast to meet with Northern parties after a deal was struck to restore the Stormont Assembly. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is also meeting with the parties along with Tanaiste Simon Coveney, who brokered the deal last week. Be in no doubt ... I dont foresee any circumstances whatsoever in which there will be any checks on goods going from Northern Ireland to Great Britain," he said. "The only circumstances in which youd imagine the need for checks coming from Great Britain to Northern Ireland was is if those goods were going on to Ireland and we had not secured, which I hope we will, a zero tariff, zero agreement with our friends and partners in the EU." Mr Johnson welcomed the return of the Northern Assembly and said it was now up to the parties to make it work. He mimicked the utterance by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who said about the Good Friday Agreement that: I feel the hand of history upon our shoulders. Never mind the hand of history... I see the hand of the future, Mr Johnson said. However, the Prime Minister did not provide any figures for the amount of money to be provided by the British government to Northern Ireland. A sword and Rambo knives were among weapons seized by police during a month-long crackdown on street violence. The Mets Winter Nights operation saw 2,190 arrests as 292 knives and 132 other weapons were seized. Uniformed and covert officers used stop and search powers, knife arches and number plate recognition technology amid rising violent crime fuelled by drugs. Last year, 149 people were killed in the capital, an 11-year high. Victims included 25 teenagers, the highest number since 2018. One of the weapons seized Cocaine was among Class A drugs found in 1,258 seizures by the Mets Violent Crime Taskforce, armed, roads, mounted and dogs units. City of London and British Transport Police also assisted with 3,595 weapons sweeps between December 2 and January 5. The Aam Aadmi Party will skip Monday's opposition party meet called by the Congress against the amended Citizenship Act and the proposed NRC, senior party leader Sanjay Singh said. Singh said the AAP had no information about the meeting and so, there was no point in attending it. Sources, however, claimed that the AAP is not attending the meeting in view of the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi. Congress president Sonia Gandhi has called the meeting to frame a joint action plan against the CAA, the proposed National Register of Citizens and other issues. The AAP had opposed the contentious law in Parliament and even participated in a meeting of opposition parties held last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NEWARK, N.J. A Wynantskill man who sprinted at a plane's cockpit during a flight, pounding on the door before attacking a flight attendant and fighting with officers at the Newark airport, has been charged with aggravated assault and other crimes, according to the Port Authority. Matthew Dingley, 28, was arrested Thursday for injuring the flight attendant and six officers, including one who was hospitalized with four broken ribs. A passenger on the United Airlines flight from Washington, D.C., to Newark told NBC that it started when Dingley sprinted at the cockpit and began to pound on the door. The passenger, Mike Egbert, said Dingley then attacked a flight attendant who tried to intervene. Other passengers on the plane stepped in to help the attendant and brought the situation under control, Egbert said. The man charged at officers when the plane landed in Newark, sending them falling down the boarding stairs leading up to the plane, Port Authority spokesman Scott Ladd told NJ.com. Officers were eventually able to restrain Dingley. The injured officers and the flight attendant were taken to a hospital. "He picks up a police officer, throws the police officer," Egbert told NBC. If he did actually get into that cockpit lord knows what would have happened. Dingley was charged with aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and interfering with transportation. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney, according to the media reports. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. He was being held in the Essex County Correctional Facility. It was unclear if Dingley had a lawyer. Dingley has several prior arrests and convictions in the Capital Region. In February 2019, he was convicted on two counts of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated after a trial for a 2017 arrest. In that case, State Police charged Dingley after he crashed a car on the Interstate 787 Exit 5 off-ramp. In May 2018, he was charged with criminal possession of stolen property and resisting arrest after East Greenbush police tried to take him in to custody. Police were called after customers at the Peter Harris on Columbia Turnpike reported seeing a man sitting on a motorcycle, drinking beer. The bike was reported stolen from Rotterdam several days prior. In 2016, he was arrested in Dare County North Carolina after allegedly stealing a car and leading sheriff deputies on a high-speed chase, according to the Virginian Pilot. He was charged with felony possession of a stolen vehicle, felony fleeing to elude and several other charges. Deputies said they found Dingleys fingerprints on a stolen car that deputies had chased over two counties before the driver escaped on foot. Dingley was arrested several days later riding a moped. Kolkata: In order to curb single-use plastic in the Gangasagar Mela held in West Bengal a self-help group is distributing cotton bags to devotees. This initiative is a step towards preventing ocean pollution and supporting PM's campaign of completely eliminating single-use plastic from the country. Ocean scientist believes that about 1.15-2.41 million tons of plastic are found in India's river and sea every year, which takes 48,000 to 100,000 trucks to clean them which is a very severe situation. The voluntary organizations assigned for the work are seen offering cloth bags to the pilgrims so that they avoid using plastic bags. Till now the volunteers have distributed almost 4,000 cloth bags and target to distribute a total of 25,000 cloth bags till the end of the 10-day long fare. The cloths bag are being manufactured by a self-help group, who are involved in distributing the environment-friendly bags to pilgrims. Live TV Devotees in Ganagasagar Mela praised the initiative of the West Bengal government and said that this is a very good step taken by them to protect the environment and ocean from getting polluted. According to the West Bengal government, nearly fifty lakh devotees will visit Gangasagar to take holy bath in 2020. Ganga Sagar Mela which is held in Sagardwip, West Bengal, is the second most popular Mela after Kumbh Mela in India. It witnesses large number of people pouring in from different cities. The festival has a cultural and spiritual significance in Hinduism where pilgrims dip themselves in the holy waters of Ganga. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would come to Berlin for a one-day visit on January 19, The Turkish presidency said, but gave no further details. According to two participants in the preparatory negotiations, Germany plans to hold a summit on Libya on January 19, Reuters reported. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier that Libyan peace talks would be held in Berlin. More countries may be impacted as the White House reportedly considers an expansion of its controversial travel ban. According to The New York Times the list of potentially banned countries which include Belarus, Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania. Earlier this month, The Associated Press reported that the White House had circulated a document, showing plans to expand the executive order, expected to correspond with the third anniversary of the first one. The discussions also come as tensions between the U.S. and Iran have heated up. The countries that would be included in the new potential ban were reportedly blacked out on that document. In 2017, the Trump administration signed an executive order that banned visas from seven countries, resulting in confusion, people being detained at airports, widespread protests and a legal battle. The original ban covered Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Libya. The White House then released a more narrow version of the ban, which was held up by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote. The initial ban that remains in effect includes Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela and North Korea, according to the AP. The ban does not allow for immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications from those countries, with the exception of things like students and people who have significant contacts in America. A source told the news service that the expansion could include countries that were originally covered by the ban, but later taken off the list. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley declined to confirm the new plans to the AP. The Travel Ban has been very successful in protecting our Country and raising the security baseline around the world, Gidley said. While there are no new announcements at this time, common-sense and national security both dictate that if a country wants to fully participate in U.S. immigration programs, they should also comply with all security and counter-terrorism measures -- because we do not want to import terrorism or any other national security threat into the United States. Story continues %image1 The idea of an expanded ban has already angered many, with Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal telling the AP that it will only hinder the U.S. relationship with countries around the world. U.S. Senior Advocate Yael Schacher with the nonprofit Refugees International, called the potential plan shameful. The news that President Trump is planning to add countries to his travel ban should be heartbreaking to all Americans, Schacher told the AP. Thousands of people have been cruelly and unreasonably separated from relatives because of the already existing ban This is a shameful attempt by the President to misuse his power to expand a ban that principally impacts individuals from the Muslim world. The Otago Global Health Institute, a flagship research centre of the University of Otago, is investing in new research initiatives in collaboration with the Fiji National University and the National University of East Timor to help address health problems in these countries. Co-director of the Otago Global Health Institute, Professor Philip Hill, says the Institute is investing $100,000 in five new research projects over the next two years. "We hope to lay the foundation for long-term research collaborations, which will lead to research that addresses the most pressing health problems in Fiji and East Timor." One of the initiatives involves a staff member from the Fiji National University, Sakiusa Cabe Baleivanualala, who has been awarded a PhD Scholarship by the University of Otago, to conduct a study into the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at the country's main hospital in Suva. His supervisor will be Associate Professor James Ussher from the Division of Health Sciences. Institute Co-director Dr Patrick Vakaoti explains the initiative is a statement of intent to work together with fellow researchers in Fiji and East Timor to build collaboration and capacity to conduct internationally-competitive research, under the Memoranda of Understanding that have been established. The other four research projects begin next year. Dr Gade Waqa from the new Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research, based at Fiji National University's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, will lead a mixed methods study to explore determinants of behaviour, along with knowledge and practice in relation to non-communicable disease in Fijian women. Dr Vakaoti will be her primary research partner at Otago. Dr Joao Martins from the National University of East Timor will lead an epidemiological study to measure the prevalence of tobacco users among adolescents aged 13 to 15 in Dili. The study will also assess factors that influence adolescents taking up smoking. His primary collaborator will be Professor Richard Edwards from the University of Otago, Wellington. People living with HIV in Fiji will be the focus of Professor Miguel E. Quinones-Mateu's research from the University of Otago's Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Professor Quinones-Mateu will use a deep sequencing-based HIV genotyping assay to fully characterise genomically, for the first time, the HIV epidemic in people living with HIV in Fiji. His primary research collaborator will be Atlesh Nand Sudhakar from the Fiji National University. The National Programme Manager for HIV/Aids for the Ministry of Health in East Timor, Dr Sheena Viegas, will lead a project to assess a new HIV testing protocol and propose a new HIV diagnostic algorithm for East Timor. Her primary research collaborator is Dr Sue McAllister who leads the AIDS Epidemiology Group at the University of Otago. Fiji National University's Associate Dean Research, Dr Donald Wilson, who is also the Director of the new Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research, welcomes the collaborative initiative with the Otago Global Health Institute. "This comes at a strategic juncture for our College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the University as a whole. The new Fiji Institute for Pacific Health Research was established to better co-ordinate all research conducted by our College staff and students. "There is no doubt that the relationship with the Otago Global Health Institue will benefit not just both countries and institutions but the greater Pacific region." Dr Martins, who is himself a graduate in public health from the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Otago University, says this initiative is more than welcome. "We are excited at UNTL to get this new research initiative underway. We will be working collaboratively with our fellow researchers from the University of Otago to conduct this proposed research in 2020. "We hope that the implementation of this seed grant will strengthen the relationship between UNTL and Otago University and that it will also contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of Timorese people through research." The Otago Global Health Institute is a research centre within the University of Otago with staff from a variety of departments and divisions working together on global health initiatives. Its main aim is to work with partners both in New Zealand and globally to help find solutions to tackle pressing global health problems. ### For further information, contact: Professor Philip Hill McAuley Professor of International Health Tel 03 479 9462 Mob 021 279 7214 Email Philip.hill@otago.ac.nz Dr Donald Wilson Associate Dean, Research Fiji National University Tel +679 805 3931 Email Donald.wilson@fnu.ac.fj Liane Topham-Kindley Senior Communications Adviser Tel 03 479 9065 Mob 021 279 9065 Email liane.topham-kindley@otago.ac.nz Art as a weapon in South Africas liberation struggle A retrospective exhibition displays the key works from the life and times of activist and artist Judy Seidman. Judy Ann Seidman and her artwork embody the feminist maxim that the personal is political, and the political is personal. US-born Seidman is an artist and activist based in South Africa who, for more than four decades, has contributed to defining the iconography of the countrys struggle against apartheid and injustice. An exhibition at Johannesburgs Museum Africa, Drawn Lines, follows her life trajectory, and provides a significant retrospective of her work. Her story is inseparable from the movements she has been part of, which in turn shaped her artistic style and praxis. Seidmans artworks are revolutionary weapons. She is behind some of South Africas most iconic liberation struggle images, each of which has a story to tell that is both personal and political. Many of these stories can be found in her self-published memoir, also titled Drawn Lines. The posters on the wall Among the works in the exhibition are the posters for Womens Day and Solomon Mahlangu a young man hung by the apartheid regime for his military activism. Womens rights and liberation have been a constant theme in Seidmans work. Judy Seidman Seidman made the Womens Day drawing in 1981 as part of a brief to position women in the struggle. It was inspired by the women who marched to Pretoria on 9 August 1956 to protest the introduction of passes for women. In the liberation movement, the date was celebrated as a national day and officially became a public holiday after the end of apartheid. The words in the poster were developed by the Medu Art Ensemble collective which was based in Botswana and which Seidman joined in 1980: Now you have touched the women/ you have struck a rock/ you have dislodged a boulder/ you will be crushed. Solomon Mahlangu poster. Judy Seidman They come from the song Wathint abafazi, wathint imbokodo (When you strike the women, you have struck a rock), sung by the marching women in 1956. The original drawing had the woman holding up an AK47 rifle, but the collective felt that in the light of increasing raids by the apartheid regime, the picture should not show close alignment with the armed struggle. A broken chain came to replace the gun. The Solomon Mahlangu poster was designed for the 1982 anniversary of the 19-year-old uMkhonto weSizwe operatives execution at the hands of the apartheid regime in 1979. A few hundred copies were silkscreened by Medu members, several of whom were also part of uMkhonto weSizwe structures, with the help of soldiers passing through Botswana. The works were then smuggled into South Africa and illegally displayed by members of the Johannesburg Silkscreen Training Project. They were torn down by the police the next day, but this poster remains one of Seidmans best known. Another poster mourns the death of 12 comrades in the Gaborone raid of 1985. Among the dead was Thami Mnyele, a fellow Medu member and an important influence on Seidmans work and understanding of the art of liberation. The poster announcing Cosatus 4th congress in 1991. Judy Seidman Seidman moved to South Africa in 1990 after the unbanning of the liberation organisations. She was commissioned to draw the poster for the 1991 congress of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. She also designed a poster for the Convention for a Democratic South Africa negotiations: a rising sun symbolising a new dawn for the people of the country. In the early 1990s Seidman and her partner Serge Phetla, an uMkhonto weSizwe combatant, were diagnosed HIV positive. No antiretroviral treatment was available at the time, and their status was not made public for political reasons. Cosas Aids poster. Judy Seidman She increasingly did artworks for Aids activism among them a 1991 poster for a Congress of South African Students campaign against Aids. With the advent of democracy, Seidman came out publicly about living with HIV. Serge died just before the first democratic elections in 1994. An intimate portrait of him reading a copy of the African Communist is part of the exhibition. Comrade portrait (Serge) Judy Seidman A life fully lived The exhibition provides a chronological unfolding of Seidmans life. It starts with her time in Lusaka, Zambia, where she arrived for a visit in 1973 after graduating with a Masters in Fine Arts in the US. Her parents, the Africanist economist Anne Willcox Seidman and Bob Seidman were working at the University of Zambia, while her sister Neva was a secretary in the office of the ANCs external headquarters. Seidmans first encounter with the ANC was in the context of an exhibition, for which Neva asked her friends in the ANC office to help transport her sisters artworks. Tribute to John Dube, killed by a letter bomb. Judy Seidman Among them was a young man called John Dube (JD) whose real name was Boy Mvemve. A few weeks later, he was killed when he opened a letter bomb sent by the apartheid regime. Seidman silkscreened a poster for JDs funeral. It was to be the first in a long series of drawings she did for the ANC and allied organisations. In Lusaka, Seidman fell in love with and married historian Neil Parsons and in 1975 they moved to Swaziland where he took up a lecturing post. Its also where their first daughter was born. In Swaziland, Seidman worked with the sculptor and writer Pitika Ntuli, whose vision of art and revolution had a great impact on her. Both had studied in Kwame Nkrumahs Ghana in the early 1960s and had been influenced by Pan-African ideals. In 1980 Seidman moved to Botswana with her family. She carried with her a letter of introduction from writer and activist Barry Feinberg addressed to Thami Mnyele and Mongane Wally Serote, then leading figures in Medu. Medu is a SePedi word meaning roots and for Seidman the ensembles idea of art as rooted in experience, its explicit commitment to work as a collective and its alignment with South Africas black majority were like coming home. This was a time of political and cultural ferment in the liberation movement. The Gaborone Culture and Resistance Festival in 1982 marked a significant moment of discussion about the art of liberation. These ideas, Seidman argues, have largely been lost post-1994 as the ANC failed to support the revolutionary culture of the liberation struggle. A portrait of the artist in front of one of her paintings. Judy Seidman Seidman remained in Botswana, by now working within uMkhonto weSizwe structures. This led to the breakdown of her marriage, and her two daughters moved to the UK with their father after their house in Gaborone was petrol bombed in 1986. At the turn of the century she worked with the Khulumani support group to support victims of political violence. She also got involved with the One in Nine campaign which campaigns against gender-based violence and whose work forms an exhibition within the exhibition with four panels dedicated to it. The last section, which Seidman dubs the cultural wall, showcases recent work associated with music and recent struggles such as #FeesMustFall. The exhibition underscores the message that, in her life and in her work, Seidman drew a line and has never been afraid of taking sides in ongoing struggles for liberation. Drawn Lines is on at Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg, until the end of January 2020, with further extensions expected. Admission is free. Arianna Lissoni, Researcher at History Workshop, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. SYRACUSE, N.Y. The S.I. Newhouse Foundation has announced a $75 million donation to Syracuse University, the largest gift in the universitys 150-year history. Donald Newhouse, a Syracuse University alumnus, revealed the gift Monday at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The $75 million donation was specifically gifted to the communications school. The Newhouse family and its foundation were already the universitys top donors, publicly giving more than $33 million over the years toward the journalism schools facilities and for scholarships. Samuel I. Newhouse donated $15 million in 1964 to found the school that sits on Waverly Avenue in Syracuse today. At that time, it was the universitys biggest donation. Donald Newhouse said his fathers dream of establishing the finest journalism school in the world had been realized through talented students and faculty, and the leadership of SU Chancellor Kent Syverud and most recently deans David Rubin and Lorraine Branham. Branham, who served the school for 11 years, died of cancer last year. A search is under way for a replacement. The university expects to have a dean in place by July. I have great confidence that the search committee will find an outstanding successor to David and Lorraine, Donald Newhouse said. In this era in which public communications is undergoing continual and radical change, my family and I expect to continue our long-term commitment to ensure that the school my dad helped found almost 60 years ago remains the leading communications school in the world for another generation." The Newhouse family started their media company with the purchase of the Staten Island Advance newspaper in 1922. The company expanded and today is known as Advance Publications. Donald Newhouse is now president of Advance Publications, the parent company of Advance Local and Advance Media New York, which publishes Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Advance also owns newspapers and news websites in Alabama, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Oregon. Advances portfolio also includes Conde Nast, American City Business Journals and investments in Charter Communications and Reddit. The Newhouse Foundations contributions over the years have grown the Newhouse school into a three-building complex. Speakers at dedications of the buildings included President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, CBS chairman William Paley in 1974, and U.S. Chief Justice John G. Roberts in 2007. Donald Newhouse and his late brother S.I. attended all the dedications. Oprah Winfrey was the guest of honor in 2014 for the ribbon-cutting of the Dick Clark Studios and Alan Gerry Center for Media Innovation. The $75 million donation is part of SUs Forever Orange campaign, which includes an overall fundraising goal of $1.5 billion. It is the largest fundraising effort in the universitys history. The Newhouse gift is the largest donation to the campaign, and its one of the largest gifts ever made to a communications school, according to SU officials. Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, education and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 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 QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 13, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Opsens Inc. ("Opsens" or the "Company") (TSX: OPS) (OTCQX: OPSSF) today reported its results for the first quarter of 2020. Highlights Consolidated product sales totaled $7.0 M in the first quarter of 2020 compared with $6.8 M in the corresponding period in 2019, an increase of 3%; in the first quarter of 2020 compared with in the corresponding period in 2019, an increase of 3%; Coronary physiology (Fractional Flow Reserve ("FFR") and Diastolic Pressure Ratio ("dPR")) revenues totaled $4.3 M for the first three months of fiscal 2020 compared with $4.7 M for the same period last year, a decrease of 9%; for the first three months of fiscal 2020 compared with for the same period last year, a decrease of 9%; Coronary physiology revenues increased by 72% in the United States , Canada and Europe markets combined, compared with the same quarter in 2019. The increase was offset by a reduction in revenues in Japan for the same period; , and markets combined, compared with the same quarter in 2019. The increase was offset by a reduction in revenues in for the same period; U.S. FFR revenue growth of 26% over prior year and FDA clearance for Opsens' dPR in the United States allows the company to compete in all intracoronary physiological measurement procedures; allows the company to compete in all intracoronary physiological measurement procedures; Announced initial development program to expand core fiber optic and guidewire technology into high-growth, high-value structural heart market. Growth strategy Coronary physiology sales, excluding Japan, increased by 72% from the previous year. "Q1 results reflect continued positive momentum in some of our key growth markets, although this growth was offset by an anticipated slower start to the year in Japan," said Louis Laflamme, President and CEO of Opsens. "We expect revenues in Japan to reaccelerate in the second half of fiscal 2020. Recent FDA approval of our dPR algorithm positions us for enhanced market share growth in the United States over the coming months and quarters," Mr. Laflamme concluded. Financial Results - Quarter Ended November 30, 2019 Consolidated revenues reached $7.0 M for the three-month period ended November 30, 2019 compared with $9.1 M for the same period the previous year. This decrease is mainly due to the absence of non-recurring licensing revenues in 2020 compared with $2.3 M in the first quarter of 2019. Opsens product sales reached $7.0 M in the first quarter ended November 30, 2019 compared with $6.8 M for the comparative period of the previous year. Coronary physiology revenues reached $4.3 M in the three-month period ended November 30, 2019 compared with $4.7 M for the comparative period of the previous year. This decrease is explained by a $1.6 M decrease in revenues in Japan primarily due to the anticipated transition from the OptoWire II to the OptoWire III. Lower revenues from Japan were partially offset by a $1.2 M increase in revenues in the United States, Europe and Canada. Other medical income reached $2.2 M for the first quarter ended November 30, 2019 compared with $1.5 M for the same period the previous year. Gross margin, excluding non-recurring licensing revenues, increased from 49% to 56% for the quarter ended November 30, 2019. This increase is the result of the optimization of coronary physiology production activities as well as the increase in other medical income. Net loss reached $1.9 M for the quarter ended November 30, 2019, compared with a net profit of $1.1 M for the corresponding period last year. The absence of non-recurring licensing revenues and an increase in administration, sales, marketing and R&D expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross profit, explain the negative variation. Opsens had a cash position of $13.8 M as of November 30, 2019 ($14.9 M as of August 31, 2019). (unaudited - in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for information per share) Three-month period ended November 30, 2019 Three-month period ended November 30, 2018 $ $ Revenues Sales Medical 6,461 6,207 Industrial 528 594 Product sales 6,989 6,801 Licensing - 2,302 6,989 9,103 Cost of sales 3,079 3,462 Gross Margin 3,910 5,641 Gross Margin (%) 56% 62% Expenses (revenues) Administrative expenses 1,475 1,112 Sales and marketing expenses 2,850 2,423 R&D expenses 1,296 1,073 Financial revenues 160 (59) 5,781 4,549 Net earnings (loss) and comprehensive earnings (loss) (1,871) 1,092 Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share (0.02) 0.01 About Opsens Inc. (www.opsens.com or www.opsensmedical.com) Opsens focuses mainly on physiological measurements, such as FFR and dPR in interventional cardiology. Opsens offers an advanced optical-based pressure guidewire that aims at improving the clinical outcome of patients with coronary artery disease. Its flagship product, the OptoWire, is a second-generation fiber optic pressure guidewire designed to provide the lowest drift in the industry and excellent lesions access. The OptoWire has been used in the diagnosis and treatment of over 80,000 patients in more than 30 countries. It is approved for sale in the United States, European Union, Japan, and Canada. Opsens is also involved in industrial activities in developing, manufacturing and installing innovative fiber optic sensing solutions for critical applications. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance and achievements of Opsens to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the said forward-looking statements. Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE OPSENS Inc. For further information: Louis Laflamme, CPA, CA, Chief Executive Officer, 418.781.0333, Robin Villeneuve, CPA, CA, Chief Financial Officer, 418.781.0333 Related Links https://opsens.com/ Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is expected to visit Uttar Pradesh from January 16 to 19 for a training camp for all district and city presidents of the state's party unit. Vadra is likely to head the camp which will be held at Raebareli Bhumeau Guest House. Out of the four days in which the camp is scheduled to be held, two days each will be dedicated to the party officials from the western and eastern UP. Vadra has taken full charge to strengthen the party in the state and begin preparations well ahead of the Assembly elections in UP. According to the sources, Priyanka Gandhi will frequently visit Uttar Pradesh to keep in touch with the ground reality. "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will spend at least 15 days in Uttar Pradesh each month to give strong direction to the party," the source added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Copenhagens famed Little Mermaid statue was found doused with pro-Hong Kong graffiti early Monday. Three lines in red, reading Free Hong Kong were painted on the rock on which the bronze sits, next to the same text written smaller in white. Police were seen searching for clues in the the area with flashlights and a dog after the pre-dawn vandalism was reported. No one has been apprehended, The Little Mermaid was created in tribute to the Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Sitting on a rock at the entrance of the Copenhagen harbour since 1913, she has been a popular target for vandals, who have blown her off her perch, beheaded her and painted her. In 2010, the statue was the centerpiece of Denmarks official pavilion at the World Exhibition in Shanghai for a six-month period. A collaboration between computer scientists at the University of Bristol and nine major media companies, including ITV and BBC, will help the media industry understand and manage the significant carbon impacts of digital content. The 12-month collaboration, facilitated by sustainability experts, Carnstone, will see University of Bristol researchers working with sustainability and technology teams at the BBC, Dentsu Aegis Network, Informa, ITV, Pearson, RELX, Schibsted, Sky and TalkTalk, to map the carbon hotspots of digital media content and services. The aim is to create an online carbon calculator, DIMPACT, available to any company offering digital products and services. This is the first serious collaborative attempt to create a tool that takes the complexity out of calculating digital carbon emissions, backed by some of the world's most innovative media companies and the world-class researchers at the University of Bristol. The eventual tool will help the industry understand and manage the carbon impact of digital media. Mapping the carbon footprint of digital services like advertising, publishing and broadcasting is difficult because the underlying technological systems are hugely complex and constantly shifting. Media content passes through content delivery networks, data centres, web infrastructure and user devices, to name just a few, with each element of the delivery chain having different owners. With climate change high on the agenda, DIMPACT will allow participating companies to understand their 'downstream' carbon impacts, right through to the end-user. This, in turn, will enable more informed decision-making to reduce the overall carbon footprint of digital services. "We know that more and more of our interactions happen online, and screens play an ever more important role in our lives. We can say with absolute certainty that the digital economy will continue to grow. What we don't know is how those modes of digital consumption translate into carbon impacts and where the 'hotspots' reside. DIMPACT will change that," said Christian Toennesen, Senior Partner at Carnstone and DIMPACT's initiator and product manager. "Given the overall size of the carbon footprint of the digital media sector, it is important that companies assess and report their impacts. By doing so, they can identify the carbon savings that can be made by alternative design decisions, and hopefully find ways to reduce their overall footprint. "This is a great opportunity to leverage our existing research strengths to help create a ground-breaking tool with real world applications," said Dr Dan Schien from Bristol's Department of Computer Science. Following a successful kick-off meeting in 2019, the DIMPACT project partners have started developing the underlying model and initiated user experience research. ### Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar set the stage for a general election within weeks, gambling that a strong economy and his success toward shaping a Brexit deal will strengthen his hold on power. Seeking to seize the political moment, Varadkar said on Sunday he had decided on a date and would reveal it publicly after briefing colleagues. A vote is likely on Feb. 7, the Sunday Times reported. The son of an Indian immigrant father and an Irish nurse, Varadkar succeeded Enda Kenny as premier in 2017. On his watch, unemployment has continued to fall and the economy is among the European Union's strongest. A breakthrough with U.K. leader Boris Johnson helped clinch a deal that will keep the Irish border invisible after Britain leaves the bloc -- and raised his profile. For Varadkar, 40, it might be about cashing in his chips while he is on a high. "We have a deal on Brexit - in many ways, that was the big job for this government," he said in an interview with broadcaster RTE in Dublin. The U.K. is set to leave the bloc at the end of the month and begin talks on trade right after. Johnson wants that part concluded by the end of the year. The EU's executive arm, the commission, is skeptical that can be achieved in 11 months. This delicate phase of talks will affect Ireland, which has strong commercial links with the U.K. across the sea. The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland dogged the divorce talks between the U.K. and the EU for two years before Johnson agreed to keep Northern Ireland in the EU's customs union and large parts of its single market. Momentum has recently built behind Varadkar, who will meet with Johnson in Belfast on Monday. On Saturday, Northern Ireland's power-sharing assembly reconvened, ending a three-year deadlock after a deal brokered by his government working in lockstep with U.K. administration. Johnson and Varadkar will meet the region's leaders, spearheaded by Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland's First Minister. Foster told the BBC on Monday she wants Johnson to explain how trade barriers will be avoided between the region and the rest of the U.K. after Brexit. With Brexit and Northern Ireland dealt with, Irish opposition parties have increased pressure on Varadkar's minority administration, questioning its record on health and homelessness. That's another reason to act fast. Polls suggest a tight race and the Greens could emerge as a deciding political force. Support for Varadkar's Fine Gael party and for Fianna Fail, the biggest opposition party, was level at around 27% each in the most recent survey. The premier's biggest risk may be voter fatigue. Fine Gael took power in 2011 during Ireland's worst economic crisis since World War II. Aided by long-term investment from U.S. companies such as Apple, Irish unemployment has dropped below 5% and the economy is forecast to expand more than 4% this year. Even so, Fine Gael lost four special elections for vacant parliamentary seats in November. Meanwhile, Varadkar is keeping his opponents on their toes on the exact election date. "There is some unfinished business to do which I want to get done and there is some respect of protocol around this," he said. - - - Bloomberg's Peter Flanagan contributed to this report. Hundreds of current and former Philadelphia Museum of Art staff members have signed a statement in solidarity with the women who spoke out in a New York Times report against a former museum executive. Calling for structural change, the signers say the allegations levied against Joshua R. Helmer barely scratch the surface. According to the extensive Times report published Friday, Helmer, who worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as assistant director of interpretation from 2014 to February 2018, entered into relationships with subordinate female museum staffers while offering possibilities for professional advancement. Until recently, Helmer served as the executive director of the Erie Art Museum. On Monday afternoon, the museum said in a statement from its board of directors that Helmer is no longer employed at the Erie Art Museum. A petition had called for his removal. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, current and former art museum staffers expressed their solidarity with the women who spoke out in the article. Former and current staff of the Philadelphia Museum of Art listed below wish to express solidarity with our current and former colleagues who so bravely spoke out in the New York Times and those in Erie who did the same. We believe their stories and admire their courage, the statement reads. As of Monday afternoon, the spreadsheet had been signed by more than 240 current and former museum staffers. READ MORE: Student on former Philadelphia Museum of Art exec: 'Nobody in the world treated me this way The list includes several notable names, including Kathleen Foster, senior curator of American art and director of the museums Center for American Art; Felice Fischer, curator of Japanese art and senior curator of East Asian art; Peter Barberie, the museums curator of photographs; and Elisabeth Agro, associate curator of American modern and contemporary crafts and decorative arts. The staffers signed as individuals, not as official representatives of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The reporting in the New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer seems to barely scratch the surface of the abuses perpetrated by this man and we acknowledge that this is not an isolated incident unique to one institution but endemic to the field. We call for greater accountability from the institution for which we work and about which we care so deeply. Structural change is required to ensure that abusers arent enabled, employees feel safe reporting abuse, and no one fears retaliation for coming forward. Museums can and should do better. In a statement, Philadelphia Museum of Art Director and CEO Timothy Rub told the Inquirer that we are listening closely and we are also taking action." We care deeply for our staff and firmly believe that all voices should be heard, Rubs statement said. As I noted to staff last Friday, we will be engaging outside consultants to conduct a close review of our workplace environment, our policies and programs, including training activities so we understand how we can be better in the future. We will do everything we can to address the concerns of staff so that we can move forward together. The Erie Art Museum did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Helmer, 31, separated with Philadelphias art museum in February 2018, and has been barred from the museum premises, according to an internal email sent in November 2019. Following the report Friday, many Art Museum employees were seen wearing red We Believe Women buttons in a show of support for our colleagues and those affected by the harassment, said one museum staffer. In an email to staff Friday afternoon, Rub said the institution had initiated plans to work with outside experts who will gather input from staff and conduct a review of our workplace environment, our policies and programs, including training activities, so we understand how we can be better in the future. Donald Trump has posted an image of an apparently dead body on his Twitter feed amid a wild stream of messages in support of his policy on Iran. The image showed a bloodied male figure draped over a barbed wire fence. Mr Trump retweeted a number of posts denouncing Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the US House. She has criticised his decision to unilaterally order the killing of Qassem Soleimani, Tehrans top general and also approved a successful vote on articles of impeachment against him. The US president also promoted a tweet that claimed Ms Pelosi supports a regime that kills its people. Users were reacting to a widely-shared clip of the House speaker on ABCs This Week in which she discussed the anti-government protests in Iran. Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Show all 23 1 /23 Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians demonstrate following a tribute for the victims of the Ukraine Boeing 737 crash in front of the Amirkabir University in the capital Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police dispersed students chanting "radical" slogans during a gathering in Tehran to honour the 176 people killed when an airliner was mistakenly shot down AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University - People hold flowers as tear gas fired by police rises Online videos purported to show that Iranian security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gather AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University AFP correspondents said hundreds of students had gathered early in the evening to pay respects to those killed in the air disaster ISNA/AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back at police AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University A protester confronts an Iranian police officer AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranian police officers take position while protesters gathe AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University Iranians light candles for victims EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Anti-government protest at Amirkabir University EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran People burn British and Israeli flags during a protest in front of the British embassy, in Tehran. Hundreds of Iranian hardliners gathered for a protest against Britain, a day after the UK ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire was detained after attending a a vigil for the victims of Ukraine passenger jet EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protestBritish embassy protest in Tehran Chanting "Death to Britain", up to 200 protesters rallied outside the mission a day after the brief arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire AFP via Getty Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran AFP via Getty Images Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west AP Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west British embassy protest in Tehran EPA Protests in Iran over downing of plane and tensions with the west Protesters chant slogans while holding up posters of Gen. Qassem Soleimani during a demonstration in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. AP The video, posted by the Republican National Committee, appeared to include only a small portion of the conversation. Mr Trump further retweeted an image that showed Ms Pelosi alongside Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, mocked up in a burkha and turban with an Iranian flag in the background. On Sunday, Mr Trump urged Irans leaders not to used violence against protesters. The World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching, he said. The image re-posted by Donald Trump He also pushed for Tehran to let reporters roam free! despite having spent years demonising the news media at home. It comes a day after the president used Twitter to complain loudly about his impeachment, which is linked to his dealings with Ukraine, calling it a totally partisan Hoax. Recommended Furious boss of Canadian killed in Iran jet downing hits out at Trump He has called for the Senate to simply dismiss the case against him as the lower chamber prepares to send the charges there for a trial. Mr Trump is accused of abusing his power by pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and subsequently obstructing congress. Ms Pelosi warned on Sunday that senators would pay a price if they blocked new witnesses from giving evidence in a trial that Americans could perceive as a cover-up. The court also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law. Lahore: In a huge relief for Pakistan's self-exiled former dictator, a top court on Monday declared Pervez Musharraf's trial in the high treason case as "unconstitutional", leading to the annulment of the death sentence against the ex-Army chief by a special tribunal. The special court in Islamabad on 17 December last year handed down the death penalty to the 74-year-old retired general, now based in Dubai, after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. The case was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government headed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2013. A three-member full bench of the Lahore High Court comprising Justices Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Chaudhry Masood Jahangir unanimously declared the formation of the special court against Musharraf as "unconstitutional". The court also ruled that the treason case against Musharraf was not prepared in accordance with the law. The current government of Prime Minister Imran Khan had backed Musharraf in challenging the death penalty. "The Lahore High Court has declared unconstitutional all actions right from initiation of complaint and its conclusion against General (retd.) Musharraf by the special court," Additional Attorney General of Pakistan Ishtiaq A Khan told PTI. "Gen Musharraf is a free man now," he added. Reacting to the verdict, Musharraf, the former Pakistan Army chief, lauded the verdict of the Lahore High Court, saying that the court made the decision according to the law and Constitution. In an audio statement, he said, "I cannot comment on it but the decision is really good, I am very happy that the judgement is as per the law and Constitution." He said his condition was gradually improving. "I am grateful to all those who prayed for my health," Geo News quoted Musharraf as saying in Dubai. The special court found that the ex-president, now living in Dubai on self-exile, guilty of high treason by abrogating the Constitution and imposing extra-constitutional emergency in Pakistan in November 2007 and handed him the death sentence. Additional Attorney General Khan earlier told the Lahore High Court that the special court was constituted without the formal approval of the Cabinet. He also maintained that the charges filed against the former president were flimsy since, under the emergency powers of the executive, fundamental rights could be suspended. In its verdict, the LHC also said that the Article 6 of the Constitution was modified through the 18th Amendment in 2010, while the case against Musharraf concerned events that happened before that. Justice Naqvi had asked the federal government on Friday to submit the order on the formation of the special court and had directed the government's lawyer to present arguments on Monday. Monday's ruling came in response to a petition filed by him challenging the formation of the special court for the high treason case against him. In his petition, Musharraf asked the court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction and unconstitutional, while also seeking suspension of the verdict till a decision on his petition was made. The special court had also ordered that corpse of the former military ruler should be dragged to parliament and hanged for three days if he dies before his execution. Prime Minister Imran Khan's government became furious over the ruling and said it will move to the Supreme Judicial Council to unseat the "mentally unfit" head of the special court. The verdict of the special court also angered the powerful army has ruled the country for nearly half of its 72-year history. The Army said the ruling against Gen Musharraf was against all human, religious and civilisational values. "An ex-Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and President of Pakistan, who has served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defense of the country can surely never be a traitor," Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said after the special court's ruling last month. Musharraf was the first military ruler convicted for subverting the Constitution, though he was not the first General to do so. Three Pakistan Army chiefs including Gen Ayub Khan, Gen Yahya Khan and Gen Zia-ul-Haq also abrogated the Constitution but never faced any court. The PML-N government had filed the treason case against the former army chief in 2013 over the imposition of an extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. In August 2008, he finally resigned in the face of impeachment proceedings by the new governing coalition, going into exile until his ill-starred homecoming in 2013, exiling himself once more three years later. (Natural News) In September, President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing states to choose whether or not they want to participate in the federal refugee resettlement program. As is nearly every order the president signs dealing with refugees, illegal immigrants, and anyone else that does not have an automatic, inherent right to be in our country, several Left-wing groups filed suit in a friendly federal court in an attempt to stop what really was nothing more than a rare display of federalism. Pending a decision by the courts, a number of states have already stepped up and said they would take refugees, and, some would say ironically, many of them are led by Republican governors thus putting the lie (again) to the Lefts allegations that conservatives are racists, haters and bigots. In any event, one state has now stepped up and said it would not accept any refugees this year (which Trump limited to just 18,000) Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott announced this week, in a letter sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, that he cannot consent to initial refugee resettlement this year. This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States. Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state, the governor said. So is Abbott just a white nationalist bigot? Many Democrat voters would say so, but theyre perpetually angry and unhinged, having been terminally stricken with Trump Derangement Syndrome. In actuality, Abbott has a very good reason for refusing new refugees: Illegal immigration. Since (Democrats in) Congress have refused to work with the president and deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system, Texas is already handling its share of second- and third-world poor and needy. Texas continues to have to deal with the consequences of an immigration system that Congress has failed to fix, Abbott said in his letter, according to the Austin American-Statesman newspaper. Texas steps up to lead again According to the presidents order, not just state governments but also local jurisdictions had to approve the resettlement of refugees, so if certain counties, cities, or towns also want to opt out, they can. Per the order, they are to submit funding requests to the State Department by Jan. 21, reported Reuters. Abbott faced serious pressure from some city leaders and immigration advocates to accept as many refugees as possible, but he didnt succumb to the pressure. In fact, Texas has been taking in more refugees than any other state over the past decade, which was before states could opt out under Trumps order. Before they could not, and a cynic might believe that Obama sent as many refugees as he could to red state Texas so he could turn it purple or even blue, since most immigrants and refugees who earn the right to vote cast ballots for Democrats. Over the past 10 years, Texas has taken in about 10 percent of all refugees. (Related: Confirmed: ISIS terrorists attempting to use U.S. refugee program to invade America.) In 2016, roughly 7,800 refugees resettled in the state, or 9% of refugees arriving in the U.S., according to Church World Service. That number dropped by roughly 3,000 people the following year. In 2019, Texas resettled 2,458 refugees, according to the group, the Statesman newspaper reported. While the U.S. has traditionally accepted refugees, there is no legal obligation to accept everyone who comes. But that hasnt stopped Leftists from complaining. Krish OMara Vignarajah, president of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, indicated in her groups complaint that they just disagree with the presidents policy. This executive order is unconstitutional and compassionless, and reflects a complete misunderstanding of the refugee resettlement process in this country, she said in a statement. The process is what federal law and the president say it is. Again, there is no inherent right for anyone who wants to be admitted into our country. Sources include: USNews.com Statesman.com NaturalNews.com NBCNews.com The L'Ormarins Queen's Plate ushered in 2020 in high style. The annual racing festival was held at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town on 10 and 11 January 2020. Billed as the most anticipated race of 2020, Vardy with jockey Craig Zackey took the R1.5m LOrmarins Queens Plate (Grade 1) purse with racegoers treated to a thrilling showdown from a field that included the countrys 10 best horses and jockeys.The two-day event attracted over 7,000 visitors, who arrived in their most stylish blue and white with attendees setting new heights in sophisticated elegance. Celebrities and personalities in attendance included Luthando Loot Love Shosha, Liezl van der Westhuizen, Kamo Modisakeng, Lunga Shabalala, Jeannie D, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, hip-hop star Da Les, Nandi Mbatha and professional rugby players Faf de Klerk and Steven Kitshoff.Competition equally fierce trackside in the Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions, with luxury prizes awarded to Zinzi Ntoyiwa (for Best Hat), Charles Samuels (for Best Dressed Man) and Roxy Joubert (for Best Dressed Woman) who wins a five-day trip for two to the United Kingdom, as well as two tickets to the LOrmarins Luncheon at the Qatar Glorious Goodwood Racing Festival in July 2020. Were in the dead of winter, but this weekend felt like the middle of spring in New Jersey with record-breaking warm temperatures. Dont get too used it, though, the cold weather is coming back with a vengeance. The National Weather Service noted that multiple New Jersey cities set or tied records for high temperatures on Saturday including Atlantic City (63 degrees), Newark (70 degrees) and Trenton (67 degrees). It was so warm in Asbury Park on Sunday that pets and their owners joined intrepid winter surfers in braving the Atlantic surf. It was so warm in Asbury Park on Sunday that pets and their owners joined intrepid winter surfers in braving the Atlantic surf. With temperatures running 20 to 30 degrees warmer than normal, additional daily record highs were set on Sunday in many cities, including Newark (69), New Brunswick (68) and Atlantic City (70), according to data from the National Weather Service and the Rutgers NJ Weather Network. Trentons high of 66 degrees on Sunday was 2 degrees short of its daily record high for Jan. 12, and Philadelphias high of 67 was 5 degrees shy of its daily record. Both of those records were set way back in 1890. Update on Saturday's high temperatures...a number of sites saw temperatures continue to rise during the evening, with another 7 locations reaching or exceeding their record high for January 11th. Another half dozen bumped their record higher before midnight. pic.twitter.com/cEK6xRdnxp NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) January 12, 2020 Monday and Tuesday will be cooler, though not drastically. Temperatures in the 40s are expected according to the National Weather Service, and Wednesday could be even warmer. But next weekends forecast calls for a major plunge in temperatures and even some snow. Temperatures are expected to be in the 30s on Friday, and Friday night into Saturday morning could see snowfall in the state. According to the National Weather Service, theres a 30 percent chance of precipitation on Friday night with a low around 25, and a 60 percent chance of precipitation on Saturday. People and pets alike enjoyed Sunday's unusually warm weather, including these two- and four-legged beach combers in Asbury Park.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com New Jersey took to social media to express their appreciation of the weather. New Jersey weather just be throwing out temperatures like power ball numbers 56 32 7 19 67 28 KOLB FAMOUS (@kolbykobe425) January 10, 2020 I swear give a person from New Jersey one good day of weather and we dont know how to act. I just saw a man in wawa with flip flops on like bro its not that warm outside put your toes away. Hunter (@hgant2613) January 12, 2020 I drove with the windows down in the middle of winter... New Jersey weather really playing games MERVE KOL (@mmervekoll) January 12, 2020 texas: here have some snow new jersey: hey its 70 degrees today /chrismelberger (@chrismelSchleeb) January 11, 2020 NJ Advance Media staff writer Len Melisurgo contributed to this report. Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. 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. An in-depth look at the science of glycobiology and glycan diagnostics, and their promise in personalized medicine in the current post-genomic era are featured in a special issue of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, the peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Read the special issue on Glycomics and Personalized Glycomedicine free on the OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology website until February 15, 2020. This special issue was co-edited by Wei Wang, MD, PhD, Edith Cowan University (Joondalup, Australia) and Capital Medical University (Beijing, China), and Vural Ozdemir, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology. Dr. Wang and a team of researchers from Australia, China, and Croatia contributed an article entitled "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is Associated with the Immunoglobulin G N-Glycome through Putative Proinflammatory Mechanisms in an Australian Population.") The team analyzed the N-glycan patterns of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and found novel associations between the IgG N-glycome, T2D, and clinical risk factors related to proinflammatory mechanisms. These IgG N-glycomic alterations offer promise as future biomarkers for T2D diagnosis or monitoring of progression to cardiovascular disease or renal failure. A review article by Tanja Kunej, PhD University of Ljubljana (Domzale, Slovenia) is entitled "Rise of Systems Glycobiology and Personalized Glycomedicine: Why and How to Integrate Glycomics with Multiomics Science?" Dr. Kunej proposes that for glycomics to make a greater, systems-scale contribution to biology and medicine, it needs to transition from a single omics science to multiomics technology platforms. The article presents examples of glycomics in association with other omics fields, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, and discusses current knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions. Vural Ozdemir, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology states: Carbohydrates and glycans matter for personalized medicine. This OMICS special issue on glycomics and personalized glycomedicine signals the rise of glyco-theranostics as a new specialty in diagnostic medicine and systems science. It connects the dots between some of the most critical issues in biomarkers, post-genomic personalized medicine, and emerging technology governance to move systems science into clinical practice. Any reader interested in diagnostics in health care should benefit from reading the new OMICS issue curated with a systems approach to glycobiology and personalized/precision medicine. The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill sailed through the House of Commons last week and is likely to do more or less the same in the House of Lords this week. The smooth passing of the bill is indicative of the transfer of power back from the legislature to the executive in this new era. An amendment that would have protected the right for unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their family after Brexit was even bulldozed over with the governments sizeable majority. There are signs ministers may concede on refugees in the Lords but the bill overall shows that the days of the collective opposition to the government asserting itself over ministers in parliamentary votes are well and truly over. Make no mistake: any obstacles thrown in Boris Johnsons way will not be erected by this new parliament they will come from the other side of the EU-UK negotiating table. Whether we like it or not, Brexit is happening and we must all make the best of it. That means it is imperative and in all our interests that, in the forthcoming negotiations on the future trading relationship, the government secures the best and closest possible trading relationship with the EU for the sake of British jobs, businesses and our economy. However, the negotiations are subject to the platform on which the Conservatives were elected. After Brexit day on 31 January, we are scheduled to start the so called transition period where the UK is out of the EU, has no say in EU institutions but agrees to abide by its rules and continues to pay into the club until the end of this year. During this period the future trading relationship is to be settled. The Tory manifesto was clear: We will negotiate a trade agreement next year ... and we will not extend the implementation period beyond December 2020. In fact, this is written into the bill and will become law when it completes its passage through parliament. So what are the consequences of this? A deep and meaningful comprehensive trade deal the optimum arrangement covering the greatest number of industries and not only goods but most services, which make up the majority of the economy, is out of the question. Only a shallow, barebones agreement could be reached in this timeframe and even that is not certain. This is why the Irish deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney (whom Ive always found to be very reasonable in my dealings with him) told the BBC yesterday that the EU had constantly warned [Mr Johnsons] timeframe is ambitious, if not unrealistic. The prime minister dismisses concerns around this and asserts an oven ready comprehensive trade deal is ready to go. But, as one senior European Commission official, who has been close to the EU-UK negotiations since they started, put it to me: there is not an oven-ready deal and whatever deal does emerge will not exactly be nourishing. The more appetising comprehensive trade deal ministers have talked about would take years, not months, to deliver. This is, in part, because the whole reason the Conservatives want to leave the EU is to diverge from its rules and regulations which makes talks somewhat more protracted. The official I spoke to was clear: [The UK government] wants to diverge and that is not quick to negotiate they are swimming against not with the tide. A more comprehensive mixed trade deal would also have to be ratified by national and regional parliaments across the EU, which cannot be achieved by the end of this year. Only a simpler trade agreement, requiring consent at EU level alone could hope to get through before 2021. A barebones agreement, covering the basics such as goods exports could be nailed down by the end of the year. However, when I put this to an ambassador of one of the larger EU member states before Christmas he said there had been a lot of illusory assumptions around what is possible. The EU has said the quid pro quo for a barebones deal would be a level playing field on workers, consumer and environmental protections and certain other issues, which it is hard to see the Johnson government agreeing to or the EU relenting on Ursula von der Leyen, the new European Commission president was pretty uncompromising on this in her visit to London last week. David Henig, a former assistant director of the Department for International Trade set out in this excellent Twitter thread the minefield that awaits and gave this verdict on the preparedness on the UK side for what is to come: Domestically, government and parliament are not yet set up coherently to manage all these negotiations, devolved involvement is unknown, and businesses have to prepare both for no trade deal and to lobby for their interests in a deal. It is hard to disagree with his analysis. 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 By way of illustration of what is at stake, consider the situation of the financial services sector. Often wrongly stereotyped as being made up of over-remunerated investment bankers on multimillion pound bonuses, this is a sector that is vital to our country and employs more than 1 million people, two-thirds of whom work outside of the City of London. It accounts for 12 per cent of the economy and contributed more than 75bn in tax to the public coffers in the year to March 2019. One of the first items due to be sorted in the talks is the relationship between our financial regulatory regime and the EUs. The starting point for that discussion is supposed to be that the EU recognises the UKs supervisory regimes are broadly equivalent and trades with us on that basis but agreement on this, if it is reached, could be withdrawn unilaterally by the EU with as little as 30 days notice, which does not exactly put financial services trade on a stable footing. It is for this reason that it makes sense to shed the straight jacket and allow the transition period to be extended if necessary at the end of this year. Those who voted for the Tories last month will surely countenance breaking such a manifesto pledge if it helps safeguard their jobs and businesses of course, the principal concern of many that Brexit goes ahead will already have happened well before 2021, so it wont be a disaster if this occurs. Chuka Umunna is a former Liberal Democrat MP BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: In connection with the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has received appeals from about 2,000 local and foreign observers, most of which got positive response, Chairman of CEC Mazahir Panahov told reporters, Trend reports. According to the CEC chairman, 1,630 of the applicants are local observers. "There are about 70 foreign observers. Observation missions of the OSCE ODIHR and CIS Parliamentary Assembly have already begun their work," Panahov said. "Observers from the Italian and Czech parliaments, as well as from the Lithuanian Seimas have passed the accreditation process. Representatives of Moldova's CEC will also observe the elections. The registration of foreign observers continues." The early parliamentary elections will be held on Feb. 9 in Azerbaijan. Asheen Phansey called it a bad attempt at humour, but the US college professor has been fired for his Facebook post encouraging Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets. The remarks made by the professor at Babson College in Massachusetts were in response to US President Donald Trumps recent tweet saying the US had earmarked 52 Iranian cultural sites for destruction, warning Tehran not to strike back after an American drone killed Irans top general Qassem Suleimani. Phansey, an adjunct professor and the director of sustainability, suggested that Irans supreme leader might want to do the same and get specific. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should tweet a list of 52 sites of cultural American heritage that he would bomb ... Um Mall of America? Kardashian residence? he wrote on his Facebook page earlier this week. The post, which has since been deleted, was subject to a prompt and thorough investigation by Babson College, also Phanseys alma mater. The college said Phansey was fired because the post on his personal Facebook page does not represent the values and culture of the College. Based on the results of the investigation, the staff member is no longer a Babson College employee. As we have previously stated, Babson College condemns any type of threatening words and/or actions condoning violence and/or hate, Boston-based news outlet WBZ television reported. Phansey released a statement on Thursday, saying he was disappointed and saddened that the college had decided to abruptly terminate his 15-year relationship with it just because people willfully misinterpreted a joke. He called his post, which appeared to encourage Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets, a bad attempt at humour. I am really concerned about what this portends for our ability as Americans to engage in political discourse without presuming the worst about each other, he said. Phansey has also apologised through his attorney, insisting his post was simply a bad joke. I am sorry that my sloppy humour was read as a threat, he said. HOUSTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Machinery Services ("Cooper"), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management and the former Reciprocating Compression division of Baker Hughes, today announced the strategic acquisition of HOERBIGER's Engine Legacy Solutions business. This action advances Cooper's position as the technical leader of mission-critical compression and engine systems. HOERBIGER's Engine Legacy Solutions business provides repairs, overhauls, upgrades and emissions advancements for large reciprocating, natural gas and dual fuel engines. HOERBIGER's management team and a total of 30 employees from various locations will be retained and join Cooper as part of the transaction. "We are very pleased to add the Engine Legacy Solutions business to our Cooper portfolio. With this acquisition, the technical expertise of the Cooper organization, and our ability to assist our customers with the long-term preservation of their reciprocating horsepower, just took a giant step forward," said Cooper CEO, John Sargent. About Cooper Machinery Services Cooper Machinery Services, the former Reciprocating Compression division of Baker Hughes, is the original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") and supplier of parts and services to a large installed base of highly respected brands. The company's OEM brands include Cooper-Bessemer, Ajax, Superior, Gemini, Enterprise, TSI, CSI, TXC, and Joy. Cooper also provides parts and services for non-Cooper brands such as Worthington, Clark, and Ingersoll Rand. Manufacturing is conducted in its facilities in Houston, Texas, Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Salina, Kansas, while on-site services are delivered through its extensive network of field technicians operating out of fully equipped repair and overhaul shops strategically located around the U.S. Contact (For Press Inquiries Only): Julie Oakes Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (212) 3554449 SOURCE Arcline Investment Management Monday, January 13th, 2020 (11:10 am) - Score 1,249 Rural UK ISP Airband has today unveiled a new mission statement to mark their 10th anniversary, which says: Transforming Connectivity for people and communities who deserve better. Apparently this will underpin the firms aim of growing their position as a provider for under-served communities and demand-led projects. Admittedly press releases about mission statements arent very exciting, so well just do the quote and leave it at that. Redmond Peel, Founder and Director of Airband, said: We wanted to start the new year by officially announcing our new mission statement were excited about what this new year and the future holds for us as a company and for the telecoms industry as a whole. Weve been through a six-month rebranding process, which has involved a focus on the values we embody as a company and the values we want to demonstrate to our customers and our staff. This mission statement is our overall guiding statement as we go forwards into the new decade, with all our expertise supporting our energy and ambition. We started out building wireless networks for remote areas and we have now become one of the UKs leading hybrid broadband providers, delivering both fibre and wireless broadband across at least 15 different counties in England and Wales. In our fibre delivery, our preferred method is to deliver fibre using overhead fibre. This means we can deploy full fibre broadband more quickly than traditional fibre dig alone or wireless only deployments. Irish oil and gas explorer Providence Resources has offered its new CEO, Alan Linn, the option of buying shares in the group at a price of four cent, subject to shareholder approval. The company has agreed to award Mr Linn 15,000,000 options over ordinary shares, equaling a value of 600,000 (701,182). The options will be issued under the Providence Resources Employee Share Option Plan 2020, which is being established. The award is conditional on the approval of shareholders at a forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting of the company to be convened. The options will vest in three equal tranches on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date with an exercise price of four pence per share. Providence last week appointed Alan Linn as its new CEO. He replaces Tony O'Reilly Jnr, who stepped down in December after funding of $9m (8m) from Chinese group Apec failed to materialise. Mr Linn has over 35 years of oil and gas industry experience. Having established his career in the UK, he subsequently worked internationally with Lasmo, Cairn Energy, Tullow Oil, Roc Oil, and with Afren as part of a restructuring process. He joins Providence from Third Energy Onshore, where he was CEO. FILE PHOTO: Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Senator Cory Booker attends an event as part of his bus tour in Sioux City, Iowa, U.S. December 20, 2019. Picture taken December 20, 2019. REUTERS/Brenna Norman Reuters Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is dropping out of the 2020 presidential race. Booker had struggled to make a dent in the polls and did not qualify for Tuesday's Democratic presidential debate ahead of the Iowa caucuses. "It's with a full heart that I share this news I've made the hard decision to suspend my campaign for president," Booker said. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey on Monday announced he's dropping out of the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. "It's with a full heart that I share this news I've made the hard decision to suspend my campaign for president," Booker said in a statement alongside a video that announced the end of his campaign. "To my team, supporters, and everyone who gave me a shot thank you," Booker added. "I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together." In the video, Booker signaled that he planned to continue campaigning in support of the eventual Democratic nominee as well as for down-ballot candidates. "And so now I recommit myself to the work," Booker said. "I can't wait to get back on the campaign trail and campaign as hard as I can for whoever is the eventual nominee and for candidates up and down the ballot." Booker also thanked his supporters. "Campaigning over this last year has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life," he said. "Meeting you, meeting people across this country who believe who know that we have challenges right now in our nation, but together we will rise." The New Jersey senator, who previously served as mayor of Newark, ran on a message of optimism and unity amid a divisive era in US politics including among the Democratic contenders on issues like healthcare. Story continues "Together, we will channel our common pain back into our common purposes," Booker said in a video announcing the launch of his campaign last year. "Together, America, we will rise." Despite entering the race as a better-known politician than many of the other candidates, Booker had struggled to make a dent in the polls and did not qualify for the December Democratic presidential debate or Tuesday's debate ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Booker had garnered a reputation as a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, and continued to speak passionately on the issue along the campaign trial. In Booker's first radio interview after kicking off his 2020 campaign back in February, he reiterated his calls for marijuana to be legalized at the federal level. "We do not have equal justice under the law," he said at the time. "I believe in redemption." During a debate in November, Booker quipped that he thought former Vice President Joe Bidenmight have been "high" when he'd voiced opposition to legalizing marijuana. Though he's no longer running for president, Booker will continue to be active in US politics as a senator, including in President Donald Trump's impending impeachment trial. Trump chimed in on Booker ending his campaign via a tweet on Monday. "Really Big Breaking News (Kidding): Booker, who was in zero polling territory, just dropped out of the Democrat Presidential Primary Race," the president said. "Now I can rest easy tonight. I was sooo concerned that I would someday have to go head to head with him!" Read the original article on Business Insider Extreme heat kills more people in the United States than any other type of hazardous weather and will likely become even deadlier due to climate change. However, extreme heat does not affect all people equally. Surface temperatures in different neighborhoods within a single city can vary by a whopping 20 degrees (F), making some people more at risk of experiencing dangerous temperatures. A new study by researchers at the Science Museum of Virginia and Portland State University, with assistance from a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, is one of the first to link historical housing policies across the United States to inequitable heat exposure. "We found that those urban neighborhoods that were denied municipal services and support for home ownership during the mid-20th century now contain the hottest areas in almost every one of the 108 cities we studied," said Vivek Shandas, professor of urban studies and planning at Portland State University. "Our concern is that this systemic pattern suggests a woefully negligent planning system that hyper-privileged richer and whiter communities. As climate change brings hotter, more frequent and longer heat waves, the same historically underserved neighborhoods--often where lower-income households and communities of color still live--will, as a result, face the greatest impact." Jeremy Hoffman of the Science Museum of Virginia, and Nicholas Pendleton, a former student at Virginia Commonwealth University, also contributed to the study, which was published in the journal Climate on Monday, January 13th. The researchers examined the relationship between summertime surface temperatures, which were derived from satellite imagery, and historical housing policies, specifically 'redlining,' in 108 cities in the United States. Neighborhoods with less green space and more concrete and pavement are hotter on average, creating 'heat islands.' In an earlier study of Portland, Oregon, Shandas and colleagues found that lower-income households and communities of color tend to live in heat islands. They found similar effects in other cities, and they wanted to know why. To explore this question, they looked at the relationship between 'redlining' and surface heat. Beginning in the 1930s, discriminatory housing policies categorized some neighborhoods--designated with red lines--as too hazardous for investment. Thus, residents in 'redlined' neighborhoods were denied home loans and insurance. These areas continue to be predominantly home to lower-income communities and communities of color. While the practice of redlining was banned in 1968, this study aimed to assess the legacy effects of such policies within the context of rising temperatures. The study found formerly redlined neighborhoods are hotter than all other neighborhoods in 94% of the 108 cities studied. In particular, the researchers found that redlined neighborhoods across the country are about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, on average, than non-redlined neighborhoods. However, in some cities the differences are much more stark. For example, the cities of Portland, OR, Denver, CO and Minneapolis, MN showed the largest heat differences between redlined and non-redlined areas--as much as 12.6 degrees Fahrenheit. "The patterns of the lowest temperatures in specific neighborhoods of a city do not occur because of circumstance or coincidence. They are a result of decades of intentional investment in parks, green spaces, trees, transportation and housing policies that provided 'cooling services,' which also coincide with being wealthier and whiter across the country," said Shandas. "We are now seeing how those policies are literally killing those most vulnerable to acute heat." "I think anyone living in these neighborhoods today will tell you that it's hot during a heat wave," said Hoffman. "But that's not really the point. They are not only experiencing hotter heat waves with their associated health risks but also potentially suffering from higher energy bills, limited access to green spaces that alleviate stress and limited economic mobility at the same time. Our study is just the first step in identifying a roadmap toward equitable climate resilience by addressing these systemic patterns in our cities." There are ways to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on potentially vulnerable populations through urban planning, and the researchers want this study to lead to changes in the way we design our cities and neighborhoods. "Having worked with dozens of cities to support the creation of heat mitigation plans, we want to recognize that all neighborhoods are not made equal," Shandas said. "Nevertheless, by recognizing and centering the historical blunders of the planning profession over the past century, such as the exclusionary housing policies of 'redlining,' we stand a better chance for reducing the public health and infrastructure impacts from a warming planet." ### Contact: Vivek Shandas, Portland State University: 503-725-5222, mobile: 206-334-9697, vshandas@pdx.edu Jeremy Hoffman, PhD, Science Museum of Virginia; 804-864-1506, mobile: 563-349-3407, jhoffman@smv.org About the Science Museum of Virginia (SMV): Through experiential exhibits, artifacts, interactive technologies, programs, films, live animals and lab demos, the Science Museum of Virginia inspires hundreds of thousands of guests each year to enrich their lives through science. (http://www.smv.org) About Portland State University (PSU): Oregon's urban research university, recognized for excellence in sustainability and community engagement, is located in the heart of downtown Portland. PSU's motto is "Let Knowledge Serve the City," and it offers more than 200 degrees with opportunities to work with businesses, schools and organizations on real-world projects. (http://www.pdx.edu) Police have shut down a potentially explosive methylamphetamine laboratory on a remote property close to a bushfire that has burnt more than 37,000 hectares on the NSW South Coast. Strike force detectives descended on a rural property at Harolds Cross, about 30 kilometres south-west of Braidwood on Saturday, arresting two men and allegedly uncovering a large drug manufacturing laboratory. Luke Drever was one of the men arrested, while police remove equipment at the rural property at Harolds Cross. Credit:Facebook, NSW Police The volatile site was about 15 kilometres from the edge of the North Black Range, Palerang firefront, which is under control but still burning west of Braidwood. Luke Drever, 37, and Kevin Reilly, 38, were arrested just after 8.30am at the remote property, where they had allegedly been staying in a shed while manufacturing a commercial quantity of the drug ice. Death Toll in Niger Army Base Attack Rises to 89: Government The government of Niger declared three days of mourning after 89 soldiers were killed in an attack by suspected terrorists on a base located in the countrys west, a spokesman said. Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou also announced he has replaced the head of the countrys army, Ahmed Mohamed, who led the military for two years, Reuters reported on Monday. Major General Salifou Modi was appointed Mohameds successor on the same day. The government initially said that 25 people died in the attack. Days later, the government said the death toll was revised to 89, The Associated Press reported. The government calls on the population to be more vigilant, more serene and united, and reaffirms its determination to continue the fight against terrorism until the final victory, a government statement said. According to CNN, three days of mourning were announced by a government spokesman. Days before, Issoufou wrote that on behalf of the people of Niger, I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. He also wrote to salute the courage and bravery of the military forces who lost their lives and repelled the attack in Chinagodrar. Troops in Niger and Mali are fighting to suppress an insurgency. Both countries have been assaulted by Islamic extremists in recent months, resulting in hundreds of deaths. French soldiers loading a French Reaper drone with two GBU 12 missiles on Niamey airbase, Niger on Dec. 17. (French Defense Ministry communication center/AP) Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the special representative and head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, told the bodys Security Council last week that attacks in the region have increased at a rapid pace in recent years. He said more than 4,000 deaths were reported last year. But in 2016, only 770 deaths were recorded in the same area, which encompasses Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, Fox News reported. Most significantly, the geographic focus of terrorist attacks has shifted eastwards from Mali to Burkina Faso and is increasingly threatening West African coastal states, Chambas said at the U.N. Security Council meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet with President Issoufou and other West African leaders in the coming days, Fox News reported. The latest attack comes about a month after around 70 soldiers were killed in Niger near the Mali border in an assault blamed on Islamic terrorists. Nigerian army patrolmen drive along a road in northern Niger, on September 24, one week after the kidnapping by the Al-Qaeda of a group of expatriate workers employed by the French group Areva. (Issoup Sanogo/Getty Images ) In early December, the president of Burkina Faso also said that more than a dozen people were killed during a suspected terrorist attack on a Protestant church in Hantoukoura, located in the east of the West African country. Since July, hundreds of people have fled the area for Nigers capital, Niamey, or other nearby towns, the sources said, leaving their cattle and houses untended and unguarded. The region has been in crisis since 2012, when ethnic Tuareg rebels and loosely-aligned Islamic jihadists seized the northern two-thirds of Mali, forcing France to intervene the following year to beat them back. Reuters contributed to this report. (TNS) Springfield, Mass., police dont use facial recognition software and city councilors want to keep the technology away until it gets better and someone does a better job of regulating its use."We want to make sure that we as a municipality are not employing technology that has proven time after time to be inaccurate and inefficient," said Councilor Orlando Ramos Friday. "The second reason protect the general public unnecessary surveillance."Ramos and Councilor Adam Gomez will reintroduce Monday night legislation to ban the use of facial surveillance technology in Springfield. The measure died in committee last year.Ramos said he hopes to take a final vote in February.If it passes, Springfield would join neighboring community Northampton and Somerville, Brookline in Massachusetts as well as Oakland and San Francisco, California, which have already banned the technology. Ramos cites an American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts study released earlier Monday that used photos of Boston Red Sox and Celtics players to demonstrate limitations of Amazon Rekognition software. The ACLU fed photos of 188 New England athletes into the system and it misidentified 28 , matching them to mugshots in the arrest photo database.The technology is apparently especially poor at differentiating among individuals with ethnic facial features.Ramos said the study is convincing evidence that the technology is not mature enough to be deployed by police and that it has potential to cast suspicion on innocent men and women. C anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to get justice for those who died in the downing of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran. Speaking at one of the memorial services for the victims in Edmonton, Alberta, the leaders said it had been gut-wrenching to listen to stories from relatives of 57 Canadians who died. Many of the victims had come to Canada in search of new opportunities for their families, but those families are now consumed by grief and outrage, he said. The Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 was shot down moments after taking off from Tehran on January 8, shortly after Iran had launched missiles at two airbases housing US forces in Iraq. A "furious" Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would get justice for victims / AFP via Getty Images All 176 on board were killed, including 138 who were headed for Canada and dozens of Iranians. There were also nationals from the Ukraine, the UK, Afghanistan and Sweden. Justin Trudeau speaks at a memorial service at the University of Alberta for the victims of a Ukrainian passenger plane / REUTERS Iran has admitted the plane was mistaken for a hostile target amid soaring tensions with the United States . Mr Trudeau called it a Canadian "tragedy". Justin Trudeau is one of the leaders at a memorial service for victims of the Ukrainian plane crash / AP "This tragedy should never have occurred," he said, speaking to a crowd of more than 2,300 people. "We will not rest until there are answers. We will not rest until there is justice and accountability." A woman weeps during a memorial service at the University of Toronto in Toronto / AFP via Getty Images Other memorials were held Sunday across the country. At the Vancouver Art Gallery, National Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan also called the crash a national tragedy. A woman reacts during a memorial service at the University of Toronto in Toronto / AFP via Getty Images At the University of Toronto, many cried throughout the ceremony as speakers listed victims, including a one-year-old. The congregation broke out in raucous applause when various speakers and politicians said Iran would be held accountable. Fati Mortazavi, whose best friend died in the crash, said having a community come together helped her cope with the tragedy. "It's so comforting for us," said Mortazavi. "As long as we know that someone cares for these people, that's so important for us." Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland attended the vigil in Toronto and said the loss goes well beyond the university. "This is Toronto's loss, this is Ontario's loss and this is Canada's loss," an emotional Freeland told the vigil. "Nothing will ever replace these brilliant lives that have been cut short. We will always ... bear these scars." Mourners gather at the Imam Mahdi Islamic Centre in Toronto / AFP via Getty Images Three members of Canada's standing rapid deployment team arrived Saturday in Iran to establish a base of operations for the Canadian government in the wake of the crash. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said on Sunday that Iran has approved visas for six more members of the team, who are currently in Ankara, Turkey, as well as for two experts from the Transportation Safety Board. The eight are to travel to Iran on Monday, Mr Champagne said in a series of tweets. A spokesman for Mr Champagne said the officials "will be there to provide consular assistance to the families of the victims, including supporting repatriation of remains, to help identify victims and to assist in the investigation." Mourners sign a book of condolence during a memorial service at the University of Toronto / AFP via Getty Images Canada's Transportation Board said it also plans to deploy a second team of investigators who specialize in aircraft recorder download and analysis. Maple Leafs Foods chief executive Michael McCain, meanwhile, blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for the death of an employee's wife and family. Mr McCain called Trump that "narcissist in Washington" and said the dead Canadians are collateral damage in a rare instance of a Canadian corporate leader making a strong political statement. He said he's still grappling with the death of his colleague's wife and 11-year-old son. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 13, 2020 Searchmetrics appointed Doug Bell to global CMO from VP of marketing and U.S. CMO, and now he is helping to lead the company into machine learning and deep learning that will help it create data libraries and gear up for international growth. As a child, Bell was interested in becoming a computer programmer or an artist at a time when the language Fortran was new and people climbed the steps into a mobile trailer to code. By the time he reached college his interests and fascination in art and data led him to marketing. Otherwise I would have been third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, he said. On his time off, Bell likes to take his wife and kids safely scrambling up rocks, hiking through a slat canyon, rafting or kayaking. He likens his outside interests to his new position of global CMO. These are all part of perennial problem solving, he said. Aside from insomnia the great benefit of an active mind is curiosity. advertisement advertisement Searchmetrics is beginning to use techniques in machine learning, the ability to train code, to create a library, as more companies become data aggregators and marketing mixes change. The company has been using deep learning, when codes learn on their own, for about three years. We will use deep learning to simplify search in a dramatic way, so we can take it from experts in marketing departments, he said. It will change the way complex things are put out there into the public. Bell believes companies will move from enterprise software and toward machine-learning libraries or toolkits. Integration will become critical. Companies like Searchmetrics will contribute by selling licenses to machine-learning libraries to selling data. Searchmetrics acquires teraflops of data annually, Bell said, because the company does its own crawling of the web. Literally you will see the machine-learning library, businesses intelligence layers and people acquisition data because they realize how difficult it is to acquire through aggregation, he said. If were moving correctly it will lead up to a new business model and away from enterprise software. Some of the biggest challenges for Searchmetrics have been in European data protection laws, GDPR, but it has made it easier to tackle restrictions like CCPA in the United States. Business models are changing. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes retailers must do a better job of leveraging the data they collect on consumers, rather than dumping tons of money into search advertising on places such as Google and Facebook with mixed success, Yahoo Finance reported on Monday from the National Retail Federation conference in New York. Christian Broscheit, former VP of sales and services for EMEA, was promoted to global chief revenue officer. Bell and Broscheit join the global management team alongside the CEO, COO and CFO. Dirk Wolf, CFO; and Jordan Koene, CEO of Searchmetrics, will leave the company. Matt Colebourne steps in as Searchmetrics global CEO. Searchmetrics will announce its new CFO appointment shortly. New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on Monday launched a new fuel known as High Flash High Speed Diesel (HFHSD - IN 512) exclusively for Indian Navy warships. "On January 13, 2020, the launch of the new fuel -- HFHSD - IN 512 -- with revised technical specifications was undertaken," Indian Navy Commander Vivek Madhwal told IANS. The new fuel will enable India to ensure interoperability amongst foreign Navies during fleet exercises and provide fuel of quality better than that mandated to all foreign Navies under bilateral and multi-national logistics support pacts, including Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Madhwal explained. It will also benefit Indian Coast Guard and other merchant marines in the coming years. "The achievement would also mark a new high with quality fuel being made available to all foreign Navy ships at Indian ports during exercises with the Indian Navy," Madhwal said. The Indian Navy had collaborated with IOCL to carry out an extensive and thorough study and a comparative evaluation of existing international regulations like International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). "As an outcome, a revised technical specification was arrived at consisting of 22 test parameters, including critical parameters like cetane number, flash point, sulphur content, sediment content, oxidation stability and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP)," Madhwal said, adding that the new specification was not only to ensure better quality fuel, but would also result in reduced carbon footprint. IOCL, post the upgradation of the refinery units, initiated a limited supply of the product to Indian Navy platforms following which rigorous machinery performance checks and acceptance trials were carried out. A distinct improvements in fuel quality were observed. "Given the positive results, the new fuel was therefore decided for pan Navy implementation," he added. The deal for fuel quality standards revision was inked to keep pace with induction of new technology equipment and meet contemporary emission standards. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) Organizations and government agencies have begun calling for donations on Monday to help victims and evacuees in the wake of the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas. Philippine Red Cross Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon said the agency is accepting relief goods in the form of face masks, towels, bottled water, easy-open canned goods, cup noodles, biscuits, 3-in-1 coffee sachets, cleaning materials, blankets and mattresses and hygiene kits. Other groups said they are also accepting cash donations. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it needs individuals or groups volunteer to help pack food and relief items for affected families. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Managament Council said 6,891 families, or 30,432 people, from Batangas and Cavite were affected by the eruption. The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said 33,654 residents are staying in different evacuation centers. It is not clear why they have different figures but the NDRRMC usually takes time to validate reports from local disaster offices. Taal started rumbling and belching ash plumes on Sunday in a steam-driven eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has since raised the alert for Taal to level 4 which means a "hazardous eruption" is possible within days or hours. On Monday, the volcano had a magmatic eruption, spewing a "weak" lava fountain for an hour and a half. Here is a list of groups accepting donations as well as how to contact them: Batangas local government Philippine Red Cross DSWD Region IV-A The Salvation Army Tulong Kabataan (under Kabataan Party-list) Caritas Manila Rotaract Club (San Pedro East 3820 and Taal-Lemery SH) Jesus' Flock Gateway Church Some schools have also announced calls for donations: University of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines De La Salle Lipa Malayan Colleges Laguna University of Santo Tomas Animal rights groups have also asked for donations to help abandoned animals near Taal. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Bank details: Metrobank Account Name: PETA Asia-Pacific Limited Account Number: 007-066-31632-3 Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) This is a developing story. Please refresh page for updates. Islamabad (AFP) - Pakistan's foreign minister is visiting Tehran on Sunday in a bid to defuse rising tensions in the region after the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. For decades Pakistan has tried to balance its strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and ties with Iran, with whom it shares a near 1,000-kilometre (625-mile) border. Sunday's visit comes as tensions mount across the Middle East following the 62-year-old general's death in Iraq, and Iran's admission that it shot down an airliner by mistake, killing 176 people on board. "Recent developments seriously endanger peace and security in an already volatile region and underscore the need for immediate and collective efforts for a peaceful resolution," Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement. Shah Mehmood Qureshi will convey to Iran "Pakistan's readiness to support all efforts that facilitate resolution of differences and disputes through political and diplomatic means", it said. After meeting his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, Qureshi will visit Saudi Arabia on January 13 to hold talks with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan. The minister will also visit the US after concluding his visit to Tehran and Riyadh, a source in Pakistan's foreign office confirmed. Last year Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan travelled between Saudi Arabia and Iran in a bid to calm relations between the rivals. Pakistan has good relations with Saudi Arabia, with more than 2.5 million of its nationals living and working in the kingdom, but it also maintains close ties with Iran and represents Tehran's consular interests in the United States. Executive moves reflect the company's commitment to maximizing operational efficiency and increasing value for customers and shareholders JASPER, Ind., Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kimball International, Inc. (KBAL) will consolidate its manufacturing operations and implement a company-wide approach to all corporate business practices including legal, compliance, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). This plan is designed to enable the Kimball International Connect Strategy through increasing value across our business units and the enterprise. We created two new roles to support these changes. Greg Meunier has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Kimball International Global Operations and Mark Johnson will join the company as Chief Legal, Governance Officer and Corporate Secretary. We are streamlining manufacturing for all of our brands into one world-class, global operations group, said Kristie Juster, Kimball International CEO. Gregs deep experience, gained over the course of his 31-year tenure with the company, is an incredible asset in this transition. His knowledge and expertise will guide the team to set new standards in quality assurance, efficiency and productivity. The Global Operations team will include manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, logistics, R&D, safety, and environmental. Im excited about the opportunity to leverage our manufacturing strengths across the organization, said Meunier. We are committed to providing high quality products and service to our customers and our new structure provides an even greater opportunity to deliver on that promise. To lead the corporate business practices and legal affairs, Kimball International recruited Johnson, who was previously Deputy General Counsel at Newell Brands Inc. Johnsons role will support the companys shift to a centralized structure and the Kimball International Connect strategy; he will also develop company-wide Environmental, Social and Governance policies. Story continues Our center-led structure requires a strategic approach to legal and compliance matters, as well as expertise in ESG practices, said Juster. Were committed to further strengthening our corporate sustainability and social impact initiatives, and Marks leadership and experience with other publicly traded companies will catapult our efforts in these areas. About Kimball International, Inc. For over 65 years, Kimball International has created design driven furnishings that have helped our customers shape spaces into places, bringing possibility to life by enabling collaboration, discovery, wellness and relaxation. We go to market through our family of brands: Kimball, National, Kimball Hospitality, David Edward and Dstyle by Kimball Hospitality. Our values and high integrity are demonstrated daily by living our Purpose and Guiding Principles that establish us as an employer of choice. We build success by growing long-term relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and the communities in which we operate. In fiscal 2019, the Company generated $768 million in revenue and employed over 3,000 people. For more information, visit us online at www.kimballinternational.com . Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 22:19:51|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LUSAKA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday said it was unacceptable for outsiders to dictate on how African countries should be governed. The Zambian leader said Africa should be allowed to dictate on how it governs itself instead of outsiders dictating. He said Africa was slowly choosing how its people will be governed and what structures of governance or institution will be put in place, state-broadcaster quoted him as saying. In remarks delivered when outgoing Sudanese Ambassador to Zambia Award Ali paid a courtesy call on him, the Zambian leader said his government remains committed to cooperating with all the regional bodies it was affiliated to in Africa. According to him, African countries could only grow if they realized their potential and work to enhance growth potential. He further pledged Zambia's commitment to strengthen its relations with Sudan in order to improve the lives of people of the two countries. Zambia, he said, was keen to learn from Sudan's best practices in the agriculture sector. On his part, the Sudan envoy commended the Zambian president over his participation in various regional bodies. Government ethics reform is on the table throughout the Washington region, and much of it is overdue. In the District of Columbia, ethical violations by longtime council member Jack Evans, D, exposed holes in the oversight practices that are supposed to prevent conflicts of interest. Evans announced last week that he would resign rather than endure certain expulsion by his colleagues. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R, is pushing to toughen penalties for corruption after federal prosecutors last year nabbed two former state legislators and the former Baltimore mayor (herself a former lawmaker) - all three of them Democrats - for wrongdoing. In Virginia, legislators are pushing to ban political powerhouse Dominion Energy from making campaign contributions after the electric utility reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in excess profits following a 2015 regulatory overhaul. The battle against crooked politicians and campaign finance abuses never ends, for the simple reason that the officials empowered to prevent shady dealings are the very ones who stand to benefit from them. Today, as in the past, the revelation of misconduct triggers public cries for change. But the danger is that a burst of activity will end up being just for show. "To some degree, what happens after a scandal, people want to move the chairs around on the deck, and nothing really changes," said D.C. Council member Charles Allen, D, chairman of the judiciary and public safety committee. Here are highlights of the state of play in each jurisdiction: Washington: The Evans scandal has spawned a lot of proposals, many of which seem doomed to fail. As a minimum first step, there's agreement on the need for more clarity and more aggressive enforcement of existing rules. In particular, council members and ethics watchdogs said nobody is currently tasked with reviewing members' financial disclosure forms to ensure they are complete and don't raise red flags. Evans's violations might have been caught earlier had he disclosed individual clients of his consulting company. He says he wasn't required to identify them, a defense that some dispute. In any case, no official at the council, the Board of Government Ethics and Accountability or any other body was actively looking for potential problems. The ethics board's director, Brent Wolfingbarger, resigned Dec. 31 after drawing criticism for the board's failure to promptly investigate complaints. "Essentially you have a situation where people are asked to file these reports, but what does that mean when nobody's reviewing the reports?" said Dorothy Brizill, head of the watchdog organization D.C. Watch. "At some point, there has to be a sheriff in town, and right now, there isn't one." D.C. Auditor Kathleen Patterson and council member Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) are among those calling for creation of an ethics committee within the council to enforce the rules. "We should police ourselves," Silverman said. "BEGA moves very slowly, and a council ethics committee could move with much more urgency, at least to do the investigative work." But others think a council committee would be cumbersome, and that a better path is to pressure the ethics board to be more aggressive. Council member Allen said both the ethics board and the Office of Campaign Finance needed to be more proactive. "They have to ask questions. They have to make us nervous. I don't think they make anybody nervous," Allen said. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, D, said he was considering whether to require the general counsel to review disclosure statements. He also said the ethics board should "be a better cop, but of the gentle variety - nudging us, correcting us, guiding us." Other proposals would ban outside employment for council members, eliminate constituent services funds and tighten oversight of government contract awards. But such changes have been rejected in the past, and it's not clear they would muster the necessary support today. Maryland: In just three months at the end of 2019, former Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh and former delegate Tawanna Gaines (Prince George's) pleaded guilty to federal charges, and former delegate Cheryl Glenn (Baltimore City) was indicted on charges of bribery and wire fraud. Hogan cited those cases in proposing legislation to increase the maximum state monetary penalty for bribery from $10,000 to $100,000. His bill also would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from lawmakers convicted of taking bribes. "A pervasive culture of corruption continues to exist, and it is clear that even tougher and more stringent laws are needed," Hogan said. Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland, said the Democratic-led legislature would probably "take some kind of action," though Democrats have more than enough votes to block the governor's proposal. At the same time, Democratic legislators are paying close attention to a report in the Washington Monthly suggesting that Hogan has not recused himself sufficiently from decisions about road projects that could affect his business interests. Hogan called the report "completely false." Antoine said Hogan "is in compliance with the law" and "is always disclosing these business dealings." But, she added, "The concerns that the [Democratic] Party and public may have about whether he's benefiting from these transportation policies are valid." Virginia: Dominion is the state's largest electric utility and biggest campaign donor, and it has often gotten its way in Richmond. In one of the company's biggest victories, the General Assembly agreed in 2015 to freeze base electric rates and prevent the State Corporation Commission from ordering utilities to return excess profits to ratepayers. Since then, the commission has found that Dominion has overcharged customers by more than $1.3 billion. Both Democrats and Republicans have backed Dominion in the past, but in recent election campaigns many Democrats - including those challenging sitting lawmakers - pledged to get tough with the company. One result could be passage of a bill sponsored by Sen. Chap Petersen, D, to ban all campaign contributions from public interest corporations. The senator has proposed similar measures in the past without success. He thinks the bill's chances are better today. "Dominion was giving millions of dollars in campaign contributions, and they were essentially writing the legislation on energy regulation," Petersen said. "It's gotten a lot of attention. Its time may be at hand." A suggestion to introduce a dress code in the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple for devotees who want to enter the sanctum sanctorum and touch the 'Jyotirlinga' was discussed at a meeting here, an official of the temple trust said Monday. But no formal proposal is under consideration or any decision taken on this, Varanasi Divisional Commissioner Deepak Aggarwal said. The meeting was held on Sunday by UP minister of state for religious affairs Neelkanth Tiwari and Deepak Aggarwal with the members of the 'Kashi Vidvat Parishad', Vishal Singh of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust told reporters. Parishad is a body of scholars that advises the administration on religious and other matters in the temple city. A suggestion to introduce the dress code of dhoti-kurta for males and sari for females for devotees who want to enter the sanctum sanctorum and touch the 'Jyotirlinga' was discussed at the meeting, Singh said. It was suggested that devotees in other dresses like jeans, shirt, trousers and suits should be allowed to offer prayers in the temple but not be permitted sparsh-darshan (touching Jyotirlinga) in the sanctum sanctorum, he said. Aggarwal, however, stressed that it was only an oral suggestion by some members of the Parishad which was discussed at the meeting. "There is no formal proposal under consideration and no decision has been taken on introducing a dress code," he said. During the meeting, according to sources, it was said by some Parishad that there has been a long-pending demand of devotees that there should a dress code for entering sanctum sanctorum as is the tradition in several temples of south India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An alleged link between arrested counter-insurgency officer Davinder Singh and 2001 Parliament Attack convict Afzal Guru would have made no difference to the trial in the terror case, the judge who found the 44-year-old Kashmiri man guilty said on Monday. Singh, a decorated officer with the Jammu & Kashmir Police, was arrested on Saturday for alleged ties with militants in Kashmir. Police intercepted a car on the national highway and arrested deputy superintendent Singh with two militants and an alleged aide. The arrest, and Singhs treatment as a terrorist by police, put the spotlight on an allegation made by Guru in a letter to his lawyers in 2004. In the letter, written to his lawyer Sushil Kumar, Guru said he helped one of the terrorists killed in the 2001 attack, Mohammed, at the behest of Special Task Force of J&K police and Singh. It was Singh, alleged the letter, who asked Afzal to accompany Mohammed to Delhi and arrange for his stay. In the letter, however, Guru spells the first name of the officer as Dravinder. But justice SN Dhingra, who awarded the death penalty to Guru in 2002, said the allegations would have been distractions and not have had any bearing on Gurus case. Guru was hanged in 2013 for waging of war against the state, murder and criminal conspiracy; conspiring and knowingly facilitating terrorist acts and harbouring and concealing terrorists. I cannot comment on it (charges against Singh). There are many black sheep in the police, those who just help themselves, said justice Dhingra, adding, This doesnt make any difference to Afzals case, as that is now done with. At that time, they focussed on terrorists, and if this would have come out, it would have distracted all. But Gurus lawyer Nandita Haksar alleged the charges were not probed at all, and that Guru was not given proper legal representation. [Singh] was an important personbut from my own experience, I had my suspicions about his conduct. His luck seems to have run out and now also only convenient truth will come out. Afzal was their asset but was sacrificed as per the demands of the time then, said Sushil Kumar. During the trial, Afzal never denied his role that he was in touch with Mohammed. A phone Guru used was in contact with a phone found on Mohammeds body. But Guru said the phone was provided to him by the STF, and this allegation was not accepted by the courts. In the Parliament attack case, I was entrapped by Special Task Force of Kashmir, Guru wrote in the letter. He alleged that Dravinder Singh tortured him and put him in touch with Mohammed. The letter was quoted in Arundhati Roys 2013 book, The Hanging of Afzal Guru and the Strange Case of the Attack on Indian Parliament. Justice Dhingras comments came even as the Congress raised questions about Singhs role in the 2001 attack that killed 14 people and ratcheted up tensions between India and Pakistan. Who is Devinder Singh? Whats his role in 2001 Parliament Attack? Whats his role in Pulwama Attack, where he was Dy SP DR?, Congresss chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet. Singh, who was decorated with the President Police Medal about four months ago, was suspended on Monday and continued to be grilled by a team of police and intelligence investigators. His office at Srinagar airport, where he was posted as deputy superintendent of police in the anti-hijacking squad, was sealed. This isnt the first instance of officers being accused in terror plots. In 2000, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) operative Nain Singh was accused of being involved in the Red Fort attack case, where three people died. In the Red Fort case, an investigation by Delhi Polices Special Cell blamed Lashkar-e-Taiba but the convicted terrorist, Mohammed Arif, claimed he was an agent working for the Indian intelligence community, and that he met Nain Singh at the suggestion of another agency operative. Arif claimed Nain Singh helped him settle in Delhi, take the identity of a resident of Jammu but ultimately fell out over money. Nain Singh didnt turn up in court as a witness and the Delhi high court dismissed this allegation. But it acknowledged that the attacker Arif may have been linked to an Indian intelligence wing. However, it said, that even if Arif knew these police officers through Nain Singh, it was not sufficient reason to conclude that they was falsely implicated. Haksar said that the two cases underlined the need for transparency in the intelligence services operations. pensacola naval air station shooting Getty Images/Josh Brasted US Attorney General William P. Barr declared the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola in December an "act of terrorism" on Monday. On Dec. 6, Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a Saudi military officer who was in the US for training, killed three US Navy sailors at the Florida naval base with a handgun. An investigation into the shooting revealed that the shooter was motivated by jihadist ideology, Barr said. The US found that 21 other Saudi nationals in the US for training were in possession of concerning materials, such as jihadist or anti-American content and even child pornography. Saudi Arabia is pulling them out of the US and will be reviewing their cases in accordance with local military justice codes and criminal law. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The US attorney general, joined by FBI officials, declared the deadly shooting at a Florida naval base last month an "act of terrorism" on Monday, revealing that 21 Saudi nationals training in the US are being sent home. On Dec. 6, 21-year-old Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a Saudi military officer who was in the US for training as part of a three-year program, used a 9mm to open fire on US Navy personnel at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. He killed three sailors and injured a handful of others before he was killed by local law enforcement officials in an attack that shocked the nation. "This was an act of terrorism," Attorney General William P. Barr said Monday in a statement released by the Department of Justice. He explained that the shooter appeared to be motivated by "jihadist ideology," adding that he regularly posted anti-American, anti-Israeli, and jihadi messages on social media. He did so just before he commenced his attack, during which he "proceeded to walk around shooting down his unarmed victims in cold blood," the AG said. Alshamrani posted on social media on Sept. 11 last year that "the countdown has begun. He is said to have visited the 9/11 memorial in New York City over the Thanksgiving weekend. Story continues It is unclear exactly how his social media activity was missed during the vetting process, but previous media reports revealed that Alshamrani had a secret Twitter account that did not include his full name, a photo, or any biographical information, making it harder to find. An analysis of this account, discovered after the shooting, showed that the shooter may have embraced a radical ideology years before the attack. Following the shooting, the Department of Defense ordered a pause on operational training for all Saudi military personnel training in the US, a decision that affected roughly 850 students. Barr explained that while there is no evidence that other members of the Saudi military had prior-knowledge of or assisted Alshamrani before or during the attack, the investigation did reveal that 21 members of the Saudi military in the US for training were in possession of concerning material. "Seventeen had social media containing some jihadi or anti-American content," Barr said in the DoJ statement. "However, there was no evidence of any affiliation or involvement with any terrorist activity or group." He added that "15 individuals (including some of the 17 just mentioned) had had some kind of contact with child pornography." The trainees, he explained, will not faces charges or federal prosecution. Saudi Arabia has decided that the material evidence constitutes conduct unbecoming an officer of the Saudi Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. "The 21 cadets have been dis-enrolled from their training curriculum in the U.S. military and will be returning to Saudi Arabia,' Barr explained. He added that Saudi Arabia has promised to review each of the cases in accordance with the country's military justice codes and criminal law. The Pentagon said in a statement Thursday that during the course of the shooting investigation, investigators identified 21 members of the Saudi military in the US for training that were "engaged in activity that raised serious concerns." "Upon notification of these circumstances, the Department of Defense worked with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to withdraw the students from training and in consultation with the Department of Justice, the DOD worked with the Saudi Embassy in the United States to return these students to Saudi Arabia." Read the original article on Business Insider Flowers and candles are placed in front of the portraits of the flight crew members of the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed in Iran, at a memorial at the Boryspil International Airport outside Kiev, Ukraine, on Jan. 11, 2020. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters) Our Enemy Is Here: Iran Protesters Demand Leaders Quit After Plane Is Shot Down DUBAIProtests erupted across Iran for a second day on Sunday, putting pressure on the countrys leadership after the military admitted it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner at a time when Tehran was fearing U.S. airstrikes. They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here, a group of protesters outside a university in Tehran chanted, according to video clips posted on Twitter. Posts showed other demonstrators outside a second university and a group of protesters marching to Tehrans Azadi (Freedom) Square. The videos also showed protests in other cities. Some state-affiliated media carried reports of the university protests, after Saturdays demonstrations sparked by Irans announcement that its military had mistakenly brought down the Ukrainian plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 aboard. Tehran residents told Reuters police were out in force in the capital city on Sunday. Public anger boiled up following days of denials by the Iranian military. Riot police fired teargas on Saturday at thousands of protesters in the capital, where many chanted Death to the dictator, directing their anger at the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Apologise and Resign, Irans moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the peoples demand is for those responsible for mishandling the plane crisis to resign. The latest upsurge in anger adds to the public pressure directed at Irans leaders, which are struggling to keep the crippled economy afloat under stringent U.S. sanctions. It launched the bloodiest crackdown in the 40-year history of the Islamic Republic in November after protests against a hike in fuel prices turned political. About 1,500 people were killed in less than two weeks of unrest, three interior ministry officials told Reuters, though international rights groups put the figure much lower. Irans leaders rejected the figure. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday: To the leaders of IranDO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. Irans Enemies Want to Take Revenge The Ukraine International Airlines plane was shot down minutes after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday. Many on board were Iranians with dual citizenship, while 57 were holders of Canadian passports. The downing of the plane came at a time when Iranian forces were on alert for U.S. reprisals following tit-for-tat strikes. A U.S. drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 3 killed prominent Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, responsible for building up Irans network of regional proxy armies in Iraq and beyond. Tehran responded with missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq. No U.S. soldiers were killed in the retaliatory attack, but in the tense hours after that, the Ukrainian Boeing 737 was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and brought down by a missile fired allegedly by mistake. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 20, 2019. (Charly Triballeau/Pool via Reuters) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the shooting down of the plane was a disastrous mistake and apologized. A top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public fury when he said he had told the authorities on the same day as the crash that an Iranian missile had struck the plane. The Guards top commander Hossein Salami said, We are more upset than anyone over the incident, state media reported. Another commander said Iran did not intend to conceal the cause of the downed plane. But others said Irans enemies, a term usually used to refer to Washington and its allies, were exploiting the incident. Irans enemies want to take revenge on the Guards for a military mistake, said Ali Shirazi, Khameneis representative to the Quds Force, the overseas Guards unit that Soleimani headed, state media reported. March Towards Pariah Status Iranian officials sought to portray the plane disaster as a second blow to a nation mourning after Soleimanis death. His funeral prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described as a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general. While both Tehran and Washington have backed off from intensifying their conflict, the leader of Lebanons heavily armed Hezbollah group called on Sunday for Tehrans allies to begin working to avenge Soleimanis killing. Retaliation would happen in the coming days, weeks and months, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech. Iran-allied Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. The killing of Soleimani dramatically escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington, following months of hostilities since Trump withdrew from a nuclear pact between Iran and world powers in 2018 and then toughened up sanctions. Britain said its ambassador in Iran was briefly detained on Saturday, which Iranian media said was because he was inciting protests. The envoy said he attended a vigil for plane victims. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned the arrest and said Iran can continue its march towards pariah status or take steps to de-escalate tensions with diplomacy. By Parisa Hafezi A woman carrying a mysterious strain of a virus linked to an outbreak of pneumonia in China has been quarantined in Thailand, authorities said on Monday, in the first instance of the infection going international. The patient, carrying a new form of coronavirus, had travelled from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and was identified by Thai officials on 8 January, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said. Some 41 people have been infected in an outbreak centred on Wuhan and believed to be linked to a coronavirus. A 61-year-old man has died of pneumonia and six other people remain in a critical condition. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause infections ranging from the common cold to SARS. Some of the virus types cause less serious disease while some, like the one that causes MERS, are far more severe. Thai authorities are now ramping up monitoring at airports ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, beginning on 25 January, when hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists are expected to travel there. 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 Being able to identify a patient shows that there is efficiency in our monitoring system. We are confident that we can manage the situation, Thai public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. The Chinese outbreak appeared to be linked to a single seafood market in Wuhan and had not so far spread beyond there, the WHO said. In a statement it added: The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected, and reinforces why WHO calls for on-going active monitoring and preparedness in other countries. Genetic sequencing shared by China enables more countries to rapidly diagnose patients. It is essential that investigations continue in China to identify the source of this outbreak and any animal reservoirs or intermediate hosts. Additional reporting by Reuters Cameron Smith won the Sony Open in Hawaii on Sunday for his second PGA TOUR title, and first individual win. He also won the 2017 Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Jonas Blixt. Smith, 26, moved to fifth in the FedExCup after defeating Brendan Steele in a one-hole playoff a Waialae. RELATED: Sony Open win means 'that little bit more' | Winner's Bag | International Team announces Australian bushfire relief donation Heres a closer look at the best stats from Smiths win in Hawaii: 1. BOUNCE BACK: Two holes into the tournament, Smith didnt look destined for the winners circle. He bogeyed his first hole Thursday, then made a triple-bogey 7 on the next hole. He is the first player since at least 2003 to win after playing the first two holes in 4 over. ShotLink, which began in 2003, records the starting hole for each round. 2. ON A ROLL: Smith played his next 16 holes in 4 under to shoot 70 in the first round. His putter helped him dig out of that early hole. He gained +4.8 strokes on the greens Thursday. He went 4 for 5 from 10-15 feet TOUR players made 30% of putts from that range last season -- and sank putts of 21 and 15 feet. It was the second-best Strokes Gained: Putting round of Smiths career, surpassed only by the +5.0 he gained in the second round of this seasons Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Contrast that to the final three rounds this week, when Smith didnt sink a single putt from outside 10 feet. He did hole nine of 11 attempts from 7-10 feet in the final three rounds, though. Thats a 82% make percentage. 3. STEELES SUNDAY: Steele started the final round with a three-shot lead and looked to have the tournament in hand after holing a bunker shot on the par-3 11th. He played the final seven holes in 2 over, though. He bogeyed 13 and 17 to sign for a final-round 71. Steele led the field in Strokes Gained: Putting through three rounds but was last in the field in that statistic Sunday. He was just 1 for 5 from 4-8 feet in the final round and didnt make a putt outside 6 feet. A dodgy water heater installed in a makeshift bathroom caused the death of a 47-year-old mother, a coroner has ruled. Heather Diane Pearce died on January 13, 2018, after she showered in a water tank that was installed by her late father-in-law on a rural property in Reedy Creek, South Australia. Her husband Grantley found her unconscious on the floor of the makeshift and freestanding bathroom fashioned from a converted concrete tank. Heather Diane Pearce died on January 13, 2018, after she showered in a water tank (pictured) that had been installed by her late father-in-law on a rural Reedy Creek, South Australian, property The heater was an instantaneous gas hot water heater, which didn't have an air duct, that was installed in 1996 - and was against regulation He desperately tried in vain to perform CPR. It was first thought she had medical issues but an autopsy confirmed the cause of death as carbon monoxide toxicity. Tests on the water heater subsequently found it was not compliant with regulations and should never have been installed in the bathroom. 'I find, that the source of the carbon monoxide which led to her death was the bathroom heater, installed contrary to the relevant regulations,' Dr Karen Heath said. The heater had never been serviced or broken down prior to Mrs Pearce's death - the only change was the metal sheet had been replaced five years beforehand due to rust. Dr Heath recommended a public health warning be issued as a result of Mrs Pearce's death. Pictured: faulty gas water heater Senior gas inspector Ron Jessen told the inquest that a 10-second test performed on the water heater returned a carbon monoxide reading of 960 parts per million. A normal reading would be between 40 and 150 parts per million. Mr Jessen said a second test had to be stopped because it was exceeding the levels his instruments could take. In his findings published on Monday, Coroner David Whittle said the operation of the heater was further compromised by the placement of a metal plate on top which blocked the free flow of combustion products. Mr Whittle said it was clear that the source of the carbon monoxide that killed Mrs Pearce was the bathroom heater. 'The unsafe nature of the bathroom heater was exacerbated by its use in a room which was not otherwise adequately ventilated,' he said. 'The cause of death was a direct result of the use of the non-compliant water heater.' As part of his recommendations, the coroner issued a public warning that indoor gas appliances posed a serious threat to health and safety if not installed and operated properly. BankBazaar, India's leading online marketplace for financial products, launched the second edition of 'BankBazaar Moneymood 2020'. It is a review of credit purchase trends in India in 2019 and presents the outlook for 2020. As per the report, despite the slowdown, instead of putting their major life goals on hold, Indians are achieving them by being smartly cautious in taking credit. The demand for high-value loans has been sluggish, though the number of people opting for loans of lower ticket sizes continued to increase. In the home loan segment, the contribution of home loans under Rs 30 lakh has increased to 72 per cent of the total number of applications. This spurt has been fuelled largely by first-time home buyers. While there has been a significant dip in the highest car loan ticket size, the average car loan ticket size remains steady. The divide between metros and non-metros is also dwindling when it comes to credit products. In case of personal loans, the average personal loan ticket size was Rs 2.61 lakh in metros and Rs 2.79 lakh for non-metros. Similarly, for car loans, the average metro car loan ticket size was 5.7 lakh while the average non-metro car loan ticket size was Rs 5.5 lakh. When it comes to cards, Indians are increasingly becoming "credit card pros" with an eye on maximizing card benefits and enjoying exclusive lifestyle privileges. Consumers increasingly turned to the diverse benefits offered by premium cards, which showed a 30 per cent growth across the board. Millennials between the age of 26 and 35 were the primary drivers, and there was a 43.38 per cent growth in applications in this segment. Women applicants continued to come out strongly in all categories, be it loans or credit cards. The gap between the average personal ticket size for women (Rs 2.55 lakh) and men (Rs 2.67 lakh) was low, while in case of home loans, the average ticket size for women (Rs 25.64 lakh) continued to be higher than men (Rs 23.72 lakh). Women also were the prime consumers for credit cards, and the number of women applicants for fuel, premium, and travel cards grew by 49.07 per cent, 32.78 per cent, and 21.99 per cent respectively. "The biggest revelation of this year's Moneymood has been the average Indian's penchant for getting the best deal. The slowdown in the market has made the average consumer cautious about how they invest in assets and lifestyle, and the financial products they use for these purposes," said Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar. "This makes the role of neutral marketplaces like BankBazaar even more critical in the coming days as we provide the widest platform to help customers take a well-informed purchase decision. We'll be right there with them, doing our bit to ensure smooth access to the right financial product, paperlessly, with new-age solutions like Video KYC," Shetty added. Moneymood 2020 is the second edition of BankBazaar's annual report that highlights how different credit products such as personal loans, home loans, car loans, credit cards, etc, have fared across the last one year. The report generated in-house by BankBazaar has been compiled after analysing internal company data generated from over 322 million visits to BankBazaar's website in 2019. It presents an accurate picture of India's personal finance market in the year gone by and gives an idea of what to expect in the coming year. Trends are segregated based on metros and non-metros, gender and age. "There has always been a need to understand the personal finance market in India better, and as the largest marketplace for personal finance products in India, we realised that there's practically no one else who has such a clear view into what is happening in this space," said Aparna Mahesh, CMO, BankBazaar, speaking about the study. "Last year's report carried several predictions basis our insights on how 2019 would pan out. Moneymood 2020 shows that all those forecasts around housing and auto sectors and credit card usage have been proven beyond doubt," Mahesh added. BankBazaar hosts the widest range of financial products from over 50 of the biggest public and private sector banks and NBFCs in India. It closed the last year with 322M visits. The company raised USD 110 million through funding from investors such as Amazon.com, Experian, Fidelity Growth Partners, Mousse Partners, Sequoia Capital and Walden International. This story is provided by NewsVoir. 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.) Shen Yun Was a Revival of the Senses for the Mayor of Heath in Texas Dancers of Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage at Winspear Opera House, Dallas AT&T Performing Arts Center, to spread the real story of China through classical Chinese dance. Its wonderful; they do a great job Its excellent, theyre wonderful. I mean everything in sync; everything is just perfect, said Kelson Elam, Mayor of the City of Heath. You can tell they work at their craft very hard. Artist Gloria Hood and retired physician David Watson both thought Shen Yun was very eye-catching. It was like a piece of art; it was beautiful. Im a color artist, and I loved the colors of every costume, everything, the movement, it was just all a masterpiece, it was a piece of art, it was beautiful, the painter said. The design of Shen Yuns costumes and colors holds true to traditional aesthetics and styles, according to the companys website. The colors and details of the costumes are meant to breathe fresh life into Shen Yuns performance, which in turn rejuvenated the artist. Oh, the colors were eye-catching. I mean, it just brought you to life. It was a performance that you cant get enough of it was just eye-catching I loved it, I could sit through it again and again, it was just beautiful, Hood said. Watson said, I loved the blend of the music and the movement, it told a story, I loved the story. Well, the story is somewhat sad. However, to me, to see this beauty that cannot be expressed that seems to be suppressed, I see the artists expressing that, and expressing the loss that they feel for their homeland. NTD News, Dallas, Texas A 31-year-old man is missing and believed to have drowned in a waterhole west of Alice Springs. Northern Territory police divers are travelling to the Ellery Creek Big Hole in the MacDonnell Ranges to search for the man. He had gone swimming with friends at the waterhole at about 5.30pm on Sunday but disappeared. Northern Territory police divers are travelling to the Ellery Creek Big Hole (pictured) in the MacDonnell Ranges to search for the man Police and emergency services attended but could not find him. A crime scene has been established in the area and Ellery Creek Big Hole is closed to the public. Alice Springs school teacher and musician Paul Leggett, 48, drowned at the same waterhole in December, 2016. A former Church of Ireland bishop who worked to reconcile the two communities was a powerful influence for good, mourners at his funeral heard. Bishop James Mehaffey (88) passed away last Monday evening. He led the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe from 1980 until his retirement in 2002, developing a close friendship with the late Catholic Bishop of Derry Dr Edward Daly. A large cross-community audience of church and civic leaders gathered in St Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry for his funeral on Saturday. His predecessor Lord Eames led tributes, telling mourners: "Bishop Jim's priority was reconciliation as he worked with Bishop Edward Daly and other leaders to bind up the broken, to heal the wounds of the lost, to make people remember that in the short gift of a lifespan you must grasp every opportunity to do things for the good of all - across the barriers, across the river and across the divisions. "This was his ministry as a bishop. It was a ministry exercised in those dark days of suffering, misunderstanding and suspicion. It was a ministry which was being true to the commission given to him in 1980 - 'Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring in the outcasts, seek the lost'." The current Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Richard Clarke, was unable to attend in person but his tribute, read by the recently-consecrated Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Reverend Andrew Forster, described Bishop Mehaffey as "a powerful influence for good". He continued: "We all have our individual memories of Jim but all of us will recall with particular admiration his work with Bishop Daly, not only for peace, but also for reconciliation in this city. Together they brought hope and light into communities where there was precious little of either." Bishop Mehaffey's daughter Wendy said her father always remained steadfast in his belief and faith. "During his last spell in hospital there was a day when, in a moment of brilliant and characteristic clarity, dad said: 'One helps the other'," she recalled. "May that be the profound message that we each take away from this gathering today." The large congregation included the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Londonderry Dr Angela Garvey; Deputy Lieutenant Stella Burnside representing the current Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Londonderry, the Duke of Abercorn; Dame Mary Peters and various politicians. DUBLIN, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Philippines Defense Market - Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Philippines' defense expenditure recorded a CAGR of 14.25% over the historic period and stood at US$3.6 billion in 2019. Over the forecast period, it is anticipated to register a CAGR of 8.98% to value US$5.3 billion in 2024. This report provides readers with detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of industry leading companies, and key news. The report offers detailed analysis of the Philippines defense industry with market size forecasts covering the next five years. The report will also analyze factors that influence demand for the industry, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants. In particular, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the following: The defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of the Philippines defense industry during 2020-2024, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the country's expenditure and modernization patterns defense industry during 2020-2024, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the country's expenditure and modernization patterns Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget with respect to capital expenditure and revenue expenditure. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country Porter's Five Force analysis of the Philippines defense industry: analysis of the market characteristics by determining the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitution, intensity of rivalry, and barriers to entry defense industry: analysis of the market characteristics by determining the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitution, intensity of rivalry, and barriers to entry Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the country's imports and exports over the last five years Market opportunities: details of the top five defense investment opportunities Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the Philippines defense industry. It provides an overview of key players, together with insights such as key alliances, strategic initiatives, and a brief financial analysis Companies Mentioned Raytheon United Defense Manufacturing Corporation Leonardo Remington Arms Company ELTA Systems Ltd. Capital expenditure allocation, which stood at an average of 19.2% during the historic period, will decrease to an average of 15.4% over the forecast period due to the procurement of fighter aircraft, corvettes, Multipurpose Attack Craft (MPAC), and infrastructure construction projects. The share of revenue expenditure increased from 80.8% during the historic period to 84.6% over the forecast period. Population growth will inflate the per capita defense expenditure from US$33.6 in 2020 to US$45.4 in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.27%. Homeland security expenditure is valued at US$3.35 billion in 2019 and grow to US$4.8 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 11.33%. Expenditure will primarily be driven by efforts to counter terrorism, human trafficking and the illicit drug trade. Air and Naval forces modernization is expected to be key objective of the Philippines Horizon II program. In Response to the perceived internal weakness and regional strategic challenges Philippines department of defense has embarked air force and naval transformation process to enhance their capabilities under Horizon II program. The Air force accounts for highest share of 46.6% and has been allocated US$2.61 billion followed by navy which holds 25% share and has allocated close to US$1.44 billion; as compared to air force and navy army accounts for relatively less share of 15.89% and has allocated US$890 million for modernization under horizon phase II. The US, Indonesia and South Korea are the major suppliers for The Philippines. During 2014-2018, South Korea emerged as the largest supplier of military hardware to The Philippines with a 28.8% share of defense imports, followed by Indonesia and the US with respective shares of 25.8% and 24.5%. South Korea, Indonesia and US has mainly supplied aircraft and naval vessels, a trend anticipated to continue over the forecast period due to the country's dependence on these three countries as a defense supplier. Key Highlights The Philippines' defense expenditure recorded a CAGR of 14.25% over the historic-period and stood at US$3.6 billion in 2019. The growing strength and assertiveness of the Chinese Navy with regards to territorial claims in the South China Sea has spurred the government to enhance its military capabilities defense expenditure recorded a CAGR of 14.25% over the historic-period and stood at in 2019. The growing strength and assertiveness of the Chinese Navy with regards to territorial claims in the South China Sea has spurred the government to enhance its military capabilities Capital expenditure allocation, which stood at an average of 19.2% during the historic period, will decrease to an average of 15.4% Over the forecast period due to the procurement of fighter aircraft, corvettes, Multipurpose Attack Craft (MPAC), and infrastructure construction projects. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 1.1. What is this Report About? 1.2. Definitions 1.3. Summary Methodology 1.4. About the Author 2. Executive Summary 3. Market Attractiveness and Emerging Opportunities 3.1. Current Market Scenario 3.1.1. Primary threat perception 3.1.2. Military doctrine and strategy 3.1.3. Procurement Programs 3.1.4. Top Procurement Programs by Value (US$ Million) 2019-2024 3.1.6. Geopolitical, Social and Economic Scenario 3.1.7. Political and strategic alliances 3.2. Defense Market Size Historical and Forecast 3.2.1. The Philippines' defense budget to grow at a forecast-period CAGR of 8.98% 3.2.2. Tensions in the South China Sea and modernization initiatives to drive the defense industry 3.2.3. Defense budget as a percentage of GDP to increase to 1.0% over the forecast period 3.3. Analysis of Defense Budget Allocation 3.3.1. Share of capital expenditure will slightly decrease over the forecast period 3.3.2. Capital expenditure is anticipated to record a forecast-period CAGR of 10.50% 3.3.3. The army accounted for the largest percentage share of the overall Philippines' defense budget 3.3.4. Army defense expenditure to reach US$2.45 billion in 2024 3.3.5. Per capita defense expenditure to rise over the forecast period 3.4. Homeland Security Market Size and Forecast 3.4.1. The homeland security market will record a forecast-period CAGR of 11.33% 3.4.2. Illicit drug trade and internal armed insurgencies drives homeland security expenditure 3.5. Benchmarking with Key Global Markets 3.5.1. The Philippines defense budget expected to increase over the forecast period 3.5.2. The Philippines' defense expenditure is lower than other Asia countries 3.5.3. The defense budget as a percentage of GDP will increase over the forecast period 3.6. Market Opportunities: Key Trends and Drivers 3.6.1. Airborne C4ISR 3.6.2. Multi-role aircraft 3.6.3. Maritime Surveillance and Detection 4. Defense Procurement Market Dynamics 4.1. Import Market Dynamics 4.1.1. Limited domestic defense capabilities to drive the country's defense imports 4.1.2. The South Korea, Indonesia and US are the major suppliers for The Philippines 4.1.3. Aircraft and naval vessels accounted for 88.6% of defense imports 4.2. Export Market Dynamics 4.2.1. The Philippines does not export any defense equipment 5. Industry Dynamics 5.1. Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1. Bargaining power of suppliers: low 5.1.2. Bargaining power of buyers: medium 5.1.3. Barrier to entry: low to medium 5.1.4. Intensity of rivalry: low to medium 5.1.5. Threat of substitution: high 5.2. Market Regulation 5.2.1. Countertrade/offset policy aids the development of the domestic defense industry 5.2.2. Government unveils new procurement rules 5.3. Market Entry Route 5.3.1. Budgeting process 5.3.2. Procurement Policy and Process 5.3.3. Foreign military sales (FMS) 5.3.4. Collaborations provide market entry opportunities 5.4. Key Challenges 5.4.1. Increase in corruption and lack of transparency impedes industry growth 5.4.2. Erosion in the value of Philippine Peso to adversely impact defense imports 5.4.3. Low defense capital expenditure may discourage several potential defense suppliers 6. Competitive landscape and Strategic Insights 6.1. Competitive landscape Overview 6.1.1. The Philippine Market Share Analysis, 2019-2024 6.2. Key Companies 6.2.1. Raytheon: overview 6.2.2. Raytheon: products 6.2.3. Raytheon: Recent announcements and strategic initiatives 6.2.4. Raytheon: Recent Contract Wins 6.2.5. United Defense Manufacturing Corporation: overview 6.2.6. United Defense Manufacturing Corporation: key products 6.2.7. United Defense Manufacturing Corporation: recent announcements and strategic initiatives 6.2.8. Leonardo: overview 6.2.9. Leonardo: products and services 6.2.10. Leonardo: recent announcements and strategic initiatives 6.2.11. Leonardo: recent contract wins 6.2.12. Remington Arms Company, LLC: overview 6.2.13. Remington Arms Company, LLC: key products and services 6.2.14. Remington: recent announcements and strategic initiatives 6.2.15. Remington Arms Company, LLC: Recent Contract Wins 6.2.16. ELTA Systems Ltd: overview 6.2.17. ELTA Systems Ltd: key products and services 6.2.18. ELTA Systems Ltd: recent announcements and strategic initiatives 6.2.19. ELTA Systems Ltd: Recent Contract Wins 7. Business Environment and Country Risk 7.1. Economic Performance 7.1.1. GDP per capita at constant prices (US$) 7.1.2. GDP at current prices (US$) 7.1.3. Exports of goods and services 7.1.4. Imports of goods and services 7.1.5. Gross national disposable income (US$ billions) 7.1.6. LCU per US$ (period average) 7.1.7. Market capitalization of listed companies (US$ billions) 7.1.8. Market capitalization of listed companies (percentage of GDP) 7.1.9. Government cash surplus/deficit as a percentage of GDP (LCU) 7.1.10. Goods exports as a percentage of GDP 7.1.11. Goods imports as a percentage of GDP 7.1.12. Service imports as a percentage of GDP 7.1.13. Services exports as a percentage of GDP 7.1.14. Foreign direct investment (FDI), net (BoP, current US$ billions) 7.1.15. Net FDI as a percentage of GDP 7.1.16. Mining, manufacturing, utilities output (PHP trillion) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8dxkn4 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said he will leave if a single person over five lakh is given citizenship in the state. Referring to the "rising" Muslim population, he said, "Ajmal or his son or his grandson will be the Assam chief minister after 30 years and no one can stop it." Speaking in support of granting citizenship to Hindus, Sarma, who is also the chief of NEDA, BJP's version of the NDA in the northeast, said a Hindu "cannot be a Jinnah as he never attacks anyone" and is secular. The minister was speaking during the debate on the governor's address in the one-day special session of Assam Assembly. He said the amended citizenship law will not violate the Assam Accord. "I'll leave if one person more than five lakh is given citizenship. If a single person is added beyond five lakh, the Assam government will take responsibility," the finance minister said. He also supported granting of citizenship to Hindu Bengalis, which is being vehemently protested against by various outfits. "A Hindu cannot be a Jinnah. Not a single Hindu king has destroyed a mosque or a temple. A Hindu is always secular and does not attack anyone," Sarma said. "In Assam Accord, many things were left unresolved... We haven't violated the Assam Accord, but are addressing unresolved issues," he added. The historic Accord, which was signed after the six-year long Assam Agitation, was a four-page document that did not include many things, Sarma claimed. The minister advocated formation of an assembly committee to study the Assam Accord in detail to find out its deficiencies and unresolved issues. "Even the was not part of Assam Accord. It was evolved in a meeting between the AASU, Assam government and the Centre in 2005. The Assam Accord didn't speak about children of those coming before 1971, so it's inconclusive," he added. The Citizenship Act was amended in 1987, 1993 and 2003; and the spirit of the Accord was touched many times earlier than the CAA this time, the minister said. "The Assam Accord is not that bad. If we had read it properly, 1966 would have been the cut off year and 1967 voter list would have been the I regret that," he claimed, citing the Clause 5 of the pact. He alleged that the ongoing agitation against the CAA is driven by misinformation that over one crore Hindu Bangladeshis will enter Assam. "Who is this Pramanik in Bangladesh saying 2.5 crore people will come to Assam? Is there a conspiracy to destabilise Assam? There are many Islamic fundamentals working to destabilise Assam," Sarma claimed. He stressed that Hindu Bengalis will not affect the culture of Assam as there are many examples of Assamese marrying Bengalis. "Assamese nationalism cannot be based on language. It'll be on the love for the land. For example, we don't speak Missing language but they are part of Assamese nationalism. The theory that Hindu Bengalis will destroy Assamese culture is wrong," the minister added. Locale, an Austin, Texas-based upscale aparthotel brand, raised $11m in Series A funding. The round, which brought total funding raised to date to $14m, was led by Amplo Ventures, with participation from Susa Ventures, Malkin Holdings, Rogue Insight Capital and Metropolis Capital Partners. Founded in 2016 by CEO Nitesh Gandhi, Locale transforms apartments into high quality accommodations for business, leisure and extended stay travelers. The company operates in major markets across the U.S., including Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Nashville and Minneapolis, and employs over 30 full-time team members. Locale intends to use the new funding to further invest in digital product innovation, enhance in-room offerings, hire executives, move forward with its pipeline of projects in markets like Denver, Nashville and Charleston. FinSMEs 13/01/2020 The forces of the G5 Sahel, whose leaders meet in Pau in southwestern France on Monday, have come increasingly under attack from jihadists they have been sent to fight. Here are the main attacks over the past year: Niger - On January 9 this year, 89 soldiers are killed in an attack on a military camp at Chinegodar, in the western region of Tillaberi, near the border with Mali. During the attack 77 "terrorists" are "neutralised" according to Niger's authorities. It is the worst jihadist attack in Niger's history. - On December 10, 2019, in the same region, 71 soldiers are killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group, which sees hundreds of jihadists attacked a camp near the border with Mali. - On May 14, 28 soldiers are killed near Tillaberi in Niger's same border region with Mali and Burkina Faso after an ambush. The Islamic State claims responsibility. Mali - On November 18, 2019, 43 Malian soldiers are killed when their patrol is attacked at Tabankort, in the northeastern region of Menaka, as they were carrying out a joint operation with Niger forces. - On November 1, in a jihadist raid on a military base at Indelim, in the eastern Menaka region near the border with Niger, gunmen shoot dead 49 Malian troops. The attack is claimed by Islamic State-allied militants. - On September 30, 40 soldiers are killed at Mondoro and Boulkessy in central Mali at two military camps near the border with Burkina Faso. A Sahel-based Al-Qaeda-linked group, GSIM, claims responsibility. - On March 17, 26 are killed in a military camp at Dioura in central Mali, in an attack also claimed by GSIM. Burkina Faso - On December 24, 2019, an attack on the military base and northern city of Arbinda by some 200 heavily armed jihadists leaves seven soldiers dead along with 35 civilians. It is the worst jihadist attack in the country for five years. - On August 19, 2019, 24 soldiers die during a "major attack" on a military base at Koutougou in northern Burkina Faso, near the border with Mali. It is the deadliest strike against the Burkinabe military. Chad - On March 22, 2019, 23 Chadian soldiers are killed in southwestern Chad when they come under attack from Boko Haram jihadists on their position at Dangdala. It is one of the most deadly attacks suffered by the Chadian army since the beginning of the anti-Islamist fight. Irish star Saoirse Ronan picked up her fourth Oscar nomination today and her Little Woman cheered her on in style. The Carlow native was Read More: It is an impressive fourth Oscar nod for the 25-year-old, who was previously nominated for Atonement (Best Supporting Actress, 2008), Brooklyn (Best Actress, 2016) and Lady Bird (Best Actress, 2018). As the nominations were announced, Saoirse's mother Monica and dog Fran were cheering her on at home. Massive congratulations to #SaoirseRonan on her fourth #OscarNoms We were sent this wonderful video of her Mam's reaction with her dog Fran when they found out she got the nod! pic.twitter.com/9iOpeqFYzM Ray D'Arcy Radio (@RadioRayRTE) January 13, 2020 In a video sent to the Ray D'Arcy radio show, Monica and Fran cheer on Saoirse as her name is read out. Fran is also supporting Saoirse with a t-shirt that says: "Good luck Saoirse from your Little Woman". We just love the style of Saoirse Ronan's dog Fran! Celebrating here with Saoirse's mother Monica after hearing about the fourth #OscarNoms for Saoirse pic.twitter.com/GsrIJgq3rN Ray D'Arcy Radio (@RadioRayRTE) January 13, 2020 This isn't Fran's first brush with fame, as the actress gave her dog a shout out on national radio last month. She revealed that Read More: LANSING, MI -- Multiple defense attorneys say they would advise their clients refuse Michigans new statewide roadside drug tests. Theyre too untrustworthy, they say. The penalty for refusing the test is a civil infraction, the fine for which varies by community, but its a better option than having unreliable results used to prosecute you in court, said Michael Komorn, a Farmington Hills-based drugged- and drunk-driving attorney, who also specializes in marijuana law. With legalization of recreational marijuana in November 2018 and the opening of retail marijuana shops across the state underway, the impact of marijuana on impaired driving and public safety has heightened. The usefulness of the saliva swab tests in identification of drug-impaired driving is exactly what state police hope to determine with a second-yearlong pilot program that kicked off in October. The first year of the pilot program lasted from November 2017 to November 2018 and included 12 police agencies or state police posts in five counties. The second yearlong pilot includes 125 officers, dubbed drug recognition experts" who are trained to detect drug impairment and administer saliva tests. To become a drug recognition expert, participating law enforcement must complete 72 hours of classroom study and 40 hours of field training. At least one drug recognition expert is made available to traffic enforcement operations in each of Michigans 83 counties. The first pilot project showed that use of this roadside tool, when paired with law enforcement observed driver behavior and standardized field sobriety tests, shows great promise for detecting drug-impaired driving, but with only 92 tests conducted during the first pilot, the sample size was too small to draw any definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of the tool, state police spokeswoman Shannon Banner said. With the second pilot expanded to include 'drug recognition experts in every county, were now averaging about one test a day, which will result in a much more data to review upon conclusion of the one-year period." The statewide pilot program is expected to cost $626,000 for testing instruments, supplies, training, analysis and laboratory expenses, Banner said. State police purchased 112 of the saliva-testing devices, referred to in police reports as oral fluid test instruments, and have an open bid to buy more, Banner said. Due to the pending purchase, she wouldnt reveal the price tag, but previous legislative analysis of 2016-passed law that led to the initial pilot program estimated theyd cost about $6,000 each. State police are using the SoToxa mobile test system, previously named the Alere DDS2, sold by Abbott, a global company headquartered in Abbott, Illinois. The test involves swabbing the inside of the suspects mouth around the gums, tongue and inner cheeks using a small tube with a Q-tip-like swab on the end. There is an indicator that changes color when an adequate amount of saliva is collected. The swab is inserted into the bottom of the handheld testing device and results are indicated in about five minutes as positive, negative or invalid for marijuana, amphetamines, methamphetamines, opiates, benzodiazepines and cocaine. In addition to immediate roadside saliva tests, officers in the pilot program request a second saliva sample to be sent to Forensic Fluid Laboratories, a private lab, for comparison analysis. Collection of the secondary sample requires leaving a swab beneath the suspects tongue for up to 10 minutes. Each lab test costs $30. Police in the pilot program also collected blood for analysis in the majority of cases. The evaluating officer conducts an interview and other observations before administering the saliva test to determine probable cause. A drug recognition evaluation form on the state police website indicates the officer observes the suspects appearance, attitude, looks for puncture or track marks on the arms, asks about prescription drug use, checks blood pressure and temperature, and evaluates the results of various physical tests, such as a one-leg stand. The saliva test is meant to bolster the officers suspicion of drug impairment, not as a sole basis for arrest. However, the law states an officer may arrest a person in whole or in part upon the results of a preliminary oral fluid analysis" and the results are admissible in a criminal prosecution. The roadside drug test results are only allowed into evidence when there are questions surrounding the validity of an arrest, similar to the admission of a roadside breathalyzer tests. The results cannot be used as evidence in determining if the driver was impaired. In a February 2019 report, the Oral Fluid Roadside Analysis Pilot Program Committee released findings from the initial yearlong pilot program that resulted in 92 saliva tests and 89 arrests for impaired driving and other crimes. THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, was the most prevalent drug found by the roadside tests, identified in 74 cases. In 11 of those cases, however, THC wasnt found in subsequent blood analysis. Then they try to suggest in the report, contradicting themselves ... that blood is the gold standard (for analyzing drugged-driving impairment)," Komorn said. On (11) occasions out of (74) they determine that a person was impaired by THC when it wasnt in their blood. " ... If its not in their blood, to suggest that the saliva proved it and the (drug recognition expert) proved it as a falsity." Michigan State University statistician Dhruv Sharma analyzed the data and concluded that testing delays, handling and storage can cause drugs to break down and contribute to the contrary, negative results. Although the pilot study yields good results for the utilization of the device, caution is urged due to the small number of samples collected in this pilot study, Sharma said. " ... Further data collection would be needed to be more confident in the findings from the perspective of statistical analysis and inference." Other drugs were detected in the initial pilot program saliva tests and not in followup blood testing: In six of the 16 tests for amphetamines, in two of the seven tests for cocaine, and in one of the three tests for methamphetamines. Opponents of the law that green-flagged the saliva testing program noted that the tests, in cases involving marijuana, can register THC well after the driver has smoked it. By some reports, cannabis use is detectible for up to 12 hours after ingestion or smoking, but other reports say a saliva swab may detect cannabis in a chronic user up to four days after ingestion, the opposition argument said in the House Fiscal Agency analysis from 2016. This is long past the time that a persons ability to safely operate a vehicle would be impaired, as the actual window of impairment may be closer to three to four hours. John M. Koval III, a spokesman for the manufacturer, said the roadside test, which is currently in use throughout Canada, is meant as a screening tool for police to get drug-impaired drivers off the road quickly. As far as Michigan, it performed well enough to deserve" a second pilot program, Koval said. The state police Impaired Driving Commission studied whether they could identify a threshold level of THC in the blood that contributes to impairment. The purpose was to establish a legal maximum amount of THC drivers could have in their system, similar to the .8% alcohol limit that is imposed on drivers under the influence of alcohol. A March 2019 report determined there is no scientifically supported threshold of (THC) bodily content that would be indicative of impaired driving, due to a poor correlation between impaired driving and THC levels at the time blood is drawn. It also determined the level of impairment doesnt correspond to the level of THC in the blood. Regular users have high tolerance while minuscule amounts of marijuana may cause significant impairment to infrequent users. Komorn calls the effort of the pilot to detect and identify marijuana as the culprit for impaired driving using roadside tests absurd. The science just is not there, Komorn said. " ... I advise people that if it has to do with saliva tests, you should refuse it." East Lansing drugged-driving defense attorney Michael Nichols echoes Komorns recommendation. He also criticized the governments decision to spend more money extending a second yearlong pilot program in light of the results from the 2018 pilot. They come out and tell us, hey, this isnt working all that well, so lets continue doing it," Nichols said. I think as long as MSP has the ear of a few legislators theyre going to continue to push of this forward. In 2018, Michigan State Police data shows 247 drug-involved traffic fatalities, representing about one-quarter of the 974 traffic fatalities that year. In 2010, state police reported 153 drug-involved traffic fatalities, representing about 16% of total traffic deaths. While the drug blamed in those cases wasnt identified 95 percent of the time, in cases where the drug was included, 70 percent involved marijuana, according to state police. The state law that mandates creation of a roadside analysis program for drug impairment stems from a fatal March 20, 2013, crash in Escanaba. Logging truck driver Harley Davidson Durocher, who was later determined by a blood test to have THC in his system, ran a traffic light and struck a Chevrolet Malibu, killing the passengers, Barbara J. and Thomas J. Swift Law, for whom the 2016 law was named. Police say results from the second pilot program wont be available until its conclusion later this year. -- Gus Burns is the marijuana beat reporter for MLive. Contact him with questions, tips or comments at fburns@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, @GusBurns. Read more from MLive about medical and recreational marijuana. More on MLive: Roadside drug testing pilot extended Marijuana most prevalent drug found in roadside tests The dos and donts of driving with marijuana Recreational market poised to boom in 2020 Michigan wants Weedmaps to stop advertising for unlicensed marijuana businesses Michigan not collecting personal information on customers Researchers combined an aluminum source into their hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) reactor, then demonstrated the growth of the semiconductors aluminum indium phosphide (AlInP) and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) for the first time by this technique. The current world efficiency record for MOVPE-grown GaAs solar cells that incorporate AlInP window layers is 29.1%. With only GaInP, the maximum efficiency for HVPE-grown solar cells is estimated to be only 27%. Now that aluminum has been added to the mix of D-HVPE, the scientists said they should be able to reach parity with solar cells made via MOVPE. ACS Applied Energy Materials Growth of AlGaAs, AlInP, and AlGaInP by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy Researchers demonstrate hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) of AlxGa1xAs, AlxIn1xP, and AlxGayIn1xyP using an AlCl3 precursor. We study the growth of the AlxGa1xAs alloy system to elucidate the effects of deposition temperature, V/III ratio, and group V precursor species on Al solid incorporation via AlCl3. Crucially, the presence of group V hydride at the growth front kinetically promotes the solid incorporation of Al. We use these insights to demonstrate controlled deposition of AlxGa1xAs, and for the first time by HVPE, AlxIn1xP and AlxGayIn1xyP. These results create exciting implications for HVPE-grown high-efficiency IIIV solar cells and devices with reduced cost. As Russia and Turkey broker negotiations in Moscow to convince Libyas warring parties to sign a permanent truce, Turkey has already set out its Libyan road map with an important red line. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara Jan. 13, while Turkeys Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, intelligence chief Hakan Fidan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu headed to Moscow. The shared objective of the parties is to secure the continuation of the cease-fire and hammer out a deal between Khalifa Hifters forces and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). So far, the multilateral Moscow summit seems to be a fruitful opening for de-escalation. GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is said to have accepted the truce, while Hifter asked for 24 hours before signing the text. According to sources in Ankara contacted by Al-Monitor, the Turkish government sees Tripoli as a red line, regardless of whether the cease-fire holds. Turkey will seek to prevent Hifters forces from entering Tripoli at any cost, even through military measures. Erdogan made a clear commitment to Sarraj to that effect when the two met in Istanbul Jan. 12, the sources said. Some 80 Turkish military personnel are currently in Tripoli. About 10 Turkish officers are training cadets at the Mitiga military academy, while others are involved in train-and-equip activities. The most recent group sent to Libya, about 40 servicemen, will operate the Milkar-3A3 V/UHF radio jammer system provided by Turkey for electronically jamming Tripolis airspace. Additionally, a Koral radar jammer might be dispatched to Tripoli in the coming days. Turkeys assistance plans for the near future also involve the deployment of the air defense early warning command and control system HERIKKS, the fire support automation system ADOP and the tactical area communications system TASMUS. Such equipment would help set up a joint air, sea and ground operational scheme in Tripoli, beefing up the GNAs capabilities in terms of command, control, communication, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), which currently constitute the main shortcoming in Tripolis defense. The Milkar-3A3 and Koral systems would be used to protect Tripoli's urban center in an effort to limit, delay or prevent air and missile attacks from Hifters forces and jam their radars and radio communication. Turkey also plans to establish an operations center, headed by a lieutenant general from the Turkish land forces and comprising officials from the land, naval and air forces, with the aim of coordinating Tripolis air and ground defenses. The sources in Ankara said that Tunisia and Algeria, Libyas two western neighbors, agree with Turkey on Tripoli being a red line. Italy and Russia also appear to support that notion. In this context, the number of Turkish soldiers in Libya will likely grow in the coming days, solely for defensive and C4ISR purposes. Because of the cease-fire effort, Ankaras current plans do not involve any military deployment for combat purposes. Ankara apparently plans to divide Tripoli into three zones and deploy rebel groups brought from Syria to each zone for combat tasks. The three groups are the Sultan Murad Division, Firqat al-Hamza and Firqat al-Mutasim, all affiliated with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army. Using the time the cease-fire would provide, Ankara intends to build rapport between the Syrian groups and the GNA forces and erect well-fortified defensive perimeters at Abu Salim in the south of Tripoli, Tajura in the east and Arada in the southeast of the city. Since the Turkish parliaments approval Jan. 2 of a government measure to deploy combat units to Libya, another factor driving Ankaras change of heart is Turkish public opinion. According to a survey published last week, only 34% of the public favors military deployment in Libya. Among sub-groups, 56% of Turks who voted for the ruling Justice and Development Party favored military deployment. In contrast, public support for operations Olive Branch and Peace Spring in Syria stood at about 75% and 82%, respectively. In other words, a larger deployment in Libya, particularly for combat missions, would be a politically risky move for Erdogan. In any case, the cease-fire in Libya is still fragile. The GNA wants Hifters forces to retreat to their April 2019 positions, while Hifter insists the diplomatic talks must start on the basis of existing positions. Of note, Hifters forces captured the key coastal city of Sirte in early January. Their control also extends to areas about 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Tripoli. Pulling back to the positions of April 2019 would mean forfeiting territorial gains. Given the frictions that arose between Turkey and Russia in managing the situation in Syrias rebel-held province of Idlib, Ankara now appears to favor a multilateral process in Libya involving Italy and Germany, hence the significance of Contes Jan. 13 meeting with Erdogan. Turkey is maintaining intense diplomatic contacts with Germany, Algeria and Tunisia as well. This south coast jewel is green and is one of the best places to start a business By Rachel Hagan This seaside city is progressive, arty and just 50 miles from London commuting distance. Green politics Brighton and Hove is split into three parliamentary constituencies: Hove, Brighton Pavilion and Brighton Kemptown. Pavilion is an environmental trailblazer: in 2010 it elected Caroline Lucas as the UKs first and only Green Party MP. Lucas held her seat in the UK general election in December, winning 57 per cent of the vote with a manifesto that included a national pledge to build 100,000 zero-carbon homes for social rent each year. The city council has a strong environmental flavour too: it has a 500,000 fund to finance green projects. MP Caroline Lucas held her Brighton Pavilion seat in December Business friendly Brighton won the title best place to start a small business in the UK in both 2016 and 2018. The pros and cons of 63 UK towns and cities were assessed by business awards organiser Informi. Brighton scored highly for business density and digital connectivity, with 453 businesses per 10,000 people and 91 per cent ultrafast broadband coverage. The first Body Shop store opened in Brighton in 1976, and the business has expanded to just under 3,000 stores globally today. The first Body Shop opened in Brighton in 1976 Arts culture The city is brimming with arts and culture, from music, street art and comedy to dance and theatre. It also hosts festivals, notably the Brighton Festival, which bills itself as the biggest and most established annual multi-arts festival in England. Held each May, previous guest directors include sculptor Anish Kapoor, actor Vanessa Redgrave and visual artist David Shrigley. Brighton Fringe, also held in May, showcases new talent. Year-round venues include the multi-art Brighton Dome, the 19th-century Theatre Royal and comedy space Komedia. Brighton Dome stages events all year round LGBTQ+ capital Brighton is badged the UKs unofficial LGBTQ+ capital, with a much higher rate of same-sex partnerships than elsewhere in the UK. The citys Pride parade celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Former headliners include Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and Grace Jones. The Rainbow Chorus is a non-audition LGBT choir which holds performances in St Georges Church in Kemptown, dubbed Brightons gay village, while Piers and Queers is a 90-minute walking tour covering 200 years of LGBTQ+ history in the city. Brighton & Hove Pride will mark its 30th anniversary this year Capital connections Brighton offers London leavers the ability to live by the sea. Analysis of data by Knight Frank shows 6,100 people left the capital for Brighton in 2018, second only to Scotland and Birmingham, while a quarter of those working outside Brighton have jobs in London. For those thinking of making the move, a three-bedroom house in the Grade II-listed Wykeham Terrace is on the market for offers over 1m. Fast trains reach London Victoria in 55 minutes and London Bridge in 65 minutes. For those wanting to fly abroad, the train journey from Brighton to Gatwick airport takes 23 minutes. A three-bedroom house for sale in Wykeham Terrace Photographs: Getty; AFP via Getty; Body Shop; Alamy, Dreamstime; Irene Todaro A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions to withdraw the closure of Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch (between Mathura Road and Kalindi Kunj) and Okhla underpass. This stretch was closed on December 15 last year in wake of ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Register of Citizens (NRC). The High Court on Friday had refused to entertain a petition seeking removal of police barricades in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh area contending that it is causing traffic issues, and demanding that protesters be shifted to some other location. Scores of protesters have been agitating in the area against the CAA and NRC for over a month now. Barricades have been put in place to keep the stir in control. The road the petitioner has alluded to is widely used by office-goers and other commuters. The Delhi Police has time and again issued an advisory regarding closure or obstruction due to traffic in the area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) But the perilous situation did not deter some people from returning to their homes after they initially fled to safety. Some residents found ways to return to check on their livestock despite warnings of the dangers. We are asking assistance from the government to bring in more soldiers to help us control our residents who ignore warnings and go back, said Wilson Maralit, the mayor of the town of Balete, which sits on the lake surrounding the volcano. They slip through our security cordon and are returning there. While we also understand that they want to check on their livestock, we dont want them to get harmed. By dawn Monday, residents of nearby towns were hosing mud off their windows and roofs even as tremors continued to rock surrounding towns. The level four alert meant that the volcano was preparing for a hazardous eruption that could spew ash up to 10 miles into the sky, sending thick smoke and ash across the surface of the lake. There is a fear that anytime this can explode, the mayor said. We asked people to leave and rescued them. At first they did not want to leave, but when they saw that it continued to spew ash and steam yesterday afternoon they were forced to go. - Catriona Gray accepted the challenge of Vice Ganda to show her epic version of Tala - She grooved to the beat of the said Sarah Geronimo song in front of the madlang pipol - Many netizens were amazed upon seeing the dancing skill of the Miss Universe titleholder - The video also became viral on social media and it already hot almost 2 million views on YouTube PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Catriona Gray stunned a lot of television viewers because of her epic dance cover of Tala while she was hosting the noontime show Its Showtime. KAMI learned that many people, including showbiz personalities, have accepted the challenge of dancing to the beat of the said Sarah Geronimo song. It was actually Vice Ganda who tasked the Miss Universe titleholder to show her version of Tala in front of the studio audience. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Without hesitation, the gorgeous Filipina model stood up and started grooving while the music was being played inside the studio. It was evident that the beauty queen from Albay was not really familiar with the steps but she managed to capture the attention of many viewers. As of this writing, the video already has more than 1.9 million views on YouTube and it has received 23 thousand likes. Grabe! Catriona is really all around. I can't even stop looking at her! a netizen commented. Watch the video below: In a previous article by , Liza Soberano reacted to the statement of Catriona about joining Miss Universe. Catriona Gray is a famous and beautiful showbiz personality in the Philippines. She is the fourth Filipina to bring home the highly-coveted Miss Universe crown. POPULAR: Read more news about Catriona Gray! Please like and share our Facebook posts to support KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinion about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts! Source: KAMI.com.gh U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he is "outraged" by a rocket attack on an Iraqi air base on January 12. "Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase. I pray for [the] speedy recovery of the injured and call on the government of #Iraq to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable," he said on Twitter. "These continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end." At least seven mortar shells struck an Iraqi air base north of Baghdad, wounding four Iraqi soldiers. Some of the shells hit the runway of the Balad air base, where some U.S. military personnel are based. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Military bases in Iraq hosting U.S. troops have been targeted by rocket and mortar attacks from Iran-backed militias in recent months. One U.S. contractor was killed in such an attack in December. On January 8, Iran launched missile attacks against two such bases in Iraq in retaliation for an earlier U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian military commander Major General Qasem Soleimani. Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comin after collecting their credentials as MEPs. GONZALO BOYE (TWITTER) The European Parliament announced on Friday that it would no longer recognize jailed politician Oriol Junqueras as one of its deputies, after the Spanish Supreme Court informed the institution the day before that the Catalan Republican Left (ERC) leader was ineligible for the role due to his conviction for his involvement in the 2017 independence drive in the northeastern region. Taking into account the decision of the National Electoral Commission [JEC] and in accordance with the decision by the Supreme Court, Junquerass mandate expired on January 3, 2020, the president of the parliament, David Sassoli, said in a statement made public on Friday evening. ERC leader Oriol Junqueras. EL PAIS 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 secessionist drive, which saw an illegal referendum on independence held on October 1, 2017 and a subsequent unilateral declaration of independence passed in the regional parliament. At the time of the events, Junqueras was deputy regional premier. Despite being in pre-trial custody at the time, Junqueras ran as a candidate in last years European elections, and was successfully elected as an MEP. Since then, however, he has been subject to a legal wrangle as to whether or not he can take his seat. In December of last year, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) appeared to offer Junqueras a lifeline, when it ruled that he became an MEP as soon as he was elected on May 26, and should have enjoyed parliamentary immunity from that moment on. Junqueras was in pre-trial custody at the time, however, and was unable to take up his seat. In line with the CJEU ruling, the European Parliament issued an internal communication last Monday stating that at its first debate of the year it would take note of the election of Junqueras as well as fellow Catalan politicians Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comin who fled Spain to avoid arrest in the wake of the 2017 Catalan independence drive as MEPs. This will no longer be the case for Junqueras, after the institution took note of the communication last week from the Spanish Supreme Court. The CJEU ruling left the ball in the court of the Spanish justice system as to the scope of the immunity that Junqueras enjoyed as an MEP. The European Parliament does, however, consider Junqueras to have been an MEP for the first six months of the current political term, meaning that he could be eligible to receive his salary for that period. The mandates of Mr Junqueras, Mr Puigdemont and Mr Comin began on July 2, 2019 as a consequence of the official declaration of the European election results [which were held on May 26] by the competent Spanish authorities, Sassoli added in his statement. Puigdemont and Comin will have the chance to speak before the 749 other MEPs in the chamber Junquerass defense team is not, however, giving up and has announced that it is planning on fighting the decision at the General Court at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Meanwhile, Puigdemont and Comin who, until the CJEU ruling, had been unable to take their seats in the European Parliament will today enjoy their first days as official MEPs, and attend the opening session of the year in Strasbourg. They will step onto French soil for the first time since fleeing to Belgium more than 14 months ago, and will not need to fear arrest given that they enjoy immunity. Puigdemont and Comin will have the chance to speak before the 749 other MEPs in the chamber, although their pro-independence messages are likely to be bitterly opposed by fellow politicians from Spanish groups such as the conservative Popular Party (PP), center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) and far-right Vox. The regional premier of Catalonia, Quim Torra, will today accompany Puigdemont and Comin at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, along with other representatives of the Catalan government including the parliamentary speaker, Roger Torrent. Catalan premier Quim Torra. David Zorrakino (Europa Press) Torra, the current leader of Catalonias pro-independence government, was recently found guilty of disobedience over his refusal to remove separatist symbols from public buildings during an election campaign, and has been barred from office for 18 months. He has appealed the sentence, which could technically see him removed from office depending on the final ruling. For now, Puigdemont and Comin are registered in the European Parliament as Non-Iscrits, but have requested to join the Greens, to which Catalan Republican Left (ERC) deputy Diana Riba already belongs. For now, the Greens have not yet responded to that request. Immunity lifted Meanwhile, Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena has filed an official request with the European Parliament requesting that the immunity of Puigdemont and Comin be lifted, and that European and domestic arrest warrants against the pair be maintained so that they can be brought to Spain to face trial for their role in the 2017 independence drive. In his request, Marchena included a wide-ranging account of the case against the pair, saying that the events in question have nothing to do with their work as parliamentarians, and are focused on their actions in years that far pre-date their acquisition of condition as deputies in the European Parliament. Based on reporting by Alvaro Sanchez, Lluis Pellicer, Bernardo de Miguel and Fernando J. Perez. English version by Simon Hunter. European stocks were muted on Monday as the U.S. and China prepare to sign a so-called "phase one" trade deal on Wednesday, while protests continue in Iran over the downing of a Ukrainian commercial airliner. The pan-European Stoxx 600 slipped 0.18% by the close, with autos falling almost 1% to lead losses while tech and utilities stocks added 0.34%. Representatives from Washington and Beijing are expected to sign the first phase of a long-awaited trade accord on Wednesday, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin insisted on Sunday that China's commitments had not changed during a lengthy translation process. Mnuchin also confirmed that the details will be published this week. Asian stocks mostly advanced on Monday as investors look ahead to the inking of the deal, with MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan gaining 0.49%. Tensions in the Middle East have continued as anti-government protests spread across Iran, after the Iranian regime admitted that its armed forces unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane in Tehran, killing 176 people. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the protesters on Sunday. Back in Europe, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will travel to Northern Ireland on Monday to meet with leaders of the country's newly-formed executive and his Irish counterpart, Leo Varadkar. Sterling fell below $1.30 to a two-week low after Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Gertjan Vlieghe indicated that he may vote to cut interest rates if upcoming data fails to show a rebound in the British economy. Canada's finance minister says its government has not yet decided if it will cover the $1.7 million it will cost to provide security for Harry and Meghan after the couple decided to move to North America. The Queen on Monday agreed to allow her grandson and his wife to split their time between Canada and the UK while an agreement was made on their future following their shock resignation as senior royals. The decision came as finance minister Bill Morneau said the Canadian government has not yet discussed if it would help cover the security costs associated with Harry and Meghan living in Canada. It follows reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already promised the Queen that Canada - and its taxpayers - would help pay for the couple's security. Canada's finance minister Bill Morneau (left) says its government has not yet decided if it will cover Harry and Meghan's estimated $1.7 million security costs after reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) had already promised the Queen Trudeau also assured the Queen that the family would be safe while in his country with Canada expected to pay around half of the estimated $1.7 million annual security bill, London's Evening Standard claimed. 'No, we haven't spent any time thinking about this issue,' Morneau told reporters in Toronto on Monday. 'We obviously are always looking to make sure, as a member of the Commonwealth, we play a role. We have not had any discussions on that subject at this time.' A Trudeau spokesperson declined to comment on whether Canada's taxpayers would foot the bill. There have been concerns that the large cost of providing security for Harry and Meghan could lead to a backlash in Canada and damage the status of the monarchy there. Harry and Meghan are entitled to 24/7 taxpayer-funded protection at home and abroad as members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace, the UK Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and the Home Office have already discussed the future of the couple's security. The Queen on Monday agreed to allow Harry and Meghan to split their time between Canada and the UK with their son Archie while an agreement was made on their future following their shock resignation as senior royals The Duchess of Sussex, then Meghan Markle, speaks to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the One Young World summit in Ottowa in September 2016. Prince Harry meets Justin Trudeau during a bilateral meeting in Toronto in September 2017 Asked about the issue of who will fund their security, the British Home Secretary Priti Patel told the BBC: 'I'm not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the Royal Family or for any protected individuals - that's thoroughly inappropriate for me to do so. 'At this moment in time, right now, the royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that they're dealing with.' Campaigners have said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who are charged with protecting senior officials including the Governor General, must not write a blank check on millions of dollars worth of protection, while others have suggested Harry and Meghan should foot the bill themselves. The Queen said on Monday that she'd held 'very constructive' talks with Harry, his brother Prince William and their father Prince Charles in a bid to chart a course through the fallout of the bombshell announcement. Their effective resignation last week followed a year filled with rumors of infighting between the brothers and reports of Meghan feeling unwelcome in the highly traditional and structured royal family. 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family,' the 93-year-old monarch said in a statement after the first day of meetings at her Sandringham estate in eastern England. Harry and Meghan said they wanted to 'carve out a progressive new role within this institution'. 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,' the queen said. The monarch stressed the couple told her 'they do not want to be reliant on public funds' but did not address the issue of whether they would keep their royal titles. Harry and Meghan are formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Five percent of their income is from public funds. The rest comes from Prince Charles' Duchy of Cornwall, a hereditary private estate dating back to 1337, which funds the public, charitable and private activities of his family. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK,' said the queen, stressing that there were still 'complex matter' left to resolve. 'I have asked for final decisions to be reached within days,' she said. A recent poll conducted two days before the couple's shock announcement found that more than 60 per cent of Canadians would support the appointment of the Duke of Sussex as the Governor General of Canada. The mostly ceremonial role, which is to act as the Queen's representative in Canada, provides both a residence - Government House in Ottowa - and a security detail. Some 61 per cent of the Canadians polled said they would support having Harry replace current governor general Julie Payette when her term expires in two years. The poll came despite Harry never having expressed any interest in the post, which has been held by Canadians since the 1950s but was previously held by Britons. Kilkenny students swept the board at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition awards ceremony which was held in the RDS last weekend. The young scientists, who are students at Meanscoil na mBraithre Criostai and Loreto Secondary School, impressed the judges and took home four awards from the Social & Behavioural Sciences and Biological and Ecological categories. A total number of 20 projects represented Kilkenny at the exhibition this year. Cormac Harris and Alan OSullivan, both aged 16, fourth year students from Colaiste Choilm, Cork, have taken home the top prize for a project entitled A statistical investigation into the prevalence of gender stereotyping in five to seven year olds and the development of an initiative to combat gender bias. The coveted prize was presented to the winners this evening in the BT Arena by Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, and Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh. Cormac and Alan presented their project in the Intermediate section in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category. Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, said, Congratulations to all the students at this years BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and in particular to Cormac and Alan on their fantastic project, well-deserved winners. The atmosphere of excitement, creativity and fun at the RDS this week has been incredible. I am particularly pleased to see so many young people tackling some of the most important issues facing us, from climate change to health, to technology, ethics and societal change. The students are a credit to their families, schools and teachers and they should rightly be proud of being here. They are a huge inspiration. Id like to thank everyone involved in the unique and brilliant event that the BTYSTE is; the organisers; the 83 judges; the dedicated teachers; and of course, the mothers, fathers and families whose support is absolutely key to this. Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said, Congratulations to all of our participants, and particularly to all our winners. For more than five decades, the Exhibition has shown the ingenuity of Irelands youth, and this years Exhibition is no exception. The students at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition have sought creative and innovative solutions to some of the worlds most pressing issues, and that spirit and drive is to be commended. We say Create Today, Shape Tomorrow at the exhibition and it really is only the beginning. From the young students involved in The Primary Science Fair to secondary students at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, it is vitally important that every students voyage of discovery does not end here. The award for Individual winner went to Oscar Despard, aged 17, a fifth year student from Sandford Park, Dublin, for his project entitled Applying Data-Driven Experimental Analysis to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging. The student was in the Biological and Ecological Sciences Category at Senior level. Oscars project used data from a large database of Irish individuals to analyse a number of blood proteins to see if there was a correlation between blood levels and atrial fibrillation (AF). Levels of a protein called LDL showed an unexpected relationship with AF. The research, somewhat unexpectedly, suggested a possible beneficial effect of LDL in reducing the risk of AF. The work went on to show that a protein in white blood cells in the heart played a pivotal role in the process. This exceptional young researcher took a new perspective on a global problem and has brought new insights. The group runners-up award was presented to Cathal OMara and James OMalley, both aged 13, first year students at Castletroy College, Limerick for their project entitled Bin Buddy A SMART Sorting Bin. The students were in the Technology category at Junior level. These talented young students took a significant and important social problem, which is the sorting of waste in a domestic setting and delivered a fully functioning, integrated technological solution at a level beyond their years. The project, which sorts out waste into their correct bins through a sophisticated image recognition system, has the potential for accurate waste segregation in a domestic setting. The judges see potential commercial application as it fixes a significant challenge of incorrect waste segregation, attempting to solve a huge environmental issue today. The Individual runner-up award was presented to Ava Hynes, aged 14, a second-year student at Colaiste Treasa, Cork for her project entitled A statistical analysis of the impact of adolescent smartphone use on adolescent social anxiety and social isolation in Social and Behavioural Sciences category at Junior level. Avas project was directly relevant to the lived experience of young people in Ireland and showcased extensive research and impressive methodology utilising internationally standardized scales. The project collected data from 792 12-19-year-old post primary students looking at levels of social anxiety, social phobia and adolescent loneliness, in addition to smartphone usage. Adolescent social phobia levels as well as social isolation were found to be affected by smartphone usage and 14.6% of the sample were found to have problematic smartphone usage levels. The research looked at factors such as age, gender, room of phone usage (such as bedroom etc), number of pickups of the phone, and how these factors related to social phobia and loneliness. Recommendations for parents, governments, technology companies, medical professionals and adolescents themselves are discussed in the research. Follow #BTYSTE and #CreateTodayShapeTomorrow to be part of the action! A US army member is said to have unleashed a barrage of gunfire out his window into a Brooklyn neighborhood on Tuesday, after learning his wife cheated on him. Harold Beard, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, allegedly pointed his AR-15 into his car, and a neighbor's home, from the second-floor window of his Dyker Heights apartment in the early hours of January 7. Officials said the man, 28, fired at least 29 rounds of bullets into the otherwise quiet block at 12:30am. A Google street view of the house where Harold Beard is thought to live. The army member is said to have shot several rounds of bullets outside the second-storey of the house after discovering his wife was cheating on him Police records showed the man told responding officers his wife was cheating on him, and he had fired off bullets at his car and out the window. No one was injured, but two rounds of bullets hit his Cadillac, and other rounds crossed 82nd Street to shatter a pair of windows at his neighbor's home, officers said. 'Thank God we were in the back because the bullets went straight through the window,' a neighbor, who declined to give his name, told the New York Post. 'They could've killed my baby,' the father-of-three said. Neighbors, in the otherwise quiet spot, described their narrow miss, after the army man unleashed a barrage of bullets at his car and over the street into a neighbor's window Another neighbor said the alleged shooter was 'very calm' as he self-defused the situation and called police on himself. 'I get up... and I see all the cop cars coming down . . . [police] running out of the car,' the local was reported as saying. 'He was very calm,' he said. 'He took the gun apart, left it on the porch and called the cops on himself.' He added that Beard came from a military family that had a history of service that dated back to 'colonial times'. The army vet was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon. He was released into the custody of the army, which put him on restrictive duty. It is unclear if the gun was issued to Beard by the military. The Legal Aid Society, representing the suspect, said: 'Mr. Beard is a highly decorated member of the U.S. Army with no prior contact with the criminal justice system. 'At Mr. Beards arraignment, his commanding officer stated on the record that the Army would guarantee Mr. Beards return to all future court dates if the Court consented to his release to Fort Hamilton on restrictive duty. 'The Court agreed. Judge Dougherty was right to release our client who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan to his community at Fort Hamilton instead of remanding him to a cage at Rikers Island.' Nearly all women (95 per cent) who get an abortion do not regret the decision, with the most common emotion experienced after the procedure being relief and not regret, says a new study. The authors of the study, published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, say their findings should help dismiss the belief that women will suffer emotional harm, or be emotionally scarred, as a result of an abortion. Professor Corrine Rocca, lead author, from the University of California said: There was no evidence ever to say that [myth] was actually true, but that it had still been used as a reason to justify restricting access to abortion. Currently in the USA multiple states require women to undertake mandatory abortion counselling and endure a 48-hour waiting period, during which they are given information about the negative impact of the medical procedure. The landmark study is based on almost 1,000 women who sought abortions in 21 states around the USA of whom 667 had the procedure. It tracked their emotions around the decision, a week afterwards and for five years thereafter at six-month intervals, The women were surveyed a total of 11 times. Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Show all 11 1 /11 Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Pro-choice campaigners stood outside the Stormont Estate on Monday 21 October with the word "decriminalised" spelt out in front of them as some of Stormonts assembly members returned to the chamber for the first time in nearly three years. A group of Northern Irish lawmakers returned to parliament in a failed last-minute protest at the decriminalisation of abortion in the region. AFP via Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Attendees at a pro-choice press conference embraced one another ahead of the meeting of the Stormont Assembly on abortion rights and same-sex marriage in Belfast. Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland A member of pro-choice group Alliance for Choice smiled as she and others marched in support of abortion rights in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following a pro-choice press conference. Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Members of pro-choice groups Alliance for Choice and Pro Life held demonstrations outside Stormont on Monday 21 October as a last-minute attempt to stop the decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland was made by the Democratic Unionist party. Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland A rally was held in Dublin City centre on Monday 21 October in celebration of the eminent decriminalisation of abortion and same-sex marriage. PA Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Equal marriage campaigners Martha Brown and Louise McCullough celebrated at Maverick Bar in Belfast as same-sex marriage and abortion were legalised in Northern Ireland. PA Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Members of pro-choice group Alliance for Choice made their way to Stormont carrying abortion rights signs. Getty Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Kellie Turtle and Emma Campbell embraced as members of pro-choice group Alliance for Choice held a press conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Activist Ashleigh Topley wiped away her tears during the Alliance for Choice press conference on Monday 21 October. Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Members of Alliance for Group embraced one another after their pro-choice press conference. Getty Images Celebrations as abortion is decriminalised in Northern Ireland Abortion rights campaigners marched through the streets of Belfast ahead of the meeting of the Stormont Assembly on abortion rights and same-sex marriage. Getty They asked participants if they had any emotions of sadness, guilt, relief, regret, anger or happiness, with relief being the most frequently experienced. They found there were both positive and negative emotions over the first two years, but these declined and plateaued thereafter. Even those who struggled to make the decision finished up supporting it, say gynaecologists. Just over half (54 per cent) said the decision to terminate their pregnancy was very or somewhat difficult. The other 46 per cent said it was not. Professor Rocca said: This debunks the idea that most women suffer emotionally from having an abortion. The authors say in future research should focus on the small percentage of women who do experience negative emotions or regret, and the specific factors that impact this situation. Data published by the Department of Health and Social Care shows there were 200,608 abortions for women resident in England and Wales in 2018 up four per cent on the 192,900 the previous year. Last year a YouGov poll of more than 1,600 people in Great Britain suggested public attitudes to abortion are becoming more relaxed. Less than three in 10 (28 per cent) wanted to reduce the limit or ban abortions altogether, compared with more than a third (35 per cent) in 2015. Currently in England, Wales and Scotland, abortions can be carried out within the first 23 weeks and six days of pregnancy. But later abortions are allowed in certain instances. These include if the mothers life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability. If you live in Northern Ireland your abortion care will be restricted, but you can travel elsewhere to obtain one. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 20:32:36|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The data issued by India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has revealed that the gross bank credit growth declined to a two-year low of 7.3 percent in November 2019, reported an English daily The Indian Express on Monday. The reasons attributed for the decline in bank credit growth is the "weak credit demand by the industrial and services sectors". The weakness in economic activity this fiscal year (April 2019-March 2020) has resulted in a contraction in credit outstanding for the Industrial and Services sector for the period between April 2019 till November 2019, said the RBI data. Both these sectors --Industrial and Services -- did not witness any credit expansion in the last eight months, it added. While the credit outstanding for the Industry sector contracted by 3.9 percent from 28.85 lakh crores Indian Rupees (around 414 billion U.S. dollars) in March 2019 to 27.72 lakh crores Indian Rupees (around 400 billion U.S. dollars) in November 2019, and that for the Services sector contracted by 2.2 percent from 24.15 lakh crores Indian Rupees (343 billion U.S. dollars) to 23.62 lakh crores Indian Rupees (337 billion U.S. dollars) during the same period, added the English daily while quoting the RBI data. The U.S. Supreme Court will not take up the appeal of Michelle Carter. The high court issued a denial Monday of her request to review a lower courts ruling, meaning her conviction will stand. The Plainville woman was found guilty of manslaughter for pressuring her on-and-off again boyfriend into killing himself while they were both teenagers. Conrad Roy III was found dead in a Fairhaven Kmart parking lot on July 13, 2014 after he turned on a gas-powered water pump and allowed the cabin of his truck to fill with carbon monoxide. Police initially did not suspect foul play. Then they discovered thousands of exchanges between the two. In calls and text messages for months leading up to his death, Carter urged Roy to kill himself. On the night of his death, Carter was on the phone with Roy as he was in his truck inhaling carbon monoxide. When he said he was getting out, she ordered him to get back in. Carter was charged with involuntary manslaughter and went to trial in the summer of 2017. She was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to serve a 15-month sentence, which she began in February 2019, after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rejected her state-level appeal. Carter went before the state parole board in September and was denied. One day after Carters hearing, the board returned its decision, writing, The [Board] is troubled that Ms. Carter not only encouraged Mr. Conrad to take his own life, she actively prevented others from intervening in his suicide. Massachusetts is one of just eight states that does not have a bill establishing a crime of coercion to take their own life. Roys mother, Lynn, is advocating for a bill that would make it a crime to intentionally coerce someone to take their own life. Weve been preparing for the possibility of this announcement for some time, Eads said. This is disappointing news for the city of Bristol. However, the citys chief financial officer and I have been planning on how to deal with this situation and with how it relates to revenue bonds at The Falls for an extended period of time. I want to ensure the citizens of the city of Bristol that this is a speed bump that we will overcome. As disappointing as this news is, I feel confident that we will move in the right direction, and we will continue to develop the entire city of Bristol in a manner in which all citizens will be proud. The Moorestown High School Interact Club invites all to attend its 20th annual Soup for the Soul charity event being held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 8. All proceeds are donated to Philabundance, which is dedicated to ending hunger in the Delaware Valley. Tickets to this fully student-run event, held at the First Presbyterian Church, grant access to a buffet-style meal with all-you-can-eat soup and bread donated by local restaurants. Enjoy live music from student performers throughout the day. Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. Additionally, with a $10 takeout option, ticket holders will receive a container of your favorite soup, as well as two pieces of bread. YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Number of flight destinations from Armenia to Europe has greatly increased thanks to the changes and works done by the Civil Aviation Committee. Tatevik Revazyan, chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia, told a press conference in Armenpress that previously there were 6-7 flights to Europe, but now the number of these regular flights reached 16-17. Very serious changes have taken place, we are expecting a major passenger flow to Armenia. If you noticed, international media recently started reporting about Armenia quite frequently. Airlines also carry out major works to advertise their directions, she said, adding that the increase in number of flight destinations, the entry of low-cost airlines to Armenia is an opportunity for its citizens to travel to Europe via a direct flight and with affordable tickets. She noted that this is also an opportunity for a great tourism flow coming from abroad. The Irish Ryanair airline is entering into the Armenian aviation market. The airline will operate the first flight on January 14, connecting Yerevan with Rome and Milan, and then will carry out a flight to Berlin in late March and from Gyumri to the German town of Memmingen. Another low-cost airline, Wizz Air, will also start operating flights from Yerevan to Vienna and Vilnius in April. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan A girl belonging to an indigenous community in Cauca at a funeral for a murdered member of the community (ANSA) The Catholic Bishops of the Pacific and Southwest regions of Colombia issue a statement appealing for the resumption of a peace process in the perspective of respect for human rights, peoples rights and international humanitarian law. By Linda Bordoni Colombian bishops of the countrys Pacific and Southwest regions are calling for attention and for a response to the dramatic situation in which many communities find themselves as tension increases in the country. On several occasions we have drawn attention to the difficulties that many people are experiencing in the Pacific and Southwest region and we have asked the Colombian state for a global solution that resolves the structural causes that are at the basis of the humanitarian crisis, the bishops say as they express solidarity and concern for the exacerbation of the conflict in the Choco region, in the diocese of Quibdo and in other regions of Colombias southwest. Let us raise our voice as Pastors again and ask to resume the path of peace in the perspective of respect for human rights, peoples' rights and international humanitarian law," they say. Vulnerable communities The area in question comprises territories where mainly indigenous and afro-descendant communities live. It is especially for these communities that the bishops express concern. In their statement entitled Strengthening the construction of peace in the face of the escalation of the conflict they appeal to the National Government, and to other state bodies, "to establish conditions for a dignified life and mechanisms of protection for communities and social leaders". The bishops go a step further asking for attention towards alleged collusion between members of security forces and illegal groups that have been reported by human rights organizations and by the Diocese of Quibdo. They note that "armed groups must be aware of their status as aggressors of the civilian population and therefore accept the refusal they are subject to because of their criminal actions". Need for political solutions and dialogue Kicking off the new year, the Colombian bishops reiterate the need to pursue political solutions to end the armed conflict with ELN rebels and to reach an agreement with the self-proclaimed paramilitary AGC militants and other groups. The bishops conclude their statement noting that they await a sincere response of the various protagonists, through concrete gestures of an authentic will for peace," and they ask the people of Colombia to pray and commit themselves to building a fair, fraternal and violence-free country. Power vacuum The number of indigenous people killed in the Southwest and Pacific areas in Colombia has risen sharply as armed groups seek to seize control of the power vacuum left by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after they demobilised as part of the 2016 peace deal. The resulting power struggle has left indigenous movement s, which defend land sovereignty, in the middle of violent efforts by armed groups to gain territorial control. The violence has been heightened further by the region's drug trade. Christian groups speak out as Texas Gov. Abbott refuses to resettle refugees in 2020 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Christian leaders and organizations are speaking out after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott informed the U.S. State Department last week that he will not consent to the resettlement of refugees in the state in 2020. Pursuant to President Donald Trumps executive order last year giving state and local officials the authority to block refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions, Abbott became the first governor in the nation last Friday to refuse his consent for the resettlement of refugees this year. Meanwhile, 42 other governors have offered their consent for refugee resettlement in their states. Abbott argued that Texas has carried more than its share in assisting the refugee resettlement process and appreciates that other states are available to help with these efforts. He stated that since 2010, Texas has resettled more refugees than any other state. Since that time, Texas has resettled about 10 percent of the refugees who have come to the U.S., he added. Additionally, he said the state has been left to deal with the country's "disproportionate migration issues" as over 100,000 migrants were apprehended for crossing over the southern border into Texas in 2019. World Relief, an evangelical humanitarian nonprofit that is one of nine organizations authorized to resettle refugees in the U.S., expressed disappointment that Abbott has chosen to close the states doors to refugees in 2020. We have seen time and again the amazing contributions that refugees make in our neighborhoods, congregations and the local economy, World Relief Fort Worth Director Troy Greisen said in a statement. We grieve the families with members already resettled in Texas that will have to wait even longer to be reunited, and we grieve even more for the loss our communities will experience without their new members. Trumps Sept. 26 executive order is the first time ever that the federal government will require state and local governments to provide consent in order for the federal government to resettle refugees in their jurisdictions. World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, and the Evangelical Immigration Table spearheaded a joint effort last month to send letters to 15 governors that were signed by thousands of evangelicals. The letters encouraged the governors to provide their consent for refugee resettlement. A letter sent to Abbott on Dec. 9 was signed by over 340 Texas evangelicals. World Relief President Scott Arbeiter said that Abbotts decision was out of step with our heritage as Americans. And most importantly, its out of step with our Christian prerogative to care for those in need and the stranger, Arbeiter argued. We have been grateful for the leadership Texas has historically shown as a welcoming community and are deeply saddened that they are now choosing to abdicate that role, instead of closing their door to refugees altogether. Arbeiter urged the other eight governors who have not yet issued their consent for refugee resettlement to do so. In addition to the 42 governors, a total of 86 local officials have offered their consent to refugee resettlement, according to World Relief. John McCullough, president of the refugee resettlement agency Church World Service, called Abbotts decision cruel and harmful. CSW, a cooperative ministry of 37 denominations, is calling on its supporters to contact Abbotts office to urge the governor to reverse the decision. The Mayors of San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth along with local officials across the state have voiced strong support for refugees resettlement citing the vast economic and civic benefits they bring to communities, McCullough said. In one fell swoop, Governor Abbott has denied them the ability to do what is best for their communities. McCullough fears that Abbotts decision will lead to family separation and will leave refugees and U.S. citizens without supportive services. It will devastate congregations that will not be able to live out their calling to welcome the stranger. It will devastate businesses that rely on the workforce and contributions of refugees, McCullough added. CWS is among the three faith-based resettlement agencies that filed a lawsuit challenging Trumps Sept. 26 executive order. The lawsuit argues that the Trump order overstepped the presidents authority by giving state and local governments veto power when it comes to refugee resettlement. The deadline for state and local officials to offer their consent is Jan. 21, when resettlement agencies must submit funding requests to the State Department Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration for the fiscal year 2020. Katie Adams, the domestic policy advocate for the United Church of Christ, said in a statement that Abbotts decision flattens the good news of the gospel into mere words, not the living, breathing gospel of Jesus. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops also condemned Abbotts decision. While the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops respects the governor, this decision is simply misguided, the statement on the conferences website reads. It denies people who are fleeing persecution, including religious persecution, from being able to bring their gifts and talents to our state and contribute to the general common good of all Texans. The Episcopal Church also objected to Abbotts decision. The Episcopal Church urges Gov. Abbott to reconsider his decision and express support for continuing Texass long tradition of welcoming refugees, the statement reads. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyager Digital (Canada) Ltd. ("Voyager" or the "Company") (CSE:VYGR) (OTCQB:VYGVF) (FRA:UCD2), the owner of financial platforms including Voyager, a licensed crypto-asset broker that provides investors with a turnkey solution to trade crypto assets, today announced it has completed the acquisition of VYGR Digital Securities, LLC ("VYGR Digital"), following VYGR Digital receiving approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) for a change in ownership. The Company has acquired VYGR Digital, which will now operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Voyager. The Company had previously owned a minority stake (24.9%) in the broker-dealer. This acquisition cements VYGR Digital's position as a broker-dealer on The Voyager Platform, developed and operated by its parent company, Voyager, the first publicly traded licensed crypto broker to offer commission-free trading. The Voyager Platform, which was created as a turnkey solution for crypto trading, provides best execution trading, safe custody and education on a wide range of popular crypto assets. "We are very pleased to assume ownership of this broker-dealer to provide additional infrastructure and support for The Voyager Platform," said Stephen Ehrlich, Co-Founder and CEO of Voyager. "Favorable regulatory trends and improving digital asset technologies continue to drive the global crypto market's rapid growth. We believe building out a mainstream capital market infrastructure is a critical step to be a leader in this market. Having this registered broker-dealer in-house is the latest step toward making Voyager the premier service provider in the rapidly evolving financial industry." The VYGR Digital acquisition is the latest in a series of milestones for Voyager. In December, Voyager announced a new partnership with Option Hotline, a publishing company that delivers executable trade ideas from options professionals in real-time to its subscribers and third-party contributors, through an in-house trade alert service. Also, in recent months, Voyager Digital has completed six API distribution partnerships with Avant-Garde Trading Securities, RoundlyX (Coin Savage, LLC), Market Rebellion, LLC, Sterling Trading Tech, Tiger Trading and Stockstracker. The Company also recently expanded its flagship crypto trading app, The Voyager App, to include Android and launched the Voyager Interest Program, offering customers interest on Bitcoin, The Voyager Token, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum held on the platform. The Company continues to use its Bedrock Platform to build out additional blockchain functionality and plans to add more coins to the Voyager App in 2020. About Voyager Digital (Canada) Ltd. Voyager Digital (Canada) Ltd. is a crypto-asset broker that provides retail and institutional investors with a turnkey solution to trade crypto assets. Voyager offers customers best execution and safe custody on a wide choice of popular crypto-assets. Voyager was founded by established Wall Street and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who teamed to bring a better, more transparent and cost-efficient alternative for trading crypto-assets to the marketplace. Please visit us at https://www.investvoyager.com for more information and to review the latest Corporate Presentation. SOURCE Voyager Digital Related Links https://www.investvoyager.com ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday rejected two of the most important permits for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, giving a major victory to environmentalists. A three-judge panel ruled that the state Department of Natural Resources erred when it declined to order a proceeding known as a contested case hearing to gather more information on the potential environmental impacts from the mine. The court also said the agency erred when it issued PolyMets permit to mine without imposing a fixed term on that permit. So the court sent the dispute back to the DNR with orders to conduct the potentially lengthy hearing, during which an administrative law judge would take testimony and sort out conflicting evidence. Environmentalists celebrated the decision while PolyMet said it would consider taking the case to the Minnesota Supreme Court. At issue were PolyMets permit to mine and its dam safety permits. The court suspended those permits in September because it wanted more information on how the DNR was responding to two major developments since it approved the permits in 2018. Swiss-based commodities giant Glencore took a majority stake in the project. And there was a disastrous failure at an iron mine in Brazil of a tailings basin dam that had some similarities with PolyMets planned dam. Opponents of the project urged the appeals court at a hearing in October to cancel the two permits and order further proceedings to determine whether the mines environmental and financial safeguards were adequate. They argued that the public and court would be unable to enforce the terms of the permits as written by the DNR. But attorneys for the department and PolyMet argued that the project has undergone thorough public reviews that met all the legal requirements, and that the permits contain plenty of safeguards to protect the environment and taxpayers. The appeals court said in its decision that the fact the DNR might have considered evidence during its environmental review and permitting proceedings did not relieve the agency of the need to conduct a contested case hearing. The court did not address most of the opponents other arguments because it found that the agency had committed legal errors that required reversing the agencys decision to grant the permits. PolyMet said in a statement that the company and regulatory agencies have strictly followed the comprehensive process established by state law for the past 15 years. We are confident that we can produce these high-demand metals responsibly, with Minnesota workers, and in compliance with all applicable regulations, the company said. But Paula Maccabee, an attorney for WaterLegacy, one of the groups that challenged the permits, called the decision an absolutely enormous victory. She said in an interview that the hearing will mean a trial-like proceeding in an open and transparent process for everyone to see. That means PolyMets toxic environmental threats will finally get the scrutiny they deserve. The appeals court noted the opponents concerns about the potential for acid mine drainage, the safety of the design for the mines waste pond and the effectiveness of plans for controlling contamination seepage from it, and whether the permits contain sufficient financial safeguards to cover long-term cleanup costs. DNR officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether theyll ask the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the decision. Minnesota Senate GOP Majority Leader Paul Gazelka tweeted that the decision was extremely disappointing. Thousands and thousands of jobs for the Iron Range are again put on hold by liberal courts and radical environmentalists. The case was one of several challenges pending before the courts in the long-running battle over the project between Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes, which would be Minnesotas first copper-nickel mine. Next week a Ramsey County judge will open whats expected to be a five- to 10-day fact-finding hearing on alleged irregularities in how the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency handled the water permit for the project. MPCA officials allegedly tried improperly to suppress the federal Environmental Protection Agencys concerns over the permit and keep them out of the public record. The judge will later present his findings to the Court of Appeals, which will consider his report when it decides on a separate challenge by environmental and tribal attorneys to the water permit. The plaintiffs in that case include the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, whose reservation is 70 miles (110 kilometres) downstream from the planned site. PolyMet has been working to raise $1 billion in construction financing while it fights off the remaining legal challenges. Two persons were on Sunday arrested here for waiving black flags at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy, police sources confirmed Kolkata: Two persons were on Sunday arrested here for waving black flags at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy, police sources confirmed. One of the two was identified as Sourav Prasad, the president of the West Bengal unit of the Congress Chatra Parishad, they said. He was held from outside Netaji Indoor Stadium where Modi had come to attend a programme organised by the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), police said. The incident took place at around 11 am when Modi's convoy was entering the stadium, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. "As the Prime Minsiters's convoy was entering through the Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra gate, two persons appeared from the crowd and started raising slogans of 'Modi go back' and 'chhatra parishad zindabad'," he said. "They also took out black flags which were hidden in their trousers and began waving them," he added. The policemen present there immediately nabbed the duo, the officer said. However, the police denied that the incident was a security breach. "Prime Minister's convoy was far off from the spot where these two were waving the flags... There was no security breach," another senior officer said. Modi arrived here on Saturday on a two-day visit to participate in sesquicentenary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust and dedication of heritage buildings to the nation. Students, mostly affiliated to the Congress and the Left parties, continued protests for the second consecutive day on Sunday against the amended citizenship act, despite Modi's assurance that the new law would not harm the interests of any citizen. Activists, who had hit the streets on Saturday with placards that read 'Modi go back' and 'down with BJP', continued their sit-in all night at Esplanade area in the state capital on Sunday, insisting that their agitation would continue till the prime minister leaves the city. A single bright star in the constellation of Indus, visible from the southern hemisphere, has revealed new insights on an ancient collision that our galaxy the Milky Way underwent with another smaller galaxy called Gaia-Enceladus early in its history. An international team of scientists led by the University of Birmingham adopted the novel approach of applying the forensic characterisation of a single ancient, bright star called Indi as a probe of the history of the Milky Way. Stars carry "fossilized records" of their histories and hence the environments in which they formed. The team used data from satellites and ground-based telescopes to unlock this information from Indi. Their results are published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The star was aged using its natural oscillations (asteroseismology), detected in data collected by NASA's recently launched Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Launched in 2018, TESS is surveying stars across most of the sky to search for planets orbiting the stars and to study the stars themselves. When combined with data from the European Space Agency (ESA) Gaia Mission, the detective story revealed that this ancient star was born early in the life of the Milky Way, but the Gaia-Enceladus collision altered its motion through our Galaxy. Bill Chaplin, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study said: "Since the motion of Indi was affected by the Gaia-Enceladus collision, the collision must have happened once the star had formed. That is how we have been able to use the asteroseismically-determined age to place new limits on when the Gaia-Enceladus event occurred." Co-author Dr Ted Mackereth, also from Birmingham, said: "Because we see so many stars from Gaia-Enceladus, we think it must have had a large impact on the evolution of our Galaxy. Understanding that is now a very hot topic in astronomy, and this study is an important step in understanding when this collision occurred." Bill Chaplin added: "This study demonstrates the potential of asteroseismology with TESS, and what is possible when one has a variety of cutting-edge data available on a single, bright star" The research clearly shows the strong potential of the TESS programme to draw together rich new insights about the stars that are our closest neighbours in the Milky Way. The research was funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the European Research Council through the Asterochronometry project. ### Cambodians and stakeholders are preparing for the crucial treason trial of opposition leader Kem Sokha on Wednesday, even as authorities prepare heavy security arrangements and media attendance for the hearing was uncertain due to alleged lack of space in the courtroom. The opposition leader will appear before a panel of three judges on January 15 for treason charges, potentially facing up to 30 years in prison. He has been accused of using assistance from foreign countries to unseat the Hun Sen government. Kem Sokhas legal team has said that he will attend the hearing, however, he has remained tight-lipped about their strategy going into the trial. Kem Monovithya, Kem Sokhas eldest daughter and a former party member, said the trial was casting Cambodia in poor light. Everyone, including his supporters, his rivals, the court officials themselves, and the whole world, is certain that he is innocent, Kem Monovithya told VOA Khmer. Witnesses have been summoned for the Wednesday hearing, though there is no conclusive list of those summoned. This includes Ma Chetra and Hun Dara, citizen journalists for the pro-opposition Social Breaking News, Borei Keila land rights activist Sor Sorn, and former CNRP grassroots officials Khoeun Virath and Leng Vibol. Little evidence has been presented by the government to support the charge against Kem Sokha, except for a video of the opposition leader from 2013 where he said he got assistance from the US to plan his political trajectory evidence rejected by him and the US. At the same time, Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sopheak confirmed that security forces will be mobilized on Wednesday to maintain security during the trial. The National Police had already prepared a security plan that we would secure the safety for both Mr. Kem Sokha and all participants [attending his trial], Khieu Sopheak told VOA Khmer last week. Last week, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said the courtroom for Kem Sokhas trial can hold only 30 people. Journalists and NGO observers were informed on Monday that most of the seats were being given to embassy representatives, raising concerns over the quality of news coverage of the trial. A court representative added that only after embassy representatives were accommodated would other attendees be considered and selected by the court. Am Sam Ath, senior investigator at the local rights group Licadho, said the trial should be more open to the general public, given the enormity of the trial that had generated domestic and international interest. They should create a public [televised] screening of the trial process, just like the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, Am Sam Ath said. By doing so, it would be good because it would show transparency and allow public participation in Kem Sokhas trial. Court spokesperson Y Rin could not be reached for comment on Monday. The trial has garnered a lot of interest in the United States and European Union, both of which have been accused of aiding Kem Sokha in his alleged plan to overthrow the government. Also, the EU Commissions investigation to potentially suspend the Everything But Arms trade privileges will factor in the trials outcome. It was also unclear if opposition supporters would be allowed to express their support for Kem Sokha, given that past court appearance and the dissolution of the CNRP saw barricades set up around courts and major streets blocking access. Mao Sophat, a 72-year-old resident of Phnom Penhs Daun Penh district, said he would like to monitor the case because he had followed it since Kem Sokhas arrest in 2017, and believed it was politically motivated. The trial of Kem Sokha is an international event that everyone would have their eyes on it, he said. I have learned that only thirty seats are available to the participants at the trial that leads me to a question if it will be enough, said Mao Sophat. Clouds of smoke from Australia's bushfires will circle the entire globe and make it back to the nation's skies, NASA has predicted. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra have been blanketed with thick smoke since the bushfire season began in October last year. The smoke from hundreds of blazes drifted over the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, coating parts of New Zealand and South America, nearly 11,000km away. Pictured: the smoke from Australia's bushfires (in yellow) drifting over the Pacific Ocean Scientists have predicted the smoke will make the 40,075km journey around the globe and return to the bushfire-ravaged country. 'Over the past week, NASA satellites have observed an extraordinary amount of smoke injected into the atmosphere from the Australian fires and its subsequent eastward dispersal,' the agency said. 'The smoke is expected to make at least one full circuit around the globe, returning once again to the skies over Australia.' Meanwhile, the heat from the fires in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have triggered fire-induced thunderstorms called 'pyroCbs events'. PyroCbs events happen as a result of smoke in the lower stratosphere - more than 15km above the ground - and have helped scientists track the movement of the plumes. Smoke haze from bushfires in Australian turns the sky orange above the CBD in Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, January 5, 2020 A view at a lookout point shows grey skies, due to smoke from Australia's bushfires, at San Cristobal hill in Santiago, Chile January 7, 2020 '[The events] are triggered by the uplift of ash, smoke, and burning material via super-heated updrafts,' NASA said. What are 'pyroCbs events'? Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) is a thunderstorm cloud that forms over a bushfire. PyroCbs develop in unstable atmospheres and are triggered by the heat energy released by the fire. They can produce lightning, hail and tornadoes. PyroCb are usually associated with large fires, high energy release, high flames and indicate extreme fire behaviour. They can produce gusty winds that may result in changeable and very rapid fire spread in any direction. Source: The Bushfire and Natural Hazard Cooperative Research Centre Advertisement 'As these materials cool, clouds are formed that behave like traditional thunderstorms but without the accompanying precipitation.' PyroCbs events mean the smoke can travel thousands of kilometres from the source and affect air quality all over the world. NASA said the smoke plumes produced by some of the Australian pyroCbs events are the largest ever recorded. Images taken by the SuomiNPP satellite in space on New Year's Day showed huge plumes of smoke before they merged into an enormous mass that has since travelled across the southern hemisphere. The agency's GEOS-5 model, which calculates the density of black carbon particles generated by fires, tracked the trajectory of the smoke cloud over a ten-day period. A sequence beginning on New Year's Eve shows winds carrying the smoke eastward, moving across New Zealand and the South Pacific, before reaching South America in less than a week. Clouds of smoke also crossed the Tasman Sea and reached New Zealand in early January. Thick smoke blankets southeastern Australia along the border of Victoria and New South Wales on January 2, 2020 The South Island was left in a haze after wind pushed smoke from the NSW and Victorian bushfires 2,000 kilometres across the ditch. A satellite image showed the entire South Island covered in smoke and spreading to the west coast of the North Island. Images taken in places such as Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Wanaka and Otago showed a thick haze filling the skies. Early last month, Australian ash fumes turned glaciers pink, as red dust and earth lifted from the central desert were carried in with plumes of bushfire smoke. The graphic shows the toxic clouds of smoke moving across the globe. The smoke is expected to arrive back in Australia While it is too early to say how the particles will affect the environment, scientists have found that forest fires in the Amazon have caused glaciers in the Andes mountain to melt faster. Pollutants such as black carbon and dust lodge in the ice and reduce the glacier's ability to reflect sunlight. On January 6, Canberra's air quality was the worst of any major city in the world after winds carried in smoke from bushfires in NSW. Australia's bushfire season has been one of the worst in history, killing 27 people, more than a billion animals and destroying more than 2,100 homes. As an array of new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTA) start to take effect in early this year, Vietnams export commodities can enjoy competitive advantages as a result of the removal of tariff barriers. Last year, the countrys export turnover surged by 8 per cent to US$264 billion in comparison with 2018s figure, enjoying an impressive trade surplus of US$10 billion and two-way trade of over VND 500 billion in the process. Processed industrial goods made an important contribution to the export results with an estimated turnover of more than US$222 billion, accounting for approximately 84.3 per cent of the nations total export turnover. Among the 34 major industrial processing commodity groups, there are 26 commodity categories that enjoy export turnover higher than US$1 billion, eight commodity groups with more than US$5 billion, and three commodity groups with over US$30 billion. Nguyen Cam Trang, Deputy Director of the Import and Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), attributed the impressive export figures to increasingly simplified import-export procedures. This comes as a result of the MoIT moving to put more public administrative services online and connecting with the National Single Window in a bid to further reduce costs and save time for businesses. Despite these positives, many economists have pointed to numerous factors that have hindered the countrys export growth, partially due to complicated developments in the trade war between global powers and difficulties when exporting goods to the Chinese market. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Tat Thang, a senior researcher from the Vietnam Trade Research Institute, said with the trade war between the United States and China showing no signs of ending, it could pose a number of unpredictable risks to the trade activities of several nations, including Vietnam. Thang therefore advised Vietnamese firms to remain alert and try to reap the benefits from the ongoing trade war between the major world powers. Moreover, domestic enterprises should pay close attention to issues relating to origin fraud for goods, in addition to making investments in high value-added products in an attempt to create genuinely global brands. Furthermore, many import and export barriers are poised to be abolished in the near future, according to Assoc. Pham Tat Thang. In order to achieve a GDP growth rate of 6.8 per cent over the course of the year, the Industry and Trade sector is aiming to fulfill a target of 7 per cent to 8 per cent growth in export turnover in comparison to last year with the trade deficit rate falling below 2 per cent. Several businesses have stated that new-generation FTAs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) are considered to be "passports" for Vietnamese firms who are seeking to make further inroads into the worlds demanding markets. In order to take full advantage of the benefits presented by these FTAs, local enterprises must make radical reforms and change their way of thinking so as to improve their competitiveness, according to business representatives. Than Duc Viet, the General Director of May 10 Corporation said to penetrate the EU market domestic businesses must focus on improving the quality of their workforce whilst simultaneously creating the best possible working environment for their employees. Nguyen Minh Ke, Director of Song Hong Aluminum Joint Stock Company, said that in order to meet the non-economic standards set out by the EU, there should be greater efforts put in by enterprises, with EU businesses paying heed to both the working conditions and worker salaries. When the EVFTA comes into force, Vietnamese businesses will face stiff competition from foreign enterprises due to their weak competitiveness and limitations that they face in human resources and investment in advanced technologies, he noted. According to Ngo Chung Khanh, Deputy Director of the MoITs Multilateral Trade Policy Department, after the EVFTA was signed on June 30, 2019, both sides are speeding up the process of ratifying the agreement as soon as possible. The MoIT has also prepared documents to submit to the President for ratification of EVFTA, while drafting an action plan for the implementation of this agreement, said the representative of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department. VOV It was decided in the meeting that 80 per cent of posts will be reserved for female candidates, while 20 percent will be for male candidates in all categories. (Photo Credit: Stock image ) New Delhi: AIIMS Nurses Union New Delhi has alleged gender discrimination in the new reservation criteria for recruitment of nursing officers in AIIMS across India. In a letter to Union Heath Minister Harsh Vardhan, the union expressed objections over the implementation of decisions of the 4th Central Institute Body (CIB) meeting on recruitment of Nursing Officers in AIIMS across the country. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the minister and other members of CIB, but the union alleged that no nursing personnel were present as members of the CIB. It was decided in the meeting that 80 per cent of posts will be reserved for female candidates, while 20 percent will be for male candidates in all categories. The minutes of meeting stated that the CIB discussed the issue of appropriateness and requirement of female nursing staffs in a number of departments/specialised wards vis-a-vis patient comfort and care. It was decided that 80 per cent of posts may be reserved for female nursing staff, while the remaining may be filled by male nursing staff, the minutes stated. "AIIMS Nurses Union strongly opposes this newly introduced reservation criteria based on gender discrimination for the post of Nursing Officer (Direct Recruitment) and also condemns the decisions taken in the 4th meeting of CIB," AIIMS Nurses Union president Harish Kumar Kajla said in the letter. "This unconstitutional decision taken by the AIIMS CIB members simply shows the gender discrimination to the matter of public employment which is a blatant violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in our Constitution as per Article 16 (1949) which guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment for all Indian citizens," the letter said. They said that AIIMS Nagpur has issued a notification on January 10 for the post of Nursing Officer (on Direct Recruitment Basis) with reservation of 80 per cent to female candidates and only 20 per cent to male candidates in all categories. The Bayelsa State Government on Monday said it has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ceded the disputed Soku oil wells between Rivers and Bayelsa States to the former. Solicitor General of the state, Preye Agada, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists in Yenagoa. Mr Agada, who led the states legal team to file an appeal on behalf of the state Attorney General, said the state is seeking a stay of execution of the judgment pending determination of the appeal. The judgment was delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on December 26, 2019. Mr Agada said the lower court delivered judgment against the state without joining it as a party in the suit. He noted that in the motion on notice in the suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2019, Bayelsa was not served the processes in the suit before the lower court delivered the said judgment. He said the state government had also sought an order of the court to appeal the judgment as an interested party in the suit between the Attorney General of Rivers State and the National Boundaries Commission. The solicitor general said the state had written all relevant federal agencies to stay action on the enforcement of the judgment. The agencies include the Attorney General and Minister of Justice; the Minister of Finance; the Accountant General of the Federation; the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission; and the National Boundary Commission. He added that the contested oil wells, which Rivers described as Soku Oil Wells are in Oluasiri in Bayelsa, stressing that Bayelsa had been receiving the 13 per cent derivation accruing from the oil wells for a long time. He explained that Bayelsa government had been waiting for Rivers and the National Boundaries Commission to cooperate with the Supreme Court directive to properly delineate the disputed areas in the affected areas once and for all. The Solicitor General said it was regrettable that Rivers government, which pulled out of the boundary delineation exercise in 2013, surreptitiously filed the action after years of inactivity. He appealed to the people of the affected communities who are all Ijaw people to await proper delineation of the boundaries, which he said did not have any effect on the historical ties and relationship between them. (NAN) Queen Elizabeth II always leaves the royal watchers impressed on everything she does. However, there is one instance where her people felt astounded after she broke a royal protocol. Throughout her 67 years of ruling the British monarchy, the current longest-reigning monarch built herself to be the best example for the members of the royal family. She also had no record of breaking a single protocol -- except during this one event. Queen Breaking Traditions? The 93-year-old Queen, as the head of the well-established British Royal Family, never bowed or bent her knees down to anyone. Whenever Queen Elizabeth II meets other monarchs from other countries, for example, Queen Margarethe II of Denmark, Her Majesty only gives them a kiss on the cheek and a handshake -- nothing more, nothing less. This became part of the royal custom ever since she stood up as the new Queen of Britain. However, a photograph which was taken more than half a century ago resurfaced and allegedly showed how Queen Elizabeth II made an exception with this particular leader. In 1955, the Queen reportedly met the late Ethiopian leader, Haile Selassie I, and it was the first and the last time the queen broke a protocol. During the said visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ethiopia, Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt captured a rare event while covering the celebration of the silver jubilee of Haile Selassie. In one of the official photographs, it reportedly showed how Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip bowed before the ruler and his wife. However, it should be noted that only the back of the people in the photograph can be seen and it cannot be confirmed whether it was the Queen and her husband. A Twitter account with the username @AfricaFactsZone shared the image alongside the caption: "Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip bowing before Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and his wife, Empress Menen Asfew. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip bowing before Emperor Haile Selassie 1 of Ethiopia and his wife, Empress Menen Asfew. They are the only people they have ever bowed to as a Royal couple. pic.twitter.com/fIpBUySTQw Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) March 1, 2018 One Quora user named Trish Gwynn offered a brief explanation as to why she may have bowed to Haile Selassie. "He [Ethiopian Emperor] wasn't just considered earthly royalty, as tradition says he is the direct descendant of the son of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba which makes him also a descendant of King David (from whom Jesus is also said to be descended from) therefore making emperor Selassie a kind of 'spiritual royalty', kin of Jesus essentially." Sussexes Breaking Royal Protocol, Too? Speaking of breaking royal protocols, the Queen have been a witness to such actions in recent weeks, thanks to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. After Prince Harry and Meghan announced their departure as senior members of the Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly summoned the members of the Royal Households and obliged them to find a solution and "workable" future role for Prince the Sussexes as soon as possible. The Sussexes' decision came after months of suffering from allegation after allegation: from the criticisms they received while filming their documentary on their royal tour in South Africa to the clear demolition job by various British tabloids who invaded their privacy as a family. Now that the monarchy instantly lost three of its members -- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew -- Queen Elizabeth II is still doing her best to make the Sussexes stay. I pray the book helps show readers where to turn in the Bible for counsel and instruction in making wise decisions and implementing His plan. Author and mother Sondra Lee has released My, Son If You Accept My Words, a Christian parenting book oriented towards mothers seeking to prepare their preteen and teen sons for the transition from boyhood to manhood, specifically regarding matters of the heart. Drawing from Biblical stories concerning love, marriage, fatherhood and even temptation, Lee explains the lessons imparted in the scripture and how they can be applied to lifes journey. Having witnessed the devastating effects it has on the Christian family when a child chooses unwisely in their relationships, Lee began writing My Son, If You Accept My Words to offer guidance to her son. However, she soon felt called to make the book available for other mothers seeking to help their own sons understand Gods plan for them and avoid the pitfalls of pride and temptation. My goal for this book is that young men yet to be married will see the importance of guarding their hearts so that, while pursuing their dreams, they will not find themselves like Solomon, compromising the truths of Gods Word, said Lee. I pray the book helps show readers where to turn in the Bible for counsel and instruction in making wise decisions and implementing His plan. A scripture-filled resource for Christian mothers and their sons, My Son, If You Accept My Words illustrates Gods desires and intentions for relationships and encourages young men to seek the Lord in every decision in their lives, big or small. My Son, If You Accept My Words By Sondra Lee ISBN: 9781973675181 (softcover); 9781973675198 (hardcover); 9781973675174 (electronic) Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Christianbook.com About the author Sondra Lee is a homeschooling mother of two children. She has been blessed with the opportunity to lead a Bible devotion for the ladies in her homeschool group each month. Prior to leading these devotions, she wrote devotions for their newsletter and for sharing on social media. Lee attained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She currently lives in Monroe, Georgia. ### Review Copies & Interview Requests: LAVIDGE Phoenix Leslie Standridge 480-998-2600 x 586 lstandridge(at)lavidge(dot)com BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has announced a law on Irans reciprocal steps in response to the recognition of the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group by the US, Trend reports referring to the Iranian governments website. The decision of the Iranian president has been announced to the relevant authorities. On Jan. 7, the Iranian parliament adopted a resolution in third reading on Irans reciprocal steps against the US. The resolution was confirmed by the Iranian Guardian Council of the Constitution. According to the decision, within the next two months, Quds Force of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will receive 200 million euros from Irans National Development Fund. The staff of the Pentagon of the US Department of Defense and all the related agencies and companies are to be considered members of terrorist groups. Besides, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and all forces and organizations subordinate to CENTCOM are also to be considered terrorist groups. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned that military confrontation with Iran will impact global peace and stability, as he visits the Middle East hoping to ease tensions spiked by the US killing of a top Iranian general. His comments came at the start of a five-day Gulf tour that had been thrown into doubt after Tehran responded to the attack on Qasem Soleimani by launching a barrage of missiles at bases hosting American troops in Iraq, prompting fears of all-out war. But as those concerns receded, the Japanese premier decided to go ahead with the visit and on Sunday discussed regional tensions during an hour-long meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in northwestern Al-Ula province, according to foreign ministry spokesman Masato Ohtaka. "Any military confrontation in the region that includes a country like Iran will have an impact not only on peace and stability in the region but the peace and stability of the whole world," Abe said, according to Ohtaka. Abe called "on all relevant countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions", Ohtaka added. The spokesman said the two leaders agreed on working closely on maritime security in the region and discussed Tokyo's decision to send a destroyer for intelligence activities along with two P-3C patrol aircraft to the Middle East. Japan, however, will not join a US-led coalition in the region. Tokyo has walked a fine line in balancing its key alliance with Washington and its longstanding relations and interests with Tehran. Ohtaka said Abe stressed the importance of a continuous and stable Saudi oil supply to Japan. The prime minister's tour will also include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. [January 13, 2020] California Pizza Kitchen Partners With Yumpingo to Harness the Power of Instant Guest Feedback Restaurant intelligence platform Yumpingo today announced a partnership with California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) to bring unparalleled, real-time guest insights to the 240+ unit worldwide restaurant brand. CPK piloted Yumpingo at three flagship restaurants in the Los Angeles market beginning in August 2019. The impressive results prompted CPK to green light the platform's signature one-minute review for national rollout to all 181 U.S. CPKs in the first half of 2020 starting this February. The Yumpingo platform engages guests in a one-minute digital conversation at the check presentation step of service using a POS-integrated CPK-branded device. Guests can rate each menu item they have ordered as well as their overall experience while providing insightful comments on their visit. Yumpingo delivered over 93,000 in-the-moment responses from consumers visiting the three pilot CPK locations since the mid-August launch with data ranging from over 18,000 NPS answers to 500 reviews. Mike Mader, SVP of Global Strategy, Planning and Transformation at CPK, led the pilot as part of a guest experience project and championed its adoption. "We're laser focused on delivering an exceptional guest experience," said Mr. Mader. "Yumpingo gives our guests the ability to provide feedback in real time so we can best celebrate what's working well while also quickly addressing where we have opportunities to improve the guest's experience. This is providing real-time insights at scale and unparalleled speed that's allowing us to up our game in delivering best-in-class hospitality." Yumpingo's collected data is distilled down into meaningful insights that provide management (at site, regional and corporate levels) with the visibility to make informed decisions aout how best to optimize the guest experience at the menu item, service, site, menu or concept level. Gary Goodman, CEO of Yumpingo, celebrates the partnership: "CPK is no stranger to innovation and saw the power of giving its guests a direct and seamless channel to provide feedback through our instant one-minute review. To gather so much meaningful insight from just three sites means that our partnership will give CPK unprecedented reach into the preferences of its guests and enable its teams to feed more happiness across their entire system." "The future of the industry belongs to changemakers who recognize technology as a means to enhance the guest experience," Mr. Goodman continued. "We're excited to partner with a brand that shares our same vision of hospitality." About Yumpingo Launched in the UK in 2017, Yumpingo is a restaurant intelligence platform bringing big data analytics to restaurant operations by tapping into the silent majority of guests' in-moment restaurant experiences through technology touchpoints. Our award-winning platform enables restaurant leaders to make more decisions, faster, and with greater confidence by turning data into insights into actions at unprecedented levels. Yumpingo gives restaurants complete certainty of how to optimize customer satisfaction across brands at location, shift, server and dish level. The ultimate effect is a transformation of the business as proven through numerous case studies which boast increased sales and improved customer satisfaction and we're just getting started. Yumpingo integrates seamlessly with a restaurant's POS (point of sale) to facilitate data which impacts operations, new product development and marketing for some of the world's largest and most innovative restaurant groups including YO! Sushi, Azzurri Group and Wahaca. Reviews are facilitated tableside with digital/paper bills or through an SDK for distribution across any device. Yumpingo recently launched their Everywhere solution for delivery, togo, catering, and QSR/LSR which invites reviews using a QR code. Feed happiness with Yumpingo. About California Pizza Kitchen In 1985, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened its first restaurant in Beverly Hills and introduced diners to innovative California-style pizza. With a passion for combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with flavor inspirations from around the world, today CPK is a global brand serving creative California cuisine in more than 240 restaurants in 10 countries and U.S. territories. From signature, hand-tossed pizzas and high-quality main plates to inventive better-for-you options, Lunch Duos, premium wines and handcrafted beverages, CPK adds its imaginative twist to create a memorable dining experience. For more information, visit cpk.com. Connect with CPK on Twitter at @calpizzakitchen, Instagram at @cpk, and Facebook (News - Alert) at facebook.com/californiapizzakitchen. Download the CPK RewardsTM app for iOS and Android (News - Alert) to earn rewards for dining creatively, pay by mobile, order online and more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005512/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Last year was supposed to be marijuana's true moment in the sun, with the industry proving to Wall Street and investors that it could translate strong sales growth in recurring profits. Unfortunately, things didn't go anywhere near as planned. In Canada, supply issues have adversely impacted the weed industry since day one of adult-use sales on Oct. 17, 2018. These problems have been perpetuated by regulatory agency Health Canada delaying the launch of derivative products and struggling to approve cultivation and sales licensing application in a timely manner. We've also witnessed Ontario, Canada's most-populous province, seriously slow-step the rollout of physical dispensaries. Only 24 stores were open on the one-year anniversary of recreational weed sales, leading to a supply bottleneck and a still-thriving black market. Meanwhile, high tax rates and Swiss cheese-like approvals that allow jurisdictions the right to deny cannabis retailers a presence have made life difficult for U.S. pot stocks. High taxes on marijuana products have especially problematic in California, where legal sales have been virtually stagnant for two years. But according to Wall Street investment bank Stifel, the decline in cannabis stocks in 2019 opens the door to some intriguing values in the U.S. market. Stifel recently singled out two vertically integrated multistate operators (MSO) as its favorites. Green Thumb Industries The first is Green Thumb Industries (OTC:GTBIF), which offers investors up to 176% potential upside, based on the closing price of GTI (as the company is known) the day prior to Stifel issuing a $32 Canadian target price ($24.47 U.S.). Stifel's primary reason for being enamored with Green Thumb has to do with the company's cash flow, which is considerably higher than that of its peers. A quick peek at GTI's third-quarter operating results shows that it nearly quadrupled year-over-year sales, and improved sequential quarterly revenue by a whopping 52%. Although the company still wound up losing $17.1 million, EBITDA and adjusted operating EBITDA came in at $1.6 million and $14.1 million, respectively, which reversed year-ago losses in both metrics. This would appear to suggest that GTI is really close to turning the corner to profitability, especially with a number of new dispensaries having been opened in 2019. The plan for GTI in 2020 continues to be retail expansion, retail expansion, and more retail expansion! Last year, it acquired Integral Associates in Nevada, giving the company a presence in a market that could feature the highest per-capita cannabis spending in the country by 2024, according to the State of the Legal Cannabis Markets report by Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics. It's also ramping up its presence in Illinois, which commenced adult-use marijuana sales on Jan. 1, 2020. Curaleaf Holdings The other big U.S. pot stock that Stifel believes cannabis stock investors would be smart to buy is Curaleaf Holdings (OTC:CURLF). Stifel's CA$24 price target implies upside of 210%. Curaleaf is a veritable giant in the U.S. MSO space, due in part to its acquisitions, as well as organic dispensary expansion. It has two gigantic acquisitions pending at the moment. The first is the purchase of Cura Partners and its Select brand, which is one of the top-selling cannabis brands on the West Coast. The other is the purchase of privately held MSO Grassroots, which'll help push Curaleaf into seven new states, add about 20 open retail locations (at least when the deal was announced), and increase the company's retail license count by 60. Assuming these acquisitions close, Curaleaf should hold the rights to open 131 dispensaries, which could be tops among MSOs. According to management, Curaleaf could be the first pot stock to generate $1 billion in annual sales this year. This, of course, is contingent upon the Select and Grassroots deals closing, and the company effectively pushing into the 19 states it'll have representation in. Based on Curaleaf's pro forma sales during the third quarter amounted to $129 million, $1 billion in 2020 sales isn't out of the question. Here's the Stifel "buy" that you should really be watching While Stifel has laid out its case for Green Thumb and GTI, I'm more a fan of another U.S. MSO that Stifel also has a buy rating on: Trulieve Cannabis (OTC:TCNNF). When it comes to no-nonsense profitable marijuana stocks, there's pretty much Trulieve Cannabis and everyone else. What's made Trulieve so unique is that, rather than expanding into as many new states as possible and making massive acquisitions, the company has focused intently on its home market of Florida, a medical marijuana-legal state. Even as a medical-only state, Florida is likely to be top-3 in cannabis sales by 2024. Somewhat recently, Trulieve Cannabis opened its 40th store in the Sunshine State. By keeping its expenses close to the vest, and focusing its efforts on building up its brands locally, Trulieve was able to report $70.7 million in third-quarter sales, yet only had $47.3 million in recurring expenses, including cost of goods sold. This means Trulieve was able to generate more than $23 million in operating profit just in the third quarter alone, without the aid of one-time benefits or fair-value adjustments (which also happened to work in its favor). Although Trulieve has plans to expand into California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, its continued focus on Florida is the key reason it's been successful. Should Florida choose to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2020, a second round of big-time growth could be in the cards for Trulieve Cannabis. Red-hot lava has gushed out of a volcano near the Philippine capital as tens of thousands of people fled the area through heavy ash and frightening tremors. Experts warned that the eruption could get worse and plans are being made to evacuate hundreds of thousands more. Clouds of ash blew more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of the Taal volcano on Sunday, reaching Manila, the bustling capital, and forcing the closure of the countrys main airport, with more than 500 flights cancelled. The airport was partially reopened on Monday after the ashfall eased. There have been no reports of casualties or major damage so far. A truck, however, skidded out of control and fell on its side on an ash-blanketed road, killing the driver and injuring three companions in southern Laguna province in an accident police said may be linked to the slippery road conditions. The governments disaster response agency and other officials reported more than 30,000 villagers have fled their homes in the hard-hit province of Batangas and nearby Cavite province, but officials expect the number to swell with hundreds of thousands more moving out of harms way. Some residents could not move out of ash-blanketed villages immediately due to a lack of transport and poor visibility. Others refused to leave their homes and farms. We have a problem our people are panicking due to the volcano because they want to save their livelihood, their pigs and herds of cows, mayor Wilson Maralit, of Balete town, told DZMM radio. Were trying to stop them from returning and warning that the volcano can explode again anytime and hit them. Maralit, whose town lies along the shoreline of Taal Lake surrounding the erupting volcano, appealed for troops and more policemen to stop distraught residents from sneaking back to their high-risk villages. After a clean-up and ash-laden winds shifted away from Manila, officials partially reopened the main airport and allowed stranded planes to take off on Monday. Airport manager Ed Monreal told a news conference that incoming flights can be accommodated once parking bays are freed up, but warned that the airport may be closed again if the danger returns. President Rodrigo Dutertes aircraft was able to land in Manila on Monday from his southern home city Davao, his spokesman said, adding he saw the extent of the volcanic devastation from the plane. Taal had been restive for months until it suddenly rumbled back to life on Sunday, blasting steam, ash and pebbles up to 10 to 15 kilometres (six to nine miles) into the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The ash and steam column reached a height of only two kilometres (about a mile) on Monday, with lava fountains spurting less than half of that height before falling into lake waters surrounding the main crater. Expand Close A man negotiates a road covered with ash spewed from Taal volcano in Lemery, Batangas, southern Philippines (Aaron Favila/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man negotiates a road covered with ash spewed from Taal volcano in Lemery, Batangas, southern Philippines (Aaron Favila/AP) Lava also spurted from another vent north of the main crater, Renato Solidum, who heads the institute, told reporters. Frequent tremors and inflation of the 1,020ft (311-metre) volcano, one of the worlds smallest, indicate a major and much more dangerous eruption could still happen, he said. The government volcano-monitoring agency raised the danger level around Taal three notches on Sunday, to level 4, indicating a hazardous eruption within hours to days was possible. Level 5, the highest, means such an eruption is under way and could affect a larger area with high-risk zones that would need to be cleared of people, Mr Solidum said. It is difficult to say when Taals restiveness will ease, Mr Solidum said, adding that the volcanos last disastrous explosion occurred in 1965, when more than 200 people were killed. Large numbers of displaced villagers worried about the homes, farms and cattle they left behind and the uncertain future they face. Expand Close Lightning flashes as the Taal volcano erupted on Sunday (Bogie Calupitan/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lightning flashes as the Taal volcano erupted on Sunday (Bogie Calupitan/AP) A small island where the volcano lies has long been declared a permanent danger zone, although fishing villages have existed there for years. Those residents have all been evacuated safely, volcanology officials said, adding that there should be a total evacuation too of lakeshore communities at high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within a 14-kilometre (8.7-mile) radius from Taal. Government work and classes in schools in a wide swathe of towns and cities were suspended on Monday, including in Manila, to avoid health risks posed by the ashfall. At least four Batangas towns reported power outages. Taal is regarded as the second-most restive of about two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines, which lies along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Expand Close A family evacuates to safer ground in Tagaytay, Cavite province, southern Philippines (Aaron Favila/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A family evacuates to safer ground in Tagaytay, Cavite province, southern Philippines (Aaron Favila/AP) A long-dormant volcano, Mount Pinatubo, erupted north of Manila in 1991 in one of the biggest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, killing hundreds of people. About 20 typhoons and other major storms each year also batter the Philippines, which lies between the Pacific and the South China Sea, making it one of the worlds most disaster-prone countries. An Indian-origin professor at a Massachusetts college was fired for his Facebook post in which he encouraged Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets, a statement he says was a "bad attempt at humour." Asheen Phansey was Director of Sustainability and Adjunct Professor at Babson College, according to his LinkedIn profile. Phansey's post came in response to President Donald Trump's recent tweet saying the US had earmarked 52 Iranian cultural sites for destruction, warning Tehran not to strike back after an American drone killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad. In the Facebook post, Phansey suggested that Iran's supreme leader might want to do the same - and get specific. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should tweet a list of 52 sites of cultural American heritage that he would bomb ... Um Mall of America? Kardashian residence?" he wrote on his Facebook page last week. In a report in The New York Times, Phansey's lawyer Jeffrey Pyle said some of the uproar about his post was "racially intolerant." The NYT report quoted Pyle as saying that he saw a number of messages saying Phansey should be deported as well as prosecuted and fired. "Asheen was born in the United States, he is of South Asian origin, Pyle said, adding that some people assumed his client was Iranian or from the Middle East. "I think that makes it doubly unfortunate that Babson couldn't defend him when some of the vitriol thrown his way was of that nature," Pyle said in The New York Times report. Phansey speaks French and has "limited working proficiency" in Marathi, according to his LinkedIn profile. The post, which has since been deleted, was subject to a "prompt and thorough investigation" by Babson College, also Phansey's alma mater. The college said Phansey was fired because the post on his "personal Facebook page does not represent the values and culture of the College". "Based on the results of the investigation, the staff member is no longer a Babson College employee. As we have previously stated, Babson College condemns any type of threatening words and/or actions condoning violence and/or hate," the College said in a statement on its website. Phansey released a statement on Thursday, saying he was "disappointed and saddened" that the college had decided to abruptly terminate his 15-year relationship with it "just because people willfully misinterpreted a joke". He called his post, which appeared to encourage Iran to choose 52 American sites as bombing targets, "a bad attempt at humour". "I am really concerned about what this portends for our ability as Americans to engage in political discourse without presuming the worst about each other," he said. Phansey has also apologised through his attorney, insisting his post was simply a bad joke. According to a report in The New York Times, Phansey said, "As an American, born and raised, I was trying to juxtapose our 'cultural sites' with ancient Iranian churches and mosques," he said, adding that he was opposed to violence. "I am sorry that my sloppy humour was read as a threat. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan going to have coherent national security policy: Moeed Yousuf LAHORE: Prime Ministers Special Assistant on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Moeed Yousuf on Sunday said Pakistan is going to have a coherent national security policy with an inclusive economic diplomacy by the end of this year, ensuring security in all respects for every Pakistani. He was speaking at a session on Defining National Security at the Afkar-i-Taza ThinkFest here at Alhamra. Journalist Ejaz Haider moderated the session. Mr Yousuf explained salient features of the planned policy and termed it a paradigm shift, saying it would include all sectors, including health, education and climate change. The new policy, he added, would not deal with national security only, but all aspects of the country with multiple level inputs. It would not produce results overnight, he said. He said including education in the overall national security policy did not mean deploying guards outside schools. It would mean securing society by educating people and giving them jobs. The economic diplomacy was the basic element of the governments planned inclusive foreign policy. Replying to a question about the prime ministers decision of not going to Malaysia to attend a summit, he said it was good and made in the best national interest. We are going to drive our foreign policy wherever we can. We are working on how to keep external walls out of Pakistan, he said. He said in the governments view, division in the Muslim world was not good and it would try its level best to stop this wherever it could. But while doing so, he said, the government would watch the best national interests. The prime minister did not go to Malayasia with this objective in mind, he explained. The decision did not affect Pakistans relations with Malaysia or Turkey. The prime minister is visiting Malaysia next month. We are the only Muslim country which can talk to every Muslim country. Turkey, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are in our camp, he said. Mr Yousuf said right now, Pakistan was talking of de-escalation of tensions and both Iran and Saudi Arabia were its friends. Talking of Kashmir, he said the Kashmir freedom movement was indigenous and it would be continued merely by the Kashmiris themselves. He said Pakistan looked towards the UN for the resolution of the Kashmir issue because it had through its resolutions recognised it as a dispute. This was for the first time the West was taking note of the Indian atrocities in the held Kashmir, he said. The session on Poor are Excluded from Social Mobility began with a documentary explaining the issue. Mr Asad Javaid presented five institutional evidences to show how the poor were excluded from social mobility, and how in some cases they were paying more than the rich. Ms Tooba Syed discussed Ramsha Maseeh Colony where people living in a katchi abadi in Islamabad were shifted. The people living in the colony did not have even the basic health and water facilities. And the newcomers were asked to return to their own colony. Mr Usama Khawar disliked rapid urbanisation in Pakistan. With the price of property skyrocketing in the last five years, he linked the problem to the massive acquisition of land by the government and the official bottlenecks. In another session on Simon Wolfgang Fuchs book In a Pure Muslim Land, Shiism between Pakistan and the Middle East. The author from Germany and Mr Ali Usman Qasmi of LUMS talked on ethnographic history of Shia sect and its religious competitors in the region. Trump claims Saudi Arabia has already deposited one billion dollars in the bank in exchange for US troops being sent. He then goes on to talk about South Korea paying $500 million for US troops defending them against North Korea. pic.twitter.com/Ocoo3D9Q8G Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) January 11, 2020 It is unclear what payment Trump was referring to. DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for comment. Calls to the Pentagon went unanswered on Sunday. House Rep. Justin Amash, the Michigan congressman who left the Republican Party after he came out in opposition to Trump, slammed the president on Saturday in response to his comments on Fox News. He sells troops, the independent Amash tweeted. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Trump told Ingraham on Friday that countries hosting American bases are paying the U.S. treasury, though these claims are not verified. We are going to help them, but these rich countries have to pay for it, Trump said. South Korea gave us $500 million I said, You gotta help us along. We have 32,000 soldiers in South Korea protecting you from North Korea. Youve gotta pay. Amash has accused Trump of reneging on his campaign pledge to get American soldiers out of the Middle East. Last week, Trump ordered the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general who died in a U.S. drone attack in Baghdad. Iran responded with ballistic missiles at an Iraqi air base housing U.S. soldiers. There were no injuries. In response to the escalating tensions with Iran, the Trump administration has deployed thousands of additional soldiers to the region. There are people who support the president, who believe things he says, but its pretty clear hes not bringing home the troops, Amash told NBC News back in October. Hes just moving them to other parts of the Middle East. Amash added: Hes moving troops back into Iraq, hes moving other troops into Saudi Arabia and using our forces almost as mercenaries, paid mercenaries who are going to come in, as long as Saudi Arabia pays us some money, its good to go. In October, Saudi Arabias king and crown prince approved the deployment of additional U.S. troops and equipment, after an attack the previous month on the kingdoms oil facilities. The United States announced a deployment of about 3,000 troops to the Gulf state, including fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing and air defense personnel, amid heightened tensions with Saudis arch-rival Iran. Trump said the Saudis had agreed to pay for the deployment. Earlier this month, the U.S. sent nearly 3,000 additional troops to the Middle East from the 82nd Airborne Division as a precaution amid rising threats to American forces in the region. The U.S. has already dispatched about 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East since May. Minister for Power Division Omar Ayub Khan Monday informed the National Assembly that Saudi Arabia power producing company ACWA Power will invest around $ 4 billion in country's renewable energy sector ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2020 ) :Minister for Power Division Omar Ayub Khan Monday informed the National Assembly that Saudi Arabia power producing company ACWA Power will invest around $ 4 billion in country's renewable energy sector. Responding to various questions during question hour, he said, "Saudi Arabia ACWA Power Company will invest about $ 4 billion on renewable energy sector in the Balochistan province". He said that generation of cheap electricity utilizing indigenous renewable energy resources including wind, solar, waste to energy biomas was amongst the top priorities of the government. He said that Alternative Energy Development board (AEDB) had been pursuing the development of alternative and renewable energy based power generation projects through private investors under the Renewable Energy Policy 2006 on IPP mode. Significant progress had been made in exploiting the wind, solar and biomass / bagasse potential available in the country and several power generation projects based on these resources were operational and many were in the pipeline, he added A new Alternative Renewal Energy Policy 2019 had been formulated by the government that had already been approved by the Federal cabinet and submitted for approval from CCI. The policy targets increasing the share of alternative energy in the energy mix up to a level of 20% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The scope of the policy also included development of waste-to-energy projects in the country utilizing municipal solid waste. He said that international and local companies could install waste to energy projects. The minister said that the tariff had been modified in phases as determined by the NEPRA but the present government had protected the interest of domestic consumers by upto 300 units. He said that the previous government had not taken any steps for enhancement of rates from 2016 as per tariff structure. He said that the present government was forced to increase the tariff to reduce the buildup of circular debt increasing at the rate of Rs 30 billion monthly. It was now reduced to 21 billion per month till June 30. The government was determined to bring the circular debt to zero by the end of current year. He said that no loadshedding was being carried out on 80 per cent feeders across the country. He clarified that load management was only being carried out in the areas where line losses were high. The present government had initiated a drive to improve recoveries and check power theft. Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum Khial Zaman Orakzai while responding to a question related to his ministry said that petrol was reportedly being sold openly through dabba stations especially in rural areas which was illegal. Action against such illegal stations fell in the domain of Chief Inspector of Explosive (CIE) alongwith local / District Administration under the Petroleum Rules, 1937 read with Petroleum Act, 1934, he added. He said that SSGC had reported that the company was ensuring uninterrupted gas supply and adequate pressures to Quetta, Mastung and Kalat. The company repeatedly removed the illegal connections from supply and distribution pipelines but the people again reconnected their illegal connections. He said that from these illegal connections, gas was not only being stolen but due to crude type of puncturing of the company's main pipeline gas leakages were occurring. Furthermore, the company was undertaking pressure profiling on daily basis but the local people were also damaging the Company's Pressure Regulator Stations at Kadkucha and Khaliq Abad. They have been candid about their struggle with body confidence. But Sam Smith looked happy and carefree as they shared a snap running naked along a beach to Instagram on Saturday, with the caption: 'PURA VIDA.' The How Do You Sleep? hitmaker, 27, was faced away from the camera to protect their modesty, but showcased their nude derriere in the shot. Golden hour: Sam Smith dared to bare as they shared a snap of themself running naked along a beach to Instagram on Saturday, with the caption: 'PURA VIDA' The setting sun cast an orange glow on the beach as Sam enjoyed their winter sun getaway in Costa Rica. Later the same day, Sam posted another picture as they shielded their eyes from the golden hour sun with a hand. Sam penned: 'I love you Costa Rica. Re charged and ready for 2020. Let's go.' Celebrities, including Niall Horan, Nicole Scherzinger, CardiB and Pixie Lott, were quick to show their support in the comments. Niall penned: 'A**EEEEEEE.' While Nicole wrote: 'I love you', and Cardi B cheekily quipped: 'I want to bite it.' Fun in the sun: Later the same day they posted another picture as they shielded their eyes from the golden hour sun with a hand Sam penned: 'I love you Costa Rica. Re charged and ready for 2020. Let's go' Love: Celebrities, including Niall Horan, Nicole Scherzinger, CardiB and Pixie Lott, were quick to show their support in the comments It comes after Sam admitted they 'struggle with their weight everyday', and often find themselves putting on a couple of pounds over the festive period. Alongside a shirtless snap they penned: 'Christmas time is upon us. This time of the year always triggers tricky body issues with me. 'I love me some mince pies and all the trimmings, and I always find I gain a bit of weight during this time. Im writing this out to you all, but also writing this for myself. 'Lets make sure we remind our bodies during this time that no matter what weight we are, we are deserving of love and acceptance. Lets love our fluctuating bodies.' A message many can relate to, they wrote: 'Look in that mirror and shower that reflection with Christmas kindness. Be super soft. Its an everyday struggle for me.You arent alone xx.' 'Christmas always triggers body issues with me': It comes after Sam took to Instagram to reveal they 'struggle with their weight everyday' Earlier this year, Sam - who identifies as non-binary and has asked to be referred to with they/them pronouns - said they were 'finally friends' with their body, after revealing they had undergone liposuction at the age of just 12. Speaking to Jameela Jamil, 33, as part of her new body positivity series, I Weigh Interviews, Sam admitted theyve struggled with their weight since they were a child, and was even picked on at school for being 'chubby'. They said: 'When I was a kid, I was chubby ... and then it would get worse and worse and worse and I was holding a lot of weight in my chest. 'When I hit 11 years old, I went to the doctor's. I was so self-conscious that it was affecting my mood every day. I had liposuction, I was 12 years old. Spot on: They shared a shirtless picture and wrote that people should 'love their fluctuating bodies' Earlier this year, they shared this picture and wrote: 'Feeling bloated and gross after my flight so thought I'd post a mirror selfie of my sexy bloated boobies coz we are friends. Finally (sic)' 'At the time I think I was very happy about it. It didn't really change anything. I think I put the weight back on in two weeks because I hadn't figured out my relationship with food, so it didn't really change anything. 'But being 12 years old and having liposuction on your chest is quite a big deal.' But in an Instagram post the following month, they revealed theyve begun to come to terms with their body. They wrote: 'Feeling bloated and gross after my flight so thought I'd post a mirror selfie of my sexy bloated boobies coz we are friends. Finally (sic).' Confidence: They've gone on to share more shirtless photographs as they enjoyed the sun on their skin during their festive break And they've gone on to share more shirtless photographs as they enjoyed the sun on their skin during their festive break. They captioned one snap: 'Feels so good to have my top off on holiday. Spent all my life hiding my body from the sun. 'The last year my skin has been soaking in that LIGHT. Don't let anyone or anything stop you from feeling that kiss from above you beautiful humans.' The agitation by Jawaharlal Nehru University students should be called off as the thorny issue of fee hike stands resolved, said HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday. The minister added that there were several rounds of meetings with representatives of the JNU students and teachers. The ministry, said Nishank, took the lead by setting up a High Powered Committee (HPC) to look into the issue after the agitating JNU students demanded the same. The Committee was appointed to restore the normal functioning of JNU through dialogue with all stakeholders and to advise the university administration for resolution of contentious issues, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said over the course of meeting on 10th and 11th December certain mutually agreeable agreements were arrived. The revised hostel room charges however will remain applicable with 50% concession for BPL students. Till now more than five thousand students have already registered for the winter season. The Ministry as well as the minister urged the students to call off their agitation since their key demand has been met with. He added that continuation of agitation by the students is no longer justified. He also appealed that institutions of higher education should not be converted into a political arena. The deepening slowdown has had its impact on the deal market in 2019 with mergers and acquisitions (M&As) plummeting over 34 per cent to $67.1 billion but still making it the second best, on the back of the $6-billion ArcelorMittal takeover of Essar Steel, according to a report. As per the report by Mergermarket, M&As in 2019 was the second highest in value despite declining 34.4 per cent in 2018, which was the best-ever. But, the report is positive about 2020 as the government has eased foreign investment restrictions and plans to divest state-owned companies. The report attributes the optimism to the relaxation in the foreign direct investment policy in August, loosening the restriction on coal and lignite mining, contract manufacturing, single-brand retail, and digital media, which may bring more opportunities to foreign investors. "Overall M&As touched $67.1 billion across 422 deals, down 34.4 per cent in value and 3.4 per cent in volume compared to 2018 when the street saw 437 deals worth $102.2 billion," Mergermarket said in a note on Monday. At $67.1 billion, India accounted for 10.4 per cent of the deals in the Asia-Pacific region, said the report. Of the total, inbound activities remained strong with $37.9 billion across 221 deals, while outbound deal value plunged 84.8 per cent to a low of $2 billion across 54 deals, the lowest since 2014, when it was printed at $1.7 billion. The numbers would have much worse had it not been for the Essar Steel-ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel deal worth $6 billion at the end of 2019. The second biggest was the $3.65-billion deal involving a consortium led by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners taking over Tower Infrastructure Trust in July followed by the Bandhan Bank-Gruh Finance deal of $3 billion in January. The fourth-biggest deal was Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd takeover by JSW Steel for $2.74 billion in September, and the fifth was Reliance Industries' $2.45-billion deal with Pipeline Infrastructure Trust in March. Private equity players continued to lead the deal street with buyouts reached record levels for two years in a row at $19.6 billion across 123 deals, surpassing the $17.6 billion involving 123 deals in the previous year. Private equity exits, on the other hand, returned to a much more modest level at $7.9 million across 48 deals in 2019, following the all-time high in 2018 at $35.9 billion involving 59 deals. With $8.3 billion deals across 79 activities, the US remained the dominant foreign investor both in terms of deal value as well as deal count, followed by Canada at $7.9 billion across 12 transactions, on the back of two infra-related deals: Brookfield's $3.7 billion investment in Tower Infrastructure Trust and India Infrastructure Trust's $2.4 billion investment in Pipeline Infrastructure. Meanwhile, deals from Japan jumped a whopping 189 per cent to $3.5 billion across 23 deals in 2019 from $1.2 billion across 16 deals in 2018 and the Japanese investors are bullish on the country's logistic industry given the e-commerce boom. Trinamul Congress leader Anubrata Mondal demanded that the Centre shoot Mr Ghosh to death. Kolkata: West Bengal BJP president and Midnapore MP Dilip Ghosh on Sunday evening ignited a political firestorm by threatening to shoot people to death like dogs in the state, the way the BJP-ruled state governments had done in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka for destroying public property during prot-ests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens. Mr Ghosh also came down heavily on chief minister Mamata Banerjee for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-CAA protests in the state in December last year. Outraged by his explosive remarks, his party colleague and Union minister Babul Supriyo on Monday described them as very irresponsible while denying his claim on the UP, Assam and Karnataka governments. Very irresponsible of Dilip da to have said what he said BJP, as a party has nothing to do with what a Dilip Ghosh may have said, the Union Minister tweeted. Still Mr Ghosh, known for making controversial comments, defended himself. Trinamul Congress leader Anubrata Mondal demanded that the Centre shoot Mr Ghosh to death. At a rally in Nadia on Sunday, Mr Ghosh said, It is the money from my and your taxes which are utilised in running trains and buses and in building roads and railway tracks. But these properties are being destroyed. Are they spared because of being voters? Just see how our governments in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka shot dead these shaitans like dogs and slapped cases on them, too. He added, They come and live here and destroy properties also! Is it zamindari? We use lathicharge on them, shoot them and lock them in jails also. That is what our government did (in other states). The BJP MP further alleged, Nearly a crore infiltrators are here. On whose money are they having the food? Whose money was wasted in the arson of trains and railway properties by them? It is mine and yours. Lashing out at chief minister Mamata Banerjee over her role during the statewide violence, Mr Ghosh claimed, Nearly Rs 600 crores of properties were destroyed in West Bengal alone because neither firing was done nor a baton charge ordered. No FIR was lodged even. Didis police arrested no one. Why was no one arrested for the destruction of properties? Was it someones fathers property? said the BJP leader. Hitting out at Mr Ghosh, Mr Supriyo tweeted, BJP, as a party, has nothing to do with what a DIlip Ghosh may have said. It is a figment of his imagination & BJP governments in UP, Assam have NEVER EVER resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever. Very irresponsible of DilipDa to have said what he said. Undeterred by his attack, the state BJP chief maintained, People speak like they understand something I said what I felt what our governments had done. If we get chance, we will do the same also. Mr Mondal, the Trinamul Congress Birbhum district president, said, The Centre must shoot Mr Ghosh to death first because if someone has destroyed property, it is him. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Monday said the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh should pay attention to improving law and order in the state and rise above party politics by taking stern action against criminals. "Not only by changing the police system in some places in Uttar Pradesh, but taking strict legal action against criminal elements can bring about the right improvement in the state's deplorable law and order, which the government must pay attention to by rising above party politics," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. Her statement came hours after Adityanath announced that the Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the proposal to set up police commissioner system in the cities of Lucknow and Noida. "The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our government today. Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved proposal to setup police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida," the Chief Minister told reporters at a press conference here. He also said that two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) During the three-minute ceremony, the Right Rev. Carl Wright, the Episcopal Churchs bishop suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, said in part: May this Bible guard and guide all those who purpose that the final frontier be a place where God will triumph over evil, where love will triumph over hate, and where life will triumph over death. Mrs. Virginia M. McGovern, a longtime resident of Calvert County, died after a brief illness on January 11, 2020 at the age of 99. Called "Granny" by most who knew her, Virginia Miller was born in 1920 in Washington DC, was raised in Chillum MD, and attended Mr. Rainier High School. She and her 4 siblings worked on her family's truck farm where she met her husband, Marshall McGovern. She was mother to 4 children and traveled with her family after WW II, living in Germany, Italy, and Panama. Granny was active in the air force community and the Red Cross, gaining a reputation as a superb swimming teacher and water safety instructor. She loved crabbing, fishing, and her many hobbies. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, sons Ron and Steve, infant daughter Donna, and grandson Andrew. Yet despite those many losses and heartbreaks, she lived a wonderfully joyful life, touching each person she knew in her own very special way. She is survived by daughter Jan Turner, 4 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, and countless devoted friends. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday January 21, 2020 at St. Paul's Church in Baden Maryland. After which all are invited to a share remembrances and a celebratory meal at the adjacent parish hall, internment will be private. Agartala, Jan 13 : The Tripura government has ordered a twin probe, including a magisterial inquiry, into the death of a 38-year-old youth in police custody, a senior police officer said on Monday, even as the opposition parties have demaned a judicial probe and intervention of the Human Rights Commission in the matter. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb ordered a magisterial inquiry on Sunday to probe the death of Sushanta Ghosh, 38, while the police on Monday appointed a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to investigate the matter. The youth was arrested on Friday from his house in Lankamura on the outskirts of the state capital in connection with cash theft from city ATMs using cloning devices. "We are yet to get the post-mortem report of the death from the three-member medical board. We have sufficient proof and evidence that Sushanta Ghosh committed suicide at the West Agartala police station on intervening night between Saturday-Sunday," a police officer said on condition of anonymity. The officer said that the slain youth was involved in stealing huge sums of cash from ATMs using cloning devices alongwith two Turkish and two Bangladeshi nationals, who were arrested at Belgharia (under North 24 Parganas district) in West Bengal in November and are now being interrogated by the intelligence and cyber crime branch officials in Agartala. After visiting Ghosh's family here former Tripura Chief Minister and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Manik Sarkar said on MOnday that an impartial probe must be conducted, while the officers of the West Agartala Police Station should be removed immediately. Reacting to the incident, local traders are observing a strike and have shut their shops and markets in the area as the Sushanta Ghosh's father Parimal Ghosh is a sweet trader. Meanwhile, the Tripura government on Monday transferred 32 senior police officers, including the Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) Sharmistha Chakraborty, who was probing the ATM robberies. senior lawyer, and Tripura Human Rights Organisation Secretary Purusattam Roybarman has demanded a judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge. While the CPI-M has urged the Tripura Human Rights Commission to inquire into the incident, the Congress has demanded a judicial probe. Sushanta's father Parimal Ghosh in an FIR claimed his son died following police torture. "My son was arrested as the Turkish and Bangladeshi ATM hackers had earlier bought sweets from my shop. My son had helped them exchange dollars into rupees without knowing their (Bangladeshis) criminality," Ghosh said, and claimed that some injury marks have been found on his son's body. As per the preliminary probe, the Turkish nationals along with their Bangladeshi collaborators had stolen Rs 50 lakh during October-November last year from around 80 customers of different banks, mostly from State Bank of India accounts in Guwahati using ATM cloning devices. It is being speculated here that the same group could be involved in the theft at Agartala. The Chicago Park District was assessing the extent of the damage along the lakefront, said Michele Lemons, a spokeswoman with the Park District. Damage along the lakefront includes missing asphalt south of Fullerton Avenue and between Ohio and Oak streets. Lemons said district crews were working to remove debris from the trail. Opposition parties are set to meet on January 13 to discuss the political situation in the country amid ongoing student protests, and over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC). The meeting is scheduled to happen in the afternoon, in New Delhi. Sharad Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Left parties, among others, are likely to attend the meeting. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also likely to attend the meet. However, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati are likely to skip the meeting which is meant to showcase opposition unity. News18 has reported that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will also not attend the meeting. For her absence, Banerjee has cited the clashes between Left workers and her party cadre during the trade union strike last week. Taking on the Congress and the Left, which are rivals in the state, Banerjee said, "What the Left and the Congress are doing in the name of the CAA-NRC is not a movement but vandalism". The West Bengal chief minister has also highlighted that she was the one to moot the idea of an opposition meeting first. "I was the first to launch an andolan (movement) against CAA, NRC," she added. Reports suggest that BSPs differences with the Congress is the reason for Mayawati opting out of the meeting. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati recently attacked Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over the death of babies at a hospital in Kota, Rajasthan. The state is currently ruled by a Congress government. Mayawati said, if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" would not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, her meetings with the families of victims in Uttar Pradesh would be considered for "political interest and drama". BSP did not join other opposition parties when they approached President Ram Nath Kovind against the CAA. However, it later met the president on the matter. On January 11, Sonia Gandhi called the CAA a "discriminatory and divisive" law of which the "sinister" purpose was to divide people on the basis of religion. She also asserted that the National Population Register (NPR) in form and content was "disguised NRC". CALGARY - The first giant panda twins born in Canada have safely arrived in the land of their roots. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Giant pandas Panpan (right) and Yueyue are shown in a Jan., 2019 handout photo from the Calgary Zoo. The first giant panda twins born in Canada have safely arrived in the land of their roots and are exploring their new home. The Calgary Zoo says Panpan and Yueyue are settling into their new panda pad at a breeding research facility in Chengdu, China. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Calgary Zoo MANDATORY CREDIT CALGARY - The first giant panda twins born in Canada have safely arrived in the land of their roots. The Calgary Zoo says Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue are exploring their new panda pad at a breeding research facility in Chengdu, China. The zoo says the pandas whose names mean Canadian Hope and Canadian Joy left Calgary on a flight early Friday with their keeper and a member of the facility's veterinary team. Their caregivers from Chengdu flew to Calgary last year to meet them and get to know their routines. The pandas were born at the Toronto Zoo in 2015 and were transferred to Calgary with their parents in March 2018, as part of a 10-year agreement between Canada and China. Parents Er Shun and Da Mao are to remain in Calgary until 2023. The young pandas were to leave in October, but that was delayed by international permitting and air transport challenges. Were proud to have contributed to panda research and conservation for their two-year stay with us," Jamie Dorgan, the Calgary Zoo's director of animal care, said in a statement Monday. "Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue will be deeply missed by our staff, volunteers, community and indeed people right across North America who visited them during their stay in Canada. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020 Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalaum) have signed an agreement targeting the licensing of UAE-developed EGA technology to the Indonesian company. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) also focuses on co-operation on the upgrade of an existing Inalaum smelter and the development of a new aluminium smelter in Indonesia, reported Emirates news agency Wam. The MoU was signed by Abdulla Kalban, managing director of EGA, and Orias Petrus Moedak, president director of Inalaum. Under the MoU, the two companies will evaluate the potential to form a joint venture to develop a greenfield aluminium smelter in Indonesia. Specific contributions to the joint venture could include services related to technology, the supply of raw materials, and the marketing of metal. EGA and Inalaum are already cooperating on the potential brownfield upgrade using EGA technological know-how of Inalaums existing aluminium smelter in North Sumatra, under an MoU signed in 2018. This cooperation has included the short-term secondment of Inalaum engineers to EGA in the UAE for training in reduction cell modelling and design. Kalban said: "We are pleased to expand our cooperation with Inalaum and look forward to exploring further how we can together make these important projects for Indonesia a reality. EGAs technology is proven both in the UAE and internationally, and we believe that we can make a big contribution to the success of Inalaums expansion plans, and potentially even in future a vertically-integrated alumina refinery, to the benefit of both our countries." Moedak said: "I am pleased that we have developed a strong and cooperative relationship with EGA which has now led to the signing of this MoU. At Inalaum, we are looking forward to deepening our work with EGA and to potentially deploying EGAs technology in Indonesia." EGA has developed aluminium smelting technology in the UAE for more than 25 years and has used its own technology in every expansion since the 1990s. EGA has also retrofitted all its older production lines. EGAs latest aluminium smelting technology is amongst the most efficient in the world. EGA recently completed a historic three-year project to transfer its UAE-developed DX+ Ultra technology to Aluminium Bahrain for its Potline 6 expansion project. The transfer was the first time a UAE industrial company had licensed its core process technology internationally, in a milestone for the development of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE. Glimpsing a fearful future, editorial, Jan. 11 Thanks again to the Toronto Star for spotlighting the climate emergency. Choices made now will have short and long-range impacts that will either mitigate loss and suffering or add fuel to the fire. Despite the catastrophic fires in Australia, the federal government there has no plans to put an end to its destructive coal industry. While Canada can be applauded for its plans to phase out coal, our government is about to make a very big decision. Will it approve Teck Resources proposed Frontier mine? If yes, this oilsands mega-project is projected to emit a low-ball estimate of 4 MT of carbon dioxide a year, effectively making null and void Canadas efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. By vetoing the Frontier mine, Canada will send a strong message to the world that a country with fossil fuel reserves can walk away from them and transition to a diverse clean energy economy. I call on our federal government to do the right thing. Cheryl McNamara, Toronto There is an important point about Australian bushfires that this editorial has missed. This is a lesser known pillar of Australian ecological history that even many Australian citizens have failed to realize. While we are all horrified by the damage and loss of life both animal and human resulting from this years unusual widespread bushfire devastation, it is important to understand that lightning strike-generated bushfires have been part of the natural ecology of Australia for hundreds of thousands of years. Evolution in such an environment has resulted in the natural development of groups of plants known as Pyrophytes that not only tolerate but are aided in their life cycle by bushfires. Many of Australias most prized native plants form woody seed pods which only the intense heat of a bushfire can cause to crack open and release its seeds. After flames and heat are gone the seed that has fallen in the ash covered ground, blessed with a little moisture germinates and is nourished by the mineral contents therein. As stated in the editorial, climate change is undoubtedly an important exacerbating factor and will be even more so in the future to the increasing threat of bushfires. However, we must not lose sight that in their more moderate form they have had and will continue to have a long and important ecological function. Thus, in the future plans for a quicker response and better management of each years inevitable bushfires is urgently required. Jon Van Loon, Markham Read more about: Ahead of February 8 Delhi assembly election, BJPs core committee on Sunday met at Union home minister and party president Amit Shahs residence on Sunday to discuss candidates for the upcoming polls, reported news agency ANI. In the late night meeting that lasted seven hours, BJP leaders, including partys working president JP Nadda, Delhi elections in-charge Prakash Javadekar and state party chief Manoj Tiwari, discussed candidates for 45 out of the 70 assembly seats, ANI quoted sources as saying. Discussion on the rest of the assembly seats will be held on Monday. Party leaders Shyam Jaju, Vijay Goel, Vijender Gupta, and Anil Jain also attended the meeting. According to ANI sources, the party is keen on bringing new faces to the fore and candidature of all contestants is being considered on the basis of central survey and public feedback. After finalising candidates for all seats, the list will be sent to BJPs Central Election Committee (CEC), which will further discuss and grant approval. The date for the CEC meeting is not yet known. Prakash Javadekar earlier said BJPs main poll plank in the upcoming polls is the work done by the central government. The BJPs main plank is the work done by the central government. The election is about good governance versus misgovernance and nationalism versus anarchy. The Modi government at the national level has taken many historic decisions. All (central) ministries have done tremendous work for Delhi than what the Delhi government has done for the city. Development is our plank, he told HT. The BJP will take on the ruling AAP government in Delhi over education and health, Union minister Hardeep Puri had earlier said in an interview with HT. Polling in Delhi will be held on February 8, followed by counting of votes on February 11. The Model Code of Conduct came into force on January 6 after the Election Commission announced the election schedule. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 11:55 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321eabca 1 SE Asia #volcanic-eruption,volcanic-activity,volcanic-eruption,Philippines,#Philippines,Indonesian-Embassy,Taal-volcano,#Taal-volcano Free The Foreign Ministry has warned Indonesians citizens in the Philippines Cavite to remain vigilant after the Taal volcano in the province erupted on Sunday evening, spewing ash and prompting mass evacuations. There are 170 Indonesians residing in Cavite, most of whom are students, said Judha Nugraha, the Foreign Ministrys director for citizens protection, on Monday. The protection team from the Indonesian Embassy in Manila was in Cavite this morning to monitor the situation, coordinate with local authorities and provide assistance to Indonesian citizens, Judha said. If necessary, the team will open up the embassy to the citizens. The embassy has issued calls for Indonesians in all impacted areas to remain vigilant, follow instructions from Philippine authorities and to wear masks or wet towels when outside. In an emergency, please call the embassys hotline at +63917 3198470, Judha said. The eruption of the volcano -- which is located some 82 kilometers southwest of Metro Manila -- has caused at least two roads, the Tagaytay-Talisay Road and the Tagaytay Taal Lake Road, to be closed off to motorists on Monday, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported. In the countrys province of Batangas, an advisory from the Department of Public Works and Highways said it has deployed personnel and equipment to support rescue and evacuation procedures in several towns, including San Nicolas, Talisay, Balete, Agoncillo, Tanauan and Laurel. Ashfall was experienced in several parts of Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon due to the volcanic activity. The volcano has also triggered some 75 earthquakes, forcing the nations financial markets to be suspended and Manila airport to be closed, Bloomberg reported. The Philippines is on alert Monday for the explosive eruption" of the volcano, which officials said could be imminent after it spewed ash and steam as high as 15 kilometers on Sunday evening. A hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Monday morning, as quoted from Bloomberg. Thousands of people have been evacuated since late Sunday, with plans to move as many as 200,000 people. Sundays eruption was the most recent after the 311 meter volcano last erupted in 1977. It is the second-most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon volcano and has recorded at least 34 eruptions in the past 450 years. (ipa) Chinese peacekeepers run to positions with rifles in hands during the defense drill on last Friday. (Photo by Gao Song) By Zhang Xin GAO, Mali, Jan. 13 -- The Chinese 7th peacekeeping engineering contingent to Mali conducted its first defense drill in 2020 at the barrack of the Chinese engineers on the afternoon of January 10, local time. The Chinese officers and soldiers quickly put on combat gears, collected weapons and ammunition, and rushed to designated battle positions according to the action plan. It is reported that the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent is mainly responsible for the engineering support tasks of the Sector East of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Since its deployment to the Menaka region, the area has been repeatedly attacked by terrorists. To ensure the safety of the camp area, the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent has newly set up the defensive facilities such as fences, chevaux de frise (an obstacle defence made of angled iron), and underground bunkers around the camp, and regularly organizes the troops to conduct defense exercises to improve the contingent's emergency response capacity. The contingent's professional and efficient engineering support capabilities and their excellent camp defensive capabilities have been repeatedly commended by officials from various departments of the MINUSMA. PANAMA CITY - The Panama Canal will begin collecting a freshwater surcharge from ships transiting the interoceanic waterway, authorities announced Monday, as part of actions to address a scarcity of rainfall after the surrounding watershed recorded its fifth driest year of the last seven decades in 2019. Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said the new measure aims to protect the supply of freshwater for shipping activity and human consumption. It is not an easy decision, Vasquez said. He added that it will guarantee the availability of water and the reliability of the (canal) route. The new fee will take effect Feb. 15 and has no expiration date. It applies to all vessels over 125 feet in length and consists of a fixed charge of $10,000 per passage plus another variable charge that will depend on water levels at Lake Gatun at the time of the crossing. The level of the surcharge drops when the level of the lake is at full capacity, Vasquez said. The Canal Authority presented its annual report last week highlighting that 2019 was one of the watersheds lowest rain years in many decades, about 20% below the historic average. The watershed, a system of rivers and brooks that feed lakes, is key to canal operations and also supplies freshwater to Panama City, home to about half the countrys population of 4 million. Vasquez has warned that climate change is a threat to the canals operations. Authorities have not yet determined whether drafting restrictions on vessels, which were implemented in 2019 due to low levels at Lake Gatun, will be necessary this year. The surcharge could lead to a reduction in traffic through the 105-year-old waterway. Each passage entails the usage of millions of gallons of freshwater, much of which is released into the ocean. Clients pay an average of $188,000 per transit, though some crossing fees rise as high as $1 million, according to authorities. Vasquez said there will also be changes to the system of client reservations to expedite crossings during dry periods. Panama needs greater certainty about the quantity and type of ships that are going to cross, the Canal Authority said in a statement. Donald Trump has claimed he is a not a warmonger but a dealmaker - days after ordering the killing of Irans top general Qassem Soleimani and escalating tensions between the Middle Eastern country and his own. Sharing quotes from a sympathetic article by New York Post columnist and Fox News pundit Michael Goodwin, who described Mr Trump as someone who takes the military action only as a last resort, the American leader wrote: Could not have said it better myself. In an op-ed titled Trumps peace through strength philosophy is what America needs, Mr Goodwin wrote of the Iran deal fostered by Barack Obama and then-secretary of state John Kerry: The Agreement didnt create opportunities for America and other signatories to confront Irans malign activities. It overlooked and then helped to fund them. And zero progress was made on curbing those activities, until Trump droned Soleimani Plainly, Trump is not a warmonger. Hes a deal maker & his record is that of someone who uses our military might as a deterrent, unleashes it with discretion, and only as a last resort. 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 added: Thank you to the great Michael Goodwin. Could not have said it better myself! Since ordering Soleimani's assassination, the US president has threatened to bomb Iranian cultural sites and forcibly steal oil from the country both of which would amount to war crimes. There have also been questions raised about his claim that the US killed the Iranian general because he had been plotting to attack for US embassies. Mark Esper, the US defence secretary, admitted on CNN on Sunday he had not seen evidence to support Mr Trumps claim that Soleimani had been actively plotting imminent attacks at the time of his death. In an interview on Fox Newss Laura Ingraham on Friday, the president said he stood by his decision to strike the general because of an imminent threat to the US embassy in Baghdad. He added: I can reveal that I believe it probably wouldve been four embassies. However, no details details of the purported plots have been made available to members of congress during intelligence briefings, while a senior administration official told The Washington Post they were only aware of a vague plan against one embassy in Baghdad. Speaking on CNN's Face the Nation, Mr Esper suggested presidents statement sounded more like an assessment than a specific tangible threat with a decisive piece of intelligence Asked if he had seen any proof of the plots the president had put forward to justify the attack, the defence secretary added: I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. What Im saying is I shared the presidents view that probably, my expectation is, they were going to go after our embassies. It comes as a new poll suggests a majority of Americans feel their country is less safe following the presidents decision to kill Soleimani. Attitudes sharply differed along party lines in the ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted over the weekend. While 52 per cent of respondents said the attack on Irans top general had made the US less safe, a majority of Republicans - 54 per cent - said they felt safer after the drone strike. Close Lightning strikes as Philippines' Taal volcano erupts A volcano in the Philippines has been shuddering continuously with earthquakes and opening cracks in nearby roads as police blockaded at-risk towns over fears of a bigger eruption. More than 53,000 residents have fled their homes in the vicinity of the Taal volcano to take shelter in evacuation centres, though thousands more have refused to leave or have returned to check on their animals and possessions. Many houses and farms have been damaged by volcanic ash since Taal, one of the countrys most active and deadliest volcanoes, began spewing lava and ash on Sunday. Follow the latest updates By PTI MELBOURNE: The Australian government on Monday said it could declare Koalas as an "endangered" species after their population suffered "extraordinary hit" in the bushfire crisis, which destroyed 30 per cent of their habitat across the country. Since September last year, the raging Australian bushfires, one of the worst in its history, has killed at least 26 people, burned over 10 million hectares of land, destroyed over 2,000 homes and pushed many species towards extinction. Over 1.25 billion animals are believed to be dead in the wake of bushfires and experts believe that hundreds of billions of insects may have been wiped out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. The government has established a 50-million Australian dollar emergency fund to address the devastating loss of wildlife. ALSO READ: Australian 'megablaze' brought under control after almost three months Announcing the funding commitment, Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Australia's koala population has taken an "extraordinary hit" in the ongoing bushfires and could be listed as "endangered". The Threatened Species Scientific Committee will need to assess whether koalas have moved from a 'vulnerable' listing to being 'endangered' in some parts of the country, she said. Koala populations across the country are not all impacted by the fires. Australian guy has been helping koalas after the bush fires pic.twitter.com/ceAr6A6HGO Welcome To Nature (@welcomet0nature) January 13, 2020 Koalas are listed as vulnerable in northern New South Wales (NSW) and south-east Queensland, and the fires have likely put them under more pressure there, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The bushfires this summer season has destroyed over 10 million hectares of land across the country, while over 8.4 million hectares have been destroyed in NSW alone. ALSO READ: Thousands file plea for New Zealand to take in koalas threatened by Australian bushfires With 30 per cent of their habitat already been destroyed in the devastating bushfires, koalas -- the herbivorous marsupial animal native to Australia -- have become a big focus for the Australian government. "We know that our native flora and fauna have been very badly damaged. It will be some time before we know what that means for their numbers (and) koalas will be a big area of focus for us," Environment Minister Ley said. "It may be necessary...to see whether in certain parts of the country, koalas move from where they are, which is often vulnerable, up to endangered," she said. Senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh was suspended on Monday even as it emerged that he had sheltered three terrorists, arrested along with him, at his residence here right next to the Army's XV corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment, officials said. Singh, who was decorated with President Police Medal about four months ago, continued to be grilled by a team of police and intelligence investigators. His office at Srinagar airport, where he was posted as deputy superintendent of police in the anti-hijacking squad, was sealed, they said. Piecing together the chain of events, the officials said the two terrorists -- self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, Naveed Baba, and Altaf -- were taken to the officer's home on Friday by a lawyer Irfan, who the police said was an overground worker for terror groups. Singh reported absent from duty on Saturday, the day he was apprehended by a team of policemen along with the other three at Mir Bazar on the national highway. The DySP had applied for leave from Sunday till Thursday, they said. Police had carried out searches at his residence here and seized two pistols and an AK rifle beside a large quantity of ammunition. Singh, whose name had been cleared for promotion as superintendent of police, is also likely to lose the gallantry medal that was awarded to him last year, the officials said. The DySP is deemed to have been suspended after having completed 48 hours in police custody, they said quoting service rules. On Sunday evening, his office at the Srinagar airport, where he was posted as DySP in the anti-hijacking unit, was sealed so that no evidence could be tampered with, the officials said. Singh was arrested at a checkpoint on a national highway by a team of policemen, who were following the case after intelligence inputs suggested that Naveed Baba was being moved out of the valley. Caught on the wrong side of the law, all excuses by Singh failed to enthuse police officers who effected his arrest and carried out a search at his residence in Srinagar where he had kept Naveed and his associate Altaf, a recent joinee in the banned terror outfit, the officials said. Initially, he repeatedly claimed that he was trying to win the confidence of the terrorists to catch a 'bigger fish' but could not substantiate the reasons for not following due protocol. Singh's arrest may have affected the image of Jammu and Kashmir Police but former director general of police Kuldeep Khoda lauded the police force for not hesitating even once in arresting their senior officer. "It is the JKP which has caught its own officer. They laid the trap as they do for other terrorists and managed to arrest the DySp. No one can cast any doubt on the police force which has been rendering service to the nation especially during the last 30 years of militancy in the valley," Khoda said. Another former police chief A K Suri said though the incident is an unfortunate one, what is more important that the culprit has been arrested. "This is not the only case. In the past also some policemen were under suspicion and were arrested," he said. This is not the first time that Singh has been in the for the wrong reasons. In a letter written in 2013, Afzal Guru, who was executed after being convicted for the Parliament attack, explained how "DSP Davinder Singh", the then deputy superintendent of police of Special Operations Group, had asked him to "take Mohammad", a co-accused in the Parliament attack case, "to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him". However, the angle was probed and could not be substantiated with any evidence, the officials said. The entire operation was monitored by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Atul Goyal who himself stood at an intersection to intercept the vehicle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the Iranians now admit to shooting down the Ukrainian Boeing 737 aircraft with Canadians, Ukrainians, and Iranians onboard, it is instructive to review some past experiences in the region. Our battles with some members of the Islamic world go back to the origins of our nation. At that time, there were two lines of thought to managing the problem posed by the Barbary pirates of northern Africa. In the end, the approach used by Thomas Jefferson (our third president) won the day. He opposed the payments of tribute to the governing bodies of the Barbary coast, as had been done by John Adams and George Washington. Strikingly, it is similar to the approach used by Donald Trump in contrast to Barack Obama. The British fleet was the protectorate for the American colonial merchant sailors. However, with independence, the USA was at the mercy of the Barbary states (who were semi-autonomous under the Ottoman Empire). These pirates took prisoners from the high seas and beyond to sell as slaves. The pirates rarely engaged armed frigates, though. The USA solution included a peace treaty in which a large sum (up to 20% of the budget) was paid annually to secure shipping rights. In 1794, Congress decided to create a U.S. Navy that could protect our shipping, which was the main source of national income (through tariffs). But this would take time. While Jefferson was the ambassador to France and Adams the ambassador to England, they were told by the ambassador from Tripoli that infidels were subject to this type of treatment. When Jefferson became president, he decided to end the ransom payments and hostages were taken again. After this decision, the leaders of Tripoli declared war on the U.S. in 1801. Jefferson dispatched our ships without any declaration of war by Congress. Initial battles were successful, but then the USS Philadelphia was captured. Later, it was destroyed, and the war ended in 1805, with a U.S. victory. In the process, the Marines were created, and they captured Tripoli. The War of 1812 with Britain weakened the U.S., so the Barbary states resumed attacks. In 1815, the U.S. again battled the north African states and won another undeclared war. These warring states were fully vanquished by the French only in 1830. In 2009, Somalian pirates began to attack global commercial shipping. They harassed ships from many countries. The east African coast became an area to evade until 2012. An encounter with American Navy boats ended badly for the pirates. The initial offers of ransom by many nations did not halt the attacks. Only military action (again not declared by Congress) and prosecution of the pirates ended the piracy. The lesson for the West was that strength is necessary for good relations. The Islamic Republic of Iran has used proxies to hit U.S. interests since its inception in 1979. At that time, "students" took our U.S. embassy personnel hostage. This did not end until Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. Iranian surrogates killed many of our soldiers via advanced IEDs by the 2010s. We never took adequate military action against Iran, which empowered the most radical elements. Killing Qassem Soleimani was a change in the strategy, which, though risky, might lead to internal changes in Iran. Already we see young people and others marching in the streets against the regime. Only internal rebellion will succeed to remove the mullahs. President Obama, by contrast, sought to purchase peace and delay the nuclear aspirations of the Iranian mullahs. This would not weaken that nation, but would only strengthen it financially. Trump sought to knock out the country's economic base. His aim was to have the majority young populace overthrow their rulers. Obama did not support such an uprising in 2009, and it languished. With Soleimani gone, it may be harder to put down these civilians. Trump campaigned against endless Middle Eastern wars. He hopes to use economic pressure to force Iran to the negotiating table. In this calculus, the mullahs must determine that their survival requires moderation in encouraging and subsidizing terrorism. If successful, this would be a great boon to the region and the greater world. Though a long shot, this approach might be the last hope to avoid a war with Iran. Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon with its extreme theological concept. It will be up to the U.S. to stop the Iranians, given the world's other hesitant entities. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in Saudi Arabia for talks with King Salman on Sunday as part of a tour of oil-producing Gulf Arab states aimed at promoting peace amid a spike in tensions between the US and Iran. After arriving late Saturday evening in Riyadh, Abe was given a ceremonial welcome and hosted for lunch by King Salman Sunday afternoon. Abe also met Sunday with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Abe also went to the desert region of Al-Ula, which the kingdom is touting as a tourism destination, and met the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. This marks Abe's third visit to Saudi Arabia as prime minister. Saudi Arabia is Japan's top supplier of crude oil, accounting for about 39% of Japan's overall crude imports. Abe is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and Oman on Wednesday, before departing back to Tokyo. Abe is travelling with a delegation that includes ministers responsible for boosting trade and business ties. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 16:51:08|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Libya's rival forces will sign a ceasefire deal in Moscow on Monday, according to media reports citing local officials. Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) on Sunday issued a statement expressing agreement to a ceasefire starting from Jan. 12 at midnight (2200 GMT), hours after rival forces announced a cessation of hostilities. The Libyan conflict escalated in 2014, splitting power between two rival governments: the UN-backed, Tripoli-based GNA, and a Tobruk-based government allied with self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar, who seeks to take over Tripoli. Reports say Haftar has arrived in Moscow, where he could hold talks with GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, who will arrive there Monday. "I call on all Libyans to turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace," Sarraj said in a televised speech. The GNA has accused the eastern-based LNA of breaching the ceasefire in Salah Addin and Wadi al-Rabee in southern Tripoli just minutes after it came into effect, while the military says government forces made 30 breaches of the ceasefire in southern Tripoli. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called on the rival Libyan parties to establish an immediate ceasefire by midnight on Jan. 12. The international community welcomed the ceasefire. "The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union join the UN Support Mission for Libya in welcoming the acceptance by parties in Libya of a ceasefire on January 12 and announcement that both the GNA and LNA will halt military operations," said a joint statement. The Arab League on Sunday welcomed the cease-fire, urging all Libyan parties to remain committed to stopping all combat operations and prevent any escalations. From aerial maneuvers to motorcycle routines, jawans on Monday performed a full dress rehearsal at Delhi Cantonment here ahead of the Army Day celebrations, officials said. Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Lt Gen K M Carriappa taking over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India. Carriappa later became a field marshal. In Delhi Cantonment, jawans performed a full dress rehearsal, which included various routines, including aerial manoeuvres and motorcycle stunts, officials said. Army Day also pays respects to soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to safeguard the country and its citizens. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: Fan Lingzhi/GT A senior official of Northwest China's XinjiangUygur Autonomous Region disclosed the lies of two notorious separatists - Dolkun Isa and Rebiya Kadeer - with interview videos of their relatives during a press conference in Urumqi on Friday. "These two individuals always peddle rumors [about Xinjiang] around the world. And I want to take this occasion to expose their real face," said Guli Abulm, spokesperson of the information office of the Xinjiang regional government, on Friday. Guli slammed the lies that Dolkun Isa, head of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), and notorious separatist Rebiya Kadeer have often peddled, while putting forth concrete facts corroborated by two videos to debunk their lies. Dolkun Isa has for many years spread lies about Xinjiang. Recently, he claimed Xinjiang detained a large number of Muslim Uygurs and the local government has been destroying Uyghur culture and suppressed Islam. He even claimed his mother died during her captive in the "re-education camp." Rebiya Kadeer claimed that every family in Xinjiang has their family members nabbed by the police. To trace the truth, reporters from news outlets including the Global Times have visited relatives of Dolkun Isa and Rebiya Kadeer and filmed videos that captured the reality. Azgul Isa, Dolkun Isa's elder sister, was seen in the video saying, their parents died of old age and illness. "It is really heartless of my younger brother Dolkun Isa to use my deceased parents to smear Xinjiang from overseas. We are very upset about it," she said. People attend a culture and tourism festival themed on Dolan and Qiuci culture in Awat County of Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region, Oct. 25, 2019. Photo:Xinhua In another video that was played during Friday's media conference, Rebiya Kadeer's two granddaughters told the Global Times in an exclusive interview that the family now lives a normal life and people in Xinjiang are enjoying their freedom. They urged Rebiya to stop peddling lies and stop hindering their peaceful life. "In the two videos, you can see family members of Dolkun Isa and Rebiya Kadeer living a free life. How is it possible that Xinjiang 'detains Uyghur people on a large scale'?" said Guli. "These national scums fan the flames with the motive of obscuring the right and wrong and destabilizing Xinjiang. Their motives are execrable. Their ugly faces and sinister intentions are clear to people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang who will never let them succeed," she stressed. "Lies can't cover the truth, just like the dark clouds can't cover the sun. After all, the rumors about Xinjiang will collapse on its own, and the conspiracy of the rumormongers is doomed to fail. These despicable practices will not deceive the international community about the reality of Xinjiang, and they are also despised by people with independent vision and consciousness in the international community," Guli said. A prosperous and stable Xinjiang is the best response to the rumors and slanders. The counter-terrorism and de-radicalization work in Xinjiang is upright and the arduous efforts that officials and the masses of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have made deserve unbiased evaluation from the international community, said the spokesperson. "I have become the [right-wing media's] 'foil' as the evil, mysterious Canadian mining mogul that the Clintons used to enrich themselvesits a convenient label," says Giustra. In photo, Giustra speaking with Kitco News Editor-in-Chief, Daniela Cambone during a September interview. (Kitco News) - Canadian mining mogul and philanthropist Frank Giustra refuses to remain silent and is fighting back at right-wing media which reported he is providing a luxe hideout for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in his home in British Columbia. Over the weekend, the popular gossip site Page Six of the New York Post reported that Harry and Meghan were staying at a multi-million dollar waterfront mansion near Victoria, British Columbia the place they plotted their shock exit from the royal family. The media outlet tied the mansion to Giustra an uber successful mining mogul and the founder of film studio Lionsgate which produced hits including American Psycho and Fahrenheit 9/11. The news story was later picked up by Fox News, the Daily Mail and The Sun and has gone viral on various social media outlets. In an exclusive with Kitco News, Giustra said he is disturbed and fed up with the vicious cycle of fake news, noting he does not own a home in, or near, Victoria, British Columbia and has never been contacted by a member of the British Royal family including the Duke and Duchess. Giustra rather sees this media spin as having nothing to do with the Royals but as another opportunity for the press to drag his name and that of Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Canadian philanthropist launched the Clinton-Giustra Enterprise Partnership in 2007 to alleviate poverty in poor communities around the world. At the time of the launch, he pledged $100 million and announced it would be his lifes work. The Page Six article uses the Royal hideout story to rehash the Clinton-Giustra connection and spin it in a negative light. In 2005, he and President Bill Clinton traveled together to Kazakhstan to meet with the former Soviet republics authoritarian leader. Days later, Giustra acquired shares in three of the countrys state-run uranium mines a venture valued at more than $3 billion. Months after the Kazakh pact, Giustra reportedly gave a $31.3 million donation to the Clinton Foundation and has since publicly pledged hell donate another $100 million. Both Giustra and Clinton have denied the former US president helped him cement the Kazakh deal, and Giustra later divested himself of the assets, the article said. Speaking exclusively with Kitco News, Giustra said, I sold my stake in Uranium One several years before the deal Uranium One was sold to the Russian company. And despite the accusations that there was some kind of quid pro quo involved, it is worth nothing that I have continued to generously support poverty alleviation efforts both in conjunction with the Clinton Foundation and separately from the day that I made my original commitment in 2007, and long after it was supposedly politically or financially advantageous to do so. He added, And I have donated a multiple of the profit I made on the sale of my shares of Uranium One towards poverty alleviation work I pledged would be my lifes work 12 years ago. Giustra, who leads a private life, said he is fed up with the politics and simply wants to focus on his philanthropic work and helping people through his various foundations. So why has Giustra decided to take a stand against the false reports instead of simply ignoring them and letting them die out with the next press cycle? It would have otherwise taken a life of its own. The part about the Royals is irrelevant, its the same old lies about me and the Clintons. I have been plagued by this description for over 12 years and it affects all the hard work of my foundations. A longtime observer of Giustras work who has closely followed his career path, but wished to remain anonymous said its no coincidence that this story dropped in tandem with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) clearing the Clintons of any wrongdoing last week. We benefit electorally with our meat and potatoes right-wing Republican constituency when the Clintons are in the news as villains. So how do we get them back in the news? Whats the biggest story in the news right now? The Royals! said the source. How do we link something negative about the Clintons to this massive news story to keep them and their criminal ways in the news? Their shadowy henchman and wealthy financier accomplice that lives in Canada. Lets just say he is hosting Harry and Meghan and use that as an opportunity to rehash all the lies we have previously created around him and the Clintons, they added. Markle, officially known as the Duchess of Sussex, will reportedly attend a crisis family meeting by phone from Canada on Monday to talk strategy following her and Prince Harrys exit - dubbed Megxit - from the Royal family. According to British news outlets, Queen Elizabeth II has summoned her grandson Prince Harry and his wife for an emergency meeting to discuss their "next steps" with the family, after the couple's surprise announcement last week to step back from duties as senior royals. Harry's brother and father, Prince Charles and Prince William, are both expected to join the conference that will be held at the family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. The crisis at Boeing, the US plane manufacturer, is reverberating around the world. This frightening saga, which centres on safety problems with its 737 Max jets after two crashes in which 346 people died, is horribly familiar to watchers of the corporate scene. We have seen variants of it in industries such as car manufacturing, with the VW diesel emissions scandal, and even white goods, when families had to flee their homes to escape incendiary Whirlpool appliances. The Boeing situation is chilling as the firm has played Russian roulette with the safety Each of these cases features a corporate culture riddled with executive greed, contempt for regulators and a callous disregard for the public. At Boeing there is also a lack of real competition since the only serious rival is Airbus and that breeds arrogance. But the Boeing situation is even more chilling because the firm has played Russian roulette with the safety of passengers who place their lives in its hands when they step on board one of its jets. Yet one employee, in internal documents released last week, declared he wouldnt put his family on the 737 Max and another described it as being designed by clowns who are supervised by monkeys. And the man who presided over this farrago, chief executive Dennis Muilenburg, is walking away with an estimated 64million in shares, pension benefits and share options. Here in the UK we are perhaps not fully aware of the totemic status that Chicago-based Boeing occupies in American business and the hugely important role it plays in the US economy. It is the countrys largest manufacturing exporter, the second largest defence contractor and one of the top private employers. A scandal at Boeing tarnishes the reputation of corporate America around the globe. It is already threatening to become a major embarrassment for Donald Trump, who has used Boeing sites as the stage for major announcements, as he ramps up for the presidential election in the autumn. Boeing does not look to be on the brink and, despite a fall in its shares, it still has a market value of $186 billion. But the crisis is already reckoned to have cost it $7billion and the total bill could come to much more. Its 737 Max planes, dubbed flying coffins by US politicians, have been grounded since March and it is not inconceivable Boeing could be forced to scrap the entire project as the price of regaining public trust. There is already speculation the firm could be brought under Government control. Certainly, plenty in the markets would take the view it is too big to fail. Having to bail out Boeing would be a nightmare for Trump. Boeing's 737-7 Max airliner on display at Farnborough Airshow a year and a half ago Boris Johnson, who wants to bring more jobs to the North of England to keep his new Red Wall voters onside, will also be watching developments closely. The US firm has 2,500 staff here, none of whose jobs have so far been threatened by the 737 Max affair. However, it could have an impact on further investment. Boeing had been hoping to open a second factory in Sheffield following the success of a facility it launched there in 2018. That is now on ice. Travel companies and airlines in the UK and Ireland, including Ryanair and Tui, have been caught in the backlash. Others, including BA, which had planes on order, may be hit. There could also be an impact on the forward order book of FTSE 100 engineer Rolls-Royce. The Boeing fiasco could not come at a worse time. The aviation industry is under assault from environmental campaigners, coupled with fears of terrorism and conflict following the downing of the Ukraine International Airlines plane by Iran last week. Statistically there is more chance of being killed by a lightning strike than in a plane crash. Yet the publics faith in safe flying, the bedrock on which the whole industry depends, is now at risk and all because of the rapacity and cynicism at Boeing. Identity and access management in 2022 - what will the future look like? As we enter into 2022, there is still a level of uncertainty in place. Its unclear what the future holds, as companies around the world still contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has been encouraged by most organisations and the move to a hybrid working system has become business as usual, for the majority of businesses. Some have reduced their office space or done away with their locations altogether. Following best security practices With all this change in place, there are problems to deal with. According to research, 32.7% of IT admins say they are concerned about employees using unsecured networks to carry out that work. Alongside this, 74% of IT admins thought that remote work makes it harder for employees to follow best security practices. This need to manage security around remote work is no longer temporary. Instead, companies have to build permanent strategies around remote work and security. The coming year will also create a different landscape for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Here are some key predictions for next year and what to start preparing for in 2022: The reality of SMB spending around security will hit home SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working, especially in comparison to their size. They had to undertake significant digital transformation projects that made it possible to deliver services remotely, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weve seen a shift in mindset for these companies, which are now more tech-focused in their approach to problem solving. According to our research, 45% of SMBs plan to increase their spending towards IT services in 2022. Around half of all organisations think their IT budgets are adequate for their needs, while 14.5% of those surveyed believe they will need more, to cover all that needs to be done. Identity management spending to support remote work For others, the COVID-19 pandemic led to over-spending, just to get ahead of things and they will spend in 2022, looking at what they should keep and what they can reduce their spending on. Areas like identity management will stay in place, as companies struggle to support remote work and security, without this in place. However, on-premise IT spending will be reduced or cut, as those solutions are not relevant for the new work model. Services that rely on on-premise IT will be cut or replaced. The device will lead the way for security We rely on our phones to work and to communicate. In 2022, they will become central to how we manage access, to all our assets and locations, IT and physical. When employees can use company devices and their own phones for work, security is more difficult. IT teams have to ensure that theyre prepared for this, by making sure that these devices can be trusted. Wide use of digital certificates and strong MFA factors Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication There are multiple ways that companies can achieve this, for example - By using digital certificates to identify company devices as trusted, an agent, or strong MFA factors, like a FIDO security key or mobile push authentication. Whichever approach you choose, this can prevent unauthorised access to IT assets and applications, and these same devices can be used for authentication into physical locations too. Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication. Understanding human behaviour Alongside this, it is important to understand human behaviour. Anything that introduces an extra step for authentication can lead to employees taking workarounds. To stop this, it is important to put an employee education process in place, in order to emphasize on the importance of security. The next step is to think about adopting passwordless security, to further reduce friction and increase adoption. Lastly, as devices become the starting point for security and trust, remote device management will be needed too. More companies will need to manage devices remotely, from wiping an asset remotely if it gets lost or stolen, through to de-provisioning users easily and removing their access rights, when they leave the company. Identity will be a layer cake Zero Trust approaches to security Identity management relies on being able to trust that someone is who they say they are. Zero Trust approaches to security can support this effectively, particularly when aligned with least privilege access models. In order to turn theory into practical easy-to-deploy steps, companies need to use contextual access, as part of their identity management strategy. This involves looking at the context that employees will work in and putting together the right management approach for those circumstances. For typical employee behaviour, using two factor authentication might be enough to help them work, without security getting in the way. How enterprises manage, access and store identity data There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time For areas where security is more important, additional security policies can be put over the top, to ensure that only the right people have access. A step-up in authentication can be added, based on the sensitivity of resources or risk-based adaptive authentication policies might be needed. There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time, so that it aligns more closely with those use cases. Identity management critical to secure assets in 2022 There are bigger conversations taking place around digital identity for citizenship, as more services move online as well. Any moves that take place in this arena will affect how businesses think about their identity management processes too, encouraging them to look at their requirements in more detail. Overall, 2022 will be the year when identity will be critical to how companies keep their assets secure and their employees productive. With employees working remotely and businesses becoming decentralised, identity strategies will have to take the same approach. This will put the emphasis on strong identity management as the starting point for all security planning. A middle-aged woman from Embu North Sub-County, Kenya is calling for the arrest of a teacher at Muvandori Day Secondary School who is accused of defiling and impregnating her 16-year-old daughter. The woman, who is a widow and mother-of-three, said late last year, Muvandori School Deputy Principal called and asked her to go pick her daughter from school and take her to hospital after the student collapsed and became unconscious. The mother, who was widowed in 2016, said she went and took her daughter to hospital, where she was treated and discharged. My girls ailment persisted, and, I was, therefore, forced to take her to a different hospital, where tests revealed that she was pregnant, the distressed mother told K24 Digital. When I asked my daughter to disclose who impregnated her, she said her computer teacher, said the mother. The mother-and-daughter, thereafter, filed reports at Kibugu Police Station in regard to the alleged defilement that resulted in the pregnancy which is seven months old as at January 2020. It is really breaking my heart to see my daughter unable to attend school due to the pregnancy, whereas her schoolmates are going on with their studies, said the mother. What is even worse, is that the man responsible for the pregnancy is yet to be arrested. Police say that the computer teacher has not reported back to work, and that his phone signals were last traced to Meru, hence the delay in his arrest. We are yet to record a statement from him, given he is in hiding, a police officer privy to the investigations told K24 Digital. In her statement to police, the girl said she got into a relationship with the said-teacher in early 2019 after she went for a computer learning trip in Nairobi in the company of the tutor. The teacher told me he would clear my school fee balance, and regularly look into my welfare, said the teenager. When we returned to Embu, he invited me to his rented house in Manyatta Town, where he lured me into sex for the first time. After that day, the teacher would take sexual advantage of me every Sunday without using condoms. I conceived in June 2019, but came to know about the pregnancy much later. When I told the teacher that I was expectant, he became dismissive and threatened to kill me if I told anyone, said the minor. My only prayer is that the man who impregnated me be arrested and charged in court, added the 16-year-old. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates STOCKHOLM, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Essity's subsidiary Vinda International Holdings Ltd today published a press release with the title "Inside information and positive profit alert." Link to the press release: http://www.vinda.com/upload/2020/0113/0816h8jv2p.pdf Essity is the majority shareholder of Vinda and owns 52% of the company. Vinda is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Essity consolidates Vinda. For the first 9 months 2019 Vinda's net sales accounted for approximately 15% of Essity's net sales. For further information, please contact: Johan Karlsson Vice President Investor Relations +46-8-788-51-30 [email protected] Per Lorentz Vice President Corporate Communications +46-8-788-52-51 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/essity/r/press-release-from-essity-s-subsidiary-vinda,c3007002 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/15798/3007002/1173305.pdf Press release from Essity's subsidiary Vinda SOURCE Essity Their blossoming romance has been the talk of the town since they first arrived on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia. But Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher's budding relationship isn't sitting well with some, with sources claiming their love story could just be a publicity stunt. A source told Woman's Day that Ryan, 31, set his sights on the Geordie Shore star, 29, because he knew it would get them more airtime. Showmance? I'm a Celebrity's Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher could be 'FAKING' their jungle romance - as sources claim he 'isn't her type at all' and they just want to 'get airtime' They said: 'Ryan loves the opportunities that come with his reality TV fame, so he wouldn't think twice about hooking up if it means he'll generate more headlines.' Another source told New Idea that Ryan isn't even Charlotte's type, but she is playing along because she 'knows fans love' a romance. 'Charlotte is only recently single, so timings wise, it worked out perfectly for them to get viewers invested in their pretend love story,' the insider added. Showmance? The pair are represented by the same Australian talent agency, Stage Addiction, which hasn't been disclosed on the show The pair are also represented by the same Australian talent agency, Stage Addiction, which hasn't been disclosed on the show. But a friend of Ryan's - who asked to remain anonymous - told News.com.au the MAFS star would never agree to participate in a 'showmance'. 'There is no way Ryan decided to be part of a fake relationship. It's just not who he is,' they said. 'Ryan is beyond honest and if anything is too open with his thoughts and opinions. Plus he's the worst liar! 'I really like Charlotte for him. From what I've seen theyre both massive balls of energy with zero filter.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Charlotte and Ryan's manager for comment. Blossoming romance? Upon her arrival in the jungle, Charlotte admitted she had exchanged flirty messages with Ryan on social media several weeks earlier Upon her arrival in the jungle, Charlotte admitted she had exchanged flirty messages with Ryan on social media several weeks earlier. Interestingly, she had only split from her ex-boyfriend Joshua Ritchie in November. After days of growing closer in the camp, the pair shared their first kiss last week before cuddling up together in Ryan's bed. 'I was going to kiss you': After days of growing closer in the camp, the pair shared their first kiss last week before cuddling up together in Ryan's bed But their short-lived fling hit a roadblock on Sunday night's episode. During tense scenes, Ryan angrily stormed off after Charlotte had accused him of having 'communication issues' with women. The pair were supposed to have their first date together, but Charlotte abruptly cancelled it amid the drama. Clash! Things became tense between the pair on Sunday's episode, however, and Ryan angrily stormed off Denise Richards from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills shared that her beloved rescue dog Louie has died. The actress returned home from a trip to Spain only to learn that he was gravely ill. Kyle Richards, Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, Dorit Kemsley, Denise Richards |Nicole Weingart/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images She shared a heartfelt tribute to him to Instagram, along with photos. Condolences from friends and fans poured in only hours after the share as many can relate to the pain associated with the loss of a pet. Richards also shared that Louie was apart of her family for nearly a decade, adding he was one of the funniest & most animated furry babies. Richards adds this loss to the relentless rumors that she had a romantic affair with RHOBH cast member Brandi Glanville. Shes also rumored to be feuding with the cast and (possibly) her husband. She traveled to Spain earlier this month but knew Louie was ill. She knew something was wrong with Louie Richards shared that she was concerned about Louie before she left for Spain. Praying for our #louie I love this guy so much, she posted, along with a photo. He had a rough life when he was younger.. we rescued him 9 yrs ago & hes just one of the funniest dogs weve ever adopted. Its so hard when they enter their senior years. Hes so loved by all of us & hopefully hell make a positive recovery. But she managed to make it out and traveled to Europe. Lax Europe on a plane. Exciting project. My lovely airport wardrobe: #gunsnroses t-shirt , jeans (always), silly boots of some sortand of course a filter cuz I look like . all of you.. long flight, but lovely fun passengers next to me.., she shared. Unfortunately, by the time Richards returned home, Louie was ready to cross the rainbow bridge. She shared a photo as her plane landed. Home sweet home this mama needs a filter after 13 hrs of flying. @iberia youre amazing. Great crew & pilots you took very good care of us. #spain I will see you soon. The cast remains tight-lipped about the rumors (except one person) Although rumors about the alleged affair from anonymous sources permeate the upcoming season of RHOBH, the cast has remained relatively unresponsive except Camille Grammer. Grammer was originally not asked back for next season, but reportedly returned. She tweeted that the rumors are not true when a fan wondered if the rumors were fabricated. Its BS. It didnt happen. Somebody is desperate for a diamond. She added, The story isnt true. It may play out this season.. I dont know? She didnt do anything with BG. Its not true. Someone is desperate for a diamond. Camille Meyer (@TheRealCamilleG) January 8, 2020 Grammer reiterated several times that someone was desperate for a diamond, likely referring to Glanville. Glanville had plenty to say to Grammer during her recent podcast. I didnt realize all of this was going to be coming out so soon. Im not saying whether its true or not, but were still shooting a little bit so Im just feeling like wow, Glanville said. I thought I had a couple of months. I had a little panic attack yesterday. Im not allowed to talk about whether its true or not, like my part of it. But Glanville added, I will say, f**k you! Stop tweeting. If youre going to be tweeting about me, put my name in it. I will f**king come for you bitch! LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pastors and leaders from across Los Angeles County are gathering in unity for a luncheon to address the foster crisis on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. The event will include special guest keynote, Andy Byrd, Co-founder of The Send, powerful testimonies, worship from Lindy & The Circuit Riders and a time of prayer for the city. Pastors and leaders from across Los Angeles County are gathering in unity for a luncheon to address the foster crisis on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. The event will include special guest keynote, Andy Byrd, Co-founder of The Send, powerful testimonies, worship from Lindy & The Circuit Riders and a time of prayer for the city. "This is a great opportunity to mobilize Christians to go out and actively, intentionally, make a difference," said Byrd. "In LA County, one very tangible way to live out the gospel is by tackling the child welfare needs as they pertain to foster and adoption, and stepping up to help the least of these kids in crisis." Last year's event drew more than 300 pastors and leaders from numerous denominations of churches and backgrounds, so the luncheon has been moved to a larger venue, as the movement in LA County continues to expand and gain momentum. In LA County alone, an estimated 34,000 children are either in, or on the verge of family breakdown, homelessness or system integration. To aid in addressing the crisis, the county is launching CarePortal, an online platform created by The Global Orphan Project that connects local children and families with the greatest need to churches with the ability to help. "Launching this technology in LA County provides an efficient, effective method for local churches to be made aware of the needs of vulnerable kids and families in their immediate neighborhoods," said Adrien Lewis, executive director of The Global Orphan Project. "Once the Child Welfare representative request is entered into CarePortal, participating churches can read, review, respond and serve the child or family in need." A successful launch of CarePortal among church leaders attending the luncheon could result in helping ten thousand kids in, or on the brink of, the foster/adopt system with a corresponding financial savings of tens of millions of dollars to LA County. America's Christian Credit Union is the Presenting Sponsor of the luncheon and CarePortal's first county sponsor in LA County. "LA has had a very challenging history over the past 54 years, plagued with racial issues, making it difficult for many urban and suburban churches to really work in harmony together," said Bishop Ed Smith, Pastor of Zoe Christian Fellowship and Executive Director of the Nehemiah Project LA, Implementing Partner for CarePortal in LA County. "The way the CarePortal platform is uniquely designed, it can play a key role in helping to 'Heal the Divide of Fear of getting too close,' that has kept us apart." Grammy winner, Chris Tomlin , and his organization, Angel Armies , have a vision to move more churches and more people to care for kids in crisis through CarePortal. Tomlin and Angel Armies generated awareness of the foster care movement at last year's sold-out Hollywood Bowl concert, in addition to raising funds to help launch CarePortal in LA County. Dedicated partner sponsors of the luncheon include America's Christian Credit Union, CarePortal, Olive Crest, Royal Family Kids, LA Dream Center, Love SCV, Family Table, Nehemiah Project LA, 3FN and Koinonia Family Services. Event Date & Time Wednesday, January 29, 2020 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. PST Location Skirball Cultural Center (Guerin Pavilion) 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049 To register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-la-pastors-luncheon-tickets-85197019579?aff=ebdssbdestsearch . Contact for more information Rebekah Weigel Southern California Area Director, CarePortal 816-536-8333 [email protected] SOURCE Greater LA Pastors Luncheon and CarePortal The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the proposal to set up police commissioner system in the cities of Lucknow and Noida, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday. "The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our government today. Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved proposal to setup police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida," Adityanath told reporters at a press conference here. He also said that two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates. The Chief Minister asserted that the new system will help in improving law and order situation in the state. "Lucknow has a total of 40 police stations after the extension of municipal corporation limits. All these 40 stations will come under the police commissioner system," he said. Adityanath also announced that two new police stations will come up in Noida. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Moreover, the Libya issues were given detailed consideration. Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone talk on Sunday discussed, among other things, the situation in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Read alsoTrump calls on Merkel, Macron to put up more money to Ukraine "The presidents also discussed issues concerning the 'domestic conflict' in Ukraine and developments in Syria," according to the Kremlin's website. It is reported in view of the tense situation around Iran, the presidents of Russia and France noted the need for all the sides to show restraint and called for continued efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Moreover, the Libya issues were given detailed consideration. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A retired police officer accused of helping his son after he killed and dismembered a woman in western Michigan was convicted Monday of committing perjury and acting as an accessory. The Kent County jury was deadlocked and couldnt reach a unanimous decision on an additional perjury charge. The results of James Chances trial emerged a few hours after a judge told struggling jurors to keep working toward a verdict. Chances son, Jared Chance, is serving a 100-year prison sentence for killing and dismembering Ashley Young in 2018. Youngs torso was found in the basement of Jared Chances Grand Rapids rental home, but other remains of the 31-year-old woman havent been located. They knew each other. Police said James Chance and wife Barbara picked up their son and drove him 30 miles (50 kilometres) to their Holland home, along with boxes of body parts, a saw and cleaning products. The saw was found under the couples couch. James Chances attorney told jurors that he did his part by taking his son to the Grand Rapids police department. Jared Chance wasnt immediately arrested. There is one person who is responsible for the murder of Ashley Young. There is one person who is responsible for the mutilation of Ashley Young, Laura Joyce said, referring to the son. James Chance is a former Rock Island, Illinois, police officer. Barbara Chance, 64, last week pleaded no contest to perjury and accessory after the dismemberment. New Iranian Protests Erupt Amid Continuing Outrage Over Downing Of Ukrainian Jet By RFE/RL January 12, 2020 Iranian students have protested outside several universities for a second day amid mounting outrage over officials' admission that an Iranian antiaircraft battery was responsible for downing a Ukrainian passenger jet. Videos circulating on social media on January 12 showed protesters gathering outside Beheshti University in Tehran, chanting "the students are vigilant and are fed up with that Ali" -- a disrespectful reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The new protests came one day after Iran's military said that Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was hit with two missiles fired in error by an Iranian air-defense unit manned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The crash occurred early January 8, just hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces on Iraqi bases. Demonstrators have called for those responsible for the missile strike to be tried. Another video showed several dozen students protesting outside the Isfahan University of Technology, south of Tehran, specifically criticizing the IRGC. "The guards are committing crimes and the leader supports them," they chanted. The videos, and the reported protests, could not be immediately verified. More demonstrations were reportedly scheduled for later on January 12, a day after similar events took place in at least five cities, including Tehran. Britain's ambassador, meanwhile, said he was detained briefly by Iranian authorities as he attended a January 11 vigil for the victims of the crash. In a post on Twitter, Rob Macaire said he attended the event in Tehran to pay respects to the victims, and was not attending any political demonstration. Britain's Foreign Ministry called Macaire's detention a violation of international law. At one of the January 11 demonstrations, the semiofficial Fars news agency said, some protesters ripped up photographs of Major General Qasem Soleimani, the powerful military commander who was assassinated by a U.S. drone strike on January 3 near Baghdad's airport. Iran's military said the Ukrainian jet was shot down when it was mistaken for a "hostile target" after it turned toward a "sensitive military center" of the IRGC. The jet's downing, the missile attack, and the killing of Soleimani have further stoked already high tensions, particularly between Tehran and Washington. Late on January 11, U.S. President Donald Trump appealed to Iranians, expressing support for "brave" protesters and warning the Iranian government. "To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I've stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage," he wrote on Twitter on January 11 in English and Perrsian. He added that Tehran "must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people." "There cannot be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching," he added, referring to a previous round of anti-government protests in November and December that saw more than 300 people killed and a shutdown of the Internet. Although saying its forces shot down the plane, Iran tried put some of the blame on the United States. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the incident occurred "at a time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism." "A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces: Human error at time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism led to disaster," Zarif wrote on Twitter. Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the aerospace division of the IRGC, said that his unit accepted "full responsibility" for the tragedy. Until the admission, Tehran had vehemently denied allegations by Western leaders and experts, and evidence that indicated an Iranian missile had brought down the plane. The Ukraine International Airlines flight was en route to Kyiv, carrying 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians, 11 Ukrainian, 10 Swedes, 10 Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his country expected a full probe and compensation from Iran. "We expect from Iran assurances of their readiness for a full and open investigation, bringing those responsible to justice, the return of the bodies of the dead, the payment of compensation, official apologies through diplomatic channels," Zelensky said on January 11. Zelenskiy spoke later in the day by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rohani. Zelenskiy's office said Rohani apologized for the tragedy and promised that those responsible would be held accountable. The two also discussed Iranian compensation to the victims, the office said. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-hails-iranian- protesters-warns-tehran-world-watching- ukraine-plane/30372164.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 A lawmaker in Vermont is proposing a ban on cell phones for anyone under the age of 21. The Hill reports Vermont state Sen. John Rodgers, a Democrat, introduced legislation this past week that would make it illegal for anyone under 21 to use or own a mobile phone. Rodgers says mobile devices have been linked to deaths among teens, from distracted driving to suicides caused by cyber bullying. Cell phones are just as dangerous as guns, he told CNN. The Internet and social media, accessed primarily through cell phones, are used to radicalize and recruit terrorists, fascists, and other extremists. Cell phones have often been used by mass shooters of younger ages for research on previous shootings," the bill adds. It is clear that persons under 21 years of age are not developmentally mature enough to safely possess them." Rodgers, who represents the rural Essex-Orleans district in the Green Mountain state, said the bill intentionally parallels the states gun legislation, which makes it illegal for residents to buy a firearm. He said the bill is symbolic and he doesnt expect a ban on phones to even make it past the states judiciary committee, let alone become law. I have no delusions that its going to pass," Rodgers told the Times Argus. I wouldnt probably vote for it myself. If the legislation did pass, a violation would result in a misdemeanor that is punishable by a maximum of a year behind bars and a $1,000 fine. Di Maio calls for Tunisia, neighbouring countries at Berlin In Tunisia calls for stop to proxy war and interference (ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 13 - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Monday told Tunisian state TV that his meeting with Tunisian President Kais Saied was "cordial and productive" and said the two leaders discussed various topics, "including, obviously, Libya". "Italy believes it is important to involve Tunisia and neighbouring countries in the Berlin Conference," Di Maio said. "There can't be a concrete and lasting solution without the involvement of countries near Libya, such as Algeria and Morocco. We need to work together towards a new approach, that involves everyone at the dialogue table," he said. "What we have before us is a proxy war: we have to stop all external interference. We must stop selling weapons. The diplomatic way must prevail," he said.(ANSAmed). How can someone possibly haul some 27,000 crosses across the country in the back of a pickup truck to the sites of mass shootings without personally feeling the weight of that heavy load? No matter how buoyed Greg Zanis would get by the responses those crosses created, the burden of facing and trying to bring comfort to so many grieving loved ones had become increasingly apparent in his face, in his voice and in his demeanor, writes Aurora Beacon News columnist Denise Crosby. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 By Tamilla Mammadova Trend: Georgia took 18th place among the worlds top wine exporting countries in 2018 by income generated by sales, Trend reports with reference to Worlds top 60 wine exporting countries by value in 2018 report, published by American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE). The top five wine exporting countries per income from wine sales in 2018 include France - $11 billion, Italy $7.3 billion, Spain - $3.4 billion, Australia $2.1 billion, and Chile - $1.9 billion. As reported, Georgia takes 18th place in the ranking with an export value of $197 million in 2018. In first 11 months of 2019, Georgia exported wine to 53 countries. Last year, Georgia increased export of wine to US by 48 percent (660,874 bottles), to Poland by 24 percent (3.7 million bottles), and to China by 1 percent (6.3 million bottles). The other top wine export countries include Belarus 68 percent (2.5 million bottles), Lithuania 48 percent (653,322 bottles), Estonia 27 percent (648,884 bottles), Germany 40 percent (615,723 bottles), Israel 81 percent (287,023 bottles). Some 323 companies exported Georgian wine from January through November 2019. In the reporting period, Georgia also exported 585,000 bottles of chacha (an increase of 63 percent) to 28 countries. The total income from chacha export reached $1.6 million (an increase of 56 percent) in 11 months of 2019. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 Fears are growing for Victorian wildlife left to die after the fires because the department of environment has not called in fire-trained wildlife carers. Hundreds of rapid response carers were trained by the department to tackle the 2009 Black Saturday bush fires, but they were never called out then either. Tehree Gordon OAM, Director of Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barwon Heads, was one of those trained. A severely burnt brushtail possum is rescued from the fires near the Blue Mountains on December 29. Fears are now growing for wildlife in Victoria because trained wildlife carers have not been called in She has been rescuing animals in fires since Ash Wednesday in 1983 and said she has not been told the strike team program has been shelved, and along with hundreds of other carers has been on standby since the fires began in November. 'Many of those trained people are concerned and worried that they have not been called in. We understand a lot of the local officers would be more than happy for us to go and assist them, so it must be something from higher up the chain,' she said. She said some carers are so desperate to rescue the animals they are sneaking into fire grounds in the night. 'I believe there are areas that could be searched but we can't get any information. 'The longer animals are waiting for help the less chance of survival. Many of them would have died from lack of food and dehydration, let alone their injuries. The tragedy is can we not move a little faster?' A DELWP spokesperson said both wildlife triage units and wildlife assessment teams were in place in fire-impacted locations across the state. A wildlife rescuer is seen last week with a koala rescued from a burning forest on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, but some carers in Victoria say they have had to resort to sneaking into fire grounds to rescue animals because they have not been called up 'We have mobile Wildlife Triage Units in place at Bairnsdale and Mallacoota along with Wildlife Assessment Teams working on fire grounds based out of Bairnsdale, Orbost and the Budj Bim fire complex,' a spokesperson said. 'As we get a clearer understanding of the numbers and location of wildlife impacted by the fires across the state, additional wildlife teams will be deployed to where they are most needed.' Cienwen Hickey, president of the wildlife group Australia's Kangaroos, has been rescuing wildlife for 20 years at her shelter in Marlo and said the department claim they are doing everything they can but that is just not the case. Cienwen Hickey (pictured), president of the wildlife group Australia's Kangaroos, has been rescuing wildlife for 20 years at her shelter in Marlo and said the department claim they are doing everything they can but that is just not the case She said they were intensively trained for fires in 2009 and spent thousands of dollars purchasing fire clothing, boots and equipment but were never called out. 'DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) never called us. We wouldn't have been in danger or in the way,' she said. 'When are they going to rescue the animals. It could have been much better. Now the animals all have to wait, and they will die fast or slow from injuries or they will die from starvation. It is a mess,' Cienwen said. A kangaroo is seen in front of bushfire-damaged land in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia on Monday. One carer said she went into fire-affected area she believed to be safe but was pulled up by Victoria's DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) She said at the moment there is only a very small trickle of animals being rescued and those that make it out of the fire. She also warned that while the public was focused on koalas, whole ecosystems were being destroyed. 'It is to be hoped that the government can look at the impact this is having on not only carers but the general public and not let it get to the stage that it becomes our history. 'The job ahead is not going to be a five-minute job it is going to take years and years and probably longer than some of our lifetimes,' Tehree said. Lorna King, who runs Bairnsdale Wildllife Rescue, was pulled up by the department last week when she went in to rescue animals in area she believed was safe. A dead koala lies on the ground in Fernvale, Queensland, in December after a bushfire tore through the region A wallaby is pictured eating carrots on Monday from a food drop by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service 'I was upset and disappointed not to be able to look for any animals. Everything I do is for the animals. 'I am frustrated of course I am. I would love to be out there searching for the animals that might be alive, but I think it's too late now. Any that are out there would have starved or died from infections,' Lorna said. She has only received four animals from the fires, and all had to be euthanised. 'I was hoping there would have been more animals come in. There have been so few come in.' Iran Braces for More Protests After Military Admitted Shooting Down Plane By VOA News January 12, 2020 Iran deployed riot police in Tehran, the capital, on Sunday as authorities braced for another day of protests after the military admitted to mistakenly shooting down a civilian Ukrainian plane, killing all 176 on board. The black-clad police, wearing protective riot helmets, massed in iconic Azadi Square south of the city center and at other landmarks. The police were equipped with water cannons and batons and brandished paintball guns, potentially to mark protesters to authorities. Demonstrations were held in several Iranian cities Saturday, with protesters venting anger after news that Iranian officials lied about the country's role in the deadly crash. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran against attacking the demonstrators. "To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS," Trump said on Twitter. "Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, on Twitter, expressed "profound regrets" and apologized for the shoot-down of the Ukraine International Airlines jet. But he contended that 'Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster." U.S. national security adviser Robert O'Brien rejected Zarif's claim in an interview on the Fox News Sunday talk show, saying, "First they cover it up," then claimed the civilian aircraft veered toward a military base. He said Iran needs to investigate the accident, apologize for it, pay compensation to the victims' families and "make sure it never happens again." On Saturday in Tehran, protesters gathered near universities and called for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and chanted, "Down with liars!" and "Death to dictator!" VOA's Persian news service reported protests also spread to other areas of Iran, including the country's third-largest city of Isfahan. Iranians Protest Military's Role in Downing Ukrainian Airliner Saturday's demonstrations came two months after Iran cracked down on massive anti-government protests, brought about by an increase in the price of subsidized gasoline in November. Iran declined to release a death toll at the time, but Amnesty International said more than 300 people had been killed. Earlier Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps admitted it mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian International Airline flight earlier this week. IRGC aerospace commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh said on state television, "I take full responsibility and I will obey whatever decision is taken." He said he "wished" he "were dead" when he learned about the fate of the aircraft. "That night we had the readiness for all-out war," Hajizadeh said. He added that the Revolutionary Guard asked that commercial fights be canceled but that the request was not granted. The downing of the UIA jetliner, a Boeing 737, happened just hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers in response to last week's U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iranian officials told the truth about the circumstances of the crash only after it became apparent that the evidence on the ground from the doomed flight would not allow the Iranians to continue to lie, according to the New York Times newspaper. The plane crashed Wednesday, but Iran did not reveal that it had shot down the aircraft until Saturday. A Ukrainian official told The New York Times that its experts had gathered information at the crash site "despite apparent Iranian efforts to complicate the investigation, including by sweeping debris into piles rather than carefully documenting it." Ukraine says the Kyiv-bound doomed flight took off as usual with no word to the crew about the ballistic missile attack. Oleksiy Danilov, the Ukrainian official heading the crash investigation, told The New York Times that the Iranians could no longer lie about the circumstances of the crash when "Ukrainian investigators found fragments of the top part of the airplane cabin that had been pierced by what appeared to be the shrapnel of a missile warhead." Also Saturday, Iran briefly detained British Ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire, who was arrested during an anti-government protest in Tehran. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, "The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law. "The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to deescalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards," Raab said. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus tweeted about the detainment: "This violates the Vienna Convention, which the regime has a notorious history of violating. We call on the regime to formally apologize to the UK for violating his rights and to respect the rights of all diplomats." The U.S. called on Iran to apologize to Macaire, who was reported to be "safe and well" after being released from custody. The Extremism Watch Desk and the Persian News Network contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It Could Be Years Before Holmes Goes to Prison Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 01:30:59|Editor: yan Video Player Close LONDON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Britain and Germany on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Iran nuclear deal despite pressure from the United States. A Downing Street spokesperson said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed via phone "shared interests in ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, and reaffirmed their continued commitment to preserving the JCPoA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)," the spokesperson said in a press release. "The leaders also discussed Libya and the importance of continued dialogue with international and regional partners to reduce tensions and encourage support for the UN-led process," the spokesperson added. Iran nuclear deal, or the JCPoA, was reached in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China, plus Germany) and the European Union. Tehran had agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear weapons program in exchange for decreased economic sanctions. Since its unilateral exit from the deal in 2018, Washington has been mounting pressure on Tehran through a series of sanctions. Iran has maintained a tough stance and scaled back its nuclear commitments in response. [January 13, 2020] Hiscox Adopts CyberCube's Risk Analytics Software Cyber risk analytics company CyberCube, has signed an agreement with global specialist insurer Hiscox, for the use of CyberCube's ground-breaking technology to generate better insight into potential systemic cyber risk. The deal gives Hiscox access to CyberCube's Portfolio Manager product, which will stress test Hiscox's book of global commercial insurance business against a range of cyber-related catastrophe scenarios, such as cloud outages and global ransomware attacks. Pascal Millaire, Chief Executive Officer of CyberCube, said: "As cyber risk becomes more prevalent within the insurance market - and indeed the wider world - analytics tools like those offered by CyberCube are becoming a core part of an insurer's toolkit. We're delighted to be partnering with Hiscox to provide insights from our risk model to augment Hiscox's existing capabilities as a leading specialist insurer." Robert Caton, Director of Underwriting Risk at Hiscox, commented: "We invest a great deal in understanding the risks we are exposed to. Cyber is an area where the potential for accumulation risk is easy to visualise and describe but challenging to size and calibrate as there have been few if any truly catastrophic market-wide losses. Partnering with CyberCube to access its modelling tools, data, and specialists perfectly complements the internal expertise and capability we have developed over the past few years." CyberCube's risk-modelling platform enables insurance market participants to strengthen their accumulation risk management and exposure measurement. Cyber risk is a major issue within the international insurance markets as risk carriers seek to identify and quantify cyber risk in both standalone cyber insurance products and individual classes of business such as property. ENDS About CyberCube CyberCube delivers the world's leading cyber risk analytics for the insurance industry. With best-in-class data access and advanced multi-disciplinary analytics, the company's Software-as-a-Service platform helps insurance companies make better decisions when underwriting cyber risk and managing cyber risk aggregation. CyberCube's enterprise intelligence layer provides insights on millions of companies globally and includes modeling on over 1,000 single points of technology failure. The CyberCube platform was established in 2015 within Symantec (News - Alert) and now operates as a standalone company exclusively focused on the insurance industry, with access to an unparalleled ecosystem of data partners and backing from ForgePoint Capital and HSCM Bermuda. For more information, please visit www.cybcube.com or email [email protected] About the Hiscox Group Hiscox is a global specialist insurer, headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). Our ambition is to be a respected specialist insurer with a diverse portfolio by product and geography. We believe that building balance between catastrophe-exposed business and less volatile local specialty business gives us opportunities for profitable growth throughout the insurance cycle. It's a long-standing strategy which in 2018 saw the business deliver a profit before tax of $137.4 million in a challenging year for insurers. The Hiscox Group employs over 3,300 people in 14 countries and has customers worldwide. Through the retail businesses in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, we offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers as well as homeowners. Internationally traded, bigger ticket business and reinsurance is underwritten through Hiscox London Market and Hiscox Re & ILS. In the US, Hiscox small business Insurance is underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., a Chicago-based insurance company. Our values define our business, with a focus on people, quality, courage and excellence in execution. We pride ourselves on being true to our word and our award-winning claims service is testament to that. For more information, visit www.hiscoxgroup.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200112005002/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Conformal Coatings Market size is expected to reach $14 billion by 2025, rising at a market growth of 5.44% CAGR during the forecast period. The rising demand from consumer electronics sectors, to safeguard PCBs ( printed circuit boards) from heating, moisture, dust, heating, and other environmental influences is predicted to fuel the market growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05832278/?utm_source=PRN Key market players are directing their efforts on backward and forward integration to enhance their competitiveness in the market. Companies are also venturing into the distribution channels to aim a cost cutting and access more control on logistics. Further, the presence of manufacturers, suppliers and new entrants in large numbers is making the competition in Conformal Coatings market quite high. Owing to the fast growth of the market, many market players are also adopting the mergers and acquisitions as one of the key strategy to gain a hold on market share thereby strengthening their core competencies. The rise in demand for durable electronic devices along with the increase in requirement for automation platforms across sectors is fuelling the market growth for Conformal Coatings globally. In addition the strong market penetration of the product across number of industries and advanced technologies deployed for product manufacturing is further augmenting the demand of the conformal coatings in the market. Based on the Application, the market is segmented into Electronics, Medical, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense and Others. Based on Product, the market is segmented into Acrylic, Silicone, Epoxy, Urethane and Parylene. Based on Regions, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest growth rate among other regions, globally. With the substantial investments by the electronic device manufacturers especially in China, India, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea is boosting the demand for Conformal Coatings market in Asia Pacific region. The major strategies followed by the market participants are Product launches and Partnerships & Collaborations. Based on the Analysis presented in the Cardinal matrix, Henkel AG & Co. KgaA, Illinois Tyools Works, Inc., Shin-Etsu Chemicals Co., Ltd., and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Corning Ltd.) are some of the forerunners in the Conformal Coatings Market. The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include MG Chemicals Ltd., Europlasma NV, H.B. Fuller Company, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Chase Corporation, Dymax Corporation, Kisco Conformal Coatings, LLC, The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Corning Ltd.), Henkel AG & Company, KGaA and Illinois Tool Works Inc. Recent strategies deployed in Conformal Coatings Market Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements: Aug-2019: Dymax collaborated with Dorigo in which Dorigo will install Dymax UVCS 2.0 Conveyer in order to improve the conformal coating quality. Nov-2018: Dymax announced its partnership with Biesterfeld for developing light-curing industrial adhesives and curing systems. Oct-2018: Henkel came into partnership with Aculon in which Henkel can manufacture and market the NanoProof series of waterproofing products of Aculon. Acquisition and Mergers: Sep-2017: H.B. Fuller acquired Royal Adhesives & Sealants in order to expand its adhesives business. Oct-2016: Chase announced the acquisition of Resin Design LLC in order to expand its business in advanced adhesives and sealants. Jan-2016: Kisko took over Specialty Coating Systems, Inc. in order to deliver high quality parylene technologies and services. Product Launches and Product Expansions: Sep-2019: Henkel has unveiled Hysol PC62, a quick drying, toluene-free conformal coating system in order to provide mechanical and environmental protection to PC boards. Sep-2019: Dymax launched Multi-Cure 9451, conformal coating A "True" Black Color in order to deliver enhanced protection for PCB performance. Jun-2019: Henkel introduced Loctite Liofol LA 2798, adhesive solution for high-performance packaging applications. Feb-2018: HumiSeal, a Chase company introduced adhesives and encapsulation solutions which comprises of epoxy, urethane, and acrylate which offers protection from chemical attack, mechanical stress, and moisture ingress. Expansions: Mar-2019: H.B. Fuller expanded its global reach to Japan by opening a new subsidiary, H.B. Fuller Japan G.K. in order to enhance its adhesives business. Sep-2018: Shin-Etsu expanded its business to Japan and internationally by making investments in its silicon business in which the company will focus on developing products ranging from silicon monomer to end-products. Scope of the Study Market Segmentation: By Application Electronics Medical Automotive Aerospace & Defense Others By Product Acrylic Silicone Epoxy Urethane Parylene By Geography North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Rest of North America Europe o Germany o UK o France o Russia o Spain o Italy o Rest of Europe Asia Pacific o China o Japan o India o South Korea o Singapore o Australia o Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA o Brazil o Argentina o UAE o Saudi Arabia o South Africa o Nigeria o Rest of LAMEA Companies Profiled MG Chemicals Ltd. Europlasma NV H.B. Fuller Company Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. Chase Corporation Dymax Corporation Kisco Conformal Coatings, LLC The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Corning Ltd.) Henkel AG & Company, KGaA Illinois Tool Works Inc. Unique Offerings from KBV Research Exhaustive coverage Highest number of market tables and figures Subscription based model available Guaranteed best price Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05832278/?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 Last week, you might have seen that Franklin Covey Co. (NYSE:FC) released its first-quarter result to the market. The early response was not positive, with shares down 2.6% to US$32.09 in the past week. It looks like the results were pretty good overall. While revenues of US$59m were in line with analyst predictions, statutory losses were much smaller than expected, with Franklin Covey losing US$0.04 per share. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what top analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. So we gathered the latest post-earnings forecasts to see what analysts' statutory forecasts suggest is in store for next year. View our latest analysis for Franklin Covey NYSE:FC Past and Future Earnings, January 12th 2020 Taking into account the latest results, the latest consensus from Franklin Covey's five analysts is for revenues of US$244.1m in 2020, which would reflect a modest 6.0% improvement in sales compared to the last 12 months. Franklin Covey is also expected to turn profitable, with statutory earnings of US$0.36 per share. Yet prior to the latest earnings, analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$243.3m and earnings per share (EPS) of US$0.40 in 2020. So it looks like there's been a small decline in overall sentiment after the recent results - there's been no major change to revenue estimates, but analysts did make a minor downgrade to their earnings per share forecasts. Despite cutting their earnings forecasts, analysts have lifted their price target 37% to US$47.00, suggesting that these impacts are not expected to weigh on the stock's value in the long term. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. There are some variant perceptions on Franklin Covey, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at US$51.00 and the most bearish at US$45.00 per share. The narrow spread of estimates could suggest that the business' future is relatively easy to value, or that analysts have a clear view on its prospects. Story continues It can also be useful to step back and take a broader view of how analyst forecasts compare to Franklin Covey's performance in recent years. Analysts are definitely expecting Franklin Covey's growth to accelerate, with the forecast 6.0% growth ranking favourably alongside historical growth of 1.5% per annum over the past five years. Compare this with other companies in the same market, which are forecast to grow their revenue 6.8% next year. Franklin Covey is expected to grow at about the same rate as its market, so it's not clear that we can draw any conclusions from its growth relative to competitors. The Bottom Line The most important thing to take away is that analysts downgraded their earnings per share estimates, showing that there has been a clear decline in sentiment following these results. Happily, there were no real changes to sales forecasts, with the business still expected to grow in line with the overall market. There was also a nice increase in the price target, with analysts feeling that the intrinsic value of the business is improving. Still, the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. We have forecasts for Franklin Covey going out to 2024, and you can see them free on our platform here. We also provide an overview of the Franklin Covey Board and CEO remuneration and length of tenure at the company, and whether insiders have been buying the stock, here. 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. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he could not be sure of Fine Gael TD Maria Baileys support in a confidence vote, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said the Taoiseach made the comment during their meeting about the election date last week. Speaking on RTE Radio One, he said: He wasnt sure of his own party in terms of support, before adding that the Taoiseach raised the prospect of Ms Bailey not supporting the Government in a confidence motion in Health Minister Simon Harris. His comments come after John McGuinness announced he would vote against rather than abstain on the motion which rural TDs threatened to table next month. Mr Martin also launched a scathing attack on Fine Gaels record on health and housing which he said would be the main issues in the Genera Election. He said Fine Gael have not prioritised health while in Government for the last nine years and said the party was putting forward budgets that dont reflect reality. He said the housing crisis was a desperate indictment on Fine Gaels ability to get things done. Mr Martin said Fianna Fail in Government would put major investment in social housing. He also said he does not hold his nose at the idea of social housing like some people in Fine Gael do. The Fianna Fail leader said he would not contemplate entering into a coalition with Mary Lou McDonald as he doesnt trust Sinn Fein in terms of government. Mr Martin said his main concern with Sinn Fein was that people outside of the elected representatives dictate what transpires within the party. He highlighted the fact that former Sinn Fein Finance Minister Martin O Muilleoir spoke to the partys Ard Comhairle before making a decision on the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal in Northern Ireland. Ms McDonald later criticised the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail leaders for refusing to deal with Sinn Fein in Government in Ireland while being was happy to shake hands with her party members in the North following the restoration of the Northern Assembly. Ms McDonald said a border polls was core issue for her party and said whoever is leading the next government should prepare for a untied Ireland. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jump 450, the highest paying performance marketing agency in America, today announced that it has been selected by Ad Age for its exclusive list of Best Places to Work 2020. Diversity and inclusion is a big part of the corporate culture at Jump 450. For the 16 new hires who became "Jumpers over the past year, the company conducted over 1,000 interviews, and had an acceptance rate of less than 2%, making it a highly exclusive environment comprised of the top digital marketing talent in the country. Jump 450, based in New York City, is a high-growth digital performance marketing agency that has seen rapid growth of over 250% over the past year. They have more than doubled their staff in the past year and expanded their resources to scalably grow their client's businesses. Jump 450's workplace culture, office environment, employee development approach, team engagement, perks, and benefits were part of the criteria that led to Ad Age's selection. The lucrative employee compensation model at Jump 450 is perhaps one of the company's most compelling featuresone that incentivizes its team to drive meaningful returns for its clients. The company offers uncapped compensation for employees by sharing ~50 percent of top-line revenues with the team each month. On average, their media buyers make 400% higher than the average media buyer in the country. This work environment has created a triangle of alignment between company management, its employees, and its clients; resulting in Jump 450's clients always having the most skilled and coveted talent working on their accounts across their unique disciplines. Shaun Sheikh, CEO and Co-Founder, says, "We saw that the traditional agency model does not align incentives between agency employees and brands. Employees are constantly underpaid, overworked, and not utilized for their most valuable skills. This results in employee churn (brain drain) and client performance suffers. We wanted to create a compensation model that truly rewards its employees to produce the best work." Diversity and inclusion is a big part of the corporate culture at Jump 450. For the 16 new hires who became "Jumpers" over the past year, the company conducted over 1,000 interviews, and had an acceptance rate of less than 2%, making it a highly exclusive environment comprised of the top digital marketing talent in the country. In addition, more than half of all interviewees were female applicants. Jump 450 is an LGBTQ-friendly company that has achieved 33 percent ethnic diversity in its employee roster. Jump 450 has achieved an employee retention rate of 97%, which is not surprising when you consider the company's employee perks, benefits, and strong workplace culture. The workday at Jump 450 starts with a catered omelette bar breakfast, and other perks include free snacks, weekly company lunches, and half-day Fridays. The company cares about each employee's physical health by providing gym subsidies, in-office massages, and competitive health insurance benefits. It also places a lot of attention on employees' mental and spiritual health, supporting them with mental health counseling, in-office meditations, and mindfulness practices. Other benefits that create an above-average work environment for "Jumpers" include paid time off and company retreats. Employees enjoy the annual Jump 450 retreats, flexible work hours, work from home opportunities and company volunteer events. Tom Murray, the Managing Director of the agency says "Having worked at some of the largest agencies in the world, I am constantly amazed by how much this company cares about their employees and truly puts them first. The founders take real-time feedback about the office and make changes sometimes on the same day to ensure that our employees have everything they need in order to succeed. Their care for employee well-being is unmatched and it has led to a work environment that is positive, optimistic, and thriving." Jump 450's employee revenue sharing model firmly positions it as a leading digital marketing agency heading into 2020. While other agencies struggle to deploy the right human capital or the right technologies to serve their clients, Jump 450 has proven that its unique compensation model bridges those gaps successfully. In previous years, the company spent over $60 million of its own money to generate $250 million in e-commerce sales before launching its own performance marketing agency to maximize ROI for its clients. They have sustained their performance DNA and have pointed their remarkable capabilities toward hyperscaling companies to uncharted levels. By embracing new digital technologies to benefit its clients, alongside its dedication to employee development and engagement, Jump 450 placed 3rd on Ad Age's Best Places to Work 2020. About Ad Age Best Places to Work 2020 Ad Age Best Places to Work 2020 honors 50 companies that have figured out what works. The winning workplaces25 companies with 200 or fewer employeesreflect the highest overall numerical scores based on an analysis of questionnaires submitted by employers and survey responses from thousands of their employees. Ad Age's scoring system includes six key satisfaction areas: employee benefits, company culture, company environment, employee perks, employee development and employee engagement. About Jump 450 Media Jump 450 Media is a marketing company that helps brands acquire customers profitably through digital media. We hyper-scale growth by marrying the art of creative storytelling with the science of digital media buying to create highly effective advertising. Winner of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Marketing and Advertising as well as Inc. Best Workplaces in 2019, Jump 450 Media has achieved over $500M+ in revenue driven and 25M+ acquired users for their clients. Inquires: www.jump450.com 1-888-717-2226 [email protected] SOURCE Jump 450 Media LLC Related Links www.jump450.com By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating has declined sharply in the face of horrendous bushfires that have killed 28 people and destroyed 2,000 homes, a closely watched poll showed on Monday. Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to an unprecedented crisis, even taking a family holiday to Hawaii while fires were burning, and acknowledged on Sunday he had made some mistakes. By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating has declined sharply in the face of horrendous bushfires that have killed 28 people and destroyed 2,000 homes, a closely watched poll showed on Monday. Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to an unprecedented crisis, even taking a family holiday to Hawaii while fires were burning, and acknowledged on Sunday he had made some mistakes. "There are things I could have handled on the ground much better," he said in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corp on Sunday. After months of raging bushfires that have ravaged more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea, Morrison in early January announced a A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) bushfire recovery fund and called out 3,000 army reservists to back up state emergency workers. The response was seen as too slow. The Newspoll, conducted from Wednesday to Saturday after those announcements, showed Morrison's approval rating dropped 8 points to the lowest level since he took over leadership of the Liberal Party in August 2018. His approval rating was overtaken by opposition Labor leader Anthony Albanese in the poll, which surveyed 1,505 voters. Labor also overtook Morrison's Liberal-National Coalition on a two-party preferred basis, where votes for minor parties are distributed between the major parties, for the first time since Australia's election last May. No margin of error was provided, although it was about 2.5 percentage points in previous Newspolls. The same poll last year, however, incorrectly predicted Labor would win the election. Morrison said on Sunday he would take a proposal to Cabinet to hold a Royal Commission national inquiry into the bushfires, including examining the response to the crisis, the role and powers of the federal government and the impact of climate change. While some fires came under control over the weekend, thanks to cooler conditions and some light rain, the state of Victoria had two emergency warnings on Monday, urging residents in the eastern part of the state to evacuate. Here are key events in the crisis: (Reporting by Sonali Paul; Editing by Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Both sides in Libyas conflict forces loyal to military strongman Khalifa Haftar and the UN-recognised government based in Tripoli have agreed to a ceasefire starting on Sunday. It comes after months of turmoil in which the eastern-based Haftar and his forces began an offensive to seize the Libyan capital from the Government of National Accord (GNA). Here is a timeline: Advance on Tripoli On April 4, Haftar orders his troops to advance on Tripoli, seat since 2016 of the GNA, which he claims is backed by terrorist groups. Haftar supports a parallel administration based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and his forces already control the countrys main southern oil fields. His Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF, previously Libyan National Army) briefly seize Tripolis war-destroyed international airport but are pushed back on April 5. Government strikes back Government forces announce a counter-offensive called Volcano of Anger on April 7. Haftars aircraft carry out a strike against Tripolis only functioning airport, Mitiga, on April 8. On April 19, the White House says President Donald Trump recognised Haftars significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libyas oil resources. On June 26, GNA forces deliver a major blow to Haftar by retaking the town of Gharyan, the LAAFs main supply base southwest of the capital. Migrant centre hit On July 2, an air strike hits a migrant detention centre in a Tripoli suburb. Fifty-three people are killed and 130 wounded. The GNA blames Haftars forces, which deny responsibility. International involvement On November 5, The New York Times reports that Russia has sent about 200 mercenaries to Libya to support Haftar. Moscow denies that it has dispatched the fighters. Ten days later the US urges Haftar to end his offensive. On December 10, a UN report accuses several countries of breaching a 2011 arms embargo by supplying the belligerent parties in the conflict. It points to Turkey, which supports the GNA, as well as rivals Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that are among countries backing Haftar. Story continues Turkish intervention On December 12, Haftar announces a new decisive battle and an advance on the heart of Tripoli. The GNA cabinet on December 19 approves the implementation of the military deal reached with Turkey. Turkeys parliament on January 2 passes a bill approving a military deployment to shore up the GNA. On January 5, President Recip Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish soldiers have begun deploying to Libya. The next day Haftars forces say they have taken control of Sirte from pro-GNA forces. Ceasefire On January 8, Turkey and Russia call for a ceasefire to begin on January 12 at midnight (2200 GMT on January 11). After initially pledging to continue the offensive, Haftars forces agree on January 11 to the ceasefire but warn of a severe response to any violation by the opposing camp. Hours after Haftar, the GNA, which is led by Fayez al-Sarraj, also agrees to the ceasefire, but underlines its legitimate right to respond to any attack or aggression that may come from the other camp. More than 280 civilians have been killed since the start of the Tripoli offensive, according to the UN. The fighting has displaced 146,000 people and claimed the lives of more than 2,000 fighters. (AFP) Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has constituted five teams to keep an eye on smuggling of drugs and weapons by drones from neighbouring Pakistan. While one team will solely be dedicated to handle cybercrime, two teams will keep a tab on the movement of narcotics and smugglers from other states into Punjab. Officials said, two other dedicated teams would track criminals by their social media activity and all teams will work in tandem to make arrests. The teams were formed in the wake of the seizure of two Chinese-made drones used to fly into Pakistan to pick drugs and fly back and arrests of five drug smugglers recently. Police said, the captured drones were custom made and had containers to store drugs and were capable of flying up to three kilometers. They had conducted 4 to 5 sorties in the last few months. The state police is working in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) to check drone activity. BSF and police personnel had recently carried out a search operation in the Ajnala sector on the Indo-Pak border following unidentified drone activity. The Punjab Police has been on high alert since August last year when the drones were first sighted. The police also plan to buy anti-drone equipment from Israel to detect such flying objects and jam their communications. Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 07:45:23|Editor: ZD Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Haitians on Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the destructive 2010 earthquake that toppled buildings across the island, killing more than 300,000 people. The powerful 7-magnitude quake hit at 4:53 p.m. local time (2153 GMT), with an epicenter just 15 kilometers southwest of the capital Port au Prince. Another 350,000 people were left injured and some 1.5 million people were left homeless. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a video message to the people of Haiti, in which he renewed his organization's pledge to help the country rebuild for a better future. "On this day we remember the hundreds of thousands of Haitians who lost their lives and the millions gravely affected by the devastating earthquake that struck their country 10 years ago," said Guterres. "I renew the commitment of the United Nations to helping Haiti and its people build a brighter future," he said. He also paid tribute to the 102 UN staff members who died in the quake when the building that housed the UN mission to Haiti collapsed. "I will never forget the shock and sadness across the United Nations as we became aware of the scale of the tragedy," said Guterres. A week after the disaster, the UN Security Council authorized an additional 3,500 UN peacekeeping troops, who joined the 9,000 already deployed there, to help bolster the recovery and stability of the island. On Saturday, Haitian President Jovenel Moise addressed the controversy surrounding the massive international funding in support of the reconstruction effort and the lack of progress made in rebuilding. He blamed the discrepancy on a lack of "a credible long-term policy" to properly manage the funds, which some estimate amount to 10 billion U.S. dollars. The daughters of Henry Ford II's disabled widow have accused her long-time companion and guardian of physically and mentally abusing her, and forcing them out of her life. Deborah DuRoss Guibord and Kimberly DuRoss, daughters of 79-year-old Kathleen DuRoss Ford from her first marriage, say Frank Chopin forces pills down her throat, shouts at her, denies her care overnight, and controls all aspects of her life. Deborah and Kimberly are currently embroiled in a long-running legal case with Chopin, and want the courts to strip him of his role and appoint a third-party guardian to take over her care. Chopin, who lives with Kathleen at her $44million Palm Beach estate, has vehemently denied the claims and attempted to present himself in court as a doting carer and the daughters as money-hungry hangers-on. The daughter of Kathleen DuRoss Ford (left) from her first marriage are suing her former lawyer and now long-time companion Frank Chopin (right), accusing him of abusing her Kathleen (left) married Henry Ford II (together right) in 1980, and inherited a share of his trust worth an estiamted $10.5million per year after he died in 1987 The case stems back to 2016, when - having already had a double-lung transplant - Kathleen underwent spinal surgery that left her paralyzed. As she required round-the-clock care, Chopin moved into her home and, according to testimony published by USA Today, 'took over her life'. Guibord says Chopin - who used to be the late Ford's lawyer before becoming Kathleen's attorney, confidante and then companion - took her phone away and began answering email on her behalf. Two decades previous, Chopin had been given power of attorney by Kathleen and appointed her health care surrogate, allowing him to make decisions about her care on her behalf. In 2016 he was also designated her pre-need guardian, meaning he automatically retained those powers in the event she became incapacitated. Reports from April that year show the sisters becoming worried at the extent of Chopin's control, and that he might be trying to disinherit them. While they had contacted their mother regularly up until that point, they claim, he slowly restricted access until they were virtually cut off from her. Then, in 2018, Kathleen was rushed to hospital struggling to breathe and Chopin went to be by her side. Daughters Kimberly Duross (left and right) and Deborah DuRoss Guibord say Chopin has been forcing pills down their mother's throat, shouting at her, and denying her crucial care However, he ended up getting barred from the hospital for reasons that are unclear - allowing Deborah and Kimberly a brief window in which to see their mother. They claim they were approached by members of her care staff who raised concerns about the way she was being treated by Chopin. Distraught, the family contacted police and filed a civil lawsuit, asking for Deborah to be appointed her legal guardian. Despite a Palm Beach Police investigation finding that Ford caregiver's ha concerns about Chopin, and that Chopin uses lawyer to threaten people, it found that Kathleen was safe and there was no misconduct in her day-to-day care. Meanwhile a separate court ruled against the request to appoint Deborah as her mother's guardian - but in a series of rulings in 2019, found that Kathleen was incapable of making her own decisions and mentally incapacitated. When interviewed, Kathleen 'believed she was 30 years old, had been married 12 years and lived with her mother and father,' court documents show. Deborah DuRoss Guibord (pictured) applied to become her mother's guardian in 2016, but had the application thrown out In September last year a trial began to determine whether Chopin could remain Kathleen's guardian, including reviewing claims of abuse. Several of Kathleen's former private medical staff testified that Chopin 'tilts back her head, shoves the dozens of pills she takes each day in her mouth and then pours water down her throat, sometimes causing her to choke.' He forbid staff from touching her at night - even to change soiled clothes - removed the phone from her room, controls what she eats, what she wears and where she goes, it is alleged. However, Chopin says he is simply honoring Kathleen's wishes by keeping her daughters away - and brought in staff who testified that the pair viewed their mother's money and property as their own. Dr. Charles Pu, from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, described Kathleen's care as 'in the top 0.1 per cent of what I see' and said he personally examined her 30 times and never saw evidence of abuse. Meanwhile former Palm Beach Mayor Lesly Smith and Ford family architect Jeffrey Smith both testified that Kathleen 'wouldn't be alive if it wasnt for Frank.' The trial ended in late December, with Judge Scott Suskauer retiring to consider more than 800 pages of exhibits, motions and testimony. Kathleen currently lives with Chopin at this $44million mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, where he has been her carer since she was paralyzed by spinal surgery in 2016 Both sides are due to return to court in February to make their final arguments, before a ruling is given. Kathleen DuRoss Ford was born in 1940 and married L. David DuRoss, a car-worker and part-time trombone player, who died in 1956. She met Henry Ford II in 1969 at his home in Detroit while working as a model, while he was still married to second wife Maria Cristina Vettore. Ford divorced Maria in 1980 and immediately remarried to Kathleen, before dying seven years later of pneumonia. Kathleen was granted $1.5million per year as part of his will, but immediately began a legal battle with eldest son Edsel Ford II for a share of a $350million trust that her husband left behind. The case was settled behind closed doors in 1988, but it is thought Kathleen was given roughly 3 per cent of the value of the trust per year, or $10.5million. In the decades since the decision, Chopin has become increasingly close to Kathleen - first as her legal adviser, then as her companion at social events and trips around Europe to her late husband's properties, and now as her live-in carer. The Turkish and Russian presidents had called for the ceasefire to start on Sunday, more than nine months into an offensive on Tripoli by the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. Both the LNA and the Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) had said they conditionally agreed to the truce. But the GNA said in a statement that it had recorded gunfire in the Salaheddin and Wadi Rabea areas "minutes" after the ceasefire was meant to start at 0001 a.m. on Sunday (Saturday 2201 GMT). From early on Sunday morning exchanges of fire could be heard in Salaheddin and Ain Zara districts. Any attempt to impose a lasting ceasefire will be hard to enforce because of the splintered nature of Libya's military coalitions, with disparate factions and foreign fighters deployed on both sides. Both sides refer to each other as militias. "The (GNA) militias violated the truce on more than one battlefront, with all types of weapons," said LNA commander Al-Mabrouk Al-Gazawi, adding that forces were waiting for further instruction from LNA general command. The GNA said in a statement it had recorded violations by "the aggressor's militias" but that it "renews its commitment to the ceasefire, and emphasizes the need for commitment from the patrons of this ceasefire and the United Nations mission in Libya in applying it optimally". Turkey's defence ministry said it had observed that all sides were trying to abide by the ceasefire, and that the situation was calm except for "one or two separate incidents". The ceasefire call came after a recent escalation of fighting around Tripoli, and the LNA's advance into Sirte, a strategically important city midway along Libya's coastline. It also came as the United Nations and European powers pushed for a summit in Berlin aimed at winding down foreign involvement and resuming a peace process upended by Haftar's advance. The LNA has received backing from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and Russia, while Turkey backs the GNA and voted this month to allow a troop deployment to the North African country. Parents will be able to meet with representatives from area preschools and daycare centers, ask questions and take home brochures, the library said. The first 25 families will receive a free picture book and those who fill out a survey at the conclusion of the fair can enter a drawing for a $25 Starbucks gift card, according to the library. A viral blog that attacked Australias failure to stop the months-long bush fires and implied Chinese firefighters were braver and more patriotic has stirred a vigorous online debate. The WeChat post contrasted the situation in Australia with Chinas largest-ever wildfire, which lasted just under a month in 1987, and quickly racked up more than 23 million views after it was published. The piece attracted more than 100,000 likes and multiple patriotic comments praising the countrys firefighters, but was criticised by high-profile media commentators for insensitivity and using nationalism to generate cheap viral clicks. Fridays article, titled If it werent for the Australian bush fires, I wouldve never known that China was so powerful 33 years ago, also suggested that Australian firefighters were lazy and unpatriotic for taking rest days, and claimed that human rights and democracy were responsible for the continuing fires. A firefighting helicopter in the East Gippsland region of Victoria. Photo: AAP/ DPA Thats right, Australia has the worlds best firefighting technology. But putting out fires depends not only on technology, but also on how much you love the people who live on this land, wrote Yong Bo on the little-known WeChat blog Youth Courtyard. In Australia, everyone thinks that these bush fires have nothing to do with themselves. Because of so-called human rights and democracy, the Australian government and firefighters are taking holidays and celebrating Christmas while their country burns to a crisp and the fires kill everything in their path. The blogger also criticised the New Years Eve fireworks display in Sydney and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrisons Christmas holiday to Hawaii while the devastating bush fires raged on. Thousands of Australians have protested against what they see as the governments inadequate response to the countrys worst ever fires, which have so far killed 27 people, an estimated one billion animals and destroyed more than 10 million hectares of land in the past four months. Story continues In contrast, Yong praised how Chinese firefighters handled the 1987 Daxinganling wildfire in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, which lasted just under a month. At the time, the Chinese government sent nearly 60,000 under-equipped firefighters to tackle the blaze, which is commemorated as a national tragedy that killed 211 people and displaced more than 50,000 victims. A groundbreaking China Youth Daily investigation that same year concluded that the fire was principally a man-made disaster, while top officials in Beijing blamed it on the failure of government bureaucracy. But systemic failings in Chinas firefighting services, such as a nationwide lack of full-time career firefighters and dozens of firefighter deaths each year, continue. In April last year 30 mostly young and inexperienced first responders died while tackling a remote forest fire in Sichuan in April last year. Multiple comments on the Youth Courtyard blog post praising Chinese firefighters heroism attracted more than 100,000 likes by Monday. However, high-profile media commentators criticised the article as an attempt to stir up patriotism for cheap viral hits, as well as for its insensitivity to two countries natural disasters. A mourning ceremony for the 30 firefighters killed in Sichuan last year. Photo: Xinhua Fang Kecheng, a communications professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, wrote a WeChat blog post on Sunday that complained: The article, which has not an ounce of respect for history, simplified the painful lessons of the Daxing wildfire into a heroic narrative about the firefighters great sacrifice, and turned a huge natural disaster that prompted nationwide reflection into evidence of how great China was 33 years ago. Fang also pointed out that the outlet that published the article had previously been censored by WeChat last May for publishing an inaccurate report. Similar self-media WeChat blogs have been criticised for their clickbait content and rampant misinformation. I never couldve imagined that 33 years later, this national tragedy would be dug out by a millennial self-media writer who wrote some thousand-word thinkpiece claiming that this is some great victory for China, wrote another Weibo blogger with nearly a million followers. One Weibo user quoted Yang Lang, the editor responsible for the China Youth Daily investigation, who said at the time: Everyone very clearly recognises that a calamity is a calamity. To turn a it into a song of triumph is to further heap calamity upon calamity. 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. More from South China Morning Post: This article Chinese blogger fans flames of controversy by blaming lazy and unpatriotic Australians for bush fires first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. Looks like Kaia Gerber has learned a thing or two from her mother Cindy Crawford. The rising model, 18, was looking fierce while posing up a storm during a photo shoot in Miami on Sunday. Afterwards, Kaia unwound from her shoot over lunch with her mother, 53. Strike a pose: Kaia Gerber was looking fierce while posing up a storm during a photo shoot in Miami on Sunday The day started off with Kaia striking poses whilst clad in a red collared shirt and black high waist mini skirt. The fledgling model was the picture of chic as she posed for the camera with a fierce expression on her face. Adding yet another sophisticated touch were her loafer heels and Louis Vuitton handbag, adorned with a silver rose on the strap. Her short brunette tresses added an extra layer of chicness. Oh so chic: Gerber exuded sophistication in her preppy photo shoot ensemble Learning from the best! After the shoot, Gerber caught up over lunch with her mother Cindy Crawford Kaia was an absolute modeling natural as she held a relaxed posture throughout the shoot. After her shoot, Kaia was able to unwind over lunch with her mother Cindy. The catwalk queen ditched her preppy outfit for something much more relaxed. Like mother, like daughter: Kaia is following in her mother's modeling footsteps Outfit change! Gerber switched out of her preppy look for something a little more dressed down Kaia was looking simple yet stylish in a white tank top and jeans as she soaked up the sunshine with Cindy. The women chatted outside, where Cindy may have even imparted some modeling tips to her daughter. Cindy previously revealed she had no problems with Kaia pursuing a modeling career. Walk this way: The 18-year-old shaded her eyes as she strolled out into the sunshine 'I had no trepidation at all about saying yes to Kaia,' the supermodel said back in October, according to E!. 'I felt comfortable and I was like, "Go for it, have fun and I'm always here if you have a question."' Cindy said her daughter was already prepared for what may lay ahead as she began her modeling career. 'She was pretty well-versed in designers and young photographers,' the proud mom gushed. Faith: Cindy previously revealed she had no problems with Kaia pursuing a modeling career On the line: Gerber looked deep in thought as she took a call However, she added: 'There are some things no matter how much someone can tell you about the industry, there are things you have to learn firsthand.' Kaia meanwhile is in a relationship with actor and SNL star Pete Davidson; The 26-year-old actor seemingly hinted on an SNL skit just before the holidays that he was going away to a rehab facility. 'I'm going on 'vacation' but insurance pays for some of it, and they take your phone and shoelaces,' he said using quotes while on-air for the Weekend Update. 'And it costs $100,000 but I still have roommates.' Meetings attended by warring factions after truce came into force raised hopes for revival of the political process. Talks in Russia aimed at agreeing on an unconditional and open-ended ceasefire in Libya failed to achieve a breakthrough on Monday and have been adjourned for the night. The head of the UN-supported Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Sarraj, signed a draft ceasefire agreement, while Khalifa Haftar commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) requested more time to consider it. They have a positive view of the document and asked for extra time until the next morning to decide, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said of Hafter and his delegation. I hope they will make a positive decision. Russian and Turkish representatives will continue to offer their assistance. Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in the conflict, urged the factions on Monday to sign a binding truce to end a nine-month-old war and pave the way for a peaceful settlement. More than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans displaced since Haftar launched his assault to seize the capital Tripoli, according to the United Nations. Turkey was working to ensure the truce became permanent, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. Speaking alongside Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in Ankara, Erdogan said he will attend a summit in Berlin on Sunday to discuss developments in Libya, along with Conte and Russian President Vladimir Putin. I especially hope for the signing of a permanent ceasefire agreement some time soon, Erdogan told the press conference. The Moscow talks were held a day after a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey came into force in Libya. It was unclear if the two leaders al-Sarraj and Haftar would meet face to face. Haftars forces have so far failed to capture the capital Tripoli, where the UN-supported GNA resides, after months of fierce fighting. Libyan academic Mustafa Feituri told Al Jazeera it was unclear if the temporary ceasefire will hold. The stickiest point is the condition of having Haftars forces withdraw from southern Tripoli. I do not see Haftar accepting this condition because that simply would mean defeat for him, Feituri said. The other difficult point is the withdrawal of Haftars forces from Terhuna, the main supply and control point for his forces. If he leaves this area, there will be infringement. So it is unlikely that he will leave that area. Under attack Libya has been racked by turmoil since longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. The oil-rich country has since been split between two rival administrations based in the countrys east and west amid a conflict drawing increasing involvement from foreign powers. Since April, the Tripoli-based GNA has been under attack from eastern forces loyal to Haftar, which on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. The GNA and Haftars Libyan National Army agreed to a conditional truce called by Russia and Turkey that came into force at midnight local time on Sunday (22:01 GMT on Saturday). Both warring sides have since accused the other of violations. The ceasefire followed a joint call by Erdogan who backs al-Sarraj and has sent troops to help the GNA and Putin, who analysts have long seen as supporting Haftar. Asked Saturday about Russian private security companies in Libya, Putin responded: If there are Russian citizens there, they do not represent the interests of the Russian state and do not receive any money from the Russian state. Pro-Haftar forces are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Al-Sarraj has also accused Paris of supporting Haftar and tacitly backing his assault on Tripoli, claims denied by French officials. Turn the page Earlier, Interfax cited Lev Dengov, head of the Russian contact group on Libya, as saying al-Sarraj and Haftar would discuss the possibility of signing a truce and the details of such a document. Separately, Khaled al-Mechri, head of Libyas High Council of State, said the signing of the agreement in Moscow would pave the way for the revival of the political process in the country. Al-Mechri told Al Ahrar TV he would accompany al-Sarraj to Moscow, while Aguila Salah, speaker of the eastern-based parliament, would travel with Haftar. Meanwhile, in a short televised speech on Monday, al-Sarraj called on Libyans to turn the page on the past. I call on all Libyans to turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace, he said. In an interview with Al Ahrar TV, al-Sarraj said on Monday the GNA had accepted the ceasefire deal to prevent more bloodshed in the country. We will not ignore the sacrifices of our sons and martyrs or our dream for a civil state, he said. Our acceptance of the cease-fire comes from a position of strength to maintain national and social cohesion. Al-Sarraj said his government forces, however, were ready to resume military operations in case of any break to the ceasefire. Berlin talks Germany plans to hold a summit aimed at plotting a path to peace in Libya on January 19. The meeting will coincide with a one-day visit to Berlin by Erdogan. The Turkish leaders presence is seen as essential to the success of any conference on Libya, since Ankaras decision to deploy military advisers and possibly troops there has made it a major player in the countrys long-running civil war. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the summit on Saturday, adding the United Nations would lead talks. She said Libyas warring parties would need to play a major role if a solution was to be found. Merkel said the aim was to give Libya the chance of becoming a sovereign and peaceful country. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed on Monday the ceasefire in Libya initiated by Turkey and Russia, but cautioned the United Nations must lead the process of rebuilding the country. A ceasefire, yes it is a first step in the right direction, but what you need is a process for consolidation, for reconstruction and a government of unity. There is a long way to go. This has to be a UN-led process, she told reporters. This is of utmost importance. Matching up maps of matter and light from the Dark Energy Survey and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope may help astrophysicists understand what causes a faint cosmic gamma-ray glow Astrophysicists have come a step closer to understanding the origin of a faint glow of gamma rays covering the night sky. They found that this light is brighter in regions that contain a lot of matter and dimmer where matter is sparser - a correlation that could help them narrow down the properties of exotic astrophysical objects and invisible dark matter. The glow, known as unresolved gamma-ray background, stems from sources that are so faint and far away that researchers can't identify them individually. Yet, the fact that the locations where these gamma rays originate match up with where mass is found in the distant universe could be a key puzzle piece in identifying those sources. "The background is the sum of a lot of things 'out there' that produce gamma rays. Having been able to measure for the first time its correlation with gravitational lensing - tiny distortions of images of far galaxies produced by the distribution of matter - helps us disentangle them," said Simone Ammazzalorso from the University of Turin and the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) in Italy, who co-led the analysis. The study used one year of data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES), which takes optical images of the sky, and nine years of data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, which observes cosmic gamma rays while it orbits the Earth. "What's really intriguing is that the correlation we measured doesn't completely match our expectations," said Panofsky fellow Daniel Gruen from the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University, who led the analysis for the DES collaboration. "This could mean that we either need to adjust our existing models for objects that emit gamma rays, or it could hint at other sources, such as dark matter." The study was accepted today for publication in Physical Review Letters. Two sensitive 'eyes' on the sky Gamma radiation, the most energetic form of light, is produced in a wide range of cosmic phenomena - often extremely violent ones, such as exploding stars, dense neutron stars rotating at high speeds and powerful beams of particles shooting out of active galaxies whose central supermassive black holes gobble up matter. Another potential source is invisible dark matter, which is believed to make up 85 percent of all matter in the universe. It could produce gamma rays when dark matter particles meet and destroy each other in space. The Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi spacecraft is a highly sensitive "eye" for gamma radiation, and its data provide a detailed map of gamma-ray sources in the sky. But when scientists subtract all the sources they already know, their map is far from empty; it still contains a gamma-ray background whose brightness varies from region to region. "Unfortunately gamma rays don't have a label that would tell us where they came from," Gruen said. "That's why we need additional information to unravel their origin." That's where DES comes in. With its 570-megapixel Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the Victor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, it snaps images of hundreds of millions of galaxies. Their exact shapes tell researchers how the gravitational pull of matter bends light in the universe - an effect that shows itself as tiny distortions in galaxy images, known as weak gravitational lensing. Based on these data, the DES researchers create the most detailed maps yet of matter in the cosmos. In the new study, the scientists superimposed the Fermi and DES maps, which revealed that the two aren't independent. The unresolved gamma-ray background is more intense in regions with more matter and less intense in regions with less matter. "The result itself is not surprising. We expect that there are more gamma ray producing processes in regions that contain more matter, and we've been predicting this correlation for a while," said Nicolao Fornengo, one of Ammazzalorso's supervisors in Turin. "But now we've succeeded in actually detecting this correlation for the first time, and we can use it to understand what causes the gamma ray background." Potential hint at dark matter One of the most likely sources for the gamma-ray glow is very distant blazars - active galaxies with supermassive black holes at their centers. As the black holes swallow surrounding matter, they spew high-speed jets of plasma and gamma rays that, if the jets point at us, are detected by the Fermi spacecraft. Blazars would be the simplest assumption, but the new data suggest that a simple population of blazars might not be enough to explain the observed correlation between gamma rays and mass distribution, the researchers said. "In fact, our models for emissions from blazars can fairly well explain the low-energy part of the correlation, but we see deviations for high-energy gamma rays," Gruen said. "This can mean several things: It could indicate that we need to improve our models for blazars or that the gamma rays could come from other sources." One of these other sources could be dark matter. A leading theory predicts the mysterious stuff is made of weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs, which could annihilate each other in a flash of gamma rays when they collide. Gamma rays from certain matter-rich cosmic regions could therefore stem from these particle interactions. The idea to look for gamma-ray signatures of annihilating WIMPs is not a new one. Over the past years, scientists have searched for them in various locations believed to contain a lot of dark matter, including the center of the Milky Way and the Milky Way's companion galaxies. However, these searches haven't produced identifiable dark matter signals yet. The new results could be used for additional searches that test the WIMP hypothesis. Planning next steps Although the probability that the measured correlation is just a random effect is only about one in a thousand, the researchers need more data for a conclusive analysis. "These results, connecting for the first time our maps of gamma rays and matter, are very interesting and have a lot of potential, but at the moment the connection is still relatively weak, and one has to interpret the data carefully," said KIPAC Director Risa Wechsler, who was not involved in the study. One of the main limitations of the current analysis is the amount of available lensing data, Gruen said. "With data from 40 million galaxies, DES has already pushed this to a new level, and that's why we were able to do the analysis in the first place. But we need even better measurements," he said. With its next data release, DES will provide lensing data for 100 million galaxies, and the future Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will look at billions of galaxies in a much larger region of the sky. "Our study demonstrates with actual data that we can use the correlation between the distributions of matter and gamma rays to learn more about what causes the gamma-ray background," Fornengo said. "With more DES data, LSST coming online and other projects like the Euclid space telescope on the horizon, we'll be able to go much deeper in our understanding of the potential sources." Then, the scientists might be able to tell if some of that gamma-ray glow stems from dark matter's self-destruction. DES is an international project with over 400 scientists from 25 institutions in 7 countries, who have come together to carry out the survey. Parts of the project were funded by DOE's Office of Science and the National Science Foundation. NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is an international and multi-agency space observatory. The analysis used Fermi-LAT data that were publicly released by the international LAT collaboration. ### SLAC is a vibrant multiprogram laboratory that explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. With research spanning particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, materials, chemistry, bio- and energy sciences and scientific computing, we help solve real-world problems and advance the interests of the nation. SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. An 'evil' mother has confessed to murdering her three-year-old daughter by leaving her home alone while she went on a week-long partying spree. Maria Plenkina, 21, deserted tragic Kristina who was so hungry she tried to eat washing powder, a court was told. The girl was found naked having starved to death in a cold room in a rubbish-strewn flat in the Russian city of Kirov, having eaten the small amount of food - yoghurt, chicken and sausages - her mother had left her. Maria Plyonkina with baby Kristina. Plenkina, 21, deserted tragic Kristina who was so hungry she tried to eat washing powder, a court was told Plenkina confessed to murdering her three year old daughter by leaving her home alone while she went on a week-long partying spree Maria Plyonkina in court. A criminal investigation into 'murder with extreme cruelty' proved that Plenkina locked her daughter in the flat from February 13 and only returned on February 20 Before leaving for her party week coinciding with Valentine's Day last year, Plenkina turned off the water in the flat. The girl's lifeless body was found by her grandmother Irina Plenkina, 47, who had come to wish her a happy third birthday. The mother - branded 'evil' by neighbours - faces from eight to 20 years in jail for the cruel murder of her child. Daughter Kristina Yakovleva. The girl was found naked having starved to death in a cold room in a rubbish-strewn flat The rubbish strewn flat (left and right) where young Kristina's lifeless body was found Kristina's lifeless body was found by her grandmother Irina Plenkina, 47 A criminal investigation into 'murder with extreme cruelty' proved that Plenkina locked her daughter in the flat from February 13 and only returned on February 20. Psychiatrists found that she was 'sane' and 'fully aware of her actions', the court was told. The mother stayed with friend Anastasia Kurpina who said Plenkina lied to her that Kristina was being cared for by a pal. Anastasia told investigators that she paid for her friend's daily visits to nightclubs and cafes, buying her alcohol. Not long before her week-long spree, Plenkina had split with her boyfriend. Confessing to murder but saying she did not intend to kill her, Maria said she had left food for her child but gave contradictory accounts and could not say much many sausages. Maria Plyonkina in court. Psychiatrists found that she was 'sane' and 'fully aware of her actions', the court was told Maria Plyonkina in court. Anastasia told investigators that she paid for her friend's daily visits to nightclubs and cafes, buying her alcohol Grandmother Irina Plyonkina. The child's distraught grandmother said she could have cared for the child if only she knew her daughter was leaving Sobbing she said in court: 'I never wanted her to die'. A committee spokeswoman said: 'The girl's mother said that she deliberately closed the door of the apartment and left the house.' She was 'having a good time with friends' and was 'on a spree'. When she was detained the mother did not cry and showed no regret, said law enforcement sources. 'She just says in cold blood: 'Yes, I left, I closed off the water and left the child without water and food'.' The child's distraught grandmother said she could have cared for the child if only she knew her daughter was leaving. Children's toys and flowers lain outside house to honour Kristina's memory 'She lied to me that everything was fine,' she said. 'She lied to everyone.' She said: 'I never thought that Maria could do such a thing 'If only I had had spotted something was wrong, I would have taken the girl to me.' There was never any sign of previous abuse, she said. 'She has shown the highest class of professional acting - if you deceive everyone to such an extent. 'I completely did not know my daughter, it turns out.' tech2 News Staff The first batch of NASA astronauts eligible for human spaceflight to the Moon and beyond have recently graduated a two-year-long training course. The 13 future astronauts were felicitated on Friday, 10 January at an event that took place at NASA's Huston Space Centre in Texas. Each new astronaut received a silver pin, a tradition dating back to the Mercury 7 astronauts, who were selected in 1959. They will receive a gold pin once they complete their first spaceflight. This was the first public graduation ceremony for astronauts the US space agency has ever hosted. The 13 space travellers began their training in 2017 and were selected from a large pool of candidates. Six out of the 13 selected are women, which means that the Artemis mission is on its way to put the first woman on the lunar surface. Two astronauts from the Canadian Space Agency, Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons, and Joshua Kutryk, have managed to make their way into the final roster. Meanwhile, the remaining 11 Americans were handpicked out of 18,000 aspirants. The American astronauts are Jessica Watkins, Dr Francisco Frank Rubio, Loral OHara, Jasmin Moghbeli, Dr Jonny Kim, Warren Hoburg, Bob Hines, Matthew Dominick, Raja Chari, Zena Cardman and Kayla Barron. According to a statement from NASA, the spacefarers had to go through a rigorous process of training that includes instruction, practice, and testing in spacewalking, robotics, International Space Station systems, T-38 jet proficiency, and learning of the Russian language to speak with their Russian counterparts. As astronauts, they will also help develop spacecrafts and support the teams currently in space. The completion of the training also means that the astronauts are also eligible to partake in manned missions to Mars. These individuals represent the best of America, and what an incredible time for them to join our astronaut corps, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a statement. 2020 will mark the return of launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, and will be an important year of progress for our Artemis program and missions to the Moon and beyond. Including the current class, NASA now has 48 active astronauts in its corps. These astronauts will ultimately join the ranks of about 500 people who have had the honour of going into space. NASA is also considering plans to open the application process this spring for the next class of astronaut candidates. With inputs from ANI The Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday said the suspended party MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and his son Parminder Singh Dhindsa were being used as "pawns" by Punjab Chief Minister and Congress leader Amarinder Singh in a bid to weaken the 'panthic' party. The Dhindsas, who have publicly criticised SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, were suspended on Saturday for "anti-party activities". On Sunday, three Punjab ministers slammed the Akali Dal leadership alleging the opposition party "had been reduced to the personal fiefdom of the Badals". SAD leaders Balwinder Singh Bhundur and Prem Singh Chandumajra claimed the Congress leaders who supported the Dhindsas after the sacking were "working as per a fixed game plan." "The cat is out of the bag. The Dhindsa faction, which consists of Dhindsa, his son Parminder and son in law Tejinderpal Singh Sidhu only, are being feted and supported by Congress with the sole aim of splitting the panthic votes," they said in a statement. Stating that the Congress party was living in a "fool's paradise", the senior Akali leaders said the entire rank and file of the SAD was solidly behind party chief Sukhbir Badal. "The truth is that no one had left the SAD to join the Dhindsa faction. As many as 11 SGPC members from Sangrur and Barnala are standing rock solid with the SAD. Even the four circle presidents nominated by the Dhindsa family recently have chosen to side with the SAD," they said. Akali leaders said instead of trying to form a broad alliance with the Congress to take on the SAD, Sukhdev Dhindsa should first explain his own conduct to the people. "Isn't it a fact that Dhindsa has won only one election in the past 35 years? Hasn't the SAD under the leadership of Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal rewarded him with plum posts by nominating him to Rajya Sabha besides making him a central minister," they asked. The SAD leaders said Dhindsa senior was seeing Badal's resignation as SAD president after the party lost the assembly election but was silent about his own accountability. "Why didn't you ever offer your resignation as secretary general of the SAD, a post which is only second to the president? Did you ever say you won't ask for a Rajya Sabha berth," they asked. The Akali leaders said the Dhindsa family was "used to taking all decisions in a dictatorial manner". "However when party workers started questioning their actions and demanded transparency in the functioning of Sangrur and Barnala units, they were the first to go against panthic ideals by aligning with the Congress party which was behind the stage-managed revolt. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Every government is ever in need of money to perform some civil operations and administrate the state. The amount is generally derived from citizens in the form of tax. Thanks to the TRA calculator and tools, Tanzanians can now fully comply with the government levies. Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC Every state has its way of calculating levies. The process might be complicated for some of you as not everyone is good at mathematics. However, by the use of tools such as the TRA tax calculator, everything is less complicated. Below is a step by step procedure on how you can estimate your PAYE and vehicle levies. TRA calculator and tools Every Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) registered citizen is required to comply with the tariff laws of the country. Evading taxes has its consequences and can attract penalties. To eradicate any uncertainties about the amount you should pay, use the following PAYE and TRA vehicle calculator procedure appropriately. TRA PAYE calculator guide Pay as you earn (PAYE) is an income tax system used by TRA in which employers pay their employees levies directly to the government. They then deduct the amount from their wages or salaries. To estimate your PAYE, you will need the following: A browser A laptop/desktop or even a smartphone Access to the internet Essential phone or computer skills Your salary amount after deducting PPF, PSPF, and NSSF monthly contributions. Use the procedure below: Connect to the web: You can use public Wi-Fi, tethering via USB or Bluetooth, LAN cable, or even mobile data in case you are using a smartphone. Open your browser: In a PC, you only need to double click on its icon. On a mobile gadget, navigate to your app list and locate the app. Go to the TRA Tanzania website: www.tra.go.tz is the address to use. Choose PAYE according to your region: Zanzibar and Mainland residents pay a different rate, so be sure to specify this under "Calculators and Tool" sidebar. For instance, individuals earning Tsh. 200,000 on Mainland after PPF, NSSF, and PSPF contributions are deducted a PAYE of Tsh. 2,700. It is not the case in Zanzibar as one would pay only Tsh. 1,800. Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC 5. Enter your net salary amount: You should have subtracted PPF, PSPF, and NSSF contributions by now. 6. Press the Calculate PAYE button: The figure will be displayed almost in the text box. You have successfully determined your Pay As You Earn amount. READ ALSO: How to file KRA returns 2020 in Kenya? TRA used car calculator guide Other than vehicle registration, transfer tax, and license fee, you are also required to pay taxes to TRA Tanzania after buying a used car. The amount is relatively small compared to when purchasing a new one. You will need the following: Internet Smartphone or a PC A browser Primary phone or computer skills The car details such as make, model, manufacturing country, fuel type, and engine. Use the following method: Go to the TRA website: To do so, follow steps one to three from the PAYE procedure. Navigate to Calculator & Tool for Motor Vehicles: This option is visible under the Calculators and Tools sidebar. Click on it and move to the next step. Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC 3. Choose the make of the car: You will be taken to a "Used Motor Vehicle Valuation System" website. The first step should be selecting the make of the machine in question. 4. Select its model and body: Make sure you go for the correct choice out of the one listed in the drop-down menu. 5. Specify manufacturing year: This is also one of the critical details taken into account when calculating the amount to be shelled out. 6. State the country of origin: The system will automatically generate names of the nations where such cars are manufactured. You are only required to choose its origin. 7. Fuel type: Indicate if the vehicle consumes diesel or petrol. 8. Select its engine capacity: Taxes are also imposed depending on the cars engine specifications. Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC 9. Press the calculate button: Finally, click on the mentioned button to get the figures. What if the vehicle is not listed? Well, dont panic as you can still use a different used vehicle levies computing software or otherwise referred to as TRA calculator ya magari by most people. Use the procedure below: Scroll to the websites footer: You will see, If the vehicle is not listed, click here to submit the details. Press the link and move to the next step. Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC 2. Specify the cars details: On top of the engine, make, model, body type, fuel type, and country details, you will also be prompted to give out your email and phone number. 3. Prove that you are human: Type the automatically generated code correctly into the textbox adjacent to it. 4. Tap submit: Your model will be sent to the technical team and might be included in the next calculator update. You might also receive the tax details in your email. How to compare two used vehicles If you are stuck between which car to buy, you can use the TRA feature to ascertain the model with fewer levies. You only need to scroll to the footer and click on Side by Side Used Motor Vehicle Value Comparison option. Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC Once here, use the standard procedure highlighted above. However, you will now be entering details of two different cars rather than one. Using TRA reference code Once you check the figure for the first time, you should save the reference number somewhere. It will save you a lot of time in the event of forgetting the actual sum. You will only need to do the following: Image: tra.go.tz Source: UGC Go to TRA calculator ya magari: Use the method highlighted above. Choose Use TRA vehicle reference code (if known): The option is visible from the footer. Enter the number: Paste the code into the text box. Press the Show Taxes button: There you have your levy figures. TRA calculator is useful when it comes to estimating your PAYE and used vehicle levies. It saves on space, paperwork, and even time that would have been used to walk into TRA offices manually. READ ALSO: How to file KRA nil returns Source: TUKO.co.ke Hundreds of thousands of French strikers and yellow vests marched against President Emmanuel Macrons pension cuts Saturday, as Prime Minister Edouard Philippe offered cosmetic provisional concessions. The purpose of these cynical measures is to allow the trade unions to gradually wind down the strike by maintaining uncertainty about the content of the cuts at least until May, while giving Macron sweeping new authority to slash pensions. As strikers marched in cities across France, Philippe issued a letter proposing to organize a four-month conference between business federations and the unions on pension financing. An analysis of Philippes letter makes clear, in fact, that he is not making any substantial concessions whatsoever. Under his plan all the basic components of Macrons cuts, in one or another way, will go into effect. This again underscores that trade union negotiations are a trap, as there is nothing to negotiate with Macron. An irreconcilable confrontation has emerged between the Macron government and the international financial companies backing it, like BlackRock, and the French and international working class fighting against social inequality and militarism. The way forward for workers in struggle is to form committees of action, independently of the unions, to coordinate a struggle to bring down Macron. Philippes letter preserves the possibility of imposing all Macrons cuts. These include creating pensions measured in points calculated over the last 25 years rather than 15 years or 6 months of a workers salary, and whose value the state can cut arbitrarily each fiscal year a new generation of workers retire; the elimination of special public sector pension plans; and a two-year increase in the equilibrium retirement age to 64. Philippes letter indicates only provisionally that he may not impose the last attack, if the unions find some other way of cutting social spending. He writes, I confirm the government intends to build a universal pension system by points The special pension plans will be eliminated after a transition period defined in December. All French people will be affiliated to the universal scheme. It adds, The imperative of balancing the pension budget, as well as key responsibilities given to unions and business groups in piloting the program, will be inscribed in the bill. This is also why the bill will specify that the future universal system will have an equilibrium age. It proposes that the unions and business groups hold a conference on balancing the pensions budget to submit conclusions by the end of April 2020. Until the business federations and unions submit their proposals, Philippe adds, I am willing to withdraw from the bill the short-term measure I proposed to go to an equilibrium retirement age of 64 in 2027. Once the unions submit proposals, however, the government will demand draconian powers to slash pensions, Philippe states: The government will modify the bill to demand from parliament a large enabling act allowing it to impose by decree any measure that can guarantee the equilibrium of the pension system by 2027. That is to say, the government may reintroduce by decree the increase in the retirement age that it is claiming to abandon. It may impose even more severe cuts. Though even right-wing politicians like neofascist Marine Le Pen and Gaullist senator Roger Karoutchi both mocked Philippes letter, stating they did not know what a provisional withdrawal of a pension cut meant, the union bureaucracy nevertheless welcomed the letter. The French Democratic Labor Confederation (CFDT) said it hailed the withdrawal of the equilibrium age from the reform, which shows the governments will to compromise. The National Union of Autonomous Unions (UNSA) similarly backed Macron, calling Philippes letter a good thing allowing us to discuss calmly the question of equilibrium. Philippe Martinez, the head of the Stalinist-led General Confederation of Labor (CGT), conceded that the issue of an equilibrium age is a mirage that does not change our opposition to the cuts. He has stressed that he will continue attending talks on pension cuts with the state and business groups, however, boasting that the CGT has attended all the talks with Macron on pension cutswhich started in 2017. A class gulf separates the union tops from millions of workers who have taken strike action and marched in protest against the reform. The rank and file mounted the strikes, and they are determined not only to halt the reform, but to end policies of war and military aggression advanced by Macron and international financial markets. Sylvie, a yellow vest protester, told WSWS journalists in Paris: We do not care whether they withdraw the equilibrium age. We are against the cuts, period We know we dont entirely trust the trade unions, but the rank and file on the other hand are determined. Mikael, a construction worker and yellow vest protester, said: I really think there is complicity between those who run the unions and Macron. It is the rank-and-file workers who are joining the protests, they will not give up. But I think the union leaders do no good. He added, I am launching a great appeal to all the construction workers, come join us. Really, we have to come all together to put an end to this. There was also growing opposition to war and the financial aristocracy, as heating engineer Laurent told the WSWS: They are destroying everything. We want a future for our children they want to take us back to the 19th century. Laurent said he is enthusiastic about growing strikes and protests internationally, in India and Lebanon: We are realizing the population is manipulated and suppressed everywhere. It is always the same people who decide everything and who do the damage everywhere. When you talk to a Malian, you end up talking about [French oil firm] Total and [financial empire] Bollore, and you realize we have the same enemies. The same parasites are trying to destroy every country. And if tomorrow they start a war, it will be to justify crushing all the peoples and intensify this policy. Laurent added that the recent US drone murder of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani is terrorism. It is impermissible to assassinate people, regardless of whether one agrees with their politics. Today it is like that everywhere, criminal actions are possible. It is like the murders of Saddam Hussein or Gaddafi, the rulers of Iraq and Libya murdered by imperialist-backed forces after NATO wars in their countries. They were killed for oil and money, Laurent said. Several protesters pointed to the growing danger of war and repression amid the Iran crisis and as Macron moves to impose its cuts. Sophie, a French teacher, said police violence is becoming intolerable and, even worse, a constant occurrence. And dont get me started on the media, on intellectuals who should speak out against it. They are all remarkably silent on this issue. Police violence is scandalous, and the worst is that they can act with impunity. What happened at the last protests Thursday was terrible, they fired rubber bullets at point-blank range. She warned that attacks on Iran and the Middle East would be used to justify nationalism and repression in Europe: Many of us now think that first of all that it is a strategy to strangle class struggles in that region. We saw that, it helped stop the protests in Lebanon. Its known that war is a tried-and-true method of strangling the anger of the people. This underscores that the critical question is taking the struggle out of the hands of the unions and building independent organizations to organize a political struggle against war and austerity and to bring down the Macron government. Kuta (Bali) [Indonesia], Jan 13 (ANI): Over the new year holidays, while strolling along one of the many sandy beaches in Bali or when enjoying a sumptuous buffet breakfast spread at one of the luxurious resorts, the number of Indian tourists is noticeable. This should not be surprising as Bali is growing in popularity amongst Indian travellers. Indian visitors to Indonesia have over the last ten years increased steadily from 196,000 in 2009 and are expected to reach 700,000 in 2019. This rise is despite the fact that there are currently no direct flights between India and Indonesia. Bali is the most popular Indonesian destination not only among Indians but among visitors from all over the In terms of visitors, Bali receives six million visitors a year, about twice the number of foreigners that visit the next ranked destination, Jakarta, the capital city. Bali has many attractions and varied activities to cater to all types of holidaymakers and it is therefore not a surprise that it is so popular with tourists. A hugely popular activity these days are Instagram tours which take you to idyllic and scenic spots for that perfect Instagram photo guaranteed to increase your followers and likes. Spots that are popular with the social media crowd include the Tegalalang Rice Fields and the jungle swing, the soaring half-moon gates of the Lempuyang Temple, the crystal-clear pools and fountains of TirtaGangga which was once a royal palace, and the amazing TukadCepung waterfall. Tourists can also visit one of the many beautiful Hindu temples which are dotted all over the island or window shop for art and handicraft at the artist village of Ubud or participate in the various water-sport activities if they are of a more adventurous persuasion. Indonesia receives over 16 million visitors a year and tourism revenue is USD62.2 billion according to the Travel and Tourism Council, contributing to about six percent of its GDP. Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said in 2018 that he hopes that the tourism industry in Indonesia will surpass that of Thailand's within the next 5 years with the government aiming for the sector to make up 10 percent of its GDP. This appears to be a tall order considering that Thailand sees about 39 million visitors annually, more than twice that of Indonesia. What's holding back Indonesia from achieving its target is a combination of infrastructure - air and land transportation links as well as mobile network coverage, lack of emphasis on environmental sustainability - causing deforestation, the occasional natural disasters - like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as security threats from terrorism. Indians form the fifth largest group of foreign visitors to Indonesia if citizens of Timor Lesteare are not counted. Timor Leste was a province of Indonesia until 2002 when it gained its independence. Indians on average spend USD1,073.66 per visit and are the sixth biggest spenders in Indonesia from Asia in 2016, which is the latest published number by Statistics Indonesia. This is higher than visitors from Singapore and Malaysia who to be fair, do come for shorter trips. In an effort to open new opportunities for tourism, the Indonesian government has been promoting its industrial heritage sites. At its meeting in Azerbaijan last year, UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation) Heritage Committee confirmed the Ombilin Coal Mine, which is in the city of Sawahlunto, as Indonesia's fifth World Heritage cultural site. The other World Heritage cultural sites in Indonesia include the Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur, the ninth century Hindu Prambanan Temple compound in the Yogyakarta Special Region, Central Java's Sangiran Early Man Site where the famed "Java Man" was found, and the Cultural Landscape of Bali Province featuring the Subak system. The country also has four natural World Heritage sites. The Ombilin Coal Mine, the oldest in Southeast Asia, was first opened in 1892 when Indonesia was then known as the Dutch East Indies and a colony of the Netherlands. Back then, it was one of the world's leading coal mines producing about 90 percent of Indonesia's energy needs. It was only closed recently. Sawahlunto is located about 90 kilometres from West Sumatra's provincial capital of Padang and not easily accessible. The city is hoping that with the new prestigious accolade, tourists from around the world will find it interesting enough to overcome the inconvenience of getting there. The other industrial sites in Indonesia being promoted as tourist destinations including Belitung which is an island off the east coast of Sumatra. Besides its distinctive rounded granite boulders and fine sandy beaches, its economic past involved the large-scale mining of tin and iron ore. It has been attracting tourists of late as a result of a best-selling novel, Laskar Pelangi (English: The Rainbow Troops), by world-famous Indonesian author Andrea Hirata. It's about a group of children growing up in a mining community on the island. The movie adaptation of the novel was a runaway success in Indonesia and went on to gain international acclaim. Other notable global companies with Indonesian connections are oil major, Royal Dutch Shell - one of its now merged parts originated in Pangkalan Brandan, a town in North Sumatra, and Indian steel manufacturer, ArcelorMittal, which opened its first Mittal Steel factory in Sidoarjo, East Java. Air connections between India and Indonesia are far from ideal. A traveller to Bali, for example, would usually have a stopover in either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Indonesian national carrier Garuda abandoned its thrice-weekly direct flight to Bali from Mumbai in April 2019 after less than a year. However, Indian nationals travelling to Indonesia for vacation and staying for up to 30 days do not require a visa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he was "outraged" by another missile attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, as neighbouring Iran signalled a wish to de-escalate regional tensions. "Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase," Pompeo tweeted. "These continued violations of Iraq's sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end." There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's rocket attacks. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. It is pedestrian knowledge that socioeconomic problems which are the product of human actions and reactions are not static. They change with time and place. What is a social or political problem in one society may be a norm in another. And what is rejected or frowned at today, may be accepted tomorrow. Of course, there are important limits to human relations, knowledge, awareness, and technological state, economic and financial resource availability, social and cultural exposures. Globally also, inability to manage such differences and changing times by nations has at different times and places led to obstacle in international relationships; misconceptions on politics, security and economic issues. For example, what is referred to as smuggling by other nations, is perfectly legal in Singapore because they operate a free port. Back at home, it is perfectly clear that President Muhammadu Buhari knows about this fact in leadership that human actions are neither perfect nor static. Mr. President demonstrated this believe while talking about nations restructuring in his well-chiseled broadcast on Monday 1st, January 2018. Where he among others noted that no human law or edifice is perfect, whatever structure we develop must periodically be perfected according to the changing circumstances and the countrys socio-economic developments. Today such emphasis appears to have shifted, what happened in the past few years in Nigeria is a direct opposite. Decision making is currently viewed in a simple unitary way. In the estimation of the Federal Government, once a direction is chosen, instead of examining process meticulously and set the right course; one that will allow the nation overcome storm and reach safety before we can progress and achieve our goals, many obstinately persist with the execution of such plans regardless of a minor or major shift in circumstance. A particular event that shows a consolidated example of the above claim is the recent army, police and other Federal controlled security agencies, boycott of the launch of the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), code named Amotekun. An initiative of the Southwest governors adjudged by well meaning Nigerians as a perfect way of bringing policing arrangement close to the people in their various communities. While we keep in mind these lessons learned from our nation's politicization of law enforcement, and think about the broader threat of insecurity in the country which has obviously become a reality to worry about, I must quickly underline that as a nation, we will be sadly mistaken if we feel that the launch of Amotekun will take the place of, or replace the agitation for state police or act as its alternative. Admittedly, Operation Amotekun has obvious benefits but not without a number of important concerns that need to be addressed in order to influence the prospect. Fundamentally, aside the question of constitutionality and concerns about possibility of being hijacked by the governors for personal gains, not all its parts are fully understood. Some parts are unrecognized by the vast majority of Nigerians-even among the south-westerners-the direct beneficiaries of the programme. Again, separate from the already available evidence that perceptions majorly tend to be strongly coloured by ethnic culture and tribal philosophy a challenge the Operation Amotekun proponents urgently need to add vital dimension to reverse, what Nigerians, going by commentaries, would have appreciated more, is not Amotekun but an arrangement that will pressurize the Federal Government to amend the nations constitution to accommodate state police. Such feat in my views would more effectively rejigg the nations security architecture. Even Mr.President knows about this fact and there are few examples to support this claim. In his campaign in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari promised to Initiate actions to amend the Nigerian Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties, and responsibilities to states in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit Similarly, in August 2019, while he played host to the traditional rulers from the Northern part of the country led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mr President going by reports stated that; the ongoing reform of the Police would include recruitment of more hands, cultivation of stronger local intelligence and networking with communities, traditional rulers and adequate training. This in specific terms will include recruiting more police officers from their local government areas, where they would then be stationed in the best traditions of policing worldwide. Working with the state governments; we intend to improve the equipping of the police force with advanced technology and equipment that can facilitate their work. From the attributes of his speech, he did not only underline the importance of but underscores the virtues and advantages of recruiting more police officers from their local government areas, where they would then be stationed in the best traditions of policing worldwide. Precisely, this form of security design was what the pro-state police and nations restructuring advocates demanded for particularly as it was obvious that the vast majority of states can afford to equip their officers with the sophisticated security gadgets Mr. President listed above. Viewed differently, if objective analysis can replace emotional discussion regarding state police, there are no federal police or state police models, but there are fundamental differences between the two. While cultural and geographical homogeneity which are strong factors and advantages of state policing are lost in federal policing, state police depend on these factors and more such as historical and friendship to keep the society orderly and without anarchy. This values no doubt makes a productive policing without disorder. And it is my belief that state governments have the capacity to fulfill this obligation. The next question is; with this development, should we conclude that restructuring has started or are we still begging the challenge? If it has not, having seen the usefulness of recruiting, and allowing officers work in their familiar environments, what alternative is opened to the nation? If providing adequate security for the masses is the government priority, it should be the collective responsibility of the countrys citizens to contribute to the success of the process. And this could be achieved only if the citizens feel they are part of the ongoing development process and has a stake in its success.This should be done with one goal in mind; that of serving the people and enhancing the status of the country. What the people are saying is that the over blotted exclusive list has made our nation to currently stand in an inverted pyramid shape with more power concentrated at the top and the base not formidable enough making collapse inevitable if urgent and fundamental steps are not taken. Items such as; Police and some government security services, mines and minerals; including oil fields, oil mining geological surveys, control of parks, stamp duties, public holidays, taxation of incomes, profits and capital gains, and insurance among others to my mind should find their ways back to the states and the local councils. Above all, government as a matter of urgency must learn how to base long range strategic decisions on accurate and reliable information. Jerome-Mario Utomi, writes from Lagos via;[email protected] And, intertwining even further, those effects are spurred and heightened by the authoritarian societies (above all Russia and China) that understand the stakes of the global clash over technology. Of course, they couldnt interfere without our help; they prey on our homegrown divisions. But in manipulating our social media (and Taiwans, Britains and so on), they aggravate our paralysis, including by helping to elect a president who shows no interest in defending the country against their further intrusion, or in regulating the tech sector in any way but browbeating it to his own political advantage. A 17-year-old intern at NASA discovered a brand new planet. A circumbinary planet, it orbits two separate stars. It is about 6.9 times larger than Earth and is 1300 light years away What were you doing when you were 17? Were pretty sure you weren't out discovering a brand new planet. But there was one 17-year-old who went above and beyond what is expected from a teenager and discovered a new plate that orbits two stars. Wolf Cukier completed his junior year and joined NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center for a summer internship. One thing led to the other and Wolf was staring down a telescope at a brand new planet using TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite). Just three days in and Wolf spotted something that he thought was a little strange. He noticed a signal from a faraway system named TOI 1338. He said, 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. At first I thought it was a stellar eclipse, but the timing was wrong. It turned out to be a planet. Dubbed, TOI 1338 b, the planet was the first circumbinary planet which means that it orbits two seperate stars. According to NASA, the planet is 6.9 times bigger than Earth and is located about 1,300 light years away. The higher ups at NASA spent a few weeks going through the data and concluded that Wolf has actually discovered a planet, all on his own. An ardent Star Wars fan Wolf Cukier is now looking at pursuing a career in astrophysicist. Man, 21, Charged with Murder and Sex Abuse After Beloved 92-Year-Old Woman Attacked in Queens A 21-year-old Queens man was apprehended Friday in connection with the death of a 92-year-old woman who was brutally attacked earlier in the week, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department confirms to PEOPLE. Reeaz Khan was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and sex abuse, according to police. He has not yet appeared in front of a judge and a bond had not been set. Just after midnight on Monday, police were called to Queens where they discovered Maria Fuertes lying in the street unconscious and unresponsive, New York Police Department said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE. Multiple cameras in the vicinity showed an unknown male approach Fuertes from behind, NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison said during a press conference Friday before Khans name had been released. There was some sort of physical contact between Ms. Fuertes and this unknown male causing them both to fall to the ground where they landed behind a parked car. The perpetrator and victim were out of view for approximately four to five minutes. Reeaz Khan | NYPD Detectives/Twitter RELATED: Elderly New York Woman, 92, Dies After Being Brutally Attacked While Feeding the Neighborhood Cats NYPD released surveillance images of the alleged attacker and asked the public for help. After numerous tips, police said, they apprehended Khan. Fuertes was taken to the hospital shortly after the attack where she pronounced dead at 2:35 a.m., officials said at the conference. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy the following day and Harrison said, There were contusions around her neck as well as injuries around her private area. RELATED VIDEO: Maryland Man Who Took Wife Hostage Kills Neighbor, 2 Others Before Fatally Shooting Himself Fuertes was a known fixture in the area who was known to take walks at night, he added. She will be missed. Fuertes son, who was not named, spoke to local TV station CBS2. Why did he have to kill her? What did she do to him? Fuertes son told CBS2 through a translator, it stated on their website. My mom never hurt anyone. Story continues RELATED: Home Health Aide Accused of Being Serial Killer Who Smothered at Least 12 Elderly Women Why did he have to kill her, that degenerate? Hes a degenerate. I wish I had him in front of me right now. I wish I could have him in front of me so I could spit in his face. Fuertes death has sent shockwaves throughout her Queens neighborhood, where residents say she lived her entire life, NBC New York reported. 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. If something like this can happen to an old lady like this, what else is going to happen to any other female, neighbor Aneil Ram told NBC New York. Ram also spoke of Fuertes love of cats, sharing her doorstep was always filled with cat food cans. She lived for her cats, Ram told NBC New York. She lived for her family, and its a very sick thing, what happened to her. Although our alma mater St. Stephens College rarely captured our imagination after we passed out in 1995 and 2005, something peculiar that happened in the last three days at the college has got our conscience facing some disturbing questions. The said developments were raising of Azadi slogans and free Kashmir slogans. Interestingly, in Kashmir, as veteran journalist Majid Hydari puts it, the azadi narrative has become a thing of the past after the August 5 decision of the BJP government. However, St. Stephens College students chose to display a banner asking for freeing Kashmir, as if Pakistan and its proxies were not doing a good job. St. Stephens College, as we have known and been introduced to, is a college with a past that matters to this countrys moral and intellectual consciousness. It is a college where Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews prepared the strategy for the Khilafat movement. It is a college where Mahatma Gandhi, Andrews and Rabindranath Tagore had long extensive discussions on the freedom movement. Lala Hardayal, the famous Gadar revolutionary, was from St. Stephens College. Also, the college has produced a long list of eminent writers, social activists, corporate honchos, bureaucrats, diplomats, and politicians across the spectrum, all of whom have made immense contribution is making India a great nation. When the students of such an institute with a great legacy raise slogans calling for the disintegration of the country is undoubtedly a worrisome development for various reasons. Having said about the glorious history of the college, we would also like to share some of our observations about St. Stephens College that may not go down well with the Stephanian fraternity. However, it is quite essential to know the other side of St. Stephens College to understand the background of what we are witnessing today in the college. As mentioned above, the college has produced some of the brightest and most successful minds of this country. The illustrious list includes Shashi Tharoor, Amitav Ghosh, Upmanyu Chatterjee, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Arun Shourie, Sucheta Kriplani, Mukul Kesavan, and Ranjan Gogoi. However, St. Stephens has produced General Zia ul Haq, the father of South Asian Jihadism and terrorism and the original mastermind of bleeding India through 1,000 cuts theory. He pushed Pakistan into the hell-hole of jihadism. Congress Digvijaya Singh is also from St. Stephens College. As the secretary-general of the then ruling Congress party, Singh had shared the stage with global terrorist Zakir Naik facing Interpols red corner notice. Also, when he did, Zakir was using the choicest of abuses for Hindu gods and goddesses for a long time. After the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008, Singh had inaugurated a book titled, 26/11- RSS ki Sazish, clearly indicating his thoughts about the people responsible for the carnage. His party, which had 21 MPs from St. Stephens college, has also peddled the fake narrative of Hindu terrorism. When all this was happening, the most enlightened and liberated souls of St. Stephens did not raise a word against it. The college has carried a veneer of elitism, snobbery, and feudal instincts. For Stephanians, the phrase that brings a smirk with pride is, the college across the road, a phrase reserved for the Hindu college. At St. Stephens, we saw that English, economics, history honors students looked down upon their mates pursuing pass courses and Sanskrit honors. Students felt ashamed of speaking in Hindi. Most of the students are still obsessed with the power of bureaucracy Shashi Tharoors vocabulary and looks, and Mani Shankar Aiyars accent. Watching Hollywood cinema, listening to punk rock music, pseudo-Marxism, armchair, and cliched activism, smoking weed, and abusing BJP/RSS made you look trendy and cool. Also, it brought you more status and pretty girlfriends. Two Muslim classmates of one of the authors of this piece, supported Osama Bin Laden in Indias bastion of liberal democracy when the twin towers were busted. At St. Stephens College, some professors taught with divine worship that Aurangzeb was a secular ruler. Not only they found the idea the quintessence of certifying ones secular credentials, but they also found any attempt to question that narrative a significant threat to Indias liberal democracy from knickerwallah sanghi fascists. Well, it is also pertinent to mention that the faculty members taught from 20 years old notes prepared during the 1970s. We remember once Ram Madhav, D Raja, Praveen Togadia, and Sibal had come for a lecture. Among the young intellectuals, the mere presence of Togadia and Ram Madhav was a death of Indias secularism. However, they never bothered to question the 50 percent Christian of St. Stephens college as an insult to Indias secularism. John Dayal, as we remember, was very active in the college management board. He had given testimony against India at USCRIF on the question of religious freedom in India. However, no one ever bothered to question his acts and views. Interestingly, the alumni of St. Stephens college has always projected the college as the mecca of pluralism, democracy, and diversity in India. On the contrary, the St. Stephens management has always been extraordinarily conscious of the Christian nature of the institutions, and they have also been blatant in projecting it. The college had a Christian quota, but a few years back, as a result of a favorable SC judgment, the quota rose to 50 percent of the total seats. Though no one asked us to convert, and as far as the student culture was concerned, pluralism was shown a high order of respect; the decision carried a subtle message encouraging conversions to Christianity. However, we never witnessed the slogans of azadi against it. Also, as a result of such an environment, there was an inherent bias and an attitude of denigration towards Hindutva organizations, Hindu spiritual masters, and political parties like BJP. Though we have no links with any of the Hindutva-based political parties, we believe that in a democratic country, every opinion needs to be treated with respect and must have the freedom to project itself peacefully. Unfortunately, at St. Stephens, the majority understanding of Sanatan traditions and Hindu dharma was cliched and lacked depth. The problem is not just about St. Stephens college or JNU. The fact of the matter is- what are the protests all about? The students who are blindly opposing the CAA and abrogation of article 370 and buying borrowed narratives of the idea of India being under threat, hardly seem to reflect and understand the nuances of the issues critically. The Stephanians who raised the banner of free Kashmir and the teachers who blessed them for this seem frightfully unaware of the jihadi extremist threats and Pakistan proxy war that India faces in Kashmir. Unfortunately, the moment is not an occasion for celebrating that Indias elitist St. Stephens college has also jumped into the fray, but rather to mourn over the fact that our education system has failed us. Maybe tomorrow, some other bright students from other premier institutions of India will start demanding Azadi, freedom of North East, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. Perhaps, they will be hailed as heroes and crusaders against Modi-Shahs Hindutva by Indias public intellectuals and scholars. However, such a generation can not guarantee a safe future for any country. Dissent and the right to dissent deserve the utmost respect and constitutional protection. However, the quality of the intellectual narrative of the protests also merits scrutiny if we want a strong democratic India, a strong secular India, and strong inclusive India. And, we certainly want a strong India because no democracy and no secularism can function in the face of existential threats. The quality of the narrative of the ongoing student protest has been atrociously disappointing, and by all standards, it appears that we have failed to imbibe critical and original thinking in our young generation. Indeed, Indias future stands at grave risk with this generation and their azadi slogans. (Sanjay Kumar is an activist working in the field of conflict resolution. Abhinav Pandya is a graduate in Public Affairs from Cornell University. Views Expressed are personal) BJP MP Parvesh Verma on Monday said his party will levy a token charge of Re 1 for water and power supply to the poor people in the city if it wins the upcoming Assembly polls. Slamming the Arvind Kejriwal governments free water and power supply scheme, the West Delhi MP said the token charge will be to honour the self respect of the residents of the national Capital. Verma said he has conveyed his suggestion to the partys manifesto committee and it could be one of the poll promises of the BJP for the Assembly elections slated to be held on February ... The scheduled visit to India by Australias Prime Minister Scott Morrison was understandably postponed amid the catastrophic wildfires in his home country. But when it does take place, the next India-Australia summit will be an important occasion to consolidate relations between the two countries. It is fashionable to characterise the India-Australia relationship as one of perpetually unfulfilled promises. But, for perhaps the first time since 1947, India and Australia have an opportunity to develop a bilateral relationship free from major irritants. Historically, India-Australia relations suffered from at least four deep structural impediments. The first was the logic of the Cold War, during which Australia decided to be among Britain and the United States closest allies, while India initially opted for non-alignment. This led to a number of disagreements and misunderstandings. As India achieved Independence, for example, Australian leaders advocated to their British counterparts that the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands be retained by the empire. More challenging was the Pakistan factor. Australian attempts at mediation between India and Pakistan in the 1940s and 1950s were rebuffed by New Delhi. Over time, Cold War imperatives meant that Canberra opted for closer relations with Pakistan a member of the early Anglo-American alliances rather than India. Repeated efforts by successive Australian high commissioners to India to alter the balance in New Delhis favour fell upon deaf ears in headquarters. Nevertheless, the two countries did work in these early years to establish diplomatic relations, cooperate in the Commonwealth, and engage in military officer exchanges. The second complicating factor was Indias nuclear status outside the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This resulted in Australia taking a particularly strong stance against Indias 1998 nuclear tests, which came soon after French nuclear tests in the South Pacific. However, the 2008 waiver granted to India by the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the subsequent lifting by Australia of its uranium ban against NPT non-signatories, and a bilateral civil nuclear agreement in 2014-2015 largely addressed the matter. Third, the relationship historically suffered from a lack of economic content. This has changed. India is today the fifth-largest export destination for Australia, and Australia is a top 20 trade partner for India. Yet, even as merchandise trade remains below potential, trade in services has grown significantly, whether in education, information and communication technologies, or tourism. A recent Australian government-commissioned India Economic Strategy identified several sectors as worthy of priority in pushing forward the bilateral economic relationship. Fourth, the relationship was previously held back by an absence of people-to-people content. Although the backdrop to this was the White Australia policy, which discouraged immigration from Asia, differences played out in policy matters such as the contrasting approaches of the two countries to apartheid-era South Africa. In recent years, however, Indian immigrants have been among the largest contributors to Australias population growth. In addition to the massive influx of Indian students, Indian tourists are also visiting Australia in larger numbers. The end of the Cold War, Indias nuclear mainstreaming, Australias demographic diversification, and a growth in economic ties have today altered the reality of the India-Australia relationship. These factors certainly still cast a shadow, but they have been sidelined by new drivers of cooperation. These include Chinas assertiveness and economic profile, shared concerns about Southeast Asian cohesion, and anxieties about the United States strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific. On the strategic side, India-Australia relations have experienced a major upswing. This is evident in a growing number of military exercises involving all three services, as well as staff talks and military training initiatives. In 2019, the countries took part in large-scale anti-submarine warfare exercises in the Bay of Bengal. The establishment of a bilateral 2+2 dialogue (involving senior foreign and defence ministry officials) and trilateral dialogues with Japan and Indonesia represent more heft and purpose in strategic coordination. The resuscitation in 2017 and elevation this year of the quadrilateral security dialogue (also involving the United States and Japan) has obviously captured the most attention. Although the two countries will continue to have different capabilities, priorities, and strategic circumstances which are natural attempts at improving maritime domain awareness, enhancing interoperability (such as through a mutual logistics support agreement), and identifying areas of defence technological cooperation represent probable next steps. On the economic side, expectations must be kept modest even if the trajectory remains mostly positive. For Australia, a resource-rich and highly-developed economy, foreign affairs has often been equated with trade. Efforts at casting India as the next China are bound to disappoint, if for no other reason than the very different natures of the Chinese and Indian economies. Instead, areas of obvious convergence as on energy and services still have room for further growth. It is important to recognise the considerable distance that India-Australia relations have had to come, and the efforts made by successive governments in both countries since 2000 to redress past difficulties. In this light, the next India-Australia summit promises to be an important milestone. Dhruva Jaishankar is director of the US initiative at the Observer Research Foundation and a Non-Resident Fellow with the Lowy Institute in Australia The views expressed are personal Both sides in Libya's conflict are expected Monday in Moscow to sign an agreement on the terms of a ceasefire which went into effect over the weekend, ending nine months of fighting after weeks of international diplomacy. The oil-rich North African country has been wracked by bloody turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with multiple foreign powers now involved. The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli had been under attack since last April from forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj on Monday called on Libyans to "turn the page on the past, reject discord and to close ranks to move towards stability and peace". His comments came after a ceasefire began at midnight (Sunday 00:00 local time, Saturday 2200 GMT) in line with a joint call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Since the start of the offensive against Tripoli, more than 280 civilians and about 2,000 fighters have been killed and 146,000 Libyans displaced, according to the UN. The truce comes after a diplomatic offensive, led by Ankara and Moscow, which have established themselves as key players in Libya. Ankara dispatched troops in a training capacity, it said to the GNA in January. And Russia has been accused of backing pro-Haftar forces, which are supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, all regional rivals of Turkey. Libya's head of High Council of State Khaled al-Mechri said the signing of the agreement in Moscow would pave the way for the revival of the political process. The head of Russia's contact group to Tripoli, Lev Dengov, said the two rivals will have to determine in the Russian capital "the terms of the future settlement in Libya, including the possibility of signing an agreement on the ceasefire and its details". Story continues He added he did not know if the two men would agree to meet directly. Haftar will be accompanied by parliament speaker Aguila Salah, while Sarraj will go with speaker Mechri. According to a Libyan source quoted by the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti, Khalifa Haftar has already arrived in Moscow. "They will have separate meetings with Russian officials and emissaries of the Turkish delegation, which is cooperating with Russia on this issue. Representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt will probably be present as observers at the talks," said Dengov, quoted by Russian news agencies. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Defence Minister Hulusi Akar are also expected to arrive in Moscow on Monday. (AFP) Muslim women are holding an indefinite protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad district. The women, in large numbers, began their protest at Mansoor Ali Park on Sunday. Sara Ahmed, one of the protesters, alleged that the Union government is indulging in "communal attacks". "CAA and NRC are not two different things. They are connected," Ahmed claimed. She alleged that an attempt is being made to "destroy" the basic structure of the Constitution through CAA and NRC. Women from Chowk, Kareli, Chakiya and other areas of the city are joining the protest. "We are being asked to prove our citizenship despite the fact that our ancestors have lived in this country. How will we produce proofs of our forefathers," said Seema Aazad. Another woman said their agitation will continue till the NRC is scrapped. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police have described a pipe bomb attack on the home of a woman and her children in Bangor, Co Down, as 'reckless' Several homes were evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious object in the Killaire Wood area in the early hours of Monday, January 13. Detective Sergeant Rhonda Magennis said: We received a report at around 2.30 am that an object was thrown at a house in the area a short time earlier. "The object, which was located at the front of the propert was a viable pipe-bomb type device. Thankfully, a woman and children who were in the property were not injured, however they have been left shaken by this reckless attack. The consequences could have been devastating and a number of local residents had to be evacuated from their homes. The have now been allowed to return to their homes and we thank them for their patience." Green Party MLA Rachel Woods described the attack as "a totally reckless act". The North Down MLA said: Killaire Wood is a residential area with many people bringing up children and leading busy lives there. This pipe bomb could have caused significant damage to any one of the houses in the vicinity. Worse still, it could have caused serious injury to anyone leaving their home to head out to work, or coming home from work or a night out. "Families were moved out of their houses last night during the security operation. Its entirely unacceptable that people had to experience this level of disruption and concern because of the recklessness of others," she said. Anyone who has any information that can assist with the investigation is asked to contact detectives in Bangor on 101 quoting reference 105 of 13/01/20. LONDON (AP) Britains Queen Elizabeth II is set to hold talks Monday with Prince Harry for the first time since he and his wife, Meghan, unveiled their controversial plan to walk away from royal roles a dramatic family summit meant to chart a future course for the couple. The summit reflects the queen's desire to contain the fallout from Harry and Meghans decision to step back as senior royals, work to become financially independent and split their time between Britain and North America. The couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the announcement Wednesday without telling the queen or other senior royals first. The meeting at the monarch's private Sandringham estate in eastern England will also include Harry's father Prince Charles and his brother Prince William. It comes after days of intense news coverage, in which supporters of the royal family's feuding factions used the British media to paint conflicting pictures of who was to blame for the rift. William is expected to travel to Sandringham from London and Harry from his home in Windsor, west of the British capital. Charles will fly back from the Gulf nation of Oman, where he was attending a condolence ceremony Sunday following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Meghan, who is in Canada with the couples baby son Archie, is likely to join the meeting by phone. Buckingham Palace said a range of possibilities would be discussed, but the queen was determined to resolve the situation within days, not weeks." The goal was to agree on next steps at Mondays gathering, which follows days of talks among royal courtiers and officials from the U.K. and Canada. Buckingham Palace stressed, however, that any decision will take time to be implemented." Among the details that need to be worked out are who will pay for the couples currently taxpayer-funded security, what money-making activities they can undertake and what the tax consequences would be of moving to Canada or the United States. Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment on future security arrangements for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. "I'm not going to provide any detailed information on the security arrangements for either them or any members of the royal family or for any protected individuals that's thoroughly inappropriate for me to do so," she told the BBC. At this moment in time, right now, the royal family themselves need some time and space for them to work through the current issues that theyre dealing with. Looks like upcoming iPhones that Apple reportedly plans to release later this year would face fierce competition from Samsungs offerings. A new leak shows the final name of the South Korean smartphone giants flagship phone along with its design and cameras. The folks over at XDA Developers have posted exclusive live images of the Galaxy S20+ 5G a full month ahead of its official unveiling thats scheduled to happen on February 11. Looking at the images, we can see what 2020 iPhones would be up against. The Galaxy S20+ 5G moniker, which can be seen on the phones boot screen tells us that it will indeed have a 5G variant. It wont be the highest-end smartphone in the series, though. Various trusted sources claim that the company will also release a Galaxy S20 Ultra, which would reportedly come with some killer specs, including a bonkers 108MP camera and 5x optical zoom. But first, let us focus on the Galaxy S20+ for now. At the front, theres a 6.7-inch QHD AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a centered punch-hole for the 10MP selfie camera. There appears to be a quad-camera setup on the rear along with an LED flash and an additional microphone for better audio quality in videos. It is being reported that the camera setup uses newer 12MP camera sensors with 1.8-micron pixels for much higher clarity, wider dynamic range, and lower noise. Within the phones rectangular camera assembly, there are expected to be a primary wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and a telephoto camera. The fourth camera could either be a macro camera or a 3D ToF camera. The phone is rumored to feature an ability to record 8K videos at 30fps. The phone is expected to come equipped with the recently announced 7nm Snapdragon 865 processor from Qualcomm. Some markets will get the 7nm Exynos 990 version of the phone, though. The 5G variant of the phone will reportedly support sub-6GHz as well as mmWave 5G networks in the US and other major markets. Countries that do not have 5G networks should get access to the 4G variants of the Galaxy S20 series. Our Take The 2020 iPhones are expected to be launched in 4G-only and 4G+5G variants. As per the latest research note from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will release its upcoming phones in the second half of 2020 and come they will support both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G modems. The new iPhones arent expected to have a notch-less screen or a camera with 8K video recording, features that are expected to be included in the Galaxy S20. It is also being reported that the Galaxy S20+ and the Galaxy S20 Ultra would come with 4500mAh and 5000mAh batteries, which could offer an upper hand to Samsung compared to the iPhones. It looks like Apple should be slightly worried about the launch of the Galaxy S20 series. And by the time the Cupertino-based firm releases its next-generation iPhones, it would be time for Samsung to launch the Galaxy Note 20 series with even more improvements. Are you excited about this years flagship phones from Apple and Samsung? Let us know what would you prefer to pick up as your smartphone choice for this year. [Via XDA Developers China officially commissioned its first Type 055 guided missile destroyer, the Nanchang, on Sunday in what it hailed as a leap forward for its naval modernisation programme. A grand ceremony was held in Qingdao, a major naval base in the eastern province of Shandong, on Sunday morning, state news agency Xinhua reported. The Nanchang was launched in June 2017 and made its public debut in a naval parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the PLA Navy in April last year. However, military sources said that its outfitting had not been completed at the time of the parade. Nanchang made an appearance at the parade as part of the celebration but much of its equipment including radars, communications and weapons systems and other works had not actually been finished, one PLA insider said. Another military source said the Nanchang, which has a displacement of 12,000 tonnes, had been undergoing sea trials and weapon systems tests in the past eight months. Xinhua said the commissioning of the Nanchang, which is equipped with air-defence, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons, represented a generational leap in the Chinese navys destroyers. The warship appeared at the navys 70th anniversary parade last year, but insiders said its equipment had not been finished. Photo: Reuters It is seen as one of the worlds most advanced ships of its type behind only the US Navys Zumwalt class and is Asias largest and strongest destroyer. Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said the Nanchang and its five sisters ships would have a key role in Chinas aircraft carrier strike groups. Both the design and the equipment of Nanchang have reached international standards. It will play the role of bodyguard for Chinas fledgling aircraft carrier fleet in the future as Beijing plans to build at least four carrier strike groups, Li said. One PLA insider said that naval top brass had deliberately chosen to commission Nanchang a day after Taiwans elections to avoid antagonising the island. The insider said January 11 was one of the militarys preferred dates for commissioning its new and advanced weapon systems, but added: The PLA is well aware that if the commissioning was held on Saturday, which was also 11 January, then it might have an undesirable effect on the Taiwan elections. For the same reason the mainland side has scaled down activities such as air patrols near Taiwan over the past few months, the insider said. Story continues Taiwan authorities have often accused Beijing of sabre-rattling and have blamed activities such as military drills in the Taiwan Strait for poor relations between the two sides. 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 Chinas most advanced destroyer the Nanchang formally enters service in leap forward for navy first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. Police officers in the autonomous Chinese region of Inner Mongolia in the north of the country have shot dead an armed man who was holding three people hostage, the Xinhua news agency reported, citing local police. The incident occurred on Sunday morning at about 11.00 am (03:00 GMT) in the town of Hohhot, when the man armed with improvised firearms took three people hostage. The media outlet added that the suspect threatened to shoot hostages and set off an explosive device. Around 07.15 pm (11:15 GMT), the police opened fire, the suspect was killed on the spot. Law enforcement officers neutralized the explosives, the hostages were not injured. The suspect's motives have not yet been reported. An investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (TNS) The electrical grid may likely represent a prime target after Iran has vowed "crushing revenge" on the United States following a drone strike that killed its top general, Qassem Soleimani.But the former director of the organization that oversees the power system for the bulk of California says he's not overly worried about a major disruption."We spend a lot of time, money and energy to harden the system so this doesn't happen," said Jim McIntosh, who was director of grid operations from 2000 to 2009 at the California Independent System Operator. "And the system is broken up into a lot of pieces. We can isolate areas very readily and keep control of the system. So it's a very difficult task to take the grid down very difficult."Based in Folsom, the California ISO manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage and long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's grid, as well as a small part of Nevada's power system. The ISO not only balances the flow of electricity in the state but also makes power purchases to match demand and avoid power outages."I would say we are adequately protected against anything Iran has done in the past and could do at this point," said McIntosh, who spent 13 years at the ISO. "They have proven over time that they can't break through the firewalls" put in place to protect the system.Critical infrastructure such as the power grid has come under more intense focus since tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated.On Saturday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an updated threat bulletin that warned "Iran maintains a robust cyber program" and "is capable, at a minimum, of carrying out attacks with temporary disruptive effects against critical infrastructure in the United States."But attempts to disrupt California's power grid are not new.Last summer, the manager in charge of ensuring the state's power system remains safe from cyberattacks told thethe ISO fends off "several millions" of hacking attempts each month.Spokeswoman Vonette Fontaine said in a statement the California ISO's systems "have not experienced any major cyber incidents" since the Iranian government promised to retaliate and the ISO coordinates "diligently and proactively with federal and state law enforcement agencies to stay in front of potential issues."Fontaine would not say whether the ISO has stepped up its efforts in recent days to prevent any potential attacks on its information technology systems or physical assets.Similarly, a spokeswoman for San Diego Gas & Electric did not go into specifics."We are aware of the recent events involving Iran and the heightened concerns of a cybersecurity threat," said SDG&E communications manager Sara Prince in an email. "Our cyber and physical security operations teams are in routine contact with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to stay informed about the latest potential threats and respond quickly to evolving situations."McIntosh said unless a specific threat shows up, "I don't think (the state's investor-owned utilities) would be doing much more than they always do ... They have a large group of folks that watch this stuff on a daily basis and would be able to protect their systems. (Southern California) Edison, San Diego (Gas & Electric) and (Pacific Gas & Electric) each have staffs that do this for a living, all the time."At the same time, McIntosh recalled how the ISO had to interrupt electrical loads 13 times during the California energy crisis in 2000 and 2001 that led to rolling blackouts across the state."One of the things that people realized real quick was that if you don't have energy, things go downhill rapidly," McIntosh said in a telephone interview. "So if anybody would go and successfully knock out the grid, it would create havoc for California."In 2013, snipers opened fire at a PG&E substation in San Jose and knocked out 17 transformers that supplied electricity to the Silicon Valley. Grid officials avoided a blackout by rerouting power but as thereported, it took 27 days to make the necessary repairs to bring the substation back online. No arrests have ever been made.McIntosh said utilities have increased security at physical sites since then."They used to concentrate on 'inside the fence' and now they actually look out and have the same type of ground detection movement (technology) that (the government has) put on the border, so that anybody approaching is detected and alarms go off," McIntosh said. "They've spent millions and millions of dollars."Nationally, the energy sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks in the past decade, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy detailing its multiyear security plans.Energy infrastructure and sites experienced more cyber incidents than any other sector between 2013 and 2015, accounting for 35 percent of the 796 incidents reported by sectors accounting for critical infrastructure, according to the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team at the Department of Homeland Security.Attempts to penetrate the U.S. grid have been attributed to Russia and China, and hackers from Iran also targeted at least one American billionaire who is politically active.In October 2013, casino magnate and conservative political donor Sheldon Adelson said while appearing on a panel in New York that the U.S. could counter Iran's nuclear ambitions by exploding a warhead in a deserted area of the country.The comments enraged Iran's Supreme Leader and four months later, hackers disabled the IT systems of one of Adelson's casinos in Las Vegas and caused $40 million in damages. U.S. intelligence officials traced the attack to Iran. 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 Objectors argued that Foxx had too many invalid signatures in her petition and that represented a pattern of fraud, but hearing officer Barbara Goodman wrote in her decision that they didnt provide evidence to support their claim. After reviewing all 20,762 of the signatures submitted by Foxxs team, 10,121 were deemed valid, which put her well above the necessary needed to run for reelection, Goodman determined. Joined by a variety of religious leaders and a dozen state senators, Gov. Pete Ricketts on Monday celebrated religious freedom in the United States by signing a proclamation declaring Religious Freedom Day in Nebraska. "Our ancestors came to this country in part to have religious freedom," Ricketts said. And Nebraska has a long history of welcoming people of various religious faiths to the state, including most recently the Yazidis who fled persecution in northern Iraq and settled in large numbers in Lincoln. "We foster and protect religious freedom," the governor said. Ricketts said attacks on religious beliefs and groups continue today and must be resisted to protect religious freedom for everyone, citing recent deadly assaults on Jewish synagogues in California and New York. And, he said, during the recent Senate confirmation hearing for U.S. District Court Judge Brian Buescher of Nebraska, questions were raised about his association with the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization that focuses on fighting poverty. That represented "a religious test," Ricketts said, and it was correctly rejected by the U.S. Senate. Religious freedom in the United States is a treasured liberty, he said. Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Bir Lahlou (Liberated Territories), 12 January 2020 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Ghali, received a letter from Algerian President, Mr. Abdelmajid Tebboune, in which he congratulated him on his re-election as Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO and President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic at the 15th Congress of the Frente POLISARIO. "The Sahrawi people, through the activities of the 15 th Congress of the Frente POLISARIO, demonstrated their deep awareness, high sense and heroic determination in order to overcome difficulties, achieve legitimate demands for self-determination and build a new future in freedom, security and stability," said President Tebboune. The Algerian President assured the President of the Republic of Algeria's firm determination to continue support for the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, to achieve the decolonization of the African continent. (SPS) 062/SPS/T Bhadohi police booked three persons on Monday under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly hatching a conspiracy and instigating people to pelt stones during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on December 20. According to the police, the investigation revealed that three persons, identified as Tanbir Hayat Khan, Tavis and Sayanm Wasim aka Khurram Ansari, had instigated people. All three persons have been booked under the NSA for hatching a conspiracy and instigating people, said Rambadan Singh, superintendent of police (SP). Seventeen people have been identified from among those involved in the stone pelting and efforts are on to ensure their arrest, he added. A day after the protests, the police had put up posters carrying photographs of protesters who allegedly instigated violence during the protests. The police has also promised the locals that they will be given a reward, if they helped in nabbing the miscreants. They also assured that the identification of the informants will be kept secret. Nearly 165 people, including 150 unidentified, were booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in connection with the protests in Bhadohi. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014. The passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Parliament on December 11 has triggered protests across the nation. In Uttar Pradesh, protests against the CAA turned violent on December 20 after the police resorted to baton-charge to disperse the agitators. Incidents of violence, arson, and stone-pelting were also reported from the various part of the state even as CrPCs Section 144 was imposed in the wake of deteriorating law and order situation. At least 19 people have died in separate incidents of violence during anti-CAA protests across the state. Fithian described the opportunity to become president of his alma mater as "singular," crediting Clark for inspiring him to pursue a life in higher education and expressing a desire to help the University and its current students achieve even greater success and recognition. "I'm drawn to pursuing big ideas, to embracing challenges, and to facing tough questions. I have a sense that many at Clark today are thinking big as well," Fithian said. "I look forward to developing a shared understanding across the University about where we want to go and how best to get there." Ross Gillman, Chair of the University's Board of Trustees, called Fithian "an innovative, strategic leader, and a tremendous team builder, with the breadth and scope of experience and vision that make him uniquely qualified to lead Clark." Fithian joins Clark amid its recent enrollment successes that have overcome national trends and followed bold investments in integrated experiential learning. Clark recently launched the LEEP Student Success Network, opened the Shaich Family Student and Alumni Engagement Center, amplified its work in diversity and inclusion, and will soon conclude Campaign Clark, the most successful comprehensive campaign in its history. Clark's University Park Partnership is recognized as a national model for transforming struggling neighborhoods into communities of vitality and promise. Fithian has been a central figure at the University of Chicago, with roles spanning financial strategy, campus master-planning, major capital developments, oversight of the University's public programs for the arts, executive recruitment, and designing the University's campaign, which exceeded its $5 billion goal. Before joining Chicago, he served for 12 years at Harvard University, holding key positions in student academics and well-being, and faculty governance. In addition to his B.A. degree in sociology and English from Clark, he earned his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in sociology from Yale. Fithian is married to Michael R. Rodriguez, Ph.D. About Clark University Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university that prepares its students to meet tomorrow's most daunting challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities. Through 33 undergraduate majors, nearly 30 advanced degree programs, and nationally recognized community partnerships, Clark fuses rigorous scholarship with authentic world and workplace experiences that empower our learning community to pursue lives and careers of meaning and consequence. Clark's academic departments and institutes develop solutions to complex global problems across the disciplines, and the University addresses the behavioral health of adolescents and young adults through the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise. clarku.edu CONTACT: Angela Bazydlo [email protected] 508-793-7554 SOURCE Clark University Related Links http://www.clarku.edu So were going to be circumspect, he said. But everything the president has said is consistent with and interpretation is very consistent with the intelligence, which showed that Soleimani was plotting to kill Americans soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and our diplomats. And so, you know, we feel very good about it and we feel good about the explanation thats been given to Congress. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised everyone, especially the members of the royal family, when they announced that they were stepping back as senior members of the family. After all, it was a big decision to make the requires a lot of changes. Queen Elizabeth II had to call for a family meeting to discuss what is going to happen to Harry and Meghan after their announcement. The lack of discussion with the rest of the royal family about their decision has left everyone worried. What will happen to them? How about their lifestyle as royals? The Family Meeting A crisis meeting is set to happen on Monday at the Sandringham estate of the Queen. According to the British media, the Queen called for the meeting to discuss all the other details that will come out of the Sussexes' decision to "step back." According to the reports, the meeting will be attended by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, and his older brother, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. Meghan, who already flew back to Canada to be with Prince Archie, is expected to join the meeting by via a conference call. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the next steps that the couple will take. Days after the expected meeting, there will be more discussions to be done at Buckingham Palace between the members of the British government and palace officials. Discussions between the Canadian government and of the U.K. government are also expected to further lay down the couple's options. Prince Harry is the sixth in line to the British throne, but it looks like he is no longer interested. On Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their announcement through their official Instagram account, stating their desire to continue serving the Queen while carving out a progressive new role within the royal institution. The announcement goes on to discuss how the couple wants to work to become more financially independent while they continue to fully support the Queen and her endeavors. It also highlighted their plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. Changes to Unfold Although reports say that the royal family has not been consulted of the decision of Harry and Meghan, the family still plans to have further discussion with the couple. It would need some time to talk things through, including issues of their security. What does it mean for the couple to take a step back? Will they still enjoy the kind of security provided to the members of the royal family? While several royal commentators knew this "stepping back" was coming, they did not expect it to happen so soon. Prince Harry remains in England to attend all the talks about the changes that will unfold in the coming months. To become financially independent, the couple plans to support themselves moving forward. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that they will no longer be accepting funding from the Sovereign Grant. It is the funding from taxpayers that goes towards the maintenance of the palaces, as well as fund the activities of the Queen and the royal family. While the future remains uncertain for Harry and Meghan or whether they will keep being called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, one thing remains the same: discussions are far from being over. When it comes to their security, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might have more freedom and a little fewer people following them around. However, everyone hopes that nothing bad would happen to the royal couple. Laura Whitmore proved she has serious fashion clout after her first Love Island outfit sold out just minutes into the first episode. The presenter, 34, made her debut on the ITV2 show wearing a 189 floral jacquard jumpsuit by UK-based label Hasan Hejazi. The stunning piece featured a flattering waist belt, balloon sleeves and a thigh-skimming length that's perfect for the warm weather in South Africa, where the winter edition of the show is being filmed. Fans gushed over the playsuit on Instagram before rushing to snap it up on the Hasan Hejazi online store - prompting the piece to sell out in all sizes before the credits started rolling. Laura Whitmore made her debut on Love Island wearing a 189 floral jacquard jumpsuit by UK-based label Hasan Hejazi. The playsuit, seen on the presenter, sold out in minutes The stunning piece featured a flattering waist belt, balloon sleeves and a thigh-skimming length that's perfect for the warm weather in South Africa, where the show is filmed Fans gushed over the playsuit on Instagram before rushing to snap it up on the Hasan Hejazi online store - prompting the piece to sell out in all sizes before the credits started rolling. The brand updated Instagram followers and set up a waiting list for disappointed shoppers It comes after Laura hired British celebrity stylist Angie Smith and her team to help craft her looks for her stint in the Love Island villa. Smith, best known for her work with client and friend Holly Willoughby, was behind the This Morning star's widely-coveted I'm A Celebrity wardrobe, which sparked several 'must-have' moments. This early sell-out success for Whitmore is the first signal she could soon follow in Willoughby's footsteps. Speaking to FEMAIL, Hasan explained he saw an overwhelming response in the minutes after the episode aired. Ahead of the premiere, Laura shared a photo of herself modelling the piece with the caption: 'Wearing playsuit by my pal the insanely talented @hasanhejazi,' as pictured Fans were quick to look up the playsuit and designer Hasan told Femail that it was sold out before the episode was even halfway through. Pictured, Laura on the show last night 'The reaction has been great to Laura wearing the playsuit,' he said. 'I sold every piece before the episode was even halfway through, which was brilliant.' Fortunately for fashion fans hoping to replicate Laura's style, Hasan is planning to restock and has launched a pre-order function for shoppers hoping to take the playsuit home. Ahead of the 9pm premiere, Laura shared a photo of herself modelling the piece next to the neon 'love' sign with the caption: 'Wearing playsuit (in the Wexford colours for the Whitmore family) by my pal the insanely talented @hasanhejazi.' Laura hired British celebrity stylist Angie Smith and her team to help craft her looks for her stint in the Love Island villa. Pictured left, Laura in a Zimmerman look pulled together by Smith ahead of the show's first episode. Right, Smith styled Emily Atack on I'm A Celeb's Extra Camp Smith, best known for her work with client and friend Holly Willoughby, was behind the This Morning star's widely-coveted I'm A Celebrity wardrobe. Pictured, one of the looks Fans and famous friends alike were quick to take to the comments section to praise the stylish ensemble. Presenter Gaby Roslin wrote: 'Looking gorgeous lovely girl. Have a wonderful time. You are brilliant.' Another fan posted: 'Looking AMAZING Laura good luck.' Laura was handed the coveted Love Island job after regular host Caroline Flack stepped down following a common assault charge. Fans were divided over Laura's success as a replacement. However Caroline broke her social media silence to wish her friend and colleague well ahead of the show. [January 13, 2020] Online Advantages, A Charlotte SEO Company, Announces New Digital Marketing Services CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Matt Maglodi, the founder of Online Advantages, a Charlotte SEO Company, is pleased to announce that his company is now offering several new digital marketing services. To learn more about Online Advantages and the high quality and affordable digital marketing services that they offer their valued clients, please visit https://onlineadvantages.net/charlotte-internet-marketing-seo-company/ As Matt explained, Online Advantages strives to offer its clients web development and internet marketing services that are both affordable and responsive. To make the new digital marketing services as effective as possible, Matt and his team can bundle most of them into an integrated marketing campaign. "We are looking forward to working more cloely with clients in Charlotte and the surrounding area, and offering our effective and innovative digital marketing services, including SEO, web development, lead generation, online reputation management and more," Maglodi said. "Our services are always backed by a strong, professional work ethic that maintains we're not fully satisfied until you are. We take pride in delivering measurable results backed by tried-and-true Internet advertising and web design solutions that have been consistently proven to work." Online Advantages also offers the following services: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Paid Search Marketing Reputation Management (ORM) Local SEO Services SEO Services Charlotte SEO Digital Marketing Charlotte SEO Experts On-Page Optimization (Onsite SEO) Local Map Listings Inbound Lead Generation Social Media Marketing SEO Consulting PPC Services Franchise SEO Services "We're constantly researching, testing, connecting, and finding other ways to stay on top of this always-changing industry so we can offer the best, most relevant advice to help you succeed. The blueprint for online success is simple: we do the heavy lifting while you focus on what matters most, your customers." About Online Advantages: Online Advantages Charlotte SEO is a unique full-service internet marketing company located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founder Matt Maglodi specializes in all aspects of Digital Marketing from Organic SEO, to pay per click advertising, online reputation management, social media and much more. For more information, please visit https://onlineadvantages.net/charlotte-internet-marketing-seo-company/ Online Advantages Charlotte SEO 1235 E Blvd. Unit E-259 Charlotte, NC 28203 (704) 235-1635 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/online-advantages-a-charlotte-seo-company-announces-new-digital-marketing-services-300985768.html SOURCE Online Advantages ALTON To help connect residents with unclaimed property or cash owed to them, state Reps. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, and Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, and state Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, are teaming with Illinois State Treasurers office I-Cash events. Bristow and Crowe will host an event noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Roxana Public Library, 200 N. Central Ave., Roxana. Stuart will host an event 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 24, at the Caseyville Public Library. First Minister Arlene Foster of the DUP and (right) Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill of Sinn Fein at Stormont Arlene Foster has said she is "deeply humbled" to have been reappointed First Minister and has pledged to work constructively with Sinn Fein in the new Executive. The DUP leader was speaking in the Assembly on Saturday as she took up office again after three years of political deadlock. Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill said it was a "defining moment" for Northern Ireland. She said she was honoured to follow in the footsteps of the late Martin McGuinness and become Deputy First Minister. "After three years without functioning institutions with the five parties forming the new Executive, it is my hope that we do so united in our determination to deliver a stable power-sharing coalition that works on the basis of openness, transparency and accountability, and in good faith and with no surprises," she said. Mrs Foster said there was plenty of blame to go around for the political paralysis since the collapse of devolution, but she insisted it was now time to look to the future. She singled out an Irish language phrase. "When I visited Our Lady's Grammar in Newry, the pupils gave me a lovely picture as a gift," she said. "It has hung in my office upstairs ever since, just above my shoulder. In Irish, it states: 'Together, we are strong'. "We have many differences. Michelle's narrative of the past 40 years could not be more different to mine. "I'm not sure we will ever agree on much about the past, but we can agree there was too much suffering, and that we cannot allow society to drift backwards and allow division to grow." The First Minister added: "Northern Ireland is succeeding in many ways. It's time for Stormont to move forward and show that 'together we are stronger' for the benefit of everyone." Former US President Bill Clinton said he was glad to see power-sharing restored at Stormont. He tweeted: "I care deeply about the people of Northern Ireland, and I'm thankful their leaders are coming together in the spirit of the Good Friday Accords to stand-up the Executive and restore the government functions that people of all communities require. "I remain hopeful that Brexit will respect the Good Friday Accords and the sacrifice and vision of so many people, more than two decades ago." The Taoiseach congratulated local politicians for backing the deal. "I look forward to working with representatives in Northern Ireland as they begin working together again on behalf of all people in Northern Ireland," Leo Varadkar said. Northern Ireland's five largest parties are all represented in the new Executive. For the DUP, Diane Dodds is Economy minister, Peter Weir is Education Minister and Edwin Poots is Agriculture Minister. Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy is the new Finance Minister, while party colleague Deirdre Hargey is Minister for Communities. The SDLP's Nichola Mallon is Infrastructure Minister. Former Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann is the new Health Minister. Alliance leader Naomi Long is Justice Minister. The DUP's Gordon Lyons and Sinn Fein's Declan Kearney are junior ministers in The Executive Office. Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey is the new Speaker. The DUP's Christopher Stalford, the UUP's Roy Beggs and the SDLP's Patsy McGlone are Deputy Speakers. The New Decade, New Approach deal that restored power-sharing was published on Thursday by the governments. The DUP immediately supported the blueprint, and Sinn Fein backed it the n ext day. The current US administration welcomed the deal, with UK ambassador Robert Wood Johnson insisting the US would remain a "friend and partner" of the people of Northern Ireland. The Shiv Sena on Monday continued to attack the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the book written by one of its functionaries comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maratha warrior king Shivaji. The book Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi written by Jai Bhagwan Goyal, a former Sena worker, was released in the BJPs headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday, stirring a political controversy as the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party also questioned the comparison. The Senas senior leader Sanjay Raut, who had in a series of tweets on Sunday questioned the book and the BJP, on Monday attempted to corner the leaders of the opposition party in Maharashtra and asked if the comparison is acceptable to them. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said the BJP should ban the distribution of the book and should officially announce that it has no links to the books publication. I am confident that the BJP leaders in Maharashtra will also speak on this issue. They have always been quick to display their stand on issues of Savarkar. I am sure by today evening they will speak on the issue around Shivaji Maharaj as well, Raut said. He added that if they do not speak up, then they do not have the right to practice politics in Maharashtra. Raut also said that the Prime Minister cannot be blamed for this as the issue could not have come to his notice before the book was released. The Sena leader asked Udayanraje Bhosale and Shivendraraje Bhosale, the descendants of Shivaji, who are in the BJP, to resign over the issue. He said that if the common people have taken a stand on the issue, it is important Shivajis descendants put out their stance in public. The descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who are occupying the seat of Satara and Kolhapur, are in the BJP. Some are MPs, some are MLAs and some are former MLAs. We asked them to take a stand on the comparison of Maharaj with political leaders. Whats wrong in that? Raut asked. We common people are fighting for the respect of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and we will do so. But you are descendants of Shivaji Maharaj and the responsibility falls the most on you. You should have immediately resigned, he said. The Shiv Sena MP added that the book ws an insult to the Maratha warrior king and the people of Maharashtra. Raut said that his stand on the issue is not wrong and added that Sena chief and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray too has backed him. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New York: New Boeing Chief Executive David Calhoun told employees on Monday the company must strengthen its culture, focus on "integrity" and be "transparent," according to an email sent to staff. Calhoun, a longtime Boeing board member, officially took over on Monday as chief executive, replacing Dennis Muilenburg, who was ousted in December as the company faces a drawn-out crisis following deadly crashes of a top-selling jet. Calhoun invoked Boeing's "tremendous legacy of aerospace achievement" and called on employees to work to "rebuild trust" and restore key relationships with customers, partners and regulators. "I see greatness in this company but I also see opportunities to be better. Much better," Calhoun said. "That includes engaging one another and our stakeholders with greater transparency, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of safety and quality and incorporating outside-in perspective on what we do and how we do it." He takes the reins four days after the release of a new trove of embarrassing employee emails, including one saying the 737 MAX was "designed by clowns." The aircraft has been grounded since March following two deadly crashes. Boeing faces numerous probes and lawsuits over the crashes. The incidents have already cost the company more than $9 billion and led to the suspension of production of the 737 MAX due to lengthy delays in winning regulatory approval to resume flights. Calhoun said returning the MAX to service safely "must be our primary focus," and that includes "following the lead of our regulators and working with them to ensure they're satisfied completely with the airplane and our work, so that we can continue to meet our customer commitments." Deteriorating relations between Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration were a chief factor in Muilenburg's ouster, with agency chief Steve Dickson publicly calling out Boeing for making statements about the MAX's return "designed to force FAA into taking quicker action." While lawmakers in Congress and Wall Street analysts had called for change atop Boeing, some have questioned whether Calhoun's lengthy service on the Boeing board makes him an ideal pick for resetting the company. After Calhoun was selected, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a December note it had "mixed feelings" in light of Calhoun's background. "We wonder if appointing from within, especially an insider that has been with the company for 10 years, signals more of the same from Boeing vs an outside appointee who may have offered more of a change of pace and culture," the bank said in a commentary. But others have noted that Calhoun has hands-on experience in industrial leadership, having overseen a General Electric division that oversaw aircraft engines, rail, among other units. Calhoun also served as chief executive at data analytics company Nielsen and as a senior executive at the Blackstone Group. "While it could be argued that because Calhoun has been with Boeing for the entirety of the MAX's history, he may be too close to the ensuing crisis, we think that his clear understanding of the aviation industry is the paramount qualification for this job," Morningstar said in December. Shares of Boeing rose 1.1 percent to $333.69 in mid-morning trading on Monday. Shares have fallen more than 20 percent since the Ethiopian Airlines crash in March, which led to the grounding of the plane. Fashion Designer Billy Reid fondly recalls helping his mother in her small-town Louisiana clothing boutique. [The shop] was in my grandmothers old home that she had converted into her store, he says. I have a lot of memories of that, because it was a really cool hangout for people in a lot of ways. The boutique was less retail store and more community gathering place. The shop often was filled with laughter and conversation, impromptu parties, and other creative shindigsall things Reid is known for recreating in his creative and fashion-focused endeavors today. Reids artsy, salt-of-the-earth upbringing sparked an eye for design that resulted in a signature style that transcends place. That style, self-described as lived-in luxury, has taken the successful entrepreneur and designer across the globe. In short, Reid is in his element whether on the runways of Paris or at a local coffee shop in his hometown of Florence, Alabama. Its easy to see that intriguing duality in Reids clothing: lived-in and rustic, yet sophisticated and modern. Theres an element of down-to-earth charm that comes from his Southern roots coupled with an element of elegant modernity that stems from his international, high-quality design discipline. Despite his acumen in the fashion world, Reid doesnt adhere to any of the industrys pretenses; his heart remains ever in the studio and his passion lies in the craft of making. I have a love-hate relationship with fashion, I guess. I love the fact that you can make someone look and feel wonderful and what that does to them inside. But Im not a big fan of all the noise around fashion and the fickle nature of it at times, Reid says. Im definitely more into the craft, the process, making something, working with a team of people to bring an idea that was in your head to a sheet of paper that then ends up on the rack and hopefully on somebodys back. And thats why I get up every day and do it. I love making things. Reids impulse to create goes beyond fashion. Thats why youd be mistaken to assume his new shop in Pepper Place, which opened in late October, is just another retail outpost. Like his moms shop and his 11 other locations, Billy Reid stores are vibrant hubs of creativitygathering places for the community to connect through the arts. And with the Birmingham stores soaring 24-foot ceilings, massive garage-door-style windows, and movable furniture allowing for a transformational space, the shop is perfectly primed to welcome the community for much more than just shopping. Reid has big ideas for his new spot: supper series featuring local chefs, art openings, intimate concerts, and eventually a full-service, in-house restaurant. Events like these are par for the course for Reid, who caught the community-building bug when his flagship store, a converted historic bookstore in Florence, Alabama, brought culture and activity that revitalized the downtown area. Eleven years ago, he launched Shindig, a gathering of creativeschefs, artists, and musiciansin Muscle Shoals, and invited editors and writers from U.S. media capitals to witness the beauty of the South. The hope was that they would come here, have this incredible experience, and they would go back and tell the world about it, Reid says. And it worked. The network of creatives he regularly loops into his events isnt made of only Southerners. Its definitely a like-minded group of folks from all over the world, whether they are making textiles for us in Japan or shrimp and grits in Oxford, Mississippi, Reid says with a laugh. Its a diverse group of folks who are all into making things well and putting their heart and soul into it. That creates a connectivity, and we try to bring all those diverse pieces of rich culture togetherwhether its food, music, art, or fashionand share it. Of course, the heart of the Billy Reid experience is the clothing. What might be most striking about his work is its incredibly broad appeal. Says Reid, Ive seen 18-year-old kids come in and buy something, and Ive seen a 65-year-old man come in and buy the same item, so it is really is open to everybody. He takes fun and inventive risks through patterns and graphics, limited-edition handmade items, original art translated into textiles, or interesting new shapes. At the end of the day, we are making clothes that people can wear. Even when were taking risks, were not putting light bulbs on top of hats or anything, Reid says. Its something you can use. Sometimes designer clothing has a stigma that its too precious to wear, but we just want it to be their favorite piece, that piece that lives with you. With Billy Reid, you get fashion that feels good, but also music that sounds great, food that tastes delicious, and art that stirs the senses. Each thread that Reid brings to town is set to enrich the cultural fabric of the Magic City. Details Learn more about Billy Reid at billyreid.com. This story appears in Birmingham magazines January 2020 issue. Subscribe today! Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-12 22:42:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The Olympic Tower is illuminated in Beijing, April 26, 2019.(Xinhua/Yin Gang) A quick look at what Beijing has achieved in 2019 and its plan for the future. BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's capital city has moved on a fast track to foster new momentums for high-quality development, gearing up toward a smarter, greener and more harmonious tomorrow. "We have ensured the success of a series of big and joyful events, maintained steady and sound economic and social progress," said mayor Chen Jining while delivering the government work report Sunday at the annual session of the municipal people's congress. The city achieved a GDP growth of around 6.1 percent to 6.2 percent in 2019 and saw its resident's per capita disposable income increase by around 6.3 percent in real terms. Significant progress was made in 2019 in building the capital city into a national innovation center, with R&D spending intensity reaching around 6 percent of GDP, and a 13.1-percent increase of applications for invention patents, according to the report. To develop high-end, precision and sophisticated industries with stronger efforts, an action plan will be implemented to boost the 5G industry, enhancing the city's 5G telecommunications network, Chen said, noting that the city will build an AI-based open-source innovation platform and introduce more application scenarios. Ginkgo trees against the blue sky at Dajue Temple in Beijing. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun) Last year, the Chinese capital sped up efforts against air pollution by enhancing law enforcement on mobile pollution sources and the precision control over dust, bringing down its average PM2.5 density to 42 micrograms per cubic meter. With a city-wide mandatory garbage sorting system starting in May, Beijing is pushing forward waste sorting in residential communities step by step and aiming at establishing sorting demonstration zones in 90 percent of the sub-districts and townships. Landmark progress has been made in pushing for the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, further relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as capital. A total of 399 companies in general manufacturing was shut down and 66 marketplaces and logistics centers relocated and upgraded in Beijing last year, the report said. The construction of Beijing's sub-center in the eastern suburb of Tongzhou District is in full swing on the first anniversary of a control plan for the area as well as the relocation of the capital's key municipal organs. As one of Beijing's "two new wings" along with Xiong'an New Area in neighboring Hebei Province, the sub-center saw smooth progress in building a 1.3 million-square-meter underground transportation hub, the largest of its kind in Asia. The hub is scheduled to be ready for traffic by the end of 2024. Priorities will be given to the sub-center in selecting venues for pilot programs, key projects, high-performance companies and technological applications, the mayor said. The city expects 6-percent GDP growth in 2020. Two-factor verification is an important security measure for online and app-based banking, but SMS is one of the least secure options available. This is not the fault of the banks or the messaging protocol, but rather the decision by mobile operators to offer a SIM-swap function as an opt-out service. Cases of SIM-swap fraud have been constantly on the rise in South Africa, and often victims are unable to prevent the crime from taking place. Instead, they are forced to react and try to regain control of their number from a fraudster who has impersonated them and stolen their number. If an attacker has compromised your online banking credentials, they will then be able to access your OTP verification code if they also gain access to your number. In this situation, the fraudster would be able to log into your bank account and access your funds immediately. Some South African banks have begun moving away from one-time PINs sent via SMS in favour of more secure platforms, such as app-based authentication or email OTPs, but others continue to use SMS as the default verification option. We asked South African banks about their OTP verification systems, and why they still used SMS as an OTP delivery method considering the threat of SIM-swap fraud. Standard Bank Standard Bank told MyBroadband that the current options available for OTP are SMS and email. It added that it was working on an improved identity authentication method which would no longer rely on OTPs via SMS and be vulnerable to SIM-swap fraud. We are currently on a strong authentication and in-app messaging journey where OTP in its current form will be replaced by options such as push notification into the banking app as well as biometric such as facial recognition for sensitive transactions, Standard Bank said. Our authentication journey will see the replacement of SMS OTP in the first and second quarter of 2020. The bank said that it has current controls in place to protect its customers against SIM-swap fraud. When asked whether it has considered implementing OTP delivery via third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Standard Bank said it had considered this option, but its priority remains on its in-app and push messaging solution. FNB FNB offers its customers the option to receive OTPs through an in-app system called Smart InContact, removing the threat of SIM-swap fraud. Head of FNB Digital Banking Giuseppe Virgillito told MyBroadband that the bank adopts a multi-levelled approach to help customers detect suspicious activity on their accounts. The majority of customers use Smart InContact to protect their bank accounts from SIM-swap and to be aware of all transactions that are processed on their accounts, Virgillito said. Furthermore, our customers who use FNB Online banking can use Smart inContact on the FNB App to approve legitimate transactions and report suspicious ones using this method on a daily basis. Virgillito encouraged customers to contact FNB immediately if they become aware of any suspicious transactions. In addition, FNB makes a concerted effort to educate our customers on the latest fraud trends when they login to their Banking profile, he said. Our interventions include reminding customers that the best protection against fraud is to ensure that their login credentials are not compromised. Nedbank Nedbank said that it uses SMS verification as a fallback if its Approve-it system is not able to reach a client. Nedbank utilises Approve-it a cellphone-based transaction authentication system that allows clients to authenticate sensitive banking transactions from their cellphones, the bank told MyBroadband. On the Nedbank Money App, an Approve-it is sent to the client during the registration process. Our Online Banking platform also utilises Approve-it for all sensitive transactions. Nedbank said that it does not currently allow customers to receive an OTP via push notifications or within the banking app, but said this was under development. If we are unable to reach a clients device via an Approve-it, an SMS is then used as a fallback, Nedbank said. It is important to note that we have a very effective and efficient sim-swap detection feature through Entersekts mobile authentication technology. The bank added that it has not investigated using third-party apps like WhatsApp for OTP delivery, but it was actively pursuing OTP security options through its Money app. Capitec Capitec said that it does not use OTPs that are delivered via SMS instead, its clients can use a Remote Banking PIN or biometrics to authorise transactions. When transacting on their mobile devices, clients receive secure in-app confirmation messages on their registered device, with the details of the transaction, requiring the client to authorize the transaction using their Remote PIN or fingerprint biometrics, Capitec said. Clients that only use Internet Banking are issued with a token on a keyring, which they use to generate one-time passwords for sign-in and approval of financial transactions. For our banking app, a push notification is displayed within the secure banking app itself, Capitec said. If the app is not open, the client will receive a push notification prompting them to open the app and approve the transaction. The bank added that OTPs are only used as an exception for Internet Banking and are generated with a handheld token issued when the account is opened. It said that it using a third-party app for authentication would not make sense, as its banking app is more secure. No consideration has been given to WhatsAppbased OTPs because, if the client does have a smartphone, the banking app is more secure than WhatsApp, Capitec said. Absa Absa told MyBroadband that it does use OTP via SMS for credit card payments when shopping online, but said it was moving away from this practice. Our banking application does not have an OTP functionality and will not in future rely on such authorisation methods, Absa said. The use of second-factor authentication via the mobile app is the banks secure method of transacting. Absa offers a free digital warranty where customers who use the banking app are deceived. Absa said it would move its SMS OTP authentication method to a banking app approval or USSD (1-approve or 9-reject) approval request. Card online transactions still require an OTP via SMS, Absa said. This is a control which were replacing. We do have SIM-swap controls in place and will not issue OTPs via SMS to a customer where a SIM-swap was detected. Absa added that it does offer some WhatsApp banking capabilities, but it is currently focused on implementing other authentication methods. Now read: FNB expects huge increase in eWallet transactions A developer that is paying nearly four times more than everybody else to tap into a midstate municipal sewer system cant escape that bill simply because it has buyers remorse, a Commonwealth Court panel ruled Monday. The simple fact, Judge Michael H. Wojcik found in the state courts opinion, is that CFR Partners LLC voluntarily agreed to pay the higher rate in a contract it signed with the Jefferson Codorus Joint Sewer Authority in 2009. That deal with the authority, which serves Codorus Township and Jefferson Borough in York County, locked in a $5,820 per unit tapping fee for each of the 189 units CFR planned for its Codorus Estates residential development. The agreement was struck before the authority had set a tapping fee for its system. A year after the deal was inked, the authority approved a tapping fee of just $1,500 per unit - $4,320 per unit less than CFRs contract requires it to pay. CFR sued the authority in county court, accusing it of illegal ratemaking and seeking a $560,000 refund. The developer appealed to Wojciks court after a county judge ruled its 2009 contract and the much higher tapping charge are enforceable. In reaching the same conclusion, Wojcik found that, basically, a contract is a contract. Although CFR now claims it had no choice but to enter the agreement, the evidence indicates otherwise, Wojcik wrote. No one forced CFR to enter into the 2009 pact, he found. In fact, Wojcik noted CFRs general partner stated at the time that he believed it was a good deal and assumed that any tapping fee the authority would impose later would be significantly higher than the $5,280 rate, based on what other authorities were charging. And, the state judge found, the 2009 deal allowed CFR to promptly move ahead with its 80-acre development. It appears that CFR now suffers from buyers remorse, Wojcik wrote. However, buyers remorse does not constitute sufficient legal grounds for setting aside an otherwise valid contract. IKEA Korea has opened its third outlet in Giheung, Dec. 12, 2019. Concerns are raising that the entrance of IKEA Giheung can kill the small business in the region and cause extreme traffic jam there./ Yonhap By Jung Hae-myoung IKEA Korea opened its third outlet in Dec. 2019 in Giheung, Yong-in, Gyeonggi Province, but not all people welcomed its arrival. Concerns are rising over how it will reach a compromise with small, mid-sized business there, and how extreme traffic jams in the area will be dealt with. The company opened its first outlet in Gwangmyung in 2014, and three years later opened another in Goyang, on the outskirts of Seoul. Although IKEA Korea is expanding across Gyeonggi Province and other metropolitan areas, criticism has arisen that the Swedish furniture giant may hurt relevant regional businesses. "Most of the roads and supporting infrastructures are built for IKEA and other big businesses, so it is less likely that people will visit regional furniture shops," a furniture saleswoman at Eojeong Furniture Town in Giheung, said. "Rather than making a specialized commercial space, the big companies are ruining the whole system," she added. Big malls are ideally-positioned to attract more visitors given their complexity and accessibility, but it does not necessarily lead to prosperity for all businesses in the region. A regional furniture business association has hung a placard saying "IKEA should leave because it kills the right to live." Leading domestic furniture makers such as Hanssem have barely survived, while some small and mid-sized companies have been forced to close. According to a 2018 report from the Korea Small Business Institute, the sales at small businesses within two kilometers of the IKEA mall drastically decreased after it was built. Small furniture businesses are helpless in front of big domestic furniture companies which are confronting IKEA by forming cartels. Near IKEA Giheung stands Lotte Premium Outlet which opened in 2018, and another shopping mall complex will be erected this year across the road that will incorporate Hanssem Design Park, Hyundai Liveart, and Casamia. "When IKEA entered Korea, the total home furnishing market in terms of overall market volume expanded. We see the same thing in Giheung," an IKEA official said at the press conference of the opening ceremony in December, last year. It also said it has employed around 500 staff of which 62 percent are from around the region. "We are trying to create a win-win relationship with the surrounding furniture businesses in order to develop hand in hand as good neighbors," the IKEA official said. "We are reaching agreements with interested parties and will follow up accordingly. We will try to raise interest in the home-furnishing market among customers and create more jobs in the region in order to activate regional businesses and contribute to finding ways to coexist." Another concern is traffic jams. Since Lotte Premium Outlet opened in Giheung in 2018, residents are suffering from extreme congestion. As of July 2019, 3,300 to 9,400 cars flowed from other regions into the city. According to some residents, the road near IKEA and the Lotte outlet turns into a parking lot every weekend, and people are even considering moving because of the traffic. Although Yongin is also working hard to find a solution within the region, there are limits to what it can do, according to officials. "We are seeking various ways on how to protect the regional economy. But this is a private enterprise so there is not much we can do about it," an official at the city said. In order to reduce the impact, the city has extended the car lanes leading up to IKEA and has secured a three-story parking lot that holds 1,665 cars and temporary space to hold 800 cars. "We will also give notice to visitors and employees that they can visit the mall with other transportation to reduce traffic," an IKEA official said. How much of a difference this will make is yet to be seen. Student-led demonstrations in Iran may pose an even larger threat to the authorities than the nationwide demonstrations in November over gasoline price hikes, analysts say. The November protests provoked an unprecedented state crackdown that killed hundreds of people -- the deadliest response to protests in the 40-year history of the clerical regime, which arose after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran has been rocked for months by a string of anti-government protests, fueled by misrule and a spiraling economic crisis, provoking deadly state crackdowns in which demonstrators have been killed and jailed. The internal turmoil calmed with the U.S. killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq on January 3. Anger over the assassination of the popular general, one of the most powerful men in the country, briefly united Iranians. But a new wave of anti-government protests, this time spearheaded by angry youth, has exploded to life following the Iranian military's shooting down of a Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane near the capital, Tehran, on January 8 that killed all 176 people on board. Iranian authorities have been accused of attempting a cover-up after originally denying their involvement in the disaster, only to admit they shot down the plane -- citing human error -- after three days of mounting international uproar. "While there are issues of accountability bound up with those economic issues, the cover-up of the Ukraine plane crash strikes at the heart of this: can Iranians trust the regime, even the supreme leader, in matters of life and death?" said Scott Lucas, an Iran expert at Birmingham University in Britain and editor of the EA World View website. 'Death To The Dictator' The student protests began on the evening of January 11 following a vigil held at a university in Tehran for the victims of the downing of the Ukrainian plane. The passengers included many young Iranians who were on their way to Canada, via Ukraine, for studies. The vigils soon turned into anti-government demonstrations as young Iranians took to the streets and gathered in squares in the capital. Protesters shouted, "Death to the liars," "You have no shame," and "Death to the dictator," a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images also showed some protesters ripping up photographs of Soleimani. Images on social media showed police and security forces firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators in Tehran. On January 12, the unrest spread outside the capital to at least a dozen cities across the country. Anti-government protests broke out for a third consecutive day on January 13. Rallies took place at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology and Amir Kabir University, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as "Clerics get lost," according to social-media posts. Click To Open Gallery Tehran's police chief has denied his officers opened fire, saying officers had been ordered to show "restraint." Images on social media showed bloodied protesters and blood on the streets. Witnesses have claimed that dozens of protesters have been wounded. Iranian authorities have come under a storm of criticism from across the divide in Iran. Even conservatives and hard-liners have criticized the government's handling of the disaster, accusing authorities of misleading the public. Iranian authorities initially blamed the downing of the plane on mechanical problems and said accusations that Tehran had shot down the airliner were U.S. propaganda. Then it admitted Iran's military shot down the aircraft when it was mistaken for a "hostile target." The two brothers killed in a plane crash in rugged national park on the NSW-Queensland border have been remembered as passionate aviators. Robert Bryan Dull, 68, of Toowoomba and Owen Stanley Dull, 61, of Roadvale, died when their small home-built kit aircraft crashed on Sunday. In a statement, their family said they were experienced pilots with several decades worth of experience. Robert Bryan Dull (pictured), 68, of Toowoomba and Owen Stanley Dull, 61, of Roadvale, died when their small home-built kit aircraft crashed on Sunday 'Robert had built the plane as a labour of love over the past few years,' the family said. 'It was awarded the John Liddell Award for Best Hybrid Experimental Amateur Built Aircraft 2019 by the Sport Aircraft Association in October 2019 and it had met all regulatory requirements. 'Both men had flown light aircraft for more than 30 years. 'Robert is survived by his wife, three adult sons, their spouses and four grandchildren. Owen is survived by his wife. 'We would like to thank all of those involved in the search and recovery efforts for Robert and Owen in difficult conditions.' Rescuers headed into the national park after the Wittman Tailwind's wreckage was spotted from the air on Monday morning. Owen (pictured) and Robert had flown planes for more than 30 years before Sunday's crash The single-engine aircraft left Casino Airport in NSW about 2pm on Sunday but never reached its scheduled destination of Boonah in Queensland. A Westpac Rescue Helicopter found the crash site in rugged terrain in the Koreelah National Park on Monday morning, following a coordinated search. NSW police rescue and SES volunteers went to the area on foot, with officers arriving at the crash site about 3pm and confirming the two men had died. The Wittman Tailwind is constructed with a steel tubing fuselage, wooden wings and fabric covering. NSW police rescue and SES volunteers went to the area on foot, with officers arriving at the crash site about 3pm and confirming the two men had died Any investigation into the crash will be conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. The brothers pictured together with their 'flying machines' Homebuilders need to have their kit planes checked by an engineer and complete test flighst away from populated areas before they can be flown regularly, Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman Peter Gibson told AAP. 'It's a basic plane .. but it is regulated,' Mr Gibson said on Monday. Any investigation into the crash will be conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. It's likely the bureau will examine if weather conditions or poor visibility played a part in the crash. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 13, 2020 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Lawson Products Inc. LAWS, Crawford United Corp. CRAWA, SPX FLOW Inc. FLOW, Graphic Packaging Holding Co. GPK and DXP Enterprises Inc. DXPE. Here are highlights from Fridays Analyst Blog: 5 Industrial Stocks Set to Surge in 2020 After a Solid 2019 The industrial sector performed impressively in 2019 despite the fact that the U.S. economy is yet to recover from trade-related jitters. The economy has also lost its pace although it is growing for the 11th year on the trot. In spite of these negatives, several industrial stocks skyrocketed in 2019. Some of those stocks still carry strong growth potential for 2020. Tarde War Hurts Business Spending Lingering trade conflict with China has resulted in tariff war wherein duties have been levied on hundreds of billion dollars on each others goods. The U.S. government has already levied 25% tariff on more than $300 billion of Chinese goods mostly used as cheap inputs for the technology and industrial sectors. On the other hand, China imposed tariffs on more than $100 billion U.S. products mainly from the agricultural sector. Imposition of tariff on China-made low-cost intermediary products raised the input cost of U.S. manufacturers. Consequently U.S. business spending dropped significantly in 2019. The Institute of Supply Management reported that U.S. manufacturing activities contracted the most in December 2019 in more than a decade. Industrial Sector Shines Despite Headwinds Despite several headwinds, industrial stocks have performed quite strongly in 2019. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR (XLI), one of the 11 broad sectors of the S&P 500 Index, rallied nearly 29% in 2019, in line with the benchmark indexs gain. Notably, the XLI has started 2020 from where it ended in 2019 as it is already up 2.3% in the first six trading days. Story continues Interim Trade Deal: A Major Driver Chinese officials are set to arrive in Washington on Jan 13 in order to sign an interim trade pact known as the phase-one trade deal. Last week, Donald Trump said that he will sign the preliminary trade deal on Jan 15. The deal is expected to at least prevent further escalation of tariff war between the two largest trading countries of the world. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the deal will address intellectual-property disputes along with strong enforcement provisions and financial services and currency issues in addition to tariff rollback and higher agricultural purchase. Notably, China has reportedly agreed to substantially raise its agricultural imports from the United States to $40 billion. On Dec 23, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinas cabinet has agreed to lower tariffs for all trading partners on more than 859 types of products including pharmaceuticals, frozen pork and some high-tech components to below the rates that the most-favored nations enjoy. A defusing of U.S.-China trade tussle will not only help these two countries, but also revive the global economy, especially the emerging markets and the sagging Eurozone. This in turn will raise demand for U.S. exports, particularly its manufacturing and high-tech products. Our Top Picks In line with this impressive trend, we have narrowed down our search to five industrial stocks that skyrocketed in 2019 and still have upside left. Each of our picks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Lawson Products Inc.distributes products and services to the industrial, commercial, institutional, and government maintenance, repair, and operations marketplace in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It operates in two segments, Lawson and Bolt. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 59.3% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 5.1% over the last 60 days. The stock has rallied 100% in the past year. Crawford United Corp. develops and manufactures products primarily for healthcare, education, automotive, aerospace, trucking and petrochemical industries. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 12.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 5.3% over the last 60 days. The stock has jumped 93.1% in the past year. SPX FLOW Inc.is a supplier of engineered flow components, process equipment and turn-key systems, along with the related aftermarket parts and services. Its operating segment consists of Food and Beverage, Power and Energy and Industrial. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 9.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 1% over the last 60 days. The stock has climbed 50.5% in the past year. Graphic Packaging Holding Co.provides paper-based packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice and other consumer products companies. It operates through three segments: Paperboard Mills, Americas Paperboard Packaging, and Europe Paperboard Packaging. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 13.1% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 1% over the last 60 days. The stock has soared 38.9% in the past year. DXP Enterprises Inc.is engaged in distributing maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products, equipment, and services to energy and industrial customers in the United States. It operates in three segments: Service Centers, Supply Chain Services and Innovative Pumping Solutions. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 10.5% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 2.2% over the last 60 days. The stock has advanced 22.9% in the past year. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. 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 Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) : Free Stock Analysis Report SPX FLOW, Inc. (FLOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report DXP Enterprises, Inc. (DXPE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lawson Products, Inc. (LAWS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hickok Inc. (CRAWA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A suspected drunk driver has admitted to causing a crash that killed a man and his teenage daughter in the Mines Road area in July 2018, according to the Webb County District Attorneys Office. READ MORE: 23-year-old Laredo man dies in first fatal crash of 2020 Jose Guadalupe Perez Jr., 47, pleaded guilty on Friday to two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle before 49th District Court Judge Joe Lopez. The prosecution said he is expected to serve 20 years in prison. His sentencing is on Valentines Day. The case unraveled at about 10:26 p.m. July 13, 2018. Perez was operating a Dodge Ram and was traveling north in the 9300 block of FM 1472. He then failed to control speed and rear-ended a Kia Soul that was stationary at a light, states an arrest affidavit. The crash caused the death of the occupants of the Kia: Jesus R. Guerrero, 53, and his daughter Galilea Guerrero, 15. The driver of the Kia, 17-year-old Gerardo Guerrero, sustained non-life threatening injuries, according to the affidavit. Further investigation revealed that defendant, Jose Guadalupe Perez, was intoxicated as he admitted to police detectives that he was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, states the affidavit. Perez also sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was taken to Doctors Hospital for observation. At the hospital, medical staff removed his clothing to render aid and authorities discovered evidence relating to the crash. READ MORE: Six years ago today, a Laredo PD cruiser's wheels were stolen, sparking viral moment Police said they discovered a dollar bill with cocaine in his rear pocket. The substance had a total combined weight of 1.6 grams, states the affidavit. Perez was later airlifted to San Antonio Military Medical Center. Mumbai: The Bombay high court is expected to hear this month a petition filed by a 40-year-old man who has sought Rs 1.5 crore in compensation from his biological mother for allegedly abandoning him in Mumbai when he was two years old. According to the petitioner, the woman later refused to accept him as her son. Shrikant Sabnis had filed the suit in the high court last year and when the matter had come up for hearing in December 2019, the court had adjourned the hearing till January 13, 2020 at the request of the applicants lawyer. Mr Sabnis, a make-up artist by profession, has claimed in his petition that he underwent a life full of agony and mental trauma after being intentionally abandoned in an unknown city. He stated that for this, his biological mother and her second husband (his stepfather) should compensate him. According to Mr Sabnis, his mother was earlier married to Deepak Sabnis. The couple used to live in Pune and they had a child in February 1979. He also stated that his mother was ambitious and wanted to move to Mumbai to work in the film industry. In September 1981, she took the child along with her and left for the city. Once they reached Mumbai, however, the woman allegedly abandoned her son in a train and left, the plea alleged, adding that the child was found by a railway officer and sent to a childrens home. It is further claimed in the plea that in 1986, Mr Sabnis maternal grandmother succeeded in getting his legal custody. He initially lived with his grandmother, but was later brought up by his maternal aunt. The plea stated that in 2017, Mr Sabnis learnt about his biological mother. After procuring her number, he contacted her in September 2018 when she accepted he was her son and that she had to abandon him due to unavoidable circumstances. He later met his mother and her second husband, but they asked him not to disclose his real identity in front of their children, it said. The petitioner has now sought a direction from the court to his mother to declare that he is her son and that she had abandoned him when he was two years old as well as compensation. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Dive teams on Monday, Jan. 13, resumed the search for a Flushing girls body in Lake Michigan after she was swept off the pier Jan. 1 at Holland State Park. Eliza Trainer, 16, went missing after she and a friend, Kade Goodrich, 19, took a late-night walk on the pier. They were thrown into the water by a large wave, and she lost Goodrichs hold when another wave hit. Ottawa County sheriffs dive team will be joined by dive teams from state police and sheriffs departments in Allegan and Kent County. They will be searching near the pier. The weather light winds are expected provided a window of opportunity (for) for this search, Ottawa County Sheriffs Capt. Mark Bennett said. Trainer attended Flushing High School in the Flint area. The search for her has been hampered by bad weather. Meanwhile, police continue to search for Hunter Klompstra, 18, of Coopersville, who went missing Jan. 1 after leaving a friends party in the 6100 block Leonard Street. He left the party on foot around 2 a.m. The Ottawa County sheriffs dive team, along with state police, searched the Grand River near Eastmanville on Friday, Jan. 10, but did not find anything. The search for Klompstra will continue, police said. NeNe Leakes had to be restrained from fighting Kenya Moore on Sunday's episode of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. Security personnel had to separate NeNe, 52, and Kenya, 48, as Snakegate erupted into a near brawl during a group trip to Toronto. 'You shut the f*** up! You shut the f***up! You got the wrong motherf***ing bitch,' NeNe shouted after Kenya pointed her finger at her. 'I will f*** you up'. Getting physical: NeNe Leakes had to be restrained from going after Kenya Moore on Sunday's episode of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta 'Let me tell you something. You better not ever point your motherf***ing finger at me, b****,' NeNe continued screaming as Kenya fled. 'I ain't going nowhere!' As Kenya headed to the elevator, NeNe gave chase, saying, 'B****, hell no. Let me tell you something'. Tensions started to rise after Cynthia Bailey, 52, was determined to find out the identity of the 'snake' who allegedly recorded her badmouthing NeNe. Cynthia, Kenya, Porsha Williams, Eva Marcille and Kandi Burruss tried to figure out the snake during the group trip to Toronto. Finger point: Kenya pointed a finger in NeNe's face as they furiously argued with each other Kenya suggested they ambush Housewives friend Gail 'Yovanna' Momplaisir by pretending they already knew she was the snake. Porsha and Kenya gave Oscar-worthy acting performances while trying to deceive Yovanna, but Marlo Hampton revealed their ruse. 'She's lying,' Marlo said. 'I want to be amongst women who tell the truth'. Snake search: Cynthia Bailey was on the hunt for the 'snake' in their group who allegedly recorded her badmouthing NeNe Talented actresses: Kenya and Porsha Williams gave Oscar-worthy performances as they pretended to know the identity of the snake Not true: Gail 'Yovanna' Momplaisir was told by Kenya and Porsha that everyone knew she was the snake, but Marlo Hampton ruined the ruse Being honest: Marlo said she wanted to be among women who tell the truth Yovanna declared her innocence about the same time that NeNe arrived with one of her breasts hanging out. Kenya shut down Yovanna after she called them all fake and Cynthia flat-out asked Yovanna if she made the recording, which she denied. NeNe backtracked and said she didn't think anybody recorded Cynthia, while claiming audio existed. Helping out: NeNe entered the room with a breast hanging out, but Yovanna helped her cover up Marlo interjected and Cynthia told her it was a 'serious situation' before they started shouting at each other. 'Sit your a** down, Bob Marley,' Marlo told Cynthia. 'I should have known your a** ain't motherf***ing changed,' Cynthia told Marlo. Name calling: Marlo told Cynthia to sit down and called her 'Bob Marley' Nothing changed: Cynthia said that she should have known that Marlo hasn't changed Kenya stood up and asked for the truth and NeNe said there was audio but would not identify who has it. 'I call bulls***,' Kandi said in a confessional. Kenya was convinced that it was Yovanna, who denied it once again, but NeNe in a confessional said Yovanna had information. Begged her: NeNe was begged by tearful Cynthia to tell her who recorded her, but she declined Porsha scolded Yovanna for calling them fake and she countered by saying the snake was her man Dennis McKinley. Porsha rose from her seat and challenged Yovannas as Cynthia fled the room. NeNe gave chase and told Cynthia that she deserved to know the truth, while Porsha was still screaming at Yovanna. Low blow: Porsha scolded Yovanna for calling them fake and she countered by saying the snake was her man Dennis McKinley who cheated on Porsha while she was pregnant 'I'm not your motherf***ing girlfriend, b****. With your horrible motherf***ing wig, I'm not your friend,' Porsha told Yovanna. Cynthia begged NeNe to tell her who did it, but NeNe refused. Kenya defended Cynthia claiming NeNe made the entire thing up to make Cynthia look bad. Not friends: The reality star made it clear that she was not friends with Yovanna NeNe also talked in the hallway with Yovanna who complained that she was being ganged up on. Yovanna came back in the room with NeNe, but Porsha chased her out. NeNe tried to talked to Cynthia, but Kenya told her she should have said it earlier. Hallway talk: NeNe also talked in the hallway with Yovanna who complained that she was being ganged up on Speaking up: NeNe tried to talked to Cynthia, but Kenya told her she should have said it earlier Held back: Marlo held back NeNe with the help of security as she tried to go after Kenya Wardrobe malfunction: NeNe was dealing with malfunctioning wardrobe throughout the drama 'Kenya, you shut the f*** up, b****,' NeNe responded setting off a flurry of insults and the nearly physical confrontation. Tanya missed all the drama, but got a rundown from NeNe before she left with Yovanna. The women participated in the Toronto carnival wearing skimpy outfits and dancing in the streets. Good times: The women participated in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival wearing skimpy outfits and dancing in the streets Colorful outfits: Cynthia shined in her silver outfit with colorful feathers Carnvial fun: The carnival featured people dancing together in the streets They later had a group dinner where Marlo apologized to Cynthia for their argument. 'I cussed you out cause you pissed me off,' Cynthia said before accepting her apology. Tanya said her life was 'completely perfect' with her boyfriend prompting Kenya to play 'devil's advocate'. Apology offered: Marlo apologized at dinner to Cynthia who admitted she cussed her out after becoming angry She asked if they would want to know if someone in their group knew their man was cheating on them. Cynthia in a confessional noted that she and Kenya were privy to information about Tanya's boyfriend Paul flirting with another woman. 'I know Kenya is shady, but even for Kenya, it's like, girl,' Cynthia said. Devil's advocate: Kenya played devil's advocate during dinner and asked if they would want to know if someone in their group knew their man was cheating on them Good question: A producer asked Kenya why she asked the question after learning that Tanya's boyfriend Paul flirted with another woman Shady question: Tanya was unaware that Kenya had inside information before asking the question The episode opened with Dennis surprising Porsha in Toronto and getting down on both knees to propose to her again. Porsha accepted and told her friends that she was willing to fight to keep her family together after he cheated on her while she was pregnant with their daughter PJ. Marlo later asked about the rumors floating around about Dennis and bestiality and Porsha firmly denied them. 'I wasn't gonna take none of my puppies around him if it was!,' Marlo quipped. The Real Housewives Of Atlanta will return next week on Bravo. Surprise visit: The episode opened with Dennis surprising Porsha in Toronto and getting down on both knees to propose to her again Both knees: Dennis got down on both knees and proposed to Porsha again after cheating on her while she was pregnant The ring: Porsha showed off her engagement ring for the second time after getting re-engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to communicate privately via WhatsApp during todays unprecedented summit, it has been claimed. Harry, 35, will join the Queen, 93, Prince Charles, 71, and Prince William, 37, for crunch talks about his future in a matter of hours at Sandringham. Meghan, 38, who reportedly flew to Canada a few days ago, is said to hope to take part in the meeting via a conference call. And it is claimed the former actress will use the popular phone messaging app to exchange strategies with her husband. A royal source claimed to The Sun: They want to be able to chat one-to-one as the main players delve into the nitty-gritty of their breakaway. The extraordinary negotiations come after the couple announced they would be stepping back as senior royals and plan to become financially independant. Meanwhile, the Queen is to chair todays crisis talks as she joins her family to thrash out a plan for Harry and Meghan. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates The second phase of closures for the installation of a sign bridge began Sunday night. The ramp from North Alberta Street to Interstate 5 northbound is now closed all hours and days through Sunday, Jan. 19. Crews will be installing a sign bridge that will span both directions of I-5. The bridge will eventually support a new Oregon Department of Transportation RealTime traveler advisory sign. See map below for the detour route. Detour route map for the Alberta Street ramp closure to I-5 north. *** NORTHEAST PORTLAND 8:35 a.m.: Crash on Northeast Columbia Boulevard at 60th Avenue. *** RALEIGH HILLS 7:50 a.m.: Crash on Southwest Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway at 42nd Avenue. *** OR 217 AT SUNSET HIGHWAY 7:05 a.m. A several vehicle crash is blocking the left and center lanes of U.S. 26 EB at OR 217. Update 8:13 a.m.: Cleared. #pdxtraffic Big mess on U.S. 26 EB near 217 where several vehicles have crashed, blocking the center lanes. pic.twitter.com/BrL32jyVHW PDX Traffic Alerts (@TrafficPortland) January 13, 2020 *** SUNSET HIGHWAY 6:54 a.m.: Crash on U.S. 26 eastbound just after the Oregon Zoo is blocking the left lane. Traffic backing up to the cemetery. Update 7:15 a.m.: Cleared. *** With some chances for snow in the forecast, TriMet reminds riders that nearly 75% of the fleets buses have drop-down chains that can be deployed on demand. Crews work around the clock to monitor road conditions. If you normally ride a line that travels through hilly areas, check your route information for any alerts for slick conditions. Remember that buses using chains must slow to 25 mph and schedules will be delayed. Some greater Portland/Vancouver area schools have buses on snow routes. File photo Some greater Portland/Vancouver area schools have buses on snow routes Monday morning, and in the Columbia River Gorge, some schools are on delayed opening for snow. Check The Oregonian/Oregonlive.coms school delays and closures page for updated information. The Portland Water Bureau had planned on closing lanes for street paving Monday-Tuesday along Southwest Naito Parkway from Harrison to Market streets. The work is weather dependent and needs a certain temperature for best results. No word on if the planned work will begin 9 a.m. Monday. The project is a continuation of work on the Water Bureaus Willamette River Crossing Project which began in October 2019 and will continue through the spring of 2020. Watch for lane closures and delays in the area 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Tuesday. Outside of the metro area, winter weather has made driving hazardous across the mountains. U.S. 26 over Mount Hood was closed for a time Saturday due to a tree that fell onto a road sign that then fell into the highway. Oregon 230 near Union Creek is closed due to hazardous trees leaning over the highway. The closure is from Oregon 138 near Diamond Lake to the Oregon 230/62 intersection near Union Creek. Drivers should use alternate routes and be prepared for winter driving conditions. There's no estimated time for reopening. Hazardous trees have closed OR 230 near Union Creek. Photo courtesy of ODOT Check with TripCheck.org for the latest in road conditions throughout Oregon. Check back throughout the morning for the latest commuting updates and follow us on Twitter: @trafficportland PM statement on Iran plane crash Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement on the Iran plane crash. 11 January 2020 Iran's admission that Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by mistake by its own armed forces is an important first step. This will be an incredibly difficult time for all those families who lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances. We will do everything we can to support the families of the four British victims and ensure they get the answers and closure they deserve. We now need a comprehensive, transparent and independent international investigation and the repatriation of those who died. The UK will work closely with Canada, Ukraine and our other international partners affected by this accident to ensure this happens. This tragic accident only reinforces the importance of de-escalating tensions in the region. We can all see very clearly that further conflict will only lead to more loss and tragedy. It is vital that all leaders now pursue a diplomatic way forward. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Virginia Army National Guard officer who left his post in an armored vehicle during military training at Fort Pickett and led police on a 65-mile pursuit ending in downtown Richmond has been given a conditional release. In August, Joshua Yabut, 31, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and violating the terms of his bond in Nottoway County Circuit Court. On Friday, a judge ordered his release contingent on several restrictions, which Nottoway Commonwealths Attorney Leanne Watrous did not detail in a press release. The order stipulates that at least every six months "reports on his progress and adjustment in the community be submitted to the court", that Yabut cannot possess or own any firearms, and that he must seek the court's OK to the leave the state. "If at any time the court finds reasonable grounds to believe that Yabut has violated the conditions of release, or is no longer a proper subject for conditional release, and that he requires inpatient hospitalization, the court may order an evaluation and may revoke his conditional release, or hold him in contempt for violation of the conditional release plan," Watrous said in the release. According to mental health experts Watrous cited during the plea hearing last summer, Yabut was delusional on June 5, 2018, when he drove a nearly 12-ton armored vehicle off of Fort Pickett in Nottoway County. The first lieutenant told psychologists after his arrest that he believed he had been given orders to carry out a "confidential mission," Watrous told the court. Yabut believed that Fort Pickett military personnel and state police were "all part of the ruse," the prosecutor said. Records showed Yabut has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. Two hours and 65 miles later, he was apprehended after stopping the M577 - an unarmed, tracked command post vehicle - near Capitol Square on Broad Street. The episode earned him local fame and the nickname "Tank Man," although the vehicle he took wasn't technically a tank. His delusional state apparently persisted after he was released on bond. Yabut traveled to Iraq in January 2019, violating the terms of his bond. He told a clinical psychologist that he was acting under the belief that "once he got there, he would solve everything," Watrous said in her summary. After his insanity plea, Yabut was sent to Central State Hospital, where he was evaluated to determine whether he should be committed indefinitely or released with conditions. Yabut still faces a more serious charge of eluding police in Richmond. Two other charges, including driving under the influence of drugs, were dropped earlier, and his case in Richmond Circuit Court was moved to the mental health docket. He was last in court in December; no future date has been set. Yabut was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 with the Illinois National Guard and remains a member of the Virginia Guard, which according to a spokesman, is waiting until any civilian criminal charges are adjudicated until deciding whether to take any military disciplinary action. SANDRINGHAM, England Queen Elizabeth II agreed Monday to grant Prince Harry and and his wife Meghan their wish for a more independent life, allowing them to move part-time to Canada while remaining firmly in the House of Windsor. The British monarch said in a statement that the summit of senior royals on Monday was constructive, and that it had been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend time in Canada and Britain. The summit at the queens Sandringham estate in eastern England marked the first face-to-face talks with Harry since he and Meghan unveiled the controversial plan to step back from their royal roles. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family, the queen said in a statement. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. One of the more fraught questions that needs to be worked out is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent and what activities can be undertaken to make money. Other royals who have ventured into the world of commerce have found it complicated. Prince Andrew, for example, has faced heated questions about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, the queens second son, has relinquished royal duties and patronages after being accused by a woman who says she was an Epstein trafficking victim who slept with the prince. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also face questions on paying for taxpayer-funded security. Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment, but said safety was a priority. There were signs earlier in the day that the House of Windsor had moved to unite. Princes William and Harry issued a joint statement criticizing a newspaper article on the severe strain in their relationship, calling the story offensive. Though the statement didnt name the newspaper, the Times of London had a front page story about the crisis in which a source alleged that Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by the bullying attitude from William. The joint statement insisted that the story was false. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful, the statement said. Frank Augstein and Danica Kirka are Associated Press writers. BIG RAPIDS After receiving a news release about the latest scam, Mecosta County Treasurer Sherry Earnest hopes to keep residents informed and secure as they deal with state tax debt. "Property taxes are stressful and confusing enough without scammers trying to rob our property owners," she said. Earnest refers to a news release sent out by the Michigan Department of Treasury informing Michigan taxpayers about an aggressive scam making the rounds through the U.S. Postal Service. "In the scheme, taxpayers receive what appears to be a government-looking letter about an overdue tax bill, asking individuals to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve a state tax debt," the release stated. "The letter aggressively threatens to seize a taxpayers assets including property and Social Security benefits if the state tax debt is not settled." Described as a "tricky scam" by Deputy State Treasurer Ann Good, the piece of correspondence appears credible to the taxpayer because it uses specific personal facts about their real outstanding tax debt thats pulled directly from publicly available information. The scammers letter attempts to lure the taxpayer into a situation where they could make a payment to a criminal. The release goes on to encourages taxpayers to remember their rights and to contact the Treasury through a verified number, should they have questions about outstanding state tax debt or if they believe they have received a letter from a scammer. The number for the Treasury's Collections Service Center is 517-636-5265. "I would like to let the public know that they can call my office or the Michigan Department of Treasury if they receive any notices that pertain to their property taxes," Earnest said. "We are here to help, not take their property." The County Treasurers Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, inside the Mecosta County Courthouse, 400 Elm St., Big Rapids. To learn more about Michigans taxes and the collections process, go to michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury. Porsha Williams from Real Housewives of Atlanta has had a tumultuous year in her relationship with Dennis McKinley. All in the same year they got engaged, she gave birth to their daughter, she found out he had cheated on her while she was pregnant, they broke their engagement, he went through counseling, and they got re-engaged. After all that drama, the couple had to decide when to go through with the wedding. Fans believed that it wouldnt happen for several months, but now theyre not so sure. Getting married may just be the first thing Williams and McKinley did in 2020. Porsha Williams | Paras Griffin/Getty Images Why people think they might have chosen January 1 After they got their engagement back on track, viewers thought that the couple would tie the knot in the summer. This plan had two advantages: first, it allowed plenty of time to plan a gorgeous event. Second, Williams would be able to have her wedding before Cynthia Bailey. But back when they got engaged the first time, in April of 2019, they had picked a much sooner date. It was revealed on RHOA that they planned to get married on January 1. That day was their first choice from the beginning, and now it looks like they may have just gone through with their original plan. Lots of hints that they did it The happy couple has not said a word about getting married. However, eagle-eyed fans have picked up lots of clues that suggest that they did. First, McKinley was seen coming out of Atlantas City Hall on December 5. People suspect he was there to get a marriage license, and if so, the clock was ticking. A marriage license would only be valid for 30 days. Next, there were posts on social media that made people wonder. The couple and their gorgeous daughter went to Mexico to ring in the new year. That might not seem unusual, but some important people were there. Williams mom was with them which would be important if there was about to be a wedding. On top of that, Williams dear friend Monique Samuels, from Real Housewives of Potomac was there with her family too. Its possible that she and her husband Chris joined them to be witnesses for the wedding. Finally, McKinley posted an emotional message on Instagram, taking responsibility for hurting Williams family with his bad behavior. He thanked her sister Lauren for showing forgiveness. Any groom who had messed up as badly as McKinley did would want to make things right with his brides family before the big day. Why they might be keeping it a secret But if all these hints actually mean that they got married, why is it such a big secret? After all, its not like they are camera-shy. If they tied the knot, where are all the pictures of the dress and the flowers? Where are all the details? Williams said just a few months ago that she hoped her wedding would be on television. If Bravo filmed the event to show it later, the network would have required everyone involved to keep the event a secret. Going by something McKinley on said Instagram, that may be exactly whats happening. On one post he added a hashtag that reads #BackAfterTheInstagramBan. It seems that fans are going to be kept in the dark for a little while longer. If Williams and McKinley did get married on January 1, it was surely a beautiful event. People will be watching to see there is going to be a special on Bravo about their wedding, and if so, plenty of viewers are sure to tune in to catch every detail. WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - A man charged in a bloody attack at a Hanukkah celebration may need attorneys specializing in death penalty cases if a stabbing victim dies, a judge said Monday. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel raised the subject during a court hearing for Grafton Thomas after he pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges. Thomas was arrested hours after five people were stabbed at an attack at a rabbis home in Monsey, an Orthodox Jewish community north of New York City. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Krouse said that if any of the victims dies, prosecutors will consult with Justice Department officials in Washington before deciding whether to seek the death penalty. One victim remains in a coma. Seibel said she would appoint lawyers specializing in death penalty cases to help with the defence as soon as possible, if it becomes likely that charges could be upgraded to include a death penalty request. Michael Sussman, an attorney who represents Thomas, said hell consider asking the judge by Jan. 27 to conclude his client is psychologically unfit for trial. He said a defence expert will visit Thomas a third and final time Friday and then prepare a report. Krouse said prosecutors would like to have Thomas evaluated by a psychology professional of their own choosing if Sussman wants to prove Thomas is unable to understand the charges against him. Authorities say Thomas had kept handwritten journals with anti-Semitic references and had used his phone to look up information on Hitler. Krouse said journals and writings were seized from two residences. He said two machetes and two knives were found in separate vehicles in the probe. Meanwhile, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday he directed up to $340,000 to install license plate readers on roads in and around Monsey. Police arrested Thomas within two hours of the attack, and authorities have credited a license plate reader with helping catch him. Cuomo, who also announced $340,000 to put in license plate readers for the village of New Square, praised the technology and said painful lessons have been learned from the Monsey attack. We will do everything in our power, on every level, to make sure this horrific act doesnt happen again, Cuomo, accompanied by community leaders, said at a news conference in Rockland County. Cuomo plans to update the New York State Polices network of license plate readers. The upgrades, he said, will reduce the time it takes authorities to locate missing people, crime suspects and people who have a warrant seeking their arrest. Hundreds of Iranian protesters have burned British flags outside the UK embassy and chanted: Death to England. Some in the crowds held placards reading Down with England outside the British embassy in Tehran on Sunday following the brief arrest of the UKs ambassador to Iran. British and Israeli flags were set alight by protesters as tensions continue to escalate following the US assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani earlier this month. The British ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, was arrested after being caught up in a demonstration in Tehrans Amir Kabir University. Mr Macaire says he was attending a vigil for the 176 killed in a plane crash near Tehran last week. Iran has admitted it shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet by mistake. Protesters chant slogans and hold up posters of General Qassem Soleimani while burning a British flag outside the UK embassy in Tehran on Sunday (Picture: Getty) Iranian protesters called for the ambassador to be expelled and the embassy to be closed. On Monday, Iran's ambassador to the UK was summoned by the Foreign Office in response to the "unacceptable" arrest of the British ambassador in Tehran, Downing Street said. The prime minister's official spokesman said: "In relation to the arrest of the UK's ambassador over the weekend, I would say this was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna Convention and it needs to be investigated. An Iranian protester holds a "Down with England" placard outside the British embassy in Tehran on Sunday (Picture: AFP/Getty) A Union Jack is set alight outside the British embassy in Tehran (Picture: AFP/Getty) "We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian Government that this will never happen again. "The FCO has summoned the Iranian ambassador today to convey our strong objections." A separate set of Iranian demonstrators defied a heavy police presence to protest against their country's days of denials that it shot down the Ukrainian plane. Read more Iran deploys riot police as protests swell over Ukraine plane missile strike Prince William says he can no longer 'put his arm around' Harry ahead of crisis talks Reynhard Sinaga: Serial rapist's mother says he is 'still my baby' Videos posted online showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans and moving through rail stations and pavements in Tehran, many near Azadi, or Freedom, Square after an earlier call for people to demonstrate there. Story continues Other videos suggested similar protests were taking place in other Iranian cities. Meanwhile, in an emotional speech before parliament, the head of the Revolutionary Guard apologised for the shootdown and insisted it was a tragic mistake. Iranians gather to take part in an anti-government protest around Azadi square in Tehran, Iran on Sunday (Picture: Getty) "I swear to almighty God that I wished I was on that plane and had crashed with them and burned but had not witnessed this tragic incident," said Gen Hossein Salami. "I have never been this embarrassed in my entire life. Never." Riot police in black uniforms and helmets earlier massed in Vali-e Asr Square, at Tehran University and other landmarks. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes, and plainclothes security men were also out in force. Protesters prepare to burn Israeli and British flags outside the UK embassy in Tehran on Sunday (Picture: Getty) The plane crash early on Wednesday killed everyone on board, mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians. Three British citizens were on board. After initially pointing to a technical failure and insisting the armed forces were not to blame, authorities on Saturday admitted to accidentally shooting it down in the face of mounting evidence and accusations by Western leaders. Iran downed the flight as it braced for possible American retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing US forces. The missile attack, which caused no casualties, was a response to the killing of General Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a US air strike in Baghdad. Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the plane and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the wake of the tragedy. They are also mourning the dead, which included many young people who were studying abroad. To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 US president Donald Trump, who has expressed support for past waves of anti-government demonstrations in Iran, addressed the country's leaders in a tweet, saying "DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS." "The World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching," he tweeted. Thanks for the many goodwill messages. Can confirm I wasnt taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects- some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting. Rob Macaire (@HMATehran) January 12, 2020 Mr Macaire said went to the vigil for the victims of the plane crash without knowing it would turn into a protest. "Can confirm I wasn't taking part in any demonstrations, he tweeted. "Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects - some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting." He said he was arrested 30 minutes after leaving the area. -Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK- The furious diplomatic row between the UK and Iran deepened today after police in Tehran released footage of Britain's ambassador shortly before he was arrested. Rob Macaire was briefly detained in the Iranian capital on Saturday as he was accused of attending an illegal anti-government protest. Mr Macaire said he had been attending a vigil for the people who died after the Iranian regime accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet last week. He insisted he left the event when it began to turn into a protest. The release of the footage came as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Iran's ambassador to the UK, Hamid Baeidinejad, was being summoned to explain why Mr Macaire was arrested. Mr Raab told the Commons that the detention was a 'flagrant violation of international law'. He said the UK was demanding an apology and 'full assurances this will not happen again'. Footage released by police in Iran today appeared to show Rob Macaire, pictured left, shortly before he was arrested on Saturday Mr Macaire, Britain's ambassador to Iran, (left) said he was attending a vigil and not a protest Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the UK pictured in March 2018, has been summoned by the Foreign Office to answer questions about Mr Macaire's arrest Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the Commons that the detention was a 'flagrant violation of international law' Earlier, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'What happened was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna Convention.' The 1961 Vienna Convention sets out the terms of modern diplomatic immunity and is supposed to ensure a country's accredited representatives are not harassed or prevented from doing their work by the nation hosting them. Mr Macaire was called into the Iranian foreign ministry on Sunday to address what the regime described as his 'illegal and inappropriate presence' at an anti-government protest. He was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after being arrested by police as demonstrations broke out in Tehran over the downing of the Ukrainian airliner last week. The move threatened to further escalate the diplomatic row between London and Tehran after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab denounced Mr Macaire's detention as a 'flagrant violation' of international law. Mr Macaire denied he had been taking part in anti-government demonstrations. He said he had been attending a vigil for the victims of Flight PS752, when protests broke out and he left. 'Can confirm I wasn't taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of PS752 tragedy,' he tweeted. 'Normal to want to pay respects - some of victims were British. I left after five minutes, when some started chanting.' Mr Macaire said that he was arrested 30 minutes after leaving the area, although he was swiftly released by police. Mr Raab told the Commons today: 'Let me be very clear about this. 'He was not attending or recording a political protest or demonstration. 'His arrest later that day, without grounds or explanation, was a flagrant violation of international law. 'In response, we today will be summoning the Iranian ambassador to demand an apology and seek full assurances this will not happen again. 'Given the treatment of the Ambassador, we are keeping security measures for the Embassy under review.' Dozens of Iranian hard-liners were reported to have subsequently gathered outside the British embassy, chanting 'Death to England' and calling for the ambassador to be expelled. Mr Baeidinejad tweeted yesterday that Mr Macaire was released as soon as his status as a diplomat became apparent. 'As the Iranian high official has formally announced, the moment the police has been informed of the identity of the UK Ambassador, he has been freed,' he said. Mr Baeidinejad tweeted yesterday that Mr Macaire was released as soon as he was revealed to be a foreign diplomat There were protests outside the British embassy in Tehran on Sunday amid rising tensions with the US and UK. The Iranian regime also faced anti-government protests after admitting it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet The semi-official Tasnim news agency today published police footage of Mr Macaire apparently recorded shortly before he was arrested. The news agency claimed the footage showed Mr Macaire 'and his companion attending an illegal gathering in Tehran'. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier said on its Telegram channel that the UK ambassador had been summoned to answer questions over his 'illegal and inappropriate presence' at protests. The Foreign Office confirmed that Mr Macaire had been called in. He was said to have protested strongly that his detention had been unjustified and that it was 'completely untrue' to say he had been involved in the protests. Diplomatic convention dictates that ambassadors must steer clear of promoting or advocating disruptive action against their host nation. The authorities in Iran remain on standby for further demonstrations after the Revolutionary Guard admitted accidentally shooting down the Ukrainian jet with the loss of all 176 people on board. The Bakken has created tremendous progress for North Dakota. It has reinvigorated communities, boosted tax revenues, and created thousands of jobs. But the ultimate goal of all this progress is not just to generate more revenue or jobs -- it's to create thriving communities. I recently spoke at the API Petroleum Banquet in Williston, where I shared with attendees the importance of getting new employees and their families engaged in the community. I had with me as guests several remarkably impressive Watford City High School students. I had been working with these students to help create lasting connections between the Bakken workforce and the community. These student guests of mine are prime examples of the good that comes when professionals engage with the community and its future generations. Take Peyton, a senior at WCHS. Peyton participates in a work experience program at a local energy company where he is learning about a potential future career. Another student, Taylor, shared with us how she is active with the Census 2020 Complete Count Committee, and how she will be educating our local workforce on the importance of being counted. Hailey, another guest of mine, talked about the Students Against Destructive Decisions program in which she participates. She collaborates with our workforce on topics such as suicide prevention and alcohol abuse to help build awareness of these issues in the community. After speaking with these students, several oilfield workers told me, "I like that we're partnering with the school!" These students are great examples of what industry professionals can do when they become active and engaged in our communities. Because of Bakken companies and employees connecting with the community, we are influencing the next generation of North Dakotans in a positive way, and creating thriving communities that will flourish long into the future. Patrick Bertagnolli, Watford City Love 5 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Shares of Yes Bank slumped 6.25% to Rs 42, extending losses for second straight session. The scrip has lost 11.20% in two sessions from its close of Rs 47.30 recorded on 9 January 2019. Yes Bank announced after trading hours on Friday, 10 January 2020, that it has received the resignation of Uttam Prakash Agarwal, an independent director and chairman of the audit committee of the board of the bank. In his resignation letter, Agarwal has made certain observations on the bank's governance and the same shall be duly examined by the board. The bank clarified that it was reviewing the 'fit and proper' status of Agarwal as directed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In this respect, the bank had obtained legal opinions from eminent jurists. These opinions were to be considered by the nomination and remuneration committee of the board/the board of the bank in their meeting held on 10 January 2020. However, prior to the commencement of the proceedings of these meetings, the bank received the resignation of Agarwal. In a separate announcement after trading hours on Friday, Yes Bank said that its board approved raising upto Rs 10,000 crore, in one or more tranches, through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP)/ Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)/ American Depository Receipts (ADRs)/ Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs)/ or any other methods on private placement basis. Further, the Bank's board decided to not proceed with the proposed investment offer of Erwin Singh Braich/SPGP Holdings, while it is open to considering the $500 million offer from Citax Holdings and Citax Investment Group. The final decision will be taken in the next board meeting. In November 2019, the bank said that various investors have expressed willingness to subscribe to equity shares of the bank. Among the institutional investors, a top-tier US Fund House, Discovery Capital and Ward Ferry expressed interest in acquiring fresh stake in the bank. Aditya Birla Family Office, Citax Holdings & Citax Investment Group, GMR Group and Associates, Erwin Singh Braich I SPGP Holdings and Rekha Jhunjhunwala are the five family offices that have expressed interest in subscribing to the equity of the bank. None of the investors will be allotted equity shares such that their holding exceeds 25% of the share capital of the bank. Meanwhile, a global brokerage has maintained 'underweight' rating on the stock with a target price at Rs 25 per share. The brokerage stated that the uncertainty around the quantum and pricing of capital raising continues. The elevated asset quality stress will weigh on the stock price, it added. The private lender 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. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An alleged serial thief "cleaned out" stores in Belfast in a bid to clear his drugs debt, the High Court heard today. Paul Campbell, 28, is accused of stealing more than 4,300 worth of perfume in repeated raids on Debenhams. He is further charged with taking clothing valued at nearly 1,000 from a branch of Marks & Spencer. Campbell, of Pilot Street in the city, also allegedly targeted Asda, Superdrug, Homebase and H&M. Razor blades worth 924 in total, two televisions valued at 798, speakers costing 400, and power washers selling at just over 1,000 all formed part of his crime spree, according to the prosecution case. Campbell faces a total of 19 counts of theft over a period between July and December 2019. He is also charged with burglary and possession of Pregabalin drugs. During a bail application Mr Justice McAlinden noted: "He seems to like perfumes of various types." Defence barrister John O'Connor told the court the alleged thefts were linked to a drugs debt. Campbell was instructed by a gang to steal amounts of a particular fragrance or a rack of coats to "wipe out" some of what was owed, he contended. At one stage the accused was attacked and sustained severe mouth injuries. But according to counsel he has since been informed that the debt is no longer outstanding. The judge then asked: "To fund his drug problem and pay off his debt he was engaged in cleaning out various Belfast stores? "In essence what you're saying is the risk of re-offending is reduced because he had a bit of a battering and paid back some of the money and they are no longer looking for him." Adjourning the bail application, he indicated that all Magistrates' Court proceedings should be dealt with before any decision is made about releasing Campbell. Several claims filed in U.S. District Court in California on Monday allege that crew and owner negligence were responsible for the wrongful deaths on board the Conception, a well-known and popular vessel that had ferried generations of divers and sightseers to coastal spots off Santa Barbara since the early 1980s. The Sept. 2 overnight fire in the galley area killed everyone who was sleeping below deck during the Labor Day weekend trip the only survivors were the captain and four crew members who had been in a sleeping area above. Senator Cory Booker announced Monday that he is suspending his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. I got in this race to win, and Ive always said I wouldnt continue if there was no longer a path to victory, the New Jersey senator said in a statement. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington. Its with a full heart that I share this newsIm suspending my campaign for president. To my team, supporters, and everyone who gave me a shotthank you. I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together. pic.twitter.com/Fxvc549vlJ Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 13, 2020 Booker had struggled to gain traction in polls, where he remained in the lower single digits, and failed to qualify for Tuesdays Democratic debate, the last before the Iowa caucuses. He ran on a platform of rebuilding the Obama coalition and focused heavily on issues that affect large cities, including lightening punishments for nonviolent drug offenders. He also proposed baby bonds, or government savings accounts for every child born in the U.S., and a national gun licensing program. His departure leaves only one remaining African-American candidate in the race, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. So now I recommit myself to the work, Mr. Booker said in his video announcement, adding that he will support whoever eventually snags the Democratic 2020 nomination. I cant wait to get back on the campaign trail and campaign as hard as I can for whoever is the eventual nominee and for candidates up and down the ballot, Booker said. Story continues The former Newark mayor is up for reelection this year in New Jersey, where his Senate campaign still enjoys healthy support in the deep blue state. More from National Review Matthias Ajple, 43, was sentenced to 90 days in jail on Thursday after he spat on an elderly Trump supporter wearing a Make America Great Again hat at a Florida bar in October. Apjle is pictured in his mugshot A Florida man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for spitting on an elderly Trump supporter wearing a Make America Great Again hat at a bar. Matthias Ajple, 43, pleaded no contest to a battery charge on Thursday in Indian River County court. Surveillance footage captured the moment Ajple approached 67-year-old Robert Youngblood at Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurant in Vero Beach on October 25 and accosted him over his apparent political opinions. Apjle is seen placing a paper towel over the pro-Trump lettering on Youngblood's red hat before the pair exchanged words. Investigators said Apjle told Youngblood: 'You should go back to Russia you f***ing communist.' Youngblood is seen taking off the hat to remove the paper towel before Apjle appears to spit on him and then leaves the bar. Surveillance footage captured the moment Ajple (second left in gray) approached 67-year-old Robert Youngblood (left in a red hat) at Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurant in Vero Beach on October 25 and accosted him over his apparent political opinions Apjle is seen placing a paper towel over the pro-Trump lettering on Youngblood's red hat before telling him: 'You should go back to Russia you f***ing communist' Youngblood took down Apjle's license plate and reported the incident to police, who tracked the suspect down at his home on Chardonnay Place. Ajple allegedly told arresting officers: 'I was just trying to protect you guys because I support law enforcement. Trump supporters are communist and racist.' 'I don't even care that I'm going to jail; this is actually exciting,' he added. 'Plus, I have more time on this earth than he does anyway. He probably feels so good about himself.' Apjle's wife Laura Torres, who was with him in the restaurant at the time of the altercation, informed investigators that she had told her husband to tell Youngblood to go back to Russia 'as a joke'. She said she didn't actually witness the confrontation between Apjle and Youngblood, who was with two other men at the bar. Apjle was taken to Indian River County Jail without incident and was later released on $500 bond. He will now be placed back behind bars to serve out his 90 day sentence, followed by one year of supervised probation. The judge also ordered Apjle to pay $155 to Youngblood and to avoid contact with him, according to a sentencing document. The altercation between Apjle and Youngblood took place at the Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurant in Vero Beach (pictured) Apjle's wife Laura Torres, who was with him in the restaurant at the time of the altercation, informed investigators that she had told her husband to tell Youngblood to go back to Russia 'as a joke'. Apjle and Torres are seen with their two children in an Instagram photo Red MAGA hats have become a divisive symbol in the US since Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2016. People who wear them often say they do so to show patriotism and outward support for the president. Others say the hats promote the hate and racism they believe Trump fosters. The hats, which are sold for $25 on Trump's campaign website, sparked widespread debate earlier this year after an incident involving an indigenous marcher and a group of high school boys wearing MAGA caps in Washington DC. After the incident, actress and activist Alyssa Milano tweeted 'The red MAGA hat is the new white hood' and later said she wouldn't apologize for the remark. The crisis gripping Britains royal family over Prince Harrys plan to step down from royal duties moves to Queen Elizabeth IIs rural retreat in eastern England Monday afternoon. The 93-year-old monarch has summoned Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and his sons, princes William and Harry, to Sandringham House to thrash out difficult issues that may take weeks to resolve. Harrys wife Meghan is expected to take part by telephone from Canada. Here are some key questions regarding the couples future: WHY HAVE THEIR PLANS CAUSED A CRISIS? Prince Harry and Meghan, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are charismatic senior royals known throughout the world. Many saw them as playing a vital role in building the monarchys popularity with future generations. But they both seem disillusioned and unhappy and have now said they want to step back from royal duties, become financially independent, and spend much of their time in North America. This has caused a fissure at the highest ranks of the worlds best known royal family. ALSO WATCH | Prince Harry & Meghan to step back as senior UK royals; Queen responds CAN THEY BREAK AWAY FROM TAXPAYER SUPPORT? Harry and Meghan have said on their website that they will no longer use a fund called the Sovereign Grant to pay for a small part of their office costs. The grant is provided by Britains Treasury to fund the monarchy last year it totalled more than 80 million pounds ($104 million). The couple said they would still use public money to pay for official overseas trips carried out at the request of the government and continue t o use the recently renovated Frogmore Cottage as their U.K. base if the queen agrees to allow them to use what is part of the Crown Estate. The queen and her government have not formally agreed to any new arrangement. WILL PRINCE CHARLES KEEP HELPING OUT? Each year, Charles receives a substantial amount of revenue from the Duchy of Cornwall estate that was established in 1337. Hes not allowed to sell any of its considerable assets, but he receives income from it each year and uses it to fund many of his activities, along with those of his wife Camilla, William and his wife Kate, and Harry and Meghan. Last year the income amounted to more than 20 million pounds. It is not at all clear that Charles would want to provide extensive support for Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, if they are no longer carrying out royal duties. This may be a key issue at the talks. CAN MEGHAN PROFIT FROM HER CELEBRITY STATUS? There is very little doubt that Meghan would be a very attractive brand ambassador for some of the top fashion and fragrance houses, and potentially be on a par with the likes of Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Keira Knightley. But any overtly financial arrangement like this could easily clash with any royal duties Meghan and Harry have said they plan to continue on a part-time basis. It could also appear unseemly for a royal to cash in like this. Its not clear if the queen and the rest of the family would be comfortable with this approach to financial independence. WHO WILL PAY FOR THEIR SECURITY? Armed security for senior royals is provided by a special unit of the Metropolitan Police and other agencies. This is paid for by taxpayers, but officials do not provide a breakdown of costs, preferring to keep the operational details confidential. The expense would certainly rise if it involves deploying a protection team to Canada or the U.S. for months at a time. Harry and Meghan point out on their website that this protection is mandated by Britains Home Office. It is not clear if the couple has the option of dropping its official protection and personally paying for any security they feel is warranted for themselves and their infant son Archie. WILL THEY STILL BE ROYAL? Another question relates to whether they will retain their titles as His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness. These are very high status titles, but the status they convey also greatly increases press scrutiny, which Harry and Meghan say they want to avoid because of its intrusive nature. Its possible they could give up the titles voluntarily. Its also possible the queen and others might feel they should give up their most prestigious titles if they are withdrawing from royal obligations. Firefighters have been given hope by this week's weather forecast which predicts heavy downpours in New South Wales and rain in Victoria - although there will be no relief for Kangaroo Island. The Bureau of Meteorology published a map which shows rain forecast for almost the whole of NSW in the next seven days. The map was re-tweeted by the state's Rural Fire Service with the caption: 'If this rainfall forecast comes to fruition then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed.' The Bureau of Meteorology published a map (above) which shows rain forecast for the whole of NSW in the next seven days The map was re-tweeted by the state's Rural Fire Service On Monday pockets of the central and northern coasts will see rain. The heavier downpours are due on Thursday when thunderstorms and showers are forecast for most of NSW and up to 25mm is expected to fall on parts of the south coast. Sydney is expected to receive its most significant downpour in several months, with forecasts of 2-8mm on Thursday and 5-10mm on Friday. However, forecasters warned that the rain could be so heavy it may cause landslides. BOM meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said: 'We are looking at a couple of days in a row of some showers and thunderstorms, some of which may produce significant accumulation over those couple of days. 'It will be quite welcome but there are some extra dangers and risks associated with it as the landscape is quite vulnerable with the fire damage. 'We've lost a lot of vegetations and there is the risk of landslips.' This weather map shows how rain is forecast to fall over much of Australia in the coming days A Rural Fire Service firefighter Trevor Stewart views a flank of a fire on January 11, 2020 in Tumburumba NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Anthony Bradstreet said fire conditions are expected to ease on Monday and throughout the week with rain on the horizon. 'We would love rain everywhere,' he said on Monday. 'Hopefully we will receive some good rainfall in fire affected areas.' Mr Bradstreet warned thunderstorms could create the risk of falling trees and landslips. Crews will take advantage of the easing conditions to establish and strengthen containment lines on some 40 bushfires which are not yet contained, he added. He said rain was welcome but it would not be enough to completely put out all the fires. 'Looking ahead, there still is plenty of bush to burn and a lot of summer to go,' he said in a warning that the fire season was far from over. The RFS said 111 fires were still burning across the state on Sunday night and many will take some time to fully contain. Firefighters on Sunday brought under control one of the county's most damaging blazes - the Gospers Mountain fire, which has burned for two-and-a-half months northwest of Sydney. 'After lightning started the fire on October 26, it has burnt through more than 512,000 hectares across the Lithgow, Hawkesbury, Hunter Valley, Cudgegong, Blue Mountains and Central Coast local government areas,' the Hawkesbury RFS said on Facebook. 'It is important to remember not to be complacent as there are still a few months of the bushfire season to go with some bushland that still has not been burnt.' Rain is also set to some bring relief to Victoria this week - but not enough to put out 19 fires. Fires at Abbeyard in the high country and at Timboon in East Gippsland were both at emergency alerts early on Monday morning, but by 9am both had been downgraded. The Dunn Road fire on January 10, 2020 in Mount Adrah, near Wagga Wagga in NSW A car makes its way through thick fog mixed with bushfire smoke in the Ruined Castle area of the Blue Mountains on January 11 Milder conditions are expected to last throughout the week, with rain developing in the state's east on Wednesday and extending at least until Saturday. Despite the respite, temperatures will hover about 30C and winds are still gusting, meaning the danger lingers and the fires show no sign of relenting. 'These fires aren't out and they're not going to be out until they out themselves out or we finish with a really big rain event,' Premier Daniel Andrews told KIIS FM on Monday. 'And the weather bureau's not telling us that's likely.' There are 19 active fires across Victoria, including one at Corryong in the northeast which has merged with a fire in NSW at the weekend. More than 1.3 million hectares has been burnt and 1,500 fire fighters remain on the job. Poor and very poor air quality conditions due to the bushfires are forecast statewide, with smoke and haze in the east, northeast and central Victoria. Meanwhile, fires will continue on Kangaroo Island where there is no rain forecast until Sunday. Travel restrictions have been lifted, but Country Fire Service incident controller Ian Tanner said non-essential travel should be avoided. 'If you do need to come here to support relatives and friends, then it's OK to come,' he said. 'But if you don't need to come to Kangaroo Island at this point in time, then please give us a bit longer to get this sorted.' The SA CFS said 30C weather and unfavourable conditions could lead to fire outbreaks and flare-ups on Monday. 'The CFS advises everyone on Kangaroo Island to be vigilant tomorrow as there may be an escalation in fire activity,' it said. 'Please monitor your local environment and be aware that fire conditions will be constantly changing throughout the day.' WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he opposes a Senate resolution asserting that President Donald Trump must seek approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran. McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Monday that the Senate will soon debate a measure sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. The measure, co-sponsored by two Republicans, would send the wrong message to U.S. allies after the Trump administration killed Irans top general earlier this month, McConnell said. Tehran responded to the U.S. attack by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. No casualties were reported. The blunt instrument of a war powers resolution is no substitute for the studied oversight the Senate can exercise through hearings ... and more tailored legislation, McConnell said. We appear to have restored a measure of deterrence in the Middle East, McConnell said in a speech opening the Senate for the week. So lets not screw it up. His remarks came amid questions and fresh explanations from the Trump administration about why it ordered a Jan. 3 strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The Democrat-controlled House passed a separate war powers resolution last week. The House measure is not binding on the president and does not require his signature. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nonetheless insisted it has real teeth because it is a statement of the Congress of the United States. McConnell did not offer a timeline for Senate debate, saying only that it would take up the war powers resolution soon. He mocked Democrats for questioning what imminent attacks the administration was preventing by killing Soleimani. Trump did not consult with congressional leaders ahead of the attack that killed the Iranian general. Afterward. he sent Congress a notification explaining the rationale, but kept it classified. He said Friday that Iranian militants had planned major attacks on four U.S. embassies. Just hours earlier, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said the U.S. didnt know when or where attacks might occur. McConnell stepped past the administrations muddled explanations and noted that Democrats are now quibbling with what he called career professionals who advised Trump on the issue. I look forward to hearing our colleagues who want to quibble over the word imminent explain just how close we should let the terrorists come to killing more Americans before we defend ourselves, McConnell said. Kaine said late Monday that the bipartisan resolution clearly states that America can always defend itself, but added: We dont think that this president or any president should send our troops into war without a vote of Congress. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the administrations lack of transparency on Iran is completely unacceptable. While Trump has promised to keep us out of endless wars in the Middle East, his actions have moved us closer to exactly such a war making the American people and American forces less safe, Schumer said Monday. Two Republican senators, Mike Lee of Utah and and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have signed on as co-sponsors of Kaines resolution, which also is co-sponsored by Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin. Lee said a briefing last week by Pompeo and other officials on the Iran strike was probably the worst briefing Ive seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years hes served in the Senate. Paul also criticized the briefing as inadequate and said Congress should not abdicate its duty under the Constitution to debate when we go to war. Militants in Daraa detained 15 members of the regime forces and seized their weapons, marking a rise in tensions in the southern province writes Jesr. An armed group in the town of Nahtah in Daraa province slipped into a military checkpoint in the town and kidnapped fighters on guard and stripped them of their weapons. The Tajamou Abnaa Horan (The Sons of Horan Gathering) website said that, residents of the town of Nahtah detained 15 members of the regime forces, including two Alawites, and took their weapons after storming a military checkpoint of the Air Force Intelligence in the town. The website reported that the fighters were kidnapped by Nahtah residents a day after the arrest by Assads forces of a civilian from the town while he was crossing through the al-Musayfrah al-Ghariyeh al-Sharqiyeh checkpoint headed to the Basra al-Sham city hospital. Regime forces blockaded the town of Nahtah after the kidnapping of the fighters. A local source in the town said that, a brigadier general in the regime forces known as Habib from the Air Force Intelligence threatened residents in Nahtah after closing all entrances to the town. Activists on social media called on residents in all Daraa towns and cities to stand alongside the residents of Nahtah for them to achieve their demand of releasing the young man who was arrested and other prisoners. This article was translated and 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. A Chinese woman quarantined on holiday to Thailand has been confirmed to have the same killer virus behind an outbreak in China. The unidentified 61-year-old has become the first patient diagnosed with the strain of coronavirus outside of Wuhan, 700 miles (1,100km) south of Beijing. She travelled from the Chinese city, where 41 people have so far been hospitalised with the pneumonia-causing illness. One person has died. The woman was quarantined on January 8, but has since returned home in a stable condition after having treatment, the Thai Health Ministry said. 'Laboratory testing subsequently confirmed the novel coronavirus was the cause,' World Health Organization spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said. A 61-year-old Chinese woman on holiday to Thailand has been struck with the mystery virus that has killed one person and infected dozens in China. She is the first to be diagnosed outside of China and has now returned in a stable condition The virus has never been seen before and has not yet been named. Officials have described it as being 'novel'. Prior to the discovery, there were six known coronaviruses that can affect humans, including SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome. Tests ruled out both of the known coronaviruses, a group of viruses which cause infections in the lungs and airways. Coronaviruses usually cause cold-like symptoms including a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and a fever. Officials in China and Thailand are working with the WHO, which may soon host an emergency meeting on the spread of the new virus. In a statement, the UN body said: 'The person was a traveler from Wuhan, China, and was identified by Thai officials on 8 January, and hospitalized that day. 'The person is recovering from the illness according to Thai officials... the possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected.' Seven of the 41 people identified with the virus in Wuhan have been discharged and six are in a serious condition. Officials at Wuhan Municipal Health Commission last week reported the outbreak's first death, a 61-year-old man. He died on January 9, having been hospitalised after suffering shortness of breath and severe pneumonia. WHAT ARE CORONAVIRUSES? Coronaviruses are a type of virus which infects humans and causes infection in the upper respiratory tract the lungs, throat and airways. Most people will become infected with some type of coronavirus at some point in their life. The best known ones are called SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) which have both caused high-profile outbreaks. It is possible that the viruses can cause serious complications or pneumonia, but in most cases symptoms are relatively mild and only last for a short amount of time. Typical symptoms of coronavirus infection include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever or a feeling of general illness. Unless someone is in an area where there is a known outbreak, these symptoms are far more likely to be a common cold or the flu. The viruses are spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, by physical contact with infected people, or by touching a surface which has been contaminated by someone who is already ill. There are no vaccines or cures for coronaviruses and they are usually treated like colds, with bed rest and management of the symptoms. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement The man, who also suffered from abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease, had been a frequent customer at a seafood market on Wuhan's outskirts. The food market has been linked to the majority of cases in Wuhan city and is under investigation. The Thai Health Ministry said on Monday that 12 'passengers', including the woman diagnosed with the virus, have been quarantined since January 3. The news comes days ahead of the Lunar New Year on January 25, when hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Thailand to celebrate or see family. The Chinese government expects passengers to make 440million trips via rail and another 79million trips via airplanes, officials told a news briefing on Thursday. Thai authorities are stepping up monitoring at airports ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Patients will have their temperature screened if they are travelling from Wuhan city at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said: 'We are confident we can manage 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 new coronavirus' 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. NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AmpliVox Sound Systems' CEO Don Roth has pledged to personally match the first $500 in donations made in the month of January, 2020 to the "Ocular Melanoma Research in Memory of Nancy Roth" GoFundMe fundraiser. Nancy Roth lost her six-year battle with ocular melanoma on September 4, 2018. This disease, although rare, nonetheless impacts thousands of individuals and their families each year. Currently, it has no cure in its metastatic form. In memory of his wife, Don Roth has been raising funds to help support research and treatment of ocular melanoma. "Nancy was my conscience and my guide and I miss her greatly," says Don Roth. "Yet I'm filled with love and gratitude for her and our many years together. If the money we raise can help even one person win the battle that Nancy lost, then it will have been well worth the effort." Donations will go to the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization that not only provided tremendous counsel and care to Nancy during her battle, but is also devoted to learning more about eye cancers and tumors in an effort to win the struggle for life and sight. Donations can be made to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/etrf-nancy-roth. The funds will be used to support national research and local research in the Chicago area. AmpliVox Sound Systems, a renowned manufacturer of high quality PA systems, lecterns and multimedia furniture, is headquartered in Northbrook, IL. To learn more about their products, visit Ampli.com. SOURCE AmpliVox Sound Systems Related Links http://Ampli.com Before you approach this article with skepticism, Im not going to try and convince you to join your local DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) chapter, lecture you about Che Guevara or convert you to militant veganism. Id love to make the cultural and ideological case for supporting left-wing policies, but thats a more complicated and lengthy argument to make. For the purposes of this article, I simply want to articulate why people who consider themselves politically moderate (center-left or center-right) and are serious about removing Donald Trump from office should vote for Senator Bernie Sanders for president in 2020. There are a lot of mischaracterizations of Sanders and his policies. You might have heard them or even echoed these sentiments: Hes anti-Semitic! He just wants free stuff! Hell turn us into Venezuela! He wants to ban air travel! Hes too old! None of these have any basis in fact. But Im not going to waste your time debunking those claims, unpacking the well-documented media bias (and sometimes full-on media blackout) against Sanders and his campaign, or explain why conservative critiques of his platform are at best, flimsy logical arguments, and at worst, bad-faith propaganda. Its becoming more and more clear that there are only three people who have a legitimate chance to be inaugurated as president in 2021: Donald Trump, Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders. As for the other two Democrats raising a considerable amount of money and who arent technically out of the running, Elizabeth Warrens poll numbers have been consistently dropping, and Pete Buttigieg doesnt have enough diverse support to be an actual contender for the Democratic nomination in our current political landscape. So for voters looking to oust President Trump, that leaves you with two choices: Biden or Sanders. Before you commit to voting for Biden, whether youre looking for a return to institutional normalcy or are nostalgic for the Obama years, I want to make a non-ideological case for why Sanders is the better choice. Admittedly, trying to convince moderate voters to vote for Sanders as opposed to the other half of the country that didnt vote in the 2016 presidential election may be a waste of time because its a smaller populace. But as someone who is afraid of repeating the results of the 2016 election, I think we need to make the case for Sanders to as many people as possible. Without further ado, heres why centrists should rally behind Sanders in both the Democratic primary and general election. Sanders is the most electable candidate. Back in 2016, Sanders repeatedly beat Trump in head-to-head polls. Hillary Clintons head-to-head poll number advantage against Trump, on the other hand, was much slimmer, but that fact was conveniently ignored, as were her poor favorability numbers. Fast forward to 2020 where Sanders is ranked the most popular active politician in the country and, hes the most-trusted Democrat on issues like healthcare, the environment, immigration, the economy and jobs. As the presidential victories of Obama and Trump suggest, voters are more interested in supporting a candidate who campaigns on a message of throwing a wrench in the American political system. Americans faith in our governments ability to legislate and improve the lives of its citizens is abysmally low, and has been for years. Presidential hopefuls like John McCain, Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton all campaigned as members of the elite political establishment. They advocated for center-left and center-right policies that spelled business-as-usual for Americansthe exact kind of incremental or even harmful policies that would prolong or worsen our current problems. Even if Biden, another member of the political elite, were to win the Democratic nomination and the presidency, his policies arent the least bit transformational. Back in 2019, Biden told wealthy donors in New York that nothing would fundamentally change as a result of his presidential policies. Voters frustration with the lack of progress during the Obama era is one reason why Trump was elected, so an incrementalist Biden administration in 2021 could spell victory for Republicans in 2024, which could mean the inauguration of Mike Pence, Donald Trump Jr. or Nikki Haleywho are the current favorites among Republicans and all appear far more competent than Trump (perhaps apart from his son), which is worrisome. Trump and Obama campaigned on a new brand of American politicsthe kind of outsider politics that instilled hope in Obamas case and fear in Trumps case and drove people to the polls to support them. Joe Biden, much like Hillary Clinton, McCain and Romney, has been in politics for decadeslong enough for him to be on both sides of several issues, which he has been. In the current presidential election cycle, Biden has the most billionaire supporters out of all the Democratic candidatesa whopping group of 44 billionaires. If Biden really is the working class champion or average Joe that he purports to be and not a member of the political elite, its unclear how this statistic fits into that narrative or the additional fact that his son, Hunter, was a board member of a Ukrainian natural gas company, while his father was served as vice president of the United States. Bernie Sanders, on the other hand, presents an inspiring, unwavering message to voters from an outsiders perspective. Thats a large part of why his campaign took in a record-high five million contributions for his 2020 campaign and raised $34.5 million during the last three months of 2019 (compared to Bidens $22.7 million during the same period). Sanders has consistently drawn large crowds to his ralliesand not just in New York, California and Colorado. Thousands of his supporters came out for rallies in important states like Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan. Trump, Sanders and then-candidate Obama have held rallies with tens of thousands of people, and there hasnt been a single reported Biden event with anywhere near that amount. This suggests an enthusiasm gap between supporters of Sanders and Biden. For example, according to a CBS News poll, among New Hampshire voters, 47 percent of Sanders supporters said theyve made up their minds while only 15 percent of Biden supporters said the same of their candidate. Perhaps Sanders strongest polling argument is a statistic cited by The Daily Beast and Jacobin, which states that in all 206 counties that flipped from Obama (in 2008 and 2012) to Trump in 2016, Sanders received far more donations than any other Democratic candidate. As of September 2019, he had over 80,000 donations from more than 33,000 donors. For context, Biden raked in 19,885 donations, Warren received 26,298 and Buttigieg had 23,320. So, Sanders had more than three times the amount of donations from those crucial Trump-Obama counties. And just as one last important tidbit: Biden has actually never won a presidential primary before, despite running for president twice in the 80s, while Sanders run in 2016 resulted in 22 primary victories. Sanders is the only candidate who wont start a reckless war. Last month, the Washington Post published a bombshell report about our governments purposeful lies to the American public about the 18-year war in Afghanistan. Federal officials hid evidence that they knew the war was a lost cause, which is particularly egregious given that an estimated 2,300 American troops lost their lives, over 20,000 were wounded and around $1 trillion was spent (not including money spent by other agencies such as the CIA and the Department of Veterans Affairs). A 2019 Pew Research poll found that more than half of veterans and more than half of adults thought the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were not worth fighting. With regards to the Iraq war, we know that the Bush administration lied about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, in order to justify that similarly costly and ineffective war. Today, we see the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and theres a legitimate fear that Trump could start another several-year catastrophe in the Middle East. Couple the fact that U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has been a failure for decades with the reality that the American federal minimum wage has not gone up in 10 years, our infrastructure is crumbling, healthcare and housing are unaffordable for many and student debt is preventing the financial stability of millions, and its not hard to conclude whats wrong with that picture. Biden and Sanders view of American foreign policy couldnt be more different. Despite Bidens attempts to lie about his support for the Iraq war, The Intercept reported that he actually supported regime change in Iraq five years before the invasion, and he also supported the Iraq war after it started. But instead, Biden suggested this year that he opposed the Iraq war from the very beginning. In sharp contrast, Sanders voted against the Iraq war and concluded that there was no evidence of weapons of mass destruction. Sanders also opposed and warned of war with Iran in 2017, and was the only member of the Senate Democratic Caucus to vote against Iran sanctions. Sanders, alongside Rep. Ro Khanna, tried to pass a law that would require congressional authorization to wage war against Iran, which wouldve required approval from Congress to assassinate the Iranian military general, Qasem Soleimani, recently killed by the U.S. The law passed in the House of Representatives but was cut from the final National Defense Authorization Act approved by Congress in December. After Solemianis death and further escalation between Iran and the U.S., progressives like Sanders, Khanna, Rep. Barbara Lee and others are now attempting to block funding for U.S. military action in Iran and repeal the 2002 authorization of military force, which was based on the false premise of weapons of mass destruction and was passed after 9/11 to pursue military action against Saddam Husseins regime in Iraq. Despite the fact that Sanders is running a vigorous campaign for president, hes doing everything he can to prevent Trump from engaging in additional military action in Iran, which he warned could result in a bigger disaster than Iraq. Bidens record on Iraq is a strong sign that he favors the establishments view on the Middle East. Plus, while he served as vice president, Biden stood by as the Obama administration ordered more drone strikes in his first year as president than Bush used during his entire tenure. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism reported that Obama sent 563 airstrikes, which targeted Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen and resulted in the deaths of between 384 and 807 civilians. In 2019, Robert Gates, former Defense secretary under George W. Bush and Obama, doubled down on his statement that Biden was wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades. If Biden actually wants to de-escalate the situation in Iran, like he wrote in a statement, he would have to make some pretty dramatic U-turns on his own previous record. Sanders is the only candidate whose environmental plan is bold enough to combat climate change. As fires rage in Australia and the Amazon rainforest and as glaciers melt, sea levels rise, natural disasters occur more frequently and animal habitats become ravaged, its blatantly clear that were running out of time to save the planet. According to National Geographic, if temperatures continue to rise, diseases will spread faster and sea levels will rise between 10 and 32 inches or higher by the end of the century. According to the >National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration almost 40 percent of the U.S. population could be vulnerable to sea level rise and eight of the worlds 10 largest cities are near a coast. A 2018 U.N. report even warned of food shortages and deadly heat waves by 2040. The recently founded and already influential youth-led Sunrise Movement, which advocates for strong U.S. policies to combat climate change, recently endorsed Bernie Sanders for presidentand its no surprise why. Sanders is advocating for a Green New Deal, which seeks to make the country 100 percent energy renewable by 2030, de-carbonize the economy by 2050, invest in public transportation, infrastructure and conservation, hold fossil fuel companies accountable and end unemployment by offering well-paying, union jobs to anyone who wants to help enact the Green New Deals policies. Contrast these robust policy proposals with the proposals of Joe Biden. Biden does not support the Green New Deal, though his climate plan vowed an investment of more than one trillion over a decade. However, Biden has refused to end his support for fracking, which may or may not be related to the fact its industry employs people in crucial election states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Biden also has ties with the fossil fuel industry. According to the New York Times, Heather Zichal, Bidens informal campaign adviser who helped write climate policy for the Obama administration, recently served on the board of a natural gas company. The publication also pointed out that Biden attended a 2019 fundraiser which was hosted by the co-founder of another natural gas company. At a recent climate change town hall attended by the 2020 Democratic candidates, Biden stated, Everything is incremental, and he repeated the popular conservative talking point that the U.S. is only responsible for 15 percent of global climate change, which conveniently ignores the U.S.s status as the worlds biggest carbon polluter historically. On the issues, Biden continues to embrace incrementalist policies, while Sanders is proposing radical change, which on issues like the environment and others would actually save our country money. Sanders is the strongest candidate to debate Trump. Presidential debates may be a circus, but they are an opportunity for candidates to make their case to voters on a big stage and to counter an opponents policies directly to their face. Journalists and political scientists have argued for years about whether debates have an impact on election results, and if so, by how much. What we do know is that debates are an opportunity to fundraise, energize supporters and to inform voters who werent paying attention to the race before. Back in 2016, Trump actually said that he liked Sanders, and that the 2016 Democratic primary was rigged in favor of Clinton. As recent as 2019, Trump repeated that narrative again via Twitter. Centrist political strategists and members of the Demoratic establishment have repeatedly and publicly tried to argue that perceived connections between Sanders and Trump are evidence that Sanders is bad, but we need to clear up that myth. The policies that Trump embraced at his 2016 rallies were ones that he thought were the most popularnot ones that were based on any long-held ideology. Before he ran for office, Trump donated to Democrats and Republicansanyone he thought he could sway with his wallet. Trump spewed his fair share of nonsense at his 2016 rallies, but he also stumbled into shreds of truth. He said the Iraq war was a disaster, Americans are getting screwed on trade deals, healthcare is too expensive and Social Security should be protected. As Trumps administration has demonstrated, he actually advocated for the exact opposite interests, but Trump supporters had already drank the Kool-Aid, and they accept all his words and actions as gospel. Bernie Sanders not only correctly identified some of the same problems as Trump, he actually knows how to correctly fix them. So while Trump could easily attack Joe Bidens vote in support of the Iraq war, his horrific 1994 crime bill, his weird interactions with women, his trade policy, his corruption (especially with his son, Hunter) or his bumbling gaffes on the campaign trail, there are far fewer weak spots to attack Sanders. Sanders can actually call out Trumps racism, sexism and xenophobia because he has the voting record and policies to back it up. As we saw with Kamala Harris on the issue of integrated busing, Biden cant go after Trump for those things, because he has his own skeletons in the closet. The closest thing Trump has to a criticism of Sanders is dubbing him crazy or spewing some nonsense about how socialism is going to turn the U.S. into Venezuela. Because Sanders brand of Democratic socialism bears no resemblance to the authoritarian regimes in South America (which were the result of American intervention), and because hes actually a social democrat (and not a socialist) by international standards, Trump has no ground to stand on. And lets not forget, Trump actually backed out of a debate with Bernie in 2016. He initially agreed, but then retreated, saying it would be presumptuous to debate Sanders before the Democratic nominee was chosen. According to recent reports and Trump campaign emails, Trump is now focusing his attacks on Sanders, which indicates that he views him as the frontrunner, or at the very least, a serious threat. Trump tweeted Crazy Bernie Sanders is surging in the pollsSo what does this all mean?, and though Sanders isnt normally one to quote tweet Trump like other cringeworthy liberal politicians, Sanders wrote back, It means youre going to lose. Sanders isnt corrupted by interest groups, so hes much more likely to fight for his policies. When Bernie ran for president in 2016, he did the unthinkable. He ran a large-scale presidential campaign that gave the Clinton political machine a run for its money, all while receiving no corporate PAC money and holding zero swanky fundraisers trying to extract money from the rich and powerful. Both Sanders and Trumps army of supporters are fed up with the corruption that has rotted the core of American democracy over the past several decades (though Trump supporters are willing to ignore Trumps contribution to that rot). Sanders commitment to grassroots organizing and fundraising has continued in his 2020 campaign, and his donors are proof of his advocacy for the working class. During the last fundraising quarter of 2019, teacher was named the most common occupation of Sanders donors while Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, the U.S. Postal Service and Target were his donors most common employers. Biden, on the other hand, began his 2020 campaign vowing to reject super PAC money, only to reverse that decision last October when his fundraising numbers were lower than expected. Super PACs allow wealthy donors to dump unlimited amounts of money into elections, and in October, The Intercept reported that among Bidens super PAC donors were corporate lobbyists working for the healthcare, weapons manufacturing and finance industries. Its not just that Sanders has the moral high ground on the issue of campaign finance. Sanders refusal to take money from corporate interests means that hes actually much more likely to fight for his policy proposals. Rather than owing favors to corporate donors, Sanders would only have to answer to the American public and his voters. For example, with climate policy, the public just has to take historic flip-flopper Joe Biden at his word when he says hes serious about fighting climate change, despite his connections with the fossil fuel industry. Sanders, though, has been famously firm on his political stances for decades, and has never courted the financial support or casual closeness of reckless industries (or their executives) that he wants to regulate for the betterment of the American people. This election is about so much more than just removing Trump. If were not willing to be bold and to choose people over profits, not only will the quality of life (for Americans and foreigners) continue to decrease, but we literally wont have a livable planet. You might not consider yourself a Democrat Socialist, a progressive or even a Democrat. You may even like Joe Biden as a person. But for the sake of this country, the well-being of our democracy, the stability of foreign nations and the protection of this planet, we need to elect Senator Bernie Sanders as the Democratic nominee for president in 2020. Badaun : , Jan 13 (IANS) After Bijnor and Moradabad, it is now Badaun where the local people beat a leopard to death with sticks and then mowed it down with a tractor. Leopards were killed in Bijnor on January 6 and in Moradabad on January 8. According to reports, the incident took place on Sunday in the Jarifpur Gadhiya village in Uttar Pradesh's Badaun district, where two persons were allegedly attacked and injured by the animal in a span of two hours. Sher Singh, 16, was playing in the village when a leopard attacked and injured him. His family members took him to a private hospital for treatment. Nearly two hours later, Mohan Lal, 60, who was working in a field on the outskirts of the village, was also attacked by a leopard while he was relieving himself. On hearing his cries, his son-in-law and other villagers rushed to the spot. Mohan Lal sustained injuries on his right arm. The local people, who had gathered there, spotted the leopard and attacked it with sticks. Some of them brought a tractor and mowed down the animal to make sure that it was dead. Sub-divisional forest officer V. K. Gupta said that he would comment on the issue only after inspecting the scene of the crime. Station House officer (SHO) of Sahaswan police station Harendra Singh said: "The villagers killed leopard after it injured two locals. We are awaiting complaint from forest department to lodge an FIR in the matter." It may be recalled that in a similar incident in Bijnor, enraged villagers had shot dead a leopard, hours after it killed a 14-year-old boy. An FIR was lodged against 80 unidentified villagers under sections of Wildlife Protection Act while forest department suspended deputy ranger and guard for dereliction of duty. On January 8, another leopard's carcass was found in a village in the Kaanth area of Moradabad following which forest department lodged an FIR against unknown villagers. That she and her son become desperate migrants transpires in part because of her husbands profession. In a particularly awful display, his killers affix a sign to his chest: TODA MI FAMILIA ESTA MUERTA POR MI CULPA (My whole family is dead because of me). But they also end up on their treacherous journey because of Lydias friendship with a bibliophile named Javier, who is charming and affectionate and who happens to be the head of Acapulcos leading cartel. The night after the murders, Lydia and Luca huddle together in a hotel. The next morning, a delivery boy brings a padded envelope containing Gabriel Garcia Marquezs Love in the Time of Cholera. Its a chilling gift from Javier, confirmation that he orchestrated her familys murder. Yet its nearly impossible to reconcile this appalling truth with the man who stood in her bookstore and spoke lovingly about literature with her. Education Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu. Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu. Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events: International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu. EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu. Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets June Homecoming: Participant $18 per person; Sustainer $25 per person; Benefactor $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events: SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available for information call 610-275-1960 Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above) SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. computers are available during those hours. Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863. Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376. Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com. The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes: Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020. CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313. The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events: Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30. Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301. For Kids & Families The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443. Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950. Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required. The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950. Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus. Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage. Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun. Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train. Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world! Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class. Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org. Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583. Community Events at the Ambler Y: -YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register. Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org. Health Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot. The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information. Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245. Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net. Spring Aquatic Programs UDHS Pool: -Summer is just around the corner Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required. Shallow Water Aerobics Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR. Adult Swim Instructions Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR -Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21. -Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m. -Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons. -Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates. Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994. SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com. Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org. Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs: FITNESS CLASSES Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month. Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly. SUPPORT GROUPS Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000. Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047. New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30 4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931. Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325. Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes. Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com. Librarytalk Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744 www.upperdublinlibrary.org APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS: Storytimes: Please register in the library. o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m. o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m. o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6. APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS: North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS: NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org. One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register contact info above. Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744. o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register. Meetings: Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m. Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m. Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org. For children and teens at Blue Bell: * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. * May 14 Despicable Me * June 11 Alpha and Omega * Special Events * April watch for date of spring/Easter events * April 14 at 4:30 p.m. Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children. * April 14 at 7 p.m. Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided. * April 16 at 1 p.m. Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King. * April 16 at 1:30 p.m. Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes? * April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button. * April 30 through May 3 Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults. * May sign up for Science in the Summer * June sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children * June sign up for Summer Reading, all ages For adults at Blue Bell: * Daytime Book Discussion Group fourth Tuesday, Jan April at 1:30 p.m. * April 26 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Night-time Book Discussion Group third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. o April 19 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked? *Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs * Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class. * Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class. * Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m. * Giant Book Sale, April 29 May 3 o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults! o Held during library hours. o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m. o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join. * Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series o May 11 at 1 p.m. Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society * Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room. * Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read. * Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome. * Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome. *Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older. * Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours * Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours * Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday! Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library. * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * For adults: * Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn. * Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net * Special Events: * April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. * April 19 at 7 p.m. Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m. * April 21 at 7 p.m. Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades. *May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. *May 10 Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *May 12 at 1:30p.m. Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. *May 17 Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *June 13 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. Meetings and Lectures The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833. The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200. The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/. LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings. Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org. Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org) -Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them. The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter. For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps. Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin. Special Events The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County. The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065. Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members. Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex. The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com. The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348. The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org. Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163. The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu. The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com. The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net. Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages. 13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries. Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family. The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. JPRN Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike. Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately. Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways. Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table. Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374 Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall: -Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store. Music and Theater The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html. Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free. The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org Religious News The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276. Reunions St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net. Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572. Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779. Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411. Support New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149. PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931. The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296. Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656. Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group every other Wednesday, 7 8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information. CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7 8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich, Van Huu Chien (L) and Tran Van Minh, former chairmen of Da Nang, arrive at the Hanoi court, January 13, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Two former chairmen of Da Nang City received long jail terms Monday for land violations committed in favor of a real estate tycoon. A Hanoi court sentenced Tran Van Minh, 64, Chairman of the Da Nang Peoples Committee from 2006 to 2011, to 17 years in prison while Van Huu Chien, 64, who occupied the same post from 2011 to 2014, got 12 years. Both men were found guilty of violating regulations on managing and using state property, causing waste and losses, as well as engaging in wrongdoing in connection with land and public property administration and use. Investigators found the two had signed several documents to transfer land use rights to Phan Van Anh Vu, a former real estate tycoon and briefly a fugitive from the law. The court also handed out a sentence of 25 years in jail for Vu, who is already serving long prison sentences for other crimes. The investigation into the two former Da Nang leaders was part of a probe into Vu's dubious acquisition of public lands. They had been arrested in April 2018. During Minhs time as chairman, Vu established five real estate companies that managed to acquire a lot of public land and secure housing project contracts. Minh was alleged to have enabled the tycoon to acquire the assets without going through any bidding process and at below market prices. He then approved Vus sale of the same lands. In all, Vu acquired 18 public property projects and seven land lots. These transactions caused an estimated loss of more than VND22 trillion ($949 million) to Da Nang. Investigators said Minh was supported by Chien, then his deputy. The latter signed a series of decisions setting prices and allowing the transfer of land and projects to Vu. All the decision were found to be illegal. After taking over as chairman in 2011, Chien continued to authorize the sale of public assets to Vu at below market prices, causing a loss of VND14 trillion, investigators said. Their actions not only caused huge losses to the state budget, but also violated public trust and caused public distress, the court heard. Thirty seven assets acquired by Vu have been seized so far. The court also announced sentences of 1.5-6 years in jail for 18 other defendants in the case, 13 of them former municipal officials. These include a former director and deputy director of the citys finance department, two former directors of the natural resources department, a former deputy chief of staff of the city, and a former head of the administrations urban management office. Vu, 44, used to be one of the biggest developers in Da Nang, the third largest city in Vietnam after Hanoi and HCMC. Authorities issued an international arrest warrant for him in December 2017 for revealing state secrets after he left the country. He was reportedly detained in Singapore the same month for violating that country's immigration laws and deported to Vietnam, where he was arrested upon arrival. Vu was sentenced to nine years in prison for "deliberately disclosing state secrets" in July, 2018. An appeal court three months later commuted his sentence to eight years. He had also been under investigation for "tax evasion," "abuse of power or position in performance of official duties," "abuse of power or position to appropriate property," and "violating regulations on the management and use of state-owned property that led to losses or squander" in separate cases. The biggest casualties in those cases so far are former deputy public security ministers Bui Van Thanh, 60, and Tran Viet Tan, 64, who were imprisoned last January for negligence in public land management. On June 7 last year, a court in Ho Chi Minh City sentenced Vu to 25 years in jail before adding 15 more years a week later. In total, Vu will now have to stay behind bars for 30 years. Under current laws, a person with multiple sentences, not including life sentence, will serve a maximum of 30 years in jail. Severe droughts happened simultaneously in the regions that supply water to Southern California almost six times per century on average since 1500, according to new University of Arizona-led research. The study is the first to document the duration and frequency of simultaneous droughts in Southern California's main water sources - the Sacramento River basin, the Upper Colorado River Basin and local Southern California basins. The report highlights what a previous researcher dubbed "perfect droughts" - when the precipitation or streamflow in all three water sources falls below the median for two or more years. The most recent perfect drought lasted from 2012 to 2015. Concurrent droughts lasting multiple years in all three sources of water for Southern California pose "the most serious challenge to water management," the authors write in the Journal of American Water Resources Association. The researchers used the annual growth rings of trees to reconstruct the climate history of the three water sources back to the year 1126. For the period 1906 to 2017, the amount of annual precipitation and streamflow was recorded by instruments. "Such a reconstruction of the water supply for Southern California has not been done before," said first author Connie Woodhouse, a professor in the School of Geography and Development. The California Department of Water Resources, or CADWR, wanted to know the past frequency and duration of severe droughts in the major sources of Southern California's water supply and funded the study. The team found perfect droughts were not unusual and were evenly distributed in time since about 1400, with about five to six such droughts per 100 years, Woodhouse said. More severe and longer-term droughts occurred during the warmer 11th and 12th centuries. "California Department of Water Resources has a long history as a water resources department of using paleodata to help its understanding of drought," said co-author David Meko, a research professor of dendrochronology in the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. Woodhouse and Meko's co-author is Erica Bigio, who was a member of the research team while at the University of Arizona and is now a lecturer at the University of Nevada, Reno. The researchers also tested whether specific oceanic or atmospheric circulation patterns could be linked to the occurrence of perfect droughts. The only pattern they found was that perfect droughts coincided with high pressure off the northwest Pacific Coast that pushes storm tracks north of all three sources of water. The team's paper, "A Long View of Southern California Water Supply: Perfect Droughts Revisited," is scheduled for publication XXXX DATE in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association. Woodhouse and Meko previously studied droughts in the Sacramento River Basin and the Colorado River Basin for CADWR using tree rings to reconstruct streamflow patterns back to the 10th century or earlier. The agency asked the team to expand on previous studies to include water sources in Southern California. Each annual growth ring of a tree reflects the growing conditions, including temperature and precipitation, during that year. By taking either pencil-thin cores from living trees or cross-sections of dead trees, scientists piece together the patterns of annual rings to reveal growing conditions going back centuries. The climate information in tree rings also reflects variations in streamflow, making it possible to develop reconstructions of past streamflow. Groundwater is one of the water sources for Southern California. There are not enough historical instrumental records of groundwater records to develop a reconstruction going back centuries, so the team used precipitation as a proxy for groundwater. To determine past precipitation for Southern California going back 890 years, Bigio led the team in collecting additional tree-ring records from mountain ranges including the San Bernardino, San Gabriel and San Jacinto mountains. The team also checked whether perfect droughts coincided with specific atmospheric or oceanic conditions, which was a new approach, Meko said. "The California Department of Water Resources wanted this long-term information to help with planning," he said. "The broader question is what causes these simultaneous droughts in these different basins." The researchers found that no one atmospheric or oceanic circulation pattern, such as El Nino, corresponded with severe droughts in all three basins. The team did find that perfect droughts occurred in Southern California when the storm tracks shifted north. Woodhouse said several different atmospheric circulation patterns can cause that shift. Longer and more severe droughts in all three basins occurred in the 11th and 12th centuries, a time period when the climate was warmer, she said. "We had a nine-year perfect drought and a seven-year perfect drought - and they were pretty much West-wide," Woodhouse said. The researchers write in closing that, given the projected changes in water availability due to warming, "perfect droughts such as 2012-2015 may become increasingly common, with the potential for even longer events to occur." ### A nurse walks past a "clean zone," a room with purified air for respiratory illness patients, at the Suan Dok Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand on April 22, 2019. (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) Chinese Woman With Mystery Virus Quarantined in Thailand BANGKOKA Chinese woman has been quarantined in Thailand with a mystery strain of coronavirus just days ahead of the Lunar New Year, when Chinese tourists flock to Thailand, authorities said on Jan. 13. Thai authorities are stepping up monitoring at airports ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday when hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists are expected to visit. A 61-year-old man has died from pneumonia in the central Chinese city of Wuhan after an outbreak of the yet to be identified virus while seven were in critical condition, Wuhan health authorities said on Saturday. Preliminary lab tests cited by Chinese state media show that the pneumonia could be from a new type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause infections ranging from the common cold to SARS. Some of the virus types cause less serious disease, while some like the one that causes MERS, are far more severe. Of 12 passengers quarantined since Jan. 3, lab results show that a 61-year-old Chinese woman carried a strain of the coronavirus, the Thai Health Ministry said on Monday. The woman, who was quarantined on Wednesday, had received treatment and was well enough to return home, the ministry said. Being able to identify a patient shows that there is efficiency in our monitoring system. We are confident that we can manage the situation, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. The Chinese outbreak of pneumonia appeared to be linked to a single seafood market in Wuhan and had not so far spread beyond there, the World Health Organization said on Sunday. The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected, and reinforces why WHO calls for on-going active monitoring and preparedness in other countries, its statement said. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will consult with international experts to assess the public health risks of outbreaks and decide whether an emergency meeting is needed, it said. WHO officials in Thailand were not immediately available for comment on Monday. Countries and regions across Asia, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand have stepped up screening measures for travelers in order to prevent the disease from spreading. Thailand receives about 10 million Chinese tourists each year. The Lunar New Year holiday begins on Jan. 25. Some public health experts are concerned that the Chinese regimes lack of transparency regarding the new virus could lead to a public health crisis akin to the SARS epidemic. By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. A shooting occurred at a party in a Colorado apartment complex that resulted in five people being admitted to the hospital in serious condition, according to multiple reports. As stated by a news release issued by the Aurora Police Department, authorities received a call at around 10:55 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, informing the police that people were injured during a shooting that took place on the 17100 block of East Adriatic Place. When officers arrived on the scene, they found three injured individuals suffering from gunshot wounds in one of the apartments inside the complex. The injured individuals were taken to the local hospital, according to the news release. Police also found out that there were two additional injured individuals as a result of the shooting. They left the scene of the crime before the police arrived. They attended a medical facility and were subsequently transported to an area hospital by ambulance, according to the news release. As indicated by the news release, the three injured individuals found at the apartment were two females and one male. All three were juveniles. As for the two injured individuals who left before the police got to the scene, they were both adult males. All five individuals are expected to survive their injuries. According to the news release, the suspect in the shooting was described as a black male, wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt. Police arent able to confirm if there are any other suspects at the moment, the news release stated. [U]ntil we are able to interview witnesses and victims, we are unable to confirm [whether there are additional suspects], the release stated. The investigation into this case is still ongoing, according to the news release. We understand that an incident like this can be unnerving to those who live in the area. Our top priority right now is to ensure the safety of our residents and to identify the ones responsible for this and quickly arrest them. We will also be increasing police patrols in the area, and Officers from the District 3 Police Area Representative Unit (PAR) will be spending their day in the neighborhood, the news release stated. Vanessa Wilson, the Interim Chief, stated, according to the news release, that this investigation is a top priority for our agency. We have all of our resources working around the clock right now, conducting interviews and collecting evidence. We need the community to come together with us to stop this senseless violence to protect our youth. We continue to ask anyone with information to please call us with any information they may have. No one has been arrested concerning the crime as yet, according to the news release. Police advise that should anyone have any information regarding the case, that person should contact authorities. These are the top stories from the northern region at 5 pm UP-CABINET LD POLICE Lucknow, Noida to have commissionerate system of policing Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh on Monday approved the commissionerate system of policing in Lucknow and Noida, which aims at giving more powers to the police. LUCKNOW DEL7 UP-MAYAWATI-CAA MEET Mayawati to skip opposition meeting on CAA Lucknow: BSP President Mayawati on Monday said her party will not attend the Congress-led opposition meeting to discuss a strategy on protests over the CAA and NRC, saying it will "demoralise" her party workers DEHRADUN DES11 UKD-ACID-PENSION Ukhand govt mulls introducing pension scheme for acid attack survivors Dehradun: Inspired by the movie 'Chhapaak' which revolves around the life of an acid attack survivor, the Uttarakhand government proposes to introduce a pension scheme for such victims in the state to help them lead a dignified life. SHIMLA NRG9 HP-SNOW-DEATH Earth mover operator killed as vehicle topples while removing snow in HP's Kullu Shimla: A 34-year-old earth mover operator was killed when the vehicle overturned while removing snow in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, police said. CHANDIGARH DES29 PB-SUNNY DEOL-POSTERS 'Gumshuda Ki Talash' for MP Sunny Deol in Pathankot Chandigarh: Posters declaring Gurdaspur MP and actor Sunny Deol "missing" surfaced in Punjab's Pathankot district, which comes under his Lok Sabha constituency. CHANDIGARH DES19 PB-GURU-AMARINDER Form committee to oversee Guru Tegh Bahadur's 400th birth anniversary celebrations: Amarinder urges PM Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a national level committee to oversee the year-long celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur's 400th birth anniversary, an official statement said here on Monday. JAMMU DES13 JK-HIGHWAY Traffic suspended on Jammu-Srinagar NH as heavy rains lash most parts of Jammu Jammu: Traffic on the 270-kilometre Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended on Monday afternoon after torrential rains lashed most parts of Jammu region and played spoilsport in the Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations. NEW DELHI LGD26 DL-HC-CAA-PROTEST-TRAFFIC Anti-CAA protest: HC agrees to hear Tuesday plea to open Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Monday agreed to hear on Tuesday a PIL seeking to open Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch which has been closed since December 15, due to ongoing protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). NEW DELHI DEL24 DL-JNU-CLASSES JNU students, teachers boycott classes over fee hike issue New Delhi: The students and teachers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Monday boycotted classes amid standoff with the administration over the fee hike issue. NEW DELHI DEL23 DL-JAMIA-LD PROTEST Jamia students gherao VC's office, demand registration of FIR against Delhi Police New Delhi: Hundreds of Jamia Millia Islamia students gheraoed Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar's office on Monday, demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with last month's violence on the campus. DHARAMSHALA DEL48 HP-DALAI-TAIWAN Dalai Lama congratulates Taiwan prez on victory, urges good relations with China Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has called for good relations between Beijing and Taipei while congratulating Tsai Ing-wen on winning her second term as Taiwan president. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Every race of man had their own territory, and this was our territory. The significance of that is that we cant go anywhere else to find our people. People can leave Chicago or leave Toronto to go somewhere to find their roots, to find their homeland. But these are our homelands. We cant go anywhere else to look for our language or our culture. This is it," said Duke Peltier, chief of the Wiikwemkoong tribe and a cousin of Doris Peltier. An honest Pakistani taxi driver in Dubai, who returned an Indian student's lost wallet containing cash and her UK visa, has been hailed by the family for his goodwill gesture, according to a media report. Raechel Rose, a Keralite and a corporate law student at Lancaster University in the UK, was on her way to her friend's birthday party in Dubai where she completed her graduation. Rose, who flew to Manchester on January 8, had lost the wallet in Modassar Khadim's cab on January 4, the Gulf reported. "She had got into his taxi with another friend near Burjuman on January 4," said Rose's mother Sindhu Biju. "Just then, they saw their other friends in another car and decided to join them," said Biju who was accompanying her daughter. They immediately left the hired taxi and Rose forgot to take her wallet along, she said. The wallet contained her UK student visa, over 1,000 Dirhams (Rs 19,000) in different currencies. The Indian family approached police for help and checked the CCTV footage but to no avail as the car's number plate was unclear. "Since they had not started the journey, the driver had not started the meter. Hence, it was difficult to trace the driver through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) call centre," Biju said. "She did not have a copy of the visa. When she called the university, she was told she might have to apply for visa again. Though she was in tears, she rushed to the police station to report the matter," she said of her daughter. Khadim noticed the wallet after completing to two other trips. "Since the family, who came next, said it was not theirs, I opened it to check if there is any contact number. I could only see all the cards and the cash," he said. Khadim called the RTA, reported the matter to police, but failed to contact Rose. However, to his surprise, he was soon contacted by the RTA officials. "Finally, the RTA call centre called me back when I was finishing my duty and verified the details that matched with their complaint. I was given their number following which I went to their house to drop the wallet," he said. He was given 600 Dirhams (Rs 11,500) by Rose's father, but refused to accept the amount despite the parent's insistence, saying she was like his "younger sister". The Indian family also wrote to the RTA appreciating Khadim's gesture, the report said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The iPhone might be the most transformational product of the past 20 years. That's not meant to be hyperbole--I mean it. It has completely changed the way we communicate and interact with one another and with the world around us. It has enabled an entirely new industry of software developers to flourish, and made social media possible. It's also created entire categories of business that didn't exist before. And, as a business, the iPhone is still an enormous part of Apple. In fact, on its own, the iPhone would be the fourth largest tech company. Only Amazon, Alphabet (Google), and the rest of Apple's businesses are larger. For context, the iPhone alone is roughly the same size business as Verizon, and larger than Microsoft. The iPhone has also made Apple the most valuable and most profitable corporation on the planet. Apple made almost twice the profit of the next closest company on the Fortune 500 list. But more and more, that profit isn't coming from the sale of devices, but the services that run on them. Which is why the iPhone isn't Apple's most important product anymore. Apple released App Store figures for the end of 2019, and the overall results are staggering. The company says that almost $39 billion was paid to developers in 2019, which is incredible, but that wasn't even the biggest news. Those payments in 2019 alone represent a quarter of the total amount of money Apple has paid App Store developers since it launched. That's right, 25 percent of all App Store purchases, ever, occurred last year alone. That's a pretty incredible amount of growth that is only expected to continue. Analysts predict that the services division alone--which includes Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+, iCloud, the iTunes Store, and the App Store--will generate $53.65 billion for Apple this year, which would make it roughly the same size on its own as Facebook. Not only is that a massive haul of revenue for the company, but services--by nature--are generally more profitable, meaning they contribute more to the bottom line. In addition, along with the services division, Apple is shifting toward a focus on wearables like the Apple Watch and AirPods. Analysts believe that AirPods alone were a $12 billion business for Apple last year. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, was expected to sell more units than the entire Swiss watchmaking industry combined in 2019. As the growth in iPhone sales continues to slow, Apple is clearly moving beyond and preparing for the fact that we are getting close to the saturation point for smartphones. This means that the iPhone will become less important in the overall growth of Apple, though it will no doubt continue to play an important supporting role. The iPhone, after all, is where we use many of those services. And the expected arrival of 5G this year or next is likely to spur a massive upgrade cycle. But there's really no question that just as Apple transformed from a niche computer maker into a consumer technology giant with the iPhone, the company is clearly well on its way toward its next transition. And, just as Apple looks very different now than it did when its most popular products were the iMac and iPod, it will look very different as its growth is driven by services and wearables. This story was updated with additional information at 3:36 p.m. on Jan. 13. MUSKEGON, MI -- Repair work has begun on the south breakwater structure off Muskegons Pere Marquette Park. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District, which covers all of Michigan and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana, announced on social media on Monday that workers had placed armor stone on the breakwaters edge. That stone placement began shortly after Christmas. Additional work is expected to begin this spring and continue through at least June, according to Christopher Schropp, who oversees construction for the Grand Haven area office of the Army Corps of Engineers. That work includes demolishing the existing cap of the structure, replenishing missing stone underneath, and then capping the entire thing with new concrete, according to previous MLive reporting. #ProjectMonday Repairs to the Muskegon South Breakwater Connector in Muskegon, Michigan are underway with the initial... Posted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District on Monday, January 13, 2020 The breakwall, a popular walkway off Pere Marquettes beach, was closed to the public in October due to safety concerns. A contract for the work, in the amount of $1.6 million, was awarded to Muskegons Great Lakes Dock & Materials, LLC in September, according to Schropp. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers put out a bid for the work in early 2019. This followed an attempt to patch the aging infrastructure in 2016. A project that autumn administered by Great Lakes Dock and Materials LCC cost about $100,000. That work was intended to be a temporary fix while awaiting additional federal funding, said Schropp. Part of the structure had begun to collapse, he told MLive. That was a temporary measure while we waited for funding. In 2016, the project received funds for design work. The construction money, supplied by the Department of Defenses civil works budget, arrived in early 2019. The southern breakwater is one of two in the area of the Muskegon Harbor. It extends 1,514 feet from the shore and Pere Marquette Park. The structure is also home to the Muskegon Breakwater Light. Built in 1930, the red steel lighthouse stands at the end of the breakwater and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The repair work is on a portion of the breakwall that extends out to its elbow; the far end where the lighthouse stand is not under repair. Schropp anticipated that this project would be the end of repairs to the breakwall for the foreseeable future. Unless more damage occurs somewhere, we should be done with any kind of repairs there for a number of years, he said. The aging breakwater was identified by the Army Corps and the City of Muskegon as an area of concern after a period of low water several years ago caused wood within the structure to rot. Schropp previously told MLive that that this allowed water to enter the structure, causing concrete to crumble. The construction contract extends until November if need be. Lake Michigans high water levels could affect the projects timeline, Schropp said, because placing concrete cannot be done during periods of high waves and strong wind. Im hoping theyll be done by the 4th of July, he said. In the meantime, he said, a fence along the breakwall had been erected to stop visitors from heading out onto it. It is an active construction site and its not safe for public access, he said. The structure is very unstable, especially with the high water and the waves. Theres a lot of concrete thats collapsing. Congress president Sonia Gandhi is chairing a meeting of opposition parties on Monday in an effort to step up the effort to counter the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on the citizenship law, the proposed citizens register and the economy. The attempt to draw up a joint strategy had suffered a setback long before the meeting started on Monday afternoon after Bahujan Samaj Partys Mayawati also decided to stay away. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been sore about the Congress and Left campaign in the state against her government, had last week RSVPed to say that she would not attend the meeting. ALSO WATCH | 6 parties skip Opposition meet on CAA, economy; BJP slams vote bank politics But Congress leaders had expected Mayawatis BSP and Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party to depute a representative. Mayawati announced her decision to keep her party out of this opposition front in a bundle of tweets fired earlier in the day. In these, she blamed the Congress for luring her partys legislators in Rajasthan though the BSP had extended outside support to the Ashok Gehlot government. To join the Congress-led opposition meet under these circumstances would demoralise her party leaders in Rajasthan, she tweeted. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, LJD chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, RJD leader Manoj Jha, National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among those present. The DMKs absence from the party meet, however, was the biggest surprise and setback too, particularly since MK Stalins party has been piling pressure on the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu to distance itself from the NDA governments move at the Centre. Shiv Sena, the Congress brand-new alliance partner in Maharashtra, and Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party that rules in national capital Delhi, have also stayed away from the meeting. AAP lawmaker Sanjay Singh told news agency ANI that there was no question of his party attending the opposition meeting since they had not received the invitation. There is no clarity yet if the Shiv Sena had been invited to the opposition. It has been ambivalent on the new citizenship law, particularly after it supported the amendment in the Lok Sabha but abstained in the Rajya Sabha. Since then, it has hurled many darts at the ruling BJP at the Centre over the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens but hasnt directly criticised the concept of extending citizenship to religious minorities from three muslim-majority countries in the neighbourhood. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi: Hearing the batch of petitions in Sabarimala temple case, a nine-judge Constitution Bench, headed by CJI SA Bobde, on Monday (January 13) clarified that it will not hear the review pleas but will consider 7 questions raised by the previous 5-judge bench. The court also gave a time of three weeks to all the parties to decide on the framing of issues relating to womens entry into Sabarimala temple and other religious matters. The court ordered that the Secretary-General, Supreme Court, will convene a meeting of all the lawyers to discuss the framing of issues on January 17. The Supreme Court is hearing the reconsideration petitions on its earlier verdict granting entry of women of all ages to the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Live TV Solicitor General earlier asked the apex court to clarify if polygamy practice will also be part of the hearing. The 9-judge bench comprises Chief Justice SA Bobde, along with Justice R Bhanumati, Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice L Nageswara Rao, Justice M Shantanagoudar, Justice S Abdul Nazir, Justice RS Ray Di, Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant. The bench will primarily decide the extent to which the court can interfere in religious matters, considering the constitutional aspect of religious practices that prohibit the entry of women into religious places. The SC was earlier reported to hear a batch of pleas on the issue of allowing women of all ages to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, along with other contentious issues of alleged discrimination against Muslim and Parsi women. On November 14, 2019, a five-judge bench in a 3:2 majority verdict had referred to a seven-judge bench the pleas seeking review of the 2018 judgement. The top court had clubbed the restrictions faced by Muslim women in connection with the entry into mosques and dargahs and Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, being discriminated from entering the Fire Temple. In the majority judgement, the apex court had observed that the issues surrounding the constitutional validity of religious practices, which discriminate against women specifically in connection with their entry into a place of worship, were not limited to the Sabarimala temple case. In 2018, the top court had allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. Allowing their review petitions, the top court had last month referred the matter to a larger bench. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., the Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based broker, announced it increased its stake in Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers from 33% to 100%, effective Jan. 1, 2020. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in December 2013 by Grahame Chilton and Rupert Swallow through a strategic partnership with Gallagher, Capsicum Re has since grown to become the worlds fifth largest reinsurance broker with offices in the U.K., U.S., Bermuda and South America. Rupert Swallow will continue to lead Capsicum Re as CEO, reporting to Simon Matson, CEO of Gallaghers UK Broking & Underwriting division, while Grahame Chilton has re-joined Gallagher in a leadership role within Gallaghers global property & casualty broking business. Weve considered Grahame and Rupert to be trusted partners ever since we embarked on our Capsicum Re co-venture six years ago, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO. Given their excellent market reputation and strong track record, we didnt hesitate to back their business model and their vision for creating a market-leading reinsurance broker, he added. We are delighted to now move forward to the next chapter of Capsicum Res story as an integral part of our global brokerage operations and we welcome Grahame back into an active leadership role. Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Related: Topics Agencies Reinsurance A.J. Gallagher So when will America be ready for a president who represents a majority of the electorate? Never? Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images First, let me say that I personally have no idea whether in a private conversation with Elizabeth Warren in 2018 Bernie Sanders did or did not tell her a woman couldnt beat Trump in 2020, as CNN is reporting. He denies it; Warren disputes his denial, claiming that the Vermont senator disagreed with her that a female candidate could win the election. But whether or not Sanders echoed this smear of not just Warren but all the women who chose to run for president in this cycle which has been circulating for months like a particularly insidious form of swine flu the story gives us the opportunity once again to expose it and denounce it. The idea comes up in the endlessly expressed electability doubts about Elizabeth Warren, and in vague attributions of sexism to the American public intended to convince Democrats that its just too risky to put a representative of a majority of the electorate at the top of the ballot. When populists say this is no time to elevate identity politics above the class struggle, they are clearly suggesting that working-class sexism is something to be accommodated in a higher cause. When pollsters and pundits suggest that misgivings about a woman becoming president in 2020 are more compelling than the even more widespread misgivings about a black man becoming president in 2008, they validate the idea that sexism is a more powerful, yet somehow more acceptable, vice than racism. These notions are insidious because those repeating them including, in my experience, a lot of despairing feminists are not themselves saying they are unready for a woman in the White House. Its those other people who are at fault other people who somehow are the key swing voters in the presidential election. And what is the empirical basis for believing that? Not, by and large, any personal experience with swing voter saying they dont want some girl commanding the armed forces! No, much if not all the fear arises from the unshakable conviction that Hillary Clintons gender made Donald Trumps presidency possible. Never mind that empirical support for the idea that Clintons gender was a net negative at all is, at best, limited. Sexism has to compete with a vast array of other plausible explanations for Clintons Electoral College loss, including: status quo fatigue, Democratic overconfidence, Clinton campaign resource-targeting mistakes, the Comey letter, Russian disinformation, voter suppression by Republican-controlled election officials, residual bitterness among Sanders supporters, media false equivalence in feeling the need to balance Trumps moral sins with Clintons venial sins, nativist fears, fear of Democrats as the party of minorities, and on and on. Why is gender so often singled out as crucial without evidence? And why, as a 2020 risk factor, is it so often elevated above others like the age of Biden and Sanders or those two gentlemens past presidential losses? Even if you are obsessed with electability, there are other candidate criteria that should matter in terms of getting the country from where it is now to where Democrats want it to be, as as I argued earlier this year: Democrats need to ask themselves questions like this: Is the historic value of electing an eminently qualified women as president worth boosting the odds of a Trump reelection from, say, 20 percent to 22 percent? How about the value of electing a president who can actually get important things done? Personally, having evaluated the theories of change being advanced by the various candidates, I think the two Democrats with the clearest visions of how they will accomplish their policy goals happen to be Warren and Klobuchar. Perhaps Im wrong about that, but the point is that presidential politics in this day and age is a risky business all around. Deciding in advance that this is no year to break the glass ceiling makes about as much sense as proclaiming that because tall candidates on average do better than short ones, Democrats should impose a minimum height requirement for their nominee. They wouldnt do that, but its no worse than declaring women unelectable. And male candidates should go far out of their way not only to disclaim support for this disreputable idea but to attack it. That this hasnt happened so far is evidence that Trump has gotten into the Donkeys head and convinced Democrats to legitimize his misogyny. Americas too sexist to elect a woman as president is itself a sexist assumption, particularly if claimed without clear evidence, as it often is. Trumpism cannot be defeated by those who have internalized its pathologies. So whether its in a whisper, a shout, or just mumbling in the background, the sentiment currently being attributed to Bernie Sanders needs to go away for good. This post has been updated to include a comment from Elizabeth Warren on the conversation in question. A newly launched U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program will provide free pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to qualified patients across the country, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced. PrEP is a medication that can prevent HIV from establishing an infection in the body if there is an exposure. When used properly, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. Among people who inject drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 75%. The resolution said all chief ministers who have announced they will not implement the NRC in their states must also consider suspend the NPR enumeration which was a prelude. (Photo Credit: Twitter/Congress) New Delhi: Stating that the "spirit of resistance has awoken", opposition parties on Monday called for repealing the Citizenship Amendment Act and "immediate stoppage of the NRC/NPR" on grounds that the "package" is unconstitutional and targets the poor and downtrodden. The meeting, convened by the Congress, saw chinks in the opposition ranks with leaders of about 20 political parties attending it but six major parties -- DMK, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Shiv Sena -- choosing to stay away. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the protests against the CAA and the NRC reflect widespread frustration and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of diverting attention from real issues such as the economy, her son Rahul Gandhi challenged the prime minister to visit any of the troubled campuses and speak on what he is going to do for the country. "The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic and religious minorities. The NPR is the basis for the NRC. We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR," stated the joint resolution adopted at the meeting. It said all chief ministers who have announced they will not implement the National Register of Citizens in their states must also consider suspend the National Population Register enumeration which was a prelude. The resolution also listed three dates -- Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary on January 23, Republic Day on January 26 and Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day on January 30 -- on which to peacefully and appropriately defend the Constitution and safeguard the secular democratic republic. "A spirit of resistance has awoken. We urgent every fellow Indian to strengthen this spirit by joining in solidarity to observe January 23 is the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose," the resolution said. On Republic Day, people should read the Preamble of the Constitution and take oath to safeguard it. And on January 30, highlight Mahatma Gandhi's relentless campaigns in pursuit of communal harmony. The BJP, it said, has embarked on a "dangerous course of sharpening communal polarization and attacking democratic rights and Constitutional guarantees of the people affecting millions of people and marginalized communities". Sonia Gandhi slams Modi govt over CAA, NRC Addressing the meeting, Sonia Gandhi said the nationwide spontaneous protests by youth supported by citizens reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger. She also alleged that the response of police in UP and Delhi has been "shockingly partisan and brutal". "The prime minister and home minister have misled the people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," the Congress chief said. She said the real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged. "The prime minister and home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive, polarizing issue after another. It is for us to work together and thwart the designs of this government," she said. Rahul Gandhi dare PM Modi After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi echoed her and said Modi was doing the biggest disservice to the nation by dividing it and distracting the attention of people. He said the prime minister should stand up and have the courage to speak to the youth on why the Indian economy has become a disaster and why there is highest unemployment in 50 years. "Unfortunately, the prime minister does not have the guts to stand in front of the students of this country and tell them so he crushes them using the police... I challenge the prime minister right now, to go to any of the universities, stand over there without his police, without his infrastructure and tell the people what he is going to do for this country," he said. Rahul Gandhi said the discussion at the meeting centred on the mood in the country with students and people of all religions and communities coming out. "There is a feeling of anger and fear in our students, in the weaker sections, in the farmers... The opportunity that India had has been lost, let me tell you. We are busy discussing everything except the main issue, which is joblessness and our economic strength. This is being destroyed by Mr. Narendra Modi," he alleged. Opposition expresses solidarity with protesting students The opposition meeting also expressed their solidarity with the protesting students in their bid to win over the youth and students. Sources said the opposition is seeking to take the students' movement forward and have lent support to their cause. Asked to comment on the parties which skipped the meeting, his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad said the opposition is together. "They may or may not attend the meeting, but we are all together and united on the subject and purposes of CAA, NPR and NRC. There is no question of any division," he said. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury agreed and said some parties had not come but had expressed their support. "The question is not individual political parties, but to save the Constitution," he said. Parties which attend the meeting The Congress leaders present in the meeting included Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, KC Venugopal, and AK Antony. The opposition party leaders who attended the meeting were NCP's Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, JMM's Hemant Soren, RJD's Manoj Jha, CPI's D Raja, Loktantrik Janta Dal's Sharad Yadav, IUML's PK Kinhalikutty, RSP's Shatrujeet Singh, Kerala Congress-Mani's Thomas Chazhikkadan, AIUDF's Sirajuddin Ajmal and Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference. Others present include PDP's Mir Mohd Fayaz, D Kupendra Reddy of JD-S, RLD's Ajit Singh, Hindustani Awami Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLSP's Upendra Kushwaha, Swabhiman Paksha's Raju Shetty, Forward Block's G Devarajan, and VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan. But key parties stay away BSP chief Mayawati cited "betrayal" by the Congress in Rajasthan as the reason for her party not attending the meeting. Mayawati conveyed her decision in tweets on Monday and said the participation of the party would have hurt its workers in Rajasthan. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that his party will not attend the Opposition meeting as they were not informed about it. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been sore about the Congress and Left campaign in the state against her government, had last week RSVPed to say that she would not attend the meeting. The Congress had expected Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party to depute a representative. However, the biggest setback for the Congress DMKs absence from the meet, since MK Stalins party has been mounting pressure on the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu to distance itself from the NDA governments move at the Centre. The Shiv Sena, the Congresss new alliance partner in Maharashtra, have also stayed away from the meeting. Trinamool Congress was first to voice its protest: Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that her party TMC was the first to voice its protest to the Parliamentary Standing Committee against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and none can question its opposition to the amended Citizenship Act. She claimed that the Parliamentary Standing Committee record clearly states that TMC was the first to air its opposition to the CAB at the committee's meeting and asked the opposition parties who were speaking against her to check it. Slamming the Left parties and the Congress who blamed her for a "secret understanding" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi without naming them, Banerjee said "None can question or doubt mine and TMC's credentials in fighting against the CAA, the NRC and NPR". (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has ruled that a University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass) student newspaper editor cannot be held liable for defamation after republishing police blotter entries describing a mans allegedly suspicious activities near campus. In its ruling, the court decided that plaintiff Jon Butchers claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation after reports of his allegedly suspicious activity near campus were published in a UMass student newspaper are protected by the fair report privilege. Case Background This decision comes after the UMass police department received a report in March of 2013 of a man engaged in suspicious activity at the John F. Kennedy station on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authoritys Red Line (JFK Station). When police arrived, a bus driver informed them he had observed a man taking photographs of women on the bus. Police then interviewed a second witness, a bus company employee, who also said the bus driver had observed a man taking photographs of people. The employee, who was a bus starter, indicated the man was wearing dark glasses and did not appear to be a student. The employee got on the bus and sat next to him in an effort to dissuade him from taking any more photographs. The police included an account of this report, and their attempts to find the previously unknown man, in their daily public police log (blotter). At the time the activity was reported, defendant Cady Vishniac was a UMass student and the news editor of the school newspaper, Mass Media. Mass Media republished the blotter entries for that week, including the report of the previously unknown mans allegedly suspicious activities. After the UMass police were unable to locate the man, a UMass police officer sent a photograph to Mass Media asking for help identifying him. Mass Media republished a version of the report accompanied by the photograph. Soon after the photograph was released, the previously unknown man was identified by a coworker on March 27, 2013. According to Butcher, these reports which circulated for more than one week without his knowledge were false. With this in mind, he asserted he is both a victim of an assault by a bus driver and by the publication of slanderous stories suggesting he was a sexual predator. Butcher offered his account of the incident, stating he was on his way to work at UMass when he decided to take photographs of the buses housed at the JFK Station in order to document what he saw as serious safety concerns regarding the bus company and its drivers. He believed he had permission to take these photos because the bus company was engaged in an ongoing union dispute, and the union had encouraged members to document any problems. He contended that a bus driver saw what he was doing, accused him of taking photographs of the driver and confronted him. Then, the driver attempted to block him from leaving the bus, according to Butcher. That afternoon, Butcher sent an email to the UMass office of public safety under the pseudonym Eric Jones, describing the encounter. Police replied to the message on March 15, but received no response. Butcher acknowledged he had sent the email from Eric Jones to preserve his privacy but insisted he had done nothing wrong and was only attempting to protect himself from the attack of the bus driver and the unsafe conditions on the bus. After Butcher was identified, UMass police took possession of his UMass-owned cell phone, which was issued in conjunction with his job, and conducted a search of the images stored on it with the assistance of an assistant district attorney. None of the files dated March 13, 2013, were photographs of women. Instead, several photographs from the time of the incident depicted buses and a bus driver. Legal Action In January 2014, Butcher filed a six-count complaint in the Superior Court against UMass and several individual defendants. In May 2015, a Superior Court judge allowed the defendants motion to dismiss and dismissed all of the counts except Butchers claims of defamation against Vishniac and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Vishniac and individual University defendants. The University defendants and Vishniac jointly filed a motion for summary judgment in September 2016, and the motion was granted in November 2016. In allowing the motion for summary judgment, the judge determined the content of the articles was both attributed to official police logs and a substantially accurate account of those logs. He concluded, therefore, that the purportedly defamatory statements fell under the fair report privilege and were not actionable. Butcher appealed and, in September 2018, the Appeals Court reversed the judgment as to Vishniac after concluding the fair report privilege did not apply. The Massachusetts SJC then granted the defendants application for further appellant review limited to the claims against Vishniac. Massachusetts SJC Justice Barbara Lenk stated in her opinion that once police undertake an official response to a complaint, both that response and the allegations that precede it fall within the fair report privilege. With this in mind, both the Mass Media report of the UMass police response and the allegations that triggered the response were privileged. The second Mass Media publication also fell within the fair report privilege, according to Lenks opinion, as that article included two related communications a republication of relevant details from the police blotter and a photograph of Butcher. For related reasons, the Massachusetts SJC concluded the photograph also was privileged. This is because when the police reach out to local journalists and ask for their assistance in identifying an unknown person, they are performing an official act that falls under the fair report privilege, Lenks opinion stated. Although the reports at issue here thus fall within the scope of the fair report privilege, that does not foreclose liability, she warned in her opinion, however. The privilege is not absolute; it can be lost if a plaintiff shows that the publisher acted with malice or that the report is not a fair and accurate portrayal of official actions or statements. Lenk went on to say in her opinion that there is little doubt the first publication was a fair and accurate report of the police blotter. She stated that the second publication, however, warrants closer scrutiny and pointed to three inaccuracies in the article it identifies the source as a student, while the blotter does not, it misstates that the subject was taking photographs on the UMass campus instead of at the JFK Station, and it adds that the plaintiff took photographs of women without their permission. That said, inaccuracies do not amount to falsity as long as the substance of the article can be justified, Lenk stated in her opinion, concluding that the rough-and-ready summary of the report was sufficiently accurate. The defendants statements were privileged; such a privilege cannot be evaded simply by relabeling a deficient claim, Lenks opinion stated. Accordingly, we apply the fair report privilege to both actions. The case is Jon Butcher vs. University of Massachusetts & others. Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement Massachusetts Debris is seen from an Ukrainian plane which crashed as authorities work at the scene in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran on Jan. 8, 2020. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo) Iran Denies Cover-Up After Admitting Ukraine Airlines Plane Was Shot Down Irans government has denied a cover-up after it took several days for regime officials to admit that a Ukraine International Airlines plane was shot down, killing everyone on board including 82 Iranians, which triggered widespread protests across the country. In these sorrowful days, many criticisms were directed at relevant officials and authorities some officials were even accused of lying and a cover-up but, in all honesty, that was not the case, government spokesman Ali Rabiei said via state-run television on Monday morning, as reported by Qatar-backed Al Jazeera. The Kyiv-bound Ukraine International Airlines flight crashed minutes after takeoff from Tehrans airport, killing 176 people. Iranian officials initially blamed an unknown mechanical failure for the crash, but days later, Canadian and U.S. officials said it was highly likely that Tehran shot down the plane. Whats more, a video obtained by The Associated Press and New York Times showed what appeared to be a projectile hitting a plane over Iran. Over the weekend, Iranian officials admitted that its military shot down the plane by accident, triggering widespread protests in Tehran and elsewhere. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif wrote that human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations. President Hassan Rouhani wrote that following an internal investigation, Iran fired missiles due to human error. Up to 200 Iranian protesters rallied outside a day after the brief arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire at a memorial for those killed when a Ukraine airliner was shot down. (Photo by Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images) The recent flare-up between Washington and Tehran started in December when rockets fired at U.S. bases in Iraq killed a U.S. contractor. U.S. officials blamed Iran-backed militia and launched airstrikes. After the militia surrounded the U.S. embassy in Baghdad for two days, Trump ordered the strike on top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who commanded the Quds Force and was accused of being behind Irans proxy militia groups. The Department of State labeled the Quds Force as a Foreign Terrorist Organization last year. Iran retaliated on Tuesday by firing missiles at Iraqi bases where American soldiers were housed, but they did not kill anyone. The Ukrainian plane, on its way to Kyiv, crashed shortly after takeoff. Most of those killed were Iranians or Iranian dual nationals. Scores were Canadians, many dual nationals who had traveled to Iran to visit relatives. President Donald Trump, over the weekend, called on Iranian officials: DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people, he wrote on Twitter. Reuters contributed to this report. Prime Minister Boris Johnson today said the Government would not 'step in and save' regional airline Flybe amid claims air passenger duty could be cut on all domestic flights in Britain - saving travellers 13 a trip. Chancellor Sajid Javid will discuss a rescue deal with the business and transport secretaries today to postpone a 100million tax payment until 2023. But if ministers were to apply the move to the whole airline industry, they would avoid breaching European Union state aid rules. The airline is on the brink of collapse as bosses plead with ministers to defer its multi-million-pound air passenger duty bill. A Flybe plane takes off from Manchester Airport yesterday Passengers on domestic flights pay 13 in APD for a normal single journey under current rules, with higher rates for longer destinations and premium class. A reduction in APD - a tax passed directly to the government - would therefore lead to lower flight ticket costs, presuming that airlines would also reduce their prices. How air passenger duty varies based on travel class and destination Air passenger duty (APD) is charged to plane operators on all passenger flights from UK airports and was first introduced in November 1994. APD is charged as part of your ticket price, and the tax is passed directly onto the Government by the airline. The rate of duty varies based on destination and the class of travel. There are two destination bands - 'A', where the distance from London to the destination country's capital city is up to 2,000 miles (including all EU countries); and 'B', where the distance is more than 2,000 miles. There are then three rate types based on the class of travel - 'reduced' for travel on seat pitches less than 40in (1.016m), 'standard' for more than 40in and 'higher' for travel in planes of at least 20 tonnes equipped to carry fewer than 19 passengers. The rates for band A are 13 reduced, 26 standard and 78 higher. For band B, the rates are 78 reduced, 172 standard and 515 higher. A reduction in APD would therefore lead to lower flight ticket costs, presuming that airlines would reduce their prices by the equivalent amount. Advertisement Flybe has long claimed that APD is unfair by disproportionately affecting domestic customers who must pay it every time they take off from a UK airport. The airline was on the brink of collapse last night as bosses pleaded with ministers to defer its multi-million-pound air passenger duty bill. Just four months after the demise of Thomas Cook, the uncertainty has thrown the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers into chaos, and the future of 2,400 jobs into doubt. Mr Johnson told the BBC: 'It's not for Government to step in and save companies that simply run into trouble. 'But be in no doubt that we see the importance of Flybe in delivering connectivity across the whole United Kingdom. 'It's very important, for instance, where I was yesterday in Northern Ireland, and we're working very hard. I can't go into commercially confidential discussions. 'We're working very hard to do what we can, but obviously people will understand that there are limits, commercially, to what a government can do to rescue any particular firm. 'But what we will do is ensure that we have the regional connectivity that this country needs.' APD was estimated to raise 3.7billion in 2018/19 and 3.8 billion in 2019/20, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility's economic and fiscal outlook. This figure was predicted to reach 4.6 billion by 2023/24. There have been frequent calls in Parliament for APD reform to go further after changes were made in recent years. Airlines claim the charge restricts connectivity and passenger growth. Asking an urgent question in the Commons chamber, Tory former minister Caroline Nokes said: 'I do not wish to put the minister in a corner, but hope he might be able to expand a little on what might be achieved with regard to APD, which has long been a concern to both airlines and airport operators. 'We leave the European Union at the end of this month, which might give some opportunity to consider what freedoms there could be from state aid rules going forward.' Mr Maynard replied: 'She tries to tempt me on APD. It may help the House if I start by making very clear that transport ministers never comment on air passenger duty. It is a matter for the Treasury. 'I don't intend to start to change that now. So I will not be making any comment at all on air passenger duty.' Conservative former minister Steve Brine warned that the 'Flybe crisis' could cause 'major disruption' for his Winchester constituents. He added: 'It's clearly a short-term issue here and I know ministers are grappling with that and I wish them well and they have my support. 'But we have an uneven playing field, minister, around APD and other regulations as well, around regional airlines and regional airports - which has without doubt contributed to Flybe's current predicament. Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured on BBC Breakfast today with presenter Dan Walker) said the Government would not 'step in and save' regional airline Flybe 'So, longer-term, can I ask the minister whether there's any appetite within Government to address this and the crippling impact that it's having on the regional connectivity that he and the Prime Minister rightly referred to?' Mr Maynard said the network of airfields is 'absolutely crucial' to regional connectivity, adding: 'We're looking at all policy options.' Shadow transport minister Andy McDonald urged the Government to intervene to protect Flybe. He said: 'I trust the Government will learn the lessons from its inept response to the Thomas Cook collapse.' On climate change, he said: 'Slashing airport passenger duty across the board would make a mockery of the Government's supposed commitment to climate emissions. How much cheaper might your flight be? For travelling in just under a month's time on Saturday 8 February, here are the equivalent prices if air passenger duty was removed: London Heathrow - Manchester Cheapest price = 57 with British Airways New price without 13 tax (Band A, reduced) = 44 London Stansted - Madrid Cheapest price = 17 with Ryanair New price without 13 tax (Band A, reduced) = 4 London Stansted - Marrakech Cheapest price = 76 with Ryanair New price without 13 tax (Band A, reduced) = 63 London Gatwick - New York JFK Cheapest price = 180 with Norweigan New price without 78 tax (Band B, reduced) = 102 London Stansted - Sydney (via Dubai) Cheapest price = 645 with Emirates New price without 78 tax (Band B, reduced) = 567 Advertisement 'Aviation is set to be the biggest source of emissions by 2050 with ministers planning for demand to double.' Mr Maynard replied: 'We are acutely conscious that aviation has a vitally important role to play in meeting our net-zero targets by 2050 and I'm working very hard on finding the answers to those questions.' Labour's Rachel Reeves, who was chairwoman of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee in the last parliament, said: 'There is something of a pattern developing here. We've had the collapse of Monarch, the collapse of Thomas Cook, and now potentially the collapse of Flybe. 'When we took evidence on the BEIS select committee in the last parliament on the collapse of Thomas Cook, the evidence we had from the business and the trade unions was the same - that the Government were asleep at the wheel. 'So can I ask the minister, what lessons have they learned from that collapse and what are they doing to ensure that passengers are protected, critical routes that connect regional towns and cities are supported, and also that the taxpayer doesn't end up footing the bill for another corporate failure?' Mr Maynard replied: 'Across Europe as a whole, the airline sector is a very highly volatile market. I don't accept her comparison at all.' Tory Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) said 94 per cent of flights out of Southampton were operated by Flybe, 'meaning that any loss of service will have a detrimental impact to the local economy and jobs'. Newquay Airport chairman Tim Jeans told Radio 4's Today programme that the possible collapse of Flybe could put regional UK connections at risk. He said: 'Flybe are by far and away the largest UK domestic airline and there are relatively few other players in that market. 'The routes that it flies are too small for easyJet and Ryanair with their 150- to 180-seat aircraft.' According to Sky News, Mr Javid will hold talks with Andrea Leadsom and Grant Shapps to set terms for the proposed bailout. Flybe's backers including Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and a hedge fund, are trying to persuade Whitehall officials to delay air passenger duty payments while it runs short of cash during the quiet winter months. Chancellor Sajid Javid (pictured: outside Downing Street last week) will discuss a rescue deal with the business and transport secretaries today The Connect Airways consortium, which rescued Flybe from going under less than a year ago, promised to pump 100 million into the carrier to help secure its long-term future. But, according to Sky News, Southend airport owner Stobart and fellow investor Cyrus Capital Partners have expressed reservations about investing so much money in the airline over the coming years. The airline, which flew more than 8.6 million passengers last year, could collapse into administration as early as today unless the Government agrees to defer the tax bill. Flybe backers - including Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic - are trying to persuade Whitehall officials to delay air passenger duty payments The collapse would put the jobs of thousands of Flybe staff at risk, many in key northern constituencies including Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. But unions warned it would threaten another 1,400 jobs in the supply chain, including baggage handlers at regional airports. The Exeter-based airline said it would not comment on 'rumour and speculation', and continued to advertise tickets in its January sale. The Government also refused to comment. Most Flybe passengers are understood to not be protected by the Atol travel industry compensation scheme, because they did not book their flights as part of a package holiday. This means those stranded abroad could be forced to book alternative transport and will not necessarily be covered for any losses. They will have to seek compensation from their credit card provider or insurance company. Rory Boland, travel editor, at consumer group Which? said: 'The speculation that Flybe might be the next airline to go under will be a huge concern for its customers and for those who regularly use airports where the airline is the main carrier. 'While flights will be going ahead as normal for the time being, this is a stark reminder for passengers to ensure they have protections such as airline failure insurance and to book flights with a credit card so they can reclaim the cost with their card issuer should an airline go bust.' Flybe's collapse would put the jobs of thousands of its staff at risk, many in key northern constituencies including Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle Union bosses complained that members were being kept in the dark. Brian Strutton, general secretary of pilots' union Balpa, said: 'I am appalled that once again the future of a major UK airline and hundreds of jobs is being discussed in secret with no input from employees or their representatives.' Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: 'If Flybe goes belly up, it won't just be direct employees at risk but 1,400 supply chain jobs as well. 'Our economy is tanking. The last thing we need is an airline to go under especially one which provides a vital public service in some parts of the country.' In a leaked memo to Flybe staff, Mark Anderson the chief executive of the Connect Airways consortium urged them to 'remain focused' and not to engage in 'unhelpful and unproductive speculation'. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday he is barring the Philippine National Police (PNP) from procuring their own equipment and told Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano to take over instead, to prevent corruption. Duterte said he was informed that the police reportedly obtained traffic radar guns at a higher price. He said the guns usually cost about 10,000 per unit but he was told that the police acquired them at P950,000 per unit. Itong pulis, isa rin yan [These police officers] I removed the power of the PNP to procure equipments kasi yung [because the] speed gun in Davao costs us about 10,000, he told reporters when he visited the Philippine Marine Corps at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. I may be wrong I said but sabi ko kay General Ano kahapon kunin mo [I told General Ano yesterday, take it]... I will task him to do the procurement and I expect no corruption, he added. The President said this serves as a warning to other government offices who practice corruption. He said if this continues he will also prohibit them from procuring equipment and he would have to take matters into his own hands. He said he might even establish a Bureau of Supply that will handle procurement, similar to the Department of General Services under former President Ferdinand Marcos. Baka maggawa ako ng Bureau of Supply. Doon na ang magbili tapos gusto ko ilista lahat yung tractor kung ano gusto mong p******ng bilhin eroplano ilagay mo presyo yung international pricing para malaman ko kaagad kung magkano, in public, he said. [Translation: I might create a Bureau of Supply. We will purchase there and I want them to be listed down, the tractor anything you want to buy, airplane, put the price, the international pricing so I would immediately know the cost, in public.] He said he would even broadcast the procurement prices on light-emitting diode (LED) screens for the people to see. NEWTON, Iowa Lois Grier knows she has to make a decision about the Democratic primary soon. She and her husband, Ted, traveled from their home in Otley to hear Bernie Sanders on Saturday and hoped to see Pete Buttigieg, too. But though Ms. Grier, 62, cares about issues like health care, what she is yearning to find above all is a White House hopeful she believes can defeat President Trump. She hasnt found one yet. Its important to narrow it in to somebody that can beat Trump, she said, adding that she would be watching the debate on Tuesday in Des Moines closely for telltale signs. A lot of the candidates are saying the right things, she added. But are they strong enough? For a year now, Iowans have been analyzing Democratic candidates for president, weighing their policies and personalities with the knowledge that the choices they make on caucus night on Feb. 3 could determine the trajectory of the primary. But with the first-in-the-nation caucuses three weeks away, many people in the state are still trying to make their decisions: A Des Moines Register poll last week showed that only 40 percent of likely Democratic caucusgoers had made up their minds. Nearly half said they could be persuaded to support another candidate as their top choice, and 13 percent said they did not have a first choice. This level of uncertainty, verging on anxiety and even panic for some caucusgoers, reflects the stakes for Democrats as they seek a nominee who can do effective battle with Mr. Trump. Many Iowans worry that none of the top contenders have clearly proved themselves able to defeat the president. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has chosen to pursue a combination of a domestic market obligation (DMO) and fiscal incentives to reduce industrial gas prices in the hope of fulfilling a four-year-old promise from President Joko Jokowi Widodo. The ministry will, among other requirements, expect oil and gas companies to prioritize selling their liquefied natural gas (LNG) to state-owned gas distributor PGN as part of efforts to bring the gas price down to US$6 per million British thermal units (mmbtu) as promised by the government, from between $8 and $9 per mmbtu at present. As long as PGNs infrastructure runs at full capacity, it can sell at $6 per mmbtu, said the ministrys acting oil and gas director general Djoko Siswanto on Jan. 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 Lieutenant Col. (Dr.) William LeCates of Copperstown has been named the new New York Army National Guard state surgeon. As a civilian, Dr. LeCates is president of Bassett Medical Center, a 180-bed teaching hospital in Cooperstown. He serves as the senior medical adviser to Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, state adjutant general. LeCates oversees the Army National Guard medical practitioners and the medical readiness of National Guard soldiers. He also ensures that Department of Defense, New York state, and national medical standards are adhered to. He replaced Col. Mathew Liepke of Oswego. LeCates, who previously served as the New York Army National Guard's chief aviation medical officer, will work with more than 100 other medical professionals assigned to the New York Army National Guard Medical Command, as well as with other units. LeCates is a veteran of the Afghanistan war, having deployed there twice. He also deployed to Liberia in 2015 to help combat tropical and infectious diseases, which included an outbreak of the Ebola virus. He has earned a Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and a Flight Surgeon Badge. LeCates is a nephrologist a specialist in kidney diseases and hypertension who studied at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for 10 years, which included a residency and fellowship. He is also a graduate of Amherst College and worked as an assistant economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before studying medicine. After graduating, he returned to Cooperstown as a practicing doctor, specializing in internal medicine with a focus on kidney disease. He joined the New York National Guard in 2009. 206th MPs deploying Twenty-four New York Army National Guard soldiers from the Latham-based 206th Military Police Company have left the state to prepare to deploy to Afghanistan. A farewell ceremony was held Jan. 4 at the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham. They deployed for Fort Bliss, Texas, for pre-deployment training. Their primary mission during their 10-month deployment in Afghanistan will be to provide security for a U.S. commander. They expect their total deployment in both the United States and Afghanistan will be for 12 months. The unit had deployed to the Iraq war in 2009. New platoon sergeant Steven Quinn of Colonie has been promoted to sergeant first class during a ceremony at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham. Quinn is assigned full time with the Medical Detachment in Watervliet and works full time as the unit's training noncommissioned officer. Quinn began his military career in 2008 when he enlisted in the New York Army National Guard. He graduated from Advanced Individual Training as a health care specialist in 2010. He has worked with the 206th Military Police Company out of Latham and then transferred to the Medical Detachment. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. In 2019, Quinn was nominated by the New York Army National Guard deputy state surgeon and recognized by the National Guard Bureau as the Medical Readiness Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. He has earned an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Veterans breakfast clubs Veterans and their friends are welcome at the following breakfast clubs: Tuesdays: 8 a.m., Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road, North Greenbush, 518-286-2603. First and third Wednesdays of each month: 9 a.m., Bellevue Cafe, 2630 Broadway, Schenectady, 518-393-7720. Thursdays: 8 a.m., Schodack Diner, 1842 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton, 518-477-5014. Thursdays: 9 a.m., IHOP, 611 Plank Road, Clifton Park, 518-348-1892. Third Thursday of every month: 9 a.m., Malta Diner, 2476 Route 9, Malta, 518-899-5099. Fridays: 8 a.m., Gateway Diner, 899 Central Ave., Albany, 518-482-7557. News of your troops and units can be sent to Duty Calls, Terry Brown, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212 or brownt@timesunion.com. Radio personality Sami Lukis has opened up about the struggles of life on the modern dating circuit, recalling one particularly insulting remark that upset her so much, it continues to sting more than three years after she first heard it. The Australian presenter, 49, was chatting with a man at a party when he tried to steer the conversation in a flirty direction. After politely rejecting his advances, saying she was 'quite content' with being single, her would-be suitor replied: 'Well, you should really hurry up and find someone, Sami, because you've probably only got two good summers left.' The comment 'really hit a nerve', Sami wrote for 9Honey, and left her feeling she only had a short amount of time before becoming 'about as desirable as a haemorrhoid'. Single TV star Sami Lukis, 49, (pictured in December 2019) was shocked and hurt when a man told her to 'hurry up and find someone' before she becomes undesirable Sami's experience is a textbook example of 'negging', a modern dating phenomenon which involves giving backhanded compliments to undermine the confidence of a potential partner, which causes them to crave your approval. Sydney relationship expert Jacqui Manning previously told Daily Mail Australia that today's complex dating sphere presents an unprecedented number of opportunities to cause offence. 'Now, there are [many] more ways to hurt somebody's feeling,' she said, listing examples like negging, ghosting - which is the practice of cutting contact with a romantic partner without explanation - and unfollowing on social media. Sami offered advice to fellow singletons on the back of her experience, citing the old adage: 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.' Sami urged singletons to remember the old adage, 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all' It's not the first time Sami has been candid about her romantic life. In November 2018, the Brisbane-born presenter opened up about the 'most brutal rejection' of her life, after she was dumped by a man 10 years her junior over what he saw as a crucial deal breaker. '"It's not you. It's your uterus." That's how he dumped me,' Sami revealed in a opinion piece for Whimn. 'Maybe those weren't his exact words. I think he said something along the lines of, "I'm just not ready to give up on the possibility of one day having kids with my partner",' she clarified. Sami (seen in October 2019) has been candid about her relationship woes in the past, including the 'most brutal rejection' of her life when she was dumped by a partner in November 2018 over her inability to conceive Sami struggled with infertility for many years, and after several unsuccessful attempts, she was forced to come to the agonising realisation that she will never be able to conceive. 'I thought I'd made peace with it and moved on. But when the guy dumped me because I couldn't give him a child, the pain hit me all over again. Twice as hard. I felt like a failure. Like I wasn't "woman" enough for him,' she said. While her ex-boyfriend was fully aware of her fertility issues from the outset of their relationship, he later decided he wanted children of his own. Sami hoped that sharing her story would warn other women about the potential consequences of dating younger men. Bombay Dyeing Chairman Nusli Wadia on Monday withdrew all defamation cases including the Rs 3000 crore suit for damages against Tata group Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata and others New Delhi: Bombay Dyeing Chairman Nusli Wadia on Monday withdrew all defamation cases including the Rs 3,000 crore suit for damages against Tata group Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata and others. A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde allowed Wadia to withdraw the petition in the apex court after the court recorded that Tata and others had no intention to defame him (Wadia). "In view of the statement made by Tata that there was no intention to defame Wadia, which is in accordance with the finding of the high court, the petitioner is hereby allowed to withdraw the present petition as well as the pending suit for damages," the bench said. Nusli Wadia - Ratan Tata Case | Nusli Wadia pays heed to advice by SC, withdraws criminal defamation case against @RNTata2000 pic.twitter.com/2gbIm5RpXY CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) January 13, 2020 The top court told senior advocate CA Sundaram, appearing for Wadia, that court appreciates his client for the response. The top court had on 6 January asked Wadia and Tata to sit together and resolve their differences in the defamation case. Wadia had filed a criminal defamation case against Ratan Tata and other directors of Tata Sons in 2016 after he was voted out of the boards of some Tata Group companies. The bench, also comprising Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant, which was initially inclined to dispose of the matter while upholding the finding of Bombay High Court that there was no intention of defamation, adjourned the matter for 13 January, after counsel for Wadia said that he would like to seek instruction from his client on the separate suit filed in the matter. Wadia had moved the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court order of last year, quashing proceedings initiated by a Mumbai local court against Tata, Tata Sons' current chief N Chandrasekaran and eight directors in a criminal defamation case filed by him. On 15 December, 2018, a magistrate court in Mumbai had issued notices to Tata and the others in the case. Wadia filed the defamation case in 2016 after he was voted out of the boards of some Tata Group companies, and claimed that Tata and others made defamatory statements against him after they removed Cyrus Mistry on 24 October, 2016 as the chairman of Tata Sons. Tata and others had then approached the high court seeking to quash and set aside the proceedings initiated against them. The Pentagon has identified the two US service members killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan on Saturday. Staff Sgt Ian P McLaughlin, 29, and Pfc Miguel Villalon, 21, were both on their first combat deployments when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near the Kandahar province on Saturday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which left two other American soldiers injured while they were conducting operations as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. McLaughlin hailed from Newport News, Virginia, while Villalon was a native of Aurora, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Both soldiers were assigned to the 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The soldiers' deaths were the first for US Forces in 2020. Staff Sgt Ian P McLaughlin, 29, (left) and Pfc Miguel Villalon, 21, (right) were killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Saturday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack McLaughlin and Villalon's brigade commander, Col Art Sellers, said in a statement that they lived by the Army engineer motto 'essayons', which means 'let us try' in French. 'When our nation called for its best airborne combat engineers to deploy into harm's way, Staff Sgt McLaughlin and Pfc Villalon answered without hesitation,' Sellers said. 'They lived their motto, 'Essayons', and embodied the values of the All-American engineer. 'Their loved ones are now surrounded by a caring community offering comfort and assistance through this difficult time,' Sellers said. In a separate statement, Maj Gen James Mingus, the 82nd Airborne Division Commander, said McLaughlin and Villalon 'represent the very best of our nation and our Army. 'Three-time volunteers, they went when our nation called and paid the ultimate sacrifice,' Mingus said, referencing the soldiers' combined enlistments. 'They will be honored, mourned, but never forgotten and we are committed to taking care of their families for life.' A map shows the location of the roadside bomb attack in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Saturday A US military vehicle carrying Villalon and McLaughlin was struck by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar on Saturday. A US Army Stryker vehicle with the 4th Squadron 2nd Cavalry Regiment is seen in the southern province in the file photo above McLaughlin joined the Army in 2012 and his first assignment was as a horizontal construction engineer with the 62nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. In 2016, McLaughlin was reassigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he rose to become a squad leader. He graduated from the Advanced Airborne School Jumpmaster Course in 2018. McLaughlin's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 'C' device, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge. He is survived by his wife and four children. Villalon joined the Army in 2018 and completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the following year. He served as a combat engineer for the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with 'C' device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge. The 21-year-old is survived by his mother, who lives in Chicago, and his father, who lives in Brownsville, Texas. Aurora Mayor Richard C Irvin released a statement about Villalon's death after it was confirmed. 'Our prayers and condolences are with the Villalon family during this tragic time,' Irvin said. 'Miguel was a young soldier with dreams for the future and a desire to make a difference in the world today. 'Much like all of us who have left from our hometown of Aurora to serve our country, our goal is to do our job well and return to our family and friends. 'Sadly, Miguel made the ultimate sacrifice as he protected our freedom from the front lines. 'The City of Lights shines much dimmer because of this loss. We'll stand with his family and provide support. Godspeed, young soldier.' Aurora Mayor Richard C Irvin released a statement about Villalon's death on Saturday The East Aurora School District also released a statement remembering Villalon, a graduate of East Aurora High School The East Aurora School District also released a statement remembering Villalon, a graduate of East Aurora High School. 'East Aurora School District 131 is mourning the loss of Tomcat and 2017 graduate Miguel Villalon,' the district wrote on Facebook. 'Villalon was one of two United States service members killed on January 11. 'We are grateful to Miguel for his courage and service to our nation. 'We extend our sincere condolences to Miguel's family, friends, and all those who loved him.' Villalon was the second American GI from the metro Chicago area to die on the battlefield in the last week. Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr was one of three Americans killed by a car bomb set off by al-Shabab extremists at Manda Bay Airfield near Lamu, Kenya, last Sunday. Mayfield, 23, was from Hazel Crest, Illinois. Another soldier from the Chicago area, Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr, 23, was identified as one of three Americans killed in an attack on an airfield in Kenya last Sunday. His mother (right) confirmed his death Al-Shabab militants killed Mayfield and two American defense contractors during the Sunday attack at a Kenyan airfield (pictured) used by United States forces More than 2,400 US service members have been killed in the War in Afghanistan, which began in 2001. Last year was one of the deadliest for the United States, with 23 American troops killed, even as Washington engaged in peace talks with the Taliban. The latest attack seemed certain to stall fresh efforts to restart the on-again, off-again peace talks between Washington and the Taliban. US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has been pressing the insurgents to declare a cease-fire or at least reduce violent attacks. That would give a window in which the US and the Taliban could then forge an agreement to withdraw all of America's troops. That agreement would also set out a roadmap for direct Afghan-to-Afghan talks, mapping out the country's post-war future. An Afghan official said the attack had taken place in the Dand district of Kandahar province. The official was not authorized to speak with media and requested anonymity. The Dand district encompasses metropolitan Kandahar, a city of about 550,000 and the historic capital of the Taliban. The Taliban now control or hold sway over roughly half of Afghanistan, after nearly two decades of US military involvement in the country. The militants continue to stage near-daily attacks targeting Afghan and US forces, even as they hold peace talks with the US. Scores of Afghan civilians are also killed in the crossfire or by roadside bombs planted by militants. In November, two US service members were killed when their helicopter crashed in eastern Logar province. The US military at the time said preliminary reports did not indicate it was caused by enemy fire, though the Taliban claimed to have shot down the helicopter - a claim the US military dismissed as false. US Ambassador John Bass left Kabul last week, ending his two-year tenure as America's top diplomat. Endo International plc ENDP announced that it has executed a settlement agreement with the state of Oklahoma related to a litigation that alleged the companys involvement in opioid abuse crisis in the state. The company has agreed to pay $8.75 million to the state in connection with the settlement. Shares of Endo were up 3.2% on Jan 10, following the announcement. However, the companys shares have declined 51.1% in the past year against the industrys increase of 0.7%. However, Endo and its affiliates do not admit any wrongdoing and are not liable for any opioid abuse in the state. The company stated in the press release that it had ceased promotion of all its opioid medications including withdrawal of one of its leading branded opioid medications in 2017. We note that Endo had settled another opioid abuse litigation with two counties Cuyahoga and Summit in Ohio last year. The company had paid almost $10 million to resolve all claims against itself related to a federal multidistrict litigation. With a significant increase in the number of deaths or instances of misuse of opioid-based drugs in the past decade, and high costs related to opioid abuse, it has become a public crisis. Several government organizations are taking steps to contain the widespread misuse of these drugs. Lawsuits have been filed against pharma companies for generating funds through penalties for abatement plans. Last year, several companies faced difficult times due to the ongoing litigation related to opioid abuse in the United States. The litigations allege that the marketing practices of pharma companies including Teva TEVA, Allergan AGN, Mallinckrodt MNK, J&J, Endo and privately held Purdue Pharma, since late 1990s, increased prescribing of opioid-based drugs as painkillers. Several thousands of cases are pending against these companies across the country. In a major move, J&J was ordered to pay $527 million in an opioid-abuse case with the state of Oklahoma last year, which was later reduced to $465 million. The company has appealed against the ruling. Such ruling related to similar ongoing litigations can severely impact the companies involved. These litigations will continue to remain an overhang for these companies going forward. Story continues Endo International plc Price Endo International plc Price Endo International plc price | Endo International plc Quote Zacks Rank Endo currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 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Zacks Investment Research [January 13, 2020] New Toshiba Receipt Printers Enhance Hospitality Point-of-Sale Customer Experience Toshiba America Business Solutions is introducing durable, splash-resistant point-of-sale (POS) receipt printers for the hospitality market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005175/en/ New Toshiba (News - Alert) Receipt Printers Enhance Hospitality Point-of-Sale Customer Experience (Photo: Business Wire) Toshiba's HSP Series POS printers feature a rugged IP21-certified, splash-resistant design to protect against solid objects and liquids prevalent in bar, restaurant and hotel environments. The IP standard classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of objects, including accidental human contact, dust, and water in electrical enclosures. Printing crisp and clear receipts at up to 350 millimeters (14-inches) per second with true 16-bit grayscale resolution further separate Toshiba's newly-introduced printers, meant for the hospitality industry. This quality and speed ensure timely and accurate sales, receipts and communications. The HSP Series seamlessly integrates into compact hospitality environments and even offers horizontal or vertical printing options. Furthermore, Plug-n-play emulation and compatibility with common 24-volt power supplies allow hospitality businesses to easily exchange Toshiba's receipt printers for other models. Additionally, the HSP Series is easy to use and delivers high availability withoutIT staff intervention for these demanding environments. Jam prevention technology featuring multiple paper detection sensors helps eliminate receipt tie-ups while notifying users when media needs replacing. Effortless component substitution - including one-touch print head replacement - optimizes POS system uptime while simplifying operations. Hospitality businesses may also appreciate the printers' paper and energy efficiency. Toshiba's eco-conscious and ENERGY STAR (News - Alert)-compliant HSP Series systems are light on power while they reduce paper waste by eliminating unnecessary whitespace. "Toshiba's HSP Series presents an ideal point-of-sale receipt printing solution for the demands of today's hospitality market," said Toshiba America Business Solutions Chief Marketing Executive Bill Melo. "Combining splash-resistance within a compact and durable design, our new systems allow hospitality businesses to provide a more efficient and frictionless customer journey." HSP Series receipt printers may now be purchased through authorized Toshiba resellers. For more information about Toshiba products, or to locate an authorized Toshiba dealer in your area, please visit www.business.toshiba.com. About Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS) provides multifunction printers, managed document services and digital signage for businesses of all sizes throughout the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. The company's award-winning e-STUDIO copiers and printers provide quality performance with the security businesses require. TABS provides content creation and management, displays, integration, installation and project management services as well as financing for solutions ranging from a single screen to the biggest arenas and stadiums. For additional information, please visit business.toshiba.com. Follow TABS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005175/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In May 1968, visiting his girlfriend in Paris, Roger Scruton, age 24, watched from an apartment window as students overturned cars and lampposts and threw stones at police. For seven weeks the civil unrest raged, paralyzing France. Thats when I became a conservative, he observed years later. I knew I wanted to conserve things rather than pull them down. Scruton soon found himself in good though embattled company, as across the Western world dissenters from the Spirit of 1968 compared notes. A countermovement began to form. By the early 1980s the fruit of its efforts could be found in the Thatcher government and the Reagan administration. Scruton, who had written his dissertation on aesthetics and received his Ph.D. from Cambridge in 1973, was teaching at Birkenbeck College, London, when he published his third book, The Meaning of Conservatism (1980), which met with furrowed brows among his left-leaning academic peers. He had already helped found a dining club called the Conservative Philosophy Group. In 1982 the founders of The Salisbury Review named him its first editor, trusting him to advance a more traditional, cultural conservatism than that preferred by certain Thatcherites who stressed free-market economics. Good-bye, academe. Thus liberated, Scruton went on a tear. Over the next four decades he wrote more than 50 books, including half a dozen novels. Along the way he made arguments for, inter alia, traditional sexual morality and English independence from the United Kingdom. The former opinion, misrepresented by journalists who wrenched his words out of context, cost him an unpaid government position in 2018; the offending publications eventually apologized. Add to his curriculum vitae a couple of operas and the script to the BBC documentary Why Beauty Matters (2009), which he also presented. The pursuit of beauty is the search for home, he wrote in The Face of God (2012). We deface the world when we scribble me all over it. . . . Beauty is the face of the community, and ugliness the attack on that face by the solipsist and the scavenger. He shook his head at litter. Story continues During the Cold War he supported an underground network of intellectuals against the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia. He smuggled in literature. In 1998, the Iron Curtain no more, President Vaclav Havel of the newly formed Czech Republic awarded him the Medal of Merit. Queen Elizabeth knighted Scruton in 2016. He found much in Burke and (mild surprise) Hegel to inform his political philosophy, which was downstream of culture, as we say, but thats not exactly how Scruton said it. Culture and religion are in the last analysis indissoluble, he argued, drawing on T. S. Eliot. In traditional religion, with all its serious appeal to manners and morals, Scruton found cultures life-blood: The future of mankind, for the socialist, is simple: pull down the existing order, and allow the future to emerge. But it will not emerge, as we know. These philosophies of the new world are lies and delusions, products of a sentimentality which has veiled the facts of human nature. We can do nothing unless we first amend ourselves. Such is the conservative message for our time, he maintained. It is a message beyond politics, a message of liturgical weight and authority. But it is a message which must be received, if humane and moderate politics is to remain a possibility. Sir Roger Vernon Scruton, age 75, died yesterday after a bout with cancer. Requiescat in pace. More from National Review After Hurricane Maria, Connecticut public schools accepted hundreds of displaced students from Puerto Rico. The state stands poised to do it again, according to Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona. In a statement released on Monday, Cardona said his department stands ready to assist districts as they enroll students who are displaced by the earthquakes by providing guidance and programmatic technical assistance. We will also work closely with the Governors office, the legislature and members of Connecticuts congressional delegation to identify and advocate for state and federal funding to ensure districts will be able to obtain the fiscal support, as it becomes available, in order to cover the costs of serving and educating this new population, Cardona said. Cardona said students displaced from Puerto Rico will only contribute to the strength and diversity of public schools in the state. When Hurricane Maria slammed Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica in 2017, Connecticut schools shared in $10.64 million in federal aid for the education costs the displaced students added to the states schools. Bridgeport schools got about $1.5 million to $2 million. Close to 2,000 displaced students entered public schools in the state who fled weather-ravaged areas, including at least 135 in Bridgeport, 146 in New Haven, and 16 in Stamford. Peter Yazbak, a department spokesman said it is unclear how many students and their families will relocate as a result of the earthquakes because the major impact of the earthquakes affected the south/southwest region of the island whereas Hurricane Maria had a significant impact on the entire island. But well be monitoring the situation and coordinating with our state and federal partners and community providers in preparation, Yazback said. lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday (January 13) took a dig at Congress-led Opposition's resolution on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and proposed nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) and taunted the Congress by saying that the absence of major opposition parties like the Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sends a clear message that the Congress lacks the support of whole opposition. "The Opposition's resolution is not in national or security interest, neither in the interest of persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries," the minister said at a press conference. It is to be noted that Congress and other opposition parties on Monday passed a resolution demanding the repealing of CAA and 'immediate stoppage of the NRC/NPR'. In a scathing attack on the Congress and other opposition parties, Prasad said Pakistan must have been very happy by their resolution. "The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a chance to expose barbaric treatment of minorities in Pakistan," he added. Prasad asserted that the Opposition was targeting PM Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre over CAA without any concrete logic. Earlier on Monday, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi had slammed PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah accusing them of misleading people on the CAA and the NRC. Addressing a meeting of opposition leaders at Delhi, Sonia Gandhi said, "The government has let loose a reign of oppression, it is spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines." "Nation watched in horror at BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU after what happened in Jamia, BHU, Allahabad university and AMU: Sonia Gandhi," she added. The opposition leaders held a meeting in Parliament Annexe to hold discussions over the current political situation in the country following widespread protests against the new legislation and tension in campuses. Live TV The meeting convened by Sonia Gandhi was attended by leaders of opposition parties like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Lok Janshakti Party (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was also present. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who is opposed to CAA and NRC, had stated earlier that TMC leaders will not attend the meeting over the "violence" by Congress and Left parties during a strike last week. BSP chief Mayawati decided to attend the meeting citing "betrayal" by the Congress in Rajasthan as the grand old party has poached BSP MLAs in the state. "As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," she tweeted. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that no one from his party attended the meeting as they were not informed about it."We have no information about any such meeting. So makes no sense to attend a meeting we have no information about it," Singh told ANI. Clearing out his desk in the Commons last week, Chuka Umunna looked a forlorn figure. Once seen as a future Labour leader, Umunna abandoned the party for useless Change UK before jumping ship to the Lib Dems. He boasted he would capture the Cities of London and Westminster constituency at the election but came a distant second to the Tories. Bittersweet: Chuka Umunna, pictured on December 12, boasted he would capture the Cities of London and Wesminster constituency at the election but ended up coming second to the Tories The loss was expensive. Umunna, like every other MP who cut and ran to a new constituency, is not entitled to a penny in redundancy money. If he had lost in Streatham, which he had represented for Labour since 2010, he would have been paid 33,500 redundancy, with the first 30,000 tax-free. The same goes for Sam Gyimah, who quit his Surrey seat to fight Kensington for the Lib Dems (even though he stood for the Tory leadership!). Gyimah split Labours vote and the Tories recaptured the seat by 150 votes. Phillip Lee, a GP who theatrically crossed from the Tory benches to the Lib Dems when Boris Johnson was at the dispatch box, was also in the Commons last week clearing his office. He had abandoned his Bracknell constituency to fight Wokingham for the Lib Dems and lost. He appeared a forlorn figure while clearing out his desk last week. During his political career, he has appeared the future Labour leader, before abandoning the party for useless Change UK and then jumping ship to the Lib Dems. If he lost Streatham, he would have been paid 33,500 redundancy, with the first 30,000 tax-free Labours Angela Smith and Luciana Berger, who also defected to the Lib Dems, are out of pocket too, after losing in their new constituencies of Altrincham and Finchley. No wonder they all looked so gloomy. Have the Lib Dems not noticed they suffered a catastrophic election defeat? On the first page of the partys website is still a photo of a smiling Jo Swinson who lost her East Dunbartonshire seat captioned: Build a brighter future. Bedtime warning for new MPs Nicely coinciding with the BBCs compelling portrayal of the 1963 sex scandal involving John Profumo, veteran Tory MP Sir John Redwood has issued some timely advice for new MPs. Tory MP Sir John Redwood has offered some pearls of wisdom for new MPs in light of the BBC's portrayal of the 1963 sex scandal involving John Profumo. Among the pieces of advice, he said 'you would be wise not to take your MP work to bed with you' Being an MP is not just a job but a way of life, he says, adding: You would be wise not to take your MP work to bed with you. If you spend time in the wrong bed or share a bed with an inappropriate person, you will soon find out the media and the public think your bedtime a matter of public concern and debate. Labour lemmings for Corbyn Joe Haines, press secretary to Harold Wilson, who was the last Labour leader before Tony Blair to win an election, says Labour must learn from the Jeremy Corbyn calamity. Labour must learn from the Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at a demonstration in London on Janaury 11) calamity, according to Joe Haines, press secretary to Harold Wilson. He suggests Labour would not have lost the last two election if they had a Tony-Blair type leader Writing in the New Statesman, he says: For those unable to accept the blindingly obvious, I have one simple question. Do you believe Labour would have lost the last two elections if theyd had a Tony Blair-type leader? If you think the answer is yes, then you can join all the others in jumping off the cliff. Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips can count on some good lines for her Labour leadership campaign. The straight-talking MPs video announcing her candidature was greeted with a yay! on social media by Jane Fallon, the bestselling author and partner of comic actor/director Ricky Gervais, who so wittily hosted last weeks Golden Globes. Its not just the new Labour leader wholl be declared victorious on April 4. The Grand National is on the same day and has often produced an aptly named winner. In 2001, the year of Tony Blairs second election landslide, it was won by Red Marauder. In the 1970s Red Rum won three times but surely Jeremy Corbyns favourite would be 1949s winner, Russian Hero. Iran summoned the British ambassador yesterday after it accused him of "illegal and inappropriate" presence at anti-government demonstrations, deepening a diplomatic rift between the countries. Rob Macaire denounced his detention on Saturday, which he said was "of course illegal", adding that he had attended a vigil for victims of the Ukrainian Airlines crash, but left as protests broke out. It came as Iran faced a second day of protests over the downing of the flight by the Iranian military, killing all 176 passengers, and initial denials by the regime. Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the UK, suggested Mr Macaire should have heeded his own embassy's warnings to "not be present in the proximity of political demonstrations in Tehran". Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, said Mr Macaire had been arrested as an "unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering" and "15 minutes later he was free". The arrest was condemned by both British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a "violation of international law". However, Britain, France and Germany issued a joint statement reiterating their support for the Iran nuclear deal. Despite pressure from the US to withdraw from the non-proliferation agreement, the three countries said last night: "We remain committed to the JCPOA and to preserving it." Meanwhile scores of protesters gathered in Tehran to protest against the regime, despite the widespread presence of riot police just months after hundreds of protesters were killed in a crackdown on demonstrations. Videos showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans, including: "They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here." One video circulated on social media appeared to show crowds of students at a Tehran university deliberately walking around American and Israeli flags painted on the floor in order to avoid stepping on them. The protests began on Saturday after Iran's admission that it had accidentally shot down the Ukrainian jet caused widespread public anger. Most of the passengers were Iranian citizens. Tehran had previously denied responsibility for the tragedy, which it said came as the military was on high alert for US strikes in the wake of the assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani. A report from the London-based Iran International television suggested Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had deliberately allowed civilian air traffic to use the airport as a deterrence against any US attack. Crowds gathered outside a university in central Tehran on Saturday to denounce the IRGC, the elite military force under the authority of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Kahmenei. The students shouted, "Death to the dictator," and "End your rule over the country." Riot police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the protests. Donald Trump voiced his support for pro-democracy demonstrators in Iran by tweeting in Farsi over the weekend. In one tweet, he said: "To the brave and suffering Iranian people: I have stood with you since the beginning of my presidency and my government will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely. Your courage is inspiring." Yesterday, he warned Iranian leaders not to kill protesters, saying "the world is watching". But in the US, an ABC News/Ipsos poll showed that 56pc of voters disapproved of the president's handling of Iran, with 52pc saying that the airstrike which killed Soleimani had made the US less safe. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the shooting down of the plane was a "disastrous mistake" and apologised. But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public fury when he said he had told authorities on the same day as the crash an Iranian missile struck the plane. While both Tehran and Washington have backed off from intensifying their conflict, the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah militia called yesterday for Tehran's allies to begin working to avenge Mr Soleimani's killing. Retaliation would happen in the "coming days, weeks and months", Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said. Last night, rockets hit an Iraqi airbase north of Baghdad where US forces have been based, wounding four local troops. Bases hosting US troops have been subject to attacks in recent months that have mostly wounded Iraqi forces, but also killed one American contractor last month, setting off the developments of recent weeks. ( Daily Telegraph London) Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield welcomed two new members into the This Morning family as they announced they've adopted koalas on Monday's episode. In aid of the Australian bushfires, the TV hosts introduced their animals Glen William Clarence and Brandy Hill Denise to the world as they kicked off the show by sharing framed images of the latest additions. Holly, 38, and Phillip, 57, lent a helping hand to the recent natural disaster by spending $50 to adopt the animals, who are currently being looked after by wildlife charity Port Stephens. Animal enthusiasts: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield welcomed two new members into the This Morning family as they announced they've adopted koalas on Monday's episode 'We wanted to start the show by sharing the latest members of our family. We're doing our little bit to help Australia, so please welcome Glen William Clarence and Brandy Hill Denise, also known as Blondie', presenter Holly told viewers. Explaining how their donation will help the crisis, media personality Phillip added: 'They are two koalas that we've adopted and have been looked after by a small charity, Port Stephens. 'While they weren't directly injured by the fire, all the money from the adoption helps the other koalas struggling to survive.' With the pair adopting one koala each, Holly shared: 'I adopted Blondie, she was the victim of a dog attack. She was so badly bitten that her arm had to be amputated. She's still struggling to fight the infection.' Closer look: In aid of the Australian bushfires, the TV hosts introduced their animals Glen William Clarence (pictured) and Brandy Hill Denise to the world Doing their best: Holly, 38, and Phillip, 57, lent a helping hand to the recent natural disaster by spending $50 to adopt the animals DOI star Phillip explained: 'I've adopted Clarence, who was found with very bad eyes caused by the chlamydia infection. 'He's 10, weighs 8KG, and wasn't used to being afround humans at all. He was terribly scared of humans, so the chlamydia in his eyes has left him blind.' Over the weekend, This Morning shared a clip of Dr Scott Miller explaining the effects of the wildfire on koalas on their Twitter account. He said in the informative video: 'There's an area in New South Wales that's burnt that's the size of Wales. It's such a huge habit and about 75% of the functional habit of koalas have been decimated. Important cause: With the pair adopting one koala each, Holly shared: 'I adopted Blondie (pictured), she was the victim of a dog attack' 'They think about a third of the population of koalas have passed away, and the ones that are left are in dire stress. 'They're hungry, dehydrated, a lot have smoke inhalation and some burns that they're suffering with is horrific. Koalas mean a lot to people, particularly to Australians.' Earlier this week, it was revealed that koalas could be classified as endangered because so many have been wiped out in the bushfires. Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the marsupials had taken an 'extraordinary hit'. Sharing the harsh reality: Over the weekend, This Morning shared a clip of Dr Scott Miller explaining the effects of the wildfire on koalas on Twitter 'It may be necessary... to see whether in certain parts of the country, koalas move from where they are, which is often vulnerable, up to endangered', Sussan shared, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Wildlife and environmental groups are being given an initial cash injection of $50million as the country reels from the unprecedented bushfire crisis. The commonwealth money will be evenly split with $25million to an emergency intervention fund and $25 million for frontline environmental groups. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has described the bushfires as an ecological disaster, telling Sky News eight million hectares had been lost so far, with more than one billion animals estimated to have died. Tragic: Earlier this week, it was revealed that koalas could be classified as endangered as so many have been wiped out in the bushfires (CFA strike teams in Victoria on January 7) RMHCGHG in partnership with Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) and UT Health School of Dentistry (UTSD) provides underserved children and families with quality dental and medical care free of charge. The six week Healthcare Within Reach campaign will draw attention to the dire need to bring healthcare within reach to underserved communities in Houston and Galveston. "Our Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles allow us to bridge the gap for thousands of underserved children by traveling directly to neighborhoods to provide quality dental and medical care," said Tanya Gee, Executive Director of RMHCGHG. "But we can't do this alone, which is why we're asking our fellow Houstonians to help us bring healthcare within reach for thousands of children and families who need it most." Beginning on January 13, 2020 through February 21, 2020, RMHCGHG is placing a replica of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile at three unusual locations across Houston as part of the campaign mission to bring awareness to the situation of so many Texas children without access to healthcare. The campaign will also feature a "Spot the Mobile" contest, where various prizes will be given to those who can find the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and share it on social media. To enter the contest, participants visiting the following locations can snap a photo of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, share it on either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #HealthcareWithinReach, and tag RMHCGHG at @RMHChou on Twitter or @RMHCGHG on Facebook and Instagram. The locations are as follows: Location 1: Brookfield Properties at 4 Houston Center: 1331 Lamar St., Houston, TX 77010 and 1200 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010 Dates at location: January 13, 2020 February 21, 2020 Location 2: Evelyn's Park Conservancy, 4400 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401 Dates at location: January 27, 2020 February 7, 2020 Location 3: BakerRipley Leonel Castillo Community Center, 2201 South St, Houston, TX 77009 Dates at location: February 10, 2020 February 21, 2020 For additional contest rules and information, visit rmhcghg.org/healthcarewithinreach. Prizes include but are not limited to a one-month family membership to the Houston YMCA, a gift certificate for either an annual membership or family of four admission to the Children's Museum of Houston, a gift certificate to Massage Envy for a facial or massage, a four-pack of general admission tickets to Space Center Houston, a free one-month membership to 24 Hour Fitness, and a free dental cleaning, brightening, or check-up from Tara Dental Group. RMHCGHG thanks our clinical partners TCH and UTSD along with corporate sponsors and donors for their generous contribution to this campaign: 24 Hour Fitness, BakerRipley, Brookfield Properties, Children's Museum of Houston, Cox Media Group, Alex "Donkeeboy" Roman, Edelman, Evelyn's Park Conservancy, Houston Graphic Signs, Julye Newlin Productions, Houston YMCA, Massage Envy, Media A-Team, PV Rentals, Space Center Houston, Tara Dental Group, and Telemundo. To learn how you can help us bring healthcare within reach to underserved children and families in Houston and Galveston, please donate at rmhcghg.org/healthcarewithinreach. ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF GREATER HOUSTON/GALVESTON Guided by our mission to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families, RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston maintains three core programs. In our ongoing efforts to keep families close to the care they need, we support two Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs in partnership with Texas Children's Hospital and UT Health School of Dentistry, providing medical and dental care to the children of in the community our community free of charge. The Chapter also offers "play with a purpose" for children while their mothers receive prenatal care at area fetal clinics through four Ronald McDonald C.H.E.E.R.! Rooms in partnership with UTMB, and provides items of comfort and care to families of critically ill newborns at Memorial Hermann Northeast hospital through a Ronald McDonald Hospitality a la Carte program. For more information, visit www.rmhcghg.org. Visit our social channels: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram MEDIA CONTACT: Karen LaFleur E: [email protected] P: 832.831.8133 SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston Related Links http://www.rmhcghg.org MORE than 2,500 homes and businesses across Limerick are without power as Storm Brendan bears down on Ireland. A status orange warning remains in place until 3pm with Met Eireann warning of potentially life-threatening conditions in places. #StormBrendan is clearly visible on this EUMETSAT Airmass image. More information on this type of image at https://t.co/WYsDe0gVIz pic.twitter.com/0PAriX0ywv Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 13, 2020 According to ESB Networks, 1,408 customers have been without power in the Moylish area of the city since 10.37am while 1,115 customers have been without a supply since 8.44am in the abbeyfeale area. More than 21,000 customers are without power across the country with the southwest worst affected. We apologise if you have lost power supply during #StormBrendan. Please see https://t.co/cwxXH3X4kM for updates, if your area is NOT listed you can log your fault or get updates using your MPRN number here https://t.co/YdAR3mYBDE pic.twitter.com/O50FQrRsUh ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 13, 2020 Separately, a number of flights into and out of Shannon Airport have been cancelled or delayed and intending passengers are being advised to contact their airline before traveling to the airport. Ryanair flight FR4776 from Manchester, due to arrive in Shannon at 9.35am and flight FR103 from London Stansted, which was due to land at 10.30am, were both been diverted to Cork Airport. Flight Update 2 @Ryanair flight FR4776 from Manchester, due to arrive in Shannon at 9.35am & flight FR103 from London Stansted due in at 10.30am, have both been diverted to @CorkAirport Passengers will be transported to Shannon via bus.#StormBrendan (1/2) pic.twitter.com/P5c9xMLstQ Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) January 13, 2020 Aer Lingus flight EI3631 to Birmingham (10.25am), flight EI3675 to Edinburgh (10.30am) and flight EI381 to London Heathrow (11.30am) have all been cancelled. Meanwhile, Limerick City and Council says the high tide at 8am this Monday passed without any major incident. Council crews are on standby to deal with any issues which may arise across the day. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:31:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, stressed strengthening checks and oversight over the exercise of power as he demanded consistency in full and strict governance over the Party. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when delivering a speech at the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC held in Beijing on Monday. He also stressed upholding and improving the Party and state supervisory systems, adding that the efforts would ensure the Party's line and policies be faithfully followed and provide a strong guarantee to securing a victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and fighting poverty. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng attended the meeting. The meeting was presided over by Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CCDI. Historic and groundbreaking achievements have been made in ensuring full and strict governance over the Party with all-around and profound influence, thanks to efforts made in this regard with unprecedented bravery and resolve since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi said. The Party has explored a successful way to solve its own problems while staying in power for a long time and avoid history's cycle of rising and falling, and has established a set of effective systems for supervising power and enforcing disciplines and laws, he said. Xi stressed enhanced political oversight to ensure the implementation of institutions, calling for particular efforts to step up supervision regarding the tasks of securing a victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the battle against poverty. He underscored efforts to ensure that the power is exercised in a fair, law-based and clean manner. Xi stressed solving prominent issues that are strongly concerned about by people in poverty-stricken areas and that undermine the people's interests and targeting the practice of formalities for formalities' sake and bureaucratism in targeted poverty alleviation. Greater efforts should be made to address "minor corruption" in areas related to people's livelihood, "protection umbrellas" that shelter gang crimes and "stumbling blocks" to the implementation of policies designed to benefit the people, he said. Xi ordered continuous efforts to crack down on corrupt officials from low-level "flies" to high-ranking "tigers." He called on Party members to be soberly aware of the grave, complex, long-term and onerous nature of the anti-corruption fight. Xi stressed severely punishing those corrupt ones who showed no signs of restraint after the 18th CPC National Congress and the corruption issues that seriously hindered the implementation of the Party's theories, lines, principles and policies or damaged the very foundation of the Party's governance. Tough steps should be taken to address corruption behind various risks, combat graft in the financial sector and state-owned enterprises, strengthen the administration of state resources and assets and fight corruption hidden in local government debt risks, Xi said. Efforts are needed to investigate and punish insurance fraud in medical institutions, improve the supervision system for overseas state-owned assets and strengthen oversight over leading officials at all levels, Xi said. Xi demanded to push forward a coordinated system under which officials don't dare to, are unable to and have no desire to commit acts of corruption. Xi said Party and state oversight systems must be improved and the disciplinary inspection and supervision system must be reformed in a coordinated manner. Intraparty oversight should take the leading role, Xi said, while stressing the coordination of oversight by people's congresses, democratic oversight, administrative oversight, judicial oversight, auditing oversight, accounting oversight, statistics oversight, public oversight and oversight through public opinion. While presiding over the meeting, Zhao said that Xi's speech is of great guiding significance in deepening the full and strict governance over the Party. Party organizations at all levels, Party members and officials should follow Xi's instruction, as well as consolidate and develop the sweeping victory in the fight against corruption, said Zhao. Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Monday gave its approval to a proposal regarding re-naming of river Ghaghra to Saryu and has sent it to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for approval. "Cabinet has approved to send a proposal to change the name of Ghaghra river to Saryu, to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India," wrote UP government on twitter. If approved by the Union Home Ministry, the name of the river will be changed to Saryu. In 2018, the Yogi Adityanath led government renamed cities like Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya. Previously, the government had also renamed the Mughalsarai Railway station, another historic spot, as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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The two leaders exchanged New Year greetings and discussed the bilateral agenda while noting their intent to further develop the Russian-Indian privileged strategic partnership. The two leaders expressed happiness at the significant landmarks the Special Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries had covered in the recent past, particularly in the year 2019, said the Ministry of External Affairs. Read: Shiv Sena Concedes 'respect For Modi' While Shivaji Comparison; Invokes Chhatrapati Statue PM Modi stressed that the year 2020 would be of special significance for Russia, and recalled with gratitude the invitation of President Putin to the Prime Minister to participate in the 75th Victory Day Celebration in Moscow in May this year. The Prime Minister stated that he is looking forward to meeting the Russian President during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS Summit in St Petersburg. Discussion over Persian Gulf region and Libya Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi also discussed some current international matters, including the developments in the Persian Gulf region and in Libya, read the statement. The discussion on the heightened tension in the Middle East following the death of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani is extremely significant as India has walked the diplomatic tightrope while Russia has openly supported Iran in the whole saga. Read: Putin And Erdogan Meet In Istanbul, Call For 'restraint' In Iran-US Crisis Russia, a strategic ally of Iran, had warned of all-out war in the region leading to possible nuclear war after Iran targeted two US military bases in Iraq. Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov had opined that consecutive retaliatory measures by 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," warned the legislator. Kremlin had also expressed condolence to Iranian people over the death of Soleimani and said that the military leader served the cause of protecting Iran's national interests with devotion. In a statement, Putins government said that the killing of Soleimani was an adventurist step that will increase tensions throughout the region. Read: PM Modi Calls French Prez Macron; Discuss Bilateral Issues, Global Situation Read: PM Modi Highlights Growth In India-US Ties, Conveys New Year Wishes To Trump The director of an evangelistic Christian television channel has taken down a claim that the network had stopped all suicides in troubled Aboriginal communities. God TV is part of Instal-Life Christian TV, a televangelist service that has been set up on televisions in many indigenous communities in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. Missionaries featured in fundraising material for the network boasted that suicides in the remote communities had stopped as a result of Christian TV, despite a number of suicide and self-harm incidences this year alone. 'The Instal-Life team know that installing Christian TV is changing lives. As far as we know, there has NOT been one suicide in any community that we have installed,' they said. God TV is part of Instal-Life Christian TV, a televangelist service that has been set up on televisions in many indigenous communities in the Kimberly region of Western Australia 'The youth suicide seems to have stopped & we look forwards to the positive reports into the future of LIVES transformed, HOPE provided & the HOLY SPIRIT filling the people.' The company made the powerful claims while fundraising for a mission to install the network in indigenous towns in far-north Queensland. But locals say these claims are untrue and exploit the plight of Aboriginal people. Community members have taken their own lives and self-harmed in towns where Christian TV has been installed. In one town, there have been two deaths by suicide since the start of the year. Co-chair of the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre Gordon Marshall said despite its popularity, the network wasn't putting an end to suicide. 'Some people like God TV because if they're Christian, it helps them stay sober and stay healthy,' he told the ABC. 'But it's not stopping suicide. I think it's a bit false, and people thinking about funding it should be doing a bit more research to find out for themselves if it's true.' Director of God TV Australasia Wayne Knapman said the company didn't know about the suicide count, and thought the claim was true. The network has since removed the statement from its promotion material. Oyos Ritesh Agarwal said, Some roles at Oyo will become redundant, but not saying how many. It was all bad news on the job front on Monday. Though a media report suggested Walmart shed hundreds of senior jobs in India, the Beast of Bentonville later said it has sacked 36 executives, including eight in the senior management. (Representational image) NewDelhi/Chennai: It was all bad news on the job front on Monday. Though a media report suggested Walmart shed hundreds of senior jobs in India, the Beast of Bentonville later said it has sacked 36 executives, including eight in the senior management. Appa-rently, after taking Flipkart into its fold, the US giant now finds redundancies in the brick and mortar vertical. Later on, Oyo hospitality chain, in an internal mail to its staff in India and South Asia, said it plans to downsize its manpower as part of an ongoing business restructuring. Sour-ces said Oyo is sacking about 1,000 of its roughly 10,000 employees in India. Coincidentally, these announcements came on a day an SBI Research report said India would generate fewer jobs, nearly 16 lakh less, in the current fiscal. "In FY19, India had created 89.7 lakh new payrolls as per the EPFO data. In FY20, as per current projection this number could be at least 15.8 lakh lower," the SBI report said. Walmart India president & CEO Krish Iyer said, The company remains committed to growing its wholesale retail business in India. Most of the sacking was in Walmarts real estate division. Oyos Ritesh Agarwal said, Some roles at Oyo will become redundant, but not saying how many. Some deeply troubled children are being sent abroad for treatment because Irish mental health laws don't capture their condition or because the highly specialised care they need does not exist here. The lack of specialised facilities is being compounded by the fact almost half of secure unit beds for children in Ireland are not being used. The problems have been highlighted in a report published today by the Child Care Law Reporting Project (CCLRP), an initiative launched in 2013 after the law was changed to allow reporting on cases involving orders under the Child Care Act. It reveals that out of 26 secure beds in the State for children detained by the courts because of the risk they pose to themselves or others, only 14 are available, mainly due to staffing issues. High Court judges have repeatedly appealed to Tusla, the child and family agency, to resolve the problem, the report said. But in one case detailed by the CCLRP, it emerged Tusla decided not to apply for a special care order for a child who met the criteria, because there was no bed for him. The child, through his guardian ad litem, challenged this decision, and the High Court found it was not made in accordance with the law. In another case, involving a teenage girl who needed to be kept in a "safe room", a High Court judge criticised the lack of progress in opening more beds. Three of the 55 cases dealt with in the report related to children who were wards of court and detained in the UK because they could not be catered for in Ireland. One case involved a young girl with eating disorders who was to be returned to the care of her parents in Ireland as soon as doctors in the UK were satisfied it was appropriate. The judge handling the case said it was not in her interests to stay there longer than necessary. But he expressed concern over the availability of hospital services in Ireland to assess the girl if she dropped below a certain weight. He was told by a doctor that if this happened during the "working week" an assessment could be done at an acute medical unit, but outside those times she would have to be admitted through an A&E. "I wouldn't wish on anyone to have to go through the A&E department of any of our hospitals, particularly for someone acutely unwell," the judge responded. The report highlighted a number of issues encountered when detained children have to be sent abroad. A change in the law means there is no longer a mechanism for the High Court to simply make an order for lengthy placements outside of the State. This means it has been necessary to bring children into wardship so the president of the High Court can make such orders. According to the report, wardship poses a great difficulty for parents as they are not allowed to become part of the committee representing the ward, and have to agree to give up all rights over their child in order for them to access the services they need abroad. The report said certain mental illnesses, including a personality disorder or anorexia nervosa, did not fall within the definition of a mental disorder under Irish law and, as a result, could not be the basis to justify the involuntary admission of a child to a care facility. But the legal position in the UK is different and a person with a personality disorder can be involuntarily detained and treated in a mental health facility and a person who lacks capacity can also be treated there. This means a child with an emerging personality disorder, who is violent and poses a risk to society, does not fall under the definition of mental disorder under the Irish Mental Health Act, but does fall within the definition to be treated in a secure facility in the UK. The report said the response to the gap in the Irish legislation was to make children a ward of court to permit their placement in a mental health facility outside of the State. Awards show season has officially arrived with the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Platinum jewellery, the naturally white setting that truly enhances the brilliance of diamonds and coloured gemstones, perfectly complemented the stunning array of couture gowns worn by the world's most famous celebrities on the red carpet tonight. "The most brilliant stars wore the most brilliant statement necklaces set in platinum tonight. Whether it was Jennifer Aniston's 1950's style with two rows of diamonds or Zoey Deutch's dramatic sapphire pendant, platinum necklaces add sparkle, glamour and timeless sophistication," said celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger, Platinum Guild International is pleased to share that leading red carpet jewellery brands such as Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co, and Fred Leighton chose to style A-list celebrities in naturally white platinum. Rare and precious, platinum jewellery is truly a perennial red-carpet favourite. All over the world, designers prefer precious platinum to create masterpieces because of its versatility, and because it is the most secure setting for any precious gemstone. Platinum is one of the rarest metals and always stand out making a distinctive style statement. Celebrities worldwide have been donning exquisite platinum designs for star-studded events, red carpet and other appearances to capture their most glamorous and memorable moments. The following stars selected platinum jewellery to celebrate their achievements: Jennifer Aniston in Platinum by Fred Leighton * 1950's diamond double swag necklace set in platinum, by Cartier * Art Deco ring with a pear-shaped diamond set in platinum, by Cartier * 1920's ring with a marquise diamond, set in platinum Charlize Theron in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Necklace with an emerald (over 10 carats), sapphires (over 21 carats), and diamonds (over 25 carats), set in platinum (priced at USD 885,000) * Ring with diamonds (over six carats), set in platinum (priced at USD 900,000) * Ring with a diamond (over 11 carats), set in platinum * Ring with a tsavorite (over seven carats), set in platinum (priced at USD 110,000) * Solitaire diamond earrings, set in platinum (priced at USD 1,400) * Diamond stud earrings, set in platinum (priced at USD 4,130) * Fleur de Lis key bar earrings with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 900) Zoey Deutch in Harry Winston Set in Platinum Wearing more than 110 Carats of Harry Winston diamonds and sapphires, set in Platinum * A sapphire cabochon Pendant Necklace (58.69 carats) with diamonds (22.93 carats), set in platinum * Sapphire and diamond Flower earrings (23.02 carats), set in platinum * Winston cluster sapphire and diamond ring (4.68 carats), set in platinum * Crossover sapphire and diamond ring (2.46 carats), set in platinum Jennifer Lopez in Harry Winston Set in Platinum * Vintage 1959 diamond bracelet (57.30 carats), set in platinum Reese Witherspoon in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Ring with a pear-shaped diamond (over four carats) and diamonds (over two carats), set in platinum (priced at USD 365,000) Brad Pitt in Platinum by Fred Leighton * 1920's cufflinks with diamonds and white enamel, set in platinum by Cartier Billy Porter in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Pendant with a pear-shaped diamond (over 11 carats) and diamonds (over 31 total carats), set in platinum * Enchant dragonfly brooch with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 46,500) * Victoria alternating bracelet with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 40,000) * Essential Band ring, 4 mm wide set in platinum (priced at USD 1,825) Sienna Miller in Forevermark Set in Platinum * Forevermark by Premier Gem Exceptional fancy yellow cushion diamond ring (10.73 carats), set in platinum * Forevermark by Premier Gem Exceptional pear diamond ring (5.04 carats), set in platinum Jodie Comer in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Victoria line bracelet with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 55,000) * Victoria line bracelet with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 15,500) Ana de Armas in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Necklace with sapphires (over 101 total carats) and diamonds (over six total carats), set in platinum (priced at USD 815,000) * Earrings with diamonds (over 24 total carats), set in platinum * Earrings with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 17,300) * Ring with tanzanite (over 18 carats) and diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 35,000) Gillian Anderson in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Victoria mixed cluster drop earrings with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 40,000) * Circlet necklace with diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 165,000) Ansel Elgort in Platinum by Tiffany & Co. * Ring with an esteemed Sri Lankan sapphire (over nine carats) and diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 160,000) * Enchant butterfly brooch with sapphires and diamonds, set in platinum (priced at USD 49,000) Helen Mirren in Harry Winston Set in Platinum * Wearing more than USD four million worth of Harry Winston Diamonds, set in Platinum * Cascading diamond drop necklace (73.55 carats), set in platinum * Winston cluster diamond ring (29.88 carats), set in platinum Rachel Weisz in Harry Winston Set in Platinum * Wearing Harry Winston's New Fifth Avenue Crossover Diamond Necklace, featuring 211 Diamonds, weighing a total of 75.64 carat, set in Platinum * Fancy shape and baguette-cut diamond necklace (75.64-carats), set in platinum Joey King in Harry Winston Set in Platinum * Sparkling cluster diamond drop earrings (4.34 carats), set in platinum * Voila round brilliant diamond band ring (0.74 carats), set in platinum * Channel set diamond band ring (1.29 carats), set in platinum * Princess-cut diamond band ring (2.49 carats), set in platinum * Round brilliant and baguette diamond band ring (2.1 carats), set in platinum Lucy Boynton in Harry Winston Set in Platinum * Lotus cluster diamond ring (0.92 carats), set in platinum * Loop diamond ring (1.09 carats), set in platinum * Lily cluster diamond ring (0.18 carats), set in platinum Rooney Mara in Platinum by Fred Leighton * Antique twin ring with an old European cut diamond, set in platinum Annabelle Wallis in Platinum by Cartier * Earrings with diamonds, set in platinum * Necklace with diamonds, set in platinum Glenn Close in Platinum by Cartier * Earrings with diamonds and sapphires, set in platinum This story is provided by NewsVoir. 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.) Hindi News Local Mp Bhopal Kamal Nath: MP CM Kamal Nath Reaction On Amit Shah After Amit Shah Public Meeting In Support Of CAA In Jabalpur - , 2 5 . , , ' 265 365 , 5 : , ' , , , ' - , 80 - , 20 ' () - , Then they realized that they hadnt been paying attention to whether the grasshopper was head up or head down in the container that held it. Grasshoppers, like other insects, get oxygen through tubes, or trachea that are open to the outside air and branch into smaller and smaller tubes in the insects body. All insects have these, and some have air sacs, to store and pump air, as grasshoppers do. It turned out that the tubes were more compressed at the bottom of the animal, because gravity was causing the grasshopper equivalent of blood to sink to the bottom half of the animal. This is similar to what happens when humans stand up quickly and become lightheaded, or the way blood goes to the head during a headstand. Humans have valves in the circulatory system to combat this problem, and your heart rate can increase, to pump blood faster. But insects dont have the same system. A grasshopper has a heart, but most of its body had been thought to be like one big bag of blood. Nonetheless, the researchers found that the grasshoppers could substantially counter the effect of gravity when they were conscious. When they were anesthetized with nitrogen, they could not. The researchers found that the grasshoppers could change the pressure in different parts of their body. And the animals were able to keep different pressure in different parts of the body. How they do it is the next question. But they must have some way of blocking off the abdomen from the thorax, say, to create different pressures. The discovery reveals something brand-new about the intersection of physics and biology. For now, it seems to be true in grasshoppers, at the least, and probably beetles, based on another study of Dr. Sochas. But all insects are going to be subject to the same physical forces, which few scientists have ever paid attention to before. And it seems unlikely, said Dr. Socha, that grasshoppers are the only ones to evolve coping mechanisms. Still, it may be that smaller insects, like fruit flies, dont need to regulate their bodies in the same way. Dr. Hu said that ants maintain the same metabolism whether they are walking horizontally or straight up a wall. Future studies will show at what size insects have these adaptations, and what exactly they are. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will take a call on bidding for the governments stake in Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) once it comes to the market, said IOC Chairman Sanjiv Singh. Singh said it was still not clearly stated what was being offered. There are media reports that Numaligarh Refinery may be carved out. Let it come and then we will see. He was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Purvodaya, an integrated steel hub. He added it was internally discussed and there were advantages either way. If IOC bags it, there are advantages. In the event it ... Six men were arrested in connection with robberies in west Delhi and a cache of sophisticated firearms was recovered from them, police said here on Monday. The accused were identified as Sachin Dangi, Pankaj Pooniya,Kunal, Keshav, Priyanshu Goutam and Kapil. They are members of the Ashu Bawana gang, police said. On interrogation, the accused admitted to their guilt, police said, adding that a robbed laptop, five pen drives and car keys were recovered from them. On January 6, a 62-year-old resident of Janakpuri had told police that two men carrying firearms robbed his laptop at gunpoint while he was getting to his car parked at Tilak Nagar, police said, adding three other men fired in the air before fleeing. Acting on a tip-off on January 11, all accused were arrested from near a house in Narela, a police official said. Two among the accused were in contact with Ashish, alias Ashu Bawana, the main handler for gangster Neeraj Bawana, who is in the jail and formed the gang. They, on the directions of Ashu, used to collect extortion money from local people on behalf of Neeraj Bawana. The recovered arms and ammunition were provided to them by the Bawana gang, police added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Today was Day 1 of the Board of Appeal hearing on the validity of one of the Broad Institutes patents relating to fundamental aspects of CRISPR technology. The simple question at the heart of the dispute between the Broad Institute and the opponents was summarised with admirable succinctness by the Board of Appeal in their preliminary opinion: A and B are applicants for the priority application. A alone is the applicant of the subsequent application. Is this priority claim valid even without any assignment of priority right from B to A? The appellants say that the answer is yes and the respondents that the answer is no. IPKat heard from one Katfriend that a crowd of interested parties turned up bright and early for the start of the hearing at 9am. However, it seems that the Hearing did not actually begin until after lunch, with proceedings commencing at 1pm. As expected, the afternoon was devoted to clarifying the requests of the various parties in attendance, before moving on to the arguments concerning linguistic analysis of "any applicant" according to Article 87 EPC. Background: The CRISPR patent wars simplified version IPwatchdog. CRISPR-cas9 gene editing technology (CRISPR) provides a cheap, efficient and easy way to precisely modify genetic information. In the US, CRISPR technology is the subject of potentially the last great patent dispute of the first-to-invent era. The main players are the University of California Berkeley (UCB) and the Board Institute. The dispute in the US primarily relates to whether the Broad Institutes invention of CRISPR in eukaryotic (e.g. human cells) was obvious in view of UCBs invention of CRISPR in bacteria. The latest development in the US CRISPR patent dispute are covered over on EP2771468) in opposition because of a clear-cut case of invalid priority (IPKat: On the other side of the Atlantic, the legal facts of the European CRISPR dispute are very different. The Broad Institute lost one of their fundamental CRISPR patents () in opposition because of a clear-cut case of invalid priority (IPKat: EPO revokes CRISPR patent a clear cut case of invalid priority? Article 87 EPC, based on Article 4(1) of the Paris Convention, specifies that any person who has filed a patent in Paris Convention, or his successor in title, may claim priority from that application for the purposes of a subsequent EP application. The EPO, unlike the USPTO, interprets any person as meaning that all the applicants (or their successors in title) named on the priority application must be named on the subsequent EP application. In the US, a priority application and subsequent application need only have one inventor in common (MPEP 213.02). )., based on Article 4(1) of the, specifies that any personwho has filed a patent in Paris Convention, or his successor in title, may claim priority from that application for the purposes of a subsequent EP application. The EPO, unlike the USPTO, interprets any person as meaning that all the applicants (or their successors in title) named on the priority application must be named on the subsequent EP application. In the US, a priority application and subsequent application need only have one inventor in common (). IPKat desk of appeal hearing news a noted Australian soap opera character and the curious case of the missing declaration. The Broad Institute lost their CRISPR patent at opposition because of a missing assignment from one of the inventors (Luciano Marraffini) listed on one of the US provisional priority applications. There has been considerable intrigue as to how such a catastrophic (although admittedly not uncommon) mistake was made. These intrigues have been accompanied by occasional bizarre interventions, including third party observations byand By way of colourful background, whilst opposition proceedings where ongoing, the Broad Institute and the Rockefeller University were locked in a patent dispute over whether the missing inventor, Luciano Marraffini, should be included as an inventor on the Broads CRISPR patent. The dispute was settled just before the opposition hearing and a press release to this effect was submitted dramatically during opposition oral proceedings. However, the press release was rejected by the OD for being late filed (and arguably wouldnt have been much use anyway, given that the same applicant test would still not have been satisfied). The patent was therefore revoked for lacking novelty in view of prior art published after the provisional application but before the PCT filing. The Broad Institutes arguments on appeal Despite fighting what many would see as a losing battle against a wall of EPO case law, the Broad Institute did not accept defeat with the opposition division decision and swiftly filed an appeal ( T0844/18) Statement of Grounds of Appeal (and the Opponents' responses) are well worth a read: "Should everyone else change, or just the Patentee?": Progress of the Broad's CRISPR appeal. However, the patentees lengthy arguments may be boiled down to 3 main points: (I) Entitlement to priority should not be assessed by the EPO, (II) the EPO incorrectly interprets the phrase any person in . The Broad Institutes(and the Opponents' responses) are well worth a read:. However, the patentees lengthy arguments may be boiled down to 3 main points: (I) Entitlement to priority should not be assessed by the EPO, (II) the EPO incorrectly interprets the phrase any person in Article 87 EPC and Article 4 Paris Convention , and (III) US law should govern the interpretation of any applicant in Article 87 EPC when the priority application is a US provisional. , and The Broad Institute argued that entitlement to priority should not be assessed by the EPO because the EPO was never meant to deal with property entitlement issues. Additionally, in perhaps one of their more audacious arguments, the Broad Institute argued that the EPOs same applicant approach was in fact in contravention of a patentees human right to property. It was argued that a patentees human rights were contravened when a technicality such as an invalid transfer of a property right (the right to claim priority) destroyed the very property (the patent) itself. The Broad Institute also argued that the opposition division incorrectly interpreted any person in Article 87 EPC Paris Convention preliminary opinion that the term any person is ambiguous, rending attempts to elucidate the meaning of these provisions upon a purely linguistic basis difficult and most unlikely to succeed. ). Any person, according to the normal dictionary definition means one, some or all indiscriminately. Such a definition, the Broad Institute argued, does not require everyone of the applicants of the priority application to be named on the application claiming priority. The Broad Institute argument was supported by a declaration from no less eminent person than Lord Neuberger himself. However, the Board noted in itsthat the term any person is ambiguous, rending attempts to elucidate the meaning of these provisions upon a purely linguistic basis difficult and most unlikely to succeed. (and Article 4(1) of the In the third thread of their argument, the Broad Institute argued that any person and priority entitlements were not something that should be determined according to EPO law, but according to national law - in this case, US law. In their preliminary opinion, however, the Board of Appeal posited that the EPC provides a complete system for determining whether a priority right has been correctly claimed, and that issues may be resolved by the EPO without reference to national law. A Katfriend at the hearing today reports that, after clarifying the parties submissions, proceedings began in earnest with a discussion of the meaning of "any person" from a linguistic perspective. Further discussion on this issue is expected tomorrow. Keeping an eye on the tweeters The stage is therefore set for one of the most exciting Board of Appeal hearings of recent times. If the Opposition Division hearing is anything to go by, we can expect an interesting series of days to come. As a mark of the interest in the case, today's hearing included complaints of tweeting amongst the audience, something it seems the Board is keen to prevent. It is widely expected that the Board of Appeal will dismiss the appeal in view of the mountain of Board of Appeal case law in support of the current EPO approach. None-the-less, the Broad Institute have thrown a considerable amount into this fight, despite what many see as the limited chance of success. Will the EPO be swayed? TWO of Britains leading social commentators are joining forces to tackle what they see as the problem of political wokeness, writes Matthew Wilson. This summer will see Andrew Doyle and Douglas Murray declare war on social justice warriors with a UK theatre tour that visits the Hexagon in Reading on Wednesday, May 27. Each show will feature a conversation, along with an extensive audience question and answer session, in which the pair will consider how best to resist the rise of the woke mindset and the challenges it presents to individual liberty, intellectual diversity and free speech. A spokesman for the show, which will be hosted by Swansea University academic Ashley Frawley, said: For many, the social justice movement is a kind of cult. Although well-intentioned, most of these new woke activists have an unshakeable certainty that their worldview is correct. They feel the need to identify and cast out the sinners in our midst, insisting that redemption is not possible. And even though they are capable of the most horrendous acts of public shaming and bullying behaviour, they think they are the good guys. So join Andrew Doyle and Douglas Murray as they consider how best to resist the rise of the woke mindset. Andrew Doyle is a writer, comedian, and one of the UKs foremost political satirists. As well as creating Twitter sensation Titania McGrath, until recently he was the co-writer of Jonathan Pie. He is also the co-founder of Comedy Unleashed, Londons free-thinking comedy night. Douglas Murray is an author and journalist based in Britain. His latest book, The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race, Identity, was published in October and immediately became a Sunday Times bestseller. Tickets for Resisting Wokeness at the Hexagon are 32. The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is recommended for ages 16 and up. To book, visit www. whatsonreading.com or www.resistingwokeness.com The German Foreign Minister on Monday said it was in everyone's interest to continue fighting the Islamic State group (IS) as part of an international coalition in Iraq, to preserve gains made in the past. Heiko Maas made the comments at a joint news conference with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi in Jordan's capital Amman. Germany moved 35 soldiers serving in Iraq to neighbouring Jordan and Kuwait on Tuesday amid tensions over the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general in an airstrike in Baghdad last week. The killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani has drastically raised regional tensions and escalated a crisis between Washington and Tehran. Germany has a small contingent of some 120 soldiers in Iraq, though the majority are not stationed in Taji and Baghdad but elsewhere in Iraq. Bookers exit from the race to be the Democratic nominee in 2020 comes amid lagging polls and fundraising woes. United States Democrat Cory Booker has dropped out of the 2020 presidential race, ending a campaign whose message of unity and love failed to resonate in a political era marked by chaos and anxiety. His departure on Monday now leaves a field that was once the most diverse in history with just one remaining African American candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. The once two-dozen-strong field now has just 12 candidates vying for the democratic ticket. Since launching his campaign last February, Booker, a US senator from New Jersey, struggled to raise the type of money required to support a White House bid. He was at the back of the pack in most surveys and failed to meet the polling requirements needed to participate in Tuesdays debate. Booker also failed to qualify for last months debate and exits the race polling in low single digits in the early primary states and nationwide. In an email to supporters, Booker said he got into this race to win and that his failure to make the debates prevented him from raising the money required for victory. Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win money we dont have, and money that is harder to raise because I wont be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington, he said. Booker had warned that the looming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump would deal a big, big blow to his campaign by pulling him away from Iowa in the final weeks before the February 3 Iowa caucuses. In his email to supporters, Booker pledged to do everything in my power to elect the eventual Democratic nominee for president, though his campaign says he has no immediate plans to endorse a candidate in the primary. Failure to connect Once lauded by media executive and talk show host Oprah Winfrey as the rock star mayor, Booker helped lead the renewal of Newark, New Jersey and became known for his headline-grabbing feats, including running into a burning building to save a woman. His rhetorical skills and Ivy League background often brought comparisons to former President Barack Obama. Its with a full heart that I share this newsIm suspending my campaign for president. To my team, supporters, and everyone who gave me a shotthank you. I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together. pic.twitter.com/Fxvc549vlJ Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 13, 2020 But an early focus on building out a strong and seasoned campaign operation in Iowa and South Carolina may have hampered Bookers campaign in the long run, as the resources he spent early on staff there left him working with a tight budget in the later stages of the primary, when many of his opponents were going on air with television ads. That meant that even later in the campaign, after he had collected some of the top endorsements in Iowa and visited South Carolina almost more than any other candidate, a significant portion of the electorate in both states either said they were unfamiliar with his campaign or viewed him unfavourably. On the stump, Booker urged voters to use radical love to overcome what he considered Trumps hate. The candidate also touted his own bipartisan deal-making abilities. However, he rarely drew a contrast with his Democratic opponents, even when asked directly. Some supporters worried that his message on Trump was not sharp enough to go up against a Republican president known for dragging his opponents into the mud. Throughout the race, Booker also struggled to land on a message that would resonate with voters, despite long being seen as a progressive Democrat in the Senate, pushing for criminal justice reform and cannabis legalisation. On the campaign trail, he proposed establishing a $1,000 savings account for every child born in the US to help close the racial wealth gap. He was also among the first candidates to release a gun control plan, which at the time was the most ambitious in the field, as it included a gun licensing programme that would have been seen as political suicide just a decade before. Booker also released an early criminal justice reform plan that focused heavily on addressing sentencing disparities for drug crimes. Cory, you campaigned with joy and heart, and instead of just talking about bringing people together, you did it every day. You made our politics better just by running. Grateful to you and looking forward to your continued leadership. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 13, 2020 Two frontrunners in the race, Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden, tweeted their praise of Booker just minutes after his withdrawal announcement. Cory, you campaigned with joy and heart, and instead of just talking about bringing people together, you did it every day, wrote Biden. Bookers Senate seat is up for a vote this year and he plans to run for re-election. Despite a handful of candidates already campaigning for the seat, Booker is expected to have an easy path to victory. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made royal family history on Jan. 8 when they released a public statement about stepping back as senior royals. The announcement suggested they hoped to become financially independent and to carve out a more progressive role within the monarchy for their family. The couple (with little Archie, of course) plans to make their new life in Canada, at least part-time, as they transition out of traditional royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly did not alert Queen Elizabeth or other members of the royal family before they released their shocking and unprecedented announcement. But on Jan. 13, the Queen finally spoke out about #Megxit, prompting immediate reactions on social media about two key aspects of her public statementespecially what will happy to Harry and Meghans titles and funding. Queen Elizabeth II | Samir Hussein/WireImage Buckingham Palace released a statement from the Queen on Jan. 13 Since Prince Harry and Meghan made their announcement, jokingly known as #Megxit in some circles, the UK and the rest of the world have eagerly awaited a response from Buckingham Palace. On Jan. 13, Queen Elizabeth finally released a public response after an emergency meeting with other members of the royal family. The Statement from Her Majesty the Queen read, My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives, she added, referencing their desire to be financially independent in the coming years. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. Buckingham Palaces statement concluded, These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. Readers noticed what they thought was a distancing tactic in the statement In many ways, the Queens statement simply validated and acknowledged Prince Harry and Meghans announcement and expressed Buckingham Palaces ongoing emotional support for the young family. Many readers took the statement as an attempt to reiterate that Harry and Meghan are still family to Queen Elizabeth, no matter what other roles they might fill. However, other social media users immediately picked out a few key aspects of the announcement that they believed were telling, especially about public funding. Some readers thought the Queen was respecting her grandsons choice to become financially independent, while others took her statement as a subtle hint that funding would no longer be made available to them. Looks like the funding is gone and made to look like their decision, one Twitter user declared. Another agreed with their assessment, writing, Queen has cut their fundinggreat from her. Others insisted, however, that this was entirely Prince Harry and Meghans choice. Social media was also abuzz with the Queens treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles names Other Twitter users noticed the Queens choice to use the names Harry and Meghan instead of referring to the couple as Duke or Duchess. There has been quite a bit of discussion in recent days over whether Prince Harry and Meghan will be stripped of their titles, and it looks like the debate will continue to rage on. No titles used for them, one Twitter user wrote about the statement. Hope this is indicative that they have been stripped of titles. They are henceforth Harry and Meghan. All those SussexRoyal trademarks and corporate shell companies will have been a waste of time and money (we can only hope). Another Twitter user agreed, suggesting that the Queen was purposely distancing herself from her grandson and his wife. She called them Harry and Meghan? No Duchess or Duke? Her family and their family? they mused. Wow they really are separate. But others disagreed, saying the Queens reference to the Sussexes was meant as a clarification that the couple wouldnt be losing their titles after all. Read the fourth paragraph again. Her Majesty referred to them as the Sussexes, one Twitter user responded. She hasnt stripped them of the title and she wanted to make that clear. She is angry but not vindictive. Their trademarks are secure. Good for them. Others took the statement as incredibly cold, suggesting that Queen Elizabeth was pushing Prince Harry and Meghan out and forcing them to abdicate their financial support. Sounds like theyre letting a valued member of staff go. HMQ has shown some pretty stoic behaviour over the years but this takes the biscuit! one social media user wrote. Good luck to them both. A 23-year-old Drexel University medical student fell to his death while jumping between rooftops in North Philadelphia, police say. Vivek Subramani, who was in his third year at Drexel's College of Medicine, was found dead on the 1200 block of Buttonwood Street just before 2am Saturday. Two other students who were with Subramani reportedly told police that they were jumping between the rooftops of their apartment building when the victim failed to reach the second platform and plummeted, hitting his head when he landed two stories below. The witnesses also admitted that they had been drinking earlier in the night. Vivek Subramani, 23, (pictured) fell to his death while jumping between rooftops in North Philadelphia early Saturday morning Subramani (second right with his family) was a third-year medical student at Drexel University Two other students who were with Subramani reportedly told police that they were jumping between the rooftops of their apartment building (pictured) when the victim failed to reach the second platform and plummeted, hitting his head when he landed two stories below After Subramani fell, the group he was with rushed to where he landed and found him lying unresponsive in a pool of his own blood. They administered CPR until medics arrived and transported Subramani to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hillary Gilbert, who lives in a neighboring apartment, said she witnessed Subramani fall. 'It was right outside my window and I just can't stop thinking about it,' Gillert told FOX 29. She said she watched as the two men who were with Subramani stood over his lifeless body and waited for help to arrive. Gillert said she has heard the group having parties before, but Friday night's festivities seemed wilder than usual. 'It was really panicky and it started getting louder and louder,' she added. A GoFundMe campaign raising money for Subramani's funeral costs had raised more than $21,400 as of Sunday night Drexel University President John Fry released a statement about Subramani's death, saying: 'There are no words to express the sense of loss when any young life is cut so short, and especially for someone with so much promise.' Subramani is pictured with his family Police said there were no signs of foul play and are currently conducting an investigation. Drexel University President John Fry issued a statement about Subramani's death. 'On behalf of the entire Drexel community, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Vivek,' Fry said. 'There are no words to express the sense of loss when any young life is cut so short, and especially for someone with so much promise.' Members of Subramani's fraternity, Sigma Beta Rho, set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his funeral costs. The campaign had raised more than $21,400 by Sunday night. 'On Saturday January 11, 2020, Vivek had a tragic fatal accident that no one could've seen coming,' the description reads. 'Vivek was a son, a brother, a friend and a beloved member of many communities including Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity. As anyone who knew Vivek would say, Vivek was a bright, young and caring man who was so close to achieving his dreams of becoming a doctor. 'He would always brighten up any room he walked into and was more than a friend to those who knew him. The brothers of the Philadelphia chapters of Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. are devastated by this news and are hoping to help his family in any way possible. 'While Vivek's family and our community mourn this terrible loss, we want to make sure that the Subramani Family does not need to worry about anything else, including the costs associated with this accident. We hope to help support the Subramani Family with funeral costs, medical bills, and any other cost from this tragedy. Thank you for supporting the Subramani Family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.' Uzbekistan has advertised itself as a country undergoing significant changes since Shavkat Mirziyoev took over as the country's leader in late 2016. "Reform" is one the most common words uttered by Uzbek officials and many outside the country use the same word when speaking about Mirziyoev's government. The second round of elections to Uzbekistan's 150-seat Oliy Majlis, the lower house of parliament, was held on January 5, with final results the next day giving the full breakdown of seats among the five pro-government parties competing. The elections promised to be a moment when even the staunchest of supporters of the new government would have to admit there really was not going to be much change. Same Old, Same Old The five parties were -- once again -- all supportive of the policies of the president and -- yet again -- all opposition parties and independent candidates from social organizations were barred from competing due to existing legislation. More important than those aspects, the Uzbek government continues to be dominated by the executive branch. Parliament has very little power, despite legislation over the years proposed by the president that was intended to strengthen the legislative branch. The number of seats the five parties received in these latest elections did not differ much from the numbers in the parliament elected in 2014: the Liberal Democratic Party won 53 seats, compared to 52 in the outgoing parliament. Milli Tiklanish (National Revival) won 36 seats, the exact same number it had previously. The Adolat (Justice) party showed the greatest increase, though even marginal, winning 24 seats, two more than it won in 2014. The People's Democratic Party continued its slow slide, dropping from 27 seats to 22, and the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan successfully won the 15 seats it had previously been allotted by the constitution in the 2009 and 2014 elections, when the party was just a movement. Fresh, New Faces And... To start with, most of the incoming deputies appear to be newcomers. Of the 125 lawmakers' names the Central Election Commission listed after the first round of voting and the 25 names listed after the second round of voting, only 38 matched the names of deputies in the outgoing parliament, according to the parliament's official website. For some reason, the parliament's website only lists 113 deputies in the outgoing parliament, but it can be stated with certainly that more than half the deputies in the next parliament will be new. Moreover, the lawmakers in the incoming parliament are younger. According to figures from the Central Election Commission, 64.7 percent of the newly elected deputies are between 30 and 50 years of age and 6 percent are younger than 30. Of the 113 deputies from the outgoing parliament whose ages were given on the parliament's website, 48 of them were at least 50 years old. It is worth noting that the oldest deputy in the incoming parliament is 71-year-old Safar Ostonov, who is the chief editor at Uzbekiston Ovozi -- Golos Uzbekistana and a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, as is the youngest new deputy, 26-year-old Sherzod Rahmonov. ...More Women Women finally reached the 30 percent quota of seats that has long been constitutionally promised them, but never realized. The outgoing parliament had 24 female deputies, the incoming parliament will have 48, a full 100 percent increase. One last detail that represents something new is the official voter turnout. Official voter turnout in the 1994 parliamentary elections was 93.6 percent. In 1999 it was reported to be 93.46 percent, in 2004 it was 85.1 percent, in 2009 it was 87.8 percent in the first round (second round 79.7 percent), and in 2014 it was 88.94 percent in the first round (second round 76.93 percent). Official turnout for the first round of these latest elections was 74.3 percent (second round 62.6 percent), numbers that are perhaps more realistic relative to actual voter turnout when compared with the numbers officially given during the rule of Mirziyoev's predecessor, authoritarian Islam Karimov. It is difficult to judge if the mere appearance of new, younger, faces and more women can be regarded as genuine change, but it interesting to think that the gender quota has finally been realized and, if the average age of a deputy is 46.4 years old, as the Central Election Commission claims, that would mean the average-age deputy was a teenager when the Soviet Union disintegrated. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL Anand Murali Confidential personal health data belonging to millions of Indians are lying exposed on the internet because hospitals and medical institutions have not taken security precautions to safeguard this information. More than 120 million images X-rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) files, computed tomography (CT) scans, endoscopy, mammograms and ophthalmology records are lying open for cyber-criminals to tap into and sell on the black market, according to a report by Germany-based security firm Greenbone Networks. Globally, nearly 1.2 billion medical images are lying insecure and open to exploitation. The data is being exposed through insecure servers known as Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. These servers help medical practitioners easily store and share images but when these systems are connected to the internet without protection, the most intimate details of a patients health become exposed to the world. It is a notable fact for the systems located in India, that almost 100 percent of the studies allow full access to related images, the report said. Tech2 has written to the Indian Medical Association asking for comments. This story will be updated once IMA replies to our email. Implementation of PACS systems has been growing over the years, as hospitals try and move to a paperless system, but the worrisome part is that the institutes are not paying as much importance to secure these systems as they increase their scope and usage. Indian States Studies Images Images Accessible Studies with image access Systems per state Maharashtra 3,08,451 6,97,89,685 6,97,89,685 3,08,451 46 Karnataka 1,82,865 1,37,31,001 1,37,31,001 1,82,865 7 West Bengal 1,72,885 34,11,255 34,11,255 1,72,885 2 Telangana 1,26,160 59,97,360 1,10,160 7,344 3 Gujarat 1,11,408 1,39,97,757 1,39,97,757 1,11,408 19 Punjab 45,973 71,56,545 71,56,545 45,973 6 Delhi 40,709 21,05,605 21,05,605 40,709 4 Andhra Pradesh 17,302 4,46,870 4,46,870 17,302 2 Haryana 10,713 15,48,165 15,48,165 10,713 2 Uttar Pradesh 6,013 17,49,150 17,49,150 6,013 4 Madhya Pradesh 4,329 4,32,900 - - 1 Chandigarh 1,121 6,72,600 6,72,600 1,121 1 Increasingly, medical records are becoming an important target for hackers, for whom financial records are a top priority. Many times, medical images are stored along with other personal data belonging to patients. A total of 97 insecure systems were found across India, exposing 121 million image records related to over a million medical studies, Greenbones November 2019 report said. This report was updated last week. Healthcare data is classified as sensitive in the draft Personal Data Protection bill, which is being debated by a select committee of both houses of parliament. A final bill is expected to be ready for the budget session which starts at the end of this month. Senior Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police officials will appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs on Monday to discuss rising crimes in Delhi, according to details available with the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The committee, chaired by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, is likely to quiz the officials on the recent violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University where a masked mob attacked students and teachers and damaged property. "To have a briefing by the Home Secretary along with Delhi Police and other stakeholders/organizations on the 'Rising Crime in Delhi and National Capital Region," the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said in a bulletin issued on the agenda of the meeting. Delhi Police's role has come under the scanner following the violence in JNU with allegations that the force was standing at the gate of the campus while a mob attacked students and faculty members inside. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Azernews By Abdul Kerimkhanov The volume of Azerbaijans daily oil production decreased by 3.6 percent to drop to 764,000 barrels year-on-year in 2019, the Ministry of Energy told local media on January 13. In 2018, the country was producing 792,600 barrels of oil per day. The reduction in oil production has to do with Azerbaijans commitment to OPEC. The 15-member OPEC cartel signed an agreement in December 2018 to reduce its output by 800,000 bpd, while non OPEC countries agreed to contribute a 400,000 bpd reduction. Following the 6th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, held in Vienna on 2 July 2019, the agreement on limiting oil production was prolonged until the end of the first quarter of 2020. After the agreements on December 6, 2019, OPEC will shoulder 372,000 bpd and non-OPEC producers an extra 131,000 bpd, OPEC announced. To meet OPEC requirements, Azerbaijan must maintain the daily production at 769,000 barrels from January 2020. Azerbaijan is one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Its history is linked to the fortunes of petroleum. It is poised to become an important oil and gas producer once again. Since gaining independence, Azerbaijan has signed 20 PSA contracts (requiring $60 billion investment) with foreign investors to develop its oil industry. In 1994, the country signed the "Contract of the Century with an investment of $13 billion. In 1995, a consortium was organized, known as the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC). Originally AIOC was composed of eleven major international companies: BP (UK), Amoco (U.S.), Lukoil (Russia), Pennzoil, (now Devon of U.S.), UNOCAL (U.S.), Statoil (now Equinor of Norway), McDermott (U.S.), Ramco (Scotland), TPAO (Turkey), Delta Nimir (now Amerada Hess of U.S.), and SOCAR (Azerbaijan). Azerbaijani extended Contract of Century until 2050 with BP-led consortium (Azerbaijan International Operating Company) based on the amended contract for extension of Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) on development of AzeriChiragGunashli block of oil and gas fields by 2050. The new contract was signed on 14 September 2017 after a letter of intent for future development of the field was signed on 23 December 2016. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and LDP Secretary-General Nikai Toshihiro, who also chairs the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, at the meeting in Hoi An on January 12 (Photo: VNA) Welcoming Nikai and the Japanese economic, cultural and tourism exchange delegation, PM Phuc said the Government and localities of Vietnam attach great importance to this times exchange programme. He noted the diverse exchange and cooperation activities that have been held like workshops, forums on economic, labour and tourism collaboration, and meetings between leaders of the countries localities reflect the vigorous growth of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership. According to him, bilateral relations have enjoyed breakthrough, comprehensive and profound developments as seen in the extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia founded in 2014, in which Vietnam considers Japan a trustworthy partner of leading importance. The PM appreciated contributions by Nikai and Japanese parliamentarians in the friendship parliamentary alliance to the Vietnam-Japan ties. He called for more parliamentarian exchanges and locality-to-locality cooperation so as to reinforce the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young. For his part, Nikai said his exchange delegation to Vietnam this time is the largest-ever delegation of Japan, which consists of over 1,000 members from parliamentarians, officials of ministries, sectors, localities and businesses to people. This demonstrates his countrys high consensus in the enhancement of the friendship with Vietnam, he said. At the meeting, the two sides agreed to promote meetings between all-level officials, increase locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchange, and further step up connections in investment, trade, labour and tourism. They also agreed to strengthen ties at multilateral forums as well as in international and regional issues of common concern, especially when Vietnam is serving as the coordinator of the ASEAN-Japan relations for 2018-2021, ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021. On this occasion, PM Phuc and Nikai witnessed the signing of 12 cooperation documents between ministries, sectors, localities and businesses of the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 20:05:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extends his Spring Festival greetings to military veterans and retired officers when attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Gang) BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Monday extended his Spring Festival greetings to military veterans and retired officers. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended the greetings when attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops. Where there does seem to be consensus is the difficulty of abolishing existing regulations. The stability of the regulatory state reflects many factors. One is the law. The process for repealing or amending federal regulations is lengthy, requiring detailed analysis, reviews and public comment periods, Hunter noted. Another is popularity. Despite much anti-regulatory rhetoric, there is broad support for agencies overseeing the environment, securities markets, drugs, new vehicles and much more. Americans dont want free market forces to settle all controversial questions; but neither do they want the economy to be paralyzed by waves of bureaucratic reports and mandates. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 Trend: From year to year, the Armenian propaganda campaign continues to impose on the world community a far-fetched version of the events of January 1990, and the pogroms in Baku and Sumgayit, which allegedly provoked a massacre of Armenians, Rizvan Huseynov, Director of the Center of Caucasian History, told Trend. In this sense, this year was no exception in the Armenian media, the renowned Azerbaijani historian said, adding that falsifying historical facts, Armenians have launched an anti-Azerbaijani campaign in an attempt to mislead the world community again. "When the Armenian side begins to talk about the pogroms in Baku in January 1990, then it is apparently lying because these very events were preceded by a whole series of tragic events and provocations that cannot be kept in disguise," Huseynov noted. "If they talk about the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, then we must return to the events in 1987-88, when the first pogroms and expulsions of Azerbaijanis from the territory of Armenia began. It was at that time that atrocities were committed in Kapan, in Gugark and other regions of Armenia, where Azerbaijanis were brutally expelled or killed. It was the first wave of refugees from the end of 1987 and the beginning of 1988 that flooded the streets of Azerbaijan's large cities - Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja and others, when destitute people became a kind of first catalyst for the events that led to the development of the Karabakh conflict," said the historian. "It was 100-percent provocation by the Soviet KGB, which was carried out by the hands of nationalists, and in particular - party leaders, heads of police, districts, prosecutors - in a word, dignitaries of Armenia who participated in the expulsion of Azerbaijanis and thereby inspired the Armenian nationalists to these atrocities," he added. The USSR witnessed the picture; and the Gorbachev leadership actually provoked all these events, forcing the Azerbaijani side to take retaliatory measures, said Huseynov. Thus, these dispossessed people appeared in Azerbaijans Sumgait city as well, where, not without the support of the State Security Committee, everything was done not to let the city leadership and law enforcement agencies to act. At that time, somehow, in anticipation of the Sumgait events, a huge group of criminal masterminds from all over the USSR appeared there, the historian noted. Who brought them is also understandable, since without an allied leadership this operation wouldnt have succeeded. As a result, the city was paralyzed, after which there were riots led by Armenian Eduard Grigoryan, his brothers and other Armenians. Nationalists beat, killed and raped the Armenians, and the purpose of this provocation was to justify the further occupation of Azerbaijani territories and large-scale aggression against the Azerbaijani people, Huseynov said. The historian reminded that literally immediately after the Sumgait events, a biased anti-Azerbaijani campaign was launched in the Soviet and foreign media to denigrate Azerbaijan. They tried to represent the Azerbaijani people as a monster, to attribute all the atrocities exclusively to the Azerbaijani people, while initially all this monstrous provocation was launched by Armenia, in particular, by the Armenian State Security Committee and the nationalists of this country, Huseynov noted. Following this, the events inNagorno- Karabakh began to develop in a more dangerous way, rallies and riots by the Armenian separatists in Karabakh started, said the historian. The Armenian separatists sought to separate Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan, hostilities began, and all these events caused fair indignation of the Azerbaijani people. Amid the complete inaction of the then Azerbaijani leadership, the situation was menacing, Huseynov said. As a result, a great part of the Azerbaijani intelligentsia came to the conclusion that it was necessary for Azerbaijan to gain independence to save its sovereignty and territorial integrity as the Soviet leadership of the Azerbaijan Republic was unable to do this. In fact, the national liberation movement has started since 1988, the scholar added. The peak of this movement was the subsequent events of January 1990. While realizing the seriousness of the events, the Soviet Union Center again provoked the so-called riots of Armenians to justify sending of a huge contingent of the Soviet troops to Baku. Thus, a war was declared to the Soviet city of Baku. A contingent of troops, comparable to the contingent of the Soviet troops sent to Afghanistan during the war, was sent to Baku. The war against the Azerbaijani people was unambiguously declared. This is the reality, Huseynov said. Therefore, if the current Armenian media outlets, journalists and the Armenian leadership do not realize that there were forces, in which the Armenian provocateurs and nationalists played a big role, trying to stop the national liberation movement in Azerbaijan, then they are simply blind. In this situation, Armenia attempted to prevent Azerbaijan to gain independence. As a result, the 'Karabakh map' was used to turn the national liberation movement into an interethnic conflict, and the goal was partially achieved, the scholar said. Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani people eventually gained independence. I think that this period, which turned into disorder and riots followed by the January 20 tragedy, is the chain of provocations of the Armenian side and the Soviet Union Center aimed at undermining the national liberation movement in Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibova Police on Monday carried out a fresh search at the residence of Deputy Superintendent of Police P Davinder Singh, who was arrested here while allegedly ferrying two militants on Saturday. A senior police officer said the raid was carried out at Singh's Indira Nagar residence following some disclosures made by him during interrogation. The officer refused to give details about any recoveries made from Singh's residence. Singh, who was posted at high security Srinagar airport, was held along with Hizbul Mujahideen militants Naveed Babu and Altaf on Saturday when he was allegedly ferrying the ultras from Srinagar to south Kashmir in a car. A team led by Deputy Inspector General of South Kashmir Atul Goyal intercepted the car at a police barricade at Mir Bazar in Kulgam of south Kashmir. Two AK rifles were seized from the car. A search was conducted at Singh's residence and the police seized two pistols and an AK rifle, the officials said. IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said the police officer was involved in a "heinous crime" of ferrying militants and is being treated on par with the ultras. "The police officer has worked on several anti-militancy operations. But, the circumstances under which he was arrested when he was driving the car with militants towards Jammu is a heinous crime. "So, that is why, he is being treated on par with the militants and has been properly arrested, (and) has been brought under remand and his interrogation is on, Kumar had told reporters at a press conference here on Sunday. He said the case has been registered into the incident under Unlawful Activities Act and Arms Act. The FIR number 5/2020 has been registered under Sections 7/25 Indian Arms Act, 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and Sections 18, 19, 20, 29 and 38 of Unlawful Activities Act, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 2020 Oscar nominees have been revealed, and a number of theater favorites have made the list. Cynthia Erivo received a rare double nomination for her performance as Harriet Tubman in Harriet and for cowriting the film's Oscar-nominated song "Stand Up." If Erivo wins one of the two awards, she'll become the youngest recipient of an EGOT in history, having earned a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy Award for her work in Broadway's The Color Purple. Erivo is joined in the Best Actress category by fellow Tony winner Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story) as well as Saoirse Ronan for Little Women, Charlize Theron for Bombshell, and Renee Zellweger for the Judy Garland biopic Judy. Johansson is also a double nominee, earning her second nod for her work in Jojo Rabbit in the Best Supporting Actress category. The Best Actor category sees Tony winner Jonathan Pryce up for The Two Popes, alongside Tony nominees Antonio Banderas and Adam Driver, with Tony winner Al Pacino (The Irishman) going head to head with Tom Hanks for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood in the Best Supporting Actor category. Sam Mendes, soon to direct The Lehman Trilogy on Broadway, earned Best Director and Best Original Screenplay nominations for 1917, while Greta Gerwig earned a Best Adapted Screenplay nod for Little Women (though she did not receive a slot in this year's all-male Best Director category). Gerwig returns to the stage later this year in Three Sisters at New York Theatre Workshop. Joining Erivo in the Best Original Song category are veteran Broadway composers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Frozen), who earned another Oscar nod for their song "Into the Unknown" from Frozen 2. The Academy Awards will air on February 9 on ABC. NEW YORK...January 13, 2020 - Renowned psychosexual therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, will be receiving an honorary doctoral degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) on May 19, 2020 in Beer-Sheva, Israel. The ceremony will take place during the University's 50th anniversary celebration. To commemorate the honor, she is establishing the Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer Endowed Scholarship for Psychology, which will fund psychology student scholarships. BGU's Department of Psychology provides students with a broad understanding of the basis of normal and abnormal behavior while teaching and training future researchers and practitioners. "I am so excited to be awarded this honorary degree from Ben-Gurion University. I am proud to be establishing an endowed scholarship to help Israeli students in perpetuity," says Dr. Westheimer. "And, the secret is, everyone who donates gets good sex for life." Watch Dr. Ruth video. Throughout her life and career, Dr. Ruth has maintained her commitment to the Jewish people and Israel. She was separated from her family in 1938 and was sent on a Kindertransport to Switzerland by her parents who later perished in the Holocaust. After World War II, at age 17, she went to Palestine where she fought and was seriously wounded in Israel's War for Independence as a sniper in the Haganah, the Jewish freedom fighters. "I am an orphan of the Holocaust and was in Israel in 1948 when David Ben-Gurion declared the State of Israel," says Dr. Westheimer. "We danced all night. I would have loved to have met him because he was both brilliant and short. I am delighted to have a scholarship for the University that bears his name as Israel's founding father and first prime minister. I just love BGU!" "How fitting that a woman of Dr. Ruth's stature, who heard David Ben-Gurion announce the new State of Israel as a young woman in Israel in 1948, will receive an honorary degree from the University that bears his name seven decades later amidst a long and distinguished career. It is a great honor for BGU to recognize her achievements during our 50th anniversary," says BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. With an uninhibited approach to sex education and therapy, Dr. Westheimer, 91, transformed the conversation around sexuality for nearly four decades. She has appeared on hundreds of television shows as an expert on human sexuality, travelled worldwide giving speeches and lectures, and just published her 45th book. The critically acclaimed documentary, "Ask Dr. Ruth," in which she reflects on her life and career, debuted last year and is now on available on Hulu. Dr. Ruth's media career began in 1980 when her radio show, "Sexually Speaking," premiered on WYNY-FM in New York City. By 1983, it was the area's top-rated radio show, and in 1984 NBC radio began syndicating it nationwide as the "Dr. Ruth Show," which ran until 1990. "Dr. Ruth is incredibly deserving of an honorary degree for all she has accomplished. She has impacted the lives of people around the world by bringing human sexuality into public discourse," says Doug Seserman, chief executive officer of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "And her uncanny energy is a true force of nature. Dr. Ruth is more productive today than most people half her age," Seserman adds. Dr. Westheimer received her Ed.D. degree from Columbia University's Teacher's College as well as an M.A. in sociology from the New School for Social Research. She also taught at Princeton University, Yale University, Columbia University, Adelphi University, Lehman College, Brooklyn College, and West Point. ### To make a tax-deductible donation to this scholarship fund for psychology, go to http://www.aabgu.org/dr-ruth or write a check made out to AABGU and send to: American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) Attn: Dr. Ruth Scholarship 1001 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor New York, NY 10018 American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information visit http://www.aabgu.org. Mainland China equity market finished session higher on Monday, 13 January 2020, as investors risk sentiments underpinned on optimism over the signing of a phase-one trade deal between the U. S. and China on Wednesday in Washington. Also contributing to the equities' run-up was the absence of the US-Iran was despite Tehran's repeated attacks on the US military bases in Iraq. At closing bell, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index inclined 0.75%, or 23.28 points, to 3,115.57. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, added 1.36%, or 24.47 points, to 1,822.35. The blue-chip CSI300 index was down 0.98%, or 40.80 points, to 4,203.99. U. S. President Donald Trump and Chinese officials are set to sign the long-awaited phase one trade deal between the two countries on Wednesday in Washington. The Trump administration has invited at least 200 people to the White House for the ceremony. The China's commerce ministry said that Vice Premier Liu He, who leads the Chinese negotiation team in the trade talks, is set to visit Washington from today. The deal will involve some tariff relief, increased Chinese purchases of U. S. agricultural goods and changes to intellectual property and technology rules. Investors are also looking ahead to trade and economic growth data due this week, which is expected to shed more light on some early signs of economic improvement after the country logged its slowest pace of growth in nearly three decades in the third quarter. CURRENCY NEWS: China's yuan hovered around five-month highs on Monday. Prior to market opening, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) set the midpoint rate CNY=PBOC at 6.9011 per dollar, 0.26% firmer than the previous fix of 6.9191. The yuan rose 0.2% against the greenback to 6.9011 at midday, after China's central bank set the strongest midpoint CNY=PBOC since August 5, 2019. The currency has gained roughly 2% since early December. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON - After three years of tweets and tariffs, President Donald Trump has arrived at his China moment. With the signing Wednesday of a "phase one" deal that includes Chinese commitments to respect American intellectual property, not manipulate its currency, and a U.S. expectation for $200 billion in new purchases that should help reduce a yawning trade deficit and repair some of the damage suffered by farmers, Trump will deliver at least a partial agreement many skeptics doubted was ever possible. But even that political victory leaves Trump confronting the same China conundrum that has plagued his predecessors. The broad and bipartisan agreement in Washington is that American presidents have for decades been hoodwinked by a China that has often failed to deliver on its promises. Trump and his lieutenants, of course, insist that this time is different, that experts who see phase one as a rebranding of old guarantees are wrong. Unlike agreements negotiated by prior administrations, this one is enforceable, they say, and there will be real and immediate economic repercussions for China if it comes up short. "We think it was a good negotiation, we think it will make a real difference," U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told reporters on Dec. 13. "A skeptic would say 'we'll see' and that's probably a wise position to take. But our expectation is that they keep their obligations and in any event, they're enforceable." ADVERTISEMENT Also, it's not the end of the story, the White House says. Coming soon, though even Trump acknowledges probably not before the November U.S. presidential election, is a second deal that will address long-standing American complaints not covered in the initial 86-page document. Among those: the state subsidies - from discounted loans to cheap electricity - that have nurtured a growing club of Chinese multinationals. Some inside and close to the White House have their own doubts that second installment will ever materialize. Yet the more immediate question is whether China will even live up to the promises in the first phase. And if not, the question becomes whether Trump will have the political courage to take action ahead of the election, even it if risks roiling the markets on which he is hanging his economic credentials. Lighthizer insists the enforcement mechanism embedded in the agreement is strong. In a talking points memo distributed to supporters last month, the administration said it called for each country to establish a special office to monitor the deal's implementation and address any disputes. If conflicts aren't resolved within 90 days, the U.S. could take unspecified "proportionate" action against China and vice versa. Either party could also abandon the deal, of course. But some analysts say such a framework risks being inherently political. Wendy Cutler, a veteran trade negotiator now at the Asia Society Policy Institute, says that by not deferring to independent panels or arbitrators, the dispute mechanism leaves the question of violations - and how to respond - in the eye of the beholder. That means politics and competing economic pressures and interests are likely to intrude, as they have before. It also means that the only arbiter of whether the Chinese are keeping their end of the bargain will be the Trump administration, which may be loath to admit they are not. "What does it say for one of his key negotiating accomplishments if the president has to admit the agreement isn't working as intended?" Cutler says. Steve Bannon, Trump's former White House chief strategist, says there won't be enough time before November for the president to take action if China doesn't abide by the deal's terms. "I don't think we'll be able to ascertain whether they lived up to the commitments until after the 2020 election," he said. Bannon, who since leaving the administration in 2017 has made hawkishness on China a central part of his brand, says hardliners like him who see communist China as an existential threat to America remain disappointed by a phase one deal they see as easing the pressure on Beijing. A second phase will only be possible if China is put under "extreme duress" by an economic assault on multiple fronts, including restrictions on access to U.S. capital markets, he told Bloomberg News. ADVERTISEMENT More moderate observers have their doubts as well. Jude Blanchette, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, says there are signs already that China and particularly its own economic nationalists have been emboldened by the phase one deal and are shrugging off the commitments it includes. "There's a darn good chance we just see a repeat of this show which has been going on certainly since (World Trade Organization) accession in 2001 of China doing what it can to get its tiptoes right up to the letter of the law but in fundamental ways ignoring the spirit of it," Blanchette says. That is in part because everything from Trump's impeachment to the looming election and even the president's handling of Iran is adding to China's perception of weakness rather than strength in Washington. "They smell blood for Trump," Blanchette says. "There has always been, especially since impeachment, a narrative in China that we've got him where we want him, we've got a lot more leverage over him than we had." Rod Hunter, who agonized over China policy while on President George W. Bush's National Security Council and is now a partner at law firm Baker McKenzie, argues that no single agreement can bridge the huge "asymmetry of interests" between the U.S. and China over key issues such as the heavy role of the state in the Chinese economy. "We see that as a problem. But the Chinese government sees that as a feature, a virtue of their system," Hunter says. For its part, Beijing is pointing to progress. A foreign investment law that took effect Jan. 1 bans administrative agencies from forcing technology transfers. The government also brought forward plans to allow full foreign ownership of life insurers, futures, securities and mutual fund companies by 2020, after cracking the door open in 2018. And while the U.S. labeled China as a "currency manipulator" in August at the height of trade war, the People's Bank of China has long relinquished direct intervention. ADVERTISEMENT "China has made steady strides in reform and opening-up over the past year," Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the U.S., said last week at a gala in New York for Chinese companies that invest in the U.S. Bridging the differences requires a careful balance of diplomacy and leverage. One solution pushed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is to revive a forum for bilateral discussion that the Trump administration disbanded in 2017, but it's unclear yet whether the president will go for that idea. Hunter and others acknowledge that even if China does not comply with the terms of the phase one deal, Trump has still managed to reset the relationship in ways other than the notable redirection of global supply chains and a reduction in Chinese imports, which is why there is so much talk in policy circles of a decoupling or a new Cold War. The administration has enforced a new, broader conception of national security and given defense and intelligence officials a bigger say in economic policy, particularly on China. In practical terms that has meant stricter curbs on Chinese investment in the U.S. and on the ability of American technology companies to do business with China, as seen most vividly in the blacklisting last year of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. Those efforts aren't ending with the new truce. In fact, they are expanding. In the pipeline is a new Commerce Department rule to restrict U.S. imports of telecommunications equipment - such as that made by Huawei - that might threaten U.S. national security. Tariffs, meanwhile, will remain a blunt stick. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, average U.S. levies on Chinese imports will be 19.3% even after the deal takes effect - more than six times higher than before the trade war began in 2018. "A President Warren, a President Biden, they are not going to be able to unwind that," Hunter says. "They are not just going to be able to say on Jan. 21st 'never mind, we're taking away the tariffs without getting something in return.' " --- (Joshua Green and Miao Han contributed to this report.) --- (c)2020 Bloomberg News Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. We are proud to support firefighter health... Weve got their backs. Way2B LLC, a healthy lifestyle consumer products company, proudly announces the donation of 600 bottles of its Way Better Water Drink to the St. Paul Fire Foundation which supports the St. Paul and Minneapolis Fire Departments. Heart disease is the number one killer of firefighters nationwide and is a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths. 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We are so grateful for this generous donation and, as it turns out, its very timely, says Cris Shapira from the St. Paul Fire Foundation. The Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence (MCFE) recently released a report stating that Minnesota now ranks 48th in the nation for fire department funding, which is down from the previous years rank of 44th. Firefighters need support from their communities and this effort by Way2B is a great example of that. Way2B Way Better Water Drink comes in four all-natural flavors: lemon, orange, berry, and plain. The product is available in single-serve, 12 fluid-ounce bottles in the grocery store refrigerated section and at Amazon.com. For more information, please visit http://www.way2byou.com. Follow us on social media at: http://www.Facebook.com/Way2Byou, http://www.Instagram.com/Way2Byou, http://www.Twitter.com/Way2Byou. Contact: Erin Mathe, Way2B LLC, erin.mathe@gmail.com, 952-261-8148. Reuters British trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan will visit India this week to hold talks to try to deepen trade and economic ties as part of London's push in the Indo-Pacific region, her department said on Sunday. As part of a two-day visit to New Delhi, Trevelyan will hold bilateral talks with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday on green trade, the removal of market access barriers and other issues. They are also expected to confirm the launch of official negotiations on a new UK-India free trade deal, the trade department said in a statement. OTTAWA - Listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity would undermine efforts by the Trudeau government to properly investigate the Iranian plane crash, says Canada's last ambassador to the country. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/1/2020 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. B'nai Brith Senior Legal Counsel David Matas answers a question during a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - Listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity would undermine efforts by the Trudeau government to properly investigate the Iranian plane crash, says Canada's last ambassador to the country. The government's immediate priority should be to focus on supporting Canadian families, including repatriating remains of crash victims, and the work of Canadian investigators on the ground, said Dennis Horak, who was Canada's envoy to Iran when the two countries severed diplomatic relations in 2012. "Introducing additional (terror) listings at this point would be counterproductive," Horak told The Canadian Press on Monday. "The Iranians, for example, could believe the accident investigation team is looking to compile evidence for future legal cases against them." Horak said the government can turn its attention later to making Iran pay for Canada's losses. "There will be time to address the need for accountability once these initial stages are done. That effort should be centred in the next stage on securing compensation directly from Iran consistent with Islamic law and tradition. That will take negotiations but is likely the best way to secure some measure of compensation for families," said Horak, who ended his career as Canada's Saudi Arabian envoy and was widely considered to be one of the government's top Middle East analysts. Horak was responding to fresh demands by Canadian Jewish and Iranian organizations for the government to list the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist entity following last week's downing of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran. David Matas, the senior lawyer for B'nai Brith Canada, said Monday that the terror listing would remove a legal obstacle and enable Canadian victims to sue the Iranian government under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act. It was not a new request, but it could be one path to compensation for the families of those killed when Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 was shot down by an Iranian missile moments after taking off from Tehran early last Wednesday. All 176 on board were killed, including 57 Canadians. There were 138 people on the plane who were en route to Canada. The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 86 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran. Canada has already designated the al-Quds branch of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist entity, Matas said, so it should follow through and list the complete organization. The paramilitary Quds Force is largely responsible for the group's operations outside of Iran's borders. "If a terrorist act is committed by the IRGC, but not the Quds Force, a suit is not possible," Matas said. Liberal and Conservatives MPs voted in the House of Commons in June 2018 to list the entire Revolutionary Guard, but the government has yet to act. But Horak said the current terrorism act if amended might not be the best means for the victims to seek redress from Iran because Canada would have to prove that the downing of the plane was an intentional act of terrorism, which would be difficult. It not clear how Canadian victims would be able to collect a settlement if they ever succeeded in such a lawsuit because there simply aren't a lot of Iranian assets left to lay claim to, he said. "As I understand it there are no more assets to seize at this moment," said Horak, because most of the money from the seizure of past Iranian properties has been disbursed. The Canadian government is entitled to seize Iranian assets in Canada, but it isn't allowed to lay its hands on diplomatic property such as embassy buildings or property. Matas said the government has seized millions in Iranian assets in the past, including a cultural centre, but added: "It may be that it will be difficult to collect in the future." Matas said there is more at stake than simply money. "To a certain extent what we're talking about here is not money, but principle. And the principle is a terrorist, is a terrorist, is a terrorist." Avideh Motmaen-Far, president of the Council of Iranian Canadians, said the downing of the airliner makes it more pressing for Canada to take further action against the Revolutionary Guard. "This terrorist action, intentionally or not, executed by the IRGC, (emphasized and confirmed) once more the terrorist nature of this organization that has no respect for civilian lives," she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2020. Costco, America's beloved wholesale behemoth best known for its bulk goods and Kirkland Signature private label, has long been one of the country's favorite one-stop shops. Here, you can get high-end perfume and camping gear. Although most people know that Costco has great deals on household paper goods, they may not realize that Costco has been in the travel business since 2000. Costco Travel offers members discounted rental cars, cruises and guided group trips, as well as domestic and international vacations. Because Costco Travel is a division under the regular Costco umbrella, its users can expect the same benefits shopping for a vacation as they would shopping for chicken. Here's how it works: Costco Travel is made up of buying teams, just like the dealmaking foot soldiers who work for regular Costco. These buyers work with travel vendors to negotiate lower prices on a limited number of goods (i.e., hotel rooms or cruise fares), then offer those discounted rates and packages to the many millions of Costco members. Buyers don't work on commission or incentives; their job is simply to secure the best value. Perhaps the nicest part of booking with Costco Travel is that it's straightforward. The prices advertised on the website already include taxes, so you don't end up with a completely different estimate at the end of the process, unlike other online travel agencies (like Booking.com or Hotels.com). Intrigued? Before you book a trip with Costco Travel, here are a few things to keep in mind. 1. There's something for everyone There isn't one kind of Costco Travel vacation. The most popular itineraries usually involve Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and cruising, but there's much more out there to book. Costco Travel has trips for adventure-seekers, for young people ages 18 to 35 who want to travel with fellow young people, or people who want to drink a bunch of wine in a new place. The prices vary, too. Travelers can hunt for packages around $300 in the Under $499 category or splurge on one of the "Costco Vacations of a Lifetime." You don't have to book a big blockbuster vacation to reap the Costco Travel benefits, either. You can use the service to book an individual hotel room, or a hotel and flight. And according to insiders, one of the best-kept secrets is its rental-car business. 2. Look for Buyer's Choice vacations or cruises, or Kirkland Signature vacations Costco Travel insiders say that where the real savings lurk are in Kirkland Signature vacations, Buyer's Choice vacations and Hot Buys, or limited-time deals that are advertised online and in Costco email newsletters. These trips will offer added value and amenities beyond what regular Costco Travel experiences already deliver. 3. Take advantage of flexible payment options Costco members have options when it comes to how to pay, like setting up recurring payments to cover the whole cost. You'll probably have to pay a deposit on packages or pay for your airfare upfront, and some payment requirements may depend on the time of year. People who are able to pay early may be eligible for bigger savings. 4. Do your research on airfare before you book Shalen Fairbanks, a Costco member who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, first started using Costco Travel six years ago. She has booked five trips for her family to Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Her advice to potential Costco Travel users would be to shop around for flights before booking a trip, because she has occasionally found better airfare deals than what Costco offered. "You pick where you want to go, [Costco Travel] gives you a bunch of different options of hotels and packages, and then I do look at airfare separately," Fairbanks says. "Sometimes it's cheaper to go buy your own flight and then book the rest of the package" through Costco Travel. If you do go with Costco Travel's airfare option, which often comes with airport transfers, make sure you book any upgrades ahead of time. Charleston, South Carolina, resident Michael Fanning booked an African safari through Costco Travel when he noticed that it cost drastically less than what he had seen elsewhere. "The trip was fantastic," Fanning says. "I mean, it really was extraordinary." But one thing he would've done differently: "The one part that was not as fun was the 14-hour plane ride on African Airways from JFK to Johannesburg," Fanning says. "That's a tough trip. We would have preferred to have upgraded our seats, but we weren't allowed to do that through the package." 5. Get cash back on your vacation purchase Depending on your membership level, you may be able to get even better deals on a vacation when you book with Costco Travel. Executive Members (whose annual fee is $120) earn 2% cash back on their Costco Travel purchases. Members who book their travel with a Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi credit card (a card with no foreign transaction fees, by the way) earn 3% cash back. 6. Costco Travel trips come with perks Executive Members are treated to benefits like food and beverage credits, spa credits, room upgrades and more for the primary cardholder booking the trip. The extras that get thrown into vacation packages are one of Fairbanks's favorite parts of using Costco Travel. "They'll give you a $250 Costco Rebate Card," she says. "The [trips] we've been on have a $100 or $200 spa credit per room. The one to Jamaica, we had a spa credit per room, plus we got $200 to use toward the local activity" company. That Jamaica trip also included access to a VIP departure experience at the airport that got the Fairbankses through customs quicker. Accounting for the perks her family of five earned, Fairbanks estimates she saved the cost of one person's trip. 7. Costco can't control everything While the planning and booking can be seamless, keep in mind that Costco Travel trips can have hiccups, like any travel experience. For example, the Fairbankses' airport transfer didn't show up for their scheduled pickup. "But that's a problem on the company that made this transfer," she says - not Costco's. "Their driver didn't show up that day." In the event that anything goes awry, pick up the phone and contact a Costco Travel representative to assist with any issues. Clark University has named a new president and he is a graduate of the Worcester university. The Clark University Board of Trustees announced that David B. Fithian will become the universitys 10th president in the history of Clark. Fithian, a 1987 graduate of Clark, is currently the executive vice president at the University of Chicago. He will take over as Clark president on July 1, replacing David P. Angel, who will retire in June after serving 10 years in the role. I saw this as a really singular opportunity because its not that common for someone to be able to come back and lead their alma mater, he said in an interview Monday. For me, Clark really was the place that opened my eyes to what being involved with colleges and universities could be like. Ross Gillman, chairman of the Universitys Board of Trustees, called Fithian an innovative, strategic leader, and a tremendous team builder, with the breadth and scope of experience and vision that make him uniquely qualified to lead Clark. Fithian credited the past administration at Clark for partnering with the city of Worcester and investing in the area around Main South. The university formalized a relationship with the Main South community in 1995 when Clark became a primary partner in the University Park Partnership. The partnership connects Clark with neighborhood residents, the school, organizations, local churches, city and government officials and the business community within Main South to focus on urban development in the area. I think its a better, stronger, more admired place today than when I was here, Fithian, a New York native said. Fithian has a B.A. in sociology and English from Clark and his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in sociology from Yale. Clark has 2,242 undergraduates and 795 graduate students. According to Interior Minister, detainees DNA coincided with DNA on weapon thrown at crime scene Open source January 12, the National Police detained a group of killers suspected of killing ATO veteran Amina Okueva. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov stated this information on Facebook. "Today, the National Police detained a group of killers reasonably suspected of a number of murders including Aminas murder. The detainees DNA coincided with the DNA on the weapons thrown at the crime scene. Investigations are ongoing. I thank the police for their service," Avakov wrote. Also, the prosecutor's office noted that on the account of the criminals two more contract killings committed in September 2016 and in January 2019, which were disclosed. Currently, investigative actions are ongoing, measures are being taken to detain all participants in the criminal organization and to establish customers. As we reported earlier, Ukraine extradited to militants Artur Denisultanov who was accused of an attempted assassination of Chechen volunteers who took part in hostilities in Donbas on the side of forces of Anti-Terrorist Operation Adam Osmaev and his wife Amina Okueva. Diane Garner lives in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. She has three sons, Matt, 35, Chris, 33, and Josh, 24, as well as two granddaughters, Delilah, six, and Josie, two. She is an administrative assistant at Land rover. Budget face cream I've never had Botox, I prefer a natural look. Instead, I stick to a budget skincare routine. I love Aldi's Lacura Q10 Renew Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream, with SPF 20, and Night Cream (both 1.45), plus the Multi-Intensive Serum (2.99). I go to Aldi only for its beauty products. I've tried more expensive versions, but there's no noticeable difference. Investment surgery I had a breast augmentation 15 years ago. I felt reassured because my friend had already had it done. Then I asked my GP for a recommendation a hospital, not a clinic, to make it as safe as possible. It cost 5,000, but was worth it it really boosted my confidence. I went from a 34A to an E, but they still look natural, and my clothes fit much better. They've lasted well. I get a check-up every few years. Diane Garner lives in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. She has three sons, Matt, 35, Chris, 33, and Josh, 24, as well as two granddaughters, Delilah, six, and Josie, two. She is an administrative assistant at Land rover DIY hair regime Once a month, I colour my hair at home with L'Oreal Preference Infinia 8 California Natural Mid Blonde (8.25, boots.com). I've been using the same brand, in different shades, since I was in my 20s. It's much cheaper than getting it done at the salon, but I get a professional cut every six weeks (50). I use a Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-In-1 Dry Hair Mask (6.99, boots.com) to keep it healthy. Blitz back pain I do yoga and Pilates four times a week (18.99 per month, puregym.com). It's eased the stiff shoulders I get from sitting at a computer, and it's made a difference to my body shape: my hips are much slimmer and I have more definition in my stomach. Part-time boyfriend Last summer, I met a lovely man, Gary, on dating site Zoosk (zoosk.com). We live an hour's drive apart, so I only see him at the weekends. I love this, though, as I'm very independent and want to make time for my female friends we went on holiday to Dominica this year for our 60th birthdays. It's nice to have male company, but not all the time! Plus I go to bed at 9:30pm in the week, and don't want to be woken up by snoring . . . New research introduces an innovative hearing test that may help people who are unable to respond, such as babies or people who have had a stroke. The new test relies on measuring the dilation of an individuals pupils. Share on Pinterest Measuring the dilation of a persons pupil may indicate whether they can hear or not. Traditional ways of testing a persons hearing include tuning fork tests, speaker distance examination, and pure-tone threshold tests. These tests involve reflexes, such as raising the hand or pressing a button on hearing a particular sound. From this, the specialist can determine how well a person can hear varying pitches and levels. However, these methods require a response from the person who is having the hearing test. But how can experts assess the hearing of people who are unable to respond, such as adults with stroke, young people with developmental problems, or babies? A team of researchers led by Avinash Singh Bala from the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon in Eugene came up with an alternative way of testing someones hearing that does not require a direct response from them. Bala and his colleagues started from the observation that barn owls dilate their pupils when they discern sounds. The researchers discovered this in their previous work, which they conducted almost two decades ago. So, in this new study, the team hypothesized that the same would be true in humans. The results of their experiments appear in the Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. Chennai, Jan 13 : A womens court in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district on Monday sentenced four youths to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. The court also sent an autorickshaw driver Gurumurthy to rigorous imprisonment for seven years in the same case. The persons convicted for life imprisonment are S. Dinesh, M. Vasanth, S. Purushothaman, and S. Anbarasan. The woman from Delhi had reached Kumbakonam, a town in Thanjavur district, at night to join a private bank by a train. She boarded an autorickshaw and gave the driver her destination address. However, the driver drove her around in order to get more money from her. When she started questioning him and started shouting for help, he asked her to get down midway and went away. The woman then got a lift from a two wheeler rider, who took her to a secluded place. His other friends too came there and sexually assaulted her. One of her assaulters took her in another auto rickshaw and dropped her in Kumbakonam. Enroute, he spoke to his friends using the auto driver's mobile phone. The woman had noted down the autorickshaw's registration number and the next day after narrating her ordeal to her colleagues made a police complaint. With these clues, the police soon cracked the case and arrested the convicts. Fair trade regulator CCI on Monday ordered a probe against e-commerce majors Flipkart and Amazon for alleged malpractices, including deep discounting and tie-ups with preferred sellers on their platforms. The order follows a complaint filed by Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, whose members comprise many traders dealing in smartphones and related accessories. The traders' body accused the e-commerce firms of anti-competitive practices like preferential listing, exclusive tie-ups and private labels. In its order, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it needs to be investigated whether the alleged exclusive arrangements, deep discounting and preferential listing by online marketplace platforms are being used as an "exclusionary tactic to foreclose competition" and are resulting in an appreciable adverse effect on competition. Commenting on the order, an Amazon India spokesperson said,"We welcome the opportunity to address allegations made about Amazon. We are confident in our compliance, and will cooperate fully with CCI." Incidentally, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is expected to visit India this week. Meanwhile, a Flipkart spokesperson said they are currently reviewing the CCI order. "The Flipkart group is fully compliant with all applicable laws and FDI regulations. We take pride in democratising e-commerce in India and giving market access to lakhs of MSMEs, sellers, artisans and small businesses, making quality and affordable goods available to consumers through our transparent and efficient marketplace while creating lakhs of jobs," the spokesperson added. In its complaint, the trade body alleged that there were instances of several vertical agreements between Flipkart and Amazon and their preferred sellers which have led to exclusion of other non-preferred traders from these online marketplaces. It has been also been alleged that most of these preferred sellers are affiliated with or controlled by Flipkart or Amazon, either directly or indirectly. Besides, the platforms also gather data on consumer preferences and allegedly use them to their advantage, it added. "This arrangement has far-reaching consequences on the economy as the non-preferred sellers are relegated to sell only through traditional brick and mortar set-up which involves significant fixed costs and are devoid of wide pan-India reach which online marketplaces offer," it was alleged. "The Commission observes that the exclusive arrangements between smartphone/mobile phone brands and e-commerce platform/select sellers selling exclusively on either of the platforms, as demonstrated in the information, coupled with the allegation of linkages between these preferred sellers and OPs (opposite parties) alleged by the Informant merits an investigation," the CCI said in its order. Further, it needs to be investigated whether the alleged exclusive arrangements, deep discounting and preferential listing by the e-commerce platforms are being used as an exclusionary tactic to foreclose competition and are resulting in an appreciable adverse effect on competition, contravening the provisions of the Competition Act, the CCI noted. The Competition Commission has asked the director general to complete the investigation and submit a report within 60 days. Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) which is spearheading an aggressive nationwide movement against Amazon and Flipkart, said this CCI order has been long awaited by the traders of the country. "Both Amazon and Flipkart have left no stone unturned in destroying and devastating the e-commerce and retail trade market by indulging into all kinds of malpractices including causing huge GST and income tax revenue loss to the government. Their autocratic business module has resulted into closure of thousands of shops in the country in last three months," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A high-level committee, set up by the Home Ministry to suggest ways for providing constitutional safeguards to the indigenous people of Assam, on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed with him issues related to its work. A four-member delegation of the committee, headed by Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma, met the home minister for an hour and briefed him about the progress of its work. "We have apprised the home minister about the progress of our work. The home minister has given a few suggestions. We hope to submit our final report within next 15 days," Sharma told reporters here. The committee with more than a dozen members was set up as per the Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord. According to its terms and conditions, "The committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people." "The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people," according to a home ministry notification. Asked whether the panel could finalise the "definition of Assamese", the retired judge said they were yet to take a decision on it and hope to come to a conclusion soon. "All members of the committee will soon meet to finalise the report and all remaining issues to be resolved," he said. The meeting took place four days after Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the home minister and discussed with him various aspects of the Assam Accord's Clause 6, under which the central government had promised to provide constitutional safeguards to the indigenous people. The committee is said to have completed its deliberations and discussions with various stakeholders in Assam. The meeting was held amidst widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Assam. It bears significance as there has been a growing feeling among the indigenous people of Assam that the newly enacted legislation will hurt their interests both politically, culturally as well as socially. The Assam Accord provides for detection and deportation of all illegal immigrants, who have entered the country after 1971 and living in the state, irrespective of their religion. According to 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. The protesters in Assam said that the CAA violates the provisions of Assam Accord. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 19:33:29|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DHAKA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh Monday observed one day state mourning on the demise of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away last week. Bangladesh on Sunday declared to observe a state mourning on Monday to honor the sultan of Oman. Oman is one of the key destinations for migrant workers from Bangladesh. In line with the order of the Bangladesh president, the country's national flag was hoisted at half-mast at all government institutions including Bangladesh embassies outside the country. As part of marking the day, special prayers were also offered at mosques all over the country for the salvation of the departed soul of Oman's sultan who transformed his country during his 49-year reign. The 25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020, was hosted at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on Sunday, that is January 12, 2020. The award ceremony was reportedly attended by many Hollywood celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Cynthia Erivo, Joaquin Phoenix, Renee Zellweger, Brad Pitt, and others, who stunned the audiences with their stunning fashion ensembles. Critics' Choice Awards 2020, that recognises talents from Hollywood and Television industry, enthralled the audience with its interesting set of awards, and the choice of host, Taye Diggs. The popular award show honoured Eddie Murphy with Lifetime Achievement Award and Kristen Bell with the #SeeHer Award. Here is the complete list of winners of the Critics' Choice Awards 2020. Also Read | Joaquin Phoenix Plans To Wear The Same Suit For Every Award Function; Here's Why Full list of winners of the 25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020 The 25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020, held in Calfornia, turned lucky for Quentin Tarantino, whose film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, won the best film award at the Critics' Choice Awards 2020. Among the winners were Joaquin Phoenix, for his portrayal as Arthur Fleck in Todd Phillips' Joker, and Renee Zellweger for Best Actress for Rupert Goold's Judy. Besides the top honours, here is the list of winners at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020. Supporting actor (Male) Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) Supporting actor (Female) Laura Dern (Marriage Story) Young actor Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) Acting ensemble The Irishman Director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) Sam Mendes (1917) Original screenplay Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) Adapted screenplay Greta Gerwig (Little Women) Also Read | Beyonce Gets Chastised By Netizens For Not Giving Joaquin Phoenix A Standing Ovation Cinematography Roger Deakins (1917) Production design Barbara Ling, Nancy Haigh (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) Editing Lee Smith (1917) Costume design Ruth E. 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Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. In 2006, State Police officers hovered in a helicopter above the Taos County property of Norman Davis. Spotting a telltale patch of bright green, they alerted officers on the ground, who searched Davis property and arrested him. He pleaded guilty to a count of possession of marijuana, reserving his right to appeal, and was put on a years unsupervised probation. Although the punishment was light, a principle was involved and he tenaciously fought his conviction. The Court of Appeals considered his case three times and the Supreme Court twice. The judges agreed on the key point, that Davis conviction had to be reversed, though they disagreed about why. Finally, in 2015 they settled on the rule that low-altitude aerial surveillance by police is unconstitutional unless authorized by a judge. I was reminded of the case when I heard about the fleets of drones sighted over northeastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska in recent weeks. According to CNN and The New York Times, the drones are large (wingspans of up to 6 feet) and fly in formations of as many as 30 aircraft. They fly after dark, which suggests some purpose other than mapping. I assume theres a mundane explanation, which may have come out by the time this column appears. In the meantime, everyone agrees theres nothing unlawful about a private company sending drones to hover over peoples homes. Highly intrusive surveillance that would be unconstitutional if done by our government is legally hunky-dory when done by any random private company. Over the past year, an outfit called World View Enterprises has been sending up high-altitude surveillance balloons from Spaceport Tucson. As explained by Wired magazine, stratospheric balloons promise cheap access to incredibly high-resolution images that can be collected anywhere on Earth. The balloons can take photos with 15-centimeter resolution from 75,000 feet, with even higher resolution coming soon. The companys CEO boasts thats good enough to tell if a person on the ground is holding a shovel or a gun. What World View is capable of doing isnt just similar to a creepy neighbor taking pictures over your back wall. Its actually the same thing. Now imagine the detail a similarly equipped drone could capture from 300 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration is considering baby steps toward regulating the spy cams over our heads. Its proposed a rule that would require drones larger than 0.55 pound to emit identifying signals. While remote ID (as its known) might clear up mysteries such as the Colorado drone swarms, it would do nothing in itself to stop the intrusiveness of private surveillance. Some forms of private tracking have been with us for ages, of course. Until the rise of telemarketing, a listed phone number was just a convenience. Frequent buyer cards allow stores to monitor our shopping habits. The banks that issue our credit and debit cards know all our fiscal secrets. But those forms of surveillance are knowingly invited and can be stopped at any time. The same cant be said about camera-equipped drones and balloons. Or internet trackers, for that matter, which work like pen registers, a type of phone tap. Government surveillance can send a person to jail. But it wouldnt be true to say that private surveillance can never be used as evidence in a criminal prosecution. Whats to stop private spies, acting on their own, from gathering data and then deciding to share it with the government? In some circumstances, a private surveillance company might even have an ethical duty to turn over material to authorities for example, if it records a clandestine burial on the West Mesa. Uses in civil litigation are limited only by lawyers imaginations. More generally, what makes surveillance by low-flying police helicopters unconstitutional isnt the possibility that criminals might be prosecuted. The law isnt opposed to enforcing the law. Rather, the Constitution protects against unreasonable intrusions on personal dignity and privacy, in the words of the late Justice Thurgood Marshall. The intrusion itself doesnt become less obnoxious because the intruder works in the private sector. Google camera cars arent a problem, in my opinion, because they record whats visible to anybody on the street. Low-resolution aerial images on internet maps duplicate what anyone can see looking out a plane window. Its the level of prying detail and real-time monitoring that distinguishes the new forms of aerial surveillance. We shouldnt allow companies to treat our physical privacy as ore to be strip-mined. If we as a society are actually concerned about shielding citizens against intrusions on their dignity and privacy, then surveillance thats unconstitutional for the police without a warrant should be unlawful for private companies, period. Joel Jacobsen is an author who recently retired from a 29-year legal career. If there are topics you would like to see covered in future columns, please write him at legal.column.tips@gmail.com apple store REUTERS/Hannibal Apple has a new biggest bull after research firm D.A. Davidson lifted its price target to $375 per share, a new high among analysts covering the tech giant. The new target implies a 20% jump through the next 12 months, and arrives after Apple stock surged 86% in 2019. The company stands to win from hype around its upcoming 5G iPhones and robust growth in other businesses, analyst Tom Forte wrote in a Monday note. Zero-interest financing plans for Apple Card holders will also boost iPhone sales, the analyst added. Watch Apple trade live here. Apple has a new biggest bull on Wall Street after research firm D.A. Davidson boosted its price target to the highest among analysts. The tech giant's stock is poised to leap 20% over the next year to $375 per share, analyst Tom Forte said in a Monday note. Apple currently trades at roughly $313 per share, just above Davidson's previous target of $310. Though the company's iPhone no longer accounts for half of its quarterly revenue, the research firm expects 5G to provide a potent shot-in-the-arm for the flagship product. Apple's upcoming devices will drive several years of growth after a "challenging" year for the iPhone, Forte wrote. "There is enough complexity and hype when it comes to 5G that we believe Apple can exploit this multi-year opportunity and generate positive smartphone unit growth for, at least, its next two product launches - fall of 2020 and fall of 2021," he said. The next iPhone is expected to support millimeter wave-based 5G when it releases in the fall, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in a Sunday note. The millimeter wave 5G boasts significantly faster speeds than today's 4G LTE networks. Kuo's prediction follows a Susquehanna report that suggested the next-gen phones would only ship with sub-6GHz 5G capabilities, and that the millimeter wave phones would be delayed to 2021. The iPhone's slower growth through 2019 serves as a blessing-in-disguise for Apple, Forte added. The "maturation of the smartphone market" forced the Cupertino, California-based company to pivot to other revenue drivers, the analyst said. Investing in its wearables and services businesses places Apple in a healthy position to reap major revenue growth from the 5G cycle, he added. Story continues Apple is already hot off an 86% gain in 2019, fueled by strong interest in the iPhone 11, Airpods Pro, and Apple Watch Series 5. Yet Forte expects one of the company's smaller product releases, the Apple Card, to grant a healthy boost to iPhone purchases come fall. Cardholders can buy the upcoming iPhones with zero-interest payment plans, and the payment flexibility "could be a catalyst for iPhone unit sales for several years," Forte wrote. The tech company still faces hurdles from lofty expectations and lasting exposure to trade-war tariffs, the firm said. The iPhone 11 lifted the stock more than most analysts expected, and hopes are higher for the 5G lineup. Any negative development in US-China trade talks could also harm the stock, as tariff escalations or worse-than-expected trade negotiations could push production costs higher, Forte said. "Led by CEO, Tim Cook, the company has done an amazing job in minimizing the negative impact from tariffs on its operating results, but short of a full deal between the U.S. and China, we see this as a persistent risk for the stock," the analyst wrote. Apple traded as high as $313.75 per share on Monday, continuing a streak of record-highs for the tech giant. The company's shares are up roughly 7.5% year-to-date. Apple has 26 "buy" ratings, 14 "hold" ratings, and seven "sell" ratings from analysts, with a consensus price target of $283.96, according to Bloomberg data. Now read more markets coverage from Markets Insider and Business Insider: Netflix soars after nabbing the most 2020 Oscar nominations of any studio Saudi Aramco upsizes its record-shattering IPO by $3.8 billion Wall Street's 5 most accurate analysts share the stocks you should buy now for explosive returns in 2020 AAPL Markets Insider Read the original article on Business Insider It was announced today that NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin (UCD), has been awarded 3 million in funding to develop an AgTech Connector Innovation Hub at the UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare. In total over 40 million in funding was announced by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, in the latest results of the REDF, an open national competitive call to support regional projects that drive sustainable job creation in the regions. The REDF was introduced in 2017, to co-finance the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative enterprise projects that can make a significant impact on enterprise development in the regions in order to help sustain and add to employment at county, regional and national level. NovaUCD was one of twenty-six (26) successful applicants, representing all regions of the country, who have recently been approved for funding under the third round of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF). The UCD Lyons Farm is a fully functioning farm comprising of 250 hectares of land, with dairy, beef, sheep, equine, crop and environmental research, teaching and commercial facilities. The Farm is located between Celbridge and Newcastle. The goal of the AgTech Connector Innovation Hub is to bring together the AgTech ecosystem in Ireland to accelerate the launch and scaling of AgTech companies by providing them with access to on-farm research collaboration opportunities, a location to test and trial their products and services in a real-world environment; along with access to dedicated acceleration programmes and incubation facilities. Speaking about the initiative, Professor Alex Evans, Head, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science said, This is a very exciting development for UCD Lyons Farm and the many agriculture and food entrepreneurs that we engage with. It builds on UCDs success in translating knowledge into impact and will greatly stimulate our agriculture, food and environmental science research and education activities. Source: www.businessworld.ie Mumbai, Jan 13 : At a time when mobile phones and social media addiction are becoming a matter of concern for most of us, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar suggests we should go for detox. The "Piku" director feels at least when we at a party or a get together, we should try to refrain from clicking selfies and posting them on social media. Instead, we can try striking up a conversation. Sircar expressed his thoughts on Twitter: "Next time you host a party or a get together, or a general addaa gup shup, ban mobile phones. Don't let anyone. No selfies no social media just pure human to human gup shup. It's bliss try it." The filmmaker's thoughts remind us of a dialogue from the 2018 Bengali movie "Uma" directed by Srijit Mukherji, where the father (played by Jisshu Sengupta) advises his daughter to stay away from the Internet. When the child protests, the father explains: "It's neither water nor oxygen. Earlier, we had friends of flesh and blood, not virtual. We shared tiffin, not updates. We followed each other on bicycles, not on Twitter. We liked people and thoughts with our hearts, not clicks." On the work front, Shoojit Sircar has two movies releasing this year. His family comedy drama "Gulabo Sitabo", starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, hits theatres on April 17, while the Vicky Kaushal-starrer biographical drama "Sardar Udham Singh" is slated for a Gandhi Jayanti release. An Afghan man walks with his donkey in a snow-covered street in Kabul, Afghanistan January 7, 2020. (Photo : REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail) The archaeological treasures of Afghanistan's Bamiyan province are facing a new and possibly more daunting threat of climate change after bearing the brunt of jihadist dynamite and looting by thieves. Experts say that a pattern of dry spells followed through heavy rain, and massive than usual spring snowmelts are placing this ancient art and architecture at risk of destruction. Afghan officers warned in a 2016 United Nations file that the structures might crumble and suffer from severe erosion because of conditions directly linked to weather trade. Philippe Marquis, the director of the French Archaeological Delegation in Afghanistan, told AFP the erosion process became "much faster, the rains much devastating and the wind erosion stronger," which has a very harsh impact on the areas. Afghanistan "is very fragile geologically, specifically as vegetation cowl has substantially diminished" due to deforestation, according to Marquis-who has worked in the region for decades. French imaging business Iconem agreed, announcing Shar-e Zohak is "very fragile" because of erosion that has grown considerably over the last 30 years. For Baqe Ghulami, who resides from the Saikhand district in northern Bamiyan, climate exchange has long been a fact residents have needed to confront. "The weather is changing, now summers are hotter and winters colder," he says, while overlooking the empty spaces where the two towering Buddha statues previously stood. Many of the artifacts came during the arrival of Islam to the place; the residents who told AFP proudly defended the area's history as their own despite the appearance of other religions. 'Erosion is increasing' Site visitors can see the Cultural Center from the empty caves, which started production in 2015; however, it has yet to be completed. It aims to teach tourists about the urgent need to maintain the area's heritage. Ali Reza Mushfiq, director of the Department of Archeology at Bamiyan University, said there is no advantage if human beings see [the sites] without learning. Mushfiq also expressed concerns that a shortage of funding has left many in the dark-which includes his college students who lack access to books. The archaeologist admitted that "erosion is increasing," but believes the actual hazard comes from "humans who made an impact on the site," including looters, which is rampant in Afghanistan. "We should start teaching [the] locals how now not to destroy the sire," says Mushfiq, including that some inhabitants preserve to retain feed and home livestock inside the ancient site. However, the greatest threat for Marquis no longer comes from local citizens encroaching on the site from theft. Marquis said the theft - even if it's drastic - is much less damaging than the destruction caused by erosion. Mitigating the impacts of abrasion and the results of climate change would cost billions of greenbacks in Afghanistan, but the country has little capability to shoulder such a burden. The Global Adaptation Initiative, run via the University of Notre Dame in the US, presently ranks Afghanistan 173 out of the 181 nations it scored in terms of a nation's vulnerability and adaptability to climate change. The Bharatiya Janata Partys West Bengal unit chief Dilip Ghosh has said those damaging property in the state will be shot and killed like the same way in Uttar Pradesh. The senior leader also criticised chief minister Mamata Banerjee for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in the state in December last year. The Indian Railways have said they lost property worth Rs 90 crore, with Eastern Railwaysmostly spread across West Bengalalone accounting for 80% of those losses pegged at Rs 72.19 crore during the country-wide protests in the past 10 days. Is it the fathers property of those who are setting public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on taxpayers money! Ghosh said during a public meeting in Nadia district, according to news agency PTI. The BJP leader said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot like the same way in Uttar Pradesh, according to the news agency. Ghosh also said that the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements. They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy the countrys property. Is it their zamindari? he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those sabotaging the interests of Hindu Bengalis as he claimed that there are two crore Muslim infiltrators in the country. One crore alone is in West Bengal and Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect them, he alleged. Banerjee has staunchly criticised CAA, which fast-tracks the process of granting of Indian citizenship to religious minorities from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The chief minister has led protests against the amended law and while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the states capital over the weekend, she even attended a demonstration against CAA by the TMCs students wing She reiterated her party Trinamool Congress stand that the state government will not implement the new citizenship law or the proposed National Register for Citizens (NRC) in the state. More than 20 have died in protest-related violence across the country since the legislation was passed by Parliament in December last year. On the campaign trail, much of what he is doing in the meantime is defiant in its vague appeal. An engineer by nature who likes to talk about delegating authority, he is focused on process and efficient message delivery. Despite 12 years as mayor, he is still learning to emote and talk with his hands. His campaign signs have the same blue-on-blue design used by the 2012 Obama campaign, and his entrance song at events, lifted from John F. Kerrys acceptance speech at the 2004 convention, is U2s Beautiful Day. SONARA Facebook 23 workers of the National Refining Company, SONARA are reported to be answering questions from security officials following a blunder that almost led to another fire outbreak at the facility. Reports have it that a leakage at the refinerys technical department almost brought back memories of the May 31, 2019 fire disaster that has since left the company in difficulties. 23 workers of the technical department comprising the Exploitation and Maintenance units have since the January 7, 2020 incident been under fire as they are being grilled at the SONARA Gendarmerie Brigade. With every one of the accused trying to absorb themselves of any possible blame, fingers remain crossed along the corridors of the company to see which heads will roll, this time around, especially given that the report of the Prime Ministerial probe into the May 2019 fire at the refinery is yet to be made public. At press time, no official statement had been released by SONARA. Simo Njonou Jean Paul, General Manager of the company, who has been away in Yaounde, The SUN gathered, is expected to be presented with the reports of the investigation, upon his return this week. Simo Njonou, no doubt is one facing tough times at the helm of a company whose glorious days appear to be slowly fading away, the Limbe-based tabloid reports. Cameroon-info.net recalls that the May 31, 2019 fire outbreak that brought down four of the 13 production units at the National Refining Company, SONARA cost the state hundreds of millions in FCFA. Gaston Eloundou Essomba, Cameroons Minister of Water Resources and Energy had personally led a 40-man team to SONARA from Tuesday, June 25 to Thursday, June 27, 2019 and spent three wholesome days at the refinery. They spent the three days sniffing through files and documents at SONARA. The probe was at the behest of the Head of Government who is yet to make public the results of the investigations he ordered. It is not known how this new situation will affect last years report as the nation holds its breath. Forecasters are monitoring what they say will be the next multifaceted storm to target the central United States at the end of the week. The storm is expected to bring a variety of hazards to travelers as precipitation will vary from rain to ice to snow amid the midsection of the nation. Prior to late week, motorists will also need to be wary of several quick-hitting snow events that will sweep through the Midwest. The late-week storm will first bring accumulating snowfall to places such as Seattle and Portland, Oregon, as well as some rain and snow to California Wednesday into Thursday, before it reaches the Central states on Friday. Slippery travel conditions to threaten northern Plains to Great Lakes, Ohio Valley A fresh wave of bitterly cold air will arrive in the North Central states on Thursday ahead of the storm, which will lay the groundwork for a large corridor to face wintry weather and slippery travel once precipitation arrives. "At this time, we expect many of the major metro areas of the Midwest to face messy commutes both Friday morning and evening," AccuWeather Meteorologist Mary Gilbert said. Large stretches of interstates 29, 35, 80, 90 and 94 are expected to lie within a broad area of snow and ice, making for difficult travel conditions. In some parts of the central Plains, Ohio Valley and Great Lakes, the onset of the storm may feature all snow before a changeover to ice occurs. Where precipitation remains all snow, amounts could easily surpass half a foot. Enough snow to shovel, plow and disrupt daily routines is possible in Fargo, North Dakota; Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Marquette and Traverse City, Michigan. Increasing wind with the snow could lead to reduced visibility and localized blizzard conditions as the storm strengthens, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde. Slightly farther south - where a layer of warmer air will flow in a few thousand feet above the ground - precipitation can be icy with sleet and freezing rain possible. Story continues CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP "Icing will be a major concern with this storm and untreated surfaces will become treacherous," Rinde said. At this juncture, a corridor from eastern Nebraska through portions of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and southern Michigan could see icy conditions. How quickly cold air is rooted out of Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, will determine whether icy conditions develop in these metro areas or precipitation arrives in the form of plain rain. The Friday evening commute in Chicago could be a wintry mess with a chance for snow and ice, depending on the exact track and speed of the storm. The primary form of precipitation could be a close call in Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit with heavy snow to the north and a wintry mix to rain to the south. "Bitter cold to follow the storm will cause any areas of snow and slush to freeze," Rinde said. As the exact path of the storm becomes clearer in the coming days, the corridor of heaviest snow and ice may shift to the north and west or south and east. AccuWeather will continue to provide these details as they unfold. Rain, thunderstorms may once again elevate flood concerns in southern Plains The late-week storm will feature all rain for places such as Dallas, Oklahoma City and Little Rock, Arkansas, cities that were pounded by deadly severe weather last week. AccuWeather meteorologists cannot rule out the potential for some severe thunderstorms to rumble through this corridor from Friday into Friday night, but a repeat of last week's outbreak is not expected. The biggest concern may come in the form of downpours that can reduce visibility for motorists and trigger flash flooding. Forecasters will be closely monitoring the storm as it shifts into the Northeast by the weekend, with snow, ice, rain and gusty winds all possibilities. Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. Israel has been in an uproar for several days now, after remarks made by Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef at a meeting with rabbis about to be sent as emissaries to the Diaspora. While his comments were made off the record, one of the rabbis who was in attendance was so startled by them that he decided to report the remarks to the media on Jan. 7. As was the custom with his late father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Yitzhak Yosef also addressed his audience as if he was some ultra-Orthodox Archie Bunker, speaking his mind at his familys Sabbath table. His main message was his discovery of a conspiracy through which the secular establishment brought masses of immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Israel, so that their votes would cancel out the votes of the religious community. As he said in his own rambling language, There are many, many non-Jews here, some of them communists, hostile to religion, haters of religion. They are not Jews at all, gentiles. Then they vote for parties that incite against the ultra-Orthodox and against religion. He added that some of these immigrants, go to church every Sunday. They go to the monastery. Yosef spoke angrily about the Grandchild Clause of the Law of Return, which allows people, who are non-Jews according to strict Jewish law, to immigrate to Israel and gain citizenship. This amendment was added to the Law of Return in 1970 following a Supreme Court ruling, which determined that since the Law of Return does not define who is to be considered a Jew, the children of women who are not Jewish (born to a Jewish father) can also be recognized as Jews. (In contrast, traditional Jewish law determines ones status as a Jew on the basis of matrilineal descent.) The National Religious Party reacted quickly and was able to amend the Law of Return to read that a Jew is anyone who was born to a Jewish mother or converted, but as a compromise with the secular parties, it also determined that the law would include the child or grandchild of a Jew and the spouse of the child or grandchild of a Jew. This was done so as not to tear apart intermarried families. The chief rabbi considers this compromise to be the mother of all sin, because it has been used to grant Israeli citizenship to people who are not Jews according to his own exacting definition. Yosef also warned his audience not to get involved with conversions overseas, telling them that even conversions conducted by the very system he heads are sometimes done by people who are not religious themselves, so that their conversions are not valid. He wasnt too complimentary of the Supreme Court either, speaking clearly and succinctly, when he said, Who is the Supreme Court? For the most part, the Supreme Court is opposed to religion! As a state employee, a rabbi is not allowed to address political issues. Nevertheless, Yosef still considers himself to be the Hacham Bashi the title used for the leader of the Jewish community in the Ottoman period and can therefore say whatever he wants. Only God knows what his flock of followers really think as they pay rapt attention to his outrageous talks. Inevitably, as soon as the chief rabbis remarks were made public, politicians began to condemn them and even make demands of the chief rabbi himself. Some insisted that he apologizes; others demanded that he steps down. A few even called for the rabbi to be investigated for incitement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke proudly of the contributions of Jews from the former Soviet Union to Israeli society, while immigrants gave interviews about the problems that they faced in their own absorption process because their status was challenged. Inevitably, they also condemned the chief rabbis remarks. In contrast, he was defended by former convict and current Interior Minister Aryeh Deri. He claimed that the later Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin admitted to him that the reason behind the mass immigration of Jews from the former Soviet Union was to counterbalance the ultra-Orthodox vote for the Knesset. It looks like Yosef was startled by all the commotion surrounding him, so he made a few brief remarks about the importance of Jews immigrating to Israel. Nevertheless, these remarks were nothing like an apologize. He certainly didnt take back his earlier comments. The problem is that none of these politicians demands will have any real significance. Nothing would change, even if the chief rabbi complied, in whole or in part. Having seen what he said when his guard was down, we can certainly determine that this is really what he thinks. It reflects his opinion about the legal system, and it reflects what he thinks about conversions conducted under his oversight. Most of all, it reflects what he really feels about the hundreds of thousands of people from immigrant families, who arrived in Israel and do not feel like they need a rabbi to convert them from being heretical Christians into heretical Jews. Nor do they want to deceive the people converting them by promising to keep the commandments and send their children to religious schools. The solution for anyone who got chills from the recorded and videotaped comments of the chief rabbi is to put an end to the existing system, which has been in place since the earliest days of the British Mandate. Anyone who considers Yosef and his colleagues as their leaders and is willing to accept their rulings should do so, while letting everyone else live their lives without any involvement of religion whatsoever. In many ways, the British continued the system put in place during the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans interacted with the religious communities under their rule, respected anyone who headed them and engaged them in dialogue about affairs relevant to their respective communities. At the head of the tiny Jewish community in the Land of Israel was the Hacham Bashi. He was both a chief rabbi of sorts and a political leader. The original intention of the British was to keep the institution in place during Mandate rule. Upon consulting with the leaders of the Jewish settlement in Palestine at the time, it was decided after debating many other options to elect two chief rabbis, one Ashkenazi and the other Sephardic. Furthermore, it was decided that the electing body would also include secular Jews. The idea was that these two officials would have a monopoly over the religious affairs of the Jews in the country, but that this would only be a temporary arrangement. The original intention was that this working agreement would be replaced with a permanent arrangement at some later date. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the temporary agreement. These recent comments by the Sephardic chief rabbi and the approaching centennial of the arrangement that led to the creation of the Chief Rabbinate should be grounds enough to end Israelis dependency on the Chief Rabbinate for all matters relating to who is a Jew, as well as marriage and divorce. As far as I am concerned, Yosef can continue to spout his nonsense as long as I am not dependent on him. As in any other democracy everywhere else in the world, the state should be responsible for the personal status of individuals, based on its own decisions. It is the government that should decide who can join our community, who can become an Israeli citizen, and it should enable everyone the right of marriage and divorce. If it decides to grant its approval to marriages and divorces conducted by the Chief Rabbinate or parallel Muslim and Christian institutions, that would be fine too, as long as they are not granted a monopoly. Yosef would continue to decide who is a Jew, based on his own criteria. He can determine who is a "mamzer" a bastard by religious definition, who may not marry into the Jewish community and which women are married. He can even take a salary from the state. What he should not be allowed to do, however, is to demand that the rest of the country follow his rulings. If this change is made, that would be enough for me. The assault, prosecutors said, unfolded one August night as Smith slowly biked in the 3100 block of M Street NW ahead of the motorist. The frustrated driver then began honking his horn at Smith. At one point during the ensuing altercation, Smith later admitted, he repeatedly called the driver the n-word. Federal prosecutors argued that Smith attacked the driver because the driver was black. The jury, however, said there was no evidence to support that claim. Glasses of Heineken beer are seen at a restaurant in Hanoi. Photo by Reuters/Kham. Heineken Vietnam Brewery has paid VND917.2 billion ($39.7 million) in back taxes and fines for a 2018 transaction. Singapore-based Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. had, at the end of 2018, struck a deal valued at over VND4.8 trillion ($207.7 million) with the Heineken Vietnam Brewery. Under the deal, the Singaporean firm transferred its entire stake in its Vietnamese subsidiary to the latter. The tax payable on the deal was VND823 billion ($35.6 million), but Heineken Asia Pacific claimed it was exempt from paying it under the double taxation agreement signed by the governments of Vietnam and Singapore. However, the General Department of Taxation ruled that the tax had to be paid because the real estate value in the deal was over 50 percent of the assets involved in the deal. The department confirmed that it has received in full the payment of back taxes and fines. Another major FDI corporation, Coca-Cola Vietnam, has been ordered to pay VND821.4 billion ($35.4 million) in back taxes and penalties stretching back over nine years. The company, which has been suspected of engaging in transfer pricing fraud to evade taxes, has paid VND471 billion ($20.4 million), or 57.3 percent of the amount, at the time of writing. Vietnam collected VND18.8 trillion ($813 million) last year in back taxes and fines, according to the General Department of Taxation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar Mon, January 13, 2020 13:43 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321eefd9 1 National South-Sulawesi,floods,BPBD,BMKG,rain Free Heavy rain over the weekend has caused flooding in four regencies and one municipality in South Sulawesi, with at least one fatality. The disaster comes less than two weeks after the widespread flooding that hit Greater Jakarta and Banten on New Year's Day. The five affected regions are Parepare city and the regencies of Barru, Soppeng, Pinrang, and Sidenreng Rappang. According to the latest data from the South Sulawesi Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), hundreds of houses and dozens of public facilities and government offices have been inundated. "The height of the water is still fluctuating," South Sulawesi BPBD head Nimal Lahamang said on Sunday. "But in certain locations, particularly those five regions, the water has reached one to two meters and flooded hundreds of houses." He said that no residents were displaced by the disaster, as most of the affected homes were rumah panggung, or traditional stilt houses. "We are ready. Equipment like boats for evacuating residents, public kitchens and evacuation posts have been prepared. BPBDs in the regencies and the city went out to the field early to warn the public," Nimal added. Nevertheless, the disaster has claimed at least one victim, identified as 65-year-old Sinar, a resident of Soppeng resident who allegedly slipped and fell into the floodwater and was carried away by the current. According to the information The Jakarta Post received on Sunday, Barru and Sidenreng Rappang were worst hit, with floodwaters reaching an average height of more than 1 meter. Barru BPBD disaster preparedness head Abdul Muhaemin said that five out of seven districts in the regency were flooded and that one village, Balusu, and its 121 families had been isolated by floodwaters 2 meters high. "Luckily, most of the houses there are rumah panggung," Muhaemin said, "but two families have asked to be evacuated because their houses are at risk of collapsing." He added that while the floodwater was less than 50 centimeters in several locations, the current was very strong and it had cut off connecting roads to several villages in the regency. The section of the Trans-Sulawesi Highway that passed through Barru was also flooded, slowing down traffic. Hanafi Hamzah, the data and information head of the Makassar Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), said that the flooding was caused by the "extreme rainfall" that occurred in the region on Saturday and Sunday. "The public should be vigilant up to Jan. 15," he added, pointing out that strong winds and falling trees had damaged hundreds of houses in several regencies. Hanafi said that wind speeds reached 30 to 40 kilometers per hour and formed puting beliung (waterspouts), as well as caused coastal waves off Makassar to rise and reach up to 2 meters in height. (kmt) WASHINGTON - Taking a cue from a GOP ally, President Donald Trump on Sunday attacked a former senior Justice Department official appointed by a federal judge to review the FBI's proposed wiretap application reforms in the wake of a critical inspector general report. "You can't make this up! David Kris, a highly controversial former DOJ official, was just appointed by the FISA Court to oversee reforms to the FBI's surveillance procedures. Zero credibility. THE SWAMP!" Trump tweeted. In his tweet, Trump seemed to reference a Sunday morning interview between Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. On the show, Nunes accused Kris of "defending dirty cops" and "accusing [Nunes] of federal crimes." "You can't make it up," Nunes said. "I guess we're just going to have to abolish this whole FISA system at this point and try to build something new." FISA, or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, is the 1978 law that undergirds national security investigations and governs surveillance undertaken in the United States and of U.S. people abroad. Kris is a respected former assistant attorney general for national security who has served in both Republican and Democratic administrations. He is one of several "amici" or experts named to advise the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court on complex cases. And he co-authored what is considered the definitive treatise on national security surveillance law - "National Security Investigations and Prosecutions." The court's presiding judge, James Boasberg, on Friday named Kris to help the court assess the steps the FBI has taken and plans to take to address the flaws exposed by Inspector General Michael Horowitz in his review last month of a wiretap application for former Trump campaign aide Carter Page. "David is a true national security professional and has served the Justice Department with great distinction under both Democratic and Republican administrations," said Kenneth Wainstein, a former assistant attorney general for national security under the George W. Bush administration, and a former FBI general counsel. "There is nobody who knows more or cares more about our national security processes, their effectiveness and adherence to our laws and constitution." Nunes' ire at Kris was provoked by comments Kris made in blog posts after Nunes released a memo in 2018 alleging FBI and Justice Department abuses in seeking to wiretap Page as a suspected agent of the Russian government. "The Nunes memo was dishonest. And if it is allowed to stand, we risk significant collateral damage to essential elements of our democracy," Kris wrote on the blog Lawfare. Kris also took issue with Nunes' claim then that the FBI misled the court about Christopher Steele, a former British spy who was a source of information in the wiretap application and renewal requests. "Today we know that it was not true," wrote Kris, who in the early 2000s was involved in creating new FBI rules to make national security wiretap applications more accurate. Horowitz's report, however, concluded that Steele's information "played a central and essential role" in the decision to seek a wiretap on Page. "If David was guilty of anything, it was the sin of assuming that everyone in government has the same integrity and good faith that he does," said Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin. "There is an important lesson here that some of us have been warning about for years - about not being quite so forgiving of the government.'' Kris is not shy about criticizing the government when he feels it is overstepping legal bounds. In 2006, he publicly rebuked the Bush administration over its legal justifications for warrantless domestic wiretapping. "But that is all the more reason why David's the right person for this new role," Vladeck said, "because unlike someone who's going to come in as a natural critic, David is someone who is going to understand what the real problems are and what the invented ones are." Kris was asked to submit his assessment to the court by Jan. 31. NBC report comes as US defence secretary contradicts Trumps claim that Iran was planning attacks on four embassies. US President Donald Trump authorised the killing of top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani seven months ago, NBC News reported, raising new questions about the justification the administration has given for ordering the assassination. Citing five current and former senior administration officials, NBC News reported that the directive issued in June 2019 came with the conditions that Trump would have final sign-off on any operation to kill Soleimani and the option would only be used if an American was killed by Iran. The option was initially discussed following Irans downing of an unmanned US military drone over the Gulf, NBC reported. Iran maintained the drone was shot down over its waters, but the Trump administration said it was flying in international airspace at the time. Then-White House National Security Adviser John Bolton had urged Trump to retaliate for the drone downing by signing off on an operation to kill Soleimani, NBC reported, citing officials briefed on the discussions at the time. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also supported the option, but Trump said he would only take the step if Iran killed an American, the US news outlet said. The White House did not immediately comment on the report. The report raises new questions about the Trump administrations given justification for its decision to order the killing of Soleimani, which has been under heightened scrutiny by Democrats and some Republicans. Trump administration officials maintain Soleimani was planning imminent attacks against US forces and sites. It also came after an attack on an Iraqi military base in which an American contractor was killed. Pompeo acknowledged last week that the US did not know precisely when or where the imminent attacks would take place. There is no doubt that there were a series of imminent attacks that were being plotted by Qassem Soleimani, Pompeo said in a Fox News interview that aired on Thursday. We dont know precisely when, and we dont know precisely where, but it was real, he added. Esper contradicts Trump In an interview that aired on Friday, Trump told Fox News that he believed four embassies, including the US Embassy in Baghdad, would be targeted, but he did not cite any evidence to back up that claim. On Sunday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper contradicted Trump, saying he did not know of any evidence of specific attacks being planned against four embassies. The president didnt say there was a tangible he didnt cite a specific piece of evidence, Esper told CBSs Face the Nation programme. Asked about whether there was any piece of evidence, Esper said: I didnt see one with regard to four embassies. What Im saying is, I share the presidents view that probably my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. While most politicians agree that Soleimani was and had been a general threat to the US, Democrats and at least two Republicans have questioned whether there was an imminent threat and in turn whether the administration acted legally in ordering the strike without getting congressional approval. The House of Representatives and the Senate received separate briefings on Wednesday about the administrations decision to kill Soleimani. Most Republicans defended Donald Trump, saying the US president made the right call. But two Republican senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul joined Democrats in slamming the briefings, calling them insulting and demeaning. The Democratic-controlled House on Thursday passed a nonbinding resolution aimed at limiting the presidents ability to attack Iran in the future without congressional approval. The Houses War Powers resolution directs Trump to terminate military operations against Iran except for self-defence and clarifies that the president currently does not have congressional authority to engage in war with Iran. A similar version is expected to be debated in the Republican-controlled Senate, where it faces an uphill battle. According to the US Constitution, the 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 the power to use the military to defend the US. EPA Donald Trumps decision to assassinate Qassem Soleimani was rooted in the US presidents narcissism and designed to distract voters from his impeachment, a furious Canadian corporate leader has said. Michael McCain, the chief executive of meatpacking firm Maple Leaf Foods, said one of his employees had lost his wife and 11-year-old son in the downing of a Ukrainian Airlines passenger jet on 8 January, following a needless, irresponsible series of events instigated by Mr Trump. The airliner was brought down by Irans Revolutionary Guard shortly after the force rained down ballistic missiles on two US bases in Iraq, in retaliation for Soleimanis killing. Tehran has admitted responsibility, blaming the incident on human error and American adventurism. Vast crowds of protesters have called for president Hassan Rouhani to resign over the deaths of 176 people in the missile strike. In a Twitter thread on the official Maple Leaf Foods account, Mr McCain said: I am very angry, and time isnt making me less angry. U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. He added: The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction. A narcissist in Washington tears world accomplishments apart; destabilizes region. The collateral damage of this irresponsible, dangerous, ill-conceived behavior? Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son)! We are mourning and I am livid. Justin Trudeau attended one of a number of memorial events held across the country on Sunday to remember the 57 Canadian victims. We will not rest until there are answers. We will not rest until there is justice and accountability, the prime minister told a crowd in Edmonton. Canadian officials are flying to Iran to help investigate the airliners downing and bring back the remains of victims. Story continues Michael McCain said he was 'livid' about Donald Trump's actions Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian minister has said he discussed compensation for the families of those who died on the passenger jet shot down by the Iranian military with Mr Rouhani. Foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We had a conversation with the Iranian president when he tried to do his best at explaining that this was a human error, that no one who is to [blame] will escape punishment. This is great to hear but we also discussed all the political repercussions and problems, and compensation to the victims of the plane. Washingtons decision to kill Soleimani, alongside a top Iraqi militia leader, in Baghdad on 3 January came after months of rising tensions with Tehran. The diplomatic strain arose from Mr Trumps withdrawal from the so-called Iran nuclear deal, or JCPOA, and re-imposition of crushing sanctions as a means of suppressing Tehrans atomic ambitions. The US president has accused Iran of funding terrorism throughout the Middle East and said the targeting of Soleimani was designed to curb its influence. He also suggested that the war general was planning an attack and posed an "immediate threat" to the US, but did not disclose any evidence. Defence secretary Mark Esper also admitted that he "didn't see" any specific evidence that Iran was planning to strike the four US embassies. Iran's drone strike has caused outrage within Iran and seen both official and unofficial retaliation against American forces stationed in Iraq, where politicians have also called for US troops to be withdrawn. In his latest comments on the Iran crisis, Mr Trump said he couldnt care less whether Tehran decided to negotiate with Washington over sanctions and its nuclear ambitions. National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran choked off, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldnt care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and dont kill your protesters, the Republican tweeted. Read more Mark Esper says he 'didn't see' evidence of imminent attack from Iran BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13 Trend: One of the main activities of the Azerbaijani Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is to help startup companies and entrepreneurs to enter the local and foreign markets, Trend reports referring to the agency. Over 150 entrepreneurs participated in 15 specialized exhibitions and fairs with the agencys support in 2019. As part of these events, entrepreneurs showcased their products and services, expanded sales volumes and established new business relationships. In conducting the exhibitions and fairs, the agency collaborated with such organizations as the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and worked within business partnership platform with BP, AzerTelecom and Pasha Holding. Special attention was paid to the participation of representatives of startup companies, women and people with disabilities in these fairs, the agency noted. The Azerbaijani Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises will continue to support entrepreneurs willing to participate in exhibitions and fairs to be held in the country and abroad in 2020. BEIJING/SHANGHAI Automakers in China need to get used to a new normal of "low speed growth" in the world's largest car market, the country's top auto body said on Monday, as it reiterated predictions that sales will likely shrink for the third consecutive year in 2020. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) expects a 2% fall in vehicle sales. That would compare with an 8.2% drop last year, when sales were pressured by new emission standards in a shrinking economy also contending with tit-for-tat import tariffs with the United States. CAAM, affirming its forecast announced last month, also said auto sales declined for the 18th consecutive month in December. Annual sales started falling in 2018, by 2.8%, halting a growth march that had started in the 1990s. Industry watchers, though, are hoping a sales recovery in lower-tier cities, and an easing of trade tensions between China and the United States, can help ease the decline. "We have moved away from the high-speed development stage. We have to accept the reality of low-speed development," Shi Jianhua, a senior official at CAAM, told a news briefing. "We had high-speed growth for a consecutive 28 years, which was really not bad, so I hope everyone can calmly look at the market." Sales of new energy vehicles (NEV) sank 27.4% in December, resulting in an overall 4% decline to 1.24 million units in 2019. China's NEV sales jumped 62% in 2018 but a subsidy cut hurt sales last year. When asked if the industry could sell 2 million NEVs this year, a target originally set by China's industry ministry in 2017, CAAM's assistant secretary general, Xu Haidong, said this was "not possible". NEV sales for 2020 would likely "stay at the same level or slightly increase" versus last year, Xu said. CAUTIOUS Global automakers have been cautious with their predictions after cutting production, shutting factories and firing staff last year. Story continues Executives at automakers such as Geely and Ford partner Chongqing Changan Automobile have said they expect fiercer competition to weed out weaker players. On Monday, Ford said its China auto sales slumped more than a quarter in 2019 for a third year of decline. The latest fall, however, was slower than the 37% weathered in 2018, and the automaker said it saw its market share stabilise in the high-to-premium segment. It remained cautious about 2020, echoing bearish comments on China's market from General Motors. "We expect the market downturn to continue in 2020, and anticipate ongoing headwinds in our China business," Matt Tsien, president of GM China, said last week as the U.S. automaker reported a 15% drop in 2019 China sales. Volkswagen, whose sport-utility vehicles helped it report a smaller 1.1% year-on-year fall in sales in the first 11 months of 2019, has said it expects China's market to grow at a relatively slow pace for the next five years. The bright spots have been Japan's Toyota and Honda as well as U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla, which started delivering China-made Model 3 sedans from its $2 billion Shanghai plant this month. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> Story courtesy of our content partners at NerdWallet.com; photo via Associated Press As 2019 wraps up, now is a great time to start thinking about how to make your travel plans for 2020 better than ever. The biggest trends in the travel industry include the phenomenal growth of international tourism brought on by the availability of ultra-low-cost airlines and affordable homestay accommodations. And in the world of award travel, loyalty programs continue to devalue their points and miles at an alarming rate, making it more crucial than ever that you spend your rewards as dutifully as you earned them. With those trends in mind, here are six ideas for your 2020 travel resolutions. -NerdWallet.com, special to cleveland.com Don't Edit 1. Book early to get ahead of the curve Don't Edit Some of the best travel experiences require that you plan far in advance. For trips to some popular destinations, you have to think about where you want to be this time next year and start planning now. With some exceptions, airlines typically make flights available about 11 months in advance, and you can book many hotels over a year ahead of time. Think about this especially if you want to travel during the peak holiday season or stay in national parks that have very limited capacity. Booking your flights 11 months in advance can also be a great way to redeem your frequent flyer miles for scarce award seats at the lowest mileage levels. Don't Edit 2. but be strategically spontaneous Don't Edit In contrast to booking a trip as far out as you can, you could also use your points and miles to book a last-minute trip. This is especially true if you can travel during off-peak or shoulder seasons, when there may still be flights and hotel rooms available. In fact, some airlines make more award seats available as the departure date approaches. For instance, Lufthansa usually offers most of its award space in business and first class within two weeks of departure; I've been able to score last-minute tickets this year using that trick. Don't Edit Don't Edit 3. Get to know partnerships Don't Edit A lot of the hidden value in credit card rewards and frequent flyer programs is found by exploiting partnerships. For example, you can book those last-minute business class flights on Lufthansa by using miles from United or Avianca, since these airlines are part of the Star Alliance. And if you don't have United miles, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United to book a Lufthansa flight that way. You can also transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to Avianca to redeem for those flights. If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Marriott Bonvoy points or Capital One miles, take a look at all of the airline transfer partners offered. Then take a look at which airlines you can actually redeem those miles on youre bound to find some incredible options. Don't Edit 4. Swear off merchandise and gift card rewards Don't Edit It can be tempting to redeem your points or miles for the latest gadget or a gift card to your favorite store yet I cringe every time a friend or family member tells me they did this. Thats because youll never receive the kind of value from these awards that you would when redeeming for travel. For example, youll only get 0.7 cent in value for American Express Membership Rewards points when you redeem them for merchandise through Amazon. Instead, you can receive up to several cents in value per point when you transfer those points to airline miles. For example, you could transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles, which NerdWallet values at 2.7 cents each toward international travel nearly four times the value of redeeming for Amazon rewards. Even when you redeem those points for reservations made through American Express travel, you'll receive 1 cent per point. While thats not well above average, just remember nearly any other option beats redeeming your points for merchandise. Don't Edit 5. Avoid map-pinning Don't Edit Don't Edit Do you have a big map in your house with a pin in all the places youve ever been, or know someone who does? It might seem like a badge of honor to visit as many locations as possible and collect as many stamps in your passport as you can but maybe think again next year. The creatures inhabiting rainforests of neighboring Peru and Ecuador dont really care which side of the border theyre on, and you shouldnt spend your vacations traveling from country to country just to add another pin to your map. Instead, try focusing your trips on just one city or country for as long as possible, and get to know it as well as you can. Meet some of the local residents and follow their recommendations on what to see, do and eat. Thats much harder to do when youre constantly moving to the next stop on your multicountry tour. Don't Edit 6. Be a responsible tourist Don't Edit A big story in 2019 has been the plight of destinations like Venice, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands that have been overrun by tourists. Adding your footprint to overstressed destinations like these isnt any better for you than it is for them. But although our tendency is to go to all of the same places weve read about and that our friends have visited, the world is vast enough that we dont have to. Finding a relatively unknown destination for your next vacation takes time, but youll probably enjoy doing the research and likely reap the benefits of a less expensive trip. Beyond searching the internet, you can go old school by consulting travel agencies that specialize in certain destinations or curl up with a guidebook that can help you uncover fantastic experiences that are off the beaten path. And if you know someone in your community whos a native of a place youd like to visit, theyd likely be thrilled to help you plan a trip to their home country. Don't Edit More from NerdWallet Don't Edit Jason Steele is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: travel@nerdwallet.com. The article Resolve to Travel Smart in 2020: 6 Inspired Ideas originally appeared on NerdWallet. Don't Edit Chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced this decision after the cabinet meeting and said the decision would further improve the law and order situation in the state. Lucknow, Jan 13 (IANS) The Yogi Adityanath government has finally decided to implement the police commissionerate system in the state, despite stiff resistance from the IAS lobby. Sources said that ADG rank officers will be posted as commissioners in Lucknow and Noida. Forty police stations in the state capital will follow this system but those in the rural outskirts will continue with the old system for now. The police commissionerate system will initially be launched in Lucknow and Noida and then gradually be implemented in other districts, depending on its success. The police commissionerate system, when implemented, will leave the district magistrates with only revenue related work and all decisions regarding law and order will be taken by the police commissioners. The top civil administrative officials, for this reason, have been opposing the commissionerate system. Retired IAS officer, Surya Pratap Singh, said, "The police in UP already have so much power. They are conducting encounters and questions are raised quite often on the functioning of the cops. People are generally scared of the police and the cops have also failed to win public confidence. The commissionerate system will not be successful because people generally prefer going to the district magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates for redressal of their problems. They feel more comfortable in interacting with civil administrative officials than the cops." He further said that even if the new system is implemented, "the IAS officers will continue to have an upper hand because the government policy making decisions are taken only after consulting them." UP Director General of Police O.P. Singh said, "The system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to IPS officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) rank, posted as commissioners. The system has been implemented in around 71 cities across 15 states in the country. As of now, the magisterial powers are with the IAS officers. The move was initiated earlier also but could not be implemented." Retired UP Director General of Police (DGP) K.L. Gupta also said that the move will make effective control on crime. "This system should have been introduced earlier in the police department. This will give more powers to the senior police officers and will increase their accountability. When a violent protest takes place in any district, the cops have to wait for district magistrate's approval to take action. There are times when the situation goes out of hand due to the delay in getting permission. The commissionerate system will give police a free hand to act swiftly and take decisions regarding maintaining law and order," said Gupta. BJP spokesperson Harish Chandra Srivastava, meanwhile, said that "There are states which have already implemented this system successfully. Last week, SSP Lucknow Kalanidhi Naithani was transferred to Ghaziabad while SSP Noida Vaibhav Krishna was suspended. The posting in both the districts have been put on hold due to the expected decision on the commissionerate system. amita/skp/ Davinder Singh, the decorated Jammu and Kashmir Police officer who was arrested along with a terrorist on Sunday, has been linked to Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in various reports. That link first came to light in Gurus letter to his lawyers during the course of a hearing at a trial court. It was especially highlighted by Gurus lawyers who fought against his death sentence in Supreme Court. The letter, which was used as evidence by Gurus lawyers, is detailed in Arundhati Roys book The Hanging of Afzal Guru and the strange case of the attack on Indian Parliament. The book quotes the letter to lawyer Sushil Kumar where Guru says he helped one of the terrorists Mohammed at the behest of the Special Task Force (STF) of Jammu and Kashmir police and its officer, deputy superintendent of police Davinder Singh. Also Watch l To be treated as terrorist: Senior J&K cop caught with Hizb terrorists It was Singh, alleged the letter, who asked Afzal to accompany Mohammed to Delhi and arrange for his stay. Since I was not knowing the man but I suspected this man is not a Kashmiri, since he didnt speak Kashmiri, Guru is said to have written in the letter. During the trial, Guru never denied his specific role - that he was in touch with Mohammed, one of the five terrorists who was killed in the 2001 Parliament attack. A phone he started using was in contact with the phone that was found on Mohammeds body, from November 28, right till the day of the attack - December 13, 2001. However, what he pointed out and the court didnt accept were vivid details of how that phone was provided to him by the STF in Kashmir. According to Guru, the STF started tortuting him ever since he returned to Kashmir from his failed adventure as a separatist in Pakistan. Telling gory tales of how the STF would pick on people like him despite being a surrendered militant certified by the Border Security Force (BSF), he alleged that he had no choice but to help Mohammed. And thats why he had helped buy the Ambassador car which was later used in the attack, and thats how the phone conversations between him and the terrorist Mohammed came to be. After the car was bought, Mohammed asked Guru to go back to his home in Kashmir. But before he could do that, Guru was arrested from a bus stop in Srinagar two days after Parliament attack. My memory is fading but as I recall at one time one time Afzal was being used by the Special Operations of J&K Police. He was made a scapegoat in this case. The case seemed to be an inside job (to me) as there were a number of calls from numbers which the Prosecution suppressed. In that context the letter would support his plea of innocence, said senior advocate Sushil Kumar, who represented Guru. Guru also said in the letter that the STF extracted great sums of money from him not to arrest him, as he was a surrendered militant to gave himself up to the BSF in 1993. Roys book, however, said that he was detained in 2000 and thats where he met Mohammed, at the STF camp. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks to guests during a campaign stop at Berg Middle School in Newton, Iowa on Jan. 11, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Sanders Open to Releasing List of Supreme Court Picks Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said hed consider releasing a list of judges from which hed choose a Supreme Court nominee. Sanders, 78, is a top Democratic presidential contender. No 2020 Democrats have released Supreme Court lists. Sanders told The New York Times that it would be too early to release a list, saying he would have to win the Democratic nomination first. Its not a bad idea, Sanders added. Its a reasonable idea. My wife agrees with you. Yeah. Ill take that into consideration. Judicial nominations play a prominent role in presidential election campaigns. Of the roughly 21 percent of voters who indicated in exit polls from the 2016 election that such nominations were the primary factor in influencing their presidential vote, 56 percent voted for President Donald Trump while 41 percent went with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Dozens of Trumps nominees sit on federal benches nationwide as he and Senate Republicans confirm them at a rapid pace, regularly celebrating the number of confirmations. And two of Trumps nomineesJustices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuchnow sit on the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh attend the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Feb. 5, 2019. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images) The oldest person on the Supreme Court is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is 86. Justice Stephen Breyer, who was also appointed by President Bill Clinton, is the second-oldest at 81. Most Democratic presidential candidates havent spoken much about releasing lists ahead of the election. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) told NPR that judicial nominations would be a priority, but that she wouldnt name any names until after the general election. While no candidates have yet to publish lists, in 2019, the progressive Demand Justice group published a shortlist of 32 lawyers it said would be good nominees for the nations highest court. In 2016, Donald Trump released a shortlist of possible Supreme Court picks, and it succeeded in rallying conservative voters to his side. In 2020, the Democratic candidates running for president should also state what kind of justices they would appoint, the group stated. Doing so would show their commitment to the Supreme Court as an issue and draw a clear line in the sand about what is at stake in the coming election. If we want to restore balance to our courts, we need to stop shying away from the fight for them and instead give progressives something to fight for: judges who have been bold, progressive champions who have been on the front lines advancing the law for our values, Christopher Kang, Demand Justices chief counsel, added in a statement. The Demand Justice shortlist includes California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, and Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner. Only four already sit on the federal bench. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday that she would begin the process of transmitting articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate this week. She sent a Dear Colleague letter to every House Democrat saying the meeting of the House Democratic caucus set for Tuesday morning would take the final steps. Pelosi initially indicated that the caucus meeting would discuss which House members would serve as impeachment managers and schedule the vote to select themthe final action required before the beginning of a Senate trial of Trumpleading to reports that the trial could begin as early as Thursday. But on Sunday, in an interview on the ABC program This Week, she seemed to hedge her bets, saying that at the caucus meeting, we would vote to send them over, and we will determine in our meeting when we send them over. That could delay the opening of the Senate trial until later in the month. Whatever the exact timing, Pelosi evidently failed to obtain any concessions from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on issuing new subpoenas for new witnesses and documents beyond those already used by the House Judiciary Committee in drafting the two articles of impeachment adopted by the House on December 18. McConnell announced last week that he had 51 Republican votes in the Senate to begin the trial without new witnesses or documents, and to revisit the issue after House impeachment managers and attorneys for President Trump presented their cases. Given the 53-47 Republican majority, at least four Republican votes would be required to change the rules governing the trial. Senate Democrats have named four officials as witnesses they want to be called: acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, former National Security Adviser John Bolton and two lower-level aides, Robert Blair and Michael Duffey. All four would likely testify about Trumps decision to withhold military aid from Ukraine rather than his demand that the Ukrainian government announce an anti-corruption investigation into a potential Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden. The Democrats list of witnesses underscores the right-wing character of the charges brought in the House impeachment inquiry. It confirms that the real driving force of impeachment is not the professed indignation of the Democrats over Trumps use of his presidential powers to gain an advantage over a political rival, but rather the concerns within the CIA, Pentagon and State Department over the disruption of a longstanding effort to use Ukraine as a base of military operations and provocations against Russia. Pelosi reiterated these concerns in her interview on ABC with George Stephanopoulos. She seemed to concede in advance that Trump would not be removed from office by the Senate, but declared that we have confidence in our case, that its impeachable, and this president is impeached for life, regardless of any gamesmanship on the part of Mitch McConnell. She continued, Everything that he has done, whether its in Syria vis-a-vis the Turks, whether its been in Ukraine in terms of withholding assistance as they try to fight the Russians, his denial about their role in our election then and nowall roads lead to Putin. And sometimes I wonder about Mitch McConnell too, whats hewhy is he an accomplice to all of that. While Trump declares that the congressional Democratic leadership could not be briefed in advance about the assassination of Iranian General Suleimani because they would have leaked itimplying that they are traitorsPelosi suggests that not only Trump, but also Mitch McConnell are agents or accomplices of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Once a Senate trial begins, the upper chamber will operate under unusual procedures, including sessions six days a week with all other business set aside until the trials conclusion. Chief Justice John Roberts will preside and senators are barred from speaking or even asking questions. Instead, they must submit questions in writing to Roberts, who will read them out. The five senators who are currently candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, Michael Bennet, Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, would essentially be taken off the campaign trail for the duration of the Senate trial. Four of the five, all but Bennet, are actively contesting the Iowa caucuses, where voting takes place on February 3. McConnell has insisted on applying the same rules to the trial of President Trump in 2020 that were used in the 1999 Senate trial of President Bill Clinton, which gave 24 hours of trial time to the House impeachment managers and an equal amount of time for the presidents defense, followed by 16 hours of questioning by senators, conducted through the chief justice. In the Clinton trial, the Senate voted to subpoena three witnesses, who had already testified before the House. In the case of Trump, the Democrats are seeking the testimony of witnesses who refused to testify voluntarily before the House committees that conducted the impeachment inquiry. There is a particular focus on John Bolton, who was described by other witnesses as adamantly opposed to any delay in the release of military aid to Ukraine. At one point Bolton reportedly described Trumps efforts to obtain political assistance from Ukraine as a drug deal. Bolton unexpectedly announced January 6 that he would be willing to testify before the Senate if he were subpoenaed. He refused to testify voluntarily before the House, and the House Intelligence Committee decided not to issue a subpoena after Boltons lawyer suggested he would fight it in court. President Trump declared Friday that he would invoke executive privilege to block Boltons testimony in the event the Senate decided to subpoena him. He claimed this was not because Boltons testimony would be damaging, but to preserve confidentiality for the sake of the office. Several Republican senators considered to be possible defectors on a procedural vote, including Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah, have expressed interest in having Bolton testify at the trial. The author also recommends: The impeachment crisis and US war plans against Russia [31 December 2019] The impeachment crisis: A plague on both political parties [19 December 2019] By PTI MUMBAI: Thousands of citizens on Sunday congregated in Mumbai's suburban Jogeshwari to oppose the new citizenship law, the proposed NRC and NPR. They also condemned last Sunday's violence on the JNU campus in Delhi, where masked men ran riot and attacked students. Leftist organisations had claimed RSS-affiliated ABVP's role in the attack, a charge denied by the students' body. Former Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) general secretary Fahad Ahmed told PTI that they assembled under the aegis of 'Hum Bharat Ke Log' in Millat Nagar area. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi should call 56 students from across the country to debate on the CAA, NRC and NPR," Ahmed said in an apparent jibe at Modi's "56-inch chest" remark, which the latter had made ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "Why the PM is not talking to us? Why is he not communicating? Even the Britishers used to talk to Indians whom they ruled, but our PM is not talking to poor people," he alleged. Bollywood actor Sushasht Singh also spoke on the occasion. "We are people of this country and such acts (CAA) are tarnishing the image of our country," he said. At the gathering, people waved banners with slogans like "I Am From Gujarat, My Documents Burned in 2002", "No CAA, Boycott NRC, Stop Dividing India, Don't Divide us", "Save Constitution", written on them. A large number of police personnel were present at the venue. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was notified on January 10, grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities migrated to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh till December 31, 2014, following persecution over their faith. Massive protests were witnessed against the CAA, mainly by the student community, since its passage by Parliament in December last year. Opposition parties have been dubbing the CAA an "anti-Muslim" legislation, a charge being debunked by the government. The Congress and other parties like the TMC have also opposed the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the National Population Register (NPR). Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the government won't rest until persecuted refugees are granted Indian citizenship. Little Womens Oscars nominations have left Greta Gerwig brimming with happiness, even though she was snubbed in the Best Director category. The filmmaker put out a positive statement on Monday after the 2020 Oscars nominations were unveiled. Gerwig was among the favourite contenders for Best Director, having directed an acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts classic novel. But shes not among the five people shortlisted in the category. Instead, the Academy unveiled an all-male list of Best Director nominees on Monday, prompting outrage from many who expected female filmmakers including Gerwig to earn recognition for their talents. Despite the snub, Gerwig made sure to thank the Academy six times in her statement. Little Women is up for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score. Saoirse Ronan is nominated for Best Actress while Florence Pugh is a contender in the Best Supporting Actress category. 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 This film of Little Women has been over 30 years in the making, from the very first time Louisa May Alcott and Jo March reached across time and space and made me believe I could be a writer and creator, Gerwig added in a statement published by ET. Every single person who worked on this film poured their heart and soul into it, and we are all so grateful to the Academy for recognising the collective effort. I am so personally proud of each person who worked on the film, and I am bursting with joy for all of them. Gerwig went on to give shout-outs to cast members Ronan, Pugh, Laura Dern, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Meryl Streep, Jayne Houdyshell and Timothee Chalamet, as well as Chris Cooper, Tracy Letts, James Norton, Bob Odenkirk, and Louis Garrel. Writing and directing this film was an honour and sharing it with audiences has been the most sincerely heart-warming journey, she added. I hope our Little Women does for another generation of girls and women what it did for me: lights a fire to write your book, make your movie, sing your verse. From all of us Little Women and Men, thank you to the Academy. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Ronan, who portrays Jo March, told Deadline: Im really happy that the Academy recognised [Gerwig] for Adapted Screenplay and Picture, and I feel like if youve been nominated for Best Picture, you have essentially been nominated for Best Director. But to me, Greta, since she started, has made two perfect films, and I hope when she makes her next perfect movie, she gets recognised for everything, because I think shes one of the most important filmmakers of our time. Pugh called the snub a big blow and told the publication: I think everybodys angry and quite rightly so. I cant believe its happened again, but I dont really know how to solve it. I dont know what the answer is, other than were talking about it. The 2020 Oscars will take place on 9 February. You can read a full list of nominations here. The University of Nebraska system spent $249,965 to land Walter Ted Carter as its president, the university said. Close to 70% of that, or $169,750, covered NUs contract with AGB Search, the consulting firm that helped the NU Board of Regents manage the search. The rest covered expenses to bring Carter and other candidates to Nebraska, the expenses of the 23-person advisory search committee and costs for Carter and others to tour the state during a 30-day inspection period before he was hired. The regents chairman and the head of the search firm said quality comes at a high price. The search, which started in the summer and ended in December, went smoothly, said Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. We ran an efficient search and we came out with a great leader, Clare said. Theres a lot of people who put in a lot of time on the search. Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco announced yesterday that its initial public offering (IPO) raised a record $29.4bn (26.5bn), a figure higher than previously announced, after the company used a so-called "greenshoe option" to sell an extra 450 million shares to meet investor demand. The state-owned company began publicly trading on the local Saudi Tadawul exchange on December 11. It hit upwards of $10 a share on the second day of trading. This briefly gave Aramco a market capitalisation of $2tn, the target sought by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Aramco's additional sales mean the company has publicly floated 1.7pc of its shares. Its IPO, even before the added sales, made it comfortably the world's most valuable company. The shares sold in the over-allotment option "had been allocated to investors during the book-building process and, therefore, no additional shares are being offered into the market today," it said. Aramco's shares traded lower yesterday at 34.7 riyals, or just over 8 a share, amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. Aramco was a target of rising tensions over the summer when a missile and drone attack - which Saudi Arabia and the US blame on Iran - temporarily halved its production. Yesterday's share price values Aramco at $1.85tn, still around $500bn (450bn) ahead of Apple, the world's second-largest company. The share price has fallen around 9.4pc since Thursday but remains 8.8pc higher than the IPO price. The IPO relied heavily on wealthy families and funds from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, with Saudi government institutions investing almost $2.3bn into the offering. When Prince Mohammed first disclosed intentions for the stock market flotation of Saudi Aramco, the kingdom had ambitions to raise $100bn from the sale of 5pc of its holding. But global fund managers were unimpressed by the dividend yield on offer, among other factors, forcing the Saudis to scale back their ambitions. Associated Press LONDON British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed "an historic time" for Northern Ireland ahead of a visit to the province on Monday to mark the reopening of its power-sharing government after three years of deadlock. Johnson will meet newly appointed First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during his trip to Belfast. "This is an historic time for the people of Northern Ireland," Johnson said in a statement ahead of his visit. "The next decade will be an incredible time of opportunity for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we come together to unleash the potential of our four nations," he added. The devolved Northern Ireland assembly reopened on Saturday following three-years of political deadlock after rival pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionist parties agreed to a new power-sharing deal with Brexit looming. Democratic Unionist Party leader Foster was appointed as first minister, and effective head of government, while Republican Sinn Fein's O'Neill was elected as her deputy. The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme. Its 90 members had since sat only for one-off sessions, with numerous rounds of acrimonious negotiations failing to reach a solution, leaving basic services unattended. But they returned on Saturday after republicans and unionists struck a deal on Friday under the threat of a new regional election if they missed the latest deadline to reconvene on Monday. AFP State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has developed a special class diesel conforming to NATO grade for use in ships and vessels of Indian Navy. Vice Admiral G S Pabby launched the Upgraded High Flash High-Speed Diesel (HFHSD- IN 512) in presence of IOC Director (R&D) SSV Ramakumar and IOC Director (Refineries) S M Vaidya, a company statement said here. "IOC has always endeavoured to supply world-class fuels to Indian Defence Forces. Moving ahead in this direction IOC has developed and upgraded the specifications of HFHSD- IN 512 fuel required for Indian Naval ships. The upgraded fuel now exceeds the MIL DTL 16844M specifications which is considered benchmark standard across in the world," it said. The fuel possesses the best rheological and detergent characteristics validated against most stringent military specifications. It also has lesser environmental impact due to low Sulphur content and would result in the better performance of engines. "This fuel will facilitate the Indian Navy to enhance its global footprint and will allow India to fuel the vessels of friendly foreign countries at places where fuel conforming to NATO grade is supplied," the statement said. Speaking on the occasion, Pabby called the launch of the upgraded diesel a historic day in the partnership of the Indian Navy and IOC. He appreciated IOC's efforts towards research and rigorous testing for the formulation of the upgraded product along with the upgradation of downstream infrastructure for ensuring delivery of the product at Naval jetties. "The changeover to the upgraded HFHSD- IN 512 has been done without any additional cost to the Indian Navy by IOC," he said. Ramakumar said the IOC's R&D department was formed way back in 1972 to attain self-sufficiency through indigenization of petroleum products required for defence forces. IOC-Indian Navy partnership panning past several decades has resulted in the development of high-performance products as and when new vessels/ equipments are inducted, he said reiterating R&D Centre's commitment to continually bring forth products and processes to meet the future needs sustainably and address country's requirement of reducing import dependency. Vaidya said IOC has always been guided by country-before-business philosophy and the company has strongly supported the energy needs of the Indian Defence Forces in both peace and war times. The upgraded HFHSD blend, meeting NATO specifications, is being supplied from Haldia and Paradip refinery. He said IOC refineries were the first ones to make available 0.5 per cent Sulphur Marpol Fuel Oil that will reduce stack emissions from the ships. Indian Navy had wanted that fuel supplied to them to be upgraded to conform to MIL DTL 16884 M specifications. This would facilitate the Indian Navy to have a global footprint and ensure inter-operability with all leading foreign navies. IOC's R&D Department conducted an in-depth fuel characterization study as per the NATO grade MIL specifications and further incorporated the additional parameters suggested by the Indian Navy. Accordingly, IOC prepared a specification comprises of 22 parameters against the 20 parameters of MIL specs for the supply of diesel exclusively for Indian Navy. The customized HFHSD- IN 512 has the unique combination of low pour and Cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and High Flash Point. It has the highest cetane number amongst all marine diesel fuel and exceeds MIL-DTL 16884M specifications in terms of Fuel Hygiene parameters and other critical properties, the statement added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [January 13, 2020] University of Chicago Offers Mammosphere from Life Image to Support WISDOM Study Participants, Improve Breast Health Research Life Image, the world's largest medical imaging network, announced that it will provide Mammosphere, a breast health data access tool, to the University of Chicago Medicine to support recruitment for a pioneering research effort. This leading academic medical center, which performed more than 14,000 outpatient mammography exams in 2018, serves a unique and diverse patient base across the Chicagoland area. It is the first Midwest expansion partner site for the WISDOM Study, a large-scale clinical trial aimed at developing optimal guidelines for breast cancer screening. Mammosphere, a HIPAA-compliant, digital tool that allows women to securely request, store, and share breast images and reports with providers, will allow University of Chicago Medicine to bolster the accessibility and availability of prior breast health records. It creates a longitudinal view of the individual patient's breast history to track changes over time, providing the historical medical records that are integral to support the WISDOM Study. Life Image is also providing UChicago Medicine with the ability to streamline access to picture archiving communication systems (PACS) and electronic health record (EHR) systems in order to modernize processes for sharing information with patients. As WISDOM participation in the Chicago area increases, UChicago Medicine will be able to more effectively manage a high volume of requests from participants to receive and share breast health records without delay at its locations and affiliate sites. The WISDOM Study aims to recruit 100,000 women in order to improve breast cancer screening guidelines. The study follows particpants over time to determine whether a personalized, risk-based screening protocol can improve clinical outcomes when compared to the current, one-size-fits-all approach to screening. "As a partner of the WISDOM Study, we are committed to supporting the research that will end the confusion for all women around screening guidelines based on patients' unique risk factors," said Deepa Sheth, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology, UChicago Medicine. "In the era of precision medicine, we have the opportunity to find the correct breast health screening protocol for an individual based on their risk, and by engaging our diverse community we can be certain the data and results are ethnically universal and applicable to any and all women." Mammosphere was developed to support women throughout their entire breast health journey, including contributing to scientific research. By offering patients this digital tool, patients in the WISDOM Study will have additional tools to support their long-term commitment to the research. "It is an honor to work with one of the country's top academic medical centers to provide the digital platform that enables this groundbreaking study," said Matthew Michela, CEO, Life Image. "Life Image, UChicago Medicine, and the WISDOM Study are committed to working in tandem to answer critical questions to improve women's breast health and the patient experience." WISDOM is a five-year longitudinal study that compares two different approaches to breast cancer screening - personalized screening versus annual screening. The personalized screening approach will take multiple risk factors into consideration, including genetic markers, to determine the most effective screening frequency and modality for an individual. Over time, the WISDOM Study hopes to discover which risk factors are most important, allowing regulators and providers to improve our screening recommendations accordingly. To learn more about the WISDOM Study, or sign up, please visit www.wisdomstudy.org. About Life Image Life Image is the world's largest medical evidence network providing access to points of care and curated clinical and imaging data. It is the only company in the market today with Real World Imaging that provides large-scale, heterogeneous, de-identified imaging sets that are linkable to other longitudinal data. Founded in 2008, Life Image has created a digital platform using industry-leading interoperability standards to connect 10,000 facilities with more than 150,000 U.S. providers and 58,000 global clinics. Its network of hospitals, physicians, patients, life sciences, medical devices, and telehealth is interconnected with a technical ecosystem of EHRs, PACS, AI solutions, cloud environments, and analytics platforms. Life Image is the parent company of Mammosphere, a patient engagement platform that empowers women to take control of their breast health by storing all their breast imaging in one secure, online location. For more information about Life Image, please visit www.lifeimage.com, visit its blog and follow the company on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005115/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Trump Says He 'Could not Care Less' If Iran Agrees to Negotiate Sputnik News 02:55 13.01.2020(updated 03:31 13.01.2020) The relationship between the two states has deteriorated even further after the killing of Iranian top military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iran's retaliatory strikes on US military facilities in Iraq. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he did not care whether Iran agreed to negotiate with the United States. National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "don't kill your protesters." Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 Earlier, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said that the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran by strangling it with sanctions had been effective enough and would eventually press Tehran to negotiate. "I think the maximum pressure campaign is working. Iran is being choked off, and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table", O'Brien told Fox News Sunday. After Iran conducted an attack on American military facilities in Iraq, as part of its "revenge" for the assassinated Gen. Soleimani, Trump said he would never ever allow the nation to possess a nuclear weapon. However, the US president said that he was still ready to make peace with Iran on condition it "changes its behaviour". In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), starting its economic campaign against Tehran by introducing tough sanctions on the nation. On 8 May, the first anniversary of the US' unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, Iran announced a gradual reduction of its JCPOA obligations. The deal was signed back in 2015 and envisaged Tehran's scaling back its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran has repeatedly indicated that waging an economic war on Tehran and jeopardising the 2015 nuclear deal is not only harmful to the United States, but also for other nations involved and for international security on the whole. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address [January 13, 2020] Raj Seshadri Named President, Data & Services for Mastercard Mastercard today announced the appointment of Raj Seshadri as president for the company's data and services organization, reporting directly to Ajay Banga, president and chief executive officer. She succeeds Kevin Stanton, who has taken on a new role as chief transformation officer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005515/en/ Raj Seshadri (Photo: Business Wire) Seshadri will draw upon her insights and successful track record as president of U.S. issuers over the past four years. During this time, she grew the company's regional credit, debit, commercial and prepaid card programs and service offerings with banks and credit unions across the U.S. market. In her new role, Seshadri will be responsible for the company's global data and services products and solutions that reinforce core payments. Over the past decade, these capabilities have grown to include offerings ranging from analytics and consulting, to loyalty and engagement services. Today, the data and services team provide a suite of end-to-end solutions that maximize data insights, platform technology and industry expertise to help customers deliver greater scale and success. "From day one, we've benefitted from Raj's analytical perspectives to rethink and re-establish our contribution as a trusted partner to our issuing customers. And, the results speak for themselves, as we substantially grew our core, including consumer credit, in a very competitive market," said Banga. "As she moves to this new role, she will build upon the established foundations and continue to expand this truly differentiated part of our business." Seshadri joined Mastercard in 2016 from BlackRock, where she was a managing director leading the company's iShares U.S. retail ETF business. Prior to that she was Global Chief Marketing Officer of iShares. Earlier in her career, Seshadri held leadership roles at Citigroup in global strategy and small business banking; U.S. Trust in marketing, strategy and M&A; McKinsey & Company; and AT&T (News - Alert) Bell Laboratories. Seshadri received a bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College in physics and mathematics, a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University. /p> Focus on Business Transformation With this announcement, Kevin Stanton takes on a new role as chief transformation officer. He will lead a team to assess the changing economic and global trends such as localization and nationalism, consider the impact on traditional business models and to help shape strategy and assert the company's role in policy for the future. For the past two years, Stanton served as chief services officer. He was named president of Mastercard Advisors in 2010 following a six-year tenure as president of the company's Canada region. Stanton originally joined Mastercard in 1996 as North America regional counsel. Before joining Mastercard, he practiced law as an associate in the banking divisions of a number of leading Boston law firms. "For more than 20 years, Kevin's has taken on new challenges, delivering opportunities for growth at every turn. He took the vision of what Advisors could be and evolved it into a thriving data and services team that adds value beyond the transaction," said Banga. "As we enter a new decade, we'll look to Kevin to tap into the spirit and drive that have made him successful to help us navigate the future." Changes to North America Leadership Team Additionally, Linda Kirkpatrick will assume the role of president, U.S. issuers, replacing Seshadri. She currently serves as executive vice president of U.S. merchants and acceptance, responsible for key merchant and acquirer relationships and business development across a number of sectors. Previously, Kirkpatrick led the company's global rules, standards and compliance programs. She has been with Mastercard since 1997, serving in a range of leadership roles, including helping to establish the Investor Relations function and supporting the company's initial public offering in 2006 and merger with Europay in 2002. Kush Saxena will become executive vice president of U.S. merchants and acceptance. He will manage U.S. merchants and acquirers, pricing and interchange, and business developments efforts for co-brand, prepaid, commercial, transit, healthcare and the public sector. In addition, Kush will also coordinate merchant activities across the globe. For the past two years, he led the market facing technology and operations teams, including the global technology hubs. Saxena originally joined Mastercard in 2014 as executive vice president of strategy, corporate development and M&A. Prior to Mastercard, he held leadership roles at H&R Block and McKinsey & Company (News - Alert). Kirkpatrick and Saxena will both report into Craig Vosburg, president of North America. About Mastercard Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200113005515/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Today we'll take a closer look at Fortis Inc. (TSE:FTS) from a dividend investor's perspective. Owning a strong business and reinvesting the dividends is widely seen as an attractive way of growing your wealth. Unfortunately, it's common for investors to be enticed in by the seemingly attractive yield, and lose money when the company has to cut its dividend payments. A high yield and a long history of paying dividends is an appealing combination for Fortis. It would not be a surprise to discover that many investors buy it for the dividends. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risks of buying Fortis for its dividend, and we'll go through these below. Explore this interactive chart for our latest analysis on Fortis! TSX:FTS Historical Dividend Yield, January 13th 2020 Payout ratios Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. As a result, we should always investigate whether a company can afford its dividend, measured as a percentage of a company's net income after tax. In the last year, Fortis paid out 50% 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. In addition to comparing dividends against profits, we should inspect whether the company generated enough cash to pay its dividend. Last year, Fortis paid a dividend while reporting negative free cash flow. While there may be an explanation, we think this behaviour is generally not sustainable. Is Fortis's Balance Sheet Risky? As Fortis has a meaningful amount of debt, we need to check its balance sheet to see if the company might have debt risks. A quick check of its financial situation can be done with two ratios: net debt divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation), and net interest cover. Net debt to EBITDA measures total debt load relative to company earnings (lower = less debt), while net interest cover measures the ability to pay interest on the debt (higher = greater ability to pay interest costs). With net debt of 6.30 times its EBITDA, Fortis could be described as a highly leveraged company. While some companies can handle this level of leverage, we'd be concerned about the dividend sustainability if there was any risk of an earnings downturn. Story continues Net interest cover can be calculated by dividing earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) by the company's net interest expense. Interest cover of 2.22 times its interest expense is starting to become a concern for Fortis, and be aware that lenders may place additional restrictions on the company as well. Low interest cover and high debt can create problems right when the investor least needs them, and we're reluctant to rely on the dividend of companies with these traits. We update our data on Fortis every 24 hours, so you can always get our latest analysis of its financial health, here. Dividend Volatility One of the major risks of relying on dividend income, is the potential for a company to struggle financially and cut its dividend. Not only is your income cut, but the value of your investment declines as well - nasty. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Fortis's dividend payments. The dividend has been stable over the past 10 years, which is great. We think this could suggest some resilience to the business and its dividends. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was CA$1.04 in 2010, compared to CA$1.91 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 6.3% per year over this time. Businesses that can grow their dividends at a decent rate and maintain a stable payout can generate substantial wealth for shareholders over the long term. Dividend Growth Potential While dividend payments have been relatively reliable, it would also be nice if earnings per share (EPS) were growing, as this is essential to maintaining the dividend's purchasing power over the long term. Strong earnings per share (EPS) growth might encourage our interest in the company despite fluctuating dividends, which is why it's great to see Fortis has grown its earnings per share at 17% per annum over the past five 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 Fortis 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 When we look at a dividend stock, we need to form a judgement on whether the dividend will grow, if the company is able to maintain it in a wide range of economic circumstances, and if the dividend payout is sustainable. Firstly, the company has a conservative payout ratio, although we'd note that its cashflow in the past year was substantially lower than its reported profit. We like that it has been delivering solid improvement in its earnings per share, and relatively consistent dividend payments. Overall we think Fortis is an interesting dividend stock, although it could be better. Companies that are growing earnings tend to be the best dividend stocks over the long term. See what the 12 analysts we track are forecasting for Fortis for free with public 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. New Delhi : Minutes after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the introduction of the Police Commissioner system, sources claimed that ADG Allahabad Sujeet Pandey is likely to be the first Commissioner of Police of Lucknow. Pandey is a 1994 batch IPS officer and hails from Bihar. People privy with the development also said that ADG/IG of Meerut Zone, Alok Singh, will get the top job of Noida. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by the chief minister, on Monday approved the commissionerate system of policing for state capital Lucknow and Noida. He told reporters that an ADG-level officer will be the police commissioner of both the city. The decision has been taken despite stiff opposition from the influential IAS lobby. The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our Government today. Our cabinet has approved a proposal to set up police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida, the Chief Minister Yogi said while briefing media persons about the state cabinets decisions at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow on Monday. The Police Commissioner system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to IPS officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) rank posted as commissioners. It gives free hand to the police chief to act swiftly and freely, particularly in a law and order situation. The CM also announced some steps to curb crime against women int eh state. "Two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) & Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each, are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates," he announced. At present, the district police chief or Superintendent of Police (SP), seeks permission from the District Magistrate in most of the decisions related to maintaining law and order. The decision has been taken after a report of the Uttar Pradesh government highlighted the absence of the Police Commissioner as one of the major reasons behind deteriorating law and order conditions. Earlier, then UP Governor Ram Naik has suggested the implementation of the Police Commissioner system to maintain law and order. Sources said that Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra and other big towns could also have a Police Commissioner system in the near future. Earlier on Thursday, Lucknow Senior Superintendent of Police was transferred and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) SSP suspended. No new officers were posted there immediately. Following this, Director General of Police OP Singh had said that the government is discussing the commissioner system for Lucknow and Noida. SEATTLE, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines announced today the promotion of four highly experienced leaders who will emphasize the importance of providing remarkable guest experiences and creating continued future growth for the company. Effective immediately, Sangita Woerner has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing and guest experience; Charu Jain has been promoted to a new role as senior vice president of merchandising and innovation; and Vikram Baskaran will succeed Jain as the vice president of information technology services. Additionally, Kyle Levine has been promoted to senior vice president of legal and general counsel. Woerner's elevated role provides an opportunity to continue broadening her focus on ensuring excellence in the end-to-end guest experience, and to continue growing the Alaska brand and loyalty as the company grows. She joined Alaska in 2015 and led the company's 2016 brand relaunch, the onboard product and service redefinition through the integration with Virgin America, and creating new uniforms in partnership with frontline teams. "During Sangita's five years with us, she has built a strong marketing organization and led Alaska's move to a single brand with the acquisition of Virgin America, including the consolidation of two loyalty programs and upgrading our onboard product for a modern West Coast vibe and fresh local flavor," said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "She's a leader who has insatiable drive to take care of our guests and build a powerful brand." In her new role as senior vice president of merchandising and innovation, Jain will work closely with the commercial business, operating divisions and technology teams to implement solutions enabling the company to continue to deliver an excellent experience for guests and employees. She has more than 25 years of experience as a senior technology executive. She joined Alaska in 2017 as vice president of information technology services and chief information officer. "Charu will drive and advance our legacy of innovation," said Harrison. "She's a proven technology leader who integrated hundreds of systems through the acquisition of Virgin America. Her responsibilities include driving both employee and guest-facing innovation along with taking Alaska to the next level with merchandising our products and services, and managing our ever-evolving distribution channels." Baskaran takes the helm of information technology services as vice president. Along with Jain, he led the IT team through the complexities of integration with Virgin America with near flawless execution. Vikram leads a world-class IT operation that's at the foundation of Alaska consistently receiving high rankings in airline customer satisfaction. He joined the company in 2013 as a managing director of technology. "Vikram's in-depth knowledge of our technology environment and his proven commitment to delivering great technology to our employees and guests make him perfectly suited for this role," said Brandon Pedersen, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "I'm confident that Vikram will be an exceptional leader for our IT organization." As the senior vice president of legal and general counsel, chief ethics and compliance officer and corporate secretary, Levine heads Alaska Air Group's team of legal, governance and compliance professionals; supports board of directors' activities and shareholder services; and sits on the company's executive committee. He joined the company in 2006. "Kyle has served Alaska extremely well as general counsel over the years," said Brad Tilden, chairman and CEO of Alaska Air Group. "In addition to critical counsel through our merger with Virgin America, he has built out a strong legal team, strengthened our ethics and compliance program, and served as a company-wide champion for diversity and inclusion. He has earned this promotion and we're all glad to see it happening." Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 46 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,300 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 destinations worldwide. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 12 consecutive years from 2008 to 2019. Learn about Alaska's award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). SOURCE Alaska Airlines Bernie Sanders has goaded Donald Trump after a recent surge in polling for early voting states has reinvigorated his campaign for the 2020 Democratic nomination. The senator has risen sharply in polls for the first two states to vote in the Democratic primaries, Iowa and New Hampshire, with less than a month to go before voting begins. The surge has caught the attention of the president, who commented on Twitter that Mr Sanders is looking very good against his opponents and asked rhetorically what does this all mean? It means youre going to lose, Mr Sanders swiftly replied. Recent polling shows the Vermont senator beating Mr Trump in a one-on-one fight by 2.6 per cent on average, according to RealClearPolitics analysis. Last week, Mr Sanders secured a major boost to his campaign when he was shown to be leading in a widely-respected Des Moines Register/CNN poll for Iowa with 20 per cent of the vote, followed by Elizabeth Warren (17 per cent) and Pete Buttigieg (15 per cent). He is also forecast to win in New Hampshire later in February, with close competition from Mr Buttigieg and former vice president Joe Biden. Mr Trumps decision to single-out Mr Sanders could indicate a change in tactics for the Republican presidents 2020 campaign, which has previously focused on attacking Mr Biden as his likely challenger in the election. Despite Mr Biden performing poorly in Iowa and New Hampshire, he remains the frontrunner in the Democratic race due to his commanding leads in southern states, such as Texas and South Carolina, which vote later in the contest. In recent weeks, Mr Sanders has intensified his criticism of the former vice president and argued that voters are not sufficiently energised by Mr Bidens campaign to defeat Mr Trump. In a leaked script for Sanders volunteers, campaigners have reportedly been told to push potential voters on weaknesses that Mr Trump could exploit against the former vice president, such as his support for free trade agreements and his vote for the Iraq War in 2003, according to Politico. Story continues Mr Sanders campaign has also reportedly recommended volunteers argue that Mr Buttigieg cannot win over young people or African-American voters needed to defeat Mr Trump and suggest Ms Warren is the candidate for highly-educated, more affluent people. Ms Warren, a personal friend with whom he has had an informal non-aggression pact, said she was "disappointed" by the report. Bernie knows me, and has known me for a long time, he knows who I am, where I come from, what I have worked on and fought for and the coalition and grassroots movement were trying to build", she said. The senators campaign did not challenge the authenticity of the script but it has declined to comment to Politico on the leak. In RealClearPolitics' polling average, Mr Biden is shown to be the strongest candidate against Mr Trump and defeats the current president by 4.5 per cent in a one-on-one contest. Other candidates perform less favourably in a one-on-one against Mr Trump, with Ms Warren trailing the president by 0.2 per cent on average and Mr Buttigieg trailing by 1.2 per cent. Read more How would president Bernie Sanders alter US foreign policy? Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 17:46 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321fc47d 4 City Tangerang,Banten,road-closure,traffic-congestion,traffic-diversion Free A hole measuring 2.5 meters deep and 2 m wide appeared on Jl. Daan Mogot in Tangerang, Banten, over the weekend prompting local transportation authorities to enact traffic-engineering measures to ease congestion in the busy area connecting Tangerang with Jakarta. The Tangerang Transportation Agency has urged motorists traveling from Jakarta to the municipality to avoid Jl. Daan Mogot. Motorists are advised to look for alternative roads because access has been restricted as a result of road repair works, the agency head, Wahyudi Iskandar, said on Monday, as quoted by antaranews.com. He said Jl. Daan Mogot from Agus Salim pedestrian bridge heading from Jakarta was closed and that a one-way system toward Tangerang had been implemented from the Tanah Tinggi intersection to the Batu Ceper intersection and Jl. Lio Baru in Tangerang. Severe traffic congestion occurred in the area on Monday morning as the road closure affected commuters traveling to Jakarta. Transportation agency officials along with local traffic police diverted motorists onto Jl. Lio Baru, Jl. KH. Agus Salim and Jl. Suprapto, while large vehicles were diverted onto only Jl. Lio Baru, he said. For a smooth trip, motorists can choose the northern part of Jl. Daan Mogot to avoid traffic, Wahyu added. Tangerang Mayor Arief R. Wismansyah has instructed the Tangerang Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Agency to immediately coordinate with the PUPR Ministry to cope with the situation given that Jl. Daan Mogot is a national road overseen by the ministry. Head of the Disaster-Risk Reduction Technology Center at the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Nur Hidayat, said the road damage was probably caused by local factors, not the floods that happened earlier this month. He based this conclusion on the fact that the road subsidence occurred only in a certain area and not in other locations and there was no sign of flooding on that section, he said. There are water pipes and cables inside the hole, so it can be ascertained that it was due to local factors, he said. The owners of the pipes and cables should be invited to efforts to find the cause. Nur also confirmed that the subsidence that occurred was not a result of geological factors and suggested the Tangerang administration conduct research in several other locations to assess waterways and road conditions, especially those affected by the previous floods. The PUPR Ministry through the National Road Management Agency (BPJN) carried out repairs on Jl. Daan Mogot on Sunday and estimated that the work would take at least five days to complete. Tangerang PUPR Agency secretary Taufik Syahzaeni said the work began with the digging up of the road to make it easier for officers to begin repairs. Meanwhile, he said, there were water pipes and optical cables as well as some other cables that needed to be dealt with first before replacing the sewerage pipe with 1.2-m culvert boxes. The culvert boxes needed in this work will be 18 m long in total. We will continue to do the work even though the water inside the hole from a broken pipe is somewhat challenging, he said. (syk) Im not trying to make my son out to be an angel, a perfect upstanding citizen, but he was a good guy and he had a good heart," she said. He always tried to keep all of us together as a family. ... Theyve portrayed him to be a monster. Theyve portrayed Mario to be a bully, a gangster. That was not Mario, Mario was none of that." Texas woman sues USPS for banning custom-made Jesus stamp Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A county official in Texas is challenging a U.S. Postal Services regulation banning religious content on personalized custom stamps. Susan Fletcher, a devout Christian who serves as the Collin County Precinct 1 commissioner, filed a complaint last month with the U.S. District Court of East Texas in hopes it will protect her constitutional rights to free speech and religious liberty granted under the First Amendment. The lawsuit says Fletcher wanted to create personalized postage stamps to reflect her faith during the Christmas season. USPS allows customers to use third-party companies to create stamps designed by citizens. One stamp design Flethcer created for Christmas features a Nativity scene under text saying: Emmanuel God with us. Fletcher said she tried to create a stamp that reflected her religious beliefs through PhotoStamps.com, a subsidiary of Stamps.com. However, the lawsuit states that Fletchers stamps were rejected by Stamps.com and USPS because of a regulation that prohibits images or text that contain a depiction of religious content. USPS reserves the right to determine whether a stamp design meets the criteria. The lawsuit argues that the policy allows secular depictions on the same topics. Ms. Fletcher has a sincerely held religious belief that she is compelled by the Lord to use her God-given artistic abilities to advance a religious message in all available communications media, including custom stamps for various holiday and celebratory occasions, the lawsuit argues. Ms. Fletcher considers these stamps to be an essential aspect of her religious practices and Christmastime message for friends and family. Fletcher is represented by Winston & Strawn, LLP, a law firm that participates in a national network affiliated with the First Liberty Institute, a leading nonprofit legal group devoted to defending First Amendment rights. USPS offers its own version of a religious stamp, but, ironically, it will not allow religious Americans to personalize stamps containing an expression of their own religious beliefs for their own use, Jeremy Dys, special counsel for litigation and communications at First Liberty Institute, said in a statement. This regulation by the USPS not only chills speech, it silences it. The lawsuit contends that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly held that this kind of categorical exclusion of religious perspectives on permitted topics constitutes impermissible viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendments free speech guarantee. The lawsuit further states that the stamp regulation creates a substantial burden on Fletchers rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The lawsuit asks the federal court to enjoin enforcement of the illegal aspects of the regulation and order the USPS to allow PhotoStamps.com to print Fletchers holiday stamps. No comment will be provided by USPS, as the agency has a policy of not commenting on pending litigation. In addition to the Nativity scene design, the court document explains that Fletcher also created customized stamp designs for other federal and Texas holidays. Fletchers Texas Independence Day stamp reads: God bless Texas. In addition to an Easter stamp, Fletcher created a mission trip stamp that cites Matthew 28:18-20. The lawsuit notes that Fletcher has not yet submitted her stamp designs because of PhotoStamps admonition regarding potential liability for publicly challenging the customized postage criteria. The lawsuit also contends that while PhotoStamps policies prevent religious content, the company has advertised custom postage with religious imagery representing the religious holidays Hanukkah and Kwanza. PhotoStamps has engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with its stated policies and the policies of USPS, the lawsuit reads. By allowing PhotoStamps to promote and sell customized postage stamps that display certain religious images but not others, USPS has engaged in unlawful viewpoint discrimination and burdened Ms. Fletchers religious practices. By Haaretz January 13, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Israeli intelligence helped the United States to assassinate Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in near Baghdad, NBC reported on Friday. According to the report, informants at the Damascus international airport tipped off the CIA about the time Soleimani's plane took off for Baghdad, while Israel confirmed the intelligence provided to the Americans. According to The New York Times, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before Soleimani was assassinated, being the only leader in the region that was informed about the operation. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter As the Cham Wings Airbus A320 carrying Soleimani landed outside the Iraqi capital, CIA agents at the Baghdad International Airport confirmed the exact location of the plane, the NBC report said. Then, U.S. drones armed with four Hellfire missiles, moved into position in the Iraqi airspace, fully controlled by American forces. In a bid to unravel the chain of events that led to Soleimani's killing, NBC interviewed two sources directly familiar with the details of the operation that took out the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, as well as other senior officials who were informed about it. Iraqi authorities are currently holding four people suspected of aiding the U.S. two Baghdad airport employees and two Cham Wings airline workers, who are believed to be part of a broader network that provided information about Soleimani to the United States. The authorities suspect that the four informed the CIA about Soleimani's arrival in Iraq on the night he was killed. In addition, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday that their country carried out a secret operation in Yemen that targeted, but failed to kill, an Iranian military official last week. The strike was carried out on the same day that the United States struck Soleimani, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The timing could suggest that the United States had sought to take out a broader swathe of the Iranian military leadership when it killed Soleimani, citing an imminent threat from him. The Pentagon declined comment on the failed strike in Yemen, first reported by the Washington Post. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States killed Soleimani because "they were looking to blow up our embassy." Trump said the United States also carried out the strike because of a rocket attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq by an Iran-backed militia in December that killed a U.S. contractor, which U.S. officials believe Soleimani had a role in orchestrating. Asked about Trump's remarks on the plot to blow up the Baghdad embassy, a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted Soleimani had orchestrated protests at the embassy and acknowledged there had been such plotting to blow up the embassy. The official declined to provide details on the U.S. intelligence. This article was originally published by "Haaretz" - Hachi Tama will debut toletta in the U.S. by exhibiting for the first time at VMX, the world's leading veterinary conference, from January 18 to 22 in Orlando, Fla. The pet-tech startup created the litter box to help cat owners and veterinarians work more closely together to improve feline health. The toletta litter box is equipped with the Internet of things (IoT) and patented measurement technology that constantly monitors a cat's weight fluctuations, urine frequency, urine volume and more. Cat owners can share this data with their veterinarian as a way to help identify signs of urinary disease before it's too late. An artificial intelligence (AI) camera in the litter box captures an image of the cat's face. The camera uses patented deep-learning technology to automatically identify an individual cat even when there are multiple cats in the household using the same litter box. "I am so excited to introduce this Japanese cat-friendly litter box to the U.S." said Koji Hori, Founder and CEO of Hachi Tama. "We have created a video message for American cat lovers. Please take a look at https://youtu.be/W-J8JLX-kHs." Japan is a cat-loving country, and when toletta is ready to enter the U.S. market, it will do so with the enthusiastic endorsement of Japanese cat owners. toletta ranked as the No. 1 best seller on Amazon Japan on Cyber Monday in 2019. Visit tolettacat.com for updates from the Hachi Tama team on its progress and product launches. About Hachi Tama Hachi Tama is an IoT/AI startup headquartered in Enoshima, Kanagawa, Japan, which is famous as a "cats' island." Hachi Tama was the Japan representative of Hardware Cup 2018 and one of the five noteworthy startups in Red Herring. For more information on Hachi Tama's technology and team, visit tolettacat.com. SOURCE Hachi Tama Inc. Related Links http://tolettacat.com Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the town of al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia. AFP photo Riyadh: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned that military confrontation with Iran will impact global peace and stability, as he visits the Middle East hoping to ease tensions spiked by the US killing of a top Iranian general. His comments came at the start of a five-day Gulf tour that had been thrown into doubt after Tehran responded to the attack on Qasem Soleimani by launching a barrage of missiles at bases hosting American troops in Iraq, prompting fears of all-out war. But as those concerns receded, the Japanese premier decided to go ahead with the visit and on Sunday discussed regional tensions during an hour-long meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in northwestern Al-Ula province, according to foreign ministry spokesman Masato Ohtaka. Any military confrontation in the region that includes a country like Iran will have an impact not only on peace and stability in the region but the peace and stability of the whole world, Abe said, according to Ohtaka. Abe called on all relevant countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions, Ohtaka added. The spokesman said the two leaders agreed on working closely on maritime security in the region and discussed Tokyo's decision to send a destroyer for intelligence activities along with two P-3C patrol aircraft to the Middle East. Japan, however, will not join a US-led coalition in the region. Tokyo has walked a fine line in balancing its key alliance with Washington and its longstanding relations and interests with Tehran. Ohtaka said Abe stressed the importance of a continuous and stable Saudi oil supply to Japan. The prime minister's tour will also include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Jordan's King Abdullah II said in an interview with France 24 that he thinks President Trump will present his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan soon, stressing that he hopes it will allow his country and the rest of the international community to see "the glass half full." Why it matters: The kings remarks signal a shift in his rhetoric regarding the U.S. peace plan. In the last several months, the king and other Jordanian officials raised concerns about the plan both in private and in public and even said they dont want the White House to present it. In the interview, the king didnt raise such concerns. He said he spoke to Trump many times about the Israeli-Palestinian issue, adding, "He understands what needs to be done to get the Israelis and the Palestinians closer together." The big picture: King Abdullah also said he does not know when the Trump peace plan will be presented, but stressed he thinks it will happen soon. The king said it was hard for him to give an opinion without seeing the plan but said he was optimistic some of its aspects could be used as a foundation to renew peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Of note: The king also stressed that he is very concerned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jordan Valley annexation statements. He called it "election politics rhetoric" and said annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israel could destabilize the region even more than it is today. Go deeper: What Must Happen November 3rd Who is Worse: Donald Trump or Mitch McConnell? He's maybe the most dangerous politician of my lifetime. He's helped transform the Republican Party into a cult, worshiping at the altar of authoritarianism. He's damaged our country in ways that may take a generation to undo. The politician I'm talking about, of course, is Mitch McConnell. We may not agree with all of it but we link in fairness and because these are sentiments expressed by a great many KC voters . . . Accordingly, in a, an OG Kansas City blogger shares a DNC talking points and a pitch for donations in order to push back against the MAGA movement and establishment GOP supporters.Here's the word: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 14:26 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321f0ac5 1 City clinics,stem-cells,Jakarta-police,Kemang,South-Jakarta,jakarta Free The Jakarta Police have sealed a clinic in Kemang, South Jakarta, for allegedly offering illegal stem cell treatment for the past three years. General crimes director Sr. Comr. Sayudi Ario Seto said in a statement on Sunday that the police had received reports regarding stem cell injections that had purportedly taken place at H Klinik without a permit from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). The police then cooperated with the Health Ministry to investigate the clinic, he said. We have found that the clinic [had operated] illegally for the past three years, Sayudi said. He went on to say that police also arrested a number of individuals at H Klinik immediately after receiving a report of a patient receiving a stem cell injection at the clinic on Saturday. Our officers made the arrest as [the injection] was taking place, Sayudi said. The police have named the clinics manager, identified as YW, marketing manager LJ, as well as practicing doctor and clinic owner OH suspects in the case. A number of items were seized from the clinic, including a stem cell product originating from Japan that lacked certification. The suspects have been charged under articles 204 and/or 263 of the Criminal Code, as well as Article 76 of Law No. 29/2004 on medical practice. (rfa) Dividend paying stocks like OZ Minerals Limited (ASX:OZL) 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. Unfortunately, it's common for investors to be enticed in by the seemingly attractive yield, and lose money when the company has to cut its dividend payments. Investors might not know much about OZ Minerals's dividend prospects, even though it has been paying dividends for the last nine years and offers a 2.1% yield. A 2.1% yield is not inspiring, but the longer payment history has some appeal. Some simple research can reduce the risk of buying OZ Minerals for its dividend - read on to learn more. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis ASX:OZL Historical Dividend Yield, January 13th 2020 Payout ratios Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. As a result, we should always investigate whether a company can afford its dividend, measured as a percentage of a company's net income after tax. Looking at the data, we can see that 54% of OZ Minerals's profits were paid out as dividends in the last 12 months. This is a healthy payout ratio, and while it does limit the amount of earnings that can be reinvested in the business, there is also some room to lift the payout ratio over time. In addition to comparing dividends against profits, we should inspect whether the company generated enough cash to pay its dividend. Unfortunately, while OZ Minerals pays a dividend, it also reported negative free cash flow last year. While there may be a good reason for this, it's not ideal from a dividend perspective. While the above analysis focuses on dividends relative to a company's earnings, we do note OZ Minerals's strong net cash position, which will let it pay larger dividends for a time, should it choose. Story continues Remember, you can always get a snapshot of OZ Minerals's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health. Dividend Volatility Before buying a stock for its income, we want to see if the dividends have been stable in the past, and if the company has a track record of maintaining its dividend. Looking at the last decade of data, we can see that OZ Minerals paid its first dividend at least nine years ago. Although it has been paying a dividend for several years now, the dividend has been cut at least once, and we're cautious about the consistency of its dividend across a full economic cycle. During the past nine-year period, the first annual payment was AU$0.60 in 2011, compared to AU$0.23 last year. This works out to a decline of approximately 62% over that time. A shrinking dividend over a nine-year period is not ideal, and we'd be concerned about investing in a dividend stock that lacks a solid record of growing dividends per share. Dividend Growth Potential With a relatively unstable dividend, and a poor history of shrinking dividends, it's even more important to see if EPS are growing. Strong earnings per share (EPS) growth might encourage our interest in the company despite fluctuating dividends, which is why it's great to see OZ Minerals has grown its earnings per share at 31% per annum over the past five years. With recent, rapid earnings per share growth and a payout ratio of 54%, this business looks like an interesting prospect if earnings are reinvested effectively. 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. First, we think OZ Minerals has an acceptable payout ratio, although its dividend was not well covered by cashflow. We were also glad to see it growing earnings, but it was concerning to see the dividend has been cut at least once in the past. Ultimately, OZ Minerals comes up short on our dividend analysis. It's not that we think it is a bad company - just that there are likely more appealing dividend prospects out there on this analysis. Earnings growth generally bodes well for the future value of company dividend payments. See if the 13 OZ Minerals analysts we track are forecasting continued growth with our free report on analyst estimates for the company. We have also put together a list of global stocks with a market capitalisation above $1bn and yielding more 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. (Newser) After a long "nonaggression pact" between the campaigns of Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, the gloves might be starting to come off ahead of the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses. Warren said Sunday that she is "disappointed" that the senator from Vermont has been "sending his volunteers out to trash me," the New York Times reports. A script for Sanders volunteers seen by Politico suggests that they tell voters leaning toward Warren that her supporters are "highly-educated, more affluent people who are going to show up and vote Democratic no matter what." The script adds: "Shes bringing no new bases into the Democratic Party." The script also tells volunteers to criticize Pete Buttigieg for his lack of support among black voters and to say "no one is really excited about" Joe Biden. story continues below "We all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016, and we can't have a repeat of that," Warren said Sunday, suggesting that the long battle between Sanders and Hillary Clinton had helped President Trump. "I hope Bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction." Sanders told reporters in Iowa on Sunday that he had never attacked Warren and nobody is going to "trash" her. "Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine," he said. We have worked together in the Senate for years." Asked about the script, he said both campaigns have hundreds of employees, and "people sometimes say things that they shouldn't." A Selzer & Co. poll released Friday shows Sanders in first place in Iowa, with 20% of the vote, reports FiveThirtyEight. Warren is second with 17%, followed by Buttigieg at 16% and Biden at 15%. (Read more Election 2020 stories.) DENVER, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GigSmart has been named as one of Built In Colorado's Best Small Companies to Work For in 2020. Companies are selected based on data submitted by companies and their employees. Initially founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, GigSmart's executive team chose to relocate the company headquarters to Denver, Colorado, due to its central location and growing supply of tech talent. "We're proud to be included in Built In Colorado's Best Small Companies to Work For list in 2020. We work hard to cultivate a great environment at GigSmart, and we're glad to see it's recognized," said Rich Oakes, President of GigSmart. With 36 full-time employees and several open positions in Design, Development, Engineering, Product, QA, and Sales, GigSmart focuses on attracting and retaining talent with the following core values: be positive, work hard, innovate, have passion, exceed expectations, collaborate, and continue to learn. GigSmart maintains a great culture by hosting quarterly outings and monthly team lunches that allow employees to relax and socialize together outside of the office. Xavier Garrier, a Client Success Representative at GigSmart, says, "The office vibe here at GigSmart is unlike any place I have ever worked in the best way possible." Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO and Co-Founder of Built In, said: "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 2020 honorees. Built In aims to change lives by connecting talented tech professionals with jobs they were born to do. These companies have become part of that mission because they stand for more than just the work they're doing. They stand for their people and purpose." She added: "We also extend our gratitude. These companies exemplify what it means to be an employer of choice for today's purpose-driven tech workforce. Writing about them inspires us daily and, in terms of our offering, gives us total confidence that the professionals who visit our websites will find work that gives them a strong sense of professional and personal meaning." About GigSmart GigSmart is a software development company focused on providing modern solutions to meet the needs of the growing gig economy. GigSmart's hiring platform provides on-demand staffing solutions to connect businesses looking for labor with skilled Workers. Launched in December of 2018, GigSmart's Get Gigs and Get Workers apps have already surpassed 180,000 installs. GigSmart's alternative staffing solutions serve 24 U.S. markets in industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, retail, customer service, and professional services. GigSmart is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with 36 full-time employees. About Built In Working in tech is a way of life. Built In helps people live it with purpose. Across the most vibrant tech hubs in the U.S., Built In helps tech professionals stay on top of tech news and trends, expand their networks, and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Built In attracts a niche audience of 1 million tech professionals every month and, in 2019, the company hit a milestone, serving 1,100 companies annually. Built In recently launched BuiltIn.com, a national hub for tech trend coverage and resources to help professionals grow in their careers. National Site: BuiltIn.com Local Sites: BuiltInChicago.com | BuiltInLA.com | BuiltInColorado.com | BuiltInAustin.com | BuiltInNYC.com | BuiltInBoston.com | BuiltInSeattle.com | BuiltInSF.com Best Places to Work: Methodology: Built In's list rates companies algorithmically based on compensation data and employer benefits. Rank is determined by combining a company's score in each of these categories. Media Contact: Rich Oakes [email protected] 720.892.6371 Related Images image1.jpg SOURCE GigSmart Applicants in the Ashanti Region who are visiting various centres in the ongoing Ghana Card Registration exercise never anticipated the long queues that will characterise the process when it began on Wednesday, 11th December 2019. Although there were a number of applicants who thronged the centres at the initial stages of the exercise, the numbers have soared as registration officers at some centres are overwhelmed. The Ashanti Region according to the National Identification Authority (NIA), is the region where more equipment and personnel have been deployed due to its population. A total of 833 centres have been set up in the 47 districts of the region for the ongoing exercise which has now been extended to end on 16th January 2019 after an announced initial deadline of 10th January 2019. Notwithstanding the intensified media sensitization before and during the exercise, the process has not been without hitches which are mostly human and technical. The Authority in a recent news release to announce the extension of the exercise said it has taken note of the challenges encountered in the first two (2) days of the exercise in many communities across the region where citizens couldn't register due to the late transportation of some registration equipment to registration centres by contracted third parties, and/or the late arrival of some registration officials at their centres, despite management's best efforts at averting same. Applicants continue to flood the centres as long and snaky queues dominate the premises of these centres. The development, for many, stems from the fear that they will not be able to acquire the Ghana Card to be recognized as citizens when the exercise is over. But the NIA has consistently indicated that not every eligible Ghanaian can be registered during the mass registration phase as it seeks to register 80% of the population aged 15 and above. The Authority has also served notice that remainder of the current registrable population, as well as Ghanaians aged under 15, will be registered after this mass registration exercise is over. Despite these assurances by the NIA, applicants in the Ashanti Region use various means to secure spaces in queues to be able to go through the registration exercise. At one of the registration centres (Central Police Church) I visited; I was amazed to see objects including stones being used to secure spaces in the queue. People do not just leave the comfort of their homes as early as 3 am for the registration centres, some defy the cold harmattan weather and expose their bodies to mosquito bites and in some cases criminals, to spend their nights at the centres. Even when the exercise coincided with the recently held District Level Elections (DLE), the concentration of most people was on the Ghana Card registration at the expense of the Assembly and Unit Committee Elections. Even though the DLE has often recorded low voter turnout, most voters ignored that exercise and rather focused on joining long queues to secure a card that may easily identify them as citizens of Ghana. During a tour to the various centres to monitor the process as a journalist, I have heard from applicants who say they had visited the centres for more than three times on different days and have still not been able to register for the card. Even for those who leave their homes for the centres before the cock crows and those who stay there overnight, they are sometimes not able to go through the process despite the risk they take. In the midst of all the suffering and frustration applicants go through just to acquire the card, there are widespread allegations of extortion as some NIA officials are accused of taking monies from some applicants and accord them preferential treatment at some of the centres. The NIA was so particular about some of these allegations when it issued a news release to announce its decision to extend the registration deadline. Part of the statement read while most NIA personnel are law-abiding and follow official instructions, some do not. We can achieve our targets if NIA staff conduct themselves professionally, and citizens conduct themselves responsibly. Allegations of bribery and corruption must be properly reported to the appropriate authorities with some credible evidence that would trigger effective investigation. It very clear that the populace in the Ashanti Region have shown much interest in the acquisition of the Ghana Card, but that should not be a guarantee for some unscrupulous persons to abuse the system. The Ghana Card registration is free for eligible Ghanaian citizens and must remain so. The enthusiasm for the Ghana Card registration is growing every day, but is it also a case of patriotism? But if the actions of these applicants were to prove their patriotism, why will they ignore an equally important national and a democratic exercise (the District Level Elections) and rather focus all their energies and time to register for the Ghana Card? Do people even understand the advantages of having a Ghana Card as a citizen? Or is it the case that people want to acquire it so that when the card becomes a major requirement when patronizing social services, they can use it? I hope readers will help find answers to these questions begging for answers. The writer, Hafiz Tijani, is Ashanti Regional correspondent for Citi FM and Citi TV Email: [email protected] French President Emmanuel Macron will on Monday host counterparts from five Sahel countries seeking more backing in the fight against a murderous jihadist uprising even as France's military role is being questioned. Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in the southwestern city of Pau, to be attended also by the heads of the UN, African Union, and EU Council. Macron insists his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad must use the occasion to express public support for France's military presence -- by far the largest foreign contribution to the fight against African jihadists aligned to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Visiting the region last month, the French president complained of a lack of "clear political condemnation of anti-French feelings" on the ground. "I see opposition movements, groups, who denounce the French presence as a neo-colonial, imperialist," Macron said in Niamey, adding he was loath to send soldiers to countries were their presence was not "clearly wanted". Jihadist fighters have recently stepped up their campaign against military and civilian targets, and earlier this month, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "terrorist groups are gaining ground." France has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting poorly-equipped, impoverished local armies that in 2017 launched a joint anti-jihadist G5 Sahel force. 'Down with France' On Friday, hundreds of people gathered in the Malian capital Bamako to protest the presence of foreign troops, carrying posters reading: "Down with France, Barkhane must leave" and "France is a brake on our development." Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita held talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Paris last November. By LUDOVIC MARIN (AFP/File) Despite the French presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA in Mali, the conflict that erupted in the north of that country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours, especially Burkina Faso and Niger. Thousands of civilians have been killed and more than a million displaced, with hundreds of troops dead, including dozens of French ones. On Monday, Macron will gather Mali's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Faso's Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Chad's Idriss Deby. France's President Emmanuel Macron stands in front of the coffins of 13 French soldiers killed in action in Mali last November. By Eliot BLONDET (POOL/AFP) They will lay a wreath and observe a minute of silence for seven soldiers from Pau who died in action in Mali -- among 13 French troops killed in a helicopter crash while hunting jihadists last November. The presidents will then gather for the summit Macron has said must clarify the "political and strategic framework" of the Sahel military campaign. After the talks, for which three hours have been set aside, the leaders will regroup for a working dinner where they will be joined by Guterres, European Council President Charles Michel and African Union Commission President Moussa Faki. 'Remobilise' Mali's Keita has said the summit will be "decisive" and "will allow us to put on the table all the questions, all the grievances, all the solutions". But he insisted the G5 leaders would demand a "respectable and respectful relationship" with France. Kabore of Burkina Faso has described Macron's recent insistences as "lacking in tact". Issifou said the summit would "launch an appeal for international solidarity so that the Sahel and France are not alone in this fight". The Pau meeting was postponed from December after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers. And last Thursday another attack by jihadists left 89 Niger soldiers dead. Le Drian said the summit would serve 'to remobilise and adapt ourselves to the new reality' of the jihadist onslaught. By Mohamed el-Shahed (AFP) On Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the summit would serve "to remobilise and adapt ourselves to the new reality" of the jihadist onslaught, which analysts say appears to have become bolder, more complex, and better armed. Paris will also use the occasion to repeat its call on other Western nations to help step up the fight. Last year, only $300 of $400 million pledged by the international community in cash and material support to the Sahel was delivered, according to the French presidency. NGOs on Friday urged that civilians caught in the crossfire not be forgotten at Monday's talks. "The military response in the Sahel is part of the problem," said Maureen Magee of the Norwegian Refugee Council. "Last year, military operations in Mali have pushed more than 80,000 people to flee. Engagement in the Sahel must put the protection of the populations at the heart of the response." Right wing organisations on Monday held a massive protest at Kanakapura near here against the proposed 114-foot statue of Jesus Christ, allegedly at a government land, sponsored by local legislator and senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar. The protesters said the demonstration was also against the larger issue of alleged religious conversion that was taking place in the region. Hundreds of people clad with saffron scarf took part in "Kanakapura chalo", organised by 'Hindu Jagaran Vedike', holding saffron flags in their hand marched from Aiyappa swamy temple at Kanakapura to Tahsildar office, shouting slogans "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Jai Sri Ram." Protesters accused Shivakumar of trying to turn "Kapalibetta" or "Muneshwara betta", the hill on which the proposed statue is to come up, into "Yesu betta." BJP leader and former Minister C P Yogeshwar, who took part in the protest, accused Shivakumar of trying to instigate communal violence for his "politics."He said, this fight is against the "oppressive politics" of Shivakumar and his brother- Bengaluru Rural MP D K Suresh in the region. Hindutva ideologue and RSS functionary Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who addressed the gathering, said their agitation was not against Jesus Christ, but against the religious conversion in his name. Questioning Shivakumar, whether he was doing it for the sake of vote and thereby to gain notes, he said "...what is your intention? You want to sell this country to foreigners once again; Hindu community is warning you...this is also an act of treason." He further declared that "Muneshwara betta will remain Muneshwara betta..." Later responding to reporters questions, Bhat said "if they are still adamant on going ahead with the statue, we will show the strength of Hindu community, we will fight against any activity against Hindu community." The proposed statue atop a 13-foot pedestal is coming up at Kapalibetta in Harobele village, a predominantly Christian locality in Kanakapura, the assembly constituency of Shivakumar, about 80 km from here. The office of Shivakumar had earlier said utilising his own funds the Congress leader had purchased 10 acres at Kapalibetta from the government for the trust that is constructing the statue and claimed it would become the tallest monolithic statue of Jesus in the world. On December 25, Shivakumar had laid the foundation at a prayer meet and handed over the title deed for the project. Shivakumar has claimed that the Kumaraswamy government, of which he was a part, had cleared the land and he had paid money for it. A row had broken out in the state over construction of the statue with the ruling BJP terming it as an appeasement policy, and the state government seeking a report from authorities on the status of the land earmarked for the project. Revenue Minister R Ashoka had said it is not Shivakumar's property to hand it to anyone, as it is government gomala land (pasture land for community use), and had sought a report from the district administration. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said BJP and other organisations want to target him for the sake of "political space" in Ramanagara district, which they do not have as of today. Noting that people have been brought in from outside for the protest, he said he has appealed to people and party workers not to react and maintain peace, if the protesters try to instigate and speak against him. Police had made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Not everything in Texas needs to be bigger, and thats especially true when it comes to the market share of massive companies. High concentration sometimes occurs due to raw capitalism from a few innovative players. However, all too often, it is the result of well-connected firms using the levers of government to prevent competition from arising. The benefits of increased consolidation must always be carefully weighed against the dangers of less competition and fewer jobs. Presently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading 50 attorneys general on an antitrust investigation into Google. As he said, There is nothing wrong with a business becoming the biggest game in town if it does so through free market competition, but we have seen evidence that Googles business practices may have undermined consumer choice, stifled innovation, violated users privacy, and put Google in control of the flow and dissemination of online information. Clearly, Paxton recognizes an unfortunate truth about monopolies: All too often, they carve a path toward industrywide calcification. And thats incredibly dangerous. The issue becomes especially troubling with certain corporate mergers, particularly 4-to-3 mergers situations in which the number of market players is reduced from four viable competitors to just three are especially contentious. Thats precisely what happened after Catholic Health Initiatives, or CHI, acquired St. Lukes Health System in the Lone Star State. Following the merger, the CHI began failing to deliver on its promised returns. Then, in 2017, the health care center announced massive layoffs. In Texas alone, 459 employees were dismissed to cut costs. And now, another potential merger threatens to repeat history for many Texans. Kone, one of the four largest elevator manufacturing companies in the United States, is attempting to acquire its competitor, Thyssenkrupp. Another 4-to-3 merger, Kones acquisition of the company could pose serious risks to competition among the remaining businesses. Worse, the merger would likely cost hundreds of Texans their jobs. Thyssenkrupp owns a number of locations throughout Texas, but with an acquisition, those factories could be at risk. If allowed to merge with Thyssenkrupp, Kone could close its domestic locations and ship those jobs elsewhere. Time and again, permitting market concentration without the right safeguards in place have negatively impacted both an industrys competitive landscape and its workers. So far, the Texas attorney general has recognized that fact and used his authority and leverage to protect Texans. It is imperative that Texas two U.S. senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and the rest of our government officials back him when these fights arise in Washington to ensure that competition and workers remain protected. Matt Mackowiak is president of Austin- and Washington, D.C.-based Potomac Strategy Group. Dice have a long history. According to Britannica, ancient people made a variation of dice from knucklebones and used them to predict the future. Over the course of human civilization, the manufacture and purpose of dice changed. In ancient Greece and Rome, for instance, they were made of bone, ivory, rock crystal or marble, among other minerals. In Mesopotamia, pyramidal dice were used to play the Royal Game of Ur, a Millenniums-old board game. Today, the modern version of dice is made of thermoset or cellulose-based plastic and shaped like a cube, with each side having a different number of spots on it. Many board games whether it's Monopoly or Yahtzee employ dice in some context. One company, however, is attempting to bring the gaming implement into the 21st century by combining it with cutting-edge technology. In November 2019, Particula launched a Kickstarter campaign for GoDice a set of connected dice which, according to the company, "transforms screens into a fun and social 'board' game." Each dice has internal sensors that supposedly ensure accurate orientation measurements. The dice immediately sync to an app, which has a variety of mobile games (from Yatzy! to classic poker dice) and performs complex RPG calculations so that players don't need to do the math themselves. According to Particula, GoDice also helps players make smarter decisions by providing tips on which dice they should keep, which ones they should throw and how to increase their chances of winning. As of January, the company's Kickstarter campaign has well exceeded its $25,000 goal, which means GoDice is just one step closer to becoming a reality for dice-game lovers. The project has so far received nearly 4,000 backers. Particula hopes to roll the product out by September 2020, its campaign notes. Xtalks Life Science Webinars This webinar will appeal to individuals working at companies with molecules in late Phase 1 or Phase 2, or in need of advanced dose form for life cycle management purposes. In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released updated guidelines on drug development. That same year, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also took the initiative to implement additional regulations supporting drug development in Europe. Since the release of these guidelines, overlooking factors such as acceptability, excipient considerations and caregiver instructions are no longer an option. On Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11am EST (4pm GMT/UK), join Matt Ling, Ph. D., Director of Scientific Services, at Catalent and Rachel Meyers, Pharm D., BCPS, BCPPS, FPPA, Clinical Associate Professor at Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University and Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist, Saint Barnabas Medical Center for a live webinar where they will discuss: The impact of age-appropriate dose forms for pediatrics Insights into caregiver perspectives A case study on real-world medications and acceptability assessment Solutions that address the challenges of pediatric drug development Factors in excipient decision-making Technologies for creating ideal dose forms This webinar will appeal to individuals working at companies with molecules in late Phase 1 or Phase 2, or in need of advanced dose form for life cycle management purposes. A live Q&A session with the speakers will follow the presentation. Dr. Matt Ling has over 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, much of this gained in big pharma, with roles in analytical, formulation development, advanced drug delivery and project leadership spanning all phases of discovery and development. Dr. Meyers provides both didactic and experiential education in pediatric pharmacotherapy for pharmacy students and residents in her current position at Rutgers. She practices in the pediatric intensive care unit and the general pediatric unit at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. For more information or to register for this event, visit Age-Appropriate Formulation Development for Pediatric Trials: Challenges and Considerations. ABOUT CATALENT Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, gene therapies, and consumer health products. With over 85 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable global clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs nearly 13,000 people, including over 2,400 scientists and technicians, at more than 35 facilities, and in fiscal year 2019 generated over $2.5 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com ABOUT XTALKS Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/ FMs of five states, whose citizens killed in aircraft crash in Iran, to meet in London, discuss punishment of those guilty Foreign ministers of five states, whose citizens have been killed following Boeing 737 crash of the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) in Iran, will meet in London in the coming days to discuss bringing to account those responsible for the tragedy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko told BBC Radio 4 as BBC. Ukraine ezine quotes him as saying. "In two days, a meeting of five foreign ministers of the 'grieving countries' (countries that have lost their citizens in a plane crash) will be held in London, where we will work out what other steps we will take alone and together to bring those responsible to justice. And how is it possible to compensate all this pain?" Prystaiko said on Monday. Prystaiko also assured that Iran on the highest level has taken responsibility for catastrophe and promised Ukraine and all the countries, who lost their citizens, and the whole international society that nobody would escape the responsibility. UP Power Minister Srikant Sharma on Sunday attacked the Congress for misleading students over the Citizenship Amendment Act and using them to gain political advantage. Massive protests were witnessed against the CAA, mainly by the student community, since its passage by Parliament in December last year. "Congress is playing with the future of students and creating confusion over CAA," Sharma said while talking to reporters prior to addressing a rally organised by the BJP here in support of the amended Citizenship law here. "Congress is in a state of despondence and may not have a future but the students of this country have a bright future," he added. Stressing that the BJP will expose the hidden agenda of the Congress as well as the Left, Sharma said the protests should not spoil the congenial environment of the country's educational institutions. If the Congress is opposed to the CAA, it should hold a press conference and announce that it will not let persecuted minorities get Indian citizenship but would let illegal immigrants enter the country. Sharma said it is the moral responsibility of the Union government to give citizenship rights to minorities including Hindus who have been discriminated against in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan due their religion. The common man is in favour of CAA, he claimed. Addressing the rally at a local ground here, Sharma said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was spending sleepless nights, fearing that India may take control of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Army Chief Gen M M Naravane had on Saturday said his force can take control of PoK if it gets orders from political authority, in what is seen as a strong message to Islamabad. -PTI Also Read: MP: Congress MLA Hardeep Singh Dang 'supports' CAA Three times in the past four years, a small boat accessory company has had to defend itself against claims that its negligence while installing equipment caused boats to catch fire. Last week, a federal court in Orlando ruled that the latest lawsuit filed against Florida Bow Thrusters in Merritt Island, Fla. may proceed. District Judge Greg A. Presnell denied the companys motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against it by Ace American Insurance Co. Ace is seeking to recover $167,829.53 that it paid to settle a claim made by Massachusetts resident Eric Slifka after his 34-foot motorboat, E=Mc2, caught fire in July 2014. Ace contends that the fire was caused by Florida Bow Thrusters shoddy installation of a bow thruster, which is a device that is used to maneuver large boats in tight spaces. An expert hired by the carrier reported that his examination of debris from the fire showed that the bow thruster in Slifkas boat had been subjected to extreme overheating. A protective device that should have cut off an electrical current overload was not connected and two nut-and-bolt combinations that should have held the motor enclosure together were not installed, the expert said. Whats more, there was no gasket material on the joining surfaces of the enclosure; instead, the expert said he found the remains of silicon calk. The Slifka litigation is Aces second go-around with Florida Bow Thrusters. The carrier also sued the company in 2016, demanding reimbursement for $200,000 that it paid on a claim by Aventura, Fla. resident Thomas Marroccoli for fire damage to his 94-foot yacht. According to the suit, Marroccoli was docked at a marina in the Bahamas in June 2014 when a fire broke out on the stern end of the craft, christened My Angel. Ace alleged that a defective solenoid in a stern thruster installed by Florida Bow Thrusters sparked the blaze. The suit was settled in 2017. A separate lawsuit filed by Marroccoli for $21,000 of uninsured losses settled separately. Douglas Whitcomb of Asharoken, N.Y. and his insurer, Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange, also sued Florida Bow Thrusters. In a 2016 lawsuit they demanded reimbursement for $266,667 in damages caused by a fire that engulfed Whitcombs motorboat, Quick Whitt, while he was docked at the Huntington Yacht Club in Halesite, N.Y. Whitcomb said black smoke poured out of the port vents while he and his family disembarked after a voyage. Whitcombs lawsuit alleged that the fire was caused by a defective bow and stern thrusters manufactured by Vetus Maxwell Inc., which was also named as a defendant. The suit also accused Florida Bow Thrusters of negligently installing the thrusters and failing to inspect their work. The lawsuit was settled for undisclosed terms. Carter Gillikin, president and part-owner of Florida Bow Thrusters, said his company was not responsible for damages in any of the three suits. The devices were used improperly, he said during a telephone interview Friday. The owners of the boat ran the thrusters too long in improper ways and the devices were overheated. Thats hard to defend for insurers and they tend to settle. Gillikins company filed a motion to dismiss Aces latest suit against the firm, arguing that the pleadings in the suit were unclear and that the claim was barred under the maritime economic loss rule. Judge Presnell was not persuaded and denied the motion. The suit wont go to trial anytime soon. The district court has given the parties until July 1 to submit expert reports and has scheduled a five-day trial to begin March 1, 2021. Photo from Florida Bow Thrusters website. The question instead in Australia has been the extent to which the country might use taxes and other policies to wean itself from its dependence on coal for domestic energy use. An electricity grid that mainly uses coal, as well as long driving distances in the vast country that require a lot of gasoline, has given Australia one of the worlds highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions per person. Pressure will grow to do something. Estimates of the cost of damage from the fires have ranged from about $3 billion, or 4.4 billion Australian dollars, to $3.5 billion. Mr. Richardson, of Deloitte, estimated that one in 10,000 homes in Australia had been damaged. The fires have also called attention to the vulnerability of Australias vital tourism industry. Tourism spending exceeds the combined value of Australias annual exports of iron ore, coal and natural gas. Australians themselves account for about three-quarters of that spending. The tourism industry has not been broadly hit by the wildfires so far because conflagrations have mainly occurred in smaller communities. But the smoke that has at times clogged the air over Sydney and Melbourne could take a toll. The fires could have a much broader economic effect if they damage public confidence and make Australians more cautious about spending money, Mr. Richardson said. At some favorite tourist sites, people who depend on the natural beauty of the land worry that the fires may threaten their way of life. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by telephone to his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, who reassured him that all those responsible for the Boeing crash will be brought to justice and the Ukrainian experts will be provided with all support required for subsequent efficient cooperation. "Rouhani offered his condolences to the Ukrainian people and the families of the people killed in Ukraine International Airlines PS752 flight crash. He apologized on behalf of Iran for the tragedy which claimed 176 lives. The leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran fully admits that the tragedy occurred because of erroneous actions of his country's military," the Ukrainian president's press service said on Saturday. For his part, Zelensky said that during the phone call he insisted on the prompt completion of the identification of dead victims' bodies and punishment for those responsible. "Spoke to Hassan Rouhani. The admission of the shooting down of our plane is a step in the right direction. I insist on the immediate completion of the identification of the bodies and their return to Ukraine. The culpable must be held to account. We are expecting full legal and technical cooperation in future," Zelensky wrote on Twitter on Saturday. When the Baftas got it cripplingly, humiliatingly wrong last week, it wasnt entirely surprising. The Baftas have always existed as the stuffier cousin to the Academy Awards, with a plummy, middle-of-the-road lethargy that quite naturally resulted in huge oversights. But the Oscars were meant to be better. After being on the receiving end of a number of backlashes, they had recognised their failings, changed up their membership and diversified. Yet somehow, theyve still come up with a list awash in whiteness, loudness and angry men. Next to the Oscars, even this months Golden Globes seem comparatively woke. As has become tradition, the Academy was distracted by big-budget technical prowess, self-consciously transformative performances and famous faces playing real-life figures. While there were pleasant surprises here and there (notably Little Womens Florence Pugh for Best Supporting Actress, Knives Out for Best Original Screenplay, Ad Astra for Best Sound Mixing and Pain and Glorys Antonio Banderas for Best Actor), there was a feeling of safety from top to bottom: perennial Oscar favourite Sam Mendes with 1917; the rote masculinity of Ford v Ferrari; the twee, centrist nothingness of Jojo Rabbit. The sole nominee of colour in the acting categories, Harriets Cynthia Erivo, was still the star of a stately, overcooked biopic that earned few critical raves. The more daring visions from last year were absent altogether particularly the frantic exhilaration of Uncut Gems, which so should have earned Adam Sandler his first Oscar nod, and the neon-soaked defiance of Hustlers. If Willem Dafoe could earn a Best Actor nomination last year for At Eternitys Gate, a film that absolutely no one saw and could potentially not actually exist, it is staggering that he and Robert Eggers nightmarish The Lighthouse were (aside from a well-deserved Best Cinematography nod) overlooked. Even Parasite, while awarded with six nominations, felt underappreciated considering how it has galvanised US audiences since its release. Frustratingly, Brits must wait another month to see it for themselves. Of the actors that didnt make an appearance, spare a thought for Jennifer Lopez that perpetual critical underdog, whose 25-year career in movies has been so often undermined, mocked and jeered at, despite the barriers she has constantly overcome along the way. Her dazzling performance in Hustlers was a ripped and spreadeagled tribute to her importance as a Hollywood figure and the skill that has kept her where she is. Her absence here would be enraging if it werent so boringly predictable. 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 Other notables refused a seat at the table were The Farewells Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen, Clemencys Alfre Woodard and Dolemite Is My Names Eddie Murphy. The absence of Lupita Nyongo, so mesmerising as two vastly different beings in Us, embodied once again the Academys odd reluctance to embrace horror. Then there were the filmmakers. The snubbed were mostly women on their second or third films, handed far smaller budgets than the men behind the 1917s and Jokers of the world, yet who produced sensitive, radical and alert pleasures Hustlers Lorene Scafaria, Atlantics Mati Diop, The Farewells Lulu Wang. Marielle Hellers Can You Ever Forgive Me? earned three Oscar nods just last year, yet she herself stayed off the Academys radar as she has again for her work on A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood. Greta Gerwigs lack of a Best Director nod, particularly in contrast to Todd Phillips photocopied Scorsese pastiche Joker, was such an emotional thud that nominations presenter Issa Rae couldnt help but make a snarky joke about it: Congratulations to those men. In one sense, this was all inevitable. The Academy has never been cutting edge, more often than not gravitating towards the safe, the white and the narratively unambitious. But its also refused to admit such a thing. When Emma Baehr, director of awards at Bafta, blamed the industry as a whole for the lack of people of colour during this years nominations, it exposed a baffling ignorance of what is happening on the frontlines of filmmaking, and whose voices are breaking through. But the Academys members know the boom in female filmmakers, they know what films have been critically embraced, and they know that there are too many stunning performances from actors of colour being ignored. Membership has increased its become younger, less white and less straight yet here we are. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up While the industry is shifting, the Oscars remain the same. With TV ratings declining, and more and more filmmakers recognising what is typically being snubbed in favour of the loud and the expensive, its worth asking what the Oscars are even for anymore. Police are appealing to members of the public for footage of an out of control gathering north of Perth on Monday. Officers were called to Hillarys marina about 3.40pm with reports a group of youths were causing a disturbance. The youths threw bottles at police and police vehicles, with seven arrested. Anyone with footage of the incident is asked to contact police. India skipper is averse to drawing a comparison between players of the same squad as it is against the team culture. Men in Blue experimented a lot in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka and major dilemma the team might face is in choosing their opening pair as all three batsmen - Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma - have been on a sublime form. "All guys in form is a good thing. We will figure out what combination we want to go in with and there is a possibility that all three might play. It will be interesting to see what balance we want to take in on the field. I do not at all support people comparing players within the team," Kohli said in the pre-match press conference. "I want to say this publicly because I see so many features and programmes being made about this versus this. We are a team and playing together. I don't find the sense in heat is going up and they are fighting for one spot. It does not send the right message as far as the team culture is concerned," he added. In the third ODI against Sri Lanka, the skipper came out to bat very low in the order. Kohli put team on priority and said he is not insecure about where he bats. "I am not possessive about where I play and I am not insecure about where I bat. Being the captain of the team, it's my job to make sure that the next lot is also ready as well. Your job as a captain is not only to look after the team right now but also to prepare a team that you can leave behind when you eventually pass it on to someone else," he said. Reflecting on the upcoming series, Kohli said it is going to be exciting as it has always been a competitive series against Australia. "They are a stronger side than the side that came last time to India but still won the series. You can have the most experienced or most skilled players but if you do not play well as a team in that series, you will not win which happened with us last time and when we went to Australia similar thing happened with them," Kohli said. "This shows how competitive the series is between the two teams and it is never a dominating series. It is always 2-3 or 2-1 that kind of series. It is going to be exciting, it is a short series and five-match series would have been more exciting," he added. The Ghana Tuna Association has sued Fisheries Ministry over what it calls exorbitant licensing fees being charged by the latter. A member of the Association, Richter Nii Armah Amarfio indicated on Eyewitness News that the Fisheries Ministrys decision to increase fishing license fees from US$35 to US$ 200 per gross registered tonnage without extensive consultations with various stakeholders was unfair. The Association is, therefore, seeking an interlocutory injunction on the implementation of the new fishing licensing fees. It is also praying the court to allow all fishing vessels to operate until the substantive case is determined. We were slapped on the 31st of December, less than 8 hours to the expiry of 2019 Fisheries License of a new raiseThe challenge was that they did it on our blind side.We are therefore going for a judicial review of the decision they are making in increasing the license fees. We are going for an interlocutory injunction on the implementation of the 200 dollars and we are asking that all vessels should be allowed to fish based on the previous license until the substantive case is determined. The Fisheries Commission in a letter dated December 31, 2019, and signed by its Executive Director, Michael Arthur-Dadzie, indicated that the new fishing license fees approved by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning would take effect from January 1, 2020. The letter stated that the chargeable rate per vessel for all industrial vessels (Tuna and Trawlers) is Two Hundred US Dollars (US$200) per GRT or its equivalent at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development had earlier justified the upward adjustment in license fees for fishing vessels. According to the Ministry, calls for the reduction of the amount by the National Fisheries Association was unjustified because the increment is aimed at protecting Ghanaian fishermen Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Francis Kinsley Ato Cudjoe explained that the move will help reduce the depletion of the county's fish stock by large trawlers mostly owned by foreigners. First is the fact that there hasn't been any increase in such fees in the last ten years and the fees are also the lowest in the region leading to many vessels trying to do their business in our waters thus leading to a decline in our fishing stock. We have decided to peg ours at US$200. It will be like a huge one but that is the prevailing rate. In terms of whether we are going to review or not, this is something we wrote to the Cabinet and they are aware of the approval of Parliament. We need to take measures that will ensure that our people benefit and not foreign vessels. The increment was said to be a major factor for the depletion of fish stock in the country's territorial waters. On the same league table with Mauritius, Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana's license rate of $35 for industrial fishing vessels was identified to be the lowest rate among these countries. As of May 2018, Ghana's license fee was said to be the cheapest among the 10 countries implementing the West African Regional Fisheries Project with commercial fishing activities. Fisheries Commission urged to review 'outrageous increment' in license fee The Fisheries Commission has been urged by the National Fisheries Association of Ghana to reduce the recently announced increase in fishing license fees for operating a fishing vessel on Ghanaian waters. A member of the Association, Richter Nii Armah Amarfio, in an interview with Citi News, accused the Fisheries Commission of short-changing members of the association by introducing the new fishing licensing fee. According to him, the Fisheries Commission has in the past neglected their plights and has only been interested in taking money from them. He further explained that the operational cost of fishermen has increased significantly to a point where their businesses have been negatively affected. At this time, our cost of operation is going high and our income is going low. We have raised concerns that our Pole and lines vessels are collapsed and nothing is happening, the ministry and the commission does not do anything to enhance the work of the industry, their interest is how to raise money from us and we think it doesn't work to our benefit. We can't just pay it, we can break even, we can't add to our current operational cost, it will collapse our businesses. ---citinewsroom Mr. Gonzalez said that in ordinary criminal cases, judges are independent and free of government influence. But he said that cases against dissidents like Mr. Diaz are orchestrated by the state security apparatus, because judges, fearful of losing their jobs, go along with evidence that is often flagrantly concocted, he said. The records show that Cubas prison system holds more than 90,000 prisoners. The Cuban government has only publicly released the figure once, in 2012, when it claimed that 57,000 people were jailed. What is important is what is behind those numbers, Mr. Gonzalez said. People are in prison for stealing flour, because they are pizza makers and the government has set up a system where the only way to get flour is by buying in the black market from someone who stole it from the state. Still, Mr. Gonzalez insisted on Monday that there was time for Cuba to resolve its problems internally, and he warned against any outside interference. We will not allow anybody to impose anything, that should be clear to all countries. Cubans can manage this alone without any kind of interference, he said. Mr. Gonzalez also cautioned against coming to the conclusion that the high number of prisoners in Cuba was proof of a failed society and judiciary. Other countries, he said, had fewer prisoners, but that reflected a high level of impunity and failure to prosecute common and violent crime, while Cuba instead maintains social order. Officials at the Cuban Embassy in Washington and the Cuban judiciary did not respond to requests for comment, as is customary. Eloy Viera Canive, an independent legal analyst in Cuba, said the Communist Party and Ministry of Interior always have the last word in Cubas judiciary. New Rochelle, NY, January 13, 2020--An in-depth look at the science of glycobiology and glycan diagnostics, and their promise in personalized medicine in the current post-genomic era are featured in a special issue of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, the peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Click here to read the special issue on Glycomics and Personalized Glycomedicine free on the OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology website until February 15, 2020. This special issue was co-edited by Wei Wang, MD, PhD, Edith Cowan University (Joondalup, Australia) and Capital Medical University (Beijing, China), and Vural Ozdemir, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology. Dr. Wang and a team of researchers from Australia, China, and Croatia contributed an article entitled "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is Associated with the Immunoglobulin G N-Glycome through Putative Proinflammatory Mechanisms in an Australian Population.") The team analyzed the N-glycan patterns of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and found novel associations between the IgG N-glycome, T2D, and clinical risk factors related to proinflammatory mechanisms. These IgG N-glycomic alterations offer promise as future biomarkers for T2D diagnosis or monitoring of progression to cardiovascular disease or renal failure. A review article by Tanja Kunej, PhD University of Ljubljana (Domzale, Slovenia) is entitled "Rise of Systems Glycobiology and Personalized Glycomedicine: Why and How to Integrate Glycomics with Multiomics Science?" Dr. Kunej proposes that for glycomics to make a greater, systems-scale contribution to biology and medicine, it needs to transition from a single omics science to multiomics technology platforms. The article presents examples of glycomics in association with other omics fields, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, and discusses current knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions. Vural Ozdemir, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology states: "Carbohydrates and glycans matter for personalized medicine. This OMICS special issue on glycomics and personalized glycomedicine signals the rise of glyco-theranostics as a new specialty in diagnostic medicine and systems science. It connects the dots between some of the most critical issues in biomarkers, post-genomic personalized medicine, and emerging technology governance to move systems science into clinical practice. Any reader interested in diagnostics in health care should benefit from reading the new OMICS issue curated with a systems approach to glycobiology and personalized/precision medicine." ### About the Journal OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology is an authoritative and highly innovative peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal published monthly online, addressing the latest advances at the intersection of postgenomics medicine, biotechnology and global society, including the integration of multi-omics knowledge, data analyses and modeling, and applications of high-throughput approaches to study complex biological and societal problems. Public policy, governance and societal aspects of the large-scale biology and 21st century data-enabled sciences are also peer-reviewed. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology website. About the Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many areas of science and biomedical research, including Journal of Computational Biology, ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies, and Zebrafish. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website. Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell's husband has spoken out about 'becoming a widower at 46' and being forced to 'completely rebuild his life'. The late actress lost her battle with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2019 at the age of just 55, three years after her diagnosis. Posting an emotional update to his followers on Facebook, Jez Hughes, 46, said he had never imagined losing his wife at such a young age, while praising Ricky Gervais' Netflix drama Afterlife for being 'bitingly close to the bone'. 'My soul mate': Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell's husband has spoken out about 'becoming a widower at 46' and being forced to 'completely rebuild his life' following her death Articulating the wide range of emotions he has felt over the last months, Jez wrote: 'A thought came to me yesterday that I'm going to have to completely rebuild my life. A bleeding obvious thought all things considered but it still surprised me with its clarity. 'No one expects to become a widower at 46, even the word is an odd one, barely used outside of official parlance.' Jez added that he had been watching Ricky Gervais' Afterlife, which follows a character whose wife died of cancer as he tries to find meaning in life again. Although Jez said he had never really enjoyed Ricky's work before he found the show 'bitingly close to the bone' with moments that were 'honest and true'. Tragic: The late actress lost her battle with stage 4 lung cancer in October 2019 at the age of just 55, three years after her diagnosis He wrote: 'A theme that kept emerging in Afterlife, and in other stuff I've read of people with similar experiences, is 'I have no choice'. Death has that affect, the non negotiable nature of it. 'When you come that close to it with someone who you share your heart, your bed, your most intimate thoughts and feelings, your dreams, your life path, your memories, your secrets, your soul- you begin to understand and experience death in completely new and visceral way. It's certainly nothing to be romanticised.' Jez expressed how the loss and grief had made it difficult to do even simple everyday tasks. He wrote: 'Grief needs both big, clear and open skies- to be able to see beyond the horizon- and at the same time small skies filled with clouds and rain- to experience the lashing wind and drench you in the bitter tears of memory and loss. Afterlife on Netflix: Ricky Gervais as provincial journalist Tony who lost his on-screen wife Lisa to cancer, with Brandy his on-screen dog 'Which is why it is difficult to focus on filling in your tax returns or paying all the overdue parking fines. Or, even mundane conversations. 'It's why the grieving want the world to stand still as that famous poem expressed, just for a bit, so they can rediscover their footing, find their moorings again. I share these words to feel them as well.' Leah previously described how she had an 'attitude of gratitude' during her cancer battle. She was often vocal about her cancer treatment, sharing her experiences in a blog and through interviews. In the months leading up to her death she wrote 'The Cancer Rebel's Manifesto for Life' to 'reject the notion of being a victim'. Heart felt: Jez wrote a message expressing the emotions he has gone through during the months after Leah's death. (Pt. 1) 'Communication is healing': He spoke of how life's mundane to-do list became hard to deal with after losing the love of his life In it, she said: 'I rebel against the fear of cancer, against pity from others and myself, against being defined by cancer, and against being bullied by cancer.' In her final interview in August, she said that she wouldn't 'let herself live in fear' adding that she was 'just going to have a good life.' She said: 'I don't need to go and fulfil a bucket list, that's not my style, I just want to do the things I want to do while I am healthy and strong. 'I won't let myself live in fear, I'm just going to live a good life.' The TV star, who also had roles in A Touch of Frost, The Royal Today and DCI Banks, was diagnosed in September 2016 after rapid weight gain around her abdomen and breathlessness prompted her to seek medical help. After she was diagnosed, fans helped her raise more than 50,000 to undergo groundbreaking treatment in Germany, which despite she later revealed had failed. While undergoing treatment, the media personality married her long-term partner Jez in a quiet ceremony at a grade II listed Georgian building in Horsham, West Sussex. Heartbreaking: The late actress lost her battle with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2019 at the age of just 55, three years after her diagnosis The Australian government on Monday said it could declare Koalas as an "endangered" species after their population suffered "extraordinary hit" in the bushfire crisis, which destroyed 30 per cent of their habitat across the country. Since September last year, the raging Australian bushfires, one of the worst in its history, has killed at least 26 people, burned over 10 million hectares of land, destroyed over 2,000 homes and pushed many species towards extinction. Over 1.25 billion animals are believed to be dead in the wake of bushfires and experts believe that hundreds of billions of insects may have been wiped out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. The government has established a 50-million Australian dollar emergency fund to address the devastating loss of wildlife. Announcing the funding commitment, Minister Sussan Ley said Australia's koala population has taken an "extraordinary hit" in the ongoing bushfires and could be listed as "endangered". The Threatened Species Scientific Committee will need to assess whether koalas have moved from a 'vulnerable' listing to being 'endangered' in some parts of the country, she said. Koala populations across the country are not all impacted by the fires. Koalas are listed as vulnerable in northern New South Wales (NSW) and south-east Queensland, and the fires have likely put them under more pressure there, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The bushfires this summer season has destroyed over 10 million hectares of land across the country, while over 8.4 million hectares have been destroyed in NSW alone. With 30 per cent of their habitat already been destroyed in the devastating bushfires, koalas -- the herbivorous marsupial animal native to Australia -- have become a big focus for the Australian government. "We know that our native flora and fauna have been very badly damaged. It will be some time before we know what that means for their numbers (and) koalas will be a big area of focus for us," Minister Ley said. "It may be necessary...to see whether in certain parts of the country, koalas move from where they are, which is often vulnerable, up to endangered," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It was easy to miss this during the live television broadcast, but a look back at the YouTube video shows how clueless some of the guests at the wedding were. During most of the song, Prince Charles kept his head buried in the program resting on his knee. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, openly flipped through hers, occasionally glancing up from behind her pink feathered brim with a look of total dismay. The Supreme Court Monday constituted a 4-member committee, including two of its forensic auditors, for speedy disposal of assets in auction of the now defunct Amrapali Group to raise funds for several stalled projects. The top court also asked National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to expeditiously start work on seven stalled projects of Amrapali Group. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and U U Lalit constituted the committee comprising Rajiv Bhatia and Pawan Aggarwal (forensic auditors); court appointed receiver, senior advocate R Venkatramani who will assist state-owned MSTC to auction the assets of Amrapali Group, and D K Mishra, a chartered accountant. "The committee will look into which properties should be sold first, what is its market value and how much revenue could be generated. Each and every thing will be seen by the committee. We need funds to complete the stalled projects," the bench said. It directed the NBCC to take up the construction work expeditiously and directed the apex court registry to pay Rs 14 crore to it for the work it has completed so far. The top court asked the NBCC to start the tender process for all the seven stalled projects of Amrapali in Noida and Greater Noida areas. It was informed that till now eight luxury cars which were attached on the court's order had been sold by MSTC along with three apartments. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on February 17. On December 18 last year, the apex court had directed SBICAP Ventures Ltd, which manages government sponsored Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) fund, to take a call within 10 days on financing the completion of stalled projects of the now defunct Amrapali Group. The top court had directed Venkatramani, who has been appointed custodian of properties of Amrapali Group, to make an application to SBICAP Ventures and furnish the requisite information with regard to the projects. It had asked the banks who have entered into loan agreements with the homebuyers directly or through Amrapali Group, to clear their stand on the suggestion of the court receiver that interest amount levied on defaults of the builder and homebuyers should be waived. The top court had also authorised the NBCC in consultation with the receiver, to undertake all urgent works such as lift erection, electricity, water connection and other remedial works and said that the funds required in this regard be made available on intimation to be received. Earlier, the apex court had cracked its whip on errant builders for breaching the trust reposed by home buyers and ordered cancellation of the registration of the Amrapali Group under real estate law RERA, and ousted it from prime properties in the NCR by nixing the land leases. It had directed the state-run NBCC to complete the stalled projects of the Amrapali Group, whose directors Anil Kumar Sharma, Shiv Priya and Ajay Kumar are behind bars on the top court's order. It directed the Centre and states to ensure that real estate projects are completed in a time-bound manner as contemplated in RERA and home buyers are not defrauded, and ordered the Noida and Greater Noida authorities to give completion certificate to the homebuyers of Amrapali group who are already residing in various projects. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) High Grade assays include intercepts of 58.3g/t Gold and 1,923g/t Silver over 1m and 6.3 g/t Gold and 1,071 g/t Silver over 1m All 3 Holes encountered 4 separate zones of significant mineralization. All 3 Holes encounter high-grade gold and silver zones. Strike-length expanded to the north 60m and at depth. VANCOUVER, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Silver Viper Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "Silver Viper") (TSX-V: VIPR) is pleased to announce initial results from the first three drillholes of Phase II drilling at La Virginia Gold-Silver Exploration Project, Sonora state, Mexico. The current campaign began in late November 2019 and expands upon the Company's initial test of the El Rubi target, a new gold-silver zone, first drilled by Silver Viper in late 2018. The El Rubi mineralized structure has now been intercepted along four sections for a total 160m of strike extent. The northerly trending target is open to the north, south and to depth. In addition to the El Rubi structure, results to date indicate the presence of additional mineralized footwall structures, in some cases indicating the presence of broader, lower-grade zones, stacked beneath the El Rubi high-grade mineralization. The current campaign was designed to total 5,000m of diamond drilling in approximately 20 holes. Silver Viper intends to expand the program should positive results continue to be realized. Mineralization at El Rubi is similar in character to other mineralized zones on the property such as La Virginia, Con Virginia and Las Huatas. Gold and silver mineralization is hosted in quartz veins, stockworks and breccias controlled along a north-northwest structural trend. The Phase I drilling at El Rubi comprised 5 drillholes on three 50m spaced sections, for a total strike-length of 100m. The first three holes of Phase II are reported herein and represent a single hole step-back on the northernmost Phase I section, (LV19-209), and two holes (LV19-210 and LV19-211) drilled from a new section situated about 60m further north, bringing the current known length of the El Rubi mineralization to 160m. Drilling at El Rubi is ongoing and will provide a systematic test of the structure on 50m sections. Silver Viper intends to generate sufficient data points to allow the calculation of a maiden resource estimate at La Virginia using historical and newly acquired exploration data. In addition to work at El Rubi, the program will continue to advance prospective targets elsewhere on the property. Silver Viper's President and CEO Steve Cope states, "The initial Phase II results from El Rubi further reinforce our expectations of El Rubi's importance to this project. In addition to multiple, narrow high-grade structures, we are also encountering new mineralization in the footwall. Our field crews are also working to advance our knowledge and understanding of structures highlighted by our reconnaissance surface sampling programs and plan to begin testing some of those targets shortly." Significant intercepts returned from LV19-209, LV19-210 and LV19-211 are tabulated below. HOLE From (m) To (m) Downhole Interval1 (m) Au ppm Ag ppm Ag g/t equiv2 LV19-209 213.0 214.8 1.8 3.22 1054 1280 AND 220.0 248.0 28 0.42 26 55 AND 258.0 265.5 7.5 0.333 16 39 AND 290.0 297.0 7 2.50 27 202 incl 290.0 293.0 3 5.27 41 410 LV19-210 73.0 79.0 6 1.47 216 319 incl 76.0 77.0 1 6.32 1071 1513 AND 183.0 185.0 2 1.34 78 172 AND 217.0 224.5 7.5 0.49 29 63 AND 299.5 301.0 1.5 0.98 43 112 LV19-211 137.0 141.5 4.5 0.73 48 99 incl 137.0 138.5 1.5 2.21 145 300 AND 188.0 192.5 4.5 13.39 446 1384 incl 189.0 190.0 1 58.3 1923 6004 AND 216.0 219.0 3 0.53 24 61 AND 221.0 230.0 9 1.37 40 136 1 True widths are difficult to estimate at this early stage of exploration. Silver Viper is working to clarify estimated true widths with the addition of data from the current drilling, surface outcrop measurements and sectional interpretations. 2 Silver Equivalent values were calculated using an Au:Ag ratio of 70:1, for example, Silver Equivalent grade = Ag grade + (Au grade x 70). About the Project La Virginia is located 220km east-northeast of Hermosillo, Sonora. It is a large exploration property, primarily prospective for fault-controlled, low-sulphidation epithermal precious metal mineralization. The property and historical exploration database were acquired by way of option agreements made with two distinct parties. Gold and silver mineralization at La Virginia occurs within breccias, veins and stockworks hosted primarily by andesitic volcanics, often in close spatial association to, or cross-cutting pre-mineral dacite dykes and controlled by fractures and faults that define the regional structural trend. Originally 37,700 hectares in size, Silver Viper's reconnaissance program has identified key targets and trends which are of primary interest. The Company has filed reductions of the large concessions to better focus efforts on the high priority trends. Silver Viper's Phase I drilling comprised work over five target areas totaling 4,753m in 20 drill holes. Phase II is underway and the Company intends to drill at least 5,000m, all in new areas not drilled by previous operators. Drilling by the Company to date builds upon a sizeable database including 52,635m of drill core from 188 diamond drill holes generated by the efforts of previous operators between 2010 and 2013. Silver Viper is expanding upon this work by continuing exploration northward into prospective untested ground. QA/QC Analytical results herein represent samples of halved diamond drill core submitted by Silver Viper staff directly to Bureau Veritas, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Samples were crushed, split and pulverized as per Bureau Veritas method PRP70-250, then analysed for gold by lead collection fire assay fusion on a 30g split with AAS finish, and for a multi-element suite including silver by multi-acid digestion with ICP-ES/MS finish. Samples triggering precious metal over-limit thresholds of 10g/t Au or 200g/t Ag were retested by lead collection fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish. Silver Viper monitors QA/QC using commercially sourced standards and locally sourced blank materials inserted within the sample sequence at regular intervals. Dale Brittliffe, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration is the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Ongoing verification of scientific and technical information is achieved by direct involvement in the exploration work, requiring regular site visits by the Qualified Person during the course of operations. About the Company Silver Viper Minerals Corp., is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration company focused on precious metals exploration in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. The Company currently operates the La Virginia Gold-Silver Project. Silver Viper has 100% ownership of the La Virginia concessions recently acquired from Pan American Silver Corp. and has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Rubi-Esperanza group of claims internal to those concessions. Silver Viper is under management provided by Belcarra Group Management Ltd., which is comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. On behalf of the board of directors, Steve Cope President and CEO Forward Looking Information Information set forth in this press 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. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development, the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's financial statements available on www.sedar.com. 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. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. 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 Silver Viper Minerals Corp. Related Links https://www.silverviperminerals.com/ There is a large number of MPs who havent nominated yet. From the conversations I have had this weekend I am fairly confident that, as long as I dont get any slippage, I will be fine. I am going to get across the line and then we will move on to the next stage. It is a long contest and it will have its ups and downs. I have been a slow starter, but I did start from a standing start after the general election. HOUSTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ranking and resource site, MBA Central (https://www.mbacentral.org/) has published a new ranking: The 15 Best Indiana Online MBA Degree Programs (https://www.mbacentral.org/top/best-indiana-online-mba/). Before starting a new online MBA program, applicants go through extensive measures to find programs that fit their current needs and those that will help them on their career path. There are many things to consider, including format, curriculum, accreditation, cost, and prestige. The ranking of the Top 15 Indiana Online MBA programs can be used as a helpful tool as prospective students are trying to find their way. MBA Central assessed all the hybrid and online MBA programs within the state of Indiana and ranked them on their Affordability (33%), Quality of Classes (33%), and Online Support Services (33%). Information was collected from publicly available sources, including the Financial Times, Quacquarelli Symonds, the National Center for Education Statistics, US News, the Princeton Review, and each university website. Topping this ranking of the 15 Best Indiana Online MBA Degrees is Ball State University's Miller College of Business, located in Muncie, Indiana. Next is the University of Southern Indiana's Romain College of Business in Evansville, Indiana, in second place, followed by Anderson University's Falls School of Business located in Anderson, Indiana, in third. Additional schools in this ranking are (alphabetically ordered): Bethel University Division of Adult and Graduate Studies -- Mishawaka, Indiana Grace College School of Professional & Online Education -- Winona Lake, Indiana Indiana Tech College of Business -- Fort Wayne, Indiana Indiana University Kelley School of Business -- Bloomington, Indiana Indiana University Northwest School of Business and Economics -- Gary, Indiana Indiana Wesleyan University DeVoe School of Business -- Marion, Indiana Oakland City University School of Business -- Oakland City, Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne Doermer School of Business -- Fort Wayne, Indiana Purdue University Global -- Indianapolis, Indiana Purdue University Krannert School of Management -- West Lafayette, Indiana Trine University College of Graduate and Professional Studies -- Angola, Indiana University of Saint Francis Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership -- Fort Wayne, Indiana Indiana is known for many things, including its exceptional colleges and universities. Schools within this list have long histories of academic excellence and are rooted in traditions of "developing the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow." This list includes some of the top business schools in the country that houses accomplished faculty. Residency within the state is not mandatory for an online MBA program, which means that students around the country have the opportunity to launch into their management careers with some of the most prestigious MBA brands in the country. "Tremendous schedule flexibility and program customizations enable students to be the designers of their destiny," states Tammie Cagle, Editor of MBA Central. "Earning an MBA or professional certificate can open doors, empower career change, impact earning potential, and grow lifelong networking contacts." These top Indiana Online MBA programs, through convenience, flexibility, and academic excellence, offer graduate students an accessible tool to help them reach the next stage in their career. MBA Central is an editorially unique b-school ranking and resource site. As higher education researchers and businessmen and women ourselves, we have striven to provide rankings and insights into selecting a business school and pursuing your career. Contact: Tammie Cagle - Editor MBA Central [email protected] 425-440-0619 SOURCE MBA Central Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said the state government is taking steps to resolve the ongoing power crisis. The assurance came on a day when maximum power cut of four hours in the state capital and six hours in the rural areas was imposed in view of the shortage. The power shortage was due to the failure of two power projects in Tripura and Assam, officials said. The state did not get about 30 MW electricity due to breakdown of the Palatana project in Tripura and 20 MW due to breakdown of Kupli hydro-electric project at the Meghalaya- Assam border, the chief minister said. Meghalaya was also supposed to get electricity through power banking because it has sold some amount of energy during the rainy season to other states through the NTPC, he said. However, due to a notification issued by the central government on June 26 last year, such exchange of power can happen through a letter of credit (LC), Sangma added. "The breakdown of the power projects has affected the state and our people. Moreover, the notification has also hit us," he said. Assuring people that measures have been taken to find a solution, the chief minister said that things will improve in the next few days. "We are getting a positive response and hope the points we are working on will materialise and then we will see a major relief from the load-shedding," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From Feed your Soul to Let the Good Times Roll Louisianas fun slogans are certainly fitting in Lake Charles, a vibrant city in the southwestern corner of the state. Known as Festival City, Lake Charles hosts more than 75 fairs and festivals each year, including the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. New Orleans Mardi Gras is more famous, but Lake Charles version of the Fat Tuesday festival feels a bit different with a focus on family-friendly events and Cajun traditions. Along with the pomp and pageantry, zydeco music and dancing, there is the famous chicken run, in which participants chase chickens through the countryside, honoring an old tradition of garnering ingredients for the community pot of gumbo. Mardi Gras season begins in early January with Twelfth Night parties and various events leading up to the actual Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) on Feb 25, 2020, before Ash Wednesday. Lake Charles hosts a variety of celebrations during Mardi Gras weekend including the childrens parade featuring 80 floats and lots of bead throwing, boat and canine parades, a gumbo cook-off and the Royal Gala, where the public is invited to view the royal court costumes of all the krewes. Among favorite Fat Tuesday events, the Iowa Chicken Run is held in a nearby community, and the grand Krewe of Krewes parade through downtown culminates the Mardi Gras celebration. You dont have to attend Mardi Gras to get the lowdown on the longstanding traditions; you can learn what the pageantry is all about at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, which holds the largest costume display in the South. Open year-round, the museum has exhibits on festival history, how the elaborate costumes are designed and made, and the legendary King Cake. Other notable festivals in Lake Charles include the Crawfish Festival and The Louisiana Pirate Festival, where pirates sail in on the waterways and storm the seawall in a historical reenactment of John Lafitte privateering. Summer brings the Cajun French Music and Food Festival, the Arts and Crabs Fest, and Boudin Wars. Wintertime favorites are Christmas Under the Oaks and Light up the Lake Christmas Festival. Cajun or Creole? Deeply rooted in Cajun and Creole traditions, Lake Charles is the heartbeat of Calcasieu Parish, which includes the rural towns of Sulphur, Westlake, DeQuincy, Vinton and Iowa. I learned on a recent visit that Cajun and Creole cultural and culinary influences are closely linked, though subtly different. Both cultures exhibit joie de vivre (joy of living) and share a love for music and dance. Both combine culinary flavors from Native American, African and European cooking, and many dishes are made with the holy trinity (onions, bell peppers, and celery). Creole is derived from the Portuguese word crioulu, meaning homegrown. The distinctive European culinary styles and West Indian influence call for a lot of sauces, fresh herbs and spices. The French Canadian (Cajun) influence comes from French colonists in eastern Canada who were displaced by war in the late 18th century. They came to Louisiana with great resourcefulness and ability to live off the land. Their cuisine is often more rich and robust and is usually made in one pot. Good Eats, where the spice is right Being a gumbo-lover, I sought to try Louisianas signature dish everywhere I went. By definition, gumbo is an improvised dish, so I found no two that tasted alike; and most surprisingly, none that I sampled was made with okra. Basic ingredients for authentic Louisiana gumbo are the roux (made with flour and oil), seafood, various spices and water. Usually the trinity ingredients are included for flavor, along with sausage and/or chicken. Perhaps gumbo made with okra is a matter of preference, but I plan to keep using it in my home recipe. Boudin is Southwest Louisianas most adored specialty, a hybrid sausage made of pork or beef, liver, rice, parsley, onions, and spices. It combines the traditions and flavors of German, Cajun and Creole cuisine. If you drive the designated Boudin Trail you can sample many varieties: boudin blanc, crawfish boudin, shrimp boudin, alligator boudin and more. You can watch it being made at LeBleus Landing, a family-owned Cajun meat market and cafe. Check VisitLakeCharles.org/boudintrail for a map and listing of markets and restaurants along the trail. Seafood lovers are in heaven in Southwest Louisiana with countless choices of fresh Gulf Coast fish and shell fish. Head for Tia Juanitas Fish Camp for brunch and a delightful menu of Cajun/Mexican fusion. For downhome cooking, try Southern Spice, a cozy restaurant featuring fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and Cajun dishes including Etouffee and jambalaya. The Jack Daniels Bar & Grill at LAuberge Casino offers some of the best Louisiana cuisine by award-winning chef Lyle Broussard. Along with Jack Daniels craft cocktails and grand selection of beers on tap, the menu features oysters, shrimp, gator bites, gumbo, boudin balls, catfish, redfish and barbecue. Craft beer lovers will find the newest craft brews in town at Crying Eagle Brewing, and rum drinkers will want to visit Bayou Rum Distillery & Louisiana Spirits, the largest private rum distillery in the U.S. Bayou Rum is handcrafted on-site in a traditional copper pot using 100% natural unrefined Louisiana cane sugar and molasses. Distillery tours and tastings are offered. Whether or not you visit Lake Charles during one of its lively festivals, youll find countless opportunities to discover Louisianas rich heritage and culinary highlights, as well as year-round attractions, from casino gambling to nature parks, bayou tours and outdoor adventure. Getting there: Lake Charles has a small train depot serviced by Amtrak and a small airport serviced by American and United Airlines. https://www.visitlakecharles.org/ ------ Ann Newell Yungmeyer is a freelance writer and enjoyed learning about Cajun traditions near her familys namesake town of Newellton, La. The U.S. Supreme Court is leaving in place the public nudity convictions of three women who removed their bathing suit tops on a New Hampshire beach as part of a global campaign advocating for the rights of women to go topless. The justices declined Monday to review a state court decision that found no violation of the women's constitutional rights. Heidi Lilley, Kia Sinclair and Ginger Pierro are part of the Free the Nipple campaign, a global effort advocating for the rights of women to go topless. They were arrested in 2016 after removing their tops at a beach in Laconia and refusing to put them on when beachgoers complained. Pierro was doing yoga, while the two others were sunbathing. Heidi Lilley is one of three women arrested in 2016 for going topless in New Hampshire The U.S. Supreme Court is leaving in place the public nudity convictions of three women who removed their bathing suit tops on a New Hampshire beach as part of a global campaign advocating for the rights of women to go topless. In this August 2017 photo, women go topless during Go Topless Day at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire Dan Hynes, who represented the women, said he was disappointed. They are considering their next option, he said, including filing for relief in federal court and asking the New Hampshire legislature 'to make it clear that towns and cities lack the authority to create violations of law involving someone's sex.' 'The government should not be allowed to create a crime that requires proof of someone's sex as an element of the offense,' he said in a statement. 'It is unfortunate that 100 years after being granted the right to vote, the City of Laconia has decided to keep women second class citizens, with permission of the New Hampshire Supreme Court.' The three women argue there's no state law forbidding female toplessness and that the ordinance is discriminatory since men are allowed to go shirtless. Kia Sinclair (left) and Ginger Pierro (right) pictured In a 3-2 ruling last year, New Hampshire's highest court upheld the conviction of the three women, finding their constitutional rights were not violated. The court decided that Laconia's ordinance does not discriminate on the basis of gender or violate the women's right to free speech. The Laconia law on indecent exposure bans sex and nudity in public but singles out women by prohibiting the 'showing of female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any part of the nipple.' For Lilley, who has fought for women's rights for decades, the case has come to symbolize more than just women being able to choose their beach attire. It's part of an effort to draw attention to inequality 'straight across the board,' though she seemed frustrated that women taking off their top was still so controversial. 'It shouldn't be an issue,' she said. New Hampshire is just one of several places around the country where topless bans have been litigated. Heidi Lilley is pictured 'It's not an issue if a man takes off his shirt. Why should it be an issue if a woman takes off her shirt?' New Hampshire is just one of several places around the country where topless bans have been litigated. Supporters celebrated in February when the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling blocking a Fort Collins, Colorado, law against women going topless in public. The justices sided with activists who argued that the ban treated women and men differently. A federal judge, meanwhile, ruled in October 2017 that a public indecency law in Missouri didn't violate the state constitution by allowing men, but not women, to show their nipples. A court allowed a San Francisco public nudity ban to remain on the books in 2013. There is no doubt that President Donald J. Trump's reckless assassination of a top Iranian general escalated tensions with one of our more dangerous adversaries and further destabilized the Middle East. If the United States manages to avoid war with Iran, it won't be because of any wise moves on the part of our president. His decision to discard the nuclear agreement with Tehran was already a colossal blunder one bound to have more dire consequences now. Still, there is plenty of blame to go around for the current mess in the Middle East. George W. Bush has enjoyed a rehabilitated reputation, mostly because he was the last Republican president whose administration was not a daily clown fiesta. It's easy, now, to look back and imagine Bush as a statesman. He wasn't. His foolhardy invasion of Iraq has been extremely costly. The U.S. Treasury has spent billions of dollars. Thousands of American servicemen and servicewomen have been killed, as have tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers and insurgents. But that is a relatively minor toll compared to the number of civilians killed in violence since the invasion more than 200,000, according to the Iraq Body Count Project. That's not all. While Republican hawks and neoconservatives who cheered for the invasion are loath to admit it, the decision to topple Saddam Hussein thug though he was strengthened and emboldened Iran. He was the mortal enemy of the ayatollahs who control Iran, and his hostility helped keep Iran in check. So few Americans understand the political and cultural realities of the Middle East that the Lindsay Grahams and Mike Pompeos of the world can get away with their unvarnished lies about U.S. military strikes keeping peace in the region. But it isn't just average voters who know little about Iran and Iraq. Bush didn't know much, either. According to credible reports in the aftermath of his decision to invade Iraq, Bush didn't know the difference between Sunnis and Shiite different branches of Islam that have been in violent conflict for centuries. Iran's ayatollahs and most of its citizens are Shiite; though Saddam's rule was largely secular, he grew up as a Sunni. Think of it as similar to the violent conflicts between Catholics and Protestants that dominated Western Europe for generations. They were all Christians, but each group believed God wanted them to kill the other side. In 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, leading to a bloody eight-year war that killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers but left no clear winner. (The United States, for its part, provided logistical support to Iraq, believing it was in our strategic interest to do so.) By 1988, both countries were humbled a situation that America and its allies regarded as akin to stability. When the U.S. invaded Iraq in 1991, President George H.W. Bush sagely left Saddam in power. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. But then came 9/11, an atrocity in which Iraq played absolutely no part. It was carried out largely by Saudis; the ringleader, a Saudi named Osama bin Laden, had found safe haven in Afghanistan. But before U.S. forces could hunt him down there, George W. Bush invaded Iraq again. It seems that a combination of reckless ambitions, arrogance and a desire for retribution came together in that misbegotten drive to war. At the time, Americans still grieving over the death toll from 9/11 were hopped up on bloodlust, ready to seek revenge against any Muslim nation, whether or not it had sought to attack us. Democrats who should have known better and that includes Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, both of whom were serving in the U.S. Senate were afraid to counsel against war for fear that their political standing would be adversely affected. Then-Secretary of State Colin Powell, who certainly knew better, lent his credibility to the lies that were told in support of that misadventure, one from which we have not yet extricated ourselves. Indeed, the toppling of Hussein and the resulting instability led to the rise of the Islamic State group, a faction of Sunni jihadists. Given the mess in Iraq, you might think that our elected leaders would have learned some important lessons about the limits of our military might and the awful consequences of our hubris. But maybe not. Prague and Taipei signed a partnership agreement on Monday in an apparent snub to Beijing after the Czech capital dropped it as a sister city just three months ago. The move is expected to revive an ongoing dispute between the Czech and Chinese capitals that has soured Czech-Chinese relations despite a campaign by Czech president Milos Zeman for closer ties. Prague mayor Zdenek Hrib, from the anti-establishment Pirate Party, cancelled a twinning agreement with Beijing in October in protest at Chinese insistence on a one-China policy. Hrib hailed the new twinning with Taipei as "most beneficial" for both parties on Monday, citing "shared democratic values, respect for fundamental human rights and cultural freedoms." Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but under its "One-China" policy, Beijing considers it a part of its territory, with reunification by force an option. "Prague has its own choice to become a sister city with cities of the world and I think Beijing should also let Prague the right to choose," Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je told AFP after Monday's ceremony, speaking via an interpreter. Hrib condemned China as an "unreliable partner" in an interview run by German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on Sunday. He added China was "full of resentment" and was trying to influence Czech public opinion, and that he could not sign an agreement that forced Prague to "speak out against the independence of Tibet and Taiwan." Monday's signature comes only days after Taiwan emphatically re-elected incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, a result widely seen as a rebuff to China. Hrib also accused the Czech government of "neglecting" ideals of the peaceful 1989 Velvet Revolution that ended four decades of communist rule in former Czechoslovakia, as it bows to China on many fronts. President Zeman is well known for his pro-Chinese stance, while the financial PPF Group of the wealthiest Czech, Petr Kellner, is a major player on China's loan market. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Flash Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Burundian Foreign Minister Ezechiel Nibigira in Bujumbura on Saturday. Wang said Burundi is an "all-weather friend" of China in Africa, stressing that high level of political mutual trust is the salient feature of the bilateral relations which have also been demonstrated by firmly mutual support. China is willing to continue to strengthen exchanges at all levels with Burundi so as to elevate bilateral relations to a new stage, Wang said. Wang said China thanks Burundi for its support on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns, and it will support Burundi in defending its sovereignty,independence and legitimate rights. Wang said the two countries should further dovetail their development ideas and deepen pragmatic cooperation. He said China is willing to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation with Burundi under the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road and implementing the eight major initiatives proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), with a focus on infrastructure construction and agriculture. Wang said China encourages and supports qualified and credible Chinese enterprises to invest in Burundi, and will continue to provide help for Burundi's economic and social development within its capacity. Wang said the two countries share the same stance on major international issues, adding that they should continue to carry out their international coordination and jointly safeguard multilateralism and the legitimate interests of Africa and developing countries. Wang said China attaches importance to Burundi's concern in the Great Lakes region and is willing to play a constructive role for the region's peace and stability. Nibigira welcomed Wang to Burundi, which is one of Wang's destinations on his first visit in the new year,saying the move shows that China attaches great importance to Burundi-China relations. Nibigira said Burundi sincerely thanks China for its selfless help to Burundi and highly appreciates China's important role in international and African affairs. Nibigira said, no matter how its internal situation may evolve, Burundi is firmly committed to a friendly policy toward China and will continue to give firm support to China on all issues involving China's core interests and major concerns. Burundi is willing to speed up the joint building of the Belt and Road with China and implement related projects under the framework of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC, Nibigira said. Nibigira said Burundi welcomes Chinese enterprises and their investments and is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various sectors. Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, has admitted that the prospect of the United States pursuing an isolationist foreign policy keeps him awake at night. Many other people will be kept awake by the prospect of Donald Trump pursuing an interventionist policy abroad. Indeed, the world held its breath last week after the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, as it awaited Irans response and Americas response to that response. Fortunately, wise heads in Tehran and Washington prevailed. The immediate flashpoint seems to have passed, even though huge underlying tensions remain. Mr Wallaces candour in acknowledging that the UK cannot rely on the US being alongside it in future large-scale military operations is welcome. He told The Sunday Times: The assumptions of 2010 that we were always going to be part of a US coalition on everything, is really just not where we are going to be. He cited Mr Trumps decision to withdraw US forces from Syria and his call for Nato to do more in the Middle East. He's best known for dodging bullets and beating bad guys to a pulp, but Hollywood tough guy Sylvester Stallone also has a gentler, artistic side. And the actor turned painter is set to launch a solo art exhibition in New York City. In these exclusive DailyMailTV photos Stallone, 73, is seen meeting with New York gallerist Georges Berges who he approached to exhibit his work. Berges flew to Los Angeles and spent two hours at Stallone's private art studio at his $35 million Beverly Hills mansion on Tuesday. The pair is planning a retrospective exhibition starting in the Spring and running for a month at the Georges Berges Gallery in Manhattan's SoHo district. Sylvester Stallone is set to launch a solo art exhibition in New York City. DailyMailTV obtained exclusive photos of Stallone, 73, meeting with New York gallerist Georges Berges (pictured together) as the pair is now planning the exhibition Sylvester Stallone Revealed: A Retrospective, 50 Years of Art will feature the actor's life's work, in what will be the pinnacle of the star's painting career 'Arnold [Schwarzenegger] was over last night for a Christmas Eve get together and I gave him this paining that I am proud to say is going to be auctioned off at his upcoming charity event in Europe,' Stallone said in a tweet Sylvester Stallone Revealed: A Retrospective, 50 Years of Art will feature the actor's life's work, in what Berges says will be the pinnacle of the star's career as a painter. 'I'm giving him a solo exhibition in New York City in the next few months and in Berlin at my other gallery in the Fall,' he told DailyMailTV exclusively. 'We are working hand and glove together, not only developing his work but also getting him the recognition he deserves as an artist. It will be ground-breaking for him personally and also for the art world. 'His early figurative work and abstract canvases are prized pieces.' One piece that Berges is particularly impressed with is called On Finding Rocky - a 1975 painting of the boxer that Stallone made while writing and starring in the movie of the same name. Stallone said that he wanted to see what his Rocky Balboa character would look like before giving him lines or sending him up staircases in Philadelphia. 'He wanted to picture who this Rocky person was, he wanted to visualize it, so he painted it and afterwards wrote the script - that's testament to the fact he was a visual artist well before he was a writer and movie star,' says Berges. The gallerist says Stallone painted the original Rocky piece in Hell's Kitchen in New York - where he was born - so the exhibition will be a 'coming home celebration'. 'It's the first solo exhibition in New York he's ever had, so it will be very special,' he explained. Berges says through Stallone's abstract art 'you can really identify with him.' The pair is planning an exhibition for the Spring and running for a month at the Georges Berges Gallery in Manhattan's SoHo district Berges flew to Los Angeles and spent two hours at Stallone's private art studio at his $35 million Beverly Hills mansion on Tuesday where the pair reviewed the artwork Stallone, who studied art and has been painting since he was eight-years-old, began nurturing his more sensitive side way before he starred in the hit Rocky and Rambo movies Stallone and Berges plan to showcase Stallone's work at Berges' galleries in Berlin and more 'When you see some of these abstract pieces he really universalizes the experience of his own life,' Berges says. 'It puts you in touch not only with him as a person but also the universal experience of what it is to be a human being.' Comparing some of Stallone's art to famed abstract artist Mark Rothko, Berges added that he and Stallone 'connected' over his work. 'He really felt that I understood the pieces, his use of texture and color and form to paint a message that is non-verbal. It's a true experience you can only define in feeling. 'The pieces that he's done in the 60s, the 70s, 80s, 90s, you're essentially getting a retrospective of all the decades that he's been painting. 'The art really gives you an authentic view of who Sylvester Stallone is.' Berges regards Stallone's early figurative work and abstract canvases as 'prized pieces,' he tells DailyMailTV 'When you see some of these abstract pieces he really universalizes the experience of his own life,' Berges says Stallone's artwork, of which there are more than 300 pieces, has sold for up to $500,000 Stallone, who studied art and has been painting since he was eight-years-old, began nurturing his more sensitive side way before he starred in the hit Rocky and Rambo movies. He has previously exhibited in Nice, France, St Moritz, Switzerland, and the Russian Museum in St Petersburg, Russia. Stallone's artwork, of which there are more than 300 pieces, has sold for up to $500,000. Friends Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Travolta both own pieces by the actor. Stallone, who in the past has admitted he likes to paint in his pajamas or in the nude, is also an avid art collector and owns pieces by Claude Monet and Francis Bacon. PAU, France - French and West African heads of states vowed to boost their military efforts under a joint command in Africas Sahel region, which has seen a surge of deadly violence. They also urged the U.S. to maintain its key support in the fight against Islamic extremism. Leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mauritania on Monday joined French President Emmanuel Macron in discussing security issues at the summit in the southern French city of Pau. In a joint declaration, they reaffirmed their determination to fight together against the terrorist groups. African leaders said they want Frances military presence on their ground and called for more international support. They also expressed their gratitude toward the crucial help of the United States amid fears it may reduce its troops across the African continent. Macron said such a U.S. move would be bad news. I hope I can convince President Trump that the fight against terrorism ... is also at stake in this region, he added. The White House National Security Council tweeted Monday that the United States strongly supports African, French, and international efforts in the Sahel to strengthen security and combat terrorism. France and the five Sahel countries agreed to concentrate military efforts immediately along the porous border separating Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso with a unified military command. Extremist fighters move about the area with little challenge. Macron said the priority is to combat the Islamic State of the Greater Sahara, an IS group affiliate. To reach this goal, we are changing the method by implementing a military coalition with a joint command of French and African forces, he added. Macron said the new military structure will improve intelligence sharing and allow troops to be more responsive on the ground. A similar summit will be held in June in Mauritania to asses the results. The summit comes as Niger said the death toll from an attack by Islamic extremists last week on its military rose to at least 89, making it the most deadly attack of its kind in years in the country. Macron seeks to counter anti-French sentiment that has bubbled up amid frustration over the extremist attacks that killed thousands of people last year alone. France, which once colonized much of West Africa, has some 4,500 troops in the sprawling Sahel region and has been accused by some residents of failing to stabilize it. Some in Mali, which has struggled for close to a decade with extremism, have protested the French presence. Some 220 additional troops will reinforce the French force, Macron announced. Macron denounced as disgraceful criticism of French military involvement. Who fell for the security of Malian, Nigerien, Burkinabe people? French soldiers, he said. He added: The French military is there for the (regions) security and stability. I dont have any other interest. Macron called the summit with West African leaders following a helicopter collision during a combat operation in November that killed 13 French soldiers fighting Islamic extremists in Mali near the Niger border. It was Frances worst military loss in nearly four decades. The six heads of state attended a ceremony Monday at the military base of Pau, where seven French soldiers who died were based. Initially scheduled for December, the summit was postponed after a Dec. 11 attack by Islamic extremists that killed at least 71 soldiers in Niger, the deadliest such assault against Nigerien troops. The French military operation, Frances largest overseas mission, enjoys broad support at home. France intervened in Mali in 2013 after extremists seized control of major towns in the north and implemented a harsh version of Islamic law. The fighters were expelled but have since regrouped. U.N. envoy for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, last week said the attacks have increased five-fold in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger since 2016, with over 4,000 deaths reported in 2019 compared with an estimated 770 deaths in 2016, Chambas said. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday invited Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and leaders of other legislature parties to discuss issues pertaining to two bills, with the CPI(M) and the Congress remaining non-committal on attendance. Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan said he would be at an event in Delhi the day before and a decision would be taken on the meeting following consultations with the party's central leadership. Earlier in the day, the governor had taken to Twitter to convene an all-party meet on January 17 to seek "guidance" and a "way forward" on two bills -- West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 and West Bengal State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Bill, 2019 -- which have been passed by the Assembly and were waiting for his consent. "@MamataOfficial. I have invited leaders of the Legislature Parties in the Legislative Assembly on 17.1.2020 at 12 noon at Raj Bhavan, Kolkata as regards pendency of West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 and West Bengal State Commission for SC and ST Bill 2019," he tweeted. In a letter attached with the tweet, he said, "As regards both the Bills, highest attention is being bestowed by me for their consideration at my end, essential inputs have been sought from the West Bengal legislative assembly as also the state government. "In spite of repeated serious efforts at my end, the requisite information is not forthcoming and that has resulted in further appropriate consideration of the Bill in terms of the Constitution." Apart from Banerjee and Mannan, the letter was sent to CPI(M) legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty, and leaders of the RSP, the AIFB, CPI, GJM and the BJP. "The step was being taken for this meeting as on one hand the inputs are not being made available and on the other hand, total factually untenable information is being put in public domain both at the level of the Assembly as also the state government," Dhankhar wrote on his Twitter handle. Shortly after, Mannan told a press meet here that a Congress delegation had earlier met the governor to point out "unwanted changes" made in the original draft of lynching prevention bill, but the party had no reservations regarding the SC-ST bill. "We will decide about the issue (meeting the governor) after talking to the central leadership of our party. There is an event scheduled on January 16 in Delhi, which I will attend. We will take a decision after considering all these factors," he said. CPI(M) legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty stated that he was ready to sit with the governor for a discussion on the bills, but not on the proposed date. "Due to a prior commitment on January 17, I can't attend the meeting with the governor. I will inform him accordingly," he said. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, however, welcomed the governor's call and said his party was positive about attending the meeting. The ruling Trinamool Congress is yet to officially react on the governor's overture. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 2020 Annual Art Competition for Young Artists Gibraltar Cultural Services are inviting local artists to participate in the annual Art Competition for Young Artists that will be held in February 2020. Closing date for receipt of entries is 6pm on Friday 14th February 2020. The competition is open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar attending school in years 9 to 13 (or College equivalent), as well as to young Gibraltarian artists aged up to 24 years old as at 25th February 2020. Works must be original and not previously entered competitively, with the exception of non-winning entries in the 2019 Spring Visual Arts Competition and 2019 International Art Competition. Artists may submit a maximum of three paintings/drawings and two sculptures. Unframed artworks will also be accepted. All entries will be exhibited at the John Mackintosh Hall from the 26th February to 6th March 2020. Prizes to be awarded are: 1st Prize The Ministry of Culture Prize 1,000 2nd Prize The AquaGib Award 500 The Alwani Foundation Award (School Years 9 to 11) 500 The Alwani Foundation Award (School Years 12 to 13) 500 The Arts Society Sculpture Award 500 The Peoples Choice Award 100 All the artworks listed above will become property of the Ministry of Culture. Entry forms and full conditions are available from: Bayside and Westside Comprehensive Schools Gibraltar College of Further Education The Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery, City Hall The GEMA, Gibraltar Exhibitions of Modern Art, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street Or via email from: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or http://www.culture.gi Entries may be handed in at the John Mackintosh Hall as from Wednesday 12th February 2020 from 3.30pm to 6pm. Closing date for receipt of entries is 6pm on Friday 14th February 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:10:35|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN envoy for Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, on Monday called for efforts to preserve the hard-won gains in Colombia's peace process through the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). During 2019, Colombia continued making significant strides in its peace process even in the face of serious challenges, particularly in terms of security for conflict-affected communities, social leaders and former combatants, Massieu told the Security Council. Enhanced participation and improved security in the October 2019 regional elections demonstrated the positive impact of the peace process on Colombian democracy. Thousands of former combatants who only a few years ago were armed with weapons of war continue to forge new lives through the opportunities provided by peace, he said. Massieu said the hard-won gains must be protected, preserved and built upon, and that the best path is through the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement between the government and FARC. He encouraged the two parties to deepen their dialogue regarding any differences in the implementation of the agreement. "We remain convinced that the full implementation of the peace agreement, in all its interconnected aspects, provides the best possible hope for Colombia to lay the foundations for a more peaceful and prosperous future." The Colombian government and FARC struck a peace deal in August 2016 after four years of negotiations in Havana, Cuba, ending a five-decades-long conflict in the country. Massieu is leading the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, which is tasked to verify the reintegration of former FARC fighters. Despite progress in many aspects, pervasive violence in conflict-affected areas continues to threaten the consolidation of peace, as illustrated by several profoundly worrying developments in the last few weeks, said Massieu. The perpetrators of attacks against social leaders and former combatants, including the masterminds behind such attacks, must be brought swiftly to justice, and more effective measures are imperative to protect these individuals and their communities, he said. He called for attention to the more than 9,000 former combatants living outside the designated territorial areas, who face higher security risks and additional obstacles to access basic services and educational, employment and productive opportunities. Former combatants of ethnic origin and those with disabilities should also be given special attention. Sustained measures are also needed to provide protective environments for over 2,000 children of former combatants, he said. "Peace will not be fully achieved if the brave voices of social leaders continue to be silenced through violence and if former combatants who laid down their weapons and are committed to their reintegration continue to be killed." Sunday's announcement by authorities that they had thwarted a planned attempt to assassinate former FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, alias Timochenko, underscored the risks facing former FARC members and the peace process itself, and how crucially important it is to guarantee their security, said Massieu. The peace agreement contains far-sighted provisions to address a multitude of challenges that have afflicted Colombia for decades, he said. The development programs with a territorial focus are helping bring much-needed investments for conflict-affected populations. Regarding illicit economies, the peace agreement created a crop substitution program to support families in transitioning away from coca cultivation to other productive endeavors. The peace agreement provided for the development of a public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups, criminal structures and their support networks, he said. The UN Verification Mission and the UN system in Colombia will continue to support the parties to move forward. The support of the international community, and of the Security Council, in particular, will remain key, he said. Schoolboy tortured for alleged cow lifting in Gaibandha Staff Reporter : A 13-year-old schoolboy has been brutally tortured allegedly by some local influential people on suspicion of lifting a cow at Dhumaitari village in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha district. Rafiqul Islam, a student of eighth grader and resident of Dhumaitari village, was picked up by three persons from his house on Saturday suspecting him to be a cow lifted on Friday, police said. Then, they tortured the boy mercilessly at the house of a local influential Afser Pramanik. Others also beat up the boy again until police rescued the victim in a critical condition, said Abdullaheel Zaman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sundarganj Police Station. Rafiqul is now undergoing treatment at Sundaraganj Upazila Health Complex, the OC said. Victim's elder brother Shafiqul Islam later filed a case with the respective police station accusing 13 persons on Sunday night, the OC said. Police on Monday conducted a drive in the area and arrested two persons - Rana Mia and Abbas Mia-in connection with the incident. The incident went viral in social media, the other accused reportedly fled away from the area to avert arrest, he said. Police are conducting drives to nab the other accused in the case, OC further said. Spokesman insists government did not lie about plane shootdown, dismisses Trumps messages of support for protesters. Irans government grappling with public anger following the shooting down of a commercial passenger jet has denied a cover-up after it took days for officials to admit that the plane was mistakenly shot down during a confrontation with the United States. In these sorrowful days, many criticisms were directed at relevant officials and authorities some officials were even accused of lying and a cover-up but, in all honesty, that was not the case, government spokesman Ali Rabiei said in remarks aired on state television on Monday. The Kyiv-bound flight (PS752) of Ukraine International Airlines, had crashed minutes after the takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. It happened just hours after Iran launched missile attacks on US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US assassination of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. Rabiei insisted Irans civilian officials only learned on Friday that an Iranian missile had downed the plane. The point is that we did not lie, he said, going on to blame the US for spreading the shadow of war over Iran. Sadness turns to anger Public anger, rumbling for days as officials repeatedly denied the plane had been hit by an Iranian missile, erupted into protests on Saturday when the armed forces admitted causing the plane crash unintentionally. Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of people taking to the streets of Tehran to mourn the plane crash victims and demand accountability, turning their ire towards senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations also broke out on Sunday while Reuters news agency reported on Monday that protesters took to the streets for a third day on Monday. Videos on social media, posted late on Sunday, recorded gunshots in the vicinity of protests in Tehrans Azadi Square. Footage showed blood on the ground, wounded being carried and people who seemed to be security personnel running with rifles. Other posts showed riot police hitting protesters with batons as people nearby shouted: Dont beat them! They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here, a group outside a Tehran university chanted. The veracity of the footage could not be independently verified. On Monday, Tehran police denied officers had opened fire at demonstrators. At protests, police absolutely did not shoot because the capitals police officers have been given orders to show restraint, Hossein Rahimi, the head of Tehran police, said in a statement. Crocodile tears The latest escalation in tensions between the US and Iran is rooted in US President Donald Trumps decision in 2018 to withdraw from a nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015, and reimpose punishing economic sanctions as part a maximum pressure campaign against Tehran that have severely harmed the Iranian economy. Irans leadership faced mass protests in November following a surprise government decision to ration petrol and raise prices to fund cash benefits for the countrys poorest citizens. Trump meanwhile weighed in on the recent protests in Iran, with messages posted in Persian and in English on his Twitter account praising the great Iranian people while telling Irans authorities not to kill protesters. In response, Rabiei on Monday dismissed Trumps tweets and said the Iranian people would remember he killed Soleimani, whose assassination prompted massive mourning ceremonies across Iran over several days, and was the reason many were facing economic challenges. The US president was shedding crocodile tears when voicing concern for Iranians, Rabiei added. Disastrous mistake Trump has said the goal of Washingtons departure of the landmark nuclear deal under which sanctions were eased in return for Iran curbing its nuclear programme was to force Tehran to agree to a more stringent pact. But Iran, which denies seeking nuclear arms, has repeatedly said it will not negotiate as long as US sanctions are in place. The recent flare-up began in December when rockets fired at US bases in Iraq killed a US contractor. Washington blamed pro-Iran militia and launched air raids that killed at least 25 fighters. The militia surrounded the US embassy in Baghdad for two days, and Trump later ordered the strike on Soleimani, the head of the overseas forces of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran retaliated on Wednesday by firing missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops, but did not cause any casualties. The Ukrainian plane, on its way to Kyiv, crashed hours later. Many of the victims were Canadians, most believed to be dual nationals who had travelled to Iran to visit relatives there. After days of denying responsibility, IRGC issued profuse apologies. Irans President Hassan Rouhani called it a disastrous mistake. A top commander said he had told the authorities on the day of the crash it had been shot down, raising questions about why Iran had initially denied it. High street fast food chains are rolling out hotly-anticipated vegan alternatives as Veganuary gets into full swing. KFC KFC's vegan offering, pictured above, looks like a fried chicken burger but the fillet is replaced with Quorn On Thursday KFC released a vegan burger, made with a Quorn fillet, lettuce and vegan mayonnaise. It uses the same blend of 11 herbs and spices as the chain does for its chicken options. KFC bosses claim it boast the same flavour, but with no meat. Ira Dubinsky, Innovation Director at KFC in the UK and Ireland said: 'The Colonel was all about welcoming everyone to his table now vegans, flexitarians and our fried chicken fans can all enjoy the taste of our Original Recipe together. 'We've worked hard to perfect the flavour and make a Vegan Burger the Colonel would be proud of. It's the same flavour of KFC, just with zero chicken.' McDonald's The new McDonald's Veggie Dippers (pictured) - which have been approved by The Vegetarian Society and certified as vegan compliant - are available as both an adult meal and Happy Meal For flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans or those looking to make more meat-free choices during 'Veganuary', McDonald's will be offering their first ever fully vegan meal from today. The new Veggie Dippers - which have been approved by The Vegetarian Society and certified as vegan compliant as well as gluten free - are available as both an adult meal and Happy Meal. They are made with red pepper, rice, sundried tomato pesto and split peas surrounded by light and crispy breadcrumbs. The dippers are now a permanent menu item so will remain available even after 'Veganuary' ends. For four Veggie Dippers, fries and a soft drink the RRP is 4.99, while the veggie dippers Happy Meal will be 2.99. Alternatively, the four Veggie Dippers can be purchased separately for 3.29. Wagamama Wagamama's watermelon tuna, which in look and texture claims to be incredibly similar to tuna sashimi, although the flavour remains reminiscent of watermelon Wagamama became the first major UK restaurant brand to launch a vegan alternative to tuna. The dish will be featured during Veganuary and the vegan tuna is made with dehydrated watermelon which is then sliced, seared and served hot. The look and texture claims to be incredibly similar to tuna sashimi, although the flavour remains reminiscent of watermelon. The tuna is dressed with a miso sesame sauce and sits on a bed of white rice which is dressed with soy seasoning and accompanied with pickled radish, kale and tenderstem broccoli and an avocado, edamame and tofu guacamole. Pizza Hut: Vegan Pepperoni pizza Pizza Hut Restaurants has launched a new limited edition vegan pizza that aims to appease even the greatest meat lovers by claiming to taste just like the real thing. The new Vegan Pepperphoni Pizza, priced from 11.69, is topped with meat-free Pepperphoni made from pea protein and Violife vegan cheese. With the New Year upon us, many Brits are giving up meat as part of 'Veganuary' - and the UK's favourite chains have launched a range of plant-based treats just in time. Pizza Hut have launched the new Vegan Pepperphoni Pizza (pictured), priced from 11.69, and it is topped with meat-free Pepperphoni made from pea protein and Violife vegan cheese Available from January 1, for one month only, its the seventh Pizza to join the vegan menu, which also features a range of sides and desserts. If a vegan option is too far from guests usual pizza order, Pepperphoni can also be ordered as a vegetarian option with mozzarella cheese. Costa: Vegan Smoky Ham & CheeZe Toastie Also joining the plant-based bandwagon is Costa Coffee, as it unveils its Vegan Smoky Ham & CheeZe Toastie this week. The coffee giant will launch the meat-free product across its UK stores on Thursday 2 January 2020. Also joining the plant-based bandwagon is Costa Coffee, as it unveils its Vegan Smoky Ham & CheeZe Toastie (pictured) this week Costing 2.95, the Quorn ham and vegan-friendly cheese will be sandwiched between two slices of freshly toasted golden animal and dairy-free bread. Nando's: Vegan Perinaise Helping pave the way for vegan condiments, Nando's has announced the launch of its new meat and dairy free PERinaise. The plant-based twist on the fan favourite is available from January 1 in both restaurants and on the shelves at Tesco supermarkets. Vegan Nandos fans can today rejoice, as the brand has announced the launch of its new Vegan PERinaise, a plant-based twist on the fan favourite sauce available Jan 1st in both restaurants and on the shelves at Tesco supermarkets. Helping pave the way for vegan condiments, Nando's has announced the launch of its new meat and dairy free PERinaise (pictured) With the brand claiming it tastes just as good as the original, Vegan PERinaise is the first plant-based substitute to be developed by the PERi-PERi chefs and is to be added to the menu's veggie options. A portion of the sauce in restaurants across the UK will cost 60p, while 265g bottles of the sauce stocked at Tesco supermarkets are priced at 1.90. Greggs: Vegan Steak Bake The hotly-anticipated, meat-free pastry finally launched across the UK today, with with a roll-out at 1,300 stores, prompting 200 people to queue in the freezing cold in Newcastle to get their hands on the 1.55 Quorn-based treat. Made of 96 layers of no-butter puff pastry, the Quorn and onion gravy-based snack comes a year after the chain launched its popular vegan sausage roll - but is the Vegan Steak Bake worth the hype? Greggs have finally launched their hotly-anticipated Vegan Steak Bake, seen above, today. It's available across the UK in 1,300 stores Delighted fans bragged about their purchases on social media, with one writing on Twitter: 'Vegan steak bake from Greggs is absolutely amazing I want another 20' Others were less convinced by the aesthetics, with one customer claiming it 'looks like cat food' but 'tastes great'. Subway: Meatless Marinara Subway has launched a vegan version of its iconic meatball marinara sandwich as it becomes the latest chain to jump on the 'Vegananuary' bandwagon. Subway has launched a vegan version of its iconic meatball marinara sandwich (pictured) as it becomes the latest chain to jump on the 'Vegananuary' bandwagon The sandwich is a plant-based take on Subway's signature meatball marinara, which is filled with meatballs, cheese and oozing tomato sauce. Vegan customers across the UK can now enjoy the sub thanks to a tweaked recipe including vegan cheese and 'meatless' meatballs. 3.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) told Trump to keep Jim Jordan, Devin Nunes, and the rest of the House Republican circus out of the impeachment trial. CNNs Manu Raju reported: Sen. John Cornyn urges Trump to not select House Republicans to his legal team: My advice to him would be: Let's not infect the Senate trial with the circus-like atmosphere of the House, he told reporters Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 13, 2020 Cornyn added: And I think there would be an increased risk of doing that if you start inviting House members to come over to the Senate and try the case." Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 13, 2020 Senate Republicans are trying to rush through the impeachment trial with minimal fuss and drama. The last thing that they want to see roll into town is Jim Jordan, Devin Nunes, and the Trump conspiracy theory freak circus. Republicans are trying to tell Trump to lay low, but since this is Donald Trump, as soon as he hears of Cornyns comments, he is likely to appoint Rudy Giuliani to manage his impeachment trial leaving the Republicans wishing for Jim Jordan. Senate Republicans are warning Trump that they dont want to take the trip to crazy town, but they might be ignored because nothing is stronger than Trumps need to feel defended at all times. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook Double-digit revenue growth; EBITDA margin up and still above 7%; Proposed dividend increase entailing a 3.4% return; Positive outlook for the new financial year. 13 January 2020. Vente-Unique.com, a European specialist in online furniture sales, today announces its earnings for the 2018-2019 financial year (1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019). The Board of Directors approved the financial statements on 10 January 2020. The financial report will be published no later than 31 January 2020 after the completion of audit procedures. Vente-Unique.com CEO Sacha Vigna said: "Our annual results have proved the merits of our business model, which today makes us the only listed online furniture seller in Europe to combine growth with profitability. Through double-digit growth, the highest EBITDA margin in the sector and strong cash generation we are able to distribute ample returns while continuing to invest in our logistics platform. Buoyed by a steady growth market, driven by the continued migration of physical commerce into the digital environment, as well as an offering that is perfectly aligned with consumer expectations (choice, availability and price), we are ideally placed to continue this excellent momentum over the years ahead." IFRS (m) 2017-2018 2018-2019 Change Revenues 87.2 96.5 +11% Margin on sales of goods[1] 40.2% 40.5% 0.3 pp EBITDA[2] 6.1 6.8 +12% Underlying EBIT 4.9 5.2 +6% EBIT 4.4 4.9 +12% Net financial income/(expense) (0.0) (0.3) NS Income tax (1.7) (1.8) +10% Net income 2.7 2.8 +4% Double-digit growth for the eighth year Full-year invoiced revenues amounted to 96.5 million, up 11% like-for-like versus the previous financial year. This performance exceeds Vente-Unique.com's annual target of 95 million and allows the company to post double-digit growth for the eighth year in a row. In France (56.3 million), Vente-Unique.com recorded 3% revenue growth matching the trend in household purchases of home furnishings. Northern and Eastern Europe (25.0 million) posted spectacular quarterly growth throughout the year (Q1 up 10%, Q2 up 17%, Q3 up 23% and Q4 up 27%). The region posted 19% year-on-year revenue growth. Southern Europe (15.2 million) recorded the strongest growth rate with revenues up 29%, thereby contributing to the increase in the international share of consolidated revenues to 42% (up 4 percentage points year-on-year). Tight control of operating expenses True to its virtuous economic model, Vente-Unique.com has not succumbed to price wars or the "free delivery" policy operated by some market players. The Group was therefore able to increase its margin on sales of goods, which amounted to 40.5% of revenues (up 0.3 pp), and control its margin net of transport costs, which came to 35.3% (down 0.2 pp). By keeping other operating expenses under tight control, Vente-Unique.com was able to increase its EBITDA margin by 0.1 pp to 7.1% of revenues. After depreciation, amortisation and provisions, which increased due to the investment in logistics (see below), underlying EBIT rose 6% to 5.2 million, while EBIT rose 12% to 4.9 million. Net income rose again to 2.8 million, allowing the Group to pursue its shareholder return policy (see below). A more attractive offering To sustain this profitable growth momentum in the long term and provide its customers with maximum product availability, Vente-Unique.com made the strategic decision to bolster its Logistics capacity. The Amblainville platform (in the Oise region) was thus expanded from 27,000 m to 51,000 m at the end of the year. This strategic investment (0.7 million), which resulted in a corresponding increase in working capital (up 1.7 million), was fully covered by the gross operating cash flow generated over the period (3.9 million, up 9%). Accordingly, at 30 September 2019 Vente-Unique.com held cash and cash equivalents of 10.4 million compared to borrowings of 2 million and shareholders' equity of 15.3 million. On the strength of these results and the Group's sound balance sheet, the Board of Directors will ask the general meeting of shareholders to approve a dividend of 0.16 per share for FY 2018-2019 (up 6% year-on-year), entailing a return of 3.4%. Promising outlook Increased product availability rapidly bore fruit and enabled Vente-Unique.com to post a new business record over the 2019 Black Friday period. Encouraged by these results, Vente-Unique.com has set itself the target of maintaining long-term annual growth of over 10%, an exemplary EBITDA margin and cash generation ensuring regular returns for shareholders. Next publication: Q1 2019-2020 revenues, 5 February 2020, before start of trading Read more on bourse.vente-unique.com About Vente-unique.com Founded in 2006, Vente-unique.com (Euronext Growth: ALVU) is a European specialist in online furniture sales. The company covers 11 countries (France, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland) and has delivered to over 1 million customers since its inception. In 2019, Vente-unique.com posted revenues of 96.5 million, up 11%. ACTUS finance & communication Jerome Fabreguettes-Leib Nicolas Bouchez Investor Relations Press Relations vente-unique@actus.fr nbouchez@actus.fr +33 (0)1 53 67 36 78 +33 (0)1 53 67 36 74 [1] Margin on sales of goods = Sale of goods - cost of goods sold [2] EBITDA = earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lGdskZpokmeXnm5wZpyZaZZlmZtmw5GVa2OWxpZql5ibZ3CWx2dml5eeZm9im21q - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-61684-vu_cp_ra_2019_vuk.pdf DUBLIN, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "The Global Market for Printed, Flexible and Stretchable Electronics 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Potential applications for the printed, flexible and stretchable electronics market appear endless. The contents of this report include: Current and developmental printable, flexible and stretchable products. Advanced materials used in printable, flexible and stretchable electronics and sensors. Stage of commercialization for applications, from basic research to market entry. Markets covered include conductive inks, wearables and IoT, medical & healthcare sensors, electronic clothing & smart apparel, energy harvesting & storage, electronics components and flexible displays. Market drivers and trends. Market figures for printable, flexible and stretchable electronics, by markets, materials and applications to 2030. Profiles of over 350 producers and product developers. 122 companies profiled in conductive ink including Ash Chemical, Cemedine, DuPont, EMS/Nagase, Henkel, Jujo Chemical, Panasonic, Taiyo, Toyobo, VFP Ink Technologies, and more. 76 companies profiled in wearables including AerNos, Inc., Antelope, AshChromics Corporation, Bando Chemical, BeBop, Brewer Science, Bonbouton, Canatu Oy, HP1 Technologies Ltd, Nanusens, Nippon, Nitto Denko and more. and more. 54 companies profiled in medical and healthcare wearables including 1drop Inc., AerBetic, Inc., AURA Devices, CareWear, CorTec Gmbh, Eccrine Systems, Fleming Medical, GE and more. 37 companies profiled in electronic textiles (E-textiles) including AIQ Smart Clothing, Alphaclo, Directa Plus, Dupont, Hexoskin, Toray and more. 34 companies profiled in energy storage and harvesting including Chivotech, Enfucell, Hitachi Zosen, Huizhou Markyn New Energy, LG Chem, Zinergy and more. 38 companies profiled in printed, flexible and stretchable displays including CurveSYS GmbH, Denso, Etulipa, Karl Knauer , LG Display, Samsung and more. The rapid boom in smart wearable and integrated electronic devices has stimulated demand for advanced intelligent systems with high performance, micro size, mechanical flexibility, and high-temperature stability for application as flexible and stretchable displays, personal health monitoring, human motion capturing, smart textiles, electronic skins and more. The key requirement for these applications is flexibility and stretchability, as these devices are subject to various mechanical deformations including twisting, bending, folding, and stretching during operation. The development of printed, flexible and stretchable conductors over the last decade has resulted in the commercialization of flexible and stretchable sensors, circuits, displays, and energy harvesters for next-generation wearables and soft robotics. These systems must be able to conform to the shape of and survive the environment in which they must operate. They are typically fabricated on flexible plastic substrates or are printed/woven into fabrics. The electronics industry is moving at a fast pace from standard, inflexible form factors to stretchable and conformable devices. Printed, flexible and stretchable electronics products are increasing weekly from wearables for healthcare to smart packaging, sensors, automotive taillights and displays, flexible displays, photovoltaics and more. Based on a new generation of advanced materials, printed, flexible and stretchable sensors and electronics will enable new possibilities in a diverse range of industries from healthcare to automotive to buildings. These technologies will drive innovation in smart medical technology, automotive, smart manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT) and consumer electronics. Recent advances in stimuli-responsive surfaces and interfaces, sensors and actuators, flexible electronics, nanocoatings and conductive nanomaterials have led to the development of a new generation of smart and adaptive electronic fibres, yarns and fabrics for application in E-textiles. Wearable low-power silicon electronics, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated on fabrics, textiles with integrated Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and electronic devices such as smart glasses, watches and lenses have been widely investigated and commercialized. Smart textiles and garments can sense environmental stimuli and react or adapt in a predetermined way. This involves either embedding or integrating sensors/actuators ad electronic components into textiles for use in applications such as medical diagnostics and health monitoring, consumer electronics, safety instruments and automotive textiles. In the flexible displays market, electronics giants such as Samsung and LG Electronics are rolling our flexible, foldable and rollable smartphone and tablet products. LG's rollable LG Signature's OLED TV R will be available in 2020 and foldable smartphones have already come to market. Wearable and mobile health monitoring technologies have recently received enormous interest worldwide due to the rapidly ageing global populations and the drastically increasing demand for in-home healthcare. Commercially available and near commercial wearable devices facilitate the transmission of biomedical informatics and personal health recording. Body-worn sensors, which can provide real-time continuous measurement of pertinent physiological parameters noninvasively and comfortably for extended periods of time, are of crucial importance for emerging applications of mobile medicine. Wearable sensors that can wirelessly provide pertinent health information while remaining unobtrusive, comfortable, low cost, and easy to operate and interpret, play an essential role. Battery and electronics producers require thin, flexible energy storage and conversion devices to power their wearable technology. The growth in flexible electronics has resulted in increased demand for flexible, stretchable, bendable, rollable and foldable batteries and supercapacitors as power sources for application in flexible and wearable devices. Many major companies have integrated conductive and electronic ink and materials in applications ranging from photovoltaics to smart packaging. There are over 100 companies with products in this space for RFID, smart clothing, sensors, antennas and transistors. As well as advancing product security and consumer interaction, the use of smart inks and coatings in active and intelligent packaging can help reduce food waste and improve medical compliance-which would have significant environmental benefits. Key Topics Covered 1 Executive Summary 1.1 The evolution of electronics 1.1.1 The wearables revolution 1.1.2 Flexible, thin, and large-area form factors 1.2 What are flexible and stretchable electronics? 1.2.1 From rigid to flexible and stretchable 1.2.2 Organic and printed electronics 1.2.3 New conductive materials 1.2.4 Stretchable conductors 1.3 Growth in flexible and stretchable electronics market 1.3.1 Recent growth in Printed, flexible and stretchable products 1.3.2 Future growth 1.3.3 Nanotechnology as a market driver 1.3.4 Growth in remote health monitoring and diagnostics 1.4 Products 2 Research Methodology 3 Printed, Flexible and Stretchable Electronic Materials and Composites 3.1 Carbon Nanotubes 3.2 Conductive Polymers (CP) 3.3 Graphene 3.4 Metal Mesh 3.5 Silver Ink (Flake, nanoparticles, nanowires, ion) 3.6 Copper Ink 3.7 Nanocellulose 3.8 Nanofibers 3.9 Quantum Dots 3.10 Graphene and Carbon Quantum Dots 3.11 Electroactive Polymers (EAPs) 3.12 Perovskite Quantum Dots (PQDs) 3.13 Other Types 3.14 Other 2-D Materials 4 Printed, Flexible and Stretchable Conductive Inks 4.1 Market Drivers 4.2 Conductive Ink Types 4.2.1 Conductive ink materials 4.2.2 Commercially available conductive ink products 4.2.3 Improvements in conductive ink performance 4.3 Printing Methods 4.3.1 Nanoparticle ink 4.4 Sintering 4.5 Conductive Filaments 4.6 Conductive films, foils and grids 4.7 Inkjet printing in flexible electronics 4.8 Applications 4.8.1 Current products 4.8.2 Advanced materials solutions 4.8.2.1 Graphene conductive inks 4.8.3 RFID 4.8.4 Smart labels 4.8.5 Smart clothing and electronic textiles 4.8.6 Printed sensors 4.8.7 Printed batteries 4.8.8 Printed antennas 4.8.9 Printed heaters 4.8.10 In-mold electronics 4.8.11 Printed transistors 4.9 Global Market Size 4.10 Company Profiles 5 Wearable Electronics and IoT 5.1 Market Drivers 5.2 Applications 5.2.1 Current state of the art 5.2.2 Commercially available wearable electronics 5.2.3 Advanced materials solutions 5.2.4 Flexible and stretchable transistors 5.2.5 Flexible and stretchable actuators 5.2.6 Stretchable artificial skin 5.2.7 Transparent conductive electrodes 5.2.8 Flexible and stretchable transparent electrodes 5.2.8.1 Carbon nanotubes (SWNT) 5.2.8.2 Double-walled carbon nanotubes 5.2.8.3 Graphene 5.2.8.4 Silver nanowires 5.2.8.5 Nanocellulose 5.2.8.5.1 Flexible energy storage 5.2.8.6 Copper nanowires 5.2.8.7 Nanofibers 5.2.9 Flexible and stretchable wearable sensors 5.2.9.1 Current stage of the art 5.2.9.2 Advanced materials solutions 5.2.9.2.1 Conductive nanofibers 5.2.9.2.2 Graphene 5.2.9.3 Wearable gas sensors 5.2.9.4 Wearable strain sensors 5.2.9.5 Wearable tactile sensors 5.2.9.6 Industrial monitoring 5.2.9.7 Military 5.3 Global Market Size 5.4 Company Profiles 6 Medical and Healthcare Sensors and Wearables 6.1 Market Drivers 6.2 Applications 6.2.1 Current state of the art 6.2.2 Advanced materials solutions 6.2.2.1 Skin sensors 6.2.2.2 Nanomaterials-based devices 6.2.2.3 Patch-type skin sensors 6.2.2.4 Skin temperature monitoring 6.2.2.5 Hydration sensors 6.2.2.6 Wearable sweat sensors 6.2.2.7 UV patches 6.2.2.8 Smart footwear 6.2.2.9 Smart wound care 6.3 Global Market Size 6.4 Company Profiles 7 Electronic Textiles (E-Textiles) 7.1 Market Drivers 7.2 Applications 7.2.1 Current state of the art 7.2.2 Advanced materials solutions 7.2.3 Conductive fibres 7.2.4 Conductive yarns 7.2.5 Stretchable yarns for electronics 7.2.6 Stretchable E-fabrics 7.2.7 Conductive coatings 7.2.8 Smart helmets 7.2.9 Solar energy harvesting textiles 7.3 Global Market Size 7.4 Company Profiles 8 Printed, Flexible and Stretchable Energy Storage and Harvesting 8.1 Market Drivers 8.2 Applications 8.2.1 Current state of the art 8.2.2 Flexible and stretchable batteries 8.2.2.1 Flexible and stretchable LIBs 8.2.2.1.1 Fiber-shaped Lithium-Ion batteries 8.2.2.1.2 Stretchable lithium-ion battery 8.2.2.1.3 Kirigami lithium-ion battery 8.2.2.2 Stretchable Zn-based batteries 8.2.3 Flexible and stretchable supercapacitors 8.2.4 Stretchable heaters 8.2.5 Stretchable solar cells 8.2.6 Stretchable nanogenerators 8.2.7 Stretchable piezoelectric energy harvesting 8.2.8 Stretchable triboelectric energy harvesting 8.3 Global Market Size 8.4 Company Profiles 9 Printed, Flexible and Stretchable Displays and Electronic Components 9.1 Market Drivers 9.2 Applications 9.2.1 Printed, flexible and stretchable circuit boards and interconnects 9.2.2 Printed, flexible and stretchable transistors 9.2.3 Printed and flexible displays 9.2.3.1 Flexible LCDs 9.2.3.2 Flexible OLEDs (FOLED) 9.2.3.3 Flexible AMOLED 9.2.3.4 Foldable and rollable smartphones 9.2.3.5 Printed OLED displays 9.2.3.6 OLED packaging 9.2.3.7 Flexible electrophoretic displays 9.2.3.8 Stretchable backplanes and displays 9.2.3.9 Electrowetting displays 9.2.3.10 Electrochromic Displays 9.2.3.11 Thermochromic Displays 9.2.4 Flexible OLED lighting 9.2.5 Quantum dot lighting 9.2.6 Stretchable lighting 9.3 Global Market Size 9.4 Company Profiles Companies Profiled 1drop Inc. AerBetic, Inc. AerNos, Inc. AIQ Smart Clothing Alphaclo Antelope Ash Chemical AshChromics Corporation AURA Devices Bando Chemical BeBop Bonbouton Brewer Science Canatu Oy CareWear Cemedine Chivotech CorTec Gmbh CurveSYS GmbH Denso Directa Plus Dupont Eccrine Systems EMS/Nagase Enfucell Etulipa Fleming Medical GE Henkel Hexoskin Hitachi Zosen HP1 Technologies Ltd Huizhou Markyn New Energy Jujo Chemical Karl Knauer LG Chem LG Display Nanusens Nippon Nitto Denko Panasonic Samsung Taiyo Toray Toyobo VFP Ink Technologies Zinergy and many, many more... For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7crm1e Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com The four deputy prime ministers and 18 ministers in the new government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were sworn in today before Spains King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Palace. The monarch congratulated the lawmakers and wished them luck. The first Cabinet meeting is due to take place on Tuesday. PM Sanchez informed the king of the composition of his new government on Sunday, before making an institutional speech during which he said that the administration will have a solid commitment to unity and will walk in one single direction. He added that the government will speak with a number of voices, but always with one single word. Alberto Garzon of the United Left said he will work his fingers to the bone as the new minister for consumer affairs The new government is made up of a coalition of Sanchezs Socialist Party (PSOE) and the leftist Unidas Podemos. A deal between the two groups was struck in the wake of the repeat election on November 10, which, as at the previous polls in April, saw Sanchez take most votes but fall short of a majority. Sanchez was successful at an investiture vote last week after securing the key abstention of the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), a pro-Catalan independence party that has received guarantees of future talks with the central government on the political situation in the northeastern Spanish region in return. The leader of Unidas Podemos, Pablo Iglesias, has been given one of the deputy prime ministerial roles in the new government, and will look after the portfolio covering social rights and Agenda 2030, which deals with sustainable development. Iglesias gave his first speech as minister today at the Health Ministry, where he will be based. He said that social movements will be a reference point for his work in the coalition government. Dont stop criticizing us, dont stop pressuring us, he said to these groups. Iglesiass party, Podemos, was born from the so-called 15-M citizen movement that sprung up in 2011, in protest at Spains two-party political system (PSOE and the conservative Popular Party (PP)), and to demand greater democratic rights for citizens. Dolores Delgado, the former justice minister, has been nominated to become the new prosecutor general. ULY MARTIN (EL PAIS) Podemos joined forces with the United Left ahead of the 2019 general elections, and the leader of the latter party, Alberto Garzon, was today sworn in as minister for consumer affairs. The politician promised to work his fingers to the bone in the ministry, and said the new government must face the challenge of building a more fair society, facing the adversities that exist in a country where, he said, hatred is spreading. A controversial appointment Meanwhile, there was controversy today among the political opposition in reaction to news that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had proposed Dolores Delgado as the new prosecutor general. Delgado was appointed by Sanchez as justice minister in June 2018. Since Spain returned to democracy in the late 1970s, there has only been one other occasion when a minister has become prosecutor general, and that was back in 1986 under PSOE Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez. Delgado arrived in government as an independent judges and prosecutors are barred from joining political parties under Spanish law but in recent months she has consolidated her political role thanks to harsh clashes with the opposition and she has also campaigned for the PSOE. She was voted in as a deputy at the last elections. In Spain, as in most democratic countries, the prosecutor general is always named by the executive, but operates independently from the government. In the political world the idea that the government controls public prosecutors is firmly entrenched, but in practice this is not always the case. During the Supreme Court trial of the Catalan pro-independence leaders, for example, the public prosecutors position was markedly different from that of the solicitor generals office, which represents the government in such cases. When news of Delgados appointment broke, the leader of the PP, Pablo Casado, said that the move was an attack on Spains separation of powers. Marcos de Quinto, a deputy from the center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) party, said via Twitter that the move was a scandal, and decried what he called the venezuelization of Spain. Based on reporting by Carlos E. Cue, Fernando J. Perez and Ines Santaeulalia. English version by Simon Hunter. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Thursday, hosted the Swedish Ambassador to ECOWAS, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, Carl Grans, at NCC Head Office with discussions focussing on how the country can enhance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capacity development and broadband penetration in Nigeria. This is in line with the commissions 8-Point Agenda, including a focus on strategic collaborations and partnership towards accelerating digital access and skills development in the country. While receiving the ambassador and team, Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, said the meeting was at the instance of the commission, based on the commissions assessment of the offer for capacity development and focus of the Swedish Programme for ICT Development in Emerging Regions (SPIDER), a dedicated programme instituted to provide capacity building in emerging markets. Mr Danbatta said that the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) had earlier trained some Nigerians. He stated that further collaboration to build capabilities of Nigerians on ICT will increase human resources and capacity in the ICT sector towards deepening broadband penetration. The EVC stated that further capacity building of Nigerians on ICT tools and skills will start with agencies in the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE) in the context of train-the-trainer arrangement, and the beneficiaries in the agencies will proceed to train other Nigerians. Responding to the EVC, Ambassador Grans said that 5G technology and Internet of Things (IoT) are crucial to transforming the industry and production in a way that cant really be seen yet, but a digital revolution is really imminent worldwide. Mr Grans acknowledged that Nigeria is ready for the digital revolution considering the approval given to conduct 5G tests recently. Mr Danbatta thanked the Swedish government for the capacity building programmes and reiterated that one of the priorities of the Nigeria G=government is to facilitate the migration of millions of Nigerians out of poverty traps through ICT capacity development, skill impartation and effectively driving the digital economy processes. We hope that the Embassy will continue to facilitate this kind of intervention to NCC and other agencies of government in Nigeria and Africa, and we also hope to benefit from the wealth of experience especially of Sweden, being a leading broadband market, the EVC said. In a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday accused them of misleading people on the amended Citizenship Act and the NRC, and claimed that their government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and provide security to people. Asserting that there was "unprecedented turmoil" in the country, Gandhi said the government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines. "The nation has watched in horror at the BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU coming so soon after what happened in Jamia (Millia Islamia), BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Allahabad University and AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) and other institutions of higher learning in other parts of the country," she said addressing a meeting of the Opposition attended by leaders of 20 parties. She urged the opposition parties to work together and thwart the designs of the government. The Modi-Shah government stands totally exposed for its inability to govern and to provide security to people, Gandhi alleged. There have been nation-wide spontaneous protests by youths supported by citizens from all walks of life, she said. "The immediate cause is the CAA and NRC but they reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger, which is now out in the open. The response of the police in UP and Delhi has been shockingly partisan and brutal," the Congress chief said. "The prime minister and the home minister have misled people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," she said. The Constitution is being undermined and the instruments of governance are being misused, Gandhi alleged. Students and the young have in particular been targeted and in several parts of the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, large sections of the population are being harassed and attacked, Gandhi said. Asserting that the NRC seems to have back-fired in Assam, Gandhi said the Modi-Shah government is now focusing on NPR (National Population Register) exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. "Contrary to the assertions of the home minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nation-wide NRC," Gandhi said. The real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development, affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, the Congress president said. "The prime minister and the home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive and polarizing issue after another," she alleged. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, LJD chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, RJD leader Manoj Jha, National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, besides Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were among those present at the meeting. The BSP, TMC and AAP stayed away from the opposition meet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Newser) Some family gatherings are more awkward than others. The queen is gathering her brood Monday to try to sort out the mess caused by Prince Harry's decision to back away from royal responsibilities with his wife, Meghan. Both the Guardian and the BBC report that Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry will attend in person, while Meghan will dial in from Canada. Queen Elizabeth is reportedly looking for a quick, practical solution that limits damage to the monarchy. Key topics: What duties Harry and Meghan would still have and how much royal money they would receive. story continues below Meanwhile, William and Harry issued a joint statement rejecting a "false story" about them in a newspaper. "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful," says the statement, per Sky News. It does not specify what story they are talking about, but a piece in the UK Times reported they had a falling out because William "wasn't friendly towards Meghan," per the Guardian. The story also quotes William as telling a friend: Ive put my arm around my brother all our lives and I cant do that any more. Were separate entities." (Read more Prince Harry stories.) Workers of the Nationalist Congress Party's youth wing on Monday staged a demonstration in Latur in Maharashtra against the book written by a BJP leader comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Raising anti-BJP slogans, the activists demanded "strong action" against Jay Bhagwan Goyal, the author of the book--"Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi". "The author has insulted the great king and hurt all 'Shiv Bhakts' by comparing Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," they said. They demanded that the book be banned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The landslide election victory for President Tsai Ing-wen has reinforced a winning run for Taiwans financial markets. Traders on Monday had their first chance to react to the victory of Tsais Democratic Progressive Party -- which advocates for Taiwans formal independence. The Taiex stock benchmark rose as much as 0.6% in early trading, while the local dollar strengthened 0.3% to its highest level since June 2018. Saturdays result is helping extend what has been a positive period of investor sentiment toward Taiwan. Stocks have recently touched the highest levels in nearly three decades. Taiwans dollar strengthened for an eighth week last week in its longest winning streak since 2013 and government-bond yields remain near all-time lows. Investors will pay attention to beneficiary stocks in the short-term, said Shelly Lee, chairman of Mega International Investment Services Co. With the upcoming trade deal signing and expectations of Federal Reserve easing, the bullish trend will continue for Taiwans markets. Taiwan Raises GDP Outlook as Investment Trumps Trade War If recent history is any guide, Taiwans stocks are poised to extend gains in the coming month. The benchmark Taiex index has climbed by an average of 7.4% in the 30 days after the results of the past six presidential elections, as investor concern about political risk fades. This weeks planned signing of an initial trade accord between China and the U.S. is also expected to give a boost. Taiwan stocks tend to rise after an election, as uncertainty is removed, said Li Fang-kuo, chairman of President Capital Management. He sees the Taiex index hitting a record high by April, helped by continued inflows and a strong outlook for Taiwans technology sector. Analysts have turned the most bullish on Taiwan stocks since 2015, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Efforts by the government to lure further capital and incentivize local firms to invest at home have helped Taiwan stay resilient in the face of the U.S.-China trade war. This has helped encourage strong foreign inflows into its technology sector, which in turn have helped boost the Taiwan dollar. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Taiwans largest stock, reports earnings later this week. Money Pours Into Taiwans Markets as Election Nears The local currency is seen rising to 29.5 per U.S. dollar by year-end, driven by the appeal of companies related to 5G and further repatriation of investment, according to Cliff Tan, head of global markets research for East Asia at MUFG Bank Ltd. Government bonds are expected to be boosted by limited supply under Tsais leadership, said Kevin Shih, a trader with Jih Sun Securities Co. Profit-taking pressure may emerge nearer the Lunar New Year holidays, say analysts, while the outcome of the expected trade deal signing and recently heightened Middle East tensions will also be factors. But any pull-back would be a good entry point, said President Capital Managements Li. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON James Farrar outside Southwark Crown Court today. (SWNS) The head of an Uber workers union was due in court today accused of assaulting two police officers with the sound from his megaphone. James Farrar, chairman of the United Private Hire Drivers branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, is alleged to have caused the officers injury, pain and discomfort. The assaults are alleged to have taken place at a demonstration in March 2019 against Transport for London and the mayor of London for their decision to remove minicab drivers exemption from the congestion charge. James Farrar, second right, with Uber drivers supporting him, outside Southwark Crown Court in London. (Paul Davey/SWNS) Farrar appeared outside Southwark Crown Court today flanked by Uber drivers who are supporting him during the trial. The case did not start today and is now due to start tomorrow morning. Read more: Uber refused new London operating licence Jeremy Corbyn slams 'UK's five worst employers' including Uber What's next for Uber after London licence announcement? More than 3,000 has been raised to cover Farrars legal costs, and a fundraiser seeking to generate another 27,000 has been set up online. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has also tweeted in support. Please donate if you can to help defend James Farrar and protect the rights of future protesters to assemble on the streets without fear of similar prosecution.https://t.co/ExFcsq1Dmb John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) January 13, 2020 The United Private Hire Drivers branch works in the interest of private hire drivers nationally. Editors Note: This article is being republished with permission from Religion News Service. On Jan. 3, nearly every major conservative evangelical supporter of President Donald Trump gathered at the El Rey Jesus Church in Miami for the kickoff to the Evangelicals for Trump campaign. If Mark Gallis recent editorial in Christianity Today taught us anything, it is that American evangelicalism is a diverse group. Evangelicals find unity in their commitment to the redemptive work and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the divine inspiration of the Bible and the necessity of sharing their faith with others. They do not always share the same political convictions. When Galli criticized Trump for his grossly immoral character and urged his fellow evangelicals to consider how their blind support of Trump is hurting the witness of the church, pro-Trump evangelical leaders pushed back. In an open letter to Christianity Today, they said that, despite his many flaws, the president has delivered for evangelicals on matters related to abortion, religious liberty and supporting Israel. Last weekends rally in Miami was a continuation of this pushback. As has been noted elsewhere, these evangelical flatterers of Trump are not unlike the court clergy of late medieval and Renaissance-era Europe. In his book The Origins of Courtliness, historian C. Stephen Jaeger retells a story once told by the 11th-century church reformer Petrus Damiani about St. Severin, once archbishop of Cologne, whose sole offense punished by leaving him to wander the Earth was that as a cleric at the kings court, he took so keen an interest in the affairs of the state that he neglected chanting the liturgy at the prescribed hours. The tale sheds light on a common problem for clergymen with access to political power: The kings court can be a dangerous place, even for the most devout. Courtiers have one goal: to gain access to and win the favor of the monarch. Such access brings privilege and power and an opportunity to influence the king on important matters if, of course, the king is willing to listen. In his well-known guide to court life, 16th-century Italian courtier Baldesar Castiglione described the court as an inherently immoral place, a worldly venue awash with dishonest, greedy and highly competitive men. One historian has described courtiers of the time as opportunistic social ornaments. Another described them as chameleons. The skills needed to thrive in the court, in short, are different from the virtues needed to lead a healthy Christian life or exercise spiritual leadership in the church. Most medieval courts had their share of clergy, bishops and other spiritual counselors, and historians agree that their behavior was indistinguishable from that of secular courtiers, whom Damiani described elsewhere as ruthless, fawning flatterers in a theater of intrigue and villainy. Sylvius Piccolomini, the 15th-century Renaissance humanist who would eventually become Pope Pius II, was a strong opponent of court clergy. It was very difficult, he said, for the Christian courtier to rein in ambition, suppress avarice, tame envy, strife, wrath, and cut off vice, while standing in the midst of these (very) things." In the United States, we dont have kings, princes or courts, but we do have our own version of religious courtiers, who boast of, in Southern Baptist theologian Richard Lands gleeful description, unprecedented access to the Oval Office. No one is quite sure what kind of role the court evangelicals actually play in the Trump White House. Some have suggested that they advise the president on policy issues related to religious freedom, foreign policy and judicial appointments. New York City minister A.R. Bernard, who cut ties with Trump in August 2017 after the president refused to condemn white supremacist rioters in Charlottesville, Virginia, said that evangelicals were not afforded the proximity to the president to have any real influence. Meetings took place, he said, but nothing substantive was discussed. We do know, however, that the court evangelicals like to visit the White House. They flank Trump whenever he signs bills that matter to them. They smile for the Oval Office cameras and take selfies that they can share with their social media followers. On May 3, 2017, the evening before the National Day of Prayer, a group of pastors had dinner with Trump in the White House. One of the lesser-known court evangelicals, the Rev. Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, said that he and the rest of the invited guests were reduced to being like little children when Trump took them on a tour of the Lincoln bedroom. Court evangelicals may not approve of everything Trump does, but they still believe God has put them in the court for a divine purpose. Land, for one, decided to stay committed to Trump after the presidents statements in the wake of Charlottesville because Jesus did not turn away from those who may have seemed brash with their words or behavior." Land added that now is not the time to quit or retreat, but just the opposite to lean in closer." Johnnie Moore, a publicist (Editor's note: and occasional Religion News Service contributor), remained with Trump after the Charlottesville comments because you only make a difference if you have a seat at the table. Perhaps Land and Moore could take a lesson from the evangelical biblical scholar Ben Witherington. "The sinners and tax collectors were not political officials, so there is no analogy there," Witherington wrote. "Besides, Jesus was not giving the sinner and tax collectors political advice he was telling them to repent!" The only hope for the evangelical leaders is that they spend their time explaining to (the president) that racism is an erroneous sin and there is not moral equivalency between the two sides, Witherington concludes. Otherwise, they are complicit with the sins of our leaders. There is a more pious model for the court evangelicals: As recorded in the Old Testament Book of Samuel, the prophet Nathan took his call from God seriously when he got his seat at the table. When David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed on the battlefield to cover up Davids sins, Nathan rebuked his king. He told David the story of a poor man whose beloved little ewe lamb was stolen by a self-centered rich man who had plenty of lambs but wanted the poor mans only lamb to serve his guests. When Davids anger was greatly kindled against the rich man in the story, Nathan said to the king, You are the man! John Fea, author of Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump, is a professor of American history at Messiah College. Donald Trump has told Iran that the ball is in their court as the two countries face a stalemate and thousands of protesters take to the streets of Tehran. On Sunday Trump's National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien boasted that the Trump administration's sanctions on Iran coupled with protests breaking out in the country against the Islamic Republic regime, will bring Iranian officials to the negotiating table. Hours later the president tweeted that he 'couldn't care less' if Iranian officials want to negotiate with Washington DC, warning that Iran should instead be careful to not develop nuclear weapons or kill Iranian protesters. 'National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate. Actually I couldn't care less if they negotiate,' Trump tweeted Sunday evening. 'Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "don't kill your protesters,"' he sternly added. Trump tweeted Sunday evening that he 'couldn't care less' if Iranian officials want to negotiate with Washington DC, warning that the nation should instead be careful to not develop nuclear weapons or kill Iranian protesters. He shared the message in English and Farsi Protesters pictured holding posters during a demonstration in front of the British Embassy in Tehran on Sunday January 12 Iranian hardliners pictured burning British and Israeli flags during a protest in front of the British embassy in Tehran, Iran At one demonstration at Shaheed Beheshti University on Sunday crowds deliberately avoided walking over the American and Israeli flags painted on the ground, showing respect for the nations Ali Khamenei's regime is said to have painted the flags at the main entrance of the university for students to walk over as a sign of disrespect National Security Adviser O'Brien spoke on Fox on Sunday saying he's confident that US sanctions and the clamor in Tehran from Iranian citizens will force officials to come to the negotiating table instead of striking back against the US. 'I think the maximum pressure campaign is working. Iran is being choked off, and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table,' O'Brien said on Fox News Sunday. 'What's going to cause them to negotiate is the pressure on the economy, and when you've got students out there chanting "death to the dictator," and when you have thousands of Iranians out protesting in the street, that's the sort of pressure that's going to bring them to the table,' he added. All eyes are turned to the US and Iran to see who will act next. Over the weekend massive protests erupted in Tehran to decry the government and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for mistakenly downing a civilian passenger plane in which dozens of Iranian citizens lost their lives. 'I think the maximum pressure campaign is working. Iran is being choked off, and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table,' National Security Adviser O'Brien boasted on Fox on Sunday .@realDonaldTrumps Iran strategy is working. This regime is reeling from maximum pressure. They're reeling from their incompetence in this situation and the people of Iran are just fed up with it. National Security Adviser Robert OBrien pic.twitter.com/9rP4x0jomS Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) January 13, 2020 On Saturday Trump said he stood with the Iranian protesters while warning leaders of Iran 'DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching.' The protests come in the wake of a US military strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the head of the country's Quds forces. Iran retaliated with a barrage of missiles aimed at two Iraqi bases housing US troops, but no casualties were reported. After that attack 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.' While there were mass anti-government protests across Iran, there were also anti-US and UK protests in the mix as well. The anti-government demonstrations broke out over the Ukrainian Airlines disaster where Iranian missiles mistakenly struck a civilian passenger flight and killed 176 people on board, about 130 of them Iranian citizens. Demonstrators called for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down and for those responsible for the plane fiasco to be held responsible. Trump has repeatedly warned Iran this week to not kill the thousands of protesters flooding the streets, many in defiance with the regime and demanding the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down Protests that have broken out in Iran are over the government's confession that they mistakenly downed Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 on January 8, killing 176 on board, some 130 of them Iranian citizens. Rescue workers at the crash site recovered the bodies of victims on Wednesday (above) Ukraine International Airlines' Boeing 737-800 plane wreckage above Khamenei has been in office for three decades and there is no limit to his time at the helm of the nation. According to a Reuters report protests have spread beyond Tehran to Shiraz, Esfahan, Hamedan, and Orumiyeh. At Sunday's protests riot police and members of the Revolutionary Guard tried to quell the crowds. Poignant video from Sunday's protests show students at Shaheed Beheshti University deliberately avoiding walking over the American and Israeli flags painted on the ground, showing respect for the nations and defiance for state propaganda. Videos of the protests that surfaced on social media show protesters, many of them women, chanting anti-government slogans such as: 'They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here.' Times Insider explains who we are and what we do, and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. For the past five months, my small cubicle has been clogged with an unusual sight in a newsroom: 43 middle school and high school American history textbooks. Colleagues walking by would often grimace and say something like: Ugh. This reminds me of studying for the A.P. U.S. History exam. But as an education reporter on the National desk, I relished the painstaking task I had set out for myself: reading about 4,800 pages of mostly sterile, written-by-committee prose to figure out what American teenagers are learning about our nations history in this deeply divided time, and how those lessons differ across the country. The Attorney General has said his decision to open a new inquest into the worst fatal fire in Ireland's history "drew on analogies of the Hillsborough disaster". The fresh probe into the blaze at the Stardust nightclub in Artane on Valentine's Day, 1981, in which 48 young people died, was granted by Seamus Woulfe in September after a campaign by families and survivors. He wrote to the solicitor for the families, Darragh Mackin, detailing the reasons for his decision. The letter details the background to the tragedy, and the initial inquests that were held - hearings the families have rejected as "unsatisfactory". Officials originally ruled the cause of the fire was arson, a theory that was never accepted by relatives, who said it tarnished the reputations of those who died. The Stardust families felt this directly mirrored England's Hillsborough disaster in April 1989, in which 96 people died as a result of a crush at the FA Cup match between Liver- pool and Nottingham Forest, which was wrongly blamed on the fans. Expand Close Hillsborough disaster / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hillsborough disaster The arson ruling was later discounted following an inquiry in 2009. "After careful consideration, I decided to exercise my discretion in favour of directing that further inquests be held," Mr Woulfe wrote. "I consider this to be in the public interest and in the interest of justice. "Drawing on analogies from the Hillsborough case in England, my view is that, where there is a disaster of such magnitude as that which occurred at the Stardust, there is, in the first place, the entitlement of the families of the victims to the public revelation of the facts. "There is also a distinct and separate imperative that the community as a whole should be satisfied, even if belatedly, that there should be sufficient inquiry at any inquest held to maximise the chances that the truth should emerge." Mr Woulfe went on to state that he has some concerns that any inquest may not be able to ascertain how the fire started. Chains Inquiries into the disaster showed a number of escape routes were blocked because emergency doors were locked by chains. Antoinette Keegan, who survived the fire but lost her sisters Mary (19) and Martina (16), said the families finally believe they are being listened to. "For him to make that statement like that, to say it's Ireland's Hillsborough, we thought that it was fantastic and a clear reference to the way we've been treated over the years," she said. It is hoped the inquest will begin in early spring. Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's statement in the terror financing case against him could not be recorded in an anti-terrorism court here on January 13 after his lawyer requested the court to give the JuD chief more time. Defence counsel requested the Anti-Terrorism Court-I Lahore for adjournment of the hearing against Saeed in the terror financing case, saying the JuD chief needed more time to record his statement, a court official told PTI after the in-camera hearing. The court accepted the request of Saeed's counsel and adjourned the hearing till Tuesday. In the last hearing on Friday, a questionnaire was handed over to Saeed in the ATC regarding charges of terror financing against him. Deputy Prosecution General Abdur Rauf submitted the questionnaire for Saeed in the ATC which was handed over to him for reply. Earlier, the cross examination of prosecution witnesses, including some revenue officers, by the defense counsel concluded. The prosecution had produced a number of witnesses against Saeed and his three close aides. The ATC had indicted Saeed and others on December 11 in the terror financing case. The Counter Terrorism Department 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. The US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. Saeed's 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. Yes, thats the Matterhorn on the cover of this handsome, substantial cookbook and guide to the Alpine region of Europe. The book tours the mostly snow-covered terrain of Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, with plates of mostly rustic comfort food at every welcoming inn and warming hut. Who knew there could be so many bread soups? Its a book to enjoy when it blusters outdoors, even without a plane ticket to Europe or a pair of skis. A simple but classic dish of goulash from the Alto Adige in Italy, not Hungary, illustrates the reach of the Austro-Hungarian empire. A venison ragout can enrich a winter menu, as can Tyrolean hash with an egg, rosti potatoes, Savoie-style mushrooms and a Mont Blanc chestnut tart. But herbal Swiss Ricola (as in cough drops) ice cream? Think twice. The author, a Canadian and a skier, offers advice on visiting the area. Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories From Europes Grand Mountaintops by Meredith Erickson (Ten Speed Press, $50). Follow NYT Food on Twitter and NYT Cooking on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Get regular updates from NYT Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice. Protests have continued for a third night after Iranian officials took responsibility for accidentally shooting down a passenger plane in Tehran and killing 176 people. Protests have taken place at Amir Kabir University and Sharif University of Technology, which lost current or former students in Flight 752. Among the victims were a number of university professors, PhD holders, medical doctors and students. In support of the protests that reached a dozen cities in criticism of the government, a number of artists have pulled out of the Fajr Visual Arts Festival. They include nearly two dozen cartoonists and well-known Iranian filmmaker Massoud Kimiai, who wrote on Instagram, People are enduring a lot of hardship. Also among the government's critics is Faezeh Hashemi, political activist, former parliamentarian and daughter of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. In an audio recording broadcast by the BBC Persian service, Faezeh encouraged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down to allow structural changes to take place. She also encouraged the street protests to continue. Iranian authorities have said they will continued to investigate the downing of the plane and hold those responsible accountable. According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Aerospace Force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the Ukrainian-owned Boeing plane was misidentified as a US cruise missile. Hajizadeh said that a jammed communication line resulted in the decision that led to the shooting down of the plane. Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, the head of Irans judiciary, said that the investigation is ongoing and that Irans Foreign Ministry and human rights commission would pursue a legal case against the United States for the killing of Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Many of the protesters have demanded resignations and legal punishment for those responsible for shooting down the plane. A number of Iranian media outlets published reports that Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, would be forced to resign over the plane crash. According to the report, Shamkhani will be held responsible for the delay in taking responsibility, a major source of the public's anger. The report also claimed that Shamkhani was the individual responsible for not grounding passenger planes when Iran launched missiles at a US air base in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Tasnim News Agency denied the news that Shamkhani would resign. It reported that the council's responsibilities did not include those that resulted in the plane crash. Tasnim and other media platforms have criticized rival media outlets for their coverage of the plane crash, accusing them of aligning themselves with US President Donald Trump and trying to make partisan gains from the tragedy. After meeting Boris Johnson for the second time since he became Prime Minister, I couldn't have imagined getting under his skin quite so much. The surroundings and relaxed atmosphere of Tayto Castle in Tandragee during his November election campaign seemed a world away when I spoke to him yesterday in Stormont's Great Hall. My question to the Prime Minister was whether his visit to Northern Ireland was simply a photo opportunity or publicity stunt. I thought to myself: "What's the best way I can put this without annoying Boris?" That thought was still in my head as he began to call out the names of journalists who had been allowed to quiz the most powerful man in the country. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye Boris Johnson met with first and deputy first ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill and NI Secretary Julian Smith at Stormont Castle to mark the restoration of devolution in NI. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings, Stormont during a visit where he met First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye William Cherry/Presseye Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings, Stormont during a visit where he met First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye William Cherry/Presseye Boris Johnson speaks to the media at Stormont after meetings with Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill and NI Secretary Julian Smith after the restoration of devolution in NI. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson meet at Stormont on January 13, 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (left), Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (centre left), Prime Minister, Boris Johnson (centre right) and Ireland's deputy premier, Tanaiste, Simon Coveney (right) in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Boris Johnson at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images Boris Johnson, Michelle ONeill, Arlene Foster and Julian Smith (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey (left) and Boris Johnson (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, speaking in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, whilst on a visit to meet the leaders of the restored powersharing government. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Politics. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith meet with First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JANUARY 13: Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (R) are greeted by First Minister, Arlene Foster of the DUP (2nd R) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill (2nd L) of Sinn Fein at Stormont on January 13, 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, speaking in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith (right) during their visit to Stormont, Belfast to meet the leaders of the restored powersharing government. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday January 13, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Politics. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill and the new Executive meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith. Photo by William Cherry/Presseye Then it came. Mr Johnson announced, "Ralph Hewitt from the Belfast Telegraph", and I just blurted the question out - immediately forgetting how I would pose it to him. He looked and me and angrily asked, "really?", "photo opportunity?" and "publicity stunt?" I just wanted the floor to swallow me up at that point. But in his usual fashion the PM quickly reneged and was happy to answer as he gave his backing to the new power-sharing Assembly. He said with a smile that the question was "a little bit harsh from the Belfast Telegraph" but it's safe to say there were no free boxes of Tayto crisps this time. State BJP's views come after Banerjee met Modi and they shared the dais at a state government event Kolkata: West Bengal BJP on Monday termed chief minister Mamata Banerjee's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city and her decision to "back out" of the Opposition meeting in New Delhi as "desperate attempts" to divide anti-TMC votes in the state. According to senior state BJP leaders, Banerjee giving the opposition meeting convened by interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi a miss was a "well-calculated move to give oxygen to the Congress and CPI(M) in West Bengal, which are on their political death beds". "She (Banerjee) deliberately wants to send out a message that something is cooking between the BJP and the TMC. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, we emerged as the main opposition in West Bengal. Now, this is being done in a desperate attempt to split anti-TMC votes between us, the CPI(M) and Congress," a state BJP leader said. He said this "trick" has, however, been exposed and will not yield any result as "people of the state have already decided to oust the TMC government in 2021 and bring the BJP to power in the state". The BJP had secured 18 of the 42 seats in West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, just four less than the ruling TMC. The BJP had bagged 41 percent of the polled votes while the TMC clinched 43 percent, relegating the Congress and the Left to the third and fourth positions respectively. "As the Congress and the Left had failed to hold on to their respective electors base, many of whom voted for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee is trying to project these two parties as the main opposition instead of the saffron party," another senior BJP leader said. The state BJP's views come after Banerjee met Modi and they shared the dais at a state government event. Protesting incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Congress and the Left workers in the state during a trade union strike on 8 January, Banerjee had boycotted an opposition meeting called by Sonia Gandhi on 13 January over CAA, NRC, violence on JNU campus and "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Trinamool Congress leaders, however, dismissed the BJP's allegations, asserting that the saffron party should "stop reading too much between the lines". "It is the TMC that has been at the forefront of anti-CAA protest in the country. We were the first to oppose the amended Citizenship Act. "So they (BJP) should think twice before making any baseless comment. It is the BJP that has a tacit understanding with Congress and CPI(M) in the state," senior TMC leader Tapas Roy said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said the "political match-fixing" between the TMC and the BJP is now out in the open. "The double standards of the TMC and BJP are now exposed. The political match-fixing between the two parties has come out in open. The TMC and the BJP can never fight each other as they are two sides of a coin. Only the Left and the Congress can contest them," he said. In a paradigm shift, Pakistan will unveil a "coherent" National Security Policy this year which would integrate key aspects like foreign policy, internal security, education, population and global warming, according to a top aide to Prime Minister Imran Khan. Currently Pakistan's thrust of foreign policy is on keeping external wars out of its territory, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Moeed Yusuf said. "At the moment, Pakistan's engagements in the region aim to convince the rival countries to de-escalate, and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's current tour of Iran, Saudi Arabia and US is a step in that direction," he said. For 70 years, Pakistan has been functioning under short-term strategies, he said. "It's a paradigm shift. It's not going to happen overnight, but finally, it will be out by the end of 2020," Yusuf said on Sunday while addressing a session on national security at the two-day 'ThinkFest'. "Our job at National Security Division is not to tell what will happen tomorrow, but what will happen day after tomorrow," Yusuf was quoted as saying by The "Am tasked to develop a cogent and comprehensive economic diplomacy strategy for the country. Insha'Allah will be a game changer for us," Yusuf tweeted last Wednesday, ahead of the meeting in Lahore. At National Security Division, Yusuf said, "we are developing a coherent National Security Policy, which integrates foreign policy, internal security, education, population, global warming, culture and tourism, with a sole aim to ensure the social and economic security of the common man. "It will be out by the end of this year," he said and added that the Pakistan government was breaking away from traditional definition of single-track geo-economic policy and now integrating all sectors to work in tandem to achieve the goal of uplifting the common man. "Pakistan knows mediation will not bear fruit in this situation, but it is time to engage in diplomacy to prevent escalation," he said, adding that the media criticised it as a mediation effort, though it was not. We are not doing it for optics, but in the national interest," he added. Yusuf also touched upon the Kashmir issue, the Dawn newspaper reported. He said Pakistan looked towards the UN for the resolution of the Kashmir issue because it had through its resolutions recognised it as a dispute. This was for the first time the West was taking note of the situation in Kashmir, he said. Pakistan was raising the issue of Jammu & Kashmir through all diplomatic channels available to "shake the conscience" of the world community to provide justice to the people in the Valley. "Our approach is diplomatic," he said, adding that Pakistan has approached the United Nations, knowing that it can't resolve the issue, but because the UN ensures Kashmir's status as a legal dispute, The quoted him as saying. Replying to a question about prime minister Khan's decision of not going to Malaysia to attend a summit of major Islamic nations, he said it was made in the best national interest. "We are going to drive our foreign policy wherever we can. We are working on how to keep external walls out of Pakistan," Yusuf said. He said in the government's view, division in the Muslim world was not good and Pakistan would try its level best to stop this wherever it could. "The decision did not affect Pakistan's relations with Malaysia or Turkey. The prime minister is visiting Malaysia next month. We are the only Muslim country which can talk to every Muslim country. Turkey, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are in our camp, he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A contestants wrong answer and premature happy dance has been dubbed one of the most iconic gameshow moments ever after going viral this week. The Canadian version of gameshow Family Feud, which works in the same format as Family Fortunes, saw contestant Eve Dubois get a seemingly simple answer so wrong she had the whole audience in stitches. In a sudden death round against fellow competitor Logan Tomlin, the pair were asked one question with over $10,000, almost 6,000, going to the person that gets it right. Read more: Countdown contestant beams as Rachel Riley has to spell out another saucy word Contestant Eve Dubois realises she got it wrong. Photo: CBC Host Gerry Dee said the question was real simple, but it turns out, not so for a clueless Eve. Name Popeyes favourite food? he asked. Hitting the buzzer almost instantly Eve shouted, chicken before breaking into a happy dance. Almost instantly the audience burst out laughing, along with the host and a giant red cross on screen signified her answer was definitely incorrect. Logan quickly buzzed in with the correct answer - spinach - as the question was about iconic cartoon character Popeye the sailor, not the popular North American fast-food chain Popeyes. I thought you meant Popeyes chicken, Eve said in response, trying to shake off the mistake with another dance. Of course, the hilarious mishap went viral with plenty of people sharing their amusement on Twitter. Photo: Twitter To be fair just about everyone under the age of 40 has probably only ever heard of Popeyes Chicken and won't have a clue about Popeye the sailor man unless they've been to Universal Orlando. pic.twitter.com/0IjzBMUWRv Stephen Farrell (@FarrellStephen) January 10, 2020 And it wasnt all bad with the actual fast-food chain Popeyes getting wind of Eves incorrect response, offering her a consolation prize of $10k worth of chicken. Meanwhile this year also marks the 150th anniversary of the National Weather Service and the 50th anniversary of its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the cornerstone of U.S. weather forecasting. It is in part through conferences like the one here in Boston this week - through research presented, formal meetings and informal conversations - that your daily weather forecast has steadily improved over many decades. In fact, while Mother Nature may still humble us from time to time, the overall improvement in weather forecasting is absolutely stunning. One of the most dramatic examples of this improvement starts way back in 1900, when a Category 4 hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, with virtually no advanced warning, killing more than 8,000 people to become the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history. Today, forecasters routinely identify areas at risk for hurricane landfall several days in advance, with an average 24-hour track forecast error of less than 60 miles, giving communities time to prepare and saving countless lives. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad on Monday accused the Left-leaning student organisations and Congress' student-wing NSUI of being hand-in-glove in the January 5 violence at the JNU campus, saying it was the fallout of their pre-planned conspiracy. At a press conference here, the RSS-affiliated ABVP also released eight videos in support of its claims and demanded a detailed investigation into the matter. On its part, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has been accusing the ABVP of being the force behind the attack that had left more than 35 injured on January 5. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (AP) - State police are investigating an altercation between a trooper and a man he was questioning in a western New York parking lot. Major Eric Laughton says Sunday that the trooper was on road patrol but has been placed on desk duty during the internal investigation. Cell phone video of the incident Saturday at a Tops Plaza in Farmington was sent to WHEC in Rochester. A trooper is seen yelling at a man and giving him a hard shove. The names of the trooper and the man were not released. Police say the trooper had responded to a report of a domestic incident. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Spurring the economy, currently in the throes of a slowdown, remains the prime focus for most ministries, but the government is also looking to make women's welfare and environmental protection key to policymaking in this term. The Union government has decided to focus efforts on the betterment of women, sustainable development, and investment-led economic growth over the next five years. This emerged from meetings held on January 4, where ministries presented sector-specific plans to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Beginning last Friday, the two-day exercise saw 10 sector-specific ministry groupings showcase their plans for enabling development, and initiatives taken over the previous term to the PM and the Council of Ministers. Spurring the economy, currently in the throes of a slowdown, remains the prime focus for most ministries, but the government is also looking to make women's welfare and environmental protection key to policymaking in this term. Sources said the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) held detailed discussions with each sectoral grouping and will soon provide final inputs on ministries final vision documents. Despite these being created just a few weeks before the Budget is tabled in Parliament, budgetary allocations will be made accordingly for every department, a source said. Rather than hear out each ministry individually, as had been the norm earlier, the PMO pushed for a sectoral approach feeling that more convergence in policies was required, the source said. Individual secretaries led their overall sectoral groups. The groupings included commerce, finance, micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME), labour and rural development, among others. The commerce secretary led the commerce group, which included the departments of Commerce, Heavy Industries, Textiles and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The commerce department said credit at lower rates needed to be made available to exporters, and MSMEs, especially, as the sector faces a liquidity crisis. Providing a robust export promotion regime, with schemes that are compliant with global rules also ranks high on the department's plans. It also suggested continuing bilateral discussions with major partner countries to explore export opportunities, including the United States and European Union. This comes at a time when rising global protectionism has pushed most nations to increasingly trade within their regional or multilateral blocs. A broad-based decline in major revenue earners like textiles, engineering goods and gems have meant that Indias exports have fallen for four straight months till November. More worryingly, imports contracted for the sixth straight month, driven by petroleum, engineering and industrial items, an indicator of sustained demand slowdown in the economy. Interestingly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which was also part of the commerce grouping, argued for a stronger role in ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, a senior official said. The MEA has in turn been advised by the PMO to work in tandem with the DPIIT to galvanise foreign direct investment through India's diplomatic missions abroad, he added. Creation of an e-commerce policy and an industrial policy, both of which have crossed multiple deadlines, are integral to the DPIITs plans to boost both domestic industry and the retail sector. Work on both these policies would be expedited, it informed the PMO. DPIIT also aims to improve Indias ease of doing business at the local level and has said it will partner with states and other government bodies. Measures to create a single window platform for investors are currently underway, another official said. Official data show contraction remained entrenched in the manufacturing sector till November. Indias overall industrial production fell 3.8 per cent in October, after an eight-year high contraction of 4.3 per cent in September. The output of eight core sectors of the economy, too, fell for a third straight month in November, contracting 1.5 per cent. - President Uhuru extended the term of the Yusuf Haji led task force on December 11, 2019, but he is yet to gazette the unit - Mudavadi and Wetang'ula expressed concern that the delay in gazetting the 14-member team may paralyse the second phase of the BBI - They have also said the lag may cause a huge waste of public funds to sustain a team which still cannot execute its mandate - The team is expected to widen public consultations and draw up an actionable implementation plan of the report that was launched in November 2019 Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to expedite gazettement of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) task force. Musalia decried Uhuru's failure to gazette the team more than one month after its term was extended stating that it could deal a blow to the steering of the next phase of the recently launched BBI report. READ ALSO: Baringo dancing kids join boarding school in Nyahururu Mudavadi said the delay dealing a blow to the steering of the next phase of the BBI report. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Well wishers help Form One student who trekked from Nandi to new school in Kakamega The ANC leader, whose sentiments were echoed by Bungoma senator, Moses Wetang'ula, argued delay in gazetting the task force created a conduit where public resources were being wasted by sustaining a team that still does not have power to execute its mandate. "The president should gazette the team which he recently extended its term...public resources are going to be wasted if he doesn't do this. We will also be breaking the law if the team is not gazetted," said Mudavadi. READ ALSO: Pastor James Ng'ang'a sensationally claims he will have powers to sack government officials in 2020 According to Wetang'ula, gazettement will allow the BBI team to traverse the country with an aim of widening public consultations and drawing up an actionable implementation plan. READ ALSO: Pastor James Ng'ang'a sensationally claims he will have powers to sack government officials in 2020 The Ford Kenya leader, however, added there was need for the report to be published and distributed to Kenyas for them to familiarise themselves with its contents. " They will only be able to get reviews and feedback from citizens if the report is published and electorate given time to read it," said Wetang'ula. Mudavadi (l) and Wetang'ula (r) said delay in gazetting the 14-member-team may paralyse the second phase of the BBI. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi. Source: Facebook Remarks of the duo come amid push for adoption of the BBI report by leaders allied to ODM party leader Raila Odinga who are also calling for a referendum soon. Calls for a plebiscite took centre stage during a BBI consultative meeting that was convened in Kisii on Friday, January 10. President Uhuru during a meeting with the BBI task force team. Photo: Raila Odinga. Source: UGC Section of leaders who made remarks during the Kisii forum proposed for position of a powerful prime minister who cannot be fired by the president as currently proposed. Another meeting to discuss recommendations of the report is set to be convened in Kakamega, Bukhungu Stadium, on Saturday, January 18. President Uhuru extended the term of the team on December 11, 2019, but he is yet to gazette it. Photo: State House. Source: UGC The meetings have, however, been described as a waste of time and resources by Deputy President William Ruto, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen. A section of leaders from Kericho have on their part warned BBI proponents against coming to popularise the report in the devolved unit. 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. Raila Odinga is behind Miguna miguna's problems - Moses kuria | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke New Delhi: Taking a dig at the Congress over the absence of six major political parties namely Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the opposition meet on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that the opposition unity on CAA stands exposed. "Apart from Congress, no other major parties went to take party in the meeting. Neither the BSP, nor the Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party TMC were in it. The wind of opposition unity has blown," Ravi Shankar Prasad said. Opposition resolution (against CAA) must have made Pakistan happy. CAA is a chance to expose barbaric treatment of minorities in Pakistan," he added. Launching a scathing attack against the opposition for protesting the CAA, the Union Law Minister said that the Parliament passed the law after thorough debate for two days, in which every political party participated. There was an open debate in the Parliament for two days, voting took place, everyone also participated in the discussion. It is now being said that the Citizenship Act was passed in Parliament in haste, he said. The resolution is neither in national interest nor in the interest of security. It is also not in the interest of those minorities who fled neighbouring countries to escape persecution," Prasad told reporters. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, adopted a resolution on Monday, demanding that the amended Citizenship Act be withdrawn and the process of NPR immediately stopped and asserting that it was all part of an "unconstitutional package" that targeted poor people, SC/STs and minorities. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Rick Rycroft/Associated Press BODALLA, Australia Crews battling Australias wildfires said Sunday that they have been able to turn from defense to offense for the first time in weeks thanks to a break in the weather. Dale McLean, who is helping manage the response to a fire near Bodalla in New South Wales state, was part of team that bulldozed small trees and burned scrub ahead of the fires projected path to try to stop it from reaching a major highway by starving it of fuel. [January 13, 2020] 5G Action Now Launches to Fight for Swift U.S. Deployment of 5G Technology WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Former House Intelligence Committee Chairman, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), will serve as Chairman of 5G Action Now, a new advocacy organization established to fight for the rapid deployment of 5G technology in the United States and raise the alarm about the importance of winning the 5G race against China. When in Congress, Rogers worked to emphasize the critical importance of 5G to America's national and economic security, and highlighted the benefits of prioritizing this race and successfully deploying 5G before China. "The Chinese understand how important 5G is to America's economy, national security, and global leadership," Rogers said. "That's why Beijing poured massive subsidies into Huawei, worked to undercut international competition, and waged a campaign of unprecedented economic espionage to dominate 5G. It is crucial that we don't allow China to outspend and outplay us on the 5G field." According to a recent study, full deployment of 5G technology by 2035 will enable $13.2 trillion of global economic output, and support 22 million jobs. At issue, today, is whether China or the United States takes the lead in deploying this technology and, therefore, eaps the economic rewards derived from dominance in this crucial arena. The urgency of successfully rolling out 5G across the country cannot be overstated. 5G Action Now supports the Federal Communications Commission's goal of holding an auction, this year, for the allocation of the C-band, the frequency spectrum necessary to deliver ubiquitous 5G services. "Ensuring American leadership in 5G is not about that next killer app or faster download speeds. It is about securing and strengthening our country's economic future," Rogers said. "We, as a country, need to have a critical conversation about how to prioritize the race for 5G." Rogers added, "American innovation took us to the moon and can ensure that we surpass China in the 5G race, and permanently establish American leadership. We can do this by smartly deploying 5G technology, something the Chinese are currently focused on. It's time for the U.S. to recognize this and move forward." 5G Action Now is a 501(c)4 advocacy organization that works to educate members of Congress and the American people about this issue. "Leadership of 5G and its rollout is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, it's an American issue. If we cede victory in this race to Beijing, no one wins," Rogers said. About 5G Action Now 5G Action Now was founded to establish the United States as the worldwide leader in 5G. Our goal is to elevate the conversation regarding American national security and the economic benefits of winning the 5G innovation and deployment battle against China. 5G will spur economic growth in rural America, create an environment for technological expansion, and put the U.S. on strong national security footing for generations to come. 5G Action Now supports the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) goal of a 2020 C-band auction. Additionally, we support Members of Congress of both parties working together with the federal government to win the 5G race against China. 5GActionNow.com About Mike Rogers Mike Rogers is the former Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He is a Distinguished Fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center where he is leading a program on 5G, national security, and intelligence policy. CONTACT: Joe Householder 202.465.6707 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/5g-action-now-launches-to-fight-for-swift-us-deployment-of-5g-technology-300985323.html SOURCE 5G Action Now [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, photo, released by Iranian Students' News Agency, ISNA, a woman attending a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the Ukraine plane crash, talks to a policeman, at the gate of Amri Kabir University in Tehran, Iran. Security forces deployed in large numbers across the capital, Tehran, Sunday, expecting more protests after its Revolutionary Guard admitted to accidentally shooting down a passenger plane at a time of soaring tensions with the United States. AP A handout picture provided by the official website of the Iranian Presidency on Jan. 12, 2020, shows Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaking during a joint press conference with the Emir of Qatar in Tehran. AFP Protests erupted across Iran for a second day on Sunday, increasing pressure on the Islamic Republic's leadership after it admitted its military shot down a Ukrainian airliner by accident, despite days of denials that Iranian forces were to blame. "They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here," one group of protesters chanted outside a university in Tehran, according to video posted on Twitter. Other posts showed demonstrators outside a second university and a group of protesters marching to Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) Square, as well as protests in other cities. Some state-affiliated media carried reports of the university protests, which followed demonstrations on Saturday sparked by Iran's admission that its military mistakenly shot down the plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 aboard, at a time when Tehran feared U.S. air strikes. The Ukraine International Airlines plane was downed minutes after taking off from Tehran bound for Kiev on Wednesday. Many on board were Iranians with dual citizenship, while 57 were holders of Canadian passports. Residents of the capital told Reuters that police were out in force on Sunday. Some protesters in Azadi Square first called on officers there to join them, then turned their anger on the authorities, chanting anti-government slogans including "Down with the dictator" - a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to social media posts and Iranian media reports. The semi-official ILNA news agency said police moved to disperse the protesters, who it said numbered as many as 3,000. Videos posted online showed demonstrators running from police who used batons and teargas. Reuters could not authenticate the videos. Public anger boiled up following days of denials by the military that it was to blame for the crash, issued even as Canada and the United States said it appeared that Iranian air defences had shot down the airliner, probably in error. "Apologise and resign," Iran's moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the "people's demand" was that those responsible for mishandling the crisis quit. The latest unrest adds to mounting pressure on the Iranian authorities, who are struggling to keep the crippled economy afloat under stringent U.S. sanctions. Trump warns Iran against 'massacre' as protests erupt over jetliner downing Anger and grief as Canada remembers Iran plane crash victims Iran's female Olympic medalist permanently leaves country Demonstrations against a hike in fuel prices turned political last year, sparking the bloodiest crackdown in the 40-year history of the Islamic Republic. About 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on Nov. 15, three Iranian Interior Ministry officials told Reuters, although international rights groups put the figure much lower and Iran called the report "fake news." After saying on Saturday that he was "inspired" by the courage of the demonstrators, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday: "To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free!" 'IRAN'S ENEMIES WANT REVENGE' About 2,000 people packed a vigil for the air-crash victims in Toronto on Sunday, and a similar number attended a memorial in Edmonton, Alberta, where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke. His voice breaking, Trudeau told the vigil he would "pursue justice and accountability" for the victims. "We will not rest until there are answers," he said. The downing of the plane came as Iranian forces were on high alert for U.S. reprisals following tit-for-tat strikes. A U.S. drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 3 killed prominent Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, responsible for building up Iran's network of proxy armies in Iraq and beyond. Tehran responded with missile strikes on U.S. targets in Iraq. No U.S. soldiers were killed in the retaliatory attacks. But in the tense hours that followed, the Boeing 737-800 was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and brought down by a missile fired by mistake. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani apologised for what he said was a "disastrous mistake". But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public anger when he said he had told the authorities on the same day as the crash that an Iranian missile had brought down the plane. The Guards' top commander, Hossein Salami, said that "we are more upset than anyone over the incident," state media reported. Another commander said Iran did not intend to conceal the cause. But others said Iran's enemies, a term usually used to refer to Washington and its allies, were exploiting the incident. "Iran's enemies want to take revenge on the Guards for a military mistake," said Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative to the Quds Force, the elite overseas Guards unit that Soleimani headed, state media reported. Iranian officials sought to portray the plane disaster as a second blow to a nation mourning after Soleimani's death. His funeral prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described as a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general. The killing of Soleimani dramatically escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington, following months of hostilities since Trump withdrew from a nuclear pact between Iran and world powers in 2018 and then toughened up sanctions. Britain protested after its ambassador in Iran was briefly detained on Saturday. Iranian media said he was inciting protests. The envoy said he attended a vigil for plane victims. China can maintain one-China principle Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/12 22:53:41 Some senior diplomats of Western countries, including the US and the UK, congratulated Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party on their victory in the island's regional leadership and legislative elections. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's speech of congratulation was more high-profile than that of former secretary of state John Kerry four years ago. They officially sent their congratulations, which is contrary to the one-China principle and sends a wrong signal to Taiwan authorities. The US, which has been regarding China as a strategic competitor, will get up to more little tricks on the Taiwan question in the coming years. The US will rope in more allies to help, and China must be fully prepared. China should firmly maintain the one-China principle and avoid being led by the US and Taiwan authorities. We should strive to hold the initiative of the Taiwan Straits in our own hands. First, we must strengthen the right to define the situation of the Taiwan Straits. The situation should not be decided by the US and Taiwan authorities. Our strategic arrangements should not be restrained by their definition. This means that we can ignore some of the messages that they want to highlight, and we can harshly stop the acts that they want to slip through unpunished. Second, if the US goes too far, we should resolutely counteract and prevent other Western countries from being coerced by the US. In the future, we must counter those Western countries that follow the US suit on the Taiwan question so as to further convince Western countries of our determination to maintain the one-China principle. Third, we should encourage Tsai to ease her cross-Straits policies and not to further antagonize the Chinese mainland. Meanwhile, we need to plan to crack down on Tsai's new provocative actions, including imposing military pressure, which is an unbearable option for Taiwan authorities. Fourth, we should carry out a stronger international promotion of the one-China principle and take the international moral high ground of the Taiwan question. The one-China principle is widely known to the world and has a strong moral foundation. The US and Taiwan authorities use the so-called democracy and Taiwan's public opinion to confront the principle, and the whole world understands their geopolitical malice. China has sufficient conditions to win the battle of public opinion. We need to make the world see who is unilaterally breaking the status quo of the Taiwan Straits and destroying its peace and stability. Fifth, we should make the Chinese mainland's popular public opinion - resolutely opposing the so-called Taiwan independence - join in the public opinion battle. Such public opinion from the Chinese mainland should gain respect from the international community. Taiwan authorities rashly undermine the one-China principle, which has already become a global consensus. They also oppose mainland public opinion. Taiwan authorities and their supporters are doomed to be isolated. The mainland should stay confident and become more united. We must not be led by some malicious public opinion created by some internal and external forces. Taiwan is an island close to the Chinese mainland, not a boat that is drifting away. As the comprehensive strength of the mainland has been increasing, we have enough ability to contain "Taiwan independence." This is a fact that even those "Taiwan independence" forces believe firmly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. A fatal officer-involved shooting shut down Interstate 70 in western Colorado for several hours. The shooting was reported at about 2 p.m. Saturday between Canyon Creek and New Castle. Garfield County Sheriffs Office spokesman Walt Stowe tells the Post Independent that investigators were awaiting a coroners report and notification of the victims family before releasing more information about what led to the shooting. Snowy weather and slick roads caused accidents on Highway 6, where some traffic was detoured, forcing the closure of that road for a period of time. Interstate 70 reopened in both directions shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday, the Colorado Department of Transportation said. A critical incident team is investigating the shooting. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 20:29 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321ffc32 1 World Jokowi,joko-widodo,Abu-Dhabi,UAE,new-capital,East-Kalimantan,jakarta,new-york,London Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo took his huge vision for Indonesias new capital to the stage in Abu Dhabi on Monday as he invited nations and businesses from around the world to invest in the countrys soon-to-be-built administrative hub, which will replace Jakarta. During his visit to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jokowi delivered his keynote speech at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), in which he mentioned the new capital city. We invite the world to bring the best technology, the best innovation and the best wisdom to [Indonesias] new capital, Jokowi said as quoted in a statement released by the Presidential Palace. Jokowi said that Indonesia had 1.4 million civil servants working for the central government and with all of their family members combined, around 6 to 7 million people would move to the new capital. We do not want to just build a small-scale administrative capital, but a smart metropolis since the population will be three times that of Paris, 10 times that of Washington DC; it will even equal the population of New York and London, he said. The development of the new capital must be supported with the latest technology and the city at the same time must be a place for innovation and creativity and be environmentally friendly, and a place that provides happiness to its inhabitants, Jokowi said. With a large population that would occupy the territory, he went on, it was important to pay attention to the urban lifestyle in the 21st century that was low-carbon and environmentally responsible. The development of the new capital will emphasize the importance of overcoming social problems, such as wasteful lifestyles, by building a new city that is friendly for all to adopt efficient and low-carbon lifestyles oriented to public transportation and pedestrians, and close to nature, he said. Renewable energy and clean technology will produce sustainable lives for social and economic development. Jokowi also addressed his initial arguments in relocating the capital from Jakarta, namely that it was also a solution to equitable development in Indonesia. The capital Jakarta, he said, had become one of the major cities that contributed significantly to the national economy. In a country that has more than 17 thousand islands, the concept of equitable development is needed so that development can be felt by all the people of Indonesia. This is what we call Indonesia-centric, he added. In August last year, Jokowi announced its decision to move the capital city from overcrowded and congested Jakarta. Part of North Penajam Paser regency and part of Kutai Kertanegara regency in East Kalimantan will be the site of the countrys new capital. BLACKSBURG, Va., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Elswick, Chief Executive Officer of Osprey Communications, LLC (Osprey) and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner Stephen Brich today announced that VDOT and Osprey have executed a Fiber Optic Resource Sharing Agreement. This agreement and the accompanying permits enable Osprey to construct an underground, multi-conduit fiber optic system in the VDOT limited-access right-of-way from Haymarket, Virginia to Bristol, Virginia. From the Virginia-Tennessee border, Osprey plans to continue the deployment to Nashville, Tennessee. "Since its inception in 1998, VDOT's Fiber Optic Resource Sharing program has allowed communications providers to install fiber infrastructure in VDOT's limited-access rights-of-way. In return, VDOT has received over 4,700 miles of fiber routes to support transportation operations across the Commonwealth," said Commissioner Brich. "Our agreement with Osprey dramatically enhances our traffic management capabilities along the I-81 and I-66 corridors, while bringing significant savings to Virginia taxpayers." "Virginia is the key juncture in America's fiber optic infrastructure. Connecting major growth centers utilizing diverse protected routes with low latency is key to the sustainable growth of the world's data needs," Elswick said. "Osprey is meeting that need with fiber and fiber conduits to fulfill the demands of data companies and telecommunications providers alike." VDOT's Fiber Optic Resource Sharing program allows telecom providers to install fiber resources within limited-access rights-of-way, which are not congested with other utility installations. Additional efficiencies are gained as providers coordinate solely with VDOT along these routes rather than multiple landowners. In exchange, VDOT can receive compensation in any combination of goods, services and/or cash. "This program is a win for both parties. VDOT gets access to incredibly fast fiber capacity and Osprey is able to build its network from Ashburn to Nashville utilizing VDOT's rights-of-way for the Virginia portion of their route," said Brook Lunsford, President of Osprey Communications. "We have constructed over 10,000 miles of fiber and look forward to this project," he added. "With Governor Northam's focus on broadband deployment in the Commonwealth, we believe this agreement will not only strengthen the broadband infrastructure in Virginia, it will likely provide access to underserved communities along the route," said Cathy McGhee, Director of Research and Innovation for VDOT. Elswick noted that "In addition to this project updating our aging national fiber optic infrastructure, it is personally important to me and my family that we were able to bring this fiber construction through Southwest Virginia, and continuing to upgrade the ability of the region to access high quality, high speed connectivity." "Direct fiber optic connectivity to major cities will benefit every area of Virginia we pass through, but perhaps none more so than Southwest Virginia as it takes its place as an ideal location for data centers; no hurricanes, extremely rare earthquakes, electrically diverse power grids, and with this diverse long-distance fiber optic construction, it will be even more attractive," he added. About Osprey Communications, LLC Osprey Communications LLC was formed in 2019 combining the experienced long-haul fiber optic construction leaders Brook Lunsford and Cliff Churchill with the fiber-to-the-home father-son team Paul and Ryan Elswick. Osprey seeks to fill the increasing shortage of long-haul fiber optic availability with diverse routes. During 2018 Paul Elswick and his son, Ryan Elswick, sold their family-owned fiber to the house fiber-to-the-premises business, Sunset Digital Communications, Inc. that they had operated in Southwest Virginia since 2003. Brook Lunsford and Cliff Churchill have constructed fiber optic networks in over 15 states installing over 10,000 miles of underground fiber optics cables. For more information, visit www.ospreynetwork.com. About Virginia Department of Transportation The Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for building, maintaining and operating the Commonwealth of Virginia's roads, bridges and tunnels. Virginia has the third-largest state-maintained highway system in the country with an annual budget of $6.4 billion. SOURCE Osprey Communications, LLC Secretary Michael R. Pompeos Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 12, 2020 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss developments in the Middle East. Secretary Pompeo reiterated the need for NATO to play a greater role in the region and stressed the U.S. commitment to the UN-facilitated peace process in Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Appointment 13 January 2020 Based in Travelport's global headquarters in Berkshire, England, John will have strategic oversight of Travelport's growth strategy, sales organization and M&A agenda. Before joining Travelport, John was President and CEO of Radixx International, a company that provides technology solutions to the airline industry. Radixx was recently acquired by Sabre. Before that, John enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career with Sabre and its former parent company American Airlines, including roles as the leader of global sales for Sabre Airline Solutions and Sabre Travel Network's leader of Global Accounts and Traveler Experience. John has an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and has served on boards for businesses, universities, municipalities and non-profit organizations. John and his wife will relocate to the UK later this year. About 5,000 Bhovi Hindus, who came to India after fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, will hold a march here on January 18 in support of the contentious CAA, community's national president Venkatesh Maurya said on Monday. According to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to escape religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. The persecuted Hindus will now get Indian citizenship because of the CAA. The support march will begin from Jantar Mantar and reach the BJP headquarters, Maurya said. The Bhovi community, known by different names like Vaddara, Boyar and Ode across the country, is engaged in jobs like stone quarrying and breaking. It belongs to the Scheduled Caste category in six states -- Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. In the rest of the country, it is included under the categories of Other Backward Class or Most Backward Class. "About 22 lakh people have migrated after partition and about 2,000 migrated in the last few years," Maurya told reporters. Many of them have got Indian citizenship. However, there are still thousands in Haryana and 2,000 in Delhi, especially in Sanjay Colony, who have not yet got citizenship, he said. "The CAA will benefit them as they will get citizenship of India. The Bhovi community is happy with the move," he said. The community, however, needs support from the government for registration of houses once Delhi's Sanjay Colony gets legalised, he added. For the welfare of this community, the government should provide a free house and a job each to families from this community, Maurya said. Narrating his ordeal, 74-year-old Divyaram, a former MP from Pakistan, said he came to India in 2000, leaving behind acres of land, to escape attempts to convert him and his relatives to Islam. He said all limits were crossed when the daughter of one of his close relatives was kidnapped and police took no action in the matter. Divyaram now stays in Haryana. According to Maurya, there are about 3.50 crore Bhovi Hindus in India. Many of them live in south India. Those staying in north India are mostly migrants from Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images After three years of dangerously and unnecessarily escalating tensions with Iran, Donald Trump rang in the new year by creating a crisis that almost started a war with Iran and still very well could. As we enter the fourth year of Trumps presidency, it is more necessary than ever to remind ourselves daily: this is not normal. Related: Brinkmanship, nerves and 176 civilian deaths: the Iran air disaster The list of despicable domestic actions by Trump that must not be normalized is long from the policy separating migrant children from their parents and detaining them in cages to the presidents call for his critics to be investigated or jailed. And while Trumps foreign policy in 2017 and 2018 was shocking including regular praise for dictators Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, for instance 2019 was the year that Congress and the American people finally had enough. The Ukraine scandal made crystal clear Trumps unprecedented and dangerous assault on national security norms and led to his impeachment. But the extortion of Ukraine for personal gain was far from the only national security norm that Trump attacked in 2019. In 2019, Robert Muellers report outlined in extensive detail how Trumps 2016 campaign asked for and received Russias help in attacking his campaign opponent. While the story of Trumps collusion with Russia has gone on so long that it can sometimes seem to have faded into the background of the national consciousness, the 448-page Mueller report should be treated every day like the bombshell it is the story of how Trump worked with a foreign power to win an election. In 2019, the American people also learned that Trumps attempts to get foreign help to further his political interests extend beyond Russia. In addition to Ukraine, Trump also asked China to help smear his political rival. In 2019, Trump also attempted to circumvent Congress to fund his border wall by taking money from the military and sending US troops who are not supposed to be deployed on US soil to the border. Story continues In 2019, Trumps administration formally began the process to remove the US from the Paris climate agreement. Unless we get our act together, humanity will look back on Americas withdrawal from this global effort as unforgivable. This is not normal: while climate is too often treated in Washington like a policy disagreement, Trumps actions must be seen for the shocking disregard of reality that they reflect. One of the presidents top priorities should be tackling the existential threat of climate change, not denying its existence and adopting policies that will make it worse. In 2019, in both Afghanistan and Syria, off-the-cuff interventions by Trump shattered delicate, hard-fought progress and undermined national security. In the 18th year of Americas war in Afghanistan, and after months of talks, the president blew up a potential deal with the Taliban in a moment of haste. And in Syria, after years of American troops fighting side by side with Kurdish partners against Isis, Trump gave the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the green light attack the Kurds as American forces abandoned them. And while it almost seems like a joke, in 2019 the president of the United States cancelled a trip to visit a US treaty ally Denmark because the country would not sell him Greenland. Trump also continued to attack people because of their race, ethnicity and religion in ways that erode the very model of America as a welcoming, tolerant and diverse society. He told members of Congress (who of course are Americans) to go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. He repeatedly accused people of being antisemitic and questioned their national loyalties because they do not blindly support the dangerous policies of the Israeli government. And he encouraged the Israeli government to prevent two members of Congress from visiting Israel. The list goes on. None of this is normal. These actions go far beyond policy disagreements. They are not only disturbing and unbecoming the office of the president they undermine the democratic values America embodies, and damage Americas national security. Trump hopes that his offensive and dangerous actions are normalized by the sheer force and volume of them. He obfuscates, gaslights and lies in his three years in office has made more than 15,000 false or misleading claims, according to the Washington Post. As 2020 begins and Trump teeters on the edge of starting a war with Iran, it is a stark reminder that America no longer knows what its like not to be at war roughly a quarter of Americans have only been alive while America has been fighting a war. This should not be normal but sadly America has already begun to treat it like it is. We may not be able to dedicate the same level of outrage or oversight to every single one of Trumps despicable actions. But we cannot allow them to be seen as normal, and we must push back on them all. Small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial finds ginger is an effective treatment Are aching, swollen joints stifling your activity levels and making life a real pain? Ginger, an inexpensive, herbal wonder, can reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to do more of the activities you enjoy. One common cause of swollen joints is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1.5 million people in the United States. RA disproportionately affects women, with nearly three times as many women afflicted as men and onset typically occurring between 30 and 60 years of age. Autoimmune diseases occur when the bodys immune response is overactive and assaults healthy cells and tissues. In the case of RA, the immune system erroneously attacks the joints. The tissue that lines the inside of joints, called the synovium, thickens, and synovial fluid, which lubricates and reduces friction between bones and cartilage, is impaired, resulting in inflammation and swelling of affected joints and surrounding tissues. RA can affect specific joints, such as those of the hands and feet, and can also be systemic, affecting entire body systems, such as the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. Left untreated, RA can permanently damage cartilage, which normally protects bones, eventually causing damage to the bones themselves. This can result in severe pain, loss of mobility, and even permanent joint deformity. Due to the severity of potential outcomes, most doctors recommend early and aggressive treatment to control RA. Fortunately, natural treatments, including ginger, can help. Drug Treatment Poses Risks Due to the painful symptoms and severe risks presented by RA, most individuals who receive this diagnosis will opt for medication-based treatment. Physicians typically prescribe one or a combination of three types of drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS). Meta-analyses of data collected through studies of these drugs show that the elderly are particularly vulnerable to such adverse effects. Increased risks of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and liver problems are among the potentially devastating consequences of NSAID treatment. Steroids, another common prescription for RA sufferers, provide targeted treatment since they can be shot directly into joints. However, their effectiveness diminishes over time and using steroids isnt without risks. Side effects can include weight gain and puffiness, increased blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Another common treatment, DMARDS, work by suppressing the bodys immune system response. DMARDS are taken for long periods, potentially for the duration of the disease-state, or the rest of the patients life. Relief doesnt come immediately, so these drugs are often prescribed in conjunction with an NSAID for pain relief. DMARDS are risky drugs since the suppression of the immune system increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections. They can also harm a developing fetus, so any patient who is or wishes to become pregnant should exercise extreme caution when taking DMARDS. Other potential side effects include, but arent limited to, gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, pancreas damage, high blood pressure, fertility problems, and increased cancer risk.[xi] Ginger: A Natural Antidote to Inflammation A focus of our research at GreenMedInfo.com is the healing effects of plant-based medicine. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a medicinal plant from the Zingiberaceae family. To date, more than 40 antioxidants have been isolated from ginger rhizome. Ginger is GRASgenerally recognized as safeand is known as a traditional treatment for relieving stiffness and pain in patients with osteoarthritis. While the healing effects of ginger may be well known, there is little clinical evidence supporting its use as a pharmaceutical drug alternative or adjunct in the treatment of RA. A multidisciplinary team of researchers based in Tehran, Iran, aimed to add to this dearth of clinical evidence by studying the effects of ginger root on immunity and inflammatory markers in patients with active cases of RA. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, R 70 active RA patients between 19 and 69 years of age were selected. Inclusion criteria were at least two years of disease duration, being under treatment with DMARDs (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone <10 milligrams (mg) a day) and not receiving anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, ginger or control (placebo). The ginger group received two capsules daily, each containing 750 mg of powdered ginger, while the placebo group received similar, inert pills containing wheat powder that was stored in a ginger box to impart the distinctive ginger smell. The intervention was conducted for 12 weeks, with the ginger group receiving a total of 1500 mg of ginger each day. The severity of illness and pain from RA are closely associated with inflammation and oxidative stress markers, factors that can be measured via a disease activity score and expression of certain genes (NF-B, PPAR-, FoxP3, T-bet, GATA-3, and RORt). The disease activity score (DAS28-ESR) was measured by a rheumatologist, with information related to swollen joints, tender joints, acute phase response, and the patients self-report of the general health of 28 joints. These markers and scores were measured using quantitative, real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) blood analysis, before and after this clinical intervention. After the 12-week intervention, the group receiving ginger supplementation had significant decreases in their disease activity score and inflammatory markers (RORt and T-bet genes expression). In addition, the ginger group saw significant increases in healthy immunity markers (FoxP3) as compared to placebo. Also, the expression of PPAR- gene within the ginger group increased significantly, showing increased anti-inflammatory activity. Researchers concluded that ginger can improve quality of life and decrease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by increasing FoxP3 gene expression and decreasing RORt and T-bet gene expression. You can find more than 100 free and informative articles on the healing properties of ginger on GreenMedInfo.com. To read more scientific studies on ginger, consult GreenMedInfo.healths Research Database by becoming a member. The GMI Research Group is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day. Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health. Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Sign up for the newsletter. DUKE Street in Henley has all but one of the towns seven charity shops. But despite the competition from their neighbours, all six stores earn tens of thousands of pounds a year for their individual causes. They all receive regular custom, donations and offers of work from volunteers. Some people have been giving their time for more than 30 years and others say it is the highlight of their week to spend time helping. The shops are as follows: OXFAM: There has been an Oxfam shop in Henley since the Seventies when there was one in Station Road. The shop later moved to Market Place. Following a surge in demand, the charity decided to have two outlets in 1998 and opened the book shop next door. This shop moved to Duke Street in 2010. There are now 75 volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the two sites. The Market Place store sells about 40,000 items a year, including new and second-hand goods, such as clothes, toys and homeware. It is currently being temporarily managed by Sabine Adams, who is the manager of the book shop. Mrs Adams, who lives in Christmas Common with her husband Nigel, moved to England from her native Germany 35 years ago. She has been involved with the charity since she started as a volunteer in 2007. Mrs Adams said: I had always wanted to work for Oxfam. I really admire the work they do. And I absolutely love books, so to be able to combine the two was just the perfect job for me. Over the years, the book shop has sold some valuable items. Mrs Adams said: We were donated a brand new set of bread baking books, which was purchased by the wife of a well-known chef. We have a lot of famous faces and celebrities in this area. Like most charities, Oxfam has evolved to cater for the modern world and utilises online auctions to get the best price for the items. A vinyl copy of the Beatles single Please Please Me was sold on eBay to an American bidder for 1,400 and a complete set of Game of Thrones books made 500, also online. A book called Manet and the French Impressionists sold for 1,000. The charity sends unsold clothes to a wastesaver service in Yorkshire, from where they go to be sold at other Oxfam shops or are given out at festivals. Mrs Adams said: We have lots of regular customers. Because of the environmental issues we are facing, people have started to realise it is important to shop for recycled clothes. The clothing industry creates a lot of waste and things are just thrown away. I think the whole second-hand trade is on the up. It is seen as a positive thing now. Oxfam has partnered with the Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading festivals to offer a recycled clothes scheme. It receives money from the organisers as well as being able to spread its message and recruit more volunteers. Last year, supporters of Oxfam nationally helped raise 12.8 million to help fight poverty. Some of the charitys most urgent projects involve working with families who are affected by conflict or natural disasters. Mrs Adams said: We know there is always a real urgency to what we do. The money we raise through our 600 Oxfam shops is unrestricted, so we can use it in whatever way it is needed the most. I love my job and feel I am doing something very worthwhile. I enjoy working with a team of people who are just as passionate as I am and we are all working towards the same cause. I also feel there is an important social service to charity shops because people like to come here to chat. We offer a service to the community and we are able to provide jobs to people who would not be able to get any experience. Oxfam volunteer Michael Trendall has lived in Henley all his life and has been helping the charity for 16 years. He volunteers two mornings a week. Mr Trendall said: I was looking for a part-time job when I retired. I worked in insurance for 18 years and I have always enjoyed books. I feel like I am able to make a difference. There are lots of nice people to talk to and we have some really nice customers. There is a real community spirit in Henley and we dont always appreciate it. I can remember when a lady came in and bought a Clint Eastwood DVD and took it home before realising she didnt even have a DVD player. Retired doctor Godfrey Morgenstern has been volunteering with Oxfam for nine years and works one morning a week. He retired in 2008 after working in the haematology department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. Dr Morgenstern, who lives with his wife Margaret in Church Street, Henley, said: Even before I came to be a volunteer for Oxfam I was aware of its background and I was always interested in books. I find it really enjoyable to be able to find a book that someone has been trying to get their hands on for a long time. Even if they are not very valuable it is nice to be able to help people who are looking for a specific book. I once found a first edition of a Laurie Lee book and it had a very low price on it. We ended up selling it for more than 100. Nearly everything we sell has been donated, so without the donors we couldnt do anything. This is a relatively affluent area and there are a lot of people who want to donate. Oxfam does a fantastic job. THAMES HOSPICE: While the charity has been operating since 1987, the Henley shop only opened just over two years ago. The charity is raising money for a new 22 million hospice in Maidenhead with more rooms than the current facility in Windsor as it cant keep up with demand. It now needs only the final 3 million but this is on top of the 7 million a year the charity needs to keep running, 80 per cent of which comes from donations. The shop has been managed since it opened by Shiri McAndrew, 47, of St Marks Road, Henley. Miss McAndrew said: I know the street and the customers well. Henley is such a friendly and generous town. People are happy to give their time and support a good cause. She previously spent five years working at the Cancer Research shop. Miss McAndrew said: My aunt, Patricia Dexter, died after doctors discovered she had a brain tumour. I was made redundant from a job in Marlow and I started volunteering at Cancer Research in Marlow. After being there for a few months, I went for the assistant manager position in Henley. I found out I had got that job the same day as my aunt was diagnosed. It gave me the encouragement that by helping the charity I was helping her at the same time. The Thames Hospice shop stocks a wide range of items, including clothes, handbags, jewellery, books and toys. It also has an evening wear section every November. Unlike its competitors, it also stocks furniture but Miss McAndrew says there is more to its success than that. It is our attention to detail and the quality of the products that make the difference, she said. We cater for a high-end customer and people that would not normally go into charity shops. You can get high street items at a great price. Donations of valuable clothes with labels such as Karen Millen and Burberry are frequent. Miss McAndrew said: We get Burberry jackets quite often and we put them in the window and they often sell on the same day. The more items like that we can show off, the more people will want to come in and browse. The shop has 11 volunteers, including Sam Cooper, 31, of Kings Road, Henley. He has worked there for 18 months having previously been at both the Helen & Douglas House and Oxfam shops. Mr Cooper said: It makes a job so much more pleasurable knowing you are helping a good cause. I enjoy it so much and it is made easier by working with nice people. There is lots of money in Henley, so I suppose that helps us with donations and people wanting to come in and buy items. It is also a kind place and people want to be able to do a good thing. Genny Teague, 34, from Didcot, started volunteering in charity shops in her early twenties and has been assistant manager of the Thames Hospice shop for 18 months. Before that she was at the Cancer Research shop. She said: I started doing it to get out of the house. I was unemployed at the time and I was trying to keep busy. I wanted to work around people. I was so shy but now I am surrounded by lots of people and I love it. It is just such a lovely and nurturing atmosphere. I think the competition is a good thing. People come to the town specifically to visit the charity shops and we get a lot of regular customers. They know the value of items and they are willing to pay more for high-quality goods because they know they are still a good price. HELEN & DOUGLAS HOUSE: This charity established the worlds first childrens hospice. Helen House, based in East Oxfordshire, was started by Sister Frances Dominica. The inspiration was a little girl, called Helen, who was left with severe and irreversible brain damage after an emergency operation to remove a brain tumour. A friendship developed between Sister Frances and the family and she cared for Helen to give the parents a break. Douglas House, which was opened by the Queen in 2004, closed in June 2018 due to a shortfall in funding but Helen House remains open to care for terminally-ill babies, children and young people up to the age of 18. The charity needs to raise 3million a year to keep going. Its first shop opened in 2003 and the Henley branch was launched 11 years ago, when only Oxfam and Cancer Research had shops in the town. The shop has been managed for the last year by Susanna Beynon and has a team of 15 volunteers and two full-time staff. Volunteer Angela Weave, 70, who lives in Henley, has been at the shop since it opened. Her daughter Helen died when she was 40 from a rare form of cancer of the appendix. Mrs Weave, who has three other children, said: I was particularly interested in volunteering because my daughter needed respite care and I felt this was a way I could give something back. Helen had severe learning difficulties and I know the benefit of having respite care. She got cancer but it was diagnosed rather late and we couldnt do anything about it. By the time she died she was in full-time care but I looked after her before that. For me, this was about helping other children, having seen what my daughter had been through. I enjoy chatting with the customers. This job presents a great social opportunity and you are also doing something for a good cause. It is a very good charity and needs lots of volunteers to keep it going. The children at the hospice are treated so well and it is as important for the families as it is for the children. She says its not just locals who visit the shop but visitors too. Mrs Weave added: Susanna has a lot of enthusiasm and you need that at the top. She is clearly not just here for the money because you can see how much she cares about the charity and the shop. Ms Beynon, from Wokingham, previously managed the charitys Bicester shop. She used to live in South Wales with her husband, George, who died from liver cancer 10 years ago. She said: My husband was cared for in Penarth. I used to do fundraising for them. There was also a hospice in South Wales that was specifically for children. When my husband was alive, we used to run social events for the siblings of the terminally ill children because they are often forgotten about. When I realised Helen House was the first childrens hospice in the world, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved with. I feel so privileged that I have a job like this. I never have any problem getting out of bed in the morning because I know whatever effort my wonderful team and I put in it is making a big difference and every person that comes in with a donation makes a difference. I have found myself working six days a week and when you work harder at 63 than you do when you were 23, it is not what I expected. But I just love my job and feel so lucky. In the past year or so, the shop has received several unexpected donations, including an unopened box of Havana cigars and a new PlayStation. The cigars went into a specialist auction and made 340 while the PlayStation was sold by the shop for 400. Ms Beynon said: We are always being given designer clothing and I never say no to anything. I hate saying no to people when they bring items in because it might be something fabulous. Jeweller David Rodger Sharp, whose shop is next door, values any jewellery that is donated free of charge. Ms Beynon added: We are such a friendly branch and there is always ABBA playing in the background. Henley is such a lovely place. Everybody helps each other and it is so friendly. I have a wonderful team of volunteers and Rachel, my assistant manager, is absolutely amazing. Some of our volunteers have been here ever since the shop opened 11 years ago and they never let me down. Our team interact so well with the customers and they are so loyal and hard-working. We have become good friends and we are all like a family. I think it is in our nature to want to help others. SUE RYDER: The South Oxfordshire palliative care hub in Nettlebed is arguably the best- known charity in Henley and many locals have seen their relatives cared for at the hospice. In the year 2018/19, the shop raised 121,000 and it is 40 per cent above target for the current year. It has welcomed a number of famous faces through the doors, including comedian Russell Brand and actor Simon Williams, who both live locally, and there are often high-end brands to be found on the clothes rails. The shops tagline is boutique feel, bargain prices. For the past year it has been managed by Cuneyt Sengunes, who was assistant manager for four years previously. He is supported by 20 volunteers, 17 of whom joined last year. Mr Sengunes, 48, lives in Goodall Close, Henley, and used to shop in charity shops before he started working in them. Mr Sengunes said: I would visit charity shops quite a lot because I always thought that there was a certain convenience about them. I have always thought it is important to support them because they are all working for good causes. Henley is such a great town. Everyone is so generous and the customers are amazing. We have so many people in to see us on the weekends. They know they can get items at a fraction of the price and we get so many brilliant items donated. But it is not just about getting a bargain. They also want to support a good cause. This is such an important charity to the local area and I think that makes a huge difference to why we do so well. We also have a great connection with the customers and they always say how clean and well-presented the shop is. Considering a lot of the major high street stores are having difficulties, it is a huge boost for us to say that we are actually increasing the amount of money we make each year. Mr Sengunes said that even if he wasnt the paid shop manager he would be there as a volunteer. This job is so much more than the average retail job, he said. People think we just sit at a till, but you would not believe how much work has to be done. We are supposed to work 9-5 but sometimes I will do a 6-8 because that is just what needs to be done. I dont have any problems with working longer hours. I want to make the extra effort. We want the shop to be as successful as possible. The shops sells about 400 items a day. The best-sellers are womens clothing, handbags and jewellery. It receives donations of Armani, Stella McCartney and Versace and a John Galliano dress worth 2,000 recently sold for about 200. The shop received a pair of boots from John Lobb, who provided shoes to various members of the royal family. Staff were thinking of offering them for 70 but the charity put them on eBay and made 366. The charity often uses online auctions to try to get the best price for items, using a two-week stock rotation to keep the shelves fresh. Mr Sengunes believes all the charity shops in Duke Street will continue to thrive due to their causes. He explained: Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and all the other shops do wonderful work in their own right. I dont see it as competition. I actually think it helps us. I know all the other managers and staff at the other charity shops and there is a friendly relationship between us all. Sarah Castle, 53, who lives in Henley with her husband John, volunteers at the shop on Sunday afternoons. It provides her with a useful distraction from her job as the Governments official solicitor and public trustee. Mrs Castle was the first woman to be appointed to the role in July having been a solicitor for 25 years. She said: I started to volunteer around the same time that I got my new job, which is probably a bit crazy. It makes me feel a bigger part of the community that I live in and it is my opportunity to do something completely different and it is very rewarding. I love the people I work with and enjoy seeing the customers. I was absolutely blown away by the donations we receive. We get things all the time that would not be out of place on the set of Downton Abbey. We have some terrific designer items and I have had a Burberry trench coat before. It is not the same for all parts of the country. Henley is a great place for charity shops everyone is so giving. If you are into fashion, like me, it is a great place to work. Sustainable fashion is becoming a lot more trendy and people are really starting to think about the way they shop. I have donated lots of items to the shop and I always buy things from here too. My house is a revolving door of items coming in and out. I take my charity work very seriously. I treat my window display as if it was something in Harrods. I dont think of it as a charity shop. I want it to be seen as a fabulous place to shop. CANCER RESEARCH: Over the last 40 years, cancer survival rates have doubled but this progress would not have been possible without public support. Cancer Research does not receive any support from the Government, but the charitys campaign ambassadors have been able to secure a 23million investment towards radiotherapy treatment in the NHS. The charity has more than 600 shops across the UK and these raised a combined total of 26million last year. The Henley shop, which opened in 1987, sells clothing, shoes, accessories, DVDs, books, homeware and handbags. Emily Tarrant, from Benson, who has been in charge for six months, said: Everybody knows someone, either in their family or a friend, who has been diagnosed with cancer and that means everything we do here is appreciated and it is worthwhile. We have people come into the shop who are either going through it or have recently lost a loved one. We are very lucky to have so many wonderful donations from the people of Henley. My lovely volunteers will talk to anyone and we have made ourselves an important part of the community. We are a lovely bunch and we try to create a friendly atmosphere. Helping the community by being a kind ear is an important aspect of what we do. It is incredibly important that we are compassionate. She says the shop has a lot of good quality stock. High-end and designer items are donated all of the time and I think that helps massively, said Miss Tarrant. People come here and know they can find quality items at a good price. I also think people are more accepting of charity shops and second-hand clothing than they used to be. The younger generation seems to be more aware. Audrey Richardson, of Wootton Road, Henley, has been volunteering at the shop for 28 years. She works on Monday mornings. She founded Henley Stroke Club in 1981 and was the chairwoman for more than 20 years. She was previously a physiotherapist at Townlands Hospital for 35 years and had breast cancer in 2000, which was caught early. Mrs Richardson said: When I started, I was out in the back room. I would iron the clothes so that they could be put out on the shop floor but now I am at the counter serving customers, so I get to meet people every day. I had never been in charity shops before I started volunteering and now I shop exclusively in them. I go on lots of cruises throughout the year and all of my cruise gear is from here. I think lots of customers are waking up to the realisation that you can get great quality at a good price in charity shops. Mrs Richardson said she didnt volunteer for the recognition but because she enjoyed the work. I enjoy chatting with the people and finding the items they are looking for, she said. I can get up in the morning feeling creaky but by the time I leave the shop feel 20 years younger. I go out bouncing and I would say that volunteering here keeps me young. I shall be here until I cant stand any more. Henley is a lovely town with some lovely people and they all want to help out by doing something for a good cause. This shop has gone through many changes over the years. When I first started there was not a paid manager but now we couldnt do without one. In 2013, the shop was refurbished to provide a new floor and a larger storage area, which has allowed it to accept more donations. At the time, it was ranked as the charitys second-best performing outlet in the Thames Valley. Following the refurbishment, Boris Johnson visited the shop and met the volunteers. The former Henley MP donated one of his ties and then bought a replacement. BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION: Vital research into heart-related illnesses would stop tomorrow if this charity did not exist. It has more than 730 shops across the UK, which generated nearly 23million last year after selling 74,000 tons of goods. The Henley shop was opened in May 2018 by then Mayor Kellie Hinton and became the sixth charity shop in Duke Street. Mags Richardson, the area manager, said the charity had been trying to move into the town for about a decade before finding the right location. One of her proudest moments in her 20 years with the charity was when it embarked on a mission to have CPR put on the national curriculum in a bid to create a nation of lifesavers. The Government has announced that CPR will be taught to children in primary and secondary schools from September, along with first aid. Mrs Richardson said: We get no government funding and if we had to pull out of research projects then it would be worrying. We give 100 million a year to education and research. Who would pay for it if we had to stop? We carry quite a big responsibility but we relish it at the same time. I am amazed by our researchers, who are the most amazing people. I have met the person who was responsible for inventing stents, which has revolutionised heart surgery. He is the most down-to-earth man you could ever wish to meet and is so lovely. We take volunteers to visit the labs and they are thanked by these very clever people and that means everything to them. They say they dont know how we do it and how we manage to make money from nothing. I am in a lucky position where I have met some amazing people in my life and I will never take that for granted. The Henley shop has been managed for the last six months by Fran Barter, who started as a sales assistant on 13 hours a week. She said: It is more rewarding than I ever imagined it would be. We have built up a good relationship with the customers and they come back time and time again to see what we have got in. There is never a dull moment. I absolutely love it. Customers know they can get good quality here and there is always something that you wouldnt find anywhere else. I only shop in charity shops and I can tell you I dont miss a thing. This is quite an affluent area and all the charity shops are really well supported. I think having so many in one place works because of the type of community we have. A Christian Dior dress donated at the Henley shop was listed on the charitys eBay page and sold for 210. Georgina Agar, from Fawley, is one of the charitys youngest workers at 19. She said: It is a very busy place to work and it can be tiring but it is also a lot of fun. I enjoy being able to talk to the customers and you have to be well organised to get everything done. It is a charity that I would donate to even before I started working here. I enjoy knowing that whatever I do is going to make a difference. This has always been the charity that has meant the most to my family. My dad had to have a heart operation when I was younger but he is fine now. Carol Sawyer, from Reading, is the shops longest-serving volunteer and spends three days a week there. She can usually be found behind the counter, serving customers with a beaming smile. She has been at the shop since it first opened, having worked for W H Smith for 12 years previously. Mrs Sawyer said: I knew I wanted to get involved at this shop as soon as I saw they were looking for volunteers. The thing I enjoy the most is the customer service and providing them with a great experience. I love talking to the customers and helping them. Seeing them leave with nice happy smiles is what I look for. Company prepares to enter the clinic in 2020 to test NB1111 (THCVHS) in glaucoma Preclinical formulation testing proprietary analog of CBD examining the utility of CBDVHS in the eye, brain, and liver First patents have been issued for CBDVHS in pursuit of a global patent footprint to complement the IP estate for THCVHS LONG BEACH, CA, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE Emerald Bioscience, Inc. (EMBI), focused on the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics to address global medical indications, especially those of unmet medical need, provides an update on progress across its product pipeline, including projected clinical milestones. NB1111 (THCVHS) Update: Prodrug of THC for the treatment of glaucoma In 2019, the Company was able to scale-up production of the prodrug of THC, THCVHS, and demonstrated superiority in intra-ocular pressure (IOP) lowering versus latanoprost and timolol, medications that comprise more than 90% of the current glaucoma market. Animal studies showed that NB1111, when compared to latanoprost, could potentially be dosed once-daily, enhancing the competitive profile of the drug in the marketplace using a new nanoemulsion eyedrop formulation, pending human data. The active part of the prodrug, THC, was shown to possess significant antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neovascularization effects, attributes that are valuable in safeguarding the optic nerve, further broadening the potential capability of the drug to provide direct neuroprotection to cells of the retina. The Company opened an Australian affiliate in advance of conducting a Phase 1 and Phase 2a study in Australia, among healthy volunteers and patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension; the studies are planned to be initiated in the second half of 2020 with outcomes data expected at the end of 2020 and early 2021. CBDVHS: Proprietary analog of CBD The DEA deemed in 2019 that CBDVHS was not a controlled substance and, therefore, would not be a scheduled pharmaceutical product, if approved by the FDA. Preclinical studies conducted throughout 2019 demonstrated that a nanoemulsion formulation of CBDVHS was capable of delivering CBDVHS in significant concentrations, to both the anterior and posterior compartments of the eye. Ocular studies of CBDVHS revealed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity in human eye tissue models when compared to CBD, but without evidence of elevating IOP. EMBI has an issued patent for CBDVHS in South Africa and has received additional acceptances for patent issuance in Australia and New Zealand; the Company anticipates feedback from other countries to occur in the 2020 timeframe. EMBI plans on conducting further preclinical experiments of CBDVHS throughout 2020, exploring new formulations and routes of administration outside of the eye, as well as assessing the impact of CBDVHS on various organ systems, including the brain and the liver. Story continues Corporate Update: The company reported the exercise of 40.8 million warrants by Emerald Health Sciences, which offset $4.08 million owed under the Multi Draw Credit Agreement dated October 5, 2018. Upon exercise of the warrants, the aggregate reduced outstanding principal balance excluding discounts under the Multi Draw Credit Agreement is $2,014,500. The Company restructured its board, including: The resignation of Dr. Avtar Dhillon, who offered his resignation as the Chairman of the Board and the position of Chairman of the Finance and Business Development Committee. Dr. Dhillon plans to devote more time to Emerald Health Sciences where he serves as both CEO and Director. The Company entered into a Board Observer Agreement with Emerald Health Sciences to allow Dr. Dhillon to continue as a representative of Emerald Health Sciences as a non-voting observer in future meetings of the Board, and into an Independent Contractor Services Agreement with Dr. Dhillon, pursuant to which Dr. Dhillon will provide ongoing corporate finance and strategic business advisory services to the Company. The Board also appointed Punit Dhillon, an existing member of the Board, as Chairman of the Board and as Chairman of the Finance and Business Development Committee, to fill the vacancies in such offices created by the resignation of Dr. Dhillon. The Board approved the company name change to EMBI Pharmaceuticals, subject to regulatory and stockholder approval, in order to further enhance market differentiation as a developer of synthetic cannabinoid derivatives. The company signed an all fields licensing agreement with the University of Mississippi in 2019, permitting the development of THC and CBD derivatives for all uses, employing any formulation via all routes of administration for both human and veterinary uses. Dr. Dennis Kim and Ms. Alice Chen, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of Clinical Operations, respectively, joined EMBI in August, 2019, to spearhead the launch of clinical trials in glaucoma. The Company remains focused on a target to up-listing to a national stock exchange. Dr. Brian Murphy, CEO of Emerald Bioscience, commented: Last year, EMBI demonstrated significant success in its evolution from a biotech discovery company to embarking on a clinical pathway for our compounds. In addition to the positive animal data in glaucoma, which demonstrated superiority in head-to-head studies against the market leaders, we also saw that these cannabinoid derivatives possessed anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity that could broaden their clinical uses, especially outside of the eye. We look forward to updating our shareholders as we advance the Companys proprietary synthetic compounds through clinical programs in 2020 to research therapies that combat the leading causes of vision loss throughout the world. About Emerald Bioscience, Inc. Emerald Bioscience is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Long Beach, California, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of bioengineered cannabinoid-based therapeutics for significant unmet medical needs in global markets. With proprietary technology licensed from the University of Mississippi, Emerald is developing novel ways to deliver cannabinoid-based drugs for specific indications with the aim of optimizing the clinical effects of such drugs while limiting potential adverse events. Emerald's strategy is to clinically develop a number of proprietary biosynthetic compounds, alone or in combination with corporate partners. For more information, visit www.emeraldbio.life Follow Emerald Bioscience Facebook: www.facebook.com/emeraldbioscience Twitter: www.twitter.com/emerald_bio LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/emeraldbioscience Email Alerts: Sign Up Here FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our product development, business strategy, and commercialization of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. Such statements and other statements in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements that are based on managements current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price could be materially negatively affected. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology including anticipated, contemplates, goal, focus, aims, intends, believes, can, could, challenge, predictable, will, would, may or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. We operate in a rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. As a result, it is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements the Emerald may make. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, our capital resources, uncertainty regarding the results of future testing and development efforts and other risks that are described in the Risk Factors section of Emerald most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as expressly required by law, Emerald disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. CONTACT Douglas Cesario Chief Financial Officer Email: doug@emeraldbio.life Phone: 949-336-3437 Protests have continued for three days in Iran - AFP Tensions between the Iranian government and the Revolutionary Guard spilled into the open on Monday as the presidents office accused the elite military force of misleading them over the accidental shooting down of a civilian airliner. As protesters took to the streets for a third consecutive day, allies of Hassan Rouhani, the democratically elected president, appeared to be directing the publics anger towards their more hardline rivals in the Revolutionary Guard. A spokesman for Mr Rouhani said the Revolutionary Guard had falsely told the president they were not involved as he tried to explain why Iran spent the first days after the crash denying any responsibility for the 176 deaths. All relevant authorities had assured us that there had been no missile involved in the downing of the Ukrainian plane, said Ali Rabiei, the government spokesman. Meanwhile, a leaked recording appeared to show a Revolutionary Guard officer complaining that Mr Rouhanis administration was leaving them out to dry as they faced widespread fury over the downing of Flight PS752. Hassan Rouhani's government has been at odds with the Revolutionary Guard for years Credit: PRESIDENT OFFICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX The recording, published by the Iranian opposition site Pyk Net, purports to capture an unnamed Revolutionary Guard commander addressing a room full of his comrades and urging them to weather the political storm. The statement by the government admitting the cause of air crash was disgraceful, he said. The statement should not have blamed the entire Revolutionary Guard and could have just said it was the fault of one individual. The commander goes on to suggest that the government could have waited two or three months before announcing the real cause of the crash to allow the Guard more time to bask in public support after the killing of Qassim Soleimani and the missile barrage fired against US forces in Iraq. He added that the Rouhani administration was failing to show gratitude to the Revolutionary Guard for crushing anti-government protests late last year. Several hundred civilians, maybe as many as a thousand, were killed during the crackdown. Story continues The November protests were caused by the Rouhani government but the Revolutionary Guard sacrificed itself and put them down, but this time the government is so passive in the face of the attacks on the Revolutionary Guard, he said. Iranians shout slogans against the government after a vigil held for the victims Credit: Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Gelare Jabbari, an Iranian state television anchor, also dramatically resigned from her post amid the outrage. "It was very hard for me to believe the killing of my countrymen. I apologise for lying to you on TV for 13 years," she said. Two female protesters were reportedly shot and wounded in Tehran on Sunday night while students staged a large protest on Monday on the campus of Sharif University in Tehran, widely considered one of Irans top academic institutions. Netblocks, an internet freedom group, said the internet appeared to be partially cut off at Sharif University, in what appeared to be an attempt by authorities to stop news of the protests spreading. Tensions between the relatively moderate government and the more hardline Revolutionary Guard have been building for years as Mr Rouhani advocated diplomacy with the West, and Guard commanders called for continuing isolation. Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister, threatened to resign last year after Soleimani took his place in a meeting with Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian ruler. But faced with widespread public anger over the fate of Flight PS752 - and with parliamentary elections looming in February - the two sides appear to be at particularly bitter odds. For Rouhani, I think this really represents quite a unique chance to get back at the Guard, the first since President Trump withdrew from the Iran deal, which invalidated Rouhanis strategy of negotiating with the West, said Michael Horowitz, head of intelligence at Le Beck geopolitical consulting firm. The Revolutionary Guard have been gaining even more influence since the US withdrawal, and Rouhani will not pass this opportunity to discreetly hit the powerful Revolutionary Guards where it hurts. We saw lines, he said. We wanted to make sure if someone came, they would be able to get something. We didnt let people buy the maximum or a whole bunch of stuff. A plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions to the authorities to withdraw the closure of Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh Stretch (Road No. 13 A) as well as Okhla underpass, which are closed since December 15, 2019, due to ongoing protests against Citizen Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizen (NRC). The plea which was urgently mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar by lawyer and social activist Amit Sahni, said that the closure has been extended many times, causing huge inconvenience to the lakhs of commuters everyday, who are compelled to take different route for nearly one month now. The plea is likely to come up for hearing on Tuesday. Several lakh commuters using the aforesaid road are forced to use alternative routes Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) Expressway and Ashram, which not only results in brunt of hours of traffic jams but wastage of fuel and precious time also, the petitioner said. The petition also said that due to the inconvenience, not only the office goers, but children are also facing problems and are compelled to leave home two hours before school time. Roads and lanes leading to Shaheen Bagh were packed on Sunday as thousands joined the ongoing protest against CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC), in what appeared to be one of the largest gatherings at the spot since the agitation began four weeks ago. While hundreds have been gathering at Shaheen Bagh every day, protesters attributed the increase in numbers on Sunday to the weekend and interfaith prayers held at the spot. Apart from readings from the Bible and the Quran, the prayer meeting, which went on for about two hours, also saw Hindu priests performing rituals. A few kilometres away, demonstrators carried out a protest march in the morning from Madanpur Khadar to Sarita Vihar against the agitation at Shaheen Bagh which has led to closure of Road 13A. The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday sought a response from the state government by January 17 on petitions by farmers and women of 29 villages in Amaravati region, alleging that police were acting against norms and suppressing peaceful protests against the proposed move to shift the capital from here. When the petitions came up before a vacation bench,headed by Chief Justice J K Maheswari, it directed the state government to file an affidavit with full details by Friday. State Advocate General S Sriram wanted the case put off till next Monday, but the Bench disallowed his plea and directed that an affidavit be filed by Friday. The court gave the direction on a batch of petitions filed by the women and the farmers against alleged police 'high handedness'. They also presented to the court what they claimed was photographic evidence of the police action. The petitioners contended that police were acting against norms and suppressing peaceful protests. Farmers and women in the 29 villages in Amaravati region have been on an agitation path since December 18, demanding that the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government drop its plan to shift the state capital to Visakhapatnam. While the agitation continued without any incident in the first week, police subsequently started using force to quell the protestors in different villages, they submitted. Police also claimed that they violated prohibitory orders under Section 144 of Cr PC and Section 30 of the Indian Police Act and slapped cases against them, the petitioners submitted. In the last one week, police launched a massive crackdown on the protests and made a lathi charge as women tried to take out a paadayatra (foot march) from the region to Kanaka Durga temple in nearby Vijayawada city, the petitioners alleged. Male constables allegedly manhandled women protestors, besides abusing them. The women also alleged that they were being kept under house arrest and not allowed to venture out. Guntur Rural Superintendent of Police C Vijaya Rao, however, denied all the allegations and said they had only tried to enforce the prohibitory orders. The National Commission for Women also conducted an inquiry into the police excesses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HOUSTON Severe storms sweeping across southern portions of the U.S. and up into the Midwest were blamed Saturday in the deaths of at least 11 people, including two first responders, as high winds, tornadoes and unrelenting rain battered large swaths of the country. Storm-related fatalities were reported in Texas due to icy weather, in Alabama from a deadly tornado and in Louisiana, where winds were so strong that a trailer home was lifted off its foundation and carried several hundred feet. A man drowned in Oklahoma and the storms even touched the Midwest with at least one death on an icy highway in Iowa. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power from Texas to Ohio, parts of highways were closed in Oklahoma and Arkansas due to flooding and hundreds of flights were canceled at Chicagos international airports. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson declared a state of emergency to assist crews working to restore power around the state. Two first responders were killed and another was critically injured in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday morning after they were hit by a vehicle while working the scene of a traffic accident in icy conditions, officials said. Police Officer Nicholas Reyna, 27, who had been with the department for one year, died at the scene. Firefighter Lt. David Hill, 39, was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Firefighter Matthew Dawson, 30, was hospitalized in critical condition. Lubbock Police Chief Floyd Mitchell called it an extremely tragic day for the city. If people would respect road conditions, things like this wouldnt have to happen, said Lubbock Fire Chief Shaun Fogerson. Another person had died in Texas Friday night when a car flipped into a creek in Dallas as severe thunderstorms passed through. Lightning from Fridays stormy weather was suspected of causing fires that burned two houses but caused no injuries in the North Texas cities of Burleson and Mansfield. A man drowned near Kiowa, Oklahoma, after he was swept away in floodwaters, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Saturday. Randall Hyatt, 58, of Wardville, was overwhelmed by rushing water while getting out of his stalled truck. The Iowa State Patrol said roads were caked with ice early Saturday when a semitrailer on Interstate 80 overturned, killing a passenger in the truck east of Iowa City. In Alabama, three people were confirmed killed near Carrollton in Pickens County, the National Weather Service in Birmingham tweeted. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency said the deaths were caused by an embedded tornado within a long line of intense thunderstorms. Earlier Saturday, in northwestern Louisiana, firefighters found the bodies of Jerry W. Franks, 79, and Mary Sue Franks, 65, near their demolished trailer in Benton, the Bossier Parish Sheriffs Office said via Facebook. The winds were so strong the home of the couple, who were the in-laws of a parish deputy, was moved 200 feet (61 meters) from its foundation. Willie Davis owns a barn near where the Franks lived. He told KTBS-TV that this wasnt the first time hed seen storms like this. Four or five times that Ive known that (storms) have been through they hit, tearing down trees and the barn and stuff like that, Willie Davis said. But thats about all it normally does every time, this is the first time weve had any casualties. The National Weather Service in Shreveport said a tornado with winds of around 135 mph (217 kph) had touched down in Bossier Parish. Drone footage showed smashed buildings, a large vehicle flipped on its side, toppled trees and debris scattered over a large area. Also in Louisiana, Raymond Holden, 75, was killed in his bed when a tree fell on his home in Oil City, crushing him, according to the Caddo Parish Coroners Office. About 67,000 customers were without power in Alabama on Saturday night, according to Alabama Power. PowerOutage.us said Georgia had about 98,000 power outages Saturday evening, with tens of thousands of outages also reported in Mississippi and Louisiana. Outages occurred from Texas to Ohio. In Tennessee, damage was widespread throughout Shelby County, the states most populous county, which includes Memphis. There were numerous downed trees and power poles, some of which will need to be replaced, according to the utility. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said portions of several highways in the southeastern part of the state were closed due to flooding. The Arkansas Department of Transportation reported that portions of several state highways across the state, particularly in southeastern Arkansas, were closed due to downed trees, power lines and flooding. Many streams were already at or near flood levels because of earlier storms, and heavy rains could lead to flash flooding across the region, forecasters said. Parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana were under flash flood warnings or watches on Saturday. The storm, bringing the threat of ice and snow to the Chicago area, prompted the cancellation of more than 1,200 flights Saturday at Chicagos two main airports. Most cancellations occurred at Chicagos OHare International, according to the Chicago Department of Aviations online flight-tracking website. The weather service issued a winter weather advisory, flood watch and lakeshore flood warning for the Chicago metropolitan area for Saturday and a winter storm warning for adjacent areas of northwestern Illinois. AP writer Rick Callahan contributed from Indianapolis. About the photo: In this image taken from video, severe storms sweeping across parts of the U.S. South were blamed for deaths and destruction, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, including the damages to a number of downtown Greenville, Miss., businesses. High winds, tornadoes and unrelenting rain battered a large area of the South. (Faith Alford/WABG via AP) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani not only took out a terrorist leader, but also showed Iran and other countries that America is not to be trifled with, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a student audience at Stanford University on Monday. The attack proved that the United States had the capacity to target Soleimani in the heart of Baghdad, but, equally important, the willingness to use that ability, he said. We are re-establishing deterrence, real deterrence, against Iran, Pompeo said. The previous administration never did enough against Iran to create deterrence. The secretary broke little new ground in his talk before students at the Hoover Institution, repeating the Trump administrations position that the attack occurred after intelligence professionals warned that Soleimani was plotting an imminent attack on U.S. facilities. Several members of Congress, including some Republicans, have complained that Pompeo and other administration officials have failed to provide specifics. Pompeo declined to appear before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to testify about the conflict with Iran. President Trump fueled the controversy Monday when he tweeted that it doesnt really matter whether there was an imminent attack because Soleimanis past was reason enough to target him. The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners are working hard to determine whether or not the future attack by terrorist Soleimani was imminent or not, & was my team in agreement, Trump tweeted. The answer to both is a strong YES., but it doesnt really matter because of his horrible past! In response to a question from a student, Pompeo said the decision to go after Soleimani came in response to concerns from the intelligence community that the risk was real and growing that Iran was planning new terrorist attacks. Trump has long been a critic of the American intelligence community, suggesting that it was part of the deep state of embedded bureaucrats fighting against his administrations goals. More than once, he has refused to back intelligence findings, such as warnings that Russia tried to influence the 2016 presidential election and that top Saudi government officials were behind the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist. But Pompeo, a former Kansas congressman who ran the CIA before he was named secretary of state, said intelligence professionals play an important role in presidential decisions. You should have enormous confidence in the intelligence community, he said. Pompeo said Iran had been emboldened by former President Barack Obamas alleged failure to take a harder line against Tehran. We have a very different approach than the previous administration, he said, especially after the recent attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad by groups linked to Iran and Soleimani. That attack changed the calculus for Trump and the country, he said. Now, if Iran escalates, we will end it on our terms. Because of Trumps willingness to push back, we now enjoy a great position of strength with Iran, Pompeo said. Were determined not to lose that deterrence. In the end, we just want Iran to behave more like a normal country, to be like Norway, he said to laughter from the students. Later Monday, during a visit to San Francisco, Pompeos focus was on technology. He warned Silicon Valley leaders about the perils of doing business with China, saying that under that countrys law, Chinese companies and researchers must share technology with the Chinese military. So even if the Chinese Communist Party gives assurances about your technology being confined to peaceful uses, you should know there is enormous risk to America's national security as well, Pompeo said at the Commonwealth Club. This is a real problem, given that many of our most innovative companies have formed partnerships with the Chinese government and companies that are linked to it. He added, I also want to remind each of you as Americans, as citizens of a free nation that is increasingly at risk from Chinese actions that may undermine the very freedom that you have to build your business and create. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth. Joe Garofoli is the San Francisco Cbronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli By PTI SRINAGAR: Senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh was suspended on Monday even as it emerged that he had sheltered three terrorists, arrested along with him, at his residence here right next to the Army's XV corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment, officials said. Singh, who was decorated with President Police Medal about four months ago, continued to be grilled by a team of police and intelligence investigators. His office at Srinagar airport, where he was posted as deputy superintendent of police in the anti-hijacking squad, was sealed, they said. Piecing together the chain of events, the officials said the two terrorists -- self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, Naveed Baba, and Altaf -- were taken to the officer's home on Friday by a lawyer Irfan, who the police said was an overground worker for terror groups. Singh reported absent from duty on Saturday, the day he was apprehended by a team of policemen along with the other three at Mir Bazar on the national highway. The DySP had applied for leave from Sunday till Thursday, they said. Police had carried out searches at his residence here and seized two pistols and an AK rifle beside a large quantity of ammunition. Singh, whose name had been cleared for promotion as superintendent of police, is also likely to lose the gallantry medal that was awarded to him last year, the officials said. The DySP is deemed to have been suspended after having completed 48 hours in police custody, they said quoting service rules. On Sunday evening, his office at the Srinagar airport, where he was posted as DySP in the anti-hijacking unit, was sealed so that no evidence could be tampered with, the officials said. Singh was arrested at a checkpoint on a national highway by a team of policemen, who were following the case after intelligence inputs suggested that Naveed Baba was being moved out of the valley. ALSO READ: Deputy SP held with Hizbul duo will be treated as terrorist, says J&K Police Caught on the wrong side of the law, all excuses by Singh failed to enthuse police officers who effected his arrest and carried out a search at his residence in Srinagar where he had kept Naveed and his associate Altaf, a recent joinee in the banned terror outfit, the officials said. Initially, he repeatedly claimed that he was trying to win the confidence of the terrorists to catch a 'bigger fish' but could not substantiate the reasons for not following due protocol. Singh's arrest may have affected the image of Jammu and Kashmir Police but former director general of police Kuldeep Khoda lauded the police force for not hesitating even once in arresting their senior officer. "It is the JKP which has caught its own officer. They laid the trap as they do for other terrorists and managed to arrest the DySp. No one can cast any doubt on the police force which has been rendering service to the nation especially during the last 30 years of militancy in the valley," Khoda said. Another former police chief A K Suri said though the incident is an unfortunate one, what is more important that the culprit has been arrested. "This is not the only case. In the past also some policemen were under suspicion and were arrested," he said. This is not the first time that Singh has been in the news for the wrong reasons. In a letter written in 2013, Afzal Guru, who was executed after being convicted for the Parliament attack, explained how "DSP Davinder Singh", the then deputy superintendent of police of Special Operations Group, had asked him to "take Mohammad", a co-accused in the Parliament attack case, "to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him". However, the angle was probed and could not be substantiated with any evidence, the officials said. The entire operation was monitored by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Atul Goyal who himself stood at an intersection to intercept the vehicle. Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the state assembly on Monday that some proposals could be sent to the Centre to frame rules regarding implementation of the law to address the concerns of the indigenous population. The leader of the opposition has said that those who entered India would not be required to provide proof [for citizenship under the CAA] of when they crossed the border and anyone [even those who entered after the deadline] could say that they entered on or before [December] 2014, said Sarma. Sarmas address came amid protests by Congress lawmakers, who shouted slogans inside the Assembly and staged a demonstration outside the House, seeking a discussion on the CAA. People have lost lives and those who are opposing the CAA are being arrested. By bringing the legislation into force, the Centre has violated the Assam Accord. All sections of Assamese society have come out on the streets to oppose the CAA, said Congress leader Tarun Gogoi. If we think that we need to protect ourselves, this assembly has the right to ask Centre to include rules [for implementing CAA] that there should be clear proof of beneficiaries entering India on or before 2014, said Sarma. Applications submitted for National Register of Citizens (NRC) could be one such proof. Secondly, there should be a time limit of 3 or 4 months during which people can apply for citizenship under the CAA. Lastly, there should be a guarantee that the deadline [of December 31, 2014] will never be extended in Assam, he added. The CAA was passed last month to fast-track the citizenship process for non-Muslims, who have entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh before 2015. Opponents of the CAA insist it violates the 1985 Assam Accord, which was signed following an agitation for the detection and deportation of undocumented immigrants irrespective of their faith. The accord set March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for the detection. Protests against the CAA first erupted in the North-east, especially in Assam, where residents fear the law could result in a fresh influx of outsiders. All India United Democratic Front lawmakers, too, staged a sit-in demonstration in the Assembly against the CAA. Protests against the CAA separately continued in Assam. We are not going to rest till the CAA is repealed. In recent days, the state government has announced various schemes. We welcome them as they are due but that does not mean our protests would end, said Samujjal Bhattacharya, the chief adviser to the All Assam Students Union, one of the organisations leading the anti-CAA protests. Reacting to Sarmas statements, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Assam assembly Debabrata Saikia said: We oppose unconstitutional CAA. We would urge the state government to adopt a resolution in assembly rejecting the legislation. Congress would support the move. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, January 13, 2020 16:46 729 48be62e941b44f04afae568c321f8b6b 1 World UAE,Abu-Dhabi,Jokowi,Luhut-Binsar-Panjaitan,capital-city-relocation,East-Kalimantan,Kutai-Kartanegara Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has asked Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed to join the steering committee of Indonesia's planned new capital city. The President made the request at a bilateral meeting during his working trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday night. "[The crown prince's] position has not been determined yet, but he will act as part of the steering committee along with a number of other names," Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who accompanied Jokowi on the trip, said on Monday, as quoted by kompas.com. "The President emphasized that in the construction of the new capital, the construction of government building and facilities would be funded entirely by the state budget, while other construction will be funded by private sector funds and investment," he continued. Previously, Luhut had said that the UAE government had prepared US$22.8 billion to invest in Indonesia through a sovereign wealth fund together with Japanese conglomerate SoftBank and the United States International Development Finance Corporation. "During the tete-a-tete the President talked about the sovereign wealth fund and the crown prince repeatedly said that Indonesia is a close friend [of the UAE] and that Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population [in the world]," Luhut said on Sunday as quoted by the official Cabinet secretary website. "So, [the UAE] wants to contribute to Indonesia." He said that the UAE would also invest in the construction of the new capital city in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, through the sovereign wealth fund. Luhut added that the crown prince expressed an interest in investing in development in Aceh. "They really want to [invest] in property in Aceh. So next week we will speak with the Aceh governor and other officials there because there are several requirements for [the UAE] to [invest]," he said. Jokowi first announced the location of the new capital in August, and then-national development planning minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said the relocation would be complete by 2024, at an estimated cost of Rp 466 trillion ($32.7 billion). (kmt) FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German engineering group Siemens said it would fulfil its contractual obligations to a controversial coal mining project in Australia's outback, attracting criticism from environmental groups on Monday. Siemens was awarded a contract last year to provide signalling technology for a railway line to transport coal from a remote coal mine run by India's Adani Group in northern Queensland state. The German company had said it would decide by Monday on its involvement in the project. On Saturday, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg called for Siemens to review its role in the project. "There is practically no legally and economically responsible way to unwind the contract without neglecting fiduciary duties," Siemens Chief Executive Joe Kaeser said in a statement. Local and federal governments approved the project based on the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as well as hundreds of pages of environmental impact statements, Siemens said. "While I do have a lot of empathy for environmental matters, I do need to balance different interests of different stakeholders, as long as they have lawful legitimation for what they do," Kaeser said. "We should have been wiser about this project beforehand. Now, we need to be a supplier who sticks to its commitments as long as the customer stays on legal grounds, too. Because being a company which is not a reliable source for its customers is simply not an option." Adani said it was pleased to be working with Siemens and that it would not be "intimidated or deterred" from delivering on its promises of jobs for locals and coal for developing nations. Environmental activists slammed the decision and pledged to continue their protests, concerned the continued use of coal will lead to higher emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas which is linked to global warming. "If Siemens board thinks this is the end of the conversation, theyre kidding themselves," said Julien Vincent, executive director of environmental advocacy group Market Forces in Melbourne. Story continues "Siemens will face huge public opposition at its AGM on the 5th of February and will have to explain to its shareholders why becoming part of the most reputationally risky projects in the world is in the companys best interests," he said in a statement. Siemens said it had pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and it fundamentally shares the goal of making fossil fuels redundant over time. A protest group that has disrupted the operations of companies linked to Adani's mine said they would target Siemens. Siemens expertise is vital to the Adani coal railway and there is too much at stake to give up," said Galilee Blockade spokesperson Ben Penning. "Citizens will escalate their protests until Siemens listen to the science and choose the right side of history." (Reporting by Thomas Seytal and Alexander Huebner in Frankfurt. Additional reporting by Sonali Paul and Melanie Burton in MELBOURNE; Writing by Edward Taylor; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Stephen Coates) Singh has been booked under the Unlawful Activity Act. Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Sunday that Deputy Superintendent of Police Devinder Singh, who was arrested on Saturday with two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, has committed a "heinous crime" and will be dealt like the other arrested militants. Giving details about the arrest of Devinder Singh and two Hizbul commanders on Saturday, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said: "SP Shopian had a specific input about the movement of two militants in a car which led the police to launch an operation. "The police put barricades and intercepted the vehicle. It was found that a DSP, a lawyer and two militants were travelling in the car for Jammu." Among those arrested include two top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen -- Naveed Baba and Rafi Ahmad -- of Budgam. Baba is an ex-cop who disappeared in 2017 and joined militancy. He was the second top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen in South Kashmir area after Riyaz Naikoo. According to the police, Baba was involved in the killing of many policemen and burning of orchards in Shopian. "There are 17 cases against Baba," Kumar said. On a question about Davinder Singh's role in taking Afzal Guru, hanged for his involvement in the Parliament attack, to Delhi, the IG said: "There are no such records. However, the police will look into the matter." Davinder Singh was posted with the anti-hijacking unit at Srinagar Airport and was one of the officials that received the 16-member delegation of foreign ambassadors which visited Kashmir on Thursday. Many raids have been conducted so far after Singh's arrest and arms and ammunition have been recovered, the police said. The IG, however, parried questions about the identity of the owner of the vehicle in which the two militants and Singh were arrested. "We are verifying about the owner of the car," Kumar said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:09:58|Editor: yan Video Player Close CHANGSHA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese customs have intercepted four boxes of insect-ridden ancient books imported from Japan, authorities said Monday. Customs staff found more than 10 types of insects and their larvae in the thread-bound books during inspections in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. The boxes contained more than 200 books, mostly dating back to Japan's Meiji Period (1868-1912). The earliest was published in 1466. These books carry dangerous insects, said customs official Liang Dong. Experts spent three days sifting the insects from the books. In recent years, more wealthy Chinese people are buying antiques from Japan, including paintings and porcelain. Amid the turmoil currently underplaying in Iran, its police and security forces fired both live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against the Islamic Republic's initial denial that it shot down a Ukrainian jetliner. Attributing online videos, news agency Associated Press reported early Monday that there was no immediate report in Iranian state-run media on the incident near Azadi, or Freedom, Square in Tehran on Sunday night after a call went up for protests there. The voice of the Iranian people is clear. They are fed up with the regimes lies, corruption, ineptitude, and brutality of the IRGC under @khamenei_ir's kleptocracy. We stand with the Iranian people who deserve a better future. pic.twitter.com/tBOjv9XsIG Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 11, 2020 However, international rights groups already have called on Iran to allow people to protest peacefully as allowed by the country's constitution. After successive national traumas in a short time period, people should be allowed to safely grieve and demand accountability,'' said Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran. Security forces attack people in Babol, north of #Iran as tens of thousands of people across the country come out in the second night of protest to condemn the way the government handled the #PS752 Ukrainian air disaster @AlinejadMasih pic.twitter.com/fWfByUG4tO CSHR (@CSHRIran) January 13, 2020 This is Iranthe real Iran that the media doesnt want you to see They would have you believe that the streets are filled with mourners The reality: Theyre filled with anger. Where is the coverage of these protests? RT so the media cant ignore! pic.twitter.com/C2YR7D9Kfe Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 12, 2020 #IranProtests freedom fighters of Iran, this group just met during the protests and vow to fight until the mullahs are taken down. They ask for the support of people to topple the regime#IranRegimeChange#Iran #IranPlaneCrash #UkrainianPlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/YGkCHAmOcB Reza Ghorbani (@Rezito) January 12, 2020 Second day of anti-regime protests in Iran. Security forces have blocked the roads to stop us from protesting against shooting down of #PS572. Weve managed to get around them. Now there are sounds of gunfire. Hear this brave woman describe scenes from Tehran. pic.twitter.com/aYXoHdTRx5 Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) January 12, 2020 Must watch Fearless Iranian women ripping off Soleimani's poster on the wall following their protests against the Iranian regime that shot down the Ukrainian plane (Flight #PS752S) Thanks to POTUS for killing Qasem Soleimani, the very oppressor of the Iranian people. pic.twitter.com/8CA6JciA5G Iranian American (@IranLionness) January 12, 2020 Iranians shouldn't have to risk their lives to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.'' Videos sent to the center and later verified by The Associated Press show a crowd of demonstrators fleeing as a tear gas canister landed among them. People cough and sputter while trying to escape the fumes, with one woman calling out in Farsi: They fired tear gas at people! Azadi Square. Death to the dictator! Another video shows a woman being carried away in the aftermath as a blood trail can be seen on the ground. Those around her cry out that she has been shot by live ammunition in the leg. To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 Oh my God, she's bleeding nonstop!'' one person shouts. Another shouts: Bandage it!'' Photos and video after the incident show pools of blood on the sidewalk. Riot police in black uniforms and helmets gathered earlier Sunday in Vali-e Asr Square, at Tehran University and other landmarks. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes, and plainclothes security men were also out in force. People looked down as they walked briskly past police, apparently trying not to draw attention to themselves. I will be on @BBCWorld radio to discuss about anti regime protests in #Iran & how people of Iran are like hostage in the hands of Islamic Republic. Today Security forces opened fire on protesters when they gathered to commemorate 176 victims of #PS572 airplane shot down by #IRGC pic.twitter.com/vAIQM0i1PH Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) January 13, 2020 The crash of the Ukraine International Airline early on Wednesday killed all 176 people on board, mostly Iranians and Iranian-Canadians. After pointing to a technical failure and insisting for three days that the Iranian armed forces were not to blame, authorities on Saturday admitted accidentally shooting it down in the face of mounting evidence and accusations by Western leaders. Iran downed the flight as it braced for possible American retaliation after firing ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing U.S. forces earlier on Wednesday. The missile attack, which caused no casualties, was a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad. But no retaliation came. Iranians have expressed anger over the downing of the plane and the misleading explanations from senior officials in the wake of the tragedy. They are also mourning the dead, which included many young people who were studying abroad. Pastor, members leave church amid refusal to build memorial wall for slave graves Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A pastor and some churchgoers have left a United Methodist Church in Virginia over what they say was the congregations refusal to build a memorial wall for a predominantly African-American gravesite found on church property. Pastor Mark Jagoe, formerly of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church in Loudoun County, retired last October. According to LoudounNow, the pastors retirement came as a result of a disagreement over the commemoration of 72 graves of predominantly slaves and freedmen found on the churchs east lawn a few years ago. Jagoe told the news outlet that upon discovering the graves, he had an expert mark each grave. The pastor desired to use the churchs memorial funds to build a memorial wall for the gravesite. However, Jagoe was unable to get approval from the congregation. The church is also home to an all-white cemetery on the other side of the property. Jagoe and others who left were troubled by an effort to place confederate markers such as iron crosses and battle flags on the graves of confederate soldiers in the churchs white cemetery. According to the news website, the effort was led by the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy. Jagoe told the local newspaper that the effort was evidence of structural racism. The church would not vote to spend a single penny to recognize the 72 brothers and sisters in Christ that are buried on the east end of the property because of their skin color, Jagoe claimed. It broke my heart. Along with Jagoe, some African American congregants and others who disagreed with the churchs decision left the church. One former African American churchgoer who refused to be named told NBC Washington that she didnt feel like she belonged at the church anymore. It is just a repeat of history, she said. Being a person of color, it makes you feel like you are not important, that your past history or your ancestors dont really mean anything. However, Interim Pastor Larry Thompson told LoudounNow that efforts to commemorate the gravesite are underway and he hopes for concrete plans to be in place by next month. Thompson added that the gravesite also contains the graves of white church members, not just African Americans. Ive not found the people here to be involved in or have any intent at any systemic racism, the interim pastor said. I have found the people to be just delightful people and Im very happy to be journeying with them through this process that were in and look forward to bringing it to an appropriate ending with the recognition. Thompson further explained that there was concern about spending too much of the churchs reserve funding on one project. He said congregants wanted to ensure the church would have funds for future projects and building repairs. Theyre going to be fiscally conservative, period, Thompson was quoted as saying. Jagoe also filed a complaint with the local sheriffs office, claiming that the grave markers had been moved at some point from their corresponding graves, LoudounNow reports. However, a spokesperson for the Commonwealths Attorneys Office said there were no plans to pursue charges related to the complaint. Patty Caruthers, a former churchgoer, took issue with the confederate markers that were placed on the graves in the churchs all-white cemetery. These symbols are not inclusive of all and not welcoming to all, she told NBC Washington. The superintendent of the United Methodist Churchs Winchester District, Steven Summers, told LoudounNow that he is confident that Thompson will rectify the issue with the gravesite. Summers added that UMC deplores racism in every form. According to NBC Washington, Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance is working on ways to help fund the cemetery. I am hopeful that we will make some progress here and we can have a really positive outcome, Vance said. This could be a wonderful story. Mr. Kassem was transferred to a hospital in central Cairo last Friday after he began to refuse to take liquids, said Mr. Soltan, who works for the Freedom Initiative, a prisoners rights group that represented Mr. Kassem. He died Monday afternoon, leaving behind a wife and two children. His case had been a focus at the top levels of the Trump administration. On a trip to Cairo in September 2018, Mr. Pence pressed his case with Mr. el-Sisi, as well as that of another imprisoned American, Ahmed Etiwy. Mr. el-Sisi promised to give very serious attention to the matter, Mr. Pence told reporters, I told him wed like to see those American citizens restored to their families and restored to our country, the vice president said. Egypt is the second-biggest recipient of United States military aid after Israel, receiving $1.3 billion a year. Mr. Trump has regularly lavished praise on Mr. el-Sisi, hailing him for doing a fantastic job and calling him my favorite dictator, even as the Egyptian leader has overseen Egypts harshest crackdown on freedom of speech and political opposition in decades. For years, Mr. Kassem pinned his hopes for release on the hope that American officials could use that aid leverage to obtain his freedom. But he became disillusioned, relatives said. Moustafa saw his blue passport as a shield, his bulletproof armor, which carried the protection and the force of the United States government behind it, his brother, Mustafa Ahmed, wrote in an article for The New York Times in October 2018. In April 2017, Mr. Trump pressed the Egyptians to release Aya Hijazi, an American aid worker imprisoned in Egypt. She was quickly brought to the White House amid considerable fanfare. The following year, days after he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment along with 700 other defendants, Mr. Kassem wrote to Mr. Trump to petition him for help. Piloo Mody and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were close buddies since their days at Berkeley. Piloo famously coined an expression for which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi never forgave him. He called her MPs bonded labour. It hurt because just then the country was in an uproar over the centuries-old abuse of bonded labour by feudals, especially in the north. Piloo was alluding to the servitude to which she had reduced her party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gone one better. He has institutionalised his party mens servitude. They cannot open their mouths not even to comment on the weather without praising him to the skies. But there is another sense in which he practices the policy of making people his bondsmen. It is by bullying them to sign the bonds prescribed by colonial law the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. This is the policy pursued in Kashmir today. Therein lies a history glorious but, in most parts, sordid. The code of 1898 has an entire Chapter VIII entitled Security for Keeping the Peace and for Good Behaviour that is, behaviour approved by and acceptable to the British colonial rulers. After 1947, their successors in power took over this law and made it even more repressive. Section 108 of the code is substantially as follows: When an executive magistrate receives information that there is within his local jurisdiction any person who, within or without such jurisdiction, (i) either orally or in writing or in any other manner, intentionally disseminates or attempts to disseminate or abets the dissemination of, (a) any matter the publication of which is punishable under Section 124-A Sedition of the Indian Penal Code and the magistrate is of opinion that there is sufficient ground for proceeding, the magistrate may, in the manner hereinafter provided, require such person to show cause why he should not be ordered to execute a bond, with or without sureties, for his good behaviour for such period, not exceeding one year, as the magistrate thinks fit. The requirement of notice is often ignored. During the emergency of 1975 to 1977, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took full advantage of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedures Section 108 to intimidate dissenters. Socialists, Communists and writers refused to sign the bonds. The most willing signatories were members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its political wing the Jan Sangh. Its offspring is the Bharatiya Janata Party to which Modi & Co belong. In prison, members of the RSS wrote letters of abject apology and signed the bonds prescribed to secure their release from imprisonment. The text of the prescribed instrument of surrender read thus: Shri... Detenu Class I... prisoner agrees on affidavit that in case of my release I shall not do anything which is detrimental to internal security and public peace. Similarly, I shall not do anything which would hamper the distribution of essential goods. So also I shall not participate in any illegal activities. I shall not indulge in any activities which is prejudicial to the present emergency. The law did not require affidavits; i.e. statements on oath. The governments draft did. Now, nearly half a century later, the policy of using the 1898 bonds to crush dissent is being systematically followed in Kashmir. Leaders at the top refused to sign and were eliminated. The BJPs aim is to build up a cadre anew from the bottom and change the entire political life of Kashmir. It will not work. The policy will simply fall on the faces of its cynical architects. There is, however, a neglected and glorious chapter in the bonds episode. It concerns Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his friend Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Only a few years after Tilaks return to India from Mandalay, the deputy inspector-general of police of the criminal investigation department, J.A. Guider, moved the district magistrate of Poona on July 22, 1916, alleging that Tilak, having previous convictions on charges of sedition was once again, orally disseminating the crime. He cited three speeches one delivered at Belgaum on May 1, 1916, and the other two at Ahmednagar, on May 31 and June 1 of that year. To silence Tilak, it was decided to impose on him a bond for a sum of `20,000, with two sureties each in the sum of `10,000, for his good behaviour for a period of one year. This proceedings under Section 108 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, while less than a prosecution, was no less humiliating. Tilak was served with the notice on July 23, just as he was entertaining friends who had called on him to congratulate him on his 61st birthday. Jinnah fought ferociously for Tilak, not sparing the English prosecutor Bimming. He won the case. The bonds were cancelled. Jinnah turned around, and warmly shook hands with Tilak. By arrangement with Dawn Iranian judiciary will push US president to appear before international tribunal Iranian authorities have decided to sue US President Donald Trump due to the assassination of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Qassem Suleimani. The head of the judicial authority of Iran, Seyed Ebrahim Ricey stated this as Fars News agency reports. "This issue, of course, will be resolved at the headquarters of human rights in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other bodies. We must make the US president the main suspect," Rice said, referring to judicial officials in Tehran. He noted that the Iranian judiciary will not leave Trump alone and will ensure that the U.S. leader appears before an international tribunal. As we reported, Suleymani was killed on January 3 on the order of U.S. President Donald Trump, as the missile hit Baghdad international airport. Soon, in a statement, Trump called Suleimani "the number one terrorist in the world." On January 5, the Parliament of Iraq voted in favor of a resolution providing for cancellation of agreement with an international coalition led by the United States. The corresponding decision was made at an extraordinary session of parliament. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and the leadership of the ministry have taken part in the opening of new food warehouses of the Main Department for Logistic Support. According to the information published on the Defence ministry's official website on 11 January, Hasanov was informed about the buildings that are in the administrative and technical territories and the development plan of these territories. It was reported that several new warehouses with a capacity of 500 tons each that also equipped with a cooling system were built here to contain dry food products. Upon the instructions of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, construction work is continuing in military units and military facilities to improve the equipment, provision and social conditions of military personnel. Moreover, Hasanov was also informed about the continuation of the construction of food warehouses in the areas near the frontline zone. He gave several instructions on providing the military personnel of the Azerbaijan Army with new and high-calorie food products throughout the year, strengthening control over the food supply of military units, better storage of food products and improving the social conditions of servicemen. Earlier, Defense Minister inaugurated new administrative buildings and a training center in one of the military units on 27 December 2019. Since achieving independence, Azerbaijan has been trying to further develop its armed forces into a professional, well trained, and mobile military. The country participates in NATO's Partnership for Peace. According to the Global Firepower ranking, Azerbaijani army ranks 52nd among 137 countries. Azerbaijani army reserves the right to be called the strongest army in the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan is actively strengthening its armed forces. The army's power is growing from year to year; it is perfectly equipped with modern weapons from the best manufacturers. Azerbaijani Armed Forces have three branches: the Azerbaijani Land Forces, the Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force, and the Azerbaijani Navy. Associated forces include the Azerbaijani National Guard, the Internal Troops of Azerbaijan, and the State Border Service, which can be involved in state defense under certain circumstances. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites and ad networks. Such third party cookies may track your use on Sharedots sites for better rendering. Our partners use cookies to ensure we show you advertising that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on Sharedots website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn more The current owner, who is in a wheelchair, took full advantage of the single-floor construction and even removed doors to make living here easier. A mini-estate There are three separate structures on the mini-estate. The main home contains three bedrooms and one full bathroom and a half-bathroom. The guest cottage, with its own kitchen, adds another bedroom and bathroom. Its current use is office/workshop, but new owners could do anything they want with the space. A wine cellar built is built into the hillside and, to quote the official listing, offers "ample room for the serious collector." These buildings sit on .46 acres of land in the Claremont Hills. The location is ideal for East Bay living, close to Rockridge, Claremont, Elmwood and Garber Park. The deal At 2,022 square feet, the $1.25 million ask equates to $618 per square foot. The current median sales price in 94705 calculates to $696 a square foot. DALLAS, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dottid, a commercial real estate (CRE) SaaS technology platform which provides a single location for owners, brokers, and tenants to seamlessly transact throughout the leasing process, announced it has raised $3.85 million in a seed round of funding. The emerging technology company brought together a collaboration of investors including, David Ridley, Founder and former CEO of Invesco Real Estate, Laurie Dotter, current investment board member for two public Texas pension funds, and David Farmer, former COO of Invesco Real Estate, marking the first time several leading local real estate industry insiders have made an investment of this kind in a PropTech company. Dottid aims to revolutionize the CRE industry one business at a time by streamlining the leasing transaction process, allowing owners, brokers, and tenants to close more deals faster and with lower costs, saving millions in lost revenue and valuable time, and ultimately creating a better customer experience for the tenant. In 2016, Dottid Founder and CEO Kyle Waldrep turned down a job as a leasing agent after recognizing the antiquated nature of the CRE industry. For many leasing teams, their day-to-day involves chasing down administrative tasks that could be easily solved with the right technology. Realizing that the platform didn't yet exist, Waldrep went to work on creating the solution Dottid. Dottid has also built a team of advisors such as Jonathan Crowder, Partner at Intelis Capital; Don Goldstein, former CIO and CISO of CBRE; Brian Liikala, former Portfolio Manager for the State of Michigan Retirement Systems; and Catherine Rodewald, former President of Prudential Asset Resources Inc., who have contributed their years of industry insights and expertise to ensure that the Dottid platform is a solution for every constituent involved within leasing transactions. "I am grateful for the support and investment we've received from some of the true titans of the real estate industry," Waldrep said. "For the type of caliber and expertise of the investors and advisors we've attracted to validate our vision and help us build the future of the CRE industry, I know we are on the cusp of real transformation." "The CRE industry is valued at $1.5 trillion in the United States alone, and Dottid is the answer to what real estate owners have needed for many years. The transactional nature of the business can be inefficient and completely disconnected, costing owners millions in lost revenue and time," says Don Goldstein, Dottid Advisory Board Chairman and former CIO and CISO for CBRE. "It is exciting that an industry, so tied up in valuable capital, now has a real solution for these challenges." Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the second-largest commercial real estate investment market in the country, Dottid has built a robust team of real estate and technology experts, including the recent hire of Chief Technology Officer, Senecca Miller, a former Senior Dev Ops Engineer from Toyota Connected, as well as completing a pilot program with a major Texas developer and property owner. "What sets us apart from any other PropTech company in this space is the volume of industry expertise and user feedback that has been tested and built into the platform," said Laurie Dotter, Dottid investor and advisor. "The user experience and design simplicity is unlike any other, and we know the platform will be an effective tool for lease revenue generation." For more information about the Dottid platform, visit dottid.com. SOURCE Dottid Related Links http://dottid.com The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Monday urged teachers to resume classes in the interest of students, but the teachers' body rejected the appeal. Twelve deans and seven chairpersons of special centres appealed to students and teachers to "refrain from any activity that would hinder the conducive atmosphere in the functioning of the university". "It is evident that students are to participate in their academic pursuits without further disruptions in the normal functioning of the university," they said in the appeal. The administration said the appeal was issued after two JNU Teachers' Association officer-bearers announced a "non cooperation" plan. "The above call for 'non-cooperation' not only goes against the efforts of the administration for restoration of normalcy in the campus and resumption of academic activities but also reflects the intention of JNUTA to disrupt normal functioning of the university," it said. The administration said the new semester has begun with registration of more than 5,000 students. "All faculty members are thus advised to resume their classes and other academic activities in the interests of the student community." According to JNUTA office-bearers, "The JNUTA GBM resolution on the non-cooperation action plan implies that we refuse to comply with the two circulars issued on January 10, 2020, which asked teachers to be present in their offices for registration, to start classes and other relevant academic activities from January 13, 2020, and to upload time-tables for the same." The JNUTA had appealed to all colleagues to implement fully these decisions of the General Body. The administration said JNU students have their fundamental right to attend classes and get advice from their respective supervisors and fulfil academic requirements. "Non-cooperation call, also violates the service contracts of the teachers," varsity said. The JNUTA said it "rejects totally the advisory'" issued by the administration and the warnings issued to it against organising assemblies around the academic complex. "Teachers need no lesson on their duties or their norms of conduct from those who are guilty of using thugs to terrorize the University community and yet pretend they are governing' an institution of higher learning," JNUTA said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: iStock Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Denver. Manhunt on for gunman who wounded 5, including 3 juveniles, at Colorado house party A manhunt is underway in Colorado for at least one gunman who opened fire at a crowded house party in a Denver suburb, wounding five people, including three juveniles, police said. Read the full story on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. Denver doctor pleads guilty to producing child pornography Denver doctor Justin Neisler, 31, pleaded guilty Thursday to producing child pornography. Neisler secretly filmed young male patients while they were naked and uploaded child pornography to the social media site Tumblr, court documents say. Read the full story on DCW50. Hundreds rally in Denver in support of proposed 22-week abortion ban Hundreds rallied at the Colorado state capitol on Saturday in support of an initiative to end late-term abortions in Colorado. The rally centered around "Initiative 120." If the effort receives enough signatures, it would ask voters to ban abortions at 22 weeks through birth. Read the full story on KDVR. Residents concerned after reports of possible mail theft in Denver neighborhood Neighbors near 12th and Colorado Boulevard are being cautious about what they drop in a nearby mailbox, after several people reported their mail was potentially stolen from the box. Read the full story on KDVR. Denver Zoo makes $5,000 donation to aid in animal rescue efforts in Australia The Denver Zoo on Friday announced it was donating $5,000 to help in animal rescue efforts, as Australia deals with devastating wildfires burning in the southern part of the country. Read the full story on Denver Post. 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. Ukraine is cracking down on illegal gambling and logging and fraudulent gas stations in a bid to reduce the size of the countrys shadow economy. Speaking at a meeting with the heads of the countrys 24 regions over the weekend, Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said the year 2020 will be the year of the uncloaking of the Ukrainian economy. He noted that in the last two weeks, police had shuttered 900 illicit gambling dens. He said about half of the gas stations police inspected -- 707 -- were not paying fuel taxes. A digital record of all cut timber is set to be placed in a centralized digital registry by February 1, Honcharuk said. The Economic Development and Trade Ministry estimates that 33 percent of Ukraines gross domestic product (GDP) is in the shadows. Some economists say the figure is higher and makes up about 40 percent of the economy. In monetary terms, Ukraines economic output last year equaled $155 billion, Kyiv-based investment bank Dragon Capital estimates. Based on reporting by Ukraine Business News 'The Prime Minister flies in to Belfast today to give his blessing to the restoration of power-sharing' The Prime Minister flies in to Belfast today to give his blessing to the restoration of power-sharing. The First and Deputy First Ministers have been appointed, a Speaker and three deputies have been elected, and a 12-strong Executive has been named, including Naomi Long who is taking the sensitive post of Justice Minister. The new Executive has an impressive gender balance -six men and six women - but the wider Assembly itself displays a democratic deficit. Almost a fifth of the 90 MLAs at Stormont have been co-opted since the March 2017 Assembly election. Thus they enjoy no recently-confirmed popular mandate, but only their respective parties' anointment. They include eight members of Sinn Fein, three DUP, two SDLP, two Alliance and one Green Party representative. The UUP is the only one of the five main parties not to have replaced any of its MLAs. The co-opted MLAs are replacing those members who resigned their seats for a variety of motives, including careers outside politics, or being elected to the Westminster Parliament. Significantly in the Stormont departments of Communities and Economy, their new Ministers - Sinn Fein's Deirdre Hargey and Diane Dodds of the DUP respectively - have been co-opted for less than a month. Jim Allister, the leader of Traditional Ulster Voice, whose mandate rests only on the 7,989 votes he received in the 2017 poll, has called for fresh elections. He argues that the parties are going back into government in very different circumstances compared to their 2017 commitments, and that mandatory coalition means we are not allowed to change government, or vote a party out of office. Members of the DUP and Sinn Fein, the two main parties at least, must be relieved that the 11th hour deal only a few days ago has helped them to avoid another daunting date with the electorate who gave their Westminster candidates such a rude awakening last month. The next Assembly poll is not due until March 2022, and it is not even certain that there is much of a public appetite for fresh elections so far in advance of that date. So while the relief that we, once again, have a functioning government at Stormont, is understandable, it should not blind us to the accountability gap that lies at the heart of the Stormont institutions. People with MS are paying the price, not only financially, but also physically and emotionally." In 2019, the median price of a disease modifying therapy (DMT) for MS was $88,000, and prices in 2020 have already increased. A new survey released by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society today reveals how the high cost of MS medications affects the nearly 1 million Americans living with multiple sclerosis and their families. The results showed 40% of people surveyed who take a DMT altered or stopped taking their medication due to the high cost, and more than half of respondents are concerned about being able to afford their DMT over the next few years. People like Holly Ridgway who was diagnosed with MS in 2011. She said her family has struggled financially because of the cost of her medications. We dont go to the movies, we dont go out to dinner, she said. My family shouldnt have to choose between getting me my medications and buying groceries. People with MS are paying the price, not only financially, but also physically and emotionally, said Bari Talente, executive vice president, advocacy, National MS Society. When someone alters or stops the use of their DMT, it can lead to increased symptoms, relapses, stress and anxiety. We need to make these medications affordable and accessible so people already facing a chronic illness dont have to deal with deciding between buying groceries for their families or paying for their medication, said Talente. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There is currently no cure, so people with MS can be on medications for years, even decades. Other survey results include: 40% experience stress or emotional impact due to high out-of-pocket costs Nearly 40% of respondents have made sacrifices in their lifestyle or spending (increased use of credit cards, cant save for future) 85% think the federal government should do more to control high drug costs 82% think the prices of MS DMTs are unreasonable Only 11% of those surveyed could easily afford the cost of their medication without financial assistance MS DMTs have changed the landscape for people with relapsing forms of MS, but these medications cant change lives unless they are accessible, said Talente. We need to find solutions. To hear the stories of how high medication costs have affected people living with MS click here. About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness and tingling, to mobility challenges, blindness and paralysis. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 and it affects women three times more than men. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society, founded in 1946, funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867. Contact: Eileen Curran eileen.curran@nmss.org I used to think the problem was that I had got lost amid the various court cases, jurisdictions, possible appeals and the judicial hierarchy until eventually and in a private conversation one of the key figures in Catalan politics defined the current state of affairs as a bloody shambles. Under no pressure to try to see the way out and anticipate what will occur, I have chosen instead to provide a birds eye view in an attempt to describe the various scenarios that we are faced with today. The European Parliament convenes In keeping with the precedents set by a politically tainted justice system, Spains Supreme Court has unjustly barred Oriol Junqueras from taking up his seat in the European Parliament, even though the chamber acknowledges that the ERC leader was an elected representative until January 3 and the Court of Justice of the EU has ruled that he acquired MEP status the minute the election result was announced. Today the European Parliament has abided by the ruling of Spains Supreme Court and it will be held to account when an appeal is filed with the General Court (EGC). As expected when you consider the precedents but without any precise knowledge of the gambit that the Spanish court would use to keep Junqueras behind bars the judgement by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) will initially benefit Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comin, who will be taking their seats in the European chamber on Monday. Until a decision is made about the European arrest warrants (EAW) issued against them and Justice Llarenas request to lift their immunity, both Catalan leaders will be members of the European Parliament. The most surreal aspect of it a genuine outrage is that Justice Marchena (who failed to respect Junqueras rights) has now stated that, in future, he will comply with the courts ruling to resolve the same or similar situations that might arise. Can you imagine a similar line of reasoning in any other context? So Puigdemont and Comin are the only MEPs who will get to sit in the European chamber, pending a decision about Spains request and the EAWs against them. Presumably the process will end in a vote in the European Parliament, where the Spanish state will not be spared a public display of the Catalan feud as a deeply entrenched political problem. Sneaking into the EUs political and media agenda is the victory they were after. The president or the presidency Following in the footsteps of Spains Central Electoral Board an administrative body that had never claimed such powers Barcelonas Provincial Electoral Board has heeded the Supreme Courts judgement and it has ruled that Quim Torra is no longer a member of the Catalan Parliament. Torras disqualification opens up a new avenue of uncertainty in the Catalan chamber, pending the Supreme Courts final say on the matter. President Torra, the Speaker of the House and the majority in the chamber have all refused to abide by the Boards order and a fresh clash with the unionist groups is expected in the upcoming parliamentary sessions scheduled at the end of January. The reaction to Quim Torras disqualification as an MP has had the same effect uniting the pro-independence camp as typically any move by the administration of the State. Shortly before his trial in Catalonias High Court (where he was convicted of disobedience), Quim Torra stated in an interview with this newspaper that the political situation is in limbo and he called for a strategic agreement by the secessionist forces. Not only has there been no such agreement, but the chasm that separates JxCat and ERC is even wider following the latters support to Pedro Sanchezs government. They have also failed to agree on how they will participate in the negotiating table that ERC and the PSOE have jointly set up. In contrast, little tussles [between both parties] are a regular occurrence out in the open. Torras partners support him in order to protect the institution, but they have not been able to settle on a common objective ahead of the Catalan elections that are visible in the horizon. An alliance shift is in the air, but this will require time and a narrative. The next few steps will concern the budget in Spain, Catalonia and the City of Barcelona. An agreement with the Comuns [Podemos Catalan chapter] is well underway and the Catalan president will have to carefully consider whether to pass the budget or call a snap election. At the moment the decision will depend on any hypothetical stunts surrounding Carles Puigdemont and the reordering of the pro-sovereignty centre-right space in Catalonia. However, it looks as if Quim Torra might be looking to extend his situation for as long as possible to capitalise on the opportunity that being the victim of a democratic outrage presents him with: an administrative body intends to disqualify the president of Catalonia. Torra still believes that no battle is too small and the tactic is to keep beating the drum to fuel the judicial chaos which the Spanish State is plunging into, with its justice system falling into disrepute and its democracy eroded. To what extent are the PSOE and its Podemos partner willing to tolerate the decay of the rule of law in Spain? It remains to be seen whether the new Justice minister, Juan Carlos Campo, will honour his pledge to take politics out of the courts of law, but restraint is very much in order. Whether he will actually succeed is a different matter altogether: he must bear in mind that the Spanish right will oppose any attempt to turn things around with all its might and using every resource of the States apparatus. : BJP Kerala state secretary A K Nazir was allegedly attacked inside a mosque at Nedungandam in Idukki district on Sunday, shortly after he participated in a programme on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), police said. While the BJP alleged activists of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the pro-CPI(M) Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) were behind the attack, police have maintained that since the incident took place inside a mosque, it was not clear who had attacked Nazir. The BJP leader was obstructed by a group of people when he entered the Thookkupalam Jumah Masjid to offer prayers after the Jana Jagriti meeting. However, the Imam allowed him to perform prayers. "While performing namaz, Nazir was beaten up from behind using a chair and was also kicked," a BJP press release said. Nazir, who hails from Kochi, was rushed to a local hospital and then to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. As part of the public meeting, a rally was also taken out by the BJP where three DYFI workers had created some trouble, Kattappana Deputy Superintendent of Police N C Rajmohan told PTI. However, since the attack on Nazir took place inside the mosque it was not clear who was behind it, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Customers just can't get enough folding phones. Chinese tech giant, Huawei says it's rivaling the likes of Samsung in its bid to popularize a new line of premium smart phones with a folding display. According to the company, it's now selling 100,000 units of its $2,400 Mate X per month which rivals an updated estimate from Samsung that it has sold between 400,000 to 500,000 Galaxy Folds - its own folding device - since September. Samsung initially claimed that it sold 1 million units last month, but quickly backtracked on that figure. A new market for folding phones is being dominated by two companies - Samsung and now Chinese tech giant, Huawei. Huawei says it's now shipping 100,000 of its folding Mate X phones every month While it's not altogether surprising that Huawei, one of the top three biggest purveyors of smart phones across the globe, was able to sell 100,000 Mate X's per month, it's yet another vote of consumer confidence for folding devices. Last month, one of the most anticipated new folding phones, a revamped Motorola razr that folds vertically like a retro clam shell device, was forced to slightly delay its launch due to unanticipated demand. As for the Mate X, Huawei says it's already planning to release an upgraded version of the premium folding phone. According to Richard Yu, Huaweis leader of consumer business who spoke to Frandroid, a french site that covers mobile phones, last month the Chinese tech giant plans to release a modified version of the Mate X in early 2020. The next iteration will reportedly come with an improved hinge, stronger screen and a faster processor. A redesigned Mate X is expected to released this year. It's unclear what the device's price tag will be as the current versions already costs $2,400 Hopeful customers in Europe also got some good news as the company is reportedly planning to bring the folding phone, which is currently only available in China, to market there in 2020. The company began shipping its Mate X in China on November 15 and told The Verge that it is was in the process of outlining plans for an international release at the time. Huawei's Mate X is among the first phones to pioneer a new breed of folding device and comes with a collapsible screen that can be used in two configurations. When open, the display spans 8 inches and appears closer to a tablet. While closed, the phone folds onto itself for a more traditional-looking 6.6-inch display. The biggest question for the Mate X will be durability since the phone's screen wraps around its hinge on the exterior instead of folding inside. Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-13 23:18:59|Editor: yan Video Player Close BERLIN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Volkswagen brand delivered 6,278,300 vehicles worldwide in 2019, an increase of 0.5 percent compared with the previous year, the German car manufacturer announced on Monday. In Volkswagen's largest single market China, deliveries increased by 1.7 percent to 3,163,200 vehicles, despite a declining overall market, according to Volkswagen. "In 2019, we significantly strengthened our global market position with considerable gains in market shares," said Volkswagen Sales Board Member Juergen Stackmann. In China, the new sub-brand JETTA had delivered 43,000 vehicles to customers since its launch in September 2019, making it the "most successful new brand in China in recent years", according to Volkswagen. In the last month of the year, Volkswagen brand had even achieved an increase of 22.2 percent in China and sold 354,200 vehicles, which was more than half of all vehicles delivered worldwide in December. Globally, Volkswagen brand recorded a significant growth in sales of electrically powered vehicles. The number of electrified vehicles delivered in 2019 rose by around 60 percent to more than 80,000 units, according to the German car manufacturer. In Europe, the Volkswagen brand delivered a total of 1,763,800 vehicles in 2019, an increase of 0.9 percent, according to Volkswagen. In the domestic market of Germany, where 569,900 vehicles were handed over to customers, growth was "even more pronounced" at 5.3 percent, Volkswagen announced. With the fresh news of Occidental Petroleum announcing layoffs last week, Chron.com compiled the 20 Houston companies with the most layoffs since January 2019. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center announced plans to lay off nearly 600 workers in May after the hospitals parent company, HCA Houston Healthcare, transformed the hospital into a freestanding emergency center. In March, Avella Specialty Pharmacy announced it was shuttering and laying off nearly 160 employees. Iranian demonstrators set alight a Union Jack in front of the British embassy in Iran's capital Tehran - AFP The Foreign Office summoned Irans envoy to London to demand a formal apology for the arrest of the British ambassador in Tehran on Monday as the diplomatic confrontation between Iran and the UK continued. Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, said Hamid Baeidinejad, the Iranian ambassador in Britain, was called in so ministers could protest the flagrant arrest of British ambassador Rob Macaire in Tehran on Saturday. Andrew Murrison, the Middle East Minister, said Mr Baeidinejad was given a dressing down. Dr Murrison said: "The arrest of our ambassador to Iran was a flagrant violation of international law and it is important that Iran understands how seriously we take this matter. "It must not be allowed to happen again. I made that clear to the Iranian ambassador this afternoon." Irans Foreign Ministry on Monday night issued a statement on the presence of UK ambassador at the vigil and his consequent brief detention, saying: Any further and new UK mistake will be met with severe and appropriate response. Iranian police released a short video showing Mr Macaire on the campus of the Amir Kabir university as students protested over news that the Revolutionary Guard accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner. Iranian demonstrators set alight a Union Jack in front of the British embassy in Iran's capital Tehran Iran said the video bolstered their case that Mr Macaire had been inciting the protesters against the government in Tehran. But the video shows the ambassador looking anxious and British officials said he left the campus shortly after it was filmed. The British government said the ambassador had been attending a vigil for the 176 people killed on Flight PS572 and left as it started to turn into a protest. Iranian security forces followed Mr Macaire to a barber shop nearby where they arrested him and held him for three hours before releasing him. Iran has not apologised for the arrest and on Monday, an Iranian government spokesman said Mr Macaire had behaved in a way that was "completely unprofessional and unacceptable by going to the university campus. Story continues Mr Raab said the UK was monitoring security at the British embassy in Tehran after the incident. We today will be summoning the Iranian ambassador to demand an apology and seek full assurances this will not happen again. Given the treatment of the ambassador, we are keeping security measures for the Embassy under review, he said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "In relation to the arrest of the UK's ambassador over the weekend, I would say this was an unacceptable breach of the Vienna Convention and it needs to be investigated. "We are seeking full assurances from the Iranian Government that this will never happen again. "The FCO has summoned the Iranian ambassador today to convey our strong objections. In a series of tweets, Mr Baeidinejad noted that the Foreign Office had urged British citizens to stay away from political protests in Iran. It is logical to expect that this advice would be also heard by their ambassadors and diplomats, he said. A convicted killer has been placed on lockdown behind bars for his own safety after being attacked by an associate of the Kinahan cartel. The Herald has learned that Michael Kinsella (27), serving a 15-year jail term for his involvement in the stabbing of a man to death, is in protective custody over fears he will be targeted further. The Dublin criminal was the target of a jailhouse assault, and prison officials believe Kinahan gunrunner Andrew O'Keeffe was behind the attack. O'Keeffe (30) is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence after being caught with a loaded firearm and silencer during a foiled hit by gardai. Protective Sources said that a falling-out between Kinsella and senior associates of the cartel behind bars is believed to be the motive behind the attack. Expand Close Michael Kinsella was assaulted in prison / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael Kinsella was assaulted in prison The assault happened on December 29 in Mountjoy Prison and, while Kinsella didn't suffer serious injuries, he was placed in protective custody for his own safety. "Kinsella had a disagreement with some of the senior figures inside, including Dean Howe, which then led to the attack by O'Keeffe," the source said. Senior cartel figure Howe pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy to commit murder after gardai foiled a plot to kill Hutch associate Gary Hanley. "Officials believe Kinsella in some way disrespected the hierarchy by not following their orders and now is on a restricted regime and away from the general population for his own welfare," added the source. Expand Close Dean Howe / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dean Howe Kinsella, of Swiftbrook Close in Tallaght, pleaded guilty in December 2015 to manslaughter for his part in the killing of Adil Essalhi at Tyrrelstown, Dublin, on January 6, 2011. In June 2016, Justice Deirdre Murphy sentenced him to 15 years, saying it would be "difficult to envisage a more horrific case of manslaughter". Since then, he has been investigated several times by prison authorities for internal disciplinary issues within the jail. His victim, Mr Essalhi, was stabbed and slashed 50 times. Michael Kinsella admitted stabbing him, but the prosecution accepted that the majority of the wounds were inflicted by his uncle Wayne Kinsella. Wayne Kinsella had earlier been sentenced to life for Mr Essalhi's murder. Michael Kinsella was charged sometime later. Justice Murphy explained that she was backdating the sentence due to the delay between the completion of the investigation and Michael Kinsella being charged. During the previous hearing Justice Murphy refused to suspend any of the sentence but recommended that his term be reduced by one third by the Justice Minister if he "genuinely engages" with addiction treatment and education and counselling while in prison. Career criminal O'Keeffe was recruited by the Kinahan cartel to kill mobster Kane McCormack because he had been a friend of the victim. O'Keeffe knew the target's movements and was chosen for that reason, they said. In July 2018, O'Keeffe, of Drumcliffe Road, Cabra West, was jailed for eight years by the Special Criminal Court for having a handgun and silencer. It is believed he was on his way to murder Mr McCormack when he was involved in a confrontation with armed gardai which led to his arrest. The white Citroen Berlingo van in which he was a passenger collided with a garda patrol car. Serious Mr McCormack (24) was shot dead and his body found on farmland in Co Meath in December 2017, three months after O'Keeffe's arrest. Sentencing O'Keeffe in 2018, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding at the non-jury court, said while the accused was not the driver, there were very "serious episodes" of dangerous driving which put the public at risk. Referring to O'Keeffe's "past failures", the judge said it was in the defendant's interest for the court to encourage him to turn away from crime. O'Keeffe has 71 previous convictions which include assault causing harm, violent disorder, public order and theft. The chatter among the crowd of Colmesneil middle and high school students and others lining S. Magnolia Street in Woodville came to a sudden quiet Monday as a procession for the body of U.S. Army Specialist Jacoby McFarland came into view. Escorting the hearse carrying the Jasper native were police cruisers and the Patriot Guard as they headed to Coleman Family Mortuary. Other vehicles carried family members who had gone to Houstons Intercontinental Airport that morning as McFarland was flown in from Schofield Military Base in Wahiawa, HI. McFarland, 25, died Jan. 2. A cause of death was not known as of Monday evening. After graduating from Jasper High School in 2012, McFarland served nearly 7 years with the Army. In that time, he was deployed overseas twice, serving tours of duty in Afghanistan and Korea. Cousin Sherray Dockins, whose son Chandler Dockins-Lomas also was stationed in Hawaii with McFarland, said the two were very close. And the family, she added, is mourning the loss of the young man that she described as just a loving, sweet guy who played trumpet in middle and high school. She says Dockins-Lomas, who recently completed his service, planned to move in with McFarland when he was discharged. He was already looking for a duplex in Edinburg and shopping for furnishings, she said. They were just going to enjoy life, and celebrate after serving their time, she said. Among the nearly two thousand people who turned out to line the route through Woodville to Colemans was Specialist Steven Badgley, who drove to Woodville from his current base in Ft. Hood to observe McFarlands arrival. Specialist Badgley, who is with the 57th Military Police Company, knew McFarland when he was stationed for 2 years at Schofield. Although they were in different companies, Badgley described McFarland as always friendly. And while the two werent close, he said the loss of comrade is still rough. The drive down here kind of brought me to tears. Members of McFarlands family gathered round Badgley, thanking him for his service and for attending McFarlands arrival. Funeral services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Church in Jasper. kbrent@beaumontenterprise.com Treasury yields climbed slightly on Monday as investors await the planned signing of a so-called "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China later this week. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves inversely to prices, rose two basis points to around 1.84%, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was also higher at around 2.31%. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that he expects an interim trade deal between Washington and Beijing will add significantly to economic growth in 2020. The world's two largest economies plan to sign a phase-one trade deal on Wednesday, which includes China purchasing $200 billion worth of U.S. goods over the next two years and the U.S. reducing tariffs on about $120 billion worth of Chinese products. The U.S. has decided to remove China from a list of countries considered currency manipulators, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC. Treasury data Monday showed the federal deficit totaled $1.02 trillion over the 12 months that ended in December, the first year the deficit has topped the $1 trillion market. The budget gap grew 17% in 2019, compared to a 28% increase in 2018. The U.S. Treasury is set to auction $42 billion in 13-week bills and $36 billion in 26-week bills on Monday. [January 13, 2020] Kalderos Named One Of The Best Places To Work In Chicago For 2020 CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kalderos, the creator of the country's first and only drug discount management solution, announced today that it has been recognized by Built In Chicago as one of the Best Places to Work, Best Small Companies to Work for and Best Paying Companies. Built In's Best Places to Work and Best Small Companies to Work for in Chicago lists rate companies algorithmically based on compensation data and employer benefits, and the rank is determined by combining a company's score in each of these categories. Kalderos' selection as one of the Best Paying Companies in Chicago was evaluated based on compensation data and determined by calculating the median percentile of all salaries entered for a company. "When starting a company, you're not only tasked with setting the direction for your business' endeavors, but you're also responsible for creating an environment and fostering a culture," said Jeremy Docken, CEO and co-founder of Kalderos. "We're all very proud to have been recognized for the culture we're collectively building." Founded in Chicago in 2016 with a mission to redefine how the business of healthcare performs, Kalderos is committed to creating drug discount management solutions that solve for non-compliance in drug discount pograms. In May 2019, Mercato Partners invested $7 million to help Kalderos further its mission. Over the last nine months, Kalderos has quadrupled in size, achieving its growth goal. Additionally, the company was recognized by Mayor Lori Lightfoot at Chicago Tech Day 2019. Kalderos is committed to growing and supporting the Chicago tech community. About Kalderos Kalderos combines industry expertise, design thinking and technology to target waste and to improve efficiency as the category leader in healthcare financial network management. Its initial SaaS product is the world's first drug discount management solution, which identifies, checks and resolves non-compliance. Using sophisticated models and machine learning processes, Kalderos detects inconsistencies overlooked by current methods, providing material benefits by eliminating waste. Based in Chicago, Kalderos was founded in 2016 by a team firmly rooted in the belief that it is essential to fix this problem in order to help patients and reduce inefficiencies. More information can be found at www.kalderos.com. About Built In Working in tech is a way of life. Built In helps people live it with purpose. Across the most vibrant tech hubs in the US, Built In helps tech professionals stay on top of tech news and trends, expand their networks and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Built In attracts a niche audience of 1 million tech professionals every month and, in 2019, the company hit a milestone, serving 1,100 companies annually. Built In recently launched BuiltIn.com, a national hub for tech trend coverage and resources to help professionals grow in their careers. National Site: BuiltIn.com Local Sites: BuiltInChicago.com | BuiltInLA.com | BuiltInColorado.com | BuiltInAustin.com | BuiltInNYC.com | BuiltInBoston.com | BuiltInSeattle.com | BuiltInSF.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kalderos-named-one-of-the-best-places-to-work-in-chicago-for-2020-300985814.html SOURCE Kalderos [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 25 years ago: Great Hanshin Earthquake strikes Japan On January 17, 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck the Hyogo prefecture in southern Japan. It registered a 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale and reached a maximum intensity of 7 on the JMA Seismic Intensity Scale. It lasted about 20 seconds, and hit Kobea large port city nearest the epicenter, population 1.5 millionthe hardest. It was the worst earthquake to strike Japan since the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Damage in Sannomiya, Hanshin Earthquake The final death toll was estimated at 5,502-6,434 killed. Reports claim 36,896-43,792 people were injured and upwards of 250,000 displaced from the wreckage. Nearly 400,000 buildings were irreparably damaged by the earthquake, which also triggered 300 fires that burned throughout the region, compounding utility disruptions. Kobe was the worlds sixth-largest container port. Most of the facilities were destroyed and needed to be rebuilt entirely. Emergency and rescue forces in the Kobe area were poorly trained and equipped, and collapsed under the stress of the quake. A week later, 300,000 were homeless, 1 million had no running water or gas, and tens of thousands lacked electricity. It took 10 days to designate the Kobe area a disaster zone. Surveys of the damaged area showed a clear pattern in the destruction. Buildings dating from the post-World War II construction boom of the 1950s and 1960s, when safety concerns were largely ignored, were destroyed wholesale. Buildings erected after 1971, when the first national building code took effect, suffered lesser damage. Those built after 1981, when safety standards were upgraded, generally survived intact. The earthquake revealed scandalous incompetence and indifference by the ruling class. Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama learned of the quake from television news reports two hours after its occurrence. The governor of Hyogo prefecture failed to request aid from Tokyo for five hours and no emergency forces were dispatched for nine hours. The governor of nearby Osaka, Kazuo Nakagawa, said that people affected should cook for themselves but lack the will to do so. The central government offered to rebuild a mere 7,000 homes, while financial analysts gloated that only 5 percent of homeowners were insuredgood news for the insurance industry. The Japan Times openly accused the administration of being responsible for deaths. It is tragically clear that many more victims might have been found alive if a full-scale, coordinated rescue effort had been undertaken with greater speed, it editorialized. 50 years ago: Frame-up at Soledad Prison in California On January 16, 1970 three African American inmates at Soledad Prison in California were charged with the crime of murdering a guard. The accused, George Jackson, Fleeta Drumgo and John Clutchette, all under age 30, would become known as the Soledad Brothers as they fought to prove their innocence. A series of murky events led to the charges against the group. On January 13 a fist fight broke out between white and black inmates in the recreation yard. During the fight, one prison guard, Officer Opie Miller, shot at the inmates from a guard tower. Miller killed three black inmates and wounded one white. After the incident the prisoners in Soledad began protesting against the killings. Some inmates began a hunger strike and called for an investigation. San Quentin Prison, California, where guards murdered George Jackson in 1971 A grand jury ruled that the deaths of the inmates were justifiable homicide and Miller was exonerated. No inmates who witnessed the shooting were allowed to testify. Then, shortly after the ruling, a guard was found dead, having fallen from the third floor of a cell block. The prison administration believed that the attack on the guard was revenge for the death of the three inmates killed by Miller, and moved quickly to find culprits to hold responsible. George Jackson was especially targeted for his political activity. By 1970 the 28-year-old had already spent 10 years in prison for a robbery charge for which he had pleaded guilty, while only a teenager, at the insistence of his attorney. He was given a sentence of one year to life. Jackson became radicalized in prison and joined the Black Panther Party. Prison officials declared him a dangerous freewheeling convict leader who must be isolated because of his impact on the prison population. In August 1970, George Jacksons 17-year-old brother, Jonathan Jackson, mounted a desperate attempt to free his brother by holding up a courtroom and taking a judge hostage. The younger Jackson had been set up by a member of the Los Angeles Police Departments Criminal Conspiracy Section, Melvin Smith, who had infiltrated the Panthers. Smith told the younger Jackson that there would be eight armed Panthers waiting for him outside the courthouse in a getaway car and they could then negotiate to trade the judge for the elder Jacksons freedom. However, no such assistance ever came. Jackson, two inmates that he freed from the courthouse, and the judge all were killed by a hail of police gunfire as they attempted to flee the court in a van. A year later, in August 1971, George Jackson would himself be killed in a set-up by San Quentin prison guards just days before he was set to go on trial for the death of the Soledad guard. Jackson was given a defective pistol by prison guards and made an attempt to escape during a riot. Unaware that he was being set up, Jackson was gunned down during the chaos. A whole new frame-up would emerge from Jacksons killing, where six inmates would be accused of being behind the escape attempt. They would become known as the San Quentin Six. The other Soledad brothers, Fleeta Drumgo and John Clutchette, were acquitted in March of 1972, as the jury found that the state completely failed to prove that the two had any involvement in the death of the guard. 75 years ago: Red Army liberates Warsaw On January 17, 1945, the Soviet Red Armys First Belorussian Front secured control of Warsaw, the capital of Poland, expelling German troops from a city that had been the site of some of the worst crimes committed during the Second World War. The Soviet victory, which was greeted with outpourings of support from workers around the world, was one aspect of a broader routing of Nazi troops on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Parade of Polish partisans after Red Army expulsion of Nazi forces from Warsaw The decimation of Warsaw, during the course of the war, began with German bombing raids in September 1939. Even before it was occupied, up to 25 percent of the homes in the historic city had been destroyed, while broad layers of its population had been hit with water and electricity shut-offs. The crisis prompted the surrender of the city, beginning a brutal six-year occupation. The Nazis established the infamous Warsaw Ghetto, and carried out the mass murder of the citys Jewish population, while ruthlessly suppressing widespread social and political opposition. Uprisings against fascist rule were put down and followed by mass reprisals. In January 1945, the Soviet regime launched the Vistula-Oder Offensive, aimed at pushing deep into Eastern Europe and taking parts of greater Germany. The first stages of the offensive witnessed rapid Soviet advances, with troops in some areas moving forward several hundred kilometres in the space of three weeks. The Soviet troops enjoyed a vast superiority in numbers, materiel and armaments. Facing the prospect of a rout, Colonel Bogislaw von Bonin, chief of the operational branch of the German Army General Staff, gave Army Group A permission to abandon Warsaw. German troops beat a hasty retreat, along with functionaries and civilians of German origin. At the same time, they sought to cover up their historic crimes. The day after Warsaw was liberated, the Nazis began the liquidation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, forcing more than 50,000 remaining inmates to begin a death march away from Soviet lines. The vast majority were killed. The abandonment of Warsaw compounded the crisis facing the Nazi regime. Hitler had defined the Polish capital as a Fortress City, meaning that it was to be defended at all costs, including in the event of a massive Soviet offensive. Von Bonins order was a rebuke of this position. Hitler immediately responded by sacking Smilo Freiherr von Luttwitz and Walter Fries, the generals directly responsible for the defense of the city. The same week, the Nazi dictator allowed Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt to begin a major retreat in the Ardennes region, encompassing vast swathes of Belgium, France and Luxemburg, in response to rapid Allied advances. Hitler held his final meeting with the field marshals in charge of blocking a full-scale Allied invasion of Germany. He retreated to Berlin, where he would spend the remainder of his life, before the defeat of his regime several months later. By the time the Nazis were expelled from Warsaw, the vast majority of the citys buildings had been destroyed. A pre-war population of some 1.3 million had been reduced to fewer than 200,000. 100 years ago: Social Democrats declare martial law in Germany On January 14, 1920, the Social Democratic (SPD) government, with Gustav Noske as minister of defense, declared martial law throughout Germany as government troops killed 50 protesters and wounded over 100 in front of the Reichstag. Thousands had assembled on the second day of protests against reactionary legislation being discussed in the Reichstag. Police threw explosives into the crowds of demonstrators. By the evening the authorities had restored order. The SPDs newspaper, Vorwaerts, claimed that the police showed restraint. Noske banned Die Freiheit, the newspaper of the Independent Social Democratic Party (USPD), and the Communist newspaper, Die Rote Fahne. Gustave Noske Die Freiheit had called for demonstrations to protest a bill that would have placed factory councils under government control. On January 13, tens of thousands of workers assembled and peaceably demonstrated, but by the afternoon police had barricaded the Reichstag and begun to repulse workers with shots and bayonets. Over 100 were wounded, but protests continued the next day. The post-World War I revolutionary upheavalincluding the November Revolution of 1918, the mass strikes and insurrection in Berlin in 1919, and the creation of a Soviet republic in Bavaria later that yearstaggered the German ruling class. But the working class was handcuffed at each stage by the absence of a prepared revolutionary leadership, a situation made worse by the murder a year before of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht. The SPD and the German bourgeoisie viewed with dread the first anniversary of their assassinations: January 15, 1920. Ian Bazzoli, COO at Integrate Autism Employment Advisors "I see neurodiversity employment as a growing focus of D&I efforts." Integrate Autism Employment Advisors is pleased to announce and welcome Ian Bazzoli as the companys new Chief Operating Officer. Ian will focus on driving long-term growth and efficient operations at Integrate, ultimately advancing our mission to help organizations identify, recruit, and retain qualified professionals on the autism spectrum. Ian brings over ten years of experience in Talent Management, Human Resources, and Recruiting, most recently working as Head of Talent at LendKey Technologies, Inc., a lending technology company based out of New York City and Cincinnati, OH. Ian also sits on the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati and is President of the Advisory Board for the Summit School (NYC) Work-Based Learning Program, a vocational high-school internship program focused on providing work opportunities to students with learning differences. Were thrilled to welcome Ian. He brings a variety of perspectives, having spent more than a decade working in HR in various roles for different organizations, said Marcia Scheiner, Integrates President & CEO. Ian helped guide LendKey through a period of growth and were excited for him to join us at this juncture, as Integrate is positioned to grow over the next few years. Ian will be based out of Cincinnati, OH, expanding Integrates footprint to cover the Midwest, adding to the companys existing presence in the New York & San Francisco areas. I was attracted by the organizations mission and felt that it blended perfectly with my passion for inclusive employment and background in HR, said Ian Bazzoli. I see neurodiversity employment as a growing focus of diversity and inclusion efforts. As the economy faces a growing skills gap I believe more organizations will turn to under-served talent pools like the neurodiverse workforce. Im incredibly excited to get started. BEIRUT - On Sunday, residents of a rebel-held pocket in northwestern Syria saw white leaflets drop from the sky, carrying a message from the government: It's time to leave. The Russian Defense Ministry announced later in the day that it had set up three checkpoints for civilians to leave embattled Idlib province. "Your safety lies in you leaving the areas of armed groups and heading toward official crossings that the government opened," the Syrian army leaflet said. The three crossings will open Monday, and transportation and medical help will be made available, the message continued, while army units would soon deploy to "cleanse" the area. The warning was issued on the day that a cease-fire brokered by Turkey and Russia took effect, as Russia and its allies promised to halt airstrikes. Russia has been Syrian President Bashar Assad's main ally, alongside Iran, during the war, which started in 2011 as a revolt against the government. Turkey backs some rebel groups operating in Idlib and surrounding areas in Aleppo province. The main power in the area, however, is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a militant group that has been rebranding itself for years in an attempt to distance itself from its al-Qaida roots. The cease-fire is the latest in a series of broken truces, and few expect the respite to last. Artillery fire continued Monday, the head of the Idlib branch of the Syrian Civil Defense - a volunteer organization more commonly known as the White Helmets - told The Washington Post. "Today we have one martyr," Mustafa Hajj Youssef said, a result of artillery fired into the southern countryside of Idlib. Several were wounded Sunday after the cease-fire had taken effect, he added. Backed by Russian jets, Syrian forces pounded towns in the northwestern rebel bastion in recent weeks, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. At least 300,000 civilians have fled their homes since mid-December, the United Nations estimated last week. On Sunday afternoon, Russia said civilians can leave the de-escalation area in Idlib through the three new checkpoints, Russia's Interfax news agency said. The de-escalation zone refers to a demilitarized area set up following a deal brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran in 2017. A Syrian-led offensive is not the only crisis looming over Idlib: Over the weekend, the U.N. Security Council renewed a resolution that allows for cross-border aid, but halved the period of the mandate. Over the past few years, Idlib has become the government's dumping ground to relocate civilians and fighters from former rebel-held areas. It repeatedly piled people onto buses and sent them to the province. "There is no Idlib for Idlib" is an oft-repeated phrase when discussing the humanitarian toll of a military offensive in the area, because there is no place that can take in the flow of those displaced from there. 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 reauthorization of the cross-border U.N. aid operation, which had lasted six years, was put to a vote in December. It was vetoed by Russia and China, another supporter of Assad's government. On Friday, the reauthorization resolution was put to a vote again, with amendments. Only two of four designated border crossings, both lying on the Turkish-Syrian border, were reauthorized, and only for six months. The two other crossings, on the Iraqi and Jordanian borders, were dropped. People in northwestern Syria are already suffering in the harsh cold, with thousands living in open fields, Save the Children said in a statement. "Effectively, what the Security Council is saying with the resolution's scale-back is that member state politics are more important than providing children with a roof to sleep under, enough food to eat, an education or the ability to simply feel safe," said Janti Soeripto, president and CEO of the organization. The International Rescue Committee, a nongovernmental aid organization, warned that the removal of the Yaroubiya crossing along the border with Iraq will "immediately halt critical medical supplies and disrupt at least half of the health-care response in northeast Syria." - - - The Washington Post's Asser Khattab in Beirut contributed to this report. The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday switched to the commissionerate system of policing for Lucknow and Noida, giving magisterial powers to the top cops in both cities. State capital Lucknow and UP's economic capital Noida will now have an additional director general-level officer as police commissioner, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told reporters after chairing the meeting of the state Cabinet that took the decision. A little later, the government announced the names of the state's first police commissioners -- IPS officer Sujit Pandey for Lucknow and Alok Singh for Noida. The system is already in place in several cities across the country including New Delhi and gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to police officers. "For the last 50 years there was a demand for strengthening of law and order and smart policing. But due to lack of political will, this work could not be done for so many years, Adityanath said. He said the courts put police in the dock for not taking timely action. We have taken the biggest step towards the reform of the police department, he added. The functioning of the commissioner system in the two cities will be reviewed after six months, he said. Under the new system 40 police stations in Lucknow will be under the police commissioner, who will have a team of two inspector general-rank officers as joint commissioners, nine superintendent of police-rank officers, an SP-rank woman officer and an ASP-rank woman officer, the chief minister said. The two women officers will deal exclusively with cases related to crime against women. Under the ADG-rank officer as commissioner in Noida, there will be two DIGs, five SPs, an SP-rank woman officer and an ASP-rank officer for traffic control. According to the 2011 census, Lucknow had a population of around 29 lakh that now has reached 40 lakh. The population of Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) was 16 lakh then and is now 25 lakh, Adityanath said. The Cabinet also approved setting up two new police stations in Noida, he said. A network of CCTV cameras will also be set up in these two districts, he said. Asked if other major cities in the state will also switch to the police commissioner system, the CM said whatever steps are needed for better law and order will be taken. Uttar Pradesh police chief O P Singh welcomed the move that gives the police commissioner the powers of an executive magistrate, saying under the earlier system the police had to depend on the district administration. The Cabinet also approved seven other proposals. Among these was the revision of expenditure on four-laning of the Sonauli-Gorakhpur-Deoria-Ballia road and the transfer of municipal land in Bareilly for the construction of a prison. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hartman, 68, who has a long history of trying to sneak onto flights in Chicago and around the country, was arrested last October at OHare yet again just as she was trying to pass the second of two security checkpoints, prosecutors have said. Photo: Unsplash Arlington is seeing strong demand for sales representatives' skills. Employers in the industry posted 48 new jobs over the past week, and 220 in the last month, ranking second among top job categories in the local area, according to ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace. Local sales representative also came in first in terms of local employers adding new jobs by occupation. In the past month, 58 companies listed open jobs for Arlington-based workers in the industry. Top companies seeking local sales representatives include J. Wales Home Solutions, Mei Group and Sterling Personnel. Jobs posted by J. Wales Home Solutions in the past month in the area also included team leaders, while Mei Group was hiring managers. This story was created automatically using local jobs data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. P olice are hunting a man who many believe bears a striking resemblance to Jeremy Clarkson. Officers at Kent Police last week released a CCTV image of a suspect believed to be involved in stealing a bank card from a handbag and going on a spending spree. After the appeal was launched, many were quick to point out the similarities between the man and the 59-year-old former Top Gear host. In a post on Facebook, police wrote: Do you recognise this man? We believe he may have important information that can help us investigate the theft and fraudulent use of a bank card. The card is reported to have been used at various locations across Ashford in December 2019 after it was stolen from a handbag on 6 December. As part of ongoing enquiries, our investigators are now in a position to release a picture of a man who may be able to help them establish the full circumstances. The post has since been flooded with comments from people saying they initially thought the man was Clarkson. One person wrote: As soon as I looked at that photo I thought im sure thats Jeremy I had to keep looking at the photo he must have a double then (sic). Another wrote: Jeremy Clarkson has been naughty again, while another responded: Cant take him anywhere. One said: I thought it was Jeremy Clarkson and I see I'm not the only one. Last year, a CCTV image of a thief, released as part of a police appeal, went viral with more than 11m shares and 30,000 comments as members of the public pointed out the suspect's likeness to Friends character Ross Geller. Abdulah Husseini, left, bore a striking resemblance to Friends star David Schwimmer. / PA David Schwimmer, the actor who played Ross, responded with a video on Twitter and Instagram in which the star was seen furtively glancing at a camera as he walked through a convenience store clutching cans of beer. "Officers, I swear it wasn't me," he said in an accompanying post. Chemist Warehouse, Chow Sang Sang, Migros and OFS Highlight How They Have Improved Customer and Employee Experiences with VMware Retail Solutions NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This week at the National Retail Federations (NRF) annual show, VMware, Inc. (VMW), a leading innovator in enterprise software, showcased how several customers including Chemist Warehouse, Chow Sang Sang, Migros and OFS are partnering with the company to build a digital foundation for modern retail experiences. In the highly competitive and dynamic retail industry, technology drives almost every step of the retail experience in-store, warehouses, supply chain, and back offices. VMware Retail Solutions evolve legacy retail infrastructure into modern digital foundations with mobile workflows that can significantly increase customer satisfaction and workforce productivity. With VMware, retailers customize engagement while improving IT efficiency, agility, and performance from core to cloud to edge. Accelerate Retail IT Delivery Modern IT powers exceptional customer experiences. By speeding digital and in-store service delivery and reducing complexity, VMware software-defined data center (SDDC) solutions empower retailers to improve processes from checkout to supply chain management. Flexible, more secure, and cloud-ready digital infrastructure from VMware improves operational models to help create frictionless retail environments that can accelerate innovation and grow revenue. Chemist Warehouse is a provider of pharmaceuticals, health, and beauty products and one of the largest retailers in Australia with over 500 locations within Australia and New Zealand. Like many growing retailers, Chemist Warehouse needed to modernize its IT infrastructure in order to keep up with the speed and scale of the business. The company worked with VMware to virtualize its compute, storage and networking infrastructure with VMwares suite of SDDC solutions. In doing so, Chemist Warehouse unified and automated these IT environments with the same architectural structure extending from the data center to the pharmacy floor. Story continues We are committed to finding new and exciting ways to engage customers at every touchpoint from the moment they walk into a store until they walk out, and beyond, said Simon Hibbert, General Manager of IT at Chemist Warehouse Group. The higher levels of standardization and automation achieved through virtualization enabled our team improve the agility and performance of our operations. This optimization ultimately helps us deliver solutions which allow our staff to focus on our customer rather than technology. The VMware portfolio has been instrumental in our agility and has allowed us to scale our store base and offering globally. Chow Sang Sang a premier jewelry retailer in Greater China currently has a retail network of more than 600 stores across the region. To stay at the forefront of the industry, Chow Sang Sang operates a dynamic e-commerce strategy across multiple channels including its online storefront chowsangsang.com. Its online business created a significant new revenue stream, but also drove such a surge in demand that its legacy IT infrastructure was unable to support. Chow Sang Sang required a massive scale of transformation, from underlying infrastructure and hardware to storage and software. VMware SDDC and VMware Enterprise PKS solutions on Dell EMC VxRail suited its IT transformation and development requirements. VMware SDDC solutions provide the ideal architecture for private, public, and hybrid clouds while VMware Enterprise PKS dynamically and more securely automates Kubernetes-based containerized applications in multi-cloud environments. With built-in critical production capabilities such as high availability, auto-scaling, health checks and self-healing, VMware Enterprise PKS optimizes computing resources among applications to maintain their desired state. This helps better enable the high availability of Chow Sang Sang's e-commerce applications. Finally, running on the pre-tested and fully-integrated Dell EMC VxRail, Chow Sang Sang no longer worries about compatibility, reliability and performance issues. Empower the Retail Workforce and Drive Exceptional Customer Experiences Today's shoppers demand personalized, anytime, anywhere experiences. With VMware solutions, retailers can quickly deliver sales and inventory applications, marketing promotions, and customer service tools to any device, running any operating system seamlessly while enabling more secure, remote access to information. By transforming shopping experiences with robust service delivery everywhereat endpoints, in stores, and beyondVMware helps nurture brand loyalty. Migros is one of the largest supermarket chains in Turkey with a presence in more than 81 cities across the country. The company aims to meet customer demands fast by reaching them through various channels according to their lifestyles and to help them have a unique shopping experience. In order to achieve this, Migros employees needed a way to access data on products and stock anytime and anywhere in a secure way. The company partnered with VMware to implement VMware Workspace ONE, a digital workspace platform that manages and better secures all devices such as handheld terminals, tablets used by store associates and employee-owned mobile devices. Migros has eliminated many complexities associated with endpoint management across all platforms as well as leveraged a single platform to manage all apps and devices, regardless if the device is company- or employee-owned. In addition to providing employees with choice and flexibility, Migros has also experienced efficiency gains when it comes to software and application delivery and management. Thanks to Workspace ONE, the software updates that used to take weeks, are now smoothly completed in an hour. This has led to a substantial decrease in the number of IT support calls and a substantial increase in internal customer satisfaction, explained Murat Zobu, IT infrastructure and operational system manager, Migros. Better Protect Retail Data and Brand Cybercriminals actively target retail businesses to steal valuable customer financial information. With VMware Carbon Black, retailers can better protect their increasingly perimeter-less environments, including data centers, customer systems, and endpoints, with purpose-built, multi-layered security that better protects customer data. OFS is a family-owned contract furniture manufacturer based in Huntingburg, Indiana and operates retail showrooms in eight cities across the U.S. After the IT team found itself spending too much time responding to false positive threat alerts and less time identifying and remediating legitimate threats, the company decided it was time for a new security solution. With VMware Carbon Black, OFS transformed and improved its backend technology with a security-centric focus, enabling the company to confidently and swiftly deliver their products and services. VMware Carbon Blacks cloud-based endpoint protection platform (EPP), coupled with VMware Carbon Blacks managed alert monitoring and triage services, provides OFS with the expert threat validation its leadership team needs. For the OFS IT team, the time spent responding to alerts and malware has decreased significantly since using VMware Carbon Black. Jeremy Wilkins, security technology administrator at OFS, explained, Our time to value with VMware Carbon Black was almost instantaneous. Im spending less time tracking down false positives, and spending more time triaging and acting on legitimate threats. We dont bog down our internal network with legacy virus updates. Visit Us at NRF To learn more about how VMware is helping retailers enable the store of the future, visit the VMware booth (#1510, Level 1) and Dell Technologies booth (#1219, Level 1) at NRF or browse www.vmware-industry-solutions.com . Additional Resources About VMware VMware software powers the worlds complex digital infrastructure. The companys cloud, networking and security, and digital workspace offerings provide a dynamic and efficient digital foundation to customers globally, aided by an extensive ecosystem of partners. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough innovations to its global impact. For more information, please visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html . VMware, VMware Enterprise PKS, Workspace ONE and Carbon Black are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. [January 13, 2020] Data Center World to Host Inaugural Innovation Startup Challenge at 2020 Event SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Data Center World, the leading global conference for data center, facilities and IT infrastructure professionals, announces the inaugural Data Center World Innovation Startup Challenge taking place at its annual conference in San Antonio, Texas on March 16-19, 2020. The Innovation Startup Challenge will host companies who are currently developing or selling a technology solution that directly impacts the data center industry, providing a valuable opportunity for these companies to showcase their technology. The qualifications to be considered a startup for this competition can be found on the Data Center World website . All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on several business model and go-to-market criteria. Winners will be chosen by the panel based on their presentations on stage and will be judged on a clear technology solution, a concise pitch and the value of the technology to the data center industry. The competition will feature four judging categories: Most Disruptive Technology The technology that the judges determine has the best opportunity to create short-term positive market, sales, or customer service disruption among existing data center technologies in its vertical. The technology that the judges determine has the best opportunity to create short-term positive market, sales, or customer service disruption among existing data center technologies in its vertical. Best Chance for Market Success The technology that judges determine will be the most successful at creating revenue upside and profit for the startup company. The technology that judges determine will be the most successful at creating revenue upside and profit for the startup company. Best Ability to Gain Additional Capital The startup company that juges determine is sufficiently structured, has the most attractive data center technology, and has the most connected and well-run management team to be able to raise additional capital to grow the company. The startup company that juges determine is sufficiently structured, has the most attractive data center technology, and has the most connected and well-run management team to be able to raise additional capital to grow the company. Most Influential Founding Team The startup company that judges determine has assembled the most experienced founding backers, founding management team and strongest investment profile. The deadline to submit is February 12, 2020. For more information and to enter, visit: tmt.knect365.com/data-center-world/dcw-innovation-startup-challenge To learn more about Data Center World 2020, visit: datacenterworld.com About Data Center World: Data Center World is the global conference for data center, facilities, and IT professionals. It offers premier education, abundant networking, and the broadest access to best-in-class vendors. Designed to help data center and IT infrastructure professionals with challenging issues, Data Center World presents top quality knowledge without bias towards a specific vendor product or service. Data Center World will be held March 16-19, 2020 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. Data Center World is brought to you by Informa Tech. About Informa Tech Informa Tech is a market leading provider of integrated research, media, training and events to the global Technology community. We're an international business of more than 600 colleagues, operating in more than 20 markets. Our aim is to inspire the Technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through research, media, training and event brands that inform, educate and connect. Over 7,000 professionals subscribe to our research, with 225,000 delegates attending our events and over 18,000 students participating in our training programmes each year, and nearly 4 million people visiting our digital communities each month. Learn more about Informa Tech . Heather Donner Data Center World PR [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A journalist working for Iraqi broadcaster Dijlah TV and his cameraman were killed by unknown gunmen on Friday January 10 in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate (IJS) in condemning these appalling murders and calls on the authorities to bring the killers to justice. Iraqis take part in a rally on January 11, 2020, to mourn two reporters (image) shot dead the previous evening in the country's southern city of Basra, where they had been covering months of anti-government protests. Credit: Hussein Faleh / AFP Armed men attacked Ahmad Abdessamad (37), a correspondent for the local television station al-Dijlah, and his cameraman, Safaa Ghali (26), on Friday evening in Basra where they had covered the anti-government protests. According to media reports, Ahmad and Safaa were in their car when a 4x4 vehicle pulled up and its passengers fired a hail of bullets into the car. Ahmad Abdessamad was killed instantly while his cameraman was taken to hospital, where he died shortly afterwards. A video of the attack has since emerged on the website of Dijlah TV, showing Abdessamad slumped down in his chair (warning: disturbing content). The murders prompted outrage in the city and people poured out onto the streets to mourn the killed journalists, despite risks of deadly violence following the deaths of 460 people killed since the beginning of the anti-government protests in October 2019, media reports added. More than 400 journalists have been killed since 2003 in Iraq, making the country one of the most dangerous for media workers. Last December, the IFJ urged the authorities in Iraq Kurdistan to fight impunity for murderers of journalists at an international conference held in Erbil. The IFJ in October also called on the Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety of journalists covering demonstrations in the country. It warned the current government that its failure to investigate attacks on journalists entails its own liability for these crimes. These killings occur after one of the safest years for journalists in Iraq, with only one journalist killed in Iraq in 2019. The IJS said: This criminal act is part of a series of attacks on journalists and media who are carrying out their mission. We condemn these murders and call on police and security forces in Basra to hunt the criminals and bring them to justice. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: We reiterate our call to the authorities in Iraq to start defending media and fight impunity against the crimes done to journalists across the country. Successive Iraqi governments have one of the worst records in fighting impunity in the killing of journalists. These killings cannot go unpunished. The voices of the Iraqi people may not be silenced by those who dont want the truth to be known. After gap of 18 months, Delhi Airport to resume flight ops at T1 terminal Arrivals remain smooth in Delhi as new Omicron norms for travel kicks in Omicron: At Delhi Airport, pay Rs 3,900 to get your test result in 90 mins Four more international travellers test positive for Covid-19 at Delhi airport Here is how Twitterati reacted on giant Shankh in Delhi Airport India oi-Mousumi Dash New Delhi, Jan 13: The Delhi Airport was decorated by a giant shankh (conch) recently. The conch that was installed at the airport in New Delhi last year October, received mixed reactions on Social Media. On Monday, netizens took to Twitter to express their views regarding the new installation of the conch in the airport. Reportedly, the giant slow-rotating conch that moves on its vertical axis was installed at the Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International airport in October 2019 as part of the beautification of the airport. A noted journalist Sunetra Choudhury was trolled for her comment objecting the installation of the conch (shankh), she wrote on Twitter, "Oh my dear lord @DelhiAirport , this is even uglier than the carpet. Please remove." Here is how the Twitter reacted to the installation of the conch in the airport. Oh my dear lord @DelhiAirport , this is even uglier than the carpet. Please remove pic.twitter.com/JkMI2MzVdy sunetra choudhury (@sunetrac) January 12, 2020 Opposition meet: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati & Arvind Kejriwal to skip meet a rotating shankha @ #DelhiAirport is communal & christmas celebration @BLRAirport is noncommunal for our so cald seculars... pic.twitter.com/J4Rl5JkqmT Hari (@amruthaputhra) January 13, 2020 Exactly this is how she gets paid . Peanut brain. Moron.#DelhiAirport https://t.co/d9HjSwlcgK Ravi Kiran (@Ravikiranhm07) January 13, 2020 Russian penitentiary officials next to police may be authorized to issue cautions RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 14:14 13/01/2020 MOSCOW, January 13 (RAPSI) A bill authorizing penitentiary officials to hand down official warnings has been submitted to the lower house of Russian parliament, according to the State Duma database. Amendments are proposed to the Law On the Detention of Persons Suspected and Accused of Committing Crimes and the Penitentiary Code of the Russian Federation. The bill was drafted as existing legislation does not include provisions concerning such powers of penitentiary officials. Under the draft law, penitentiary officials would be empowered to officially warn suspects and defendants of inadmissibility of actions conditioning offences or crimes and antisocial behavior continuation. If failed to comply with demands set out in the official cautions, violators may be brought to liability in accordance with Russian legislation. Earlier, in October, President Vladimir Putin signed a bill authorizing police to give citizens official warnings into law. Amendments were introduced into the Law on Police. The document stipulates that law enforcement officers will be allowed to give citizens binding cautions on the impermissibility of certain actions or antisocial behavior creating conditions for commitment of crimes or offenses, which must be prevented by police. Amid the ongoing students' protest at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University against police action on students on December 15, 2019, the JMI Vice-Chancellor in consultation with the Deans, Head of Departments and other officials on Monday (January 13) announced that the ongoing semester exams in the varsity stands cancelled till further notice. The Jamia administration announced that the new schedule will be declared later. Jamia VC Najma Akhtar said that a decision has also been taken that the administration will also explore the possibility of moving court for the registration of FIR in the December 15, 2019 police brutality in university library case at the earliest. Addressing a group of protesting students, the VC said that the university administration has already followed all possible steps for the registration of FIR. The university administration has also given its complaint to SHO Jamia Nagar and it's copy to CP Delhi and DCP South East. University has also written letters to Joint CP Southern Range and DCP Crime for the registration of FIR earlier. Jamia VC Najma Akhtar said that National Human Rights Commission has already begun the inquiry into the police action against the students and a team has already visited the university. She added that another team is scheduled to come on Tuesday (January 14) to record the statement of the students who were injured in police brutality. According to VC Akhtar, the university has already handed over all the evidence to the NHRC. The varsity was closed on December 16 after protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) turned violent on December 15. It had also cancelled the examinations and declared vacation till January 5, 2020. Speaking to students on December 15 incident, Vice-Chancellor Akhtar said, "Delhi Police entered the campus without permission and the process of filing an FIR against Delhi Police will begin from tomorrow (Tuesday)." "We will get the FIR done. If you want to listen then be quiet. You all know what we did. We have done what we could before. We are government employees, despite this, we have sent the objections. Delhi Police came inside our campus without taking permission and the students were beaten up, we will not tolerate it. The FIR will definitely be done," added Akhtar. WEXFORD COUNTY, MI A 20-year-old Michigan man has been charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly exchanged inappropriate photographs with multiple underaged females. Cameron Joseph Schopieray of Buckley has been charged with three counts of child sexually abusive activity, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000 fine, and three counts of accosting children for immoral purposes, a felony punishable by four years and/or $4,000 fine. Additionally, he has been charged with three counts of furnishing obscenity to children, a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days and/or $500 fine. The Michigan State Police began investigating in September 2019 after they were contacted by the parents of a minor female who reported inappropriate contact online between their daughter and Schopieray. The incidents occurred between July 2019 and September 2019, police said, when Schopieray and the victim allegedly exchanged inappropriate photographs via Snapchat and corresponded using Facebook Messenger. During the investigation, several other female victims in the area were identified and came forward, police said. Schopieray was arraigned Jan. 10 in the 84th District Court in Cadillac. He was released on bond with a GPS monitor and a no contact order with victims. His next court date is a probable cause conference on Jan. 21 at 9:00 a.m. The MSP Cadillac Post is asking anyone to come forward who may have been a victim of Schopieray. You may contact the post at 231-779-6040. CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson 303-810-1816 Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com Golden, Colorado January 13, 2020 The Caring Generation Radio Show Tips for Juggling Work & Caregiving Golden CO- Caregiving expert, Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation radio program for caregivers and aging adults this coming Wednesday, January 13 on the Bold Brave Media Global Network. The program airs live at 9 p.m. EST. The Caring Generation aired initially from 2009 to 2011 on 630 KHOW-AM in Denver, Colorado. The caregiving topic for this week's program is Tips for Juggling Work and Caregiving. Pamela talks about caregiver shamingwhen family or friends are quick to criticize the actions of the caregiver. Aspects of social isolation, dealing with chaos, and managing caregiving timebombsubjects that families find difficult to discuss. Tips for caregivers to handle these situations while juggling work and caregiving are featured. Special guest Rita Choula, Director of Caregiving for the AARP Public Policy Institute, shares research from the series Valuing the Invaluable: 2019 update. Rita shares the economic value of family caregivers, $470 billion in 2017, and talks about caregiver programs to address the growing need for care for elderly loved ones. Family caregiver support programs offered at the federal and state levels will continue to be needed as the aging population grows. Caregivers are concerned about the role of caregiving. Many feel unprepared to act as a caregiver. Others feel that the position is thrust upon them with no choice but to be the caregiver for an elderly parent. The pressures resulting from being a caregiver include emotional, financial, and physical demands. Practical processes and step-by-step instructions provided by Pamela during this program support caregivers who juggle work and caregiving. Family relationships are a significant component of caregiving stress. Highly efficient caregivers give the impression that caregiving tasks are easy. As a result, other family members fail to offer help and support. Juggling work and caregiving is and will continue to be highly stressful for caregivers caring for elderly parents with health issues and high needs for daily care. The January 13th edition of The Caring Generation sheds light on the increasing need that family caregivers have for programs, support, and education. Pamela gives listeners practical tools and the confidence to develop skills to care for elderly parents and loved ones. Being a caregiver encompasses many areas of life and is often an unexpected responsibility that affects personal health, well-being, finances, and work. Workplaces are noticing the effects of caring for elderly parents on employees. Pamela offers workplace programs to support working caregivers based on 20 years of experience managing care for her clients. Pamela's unique experience provides a breadth and wealth of information to help family caregivers navigate the unexpected and unfamiliar path of caregiving. More information about workplace programs for caregivers is available on her website. Make plans to join Pamela D. Wilson, caregiving expert and the host of The Caring Generation radio at 6 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Mountain, 8 p.m. Central, and 9 p.m. Eastern every Wednesday night. Replays of the weekly programs are available in podcast format with transcripts on Pamela's website and all major podcast sites. More information is available on Pamela's website. # Thai authorities on Monday confirmed the first case outside China of a patient infected with the new virus behind the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak. The woman, 61, identified as a Chinese tourist from the city in central Hubei province, has been receiving treatment in a hospital in Nonthaburi near Bangkok since January 8, but is now recovering, according to Bloomberg and Thai media outlets. An expert said if further investigation found she had not been to Huanan Seafood Market, associated with the outbreak in Wuhan, it would suggest that the virus had spread to other parts of the city. The news came as Hong Kong health officials on Monday arrived in Wuhan to gain first-hand knowledge of the disease, now known to be a new strain of coronavirus, which has infected at least 41 people in Wuhan and killed one. Thailands Ministry of Public Health said in a press statement that the Chinese womans infection was confirmed on Sunday. The woman now exhibited no fever and is ready to return to her country, the statement added. Calling for calm, Thai public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul said: We are confident we can control the situation. Sixteen other people seated near the woman on the same flight were examined and their results were negative. The World Health Organisation on Monday confirmed on their Twitter account that they were aware of the womans diagnosis and working with Thai and Chinese officials on the case. In another press statement released later on Monday evening, WHO said there was a possibility that the virus could spread beyond China. The possibility of cases being identified in other countries is not unexpected, and reinforces why WHO calls for ongoing active monitoring and preparedness in other countries, the global watchdog said. It has issued guidelines on how to detect and treat patients. In Thailands case, the woman was found to be suffering from a fever on arrival at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi airport on January 8, and was initially diagnosed with mild pneumonia in hospital, according to WHO. Story continues Chinas health authorities over the weekend revealed the genetic sequence of the virus, found to be nearly 80 per cent similar to that of the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars). The information was shared with WHO, and has been uploaded onto an online gene bank. The organisation also called for investigations to continue in China to identify the source of the outbreak, adding that director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus could call for a meeting of the Emergency Committee on short notice. Professor David Hui Shu-cheong, a respiratory medicine expert from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said there should be an investigation on whether the woman had visited the Wuhan seafood market first identified as ground zero of the outbreak. If she has not, it would be a big problem as it means game meat in other markets in Wuhan could also be infected with the virus, which then spread to people, Hui said, pointing out that there was no clear evidence so far of transmission among humans. If she has not [been to the Wuhan seafood market in question], it would be a big problem as it means game meat in other markets could also be infected with the virus Professor David Hui, CUHK The development in Thailand came as Hong Kong on Monday reported one more suspected case involving a woman, 38, who fell ill after returning from Wuhan. She was later found to be infected with other virus strains not related to the one in question. Of a total of 68 suspected cases reported so far in the city, 56 have been cleared and discharged. Meanwhile, a group of Hong Kong health officials, including undersecretary for food and health Dr Chui Tak-yi, arrived in Wuhan on Monday for a two-day trip to be briefed by local authorities on control and treatment measures. Details of the trip were not disclosed to the public. Chinese Universitys Hui said he hoped the team would be able to obtain more information of patients in Wuhan. Now we dont know the age range of patients, and the routes of transmission, Hui said. What are the factors causing severe conditions ... Could they be old age or [several] illnesses? By knowing these, we can predict the outcome [of the disease in general], he added. Professor Leo Poon Lit-man from the University of Hong Kongs school of public health, who is familiar with the development of diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, said he expected specific tests for the virus to be ready in a few days time. This article Wuhan pneumonia: Thailand confirms first case of virus outside China first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. Gigi Hadid leaving court on Monday in Manhattan - AP Supermodel Gigi Hadid has been called to serve as a juror in the Harvey Weinstein's rape trial, telling the judge that she had met the film producer, but that she believed she was able to be impartial. Hadid, 24, arrived at the Manhattan courthouse on Monday with security guards clearing her way. On the fifth day of jury selection, Hadid sat alongside 116 other New Yorkers to be addressed by Judge James Burke and asked whether they were prepared to fairly judge Weinstein, based on the facts presented to them in court. She was one of two people who raised a hand when Judge Burke asked if anybody knew a member of the defence or the prosecution. I have met the defendant, Hadid said, speaking into a microphone, before adding that she still felt she could judge the case impartially. Gigi Hadid on the catwalk for Fendi on February 21 in Milan She put her hand up again when Judge Burke asked the jury pool whether anybody knew a person on the list of potential witnesses. I have met Salma Hayek and possibly Ryan Beatty, she said. I think Im still able to keep an open mind on the facts. It remains unknown whether Hadid will ultimately be one of the 12 people asked to serve on the case. She was asked to return on Thursday for additional questioning. As the second week of jury selection got underway, the two parties began to sift through 108 questionnaires which have already been filled out a significant percentage of which Judge Burke anticipates will exclude the potential jurors. They have all been asked to fill in a detailed questionnaire, asking for biographical details of them and their close family members, and whether they have ever been sexually assaulted. Gigi Hadid and her British boyfriend, Zayn Malik, at the Met Gala Judge Burke asked prosecutors to respond to the defences request, made on Friday, that the jury be sequestered for the duration of the trial. He suggested that he will ultimately deny the motion. Overall, my response is that the multiple stage method that we have set out, he said, It just shows how well screening is working. Story continues Surrounded by photographers as she left the courthouse, Hadid said: Im not allowed to talk about jury duty. Im sorry. Weinstein, 67, is accused of raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting another in 2006. Both sides hope to deliver opening statements before the end of the month. The trial is expected to run for six to eight weeks. If convicted, Weinstein could face life in prison. He insists any sexual activity was consensual. NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Metal Injection Molding market worldwide is projected to grow by US$1.8 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 7.5%. Stainless Steel, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 8.1%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$2.1 Billion by the year 2025, Stainless Steel will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799094/?utm_source=PRN - Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 6.3% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$62.1 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$52.9 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Stainless Steel will reach a market size of US$95.9 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 11.2% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$499.7 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies. - Competitors identified in this market include, among others, Amphenol Corporation; ARC Group Worldwide, Inc.; CMG Technologies; CN Innovations Holdings Ltd.; Dean Group International Ltd.; Dou Yee Technologies Pte., Ltd.; Dynacast International, Inc.; Ernst Reiner GmbH & Co. KG; Indo-MIM Pvt., Ltd.; Jiangsu Gian Mim Parts; NetShape Technologies, Inc.; Parmaco Metal Injection Molding AG; Parmatech Corporation; Phillips-Medisize Corporation; Rockleigh Industries Inc.; ShangHai Future High-Tech Co., Ltd.; Sintex A/S; Smith Metal Products; Taiwan Powder Technologies Co.Ltd.; Tanfel Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799094/?utm_source=PRN I. METHODOLOGY II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. MARKET OVERVIEW Global Competitor Market Shares Metal Injection Molding Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2019 & 2025 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: Metal Injection Molding Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 2: Metal Injection Molding Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 3: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 4: Stainless Steel (Material Type) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 5: Stainless Steel (Material Type) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 6: Stainless Steel (Material Type) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 7: Low Alloy Steel (Material Type) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 8: Low Alloy Steel (Material Type) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 9: Low Alloy Steel (Material Type) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 10: Soft Magnetic Material (Material Type) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 11: Soft Magnetic Material (Material Type) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 12: Soft Magnetic Material (Material Type) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 13: Other Material Types (Material Type) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 14: Other Material Types (Material Type) Market Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 15: Other Material Types (Material Type) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 16: Electrical & Electronics (End-Use) Worldwide Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 17: Electrical & Electronics (End-Use) Global Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 18: Electrical & Electronics (End-Use) Distribution of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 19: Automotive (End-Use) Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2018 through 2025 Table 20: Automotive (End-Use) Analysis of Historic Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2009 to 2017 Table 21: Automotive (End-Use) Global Market Share Distribution by Region/Country for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 22: Consumer Products (End-Use) Global Opportunity Assessment in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 23: Consumer Products (End-Use) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 24: Consumer Products (End-Use) Percentage Share Breakdown of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 25: Industrial (End-Use) Worldwide Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 26: Industrial (End-Use) Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 27: Industrial (End-Use) Market Share Shift across Key Geographies: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 28: Firearms & Defense (End-Use) Global Market Estimates & Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 29: Firearms & Defense (End-Use) Retrospective Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 30: Firearms & Defense (End-Use) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 31: Other End-Uses (End-Use) Demand Potential Worldwide in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 32: Other End-Uses (End-Use) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 33: Other End-Uses (End-Use) Share Breakdown Review by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 III. MARKET ANALYSIS GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Metal Injection Molding Market Share (in %) by Company: 2019 & 2025 Table 34: Metal Injection Molding Market in the United States in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 35: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in the United States in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 36: United States Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 37: United States Metal Injection Molding Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 38: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in the United States by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 39: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown in the United States by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 CANADA Table 40: Canadian Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 41: Metal Injection Molding Market in Canada: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2009-2017 Table 42: Canadian Metal Injection Molding Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 43: Canadian Metal Injection Molding Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 44: Metal Injection Molding Market in Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2009-2017 Table 45: Canadian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 JAPAN Table 46: Japanese Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 47: Metal Injection Molding Demand Patterns in Japan in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 48: Japanese Metal Injection Molding Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 49: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 50: Japanese Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 51: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift in Japan by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 CHINA Table 52: Chinese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 53: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Scenario in China in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 54: Chinese Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 55: Chinese Demand for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 56: Metal Injection Molding Market Review in China in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 57: Chinese Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Metal Injection Molding Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025 Table 58: European Metal Injection Molding Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 59: Metal Injection Molding Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017 Table 60: European Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 61: Metal Injection Molding Demand Potential in Europe in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 62: European Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 63: Metal Injection Molding Market in Europe : Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 64: European Metal Injection Molding Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 65: Metal Injection Molding Market in Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2009-2017 Table 66: European Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 FRANCE Table 67: Metal Injection Molding Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in France in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 68: French Metal Injection Molding Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 69: French Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 70: Metal Injection Molding Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 71: French Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 72: French Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2009, 2019, and 2025 GERMANY Table 73: German Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 74: Metal Injection Molding Market in Germany: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 75: German Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 76: Metal Injection Molding Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2018-2025 Table 77: German Metal Injection Molding Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 78: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in Germany by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ITALY Table 79: Italian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 80: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Scenario in Italy in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 81: Italian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 82: Italian Demand for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 83: Metal Injection Molding Market Review in Italy in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 84: Italian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 UNITED KINGDOM Table 85: United Kingdom Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 86: Metal Injection Molding Demand Patterns in the United Kingdom in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 87: United Kingdom Metal Injection Molding Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 88: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 89: United Kingdom Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 90: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 SPAIN Table 91: Spanish Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 92: Metal Injection Molding Market in Spain: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2009-2017 Table 93: Spanish Metal Injection Molding Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 94: Spanish Metal Injection Molding Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 95: Metal Injection Molding Market in Spain: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2009-2017 Table 96: Spanish Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 RUSSIA Table 97: Metal Injection Molding Market in Russia in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 98: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in Russia in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 99: Russian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 100: Russian Metal Injection Molding Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 101: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in Russia by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 102: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown in Russia by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF EUROPE Table 103: Metal Injection Molding Demand Potential in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 104: Rest of Europe Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 105: Metal Injection Molding Market in Rest of Europe: Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 106: Rest of Europe Metal Injection Molding Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 107: Metal Injection Molding Market in Rest of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2009-2017 Table 108: Rest of Europe Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 109: Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 110: Metal Injection Molding Market in Asia-Pacific: Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017 Table 111: Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 112: Metal Injection Molding Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 113: Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 114: Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 115: Metal Injection Molding Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 116: Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 117: Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2009, 2019, and 2025 AUSTRALIA Table 118: Australian Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 119: Metal Injection Molding Market in Australia: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 120: Australian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 121: Metal Injection Molding Market in Australia: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2018-2025 Table 122: Australian Metal Injection Molding Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 123: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in Australia by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 INDIA Table 124: Indian Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 125: Metal Injection Molding Market in India: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2009-2017 Table 126: Indian Metal Injection Molding Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 127: Indian Metal Injection Molding Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 128: Metal Injection Molding Market in India: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2009-2017 Table 129: Indian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 SOUTH KOREA Table 130: Metal Injection Molding Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2018-2025 Table 131: South Korean Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 132: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 133: Metal Injection Molding Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2018-2025 Table 134: South Korean Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 135: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in South Korea by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC Table 136: Rest of Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 137: Metal Injection Molding Demand Patterns in Rest of Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 138: Rest of Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 139: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 140: Rest of Asia-Pacific Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 141: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift in Rest of Asia-Pacific by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 LATIN AMERICA Table 142: Latin American Metal Injection Molding Market Trends by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018-2025 Table 143: Metal Injection Molding Market in Latin America in US$ Million by Region/Country: A Historic Perspective for the Period 2009-2017 Table 144: Latin American Metal Injection Molding Market Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 145: Latin American Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 146: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Scenario in Latin America in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 147: Latin American Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 148: Latin American Demand for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 149: Metal Injection Molding Market Review in Latin America in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 150: Latin American Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ARGENTINA Table 151: Metal Injection Molding Demand Potential in Argentina in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 152: Argentinean Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 153: Metal Injection Molding Market in Argentina: Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 154: Argentinean Metal Injection Molding Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 155: Metal Injection Molding Market in Argentina: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2009-2017 Table 156: Argentinean Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 BRAZIL Table 157: Metal Injection Molding Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 158: Brazilian Metal Injection Molding Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 159: Brazilian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 160: Metal Injection Molding Quantitative Demand Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 161: Brazilian Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 162: Brazilian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2009, 2019, and 2025 MEXICO Table 163: Mexican Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 164: Metal Injection Molding Market in Mexico: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 165: Mexican Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 166: Metal Injection Molding Market in Mexico: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2018-2025 Table 167: Mexican Metal Injection Molding Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 168: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in Mexico by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF LATIN AMERICA Table 169: Metal Injection Molding Market in Rest of Latin America in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 170: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 171: Rest of Latin America Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 172: Rest of Latin America Metal Injection Molding Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 173: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 174: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown in Rest of Latin America by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 MIDDLE EAST Table 175: The Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 176: Metal Injection Molding Market in the Middle East by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 177: The Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 178: The Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 179: Metal Injection Molding Market in the Middle East: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2009-2017 Table 180: The Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 181: The Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 182: Metal Injection Molding Market in the Middle East: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2009-2017 Table 183: The Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 IRAN Table 184: Iranian Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 185: Metal Injection Molding Demand Patterns in Iran in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 186: Iranian Metal Injection Molding Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 187: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 188: Iranian Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 189: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Shift in Iran by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ISRAEL Table 190: Metal Injection Molding Demand Potential in Israel in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 191: Israeli Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 192: Metal Injection Molding Market in Israel: Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 193: Israeli Metal Injection Molding Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025 Table 194: Metal Injection Molding Market in Israel: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2009-2017 Table 195: Israeli Metal Injection Molding Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 SAUDI ARABIA Table 196: Saudi Arabian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Metal Injection Molding Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 197: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Scenario in Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 198: Saudi Arabian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 199: Saudi Arabian Demand for Metal Injection Molding in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 200: Metal Injection Molding Market Review in Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 201: Saudi Arabian Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Table 202: Metal Injection Molding Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2018-2025 Table 203: United Arab Emirates Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 204: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 205: Metal Injection Molding Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2018-2025 Table 206: United Arab Emirates Metal Injection Molding Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 207: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF MIDDLE EAST Table 208: Rest of Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 209: Metal Injection Molding Market in Rest of Middle East: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2009-2017 Table 210: Rest of Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 211: Metal Injection Molding Market in Rest of Middle East: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2018-2025 Table 212: Rest of Middle East Metal Injection Molding Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017 Table 213: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Distribution in Rest of Middle East by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 AFRICA Table 214: Metal Injection Molding Market in Africa in US$ Million by Material Type: 2018-2025 Table 215: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in Africa in US$ Million by Material Type: 2009-2017 Table 216: African Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 217: African Metal Injection Molding Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025 Table 218: Metal Injection Molding Historic Demand Patterns in Africa by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 219: Metal Injection Molding Market Share Breakdown in Africa by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 IV. COMPETITION ARC GROUP WORLDWIDE AMPHENOL CORPORATION CMG TECHNOLOGIES CN INNOVATIONS HOLDINGS DEAN GROUP INTERNATIONAL LTD. DOU YEE TECHNOLOGIES PTE. DYNACAST INTERNATIONAL ERNST REINER GMBH & CO. KG INDO-MIM PVT. JIANGSU GIAN MIM PARTS NETSHAPE TECHNOLOGIES PARMACO METAL INJECTION MOLDING AG PARMATECH CORPORATION PHILLIPS-MEDISIZE, A MOLEX COMPANY ROCKLEIGH INDUSTRIES SHANGHAI FUTURE HIGH-TECH SINTEX A/S SMITH METAL PRODUCTS TAIWAN POWDER TECHNOLOGIES CO.LTD. TANFEL V. CURATED RESEARCH Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799094/?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 JNU violence: Home Secretary skips Parl panel meet India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 13: Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday did not appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs to discuss rising crimes in Delhi. He is currently at a meeting chaired by home minister Amit Shah in North block. However, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had represented him before the panel. The committee, chaired by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, is currently quizzing the officials on the recent violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University where a masked mob attacked students and teachers and damaged property. JNU violence:Delhi HC notice to Google, Apple and WhatsApp on plea to preserve data on campus attack "To have a briefing by the Home Secretary along with Delhi Police and other stakeholders/organizations on the 'Rising Crime in Delhi and National Capital Region," the Rajya Sabha Secretariat had said earlier in a bulletin issued on the agenda of the meeting. Delhi Police's role has come under the scanner following the violence in JNU with allegations that the force was standing at the gate of the campus while a mob attacked students and faculty members inside. The Ministry of External Affairs, on Monday, said that the Minority Affairs Minister, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will lead a delegation of Indian government officials to Muscat on Tuesday. Naqvi along with the delegation will pay their tribute to Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said over his demise. This comes as India observed a day of state mourning on Monday to pay respect to Qaboos. Naqvi is set to carry a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Oman. The Minority Affairs Minister will be meeting Sultan Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said in Oman. He has been sworn in as a successor of Qaboos after his death. MEA statement on Qaboos Qaboos bin Said al Said has been one of the longest-serving rulers in the Middle East, who died at the age of 79 on Friday last week. As per MEAs statement, Qaboos was a true friend and well-wisher of India. He guided and elevated the bilateral engagements between New Delhi and Muscat to the strategic level for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. Read: Sultan Qaboos brought peace, prosperity to his country and was friend to all: Trump The statement released by MEA read, The Government of India is observing a day of State mourning on Monday, 13 January 2020 and flags are being flown at half-mast. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Hon'ble Minister of Minority Affairs is leading the Government of India delegation to Muscat on 14 January 2020 to pay our sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and People of India. Read: Omans Sultan Qaboos bin Said dies aged 79, three-day mourning declared Qaboos passes away As per the announcement made by Oman's local news media, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said passed away on January 10. According to reports, after his death, the council's high military council had called the ruling family to convene and choose a new ruler. Three days of official mourning have been further declared with flags flown at half-mast for 40 days. Read: PM Modi Condoles Demise Of Oman Sultan Qaboos Qaboos had ruled since taking over in a bloodless coup in 1970 with the help of former colonial power Britain. His cause of death was not announced,however, he had been unwell for years and reportedly spent a week in Belgium undergoing medical treatment in early December. He had no children and had not appointed a successor. (With ANI Inputs) Read: New Oman Ruler Congratulated By Family, Officials India will launch a communication satellite GSAT-30 onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle (VA 251) from French Guiana on January 17, Indian Space Research Organisation said on Monday. The 3,357-kg satellite is slated to blast off from the Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located along the northeastern coast of South America, at 02:35 hrs IST. "GSAT-30 is to serve as a replacement to INSAT-4A spacecraft services with enhanced coverage", ISRO said. The satellite provides Indian mainland and islands coverage in Ku-band and extended coverage in C-band covering Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia, it added. With a mission life of 15 years, GSAT-30 is an operational communication satellite for DTH, television uplink and VSAT services. The satellite is configured on ISRO's enhanced I-3K bus structure to provide communication services from geostationary orbit in C and Ku bands. The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series. Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO said the communication payload of GSAT-30 is specifically designed and optimised to maximise the number of transponders on the spacecraft bus. According to the space agency, the spacecraft would be extensively used for supporting VSAT network, television uplinking and teleport services, digital satellite news gathering, DTH television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications. One Ku-band beacon downlink signal is transmitted for ground-tracking purpose, it added. For its initial flight of 2020, Arianespace on its website said it would orbit EUTELSAT KONNECT, a telecommunication satellite for the operator Eutelsat, along with GSAT-30, using an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Centre. Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 23 satellites and signed 24 launch contracts with the Indian space agency, it said. Essentially you have a situation where people are asked to file these reports, but what does that mean when nobodys reviewing the reports? said Dorothy Brizill, head of the watchdog organization D.C. Watch. At some point, there has to be a sheriff in town, and right now, there isnt one. T he hustle and bustle of life can sometimes lead to sleepless nights. After a busy day, it can be hard to switch our brains off long enough to get a restful sleep. In the UK, one third of adults sleep just five to six hours per night, according to the Great British Bedtime Report. This is significantly less than the recommended seven to eight hours per night adults need to be mentally and physically refreshed. Sleep is essential to living. When we dont sleep, we can feel tired and irritable and if we go too many nights without sleeping this can lead to illness, weight gain, inability to make decisions and can lead to serious health problems. To help revive your sleep health, consider visiting one of the below sleep retreats in 2020. Lucknam Park, England Just two hours from London, stately Lucknam Park is hosting a retreat this weekend (January 17 to 19). Expect guided meditations, hypnotherapy and a gong bath. Lead by hypnotherapist Fiona Lamb and Qi Gong teacher Tallulah Rendall, the retreat will also include a therapeutic session at the on-site Equestrian Centre where guests will have to opportunity to connect with a horse. Available from January 17 to 19, the retreat is 1,040 per person for two night stay including breakfast, a three course lunch and two three-course dinners. lucknampark.co.uk One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Hosted by sleep guru Alison Francis, guests at One&Only's Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives can take part in a 'sleep journey' that focusses on achieving that holy grail of uninterrupted and rejuvenating sleep. The retreat begins with an assessment before sleep a trainer will look at your current sleeping pattern (or lack of) and develop a tailored programme for you. Price available on request when booked through luxury bespoke tour operator Carrier. carrier.co.uk Six Senses Thimphu, Bhutan Six Senses Thimphu resort / Six Senses/Frederik Hasselkjaer The best country to visit in 2020 also offers a world-class sleep program at its Six Senses outpost. Choose from three to 10 nights and experience Ayurvedic rituals and singing bowl meditation with the yogic sleep package designed to rejuvenate a tired body and mind, reduce stress levels and improve the quality of sleep. It aims to introduce a deep state of relaxation by combining yoga nidra with meditation and gentle yoga poses combined with spa treatments for a more restful nights sleep. Available throughout the year. From 657 for three nights plus accommodation. sixsenses.com Lefay Resort & Spa, Italy Head to Italy for five nights and rediscover the magic of sleep. With two locations the mighty Dolomites or overlooking Lake Garda Lefay Resort & Spas five-night sweet dreams programme tackles insomnia with hormonal analysis and plenty of spa treatments. During your time at Lefay, you will have breakfast, lunch and dinner included, a number of body and facial massages, foot reflexology treatments, acupuncture sessions and moxibustion treatments all designed to help you get a better nights sleep. Available throughout the year. From 2,139 per person for five nights, lagodigarda.lefayresorts.com/ The best sleeping aids- in pictures 1 /14 The best sleeping aids- in pictures Sleep soundly with our pick of the best sleeping aids... This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray Smells can affect your mood, making you feel more relaxed and calmer; lavender has this effect. This pillow spray is clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster and wake feeling more refreshed with the aroma-therapeautic super-blend of lavender, vertivert and chamomile which sooths you to sleep. 18, This Works, Buy it now Lumie Bodyclock Starter 30 If you find it difficult to wake up in the mornings, this is the gadget for you. This is a dawn stimulator, which wakes you up gradually with increasing natural light, which is a signal to your body to ease production of sleep hormones such as melatonin and increase those that help you get up and go such as cortisol. 59.95, Lumie, Buy it now T2 Sleep Tight Tea Bags These tea bags make the perfect night time brew, with a delicate sweet flavour and calming aroma thanks to the lemon-balm, lavender, jasmine blossoms and rose petals to help you wind down. 7.50, T2, Buy it now Hush Pyjamas All-natural fabric will guarantee you a better nights sleep compared to manmade fibres. Cotton is lightweight and soft to the touch, as well as being breathable, which is great if you overheat easily. Most importantly you need to find them comfortable. These pyjamas from Hush are affordable and gorgeous. 49.50, Hush, Buy it now Drift Mattress Theres a lot of great mattresses on the market at the moment, but this one is the only one thats got 4,000 micro-pocket springs, as well as an all-natural wool layer sleep surface which is temperature regulating allowing air to circulate, and wicking moisture away for a deep sleep. 49.50, Hush, Buy it now Magic Blackout Blind This is an ingenious invention; a temporary blackout blind window covering, which you can cut to size and reuse. Keeping your room completely dark is vital, as this triggers the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin which is extremely light-sensitive and may not be produced optimally until completely dark. 29.99, Magic White Board, Buy it now Tranquillity Neom Scented Candle Specially formulated with the natural fragrance of 19 soothing essential oils, including lavender, sweet basil and jasmine, which smell wonderful but also have a relaxing effect on mind & body, helping you prepare for sleep. They recommend burning for 2 hours prior to sleep. 30, Neom, Buy it now Draper London linen This is some seriously luxurious bedding, but worth every penny, as its the lightest Percale in 300 thread count Egyptian cotton, so incredibly cool and airy to the touch. The better your body temperature is regulated, the less youll wake up, resulting in much deeper sleep. From 92.50, Draper London, Buy it now Kikki K 3am notebook Scientists have found a direct link between anxiety and rhythm of sleep, when you have anxious thoughts, your heart rate goes up and your mind starts to race. A great way to over come this is to write these thoughts down, and Kikki K has designed a lovely little notebook just for these3am thoughts. 10, Kikki. K, Buy it now Foot Warmer Hot Water Bottle Slipper Studies have found that cold hands and feet are associated with sleeplessness. The Sleep Council recommends increasing the temperature of your cold feet by using a hot water bottle, rather than bed socks, and this inspired creation makes nice and easy. 22.95, Heat Treats, Buy it now Shanti Maurice, Mauritius The Shanti sleep package aims to help you go into a deep state of relaxation to aide a restorative sleep. Using meditation, yoga, Tibetan sound massages and Magnesium sleep therapy, expect to spend your time on Mauritius more relaxed and stress-free than ever. Available throughout the year. From 703 plus accommodation, shantimaurice.com Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland The spa at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz / Grand Resort Bad Ragaz Want to get serious about your sleep? This top Swiss medical resort offers a sleep diagnostics program run by doctors and includes medical check-ups and a sleep investigation. The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland is one of the best medical health resorts in the world and its three-day, two-night retreat is designed to help aide a healthy and restful sleep. Using video-polysomnography experts diagnose all the disturbances you have in your sleep and receive specific recommendations from those results. They will also do a number of medical tests to see if theres anything holding you back from a good nights sleep and you will have discussions with your doctor at the retreat who will devise a personal health dossier for you. Available throughout the year. From 3,834 per person including accommodation, healthragaz.ch Marbella Club Wellness, Spain Marbella Club Wellness offers several retreats that range from one day to seven nights, all bespoke and can be individually adjusted to your needs. The tranquillity and sleep enhancing retreat is a gentle program that uses evidence-based techniques to help improve sleep. Experts at the resort will help equip you with routines that will be sustainable for long after the retreat. Available throughout the year. Price on request, marbellaclubwellness.com Kamalaya, Thailand Soak up the lush views at Kamalaya in Koh Samui / Kamalaya Kamalaya, located in Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Thailand, is one of the best wellness retreats in the world. The sleep enhancement program has been designed to re-establish a healthy and restful sleep while addressing imbalances and sleep issues for the long term. You can choose from a five, seven or nine-night program that includes all meals provided, wellness consultations, body bio-impedance analysis, massages, traditional treatments and a sleep enhancement pack. While youre not joining in with rejuvenating body treatments and sessions, take in the islands natural beauty and discover why so many travellers love Koh Samui. Seoul, Jan 13 : Samsung is expected to launch its next-gen Galaxy Fold along with Galaxy S11 or S20 on February 11 at an event in San Francisco and now a new report claims that the next foldable is going to be called Galaxy Z Flip, not Galaxy Bloom. Popular leaker Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) took to Twitter on Sunday and posted a tweet saying "Bloom is just a code name..." and that "the real name is Galaxy Z ****". Later he shared a photo showing the official name of the device as Galaxy Z Flip. Earlier, Samsung apparently showcased the device to partners and carriers at a secret meeting held at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. The device will be able to record 8K video, and a 5G version will be released in South Korea. Ice Universe had also earlier claimed that the upcoming fold may have an "ultra-thin glass display" instead of plastic. The South Korean tech giant had also applied for trademarks in Europe for Samsung Ultra Thin Glass or UTG and according to sources, this will be the material used for its next foldable. The upcoming foldable phone is expected to cost around $1,000. The current Galaxy Fold handset is priced at nearly $2,000 which is not an amount most people are willing to pay and is not accessible to a larger segment of the population. Additionally, the same tipster recently shared a tweet saying that instead of opting for S11e, S11 and S11+ nomenclature, the company would opt for S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra naming for its flagship series. This means that Galaxy S20 will succeed S10e and S20+ will succeed S10. In terms of specifications, the upcoming smartphones will use an Exynos 990 in some markets and a Snapdragon 865 in the majority of markets. The base variant, that is, Galaxy S20 is expected to feature a 6.2-inch screen, S20+ is expected to sport a 6.7-inch screen. Meanwhile, the top variant Galaxy 20 Ultra is likely to come with a 6.9-inch screen. Video footage has emerged showing the dying moments of a female cartel boss after she was fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Mexico. The clip and photographs appear to confirm she was Maria Guadalupe Lopez Esquivel, known as 'La Catrina,' a female member of a cartel hit squad that massacred 13 police officers in October. The 21-year-old was involved in an attack against the military, national guard and police in La Bocanda, a town in the central state of Michoacan. Officials in Michoacan said six male gunmen were captured and a woman was killed after they opened fire on soldiers and police in the same area where the October ambush occurred. State officials initially did not provide the identity of the woman killed in the Friday shootout, but videos and photos posted on the internet late Sunday showed the woman wounded on a stretcher, with a tattoo of a 'Catrina' on her thigh. Photos of the woman circulated earlier showed the same tattoo in the same place; some photos also show her holding a pistol. The Catrina is a skeletal female figure with a wide hat that has become associated with Mexico's Day of the Dead. Maria Guadalupe Lopez Esquivel died Friday after she and her cartel gang attacked a convoy of Mexican security forces Maria Guadalupe Lopez Esquivel appeared in a video filmed by the Mexican military struggling to breathe after she was wounded in an attack Friday in the central state of Michoacan A photo circulated on social media (left) after the incident appears to show Lopez Esquivel's thigh tattoo. It is not clear when or where it was taken, but appears to be in a morgue. It matches her leg tattoo which was seen in many social media images (right). Video showed the woman had been shot in the neck and apparently died of blood loss. Footage recorded by the military showed a battered and bloodied Lopez Esquivel sitting on the ground and struggling with her breath. A Mexican soldier is hear in the video assuring her the medical assistance was on the way. 'Relax dear, the helicopter is coming for you,' the serviceman said. 'Relax dear, you are going to be fine. Try to hold on, OK.' In a separate video, a soldier carries Lopez Esquivel and kneels on the ground before she was placed inside an awaiting helicopter in the municipality of Tepalcatepec. The other arrested suspects were identified as Alejandra; Everardo; Brayan Juan; Juan Carlos; Octavio; Pedro; and Alejandro. Because of the Mexican judicial system's due process laws, the last names of the suspects were not publicized. Lopez Esquivel operated under the nom de guerre of 'La Catrina,' Mexico's 'Grande Dame of Death.' Women have sometimes occupied high-level positions as money launderers in drug cartels in the past, but it is rare for them to command or coordinate hit squads. La Catrina reportedly was meeting with another top cartel cell leader, Miguel 'M2' Fernandez, before the gang attacked the security forces. M2 reportedly escaped unharmed. Other gang members allegedly blocked off some of the town roads, which forced the military to request helicopter backup. A soldier kneels down while holding a wounded Maria Guadalupe Lopez Esquivel moments before she was airlifted to a hospital where she was pronounced dead Maria Guadalupe Lopez Esquivel receives first aid treatment from the Mexican military after she and eight other suspected cartel members attacked security forces on Friday. Lopez Esquivel died at a local hospital. She was 21 Lopez Esquivel (pictured) took a liking to actress Kate Del Castillo's portrayal of a female narco boss in the hit Spanish-language series 'La Reyna del Sur.' Oddly enough, Del Castillo along with American actor, director and filmmaker Sean Penn secretly met Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman in October 2015, three months before the Mexican military captured the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel According to Mexican newspaper El Universal, Lopez Esquivel abandoned the city of Tepalcatepec, where she was raised by her farmer dad and housewife mom, and went to live with an unnamed member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in the Michoacan municipality of Aguililla in 2017. Lopez Esquivel took a liking to actress Kate Del Castillo's portrayal of a female narco boss in the hit Spanish-language series 'La Reyna del Sur.' Oddly enough, Del Castillo along with American actor, director and filmmaker Sean Penn secretly met Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman in October 2015, three months before the Mexican military captured the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Pictured above are seven of the eight alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel who were captured by the Mexican military and police during a gun battle on Friday The Mexican military confiscated a cache of assault rifles and ammunition During Friday's operation, security forces confiscated a log of records that made out Lopez Esquivel to be the person in charge of paying off a group of 'halcones' or spies who then filtered information to the cartel. They were reportedly paid $210 a week. Lopez Esquivel's voice came up in an audio that was made public after she confirmed the orders handed down by Fernandez to kill a convoy of police officers back on October 14 in Aguililla. The cops were executing a warrant at a home in El Aguaje, a town in Aguililla, when they were ambushed by the gang. Graphic images of the violent assault showed several police officers lying on the grass and a department pickup truck riddled with assault riffle bullets. At least nine cops were also wounded in the attack. A cellphone video recorded by a motorist showed two police vehicles set on fire. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel gunmen left two written messages on a poster board indicating the group was responsible for the attack and issued a warning to other police officers who were working with their rival groups, signalling out Los Templarios, Viagras and the Chocomiles de Tepeque. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Several Bengalureans, including expats, got a glimpse into the rich wildlife in Karnataka recently, with the screening of the 50-minute film, Wild Karnataka. Ahead of the films release in theatres, the British High Commission held the screening of the film for a gathering, including MP Tejasvi Surya and German Deputy Consul General Karl Ehlerding. The film is narrated by award-winning environmentalist and natural historian, David Attenborough, and highlights the behaviour and a diversity of wildlife rarely seen in one blue-chip documentary. With this screening, Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala, launched the Green is Great campaign, an India-UK joint project between Indian filmmakers and Bristol-headquartered Icon Films. The campaign will celebrate UK-India collaboration as a joint force for good in the run-up to COP26, the UN climate change summit this year. Ahead of the screening, Pilmore-Bedford, said, I am delighted to host the screening of this magnificently-shot film showing Karnatakas richness in wildlife and its biodiversity. The film is also a tribute to the talent and ability of the Indian filmmakers and their UK partners, Icon Films. We are kicking off Green is Great campaign, which will run for the whole year leading up to COP26 in Glasgow in November. It seeks to build on the existing ties between UK and India and the good work that both countries are doing to protect the environment. He went on to add that they are committed to working with Karnataka in areas like green finance, electric vehicles, sustainable cities and clean energy adoption. Through previous and current ongoing engagements, the UK in Bengaluru is working with the state government on its ambition to adopt cleaner and energy efficient technologies through Pavagada solar park project, scoping studies on electric vehicles, smart grids and designing sustainable urban projects, he said. The crew has spent three years filming mountains, deserts, jungles and the ocean, and gained unprecedented access to some of Indias famous national parks. Amoghavarsha JS, the maker of the film, said, Its our responsibility to protect Karnatakas rich biodiversity, which the documentary highlights. HAMILTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Consumer Choice Award was established in 1987 with the sole purpose of recognizing business excellence in small and medium sized businesses. Today, Consumer Choice Award is the only organization in Canada to utilize statistically supported independent market research to determine brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and business excellence. Consumer Choice Award recipients are not selected by a panel of judges but chosen by the Consumer. Currently, you'll find Consumer Choice Award Winners spread across 16 major metropolitan areas in Canada, from coast to coast. Q: What does being a Consumer Choice Award winner mean to you? How did winning the Consumer Choice Award impact your business? A: It is an honour and is very humbling to have won the most prestigious and recognized business award by CCA two years in a row for Best Alarm Security Services in Hamilton & Niagara Regions. This award once again confirms our existing reputation, high quality service, it validates that we are on a right path. With over 40 business and regional awards including CCA 2020 award, we are voted best security company in Niagara, Halton and Hamilton since 2016. Q: What makes your business unique and successful in the market? A: Being the largest security systems company in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara Regions, we have a large fleet of 8 service trucks, servicing the entire Southern Ontario and we are authorized partners of the highest rated brand names in our industry such as Axis, Vivotek, Bosch, Speco, Panasonic, Pelco, Digital Watchdog. In addition, we offer stellar warranties with 24HR technical response time along with instant replacement of any failed products. Customers can purchase CCTV security and surveillance equipment anywhere, but with us they are guaranteed to obtain a loyal and committed partnership for life - our clients are like family to us. Q: Does your company use social media? If so, how has it changed your business/organization?} A: Yes we have 12 social media sites and we are members of over 16 different Chamber of Commerce organizations and industry associations across Ontario including CANASA. Q: What is the company tagline, slogan or motto of your business? And what does that mean to your business and your customers? A: To be truly successful, we have created a corporate mission that is bigger than making a profit. Innovative methods of advertising such as billboard ads brought us customers, but word of mouth from every day citizens brought us the best customers. We served them with authentic, quality products and service. That is the best type of advertisement. We are proud of our past results with over 40 business awards, but it is the strong customer service relationships across Hamilton and Niagara we have with our clients that give us more sales, sustainability, recognition then we ever imagined. We will continue to strive higher than our competitors, take more risks, invest into this city, grow and expand. Q: What is the next priority for your business? A: Expansion and growth. In the past 24 months alone, we have purchased 4 different smaller security companies and we will continue to obtain more companies in hopes to expand across the entire Province of Ontario. Q: What is one characteristic that you believe helped you through your career?" A: Consistency. To me, business is the ultimate sport in which I love to compete for the top spot. I am always "on" and always moving forward. We all at A.S. Security & Surveillance Inc, always aim higher than our competitors. Q: What is one major decision you make on a daily basis? A: One major decision we make daily is to provide education to new customers. Education and information on new products, new technologies, difference between professional commercial grade equipment VS economy budget security equipment found online, and keeping all clients with latest laws and regulations such as recent federal ban NDAA ACT 2019 of several security equipment manufacturers. We are honoured that our clients choose to entrust us with their homes, businesses, and other investments, which we take very seriously. Q: What gets you out of bed every day? A: Meeting new people, new clients and providing them with a piece of mind while protecting their premises using our CCTV security systems. Q: What is your favourite quote? A: Businesses who strive for only making a lot of money are very poor businesses without recognition by the community and without involvement in the community. CONTACT A.S. SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE Address: 1 Hunter St E, Ground Floor, Hamilton ON L8N 3W1 Phone: 289-568-0660 Website: www.assecurity.ca Twitter: www.twitter.com/AS_Security Instagram: www.instagram.com/a.s.security Email: questions@assecurity.ca SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/572885/AS-Security-Surveillance-Celebrates-their-10th-Anniversary-and-Wins-the-2020-Consumer-Choice-Award-in-the-Hamilton-and-Niagara-Region (Natural News) The insults to the American people and our system of government by the Deep State following its Spygate coup attempt against President Donald Trump just keep on coming and they arent going to stop until Attorney General William Barr indicts some of them. The most recent smack in the face has come from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court, the secretive collective of judges that hear national security evidence and decide whether to allow the government to spy on Americans. Most of those warrant applications are approved; very few ever get rejected, which has led critics over the years to charge that the court was nothing more than a rubber stamp for Uncle Sams spy agencies. Its hard to refute that allegation, especially after an appointment the court made in recent days as part of the FBIs reform following their Spygate outrage. After Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz identified scores of incidents where FBI agents purposefully defrauded the court with phony evidence contained in a fabricated Russia dossier, the chief judge ordered the bureau to make some reforms to ensure that they were never fooled again. Yes, this is what passes for reform in official Washington: Ignore actual criminal behavior, call for some ineffective action that you claim will do the trick, and move on. Except this time the action taken was really just a double-down on the original infraction. As reported by investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson on Friday, the FISA court posted an order instructing lawyer David Kris to assist the court in analyzing the bureaus response to the earlier ordered fixes to the Spygate abuses identified by Horowitz. The issue: Kris is a known political opponent of President Trump. After Horowitz testified to Congress last month that the FISA surveillance process should be fixed from top to bottom, the court appoints Kris, who on social media has called GOP Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) a politicized, dishonest [Intelligence Community] overseer who attempts to mislead. Nunes, in fact, has been in the lead in exposing the Deep State players who targeted the president for removal from office. The Nunes memo was dishonest, said Kris. And if it is allowed to stand, we risk significant collateral damage to essential elements of our democracy. (Related: The crazies were right, and I was wrong: Former federal prosecutor speaks of rogue FBI & FISA court abuses.) What a disgusting appointment this is Theres more, as Zero Hedge reports: He tweeted that Trump and his advisors should be worried that the walls are closing in on him regarding the Mueller probe. Kris also bought into the now-disproven conspiracy theory about Trump colluding with Russia and Putin. But even more importantly, since that time, Kris has advocated for President Trumps removal. Kriss vocal opinions on President Trump and his politics present numerous, obvious conflicts of interest. Regardless, however, America is now faced with a very stark choice: do we want to be a country in which elected officials can use their governmental power to attack political opponents? If not, its pretty simple: Trump has to go. 5/5 David Kris (@DavidKris) October 3, 2019 Unreal. This is the guy who is supposed to ensure that a crooked FBI who targeted Trumpdoesnt do it again. In addition, Kris writes for the anti-Trump blog Lawfare, and called Lawfares chief, Benjamin Wittes, incisive. Wittes, by the way, is the man who wrote of the need for an insurance policy against Trump prior to Trumps election: [O]ur democracy needs a health insurance policyThe courts have a few obvious advantages, starting with hundreds of independent judges of both parties whom Trump cannot remove from office and who dont have to face his supporters in forthcoming elections. Wittes also pals around with fired FBI Director (and one of the Spygate ringleaders) James Comey, who was referred for criminal charges for his mishandling and leaking of government information (the DoJ under Barr passed up charges though, saying Comey didnt mean any harm). President Trump took notice of this travesty on Saturday, remarking on Twitter as he always does that you cant make this up. You cant make this up! David Kris, a highly controversial former DOJ official, was just appointed by the FISA Court to oversee reforms to the FBIs surveillance procedures. Zero credibility. THE SWAMP! @DevinNunes @MariaBartiromo @FoxNews Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 If the people responsible for Spygate are allowed to get away with it, our system of justice no longer exists. Sources include: LawfareBlog.com ZeroHedge.com TheNationalSentinel.com If you purchased a subscription through an app store you will need to link your app purchase in order to have full access to our desktop and mobile website, in addition to our app. If you do not link your subscription you will not be able to access unlimited stories, subscriber-only content, and the e-Edition on our desktop and mobile website and e-Edition app. To link your subscription, please follow the directions below: Open our app that you purchased a subscription for, Click on the settings (gear) icon in the top right corner of the screen, Click "Create Account" and follow the instructions to make a profile. Open our app that you purchased a subscription for, Click on the settings (gear) icon in the top right corner of the screen, Click "Create Account" and follow the instructions to make a profile. Once you have created your account, please use these credentials to sign in on our desktop or mobile website for full access to your subscriber benefits. As part of this financing, Fred Cohen, M.D., D.Phil., Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Vida Ventures will serve as Chairman of the Board. Beth Seidenberg, M.D., Co-Founding Managing Director of Westlake Village BioPartners, Desmond Padhi, B.Sc., Pharm. D., Principal at Westlake Village BioPartners, Brian Kotzin, M.D., Senior Vice President of Nektar Therapeutics, Peter Emtage, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Global Head of Research, Kite, a Gilead Company, one additional representative from Vida Ventures to be named, and Dominic Borie, M.D., Ph.D., will serve on the Company's the Board of Directors. "We are just beginning to see the potential for cell therapy and the opportunity to change the course of disease. Dominic's skill as an immunologist and transplant surgeon, coupled with his proven leadership skill as an executive in the biopharmaceutical industry is what we require to embark on our bold vision for Kyverna," said Fred Cohen, M.D., D.Phil., Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Vida Ventures. "At Vida, we have a long-standing commitment to advancing cell therapy. We believe the team at Kyverna, under Dominic's stewardship and in partnership with Dr. Greve, the architect of the Kyverna scientific platform, has the ability to develop a new class of therapies for serious autoimmune diseases." "This may be one of the most exciting times is our industry where a new modality has the potential to become the backbone of treatment for a variety of severe immune-related diseases," said Dominic Borie, M.D., Ph.D., newly appointed CEO of Kyverna. "This opportunity perfectly unites my experience as a surgeon, academic and drug developer with my passion for finding cures for autoimmune diseases. I am proud to serve as Kyverna's CEO and be a part of this team." Kyverna also announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration and license agreement with Gilead to develop engineered T cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune disease based on Kyverna's synthetic T reg platform and synNotch technology from Kite, a Gilead Company. Kyverna will be responsible for conducting research activities and initial clinical studies through proof-of-concept and Gilead will be granted an option, upon the exercise of which Gilead will be solely responsible for further clinical development and commercialization efforts for these programs. Gilead will make to Kyverna an upfront payment of $17.5 million and Kyverna may earn an additional $570 million in development and commercialization milestones. Kyverna will also continue to advance its platform and develop proprietary programs beyond the Gilead collaboration. "Kyverna's approach combines advanced T cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to develop significant new therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases," said Beth Seidenberg, M.D., Co-Founding Managing Director of Los Angeles-based Westlake Village BioPartners. "The strategic collaboration with Gilead Sciences in autoimmune diseases enables Kyverna to apply its therapeutic approach to this important unmet need." Dr. Borie is an accomplished immunologist and digestive tract and liver transplant surgeon with extensive experience in drug development. He joins Kyverna from Horizon Therapeutics where he served as Vice-President and Head, External Research and Development. Prior to Horizon, Dr. Borie served in numerous leadership functions within Genentech focused on global clinical development of immunology therapies including two anti-CD20 molecules (rituximab and obinutuzumab) in development for orphan immunology indications. Dr. Borie had joined Genentech from Amgen where he served as Medical Director and Global Development Leader for Inflammation. He started his career in industry at Roche as Director of Transplantation research before transitioning to Translational Medicine roles for inflammation. Prior to the transition to industry, Dr. Borie was in academia at Stanford University as the Director, Transplantation Immunology Laboratory where he became a key contributor in the validation of JAK inhibition as a new immunomodulatory approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Borie was previously a digestive surgery and liver transplantation attending surgeon at Pitie- Salpetriere Hospital, Assistance Publique in Paris, France. He received his Ph.D. in transplantation immunology from the University of Paris V - Descartes and his M.D., Master's degree in Immunology and Certificate of Immunology and Immunopathology from the University of Paris XII. About Vida Ventures Vida Ventures is a next-generation life sciences investment firm founded by a group of scientists, physicians, entrepreneurs and investors passionate about building and funding breakthroughs in biomedicine. Together they form an independent, bold investment group bound together by a simple word life. Its mission is to bring science to life and advance transformative biomedical innovations that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients. Vida has a bicoastal presence and currently has approximately $1 billion under management. For more information on Vida Ventures, please visit www.vidaventures.com, on LinkedIn or follow on Twitter @Vida_Ventures. About Westlake Village BioPartners Westlake Village BioPartners is a Los Angeles area-based venture capital firm focused on incubating and building life sciences companies with entrepreneurs that have the potential to bring transformative therapies and technologies to patients. The Westlake model is built on the founding team's unique experience in successfully identifying and developing breakthrough therapies and building organizations. For more information, please visit http://westlakebio.com/. About Kyverna Therapeutics Kyverna Therapeutics, located in the San Francisco East Bay, is a cell therapy company engineering a new class of therapies for serious autoimmune diseases. The Kyverna therapeutic platform combines advanced T cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to suppress and eliminate the autoreactive immune cells at the root cause of inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit http://kyvernatx.com/. synNotch is a registered trademark of Kite Pharma, Inc. SOURCE Kyverna Therapeutics Related Links http://kyvernatx.com The Assam Assembly on Monday unanimously ratified the Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill, 2019, extending reservations to SC/STs in the legislature by another 10 years. A special one-day session of the Assembly was held to ratify the Bill, which was passed by the Parliament on December 11 last year. Moving the proposal in the House, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal sought the support of all the legislators as he said, the Bill would ensure socio-economic uplift of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He also spoke about various schemes undertaken by his government for the welfare of SC/ST students. Leader of the opposition in the Assembly, Debabrata Saikia of the Congress, Asom Gana Parishad's Bhaben Bharali, Bodo People's Front's Kamal Singh Narzary and AIUDF's Hafiz Bashir spoke supporting the resolution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Libya's Eastern-Based Parliament May Ask Egypt for Military Assistance - Speaker Sputnik News 19:45 12.01.2020 CAIRO (Sputnik) - In early January, the Turkish parliament approved military support for Libya, after which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ankara had sent troops to the country at the request of the western-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The eastern-based Libyan parliament, which supports Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), may ask Egypt for military support in case of foreign interference in the Libyan conflict, the parliament's speaker, Aguila Saleh, said on Sunday, in the wake of Turkey's decision to send troops to Libya. "I urge you to take a bold position We may be forced to ask for the involvement of the Egyptian armed forces if we face foreign intervention in our country," Saleh said live on Egyptian television. On Wednesday, Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a comprehensive ceasefire in Libya starting midnight on 12 January. They also urged all conflict parties to begin negotiations. The two opposing governments in Libya struck a ceasefire deal that began at midnight. However, the Government of National Accord accused the Libyan Armed Forces of almost immediately violating the ceasefires in the Salah ad-Din and Wadi ar-Rabiya districts of Tripoli. After the ouster and assassination of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country was plunged into a brutal civil war. Today, Libya is divided between two centres of power: an elected parliament in the country's east, and the UN-backed GNA in the west. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Advertisement Following yesterday's unprecedented Royal Family summit at Sandringham to thrash out the way forward to Harry and Meghan's desire to quit their duties, the Queen has released a statement. In a deeply personal message by Her Majesty the couple are referred to as 'Harry and Meghan' rather than their titles the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, clouding their royal status. The statement indicates that the couple will not receive money from the public purse but its reference to a 'period of transition' does not clarify how they will achieve self sufficiency. Here, the Daily Mail's royal correspondent Rebecca English deconstructs the six-sentence statement and looks at the clues it provides to the Sussexes stripped-back future. Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. The fact that the Queen issued the statement in her name and makes reference to 'my family' and 'my grandson and his family' is both deliberate and significant. The monarch has been deeply hurt by the events of the past week but has also been taken aback by the backlash against Harry after he issued his statement without letting her know first. The Queen wants the world to know she's not just boss of 'The Firm' but also a grandmother. Heading in to today's crunch Sandringham summit, royal insiders expected Harry to dig his heels to secure the best possible financial settlement for him and Meghan as they move to become 'financially independent'. But ultimately it is the Queen who has the final say on the Sussexes' future. It was unlikely that Her Majesty - whose recent public outings were designed to show Royal life was continuing as normal - would describe the meeting as anything other than 'constructive' as she looks to steady the ship and chart a way out of the crisis. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. Her Majesty's reference to 'Harry and Meghan', rather than 'the Duke and Duchess of Sussex', as is protocol for official Palace statements, could be an indicator the couple are poised to be stripped of the HRH titles. 'My family and I' is also a deliberate attempt to display a unified front amid speculation of anger from within the ranks, particularly from Prince William who was 'incandescent' and Harry's blindsiding of him in his decision to quit. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. The Queen, as well as other senior members of the Royal Family, make clear their hurt at recent events. There's also bewilderment that Harry, in particular, feels that he has been frozen out of plans for a future slimmed-down monarchy. At the time of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, when the Queen, Charles and his two sons stood on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, sources say it was made crystal clear to Harry that he was a 'key component' of any future royal line-up. Royal Family members believe Harry brings a welcome joie de vivre, and without him and Meghan senior royals will be lacking. The Queen does, however, understand his desire to break away and his refusal to bow to convention. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. The lack of detail on this speaks volumes: there is much to be sorted here. Harry and Meghan are predicted to make millions as a global 'brand'. But it will not be cheap to maintain a transatlantic lifestyle for their family with at least two homes. The statement does not address whether Charles will continue to fund his son to the tune of 2million a year. It also avoids the issue of taxpayer-funded security and consular help. The royals fear any sense of 'cashing in' could devalue their own brand. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. The royal stop-gap. In moving their son, their dogs and their household over to Canada, Harry and Meghan have already signalled to the Queen that, for the immediate future at least, there is no intention of coming back. In this the Queen has had very little choice. She can't order them to return, so she might as well capitulate in order to keep the peace while trying to formalise the new arrangements. These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. Here the Queen admits that she's in uncharted waters, but makes clear her determination that officials work around the clock to produce an elegant solution. The Queen (pictured attending church at Sandringham on Sunday), who was left deeply hurt by her grandson's decision to release the statement without her knowledge, summoned Princes Charles, William and Harry for a crisis meeting on Monday Prince William pictured leaving Sandringham after today's crunch talks The Duke of Sussex faced the Queen, his brother and his father (pictured leaving tonight) for the first time since quitting as a senior royal with Meghan 'dialling in' to support her husband from Canada Prince Harry (pictured leaving today), Prince William and Prince Charles have left Sandringham tonight in separate cars after more than two hours of crunch talks with the Queen The Queen's statement in full this evening after a day of showdown talks to decide the futures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'A protective grandmother looking after a vulnerable grandchild': Royal expert dissects Queen's 'warm' statement about Harry and Meghan By Danyal Hussain for MailOnline The Queen's dramatic statement on the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was from the perspective of a grandmother looking after a vulnerable grandchild, according to royal author Penny Junor. In her statement, Her Majesty makes clear her disappointment at the couple's decision to quit their Royal duties but said the royal family 'understand and respect' their wishes. The Queen's words came after a summit at Sandringham between herself, Princes Charles, Prince William and Harry, with Meghan believed to have dialled in from Canada. Reacting to the statement, Penny Junor said the Queen was 'carefully handling a vulnerable Duke and Duchess of Sussex'. Penny Junor said the Queen was 'carefully handling a vulnerable Duke and Duchess of Sussex' with her statement today She also described the monarch's words on the future of Harry and Meghan as 'friendly and warm'. The couple, who do not want to be publicly funded, will have a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK, but final decisions will also be reached in the coming days. 'I think it's a positive statement. It sounds friendly and warm, the way the Queen talks about family so much,' Junor said. 'That she's supportive of their decision is really good news.' She added: 'It read to me like a grandmother talking about the family.' The royal writer said it gave the couple space to find their perspective. 'I think it will take the pressure off them. I think they're in a very vulnerable state at the moment. I think they're unhappy, they feel isolated and unloved, unappreciated and they needed careful handling,' she said. 'My reading from that statement is that the family has been sensitive to their vulnerability.' Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, believes the Queen's statement, which uses the word 'family' eight times, was intended to be 'very gentle and very informal'. 'It's just the way it's written is extremely informal, and I think that's to make it very friendly,' the royal biographer said. 'And I think it's quite gentle. And I think that's probably the whole approach, it's gently, gently. And interestingly enough, she keeps mentioning family, the whole way through. Penny Junor (pictured) described the monarch's words on the future of Harry and Meghan as 'friendly and warm' 'It's certainly not Oscar Wilde. But I just think it's a very together and quite loose statement and obviously it's just to keep everybody happy moving forward.' Asked about the next steps following the statement, Ms Seward said: 'She said in the coming days, so that's very quick for the royal family. The couple, who do not want to be publicly funded, will have a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK 'I think we'll be hearing more quite shortly - I think this is a bridge.' Meanwhile, biographer and royal historian Robert Lacey said the language was an immensely personal intervention uncharacteristic of typical Palace communiques. He told BBC Radio 4: 'It is remarkably hands-on. I mean it may have been processed through officials but this is the Queen, speaking to her people and speaking about her family, and I think coming right through it is the concern she feels.' Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter added that the move was likely to be telling, tweeting : 'I do think it was very striking, particularly in a statement from the Queen. Are they having to give up their titles? This would be an indication they are...' The Queen said: 'Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. 'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. 'These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.' After spending the afternoon bunkered down in crunch talks inside the grand house's Long Library, Charles, William and Harry left the Norfolk estate in separate cars. Photo: The Canadian Press Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016. The increasing frequency of wildfires in Canada's boreal forest may be permanently changing one of the largest intact ecosystems left on Earth, research suggests. "We feel pretty confident these effects will persist," said Ellen Whitman, a forest ecologist at Natural Resources Canada and the University of Alberta. Whitman is a co-author on a recently published paper examining what happens when stands of boreal forest the huge belt of green that stretches over the northern reaches of most Canadian provinces are burned over more often as a result of climate change. She and her colleagues paired up forest areas that had similar climate and soil conditions and had last been burned by the same fire. One half had been previously burned no more than 17 years before, while the other half's last fire had been at least 30 years ago. The differences were striking. The short-interval stands were far more open with fewer trees. Aspens dominated instead of conifers. Growth beneath the trees shrubs and grasses that cover a normal forest floor was far less luxuriant with many fewer species. Areas of exposed mineral soil, where all organic material had been burned off, were larger and more common. They felt completely different. "You have a landscape where you're surrounded by short, stunted trees," Whitman said. "You have a crust of lichen or some sparse grasses. It's almost like walking through the edge of a prairie where you're shifting from a grassland into a forest edge. "At a lot of the long-interval sites, you've got quite dense conifers, closer together. You've got moss on the ground and flowers and shrubs. It's more what looks like a young forest." The boreal forest has evolved for fire. Many of its tree species need it to germinate. Normally, fires don't come around more often than every 30 years and often much longer. The lack of fuel in recently burned stands helps regulate that frequency. Climate change is breaking those rules, Whitman said. "We're experiencing more hot, dry windy days the main trigger for large fire years. As more years experience more extreme fire weather, (the blazes) are able to overwhelm that resistance that recently burned sites have." Nor are the parkland-like areas likely to evolve into a conventional boreal forest. Previous studies have found that the look of a forest is set early after a fire. "Immediate post-fire condition is an extremely strong predictor of what the stand will look like further down the road," said Whitman. Whitman emphasizes that short-interval stands in her research are still small and most stretches of boreal forest burned in recent wildfires are regrowing normally. Wetlands are also less affected by short-interval fires than drier regions. She said the forestry industry is unlikely to be affected any time soon although forest-dependent animals such as caribou and songbirds will feel impacts. And those impacts are growing. "With a longer fire season, larger fires, more of the landscape burning each year, the likelihood of encountering a recently burned area increases. We're undergoing a shortening of the fire frequency in the boreal forest." Whats fair and whats right? Those are highly technical questions when it comes to the S.C. Public Service Commission setting rates for utilities to pay solar producers. SC utility regulators reverse course in case between Dominion and solar developers South Carolina utility regulators have reversed course in a case involving Dominion Energy and solar developers, bowing to public pressure and But the PSCs Jan. 3 decision to increase the rates Dominion Energy will pay is a welcome one, upping the price from an average of slightly more than 2 cents per kilowatt-hour to about 3.5 cents per kwh and averting the doomsday scenario some predicted if the rates were so low that they shut down South Carolinas nascent solar industry. Presumably, the PSC also will reconsider the rates Duke Energy will pay, as well as the 10-year limit on contracts between solar producers and the regulated utilities. Rarely does the PSC reconsider orders. But the quasi-judicial, seven-member panel listened when the Coastal Conservation League, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and other groups asked the commission to reconsider its November order, and a handful of legislators complained that setting rates among the lowest in the nation undermined the intent of last years Energy Freedom Act: to persuade more solar producers to invest in South Carolina. Thats all good news because South Carolina relies far too heavily on coal- and petroleum-based electricity. Though solar production grew by 44% in 2019, the state gets just over 1% of its electricity from the sun. Just like a smart investment portfolio, our energy supply needs to be diverse and we need to have as much of it generated here in the United States as possible. We cant depend on the suns free energy to supply all of our electricity needs, but we can count on a lot more of it than we currently do and that will create stability, lower costs (in the long run if not the short run) and help reduce the carbon emissions that contribute to the rising seas that threaten to drown Charleston and other coastal areas. The PSC starts its deliberations on solar prices at avoided costs, or what it would cost the utility to produce the same amount of electricity. That itself is a complicated calculation that can involve everything from an employees salary to the cost of fuel. But experts nationally say the current cost of energy produced from natural gas the sort of energy Dominion likely would be using if it werent buying solar is about 50% higher than energy produced from solar. Eddy Moore, energy and climate director for the Coastal Conservation League, said macroeconomic trends suggest the cost of solar energy production will continue to fall. Natural gas and other fossil fuel prices have probably bottomed out, he said. Commentary: SC Public Service Commission solar decision protects monopolies, hurts ratepayers The SC Public Service Commission us charged with protecting ratepayers from abuse by the utilities that enjoy legislatively granted territorial monopolies. In November, investment bank Lazard put the average cost of solar-produced electricity at $36 per megawatt-hour, or about 3.6 cents per kwh, which seems to jibe with the PSCs rates for Dominion. The rate the PSC set for Duke in November averaged about 3 cents per kwh. Thats something the commission should reconsider in light of the adjustment to Dominions soon-to-be formalized rate. Once the PSCs order is finalized, the rates become effective immediately for the next two years. Then, the PSC will review them again for possible adjustments. But will higher rates paid to solar producers help the utilities lay the groundwork to raise rates? Dominion suggested it would, with a spokeswoman saying the PSCs adjustment means customers will have to pay more for their electricity than they would have under the commissions original ruling in November. +2 Editorial: SC PSC right to acknowledge mistake, reverse course on solar consultant The S.C. Public Service Commission has long seemed more concerned about the utilities its supposed to regulate than the public its supposed to protect from regulated monopolies, so it was refreshing to see it act so quickly Wednesday to correct the perception if not the fact that it was once again carrying water for the industry. Well, yes, customers would indeed pay more for solar-generated electricity if Dominion has to pay more for the energy than the utility had planned to pay. But customers would pay less for electricity if Dominion were able (and perhaps even required) to use more solar energy and less natural gas, which produces more expensive electricity under the old or new solar rate. The same Lazard research that pegged the cost of solar-produced electricity at $36 per mwh put the cost of electricity produced from natural gas at $44-$68 per mwh. Dominion and Duke shouldnt be afraid of a little competition. If they dont want to pay more to purchase solar energy, they should invest in their own solar generation and other renewable energy projects, and try to beat the solar producers prices. Let the markets lead the way for shareholders and ratepayers alike. For author Tehlor Kay Mejia, writing a new book starts with the quest to answer what she calls a big what-if question. In the case of her upcoming middle grade debut from Rick Riordan Presents, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, the big question was: what if the ghost stories we were told as kids were true? From there, Mejia says, came the questions of what kind of girl would find out about this world, and what would she do once she did? The answer is Paola Santiago, the books skeptical, scientific 12-year-old protagonist, who dismisses her mothers warnings about La Llorona, a tormented spirit from Mexican folklore with a penchant for stealing and drowning children. Mejia found her inspiration for Paolo close to home. My daughter is a very literal, science-y girl, Mejia says. Im a ghost story- teller and a tarot card reader and a person who lights candles and asks saints and ancestors for help. Mejia doesnt remember when she first learned about La Lloronaaka the Weeping Woman and the Cryerbut she does remember being terrified of the legend from an early age. Our ghost stories are presented as barely separate from the real world, she says. The way theyre told leaves so much opportunity for a childs overactive imagination to fill in the blanks. Those overactive imaginations, Mejia says, make frightening stories powerfully appealing to young readers. The world is a scary place when youre small, she says. And as kids, we test the boundaries of those fears relentlessly to find out what kind of people we are. Are we brave? Reckless? Cunning? Resourceful? The way we respond to fear is such a good measure of who we are, so in a way I think scary stories help us discover our strengths. While Paola discovers her strengths and learns that La Llorona might be real, she never abandons her love for scienceinstead, she becomes more open to different possibilities. Thats something Mejia strongly relates to. The interesting thing about writing Pao was how much of myself I found in her, she says. Mostly in her evolution from this black-and-white seeing girl to a girl thats capable of forgiving herself and seeing things from another perspective, but also as a girl who takes the imperfect circumstances of her life and finds a way to use them to make things better. In addition to its exploration of science and the supernatural, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears is an #OwnVoices story that addresses race and class conflicts in the fictionalized town of Silver Springs. This shows the most in Paos interactions with the police, who have unfairly dehumanized the Latinx population of the town, Mejia says. And in the way Paos friends and neighbors are victims of our countrys horrifying immigration policy. In highlighting the stark income inequality in Paos community, Mejia drew from her own childhood experiences. I was so aware of these divides from such an early age, Mejia says. I wanted to write a book that showed kids who were forced into awareness of their caretakers financial stressors early that they werent alone, because I so often felt isolated under the burden of that knowledge when I was young. Mejia couldnt have been happier when Paola Santiago and the River of Tears found a home at Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint of Disney Publishing Worldwide that publishes #OwnVoices stories that integrate world folklore and mythology. The idea that Rick and Disney wanted to carve out a space for marginalized kids to feel at home in those types of adventures was so incredible to me, Mejia says. Paola Santiago and the River of Tears also marks a milestone for Rick Riordan Presents. While the imprint has published books featuring a menagerie of fantastical creatures, Mejias novel is its first ghost story. And while Riordan may not have grown up with all the mythological characters now published under his imprint, La Llorona was a clear exception. He knew that story all too well. When I was a kid growing up in Texas, I was terrified of going into deep water, he says. That wasnt just because the movie Jaws had freaked me out. Riordan even reports hearing ghostly wailingand finding mysterious tracks in the mudwhile camping near a river as a kid. Paola Santiago is a lot braver than I was at her age, Riordan says. A Delhi court has dismissed an application filed by middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland case, seeking an inquiry into ED and officials meeting him in Tihar jail without its permission. Special Judge Arvind Kumar said, "I do not find any illegality on the part of ED/ officials who visited Tihar Jail on October 22, 2019 on the direction of Ministry of External Affairs to enable the accused to have Consular access." Michel had moved the court seeking inquiry to be conducted into the entry of agency officials into the jail without seeking prior permission from the court. He alleged that the agency officials searched his belongings during the visit of a British Consular in Tihar on October 22. The application had also sought initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against ED and officials. On the contentions, the court had earlier directed the jail authorities to submit a report regarding their visit. The agencies opposed the application, terming it "not maintainable" and said that was liable to be dismissed since it was "an attempt on the part of the accused to sensitize the case of the applicant." It submitted that Michel was is trying to pressurise and arm twist the agencies with the ulterior motive. Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the (ED) on December 22, 2018 in connection with the Rs 3,600-crore scam case relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. She's balancing work and play. Kaia Gerber appeared to be enjoying a nice day off in the Miami sun with her pals on Monday during a work trip to the sunshine state. The 18-year-old's boyfriend Pete Davidson didn't appear to be on the mini-vacation with the group, and before the holidays he announced that he would be checking into rehab. Down time: Kaia Gerber was spotted enjoying a day in the sun with friends during a mini-vacation to Miami on Monday Kaia, a burgeoning top model in the fashion world, has had work commitments in the Miami area and took part in a photoshoot for Louis Vuitton on Sunday. During her downtime she has been kicking back with a group of friends including Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski and actor Tommy Dorfman from 13 Reasons Why. The daughter of Cindy Crawford showed off her model figure as she rocked a lime green triangle bikini top which she paired with a high waisted pair of relaxed fit jeans. Out and about for the day, a makeup free Kaiarocked a simple pair of Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers. Beauty! The 18-year-old showcased her off-duty model glam Wow! Kaia has been kicking back with a group of friends including Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski and actor Tommy Dorfman from 13 Reasons Why Busy bee: Kaia has had work commitments in the Miami area and took part in a photoshoot for Louis Vuitton on Sunday Kaia was spotted reading The Bad Girl, a rewrite of Madame Bovary, by Nobel Prize winning author Mario Vargas Llosa. Outside near some lush greenery, Tommy Dorfman and Kaia stopped for a quick chat and a sweet hug. The 27-year-old scooped the slim model up in his arms for the snuggle while they embraced and talked. Best friends: Tommy Dorfman and Kaia stopped for a quick chat and a sweet hug Only the best: She and her group have been enjoying all Miami had to offer Casual glam! Tommy and Kaia sported some bright colors in the Florida sunshine The celebrity gang was later spotted taking in the sights of Miami's famed Ocean Drive during a bike ride. Tommy took to Instagram with a sizzling snap with Gerber from their weekend beach date. He captioned the shot: 'portrait of a respectful gay hand' Trim figure: The young model showcased her slim slim lines in a lime green string bikini top Keeping fit: The celebrity group kept fit during their trip with dips in the pool, Pilates and bike rides Sun's out! Kaia and her pals hit the beach during her trip away In the image, Kaia snapped a mirror selfie of the two posing together clad in teeny swim wear. Kaia's black two-piece had thong bottoms and a skimpy bra top, and Tommy matched in an equally skimpy pair of bikini cut bottoms with a metal embellishment on the hip. Missing from the trip appeared to be the model's current boyfriend Pete Davidson who was no where to be found. Twosome! Tommy took to Instagram with a sizzling snap with Gerber from their weekend beach date Their Instagram was captioned: 'portrait of a respectful gay hand' Model vibes: Kaia rocked a simple pair of jeans as a bikini bottom coverup Cute kicks: She opted for perennially cool Chuck Taylor sneakers On Monday, fashion label Alexander Wang released a new YouTube interview and promotional ad with the SNL star. 'Pete pulled up cause we signed the NDA,' they captioned an ad photo of Pete with an mini kids motorcycle. Kaia has also modeled for the New York based label. Davidson, however, has been out of the public sphere since before the New Year when he announced during segment of SNL that he would be heading to rehab. Getting help: Before the New Year when he announced during segment of SNL that he would be heading to rehab 'I'm going on "vacation" but insurance pays for some of it, and they take your phone and shoelaces,' he said using quotes while on-air for the Weekend Update. Adding: 'And it costs $100,000 but I still have roommates.' This announcement came around the same time the star had a reported tense confrontation with Kaia's dad Rande Gerber. In late December her parents Cindy and Rande were spotted outside of Kaia's New York City apartment having a serious discussion about Pete. Getting involved: In late December her parents Cindy and Rande were spotted outside of Kaia's New York City apartment having a serious discussion about Pete Worried: A bystander told Dailymail.com that Rande was heard saying that the person upstairs - presumed to be Pete - had 'scratched eyes' and was 'freaking out' Protective dad: At one point, Gerber brought his hands up to his face and widened his eyes, as if to imitate what Davidson had looked like during the encounter Modeling: On Monday, fashion label Alexander Wang released a new YouTube interview and promotional ad with Pete A bystander told Dailymail.com that Rande was heard saying that the person upstairs - presumed to be Pete - had 'scratched eyes' and was 'freaking out.' Pete reportedly left the apartment in a car down the street after the parents talked. Kaia was later seen returning to the building after dark. At one point, Gerber brought his hands up to his face and widened his eyes, as if to imitate what Davidson had looked like during the encounter. Moving forward: Pete reportedly left the apartment in a car down the street after the parents talked and Kaia was later seen returning to the building after dark Family first: The encounter with Davidson didn't affect the Gerber's relationship as Kaia was seen with her dad just last week Troubled: Pete has been open about his struggles with mental health, as well as his rocky dating history Just a fling? The pair have only been dating for a few months Cindy stared at her spouse with her mouth agape, appearing to recognize the seriousness of the situation. The high-profile pair began dating in October. Davidson is much older than 18-year-old Kaia and has been open about his struggles with mental health, as well as his rocky dating history. The SNL star was previously engaged to popstar Ariana Grande back in 2018. He then moved on to both Kate Beckinsale and Margaret Qualley in 2019. Male model: Pete is now modeling for luxury label Alexander Wang After green comes red: Later on Monday, Gerber was seen wearing a red top and black skirt as she posed during a photoshoot in Miami Germany plans to hold a summit aimed at plotting a path to peace in Libya on January 19, two participants in the preparatory negotiations said. The summit will coincide with a one-day visit to Berlin by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, about which Erdogans office, which announced the trip, gave no further details, Reuters reported. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the summit yesterday, adding that the United Nations would lead talks if a meeting were to take place in Berlin. She said Libyas warring parties would need to play a major role if a solution was to be found. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said there were plans to hold a Libya conference in Berlin in January but declined to confirm the date. January 13 : Nora Fatehi loves excitement. She juggles between different roles she plays in her life and is an expert in multitasking. The dancer who is known to set the stage of fire with her sizzling dance moves, recently visited Morocco for just 24 hours. Taking to her Instagram handle, Nora posted a video clip, and shocked her fans when she wrote in her caption that she along with Steven Roy Thomas, the assistant director of Street Dancer 3D, travelled all the way to Morocco for only 24 hours and back to bay!! Watch : Nora Fatehi Spends 24 Hours in Morocco Nora runs her own YouTube channel since August 2008, which has a subscription of 1.36 million. She uploaded her full-fledged Morocco video on her YouTube channel, which has already garnered 168,206 views. In the video we see Nora doing several things in just 24 hours, which surprised all. From travelling in local transport to grabbing a quick bite to shopping, Nora did all in such a brief period. She was also seen shooting for a TV chat show and entertaining the audiences. It was quite a crazy day travelling to Morocco and back, as Steven puts it. Nora has bagged the role of a spy in Ajay Devgns movie Bhuj: The Pride of India, directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya. Also Watch: Nora Fatehi's pantsuit style for the winter ready look Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-14 06:34:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Jan. 13, 2020 shows the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington D.C., the United States. The United States has dropped its designation of China as a currency manipulator, according to a report from the U.S. Treasury Department released Monday. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States has dropped its designation of China as a currency manipulator, according to a report from the U.S. Treasury Department released Monday. In its semiannual Report on Macroeconomic and Foreign Exchange Policies of Major Trading Partners of the United States, the Treasury Department said no major U.S. trading partner at this time met the relevant legislative criteria for currency manipulation. Noting that the department assessed developments over the last several months with China and its currency practices, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement that "China has made enforceable commitments to refrain from competitive devaluation, while promoting transparency and accountability." Mark Sobel, U.S. chairman of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum, an independent think tank, said on Twitter that this is "good news," calling the designation "blatant" and "errant" political act. "China shouldn't have been designated to start with," said Sobel, who was the U.S. representative at the IMF, and served as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department. He noted China's current account surplus is small as a share of GDP, and there is "scant intervention." Amid heightened trade tensions, the U.S. Treasury Department decided to label China a currency manipulator in August, drawing strong criticism from domestic and abroad, with many calling the designation groundless and irresponsible. PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-13 12:16:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 568 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GUILDFORD, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 13, 2020 / Linde (NYSE:LIN)(FWB:LIN) announced it has received an ICIS award, in partnership with BASF, for their ground breaking new catalyst and steam-reforming process which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions.ICIS (Independent Chemical Information Service) is the world's largest petrochemical market information provider and each year an expert jury selects the winners of the prestigious Innovation Awards. Linde and BASF were awarded in the Best Process Innovation category for the application of Linde's DRYREF(TM) syngas process in combination with BASF's SYNSPIRE(TM) catalyst which enables steam reforming of methane in dryer conditions and the use of CO2 as feedstock. The new process facilitates energy savings and offers an improved CO2 footprint."Finding the right balance between profitability, energy efficiency and cutting CO2 emissions is a challenging task in process development", said ICIS Chemical Business Deputy Editor, Will Beacham, who chaired the award judging panel. "Linde and BASF have collaborated to push the boundaries of chemistry to propose a ground-breaking new catalyst and steam-reforming process with higher efficiency, lower energy demand and a lower CO2 footprint. The judges were also impressed by the teamwork involved in a joint entry and were pleased to be able to give the award to a new process which could have a significant impact on the global chemical industry and CO2 emissions." "We are very proud to receive this award as it honors Linde's and BASF's strong commitment to provide more sustainable solutions to its customers", said Klaus Ohlig, Head of Research and Development of Linde Engineering. "With DRYREF(TM) and SYNSPIRE(TM), we provide a solution to customers that is both environmentally and commercially attractive." "This project is an excellent example of how our broad expertise in catalysis and process research combined with Linde's deep know-how in process technology can drive radical innovation", said Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President Process Catalysts at BASF SE. "The common achievement is the result of a long-term collaboration of both companies that required trust, openness, excellent technical skills, long-term vision and readiness to take some risks." About LindeLinde is a leading industrial gases and engineering company with 2018 pro forma sales of USD 28 billion (EUR 24 billion). The company employs approximately 80,000 people globally and serves customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Linde delivers innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers and creates long-term value for all stakeholders. The company is making our world more productive by providing products, technologies and services that help customers improve their economic and environmental performance in a connected world.For more information about the company, please visit www.linde.com About BASFAt BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around EUR63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com Contacts:Investor RelationsJuan PelaezPhone: +1 203 837 2213Email: juan.pelaez@linde.com Media RelationsAnna DaviesPhone: +44 1483 244705Email: anna.davies@linde.com SOURCE: Linde plc SimpliField founders Benjamin Zenou, Jonathan Attal and Georges Plancke SimpliField, a Paris, France and NYC-based retail-performance platform provider, raised $11m in Series A funding. The round was led by Five Elms Capital with participation from Cap Horn and Runa Capital. The company intends to use the funds to increase hiring in sales, marketing and product development and accelerate U.S. and international growth. Founded in Paris by Benjamin Zenou (CEO), Georges Plancke (CTO) and Jonathan Attal (COO), SimpliField provides brands and retailers with a platform to reduce costs, increase sales and drive customer relationships. The companys mobile-first platform combines a one-stop-shop for real-time collaboration between store teams, field teams and leadership at HQ with an analytical tool set, including customizable dashboards. The system gives team members at all levels the data and insights to make smart decisions, while also providing them with the planning, communication, execution and performance-management tools to deliver meaningful impact on store and team results. The company currently serves over 120 clients in over 30 countries including leading retailers and major brands like LVMH, LOreal, Estee Lauder, Samsung and Sony. FinSMEs 13/01/2020 Hundreds of Jamia Millia Islamia students gheraoed Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar's office on Monday, demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with last month's violence on the campus. Among other demands, they also want the university to reschedule examinations and ensure security of students. The students barged into the office premises after breaking the lock on the main gate and raised slogans against the VC. They are staging a sit-in outside the office, asking the VC to interact with them over issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of protesters chanted slogans against the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran and several other Iranian cities on Sunday. Riot police fired tear gas at protesters in many places including a few underground stations in Tehran. Chief of Tehran Police Brigadier General Hossein Rahimi on Monday said no bullets were shot at the protesters on Sunday "because the police are acting with patience and tolerance" but in one case an agents is said to have shot a woman in the leg. Other videos also show police beating the demonstrators. Large groups of people gathered at Azadi Square in Tehran and several other cities including Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Gorgan, Rasht, Ahwaz, Qazvin, Semnan, Tabriz and Kermanshah Sunday afternoon and early evening to hold vigils while chanting slogans against the regime and the IRGC, protesting the downing of a Ukrainian airliner that left 176 passengers and crew, including many Iranian students and academics dead. Marchers chant, "A government of Guards...We reject, we reject", in a reference to IRGC with tremendous political and economic power in Iran. It appears that the protest demonstrations that shook Iran in mid-November are making a comeback with a renewed rigor. However, the riot police appear to be more reserved after reportedly killing up to 1,500 demonstrators in the previous round of the protests. No deaths were reported so far on Saturday and Sunday. Protesters slogans on Sunday were markedly aimed at Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard which under international pressure had to accept responsibility for downing the Ukrainian airliner but blamed it on "human error". A Tehran University professor observed that security measures were even tight around Imam Sadeq University where selected pro-regime students study to become the cadres of the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Intelligence Ministry. Professor Sadeq Zibakalam wrote: "It is understandable though bitter to see special unit troops near the Polytechnic, Sharif, Tehran, Beheshti and Allame Universities. But seeing special units in front of Imam Sadeq University is still bitter but not understandable as they are carefully selected. Do they need to be watched too?" Anti-riot troops and armoured vehicles were also reported to be present near Beheshti University in northern Tehran on the slopes of the Alborz mountains. Students at Beheshti University refused to stampede on U.S. and Israeli flags, while booing a handful of students belonging to Basij militia who stepped on the flags. Elsewhere at Allame Tabatabai University, students condemned Iran's state TV for keeping silent for three days about the missile attack on the Ukrainian airliner. The protests in Tehran started Saturday evening following a vigil held at Amir Kabir University for the victims of the Ukrainian passenger jet shot down on Wednesday that claimed 176 Iranian lives, mainly elite students and academics on their way to Canada via Ukraine. The vigils soon turned into anti-government demonstrations demanding regime change. Meanwhile the protests spread to several universities in other Iranian cities including Isfahan, Babolsar and Sari. Calls were made Saturday night for further vigils at Azadi [Freedom] squares in Tehran and other cities. However, Iranian filmmaker Ms. Rakhsan Bani Etemad who made the call in Tehran said later that she was under immense pressure by security officers to call off the vigil. Nevertheless, large groups of young people gathered at the Azadi Square in Tehran Sunday afternoon for the vigil while chanting slogans against the regime and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) which has accepted responsibility for the attack on the civilian passenger jet on Wednesday. Also Saturday night, a commentator on state TV said that Bani Etemad was inviting trouble for herself and her daughter, a renowned actress. Meanwhile many Iranian film, theatre, music and graphic artists have pulled out their works from the Fajr Festivals that mark the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in February. Capital controls have been in place since anti-establishment protests against the political class began in mid-October. Banks in Lebanon are being increasingly targeted by demonstrators demanding access to their money. And the central bank governor says foreign financial support is desperately needed to ease the economic crisis. That is unlikely to happen if politicians can not agree on the make-up of a new government. Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr reports from Beirut. Police have charged the parents of a 16-month-old boy who was taken along with a running car from a northeast Harris County gas station early Monday. The two suspected car thieves are also facing charges after allegedly abandoning the child in MacGregor Park in Houstons Third Ward less than an hour after stealing the car, police said. Jabari Jonathan Davis and Vincent Leon Cannady, both 19, were charged with auto theft and felony kidnapping, while the parents 21-year-old Kimberley Cook and 29-year-old Anthony Blue were charged with child abandonment. The toddler was alone in his parents Chrysler 300 while the couple played 8-liner games inside a gas station convenience store near Homestead and Old Humble roads just after midnight Sunday, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. They originally told deputies they only left the child alone in the car momentarily, but later confessed that they were at the gas station for about 30 minutes before they noticed the child was gone. When the parents came out to check on their child shortly after midnight, the car was gone and so was their son, according to HCSO homicide detective Ben Beall. Just 25 minutes after the parents reported the theft to police, a park ranger closing up MacGregor Park spotted what he initially thought was an animal in the roadway, but it turned out to be the baby boy police had been searching for, Beall said. The boy was shivering cold and alone, according to Houston police officer Kerry Clopton. Its pretty chilly out here, Clopton said. There are a lot of wild animals out here. Things could have ended up differently had the park ranger not come by here and located the baby. The child was taken to Texas Childrens Hospital but was quickly released into custody of his grandparents, Beall said. Moments after police found the child, officers spotted the Chrysler on Loop 610 near Texas Highway 225 and attempted to pull it over, but the driver sped away, Beall said. The driver eventually stopped near North Loop 610 and T.C. Jester, where officers took the two men into custody. Court records show that both were on deferred adjudication for separate unrelated charges and each separately ordered to stay at an in-patient facility called Young Men About Change in Humble, in lieu of prison time. Records show that Cannady absconded from the facility in October but was ordered back in November. 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 Kabul, Jan 13 : A number of Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis close aides have been chosen for the countrys key diplomatic offices abroad, a leaked list has revealed. In a report on Sunday, TOLO News said that the list has been leaked amid efforts by the government to bring reforms to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Meanwhile, the office of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah has slammed the list, saying: "This is not acceptable for us and, meanwhile, it will not help good governance in Afghanistan-- it is a type of clearing-out and monopolization." But the MoFA said that based on the Constitution, the President has the authority to appoint heads of the country's diplomatic missions abroad. "According to Article 64 of the Constitution, the President has the authority to appoint heads of diplomatic offices outside the country and representatives of Afghanistan at international organizations," Ministry spokesman Gran Hewad said. But some critics have said thatPresident Ghani's close aides have been appointed to posts in foreign missions without having served at the MoFA. Last year, President Ghani appointed Walid Tamim, who was accused of corruption and embezzlement and whose case was referred to the Attorney General's Office, as Afghanistan's Ambassador to India, said TOLO News. But his credentials were not accepted by the Indian government. Sources have said former NDS chief Masoom Stanekzai has been considered for this post. Just because movies spent more than a century as physical objects as strips of film, not the digital files of the 21st century doesn't mean they can't disappear. And their loss, to decomposition or to memory, inevitably leaves gaps in knowledge. Did you know that three sisters made independent features in Australia in the 1920s and '30s with a sophistication to rival the Paramount comedies of the early '30s? That a Frenchman who ended his career in obscurity, working for a chemical company, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as his contemporary Jean Renoir? That George A. Romero's oeuvre includes a public-service feature on behalf of the elderly? To Save and Project, New York's Museum of Modern Art's annual festival of film preservation is showcasing recent restorations from the museum and other archives around the world. This year, as with the Romero feature, some better-known directors are represented with out-of-character films. But the biggest revelations in the line-up are the films that challenge established canons: nearly lost movies brought back from the brink, newly refurbished to expand your sense of film history. And among the nearly lost movies brought back from the brink is The Cheaters, an Australian silent made in 1929, converted to sound film before release. It was the third feature from writer-director Paulette McDonagh and her sisters Isabel (who acted, credited with the name Marie Lorraine) and Phyllis (who produced and art-directed). The recent pneumonia outbreak in China that has killed one person and infected 40 others appears to be linked to a single seafood market in the central city of Wuhan according to a report by the World Health Organisation. According to the report the pneumonia outbreak has not spread beyond the central seafood market. Infection from a single seafood market The initial infections had caused a panic regarding fears of a potential epidemic in China. The virus causing the disease was previously unknown but was later revealed to be a member of the same family of viruses that caused the SARS and MERS epidemics. Despite the fears of the infection spreading, WHO has reported that the virus has not spread and seems to be contained within the seafood market in Wuhan which is a major domestic and international transport hub. According to the WHO report, all evidence suggests that the infection spread through the interaction with one particular seafood market located in Wuhan. Additionally, WHO also added that none of the health workers has shown signs of infection and therefore there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from one person to another. 717 individuals that were in close contact with infected individuals are still under close observation claims the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission. WHO also said in a statement that the new virus causing the infection was a member of the coronavirus family of viruses, other members of this family have been the cause of the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreaks. The patient, a 61-year-old man who already had serious prior medical conditions died from the virus last week. Seven others are said to be in critical condition. Read: Chinese Health Authorities Investigate Cause Of Viral Pneumonia In Wuhan Read: China Probes Pneumonia Outbreak Amid SARS Fears: State Media South Korea recently put a 36-year-old Chinese woman under isolated treatment amid concerns that she brought back a form of viral pneumonia that has sickened dozens in mainland China and Hong Kong in recent weeks. The Korea Centers of Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that the woman, who was diagnosed with pneumonia on Tuesday following two business trips to China last month, represented the countrys first possible case of the respiratory illness whose cause remains unknown. The unidentified woman, who works for a South Korean company near capital Seoul, has experienced cough and fever since returning from a five-day trip to the Chinese city of Xiamen on Dec. 30, the KCDC said in a press release. Read: US Embassy In China Warns Americans Over Pneumonia Outbreak Read: South Korea Reports 1st Possible Case Of Viral Pneumonia Press Release January 11, 2020 Pangilinan: Fast-track Sagip Saka implementation to help rice farmers hit by Rice Tariffication Law At the start of the planting season this year, Senator Francis "Kiko" Panglinan issued a strong appeal implement the Sagip Saka Law quickly and efficiently to aid farmers adversely affected by the Rice Tariffication Law. Pangilinan made the call as two major farmers' groups predicted a decline in the willingness of the country's farmers to plant palay due to the continuous plunge of palay prices in the market as a result of the influx of imported rice. Adding to this are the usual woes the farmers face such as irrigation and subsidy, and the worsening effects of the climate crisis. With less farmers planting, the Alyansa Agrikultura and the Federation of Free Farmers warned of less production of the staple. "There is no doubt that the Rice Tariffication Act has something to do with this. Government's own data and the scenes at the farm lands are staring us in the face that this law has wrought havoc on the farmers' lives and the economy," said Pangilinan, who had pressed for an unconditional cash compensation to farmers affected by the new rice regime. "A faster and effective implementation of Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act will bring direct benefits to farmers and fisherfolk, and encourage them to continue feeding us," he added. The law institutionalizes a Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program intended to help make a decent living out of agriculture and fisheries. The program will provide assistance like agricultural extension services; skills development; provision of production inputs, equipment, and facilities; and infrastructure for production and post-production activities. It is also geared toward improving farmers' and fisherfolk's access to credit grants, crop insurance, and new technologies. Another form of assistance is helping their trade grow by improving their access to markets. The implementing rules and regulations of the law was signed in October 2019. "The signing of the law was a victory for our farmers and fisherfolk. It's time that they feel its tangible results," Pangilinan said. Kareena Kapoor Khan is one stylish Bollywood mommy, and her recent performance in Good Newwz, alongside Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani, has been getting some great reviews. The actor was holidaying in Switzerland with husband Saif Ali Khan, son Taimur and sister Karisma Kapoor. She even rang in the New Year with Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Varun Dhawan and his girlfriend Natasha Dalal, and the group looked super stylish. Kareena then went to London, from where she returned yesterday, and the whole Pataudi clan looked super stylish. Saif looked dapper wearing a vest over his pink shirt, Taimur looked adorable as ever in his blue T-shirt, jeans and sneakers but it was Kareena, who looked like a million bucks, literally. ALSO WATCH | Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Taimur mobbed by fans at Mumbai airport Kareena wore a matching black pyjama-style co-ord set with olive green boots, her sunnies and a gorgeous Hermes Birkin bag. And it comes as no surprise that the bag, the Hermes Birkin 25 Hand Bag Etoupe Togog costs an estimated $18,237 which is approximately Rs 13 lakhs, according to news reports. However, this isnt surprising as Kareena has a closet full of expensive bags, including Gucci, Givenchy, Chanel, Fendi, among others. In fact, Kareena has around six Hermes Birkins, that we know of, itself, and the bags in her Birkin collection range between Rs 8-14 lakhs. Which amounts to anything between Rs 50-80 lakhs. Ouch! Also read: Nita Ambanis Hermes handbag with 240 studded diamonds costs approx 2.6 crores Earlier she has been seen carrying a dark brown Hermes Birkin Togo 35 cm which retails for $11,900 or approximately Rs. 8.5 lakh. Kareena has a classic black Hermes Birkin which costs about Rs 8 lakhs as per reports. She has also been seen with the Hermes Birkin 35 Rouge Casaque Epsom bag. Isnt it a total beauty? And here, with what appears to be the Hermes Birkin Terre Battue Togo with Palladium Hardware. She has also been seen with a lighter tan coloured Hermes Birkin. From Hollywood to Bollywood, practically every celebrity, heiress, business tycoon, socialite carries the Hermes iconic Birkin bag, which is the ultimate global symbol of wealth and status. The jaw-dropping price tag is on account of the fact that every custom hand-crafted bag is made with exotic materials in a six-phase process over the course of 48 working hours. Also read: Deepika, Kareena, Anushka, Alia love these stunning bags. Heres how much they cost The bag, named after legendary actor Jane Birkin, was created in 1984 and is extremely difficult to get your hands on. The actor was on a flight with Jean-Louis Dumas, the chief executive of Hermes at the time, and was complaining to him about how no bag holds all the things she needs while still looking sophisticated, as she was a new mother. And the rest is history. Interestingly, unlike Kareena, Jane Birkin only uses one Birkin at a time and when its worn out she auctions it for charity. Jane also recieves royalties from Hermes, about 30,000 , for using her name. This roughly comes to Rs 28 lakhs and is donated to a charity of Janes choice. In fact, while the bag costs between a whopping $12,000 to more than $200,000 it sells for much more when resold at auctions. It comes in cowhide, ostrich leather and calfskin, and in the dimensions, 25, 30 and 35 centimetres. The price of the bag varies based on what materials are used to make it. One would think that buying this extravagantly expensive bag would be easy, but surprisingly you cant just walk into the Hermes store and buy one, there are waiting lists that extend from anywhere between 5-7 years, and since the design is a classic, it will still be in style when one receives it. We wonder how long Kareena had to wait for her many Birkins. Whats funny is that Kareena has always been spotted with her Birkins at the airport, looks like she shares the same woes as Jane Birkin. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi, Jan 13 : The Supreme Court on Monday said the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the West Bengal State CPCR should not fight over jurisdiction, instead dedicate the institution for the children who had no voice. A Bench of Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose, terming the turf war sad, said "These commissions can't become sources of power, self-aggrandizement or means of obtaining the trappings of power, like official cars and bungalows." The people appointed to such commissions must be friends of the children, willing to spend their time and energy to help children rather than pushing their own personal or political interest, the court observed. The top court's observation came on an appeal by the NCPCR against a Calcutta High Court order, which stayed its proceedings in a case connected with alleged violation of orphan rights in West Bengal. "It's these commissions which have to give voice and feelings to the distress calls of children," the Bench said. The NCPCR and the state commission were caught in a legal battle over alleged trafficking of 17 children from a child care institution in the Jalpaiguri district. The state government questioned the commission's jurisdiction in blaming the administration for the trafficking racket. "It is so sad", observed the court. "This non-cooperation and lack of coordination can only occur when the persons manning the institutions put their own interests over the interest of children. It's only when those incharge of such commissions give themselves so much importance that they forget that they are the creation of statute, the only purpose of which is to protect children," it said. In March 2017, the NCPCR learnt about alleged child trafficking in Jalpaiguri through media reports. The commission summoned the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), CID of West Bengal, to appear before it, as it didn't get assistance from officials. The ADGP challenged this in the high court over jurisdiction. The high court noted that the state commission had taken cognisance on the matter on February 24, 2017, and national commission lacked jurisdiction. The ADGP shouldn't have raised the jurisdiction issue, the SC noted. "Unfortunately, in this case, there has been no cooperation rather mudslinging at each other," said the court making an observation on the commissions. The apex court Bench said the high court should monitor the appointment of child welfare committees and their heads in West Bengal. Lucknow: Once again, the cabinet meeting of UP CM Yogi Adityanath government will be held on Monday. At the same time, in the cabinet meeting to be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lok Bhawan, the police commissioner system in Lucknow and Gautam Buddha Nagar can be stamped. After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will address the media today. After the first cabinet meeting, the spokespersons of the government, Cabinet Ministers Siddharth Nath Singh and Shrikant Sharma used to brief the media about the cabinet decision. According to information received from sources, it has been learned that the cabinet meeting of the UP government takes place on Tuesday, but due to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath being out of Lucknow on 14 and 15, the meeting will be held on Monday only. An important meeting of the State Cabinet will be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday from 9:30 am. At the same time it is being said that in Lucknow and Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida) many important proposals including the implementation of the Police Commissioner system can be approved. CM Yogi Adityanath will leave for Gorakhpur after this meeting. He has a program in Gorakhpur till January 15. Several important proposals including the Police Commissioner system, Farmers Accident Welfare Scheme can be approved in the cabinet meeting. The name of Ghaghra will be changed to 'Saryu': For your information, let us tell you that there is a preparation to change the name of Ghaghra river passing through many districts of Awadh and Purvanchal to 'Sarayu' Sharda at Brahmaghat in Nepal via Nepal It meets and from here it is known as Ghaghra. At the same time, the UP government is preparing to send a proposal to change the name to the Center, it can be approved in the cabinet. Also Read: CAA: After BSP-TMC, 'AAP' refuses to involve in opposition party meeting Australia fire: More than one billion animals killed in blazes Global chief Kenneth Roth did not enter Hong Kong, Know reason Water receding rapidly on this planet, report reveals omg, YESSSS!!! And SPEAKING OF Amanda Leigh can we get that on streaming somewhere Mandy?! Reply Thread Link I loved Amanda Leigh so I'm very excited. I'm also seeing her in concert in May. Reply Thread Link I'm a big fan of her music, but the first two new songs she's put out have felt pretty meh to me, so I'm hoping for something I love more on the album. Reply Thread Link I cant wait! Reply Thread Link dont own any albums but these are my top 5 1. i wanna be with you- timeless classic 2. only hope 3. crush 4. cry 5. Have a little faith in me honorable mention- stupid cupid Reply Thread Link Latest Mistake All Good Things Gardenia Slummin in Paradise Looking Forward to Looking Back Nothing That You Are Cry Reply Parent Thread Link Walk Me Home because I used to pretend I was in a music video and sing that song on the playground while thinking about my 5th grade boyfriend Reply Parent Thread Link aww lol. I wanna be with you made me wish my fatass was a ballerina :') Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Extraordinary Merrimack River Everblue Most of Me Looking Forward to Looking Back Reply Parent Thread Link an underrated jam from a walk to remember: Reply Parent Thread Expand Link have a little faith in me is such a bop Reply Parent Thread Link Oh man... this is taking me back, i used to run a huge/popular Mandy Moore fansite when I was in high school (many years ago). 1. Cry 2. Have a Little Faith In Me 3. Saturate Me 4. Gardenia 5. It's Gonna be Love Reply Parent Thread Link The whole of the moon in my pocket Extraordinary Only Hope Walk me home Reply Parent Thread Link Id buy tickets to her LA residency IF she was performing the classics too. Her more recent / new music is...fine. Perfect before bedtime. But I need I Wanna Be With Hueeee, Candy, Walk Me Home, Crush, Cry, shit at the very least In My Pocket! But I know how she feels about her early music so I doubt it. Perform IMP at one of these shows or a acoustic medley of the hits then well talk Mandy sis. Reply Thread Link it makes me so mad that she only begrudgingly does Candy like 20% of the time. I'd kill for an updated In My Pocket. Stuff like Only Hope or Walk Me Home aren't nearly as bad as some of her other stuff lyric wise, and she could easily make really interesting versions of them but she refuses to touch anything pre-Coverage. Reply Parent Thread Link When was the last time she toured? Im hoping that being away from Ryan gives her more confidence in all of her music. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol @ I wanna be with hueee accurate. Reply Parent Thread Link why would you want her to perform music she actively dislikes and felt no connection to? her last two albums have been fantastic. classic #ontdneedsbops , you're better than that sis! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Her I wanna be with you album was one of my first cds so it holds a special place in my heart I still listen to it lol Lock me in your heart Walk me home Want you back Everything my heart desires (disco queen omg) Reply Thread Link Im seeing her this spring. Im so excited. Also, her husbands band is my favorite band. Everyone should check them out. Reply Thread Link Wild Hope is still my favorite Mandy album and when I became a stan. Reply Thread Link Love Mandy, hate her politics. Reply Thread Link same. Nashua trash. Reply Parent Thread Link omg i didn't know she was from Nashua i'm hollering. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Same Reply Parent Thread Link tbh. So disappointing but alas. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. Im all for nostalgia on Mandy fucking Moore like theres no tomorrow and i used to bop/vibe to ha like back in the olde days. Loved her movies. Plus my irl close encounter with her on an intersection coming off traffic in LA was back in maybe my high school years and she probably had a bad day, and I just knew she was chill. That was my take on omgz Celebs are just like the rest of us peasant humans!!!". Made everything x1000 cooler. She now lives the best of everything so to see that now and the past. Made a huge difference. Politics wise, sorry to this woman. I- Reply Parent Thread Link Im mad at her for her Buttigeg nonsense, but I wish her nothing but success. Reply Thread Link Somehow it didn't surprise me she's a Mayor Pete supporter, though it was definitely disappointing. Reply Parent Thread Link that campaign really courted the celebrities your mom likes. Reply Parent Thread Link Good for her. Reply Thread Link I remember my aunt gave me her first cd for Xmas one year and I burst into tears when I opened it because I wanted my own copy of Britney Spears CD and she got it wrong Reply Thread Link metaphor for her entire existence as a musician, let's be honest here haha Reply Parent Thread Link lmaooo accurate Reply Parent Thread Link The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is in Zimbabwe on a three-day business visit in a nation. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with top Zimbabwean government officials and directors of quasi-government firms in which the Chinese have business interests. The students and teachers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Monday boycotted classes amid standoff with the administration over the fee hike issue. The classes were supposed to begin on Monday but could not start due to the collective boycott. The students' union had earlier said it will ensure registration by paying only the tuition fees and not the increased hostel charges but kept the decision on hold after it found that the administration had blocked the registration portal for many students. The teachers' association has also given a call for 'non-cooperation' in academic matters over a range of issues, including that of fee hike and the January 5 violence. Teachers and students have been demanding the sacking of Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UNITY, Maine, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Unity College, through its Distance Education offerings, has a lot to celebrate as 2020 kicks off. In 2019 Unity College Distance Education added multiple new degree programs, a Sustainability Business Micro-Credential, moved its home office to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine, and increased the number of team members. Not resting on its laurels, however, Distance Education is starting the new year on a high note, announcing five more new degree programs to its ever-expanding catalog. Adobe Stock photo Adobe Stock photo The three new bachelor's degrees are in Environmental Geospatial Technologies , Environmental Justice and Social Change , and Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture . Two new master's degrees are offered in Environmental Science , and Urban Ecology and Sustainable Planning . "With these five new programs, we're continuing the positive trend we've seen with Distance Education and reaching new learners from all over the country," said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury . "Every time we introduce new Distance Education degrees, we see a positive response in applications, and we know that these specific fields of study are of interest to online learners. Each program, undergirded by the liberal arts and sciences, is designed to provide the necessary skills for students to enter the next phase of their lives, whether they choose to enter the workforce in the green economy or continue their education." "Since October of 2016, Unity College Distance Education has been doubling in growth each year, and that growth has given us the ability -- and has actually made it necessary -- to expand our curricular offerings," said Unity College Vice President of Distance Education Dr. Amy Arnett. "Our programs are designed for adult learners who may have families or work full-time, and are unable to attend classes on a physical campus. Within that population, we've found that there is a high demand for a degree from America's Environmental College, and that their interests in sustainability vary greatly. So we continue to make sure they have the resources and courses that best meet their interests." Students can apply for the new degree programs now ( online.unity.edu ). About Unity College The first institution of higher education in the nation to divest from fossil fuel investments, Unity College is changing the face of higher education . Sustainability science lies at the heart of its educational mission, offering environmentally focused degrees on campus and online. For more information, visit unity.edu . Contact: Joel Crabtree 2075097292 [email protected] SOURCE Unity College Related Links https://www.unity.edu/ Declaring that the "spirit of resistance has awoken", opposition parties led by the Congress on Monday called for repealing the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) and "immediate stoppage of the NRC/NPR" on grounds that the "package" is unconstitutional and targets the poor and downtrodden. A meeting of the parties convened by the Congress in a bid to showcase their unity on their opposition to the CAA, NRC and NPR, however, exposed the chinks in their ranks with six major parties -- the DMK, Samajwadi Party(SP), Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP), Trinamool Congress(TMC), Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) and Shiv Sena -- choosing to stay away. The meeting attended by 20 parties also adopted a joint resolution alleging that the BJP has embarked on a "dangerous course of sharpening communal polarization". Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury(CPI-M) and D Raja(CPI), Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the JMM and LJD chief Sharad Yadav were among those who attended. While Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the protests against the CAA and the NRC reflect widespread frustration and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of diverting attention from real issues such as the economy, her son Rahul Gandhi challenged the prime minister to visit any of the troubled campuses and speak on what he is going to do for the country. "The CAA, NPR and NRC is a package that is unconstitutional, which specifically targets the poor, the downtrodden, the SC/STs and the linguistic and religious minorities. The NPR is the basis for the NRC. We demand the withdrawal of the CAA and the immediate stoppage of the nationwide NRC/NPR," the joint resolution adopted at the meeting. The BJP hit back at the opposition, saying the resolution against the amended citizenship law must have made Pakistan "happy", adding the legislation was a chance to expose Islamabad's "barbaric treatment" of minorities. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Opposition ended up "unnecessarily" attacking the Modi government in the process. Taking a dig at the Opposition, the Union law minister said their unity stood "exposed". "Opposition unity stands exposed as major parties like SP, BSP, TMC and AAP kept away. The resolution is neither in national interest nor in the interest of security. It is also not in the interest of those minorities who fled neighbouring countries to escape persecution," Prasad told reporters. The joint resolution also said all chief ministers who have announced they will not implement the National Register of Citizens(NRC) in their state must also consider suspend the National Population Register(NPR) enumeration which was a prelude. It listed three dates -- Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary on January 23, Republic Day on January 26 and Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day on January 30 -- on which to peacefully and appropriately defend the Constitution and safeguard the secular democratic republic. "A spirit of resistance has awoken. We urgent every fellow Indian to strengthen this spirit by joining in solidarity to observe January 23 is the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose," the resolution said. On Republic Day, people should read the Preamble of the Constitution and take oath to safeguard it. And on January 30, highlight Mahatma Gandhi's relentless campaigns in pursuit of communal harmony. The BJP, the resolution said, has embarked on a "dangerous course of sharpening communal polarization and attacking democratic rights and Constitutional guarantees of the people affecting millions of people and marginalized communities". Addressing the meeting, Sonia Gandhi said the nationwide spontaneous protests by youth supported by citizens reflect widespread frustration and pent up anger She also alleged that the response of police in UP and Delhi has been "shockingly partisan and brutal". "The prime minister and home minister have misled the people. They have contradicted their own statements of only weeks ago, and continue with their provocative statements while remaining insensitive to the state suppression and violence that is increasingly becoming commonplace," the Congress chief said. She said the real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development affecting all sections of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged. "The prime minister and home minister have no answers and want to divert the nation's attention from this grim reality by raising one divisive, polarizing issue after another. It is for us to work together and thwart the designs of this government," she said. After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi echoed her and said Modi was doing the biggest disservice to the nation by dividing it and distracting the attention of people. He said the prime minister should stand up and have the courage to speak to the youth on why the Indian economy has become a disaster and why there is highest unemployment in 50 years. "Unfortunately, the prime minister does not have the guts to stand in front of the students of this country and tell them so he crushes them using the police... I challenge the prime minister right now, to go to any of the universities, stand over there without his police, without his infrastructure and tell the people what he is going to do for this country," he said. The opposition meeting also expressed their solidarity with the protesting students in their bid to win over the youth and students. Sources said the opposition is seeking to take the students' movement forward and have lent support to their cause. Asked to comment on the parties which skipped the meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress said the opposition is together and united in opposing the CAA, NPR and NRC. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury agreed and said some parties had not come but had expressed their support. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The upcoming Republic Day parade will be the biggest high-point of Warrant Officer Ashok Kumars military career --- the Indian Air Force (IAF) musician will march down Rajpath on January 26 for the 25th straight time. Military officials say taking part in the parade for so many years is a significant achievement. Nothing can beat the feeling of marching down Rajpath on Republic Day. I may be doing it for the 25th time but I am as excited as I was when I debuted at the parade in 1995, Kumar told Hindustan Times. In a statement, the IAF described him as an accomplished drum major. The 47-year-old musician will lead a 75-man air force naval band as its drum major in front of more than 150,000 attendees, with millions watching the spectacular parade on their televisions at home. Kumar, who comes from Haryanas Karnal district, will be leading the IAF band at the parade for the 12th time (his other appearances were as band member). Kumar and his crew began practising for the parade last week, and have been spending up to eight hours daily to synchronize their moves. A few of his band members have taken part in the parade multiple times. Military musicians have to be highly disciplined and motivated. They also need to have good stamina to march and play music at the same time, said Kumar, who enjoys playing the trumpet. He has been the drum major of the IAF band at prestigious events across the world, including performances in Germany, Finland, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The milestone should be seen in the context that repeat appearances in the parade are generally easier for members of military bands, which are a constant feature at the parade. For instance, Master Chief Petty Officer (musician) Vincent Johnson, the drum major of the naval band participating in the annual parade. As reported by Hindustan Times on January 9, Johnson will take part in the parade for the 16th time this year and it will be his second appearance as the drum major. The army will have four marching bands at the parade, led by inspector of army bands Major Vimal Joshi. He is leading the bands for the second time and several of his band members are taking part in the parade for the second or third time, said an officer. He added, The army being a bigger service keeps rotating musicians taking part in the parade. Thats why our personnel havent participated in the parade as many times as IAF or navy musicians, he added. Schiff Indicates House Wont Subpoena Bolton The House of Representatives likely wont subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton, House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) indicated on Jan. 13. We are considering whether to subpoena him in the House, Schiff said during an appearance on ABCs The View. It makes little sense to have the House depose John Bolton and then submit that deposition to the Senate. Bolton, who resigned in 2019 at the request of President Donald Trump, recently said he would testify to the Senate if subpoenaed by lawmakers there. House Democrats will meet on Jan. 14 to determine when to send the impeachment articles to the Senate, and the Senate trial is expected to start soon after. I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify, Bolton said in a Jan. 6 statement. Schiff said he thinks Bolton would fight a subpoena from the House. I also have to say that Im skeptical that Mr. Bolton will appear before the House. Hes refused to in the past, Schiff said. Hes only said he will appear before a Senate subpoena. And yes, we could expose that theres no constitutional or legal basis to distinguish between a House and Senate subpoena, but our goal is not to make John Bolton look bad or expose the hypocrisy of that position. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), House intelligence chairman, hold a press conference about the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump, at the Capitol in Washington on Oct. 2, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Bolton wasnt subpoenaed by the House during the impeachment inquiry, unlike several other former White House officials. Boltons former aide, Charles Kupperman, filed a lawsuit after he was subpoenaed; a judge ultimately dismissed the case after the House withdrew the subpoena. Both Schiff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said over the weekend that they might issue a subpoena for Bolton. We havent eliminated the possibility of ever subpoenaing and going forward with Bolton, Pelosi said during an appearance on ABCs This Week. Asked whether the House would subpoena Bolton and other witnesses if the Senate didnt, Pelosi said, Its not excluded. On CBSs Face the Nation on Jan. 12, Schiff said there would be little sense in bringing Bolton in to the House and not allowing the senators to see his testimony. If theyre going to be the triers of fact, and they will be, they should hear from the witness directly, he said. He has offered to come forward and testify. There is no reason not to have him testify unless you just want to cover up the presidents wrongdoing. During a Jan. 10 appearance on Fox News, Trump suggested hed use executive privilege to prevent Bolton from testifying. When asked by Fox News host Laura Ingraham if he would invoke executive privilege to block Bolton from testifying, Trump said, I think you have to, for the sake of the office, referring to the presidency. No problem other than one thing, Trump said. You cant be in the White House as presidentfuture, Im talking about future, any future presidentsand have a security adviser, anybody having to do with security, and legal and other things testify. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. According to his Facebook page, Imran Kassim studied political science at the National University of Singapore between 2004 and 2008. (PHOTO: Facebook) SINGAPORE A 36-year-old Singaporean man is on trial for allegedly providing funds to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in the first case of its kind here under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act. On Monday (13 January), Imran Kassim was brought to court blindfolded and with his ears muffled. Speaking in a British accent, he told the court that he was claiming trial as he did not recognise Singapore law, although he admitted to the act of transferring money to benefit ISIS. The only thing I can say I did do was I did the transfer and did it to benefit the Islamic State. I dont recognise Singapore law so I cant plead guilty to committing an offence, he said. Imran was charged in April last year with one count of providing $450 through the Western Union Global Network to an individual known as Mohamad Alsaied Alhmidan in Turkey for publication of ISIS propaganda on 31 October 2014. When asked by District Judge Seah Chi-Ling for further clarification, Imran, who was unrepresented, maintained that he had made the transfer to benefit ISIS through supporting its publications. He also said that he did not recognise Singapore law and acknowledged only the authority of Islamic Syariah law. According to his Facebook page, Imran studied political science at the National University of Singapore from 2004 to 2008 and had lived in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Prior to his arrest in July 2017, he was the managing director of logistics firm Novo Logistics. Terrorism a transnational scourge: DPP Before the start of the trial, Imran only asked why he was being handcuffed. DJ Seah replied that it was for security measures but later allowed for Imrans hands to be handcuffed in front of him for him to take notes. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nicholas Khoo said that Imran had transferred the monies to Turkey knowing that the funds would benefit ISIS by garnering more support and raising awareness for the extremist group. Story continues Terrorism is a transnational scourge and Singapore takes its duties as a member of the global community seriously in its unending fight against terrorism and, accordingly, terrorism financing, said DPP Khoo. The prosecution sought to admit three statements provided by Imran to a Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) officer on 3 May 2018, as well as a copy of his Western Union transaction receipt, application form, and three screenshots of his Facebook page which showed his pro-ISIS publications. Calling two CAD officers to the stand, the prosecution also tendered United Nations counter-terrorism resolutions and a parliamentary statement by Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam condemning the terrorist actions of ISIS. Cross-examining the cases second investigation officer, Imran asked whether the Kurdish Militia and Israel were considered terrorist groups. The officer replied that the entities would be considered sanctioned if they were included in the UN Security Council resolutions. The prosecution closed its case after calling on the CAD officers. When called upon to give evidence, Imran said that he had nothing to say and had no evidence to tender, adding that he already admitted to the act of transferring the funds. In his closing submissions, Imran said that he contributed the funds to highlight the atrocities committed by the Western coalition against Muslims in (ISIS). He also stated that many things reported by the mainstream media about ISIS were gross exaggerations and fabricated. The trial was wrapped up before noon, with six family members and friends speaking to Imran. The case has been adjourned for the verdict to be given on Tuesday. If found guilty of financing a terrorist entity, Imran faces up to 10 years' jail, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Related story: Two Singaporeans arrested under ISA for terror-related activities: MHA The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 2020 Oscar nominees Monday morning, and if you plan on catching up on your 2019 movie-watching, youve got your work cut out for you. Some of this year's Oscars contenders are still playing in theaters, but fortunately, others are available to stream at homepossibly in a streaming service you already own. Here's a brief guide on where and how to see all the movies you may have missed out on. Joker Eleven Nominations (Best Picture, Best Director, Lead Actor, Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Costume Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Original Score, Makeup and Hair) It might seem like it was in theaters just yesterday, but you can already stream Joker in HD on Amazon Prime. $5.99 to rent and $19.99 to buy. The Irishman Ten Nominations (Best Picture, Supporting Actor (twice), Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Production Design, Film Editing, Cinematography, Visual Effects, Costume Design) Martin Scorceses latest gangster epic is a Netflix exclusive. 1917 Ten Nominations (Best Picture, Best Director, Original Screenplay, Production Design, Cinematography, visual effects, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Original Score, Makeup and Hair) The World War I epic, which tells a story in real-time through the appearance of a single, unedited take, is still playing in theaters. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Ten nominations (Best Picture, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Best Director, Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography Production Design, Costume Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing) Quentin Tarantinos ninth movie is also already available on Amazon Prime. You can rent it for $5.99, or buy it for $12.99 which is a steal for one of the most nominated movies of the year. Parasite Six Nominations (Best Picture, Best Director, Original Screenplay, International Feature, Production Design, Film Editing) Parasite will be available on Amazon on January 14th (Price, as listed right now, will be $14.99), but if you want to watch it on the big screen, its still playing in theaters. Marriage Story Six Nominations (Best Picture, Lead Actress, Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Original Screenplay, Original Score) Despite being a Netflix release, Marriage story is also enjoying a limited theatrical run. As of this writing, you can still get tickets in the Bay Area. Jojo Rabbit Six Nominations (Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay Production Design, Supporting Actress, Film Editing, Costume Design) Taika Waititi wrote, directed and stars as Hitler in this comedy about the Third Reich. Pick up tickets to see it soon. Little Women Six Nominations (Best Picture, Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Original Score) You can still watch this sleeper hit in theaters, or pre-order it on Amazon right here. Ford v. Ferrari Four Nominations (Best Picture, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing) The true story of an epic car race is finishing up its theatrical run right now. Bombshell Three Nominations (Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Makeup and Hair) This inside look at the Roger Ailes sexual harassment scandal at Fox News is still playing at a few theaters. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Three Nominations (Visual Effects, Sound Editing, Original Score) The conclusion of The Skywalker Saga is still playing in theaters. The Two Popes Three Nominations (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay) This true story about the friendship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis is available to stream of Netflix. Harriet Two nominations (Lead Actress, Original Song) Harriet will be available to rent on Amazon on Tuesday Jan. 14, and is still playing in a few theaters around San Francisco. Pain and Glory Two Nominations (Lead Actor, International Feature) Rent this Antonio Banderas-led drama when it comes out on Amazon on Jan. 14, or catch it in theaters while you still can. Judy Two Nomination (Lead Actress, Makeup and Hair) Renee Zellwegers portrayal of legendary actress Judy Garland is available on Amazon to rent for $5.99 or buy for $14.99. Toy Story 4 Two Nominations (Animated Feature, Original Song) The final chapter in the Toy Story series (again) is available on Amazon Prime, for $3.99 as a rental or $19.99 to buy. It'll also be available as part of a Disney+ subscription on February 5th. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood One Nomination (Supporting Actor) Tom Hanks plays Mr. Rogers in a movie thats still playing in theaters near you. Knives Out One Nomination (Original Screenplay) This comedy was so well received that director Rian Johnson is already considering a spin-off focused on Daniel Craigs detective character Benoit Blanc. Catch it in theaters while you can. Richard Jewell One Nomination (Supporting Actress) The Clint Eastwood-directed film based on a true story nabbed Kathy Bates an Oscar nomination. You can pre-order it on FandangoNow and Amazon for about the same price. The Lighthouse One Nomination (Cinematography) The intensely strange follow-up to 2016s "The Witch" stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson and can be rented or purchased on Amazon. $5.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy. Avengers: Endgame One Nomination (Visual Effects) The conclusion (sorta) to the Marvel Superheroes saga is available on Amazon ($3.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy) or as part of your Disney+ account. The Lion King One Nomination (Visual Effects) Unlike the Aladdin remake, the photo-realistic CGI remake of "The Lion King" will not be available on Disney+ until Jan. 28, but you can rent it on Amazon right now for just $5.99 (or purchase it for $19.99). Ad Astra One nomination (Sound Mixing) One of the best-reviewed and least-watched movies of the year stars Brad Pitt as an astronaut searching for his missing father and is available on Amazon Prime (to rent for $5.99, or buy for $19.99) Rocketman One Nomination (Original Song) Is it any surprise that a movie about Elton John would be nominated in a music category? Watch it now on Amazon: $5.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy. Breakthrough One Nomination (Original Song) The only place you can watch Breakthrough right now is with an HBO subscription, which costs $14.99 per month after a free trial. Frozen II One Nomination(Original Song) If you were clinging to the hope that you wouldnt hear anymore songs from the Frozen franchise, youll have to let it go. Frozen II is still in theaters. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil One Nomination (Makeup and Hair) We wouldnt have pegged the original Maleficent for scoring a sequel (let alone one that would earn any Oscar attention) but with a cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, its worth watching on Amazon Prime ($19.99 to buy). How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World One Nomination: (Animated Feature) $3.99 to rent on Amazon Prime, or $19.99 to buy. I Lost My Body One Nomination (Animated Feature) I Lost My Body is available with your Netflix subscription. Klaus One Nomination (Animated Feature) Klaus is another Netflix release. Missing Link One Nomination (Animated Feature) Were really rooting for this Laika studios latest, since theyve made some of the best animated films of the past decade. Stream it on Amazon: $3.99 to rent, $9.99 to buy. SFGATE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Joshua Sargent is an editor for Hearst Newspapers. Email him at josh.sargent@hearst.com. Lithuanian English As previously announced in 2017, Andree Uustal, a former member of the management board of Novatours OU (Estonian subsidiary of AB Novaturas) was recalled from his management board member position due to suspicions of illegal misappropriation of company assets. Accordingly, several court proceedings were initiated to recover the damage caused by unfounded payments made by Andree Uustal. In response to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, Andree Uustal applied to the Court for a possibly unpaid remuneration of around EUR 150.000. Although the court of the first instance was in favor of him, the Tallinn Circuit Court ruled in favor of Novatours OU. The decision was that Andree Uustal's claim was unfounded and ordered him to cover the costs. The other party has 30 days since the receipt of the verdict to submit a cassation appeal to the final court instance Supreme Court. The mentioned court decision will not directly influence any other pending court proceedings between Novatours OU and Andree Uustal. This case does not affect the companys activities, financial reporting or client-related matters. The company is listed on Vilnius and Warsaw Stock Exchanges and all financial statements are publicly available. Novaturas group applies the highest standards of transparency and responsibility towards its shareholders, employees and the public. 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Over time, this can lead to heart disease and eventually heart failure. A new study conducted by researchers in the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences suggests that a preventive solution may lie in the biological clock, the built-in time-keeping mechanism that keeps us on a 24-hour cycle of rest and activity and regulates a wide variety of processes in our bodies. Published in the FASEB Journal, their study used a rodent model to determine whether the biological clock is involved in heart toxicity from radiation therapy and could be used as part of a strategy to reduce this toxicity. Their findings showed that after receiving a dose of radiation to the heart, mice with disrupted biological clocks had significantly worse heart function than control mice. In addition, the researchers demonstrated that a protein known as Bmal1--which drives 24-hour rhythms in the expression of many genes--plays an important role in protecting the heart from radiation-related damage. "Our findings suggest that Bmal1 serves as a biomarker for the susceptibility to radiation-induced DNA damage to the heart," said Shobhan Gaddameedhi, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the study's senior author. Though more research is needed, the researchers are hopeful that their discovery could someday be used to improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients. Panshak Dakup--the study's first author and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences student--said their finding holds promise for personalized medicine. "For example, in breast cancer patients who have a long history of working night shifts, the expression of biological clock proteins such as Bmal1 may be compromised, and it could be that radiation therapy is not the best option for them." Gaddameedhi added that it could also be used to optimize the timing of radiation therapy so it is provided when a patient's Bmal1 level offers the greatest level of protection from heart damage. That timing may vary depending on a person's chronotype--whether they are early birds or night owls--as well as on other factors that influence the status of the master biological clock, such as shiftwork or frequent travel across time zones. Dakup conducted the experiments for the study as part of a predoctoral fellowship supported by the American Heart Association. Additional major support for the study came from the National Institutes of Health. In the study's main experiment, Dakup looked at the heart function of two groups of mice with disrupted clocks, as compared to that of control mice. One group had a genetic mutation that eliminated Per1 and Per2--two genes that control the body's master biological clock. The second group were wild-type mice that were put on a simulated rotating shift schedule in which light-dark cycles were reversed weekly, throwing off their clocks. The control group consisted of wild-type mice with healthy biological clocks that were on a simulated day shift schedule. All mice received radiation treatment to the chest that included all of the heart. Collaborating with assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences and cardiovascular biology expert Zhaokang Cheng, Dakup used ultrasound echocardiography technology to compare heart function among the three groups, both prior to and up to six weeks after radiation treatment. In clock-disrupted mice, the heart's ability to pump blood out and into circulation was compromised due to a loss of elasticity in the heart ventricle. Those mice also had more heart scar tissue than control mice. Additional analyses focused on determining a potential relationship with the biological clock protein Bmal1. The researchers showed that Bmal1 levels across 24 hours were significantly lower in clock-disrupted mice versus control mice and peaked at a later time. They also found that higher levels of Bmal1 were associated with lower DNA damage levels, and vice versa. Finally, the researchers found that Bmal1 interacts with the BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM genes, three DNA damage response genes they said are important in fighting against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death. "When Bmal1 binds to these genes, it is potentially trying to elevate or activate their function against the collateral damage caused by radiation therapy," Gaddameedhi said. The researchers' next step is to test their hypothesis in a cancer model. This will help them pin down the exact mechanism by which the biological clock protects the heart from radiation damage. They could then use this knowledge to develop new treatment strategies to minimize heart damage while maximizing the ability to kill tumor cells. Any such strategies would first need to be tested in clinical trials before they could be adopted. ### In addition to Gaddameedhi, Dakup, and Cheng, study authors also included Kenneth Porter, Rajendra Gajula, and Peeyush Goel. However, Governor Dhankar is within his legal rights to withhold his consent to the Bill. (Photo Credit: PTI File) New Delhi: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has called an all-party meeting on January 17 at Raj Bhavan to discuss a couple of bills passed by the Mamata Banerjee government. The Governor has convened the meeting to get inputs from the leaders on two Bills- The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 and The West Bengal State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Bill, 2019. Moreover, Dhankhar is yet to sign both the bills. Dhankhar has invited eight leaders of the legislature parties in state Assembly including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan (Congress) and Dr Sujan Chakraborty from Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). In his communication to these eight leaders the Governor has given relevant details as regards the stalemate that has been occasioned for consideration of the Bills at his end," Manab Bandyopadhyay, Press Secretary to the Governor, said in a statement. Also Read: Mamata Government Trying To Undermine Authority, Functioning Of Governor, Says Jagdeep Dhankhar His invitation for the all-party meeting comes amid intensifying bitterness between him and the Mamata government in state. The ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been accusing the governor of hampering the development of West Bengal by delaying his consent on the bills. Also Read: Remove Mamata As Bengal CM For Demanding UN Referendum On CAA-NRC: Plea In Supreme Court These Bills are pending consideration with the Governor on account of there being no inputs available from the West Bengal Legislative Assembly as also the state government in spite of repeated serious efforts," the statement from Governor's Press Secretary adds. According to the statement, the meeting has been convened as the inputs are not being made available and factually untenable information is being put in public domain both at the level of the Assembly as also the state government. However, Governor Dhankar is within his legal rights to withhold consent to the Bill and he also has the option of sending the bill to centre for further consideration. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin hired four attorneys Monday, including two from the public defenders office, while promoting several veteran prosecutors into management positions after a controversial purge last week. His Friday firing of at least seven prosecutors, including three attorneys in management positions, drew widespread attention from both Boudins supporters and opponents who are closely following his early moves in office. Boudin called the firings, which came two days after he was sworn in, difficult staffing decisions as he begins advancing the progressive vision of his campaign. But an adviser for the union representing the fired attorneys blasted the new district attorney over the weekend, calling the move the Friday Night Massacre while urging Boudin to reverse his decision. The new district attorney showed no indication he would change course Monday, as he began promoting prosecutors into the newly vacated positions and hiring outside attorneys to join the depleted staff that had begun to diminish under George Gascon, who quit his post as district attorney in October to run for the same job in Los Angeles. The promotions include Diane Knoles, a former homicide prosecutor in the offices Intake Unit, who is the new managing attorney in the Homicide Unit; Julia Cervantes, a homicide prosecutor who recently handled high-profile murder cases, who is now managing attorney in the General Felonies Unit; and Lili Nguyen, who also became a managing attorney in the General Felonies Unit. Im excited to promote three amazing experienced women from within our ranks, Boudin said in a statement. Im optimistic they will lead and work to accomplish our goals effectively. Nguyen was among three attorneys in the offices Gang Unit, which Boudin is expected to dissolve after campaigning on a platform to end the charging of gang enhancements. Two other attorneys in that unit Aaron Laycook and Kathleen McBride were moved to the homicide unit and Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit, respectively. Boudin also hired Tal Klement and Dana Drusinsky, two former deputy public defenders he worked with before being elected district attorney. Klement, who spent 16 years with the public defenders office, will work in the Intake Unit, while Drusinsky will work in the Trial Integrity/Brady Unit. The hirings also include Nabilah Hossain and Asit Panwala. They will be prosecutors in the General Felonies Unit. Hossain comes over from the New York County district attorneys office, while Panwala is a former San Francisco prosecutor who worked as a private defense attorney for the past six years. The moves follow Boudins firing on Friday of at least seven attorneys: Michael Swart, managing attorney of the offices Homicide Unit; Todd Barrett and Linda Allen, managing attorneys in the General Felonies Unit; Ana Gonzalez, managing attorney in the offices Gang Unit; Tom Ostly, a trial attorney in the Crime Strategies Unit; Kara Lacey, a felony trial attorney; and Craig Menchin in the Writs and Appeals Unit. Multiple attorneys confirmed the names of the fired staff members to The Chronicle on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Nathan Ballard, a political strategist hired by the San Francisco Municipal Attorneys Association, said Boudins decision to fire the veteran attorneys was unfair and it should be reversed. 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 Friday Night Massacre occurred after Boudin had given his word to his staff that there would be no group terminations, even going so far as to specifically name one of the employees who was eventually fired, Ballard said in a statement. Regrettably, Boudins first act in office was to break that promise. Some members of the leadership in the attorneys union on Monday questioned Ballards hiring and told him to stop sending statements regarding Boudin until the executive board can discuss the issue. A spokeswoman for the office denied Boudin ever told staff members there would be no terminations. In a statement Friday, Boudin said the firings were done to put in place a management team that will help me accomplish the work I committed to do for San Francisco. The Municipal Attorneys Association represents lawyers who work for the city of San Francisco, including the district attorney, public defender and city attorneys offices. One hire, Klement, is second vice president for the union. Ballard is a long-time San Francisco political operative who served as communications director for Gavin Newsom when he was mayor. More recently, he worked as a consultant for the San Francisco Police Officers Association, which launched an aggressive attack against Gascon over law enforcement reforms in the city. Boudin has pledged to continue the offices efforts on reforms and during his campaign he said he would be tougher on cases of police brutality. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky Beales is one of Britains is one of oldest department store chains, a business that began in Bournemouth in 1881 and now has 22 stores in provincial towns and cities up and down Britain. Trouble is, history counts for nothing in todays retail climate. When the chain announced that it was on the brink of falling over in the absence of a buyer or an investor, the natural reaction was to dial up a certain Queen song. You can probably already hear that thumping baseline and Freddie Mercury intoning another one bites the dust in your head. If the ear worm is with you for the rest of the day, my apologies. The reports of the retailers troubles dovetail with some research from Colliers International, a real estate adviser thats been keeping an eye on Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs), a form of bankruptcy thats proved quite popular with retailers. Theyve been used as a means of addressing some of the problems Beales boss Tony Brown identified on the BBCs Today programme: high rents and the need to close unprofitable stores on long leases to cope with a trading environment mired in an ice age. Creditors, including landlords, are typically presented with a restructuring proposal that includes the closure of some stores together with reduced rents at those that remain. If a majority agree - 75 per cent is required - the minority has to lump it. These tend to be a lot harder on smaller landlords, often in the sort of places that Beales calls home, than the big ones that dominate the prime locations in big cities. They are also highly controversial in the property businesses. Colliers added fuel to that fire. It found that out of 23 retailers that underwent a CVA from 2016 onwards, 13 of them went on to fail. They ended up in administration with the CVA thus serving as little more than sticking plaster that delayed the inevitable. The problem for landlords is that every time a client forces a rent reduction through a CVA, their other clients start queueing up to demand the same thing, some threatening CVAs of their own. There is a more optimistic way of looking at Colliers figures. It is that ten businesses came out the other side. Thats a considerable achievement in the current climate, all the more so given whats causing it. Property owners, and the businesses that serve them, complain about CVAs. Retailers bemoan high rents, business rates, the inaction of central and local government. The root cause of both sides' problems, however, is the consumer. The trend of cash rich time poor shoppers abandoning bricks in favour of clicks shows no signs of slowing. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. Clothes retailer Next proved to be a rare star of the current, grim, retail season, reporting sales ahead of expectations. Over the period from October 27 to December 28 it recorded a 5.3 per cent rise, which looks almost like witchcraft. Until you break it down by channel, that is. At stores, sales were down 3.9 per cent, online they were up 15.3 per cent. A while ago, CEO Simon Wolfson openly speculated about a future for Next without any bricks. His customers are telling him he was right to do that. Sadly there will be more Beales, and more CVAs, to come. Its the consumers choice. New Delhi, Jan 13 : Several Delhi Congress leaders are vying for tickets for their children and relatives as at least a dozen of them have asked the party to give tickets to their sons and daughters. Source say many leaders have demanded tickets for their children but the high command wants them to contest themselves. The party is keen to field strong candidates and doesn't want to contest elections where the message goes that the Congress is not a strong contender. The Congress is likely to release it's first list of candidates in a day or two. Sajjan Kumar has also pitched for a ticket for his son. Mudit Agarwal, son of J.P. Agarwal, is also hoping for a nomination. Yoganand Shastri's daughter is also demanding a ticket for herself. The Congress is trying to make a comeback in the city which it ruled for 15 years from 1998 to 2013 under the leadership of late Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The party was reduced to zero in the 2015 Assembly polls as the AAP stormed to power winning 67 of 70 seats in the city, while the BJP won three seats. Even in the 2013 Assembly polls, the Congress got just eight seats, while the debutant AAP managed to win 28 and the BJP won 31. Delhi will vote on February 8 to elect a new government while the counting of votes will take place on February 11.